#and yes I've PLAYED the game before. it was made by Big Wrapping Paper

[pigspeetsandhooflikefeets]

pass the parcel was invented by Big Wrapping Paper to sell more wrapping paper

[duskspring]

Gifts - Dew/Everyone

Domestic December - Day 10

Summary: Dew gets the pack gifts for the season

Content (do let me know if I forgot anything!): Slightly anxious Dew, fluff, some quick kisses, talk of gender exploration and euphoria in relation to Rain

Word count: ~3.5k

A/N: Some parts of this fic are inspired by some headcanons I've posted before [My Main Masterlist]

The night was loud and unholy. The entire ghoul pack had gathered in their common room, celebrating the end of year festivities. Movies had been watched, board games played and so, so much alcohol consumed. It had, by all accounts, been a great night. But not for Dewdrop.

Yes, he’d been having a lot of fun, but there was a part of him distracted. He’d had an edge of anxiety all night, waiting for the right moment to resolve it. He knew he couldn’t wait much longer, since the night was starting to reach its natural conclusion in those wee hours of the morning.

He sat on a chair on the side of the room, leg bouncing. Two strong arms suddenly came down to lean on his shoulders from behind. He’d recognize those arms anywhere.

“What’s the matter, Droplet?” Swiss asked, “You’ve been a nervous wreck all night.” 

“I’m not.” Dew argued unconvinsingly, before sighing. He knew he needed to just get it over with.

He stood up without another word, moving to his room. Swiss immediately followed him in concern.

“Hey, I’m sorry, man. I didn’t mean-”

“Nothing’s wrong, Swiss. I just need to grab something,” He stopped his stride, turning to Swiss with an almost pleading look in his eyes, “Please just wait here for a second.”

The multi ghoul was confused, but didn’t want to overstep. He subtly nodded a few times, “Alright.” He took a step backwards, his eyes staying on Dew, before turning back to the rest of the pack.

On shaky legs, Dew quickly made his way to his room. He had two plastic shopping bags waiting there for him, as well as a little separate package on his desk and another item off to the side for later. He put the separate one in his pocket before picking up the bags and marching back. He couldn’t stop now. If he just kept walking and got this over with, it'd be done. It wasn’t a big deal. Worst case scenario, the thought was still there, right?

“Ooh, whatcha got there?” Aurora asked the second he walked in. All eyes turned to him and he froze.

Just get it over with.

“Find out for yourself.” He said dismissively, putting the bags down and plopping himself down on the couch.

Aurora immediately crawled towards the bags. Half of the pack came a little closer as well, while the other half sat back, though still curious and anticipating.

Aurora dug through the first bag, grabbing the first thing she could get her claws on. She examined the wrapped package, soon spotting the name ‘Mountain’ written in Dew’s messy handwriting.

“Mounty, it’s for you.” She announced, throwing it over her shoulder without looking away from the bag.

Cirrus luckily caught it, passing it to Mountain. He looked at Dew in pleasant surprise, looking at the little flat square in his palm. The wrapping was messy, even on such a small present.

“Can I open it?” He asked dew.

“It’s your life. Do what you want.” The fire ghoul’s anxiety was getting worse, making him act dismissive as if it would distance him from the gifts.

He delicately unwrapped the package, without tearing the dotted paper. The first thing he was met with was an empty rectangle of cardboard. He turned it around, causing dew, who was paying very close attention, to bring his legs up against his chest.

Mountain looked over the cardboard a second, then third time, wanting to make sure he was reading it all correctly. There was a bit of text on there, next to a shitty doodle of a flower and what he could only assume was supposed to be Dew, all made with black permanent marker. The words were hard to make out.

“Exchangeable for one… at- attemoon?”

“For one afternoon of help in the garden.” Dew quickly mumbled in explanation.

Mountain looked up in surprise, “You hate the garden.” He noted.

“Well, if you don’t like it you could just say so!” The fire ghoul said defensively, his anxiety reaching its peak.

Mountain’s expression softened, “Dew… Thank you.” He got up, awkwardly bending over to wrap his arms around his packmate.

Dew was shaking like crazy, ready to cry at the positive reaction.

Meanwhile, Aurora had thrown a few more packages over her shoulder. Rain, Aether and Cirrus all got theirs. The little multi ghoulette huffed as she reached the bottom of the first bag, quickly moving onto the next. After throwing something to Phantom, she finally reached her own. She squealed in excitement, forgetting the few people that still hadn’t gotten their own and immediately violently unwrapping hers.

She found herself holding a small ziplock baggie. She saw Sunshine’s face, photoshopped onto a sun through it, quickly opening it up to investigate. It quickly became obvious that she was holding a little pile of different kinds of stickers. Apart from the Sunshine one, there were stickers based on everyone in the pack, all shitilly photoshopped in some relation from their element or name. There were stickers further referencing inside jokes, as well as some logos from Aurora’s favorite bands.

“Dewy, these are awesome!” She giggled, happily shaking her hands.

Cumulus came closer to her to look at the stickers, giggling at them herself, “Did you make these yourself?” She asked him.

Mountain pulled away so Dew could answer. He did so with a nod, “Aurora likes stickers. Easy.” Coming up with and putting together all the designs had actually been a nightmare, but he would never admit to that. He had zero regret, seeing Aurora’s reaction.

Based on the ghoulette’s excitement, everyone quickly dug into their own gifts. Cumulus handed out the few that hadn’t reached their reciprocate yet, including her own.

Phantom’s gift has a funny texture, only upping his curiosity. He rushed to unpack his, gasping and stuttering in excitement when he saw what it was. He could barely hold on to it with how much his hands shook.

“Whatcha got there, buddy?” Swiss asked, smiling at Phantom’s excitement.

Dew let out a sigh of relief. He’d been perhaps most nervous about Phantom’s gift, thinking it wasn’t good enough. Too lame or cheap, not personal enough. Seeing the quintessence ghoul’s eyes light up forced every last bit of anxiety to leave him.

The gift had indeed been simple, a little bat shaped fidget toy. You could spin its head around in circles, pull its wings back and forth and squish its little feet. Phantom immediately went to town on it, unresponsive to most outside stimuli.

Cumulus went next. Unwrapping her gift gracefully, much like Mountain had done. Her heart swelled as her hands grasped a book. Not just any book, but a photo album.

“Dew…” She said his name in adoration, flipping through the pages. Most pictures had been made by her. They were all labelled with a date and the place or situation in which they were taken. It was separated into three chapters: tour, home and Cumulus. The first chapter included photos from the stage, backstage and the tourbus. The second showed all the various shenanigans the pack experienced at the abbey. But it was the third that was most meaningful to Cumulus. She didn’t have a lot of pictures of herself, always being the one to take them of others. But Dew had somehow gathered just about every good picture ever taken of her, even some she had never seen before.

Cumulus quickly pushed the book into Cirrus’s hands, afraid she’d cry all over it. She sniffled, still seated on the ground. She made grabby hands to Dew, beckoning him over into her arms. The two entered a crushing hug while the book was passed around to everyone in the room, laughing and reminiscing.

“You fuckhead, really?!” Sunshine yelled in good spirit at Dew, holding up the book on a page containing a very unflattering picture of her napping on the tour bus. Drool leaked out the corner of her mouth, Swiss and Phantom posing next to her, pointing at the lewd drawings they’d made on her cheeks.

“It’s a good picture.” Dew argued with a smile, earning him a pillow to the face.

Sunshine rushed over in his disorientation, straddling his chest and miming punching him in the face a few times. They both laughed, Sunshine getting off of him again.

“Didn’t even get me a gift.” She mumbled, although her smile faltered a little. She’d been one of only two who didn’t have a gift in the bag. She was confused and hurt, but didn’t want to make a scene and risk ruining it for everyone else.

Dew looked at her face, silently reaching into his pocket and sliding her the little gift he’d kept separately in his pocket with a wink.

Sunshine immediately thought she knew what it might be, covering the package with her hand so no one could see. When everyone seemed distracted, she moved her legs up and unwrapped the gift behind them without looking down. She examined it with her hands, having a hard time not reacting. Quickly she let her eyes drift down, nearly screaming when she saw the lighter in her hands.

All the lighters she used to own had been confiscated for… reasons. And she technically wasn’t allowed to get any new ones.

She turned to Dew with a devious smirk, making him regret the gift almost instantly. But when she shuffled over and put her arm around his shoulders and rested her head against it, he knew it’d been a good call. He felt a lot calmer already, excited to witness the rest unpacking.

Cirrus went next. She tried opening it carefully, before just tearing it apart when it was taking too long. Her gift was one of the few in a proper cardboard box, also being the biggest. It carried the name of a clothing brand she was vaguely aware of.

She looked at Dew with squinted eyes. Curious, suspicious.

She opened it up to indeed be met with a sleek deep blue fabric. She picked and held it up, realizing there was another part of the same color in the box as well.

No way.

“Dew.” She stressed his name, putting her arms down again.

“Yes, dear?” He asked with a grin.

“Dew.” She looked again. It was unmistakable. He’d gotten her a suit. A full, fancy, proper suit, “I complained about not having a suit last week, how did you-”

“Guess I just know you really well.” His dismissive attitude came back with a shrug, not mentioning the fact that he’d run around town in a blind panic trying to get it on time during the busy season.

“I…” She struggled to find the words to express her gratitude.

“Well, don’t just stand there. Put it on!” Sunshine hyped her up.

Cirrus’ eyes lit up, throwing the jacket back down in the box and rushing out the room with it all.

“Alright, alright, now I’m done waiting,” Swiss said, looking straight at Dew, “I assume you haven’t forgotten about me.” There hadn’t been a gift for him in the bags either, but he knew better than to assume Dew didn’t get him anything.

The fire ghoul nodded, “One second.” And left the room.

His feet produced quick taps through the hallway, even though he was wearing socks. He hadn’t been able to bring Swiss’ gift in earlier, since it couldn’t really be wrapped.

“Dewdrop,” Right as he was about to pick it up, Cirrus’ voice came from behind him. He turned to the doorway, greeted by the sight of Cirrus in her brand new, impeccably sharp suit.

“I’m so glad it fits.” Was the first thing he said.

The ghoulette took quick strides towards him, hugging his head into her chest. She could be quite reserved sometimes, so she was glad to have caught Dew on his own.

“It looks great. Thank you so much. I love it.” Her voice shook a little with the sincerity it carried.

Dew stood semi awkwardly when she pulled back, “Phew,” He said stoically, though he did mean it and she knew that, “Guess you should show it to the rest then. I’ll be right behind.”

Cirrus nodded enthusiastically, skipping her way back to the rest of the pack.

Dew let out another relieved breath when she was out of sight. He really didn’t know why he'd been so scared to begin with. He knew his packmates well.

He could hear the excited oh’s and ah’s from the common room and knew he shouldn’t keep Swiss waiting too much longer. He waited another half a minute so Cirrus could have her moment, before picking up the gift and making his own way back.

“You did not!” Since Swiss’ gift wasn’t wrapped he could see clear as day what it was right off the bat.

“Maybe I did. Why don’t you have some fun with it?” Dew teased, holding out a very distinct guitar. At least it was distinct to Swiss.

He would recognize that damn thing anywhere. It was the first guitar he’d ever learned to play on, never allowed to take it on tour. When he returned from his first set of shows he was told he wouldn’t need the old model anymore, since it was best for him to get used to what he always used on stage. He’d never seen it again after that and a sentimental part of him had always missed it. But it was undeniable. This was the exact guitar.

The multi ghoul had never stood up so fast, making his way to Dew and practically yanking the instrument from his hands.

He inspected it, as if there was any doubt it was the right one.

“Hey, I know that! I learned to play with that thing.” Phantom mentioned.

“And it’s good that you did,” Dew interjected, “cause that’s how I figured out where they stored it. Don’t tell anyone.” The last sentence was said very quickly, giving Swiss a serious look that revealed that Dew did, in fact, steal the guitar.

Swiss looked at him with the same adoration he’d been shown earlier, but even more intense, “I cannot thank you enough.” The multi ghoul’s voice was low, soft. He’d never meant something this much in this life.

It almost caught Dew off guard, only able to nod and smile in response.

While Swiss excitedly moved to play a song, Aether had made his way to Dew’s side and led him back to one of the couches with a hand on his shoulder. Their legs touched when they sat down, making Dew move his head to Aether’s shoulder like Sunshine had done with him before.

“Should I be scared?” The quintessence ghoul asked half-jokingly, holding up the little box his gift resided in.

Dew shrugged, “Depends.”

“Depends on what?”

“Do you trust me?” Aether exhaled a laugh. Dew knew damn well he trusted him, he just wanted to hear him say it. He played this game a lot.

“Well, alright, alright. I trust you. Let’s see.” He removed the wrapping paper, not afraid to tear it but also not doing so in an aggressive manner.

He thought his eyes would bulge out of his skull with how wide they opened. Whatever he’d been expecting was nothing like this.

The little black ring box felt smooth in his hands, “I didn’t know you were so into human customs.” Aether smirked at Dew. The fire ghoul looked a little confused, until his friend clarified, “Are you asking me to marry you?” He already knew the answer was no, but it was fun to tease.

Dew scoffed, but couldn’t hide his smile, “You wish.”

Aether finally opened the box. The ring was a silver band, with dark purple waves decorating it all around.

“Saw it at a store, back in Cincinnati. It reminded me of quintessence, so I thought-”

The fire ghoul was cut off with a quick kiss on his lips. Aether’s face was so full of adoration, it made them both feel crazy.

“Four months,” Aether realized, “You’ve been sitting on this, and managed to keep it a secret, for four months.”

“I take it you like it.” Dew looked away from Aether’s face for a moment, a little bit of insecurity still lingering.

Aether forced him to look back with a hand on his chin, “It is perfect,” He kissed him again, “I just wish I got you something in return.”

“Please, don’t worry about it.” He nearly begged. Giving gifts had already been a struggle, let alone receiving them.

Aether dropped down, his head resting in Dew’s lap. He smiled up at him, fitting the ring onto his finger.

That left only one. Rain had waited with his gift, wanting to properly see everyone else’s reaction before getting caught up himself.

His was only a little smaller than Cirrus’ had been. He didn’t want to expect anything, afraid of being disappointed if he did. But he had a hunch. He tried not to focus on it, yet he couldn’t help a part of him hoping he was correct.

“Open it up already, I’m tired!” Aurora encouraged him, getting a poke in the ribs from Cirrus.

Rain took a breath, telling himself he'd be thankful either way. Because he would be. His heart swelled at the events of the evening, how much thought Dew had put into each and every single gift, finding things he knew everyone would like. And Dew knew him very well, right? Yes, he did, but Rain still scolded himself for his hope and expectation.

A strip of the wrapping paper tore away slowly, revealing the cardboard box underneath. Rain let out a shaky breath, forcing the rest of it out of the way.

Swiss jokingly started drum rolling with his hands on his legs, the rest of the room slowly joining in. It only made Rain take more time. He felt exposed with all eyes on him. What if he had an unfavorable reaction?

There truly only was one way to find out. He opened the box. His tense muscles relaxed in an instant. He knew exactly what it was. And god dammit he had guessed correctly.

Dew had not been anxious in the slightest about Rain’s gift, already knowing he’d love it. Although he hadn’t counted on Rain doubling over his gift, tears streaming down his face with a quiet sob.

The rest of the room couldn’t see the gift, some stares and raised eyebrows making their way towards Dew. But his face was confident, a small smile reassuring everyone that Rain’s reaction must be of joy.

The fire ghoul got up, knowing Rain would want to hug or kiss or fuck him on the spot. The second his ass touched the couch, Rain clung onto him, his cries somehow managing to sound overjoyed indeed.

The gift may not have seemed like a lot to most people. It was a blue ankle length dress with glitters on the top part and flowers embroidered on the skirt.

But it meant the world to Rain. He’d been wearing skirts more often, mostly in the privacy of his own room. It wasn’t that he feared judgement, he knew the other ghouls, as well as the siblings, would never look at him differently for it. But he just wanted to explore and experiment a bit at his own pace. Dew was the only person he’d discussed this with in detail, having shown him this exact dress. He’d been wanting to get it really bad for a while but always felt like something was holding him back.

Not anymore.

“No pressure,” Dew whispered into Rain’s hair, “but I’d love to see you in it some time.”

The water ghoul looked up, quickly wiping the tears off his face. He smiled, hurriedly getting up and running out with the box like Cirrus had done before.

“What was it? What was it?” Phantom quickly asked.

“Give him just a minute and you’ll see.” Dew responded.

Indeed a minute later, Rain shyly stepped back into the room. There was definite excitement for everyone, some showing it more strongly than others.

“Give us a twirl!” Cumulus encouraged, causing Rain to do just that.

He felt majestic in it. A fairytale princess come to life straight out of a storybook. It was euphoric, “How did you know my size?” He asked Dew.

“I don’t know if you realize, but I’m pretty familiar with your body.” He explained.

Rain smiled wider, walking up to Dew and picking him up right off of the couch. He twirled around again, with him in his arms this time.

“Thank you so much. This really means the world.”

“Everyone say ‘thank you, Dew’.” Aether said.

A big chorus of thank you’s sounded through the common room. Phantom came up to Dew, still suspended in Rain’s arms, and joined their hug. Soon enough it was a group hug with the whole pack.

Dew had already stopped worrying, but the reinforcement of everyone’s gratitude made him feel even sillier for ever worrying in the first place. He loved his fellow ghouls and they clearly loved him back.

[My Main Masterlist | Domestic December Masterlist]

[sherenachan]

Fandoms and Thoughts on Defamation

I'm pretty sure we are all in some kind of fandom at some point of our life. But first, the definition. Fandom is a term of "the state of being a fan of someone or something, especially a very enthusiastic one" (Cambridge Dictionary, 2022).

I won't say that I am a hardcore fan for anything but I am a fan of gaming, and music, and a fan and for some non existence fictional characters.

I like playing quite a few games but the best for me would be Valorant (although that game tilted me almost everytime and I just lost 2 games before writing this). The Valorant community can be considered big since it is one of the mainstream games currently. This game has made me fans of some streamers on Twitch (I love Kyedae and TenZ, they're so cuteee) and also professional competitive Valorant teams (Paper Rex!!!).

Apparently, my Spotify 2022 Wrapped shows that BLACKPINK is the most listened artist for me this year with 6353 minutes. Hmmm... Well, it's true. I'm a a proud BLINK! I LOVEE "How You Like That", "Shut Down" and "Pink Venom". Their songs just makes me high.

One of the many fictional characters (because why fan for one when you can fan for more characters HAHA) that I am in love with (not literally) is Bruce Wayne, a.k.a. Batman (he's just too cool 😭). I do not want to continue babbling about this so let's just move on to the next part.

There's always something that we like and also dislike. Some of us like to keep it to ourselves, some of us like to voice them out. Same thing goes to fans and some fans may take things to the next level on social media, to defame the opponents or vice versa, and it is scary, particularly in the K-Pop industry. Defending is a different thing but defaming is real bad.

I've come across YouTube shorts that has an opening or caption, that I personally think that is trying to bring down a group or idol's reputation, such as "Kpop Idols THAT ARE "CRINGE"" or "these are the worst kpop songs of 2022" and these titles are often misleading because sometimes the content has nothing to do with the title. Another example is sexual assaults claims on the Internet. Yes, I know, some of them are true, but there are also a number of innocent people that are accused of doing so. For example, in 2017, a member of NU'EST W was accused of sexually a person in the community back in 2009 by exposing him in an online community but was later then proven innocent through investigation (Lim, 2018). If accusing someone for something that was not done, was it done for attention? Maybe? We never know.

Conclusion, we all have our own likes and dislikes, but if you dislike something, maybe keeping it to yourself would be better in this case. We all are part of different fandoms, let's respect all fandoms and make the world a better place for any fans regardless of their fandoms ♡

Reference:

Fandom (2022) Cambridge Dictionary. Available at: https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/fandom (Accessed: December 9, 2022).

Lim, J. (2018) NU'EST's Baekho acquitted of sexual assault charges, Soompi. Soompi. Available at: https://www.soompi.com/article/1156273wpp/nuests-baekho-acquitted-sexual-assault-charges (Accessed: December 9, 2022).

[thedistortedfroggit]

A Creative rants about OC

Why do I write titles like its some news headline? I would never know. Force of habit? Anyway, GOOOD EVENING, MORNING OR AFTERNOON YOU TUMBLR MINERS!!

cuz I sure as hell know you wouldn't find me just by chance

About time I talked about one of my ocs huh? Introducing🥁🥁🥁.....Ozzy Clematis! or Clematis Ozzy if yer following what I wrote down. Ozzy Clematis, distant cousin of Oswald Nerium, another OC of mine! (get it? cuz both their last names are flowers?) ....Speaking of flowers! why is his name Ozzy Clematis? cuz, yes, theres reasons why I name my characters like that. Always a "because" somewhere in the character.

Clematis, because the flower means chaos and mischief! ..... Ok, the actual reason. Ozzy Clematis is actually my player character in a particular fangame called: TerraCraft! A mix between Minecraft and Terraria I found on itch.io ......ok yes, if you've actually played the game atleast a lil bit you'd find that the specific skin Clematis is based on(cuz they're pre-made, you cant make your own) is listed under the female options--BUT STILL!! Its my oc, so hes a boy! (Fun fact: While I was digging through the assets for references I came across the assets for the skin I based Clematis on. Apparently, the skin's name is Plin!)

Anyway, fun lil story: I actually developed the name 'Nerium Oswald' for a friend, but they didn't end up using it so I ended up using it as a pen name...then Creative instincts made me make a persona for my pen name, then it snowballed into him!

So, before Nerium was made into an OC, I was using him as a replacement for my name. So, Nerium Oswald was my username of Terracraft when I first made my profile....and OH BOY.

Honestly, I wasn't expecting to make an OC out of my lil guy in the game. But idea after idea came into my mind and I just caved in and gave him a design, personality(with hints of what my gameplay style!) and a BACKSTORYYY

Anyway, Do you notice the sketches on the paper on the bottom right? Do you notice the staff? yeah thats in the game. Its the Water Staff. It has magic. Now, I've never watched Terraria gameplay nor even looked into the game before so magic could totally be a thing in that--but it was still surprising seeing it in the recipe menu. Though I will admit, the staff's design is quite the far reach against the pixel design in the game (Do you see the thing thats being wrapped around by the staff's top-ish part? thats a waterdrop! I wanna hc thats where the magic is generated since I refuse to believe that two iron ingots, two copper ingots and a water bucket can make MAGIC.)

Anyway^3, idea after idea came into mind about the world--about theoretical interactions, then I finally gave into my creative mind and gave him a character.

If you could read what the blurry background text is, first kudos to you and your sharp eyes. Second, you'd notice how it mentions speed and making them.....blank, covered by a wire. Now, I COULD leave it a mystery--but why? Its a focal point of alot of Clematis's shenanigans so it'd be revealed sooner or later. Now, to complete the sentence, it make them lighter! Why do I make that such a big point?

CUZ YOU CAN USE CRAFTING TABLES AND FURNACES LIKE LADDERS. There isnt ladders in this game, instead, they use these platforms to hop up and down. But I didnt know that SINCE THERE WAS NO TUTORIAL. Think of how bewildered was when I jumped between two of my furnaces, so now theres furnace ladders scattered around my mining system.

..Well, this is getting long from just the stories. welp, I guess I'll faun over Clematis another time.

To those in my present, future or farther: Stay safe, find happiness and watch the sky!

[halaboyz]

–– ACCIDENT // YUNHO.

pairing: non-idol! yunho x gn! reader genre: fluff word count: 2.7k warnings: profanities, no more that i know of

pouting, you crumpled your handmade confession letter for him as you stare at him kiss another's cheek at the corner of the parking lot. tears pooled your eyes, but you can't seem to have to pull your eyes off of them as they cheekily smiled, avoiding each other's eyes- embarrassed.

as soon as he whips his head on your side, you have turned your back instantly and walked- almost jogged away which resulted in you crashing to a guy in his bike, toppling over him as his hands instinctively protected you from the one falling in your back.

"oh my fucking god," you gasp, looking at his close.. flawless face now scrunching due to shock and pain. your eyes wandered around looking for something to lean on and push yourself up, being restrained by his own arms around you. "i'm so sorry," dropping your hands on his chest and pushing yourself up, you grimaced as he groaned in pain.

you dusted your pants off, wryly smiling at him as you offered your hand.

"i'm really sorry," you mumbled, pressing your lips to a thin line as you felt shivers running down your spine when he took your hand for a pull.

"it's okay," he flashes you a quick smile, standing his bike up again and shakes his head to ruffle his own hair. he glances back at you and behind you, immediately knowledgeable of what you had just seen and with a crumpled paper in your hands. he sighs, smiling sadly at you, "do you want a ride?"

you simply gaped at him, tears once again in your eyes. grabbing your wrist, he pulled you to sit on the backseat of his companion bike- which was, thankfully, the one he had used as he had just dropped off his younger brother in school.

he started pedaling, off to god knows where but weirdly, you had the feeling to trust the face you had barely seen on school grounds, only on breaks and lunches and maybe rarely on dismissal too.

"y-you're.. yunho, right?" you clutched on his hoodie more, scared of falling off because of the bumpy road.

"how'd you know?" he chuckles, ignoring his heart skipping immensely at the warmth you emitted because of the proximity. "for sure i am just another face in the crowd. i'm surprised you know me,"

"you're.. uh," you bit your lips, "you're on the.. basketball varsity team, right?" you nodded your head, swallowing the lump on your throat as you thought of your crush again.

you've only known yunho because he's on the same team as your crush, the numerous games you have watched enough for you to know even just his name.

"yeah," realizing, he zipped his lips once again as the small sandwich house came into sight. "we're close,"

"close where?" you perked on your seat, trailing your hands to his shoulders to look over it. "oh, subway?" the hint of excitement in your voice made yunho smile once again, anxiousness all gone as he pedaled faster.

jumping off of the seat, you had taken interest in the paper in your hand once again just before you had entered the restaurant. yunho had taken notice of your stop as he parked his bike on the side, grabbing the paper from your hand and holding it in front of you.

"let me hide this first, okay? let's eat first," he scrunched his nose and waited for you, and after getting a nod, he tucks it in his hoodie's pockets and opens the door for you.

mumbling a small thanks, you had started to order your food and drinks.

"let me pay," you had started to dig out your wallet but before you know it, yunho had already handed out his own card to the cashier with a polite smile.

timidly slipping your card back into your wallet, you waited for him to finish ordering.

"i'll find us a table in the back.. i uh, thank you," you smiled at him, trudging to an available table you found in the back corner of the restaurant.

after a few minutes of awkwardly fiddling with your fingers, yunho had settled the tray in the table and handed you your own orders.

"are you good?" yunho watches you unwrap yours as he already was munching on his, propping his elbows on the table.

"me? yeah.. yeah!" you smiled, taking a bite of yours. "wait.. do you even know me?" you chuckled, seemingly weirded out by the sudden hanging out with an almost stranger just because you bumped into him by accident, after seeing your crush with another.

"of course, you're y/n," he defends, chuckling back at you. "you never miss one of our games."

"and that means?" you ask, raising your brow at him. "i'm sure i'm not the only one who always attends your games," unfocused for a moment with your sandwich, yunho cranes his neck at you.

"i mean.. i guess i just took interest in you at some point," he almost whispered, making you stop your movements.

feeling your cheeks heat up, you inhaled sharply to meet his eyes.

"t-thanks..?" you smiled awkwardly, earning a hearty laugh from yunho.

"i'm sorry, did that make you uncomfortable?" he asks, and you immediately shake your head. "so.. about a while ago," he presses his lips to a thin line, "i'm sorry you had to see that. they have been dating for a bit now,"

"yeah, yeah, no problem. it was good i saw them first before i embarrassed myself," you dryly chuckled, taking a sip of your drink.

yunho just watched you, growing fond in just a matter of an hour of you. meanwhile, you had just finished your food and when you finally had the guts to glance at yunho, he had already finished his and maybe quite for long now.

"sorry, i didn't realize you were waiting,"

"don't worry! i just finished mine too," he chuckles, his eyes trailing to the neatly folded wrap and the cup pooled in water due to melted ice on the inside.

"how much was mine?" you grab for your wallet and faced him once again, only to be stopped by his large hands on yours.

"it's okay, don't bother," he gives you a big smile which for sure, you felt your heart melt at the sight.

"let me pay next time then," you stood up, swinging your bag to your shoulders until you see him not moving an inch, seated there with a playful, smug look on his face as he suppresses the smile wanting to be plastered on his face. "what?" you furrowed your eyebrows.

"so there is a next time?" he stands up, tucks his hands on his pockets, and crouches to your eye level to lean closer.

"i mean.." you stammered over your words, only registering your own words on your mind that second, "i mean.. isn't that manners? you paid today, and i should pay you back at least. right? or am i not?" rambling, yunho found it cute and ruffles your hair.

"let's get you home?" yunho asks as he holds the door for you, flashing a smile to the workers inside.

"no, it's okay! i've bothered you enough, and home is just.. a five-minute walk from here so.." you watch him unlock his bike, smiling at him. "thank you again, yunho. i really appreciate it," ducking your head, you played with your feet until his shoes come to your vision.

you look up, flinching at the sudden closeness and feeling your cheeks heat up.

"no problem, though, i'll look forward to the next time," he winks, patting your arm and cycling away with a big smile on his face.

"well that's a miracle," your friend, jongho, gawked at you. "you're telling me, for the first time ever- you won't go to the basketball team's game tomorrow?"

"yes jongho, for the nth time, i won't." you sigh with a smile on your face.

"not even after what yunho did for you? he saved you from embarrassment!" jongho snickered, making you think.

should you go? would yunho even see you?

"look, as much as i'm thankful for yunho, i don't think we're in that phase and that close to that extent," you squinted your eyes at him, shaking your head.

"you're so difficult," jongho pushed you lightly, "why don't you just like yunho? it's obvious he still takes some interest in you?" he smirks, annoyingly poking your sides.

"if i'm so difficult, you're unbelievable," you gasp at him.

"i've been your friend for years, you move on as fast as you fall in love with someone- which is a good thing! so what i'm saying is.. don't you find yunho attractive?"

"jongho- i know i fall in love easy, and maybe i moved on from mingi in just a week, but still!"

"you didn't answer my last question!"

"god, jongho! fine! he's handsome as fuck," you finally admitted, groaning as you push him away.

"so.. go with me tomorrow, please," last spurt, jongho thought.

"fine, jongho- now can you please, fuck off? you're so goddamn annoying," with your serious tone, jongho still knows you didn't mean what you said and chuckles it off.

what you don't know about your closest friend here, jongho, is that he had a life more than your friendship. actually, not that you didn't know, you just didn't bother thinking or bother yourself at least getting curious about it.

he had a life- and it included 7 friends he considered as brothers, two of them being mingi and yunho.

he has known the two's interests and every little details of their life, some of them being you. reason for not telling you? it thrilled him.

yunho has had his eyes on you for quite some time, but you were clearly blinded by mingi, who wanted to be friends with you, only because you were friends with jongho- and had his eyes to another.

"yunho!" jongho jumps on his seat and waves his hand, making you look at him with furrowed eyebrows. when yunho smiled at him and has caught a glance at you, his smile grew bigger.

yunho simply nodded his head your way, going back at the court to practice his shoots before the actual game.

"you.. know him," you said, as a matter of fact, hissing at him.

"you never asked!" he defended, nudging you. he pushed your disgruntled face away from and to the court, the game finally starting.

it was something usual, and your eyes still instinctively stuck on mingi, unintentionally ignoring the lingering glances of another, yunho.

"spare yunho a glance, god i'm dying from frustration," jongho cuts your concentration from the game, nudging you quite harshly.

"what?" you mumble, eyes finally landing on the point guard who just shot his shot, eyes meeting yours right after.

"you see what i mean?" jongho exasperatingly sighs, but suppressed a smile after your tinted cheeks.

"i- i don't," you stutter out, looking down until you've finally had the guts to look back in the game until it ended.

the crowd erupted in cheers after the game, yunho's team taking the win as usual. and once again, your eyes meet with yunho's, mouthing him a small congratulations before you left with jongho.

"hey, wait up!" you hear yunho from the back, so you and jongho turn around to welcome him.

"congrats, yunho!" jongho jumps at him for a bro hug, and you smile to mumble another 'congratulations.'

"thanks," he smiles back, sparing a glance on jongho and back to you. "can i have your next time today?" yunho raises his eyebrows at you, "..or you have plans today?" you glance at jongho, asking for help.

"i.. i don't know.. shouldn't you be like-" you ramble before you got cut off by jongho.

"completely free. totally free. no plans. just free," jongho shrugged, pushing you to the man's arm who quickly balanced you because of his sweat-covered body.

yunho looked back at you with anticipation, waiting for confirmation.

"i mean, yeah, i'm free but-"

"please, please, please wait for me here? i'll just get changed and get my stuff," yunho pleaded, revving his puppy eyes that you almost swooned at.

"..yeah, sure." you smile at him. looking at him almost wholeheartedly hopping back to the court with a smile worn on his face, smiling now and then to the people who squealed at his presence. "you're insane, choi jongho,"

"you'll thank me later," he winks, nudging you back when he sees yunho jogging back.

"do you want to come with us?" yunho asks him as he swings the strap of his duffel bag to his shoulder.

"what?! no, psh," jongho dismissed, pushing the two of you together. "i have plans.. with uh.. wooyoung!" he points to wooyoung from afar, waving at him then to the both of you, running away.

"i uh.. sorry about jongho," you start, "but don't you have a celebratory party or something?"

"oh, that." yunho shrugs, "we're doing that tomorrow, if you want to come- now you're invited,"

"no thanks, i'm.. really not fond of those things," you explained.

"okay," he smiles, and you feel the world brighten up at that. unexplainably, a small smile creeps up on your lips.

"so, where do you want to eat?" you ask, smiling at him.

"wherever you want."

"i'll be the one paying, yunho. just think where," chuckling, you face him while walking.

"anywhere will be fine when i'm with you," yunho mumbles but you just have got to have elephant ears.

"oh," you simply replied, awkwardly laughing. yunho just chuckles with his ears read, completely dazed at the realization that you heard what he had just embarrassingly said. "are you.. uhm, hungry? or are you settled with some ice cream?"

"ice cream is nice," he replied, a hint of excitement in his voice.

"i know a good ice cream shop," you jump on your place, quickly. dragging him by the wrist to the ice cream shop.

yunho here, stares at his hand and if it was possible for him to get redder, he just did.

"hey, yours?" you shake your hands that was holding his, only to throw it lightly when you've realized he's been zoning out staring at your hands. "sorry,"

"uh.. what? yes. right. i'll have vanilla please." he smiles at the cashier, then back at you who gave him a stink eye. "what?" he chuckles.

"v-va.." you fake gaged, "vanilla? basic,"

yunho laughs at your antics, ruffling your hair. he had only ordered that because he felt rushed, embarrassed and pressured at that second. but because of you and your personality, who always ignored awkward moments and always wanted out of it, you saved him from it.

"congratulations again, you played really well," you said as you took your seats, taking a bite of your ice cream.

"yeah? i think you've only watched mingi play though," yunho playfully banters, squinting his eyes at you.

"hey! i watched you too," you defended, pouting.

"okay, okay," he surrenders, laughing purely.

the rest of the time passed by quickly and comfortably like you have not just been friends for a week. talking about academics, jongho, and some bits of your personal lives.

"it's getting dark," yunho sighs, reluctant of stopping the night right there.

"yeah, i should probably head home," you pout. "i really enjoyed today, i hope i didn't tire you out."

"y/n, if anything, you energized me," and by this time, you've grown invincible of his flirts, frequently said in between conversations.

"really, then it's my pleasure," you jokingly bowed, a big smile plastered on your face as you head out of the shop. "i'll see you around, yunho,"

yunho gives the smile back, already having a pick-up line ready in his mind.

"i'd love another next time, y/n." yunho lowers himself to your eye level, "and would you mind calling it a date instead of next time?" he cheekily smirks, and you could only laugh at his attempt at flirting.

after fakely pondering for an answer, you finally burst to the brightest smile yunho had seen you on, squishing his cheeks.

"sure, yunho, whatever you want. and if that's a date, i'd love it even more," you scrunched your nose, booping his and escaping the moment before he sees you red, running home and leaving yunho stunned, but letting his lips slowly curl up and a heart beating more than normal.

what should you say? thank you jongho.

and maybe probably mingi too. because of a beautiful accident caused by him, you wouldn't have your heart fluttering right now- but not because of him, but yunho.

[andithiel]

I've been feeling a bit detatched from my writing lately, but I wanted to do something for Harry's birthday. So I managed to get out 2k of, I think maybe fluff? Many thanks to @booktopusmunro for the speedy beta and encouragement ❤️ Happy birthday Harry! Sidenote: Sega Mega Drive was called Sega Genesis in the US. This fic is loosely based on a scene from the Friends episode “The One Where Rachel Finds Out”.

Start Level

“Everybody! Hey, everybody, settle down! It’s time for Harry to open his presents!”

Ron’s sonoroused voice made Harry wince as he sat cross-legged in his favourite squishy armchair. A belly full of birthday cake and the comfort of  his friends surrounding him made Harry sleepy; but as he watched them all scramble to get seated as close to him as possible, a warmth rose in his chest. Ron had, of course, already sat down on the sofa closest to Harry before he made the announcement, but at Harry’s single raised eyebrow he shrugged with a crooked grin.

Harry snorted. He knew that with five older brothers, it was inevitable that Ron knew how to get to the front first. He looked around the room, trying not to tear up at the sight of all his friends gathered around, sitting on each other’s laps or perched on tables and armrests, all looking expectedly at him.

“Oh dear, what’s wrong with him?” Pansy stage-whispered to Hermione.

“Nothing,” said Harry, to let Hermione off the hook. “I’m just happy to get to spend my birthday with the people I love.”

Well, all except one, he thought. Draco hadn’t been able to get out of his work shift, and Harry refused to admit how disappointed he’d been when he’d found out about that, because it wasn’t reasonable for him to be. It wasn’t as if he expected Draco to be around all the time now just because they were sort of friends, or at least hung out in the same friend circles. But still, it wasn’t every day you turned 25 and wanted to celebrate with the people you cared most about.

Harry accepted the gift that Ron handed to him with a smile and a “Happy birthday, mate.” He tore the wrappings off to reveal a set of Wizards Chess. At Harry’s puzzled expression Ron explained. “Well, since you lost your old set I thought I’d give you a new one so we can play again!”

“Right,” Harry said with a tight smile, not mentioning that he knew damn well where his old set was (buried deep in a box in his attic because he was sick of losing to Ron all the time). “Thanks,” he managed to grind out, hoping it sounded sincere.

The rest under the cut or on ao3

“Maybe this one will be more useful,” said Blaise, as he handed Harry a thick, heavy parcel.

“Thanks Blaise!” Harry turned the package in his hands. “Hmmm, it feels like a book. Pretty sure it’s a book.” He unwrapped it. “And it’s a book! It’s— oh.”

“What, Harry?” Luna straightened up a bit to try and get a look.

“Um, nothing,” said Harry, trying to hide the Kama Sutra for Beginners behind his back. “Nothing, it’s, uh, I’ll have a closer look at this later.”

Blaise smirked and Harry whipped his head around to the stack of gifts next to him, wanting to occupy his mind with something other than the writhing bodies on the cover of the book currently taking up all the space in his head. “Who’s this from?” He picked up a big box wrapped in black paper with little golden snitches on it and a big golden bow on top.

“Oh that’s Draco’s,” said Pansy. “I promised I’d give it to you since he couldn’t make it today.”

“Right, right. Thanks Pansy,” Harry mumbled as he carefully peeled the tape from the paper, both so he wouldn’t tear it and so he could busy himself with the task instead of thinking about how Draco was holed up in St Mungo’s on Harry’s birthday.

He finally managed to get all the tape off and unwrapped the gift slowly. The sight of the box made him let out a gush of air, unable to believe that this was really real. Had Draco actually bought him—?

“What is it, Harry?” asked Hermione, trying to lean in closer to see what was in the box.

“I can’t—” Harry began, before swallowing and starting over. “I can’t believe he remembered.”

“What? What is it?” came a collective query from the group, everyone edging closer now.

Carefully, Harry opened the box to see if the content really matched the exterior, and when he’d made sure it really did, he had to pause again to blink repeatedly against the sting in his eyes. Then he picked up the black plastic box, twisting it in his hands. The room was silent, probably because few of them knew what this was.

“It’s a Muggle video game,” Harry tried to explain. “It’s… It must’ve been weeks ago, months maybe. We passed a Muggle second-hand store and I saw this and I… I made some throwaway comment about how Dudley used to have one of these but I was never allowed to play.” He stroked his thumb over the white letters forming the words “Mega Drive SEGA”, while memories of how he’d desperately wanted to play resurfaced in his mind. This console, like so many others before and after it, had not lasted long in the Dursley household. Before Harry had had any chance at trying it out, Dudley had stomped on it after the umpteenth attempt of getting past Dr. Eggman in the Oil Ocean Zone.

“Oh,” said Hermione softly in his ear, making him realise how close she was. “I remember these! Never had one myself but I sometimes played on my friend’s.”

Harry couldn’t stop staring. It wasn’t an extravagant gift, money-wise, but the thoughtfulness and the effort it must have taken Draco to find this for him was astounding. The game was almost mint condition. Draco must’ve gone back to the store to get a better look, and then found it in another store, because the one they’d seen had been old and battered. The gift made something stir in Harry, something he hadn’t allowed himself to think about before, and he wasn’t sure he was ready for even now.

“Oh, come on, remember when Draco went to Healer school and he fell in love with Keith Hendricks and bought him that ridiculously expensive non-spatter cauldron?” Ron chortled on Harry’s other side.

The room fell quiet and it took a few seconds for Ron’s words to process in Harry’s brain. He snapped his eyes up, looking sharply at Ron, whose ears had gone bright red.

“What did you just say?”

Ron’s eyes went wide and he gave Pansy, who was staring at him with a thunderous expression, a panicked look. “Uh…” said Ron, then cleared his throat several times while shrinking into the sofa. “Er… huh… ummm, non-spatter cauldron?”

“No. No, no,” said Harry, trying to wrap his head around Ron’s words. “The um, the ‘love’ part?”

Ron was now spluttering, frantically looking around the room for any sort of help from someone, and that was enough for the truth to register in Harry’s brain.

“Oh. My. God,” was all he managed to get out.

“Oh, noooo nononononono,” Ron chanted, rubbing his temples. “Noooo, I’m such a lousy friend!”

“I cannot believe this is the first time I hear about this!” Pansy snapped. “And to think that Draco confided in you, of all people!”

Ron straightened up and threw her a sharp look. “Hey! The ferret and I have a very trusting and mature friendship!”

“Yes, clearly he did the right thing trusting you with this information!” Pansy said, crossing her arms over her chest.

“Well it’s not like I’ve told anyone else! I’ve even kept it from my own wife!”

“Oh, bravo, Weasel, ten points to Gryffindor.” Pansy inclined her head in Ron’s direction and clapped her hands in mock applause. “And then you chose this moment to spill the beans, very clever. I’ll have you know that I’ve kept it a secret that he had a crush on Potter back at Hogw—” she said, but interrupted herself. “Er, nevermind.”

Harry felt like he was watching a ping pong match, his mind reeling at all this information. Draco’d had a crush on him at Hogwarts? And now he was in love with him?

“Aha!” Ron shouted triumphantly. “Who’s the bad friend now?”

“Can the two of you shut the fuck up?!” Harry said, surprised at his own words and the force behind them. “I need to think.”

“Yes! Yes, give the poor man some space to think!” Ron hastily said, his expression amix of relieved and frantic.

But before Harry had time to properly panic, the door opened.

“Well, I had to bribe Healer Merriweather by taking all her night shifts for a month, but at least I managed to get here,” said Draco as he stepped inside, impeccably dressed as ever. “Please tell me I haven’t missed the cake.” He paused in front of the doorway, looking around the room, all eyes turned on him. “What? What happened? Is there something on my shirt?” He started patting himself all over, looking for a non-existing stain.

Harry could only stare at him, at the way his hair fell into his eyes and how he had to constantly flick his head to keep it away. The flush on his cheeks from apparently having rushed from the hospital, just to be able to celebrate Harry’s birthday because he knew how important it was to him. Or maybe because he’d seen how disappointed Harry’d been when Draco’d told him he wouldn’t be able to make it and now he‘d wanted to make it up to him. The care with which he had selected a present for Harry just to make him happy. There was a swooping sensation in Harry’s stomach, and suddenly his mouth started speaking before he could stop himself.

“You’re in love with me?”

Draco froze, his eyes widening comically before flitting around the room to finally land on Ron, who seemed to try to make himself a permanent part of Harry’s sofa. After a split second, Draco leaned back into the hallway, not meeting Harry’s eyes once. “Wait, what’s that? Oh, no! I see Head Healer Patel’s patronus, oh this can’t be good, I really must be off.”

He turned around and bolted for the door, but with the reflexes of a seeker, Harry apparated into the hallway, right in front of the stairs.

“You’re in love with me,” he repeated, more like a statement now, or maybe a confirmation to himself.

Draco folded his arms across his chest, lifting his chin. “I have no idea what gave you that impression, Potter, but—”

“Ron told me. Or, well, to be fair he accidentally let it slip.”

“Weasel,” Draco hissed. “I should’ve known it was unwise to get drunk with him. That red-headed buffoon act is a great cover to trick people into trusting him with—”

He didn’t get any further, because right then, Harry decided that he needed to do what he did best: use his gut. And his gut told him that he was pants with words, especially compared to Draco. And he wanted to make Draco stop talking, so he did the first thing that came to mind. He stepped closer and pressed his lips to Draco’s. It was probably the most chaste kiss he’d ever experienced, and yet it gave his stomach that funny swooping feeling again. Draco made a funny sound, like a mix of a squeak and a sharp inhale, and Harry realised that maybe this wasn’t what Draco wanted and started to pull back. But then he was thoroughly proven wrong when Draco grabbed him by the collar and pushed him backwards until they hit the opposite wall. Harry gasped when his head thumped against it, and then again when Draco opened his mouth and really kissed him, hands still fisted in Harry’s shirt.

It was the kind of kiss that, had they not been in Harry’s hallway, it would’ve led to other things. Harry’s body responded immediately, and he desperately wanted more. But their frantic snogging came to an abrupt halt when they suddenly realised they weren’t alone anymore.

“Oh,” someone said softly, and Harry didn’t need to look to know it was Luna.

Then someone (who sounded a lot like Pansy) shouted “What?” and there was the unmistakable sound of all their friends rushing to get to Harry’s front door first, then someone else (definitely Ron) yelled, “I don't need to see that!”

Harry kept his gaze firmly on Draco, cheeks gone pink and lips wonderfully kiss-swollen.

“Let’s go to your place, yeah?”

Draco nodded, eyes bright, his bottom lip disappearing between his teeth. Harry couldn’t wait to suck it into his mouth again.

“Right, hang on for one second,” Harry said, fishing out his wand from his pocket. “Accio Draco’s present!” With a spark of satisfaction he heard Blaise mutter “Ow!” when the box undoubtedly smacked into his head as it zoomed towards Harry’s outstretched hand.

But just as he was about to catch it, Draco cast a Depulso, making the game fly towards Luna, who caught it with an expression of curiosity as she twisted it in her hands.

“I’m very happy that you like your present so much, but trust me, Harry,” Draco murmured into his ear, “there won’t be time for any video games when I get you alone.”

[kuronanox]

Bad Dream - Kira Izuru

Kira looks down at the paperwork in defeat as he groans and tried to reorganize them. The wind from the window was gusting everywhere causing them to fall on the floor.

Shuffling noises were in the background as he cursed under his breath.

A small feminine hand had reached over his as Kira eyes looked up to meet (Your Name).

"Need some help Kira Fukutaicho." She asks him as he looks down at the papers again.

"Did you need something?"

"I came to turn in some papers! I've been feeling under the weather."

He props the papers on the desk to even them out and turns to her. "If you don't feel good, get some more rest (Your Name)."

She shakes her head and hands him her work. "I can't let you run the Squad all alone."

Kira slightly smiles at her as he gave his attention back to his work.

She took in his features and noticed how much he didn't smile anymore, during the academy days he was so innocent and cheerful. Growing up they were close but now it seems as she didn't know him anymore.

"Did you want to come over for dinner tonight?" She asks him as he looked up from the papers.

"Who's going?" He asked with curiosity, Kira didn't wanna intrude on her personal life especially when one of the reasons why he was feeling down was because of her relationship with Hisagi.

"Just me and Shuhei! But don't worry he won't mind! I think he kinda misses you." She winks as he wanted to frown.

"Don't you think it's weird?" He says a bit rudely not noticing his tone of language as her eyes widen from disbelief. Noticing her face sadden a bit he cleared his throat. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean it in that way. I'm actually behind on the Captains papers so I probably won't have time." He added.

"Well you don't have to do it alone! Shuhei is in the same position so maybe you guys could do it together and we can all drink a bit! I'll even invite Matsumoto Fukutaicho if it lightens the mood!"

Kira didn't want to be in the same room as (Your Name) and Shuhei. He tried to think anyway possible to escape tonight but she seemed on insisting he come out.

"I guess, what time tonight?"

"Around 8! I'll cook dinner!" She says with a smile on her face as she ran out happily.

Knowing it made her happy that he was coming out was okay with Kira even though he wasn't in the mood to socialize.

"Kira?" Shuhei asks with a smile as he got back from work while leaning his zanpakuto on the wall.

"Yes! He's seems down a lot recently so I thought inviting him to dinner would be a good way to have fun, oh Matsumoto is coming too!" (Your Name) said as she pulled out some veggies and protein out from the fridge.

Shuhei wrapped his arms around her body as he kissed her temple as she smiled while cutting the broccoli.

"That was nice of you, I've been worried about him." He tells her letting go and washing his hands to help prep with dinner.

"And I've been worry about you." (Your Name) states to Shuhei as he raises a brow and started to wash the rice.

There was a knock on the door before he could say anything.

"Hey we're here! Open up!" Rangiku cheerful voice rang around from outside as Kira was standing behind her with a tired expression.

"Hey! We just got started on dinner! Come on in!" (Your Name) welcomes them into her and Shuhei shared home.

It was Kira first time here, he took in the view. There was nothing really special that stood out to him except a few decor and a guitar in the living room. There was a few picture frame of the couple as they smiled to each other.

There was jealousy in the blonde lieutenant as he looked away from them and set a bottle of sake down he brought.

"Kira! Finally see you've been out of your own quarantine!" Shuhei greets him and pats him on the back.

"Slightly busy that's all." He tells the older man and smiles.

Rangiku sat down and cracked a sake open while they waited for dinner. She was in a cheerful mood today. "Oi we haven't been able to drink together in a while!" She tells Kira as he chuckles and gets himself a small cup.

"Likewise."

As him and Rangiku took small talk he could see in his peripheral version Shuhei and (Your Name) happily cooking together. There was small kisses stolen from each other as they were in sync.

"Dinner is served!" Shuhei yells placing down the rice, salmon and veggies along with miso soup to wash it down.

"Wow a chef in the house." Rangiku says as they all dug in.

"You guys started without us!" (Your Name) pouts noticing that two bottles of sake were already empty from Kira and the busty women sitting next to him.

"Ooo sorry that means y'all have to catch up!" She says as they poured themselves a cup.

Kira slightly smiles at (Your Name) cuteness as he took a bite of the fresh cooked fish. A part of him was thankful that it wasn't them three alone. He already didn't wanna talk much but the alcohol was kicking in and he was also thankful rangiku was there.

He didn't notice how hungry he was till a pair of chopsticks had put down a new piece of salmon in his bowl nonchalantly. It was (Your Name) as she was conversing with Rangiku about their new beauty routine with Shuhei listening and putting his input.

It felt like he was in the academy again, when he forgot to eat or wasn't eating enough (Your Name) was always feeding him and taking care of his health. The lieutenant knew she brought him out tonight so he could enjoy himself more.

"Thank you." He says as her flushed face smiles at him and went back to her conversation.

He blushed but it wasn't noticeable because of all the alcohol he already consumed.

"Kira you are particularly quiet for being drunk already!" Rangiku chimes in as he was lost for words.

"I- I am not drunk!"

"Sure you are! You finished 3 bottles alone already!" Shuhei laughs as he just groaned.

It was later in the night when it started to get rowdy, they all had a few to many as they were shouting to each other.

They were playing card games and gotten into it. They decided ride the bus because apparently kisuke had showed Rangiku a while back when she was in the human world. He told her it was a drinking game a lot of college students were doing so she wanted to hop on the trend.

"Kira you're on the bus so you have to keep drinking till you get these cards right!" She said as he took sips of the beer they had brought out for back up.

As he was drinking (Your Name) and Shuhei were cleaning a bit since it was getting messy.

Him and Rangiku were having to much fun that Shuhei retired for the because he had an early morning but he insisted on them staying and enjoying themselves.

By the time Kira won the card game he was sauced and couldn't walk in a straight line. He knew drinking with Rangiku was going to be a disaster.

"Did you want me to take him back?" He heard Rangiku ask (Your Name) as he was slumped on the table.

"It's okay, he can stay for the night. We work together anyways so I'll wake him up tomorrow." (Your Name) tells the older lady as she left for the night.

"Okay big boy, help me will ya." She tells Kira as she laid out a futon for him to sleep in comfortably.

He wrapped an arm around her waist as he walked towards the bed made on the floor. Tripping on his foot they fell over as she gasped.

"Kira you are crushing me!" She silently whispers so Shuhei wouldn't wake up from their shenanigans.

"Just let me hug you (Your Name)." He says breathlessly with his eyes closed. Kira wanted to enjoy this moment because he knew she could never be his.

"Kira?"

He looks down to her lips as she looked up to him innocently. A part of him didn't want to be the bad guy but what was so wrong with being bad once in a while.

He knew it was the alcohol bringing out everything he was holding in, he was going to regret his actions the next morning. Cupping her face he kissed her parted lips. It didn't help that she wrapped her legs around his waist as he groaned. Letting his tongue slip into her mouth.

She flipped him over so she sat on top, just when things were beginning to get spicy he opened his eyes and.

"KIRA IZURU! You wake up this instant now!" He heard a voice called out as he jumped out of bed and looked to his side to see a concern (Your Name) next to him. She sighed in relief and pushed his hair out of the way from his face.

"Are you dating Hisagi San?!" He asks quickly out of breath as she tilted her head and slightly smacks his forehead.

"Ow!"

"Hello! What were you dreaming about? I'm dating you stupid." She says as he calmed down a bit and laughs rubbing the back of his neck.

"It was just a dream, thank goodness."

(Your Name) looked confused as she jumped on top of Kira and laid her head on his chest.

"Whatever it was Izuru I'm always going to be yours." She says as he laid back down and rubbed her back. He was cheesing to himself to know (Your Name) wasn't going anywhere.

"I know, it was just a dream." He says as she kissed his lower lip and grinned.

"I love you, you know that."

"Of course, I love you too, always."

(Authors note: just a cute fluff I made! Have y'all seen Kira now! He's making me simp! noooo I already have my bleach bias and he's breaking it!)

[1a-imagines]

Hey! I have no idea if your requests are open, so if they're not, all I'd like to say is that I've been reading your stuff nonstop for like three days and I'm hooked! Your writing is amazing, thank you for sharing your talents! If requests are open, I'd like to make one, if it's not too much trouble? You wrote a request for: /Could we have some soft bakugou please? (Begs s/o to stop he just to give him attention and kisses)/ and I loved it! Could you do a Todoroki version if it's not too much?

A/n: Some soft todoroki for your souls.

Coming right up!!

I wrote this when sleepy so god knows how it turned out, but i hope you enjoy anyway!

Todoroki:

A larger hand placed itself atop of your own, stopping your pencil from moving against the paper. Your eyes followed the arm until you came face to face with your boyfriend staring down at you.

"Shoto? What's wrong?" You asked. He never interrupted you when you were studying, unless it was something urgent.

You watched his eyes shift away, his lip pursing ever so slightly. The strange and rare expression on his face only made you more curious. "You've been working for hours. You should take a break."

You tilted your head at his strange behaviour. It almost looked like he was pouting, but you figured you were just imagining it. After all, you'd never known Shoto to pout over anything before.

You used your free hand to pull him off of you so you could get back to your work. You made sure to place a kiss on his hand before letting it go. "I'll take a break later, I have a lot that I want to finish right now."

You turned back to your book, the pencil moving against paper again as you went back to your studies.

You were too focused on your notes to notice that Shoto still hadn't moved. He stood besides with an unreadable expression.

He didn't know what was wrong with him, an unfamiliar feeling had started to settle in his stomach about ten minutes ago. It all started when he looked up at you from his book and noticed you were still hard at work. It was like he was suddenly more aware of the fact you had barely paid him any attention all day, having been too busy with studying.

It was currently around 8pm and usually you two would be cuddling on the bed by now. Whether you were watching a movie together or doing your own things, you would always be sat side by side, his arm loosely wrapped around your waist as your head rested on his shoulder. It was how he liked to spend all his evenings, and after months of this ritual he had come to expect your affection.

But this time he wasn’t getting what he wanted.

He was aware it seemed childish, it made him feel like a spoiled brat to be pouting over something so insignificant, but he wasn’t sure how to get the feeling to go away. He was craving your attention and you were too busy studying to notice.

It was all because of that damn book you were studying from.

Now, don't get him wrong. He was more than supportive of your studies. He even went out of his way to test you whenever you needed it, using flashcards to help you retain the knowledge. He would also make food for you and remind you to take breaks as well.

He was always there for you.

Although, for some reason… right now he wanted nothing more than to throw that book across the room and throw you onto the bed.

Of course, he would never actually do that but the thought had crossed his mind a few times.

He huffed through his nose, when he realised he should probably just let it go. He didn't want to upset you, but he wasn't sure how much longer he could wait for you to be finished with work.

His huff had caught your attention and it broke your concentration.

You turned your head and watched as your boyfriend trudged over to the bed. You raised an eyebrow at his odd behaviour, your lip twitching up as you put your elbow over the back of the chair. "Did you seriously just huff?"

"No." He fell onto the bed, keeping his head turned from you. Though that didn't stop you from noticing his left cheek was puffed out a bit.

You couldn't help but giggle when you pieced together why he was being huffy.

You stood up and made your way over to the bed with your hands held behind your back. "Aw~ baby, what's made you so pouty?"

Of course, you already knew why, but you still wanted him to admit to it.

"I'm not pouting.."

"Uh huh." You sang teasingly.

You kneeled onto the bed, reaching over to pet his soft hair. "So you're not pouting because i'm not giving you attention?"

"No."

"So then you don't want to cuddle?"

"...."

You didn't need an answer, his silence said enough. You let out another laugh before laying down on top of him and pressing a kiss to his cheek.

You still had work you wanted to finish tonight but a small break to satisfy your boyfriends need’s wouldn’t kill you. There was no way you could live with yourself if you left your boyfriend alone right now. It was clear he was in some dire need of hugs and kisses.

Luckily for him, you had the cure.

It didn't take a second longer for his arm to encase you in a possessive hug, keeping you warmly pressed against his chest. "Honey, if you want cuddles or kisses you can just ask for them you know? There's no need to pout."

"I told you I wasn't pouting." was he really still denying it?

You giggled again. "Don't be embarrassed, I think it's cute."

His gaze went to the wall, as if to avoid you at all costs. "Are you done trying to tease me?"

"Depends, is it working?" You grinned and tilted your head upwards to be met with his red stained cheeks. You no longer needed him to answer to know that it was.

His expression was so cute, it looked like he was trying to be annoyed but his eyes were giving him away. He was too happy with having you back in his arms to be annoyed.

You leaned up and pressed a kiss to the tip of his nose. "I'd be lying if I said this side of you wasn't sweet though."

"You like seeing me jealous?" He raised an eyebrow.

"Well- when it's over a dumb book? Yes." You snickered.

He stared down at you, his eyes burning into your own. For a moment, you thought he was going to kiss you, but he ended up abruptly turning his head away. These new feelings he had must have really hurt his pride. "I always want your attention.."

"Hmm? What was that?" You leaned in close, your nose brushing against his when you tilted your head so you were back in his field of vision. You didn't want to miss any of these rare expressions. You had to memorise them all while you had the chance!

He pushed your face away from him. "Stop it, I know you heard me." Your playfulness made him smile and for a second you thought your heart had melted.

He had such a nice smile and it always felt more special when you were the cause of it.

He loved how you were able to effortlessly put a smile on his face, something he usually struggled with. You were like the missing piece in his life he had always been looking for. Even hearing your laugh made his lips curl up. It was such a melodic tune to his ears.

Your playfulness had been one of the first things he found so alluring about you. There was just something so endearing about seeing you making everyone around you smile with your cheesy jokes and goofy behaviour. It made you feel like a bright star on a cold dark night.

"I did hear you, but you can't blame me for wanting to indulge in the moment. You're acting like a big softie right now, not that there's anything wrong with that! But don't judge me for taking advantage." You stuck out your tongue only to have your cheeks squished between his two hands.

"Are you sure you want to play this game, love? You know you'll never win."

He was right, you were already blushing at the thought of him teasing you.

Strangely enough, he was pretty good at it. You had been dating for a while now and it seemed as every day passed by shoto was learning more and more about how relationships worked. He was getting comfortable being around you which meant confidence and teasing were following close behind it.

Maybe that was your fault though, maybe he had picked up that habit from you after almost a year of you doing that same thing to him.

He just couldn't seem to get enough of that cute expression you made when he was teasing you about how adorable you are, or the height difference between you two.

He only would ever tease you when the two of you were alone, so it was never too embarrassing.

However, no matter how many times you tried to tell the others about how teasing he could be, they never believed you. Not like you would believe it either. The first time he had done it you had to do a double take, not sure if you had heard him right, so it was understandable everyone else thought you were just joking.

If you were completely honest, you weren’t even sure he knew he was doing it most of the time. He was blunt and sometimes he would say things without giving them a second thought, despite them leaving you a red, hot, mess.

“I don’t need to win, I just need to see you blush.” you replied as you felt his hands grab your own and intertwine your fingers together.

Making him blush was easier said than done.

He wasn't particularly smooth with his words or feelings, but he was still much better at making you blush than you were at making him blush.

In your defense your flirtations usually went over his head. You’d either be met with a blank stare of confusion or he would be correcting you if he had taken what you had said literally. It was actually really cute. Despite him never understanding you'd be a liar if you said you didn't still enjoy his reactions. They just seemed so innocent!

"I don't understand your fascination with making me blush."

"I just think it's cute is all." You kissed his nose before going back to rest on his chest.

You two managed to stay like that for hours, your studying had been temporarily forgotten as you both lay there in a blissful silence.

It was so comfortable, he was warm and you loved being able to rub your face into his chest. Neither of you talked a whole lot, mainly it was just cuddling and relaxing in each other's arms. Which is, honestly, how you preferred it. You didn’t need to fill every silence with conversation, you were able to just relax without things becoming awkward.

After waiting another 30 minutes you realised you should at least try and finish the chapter you were on before passing out for the night.  

You peaked up to see Shoto’s eyes were closed. His steady breathing indicated he was fast asleep and you grinned.

Finally, you could finish that damn work now! It might be late but it would bug you all night if you didn’t finish what you started.

Plus it meant less work to do tomorrow morning.

You slowly and carefully pushed yourself up onto all fours, trying your best not to disturb him as you pulled his arms from around you and placed them down by his sides.

He looked so peaceful.

You couldn’t help but press one last sweet kiss to his cheek before you pushed yourself up.

Though you didn’t make it far. You felt his hand shoot out and grab you by your waist.

You let out a yelp when he pulled you back down onto his chest and rolled over so you were under him with no means of escape.

“Oh! Haha, you’re hilarious!" You groaned sarcastically. "But I still have work to finish.”

You groaned again at the weight on top of you. Trying your best to wiggle out of his tight grip. When you didn’t hear a response you looked up to see his eyes were still closed.

You glared.

“Don’t pretend you didn’t hear me! I know you're awake! I have to finish my work! Get off me you lazy butt!” You began to struggle to push him off of you but he was persistent not to move. His whole weight was leaning down on top of you, keeping you helplessly trapped against the mattress.

After a good few minutes of trying to grab at freedom you eventually sighed and gave up. He was too heavy!

There was just no winning with him today.

“Fine.. I guess I’ll finish my work in the morning.” You muttered, finally giving in.

“Was that so hard?”

“I knew you were awake!! You sneaky little mmph-” You were cut off by the feeling of his lips on yours. “You need sleep anyway, you’ve been working too hard. I promise I’ll help you study in the morning. Just sleep with me right now, I missed you today."

How could you say no to that!? He was just too cute!! Especially when he got sleepy like this. You managed to wiggle out an arm so you could reach up to run your fingers through his locks. You heard him hum in delight, he always did like the feeling of your fingers softly massaging his scalp "Fine. Let's sleep then."

You could see him smile in victory at hearing you had finally given in.

"Goodnight darling, I love you.”

You nuzzled his cheek with your nose and let your eyes flutter shut.

“I love you too.”

[screamingintosilence]

Darling, You're the One I Want

Songfic Writing Challenge Day 9

Paper Rings - Taylor Swift

A/n: we're back, babes! Oof, post vacation has me needing another vacation just to recover

--

She saw Jughead's wince out of the corner of her eye as she unwrapped a brilliant pair of white diamond earrings gifted to her by Veronica. It was so tiny that only someone who spent every day with him and knew him better than he knew himself would have caught it.

“Only the best for my B!” Veronica clapped happily from her perch on Archie's lap. Betty thanked her profusely, getting up to give her a hug, her smile genuine with gratitude to one of her favorite people, but still worrying about Jughead in the back of her mind.

Betty was surrounded by her friends in celebration of her 25th birthday and she felt truly blessed to have all these people in her life.

Toni was sitting with her legs lapped over Cheryl's, the newly engaged - as of last month - Veronica and Archie in their little bubble of joy, Fangs and Kevin curled up next to each other deciding that they are definitely “on” again, and Sweet Pea and Reggie sitting at the kitchen table, being very much Bros and having an arm wrestling contest...again.

And then there was Jughead Jones the third, the love of her life since they were only 15. He was her saving grace as much as she was his. He had recently signed a publishing deal on his book about Jason's murder and the out fall that it caused, a long fought battle that he'd finally won out.

She was so beyond proud of him. She knew all of their friends were, but she had seen him through every long night, every midnight cup of coffee, every frustrated rejection. She had seen the full ten years of this book in the making, and seeing him finally achieve everything he had wanted since he was a little kid writing stories in Archie's treehouse, she knew how much he'd deserved this.

As she opened the next gift Cheryl, a beautiful, white Michael Kors purse, she saw Jughead’s mouth tick as he forced a smile as he abruptly stood, quietly saying that he'd “be right back” and rushed out of the room.

After she hugged her cousin, telling her how much she loved it, and gave it to Veronica to ogle, she followed after her love to their bedroom.

She stood in the doorway, watching him pace back and forth in agitation, biting his thumb nail and running his hand through his hair. She bit her lip in worry.

“Juggie?” His eyes snapped up to her, widening and looking like a cornered animal. “Are you ok, sweetheart? You're worrying me.”

He visibly deflated, reaching out and pulling her towards him, wrapping his much larger frame around her smaller one. Shoving his nose into the strands of her hair, he breathed deeply, letting the smell of her calm and comfort him.

“Jug?” she asked again, her hand stroking up and down his back in assurance that she was there.

He let out a deep sigh, shifting his face so that his cheek rested on the crown of her head.

“Yeah, I'm ok Betts.” She stayed silent, his tone lingering at the end, letting her know that he had more to say. “It's just hard sometimes, ya know? Seeing all the nice things that Veronica and Cheryl can get for you, and you deserve it! Don't get me wrong, you deserve the world and then some, but knowing it's not me that can give it to you? At least, not yet, even with the signing bonus. It's just...it's just so hard and-and I know I'm not handling it with the most grace, but I-I don't know,” he broke off abruptly as if realizing he was rambling.

His arms were tight around her, as if scared she might disappear. She was the very best thing to ever happen to him, his absolute favorite person in the whole world.

“I guess I'm just scared that one day you'll actually wake up and realize that there is someone who can give you all those things, more than I'll ever be able to no matter how many books I publish, and you'll leave me behind.” Betty snorted. “I know, it's crazy, but-”

“Not only is it crazy, it's probably the dumbest thing I have ever heard you say, and I've heard you and Archie play video games.”

“I know, I know. But it's just… I want to marry you Betts. I want to give you this big rock so everyone within a mile can see that you're mine, because it's what you deserve. But it sucks because I want to marry you now and I don't have the ridiculous amount of money for something like that.” Betty pushed him back so he could meet her eyes.

She framed his face between her palms, gently stroking his cheekbones with her thumbs. “Forsythe Pendelton Jones the Third, you listen to me, and you listen good, ok?” He nodded.

“Cheryl and Veronica have a skewed sense of the world and spend money just to spend money, that's what happens when you're an heiress. They don't really have an appreciation for anything less. And yeah, the things they get me are nice and lovely and I like them a lot, but I know that the price of those things barely affects their bank accounts. Knowing how much you toil away and save to get me anything nice is just more to me, especially from you because you're my whole world, Jug.

“And I don't want or need a big rock, good Lord it would be obnoxious.” He laughed at how her nose crinkled at the thought. “Honestly, sweetheart, you could ask me to marry you with a Ring Pop or a paper ring, like the ones we used to make when we were 5, you remember?”

“Yeah,” he chuckled. “You always made the prettiest ones.”

She smiled, “My point being, you can ask me without spending a dime and I would say yes every time, Juggie. I love you and I want to marry you no matter what, ok?” Her green eyes stared into his blue intently.

His gaze held hers, discerning that she was telling him the truth, not that she would ever lie to him. Betty never did with him, their relationship was based 100% honesty. Letting out another sigh, this time of relief, he nodded before pulling her into a passionate kiss.

There was a knocking from the doorway that brought them back to attention that they still had an apartment full of friends and that know wasn't the time to get lost in each other.

“Hey lovebirds, everything ok in here?” Archie inquired, forehead creased in concern for his two best friends.

“Yup!” Betty chimed with a genuine, trademark, Betty Cooper megawatt smile, her hand squeezing Jughead's tightly in continuous reassurance.

“That's great,” he grinned back. “You just have Jug’s present left to open Betty.”

She felt Jug squeeze her hand back, a little too much for just a moment, before relaxing once more into a comforting grip.

She practically skipped out of the room, both boys following in her wake, chuckling at her enthusiasm.

Once back in the living room, Jughead scooped up his present from the coffee table where all the gifts had been gathered, handing it to her with a flourish.

She grinned up at him and wasted no time ripping through the wrapping paper. She got through the tape securing the flaps of the cardboard box together with minor difficulty, only to be met with an explosion of tinsel hiding whatever was in the box from her gaze.

“Really, Juggie?” She gave him a sidelong glace of faked annoyance as their friends laughed. He smirked in response, nodding at her to continue.

“This is going to be a bitch to clean up,” she quipped, throwing handfuls of the glittery strands onto the floor, searching for whatever it is he had hidden in the depths of cardboard.

Her hand wrapped around a small velvet box and she froze, the room going quiet as her eyes grew wide. She couldn't move her hand from still inside the cardboard box, her mind racing, realizing what it was.

“Betts?” Jughead's voice wobbled in slight concern. Her eyes snapped up, reaching his equally as wide eyes, taking in his stance in front of her - one knee on the ground, the other bent.

His hand reached into where hers still was frozen, taking the box from her grasp and pulling it out so all their friends could see. Her eyes never left his as she still was trying to figure out how to breathe.

“Elizabeth Cooper, baby, Betty, Betts. You're my everything. Everything good in my life is because of you, because you fought for me and made it that way. You make me the best possible version of myself, I couldn’t be me without you. I-”

Her brain and her breathing had finally caught up to where she needed them to be, comprehending just what was happening before she launched herself at him, cutting off the rest of his speech as she tackled him to the ground.

“Oof, Betts, I-”

“Yes! Yes yes yes yes yes, a million, billion, trillion times yes!” She pressed her lips his hurriedly, her tongue seeking entrance into his mouth, only vaguely registering all their friends cheering, wolf whistling, and squealing (which distinctly sounded like it came from Reggie).

“You didn't even let me finish!” Jughead laughed, pulling back from her.

“I don't care!” She was sure her face could power Manhattan from how brightly she was smiling. “You can finish it later, I'm just… Oh my god, I'm engaged! I love you so much,” she pressed her lips to his once more, trying to deepen it before he gently pushed her back.

He chuckled at her furrowed brow at his rejection. “Don't you want to see your ring, sweetheart?” He popped the lid of the velvet black box that had stayed securely in his grasp through the altercation, displaying a beautiful thin gold band, with a single brilliant white diamond. Simple, delicate, elegant - Betty in every way.

“I know it's no paper ring,” he ribbed.

“You know I usually hate the word, but it's perfect, Juggie. Even I couldn't make a paper ring this good,” she laughed as he slipped the cool metal onto her left ring finger.

She gazed at it lovingly, watching the facets catch the light, before pulling her fiance in for another kiss, loving just how right the weight felt on her hand.

[haddonfieldproject]

<<PREVIOUS⏺<<CONTENTS>>

CHAPTER TWO: ALL SAINTS DAY

1.2.1 WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 29th, 6:04pm PT‬

Woodsboro, California

‪

“Okay, let's see what we have here,” Ophelia Tate said, pulling a plastic clipboard from the little cubby beside the door and looking at the chart that was affixed to it. She skimmed over it and then looked up at her young patient. On the hospital bed, sitting atop the clean white paper, was a short and skinny little brunette girl, with big square glasses and a red beanie cap that made her look a lot like Velma from Scooby Doo. Just under the cap on her left eyebrow she was holding an ice pack, wrapped in a towel soaked in blood.

“It says here you fell and hit your head on a water heater?” Ophelia asked her, pulling the little rolling stool out from under the cabinets on the far side of the room and seating herself upon it.

“Yeah,” the girl sighed, showing a row of silver braces. “I know...I'm such a klutz”.

Ophelia looked again at the clipboard. “Yasmin? Did I say it right.” Ophelia made sure she pronounced the “Y” like a “J”, the girl did look Hispanic.

Yasmin smiled, “First one today.”

Ophelia tossed the clipboard on the bed next to her patient and pulled some latex gloves out of her smock. “Excellent. Let's have a look!”

The young girl withdrew the towel containing the ice pack and a spurt of blood shot out passed Ophelia's face, sprinkling the tile behind her.

“Whoa!” Ophelia gasped and reached over and grabbed the girl's hand with the towel in hers and pressed it back onto her eye. “Let's keep that on there shall we!”

Yasmin swooned.

“Breathe,” Ophelia said looking at her. “You look pale...are you gonna pass out?”

“I don't know,” Yasmin stuttered, “Maybe.”

“Well don't,” Ophelia smiled, “It's my last night of work here in this place and I don't want to be spending it picking you back up off the floor.”

Yasmin smiled. “I'm okay...I think.”

“I'll get you a cup of water and Jennifer, our nurse, is gonna come in here and butterfly that. Then we'll wait and see if it can close a little bit. Then we'll decide it we have to use stitches or glue.”

“Oh please glue! I don't want stitches.” Yasmin cried.

Ophelia grabbed the clipboard and began writing. “Well, I'll tell you this,” she said while she scrawled, “Glue is much easier, but it doesn't heal as well. Sometimes...a lot of times...the scar ends up jagged where the glue held better in some parts than others.” She looked up, “And where it is on your eyebrow...it might make your eyebrow look crooked. If you let us stitch it, it can heal up in a few months and you'll probably not even be able to tell it was ever there.”

Yasmin's shoulders dropped. “Then stitches.”

Ophelia folded the clipboard in her arms, hugging it to her chest. “Are you sure?”

“Hell yeah,” Yasmin exclaimed, “I have senior pictures next year. A crooked eyebrow on a guy is cute...a crooked eyebrow on a girl is the difference between a rich husband who takes you on a honeymoon to Barbados, and Joe MBA who takes you to Miami.”

Ophelia frowned, “I like Miami.”

Yasmin gave her a look and they both laughed.

“My question is how the hell you smacked your head on the water-heater?” Ophelia asked.

Yasmin rolled her eyes, “On Wednesday nights I ride the school-bus to my church for youth group after school. We basically just hang out and play games down in the church basement and...well, this guy Juan Menendez..we were...I don't know...chasing each other or something and I tripped over the leg of the ping-pong table and fell...right in to the water heater.”

Ophelia grimaced, “Ouch...right in front of him?”

Yasmin grimaced back, “Yeah....I know...so embarrassing”

“What did Juan do?” Ophelia asked.

Yasmin smiled and closed her eyes dreamily. “He got me this towel...and this ice...and he picked me up off the floor and put me on the ping pong table.”

“Is he the cute guy in the waiting room with the blue shirt and white shorts and the gold necklace?” Ophelia asked.

“No way, he's here?!” Yasmin dropped the rag, sending another spurt of blood that just missed Ophelia's smock.

“Whoa! Keep that on there,” Ophelia said laughing. “I'll go tell Jennifer you want the stitches.”

“Aren't you going to do it? I like you,” Yasmin said pleadingly.

“Sorry kid. My time at Woodsboro Family Medical Center has come to an end. Actually ten minutes ago. I'm transferring to a new hospital in Illinois and I got to get out of here and get on the road.”

“Illinois? What's in Illinois?” Yasmin grimaced again.

Ophelia plopped the clipboard back in it's spot. “Lots of corn I hear.” She snapped off her gloves and stomped the pedal on the stainless steel trashcan by the door and dropped them in.

She headed down the hall and turned to the left toward the break room. The annex area there was empty, which was odd because usually there was at least one nurse at the nurses station. She had her purse in her locker to get and she knew she had at least one frozen meal in the staff room freezer to throw away. She hated when people left their food behind and she didn't want to be one of those people. To her surprise, there wasn't anything in the staff room freezer, so she shrugged, pulled her purse out of her locker and turned to walk out the door, feeling strange that there was no one around to say bye to or have wish her luck. Just then, Dr. Holmes, a young Chinese girl who had been Dr. Yang a month ago before she married a nice plastic surgeon from Cloverdale, popped into the door, making Ophelia jump.

“Oh...sorry Dr. Tate,” she said.

“Jesus Yang you scared the shit out of me,” Ophelia still hadn't gotten used to calling her Homes. Usually Holmes corrected her...and everyone else who made the mistake, but this time she didn't.

“Dr. Shaw wants to see you in the conference room, he has some forms you need to sign before you leave.”

Ophelia groaned, “Really?! I have to get out on the road.”

Holmes shrugged.

Ophelia followed the young Dr. Holmes out of the break-room, passed a pair of restrooms and a supply closet to the conference room. The door was shut, which was odd, and even odder was the fact that Dr. Homes stepped out of the way to allow Ophelia to open the door. Ophelia frowned and pushed the handle.

“SURPRISE!!!”

The room was full of doctors and nurses, as well as balloons and streamers. On the giant mahogany conference table was a large cake, upon which was written: GOOD LUCK DR. TATE! There were also various fruit and vegetable trays and a pitcher of what looked like pink lemonade. Her husband stood there too in one of his ridiculous sweater vests that Ophelia had asked him over and over again not to wear, smiling at her from ear to ear. In the corner, sprawled out on a couple of chairs was their son Damon, but he was wrapped up in his smartphone and didn't look up. In front of him was the small TV on which there was a baseball game.

“Oh my gosh,” Ophelia put her hands to her cheeks, “You really got me..I never expected this.”

Dr. Shaw was an older gentlemen, and he was standing next to Ophelia's husband Jack. He came around the table and embraced her, kissing her cheek, “Well you should have my dear. You've been part of the team for so long, you don't think we would send you away without some kind of celebration?”

Ophelia's husband Jack approached her next and and leaned in to kiss her. Ophelia turned her head and offered him her cheek. “Surprise,” he said quietly.

“You know I hate surprises,” she said under her breath through her teeth.

“Smile and fake it,” he answered.

“That's what I'm doing,” she replied, “I thought we had to get on the road.”

“I budgeted time for this,” he answered.

Dr. Holmes/Yang came up next and hugged her. “I was convincing?” She asked.

“Yes,” Ophelia smiled, “You were very convincing.”

Ophelia's best workmate Tonya, a big beautiful black woman in pink scrubs came up next. She squealed like a middle school girl at a slumber party and hugged Ophelia's neck. “Oooooohhh gurl...I am gonna miss yooooouuu!”

Ophelia laughed and said, “I know girl...I came out of 7 and looked at the nurses station and was like, 'Where the hell is everybody?'.”

“That should have been your first clue,” said Dr. Thomas. He was a tall, sexy, black doctor who had only been working at Woodsboro Family Medical long enough to make Jack Tate insanely jealous. The young doctor stuck out his very large hand, Ophelia took it.

“Where are you going exactly?” He asked.

“I have position waiting for me as the Chief of Medicine for a small town hospital in Illinois.” Ophelia replied, moving around the table and grabbing one of the small plates on the table. She held it up to Tonya. It read: HAPPY BIRTHDAY

Tonya waved her hand and laughed, “They was the only ones we had gurl!”

Ophelia smiled and grabbed the cake cutter, carving a wedge in between the last T and the E in her last name on the face of the cake.

“Really,” Thomas said, “I grew up in Springfield, what part of Illinois?”

“It's called Haddonfield,” Ophelia said plopping the cake on her plate.

“Never heard of it,” Thomas said.

“Where is the damn remote for this TV, we need the sound on.” Dr. Shaw grumbled.

“It's right here,” Damon held it up without looking up from his phone.

“Un-mute it son,” his father said.

“Isn't this Game Six?” Thomas asked.

“Yeah,” Shaw said, “It's been a hell of a series...as a doctor I've been very thankful for my DVR.”

They all laughed.

🎃

1.2.2 PRESENTLY—SATURDAY NOVEMBER 1st 2:04 AM

Interstate 70 near Booneville, Missouri

‪

Ophelia sat up straight in her seat and looked out of the windshield. She couldn't see anything but rain. She looked over at Jack who was sitting straight up in his seat also, squinting hard, his head leaning so far over the steering wheel as he drove that his forehead was mere centimeters away from the glass.

Ophelia stretched, “Where the hell are we now?” She asked.

“Somewhere in the middle of Missouri,” he said, not taking his eyes off the road.

“God it's raining hard,” she exclaimed. She pulled her phone out from the center console and disconnected the charger cord. She looked at the time. “When are we supposed to be there.”

“I expected to be close by now,” he said, “but with this damn storm, I can't go anymore than 40. It will be closer to sunrise now.”

“How long has it been storming?” Ophelia asked, pulling up her weather app.

“Since we got into Oklahoma,” he said.

Her radar was completely red, and there was scrolling banner on the top of the screen. “Says this area is under a tornado watch,” she said.

“This is the worst storm I've ever seen,” Jack grouched.

“You've lived in California your whole life,” Ophelia laughed and opened up her social media page. There were no notifications, everyone she knew was either at work or asleep right now. She looked at the dashboard. “I can't believe this old piece of junk made it!” She said.

“This baby will never die!” Jack exclaimed, for the first time taking his eyes off the road and smiling at his wife.

“Not if we keep dumping all of our money into it,” Ophelia rolled her eyes. “I'm going to miss my Mazda,” she pouted.

“I told you,” Jack replied, “As soon as we get our feet wet in Haddonfield, we'll buy you a new car.”

“I think you should trade this in,” Ophelia grumbled, putting down her phone, “You're not going to need a car sitting at home writing a book.”

“Never!” Jack said smiling, holding up a clenched fist.

Ophelia looked in the backseat. Damon was sleeping, his bluetooth earbuds still in his ears.

Jack saw that she was looking at him and looked at her. “What?” he asked.

“Nothing,” Ophelia waved, “watch the road.”

She looked at their son a little longer and then finally turned back around and closed her eyes. “I just hope we're doing the right thing.” She said quietly.

“Of course we are,” he said, “trust me, this is going to be a great plan.”

“Yeah yeah,” Ophelia yawned, “You have a plan for everything.”

Jack ignored her snide comment, “I'm thinking about stopping off at a truck stop to take showers before we get in to the town. The sun will probably be up by the time we get there if this rain holds up and we might be able to check out the hospital. Then we can just sleep the rest of the day before we unpack everything on Sunday.”

Ophelia nodded, “If it's all part of the plan...” she said sarcastically.

“Oh shit!” Jack breathed as the car hit a puddle and hydroplaned for a second or two.

“Please don't kill us,” Ophelia said quietly, without opening her eyes. It was better that way.

NEXT>>

[jinxthequeergirl]

Match maker

Steve Harrington x hopper! Reader

Summary: you take Steve with you to see a friend of your dads and get some information he's asked for, while there things take a turn.

Warning:swearing

~~~~~~~

"You could've changed before this." you said pushing yourself off the car. "You didn't exactly give me time now did you?" you rolled your eyes and tossed the car keys to him as he pulled his sailor hat off.

"Let's go Harrington it's a long way from here to Illinoise." you slid across the hood of the car and hopped into the passenger side.

"So what are we driving three hours to Illinoisie for?" he started the car and pulled right out of the star court parking lot and headed to your destination.

"Dad said he needs something from this guy...Murray something."

He glanced over to you confused quickly catching a glimps of you with your stupid pair of red heart shaped sunglasses, he had won for you at the homecoming festival, that was the first time he was without Nancy and the first time you decided to actually try and become friends with him. That day went well considering you where now best friends.

Your hand out the window riding the breeze, your head leaned back against the seat and legs kicked up on the dash. "What?" you questioned him pushing your sunglasses down a bit. "What?" he reapeted. "You keep glancing over."

"Nothing...nothing I'm just suprised your dad actually has friends." You laughed hitting his arm lightly and sitting up.

"Your and idiot harrington."

"Ah but only a dumbass you have an idiot drive them three fucking hours to meet some guy."

"Ooh you got me!" You said sarcastically finally shoving a cassett tape, you had johnathan make for you a while back, into the speakers and turning it up up In hearing the first song. "C'mon seriously?"

You grinned and did a little dance in your seat only stopping to sing along loudly. "I WANT TO BREAK FREE! I WANT TO BREAK FREEEE!"

He rolled his eyes and did his best to ignore what was happening beside him.

"I WANT TO BREAK FREE FROM YOUR LIES YOUR SO SELF SATISFIED!"

You poked his arm with each word you sang earning a grin from him as he swatted you away and turned it down.

"Oh come on you love this song!"

"YOU love this song!" he corrected.

"We love this song." you said turning it up. He only smiled and allowed you to sing along. As the first hour went by he noticed a lot of the songs that played where song you both loved and off ten bonded over, and after the first hour you stopped to grab food sitting on the hood of the car outside the kfc talking and watching the Sun slowly set before hopping back into the car.

In hour two you had played a series of road trip games before taking a nap currled up in the seat and in his jacket. By hour three you where wide awake shinning a flashlight down at the map in you lap, reading out loud the directions your father had scribbled across the it.

You finally pulled up through a rusty old fence and looked at the building ahead. "This the place?" you checked the paper with the adress and information you needed to get on it. "Yea...this is it." you clicked the flash light of the same time Steve stoped the car and the headlights blinked out. You both leaned forward looking out the window.

You looked at each other before looking back out. "Any chance this was a set up and your dad is trying to kill us?"

You snorted. "Possable." You looked at him. "Ready?"

He shrugged and followed you out of the car to the front door. You ringed the buzzer and waited, shoving your hands in the pockets of Steve's jacket you had thrown on after your nap.

"How are you? What do you want?" you both jumped at the voice but quickly responded. "Uhh...my...my Dad Jim hopper sent me?...He needs you help with some stuff on this list..."

"Who's with you?"

"Uh my friend Steve."

"Look at the camera." Steve looked at what he assumed was the cameta and you looked up at the actual camera. "The camera duffus!" you poked Steve with your elbow and he quickly followed your gaze.

Everything went scilent for a moment.

"What happened? Should we go or?..." just as Steve said that the door swung open starttaling you causing you to instinctively grab Steve's arm.

You both came face to face with your fathers friend. Steve leaned down to you, still wrapped around his arm. "See now it makes sense!" you giggled lightly letting go. "Uh murray Bauman?"

"Yes! Now come inside! Don't just stand there!" you stepped inside first followed by Steve. "Wow..." you muttered once you where inside. The place was a mess But a lot bigger than what you thought.

Murray stopped in front of both of you getting a good look. "You look a lot like your father I must say, what does he need?"

"Oh right everything...everything on this list..." you pulled the paper from Steve's coat pocket and handed it to him.

He scanned it while both you and steve stood there anxiously. "Mhm alright I'll have everything by morning!"

"What?...mor...morning?"

"Yes! It'll give me time to get everything plus I highly doubt your father would want you driving so late, sit both of you!"

You both did so and he sat across from you. "The hell with that!"

Murray smiled. "You have his temper to. You made a series of noises in disbelief before scowling and shutting up. Steve chuckled lightly beside you and slapped his arm.

"Can I offer you two anything to drink? Something to lighten the mood? Relax yourselfs after a long afternoon on the road. "Just whatever." you shrugged.

He got up and headed to the kitchen. "So tell me what's the deal with you two? How long have you been together- No don't tell me let me guess." you and steve shared a wide eyes look before turning around on the sofa to face him.

"We...we aren't...she's not my...she's Just..."

"Friends!" you blurted out finishing Steve's thought. "Thanks."

"No problem."

Murray rolled his eyes. "This again? Ugh what is it with teenagers denying there felling for eachother. He came back handing you both a glass.

"I'm sorry hang on, a lot to unpack right here. One we do not have felling for each other so jot that down. He's my best friend what would make you think that?, two How often are teenagers visiting you to the point you can even say "this again?"

Murray leaned in and stared at the both of you. "Let me see...What would make me think that....Well for starters that jacket isn't your's far to big but to small to be your dads so obviously it belongs to the only other person with you, second off all you jump to him for safety-"

You open your mouth to protest but he stops you. "Yea I saw that...the little hits and playfull pushing you two share anything just to be able to touch eachother, c'mon..." Murray stopped and snapped his fingers at steve waiting for a name.

"Steve...it's Steve." he said.

"Right Steve, you like her, she's funny, cool, likes what you like has been there for you. Y/n you like steve...of course you do! Look at him!" you looked at him and quickly turned away feeling your face go hot instantly.

"See Now you can't even look at each other." you took a large gulp of your drink instantly wincing after swallowing. "Vodka?" Murray shrugged and did the same.

"Too answer your other question. Two kids where here a year or so ago Nancy and johnathan..."

"Nancy wheeler?...and johnathan byers?" Steve asked glancing over to you catching sight of you quickly taking his jacket off and leaving it in a heap on the couch.

"Yea something like that, Why?"

"Nancy used to date Steve...and...and johnathan is a friend." Murray looked shocked. "So your STEVE Steve...well now it makes even more sense..."

"What does?" you scoffed still refusing to look at Steve. So instead you looked at your shoes, or your hands. Anything was more intresting than the boy next to you. Steve frowned noticing it.

"Well, y/n before Nancy and steve broke up who was your best friend?"

"Johnathan byers." you responded quickly. "And how did you fell about Steve then?"

You though for a moment really thought. Not that you knew why it was so hard for you to say it, he knew how you felt. Still you felt like you where hurting him or something.

"I...I hated him..." you said slowly and softly."

"Right excellent! Steve go! How did you feel about y/n?"

"I mean..." he stopped looking at you, unlike you he had never explained how he felt about you before breaking up. And just as he thought about it you sat up realising this.

You looked at him now intruged. "Yea Harrington...how DID you feel about me?"

Steve's eyes darted between you and Murray nervously. "I...well...I didn't really know you exsisted?...and then I...I did...and..." he trailed off looking at the slight sadness in your face.

"Don't know what I expected from the hair himself." You sneered turning back to Murray. "What's your point in all this?"

"My point my blind fellows is that I've figured out your stories!" he said leaning back. "Now correct me if I'm wrong but, You hate Steve for many obvious reasons maybe he did something to you or johnathan...I Don't know nor do I care...anyways at some point johnathan stops hanging out with you and leaves you for Nancy same with Steve. Neither of you understand why and in some act to get answers you two end up stuck together, while together y/n here sees why perhaps Steve Harrington isn't such a bad guy, and your heart swells a little at just the thought of giving him a chance. Finllay in an act of pitty and sorrow you give him that chance and Steve's heart jumps! Because "wow this girl! How could I have been so blind!" and the more time you spend with each other, you start picking up on little thing each one does and slowly start falling in love but keep telling yourselves "no this is just what good real friendship feels like!" now did I miss any thing?"

You and steve both sat back staring at him with a blank expression. You brought your glass up to your mouth and downed whatever was left in it.

"That's what I thought. There is a bed in that room, along with some extra clothes, at the end of the hall and this couch pulls out. Its up to you how you sleep, good night!"

You both sat there in uncomfortable scilents as he left the room. "I..." Steve cleared this throat and turned to you. "I can..can take the couch. You've had a long day..."

You nodded. "Sure...sure...I Just need..to call my dad..." you quickly got up and shuffled down the hall to the phone. Steve let out a frustrated groan and threw his head back.

"Hey dad...no, yea we made it fine...listen he said he won't have everything till morning...so me and steve will...what?...dad no! Steve has the pull out sofa!...yea ok love you.." you hung up with a sigh and turned to see Steve at the end of the hall.

"Listen we aren't gonna let this guy get to us right? I mean who knows us better than us!" you smiled. "Right."

"And we know we Don't have feelings for eachother!"

"Yea!"

"So why are we freaked out by this?"

"I Don't know." you chuckled leaning against the wall. "Good...ok So we forget about this whole thing, sleep and go home!"

"Ok...sounds Good...night Harrington." You turned to open the door but stopped.

"We don't have feeling for each other right?" you asked seeing him still standing there. "I...uh...no?..." he said more as a question. "I mean he was right when he said I think your Pratt,smart and funny....cool..." you smiled and stepped towards him.

"Shit, why are we pretending?God why an I pretending? The only reason I hated you was because, yea you where an ass and after we became friend's I really did think thoese feeling where gone but obvi- "

"Yea, sure, whatever." he said inturuping you and then kissing you. You kissed back with just as much passion, wrapping your arms around his neck. "Maybe I Don't have to sleep on that sofa..." you laughed leaning up to kiss him again. "No funny bussnies Harrington." You said finally pushing the door open. "No I promise." he said grinning and scooping you up in his arms. You yelped as he did so but laughed eminently after.

"Rise and shine love birds!" you winced at the light murray and turned on and burried yourself into Steve's chest. "Five more minutes, dad..." You mumbled as Steve sighed and moved his arm to wrap around you.

"Mhm nope get up I was kind enough to make breakfast, now hurry it's getting cold!" you groaned throwing his arm of of you and climbing out of bed.

After breakfast murray presnted you with a large stack of everything you dad had asked for. "Thank you so much!" you said after climbing into the car. "Not a problem tell jim I say hello!"

You smiled and waved as Steve drove off heading home for Hawkins. "Maybe when we get home I can take you to a movie tonight?"

You smiled. "Well we already kissed so I think it's safe to skip the formality of a first date."

"C'mon I'm just trying to be a gentlemen!"

You laughed. "I'll be outside of scoops at seven OK?"

[leelee10898]

Born to Love you: There she goes. (2/?)

Leo & Alicia

This is from the cgw (Cordonians gone wild) universe. A collaborative AU effort by @ao719 @speedyoperarascalparty @cocomaxley @riseandshinelittleblossom and myself.

If you haven't read the OG when Leo met Alicia, I suggest you do so . This takes place the moments between some of the eventa and situations mentioned. Read it HERE

Leo laid in bed, tossing and turning. The night playing over and over in his mind. Her smile, those big brown eyes, her laugh, from the moment he saw her it was like time stopped it was an odd feeling to him. sure he had been attracted to many women, he wasn't dubbed the playboy prince for nothing, but this was different.  He wasn't sure what to think, but one thing he was sure of was the need to see her again, to hang out with her and lucky for him, she was staying in the palace for the next 2 months.

“Anything I can help with?” Liam eyed him suspiciously “you want to help? You hated this stuff, that's why you abdicated.”

The next morning he got up, his mind going a mile a minute. Thinking of ways to spend some time with her. He showered, dressed and headed to Liams office. “Hello little brother, what's on the agenda today?” Leo flopped down on the couch, resting his feet on the desk. “Several proposals to look over, a meeting with the zoning committee for a new park and dinner with Anitah.” Liam nudged his feet off the desk.

“No, I don't mind helping Liam. And we all know i abdicated so I didn't have to marry Madeline.” Leo shot him that cocky grin. Liam shook his head and smiled “touche.” He rubbed his chin sitting back in his chair. “Ok Leo, if you are serious I could use an extra set of eyes and hands on these. Aside from our father you have had the same training as I so I trust you to help.”

Leo poured over the papers with Liam, pointing out several things that should be negotiated to better benefit the country. Liam was happy to have the help, it meant getting to dinner on time, and Anitah would be happy.

“So dinner huh? Is it just you and Anitah?” Leo nonchalantly asked.

“There it is. Leo I warned you stay away, she has a boyfriend. And she's Anitah's best friend.”

Liam tossed his pen on the desk.

“Had. She had a boyfriend,  she's single. And i'm not doing anything. She seems like a fun girl, I'd like to get to know her better.. as Friends, dad!”

Liam let out a long sigh. “Yes, she will be there. I'm assuming you want to join us?”

Leo shook his head “Don't mind if I do.”

“Leo im serious, she's not like these girls at court. She doesn't care about titles or wealth. If you hurt her Anitah will kill you. And then me.”

Leo put his hand up in the air “Let me stop you there Li. I am wanting to hang out with her, to have fun. I said nothing about getting into her pants.”

Liam shook his head standing as they walked out of the study.  “This has disaster written all over it. We leave at 6.”

Liam made reservations at the best restaurant in the capital. They lead them quickly to a private dining room, secluded from the other diners. “Allow me.” Leo  pulled her chair out. “Thank you.” she grinned as he took a seat next to her. Liam doing the same for Anitah.

“So Alicia. how are you enjoying Cordonia?” Liam asked.

“Well, its beautiful from what I've seen. But i have seen the airport, and some of the capital.”  she giggled. “I can show you around, if you'd like. I know many secret spots that aren't on any of the tourist list.” Leo smirked. Liam gave him a pointed look “Really? That would be great. Can we go tomorrow?”

“I don't see why not.” Leo grinned.

They spent the dinner talking laughing and joking. Leo and Liam spilling embarrassing stories from growing up.

Anitah and Alicia crying from laughing so hard. Leo had told them a story from when Liam had just turned 7 Leo had just turned 13 and they were in hawaii for his birthday.  There was a chocolate bar in the hotel and Both boys snuck over sneaking treats. Leo found a lizard on a windowsill, he picked it up and put it on Liam's back. Liam freaked out and crashed into the table,  sending a whole vat of chocolate across the room landing right on Constantine.

“I will forget the look on his face.” Leo sighed as he wiped a stray tear from his eye from laughing so hard.

“How pissed was your dad?” Anitah said through laughter.

“Very, he grounded us for a month.”

“Yeah, that was around the time I started sneaking out with Damien.” Leo leaned forward forking a chunk of chocolate cake he began lifting it as Alicia leaned down, taking it off the spoon. His jaw hung open on shock. “Gotta be quicker than that Rhys.” She winked and smirked. “She just. She just ate my cake, of my fork.”

“You can't leave chocolate cake around her Leo.” Anitah laughed.

Alicia scooped a spoonful of her chocolate mousse lifting it to her mouth, just before she reached her lips Leo leaned in his mouth inches from hers as he ate it off the spoon. He leaned back. “Two can play that game.” He gave her his signature smirk and sat back in his chair.

“Ok, ok. It's your turn the two of you.” Leo pointed at the two.

“Us?” they said simultaneously.

“Yes, you two. Time to spill some embarrassing situations. We've been doing it all night, it's only fair.”

Liam looked to Leo, and the two women.  “He has a point love, it's only fair. However we don't have time here.”

“So we go back to my quarters, have a few drinks and continue this party.” the 3 nodded in agreement and they headed towards the exit.

They walked out Liam with his arm around Anitahs waist. Leo walking next to Alicia. a huge grin on his face just as they were bombarded by flashes. The security detail held them off as Bastien hurried them to the waiting car. They slid and and speed away. Leo turned to Alicia. “pull out your phone and delete all of your social media, now!”

“What? Why?” Alicia looked at him confused.

“Alicia, he's serious do it now.”

“those photos they took, will be in all the tabloids and papers tomorrow morning. Their websites by midnight. They will find out who you are and your entire personal life will be at the fingertips of any person in this country.”

“He's not lying, when Anitah came here she had to do the same, until we were able to go in and make all of her accounts private.” Liam spoke sympathetically.

“Ok, fine. You mean everything?”

“Yes.” all 3 said at the same time.

Alicia went through deactivating all of her social media accounts. They pulled up to the palace Anitah and Alicia going to change, Liam and Leo heading to Leos quarters waiting on the girls.  

“So, what do you think the headlines are going to be?” Leo leaned against the table, taking a swig of his scotch.

Liam let out a sigh “Oh probably something about a double date. They don't often catch you out with a woman. And you were with Anitah and I.”  

“You're probably right. They are going to have a field day with this.”

“She's Anita's best friend, and here for two months. It was only a matter of time before they got to her. Anitah was warned about this, we should have debriefed Alicia.”

Leo snorted “Well, its done. They should be back any minute, lets not let this ruin our night.”

As if on cue Anitah and Alicia walked in. Anitah holding a bottle of jagermeister, Alicia a few cans of redbull. “We thought we could spice up this party a little bit.” Anitah grinned.

“Where did you get that? Liam tilted his head.

“The bar in the ballroom.”

She sat the bottle down on the kitchen counter and went over to Liam wrapping her arms around him.

“where's your shot glasses?” Alicia called over to Leo. He walked over to the dry bar pulling 4 out.

He watched as Alicia poured the dark liquor into the shot glasses. Filling each cup with redbull. “You ever have one of these?” he nodded his head. “Yup. Liam on the other hand, I don't think so.”

“well, this ought to be good then.” She giggled as she called Liam and anitah over.

“What do we do with this?” Liam questioned.

“Lets show him Nitah.” Alicia winked as the two dropped their shots into the cup of redbull and drank it down quickly.

“Fuck that's good.” Alicia whooped.

“Hell yeah, let's do another one.” Anitah high fived her. Leo and liam both shared a look and drank theirs down. A few drinks and shots later they were all laughing hysterically.

“Ok ok. What about the time I got pulled over going the wrong way, down a one way street.” Anitah giggled.  “Oh my god, yes when we left that party. Dude we were so wasted. I don't even know how you drove.”

“Anitah, seriously?” she waived him off.

“So did you get out of it?” Leo grinned.

“mmhmm, the cop that pulled us over took my license and seen my address.  He asked us what highschool we went to. Turns out his niece went there too and we were actually friends with her. He let us go.”

“Yeah after he told you to let someone else drive.” Alicia snorted, Anitah slapped her leg.

“oooh what about the time we snuck out to see nsync at the beach?”

Anita's face blushed bright red. “NO. Alicia.”

“Nope, spill Alicia. I want to know what kind of trouble my soon to be Queen was.” liam grinned, feeling tipsy.

“Well, we were in Atlantic city during summer vacation. Nsync was performing. My parents wouldn't let us go, but we scored tickets.”

Anitah looked at Alicia.  “I hate you so much right now.” She buried her head.

“Oh you act like you're the only one who was embarrassed. Anyway. So we snuck out and met up with a few guys we had met on the beach earlier in the week.” Alicia continued.

“kyle and Chris. They had a car and were hot.” Anitah added in.

" Anita!” Liam shouted giving her a stern look.

“Ok. So the four of us went to the concert. They had a convertible and some mad dog. We got drunk and ended up taking our shirts off down the highway. We pulled into a parking spot and we had a makeout session with the guys.  Only, we were in a parking lot of a casino.”

“Anitah! Seriously?” Liam shook his head, face reddening.

“oh god. Anitah buried her face even deeper.

“so. Clothing was coming off, things were heating up when we heard someone shout our names. Turns out my parents date night was at that casino and they were parked right in front of us.”

“Oh shit. How much trouble did you get into?” Leo grinned. “Leo!” Liam turned glaring at his brother who was clearly enjoying it.

“Oh that's not even the best part. they forced us out of the car, I tripped over the seatbelt and fell out on the ground,  boobs popping out of my bra. Anitah here, climbed out crying because she was so drunk and puked, all over my dad.”

“Anitah Elizabeth Brooks! That was horrible, irresponsible, reckless behavior.” Liam shook his head “Thank god you've outgrown that.”

Alicia busted out laughing, Anitah shooting her a warning look.

“So what did your parents do?” Leo said grabbing her attention.

“Oh. Well they didn't want to ground us because that would mean someone had to watch us. So, they made us wear full piece kiddie bathing suits the rest of the vacation, and my mom brought us long shorts and baggy tank tops. It was torture.” Alicia snorted.

Anitah placed her hand on Liam's thigh sliding it higher. “Anitah.” He groaned as her hand slid up his leg. “What my king?” she cooed as he leaned in kissing her.

“Im gonna get another drink.” Alicia stood up walking to the kitchen area. “I'll join you.” Leo stood following her. “scotch is gone, so is the jager and vodka.” she assessed the bottles on the counter. “Got anything else?” Leo walked over to the bar pulling out a bottle of gin.

“I can work with this, got any 7up?”

He shook his head “No, but i have a couple cans of lemon lime soda over here. She grabbed the cans tossing a few ice cubes in the glass, adding a few shots of gin, topping it off with some soda. She took a sip as Anita's shirt hit her feet. She looked over to see Anitah straddling Liam on the couch, his hands in her hair. She rolled her eyes. “How about some air?” Leo motioned to the balcony. “Get a room you two.” Leo shouted as he walked Alicia out onto the balcony.

He leaned up against the door frame, watching her as she leaned over the railing, loose strands of hair that fell out of her messy bun blowing in the nights breeze. She wore a pair of loose fitting sweat pants and a tank top, he had only known her for two days but he couldn't help but think how sexy she looked like that. “It's really beautiful, this view.” She broke the silence, looking straight forward. “Yeah, it is.” was he talking about the scenery or her?  He walked up joining her. “I spent most of my time running from here, from what was expected of me. But now.” He paused, looking out into the nights sky.

“Now what?” She turned her head to face him.  “I don't know? It's like, everything feels different. Better almost.”

“Did you really mean it when you said you'd take me out sightseeing tomorrow?”

“Yeah, I figure we get an early start.” She gave him a look. “ Ok semi early start.” he chuckled. “Maybe grab some breakfast.”

“Sounds good. Maybe we should go check on the two horn dogs.” she giggled.

They walked in, no sign of Anitah and Liam except her shirt. “Looks like they got a room.” she nudged him. “wanna watch some Tv?” He asked, not ready for her to leave yet. “Sure, as long as I get to pick.” she giggled running over grabbing the remote as she plopped down on the couch. She flipped through the channels until she found friends. “Ever watch this?” she asked. “a time or two.” He tossed himself down next to her. After a while she had leaned against him, making herself comfortable. Before he knew it she had fallen asleep. He laid her down,  careful not to wake her. He grabbed a blanket and pillow for her, shutting off the tv and went into his room, pulling off his shirt, and putting on a pair of pajama bottoms. He climbed into bed falling instantly asleep.

The next morning he woke up, He opened his eyes to a frock of brown hair in his face, his arm draped around her waist. Stunned as to how, or when she got there. He had left her on the couch, what was she doing in bed, with him. He carefully slid his arm off of her, she started to stir and then she rolled over. Her big Brown eyes locked on his bright blues. “Ah, good morning.” He cautiously said, not sure how she would react. She blinked a few times “Morning. How did, um what am I doing in your bed?”

“Good question.” He chuckled. “You fell asleep on the couch, I put a blanket over you and came in here. And I woke up, there you were.” they got out of the bed, and made their way to the kitchen Leo brewed a some coffee.

“I really don't know how I Ended up in your bed. I remember getting up to use the bathroom, and.” Her hand flew up over her face. “Oh god, I thought I was home, so I climbed into your bed. I am so sorry.”

“No, its ok I don't mind.” she gave him a questioning look. “not that I wanted to sleep with you. No, that came out wrong. I um, it was ok that you did, I just didn't want you to think I was trying to take advantage of you,  that's all.” He stumbled over his words smooth, real smooth Leo,  now she's going to think you're a creep.  “I don't think you'd take advantage of me. I climbed into your bed on my own." She gave him a look.

What was that look for? What did she mean by that? Did she want him to make a move, he was good at reading people, but when it came to her, his mind was cloudy.

A knock came at the door, Liam walked in. “papers are here, they think you're dating.”

Liam stopped dead in his tracks seeing Alicia sitting at the kitchen table. His head snapped over to Leo, anger written all over his face. “I didn't know you were still here Alicia. I wasn't interrupting anything was I?”

“Nope. I passed out on the couch.” liam took notice of the blanket and pillow. “I'm going to go shower and change, see you in about an hour?”

Leo nodded his head as she walked out.

“You're playing with fire here Leo. And she's the one whos going to get burned.” He tossed the papers on the table and left.

Tag: @annekebbphotography @carabeth @moneyfordiamonds @give-me-ernest-sinclaire @3pawandme @indiacater @ooo-barff-ooo @ownworldresident @tornbetween2loves @perfectprofessorherokid @stopforamoment @editboutique @wannabemc2 @zaffrenotes @enmchoices @lauradowning29 @lodberg @smalltalk88 @gibbles82 @heatherfilliez @drakesensworld @nikkis1983 @sweetest-marbear @classylady1234 @daniv2278 @jlouise88 @jared2612 @liamxs-world @notoriouscs @blubutterflyy @captain-kingliamsqueen @whenyourheartskipsabeat @lynne1993 @coldcollectornight08 @be-still-my-aching-heart @dcbbw

@kennaxval @hopefulmoonobject

[i-did-something-swiftie13]

Taylor has always inspired me. Since I've heard Tim McGraw on the radio, than I would go home and watch it on Comcast music video selection part. I have bought each album (except her debut album) within the first 24 hours. I remember going and buying Taylor Swift and listening to it on Repeat.. cold as you will always be my song on that album. I remember Fearless, I dont remember buying this, but I remember the songs and wanting to be kissed like the girl in Fearless. And remember the way I felt in The Way I Loved You.I had been in a relationship since 2006, so I rememeber these feelings with my dude. I wasn't sure if he and I were going to make it. Even when he drove me crazy. I couldnt stop listening to Story of Us, and thinking about my failing relationships at that time. My relationship made it through. (13 years strong as of now)

Speak Now, what I remember of this era is finally getting to see you live. (Picture above) We had gone to Speak Now together, and she was about 9? And I remember walking into the Stadium and her going is Taylor Swift alive? And saying yes and she was so excited. I have no idea why she at 9 thought she was no longer with us? Seeing you do Love Story on that flying balcony, i remember you WALKING through your crowd of fans, thinking one day I'll be down there for that. I remember the girls beside me with some type of signs saying they were hoping Mama Swift was around so they could get picked to met @taylorswift. I think that was when I KNEW, that this was gonna be forever. I was swiftie breed and born. How could someone with some much talent, want to meet her fans... FOR FREE! Than I remember being dead broke for the Red Album but knowing it was coming out and saving up a dollar here and there. I mean it was around $20, but when your family is starting and your the only one with a job, working two of them. But I went and made sure I had your album. I could listen to Red and I Almost Do on repeat. Loving my guy felt like Red. We were split up for a bit. I was staying at my moms. Loving him was Red. But I also loved Holy Groud. That song made my heart leap with joy. Had to miss this tour due to funds... but I remember trying to win tickets with my best friend..

I remember for 1989, going to Target getting the last DXL and having to buy my daughter the regular copy... because she was as big of a fan as I was. But anyways... so I remember buying these tickets to 1989, I had to pass tickets up to see her for her Red album, I was so broke. So my step daughters birthday is in March. I bought her the DXL for it. I wrapped the ablum in wrapping paper that had a piece of paper with it that said, "I think it's time for you to learn all of the songs so that way when we go see her at Heniz field we can sing along" and the next paper was our tickets for the show. She was soo happy. (Picture below)

We made T-shirts and spaghetti straps, and went and jammed to Blank Space and Wonderland, my personal two favorites off the ablum. I remember shaking it off as the whole stadium shook for all of the fans dancing and singing and screaming.

I remember the hiatus that was taken from all that petty pointless drama that those mother fuckers started. Taylor disappeared. I remember checking for news updates every so often. I could find anything. My daughter n I discussing where she went, if she was happy. I remember that I was upset that someone whom impacted my life and shared her life on the internet, had simply vanished. I had hoped she was okay. Than... she deleted her media pages.. what?!! Reputation was born and breed. Wow... what can you say about an ablum that didnt get promoted other than.. heres a music video, and album will be released on Nov 10th. There is it. I loved it. I loved the long awaited album. I had to work the day of the release but I didnt want them to run out of copies of the magazine. My guy of 11 years at that time, drove his daughter to target when it opened so my daughter got both copies for us. I remember running home and being soo excited. My daughter tried to play me by saying they didnt have any when she went in to buy them 😂😂

OH the fun I had listening to Dress, because weve all bought a dress or outfit just so someone special could take it off, I loved the hard beats of I Did Something Bad. I couldnt get enough. And Taylor... she still kept to herself. She didnt do interviews, she went and did tour with the release of more a couple more singles before the album was even released. The beats, those music videos.. God what a great era. I remember meeting 3 amazing ladies from The Swift Life app, and we all had tickets for Reputation.. not together. But still, we met up for this amazing photo

My daughter and I made new shirts. We couldn't wait for the Games to Begin.

Now this new Era, Lover. I simply can not wait for. I wrote this because of all the drama my favorite person is going through. Taylor has written her life story in her albums. Each album, just like her, has evolved with me and made each day of the last 13 years into someone. When I'm sad, I got a song for that, happy I got a song for that jealous? Excited? Feeling in love? Feeling worthless? There are songs for each of your feelings... for someone to come in and snatch her life work like that is disgusting. They have tarnished what these songs mean with their greed and wanting of these songs. No one, not one person, made or owns #taylorswift other than @taylorswift herself fucking self. This next album is gonna kick ass, and I will promote the shit out of it. This lady has grown with me and into herself. I will never not support her. I will never not stand with her. I know I'm an #oldswiftie and I know im not as pretty as your newer fans but #istandwithtaylor.

So anyone who has something to say.. you havnt spent 13 years invested in someone who invested just as much into us as we do into her. @taylorswift @taylornation

#taylorswift #taylornation #taylorlurkingme #lurkingtaylor #ts7 #whatyoumeantome #oldswiftie #13years

[existentialstatesofmind]

Opening up

Clare: chose her words carefully. “We’ll see. I don’t want to keep you from your work. I’m still looking forward to meeting your grandpa. Hopefully after the trip.” She wanted to make a good impression on him especially since they had to reschedule it after Clare already went shopping for it with their money. She didn’t want to be the girl who was taking up all of Kota’s time ‘that should be spent on more important things’. Even if they were just teenagers. “But if you can give it your undivided attention first….then I’ll come over if that’s what you really want.” Clare could watch TV anywhere. Kota’s was preferred because cuddles. But she just wanted to feel welcome and not in the way. If she went home, she’d be interrupting the Saturday Night Screaming Match. The Torres family knew all about her parents. So did the Bhandari’s. Clare gave up on trying to keep it a secret when she kept needing somewhere to hide out. She laughed at the description of octopus suckers getting stuck to the roof of your mouth. “That never stops me. Taffy sticks to the roof of your mouth too and peanut butter, the worst. I also get popcorn in between my front teeth. They’re all so good I have to risk it. I don’t know if octopus belongs in the same category…” She laughed again knowing there was a strong possibility it would be disgusting. “I want to be brave like Emi and try it though.” Clare made a mental note not to offer Kota any gum. She had a few sticks of watermelon in her purse from a pack she’d bought a few months ago. Clare smiled. “I do want a job but I’m not sure about taking money for something I would do for free.” She explained letting Kota know she’d watch Emi whenever he needed her to. But she might get a weekend job at the cinema or a clothing store, or something, too. What she was really hoping for was an internship at a newspaper but that wouldn’t be possible until next year or later. It also wouldn’t pay. Luckily Clare was more interesting in gaining experience. She bit her lip as Kota described what Anya was going though. “Even if Anya couldn’t scream or communicate much, she said no because she didn’t say yes. You can’t give consent in that state. Choosing to drink doesn’t make you at fault.” Clare nodded. “I won’t let on that I know unless she brings it up. If I had known it was something that sensitive...about Anya not you, I wouldn’t have pushed…” She felt like she had a right to know Kota’s personal business but his friends were another story. Clare’s own sister never went into much detail about being drugged and raped. “I’m not going to tell anyone, anything.” She never went to that kind of party so it wasn’t like she had to explain why she was avoiding them. Sav already kept Alli from going, which meant Clare didn’t have to think of another reason to keep Alli away. “Probably not. I just don’t want you taking chances.” She admitted. “Oh. How big is your jet? Simpson can’t let any last minute students come if there’s not enough room. Sure, I never mind entertaining Emi. Really it’s the other way around.” Clare chuckled. “How long is the flight? I’ve only flown a couple of times and those were short distances.” She grew a little nervous as Kota talked about helping to fly the jet. Over the ocean?! Or was it TWO oceans? Clare wasn’t even sure of the route. “Um. Wow. Is that safe? Sorry. Um. How long have you been taking lessons? There’s going to be a real pilot too? Sorry.” She had to agree about Simpson. He had enough strikes against him, Clare was sure, without messing up the exchange program. “I think Simpson will have to look the other way.” She glanced around the food court and quickly decided to go to the chicken place first. “I’m going to start with a chicken wrap and coke. Then get a big pretzel and cheese dip...for dessert.” Clare told Kota honestly.

Kota: chuckled a bit when Clare mentioned keeping him from work. "You won't be, I mean Emi will be there and you can play with her or we can lay down on the couch and I can wrap my arms around you as I type on the computer and talk on a headset." He offered almost joking about laying on the couch with her. "My grandpa is still trying to clear his schedule again, but he said he's looking forward to meet him and from what I tell him you seem to have a good head on your shoulders." He added and chuckled when Clare mentioned taffy. "I don't eat taffy either or peanut butter, or popcorn, or certain gummies. Not all get stuck in your teeth. Though I do chew gum during take offs and landing." He admitted. "The funny thing is Kota is absolutely terrified of heights. His twin is too, both of them fainted on the ferries wheel." Mel laughed as she took out her phone and showed Clare a video of the three of them on a ferries wheel and both Kota and Dom fainting when Mel pointed out how high they were. "But this is him in a plane." Mel said showing Clare a video of her entering the cockpit of a plane while Kota was co-piloting. "Kota, how high are we?" Mel asked on the video and it showed Kota glancing at a gauge. "We are approximately 50,000 feet in altitude." He answered and looked at the pilot for correction. "Correct." The pilot said as the two focused out the giant windshield. "Ok, kid. You proved that you can take off on your own, now prove that you can land." The captain said as the video continued. "They allowed me to remain in the cockpit as long as I stayed quiet, but Kota landed perfectly. I laughed historically once we landed and the pilot took over." Mel said honestly. "And she did too, she even showed the pilot the video and he is also terrified of heights and it turns out that most of the pilots I've met after him are terrified of heights too." He added in self defense. "You can try it, they serve it at a tariyaki cart I like. We also have to go to this store it sells vintage office supplies. They have a sharpener Mel would like, its a dolls head, you stick the pencil in the eye and the shavings come out the mouth." He chimed. "Is this the one you were making exclusive MB stuff for?" Mel asked. "Yes, I asked before and was told to bring back product she can use and the price of each untit as well as talk to her supplier so the items don't conflict. I ended up making college lined notebooks. If she agrees to sell them, I'll have to help rearrange her shop to make room. We'll probably stay the night there or somewhere so we have to go after school on a Saturday. Someone there normally supplies the food and I usually help out with breakfast since there are literally no hotels in the city. I met a college student that was an English major so she helped me communicate a lot rather than relying on my phone. She also allowed me stay at her single dorm room while she stayed with her boyfriend." He explained. "Wait, they go to school on Saturdays in Japan?" Mel exclaimed. "Yes, only till 3. We have half a day, normally we get done school at 6. The shop opens at 6:30pm to 11:30pm, Saturday's it's open from 3:30 to midnight and Sunday's it's open from whenever Satchi opens it till midnight." Kota added. "Does it even get business?" Mel asked. "Yes, it's in a small town and is one of the only shops that still sells origami paper, fountain pens, and office supplies like that." he answered and looked at Clare when she mentioned the party. "I agree and thank you for not saying anything." he smiled and listened to her questions. "It's got some room. I mean there's only 6 of us going so far and honestly, it's not too late for Simpson to tell me he's adding someone to the list because the school in Japan has room for 12 of us and there are still families willing to house kids." he said honestly and looked at her. "It's 14 hours, but don't worry there's a working TV, video games, movies, dvds, and wifi." he explained and chuckled when she started to ask questions about him flying. "If it wasn't safe, I wouldn't be flying. Yes, my instructor will be piloting. I just need hours as a co-pilot before I can get my license and fly on my own. I have 400 hours of flying experience and looked at her when she mentioned Simpson looking the other way. "Well, if the police start investigating more he'll be unable to leave the country." Kota shrugged and followed her as she got food, he watched as she ordered and added fries to the order and paid for it before walking over and getting a pizza for himself along with a drink, then headed to the table to sit next to Clare. "Where is Alli meeting you?" he asked curiously as he started to put the fries on his cheese pizza.