#anyways going to finish my assigment now and then go and pass out so i can make my 8 am

[teainthedust]

My way of existing has been described as in the weeds with a machete going my own way.

[yourdlmatchmaker]

May I please have a match up?

 (I think the first ask a sent I got eaten. I’m sorry if that wasn’t the case!)  

Hello there! May I have a match up, Please?

I’m a Pansexual female, who’s 5'3.5” with a petite body, babyface, & a flat chest to match (but a nice butt to compensate lol). I have super thick curly black hair (looks like a curly lion’s mane of ringlets) with soft bangs, tan skin with a few beauty marks here n there, and dark black eyes.

I wear large red framed glasses (mainly because I HAVE too, due to  having REALLY bad eyesight)  & mostly cute clothes, normally dresses.

I’m lively, caring, kind, & very affectionate. But, I can be bit of a lil shit at times, oblivious, bluntly honest, easily riled up/ flustered, & often do swear (not around superiors/children tho). I really love to help/take care of others; but I do like to be the one getting spoiled & doted on occasionally.

Also, I’m also very physically strong for my size & can pick up/carry things or people larger than me. My outward appearance has misled some to think I’m fragile or passive at first, but then are taken back by surprised from me swearing or from my odd strength.

Some of my hobbies include sewing, baking, drawing, window shopping, listening to music, and playing video games.

I hope this was good enough, I love your work!

Admin Abi: I’m so sorry I sent you a message a few days ago and that day I felt extremly weak and I’ve been sick since then >.<. I bet I left you disappointed and waiting ;-; I’m so sorry!!! Anyway~ I lovely match up for a lovely person like you!!

**EDIT: I. DIDN’T. PRESSED, PUBLISH!!! It was until now that I noticed that I entered my drafts and saw this match up there!!! I ALREADY HAVE FINISHED IT SINCE I DON’T KNOW WHEN AND DIDN’T POST IT!! CKNWELCVFEIOCN

*finishing your match up*

Your romantic match up is…

Azusa!

I think that such a lovely person like you deserves a nice and lovely man like Azusa!

For starters, how you met? You were in the cooking club and there you met Ruki. The teacher team you up with Ruki for a project that was the finals project (very important! That project depended on your 60% of your grade!). The assigment was to make a three courses manu. You decided Ruki will be in change with the entrance and you with the desserts, since your strong was baking. You were working together on the main dish and it got pretty late, so you both didn’t notice since it took you a lot to organize and decide what the menu would be. So you both decided to continue with the project at his house. When you got there there was nobody at home, but you were there to work. You were busy and suddenly the door opened and some noise was heard. Ruki sighed and commented how his brothers have arrived earlier that he had planned and that they will soon ask for food. A pair of guys (one blonde and a gigant brown-haired) entered the kitchen and asked as Ruki predicted when was dinner going to be ready. Ruki told them they’ll had to wait since he was busy for the moment. Suddenly the blond guy noticed you and presented himself as Kou Mukami and his brother Yuma and asked you what were you doing at his house. You explained your project real quick and then Kou simply wished you luck; then he asked Ruki if they could have his favorite dish for dinner. You suggested to help Ruki to help him preparing the dinner so it would faster to continue to work on the project. He declined, but asked you to continue with the project and that as soon as he finishes his bother’s dinner he’ll continue helping you. You agreed and when you were focusing on you work you heard a strange voice behind you that made you jump…unfortunatly you got yourself a small cut with the knife you were using and that was the moment you met the fourth member of the Mukami family: Azusa.

That day Azusa treated your wound and even suggested helping with dinner. Ruki agreed only if he promised not to get himself hurt on purpose. He, however, got cuts various times, so it was your turn to treat him. You had a nice chat with Azusa. You found him rather sweet, but a little weird. Azusa then asked Ruki if he could help you both in something and Ruki simply gave him the task to mix all the ingredients you were going to be handing. When you finished  you said goodbye to veryone, but Azusa stopped you to ask you if it was possible for him to see you once again. You found him really nice so you agreed and even  exchange numbers so you could make plans and finally you went home. From that day forward you two became closer and suddenly Azusa confessed to you and became a couple!

Your dates with Azusa are very normal, yet quite romantic themselves. Azusa likes the fact that you are very kind and affectioned, it made him feel safe and sure about your feelings for him. Yet even at your worst moments Azusa wasn’t bothered by your temper or even your swearing, whenever that happens he’ll try to calm you and take you somewhere else. He has found that after some tough days he can cuddle you and place small kisses over your face, once you are calmed down you like to return the favor by doing the same. You are both so lovely and tender between each other that are the reason of many “awwws” as you pass by.

Azusa likes to please you by doing the activities you enjoy the most such as: baking, going around looking at the store’s windows, sewing…you name it. You have became an expert healing wounds in general and even though you aren’t very fond of him getting hurt, you always care for him and support him. He’s impressed as to how strong you are and there were times he’ll kind of compete with you about who’s stronger: he always win since he’s a vampire but you get more praise from Azusa since he finds everything you do amazing.

Azusa can’t stop calling you cute since your appeareance is too cute for him. He finds your style adorable and has given you many new pices (with Kou’s help and advice) to contribute with your style! He gets a little jelous whenever someone watches you as you go out, but you always tell him not to bother since you only care for him and assure him by giving him some affectioned hug or kiss. About your body, he thinks that all of you are adorable and won’t ever tell you about how flat chested or anything related to your appeareance, NEVER!

IN CONCLUSION: YOU ARE SO CUTE AND SWEET TOGETHER THAT YOU ARE SUPPORTED AND LOVE BY EVERYONE, BUT IS NOT LIKE YOU REALLY CARE SINCE YOU LOVE HIM AS MUCH AS HE LOVES YOU TOO!!

I hope you like it and I’m very sorry for the delay!!

[gensou-no-toshokan]

First date azanina ?

Technically already got this one, but I think this time I’m gonna try it on an AU scenario~

“Professor! They’re at it again!” Someone told tohim the moment he was outside the classroom and quite honestly Kaisar doubted alittle the moment he got warned because that meant only one thing.

“Why can’t you be nice for once!” 

“Why can’t you ever bring your own stuff for class?Last time my book was covered with soy sauce! Do you know how fucking expensivethey are?” 

There right in the front row where Nina and Azazelarguing again about some ridiculous thing, while the others only laughedpointed at them or recorded them with their cellphones.

It was only Tuesday for god’s sake!

He had thought that this was one of the things hewouldn’t have to deal with again once he got his tenure and stopped teaching atthe high school.

“I have my stuff! I just can’t find them!” Ninayelled and stomped her foot. 

“Are you saying you can’t find anything in thatchaos you call a room? What a surprise.” Azazel said rolling his eyes andfinally sitting down and putting on some - ridiculously designed - headphones,flat out intent on ignoring her existence.

When he got into teaching career, he had done sobecause it was a noble profession: cultivate young minds in order to help themdevelop to go out there in the world and make the best of it! 

If he managed to inspire a single student to achievegreater knowledge and education, then that meant his job was done. But why inthe entirety of high school had the two most boisterous and conflictivestudents had ended up on his ancient history class?

“Teacher!” Nina came to him at thatmoment, “Azaz-”

“Nina Ialready told you, I’m a professor here.” He cut her, not in the mood. “And Azazel had a point;when are you going to bring your own study material to class?” 

Rather than saying anything, Nina’s face got all tearfuland ready to beg, and before he had to deal with another of her displays inpublic he just borrowed her his edition and hurried her to her seat.

Which was of course next to Azazel… who was busyglaring at Nina and him from under his arms…. this was going to be a long day.

“This is not funny.” He said when Favaro finished guffawingat his expense in the break room. 

“I’m sorry,are you listening to yourself? A couple of teens who are your stereotypicalproblem student’s cases, obviously have the hots for each other and before meeting you were in dangerof failing but not only passed but actually made it to the same college andclass you are now tenured in…”

He didn’t get to finish because he was laughingagain and Kaisar patience was wearing thin.

“…Oh my god, that’s the stuff right out ofafterschool specials!” He added pounding his hand on the table and wiping atear of his eye with the other

“You’remissing the point, this is college! And they still act like children, I mean Iknow them and I can overlook it… most days anyways, but it won’t be long beforeNina fails her classes and Azazel manages to get himself punched or punchsomeone, and i can’t do anything, because I can’t involve myself in their livesanymore, they’re not children anymore and the board made very clear my job wasnot to fix anyone’s lives, that’s supposed to be your work advisor.”  

Favaro said nothing as he just looked at him withan infuriating smile.

“…and by the way, I never said they hadthe ‘hots’ for each other.”

Now, that got his attention and he rose from hisseat looking at him completely serious.

“Okay, youconvinced me send them to my office tomorrow morning, and at the very least Ipromise… no I bet youtheir attitude problem will be fixed by the end of the week.”

In another time, in another universe in which hewasn’t perpetually tired Kaisar might have looked at the evil glint in his eyesand said no.

But that wasn’t the case was it?

“WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE?!” 

That was what woke up Favaro from his nap causinghis ears to ring and his headache to ache even more, when he opened the door hewas witness to an tall boy  - who looked to have stuck on his gothic phasea couple years too long -and a tiny girl - so ridiculously ‘cute’  thatshe looked pulled out from some commercial - engaged in what might have lookeddirty in any other circumstances in which he wasn’t squishing her face with hishands while her fists moved around widely, managing to punch him more thanonce.

For the first time he felt some sympathy forKaisar.

When he cleared his throat they both stared at himwithout even disengaging from… whatever he supposedly walked on, so he got anidea:

“I know thatis must be hard for you freshmen to find time to be intimate with your high school sweet hearts, but I wouldn’t advise to do it in this hallway since it’s incrediblybusy…” Favaro paused in that exact moment to hear and ‘eek’ from both ofthem and put as much space in between before grinning and adding: “…ButI will gladly provide you a list of the best hiding spots in the campus to doyour stuff if you listen to me first.”

When he finally got them to seat, pointedlyavoiding to touch or look at each other and a slight blush in both of theirfaces that he knew he had this in the bag.

“There has been a growing concern for some of theteaching staff that both of you seem to present some risky behaviors, typicalfrom older students so naturally I grew concerned, since you are only startingout.”

“If this about me not bringing all my books Ipromise me and my roommate are working on getting rid of the trash thisweekend! Please don’t expel me!” Nina yelled almost jumping on top of his deskin the process.

“Psst, I bet that thing won’t stay clean for morethan a day, so what’s the point?” Azazel said sneaking a mocking look at her…except said eyes looked too interested on her backside.

When Nina realized - or probably felt - of hiswandering eyes she quickly sat again attempting to look none the wiser.

Poor Kaisar, sometimes Favaro feared that he mightbe dead from the waist down, there was no other explanation for him to ignoresomething so, so obvious. 

“Oh, don’t worry Miss Drango, this has nothing todo with that, mostly it has to do some attitude problems that might put you atrisk in the foreseeable future…” Really this was the reason Favaro had neverworked in high schools, he shouldn’t be having this type of talk with two youngadults. “…and you disrupting almost all of your classes, at any momentof any day.”

“Wait a minute why are you looking at me? It’s herwho can’t even attempt to act like a proper student, half-assig her wayeverywhere she goes, clinging to the pity of everyone she directs those stupidpuppy eyes of hers!”

“Ha! Says the guy who can’t have a properconversation with anyone in which he doesn’t end up being a complete assholebecause he can’t stand other people being right!”

“That’s fascinating but-”

“Huh? You’re the only one whose always arguing withme for every little thing, because for some reason, you need to consult me foreverything, I don’t care if you buy that dress, I don’t know if you should takemore courses or change roommates and I definitely don’t need to know how oftenyou miss your mother!”

“See? How can someone be this level of an idiotsince elementary school and still not understand anything? And I don’t goaround making ‘puppy eyes’  at everyone! It’s just that everytime youyell at me I feel like an idiot!”

“Wait, you know each other from elementary-”

“Oh, I’m theidiot?! And it’s because of you that everyone in the dorms think I’m like thissuper villain? Specially after the last time you slipped your underwear withmine in the laundry basket again, and notonly did it stain them all pink and blue, but now everyone thinks we’resleeping together!”

“Maybe they wouldn’t have thought that if you hadn’tstormed into my room and yelled loud and clear about it while holding my pantiesin your hand! Or if you had thought me to use the laundry machine like youpromised a month ago!”

Favaro already giving up on having any civilconversation with these two, simply muttered. “Maybe you should reallysleep together…”

“HUH?!” 

Of course thathad caught their attention, and he felt like throwing his own desk over thewindow at how incredibly oblivious they both were, maybe Kaisar had influencedthem in more ways than one.

“Obviously you’re both under a lot of pressure fromthe new responsibilities and demands of college, and honestly maybe a goodnight or two of fun would help you release some steam.” 

It was like a spell, the office was miraculouslyquiet while they both got redder by the minute, assuring Favaro that he was notby far the only one with his mind on the gutter.

“A- Are you allowed to talk about that withstudents?” Azazel asked of all people.

“I’m sure you probably heard this a lot already,but allow me to add more: This is not high school, you’re not children anymoreand this time I’m serious, since you’re above the age of consent and yeah as long as I’mnot the one getting into a student’s pants this is free game, so why don’t you go outin a date, talk out some obviously repressed feelings out and get over with it,tonight preferably?”

Whether or not they listened to him, Favaro didn’tcare so he just kicked them out of his office.

“How did you do it?” Kaisar asked the next morningbefore even greeting him.

“Huh?” was the only thing he managed to say beforeKaisar turned his attention to the window, at first he wasn’t sure what he wassupposed to be looking at.

Until he spotted a pink head near the gardenfountain, looking uncharacteristically happy and actually carrying all thestuff she was supposed to - or so he assumed seeing the backpack she had beenmissing yesterday - and then to a white-haired head walking not too far fromher, his shoulders looking much less tense than yesterday and for once not glaring atevery one and everything around him.

Then he looked at Kaisar looking at him as if hehad the answer to all his problems, and Favaro knew he couldn’t tell the truth now.

“I… might have suggested some… recreationalactivities after school for them.” He said. “You know… as a stressrelief.” 

“Don’t lie to me, I’ve tried that before, it endedup with them banned from using the rec room!”

“…Okay I told them to… have a date.” Technicallynot a lie, but still waiting for his inevitable tirade about proper behavior atschool or something…

Instead, he watched him give a huge sigh of relief and sank into his seat.

“Finally.” And Favaro knew his jaw was hangingopen. 

“You said that they didn’t have the hots for eachother!”

“No, I said I had not told you, I know you and Ritalove to mock me about that, but I’m actually not that dense you know?” 

“And if you knew then you send them to mebecause…” he asked waiting for an answer.

“They take my class, and I have to see them threetimes per week, if I acknowledged that, I wouldn’t be able to look into theireyes, you on the other hand are shameless and could only dream of having mypatience, so I thought why not trying.” He answered shrugging.

Favaro couldn’t even be angry because damn if itwasn’t the sneakiest thing he had done and he felt strangely proud of it.

[seriestrash]

You Me Her

1 || 2 || 3 || 4 || 5 || 6 || 

Chapter Seven: New Beginnings 

Word Count: 5978

↠ ♥ ↞

After what had been an incredibly stressful six months after Thanksgiving Riley feels as though she’s gained a little more control over her life. In that time, three new relationships blossomed. The first was between, Riley and Noah.

Since their brief encounter back during the auditions for Grease, Riley began interacting with Noah more often. Not in a romantic sense by any means but they’d share small smiles if they passed each other in the halls and they’d chat before and after English. Noah even started to frequent Topanga’s during summer vacation along with a few of his football teammates. Riley began to pick up on something that Kai was otherwise oblivious to. 

During that Summer - before the storm of Thanksgiving - Riley earned herself a nickname. It was ten minutes past closing time at the bakery and Riley finally found the courage to ask a few students from her school if they could leave so she could close up. When the bakery was empty Riley locked herself in and began to clean up. 

Riley turned up the radio hoping the music would help melt away that anxious feeling she gets when left alone at the bakery. The upbeat opening of a familiar song began to play. Riley had heard it dozens of times before and had bopped along happily to it but now the first line earned an eye roll from the brunette. 

♫ “I used to think maybe you loved me, now baby I’m sure...” ♫

Riley wondered when every song in existence would stop sounding so ironic to her or when lyrics would stop feeling like personal attacks on her feelings. 

Even with the irony and sarcastic mumbling through the first verse, Riley still found herself warming up the the song. By the chorus Riley was fully into it, loudly singing along as she goofily swept the floor. 

♫ “I'm walking on sunshine (Wow!), I'm walking on sunshine (Wow!). And don't it feel good.” ♫

Someone clearing their throat made Riley jump and completely tense up with fear. Riley turned slowly to find Noah standing by the bathroom doors looking like he was just as scared as her.

“Noah!” Riley tried to steady her breath. 

“I didn’t mean to scare you,” Noah said quickly. “I was on the phone in the bathroom-” 

“Which I didn’t check were empty before I locked up..” Riley palmed her face for forgetting. 

“I heard the music and I didn’t want to sneak up on you and well I scared you anyway. I’m sorry.” Noah said genuinely. 

“That’s okay,” Riley gave him a small smile. “I’m super jumpy doing these closes by myself anyway.” 

“Since I’m already here I could wait with you?” Noah offered. “And walk you home after?” 

“That’s alright, you don’t have to go to the trouble.” Riley shook her head. “I only live around the corner.” 

“Well if it’s only around the corner then it’s no trouble.” Noah smiled as he reached for the broom in Riley’s hand. “I can help you finish out here and you can do whatever you have to behind the counter.” 

Riley’s brows remained crinkled for a moment. This boy was so sweet but that’s not what sees her frozen in thought, her confusion was directed at Kai’s irritation with Noah. Even if Noah did like Riley romantically - which she knew he didn’t - Riley felt as though she’d be extremely lucky to be on the receiving end of his affection. 

Riley finished closing the register just as Noah finished wiping down the table tops and bringing the outside chairs in. Riley met him by the door with her bag hung over her shoulder and a paper bag in hand. 

“Thank you.” Riley said as she extended the bag to him. 

“What’s this?” Noah smiled as he took it. 

“It’s one of those Maple danish’s you always order.” Riley smiled. 

Noah’s eyes lit up and he inhaled a whiff of the sweet scent. “Thank you!” 

Riley locked up and Noah escorted her home. As they were parting ways out front of Riley’s building Noah waved his half eaten pastry about. “Thanks for the danish, Sunshine.” 

Riley coaxed her head to the side, questioning his last word.

“Wow!” Noah sings goofily like the song he’d caught her singing along to. A nickname that would be used by Noah more than Riley’s actual name. 

Come sophomore year Riley and Noah had three classes together; English like the previous year and now Chemistry and Physical Education too. 

The two certainly had the foundations set for a proper friendship. Since Grease, they were the kind of people to share pleasantries when they saw each other and after that night in the bakery they became more casual friends but the real solidification of their friendship - the moment that sparks a realisation in a person when they realise just how much they care about someone - came two weeks after Thanksgiving.

After receiving yet another low grade in English, Noah approached Riley very sheepishly and asked if she’d help him pick up his grades. He was very embarrassed by it and felt as though he knew Riley well enough to get her help without the judgement. Football is very important to Noah so maintaining his grades is something he’s serious about as it means he can keep his place on the team. 

Happily, Riley agreed to help Noah with his assessments. The first unit assigned to the class after Noah asked for Riley’s help was an oral presentation on a book they were reading. This sparked instant dread in Noah as he’s admittedly a terrible public speaker. Riley gently encouraged him through it and as a result she really helped Noah with his public speaking. She had definitely struggled with insecurities herself but ultimately Riley thought she was a confident person so she tried to use this to help Noah navigate through some of his anxiety. 

The more time that Riley spent with Noah the funnier she found his personality. Not that it was funny ‘ha ha’ but it’s as if Noah wass the embodiment of everything you’d think Kai would be at first glance. 

Riley loved how confident Kai was in his cute boy glasses look. It had Riley wearing heart eyes for her friend on the daily. Then there’s Noah who is a ridiculously good looking boy. Tall, muscular and wow but the superstar jock was really just a shy puddle of nerves with the kindest heart. Riley melts in his presence just based on how genuinely sweet he is. 

It’s like both the boys switched persnoalities if you bought into that whole ‘judging a book by it’s cover’ thing. Which Riley didn’t but she couldn’t ignore the funny side to it.

It’s during the period of time where Riley was helping with the oral assigment that Noah accidentally stumbled upon Riley when she was trying to have a quiet emotional moment. They were set to meet out in the courtyard after school when he found her visibly upset. Panicked and genuinely concerned for his new friend Noah tried his best to guide her through it. 

Embarrassed, Riley pleads with Noah to keep quiet about this to which he agreed but he tried to urge Riley to confide in Kai if she hadn’t already since they were sort of best friends now. Riley shook it off and said she was fine and preferred to leave Kai out of it. 

It was only three days later that Noah’s concerns for Riley became too much and he found himself in the most unlikely of places. No one was more surprised than Kai to find Noah nervously fidgeting in the doorway of his bedroom. But instead of shunning him like he usually does Kai heard him out and his genuine concern for Riley touched him. Kai was really appreciative that Noah confided in him even though he was clearly distressed about breaking Riley’s trust. So much so that he defends Noah when Riley expressed how she felt betrayed by him sharing her secret. Kai also gave Riley a light lecture about how their friendship works and hiding her feelings might have cut it with her old friends but not with him. They get through each day together. Riley realised he was right and she did feel immediately better once someone knew what was going on with her. Even though it took many more months to properly get past it completely. 

The day after Riley found out that Noah shared her ‘secret’ with Kai she avoided him at school but eventually he caught up with her and apologised profusely. 

“Worst secret keeper ever.” Riley huffs as they walk. 

“I know but you have to understand that it came from a good place. I told someone you trust because I was scared I couldn’t help you.” Noah was genuine.

“I know.” Riley softened. “I probably would have done the same thing if I were you...” 

“So am I forgiven?” Noah asked. 

“There’s nothing to forgive.” Riley smiled. “You’re just lucky I’m a better secret keeper.” 

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Noah chuckled nervously. 

“Look, I made a promise to myself that I would never tell someone how they feel ever again.” Riley shook her head. “But It’s okay, you know... to feel whatever you feel for whomever you feel.” 

“You know?” Noah lowered his voice to a whisper. 

“I’ve had a suspicion.” Riley shrugged a shoulder. 

“Since?” Noah questioned. 

“Not long after the auditions for Grease.” Riley admitted. 

It was like all the colour left Noah’s face and he entered a state of panic. 

“It’s okay, it was a completely silent observation I made.” Riley tried to calm him down.

“I just haven't told anyone, ya know? I’m not even sure I know how I feel...” Noah gave Riley a look and she nodded in understanding. 

“I didn’t mean for it to seem like I was pushing for a ... confession, for lack of a better term.” Riley frowned. “I’m sorry, I just know that feelings can suck. I mean you saw me feeling it all a few days ago. I just want you to know that if things suck for you too then I’m here to listen.” 

“I’m supposed to be giving you the pep talk.” Noah frowned. “That was part of my apology.” 

“Well it works both ways doesn’t it?” Riley gave him a small but sweet smile. “Friendship and all that?” 

“I suppose you’re right.” A wide smile crept upon Noah’s face. 

Quite quickly Kai’s animosity towards Noah faded completely. The moment he saw the genuine concern Noah had for Riley, Kai’s opinion of him changed entirely. The two boys had joined forces in assuring Riley’s wellbeing. It’s like they both became babysitters for Riley’s emotions, which at times got frustrating but nowhere near as much as when her old group of friends were asking if she was okay every five minutes. Riley understood now that she needed to lean on her friends to heal, so she did. 

It had been three weeks since Thanksgiving which sparked the emotional storm within Riley. The pain caused by cutting off ties with her friends loomed over her. It had been one week since Noah stumbled upon an upset Riley in the courtyard and the three new friends find themselves in Kai’s living room watching movies together. Riley was the first to doze off and semi awkward tension lingers between the two boys as Riley acted as a buffer between then usually. 

“Did she fall asleep?” Noah whispered as the end credits of the movie play. 

“Yeah, she always passes out before ten.” Kai chuckled. 

“Maybe I should go.” Noah continued to speak softly. 

“You don’t have to,” Kai said. “And you don’t have to whisper, Ri sleeps like a rock.” 

Noah gave him a shy nod and Kai pressed play on the next film. The two continued to awkwardly side glancing each other. Noah was self conscious about his laughing and Kai whom is normally an outgoing person fell victim to the tension in the room. Not being able to bear it any longer, Kai hit pause on the movie. 

“This is super weird.” Kai expressed loudly. 

“I can go.” Noah panicked and stood from his seat. 

“I didn’t mean, go,” Kai laughed as he griped Noah’s wrist and pulled him back down. “I just mean that you have to admit us hanging out is strange, right?” 

“I guess,” Noah nodded. “But social discomfort is my default setting so the weirdness is probably my fault.” 

Kai let out a soft chuckle at how adorably shy Noah was. “I feel like I owe you an apology.” 

“What for?” Noah scrunched up his face in confusion. 

“Misjudging you.” Kia admitted. “I lumped you in with a few choice jocks I’ve encountered in the past. I let their jerky behaviour speak for all, including you.” 

“That’s alright. A couple of the guys on the football team are a little...” Noah grimaced, allowing Kai to fill in the blank. “But we’re not all bad.” 

“I’m sorta disgusted at how close-minded I was.” Kai crinkled his nose. “That’s not what I’m about at all.” 

“Well you’re getting to know me now.” Noah fidgeted in his seat. 

“Yeah, it’s nice to know your intentions with Riley are genuine.” Kai said as a thought spoken aloud. 

“What?” Noah frowned.

“I thought when I saw you at the auditions for Grease you were trying to hit on Riley.” Noah had no choice but to explain himself. 

“What?” Noah squeaked, almost loud enough to wake up Riley. The brunette stirred but remained asleep. 

“After the thing with Lucas I heard gross chatter in the boys locker room about her being fair game.” Kai explained. 

“And you thought I sat with Riley in an attempt to... conquer her?” Noah looked disgusted and Kai misinterpreted his reaction as him being grossed out by Riley so he jumped on the defence. 

“You’d be lucky to have Riley.” Kai snapped. 

“No arguments here.” Noah frowned. “I’m disgusted that you’d think that’s why I was there. I didn’t even know Riley was auditioning for the play. I sat with her because I know she’s friendly and I didn’t want to be weird and sit alone.” 

“I told you I misjudged you, I’m sorry!” Kai said defensively. 

“Riley doesn’t think I was using her does she?” Noah softened and is concerned his new found friend might have thought he used her. Not for the reason Kai thought but for another.  

“No she’s always telling me I’ve got the wrong idea about you.” Kai let out a sigh. “But I’m stubborn and didn’t believe her when I should have.” 

Noah let out a breath of relief. Kai shifted his position and coaxed his head. “So if you didn’t go there to seek out Riley, why did you?” 

“I told you I was just watching.” Noah tensed up. “Are we going to watch a movie or should I just go home?” 

“Calm down.” Kai chuckled, amused by Noah’s huffy reaction. “You can pick the next movie.” With that the glasses wearing boy playfully threw a handful of popcorn at his new friend causing the taller boy to break with a smile.  

After owning up to misjudging Noah a second friendship is born between him and Kai. Only this one surpassed friendship rather quickly. Again, no one was more surprised than Kai to find Noah’s lips on his. The shock quickly turned into exhilaration and an undeniable sense of rightness.

This surprising development came as no surprise to Riley as her silent suspicion had been proven right. Noah was hanging around for Kai, not her. 

Noah’s infatuation for Kai sparked a few weeks into freshman year. One afternoon Noah was leaving school after practice and he heard laughter coming from one of the classrooms. It was the drama club meeting, they were brainstorming ideas for the winter musical. Noah stopped as he caught glimpse of a boy he hadn’t seen before. Kai was sitting on top of his desk with crossed legs as he captivated the room with some story. It wasn’t long into Noah’s sheepish gazing through the window that a few of his football friends caught up with him and loudly made their presence known causing Kai to look over with an eye roll thus forming his misguided opinion of Noah.

This was the first time in Noah’s life that he’d ever felt that way about someone. For years leading up that moment Noah’s mind was clouded with a frustrating confusion when it came to romance. He had no idea if he liked boys, girls, or if he was interested in anyone at all. It was as if he had a serious disconnect with it came to romantic feelings which was something that bothered him a lot growing up. Embarrassed by his confusion, Noah kept to himself about it. Unsure how to broach the subject with his family members. Noah had two older brothers, one and two years older than him, both very interested in the ladies also both very interested in Noah’s love life. 

Unsure exactly what that something was that Noah felt for the stranger almost made it more exciting and he decided to make a quiet effort to work it out. Not knowing the boys name he came up with the idea of quietly slipping into the drama auditions where he could maybe find that out, amongst clearing up some other confusing thoughts in his brain. 

Noah almost didn’t enter the auditorium that day, but he sucked in a deep breath and quietly walked inside. Once he spotted Riley, Noah found himself walking over to her. They hadn’t really spoken before but he knew she was definitely kind. Once Kai approached them Noah had never felt more anxious in his life and he was anxious all the time so the overload was almost too much and he bailed quite quickly. 

After that Noah was still confused about a lot of things but for whatever unexplainable reason he knew he liked this boy. Noah became harmlessly fixated on Kai. It wasn’t extreme stalking but there were definitely some strategic manoeuvres that saw the two of them in the same place, like Topanga’s bakery for example. 

Being too shy to do absolutely anything else, Noah came to accept that he’d just have to admire Kai from afar. So, on the night that Noah first approached Kai about Riley’s episode he was terrified about it completely but for the sake of Riley he knew he had to put his own worries aside. 

After Noah and Kai’s first kiss, more were quick to follow. Riley knew immediately before they even said anything what had happened. The brunette tried to keep her distance and let them explore the new territory but both of them were still very invested in making sure Riley was okay so the three became practically inseparable during this time. 

Things for Noah slowly started to make more sense and quite quickly he found the confidence to tell people about his relationship with Kai. In his eyes it wasn’t that big of a deal, it was just am easy “Mom, Dad, I’ve started dating a boy” followed by a simple hand hold down the hallway at school. 

Once Noah owned that part of himself it’s like his confidence soared. Yes, he was still quiet and at times bashful and a lot of the times confused but it was like he was finally okay with his feelings, confused or not and being okay made him a great deal less anxious. 

The third friendship came three months after Thanksgiving. Noah and Kai had been openly dating for almost a month. Riley approached her now usual lunch table, Riley spotted Noah and Kai being their ridiculously cute selves and the back of a girl that Riley couldn’t place the identity of. She walked up to the table with a warm smile but let out squeak once she realised who the mystery girl was. The girl with mousy brown hair let out a chuckle seeing that things haven’t changed much about Riley since their first encountered each other freshman year.

“Ri, you know Caitlin, right?” Noah fought the urge to laugh at her response too.

“She don’t like me!” Riley shrieked. 

At this point they were all laughing at Riley’s goofy response.

“Told ya she’d freak.” Caitlin smirked.  “Relax Matthews, I came here to speak to you.” Caitlin pulled out the chair next to her for Riley to take. Once Riley sat Caitlin continued. “Sorry if I was a little catty to you last year I was in a fight with my now ex-girlfriend and I may have taken it out on you a bit.”

“So it wasn’t me you didn’t like?” Riley wore hopeful smile.

“It was a little you..” Caitlin laughed and Riley pouted. 

“Did you just come here to remind me that you don’t like me?” Riley frowned. 

“No.” Caitlin shook her head. “I wanted to ask your help with something. I’ve approached the principal about restarting the school’s newspaper, even if it’s only an online version so I can showcase my photos.” Caitlin paused for a moment to wave the camera around her neck. “But I suck at the writing aspect of things.”

“Where do I fit into this?” Riley coaxed her head.

“I was speaking to Noah after class yesterday and he mentioned that you’re really good in English. That got me thinking that you could write the articles.” Caitlin explained. “This kind of stuff is really impressive on college applications.”

“Did you know about this?” Kai whispered to Noah but the two girls still heard him.

“No, I was just talking about how Riley helped me go from a C- to an A- in a few months.” Noah explained.

“This would be a lot of work wouldn’t it?” Kai looked concerned as he addressed the rest of the table again.

“A bit, I guess.” Caitlin shrugged. “But we could start small, just a couple articles about school events and eventually, hopefully more people will join the project.”

“Riley, I don’t know...” Kai remained concerned and so did Noah. Both of them had just spent months with an overworked Riley and were worried about her piling on more just when she got things on track again.

“Riley’s a big girl,” Caitlin gave Kai some sass as she was unaware of what warranted their concerns. “She can decide for herself.”

Riley appreciated the boys caring for her but she wanted to prove to them and to herself that she was more than ‘the storm of thanksgiving’. She was ready to be okay.

“Sure.” Riley said with smile that slowly grew wider. “Let’s do it.”

In the weeks that followed that conversation Riley and Caitlin worked really hard on relaunching the newspaper. They’d attend any school events and Riley would take notes whilst Caitlin snapped away with her camera. Caitlin suggested they start with 'puff pieces’ in order to get the green light from the school and eventually they could work up to more hard hitting stuff. The plan sounded perfect to Riley and she happily obliged.

Riley even enlisted the help of Smackle to give Caitlin and her a tutorial on web designing. At first the genius was really sheepish about it as things were the weirdest they’d ever been with her friend circle. Maya came back to school after thanksgiving and snapped at everyone when asked about Riley. All she offers up is a simple. “I don’t care what you do but Riley and I aren’t friends anymore.” No explanation. Nothing just a blunt statement that left everyone confused.

The hour Isadora spent with Riley made them both realise how much they missed each other and a pang of guilt hit Riley because when she broke things off with Maya she really was abandoning other great friendships in the process.

Both girls wanted to express how much they missed each other but neither knew how. Smackle nervously offered regular assistance to the girls. Her olive branch of sorts and Riley accepted. 

Up until that moment Riley thought that she’d have to have one or the other but being with Smackle made Riley realise that she didn’t want to completely let go of her old life. Part of her felt guilty for not valuing her friendship enough in the first place. Issy was possibly the only tether to her old laugh that Riley could manage. Her friendship with the genius didn’t cause heartbreak like her friendships with everyone else. Farkle trudged up some pent up anger Riley had, Maya and Lucas broke her heart and Zay unknowingly caused Riley to feel insecure. But Smack? She just wanted everyone to be friends which Riley couldn’t fault. Riley knew it would be hard to be Isadora’s friend. This girl was still friends with everyone else but Riley was willing to give it a shot, just as long as she didn’t feel herself being pulled under again. 

After preparing the first issue for the website, the three girls hovered nervously by the computer in the library.

“So you just click that button there and the first issue is published.” Smackle pointed at the screen.

“You do it, Riley.” Caitlin held her breath.

“No, you should be the one to do it!” Riley exclaimed. “This whole thing was your idea.”

“Yeah but I just wanted to show off my photos, your words are amazing.” Caitlin praised. “This is all you.”

“Would one of you press the button already?” Smackle groaned impatiently.

Caitlin let out a laugh at Smackles outburst. “I like her. She’s full of spunk.”

Riley mouth opened a jar and she gasped to which Caitlin laughed harder. “You’re alright too, Matthews.” She wore a smirk and Riley’s face lit up like first morning light.

“I really wish I didn’t find that so validating to hear!” Riley giggled her response.

Caitlin continued to smile. “Together?”

“Together.” Riley nodded and she took Smackle’s hand too, making the three of them click publish together.

For the remaining few months of the year the three sophomores published weekly issues. Smackle had a small roll, small to her as it all came easy where she’s spend an hour formatting the articles but Riley and Caitlin poured their spare time into it with photos and writing.

Riley felt amazing having something she loved doing. Not that drama club wasn’t fun for Riley, because it was but the only reason she joined was for Kai. And she’s still an active member but now she’s finding new passions in her life like writing and not just the articles but original, fictional stuff. The inspiration just flowed from her like a tap she couldn’t shut off. A tap she didn’t want to shut off.

Through the rest of the school year Riley learnt of Caitlin’s independence and how she genuinely enjoys her own company and how self assured she is which Riley really admired. It was certainly no secret to Caitlin how much Riley cares about what people think of her but after two girls established a connection Riley didn’t even feel the tiniest bit insecure about their friendship. Caitlin is a free spirit and she fluttered in and out when she pleased. Some days she’d sit with them at luch others she’d opt to be alone outside.

The friendship between Riley and Caitlin continued to blossom deep into the summer as well. Kai was still Riley’s best friend and now Noah became a daily reason for Riley to smile each day and even though Cait was probably more out of Riley’s life than in it was still nice to have a female influence her her life that was willing to do some of the things the guys weren’t.

The first weekend back during Riley’s junior year, Noah’s parents were out of town for business so his older brother, Kade, seized the opportunity to throw his first senior party. 

It took a lot of convincing but Riley agreed to attend. She arrives at 7pm and is let in by Kane. Riley then had to awkwardly pass a group of ten senior guys pre drinking in the living space on her way up to Noah’s room. 

Noah, Kai and Caitlin all sit cross-legged on the floor. Each one giggly and evidently tipsy. Riley smiled at their happy coos and politely rejected the drink offer. 

The four teens staid upstairs entertaining themselves until the party downstairs warmed up.

“So Kane invited the whole baseball team.” Noah said carefully as he watched for Riley’s reaction. After the eldest Pearson son graduated, Noah was now the only football player in his family at high school as Kane’s choice of sport was baseball. 

Riley did that cute blank stare where she pretends like she’s clueless to the point. 

“The whole team meaning, Lucas and Zay but more specifically, Lucas...” Noah clarified. 

“She knows.” Kai called Riley’s bluff.

“I hadn’t really thought about it.” Riley shrugged one shoulder. 

Kai gave her a minor eye roll. Not that he was annoyed by Riley’s feelings, it just bothered him how much she still cared because in his eyes, Lucas wasn’t worth it. 

Caitlin let out a groan. She was up to date with the situation that was but it felt a lot more trivial to her than it did to the boys whom had the emotional impact of it all in their minds. Caitlin only knew the basics, boy dates best friend and she was ready for them to all get over it and move on. 

“I vote you grab the first available guy downstairs and plant a big kiss on him and forget about wonder boy.” Caitlin fought the eye roll. 

“Yeah right.” Riley chuckled nervously and quickly tried to change focus of the conversation. 

By the time the group did venture downstairs, the entire living space was crammed with kids from school and loud music blurred everyones conversations into one. 

Kai drags a very reluctant Noah into the crowd of people dancing. Riley’s eyes cautiously scanned the room. 

“I don’t think he’s here.” Caitlin mumbled. 

“I wasn’t looking,” Riley lied. 

“Yeah right.” Caitlin gave her a knowing look. With that the free spirited girl danced her way into the crowd. 

Riley hung back by the stairs and watched everything go on around her. She watched Kai be his usual social self. Caitlin danced on her own, content and carefree. Even shy Noah seemed to be better at the whole party thing. He was off with a group of guys from the football team all chatting happily. 

Parties weren’t really Riley’s thing, she much preferred intimate gatherings with a few important people. So a small room crammed with perfect strangers just didn’t entice Riley all too much. 

The brunette retreats upstairs and returns to the comfort of Noah’s bedroom. Riley took a deep breath and sat herself at the edge of his bed. Riley had been in there no more than twenty minutes when she heard the muffled sound of Caitlin shooing party goers from the upstairs hall. Moments later she’s stumbling through the bedroom door. 

“There you are!” Caitlin huffed. “Should have known you’d be hiding.” 

“I’m not hiding.” Riley pouted. “I’m just having a moment.” 

“Well have a moment downstairs,” Caitlin slurred, evidently past the point of tipsy now. “This is a party!”

Riley knew there was no use in fighting her friend. Victoriously, Caitlin grabbed Riley by the hand and dragged her downstairs. They’re not even off the last step before a senior, Wyatt, started heckling the two girls. Obnoxiously ‘ooo’ing and ahh’ing’ about them holding hands. 

Riley was no stranger to the rumours that were bouncing around over the summer about her and Caitlin. Cait had apologised to Riley if the romantic rumours about them made her feel uncomfortable which she genuinely assured her that she was fine and that wasn’t even close to being something Riley would take offence over. 

Caitlin is very self assured and the crap she got for being into girls never bothered her slightly, she was only bothered when her friends were brought into it. Riley felt Caitlin tense up beside her as Wyatt kept going on in his drunken stupor. 

Caitlin in her drunken state was seconds away from losing her cool. Riley looked between her friend and Wyatt and let out a tiny groan. “Would you just get over it already?” The brunette broke the hand hold only to place both her hands on either side of Caitlin’s face and quickly she closed the space between their lips. 

Kissing Caitlin was much different than any of her other kisses. There was her first and only kiss with Lucas, her handful of kisses with Spencer during a Midsummer Night’s Dream and there was even a moment during a CPR class where Kai and Riley were pulled up front for the demonstration. Kai was supposed to pretend to blow air into Riley’s mouth but instead he gave her a peck on the lips causing them both to erupt in laughter, the rest of the class too. The instructor wasn’t too thrilled but it made for a very funny moment. 

Caitlin’s lips were much softer than anyone else's and tasted like vanilla Chapstick. Everything about the moment was different, not different bad but it wasn’t exactly life changing either. Riley broke away first. Caitlin was left with an expression that suggested she knew what Riley was doing but it still took her by surprise.  

“Can we all move on with our lives now?” Riley addressed Wyatt and the group of people that had joined in with the spectating. Noah and Kai both present and looking just as surprised as everyone else. 

The four of them made their way away from the other kids watching. Riley looked up as they were walking and locked eyes with Lucas, Zay only a step behind him. Both Texans looking stunned as they had witnessed it all. Riley hadn’t noticed them arrive, she didn’t stop or even react to them she just kept walking. 

Outside in the hall Kai is the first to squeak his confusion. 

“Everyone is always making a big deal out of nothing.” Riley shrugged her shoulder. “So maybe this will shut them up.” 

“Shut them up?” Kai chuckled. “Ri, that will be talked about from now until forever.” 

Riley managed another slight shrug and turned to Caitlin with a quiet apology. 

“You don’t have to be sorry, Riley.” Caitlin stated. “I get why you did it but you don’t have to go around kissing me or any other girls to convince me that you’re okay with this.” 

“Did you see Lucas’ face?” Noah whispered to Kai but everyone heard it. 

“Not what I had in mind when I said kiss the first person you see and forget about him.” Caitlin chuckled. 

“That’s certainly going to give him a lot to think about.” Kai bit down on his bottom lip as he fought a giggle. 

“Ew.” Both Caitlin and Riley said in unison. 

After a brief chat things were normal between them all once more. Noah and Caitlin were planning on going back inside and Kai was going to walk Riley home and crash at the Matthews. The two were halfway down the call when Caitlin’s voice stopped Riley. 

“Oh and Matthews,” Caitlin said with one hand on the doorknob. Riley turned back to face her. “Not bad.” Both girls let out soft laughs, Caitlin was obviously joking and in some way it was like they needed that kiss to get over the stigma attached to their friendship. Maybe now they could really all just move on.

Riley walked away with a smile. She wasn’t planning on diving into relationships with girls anytime soon but new beginnings were definitely upon her. 

End Notes: Welp there it is. Next chapter Riley is ready to move on. Officially. 

tags: @plutoxriley @pamela-barron​ @nicolecolin​ @brassqueen​ @renait-courageux @helenpenhallxw  @dallas258