#but i wanna write SOMETHING for willex

[legolasghosty]

Hello my love!! How are you?

I saw this comic and immediately had to think of willex.

It would work either way I think, but my first thought was Willie as the green and Alex as the blue fox.

So now I'm unofficially handing this in as a prompt for a drabble, maybe when you need to get your mind off something this can jumpstart your writing cells (and if not, that's totally fine too, but I wanna hear your thoughts!)

Love youuuu!!

Hello my love!!! Sorry on the delay, I was meaning to have this ready to post yesterday! Curse irl people for taking up too much of my time and leaving none for my fiance :( But here we go!!!

Willie opens their eyes slowly. The bedroom is still dark; not even a sliver of sunlight falls from between the curtains. A faint light comes from the digital clock on the far side of the bed. It barely pushes back the shadows that cocoon them and fill the room.

Willie's first thought is that they must be in his room, since his bedroom window faces almost due west and doesn't get any sun till later in the day. But the sheets on the bed are pale and devoid of patterns. There's no dragon stuffy on the bedside table beside his phone. The shadow cast by the lamp looks like a turtle, not a bat.

Alex's room then. And it's dark. Which probably means...

Willie groans when he picks up his phone and sees the time. Great. His first day to sleep in all week and he's wide awake at 4:30 am. They mutter a curse at the heavens and roll over, leaving the evil phone on the bedside table.

The view on this side is much nicer at least. Instead of a timekeeping soulsucker, now he's staring at his sleeping partner's back. Alex's side rises and falls steadily with his breathing. The duvet, which Willie knows rather than sees is a dark pink, is bunched up around his waist. The shadows of the room caress his bare back like a blanket. Willie resists the urge to trace each line and curve of his spine. He doesn't want to wake him.

How the heck did Willie get lucky enough to score a guy this pretty?

Willie props himself up on one elbow to get a better look at his sleeping partner. Alex's hair has fallen over his face like it always does, the ends fluttering slightly as he exhales. His neck and shoulders are relaxed in that funny way that they never seem to get when he's awake. One arm is folded across his chest while the other stretches out towards the far edge of the bed.

Willie wishes there was enough light for him to examine all the random scars across his lover's body. There's the ones on his hands and wrists from his cats of course, and that one across his palm from when a drumstick broke on him and the idiot was too proud to pause midsong and get a new one. Then there's the one on his left bicep from a bike accident when he was a kid, and the one near his right elbow that even Alex doesn't remember the origins of.

The cluster of them on his knee from a bad fall when he was 12. The one on the back of his heel from wearing those awful sandals for too long on a family hike in high school. The ones on his chest that match Willie's. The one on his ankle from a stray box cutter when they were first moving in together.

So many memories, good and bad, all littered across his skin. Willie forces themselves to keep their hands tucked in close. No matter how badly he wants to curl up with his chest against Alex's back and trace every pale mark with his fingertips, Alex's alarm won't go off for hours. The last thing they want is to ruin his rest.

Willie knows they should probably roll over, drag their eyes off of the beautiful man laying beside them before they do something stupid. But for the life of him, he can't. Sue them, Alex is pretty and looks so soft in the embrace of the early morning shadows. It's all Willie can do to keep from reaching over to brush a strand of hair off his forehead, maybe let their hand trail down his shoulder on the way back.

No, he can't. Alex's sleep is important. No matter how much Willie wants to hold him, he can't wake him up. He can't. No. Nope. No cuddles, no waking up Alex-

"I can feel you vibrating," Alex mumbles, making Willie jump.

"Sorry, didn't mean to wake you," Willie hums back after a startled moment, their voice coming out gravelly and low.

Alex doesn't open his eyes, but the corner of his mouth quirks up. "Well you did, so we might as well cuddle," he points out, the words slurring together a bit.

Willie chuckles and shifts closer. Alex inches back until his back brushes Willie's chest. It's barely a minute before they're settled, Alex spooned by Willie's body. Alex lets out a contented sigh and nuzzles Willie's arm. Willie echos the sound as they press a light kiss to Alex's shoulder.

"Sleeping now," Alex slurs, his breathing evening out again.

"Sweet dreams," Willie responds. Their own eyelids are getting heavy, their heart rate slowing to match the steady drumming of Alex's against his chest. "Love you."

"Love you too," Alex mumbles as he succumbs to slumber.

Willie leaves another featherlight kiss on his husband's neck as the light fades away behind his eyelids. Gosh he was so in love. They certainly didn't mind waking up in the middle of the night sometimes if it would always end like this.

[sunsetcurbed]

20 Questions

Saw someone do this and gave an open tag and I'm bored at work so guess what I'm doing.

1. How many works do you have on AO3? 28

2. Whats your total AO3 word count? 538,006

3. What fandoms do you write for? Currently, Julie and the Phantoms and Bridgerton. In the past I've also written Harry Potter (obligatory fuck JKR), 9-1-1, Teen Wolf, etc.

4. What are your top 5 fics by kudos?

don't you know you've got the best of me? - 6,314

so just give me one more night - 2,606

every piece of you (it just fits perfectly) - 1,188

and even better, i get to be the other half of you - 770

i didn't wanna believe that i could lose you - 750

5. Do you respond to comments? Unfortunately, not typically. I used to, but I was putting so much effort in to responding and it just took a lot out of me.

6. What is the fic you wrote with the angstiest ending? Hands down don't you know you've got the best of me?. I strongly believe in HEA and all my fics will have one, however, dykygtbom is more of a bittersweet ending?? It's still a happy ending, but there's a lot of darkness in there as well.

7. What's the fic you wrote with the happiest ending? ... All of them?? As I said, HEA is my thing, and I don't really skimp on them. If you pressed me for an answer, I'd probably say give me something to hold on to, SOLELY because we see some of the happy ending that is simply implied in others. Like, we see the proposal, the wedding, their kids, etc. So probably that one, but like. My other fics don't not have a happy ending.

8. Do you get hate on fics? I've gotten exactly one comment that I'd classify as a "hate" comment, but I've seen people hate on my fics in other places outside of my comments. So like... yes but no?

9. Do you write smut? If so, what kind? I do not! If I want to indicate a sex scene, it will be a fade to black.

10. Do you write crossovers? I do not! It's nothing I'm against and I won't say I'll never write one.

11. Have you ever had a fic stolen? Yes, a few times. Mostly people reposting my fics onto WattPad.

12. Have you ever had a fic translated? Someone recently asked if they could translate dykygtbom! So in process, I guess?

13. Have you ever co-written a fic before? Once! life is not a love song we can try I also haven't technically co-written with them, but @willexmagic and @hufflebibin have been involved in a lot of plotting for my more recent Willex fics, like mob au.

14. What's your all-time favorite ship? This question is illegal actually, didn't you know? Top 5 are:

Penelope/Colin (Bridgerton)

Fred/Hermione (Harry Potter (obligatory fuck JKR))

Willie/Alex (Julie and the Phantoms)

Ben/Leslie (Parks & Rec)

Percy/Annabeth (Percy Jackson and the Olympians)

And it was hard narrowing it down to those. :( Also yes I am a friends to lovers truther.

15. What's a WIP you want to finish but doubt you will? Honestly... it depends? Right now I'd probably say MLB au for Willex. I want to finish that so badly, but I just haven't had the steam for it. There are other Willex fics I'll definitely be finishing—mechanic au, mob au, etc—but MLB au is just so long, so I'll just have to see how it plays out.

16. What are your writing strengths? Texting. /j (No but actually the amount of comments I have gotten in my fics that have complimented the texting/soc med elements that I include is actually really cool.) I'm often told I'm good at characterization and voices!

17. What are your writing weaknesses? I feel like I can really struggle with pacing. Also knowing where to put hands.

18. Thoughts on writing dialogue in another language in fic? Have you ever read Gallagher Girls by Ally Carter? They sometimes speak different languages in those books, but the internal thoughts translate for you. Not like word for word, but like, say someone asked "What did you do on summer vacation?" the internal monologue would kind of paraphrase that and while you might not know exactly what was said, you're given insight into what is being said. I rarely use different languages, but when I do, that's the technique I use.

19. First fandom you wrote for? The fics no longer exist, but Maximum Ride. Yeah, I've been around the block a few times.

20. Favorite fic you've written? give me something to hold on to. It's my most honest, real, human fic. So much went into that fic and it's the one I'm most proud of.

Tagging anyone and everyone who wants to do this!

[litrallytyrus]

Hello!! Just wanted to bother you for a second and ask if you had an plans to write an fic for jatp once you’re finished watching and have the time to do so? (I know you said you’re v busy right now which I totally get!! No pressure to write anything we can all wait patiently take care of yourself! 💕) Also BRO your Mitski taste is god tier Francis Forever is her best song ~~no I’m not biased what~~. Okay thank for letting me bother you love you bye 💖

hey hey!!! don’t worry ur no bother at all my friend!

i would absolutely LOVE to!!! they r making me feel a lot of things so i could def see myself writing a fic for them! i’m just kinda tired of social media au’s atm ... (which is why i haven’t rlly updated my gini one sigh ...) but maybe they’ll inspire me! i could see myself writing a willex one ...

YESS THAT SONG SLAPS!!!!! everything about it — the sound, the lyrics — holy moly it’s so good ... phew !!! it’s good to know u have amazing taste!

LOVE U BYE !!! 💗💗💗

[sunsetsandcurves]

✨written in the sand, crashing like waves ~ chapter 6✨

click for quality because tumblr is dumb

art's not mine, the fic is, posted with permission, check out the artist's insta here.

✨

It's been one year since jatp came out and I wanted to post something special but I didn't know what and then my friend María Gracia, who's the best artist I've ever met and has been reading my stuff and sometimes making art for it since we were like, 12, made this for me and I love it so much.

I love the Willex Cruise Ship AU and I love this scene and she drew it and it's 🥺 so 🥺 damn 🥺 beautiful. You should definitely check her insta and see her other stuff and maybe go follow her.

Anyway, posting this because I love it, happy one year I guess, netflix renew jatp challenge, this made me wanna write the sequel to the fic I never managed to finish.

[fireflyingaway]

thank you so so much for the tag @thatbitchmabel​ !!!

rules for the game: “post the names of all the files in your wip folder regardless of  how non-descriptive or ridiculous. let people send you an ask with the title that most intrigues them and then post a little snippet of it or tell them something about it! and then tag as many people as you have wips. i have deemed that this isn’t just for writing either. sketch titles? comics? dnd campaigns? if you have an unfinished project, it counts!!”

because of my current situation, i’m strictly providing the jatp titles that i know i’m doing!

four boys walk on stage, two walk off

it’s our favorite part of the story [willex enchanted au]

peterpatter witch au

boy advice

handyman willexie

end of my rope [willex red string au]

ice princess alex

ikea in a snowstorm

jukebogs idiots to lovers

cardcaptor sakura au

dirty dancing

pain for bobbers lolol

teen titans au

dream/dare

unstoppable force, immovable object

heart candies willex

bbc merlin au

hanahaki support group

sky high au

for some reason i’m still sure i forgot some..... oh well this works

tagging: no one bc i don’t have the energy, go for it if u wanna do it babes!! <3

[vanillann]

good girls

a/n: i wanna change my fic layout but idk what to do with it i. ii. iii.

based off “good girls” by 5sos and based off this request

reggie peters x fem!reader

word count: 1.5k

warning: talk of homophobia (if you are homophobic don’t interact with my page) and swearing

reggie peter masterlist

“I still can’t believe your parents are gone for the weekend!”

Reggie spun on his heels, falling on his back on the fluffy couch of the Mercer house, one he was often never invited into as he didn’t look like a good influence. Bobby picked up his feet, taking a seat as he also took in the nice living room.

“Some Biblical thing, I’m not allowed to go because, well-” Alex trailed off, leaving the living room to the kitchen. Nobody said a word about the recent discovery about Alex’s parents, they weren’t open-minded at all.

“Well don’t worry, Reggie will accidentally break something by the end of the weekend to get back at ‘em,” Luke followed Alex into the kitchen, leaving Bobby to laugh at Reggie’s offended face.

“I don’t break things that often!”

“You broke your locker yesterday,” Bobby pointed out, much to Reggie dismay. He frowned, giving Bobby his puppy eyes but it was no use as Bobby wasn’t even looking in Reggie direction.

“Is that who I think it is?” Bobby leaned on the fluffy pillows and pointed to the figure they all knew. Reggie knew she lived beside Alex, he had seen her get in the car when he used to pick Alex up for school, but now Bobby insists on doing it as he has to drive past all three of their houses anyways.

“Is that who I think it is?” Bobby leaned on the fluffy pillows and pointed to the figure they all knew. Reggie knew she lived beside Alex, he had seen her get in the car when he used to pick Alex up for school, but now Bobby insists on doing it as he has to drive past all three of their houses anyways.

“Is that who I think it is?” Bobby leaned on the fluffy pillows and pointed to the figure they all knew. Reggie knew she lived beside Alex, he had seen her get in the car when he used to pick Alex up for school, but now Bobby insists on doing it as he has to drive past all three of their houses anyways.

“What is going on?” Luke slid across the hardwood floor with his white socks, smiling as his eyes followed Bobby’s finger to the figure that sat on the roof.

“That’s (Y/N)!” Luke immediately yelled, almost jumping up and down as they watched her blow some smoke softly from her lips into the cold November air.

“Yeah, she does that often,” Alex shrugged, this time he was the one to join Reggie on the couch.

He seemed to be the only person unbothered by this newest discovery of Ms. Goody-Two-Shoe smoking on the roof with a bored expression on her face. The girl who spoke perfect French and wore an Ivy League sweatshirt with collars underneath.

“Luke, stop!”

It was too late for Bobby to stop Luke as he unlocked one of the window panels, his voice drifting through the neighborhood. Alex and Reggie jumped from the couch, watching as (Y/N) almost slide down the roof once Luke started yelling.

“Whatcha doing (L/N)!”

Her whole demeanor changed, the once bored expression was switched for pure panic as she ducked her head in the window and then slowly slid down the roof. The boys watched her grab the ladder on the side of the house and easily maneuver to make sure not a soul caught her in the act of sneaking out. Reggie had snuck out a million times and he still wasn’t this good.

She jogged the yard between the Mercer and the (L/N) household, holding a long cardigan close to her chest as she jogged to the open bay window. Reggie thought she’d be happy to have some company, although he didn’t smoke he’d be nice company nonetheless, but her face said it all.

She looked prepared to hurt all four of them without a second glance, her eyebrows pushed to the center of her forehead and her lips frowning like she does when she finished a test way earlier than anyone else.

“Wanna lose your head Patterson?”

Luke only chuckled, looking over both his shoulders for some support but was met with nothing but blank stares. Reggie never found someone so imminating before, the way her eyes bored into his soul and her crossed arms like a warrior who killed an army single-handedly and never broke a sweat.

“Mercer, where are your parents?” She nodded to the blond, way calmer while talking to him then when she spoke to Luke seconds ago.

“Church thing.”

The silence was short but deafening as they watched her rock back and front of her heels, pulling the cardigan closer and closer to her chest and Reggie finally felt the cold air run over his already red cheeks, his mouth moving faster than his brain.

“Here,” he dropped it from the window, cringing when it landed on her face and not in her hand like he planned in his head.

“Thanks.”

She wrapped it around her shoulder, not bothered by a stranger giving her a jacket but maybe they weren’t really strangers. They had many classes together, we gym partners during 12 mile runs, and even had the same locker block.

“Look, you didn’t see shit okay?”

“What do you mean?” Luke gave an innocent smile, trying his best to get under her skin but by the way she crossed her arm, that definitely wasn’t going to happen.

“I’m serious, you shut your pretty mouths and don’t say a word,” she pointed to each member, minus Alex as according to the two they already had a silent agreement. He lived up to it, he didn’t ever mention anything to the band once.

“I thought you were a good girl,” Bobby spoke this time, almost raising his hand like he was in class but held back from it.

“Good girls are bad girls that haven’t been caught,” she rolled her eyes, already slowly backing up from the house with a Reggie jacket held tightly to her chest.

Luke almost spoke again but Alex slapped his hand over his mouth and let the girl go back to her extracurriculars she had been doing earlier. Once she was safely on the ladder, Reggie reached out and closed the bay-widow and turned back to the couch.

“So they girl Reggie’s been in love with since the second grade is secretly bad, they’re practically made for each other!” Bobby spun around the room, laughing when Reggie slammed the pillow into his face and loudly groaned into it.

“Good girls are bad girls that haven’t been caught,” Luke ran to his bag, pulling out his notebook and scribbling the line. He didn’t stop there, writing faster than any essay he’d ever written, and he writes those seconds before they’re due.

“Are you really writing a song about my pain right now?”

“Reginald, we both know pain makes the best songs! Beside, it’s not even about you, it’s about her,” she grabbed his finger over his shoulder, telling him exactly who he was talking about.

Alex leaned over his shoulder, silently reading the words while drumming patterns on his leg.

“Practice in the garage?”

“I’ll get my bass!”

Reggie leaned on his locker, the other three trying to convince him to walk to her locker a few down with a cassette in Luke’s hand.

“Just ask for your jacket and give her this, she’ll understand once she sees the title,” Luke slammed the cassette into Reggie’s palm, which was sweeter than normal.

“How do you know she listens to cassettes?”

“Her car is from the 70s, she listens to cassette,” Alex pointed out, trying his best to push his friend. The sound of a loud slam bought them from the little trance they fell in. (Y/N) had a leather jacket slung over her arm and was walking directly to the group.

“She’s coming!” Reggie tried to turn around but the boys had built a wall behind him.

“Peters?”

“(Y/N)!”

She stood in front of him, the cardigan replaced with a T- shirt then had a math pun Reggie definitely didn’t understand and some baggy jeans.

“Here’s your jacket,” she held it out, nodding to the vintage material in her hand as she waited for him to take it.

“Don’t worry about it!”

Reggie cringed, knowing he always wore that jacket and he just gave it away like it was nothing.

“I have two already, here,” she grabbed his elbow, extending the arm with the cassette. She spotted the name scribbled across the paper, a frown finding its way onto her lips. She reached for it, letting it switch between her fingers before she looked up with a shy smile on her lips.

“Don’t you think ‘Good girls are bad girls’ is a long title, just make it ‘Good Girls”.”

Reggie smiled, nodding as he finally took the jacket and held it closer to his chest. He could smell soft lilac and something else he couldn’t quite name. The jacket had been with her for a weekend and was already imprinted with the scent, much like Reggie was with the girl.

“I like that!”

She nodded, waved to the other members of the band and easily was lost in the bust crowd of the school. Reggie was speechless, trying to find her in the crowd but she blended in so well.

That’s how she got away with it, because good girls are bad girls that haven’t been caught.

join the taglist!!

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permanent taglist:

@kittykylax​ @itstaylorcale​ @head-over-heart @marvel-rhapsody​ @accioxtina​ @always-spaced-out​ @carnations-red​ @onetoomanyfilms​ @suranne-doesstuff​ @fandomxreaders​ @succulentmom @just-here-to-escape-from-reality

jatp taglist:

@willex-owns-my-heart​ @sunsetcurvej​ @g7aesthetic​ @who-even-is-galileo​ @fangirlangioma​ @ifilwtmfc​ @teti-menchon0604​ @spyteens​ @percico-heronstairs​ @caitsymichelle13​ @ruby—butt @lukewearingbeanies​ @candycornmgg​ @Allyuhhh @winterberryfox​

reggie peters taglist:

@miisacore​ @starjane312​ @sunsetcurving​ @well-hes-just-cute @hrandomthoughts​ @glowstick-lesbian​ @lex-the-mess​

[jaskiers-sweetkiss]

The Mercer Legacy - Part 2

Pairings: Reggie x Luke x Reader, Willex

Word Count: 2.4K

Warnings: swearing

a/n: ahhh here’s part 2 of The Mercer Legacy!! I have been super busy and also told myself I wouldn’t write more of this until Sunset Swerve was finished (which it’s technically not bc it’s still missing an epilogue but shhhh) but I’m really excited to share this with y’all!! As always, please let me know what you think and comment/send me an ask if you’d like to be added to my taglist!! Oh, let’s all pretend that Luke and Reggie are in their concert blacks backstage at the event from Part 1 in the second edit, thanks :)

Part 1  Masterlist  TML Masterlist 

___

You met at the place where your front lawns touched, both of you storming out of your houses at the same time to confront each other.

“I can’t believe you lied to me!”

“I can’t believe you tricked me!” 

You both paused, having yelled at each other at the same time and needing a moment to comprehend what the other had said.

“Really?” You spoke first, quirking a brow and pursing your lips as you stared down your best friend. “You’re going to whine about a harmless prank when you’ve been living a freaking Hannah Montana double life?!”

“A Hannah Montana double life?” Alex repeated as if he couldn’t believe those were words that had just come out of your mouth. 

“Yeah, asshole. You’ve got secret cute friends, you’re in a secret band-“

“Actually can we talk about this inside?” He cut you off, looking around frantically as if he just remembered that you were outside and anyone could hear you. 

You glared at him for interrupting but turned to lead the way back towards your house. 

“Now I understand how Lily felt,” you grumbled and you could practically hear Alex roll his eyes. 

“You’re ridiculous.” 

“Oh, fuck off!” 

___

“So what I still don’t understand is why you didn’t just tell me all of this to begin with,” you finally spoke after Alex explained to you everything about meeting the guys and forming the band. You were sat across from each other on your bed, normally you’d sit side-by-side against the pillows or cuddle but this was serious. “Do you not trust me?”

Alex snapped his head up at that, looking you straight in the eyes as he spoke. 

“No! Y/N, of course, that’s not it! You know you’re my best friend, I’d trust you with my life!” He rushed to reassure you. 

“Then why not this?” 

Alex sighed. 

“I don’t know, it just...it all happened really fast and telling you slipped my mind and then it seemed too late to tell you and I just- I didn’t want you to be mad at me,” he rambled and you shook your head fondly. 

“You’re an idiot, you know that right?” 

“That’s why I need you, you have all the brains,” he was quick to respond, breaking out the innocent look he usually reserved for parents. 

“Kiss ass,” you grumbled but gesture for him to join you against the pillows anyway. 

“I’m glad you know now,” Alex said quietly as he settled next to you, slinging an arm around your shoulder and pulling you into him. “Don’t replace me with Luke and Reggie though.”

You laughed at that, quickly reassuring him that you could never before pulling out your phone. 

“What’re you doing?” Alex asked curiously, trying to get a look at the screen. 

“I’m changing your contact name to Hannah Montana,” you answered simply as you tapped away on your phone, doing just that. 

“Oh my gosh, seriously? You’re never gonna let that go are you?” He groaned. 

“Listen, I really don’t think you’re appreciating how clever that was. I’m a genius.” 

“Of course, my genius best friend,” Alex teased, hugging you closer to him briefly. 

You nuzzled your head into his shoulder, grateful for the show of affection. You knew Alex wasn’t a very physical person so the fact that he was comfortable enough with you to express his affection in this manner was huge. You always joked that he was the brother you’d never asked for and it was like he caught the cuddle bug when the two of you hung out. You’d spent many an afternoon or sleepover cuddled up just like this. 

“Oh! I should probably text the guys and let them know you’re alive,” you spoke after a moment, reaching for your phone once more. 

“The guys,” Alex repeated in disbelief at the casual reference to Luke and Reggie before the rest of your statement registered in his mind. “Wait, let them know what?!”

“Shhhh, it’s fine,” you waved him off as you sent a text in your group chat. “I just might’ve threatened your life for lying to me.”

“You threat- y’know what, I shouldn’t even be surprised anymore,” he sighed exasperatedly. 

“You really shouldn’t,” you laughed. “Luke says you’re late for band practice.”

“Oh shit!” Alex exclaimed, sitting up suddenly, the movement forcing you to sit up as well. “I gotta go- wait, do you wanna come with? I’m sure the rest of the group won’t mind.”

“Do I want to come... y’know I was joking about me having all the brains in this friendship but now I’m starting to think it’s true,” you huffed as you followed your best friend out of the room. 

___

“Hey guys, sorry I’m late!” Alex apologized as he rushed into the garage where the band apparently practiced. 

Upon entry, you found the garage had been converted to a well-lit and nicely decorated studio, equipped with everything you assumed a band of high schoolers could need. As you followed Alex in he gestured over to a couple of armchairs and a couch clustered across from the band setup for you to sit in before he quickly made his way behind the drum set. 

“No problem man, we know you were making up with- y/n!” Luke exclaimed, catching sight of you seated in one of the chairs in front of him. 

“What’re you doing here?” Reggie blurted out, having spun around to face you when Luke had said your name and you felt your cheeks heat up in embarrassment. 

“Um, Alex said I could come watch you practice?” You tried to explain but it came out as more of a question in your flustered state. “He didn’t think you guys would mind but if you do I can just head back home...”

You moved to stand up from your chair but the boys were quick to stop you. 

“No!” They shouted simultaneously. Thank goodness for guitar straps because each boy nearly dropped their instrument in their haste to keep you from leaving. 

“You just... caught us off guard. That’s all,” Luke explained, rubbing the back of his neck sheepishly. 

“You’ve got to be kidding me,” you heard Alex groan from the back, drawing your attention. 

“What’s up?” You called back to him, settling back into your seat and sending Luke and Reggie a grateful smile before giving your best friend your undivided attention.

“Huh? Oh! I, uh, one of my sticks looks like it’s starting to crack,” he excused, sounding like he hadn’t meant to be heard. You narrowed your eyes suspiciously at him, knowing he was leaving something out but you wouldn’t push it. At least not in front of Luke and Reggie. “Anyways, where’s Jules?”

“She just ran inside to grab some water,” Reggie answered, and if on cue the studio doors opened and a smaller girl carrying an armful of water bottles who you assumed must be Julie stepped in. 

“Y’know, one of you guys could’ve offered to help,” she huffed, walking over to each of the three boys to hand them a bottle. 

Like Luke and Reggie, it took her a moment to notice your presence as she jumped slightly when she turned around and spotted you. You smiled sheepishly, feeling that embarrassed heat rise into your face once again. 

“You must be Y/N!” She exclaimed, grinning at you. “I’m Julie. Do you want a water?” 

You graciously accepted the offer from the curly-haired girl, thankful that she didn’t seem to mind that you were there. After making sure you felt welcome Julie was all business, getting the band started on their rehearsal. The same could not be said for the guys. 

Luke was the first to start goofing off while Reggie had been pointedly averting his gaze whenever you looked at him. It was a complete tone shift from the confident boy who had winked at you at the debutante ball but Luke’s showing off seemed to empower him. The brunet, on the other hand, hadn’t wasted any time doing silly rockstar moves and adding in guitar riffs that you could tell weren’t typically apart of the songs by Alex and Julie’s fond but exasperated expressions. Not long after, Reggie joined in on the shenanigans, the two boys competing for your attention. 

For his part, Alex did seem to be doing his best to maintain his professionalism but, well, once Luke and Reggie started acting out you weren’t surprised that he followed. You thought it was cute, your best friend was jealous. Whether it was because he thought you were stealing his friends or they were stealing you was yet to be seen, but you thought it was endearing despite knowing that he had nothing to worry about. 

Well, maybe he had to worry about you stealing Luke and Reggie. Despite not knowing them for very long the two boys had quickly grown on you and you were grateful for opportunities like sitting in on band practice to get to spend more time with them, even if you weren’t talking or interacting with them directly. You got the feeling that music was a language of their own, especially for Luke. Even as he did everything in his power to gain and keep your attention you could tell that each song was important to him. 

You were surprised and bummed when they finished rehearsing, your personal mini-concert over. However, you hadn’t realized practice being over didn’t mean you had to go home. Apparently, the guys often stayed late in Julie’s garage just hanging out. 

“So, what exactly do your parents think you’re doing when you’re here?” You asked Alex much later, having just noticed the sun had long since set and wondering how the boy had escaped his parents’ curiosity and strictness for so long.  

You had migrated to the couch at some point in the evening, your legs draped across Luke’s lap as you stretched out on the sofa. Reggie and Alex occupied the two closest armchairs. 

“Usually I just say I’m at your house,” Alex shrugged and you sat up abruptly, staring at him as if he were insane (which, by the way, he was). 

“And you never thought to tell me that I was your alibi?” You questioned in disbelief. “What if they had checked in?!” 

“They wouldn’t have checked in.”

“They’re helicopter parents!” 

“But they trust me,” Alex smirked and you huffed. 

“Right. How could I forget you’re the Golden Boy. Every parent to ever exists trusts you immediately by default,” you groaned, flopping back onto the couch dramatically. 

The guys all laughed at that and you smirked victoriously to yourself, proud that you were able to do that. The boys led the conversation after that with you jumping in occasionally, just content to be there. You weren’t sure how much time had passed before your eyelids grew heavy and you decided to close them, believing you could still listen and participate in the conversation with your eyes shut.

The boys didn’t realize you were asleep until Luke felt you shiver, your legs still laying across his lap. He looked over to find you with your eyes closed, a peaceful expression on your face, and goosebumps all over your arms. You were freezing. 

Realizing that there were no blankets nearby, Luke began to slowly shrug off his flannel so as to not disturb you. The same flannel that Alex had made fun of him for wearing because “It’s June in LA and it’s a million degrees out.” Well, suck it, Alex, because now he was able to drape it across your torso. 

A warm, fluttering feeling erupted in his chest when you unconsciously grasped onto the fabric, snuggling further into the material. 

At this point, Alex and Reggie had caught on to the fact that you had fallen asleep and while the boys did resume their conversation, there was a noticeable shift in volume. Luke flinched the next time he felt you move, thinking their talking had woke you up. However, he looked to see that your eyes were still closed, no signs of consciousness to be found in your features and he let out a small sigh of relief. 

“Hey, Reg can you go grab a blanket from the loft?” Luke asked, looking away from you to give his friend his signature puppy dog eyes. 

It turned out he didn’t need to though as Reggie had already jumped up from his seat and started making his way quickly and quietly to the ladder. He made it up and down from the loft with no troubles but it didn’t last. Barely two steps away from the ladder Reggie tripped, falling into Alex’s drum set. Luke and Alex watched with wide eyes as at the last minute the boy attempted to launch himself in the opposite direction, not wanting to damage the drums and he nearly managed to save it, until he knocked the high-hat over with his foot. 

The cymbals hit the ground with a loud crash and you startled awake, eyes flying open and heart racing at the sound. 

“What the fuck was that?” You gasped, sitting up as you tried to make sense of your surroundings. “Was I asleep?” 

“That was Reggie knocking over the cymbals and yeah, you were knocked out,” Luke chuckled, smiling lightly at you. Alex had already jumped up, rushing to the back to make sure his high-hat and friend were okay. 

“Oh my gosh! Are you okay Reg?” You asked, your head snapping to the band set-up just in time to see the boy in question stand up, brushing off his pants before carefully making his way back to you. 

“Yeah, I’m all good,” he replied cheerily before handing you the waded-up ball of fabric. “I was grabbing you a blanket, you were shivering in your sleep.” He explained softly and your heart warmed at the gesture.

“Aww babes, that’s so sweet,” you cooed accepting the blanket from the blushing boy even though you were no longer sleeping. As you set down the blanket you noticed Luke’s flannel already laying in your lap and you felt heat rise to your cheeks at the realization that he must have placed it over you in your sleep. 

“Babes?” Alex repeated as he walked back, looking at you funny and you sent a puzzled look back. 

“What? I used to call you babe all the time before you got permanently relegated to ‘asshole.’” Alex rolled his eyes at that while Luke and Reggie chuckled. 

“Okay, it’s time to go,” Alex huffed, pulling you off the couch and you pouted. 

“Well, bye I guess!” You whined, waving at the boys while Alex tried to forcibly remove you from the garage as quickly as possible. “Asshole.” You cursed him quietly under your breath. 

Part 3

___

JATP Taglist: @meangirlsx @morganayennefertyrell @n0wornever @bright-molina @reg-peters @calamitykaty

TML Taglist: @bright-patterson @marinettepotterandplagg @everyonesannoyedwithme @dream-a-little-bigger-x @percico-heronstairs @starjane312 @ifilwtmfc @jatphatones��@cherrymaybank @sorrowfulfragmentation @stargazing-dreamer-girl @daisybutterlions @mynameisntluke​

[juliathephantom]

JATP Fanfic Recs: Multichapter Edition

* indicates complete

'Stupid Cupid, Stop Hitting On Me' by Bluefire510

Juke

Luke, a troublemaker cupid, meets Julie, who is also one of Love HQ's toughest cases to crack.

She claims to have no desire to fall in love.

But Luke is always up for a challenge.

Let's see if he could get Julie to fall for her Perfect Match by next Valentine's Day.... and maybe teach her all about love while he's at it.

*Operation Hashtag Rulie by where_you_go

Reggie/Luke/Julie

“Explain yourselves,” Caleb ground out.

“Uh…it’s not what it looks like?” Reggie tried, wincing.

“Oh really, Reginald? Because it looks like two of my most popular band members from a family-friendly band are fornicating in public!”

-

Julie and Reggie get caught up in a PR misunderstanding that leads to them "dating" for a few months. It's not a big deal, or at least it wouldn't be, if Luke would stop acting so weird.

*Unexpected by Phantom_Lover

Luke is determined to breeze through his senior year and onto mega stardom (which means avoiding school, and Principal Lessa, as much as possible). That is until he's forced to work side-by-side with quiet good-girl, Julie Molina, on the big end-of-the-year talent show. The two struggle to see eye to eye, and meeting the all-important deadline seems impossible until something unexpected happens between them.

keys to the cage (and the devil to pay) by HearJessRoar

Juke, Willex

Julie Molina has always thought it would be rather exciting to meet a pirate.

Unfortunately, she's right.

"Julie, Julie Patterson, I'm a maid here in the governor's household," she bluffs. And she wishes that Luke's name hadn't been the first that she'd come up with, because the long-haired pirate's eyebrows raise immediately.

"Luke got married?" he says, sounding oddly betrayed.

His blonde companion looks equally gutted. "He didn't even tell us."

Piss Off Your Parents (Date Me To Scare Them) by TheNameIsBritney

Willex

Alex Mercer doesn't want to go home for Christmas; but if he has to, he's certainly gonna raise a little hell. Enter: Willie, the cute guy in his history of English class who would be the perfect fake boyfriend candidate.

So if you wanna piss off your parents, date me to scare them, show them you're all grown up. If long hair and tattoos are what attract you, baby then you're in luck.

*i'll hold your music (here inside my hands) by musicals_musicals

"Your soulmate must love music just like you do”

Julie is 3 years old, enthusiastically playing a small plastic piano, the first time she sees her string.

It makes sense that music would connect her to her soulmate.

or

How Julie finds her way back to music, joins a band, falls in love, and meets Luke Patterson (not necessarily in that order)

*a masterpiece in motion, more beautiful every day by fairylightsandrainydays

Willex, Juke

Alex Mercer is a merboy with a fascination for the human world. Willie is a prince who he saves from a storm. And Caleb Covington is the sea witch who is going to make Alex's dream come true.

So long as Caleb gets what he wants.

*days go by and seasons change (lets try again next winter) by itsagamefortwo

Juke

julie's ready for a year away from home, studying and trying to re-find the magic in music. luke's about to start on a summer tour around europe opening for a band. they meet one night, sparks fly and emotions run high. now they've just got to try and see if they can maintain a long distance friendship.

Who Could Deny These Butterflies? by xxPrettyLittleTimeBombxx

Juke

“I know this is going to sound kinda crazy…but, could you maybe pretend to be in love with me for a few minutes?”

—

When Julie Molina approaches Luke Patterson at a bar and asks him to pretend to be her boyfriend, she never expects to find herself in a position where she and Luke have to keep up the ruse for longer than five minutes. Figures that out of all of the strangers she could have approached that night, she’d gone and picked the one guy who just so happens to be in a rock band that’s on the brink of blowing up.

*relight that spark by @ruzek-halstead

Juke

julie molina has had nothing but a tough life. after losing both her parents early on, she was left in the care of her step-monster karen and her two step-daughters. while working at her late father's diner, completing household duties and being at karen's beck and call at all hours, julie was well on her way to getting accepted into the college of her dreams and having enough money to move out.

and then one day she received a text message from an unknown number. it started out innocent, crossed wires based on a flyer she put up three years ago.

this is the story of julie molina and her prince charming, and everything in between.

i never saw you coming (and i'll never be the same) by ruzekhalstead (@ruzek-halstead)

Juke

julie molina, a new student to uc berkeley, secures a job at a tiny, run-down grocery store, where she meets a group of people who inadvertently become some of the most important people in her life.

there's nothing like suffering in the workplace with your co-workers to solidify a bond.

a look into julie's life in a brand new city, as told by the customer service experience throughout the months.

an oddly specific grocery store au that no one asked for but i'm writing anyway to satisfy my brain

*Love Drunk by captainkippen

Juke

Thirty-two missed calls. Fifty-eight texts waiting. Over one hundred various social media notifications. A deep sense of foreboding took over. Julie swallowed. Slowly, she lifted the phone back to her ear.

"Flynn… what happened last night?"

After a night out in Vegas, Julie and Luke wake up to find themselves married. Hijinks ensue.

*So that's how it happens by echocharm (@echocharm17618)

Juke

But it had to be today. Julie had this crazy feeling in her stomach. Not nervous butterflies. More like fireflies that were trying to zap her (Do fireflies electrocute people? She should google that). It felt like that moment her parents spoke about all the time. The day they met. And when they first spoke to each other. Her mom always says that an intense zap went through her whole body.

Are you new or nervous? Julie has been waiting a (short)lifetime to hear those words be said to her.

She walked down a few more steps in the auditorium and found a spot. It was one of the few seats left in the room that wasn’t all the way up in the back. She sat down and settled into the uncomfortable, hard, plastic chair and took a deep shaky breath. The prof was nowhere to be seen. But there was a cute boy in the seat next to her. He had sort of long brown hair that was covered with a grey toque. And he was wearing a cut off t-shirt and you could see his very nice arms. Julie’s breathing was still shaky, and his attractiveness wasn’t helping the situation.

*we're too young to know things like love by Ephemeral_Joy

(@lydias--stiles)

Juke

The various ways and situations people notice the connection between Julie and Luke, whether that be a close friend or a complete stranger.

(started as a 5+1 fic and then i kind of went rogue. oops.)

*and i know i've kissed you before, but i didn't do it right (can i try again?) by Ephemeral_Joy (@lydias--stiles)

Juke

Some things just can't be fixed with a song.

(Julie and Luke break up.)

*The Infamous Tale of Luke and Julie's Grand Trip Across America by Ephemeral_Joy (@lydias--stiles)

Juke

In any normal situation, Luke wouldn't let this random girl hitchhike with him across America.

Then again, he wasn't normal. And neither was she.

(or: the roadtrip!au no one asked for)

*We Found Wonderland by ICanSpellConfusionWithAK (@pink-flame)

At the end of season one Julie isn’t able to save the boys and they are jolted out of existence. But what if there was another way? Julie finds herself back in 1995 with a chance to stop the boys of Sunset Curve from ever dying at all. But will she be able to find her way home afterwards? Will she want to? Or has Alice really gone down the rabbit hole this time...

A Moment of Quiet Conversation by JackONeillisTheMan

Juke

Julie and Luke talk about how he was the one who introduced her to rock. Then just fluff, more and more fluff.

*Feels like I've opened my eyes again by ICanSpellConfusionWithAK (@pink-flame)

Juke

After the whirlwind her life has been since the boys showed up it’s not that surprising that Julie would be a little tired. But is it normal that she’s more exhausted than she’s ever been? With Nick acting weird, Alex and Reggie both wrapped up in their own problems and her relationship with Luke still a big question mark, she has her work cut out for her if she’s looking to sit back and relax.

Basically my ideas and speculation about what season 2 might hold, or at least some of the things I would like to see.

find the strength, find the melody by sunset_phantom

Juke

An AU in which the boys are alive, Julie has been kicked out of her music program, and she somehow ends up falling in love with Luke in three days while he simultaneously brings her back to her first love of all: music.

after silence, wake me up by Vargynja

Juke

Julie hasn't been able to make music after her mother's death. She lives in New York working as an assistant for Luke, working hard to move forward in her career.

Luke finds out he's about to be deported back to Canada. A panicked lie leads them to fake a relationship to get married so he can stay in the country. Despite working together for two years they aren't close but a trip to Alaska to visit Julie's family might change that

Based on the premise of The Proposal (2009)

[a-tomb-with-a-view]

Uh. Everyone is doing these, and I didn’t wanna be the one stingy bastard who didn’t, so, here goes ig?

I watched jatp for the first time with my mum in September last year, and we were just bored and wanted something to watch, and it seemed super cringe, but Madi started singing at the end of ep 1, and then we watched the whole show in one night and went to bed at dawn. The last time I watched the show was a month ago today, with my mum. We started it at about 1am, and finished it at 7am, waiting to find out what university I was going to. So ig you could say it’s been kind of a comfort show to me, seeing as that’s how I decided to spend 5 hours in an attempt to calm me down waiting for some of the biggest news of my life so far.

I still can’t believe some dumb fic about baking turned into something so massive, I’ve written a couple hundred thousand words since then, including a memorable day in July where I wrote over 18000 words just in time for midnight, with the help of insane amounts of encouragement from the ficstorming server. It started as me wanting something to do while I took four weeks of school for health reasons, and now I have nearly 800 people who think I’m kinda cool, and I met some rly rly incredible people along the way.

I’m not gonna list em all, because there’s way too many, but like. I met my boyfriend through the fandom which is kinda neat, @wadewaits you bastard. @robbstarkmademedoit , @willex-joyner , @xlostinobsessionsx and @madamecrystal were some of my first proper fandom friends, as well as @fandommaniac123 @hallowseve1031 and @everyfandomthereis . Then there was @on-irratia , who I ended up co-writing this crazy fic with, who’s made fun of me through the highs and lows of the dumbfuckery of the last eight months.

Big thanks to Bobby Shaw/Wilson, who’s two lines in the whole show turned into an essay and then into some of the greatest friendships I’ve got ( @the-anxious-gay-drummer @itsthebooks @kybee1497 @williexmercer @afoldintime @sunset-bobby @sunnylemonss you guys are awesome and ily’all a lot). And of course the ficstorming server, including legends like @sunsetcurvecuddles @sunsetcurbed @angelofarts @willexxmercer @curvesomesunsets @wr0temyway0ut and many many many more.

Ofc with Bobby came boggie, my pride and joy, and from boggie came some *more* awesome people from some boggie servers @boggie-brainrot @lemonade-baby @queenmolina @annalovesbananas to name a few who I actually spoke to enough not to feel bad for bothering

I’ve been super open about what parts of the show mean the world to me so I’m not even gonna try touch that, but a year ago I was a high schooler stressing over literally everything, and now I’m a med student with a bf, a qpp, and a whole bunch of awesome friends, and like. Ig the show had a major part in that, so happy one year y’all dumb fucks

(P.S. fuck you Wade and Rio because I’m apparently not cis and im placing the blame with you guys 💜💜)

[tangledstarlight]

For the fanfic asks: L, N and R 💕

L: What's the weirdest AU you've ever come up with?

well i mean it's gotta be the Willex Duck Family, right? i honestly dont think i've ever been apart of coming up with anything more niche or weird then this. and the most wonderful thing about this au is that me and the lovely @ourstarscollided are still talking and adding to it even now😌 it's just so pure, and sweet, and fills me with joy.

N: Is there a fic you wish someone else would write (or finish) for you?

right now, i would love for someone else to finish the Runaway Royals fic lmao BUT i would actually scream if someone did a juke What's Your Number au OR a You've Got Mail au, because they are living rent free in my head and i just think they'd be neat!! (ALSO the elusive expanse bar au that i've been thikning about for 2 years now? someone else please steal it from my head and write it!!!!)

R: Are there any writers (fanfic or otherwise) you consider an influence?

in terms of like, published authors people like leigh bardugo and maggie stiefvater and marissa meyer because i think their world building and how the character fit into it is so well done? and never feels like over explaining?

in terms of fic writers? so many!!! and i think anyone who is willing to spend hours, for free, writing something for characters that they love is just so amazing? anyway i'm gonna try and list a few but i will 100% miss people because i'm bad with urls 😬(also well aware this is more of a list of people who's fics bring me joy and makes me wanna be just a lil bit better🤷🏻‍♀️)

@thedeathdeelers (listen imene i will rant and rave about how well you capture juke in the soft simple moments until i run out of words okay!!!)

@ourstarscollided (i know im tagging you in this twice but your writing is just so lovely? and i just feel very glad that i get to know all the bts of it!!)

@pearlcaddy (all of your versions of juke just feel so real and every time you post something new i don't think i could love them more and yet i do?? true talent!)

@sanssssastark (the way you mix smut with the soft, sweet moments is just so amazingly done that i'm not even mad i've nearly cried over several smut fics now🤷🏻‍♀️)

@pig-wings (look i'm forever in awe of you dedication to bring dragons to the expanse universe. i just think it's freaking brilliant!!! also just all the amos/anyway relationships are so well done!)

@ruzek-halstead (i know i've said it before but just. everything in your luke&julie au collection!!! forever in love with how you seamlessly fit them into different situations without it ever feeling forced)

@quakeriders (i know you're not really writing anymore but boy are some of your actor fics some of my absolutely favourites and the reason i actually finished 2 of mine hgjfd)

there are SO MANY other people, but these are just the ones i can think of right now. i just think anyone who spends their free time writing their own fics is really freaking awesome and i am sending you all virtual gold stars⭐️💜

thanks for asking!! sorry this got long lmoa

ask me fanfic questions!

[legolasghosty]

Omg, please tell me about "TELL ME WHAT YOU ARE!!!!" (incredible title lol) and "The One Where Everyone Dances in the House", I am very intrigued!! 👀

Hi hello my love yes of course!!! Sorry for the delay, the spoons have been low!

Okay, so TELL ME WHAT YOU ARE is the super descriptive name I gave to a file after uncovering it and having no idea what it was supposed to be. Like, there was like 3 paragraphs in it and I had no clue where I was planning on going with it.

So now I have turned it into a cute little Willex 3+1 of them making little memories and generally being adorable and in love. Have a snippet!!!

“Penny for your thoughts?” Willie asked, his chin resting on Alex’s shoulder.

Alex turned his head to look at them. It was dark outside, only the lights on the outside of Willie's parents' RV cutting through the forest night. The sky above them was clear and bright with stars. Willie's arms were looped loosely around Alex's waist, their chest against his back. 

"Only if you promise not to laugh," Alex responded.

"Well what are the consequences if I laugh?" Willie teased.

Alex hummed, pretending to be deep in thought. "I suppose you'd owe me something," he decided.

"Like a kiss?" Willie suggested, nuzzling the side of Alex's neck.

Alex repressed the giggle that formed in his throat as Willie's breath tickled his skin. "That doesn't seem like much of a punishment," he retorted. 

"I do like kissing you," Willie agreed. "I guess I'll just have to not laugh then. What were you thinking about?"

The One Where Everyone Dances In The House is another 5+1 type deal(which I really wanna get back to writing, cause it's so cute and I love the idea!) where the whole gang has a giant house together and Willie has only moved in semi-recently. So it's all these shots of Willie walking in on his friends dancing together randomly for various reasons, and then 1 time when someone invites them to dance too!

If I ever finish it, it will be the sweetest, most tooth-rotting fluff on the face of the planet. Snippet time!

Willie stumbled into the entryway, almost tripping over a pair of Luke’s vans. He dropped his dance bag under the coat hooks, draping his black and white checked jacket over one of Reggie’s red flannels on a hook as they headed for the kitchen. They just had to get a quick snack, then they could retreat to Alex’s bedroom and curl up beside their boyfriend and rest.

As he turned the corner into the kitchen, it took a second for it to register that the space wasn’t empty. Julie was on the other side of the kitchen island, leaning against Alex’s chest as he spun her slowly around the space. Alex was wearing his pink hoodie and some basketball shorts Willie knew he slept in, his hair a mess from being trapped under his hat all day most likely. Julie’s hair was braided back and she had on an old, white t-shirt over fuzzy cat pants. Willie noticed her glasses on the counter beside some crumpled tissues. A mug of tea sat on the stovetop, likely cold by now.

Willie returned his gaze to the pair as Alex brought them to a slow stop, still swaying a bit as he rested his chin on the top of her head. He murmured something to her in a low voice and she nodded, not removing herself from his embrace just yet. Alex squeezed her tightly one more time, then turned around, letting the girl climb onto his back. Then he carried her out through the other side of the kitchen, probably heading for her and Luke’s bedroom.

Thank you so much for sending these in, I still love both of these so much even though I haven't actually done anything on them in ages!!!

(Look through my list of WIPs and ask me whatever you want about them!)

[merihn]

hey, i hope you don't mind me sending this, i just feel like i need to talk about this. i'm writing my first bit of smut for the jatp for smut week on monday, and i'm nearly finished. it's kind of exciting but also making me nervous because i know there's been a lot of bad stuff in the fandom about smut. but i really want to write it and share it with people so i'm trying to focus on how many awesome writers there are that include smut in their work and ignore everything else. because i'm guessing the people who write it won't mind reading it, right?

sorry, this is a bit more of a stream of thoughts than an ask so you don't have to answer it. i just don't really have anyone to talk to about this. and i am super excited and pleased with myself because i've almost got to the end and i've written it all in two days, which is amazing for me. but i wish i could be happy about that without worrying about the other stuff, that's all

Of course I don't mind! I'm quite flattered you thought of me 😊

This fandom is ridiculous about smut and I just... I really don't understand it. I've said it before but it bears repeating: I've been in plenty of child/teen/young adult aimed media fandoms and I've never come across the hate that this fandom has for smut. I mean, I started in Harry Potter back when I was 13 and the crazy shit I read in that would make this fandom's heads explode. Like, there was SO much smut and even, *gasp* adult/teen smut.... like, SO MUCH. And we didn't have the warnings and tags back then that we have now so you were basically just going in blind and hoping for the best. At least now you have the option of excluding entire tags and ratings if that's what you want to do. You're not scrounging through weird archives and websites for random fics and just hoping for the best.

Nowadays people have so much control over their fandom experience and it really pisses me off that these people are trying to control everyone else's fandom experience too. I know that it's been happening in various forms since fandom began but this really feels different and more full on than anything else I've experienced. But it's also true that previous fandom venues have been very different to Tumblr. It was sort of harder to see a lot of the shit back on livejournal because someone had to either link you to it or you had to go looking for it. On tumblr you see a lot more stuff just floating around because of the nature of the website. I think it was easier for me to not see or engage in back in the day.

But these people really need to get it in their heads that everyone engages in fandom differently and that if they don't like something, they should just ignore it. I do it all the time. I don't sit around and complain (in the open lol) that there is SO much J*ke fic in this fandom and that they're so often a secondary pairing which means it really cuts down on the amount of fic I can read. I just move on. I don't ship it, but I'm not trying to make that anyone else's problem (to clarify, I love them on the show but I don't wanna read about it. To me, fandom is exploring where canon leaves off -- though, hypocritically, I really love Willex, but there are SO many fics of them I can't read bc of background J*ke). I will complain about it to my friends because that's what you do. You keep it private, because it's a personal opinion.

You don't have to like smut. Plenty of people don't. But you don't get to tell other people that they're not allowed to like it or write it, and you don't get to call people p*dos for writing it. It's plain wrong and disgusting. And I've seen some people justify writing smut in this fandom by saying they've aged up the characters but I think that's kind of close to pandering to those purists. Teenagers have sex. Whether you like it or not, they do. And a lot of people like to explore their characters/relationships through sex, or just write smut because smut is fun! It doesn't have to mean something, and it doesn't have to be epic to justify it's existence. People have sex and also like to write about it.

Ahhh, sorry. This ended up being a damn essay. I guess I had a lot more feelings about this than I thought I did.

I think there are plenty of people in this fandom that like smut, and I personally know some who do but are scared to publicly say anything because of how full on the anti's are. Which is really sad. I know I was scared to post my first smut, and I actually wrote like three different fics before I finally gathered the courage to post my first one, so I'm not bashing anyone for not doing it, or even admitting to liking it. 💜💜💜

You're always welcome to message me if you want someone to talk about this stuff with, and if you need another pair of eyes on your fic for this week, I'm happy to take a look. As I always say, I'm not much of a beta but I can make suggestions and do a spelling/punctuation sweep 😊

I still worry every time I post smut, but I haven't gotten any hate for it, so hopefully that means most of the purists have either blocked me or just don't give a shit about me. Either works for me.

Last thought: fandom should be FUN. Stop trying to control other people and just have fun.

[sunsetsandcurves]

Willex and tattoos?

tw: mention of needles

*

The first time Alex catches a glimpse of Willie's tattoo, he can swear his whole face is about to catch on fire.

He doesn't know how he hasn't seen it before- especially with the crazy amount of time he spends just looking at his boyfriend. Maybe it's because it's on his ribcage, perfectly hidden by the crop tops he likes wearing.

But now they're hanging out in a skatepark, and Alex's sitting on the floor, just watching, and then Willie jumps and his top jumps with him and he sees it.

He can't quite figure out what it is, but the dark lines draw what seems like a bird (maybe an eagle?) and Alex's heart stops because- well, because he loves tattoos. (Not on him though. He hates needles.)

Willie jumps down of his skateboard and aproaches him with a smile.

"That was cool, huh?" They say, sitting down beside him. Alex swallows and forces himself to talk.

"You have a tattoo," he blurts out, staring at Willie's chest. Willie frowns a little but then smiles.

"Uh, yeah. I have like, five, actually."

He clears his throat. "Oh. You- you do? I didn't know."

Willie laughs a little and raises his crop top a little, letting him see the eagle tattoed there, black ink glistening against their tan skin.

"Woah. It's really cool."

Willie shows him the other ones- he's got an anchor near their collarbone and a rose on his back, near their hips. A couple of planets on their thighs and -of course- a little skateboard on his ankle.

"Did they hurt?" Alex asks in a whisper, and then realizes it's probably a stupid question.

Willie shakes his head.

"Not really. The eagle and the one on my collarbone really did, but I got the other ones after I died so you can barely feel them."

Alex blinks.

"You got them- as a ghost?"

"Yeah," Willie winks. "I know a guy. Why, you wanna get one?"

Alex chuckles dryly and shakes his head. "Nope. I like tattoos- but I'm scared of needles and my parents would kill me if-"

And then he realizes: his parents are gone. He's dead, and his parents are gone so no one will be there to judge him or scream at him if he gets one, no one will be there to throw sharp, hurtful words at him and bury him under disappointed glances.

Willie can probably tell he's actually considering it, because they raise one eyebrow and stands up, his eyes shining in a way that usually means trouble.

"Willie, I-"

"Oh, you're totally doing it."

They grab his hand and poofs them away. Alex opens his eyes and finds himself in a small, dark room. It looks like a tattoo studio.

A tattoo studio for ghosts. Sick.

There's boiling courage running through his veins- Alex thinks about it and comes to the conclusion that he's not that scared of needles, and the only thing he's been worried about was disappointing his parents even more.

He doesn't have to worry about that ever again, and Willie's excited smile makes Alex really want to get one.

He'll probably regret it the next day, but whatever.

Twenty minutes later, he's sitting on a chair, and he's grabbing Willie hand tightly, trying to keep himself form regretting his choice. Willie's ghost friend is a cool girl that's covered head to toe in bright tattoos, and her smile is gentle and her eyes are kind and that calms him down a little.

"You sure you wanna do this, babe?"

Alex swallows and gives himself a single second to freak out, and then squeezes Willie's hand and nods.

"Yeah. I'm sure."

His heart is beating like crazy, (even if he doesn't have a heart anymore) but Willie's hand and Willie's smile is a conforting presence beside him, and they were right- he barely feels the needle on his forearm.

An hour or so later, the ghost tattoo artist tells him it's done, and Alex stares at the tatto and just- he loves it.

He throws himself at Willie's arms and hugs him, burying his face in their neck.

"Thanks for bringing me here," he croaks out, and Willie pats his back and squeezes his hand again.

"I'm proud of you".

Willie knows about his complicated relationship with his parents and how much he was scared of letting them down, and he thinks how angry they would get and the mental image makes him smile.

The tattoo is simple and small, near his wrist. It's just two drumsticks resting over a snare, but they're rainbow colored and it's subtle and pretty and it would give his parents a heart attack.

He adores it.

*

let willie have tattoos on the show please and thank you. Loved this prompt, thanks!

*

Taglist: @chickwiththepurpleguitar

*

Send me a ship and a word and I'll write a little something!

[julie-and-the-himbo-ghosts]

Fic rec list!!! (part 3)

Anon said I should make a rec list and my dumb procrastinating ass found over 20 fics that I just *had* to rec so part 3!!! rip my grades lmao

Piss Off Your Parents (Date Me To Scare Them) by @alexthedrummerboy - WIP - willex - iconic fake dating au because yes. this fic is so good I love it so much

Alex Mercer doesn't want to go home for Christmas; but if he has to, he's certainly gonna raise a little hell. Enter: Willie, the cute guy in his history of English class who would be the perfect fake boyfriend candidate.

So if you wanna piss off your parents, date me to scare them, show them you're all grown up. If long hair and tattoos are what attract you, baby then you're in luck.

Tide Pod Challenge Gone Right by @a-tomb-with-a-view​ and @on-irratia​ - wip - juke & willex & bobby/reggie (boggie?) - its the jatp/h2o crossover and extremely iconic okay and an amazing fic bc yall are amazing writers

Teenager Julie finds her passion for music and life while helping the Sirens, a quartet of boys from Europe who find themselves turned into mermen. Trying to keep their special powers a secret is hard for Luke, Alex, Reggie and Bobby. When they're not in school or teaching their new merman friend, Willie, about the human world, they're using their magical powers to save sea turtles and rescue those in need.

you hit me like a friday night by @hearjessroar - oneshot - willex - honestly just such a good au fic. like just everything about it is great.

Bumping into someone at the comic store once is a coincidence.

Twice is thrilling.

Three times is starting to sound like a rom-com.

Alex and Willie reach for the same comic. It all goes downhill from there.

There are Only Twenty-Six Letters I can Use Just to Tell you "I Won't Let Go" by terramous on ao3 - oneshot - willex - post s1 willex reunion!!!

He would come to regret a lot of things in his life, but pancaking a cute ghost drummer in the middle of Hollywood Boulevard would never be something he’d regret, even for a second. Sure, it hurt to think about how his memories were all he had left of Alex, but while it lasted, Willie had genuinely felt alive again.

👻 the willex reunion we all needed

We Got a Promise to Keep by nottheleastbrave on ao3 - complete - juke and some willex - season 2 speculation!! ugh the plot and the writing and the whole fic is so good I cant

"And then, walking through the high school hallways in Nick’s body one day, Caleb hears the tell-tale sound of a ghost poofing in. And in a split second, he realizes that this is the first time he’s seen Luke without the other boys. And Caleb Covington sees how Luke looks at Julie, and the game begins."

Or, Luke is a self sacrificing idiot but Julie, Reggie, and Alex (and Willie!) aren't about to let him get away with it.

Resistance is Futile (if <1 Ohm) by @a-tomb-with-a-view​ - oneshot - willex - enemies to lovers willex!! the willex we deserve tbh. hiii meg sorry I've tagged you like three times but you can’t really blame me when you write all these awesome fics

If Alex was being honest with himself - and he wasn’t often, because time that could be spent processing his mom’s expression when he’d announced that he was gay just as she dropped him off outside the junior dorm building could also be sent processing the weird way his professor had explained the Chandrasekhar limit at the end of last semester - he kind of hated physics.

whims and inconsistencies by gennified on ao3 - WIP - willex & some juke - listen. modern pride & prejudice willex au.

It is a truth universally acknowledged that a failing high society New York family must be in search for a rich partner for their heir.

According to Alex’s mother, at least.

fears (don’t get me started) by @pawprinterfanfic - oneshot - willex - literally one of my favorite “the boys on the internet” fics like that is a gold concept and this is my favourite out of all the ones I've read

The Julie and the Phantoms Instagram page blows up thanks to a local celebrity. As a result, Alex learns what shipping is.

[jaskiers-sweetkiss]

The Mercer Legacy - Part 3

Pairings: Luke x Reggie x Reader, willex

Word Count: 1.8K

Warnings: some swearing

A/N: yay part 3!!! I just wanna say thank you for all your comments and support, you guys make writing this so much fun!! I’m posting this part on my phone so I apologize in advance if anything is messed up, I usually post from my computer. As always lmk what you think and message me/send an ask if you’d like to be added to my taglist!!

Part 2 Masterlist TML Masterlist

___

You put up with Alex’s knowing looks and disappointed smiles whenever you were with the boys or he caught you smiling down at your phone. At least he was kind enough not to say anything again.

So maybe you had developed teensy weensy crush on Luke and Reggie, it’s not like it’s hard when they’re both so pretty and charismatic and kind and talented. Alex was no help either. With him sneaking off more and more to spend time with Willie, who else were you going to hang out with?

A tapping on your window pulled you from your late-night thoughts and you pulled yourself up into a sitting position on your bed, craning your head to try and peer out through the glass. Of course, you couldn’t see anything through the darkness. You pulled yourself off your bed with a sigh, dragging your feet as you made your way to the window.

Upon closer observation you thought you could make out two figures standing in the grass below. With another sigh you pulled open your window.

“Are you throwing rocks at my window?” You hissed, rolling your eyes as the two boys dropped the rocks in their hands guiltily. “What the hell is this, a five-sos song?”

“Are you coming or not?” Luke whined and you rolled your eyes again.

You silently thanked your laziness for the fact that you hadn’t yet changed into your pajamas as you climbed out the window.

Your feet touched the ground softly, Reggie’s hands firm on your waist and yours on his shoulders from when he had caught you after you pushed yourself off the edge of your roof. You smiled gratefully at him, trying to ignore the erratic beating of your heart and the familiar warmth that had spread to your cheeks as you stepped out of his grasp. You wondered if his heart was beating just as fast or if his cheeks had turned that shade of pink they got whenever he was flustered, you couldn’t tell in the darkness.

“So, where to this evening, gentlemen?” You asked and the two boys turned to stare at each other, clearly not having gotten that far in their planning.

“Uh, the beach?”

“Boardwalk?” They asked at the same time before grinning.

“Close enough,” Luke said, leading the way to the end of your driveway where his bike and Reggie’s skateboard lay discarded.

“Oh, I’ll go grab my bike from the garage-“ you spoke when you realized, turning to double back but Luke caught your arm, stopping you.

“It’s okay, you can just ride on my handlebars,” he suggested and you narrowed your eyes.

“Isn’t that dangerous?”

“That’s what makes it fun,” he spoke with a wicked grin that send your heart racing once more.

You nodded in agreement, a little afraid of what your voice would sound like if you tried to speak, and followed him to his bike. Once Luke was situated on the bike seat Reggie helped boost you up onto the handlebars, Luke’s arms coming to rest on either side of you.

You were off to a rocky start as Luke began to pedal, the bike swaying from side to side as he adjusted to riding with the extra weight at the front of the bike. Your knuckles turned white from how tightly you were gripping the handlebars and you found yourself torn between wanting to clench your eyes shut and being unable to close them for fear of crashing. It wasn’t until Luke righted the bike and began riding smoothly that you let out the breath you hadn’t realized you’d been holding.

“You okay, Y/N?” Reggie asked, skateboarding alongside you.

“Yeah,” you answered, sounding breathless and Reggie smirked knowingly. Luke had that effect on people.

The breathless nervousness went away though, and by the end of the trip you were grinning like a madman, whooping and hollering whenever Luke did something slightly reckless. The power of adrenaline, you supposed.

You pouted when Luke finally slowed the bike to a stop Reggie smirked when he noticed, the boy slowing to a stop beside you.

“Come on sugar, down you go,” he spoke, placing his hands on your waist again to help you off the handlebars.

“Sugar?” You questioned with a quirked brow as your feet touched the ground, the adrenaline still coursing through your veins apparently making you bolder as you’d normally become a stuttering, flustered mess at a term of endearment like that.

“Sorry, would you rather I didn’t?” Reggie asked quietly but assuredly, his hands still burning holes where they remained on your waist and you suddenly realized how close you were.

“No, it’s okay babe,” you replied, attempting to keep your cool. From your position so close to him you could now see the pink blush spreading across his cheeks and you smirked victoriously to yourself at your ability to make him just as flustered as he made you.

“So what’s the plan?” Luke asked, spooking you and Reggie and causing you to jump away from each other.

You narrowed your eyes confusedly at Luke.

“Why are you asking me? This was your idea!”

“Well I didn’t exactly get this far!” Luke protested with a whine and a pout which you giggled at.

“It’s okay darling,” you said, lightly patting him on the cheek before beginning to wander down the boardwalk. “We’ve got time.”

“Wha- hey wait up!” Luke called, and you heard their footsteps pouring on the wood as they jogged to catch up.

The three of you wandered for a while before Luke go sick of pulling his bike around (you and Reggie both pointed out that he could’ve locked it up at one of the many bike racks you’d passed) and insisted that you find a spot to be stationary. That’s how you wound up sitting in the sand, not far from where the waves crashed onto the beach. The three of you sat and talked, periodically tossing rocks into the water.

Not long after you’d found your spot on the shore, you began to regret not throwing on a jacket when you left the house. Your outfit had been ideal for the warm summer day and spending time indoors, but you weren’t exactly equipped for sitting by the water after sundown.

“Are you cold?” Luke and Reggie asked simultaneously, both apparently having noticed your shivering.

You watched amusedly as the two boys glared at each other from either side of you before they began speaking again.

“Here take my flannel,” Luke offered, already beginning to shrug it off his shoulders.

“You can have my jacket?” Reggie asked at the same time, the dark haired boy also shrugging off his leather jacket.

Reggie was faster than Luke, and before you could even accept either offer he was draping the black leather around your shoulders. You smiled gratefully at him, pulling the material tighter around you, though not slipping your arms through the sleeves. On your other side Luke pouted while Reggie stuck his tongue out triumphantly at his friend.

“Please, boys, stop fighting over me! I can’t take it!” you teased.

It was meant to be a joke but you didn’t miss the way Luke tensed up or Reggie’s eyes widened like deer caught in headlights. You tried not to think to much about it but you couldn’t help but hear Alex’s voice in your head.

___

“What are you wearing?”

You paused on your front steps, turning to peer at your best friend across your lawns.

“A jacket?” You answered, giving him a weird look. “It’s getting chilly out and you know it’s always cold in the theater.”

The two of you were going to see a movie, it was your tradition. At least once a month you’d go out for Tuesday-night $5 movies, even if you didn’t care about what was in theaters.

“Yeah but I recognize that jacket,” Alex said, moving towards you to get a closer look.

“Well yeah, you’ve seen like every piece of clothing I own,” you scoffed, but for all your bravado you found yourself shrinking your arms into the leather sleeves self-consciously.

“Oh. My. Gosh.” Alex breathed, putting emphasis on each word. “It’s not yours.”

“I beg your pardon?”

“Please, Y/N, you think I wouldn’t recognize Reggie’s jacket? He barely lets it out of his sight! How’d you end up with it?”

You couldn’t help the warmth that spread to your face when you remembered how eager he was to give it to you, gently draping it over your shoulders. He barely lets it out of his sight and yet he’d insisted on giving it to you.

“Did he give it to you?” Alex gasped and you felt your cheeks grow impossibly warmer.

“It’s not a big deal,” you tried to brush it off but you both knew you were lying. “We snuck out to the beach the other night and I got cold so he offered me his jacket. No big deal.”

“No big deal-“ he repeated under his breath, shaking his head in disbelief. “You know what? I think we should skip the movie and go get ice cream.”

“No! Movie night is tradition!”

“You just don’t want to talk to me about this.”

“You’re absolutely right.” You agreed, opening the driver’s side door of you car. “Now c’mon, the movie theater awaits.”

You heard Alex grumble as he walked around to the other side of the car before climbing into the passenger seat beside you.

“Fine. But we’re getting ice cream after.”

“As long as you’re buying.”

___

“And then they took me back home and he never asked for the jacket back and I haven’t seen him since then to return it and-“

“And you decided to wear it to the movies with me, where you knew you weren’t going to see him.” Alex finished with a knowing look and you stared down at your ice cream, willing away the heat in your cheeks.

When you finally looked back up he was still watching you expectantly. You groaned, sticking your spoon into your ice cream and crossing your arms defensively.

“It’s really comfortable, okay? And it- it smells nice,” you admitted with a pout.

“How often have you been wearing it at home?” He asked teasingly and you glared.

“Oh fuck off!”

Alex merely laughed at the grumpy expression on your face before the two of you fell into a friendly silence.

“Y’know one day I’m going to catch you wearing Willie’s clothes and I’m never going to let you live it down.”

“I’m not the one trying to hide my feelings,” Alex pointed at you with his spoon before resuming eating his ice cream.

“Really? So you’ve had a conversation with Willie about your feelings and you both know where each other stands?” Alex glared at you and you smirked. “That’s what I thought.”

“Y’know what? I don’t need to take this,” he pushed his chair away from the table, sending you a playful glare before walking away to throw away his empty ice cream cup.

“What’s the matter Mercer? Can’t stand the taste of your own medicine?” You called after him and he responded by flipping you off over his shoulder.

Part 4

____

JATP Taglist: @meangirlsx @morganayennefertyrell @n0wornever @bright-molina @reg-peters @calamitykaty

TML Taglist: @bright-patterson @marinettepotterandplagg @everyonesannoyedwithme @dream-a-little-bigger-x @percico-heronstairs @starjane312 @ifilwtmfc @jatphatones @cherrymaybank @sorrowfulfragmentation @stargazing-dreamer-girl @daisybutterlions @mynameisntluke @willex-owns-my-heart @theolivekiddo @90ssunsetcurve

[sunsetcurvecuddles]

Willex, stay

anon this accidentally played into the fact that i’ve been thinking about touch starved willie nonstop for weeks. so. here you go. sorry it got long lol “a lil something” this ended up 1.5k words so it’s now available on ao3 as well

(send me a ship and a word and i’ll write you a lil something for clowngate // completed prompts)

Things have been weird, since Willie moved in.

Not bad weird, Willie doesn’t think. Or, a little bad weird. But everything was going to be bad-weird, after what happened with Caleb, anyway. He’s trying to move on as best he can, but there’s a lot of adjustment at once, after he meets Julie and she breaks his curse and suddenly he is - as far as he can tell - a regular teenaged boy again, alive and well, able to graze his knees if he tumbles off his skateboard.

(Yes, he learned that the hard way).

Usually, Willie’s good with change. He likes life to stay fresh, and exciting. It’s just that sometimes he looks around the Molina’s spare room, with its cozy blue bedsheets and little bookshelf on the wall, and thinks about Ray Molina’s kind eyes and the way he’s basically adopted four ghosts that he knew nothing about prior to this out of the sheer goodness of his heart. Willie wonders if he’s stepping on people’s toes, by being here. If he’s in the way.

Everyone else knows each other so well already, is all, and he can’t help but suspect that maybe they resent him for causing all this trouble in the first place, no matter how many times Alex and Julie assure him that’s not the case. He just doesn't feel like he can ask for anything, since they've given him so much already.

And Willie also has this weird sort of pain, maybe leftover from his curse, maybe his soul being a little battered and sore. But it’s this ache that sits just under his rib cage, that thuds with his heart, and that won’t shift. He lies awake at night and feels it, like a very blunt dagger, or a really cold stone. Sinking deeper and deeper in him, like his chest is a bottomless pool of water.

It’s not all bad. Ray lets him skateboard in the little courtyard outside the garage, when he doesn’t feel like going far. He hangs out in the loft and sketches in a book Julie got him, as he listens to her and the boys rehearse. They sound amazing, and getting to watch Alex is Willie’s favourite thing. He looks so relaxed, when he’s drumming, so unselfconscious. Like Alex finally sees, in himself, the Alex that Willie sees all the time.

He just wishes Alex would be that Alex around Willie, again. The way he was before. Alex treats him so carefully now, so tentatively, like any wrong move could make Willie flinch.

Maybe Willie just flinches more than he used to. Maybe it’s not all Alex’s fault.

--

The ache is back, and Willie’s lying awake, and staring at the ceiling, and wondering why Ray Molina has a copy of The Communist Manifesto in his guest room, when Alex appears at the door. Not literally appears, as in poofs in, but appears by poking his head through the gap Willie left and saying, “Hey, are you still awake?”

Willie looks over at him. Alex is clearly dressed for bed (it’s weird, having to sleep again after all these years), and his blonde hair is all shaggy and in his eyes.

For some reason, the pain in Willie’s chest deepens further. Maybe it is because of the curse. He knows how furious Caleb was about his feelings for Alex. How threatened he felt by them.

“Yeah,” Willie says, belatedly, when Alex gives him a stranger look than normal. “I mean. Apparently.”

“Can I come in?”

Willie nods, sitting up and shuffling his legs up so there’s room for Alex to sit on the end of the bed, which he delicately does.

“I just wanted to check on you,” Alex tells him, folding his hand in his lap and looking up at the roof, the way Willie was moments ago. Willie is looking now at the distance between his toes and Alex’s thigh.

In the past, he never would have hesitated to just tuck his cold feet under the legs of a boy he liked. In fact, that sounds exactly like the kind of thing Willie-from-before would do. He’s just not Willie-from-before any more.

Usually good with change. Not sure how he feels about this change.

“Check on me?” he asks. Still looking at his feet, and Alex’s pajama-clad leg, and Alex’s hands in his lap, now. Wishing he was holding one of Alex’s hands.

God, his chest hurts. It makes him feel shaky.

“You’ve been... quiet?” Alex offers, and then cringes at himself like he regrets the word choice, his beautiful eyebrows pulling together, his beautiful mouth pulling to the side, his beautiful nose framed by the light from the hallway, streaming in through the gap in the half-open door. “Not that you can’t be quiet! Not that you were loud before, either, just...”

Not yourself.

Alex doesn’t have to say it. Willie knows already. His throat feels tight, and man, he doesn’t want to cry in front of Alex, that would be such a shitty thing, after all of this. “I’m sorry,” Willie says softly, though he’s not even exactly sure what he’s apologising for.

Maybe for not being as much fun as he was before. For being yet another thing Alex has to worry about, now, instead of being somewhere Alex doesn’t have to worry about anything.

For some reason, those are the words that break Alex, that make him impulsive.  It’s like he moves before he thinks, when he puts his hand on Willie’s knee, squeezes tight. His other hand he moves to Willie’s cheek, cupping his jaw, tilting his head up so they can look at each other properly. “Please don’t be sorry. None of this is your fault.”

The feeling of Alex’s hands burns and soothes all at once, and something in Willie breaks. The floodgates stored in his ribcage burst, the pain overwhelming and then washing away, and he feels the tears spilling over before he has a chance to stop or hide them. He can’t remember the last time someone touched him like this, so gently, with such kindness.

Oh. Yeah, he can. It was Alex, then, too.

“Shit,” Alex exclaims softly, trying to withdraw his hands, but that’s the last thing Willie wants, and he manages,

“Stay? Please, Alex, I can’t be-”

Okay, well, ‘alone again’ is a little melodramatic, he thinks to himself, even in the middle of his own breathless crying. No need to take it that seriously, Will. Alex is saying, “Okay, okay, I won’t go - I’m not leaving, just - what do I do? Am I helping or making it worse?”

Willie just surges forward, rolls onto his knees, and buries his face in Alex’s neck, arms around Alex’s shoulders. Alex holds him back, tight, soothes him in sounds more than words.

The pain washes away down the river. Everywhere Alex touches him, every time Alex runs a hand through Willie’s hair or down Willie’s spine, the ache recedes, reduces, dies down.

“I wanted to give you space,” Alex whispers, lips practically against his ear, the warmth like a bucket of water over Willie’s head in the best way. He’s doing some of his best overthinking, Willie can tell even through his upset. Alex is an astonishingly good multitasker. “But I gave you too much, huh? This... I should’ve been doing this.”

“You didn’t have to,” Willie says, sniffling in a truly disgusting way. “Shouldn’t have to now. Don’t want to make you worry.”

“Please make me worry,” Alex interrupts him. “Please. For once, let me play to my strengths?”

That startles a laugh out of Willie, and Alex grins, Willie can feel it against his face. Now that he’s done crying, now that they’re just sitting there holding each other, he can feel the blooming warmth inside him, the relief. The quiet.

“Better?” Alex asks.

Warmth where there was cold. Comfort where there was pain. It wasn't the curse after all, he guesses, but this is a change Willie can deal with. It’s not Caleb, haunting him still somehow. He just needed a hug. He hums his affirmation. “Can we just... stay like this, for a bit?”

“I guess so,” Alex groans, smiling, and laying back on the bed with his arm outstretched and welcoming, shaggy hair still in his pretty eyes. “I guess we can.” When Willie lays down on his arm, he says quietly, “Just. Tell me next time? If it gets like this? I just wanna help, but I can’t know what you need if you won’t ask me.”

Willie’s instinct is to brush him off, even after everything that’s happened, but the relief is still so palpable, and Alex seems so warm and genuine, and safe, like everything Willie’s ever dreamed of. Better than he deserves, for sure, but that doesn’t mean he has to say no. He’s seeing that now.

“I’ll ask,” he promises, and he means it. “I’ll ask you.”

--

part 2

part 3