#carol is now a school dinner lady

[birbfeeder2artisticboogaloo]

lmaooo everyone's giving out to rick since he's got rid of the beard now 🤣🤣🤣

u know i would actually genuinely enjoy a series about post-zombie apocalypse times!! like,,,ppl rebuilding society, getting used to not being in survival mode all the time, stuff like that. i think it would be interesting!! as much as i enjoy watching ppl scavenge and kill zombies, it'd be nice to see something a bit different :D

[the-fiction-witch]

I Don't Need Your Help P2

Media The Queens Gambit

Character Benny Watts

Couple Benny X Reader

Rating Adorable

Concept Foster Parents

Requested 'I don't Want your Help' Sequel

I hummed my little tune as I pushed the cart along the alise of products every so often glancing to the signs above each alise and then to my shopping list to cross reference between the two, I felt a small tug on my dress so I glanced behind me seeing little Lisa in her clean dress her hair in the pigtails I did for her this morning

"Ohh yes?" I asked she simply pointed to the shelf where the the chocolate chip cookie dough sat in its logs "I think that's a great idea Lisa" I smiled I let her choose which ones we got and helped her add them to the cart "okay next is orange juice, you think you can grab that for me?" I asked her and she nods and runs off happily to find it. I went around and got the rest of the groceries we quickly paid for and loaded up the Lincoln heading through the busy still drizzly New York streets back to the beautiful house I now called home. I pulled into the driveway and parked up helping lisa out the car and she happily came and helped me unload all the groceries into the kitchen, once everything was away I started on the rest of my chores for the day sorting all the beds, all the laundry everything I needed to do when I heard the phone so I bolted downstairs grabbing it before it rang off

"Watts residence?"

"Hi y/n" her voice smiled

"Oh hi carol" I smiled "what's up?"

"I know we were talking and you mentioned you have an open bedroom"

"Yes we do, now Alice has gone home we have an open bedroom. Why do you ask?"

"I've got a young lady here, it's an absolute shit show of a case and I need somewhere for her to go and I know just how well you guys do with these kinda cases"

"Absolutely what's her name?"

"Mable she's just turned eleven, she's a very sweet girl been thought one hell of a time"

"No problem well we are more then happy you can send her and her file along as soon as you get chance"

"Thanks y/n you're a lifesaver" she says before she rang off

So I put the phone down and I grabbed a little cream basket from the cupboard, I headed upstairs making sure to peek in on Lisa on her room playing with her rag dolls so I went on past the other rooms to the last free bedroom I opened the door revealing the fairly bare bones room, it use to be Alice's room when she lived here but she left a few weeks ago with a wide smile happy she finally was able to live with her mother again, I made the bed with some fresh clean sheets and made sure the room was free of dust and spiders, I set the basket on the bed and made sure to fill it from the airing cupboard with a fresh new fluffy towel, some clean brand new PJ's, some snacks, some colouring stuff, a stuffie, some fresh blankets for the bed, a new toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo and conditioner and even a bath bomb all of them fairly mini travel sized ones ready for Mable to arrive I even made her a little card up to put on the basket for her. When I checked the time I rushed myself down to the front door watching out the front window as the yellow bus pulled up outside the house, I opened the door up and smiled widely as I saw them all get off the bus so I smiled and waved As Jessi ran over dropping her backpack on the doorstep to give my legs a hug, I smiled and patted her head "Hi Jessi, How was school?"

"Good" she smiled 

"Alright, go on then make sure you get on that maths before dinner else you won't want to do it after bath time" I told her 

"I Will" she smiled happily running inside 

"Afternoon Harriet" I smiled to her 

"Hi," she smiled nicely 

"How was your day?" 

"Okay," she nods 

"Okay, make sure you eat some dinner okay" I told her as she headed inside, and as soon as she was in Dani came to the door too "Hi"

"Hi, how was class?"

"Good" she smiled giving me a tight hug 

"Awww, lovely hugs come on then we have cookie dough for tomorrow"

"Great" she smiled heading inside too, I waved the driver away and headed inside to start on dinner for the girls, making sure everyone was okay given everything had had happened during the day at school and what they wanted to do over the weekend 

"He's home!" Jessi smiled as she was at the window I laughed and set the dishes down and went towards the front door but I didn't even need to open it as the door opened and immediately I saw benny as he came though the door and dropped his duffle bag on the floor, in his jeans and black shirt 

"Hi Benny" I smiled 

he didn't bother to reply simply taking me into his arms and lifting me up giving me a spin "I've missed you little lady"

"I've missed you too" I smiled giving him a sweet kiss as he set me down on the floor again "Happy Anniversary" He smiled handing over some roses clearly from the gas station but still 

"Thank you benny, a week late but thank you" I smiled giving him a kiss 

"Better late then never, you know I don't like going off over our anniversary" he says "Where are my girls?" He asks and immediately the girls all bolted to give him cuddles even Harriet everyone coming to give him a cuddle and to tell him about everything since he was gone, and of course he came to have his own dinner all while listening to the girls tell him everything he missed and of course he told them all about his time away until they headed up to their rooms, "How has everything been?"

"its been okay, Harriet's struggling but I hope it'll cheer her up to have you home again. Jessi is struggling with her maths so I've been looking into a tutor for her. Dani's missed you a lot, and I know Lisa has been feeling a lot better since she's gotten settled" I explained "Ohh and we got a letter from alice"

"we did? didn't you open it?" he asks as I handed over the letter

"Course not I was waiting for you" I smiled "Ohh and we have a young lady coming tonight for the spare room."

"Ohh her name?" he asks opening the letter

"Mabel"

"Lovely, how old?"

"Eleven." 

"we know anything about her?"

"Not much but carol is bringing her pack when she brings her"

"You made her a bed up?"

"Made a bed, and a basket for her"

"Good, I'll have a chat with her when she gets here, we'll give her pack a look though one she's settled in her room"

"Absolutely, and Lisa helped me pick out some nice cookie dough logs as a nice activity for tomorrow"

"Ohh that sounds lovely the girls will love that" He smiled "you wanna read?"

"Of course" I smiled sitting with him and leaning my head on his shoulder holding his arm tightly 

"Dear Benny and Y/n Watts,

I wanted to let you know I've settled down into the new house and my new room. 

My mother has made lots of promises since I moved in, I'm not sure if I should believe her or not but I'm going to give it time, I know she's put so much work in already. 

Even thought its nice to be back with my mother, I do miss you all terribly. 

I still keep the blanket you gave me on my bed at night and I've been using the lessons you taught me in school.

My grades are good, and I'm waiting to here back about a summer internship which will be amazing, 

I know I've told you both a hundred times but I can't thank you enough for everything you did for me and I'm sure I'll be able to see you at some point again. 

I hope everyone is okay and things are going well, and I'll send more letters as soon as I can. "

"Awww she's such a sweetie" I smiled 

"I worry about her"

"I worry too. I know she doesn't trust her mother"

"Can you blame her? she's let her down before" 

"I know, well I always told her she has a bed here if ever she needs one" 

"We'll write her back tomorrow" I smiled 

We caught up about benny's tournament until the door knocked so we fixed up a little and went to the door seeing carol with her folder

"Hi carol" I smiled 

"Hi, Ohh I didn't know you where home benny"

"Only got back tonight, So about Mabel?"

"She's in the car" she says indicating behind her to the car on the street "I've got her file, not sure how long she'll be here"

"she can be here as long as she needs" I told her "School?"

"Not at the moment we can give her a week see how she settles," she explained 

"Okay" I nodded "Shall we meet her?"

Carol Happily walked us down to the car and their sat Mabel, with a trash bag of her belongings, her hair matted and messy, her skin dirty she was clearly nervous. we were slow and careful but we helped her out of the car and into the house up to the bedroom I set up 

"So, this is your room its your space completely to can do whatever you want with it , we have a three day weekend so over this weekend we can help you unpack and take you to do some shopping to get some nice things for your room" I explained "Everything in this basket is yours its all for you"

"To keep?" she asks

"To keep, absolutely" benny told her as he leant on the door frame 

"All of it is for you, and if there is anything specific you'd like, maybe a type of plush or blanket you'd like we can get you them. These hygiene things are all yours and when we got out this weekend we'll get you whatever larger ones you'd like to keep in the bathroom, You're welcome to go and have a bath or shower to make yourself feel more comfortable" 

"And your welcome to ask for anything you want, if you'd like to go to the hairdresser, maybe get your nails done, go get some plushies anything you'd like"

"Just let us know, is this bag all your stuff?"

"Yes" she nods

"Okay is there any clothes you'd like me to do any laundry for you? anything you'd like us to wash before we put away?"

"Ohh... uhhh yes please" she nods handing the whole bag over 

"Everything? you sure?"

"Yes please, could I go have a bath?"

"Of course you can, and if you need anything that's benny and I'm y/n you need anything at all just let us know"

"we hope you can get comfortable, and enjoy your time here" benny told her

I went and ran her a bath with bubbles and some bath bombs leaving the towel in the bathroom for her, and I took her clothes down cleaning all her clothes and toys in the machine 

"she seems okay" Benny says as he came into the kitchen flipping though her file 

"she does, hopefully she can relax over the next couple of days and maybe spend some time with the other girls"

"Absolutely, Ohh got another nut allergy" 

"Ahh like Harriet, no problem" I nodded sitting with him to go though the file about her history and her issues to make sure she's comfortable, once we sorted all the girls for the night making sure to give them all privacy and we headed up to our own bed room 

"Y/n?"

"Yes benny?"

"You ever get kinda... upset we can't have our own kids?"

"Sometimes" I admit "But we have lots of kids to look after, all the girls we have here all the girls we've helped before who are so much better now then they were before they came here"

"Yeah its nice to help them all out, its nice to help them all"

"It is, besides, Carol's been trying to convince us to adopt Lisa for years now"  

"I know, I'm thinking about it, come on lets get to bed" 

[newmusicradionetwork]

Maya Donovan Drops Candid New Single “We Should Get Dinner”

Rising singer-songwriter Maya Donovan has just released her latest single, “We Should Get Dinner.” The single perfectly captures the heart-wrenching experience of holding onto an unreciprocated relationship. Deeply relatable, “We Should Get Dinner” invites the listener to find safety within the lyrics. Maya Donavan possesses a unique aptitude for capturing the poignant and challenging moments of life within her music, providing an unwavering sense of authenticity, compassion, and wit. Donovan’s voice resonates with both power and precision, drawing you into her world of music and holding you captive there. “We Should Get Dinner” is now available to stream on all digital music platforms worldwide. With fearless honesty and self-aware vocals, “We Should Get Dinner” evokes raw emotion that will stop you in your tracks. Backed by rich vocal harmonies, Donovan’s light and alluring musical melody strikingly contrasts with her cutting lyrics. Her vocals are smooth and mesmerizing, with a tone that is reminiscent of genres such as jazz, folk, soul, and pop. The title, “We Should Get Dinner,” is as ironic as it is sincere. Moreover, it depicts the painful process of yearning for a fading relationship. “I wrote this song while watching a lot of my friendships change after graduating from college and moving back to Brooklyn, where I grew up. In our world of social media and cell phones, we are never more than a couple clicks away from communicating with each other, which creates a particular sting when you do end up losing touch with people you care about,” she reveals. Ultimately, the song builds to a sense of urgency, providing a clear climax in the story. Donovan shamelessly sings, “if you want me you know where I’ll be / I still want you if you would just want me.” Her lyrics leave the listener with a sense of comfort in their candid portrayal of such a familiar kind of heartache. Almost as early as Maya Donovan could talk, she was writing little tunes to express her innermost feelings. When she was 7, she began learning piano which gave her a faithful companion to fully realize the melodies that had floated in her head for years. The first song she wrote while accompanying herself on piano, at just 11 years old, discussed “ agonizing, unrequited love for a classmate.” Since her earliest days as a songwriter, Donovan has used the tumult of her internal world as a driving force for her music. Growing up in a family of esteemed creatives such as Academy Award-winning documentary filmmaker Vanessa Roth, and screenwriter Eric Roth, she developed a relentless love and enduring drive for her craft. Donovan went on to become a graduate of New York City’s reputable LaGuardia High School for Performing Arts, also known as the “Fame School.” Donovan has continued to masterfully utilize songwriting to chronicle her battles with anxiety and her constant re-discovery of herself through adolescence and young adulthood. While the vulnerable experiences she shares can carry heavy weight, she approaches them with genuine originality and subtle humor. To enjoy Maya Donovan’s charismatic presence live, you can find her as a resident artist at the Bitter End in Greenwich Village, which has been graced by some of her biggest musical influences, such as Carole King, Billy Joel, and Lady Gaga. Additional inspiration for her art comes from fellow contemporary singer-songwriters such as Fiona Apple, Sara Bareilles, and Madison Cunningham. “We Should Get Dinner” gives listeners a safe space to acknowledge an unrequited love they are longing for and offers an empathetic yet uninhibited freedom in which to embrace thoughts and feelings that can be hard to say out loud. Her innate ability to express the nuances of the human experience sets Maya Donavan apart, cementing her place as a true talent to watch in the world of music. “We Should Get Dinner” is now available for streaming and download on all digital music platforms worldwide. Keep up with Maya Donovan’s musical journey and future releases by following her on Instagram @MayaDonovanMusic, TikTok @MayaDonovan and visit her website: MayaSings.com. Read the full article

[wrightsburghusa]

Valentine's Ball

WB Gazette

Valentine's Ball

The weekend before Valentine’s day saw the introduction of a new event to Wrightsburgh’s event calendar. The Mayor opened up his mansion for a night of romance and mingling, dinner and dancing. What a night it was, with an excellent dinner of fine dining from Madam Collette’s followed by dancing to both WODO radio’s Johnny Voodoo spinning his tunes to a live performance of Ella’s Jazz. 

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The selection of food and wines was exquisite. I chose a Duck a la Orange, but that was merely one of the many dishes on offer. I was able to catch up with my half-brother Duane and Aimee during the meal, but there were many of the major families of Wrightsburgh present, including of course the Mayor Guy ‘Pops’ Wright and the Lady Mayor, Dr Carolyn Wright. 

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One couple that did catch the eye of this reporter was the introduction of Carolyn’s son, Nicholas Wright, who spent much of the evening with School counsellor Phyllis Frond. 

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Other well known members of Wrightsburgh were also in attendance, with Ally and Eaton Wright sitting with Nicholas and Phyllis for the meal, whereas Lori and Lisa Conis spent most of the evening on the dancefloor with Rachel and Petra.

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After the delicious dinner and dessert, everyone converged on the dance floor and we were treated to a live set from Ella’s Jazz.

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https://gyazo.com/15a089c4cc5e1ea79c66f0320d8ab396

Caiden Sloane and Laya ‘Red’ Sloane also joined the dancing later in the evening. Thanks to Ally for sharing her photos of the event.

https://gyazo.com/4533f83c504e094a73f4d450aa84155b

Dan Lefevre was even seen to dance, a very unusual occurrence, although he has accompanied Lori Conis to several events now.

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I’m also informed that the kids didn’t miss out on their share of romance, with their own ball and party on the night of the 14th itself.

https://gyazo.com/01064334ffba56158163ff046ec87a9f

Carol Brandenburg 24/02/2023

More photos of the Valentine Ball:

[annie-creates]

Lady Claus

Pairing: Lady Lesso x reader

Genre: fluff

Words: 2000

Note: Is it too early for Christmas fics? It's been snowing the whole day here so I decided to write a little Christmas-y something even tho I had other things I wanted to write first. And it's only a month and a bit till Christmas so.

Unity. It was seen in classes, smelled in the air and felt in the gardens of the School for Good and Evil. Autumn was slowly giving up its reign and the grounds were getting covered in white blankets of snow, flowers put to sleep under the cold soil and the deep lake motionless from the heavy layer of ice. Winter was coming to the fairy tale land. Now more than ever were Nevers and Evers cooperating and helping each other in the duty of decorating the school in Christmas lights and colorful ornaments. Garlands were hanged around the dining hall, coniferous branches were intertwined in the staircase railings and mistletoes were hanging from possibly every ceiling the school had.

No one could deny the fact the Christmas spirit overtook the school in a fast wave of carols and sweets. And with the Christmas Eve steadily approaching, so came the annual Christmas ball. There were more than enough balls and celebrations throughout the whole school year, yet the students and faculty members were getting excited for every single one, the Christmas ball included. Princesses hoped to be the first one who gets a kiss under the mistletoe from her prince, Nevers planning how to get at least a bit of alcohol into the punch, princes trying to learn as many classical dances in as little time as humanly possible.

Everyone could see the teachers, now not divided for good and evil, were getting excited for the holiday too, no matter how hard some of them tried to cover it. You weren’t one of those tho. You were always known for being cheery and beatific about each holiday, Christmas probably being your favorite of them all. You’ve spent many hours chatting with your students about different traditions rather than actually teaching them around this festive time over the years. Even the dean of good herself, professor Dovey, was turning a blind eye to your lack of professionalism when it came to the festivities.

Your girlfriend however was a completely different story. Lady Lesso was known to be a particularly cold, distant and unhappy person. To be honest even the fact she was capable of doing as much as showing loving feelings or gestures towards you came as a surprise to most of the school’s residents. So it didn’t really surprise you that she wasn’t one for festivities either. Her whole year round was only made of black and dark greys, sharp pristine words and no one could recall a moment when she would as much as indicate a faint smile. She had a strong reputation to uphold after all. One she has built with a lot of work and dedication and she wasn’t willing to let it got for one stupid nigh of dances and singing.

You were utterly sure she’d decline your invitation to come to the Christmas ball with you, yet your hope was always the last thing to die. And you were more than ever before determined to get her to participate in at least one tradition the school has planed this year. Be it the Christmas dinner, ball, apple slicing, anything would do. As the days of celebrations were approaching, you decorated your shared room with little things here and there, colorful photo frames, ornaments on the tiny Christmas tree on your desk or fairy lights tangled around the bed frame. The evil dean watched you from her stance right by the door with a hint of disgust in her eyes. Yet she never dared to say anything against it. However evil she might be, she couldn’t take the happiness of beautifying the place from you, so she got over it for the few days a year.

“Look what I got you.” Your smile wasn’t anything shy of a Cheshire cat when you were handing her a red hat with white wool around the bottom and top.

“What’s that..?” Lesso asked unsure, measuring the thing with her hawk like look.

“It’s a Christmas hat! The same Santa Claus has!” you exclaimed cheerily, not letting her bring your mood down.

“And what am I supposed to do with that.” she answered with another question.

“Well, maybe, wear it?” you replied being a little stunned.

Lesso was looking at you with possibly the sharpest look you were ever given from her, probably contemplating if you’ve finally gone mad. “Thanks.” Was all you got after a minute, but her tone was nothing close of grateful.

“Come on, you could at least try to be a little bit more… festive..?” you offered, still trying to get her into the holiday spirit. Even the dean of evil must have something she actually enjoys, right? And if it wasn’t Christmas what the hell could it be?

“I don’t do festive.” Your lover dismissed you harshly, successfully taking toll on your happy mood.

“Honey, would you do one thing with me? That’s all I’ll ever ask…” you whined, begging her to try and celebrate Christmas with you.

“And what would that be?” this kind of offer picked up her interest, if it meant she’d be left alone for the rest of the season she’d be able to suffer though one tradition with you and she’d rather get over with it now.

“Come to the Christmas ball with me?” you tried, still not entirely giving up.

“Absolutely not.” The woman shook her head so heavily her red curls flew around her face without thinking twice about it.

“Come on, at least for an hour?” you pleaded with your girlfriend.

“No, drop it. This whole thing is just a stupid waste of time!” With that she left the room, not giving another damn about your stupid ideas.

 That left you positively heartsick, still clutching the Santa hat in one hand as you sat on the bed and sighed heavily. You knew she wasn’t particularly fond of celebrating but she could at least suck it up for one night for you, right? You’d never ask her for anything again if she’d spent not more than an hour or two celebrating at the ball… or even alone, you didn’t really care. All you wanted was to share the love and warmth with her. But it was quite obvious that no matter how much you loved her, and how much she loved you, Lady Lesso wasn’t going to give up a single minute on behalf of holiday.

For the next few days, your mood has shifted. You were still bubbly and cheerful every time you were dining in the hall or walking though the decorated corridors but the moment you stepped into your shared room you were suddenly sad and gloomy. You made the hard decision to take your ornaments down again, after all you didn’t wanna annoy your lover with it even more. Lesso knew she was the source of your misery, and she didn’t feel particularly great about it. Yet she couldn’t find it in her to care about the stupid carols, trees and gifts. To her it was just another time of people foolishly showing their weaknesses. But if she didn’t wanna have this sorrow depressed pixie for a girlfriend forever, she needed to fix it and better fix it quick.

As the evening of the Christmas ball came, you contemplated not going as you didn’t wanna bring the overall spirit down with your distraught mood. But your girlfriend was nowhere to be found the whole day, as per usual these days. She was probably hiding in her office and avoiding all the chattering students and distractive colors. So realizing you had nothing better to do and not wanting to spend the night sitting in your room in the dark and alone, you put on your sparkly light blue ballgown, made up your hair and departed in the direction of the ballroom.

Your decision proved to be right, as you found yourself actually quite enjoying the chatter and music of the room, as well as special deserts that were prepared just for this event. Of course you’d rather enjoy it with your significant other by your side, but you’ll have to do with what you have. Those thoughts were cut short however the moment a figure came through the door with a significant clatter of a cane you’d recognize anywhere. Everyone’s eyes were fixed on the lady right then, as she so sublimely carried herself through the room and in your direction.

If it wasn’t for her touching and squeezing your hand the moment she got to you, you’d swear you are dreaming. There she was, the dean of evil herself, in a dark red tailored suit. One would complaint it’s almost bloody color therefore more fitting for a Halloween time, but you didn’t care. It was your girlfriend, she was here, and she was wearing an actual color. Your mouth was left slightly agape as she sat by you, trying to build her own confidence up.

“Y/n I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have been so harsh on you…” she started to apologize but you cut her of with your hand on hers.

“Leave it, you’re here, that’s all I care about.” Suddenly your mood got a thousand percent better, you were positive this is gonna be your absolute favorite memory with the redhead for a long time.

And so she sat, drank, ate, and even lightly conversed with her colleagues sitting around you. Her hand was permanently planted on your knee under the table stroking it slowly with her thumb. But it was still Lady Lesso and she started to feel fidgety and uncomfortable after no more than thirty minutes. She didn’t wanna leave and disappoint you tho, so she opted for the lesser evil and took you out to a small balcony which provided some much needed fresh air, calm winter breeze and most importantly quitter music from the ballroom. Plus you had an amazing view of the decorated gardens with fairy lights so you weren’t gonna complaint.

“Look, I know my behavior was unacceptable. And I’m sorry, I really didn’t wanna bring your bubbly happy mood down.” She admits, not wanting to give you any space to cut her of this time. “I know I’m not really the most open person out there, and you’re so cheery and happy about everything… I just find all this running around holidays a little exhausting. But! I love you, and I wanna spent every single day with you, including Christmas, Easter, or whatever stupid holiday there is.”

“Oh Leo, you didn’t need to force yourself into the holiday spirit mood for me…” you suddenly felt a bit guilty that she did all those changes and accommodations just for you, even though it was clearly outside her comfort zone.

“No no, I want you to be happy, and when you’re happy I’m happy…” she assured you quickly, taking something out of her back pocket.

“Maybe I’ll make it better with this?” the playful spark in her eye was suddenly back and she a bit clumsily put a Santa hat over her head. You had to admit it was kind of a comical look, but all you dared to do was smile even brighter.

“I love it. I love you.” You exclaimed happily and threw yourself around her neck, your sorrow mood long forgotten. “But maybe you can kiss it better?” you propose with an innocent angelic smile.

“You don’t have to ask me twice.” Lady Lesso answers with a very honest and very real smile of her own.

She takes you up in her arms and passionately kisses you like she has no other care in the world. And maybe she really doesn’t. At that moment she doesn’t care what people see or think, she doesn’t care about her stupid reputation. All she cares about is making her beloved girl happy, hopefully the happiest in the whole world. And you were. And neither of you noticed the conveniently placed mistletoe right above your heads.

[mandy-asimp]

A high school party

pairing~ Natasha x reader

summary~ you never were one for high school. at least for the first three years. senior year was your year. but the only thing you couldn't pick out, was Natasha Romanoff. and one party was all it took.

warnings~ swearing

a/n~ im pretty proud of this but who knows:)

The senior party. The second biggest night for the grade. Everyone usually went. And in the beginning of high school, way back in freshman year, you wouldn't have even thought of going. That's how it was for the three years, but when confidence finally came to you, you were more than ready.

From the first day you was the talk of the school. Most people thought you was new, yet Wanda knew you weren't. She was also happy when she knew the two of you were close since freshman year. Leading to spending more time together.

Especially when Wanda had a crush on your step-brother, Vision. It wasn't long before you were set on getting them together. Meaning you had spent a lot of time with the two and their friends.

Wanda's friends were harder than Vision's. None liking you since you had the attention of their boyfriends and girlfriends. Which soon disappeared when you had told them you had better priorities than relationships. Like staying number one in the class.

And you stuck to it all the way till the end. Yet, the only thing that you never found out, was Natasha. The red head had such a thing against you. Always glaring at you when walking through the halls, never talking to you at lunch, almost ignoring your presence.

It was the only thing you wished you knew. It only being worse when you had developed fantasies with the icy girl. Tonight though, wasn't the night you were going to worry about.

Tonight, you had picked out a pair of shorts that were high waisted. The top having straps that were mere strings and crossing in the back. Meaning, there was only your bare back exposed. you paired it with some white vans and grabbed a small bag.

To where you made your way down the street to Tony Stark's house. The biggest one on the block to be exact. Hearing the music from several houses down. Parking the car close by.

Grinning when you caught Wanda's eye before she made it in.

"Look at you! Absolutely stunning!" The friend complimented. Taking in the outfit as a whole. "Have you been saving this one?"

"For too long. If this is the only time I see you tonight, I'll see you and Vis tomorrow night for our dinner." You mentioned. Disappearing into the crowd of people.

Where for most of the night, you danced with everyone. You won shot games and was crowned champion. A few whispers got around to the main group of the night, that you were officially in a tipsy state.

Wanda was included in the group. So when the offer of truth or dare hit your ears, you was more than happy to join. Following them into the large study upstairs. Locking the door once everyone was in.

All smiling with content that you were in a position to do anything thrown out.

"Alright, ladies! Truth or dare, simple. You all know the rules. But we'll up it a notch. If backing out of a dare or a truth, you have to take three shots in a row." Tony beamed. Sitting down next to Pepper. His arm subconsciously wrapping around her. "Y/n, since it's your first time joining us, truth or dare?"

You were taken aback a bit. "Um...truth?" You played it safe for now. Wanting to let everyone ease into the game. Or so you thought.

"What's your body count?" Tony spat almost instantly. Watching as you burned a bright red. "Or are you a virgin?"

You looked down into your lap. Listening to the laughs that started to erupt. But when you looked up you smirked. "Twenty-seven." You winked. Leaning back in your spot just a bit.

"No way." He shook his head. Not believing the number.

You nodded. Soon to look at the blushing Carol in the corner and a distant Bucky. "Just ask Danvers and Barnes over there." You cheekily replied. Watching the blush deepen. "Right! I believe it's my turn!"

"Hold on! I'm not letting this go yet. You were literally invisible for three years. Were all twenty-seven in this year or did you always get laid?"

"I don't know," you shrugged. Never wiping the smug look off your face. "Bucky, truth or dare?"

The boy was snapped back to reality. Meeting the eyes that once dominated him. "Dare." He regretted the decision almost immediately when the devious look grew.

"You have to sit in Sam's lap until it's your turn again." You simply smiled. Knowing of the two's tension. The room filling with snickers as they both looked dramatically uncomfortable.

"Ok, so...Carol. Truth or dare?" He redirected the attention. The blonde puffing out her cheeks.

Thinking about it for a second, she concluded with "Dare."

This was Bucky's revenge now. "I dare you to dominate Y/n."

He had it all planned out in his head. You would become all flustered and show that you're really a bottom. But his plan was foiled when Carol got three shots lined up.

"What?!" Bruce spat. Not seeing why she would skip on such an easy task. "It's so easy!"

Carol shook her head after the third shot burned her throat. "Ok tough guy, I dare you to try and do it!"

Bruce scoffed, "If I do, you have to take another three." He bargained.

You butted in, "If you don't, you take six." You smiled innocently. And when the offer was accepted by the two, Bruce made his way over. Pulling you from your seat and resting his hands on your hips. Slowly leading you two to a wall. Pinning you against it.

Bruce let his leg press between yours. And he thought this was the moment when your arms wrapped around his neck. Pulling him closer.

"Oh Banner," you began softly. "Has anyone ever taught you how to be a good boy? Because, last time I checked, only naughty boys make bets on sex. It's almost like you need someone to remind you." Your voice dropped low and raspy.

Your right hand slithering down his front. Stopping just where you felt the zipper of his pants. Knowing they were beginning to grow tight. "I can help you." You finally hummed. Kissing delicately on the spot you guessed to be his weakness.

Bruce didn't think it would be that hard, but when he let a quiet whimper out, it was his end.

You smirked and pushed him off. Walking back to your seat with a proud look. The group being stunned to see the brainiac still trying to collect himself.

You knew Bruce wouldn't be that hard to toy with. You knew he only dominated the other brains of the school, which is why he had such a reputation.

"I believe it is now your turn to ask, Banner." You took a sip of the fruity drink you brought with.

He slowly sat back down. Looking around to try and find someone who hadn't gone. His choices being Sam, Wanda, Vision, Thor, Clint, and Natasha.

He cleared his throat. "Wanda, truth or dare?" He almost whispered. His eyes flickering every once and a while to you who just smirked at him and eyed him.

"Truth," the red head sat up straight. Happy it was her turn.

"Who was the first person you let go more than a kiss?" He questioned. Not knowing much about Wanda.

You only turned her head to look at the friend. Letting your grin grow impossibly more at the answer. And when Wanda turned to meet your gaze, the room erupted into chaos.

"There's no fucking way!"

"What?!"

"Are you serious?!"

And many more things were thrown out. You just letting it happen. "Ok wait, let me get this shit straight! Y/n, who nobody knew for three years, except for the nerds who envied them being number one in brains, was your first? And you, Y/n, somehow have a higher body count then Carol?" Tony furrowed his brows. A head bob was his answer. "I don't believe it."

"You wanna make it twenty-eight, playboy?" You teased. "What would I have to gain from lying?"

"It's all bullshit," Natasha finally spoke. The group mostly forgetting she was there since she was so quiet. "Nobody would want to do you."

It was silent for a second. "You gonna take that, L/n?" Sam asked from behind Bucky. His arms now, somehow, wrapped around his waist.

Wanda opened her mouth first, "Nat, truth or dare?" She quickly moved the game on.

"Truth." The red head dodged. Hoping it would avoid any sexual act.

"Is it true, that if I asked you to take a shot to everything you dislike about Y/n, the bottle would be empty?" Her friend instantly switched up on her.

Everyone waited the answer, but only were greeted with three shots instead.

"Pussy," Clint haunted. His beer swirling in his hand. "You wouldn't have even dented the bottle."

If anyone really knew Natasha, it was Clint. So him saying something meant there was something. And you would keep that in your head all night.

"I'm done playing." Nat quickly dismissed. Taking her shots and then leaving the room. Letting the others finish their stupid game while she was downstairs getting drunker than needed.

So when you all came downstairs again, it was shocker to see her dancing on the table with Maria close behind her. But when her drunken gaze landed on you, she fell off the table. Thankfully being caught by some of the other drunks.

You let out a soft chuckle. Walking over to her and helping her up. "Should be careful drunk dancing, Romanoff. Wouldn't want to hurt that pretty head of yours." You left after making sure the other was standing.

But it wasn't long till the other was following her. Keeping a distance, yet close enough to hear every conversation. Thinking she was being stealthy, but you knew she was there.

So when you made her way back upstairs and dragging Steve with you, Nat got upset at the sight. After all, Steve was all for Peggy. Natasha decided against following them and went back to the alcohol. Hoping to get her mind off the person she didn't like.

And, what felt like, hours had passed. You and Steve, who disappeared, finally came back down. Steve and you wearing a smile as they separated. You going to look for Peggy, and Steve going to the backyard.

Nat had seen the whole thing. Causing her to continue to follow you. Watching you get close to Peggy and whisper in her ear. The brunette blushing at your words and turning to look at you. Soon rushing out to the backyard.

You stayed there, glancing around with a proud smile on your face. Capturing Nat, making it impossible for her to tear her eyes away. Meeting yours as you winked at her. The usual badass becoming a blushing mess and hurrying off.

~~

Eventually the night had to end. Especially with the following days after this. There was still hangover Tuesday they had to endorse. The biggest challenge of the final week.

You had changed and were helping clean up when Nat had latched onto you. "Hello?!" You laughed. "What's up, Romanoff?" You kept throwing away solo cups.

"What did you say to Banner?" Her words slurred. Body trying to become one with yours.

You slowed your movements, allowing Natasha to climb onto your back like a baby koala. "Just simple things, nothing much. Why? Jealous it wasn't you?"

"No! I just wanted to know. He took six whole shots. Plus, you have to be good at it to have twenty-eight people in your body count." She rambled on. Legs locking around your waist as her arms wrapped around your shoulders. "Personally I don't like thinking of you with other people."

"Oh, sweetie! So you are jealous!" You finished cleaning up the living room. Tying her bag and taking it to the back door. "I'll take you back to my place for the night."

Nat didn't respond, instead she started kissing at your exposed back. Feeling the vibrations from the giggles and hums that were let out. "You're very clingy when you're drunk, ya' know that?"

You felt the grumbles hit your skin. As you grabbed your bag, you found Wanda and Vision. "I'll see you two tomorrow for dinner. And make sure she gets water in her between now and then."

You left with Nat still on your back. Pulling the keys out of your bag while trying to not let the red head slip. Unlocking the vehicle and opening the passenger door. Trying to get the grip to loosen up but it never did.

"Come on, be a good girl for me." You rubbed her thighs. Softly grinning as the legs fell from her waist. "Thank you, darling. Do you have house keys on you?"

There was no answer as Nat was already out. A scoff and a head shake were given from you.

You texted Nat's sister and asked for her to bring Nat's backpack down for you to grab. Which she didn't ask any questions on and just did.

Yelena did give a small lecture to you. Going on about not hurting her sister or she would find you and end you. And you honestly couldn't tell if she was joking or not so you just nodded. Leaving to head home for the night.

Keeping the bag in the car while you carried Nat in. Giving her the bed as you took the couch.

~~

Your alarm went off at four. Giving you three hours to get ready. You started the coffee pot and went to take a shower in your parents bathroom. Grabbing sweats and a black crop top, along with new undergarments. Taking only half an hour in there before having to go into your room.

Where, quietly, you started brushing your teeth. Listening to another alarm go off in your room. Knowing that Nat was about to wake up.

You stood in the doorway, watching the other roll around and take in the covers. Soon meeting the green eyes. "Good morning."

"Why am I here?" Nat quickly woke up. Her body shooting to sit up and her head throbbing. She took in her change of clothes. "Did we?"

"No, you were too drunk. I would never do that to someone. No, I just brought you here because you clung to me while I was helping clean and when you hit the car, you instantly fell asleep." You storied. "Also, bathroom is right here. Don't throw up in my room."

And it was like you had some super power, because Nat ran into the bathroom. Hunching over the toilet with you holding her hair back and rubbing circles on her back.

Few minutes later, there was nothing to come up. "Shower and get ready. There's an extra tooth brush in the drawer you can claim. What would you like for breakfast?"

"Why are you being so nice?" Nat pushed off everything said. "I've only ever been mean to you."

"You don't remember anything from last night, do you?" You smirked. A shake of the head being your answer. "Well, you are one clingy fucker when you get drunk. Not to mention a terrible spy."

Nat furrowed her brows. "What does any of that have to do with you being nice?"

You winked and left the room. "We can have French toast with fruit, Natty." You called back.

The red head was still on the floor. Trying to figure out anything, but instead came up short. Pushing herself up, she started the shower. Only to soon realize she was in one of your shirts. A blush spreading over her cheeks in no time.

Meanwhile, you set out a pair of workout shorts and a sweatshirt. Finally making your way to the kitchen and starting breakfast. Only being alone for twenty minutes as Nat came down. You pushed over the plate of food for her.

"I have to stop and get coffee for everyone, so we're leaving before six-thirty." You spoke so softly. Never taking your eyes of the girl who sat in your kitchen.

The silence was peaceful as she ate. Once done, you took her plate and washed it.

She scoffed, catching your attention. "Ok, what happened that you're being this nice?"

"I'm always this nice. Maybe if you weren't always so set on hating my soul, you would've noticed. But last night, it made me believe you don't hate me at all. Especially since Clint ratted you out before leaving early."

The mention of the blonde archer made her pause. She knew he could've said anything and it would all be hell. "What..."

"We were playing truth or dare, and you called bullshit on my body count. So Wanda asked you, that if you too a shot for everything you hate about me, would it be true that half the bottle would be gone. And you took three shots of backing out. And Clint called you a pussy. Saying you wouldn't even dent the bottle." You recapped part of the night. Smiling at the crimson color. "God, you're so pretty when you blush."

The color deepened and Nat couldn't look anywhere near you. She cleared her throat. "Did...Did anything else happen?"

"You quite the game and got drunk. When we all came back downstairs you were drunk dancing on the table, and then fell off once you looked at me. I helped you up and then left, only for you to follow me the entire night like a lost puppy. And by the end of the night, while I was cleaning the living room, you took it upon yourself to act jealous about somethings. And you climbed onto my back and held onto me like a baby koala. I drove to your house and your sister lectured me on if I hurt you she would kill me. I gave you my bed while I took the couch and now we're here."

The entire time you had made your way closer to her. Picking her head up by the chin with your index finger. Smiling when she met your stare. "So, pretty girl, that's why I'm being nice to you. Because you're nothing more than my lost puppy."

She let a small whimper out. One she wished you didn't hear. Especially when you brought your lips closer to hers. "And any day you want to test my body count, just say so."

"Please," she whispered. Causing you to pull back just a bit. A cocky grin taking place of your smile.

"Please what, sweets?"

"Kiss me, please!" She almost shouted. You hummed, bringing your lips right over hers. "Y/n," she whined.

The way your named rolled off her tongue was all you needed. Connecting your lips to hers, you could only focus on the softness. Feeling how she pushed herself to try and deepen the kiss. But you kept it short and sweet. Knowing school still awaited.

And when you pulled back, she chased after you. Making a soft laugh leave your mouth. "A lost puppy you are indeed. And you'll always be mine."

She had a sparkle in her eye. The look of completely in love taking over her face. "Only yours."

You placed one more kiss to her lips, then one to her forehead. Grabbing her hand as you picked up your bag and keys. Leaving the house.

Surprising all your friends when you showed up with sunglasses on and Nat following you with more coffee's.

Your high school career was on it's last few days, but you finally did it. You found out why the Natasha Romanoff hated you.

Because she loved you.

[mrsparker3696]

𝚙𝚎𝚝𝚎𝚛 𝚙𝚊𝚛𝚔𝚎𝚛 𝚡 𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚍𝚎𝚛- 𝚠𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚎 𝚊𝚛𝚎 𝚖𝚢 𝚏𝚕𝚘𝚠𝚎𝚛𝚜?

A/n: happy 'annoying-coupls-day-and-a-reminder-that-your'e-single' day!!

*********************************

peter parker was a sweetheart.

Peter parker was a romantic.

Peter parker was well educated.

That's why every years, even before his uncle passed away, Peter got his aunt a bouquet of sunflowers and a box of chocolate covered strawberries.

Every years since he was 11.

And he loved it.

Every valentines day, Peter and Ned would switch cheesy love letters they jokingly wrote for eachother along with a bag of gummy worms.

Every February 14 since sophomore year, Peter and Ned would buy two black dahlias with a pack of reeses to give MJ.

Since he joined the avengers (unofficially) he gave every woman in the tower a red rose.

except Natasha who got white rosses

And Wanda who liked tulips better,

Mariah rathered lilac flowers over rosses,

And pepper who got orchids.

(And sometimes a fake pink rose for Carol if she was visiting earth)

(He could only remember a certain number of flowers so he gave the main women what they liked and the rest, classic red rosses)

Peter got flowers from his own money and gave them to basically every woman he knew.

Married, in a relationship, single, gay, doesn't matter. He bought and did the best he could to make their valentines day better.

And when the 14th came, right after school ended, he walked into the tower, carried a huge bouquet filled with flowers.

"Happy valentines day" he said with the sweetest smile every time he met a worker there. If it was the cleaning lady or a S.H.I.E.L.D agent, he gave it to them and received a big smile back, sometimes a pat on the head or a hug even a kiss in a cheek when he met Mrs patty who teared up every year.

And today, today was that day.

Peter was almost finished with his flowers round when you walked into the big living.

Tony, pepper, bucky, Natasha and Sam sat on the couch, having a small talk.

"Happy valentines, Mrs stark" he grinned softly at pepper and handed her small orchids bouquet tied in a small purple string.

"Oh peter! Thank you honey!" She sighed happily and pulled peter into a hug.

You frowned, confused at the situation.

You only moved there a year ago, which means you didn't know about Peter's habit yet.

And seeing your (now) aunt hugging him so lovingly made you look a bit surprised.

So you walked over to your uncle, sending him a look "what going on and why is peter holding a bouquet of white rosses?"

"The kid is been giving the ladies flowers for three years every valentines day" he sighed and rubbed his head.

With how much Tony loved peter, it got on his nerves when his own wife got charged by a 17 years old spider kid more than him.

"Yeah that little kiss ass, stealing the ladies heart" sam rolled his eyes.

Peter just ignored the comments and handded Natasha the last bouquet, the white rosses bouquet "haply valentines miss Romanoff"

Natasha happily expected the flowers, messing Peter's hair with a cheesy grin "I think that's sweet of him. He's doing something for change" she adds with a look, nudging bucky with her shoulder.

Bucky just groaned, making everyone laugh "oh doll, tonight I'm gonna give the best night in your life" he winked.

Suddenly the air in the room felt thick and you felt like you need to leave then in a closed soundproof room.

You shook your head trying to forget the pictures that popped in your mind "Alright then... I'm gonna go with Wanda to buy some groceries for dinner" and with that you left.

----

On the ride to the store you couldn't help but think about earlier.

You'd be lying if you'd say that You've never thought about being with peter.

Peter was a sweet handsome boy.

He was smart. Smart smart.

A hot nerd. Just your type.

And to add to the party, he was a hero.

He saved people in his free time from his own will.

Peter was everyone dreams boy, the guy next door.

And the fact the he gave every woman in the tower a flower and even a bouquet from some of them, but nothing to you, hurt you just a bit.

Why he didn't give you a flower too?

Does he hate you?

Does he think you're ugly?

Did he forgot about you?

Or he just hadn't bought enough?

You were so busy in your own thoughts that you didn't noticed Wanda's smirk.

"Y/n are you going to tell what are you thinking about or im going to found out myself?" She said with her thick accent.

Your eyes open wide and your cheeks turn pink "its- uh- nothing. I'm just thinking about dinner" you lied quickly, scared of the thought of her looking through your mind.

She smiled a satisfied smile, looking at you then back at the rode "Alright. And don't worry about peter. He would do something for you, the day isn't over yet"

"You really think so? Because he gave everybody a flower except me" you asked he hesitantly, biting your lips.

Only now you realized that you basically exposed yourself  and your cheeks turned pink.

"Of course. Peter likes you y/n. I didn't even had to read his mind to know that. Just talk to him, I'm sure he'll explain and maybe give you a giant teddy bear and kiss" she winked at you.

You shook your head and blushed even deeper, leaning on the door and looking out the window, letting your mind go crazy again.

-----

"Alright, guys dinner is ready and will be served in in five! After that you won't allowed to come into the kitchen or the table!" You yelled from the table before brushing your hands on your pants.

God you need to change.

"Never mind! I gotta change first and then dinner!!"

You walked into the elevator, asking F.R.I.D.A.Y politely to tale you to your floor when a hand stopped the doors from closing.

"Hey, sorry I just need to go to my lab for a sec if that's ok" Peter walked into the elevator stuttering.

You pursed your lips and nodded.

After a few moments of silence you couldn't keep it inside so you asked him "where are my flowers?"

Peter's eyes winded, just lie yours did.

Both of you suprised by your blurb.

"I'm sorry, what?"

You bit your lips anxiously and played with your fingers, looking at your feet to avoid eye contact (not that peter tried to look at your eyes) "its just... you brought a flower to everybody today. And you even gave Wanda and pepper and Tasha a freaking nouquet of their favorite flower. And I just... I don't know- its stupid, but I'm the only one who didn't get any flowers"

"You- you did get any flowers?" He squiked, his voice was high and broke, making peter even more embarrassed.

You shook your head in respond making peter pinch the bridge of his nose and scrunch it in the most adorable way.

"Have you... have you been in you room today?"

You frowned. You were busy the whole day, putting the tower in the valentine vibes, decorating with red hearts and pink fake flowers, and when you didn't do that you planned dinner (because come on, there's 23 over dramatic heros and people with different food preferences that you had to pay attention to)

"No, I was out all day... why?"

Peter fiddled with his fingers, debating how to tell you.

"Do you mind if I'll join you to your room- Wait no that came out wrong i meant that I want to show you something there- wait thats worse-"

"Peter its fine, you can come" you stopped his rambling with a soft smile, letting him know he's doing just fine he's not crossing any lines.

You both walked into your room quietly, neither of you want to say something that might make the situation even more awkward.

It took you a second to realize what you saw.

Your room was filled with with tiny perfect daisies.

You had some sticked to your window or wall or door or even the mirror.

You had some on your table inside a small round and clear vase.

You had at least a hundred on your bed next to a small box of your favorite chocolate.

You let out a not-so-small gasp as you looked around you.

Your room never looked prettier.

You wanted to say thank you to peter,

You wanted to let him know how much you appreciate this gesture,

You wanted to tell him how much that meant for you.

But only one question came out.

"How did you know that my daisies are my favorite?" You whispered.

"I-uh I kinda heard you one time saying that to miss Romanoff and miss Maximo and I also asked then to be sure because I wanted it to be special ya know? Is this too much? I think its a bit much, don't you? and I wasn't sure about the chocolate but I've seen you eating it a few times so I wrote it down so I won't forget," peter rambled, every once in a while daring to look at your eyes, that stared at him "but if you don't like it I can just buy you a different one, or more flowers maybe? Whatever makes you smile more. I just- ya know,I wanted to do something special for you because I really like you and you deserve it but- ok I'm gonna stop now"

You smiled at how peter shot himself up, thinking that his rambles bothered you. Only if he knew that it was the exact opposite.

But when you opened your mouth to say something, you didn't know what to say.

What words will express your feelings perfectly?

None.

So you took a step closer to peter, and another one until your faces were so close that your almost bumped and your lips are millimeters from his.

"Can i-uh-maybe-if you want- and agree of course, may always said to ask for consent first when it comes to ladies and im-"

Suddenly your lips were pressed against his softly, stopping peter from continue his speech.

Peter felt his eyes flutter shut before he gladly kissed you back.

It wasn't a deep passionate kiss.

It was small and innocent.

It was filled with love and care.

His lips were so warm that it made your whole body feel giddy.

His lips moved against yours and send shivers through Peter's body.

Your hand grazed over his neck before laying there gently.

But you both needed air (unfortunately) and broke apart only to gasp for oxygen.

"Thank you" Peter breathed out, he's eyes still closed.

You almost laughed at his cuteness but you pulled fully away to see his now pink face.

"Thank you?"

"I-uh yeah? I- well I really liked it" he whispered. Peter never thanked may more than he's mentally thanking here now.

"I really like you"

Peter nodded, trying to process everything that happened.

"Good that's... good" he nodded again and looked at the floor before looking back at you "would you mind if we'll do it again? The kissing? Like, now?"

Peter parker was a sweetheart.

Peter parker was a romantic.

Peter parker was well educated.

That's why he's standing here, on valentines day, on February 14th,

Kissing the girl of his dreams.

[memes-saved-me]

Billy Hargrove and implied Queerness

First off this is focusing on his scenes without Steve because we've all seen those and....they're pretty homoerotic to say the least so I will be bringing your attention to the other factors which lead people to believe Billy is gay or interested in men and not so much women. This isn't very indepth but more surface level observations I've made and seen others make.

(TW: Homophobia and slurs discussed)

Season 2

The first scene we get of Billy he is instantly sexualised by those around him. Tina and Vicki taking interest in him based on his looks while Carol watches on rather unamused. This sets a trend for his character and his relationship with his looks and body, but more importantly how he uses it to his own advantage. Of course this was done to play into the 80s bad boy who all the high school girls fall for but what I'll explain later makes it much more interesting.

The next we see of Billy is with Max on their way home. During this scene he insults the looks of the high school girls, referring to them as cows. We then get a very interesting line "Yeah, we're stuck here and who's fault is that?" Which Max replies to with "Yours."

A response that instantly angers Billy to the point he demands she take responsibility for moving to Hawkins. A topic that has clearly been discussed before because Max's reaction implies this has happened before if not multiple times.

In Runaway Max, which isn't confirmed canon and contradicts a lot of stuff but, we are told that the reason they moved was because Billy was completely off the rails to the point he broke her friends arm. Now. Does that make sense in blaming who's fault the move was? If this is the case it is obviously Billy's fault so why does he keep saying it was her who caused this? She clearly liked being in California so why would she do something to make them move. Unless it was unintentional...

This heavily implies that there is an unspoken incident which involves them both. An incident which triggers such anger and recklessness in Billy to the point he almost runs over Mike, Lucas and Dustin because Max wouldn't say it was her fault. Many have then filled in this gap with Max accidentally telling either Neil or Susan about Billy and another boy, which would make sense with the information or lack of information we are given in canon about the reason they moved.

While at Tina's Halloween party we do not see Billy interact with a single girl. He is seen with Tommy and another boy who then approach Steve with him. It would make sense for girls to be drooling over him in this moment, trying to dance with him or following him inside but no. He makes a beeline for Steve and we do not see him for the rest of the party.

Now, I don't know about you but have you ever seen a teenage boy look less interested in his date? Not only is he not interacting with verbally but also physically. He then gets angry when she calls Max his sister and they drive off without a word. It's implied he is taking her home as he they were waiting for Max, meaning he was probably going to hook up with her but if he was wouldn't he act just a little nicer towards her?

I mentioned before that he is the archetype for 80s bad boy and the girls sure are falling, he just isn't catching them. This is the only time we see him interact with a women his age in a romantic way. If you could call this romantic at all.

When in trouble for letting Max run off while watching her, his response is that he doesn't have the time to go looking for her because he has a date, a date we never see or get the name of, this prompts his father to say the line "So that's why you've been staring at yourself in the mirror like some faggot..."

A line that then prompts Billy to snap and argue back after clearly wanting to get out of this situation as fast and smoothly as possible. Where else have we seen anger brought on by a topic? That's right in the car with Max. There is a trend of Billy reacting with anger to conversations or comments he finds personal or as some sort of attack. This is also when Neil becomes fully angry with Billy as seen in his rather shocked reaction at his response to that line.

This also continues the trend of Billy caring about his looks and using them as a shield of sorts, a shield that doesn't work against his father but everyone else he encounters.

Something to keep in mind, Billy is the only character to be called a homophobic slur by a parental figure other than Will. The character he mirrors in multiple ways including having the same full name William, as well as Will being heavily implied as gay or queer. Both of their father's use homophobic language against them, unlike any of the other characters in the show.

The next we see of him after the incident with Neil is also when we see him interacting with another women in a romantic sense. Karen. This is where his use of his looks and body fully come into play. He uses these assets to get information and affection out of Karen to make his father happy and avoid further punishment.

Now this is my own interpretation but Billy is used to using his body for positive attention and doesn't get that any other way. At no point in the series is he treated like a person other than in S3 by Max and Max only. Everyone else views him in an objectified manner or as a bad guy to avoid.

There is a clear resemblance between Karen and Billy's mother which I'll further discuss in the season 3 section but this leads me to believe he is subconsciously or even consciously wanting positive attention from a motherly figure, he just doesn't know any other way to achieve that.

However, it is very clear that flirting with Karen was an act as seen by the quite jarring juxtaposition of these two frames. The mask fully gone once by himself again. Meaning the only time we see him flirt with a women it isn't genuine at all.

Season 3

Now, continuing off the last point, there is countless girls practically drooling over Billy at the pool but he only accepts this attention from Karen. This exemplifies my theory that he doesn't know how to gain positive affection other than through flirting and well sex, but he only wants this attention from an older women who resembles his mother. Except, again he doesn't know any other way of gaining it. He hasn't had a strong positive female influence in his life since he was 10 years old and by the looks of it every motherly figure has treated him as eye candy and not a teenager crying for help.

He has Heather who is very much his age and flirts with him. Yet, he acts as if she isn't even there and goes straight over to Karen to flirt. The way he acts with Karen should be the way he would act with girls his age, flirting and making advances but we do not see a single example of this.

This part I find extremely interesting because it perfectly mirrors his interaction with Karen in season 2, except instead of dropping the mask he puts it on. The way he looks to his right as if she is sitting there as he practices what he is going to say to her is a clear example of his act coming into play as he prepares to meet up with her. His expression very similar to when he leaves the Wheeler home but it shifts to practice the way he is planning on talking to Karen. A complete reversal from their scene in season 2.

A rather reaching piece of symbolism could be that this also mirrors the way Neil cuts off Billy's date in season 2 as the Mindflayer is a literal representation of him being controlled by his father.

I also find it very interesting that he chooses to flirt with Karen very publicly and this might be reading a little too into it but it comes off as trying to uphold some sort of image. Another example of this is Max saying she hears Billy with girls in his room, something that sure is something he would do but when you put this with everything in this post it also comes off as him trying to prove something.

Another thing I find interesting is the way he acts around Karen, all smiles and friendly is very similar to that of the way he acts at dinner with Heather's parents. An act put on by the Mindflayer, just as he does when flirting with Karen. A mask used for underlying means and not what it shows on the surface.

Conclusion

This is all just my observation and he is not canonically gay or queer but the way he acts around women compared to Steve is a very interesting aspect to his character. If they truly intended for him to be this bad boy ladies man then they failed at presenting that.

One final thing, which I have posted about before is the fact Billy does not use homophobic language towards anyone. Even Steve does in season 1 so it would make sense for a teenage boy trying to upstage another teenage boy to use slurs and such to belittle and bully him. Except he doesn't.

I could write a full dissertation on Billy's implied queerness but a unorganised Tumblr post will have to do. Thanks for coming to my TED Talk.

[ladyanput]

Seeing Red Ch.7 [Final]

“It’s a little tight at the bust.” Eva gave a bit of a sly grin at Marinette as they rode in the limo to the gala. Marinette was snuggled comfortably into Damian’s side, who had a supportive arm wrapped around her waist. “You must have been really distracted. Busy locking lips with a certain Wayne?” 

“Oh, like you’re one to talk. I have barely seen you this entire trip because you’re always with Jason.” Marinette whined out, but the two girls shared an understanding smile. 

“Well,  when we get back to Paris, you and I, and Chloé if the queen bee commands, will have a nice spa weekend, and hopefully not have to deal with Alya or Lila’s complete and utter bullshit.” Evangeline put it brightly, reaching out and grabbing Marinette’s hand. She gave it a light squeeze as the two held each other’s gaze. “Or just an you and I day. Shopping, maybe grab some ice cream.”

“My parents would drag you into another family dinner if we did.”

“You and I both know I love every single one I attend.”

Both ladies didn’t see the exchange of looks between Damian and Jason, nor the knowing smiles. 

“But right now, I wanna focus on attending this gala. I worked hard on these dresses and I want to show them off!” Marinette held up her hands, a serious look suddenly crossing her face. “And if anyone spills anything on their dresses, I will come after you. I don’t care if I’m Ladybug, someone is going to be having a few bruises.”

 Eva let you a very unladylike snort as the limo pulled up to the entrance. 

In the gala, it was exactly as Eva expected. A bunch of people dressed up fancily and stood around talking. Nothing overly exciting except the who was who of Gotham was there, maybe some out of towners. And now they decided to stick a group of foreign high school students in the middle of it, as if it were no problem. But, of course, she didn’t say any of this aloud, especially not to Bruce, who was the genius behind this entire thing. 

Eva watched as Marinette was guided through the party by Damian, being introduced to different people. She was nervous, the poor girl, always was under sudden pressure. Even her cheeks went rosy in seconds, her face an open book for anyone to read.

"Hey," Jason took her hand, pulling Eva's thoughts from Marinette as he kissed her knuckles and pulled her close. ", Dance with me, Vixen."

"Gladly." Eva beamed at him and walked with him onto the dancefloor. Where their hands met, her skin tingled. And when he pulled her close and set his other hand on her waist, her breathing hitched ever so slightly.

"You look beautiful tonight." Jason whispered softly to her as they pressed together and swayed to the music. "Though you always looked beautiful. So I shouldn't be surprised."

"You clean up well yourself. I should get you in a tux more often." She commented back as she pressed a soft kiss to his cheek. She didn't care who saw. "Though I shoot we're going to cut this arrangement short, aren't we?" 

She felt Jason tense under her hands, then he let out a soft curse, as if remembering that tomorrow she would be going back to Paris with the rest of the class.

".. Evangeline, listen. I.. I actually didn't want this to end." He admitted, pulling back slightly to hold her gaze. "I really like you. I wouldn't say.. Love, but I know I like you a lot more than some friend with benefits. I want to see if this becomes more, I want to give.. Us a shot."

Eva felt her heart shudder, then she couldn't stop the smile on her face.

"You know.. I think I'd really like that." She admitted, giggling when he leaned in and kissed her softly on the lips.

"I'm glad..“ Jason grinned down at her, playfully dipping her backwards. That brought them both to laughter once they straightened. 

The evening went fairly well. Eva saw Marinette getting along with people here and there. She had managed to sneak away to meet Jason in the bathroom, which drastically improved her night. 

But Eva found it quickly going downhill. From the champagne to the face and Alya screaming at her for sleeping with a student. The thought alone made Eva want to puke. 

Then there was Jason’s akumatization. And her revealing hers and Marinette’s identities. She regretted it, she truly did… But she had been so scared for Jason, terrified of him being controlled by Hawkmoth, who had to be in Gotham to pull that off!

The fight had been horrible. Her decision of disguising herself as Joker had been utterly heartbreaking, even as Lazarus wrapped his hands around her throat and began to strangle her. 

“Fuck.. Eva..” Jason whispered in horror as he was de-akumatized. His hands instantly slid from her throat and he held her close in his embrace. “Fuck, Evangeline.. I’m so sorry.. I’m so, so sorry..” 

Eva reached up and gently cupped his cheek, resting her forehead against his. 

“Shh.. It’s alright. It’s all going to be okay.. I’m here for you.” She whispered ever so softly, planting a soft kiss on his lips. 

“Mayura!” Ladybug cried out, causing everyone’s gazes to look out the windows of the reception and seeing the woman clad in blue fleeing from the scene. 

Lady Vixen and Red Hood stood, joining hands. They would face this together. 

As long as they had each other, they knew they could handle anything.

Permanent Taglist: @vixen-uchiha @ravennightingaleandavatempus @2sunchild2 @crazylittlemunchkin @bee-wrecker @souleateralicestein @loysydark @kceedraws @realrandomposts @alienjoyful @myazael

Seeing Red Taglist: @the-navistar-carol @chocolate1721 @emo-elaine13 @mochinek0 @drarryismylife101 @toodaloo-kangaroo @moonlightstar64 @imtryingsstuff @shamefullove

[wayward-dreamer]

Life’s Lessons - Part 4

Title: Life’s Lessons - A Lesson in Self Control

Pairing: Mechanic!Dean x Female!Teacher!Reader (eventual)

Other Pairings: Dean x Lisa, Female!Reader x OMC – Ethan (past, mentioned)

Word Count: 6,612 (thoughts, song lyrics in italics)

Part Summary: After Charlie witnesses the looks between Dean and Y/N outside the school on Friday, she convinces Y/N they should go out for drinks. At the bar, Charlie and Y/N bond, as she opens up to Charlie about Dean but also her past. After several drinks, Y/N goes home drunk and gets a little help from a friend. The next day brings a little embarrassment, but also brings up feelings within Dean and Y/N, that they know they shouldn’t be feeling.

Warnings: Swearing, Alcohol Consumption, Mentions of cheating, Mentions of reader’s ex, Talk of Emotional Abuse, Mentions of a physical incident against reader, Drunk reader, Embarrassment, Dean being sweet (yes, that’s a warning), flirting, forbidden feelings

Music: Deeper in the Water by The Lone Bellow (playing in the background while Y/N is baking scene), Wherever I May Roam by Metallica (Dean and Y/N backyard scene).

Life’s Lessons Spotify Playlist

A/N: Thank you to everyone for your wonderful comments on this series so far! I’m so glad you’re all enjoying it! This part is a little heavier, so please read the warnings. Please share your thoughts with me, I love hearing what you all think! Happy reading and enjoy! :)

Dividers by the wonderful @firefly-graphics​! Check her out for all your AU needs!!!

Life’s Lessons Masterlist

Y/N took off her red glasses, smiling as she looked at her students. She could see them all flicking their eyes up at the clock every now and then, wondering when the bell would ring. She found it amusing as she tried not to laugh. It was Friday and they couldn’t wait to get out of there and start their weekend fun. She couldn’t wait herself, hoping to have some time for herself, call her family and maybe go see a movie.

Unfortunately for her students, they still had some time before they could leave, using that time to take the notes for the criteria set for their book reports. She watched as they all scribbled in their notebooks hurriedly, wanting to get out as soon as the bell went off.

“Make sure it’s personal to you” she told them as they wrote. “Books have a way of really affecting us, so I want you guys to choose something that really had a big effect on you.”

Some of them mumbled an “okay” while others nodded.

Suddenly, the bell rang, and they all sprung up at the same time. It was like how smaller children got excited for ice-cream.

“Alright, don’t all head out at the same time! You’ll plow each other out of the way!” she laughed.

“Sorry, Miss Y/L/N” one student called out.

“Have a great weekend, guys!” she called out in return.

Y/N walked out of the room as well, following them down the hallway and out of the school building. She smiled as students were being picked up by their parents, getting on the bus home or their bikes and riding home. She spotted a parent of one of her students notice her, walking over to her.

“Miss Y/L/N?” the woman asked.

“Yes” Y/N smiled, offering her hand.

“Oh, it’s wonderful to meet you, I’m Carol. Amy’s mom” she said, shaking Y/N’s hand.

“Wonderful to meet you, too” Y/N agreed.

“I just wanted to come and introduce myself and welcome you” Carol said, a bright, peaceful smile on her face. “I know it’s already been a couple of weeks, but I hope you’re loving Lawrence.”

Y/N nodded. “I’m definitely warming up to life here.”

“Well, Amy’s really fond of you. English is already her favorite subject but she’s so happy to have someone like you teaching it” Carol complemented her.

Y/N beamed, her heart soaring. It was always great to hear when kids enjoyed a subject and the way you taught it.

“She’s a great student, so that definitely makes it easy” Y/N told her.

Carol blushed, delighted by the complement for her daughter. “Well, we better go. I’m sure we’ll see you around.”

“Of course,” Y/N said. “It was great to meet you.”

As Carol walked away after saying goodbye, Y/N looked around as the crowds of children started to clear. She spotted Charlie and was about to walk over, when she noticed who she was talking to. Dean was leaning against his car, aviators on and laughing at something Charlie just said. Ben was sitting in the car, waiting for Dean. She didn’t realize that Charlie knew Dean too, but she really should’ve made the connection considering she knew Cas, and Cas knew Dean. She thought about going over there, but she didn’t want to interrupt them. Plus, after what happened the other night at dinner with him and Lisa, she wasn’t sure if she should go over there.

“Y/N!” she heard her redheaded friend call out and she knew she had to go over.

She smiled as she walked over, trying to prepare herself to be near Dean again. He looked so damn good in that moment, and she was finding it hard to look at him.

“Thanks to your car, I know you already know each other, so I don’t have to introduce you” Charlie laughed, as she nudged Y/N with her hand.

“Yeah.” Dean took his sunglasses off and Y/N saw that he was looking directly at her. She was suddenly nervous again.

Dean took her in, dressed in a black dress that hugged her body in just the right way. Her red glasses were tucked into the neckline of her dress, and he had a sudden urge to see her wearing them. Mind outta the gutter, man he thought to himself as he looked away from her.

“I didn’t realize you guys were friends” she said, as she stood in front of Charlie and Dean.

Charlie smiled as she looked at Dean. “Yeah, have been for years.”

“Charlie’s like the little sister I never wanted” Dean teased, smiling cheekily at her. Charlie punched him in the arm, and he laughed.

His gaze moved from her back to Y/N. He hadn’t been able to get her out of his head since the first time he met her, but even more so after what happened at her house.

Charlie noticed how Dean and Y/N were looking at each other and dropped her head, smiling without them seeing.

“I better go” he said, suddenly, putting his sunglasses back on. “Lisa finished work early and we’re going to Sid and Olivia’s for dinner.”

“Tell them I said hi” Y/N told him, trying not frown as she wished he had stayed longer.

“Sure thing” he nodded. He moved in to hug Charlie, kissing her head.

Y/N watched as Dean got into the car and drove off, the car roaring down the road. She turned to Charlie and her face dropped into a frown, when she saw her friend grinning at her.

“What?”

“You like him” Charlie stated.

Y/N stared at her in shock, before scoffing a laugh. “You’re insane.”

“On the contrary, I’m completely sane” Charlie countered. “And you denied it a little too quickly, so it has to be true.”

“Charlie…” Y/N trailed off, not knowing how to respond to that.

“I think we need to get a drink together” Charlie suggested. “We haven’t gotten a chance to hang out outside of work yet.”

Y/N grinned. “Sounds great.”

“Tonight?” Charlie asked.

“Name a time and place, and I’m there” Y/N responded quickly. She was excited to go out and see what Lawrence was like on a Friday night. She knew it wouldn’t be much for a small town, but she also knew she needed to know how the nightlife was here.

“Ditch the rental at home and I’ll pick you up” Charlie said, as she started to walk away. “I’ll be there at 7!”

“See you soon!” Y/N called out as they both made their way back in to collect their belongings, before they headed home.

When she got home, Y/N relaxed for a while before she needed to get ready. She freshened up and got dressed into black ripped skinny jeans and a dark mustard sweater. She put on her black heeled ankle boots, ran a straightener through her hair quickly to get the kinks of the school day out and applied light make-up. She picked up her black leather jacket and her bag, just in time when she heard two quick honks of a car horn. She picked up her keys and walked out, closing the door behind her. She walked down the porch steps and smiled at Charlie as she walked over, getting into the car.

Y/N and Charlie made their way to the town square, lined with shops and some restaurants. Deciding they were hungry too; they grabbed a quick bite to eat. Conversation over at the diner mainly consisted of work and minor things, because Y/N had a feeling Charlie wanted to talk about personal things over drinks. After they ate, they walked down the street and past a couple of dive bars, the loud music and chatter filtering out to the streets. She felt better knowing there was something going on in this town and that it wasn’t as sleepy as a place like Rhinebeck. Though Rhinebeck did have its own charms.

Y/N followed Charlie, arriving at the place where they sat at the bar. She and Charlie sat on the bar stools, the bartender immediately coming over to them.

“What can I get you, ladies?” he asked, smiling at them.

“Gin and tonic, please” Charlie replied, smiling back.

Y/N thought it over for a second before she replied. “A vodka martini.”

“Sure thing” he muttered before moving down the bar to mix the drinks.

Y/N and Charlie both took their jackets off, settling in. The bartender put their respective drinks in front of them and then went to serve other customers. Charlie picked up her glass and turned to Y/N.

“To surviving your first two weeks” she said, smiling.

“Well, thanks for making it easy for me to settle in” Y/N smiled back, clinking her glass against hers. “I really mean it. You and Cas have really helped me and supported me, so… thank you.”

“No need to thank” Charlie waved her off, taking a sip of her drink. “So… let’s get to the real reason we’re here…”

“Oh god” Y/N groaned.

“Oh yeah” Charlie smirked. “You like Dean.”

Y/N laughed a little to herself. She didn’t beat around the bush, this one.

“Yeah. I do” Y/N admitted, feeling slightly relieved to say it out loud. “At first, I really just thought it was a crush, something that would just go away after a couple of days. Then… then the butterflies stuck around and they’re not going away. Every time I see him… I just want to be near him. All the time. I know two weeks is way too soon to be feeling like this about someone I just met, but-” she explained but Charlie shook her head, cutting in.

“I don’t think the length of time matters to Oxytocin” Charlie advised her.

“I’m not quite at the love stage yet. In fact, I hope I never get there because that’s going to get me into trouble” Y/N countered.

“Which is unfortunate because I think you two would be adorable together” Charlie confessed, a guilty grin on her face.

“What?” Y/N scoffed, not quite believing what she just heard.

“I’m sorry, it’s just… the way he was looking at you, even just for a few seconds, I haven’t seen him like that in a really long time” Charlie said, a sad smile on her face.

“Oh god” Y/N groaned, her face dropping into her hands. “Charlie, what are you doing to me?!”

“I know, I know” Charlie shook her head, not knowing what else to say.

“I can’t” Y/N shook her head, taking a large sip of her martini.

“I know, and I wasn’t telling you to go for it at all. I’m sorry” Charlie apologized, sipping her drink.

“It’s okay” Y/N reassured her, patting her back. Once they had both calmed down, Y/N turned to her friend. “Oh, they came over for dinner on Monday. I wanted to thank Dean about the car, and he came over with Lisa.”

“Really?” Charlie asked, a little shocked. “She actually came over?”

Y/N nodded. “Seemed like she didn’t want to be there, though. I mean, she was okay, she didn’t say much, which I don’t really care about, but she was kind of cold with Dean.”

Y/N looked at Charlie and saw that she looked like she wanted to say something but was contemplating whether she should or not.

“Okay, look…” Charlie started, trying to find her next words carefully. “I’m just going to tell you this, and it’s in no way saying that you have to do something, I just think you need to know, now that you’ve brought this up.”

“Okay…” Y/N didn’t know where she was going with this, but she listened anyway.

“Dean and Lisa have never been good for each other. They had a one-night thing, it was great for both of them, but that’s where it should’ve ended. Things were fine at the start, but once they got past the one-year mark, is when things started turning. Two years in, it got pretty bad. I mean, Dean doesn’t know for sure… but he thinks that she might’ve slept with someone else when she went home to visit her family. Things haven’t been right for a while now. Between not trusting her and them fighting at the drop of a hat all the time… it should’ve ended a year ago” Charlie explained.

“Wow” Y/N sighed, shaking her head.

“The only time we see him happy is when he’s at work or when he’s with us and she’s not around. Hell, I don’t particularly think she likes any of us, and we’ve tried really hard to include her. She never really wanted to do anything with us and would only come out with Dean if she wanted to prove things were okay. After a while, we just stopped trying to get her to like us” Charlie went on.

Y/N couldn’t imagine anyone not liking Charlie or Cas. “Seriously?”

Charlie nodded, a glint of anger behind her eyes. “She’s never encouraged him with the business, she’s always put him down for his choice in friends. She claims it’s to make him see that he’s better than them, but she’s just forcing him to think things he never would.”

There was a long silence between them, as Y/N processed everything Charlie just told her. She and Charlie were only just starting to become friends, so she could’ve easily said she didn’t believe her. She did, though. Charlie looked genuinely hurt, which meant everything was true.

“Fuck” Y/N whispered.

“Yeah” Charlie said, raising her eyebrows. “Dean’s generally a happy, care-free guy but for over a year now, I know he’s been hurting. He just hides it behind his larger than life personality. I just want to see him as his old self again. He thinks that if he stays, maybe things will just fix themselves, but they won’t. They haven’t yet and they certainly won’t the longer he stays in this relationship.”

“Wow” Y/N sighed again.

“So, that’s all I want to say” Charlie finished. “I’m not saying you have to do anything about it, but I want you know the reality, and maybe not hate yourself so much for having the thoughts you’ve been having.”

Y/N nodded. Hearing it made her feel slightly better, but worse now that she knew what he was going through.

Another silence fell between them as Y/N thought about everything Charlie said.

“It scares me” Y/N looked down into her glass, shaking her head. “Feeling something so quickly for someone I just met. I’ve never felt a connection like this before. Not even with Ethan.”

“Ethan?” Charlie asked, confusion written on her face.

Y/N bit her lip. She didn’t realize she had never mentioned him to Charlie. “My ex.”

Charlie nodded slowly, immediately understanding. “I’m guessing things didn’t end well if you’re so far away from New York.”

“No, they did not” Y/N muttered after a sip of her drink. “He uh… he was really controlling of me. He’d tell me how I shouldn’t dress up and be too revealing, but then somehow… somehow, he’d tell me that I didn’t try hard enough either, that I wasn’t attractive enough. My job wasn’t good enough. I… I wasn’t good enough. I didn’t… I didn’t think it was something that was a problem, no matter how much anyone told me it was. I thought he’d… he’d say the things he did because he just wanted me to be better, but it was to stroke his own ego.”

“Scumbag” Charlie muttered; her face morphed into anger.

“Yeah” Y/N laughed, bitterly. “I couldn’t see it until the night he hurt me. I thought he was doing those things because he loved me, but love isn’t making a person hate themselves to make yourself feel better.”

“You said he hurt you…” Charlie trailed off, worried that she’d uncover feelings that Y/N had buried.

“Just once, he pushed me and I ended up in hospital with a concussion” Y/N said, her words choking around the lump in her throat. “Once I was better, my parents helped me get my things out of his apartment. It wasn’t an easy transition; I kept seeing him everywhere. I tried to get a restraining order against him, but his family had money and probably paid someone off, so he never got charged with one. He eventually left with his new girlfriend, but that didn’t mean it got better for me. It took some time, a year of therapy before I left, but I realized that I wasn’t going to let anyone do that to me ever again. That place… I didn’t want to leave my family but there was too much of him there. So… now I’m here.”

“I’m glad you are. Y/N, you’re… shit, you’re fucking amazing and I hate that someone made you feel like you’re not” Charlie said, quietly, her eyes watery.

“I really know how to tell a story, huh?” Y/N jested, trying to lighten the mood again, as she blinked to keep her tears from falling.

“I’m glad you told me, that you could trust me with that” Charlie said, a small, empathetic smile playing at her lips.

“I’m sorry” Y/N shook her head, feeling awful at her sudden confession of her past. “I shouldn’t have brought it up when we’re here to have a good time.”

Charlie took her hand in hers. “No, please don’t apologize. I really am glad that you did. I’m so glad I know you.”

Y/N smiled at her. She knew Charlie would hear the story and wouldn’t pity her but be there for her and listen. She held Charlie’s hand, squeezing it. She was glad to have met the woman sitting in front of her.

“You know… Dean would never do that to you, right? To anyone” Charlie told her.

Y/N nodded, closing her eyes. “I know. I don’t know how I know, but I just see him, and I know that he’d never do that.”

“And that’s what scares you, right? That he’d never do that, that you feel so much and that he’s with someone else?” Charlie asked.

Y/N looked at her and didn’t say anything. Her face said it all. Charlie just nodded, before taking the last sip of her drink.

“I need another drink” Y/N said with a small chuckle, having finished her martini.

Charlie just smiled as she flagged down the bartender.

Another drink turned into two more after that. Y/N understood what Charlie said clearly, but that didn’t mean she was going to take the words and run with them. Why risk everything on what could just be a crush? She was wrong, 2 weeks was absolutely a ridiculous amount of time to suddenly fall for someone. She was overthinking things.

She was thankful when Charlie dropped the subject of Dean, having said what she needed to about how she felt towards Lisa, knowing Y/N would interpret everything the way she needed to. She also felt a huge pressure lift off her chest when she told Charlie about what happened with Ethan. It had been a year since the break-up and since she had started therapy. Her last session before she left had left her feeling relieved. Coming to Lawrence had been the best decision, even with her situation with Dean. Charlie was amazing and was glad she spoke up and told someone who she really trusted.

They eventually moved onto talking Charlie and Dorothy and Y/N found the redhead incredibly cute in that moment, as she gushed about her girlfriend.

Y/N knew that once the fourth martini went down, she had to get home. She was well and truly drunk and all she wanted to do was sleep it off. Just forget them ever talking about Dean.

As they left the bar, she stumbled slightly as they walked down the road. She needed to get an Uber and be alone in her thoughts now, her mind reeling with their conversation but vodka, too.

“Are you sure I can’t take you home?” Charlie asked, concern all over her face.

Y/N chuckled as she shook her head. “I’m sure, I’ll be fine.”

“Okay” Charlie agreed, reluctantly. “Message me as soon as you get home.”

An Uber quickly pulled up a few moments after she called it, and Y/N got in. She smiled and waved at Charlie. “Thanks for tonight.”

“You’re welcome. I’ll see you Monday” Charlie smiled.

Y/N leaned back against the seat, looking out the window. She really didn’t need man drama while she settled into a new town. She had had enough of it back home in her previous relationship, that one almost ruining her mental state. She was still recovering, even if had been a year since they broke up. Memories of him and imagining him around town, even after he left, were what made her decide to leave too. The last thing she needed was to be with someone. That being said, someone could argue with her that it was time to move on and find something better, something more meaningful.

Well, that something would have to come from somewhere else because it sure as hell wasn’t going to come from Dean. As much as she was attracted to him, he was with someone. No matter how unhappy the relationship was. Her mind floated to something Charlie told her. That it was possible that Lisa cheated on Dean.

He was sweet and caring, nurturing and compassionate. Gorgeous as hell and insanely hilarious. Who could ever cheat on him? People had their flaws, but that didn’t mean you give up on a person. His flaws couldn’t be as bad as her ex’s.

The Uber pulled up outside her house. Y/N steadied herself as much as she could as she got out. The car pulling up caught the attention of Dean, however, as he was sitting on the front porch, beer in hand. He watched as Y/N stumbled up the stairs of her porch and tried to open the door to her house.

Dean put his beer down on the stoop and got up from the stairs, walking across the street. As he walked up her porch stairs, Y/N turned around and smiled at him, indicating to Dean that she was quite drunk.

“Dean” she slurred happily, her eyes sparkling.

He tried not to laugh as he walked over to her. “Doing okay there, sweetheart?”

“Sure am” she giggled in her drunken state. “Just trying to get my door open.”

Dean watched as she tried to put the key in but kept missing the keyhole. He stepped forward and took the key from her hand, putting it into the lock and opening the door with ease.

“Thanks” she beamed.

As she went to walk through the threshold, her foot caught the edge and she stumbled. With quick reflexes, Dean caught her arm and pulled her into his body.

“Whoa, Y/N” he exclaimed, cradling her to his body.

She let out a loud cackling laugh, completely unaware of her near injury. Knowing that this wasn’t going to end well if she kept at it by herself, Dean bent down and lifted her legs up as he cradled her body. He lifted her into his arms as he carried her into the house, trying not to dwell on how good she felt in his arms.

“Ooh” she gasped, as her arms wrapped around his neck. “You’re very strong, Dean.”

She couldn’t help but lean her head on his shoulder, the intoxicating scent of cologne driving her crazy.

He ignored that as he walked down the hallway and into her bedroom.

Dean gulped as he looked around, the realization that he shouldn’t be standing in her bedroom hitting him suddenly. He quickly walked to the bed and laid her down, watching her eyes flutter as the alcohol she had consumed took control.

“Have to… have to text Charlie” she mumbled, the alcohol making her sleepy.

Ah, so that’s who she went out with he thought as he took off her shoes and pulled the covers over her.

He picked up her bag and fished around quickly, finding her phone. He didn’t look in, knowing that a woman’s handbag had things in there he had no business seeing.

Y/N unlocked her phone and handed it to him, flinging her head back to her pillow.

Dean bit back a laugh as he messaged Charlie as Y/N.

Hey, made it home safe. Thanks for tonight.

He added that in because if she was this drunk, then clearly she had a great time with his friend. Who wouldn’t?

Dean placed her phone on the nightstand and was about to walk away when he heard her stir.

“You’re really sweet, Dean” she mumbled, only one eye looking up at him as her face was smooshed to her pillow. “Why can’t all guys be like you?”

Dean shook his head. She was really out of it. “I wouldn’t say that, Y/N. I’m not someone to be compared to.”

“I think you are” she said, a soft smile on her face. “I think you’re something special, Dean Winchester.”

A smile spread on his face, but it dropped quickly. She wouldn’t remember saying it in the morning, so it was best not to dwell on it.

“Goodnight, Y/N” he whispered.

“I could get used to you in my life” she whispered, as she drifted off into slumber.

Dean felt a pang in his heart at her words. She may have been drunk, but it had been a while since someone had something like that to him. He couldn’t let her words affect him like that, though. He was with someone else and he needed to make that work again.

Dean slowly walked out of her room and back down the hall. He took out his wallet and took out the Advil tablets he kept in there, leaving them by her coffee machine. He picked up a napkin and quickly scribbled a note on it, before leaving her house. Hopefully she wouldn’t remember all of that in the morning and they could avoid the awkwardness that would follow.

The sunlight from the windows streamed into Y/N’s room. It warmed the covers she was wrapped in, causing her to stir. She groaned as she lifted her head, feeling the heaviness of last night’s drinking session with Charlie. She sat in bed as she tried to recall what happened last night. Her eyes widened as she remembered, everything quickly rushing to her head.

Dean had helped her into the house. Dean had most likely helped her into bed. Dean had been in her bedroom.

She couldn’t remember if any words had been exchanged. Had she said anything that would cause her embarrassment?

Y/N slowly got out of bed and picked up her robe, wrapping it around herself. She picked up her phone and walked out of her bedroom, into the kitchen, as she needed coffee as soon as humanly possible. She looked at the time. It was 10 in the morning. She had really been knocked out last night. She walked over to her coffee machine and was about to start filling it, when she noticed something out of the corner of her eye.

A slip of Advil tablets and a note laid next to the machine. She smiled as she picked up the note, scribbled in all-caps.

HOPE YOUR HEAD DOESN’T HATE YOU TOO MUCH IN THE MORNING.

-D

Her stomach flipped as she bit her lip, reading over the note again. She liked his handwriting. It said so much about him.

She quickly took the Advil before she made her coffee and breakfast, two eggs and a little bacon. You had to have bacon on a Saturday morning, especially if you were hungover. That’s what she felt.

The rest of her afternoon consisted of paying bills and doing some work for her classes, once her head was feeling slightly better. She made a mental note to actually go see a movie next week with Charlie. Maybe they could invite Cas’s girlfriend along, as she was dying to meet Meg. After doing her work for the day, she decided to do a little baking. Saturday afternoon baking was something she did often back home, and she wanted to keep that going here in her new house.

Y/N decided on making an apple pie, one of her favorites. As she got all the ingredients together, she decided to make two, wanting to take one over to Dean as a thank you for helping her last night. Hopefully he liked pie. She turned on one of her softer playlists, as cooking or baking needed some kind of music in the background and something soft was good for her head right now.

An hour later as The Lone Bellow graced her ears, she took out two beautifully golden pies from the oven. She put them on the kitchen bench and went to shower, having still been in the same clothes from last night.

Once she was freshened up, she walked out in dark blue skinny jeans, a white tank top and a pink and white plaid shirt over the top. She took a red and white checked cloth and wrapped it around one of the pies, making sure it stayed warm as she walked over. Slipping her phone into her back pocket, she shrugged on a light jacket to shield her from the light breeze. It was starting to get colder and she wondered what winter would be like here.

Y/N left her house and walked over to Dean and Lisa’s, pie in hand. She was a little nervous and hoped that Lisa wouldn’t be there, so that she could talk to Dean alone. She was slightly ashamed of herself; he was technically a parent of a child she was teaching, and he saw her drunk. She really hated herself for it and hoped that they could talk and come to an understanding.

She quickly walked up the porch steps and rang their doorbell. She waited patiently for a few seconds, before she rang the bell again. Again, she didn’t hear anyone coming for the door. Even the Impala wasn’t in the driveway. They had probably gone out as a family. As she walked back down the porch steps, she heard some music and clinking sounds coming from the back of the house. Wondering if maybe Dean was at home, she walked around the corner to their backyard, the sounds of Metallica’s Wherever I May Roam becoming louder as she got closer. The sight that greeted her caused her eyes to widen and her heart to beat wildly in her chest.

Dean was leaning over the engine of his car with the hood open. He was wearing blue jeans that hung on his hips in the most perfect way, highlighting his cute butt. His dark grey t-shirt defined his physique, the material stretching across his chest and biceps. His arms and face were covered in grease from the car, but that only added to the hotness he was showing at that point. When he turned around and noticed her, he smirked which just killed her dead on the spot.

“Hey, I didn’t hear ya coming out here” he said, walking over to her, turning the music down a little as he walked past his little radio.

She blinked a few times, trying to get out of the trance he put her in. “I rang the bell a few times but then I heard you out here.”

He nodded as he jerked his head towards the car. “Yeah, I gotta work on her from time to time, make sure she’s still runnin’ properly.”

“Well, she’s gorgeous. I wouldn’t want her to fade away either, if I was you” she smiled.

He smirked as he looked at his priced possession. “Dad would tear me a new one if I ever did.”

She laughed a little before a silence fell between them, only the sounds of the song being heard.

And the road becomes my bride And the road becomes my bride I have stripped of all but pride So in her I do confide And she keeps me satisfied Gives me all I need And with dust in throat I crave Only knowledge will I save To the game you stay a slave

Now was as good a time as to bring up what she needed to.

“Dean, I just wanted to say thank you for helping me last night” she started but he waved her off.

“Don’t mention it, sweetheart” he smiled.

He really had to stop calling her that if she was ever going to get anywhere with this. If only he knew what that did to her.

“I know it might’ve felt like just a nice gesture, and it was, but… Dean, I’m really ashamed and I really, really hope you don’t see me differently now” she confessed.

Dean frowned, not sure what she meant. “Why would I do that?”

“It’s just that… I’m a teacher, and I’m supposed to be a certain way. You’re practically a parent to a child in my class, and you shouldn’t be seeing me like that, like how I was last night-” she rambled but the feel of his hands on her shoulders stopped her.

“Y/N, it’s really okay. I’d never tell anyone about that. I mean, shit. You gotta let loose once and a while, too. Maybe someone else would judge you for that, but I never would” he told her, his voice calming her.

“But-” Dean shook his head when she protested.

“Honestly, Y/N. It’s fine. That’s just between you and me. Okay?” he reassured her.

She sighed in relief. “Okay.”

“Good” he winked at her.

Her lips pressed into a thin line as she looked down, trying not to think about that wink.

“It’s just… I didn’t say anything stupid to you, did I? If I did, I’m so sorry” she apologized.

Dean remembered everything she said last night. It had kept him up for an hour and a half as her words circled around in his thoughts.

“Nope” he lied. “Though you did mutter something about finding Christopher Walken sexy.”

Y/N eyes widened. “What?!”

Dean guffawed loudly, shaking his head. “Oh my god, you should see your face.”

She reached up and smacked his arm, causing a small “ah” to leave his lips but he kept on laughing, as he rubbed his arm.

“You’re such an ass” she shook her head, trying not to smile at the sound of his laugh.

His laughter died down as he composed himself. “That was too easy.”

“I don’t think you deserve this pie now” she gestured to the wrapped-up dish in her hands.

His eyes lit up as he looked between her and what was in her hand. “Pie? You-you made me a pie?”

“Yeah, I did, as a thank you for last night but I don’t think I want to give it to you now” she pretended to be upset, riling him up.

“Y/N…” he said, looking her right in the eyes. “Please.”

Jesus. She was putty in his hands. This wasn’t good. She couldn’t do this with him. In that moment, all she could do was hand over the pie with a polite smile. She couldn’t let him think that she was wanted to keep going on this banter of theirs. That was dangerous and she wouldn’t be that person.

She quickly handed it over. “Since you asked so nice.”

His eyes and smile grew brighter, as he giddily lifted one corner of the cloth and smelt the cinnamon and apple.

His eyes rolled back as he moaned lightly. “Damn, that smells amazing. Thanks, Y/N. Seriously.”

“You’re welcome” she said, laughing slightly at his reaction. “I take it you like pie.”

“Like?” he scoffed. “More like obsessed.”

“Good to know” she giggled as she watched him take another whiff. “I better go.”

“Oh, before I forget. Your car should be ready on Wednesday” he told her.

She smiled with a sigh of relief. “Amazing, thank you.”

“So, I’ll see you at the shop on Wednesday” he said, his thumbs rubbing over the cloth around the pie. He was itching to dig into it.

“Yeah” she nodded. “Bye, Dean.”

“Bye. Thanks again” he lifted the pie as he thanked her.

Y/N smiled as she walked away, rounding the corner and disappearing.

As soon as she was gone, Dean walked into the house and put the pie on the kitchen counter. He washed his hands and wiped them down, his mouth salivating as the delicious scent of the pie wafted through the kitchen. He opened a drawer and took out a fork, unfolding the cloth from around the pie dish. He licked his lips he looked down at it, stabbing his fork in and digging up a big bite. He blew on it and shoved it into his mouth. The flavors exploded as he closed his eyes in delight.

“Fuck, that’s good” he mumbled to himself as he swallowed down the mouthful.

It had to be the best pie he had ever had, not including his mother’s because that wasn’t a fair fight. Did Y/N really have to be so perfect that she made an amazing pie, too? How the hell was he supposed to stay away from her if she did things like this?

You just have to he thought as he wrapped the pie up again, for later. You can’t keep doing what you’re doing with her.

If this was ever going to remain friendly, then he had to stop turning on the charm, even if that was second nature to him. She made everything so easy. Things hadn’t been easy for him in a long time.

Between what she said in her drunken state to him (she may have been drunk, but she still said it. So, it had to be true, right?) and now bringing him this pie, it was getting harder to resist her. He knew was starting to feel something for her, even if it had only been a couple of weeks. He hadn’t felt like this since the first time he was with Lisa. Once they actually got together, the spark fizzled out quite quickly as comfortability took over. Now, even that wasn’t there.

Maybe it’s only meant to be comfortable. Maybe the spark isn’t meant to stay as you get comfortable with your partner. Though, that didn’t seem right to him. If you were really in love, then wouldn’t the spark stick around?

He had never been more confused about what to do, but he knew what the right thing was. It was to stick it out with Lisa, and that’s what he needed to do.

No matter how much he thought about Y/N.

As Y/N walked towards her house, her smiled dropped. What happened back there wasn’t just a friendly neighborhood chat. That was more. Much more. That was something two people did when they’re getting to know each other as more than friends. That was banter and flirting and messing around with each other with silly jokes. There were looks that made her tingle all over, and polite words that comforted her.

He made everything so easy. What she was beginning to feel for him was so much more than what she had felt before. This feeling wasn’t even there the first time she met Ethan. She knew she was fooling herself when she said this was just a little crush.

As she entered her house, Y/N was determined.

Dean Winchester was not going to have an effect on her.

He just wasn’t.

-x-

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[wannabe-fic-writer]

Natasha Romanoff x Reader : Prove Me Wrong

Summary: She can trust you, even if she doesn’t know it yet.

Warning: 18+ Mental Health, Mentions of Death, Mentions of Violence, Smut

Chapter 6

******

Laughter sounds in the kitchen, the mix of yours and Carol’s filling the kitchen.

She leans against the counter across from you, sipping from a cup of coffee you’d made for her. And you sit on one of the few stools drinking tea with a new friend, Goose the cat, in your lap.

This morning you’d planned to just get a cup of tea and return to your room to read.

Finding Carol in the kitchen already changed that plan. The two of you started talking and she drew you in with even more exciting tales of space and the Air Force.

Much like the past few days you get wrapped up in how nice Carol is. Sure she’s a little sarcastic, and not so secretly cocky. But that’s definitely swept away by the fact that she’s very funny and friendly.

Goose purrs rhythmically as you pet him and listen to Carol talk about restoring a planet named Easik.

“Not to be nosey or anything but, how does your girlfriend feel about your space travels?” You maintain eye contact as you sip your tea.

Carol chuckles a little,“ she’s not really fond of all the time I spend away and she worries about the dangers out there. But she and her daughter always trust that I’ll get home safely. Plus I make up for it with cool stories and space gifts.”

“Ever the charmer Danvers.” You shake your head.

“Why thank you, I try.” The woman does an exaggerated bow.

Mid laugh, Goose stands up in your lap causing your hand to slide down his soft fur as he looks at the door.

Natasha steps through, clad in athletic wear and sporting a messy ponytail.

Subconsciously you find your gaze passing over the material of her pants that shape her legs and the tank top that shows off her toned arms.

Has she always been this hot or are you only just now noticing?

Thankfully the woman’s words pull you from your thoughts.

“Am I interrupting something?” She asks, walking behind Carol to the coffee pot.

Carol shakes her head,“ just Y/N telling me about her time at NYU.”

You’re quick to tell them,“ which was really just a lot of studying and sleep deprivation.”

“And crazy parties! You saw a guy jump from a roof into a pool of Jell-O. Which makes me wonder if you did too?” She tilts her head inquisitively.

“Of course not,” you finish off tour tea,“ but not because of the jump. I literally cringed at the idea of having Jell-O in places it shouldn’t be.”

The blonde is laughing again and you smile, almost proudly, at having gotten her to.

Natasha looks away so no one can see her roll her eyes.

“Ladies!”

The familiar voice of the one Mister Tony Stark hits your ears before he steps into view. He’s smiling at each of you in greeting and pointing at the cat that definitely wasn’t here the last time he was.

“T! What brings you by, again?” You return his smile sweetly.

“Oh I’m just here to cordially invite you all to mine and Pepper’s anniversary dinner Friday night. Figured getting out would do you some good since your social life is like watching paint dry.” He teases with a fake pout.

Standing from your stool, Goose leaping down from your lap at the same time, you speak to Tony,“ you know, the more time I spend with you the more I understand why Pepper needed to see me.”

Having said that, you leave out. Tony follows you and Goose pauses, looking from where you were to Carol, only to follow after you as well.

With you out of earshot, Carol turns to Natasha with a raised brow.“ I could be wrong here but, am I sensing that you’re interested in Y/N?”

“Of course not.” Natasha shoots the idea down quickly.

Too quickly.

Carol smirks,“ please. You came in here with every bit of jealousy in your tone.” She folds her arms and faces the red head fully,“ which is misplaced. I have a girlfriend.”

Natasha freezes at the information. It’s not a long pause but it’s noticeable enough, making Carol smile proudly.

She knows a crush when she sees one.

“It’s none of my concern who you or Y/N are dating.” She finally says, grip loosening on her cup as she leaves.

For the days that pass Natasha finds herself thinking more and more about what Carol said. 

One thing Natasha knows is how to identify her feelings, but she’d only really encountered these feelings once before. With Bruce.

She felt differently with him than she did with Steve and Tony. The feelings scared her and when she decided to free fall into them, he pushed her away and left for more than two years.

That experience made her familiar with, wanting someone romantically. So when she began to feel that way towards you a mere few days after your second session she fought to push it away. 

She’d be damned if she got hurt again, especially by someone claiming to want to help her. 

And despite not wanting to be hurt, a part of her still wonders about you.

A part that she tries her hardest to ignore. So much so that she doesn’t go to your session the morning of Tony and Pepper’s anniversary.

You couldn’t lie and say you aren’t disappointed to not find her in your office when you got there. And even more disappointed the more time passed without her showing.

You consider going to find her, thinking that something must really be bothering her for her to not show up after all the progress she’d made. But you also considered that she could just be busy and decided that just this once you’d back off.

So, for the time being, you go over the files of the rest of the team, working on possible ways to make breakthroughs and just coping exercises in general. 

Hours pass of this, you stopping only twice to get fresh tea and lunch. Until eventually you’re getting ready for the anniversary dinner. 

After having received directions to the venue from Tony, you get ready to leave. Steve and Bucky offering you a ride and telling you that Natasha, Wanda, and Sam left already.

Light conversation flows between the three of you until you get there. Bucky parking and Steve getting out to open your door for you. 

“Thanks.” You smile, hopping out of the SUV and walking beside them into the building. 

It’s a lot simpler than you expected it to be. As simple as crystal chandeliers and champagne fountains can be.

While looking for Tony and Pepper, your eyes catch Natasha. She’s standing beside Wanda at the bar and looking more beautiful than you’d ever seen. 

Something about the way that blue looks against her skin, the way the fabric of the dress clings to her curvy form, or perhaps the way her green eyes seem to stand out more than usual. 

Has your eyesight changed in the last week? Why are you seeing her in a different light than before? 

Whatever the case is, your watching her, has you tripping over your own feet. 

Literally.

The only reason you don’t eat shit is because Bucky holds his arm out in front of you. 

“Thanks.” You chuckle nervously hoping no one notices the flush of your cheeks, or what caused you to trip.

You gather yourself before heading over to wish the couple a happy anniversary. And of course it doesn’t take Tony long to make some sarcastic comment. In which Pepper shoos him away so the two of you can catch up. 

All the while Morgan stands closely to her mother so you make sure to address her every once and a while, complimenting her dress and asking her about school(the girl is just as smart as her dad, at some point she’ll probably be smarter). 

Soon enough dinner is served, you sitting with the team at one of the tables and listening to them talk. 

It’s not until they open the dance floor that you see Carol. She comes in, effectively grabbing everyone’s attention. 

The woman joins you, her eyes glancing back and forth from all of you to Tony and Pepper dancing. 

“Awe man, I missed the food.” She half jokes, easing into the empty chair between you and Natasha.

You chuckle, shaking your head,“ I’m sure if you ask nicely, and stroke his ego a little, Tony’ll have them bring you something out.”

“Honey we both know I’d never.” 

When you both laugh, Natasha pushes herself up and goes over to the bar, stepping around the person filled dance floor. 

Your laughter dies, smile replaced by a frown. 

Noticing this, Carol stands, offering a hand,“ dance with me?”

“Okay.” 

On the dance floor, Carol’s arm glides across your lower back with ease, her other hand holding yours just level with your chests. You place your free hand on her shoulder.

The soft music that plays tells you that Tony had nothing to do with the selection tonight. Alongside that thought you notice that Carol’s a good dancer, cause she makes your uncoordinated self move easily.

“Is Natasha watching us?” She asks after a few steps.

Frowning, you look at the blonde, who’s eyes don’t meet yours. You let your gaze fall over the room, and find that Natasha is indeed watching you two. Only to look away when she meets your gaze.

“She was. Why?”

The woman’s chest shakes with a laugh,“ I think she likes you.”

That has you looking back over at the green eyed red head. Once again taking in how beautiful she looks.

Natasha likes you?

What had you done to get her to like you? Nothing. So why would she like you?

A frown masks your brows,“ why would you tell me that? Suppose I believed you and it wasn’t true, I’d look like a complete idiot if I did something about it.”

Carol leans back a little at that,“ you like Natasha?”

You flounder, mouth opening and closing stupidly as you think of a reply,“ no. She’s my patient and she tolerates me, at best.”

And she’s notebly the most beautiful woman you’ve ever seen. She’s godly beautiful in a human way. She’s, demi-godly beautiful? You aren’t sure that’s the right description but it’s what you think fits.

“What makes you think that?”

Breaking from your thoughts, you recall the interactions you had with Natasha in the beginning of your stay, or the lack there of. Followed by her barely even looking at you your first session.

At this point you and Carol have danced into a second song. You sigh and drop your head on to her shoulder.

“How often do you see me and Natasha talk? Like barely. The most we communicate is in my office where I am nothing but professional because if I’m not then I’d look like some bumbling idiot and that wouldn’t be helping her.”

Carol sighs,“ it’s not my place to say but, if you do have feelings for her, I think it would benefit you to tell her.”

You look up again, brown eyes staring back,“ did you miss the barely tolerates me part?”

“I find that hard to believe. You’re a very likeable person Y/N. Maybe it’s just her thoughts that are keeping her so distant.” She suggests.

The song comes to an end and you step away from her with a shake of your head,“ not to call you delusional, but I think you’ve seen things that aren’t there. I’m simply her therapist.”

As you turn to walk away Carol struggles to find something to say but she can’t. And your crestfallen face is heartbreaking.

That expression on your face completely debunks your claims at not liking the woman and Carol knows you only said it to convince yourself.

******

taglist: @username23345 @muffliat-o  @aaron-despair @natasha-danvers​ @wildhoney32 @criminallyhamilton @fayhar @nat-km-mh

[impala666]

The One With The Monkey Part One: Marcel The Monkey

Here you go! Ross gets Marcel and Phoebe sings a depressing Christmas song! 

Friends Rewrite (masterlist) Last Part (part four, episode 9)

Four of you were sitting around Monica and Rachel’s kitchen table with a bowl of popcorn and a bowl of cranberries and you, Phoebe, and Joey were helping them make a strand of garland. You had work early in the morning tomorrow and even all day tomorrow, but thankfully all you could think about was Phoebe finally getting to perform holiday songs at Central Perk tomorrow night and all of you were going to watch and support her. “Guys, there’s somebody I’d like you to meet.” Ross who just happened to poke his head through the door like he lived there, but to be fair all of you kind of did that. Your jaw immediately dropped open when Ross entered and the cutest little monkey came in riding in on Ross’s back. 

“Wait, w-wait, what is that?” Monica asked, not sure whether she should step toward it or run away. 

“That would be Marcel.” Ross introduced the furry creature. “Wanna say hi?”

“Yes, please!” You shrieked when you ran around the table to take the monkey from Ross, and Marcel seemed more than happy to crawl down Ross and on to your shoulder. Your smile only grew when Marcel’s tail hung over your other shoulder. 

“He is precious, where did you get him?” Rachel asked as she watched the monkey relaxing on your shoulder. 

“My friend, Bethel, rescued him from some lab.” Ross explained while he took Marcel back from you, but you couldn’t help but shake your head at the fact that the poor little guy had to go through so many experiments and tests that he never had the say of just because of the species that he was. 

“That is so cruel.” You nodded in agreement with what Phoebe said, thinking she was on the right path. But boy, were you wrong. “Why would a parent name their child Bethel?”

“That was not what I expected out of you, Pheebs,” you said a little disappointed in yourself for getting your hopes up. You reached into the popcorn bowl and popped one in your mouth to prevent you from saying anything else. 

“Hey, that monkey’s got a Ross on his ass.” Chandler greeted his friend after he had stepped out of bathroom, and leaned against the back of Joey’s chair. 

“Ross, is he gonna live with you like in your apartment?” Monica couldn't help but ask an actual question out of concern for her older brother.  

“Yeah, it’s been kind of quiet since Carol moved out.” Which seemed like a very logical reason to go out there and get a pet that is completely out of the normal, you could totally understand Ross’s thought process on this one.

“Why not just get a roommate?” Monica asked, yet another great question.

“I think when you reach a certain age, having a roommate is kind of pathet…” After playing with Marcel’s tail, Ross realized the mistake he made when he saw all of you staring at him waiting for him to finish that sentence correctly. “Sorry, that's ‘pathet’ which is sanskrit for ‘really cool way to live.” 

**********

Finally, finally, finally, your day was over with. You toured the school that you were accepted to and have a very long 8 hour shift, so now it was time to kick back and see your weird and beautiful friend sing her set at Central Perk. As you walked into the building you were finally able to unclench once you felt the heat after just walking block after block in the freezing cold snow. “,and one about a snowman.” You heard Phoebe finish as she sat on the arm of the couch with her guitar on her lap. When they all see you enter all of them flashed you a smile in greeting, which you returned once you had hung your coat and scarf on the hooks by the door. After you had ordered your preferred hot drink of the day, you finally walked over to spend time with everyone. But apparently Joey wasn’t there yet. 

“Might want to open with the snowman,” Chandler told her. But you just looked at him confused. “Oh trust me, you don’t want to know.” Chandler promised once he saw the look on your face.

“Oookay,” you mumbled into your cup as you sat down on the couch arm next to Monica. “Hey, Joey,” you smiled once you saw him walking into the shop as he dusted off some of the snow that had fallen on him. Everyone joined in on your greeting him, while greeted everyone else also walking up to you, placing a hand on your waist and pecking you on the lips as your greeting. 

“So, how’d it go?” Monica asked Joey, wondering how his job interview for being Santa Clause went.

“I didn’t get the job,” Joey groaned in disappointment as he took off his coat and sat down in the chair next to you. All of you awed in agreement with his disappointment, while you leaned forward from your spot on the couch to rub his arm in sympathy. It was hard enough for him to get work as an actor, and now he didn't get the one job he got and looked forward to every year. Joey looked up at you with a sad smile while taking your hand while he sat backwards in his seat. 

“How could you not get it? You were Santa last year.” Ross couldn’t help but ask, Joey was really looking forward to that job. 

“I know!” You whined in agreement with Ross, “you were a shoe in, and you were so excited.” Plus he would make a really really hot Mr. Claus, but you decided to keep that piece of information to yourself.

“I don’t know. Some fat guy’s sleeping with the store manager. He’s not even jolly, it’s all political.” Joey added in on the complaining that just seemed unfair.

“I’m sorry, hon.” You rubbed his arm as you got to your feet. “Do you want some coffee?” You offered while giving him a hug and wrapping your arm around his neck. He nodded a yes, and you pecked him on the forehead before turning to the counter and ordering a coffee to cheer him up. 

“So what’re you going to be?” Monica asked. 

“I’m going to be one of his helpers, but it’s just such a slap in the face, you know?” He just couldn’t get past the way that he didn’t get the job that he knew that he was so right for. 

“Hey, do you guys know what you’re doing for New Years?” Rachel asked, causing everyone except you and Joey to groan just at the thought that none of them had dates. “Geez, what is wrong with New Years?” Clearly not liking that way that she was getting attacked. 

“Well nothing for you, you have Paolo. And it’s not a problem for Y/N or Joey either because they have each other. You don’t have to face the horrible pressures of this holiday.” Chandler explained to her as he walked over towards her. “The desperate scramble to find anything with lips just so you have somebody to kiss when the ball drops! Man, I’m talking loud.” He finally just noticed that his voice was dramatically getting louder and louder with each sentence. 

“Well, for your information. Paolo is going to be in Rome this New Years, so I’ll be just as pathetic as the rest of you.” Rachel explained to the rest of you. “Well, except Joey and Y/N,” she grimaced at how lucky you two are while she watched Joey kiss you very sweetly after you brought him the coffee that you bought for him. 

“Yeah, you wish,” Phoebe added in where her comment didn’t really make sense. 

“It’s just that I’m sick of being victim to this Dick Clark holiday.” Chandler wowed. “I say this year, no dates. We make a pact, just the seven of us. Dinner.” Everyone seemed to be in agreement.

“How can it be no couples in the seven of us when two of us are already in a relationship?” You asked him, retaking your spot on the arm of the couch. 

“Just don’t act like one, okay?” Chandler whined as he tried to reason with you and his best friend. “I know which will be hard for you because you two are gross.”

“Well, thank you,” you said taking it as a compliment. 

“Well, you’re welcome.” Chandler played back. “And I was hoping for a little more enthusiasm.” Causing everyone into different forms of celebratory sounds. 

“Phoebe, you’re on.” Rachel warned her as she stepped onto the now stage to introduce her friend. “Ladies and gentlemen, back by popular demand. Miss Phoebe Buffay!” Rachel wooed as she and everyone else in the building applauded and Phoebe took the stage. 

“Hi!” Phoebe said into the mic. “Yeah, hi. I want to start with a song that means a lot to me this time of year.” You smiled watching in wonderment as Chandler leaned against the side of the couch next to you. Phoebe jingled some bells before she officially started her song. “I made a man with eyes of coal and a smile so bewitching.” Phoebe started to sing what sounded like was going to be a nice, cool Christmas song, but you should have know better by now that it would take a drastic and depressing turn. “How was I supposed to know that my mom was dead in the kitchen?” And immediately your smiling face turned into an uncomfortable and disturbed face, which you shared when with Ross and Monica. 

Now the mood in the coffee shop that was once filled with Christmas cheer was now filled with a depressing silence. Phoebe’s song was far from over, making everyone very depressed and just staring off into space. Rachel was sunk down in a chair, Chandler took your spot on the couch arm, and you were sitting on Joey’s knee with your head resting on Joey’s head with the look of deep sadness on your face. “My mother’s ashes, even her eyelashes are resting in a little yellow jar. And sometimes when it’s breezy, or I feel a little sneezy, and now. Excuse me!” Phoebe stopped singing which made you wake up a little tiny bit, and she started yelling at the rude, loud talking men. “Excuse me! Noisy boys? Is it something that you would like to share with the entire group?” She asked them, like a teacher catching a few of her students passing around notes during class. 

“No, no. That’s okay.” The nerdy guy in the flannel told her. 

“Ohhh they’re in trouble.” You whispered with a little smirk on your face. Chandler looked at you with a similar smirk, as well as Joey and Rachel next to you. 

“Well come on, if it’s important enough to discuss while I’m playing then I assume it’s important enough for everyone else to hear.” Phoebe argued back over at Flannel. 

“Well, that guy’s going home with a note.” Chandler told the three of you with a bit of a scared look on his face. 

“Could you speak up please?” Phoebe asked very close to the microphone when the other guy in the sweater started mumbling out his reasoning for interrupting her. 

“Sorry,” the guy in the sweater stood up. “I was saying to my friend that I thought you were the most beautiful woman that I’d ever seen in my life and then he said that you thought that Daryl Hannah was the most beautiful woman that he’d ever seen in his life. And I said, “Yeah I liked her in Splash a lot, but not so much in Wall Street, I thought she had a hard quality. And, um, while Daryl Hannah is beautiful in a conventional way you are luminous with a kind of delicate grace.” The guy paused after realizing he just said in public. “Then that’s when you started yelling.” After he finished the guy in the sweater sat back down in his seat. All of you turned towards Phoebe to see what her reaction was going to be.

“Okay, we’re going to take a short break.” She announced while setting her guitar down on the stand so that she could go talk to that man that said all the nice things about her. 

“That guy’s going home with more than a note.” Joey announced with a sneaky smirk on his face.      

[nicksreggies]

nickinald fics i need to write or i will combust

- a halloween one where nick’s trick or treating with his little sister and he’s dressed like a cowboy, and then his sister runs away but he finds her with reggie, who looks kind of familiar and hey isn’t that the bassist of julie’s band  but reggie disappears into the night before he can say anything else

- julie finally agrees to let reggie spend a day with her at school, and he’s waiting outside one of her classes when nick walks up and starts talking to him (nick’s teammates think he’s going insane)

- wild west au when

- nick works as a santa’s elf at a mall, and he hates his job, but a certain brunette with a crooked smile might make him think differently

- coffee shop au (let me have my cliches)

- au where ever since nick was five, he talked about his friend under the sea and no one believed him until twelve years later, he brings a boy back to the village, a boy who seems way too interested in everything, and is he wearing underwear on his head-

- hey this is kind of awkward, but we’ve known each other since kindergarten and i have a huge crush on you and telling you this in the middle of prom was definitely a bad idea and i shouldn’t have said it in front of the whole school because now everyone’s looking at me-

- carrie knows nick’s in love, it’s just so obvious, but he won’t tell her who it is

- or the one where the boys live across the road from each other and wave every morning from their balconies, but never say anything until one new year’s eve,,,

- nick is reggie’s neighbor and is very confused as to why he’s playing his bass in the rain

- pirates

- cheesy, sitcom style christmas episode where they all exchange gifts and sing carols and it’s happy

- reggie definitely wasn’t expecting chocolates on valentine’s day, so why is there a basket of them on his front porch?

- nick works at a book store and reggie seems to need something new to read every week

- that one time reggie meets troy bolton at his boyfriend’s thanksgiving dinner

- nick watched the boy on the swings every day from his window, always smiling down at him, until one day, he disappears (aka nick and reggie pined for each other in the 90′s from afar)

- nick has a job at a pet store and reggie spends every saturday petting the bunnies

tagging those who seemed interested: @pamesjatterson @animated-stardust @lady-ofmagic-andstars 

[twdmusicboxmystery]

American Revolution Theme - Part 1: Beth’s D.C. Spoon

So, this week I’m going to talk more about a TON of symbols we’ve connected to the American Revolution Theme. These are always exciting to uncover because it shows how these themes—many of which have stumped us somewhat for years—are finally coming together. These were conversations we had over weeks, so I’ll definitely be breaking them up into chunks for you. 

Take it away, @wdway! 

@wdway:

We've all been looking at Beth’s spoon for 6+ years and I know I, like so many people, thought it was an indication that Beth would show up in Washington D.C. Suddenly, looking at it the other day I realized the spoon could be telling us Beth will be part of a Revolution.

I would have never gotten this had it not been for the connection @twdmusicboxmystery made to the Swamp Fox and the story of Greene and the American Revolution. Where the spoon says “Washington DC,” I'm now looking at that realizing that Washington may refer to George Washington, the leader of the American Revolution. The D.C. stands for a coda, a repeat. Beth will be a part of a new American Revolution.

I started remembering how we have seen pictures of George Washington in the show. I know s5e7, Dead Weight in the cabin with the Governor, as he came through the door, there is a portrait of George Washington. I always thought it stood for the city of D.C. That it represented where they would end up.

We've also seen images of the Washington Monument on Fear (also in TWD when they first got to Washington in 5x11). Actually, if you look at the handle of Beth’s spoon, I think that might be the Washington Monument. There have been lots of hints. We’ve just always read them differently.

I remembered a painting that tptb released a rework of a famous painting substituting the characters from TWD that was done several years ago and I have searched @twdmusicboxmystery’s archives, but I cannot find the painting. Here's the original.

(I can’t find the TWD version of this anywhere, either. But like the Thanksgiving painting they’ve been using the past few years, they used this and replaced all the people’s faces with characters from TWD.)

I remember we thought it was a little strange why they would do this painting with characters from the show. Now it makes a lot more sense. I believe that Rick replaced George Washington but I can't remember who the other characters replaced. I'm especially curious who replaced the person in red, because I believe that will be Beth in the new Revolution. Here's what I found in the description of the painting. It speaks of the different people representing the different American population and then it goes on to say that some believe the figure in the red coat and black scarf may represent the women that fought and died for freedom.

So, it might be another female character like Carol but ultimately, I believe it is supposed to be Beth. Remember the red cape in Beth's prison cell. Another painting that Beth has been a substitute in was DaVinci's Last Supper. Jesus and Mary Magdalene both wore red.

Another image would be that Beth is associated with wolves and the famous story of Little Red Riding Hood who obviously wore red.

I believe the lady in red represents Lady Liberty. The reason I say that is because in my search after I read about this figure information on Lady Liberty popped up. One of the earliest versions of Liberty was the Roman goddess Libertas which description sounds an awful lot like the Tarot card of the Empress. Another image that popped up under Liberty was this one and I gasped when I saw it and thought, “Oh my gosh, I think I'm on the right track here.”

Remember this from TWB? (We saw it near Iris in a tent in one of the episodes.) I remember us having a discussion about how we believed that she represented Beth and yet we didn't know anything about the Revolution storyline at that time.

I'm about to take you down a side tunnel and this one is also so very good. In the episode Still, after Beth picks up the spoon, she looks over and sees Daryl stuffing jewelry and money into a black backpack. And now that I think about it, it's Daryl who initially carries the backpack on his back next to his red rag hanging from his back pocket. Red and black, the colors of Liberty.

So many things I want to point out. To start with, the pattern of the rug is diamonds a Beth symbol. Daryl is leaning over a dead walker wearing a watch. There is also another watch in the loot that Daryl is shoving into the bag, along with gold jewelry, pearl necklace a water symbol, also a military one because of the famous Naval Base, Pearl Harbor.

If you enlarge the picture so that you can see the bundles of money, they're all $20 bills, turned so we only see what most people consider the backside of the $20 bill. I'm embarrassed to say I didn't off hand know what the back of a $20 bill was. I definitely knew Andrew Jackson is on the front, so I took out my wallet and pulled out a $20. On the back was the White House.

Here a side note about the $20 bill that I found out when I Googled for more information. In 1861, the 20-demand note (what it was called) had on the front side, the Goddess of Liberty holding a sword and shield and on the back was an abstract design printed in green.

(Now back to the present $20.) My first thought was White House, white=Beth. You might be surprised at this, but I have watched the episode Still a number of times through the years, haha. I know the ending very, very well, as does everyone else. I remembered that Daryl and Beth used one of these bundles to burn the Moonshine Shack down and it was Beth who actually lit the match to the bundle and Daryl who throws it.

I guess I actually did pay attention in school so many years ago because it hit me like a ton of bricks that the White House was burnt down by the British in the War of 1812. Not only the White House was burned but also the capital and the Library of Congress.

Was it a coincidence that they used a bundle of money featuring the White House to burn down their dwelling? I think not.

Did I hear you ask the question is there anything significant about the fact that Andrew Jackson is on the front of the $20 bill? I'm so glad you asked. The answer is yes. This is something I remember from American history and the fact that I live in Tennessee and that Andrew Jackson’s home is within 30 minutes of where I live. You can't grow up in Tennessee without knowing some of the history of Andrew Jackson.

First let's start with a little brief history of the War of 1812, which lasted more than that year. This is my non scholar way of telling you about the War of 1812. After Great Britain had won the war with France and had taken away Napoleon's power, they decided to go back to the colonies and see if the first round was just a mistake because they were the dominant power. They were the British Empire.

One of the last big conflicts before the British finally realized they were dealing with the wrong people was the Battle of New Orleans. The British wanted to dominate the Mississippi river and if they could do that, they would basically be taking over the territory on the other side (the West), but first they needed to take New Orleans.

The British didn't think it would be a problem because they were a great force and the Americans led by Major General Andrew Jackson, were a small ragtag army made up of militia frontiersmen, slaves, Indians and pirates.

That's right: pirates.

Jean Lafitte was a pirate who ran a smuggling empire. The actual battle only lasted a short time, even though the British had a huge force. They fought the Americans the old-fashioned way, by simply marching forward, whereas the small force of Americans who were made up of people had to count every bullet were sure shots. In 30 minutes the British lost 2,000 and Andrew Jackson’s army lost fewer than 100.

You're probably thinking that was kind of interesting but what does that have to do with the storyline in TWD? This is just my guess, but I think there will be 2 wars or 2 revolutions that will include Rick and Beth. The first one will be against the Commonwealth and the second the CRM in the spinoff.

Back to Beth’s spoon. I thought occurred to me about the dinner scene in Alone where Daryl is eating the jelly and it has always been an odd scene. People have talked about it off and on for years how he's very obviously really over playing the eating of the jelly with a spoon.

The question occurred to me though, could that spoon be Beth's Washington D.C. spoon? Granted, there's no way to know for sure but it's an intriguing thought, isn't it? If in fact one of the meanings of the spoon is what I stated above, that the spoon hinted there would be a coda, a repeat of a fight for freedom similar to Washington's American Revolution, then the sharing of the spoon would be indication of the sharing of the storyline that they would be an equal part of the fight to overthrow a corrupt system and give freedom to the good common people that are still out there.

One of those definitions that I read about a coda is that it is a repeat that eventually brings a satisfactory completion to the piece of music. In reading that, I realize that the coda spoon is an indication that Beth and Daryl since they both are connected with the spoon both will be part of the satisfactory completion of the TWD story. It means that we will see Beth before the series ends.

We can tell that there's some type of twists in the spoon on the handle shortly above scooped area we think of as the spoon, it looks to be the same place that we see it on the first 2 shots featuring this spoon.

Again, no true proof but it does tend to give some credence to the idea. This gives another importance meaning to us seeing the spoon in Leah's shack. It points to the fact that we're about to see a coda.

READ PART 2 HERE

[bustedbeing]

Pat Bond, a Sexual-Subculture Pioneer, Dies at 94

Mr. Bond was a 44-year-old music teacher when he founded an organization for masochists. After a few meetings, sadists were also invited.

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The Eulenspiegel Society, an organization for adherents of bondage, dominance, sadism and masochism, took part in the Christopher Street Gay Liberation Day March, the precursor to New York City’s gay pride parade, in 1973. Pat Bond, the organization’s founder, can be seen directly behind the organization’s banner, wearing jeans and a tie.Credit...Leonard Fink, via The LGBT Community Center National History Archive



By Penelope Green

May 11, 2021

He was not a sex educator, a sex worker or a political figure. No case law was established in his name.

But to cultural historians, anthropologists, sex educators and members of the now sprawling alternative-sex community known by the umbrella acronym of B.D.S.M. — for bondage, dominance, sadism and masochism — or by the more prosaic (and historical) term “kink,” Pat Bond, to use the pseudonym he preferred, was a foundational figure, applauded at conferences, noted in academic papers and hailed as an elder by those who shared his interest in role-playing sex.

A modest, elfin man with a Van Dyke beard that turned snowy with age, Mr. Bond had long had masochistic fantasies but had never acted on them until he was 44. It was 1970, and the identity politics of that era made him think there must be others like him. He wasn’t looking for sex so much as community when he placed an ad in Screw, the pornographic magazine geared toward heterosexual men, that read:

“Masochist? Happy? Is it curable? Does psychiatry help? Is a satisfactory life-style possible? There’s women’s lib, black lib, gay lib, etc. Isn’t it time we put something together?”

Five people answered the ad, but only two showed up to that first meeting in Mr. Bond’s tiny East Village apartment: a heterosexual woman who went on to adopt the pen name Terry Kolb and a gay man who never returned — annoyed, Mr. Bond said later, “that we were all into different things.”

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Every week, however, more and more people appeared: just masochists at first, but eventually sadists, too, were welcome.

All were eager for community, not just sex, and under Ms. Kolb and Mr. Bond’s leadership, they formed a nonprofit organization. They named it the Eulenspiegel Society for Till Eulenspiegel, a picaresque character in German folklore who was cited as a symbol of masochism in “Masochism in Modern Man,” a 1941 book by Theodor Reik, a protégé of Freud’s, that was one of the few texts at the time about this erotic minority.

Alternative papers like The Village Voice at first refused to run ads for the organization, which later adopted the acronym TES. But after Mr. Bond, Ms. Kolb and others picketed The Voice’s offices and Ms. Kolb wrote an article, which The Voice published, advocating for “masochist’s lib,” the paper relented.

TES meetings were run like encounter groups with educational programming — expert speakers weighed in on sexual techniques or on legal or psychological issues — and also as exercises in consciousness raising, following the practices of the day.

The group hashed out an ideology — “freedom for sexual minorities,” as they described themselves — and advocated for their community, marching in the Christopher Street Gay Liberation Day March, the precursor to New York City’s gay pride parade. There was a board, and a mission statement, written by Mr. Bond, that declared, among other freedoms, “the right to pursue joy and happiness in one’s own way, according to one’s evolving nature, as long as this doesn’t infringe on the similar happiness of others.”

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Mr. Bond in the early 1970s. He was 44 when he held the first meeting of the Eulenspiegel Society; two people attended.Credit...via Terry Kolb

Mr. Bond died on Feb. 13 in a hospital in Far Rockaway, Queens. He was 94. Deborah Callahan, a family friend, confirmed the death, which was not widely reported at the time, and said he had suffered from congestive heart failure.

“TES was really a new kind of kinky organization in that it was social, political and educational,” said the feminist author and cultural anthropologist Gayle Rubin, who has written extensively about sexual subcultures.

Dr. Rubin, who is an associate professor of anthropology and women’s and gender studies at the University of Michigan, added: “TES expanded the organizational repertoire of sadomasochism. In addition, Pat Bond and Terry Kolb began to develop a political language for S-and-M.

“They were able to do that in part because of the times. It was a period when many social movements were articulating political frameworks for various populations that had been marginalized. They also drew from the language of gay liberation, where there was already a model for repositioning what had been seen as sexual deviation as a sexual minority. To do this for sadomasochism was pretty breathtaking at the time.”

(Ms. Kolb left the group the year it began and moved to California. She eventually joined Samois, a group for lesbian sadists and masochists, the first of its kind, that had been modeled on TES. She now identifies as bisexual. In a phone interview, she remembered Mr. Bond as being “introverted and very serious.”)

The Eulenspiegel Society was unusual in collecting disparate groups — heterosexual as well as gay — “and affirming their dignity and defending their political rights,” said Rostom Mesli, who has studied the identity politics of the 1970s and is the managing director of the Leather Hall of Fame, which recognizes individuals or organizations that have made distinct contributions to kinky subcultures. Mr. Bond and Ms. Kolb were recognized in 2015.

“The assumption,” Dr. Mesli added, “was that kinksters who would never have sex together still had things to do together, could learn from one another or do activism together. It totally redefined the borders of the kinky world by creating a sense of community and shared identity among groups that had evolved with virtually no connection among each other.”

TES had its own magazine, Prometheus, at first distributed at meetings and erotic specialty stores, but eventually at mainstream emporiums like Tower Records in New York City. It is now online only. In the early days, it included an S-and-M horoscope and comic strips, as well as personal ads and ads for supplies.

Mr. Bond wrote articles in which he wondered if S-and-M behaviors were cathartic or developmental. He worried that they might veer into abuse, or become addictive. And he urged that his organization “practice diligence and intelligence” so that it might always be “a liberating force.”

The magazine was not without a sense of humor. After the list of names on its masthead, a parenthetical promised, “If we missed anybody important, we’ll grovel in the next issue.”

Pat Bond was born Walter Allen Campbell on May 24, 1926, in St. Petersburg, Fla., the youngest of three children. His father, Joel, was an orthodontist who died when Allen, as he was known, was 6. His mother, Marie, was a homemaker.

He attended the New York State College for Teachers at Albany, now the University at Albany, and graduated in 1951. He worked as a music teacher in New York City’s public school system and later as a secretary.

Since the late 1970s, Mr. Bond had lived in a basement apartment in Ms. Callahan’s family home in Far Rockaway, a century-old three-story clapboard house that his mother had owned and sold to Ms. Callahan’s parents. Ms. Callahan’s father, known to TES members as Brother Leo, was Mr. Bond’s best friend.

“Allen was a member of our family,” Ms. Callahan said. “He would sing at our dinner table, and lead us in Christmas carols. He was lovely. He cared deeply about justice, and doing the right thing. He was marching for various causes up until 15 years ago. He always wanted to be helpful, even when he could no longer really help.”

Mr. Bond was married briefly when he was young, and the marriage was annulled. He eventually found a dominatrix after TES’s founding — he called her his “lady friend,” Dr. Mesli said. That relationship lasted for nearly half a century, until the woman’s death a few years ago.

“Our sexuality has typically been something you make fun of or sensationalize to sell something,” said Susan Wright of the National Coalition for Sexual Freedom, an advocacy group that fights discrimination against those in the B.D.S.M. community. “Pat offered something different: Let’s just sit down and talk. He was at the cutting edge of conversations about consent and understanding what it means to look your partner in the eye and not be scared to be honest about what you desire.

“Consent is the heart of this community,” she continued. “It’s the difference between kink and abuse. And then of course the education: How do you do this safely? If you’re going to be spanked, what’s the best spot?”

In the half-century since TES’s founding, Mr. Bond’s organization and the community it serves have come out of the shadow — sort of.

In 1996, the author Daphne Merkin wrote an essay about spanking in The New Yorker that raised eyebrows in the chattering class. But less than a decade later, the “Fifty Shades of Grey” trilogy — essentially a contemporary bodice-ripper, but with spanking, about a young woman’s relationship with a wealthy sadist — was a runaway best seller, and then three movies. If the behavior it depicted didn’t exactly become mainstream, its rituals entered the cultural vernacular.

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Mr. Bond at TES Fest, his organization’s annual convention, in 2017. He attended the conventions, held in hotels in New York and New Jersey, until 2018.Credit...Efrain John Gonzalez

At its peak, in the early 1990s, the Eulenspiegel Society had 1,100 members. The internet pruned its ranks — there are countless alt-sex communities and dating sites online — but also opened its programming to a wider audience.

This year, TES turned 50, and it still offers weekly meetings (now virtual) and classes. Until the pandemic, TES held annual conventions, known as TES Fests, at hotels in New York and New Jersey. They had the flavor, participants said, of an academic conference, but with a twist: There would be classes in rope handling, whip technique and handkerchief code, as well as more serious programming about consent and negotiation.

Despite his age, Mr. Bond was able to attend the 2018 TES Fest, his last. “Someone offered to put him on a leash, in an age-sensitive way, and led him around,” Michal Daveed, a spokesman for the organization, recalled. “He seemed very happy.”

Penelope Green is a feature writer in the Style department. She has been a reporter for the Home section, editor of Styles of The Times, an early iteration of Style, and a story editor at The New York Times Magazine

[twentiethcenturymoviesandtv]

The Princess Bride: Facets of Filmmaking

By the year 1987, director Rob Reiner had already been fairly well established in the film world.

The son of the late Carl Reiner, (who directed films such as The Jerk, Dead Men Don’t Wear Plaid, Summer Rental, and Summer School, as well as acting in many others) Rob Reiner had started in Hollywood as an actor before settling into directing himself.  After having earned two primetime Emmy awards as his role of Michael Stivic on All in the Family, Reiner turned his focus to behind the camera, turning out films such as mockumentary This Is Spinal Tap in 1984, and Stephen King coming-of-age adaptation Stand By Me in 1986.

By the time The Princess Bride was released in 1987, Reiner was already enough of a name that had produced decent work that it wasn’t a total shock that this film would be as good as it was, with critics (notably Roger Ebert, Gene Siskel, and Janet Maslin) praising the film for it’s tone and clever writing.  It seemed a natural win for Reiner, another classic knocked out of the park (albeit one without commercial success).

And yet, the road to The Princess Bride and it’s eventual ‘cult classic’ status was not an easy one.  In fact, there were several bumps in the road before Reiner ever took the reins on the project.

The rights to the novel The Princess Bride (by William Goldman) had been snapped up for $500,000 by Twentieth Century Fox in 1973, the year the book was published.  A movie was obviously intended, meant to be directed by Richard Lester, but after the studio head got axed, the idea was dropped.

This was going to become a common theme.  Other intended directors included Robert Redford, Norman Jewison, and François Truffaut, but obviously, it never went anywhere.  Frustrated, Goldman bought the rights to the film back with his own cash, and right about now is where Rob Reiner comes in.

Rob Reiner had loved the book The Princess Bride since his father had given it to him as a gift.  After filming This is Spinal Tap, Reiner had the idea to adapt the book, now that he’d proven himself as a capable filmmaker, and during production of Stand By Me, he approached an executive at Paramount, suggesting an adaptation of The Princess Bride as his next project.  After an explanation of the situation regarding the rights to a film adaptation, in short, Reiner was told: ‘we can’t’.

With the financial support of Normal Lear, whom Reiner had known from All in the Family and who had previously helped fund This is Spinal Tap, Reiner managed to get the rights to the book adaptation, and got to work.

Throughout production, Reiner worked very closely with Goldman, so closely that Goldman actually got to write the screenplay to the film adaptation.  Thankfully, the author was no stranger to screenwriting, having already written the script for both Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid and All the President’s Men, winning two Oscars in the process.  Reiner’s respect for Goldman’s original story combined with the author’s ability to convey the necessary tone and style in the script ensured that the integrity of the book was kept, even if changes had to be made to the story and characters along the way.

Once Reiner was securely in the director’s chair and Goldman’s screenplay underway, the chief order of business was to find the cast for this fairy-tale.  Reiner had wanted Cary Elwes for Westley after seeing his performance in Lady Jane, but during the casting period, Elwes was unavailable, in Germany working on the film Maschenka, forcing Reiner to fly to Berlin to ensure his suitability for the role.  Elwes, for his part, had read the book when he was younger, and always identified with Westley.  As a result, he was more than happy to jump at the opportunity to play the character in the film adaptation.

On the other hand, the titular Princess Bride herself proved to be a bit more difficult.

Robin Wright wasn’t selected as Buttercup until a week before it was time to start shooting.  Reiner and Jane Jenkins, the casting director, had already auditioned multiple actresses for the role, with none of them fitting the bill.  Wright’s agent, hearing about the casting call, encouraged her to audition.  Wright auditioned, and impressed Jenkins and Reiner so much that they invited Wright to meet Goldman at his house.  Wright’s first impression, backlit by the doorway, was so impressive, that Goldman looked at her once and said: ‘Well, that’s what I wrote’.

Other choices were easier: Mandy Patinkin was an early decision for Inigo Montoya, and Wallace Shawn was a shoo-in for Vizzini after Danny DeVito was unavailable. For Fezzik, Goldman had always had André the Giant in mind, even back in the 1970s when the novel was first written.  At the time, however, André was at the height of his wrestling career, with a schedule that left him unavailable to film.  The runner-up was actually Arnold Schwarzenegger, who, by 1973, was merely a bodybuilder and little-known actor.  By the time The Princess Bride project had been greenlit, Schwarzenegger had already starred in films like The Terminator and Commando, and was a major film star, too expensive for the studio to hire.  Now without a ‘giant’, Jenkins contacted the World Wrestling Federation to look into hiring André, but was told that he would be busy with a wrestling match in Tokyo that would pay him $5 million.  As it turned out, the match was cancelled, and André ended up in the role after all.

With a cast assembled, it was time to start filming.  However, it was quickly decided that The Princess Bride was not going to work if shot on backlots and soundstages at a studio, so the production team went location hunting.  Most of the sets, as I mentioned in the Facets article, were actually locations in the UK, with the filming taking place over the latter half of the year 1986.  During filming, Reiner rented a house, and frequently invited the cast over for dinners and visits, which many of the actors felt strengthened their performances in the final film.

Once filming started, the adventure was by no means over.

Cary Elwes and Mandy Patinkin were both trained to fence, (both right and left handed) in order to complete the duel without the assistance of stunt doubles (aside from the gymnastics).  Brought in to teach the actors was fencing instructor Bob Anderson (who had worked on Star Wars and Highlander, and would go on to work on The Lord of the Rings trilogy) and stunt arranger Peter Diamond, (who had also worked on Star Wars and Highlander) who trained the actors for three weeks before shooting.  Patinkin and Elwes continued to practice in their off-camera free time, and were encouraged by Anderson to learn one another’s choreography to avoid any accidents.  The pair also watched plenty of fencing scenes from older films in order to get a feel for the movements.

There were a few challenges: after years of damage from wrestling, André the Giant had recently undergone back surgery, and, although being incredibly strong, was unable to support the weight of either Cary Elwes or Robin Wright in those respective scenes, requiring the use of ramps, cables, stunt-doubles and harnesses in order to protect his back while filming the shots used in the film.  

Thankfully, though, the production remained untroubled (aside from minor injuries like Cary Elwes’s broken toe and being knocked unconscious on-screen, or Mandy Patinkin’s bruised rib from holding in laughter at Billy Crystal and Carole Kane’s ad-libbing during the Miracle Max sequence) and the film was released in October of 1987 to a modest performance in the box office, and rave reviews from critics, only to become largely forgotten amongst the other box-office smashes of the blockbuster-heavy latter half of the 1980s.

As time went by, The Princess Bride resurfaced, becoming the leader of the cult-classic phenomenon as fans discovered the film, and interest in the movie spiked, with plenty of people realizing the worth of this forgotten gem.  To this day, it stands as one of the best known films of the 1980s, ironic, considering it’s initial reception, and has been well-loved, and much-quoted, for over thirty years, and will continue to be for years ahead.

Well, it’s almost time to close on our analysis of The Princess Bride.  Join me next time as we take one last look at this classic film: combining the facts with the feelings for a sum-up.  Stay tuned, and thanks so much for reading!  I hope to see you in the next article.