#cryin in the club tonight and every night I think of them

[kingpins-and-revolutions]

Just gonna make a quiet little note about how when he says "the Nation of Zaun" and looks down at Vander, he's wreathed in a pale- almost ethereal glow.

SILCO in THE BASE VIOLENCE NECESSARY FOR CHANGE.

It’s a little crude, I’ll admit. The base violence necessary for change.

[mcnamaste]

Task 001: Character Playlist.

Another case of Affluenza - a Dylan McNamara playlist

Snippets of Lyrics below:

Side A + Dylan’s vibe 

1. all in my head (flex) - Fifth Harmony feat. Fetty Wap

Flex, time to impress Come and climb in my bed Don't be shy, do your thing It's all in my head

fun fact - the original song that they sampled this chorus from actually goes like this: 

Girl flex, time to have sex Long time yuh have di rude bwoy yah a sweat Girl, flex time to have sex Look how long yuh have di rude bwoy a sweat

thanks for coming to my ted talk

2. ain’t my fault - zara larsson 

It ain't my fault you keep turnin' me on It ain't my fault you got, got me so gone It ain't my fault I'm not leavin' alone It ain't my fault you keep turnin' me on I can't talk right now I'm lookin' and I like what I'm seein' Got me feelin' kinda shocked right now Couldn't stop right now Even if I wanted, gotta get it, get it, get it, when it's hot right now Oh my god, what is this? Want you all in my business Baby, I insist Please don't blame me for whatever happens next

3. sugar - Maroon 5

I'm hurting baby, I'm broken down I need your loving, loving I need it now When I'm without you, I'm something weak You got me begging, begging I'm on my knees

4. stupid love - Lady Gaga

You're the one that I've been waiting for Gotta quit this cryin', nobody's gonna Heal me if I don't open the door Kinda hard to believe, gotta have faith in me

 5. desperado - Rihanna 

If you want, we can be runaways Running from any sight of love Yeah, yeah, there ain’t nothin' There ain't nothin' here for me There ain't nothin' here for me anymore But I don't wanna be alone

6. pray for me - The Weeknd, Kendrick Lamar

I'm always ready for a war again Go down that road again It's all the same I'm always ready to take a life again You know I'll ride again It's all the same (Ooh, ooh, ooh) Tell me who's gon' save me from myself When this life is all I know Tell me who's gon' save me from this hell Without you, I'm all alone

Who gon' pray for me? Take my pain for me? Save my soul for me? 'Cause I'm alone, you see If I'm gon' die for you If I'm gon' kill for you Then I spilled this blood for you, hey

7. 24k magic - Bruno Mars Pop pop, it's show time (Show time) Show time (Show time) Guess who's back again? Oh they don't know? (Go on tell 'em) Oh they don't know? (Go on tell 'em) I bet they know soon as we walk in (Showin' up) Wearing Cuban links (ya) Designer minks (ya) Inglewood's finest shoes (Whoop, whoop) Don't look too hard Might hurt ya'self Known to give the color red the blues

Ooh shit, I'm a dangerous man with some money in my pocket (Keep up) So many pretty girls around me and they waking up the rocket (Keep up) Why you mad? Fix ya face Ain't my fault y'all be jocking (Keep up)

8. bed - J. Holiday 

Wanna put my fingers through your hair Wrap me up in your legs And love you till your eyes roll back I'm tryna put you to bed, bed, bed I'mma put you to bed, bed, bed Then I'mma rock ya body Turn you over Love is war, I'm your soldier Touchin' you like it's our first time I'mma put you to bed, bed, bed I'mma put you to bed, bed, bed

9. don’t judge me - Janelle Monáe

Even though you tell me you love me I'm afraid that you just love my disguise Taste my fears and light your candle to my raging fire Of broken desire

But don't judge me I know I got issues, but they drown when I kiss you Don't judge me Baptize me with ocean, recognize my devotion

10. the greatest - Sia 

I'm free to be the greatest, I'm alive I'm free to be the greatest here tonight, the greatest The greatest, the greatest alive

11. love in this club - Usher feat. Young Jeezy 

You say you're searching for somebody that'll take you out and do you right Well, come here, baby and let daddy show you what it feel like You know all you got to do is tell me what you sipping on And I promise that I'm gonna keep it coming all night long

12. u don't have to call - Usher

Aw, girl, your face is saying, "Why?" Tears in eyes Should've been more smart about it Should've cherished me, listening to friends Now it's the end And again, no story can end without it

Side B + Annalise Young (Infidelity & Divorce)

1. forgive me - Chloe x Halle

Baby, what you think this is? Why you wanna plead the fifth? You ain't gotta tell me what it is 'Cause I saw the messages You must got me fucked up You must got me fucked up I think I had enough

So forgive me, forgive me I been goin' too hard in your city So forgive me 'cause I'm not teary Best believe I'll move onto better things

2. makes me wonder - Maroon 5

Wake up, blood-shot eye Struggle to memorize The way it felt between your thighs Pleasure that made you cry It feels so good to be bad Not worth the aftermath, after that, after that Try to get you back

I still don't have a reason And you don't have the time And it really makes me wonder if I ever gave a fuck about you

3. maps - Maroon 5 

I miss the taste of a sweeter life I miss the conversation I'm searching for a song tonight I'm changing all of the stations I like to think that we had it all We drew a map to a better place But on that road I took a fall Oh, baby, why did you run away?

I was there for you In your darkest times I was there for you In your darkest night

But I wonder, where were you? When I was at my worst Down on my knees And you said you had my back So I wonder, where were you?

4. mend this love - Vaults

Take me from the edge Steal a step and lead me back from harm Hold it in your hand Crush it into crumbs like nothing's wrong

And tell me "right what you wanna know? Take what you wanna hide It's too late to mend this love" And tell me "go where you wanna go Break what you never had It's too late to mend this love"

5. wicked game - Chris Isaak 

The world was on fire and no one could save me but you It's strange what desire will make foolish people do I never dreamed that I'd meet somebody like you And I never dreamed that I'd lose somebody like you

No, I don't wanna fall in love (This world is only gonna break your heart)

6. love’s divine - Seal

Then the rainstorm came over me And I felt my spirit break I had lost all of my belief, you see And realized my mistake But time threw a prayer to me And all around me became stil

7. beautiful mistakes - Maroon 5 & Megan Thee Stallion

It's beautiful, it's bittersweet You're like a broken home to me I take a shot of memories And black out like an empty street I fill my days with the way you walk And fill my nights with broken dreams I make up lies inside my head Like one day you'll come back to me

8. i’m not the only one - Sam Smith feat. A$AP Rocky

You and me, we made a vow For better or for worse I can't believe you let me down But the proof's in the way it hurts For months on end I've had my doubts Denying every tear I wish this would be over now But I know that I still need you here

You say I'm crazy 'Cause you don't think I know what you've done But when you call me baby I know I'm not the only one

9. perfect illusion - Lady Gaga

I don't need eyes to see I felt you touchin' me High like amphetamine Maybe you're just a dream That's what it means to crush Now that I'm wakin' up I still feel the blow But at least now I know

It wasn't love, it wasn't love It was a perfect illusion (Perfect illusion) Mistaken for love, it wasn't love It was a perfect illusion (Perfect illusion)

10. don’t walk away - John Legend feat. Koffee

We can't go out like this It's just the two of us We should be making up We could be making love Didn't  used to talk like this Now you say you're giving up Took too much to build this house I don't wanna sit and watch it burn down I ain't leaving, I ain't leaving, I ain't leaving, I ain't giving you space I will not be replaced I don't wanna save face Don't leave me open, leave me open, leave me open, leave me open like that Whatever love we had We need to get it back

11. if I could have you back - Aly & AJ 

On the subject of you being gone forever I still can't believe it, I can't see it I should just stop counting days On the subject of the future Wouldn't it be nice to leave it open ended And pretend it could go either way

If I could have you back again I'd think about it once or twice, I guess If I could have you back I'd reconsider, maybe I'd say yes On the other hand, it would be better to have a life Without the constant indecision over If I could have you back If I could have you back

12. fairplay - Kiana Ledé

I think it's kind of funny You could say you love me Turn around and play me, yeah I think it's kind of funny You say things you don't mean Underestimate me, yeah

I have always done right by you Said you're never going to lie, liar Shit gon' come around full cycle I flip the script on you

Tell me why you mad Tell me why you're hurt Bet you didn't think that the tables would turn You gon' fuck around I'ma do the same How you like that karma? How you like that karma? Yeah, that's just fair play

Bonus: 

busted - The Isley Brothers feat. JS 

Busted, It's 2 o' damn clock in the morning, where you been? (Baby didn't you get my 2-way I was with my girlfriend) You are lyin', I called Kiesha and Tanya And they were both at home (But I didn't say them though) Well they're the only friends I know Girl you better (Wait before you get all upset here's the truth) Talk to me (I was with my girl when she got some bad news) And...? (Her man cheated, had her upset and confused) But baby what's that got to do With you coming in at 2? (I'm telling you, now she was so upset She asked me to stay with her) Well why didn't your ass just pick up the phone and call me? (I was gonna do that but it slipped my mind I'm sorry) (But I'm telling you the truth) Yeah, well I got something for you... Tell me what's her name? (Sharon) Where does she live? (Uuummm...) Her man's name? (Billy) She got kids? (I think one or two) She got kids? (Baby yes, no) That's one thing I got to know How the hell is she your friend If you don't know if she got kids?

[unadulterated-strawberryniall]

Normal People, Abnormal Jobs. [Chapter 2]

Normal People, Abnormal Jobs. Relationships in the entertainment industry are never easy. Scheduling is nearly impossible, paparazzi hound you down every date, and everyone seems to weigh in their opinion. Is it possible to have a soulmate with such a demanding career?

Loosely inspired by the 2020 Hulu drama, Normal People, this story explores the possibility of finding true love in a world motivated by reputation, scandal, and money. Touching on themes of love, mental health, and adulthood, Normal People, Abnormal Jobs navigates how two musicians from opposing worlds maneuver a destiny that consistently pulls them together. It’s challenging, yes, but if it’s true love, it’s worth it.

Chapter 1.

The thumping bass of whatever house music was playing was starting to give me a headache. I wasn’t really one for the club scene. I fell more into the hole-in-the-wall pub scene. Better yet, just having a glass of wine at home. 230 Fifth, one of New York’s iconic rooftop bars, felt like a universe away from where I really wanted to be.

It felt like I had been waiting here for hours, when in reality, as I checked my watch, I’d only been here for 23 minutes. I yawned as my phone screen flashed, reminding me of tomorrow’s packed schedule. I know I hadn’t been here long, but it all felt useless, and I figured now would be a great time to make an escape.

Pushing through the crowd on the dancefloor, I started to think how silly I was for even showing up in the first place. After finishing my interviews, I threw myself into a complex beauty routine, exfoliating my skin, tweezing any loose eyebrow hairs, and giving my nails a fresh coat of polish. All on the off chance I ran into Niall tonight, which clearly wasn’t happening.

Would your nails seduce him? Would he be so wowed by your clean eyebrows that he’d want to sleep with you? Stupid. Waste of time. Of course he doesn’t want you.

Don’t go to war with yourself.

If he wanted to see you, he’d be here. With you. You’re getting stood up.

Everything that’s happening to you is what’s supposed to be happening to you, so just relax.

I gave my head a shake, hoping the motion would physically shake the voices from my mind. I felt someone grab my wrist, pulling me out of my thoughts.

“‘Ey! I was hopin’ I’d see ya tonight!” The accent rang through my ears, over whatever high pitched synth was ringing through the speakers, and immediately brought a sense of relief. “Are ya leavin’?” He raised an eyebrow at me, flicking his gaze from my eyes to the direction of the door I was heading to.

“I…” I couldn’t find the words to say as the grip from his fingertips left me feeling more intoxicated than any cocktail I’d ever had.

“Let me treat ya to a drink.” He took a step closer to me, placing my hand on his chest. “What would ya like?”

“Vodka cranberry.” I breathed out, just loud enough for him to hear. My fingers grazed against the open buttons of his shirt, where little wisps of chest hair poked out. He grabbed my hand again, leading me to the bar.

As he leaned over the counter top to catch the attention of a bartender and order our drinks, I couldn’t help but begin to think how hauntingly beautiful he was. My eyes scanned his body, from his hair, thick and perfectly disheveled, to the flecks of gold in his facial hair, to his biceps, which flexed gently as he leaned against the counter, to his long, skinny legs, that ended with the off-white converse on his feet. I felt breathless around him. My stomach began to twist, and I placed a reassuring hand against it while taking a deep breath.

Niall glanced at me. “You alright?”

I didn’t respond immediately, but the bartender commanded his attention with the drinks before he could say anything else. He had ordered something dark, perhaps a rum and coke? I couldn’t tell.

“Let’s find somewhere t’ chat.” He whispered in my ear, leading the way out of the club to an outdoor portion of the bar. 

Since most of the party was focused on the dancefloor, this area was nearly empty, and Niall pulled me over to the balcony. 

“Beautiful, isn’t it?” He looked out to the various buildings, most notably, the Empire State Building. The building was flashing rainbow lights towards the top.

“Yeah, it is.” I mumbled. But I wasn’t looking at the skyline. I was looking at Niall. A light breeze ran through the air, whirling a tuft of Niall’s hair with it. He turned to face me and smiled.

“That was a fuckin’ great performance earlier. But I saw ya cryin’ after. Everything ok?” He took a sip of his drink, not taking his eyes off me.

I blushed. “Oh, well… I’m fine now. I was dealing with a lot of anxiety leading up to this. First performance in a long time, you know? I guess it was just a release after the build up. I dealt with a lot of mental shit throughout the pandemic. Anxiety, depression, isolation… Not that I was the only one but… It was tough.” I realized I was rambling and took a sip from my glass to fill the silence that ensued. The ice rattled against the glass as my hand shook uncontrollably.

“It’s very brave of ya t’ talk about dat.” Niall pointed out.

“I didn’t mean to.” I looked down. 

Niall took a step closer to me. “No, it’s great. We need more people like ya. I deal with dat shit too sometimes. I don’t like to talk about it. You’re much braver than me.”

I shrugged, unsure of what to say. I wasn’t the best at handling compliments, and I hardly thought going on about mental issues was worthy of one.

“I didn’t get to catch your performance. Wish I did, though.” I placed my half-empty glass on the table beside me.

Niall turned out to face the view, leaning against the railing. “Eh, it was alright. Happy to be back on stage.”

“I didn’t think you’d be into my music, to be honest.” I chewed my lip, wondering what the hell caused me to say that.

That was the small talk you chose?

“What makes you say dat?” He raised an eyebrow at me.

“I’m a bit more… grungier than your sound.” I was referring to my brand as a punk artist, while I knew Niall had settled into an acoustic pop genre. In honesty, I hadn’t heard much of his music myself. But I would have to live under a rock to be unaware of his presence in One Direction.

“I listen t’ everything. Rock, rap, country, dubstep.”

I laughed, but Niall kept a straight face.

“I’ve been following you for awhile. On the charts.”

“Wow. I wouldn’t have expected that.”

“There’s no one like you, Mina. You’re one of a kind.” Niall turned to face me once again, and I realized he’d already finished his drink. Our bodies were brushing up against each other at this point, and I could feel myself being drawn into him like a tidal wave.

“Is what I think about to happen going to happen?” I closed my eyes, feeling Niall’s breath hit my face.

“Yeh.” He whispered.

“I don’t think it would be good... If people found out…” But my hands were already slinking their way around his waist.

“No one would have to know.”

And before I could get another word out, his lips were pressed against mine. 

Fire, electricity, all the forces in the universe clashing together and colliding between us. I pushed my body against his, desperate to feel him. All of him. His hands were placed gently on my cheeks, which were growing hotter by the second. He nipped his tongue against my bottom lip, making me crave him even more. I nibbled at his lips, praying to every possible deity that this moment would never end.

Why are you so obsessed with him? Creepy bitch.

This is nice. Just let yourself be happy.

You don’t deserve to be happy.

I pulled away almost immediately, bringing my hands to my eyes.

“Are ya okay?” Niall mumbled simply, although he looked like he’d just been hit by a truck. His cheeks were flushed and his eyes were wide. He was taking soft, shallow breaths.

“Fine.” I coughed, swallowing the lump in my throat. “That was nice.” I turned back to face him, forcing a smile.

He peered at me for a moment, but didn’t press whatever curiosities he had further. “It was. We should do it again.” He leaned in, brushing his lips against mine.

The sheer force made my knees feel weak. I wanted to collapse. It was all too much, too soon. My stomach twisted. I felt at any moment I was going to be sick.

This time, Niall pulled away. “Mina, I can feel something’s wrong. It’s alright. We don’t have to do dat anymore.” He nodded, taking a step back to give me space.

I leaned against the wall of the building, tilting my head back and closing my eyes. I took deep breaths to steady myself, cursing myself for reacting this way. I couldn’t figure out exactly how long I’d been standing there, but when I opened my eyes, I noticed Niall sitting in front of me, watching me intensely.

“You don’t need to stay.” I whispered.

“Of course I do. I’m not leavin’ you out here alone.” He shook his head. “Take all the time you need, I’ll get you back to your place when you’re ready.”

“Niall-” I began to protest, but he stood up and pressed a finger to my lips. I wondered if he was aware of the effect he had on me.

He returned to his seat, giving me a nod.

“I’m sorry, it’s just, before the pandemic, I went through this breakup-” I started again.

“You don’t need to explain anything t’me. Just relax.”

I stared at him for a few more moments before deciding it was time to wrap up the night. Niall hailed a cab for us, opening the door for me and helping me in, all without letting go of my hand. He never pressed for conversation, he never pressured me to kiss him, he simply offered a hand to hold. A hand that I held desperately until the very end of the cab ride.

“Would you like me to walk you to your room? Obviously not to…” Niall paused. “But t’ make sure yer safe.”

I nodded. My eyes felt heavy and suddenly, I couldn’t stand the thought of not being in bed anymore. Niall helped me out of the taxi, and I dragged my feet along the shiny hotel floors, my eyes closing while Niall led the way. It suddenly occurred to me how emotionally draining the day had been. The anticipation leading up to the performance, the breakdown after the performance, the interviews, and of course, everything with Niall. I was too tired to feel anxious anymore. I could feel myself slipping in and out of consciousness.

I don’t remember getting to my room, or changing into pajamas, or even falling asleep. But I do know that the following morning, when my alarm blared to wake me up for today’s interviews, a pair of beautiful, blue eyes greeted me as I opened mine.

[let-the-bands-take-c0ntrol]

She’ll Leave You Cryin’

A/N: Title based off the song by Jaxon Rose. 

     He had become immune to the feeling of love. Having had his heart broken one too many times was enough to close Ashton off for good. As a result the once warm and loving man turned cold hearted. It became a cycle of hurt people, hurt people. Finding love was no longer on his agenda, but that wasn’t going to stop him from swimming in the pleasures of sex. 

Ashton had basically become a player. It was the only way he could get through the wild game of dating. He thought it was better for him to keep things strictly physical rather than suffer from opening up his heart, and having it broken. He had been in the game for at least three years now. Knowing the right things to say to get with the girl, the right thing to do to make sure she wouldn’t contact him after. Ashton had become a pro, but that had all changed when he ran into you. He had met his match when it came to you. Ashton had made it clear to him and anyone he slept with that it was a one time thing, but the minute he met you. The minute your lips touched his, that rule went flying out the window. 

“Don’t you think it’s a bit too early for a drink?” Ashton said, eyes trained on your every move. You looked over your shoulder at him and a smirk made its way onto your face as you gulped down the whiskey. 

“Look who’s getting soft. . .it’s only five pm,” you teased, pouring another glass, and handing it off to him. Ashton grabbed the glass with a roll of his eyes and took a sip of the drink. The alcohol burned as it slid down his throat. Your comment had pushed a button in him. He was becoming soft. This had to be the twentieth time you’ve gotten him in bed, and to top it off it didn’t start off like that. You had asked him out to lunch and to Ashton’s surprise he agreed to go. 

“I’m not getting soft,” Ashton responded, drowning the rest of his drink. “I just think you should start off with something less hard.” He slid off the bed and grabbed his boxer briefs from off the floor. “Anyway, I have to get going.” He began to grab his clothes that had been scattered around the room. You pouted at him and leaned up against the dresser as he began to get dressed. You had heard of Ashton’s reputation and how much of a player he was, but for some reason that didn’t stop you from wanting to get to know him. Sure when it all began you were just wanting someone to rattle your bones like never before, but things changed. The minute you locked eyes with each other you were hooked.  

“You don’t have to leave so soon,” you said, walking up to him and wrapping your arms around his neck. Ashton swallowed hard at your words. His jaw clenched as he looked down at you. You looked up at him with a sweet smile, fingers playing with the hair on the nape of his neck. He couldn’t let himself get caught up in you. He knew once you had had your fill with him you’d leave him. They always do. He always did as well. It was the only way to protect himself. 

“Look,” Ashton said, pulling your arms off and cupping your hands in his. “I really enjoy having sex with you, but I can’t do it all the time.” Ashton wanted to do it all the time. It was why he was so reluctant to go out with you even if you weren’t sleeping with each other. Hell he wanted to be with you every second of the day. You stared at him for a second and then nodded. 

“You’re right. . .it’s not like we’re together or anything,” you said, pulling away from him. Ashton felt his heart pound against his chest at your words. Oh how much he wanted to be with you, but he wasn’t going to allow it. He wasn’t going to let himself be caught up in the game of love ever again. You poured yourself a glass of water this time, and slowly sipped on it. The only way to get passed a player was to play him at his own game. You weren’t going to beg for Ashton’s love, or anyone’s love for that matter. Ashton bit down on his bottom lip as he slid his shoes back on. “Besides I have a date later anyway,” you lied, sounding as confident as possible. You could see Ashton’s expression change, but he quickly hid it. 

“Oh. Well I hope that goes well,” Ashton muttered, giving you a slight wave goodbye before leaving. 

     It had been exactly a week since Ashton had last seen you. He was having a hard time trying to get you off his mind, and it didn’t help when all he could think or dream about was you. Ashton glared at his phone, his finger hovering over your contact name. He should have known something was up the minute he had decided to save it. You had messaged him over the week wanting to meet up, but each time Ashton had come up with some lame excuse as to why he couldn’t see you. A loud sigh left his lips and Ashton locked his phone. “No,” he muttered to himself while shaking his head. “Don’t go down that road,” he sighed, getting up and grabbing his keys. He knew the best way to get you off his mind was to get under someone else. 

The club had basically become a second home for Ashton. A place he went to drink and most of all fuck away the pain. Ashton eyes scanned through the crowd in search of someone to be with for the night. The music in the club was loud, the bass thumping so hard that Ashton could feel his brain rattle in his skull. It was pretty crowded for a Friday night and Ashton smirked at the sea of people he got to choose from. He made eye contact with a few women, quickly scanning them and debating on if he wanted to approach them, or not. It didn’t take long for him to find his prey. He swiped his glass of alcohol off the bar, and made his way towards who he had laid his eyes on. Ashton moved to the beat of the music, slipping his way through the crowd until he was in front of her. 

“I couldn’t help but to notice you from the bar,” he whispered in her ear, moving along to the music with her. She smiled at him, arms reaching up to wrap around his neck. 

“What’d you notice?” she questioned, turning around to grind on Ashton. The hand that wasn’t holding his glass, landed on her hip and he pushed his crotch into her ass. He traced his lips up against the side of her neck and sucked on the skin for a split second before whispering in her ear. 

“Just your beauty,” he commented, nibbling at her earlobe. Ashton could feel the woman melt against his body and he grinned in response. He drowned the rest of his drink and placed it on a table nearby. “How’s your night going, and how can I make it better?” he shouted over the music, Allowing the alcohol to flow through his veins and warm his skin. Ashton was basically an expert at this and the more he nibble at her skin the more she was falling for him. 

“Better now that I’ve met you,” she responded, pushing her body back into his. With so many people surrounding them and pushing up against each other, it was easier for them to get close. Ashton’s tongue darted out to lick alongside her neck. When he looked up, his eye line was directed towards the bar. His breath damn near hitched in his throat when he spotted you at the bar talking with some guy. It knocked the wind completely out of him and he almost forgot he was in the middle of trying to get the woman to go home with him. His eyes stayed trained on the man that was chatting you up. The guy was sitting close, his hand placed on your knee as he told some joke that made you crack up laughing. Ashton rolled his eyes at the sight, and his jaw clenched. He could feel his blood start to boil when the man leaned in close, whispering something in your ear. 

“Can I buy you a drink?” Ashton blurted. He didn’t even allow the woman to respond, his hand sliding down to grab hers and pulling her towards the bar where you were. “Two Old Fashions,” Ashton told the bartender, pushing his body between you and the man. 

“Ash?” you questioned with furrowed eyebrows. You were surprised to run into him. Especially since he rejected your invitation on coming out tonight. Ashton glanced at you once and then faked a double take as if he hadn’t noticed you there. 

“Y/N,” he nodded, turning so that his back was to the bartender. “What are you doing here?” he questioned, deliberately ignoring the guy that he had separated you from. 

“Like everyone else I’m here to have fun,” you chuckled, glancing at the woman that was standing in front of you and Ashton. “Who’s this?” you asked, jutting your thumb over to the woman. The bartender sat the two glasses of whiskey in front of Ashton and he grabbed one to hand it off to the other woman. 

“Oh uh. . .” Ashton stuttered realizing he never asked the woman for her name. That was another one of his rules. Not knowing the names of the women he slept with. “We just met like three minutes ago,” he shrugged. Someone had loudly cleared their throat behind him and Ashton turned in his spot to look at the man you were talking to with a raised eyebrow. “Got something stuck in your throat, man?” he asked. 

“Um no. You just interrupted a conversation,” the guy said, pointing between himself and you. Ashton gave him a once over and turned his attention back to you. 

“So uh, how’ve you been?” he asked, this time ignoring both the guy you were talking to and the woman he had just bought a drink for. Your lips pursed at his question and you glanced towards the guy next to him. 

“Pretty good. . .currently on a date,” you said, nodding your head to the man. Ashton’s face fell at your words. You felt some sort of satisfaction at the expression he had given. You knew his game, and you weren’t about to sit around waiting for someone who didn’t want you. Ashton looked between you and the man, then at the woman he was with. He wasn’t going to let anyone else know it, but hearing you say those words crushed Ashton’s heart. The last time you had said something about having a date he was upset, but didn’t think you were being serious. Yet here you were now, actually on a date with someone that wasn’t him. Ashton sipped on his drink, trying to think of something to get you alone. “It was good to see you,” you said, giving him a tight lipped smile. Your words felt like a stab to the heart and Ashton found himself lost for words. You were basically telling him to leave and his legs felt heavy as they moved away from you. Ashton found himself mumbling out a goodbye, forgetting the woman he had been hitting on, and finding his way to the exit of the club. 

Seeing you had made him lose his cool. Seeing you with another man had broken him. Sure it was only a date, but even one date could possibly lead to more. Ashton wasn’t sure what had happened, but it was clear now that you were the only one that he wanted to be with. The encounter he had with you left him feeling back where he had started: pining over a woman and desperate for love. 

[wwilloww]

Hi hey hello, Willow!! So I am the biggest hoe for mutual pining and point of no return DELIVERS! I love your characterization of jimin in this piece. He's the perf combo of cute and sexy. The way he values his friendship with mc is so tender, you can tell he's thoughtful in the way he attempts to keep things strictly platonic for the sake of their friendship... Except when he's unconscious haha MY LORD what I wouldn't give to be mc phew also, I need to know it's for science, but did he finish😏

lcksndkys asked: 

In the real world like he did in his dream? "I think there was an accident, I had a dream you were-" WHAT WAS HE DREAMING ABOUT HMM? 😂 But you know what I will be dreaming of tonight?? Jimin in that black on black ensemble lookin like pure concentrated sin and peeling him and his thick thighs outta those pants 😩 ok but my FAVE part..." itsmyslutdress" had me HOWLING OMFG CUS I HAD ONE TOO😂 it was meant a to he a long shirt, but it fit like a dress on me so my friends called it my slutdress

lcksndkys asked:

I'm cryin the dialogue in the scene where jimin is trying to convince her into going clubbing is so well done "do you wanna get laid tonight?" "are you offering?" "'of course', he says softly." HE SAYS SOFTLY?! 😭 and "it's too cold for the slut dress" "then wear a fucking turtleneck and snow pants to the club." HAHAHA I'M ROLLING 🤣🤣 the way he fights with the strength of the gods and gravity to keep the platonic line is admirable "we shouldn't be doing this." "l- l can't mess this up."

lcksndkys asked:

"I- I can't be jealous.", and my personal favorite "it doesn't matter. I can't have it." had my heart big time 🥺🥺🥺🥺 and I know I've been praisin jimin's bubble butt, but I also LOVE mc haha she's so sassy and clover and I love her lil quips and comebacks! Like "did I interrupt?" and her complementing his pretty cock when she walked in on him jacking off haha had me CACKLING! But I straight up LOST IT when it's been quiet for a while and she goes "so do you usually masturbate without porn?"😂

lcksndkys asked:

And the scene that follows is so divine, the absolute highlight of this piece. From the time he takes her hand, weaves his fingers between hers, when he puts her palm on his chest over his heart and she can feel his hr pick up gave me a huge emo-boner. "'what is it you want?' His gaze flickers up from your lips. The look in his eyes is searing... It's not confusion dancing in his eyes. It's loss. He thinks he's going to lose you. 'it doesn't matter. I can't have it.'" omg the way my heart

lcksndkys asked:

Stuttered tho... You DID that. And the smut?! 🥵🥵 Can I say tho that I LOVE the way you incorporated consent into the smut and I really appreciate it! I love how he asks permission to kiss her. How she asks to remove his clothes. How he gets her consent before touching her body. Ugh and Hnnng we luuuuuv a man who appreciates foreplay 🥵🥵 the smut was so sexy, so carefully written, and perfectly graphic. Like WAY better than any porn I've watched lately haha the PONR couple has my whole heart

lcksndkys asked:

And I hope they stay happily in love forever!! Thank you for sharing them sjdb us, Willow!! I thoroughly enjoyed watching their relationship progress! I hope you are well, I'm sorry this got to be SO LONG!! 😳 Sending you all my love ❤️❤️

OH MY GOD 😭😭😭😭😭😭

THIS LONG COMMENT IS LITERALLY MAKING MY LIFE!!! DO NOT EVEN APOLOGIZE FOR HOW LONG THIS IS BECAUSE EVERY SINGLE WORD IS PRECIOUS TO ME! EVERY! SINGLE! WORD! I can’t even describe to you how exciting it is to hear the details of what you think and feel and react to as you read these stories!!!!!!!!! AHHH!!! It is literally the best experience as a writer to hear these things!

gosh, I am so glad you enjoyed the consent! One of my goals in writing smut has been to write consent as something more than just a checkbox to check before doin the nasty. Consent is hot as fuck and it’s also a really beautiful way to show affection and care... and yeah. I’m a fuckin nerd for consent. 

And to answer your question for science - if you’re talking about the first night - I’d imagine that he didn’t. He was close, oh so deliciously close, but waking up and realizing his dream was actually right there in his arms, pressed so close against him, ass right up against his... *cough*... seems to have inspired more shock than... um... release. 

Anyways, you, my dear, have absolutely made my day and I am so so appreciative of you and the dedication you put into this feedback. You are a blessing, my love! And I am grinning from ear to ear right about now. Thank you thank you thank you thank you!

[totaldramafan-lauri]

Dancing With A Stranger (mini songfic)

OK, so, I’ve been planning my next big fic, but it’s been taking some time....I know how I want it to go story and emotion-wise, but thinking about all the details and the worldbuilding is stressing me out right now....I’m probably gonna start writing it next week anyway, and let myself fill in the blanks that way, but it’ll most likely take a while to finish.

In the meantime, have this small thing.

A couple days ago, I was having some pretty bad anxiety. My Discord friends helped cheer me up, and I can’t thank them enough for that, but it also really got me in the mood for something a bit more....wholesome than usual. Sure, there’s the possibility of danger underneath the surface here, because I really can’t resist, but...for my standards, this is really tame.

I wanted something to cheer me up from the low place I was at. Something about letting her taking my mind off of it and making me feel better...but also telling me that I’m not alone, and that she’s there for me. And then I heard the song, and the scenario just.....leant itself to me on a silver platter. XD I’m a lot better now, but I’d thought of this idea yesterday and wanted to get it out there before it left me. So here it is.

My situation isn’t exactly like the reader’s here (I had to change it to fit the song better), but the emotions - many of the worries - are the same. Feeling like I’m annoying everyone, that I’m secretly hated, stuff like that. Also, it’s in first-person to match the song.

---

I don't wanna be alone tonight It's pretty clear that I'm not over you I'm still thinking 'bout the things you do So I don't wanna be alone tonight, alone tonight, alone tonight

I didn't know why I was here. All I knew was that I was thinking with my broken heart, and not with my mind.

The words echoed in my head...over and over..."I'm sorry." "I haven't been feeling it for a while." "I met someone better for me, and I hope you do, too." What a crappy way to break up with someone, on a date night. We'd planned it together, even...I thought he was looking forward to it...so much for that.

Did he meet this other person recently? Or had he been hiding this from me longer? Had he been planning this, or was this a rushed decision? I was still having a hard time believing it...

What did I do wrong? Why did he leave me? Why wouldn't he tell me what I did? I'd tried so hard to please him, every single day...I did everything he wanted me to...If he told me, I would've tried to fix it.

I must've just not been good enough for him...Not good enough...

Every single insult that had ever been thrown at me came to mind. I was boring. Annoying. Needy. Wimpy. Too submissive for even the likes of him. I didn't deserve him. I didn't deserve anyone...

I didn't deserve to be happy...

I wanted so bad to feel wanted, to feel worth something...to feel loved. I thought about telling friends or family about what happened, but I couldn't bring myself to. I'd just bother them. That's all I did, was bother people.

That must've been why I was here, in this club. Because no one here knew me. No one knew how pathetic I was. I could have a quick pick-me-up, a good night, and would start fresh the next day. It seemed like a good idea at the time.

But the bad thoughts wouldn't go away.

Can you light the fire? I need somebody who can take control

Tears had started streaming down my face. The people around me were all talking amongst each other, or dancing to the happy swing music playing, so there were thankfully no eyes on me, but I felt embarrassed with myself, and hid my face in my hands, choking back the sobs in my throat as I tried desperately to calm down.

Even in this crowded place, it still felt like I was all alone with my thoughts.

No one will ever love you. You're pathetic and worthless. Who could want to take care of someone like you? Everyone hates you, they just won't say it. You know it's true.

"Hey...you OK, toots?"

I jumped a bit when I suddenly heard a voice, one that sounded closer than the rest. I uncovered my face and meekly looked up into the eyes of a woman who was looking back at me. She was tall, wearing a dress shirt and black shorts with suspenders. Her long hair was a dark pink, held up in pigtails. Her eyes were soft, a slight smile on her face.

I sniffled, and tried to speak, although I was frazzled. "Me? I'm fine..."

"But you're cryin'..." the woman leaned forward, looking me over. "What's wrong? Did something happen to ya?"

Crying...Oh crap. My hands went to my eyes, trying to rub the tears away. This stranger caught me crying. How embarrassing... "I-it's nothing," I said, "I just..."

I paused, trying to think of something to say, but my mind went blank. How do I even try to cover this up?

"It's OK, you don't gotta say anything," she said, "Only if you wanna."

Her voice was soft and smooth, in an almost soothing kind of way. I didn't expect to meet someone like that at a club. It almost didn't feel real...

She handed me a napkin, which I used to wipe my eyes more. "Thanks..." I muttered.

"No problem, doll," she said softly, "Someone as cute as you shouldn't be cryin'."

Cute? She's joking, right? I thought, And did she just call me "doll"?

Before I could react, she sat down next to me, crossing one leg over the other. Her gentle gaze never left me, and I could feel my heart start to beat faster. "Y-you..." I gulped, "It's OK, you don't have to worry...I'm always like this..."

"Always?" she tilted her head, "Oh no...No wonder ya came here! Here I was wonderin' why someone like you would be at a crazy place like this..."

I looked down at my hands, going silent. I could feel her judging me now. If I hadn't been so weak and started crying, this wouldn't have happened...I hated having to force people to worry about me. Like my ex. I'd always act like this around him, making him worry about me. And my friends, too.

You're such a burden. You keep guilt tripping everyone around you. Stop doing that, you crap. This is why he left you.

"Are you lonely?"

My head shot up in surprise when she spoke again. "Huh? What?"

"Are you lonely?" she repeated.

My eyes widened. "L-lonely...?"

"Do ya want someone to be with ya?" she leaned closer to me, smiling still, "Someone who won't run away?"

She had read me like a book. A soft noise escaped my lips as I instinctively leaned away from her, my heart racing a mile a minute.

"Remember, ya don't have to say anything. I was just wonderin', is all," she gently reminded me.

One of my hands went to my chest, and I gulped down the lump that had been in my throat from crying. I hesitated, before nodding.

I know exactly what I need to do 'Cause I don't wanna be alone tonight, alone tonight, alone tonight

"Poor thing...Did someone hurt ya?"

I nodded again, wordlessly. The memories were so fresh in my head...I felt myself getting close to tears again, and I sniffled, bringing the napkin to my face again...

...I felt her hand on my shoulder. A gentle touch, one that sent shockwaves through my body.

"I'm so sorry...I wasn't there, but I can still tell ya didn't deserve that," she said, "Don't waste your time carin' about people who don't care about you...that's what I always tell myself."

I let her words sink in. I shouldn't care about people who don't care about me? But...what if it's someone I want to care? Is it hopeless to want that?

"Look somewhere else, doll. You'll find someone who'll take ya..."

I didn't know this woman. I didn't even know her name. But I was paying attention to every word she said. I was in so much pain, and here she was, talking to me. I should've been wary of her, but in the moment, I didn't believe she'd hurt me. Was that why I was like this? Because I'd trust anyone who was kind to me?

She turned to the dance floor. "Song's almost over..." she muttered, and then stood up. My eyes followed her, and widened in surprise when she offered a hand to me. "Dance with me?" she asked.

I felt my cheeks flush at that simple question. Dance? She wanted me to dance with her? I opened my mouth to try and speak again. "Ah- I-" I cleared my throat, "Um, th-thanks, but I think I'm better now...You don't have to worry about me...You can go now..."

I knew I wasn't fine. I knew I didn't want her to leave. But at the same time, I was guilty about taking up her time. I had planned on leaving soon, anyway. This had clearly been a bad idea.

She shook her head. "Nope, I'm not leavin' ya here like this. I know what you're feelin', and I know it sucks," she looked me dead in the eye, and spoke in a voice that made a  shiver race down my spine. "I want ya to have fun...Isn't that why you came here? To have fun? To escape all the crap goin' on in your life? Lemme take you away from it...Lemme be your escape~..."

More and more heat rushed to my cheeks with every word that came out of her mouth. I sat there, staring at her, as her hand was still extended to me. She knew how I felt? She really understood? So she wasn't just taking pity on me? I couldn't believe it...It felt like I was unable to move.

"Dance with me, doll...I promise, I won't hurt ya~"

My thoughts were racing. Should I trust her? I wanted so, so badly to...But trusting people had only led to pain. I was a burden to everyone. But right then...I couldn't resist her...

"But I- I can't dance..." I stuttered, "I-I never learned how..."

"That doesn't matter," she assured me, "Just follow me, OK? Let me take care of everything."

The idea of letting someone else take control for a bit, as I focus on nothing but her...Letting all my sadness and heartbreak fade into the background as I do so. It felt too good to pass up.

So, I took her hand.

Look what you made me do I'm with somebody new Oh, baby, baby, I'm dancing with a stranger

Having my hand held in hers...it was almost surreal. It let me know this wasn't a dream.

She led me to the center of the room, where the music was louder. She immediately put her hands on me. I stiffened in nervousness. "Just focus on me," she instructed, "Follow my steps. I'll start slowly for ya..."

I never thought I'd ever do this. But I didn't wanna think about anything else. If my thoughts wandered, I'd end up in that place again. I wanted to leave it behind, and to believe in her. But...swing dancing was clearly not my calling. I did as she said still, copying her movements to the best of my ability.

"There ya go!" she said, "Just like that!"

She started moving faster, and I continued following. Her praise made me happy in a way I didn't know I could have been right then. Her smile turned into a playful smirk as she went...

"You're a bit stiff...Relax a bit, OK~? No one's watchin' us~"

"Yeah...like that. You're gettin' it...Just don't worry 'bout a thing~"

I felt myself slowly melt...

Look what you made me do I'm with somebody new Oh, baby, baby, I'm dancing with a stranger

It was only a matter of time before I stumbled, causing me to lean on her for balance. I squeaked in embarrassment, my face flushing brightly as I backed away. "I-I'm sorry! I'm sorry!"

She giggled, though not in a mocking way at all. "It's fine! I told ya, this is just for fun!"

My ex would've made a comment, like "You gotta pay better attention", or something else that would make me feel worse. But she...didn't mind me messing up? And she wasn't uncomfortable with me being so close to her then?

"Ah, yeah..." I tried my best to calm myself down again. However, when I looked back at her, and saw that smirk, I felt like I was going to explode.

"Don't worry about impressin' me, doll~" she said with a small chuckle.

That only made me stiffen even more. What did she just say? Impressing her? Was that...really what I was trying to do? Did I want to impress her?

I stumbled again, causing more giggles. "OK, OK, maybe I'm goin' a lil' bit fast. Want me to slow down again?"

"N-no, it's fine! I-I'll adjust," I said, "It's just for fun...just for fun..."

I didn't wanna admit defeat. Crap, maybe I was trying to impress her...but she didn't mind my screw-ups at all. She didn't expect me to be an expert. She just wanted me to enjoy myself. I kept telling myself this, and slowly, I believed it more and more.

By the next misstep, I was laughing along with her. "Sorry..." I said, still a bit nervous, "I told you, I'm not good at this..."

"But you're gettin' better, and that's what counts~" she said, smiling down at me.

"B-better?" I sputtered, laughing again, "Am I really now?"

"Yeah, you are! You're laughin'! That's what I like to see~"

It took me a second to realize what she meant, and I blushed yet again. So that's the "better" she meant...

She continued swaying with me, humming as she pulled me closer to her. I closed my eyes, everything else around us beginning to fade away in my mind. No more exes, no more heartbreak, no more worries, no more anxieties. Just me, her, and the music.

...And even that began to fade, to give way for the sound of my heartbeat, when she spoke again, softly.

"Y'know, doll...You're so much prettier when ya smile~"

Dancing with a stranger...

[nomiliy]

The Devil’s Holed Up in Redcliffe

Darren Shan shot back the first half of his second Rob Roy. He had asked the bartender to pour boozy, be generous with the scotch, and cheap with the bitters.

But he wasn’t feeling a damn thing.

The night was still young by university and baby-alcoholic standards, but he desperately wished his tolerance was lower. Maybe then he’d forget the absolute hellscape this day had become.

He found himself in a musty corner booth of Seven Star Pub in Redcliffe. It was Saturday night, approximately 11:15 pm —peak pub crawl hours—and not even the bar’s basement lighting and thick, cancerous clouds of Newport smoke could hide his crumbling disposition. Smashed between grimy leather upholstery and Steve Leonard’s grimy leather jacket with barely legal freshers from Bristol University and Chelsea fans screaming their heads off over missed goals was not how Darren envisioned his Valentine’s eve.

But what can you do when the love of your life is an arsehole?

Honestly, Darren was more surprised by the fact that Tom Jones and Alan Morris even wanted to go out tonight. It made sense for Tom since this was the first Valentine’s in two years that he’d be alone. But Alan was so married to his studies at Bath University he barely had time for anything that wasn’t lizard scale samples.

But when the redhead texted Steve and Darren about cheering up their mate, Steve being the good friend he rarely is, answered for them—as if they didn’t already have plans!

Darren cursed Tommy’s superstar status. If not for Tom Jones, the four would have never gotten a table. But as the star goalie for Bath’s football club, Jones and company enjoyed pseudo-celebrity perks after rumor got round that Chelsea, Manchester United, and Tottenham were scouting him.

Darren wanted nothing more than to go home to their little flat and roll between the sheets with his handsome Jewish boyfriend. Instead, he sipped on weak cocktails and silently glared at said handsome prick.

Steve sat on the outside of the booth with his arm spread over the back. His legs mirrored the care-free stance and took up most of the real estate underneath the table as well. His face held a gentle flush that colored the top of his broad chest. He was already intoxicated; the fact that he chose stout drinks only hammed up his low tolerance.

Darren occasionally felt his thigh rub against his own, as if to say “sorry, babe” without having to out themselves to Tom and Alan. Or without having to apologize or admit he was a jerk.

Darren sat closer than he knew he should for public outings. He found himself, at times, resting his head atop a built arm or leaning into the partly open embrace despite Alan and Tom chatting across from them. But Seven Star was so crowded, and the February winds stuck to his bones in a perpetual chill. How could he not cuddle up with that platinum blond devil?

He told himself that the guys would think it a consequence of too many drinks, the cold, and the fact that Steve had virtually no sense of personal space.

With how Tom barreled through his third pint of Guinness and Alan nursing his watered-down rum and coke, he doubt they’d notice.

Darren and Steve had managed to keep their friends and family out of the loop for the past few years. Not by fear of rejection from the community at large, but more so by anything interrupting their routine. Steve was convinced that Alan and Tom wouldn’t treat them the same if they knew; they would tiptoe around the subject, give them glances every time they did something remotely ‘cute,’ buy them those stupid ‘His & His’ coffee cups and towels that Steve just loved to pitch a fit about every time they popped up in his recommended search history.

“Are you searching for this shit, Dare?!”

They had their fair share of rows, but whether to tell their friends was always an all-out battle. Usually, it would end with Steve storming out of the flat to cool off with a smoke. He’d come back after an hour or so, curl up with Darren in bed, and give a quick apology shag before passing out for the night. Honestly, it was a routine that Darren thoroughly enjoyed.

The platinum blond terror had calmed down quite a bit since they got together, mellowed by domestic bliss and brain-frying university life to cause much trouble. He didn’t throw things like when he was a teenager, he talked his feelings out (for the most part), him and his mum were on wonderful terms, and he kept up with his aggression therapy after all these years.

But Steve was still, as Officer Crawley put it, ‘a bloody menace.’

Now, Steve didn’t do anything to get himself arrested anymore (like attempted arson, public battery, and joyriding) but he was still a royal git. Which was particularly infuriating with Steve being so bloody charming. The way he belted Black Sabbath and Metallic in that crooning baritone on the train, how he didn’t give a rat’s arse about the sideways glances, how he re-enacted whole scenes of An American Werewolf in London right down to the American accent and blood-chilling howl in the dead of night stalking Kings Street.

Darren always thought Steve would’ve made a spectacular actor. He had the face, the smooth vocals that were damn sinful in Yiddish, the body—Lord, his pecs and arms!— a flair for melodramatics, a sharp grin, but yet a soft smile, a real smile that he’d toss over the kitchen counter while nuking a box of hot pockets at 3:00 A.M. or when he’d roll over in bed and pull Darren tight to his chest just to smile into his neck and grind his morning wood into—

“Think that girl’s got the look on you, Steve,” Alan noted over his straw before sucking down the last of his rum and coke.

Darren’s blood flared through his cheeks in a rolling boil. He didn’t even try to hide behind his jumper sleeve.

Tommy’s perked expression and sharp, goalie-box trained eyes revved on him. “Oi, what’s with the face, Darren?” he asked with some frothy head caught in his baby-stache.

His ex Sharona hated that fuzzy upper lip, but now that she was gone, Darren noted, Tommy let that, and a multitude of other things, slip. His ash-brown crew cut had gone shaggy along with his untrimmed whiskers. He reeked of the field, he developed dark bags under his eyes, and he never seemed to have a clean shirt.

Steve glanced at the flush on Darren’s cheeks, then made a clipped, rolling cackle low in his throat. His shoulder lazily bumped the black-haired Irishmen, and Darren just knew he was bloody smashed.

“That iron tolerance failing you, Shan?” Steve cackled again, losing nearly half of his third Old Fashion over the rim with each jerky sway. “Or you jealous?”

“Oh, definitely,” Darren snapped, “just positively green over here from all the jailbait they were too stupid to card drooling over your Jewish prick.”

“Deepest apologies, mate,” he grinned, “maybe while I’m shaggin’ one of ‘em you can swoop in and comfort their poor, cryin’ beaus with your arse.”

Darren went about nine shades of red ranging from ‘embarrassed’ to ‘furious.’

Then the absolute evil laugh that rumbled out of Steve’s chest added the shade murderous.

He saw Tom go red from secondhand embarrassment, and Alan wouldn’t make eye contact over the rim of his glass. On top of the guys not knowing about their relationship, they also had no idea that Steve wasn’t completely straight. Darren could gather what this looked like: Childhood best friends having a go at each other and one going way over the line. But if they knew what this was (a closeted bi-man hamming up his straight-schtick) then maybe they’d feel a bit of pity.

But all Darren could feel was rage.

“You’re sloshed, Steve,” Darren downed the last of his Rob Roy in a smooth toss. “Maybe you should slow down before you get yourself killed.”

“Think I’m a shot away from that,” Steve said with a shake of his now empty glass. “Hey,” he called over the throngs of people, “in the Megadeath jumper!”

The waitress, a thin woman with fake tits that could double as floaties when the breeze knocked her imbalanced arse into the Thames, glanced the boys’ way.

She nearly dropped.

Darren gave himself an aneurysm suppressing an eye roll. Yes, Stephen Ezekiel ‘The Leopard’ Leonard was bloody fit; get it together and take the damn order!

But he couldn’t really blame the girl. When a Jewish bad-boy with a shocked-blond undercut, two-day stubble, suped-up glamour muscles busting through a (lifted) leather jacket, and a deadly grin leers at you over several empty cocktails, what else can you do?

Frankly, despite the waitress having no fault in this, she was kindly welcome to go drop her arse on someone else’s boyfriend.

“Hi there, love,” his voice dropped another octave when the waitress slid between the booths.

She leaned over the table right into Steve. Her band jumper was torn up and distressed around the neck, letting her ample cleavage spill through and work for those extra fivers. Her name tag said ‘Gina,’ but the occult tattoos rolling up her arms in complete sleeves, splotchy dye-job, and vampy, silicone plumped lips screamed ‘Sex-Metal Barbie.’

“What can I get you, boys?” she asked out of politeness. Darren could see that her attention sparked only on Steve.

“Can I get another old fashion here? Still a bit thirsty,” he jingled the ice cubes in his glass with a wink.

Darren rolled his eyes, shoved his empty glass to the end of the booth, and willed the goth centerfold out of existence.

“An’ a Rob Roy for my mate here,” Steve quickly added, “Famous Grouse scotch, light on the vermouth, three black cherries.”

Gina giggled at the order, possibly finding the specificity endearing. “Wish my girlfriends knew me like that,” she said with an effortless smile. She wrote it down far too quickly on a loose napkin. “I’ll have those right out.”

When she stepped away, Darren saw her hand smooth over Steve’s shoulder.

He bristled at the sight. Her fingers gripped at the taut muscle, massaging the stress knots drilled in by his engineering course load.

Then she left the napkin there, right in front of Steve. Clear as day, for all the table to see, was her phone number and her name with a little heart over the ‘i’ in ‘Gina.’

Tom clapped his thick-bottomed glass on the table with rounded out laughter. “On the prowl already!”

Alan roused back up from his one-drink stupor, jostled his tragic bowl cut around looking for the waitress. “Did she take our drink order? I want another rum and coke,” he asked in a sleepy tilt, sprawling flat on top of the table once more.

Steve looked over the booth, and Darren just knew he was watching her walk away in those skin-tight jeans. But then, the blond tossed a sly smile to Tom and Alan. He slipped the digits right inside his jacket pocket then tapped it with a knowing look.

And that was the final straw for Darren Shan.

Read the rest on AO3~!

[qorillas]

Distract post. Answer what you would want a crush to answer 👌🏻🔥

ohhhh okey this should b…… Interesting lemme see?? most of the ones i’d want a crush to answer would be things that tell me if they might potentially like me back so hmmm (also i wrote this at like 2am last night but am just posting it now so)

1: is there a boy/girl in your life? i haven’t had anyone in my life yet l m a o rip

5. are you afraid of falling in love?hm. i’m not afraid of falling in love with the right person? but in terms of like. catching feelings for people yeah i think i am afraid of that because idk every time that happens i end up getting emotionally wrecked and at this point i’m just tired of being let down over and over. i don’t have a good track record of people liking me back

7. have you ever slept on a couch with somebody else?platonically ya everyone in my family likes to nap and my mom and my brother and sister and dog and i always fall asleep on the couch together on weekends bc we have a big couch :’)

9. name the last four beds you sat onuhhhh my bed in my apartment, my bed at home……probably either my moms bed or one of my siblings beds??? i don’t leave my house ever lmao

15. would you rather visit a zoo or art museum?zoo!!! i love animals so much……. but art museums are so nice too there’s one like ten minutes away from me that’s free for students and it’s lovely

21. if you knew you had the right person, would you marry them today?probably not because idk,,, i feel like i’m too young to get married and also there wouldn’t be any point since you can be happy with a person without having to marry them. i’d tell them that i’d like to marry them one day tho

25. what’s on your mind?the things i didn’t do this weekend, the things i have to do this week, also im feelin kinda Angsty about a tiny crush that i have that i’m trying to get over because it won’t work out

33. do you think anyone has feelings for you?lmao no. a week and a half ago i was talking to one of my coworkers and we both found out the other was into girls and she’s been messaging me a lot since but like. She’s In A Relationship and even tho she’s got a lotta side hoes and she’s fine with it i don’t wanna be that person so i haven’t been messaging back really so. if she did have feelings for me which she probably didn’t they’re gone by now. otherwise yeah the answer is definitely no

34. has anyone ever told you you have pretty eyes?actually the coworker i just mentioned did while we were talking. which was nice

36. were you single on valentine’s day?Bitch I’ve Been Single For The Past Twenty And A Half Years

39. has anyone upset you in the last week?yeah, but it’s mainly myself who i’m upset at bc i know it’s 100% not their fault and i a) was an idiot to let them upset me and b) i am being a dick anyway and should not be doing that

57. do you think two people can last forever?my grandparents met in elementary school and had their first date when she was 13 and he was 16 (she threw up right after bc she was Norvous so they didn’t actually start really dating until she was like 16) but anyway they’ve been married for 56? years now. so yeah i think it’s possible. i don’t think it’s………necessarily good to last forever though? it would be nice if it happened naturally. but sometimes people grow up and grow apart and that’s okay and staying together shouldn’t be forced. making an effort to understand and work with a partner is important but also letting yourself grow as a person without constraint is important as well.

65. this time last year can you remember who you liked?ah man i was such a fucking idiot i had just liked this ultra premed gym-obsessed guy in my bio club mainly because he liked me but then i realized i couldn’t stand him so i shut that down. and i think almost a year ago next week i started talking to this OTHER guy in my bio club about GORILLAZ of all fucking things and. long story short i was Emotionally Destroyed by that one after like four months and in conclusion i am a Fool and liking people is Terrible especially people in my bio club

67. did you kiss or hug anyone today?i don’t think so? maybe i hugged my roommate but i can’t remember

76. have you held hands with anyone in the past three days? nop i am starved for physical affection

78. do you remember who you had a crush on in year 7?oh man DO I it was my first crush ever and i thought i was dying??? his name was kevin o and he had been in my class for three years before and i was physically incapable of talking around him or even looking at him except from the corner of my eye tbh??? i liked him for a year and told nobody i’m cryin baby me why were u like this sweetie oh god

80. have you ever fallen asleep in someone’s arms?uh in a family members arms ya bc my family is very physically affectionate and also we like naps. anyone else no but my dog falls asleep in my arms a lot i miss hims

81. how many people have you liked in the past three months?fuck me i hadn’t liked anyone since like february and i was so relieved about it and then i had to go and get a crush like two weeks ago ahdhsjkcishdk it’s not gonna work and i know this tho so i’ve been shutting it down so i’m not Traumatized again rip. i’ve met a lot of cute girls tho lately but i haven’t like had full strength crushes on any of em so

83. will you talk to the person you like tonight? uh it’s 2:28 am so? if it’s like last night tonight i didn’t really but if it’s like tonight tonight im specifically not going to either bc removing interaction is the best way to get over a crush i’ve found

85. if your so was into drugs would you care?as long as it wasn’t like hard drugs nah idc if u smoke weed or vape or whatever. cigarettes are……kinda gross tho but i’d live

88. if somebody gave you $1000 to burn a butterfly over a candle, would you?i couldn’t. just thinking about it makes me feel a little sick tbh that’s so horrible and mean and the poor butterfly??? my mom sent me a video of a caterpillar trapped in a spiders web and the spider was trying to get it and i couldn’t bear to watch it even tho she saved it in the end the caterpillar was so upset and desperate oh god

94. does sex mean love?of course not. it’s 2017 y'all know tinder exists sex means nothing except that u wanna smash

99: do you believe in love at first sight?no. you fall in love with a person once you get to know them for them, including all their flaws and quirks and bad parts and good parts. stuff like that takes time and work and you can’t just learn these things right off the bat. love is a continual process.

// i didn’t answer any of the kissing ones or like. ones about exes even tho those were mainly the ones i’d ask a crush because i haven’t kissed anyone or had an ex yet lmao anyway this was Long and i Overshared

[werenzki]

Auston Matthews #4.2

PART ONE

Anonymous said: Please please pleaseee do a part 2 to the auston matthews imagine you just did 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻 soo good

loonyremus said: THIS IS SO CUTE I’M CRYIN IN THE CLUB

Anonymous said: Can you do a part two of your recent Auston one? How they end up watching movies after the fire please !!!

Anonymous said: Please do a part 2 to the most recent Auston Matthews imagine!

deannaard said: Can you make a part two? This is just so cute and cuddly

okayleafs said: this was so cute! you should definitely make a pt 2💗

boo-boocmf said: Please do a part 2. This was SOOOO good.

A/N: wowowowow i was not expecting so much response from this imagine but damn thank you all so much <3 sorry if this sucked haha i wasn’t sure if i liked it honestly

Word Count: 1,747

“Auston’s coming over?” Steph questioned while looking over at you, her eyes only leaving the road for a moment before she was focused on driving once again. You shrugged and then bit down on your lip. “I mean, you two were pretty cozy by the fire,” she smirked now. 

Your eyes rolled at her while you took a look down at your phone. “Yeah, so?” 

“So, do you like him or what?” She asked, “actually don’t answer that cause I already know the answer, it was so obvious,”

“Gee Steph, just write my vows for me now why don’t you,” you chuckled. 

“What? I’m just picking out our first real double date,” She stated while putting up one hand in surrender but it was quickly back on the steering wheel as she got onto a main road just off the downtown streets. 

Auston coming over wasn’t a big deal. Or you weren’t about to make it one at least. You’d sit up and watch a movie, maybe do more of that cuddling stuff, but that was it. Right? Your heart raced thinking of what else could happen. Images of his lips came, then you kissing them, and then maybe something more than that too but you snapped out of it and saw Steph pulling into the parking lot. 

“So I’m thinking bowling,” Steph said as the two of you stepped out of the car.

As you got around the car, it hocking twice to indicate that Steph had locked it, you noticed Auston’s range rover. Then both doors opened and the two boys stepped out. Why were you feeling so nervous suddenly?

“What?” You questioned, forgetting what she was talking about. 

“Double date, duh,” she said just before you met up with the boys. 

You shook off her ideas and changed the subject quickly to something else as you and the boys walked up the few flights of stairs to the apartment. Steph and Mitch literally raided the fridge and then rushed off down the hall, something you were used to by now, but then usually you were alone and watching Netflix till midnight with a bowl of popcorn. 

“What movie did you want to watch?” Auston asked as you twisted the cap of your water bottle. 

“Um,” you hummed and threw yourself onto the couch, sitting directly in the middle like you always did. There was something about being in the direct centre while watching a movie that you liked. “Something cute maybe,” 

“Cute?” Auston chuckled but took control of the remote, scrolling down to the romance movies. 

“Yeah,”

“How about a rom-com?” 

“Sure,” you nodded as he sat down beside you. You swallowed and watched where you were leaning, making sure you weren’t too close or anything. Then as the credits began, Auston put his arm around you and pulled you closer. After letting out a small sigh you finally relaxed and snuggled closer. 

“This is nice,” Auston admitted after a moment. 

“It is,” you agreed while peering up at him.

It was well into the movie and you were comfortably melting into Auston for the second time tonight now. At some point you ended up laying down, still leaning into Auston while his arm fell and his hand rested on your hip. It was hard to focus on the movie when his finger kept brushing under your shirt, causing chills across your skin. You decided two could play at this oh-so-innocent game and placed your hand on his thigh, moving your finger every once in a while. 

The movie was almost to an end when you turned your head and looked up at Auston. He peered back down at you and smiled, causing you to smile too but then giggle as you were at a loss for words. Finding a way to ask him to stay the night wasn’t so easy after all. 

“It’s pretty late,” you stated, “you don’t have to drive home, you can crash here,” 

“The couch is pretty comfy, I’ve passed out here several times before,” 

You sighed and sat up now, “what about sleeping in my bed this time?”

“I’d like that,” he said with a small smile. 

“Me too,” you chuckled - knowing very well you two were repeating the same words you had said at the fire when inviting him over. So with that you nodded your head and got up off the couch, shutting off the TV and letting Auston turn off the remaining light before making your way down the hallway to your room. 

Steph got the master bedroom, but your room was still pretty big and had an ensuite bathroom too. The only thing she really got was a walk-in closet, which you weren’t too envious over honestly. You were walking to your smaller closet and you heard Auston shut the door behind him. After grabbing a pair of shorts and a tank top, you turned around to see Auston sitting on your bed. 

“Is this the part where I say how I missed you while you were gone,” you said. Auston smiled and watched as you took a few more steps towards him. 

“I missed you too,” 

You smiled and then settled for a nod in response before turning and walking into your bathroom. You were quick to get changed, wash your face and then brush your teeth while you were at it too. When you got out of the bedroom you were met with something you weren’t really expecting. You breath caught in your throat as Auston stood beside your bed in only his underwear. And damn did he look good. Training camp had done him well, same with that Arizona sun.

“There’s, uh,” you cleared your throat as you struggled with your words. He looked up at you and then gave you a smug look. “There’s an extra tooth brush in the drawer if you want,” you managed to spit out.

“Thanks,” Auston smiled and then walked passed you and into the bathroom. 

The door didn’t shut completely, the light shining into the darker room after you shut off the main light and turned on the lamp beside your side of the bed. You got under the covers and snuggled up in the blankets, facing towards the middle of the bed as Auston finished up in the bathroom. You heard him rinse the sink and then turn off the light before his heavy foot steps made their way to the other side of the bed. 

“Is this the part where I tell you I usually sleep on that side of the bed?” Auston asked, chuckling as you on snuggled more into your spot. 

“Too bad, snooze you lose baby,” you said as he got into bed. 

His face got close as he laid down. You could feel his breath on your nose as you shut your eyes, nervous to open them and see just how close his nearly naked body was. God, what was even happening right now? That question could’ve been yelled out off the rooftops as Auston’s hand slowly made it’s way across the bed and rested on your hip. 

“I like to cuddle,” he muttered while moving his whole body closer. You hummed and didn’t fight it, instead snuggling into his side as his arm wrapped around you. 

His body was warm, but not too bad, and he was comfy. Like really comfy. You smiled and somehow managed to get closer into him. You could get used to cuddling Auston. Suddenly his fingers were lifting up your chin and your eyes were fluttering open to see his deep brown eyes staring back at you. You stomach went crazy and your heart picked up speed - which you were sure he could feel since you were so close. He licked his lips, and then you did. Then you looked down at his lips as he looked at yours. 

“I really want to kiss you,” he whispered. 

“Then do it,” 

Auston leaned in just a little and his lips brushed yours. But that wasn’t good enough for you. Yours hands fell to his chest as your lips crashed onto his. His tongue swiped over your bottom lips and soon you were straddling him and kissing him as if your life depended on it. Auston was sitting up now as his hands curled up at the bottom of your tank top, you only now realized that by habit you had taken off your bra. As his hand got further up your shirt, you broke away and grabbed onto his hands. 

Breathing heavily, you both took a moment and collected yourselves. Closing your eyes for only a moment you replayed what exactly had just went on. Then you realized what was going on down there for Auston. You bit down on your lip, hard. Auston brought your hand to his mouth and placed a kiss on your knuckles. 

Opening your eyes, you saw he was staring back at you, “I just,” you sighed and brushed your hair from your eyes. “I just don’t want to rush into things and ruin it all,” you admitted. 

With that said, you got off his lap and sat up. Auston nodded, “I agree,”

“What is this?” You questioned, then snorting a bit realizing how stupid you sounded. “I mean like, not to sound like that girl, but what are we doing?” 

Auston licked his lips and shook his head slightly, “I like you, always kinda have,” 

“Kinda?” You chuckled. 

“I tried not to, but I couldn’t help it,” 

You couldn’t fight the smile that was on your face. And feeling embarrassed by it, you decided to lay down now and snuggle back under the blankets. That’s when you remember just how hot and heavy things got, and what Auston was dealing with now. 

“Shit,” you cursed under your breath. 

“What?”

“Sorry,”

“What?” Auston questioned and you looked down, “oh, that, it’s fine. Just ignore it, I’m sure there’ll be others,” 

“Oh boy,” you chuckled and shook your head at him. 

“Come on,” Auston sighed and brought you back to his side again. You quickly turned off the lamp beside you and then got back to the cuddling you were enjoying before. You both sighed and then you yawned and threw an arm over Auston’s chest. 

“Goodnight,” you said. 

“Goodnight,” Auston leaned down and kissed the top of your head. You smiled and then slowly drifted off to sleep in his arms. 

[bevioletskies]

20 questions [4/20]

characters: peter/gamora, guardians-centric

fandom: avengers academy/marvel cinematic universe

summary: wasp has a new competition in store for the students of avengers academy, and there’s money involved. so obviously, peter and gamora have to pretend to be a couple in order to win. wait, what?

chapter preview: peter and gamora begin a new game, yondu brings a new scheme into play, and peter has meredith quill feels (same, tbh).

word count: 4958 | total word count: 118k

a/n: this chapter marks the beginning of these two really getting to know each other...my babies ;_;

ao3 | previously | next | masterpost

Gamora woke up to an insistent throbbing in her skull and leg, and the sounds of someone attempting to hold back tears. Alarmed, her eyes shot open, only to find herself staring down an unnecessarily bright light. Groaning, she turned in an attempt to bury her face into her pillow. Wait, this wasn’t her pillow.

“Medbay?” she croaked. She vaguely sounded like Peter the mornings after he’d partied too hard at Club A.

“Oh, Gamora,” Janet sobbed from somewhere on Gamora’s left. “You’re okay, yes, you’re in the medbay. That was super scary.”

“The Sovereign…”

“Gone! Agent 13 was a little genius and managed to confuse them, along with Doctor Strange’s help in manipulating their sense of time and space,” Janet said, waving her hands haphazardly. “Um, but you don’t care about that. You’ve had glass removed from your torso and your leg, but you’ll need the rest of the weekend to heal up and you should be okay. Your body mods are super good on that part, they just gotta help your stitches along.”

“The others?” She managed to open her eyes again. Janet was uncharacteristically wearing all black, and a cold sweat broke out over Gamora’s forehead. “Did...did someone die?”

“Peter’s right there,” Janet said, pointing to the bed next to her. He looked asleep, not unconscious, as his arms were shifting slightly as if he were trying to find a more comfortable position. His entire face, neck, and arms were covered in tiny little bandages. “The others are shaken, bruised, but no real injuries to put them here. Um, a couple of SHIELD agents died in the battle. We’re going to hold a funeral in the quad on Monday once we’ve flown their family in. But no students. You and Peter have the most injuries, but you should both be out by tomorrow night.”

She finally settled down into the chair next to Gamora’s bed and exhaled shakily. “Groot’s a bit traumatized, the poor little thing. The rest of the Guardians are keeping an eye on him on the Milano.” She brightened slightly. “Almost forgot, Natasha sent you this.” Janet pushed an envelope into Gamora’s hands.

Gamora opened it to reveal what appeared to be a generic Hallmark ‘get-well-soon’ card. Raising her eyebrows, she opened the card, where a bank card and driver’s license fell out. On the license was a picture of a woman who vaguely looked like Natasha on it, but the name on both cards wasn’t hers. Scrawled underneath the printed ‘hope you feel better soon!’ was some neat cursive that said “Bank account for some rich widow who owes me a favour. French accent. Only withdraw $10k at a time. Get some new equipment”.

She straightened up a little in her bed, frowning. She tried her best not to look back over at Peter, who had just let out a lazy sigh in his sleep. “I could have done better,” she said. “I have suffered far worse than a bit of glass to my leg.” She pushed the envelope back. “And I’m not taking this.”

“I didn’t think you would,” Janet said with a weak smile. “You are super strong, Gamora. I wish I was more like you.”

“No you don’t,” Gamora said firmly.

“Yes, I do,” Janet said back, a fierceness in her face that she usually reserved for supervillains and people who talked badly about her friends. “Don’t say mean things about yourself! You’re like, the coolest girl in school, you’re super pretty, and you’re the most dangerous woman in the galaxy. One bad mission is whatever, but don’t let anything or anyone get you down. Especially not you.”

Gamora chewed on her bottom lip, considering. “Thank you, Janet,” she said softly. “I am honored to have you as a friend.”

“You should be,” Janet said, suddenly switching back to her cheerful, bubbly self. It was a bit jarring to watch. “Oh, Peter’s waking up!”

A long groan emanated from the bed on Gamora’s right, and she turned to see him laying his forearm across his forehead, only to wince at the contact of his many little bandages rubbing against each other. She could only imagine how sensitive his skin was right now, how long it would take his body to heal itself from all the little cuts while her thigh stitched itself up in a matter of hours.

“G’mora?”

“Hi,” she said, turning onto her side so she could lay her head back down on her pillow. “Are you feeling alright?”

“I’ve got about a million holes in my skin, but I’ve had worse,” Peter said, attempting to shrug. “How about you? When I woke up, you were getting glass removed from your gut - it was super gross - like, the docs had you on some super hardcore anesthesia or something - ”

“I need no details,” Gamora interrupted. “I feel a faint pain in my head and leg, but otherwise I’m already bored of this place.”

“Guess you won’t be able to make your date with Adam after all. Sorry about that,” Peter said, twisting his mouth in sympathy.

“Date with Adam?” They both started slightly, having forgotten that Janet was in the room with them. She was eyeing them both suspiciously.

“He is teasing me,” Gamora said, turning over to look at Wasp. “Adam offered to help me with the equipment at Club Galaxy tonight, that’s all. But I suppose I will be stuck in here all weekend with...my boyfriend...instead.”

“Sounds like a date to me,” Peter said, grinning. Janet smiled back, satisfied with their answers.

“Well, in that case, I’ll leave you two alone,” she said with a wink, getting to her feet. “But I’ll go tell the nurses you’re awake, Gamora. And I’ll let the Guardians know you’re both okay now. Oh, and Fury wants to talk to you guys, so he’ll be in at around 9.”

“Visiting hours are between and 8 and 5 every other Thursday,” Peter called at Janet’s back, but she was already gone. “Damn. I’m really not looking forward to it.”

One of the nurses strolled in briskly, holding a medical chart and holo-tab. “I heard Miss Gamora was awake? Oh, and Mister Quill, Mister Udonta is waiting outside for you, should I let him in?”

“Never mind,” Peter sighed. “Two bad visitors. Can he at least wait til after you’re done checking on Gamora?” he said to the nurse. She nodded, stopping by Gamora’s bedside to pull her bedsheets back and push her hospital gown up.

Peter suddenly turned away, flushing slightly at the sight of Gamora’s skin, feeling very much like a little boy who had never seen a woman before. Granted, growing up alongside the Ravagers, he sometimes saw a little more of women than he should have at that age, but something about seeing Gamora’s bare skin made him remember how vulnerable she must be feeling.

The nurse inspected the stitches closely, checking for any residual bleeding or potential infections. When she was satisfied, she continued pushing the gown further up to expose her stomach. Gamora twitched uncomfortably, crossing her legs despite the fact she was wearing undergarments, grateful that Peter was definitely not looking.

“Whatever your body mods are doing for you, it’s working miracles,” the nurse told her, not unkindly. “You had four broken ribs when you first got here but now? Nothing. We didn’t even have to do anything.” She finished checking over her torso wound, replacing the bandages and gauze, and pulled the hem of the gown back to her knees. “Do you need painkillers?”

“I’m okay,” Gamora said, pausing. “Um, thank you.” The nurse had the decency not to look too surprised, and nodded in response, pressing a small device into her hands.

“Push the button if you need anything,” the nurse said. “I’ll go get Mister Udonta from the waiting room.” After she left, Gamora turned towards Peter, who was still facing the other wall.

“You decent?” he said.

“What?”

“I mean, are you covered?”

“I - yes,” she said slowly, confused, as Peter rolled back around, pushing his bedcovers back to reveal that he wasn’t wearing his hospital gown, on account of what looked like several layers of gauze wrapped around his torso, faintly blood-stained. “Quill,” she said, alarmed. She slowly moved as if to get out of bed, but the stinging sensation in her leg told her it was a bad idea. “Janet didn’t tell me there was more to your injuries.”

“A few shallow slices here and there. I’m gonna have some pretty awesome scars after this,” Peter boasted. “I am hot as hell, though, these bedsheets are weirdly heavy - ”

“Am I interrupting somethin’?” The doors swung open as Yondu strolled in, whistling idly. Gamora’s eyes darted around suspiciously for the yaka arrow, but it seemed to be firmly tucked into his belt without a single twitch. “Why don’t you have your clothes on, boy? Hope you two ain’t getting up to some nasty business in ‘ere.”

“I’m just overheating a little, Yondu,” Peter said, rolling his eyes as he pulled himself around to properly look at the other man. “Is everyone else doing okay? I should probably do something for Groot, the poor guy.”

“Twig’s okay, he stopped cryin’,” Yondu said, settling himself down on the foot of Peter’s bed. “Your sister’s goin’ a bit wild, though. Bug-girl thinks it’s all her fault that he got so freaked out.”

“Oh no,” Peter sighed. “Alright, I’ve gotta make it up to Mantis somehow, too. I mean, everyone, really. Rocket’s probably pissed at me.”

“School seems intent on puttin’ you two up on a pedestal, y’ask me,” Yondu snorted. “I mean, y’crashed and burned about 20 minutes into the battle, but some of them girls seem to find it romantic that you’re the ones stuck in the hospital.”

“That is ridiculous,” Gamora said. “It’s not like we planned this.”

“Sounds like we couldn’t have planned it any better, actually,” Peter admitted. “We could cook up some real good story about how we saved each other’s lives. I mean, you basically got me going again after I first got hit, Gamora, we could twist this a little further, get some sympathy votes?”

“That sounds dishonorable,” she frowned. “Are we not above emotional manipulation?”

“Not when there’s money involved,” Yondu said gleefully, rubbing his hands together. “Is just a little exaggeration, Gamora, nothin’ to worry about.”

Peter sighed. “Is there anything else you need, Yondu?”

The other held up his hands as if to surrender, standing up slowly. “Just checking in. I’ll leave you lovebirds be.”

“Please don’t tell anyone - and he’s gone.” Peter groaned, leaning forward to rest his head in his hands. Gamora tried not to stare too closely at the way his broad shoulders tensed up as he did so. “Well, this weekend isn’t going the way I’d hoped.”

She reached over as best as she could, and he shuffled a little closer in confusion, allowing her to pat him on the hand. “It could be worse. You could be stuck in here with Rocket.”

Peter laughed, then immediately winced in regret, clutching at his bandaged torso. “Yeah, I guess. I mean, you’re probably the best person to be stuck in here with anyways. Drax would unknowingly insult me the whole time, Mantis would just worry like crazy, and I won’t exactly be having interesting conversations with Groot.”

Gamora smiled, nodding encouragingly. “Exactly. After all, I am your best friend. And your fake girlfriend.”

He looked down at her hand over his, contemplating for a moment before he turned his wrist so he could interlace their fingers and squeeze. “Hell yeah.”

______

Yondu was practically skipping up the ramp of the Milano, a spring in his step. He was satisfied to confirm his suspicions - Peter had it bad. Less than five minutes in the room with them, and he was staring at the girl like she put the stars in the sky. No, not even that. Like he would put the stars in the sky for her if she asked.

So, new plan. Instead of having him whining and denying like he was a kid all over again, get the two to date for real. Maybe it would result in some romantic crap Yondu (and let's face it, all the other Guardians aside from Groot and maybe Mantis) would want to hurl at, but it would be a right sight better than Quill mooning after Gamora forever.

“Hello, Yondu,” Mantis said from the weapons rack next to the ramp. She was helping Rocket reorganize everything after he grumbled at her about being too injured to do any heavy lifting. “Are Peter and Gamora alright?”

“Jus’ peachy,” Yondu said cheerily. The girl smiled so widely it made his cheeks twinge in sympathy for hers. “And I got a new idea. You'll like this one.”

“Should we have a team meeting, then?” He nodded, gesturing for her to follow him to the common area.

Drax was fast asleep on the couch, one foot on the coffee table and the other outstretched across the length of the seat, his snores rumbling throughout the cabin. Groot was sitting on his shoulder, nodding off. Rocket was at the table, replacing the bandages on his arm, and as expected, Nebula was nowhere to be found.

“Team!” Yondu barked. Drax jerked out of his sleep immediately, and Rocket yanked his bandage too tightly, cursing under his breath.

“Hi to you too, big blue,” Rocket sighed. “How's Quill and Gamora?”

“Safe and sound,” Yondu replied, settling down in the armchair. “And I have an idea. About them two.”

Mantis stood by the kitchenette, looking both delighted and confused. “Oh, I did not know about this part of the idea. Do tell!”

Yondu glanced around, making sure he had everyone's attention before beginning. “Quill’s been a little out of it lately. He been starin’ at Gamora since they met, but I don't think he's even so much as winked at another woman the past few months. Migh’ not sound like much, but I known him longer than any of you. Means he's in love.”

“He's probably just really getting into being a team leader now, ‘specially since we're known to the public. Doesn't want any bad blood with any of the girls on campus or his reputation’ll go down the drain,” Rocket scoffed.

“But you see that look on his face whenever she's around? Don’t make that face at anyone else.” Yondu grinned as Mantis nodded along. “See, bug-girl knows what I'm talking about. And she knows feelings. I think the best way to get Quill to focus is if he actually dates her for real.”

“Seems like a waste of time to me,” Drax frowned. “Quill needs to find a woman who will dance, like him. Gamora is a warrior, an assassin.”

“Don’t mean she can't learn how to dance.” Yondu had an odd look of delight on his face he usually reserved for big scores of units or rare trinkets. “Listen, all we gotta do is push ‘em both in the right direction. Talk to ‘em about their feelings or somethin’. And maybe, once they stop focusing on this dumbass plan o’theirs and actually date? We won’ have any more mishaps like today.”

Rocket stood on his chair, arms folded. “Surprised, Yondu, woulda thought you'd want them apart, not together.”

“You saw how mis’rable the boy was back when Gamora was talking ‘bout going back to the Cosmic Conservatory? Or when Warlock first got here and he thought she was gonna run off with him? Nah, separatin’ them’s only gonna make Quill sad.”

“He was weirdly passive-aggressive when Gamora and Golden Boy were talking on the comms this morning,” Rocket admitted. “Maybe you've got a point.”

“Can I help?” Mantis said, practically bouncing on the balls of her feet. “As Peter’s sister and Gamora’s friend, perhaps it would be best if I talk to them first.”

“Sure, girlie, but don't go messin’ with their heads or readin’ their minds,” Yondu nodded. “Let’s get this nonsense outta the way so we can get back to the real missions.”

“You are still not a member of the Guardians yet,” Drax reminded him. “You and Nebula have yet to prove yourselves.”

“It’ll happen, don’ you worry,” Yondu said, waving a dismissive hand.

“I am Groot.”

“Don’t give him hope,” Rocket said, moving to scoop up the little guy from Drax’s shoulder.

“Twig believes in me,” Yondu said confidently. “And that’s all I need.”

______

Peter and Gamora ended up sleeping for the rest of the afternoon and evening, Peter because he was bone-tired and Gamora because she honestly had no idea about what to do with her time. Her holo-tab could only keep her entertained for so long as she relayed more details of the mission in her “Academy Girls <3” group chat (created and titled by Janet, of course), her weapons were back at the Milano, and Peter’s presence currently consisted of him snorting in his sleep.

Director Fury’s visit, unsurprisingly, consisted of about five minutes of him giving them a stern dressing-down, and two minutes of him inquiring after their well-being. Oddly enough, he told Gamora that Adam had been by to see them (read: just her), but had been stopped along the way by Yondu.

“Yondu came back?” Peter groaned, rubbing at his temples.

“Any idea what that whole altercation was about?” Fury said, ignoring Peter’s dramatics. Gamora shook her head, confused. Yondu wasn’t the most friendly of people, no, but since when did he have issues with Adam? “Quill, if I’m gonna have a problem with Udonta starting trouble on campus - ”

“It was probably just a misunderstanding, Director,” Gamora said. “We can talk to him after we’re released tomorrow.”

“Good.” Fury stood even taller, satisfied. His hands moved to his hips, causing his coat to flip out behind him, grazing the linoleum floor. Peter suspected Fury’s brain required him to do that move at least three times a day. “You two rest up. I don’t want to be having another chat with you in this room, a week from now, telling you not to be stupid. The Sovereign might be after the Guardians, doesn’t mean you go after them with a ship that isn’t yours. Get the Milano fixed.”

“With all due respect, sir, we don’t really have money?” Peter coughed. “Um, not that I’m asking for it. You’re not my father, sir - ”

“And I’m glad,” Fury interrupted. “Your daddy was a real troublemaker.” He paused. “I’ll see what I can do for the ship.”

“Thank you,” Peter called as the Director swept out of the room. “What’s with everyone not saying goodbye?”

Gamora chuckled softly, turning over on her side to look at Peter. The throbbing sensation in her body had gone down significantly, but the stitches were still sensitive to movement. “I think I’m too awake now. We’ve been sleeping for at least six hours.”

“It’s been a really long day, but it’s somehow only 9:30,” Peter said, glancing at the persistently loud wall clock. “You wanna do something?”

“Like what? There’s nothing here.” She looked around the room to see if there was anything she missed. Sterile white walls, white curtains, a couple visitor’s chairs, their medical charts on the holo-screens staring mockingly back at her. Their tablets and emptied dinner trays sat on the tables next to their beds, which could only provide a distraction for a couple more hours at most. “We could quiz each other for that espionage lab we have on Wednesday.”

Peter let out a whining noise that reminded Gamora of Cosmo when his more dog-like instincts came into play. “That’s boring. We could quiz each other on something else, though. Like, 20 Questions?”

“Is that literally just asking each other 20 different questions?” It sounded mundane to her, but anything would be better than attempting to fall back asleep again. Even though it was relatively easy for her body to shut itself down on command, Peter would probably be tossing and turning all night.

“Yes, but about ourselves,” he said. “Like, our favourite colours, or what book we read recently, or something. I figured it’d also help with the whole fake relationship thing. And if it gets too personal, we can just say we don’t want to answer.”

“Okay. I’ll play.” Gamora did her best to stretch, feeling a dull ache of stiff muscles settling in. “You start.”

Peter was quiet for so long she started to wonder if he had dozed off again. “What’s your favourite part of this school?”

She gaped at him. “You made it sound like you were going to ask easy questions,” she exclaimed, debating whether to throw a pillow at him.

“I didn’t think that was a difficult one,” he protested. “I can ask something else.”

“No, it’s...it’s fine.” Gamora fell silent, contemplating. “I like the different kinds of training we have here. I suppose I’ve gotten too comfortable in my own style of combat and structure since even you managed to con me when we first met.” Peter laughed at the memory. Although it might have been (physically) painful in the moment, he would’ve never guessed it would lead them to where they were now. “What about you?”

“The clubs, obviously!” he said with vigor. “Way more dancing here than at the Cosmic Conservatory, don’t you think?”

“Not sure I see it as a positive thing,” she said teasingly. “Your dancing has increased tenfold since we started going here.”

He smiled. “If you had to pick one non-Guardian classmate to join the team, who would you pick?”

“Danvers,” Gamora said almost immediately. “She is the most powerful person on this campus, as far as I can tell, and her cosmic origins would help us immensely on many missions.” Peter nodded in agreement - that would’ve been his answer as well. “Do you wish that your date with her had gone differently?”

Peter froze. He hadn’t expected that. His date with Carol had been back when he and Gamora barely knew each other, when their relationship was more antagonistic than friendly. The others knew vaguely of the details that had led to it ending poorly, but Gamora knew the least, on account of him just...not wanting her to know. “At the time? Yeah, for sure, but now, I just don't think we would've worked out no matter what I did.”

“Why not?”

“Is that your third question?” Peter countered. She shrugged, unsure if she could even think of twenty. “I dunno, there's just...other factors that make it less likely for me to want a relationship with her. Don't bother with asking what they are, you're just gonna waste a question,” he chuckled as Gamora began to open her mouth. “Alright, if you’re gonna ask me that, then I’m gonna ask you this - do you think Adam has a crush on you?”

She looked so caught off guard Peter almost immediately wanted to take it back. “This is getting more personal than I anticipated,” she commented. “I don't know if he does. We just have a lot in common.”

“Maybe you could try going out with him after we've ‘broken up’. You seem to get along with him way better than you do with us.”

Gamora frowned. “Is that what you think? That arguing with someone less means I like them more? From what I remember of our mission on Ego’s planet, we determined that we considered each other family because we fought so much.”

Peter looked sullen. “I only meant that it'd be easier, than say, if we were actually dating. Alright, new topic, this is getting dangerously close to arguing territory. What's the last thing you and Nebula talked about?”

It took her a moment to answer, still reeling from Peter’s comment. What would they be like if they were actually dating? Disastrous, maybe. As friends and basically co-leaders of the Guardians, they were already rather volatile. As a couple, the delicate balance of their position as students, as members of a galaxy-saving team, as part of a family, would explode. Possibly literally. “Um, we talked about whether it would be worth to teach Mantis more combat and weaponry. Her martial arts skills are admirable but she will eventually need more.”

“So you want Mantis to be a more offense than defense member of our team.” It technically wasn’t a question. “Is that something she asked for?”

“It’s not a matter of asking, though we have her consent to be her teachers,” Gamora said. “She is a valuable member of our team, despite being very new, and it makes sense for her to use more than her empath abilities. What was the last thing you and Mantis spoke about?”

Peter smiled, and she relaxed a little. Their innocent game was starting to veer into open discussion of emotions and intentions, both things she tended to keep close to her heart. Maybe this was the right direction to bring them back to a light-hearted ‘get-to-know-you’ chat. “So I didn’t really tell anyone this, but as soon as I found out Mantis was basically my sister, I asked Janet for help on what Terran girls liked to do for fun, since I don’t know anything about Mantis’s homeworld or if I would have access or time to get things on other planets. I only vaguely remembered things Mom told me about, but I wanted her to be caught up to modern times, not just, y’know, stuck in the past like me. Janet found this boxset of crafts she got from a bookstore, and I knew it was meant to be for little kids, but it just seemed like something that my mom would’ve done as a girl and something Mantis would want to do now. So, uh, long story short, the last thing I did was teach Mantis how to make friendship charm bracelets.”

She could practically picture it now - with the other Guardians occupied with other personal things, Peter and Mantis had spent Thursday night on the Milano alone. They were probably sprawled out on the couch, enjoying the uncommon amount of elbow room, with Peter placing the box on the coffee table and excitedly telling Mantis about this cool thing that Terran girls liked to do with their friends. Gamora could also imagine Mantis asking Peter how it worked, and then spend the rest of the night weaving together.

One little statement, however, had caught her attention the most. “You think you’re stuck in the past? Just because you like holding onto things from your childhood?”

“It feels that way sometimes,” Peter admitted. “Stark got me a Spotify account and taught me how to make playlists, gave me the newest Starkphone, and yeah, it’s great that there’s been a lot of positive change - socially, culturally, politically - last one’s debatable - and I don’t want to literally live in the 80s - but I always go back to the Walkman, the Troll dolls, the stuff that my mom gave me.”

“If I still had possessions that my parents gave me as a child, I would keep them around too,” Gamora said quietly. “A picture, even. I sometimes don’t remember what they look like. I only remember being told I resembled my father more than my mother.”

He burrowed himself a little deeper into his sheets (he had asked the nurse to switch out his bedsheets for something significantly lighter) and blinked slowly at her. “What do you remember about your parents?” It was barely a whisper.

“I was so young when Thanos took me,” she said, rotating so she was on her back, staring at the ceiling. “I think...I remember my mother being very funny. She was very good at making my father laugh, even though he was a man who did not necessarily like to laugh.” She turned to look over at Peter. “Not that he was an emotionless person. At least, I don’t think so. What was your favourite thing about your mother?”

Unsurprisingly, he answered near instantly, though there was a suspicious glossiness to his eyes that made her worry about her question. She thought back to his wistful nature when she had commented on the picture in his room, and wondered if this was a step too far. “Her heart. She had so much love in her heart - for me, for her big family, for people she didn’t even know yet. Like, a little girl who broke her ankle trying to climb the tree in our backyard. Mom didn’t even ask why or how she got there, just drove her to the hospital and called her parents. Or a tired old woman who yelled at the cashier for being slow, only to realize she left her wallet at home and couldn’t pay for the groceries to feed her sick husband. Mom paid, and bought her a bouquet of flowers, hoping it would cheer them both up. Things like that.” He chuckled softly. “I want to be as good as my mom someday.”

“You’re already on your way, Quill,” Gamora said. “Just a bit more effort into school, maybe? And stop copying my answers, I saw your workbook for multiverse history and it was almost identical.”

He laughed at that. “Fair enough. Alright, last question. I know we’re only like halfway, but we’ll end up with a really messed-up sleep schedule if we continue. Do you like being a Guardian?”

She smiled at the ceiling, picturing the glow-in-the-dark stars of her bunk on the Milano. She could almost connect the dots between the speckles of the ceiling tile in patterns that closely resembled the constellations nearly ingrained in her mind. “Yes, I do.”

a/n: the game is on! who knows what else peter and gamora will want to know about each other ;) also i love yondu so much?? i’m also sort of working on a post-vol.2 fic and not having him around in that one hurts me.