#cuz regardless of how secure you think you are you are not i promise

[slowlydeepestninja]

I hate it when I talk to people older than me and they straight up forget my age

older person: * gives problem I cannot relate to*

older person: so yeah you relate

me:* taking notes on how to solve it for the future * not really most of my problems are solved by mom or dad or the problems are just too small to care about cuz what am I going to do when Becky is spreading rumours that I am dating Lol or something

older person: oh yeah. you're still in school

me: yes.

[junniepop]

JJK men and a male reader

So I died and came back. Now my inbox is filled with a lot of Jujutsu Kaisen stuff with a male reader, so I looked around and noticed there aren't a lot of male writers or even gender neutral ones, meaning that's what I'll be doing for awhile. This first request is...

before I get started, if you'd like to request something, then please see my masterlist

JJK boys with a male s/o

Warnings: aged up and language oh and some nsfw stuff cuz that's what they wanted.

Characters: I. Yuuji, F. Megumi, G. Satoru, N. Kento, R. Sukuna, T. Aoi

I. Yuuji

Isn't hung up by you being male, I feel as Yuuji got older, the more open minded he became. His sexuality was something that evolved as he aged and had a big change in his mid teenage years when he was exploring himself. Into his late teens he began seeing people of all types of representation, he simply did not care how they presented themselves.

That leads us to you, our gorgeous male that has Yuuji simping. All seriousness, this man loves entirely, some might even find it to be smothering. He is the type to text you paragraphs of good morning and goodnight texts, always leaving something for you to eat in the fridge, brings something home because it reminded him of you, and always always makes time to call you before a mission.

Yuuji always has random thoughts about you. Like, "Should I make his favorite tonight?" "I wonder what he's doing." "Oh....that would look so cute on him, should I get it?" "AH this charm has our initials on it! that means it was meant to be!"

If you're a sorcerer, Yuuji d e m a n d s to be your partner on missions and he will have a fit if someone says no. Is constantly stressing himself out over your well being, even if he knows you can handle yourself. always asking about your technique and is amazed every time he sees it. Very protective, stands in front of you a lot and when he see's you struggling he doesn't hesitate to get the curse's attention regardless of his own situation.

Also just because I feel like he would: Yuuji gave you a promise ring when he realized you were the one he wanted to be with for the rest of his life.

He has this need to prove to you that he is a fit partner, Like showing you he can cook, has his own place, very responsible with his money and what not.

The type of guy to send you a million snaps a day. He will literally show you everything he did that day and wants the same in return.

Every date with him somehow includes a physical activity. Going out to dinner? chances are Yuuji will see an arcade and more specifically the DDR in the background.

NSFW

In terms of sexual stuff, Yuuji seems like a top, but has definitely thought about bottoming and upon trying it- was not into it. Does not matter if you're much bigger than him or not, he will top you. However, Yuuji is rather submissive when it comes to his partner, he will say yes to whatever it is you want. You want him to be soft and gentle, he'll do it. You want him to absolutely wreck your ability to walk, he'll do it.

The first time Yuuji tried stuff with a guy, he for sure looked up if it would hurt and read that anal could be very painful, was TERRIFIED that he would hurt the guy. Definitely was asking with every movement if he was okay. With you he's more confident, but still askes if you're okay throughout the event.

Man is simple, likes very intimate positions where he can see your face. Heavily into pleasing you, he tries any kinks you're into even if he's not that into it. Loves being praised, it just does something to his brain, in that same line- any sounds you make go straight to his dick. Really enjoys marking, is proud to cover you in them too.

The type of guy to enjoy eating you out, like fully sit on his face. Plus it helps his dick slide in smoother.

Yuuji will lose his mind if you say you want to milk him. Yuuji usually never thinks about his own pleasure, so when you want to pleasure him until he's empty, mans is not readyyyy. Just stutters out an okay and proceeds to go stupid when you start.

Conclusion

Yuuji loves you entirely. Trusts you 100% and would do anything to keep your life stable and happy. Yuuji just wants to grow old with you tbh, so in love with the idea.

If you were to break up with him, he would be devastated, unable to continue on for a long time. I mean he placed his everything into you, why would you do this to him?

all in all, it is a very stable relationship as long as you don't take him for granted because he is prone to letting people use him.

F. Megumi

Definitely did not care you were male. Megumi cares about a person's mentality, their goals and dreams, the way a person carries themselves. When Megumi met you, he found you quite attractive, your drive is what lured him in and from there his feelings developed.

Megumi is subtle in showing his affection. Little touches here, sticky notes meant just for you, always carrying 'extra' snacks. It actually might take you awhile to notice his affections for you, simply because it is so subtle. Megumi seems like the person to wait until you confess. However. Megumi would confess if he gets pushed to or knows he won't get rejected.

Once he confesses, his love is soft and soothing with a hint of awkwardness. Megumi in the beginning would be showing affection through words and small acts of service, always telling you how much he appreciates you and doing things for you. Some of these things would be things like picking up snacks for you, doing your laundry, leaving you some of his clothes. He likes to do these things without you knowing because I think it lessens the embarrassment he feels doing it.

Even if you are in a long term relationship with him, he always gets flustered by you. Megumi is naturally reserved, so telling him I love you with sincerity will cause him to malfunction. Poor boy freezes and stutters around his words while avoiding eye contact.

Now, physical contact in this relationship is a tell tale sign of how much Megumi trusts you and loves you. Megumi is the type of person to reserve physical touch for someone he completely trusts, so with you, this will let you know his true feelings.

Touch would start with closeness at first, just grazing hands or bumping knees, but would develop into hours of intimate cuddling because he's touched starved. KISSING, oh my lord- his kisses tell you everything he feels. so intense, no matter how soft he kisses you.

if you're a sorcerer, Megumi is the type to go on missions with you, but doesn't complain if he can't go with you. However, worries a lot and contemplates going after you. Unlike Yuuji, who would go to literal war, Megumi trusts your strength a lot. The only time he is like yuuji is against a particularly strong curse. Loves fighting together though, it shows how much you trust him.

NSFW

Megumi gives me verse energy. Like he was a top for a long time, asked you if he could bottom once and was surprisingly into it. So now when the mood arises, its whatever you guys are in the mood for. You guys often take turns.

His first time was with you- Megumi just seems like a late bloomer and you were the only person he did stuff with. He's very gentle because he knows it can be painful, I think sexually his fear is not being good enough for you, so give him as much reassurance as you can.

Now this boy is rather kinky despite his personality. Loves when you beg, drives him mad to hear your pleas and whimpers. Likes the pain of you needing something to hold onto when he tops which results in scratches down his back and the pulling of his hair. Doesn't think condoms are necessary because you're the only person for him in his eyes- aka likes breeding. When he bottoms, he enjoys riding and wants to see your face as he does. Do not get it twisted though, he's very much into you messing him up and railing him.

SEND THIS BOY NUDES. DO IT. Mans will sprint home if he has to. Don't do it too often or he'll get used to it. Maybe like once every two-ish weeks. Or better yet do it while he's on a mission. Megumi always tries to answer you, so expecting something serious, he short circuits when its just a pic of you in some underwear he thought he ripped the last time you guys were intimate.

Conclusion

Shy boy into some kinky things with his partner. It might take him some time to develop a deep relationship with you because he's scared you'll leave, but as long as you provide him the security he needs, he'll stay by your side indefinitely.

If you were to break up with him, you're just like his dad in his eyes and the betrayal would result in him locking many people out. Unlike Yuuji, who's emotions pour out of him, many wouldn't know Megumi is barely scrapping by.

G. Satoru

Gojo doesn't give a rats ass how you present yourself, he lives by the motto "a hole's a hole." What truly would make Gojo invest in more than casual hooking up is your personality. Gojo needs someone who doesn't need him and doesn't care about who he is in the sorcerer world. Someone like that would capture his eye rather quick and this man is like "Eh? I'm GOJO SATORU, you know top dog?" and you would just blink and go back to whatever it was you were doing.

Shows off so much trying to impress you. "ne ne (Y/n) did you see me squash that special grade into dust?" *sigh* "Yes Gojo, I also saw you split one into a thousand pieces and turn another into a ball." so unamused by his abilities.

The one time he saw amazement cross your features is when he was playing the piano (I feel Gojo's other talents were never looked at and everyone saw him as this god like being, all he wants is someone to look at other things he can do.) and his heart skipped a beat. Because his first goal was just get into your pants, he was quite surprised you were more interested in his normal talents. This is where he begins showing you his real side, still a teasing man child, but he begins asking you about your interests and seeing what you have in common.

The more he learns, the harder it is for him to find a way not to commit to you. You see Gojo subconsciously looks for a reason to leave, he hates being tied down and is super flighty. Then there's you, ticking all his boxes without even knowing it. There's only been one person to do that.

So he takes a leap and goes for it. He's still scared that he'll get burned like last time, but he's willing to try.

One of the requirements to being with Gojo is you need to be strong in your own right. Gojo is an extremely powerful man with many enemies, so his partner must be able to handle themselves. Being a sorcerer, Gojo would B E G you to go with him on literally every single mission and would throw the biggest tantrum until you say yes. Sometimes when he's being particularly childish, he'll stop fighting the curses to watch you do it. "You can do it (Y/n)-chan, if you win I'll give you kisses." Takes everything in your power not to launch your technique right at him as he sits there with his shit-eating grin.

This man in the beginning of your relationship is immediately extremely handsy. Just all up on you all the time, but little do you know is, this is really a protective measure for when you're out of the house. At home, he's still handsy, but you can just feel how different it is. He'll come and fall asleep on you, stand behind you when you're doing your skincare routine, always following you around the house.

Overtime, you'll become his place to rest when he needs to recharge. You're the only time Gojo gets a break from being at the top. It makes you wonder if he ever truly gets to be normal.

Overall, Gojo's love is deceptively delicate because his personality is quite childish, he uses it as a mask to hide how he's really feeling. So you might think everything is going swimmingly until he ups and leaves you. Once he starts showing you that real side of him, that's when you have him wrapped around your finger.

NSFW

This man is incredibly horny. His stamina is very high and he's very kinky. Gojo is a dominant verse whore. It doesn't matter if he's taking or giving, he's always in control. Honey you were not first and you might not be the last, this man is very confident in pleasuring you.

Gojo like I said, is incredibly kinky. He enjoys degrading you, overstimulating you until you beg him to stop, he wants to break you and make you only crave him. Seriously, you might want to think about a safe word because this man won't stop until you're not even speaking coherent sentences. In saying that there are somethings that you can try (key word 'try') to do to make him lose his mind. One of those things is a blowjob, his dick is incredibly sensitive in certain areas, so he'll become a mind-numbed mess if you're good enough. Another is softly begging in his ear and saying how he's the only one who makes you feel this way aka call him your god in bed and he'll bust right then and there.

Phone sex. Legit will call you if you guys haven't been together for a few days and all you hear are his whines and groans. "Guess what I'm doing cutie~"

THIS MAN- you're never safe to answer your phone because one time you opened the snap and it was him lazily jacking his dick. You have a small heart attack every time the notif is a snap from Gojo, just praying you can open it in public and 9/10 you can't.

The type of guy to get handsy in public places. Just in your ear like "Baby pleeeeasssseeeee can we fuck in public, I promise you'll still be able to walk when I'm done."

Conclusion

Gojo is a rollercoaster of a relationship that needs it's rider to be okay with a lot of distance for awhile and sudden disappearances. Without the right criteria, the relationship is doomed to fail.

If you were to break up with him, he would immediately sleep with as many people as he can to numb himself from the pain of having a hole ripped right through him. He'd go back to that childish personality, but you can feel the edge in his words despite his tone.

N. Kento

Nanami gives me 'gave up on the sex of my partner ages ago' energy. Like he has tried relationships with a lot of people and realized all people suck. So you being a man means nothing to him, you just have to prove to him you're not shitty like everyone else.

The type of guy that takes you out on proper dates in the beginning. It's usually dinner because of his job, but sometimes he'll ask you to lunch. Nanami will bring you small gifts like flowers or Knick knacks he thought you'd like.

Nanami likes someone a little younger than himself, probably around 23-24, they still have that idealistic thought process but with realistic foundations. He likes someone who can be serious, but still enjoys things like joyrides or going out bowling.

Nanami is a very uptight guy, so you're going to have to work to get him to relax. When you do, this is when he starts to see you as long time partner rather than someone who is just for fun. Literally goes from stick up his ass, to a big softie that just wants to curl up in bed with you. He'll start smiling more and doing intimate things like bathing together.

Nanami would probably rather have someone outside the sorcerer world so he doesn't have to think about work when he sees you. He wouldn't complain if you were though, gives him a lot less to worry about since he knows you can handle yourself. Doesn't even stress when you go on missions by yourself, he respects your strength.

NSFW

Now Nanami is moderately kinky. He's definitely a top and will not change. He's into ddlb (dom daddy and little boy for my innocents out there.) Very much into control and making you take it, he's not one for brats and will tame that shit right out of you. Doesn't need a safe word, he's very good at gauging your reactions. Really really into deep throating and you better learn how to breathe or you'll be struggling. Likes breeding, so he would be glad you can't have children.

Conclusion

Nanami’s love is traditional and straight forward. He likes routine to a certain degree and that degree ends at stable relationship, everything else is not that fun without a level of risk to him, but he likes that when he comes home, you'll be right there.

if you were to break up with him, Nanami would sigh and say he told himself so. He's hurt, but it'll solidify that people are still and always will be shitty.

R. Sukuna

Sukuna does not do love. period. The only way I could see him giving notice to someone is if they are powerful, someone who can bring him amusement. Sukuna only does thing for his own entertainment end of discussion.

I’m going to be using post-Yuuji Sukuna, so he’s restricted by Yuuji himself and can’t outright cause chaos at all times. This way Sukuna has to spend more time with people than he’d like to, normally he would just kill something once he’s bored, but now he has to deal with them.

Noticed your technique through Yuuji and was amused, much like Megumi, he thought your curse technique had a lot of potential to be devastating. As Yuuji spent more time with you, Sukuna began noticed more things about you, like that you cooked better than Yuuji, were extremely versatile in battle with your technique and so on.

The type to notice your attraction to him and act on it. He can’t really do much since he’s in Yuuji’s body, so he’s going to work with what he’s got. Didn’t care if you’re male or female, he just likes a strong partner so he can go harder during sex.

Your relationship would start with being his toy, something to bring him pleasure that is all. With Sukuna, you must both respect him and not fear him. He’s very big on respect and trust, but hates when someone he views as ‘important’ fears him because they’ll betray him the second they can. Everyone else can fear him, he doesn’t care.

Sukuna is also highly unpredictable and unstable, be prepared for death at a moments notice tbh. He’ll kill you if he feels like it. In a deeper relationship, Sukuna is a hard pressed tsundere, saying things quite harshly. Saying things like, “Here brat, I don’t need you breaking just yet.” “Dumbass, that curse was stronger than you.” “I took care of them because you’re weak.”

Trust between Sukuna and you is a game of high stakes chess, one wrong move and you’re nothing but trash to him. However, succeed in earning his trust and you’ll be rewarded with a loyal man. Though Sukuna hates showing vulnerability, so he’ll treat you the same in public places that he would treat anyone else. Alone, he’s alright with whatever as long as it doesn’t annoy him.

Surprisingly protective. He’ll kill curses he deems are a problem to you or rip a person limb from limb if he found a hair missing from your head. Doesn’t understand why you don’t let him handle it, he’s way stronger than you.

Is almost never soft with you unless he’s extremely tired or just waking up. Holding you as close as he can and telling you not to go. Don’t bring it up either, he’ll end you if you tell anyone.

Will never tell you, but likes touching you, you’re very soft compared to him. He’s the type of guy to have callous from years of fight and doesn’t really care about his skin to much because he’s a God in his eyes.

Would rather surrender himself to a church than admit he gets slightly giddy when you remember small details about him. Like this man has a lot of history, so when you know a tiny random detail about him, his non-existent heart shutters a little.

Nsfw

This man is extremely kinky during sex. I pray for your well being because honestly I don’t know if you’re going to live through sex with him. A dom top period, that last person to even insinuate they could top him was added to his innate domain permanently.

He’s into completely dominating you and make sure you know he owns you. B I G into impact play, slapping you a lot until you’re a beautiful red. Degrading and humiliating you, honestly would let people watch so they know that you’re his property.

Actually really likes his partner to be a brat, man loves breaking you and turning you into a submissive bunny just for him. Honestly he just likes pushing people beyond their limits, like really into emotional play, he wants to see your expressions when he does something. Ooo objectification, will use you like a foot stool and sit on you. Man in general will work you hard.

In saying all that, immaculate aftercare because he knows your mind is too far gone to remember him being this caring and soft for you. Literally bathes you and gets you into bed curled up on him. Also makes sure your body didn’t sustain a lot of damage during sex.

Do. Not. Taunt. Sukuna. It will not end well. “Huuuh? You think you can handle more little boy?” Eyes narrowed and smile too tight. You’ve awoken the beast and he’s not going to leave anything unbroken.

Conclusion

Sukuna’s love is... well a bike ride through hell? To be honest you’ll never know if he loves you. Everything about him is highly unpredictable and dangerous, you could end up as worm food in seconds.

Breaking up with Sukuna... you’re joking right? You don’t have the balls to tell a man who could split you into a million pieces with a flick of the wrist, you’re breaking up with him , right?

Seriously he’ll kill you, no hesitation. It’s either realize you’re stuck with him or die. I think most people would assume he never cared at first, but he did care and now you want to leave him? Absolutely not. He set everything down for you and he’ll be damned if he lets you live without him.

T. Aoi

(First and foremost- why is it so hard to find Toudou headers.)

Okay, I’m sorry but Toudou to me is a straight guy, so I can’t really see him with a male. But, if it were to happen, I think it would go like this:

Being childhood friends with Toudou, you were used to his eccentric personality and sometimes extreme antics.

This man is EXTREMELY comfortable with you. You guys grew up together, so some of the things you guys do together would definitely be seen as way too much for friends. I’m talking sharing the same bed, bathing together, using each other’s things without permission. To you guys, you’ve been doing this since you were little, so neither of you think twice.

I think there would be a trigger that would make Toudou realize he’s more into you than being friends. Like maybe someone flirting with you, he’d at first think he’s being replaced as a friend, but it’s much deeper than that. Definitely debates in his head about what he’s feeling toward you. After going back and forth with his type of girl in his head, he’ll come to terms with it.

This is when he’ll start noticing things he’s never payed that much attention to before. Things like how small you’re compared to him, the way clothes fitted to your body, how pretty you actually were and most important difference- how he’s never noticed you have the fattest ass he’s ever seen.

Seriously this man’s sexuality went from women to women + you.

Toudou isn’t the type to wait either, as soon as he knows how he feels, he confesses. He’s the type of guy to say “take it or leave it, that is how I feel.”

You kinda just stand there. Like, huh? Toudou are you feeling okay? Have- have you been cursed? There’s no way, Toudou middle name pussy pounder Aoi just said he was into you romantically... right?

After the shock, you reciprocated his feelings and began dating.

Now, this man- S U P E R affectionate and devoted. Always wanting to hold hands or link arms. He loves cuddling and playing with your hair while you sleep on him. Puddy in your hands if you give him a massage.

Toudou is immensely dedicated. He knows your favorite foods down to the amount of salt you use on your fries, knows what sizes you prefer for hoodies, shirts, button ups and so on, and this man knows your favorite movies by heart.

He’s the type to buy you something simply because you said it was starting to give you problems.

Lovvvvessss dates. I mean he’s a hopeless romantic, he wants to take you on really cheesy dates that you’d see honeymoon couples go on.

The type to want to match clothing or jewelry.

If you’re a sorcerer, he’s wanting to train everyday, he likes seeing you in action. Double points if you can match him in strength too. He respects your strength enough to not worry about you, he’s confident in his S/o’s abilities.

NSFW

Top. Enough said. Ok but seriously, he wants to clap you cheeks so bad.

Toudou has the biggest size kink too, I’m talking like he’s the type to point right at your navel and say “I’m right here baby~ can you feel me filling you?”

His definitely into railing. His favorite position is the mating press, allows him to hit deeply and as hard as he wants.

Lovesss when you whine and beg. He wants to see how much you can take before your begging him to let you cum.

The type of guy to leave your ass a nice reddish purple color. Just two big ass hand prints on you ass and hips.

✨i m m a c u l a t e✨ aftercare. It’s almost like he’s worshipping you when he’s cleaning you up and making sure you’re taken care of.

Conclusion

Being with Toudou is like being with an Aries, he’s high energy and can get easily bored. He enjoys someone who excites him both mentally and physically. Loves a challenge. Toudou’s love is like a concentrated ball of sunlight, it’s hot and bright. He’s overly devoted to you and tells you how much you mean to him all the time.

If you break up with him, he’s the type to hold his head high until he’s alone and then he breaks down, crying into his hands. Thinking, “Was I too much?” “Maybe I wasn’t enough?” He’s confident, but he’s still a person with insecurities.

[blueskiesandstarrynights]

Whatever Happens I'ma Stand Tall- Jatp time loop au, Chapter 1: Loop 1

And here we go! This is an idea I've had brewing for a while and I'm finally starting it! Part of this chapter does come from the episode Stand Tall as set up for the story. Some chapters will have multiple loops and some will have one. Also, just a quick warning the guys do get jolted out of existence/die but it's temporary and the premise of the story. Since this will be multi chaptered, anyone who wants to be a part of a tag list can just send me an ask and I'll add you for next chapter.

Word Count: 1511

Masterpost of chapters (x)

Looks like today is gonna be another sunny day, with temperatures in the low to mid eighties.

Julie goes to shut off her radio alarm and takes a deep breath. Today was the day. If everything went well, they were going to play the Orpheum, her phantoms would cross over, and they wouldn’t be destroyed by those horrible jolts.

It was fine.

She was fine.

She got dressed, took a deep breath, and went out to face the day.

The rest of the day passed in what felt like a blur, one thing quickly happening after another; the guys securing their performance, the exciting phone call she got when they got back, rushing to her dad to tell him about the gig they she secured, the band hug in the studio, the nervous car ride to the Orpheum, the anxious waiting, the breakdown in the alley realizing they weren’t coming, the exhilarating performance when they did, it’s a wonder she didn’t fall asleep on the car ride home.

After making an excuse to her father and brother, she made her way to the studio. She needed to say one final good-bye.

She opened the doors and stared into the dark room that had held so much life these past couple weeks. A room that once held the smiles and songs of her mother, but now held the smiles and songs of her new family. In the darkened room she could still see Luke's beanie thrown on the couch, Alex’s drums shining in the moonlight, and the floating chairs her mom had hung up with Julie one afternoon that Reggie had pointed out on his first day here.

She took a deep breath before saying, “I-I know I already said this, but, uh, thank you guys.”

“You’re welcome.”

There was a collective sigh followed by, “Dude”

Julie dashed over to the light, hoping the voices she just heard weren’t hallucinations made out of hope, but there they were. Collapsed on the floor coughing, looking exhausted and in pain, and very much not crossed over.

She stared at them for a few seconds in shock before stammering out, “W-why are you guys here? I-I thought-” She didn’t even get a chance to finish her sentence before another jolt rocked the collapsed figures followed by another round of coughing and groaning. “I thought you crossed over, why didn’t you cross over?”

“I guess playing the Orpheum wasn’t our unfinished business.” Alex groans as he and Luke and Reggie try hauling themselves up from their collapsed ghost pile.

“Point Caleb,” Reggie added sadly, leaning against a chair for support.

“We wanted you to think we crossed over so we came here,” Luke contributed. “We just-” he paused. “We had nowhere else to go.”

“We thought you’d just go straight to bed,” Reggie explained.

“Yeah, well, I knew she was gonna come out here, but nobody ever listens to-” Alex is cut off by yet another jolt that rocks all three ghosts.

This seems to break whatever trance that had been holding Julie to stand there and stare at her collapsing bandmates, and she tearfully cried out, “You have to save yourselves right now! Go join Caleb’s club, please, it’s better than not existing at all! Go, poof out, just go, do something, do it for me please!”

Reggie simply shook his head, “We’re not going back there”

Luke staggered towards her and looked Julie in the eyes before saying, “No music is worth making, Julie, if we’re not making it with you. No regrets.”

They both give a sniffle before Julie launches herself forward towards Luke to give him a hug and-

She stumbles from the momentum and passes through him. She’s not sure why she did that, she wasn’t exactly expecting anything different, he is a ghost after all.

The guys are jolted once more and are forced to the floor again, but this time they have less strength to get back up. They had just started sitting back up when they were forced back down once more by another painful jolt. They seemed to be getting more frequent and more painful with each one that came. Everyone in the studio knew this was the end, and each second that passed brought them closer to their inevitable doom.

Julie’s eyes were so blurred with tears that she almost didn’t notice that the guys were now fading. She could now sort of see through them and see the furniture behind them, and for the first time since she met them, they actually looked like how she expected ghosts to look.

Luke seemed to notice too and he turned to Julie and said, “Hey, Julie I want you to promise us something, ok? Don’t stop playing music. You just got it back in your life, your mom wouldn’t want you to drop it, and neither do we. Keep smiling, keep making music, and keep showing the world the human wrecking ball that is Julie Molina.”

Julie nodded to him, too choked up to say anything before turning to Reggie who had tried to sit up but only succeeded in hurting himself more. He repositioned himself to lean against a chair before saying, “Take care of Ray and Carlos for me ok? And-and if Carlos ever figures us out, tell him I miss him, ok?”

Julie sniffled, “I will, I promise, I’ll tell him all about you guys.”

Alex looks like he’s about to say something when a jolt once again hits them, and Julie worries this could be it when they briefly flicker out of existence entirely, but they do come back to her, albeit still faded. Alex must’ve realized how little time they had left, and he started to speak faster to get his last request out.

“Julie, promise me if you ever run into Willie, tell you’ll him that I miss him, and to not blame himself for this happening, ‘cuz he’s gonna do that, and-” he pauses, as if he’s scared to say this next part. “And tell him that I love him.”

Julie agreed, “I’ll find him and tell him, he’ll know how much you cared for him.”

Julie looked down at her boys and tried to memorize every detail about them. Alex’s hair that always seemed to fall in his face, Reggie’s smile that wasn’t here right now, but always seemed to light up a room, and Luke’s voice that always seemed to fill a room, whether he was singing or shouting words of encouragement her way. She had to memorize them, since there were no pictures of them to hold whenever she’d get sad, unlike her mom.

Sure, there was the Edge of Great video, but it was a performance. Something rehearsed. She wished she had more time with them for so many reasons, but she wanted more time to create memories, more time to just do normal things and find a way to record them.

Luke looked up at his defeated bandmates and got their attention by announcing, “Hey guys, band circle.”

The guys couldn’t really move all that well through the pain, but they all stuck their fists together in a circle.”We may not have made it into the Rock ‘n Roll Hall of Fame, but we still played the Orpheum and that’s pretty rad.” Luke then turned to Julie and said, “And, when you win your first Grammy and make it big-hey, we know you will, don’t try to deny it-remember us, ok? And, a little shout out wouldn’t hurt either.” Luke tried to give her a wink at that statement, but it just came out as more of a grimace, but Julie tried to give him a smile regardless.

“Alright legends on three ok?” The band nodded.

“One,” Reggie started.

“Two,” Alex added.

But before Julie could finish, there was one final jolt that coursed through the ghosts’ non-existent bodies, and they disappeared for good before they even hit the floor.

There was absolute silence in the studio as Julie whispered out a quiet, “Three,” her fist still reached out in a non existent circle. She dropped her hand to her side before her whole body dropped to the floor, her whole body wracked with sobs as she sat in the dimly lit, empty studio.

She sat there in the studio and just mourned for a while. Or at least, she thinks it’s a while. She doesn’t know how long she sits there, whether it’s been minutes or hours, she doesn’t know, all she knows is she doesn’t know how she’s going to face her family like this. She’s not sure how she could explain this to her father without looking crazy, and she really didn’t know if she could pretend like everything’s ok, when it’s not, it’s not even close to ok.

So consumed in her grief and tears, she almost doesn’t notice the bright white light enveloping her, growing brighter by the second until-

Silence.

Then-

Looks like today is gonna be another sunny day, with temperatures in the low to mid eighties.

[obithoes]

could i have a imagine where sasuke and the reader have like 3 children, during while he was on the mission, and he just spends time with the kids, ending with some fluffy and teasing smut between her and sasuke cuz they missed each other? thank you!

a piece of me: sasuke uchiha

authors note: sorry for the delay! there was too many ideas all over the place for this one

word coun: 1610

You could always see the displeasure in his expression during every morning when the both of you were meant to part. Always cutting farewells short — he never intended to be cold, you knew that. The way his eye softened when he held your gaze for too long before shifting towards the small child in your arms the down towards the barely noticeable bump your stomach formed.

You knew this was what he had to do, however he could help but hate that he couldn’t stay with you — bring you with him but you both knew how much he needed this. Without much being said he tenderly kissed you, hastily disappeared right after.

Months after his departure you gave birth to a beautiful set of twins, a boy and a girl. Your daughter Sana, took after you in every aspect except for the dark onyx orbs. While your son Samaru was a mix of the two of you; the only one to not share the same eyes as his father. You cried that night, wishing nothing more than to have Sasuke by your side.

Sasuke was never given the chance to properly interact with the twins, never mind your eldest son. Your eldest Ichiro reminded you so much Sasuke, a carbon copy of him in addition to having the same attitude; although he was much more softer. Regardless of having no memory of their father you often shared stories about him, always involving the tell-tale story of how you met, and showing them pictures from his youth. Your wedding picture seemed to be their favorite, you’d often catch Ichiro fondly gazing at it.

Most believed that you should’ve hated him for leaving you, a lone mother to care for three children. However you couldn’t and would never hate him, you understood why he did what he did and why the way that he is.

No one would ever understand the relationship between you two. You were able to understand each other without having to utter a word; two halves of a whole when separated. Contrary to common belief Sasuke didn’t marry you in hopes of pleasing the village elders, he did it to show his utter devotion; that no matter how far or long he way away for he will always be by your side.

That day was over eight years ago, just three months before discovering you were pregnant with your first. You greatly appreciated the letters you seldomly received from him but they still left you longing for his return. Not just his yearly visit that only lasted through the night with no trace of him to be found in the morning. No you endlessly longed to touch him, wake up next to him, have him at your side raising the children that resembled both you and him in a sense.

——

Just like every other day you raised with the sun, preparing for the day. Since it was saturday you dressed in your old training gear, securely placing a few ninja tools in your pouch. Every since your children decided that they wanted to be just like their parents they’ve been training as much as any seven and six year olds could. Saturday’s became training day ever since Ichiro enrolled in the academy, Sana and Samaru in tow.

Once getting them out of bed they showered ate, and dressed before heading out towards the training grounds. Training with them every weekend caused their skills to greatly improve despite their young age, before turning seven Ichiro was able to master the fire ball justu. Although your nature wasn’t fire you were still able to teach him the hand signs.

Today was mostly spent with shuriken practice, ending with Ichiro helping you teach the twins the fire ball justu. Before the four of you knew it the sun was beginning to set. The three of them raced home, leaving you trudging behind wishing you could share their energy.

Before entering your home you sensed something was off. Picking up on the unfamiliar chakra sense you stiffened, quietly telling your children to wait outside for you. Entering cautiously you concealed your presence, kunai held in a death grip. Entering the living area you were greeted with a all too familiar dark figure lounging on your couch.

“I was wondering when you would come back” Freezing you dropped your kunai at the sound of his voice. Sasuke slowly approached you until you were face to face.

Your hand was the first thing to touch him, landing on his firm chest assuring you this wasn’t some a genjutsu. “Sasuke” your voice was small, lacking it’s usual poise. Looking up you didn’t realize tears clouded your vision until his face became blurry. Your arms circled around his neck squeezing him against you; his lone arm holding you against him.

You must’ve been inside longer than you thought because your children came storming inside. Ichiro in front with his own kunai, Samaru to his left leaving Sana protectively behind them. “Ma what’s... dad?” Ichiro lowered the weapon, gazing up at Sasuke in pure shock, the man that he hardly remembers from only being a few months old was standing right in front of him.

Beating him to it Sana called out for her father in excitement, engulfed him in the biggest huge her little arms could muster. Samaru followed quickly after, both children clinging to their father for dear life as he awkwardly attended to both of them. You remained close laughing at the scene unfolding, shifting your attention you looked around for Ichiro only to come up short. Realizing why he left you gave him the space he needed.

Once it was well past the twins bed time Sasuke helped you put them down before heading off in search of his eldest. Finding Ichiro throwing shuriken at some makeshift targets, he realized he must have slipped outside earlier after this younger siblings became the focus of his attention. Sasuke watched him for a while, waiting for the child to take a break. He became more interested once the child started to weave signs he was all to familiar with, perfecting the first justu he’s ever learned .

“You’re better than I was at your age” his tone was firm, but held a sense of pride. However it didn’t fail to make Ichiro go stiff, only slightly relaxing after realizing it was his father speaking.

Without turning around Ichiro replied “Yeah thanks to mom” He sighed before turning around, he approached his father until they were within arms length of each other. Staring at each other for a while before Sasuke broke the silence.

“It’s not much, but I apologize for not being here for you or the twins. It was never my intention to bring sorrow to any of you”

“Mom already told me. It’s just-“ Ichiro shifted his gaze before looking back at his father with a hardened look “Listen I get that the mission was important for you and you needed to do it” he took a breath before continuing “But it doesn’t matter that mom loves you and she’s okay with you leaving you need to promise that you won’t leave for so long ever again. I don’t like seeing her sad”

Sasuke was stunned, his child lecturing him, putting his feelings aside in regards for another. He reminded him of Itachi, bringing a slight pain to his chest.

“You have my word” his words firm and meaningful,hesitantly he grasped his sons shoulder before continuing. “As I said before I am aware that my words don’t mean much but I’m more that willing to make up for lost time with you. Your mother doesn’t specialize in fire type and I have more than enough ninjutsu’s to teach you.”

The excitement that flashed in Ichiro’s eyes was gone as soon as it came, but not fast enough for Sasuke to miss it. Shrugging his shoulders he looked up at his father as if the words had no effect on him “That would be cool”

Unexpectedly Sasuke pulled Ichiro into the gentlest hug he could manage. Ichiro hesitantly hugged back, basking in the warmth he never knew he missed.

Your heart grew as you watched the scene play out. You silently remained in the door frame, giving them a few minutes before clearing your throat. In an instant Ichiro snapped out of Sasuke’s hold, taking in your presence. You held back a laugh before speaking. “I believe it’s time for bed young man” Nodding Ichiro ran up to you hugging you before wishing you a goodnight, and bashfully wishing the same to his father before heading upstairs.

Once you were sure he was in bed you approached Sasuke almost predator like, pulling him down by the collar of his shirt in for a needy kiss. Gripping the back of your neck Sasuke held you closer. Grazing your teeth across his bottom lip before pulling away.

“Now I think we have some catching up to do” your honeyed tone was almost enough to make him take you right there.

“That we do” His voice dropped an octave making you realize how much you missed hearing him speak.

Lightly trailing your pointer lightly up his chest you stopped all the way at his lip tugging it down. Sasuke playfully nipped at it,

you laughed before speaking. “You know I have some things I’ve been wanting to try out, only if you’re up for it of course” You said in a teasing tone. A light smirk casted over Sasuke’s face, before you could blink you were in your bedroom, back flush against the bed.

[miss-sleepdeprived]

Im gonna level with you the vast majority of this was written at 3 in the morning and I’m too tired to deal with it any more so let’s hope for the best

Also this is the first part of the prologue \/

“Ah Welcome! How can I help you little lady?”

Alana just about jumped out of her skin, the people here were so friendlier than the ones at her kingdom despite the cold. It was odd.

The smith was an older man with a round face and body, he appeared a jolly fellow who she imagined wouldn't question her specifics.

“I need a sword, something that can cut through bone.” she said pulling her cloak tight around her shoulders.

“ Well alright I have something or did you have plans for it?”

“ I had plans but if it's not possible I understand.”

“ Well let me see ‘em before we say that.”

Alana smiled before pulling out her book, it was dark brown leather bound with a scarlet A on the front as her initials. Flipping to the correct page she handed the book to the smith who took it with surprising gentleness handling it with care looking over the plans before handing it back.

“Well I can do it for sure but its gonna be a hefty price little lady.”

She jumped “Right.” pulling the bad of gems and gold from her belt. “Would this be enough? I can get more if it’s not this is just what I brought with me.”

Handing it to the man he took it with the same gentleness he took her note book, opening it carefully to examine it’s contents.

“Hunny this is perfect, I imagine I can have it done sometime next month butif that works for you, just drop by anytime and have a chat if you want as well, I love the company.”

Alana smiled nodding her head before replying. “Next month is perfect, and if I have the time I may come for a visit thank you.”

“Any time little lady, now you be careful out there I think a storm is a brewin.”

The weeks passed and when she had the time Alana did come to the smithery and visit even well after her sword was made. While there she learned the name of the smith Arther and that Arther had a daughter by the name of Layla whom she met about her 3rd visit to the smithery and was now well acquainted with and could reliably consider her a friend.

Putting her trust in this new friend she told Layla of her plan and who exactly she was, Layla had been less then surprised as she had heard the horror that was king Reed understanding Alana's wish to rid the country of the tirant.

“Hey Lana?” Layla asked, grabbing the blonds attention.

Alana made a noise of acknowledgement moving her head towards her friend. “What is the hierarchy like in Iceland? Cuz here the oldest and second had to fight it out to figure out who’s the heir but I imagine it’s different where your from,”

Alana thought on the topic before giving her decision as it had never crossed her mind. “Well it’s mostly circumstantial, so let’s say that the current ruler died of natural causes then in their will whoever was stated would become ruler in my case my sister despite me being older. However let’s say that he were to get killed via assation then whoever killed him would be dubbed the new ruler despite the people's opinion.”

“Why is that?”

“Because of the crown.” Alana started. “I’ve spent my entire life learning about my country and by far the most interesting thing is the crown of the royals, it is made with a frame of black stone with three pillars in the front, the two on the sides used to have glow stone imbedded in them however the current king had them removed and replaced with coal. And the one in the middle has a good sized netheright that is enchanted to stay on the head of the royal regardless of force if the royal doesn’t want it off it won’t be coming off. The only exception being if they died.”

“Okay so let’s say that someone that wasn’t in the bloodline killed them, what would the crown do?”

“It would attach to the person who killed them although it isn’t normal for that to happen because of security precautions, we are called the most war efficient country for a reason. The people there are rough, ready to fight at any moment. It’s kind of sad if I’m honest.”

“Really?”

“Yes, think about it, wouldn't you be sad if all the time you had to keep a solid face always preparing for the worst because who knows when your king is going to declare war on a country and you're going to have to leave everything to help. I’m sorry I fell down quite the rabbit hole didn’t I?” Alana said with a shy smile

Layla put her hand on Alanas arm.” No no it’s okay that’s how you feel things are you see things from the villagers perspective it’s a sign of a great ruler! And why I thought Willbur would have been a better one.”

Layla mumbled the last but tho it was clear Aruther heard her as he was quick to scold her.

“Layla, you know it’s none of our business what goes on at the capital. And besides, Technoblade still has a time to mature all those boys do and will with time just like you, I remember you once tried to “storm the capital” because you didn’t like the color of banners they put up.”

“GREEN IS THE WORST COLOR TO PUT IN AN ENTIRELY WHITE AND BLUE AREA!”

Arther simply laughed at his daughter's childishness shaking his head as he went back to cleaning and sharpening tools.

Huffing and falling back into her chair Layla noticed something under Alana's cloak.

“Hey Lana?”

“Humm?”

“Come out back with me for a sec?”

“Sure.”

The two girls walked around to the back of the store where it was much warmer then the rest of the outside considering the walls meant to keep the wind out and the active fire that Arther used to reform tools.

“Okay cutting right to the chase do you have wings?”

“Uh..”

“YOU DO!? CAN YOU FLY!? CAN YOU TAKE ME FLYING!?”

“That’s what your wondering?”

“Uh duh, I mean come on I find out my best friend has wings and you think I’m not gonna want a ride?” she gasped before continuing. “ CAN I SEE THEM!!!??”

Alana jumped before putting her hands on Layla’s shoulders and covering her mouth to keep her quiet.

“Okay okay you can see them if you promise to be quiet.”

The brunette nodded frantically before watching Alana move her cloak allowing the massive white wings to stretch and the bones to pop from being stuck under the cloak for so long, ruffling the feathers to put them back the their place before turning back to Layla rolling her eyes slightly to see her practically jumping in her spot before nodding and allowing her friend to run her hands threw the small feathers along her back all the way down to the big ones that allow her to fly all the while checking with Alana to make sure it was okay.

“Why do you keep them under your cloak?” Layla asked with a quizzing look in her face.

“Well my parents don’t like them too much I’m not sure why but they truly just don’t want to look at them if they can help it. I think mother would cut them off if she could if I’m being honest.”

Layla stood still before opening her mouth again.

“That’s bullshit! Your wings are beautiful if I’m being honest it’s hard to see you without them now they are just so you anyone that says any different need to pull their head out of their own ass and I have half a mind to give that king of yours a piece of my mind from that!”

Layla had now moved to Alana's front. Alana simply looked at her stunned before pulling her into a hug burying her face in her shoulder.

Layla hesitated for no more than a fraction of a second before returning the hug to a bone crushing degree as if trying to desperately reassure Alana that she wasn’t going anywhere.

A moment later Alana pulled away covering her wings once again and smiled at Layla.

“If I accomplish this, would you be willing to be my advisor? Because I’ll be damned if Regionald is going to tell me what to do.”

“Always just let me know what to do.”

The two had another hug before parting once more.

“I need to head home, come on.”

Alana said pulling her friend back inside, saying goodbye to Arther, and walking out with wishes of good travel.

Getting to the edge of the dock where none ever sailed she spread her large wings allowing the large mussels to pull her into the air and lead her back to her home.

Have a nice night folks get some sleep

[halorocks1214]

the law of attraction

AO3 Link

Word Count: 5464

Summary:  The Law of Attraction demonstrates how we create the things, events, and people that come into our lives. Our thoughts, feelings, words, and actions produce energies which, in turn, attract like energies. Negative energies attract negative energies and positive energies attract positive energies

Previous Parts (in order): Alan | You are here!

holy shit i need to stop telling myself to keep my fics short cuz thats what always makes them three times longer than i originally planned. anYWAYS, i know the point of fabfivefeb is kinda to focus on one bro a week specifically, buuuut my brain grabbed my face, yelled an idea into it and now this is going to be a full series i guess. i hope this still counts! also, just as a warning, the first few fics are going to be chronologically out of order-- gordons pov fic, aka this one, comes like, almost last in the line of fics i have planned-- but im hoping that just adds to the aesthetic im giving this series

thanks again to @gumnut-logic​ for the wonderful prompt ideas. i used “How did you do that?” and iridescent

--------

If you asked just-turned-10-years-old Gordon what he thought of his kid brother, you would probably be horrified at the things he could and did say.

Nowadays the 22-year-old felt bad about it-- like, exponentially so-- but back then he couldn’t help it. It was a Tracy rite-of-passage to not want a younger sibling when they came-- yes, even Scott, who Gordon secretly believed it was his fault for John being so nerdy. You should have wanted a nice pair of tennis shoes in his place, Scotty, not a chemistry kit.

Gordon, for all intents purposes, managed to be the worst-case out of four. Virgil wondered if his fiery temper rubbed off on Alan growing up, and the more Gordon caught wind of how Alan could be when angry, the more Gordon thought his immediate older brother was right.

Regardless, everyone in the family managed to at least get the OG Tracy baby to play nice when Alan was born. Gordon’s involvement could be described as nothing: he never did anything to actively harm Alan (he was raised better than that, c’mon), but whenever Gordon could get away from the tiny tot, he did. A couple of years went by, the world adjusted to five Tracy sons, and so did the Tracy family. Even Gordon was starting to see the merit in being an older brother.

Then, tragedy struck.

The avalanche that ripped apart their entire world came crashing down in more ways than one. Hoo boy, the tabloids had a field day with it. They always wanted to know every little detail, and when the family refused to give them anything, they came up with their own stories. The only details they got were from cheating, as a nosy reporter managed to grab a picture of 3-year-old Alan fighting for his life in the hospital, and the internet ran with it.

It was very quickly found out that their mother had died in the disaster as well, and along with the little snake’s photo of Alan, accusations were thrown around as if they were nothing more than plush baseballs, not full-blown knives digging into the Tracy men’s skin. Where was Jeff Tracy? Did he leave his wife and youngest to perish without a thought? The man did have four older sons, maybe he considered them to be more valuable? The last child wasn’t a planned addition in the first place, so it wouldn’t be too far of a stretch to assume so!

What they would never know, Gordon thought bitterly and spitefully, was how Alan wasn’t the only Tracy kid that played in the snow that day. Alan easily got sick as a child for undetermined reasons, and lo and behold, the tiny blonde started running a low-grade fever during their vacation. Lucy offered to stay with Alan at the cabin while Jeff went to find an on-sight doctor. Virgil, who was starting to get into that kind of stuff, went with him.

John saw… something in the gift shop he wanted to grab (none of the brothers could really tell you that much about that day anymore), and since it was relatively close to where Jeff needed to ask for a doctor, the parents felt it would be okay for the red-head to explore the shop by himself, especially since John was easily the most well-behaved out of the children. Gordon was going to go with them to-- what did you expect-- get away from Alan. That’s when smother-hen-in-the-making Scott suggested Gordon stay back with Alan so he could get to know the baby of the family more.

The only reason Gordon agreed to stay was that Scott was staying as well. Gordon hadn’t had that much time recently to hang out with his oldest bro, so he thought it was worth dealing with the little tyke in the room as well. Besides, mom was there too. She could watch him.

Gordon couldn’t for the life of him remember who was where when the literal tons of snow came to say hi. They all got knocked out relatively quick, but from Dad’s recollection of Scott’s eye-witness account, Scott and mom woke up at some point. Scott then went on to carry his youngest siblings out and away from the danger zone, only to re-pass out a good distance away from the buried cabin.

There were many details left out by Scott, and even more were left out by their father, who wanted to give his eldest some sense of security despite all the chaos. Gordon would only learn a little bit more (and by golly was it enough) when he was 16 and grounded by Scott himself. We know Dad is gone! Stop trying to replace him! Gordon shamefully admits that he was purposefully trying back then to be as difficult as possible. Sure, it was due to grief over losing their last living parent, but that didn’t mean he had to take out his rage like he was less than half his age.

People always credited Alan as being the angry baby, but Gordon could be a right bastard when he wanted.

Virgil shut up him right up with a tiny admission that Gordon would never let Scott know he knew. It was the least the swimmer could do after everything their oldest brother gave up.

“You know he promised her, right?”

Teenaged Gordon hissed as Virgil readjusted his piggyback, jostling Gordon’s broken leg in the process. Sneaking out didn’t really seem all that thrilling anymore. He still managed to squeak out through gritted teeth, “W-What?”

Virgil kept his face straight, a weird kind of stoic covering all of his emotions burning within, “Scott promised mom he would keep you two safe. It was the only thing he could do for her.”

That gut-punch didn’t help Gordon’s bruised ribs, and Virgil should have just broken his leg more next. Would have been a nicer follow up than the metaphorical groin kick Gordon received.

“Dad wondered if she was even aware-- or maybe even alive-- enough to hear him.”

Gordon had a lot of time in the hospital to think about those words, even more so when he watched his brunette brother sleep by his bedside. 22-year-old Scott should have been furious, should have ripped him a new one for being such a prick, but the only thing Gordon witnessed him do that night was run into the room as soon as he got the news that Gordon was okay and gently collapse onto his younger brother to collect the blonde into his arms while he tried desperately not to break down-- tried to be strong. Gordon was so caught off guard that he could only wrap his arms back around Scott in a weak attempt to reassure the new head of the Tracy Clan.

Later in the week when Gordon wasn’t so dead on his feet, Scott finally found the reprimand he wanted to give and tore into Gordon. Of course, Gordon snapped back too. They had the typical ‘What were you thinking?!’ ‘I wanted to have fun!’ kind of argument, but it was… softer, in a way, especially on Gordon’s part.

During that same night, after the argument, Gordon would hear 10-year-old Alan sneak into his room with a box full of familiar lights, abruptly reminding Gordon of a feeling he felt a long time ago, back during the ‘recovery’ part of the aftermath of the avalanche. One he couldn’t entirely explain until right then, thanks to Scott’s reactions throughout that entire week.

See, Scott’s plan of Gordon getting along with Alan backfired pretty horribly as Gordon, in all of his trauma and denial, managed to loop his tiny mind around into thinking Alan was at least partially responsible. If he wasn’t sick… if he wasn’t there… if he hadn’t been born--

Yeah, he was 8 at the time, but Gordon still feels sick for even coming up with that thought way back when.

Well, what’s done is done, and for the majority of the first two years, after their wonderful mom left the Earth, Gordon could only describe it like a daze of sorts. Dad was drowning himself in his work, Scott had seen horrors not even adults should’ve had to have seen, Gordon was stuck in the nice world of childhood depression, Virgil and John were caught in the middle like they always were and sometimes still are, and Alan? They really weren’t sure what he was going through due to one simple problem.

Because that was the joke of the day, the ironic twist so to speak. Believe it or not, Alan tended to be a quiet kid.

Many who knew their family would retort with yeah, anyone is quiet standing next to you, Gordon! or they would at least point out the constant babbling that tended to come from the youngest Tracy in the first place. First, Gordon would snort and admit, okay, that’s fair, and then explain how Alan was quiet when it really mattered.

And how it sucked.

The kid could go on and on about what video game he played recently or how stupid his homework was, but when you got down to it you couldn’t get Alan to talk enough.

Back when Alan still did school on the mainland, his older brothers didn’t even know he was being bullied until the bruises started showing up on parts that weren’t covered by clothes (the ones that were, though, damn). It didn’t even occur to the older brothers that Alan was getting more and more quiet each day. After getting the perpetrators expelled and rightfully ripped a new one, Scott and John asked Alan why on earth he didn’t tell them. He just shrugged his tiny kid shoulders and said, “It didn’t seem like that big of a deal.”

Virgil’s 18th birthday was a night to remember, not just because it was a blast, but because they spent half the night in the waiting room at the hospital. They were hanging out in the cities, which was probably already a bad idea. In the first half of the day, the five of them had to cross a crosswalk. Simple enough, right? However, with the torrent of adults much larger than him, 12-year-old Alan lost his grip on John’s hand and toppled over with his arm out in front of him, leaving the limb out on a silver platter to be squashed by a rather large boot.

The man that did it felt really bad, actually, which was a breath of fresh air. He insisted that he would pay for any medical bills that came from the accident. The only reason they never went to any medical facility (immediately, at least) was that, after calming down, Alan insisted his arm felt fine. His reaction time in his fingers was still okay as well, so they left it alone. The four of them probably should have questioned why Alan was so quiet for the rest of the party, but they were too into the euphoria of Virgil’s big day to realize so. A little bit more into the celebration and Alan went missing. It was a miracle that they got Scott to not run off to the nearest police officer immediately. In hindsight, they probably should have, but panic makes the mind go woo woo.

After an hour of searching, they found Alan silently crying his eyes out in a corner. Gordon suspected Virgil never really got over the guilt. None of them have, probably. They really should have insisted they got it checked out right away. Sure, the reason they mainly assumed it was okay was that they’ve been hit with worse and only walked away with bruises-- John walked home from school one day with dirt and mud in his hair, scrapes littering his arms, and when asked what happened the ginger silently commented, “I got hit by a car,” as if it wasn’t that big of a deal.

Not only did Jeff feel the number of years dwindle until his inevitable heart attack, but he also got to watch his eldest gain his first grey hairs with many more to come.

While getting a piggyback from yours truly, John calmly asked Alan why he didn’t say anything (again). The youngest just shrugged and buried his face into Gordon’s neck, “I didn’t want to be a problem. It’s Virge’s day…”

It would be a reoccurring problem for Alan to be hush-hush about physical and emotional strains put on him for years to come. It wasn’t a big problem out on the field (yet), but they were always extra sure to drill into the freckled boy if it seemed like he wasn’t talking as much as he usually did. They were pretty sure it came from the fact that Alan was originally, well, not planned, as all those wonderful journalists pointed out.

They never actively kept it a secret. The age gaps, as well as the press, made it real hard to do so in the first place. Plus, keeping things like that a secret did more damage than not. But the idea was there, and the idea of being a ‘burden’ on anyone was a damaging thought that always seemed to ring in the back of Alan’s subconscious, so he made sure to only speak when he felt he absolutely could or if it wasn’t too much of a task he was asking of them (which they all hated, Scott especially).

The rest of them hoped to pick up what Lucy left behind, which was her efforts to make her newest son feel wanted and loved despite not being apart of the original quota. Gordon worried his older brothers felt a little too guilty about not being able to fully wash it away. It was part of the reason they let him act a little bit childishly on missions: if he feels comfortable enough to do so, then they can’t take it away from him out of fear that they’ll never get it back. It was also why he was just so excited to go on a mission: he could prove himself to be just as good as his older brothers.

Speaking of their mother (man, Gordon loved to ramble tonight, didn’t he), the whole reason any of this was a thing in the first place was Alan’s reaction to the avalanche. That’s when his whole ‘silent act’ issue became apparent. Because the kid became quiet. Period. He stopped talking for two years. Young Gordon wouldn’t even realize this until Virgil started to teach him ASL in their free time. Alan was still an energetic kid, he just… could not get his voice box to work.

The doctors insisted there was no physical damage, either, so they just had to wait and learn ways around it.

Gordon just could not wrap his young, tiny mind around why his loud and obnoxious and annoying younger bro just shut up. Intrigued at the idea of Alan actually being quiet, Gordon started to hang out with him more, especially since Gordon craved the general sense of peace during that time in his life. Yep, crazy, energy-lover Gordon needed the space to just sit and think, and where better than to rant about how crappy life was then at your great-listener-because-he-didn’t-want-to-talk brother.

As time went on in the second half of those two years, the youngest two grew close. Closer than any of the older brothers thought possible. Scott thinks they created their own hand language just for themselves during that time. Gordon was slowly becoming more and more himself, and Alan, well, still didn’t talk, but his energetic-ness was getting bigger and bigger each passing day. Unfortunately, so did their eagerness to be the biggest piece of shits in the world.

Baby Alan stumbled across a can of whip cream that the family forgot to put away. Toddling over to Gordon, the little one shook the can around as a way to say, ‘What could we do with this?’

Gordon’s first idea was to put a huge, glopping pile right on Scott’s pillow where his head directly laid. The sputtering and anger Scott responded with, as well as Virgil’s and John’s snickers at the whole thing, filled Gordon’s head with a million ways to continue his meticulous schemes. Alan got roped in the second the general idea of being able to make his family happy came to fruition.

April 16th was the day The Terrible Two officially started. Virgil was pretty sure he saw John’s calendar with this day marked specifically as a way to remind him not to come down. Virgil just wished he could ask his immediate older brother to let him up on ‘Five that day too.

Their pranks became more and more intense as they came up with each new one, and on the anniversary of their mother’s passing, they disappeared the entire morning. Due to grief, and the fact none of the remaining three sons wanted to deal with tar and feathers or their coffee mug shocking them again, they didn’t think too much of it. Honestly, after the last prank of filling their pillows with jello, they found the quietness to be a blessing. Then the sun started to set without the two of them home yet and they saw it as less of a blessing and more of a curse.

They couldn’t lose them, not on that day.

The house security cams showed the two of them heading into the woods behind their house with some kind of box, and that was all Scott, John, and Virgil needed to go sprinting out of the house. At this point, Dad was getting better about not drowning in work, but he still needed a little more counseling before he would be fully back. That left the three eldest brothers to go on a wild goose chase.

After searching for what Scott remembered feeling like a thousand years, they stumbled upon the two blondes giggling in an opening in the trees. Bursting through the bushes without a second thought, Scott and Virgil (with John behind them) not only saw their brothers unharmed and having a blast in the middle of the opening, all around them in the trees hung big and bright lights. It was as if they were standing in a pocket of stars. Stars they made from their own will and determination.

It was iridescent enough to make the three older brothers gasp just once before remembering why they were out in the dark and cold woods in the first place. Scott trudged over a little more forcefully than he probably realized. Right as he stood over his two youngest brothers, Alan’s tiny, freckled face looked up into his eyes obliviously and pointed at the set of lights.

“Look! Gordz made it pretty!”

Scott and Virgil wrapped their younger brother in the biggest bear hug ever, anger and fear forgotten. It was quiet, whispered and somewhat broken from two years of non-use, but damn, it was Alan. The light at the end of the tunnel seemed even closer. The two of them might have stained the back of Alan’s shirt with tears. Alan didn’t need to know.

Meanwhile, John, flabbergasted and slowly entering a state of shock due to his adrenaline drop followed by even more adrenaline after hearing Alan again, walked over to where Gordon was and simply asked, “How did you do… that?”

It was a question for more than one thing: how did you get Alan to start talking? How did you hang up the lights with no serious injury? How did the two of you grow up so quickly and closely without us even realizing?

All Gordon did was shrug, bring his hands behind his head with his elbows above it, and cheekily grinned, “There are just some secrets two brothers need to keep!”

When the two blondes shared a room that night, tangled with one another like the cords in the lights, Gordon felt something in his chest. It was something warm and fuzzy, and he would only feel it again for years to come when it was towards his only younger brother.

The 10-year-old didn’t know what it was, but he knew that when he figured it out, he would try to be better at it than Scott ever was. Heh, nowadays, he realized that probably wasn’t possible, but that was also okay.

Alan only needed one Scooter.

Right now, however, he needed his one and only Gordz.

---

Brains and other therapists suggested the reason Alan got quiet after going through a traumatic event was simply that it was easier to block things out if you were quiet.

All the brain energy that went to his mouth could be used to not think about the awful things he heard or witnessed. It was perfect. It left the rest of his brain to still be used for all of the other things he liked to do: he could hang out with his brothers and sister, play video games, and (unfortunately) work on homework without cause of concern.

Alan thought it was simple. His family thought it was torture. After all, he wouldn’t tell them what was wrong, and if he didn’t tell them they couldn’t fix it. It was everything their ‘am big person, protect the small’ inner programming hated and they felt like screaming. It was the avalanche again. It was Alan’s bullies again. It was the broken arm again. It was Dad’s disappearance again. Man, they never thought Alan would come back after that one.

But dammit, Gordon thought, their dad isn’t gone anymore, and it was because their stupid, selfless little brother was willing to go through hell and back to get him for them. The least Gordon could do was show Alan how much it was appreciated. How much he was appreciated.

But at this point, Gordon was on the verge of calling it a night.

It was a simple fucking question: do you remember where those stringed lights were?

Sure, it’s been God knows how many years since anyone has pulled them out, and Grandma did pack away a lot of stuff in rather secluded places that she deemed unimportant or, well, too traumatizing. But they could at least give him a general direction on where to go! Everyone knew the basic details of the layout of their storage compartments, come on!

Gordon was sitting in the kitchen, groaning into his hands when he heard someone clearing their throat from the doorway. Snapping his face away from his palms, he looked up into the eyes of none other than his father. The older man had eye bags for days, and his eyes were a little wearier than Gordon liked, but the small grin made Gordon feel like everything was alright.

Or maybe it was the box with the familiar lights in his arms. Mostly that.

Gordon stood up and blinked, “D-Dad--”

Jeff walked into the kitchen in a way that spoke, ‘let me say this first,’ “Scott mentioned you were driving your family crazy searching for this. I may not know how you boys set up the island after I left, but I do know your grandmother is stubborn as a bull. The only place she would have put this was in the decorations closet, where it wasn’t, which I’m sure you figured out, hence the constant nagging, so that means some kind of outside force moved it to a place least expected.”

Gordon was lost, “Where was it?”

Jeff let out a slight huff of air, “The back of Alan’s closet.”

Damn. Dammit dammit damn. Why wasn’t that obvious?

With a grip gentler than Gordon remembered he had, he took the box from Jeff. As he was examining the contents, he was able to smile at his father, “Thanks, Dad, this is exactly what I wanted.”

Jeff laid a hand on his son’s shoulder, squeezing softly, “I’ve left this family to take care of itself twice in my lifetime, it was the least I could do. May I ask why you need them?”

The least I could do: goddamn was this family a hive mind sometimes. That didn’t stop Gordon from asking his burning question, “How quickly can we make these waterproof?”

It took all of half a second for Jeff to raise his eyebrows in confusion, followed by one of his trademark grins.

Oh yeah, the Tracy family was coming back

---

“Shhh Allie, keep it on.”

Alan rolled his eyes. Whenever Gordon blindfolded him it always ended poorly. Whether the ultimate bad ending would come to Alan or Gordon completely depended on how previously well-thought-out Gordon planned this to be. Regardless, Alan needed to do something other than chores and college applications since there was none of it left for today. He was getting so good it was kind of bad. In fact, one of the first things he did was drown himself in his work to the point that everything he missed in his captivity was done within the first three days of being back.

And here the public thought Alan and his father had nothing in common.

Alan felt Gordon’s hands on his shoulders the entire time they walked together. Eventually, they paused as Gordon needed to open the door to the outside, which was a great sign, by the way. Alan’s ears were picking up every little noise, including each of the thunks their feet made down the stairs, as well as the whistling of the wind blowing through their hair. Alan didn’t need to take off the blindfold to know it was night. The last thing Alan was looking at before Gordon scared the shit out of him with the blindfold from nowhere was the clock, 10:04 PM.

The thunks suddenly became less hollow, signaling they were on solid ground. It took Alan a couple of seconds longer than he would’ve liked to realize that Gordo was walking them straight towards the pool. Alan, remembering all the times he’d been shoved in it, started to fight back. Only minorly, though, like a baby wolf trying to overtake the Alpha of the pack. In the end, it didn’t matter, as Gordon stopped both of them with a slight push downward on Alan’s shoulders, signaling he didn’t need to walk anymore.

Gordon took his hands away and started speaking when he saw Alan wasn’t going anywhere. He walked around to the front of his brother, “So… this might be a long shot, but you remember those ‘starry lights’ we played with all the time?”

Alan blinked a few times behind the blindfold. Yeah, he did remember them. It was a huge staple between them. The days it got hard, or cold, or when it seemed like nothing would get better, they would pull those lights out and forget everything else. It felt like they were surrounded by a blanket of hope.

Gordon first wanted to do it in some random room at their old house two years after their mother passed, but quiet Alan suggested they go out to the woods. He flapped his tiny hands, and to paraphrase what he said, We’ll have more room! Plus, the real stars will make it even cooler!

From then on, it was just another thing between the two of them. They pulled the lights out when one of them was sad and the other wanted to cheer them up. After their mother’s death, after failing a test at school, after Dad’s disappearance, after Gordon’s hydrofoil crash…

Gordon will forever be grateful for Alan’s ability to be a little piece of shit. He’ll never know how the kid snuck the box into the hospital and he hoped he never found out. The hospital staff wasn’t as thrilled by the lights hung up around the room. Gordon was pretty sure he saw the pic up on ‘Five at one point, though, so at least someone appreciated their talents.

Right, the important matter at hand. Gordon needed to work on his rambling-when-stressed problem, “Well, Allie Allie Allie, guess what I found?”

Before Alan could tilt his head, the blindfold was untied from his head by Gordon. It fell off his face to reveal said older brother standing directly in front of him with a grin on his face that said, ‘you’re not going to believe this.’ Once Gordon saw Alan’s attention was completely on him, he stepped out of the way quickly so Alan’s line of focus could stay on what was in front of him and not just on his brother.

Alan’s breath caught in his throat.

Gordon smirked at his brother’s flabbergasted look, “You know how they say how the ocean isn’t that much different than deep space? Well, I think I found a way to make them even closer.”

Alan held his hand out in front of him only slightly. He was worried if he moved anything that the beautiful sight in front of him would go away. Those wonderful, amazing lights were all submerged in the pool in various spots near the bottom, the refractions making it look like there were twice as many. The pool looked like it had a weird, unique case of the chickenpox. It was breathtaking.

Little puffs of Alan’s breath were condensing into the familiar white clouds in front of his face due to the chill, but he didn’t care. The sight in front of him was much more important. Before he could sign a thank you, or maybe even just cry (which he would hate, thank God for interruptions), Gordon slung an arm around Alan’s shoulders, catching the freckled boy’s attention again.

Gordon waited for those wide, blue eyes to look at him directly before beginning, “I can’t even begin to imagine what happened up there. Part of me wants to be selfish and never come up with thoughts even close to that kind of shit, but… it’s not fair to you.”

Alan blinked and was suddenly turned 90 degrees to be standing front-to-front with Gordon. The older brother continued speaking when he put his hands on Alan’s shoulders, stretching his arms out to their full length, “You don’t… you don’t have to talk about everything, I know that first hand, but… don’t shut us out. You’re not a burden, you’re not a problem, I know that’s a thought of yours that’s been made worse by that bastard but the last thing I want is to--”

Gordon choked off his words due to a mixture of rage and pure sadness bubbling within. Suddenly, he couldn’t look Alan in the eyes anymore, “I just don’t want to fail you any more than I already have.”

Gordon looked down at their feet to watch some of his tears fall to the ground and splish-splash on the concrete. Dammit, he promised a lot of things (mainly himself) that he would be strong for this, but he supposes he was never the best at taking things seriously.

Gordon’s breath hitched at the feeling of two small hands on his cheeks. Those same hands brought his face back up to look at Alan sadly grinning, his own tears starting to form in his blue eyes. Before Gordon could curse himself out for failing this plan so spectacularly, his heart stopped in a good way at a tiny admission, a verbal one.

“Please… don’t make… me cry, too…”

Holy shit. Part of Gordon’s brain thought, ‘sweet, it only took a few weeks, a new record!’ but the other part, the big brother one day I’ll be better than Scott! part leaped a hundred feet in the air out of pure joy. With a laugh, Gordon yanked Alan into his arms and squeezed tight. Alan simply returned the gesture, albeit his arms were around Gordon’s waist, nor was his grip as strong. They did both have tear tracks on their cheeks, however.

Alan was still there. He was still their selfless, annoying, little bro, and he might not be fully back, but it was enough to know that not even the fucking Hood could take him away from them.

It would take a while to get back to normal. Scott would still pass out due to exhaustion from time to time until he fully realized it was all over, John, while not physically up on ‘Five, would take a while to fully come back down to Earth, Virgil was going to be found at that damn piano bench more than in his own room, and God only knew how Kayo or even Dad was going to react as the days went forward.

But they would get there. The Terrible Two were going to make sure of it, one prank at a time.

[missjanjie]

Branjie Fic | Take Me Back to the Start (2/?)

Title: Take Me Back to the Start Summary:   Everyone remembers their first love. Not everyone carries those feelings from childhood to senior year. Yet Brock is starting his last year of high school while still longing for the relationship he lost five years ago. Meanwhile, José is at the top of the food chain and seems to have it all together. But maybe their story isn’t over yet. Word Count: ~3.3k (this chapter) / ~6.4k (total) Relationship: Branjie (Brooke Lynn Hytes/Vanessa Vanjie Mateo) Rating: T (so far)

Read on AO3

Five Years Ago…

José lay on his stomach as he placed his notebook out in front of him. It was towards the end of the book, the point where the glitter from the cover would rub off on his wrist when he wrote (and on his bedspread, much to his mother’s chagrin). And the difference between the start and end of the journal was a stark contrast as well.

The first pages of the journal were sweet and endearing. The margins of the pages were littered with hearts and ‘B.H. + J.C.’ and the lines were filled with the rambling and emotions of a lovesick sixth grader. But the tone shifted page by page, up to where he was now, with his latest entries sounding like that of a melodramatic sixth grader instead.

I’m getting real tired of how B’s been acting lately. He always in a bad mood but he won’t say why. I mean I know he mad cuz he don’t like my crew, but that ain’t fair. I don’t got no problems with his friends, so what’s the big deal? I’m meeting him tomorrow and I don’t even wanna go. This sucks :(

Getting his feelings onto pages did make José feel a little better - maybe his guidance counselor had a point - but facing what would almost definitely be an argument with Brock filled him with dread, something he had never associated with the boy before.

Brock sighed as he stared out in front of him. The sun was starting to set and the playground felt emptier than ever. He dragged the toe of his shoe through the dirt, tracing aimless patterns. He should have never gotten his hopes up, he thought, gaze shifting to stare at the ground.

“Hey.”

He still didn’t look up. “You said you’d be here an hour ago.”

José sighed, he could feel the hurt in his voice. And the way he refused to make eye contact made it even clearer. “I’m sorry, okay? I knew you was gonna go in on me ‘bout this. I didn’t mean to, but–”

“But you were too busy having fun with your new friends,” he said flatly, as if it didn’t hurt him to acknowledge. “I get it. They’re cool and rich and whatever.” He looked up from the ground, but only to stare up at the sky instead. Ever since the newly-established popular kids took a shine to José, he felt like the boy he’d known for years was turning into a stranger. A stranger he wasn’t too fond of, at that.

And José was put on the defensive at the accusation. Regardless of whether or not it was accurate, it was harsh and stung when it came from someone he cared about. “I’m allowed to have other friends you know. You ain’t the boss of me.”

Brock rolled his eyes. “I’m not trying to be,” he retorted before his expression slipped back into a dejected one. “I just don’t wanna lose you to them.”

There was a beat of silence before José swallowed thickly. “Sounds like you’re tryna get me to choose between you and them.” Although his boyfriend was important to him, he was starting to feel overwhelmed. As innocent and light-hearted as their relationship had been, it was already a long one. But truth be told, he wanted the best of both worlds - he wanted Brock and his new clique, and he believed they could coexist if they tried. And he wanted to try.

“I’m not!” Brock got up and walked towards the edge where the dirt met the sidewalk. “But that just proves how separated we are because of them.”

“Then maybe we should separate,” he could hardly believe what he’d just blurted out. They were never supposed to break up, they even had a pretend wedding the past summer, where they promised to have a real one after college.

Although Brock had seen the writing on the wall, it didn’t spare him any pain, it didn’t make his heart break into any fewer pieces. His chest was aching and he had to work quickly to blink away the tears that welled up his eyes. “M-Maybe we should.” In a trembling voice, he forced himself to agree, doing his damnedest to hold it together.

And that was how it ended, the final nail in the coffin of a four-year relationship. They went their separate ways without another word. But the silence didn’t last – it led to many nights spent crying into their pillows, to awkwardly finding excuses to avoid each other at school. And sure, there was an attempted reconciliation over spring break, but they ended up facing the bitter reality that nothing would ever be the same.

Present Day

Brock could easily understand why everyone flocked to José – he was charming, effervescent, he was beautiful. There was simply no doubt about the magnetic attraction he must possess. And truth be told, he admired it, rather than envying it. He didn’t think he could handle the constant spotlight, having it on stage was more than enough as far as he was concerned.

“You’re staring again,” Courtney observed, poking his cheek to divert the attention he was giving far too freely to the boy at the other table.

“Am not,” he mumbled. His cheeks heated and turned red, and he pulled the hood of his sweatshirt up to further curl into himself.

Both of his friends snickered at the haphazard cover-up, which only caused his blush to deepen.

“If you’re trying to keep your crush under wraps, you could stand for some subtlety,” Steven chided and got flipped off in response.

Still, Brock couldn’t stop himself from stealing one more glance. This time, he noticed something out of the ordinary. “He’s not sitting next to Kyle,” he noted, his tone lighter.

Courtney perked right back up. “Oh, you don’t know?” She grinned while he stared blankly. “Okay, so, Kyle went to work at a sleep away sports camp over the summer and ‘allegedly’ hooked up with another counselor. So now they’re on the rocks.”

If any of them were to know any specific details of José’s personal life, it would be Courtney - for the sole reason that they were both on the cheerleading team, and gossip spread like wildfire among them. They weren’t friends per sé - probably because it was clear where her loyalties lay - but she was able to keep Brock up to date, whether he wanted to be or not.

“Huh, interesting.” He nodded, trying his best not to let a smile crack.

And unbeknownst to Brock, that connection she had was good for more than just gossip – it was the missing piece that was about to put their reunion plans into action.

It all started that afternoon after cheer practice. The coach had just ended the session with an empowering (if not a bit intimidating) speech about how important the upcoming qualifier competition would be to the year’s success. And that was exactly the segue Courtney needed.

“You know,” she mused, as if she hadn’t rehearsed it a dozen times, “my friend, Brock, had a bunch of dance competition wins under his belt. I bet if he and José work one on one, they could come up with a killer routine.”

The coach pressed her lips into a line as she mulled it over. There didn’t seem to be any issue she could see with bringing in someone with a useful set of skills. “Alright, if your friend’s ready, I think we can get started by Friday.”

“Perfect! I mean, I’m sure he will be. I’ll go let him know,” she assured, scurrying off before the woman could get another word in edgewise.

She shrugged, then turned and blew her whistle. “José, c’mere!”

José looked up from the conversation he’d been having with two of his teammates and jogged over. “What’s up?”

“Courtney’s bringing in her friend that’s some dancing prodigy or whatever, and she’s convinced you two can work on a routine that’ll secure us that qualifying position. So, you’re gonna partner off with him during Friday’s practice. Plan accordingly.”

She left before he could respond, but it didn’t take him too long to put two and two together. And the second he did, his heart started to beat faster and his cheeks felt red hot.

It normally took a hell of a lot to make José nervous. Whether he was confident in his success or failure, he took on everything headfirst and sorted it out later. But this was different, he had no idea what would happen. He hadn’t been alone with Brock since their brief attempt at getting back together all those years ago. How was he supposed to ‘plan accordingly’ for something like that?

“Babe?”

José jumped and turned around, his heart leaping into his throat. He was embarrassed to admit he’d expected to see Brock, not Kyle. “Huh?”

“I said, are you ready to go or are you still blowing me off?” He repeated, rolling his eyes with his arms crossed.

He cleared his throat and ran his hand through his hair. “Uh, yeah… Just lemme get changed.”

“Mhm,” Kyle was already on his phone, texting away and giving a quick nod in confirmation.

José didn’t realize how badly he needed a shower until he stepped under the hot water. He groaned and rubbed his hands against his face. “What the fuck?” he muttered, resting his arm against the wall and pushing his forehead against his arm, sighing heavily as his gaze drifted to the floor.

God, how he wished he had the words to explain how he felt, how the prospect of being alone with Brock for the first time in a long time sent his heart and soul into overdrive. He wondered if he would have been more calm about it if he and Kyle were on more comfortable terms - reuniting with your ex while your current relationship had one foot in the grave seemed like a dangerous combination in it of itself.

But when it came down to it, José knew there was only one option. He just had to act as if Brock was any other classmate or teammate he had to work with - nothing more, nothing less. As he walked back to his boyfriend from the locker room, he even bordered on optimistic - maybe they could walk away from this as friends again.

------

Brock leaned against the bleachers that bordered the football field and took a drag off his cigarette. “I just wish you had run this plan by me first.” It was clear that he was actively working to remain calm, but the agitation in his tone still remained.

“I don’t see why you’re so worked up about it.” Courtney shrugged, sitting on one level of the bleachers with her arm propped up on the one above her. “This is totally in your wheelhouse.”

“I’m not a choreographer! I’ve never created a routine for a dozen people, or literally anyone but myself,” he groaned, resting his head against the metal beam.

She leaned over, her arms dangling off the side. “That’s why it’s gonna be a joint effort. You guys can combine your knowledge and that’s how you’ll bond. See? I’m smarter than you think I am.” She looked to Steven to back her up, but he put his hands up to let the two of them duke it out.

“Or you watch too many movies,” Brock huffed.

And maybe the plan was a little idealistic. Maybe there was too much room for failure for his comfort. But it was the only thing they could come up with, and it had already been put into action. Sure, Brock did know that he could bail on this if he was certain this would blow up in his face, but part of him did want to hang onto a glimmer of hope that maybe his friends were onto something. Besides, he doubted an opportunity to be alone with José would present itself in any other fashion any time soon.

So, he decided to go along with it. He spent all of his free time over the following days researching group choreography and watching cheer routine compilations. The routines weren’t overly complex, but there were more moving parts than he had ever had to deal with before. It was so much more than flying kicks and pyramids.

By the time the last bell rang on Friday, Brock decided he was as prepared as he could ever be. He grabbed his backpack from his locker and closed it, resting his head against the cool metal as he gathered his thoughts and tried to keep himself calm.

“You ready for this?”

Whether or not he actually was, Brock nodded and followed Courtney down the hall that stretched from one end of the school to the other, where the gym was. They had to separate and enter through different locker rooms, but reconvened before she introduced him to the coach.

The woman got up and circled around him like a vulture, eyeing him up and down through narrow, piercing eyes. “Alright, I see it,” she nodded in approval. “He’s got a dancer’s body, probably knows what he’s doing.”

“Thank you?”

She had already stopped listening and gone off to flag down the team captain, waiting with hands on her hips while José jogged over from the other end of the gym. “Alright, José, this is your new choreography partner. You two work here while we take it to the field,” she said before walking off and blowing her whistle, corralling the squad outside, leaving only the former couple in the room.

They stood there in silence, looking at each other from the few feet of space they’d put between each other. Second felt like hours and both of their stomachs twisted from the tension.

“This is the quietest you’ve ever been,” Brock finally remarked. Both of them laughed softly and the mood seemed to lift. It was a start, he thought. It was definitely a start. And god, he had missed his laugh, even that quiet, controlled version of it.

“Don’t get too used to it,” he retorted with a grin, running his fingers through his hair and resting his hand on the back of his neck as he looked up at him. “So, you got somethin’ planned, Mr. Choreographer?”

Brock set his bag down on the bottom row of the bleachers and cocked his head over, gesturing for him to follow. He sat down with his notebook in his lap and flipped open to the most recent page. “I have some sort of outline going, but I’m gonna need you to fill in the blanks, give me what to work with,” he explained.

José sat beside him. He had initially left too much space, leading him to lean closer to read along off the notebook. It sent a sudden wave of nostalgia through him. Although, thankfully, Brock didn’t smell like a twelve year old boy anymore, there was something comforting and familiar about his scent. It was clean and a bit earthy, like taking a long walk in the middle of spring. It was something he’d like to spray on his pillow - make it the first and last thing to hit him each day. “I think I can handle that. Whatcha need?”

“Technical stuff, mainly. Everyone’s height, physical capacity and limitations. This way we can figure out what sort of routines can work, you know?” he turned to a new page, ready to take down everyone’s names and details. He was actually surprised how easily it all seemed to flow. Once they had gotten over the initial awkwardness in the nature of their reunion, they found that they worked together quite well. They were patient, able to listen and understand each other, it was as if they’d been working as a team the whole time.

Towards the end of practice, José felt his phone vibrate in his sweatshirt pocket. He rolled his eyes as he looked at the screen and shoved it back in without responding.

“Something wrong?”

José pressed his lips together and gestured vaguely, mumbling noncommittally. But he could feel Brock’s eyes on him and he knew he wasn’t going to get away with that alone. “Kyle’s just bitching at me ‘cause he don’t got practice today, so he’s waiting on me to give him a ride home. He usually bums rides off his brother, but he got a new job or some shit.”

Brock instantly tensed up at the mention of José’s boyfriend, and the fact that he seemed so annoyed, even unhappy, made him feel justified in his disdain. He wanted to go on a rant, let him know exactly how much of a prick he thought Kyle was. He was biting his tongue to keep venom from spewing out. Instead, he just swallowed his emotions and shook his head. “If he’s so worried about getting home, he can walk, right?”

“Yeah!” He latched right onto that, sitting upright and yanking his phone back out, relaying Brock’s sentiments through text. It was nice to be around someone that wasn’t busy kissing Kyle’s ass, for once. Every other time he had attempted to vent about his relationship, he was met with either indifference or ended up on the losing end of an argument with someone more interested in maintaining their social standing.

But Brock had never cared about any of that. He had never given a damn about being popular or staying on anyone’s good side. He was perfectly content to have a small friend group on the fringe of high school society. No one ever gave him much trouble, as that would require going out of their way to find him.

In middle school, that had been the biggest source of friction between the two of them. José had jumped on the opportunity to make new friends and was eager to make them all like him. And they all seemed to share that need for attention. But now, Brock’s introverted indifference was a breath of fresh air. It was a pleasant reminder that the world didn’t revolve around keeping his place at the top of the food chain.

“You have a visitor.” Brock nudged him to get his attention when Kyle had walked up to the pair. The two of them locked eyes and there was an immediate disdain between them. Anger flashed in his eyes as he looked up at him, daring him to speak to José with the same attitude he had through text.

Kyle decided not to verbally acknowledge Brock at all, angling his body so he was only facing the other male. “Babe, I’m not trying to be a dick, I swear. I’m just tired. Can we just go? Please?” it wasn’t clear if he actually felt bad or if he was just trying to get back in José’s good graces, but it seemed to be enough.

“Yeah, uh, we just about done, right?” José looked to Brock with an apologetic grimace as he started to gather his things and get up.

“Right. We’ll pick back up next time,” Brock’s jaw was clenched as he spoke, shooting a glare towards the quarterback as he shoved his belongings back into his bag. He turned back towards José with a softer expression. “I’ll text you tomorrow,” he patted his shoulder lightly before making his way towards the exit.

José offered a prompt confirmation and goodbye in response, watching him leave and feeling like a part of himself left with him. It took Kyle’s arm around his waist to get him to leave, but even then he glanced over his shoulder one more time.

“Why are you hanging out with him anyway? Isn’t that Courtney’s weird dancer friend?”

“He… yeah, he’s just helping us out, that’s all.” That was all, he repeated to himself.

[whateverisbeautiful]

Reveling in Richonne

#154: The People We Love (9x14)

Michonne Grimes will always fight for the Grimes. You just trust with Michonne that they’re gonna be okay cuz she fights for the people she loves. And that’s what gets expressed in these final moments of 9x14. 

Michonne and Judith had that sweet moment on those rocks and I love that we get a second heartfelt heart to heart from them this episode. They are why I stuck around this show after all, so I’ll take as many moments between them as I can get. 

And I hope we get a lot more mom/daughter moments in Michonne’s last season coming up that further illustrate how Judith couldn’t have a better mom. The things her mom has done for her, it’s just a testament to the ultimate love of a parent. 😊

In the moment on those rocks, that’s where Judith got to express herself and now in this conversation Michonne gets to take the floor and express her side of things, which i appreciate. 

And this really deep moment between Michonne and Judith comes in the present as they stand over Carl’s grave. 😭 

It’s emotional seeing the two of them here paying their respects to Carl specifically. Carl loved them both so much and as we know from his final episode, he wanted these two to get each other through.

Carl told Judith to listen to Michonne and asked Michonne to be strong for Judith and here we see them honor that. 

(Side note: It’s super cute that Michonne and Judith are wearing similar outfits with a denim jacket and pink/peach colored shirt. I love that.)

Michonne starts by saying, “Your father and I dug this together. And that day, standing right here, I made a promise to never bury another child again.”

It’s heartbreaking hearing Michonne recall the day her and Rick had to dig this grave for Carl. We saw those clips of R&M digging that grave and how distraught Michonne felt. So it’s deep knowing that as we watched Michonne bury Carl in 8x09 she was promising herself never again. That as long as she lives she’d make sure her kids live. Whatever it takes. 

As much as Michonne’s heart was breaking so soon after losing Carl, it’s powerful to know that she was already building this resolve to make sure this doesn’t happen again. Already believing she could do everything in her power to prevent another loss of a child. You know at that point she considered Judith her daughter so she was definitely thinking of her first and foremost, and how even though death surrounded them constantly, she’d ensure that Judith lives. 

Michonne then gets emotional and vulnerable and says, “But then your father was gone. And I was…lost.” 🥺

Utterly heart shattering. Y’all, hearing this hurt. Magnets aren’t meant to be apart at all. Let alone six years. And Michonne has gone through the losses of many people during her time on the show, but with Rick that loss was a special level of painful because in losing him she lost a huge part of her. So it makes since that she acknowledge how lost she was afterwards. 

We didn’t see the days that directly followed Rick’s absence but it breaks my heart to think about how Michonne spent those days/months/years feeling lost without him. Y’all, as hard as it is to know Michonne felt lost without Rick, it’s deep to see how connected the two were and how even six years later she’s still so clearly in love with him. 

Judith looks up at Michonne with tears in her eyes cuz the rule is true; when your mom cries you cry. 👌🏽 Michonne continues, saying “And then you were lost and I was scared. More scared than I have ever been. Before or since.” 💔

Once again my heart shatters over this line. It is really significant to have Michonne say this was the most scared she’d been before or since.  In the seasons she’s been on the show there’s been a lot of stressful and scary things she’s been through and yet losing Judith was what scared her more than any of those other things. Michonne loves this little girl so much.

Also I really appreciate Michonne getting to say she was scared. People seem to forget that’s an emotion Michonne’s allowed to have and act out of, just like everyone else. Of course as a parent, the kidnapping of her daughter would have her absolutely terrified and also scarred in more ways than one. That would make anybody switch up a bit and get highly on the defense when it comes to protecting their children. 

Michonne’s protective cuz she lost her sons and then temporarily had to feel what it was like to have lost her daughter and she doesn’t ever want to lose her again. She’s already had to bury a kid twice and it’s horrible cuz I’m sure after returning to Alexandria with all the kids, sis then had to be nervous if she’d have to lose another child with wondering if RJ would make it after everything Jocelyn and those kids put her through while pregnant. After all that trauma she endured honestly people are lucky she didn’t go more off the deep end, and still has a sound head on her shoulders. 

I like that Michonne is vulnerable with Judith about not just what she did and what happened but how it made her feel. And it’s deep to see Judith shed tears and feel for her mom as she finally gets to understand this trauma from Michonne’s perspective. Cuz Judith was there when that Jocelyn stuff went down but she wasn’t there.

Michonne thought she had to carry this secret and burden for everyone but there’s something liberating about her realizing she can be transparent with Judith about more things. Cuz Michonne had expressed the whole I protect you thing to Judith, but Judith is getting older and is ready to hear more and see more sides of her mom. 

I mean she wants to defend her mom too, cuz when Magna was outside their house in 9x06, Judith was ready with the strap for Magna lol. She sat on those steps ready to post up with that gun like...

Michonne goes onto say, “And I wasn’t the only one (who was scared). So we decided to make this place only about the people who lived here.”

Y’all...hold up wait a minute. This made me so upset cuz I was like this means that multiple people knew what went down, felt at least an inkling of what Michonne felt, and agreed on this decision to make the community more isolated. She wasn’t the only one. Multiple people! And yet, those multiple people were nowhere to be found in this time jump so I was looking around like...

Cuz they sure did seem to say nothing and let Michonne carry the brunt of this on her own and be the only one vilified. And for not standing up and defending Michonne and their joint decision to close things off, someone needs to give them a serious talking to and/or whooping. 

Plus it totally adds up that it would’ve been a more collective decision too cuz Michonne’s not a dictator and she wouldn’t have closed things off had there not been supporters of the idea. Those people and parents are forever indebted to her. And the fact that Michonne is still so committed to this place shows she’s doing a great job both raising her kids and this ungrateful community. 

Michonne then acknowledges that only being about their own is “not what Carl or your dad gave their lives to create. But it kept you and RJ safe. That’s what I wanted. That is all I wanted.”

At the end of the day, before Michonne is Head of Security or the unspoken leader of Alexandria, Michonne is a mother. And mother’s do hard things if it means it’ll protect their children. She said in 9x06 how she watched Rick’s sole focus be about keeping Carl safe and how she’s adopted that mindset with their remaining children. 

Not once has Michonne’s intent been malicious or divisive, it’s just that she’s a mother and all she wants and wanted is to keep her kids safe. Regardless of how the decision would reflect on her or how hard it would be to close off from the others because she loves and cares about them so much (and honestly sometimes more than they seem to love and care about her, smh). She was willing to go to extremes and trade being liked and supported for the sake of her kids.

Michonne put the kids first because who wouldn’t? I think the majority of parents would do the same. Plus Rick and Carl gave their lives to create a future. And kids are the future. So Michonne got laser focused on making sure the kids had an environment that protected them at all costs.

In an ideal world I know Michonne would want to still be welcoming and all, but after the trauma she chose to honor being strong for Judith even if people don’t’ understand it.🏽 Even though everyone both in show and out of show should’ve been did understood. 

It’s tough seeing how Michonne feels the weight of honoring so many people. She wants to protect her kids and community. She wants to honor what her husband and son gave their lives to create. She wants to honor her daughter’s thoughts and opinions. 

She wants to keep everyone alive, be it literally or in memory. And that’s a lot for one person to carry and so I hope we finally get to see more people take that load off Michonne and genuinely be there for her and honor her the way she deserves in her final season. 

So then Michonne stoops down and looks up at Judith in such a humbling position, and she smiles through tears and says, “You were right. We have to protect the people we love. All the people we love. And we will.” 

Michonne is the best mom. I love that Michonne makes Judith stronger but also Judith makes Michonne stronger. And Michonne continues to show that she’s willing to really hear Judith out and come around to seeing things her way. She stoops down to Judith’s level to show I hear you. I’m listening. 👌🏽☺️ She’s willing to take leaps towards change for the sake of her daughter like the magnificent mom she is. 😊👌🏽

And a super subtle thing I noticed in this moment is that before Michonne looks at Judith she low key looks down at Carl’s grave when she says “you were right.” It makes me emotional cuz it’s like she’s saying it to both of them. To Judith and Carl. 😭

Cuz for Carl she’s saying to him; I might’ve steered from the original vision a bit but you were right and I’m ready to go after it again. We’ve gotta protect all the people we love and think bigger picture.

Carl entrusted to Michonne this vision cuz he knew she’d fight to make his vision reality. And she always has. Starting with making sure everybody got their Carl letters, even Negan.

One of the sweetest things about Michonne and Carl’s relationship was the way she didn’t write him off as just a kid, and with Judith it’s the same. She hears her out and wants to try and take big leaps to honor what they’d want.

It’s meaningful that Judith does sort of help bring her back to the boldness they have to have to love and protect people regardless of risk. But it makes a lotta sense why she’d feel like the risk was too large before this.

And while I so admire Michonne’s resolve to protect the people she loves, I remember watching this and saying, “But who protects Michonne?” 

Cuz sis needs someone to be resolved to look out for her too. She had that person in Rick, but without him it feels like everyone has an expectation for her to help them rather than vice versa.  

I know she can protect herself of course, but with Rick gone, who’s the person who looks out for Michonne the way she looks out for and fights for everybody else?

Like I don’t think the moral of this story should just be “Michonne has learned to take care of everyone again”. She’s done that and is doing that. To me there needed to be more emphasis from this show about those in TF who dropped their responsibility to take care of and be there for Michonne. Especially during her most vulnerable time when she needed them most. 

She goes through the most trauma and then is expected to just put that aside in order to help patch up everybody else’s stuff, otherwise she’s the “difficult” one??

Not here for that. And I’m not saying she shouldn’t have the heart she has to care for all the people. I admire that. I just think a lot more people need to come to this same conclusion when it comes to being a good friend and family member towards Michonne. 

I genuinely believe I can think of at least one scene between Michonne and pretty much anyone from TF where she showed love, care, and support to them. And Michonne deserves that same energy back.  

So then Michonne stands up and takes Judith’s hand and they walk off hand in hand and it’s just beautiful. 😭 

Truly, they’re both better for having each other in their life. And it really feels like Rick and Carl live on through their beautiful bond.  😌 

I think about all the times Michonne has taken Rick’s hand, and now she takes Judith’s hand and they’re a comfort to each other like R&M were. 😭You know Rick would be so proud and over the moon to see the bond his girl’s have. 

To put it simply, the Grimes girls are...

Michonne, Judith, and RJ were the best way to reset the series cuz it keeps the focus on what one of the show’s original premises was which is; a parent trying to raise their kid in an apocalypse. (Side note: I hope Rick gets to find these kids while they’re still young. 🙏🏽)

Also shout out to Cailey cuz she did some great acting in this scene without even uttering a word. 👏🏽👏🏽👏That girl is talented. And she’s also very smart as this comment shows...

So then this lovely mom and daughter ride over to the fair and they’re all smiley which is super cute. ☺️ 

Judith asks if her wound will leave a scar and Michonne is so sweet and supportive when she says, “No, but it’s okay if it does.” I love it. 🥰

Michonne knows firsthand that sometimes scars are just proof that you can and will do anything to protect the ones you love, and it’s proof you fought and survived. They show that you can make it. And I think that’s how Michonne’s come to view her x scar. As long as people you love are living then the scars are worth it.💯

Y’all, I just know the reoccurring direct quote from Judith’s mind has got to be...

As they ride through the woods they find Daryl and Connie and co. They all smile and hop in and head off to what will certainly be imminent disaster lol, otherwise known as the fair. 😂

But at least they’re all happy right now so I’ll at least be happy they had this moment to enjoy. 

And that’s the analysis of everything from “Scars”. 

I love all the beats Danai got to play in this episode. 👏🏽The mom jumped out and was so believable. She got in that mama bear mode real quick and I was here for it. 

I knew Michonne and Danai would deliver in a Michonne-centered episode. And she delivered more than Santa on Christmas. 

Danai got to shine like the star she is in this heavy episode. The range. The phenomenal delivery. She has so many layers to everything she says and does. It’s excellence. 💯 #QueenInEVERYWay 

And don’t get me wrong I don’t like Michonne suffering and in pain at all. I hope we never have to see her get beat up again. No more Michonne brutality. 🙅🏽‍♀️I don’t love the episode for that. I love it for showcasing Michonne’s versatility, resilience, and vulnerability. I love that it illustrated the love she has for Rick and her kids. I appreciate it highlighting this multi-dimensional fascinating character and that we got to learn more details about the queen this episode. 

So TWD, keep the Michonne-centric episodes coming in her final season but no more putting Michonne through trauma. No more abuse in her final season. Let her go to the movies. Let her find Rick. Let the Grimes family reunite. Give us a movie that’s five hours of R&M living life with their kids and then call it a wrap lol. 😋

I hope all the range and gloriousness of Danai gets highlighted more and more in her last run as Michonne in season ten. 🙏🙏🏽

What I most appreciate is that Rick’s presence is so kept alive through Michonne and Judith and their moments together like the ones in this episode. Y’all, Richonne won’t ever stop blessing us. 🙌🏽😭💯

🏽gifs source: @michonnegrimes @winterswake @superestrella9

[artificialqueens]

Take Me Back to the Start (Chapter 2) - Joley

(read on ao3)

Five Years Ago…

José lay on his stomach as he placed his notebook out in front of him. It was towards the end of the book, the point where the glitter from the cover would rub off on his wrist when he wrote (and on his bedspread, much to his mother’s chagrin). And the difference between the start and end of the journal was a stark contrast as well.

The first pages of the journal were sweet and endearing. The margins of the pages were littered with hearts and ‘B.H. + J.C.’ and the lines were filled with the rambling and emotions of a lovesick sixth grader. But the tone shifted page by page, up to where he was now, with his latest entries sounding like that of a melodramatic sixth grader instead.

I’m getting real tired of how B’s been acting lately. He always in a bad mood but he won’t say why. I mean I know he mad cuz he don’t like my crew, but that ain’t fair. I don’t got no problems with his friends, so what’s the big deal? I’m meeting him tomorrow and I don’t even wanna go. This sucks :(

Getting his feelings onto pages did make José feel a little better - maybe his guidance counselor had a point - but facing what would almost definitely be an argument with Brock filled him with dread, something he had never associated with the boy before.

Brock sighed as he stared out in front of him. The sun was starting to set and the playground felt emptier than ever. He dragged the toe of his shoe through the dirt, tracing aimless patterns. He should have never gotten his hopes up, he thought, gaze shifting to stare at the ground.

“Hey.”

He still didn’t look up. “You said you’d be here an hour ago.”

José sighed, he could feel the hurt in his voice. And the way he refused to make eye contact made it even clearer. “I’m sorry, okay? I knew you was gonna go in on me ‘bout this. I didn’t mean to, but–”

“But you were too busy having fun with your new friends,” he said flatly, as if it didn’t hurt him to acknowledge. “I get it. They’re cool and rich and whatever.” He looked up from the ground, but only to stare up at the sky instead. Ever since the newly-established popular kids took a shine to José, he felt like the boy he’d known for years was turning into a stranger. A stranger he wasn’t too fond of, at that.

And José was put on the defensive at the accusation. Regardless of whether or not it was accurate, it was harsh and stung when it came from someone he cared about. “I’m allowed to have other friends you know. You ain’t the boss of me.”

Brock rolled his eyes. “I’m not trying to be,” he retorted before his expression slipped back into a dejected one. “I just don’t wanna lose you to them.”

There was a beat of silence before José swallowed thickly. “Sounds like you’re tryna get me to choose between you and them.” Although his boyfriend was important to him, he was starting to feel overwhelmed. As innocent and light-hearted as their relationship had been, it was already a long one. But truth be told, he wanted the best of both worlds - he wanted Brock and his new clique, and he believed they could coexist if they tried. And he wanted to try.

“I’m not!” Brock got up and walked towards the edge where the dirt met the sidewalk. “But that just proves how separated we are because of them.”

“Then maybe we should separate,” he could hardly believe what he’d just blurted out. They were never supposed to break up, they even had a pretend wedding the past summer, where they promised to have a real one after college.

Although Brock had seen the writing on the wall, it didn’t spare him any pain, it didn’t make his heart break into any fewer pieces. His chest was aching and he had to work quickly to blink away the tears that welled up his eyes. “M-Maybe we should.” In a trembling voice, he forced himself to agree, doing his damnedest to hold it together.

And that was how it ended, the final nail in the coffin of a four-year relationship. They went their separate ways without another word. But the silence didn’t last – it led to many nights spent crying into their pillows, to awkwardly finding excuses to avoid each other at school. And sure, there was an attempted reconciliation over spring break, but they ended up facing the bitter reality that nothing would ever be the same.

Present Day

Brock could easily understand why everyone flocked to José – he was charming, effervescent, he was beautiful. There was simply no doubt about the magnetic attraction he must possess. And truth be told, he admired it, rather than envying it. He didn’t think he could handle the constant spotlight, having it on stage was more than enough as far as he was concerned.

“You’re staring again,” Courtney observed, poking his cheek to divert the attention he was giving far too freely to the boy at the other table.

“Am not,” he mumbled. His cheeks heated and turned red, and he pulled the hood of his sweatshirt up to further curl into himself.

Both of his friends snickered at the haphazard cover-up, which only caused his blush to deepen.

“If you’re trying to keep your crush under wraps, you could stand for some subtlety,” Steven chided and got flipped off in response.

Still, Brock couldn’t stop himself from stealing one more glance. This time, he noticed something out of the ordinary. “He’s not sitting next to Kyle,” he noted, his tone lighter.

Courtney perked right back up. “Oh, you don’t know?” She grinned while he stared blankly. “Okay, so, Kyle went to work at a sleep away sports camp over the summer and ‘allegedly’ hooked up with another counselor. So now they’re on the rocks.”

If any of them were to know any specific details of José’s personal life, it would be Courtney - for the sole reason that they were both on the cheerleading team, and gossip spread like wildfire among them. They weren’t friends per sé - probably because it was clear where her loyalties lay - but she was able to keep Brock up to date, whether he wanted to be or not.

“Huh, interesting.” He nodded, trying his best not to let a smile crack.

And unbeknownst to Brock, that connection she had was good for more than just gossip – it was the missing piece that was about to put their reunion plans into action.

It all started that afternoon after cheer practice. The coach had just ended the session with an empowering (if not a bit intimidating) speech about how important the upcoming qualifier competition would be to the year’s success. And that was exactly the segue Courtney needed.

“You know,” she mused, as if she hadn’t rehearsed it a dozen times, “my friend, Brock, had a bunch of dance competition wins under his belt. I bet if he and José work one on one, they could come up with a killer routine.”

The coach pressed her lips into a line as she mulled it over. There didn’t seem to be any issue she could see with bringing in someone with a useful set of skills. “Alright, if your friend’s ready, I think we can get started by Friday.”

“Perfect! I mean, I’m sure he will be. I’ll go let him know,” she assured, scurrying off before the woman could get another word in edgewise.

She shrugged, then turned and blew her whistle. “José, c’mere!”

José looked up from the conversation he’d been having with two of his teammates and jogged over. “What’s up?”

“Courtney’s bringing in her friend that’s some dancing prodigy or whatever, and she’s convinced you two can work on a routine that’ll secure us that qualifying position. So, you’re gonna partner off with him during Friday’s practice. Plan accordingly.”

She left before he could respond, but it didn’t take him too long to put two and two together. And the second he did, his heart started to beat faster and his cheeks felt red hot.

It normally took a hell of a lot to make José nervous. Whether he was confident in his success or failure, he took on everything headfirst and sorted it out later. But this was different, he had no idea what would happen. He hadn’t been alone with Brock since their brief attempt at getting back together all those years ago. How was he supposed to ‘plan accordingly’ for something like that?

“Babe?”

José jumped and turned around, his heart leaping into his throat. He was embarrassed to admit he’d expected to see Brock, not Kyle. “Huh?”

“I said, are you ready to go or are you still blowing me off?” He repeated, rolling his eyes with his arms crossed.

He cleared his throat and ran his hand through his hair. “Uh, yeah… Just lemme get changed.”

“Mhm,” Kyle was already on his phone, texting away and giving a quick nod in confirmation.

José didn’t realize how badly he needed a shower until he stepped under the hot water. He groaned and rubbed his hands against his face. “What the fuck?” he muttered, resting his arm against the wall and pushing his forehead against his arm, sighing heavily as his gaze drifted to the floor.

God, how he wished he had the words to explain how he felt, how the prospect of being alone with Brock for the first time in a long time sent his heart and soul into overdrive. He wondered if he would have been more calm about it if he and Kyle were on more comfortable terms - reuniting with your ex while your current relationship had one foot in the grave seemed like a dangerous combination in it of itself.

But when it came down to it, José knew there was only one option. He just had to act as if Brock was any other classmate or teammate he had to work with - nothing more, nothing less. As he walked back to his boyfriend from the locker room, he even bordered on optimistic - maybe they could walk away from this as friends again.

——

Brock leaned against the bleachers that bordered the football field and took a drag off his cigarette. “I just wish you had run this plan by me first.” It was clear that he was actively working to remain calm, but the agitation in his tone still remained.

“I don’t see why you’re so worked up about it.” Courtney shrugged, sitting on one level of the bleachers with her arm propped up on the one above her. “This is totally in your wheelhouse.”

“I’m not a choreographer! I’ve never created a routine for a dozen people, or literally anyone but myself,” he groaned, resting his head against the metal beam.

She leaned over, her arms dangling off the side. “That’s why it’s gonna be a joint effort. You guys can combine your knowledge and that’s how you’ll bond. See? I’m smarter than you think I am.” She looked to Steven to back her up, but he put his hands up to let the two of them duke it out.

“Or you watch too many movies,” Brock huffed.

And maybe the plan was a little idealistic. Maybe there was too much room for failure for his comfort. But it was the only thing they could come up with, and it had already been put into action. Sure, Brock did know that he could bail on this if he was certain this would blow up in his face, but part of him did want to hang onto a glimmer of hope that maybe his friends were onto something. Besides, he doubted an opportunity to be alone with José would present itself in any other fashion any time soon.

So, he decided to go along with it. He spent all of his free time over the following days researching group choreography and watching cheer routine compilations. The routines weren’t overly complex, but there were more moving parts than he had ever had to deal with before. It was so much more than flying kicks and pyramids.

By the time the last bell rang on Friday, Brock decided he was as prepared as he could ever be. He grabbed his backpack from his locker and closed it, resting his head against the cool metal as he gathered his thoughts and tried to keep himself calm.

“You ready for this?”

Whether or not he actually was, Brock nodded and followed Courtney down the hall that stretched from one end of the school to the other, where the gym was. They had to separate and enter through different locker rooms, but reconvened before she introduced him to the coach.

The woman got up and circled around him like a vulture, eyeing him up and down through narrow, piercing eyes. “Alright, I see it,” she nodded in approval. “He’s got a dancer’s body, probably knows what he’s doing.”

“Thank you?”

She had already stopped listening and gone off to flag down the team captain, waiting with hands on her hips while José jogged over from the other end of the gym. “Alright, José, this is your new choreography partner. You two work here while we take it to the field,” she said before walking off and blowing her whistle, corralling the squad outside, leaving only the former couple in the room.

They stood there in silence, looking at each other from the few feet of space they’d put between each other. Second felt like hours and both of their stomachs twisted from the tension.

“This is the quietest you’ve ever been,” Brock finally remarked. Both of them laughed softly and the mood seemed to lift. It was a start, he thought. It was definitely a start. And god, he had missed his laugh, even that quiet, controlled version of it.

“Don’t get too used to it,” he retorted with a grin, running his fingers through his hair and resting his hand on the back of his neck as he looked up at him. “So, you got somethin’ planned, Mr. Choreographer?”

Brock set his bag down on the bottom row of the bleachers and cocked his head over, gesturing for him to follow. He sat down with his notebook in his lap and flipped open to the most recent page. “I have some sort of outline going, but I’m gonna need you to fill in the blanks, give me what to work with,” he explained.

José sat beside him. He had initially left too much space, leading him to lean closer to read along off the notebook. It sent a sudden wave of nostalgia through him. Although, thankfully, Brock didn’t smell like a twelve year old boy anymore, there was something comforting and familiar about his scent. It was clean and a bit earthy, like taking a long walk in the middle of spring. It was something he’d like to spray on his pillow - make it the first and last thing to hit him each day. “I think I can handle that. Whatcha need?”

“Technical stuff, mainly. Everyone’s height, physical capacity and limitations. This way we can figure out what sort of routines can work, you know?” he turned to a new page, ready to take down everyone’s names and details. He was actually surprised how easily it all seemed to flow. Once they had gotten over the initial awkwardness in the nature of their reunion, they found that they worked together quite well. They were patient, able to listen and understand each other, it was as if they’d been working as a team the whole time.

Towards the end of practice, José felt his phone vibrate in his sweatshirt pocket. He rolled his eyes as he looked at the screen and shoved it back in without responding.

“Something wrong?”

José pressed his lips together and gestured vaguely, mumbling noncommittally. But he could feel Brock’s eyes on him and he knew he wasn’t going to get away with that alone. “Kyle’s just bitching at me ‘cause he don’t got practice today, so he’s waiting on me to give him a ride home. He usually bums rides off his brother, but he got a new job or some shit.”

Brock instantly tensed up at the mention of José’s boyfriend, and the fact that he seemed so annoyed, even unhappy, made him feel justified in his disdain. He wanted to go on a rant, let him know exactly how much of a prick he thought Kyle was. He was biting his tongue to keep venom from spewing out. Instead, he just swallowed his emotions and shook his head. “If he’s so worried about getting home, he can walk, right?”

“Yeah!” He latched right onto that, sitting upright and yanking his phone back out, relaying Brock’s sentiments through text. It was nice to be around someone that wasn’t busy kissing Kyle’s ass, for once. Every other time he had attempted to vent about his relationship, he was met with either indifference or ended up on the losing end of an argument with someone more interested in maintaining their social standing.

But Brock had never cared about any of that. He had never given a damn about being popular or staying on anyone’s good side. He was perfectly content to have a small friend group on the fringe of high school society. No one ever gave him much trouble, as that would require going out of their way to find him.

In middle school, that had been the biggest source of friction between the two of them. José had jumped on the opportunity to make new friends and was eager to make them all like him. And they all seemed to share that need for attention. But now, Brock’s introverted indifference was a breath of fresh air. It was a pleasant reminder that the world didn’t revolve around keeping his place at the top of the food chain.

“You have a visitor.” Brock nudged him to get his attention when Kyle had walked up to the pair. The two of them locked eyes and there was an immediate disdain between them. Anger flashed in his eyes as he looked up at him, daring him to speak to José with the same attitude he had through text.

Kyle decided not to verbally acknowledge Brock at all, angling his body so he was only facing the other male. “Babe, I’m not trying to be a dick, I swear. I’m just tired. Can we just go? Please?” it wasn’t clear if he actually felt bad or if he was just trying to get back in José’s good graces, but it seemed to be enough.

“Yeah, uh, we just about done, right?” José looked to Brock with an apologetic grimace as he started to gather his things and get up.

“Right. We’ll pick back up next time,” Brock’s jaw was clenched as he spoke, shooting a glare towards the quarterback as he shoved his belongings back into his bag. He turned back towards José with a softer expression. “I’ll text you tomorrow,” he patted his shoulder lightly before making his way towards the exit.

José offered a prompt confirmation and goodbye in response, watching him leave and feeling like a part of himself left with him. It took Kyle’s arm around his waist to get him to leave, but even then he glanced over his shoulder one more time.

“Why are you hanging out with him anyway? Isn’t that Courtney’s weird dancer friend?”

“He… yeah, he’s just helping us out, that’s all.” That was all, he repeated to himself.

[mrgrant9559-blog]

Safe Keeping: Prologue

A/N: Ayo, whats gucci? Yup, I’m back with a brand new fic! This one is Tony paired, which is a character I honestly thought I’d never write for, and yet here we are! Funny how things work, huh. I should include that Reader can fly and shoot basically energy blasts from his hands. So, pretty much Captain Marvel but not really Captain Marvel, ya know. Anyways, I’m hoping to be better with this fic than I am with Witch Way Is Right, as far as continuity goes. Btw, WWIR is still continuing!! It’s just I’ve been told by mutiple fic writers that in order to get rid of writer’s block, I should write something else. Hope you guys enjoy this one!!

Subject: Tony Stark x Male!Reader

Prompt: @trampledcactusboy - I am humbly requesting a something parter Tony one shot when you have the time too :) (like 2,3,4 however many parts you choose) I hope it can be in civil war time period so Tony's in that kind of mindset/feel and maybe reader can be a shield agent or hero who helped cap & friends escape but really agrees with Tony so he gets protective over him? if not you do you cuz you can never go wrong <3

Tags: @avengersohyeah @uselessace @writeyouin @trampledcactusboy @thegreatficmaster

_________________________________

You’d been with the Avengers for as long as you could remember. You’ve shared laughs, drinks, food, and a couple of moments along the way. So, you couldn’t believe your eyes when you realized what had become of you guys at this point. If someone would’ve told you 3 years ago that your team, THE Avengers, would split into two disagreeing sections over a stupid Sokovian accord, you would’ve taken a shit on their shoes and laughed in their face.

But now, it was almost like you were living a nightmare. No scratch that, you WERE living a nightmare. The same extraordinary people who you could call your brothers and sisters, were literally at each other’s throats.

You see Steve fighting a man dressed in red and blue spandex. And it looks like Steve is losing? You fly at Steve and swoop him up to the roof of the airport building and drop him off, landing in front of him to give the star spangled jolly rancher an ear full.

“What the hell are guys doing?!” You ask angrily.

“It’s long story, Y/N. And I really don’t have time for this.” He replies.

“We’re supposed to be a team, Steve. Almost like family.” I add. “So, imagine how I feel when I’m informed by SHIELD agents that not only are you and half of this so called family commiting treason, but you’re also protecting the man who killed King T’Chaka in cold blood!”

“I know it sounds crazy, but you’ve gotta believe me, kid. Buck is innocent. He’s being framed.”

“He tried to kill you and Fury just a year ago! If he’s willing to kill his best friend, brother in arms, then how am I supposed to believe that he wouldn’t to do the same to the now former king of Wakanda” I interject.

“That wasn’t him! You know as well as I do that he was under HYDRA’s control for years! He’s been trying to escape his past ever since and he’s been doing a great job so far!”

“Listen, I know Bucky is an innocent man, but what if the Winter Soldier comes out again. He’s a threat to others and himself!” I argue.

Steve sighs, realizing that what you’re saying is sorta true. “What if I can prove to you that Bucky didn’t kill anyone including the Wakanda’s king and that he’s innocent?”

“I don’t know Bucky well, but I do know he’s NOT innocent.” I say causing him to look down at his feet in disappointment. “However, if you have proof that he didn’t kill the king, then I’ll be willing to give him a second chance.” Steve looks up at me with a smile and nods in agreement. “Ok then, what do you need me to do?”

“Can you help us get to the quinjet? Take care of whoever gets in our way without causing permanent damage?” He asks.

“I can try.” You say before flying into the battle zone, making sure Steve and Bucky had a clear opening to the quinjet. You had to admit, these new people that Tony found were tough as nails. Definitely wasn’t their first time in a fight, but luckily, you were no rookie youself.

————————————

“Rhodes!!” You hear Tony yell in his suit while flying over to Rhodey’s aid. Rhodey was shot down by Vision, who was aiming for Sam. You tried to fly as fast as you could to catch him, following Tony and Sam in suit, but he had already hit the ground.

The sound. The sound his body had made when it made impact was haunting to say the least. Tony landed down next to Rhodey’s side and took off his helmet to examine the damage. He was unconscious with a bloody nose, which usually means that the person is either dead or damn near. Tony tells FRIDAY to read his vital organs. Thankfully, she replies by saying that there’s a heartbeat and that EMT are on their way.

Finally, Sam swoops in. “I’m sorry”, is all he could really say at the moment, even though he wasn’t entirely at fault. Tony didn’t care though as he raised his hand at Sam and blasted him, knocking him unconscious as well.

“Tony, you didn’t have to do that! It wasn’t his fault!” You say.

He moves his arm in you direction, his repulsors ready to fire. “Shut the hell up, Y/L/N! You’re just as in the wrong as him! I saw you helping Steve and Bucky back there. You’re supposed to be on MY side. You’re supposed to be MY friend!” He yells at you in anger, feeling betrayed and mostly hurt.

Your eyelids start to build up tears, as you find pain in what you’re about to say next. “Last I checked, we’re ALL supposed to be friends.” The look on Tony’s face tells you he was taken back by your words. “Look around you, Tones. Look at what’s become of us. We’re supposed to fight the enemy, not each other, and you know Bucky had nothing to do with the death of King T’Chaka.” Tony starts to lower his arm, which has now powered down.

Realization washes over him as he sees medics take Rhodey away on a stretcher in critical condition and the rest of Cap’s team get detained. The Wakandan Prince disappeared probably gone off to find Steve and Bucky. Tony knows Bucky couldn’t of been the one doing all these terrible things, at least not on purpose.

You and Tony finally arrive at a high max security prison in the middle of the ocean, where they were keeping the rest of Cap’s team for God knows how long. Tony walks over to each cell to talk to them about what they’ve done and how foolish they were being. Clint mostly, who retorted with his own words going back and forth with him. Tony then sees a new guy and wonders who he even is which punt a dent in the poor guy’s ego. He then walks over to Sam and asks if he’s been fed at all.

Sam just replies with snark, “Oh, so you’re good cop now?”

Regardless of what happened, Tony still cares for everyone and wants to make sure they’re at least being treated right. “I’m just the guy who need to know where Steve went.” He replies.

Sam tell hims that the only way he’s gonna get info outta him is if he goes full benny hanna on his ass. Tony starts messing with his watch, shutting off all coms in the prison system.

Tony tells Sam this, and he reveals to him everything he knows about where they could’ve gone. Tony rushes out of the cell block, with you following in suit. “Did you find out where they went?” You ask, following him to his private helicopter.

“Yup.”

“Great, I’m coming with you...”

“No, you’re not.” Tony retorts, spinning on his heel to face you.

“But I-“

“No, you don’t.” He interjects before you can finish your sentence. “What I need you to do is to stay here with the general and make sure he doesn’t send any of his people to follow me. I already told him I’m going back to the compound, but he might still suspect something.”

“Just, make sure you come back as friends. Last thing I wanna see is The Avengers break up over some dumbass accords.”

“I promise, we’ll all being sitting in front of a campfire singing Kum Ba Yah, and eating s’mores.” And with that, he enters the helicopter, on his way to help Cap and Buck find Zemo, so we could all be a team again.

Or at least thats how I hoped this day would end.

________________________

I’m so sorry for taking so long people! I’m a busy guy, but I knew I needed to out something out for you guys so here it is. This was pretty much my way of adding Reader into the movie without changing much. Also, I’m thinking of upload my fics to Wattspad. Should I do that?? I don’t know, but I hope you guys like this new fic!

[praphit]

GLASS FOR YOUR ASS!

Glass for your ass!

I know, people. That was unnecessary and childish, and I'm almost halfway sorry, but it IS fun to say.

Say it with me GLASS FOR YOUR ASS! One more time, let's shout it together - GLASS FOR YOUR ASS! Yes!

I'm thinking of starting a business with that name. Idk what would actually be sold, cuz... I can't imagine that anyone would want glass literally sticking in their butt. Though... who knows what the young people are into today?? Maybe I'll sell custom glass chairs instead. Can you imagine that commercial?? "Come on down to John Praphit's Glass For Your Ass today for a free fitting." 

But, no, people! This post is not about my new biz venture, but a new M. Night movie! "Glass"

He has taken some of his old twists, and brought them together in this new movie!

Twist number one: Bruce Willis - An old geezer

Come on, young ladies - follow the creepy old dude in the poncho.

The twist here is that this particular geezer is super strong. He also has the power to touch people to find out their motives (good for catching bad guys). I guess another twist would be the fact that he has been walking through the city groping people for decades and no one has reported him. He is "metoo" proof!

M. Night has a chance here for a cop show idea. He could sell this idea to Fox or someone (seems like they'd do this): A cop who always gets his man or woman, BUT he has to grope several people to do so. He doesn't enjoy it, he's simply utilizing his God-given talent. The show could be called "The Groper" or maybe not... maybe "The Geez". Yeah, that's better, I think.

 The next resurrected twist on M. Night's list is Mr. Glass!

He's lookin good isn't he? It's crucial to look sharp when you're also crazy and evil.

Sam L has the power of super intelligence, and cool hair.

The twist, unfortunately, is that he is also super-breakable. He could pass gas and break a rib. They should have put that in the movie. Sam L giving a speech, then *fart* "Aaaaah! Shit! My rib! Anyway, back to my master plan."

It's just another day. The last resurrected twist is James McAvoy - aka The Horde

We can just call him "Mental Illness Man". He has D.I.D (multiple personalities)

Allow me to step on my soapbox for just one moment: I've said this before, and will continue to say it - Can someone please create a character who happens to have a mental illness, but is not defined by that illness or driven to evil by it?! PLEASE!

Ex. Let's say Dr. Susie has an extreme case of OCD. One could write her as having this illness leads her to become a serial killer. If you're messy, you've gotta go! OR - one could write her as managing her OCD, and giving others with OCD hope... now you could still have her kill people if you want, but not because of OCD. See what I mean??

Anyway... By these three twist combined, we have "Glass"!

Sarah Paulson is also in this movie.

She looks like a poltergeist in this pic. Maybe she is... ANOTHER TWIST!

I love her, btw. She is good in everything. She plays a doctor who is trying to treat these three; believing that they are suffering from delusions.

The movie does a good job of selling that all of this might be bullshit. The characters are doubting themselves. Their families are doubting them. Even I was doubting them. I started to get mad. When did "Unbreakable" (Bruce Willis' movie) come out? 2000?

If all of this is leading up to lies, that would mean that M. Night has been lying to us for almost 2 decades. That's worthy of an ass whupin if you ask me. There's another twist for you. Me tracking down M.Night to slap him around for his lies.

But, this is pretty much the movie. It's a Blumhouse production, meaning that not a whole lot of money went into this flick. Most of the scenes are shot in the clinic that those three end up in. This is a story of doubt, possible lies, Mr. Glass plotting something, and an eventual twist that you know is coming. This is all fine if this is the movie that you believe you were sold.

From watching the trailer, I thought we'd get a flick with Mr. Glass breaking them out of a very temporary sitch in the clinic, him convincing The Horde to join him, and Bruce Willis fighting for justice! - maybe even get a good love scene with Sarah Paulson.

Oh, I wish that they had promised Bruce that love scene, cuz maybe he would have tried in this movie. He's pretty much sleep-walking through this film. This is the face he's making throughout the whole picture

- the face of exhaustion and contractual obligation.

The movie comes down to Mr. Glass scheming (which is actually cool), breaks for James McAvoy to be his schtick (and it does feel gimmicky. Less like a man with an illness and more like a one man show), and plot twists that don't make much sense. There is a message of believing in yourself depsite how the world tries to suppress you. I think this message is cool, and is planted well through the film. The prob is that nothing else is planted well through this movie. Yet, I still reccomend it... I couldn't tell you why... maybe that's another twist.

It does a good job of creating anticipation, it just doesn't deliver. Like a first date that's driven by anticipation and excitement. You keep thinking it's going to be something that it never turns into - anticipation, excitement, anticipation, excitement... and then you go home confused. BUT, you don't exactly regret going on the date... i guess... idk... that damned M.Night has got me so twisted around that I'm not making any sense.

Regardless, I give this movie an entertaining D+

I still have some things to get off my chest (that'll also explain the low grade), but I can't do this without spoiling anything, so here's your chance to get away.

Surrriously

Surrrrriously

Ok (you've been warned):

1) Bruce Willis gets caught, but how?

His son is working with him (same actor who played his son all of those years ago btw). His son is his eyes. Where were those eyes when it counted? If I were Bruce, I'd ground the son. Idc how old he is now. In your 20's or even your 30's, STILL GROUNDED! - until daddy gets out of prison. And even then, there'd be a spanking.

2) Why aren't the mass murderers (Mr. Glass and The Horde) better secured?!

And that whole flashing light in the face of The Horde whenever he jumps into a dangerous personality, to change him into a less menacing one? Really?? Assuming I go with that, why couldn't he have simply closed his eyes?

3) The dumbass girl, who was The Horde's victim, whom he took hostage and was going to kill in his movie "Split" - she visits The Horde in lockup - TWICE! Towards the end of the film she puts her life at risk even more for him... WHY?!?!

4) Never trust Sarah Paulson! In most of her roles in movies or shows, she's never what she seems. This wasn't a bad thing, I'm simply voicing my mistrust.

5) The question is asked "If we DO have these powers? and it's not all delusions -  Why aren't there more of us?"

Yeah... WHY?! Good question! M. Night twisted himself on that one!

6) Lastly, his master plan to show the world video evidence of these feats done:

In 2019, would we even care for that long? Not much of a master plan.

Man, Jesus could return, with us having video evidence, and He could rapture tons of people. In two weeks we'd forget all about it.

Person A: "Hey, remember when Bob was raptured two weeks ago?"

Person B: "Who? Oh yeah, Bob. Right."

Person A: "It's crazy about Satan running around melting people's faces off isn't?"

Person B: "Is he still doing that? It hasn't been trending. Have you seen this cat video?"

We are the worst!

[shinkei-shinto]

It was a casual question. They had been lying in the same place for three hours now, and Sombra was about ready to lose her freaking mind, access to the internet secured from the building across the street notwithstanding, and the only thing that was keeping her sane was her conversation with her partner.

However, she had reached a point where her questions were becoming too invasive, and the lizard had begun to answer all of them in the same way, regardless of what Sombra did. It was a casual question.

"What kind of lizard are you, anyways?"

Widowmaker did not move, and Sombra was pretty sure she did not breathe, not wanting to waste the air on an answer, as Sombra slowly lost her mind.

"French." came the answer, eventually, and Sombra rolled over from her prone position on her back to stare angrily at the woman.

"That's not an answer." Sombra hissed, gaze burning holes in the side of her mask, the infra sight brought down to task long ago. Maybe she had thought it would prevent her from asking more questions. Maybe she was blocking her out.

"I would like to be doing literally anything else right now." Sombra finally relented, rolling back onto her back and staring at the sky. It was getting dark.

Smirking, she brought up a screen and flipped her neural modifications to task, waiting for her compatriot to inhale before flicking it on.

She paused. She turned slowly towards her, bringing away the mask with a light touch.

"Why."

Sombra grinned wickedly, the bones on her skin glowing an eerie shade of green, casting delightful shadows across Widowmaker's pale skin.

"Finish this more quickly and I will show you, chica!" Sombra promised, wiggling her fingers at the sniper.

Widowmaker almost groaned. She probably did, actually, but her breathing was so shallow and so quiet that Sombra couldn't quite tell.

Plus, she was enjoying herself too much to let the lizard ruin her good mood.

--

Unprepared.

She had told me, that I was not prepared for where we were going, in a gleeful tone, her arms wrapped tightly around my waist as I drew us both through the air and away from the rooftop that was to have been home for another few hours.

She had been the guide, although a hacked car has provided us a lift, driving up on its own and opening the door for me, drawing a slightly less sour expression from me.

Unprepared.

The journey there had been filled with various strange entrance fees, codes, and a liberal amount of purple tech filtering in, filling the gaps. It would seem that the underground here was truly underground, slipping deeply away from anything resembling respectable.

Unprepared.

I was never unprepared, for anything, I was never surprised or caught off guard. Everything was an eventuality and I had to be ready for all of them, no matter their form. And yet, here I found myself, standing casually off to the side, something not alcoholic enough grasped in my hand, less delicately than I preferred, watching her in the center of it all.

Unprepared.

Perhaps for the colors.

--

There is an appreciation for music that runs deeper than the blue color to her skin, I knew, catching glimpses of her clinging to the table like a lifeboat in the ocean, and that was perhaps all that was keeping her here now.

I was in my element, finally, having spent weeks tracking down this club, and almost as long securing myself access. Whatever had happened today, it ended with me here, because the call for home was so strong that I could not resist it whenever I found it.

The lights, the beat, the bodies that glowed just as mine did, the tech, the reaching queries and responding flashes from my body, the metallic shine on faces.

It called to me, I am sure as strongly as the curves of her gun called to her, as strongly as the sight of her target resting easily in the center of her scope.

I couldn't keep my eyes on her, not totally, and somehow for once the shimmery suit that she pretended was "stealthy" and not a cry for help from someone suited to high fashion crammed into a snipers role blended into the background here. For once, we were brighter, and she was truly the hidden element.

Still, I caught her gaze, throwing my head back or spinning just so halfway through a song, still, I saw her eyes widened just a bit from their cold standard, when the crowd parted for a moment, a breath.

I couldn't tell you how long it had been, I couldn't remember how many songs had passed, but the empty glasses on the table next to her gave me some idea, when she stood as if to walk away.

I would have been disappointed. I would still have let her go.

But she took one strong step, and then she was moving like I'd never seen this Widowmaker move, walking into a past life, a stride more musical than stern, something full of emotion.

And then somehow she was next to me, and I was ecstatic, and she took a hand and smiled - almost smiled - at me.

"Care to dance?"

--

I would realize only later that she had stood in response to a mix, to a beat she recognized, to a DJ having stolen music from her prime to lay a beat over, to boost, to alter.

And she, changed, altered, too, had heard something that resonated, something she remembered, and in a moment of possibly not entirely sober confidence, had stood to join me.

And then she was in control. For all of my being in my element, for all of my knowing the faces and codes and hacks and touches, when she stood just so and held me right there, she was in hers.

And she moved like no other, like nothing I had ever tried before, and I was swept around like a dance partner who knew no steps, aware of only the beauty that was her and how absolutely impossible this moment was.

To my credit, I think, I kept up, although I retain the feeling that she was the only reason I didn't fall flat on my ass - drunk as she might have been, these things were more of a part of her than anything could take away, and when she finally stopped and the DJ took the hint and paused the music on a fade, a moment of impossible quiet in the club, we both realized the same thing.

The floor had cleared for her skill, and every eye was on us.

Now, it was my turn, and I snatched her hands and turned my back towards her and held her, stiff, putting on a face for the crowd.

"Sorry about your phones, folks, but this is an in person experience only!" And my spine felt warm for that moment and everything flashed out of existence, only my green remaining, and I let one of her hands go and curled myself around her waist and threw the other hand out, letting the lights and music all come back on, in my signature color, the shock and outrage of the crowd palpable.

"Save it, cuz you'll never see anything half as lovely for the rest of your lives!" and elbowed her, continuing to pose, with the muttered

get us out of here

And she threw her one free hand up and the comforting sound of escape whipped through the air and then we were out, through a skylight, or perhaps just a door in the ground that no one ever thought about.

Shin 🐐, [03.04.18 12:20]

Breathless, on the rooftops again, I spun around and around and laughed, exultation free from my mouth, acutely aware of exactly how I had pulled that off.

She was behind me, retrieving the rifle I had disallowed her to bring, and after another spin with my arms thrown out as wide as the jacket tied around my waist flared, I turned back towards her and grinned.

Her expression was flat, again, cold, unmoving, and she nearly stalked over to me and I refused to falter - if I died now, it would have been an excellent day to end on.

Instead, she slid her free hand to the small of my back, stopping my movements entirely, staring down into my face, her expression as quiet as mine was loud.

"All of it-?"

"I got it all, chica, don't do me like that." I pouted, placing both hands on her shoulders. I couldn't be stopped. I was full of adrenaline and power.

She leaned down, her eyes still burning with something from the club, her rifle held off from us, in one hand, the strength there evident even as it was when she was nearly throwing me around, and I hopped up on my toes, nearly bumping noses.

I resisted. The word was on my lips, the trademark sound that made every person I knew more than am hour groan aloud, but I held off, and

She closed the distance, and for all her chill, she was warm and soft and sharp and left me gasping, the ghost of a smile decorating her face, and the darkness of her lipstick on mine.

[fuck-bowers]

Twelve Days of Criss-mas / Vic Criss x Reader

A/N: I was requested a second Halloween fic for Vic by @aprilfooledyou but Halloween had passed before I could post it, so I thought for the moment, I would post a festive fic stuffed with holiday fluff :-) be warned. v fluffy. v cheesy. just in time for Christmas. hope you enjoy!!

“Wow, who’s your secret admirer?”

You beamed down at the letter in your hands, folded in half, a big “Day 3” scrawled on the front. Immediately you blushed, laughing to yourself. “No idea. These just started the other day.”

Letters were being taped to your locker daily now, apparently counting up to an unknown set of days. Your best friend Teresa grinned excitedly, looking over your shoulder.

“Open it up!” She excitedly insisted, and slowly you folded open the piece of notebook paper to find a paragraph of a letter inside, just like the two received before it. Teresa squealed, startling you.

“It’s a love letter!” Your best friend said, seemingly surprised. You had a similar shock when you discovered the first letter - no one had done anything like this to you before, much less to any other girl at Derry High.

Before either of you could read it, you closed it abruptly.

“Unfair! I gotta read it!” She whined, and you shook your head with a grin.

“No, come on, they wouldn’t appreciate it.”

“You know who they are?” She questioned, even more curious. You shook your head again, shrugging.

“It could be anyone.” You replied. Looking down at the folded letter in your hand, you furrowed your brows. 

“I don’t know what they mean, ordering things in days.”

For a moment, the two of you were silent, until Teresa smiled wide. “The twelve days of Christmas. It’s a twelve days of Christmas thing.”

It made so much sense. You smiled back at her, surprised you hadn't figured it out earlier.

“That’s totally it, you're right.”

Slinging her backpack over her shoulder, Teresa began to walk backwards down the hall, but not before pointing at you with raised eyebrows.

“You tell me the second you know who it is.”

“Of course!” You hollered back. As she left in the stream of other students going home, you opened the letter up. In messy handwriting, you deciphered the letter’s contents.

Dear Y/N,

Boy, this is weird. Don't girls like stuff like this, though? Maybe not, if you don't know who it's from. But it could be kinda nice. I dunno.

I love your voice. It's nice and chipper and sweet and it cuts through the sound of everyone else’s voice in a crowd full of people. In class when you ask questions your voice is a beautiful low tone, musical notes hanging in the air until the bell rings. - Yours truly

The day before, it had been about your eyes, and the very first day, it was about your smile. You were a blushing fool, grinning down at the paper, standing alone by your locker. Coming back to reality, you looked down the hallway.

You wished whoever wrote it would be watching nearby, but of course, you were alone. You'd have to wait nine more school days to even know their name.

Vic Criss scribbled ‘yours truly’ onto the bottom of the torn out notebook page, flipping it over before Belch Huggins, sitting beside him in the cafeteria, could read it. Belch smiled slyly.

“Is that homework?”

Vic gave a nod, looking down at it. “Uh, yeah. Thought I'd start an essay early.”

Staring at him for a moment, Belch finally gave out a laugh. “Boy, you're full of shit.”

Of course, Vic would never admit his love letter writing to Henry, and especially never to Patrick - but Belch seemed to have the most potential to understand.

Slowly, Vic opened his mouth, thinking of how to phrase it.

“This, uh, this girl I like. I've been leaving her letters. For Christmas. That's all.”

Belch cocked an eyebrow. “She must be fuckin’ special.” He commented, taking a bite of his sandwich.

You were. Vic had known it since middle school. Other girls, though attractive, though kind, had never enticed him as much as you had. And you only had spoken to him a handful of times. He didn’t want to go through Christmas break still debating whether or not to make his feelings known.

“Yeah.” Vic muttered, folding the finished letter in half. On top, he wrote “Day 3” in big, bold letters.

Day 4, day 5, day 6 - the days passed by, each with a note taped to locker #52, right before the last class of the day. Though the text was nearly chicken scratch, you could read it, and each letter’s ugly handwriting was juxtaposed with its poetry.

Dear Y/N,

Every time I hear your laugh, it brighten up my day. It sounds like wind chimes in the summer.

I wish I could make you laugh. Maybe someday I can. Evan if I told the lamest joke in the world and you gave me a pity laugh, I'd be happy to know I caused that wonderful noise.

I hope you had a good day today.

- Yours truly

Dear Y/N,

You're so smart. You already know. But whenever you're called on in class, you speak so elecuently and you know every answer to every question your asked. If you've noticed me in class, you know whenever I'm called on, I either fuck up saying the right answer, or I just get it flat-out wrong.

You're probably sick of these letters, right? I would be too. Don't worry, there's only a few left!

- Yours truly

Dear Y/N,

O.K , I didn't know whether or not it'd be in good taste to write this or if it would make me look like a total creep - but it's a part of what I like about you, so I might as well be honest. You've got a smokin’ body. Just like yesterday's letter, I'm sure you already know and don't need some rando telling you, but wow, you've really got it going on. You’re incredible. Do you go to a gym? … don't answer that.

Anyway, that’s just one of the many things about you that I’m crazy over. This is the crudest letter you'll receive, I promise.

- Yours truly

You couldn't help but giggle at the last letter. It really was a boy who, at least vaguely, knew about decency. At every school day’s end, it was what you looked forward to with excitement, wondering what the next one would say. Days 7, 8, 9, 10, passed by with each love letter sweeter than the last. The weekend was usually a breeze to get through, but between days 10 and 11, it couldn't go by fast enough.

Eyes searching through every class for your secret admirer, you weren't sure what to look for. Any and all of the students - well, some more than others - could be the one.

Day 11’s note was different - it included a big hint.

Dear Y/N,

I was sitting in the cafeteria alone after class, all mad cuz I had just failed a test I'd studied really hard for. The guys had all made fun of me for even trying. I thought if I tried to study, instead of just slacking off, I could get a good grade for once. I guess not.

You came up to me and said that you'd failed the test, too. I know you didn't. You're too smart. I don't think you were flirting or anything, I think you just knew I took it hard. I said yeah, it was much harder than Ms. Goodman said it would be, and you smiled and said that's the way she is. Then you said see you later and walked away.

If that's something you do for people you barely know, it says so much about who you are. I wish I knew you better.

- Yours truly

As the letter came to a close, your heart raced, butterflies rushing in waves through your stomach. There had only been one guy you'd done that to. It was one you had never, ever expected to be the romantic behind the confessions.

Vic had held a debate in his head all morning long concerning whether or not he’d deliver the final letter in person. The last letter said nearly outright who “yours truly” was - unless you did that to everyone Ms. Goodman failed.

Even so, how uncomfortable would it be if you were hand-delivered the 12th letter by the same boy you wanted to avoid after reading the 11th? You came to class seemingly in a good mood everyday, but Vic couldn't tell if it was because of him.

Vic wasn't as invasive as Patrick to hide and watch you read each letter, and he wasn't as bold as Henry or Belch to ask you out instead of going to all this trouble. Hell, Patrick wouldn't have left a single letter either, much less care if you liked them or not.

Of course, this was new for Vic, too. He wasn’t sure if too many of his mom’s soap episodes had gotten to his head, or if it was the wonder of Christmas driving him to confess his love like this. Regardless, he didn’t want the gesture to be too over the top - he might as well leave the letter, rather than deliver it.

The towhead of the Bowers gang placed the final letter onto your locker, taping it securely. Drawing in a deep breath for a long sigh, he wondered if you’d talk to him after this, if it was a good idea to write his name in the final letter instead of the typical ‘yours truly’, if the entire twelve days of letters itself was a good idea at all.

Coyly tapping him on the shoulder, Vic nearly jumped as he turned around, eyes wide. They seemed to widen even more when he realized he’d be getting his answer.

You beamed at him, and realizing it must be okay to smile back, he started to. That's when you put a hand to his cheek and quickly pressed your lips upon his.

The long-awaited kiss lasted a tender, surprising moment, but before Vic had the chance to kiss back, you pulled away.

“Merry Christmas, Vic.” You wistfully said with a smirk, as you turned and ran back to class without a second glance.

He stood alone in the hallway, breathless, slowly smiling, just as you had been upon receiving your first letter.

Within seconds, you’d made it a good Christmas - and he looked forward to an even better year.

[blissfullylostinarabbithole]

Outsider Pt. 7

Pairing: Step Dad Tony Stark x Teen Reader

Word Count: 3.5k (long cuz it’s been so long since I updated [sorry])

Summary: Tony’s not happy with your growing bond with Bucky. While the team’s away, you meet a young web-slinger and a certain thunder god.

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“‘Avenger Pajama Party?!’” Tony shouted a headline, slamming the morning paper on the table in front of you. “What were you thinking?! Who said you could leave the tower?” His eyes drifted from you to your companions. “Who said you could take her?!”

“Who the hell are you to tell me what to do?!” you snapped.

“Who am-” he looked around, laughing humorlessly. “Only your step-dad. And this is my house and I say you can’t leave the tower in the middle of the night without notifying anyone or without proper security!”

Bucky stood abruptly, insulted by Tony’s words. “You think we’d let her get hurt?”

“You would do well to keep quiet, Barnes,” Tony warned.

“Where’s my mom? FRIDAY, can you call her down here, please?”

“Of course, Miss.”

Steve finally spoke up. “Sit down, Buck.” Bucky huffed, but took his seat again. “She was perfectly safe, Tony.”

Tony sighed, bringing steepled hands to his lips. “Y/N, it’s not safe for you to just run around like you did back home. If you want to go out, fine, but see Happy to assign you a detail first.”

“Right,” you deadpanned, “because a guy in a suit is more intimidating than Captain America and the Winter Soldier.” You looked over at the two men, sitting stoned faced and arms crossed, and you were hit with an idea. “Who would dare come near me when people are so scared of him?” you tilted your head toward Bucky. The three men stiffened, but said nothing, wanting to know what you were getting at. “Isn’t that why we had to wake Steve last night? Because the public’s still terrified of him? So how was I in danger?”

“You could be targeted because of hi- our enemies,” Tony tried to correct himself, but you all caught it.

“Which will happen regardless of whether or not I’m with any of you.”

“I’m not the bad guy, here, Kiddo.” Tony noticed the way you winced at the nickname. “It kills me that the public’s having a hard time accepting him.” He tried his best to sound sincere, but fell just a tad short. “But I’m trying my best to make everyone happy.”

“So…” you picked at your nails, trying to suppress the smile that threatened to form. “you wouldn’t mind if I took on a summer project, then? To help the public accept him?”

Bucky turned to you, wondering if you were serious while Steve turned away to hide his smirk.

“Well, no,” Tony straightened, doing his best to avoid eye contact. “but I don’t think you’ll have much time with the honeymoon and school.”

“I have two months until school starts, and I’m not going on your honeymoon.”

“One month,” he corrected. “Your school starts their fall term in August. What do you mean you’re no-”

“WHAT?!” you shrieked. “When were you planning on telling me?”

Tony paled, realizing he’d just dropped yet another bomb on you. “When we got back from vacation. We figured some time away would soften the blow…” he trailed off.

“Except I’m not going. I told Mom that from the beginning.”

Tony’s jaw jutted in annoyance. “She never mentioned it. Pepper arranged everything for three.”

“Sucks when people keep things from you, doesn’t it, Dad,” you jeered.

The elevator dinged and you heard footsteps approach. Your mom’s smile quickly dropped at the obviously tense situation in the kitchen.

“Morning,” she greeted cautiously. “What’d I miss?”

Before Tony could say a word, you leapt off your stool and ran toward her.

“Is it true I start school a month early?”

She exchanged a look with Tony before meeting your eyes again and nodding. “I’m sorry. Is that what this is about?”

“No,” Tony jumped in, handing her the paper. “She went out last night without telling anyone.”

“We were hungry and you were asleep,” you chimed in. “I told FRIDAY to let you know if you woke up.”

“Tony was awake,” she replied, looking at the picture of the three of you at the diner in your PJs. “Why didn’t you tell him?”

You knit your brows and scoffed, “Why would I? He’s a stranger.”

She pinched the bridge of her nose and walked to counter to pour some coffee. Steve softened at the hurt look on Tony’s face, while Bucky’s eyes flickered between the three of you.

“I’m sorry,” you muttered. “I’m just upset over school and being yelled at as soon as I woke up.” Chancing a look at your mom, you saw she frowned at Tony, who was looking sheepish. “Well, since I only have half a summer, I’d like to make the most of it. What else can you show me?” you asked Bucky.

“We just went over this.” Tony looked like he wanted to rip his hair out. “You need a security team before you can leave.”

“She’s fine,” you mom said absentmindedly. “She’ll be with Steve and James.”

“Thanks, Mom.” You gestured the soldiers to follow you before Tony could protest. “See you later!”

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

You insisted they join you and your mom dress shopping, and due to recent headlines, they didn’t resist much. Over the past several days, pictures of the three of you were on every paper. All of them showed Bucky doing something normal: playing at an arcade, eating cotton candy, petting a dog, etc., looking nowhere near as scary as he did previously.

It was easy to see Tony growing increasingly bothered by it as well, so it was a plus. You suspected it was why he insisted on throwing a party before his and your mother’s departure in your honor, and invited the families of everyone from your new school.

“If the party’s for me, why can’t I wear whatever I want and invite who I want?” you asked your mom as she lifted another dress to your neck.

“Because it’s for you to meet your classmates,” she soothed. “To maybe make some friends before your first day. It sounds like a great idea to me.”

You had to admit, it was a good idea, but you still couldn’t help but wonder if he was just trying to weaken your growing bond with Bucky.

“That one’s nice,” Steve offered. “Maybe you should try it on.”

In the fitting room, you grumbled as you stripped and contemplated how much time you’ll serve should you dare to wear one of those stupid dresses more than once. Looking in the mirror after zipping yourself up, you huffed in annoyance. The dress brought out your eyes and you looked fantastic. You stepped out to show them, and they all gushed, begging you to buy it.

Natasha and your mom helped you get ready while simultaneously trying to calm your nerves. You were pretty much going to be on your own as you and your mom were still on shaky ground, and Tony was just being Tony.

You made your way around the room for what seemed like the hundredth time in the last hour, cringing at the snippets of conversations you caught from both kids and their parents. ‘Wait, so none of the other Avengers are coming out?’ ‘There aren’t even any reporters.’ ‘I was hoping to promote my clothing line.’ ‘You think now’s a good time to ask Stark about handling some of his accounts?’

Everywhere you looked, there were fake smiles. One girl actually sneered at you and wiped her hand on her dress after shaking yours. It was all too much, and you headed to the balcony for some air. It wasn’t long until someone followed.

“Hiding?”

You rolled your eyes and tried to mask your distaste before turning. If arrogance were a person, this guy would be it. “Yeah,” you playfully grimaced. “Sorry, what was your name again?” you asked for the fifth time that night.

For the fifth time, his irritation flashed in his eyes, much to your amusement. “Chuck Bass.”

“Right. Chuck. Sorry, just so many new faces, you know?”

Chuck smirked, slowly closing the gap between you. “You can drop the act now, Miss Stark. No one’s out here but us.” He snickered at your annoyance. “We can help each other out; you clearly don’t want to be here, and I would love to assist a beautiful girl like you.”

“Excellent delivery,” you spoke normally. “Had a lot of practice?” You sidestepped him and went back inside, giving the party another half hour before sneaking back up to your room.

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

A few days after Tony and your mom left, the remaining team were called on missions. Bucky was worried about leaving you alone, despite your promises that you wouldn’t leave the tower, and dragged you to see Happy to assign you a security detail. It took two days to find people who could work with you, but you were thankful for it as you did nothing but worry about your friends when you had nothing to do.

Happy was going on and on about some rules as he followed you to the kitchen, pulling a gun out and shoving you behind him when he saw the fridge was open. He groaned and put his weapon away when a boy emerged from behind the door.

“What are you doing here?”

“Hi,” he waved awkwardly. “I just wanted to check in and see if maybe there was a mission or… something.”

“Yeah,” Happy perked up. “There is a mission for you.”

“Really?” he grinned. “What is it?”

Happy gave you a gentle shove forward. “Y/N, Peter. Peter, this is Y/N. Stark’s kid.” He ignored the dirty look you sent him. “Keep her company.”

You both stared slack jawed as he left. You turned back to find Peter blushing. “So, you’re the Spider?”

“What?! I- No!” he stammered. “I um, I’m Mr. Stark’s intern.”

“Right… so why’d you ask Happy about a mission?”

“I… didn’t.”

“Are you from Queens?” you asked, head tilted.

“Yeah.”

“My mom said a kid from Queens named Peter ‘interns’ for Tony, but is actually Spider Man.” You watched amusedly as he shifted uncomfortably. “So that’s not you?”

“Yeah, it’s me,” he sighed. “No one’s supposed to know, though.”

“Well, I kind of live here now, so I don’t know how you planned on hiding it from me.”

“Where is everyone, anyway?” he tried to hide his embarrassment by changing the subject.

“Either on vacation or a mission. Sorry, you just missed them by a couple days.”

“Oh.” He looked a little hurt, and you started to feel bad for him. “They didn’t call me.”

“Happy was just kidding, you know. You don’t have to stay, but I wouldn’t mind the company if you wanted to.” You weren’t sure why you invited him to stay. You were just glad he was so different from the other people your age you met.

“Really?” You smiled at his excitement. It reminded you of a puppy. “You wanna go somewhere and hang out or something?”

“Yeah, but should we? I mean, I’ve kind of only been going out with Steve and Bucky, so will people figure out who you are if we’re seen together?”

After realizing it would be a bad idea to leave, you decided to order some pizza and spent the day watching movies. Peter returned the next couple of days, and eventually told you about his aunt, his uncle, all the things that stress him out about being a hero, and you told him how worried you were about the team.

You and Peter were in the middle of a heated discussion on whether or not The Force Awakens was a good movie, when the sky suddenly went dark and there was a loud crash of thunder on the balcony. Before you could react, Peter pulled you to the kitchen and tried to stuff you into a cabinet.

“My friends!” a voice boomed. “I have returned!”

Both of you peeked over the counter, sighing in relief when you found Thor looking around as your security burst in. You shot Peter a look and he blushed.

“I didn’t know!” he hissed defensively. “I haven’t met him yet!”

“Miss?” one of the guards called. “It’s all clear; it’s only Thor.”

“Hear that? It’s ‘only’ Thor,” Peter scoffed, making you snort. You both stood slowly, drawing everyone’s eyes to you.

“Permission to return to our posts, Miss?” the same guard asked.

“Yeah,” you replied meekly, casting an unsure glance at Peter.

Neither of you moved as they left, only staring at a smiling Thor.

“Hello!” he greeted cheerfully. “Who are you?”

“Uh,” Peter’s voice cracked, much to his embarrassment, and quickly cleared his throat. “I’m Peter. I’m… an Avenger,” he finished confidently, growing pink at incredulous look the god gave him. “And this is Y/N. She’s Mr. Starks, uh, her mom married Mr. Stark.”

They were met with his booming bark. “Is this a trick?” He looked around, waiting for the others to jump out and share in the laughter, his own tapering off as he saw your serious expressions. “Where are the others?”

“Mr. Barton’s gone home, Tony’s away with my mom, and the others are on missions.”

The smile quickly faded from face as his amusement was replaced with concern.

“And you were left here? Alone?” He didn’t give either of you time to respond. “Do not worry, my young friends. I shall look after you until their return.”

You nearly choked on air. “What?”

“Oh, that’s not necessary, Sir.”

“It is no trouble!” he assured. “What do you wish to do first?”

You ordered food and settled on another movie, immediately realizing you were going to need a lot more food. After the movie, Thor regaled you and Peter with stories of his misadventures in Asgard, leaving you both in awe. When it got ‘late’, he apologized for keeping you up and sent you and Peter to bed, refusing to let him leave despite Peter’s protests that he was perfectly safe.

In the morning, you were met with a horrified Peter in the kitchen. Thor greeted you and guided you to a stool, promptly setting a plate in front of you. You exchanged a nervous look with Peter before taking a bit of the obviously burnt scrambled eggs into your mouth. There was a noticeable crunch as you chewed, but seeing Thor’s proud, smiling face, you couldn’t do anything but smile and swallow. Satisfied with your reaction, he returned his attention to the stove.

You tried the pancakes next, which were no better. They were thick and gooey in the middle, and had clumps of flour in them. The bacon was the real tragedy; it was burnt at one end, and almost completely raw on the other. Movement caught your attention as Peter wrapped the food in napkins to hide it as trash. When he collected them and stood to throw them away, you reached for napkins to do the same, but Thor was piling food onto his own plate and getting ready to join you. In a panic, you switched your plate with Peter’s empty one, and jumped off your stool just as Thor turned around.

Peter shot you a look of betrayal, which you answered with an apologetic one. Sitting with a large glass of juice to wash the taste out, you watched as Peter slowly ate your food, never softening his glare. When he finished, he called for his aunt to pick him up, smirking at the look you gave him when you realized he was leaving you.

He returned the following day with a bag full of clothes, and made you apologize before giving you a sandwich he’d gotten from his favorite deli. Able to convince Thor to let you help him cook, you ended up with meals that were actually edible, making the day bearable.

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

Thor took his self-appointed role as caregiver seriously, going so far as to ask FRIDAY to tell him if you or Peter were out of bed. It wasn’t all bad, though. It was funny when he grew embarrassed during nude scenes in movies, especially when he’d yell for you to avert your eyes.

You and Peter were in the middle of a laughing fit, Thor growing redder and redder at the scene playing out on screen, when one of your guards entered the room.

“Miss? There’s a delivery for you.”

“Did you order more food?” Peter asked, still trying to catch his breath.

“No.” You looked over to the door, eyes widening at the man who stepped through carrying a vase full of flowers. “Uh, are you sure that’s mine?”

Your security took a card from the bouquet and handed to you. It had your name, but no other information. Not even who they were from.

He took the vase, quickly tipping and dismissing the delivery man. “Where would you like them?”

“I guess the coffee table in my room?” you offered, not really sure what to do with them.

He gave you a short nod and left, leaving only the noises of the movie’s lovemaking in the background.

“Can I see?” Peter asked, taking the offered card. “Who do you think sent them?”

“I don’t know,” you shrugged. “Maybe it’s like a welcome thing or something.”

It was a suspicion that was confirmed a couple of days later when you received a greeting card welcoming you to the neighborhood. Again, only your name was on it, written in sloppy handwriting.

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

Bucky’s mission ended first, and you were too relieved he was ok to be embarrassed about hugging him. Steve looked on with a soft smile that quickly died when he saw Thor marching over. After a shouting match between the two, in which Steve assured him you and Peter were old enough to be left alone, he introduced him to Bucky.

Peter returned home, promising he’d visit again soon, while Thor went with Steve to hear all about the mission. Bucky cleaned up and went to your room, immediately catching sight of the wilting flowers.

“Nice flowers,” he commented, joining you on the couch.

“Thanks. No idea who sent them.”

He raised a brow at you and smirked. “Got an admirer, Doll?”

“Yeah, right,” you snorted. “Got this like a day or two after.” You handed him the card and he looked it over.

“Nothing’s written in it.” You shrugged, and he began to snicker. “Good thing it’s just someone bein’ nice, or that Thor guy mighta gotten riled up.”

“It’s not funny. He gave me a bedtime and everything,” you complained, making him laugh harder.

In the following days, you picked up where you left off, getting seen around the city with Bucky, Steve, and now Thor. Peter came along sometimes, bringing his friend Ned to avoid too much speculation.

Not long after, the rest of the team you had yet to meet returned. They gaped at the news of Tony’s marriage. They were polite, but the whole situation was awkward enough that all they did was stare, and as much as you wanted to hide in your room, you forced yourself not to knowing that’s exactly what you’d be doing when your mom and Tony returned.

By the time they did, Bucky’s reputation had improved, much to Tony’s annoyance. Less than a week later, a team meeting was called where they were informed that the restriction on one Sgt. James Buchanan Barnes had been lifted. The room erupted in cheers, and they decided they would go out to celebrate and promptly left to get ready.

Tony stayed behind in the conference room, looking at all the photos taken by the paparazzi. His eyes kept lingering on one in particular; Ned and Peter were sitting on the ground with Steve, trying to hand feed a squirrel, while Bucky sat on the bench holding the peanut bag. You had your eyes closed, head leaning peacefully against his very visible metal arm.

“Tony?” you mom called softly as she entered. “Everyone’s going out tonight. Are you?”

“No. I have things to do.” He wouldn’t meet her eyes as he gathered the magazines, sighing when she approached and took them from him.

“These are nice,” she smiled. “I’m glad she found a friend in him.”

Tony scoffed. “Do you honestly trust him? You think she’s safe with him?”

“I do.”

“He killed my parents,” he croaked.

“I know. I’m so sorry,” she said. “But, he’s not the same man, and you know it. We messed up, Tony. Right now, he’s the only one she trusts, and that’s our fault. Being hostile to her only friend isn’t going to do us any favors.”

Taking the magazines from her hands, he looked them over once again. He wanted to have what James had with you. He wanted to see your smile in person, know what made you laugh, take you out and show you off. If he had to force himself to separate the man from the killer, then so be it.

“Alright,” he spoke as steadily as he could. “Tonight we celebrate, and tomorrow I’ll ask Pepper to find me a therapist.”

Permanent -  @melconnor2007 @ria132love @psychicwitchphilosopher @sireennotsiren  @silence–in–the–library @thefridgeismybestie @hymnofthevalkyrie @abbybills22  @mvasquez492 @ek823

Avengers - @majd943

Outsider -  @whovianayesha @alicethecactus

If I’ve missed you, please let me know!

[forethan21]

18/12/2020

To me love isnt about staying in a relationship or dwelling on a feeling. Love to me is bending but not breaking to compromise. It is the kind where you know when to let go in hopes to trust for the best to come, the kind where you empathise, showing vulnerability and completely surrender. (Remember when Jesus died for us in the cross? Diba he gave his all, his everything just so we can live. That should be a standard in our lives. To choose someone who would do anything to just be with us without questioning our worth. Never settle for someone who gives half of their heart. Its all or nothing.) The kind that is mature. Love is what you do despite of what you feel. The kind that fights for the good of someone else even if they never see the value or sacrifice that you did. (Thats what Jesus did. He never complained when he was on the cross. All the pain and burden he endured bc he loves us. And look at us now not even recognising how amazing he is. We took it this life for granted- some of us are wasting it, choosing people for our own accord and pleasure. Im saying this in general im not hinting it on anyone, but if the shoes fits then..) The kind that demands temporary surrender of security, giving up familiar bad habits and patterns, giving unrewarded works and efforts. The kind that challenges you in so many ways. Love wasnt made to be comfortable. It was made to show change and growth.

Not gonna lie tho i loved you for you and everything youve done. Those memories are dear to me bc i knew you tried no matter how difficult it was to love me in some days. Kaya gusto ko lng magpasalamat dun. Likewise, something i learned recently was that we should never question someone elses love for us regardless if it was inadequate. Bc i realised we should be thankful for the amount of love and care we receive from any person out there. Family, friends, lovers. That itself should be enough. Its not up to us how much love they should give to make us feel satisfied. That wouldn’t be love. The greatest love you could ever receive should come from you and the Lord not from anybody else. So i just wanna tell you that i take back those times i questioned your love. Bc what you gave was already enough.

Im sorry i couldnt wait for you to change. Bc i realised if you knew how to love me the very first time I wouldnt need to tell you anything. I wouldnt feel hurt bc im rest assured that you love me enough to know what to do. It didnt feel mutual to me.

When u came bck with your letter idk it seemed like there was something missing. Committment and plans. Maybe i was hoping that youd take me back but i guess it was the opposite. And maybe that was your answer after all. To tell me that you arent staying. I hope next time you go into a relationship po, you dont assume the worst. You dont jump into conclusions when it gets tough. Bc like anything can change if youre willing to do it. You need to trust the the other side will stay. It was the way your mindset was so fixed on the idea that I will leave. That i was making excuses. Ndi pow. I jst have standards. Oo tao ka lng, you make mistakes but how do i know tht youre not gonna make the same mistake again? Im jst protecting my heart po. I guess i dont wanna experience the same trauma again.

I hope someday na you will learn to see the good in people regardless if they did u wrong pow. (idk lng ha pero I dont think youve moved on sa ex mo pow. I feel like you havent fully forgiven her and accepted what has happened. I know it hurts to know that they betrayed you like that but your worth is not defined by them po. You did your best po and if she did not recognised that then thats her loss. This is partly what keeps u holding bck. Bc u didnt get closure. I hope you reflect on that and find the closure that you need po. Dont tell me you dont need one bc i know deep in your heart that it still hurts. Like bruh the fact na sure na sure ka na sa kanya u were ready to put a ring on her finger. You were hopeful and certain. I think it was meant to happen to test you both in your worst. You had your mistakes. She had hers. Dont you think you should close tht chapter of your life before starting a new one? Or more importantly, dont you think you deserve peace? Ill leave you to think bout tht). I wasnt trying to find something wrong jst to let you go. If i did i wouldnt put myself in a situation where I will lose my friends po.

Ethan i understand you. I understand your fear of giving too much to someone who youre unsure of and thats fine. But you need to accept the consequences of your mistakes. You need to take responsibility of it and what you couldve done to fix it. (Reflection is very important.) Youre not wrong for not knowing that but again you need to reflect in every situation in your life. It doesnt matter if you were right or wrong. Its important to do this bc the next time it will happen to you, you will know what to do. reflecting really helps you to step back and understand yourself, other people and the surroundings. It helps with analysing your own feelings, emotions and as well as understanding the depth of your own thinking. You need to consider other people’s feelings too. Understand their point of view and why they did things that way. 

I told you yesterday that what happened in the past does not define you. You may have done them so wrong but i hope your realise youre not in debt to them. I remember your story about what you did to the girl. Yung trauma mo sa kanya you gotta let it go pow. You dont need to blame yourself every day for something that youve no control of. You did it out of anger. and she threatened you bc she has her personal issues as well. She was showing wat kind of person she was. It does not put a label on u. So far as I know you havent apologised to urself for what had happened and u havent forgiven her for what shes done. Whenever youre mad po dont let your emotions get the best of you. Give space and time. Step back from the situation and reflect. count to ten and reorganise your thoughts and feelings. What happened? what made me feel that way? what can i do to fix this? 

The way i see it lng ha pero it felt like youre pitying yourself. And i want o reassure you that i recognised all you did to keep this relationship. The fights where you communicated with me, the times where you waited for me to explain, the support you give, and how you made me happy each single day. What youve done until this day is enough. I cant emphasise it enough. Ndi ko yun binalewala lahat. I saw your effort. Thats why i fought for u. Bc alam ko ndi ka ganun na tao. Kc alam ko na they have perceived you wrong. I saw the good in you. I saw that youre worthy of change. Everyone does pow. That was the purpose of it all.

But ldr is frickin hard. Being in a relationship is difficult enough let along ldr. Jst thinking about the amount of trust u hav for ur partner dang.. you need to fully invest on trust yo. How to overcome and resolve issues esp if theyre like me haha. Its hard for sure to do tht kc even ako may trust issues but it is possible. But as of now theres many areas in your life that you need to fix alone. Im not saying that im right ha. I could be wrong in so many areas about you that idk of but this is based on knowing you for months. im not saying you have a problem internally cuz we all have problems po What im saying is that there are some things we need to learn from others as well. Its a matter of listening and comprehending what theyre tryna relay and teach u.

Also asking for help isnt a weakness. (Idk but i cud feel you were mad that I reached out to your mother. Bro i know na kaya mo nman maging independent and i know na ayaw mo lng maburden yung parents mo with your problems on top of theirs but its gud that alam din nla ang anak nla is struggling and needs emotional support.) Its realising that we are deserving to feel and be emotionally supported. so dont ever feel bad for reaching out and admitting that youre struggling. after all were only human.

Though i never said anything i lowkey promised that I would not give up on you (sinsabi ko sa sarili ko to) bc i wanted to show you what its like for someone to stay. You told me about your past and struggles and i did everything i can for that not to happen again. You told me what broke your heart and I nver wanted you to feel anything like that in the relationship. More like i ensured that my intentions for you are pure. But somewhere along the way i came to realise that we both need to grow seperately. Not bc i gave up on you but bc i decided to think about myself and what i needed. I dont wanna text you and talk to u bc i respect you that much to know that this isnt the right time for both of us.

Being the way i am right now is for the best. Were both healing and getting the peace we need. God knows what Hes doing with us and i keep you in my prayers at night. Maybe someday down the line well meet again, at the right time. God will decide tht for us but for now ill be supportive of you in the silence. I dont wanna be civil cuz i know itll jst hurt you more esp since you have strong feelings for me. Dont worry my love for you will remain unconditional. But one thing i cant promise tho is that idk if my love for u will stay. We dont know what the future will bring. We may find our happiness in diff places. We may find it together. But all i know is i trust God to dictate my life. Thank you Ethan. Kahit paano i felt your unconditional love din. You can text me anytime if you need anything. Ill be here nman pow.

[cinnaminsvga]

She’s Oblivious, He’s Ridiculous | Hoseok

prompt: “I’m flirting with you.” from this drabble game [x]. Requested by anon (hi there friend!) For more, request here!

→ summary: Hoseok had a problem: there were only two days until prom, and he’s asked you nine times already but you really couldn’t take a hint. Luckily, Hoseok doesn’t know the meaning of giving up. → genre: Fluff, High School/Prom!AU → words: 4.1K (This got too long. Sorry anon lol.) → a/n: Honestly, I hate public promposals because they’re really embarrassing. But here’s Hobi doing it anyway because he looooves you. Enjoy!

In the words of the wise Min Yoongi, Hoseok could say that he was very much catastrophically fucked.

He was fucked because their prom was coming up in two days and Hoseok still did not have a date—but it wasn’t from his lack of trying.

In fact, he had promised himself that he would secure himself a date the moment prom season started in order to avoid the situation he was in from happening in the first place.

Unlike most of his awkward peers, he had been excited for prom. Rejection was a word he did not have in his dictionary; he was so sure you would say yes. He wasn’t going to fumble his words when he would utter the three most important syllables of his life (well, his life as of now. It was too early in the game to say the three other most important words to you. He had to be patient for that.) He wasn’t going to mess up because he had been planning his promposal ever since freshman year.

He had known ever since he had laid his eyes on your pretty face that you would be the one. No one else could ever begin to compare—it had to be you.

From the moment he decided this, everything easily fell into place for him. He started off by trying to be your friend; occasional greetings in the hallways slowly evolved into casual hang outs at the local burger joint. Within the span of three years, the pair of you had become almost inseparable. Everyone had expected the two of you to get together eventually, so Hoseok wasn’t worried that someone else would try and nab you first. He had almost complete control of his situation; it should have been perfect.

Many would say that his promposal was almost too perfect: he was going to invite you to a lovely dinner at your favorite restaurant, order your usuals, etc. However, when dessert time came around, he would casually order a chocolate cake that had been specially prepared beforehand. Within the cake would lay a small plastic capsule, which you would pop open to find a small paper with the words “go outside.” You would be confused at first, but after seeing the knowing look that Hoseok would send you, he was sure your heart would start palpitating from nerves. You would dash outside, your head swinging around in excitement, wondering what on earth Hoseok could have planned!

Lo and behold, four foil balloons spelling out “PROM” would stand proudly in the parking lot, with flower petals and confetti scattered across the gravel floor. You would stand there, mouth agape, as Hoseok would go on one knee and say the three fated words: “Prom with me?”

It should have gone like that. That night, everything had been set in motion so smoothly that by the time Hoseok got on his knees, he was sure that he would become the happiest teenager in Seoul.

It should have fucking gone like that. But you were a goddamn, motherfucking, oblivious, idiotic—

“Eh? Hoseok? Are you practicing your promposal or something? Is this a prank?” You looked around in confusion, trying to figure out if someone was filming you. Coincidentally, Hoseok had indeed asked someone to take a video of your reaction; Jimin was sitting behind a truck with his phone in hand, and you had automatically assumed the worst.

You slapped Hoseok across the cheek.

“What the fuck is wrong with you?” Hoseok yelled, but you merely crossed your arms in annoyance.

“I don’t know what’s up with you, but I don’t appreciate the joke!” You snapped, promptly stalking away from his bewildered figure. After that whole escapade, you had ignored him for a week until Jimin explained to you that no, he had not been pranking you. It was a genuine promposal, you idiot.

Although you still didn’t believe either of them, you eventually forgave him for his “prank.”

Hoseok realized that he had forgotten a teensy variable to his almost perfect equation: you were so fucking oblivious.

A damned boulder could fall out of the sky with the handwriting of god saying “Hoseok is in love you!” and you still wouldn’t understand. It was honestly kind of ridiculous, but Hoseok supposed he still loved you regardless.

In short, Hoseok has been trying to ask you out for prom for two months already, and he was really starting to get pissed off.

Today, however, was going to be different.

“Are you planning your tenth promposal already?”

Hoseok hears his senior class president and best friend Kim Namjoon asking him exasperatedly, while tutting his tongue in pity.

All his friends have known about Hoseok’s embarrassing crush on you for years now, and all of them are aware of his special predicament. Many of them have even tried offering their assistance in his elaborate promposals, all of which have failed miserably due to your thick-headedness. Your obliviousness has started pissing them off—most especially Min Yoongi, their older friend who had already left for college the year before. It is Yoongi who tells Hoseok to give up, but Hoseok declines for the umpteenth time.

Hoseok is going to prom with you, and that’s that.

“I gotta hand it to you, you get full points for creativity and tenacity,” Namjoon muses, opting to take the empty seat beside Hoseok. Normally, that seat is reserved for you, but for whatever reason, you are running late this afternoon.

Hoseok sighs, mussing his hair into an even more disheveled mess than it already is. “I don’t get it! I’ve done everything I can think of, but she still just doesn’t get it!” He groans, slamming his head dramatically onto his table. A few heads turn in his direction, but most of them just shrug indifferently. Almost everyone is aware of his problem, and they are excited to see what he comes up with next.

“Namjoonie, I’ve done everything! Serenades outside her house, romantic lakeside walks, beachside picnics. Hell, I even rode that roller coaster with her that one time! I think I might just die.” Hoseok continues to wail in anguish, as if he had just been castrated with Namjoon’s $70 mechanical pencil. (‘Hey! Don’t make fun of my special pencil!’ ‘What the fuck dude, this is MY internal monologue.')

“Well, it is kind of understandable.” Namjoon starts, but the tired glare from Hoseok makes him rethink his statement. “What I meant to say was that it’s understandable that she doesn’t take you seriously. You haven’t exactly shown much romantic interest in her before this whole prom thing started.”

Hoseok rolls his eyes until he can practically see the insides of his skull. “Namjoon, I am the epitome of extra. I have literally been coddling her since freshman year. How much more could I possibly have done?”

Namjoon snorts, but he supposes that Hoseok’s right. “To be honest though, you kind of act clingy with everyone, Hobi.”

Before Hoseok could retort, the bell rings and his eyes look up to see your rumpled figure making a dramatic entrance by the door, your books almost spilling onto the linoleum floor. “I made it!” You screech triumphantly, to which your teacher merely nods in mild acknowledgement.

“Go to your seat, Ms. L/N. We’re about to begin,” your teacher drawls, and Hoseok watches as your bright eyes make contact with his. Immediately, your mouth stretches into a brilliant grin and Hoseok cannot help the way his heart skips a beat for just a moment.

“In my defense, Namjoon? Everything I do for her is extra special.” Hoseok finally replies to Namjoon’s earlier statement, but the younger has already vacated the seat by then. You immediately take his place, dumping your books onto the small table exuberantly.

“Heya Hobi! Haven’t seen you today,” you greet him as you promptly take out your notebook for the class. Hoseok does the same, but the notebook he takes out is not the one for his Physics class. Instead, it is a messy leather-bound notebook, filled from start to finish with his (failed) plans to ask you out to prom. He has written another promposal, which is scheduled for this lunch break, and he intends to make use of this period to make sure nothing would go wrong this time.

“Eh, sorry. I was late this morning ‘cuz I woke up late. Did you miss me?” Hoseok flirts, but as usual, the comment passes over your head like a breeze. You snort at what you assume is a joke, and shake your head at his ridiculousness.

“Me? Miss you? Hardly. We see each other everyday, including the weekends.” You reply, already beginning to copy the work problems your teacher had begun to write on the board.

What Hoseok had said was only half true: he was late, but not because his alarm clock didn’t wake him up. He had been busy gathering the materials he needed for today’s promposal attempt. He called it “Operation Promposal: Plan J.” It was titled Plan J because this was officially his tenth attempt.

Yeah, it was that bad.

“Sooo, are you eating lunch with me and the boys today?” Hoseok asks casually, and you barely look up from your notes to answer. “Yup,” is your simple reply, and Hoseok ticks a small box on his notebook.

Ask Y/N to lunch? Check.

“Oh, but my friends from band club might pull me out midway for some rehearsals.” Your words make Hoseok pause in his writing, and you can see from the corner of your eye the way his head jerks up.

“No!” He yelps almost immediately, and you stop your note-taking long enough to send him a look of confusion. He clears his throat, stuttering a bit. “W-what I meant was that I, uh, really wanted to eat with you today. Yeah.”

You furrow your brows in bewilderment. “Uh, Hobi? We eat together almost everyday. What’s the problem? And besides,” you shrug casually, not noticing the way Hoseok’s forehead is beginning to sweat from nerves. “I’m gonna eat with you at least for half the time. So no need to worry.”

Oh shit. Now Hoseok had to deal with another variable: time. Albeit his plan for this promposal was a bit more… extravagant than his other attempts, he supposed that 30 minutes was just enough time to finish the entire spectacle. All he needed to do was warn his accomplices of the time restraint, and he was sure that he could make it work.

Hopefully.

Hoseok pulls out his phone, texting his three other friends about the change in plans:

From: hobi

To: taehyungie, jungkookie, jiminie

WILDCATS! We have a slight change in plans. Plan J starts at exactly 12:10 PM instead of 12:30PM. We only have less than 30 minutes to finish the promposal.

From: jungkookie

To: hobi, taehyungie, jiminie

Hyung, that’s really pushing the limit. Are you sure we can do this?

From: taehyungie

To: hobi, jungkookie, jiminie

YES SIR! I BELIEVE IN TEAM WILDCATS

From: jiminie

To: hobi, jungkookie, taehyungie

Tell me again why our name is Wildcats? @hobi, noted. I’ll prepare the materials once class ends.

“Mr. Jung. Is there something you’d like to share with the class?” Just as Hoseok is about to pocket his phone, he looks up to find that the eyes of his teacher and classmates are trained directly at him. He attempts to flash them the most innocuous smile he could muster, but he knows that his teacher isn’t going to buy it.

His teacher stands up, walking towards him and puts out his hand in a silent question. Hoseok sighs, placing the phone in his hands. While Hoseok expects his teacher to simply confiscate the phone, he watches in horror as his teacher unlocks it, where his previous text messages were still open.

“What’s this? Plan J? Are you planning more trouble again, Mr. Jung?” His teacher reads suspiciously, and Hoseok tries to suppress the embarrassed flush from rising in his cheeks. You stare curiously at his flustered form, confused as to what their teacher was talking about.

Unlike you, however, the remaining students have a pretty good idea as to what Plan J is, and many of them have started whispering in excitement. Namjoon spares a rueful smile at him, but Hoseok is too busy trying to keep you out of the loop (not that he needed to try in the first place because you were still very much confused.)

“N-no sir! I’m not causing trouble, I swear!” He defends himself immediately, to which his teacher just scoffs indifferently. Deciding it is probably just another one of Hoseok's weird ideas, his Physics teacher goes back to the board to continue the lesson.

On the other hand, you are still curious as to what the text messages mean. “Plan J? What’s that?” You whisper to Hoseok, who tries to casually brush it off. He could feel his Adam’s apple bobbing from the close call.

“Uh… No need to worry, Y/N. Let’s just listen to the teacher, alright?”

You give Hoseok a scowl, obviously not believing a word he says. Seeing that Hoseok is not going to budge, you eventually just roll your eyes in exasperation and the class finally moves on in peace.

…

After what feels like hours, the bell dismisses them and you yelp in surprise when Hoseok jumps out of his seat in a flash.

“Woah, woah. What’s the rush, hotshot?” You giggle, watching your usually neat friend stuff his things into his backpack like a maniac.

“Uhhh, I gotta pee real bad,” he explains offhandedly, his desk already clear of his clutter in record time. He shines you a heart-shaped grin, and you force the beating of your heart to settle.

Yeah, you liked your best friend. But it wasn’t like he was ever going to reciprocate, right? I mean, all those dates he asked you out to? Totally platonic, or so you liked to tell yourself.

Before you can ask if you can tag along, he has already made his way to the door. “Meet you at the table! Save me a seat, will ya?” He shouts at you, and you barely get an “ok” out before he rushes out the door.

“Hey, Y/N. Wanna go to the cafeteria together?” You turn to find your other friend, Namjoon, standing beside you with a dimply grin on his face.

“Yeah, sure. By the way, what’s up with Hoseok? He’s acting weirder and weirder these days,” you say conversationally, shrugging your bag on your shoulders. You both exit the classroom, and you have to struggle a bit in order to match your strides to Namjoon’s much longer ones.

He just gives you a sly grin. “Hmm. That’s a good question,” he muses, and you want to slap the smirk off his mouth.

“Hey! No riddles.” You pout, but Namjoon just chuckles at you. He pats your head almost endearingly, offering you no further comments on the subject.

It takes you only five minutes to arrive at the cafeteria, and the two of you are instantly dragged away by your dongsaeng, Jimin.

“Hey hyung! Hey noona!” Jimin greets, and although you are currently being manhandled by your underclassmen, you cannot help the friendly grin from appearing on your face.

“Hi Jiminie. Why are you dragging me? I can walk on my own, thank you very much.” You chide at him, but he only laughs at your reprimand. You are used to his antics, but you had to admit that his actions right now are more Taehyung’s style.

“I'm just excited to see my favorite noona, that’s all.” Jimin replies, and your eyes narrow suspiciously at his words. Why did it seem like everyone is set on having you eat lunch with them today?

“You’re so weird today. Speaking of weird, Hobi’s pretty weird today too.” You ponder to yourself, but the he doesn't reply because he promptly settles your small body onto your usual spot. You see that Jungkook is already seated on your other side, munching happily on a pizza.

“Hi noona. All of those hyungs are always weird, no matter what day it is.” Jungkook says in greeting. He sends you a big grin, his bunny teeth on full attention.

It doesn’t take long for all of you to sit down in comfortable conversation, talking about classes and upcoming exams that are worrying the younger ones. You are just about to offer to help tutor them during the weekends when the overhead speakers suddenly plays its famous opening tune, signaling the start of an announcement.

The din of the cafeteria settles significantly, with many of the students hoping for some good news (A suspension of classes? It was unlikely, but a student could only hope.)

“Good afternoon,” a low voice greets, and you crinkle your forehead in puzzlement. Normally, your female vice principal makes the official announcements on the campus radio, but the voice sounds awfully male.

A person quickly shushes the entire cafeteria, but hushed whispers continue to fill the room as the other students also wonder the same thing you did.

“Sorry to interrupt your lunch break, but we have a special announcement for you today. Uh, so like, can you direct your gazes to the door please?” The noticeable stammer makes alarm bells ring in your head, because you know someone who often blundered their words just like that. You do a quick headcount of your tablemates, and notice that Taehyung has yet to make an appearance. You have a bad feeling about this.

Just like the voice had said, your eyes snap to the entryway as cheesy romantic music plays on the overhead speakers. You hear many girls squeal in excitement, one of them whispering, “Oh my god, someone’s definitely promposing right now!”

Your heart deflates at that comment because to this day, you had yet to be asked out by anyone. (For some reason, Hoseok has the sudden urge to sneeze.)

A spotlight from who knows where is suddenly directed at the door, and your mouth hangs agape at the sudden influx of rose petals being blown in. People ooh-ed and ahh-ed as students who you know are from the school’s dance club enter in complete ballet costumes. Afterwards, students from the gymnastics club cartwheel into the cafeteria while wearing their leotards, and you even notice some of the glee club members singing behind the cafeteria queue.

It is all very dramatic and extravagant, and you feel a stab in your heart from jealously. Whoever this promposal is for, she must be luckiest girl in the world. This guy must really like her.

Just as you are about to take out your phone to snapchat the spectacle, you feel strong arms hoist you into the air. Your view is suddenly bombarded by the muscular back of Jeon Jungkook, almost making you drop your phone in surprise.

“Jeon Jungkook! What are you doing?!” You screech, beating his steely back with your tiny fists. It is as if your punches barely make an effect on him, as he continues to carry you to wherever it is that he is going.

From your vantage point, you cannot see anything at all. Even when he drops you unceremoniously onto the ground, you are much too disoriented to focus your eyes on your surroundings.

After gaining your senses back, you shake your head to find that the dozens of performers who had entered the cafeteria now surrounded you in a circle. You stand up wearily, trying to exit the ring of people in embarrassment when they suddenly part in scary synchronization.

You pause in your fumbling, and you can only stare in wide-eyed stupefaction at the sight that greets you.

Because in front of you stands you best friend, Jung Hoseok, wearing a complete suit and tie, with a bouquet of the most gorgeous flowers in his hands.

You did not know for how long the music from the speakers has stopped playing, but you are suddenly aware of the hundreds of eyes trained on you in the silence.

Seemingly unfazed by the spotlight, Hoseok steps forward, a small smile on his lips. Your heart pounds heavily in your chest, but you are more confused than you are nervous.

“Hobi? What’s going on?” You ask, and you gasp in surprise when he suddenly goes to grab your hand in his.

From up close, you can smell the musky cologne that he always wears, a scent that you have always associated as home. Despite the suit and tie, he is still your Hobi, just as you have always known.

“Y/N L/N. For two months, I have been trying to ask you a very important question. In those two months, you have rejected me constantly.” Hoseok pauses in his speech, a blush rising in his cheeks. His confident façade is slowly crumbling, but he feels your hand squeeze his in comfort. It gives him the strength to go on.

“Although you have rejected me nine times now, I like to believe it’s not because you don’t like me. In some ways, I guess it’s my fault for not making my intentions clear enough from the start.” With one last heavy breath, Hoseok settles on one knee, just like he had during his first attempt. You recognize the gesture, and you scarcely notice Jimin’s squeal of delight from the crowd.

“Y/N L/N. I am going to ask you plain and simple. I, Jung Hoseok, would like to take you to prom. No one else. Just you. This isn’t a prank.” He hastily adds at the end, and he waits for reaction with bated breath (along with the rest of the cafeteria, all of who are holding their phones to capture the special moment.)

“So, what do you say?” Hoseok asks quietly, hope sparkling in his deep brown eyes.

Meanwhile, you are still trying to wrap your head around his sudden declaration. This is all too sudden—how could this be happening? Where were the signs? Why was this happening? Could Hoseok actually be serious?

“Wait, you’re serious? I don’t understand…” You mutter confusedly. Cue the groans from the crowd.

It is at that moment in history when the normally calm and dignified senior class president Kim Namjoon finally snaps.

“OH MY FUCKING GOD, Y/N! ARE YOU FUCKING KIDDING ME? HOSEOK IS ASKING YOU TO PROM! HE’S BEEN FLIRTING WITH YOU SINCE FRESHMAN YEAR! JUST SAY YES YOU IDIOT!” He bellows, and the both of you are stunned by his sudden exclamation. Hundreds of eyes turn to face the red-faced senior, who swiftly sits down once he notices the effect of his little episode.

You turn back to Hoseok. “Wait, you were flirting with me?”

Hoseok almost sobs. Why are you like this? “YES! I HAVE! FOR THREE YEARS NOW!”

You pause. “Wait, so… Does that mean… Are you flirting with me… now?”

The entire cafeteria groans again. Multiple voices express their complaints: “Are you kidding me? Y/N!” “God, when is this gonna end?” “Just say yes, you hoe!”

“Yes, Y/N. I am flirting with you. Always have, always will.”

Unbeknownst to you, tears start to prickle in the corners of your eyes. Hoseok panics, thinking that he must have gotten the signs wrong. Oh my god, what if you actually reject him for good?

“Hoseok, I…” You sniffle, squatting down to Hoseok’s level. You wrap your arms around his frozen torso, and just as he’s about to offer you his sleeve to wipe your eyes, he hears you speak.

“Of course you big idiot. Of course I’ll go to prom with you!” You say through your tears, and the cafeteria erupts into cheers.

You are torn away from Hoseok’s embrace by Jungkook, Jimin, and Taehyung, who had appeared sometime in the middle of the promposal. They throw you up into the air, cheering a hearty “YAS!” in celebration. You also see that Namjoon approaches Hoseok, who shake hands in congratulations.

After a while, you hear Hoseok telling the three idiots to put you down. “Hey, put down my girlfriend!” He jokes, but he freezes when he realizes the implications of his words.

You both stare at each other in stunned silence, but you awkwardly offer him a shy smile to ease the tension.

“Well, I guess we’re official now. Sorry for being so dumb.” You say shyly, making Hoseok relax. You reach out to him for a hug, to which he gladly gives you.

In the midst of celebration, Hoseok sighs. “Fucking finally.”

Suck it, Min Yoongi. He told you he could do it.

…

“Wait, so you had a crush on me since freshman year? Why didn’t you say anything?”

“Y/N. Are you serious.”

“So, you really flirted with me since then? How did I not notice? I thought I was smart.”

“It’s ok, babe. I can be smart for the both of us.”

“Meanie! I hate you. Or, are you flirting with me again?”

“I’m always flirting with you. Get used to it.”

“Already am."