#go to a bench and eat burgers with your friends or partner guys

[daintev]

3 PAGE UPDATE LETS GOOOO!!! Geezerflakes is feeding us well. ALSO MR BOSS APPERANCE! EVERYONE CLAPPED IN UNISON!!

Look at these goobers, nothing better than sitting on a bench eating burgers with your boyfriend.

[fridamoss]

Is This Love (That I'm Feeling?) Bob Floyd X Loot (PART 6)

Summary: Bob & Loot get it on.

Warnings: Smut, curses 18+ only.

Word count: 4,658

Archive of Our Own // Part 1 - Part 2 - Part 3 - Part 4 - Part 5 - Part 6

You pulled up outside the Hard Deck in an Uber. Bob said he would meet you at the front door and sure enough, you could see him standing there alone, shifting on his feet looking anxious. He was fixing his hair into place when he saw you walking toward him. His jaw almost hit the ground, you were wearing the slinkiest, shortest dress with heels and he since he knew exactly what you were wearing underneath, he couldn’t help his mind going to the first filthy thought that popped up.

‘Hey Robbie,’ you cooed, heels clicking as you took the last few steps to where he was standing stock-still.

‘Hey,’ he began before you cut him off with a kiss. Your lipstick had smudged on to his mouth and you wiped it off with your thumb. 

It took a moment for him to come back down to earth. ‘You look real nice,’ Bob swallowed, ‘you look beautiful,’ he finished, clearing his throat.

Giving him a once over, you noticed his boots had been shined recently, his turn up jeans paired with a tucked in shirt just gave him the sweetest 50’s boyfriend vibes.

‘Damn, you look good, can we just take it back to mine already?’ Your hands roamed his chest, you didn’t even notice you were biting your lip until you caught Bob staring at your mouth. 

‘Kidding, I really want that drink.’

‘Did you wanna eat?’ Bob pointed toward a burger van parked on the lot next to the bar. 

‘New rule, Robbie, never assume I don’t wanna eat.’ 

You ate slow, savouring every bite of this burger van meal that Bob had insisted on buying for you. He’d even specified no onions for his order, so he wouldn’t gross you out later, even though he loved all the additions to his burger.

Bob sat facing you, straddling the picnic bench as you ate, pushing your hair behind your ear each time it escaped in the warm breeze. He smiled while you talked to him, you had a wealth of knowledge for someone who was only out in the world for a decade, he thought. 

There wouldn’t be a time when he didn’t want to listen to you, he’d be a good partner, he’d care for you, enjoy your company and the best thing was you were way more outgoing than him, so he could sit back and let you do the talking. He’d like that. So he leaned in and kissed you while you were talking about redecorating your little apartment. ‘I wanna help,’ he said, making your heart flutter in your chest. 

The music wasn’t too loud in the Hard Deck, but it was a little abrasive compared with the sound of the ocean Bob was enjoying just moments ago. 

You’d been waving and hollering over at people you recognised; which was everyone, Bob noted. He managed to get Penny’s attention and ordered two beers before sidling up to you and putting a hand on your waist. You were chatting to someone, looking only mildly interested in the conversation, Bob thought he knew their face but wouldn’t be able to tell you their name. 

You turned, taking the beer from his hand, giving him a soft smile and a look that said ‘give me just a minute and I’ll be all yours.’ 

Bob stood, not awkwardly, but happily by your side, with his thumb rubbing along your silky dress, feeling the lacy band of your pretty panties.

‘It’s you guys!’ A drunken Fanboy made his way through the crowd, elbowing people to get up close, beer in hand. He leaned against Bob, ‘Oh man, I’m so happy you’re together. HERE together,’ his eyes were wild in his head, he’d had way too much to drink.

Bob hoped he wouldn’t hear his room mate puking tomorrow morning, he gave his friend a tight lipped smile.

‘I saw you got the condoms from my dresser!’ Fanboy thought he was whispering. ‘It’s cool, man.’ Garcia clapped a hand on Bob’s back, leaning in to his ear. ‘I hope you have a nice time.’

Bob could see you eyeing Fanboy, feeling terribly sympathetic to what you knew was an embarrassing moment for Bob.

When Fanboy had hugged you both and moved off in the direction of the pool table, you turned to Bob. ‘You ok? You’re quiet.’

Luckily, the embarrassment had faded a little by the time you’d finished your conversation with your acquaintance. 

‘I’m good, I’m happy.’ 

‘You’re too sweet, that guy is way enthusiastic, I can never get rid of him. Next time, be a bit obnoxious and he’ll fuck right off.’ 

Bob laughed, your eyes narrowing, hoping you’d get a reaction from him.

‘Gotta let him know you’re my girl, huh?’ Leaning in to give you a kiss, you were interrupted by Phoenix. 

‘You’re here!’ Her face nearly split in half when she smiled. 

‘Are you all really drunk or somethin’? Bob muttered, shrugging his jacket off and laying it across his forearm. He made a mental note to offer it to you when you left later tonight.

‘I’m just happy you guys are kinda making it official. Bob has been agonising over every text he was sending to you,’ Phoenix rolled her eyes, she loved Bob, he was the most chill guy to be around but it had been painful for her to see how excited and apprehensive her friend had been.

You and Bob looked at each other, seeing the small smile rising on his face, you figured you’d answer for both of you, ‘yeah, it is official. Can’t let this one get away.’ You laughed with Phoenix, she told you a story about how Bob had helped an old lady with her groceries while he kept his hand on you, stepping in closer when someone passed him. 

Everyone managed to come by and say hello, like it was your party and everyone was doing their duty in thanking you for inviting them. Eventually, Bob whispered ‘let’s get out of here,’ brushing his lips against your earlobe. You shivered, turning your head a little toward him, ‘kiss my neck.’ You had no idea why you said it, right here, in front of all of these people you knew from work but you didn’t regret it when you felt Bob lean in and kiss your neck softly, he had been running his fingers along your spine for the last few minutes. The sensation had you closing your eyes, hoping you wouldn’t lose it completely. His nose grazed the back of your neck as he kept kissing, small pecks turning to longer sucking kisses. 

Anything on the back of your neck drove you wild, nothing would get you wet faster. The idea of Bob finding out these little kinks of yours made you giggle. He lifted his head to look at you on hearing the sound. 

Biting his lip, he grabbed your hand and pulled you away from the crowd. 

‘You don’t wanna say goodbye?’ Knowing he didn’t, but you asked anyway. 

Bob walked backwards, pulling you with him, positively eye fucking you. 

The quicker you got back to a bedroom the better, yours or his, you didn’t care. 

The fresh air hit you, setting your skin off with goosebumps. Bob draped his jacket across your shoulders before tapping his phone open to order an Uber home, ‘your place?’ he asked, there was no way in hell he wanted Fanboy to ruin his night when he barged into their apartment, the way he always did after a night out and a belly full of alcohol. Making all of the noise and mess as a herd of cattle.

The journey took only a few minutes, but Bob had sat so close to you in the back of the car that you were sure the driver sped up just to get you both out as quickly as possible. You were grossing people out with your PDA already. Bob’s nose was behind your ear, whispering sweet things that sounded so incredibly dirty while his fingers move up your thigh, your legs parting just an inch for him. 

Bob helped you step out of the car, holding your hand until you reached your door. While you fumbled in your bag for your key you noticed the door was already unlocked, you distinctly remember locking it before you left.

‘Robbie,’ the panic in your voice stopped him from hooking his finger under the strap of your dress. His eyes following to where your hand was shakily pushing the door open. 

The light in the living room was on. Bob instinctively stepped over the threshold before you, putting a hand back against you protectively.

Both of you tip toeing, eyes darting into corners. Someone had broken into your apartment. The realisation hit you just before the panic on seeing movement from down the short hallway, a figure appeared at your bedroom door.

You felt Bob stiffen and stand up to his full height before you grabbed his arm, holding him back.

‘David!’ Fucking relief. ‘What the fuck?’ 

Bob furrowed his brow. Why the hell was Loot’s husband here? 

‘You don’t answer your phone now?’ David stomped towards you, his shirt open almost to his navel, tanned skin on show. 

You made an ‘oh’ sound and pulled your phone from your bag, realising you hadn’t checked it for hours. There were several missed calls and texts from David.

‘I was worried about you. You hung up on me saying he was at your door,’ David nodded toward Bob, who was standing with his arm still shielding you.

‘I’m David by the way,’ your husband held out his hand for Bob. 

‘Bob,’ was all he could say, shaking the hand that was offered. 

‘You’re way cuter than she described,’ David stated, mater of fact. ‘Jealous,’ he look at you pointedly.

‘Well, since you’re fine I’m leaving. Goodnight.’ And just like that, your friend was gone, closing the door behind him.

‘Uhm…’ Bob’s face displayed all of the emotions running through his head.

‘Sorry,’ you whispered, locking the door. 

‘At least he cares,’ Bob shoved his hands into his pockets, wondering what he could say.

‘He’ll call me tomorrow to talk about how hot you are, I just know it.’ 

Bob looked you for a beat before kissing you hungrily, surprising even himself.

He’d met your husband and felt no jealousy. All the feelings he’d had about how an unusual situation this was disappeared as he breathed softly against your mouth. 

‘You’re still cool to stay?’ 

You reached for his hands, placing them on your hips. He nodded while dipping down for another kiss. 

‘He didn’t beat the shit out of me so I suppose he’s allowing me to fuck his wife.’

‘Robert Floyd!’ 

Both of you giggled, hands beginning to grab at each other. 

‘If I don’t get you into my bedroom this second, I think I’ll lose my mind.’ Bob had his hands on your back, pulled impossibly close to him. 

‘Agreed,’ without much effort, he dropped his hands to your thighs and hoisted you onto his hips and carried you towards your bedroom, dropping you unceremoniously onto the bed. You bounced, giggling, watching him toe off his boots. ‘I’ll be right back.’ 

Grumbling, you grabbed out for him, almost catching hold of his shirt.

He giggled down at you, ‘I just gotta go to the bathroom real quick.’

Two minutes without him was too much. As soon as he closed the door behind him, you sat up onto your knees and pulled him towards you. He leaned down and dissolved into your kisses. 

‘I haven’t been able to get you out of my mind since the first week of January,’ he admitted, eyes closed.

‘That was the week I transferred,’ you ran a finger across his lips, a slight patch of stubble on his chin rubbing along your palm.

Nodding, he allowed his hands to roam across your shoulders and down your arms. ‘I saw you on the tarmac, my first flight after I got back from my folks place back home. My head got so messed up, I forgot what I was doing, Nat yelled at me,’ he remembered, smiling. 

‘Do you think you’ll remember what you’re doing if I take this off?’ Sitting back on your haunches, you slipped the straps of your dress off your shoulders, squeezing your tits together to give him a full view of your cleavage. 

‘Yes ma’am,’ he hummed, planting his face between your tits and groaning. 

His voice was muffled while he buried himself further, making you giggle. Your hands were stroking the back of his neck, gripping his wide shoulders when you felt his teeth scrape against the soft flesh of your breast, his nose was nudging at your bra, pushing it aside. Immediately his lips found your nipple and pressed a delicate kiss there, waiting for your reaction. 

Whimpering as he teased until your bud hardened. ‘Fuck, keep doing that.’ You purred.

‘What about the other one?’ Bob’s hands were running up your sides to squeeze at your breasts, both of you moaned in unison, his lips kissed over the fabric of your dress, searching for the peak of your other nipple, you could feel him smile when he found it, suddenly pulling the material down to expose you to him. Helping him get full access, you shimmied the straps all the way down your arms and leaned back, allowing him to push your tits together and place feverish kisses across your hot skin. 

‘Jesus, Robbie, you’ll make me cum.’ The admission made him start, that’d be a first. He looked up at you, his glasses askew.

‘Can I take these off?’ Gently lifting the glasses free, you found his clear, pretty eyes looking at you, pupils blown wide with lust, a soft grin on his lips. He was already drunk on you and he’d only had a mouthful of your tits. He couldn’t wait to get his mouth on the rest of you.

Images flashed in his mind of the last few evenings in the shower, jerking himself off at the thoughts of sucking love bites into your flesh all the way from your chest to your hips, along your ribs. Bob’s grunt was feral, making you bite your lip, a flood of arousal hitting you.

‘Robbie, baby.’ Was all you could say, Bob pulled you close to him and devoured your mouth in a heated kiss, his tongue was on yours as his knees hit the bed, gently pushing you on to your back. Reaching behind, you unclasped your bra and threw it across the room. His eyes lit up as he watched you wriggle, leaning one knee onto the mattress, he climbed slowly toward you, leaning down to kiss a trail from your breastbone to your neck, finding the faded love bite he’d given you in the supply closet. He let his fingertip brush across it briefly before taking a handful of your breast, again leaning toward it to suck the nipple into his mouth. 

Your back arched off the bed, for a few moments Bob got lost in you. ‘You smell so good,’ he whispered, hips beginning to grind against the bed. 

‘May I?’ Warm hands moved up your thighs to hook into the waistband of your pretty panties.

‘I love these, by the way,’ Bob hummed in appreciation as you lifted your butt off the bed to let him roll the green silk off of your legs, joining the discarded bra.

Bob pushed your dress up to your waist, bunching the fabric in his hands. 

‘You’re pretty everywhere,’ he mused, eyes now fixed on your wet pussy. Your moan was a siren’s call for him, he moved in closer, pressing kisses across your thighs, letting his lips rest against your folds for just a second before moving off again.

You squirmed in anticipation.

‘Oh, you liked that?’ 

‘Bob I never thought you were a tease!’ Your chest was heaving with want. ‘Please, please, please get your mouth on me.’ 

A rush of blood to his cock made him rut into the mattress involuntarily. 

‘Yes ma’am,’ he grinned, kissing you right where you needed it. His tongue flicking out at your clit, rubbing his face gently up and down your slit, noticing how sweet you tasted to him. 

‘I knew you’d taste good,’ he whined, grinding himself against the mattress. 

Your fingers found their way into his hair, the strands coming loose while you began moving your hips to meet his face. 

He was sucking at your clit softly, moving his face from side to side when he heard you gasp, moving faster as your groans got louder. 

Bob ran his hand along your stomach, up towards your mouth, pressing two fingers onto your tongue, silently asking you to suck on them. 

Once they were as wet as he wanted, he placed one at your entrance, peeking at you to make sure you were comfortable, pushing in gently, warming you up the way he knew he should. 

A broken cry of his name disappeared into the air, you were grabbing your nipples between your fingers while Bob kissed and licked and sucked at your delicate parts. 

He started making that ‘mmm’ sound that drove you wild.

‘Bob get up here!’ Finding your voice, not wanting him to stop but you needed more than just his fingers. 

When he pulled free, you felt your arousal leak out of you. Bob breathed in your scent and looked up at you, almost as if he had forgotten you were there.

God, this man got titty drunk and pussy drunk, he liked being down there, you realised. 

There was no warning before you starting pulling at his shirt, sliding it up over his arms. Bob hopped off of the bed and began unbuckling his belt, his hands shaking a little. 

There was a tattoo on his chest, just a small thing you could see in the lamplight, right under his collarbone. This was the first time you’d seen Bob without a shirt and boy he looked good.

‘How did you hide this for so long?’ It wasn’t really a question he needed to answer, Bob wasn’t a show off. You knew he’d be well put together. He was muscular but not overly so, just in perfect proportion. He had those beautiful muscles that shaped themselves into a ‘v’ across his hips, leading down to the waistband of his boxers, which you unceremoniously pulled down as soon as he undid the button on his jeans.

For the second time that day, you licked your lips when you saw him spring free. His erection hitting his stomach and settling into your palm as you reached out for him. 

With one lick you tasted everything that was him, your mouth opened and took him in, he jerked a little at the sensation. wrapping his fingers around your hair and pulled a little, eliciting a moan from you.

‘You like hair pulling?’

‘Mmhmm’ was all you could say, your mouth was stuffed full of him. Peeking up at the man standing over you, running his fingers through your hair, he had a look in his eye like he was about to eat you alive. 

‘Ok, stop,’ he stuttered, moving his hips back. ‘I’ll cum,’ he admitted, seeing your questioning look.

‘I like it too much and you’re really good with your mouth.’ Bob took your chin between his thumb and index finger and kissed you hard. 

Tongues met with increasing need. 

‘Bob get the condom.’ You panted. He nodded, sitting onto the bed and pulling his legs free of his jeans. 

He rooted around in his wallet before pulling out a string of condoms that had been stuffed in there hastily earlier that evening.

‘How many did you bring?’ 

Bob’s ears flushed pink as he scrambled to rip one free. ‘I just…I took whatever I could.’

‘Poor Fanboy’s not getting any tonight,’ you laughed, kissing his cheek moving over to straddle his lap. You squeezed your knees against his hips and ran your tongue along the shell of his ear. A soft groan escaped from his lips, lips that were wandering across your neck.

You took his hand and brought the condom packet to your mouth. He watched you with half lidded eyes as you tore the pack open with your teeth.

Not safe, but pretty fuckin hot. 

Bob ran his hands along your thighs, stopping to squeeze your ass while you gently took his cock in your hands and ran the condom along his length. 

Just as he had done that afternoon, he put his hand under your chin and asked you to spit.

Bob let it drip onto the head of his cock and wipe it down to the base. 

‘I don’t think I need any lube,’ you hitched your dress up to your waist and lined yourself up to take him.

Nodding in agreement, he kissed you tenderly, feeling the head of his cock notch at the warm entrance of your cunt. Breathing out when he felt you sink down just a little. Moving your hips in a small circle, you eased onto him, letting yourself adjust to his size. 

He was definitely the biggest you’d had. ‘That…feels…amazing,’ you let your head fall back, Bob took advantage of the skin in front of him and started kissing and suckling at your neck, your shoulders, anywhere he could put his mouth. 

He grunted as you sank all the way down onto him, your breath hitched at the feeling, you were so full of him. 

Bob whispered your name, pressing his forehead to yours, guiding you up and gently back down. ‘I’ve been dreaming about riding you like this, Robbie.’ 

He nodded, not trusting himself to speak, lest he begin talking nonsense. He wanted in that moment to say he was falling in love with you. But he knew the rule, never tell a woman you love her while you’re fucking her. 

Instead, he pulled your body closer to his. You loved the feel of his chest hairs tickling your breasts, your nipples rubbing against him in the most delicious way.

Every part of his skin felt as if it were on fire, he felt alive, wanted, loved in that moment.

Your hands pulled at his hair, nails scratching along his back, kisses exchanged and tongues meeting in desperate need for each other. 

You thought Bob was beautiful in the soft lamplight of your bedroom, sitting on the edge of your bed as you made love to him. Kissing his brow and holding his face in your hands. 

His hand rested on yours, pressing your palm to his cheek muttering how much he loved being with you. 

Another hand rested your hip, keeping your dress out of the way so he could glance down and watch himself disappear inside of you. Little gasps of pleasure had him responding with thrusts of his own. ‘Oh Robbie, I’m gonna cum.’

Bob took your hand from his face and pressed your fingers onto your clit. ‘Show me how you do it,’ it was a demand that had no bite to it, he yearned to see you fall apart on him. 

Pinching at your clit you started grinding against him without lifting yourself off his cock, he moaned at the change, grabbing your ass harder and pushing you against him, matching your thrusts. 

Your head fell back as your climax peaked, Bob sealed his mouth around your nipple and sucked hard, your legs squeezed at his hips, grinding faster now that he was panting, he was close too, crying out and burying his face in your neck. Hot breath fanning across your chest as both of you came down. Holding him close, you stroked his hair and he responded with much the same, stroking your back with his large, warm hands, feeling as if he were the safest right here with you. Neither of you moved for a few minutes. Moving would have made the act final. Done. It was over. 

Both of you knowing it wouldn’t be the last time, just the first of many. 

‘Ok my legs are starting to cramp.’ Lips on his forehead, his brow and finally his mouth. His softening cock slipped out of you, slapping against his leg with the weight of his spend. Your arousal dripping out of your pussy onto his thigh.

‘Sorry, Robbie.’

‘Don’t be.’ He sighed, the look he gave you would have made you melt into a puddle, but while he held you tight, you just answered in a mewling sound, unwilling to let go of him.

‘We didn’t even get to take off your dress.’ 

Bob stood, holding you against him as he walked toward your bathroom, only stopping to set you on your feet, on the bath mat, rather than the cold tile. And you loved him for that. 

Bob was a considerate man and now you found he was a considerate lover. 

He waited his turn to clean up, deciding to forego any clothing and walk around your apartment naked. 

There were several seconds of you checking out his ass before he turned at the kitchen sink and caught you. 

‘Where is shy Bob gone?’ You turned your head to the side questioningly as he gently moved your hair across your shoulder so he could plant a kiss on your neck.

‘I think you fucked him out of me,’ was his response. You scoffed. Bob liked it when he could feel your tits jiggle against him. He noted that he needed to make you laugh more often.

‘Get into my bed, before I turn you out of my home for being crude,’ it was an empty threat and he knew it. 

You loved these little moments of Bob that no one else got to see. He had filled up two glasses of water and followed you back into your bedroom, setting a glass on your bedside locker before climbing in next to you, pulling you down onto his chest. 

You ran your fingers along his tattoo and looked up at him, your chin resting against his pec. ‘What’s this?’

Bob had his eyes closed, a happy grin on his face. ‘My one and only tattoo.’

‘I’ve never seen one before.’ 

‘You haven’t?’ Bob queried, a tone of surprise.

‘Well not in the flesh. People in the navy generally keep them covered up.’

Bob was curious, had you only slept with people from the navy? He bit his tongue, though he wanted to know all about you, it really wasn’t any of his business who you had in your bed before him.

‘It’s the plane I first learned to fly in.’ His voice was husky with exhaustion.

‘Do you wanna sleep, or talk?’ 

Bob wrapped his arms around you, breathing in the scent of your shampoo., nestling his nose in your hair.

‘It’s been a long day, but I’d like to listen to you. Tell me about what you wanna do the next time I see you.’

You were tracing circles around his tattoo, excitement bubbling inside you. ‘Well, the next time I see you will be tomorrow morning, when I wake up and you’ll be next to me.’

Bob squeezed you and did that sweet ‘mmm’ sound again.

‘Sounds perfect.’

‘You are perfect.’ You whispered, waiting for him to scoff. Instead he took a deep breath and said ‘no, you are.’

‘My perfect girlfriend. With her pretty hair and her pretty eyes and great ass.’ 

Both of you giggled as you pinched his side. 

‘Go asleep then and I’ll see you first thing in the morning,’ he mumbled into your ear as you turned around to turn off the light.

His breathing soft and slow as he drifted off to sleep holding you against him.

[falloutjay]

Stan x anxious/compassionate reader (kind of has a little canon divergence)

After giving up on Wendy (around Season 12), Stan and us start dating, we were always worried about him (no we weren't dating him out of pity, we were just a very anxious person). Some people find of clingy, others find us adorable but We've never left his side:

Ex: We were by his side helping with whales (Whale W)

We were the only one who didn't leave him when he got depression (You're Getting Old/Ass Burgers)

Next to Heidi, we became social pariah because we didn't want to dump Stan (this even made Wendy guilty)

But him moving, really gets to us, the coronavirus makes it worse. We get worried about him, then we start getting worried about everyone else as everything falls apart (Kyle, Kenny, Eric, Butters, Tweek, Craig, Scott, etc.) And we pass out of stress. About waking up in the hospital, we find out, everyone was worried about us. And Stan is the most worried of all, he spends the whole day with us. We tal-no vent about all the happened to the both of us. By the end of it, we agree that whatever happens we'll do it together.

Guess whos back! :D

Well, while it's not my best work, in my humble opinion, I sure hope you enjoy and like it. Again sorry for the delay! ಥ_ಥ

And if it's not that clear, because I know I can write a little cryptic, there is a time skip. You can either have all the show events happen when they are children and have the time skip between Covid and the memories or between you getting together as kids and the memories. Choose however you like! ^^

_________________________________________

Stan x anxious!compassionate!Reader

Tiny eyes watched the scene unfold.

Normally, Wendy was the one to break up with Stan, but not this time around. Stan was actually telling Wendy that he had no interest in her anymore.

“What changed Stan?” Wendy asked, obviously confused.

“I think I like someone else… I don’t know yet…”

Wendy gave him a smile.

“I wish you all the luck Stan, say if you need anything!”

“I will.” And with that, Wendy took off to be with her friends, while Stan turned a corner and told Kyle and Kenny how it went.

Cartman was there too, but he only wanted to know if she cried, because “she would deserve it.”.

You closed your locker and felt your heartbeat like crazy. Ever since you changed school a few months ago, Stan captured your little ten-year-old mind.

He was kind and showed you around when you had no idea where to go. It was a little crush you developed, and you never felt as scared and excited as now, since that Stan had broken off with Wendy.

This newfound feeling almost made you dizzy but you quickly snapped back into reality when you heard your name.

“Y/N?” Stan asked and waited patiently for his answer next to you.

“Oh, sorry, I was thinking, what did you want?”

“Would you maybe like to hang out some time?”

Stan almost got a heart attack when you suddenly squealed but was happy when you managed to get a high-pitched “YES!” out.

“Okay, what are you betting Kenny? Some Pennies or a dead rat?” Cartman almost fell from his chair laughing about his shitty joke, while Kyle and Kenny rolled their eyes.

“Don’t you think it’s weird how clingy they are?” Kyle asked his blonde friend, while they kept watching you and Stan, who were seated at a separate table at lunch.

“Honestly, I think it’s pretty cute.” Kenny said with his muffled voice.

You held his arm and hugged him from the side, while he happy kept on eating his lunch.

Eric, who had now calmed down from his laugh attack eyed the couple critically. “I’m giving them a month max.”

He said lazily and looked around. “I say longer than a year.” Kenny said, throwing a crinkled five-dollar note on the table.

“You two are horrible.” Kyle shook his head before he threw 10 dollars on the table.

“Four months.”

Kenny was a happy man after a year, because despite everyone believing you two would eventually break up, you never did.

You were always by his side, no matter what.

His desire to desperately save whales with the help of a braindead ship crew?

You were always right by his in the interviews he gave.

His horrible depression that even drove Kyle away? No chance, you stood strong and helped him through the whole thing and even help reuniting the gang.

Even during the protest against Skanthunt42, you chose to sit this one out, despite you absolutely hating that the troll photoshopped a dick into your mother’s mouth.

At least you and Heidi got close due to you guys both becoming social outcasts. When Wendy heard this, she was impressed by your dedication and felt somewhat guilty for obviously not trying as much in her former relationship.

Everyone admired your patience and endurance. No matter what obstacle came, you managed to get through it.

“You don’t need to be sad, Y/N. I won't be that far away.” Stan said, holding your hand.

“B-But it's outside of town. You need ages by bike to get there and vice versa.” You said, holding back tears.

Randy walked past you and you desperately pleaded to him.

“Please Mister Marsh, please stay in town!” Randy put the box he carried into the car, before turning to you.

“Real sorry, dear Y/N. This town is…How do I put it… Absolute shit and I really want to get away.”

He patted you on the head and went back into the house to get more boxes.

“Told you, you cant talk to him.” Stan said and shrugged.

“But it’s unfair. We won’t see each other as much anymore.” Stan pressed a kiss onto your cheek, which made you blush intensely.

“Don’t. Worry. I will make time for you.”

With that in mind, you didn’t feel as sad, when the car with the Marsh Family in it left for their new home.

“I will make time for you, my ass.” You mumbled while you sat at a bench near Starks Pond. Letting out a deep sigh, you leaned back and just enjoyed the warmth of the setting sun.

Covid was one hell of a bitch and just had to have this big impact on everyone’s life. Stan and you now saw each other less and less.

It was just a horrible feeling that tainted your heart and made you worry a lot.

Maybe he was feeling just as bad as you are, maybe even more?

Maybe he just didn’t want to tell you how he felt?

Were you maybe a bad partner? Your mind began racing and your train of thoughts became unrailed.

So many bad thoughts manifested themselves and it made you almost gasp for air.

“I need to check on him.” You mumbled getting up from the park bench.

You began walking and you kind of hoped that maybe just the walking would get your mind in check, but sadly it didn’t. Involuntarily you had to think about all the other stuff that happened during this horrible time.

The precious Broship was more fragile than ever. You had become such good friends with Kenny, Kyle and Cartman over time that it hurt you a lot too.

You also saw Covid take a toll on your other friends, like Craig and his group, who now took Cartman into their gang after the split up.

However, that came to be…

The girls were also pretty divided, so hanging out with them meant picking sides which wasn’t your thing, you kinda just want them to get along again.

Everything felt like it was falling apart. Your parents had fights ever so often, all your friends had problems and your beloved boyfriend was stuck on that stupid farm.

God how you hated that stupid farm and Randy.

When he gave you one of those plushies that looked like him, you functioned it into a voodoo doll. But sadly, it didn’t seem to affect him, no matter how many needles you rammed into it.

Your heart felt heavy, and it seemed hard to breathe, but you brushed it aside.

You had already reached the busy streets of South Park and mingled between the newly vaccinated people.

Everywhere you looked, the people seemed happy.

Everyone was happy except you and the people around you… Maybe…You were the problem?

You shook your head. No, you didn’t allow those kinds of thoughts.

You much rather think about Stan. How you miss him and how amazing your dates were.

Oh, how much effort he put into all the small things… Well… At least he did.

Now that you thought about it when was your last date?

It feels like it had been ages. It has been ages. Everything had been ages. Going out with him, hanging out with your friends, your family not fighting… How long has this been the new normal? You can’t help but wonder.

Your heart clenched again. “Stop it, stupid heart.” You mumbled under your breath.

An exhausted sigh escaped your lips when you thought about how you maybe had to walk all the way up to the farm… It would take ages, but you really craved being held by the person you adored so much.

So, you continued walking down through the street when an elder lady stopped you.

“Excuse me, but you look rather sickly, are you alright?” Confused you raised an eyebrow. Did the vaccines make them delusional?

“No, I’m fine.” You answered, somewhat snippy, even when you didn’t know why you were so agitated.

“But you look rather pale, maybe you- I am fine.” You interrupted her and continued your path.

Were all people in this shitty town stupid or- The thought could not be completed, due to you suddenly losing consciousness.

When you woke up again, you immediately recognized one of the Hells Pass Hospital rooms, once your eyes had adjusted to the bright lights. Around the bed were your parents and more importantly Stan and his mother.

“Thank God, you’re awake again!” Your mother said when she went for a hug.

Confused you asked why you were here.

“Well, seemingly you were so stressed out, that your body basically shut down.”

Somewhat shocked you looked around. Was it really a surprise to hear that? Not really, but it still felt odd knowing that it happened.

“Well, I’m glad you’re fine, Y/N.” Misses Marsh commented and smiled warmly at you. She had always liked you and you felt the same. She was always nice to you and you felt like she was the only one with a brain in the family…

Feeling a sudden sensation of warmness on your hand, your eyes darted down to it. Stan held you hand while answering something your dad had asked him.

“Well, Sharon, you wanna accompany us to get some hot chocolate for us all?”

Your mother said with an odd wink, which made you and Stan roll your eyes.

The three adults left the room chatting happily. Stan looked at you with a stern expression, which kind of surprised you.

“I swear, whenever I think I couldn’t get more worried about you, your parents call me, to tell me that you’re in the hospital.”

“Worried? About me? I should be worried about you?” You laughed to which Stan shook his head.

“Listen, everyone has been super worried about you since you seemed so down and just exhausted. Like, Kyle already called me earlier to ask if you’re awake again. I don’t know why you worry about me; I am really fine babe. Promise.”

With that said, the door opened, and your parents came back inside.

“Y/N, the doctor said they would like you to stay the night, so they can check that you’re really alright.” Your father informed you and you were immediately annoyed.

Well, you had no choice but to oblige. Your parents left after an hour, wanting to get you some clothes and other things you’d need.

Sharon also bids her goodbye and so you and Stan were left.

And just like you wished, you got to cuddle with him. He held you close, and you vented to him, how worried you were about everything and everyone, while he told you just how worried all of your friends had been since you were acting so out of character.

“Even Cartman?”

“Yup, even when he would never admit it.” Stan laughed. He held your hand tight, and his content smile never left his face.

“I think we should talk more about feelings and being worried and all that. I know I’m not all that good at it, but I don’t ever wanna have to visit you in a hospital again.” Stan said, giving your hand a squeeze.

“That sounds good. But you gotta accept, I worry a lot, because I care a lot about you, okay?” You said sternly and Stan nodded. You two looked fondly at each other and just enjoyed the time you got.

“Together forever?” You asked and he whispered “Forever.”, before he pressed a sweet kiss onto your lips.

[flyingblackhawk]

Fun Taser Time

Avengers fic (Nat & Tony)

1,859 words

-

Los Angeles, 2011

“You should add gloves.”

Natasha looks up. Tony hasn’t said a word to her since they arrived at the makeshift debriefing facility Fury’s set up in downtown Los Angeles.

“What?” she asks.

“Gloves,” Tony repeats, not looking up from his phone. “For the- what do you call them? The electro-bracelets. Happy told me what went down at Hammer’s factory.”

Natasha looks down at her wrists. “SHIELD calls them Widow’s Bites.”

Tony scoffs. “Of course they do.”

“So,” she says, raising an eyebrow. “Gloves?”

“Mmm,” he says. He looks up. “Are they heavy?”

She shrugs. “Sometimes. Depends which ones I’m wearing.”

He leans forward, and she can see that he’s genuinely interested. She unclips one gauntlet and tosses it to him. Tony examines it.

“Did you come up with the idea?” he asks.

“Sort of,” she says. “Originally one held a line and compact grappling hook, and the other shot darts. SHIELD kept the look but traded the poison for electricity.”

“Projectiles?” he asks, still turning the bracelet in his fingers.

“Taser discs,” she says. “That one holds six, the other holds four.”

“What’s the charge like?”

She shrugs. “SHIELD got the wear time up to nineteen hours. Had to commandeer a couple of car batteries, but mostly that’s enough time to do what I need to.”

Tony tosses the weapon back to Natasha. She catches it, and clips it back onto her wrist.

A door opens, and an agent steps out, motioning for Tony to enter.

“Gloves,” Tony calls as he walks through the door. “Think about it.”

-

New York, 2012

The dust is still settling as the team eats. The owners of the little restaurant seem happy enough for the superheroes to stay as long as they like.

“How’s the battery working out for you?” Tony asks, through a mouthful of shawarma.

“Great,” Natasha replies. She holds up a gloved hand for him to see. “Still not empty.” Tony doesn’t smile - none of them have the energy for that - but he looks satisfied. Natasha has a lot to process after battling aliens all day, so she adds Tony’s fascination with her gear to the list.

“You know,” he says, after a while, “you could probably make the grappling hook even more compact.”

She leans forward, elbow on the table. “You think so?”

He nods. “Just depends what material you use. I’ve been playing around with different cables, and with a smaller hook I think you could reduce the size by half.”

Natasha finds herself oddly touched that Tony has spent time thinking about potential upgrades for her sake. “What kind of cable are we talking about?”

“I had a friend at MIT send some carbon fibre prototypes she’s been working on,” Tony tells her. “I’m thinking maybe a nylon composite.”

She nods. “We could move the garrotte wire into the right gauntlet to make room.”

“How do you guys have the energy for R&D right now?” Clint chuckles. The rest of the team give tired groans in agreement, and Natasha flips her partner off to tired laughter from the others.

“I’ll text you,” Natasha promises Tony.

-

Avengers Tower, 2014

“Hit it again.”

Natasha skips another disc down the gallery. It connects, electricity arcing over every inch of the dummy.

“Nice,” Natasha says.

“The new model holds twelve discs per gauntlet,” Tony says. Natasha knows him well enough now to hear the hint of pride he’s trying to mask with nonchalance.

“Which of the discs do you think we should go with?” she asks. Tony casts his eye over the table, laden with twenty different prototype taser discs.

“I like number seventeen,” he says. “And not just because it looks like an arc reactor. That was a coincidence. Maybe.”

Natasha laughs, and picks up the disc. “Alright. Seventeen it is. How about the power cell problem?”

“Still working on it,” he says. “I keep hitting the wall at the corner of charge time and weight. I’ll get there.”

Natasha goes to answer, but her phone buzzes in her pocket. She pulls it out and reads the message. When she looks up, Tony seems to know that fun taser time is over.

“Where to?” he asks.

“D.C.,” she sighs. “STRIKE team needs me. Something to do with a ship.”

“Need a ride?”

She shakes her head. “Rumlow’s already sent one. It’ll be here in half an hour. Thanks, though.”

By the time she’s geared up and ready, Tony has loaded the gauntlets with discs. He hands them to her as they take the elevator to the roof.

“You’ll have to make do with the prototypes until I can get production running on disc seventeen,” he says, and it almost sounds like a genuine apology.

“I’m sure I’ll make it work,” she tells him. On the roof, he waves her off as a SHIELD quinjet lands on the pad. She gets in, and is surprised to find that she feels a little sad to be leaving.

-

Washington D.C., 2014

As Natasha leaves the Senate Office Building, cameras flashing all around her, she sees a sleek black car roll up at the curb. She forces back a smile of relief, and pushes through the reporters. She opens the door and gets in, and the car pulls away from the flashes and shouts.

“You look pretty calm for someone who just dared the government to arrest her.”

She scoffs lightly. “I should have known you’d be listening in.”

Tony shrugs, not apologetic in the slightest. Natasha lapses into silence, watching the road through the window. The gravity of what she’s done in the last twenty four hours is not lost on her, nor is it lost on Tony. She can sense his discomfort, and she knows he won’t be able to summon a comforting word, but that’s never been his style anyway.

“How did the discs go?” he asks, eventually. Natasha has to smile. This has become their routine, and a substitute for any uncomfortable conversation.

“Seventeen’s still my favourite,” she tells him. “And I owe you several drinks for increasing the capacity. I needed every single disc.”

“Saving your life, one tiny taser at a time,” he smiles. “I’ve been thinking about some sort of blasting capability.”

She frowns. “What, like a stun gun?”

Tony nods. “For mid-range combat. I figure it gives you a halfway point between hitting someone directly with the gauntlet or launching a disc.”

“How much more power would that take?” she asks.

“A lot,” he admits. “But I’ve got a new prototype I’m working on. It’s going to take a couple of months at least, but I think I’ve hit on a solution to the power problem.”

“Seriously?”

“I never joke about tasers.”

She laughs, and for a moment she feels all the weight lift off her shoulders. Even with the world turned upside down, Tony is a constant, and she’s grateful.

-

Avengers Tower, 2015

“I’ve got a present for you,” Tony declares in a sing-song voice.

“What did I tell you about calling me before seven in the morning?” she yawns. She’s already up anyway, and it’s always fun to start the day with taser practice in the lab. She dresses, and heads down to the R&D levels, stopping only on the lounge floor to make two cups of coffee. Tony is in the lab he’s dedicated to developing gear for the team. He’s currently at a long bench that has become his permanent work area for Natasha’s weapons.

“Morning,” she says, and hands him his coffee.

“You’re going to love this,” Tony tells her. He grabs a case from under the table and unlatches it, swivelling it around to reveal a full suit. Natasha raises her eyebrows.

“Don’t look at me like that,” he says, pointing an accusing finger. “I got the measurements from one of your spare suits.”

Natasha pulls the suit from the case, and lays it out on the table. Quietly delighted, she traces a finger over what seems to be black piping. As she touches it, the piping glows a bright blue, and she watches the light spread all over the suit, converging at the wrists.

“What is this?” she asks. Tony is grinning, obviously pleased with himself.

“Power cells,” he says. “Thousands of them, all over the suit. More than enough to equip you with two compact blasters plus a new grappling hook and a backup clip of six discs on each thigh, underneath your holsters.”

“This is amazing,” she says, running her hands over the smooth material.

“That’s not even the best part,” he says. He opens a drawer and produces two gauntlets. He hands them to her, and motions for her to put them on. She does, and he’s practically bouncing with glee.

“Okay,” he says. “Do as I do.” He brings his right hand up to his left shoulder, and then throws his hand back down in a quick movement. Natasha imitates, and in an instant a baton shoots out from her gauntlet. She grabs it out of reflex, but it’s connected to her wrist. She grins, and raises it up to inspect it. It glows the same blue as the piping in the suit.

“Hit the dummy,” Tony says. Natasha acquiesces, and strikes the dummy. Electricity crackles, and the much-abused dummy is blown off balance and crashes to the floor. Tony claps, though she’s not sure if he’s applauding her or himself.

“This is going to be fun,” she grins.

-

Avengers Facility, 2015

Natasha knows it’s not forever, but it still feels strange to be saying goodbye to Tony after everything they’ve been through. The wounds of Sokovia are still fresh for both of them, and she thought he’d at least stay until they can find Bruce. But Tony will do as Tony wants, she knows that. Besides, she and Steve have their work cut out for them here.

“I’ll miss you,” she says, looking around the lab.

“You’ll have plenty to do,” he reassures her. “And our monthly lunch date still stands.”

“Burgers in the R&D labs doesn’t count as lunch.”

“You’re wrong, but I’ll miss you too.”

She can see the guilt in him as clearly as she recognises it in herself. For a moment, she is tempted to ask him to stay. But this facility is not the place for him now. He’s talked about settling down somewhere with Pepper, and she can understand the draw of a life like that.

“Keep me updated,” she says, as she walks him out of the lab. “I’m going to need an upgrade on the baton power.”

“And I’m thinking more cells on the suit,” he says. “We’ve still got work to do, don’t you worry about that.”

Natasha smiles. “If you ever want to blast stuff with tasers, you’ve got my number.” She kisses him on the cheek, which leaves him looking surprised. They hover for a moment, as if they’re about to hug, but that’s never been their style.

“I’ll call you when I’ve got something new for you,” he says.

“Promise?” she asks.

He smiles, and it’s tired, but genuine.

“Promise.”

[therainroguefanfiction]

⁂ Falling Harder (Shinji Ibu)

Genre: Friendship, Slice of Life, Fluff, Comedy ☁

Word Count: 3,520 ☁

Pairing: Reader x Shinji ☁

World: Prince of Tennis ☁

━━━━━━༻🌧️༺━━━━━━

“Hurry up you two!” Momoshiro called from up ahead. He was making you come along to the street tennis courts with him, even though you and Ryoma didn’t want to go.

“Shut up, Momo!” You both chorused back.

He rolled his eyes and ran up the stairs with the two of you a few minutes behind.

When you finally climbed the stairs, you found Hajime Mizuki, Shinji Ibu, Akira Kamio, and Yuuta Fuji there. They were having a doubles match; Mizuki and Yuuta vs. Shinji and Kamio. You and Momo sat on the bench and watched the match while Ryoma leaned against a tree.

The match ended with Shinji and Kamio as the winners, and the four of them walked over. Kamio glared at Momo, “What are you doing here?”

“An invited us,” he glared back.

“She invited you, not us.” You pointed to yourself and then to Ryoma.

Ryoma nodded, “You made us come.”

“I don’t mind you two,” Kamio muttered.

“What?!” Momo yelled, jumping up and pointing an accusing finger at him, “What makes them so special!?”

The two of them started to argue back and forth, first about An and spiraling into random events that happened before they even met.

Mizuki grabbed your arm, sitting down on your right, “Do they always do this?”

“Yup,” you quipped, watching the two yelling at each other.

“They’re being too loud,” Shinji muttered quietly, nearly making you jump; you hadn’t even noticed him sitting there.

You glanced at him, “That’s nothing new either. Those two only have two settings – loud and louder.”

“Like you’re better than I am!?” Momo screamed, getting into Kamio’s face.

“You’re damn right I am!” Akira screamed back.

The sound of giggling broke your attention away from their bickering and you turned around to see a girl about the same size as Ryoma. She had deep green hair and blue eyes. She was giggling and staring at Shinji who tensed as soon as he saw her.

“Hii~ Shinji!” she giggled again, holding her folded hands to her chest.

“Hello,” he answered, his voice emotionless as he turned back around, giving the two quarreling boys his full attention.

The girl smiled and ran over, sitting next to him, much closer than she should have. In response, Shinji moved closer to you, trying to escape the girl as she scooted closer and closer until she was practically in his lap.

He closed his eyes as she grabbed his arm, hugging it tightly to her chest.

“I didn’t know you swung that way.” Mizuki chuckled.

Shinji didn’t even acknowledge him, so you hit Mizuki in the back of the head in his place.

“What was that for?!” he cried in surprise, glaring at you. “Why do you have to be so mean?”

“Don’t be a jerk, Hajime.” you hissed.

He scowled at the use of his first name and Yuuta chuckled from beside him.

“What are you up to this weekend, Shinji baby?” the small girl giggled.

He shook slightly, his eyes staying closed. A couple minutes later, he lifted his free arm and put it around your shoulder, pulling you closer to his side. “I’ll be spending it with my partner.”

You raised an eyebrow in question but said nothing. Mizuki jumped up and sent you an accusing glare, “When the hell did that happen?”

Both Akira and Momo stopped yelling at each other, having been drowned out by Mizuki’s outcry. Putting on a fake smile, you stomped on his foot before sending him a warning look, telling him to shut his trap. He scowled again, plopping back down onto the bench and rubbing his sore foot.

“You never said anything about dating Y/N.” Akira murmured to Shinji, sending him a suspicious look.

“Neither have you,” Momo stared at you with the same look.

The small girl removed herself from beside him to stand in front of the group, her eyes watering, “I t-thought we had s-something s-s-special!” And with that dramatic act, she ran away.

Shinji made no movement as his eyes slowly slid open. Everyone stood around the two of you, waiting for some sort of answer. Silence settled over the group before he finally spoke up, removing his arm and putting some distance between the two of you.

“She has been stalking me for two months,” he muttered, so soft that the other boys had to lean closer to hear him properly. “She does this every time I try to tell her there is nothing between us. She always comes back.”

“I get it,” Yuuta snapped his fingers. “You told her that Y/N was your partner in hopes that she’d leave you alone.”

Shinji slowly nodded, “Sorry.”

“It’s fine, I understand.” you offered him a smile.

“I won’t allow it!” Mizuki jumped up, stomping his foot on the ground much like a child would. “I won’t allow my little sibling to be used like this.”

You rolled your eyes and stood, kicking Mizuki hard in the face with the bottom of your sneaker. “Will you shut up, I’m not even related to you.”

He twitched slightly before stepping backward, holding his nose. “How can you be okay with this? He’s using you!”

“It’s not even a big deal,” you responded, smacking his hands away when he tried to grab you. “It’s not like it’s real or anything.”

He blinked a few times before sighing, “Fine. But I’m not happy about this!”

You rolled your eyes as he stomped his foot again and then you sat back down next to Shinji who hadn’t moved an inch. You took his hand and held it in both of your own, “Don’t worry, Shinji. I’ll play along.”

He blinked slowly, his navy eyes set on your hands. “Thank you.”

You nodded, “Happy to be able to help!”

━━━━━━༻🌧️༺━━━━━━

It’s been about a month and a half since you became Shinji’s partner. Honestly, it wasn’t as much work as you thought it would have been. You hung out with each other like you normally did, with the exception of holding hands and hugging, and you were spending a lot more time with Fudomine, as well. Mizuki and Momo liked to tag along, both for different reasons; Momo had nothing better to do and Mizuki was being an idiot. Even Ryoma came quite a few times, as well. Against his will, of course, but that’s just minor details.

The little girl, who you soon found out went by the name Gracie, had started to come around less and less, instead choosing to hide in the shadows, going after Shinji when you weren’t around. Apparently, she hated and felt threatened by you all at the same time.

You were sitting inside the burger joint with Shinji at your side, hand clasped within your own. Ryoma sat to your right, stuffing his face while simultaneously glaring at Momo who was glaring back and also stuffing his face. Eiji was trying to contain his laughter as he watched the two of them. Eiji, Shinji, and yourself had already finished eating and were just waiting on the two boys to finish their eating contest. Honestly, though, it didn’t look like there was an end in sight anytime soon.

Your phone started to vibrate in your pocket so you stood up and stretched before bringing it to your ear, “Yeah?”

“Hey, Y/N-chan.” It was Taka.

You smiled at the group before excusing yourself to walk outside where you leaned against the brick wall of the building, “What’s up, Taka?”

“Oishi asked me to call you,” he answered softly.

“What’s he got planned now?”

“Bowling,”

“Please tell me Inui isn’t going!”

“He is,”

You sighed deeply, knowing what was in store. “Can I at least bring some friends with me?”

“Of course you can. Will you let Momoshiro, Eiji and Echizen know, please?”

You could hear the smile in his voice before the line went dead. Taking a deep breath, you walked back inside and stopped beside the table, giving Eiji a look.

He cocked his head to the side, curious. “Who was that?”

“Taka,”

“What’d he want?”

“Oishi asked him to call me.” You sighed deeply. “He asked me to inform your guys… we’re going bowling again.”

“No!” Eiji cried, letting his head fall onto the table. “I don’t wanna!”

You patted him on the back, “The good news is that Inui’s going to have more victims. I’m inviting Mizuki, Shinya, and Yuuta.”

“Well, at least we won’t be suffering alone… right?” He pouted at you, trying to look less traumatized.

“Hey, Shinji. Invite Kamio, too.” Momo muttered through a mouthful of food.

“Shinji isn’t going,” you declared, folding your arms over your chest.

The bluenette looked at you with a mostly blank face, his navy eyes lit up with curiosity. He didn’t voice this, though.

“Eh? But you have to bring him along!” Eiji protested.

Ryoma swallowed his food, took a sip of his drink, and stared up at you. “If you leave him alone too long, senpai, that girl will probably take advantage.”

Your eye twitched, ‘Damn that brat, he has a good point!’ With a frustrated sigh, you said, “Fine, but bring Tetsu with you!”

Shinji slowly nodded.

“Maybe this won’t be so bad, after all!” Eiji chirped, offering the group a grin.

━━━━━━༻🌧️༺━━━━━━

“Will you hurry up?” Mizuki sighed as the group walked down the street.

You muttered incoherently under your breath, walking very slowly behind the two boys.

“Hey, guys!” Yuuta waved before crossing the street. “What’s wrong with Y/N?”

Shinya chuckled, covering his mouth. “Y/N’s not much of a morning person,”

You scoffed, leaning on Shinya when he put your arm around his shoulder to help support your slouching frame. “We weren’t even supposed to leave yet. This fool woke me up too early!”

“There’s no harm in being there early.” Mizuki glared at you over his shoulder before huffing.

“No harm my left buttcheek,” you muttered darkly, glaring daggers at the male’s back.

“Why your left cheek?” Shinya wondered, making you shrug.

“You’re so weird,” Yuuta shook his head.

When your group finally arrived at the bowling alley, it was about 8:45 in the morning. Oishi, Eiji, Kaidoh, Inui, Tetsu, Shinji, coach Ryuzaki, and Kamio had already arrived. You pulled away from Shinya and sat down against the side of the building.

Once everyone had arrived – a large group of students from several different schools -, the group filed inside and got ready to bowl. You weren’t sure how, but coach Ryuzaki was able to book the entire building for the event, meaning there were no other people to interrupt.

“Alright everyone, listen up.” Coach Ryuzaki called out and the room slowly quieted down.

Oishi stood beside her with Inui on his other side. “Here’s the deal. You’ll be put into teams of two. If you drop out, refuse to play or get a gutterball, you’ll be drinking a shot of Inui’s Aozu drink.”

Inui grinned evily, holding up a small shot glass full of thick blue-green liquid. The Seigaku team shifted uncomfortably.

“If you lose, you drink an entire pitcher.” Inui held up the pitcher and Seigaku took a step back, leaving the others looking around confused. “If you win, you will not be required to drink Aozu.”

You moved to stand next to Fuji, giving him a weary look. “Hey, Shusuke?”

He nodded knowingly. “Yes, I know.”

“Alright, I’ll announce the teams.” Coach Ryuzaki stepped forward with a sheet of paper in her hand. “Inui-Kaidoh. Kawamura-Horio. Eiji-Fuji. Kachiro-Mizuno. Echizen-Momo. Mizuki-Mori. Jen-Choutarou. Shinji-Kamio. Shinya-Yuuta. Myself-Oishi. Everyone clear?”

Everyone nodded and found their respective partners.

“Quite the turn out, hmm?” Fuji murmered from beside you.

“They have no clue what they’re in for,” you muttered apologetically.

Eiji nodded in agreement, clutching your arm tightly. “Do you think Ryuzaki-sensei and Oishi will cheat again?”

“Probably,” you and Fuji chorused.

“Inui-Kaidoh pair. You’re up first.” Ryuzaki grinned.

Both boys glanced at each other before moving forward. Inui managed to knock down one pin in the corner, while Kaidoh knocked down five.

Taka and Horio went next. Taka was about to throw the ball when Horio stopped him. “Here, Kawamura-senpai!” he handed Taka his racket, making him go into burning mode and get a strike.

“That’s cheating!” you and Eiji chorused, angrily.

“Not-uh!” Horio stuck his tongue out at you.

Eiji and Fuji were next. Fuji grabbed the ball in his hands and threw it. The ball ended up going into the gutter. “Still haven’t gotten much better.” he murmured, thoughtfully.

Inui grinned evily again, appearing behing Fuji who sweatdropped. Everyone else froze, watching on in horror as he drank the blue-green liquid. He only took a couple sips before his body hit the ground.

“Fuji!” Taka ran to his side and shook him, to no avail.

Eiji ran over, as well, whining about that drink being murderous.

“Honestly, if Fuji can’t even stomach it, the rest of us are really in for it.” you announced, sitting next to Choutarou. He looked frightened. Then again, so did the others.

Eiji swallowed hard as he threw the ball. He hit a strike and jumped for joy, happy not to have to drink the demonic liquid.

Kachiro and Mizuno were next. Kachiro managed to get a strike on the first try.

Ryoma and Momo were after them. Momo managed to knock down all but two pins. Ryoma tried to get them both, but still only managed to get one.

Mizuki and Mori were up next. Of course, Mizuki had to be a show off and get a strike. He turned toward the group with a chuckle, twirling his hair around his finger. “Of course I got a strike, it’s all about the numbers.”

“Showoff,” you muttered as the two boys walked by. Mizuki stuck his tongue out at you and Mori only grinned.

Then it was time for you and Choutarou.

“I’m counting on you, Chou-chan.” you told him, resting you hand on his shoulder. “No pressure, though!”

He nodded, glancing down at you. “Don’t worry. I’ve got it.”

You grinned, taking a step back to give him room. He grabbed one of the balls and took a deep breath, throwing it down the lane. You instinctively grabbed onto the back of his shirt, praying to every god and deity you could think of. Your prayers were answered – he made it! A strike, he got a strike!

Letting out a relieved breath, he turned around just in time to catch you as you launched a hug at him.

“Way to go Choutarou!”

Shinji and Akira were up after you. Shinji was staring at the ball and muttering, so Akira tried to grab it. The two fought for the ball until Akira accidentally dropped it. He gulped, staring at the ball as it landed in the gutter.

Inui appeared behind him, grinning like a psychopath as he held the shot glass out to Kamio. He took it from his hand, gulping again before guzzling it down. Two seconds later, he collapsed.

Two drop out; Shusuke Fuji and Akira Kamio.

Shinya and Yuuta were the next ones to take their turn.

“Let me,” Shinya said, grabbing the bowling ball from Yuuta. He managed to hit a strike, making Yuuta let out a sigh of relief.

Last to go was Oishi and Ryuzaki-sensei. They both grinned and went over to their bags, getting out their bowling gloves.

Eiji gulped from your left, “We are so~ doomed.”

“Yup,” you nodded, watching as Oishi grabbed his ball and stepped forward. Of course he got a strike.

━━━━━━༻🌧️༺━━━━━━

The battle continued on for a while and you had to admit, it was pretty fierce. Just like the last time, Oishi and Ryuzaki were cheating, catching people off guard just as they were throwing their balls. It wasn’t going well for the others.

After twenty minutes, almost everyone had dropped.

Ten Drop Out; Shusuke Fuji. Akira Kamio. Kaoru Kaidoh. Tatsunori Mori. Eiji Kikumaru. Yuuta Fuji. Inui Sadaharu. Takashi Kawamura. Shinya Yanagizawa. Satoshi Horio.

“Hey, Y/N?” Choutarou whispered, grabbing tightly onto your arm.

“Hmm?”

“We’re not that far behind. If Momo and Ryoma can ace this shot, their score will be above ours, but we can easily get our place back. It’s those seventh graders we have to look out for.”

“I know. Do you think you can take it?” you glanced at him curiously.

He nodded, giving you a determined look. “Definately.”

“I’ll take care of Momo and Ryoma, then.”

He nodded again, pulling away from you and grabbing one of the balls. He got another strike. Who would have thought that he was so good at bowling? You almost couldn’t believe that he’s never played before, but you were thankful that he was on your side.

You glared at coach Ryuzaki as she tricked Mizuki into getting a gutter ball. If she can play dirty, then so can you! Just as Momo went to throw the ball, you grinned and yelled out, “Momo, watch out for that puddle!”

“Huh?” He tripped over his own feet, the ball flying from his hands and into the gutter. It took him a moment to realize what had happened and then he turned around, glaring at you. “Cheater!”

“Like I’m the only one doing it?” you retorted, sitting back down next to Choutarou.

Momoshiro gulped as Ryuzaki held the shot glass in his face. He frowned, downing it and passing out before he got halfway through the drink.

Twelve Drop Out; Shusuke Fuji. Akira Kamio. Kaoru Kaidoh. Tatsunori Mori. Eiji Kikumaru. Yuuta Fuji. Inui Sadaharu. Takashi Kawamura. Shinya Yanagizawa. Satoshi Horio. Hajime Mizuki. Takeshi Momoshiro.

Choutarou picked up the ball and approached the line. He faked a throw, the corner of his mouth twitching up when Ryuzaki screamed, trying to distract him – he had anticipated it. You sent her a glare and she shrugged.

“I saw a roach,”

You glanced around the room, from the pile of bodies near the door to the eight people left standing. Kachiro squeaked when his foot slipped and he fell onto his behind, the ball landing in the next lane over. Your eyes narrowed at the small puddle of water near the line before snapping to Ryuzaki who was whistling innocently.

‘Isn’t she supposed to be teaching us sportsmanship? Jeez,’

Inui’s shadow covered the small boy like a menacing creature from the darkest depths of hell. Before the drink could even be offered, the boy flopped backward, unconscious. Mizuno, his partner, gulped in fear.

Shinji stood up and made a move toward the ball rack, but you stopped him, resting your hand over his. His eyes met yours and the concern touched his heart, bringing pink to his cheeks.

“Take your time and don’t let coach Ryuzaki distract you,” you told him softly, keeping your voice low.

He nodded, seeming to hesitate for a moment before leaning down and pecking your cheek. He mumbled something, but it was too low for you to hear it and he didn’t give you time to question it before he was approaching the line.

His form looked good and you were sure that the ball was at least going to hit, but it only just clipped the side pin before hitting the gutter. The pin in question wobbled a bit and you held your breath. The pin stilled.

Inui pounced, grabbing Shinji’s shoulder and nearly smacking the bluenette in the face with the cup. “Drink up, and enjoy~”

“No, wait!” You rushed forward, snatching the cup from his hand. The liquid felt slimey on your hand when it slipping over the rim. “I’ll drink it instead,”

“Senpai, no!” Choutarou grabbed your free hand, his brown eyes filled with worry.

“I have to do this,” you shook your head, pulling away from him. “Shinji… I really like you!” Before anyone could stop you, you tilted your head back and downed the contents of the cup. Those that were still conscious cried out in surprise and terror.

And then everything went quiet.

You blinked a few times, staring at the small drops in the bottom of the cup. Your head felt foggy.

“Senpai?” Choutarou whispered, scared that if he raised his voice, you might break.

Shinji approached, carefully taking the cup from your hand. “Are you okay?”

You wrinkled your nose and smacked your lips a few times. “Taste like lemon,”

Everyone fell to the floor dramatically aside from Ryuzaki, who just stared at you as if you had grown an extra head.

“What? Why are you lookin’ at me like that?”

“Oh look at the time, I have to go pick up Sakuno. Bye!” Ryuzaki turned tail and all but ran from the building.

“Isn’t Sakuno at home?” you wondered, bringing your attention back to Shinji when he took your hand. “Shinji, what -”

His lips met yours, silencing you. “I really like you, too.”

Oishi sighed deeply from his place on the ground, running his hand across his face. “What a strange world we live in,”

You grinned at the comment, wrapping your arms around Shinji’s waist.

━━━━━━༻🌧️༺━━━━━━

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[allthoserandomthings]

Eyes on Me

“Our guest for today, Chris Evans!”

Ellen welcomed Chris into the studio. The audience’s warm applause made him break out in a big smile. He jogged the last few steps and gave Ellen a hug and a kiss on the cheek before sitting down.

“So, Chris...since this isn’t your first time on the show, let’s skip all the pleasantries.”

Chris laughed along with the audience his right hand resting on his chest.

“Sure, I’m cool with that.”

“Last week, a picture of you was taken and it went viral.”

“It did.” His eyebrows raising while nodding his head.

“Uh-huh. Short answer. Let’s see the picture then.”

The audience clapped when the picture was shown on the studio screen. It was a picture of Chris wearing a suit partnered with a baseball cap as if wearing it will disguise him completely. His left arm was wrapped around the shoulders of a young woman wearing a knee-length dress and wearing a matching Red Sox baseball cap. They were seated at the rear of an SUV while eating burgers. 

“As you know, Chris, no one really cares about you in this. It’s her we’re all curious about.”

“I know. That’s the funny thing. Before, everyone will mention the suit or the beard. Now, no one cares anymore.”

Someone in the audience screamed that they still cared to the delight of everyone in the studio.

“Thanks, man. Nice to see I still have fans,” he joked.

“Chris, you need to focus here. This isn’t Marvel so you can’t use the excuse of secrecy anymore.”

“Okay, what do you wanna know?”

“Who is this pretty lady that you seem to be smitten about?”

“You know the answer to that already.” The audience was still very buzzed and excited to finally get an answer to the week-long Hollywood scoop. 

“Yes, but we would still like to hear it from you.”

‘That lovely girl in the picture is Y/N and we’ve been together for a year.” The audience members were shrieking now that they finally got confirmation of the girl’s identity as well as shock from how long Chris managed to hide her from the press.

“Congratulations, now tell us more about this picture. That seems like an odd outfit to eat hamburgers in.”

“It is interesting. I’ll give you that.”

--- one week ago ---

“Chris, what if I mess up?” you sniffed and placed the phone between your right shoulder and ear, your hands shuffling through the papers that are giving you so much anxiety.

“Y/N, listen to me. You are great at this. You give better speeches than the President.”

“That’s not exactly a high bar, Evans.” Still, the compliment managed to bring a small smile to your lips.

“Well, babe. You know what I mean.” he sighed. “I wish I was there to watch and support you.”

“The press is going to be here, Chris. You can’t be seen supporting some random girl.”

“You’re not just a random girl. You’re my random girl,” he whined.

“I am your random girl. Don’t forget that when you flirt with all the pretty ladies at RDJ’s book launch.” You teased, knowing full well he only has eyes for you.

“I wouldn’t even dream of it. Babe, don’t forget to eat. I know you’re anxious but you practiced so much you can recite this in your sleep.”

“Thanks, Chris. I love you. I’ll see you tomorrow?” 

“See you tomorrow. I love you more.” Knowing he won’t stop unless he gets to say he loves you even more, you just smiled and ended the call.

Tonight is the fundraising charity event for California high school students that excel in STEM. As the new head of Caltech’s Applied Physics Department, you are tasked to give the final speech about the importance of science in the modern world as well as the direction of the department in the next five years. 

“Well, here goes nothing.” 

You hear your voice being called and you stepped on stage. In front of you, hundreds of millionaire patrons that support education are watching your every move.

You went through your speech magnificently. You managed to pause at all the right times emphasizing the parts of your speech you wanted to highlight. You also managed to just occasionally glance at your notes. Stepping away from the podium amid the applause of all the guests put a smile on your face.

You reached for your phone and sent a thumbs-up emoji to Chris before mingling among the guests that are all excited to talk to you.

Your phone vibrated and a quick glance down showed a message from Chris.

Pick you up in 30? I got food. 

Chris knows that you couldn’t eat when anxious and seeing him care this much made your heart skip a beat over how caring he is towards you.

See you. 

You managed to speak to a couple more people before proceeding towards the hotel entrance waiting for his car to arrive.

“Taxi miss?” the doorman asked.

“No, I’m waiting for someone - oh, here he is.”

The doorman opened the passenger door for you, showing not even a hint of surprise when he saw who was driving the car that picked you up.

“I got burgers and fries in the back from your favorite place and it’s a full moon tonight so let’s go eat at the pier.”

“Did you just ran away from RDJ’s book launch?” you asked. Reaching for the fries, you popped a few into your mouth and then gave a couple to Chris.

“Nah. He kicked me out. Said I was too distracted and looking at my phone. He wants to meet you personally soon. They have a livestream of the event, by the way. You did phenomenally.”

When you arrived at the pier, he reached for the baseball caps in the dash and plopped one to each of your heads. You both went down and sat at the rear of the SUV eating your burgers while staring at the full moon.

--- Present Day ---

“And, apparently, I was followed by the paparazzi.” Chris ended his story.

“They must have been surprised. They thought they were just getting eating habits scoop on Captain America but they landed a hit with your girlfriend.”

“I mean..even we were surprised with how long we managed to keep this a secret. I don’t really care if it gets out but please give her some space, she’s not used to having a camera shoved into her face. “

“Maybe you should give her some shield training just in case paparazzi ambush her.”

“I should...that’s a great idea. It would be fun to watch it happen too.”

“Now, can you tell us how you two met.”

“Well, when I first saw her or when we officially met?”

“They’re not the same? Well, obviously, we want both now.”

--- 2 years ago ---

Chris sat in the private corner of the newly opened Japanese Fusion restaurant. So far, no one has recognized him yet and disturbed his meal. He was with his friends celebrating the birth of one of his friends’ daughter.

A piano sat in the middle of the room. A Japanese guy was playing and singing songs he’s never heard of before but he liked it and thought it went with the feel of the place. The piano man informed the patrons that he was taking a thirty-minute break and welcomed anyone to use the piano during that time.

In the corner of Chris’ eyes, he saw a big group of people egging on a young woman to play the piano. She finally relented and sat at the recently vacated piano bench.

“I would like to congratulate my good friends, Dexter and Keiko, on their engagement. This song is for them,” the lady said. Some of those near the table of the group congratulating the newly engaged couple.

“Eyes on You by Faye Wong.” The lady said as an intro before hitting the piano keys.

Whenever sang my songs On the stage, on my own Whenever said my words Wishing they would be heard

Chris stopped listening to his friends and focused all his attention on the person singing. Her soft voice was definitely giving justice to the lyrics of the song.

I kind of liked it your way How you shyly placed your eyes on me Oh, did you ever know? That I had mine on you

It was at that moment that the woman looked up and her gaze fell straight ahead at Chris whose blue eyes were looking back at her. She smiled at him though there seems to be no sign in her eyes that she recognized Chris. Their actions gradually mimicking the song, she continued to sing.

Darling, so share with me Your love if you have enough your tears if you're holding back Or pain if that's what it is How can I let you know I'm more than the dress and the voice Just reach me out then You will know that you're not dreaming

“Thank you,” she said into the microphone. She cast one last glance at him before going back to her group of friends. Chris noticed a dark-haired man who was obviously very buzzed, aggressively grabbing the woman’s waist. The man placed a quick kiss on the woman’s lips and returned to eating.

‘She’s taken then, too bad.’

“Hey, Chris, man? You listening to us or are you going to stare at that girl all day? Just go ask her out if you like her.” One of his friends had apparently noticed his fascination with the singer.

“Nah. It looks like she came with someone. You guys want to order dessert?”

--- Present Day ---

“Was that guy her boyfriend?” Ellen asked Chris.

“I mean, yeah. She was seeing the guy but it kind of didn’t work out for them. Thankfully.” He raised both hands and made a thumbs-up sign while smiling widely.

“Yeah. We can see how that worked out very well in your favor. Now, would you tell us when you two formally met each other?”

--- 1 ½ year ago ---

You have been invited by a friend to watch the 49ers vs Rams game, the only problem is you know nothing about American football despite being American. You actually prefer to watch the English Premier League. Currently, your team, Tottenham, is playing against Liverpool. Instead of watching the NFL, you were glued to your phone watching your team defend their 1-0 lead during stoppage time.

“Finding the game boring?” You look up to see a handsome bearded brunette wearing a black sweater and shades sitting in the previously empty seat next to you.

“Actually, this is more my thing,” you said while raising your phone still showing the EPL game. “I don’t really understand American Football. I just got dragged today. I already feel bad for wasting space here at the suite. ”

“You’re English?” the guy asked again. Clearly, he was perplexed how an American can be so clueless about his beloved sport.

“Well, if that will get you off my case, then sure, I can be English,”  you retorted jokingly.

“Hey, I’m not judging. I’m just saying this is football.  Although, the 49ers and Rams are kind of weak compared to the Patriots. There is this team called the Patriots. They’re the greatest team in the history of the NFL.  And Tom Brady…that man is a god.” He continued to recite the achievements of his team off the top of his head. You tried to listen politely, nodding every couple of words but your eyes were still focused on the game until the very last second.

“Yes! We won. Take that Liverpool.” You punched the air with your free hand.

Your seatmate looked at you like he was betrayed, “I thought you were listening to me. “

“I was. I’m good at multitasking. See, my game just ended. Full attention on you now. But, who are you again?” you finally asked just realizing that the guy didn’t even introduce himself.

“I’m Chris…Chris Evans.” he held out his right hand and removed his shades.

“Oh, nice to meet you. I’m Y/N Y/L/N. Now, your name sounds familiar. Your face too, I think I’ve seen you somewhere before.” You shook his outstretched hand while still combing through your thoughts on where you’ve seen him. Finally, it clicked.

“Oh, are you the one who plays Captain America? You look different with a beard.”

“I am,” Chris said with a small smile on his face.

“Oh, wow. I love your movies. Captain America is nice but I love sci-fi movies. I’m a scientist you see so Sunshine and Snowpiercer are my favorites.”

“You’re a scientist?” he asked. His eyes focused on yours. Usually, not a lot of people, let alone celebrities care about your job.

“Yes. I do research at the JPL, and I have some teaching load at Caltech. But, I must be boring you. We can talk about the game now.”

“No, no. I am actually very interested in you, uh, I mean at what you do.” He stammered, blushing at the slip-up.

You laughed not realizing that he really was serious with both of the things he said. You explained to him what your job entails and how it feels like to work at JPL. You also talked about teaching at Caltech and all your smart students who are almost the same age as you which makes you feel weird. In return, you found out that his relatives are also teachers and he has a deep love for space. He also prefers doing small studio movies but the MCU movies provided him a certain set of advantages that the indie movies won’t be able to.

Your conversation flowed effortlessly as the game progressed. He would sometimes stop and point out certain parts of the game and explain it to you patiently. All the while, he can’t help but compare the two teams playing now to his New England Patriots. The game ended in favor of the Rams.

“Y/N, would you like to watch a Patriots game with me? They play the Rams next. I promise I’ll explain all the great plays that Tom Brady will orchestrate.” He looked at your eyes pleadingly. His right hand was clutching your left tightly.

You didn’t have to think twice to agree, “I’d love to, Chris.”

--- Present Day ---

“Did she know it was you from the restaurant?” Ellen asked. The audience also exclaimed, eager to know the answer.

“Not at all. I had to remind her later that we saw each other first at that place.”

“You must have sounded like a stalker,” Ellen joked to Chris. Chris laughed grabbing his left chest, almost falling out of his chair.”

“You have no idea. Anyway, that was the story of how I converted a Californian to a Patriots fan. Yeah! Oh, and along the way, I got a girlfriend.”

“Well, that’s a nice way to put it, Chris, let’s see how your girlfriend will react. Everyone, please welcome our surprise guest, Y/N.”

The studio erupted into loud cheers and applause. Some of the people watching even stood up to see well. Chris had his jaw open, surprised that you would agree to do something like this. He turned around in his chair and watched you come out from backstage. Chris seemed to have gotten out of his shock since he stood up and walked towards you. He enveloped you in a big hug which caused the cheers to go even louder.

“Babe, you okay doing this?” he was still hugging you. His back was to the audience and camera so they wouldn’t see you talking.

“I’ll get used to it.”

“I love you.”

“I love you too.” You squeezed him tight before letting go of the hug, which would also go viral the following day. Hand in hand, you walked towards Ellen.

“Ladies and Gentlemen, our lovely couple, Chris and Y/N!”

[cas-lost-grace]

This one is super cute, maybe sam asks Dean and Cas to babysit while him and his wife go out for a few hours? “I’m sorry that I got way too into playing house and accidentally kissed you passionately”

This took ages and I´m so so so sorry! I loved the prompt though so here´s the best I could come up with

"If something happens, anything, just call, Eileen and I can be back in two hours if we drive fast."

Dean rolls his eyes. "No way I’m ruining your vacation. You didn’t have any alone time with your wife ever since Mary was born."

Sam opens his mouth to protest, but Castiel cuts him off. "We call if it’s serious, but I doubt such a situation that would need your return will occur."

Dean grins and places a hand on Cas’ shoulder, the toddler in Cas’ arms look at him and reaches her tiny hands towards Dean’s face "Da!"

"Right, we can handle it, Sam. Your baby girl is in the best hands. Right, ladybug?" he leans down and lets Mary touch his stubbled cheeks. He makes a silly face and she laughs.

"See? She’s gonna be alright. Trust us. Cas is a paramedic and I’m a teacher, who would make better babysitters?"

Sam raises an eyebrow. "You teach high school, Dean."

"That’s just a detail. Come on, Sam, you should go, your wife is waiting for you," Dean says opening the door, "go and make her happy, if she’s able to walk when you return, you’re doing it wrong," he adds and pushes his brother out.

"Dean!" Sam cries out scandalized. "Stop talking like that or I change my mind about leaving my daughter with you."

Cas huffs out a laugh and takes a step closer to Sam. "Say bye to daddy," he hands the child to Sam who hugs her tightly.

She coos and presses her tiny face against Sam’s neck.

"Be a good girl and take care of uncle Dean and uncle Cas, we couldn’t leave them alone, that’s why you have to stay," he stage- whispers.

Dean snorts. "Okay, gimme the baby and go."

Sam peppers Mary’s face with kisses making her chuckle, then reluctantly hands her to Dean.

"Okay, bye. I’ll call you when we arrive."

"Bye!" Dean slams the door shut in Sam’s face.

"Oh god, I thought he’d never leave," Dean sighs.

"It’s understandable that he’s nervous. It’s their first time leaving her overnight."

"Yeah, I get it, I get it. I wouldn’t want to leave this little princess either. So, what now? A little snack and then a walk in the park?"

"Sounds great to me, what do you think, ma’am?"

"Ga!" she shouts.

"I’d say it was a yes," Cas smiles at Dean.

"Definitely a yes."

 Of course, Dean notices the looks. You don’t see two guys with a stroller in a park that often. To his relief most of the strangers that notice them give them a smile. It still makes something uncomfortable stir in Dean’s chest. He looks down at his niece crawling on all fours towards Cas who’s encouraging her. His gummy smile is brighter than the sun and he looks so natural playing with the baby. It’s so easy to imagine this is real, that they are real parents spending a sunny day with their baby in a park.

Dean shakes his head and focuses on the bag hanging from the handlebars of the stroller and starts to rummage through its contents. They’re not parents, they’re not even partners. Castiel is just his roommate and best friend and that’s not gonna change no matter the amount of daydreaming Dean does.

He finally finds the toy he’s been looking for and returns to Cas and Mary. Castiel is lying on his back on a blanket, making airplane sounds with Mary in his outstretched arms above his head.

Laughing, Dean lies down next to him, their shoulders brushing and sending sparks through his body. He ignores them and takes the giggling toddler from Cas. He puts her to his face and blows raspberries on her belly, making her squeal.

When he looks at Cas he notices that he’s holding a phone aimed at him.

"No way!" he cries out and places Mary between him and Cas.

"Don’t hide behind the baby!" Cas scolds him through laughter.

"Stop taking pictures of me!"

"I’m recording."

"Castiel Novak, you are the worst! Mary, revenge me!" he puts her on Cas’ stomach.

"Bite him! Bite him, like this," he leans down and bites lightly into Cas’ biceps which makes the man bark out a laugh and swat at Dean.

"Don’t teach her that!"

"Why? I’m her uncle, I need to teach her how to be badass! Come on, Mary, bite!" This time he demonstrates it on her, closing his lips harmlessly around her tiny shoulder. She snorts and actually takes Cas’ shirt into her teeth.

Dean fist bumps the air. "Yes! It works! That’s my girl!" Dean pets Mary’s blond hair and grabs the phone Cas dropped.

"Auch!" Cas cries out. "She bit my nipple!"

Dean collapses in a heap, choking on his laughter while Cas slaps his back.

"You, asshole, it hurts!"

Dean laughs so hard his eyes water. He pretends there isn’t a part of his mind thinking about biting Castiel’s nipples.

 "Did you ever think about it?" Cas asks. Mary is asleep in her stroller and they’re eating burgers on a bench.

"About what?" Dean asks around a mouthful.

"About having kids."

Taken aback, Dean looks at Castiel, but he’s watching the people passing by.

"I can’t even find a partner, Cas, I doubt I’d handle a family." He uses the gender-neutral word on purpose. They never talked about Dean’s orientation explicitly, but Cas has probably noticed he hangs out with guys sometimes.

"I think you would. With the right person," Cas says thoughtfully.

"Then they should hurry and show up, I’m getting old."

Cas huffs and shakes his head like he always does when Dean says something dumb.

"What about you?" Dean asks and feels his chest constrict.

Cas sighs. "Ever since I realized I was gay I thought it was no option for me."

"That might have been true twenty years ago, but not now."

Cas shrugs and turns to Dean with a smile. "Then there’s still the problem of finding the right partner."

"Yeah," Dean returns the smile and they just look at each other for a moment. It’s suddenly hard to breathe.

 "Water?" Cas suggest and hands Dean a bottle. Dean puts it to the baby’s lips, but she turns away, crying.

"She just won’t stop crying," Dean says desperately, dandling her in his arms.

"What about a pacifier?"

"She spits it out," Dean shakes his head. "Shit, Cas, something must be wrong. We fed her, changed her diaper, we did everything."

"Just keep calm, Dean, there’s no need to-" he trails off when he presses a palm against the girl’s forehead.

"What?"

"She’s burning," Cas says, trying to keep his voice calm but failing.

"What?" Dean presses his lips to her cheek and feels the unnatural hotness of Mary’s skin. "Shit, shit. Do we have medicine for it?"

"Yes, it must be somewhere in there," Cas answers walking to the bags of Mary’s stuff Sam has left there.

 "How is she?" The concern makes Cas look older than he is.

"She stopped crying. I put her in the cradle."

"She’ll probably fall asleep after the medicine."

"I hope so," Dean sighs.

Castiel steps closer and squeezes his shoulder. "She’s gonna be alright."

Dean nods. "I know. I just hate it has to happen when we’re babysitting."

"Right, it was too easy up until now," Cas gives him a small smile, "maybe we needed a challenge."

Dean huffs out a laugh. "You’re incredible, Cas."

Dean’s starting to lose it. It’s been hours and the temperature still isn’t falling even after the meds and the label says they shouldn’t give her more for another two hours.

Merry is still crying her lungs out and she looks exhausted by it but won’t fall asleep. The sight of her red cheeks, clammy face and teary eyes makes Dean’s heart break. His arms are getting sore from holding her but if he lies her down she’s crying harder.

Dean turns when he hears Castiel’s footsteps. His hands are full with some meds.

"Gabriel said to give her these two in turns."

"Gabriel?"

"My friend, the pediatrician. I told you I was going to call him."

"Yeah, right," Dean shakes his head, "sorry, I’m a bit out of it."

"He said we don’t need to go to the hospital," Cas says preparing the medicine for Mary.

Dean lets out a relieved sigh. "Good, I hope he’s right."

"Should we call Sam and Eileen?" Cas asks after he pushes the spoon into Mary’s mouth, then praises her for being a good girl.

"If we do, they hop into the car and drive right back and their night is ruined. If Gabriel says it’s not serious, I’d keep it our little secret, right, babe?" he kisses Mary’s cheek.

"Alright," Cas nods and reaches his arms for Mary. "Pass her over and take some rest. You look horrible."

Dean lets him take the child and watches for a moment as Cas tries to placate her.

"Thank you," he says. Castiel looks at him. "I’m really grateful for you being here with me, especially because you don’t have to, you’re not even family."

He realizes he said something wrong when Castiel’s eyes harden and he looks away, his jaws clenched.

"No, wait, that’s not what I meant, Cas!" He has to grab Cas’ shoulder to make him turn. Cas looks positively furious, but Dean refuses to get intimidated by it.

"Of course we think of you as a family. Sam and Eileen and me, I’m sure even Mary. What I meant is that you don’t have to spend your night with me taking care of a sick child."

Castiel’s eyes drop to Mary’s face, but they’ve softened. "I want to."

Dean leans closer. "Thank you," he whispers and ruffles Cas’ hair eliciting a short laugh.

Cas pushes him away with one hand. "Go take a shower, you smell like a diaper."

"Shut up!" Dean laughs on his way to the bathroom.

 Dean’s heart skips a beat when he comes out of the shower and can’t find them. For a moment he thinks Mary got worse and Cas took her to the hospital. Fortunately, before he freaks out he searches the house. He finds them in Cas’ room and his heart stops for the second time.

Cas is sitting in his bed, his eyes closed and breathing slow, the baby is resting on his chest, snoozing. It’s like a miracle and it makes Dean feel all warm inside.

He knows he should leave them alone, but it’s too tempting. With his heart beating too hard in his chest he walks to the bed, careful not to make a sound. He just wants to take a better look at his two angels, maybe steal a little kiss on the cheek.

Castiel’s blue eyes open, almost giving Dean a heart attack.

"Hey," Dean whispers.

"Hello," Cas answers smiling as he looks at the baby sleeping on his chest. "It worked, " he whispers."

"Yeah, it did," Dean returns his smile and sits down. Cas moves a little so Dean can recline against the headboard next to him.

When he makes himself comfortable, he brushes his fingers gently over Mary’s face. It already feels a bit cooler but it might be just a wishful thinking.

He can feel the warmth of Castiel’s body and smell his body wash as they’re pressed close together. He looks into his face taking in his blue eyes, pink lips and mused hair and feels his self-control slipping away.

"Seems like we are a great duo, at least when it comes to babysitting."

"Yeah, we are," Cas’ smile brightens and Dean loses it. He leans in and presses his lips against Castiel’s.

Cas lets out a surprised breath and opens his mouth. Dean takes the opportunity to slip his tongue in and before he can realize what the hell he’s doing he’s kissing him deeply, hands buried in his wild hair.

Mary makes a small sound startling them apart. The mortification hits Dean immediately.

"I-ugh-sorry," he’s up and out of the room before Cas has a chance to say anything.

He runs cowardly into his room where he collapses on the bed, face in his palms. He’s such an idiot, ruining everything.

 When he gathers the courage to leave his room, he finds Mary sleeping in her cradle in the living room and Cas’ door shut.

They get through the night and in the morning Mary seems alright, laughing and getting her breakfast all over the kitchen like usual. Dean avoids looking Cas in the face, but otherwise everything is fine.

"So did, you have a good time?" Castiel asks Eileen when they come to pick up their daughter.

"The best," she answers with a grin. Sam, checking Mary for injuries, turns beet red.

"Was there any trouble?" she asks and takes her baby from her husband’s arms giving them both a kiss.

"Nothing we couldn’t handle," Cas answers.

They get a lunch together, talking about the day in the park and about the hotel Sam and Eileen were staying at.

The moment Sam and his family leave, the apartment fills with heavy silence.

"I’m going to do some lesson planning," Dean mutters and heads towards his room. Cas stops him with a hand on his shoulder.

"I want to talk."

Dean’s heart drops.

He takes a deep breath before he faces Castiel.

"Look, Cas, I’m sorry. What I’ve done last night... I got carried away playing house with you. I’m sorry. I guess I just liked the idea too much."

"What idea?" Cas asks, squinting.

"Of a family of my own. Having a baby and a partner." He feels himself blushing and it’s too hard to look Cas in the eyes.

"Partner or me?"

"What?"

"Don’t play dumb, Dean. I know you understand what I’m asking! I want to know if you just like the idea of having a partner or the idea of me as your partner. I always thought you weren’t interested in me like that, especially after I figured out you were into guys. But at the same time, I’m having a hard time believing you’d kiss just anyone only because of some illusion of a happy home so right now I’m really confused and-"

Dean kisses him. It’s as easy as the last night. He just takes a step forward, grabs Cas’ face in his hands and presses their lips together. If he knew it was so easy to kiss your best friend, he’d do it much sooner. Just like last night, Cas freezes for a second but then leans into the kiss and reciprocates eagerly.

When Dean pulls away, Cas grabs the front of his shirt.

"Don’t you dare to chicken out of this again," he growls.

Dean huffs out a laugh and leans his forehead against Cas’. "I don’t think I can pretend anymore," he breathes out and closes his eyes realizing that he’s shaking a little. "Cas, I’m very much interested in you."

There’s a silence that spreads into what feels like eons. Dean opens his eyes, heart beating frantically with fear of being rejected.

Relief rushes over him as he sees Cas’ mischievous smile.

"Are you saying you’d have my babies?"

Dean bursts out laughing. "Yeah, Cas, I’d have your babies."

This time it’s Cas who initiates the kiss.

[anthonianrhapsody-blog]

Symphonies

by Reinier dela Llarte

This day is special for Zach.

          I open my eyes and the first thing I see is the sunlight passing through my window, greeting me; trying to cheer me up. But it ain’t working.

          I faintly hear Mozart’s Symphony No.21. As always, that song has always been Zach’s favorite. Its Sunday morning meaning, mom and dad are not at home until midnight. I can spend this whole day with Zach.

          I got up from my bed, feeling kind of empty. I walk towards the bathroom to bathe. I look at the mirror, brushing my long black hair, I notice my swollen eyes. I must be happy right now.

         Be happy.

         For my thoughts to wash away, I removed my clothes and got in the tub.  I turn the shower knob, taking in the water, which was about to dominate me.

         I feel so much better after taking a bath, as it took away the dried tears and sweat off my body.  For this day, I put on my plain white shirt with a pair of black jeans. Will I ever fancy wearing dresses or skirts? It’s just so not me.

         I ask myself one last time, “Am I ready? Of course I am.”

         Driven by excitement, I open my bedroom door, letting the symphony fill me.

         I shout, “Zach!” and with hopeful eyes and a sweet smile, he came towards me.

         “Are you ready for our date?” I ask. His smile went shy. With both hands, I clasped his hands between mine. The he rests his head on my arm. He missed me. He has a golden heart, which I treasured every moment when I’m with him.

         “Of course you are,” I say to him.

           I always got out with him every afternoon, after I’ve finished my school works, chores, or hangouts with my friends. But today, I’m putting it all aside. Well, I’m already done with my home works, which I finished yesterday. And so this time, we will go out earlier.

          “Would you like that?” Still staring at him, I thought of many things that we could do today. “Of course you would.”

         Preparing to leave, I walk up to the stereo to turn the sound off, with Zach trailing behind me.

         I close my eyes and breathe. I let the playful notes bounce in my ears and to my head, bringing me hope and joy.

         I turn off the stereo.

         Silence

         I walk again to find the house keys.  Zach sits in front of the stereo, waiting for something. Of course he’s waiting for me to get the keys. As I’m searching, I went back into my room and found the keys on the upper shelf where it has always been. Beside it was my wallet. I slid them both in my pocket.

         I hear my phone buzzing and I pick it up from my desk. As I open my phone, I see a text from Jessica, my friend.

Jessica: Hey Rachel, wanna hangout today? xoxoxo

         I text her back, saying that I will be busy today.  We could hangout next week. Well, she will understand after I tell her my reason. I place my phone back on top of the desk. I won’t be bringing my phone so there’ll be no distraction.

         I came back to the living room and caught Zach witting still in front of the soundless stereo, looking and staring afar; waiting for the blank melodies to be named. But no sound came out because it was out of power.

          I sit beside him and he finally looks at me with a wide smile, displaying his teeth. I can only shot back a grin. We both stand up and go for the door. I reached the knob and turn it without hesitation. Sunlight touches my skin, the heat sinking in. I check the door again to make sure that it’s locked.

         Here we go.

         On the tenth street Zach and I trailed on the illuminated path, displaying shadows that can’t be caught. I let myself wander off for a while.  

          “There are a lot of people outside today,” I say to Zach, though I can only recognize a few of them.  I see a man jogging across the street. He must be doing this daily. I see an old woman who must be cleaning her front yard. I see a couple fighting only a few blocks away, so sad. I didn’t know that these people do these things every morning. Maybe the reason why I only recognize a few of them is because I rarely conversate with my neighbors. Or I didn’t want to.

           Zach and I continued walking under the scorch, finding something. Something.

          The burger stall at last. We both agreed that we were really hungry. It was always an unspoken thing. We always liked eating our favorite food, burgers. As we approach the burger stall, I start waving my hand.

          “Rachel,” said the man, smiling.

          “Hey, Noah!” I replied.

          “You guys came early today,” Noah’s smile faded as he shifts his gaze towards Zach.

          “Zach and I are hungry,” I say with a weak smile, trying to compose myself. Noah knows.

          “Burgers?” he asks.

           I reply, “Make it three. It’s Zach’s special day today. So there’s two for him.”

           Noah’s smile returned, “Sure thing.”

          When the burgers are ready, Noah wished Zach and I a good day and I thanked him. Then we left. We found a bench to sit on. As I gave him his burger, he smiles with appreciation. “You’re welcome,” I say to him.

          We both started eating our burgers. I’m taking small bites, savoring the flavors that are melting in my mouth, making an effort to enjoy the meal. I glance at Zach. He, on the other hand, was very barbaric. He glanced back at me with a smirk.

           I wish this day won’t end.

           After eating, we started walking again; and after hours of walking, we were finally reaching our destination.

           I can taste the salty breeze in the air. Looking at the distance, the sea was a cerulean blue with fluffy white clouds in the horizon drifting by.  As we got nearer, I can hear the buzzing, humming waves, creating symphonies of its own. At last, we were in front of the calm heart-warming beach, as we stand on the sand of gold.

         I stare at the waves. From afar, it started out as a small one. Curling and rolling, and as it drew closer, it keeps turning bigger and bigger, a dominator. Then when the waves finally reached its biggest, it starts to disperse, falling apart and getting weaker until it becomes small again. A small one is crawling towards the shore, towards my feet. Then, it was pulled back into the water, disappearing into nothingness.

        I shift my gaze towards Zach. He is awed by the view; just like me. Until, he starts running towards the water, breaking its calmness. I didn’t realize until now that I am running towards the water too. I jump. I am now on the water. We’re playing again; just like always. We splash saltwater on each other’s faces. I burst out laughing while he smiled wide. All I can feel is happiness.

      I wish this day won’t end.

      We kept playing under the sun, not caring if our skin gets sunburned. After a while, we sit down in the sand, soaking wet. I remembered when we first met. We were kids then. You were a scared puppy until you met me. Since then, I have always been your partner in crime in everything, until now.

      “Oh my gosh! I forgot our towels,” I say to Zach. He didn’t seem to care and so did I. All I could think of right now is ice cream. “Stay here,” I say.

       I got back with both hands placed behind me, holding both of the ice creams that I’d just bought. I also bought our meals for later. Then I revealed the ice creams, and in just a few bites, he finishes his. I chuckled while I’m still holding mine. “Come,” I say to him.

       We trek into the forest, going up towards the cliff. After a few minutes, I realized my legs were sore from climbing. “We’re here,” I say with conviction. The view took my breath away. Peace, calmness, and contentment. That’s how I feel looking at the different hues of yellow to red, spreading across the sky while a flock of birds fly by. Where the sky meets the sea lays the sun, a fiery orb of power. Down below, the sea is tainted with colors that are reflected above. Zach, he must be feeling the same as me, stunned by the picturesque view. It’s all too perfect. I wish this day won’t end.

      I brought out the food I bought earlier. It was packed in a paper bag. As I removed the container, Zach got excited. It was another favorite of his, Fried chicken. We sit to eat our meal, and at the same time enjoyed the view. He just smiled, always smiling. I smiled back. “Every time I tell you my problems or every time I tell you a story which isn’t even funny, you smile which makes me laugh. You are my stress reliever, you always listen. Thank you,” I say to him.

     The sun sets. The day is ending. It’s time to go.

     It’s already dark when we set foot on the tenth street, only a few blocks away from our house. Then it starts raining. Well, technically, we’re wet after we swam at the beach, but still. We started sprinting our way home, laughing. As we got nearer to our house, my heart beats faster. Is it tiredness or the butterflies in my stomach? Finally, we’re in front of the house. My body begins to shiver because of the cold; my heart, beating at its hardest and fastest.  Zach looks at me with a worried face. I get the keys from my pocket to open the front door.

    As I’m about to insert the key into the keyhole, with my hands shaking, I accidentally dropped the key. Zach picks the key up with his mouth. Then, he looks up to give it to me. I start sobbing and bend down to hug him. “I’m sorry buddy,” I cried. Sadness flashes across Zach’s face. I close my eyes to contain myself. But I can’t. He licks my face.

     After a while, I feel better, or still not. I held out my hand and let him sniff it. They say dogs can sense our emotions. “Too much for your last day, isn’t it?” Of course it is. I finally stopped crying. I pet Zach and remove the keys hanging between his teeth. I got up and inserted the key.

     This day is ending. If I could just return to the time when I woke up earlier, we’ll do this all over again. The door clicked and opened. When we’re inside, we dried ourselves then took a bath to prepare ourselves for what was about to happen next.

     Zach and I went to the living room, and I walk towards the stereo to play his favorite song but then decided to pick a different one. Still from his favorite composer, Mozart, I play Lacrimosa. Together, with the splash of the rain, the soundless stereo started bursting colors. A blue, slow mellow melody that flows with sorrow, sadness played in a symphony. They say that this song was played on the eve of Mozart’s death.

    We lie down on the soft carpet. I stare at Zach, tears streaming down my face. Thank you for being my best buddy, for being there to cuddle with me. Thank you for being my best listener, for being there to listen to my ever rant and problems. Thank you for being my best playmate, for being there to cheer me up, even when we were little. Thank you for everything. I know it’s hard to say goodbye.

    “I love you,” I whisper to him, hugging him hard like there’s no tomorrow. For spending a lifetime with me, I kissed his head. I wish this special day won’t end. We closed our eyes, wondering if there’s still tomorrow. But here’s something I know. Everything won’t last. Nothing is forever. Then we cried ourselves to sleep.    

[kenzieinfirenze]

Barcelona, I still long to hold her once more...

The last weekend of the semester, also the weekend before final exams, Lyss, Soph, and I packed our bags and flew to Barcelona!!! The night before that, squad wanted to go back to the restaurant that we all met one of the first nights, which we have referred to as Zaza’s for the entire semester. It turns out we were never at Zaza’s at all, and we happened to go to a restaurant with a very similar awning that was right next to it. On Thursday night, were a little nervous about doing the trip to Barcelona the weekend before exams, but it ended up being very worth it, and overall one of my top 3 places I visited. Let me tell you why. We got to Barcelona really late Thursday night (5/11), so we just went straight to the Airbnb. The Airbnb was great; it was cheap because it was just a room with bunk beds, kind of like a private room in a hostel. We woke up early Friday morning to go to a place called Brunch & Cake that is popular for brunch. Sophie and I couldn’t decide what we wanted so we got banana nutella pancakes and an acai bowl to share. The food was so aesthetically pleasing to look at, and we were glad to find it was also very good food. After that, we went to hike up to a bunker that has a panoramic view of the city. We were able to take the metro to the area of where it is and then hike up. The metro was our best friend all weekend, and it was super easy to get around. The view at the bunker was a little more of a hike than Piazzale Michelangelo, and it was really hot out. The view was amazing of the city at the top. We sat for a while just looking out and sitting in the sun. There were a ton of people just chilling at the top, as well. We then walked back down to the metro and took it to see La Sagrada Familia. We didn’t go inside, though, because it was really expensive, but it was so beautiful from the outside. There are parks surrounding it with different views of the church and beautiful flowers. For lunch, we took the metro to La Boqueria, which is a huge market. All the food looked delicious and so fresh. We ended up getting seafood paella, and it was a great choice. By this time, it was late afternoon, so we decided to head to the beach. The beach was great, the weather was great, there were lots of topless and/or nude people...I just couldn’t stand the people that would walk around trying to sell you things. We must have heard “serveza,” “mojito,” and “hair braiding” like 1000 times. They would kneel right next to your head on the sand and yell things in your ear. Very annoying. We just put headphones in and tried to ignore them. We stayed at the beach for a couple hours and then went back to the Airbnb to get ready for dinner and going out. We didn’t go to dinner until almost 11 o’clock, because I guess that’s how they do it in Spain, and the restaurant was still completely packed at that time. We went to a place that had amazing tapas, and shared a few different ones, including mussels and paella. We also had a large amount of bread and sangria. We stopped in a random little bar afterward to have a drink, and then we took the metro to the beach where all the clubs are. Barcelona is known to have a ton of very fun night life, so of course that was a big part of our trip. We ended up going to a club called Opium, that is one of the more popular ones. We got in for free too which was cool. The guy to girl ratio was probably 8:2, which made things a little creepy, but we were fine. We met a few different groups of guys, and eventually stumbled upon some Americans. We realized that all the abroad students in Barcelona had probably already gone home, so there really were not any Americans. The guys that we met were traveling for the summer after graduating college. We ended up in VIP at one point, met a ton of people, danced, and had an awesome time together. We took a taxi home because the metro only runs until 2. On Saturday morning, we woke up and had Starbucks for breakfast before going to see one of Gaudi’s famous buildings, El Drac de Gaudi. All of us were very impressed by his architecture, especially Sophie. The area that the building is in was really cute, and we just walked around for a little bit before taking the metro to Park Güell, which is one of Gaudi’s biggest accomplishments in Barcelona. We got to sit on the famous benches with the Gaudi pattern that overlook the city. We went into one of his houses that was a little museum, and also the gift shop. We wanted to go to the beach a little earlier today so we could get the most of the sun, so we grabbed empanadas on the way for lunch. These empanadas were amazing. We stayed on the beach for a couple hours, and even tried to go in the water, but it was way too cold. We walked back to La Boqueria after to get some fresh fruit, and after, went to a café to have churros and chocolate. They weren’t bad, but they weren’t as cinnamon-y or as sugary as I was expecting. We then walked to see the Arc de Triomf, which is inside a really cool, huge park. There was a group of people doing acrobatic partner yoga. Very chill. One of the things I do wish Florence had is a nice park like this one. By that time, it was time to go back to the Airbnb again to get ready for dinner. We wouldn’t even start getting ready for dinner until 9 or so, it was crazy. On our walk to the metro, we stumbled upon a really cute market with jewelry, clothes, and a DJ. Lyss bought a really pretty bracelet. After we were ready for dinner, we actually didn’t end up eating anywhere until about 11:30, but again it was still packed in the restaurant. Crazy! We got burgers and a pitcher of sangria, and let me tell you it was a great move. We were all so full, it was hilarious. Lyss heard from her friend who studied in Barcelona that a club called Razzmatazz is supposed to be really fun. It isn’t with all the other clubs on the beach, so we took a taxi there. We waited in line for a short time, paid 17 euros (ouch) to get in, and when they opened the doors, at almost 2am, it was EMPTY. We couldn’t believe it, and then we realized that people in Spain literally just don’t go out early, and Opium was probably different cause it’s more popular. The music was interesting, but it wasn’t anything we could sing to. More and more people kept coming, and we made the best of this “sunk cost” situation (Lyss and I used this term all semester, for literally everything). I had one of those “I love these people so much and I’m so lucky” moments while we acted like idiots dancing and having a good time in a club that clearly wasn’t for us. The weekend in Barcelona was so fun and memorable, and I definitely need to go back. Lyss and Soph have become 2 of my best friends, and I was so happy we went together. The next morning, we didn’t have time to do anything but get Starbucks before heading to the airport. Gracias, Barcelona!