#guys naomi is SO TALL oh my god

[muirneach]

naomi osaka defeats ons jabeur, r64 of the 2024 canada open

[galexystern]

island of love - part one

a steve harrington/reader love island au

word count; 17k

read on ao3 / series masterlist / part two / my masterlist

You step out of the car into literal paradise. Walking down the driveway to the massive, beautiful villa, you marvel at the lush greenery, clear blue skies, and perfect temperature with just a light breeze. You can hear birds chirping in the trees and—

And a voice screaming, "Oh my god, hi!"

You look down and see a gorgeous girl waving wildly at you. You speed up to reach her sooner rather than later. When you do, she throws her arms around you and gives you an unexpected hug. You return it, only somewhat awkwardly.

"This is so exciting!" She gushes when she leans back.

"I know!" You don't want to come off as too eager, but this girl's excitement is infectious.

"I'm Chrissy!"

You introduce yourself and ask, "Are you the first girl here?"

"Yeah!" You think her every sentence is going to have an exclamation point at the end of it. "But we can't go in until the final girl is here!"

You're about to respond when there's a revving of an engine. You turn around just in time to see another car stop and the door open. A beautiful girl emerges and flips her hair before strutting down to you and Chrissy. She doesn't close the car door. She also doesn't move any faster than a model walk, so you two are stuck just watching her.

"Hi, girls," she calls out.

"Hi!" Chrissy shouts back enthusiastically.

The girl takes another minute to reach you and strikes a catwalk pose, which is completely unnecessary. You hold back a snicker.

"I'm Emma," she purrs. Yes, purrs.

Chrissy introduces herself and you. You give Emma a smile and wave, but she only fake-smiles back while eyeing you up and down critically. It's lucky you don't know where all the cameras are hidden, because you would've looked directly into one, turning this reality show into a mockumentary.

Suddenly something dings. Chrissy looks down at her designated phone. "We can go in now!" She gasps.

Emma holds out a hand imperiously. "Lead the way."

You fight an eye roll as you follow Chrissy into the villa with Emma on your heels. Chrissy explains that you three can explore the villa for a few minutes but must make your way to the backyard for the first coupling. You buzz in excitement.

You and Chrissy look around the villa with gasps and exclamations while Emma just moves through like she's better than it. She makes it to the door to the backyard before you do, and seems annoyed at having to wait.

You'd like to make a comment but Chrissy just bursts out the door and you and Emma have to hurry to catch up with her. She leads all of you back outside, to the start of a trellis, where she stops abruptly. "We have to wait here," she whispers. "They'll let us know to come out."

Right on cue, your phone chirps. "You're up first! Please head out to meet host Naomi now."

Chrissy gives you an excited thumbs-up and Emma looks at you coolly. Shaking your head, you breathe deeply as you walk through the trellis and into the sunshine. Holding up a hand so you can actually see, you spot Naomi and three boys watching you. As you make your way to them, you take the chance to check them out. They're all very attractive, but one catches your eye: a tall, muscular guy with the most perfect floppy brown hair and a smile that makes you wanna giggle. He doesn't take his gaze off you and you have to look away to watch where you're going so you don't trip and fall at the attention.

"Alright, love?" Naomi calls out. "Come join me." You take the last few steps and stand beside her. She's stunning obviously—it is her job. She gives you a very white smile. "How are you feeling?"

"Excited," you reply. "A little nervous."

She gives a little TV laugh. "Totally understandable! How do you like these boys?" She holds out a hand like she's Vanna White.

You give them the proper once-over for the cameras but you're still drawn to the boy with the amazing hair. He's looking at you with that grin, and you smile just for him before turning back to Naomi. "Well, they're all gorgeous, that's for sure."

"That they are!" Naomi and Chrissy would be best friends, you think. "Anyone you like in particular yet?"

You resist looking at the brunette. "Maybe," you answer coyly.

"Ooh, we've got a mysterious one here, boys! Now it's your turn. Please step forward if you're feeling this lovely lady," Naomi directs.

Two of the three boys step forward, including your boy, you're happy to note. "Hi," you call out. They each give you a wave.

"Love this result for you!" Naomi chirps. You can't help your eyes from widening in awkwardness and you hear a snicker from the boys. The other boys are watching Naomi. You risk a glance and see your boy still looking at you, mouth twisted like he's holding in a laugh, and your stomach suddenly has butterflies. Naomi continues, "Steve, Ryan, tell us why you stepped forward."

The other boy, Ryan, jumps in first. "Well, obviously she's beautiful." He gives you a fuckboy nod and you have to stop yourself from scoffing and smile at him instead.

Then your boy—Steve—speaks. "I agree, you are gorgeous." You thrill at how he's talking directly to you. "But I also like your vibe. I feel like we'd get along." You let yourself linger in the eye contact, which doesn't break until Naomi starts talking again.

"Those are some tempting answers," she says. What a script. "But unfortunately, you will not be able to pick who you'd like to couple up with. The public have been voting and have decided who your first partner should be." You're disappointed but unsurprised. They do it this way every time. "So," she continues, speaking your name dramatically, "the boy you will be coupling up with is..." You hold your breath and cross your fingers. "Blake!"

Guess that trick doesn't work.

You look at the third boy. He's great-looking but he hadn't stepped forward for you, and you would prefer to be in a couple with someone who like, finds you attractive. As you walk over to him, he gives you a half-smile.

"Hey," he says. "Welcome."

"Thanks," you reply as you stand next to him.

Naomi beams at you. "How are you two feeling!" She asks it with an exclamation point. "Our first couple!"

You shrug. "Happy enough."

"I'm chilling," Blake answers.

You can tell Naomi was hoping for more and now has to pivot. "Well, let's bring out our second girl! Everyone, please welcome Emma!"

Predictably, Emma takes her sweet time walking to you all, still strutting her stuff at the only speed she seems to know. When she reaches Naomi, she winks and blows a kiss to all the boys. You hear Blake swallow next to you. Awesome.

Naomi asks Emma how she is. "Great," she replies with a sharp smile. "Raring to go."

"Excellent!" Naomi looks at the boys again. "Boys, please step forward if you like Emma."

As suspected, Blake steps forward, as does Ryan. You take a peek down the line and see Steve has not moved forward. You let yourself smile a little.

"Hm, I like what I see." Emma clearly steals Naomi's thunder, and the host's smile goes a little strained.

"Blake, Ryan," she says loudly to take back control, "tell us what you like about Emma."

Again, Ryan speaks first. Good to know he's that type of guy. "Wow, she's stunning. I love the energy."

Emma gives him an unimpressed look and moves her attention to Blake, who says, "She is beautiful. But she's clearly got the attitude. She needs someone to dish it back." You can tell she liked that answer, because her eyes go dark and her smile goes wicked.

"Intriguing," Naomi says. "Wish we could let you pick. But! The public has voted for your couple. So the boy you will be coupling up with is..." Emma doesn't take her eyes off Blake. "Steve!"

Not only does your stomach drop, but Emma's face falls for a split-second before she regains composure. She eyes Steve, who gives her a tight-lipped smile. She stalks over to him and they stand next to each other with an inch of space between them. Blake and Ryan step back, Blake with drooped shoulders. He's already in a couple with you, why is he disappointed? This is shaping up to be great for your self-esteem.

"Steve and Emma!" Naomi claps her hands. "What do you think?"

Emma is very clearly trying to keep her attitude in check for the cameras. "Can't be mad about it, can I? He's gorgeous."

"Yeah, it's alright," Steve replies vaguely. He turns his head and catches your eye, and you see the start of a grin before you turn back to Naomi.

"Great!" You really hope Chrissy gives Naomi what she wants. "Let's bring out our third and final girl. Boys, this is Chrissy!" Chrissy comes practically running from the trellis, waving madly. You smile at her excitement while Naomi looks relieved by her energy. Chrissy joins Naomi and gives her an eager expression, shoulders scrunching up. "How are you doing?"

"Oh, I'm so excited!" Chrissy almost seems like she'll levitate from all this joy. "Can't believe I'm here!"

"We're excited to have you!" Naomi turns to the rest of you with a triumphant beam. "Let's see how the boys are feeling about you. Boys, please step forward if you want to get to know this beauty here."

Ryan steps forward of course, but he looks more excited this time. Neither Steve nor Blake join him. You feel a little sad for Chrissy but she doesn't seem sad for herself. She and Ryan are looking at each other like they're the only two people in the whole villa.

"Ryan, tell us why you stepped forward."

"Oh, man," he says, "she's beautiful, fun, adorable, the whole package!"

Chrissy blushes. "Oh, stop," she says, waving half-heartedly.

Naomi is eating this up. "Great answer, Ryan. I agree with all those descriptors." Big word. "And since you're our last single boy, that means that you and Chrissy are now coupled up per our public vote!" Chrissy gives a little clap and rushes over to Ryan, who looks stunned and delighted. Okay, maybe he's not a fuckboy, maybe he's just a himbo. Naomi goes on, "Well, that's all for me. I'll let you couples get to know each other, and I will see you soon." You all dutifully watch her walk away.

Chrissy breaks the moment by squealing. "Finally!"

"Let's drink!" Emma calls out and everyone cheers. You all make your way to the island holding the champagne and glasses. Blake takes the bottle and opens it with a flourish, mostly for Emma's sake. You just wait for a full glass and Blake to come grab you for a chat, as is natural.

Except it never comes. Well, you get the champagne. But Blake doesn't join you, instead walking over and whisking Emma away to talk. You sigh.

"Guess we know who the bitch couple of the villa will be," someone says behind you, and you turn to see Steve smirking. You take in his words and laugh. His smirk turns to a smile and he walks around the counter to lean on it. You mirror his pose.

"Very high school king and queen bee," you agree.

"Exactly." He nods. "I'm Steve."

"I know," you tease, but give your name too.

"Pretty."

"Me or the name?"

"Both."

You blush. "Thanks." Your voice is quiet and you clear your throat. "So, Steve, what brings you here?"

"An SUV," he responds, deadpan, and you laugh again. "Oh, you meant the villa?" He asks exaggeratedly. "The usual: love."

"I guess that is a basic question," you concede. "It is called Island of Love."

"Not everyone comes for love," Steve protests. "But I doubt they'd tell you that."

You narrow your eyes. "Then you could be lying."

"Nah, I'm as honest as they come." It's obviously something a liar would say, but there's something in his eyes that makes you believe him. Maybe it's the hope. Maybe it's the excitement. Maybe it's the way he's looking at you. One of those. "And I'm honest when I say I like you." Maybe it's that.

"We'll see," you reply lightly, trying to keep him on his toes. "You'll have to prove it."

"Prove it," he echoes and you nod. "I can do that, beautiful."

You blush, but you're prevented from responding by Chrissy running up and grabbing your arm. "It's time to go get ready for tonight! Come on!" You let her pull you away, giving Steve a helpless smile and he grins in response.

;

Chrissy takes you to the dressing room and you help each other pick out what you'll wear for the evening. You ask Emma if she wants to join in, but she looks like she'd rather die, so you leave her alone. You let Chrissy babble as the three of you put on makeup and style your hair. She talks nonstop about the villa, Ryan, the other boys, Ryan, the closets full of clothes, Ryan, the tons of makeup supplies, Ryan.

"I'm guessing you like Ryan?" You tease good-naturedly.

Chrissy goes pink. "Maybe I am being a little obvious," she says, giggling nervously.

"A little?" Emma comments under her breath and you shoot her a look.

"I think it's cute," you say pointedly. "That is the whole point." Chrissy gives you a thankful smile.

Once you're ready to go, you walk through the villa and outside, where the boys are already waiting. Steve looks delicious in a simple white t-shirt with jeans and sneakers, hair perfectly styled. He keeps his eyes on you as the three of you walk towards them, smiling. He meets you in a few paces and hands you a champagne glass. "Here you go," he says.

"Thanks," you reply. You glance around while taking a sip and find exactly what you'd expected: Blake presenting Emma with a glass. You roll your eyes. Taking another look, you see Chrissy bouncing next to Ryan, talking excitedly. He looks like he can't believe his luck. It makes you smile.

"Should we cheers?" Steve asks, bringing your attention back to him.

You lift up your cup. "To what?"

"To...fresh starts. Chances for love."

You click your glass against his, butterflies going again in your stomach. "To love," you echo, paraphrasing.

He inclines his head in acknowledgement and you both take a sip.

"Steve!" Emma calls and you both turn to her. "Can I pull you for a chat?"

A flash of disappointment crosses his face before he smiles, nodding amiably. "Sure. See you later?" He asks you.

"Not really anywhere for me to go," you reply and he laughs. "But yes."

"Good." He takes one last look at you and joins Emma, who leads him to the seating area next to the trellis.

"Yo," Blake says from behind you. "Chat?"

You nod and he lumbers off. You walk after him, preparing yourself for whatever this will be. He slumps onto a beanbag and you descend carefully so you're not flashing any cameras. Strike one: not helping you sit in your dress. Once you're finally down, he exhales heavily. "So..." he trails off.

"So," you echo and try to make this as enjoyable as possible. "what do you do?"

"I'm in marketing."

"Cool. What do you market?"

"Finance."

What the fuck does that even mean? This is like pulling teeth. Strike two. He does not ask you the same question, but you answer like he did. "Well, I'm a musician. I specialize in violin."

"Nice." He yawns. He's not even looking at you.

You try one more time. "What do you like to do?" He just looks at you. "You know. For fun."

"Drink. Basketball. Video games. Fast cars."

"I see." You give him the space to ask you but he just takes a sip of his drink. Strike three. You settle into the silence, trying not to watch Steve and Emma's conversation. She seems to be going overboard, laughing loudly and slapping him like he's being naughty. He's just watching her in amusement. You can tell he is not remotely saying the things Emma is implying. But it's working: Blake tenses beside you and when you glance at him, he's glaring daggers at them across the yard. You hide a smirk.

Eventually it becomes too much and Blake huffs and stands, stalking over to the kitchen. You watch him go, seeing Emma notice and quickly leave her chat with Steve, who also studies the interaction between them. Then he's turning to you, and you wave. He stands and ambles over to you.

"I feel like a scientist," he says when close enough. "I'm just watching this experiment play out."

You laugh. "Well, I think maybe the government might've found the perfect torture method."

Steve sits on Blake's empty beanbag. "That bad?"

"Almost worse."

"Sorry." He actually seems apologetic too.

"Seems like you two were having a good time." It's a tease.

"Absolutely," he replies sarcastically. "I was having the time of my life." You laugh again. "Seriously, I think she might've bruised me with all those slaps. She's got hidden strength."

"Maybe keep some distance away at all times," you suggest. "That way she can't reach you."

He chuckles. "Can you imagine? I could serve her a very small restraining order right here. Can't come within a foot of me or she'll be forced to run a lap."

You snort. "I'm not even sure she can run. I think she only has one speed."

"I've noticed." You two grin at each other.

You clear your throat. "So, Steve, what do you do?"

"I'm a teacher."

"Aw." You melt. "What grade?"

"Sixth."

"Aren't kids like, at their meanest then?"

"That's seventh grade. I get the kids right before they become little angsty monsters."

"Oh, right. Obviously."

Steve smirks at your sarcasm. "What about you?" He asks.

"I'm a musician. I specialize in violin."

"Cool!" He seems like he really means it. "Does that mean you're like, in an orchestra?"

"I'd like to be. But I'm just giving lessons right now."

"This place doesn't really seem like your scene then."

"Maybe not. But $25,000 would be really nice. Keep me afloat while I audition."

"Isn't the prize $50,000?"

"Yeah, but obviously I would split it in my couple. Anyone who wouldn't is an asshole."

Steve fakes outrage. "You're calling me an asshole?" You laugh, which makes him break and join in. "Seriously," he continues, "I would split it too."

"Good to know." You know there's a sparkle in your eye as you gaze at each other. It matches the one in his. "So what do you do for fun?"

He hums, thinking. "I like basketball. I coach the middle school team. I used to play in high school." You take a sip while he muses. "I read all the new comic books.”

“Favorite superhero?” You interrupt.

“Superman.” He shrugs. “Boring, I know.”

“No, it’s a classic. Timeless.”

He smiles in thanks. “You?”

“My favorite superhero is Captain Marvel.”

He laughs. “I meant what you do for fun, but good choice.”

“Thanks.” You knew what he meant, you just wanted to hear his laugh again. “I like to read, bake, garden, and roller-skate.”

“That’s it?” He teases and you blush.

“Among others.”

“Well, I used to swim in high school. I’m a bit rusty but I’m sure it’s like riding a bike.”

“Is there anything you didn’t do in high school?” You ask, amused.

“Yeah, study.” He grins at your laugh. “But roller-skating. That’s fun.”

“I’m not very good at it, but I try.”

“It’s easier with two people, you know.”

“Are you implying you wanna go roller-skating with me?”

“Actually, I was thinking Emma would be perfect.” He’s deadpan again, making you giggle. He continues, “But I’d love to go roller-skating with you.”

“Can you roller-skate?”

“I did do it in high school—“ You cut him off with a weak slap and he chuckles. “No, I didn’t, and I can’t. But I bet you’re a really great teacher.” You’re blushing but then he goes on, “I’d be your pupil any day.”

You roll your eyes at the obvious innuendo, making him laugh. Then you’re yawning, and he goes soft. “Been a long day. Let’s get you to bed.” He stands and holds out his hands to help you up. You let him and he easily hauls you upright. Home run.

Everyone is also making their way to the villa. Chrissy joins you and gushes about her conversations with Ryan. You give Steve one last smile before disappearing into the dressing room. You shower and get ready for bed, slipping into comfortable but cute pajamas. You go to the bedroom and discover your bed is next to Steve’s, who is already laying down. He’s wearing glasses and looks utterly adorable.

He lights up when he sees you. “Guess we’re neighbors.”

You slide onto the side of the bed closest to him. “What a nice surprise.”

“The best.”

The rest of the islanders trickle in. The lights go out and you settle in, turning to face Steve. You can see him looking back at you in the darkness.

“I had fun today,” he whispers.

“Me too.”

“I can’t wait to get to know you more,” he says with a yawn and you go all melty.

“Me too,” you repeat. He gives you one last smile before you two fall asleep, still facing each other.

;

The next morning, it would be perfect to say you wake up looking into Steve's eyes. But when the lights come on, you just squeeze your eyes closed tighter and pull the covers over your face. You stay dozing as you feel Blake sitting up beside you and the islanders say their good mornings. Someone calls your name. "Yoo-hoo! Good morning!"

It's Emma. If your eyes were open you would roll them. But you just groan grumpily.

Steve laughs near you. It makes you relax into your pillow.

Then the bed dips and a minute later, someone jumps onto it, making it bounce. "Come on, sleepyhead!" Chrissy prods you gently. "Let's go get some coffee and talk shop!"

You take another second to soak in the dark before throwing the comforter off. Everyone cheers as you sit up. "Oh, fuck off," you mutter, making them laugh as you trudge after Chrissy. Steve holds out a pair of sunglasses and you take them gratefully, giving him a smile as you slip them on and step outside. The glasses are a godsend. It's bright as hell out here.

You meet Chrissy in the kitchen. She's brewing the coffee, so you grab mugs, milk, and sugar. As it drips into the pot, the rest of the islanders trickle in. Emma and Steve join you in waiting for the coffee, while Blake goes for tea and Ryan just gets some ice water. When it's ready, Chrissy pours into four mugs and you each take one.

"How do you take it?" Steve asks, while sipping his black.

"Two sugars," you start, dropping in the right amount of sugar cubes, "and just a dash of milk." You demonstrate by putting in less than a teaspoon of milk. Tasting it, you nod. "I don't trust anybody else to do it. It has to be just right."

"Hope you're okay with some trial and error." Steve gives you a wink. You smile into your cup at the idea of Steve making you coffee in the morning.

"I might be," you reply vaguely. He grins.

"I'll take it."

Then Chrissy is taking your hand and pulling you over to the fire pit. Emma eventually follows, and the three of you sit together and start talking. Chrissy immediately launches into an excited retelling of her night with Ryan, which included them spooning. "He was very gentlemanly," she reassures. "No funny business."

Emma yawns. "Boring."

You shoot her a look but Chrissy says back pointedly, "Well, how was your night?"

"Fine," she replies like she's bored. "Steve wanted to make something happen but I turned him down."

You snort and she glares at you. "What about you?" She spits your name with venom.

Shrugging, you take a sip. "I slept great," you finally answer. "These beds are so nice."

Emma smirks. Chrissy asks, "So nothing with Blake?"

"He's not really my type." You smile at her to let her know you don't care.

"How could he not be?" Emma scoffs. "He's freaking gorgeous."

"Well, I like to have intelligent conversation with my partner," you retort.

Chrissy nods in agreement eagerly, but Emma waves a hand. "Overrated," she says. You and Chrissy exchange a look with wide eyes and raised brows.

"Are you feeling anyone else?" She asks nervously.

You don't want to lie but want to make sure she knows you're not into Ryan. Or at least you wouldn't do that to her. "Possibly, but I'm not out to steal anyone's man." She smiles in relief.

"That's the whole point of this show," Emma interjects.

"If a guy wants to couple up with me, he's not stolen. He wants to get taken," you explain. "And I'll be honest about it every step of the way." At Emma's eye roll, you look at Chrissy. "Come on, let's go get dressed." She nods, and you two leave Emma at the fire pit alone.

Chrissy and you walk inside, discussing what you should do today. You help each other pick out swimsuits and give opinions on hairstyles. Eventually Emma comes in but you two are pretty much done, so you just head back outside together. The boys are all in various spots: Ryan in the gym, Blake chilling on the sundeck, and Steve swimming laps in the pool.

You don't even decide to go over there, your feet just bring you like they're drawn to him. You sit and dangle your feet in the water, admiring the lines of Steve's back in the sun and the way his arms break the water with his strides. Even his hair is behaving.

Finally he reaches the edge and comes up for air. You have to hold in an exhale as you watch him slick his hair back and tense his abdomen muscles. He spots you looking and gives you a smirk, making you blush and look away. He glides over and rests his arms next to you.

"Finally awake?" He asks.

"I have had my coffee, so yes, I am awake," you answer primly, making him grin. It makes you grin back. "I thought you were rusty at swimming."

"Well, I don't have a pool at home," he explains. "But it is like riding a bike."

"I wouldn't know. I can't swim."

He looks at you in shock. "What? You can't swim?"

You shrug. "I'm from a land-locked state. Never got around to it."

"We're gonna have to fix that," he says resolutely.

"You gonna teach me?" You tease.

"Obviously," he replies with a smile. "Emma and Blake would let you drown because they'd be too busy looking at each other. And Ryan wouldn't save you for fear of touching you in an inappropriate manner."

"What about Chrissy?"

He thinks. "Maybe. But I also think she wouldn't know you were drowning until too late. She'd be too busy cheering you on."

You look at him exasperatedly. "Such a happy topic for the morning."

"Sorry." He goes sheepish. "I'm sure any one of them would be good teachers."

"I'd rather have you teach me," you reply softly.

He lights up and you blush again. "I promise I wouldn't let you drown." You laugh. "So where are you from, Miss Land-Locked?"

"Not your best." He rolls his eyes and you giggle. "I'm from Colorado," you finally answer. "Denver."

"Do you like it?"

"Yeah, it's fine. Doesn't exactly have a world-renowned orchestra however."

"That's fair. It's pretty important. Where do you want to go? Or should I ask, which orchestra do you want to join?"

"Of course, it'd be a dream come true to go to Vienna or London. But in the US, I'd like to go to Chicago or New York. Maybe Cleveland." He looks at you with a raised eyebrow. "They're part of the Big Five!" At his confusion, you explain, "They're stated to be the best ones in the US. It's New York, Boston, Chicago, Philadelphia, and Cleveland. Any would be amazing to be part of."

"If you say so," he says skeptically.

With an eye roll, you continue, "What about you? Where are you from?"

"I'm from Indiana. I teach in Indianapolis."

"I don't know why you were disparaging Cleveland. You live next door."

"Yeah, but I don't wanna stay there forever."

"Where do you wanna go?"

"Honestly, some of the best schools are in Illinois. It wouldn't be hard to move there. Plus, it's got Chicago."

You smile. "You are correct. Chicago is in Illinois."

He laughs but doesn't say anything else. You know what he meant. It makes the butterflies come back.

Suddenly a phone dings. "I got a text!" Blake yells.  "Islanders, please make your way to the fire pit to play a round of Never Have I Ever!" He reads out.

Before you can even stand, Steve hops out of the pool and reaches out a hand. He pulls you up and you end up really close to him. His eyes are like honey in the sunshine and you could melt in them. His hand is lingering on yours and it's whipping the butterflies into a frenzy.

Finally, he gives you a smile and steps back, letting you walk first. You give him a shaky thanks and focus on your breathing as you join the other islanders at the fire pit. You sit next to Chrissy, and Steve sits beside you.

"Who wants to go first?" Ryan asks.

"Me!" Chrissy squeals, predictably. "Never have I ever...stolen something!"

Both you and Emma take a sip. She explains first. "I really wanted this top that my mom wouldn't let me get. I never got caught."

Then it's your turn. "I stole a candy bar from CVS. My dad realized and made me go back and apologize." At everyone's faces you snicker. "I was three. He only found out because the chocolate was all over my face in the car." They laugh and you join in.

"My turn," Blake says. "Never have I ever...hooked up on the first date."

"What are we defining as hooking up?" Steve asks.

"All the way," Blake clarifies.

Emma and Steve both drink. You want to ask Steve about it but notice Emma has gone red. "But we don't slut-shame here," you say loudly. "Right, everyone?" Steve and Chrissy nod immediately. You glare until Blake and Ryan do too. Emma gives you a small grateful look and you smile.

To distract, Emma clears her throat and says, "My turn. Never have I ever...eaten an orange." She snickers while everyone rolls their eyes and grumbles while drinking. "Allergic."

"I'll go," Steve says. "Never have I ever...had sex in a public place."

You, Emma, and Chrissy all drink.

"We've got some adventurous girls!" Ryan shouts. "Give us all the dirty deets."

Everyone looks at Emma. "In a pool," she explains. Then Chrissy. "In the gym shower."

Then you. "You know those Tunnel of Love rides they have at carnivals?" Everybody nods and then understands. They all "ooh" teasingly.

"Aren't those rides like, really short?" Chrissy asks.

"I was friends with the operator. They stopped the ride for us, faking maintenance problems." You smile fondly. "It was on my partner's bucket list."

"In public or specifically there?" Steve asks.

"Specifically the Tunnel of Love. We had to drive two hours to that carnival." You laugh. "The boat was really tight and rocky. But we had fun."

"Bold," Blake muses admiringly.

Steve leans over. "Congrats, you've been approved by the king," he whispers. You shove him lightly and he chuckles.

"Me next," you say. "Never have I ever...been to Paris." Emma, Blake, and Ryan drink. "That's on my bucket list," you add.

"They should make a show like this one but set in Paris," Chrissy says wistfully. "They could even call it City of Love."

"I would watch that," you reply. "There would be a challenge where the contestants have to order at a café without letting the barista know they're not French. They get a kiss if they pass."

"What's the punishment if they don't?"

"The disdain and contempt of the barista," you answer and Steve laughs.

"Worse than anything the producers could come up with," he adds.

"Exactly!" You look at him and know there are matching smiles between you two.

"Last but not least," Ryan says, and you turn to face him, blushing furiously. "Never have I ever...played an instrument."

"Feels targeted," you mutter while you drink, but Chrissy and Blake drink too. You all look at them.

"I played trumpet for like one year in middle school," Blake answers. "Not my thing."

"I play drums!" Chrissy exclaims. "My friends and I have a band."

Emma says what you're thinking: "I never would've expected that."

Chrissy smiles. "I like to surprise."

"What's your band called?" Steve interjects.

"The Cheerleaders. All of us look like preppy bitches, so we lean into it. We wear custom uniforms and everything."

"That's so cute," you gush. "You get to play gigs?"

"Some," she replies, going pink. "We like to play at a bar nearby. They don't pay us much but the customers are nice."

"I hope I get to go to one," you say earnestly and Chrissy smiles.

"You will," she replies firmly. "You'll be a VIP guest. All of you will be." Everyone chimes in with "Nice!"'s or "Cool!"'s. Chrissy ducks her head, clearly proud but also embarrassed. "I think it's time to get changed," she says hurriedly and rushes from the area. You watch her go in amusement before following, Emma behind you.

You two find her in the dressing room. "I can't believe you're in a band," you say in amazement. "I've always wanted to play drums."

"I could teach you!" Chrissy gets excited again.

You laugh. "I probably can't afford you. But I can give you violin lessons in return."

"Deal." She holds out a hand and you shake it. She grins at you. "It's cool you get to do it professionally. Mine's more of a side thing."

"It has its pros and cons." You go to the dresser and peek through the clothes, holding up options. "Like any other career."

"That one," Emma says quietly, pointing at the dress you're holding in one hand. You look at her and she gives a nervous nod. You smile and go with her advice. She continues, "Maybe I can join in on that deal?" You and Chrissy look at her. "I can't play an instrument, but I do know how to box."

"Boxing?" Chrissy asks in awe. "That's so cool! I'm down."

"Me too," you add. "My fatal flaw is thinking I can box when I have no idea how to. The movies just make it look so easy."

Emma genuinely laughs—the first time you've heard it. "It's not that hard. But you need a lot of core strength. Most of my training is lifting weights and learning control."

You three continue to talk about your respective interests as you get ready and all go down together. The boys are lounging in the bedroom, but stand when you enter. Chrissy bounces over to Ryan while Blake walks up to Emma. Steve falls in step with you. "You look amazing," he says softly.

"Thanks." You appraise him. He's wearing a striped tee that shows off his arms, dark jeans that show off his ass, and sneakers that show off nothing, but look good. "You too." He preens and you roll your eyes fondly.

Outside, all six of you cheers with champagne and then split into couples. There's no pretense this time, Blake and Emma going off together right away. Chrissy tells you and Steve to join her and Ryan on the daybeds and you all settle together. You talk, letting the conversation flow and lull as natural. You sit perpendicular on the bed, eventually leaning back so you're resting on Steve's legs. You glance at him to make sure it's okay and he smiles and nods in encouragement. As the four of you keep the conversation going, you can feel his fingers brushing the ends of your hair, almost unconsciously. It keeps a smile on your face.

At some point, Emma and Blake meander over and join in, Emma sitting next to you while Blake relaxes at Chrissy and Ryan's feet. You think it might derail the discussion, but the two are surprisingly good at opening up and crack jokes to keep it light. Someone grabs the champagne bottle and brings it back, topping you all up to finish it. Then Chrissy yawns, setting off a chain reaction.

Blake helps Emma stand, while Ryan and Chrissy lean on each other as they walk back tiredly. You think about getting up, but just burrow further against Steve.

"Not gonna move?" He asks with a smile.

You hum a no. "Too comfy," you explain.

"Love to hear that, beautiful, but unfortunately, my legs are numb."

Groaning, you sit up petulantly. Steve gets up from the bed and does some crazy moves to get feeling back in his legs, making you giggle uncontrollably. He eventually holds out a hand and you take it. You expect him to pull you upright and let go, but instead he drapes your arm around his neck and leans down to lift you, carrying you bridal-style. You squeal at the surprise. He laughs and starts walking back, holding you like you weigh nothing. You hum and rest your head on his shoulder.

"Not a morning or night person, huh?" He murmurs.

"Nope. I'm a middle-of-the-day person."

He chuckles. "That's a new one."

"I'm a new one."

"Tell me about it." He looks down at you with soft eyes. You can't look away for anything. It's only when you arrive at the door that you have to break the eye contact so you can pull it open for him. He enters the bedroom and sets you down gently.

"Thanks," you whisper.

"Anytime," he whispers back.

Your legs are shaky as you go shower.

;

The next few days are much of the same. You watch Steve do laps while Chrissy watches Ryan work out and Emma watches Blake cook, all three of you on the beach chairs. He's a surprisingly good cook, having made dinner one night to rave reviews. He seems to have appointed himself the designated chef, which is fine for the rest of you. If he wants to, and keeps making good food, you'll let him.

Steve and you continue talking, discussing more about dreams, desires, wants, needs, and more. The time flies by and Chrissy has to shout multiple times before you two register she's saying it's time to get ready for the evening.

You, Chrissy, and Emma fill the dressing room with chatter, giving opinions on clothing, makeup, and hairstyles while also talking about the boys and your lives. All the boys give you compliments when you enter the bedroom, making you all blush. Outside, someone gives a toast and you all cheers.

But before you can break into couples, someone's phone chimes.

"I got a text!" Emma says. "Islanders, please go to the fire pit immediately."

You look at each other in nervous anticipation and do as asked. You and Blake have to sit together, but Steve makes sure to be on your other side. He gives you a reassuring smile when you look at him in wariness. Then your phone dings.

"Islanders, there will now be a recoupling. The boys will pick who they would like to couple up with. Girls, please stand in front of the fire pit." You read.

You, Emma, and Chrissy all make your way to the edge of the deck platform. Steve's phone chirps, and he checks it before standing. His gaze is on you.

"I'd like to couple up with this girl because she's beautiful, funny, sarcastic, and intelligent. She keeps me on my toes and makes me work hard to keep up with her. I've had a great time getting to know her and all I've learned just makes me want to know more. And I'm excited to share a bed. Cuddling purposes only." Everyone laughs. "She makes me wanna be better. So the girl I'd like to couple up with is..."

His eyes are shining as he finishes with your name. You smile as everyone claps and you walk over to him. He greets you with a hug and a kiss on the cheek, and you two sit down together.

Someone else's phone sounds, but you're too focused on the feel of Steve's arm around you and hand holding yours to pay attention. His skin is soft and warm, and you squeeze his hand in some variation on a pinch to make sure this is real. It is when he squeezes back.

"How was that?" He mutters out of the side of his mouth. "Did you like it?"

"I loved it," you whisper, unable to stop smiling.

You two clap as Emma walks over to Blake, sitting next to him. Another phone goes off—must be Ryan's. You try to pay attention to his speech for Chrissy, but Steve is distracting you by continuously brushing his thumb across the back of your hand. It gives you goosebumps.

Finally, Emma and Blake clap so you and Steve follow suit. Chrissy has bounded over to Ryan and kisses him on the cheek. They both sit looking like they've won the lottery. Chrissy looks at you and you give her an excited smile, which she returns.

Then she and Ryan, and Emma and Blake, meander away from the fire pit. Steve turns to you.

"Nice to finally be coupled up," you say.

"Means I can finally do this." He leans in.

You stop him. "It's only the first week. Are you sure?"

He looks at you with those honey eyes. "Never been more sure in my life." Then he kisses you. It's sweet and perfect, and he cups your face as his lips brush against yours. It doesn't go further than that, but it doesn't need to. It makes your heart race all the same.

There's cheering from the other side of the villa, and you and Steve part in embarrassed laughter. You both look at the other islanders, who are whooping and calling out encouragement. You wave at them to stop and they just get louder, making Steve laugh harder. "Oh my god," you moan. "Can you believe we just had our first kiss on live television?"

"That is the whole reason we're here," he teases.

You roll your eyes. "Let's go to bed." He nods eagerly.

You both stand and walk to the villa, holding hands. Chrissy joins you and drags you away so you can talk to her about the kiss, which you describe while you're in the shower and she's standing outside in the bathroom. She keeps aw-ing and generally looking like the heart-eyed emoji, which you try to ignore.

When she finally gets enough info, you walk into the bedroom. Steve is standing and staring at yours and Blake's bed and his and Emma's.

"So who moves?" He asks.

"I guess the producers don't decide that," you note. "Well, if we get to choose, you come to mine. It's farther from the door and the light that shines in."

He shrugs. "Works for me." He slides his monogrammed dresser and nightstand to your bed as you slip in. Once they're situated, he joins you. He settles back against the headboard and lifts an arm. You slide under it, snuggling close and resting your head on his chest. He wraps his arm around you and holds tight.

"I wish I had a book," you mutter, stuck watching the other islanders walk through the room.

"I could tell you a story." You look at Steve. "It's a little scary, though. That okay?" You nod and he takes a breath. "Alright. Once upon a time, a boy disappears. He was ordinary, liked playing D&D with his friends, idolized his older brother. His mom is worried sick and she and the police chief organize a group of volunteers to look for him..."

He continues on, telling the story of a girl named Eleven with psychic powers escaping from a government facility and crossing paths with friends of the missing boy, Will. You're engrossed, and it's a shock when the lights turn off.

"And that's when they find out about the Upside Down," Steve whispers and doesn't keep going.

"What's the Upside Down?" You ask, but Steve shakes his head.

"Tomorrow, beautiful. Want you to get your beauty sleep." You pout. "I know you're pouting right now, but I can't see it. So you'll have to save it."

You roll your eyes. "Party pooper."

He laughs quietly, scooting down the bed so you're both fully horizontal. "Don't worry, promise I'll finish it." You grumble but tuck in closer to him, getting comfortable. He presses a quick kiss to the crown of your head. "Goodnight."

You yawn. "G'night."

You sleep wonderfully.

;

A few mornings later, when the lights come on, Steve lifts the covers over your heads when you scrunch against him. He lets you doze for a while longer before asking if you want coffee. Weighing the options, you finally nod and get up. He smiles at your grumpy expression and kisses your cheek before leaving the bed.

You go through the dressing room to the terrace, where you find Chrissy and Emma. They ask you about your night, but you keep the bedtime story to yourself—it's just for you right now. Instead, you talk about the cuddling and great sleep. Chrissy also excitedly talks about her own cuddle with Ryan. Emma says she doesn't cuddle while sleeping, but does mention she and Blake held hands through the night. She blushes when you and Chrissy "ooh".

You all get ready and go downstairs. Steve hands you a cup and watches nervously as you sip it. You gently tell him there's too much milk and he frowns, but also that it's still good and thank him. He smiles and as he goes to the pool, you wander over to the daybeds, laying down in the shade. Before you know it, you're asleep.

However long later, someone yells, "I got a text!" You wake up with a start, finding Steve sitting next to you, fully dry. Guess you were out for a while. You stand and stretch, taking Steve's offered hand and walking with him to the kitchen. Ryan had gotten the text and he waits until all of you are there to read it. "Girls, who's ready prove themselves in a battle with the elements? It's time for A Girl For All Seasons!"

You all get ready in the according swimsuits as directed. They're all element-themed: boys wear either blue or green trunks, for water and earth, while girls wear red or white, for fire and air. Then you're off, running to the challenge area.

Another text reveals that each girl must go through the course literally battling the elements. She has to climb down the constructed rock wall from the starting point, run over (fake) fire, stand in front of a giant fan for ten seconds, and then run through a designated column, where the boys will be spraying her with water guns. Once she gets through, there will be origami birds waiting to be picked up, filled with fun facts about the boys. She must read it aloud and kiss the boy she thinks it connects to.

Chrissy volunteers to go first. She excellently scales the wall and runs over the fire. She has a little trouble with the fan, which is at like supersonic speed, and then the boys really go at it with the water—she's drenched when she makes it to the birds. She dries her hands before picking one up and reading the clue on the wing.

She reads, "This boy once hid from security and stayed overnight at his local history museum." Obviously, you're all playing for the kisses, not to be right, so she kisses Ryan. The rest of you holler as they go at it.

When they break apart, she unfolds it and reveals Ryan's name. "I wanted to see what the dinosaurs looked like at night," he explains with a shrug. "Spoiler alert, they look like bones."

Then Emma goes. She has more difficulty with the wall—she clarifies heights are not her strong suit—but really excels at the fan bit. After going through the water barrage, she is also soaked. Drying her hands, she picks up another bird and says, "This boy was king of his high school—literally. Duh, we know who this is." She goes over and kisses Blake full-on. Again, you all cheer as they plaster themselves to each other. It's about to become too long when they part, panting.

She unfolds the bird and her jaw drops. "It's Steve?"

You all look at him, and he goes sheepish. "Yeah, I was called King Steve in high school."

Emma turns back to Blake. "How was it not you?"

"Well, I was more of a loser in high school. I had a better time in college." He's pink.

Emma almost melts and walks back to the girls. "That's kind of sweet," she admits to you and Chrissy. She might feel good about her man's past, but you're not as happy. You too were a loser in high school, tormented by the popular boys and girls. It's hard to reconcile the Steve you know with the boys who used to make fun of you and your achievements in violin, which the administration just had to announce to the whole school, even though you'd asked them not to every time.

You head to the start of the course, still distracted. You make it down the wall and over the fire without harm, and stand in front of the fan like an immovable object. It's harder to make yourself run through the water, and you're coughing by the end, having been hit in the face a few times. "Sorry!" Ryan calls out, sounding relatively genuine. You wave it away as you dry your hands. You pick up the last bird and read, "This boy once street raced but got caught by the cops." You know it's Blake—besides being the last one, he'd mentioned fast cars the one time you'd talked to him—but you definitely don't want to kiss him.

You go up to Steve, who smiles. But you only give him a quick kiss before stepping away and unfolding the bird and saying flatly, "Blake."

The rest of the islanders start asking him questions but Steve touches your arm. "You okay?" He asks quietly.

You shrug, unable to look at him. You walk back to the girls and pretend to be interested in Blake's story, which you aren't following. When you all leave for the villa, you trail behind, deep in thought. Arriving back, you go to the pool and dip your feet in.

Another pair join yours and you look to see Steve sitting next to you. "What's up?" He asks. It's gentle.

"King Steve?"

He sighs. "Yeah, not my finest time in life."

You don't look at him. "Boys like you made my life a living hell in high school."

"I'm sorry. I wish I could go back and kick their asses."

You don't let yourself smile. "How do I know you're not still like that somewhere underneath?"

He takes your hand. "Can you look at me?" It takes a few seconds, but he waits patiently, and you eventually meet his gaze. His expression is soft and understanding. "That's a really valid question, and I wish I could prove it to you in an incontrovertible way. But all I can tell you is that there was a girl, a lot like you actually, who changed me for the better. She opened my eyes to all the consequences of my actions and I did my best to make them right and never do them again."

"Where's she then?"

He shrugs. "Chicago, maybe. Or Springfield. I don't know, we lost touch after high school. But what she taught me has always stayed with me. I don't let myself forget it." He gives you a small smile, which you return. "There's that beautiful smile. Missed it."

Your smile grows until it's full. "I'm sorry," you say. "That was a stupid thing to be upset about."

"No, it's not. Everything you feel matters. And how you feel matters to me." You lean against him. "You wanna tell me about it?"

"My feelings?"

"I was thinking high school, but that works too."

You exhale a small laugh. "Okay." So you do. You tell him all the good things and the bad things and the bittersweet things and the things you wish you could do over and the things you wouldn't change for a million dollars and the things you felt about all those things. All he does is listen.

Eventually, the sun sinks down and Chrissy interrupts to grab you and get ready. You give Steve a tight hug, thank him for listening, and walk away with her, leaving him to digest it all at the pool.

Chrissy gets you back into a good mood, and in the dressing room, you, her, and Emma bounce off each other to hype everyone up. You all help organize your looks and go to the bedroom. Steve walks up to you and kisses you on the cheek, murmuring that you look stunning. Your heart flip-flops as he escorts you outside.

For the evening, everyone hangs together again, this time on the sundeck. You lounge against Steve, who keeps his arm tight around you, and only participate sporadically, drained from talking so much earlier. Steve can tell and talks an extra amount so you don't have to. You rub your hand across his back in thanks, letting your fingers stray into his hair. He hums happily whenever you do.

The nightly yawning commences and everyone heads for bed. You almost fall asleep in the shower and drop into bed exhausted. Steve tucks you in close and asks if you still want the bedtime story. You nod, eyes closed, and listen to his quiet voice as he explains the Upside Down and how Eleven has joined the search for the Will but is also being hunted by government agents.

He's describing the sensory-deprivation tank Eleven uses to visit the Upside Down and find Will alive, when the lights go out. You're disappointed but know you'll get more of the story tomorrow.

You give Steve a soft kiss and thank him for the day. He just holds you closer, protecting you as you fall asleep.

;

A week later, after getting to know Steve better and him you, after more challenges and games and frighteningly little drama, it all changes.

It's the middle of the day. You and Steve are lounging around, talking infrequently, just making random comments here and there to pass the time. You like to ask each other bizarre questions, like if all you're food tasted like one thing for the rest of your life, what would that thing be? (You choose garlic while Steve chooses chocolate.) Or if you're a dishes or laundry person? (You're laundry and Steve's dishes. You do note the compatibility there.)

Then there's the sound of heels clicking down the trellis and a hesitant "hello!" A new girl emerges: short, brunette, petite features. Steve tenses beside you and you look at him.

"Oh my god," he mutters.

"What?"

"That's my ex."

"What?" You repeat in shock, but he's already striding across the backyard to the new girl. You follow quickly.

"Nancy?" At his voice, the girl turns to him and beams.

"Steve!" She shouts and throws her arms around him. He hesitates before putting his arms around her awkwardly and hugging her back.

"What are you doing here?" He asks when she pulls back. You've caught up to them, along with everyone else.

"Finding love, silly!" She titters, but it doesn't match her vibe. It feels fake. "Actually, finding you."

Your vision pinholes. You must falter on your feet because then Steve is next to you, holding your hand. "Me?"

She laughs, high-pitched. It really doesn't suit her. "Yes, you! You were always the one that got away."

"What?" Steve's baffled. "I am?"

"Mhm!" She turns to everyone. "Anyways, I'm Nancy!"

The other islanders crowd in and make their introductions. You lean over to Steve. "Is that the girl from high school? Who opened your eyes and all that?" He nods and you exhale heavily.

The producers sure got their drama.

Chrissy and Emma motion to you so you'll join them in the dressing room. You hold up a finger and turn to Steve. "You okay?" You ask soothingly.

He doesn't really look it, but he replies, "Yeah, yeah. Go ahead."

"Steve," you say sternly. He finally meets your gaze. "Honest?"

His face goes soft and he smiles. "Yeah. Just hurry back."

"Promise." You give him a quick kiss before rushing after the girls.

You catch up to them in the dressing room and stay quiet as you get ready. Chrissy and Emma pepper Nancy with questions, excited to have another person in the villa. They ask about Steve, and Nancy explains how she'd helped him change his ways. She tries to sound wistful while saying they lost touch after high school, but the whole thing feels forced. You're only listening to her as you do your makeup, and you know it's all bullshit of some sort. The only thing you can't figure out is why she's here and why she wants Steve back.

You meet the boys in the bedroom as usual. You walk right up to Steve and take his hand, asking silently if he's okay. He shrugs but gives you a small smile, which relieves you for right now. He leads you out of the villa with everyone else. Tonight's cheers is welcoming Nancy and wishing her luck on her Island of Love journey.

As expected, she asks Steve for a chat. You squeeze his hand to let him know he's got your support. He squeezes back before letting go and following Nancy to the sundeck. You join Chrissy and Ryan on the beanbags and try not to stare. You succeed in that, but it means you keep glancing over every few seconds to see how it's going.

Nancy is talking animatedly, using her hands and touching Steve a lot. Steve looks a bit uncomfortable and doesn't reciprocate, but he's listening intently. Chrissy and Ryan try to draw you into conversation but you're a lousy addition so they taper off their attempts.

Eventually, they stand. Nancy gives Steve a hug, which he returns half-heartedly. Then he's speed-walking to you. You stand up to meet him. "You okay?" You ask.

He doesn't answer, just pulls you into a hug. "I'll tell you later," he whispers in your ear and you nod. Holding him tight, you see Nancy eyeing you from the kitchen, blank expression on her face. You can't tell if she's paying attention to your hug or lost in thought.

Steve leans back and asks if you'd sit on the daybed with him. You agree and he leads you there. He has you sit first, which you do against the headboard, he lays next to you with his head in your lap. You stroke his hair and he doesn't talk and you don't make him. You just sit in silence together, listening to the other islanders chatter and the wind blow through the trees.

You notice Steve yawning and poke him into sitting up. This time, you stand and haul him up, making him smile. You two walk back to the villa and get ready for bed. When you get into bed and snuggle up to Steve, he continues his story. He's telling you about the Upside Down creature Dustin had found and brought home, which Will identifies, when the lights go out. Steve has you slide down with him, then pulls the covers up over you both.

"How was your conversation with Nancy?" You ask in a whisper.

"Weird," he replies. "She's so...different from high school."

"Is that a bad thing?"

"Not necessarily. But she worked hard as editor of the school newspaper and last I knew, she wanted to become a real reporter. Now she's told me she hated being in journalism while in Chicago and kept thinking about me. She knew I was going on the show and applied to be the bombshell."

"I'm assuming the producers picked her because she's your ex."

"Must be. This is not her scene. I really don't know what happened, but something must have. Our whole conversation felt so forced. It was like I could tell she didn't really believe what she was saying, but was determined to say it anyways." He makes a frustrated noise.

"What did she say?"

"She said she wanted to find me and try a relationship again. She knows I've changed and wants to see if we could work out this time. She kept saying I was 'the one that got away'. I don't even think that's true."

You hum, nervously chewing on your cheek.

"Hey," he says softly, turning your head so you look at him. "I don't want to be with Nancy. I want to be with you."

"What if you change your mind?" You fret.

"I did love Nancy in high school. But this Nancy is not that one, and this one is no match for you. Neither of them are. And I got over her a long time ago. If I hadn't, I wouldn't be on here."

You're only half-convinced. "I don't know."

Instead of speaking, he leans forward and kisses you sweetly. Pressing his forehead against yours, he reassures, "I'm yours."

You finally smile and nod against him. He sighs in relief and removes the covers. You cuddle with him, and he uses both arms to hold you close, resting his cheek against the crown of your head. "It's fucking hot under there," he mutters.

You laugh.

;

The next morning, after Steve lets you sleep in and makes you coffee—just the tiniest bit too much milk, but you tell him it's perfect—you two are in the pool. He's been teaching you to swim all week, and he's a good teacher, but you're distracted by Nancy, who has pulled both Ryan and Blake for individual chats. Chrissy looks nervous while Emma just looks peeved.

You jolt when Steve says your name. "You wanna try?"

"I guess so." You take a breath and go under, letting your body rise to the surface and starting a basic stroke. You've got the arm movements, and you're going forward, but you keep forgetting to breathe. When you burst from the water to inhale desperately for the third time, Steve joins you.

"Maybe we can try something a little easier," he suggests, and demonstrates a backstroke. You're a little nervous about being on your back so Steve has you float for a bit, holding you up at first before letting go. It feels nice, the water covering your ears, knowing Steve is a step away, watching the clouds move. It's the first moment of peace you've had since Nancy got here.

"Okay," you hear Steve say, muffled by the water, and you stand. "Your floating is an a-plus. Let's do a backstroke."

You gently lean back into the water and move your arms and legs as Steve showed you. It takes a minute, but you eventually feel yourself moving backwards. When you go far enough to know you're near the wall, you stand up and lift your hands triumphantly.

"You did it!" Steve yells in excitement.

"I did it!" You echo him as he swims to you, lifting you up by your waist when he reaches you. You laugh happily as he spins you in the water, loving the joy and pride he has for you. When he brings you back down, you kiss him. This time, you push it further, swiping your tongue across his bottom lip. He opens for you and as your tongues dance around each other, Steve moves backwards until he's touching the side of the pool and you can wrap your legs around him.

"Hello!"

You and Steve startle back, turning your heads and looking up at Nancy standing about a foot away from you two. She's smiling, but it looks more like a grimace. "Steve, can I steal her away?"

"Me?" You ask in surprise. She nods and you reluctantly untangle from Steve and get out of the pool. He rests his head on the side and looks sad. "I'll come back soon," you say before joining Nancy, who leads you to the kitchen.

"Fruit?" She asks innocently.

"Sure." You sound as suspicious as you feel. "What did you want to talk about?"

She hands you a bunch of grapes and eats a few before answering. "Just wanted to see where your head is at with Steve."

"Well, I like him, and we're coupled up."

"And he likes you?"

"Yeah," you say confidently but warily, more so about Nancy's intentions.

"We'll see," she replies lightly and before you can respond, she continues. "He's changed so much since high school."

"I know. He told me about that."

"He said what I did?" She says it with expectation, not pleasant surprise. You nod. "Good. We were really close. I was so sad when we didn't stay connected."

"Steve said you went to school to become a reporter?"

She waves a hand dismissively. "Yeah, but I didn't really like it. Didn't know what else to do, so saw Steve was gonna be here and decided to follow."

She's definitely lying, but you can't figure out why. There's something in her eyes, beneath the fake cheer, something akin to fear or desperation. Maybe she's running from something, not running to Steve. Maybe she's scared of going forwards so she's going backwards.

"That's cool," you eventually say, keeping it simple. "What else do you do?"

"Oh, I like to read, work out. My girl—" She cuts off abruptly. "My friend and I used to watch horror movies together. She adored them but I hated all the jump scares. Comedies are much more my speed."

You can see through that changed word choice but don't pry. "I like horror and comedy. But mysteries are where it's really at."

"Too complicated for me." She almost sounds pained as she says it. You don't believe her one bit.

Thankfully you're saved from continuing the conversation by Chrissy and Emma, who are taking you to the dressing room. You stand and scan for Steve. When you catch his gaze, you give him an apologetic look. He waves it away and smiles, motioning for you to go with the girls. You do so and get ready with them. You keep watching Nancy for more slips, but she's back to her fully fake self, chattering on to the rest of you about absolutely nothing.

You lead Steve directly to the daybed when he walks you outside. "That was such a weird conversation," you say after you've settled. "She had this slip-up that I think I understand but I'm not sure. One word change does not a queer person make."

He looks at you with a raised eyebrow. "Queer?" You nod. "That's new."

"Guess it's a new thing. But I think she's afraid of coming out of the closet."

Before Steve can reply, a phone chimes. "I got a text!" Nancy yells. "Islanders, please go to the fire pit immediately."

You and Steve look at each other warily before standing and joining everyone else at the fire pit. Once you're all sitting, Nancy gets another text. "Nancy, you must now choose the boy you would like to couple up with." She stands and moves in front of the fire pit.

"I would like to couple up with this boy because he is the reason I came here." Your stomach goes into free fall. "He's smart, handsome, funny, and I'm so glad we were able to reconnect. I've wanted to try this again for a long time." She's lying through her teeth. "So the boy I would like to couple up with is...Steve."

Everyone claps awkwardly. You look at Steve, who seems to be as sad as you feel. He gives you a kiss on the cheek and whispers, "I'll be back, beautiful. Promise."

You watch him stand and walk over to Nancy, who hugs him. He hugs her back, uncomfortable, before stepping back. He keeps his eyes on you but you can't stand the sight of them as a couple so you look away. Then your phone dings. "You are now single and vulnerable. Good luck."

Unnecessary.

Nancy drags Steve away as Chrissy and Emma comfort you. You don't cry, but you're definitely upset. You don't talk much, and they eventually trail off. When they leave, you walk to the villa with your head held high and don't look at Nancy and Steve. You shower and get into bed before everyone else. You close your eyes and pretend to be asleep so no one will talk to you.

You don't let the tears fall until after lights out. You miss Steve beside you, his arms around you, his heart beating steadily against your cheek. You miss his voice in your ear, telling his bedtime story, most of all.

;

There's something buzzing in your bed. You grope around until you find the vibrating object—your phone—and squint through the brightness. You received a text: Please gather all the girls in the dressing room. Stay quiet!

You breathe deep before sneaking out from under the covers and tip-toeing over to Chrissy's bed. You gently jostle her awake, shushing her as soon as she opens her eyes. "The girls have to go to the dressing room," you whisper. "Can you grab Nancy? I'll get Emma."

She nods and stealthily moves to Nancy and Steve's bed while you go to Emma and Blake's. You have to keep her quiet as well and motion for her to join you in the dressing room.

When you're all there, blinking and confused in the darkness, you get another text. You read it out softly: "Girls, you are now headed to Casa Amor! Please gather only necessary items and meet your cars outside. Shh! Don't wake the boys."

You all squeal silently and rush around for the things you absolutely need in Casa. You slip back into the bedroom to get your water bottle. Steve moves in his bed, catching your eye. He looks so peaceful, so innocent, while asleep. You want nothing more than to lean over and kiss him awake.

But you can't. So you grab the bottle and scramble back to the dressing room, packing a few other things before meeting the girls downstairs. You all get out of the villa and into the waiting SUVs quickly and quietly, only screaming in excitement when the doors have closed. You and Nancy seem to be less enthusiastic about the news. You're sure she wanted to strike up with Steve again. You're just glad you don't have to seem them parade around as a couple now, though you do wish you could've spoken to him about last night.

Regardless, you're on the way now. Steve is coupled up with Nancy and Casa Amor wasn't going to give you the opportunity to take him back. Plus, you're single and as the text said, vulnerable, so you do have to up your game. So you decide to leave thoughts of Steve at the villa and start fresh at Casa. Who knows? Maybe you'll find a better guy than Steve.

As impossible as that seems.

All four of you marvel at the new space—it's a lot similar to the villa, but you also haven't been outside of the villa in about two weeks, so anything new is a change. When you walk outside into the backyard, four guys greet you.

You all scream hello's and they introduce themselves. There's Max, a blonde surfer from California (talk about a cliché); Carson, a preppy boy from New York City; Lee, a good ol' Southern boy from Louisiana; and Eddie, a metalhead from Chicago. You're drawn to Eddie immediately—he has gorgeous wavy black hair that goes past his shoulders, tattoos covering his arms and chest, and black-painted nails to go with the black swim trunks. He could come off as scary, but his warm smile and kind eyes completely counteract the dark aesthetic.

He seems to notice your gaze and walks over to you with a smirk. "Like what you see, princess?"

Ah, a boy who uses pet names. You like it. "Maybe," you say vaguely. "As first impressions go."

"Well, I like what I see." He smiles cheekily. "You're stunning."

You blush. "Thanks." You give your name.

"Oh, I've been watching you." There's a glint in his eye. "Care for a chat?" You nod, and he leads you to the sundeck that's almost identical to the villa's, just opposite. He sits easily and pats the space next to him, and you join him, staying sitting up as he lounges back.

"So what do you already know about me?" You ask.

"Lemme see. You're a musician from Colorado, a violinist. Want to be in an orchestra someday. Learning how to swim. Likes roller-skating. Coupled up with Steve."

"All correct, except for the last one."

He looks at you in surprise. "You two were solid though."

"Yeah," you sigh, "until Nancy stole him last night. She had to choose who she wanted to couple up with."

"Guess that wasn't a shock."

"Actually, I was blindsided," you say sarcastically. "I never would've thought she'd pick the guy she kept saying she came on the show for."

Eddie laughs but there's still sympathy in his gaze. "I'm sorry, angel. That sucks."

You look away, not wanting to be caught up about Steve. "Thanks. But tell me who you are, Eddie."

"I'm from Chicago. I'm also a musician; I play guitar in a band kind of known around the dive bars of the city. I'm a certified metalhead and love rock music. I also love high fantasy shit and DM D&D campaigns for my friends." He doesn't have one ounce of shame.

"That's cool!" You exclaim genuinely. "I may play primarily classical music but I also love rock and pop. Who's your favorite classic rock band?"

He muses. "That's a tough question. Dio, maybe? Or Metallica. Or Motley Crüe." He goes pink when you laugh. "There's a lot of good options," he argues.

"I agree," you reply. "It's hard to pick just one."

"What's yours?"

"Probably Aerosmith or Journey. I also like AC/DC."

"Solid choices," he says, impressed. "Pop-wise?"

This is when you blush. "I'm a Taylor Swift lover if we're going modern. But classic it's gotta be Madonna or Stevie Nicks."

He just smiles. "I don't judge. I'm not a Swiftie myself but she can write a song. And I love Fleetwood Mac."

"They're so good!" You smile back at him. "I've never played D&D, though."

"Not many people have," he responds amiably. "It's really for the nerds out there who love to act that shit out."

You laugh. "I'm usually good just reading it. I've been known to champion some high fantasy series." At his raised eyebrow, you clarify, "Lord of the Rings mostly. Never was a Game of Thrones fan."

"I like both, but LotR definitely tops GoT." You giggle as he uses the letters instead of the words for the titles. "Movies are where it's at too."

"Agreed. But those Hobbit movies didn't match up."

"We don't really talk about those," Eddie says gravely and you laugh again.

Then Emma interrupts you. "Just gonna hoard him all day?" She teases you. You roll your eyes fondly as Eddie laughs. "Come on, we're all around the fire pit."

You and Eddie follow her and join the group for a lively discussion. It's not really centered around anything in particular, just speaking when you can about the current topic. Eddie learns Chrissy plays drums in her own rock band and you giggle at his starstruck look. The new boys learn Emma has traveled the world, and Carson seems to take an interest. You learn that Max has won surfing championships and Lee's family owns a stable of horses that specialize in working on movie sets.

You also note the girls' varying interests in getting to know the boys. Unsurprisingly, Nancy is completely closed off, still participating but not inviting more conversation. Chrissy is also mostly closed off, clearly loyal to Ryan, though you think she and Eddie would hit it off if she was open to it. Emma is going for it, obviously not thinking about Blake too much. And you're somewhere in the middle, wanting to be open but unable to stop thinking about Steve. Even though he is not your partner.

At some point, Nancy stands and stiltedly says it's time for y'all to get ready. You, Chrissy, and Emma follow her into the house, and she seems to let out a huge sigh of relief when in the dressing room. You keep an eye on her as you all get ready, and she seems much more at ease when surrounded by the girls, not talking a lot but not being too fake anymore. Maybe she spent all her energy in the villa and doesn't have anymore for Casa? Maybe she thinks she's in the clear with Steve and so doesn't want to even try here? Whatever it is, you resolve to make sure she's not uncomfortable while here in Casa—girls support girls, even if they have stolen your couple.

You get back outside and cheers drinks to Casa Amor. Everyone splits off and it turns into a kind of speed-dating: the boys rotate around the girls to get to know all of you. It's an odd setup but not a terrible one. For one thing, you find out you're not into Max—the not knowing how to swim thing kind of puts a damper on his favorite subject of surfing.

For another, it's a good thing Carson is not your type, because he spends the whole time with you talking about his conversation with Emma and listing things he admires about her. It's rather sweet.

For the last, you're ambivalent about Lee, who is certainly a gentleman but also hasn't done a fucking thing in his life except work at his family's stable and become quite a good equestrian. But you also like horses and would ask him more about film sets since you love movies.

After talking to the three of them, you take a breather and sit at the pool, dipping your feet in. You're lost in thought about Steve swimming laps, Steve teaching you how to swim, Steve kissing you in the water, Steve, Steve, Steve—

"Penny for your thoughts?" Eddie says, startling you. He sits beside you, setting aside his shoes and socks and rolling up his pant legs to also put his feet in the water.

You shrug. "Don't need a penny," you reply lightly.

He looks out at the horizon. "You miss him?"

Tears rush to your eyes but you will them away. Choked up, you just nod.

Eddie smiles kindly. "I get it."

You breathe and clear your throat. "So," you say, changing the subject, "how are you feeling about the girls?"

"Well," he draws out. "Nancy was nice but didn't seem interested in talking much. Emma's cool but kept talking about Carson."

You snort. "Carson kept talking about her to me."

"See, that's cute," Eddie says with a grin. "I like Chrissy but she's also pretty closed to getting to know people."

"And me?" You ask, with feigned lightness.

"Who?" He smirks and then laughs when you shove him. "I like you."

"I like you too," you admit softly. But...

"There’s some big shoes to fill," he replies.

You half-smile and he knocks his shoulder into yours. You knock him back. Then you yawn and Eddie helps you up, joining you on the way back to the house. The other islanders trail after you and you all get ready for bed.

You think in the shower. You do like Eddie, he makes you laugh and you have similar interests, but you don't have that physical attraction you have with Steve. You wish Chrissy was more open, because she and Eddie would really get along, and maybe you'd have a better connection with Lee? By the time you're done, you've decided to flirt more with Lee and Eddie, and see if that physical connection will spark tomorrow.

You, Chrissy, and Nancy all sleep alone, while Carson and Emma share a bed. There's giggling from it for a while, but no moaning or bed shaking, so it seems innocent for now. You sleep fitfully, the new bed weird to be sleeping in and missing Steve's comforting presence.

In the morning, you don't even try to sleep in; you just get up and go make your coffee, knowing you're gonna need it. You sit with the girls and discuss the night before. Emma goes red when she talks about sharing a bed with Carson, and you say you want to get to know Eddie and Lee more. Nancy and Chrissy both confirm they're sticking to their couples and won't be swayed.

After breakfast, you pull Lee for a chat and see if you can work some magic. However, it doesn't help; it's a super dull conversation, even as he tells stories from film sets he's worked on with his horses. He doesn't seem interested in making those anecdotes entertaining, and becomes much more animated when he talks about riding competitions. Which you won't judge him for, but it doesn't really match up with what you want from the conversation. Thankfully, you're interrupted by Emma yelling that she got a text.

"Islanders, please gather together in an open space. It's time for the Raunchy Races, the Villa vs. Casa Amor battle!" She reads. You all come together in the grassy area and sit on benches, tense and ready.

Chrissy's phone dings. She reads quickly, "The tallest islander must kiss the shortest. That's Nancy!"

"And Lee!" Emma calls out, and Lee rushes over to Nancy, kissing her. She stops it almost immediately, her smile looking more like a grimace. Chrissy gets another text, "The Villa were the fastest!”

You all groan. "Who's the tallest over there?" Someone asks.

"Blake," Emma answers, nonplussed.

Your phone goes off. You read, "The blonde islanders must kiss each other."

Chrissy and Carson rush to each other and kiss hastily. It's also short and when Chrissy goes back to her seat, she looks worried. "That's Ryan," she explains.

You get the result text. "The Villa were the fastest," You say glumly. Chrissy becomes even more despondent.

Another text chimes and Eddie reads, "The two oldest male and female islanders must demonstrate reverse cowgirl!"

Emma and Carson both stand up and run to the open area, getting into position so quickly it's impressive.

Eddie gets the next text and says excitedly, "Casa were the fastest!" Everyone cheers and Emma and Carson high-five.

Another phone goes off. Nancy holds hers up and says, "The male islanders with a birthday in the second half of the year and the female islanders with a birthday in the first half of the year must do the Cupid Shuffle. What the hell is that?"

You laugh and stand up. "I know it. Let's go!" Chrissy, Max, and Lee all join you. You call out the moves and demonstrate them, having the others follow. Soon enough, all four of you are doing the Cupid Shuffle easily and singing the words to the song. The rest of the islanders are clapping along. Once you've done the sequence about three times, you stop and double over in laughter, and the others join you.

Nancy gets another text and says, "Casa were the fastest!" You all scream in excitement. Chrissy gives you a hug and all the boys high-five you. You bow for your dance knowledge and everyone cheers loudly, making you laugh as you sit back down.

Lee gets a text. "The girl with the highest body count has to kiss the chest of the boy with the lowest ten times."

You motion the girls to huddle quickly. You recount numbers in hushed and determine it's Emma. You break apart and the boys point at Max, who's gone red. Emma rushes up to him and kisses his chest the ten times, smearing lipgloss across it. She eventually leans back and admires her handiwork. She gives Max a wink and he reddens even further. She flits back to her seat next to Carson, who gives Max a stink eye. Max sits back down warily and you snicker at all the forces working against him for that one.

Lee then reads the result, "The Villa were the fastest."

Everyone grumbles. "Who even was that about over there?" Emma asks sourly.

"I don't know," you reply. "Maybe Blake?"

"Nah," Emma says, waving it away. "Gotta be Ryan."

Chrissy harrumphs.

Max gets the next text. "The most musical islanders must kiss each other for ten seconds."

"That's you!" Chrissy points at you. "And Eddie!"

You both stand up and meet in the middle. You kiss, drawing it out for the ten seconds to see if you can strike that missing spark. While Eddie's lips are soft and warm, and he's good at using them, unfortunately it doesn't do anything for you. It's just flat.

When the other islanders reach ten in their counting, you and Eddie lean back. You both look at each other in vague disappointment. Sitting back down, Max gets the result, "Casa were the fastest!"

Emma gets the next text and reads, "The boy with the best hair must kiss the girl of his choice. Obviously that's Eddie!" Eddie then gets up and rushes over to Chrissy, who seems surprised by the pick. He kisses her and she kisses him back, almost like she can't help it. When they break apart, they're both panting and Chrissy is pink in the cheeks. Eddie has a smirk when he turns around and walks back to his seat.

If you thought that wasn't enough to seal the lack of attraction, all you could think about during it was that Steve was the one picking the girl and doing the kissing in the villa. Your heart squeezes in despair, dramatically. Then Emma reads the result, "The Villa were the fastest," and you sink into the blues farther. You chance a peek at Nancy, who seems tense but not very upset by the notion of Steve winning.

Carson receives the last text, "The girl with the best smile must kiss the boy of their choice."

Everyone looks at you. "What?" You ask.

"That's you, babe!" Chrissy says. You're shocked but still want to win so stand up. With Eddie, Carson, and Max all out, you run up to Lee. He welcomes your kiss but it's terrible—he has no control over his tongue and it's gross-sloppy. Plus, you feel nothing. You lean back just as quickly and speed-walk back to your seat.

There's a final ding. Everyone holds their breath. Carson says, "Casa were the fastest! With the most points, they have won an 80s-themed party for tonight!"

You all burst into excited cheers. You, Chrissy, and Emma all hug tightly and the boys all high-five. There's a chant of "Casa! Casa! Casa!" as you all run back to the house and get ready for the party.

The girls dress in throwback outfits and put on neon makeup, teasing your hair to be big and wild. Chrissy wears all black lace, à la Madonna. Emma chooses a tight and ruffled prom-esque dress. Nancy goes for the day-to-night vibe and wears a blazer over a pencil skirt, complete with shoulder pads. And you go with shiny black leggings and an oversized leather jacket covering a black corset top.

You take a ton of photos together before meeting the boys outside. They all look kind of boring, except for Eddie, who's appropriately wearing a Metallica tee under a leather jacket under a denim vest, with skinny jeans and a studded black belt.

"Great outfit," you compliment when you reach him.

"Thanks!" He responds happily. "You look good too. Went all out."

"Why not?" You shrug with a smile. "We love a theme. Seen Chrissy yet?" He shakes his head and then scans the backyard. You know he's finally spotted her when his jaw drops. "Yes, she is Madonna," you tease.

"Wow." It's all he can seem to say. Then he's looking back at you sheepishly. "Hey, about the challenge—"

"Oh my god," you interrupt, "no worries. Thinking you didn't feel anything during our kiss either?"

"No." His mouth turns down.

"But you did with Chrissy?" He blushes and just nods. You laugh. "As I expected. I'm glad. I thought you two would be a good couple."

"She still doesn't wanna really open up, though," he replies sadly.

You think for a minute, watching him watch her. "Let's strike a deal," you say quietly. The mics will pick up the conversation but hopefully no other islanders can hear. Eddie looks at you in interest. "I can't go back to the villa without a partner, I was left single. Carson's taken, I don't like Max, and Lee has turned out to not be my type. We may not have any chemistry—" you point between you and him, "—but I'd rather bring a friend back with me than someone else. I'll bring you back to the villa and give you more time to crack on with Chrissy."

"Yes!" Eddie answers in a rush. "Deal."

"But," you continue sternly, “you leave her alone if she’s happy with Ryan. And if you do get the chance to be with Chrissy, you've gotta be the most gentlemanly gentleman to ever exist."

"Promise," he replies. "Cross my heart."

"Good." You hold out a hand and he shakes it. "It's a deal then." You both nod at each other before letting go.

Then a speaker blares Whitney Houston's "I Wanna Dance With Somebody" and everyone moves to the constructed dance floor. You all groove to the playlist, which is surprisingly good for being made by reality show producers. You, Chrissy, and Emma all dance together a lot, when Emma isn't dancing with Carson. You even pull Nancy in and she actually starts to move with the beat. Eddie is a terrible dancer but he's funny about it, and it makes you feel lighter than you have since having Steve stolen.

After the dancing ends, you conspire with Emma and Nancy to pull Max, Carson, and Lee into chats so Chrissy will be left to talk with Eddie. Even thought you have to endure more horse stories from Lee—he was absolutely the horse girl of his high school—you see Chrissy and Eddie having a great time. He seems to keep making her laugh and she's blushing the whole time but talking animatedly too. Your matchmaking skills are, well, unmatched.

You still miss Steve.

;

The next day, it's easy sailing. Chrissy and Eddie end up talking more and you join them occasionally. Emma and Carson are wrapped up in each other, being sickeningly sweet. Max and Lee spend most of the day working out while Nancy sits alone, staring out at the view.

At some point, you go over and sit beside her. You don't say anything at first and neither does she, just enjoying the silence together.

"I'm sorry about taking Steve," she eventually says quietly.

You don't look at her but reply, "It's okay. It's Island of Love not Island of Friends." She cracks a small smile. "Besides, it's not like you weren't upfront about it. You did spend the whole time saying that's what you came on the show to do."

She moves her head back and forth in a so-so motion. "Yeah, I guess." She sighs. "I'm just not sure what I'm doing here."

"What any of us are doing: finding love," you say. "Going back to something that made you happy to see if it still does is a hard thing to do."

"That's just it. I don't know if it does anymore."

Your stomach jumps at the confession but try not to show it. "You owed it to yourself to try, and that's good enough for me." She gives you a grateful look. You pat her shoulder gently before leaving and seeking out Chrissy and Eddie.

Eventually it's time to get ready and so you go inside. But then there's a text to Nancy: "Islanders, please gather your items and go outside to the waiting cars. You're going back to the Villa tonight." You and Chrissy are both excited, while Emma is ambivalent and Nancy doesn't seem to notice at all. She's been lost in thought since your conversation with her.

You all change quickly and grab your stuff and get to the cars. The boys are already gone, back to the villa before you. When you arrive, a text to you directs all the girls to go to the fire pit immediately. Once you're seated, the Casa Amor boys file out of the house and line up in front of the fire pit.

Host Naomi makes a reappearance. "Hello!" She calls out. "How was your time at Casa Amor, lovelies?" You all chorus back "good". "Well, it's time to decide whether you are going to recouple or stay loyal to your Villa partner. Our resident singleton gets to go first." She points at you.

You stand and take a breath. "Since I'm single," you say,  "there is no boy to be loyal to. So I am going to recouple. I want to couple up with this boy because he's handsome, smart, and has a rocking personality." You smirk when Eddie rolls his eyes. "He has the best hair and kept me in stitches the whole time at Casa. So the boy I will be coupling up with is...Eddie."

He beams and moves over to you, giving you a kiss on the cheek and sitting down with you. You glance at Chrissy and see a flash of disappointment cross over her face before it's gone. Interesting.

Naomi points to Emma next. "Emma, please choose what you would like to do."

"This was a hard decision, but I've chosen to recouple." Carson looks relieved after the first sentence. "I liked who I was coupled up with but I like this boy more. He's funny and entertaining and absolutely gorgeous. We have so much in common and want to get to know each other more still. I'm really excited about seeing where this goes." She's blushing. "So the boy I would like to couple up with is...Carson."

Carson has the biggest smile known to man as he walks over to Emma and gives her a hug. They sit down, holding hands.

Naomi asks both Chrissy and Nancy what they'd like to do and they both choose to stay loyal. You all call out goodbyes to Max and Lee, and they wave as they leave.

"Now let's see what the boys have chosen to do," Naomi says dramatically. "Up first is Blake."

You all turn to the trellis as steps coming walking down it—two pairs. Blake appears with a new girl on his arm. You look at Emma, who catches your glance and shrugs. The new couple makes their way to the fire pit and stands next to Naomi.

"Blake, you have decided to recouple," Naomi points out. "Why?"

"I had a really good connection with Maggie and wanted to keep exploring it. I felt bad for possibly hurting Emma, but it looks like she found new happiness as well." You're impressed by the diplomatic answer. Naomi is not.

"Emma," she says, clearly trying to create drama, "how do you feel?"

"Honestly?" She replies. "I feel relieved. I was worried about hurting Blake too but couldn't give up the chance to try things with Carson. I'm glad he found Maggie." She smiles at Maggie, who smiles back.

"Alright." Naomi's definitely frustrated. You snicker and Eddie bumps his shoulder against yours to agree. She continues, "Let's see how Ryan chose."

Chrissy sits up straight. When you hear two pairs of shoes, you don't turn to watch the trellis entrance like everyone else—you watch her. You see the moment she sees Ryan and then the moment she sees the girl with him and then the moment she realizes what that means. Your heart constricts and Eddie grabs your hand and holds on tight. He's also looking at Chrissy, face reflecting her utter despair.

You leave him to watch her and finally check out just who Ryan has brought back from Casa Amor. She's another blonde, tall and skinny, who walks like a model. She's beautiful but there's very little behind her eyes.

You know you, Eddie, Emma, and probably also Nancy are giving him the evil eye. He notices and winces under the stare but still walks down with his head held high. Naomi is over the moon. "Ryan, it looks like you've recoupled with Sam. Why?"

"Well, we had a really good time in Casa together and I wanted to keep that going," he offers. It's weak and he knows it, so he tries to add, "I think we have a lot in common and I really like her."

"You notice that Chrissy has chosen to stay loyal to you. How do you feel about that?"

"I feel bad, of course, but she also had the chance to find someone new, so it's not my fault if she didn't. Shouldn't she be happy I found someone with a better connection?"

You and Eddie hold each other's hands in a death grip. Emma hisses in seething anger. If looks could kill, Ryan would've been obliterated a long time ago.

Naomi turns to Chrissy with a fake sympathetic expression. "Chrissy, how do you feel about this recoupling?"

"Um," her voice is wobbly, and you have to hold Eddie back from going to her, "not great. It kinda really sucks actually."

Naomi nods solemnly. "Ryan and Sam, please sit down." They do, next to Nancy, who scoots as far away as she can. Everyone is still staring at them with daggers until Naomi says, "Last but not least, let's see what Steve has decided to do."

That gets your attention and you whip your head to the trellis. There's a weird buzzing in your ears as you anticipate his appearance. When he finally emerges, you suck in a breath. He looks as good as ever and his hair is perfect and there's a girl on his arm—

There's a girl on his arm.

She's pretty with an awkward gait, crazy brown hair in a bob and freckles across her nose. She's tall and thin and has a really nice smile, even if it is pretty tense-looking. The buzzing in your ears dies away as they make their way to the fire pit. Something grabs your attention.

Nancy has gasped super loudly. But she's not looking at Steve.

Steve and the new girl finally get to where Naomi is. "Steve," she says, "we see you have recoupled. Why that choice?"

Steve doesn't reply for a minute. You tear your eyes away from the girl to look at him, finding in surprise that he's looking at you. His face is sad and his shoulders have drooped and he keeps moving his gaze between you and Eddie, like he's trying to understand.

The new girl eventually bumps him and he clears his throat, looking over your head. "Robin and I really got along in Casa Amor and I wanted to keep exploring it. I am sorry to Nancy, but we weren't even coupled up for a day when the girls left for Casa."

You look at Nancy, who still has her eyes on Robin. Robin is looking back at her with oddly apologetic eyes.

"Nancy," Naomi says, making Nancy snap her gaze to the host. "How are you feeling?"

"I'm not sure," she stutters out. "This is...a lot."

"Absolutely," Naomi replies gravely. "And this is it for me. I will leave you to it and see you later."

Everyone half-heartedly says goodbye and you all deal with the fallout from Casa Amor.

part two

[bigilante]

〖 her best friend ❣ zendaya 〗

「 zendaya x gender-neutral!reader 」 ┅ 「 2.7k words 」

: a.n : back at it again with the unsolicited fics :)) i hope you guys like it 👉🏼👈🏼

⤷ : prompt : separated forcefully or for reasons you can’t control, run into each other again years later on accident.

“Do you think they��ll ever stop making headlines calling us ‘very good friends’?” You halfheartedly laughed at yet another Instagram post by some magazine that showed you and Zendaya out and about LA. “Like, the minute you hang out with any guy they’re like, ‘Oh! Date alert!’ But I’m just your ‘best friend’” You were ranting now, unable to hide the annoyance you felt.

“Why does it matter what they say?” Zendaya quizzed, her hands playing with the waist string of your sweats. She looked up at you from her slumped down position on the sofa, her faint frown making you sigh.

“Because... don’t you feel is a bit homophobic?” You wondered, placing your phone face down on top of your stomach to give her your full attention. The brunette just shrugged nonchalantly and you let out another sigh picking your phone again to close the app, “I’m gonna head out.” It was best to just leave then, you didn’t want to get in a stupid argument with her not before you were set to leave for New York the very next morning. You began to incorporate but Zendaya’s hands gripped your thighs keeping them draped over hers.

“Y/n, come on.” She said, gorgeous hazel eyes pleading at you. What exactly? You had no idea but for a second, you were about to give in however a loud ding coming from your phone stopped you. Your eyes scanned the screen and the reminder that had popped up read ‘PACK ! 4 ! N Y C !’, you sent her an apologetic glance before getting off the sofa, gathering your stuff and petting Noon goodbye.

Zendaya had stood up from the sofa too, watching your every move intently, probably trying to figure out if you were upset with her. The truth was, you didn’t know if you were upset with her or with the media, it was possible that both had a little part in your now sour mood. “See you next week, best friend. Love you.” You joked before swinging the front door open and leaving. The week was going to feel like a month, you knew, but the hope that making that simple joke followed by the declaration would ease things up was strong.

But what did hopefulness ever bring if not disappointment and heartache?

Seeing medium-quality paparazzi pictures of your girlfriend as soon as you landed from a five-hour flight wasn’t exactly the way you wanted to be welcomed to New York. You sat quietly in the back of an Uber trying not to cry as your eyes stared at the images on your phone. A series of pictures of Zendaya and Tom leaving her house, —they must had been taken that morning while you were on your way to the airport— the further you scrolled down the Twitter trends the more you felt like throwing up. Them in his car. Tom’s hand reaching for Zendaya’s jaw. Both leaning in. Kissing. Laughing.

It felt like a punch to the face, it was the worst feeling you had ever endured and the people that caused it were the last you would’ve thought could ever dare to hurt you. Your trembling hands fumbled with the settings on your account, privating it and blocking her and Tom, doing the same with Instagram followed by their numbers on your phone. It felt like doing a cleansing, the pressure in your chest easing only minimally when you locked your phone and looked out into the running city. You wanted to scream and cry, break stuff, throw your phone away and not show to work, you just wanted to go hide in your Airbnb for the rest of the week and pretend you and Zendaya never happened.

The reality was that you two had happened and it was far too hard to pretend it didn’t, your heart ached both physically and metaphorically and you hated every second of it. For that week you spent in New York no one shut up about the photos, every person you worked with had that hot, brand new ‘goss’ about the pair that had hurt you so badly.

You sat in the quiet living room of the apartment you had been living in whilst in the big city, laptop sitting in front of you as you cancelled your flight back to LA, changing the tab to the Airbnb’s one to pay for a few more days. You had been holding yourself together the whole time you were there, work keeping you busy and sleeping pills doing their magic at the end of the day but it could only go so far. Glassy, stinging eyes stared blankly at the empty inbox of your email, the cursed images projecting over the blank space and you just weren’t strong enough anymore, you couldn’t, so you cried and choked and screamed until your throat and eyes were sore; until your whole body was drained of every bit of energy.

Little by little you were sweeping your life clean of her, clearing out your phone’s camera roll, changing your number. Deleting social media was a big no for your job so filtering everything and anything that had to do with them was the only option, that and spending little to no time online. You had stopped to think one night of the what-ifs of the situation, you were aware that Zendaya’s publicist wasn’t so happy about you and her dating publically and Tom’s was obsessed with boosting the Spider-man movies at all cost, still, giving you a heads up about it would had been the right thing to do.

For a year and a half, you made yourself busy, going back and forth wasn’t something you enjoyed but it worked to avoid unwanted visits and accidental encounters. Enough time had passed, you thought as you stopped booking in so many clients across the country and settled back in your LA home. “You know what? I could go for a thick, sugary milkshake, right now.” Naomi told you as you put down your half-empty box of fried noodles on the coffee table.

“Are you serious?” You asked incredulous receiving an enthusiastic nod from your friend. “Naomi, we just had Chinese and you wanna wash it down with a milkshake?” She rolled her eyes at you when you pointed it out.

“Fine, what about Bubble U? Bubble tea is Chinese isn’t it?” She offered, her question prompting you to send her an unamused glare. “Yep, Bubble U it is, then!” Naomi jumped up, going straight to the door. Reluctantly you got up from the floor, groaning all the way to the door where you got ready to go out, “Come on! It’ll be fun!” She chirped while she pulled you out of the house. You hated to admit it but you had completely modified your life after the heartbreak, once you settled back home you barely left it, you didn’t attend parties unless it was for work or go out with your friends unless it was at any of their houses. You didn’t walk around the city that often anymore in fear of bumping into her.

“I miss this.” You sighed as you walked down Chinatown with your friend, the coldness of your drink pleasant against the palm of your hand. “Just walking around town.” You continued taking a sip of the milk tea.

“I still don’t get why you had to stop going out with us.” Naomi said inciting you to turn to look at her, “I mean, I know why it’s just… you didn’t have to stop.” She rephrased it giving you an apologetic glance. You knew how much your friends hated the idea of you not being able to be you after the whole thing with Zendaya and Tom happened but it was your way of coping with it and even though they didn’t agree with it, they supported you.

“Well, I’m outside now, aren’t I?” You nudged her side with your elbow making her giggle as she nudged you back. “Maybe this is me getting back to my old self.” Hope laced your every word as you looked around the busy street. The way the golden light of the setting sun washed over the buildings made the outing worth the risk.

LA was the second-largest city in the United States, with a population of nearly four million that one could think the chances of crossing paths with a lover-turned-stranger was one in millions, yet, there you were rooted to the pavement as your wide eyes stared at the tall and thin figure coming out of one of the many restaurants that dotted the street. “Come on, let’s go back.” Naomi said, placing her hand on the crook of your elbow ready to pull you out of there but something inside your chest told you to keep moving forward.

So you did, you started walking again letting your friend’s hand slip away from you. She was quick to follow, whisper-shouting at you that whatever you were doing probably wasn’t the best idea. The closer you got to her the more nervous you felt, it’s been over a year since you last saw her and god, was she even more beautiful than before; long legs clagged in camel coloured trousers, feet sporting her beloved black converse. Her top was white, a little see-through and you cursed at how much it still drove you absolutely crazy in the most irritating sense.

Curls tucked into an elastic on top of her head in a carefree and relaxed way, a few stubborn strands hanging out framing her face and gracing her neck. She was laughing loudly at something Darnell said, that laugh you had forced yourself to forget but the second it hit your ears, you realised how badly you had missed it. Then everything stopped, Naomi’s panicked telling off, Darnell’s chatting and Zendaya’s laughing. It all had stopped but the rambling around the four of you.

You stood in front of Darnell while Naomi stood in front of Zendaya, your friend’s usually amicable attitude disrupted by the scowl on her face as she glared Zendaya’s way only the brunette’s pupils were set on you with no apparent intention of averting. “It’s you,” She breathed out, hope barely perceivable in her tone. You only hummed at the observation, your eyes moving from hers down to her hands that were gripping the long lanyard that held her phone around her neck. Her nerves were evident then, the intensity with which she clutched it seemed to be draining the blood flow from her fingers. “I— How—” Zendaya tried to speak but failed, letting out a shaky breath. “How have you been?”

“Are you fucking kidding me!?” Naomi protested, you understood where your friend was coming from but you also needed that, you needed to speak to Zendaya just one more time to be able to finally let everything go. You needed her to confirm your theory just so you could move on and Darnell seemed to be on the same page as you for he stepped in between you and Naomi, throwing his arm around her shoulders to guide her away from you two. You heard her object some more but ultimately she complied and walked away.

“I’ve been fine. You?” You eventually spoke after short but agonising seconds of silence.

“I don’t know. There are good days among the terrible ones, so... fine, I guess?” She shrugged a shoulder. With a nod of your head, you looked past her over her shoulder to see a man pointing a camera at you, you were about to warn her when she began speaking again. “Y/n, I’m so sorry about—” Zendaya started but you shook your head no making her stop, you realised then that you did want to talk to her but not on the street in front of that many people and certainly not when there were paparazzi nearby.

“Heard the movie did well.” Your tongue betrayed your brain. Zendaya tried to speak once more but you cut her again. “I’m glad it did. Made it all worth it, didn’t it?” You faked a small smile nearly choking on the words, the anxious lump in your throat threatening to cut your airflow.

“No, It didn’t.” Zendaya denied taking a step closer to you forcing you to hold your breath with the sudden move. “I was a total asshole to you before you left, then Marla wanted me and Tom to do that for a while and I don’t even know why I did it.” She ranted in one breath.

“I upset you.” The statement earned you a furious head shake from the tall girl. “I did. I kept bugging you about the articles,” You carried on, inconspicuously your eyes started to line with tears. The more you talked the more you realised that maybe, just maybe there was a bit of blame in you too, however, that didn’t mean Zendaya was absolved from any. “You never said a thing to me about the stunt.”

“I felt like I didn’t need to, I wasn’t gonna do it.”

“But you did. The morning I left LA.” You mumbled, trying to hide from the second man with a camera that had appeared closer than the first.

“Fuck, I know it was a shitty thing to do and I’m sorry,” She took another small step forward.

“You always told me kissing in public wasn’t your thing.” You exposed, tears irrevocably breaking the surface tension and cascading down your cheeks. Flicking your gaze up at her you saw nothing but hurt and regret written all over her gorgeous face and your heart squeezed at the sight. She had never spoken about it and neither had you asked, you just felt it in your heart that she was scared of how the media would treat you both if they ever found out you were dating, you knew the times had changed but there were still closed-minded people that ran gossip magazines and could make your lives a living hell the moment they caught you holding hands in public or worst, kissing.

The murmuring around you increased, reminding you that you were in a very public place crying in front of your secret ex-girlfriend. “Fuck that.” Zendaya grumbled. One moment she was a small step away from you and the next her hands were cupping your face and her lips were softly pressed against yours. The action took your breath away instantly, still, you found yourself powerless against the familiar taste and feel of her and allowed her to kiss you as long as she wanted to in front of how many people she wanted to. There were yelps and gasps all around the two of you and you started to regain conscience and pulled away.

Wide, watery eyes staring up at the girl mere inches away from your face. “Th-there’s pap—”

“I don’t care.” She whispered before she captured your lips once more, this time deeper and twice as intensely as the first time. Your hands scurried to her waist, bringing her flush to your body as you kissed her back gladly, desperately wanting her lips to make the past year bleep out of your core memories.

The night went by slowly as if the universe was granting you more time to spend in the arms of the girl you loved. She never once let a second of silence go by you, filling it with a whispered apology and a kiss. You talked about everything the time you spent apart brought to both of you, she told you about firing her publicist right after the pictures came out, about how she understood why you had cut her off without any explanation and how bad both her and Tom felt with the whole thing.

Articles flooded the internet that very night as well as the next morning, however, neither of you knew of them right away for any device that could be hooked to a WiFi signal was rightfully turned off while you basked in the presence of each other under the covers of Zendaya’s bed.

“Spider-man Star Zendaya shares intense kiss with BFF, Celeb Stylist y/n l/n in the middle of Chinatown! Swipe to see the pictures!”

It might be 2021 but some things refused to change.

【 thank you so much for reading! ♡ please, consider reblogging and letting me know what you thought of this ♡ kit xx 】

[poisoned-peppermint]

Part 4 of incorrect quotes because i feel obligated to make more due to the sheer number of people who liked it

Dream: My dearest beloved fuckos, is a fun, gender-neutral way to begin a speech

George: See also, esteemed bastards

Bad: Gentlefolk, Ferals, and Domesticated cryptids. 

Sapnap: My fellow yees and haws

~~~~~~~

Techno:Hey I know skyrim is revered as a classic but are we just going to ignore the fact that the entire game only had like 3 voice actors

Wilbur:Stop right there criminal cum

Techno:My ancestors are smiling at me, bastard, can you say the same

~~~~~~~

Foolish:When's your bedtime :)

Purpled: Whenever I next collapse in purely up to the gods

~~~~~~

Ranboo:Human skin is a fursuit for skeletons 

Tubbo: i’m going to debone you like a fucking trout

~~~~~~

Bad:You’re enough

Bad: love yourself!!!!!!! or suffer my wrath!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Dream:And by wrath I mean love!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Bad:no I mean wrath!!!!! You reading this, if you don't love yourself I’ll beat you with a stick!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

~~~~~~~

Bad:I hope everyone is today well! And tomorrow!!!! After that you’re on your own.

~~~~~~

Bad:what am I supposed to do all day while you’re at work

Skeppy:I don’t know, what do you normally do while I’m gone

Bad: wait for you to get back

~~~~~~

Velvet:For my next stunt, I’ll wake up at 5am on the day I can sleep in

Ant:Early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise.

Velvet:Early to bed and early to rise makes me a massive bitch

~~~~~~

Tubbo: 3:23 AM make a wish

Ranboo: I wish that you would go to sleep

Tuddo: Yeah well I wish I grew an inch taller every day as you get an inch shorter until you’re as flat as as a piece of paper and I’m 11 feet tall

Ranboo: You’re going to die of a mixture of skeletal instability and heart disease.

Tubbo: Yeah but I’ll look good while doing it.

~~~~~~

Bad:Disrespect me again and I’ll determine your bodies resonant frequency and play a jaunty horn solo that boils your miserable organs inside out 

~~~~~~

Quackity: If I were dating you?  Well, heh. Let’s just say horses wouldn't be called horses anymore

Karl: hey what the honk does this mean…..I’m shaking what does this mean!

~~~~~~

Skeppy: Are you ok?

Bad wrapped in a burrito blanket drinking his 6th cup of coffee: Yes, this is exactly what mental stability looks like

~~~~~~

Sam: My hands are cold

Ponk: *holds their hands*

Ponk: better?

Sam: My lips are cold too

~~~~~~

George at dream’s funeral: can I have a moment alone with them?

Sapnap: of course *leaves*

George leaning over dream’s casket: Now listen, I know you’re not dead.

Dream: yeah no shit

~~~~~~

Skeppy, jokingly: I should have Bad kill you for that.

Bad, peering around the corner: Who do I need to kill?

Skeppy: Wh- no, I was just kidding around.

Bad, pulling out a switchblade: No, who’s bothering you

~~~~~~

Bad *watching the news*: Some idiot tried to fight a squid at the aquarium.

Skeppy *covered in ink*: Maybe the squirt was being a dick.

~~~~~~

Peacock: *spreads feathers at Bad*

Skeppy: It’s trying to attract a mate

Bad, extremely confused: *shyly lifts top*

Skeppy: No!

~~~~~~

Sapnap: Karl, do you eat olives? My dad wants to know

Karl: No, I hate olives. Olives are the spawn of satan. I hate olives so much my mom forced me to live in Mount olive for the rest of my childhood as a curse from the olive gods. Do you understand how much olives have ruined my life? I'm so offended that you asked me that have some consideration for people who have been abused by olives please!

Sapnap: K A R L ……….they’re just olives!!?

Karl: JUST OLIVES EXCUSE!

~~~~~~

Tommy: If you’re bored you can simply close your eyes and rotate a cow in your mind. It’s free and the cops can’t stop you

~~~~~~

Wilbur: is there anyone even named sheldon irl?

Tubbo: my class turtle from 6th grade :)

Wilbur: that’s a turtle

Tubbo: When god sings with his creations, will a turtle not be part of the choir?

~~~~~~

Ranboo: No bcuz why do ppl like salad?? What’s so good about it

Tubbo: chew leaf like god intended

Ranboo: No

Tubbo: Abandon god and see what he does next time you lift your hands in prayer

~~~~~~~

Tommy: Guys, there’s a monster under my bed and it’s really ugly.

Wilbur, on the bottom bunk: Honestly, fuck you.

~~~~~~

Quackity: So according to the cease and desist order I got, apparently you can’t ‘legally’ be a lawyer if your license is ‘cut out of a cereal box’.

~~~~~~

Puffy: If you had too, what would you give up food or sex?

Bad: Sex.

Skeppy: Seriously, answer faster.

Bad: I’m sorry honey, when they said sex I wasn’t thinking about sex with you.

Skeppy: It’s like a giant hug.

Puffy: Ant, what about you? What would you give up sex or food?

Ant: Food.

Puffy: Okay, how about sex or dinosaurs?

Ant: ……...Oh my God it’s like the movie Sophie’s Choice.

Gumi: What about you Velvet? What would you give up sex or food?

Velvet: Oh… um… I don’t know, it’s too hard.

Gumi: No, you gotta pick one.

Velvet: Um, food… no, sex… no, food…sex… food. Ugh! I don’t know! I want both! I- I want Antfrost on bread!

~~~~~~~

Tommy, holding a gun: If the conspiracies about life being a simulation are true WHOEVERS CONTROLLING MY SIM I JUST WANNA TALK.

~~~~~~~

Bad: Why are you guys acting like this?

Boomer: Oh, we’re not acting. We really are like this.

~~~~~~

Techno: Dream has only knocked me out three times this week. Our friendship is really developing.

~~~~~~

Tommy: You’re pathetic!

Wilbur: You’re pathetic-er!

Techno: You’re both losers.

~~~~~~

Bad: I wish I could help you, but I shorn’t.

Skeppy: Bad, please!

Bad: What part of shorn’t don’t you understand?

~~~~~~

Tubbo: Why did you leave Wrestlemania on for Michal?

Ranboo: They need to learn how to protect us.

~~~~~~

Antfrost: I regret getting dragged into your heterosexual tomfoolery.

~~~~~~

Bad: Strawberry milk doesn’t taste like strawberry OR milk.

Skeppy: Go the fuck to sleep Bad!

Bad: LANGUAGE!!

~~~~~~

Ranboo: Tubbo, please calm down.

Tubbo: I asked for two large fries!

Tubbo: *dumps fries onto table*

Tubbo: But all they did was give me a MILLION FUCKING LITTLE ONES!

~~~~~~

Bad: That was the worst throw ever. Of all time.

Skeppy: Not my fault. Somebody put a wall in the way.

~~~~~~

Wilbur: When you’ve been on the internet for as long as I have, you develop thick skin.

Tommy: Navy blue isn’t your color.

Wilbur: Navy blue brings out my eyes you prick! *Chases after Tommy*

~~~~~~

Bad: *Pulls a glass a water from out of nowhere*

Puffy: Where did you get that?.

Bad: My pocket.

Puffy: How do you keep a glass of water in your pocket?

Bad: Skills.

~~~~~~

Tubbo: I will come to your house after work and knock on your window at 11 AM. You will not open the curtains, knowing full well what awaits you, but the knocking only grows louder, more demanding. Finally it stops, your ears ringing. You nervously let out a breath you didn't know you were holding. You're safe now. Minutes pass by and you start to relax. And then you hear a knock at the front door. Like before, you stay still and clutch the blankets around you. You try to tell your self that it's just your imagination. Maybe the milk man? But why would he come so late? Everyone else was asleep, save for Naomi who was playing video games down stairs. To your relief, the knocking stops after a few. Minutes and you breath easy once more. Until you hear a knock on your bedroom door. You don't move. It's just your imagination. She isn't here. She can't be here. You tell yourself, shutting your eyes and willing yourself to sleep. The knock comes again, but with horror you realize that it came from the closet inside your room. You know that you have no choice. You get up, climbing out of bed with shaking limbs. You walk to the closest, trembling, and holding back the tears threatening to spill over your porcelain cheeks. You hesitate with your hand over the closet handle. Maybe it's just your imagination? She's not really there. You can go to sleep and laugh it off in the morning. Your naive thoughts are cut off by another, more demanding knock on the closet door, inches from your face. You know what you have to do. You open the closet door, and there she stands. Chuck e cheese, the mouse looms over you in the dim light. It's soulless eyes boor into you. It raises its arms, and you flinch as it begins to floss at lightning speed. Tears spill over your cheeks. This is the last thing you'll ever see.

Ranboo: Wait, Chuck e cheese’s pronouns are she/her? Trans Chuck e cheese? Good for her.

~~~~~~~~

Bad: Would you like something to drink? *They opened the fridge* We have water, milk, juice, spiders, Dr. Pepper-

Quackity: Spiders?

Bad: Spiders it is then.

Quackity: No, that wasn’t-

*But they were already pouring him a brimming glass of spiders…

~~~~~~

Puffy : Make her pussy wet not her eyes.

Velvet : Make his dick hard not his life.

Punz : Break her bed not her heart.

Skeppy : Play with his boobs not his feelings. 

Ant : Get on his dick not his nerves.

Bad : Always salt your pasta while boiling it.

~~~~~~~

Wilbur: Bet you can’t eat 15 crayons!

Tommy: Bet you I can!

Phil: *sips coffee, checks to make sure 911 is still on speed dial, and goes back to reading the paper*

~~~~~~~

Ant: We need a way to lure in new customers?

Ponk: Maybe we could have some fun, interactive events!

Skeppy: Badboyhalo bath water.

Bad: ABSOLUTELY NOT!

~~~~~~~~

Fundy: GET BACK HERE YOU DUMB FUCK!

Wilbur: LET ME RUN FROM THE CONSEQUENCES OF MY ACTIONS!

~~~~~~~~

Bad: Mint is just cold spicy.

Pummel party Squad: …

Gumi: What the actual fuck is wrong with you.

~~~~~~~~

Quackity: Isn’t it amazing how I can feel so bad and still look so good?

~~~~~~~

Tommy: Why does my arm shake and turn bright red when I’m eating dirt?

Phil:

Phil: Why are you eating dirt?

Tommy: Did I ask you if I should eat dirt? No, so answer my question.

~~~~~~~

Tubbo: I wish I could control wasps and bees to sting my enemies.

Quackity: You’re too young to have enemies.

Tubbo: You don’t even know.

~~~~~~~~

Skeppy: Is there a cactus where your heart should be?

Puffy: What’s up your ass this morning!

Bad: *walks in* …Hi!!

Puffy: Hmm… nevermind.

Skeppy: WAIT NO!

~~~~~~~~

Skeppy: Ha! Don’t you know the trappers trap can trap the trapper?

Skeppy: I must be losing it, I’m quoting Bad.

~~~~~~~

Skeppy: Bad, I sense hostility.

Bad: Good, because I hate you

~~~~~~~

Bad: Are you a painting?

Skeppy: What-?

Bad: Because I want to pin you to a wall.

Skeppy: OH GOD I THOUGHT YOU WERE GOING TO SAY YOU WANTED TO HANG ME OR SOMETHING-

~~~~~~

Tommy: You’re giving me a sticker?

Phil: Not just a sticker. That is a sticker of a kitty saying “me-wow!”

Tommy: I’m not a preschooler.

Phil: Fine, I’ll take it back-

Tommy: I earned this, back off!

~~~~~~

Dream, sweating: George, there’s something I need to ask you-

George: Finally! You’re proposing!

Dream: How’d you know?

George: Dream, you’ve dropped the ring five times during dinner.

George: I even picked it up once

~~~~~~~~

*Bad and Skeppy looking at a locked gate into a park*

Bad: Aw. :(

Skeppy: You know what they say.

Bad: Please don’t-

Skeppy: BE GAY DO CRIME! *hops gate*

Bad: Frick-

~~~~~~~~

let me know if ya’ll want more <3

[maira-writes-shit]

You look cute

Tanizaki Junichirou x Tachihara Michizou

Tattoo parlor x Flower shop AU, meeting, fluff

Junichirou was a very simple person.

He loved his sister, his friends and his job.

He was a florist for one of the best flower shops in town.

Junichirou was currently working on a arrangement for one of their frequent customers. It was a old man that came by every week or so to get a small arrangement for his wife. They had been together for over 50 years now.

The redhead smiled down at the arrangement he just finished.

Their relationship is so sweet...I wish I could have that...

“Tanizaki! You’re back here, right?“

The man in question turned around to see his best friend Atsushi waving at him from the front of the shop.

The redhead nodded and walked out of the back room to the front the shop.

It wasn’t the biggest size wise and it was stacked with plants but it felt as much as home as the little apartment he and Naomi lived in.

„Aku is taking me out on a date. Could you cover my shift for today? Only if you're finished of course!“

„Sure thing, Atsushi! Don’t worry you’ll be fine!“

“Thanks you’re the best!“ the white haired boy then vanished into the back with a big smile on his face.

The older of the two looked at the closing door with a soft smile.

He had sadly been on the receiving end of most of his coworkers rants about this guy he constantly butted heads with but still somehow thought was kind of cute. It actually hadn't been that long ago when Atsushi had finally mastered the courage to ask Akutagawa out.

Junichirou was happy for him (also maybe because he wouldn't get random 3am calls of Atsushi screaming about said boy anymore...hopefully).

Since it was the late afternoon the shift didn't have many customers.

There was the old man coming to get his arrangement, a young man buying the classic (roses), a bride that came to check up on a few things and a mother and her little daughter who bought a couple of single flowers.

Junichirou helped them all and then sat back just scrolling on his phone.

He was just looking at the clock and realizing he should slowly start to close the shop, when the little bell above the stores door jingled.

The florist looked up to see a man standing slightly awkward in the door.

...a very handsome man.

He was around Junichirou's hight, with red hair some shades darker than Junichirou. The man wore a cropped green jaket and a white V-neck shirt as well as...a band aid on his nose?

Wierd fashion choice...b ut it doese look good on him.

He'd look good in everything.

Jun we don't even know his name!

I'm just saying!

Junichirou shook his head to get rid of his thoughts as he put on a smile again.

"May I help you?"

The man jumped a little but then went up to the desk at which the other redhead was sitting.

"Uh yeah. I think you can." Junicirou chuckled. "And how?"

The man rolled his eyes but his cheeks were tinted a light pink.

"I just need an arrangement for the front window of the place I work at." "Oh so you can say stuff that makes sense!"

Junichirou was usually not like this, especially to customers. He didn't know what it was about this guy that made it so easy for him to tease and joke but if he was honest...he liked it.

The redhead in front of him snorted and raised an eyebrow.

"So now that we've established that-" Junichirou stood up and grabbed his notebook and pen. "-what's the style you're going for?"

"Well it's a tattoo shop-" "The one down the street?" "-Uh yeah. Do you know it?"

The florist tapped his pen on the notebook.

"Yeah my coworkers boyfriend works there..." ,he mumbled as he walked over to some of the flowers in he coner that might be of intrest for the man.

"Oh-um well then if you've been there before you should know what type of aesthetic, I guess, we are going for, right?"

Junichirou hummed.

"'kay so I have some ideas. The thing is just you came very shortly before closing and frankly I have a sister at home that will beat the shit out of me if I'm not back on time so-"

The redhead went into the back to get his bag.

"_don't worry I'll have the arrangement finished tomorrow at noon. I'll just need you to write down your name and if you want it to be brought to the shop of course where the shop is. Please make it fast I can't be late."

The taller man in front of him looked slightly speachless but then seemed to regain his mind because he started writing the information down on the pice of paper JUnichirou had given him.

Tachihara Michizou, huh?

I'll remeber that...

Tachihara seemed to linger for a few seconds too long until he then turned around and walked to the shops door.

"Oh yeah by the way."

JUnichirou looked back up.

"You look cute." ,he winked. "Well see ya sometime, Red!"

JUnichirou just looked at the door closing with his mouth open.

"Wha-what the fuck just happned?!"

Honestly Junichirou was just confused.

He walked the short way to his and Naomi’s apartment without paying attention to anyrhing, nearly getting hit by a car.

He was so distracted that even completely ignored his sister who jumped to hug him the second he opened the door, which wasn’t good.

“Hey! Are you ignoring me?!“

“H-huh? Oh! Sorry Naomi!“

“Something must have happned at work today.“ the redhead could feel his cheeks heating up. „So I’m right!“

“Yeah ok ok you’re right.“ Junichirou walked around his sister into the kitchen, where he opened the cupboard to get out two bowls.

“So tell me!“

„You‘re a noisy one, aren’t you?“ „Hey! Don’t be mean to your adorable little sister!“

The siblings sat down as the water started to boil.

There was a comfortable silence between them even if Junichirou could practically feel Naomi‘s questions floating in the air.

“Ok it has to do with a customer.“ Naomi gave the happy little squeak she always gave when he told her, as she called it, „The tea“ from work.

“So I was just about to close where this guy came in.“ his sister seemed to visibly get even more intrigued.

„He was like really handsome. He was tall, had red hair, intense eyes and I’m pretty sure he wore eyeliner. He had an interesting fashion style and had a bunch of tattoos, because he works at the tattoo parlor Atsushi‘s boyfriend also works at.“

Naomi hummed with a smirk on her lips, as she held her head in her hands.

“Well he walked in last minute and asked for an arrangement for the front of their parlor. And of course I was like: „sure I’ll do it. It’ll be done by tomorrow just give me the name of the place and I’ll deliver it“, right?“ Naomi nodded.

“And everything is fine everything is normal.“ his sister raised an eyebrow. „Ok normal with a little bit more blushing.“

“Anyway! He walks out but just before he leaves he turns around to me and says, and I quote: „You look cute.“ and then he winked at me and left!“

The black haired girl in front of him gasped. „He winked?! No he didn’t!“ „Yes he did!“ „Oh god!“

The water was finally done boiling so Junichirou stood up to get it and finish their dinner.

“Well he seems to like you. Wait- did you get his name?“ „Uh- yeah I did. I need it for the delivery and everything, remember?“ „Yeah yeah. So what is it?“ „Tachihara…Michizou Tachihara.“

Even if Junichirou didn’t like the expression on his sisters face he just ignored it and sat down in front of her with the food.

„Good Morning Jun!“

„AHH Oh god Naomi don’t scare me like that!“

“Yeah yeah whatever. Come on I need to show you something!“

„Wait don’t I need to go to-wait it’s 6am. What the fuck Are you doing awake?“ „Pssst!“

Naomi basically ran through their small apartment dragging a very tried Junichirou behind her.

On the small couch the siblings own sat a girl with red glasses, long brown hair and tried looking green eyes.

Haruno, his sisters girlfriend.

„Good morning Haruno.“ „Good Morning Junichirou“, she said giving him a small smile. They suffered together by the hands of the one, Naomi Tanizaki.

“We found something out. Sit down.“ The black haired girl grabbed to open laptop sitting on the table in front of the couch.

With „we“ she probably mean Haruno, and she was just cuddling her half the time…

“Michizou Tachihara, 22 years of age, Tattoo artist. He’s currently single and a bisexual. He has been working at Port tattoo for about 2 or 3 years, not sure about that one. He’s pretty good friends with someone called Gin Akutagawa, but don’t worry they have a girlfriend.“

“Also before you ask: yes Gin is related to Atsushi‘s boyfriend. They are siblings“, Naomi‘s girlfriend piped up.

Junichirou was just stunned.

“Wha-what? When? How? Did you guys even sleep?!“

“No we did not but that is not important! What’s important is that we now know that he is single and probably attracted to you.“

He had no words.

Junichirou was distracted again.

He was just working on an arrangement for a handsome bisexual guy who told him he looked cute…

What the actual fuck?!

He took a step back.

The arrangement was beautiful, one of his best works he’d say.

A lot of dark blues and purples.

The hyacinths blending beautifully with the cornflowers. Just all in all pretty.

Sure he thought it was kind of embarrassing adding the cornflowers, he knew a lot about flower language after all but most of his customers didn’t really care especially for these types of jobs so the redhead bushed those thoughts to the back of his head.

Junichirou took a deep breath.

Lets do this!

Be confident!

He took the arrangement.

The walk wasn’t going to be long so it was fine for him to just carry it.

“Ok I’m off, Atsushi! See you in a bit!“ „Yeah sure thing, Tani!“

…

The walk to the tattoo parlor was blurr and now he was standing in front of it.

Oh fucking god-

Deep breaths Junichirou

Deep breaths

And he walked in.

“Hello how can I help you?“

The woman at the front was a little older than him, had blond hair that she had in a bun and had warm brown eyes. She looked nice.

“Uh I need to talk to uhm Tachihara?“

She eyed him a little bit visibly inspecting the vase in his hand.

She gave him a smirk.

“Yeah he should be free I’ll tell him.“

“Thank you…“

He had only ever been in here once. He had to wait in the front room as Atsushi and Akutagawa were at each other’s throats agin. Oh how happy he was they were dating now. Less fighting…less.

The place looked nice though.

Even if it had a rather cool color palette with a lot of blues, purples and blacks it still seemed very cozy and the seats were the softest things Junichirou‘s ass had ever touched.

Some of the work by the artist that worked here was displayed on the walls. These people were so goddamm talented.

[ihopethisendswell]

Incorrect Quotes because I'm planning on writing something for Alexis and I need to set up.......I mean,

INCORRECT QUOTES PART 4 ~UWU~

Danica: Lol heads up if you try to make a candle with food coloring, the food coloring will just sink to the bottom of the glass, and when the flame eventually reaches the bottom all the food coloring will catch fire and become one giant tall flame that you cannot possibly blow out and the glass will start to crack and then you'll throw your tea on it in a panic and then the extremely hot food coloring will boil and sizzle horribly and then the glass will shatter. Please take my word on this lmfao

Emmet: What did you do op?

Danica: A MISTAKE

( okay this one is actually from tumblr but I don't actually know the post, so if you do, please tell me so I can credit them!)

________________

Leon: Would you guys be there for me if I was going through something?

Sonia: Nope, absolutely not.

Nessa: I hope it sucks, whatever you're going through.

Raihan: I hope it emotionally scars you for the rest of your life.

Piers: I hope you reach out to me so I can ignore you.

Alexis/ Hop: I can't wait to go to your funeral, knowing I could've changed that outcome.

( you have no idea how happy I was when I found this. This is the exact thing that comes into my mind when I think of these characters, holy shit)

________________

Naomi: What does 'take out' mean?

Hop: Food.

Kiran: Dating

Marnie: Murder

Levi: IT CAN MEAN ALL THREE IF YOU'RE NOT A COWARD.

______________

Bede: Who the fuck added me to a fucking group chat?

Naomi: >:O language

Hop: Yeah watch your fucking language

Levi: OKAY WHO TAUGHT HOP THE FUCK WORD?

Marnie: 'The fuck word'.

Naomi: Are you stupid? You guys use the f word all the time

Hop: Oh my god she censored it

Kiran: Say fuck, Person F.

Hop: Do it, Person F. Say fuck.

__________________

Alexis: I CAN'T DO IT!

Elliot, laughing: I CAN'T EITHER!

Alexis: I CANT FUCKING DO IT ANYMORE

Bianca: WELL I'LL TELL YOU WHAT, YOU CAN EITHER GIVE UP NOW, OR YOU CAN FIGURE IT OUT. BECAUSE WE CERTAINLY CAN'T DO IT WITHOUT YOU, AND WE KNOW YOU CAN'T DO IT WITHOUT US.

Alexis:

Alexis: I appreciate it,

Alexis: BUT LOOK WHAT WE'RE DEALING WITH-

Alder: Person A-

Alexis: YOU GOTTA DRAW THE LINE SOMEWHERE!

Cheren: Person A we gotta-

Alexis: YOU GOTTA DRAW A FUCKING LINE IN THE SAND. YOU GOTTA MAKE A STATEMENT.

Alexis : YOU GOTTA LOOK INSIDE YOURSELF AND SAY 'What am I willing to put up with today?'

Alexis, motioning to N, Ghetsis, Team Plasma and his dead pokemon: NOT FUCKING THIS

( this could literally be applied to all the protagonist with there respective cast)

______________

Levi: I’ve done a lot of dumb stuff.

Marnie: I witnessed the dumb stuff.

Kirab: I recorded the dumb stuff.

Hop: I joined in on the dumb stuff.

Naomi: I TRIED TO STOP YOU FROM DOING THE DUMB STUFF!!!

_____________

Naomi: Croissants: dropped

Kirahln: Road: works ahead

Levi: BBQ sauce: on my titties

Hop: Shavacado: fre

Marnie: Miss Keisha: fuckin dead

Bede:

Bede, grumpy: I didn’t understand a single word of that and I hate every single one of you.

( you can't tell me that's not canon)

______________

*Everyone is standing around the broken coffee maker*

Alexis: So. Who broke it? I'm not mad, I just wanna know.

Everyone:

Milo: ...I did. I broke it.

Alexis: No. No you didn't. Person C?

Raihan: Don't look at me. Look at Person D.

Sonia: What?! I didn't break it.

Raihan: Huh, that's weird. How'd you even know it was broken?

Sonia: Because it's sitting right in front of us and it's broken.

Riahan: Suspicious.

Sonia: No, it's not!

Gordie: If it matters, probably not, but Person F was the last one to use it.

Nessa: Liar! I don't even drink that crap!

Gordie: Oh really? Then what were you doing by the coffee cart earlier?

Nessa: I use the wooden stirrers to push back my cuticles. Everyone knows that, Person E!

Milo: Okay let's not fight. I broke it. Let me pay for it, Person A.

Alexis: No! Who broke it!?

Everyone:

Gordie: Person A... Person C's been awfully quiet.

Piers: rEALLY?!

*Everyone starts arguing*

Alexis, being interviewed: I broke it. I burned my hand so I punched it.

Alexis: I predict 10 minutes from now they'll be at each other's throats with warpaint on their faces and a pig head on a stick.

Alexis:

Alexis: Good. It was getting a little chummy around here.

( I know it would have made sense for one of the elders to do this, or at least Leon, but Alexis would totally do this)

______________

*The squad is having dinner together*

Leon: Raihan, can you pass the salt?

Raihan: *Throws Piers across the table*

They're on a date

______________

Leon, driving Hop and Naomi: So how was your day?

Hop: We almost got surprise adopted!

Leon: What?

Naomi: We almost got kidnapped.

Leon: Oh, okay.

Leon: *slams on the breaks* WAIT WHAT?!

_____________

This batch of Incorrect Quotes were * chef kiss* wonderful. This has to be my favorite.

[fandom-imagines-stories]

Makayla Part Three

Sam Winchester x Reader

Words: 2149

Part One; Part Two

Summary: Tensions are high in the bunker as you make a plan of attack against the vampires. Sam tries to make up for lost time. Everyone bonds with the newest Winchester. 

Notes: Okay, writing Sam trying to figure out how to be a dad is sooooo fun. Also, Uncle Dean is possibly my favorite thing ever. I hope you guys enjoy part three to this series! I’m having a blast!

Special shout out to my amazing beta reader Sarah, @suckmysupernatural​ . I love her so much and honestly, she’s helped me so much in getting these imagines out for you and she has some absolutely killer writing of her own!

Want more Supernatural? Find it HERE

-

“Mom!” You woke up to the sound of your daughter screaming. “Mommy!” Makayla was kicking at the blankets, her little fists swinging at some invisible monster. Another nightmare. You grabbed her and pulled her into your arms. 

“It’s okay, baby. Wake up. I’ve got you.” You rocked her back and forth until her eyes opened, fat tears spilling onto her cheeks. “You’re alright, Kayla.”

“It was the monsters again. The shadow man.” 

“He isn’t here, baby.” You ran your fingers through her hair. “He can’t hurt you.” Your door flew open and Dean and Sam rushed in, Mary peaked out behind them. 

“What is it? Did it hurt you?” Sam rushed to the bed while Dean checked every corner, both holding their pistols. Mary even had a machete at the ready. 

“It’s okay, guys. She just had a bad dream.” You explained, groggily getting out of bed with Kayla still trembling in your arms. “Do you guys have any milk? That usually helps her calm down.” Sam thought for a moment, but Dean responded quickly. 

“Chocolate or white?” Sam turned and gave him a strange look. “What? That stuff is the nectar of the gods, Sammy.” Sam shook his head. 

“I can’t believe you're older than me.” 

“C-can I have chocolate milk, daddy?” Kayla sniffed.

“See, the kid gets it.” Dean scoffed. Mary smacked his arm. Sam was still processing being called dad. 

“Come on, I’ll take you to the kitchen.” Sam held out his arms to take her and you hesitated. Then you remembered that you had been doing this for four years and he had missed all of it. You tried to give him a peace making smile, but he ignored you. Makayla buried her face in his shoulder, trying to hide her tears like a tough girl. Sam sat her down and went over to the fridge, finding the chocolate milk hidden behind a case of beers. 

“I woke everybody up.” Makayla cried, covering her face with her small hands. Sam poured the milk and hurried back over to her. 

“Hey, no, it’s okay.” He soothed, gently pulling her hands away. “Here, have some of this.” He held up the glass of milk to her lips and she drank slowly, her tears eventually stopping. “Better?” She nodded slightly. Sam pulled up a chair beside her, setting the now half empty cup on the table. 

“I bet you never get scared.” Makayla looked at him, her big blue-green eyes filled with awe. Her eyes looked like his. Sam smiled. 

“I get scared all the time.” 

“Really?” She gasped. 

“Oh yeah. In fact, I have nightmares too.” Her mouth fell open and Sam continued, his tone sweet and caring. “I used to be really scared of my nightmares, but you know what I did?” She leaned forward excitedly. “I told myself that I can face anything as long as I remember that I’m not alone. So the next time that you get scared by the…”

“The shadow man.” She shivered. 

“Okay, the next time you get shared by the shadow man, you just remember that you’ve got me and your mom and your Uncle Dean and Grandma Mary. You’ve even got an angel on your side.” Her eyes widened.

“An angel?” Sam couldn’t help but laugh at her excitement. 

“That’s right, sweetie, Uncle Cas is like your guardian uncle.” Cas could barely guard himself most of the time, but she didn’t need to know that. “You can always fight your fears when you remember that you are never alone.” She hugged his arm, her cheek pressed against his shoulder. 

“My mom is right.” She beamed. “You are a hero.” And just like that, Sam Winchester’s heart melted and not just for the little girl clinging to him. Yup… he was in trouble.

-

Sam stayed up most of the night getting Makayla back to sleep so he slept in a little longer than the rest of the bunker. Mary got up first and made the coffee, followed by you and then a very disgruntled looking Dean. You were curled up in one of the chairs, looking over your journal. There had to be some way to connect all of your research to find the vampires’ nest. 

“It looks like that girl has got Sam wrapped around her finger already.” Mary smirked, looking at you as she sipped her coffee. She wasn’t your biggest fan, of course, but heart breaker or not, you still gave Sam what she had always hoped for him- a family of his own. Dean made a sound, but he was still only half awake. 

“So I’ve pinpointed the area of the nest, but not the specific location.” You slid your journal across the table to him. “During slower hunting seasons, they’ve stayed near home in Springfield, Colorado. As far as I know, there’s fifteen, maybe seventeen.” 

“Perfect,” Dean grumbled. You were about to add something when your eyes went wide.

“Dean!” You shrieked, pointing to the doorway. He turned around in confusion. 

“Oh god,” He jumped out of his chair and rushed to Makayla, who had somehow found his pistol and was now pointing it at his mother. “Hey kiddo, I’m going to need you to give that back to me.” He laughed nervously, holding out his hand. 

“How did she get that?” Mary exclaimed. 

“Hell if I know.” Dean kept smiling, hoping that Makayla would calmly hand over his very lethal weapon. 

“That’s a bad word, Uncle Dean.” Kayla scolded, shaking the pistol at him. Dean’s eyes widened frantically. 

“Makayla Mary Y/L/N, give him that gun. You know that it’s not a toy.” Your mom voice instinctively kicked in and Makayla pouted her lip, giving you her classic puppy dog gaze. You could tell that Dean’s resolve was failing to her cuteness, but you were holding strong. You put your hands on your hips. “Now.” She handed Dean his pistol and he quickly tucked it into his waistband. Mary was looking at you, blush spreading on her cheeks. 

“What did you say her name was?” She gasped. You hadn’t even realized that you said her full name. 

“It’s um, Makayla, after my best friend. And Mary… after you.” Even if Sam didn’t know when she was born, you still wanted his family to be a part of her. For the first time since you’d met, Mary looked at you without glaring. She looked really touched. 

“Piggyback ride!” Makayla squealed before suddenly jumping onto Dean’s back. 

“Son of a-” He started until you gave him a stern look. He glared back at you, but underneath his annoyance, he had a tone of affection in his voice when he spoke to his niece. “Alright kid, but only for a few laps.” You looked on with an amused smile. Dean even made a few horse noises, making Makayla giggle. You felt your phone buzz in your pocket. It was Naomi, probably just calling to check in and make sure you were alright.

“Miss me already? How sweet.” You snarked. Your smirk dropped when it wasn’t her voice on the other line. 

“We’ve been looking for you for a long time.” The man drawled. Your heart dropped. You knew that voice. That night flashed through your head. That fake southern sweetness singing your name as they hunted you, your best friend’s blood still dripping from their lips. Montgomery. 

“Where’s Naomi?” You snapped, your changed tone catching Mary’s attention. 

“She was delicious.” He laughed. You tried to focus on your anger to cover up the pain that shot through your chest. 

“I’m going to end you, you bastard.” You said through gritted teeth. He just laughed. 

“We know all about the little team you’ve assembled. It’s touching really. To think I’ve inspired a family reunion.” The vamp mocked you and you could feel the hot tears blurring your vision. “Make no mistake, Y/N. They’ll all die. Starting with that handsome tall one, the one that knocked you up all those years ago. But don’t worry, I have bigger plans for you.” His voice changed to a terrifying growl. “I’m going to turn you, Y/N. Turn you into the thing you’ve hated for so long. And that brat will be your first kill.” 

Montgomery hung up and you looked at the phone with a shaking hand. Don’t let him get to you. Don’t let him get to you. You threw the phone against the wall, watching it shatter on the floor. You didn’t even see Sam standing there. You were lucky you missed his head. Dean put a frightened Makayla down. 

“Hey Kayla, why don’t you go with Grandma Mary for a little while?” Dean gave her a little push towards his mother and Mary took her to the other room. His flashed back to you. “The hell was that?”

“They killed Naomi.” You said, resisting the urge to wreck anything you could get your hands on, especially since Dean was the closest. “They killed her because she helped me.” Naomi was a good friend. Whenever you needed someone to watch over Makayla, it was Naomi’s place that you took her to. No questions as long as you came back in one piece. 

“I’m sorry.” Sam sighed. His kind tone nearly made you break. You needed someone to yell, to blame you for letting this happen. 

“We’ve got to take this sons of bitches out.” Dean was itching to kill and he knew you were too. 

“We need a plan first, Dean. We can’t just go in swinging machetes.” Sam scoffed. “We don’t even know where they are.” 

“We can always draw them out.” You suggested. “They want me, they can come and get me.” 

“What? No.” Sam exclaimed. “That’s not even remotely an option.”

“Sam, it might be the only way to get to them.” You refuted. “They’ve been hunting me for too long. If Montgomery wants to dance, then I say ‘let’s dance’.”

“Did you suddenly forget that this isn’t just about you?” His jaw clenched and he crossed the kitchen to you. 

“I’m doing this for Makayla.” 

“No, you’re doing this for you!” Your faces were too close together and the look in his eyes made you take a step back. “You’ve gotten that sweet girl messed up in your fight for revenge when she should have grown up playing with teddy bears and Barbies.” That was the last straw. This wasn’t just about you. 

“I am not John, Sam.” You spat. How dare he stand there and call you a bad mother? Sam just glared. 

“Really, cause it seems to me you’re just like him. Makayla is growing up just like I did. A parent obsessed with vengeance, no regard for how screwed up they’re making their kid!” He barely finished his sentence before you slapped him.

 Nobody said a word. Sam jerked his head back towards you and Dean was ready to step in before this got ugly. The moment was interrupted, however, by the quiet sound of crying. Your heart dropped and a wave of guilt washed over both you and Sam. Makayla looked up at her parents. 

“We’re supposed to be a family.” She bawled. “Why do you have to fight?” Before either of you could say anything, she took off down the hall. 

“Makayla!” Sam yelled, feeling absolutely awful. 

“Kayla, honey come back!” The three of you went after her, but it was a big bunker and she was a pretty small child. “Makayla!”

“Damn that kid is fast.” Dean muttered. You stopped. 

“Okay, Dean, you go check the dungeon, I’ll go check the bedrooms, and Sam you can look in the garage.” You suggested. Sam nodded, your fight put aside, but not forgotten. His cheek still stung a little. 

“Makayla!” He called out, hearing you and Dean depart for your designated areas. He opened the door to the garage and was surprised to find the door open. “Makayla, come on out.” A cold breeze blew in and he noticed a little huddled form just outside the garage door. He took off his flannel and slowly peeked outside. “Sweetheart, what are you doing out here?” He draped his shirt around her. It might as well have been a blanket. 

“I-I don’t like yelling. The shadow man always yells.” She cried. Sam sighed. He had made his daughter cry because he couldn’t just face his real feelings for you. 

“I’m so sorry sweetie, you’re mom and I were having a disagreement. We won’t yell anymore.” 

“Why did Mommy hit you?” 

“She didn’t mean to.” He gave her a convincing smile. Makayla peeked over his shoulder. 

“Who’s that?” Sam’s brows furrowed together. 

“Wh-” His head was slammed into the ground before he could even turn around. 

“Leave my daddy alone!” Makayla cried and a person in all black picked her up. 

“No…” Sam said hazily, his consciousness slowly fading. “Makayla…”

-

Continue to Part Four

General Tag: @rae-gar-targaryen; @takemepedropascal; @childhood-imagination;  @mylovegoesto; @yellowbadgergirl; @itmejado

Supernatural: @desimarie12; @deandreamernp; @vicmc624​; @halesandy​ @livshaes​;  @d-whinchestergirl87​;  @mrspeacem1nusone​

Sam Winchester: @theamuz;  @adeliness​

Makayla Series: @rhiannon-the-troublemaker​; @hoboal87​

[skieswords]

Pull Through Part 6

Please read the warnings in Part 1❤️

Trigger warning, mentions of physical abuse, self-harm, vomiting. 

They pulled into the driveway, Becca's hands fidgeting nervously in her lap. Alex placed a hand over them, nodding at her, before stepping out of the car, and coming round to let her out. He took her hand again, and walked into the house by her side, kicking his shoes off as she did the same. Becca took a deep breath and dropped Alex's hand, stepping into the kitchen, and blinking under the sudden light. "Rebecca, happy birthday. Did you have a good day?" 

Becca nodded at her dad with a weak smile, and made her way to the fridge, taking out a bottle of water. "Yeah it was pretty good. I got an A in my english exam, by the way." Graham nodded from his seat at the table, his tie resting beside him and the top few buttons of his shirt undone. A few empty beer bottles sat on the table in front of him, another one in his hand. "Fine. What about math? And science?" There was a slight sneer in his voice, and Becca looked at her feet, shuffling awkwardly. "I've got those exams next week. I'll pass them though, promise." Graham snorted quietly, and polished off the beer in his hand, slamming it down on the table with a little too much force. "Yes, you will." Becca nodded and turned to leave, but he spoke before she could. "Grab us another beer, hon." She looked back at him, taking in his dishevelled hair and glassy eyes. "Dad, don't you think you've had enough?" Alex took a deep breath from where he was standing outside the door. Obviously she was feeling brave. "Who are you to tell me when I've had enough? God, you sound like your whore mother." Alex flinched, and took another step towards the doorframe, trying to build up the courage should he need to intervene. Becca's voice, strangely confident, filled the kitchen again. "Don't talk about mom like that. She deserves more respect." Graham's chair scraped against the kitchen tiles, and he stood up, frothing at the mouth. "Don't talk to me about respect in my own house. You're all the same, you, your mother, that boy. Disrespectful, ungrateful bastards, the lot of you. Don't know why I stick around. And you, throwing all of my hard work back in my face, failing your classes? I'm embarrassed to call you my kid." Alex's heart sunk at his dad's words, the words scarily reminiscent of the speech he'd recieved when he came out. Becca clenched her fists and grit her teeth. So much for best birthday yet. "God, I'm so sick of you treating us like this! I try my ass off, dad, but it's never good enough! You've stopped acknowledging Alex's existence all together. He's still your son! Just because he'd rather kiss guys, doesn't make him any less Alex than he was before. He deserves better than you." Graham was seething, stalking towards Becca with his empty beer bottle in hand. "Shut up, little girl. No-one cares what you have to say." Becca scoffed and drew back her shoulders, standing up tall. "You know what? Yeh, they do. And one day, you're gonna realise that. And then you'll be sor-" She was cut off by a sickening crack, and Alex jumped into the kitchen just in time to find Graham standing over Becca's kneeling form, her forehead cradled in her hands. Blood was seeping through her fingers, and Alex noticed the shattered beer bottle with a look of horror. "Get out." Graham was in shock, looking at the blood dripping onto his kitchen floor. He looked up at Alex, almost afraid. "Get out. You heard me." He fumbled for his keys, and ran past the Mercer kids, not sparing Becca a second glance as she whimpered quietly. Alex listened for the sound of tires against the gravel, and felt his shoulders relax as the familiar crunch sounded through the house. He fell to his knees and placed his hands on Becca's shoulders. "Bex? Bex look at me. Let me see. Bex?" Becca groaned and looked up slightly, wincing as her hand brushed against her forehead. She pulled her fingers away, and Alex hissed as he saw the nasty gash across her forehead. He struggled not to panic, forcing down the overwhelming sense of terror in his chest. Taking a deep breath, he reached out for her hands, helping her to her feet.  "Fuck. Okay, come on, up you get. We gotta get you to the hospital." Becca leaned on Alex heavily as he helped her out the door, folding over in her seat when they reached the car. Alex watched her out the corner of his eye, clenching and unclenching his fists around the steering wheel. Becca's whimpers were only just audible, her shoulders trembling slightly. He was grateful for that at least- the only thought circling his head was the fear she might pass out.

They pulled up to the hospital, and Alex wasted no time, helping Becca out of the car and through the front doors, his hand round her waist. "Hey, is our mom working?" The receptionist looked up at him in surprise, taking in Becca's appearance. "Another skating accident honey? We told you to start wearing a helmet after the last one, didn't we?" Alex bit his tongue, remembering their last visit to the hospital 6 months ago, when Becca had needed stitches after being thrown down the stairs like a rag doll by their dad. The feeling in his stomach that night, seeing her body lying at the bottom of the stairwell, sprawled out, while blood trickled down her forehead, was one he'd never forget. She'd been knocked unconscious, and for a moment, Alex had feared the worst. But luckily having a mom for a doctor came in handy sometimes, and she'd gotten them straight to the hospital, with strict instructions to call it a skating accident. Alex was tempted to tell the truth, but wasn't given the chance, as Becca smiled weakly and nodded. "Yeah, sorry Naomi. I thought I'd be fine but, guess not!" The dark haired woman shook her head fondly, and brushed down her purple scrubs, before picking up the phone and dialling a number. "Hi, is Julia there? Can you tell her her kids are down here? Her daughter needs some stitches by the looks of things." Becca leant into Alex, his arm now wrapped protectively around her shoulder. Naomi set the phone down and looked at the two of them with kind eyes. "Go to room 211- your mom will meet you there. And, by the way, happy birthday sweetheart!" Becca forced a smile to the kind nurse, before turning away with Alex, and stumbling down the corridor, biting back her tears. As soon as the door was shut, she folded over and started moaning, clutching her forehead desperately. Alex stepped forward and rubbed her back, pulling her hair back and tying it with a scrunchie she had round her wrist. He grabbed her hand and squeezed it tight, guiding her to the bed and sitting her down. "I don't know where you find the guts to stand up to him, Bex. He always manages to hurt you." Becca sniffled, and leaned into her brother, releasing her forehead and feeling the warm blood trickle slowly down her temple, already sticky. "I'm sick of him treating us like this, Alex. Why are we never enough?" He bit his lip, and felt tears well up in his eyes. "I don't know, Bex. I really don't know." They sat in silence for a few more minutes, Becca's occasional whimpers the only sound in the room.

"Oh my god, Rebecca, what happened?" Julia came rushing in, and placed a hand on either side of her daughter's face, lifting it gently. The entire right side of Becca's face was covered with a light coating of blood, and her eye was screwed shut, blood coating her lashes. She sighed, and stroked her forehead, glancing at Alex. "He did this, didn't he." Her voice was hardly more than a whisper, and she continued stroking Becca's hair as she spoke, making a noise like an injured puppy when Alex nodded. "I'm so sorry baby. I should've been there." Becca shook her head, wincing as she did so. "Keep still. Let's get that sorted." Alex watched with a heavy heart as Julia fetched a suture kit, flinching everytime Becca whimpered at the new sutures. As she washed off the blood with an alcohol wipe, he felt angry tears rise to the surface, the bruise and swelling around his little sister's eye already painfully obvious. Julia pressed a kiss to her youngest child's forehead, before looking to Alex, who had his arms crossed over his chest, his body language radiating anger. "Alexander, hon, can you take her home? She should be fine. I don't want people asking questions." Alex scoffed and shook his head at her. "Really? What if she's got a concussion?" Julia sighed and peeled her gloves off, trying not to look at the red stain of her daughter's blood all over them. "Alex, please. Just do as your told." Becca looked pleadingly at her brother, wincing as she ran a finger over the bumpy stitches in her forehead. It was a nasty cut. About 4 inches wide, and pretty deep, she was going to have a beauty of a scar. "Fine. Come on, Bex." Alex reached a hand out to her, and sent one final disapproving look at his mom, before guiding Becca along the corridor with their hands intertwined. "I promise, Bex, if it's the last thing I do, I'm gonna get you out of there." Becca laughed mirthlessly, waving as they passed Naomi. "Bye honey, I don't wanna see you in here for at least another 6 months, you hear me?" Becca smiled forcefully, before disappearing into the carpark, tucked under her older brother's arm. They got home, and Alex went straight to the kitchen, running a cold towel under the tap. "Here, hold that over it." Becca took a seat at the kitchen table, pointedly avoiding looking at the collection of beer bottles on the table. She watched as Alex soaked another cloth, before kneeling down and collecting the shattered glass from the floor. Binning it, he returned to the floor, grimacing as he started wiping the red splatters off of the tiles. He scrubbed furiously, until he let out a pained groan, and slumped onto the floor, leaning his back against the fridge. Becca ran to him, holding him as he cried, letting her own tears fall. "How many times am I going to have to clean your blood of the floor, Bex?" Becca felt a tear drip off the end of her nose, and ran a hand through Alex's hair. Just over 6 months ago, they'd been in almost this exact situation, only there had been a lot less blood and glass to clean up. "Can I sleep with you tonight?" Alex nodded at his little sister's request, finding her hand and squeezing it tight.

The next morning met the Mercer kids with a silent house, a clear sign that neither their mom or dad was home. Alex rolled over and looked at his little sister, fast asleep with the covers pulled up under her chin, her hair spread across his pillow. She looked so peaceful, the ugly black of her stitches covered by her hair, and it was almost possible to imagine her as any other 16 year old girl, about to wakeup and go to school as she should, to then come home, and go out for her first driving lesson. But of course, the reality was not quite like that. She woke up not long after him, and after accepting a much needed hug for 5 minutes, legged it to the bathroom, closely tailed by Alex, who held back her hair as she vomited for 20 minutes straight. Totally wiped out, she groaned, before feeling Alex pull her against his chest, holding her tightly and rocking her back and forth in his arms. "How you feeling?" Becca groaned in response, resting her head against her brother's shoulder. They were leaning against the bathroom wall, Becca sitting in between Alex's legs with her head on his shoulder, carefully avoiding her stitches. They sat in silence, staring at the wall with blank expressions. There was nothing to be said.

Alex stirred eventually, pushing Becca off him gently, and helping her to her feet. "You need to eat. Cmon, I'll make something." Becca nodded, and walked over to the sink to get her toothbrush. "I'll be down in a bit." Once Alex left, she turned the faucet off, and looked at herself in the mirror. She ran a finger over the jagged black stitches, and touched the skin around them, wincing. A nasty bruise was already forming around them, and she knew she was going to have a killer migraine for the next few days. Becca touched the scar above her eyebrow, only an inch or so below the new stitches, and smiled sadly. Another one to add to the collection. She dropped her hands to her sides, rolling up her hoodie sleeve. She ran her right hand over the small collection of white and purple marks on her left wrist, frowning. Skating accident didn't quite cover these ones. She pulled her sleeve back down, rubbing her arm. Once again meeting her own eyes in the mirror, she drew her shoulders back, and sniffed. She was going to be okay. She had to be.

The smell of burnt toast carried up the stairs, and Becca laughed as she walked into the kitchen, finding Alex standing over a stack of charred bread, a hopeless frown on his face. "Leave it. I'll just have cereal." Alex groaned and jumped onto the counter, swinging his legs as she got the milk from the fridge. He reached in to the top cupboard, and held his hand out toward's Becca, who glared at him, and shook her head. "No, Alex." He raised his eyebrows at her and jumped down, setting the orange bottle down next to the orange juice he'd left out for her. "Take them, I don't care what you've got to say. Just do as your told." His voice told her not to argue, and she groaned, but unscrewed the cap and swallowed back two pills, gagging, before sticking her tongue out at Alex. "You done torturing me for the day?" Alex rolled his eyes and ruffled her hair, pointing to the milk. "Eat. I'm going downstairs." He shoved his hands in his pockets and left the kitchen, stopping outside the door for a moment to make sure she was actually eating. Satisfied after hearing her grab a bowl, he continued on his way down the hall, opening the door to the basement and disappearing down the stairs. The basement had been Alex's sanctuary for years, his safe space, his only escape from his parents. When he came out, he'd basically moved in, only coming out at night to go to his room. They'd soundproofed it when he picked up the drums, turning it into a sort of studio, so that he could go mental without disturbing the entire neighbourhood. His anxiety had been okay recently- it had been months since he'd had an attack. As Becca and their dad started fighting more and more, he'd felt his chest getting tighter and tighter, ready to snap. Becca was the only thing keeping him going. He knew he couldn't break while she was still at home, he had to have his head screwed on straight so he could keep her safe. One more year, that's all she needed, and then she could get to college, and she'd be safe. Their dad was terrifying. But he was also the only person in the world that Alex would stand up to- because he'd do anything not to see his little sister get hurt.

Becca cracked open the door to the basement, and sighed as she heard Alex going at it, fill after fill after fill. She knew he was hurting, and she knew it hurt him to see her hurting. But there wasn't much either of them could do about it. They'd just have to stick it out for a little longer. She pushed the door shut with a click, and ran upstairs, settling down at her desk. She had multiple pieces of homework due by the end of the week, and an impromptu day off meant she'd have lots more to catch up on the next day. But the minute she opened her history textbook, and started to scan the page, her mind started reeling, and she had to clutch her head with her eyes closed in an effort for the dizziness to go away. "Well that's a no to that then." She sighed and closed her textbook, collapsing onto her bed instead. The house was silent, Alex's frantic drumming silenced by the soundproof walls in the basement. Becca fiddled with her fingers, looking around her walls. The usual urge to suddenly change and redecorate the entire room was more dull than it normally was, almost like it was blurry, not quite defined. Her mind was reeling, struggling to work out reality and her thoughts. She groaned and buried her face in her pillow. She almost preffered the constant talking in her head to this. This feeling of uncertainty, not being able to tell the real from the fake. She was going insane.

[shhhlikeme]

“Losty Aone” / “Losty Mountain Man🏔” Series:

Outtake Collection #3 (NSFW)

————————————

A/N: sticking to these right now because I’m obsessed! This one was long so the other 3 in the collection will be in collection 4.

‼️THIS IS THE 7TH PART IN A SERIES READ THE OTHER PARTS BEFORE THIS ONE: ‼️

TABLE OF CONTENTS

————————————

Aone 8 1/2 Months Into Crushing On You And Having His First Ever Wet Dream💦😴

Kenji Futakuchi woke up with a startle. He actually fell out of his bed due to the loudness of his phone ringing that was charging on the other side of his room.

Groaning in pain on the floor, Kenji swiped his iPhone to answer. He didn’t even need to look at the caller ID to know who was calling him. Kenji spoke first when he picked up:

“I love you man. You’re my best friend. But care to explain why the fuck you are calling me 5 times at 4 o’clock in the morning?!”

On the other end of the line, Aone Takanobu sat up in his camouflage coloured bed, clutching his iPhone to his ear for dear life.

“Good, you answered.” He said simply.

“Fuck you, I fell off my bed. What is it? Someone better either 1) be dying or 2) wants to marry me—and her name better be Aja Naomi King.”

Aone deadpanned. “Neither.”

Rolling his eyes, Kenji yawned. “Tell me what’s wrong, Takanobu-san.”

“Um..... I‘m unsure of how to phrase it.”

“Well, get sure. I’m going to fall back asleep.”

“Please don’t fall back asleep. I need your help.”

“I’m listening to you, you freakishly tall polar bear!!”

“You’re rather grumpy at 4:04am...........”

“Aone! I’m hanging up—“

“No! I apologize. I need....er.....your help. Or your advice. I....uh.....had an......interesting.......dream. A dream like none I’ve ever had before.”

Kenji couldn’t believe his best friend was calling him at 4:00am on a school night to tell him about a crappy dream. “Okaaaaaay.......?” He prodded rudely, trying to get the white haired athlete to elaborate.

“It was about Y/N.”

So?

“Okay and.......?”

“And now I feel very on edge.”

“Okay and.......?”

Aone sighed, knowing that he’d have to spell it out for his sleepy friend. “Y/N was.....um.....naked........in my dream.”

Kenji’s eyes widened. Although he knew his middle blocker friend liked girls and girls liked him—in all Futakuchi’s years being friends with Aone he’d never seen or heard of Aone being so physically attracted to a girl to the point where he’d dream about her naked. He was really respectful and rarely even checked out women. That’s why girls loved him at Date Tech but the Mountain Man never paid attention to them because he ‘had’ you. Well, Kenji should have really seen something like this coming considering how much Aone liked Y/N, but it was still surprising because this was a first.

“Yeah? Was she naked and alone in your dream?”

“Uh....no.....I was there as well....”

Kenji smiled. “And were you two....shall I say....having a good time?”

“.....Yes.”

“Tell me about it.”

Aone’s eyes widened as he immediately went red. “N-no, Kenji-san.”

Kenji yawned nonchalantly, putting his hand behind his head comfortably on the ground. “Why not? Wet dreams are normal for guys our age, Aone. There’s nothing to be ashamed of. You’ve really never had one before?”

“Never. Not once. And it’s referred to as a wet dream? Why in the world do they call it that?”

“Aren’t your pants wet....?”

Aone glanced down quickly, immediately jumping and flushing in slight horror when he saw a large wet circle in the middle of his boxers crotch. He scrambled out of his bed in shock.

“Um....I am going to call you back.” Aone mumbled.

7 minutes later after Aone had successfully cleaned himself up and changed into clean pyjamas, Kenji picked up his call again.

Kenji now has a bowl of ramen with him in his room and he was sitting up on its bed.

“Tell me about the dream, big guy.” He says with his mouth full.

Aone blushes slightly before starting:

💤 💤 💤

Aone was in class.

He looked to his right where you were giggling and passing notes with your friends, ignoring the teacher like always. Aone thought you looked really pretty today in your uniform, though for some reason your skirt seemed shorter than usual. He really liked it like that.

Takanobu watched you pass notes enjoyably, when suddenly a random student’s hand next to him was holding out a note to him.

Aone took the note, confused, and looked down at it.

He flipped the paper and before unfolding it, he read:

To Aone

From Y/N

Aone felt his heart speed up as he looked up in your direction and noticed that you were staring back at him from across the classroom. You smiled at him and blew him a kiss.

He froze, genuinely afraid he was going to internally combust.

🚨 You were noticing him! You were looking at him! You sent him a note! You blew him a kiss and you seemed actually happy to be giving him attention! 🚨

Forgetting that he even had a note in his hand because the girl he liked was giving him googly eyes, Y/N pointed cutely at the note in his hand to remind him.

You cupped your mouth with your hand so that the teacher couldn’t see what you were saying and looked at Aone. “Open it!” You mouthed with a gorgeous smile to boot.

Blushing profusely because he was embarrassing himself by forgetting the note just because you merely looked at him, Aone nodded stoically and looked back down at the piece of paper.

After taking a deep breath and silently praying that this wasn’t a letter telling him to quit staring at her because she’s not interested and he’s creepy, he unfolds the small note.

Inside, it read in beautiful calligraphy (which is very dream like bc your handwriting was nothing of the sort):

Dear Aone,

You’re always staring at me so I just thought I would ask you...... can I suck your dick? *smiley face kissy face*

- Y/N

***

Looking back up again, Aone was somehow still in the classroom, only there was no one there anymore except for him and Y/N. The walls were painted white now as if they were in a cloud’s waiting room.

Even his desk was gone and he was just sitting in the chair he’d been in.

In the place that your desk should be, you now stood there watching Aone with dark eyes. You were toying with your shorter skirt and Aone automatically couldn’t breathe.

You skipped toward him and stood in front of him, smiling that beautiful smile.

Aone thought you looked breathtaking so close to him. Without warning, you dropped down to your knees in the empty classroom and began making work of removing Aone’s school pants.

Aone gulped as he looked down at you.

“Y/N. C-can I ple-please take you out on a d-date fi-first, perhaps? If that wou-would be okay with you?? I would like to sh-sh-show you how much I like y-you—“

His pleas were interrupted when you swallowed his cock whole.

Dream-Aone moaned louder than he ever has before and tilted his head back. He was trying to tell you that you didn’t have to do this and that your pleasure was infinitely more important than his, but he was still a boy and the horniness he felt seeing the—dare I say—like of his life with your mouth wrapped around his shaft made him unable to think.

You hollowed you cheeks around his dick and sucked him hard, using both your hands to twist and pump the remaining centimetres of his large dick that couldn’t fit in your wet mouth. You were slurping and it made Aone feel so good. He never felt anything better and he’s never seen a more erotic sight than his dick being swallowed into the wanton mouth of his crush.

Wet-dream-Y/N flicked her heated eyes up to Aone’s, who groaned when he saw your beautiful eyes staring into his, egging on his orgasm without even trying.

“Fuck,”

Aone moaned as he removed the ponytail from your hair and placed his large hand at the back of your head. He didn’t even need to guide you because you were amazing at it. Your mouth was small and wet and the horny side of Aone’s brain couldn’t wait to send his load shooting down your throat.

Aone excitedly thought about giving you head after this in order to show you how much he treasured you.....and the thought alone almost made him cum.

Feeling like he never wanted your soft lips off of his dick again but also feeling conflicted because he wanted to date you and show you how much he could spoil you with anything you ever wanted before any of this—Aone felt the need to try and stop you again.

“Y/N—-I don’t want you to think I’m li-li-like those other guys. I have genuine feelings for-for you. Re-really strong f-feelings. I want to be your boyfriend and make you the happiest g-g-gir-girl ever.” He was panting as he spoke.

In response, you popped his dick out of your mouth and smiled up at him sweetly. “Aone. I’m already your wife. You didn’t forget, did you?”

You lifted your hand to showcase your huge engagement ring that should really weigh your small hand down but somehow didn’t.

dreams are a funny place

Aone gasped in surprise seeing it, though more than anything his heart swelled with love and overwhelming happiness!

“Y-you married m-me?!” He couldn’t help but smile.

You started pumping his cock again with your hand while looking up at him. Aone’s head fell back again in pleasure. “Yep!” You cheered. “Don’t you remember our honeymoon?”

***

Suddenly the setting changed fast again. You two were in the backyard of a beautiful private mansion at night. It was the mansion Aone had rented for your honeymoon so that Y/N could be as loud as she wanted without any hotel complaints from neighbours:

This proved to be worth every penny because Aone Takanobu currently had your thighs wrapped around his head as he penetrated your sensitive vagina with his powerful tongue after your second orgasm. Aone was standing up tall to his full height, and he had a naked-you propped up on his shoulders so that your heat was level with his eager mouth. You were so high on the Mountain because you were sitting on Aone’s shoulders frontwards🏔, straddling his face. You were pulling onto Aone’s healthy white hair as he darted his tongue in and out of your entrance and then sucked on your clit with vigor.

“AONE! OH MY GOD, AONE! WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN ALL MY LIFE?!” You moaned. “YES! UH! YES! TAKANOBU ALL I NEED IS YOU FOREVER! I WAS SADLY MISTAKEN TO LOOK YOU OVER FOR THAT TRASHY BASEBALL PLAYER WHEN YOU WERE THERE ALL ALONG WAITING TO GIVE ME EVERYTHING I COULD EVER DESIRE! YOUR TONGUE FEELS SO GOOD, AONE!”

A/N: girl bye if you think your moans are too extra - it’s Aone’s dream, remember?

You were screaming in ecstasy and Dream-Aone was so fucking turned on by your erotic sounds and screams that he couldn’t take it.

Mountain man moaned into your heat. He began flicking your puffy bud with the tip of his tongue like rapid fire while he moaned along with you so you could feel the vibrations on your clit.

You gripped his hair tighter and screamed.

“AONE YOU ARE THE BEST HUSBAND EVER! I AM SO GLAD I AGREED TO MARRY YOU! NO ONE CAN LOVE ME OR FUCK ME THE WAY YOU DO! AHH YOU ARE THE ONLY ONE I WANT! I’M SO SORRY I DIDNT NOTICE YOU BEFORE! AHHH, AONE-“

When you screamed his name for the sixth time, a long groan escaped from Takanobu’s lips as he thrust into the air and ejaculated in his swim trunks.

His feelings were way too strong for you (HIS DREAM-WIFE) not to cum to hearing you continuously scream and moan his name for the first time.

He only stopped giving you head for a second in order to finish orgasming before you were wiggling your hips trying to get him to keep going. Loving that you loved what he was doing to you, Aone dove his tongue deep into your folds and right back into your deliciousness.....

before he woke up in his bed panting.

💤💤💤

“Jesus Christ,” Futakuchi himself couldn’t help but feel slightly aroused by Aone’s very detailed explanation of his wet dream. “That was your first wet dream ever?!”

Aone nodded earnestly even though he couldn’t be seen over the phone. “Indeed.”

“Sheesh. My first was years ago but it was just about making out with my celebrity crush, but yours.............well, I guess you’re the most passionate guy I know—your world stops when Y/N walks into the cafeteria—so I guess I shouldn’t have been surprised.”

“What does it mean?” Aone asked. “Is there something wrong with my feelings for Y/N? Am I one of those guys that she hates?! That only want her for her body??”

Kenji heard the panic rise in his friends voice so he rushed to reassure him:

“No, dude. Not at all this DOES NOT makes you like those other guys! You’ve crushed on Y/N for MONTHS and you see her parade around in her hot cheerleading uniform all the time and you’ve NEVER looked at her the same way all those pervy guys do. It shows how much of a good guy you are and how you like her for her. You just suppressed your sexual side deep down because youre so crazy about her that I think it comes out tenfold in your dreams. You’re attracted to her so it’s bound to show somewhere, right? I know you’re hopelessly romantic when it comes to Y/N. You tell me about your dreams about surprising Y/N with flowers, or kissing her forehead and all that PG shit but your hormones have to say hello at some point, right? It’s human nature. No matter what—It’s just a dream, though, so you and Y/N didn’t actually have mind blowing oral sex. Meaning you have nothing to worry about. Tomorrow at school everything will go back to normal and you’ll just be whipped for the girl like you always are and everything will be the same. You’re fine.”

There was a long silence on the other end of the line.

“Uh....Aone? You fall asleep over there?”

“....No.”

“Then why so silent?”

“I......I....” The Date Tech volleyball player sighed. “I.........just don’t want things to go back to normal, as you put it.”

“What do you mean?”

“I mean that I wanted my dream to be real.”

“Oh, the sex part? Well of course you do, seeing Y/N naked would be—“

“Not the sex part.” Aone interrupted. “I could go without sex forever if Y/N didn’t want it. I’d do anything for her.”

Kenji couldn’t believe that he couldn’t trace an ounce of insincerity in his middle blockers voice. He was serious that he’d give up sex if it meant being with Y/N. “Then what part to do you wish was real, Aone?” Asked Kenji.

Aone turned red again as a blush overtook him. Kenji could basically sense the blush from his house.

“The marriage part.” Aone admitted, feeling slightly pathetic. “In my erotic dream, Y/N had agreed to marry me.” Takanobu’s heart ached as it often did when he thought of you.

“So I was saying that I wish, in the very least, that that part was real.”

————————————

Outtake #4: CLICK HERE

[claraoswaldfics]

Halloween Night

The throbbing in her neck was the first thing Clara noticed as she woke up. The second was that she was naked. What had happened last night?

As she pushed her fringe out of her face, she noticed a trail of clothes winding their way from the door to her bed. Heels, jumper, skirt. She lifted the covers, where she discovered her bra and underwear, neither of which were still on her body. But strangest of all were the orange knee-socks on the unoccupied pillow beside her. Were they hers?

On her bedside table, her phone announced it had finished charging. That should have taken it about one and a half hours, so either there had been a power cut last night, or someone else had recently plugged it in for her. Clara looked at the screen and saw on it a message from her flatmate, Priya.

“Noticed a redhead sneaking out of your room this morning. Congrats on losing your gay virginity!” Dozens of emojis followed; huge blocks of pride flags and fireworks lit up her screen, then the message continued, “Not going to tell the group chat until you’re ready of course, but girl, I am going to need all the deets!”

There may have been more to the text, but it was then that Clara noticed the date. November first. Suddenly it all came rushing back.

 It was Halloween at Glitz.

The club itself had been dwindling for a while now and most of the cool young people had probably moved away to venues that were more ‘hip’ or ‘fresh’. The fact that Clara assumed that was still the lingo was part of why she still came to Glitz. Not often, granted. It was strictly on an annual basis now. An ersatz tradition dating back to their university days (back when they’d all briefly experimented with paganism) to dance at this increasingly outdated, overpriced discotheque every 31st of October.

Even in the rain

Clara was as usual the first to arrive. It wasn’t so much that she was always early as everyone else was always late. The whatsapp group had assured her a few hours ago that they’d be there though, so there was still a chance (however small) that they were already inside.

She flashed her ID to the bouncer, who made a point of studying it. She was 26 now, old enough to appreciate being mistaken for someone younger, but still young enough to be impatient about the delay. Or maybe it was the costume that was holding him up. Thinking about it, it must be hard to tell if someone is who they say they are when they’re dressed as Velma Dinkley.

Ever since she’d gone for a more bob-like haircut, she’d been getting a lot of comparisons to the Scooby Doo character, so it was an easy decision to lean into it for Halloween. This didn’t mean it was an easy or cheap costume – Clara Oswald never did things by half, after all. She’d been nosing around high streets and second-hand shops the last two weekends putting it together. The orange jumper was baggy but sewn so as to give a good impression of her figure. The glasses made her eyes seem even wider, and combined with the freckles she’d drawn on took five years off her face. Surprisingly it was the little red skirt that had taken her the longest to find, only appearing in a last-minute lunch-break scrabble in Oxfam, and between it and the knee-socks, she was showing a lot more thigh than she was used to.

I mean it looks damn good, she thought to herself, but it isn’t half cold…

The bouncer finally nodded her through, and soon she was enveloped by the warm haze and pounding bass of Glitz. Maybe two dozen people were on the dancefloor, jumping and swaying to a song Clara was fairly sure had come out this year, but not one she knew the name of. I’ll dance at the next one, she thought, or maybe wait until the others get here.

It seemed that almost the moment she found a seat at the bar, her phone pinged. Naomi and Ellen weren’t coming. Apparently some couple had been trying to book their wedding venue out from under them so they were resigned to staying in and shouting down a phone all evening.

That wasn’t good. Those two were the lynchpin of all group planning. It was always worth going out with Naomi and Ellen because there would always be a story the next day. This was because the drunker they got, the more they’d dare the other, and those dares usually involved even more drinking. Clara had even had to bail them out once after they got arrested for shagging on a pool table.

But without them, the group dynamic fell apart. Priya loved nothing more than when a plan got cancelled. For her it was an excuse to shrug her bra off and fall asleep in front of the tv. Clara herself only owned two bras, one good but itchy and the other comfy but old, but Priya could have five littered around the living room at any one time. She’d hidden them on one occasion to encourage future tidiness.

And Emerald, the last of the group, Clara didn’t know particularly well. She knew they kept up with Yugioh (somehow) and read PG Wodehouse, but they’d joined the group in Clara’s last term at uni and she’d had her nose too deep in books to get to know her in any great depth. No doubt they’d have put a lot of effort into some anime costume, but if it was just her and Emerald left, they wouldn’t come.

Okay Clara, it’s not too bad. Shake it off, get a cocktail in you. This night could still go well.

The two pings of doom arrived before she was even halfway through her pina colada. Two more cancellations. Urgh. This calls for a consolation drink. And make it a pint this time.

It wasn’t even nine yet and it felt like the night was over. Clara sighed audibly. Such a shame, she thought. It’s my first Halloween as an out bi woman. This should have been like gay Christmas! I had all this Sapphic energy built up inside me tonight and I’m going to waste it fingering myself in the bath reading Jane Austen again. I’m even wearing the bi flag underpants Ellen got me for my birthday!

She’d been considering the idea of a second pint for around five minutes when she got a tap at her shoulder.

“Velma!”

A jolt of electricity raced up Clara’s spine. She knew that voice, didn’t she?

She turned around in her stool just as the lights above the dancefloor shifted. The woman behind her was briefly illuminated from behind, her face a shadow, but her hair a fiery red halo. Putting a hand in front of her face for a second, Clara took in the rest of her body; a purple dress and go-go boots. Her brain rushed to piece it all together, arriving at the costume before the face.

“Daphne?” She replied, weakly.

As the lights shifted again, Clara was blessed with another view of this woman, who was somehow more dazzling out of the spotlight. She stood imposingly tall, her soft moon-like face looking kindly down on Clara. Taken altogether with her vibrant red hair, Clara felt like she was looking directly at a solar eclipse, and one she couldn’t look away from.

“Hi, I hope you don’t mind. My Shaggy’s gone off with my Scooby.” The woman smiled apologetically. “Thought I might go and make some new friends and well… the costume…”

Clara blinked. In fact she blinked rather a few times. She was still trying to process the fact that an angel had descended from heaven right in front of her.

“I beg your pardon?”

The redhead explained herself again. Clara made a note to focus on what she was saying, which, she justified, involved looking at this woman’s lips a lot.

“I did a group costume with these two guys. One was Shaggy, one was Scooby; we thought we’d come here for the night, have a few drinks, have a few laughs, but instead,” the next part of the sentence involved turning her head to shout pointedly “they’re GETTING OFF IN THE TOILETS!”

Clara let out a nervous giggle. It was a good cover for the big red wave of excitation that was coursing through her body. There was something about the way her Scottishness had just announced itself in her voice that made Clara’s thighs shudder. That woman could shout!

“Shaggy and Scooby-Doo?” Clara repeated. “The dog and the dog owner?”

“Exactly!” she bellowed. “Isn’t that mad?”

“That is so mad.” Clara nodded. Agree with everything this woman says, she thought. If she asks you to rob a bank, do it.

“And after only one drink as well!” She continued, exasperated, “They. Are. Terrible!”

“I guess that’s why they call him Shaggy?” It was a weak joke, Clara knew. And I fumbled the delivery. But frankly the fact that I managed a straight sentence around this woman is a miracle. Managing a straight anything was a challenge, to be honest.

And she laughed! She laughed at my dumb joke! I made that sound come out of her! That brogue-y Scottish cackle! Oh this is the best feeling in the world!

“I know! And that dog will do anything for a Scooby Snack!”

God, me too, thought Clara, as she unleashed a laugh a lot less cool than she hoped she would.

Ahem.

“Can I get you a drink?” Clara asked, thankful she still had any rational thoughts left.

“Ooh, yes. Rum and Coke, please.” She smiled. Such a lovely smile. “Do you have a name, or should I just call you Velma all evening?”

“Only if I can call you Daphne” Clara replied with a grin, signalling to the barman. This was a bit of damage control. It was suave and flirty, but she’d missed the window to introduce herself properly, or find out this charming redhead’s name.

“Oh, you want to play that game, do you?” Clara braced herself for the next word, as the redhead’s lips formed around it. “Velma.”

Beads of sweat started to form under her jumper. It was then that Clara realised where she’d heard that sexy Scottish brogue before…

The kissogram from Naomi and Ellen’s engagement!

Six months on and I’m just as flustered.

The drinks came and Clara positively snatched hers off the table. As long as her mouth was occupied with alcohol, she had more time to think. And as always, Clara, try and play it off as glamorous and mysterious.

The more strategic side of Clara’s brain spoke up; so you know who she is, but she doesn’t know who you are. What does that mean? You know what she does for a living – is that an okay thing to bring up? Does the fact that she hasn’t recognised me yet mean my costume is too good…

…or was that kiss unmemorable?

She chanced a look. The woman in the Daphne costume was nursing her rum and coke, but her eyes were still fixed on her over the rim of her glass.

Right. So what if she didn’t remember that kiss. It was half a year ago and in her line of work she couldn’t be expected to remember everyone she’d ever kissed. Clara could hardly do that herself. What it meant was that Clara could make another first impression. A confident, in-control one.

“Miss Blake.” She congratulated herself on remembering that scrap of Scooby Doo trivia.

“Is that Daphne’s last name?” The redhead half-giggled. “I’m sorry, I haven’t watched Scooby Doo since I was a wee bairn.”

Aha! The strategic part of her brain roared into force again. I know more about Scooby Doo than her! I can leverage this to my advantage… somehow! Strategy brain realised it should probably shut up for a bit, and that the reason it had been allowed to think so long without interruption was because the rest of her brain was once again cooing at the Scottish turn of phrase.

“So why Daphne, then?”

“It was a group costume with a bunch of friends, but there were a few no-shows, you know?”

Clara made a gesture to the four people who were definitely not standing next to her “I do know.”

“Between you and me, I’d have quite liked to come as Velma.”

The seriously unstrategic part of Clara’s brain practically roared: Come into the bathroom with me! We can swap clothes right now!

She continued. “besides, what other characters are there to dress up as, as a tall ginger woman?”

Jessica Rabbit, said Clara’s brain.

“Jessica Rabbit” said Clara.

Oh shit, said Clara’s brain.

“Naughty” she chided. “But I don’t think so. Not two years in a row, anyway.”

Oh shit, said Clara’s brain again, but with purpose (and without vocalisation). This is definitely flirting! This could go well! I haven’t made an embarrassing mess of myself!

Tonight, I’m going to rock her world.

“Would you like to take a seat?”

High on her own hubris, Clara hadn’t noticed the seats either side of her were taken. Um…

“I’d love to.”

Sirens blared in Clara’s head as ‘Daphne’ draped one arm over Clara’s back and slid both her indigo tight-clad legs over Clara’s until she was Sitting! In! Her! Lap!

“Oh, you don’t mind, do you?”

In a moment, all of Clara’s newfound confidence melted and words stuck in her throat. Clara worried for a moment maybe her nose was bleeding, or her entire lower body had turned to steam, or worse, that her damn traitor face might be giving Amy some reason to stop sitting on her.

“Oh, not at all.”

THINK OF SOMETHING TO SAY!

“So…”

SOMETHING WITTY, FLIRTY AND MAYBE TO DO WITH HER COSTUME!

“Daphne…”

HERE WE GO! SHOOT YOUR SHOT!

“Would you like to get in the van with me?”

THE VAN???

“The van?”

“The um… the mystery machine.”

“Oh, the van from the show”

“Yes”

“So you want me to get in the Scooby Doo van with you?”

“Yes.”

“Do you have a van?”

“No.”

“But you just invited me to your van.”

“Yes.”

Clara blinked a few times while her brain rebooted.

“It’s a metaphorical van.”

“And what exactly is it a metaphor for?”

“I don’t know.”

“Truly, this is one mysterious machine.”

“…Yes.”

A few mortifying seconds later, her strategic brain came back online. As did her non-strategic brain. They both made this noise: AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARGH!

The Daphne impersonator slid her legs off Clara and stood crouched at eye-level.

“Look, can I propose something?” asked the redhead “Instead of you trying to entice me out of the club, into a dirty alley, and into the back of your metaphorical van, why don’t we just get a taxi back to my place?”

Clara fell off her seat.

“Oh my God, your little flustered face!” She belly laughed. “Oh we are going to have such a lot of fun tonight! Come on, Clara.”

Their hands touched as the redhead reached down to help her up. In all future memories of this moment, it seemed to Clara like she was in Michelangelo’s The Creation of Adam. Any hints of the reality, that a wide-eyed, shakey-legged sex-addled Scooby Doo cosplayer was being picked off the floor of a bar, were quickly purged from her mind by a greater realisation.

“You know my name.”

“Of course I do. I don’t get to snog many girls in my line of work.” She winked “And I make a note of the cute ones. I’m Amy.”

Clara nearly fell to the floor again.

But Amy kept her on her feet, one arm pulling her whole body to her.

“How about we get you into that taxi, I let you calm down for a little bit, and then you and I can get to know each other, okay?”

A sigh of relief from Clara; this was going well at last!

“Okay.”

“And then after that we can make out a little and I’ll put my hands up your jumper, sound good?”

“Oh God yes.”

 END OF PART 1

[belovedkingx]

Mistletoe | knj

» Pairing: Namjoon/Reader

» Genre: Christmas au, Smut, fluff, f2l

» Word Count: 9.3k+

✥  Summary: Christmas is all about spending time with the ones you love, having fun and creating beautiful memories but that was never how it turned out for you. You were dreading the annual family Christmas, but an idea was proposed to you, and shockingly Namjoon agreed to it as well as yourself. But will it help or will it turn out to be a mistake?

Warnings: fake boyfriend, wet dreams, dirty talk, unprotected sex (be safe), fingering, blowjob, deep-throating, cum eating, cumming in mouth, dom!Namjoon, degradation (slut used once), spanking

A\N: Merry Christmas & Happy new year. 

— posted: 12.24.2019  || Masterlist || 

A slight airy groan escapes your lips with every punch and every kick you deliver to the punching bag. You've always found that a good workout helped you deal with stress and right now you need some stress relief. Christmas was right around the corner and every year you spent it with your family, but this year you weren't really sure you wanted to. 

"Hey, you're still at it I see." You turned your head to see your best friend Naomi with a towel around her neck. "Yeah, I'm about done." She hums, as she walks over to a bench, sitting down to wait for you. Naomi watches you and notices how hard you're pushing yourself, she can tell you're upset but she doesn't know why. "So care to explain why you're going ham on the poor punching bag." You laugh, stopping for a moment to regain your strength. 

"Well, it's just that Christmas is pretty close." You heard her gasp in surprise. "Aah that's right, I almost forgot." You chuckled as you shook your head. " And I've been considering telling my family that I won’t be able to make it." You swing your arm forward, punching the bag once more. "Wait, why?" You turned towards Naomi, catching your breath. "Because you know how my mom is, she's always pestering me about my love life and about having kids." You took a deep breath before swinging your arm at the bag again. 

"I mean she did it to Levi and since Alex has a boyfriend mom doesn't bother her, but when Alex gets to my age mom will definitely start nagging her for grandkids." Naomi nods her head despite the fact you couldn't see her. You felt bad for not wanting to spend this Christmas with them but you knew, in the end, you would go anyways.

"Now Levi is 27, married and has a kid on the way, and I know she expects the same from me at 24." The more you spoke the angrier you got, Naomi could clearly see it in the way you would punch the bag harder. "And the things she says to me, like "Why don't you have a boyfriend yet?" or "You're not getting any younger." it's not my fault that I've always had bad luck with guys." Your body was getting tired and you were reaching your limit so you gave one more punch before calling it a day. 

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to complain." Naomi quickly shook her head as she stood up. "Hey, no need to apologize, If you need to vent I'm your girl, you know that." You smile, looking down at the ground, feeling exhausted. "Now that your done bullying the bag, let's get you home, you look beat." She says, handing you your towel. "Thank you." Naomi throws her arm around your shoulders as she guides you out of the gym.

As you sat at the kitchen counter you stared at Naomi, shocked, not at what she said but the fact that she would actually think of something like this. "So your solution is that I find someone to act as my... boyfriend to fool my mom." You ask with a blank stare. "Yes, exactly." You continue to stare at her for a couple of seconds before shaking your head in disbelief. 

"And how do you propose I find someone willing to even do something like that?" You hoped she didn't think that far into her 'genius' plan. "Well I'm sure one of your guy friends would be willing, like Jimin or Jungkook, it's perfect, you both would know each other and trust each other." 

"Oh hell no, even if I took your plan into consideration I would never pick Jimin or Jungkook for something like this.” You chuckle, thinking how absurd the conversation was, you couldn’t believe that this was your best friend’s greatest solution. “Jimin would get too into character, He’ll have my mother thinking that I’m pregnant and that we’re getting married in a month, and Kook is just... a terrible liar.” Naomi starts laughing causing you to roll your eyes. 

“Okay, this conversation is over.” Naomi protests as you walk off. “Wait, I just-“ she was cut off by the doorbell ringing. “That must be Joon.” You state as you walk past her to open the front door. As Namjoon walks in with a smile Naomi turns to greet him but then stops. Her eyes widen as she sees him in a pair of blue jeans, a black shirt tucked in with a black belt. She was mentally drooling at the sight of him. 

"Oh my god, he's perfect." She blurts out, causing you to jump. "What are you talking about?" She stands up, looking back and forth between Namjoon and you. "He's tall, smart, good-looking, and your mom would love him." You shook your head as you instantly knew what she was saying. "For fuck sakes Naomi, he just walked through the door, you could've waited a bit before talking nonsense." Namjoon looked at Naomi and you, confused with a slight smile on his lips. "Umm... so what were you two talking about before I got here?" 

You walked back over to your spot near the counter, hiding your face in your hands as you leaned against the countertop. "She thinks I should have someone pretend to be my boyfriend so I don't have to deal with my mother trying to hook me up with one of her friend's son." Namjoon's eyebrows rise as he slightly tilts his head. 

"Well, it's not a completely horrible idea." He shrugs his shoulders as you slowly lift your head. "See, I have good- Hey!" Naomi yelled, finally catching what Namjoon said. "Are you serious? You do realize that you're that someone she's referring to?" He nods his head with a shy smile. "I'm aware, but I don't mind. I mean you've helped me so many times with so many things so the least I can do is accompany you as your boyfriend, plus I'm not doing anything for Christmas." 

Naomi stares at you, waiting for you to make a decision. You let out a low sigh as you stood up straight, looking back and forth between your two friends. "Okay, if you think it might work then let's do it." Naomi claps her hands together as she speaks. "Now that that is settled the next thing is, what are you gonna tell your mom?" Your eyes widen, initially you weren't planning on going through with her plan so naturally, you didn't think that far.

Before you could think any further your phone rings, you look to see mom displayed across your phone. "Speak of the devil." You said quickly before answering. "Hi, mom." Namjoon walked to the chair that was next to Naomi and sat down as Naomi Leaned close towards you, trying to hear your mom. "Yes, I'm mostly packed up." You kept leaning back as Naomi kept getting closer. 

"Yes I know mom, but there is something I need to tell you." As you turned to walk into the living room Naomi almost fell forward on her face but Namjoon caught her. 'So I'm bringing someone this year." You shake your head as you watch Namjoon help Naomi. "Yes, mom, a man." You quickly pull the phone away from your ear as your mother yelled in excitement.

It wasn't like you hadn't had a boyfriend before cause you have, it has just been a while since you've had one. "Mom? Mom?" Your mother was too excited to hear you so as you waited for her to calm down you looked over at Namjoon and Naomi and notice them arguing over a piece of cherry pie. "What the hell are you two doing?" They both stop, turning to you then went back to arguing more quietly.

You shook your head before putting the phone back to your ear to hear your mother bombarding you with questions. "I'll tell you everything when I see you, but I need to know when you want us to arrive." You stood up, walking over to Namjoon getting his attention. " You want us to be there tomorrow." You repeated your mother so Namjoon would know, it didn't even occur to you that he wouldn't be free to even come. 

But once he understood what you did, he put both thumbs up. "Yeah, we'll see tomorrow, but I have to go you know, packing and whatnot." She reminded you to make sure to wake up early before saying bye then hanging up. "Why the hell were you two fighting over pie?" Naomi immediately speaks on the matter. " We weren't fighting we were just deciding who was gonna take the first bite." You just laugh, shaking your head. "You two are so childish, I swear." 

"I guess I should head home then and start packing." Namjoon sat up, walking towards the front door as he waves to Naomi. "So what time should I come over?" He asks as you opened the door for him, he takes a step out and turns towards you.

"Why don't you come over around 10 in the morning then we can head out at 11, and be there by around 1." He nods his head as he leans forward. "Sounds good, sweetheart." he coos before kissing your forehead then walking away, leaving you wide-eyed and speechless. After a few seconds, you slowly shut the door then turned around to see Naomi standing there. "Ohh Jesus! you scared the hell out of me." 

She smirked with a raised eyebrow. "Looks like someones blushing." You scoffed as you walked around her, back into the living room. "What! I'm not, It's just hot in here." She chuckled but didn't push any farther. "Well anyway, I need to head out too, I have to wrap the last few gifts I have from my family." You hummed, as you sipped on your tea. "Okay." You hugged her after she slid her coat on. "And don' t forget to bring your present I got for you and put under the tree."

"I won't," you giggled as you walked to the door. "I hope you have a nice  Christmas with your new boyfriend." She teases with great pride. "Merry Christmas, Naomi." You reply, ignoring what she said. She skips away, waving to you goodbye like a child. You shake your head as you shut the door for the second time. You walked past the living room, down the hall into your room and plopped on the bed, next to your suitcase. 

You sat there spaced out, wondering how you got into this situation. Either way, you knew that the next several days were gonna be quite long, you just hoped that this so-called plan works.

After a two and a half-hour drive, three coffees and an intense conversation about the rules that the two of you will be following to ensure the success of the plan, you finally made it to your parent's house. Your nerves were getting to you and Namjoon could tell, as he parked in the driveway you take a deep breath.

"Are you okay?" He asked, noticing that you weren't making any effort to get out. "Yeah... No, I'm shitting bricks over here, what if they find out that we're not really together." You blurt out with a hand to your chest. Namjoon puts a hand on your knee, slightly rubbing it. "It's okay, they won't, just be yourself." Surprisingly his words seemed to calm you down, you smile as you nod your head before hopping out of the car.

The two of you grab your suitcases and dragged them across the snowy driveway. Once you reached the front door Namjoon was about to knock but you quickly grab his arm, stopping him. "Wait, just- you know what it's fine, go ahead." As you were silently freaking out Namjoon looked down at you with a smile before knocking three times.

A few seconds passed before you started hearing footsteps getting closer, as the door opens to reveal your mother, a sweet Christmasy aroma hits your nose. Your mom gasps when she saw Namjoon, commenting on how handsome he is before pulling you into a hug. "Oh my goodness, he's so tall." You hear Namjoon softly chuckle at your mother. "Hi mom, this is Namjoon." Namjoon bows to your mom causing her to gush over how polite he is.

"It's a pleasure to finally meet you, Mrs. Adara." Your mother looks at you with an impressed smile. "Where did you find him and where can I find me one." Your eyes immediately went wide as the word left her mouth. "Mom!" Her shoulders rose in surrender. "What! it was just a joke... kinda." She laughs at your reaction before backing up more. "Come in come in, it's freezing out there." As soon as the two of you step foot inside, your mother yells for your dad while your brother walks around the corner.

"Omg, baby sis, I've missed you. "Levi spoke, making a bee-line for you then pulling you into a tight hug. "I've missed you too Levi, but I can't breathe." You explained as you padded his back for him to loosen up. He pulls away with a giggle before looking towards Namjoon then back down at you.

"And who is this?" Namjoon reaches his hand out as he introduced himself. "Hi, I'm Namjoon, Y/n's boyfriend." Levi's eyes slightly widened but a big smile formed on his lips. "Oh wow, wonderful." You looked around, noticing that your father was nowhere to be seen. "Where's dad?" You asked your mom but your brother answered you. "On the couch, he was waiting for you but he fell asleep."

As you nodded your head your mother spoke again, getting Namjoon and your attention. "Well, why don't you two take your things and get settled in Y/n's room, then when you're ready you can introduce Namjoon to the rest of the family." You hummed in agreement as you grabbed your suitcase. "Okay." Namjoon bowed one last time before following you to your old room.

When you opened the door and walked in you hear Namjoon speak in a soft and low tone. "Wow, this was your room?" He asked, astonished. You turned and nodded your head. "Yep." A slight giggle left your mouth. The room was big, with six windows, cherry wood floors, and two cute matching nightstands on both sides of the bed.

You place your bag by the closet then took his from his hand and placed it next to yours. "You seem like your doing good." Namjoon stated his observation as you slid your coat off and threw it on the dark grey divan sofa. "Yeah, I guess I was just nervous over nothing." Namjoon steps closer, putting both hands on your shoulders.

"No, it's understandable to be nervous about something like this, I'm just glad that your feeling better." He said before pulling you into a hug. "Now let's go so you can introduce me to the rest of your family and show them how awesome of a boyfriend you have." You playfully hit his arm as you chuckle, causing Namjoon to think about how much he loved hearing that giggle of yours.

As you leave your room you hear talking from the kitchen. Before walking into the kitchen you pass your father passed out on the couch with a beer in his hand, you shake your head as you continue on your way. As you enter you see your mother, Levi and his wife, Mieko, also one of two of your High school friends. Once you see her you immediately walked over to her, hugging her.

"Oh my god, I've missed you so much." She expressed, still hugging you tightly. "I saw you last week." You laughed as you pulled away with a pout. "But of course I miss you too." You assured her. She looks over your shoulder to see Namjoon chatting to your brother. "Is that Namjoon from high school?" You took a quick look behind you to see where he was as you nod your head.

"Yeah, it's an interesting story, he's my boyfriend." Mieko's eyes widen so wide you were sure that they would pop out. "He's What? I mean I always knew he liked you but I had no clue you liked him back." It was your turn to widen your eyes in surprise.

"Mieko, he's only my boyfriend for the next few days." You see her eyes furrow in confusion but before she could question you any further you spoke again. "I'll explain later when it's just us, but for now I'm leaving it at that." She opened her mouth to speak and you knew what she was gonna say so you cut her off. "Later." She slightly pouts again as she looks over at Namjoon again. "Fine."

You chuckled at her before walking over to your mother and Namjoon. "Hey Joon, remember Mieko? from high school." Namjoon looks over at her and seemed confused for a split second before his eyebrows rise and mouth turns into an O shape. "Of course, if you weren't hanging out with me you were with her." Namjoon slides his arm around your shoulders as he continues to speak.

"It's nice to see you again, how have things been?" Mieko smiles as she reaches from Levi's hand. "Things have been really good, We're married and we're gonna be parents soon." She answers before giving Levi a kiss on the cheek. "Oh wow, congratulations." Levi and Mieko give their thanks before Yara came down the stairs. You made your way towards her. "Yeah, how are you?" She gives you a side hug as her slight pouts.

"I'm okay, just a little bummed out." You put your arm around her shoulders as you two slowly made your way to the kitchen. "Why, what's wrong?" You had a feeling on it was all about but you want to hear it from her. "Jae isn't coming this year for Christmas," You nodded mostly to yourself, realizing you were right about what this was about.

"I see, well there's always next year," She agreed, saying that he promised he would come next Christmas. Once the two walked into the kitchen Yara sees Namjoon and immediately stops me. "Wait, who's the hot guy?" She whispered, causing you to laugh in shock. "That's my boyfriend."

A high pitched 'what' escaped from Yara's mouth, causing you to shush her. "Sorry, I'm just so shocked that this day as finally come, I'm happy for you." Yara nods her head as she said that last part and you just weren't sure what to say. "I mean the fact that you brought him home means something, all the other guys you've dated never came this close and I think that says a lot about your relationship with him."

You started to feel really bad about this whole situation and about lying to your family, but you also felt a bit weird about what Yara said about you and Namjoon. Indeed, you've never brought a guy home, whether it was a boyfriend or just a guy friend, yet you felt comfortable with Namjoon being here and meeting your family. You pulled yourself out of your thoughts and grabbed your sister's hand. "Well, let's go over so you can meet him."

You dragged Yara over to where Namjoon was talking to Mieko and Levi. "Joonie," He turns his head, looking into your eyes with a look you've never seen on him before causing your heart to quicken. "This is my sister Yara." He gives her a smile before introducing himself. "Hi, I'm Namjoon, it's nice to meet you." You smiled at Yara's reaction as you backed away towards your father in the living room, letting them get to know each other.

Once you made your way to the couch, you couldn't believe that he was still asleep. You grabbed the beer out of his grip then placed a hand on his shoulder, softly shaking him. "Dad I'm here, wake up." His eyes started to flutter open as he shifted on the couch, then he saw you and stood up so quickly. "Y\n, you're finally here, I've missed you." He says as he pulls you into a tight hug.

Before you could say anything he was already asking about Namjoon. "So, where is he?" He asked as he claps his hands together. "Kitchen." Seeing your father so excited, running off like a kid put a smile on your face. You followed behind him into the kitchen, noticing that your father wasted no time to introduce himself. "It’s nice to meet you, Mr. Adara." Namjoon bowed.

Surprisingly you noticed that your father seemed to really take a liking to Namjoon as you watched them talk. Mieko then comes over, tugging on your arm. "What's up." You asked as she pulled you away from everyone. "So, are you gonna tell me." As you were about to answer her, you hear your father ask Namjoon to take a walk with him in the back yard. "Dad." You said with a stern voice.

He put his hand up slightly as he spoke. "Don't worry, I just want to have some man to man bonding, that's all." You waited a few seconds before nodding your head and leaving them be. As they walked off Mieko dragged you into the room she was staying in. "Okay, spill." You walked over to the bed and sat next to her.

"You remember Naomi?" Mieko nods her hand after a few seconds of thinking. "Well, she came up with this idea to have Namjoon pretend to be my boyfriend so my mom doesn't try to hook me up with her neighbor's son." Mieko made an 'O' face, understanding what was happening. "I see." You noticed Mieko gave you a look that made you a little confused.

"What, what are you thinking?" A small smile appears on her face as she stares at you for a brief moment. "The fact that he agreed so easily just confirmes that I was right about him liking you." You instantly shake your head, not believing what she was saying. "That is not the case, he is just being nice for all the times I've been there for him." Mieko shrugs her shoulders as her face displays doubt in your words.

"Okay, if you say so." You wanted to question her but you weren't sure if you wanted to continue talking about Namjoon and you. "And what does that supposed to mean?" Mieko crosses her legs before replying. "Nothing, I just-" You cut her off by finishing her sentence.

"You just don't believe me." She Softly shakes her head. "No, I believe you, I believe that's what you truly think but I think there are feelings involved." But enough of that, let's go see what the others are up to." Mieko stands up, pulling you along with her. You were speechless, you should have been prepared for this yet you just weren't. For some reason, you couldn't help but think you were going down a hole you would never be able to climb out of.

As Mieko pulled you into the living room you sat next to Yara, you pulled yourself out of your thoughts as your parents came in, sitting next to each other and Namjoon next to you. "So tell us how the two of you met and got together." Your mother spoke up and Mieko smile as she propped her chin in the palm of her hand.

"Oh um, well we actually met in high school." Your mother's eyes slightly widen, as she was about to say something Levi beats her to it. "So how come we've never met him?" Namjoon spoke up this time. "Yeah, I'd like to know too." You slowly turned your head towards him, giving him the death glare.

"Because we argued a lot so our friendship wasn't on that level yet, but after graduation and moving out we got closer as friends and we argued a lot less." Namjoon put his arm around your waist as he chimed in. "I  guess all those years of me teasing you paid off, or she wouldn't be my girlfriend." You almost burst out laughing because it was most definitely you that teased him.

"Babe, I think you got it all mixed up, I clearly recall me being the one teasing you to the point that you refused to talk to me for three days, remember?" You did your best to hold in your laughter upon seeing the look on his face. "You guys are too cute." Your mother compliments the two of you as you hear laughter from everyone else.

For the next few hours Namjoon, you and your family talked about how your parents met and told funny/embarrassing stories, games were played from Cards Against Humanity to Charades and many others. This was probably the best Christmas you've ever had, your family was more engaging than ever for the holidays and it was because of Namjoon.

After an hour of monopoly, everyone took a break while your mother checked to see if the food was done. You got up to go to the kitchen to get a drink but before you left, you asked if anyone needed anything. "Can I get a glass of water?" Mieko asked. "Sure." You left and got two glasses of water, one for Mieko and one for you.

Namjoon then yelled back saying he wanted one too but then said he would come and get it himself. Once he got to the kitchen, you handed him a cup before walking out, giving Mieko her cup. You stood next to the couch watching the tv that was playing some Christmas rom-com. Not long after, Namjoon came back from the kitchen, standing next to you eating Twizzlers. Both of you gave each other a quick glance and giggled before focusing back on the tv.

"Why are we watching this horrible movie?" Yara speaks out. "I was thinking the same thing." You agreed with Yara. You looked over to your left and see Mieko giving you the death stare like she was ready to chop you up into little pieces. Suddenly her stare turned into an evil smile, confusing you. "Hey, Yara isn't that mistletoe?" Mieko asked as she pointed above you and Namjoon's head.

As you slowly lift your head, just hoping that it wasn't really mistletoe your mother comes running out from the kitchen in a burst of excitement. "Oh, mistletoe, someone said something about mistletoe." Her eyes followed everyone else's stare and saw you and Namjoon under the seemingly real plant.

Both you and Namjoon looked at each other without saying a word, not really sure how to get out of this predicament. Your mother was encouraging you to kiss which caused the others to do the same until you gave up. "Okay." You barked before leaning forward. Namjoon leaned in, meeting you in the middle as he slid his hand behind your neck and resting the other on your waist.

With every inch closer, you got more nervous and more reluctant but you just wanted to get this over with so within a split moment you made a decision. Without hesitation, you closed the distance between the two of you, lips pressed softly against each other. His lips fit yours perfectly, you feel your cheeks heat up as you moved your lips against his, melting right into it.

You realized where you were and that your family was watching you, so you pulled away while avoiding eye contact with Namjoon. "Now that that is done can we eat, I'm starving." You said walking back into the kitchen. After your mother commented on how adorable the two of you were, she had everyone gather at the table as you helped her place the food out.

You take a gulp of your water after thanking your mother. "The food was amazing, thank you." She smiles at you after standing up and gathering all the dishes. "Your welcome dear, I'm glad you enjoyed it." The others said their thanks. "After I do the dishes I'm gonna head to bed, I need some rest for tomorrow." You announced as you stood up, grabbing Namjoon's plate along with yours but your mother stopped you. 

"Here, hand those to me and I'll do them, you and Namjoon can head to bed now." She grabs them from your hands before walking to the kitchen sink. "Are you sure? I can do them, it’s no problem." She practically shooed you away. 

"No, I got it, if I need help I'll just get your dad to help me, we're gonna be opening presents early in the morning so I need you two to get as much sleep as possible, so go to bed." You accepted her kindness and thanked her one last time before saying goodnight to the others. 

Namjoon bowed before thanking your mother once again. "Thank you so much for allowing me to be apart of this." Your mother smiled brightly at how sweet and polite he was. "You're welcome dear, we're thrilled to have you," Namjoon said goodnight before joining you at your side as you were talking to Levi. 

Namjoon quickly said goodnight to the others as the two of you walked to your room. You felt so weird after the kiss, you were so sure about your feelings for him being platonic but now you're just confused. You did your best not to seem awkward and to seem normal. Namjoon and you stayed quiet as you both dug in your bags, getting ready for bed. 

Once you brushed your teeth and did your night routine, you grabbed an extra blanket and pillow for Namjoon. As you handed them to him you quickly turned away, avoiding eye contact and walking towards your bed. You then realized you were making it weird and that wasn’t what you wanted. You took a deep breath before turning around. 

"You know, if sleeping on the couch is gonna be uncomfortable for you, you can sleep on the bed next to me." You offered, trying to be nice but you were lowkey hoping he would decline the suggestion. "No, it's okay, I'll be fine." A part of you felt relieved but another part of you felt as if he wasn't being truthful. "Okay." Both of you laid down, getting settled under the covers. "Well, goodnight Y\n." Namjoon uttered. You said the same, and soon after you fell asleep. 

The sensation of his warm hands stroking up and down your legs caused your body to tingle. Feeling each and every curve of his back as you hold him close to your chest, he kissed your neck before sucking gently earning a moan from you. As he leans up slightly your hand slide down his chest as you try to stop him from moving away from you. He smiles down at you as he grabs your legs, lifting and spreading them. 

"You have to tell me what you want if you want more, and I can tell that you do." He teased as he continued to caress your leg. You looked away shyly, but he turned your head back to him. "Be a good girl and tell me what you want." Your face was heating up even more than it already was, the thought made you tingle between your legs, which are spread open wide for him. "I- I want you, I need to feel you." He smirks down at you, satisfied with your words. 

 He fully leans up, positioning himself closer between your legs. He gently slides his dick between your folds, making you moan. With every thrust, his tip grazes over your clit again and again. "Oh, holy shit." You moaned out before he slides right into you with the help of how wet you were. You held onto him tightly as he filled you up, so close to yelling out his name in pleasure. 

You woke up abruptly with the sheets sticking to you, you were in a cold sweat, nipples hard to the touch. You threw the cover off of you, sitting up you noticed that Namjoon was sound asleep. You looked down and stared at the floor, stunned you dreamt of Namjoon like that. You looked back at him before taking a deep breath as you fell back onto the bed. 

Suddenly a knock startled you, making you jump. You hear your mother's voice on the other side of the door. 7:38 AM was displayed when you looked at your phone, Christmas day. "Y\n, wake up, I gave you an extra 10 minutes but it's time to get up now." 

You panicked, hopping under the covers then realizing that Namjoon was the one that needed to be in the bed. You rolled your eyes at how dumb you were just now before practically flying out of bed and over to Namjoon. "Umm... hold on mom." You shake Namjoon as you whisper to him to get up. "Joon, Namjoon." Confused, he looks up at you with sleep in his eyes. "Get in bed, my mom is at the door and knowing her she'll want to come in to make sure we wake up." 

He finally understood the situation and scrambled his way to the bed as you followed. "Hopefully, both of you are decent cause I'm coming in." The door gently opens, revealing your mother, she smiles at the two of you as she speaks. "Rise and shine, we're opening presents at 8 so that gives you two some time to properly wake up and eat some breakfast." 

You laid there, acting as if you just opened your eyes while Namjoon had his arm around you. "Okay, we'll get up." You reassured her as you smiled her way and sat up. She said something about pancakes and waffles before leaving the two of you sleepy, yet relieved. "That was too close." Namjoon commented. You looked over your shoulder and see him with his eyes closed, your eyes traveled down and you noticed that he was shirtless. 

"like what you see?" You realized that he saw you staring and you jump out of bed. "What, no, hurry up and put some clothes on." Namjoon laughed as you stormed out of the room into the bedroom to get ready. Once you got dressed you quickly ate your choice of Waffles with strawberries, getting done before anyone else. You sat on the couch next to the Christmas tree waiting for everyone. 

Your mother walks in and sits next to you with a big smile on her face. "What's with the grin?" You asked. She wraps her arms around you and gives you a big hug. "I'm just happy that you're here with us even tho you have to go back home tomorrow, and I want to tell you that I'm sorry for all the times that I would bother you about having a boyfriend or kids," You were so surprised to hear those words come from her, so you listened closely. 

"And I'm not just saying that now that you have Namjoon, I've realized what I was doing to you over the last few months." You couldn't believe your ears, you hugged her as she spoke. "I guess I knew my precious children would grow up and move out, and I’d miss you." It was true that once you moved you got busy but you would always make sure to call as much as you could. 

"So with your kids, I knew I could always offer to babysit for you if you ever needed it, and I would have kids running around here again." You knew she wasn’t trying to make you feel bad, but knowing this gave you that feeling. Yet you were also happy to know that you had the most amazing mother. 

"Cause as a mother, I just wasn't ready to let you go but I knew I had no choice, and Yara already has a boyfriend and is talking about moving out soon, so I'm sorry and I'm glad you're happy." You smiled and hugged her again for a moment. "Thank you for loving us so much, and I promise to visit more." She smiled at you before calling everyone in the living room.

Once everybody was seated, your mother gave everyone their presents. "These are for you two." She hands Namjoon and you two gifts each. Once your mother gave out all the gifts you noticed that there were two more left under the tree, you guessed that they were for Yara's boyfriend. Everyone opened their present, your mother got an 'I Love You Mom: And Here's Why' book from Levi and a 'Delish Insane Sweets' cookbook from you. 

You know how much of a baking queen she is so you thought she would love it, and she did. Your dad got a 'Bleecker Slim Watch' the one that you knew he had been eyeing for a few months and a 'Dark Saddle Leather Racer Jacket' that you and Levi went half on. He was more than happy, he was elated. Your dad got you and hugged you and Levi, saying how happy he was. 

Levi and Mieko got baby stuff like baby clothes and toys, just essential things that you would need for when you're having a baby. Then Yara was probably the happiest one about her gift, she got 5 gift cards to her favorite clothing stores, each card having about $500 on them. She jumped up and down, screaming with excitement.

Namjoon grabbed the bag, which was from the family. As he opened the bag he smiled, pulling out a long-handled soft bath brush. "I know a bath brush may not be the best gift but it was all I could get on such short notice." Namjoon shakes his head. "No don't worry, I love it, thank you," He reassured her.

He then opened your gift you got for him, he pulled out a white little box then flipping the top, realizing that they're airpods and a Leather & Canvas Electronic Organizer Case. "Thank you, baby." He leans forward and kisses your cheek. You felt your face heat because your mind went back it the dream you had, you took a deep breath before opening your presents.

You got an initial disc necklace with your initials and a Herbivore botanicals coco rose body polish, you guessed that he knew you ran out. You thank him and your family for the gifts before your mother got up to start on the food, knowing it takes a few hours. After opening presents you and Yara when out in the back yard, throwing snowballs at each other while Namjoon went to see if your mother needed any help.

"Need any assistance?" Namjoon asked. Your mother looked at him with a big grin, shaking her head. "No, it's okay dear, Y\n told me anything cooking related isn't really your thing, so I won't torture you." Namjoon chuckled as he nodded his head. "So you can go relax." She patted his back before continuing her cooking. Namjoon decided to join you and Yara in your snowball fight, you were distracted by Yara throwing a snowball that you didn't notice him close by, gathering snow to throw at you.

Yara saw Namjoon aiming for you but stayed quiet about it, waiting to see the outcome. Suddenly your ass felt cold and wet, you slowly turned around and saw him laughing. You stood there, shocked that you didn't see him but you weren't gonna let him get away with it. You bent down gathering snow, molding it into a ball then running full speed towards him. "You're dead!" As you ran, you slightly bent your knees, hoping to make yourself a difficult target for Yara.

You throw the snow at the back of his head and both of you immediately stop in your tracks, as you two stared at each other Yara throws one at your back but you didn't react because you were waiting for Namjoon's next move. Suddenly he charged at you and you ran laughing. You tried to get Yara back but failed, Namjoon finally caught up to you and grabbed your arm but then immediately fell, bringing you with him.

You couldn't stop laughing once you fell, when you calmed down you realized he was on top of you, watching you laugh the whole time. Suddenly the coldness seemed to disappear as your body started to burn from his body pressed up against yours. As he brushed a strand of hair out of your face, he gazed into your eyes so intensely that you couldn't look away, even if you wanted to.

As you two got lost in your own worlds, you forgot Yara was there, watching the whole thing unfold. "Get a room you two." Yara remarks as she walked passed. As Namjoon turned his head to look at Yara you grabbed a hand full of snow, softly hitting him in the face with it. He rolled off of you and you hopped up laughing, leaving him shocked to join Yara back inside the house where it was warm.  

After several hours of more games and eating dinner you helped your mother with the dishes this time, Namjoon sat at the dinner table after finishing his plate. Levi was sitting on the other side, across from him wondering what he was staring at until he followed his line of sight to you. Levi softly smiles to himself noticing how in love Namjoon looked.

"So when did you realize you were in love with her?" Namjoon whips his head in the direction of the voice, just then realizing Levi was there. Namjoon clears his throat before answering. "I guess I've always known that I loved her, I just had to tell her but as a teenager that wasn't the easiest thing for me to do." Levi nods his head as he listened.

"Throughout high school, she always thought that I was the smart one which led to a lot of arguments, but I always thought she was the intelligent one, not me." Namjoon reveals as he watched you laugh, having a good time helping your mother. "She's a very smart girl, I'm happy that she has someone like you in her life, this is the happiest I've seen her in a long time." Namjoon looks at Levi as he stood up. "And I hope that I see you here next Christmas."

Levi walks around to Namjoon, giving him a pat on the shoulder before making his way over to Mieko. Namjoon felt happy that your family liked him because you may have not noticed, but he was the most nervous he's ever been. He wanted to make a good impression on your family, even if you were pretending to be together.

"So when are you leaving tomorrow?" Your mother asked as she dried off her hands with the kitchen towel. "7 in the morning." Your mother's eyes widen at your words. "Really, why so early?" You then realized that your mom won't be able to see you off in the morning if you get up that early but you needed to. "Well, I need to be home by 9 so I can get dressed and get to work at 10." She nods, understanding.

"I'm sorry." You apologize, feeling bad for not being able to stay longer. "It's okay sweetheart, I get it, just make sure that next Christmas you and Namjoon stay longer." You chuckled at how much your mother took a liking to him. "Now why don't we both get some sleep so we both can wake up early and I can see you off." You were surprised to hear that she would wake up so early in the morning.

"But you don't get up that early.' She put a hand on your back, pushing you out of the kitchen. "I will this time, especially for my daughter." She switched off the lights in the kitchen before pushing you towards your room. "Now, you and Namjoon should go to bed." Namjoon noticed what was happening and chuckled to himself as he walked to your room.

Namjoon and you talked about the last two days and how much fun the two of you had for a few hours before going to sleep, regretting it the next morning. And like your mother said she would, she saw you and Namjoon off, giving you and him more hugs then necessary but you weren't complaining.

It's been two weeks since you've really talked to Namjoon, except for that Happy new year's text. You've been busy with work but not so busy that you couldn't talk to him, you were avoiding him. You've been trying to figure out your feelings, but you were missing him and the whole avoiding him thing was ridiculous. You sighed as you stood up, walking to your kitchen, you filled the electric kettle and turned it on. 

As you waited for the water to boil you looked at the clock on the wall and realized it was already 5 pm, you rolled your eyes, realizing how dumb you were being for not calling him to come over yet. You already knew how you felt, you guess you're just scared, or nervous or both, you knew what you needed to do. Grabbing your phone, you find Namjoon's contact to call him but before you could your doorbell rings. 

With your phone held tightly in your hand, you make your way over to the door and looked through the peephole. Stood there was Namjoon, you immediately felt your heart speed up, you stood frozen for a moment before opening the door. Once you opened the door he stared at you for a brief moment before rushing inside and slamming the door shut. 

As he walked forward you stepped back, it looked like he was trying to find the words to say as he looked into your eyes. "I've been texting and calling you, trying to talk to you and you've been avoiding me." he said in a low tone where you could tell that he was a bit frustrated. "You know, if I would have known that that kiss would make things weird between us, I would have found an excuse not to kiss you." 

You try to speak but every time you'd try he would cut you off. "it was so hard not coming over right away, in the beginning, I thought you needed your space but I just couldn't go on thinking our friendship was ruined.” You felt so bad cause you could have prevented this from happening. 

“Joonie, I-“ Once again, you were cut off and all you could do was listen and slightly smile at him. “And if I’m gonna be honest here, I don’t regret kissing you, I would do it again.” All of your fears about telling him how you feel for him disappear as he continued to talk. 

“I’ve liked you for a long time, and-“ It was your turn to cut him off, but with a kiss. You pulled him by the collar of his shirt, softly pressing your lips against his. Once you slowly pulled away, you looked into his eyes. “Sometimes you talk too much.”  You give him a quick peck on the lips before talking again. 

“Yes I was avoiding you but I realized how dumb I was being, and I was gonna call you to come over so we could talk.” Namjoon looked surprised. "But I don't think talking is what we want to do right now." You stated after noticing the bulge in his pants. His eyes trailed down to your lips as you grabbed his hand, guiding him to the bedroom.

You pull him to the bed and softly push him into it, you got in between his legs so you could bend down to your knees. You slowly dragged your hands down his chest and abdomen until you reached his boner. "Does seeing me in this turn you on that much?" You asked as you rubbed up and down his thighs. You were wearing silk shorts and a matching top, Namjoon nods his head as he leans down towards you.

"You have no idea." He kisses you before laying back on his elbows by your request. Gripping his belt, you unbuckled it and unzipped his pants then pulled them off completely. You rubbed him through his boxers until you earned a moan from him that had you squeezing your thighs together. You slowly slide his boxers down, letting the material rub up against his skin then pulling them off fully.

When you see his member spring free, you bit your bottom lip, wanting nothing more than to ride him and having him scream your name all night. As you grasp him in your hand he couldn’t help but curse under his breath at the feeling of his hard cock finally being touched. You lowered your mouth on the tip and kissed it gently, then rubbed your thumb over the tip before swirling your tongue over the head, while seductively looking up at him through your lashes.

"Oh Fuck,” he hissed as he gripped the covers while keeping eye contact with you. The way you were looking up at him had him breathing heavily, everything about it was making him horny. He watched you as you engulfed his length. Slowly, you bobbed your head up and down, moving your hand in time with your mouth.  "Ah - just like that." After a few seconds, you pushed your head down further onto his cock, feeling him hit the back of your throat. 

Namjoon threw his head back for a brief moment, letting out a deep grunt as he felt how deep you were taking him. As you started to gag around him, he felt even more turned on than he already was by the sight, especially as you continued to pleasure him rather than pulling away. "Fuck, As hot as you look with your lips wrapped around me like this, y-you're gonna have to stop or I'll cum too soon." You slowly pulled away from him with a pop. You smirked, proud of your skills.

As you stood up Namjoon sat up straight, pulling his shirt over his head. "Lay down." He commanded. As you climbed on the bed he softly spanked your ass, causing you to giggle. As Namjoon got closer you spread your legs from him. He positions himself between your legs and leans down, pressing his soft lips on yours. "Good girl." He praised you as he slid his hand down your abdomen until he reached the waistband of your shorts. 

His fingers teased your entrance, his eyes meet yours as a final demand for permission. As you nod your head, his index and middle fingers push into you. His thumb circles around your clit as he captures your lips in a kiss. You moaned in the kiss as his fingers curled inside of you. He pumps in and out at a fast pace, thumb rubbing against your clit. 

He slightly leans back as he watches you in awe while your eyes are shut tightly, mouth gaping in pleasure. "You look so fucking sexy right now." His eyes never leave your face, enjoying the gorgeous expressions you made, and knowing that only his fingers were making you feel this way, made him even more turned on, "J-Joon, I’m so close…" You stuttered out, gasping for air. 

He immediately increased his pace, coaxing you to orgasm. Once you calmed down a bit, he pulled his finger out, licking them clean. "Naughty girl, if you cum that hard just from my fingers, what are you gonna do when I actually fuck you, huh?" Without saying a word you sit up, wrapping your arms around his neck and pulling him down with you before giving him a loving peck on his lips.

"I'll have a mind-blowing orgasm." He smirked down at you before leaning back and flipping you over on your stomach. You yelp in surprise, you knew what he wanted so you lifted your ass in the air. He gave you a soft smack on your ass causing your body to jolt with pleasure. "You know, the first night we spent at your parents, I heard you moaning in your sleep." Once the word slipped from his lips you tried to look back at him by lifting yourself but he put a hand on your back, stopping you.

"You had me hard within seconds, I had to leave the room just to calm myself down," He admits as he rubbed his cock between your folds, teasing you. "I wonder what you were dreaming about." Slowly, he pushed the tip in. "Fuck." You let out a low airy moan. "Maybe this was what you were dreaming of." Suddenly he slides his whole length in your warm and inviting hole. 

"Ahh, fuck." You gripped the pillow you were laying on tightly as he held your hips for a few seconds to get used to him. After a moment you finally told him to move, he started at a slow pace. With each thrust he would get deeper, burying himself inside of you. 

Namjoon groaned lowly at the sensation of your tight slit wrapped tightly around his cock, sweat glistened on his skin. "You’re so fucking tight." Namjoon nearly growled. "You're such a good little slut, aren’t you?" You moan out a yes before he grabbed both of your arms, pinning them to your back and holding them there by your wrist.

You could feel that coil in your stomach tighten, signaling your quick approaching climax. "Tell me, who owns this fucking pussy?" You were trying hard not to cum so soon but his dirty words were shooting right to your core. He delivers a smack to your ass to urge you to answer him. "You! you own this pussy." You cried out, feeling yourself slipping off the edge. He sped up his pace, fucking you faster, harder and hitting that sweet spot. "That's right."

He grins, fucking you through your powerful orgasm and not slowing down at all. You arched your back as you clenched your fists, wishing you could grip onto something. He makes each thrust count to your overstimulated demise, he continues until he couldn't stand it anymore himself. 

"Holy shit, I’m gonna cum," He groans as he releases your wrists. "Where do you want it?" You wanted to tell him to cum inside but you didn't want to risk it anymore then you already have. So you lift yourself, feeling him slip out of you then hopping off the bed, getting on your knees. "Cum in my mouth. I want to taste you." You gripped his cock, taking him into your mouth, giving him a few sucks before he spilled his load into your mouth. 

With your lips wrapped around his length, his mind was in bliss as his cum slid down your throat. He smirked, looking down at you after you swallowed it all. "Holy shit." He raises an eyebrow at you then motions for you to come towards him. "Come here." As you stood up, Namjoon held your face in his hands, slightly leaning down to plant a sweet kiss on your lips. 

"It's safe to say that next time we stand under mistletoe, I won't hesitate to kiss you," He sang. You lean in and kiss his neck before speaking. "And that dream I had was definitely about you." You admit. Namjoon smiled at you as he took your hands in his, guiding you to the bathroom. "Come on, lets shower then we can cuddle." 

You giggled as you hopped in the shower with the man that you indeed loved.

Thank you for reading! © 2019 | BelovedKingx - All rights reserved Copying, Translations & Reposting is Prohibited

[dipplie]

Temporary list of my stories and OC’s until one day I make a comprehensive and well made list:

Blinded:

Polli: My oldest OC and fun fact was my persona till she become edgy and I wasn’t 12 anymore. Everyone’s favorite yes yes I’m aware. Yellow, energetic, eats dirt and bugs, I can’t tell if she’s evil because of a wisp possession or just crazy. Breaks the 4th wall. Is she a Mary Sue???????? Who knows.

Melody: NOT Polli’s girlfriend despite Polli’s delousions. Has an abusive mom :(. Only has one eye and then no eyes and then robot eyes or smthn idk she becomes a badass when she gets older. But otherwise trembling in her shoes all the time.

Melodys Mom/Sharren: Bitch. Okay well all I’ll say is she’s old and grumpy and probably smells bad.

Louise: Total hotty, rich kid, FtM, got bullied as a kid for his weight. Had a squad of fans basically in high school. Lived with his mom after his parents got a divorce but his mom was semi abusive, projected her femininity onto him, and wouldn’t have been supportive of his transition, so between middle and high school he went to live with his dad and got his sex change and testosterone. His best friend in elementary and middle school stopped talking to him after his transition, and became his competition for the most attractive and sought after boy in school (except Louise is a sweetheart while his friend Tommy is a dick and really gross) His dad runs a company that specializes in technology, and after meeting and falling in love with Melody (even after all her abusive trauma and losing both her eyes) he has his dad and some of the developers create a way to get her vision back and I mean honestly I love him how could you not love him he’s so perfect.

Watching:

Fick: Big nerd boy with thick glasses. I feel like he’d use Reddit but don’t quote me on that. Big crush on Vivinya. Boy don’t wander into the woods- oh look dead body with a curse on it don’t touch it- aaaand now he has a wisp that makes him kill people, way to go kid. Panic attack central.

Vivinya: True crime girl, yucky yucky. Probably had a knife collection. “uwu I’m insane” except she actually is and starts using Fick to kill people for her and treats him like her “Yandere boyfriend” or something cringe and gross oh god. She deserves jail. JAIL. Needs to learn guys need to give consent too. Just overall sucks 1/10.

Tommy: I mentioned him early to be Louises ex best friend and rival. He used to have a crush on Louise actually but that don’t excuse being a BITCH!!!! Also needs to learn people gotta give consent he is just as gross as Vivinya. Cheats on all the girls he gets with because he’s again, a bitch. Idk if he deserved to get murdered though I mean he was still a teenager but it’s fine. Thinks of the song Seventeen from Heathers actually this story does feel a tad reminiscent of heathers with vivinya being a crazy and wanting to off a bunch of students. Huh.

Suzannie: Tommy’s older sister who’s a detective. What a coincidence. Monotone and depressed. Probably because her little brother got murdered. Gets real awkward when she’s talking about her brothers murder(s) to Fick and Vivinya like “when I find who did this to him they’ll regret being born”. Kind of really pretty actually.

Adolescents (there isn’t actually a story here yet but don’t worry about it shhhh):

Nelson: HIMBO HIMBO H- Jock stupid idiot big dork god he’s so awkward and his main personality trait is having a crush on Naomi and being a dork when talking to her. Probably could benchpress you.

Naomi: Gamer or something and a nerd geek. Her main personality trait is having a crush on Nelson and also being a dork when talking to him. Probably a weeb and fandom dweller. Can’t draw but she commissions artists to draw. She does write copious amounts of fanfiction though.

Andrés: Ohhh the school bad boy babyyyy. Baseball bat with nails in it or something. There’s like... A thing between him in Charlotte and he wants to be a thing but she’s being difficult and makes it hard to talk to her or about her and ugh.

Charlotte: Princess, high school princess. She’s actually pretty nice when you get to know her- but she’s a diva. Ballerina after school. Best friends with Naomi and doesn’t know what she’s talking about when she mentions ships or OTPs but she listens anyways because she’s a good friend. There’s like... A thing between her and Andrés but she doesn’t know if she’s super into him but geez he’s really hot but she gets such mixed responses when she asks her friends about it and what if it doesn’t work outttt.

Marlon: They/Them but they’re okay with either pronouns they aren’t sure yet, he or she is okay... Box boy box boy. Autism... He doesn’t want to admit He’s attracted to men but he’s totally attracted to men. He lives alone which is probably illegal for his age but somehow he manages. Everyone thinks he’s “the quiet kid” and he’s really sad about it no don’t make jokes like that please guys ahh-

Sing for Me:

Kat: The color pink, addahadda(adhd), angry and loud and short. For being only like 10 and being an adorable little lesbian dressing in sparkly pink dresses she actually likes screaming a lot and would totally sing heavy metal if her producers let her. Loud and mad but gets so soft around her girlfriend. “If anything happens to Brie I’m killing everyone in this room and then myself”.

Brie: French... Birds and stuff. Loves her girlfriend even though she is so loud. So fast. So much. Likes to write pretty things. Is only like an inch taller than Kat. Filled with so much love for everything.

Elliot: The girls manager. Lots of coffee. Stressed out of his MIND please help this man. Probably gay. Seems like a smug dick but he is just a tall and lanky dork that loves puppies and wants nothing more than for Kat and Brie to be happy. Accidentally brands them as sisters and then Kat kisses Brie and- oh fuck oh shit oh no what has he done. Hides the fan and non fan responses from them. Poor guy.

Horror Hosts:

Ichabod: Hot demon who’s the son of the current ruler of hell or something. I mean he’s hot, smart, and royalty, what more do you want. I very specifically hear the dub voice of Kyoya Ootori from OHHC as his voice don’t @ me. Goat legs????? Yeah??? Don’t be rude.

Barnabie: Ohhhhhhhhh big orc teddy bear I’m crying I love him????? He puts up a more confident ploy and the given stereotypical personality orcs supposedly have but he’s just a shy boy that wants to give girls flowers and call boys pretty. Help him.

Garrison: Gary Burger. Fat hairy gay man. I mean werewolf. Wouldn’t it be funny if I made the whole werewolf thing backwards and made him transform into a HUMAN only on the full moon??? Party animal, pun absolutely intended. LOUD AND FUNNY he’s a dork. Bites. Horny on main Garrison please you’re supposed pamper and flirt with the guests but not quite that much.

Vincenzo: Token Vampire but he’s Italian because I felt like it. Talk and lanky of course. Bitch face. Blood coffee? Yeah lots of coffee. Tired. Let him sleep in Ichabod. Steps on people. Can summon and reanimate corpses but has a bitter attitude towards them because they get annoyed with him as much as he gets annoyed with- everyone else. He does have a soft spot but idk where it is. When he’s talking to guests he’s more suave and sexy though.

Kai: Genderfluid haha get it because slime fluid-... I’ll stop. Probably objectively the hottest because they can look anyway they want and shift their vocals to sound like almost anything, also probably objectively the best in bed (if you’re okay with the texture of Jell-o) and honestly come on save some for the rest of us it’s not fair. This boy can SING oh my god seranade me and whisper in my ear baby. Spunky and sassy.

Hallvor: BABY OCTOPOD BOY OHHHHH I LOVE HIM HE’S SO SWEET AND IS AN ANGEL DARLING BOY SO EMBARRASSED SO SHY SOFTEST VOICE OHHH- ohhh nooo he’s got a knife ohhhhh Hallvor baby don’t be like that ohhhh... Used to work in hentai actually (I wonder why) but quit because of immoral practices and good for him we love that. Okay he’s not actually a yandere or whatever but he DEFINITELY wants to squeeze you a little too hard and has those crazy eyes.

Carla: Main character of this OHHC monster clone. She sucks I don’t like her because listen listen she kills monsters as a living and when she tries to kill our boys here, Ichabod catches her and goes “no” but then the rest (not knowing her murderous intent) fall in love with her and Ichabod is like: “shoot well I’ll keep you alive and around but I’m watching you” and blah blah romance and feelings and character development and wow she seems like she’s grown to care about them... So Ichabod removes a curse he put to prevent her from harming them or leaving... AND THEN SHE STABS THEM ALL IN THE BACK IM CRYING. I mean she might have an extra reason for needing to kill them but I haven’t decided if I want to actually put it in the story yet so.

Fingertips:

Maria/Marianna: Was this goth angry chick and the head of these losers but after a failed heist, fire, and being betrayed and dropped from a window on a 3rd or 4th story down into flames, and going to the hospital and changing her name, she changed totally and become a soft pretty girl... And then the next three boys went “HEY BOSS WE FOUND YOU” and she went “oh no” and now she’s just an anxious wreck like “no no no no no I don’t shoot people in the face anymore no no no no no” And has a fear of hands. Also was Diamontés best friend in primary school and yes all these characters went to the K-12 school all the other characters do/did. Pretty voice. The story is mostly about her being anxious around all the other characters because who was it that betrayed her and dropped her into the flames below? Find out next week on th-

Nikki: He’s that character that you see and immediately go “oh he’s gross and is angry and is a bitch” and you’re right he is and has a cockney accent and screams a lot and probably swings a knife around a lot, but he’s got a sweet interior (somewhere in there... somewhere) Screamo heavy metal. Him and the rest of these character briefly talked about having a band and then they didn’t and then at the end of the story they do and although he plays guitar mostly, if he does do lead vocals he screams a lot. Bitch.

Anthony: Pretty boy but like the “was in the army” pretty boy vibe. Probably played football in highschool. Pyromaniac. Punches Nikki a lot. Almost gives himbo vibes sometimes, almost. Kind of likes the old timey cozy aesthetic. Plays the piano sometimes but “oh I’m not very good at it” Plays extremely well

Diamonté: TALL. Purple goth boy aesthetic hellll yeahhhh. CRAZY EYES AND THEY SPEAK VOLUMES WATCH OUT. Drums. The scary kind of quiet because he just smiles at you. Crowbar. Okay but he’s actually really sweet though. Secretly loves watching Anthony and Nikki get into fights so that’s why he rarely puts a stop to it. I think he’s a sadist. Can be a gentle giant, but can also be a not so gentle giant. The only time he’s really talkative is after copious amounts of booze.

Unnamed/Undesigned 1: Literally a pimp and he’s pretty gross. Blonde hair and pink and white clothes.

Unnamed/Undesigned 2: Chick that likes to throw knives and be angry and threatens Marianna a lot but in a quiet and monotone way, Marianna is pretty scared and hopes that these are just shallow threats uhhhhh.

Unnamed/Undesigned 3: Sells guns (without a lisence of course) and wears a bandana over his face a lot. Tired. Grumpy.

Unnamed/Undesigned 4: Like Marianna, was cold hearted and cool but then got caught in the fire and got all soft. He only has one eyes but how sweet his eyepatch is a heart. Recoved along side Marianna and they are good friends good friends tha- wait Marianna are you going back with them oh god you can’t do that oh dear oh no oh-

(I don’t have a story or name for these two but they’re my comfort ship OC’s and my current hyper fixaction right now):

Rodriquéz: I literally designed him with almost all the traits I find attractive in a guy other than freckles so as you can imagine I find him super HOT. I also designed his personality on what I find attractive from a guy so as you can imagine I find him super GREAT. But anyways he’s grumpy and closed off and monotone and smug. I really could go on for hours about how I want him to step on me I’m so sorry guys. Both him and Samantha give the “21 and having immature fun” vibes. They’re a thing but they like going to bars together and splitting off and doing their own thing (or doing someone else’s thing if you get what I mean haHhahHhahGahGhaha-) But so help them if anyone doesn’t oblige by the “no” from one of these two, someone’s gonna get beat up.

Samantha: (She literally just my personality shhhhh don’t tell anyone it’s a secret) Bubbly, energetic, a little shy by extroverted, bombshell blonde or something? It took me way too much time and effort to design her but I’m really happy with how I finally designed her, I love her outfit. She could kick me in the face and I’d say thank you. Girly drinks at the bar. Got that trauma and anxiety™️ secretly though. Skips and jumps a lot. As I’m typing this I keep looking up at the drawing of her and more and more I would want her to also step on me.

(Space Story I don’t have a nice title for):

Unnamed/Undesigned 1: So... Funny story this story originally was with me and uh... My ex I guess... So I gotta replace the MC’s... Whoops ahaha... Awkward. But anyways the MC is a robot and a girl and is a slight tsundere or smthn.

Unamed/Undesigned 2: Has a space ship, works for this organization in space that protects the galaxy. Is cocky, lazy, sly, oblivious, and an idiot. The love interest- obviously. Probably accidentally committing space crimes. (Like space pirating hAHAHA-) Kind of cool when he wants to be.

Dandelion/Dandy: CAT. WITH A JET PACK. Kind of an asshole. Fun fact used to be Polli’s cat but then when the Second MC crash landed on earth she was like “fuck this noise I’m going with space boy laterz” (okay she can’t talk but she thought it).

Zizii: Lesbian alien? Yeah???? Okay but I mean her main character trait is being a dorky back alley doctor and engineer obsessed with the MC because they’re a sentient robot with emotions and a lazer arm and rocket boots WOW!!!!!!!!

Story I want to revive:

So I had a story I started writing a long time ago about this tech theatre kid that had a crush on this other theatre kid character, but in a play that other character has to kiss another person for the show, and as the story progresses the MC convinces themselves that it isn’t just a play and that their crush actually loves and is kissing that other kid. And in the play, that other character is supposed to die. Show night comes along and they die, but like actually, and by the hands of the MC (Idk maybe like a light falls on em or smthn). So it’s a grotesque scene the audience sees as just an act. (Mutters I dunno I think my idea’s cool...) So I’ve been wanting to design these characters and work more on the story but I’m busy being obsessed with Rodriquez and Samantha so. (And the Horror Host Club too I love them too still).

Other Characters that either don’t have a specific story or are kind of like background characters:

Jacqueiliquinne Merril: Sara Berry vibes from 35mm (go look up The Ballad of Sara Berry, maybe like an animatic idk the first one that comes up is nice) But otherwise rich, pretty, popular, bitch. Tries to like, steal Louise from his squad and it’s like bro that’s unnecessary who hurt you that’s so rude. She gives Nui from Kill La Kill Vibes too. Oh she knows her name is long and annoying but you have to say the whole thing.

Brianna: Jaqueiliquinne’s sister. Big titty goth gf??? She’s pretty popular too and kind of a bitch too but to a much lesser degree. Her and he sister throw hands a lot when no one is around, you know, “THEY GIRLS ARE FIGHTINNGGGG”.

The Louise Fan Club: 4 characters I haven’t named yet. One writes fanfiction of Louise and shares it with the others and with him sometimes and although he thinks it’s a bit weird he also finds it a tad endearing and supports her. One is an aspiring photographer and is constantly asking Louise to model for him. One is an artist and draws Louise all the time. And one is an aspiring musician who writes songs based of Louise’s relationships which again he finds a little weird but endearing and supports her.

The Jacquiliquinne Merril Fan Club: Genderbent-ish (I say ish because one of the characters is a little bit less defined gender wise) versions of the Louise Fan Club. Yes I’m lazy, and no they don’t get along with them, infact they hate each others club with a passion. 

Unnamed/Undesigned: I wanna make some hacker kid just because I wanna have one.

Unnamed/Undesigned: I also really wanna have a super cutesy magical girl and then a really super duper generic boring character probably like star vs the forces of evil idk I never watched that show but it looks cute.

Me: I exist in the universe fukc you I can do what I want it’s my story and I get to chose the who also if you wanna be in the mess of a universe go ahead draw yourself with my OC’s I allow and encourage and appreciate it. I literally made the Horror Host Club as a sort of Harem story and you are absolutely allowed to make out with them if you’re a monster fucker DO it GO ahead it’s canon.

and that is ALL I have FOR now Knowing me I’ll make like 12 more characters by July, and I mean I need more characters for the high school anyways so...

[secretshinigami]

A First Time For Everything

Author: @complicatedmerary

For: @misora-massacre

Pairings/Characters: Halle Lidner/Naomi Misora; Naomi Misora, Halle Lidner, and I suppose Raye Penber is there, too, I guess :p

Rating/Warnings: General; brief alcohol mention

Prompt: Halle and Naomi go on a blind date

Author’s notes: Hello, hello! After writing Naomi on the other fic I gave you, I got inspired to continue writing her, especially with this intriguing prompt. I had my eyes set on a regular dinner date, but it was so boring, I had to think outside the box. How about the gentle appeal of a wlw romance of what-ifs and cherished memories? Now that is more like it! You deserve a good time after the stress of the BB fic, so, hopefully you will enjoy this! Also, the friends’ names? Totally intentional. :)

-----------

“What do you think about sunsets, Naomi?”

“Hmm?” Naomi shook off her tiring trance. It had become the standard for Naomi to be absentminded every single time Raye wanted to have a party. In this case, he expressed desire to show off to the whole city that him, Raye Penber, had finally gotten brave enough to propose to his girlfriend, Naomi Misora. It was cute, really, Naomi thought, but a single text and some phone calls would have sufficed. She was not a big fan of crowds; he should know that already. Right?

“I said, what do you think about sunsets?” Raye embraced Naomi from the side and kissed her cheek.

She smiled. “I think they are nice, very romantic. With the right person, that is.” Especially on a nice balcony overlooking the city, as the crowd is engrossed in their own little world. Thin fingers wrap around hers, her thumb gently rubbing on the underside of her hand. Naomi looked intently at their hands and her heart skipped a beat as a rush of fluttering feelings vibrated in her stomach. Was that what they meant when they say you have “butterflies” inside you? She did not seem to mind at all, like she was used to the effect she caused because of her beauty and enthralling disposition. How many girls were they before her? Why did she care? It was not as if she was ever going to see her again. Perhaps she should give her number, make sure she never forgot about her.

“You seem deep in thought.” Her blonde hair was gently blown from the crisp breeze, it was almost too perfect.

“Hmm?” A distraction from her ramblings inside her head, but not quite. Naomi was more transfixed by her amber eyes than anything else. How can a woman be this beautiful?

Raye’s watch beeped loudly, the recreation of her memory evaporating like water. “Whoops, it’s almost time. You would not mind helping me with the drinks, would you? You are such a good mixer; our guests would appreciate it.”

He clearly meant his guests with maybe two of her friends. “Right, no problem.”

At this rate, a drink was not such a bad idea.

God, she needed a drink.

She could not believe she was looking forward to this. Cathy was so vague about this Hal guy, but what was said intrigued her. All she knew was that his name was Hal Bullook, he had blond hair, brown eyes, and he was at least over five feet and ten inches. Also, he was a CIA agent. A total dreamboat, Cathy promised. Hal has heard plenty about you, she also said. She gulped. Cathy had no filter; if she told him some embarrassing facts (like the milk slipping accident from work), then she would be mortified. Then again, maybe it will make her endearing and cute in his eyes, there was nothing wrong with that.

Today was a gathering between members of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Central Intelligence Agency, and other local governmental organizations; it was not for business, this was a regular party to get everyone together for a job well done. Plenty of fun to spread in one evening, it was bound to be unforgettable.

This was the most obnoxious party Naomi has ever been to and Raye had finally beaten his own record.

Maybe she was the one who did not understand how parties worked, but if this was an engagement party, then why was there a group of guys watching sports on her television, in her living room? And where were Cathy and Shoko? Did they miss their invitations, or did they ditch her for something else?

“Raye,” Naomi hissed, snatching him away from the group and setting him aside.

“Naomi, what was that all about? You can’t just barge in when someone is having a conversation.” Raye shook his head in disappointment.

“This is out of control! I thought the whole point of this party was to share the news. I was asked to bring snacks into the living room as if I was servant and not the main co-host. Do you realize how humiliating this is?”

“Oh, Naomi, I’m sorry, no one should treat you like this. Tell me who did it so I can tell them to leave.”

Naomi sighed. Raye could be dense sometimes, but gosh, he was too sweet. Was she making a big deal out of nothing? “Don’t worry, I’m sure they’ll get bored soon. By the way, have you heard from either Cathy or Shoko? You did invite them, right?”

“No, I have not heard from them, but they should be coming soon. Cathy is always late, remember?”

That was true, but that did not explain Shoko’s absence. Unless … “If they decided to arrive together, then that would explain everything.”

“Are you sure you are okay, Naomi?” Raye placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. “I’m sorry if my friends had other plans, but I promise we will make the announcement together. Just … give it some time until the mood has been set, okay?”

“Fine,” Naomi mumbled. “You did promise.”

“Thank you,” Raye pecked her lips. “Excuse me for one second.”

The doorbell rang and Naomi perked up. In an instant, both Raye and Naomi gathered by the door and let it swing open. The sight made her smile. Speak of the devil; Cathy and Shoko were just late after all.

“Wow, girl, look at you,” Cathy giggled. “You are an absolute knockout.”

And indeed, she was. Naomi was wearing a silky, black dress, her legs accentuated tastefully by the knee length and the six-inch black heels. Her long hair had been waved with a curling iron and her makeup was subtle yet elegant. Caramel lips and a brown smoky eyeshadow, she looked flawless.

“Hopefully, I did not overdo it,” Naomi shrugged.

“Nonsense, you look perfect, if you don’t make heads turn, then they are missing out.”

Naomi gave a small twirl. “I hope Hal likes me.”

“Yeah, Hal …” Cathy fiddled with her bracelet, looking to the side. “Come on, let’s go, we can’t be late.”

“You do realize you are late, right?” Naomi teased Cathy.

“Yeah, yeah, that was bad.” Cathy blushed. “But I have a good excuse this time. Traffic was a nightmare.”

“You say that every time.” Naomi drank from her glass.

“It’s true, though!” She widened her brown eyes to appear more innocent. “I know I have concealed the truth from you before, but I’m not lying right now. I have bad luck, that’s all.”

“Fine,” Naomi could not be bothered to continue this discussion. “I forgive you.”

“And that’s why you are a great friend, you are willing to look past my flaws.” Cathy giggled.

At approximately 4:30, Naomi and Cathy arrived at the gathering, prepared to have the greatest time possible. Naomi was transfixed by the amount of silver decorations the room had all over. It was as if there was plenty of money invested to make it look pretty. And from the corner of her eyes, she saw the type of food that was set on the table. It was a banquet full of delicacies that range from a fancy ham and an elaborated fruit salad.

At least she felt better about her dress code.

“Wow,” Cathy gasped.

“I know,” Naomi replied. However, there were more concerning issues. If she could find Hal, perhaps they could crack a joke about how this gathering’s budget was blown for appearances. Then again, there was the possibility that he could have a terrible sense of humor. She had to thread lightly. Now, where he could be among this sea of professionals? Funnily enough, she did not catch a lot of men that were at least taller than five feet and ten inches, so perhaps Hal was in the bathroom.

She stood there in her spot, darting around for a sign of a tall blond.

Well, she did see a tall blonde woman among the crowd, but that was definitely not Hal. Their eyes aligned and she waved at her, smiling. Naomi waved back. She must be a coworker she had never notice before, it would have looked bad if she ignored her.

However, where was he?

“What are you doing?” Cathy took her arm and dragged her in the middle of the room. “That is your date, come say hi to Halle. Hey, Halle, here she is!”

Halle? What was Cathy talking about? No, she must have been confused, Hal was somewhere around here, this had to be a joke—

Hold on a second.

This was a joke. Blonde hair, brown eyes, she seemed taller than five feet and ten inches, especially with those high heels …

Did she miss something? Did Cathy set her up with a woman all along?

“Who is Shoko’s friend?” Naomi pointed towards a young-looking man standing next to Shoko.

“Oh, that’s her new boyfriend,” Cathy shrugged. “I barely know him, he is new in town.”

“Huh,” That was all Naomi could say. Shoko’s dating habits were … unusual to say the least. That was not a negative thing, she reassured herself, Shoko was an attractive woman. With her sleek, dark brown hair, high cheekbones, and slender figure, she attracted men like honey. If Cathy can call herself unlucky, Shoko was the opposite. It was hypnotizing, really, how Shoko threw her head back with laughter and remain poised. Her boyfriend was cute and all, but he could not hold a candle to Shoko. He almost looked … average next to her.

“Wow, could you stare any harder?”

“Hmm?” Naomi was shaken from her train of thoughts.

Cathy raised an eyebrow and crossed her arms against her chest. “If I did not know any better, you still like girls. Does Shoko know that you have a crush on her?”

“Shh, Cathy, that’s enough,” Naomi set her aside. “No, I don’t have a crush on Shoko. Also, can you keep it down?”

“Wait, Raye does not know about you and Halle, does he?”

“Shh!” She raised a finger over her mouth. “No, and I would like to keep it that way. That part of my life is done for.”

“You literally stared at Shoko like you wanted to kiss her.”

“Cathy, can you drop this?” Naomi backed away. “I’m with Raye and that’s all there is to it—" When she turned around, she bumped into a guest and her glass spilled on her white blouse. The sound attracted lurking heads to witness the disaster, including Shoko’s.

“Naomi!” Raye came to the rescue with a paper towel. “Don’t worry, I can fix this.”

Humiliating tears sprung from her eyes, her shame hot against her cheeks. She waved Raye from her sight and ran towards the bathroom, slamming the door shut.

Forget about the ruined blouse, why couldn’t Cathy mind her own business? Sure, it led to something wonderful once, but that was in the past.

Was it?

“Is she gorgeous or what?” Cathy smirked at Halle. “Naomi was looking forward to this day.”

Naomi wanted to cry from the humiliation. What did she do to deserve this?

“That makes the two of us,” Halle laughed, it sounded so warm and clear. “Thank you for helping me out, Cathy.”

“Could you excuse us for a minute?” Naomi flashed a pained smile as she set Cathy aside away from Halle, into the women’s bathroom.

“You lied to me!” Naomi whispered in anger.

“I’m sorry, okay? I met Halle in a case, and she told me that it was hard getting dates when you are a lesbian and one thing led to another and we started talking about you.”

“What. Did. You. Tell. Her?”

Cathy sighed in defeat. “That you were single and that you were totally a lesbian, too.”

“What?” Naomi was flabbergasted. “When have I ever given the impression that I was into women?”

“I mean,” Cathy waved her hands to Naomi’s sides as if her mere presence was the logical explanation. “You love to wear leather, I have never seen you in a skirt, and you ride the sturdiest motorcycle I have ever seen. Can you blame me?”

“What is wrong with you?” Naomi snapped. “I am appalled that you would do something like this. You made me believe I was meeting a guy named Hal … Oh, my God, Halle, Hal … You mispronounced the name on purpose because you knew deep down that I was never going to be okay with this.”

“I did this because I thought you knew that you were a lesbian all along and I was trying to keep it undercover for your sake!” And now Cathy was crying with tears rolling down her face. “You have to realize that I did not do this with bad intentions, I care about you, you are my best friend, I was trying to help.”

Naomi merely shook her head and sneered. “Don’t ever speak to me ever again.” And with that, she stormed from the bathroom.

“Wait, please!” Cathy collapsed on the marble floor and continued crying on her knees.

Crying was useless and a waste of time, she needed to get over herself. Naomi washed her face and wiped water with a towel, taking a deep breath to take some control back to her senses. She was going to pretend that the issue was the stained blouse and move on.

Fortunately for her, the focus was on that stupid sports game, and she was able to sneak to the bedroom and change her blouse into a regular long-sleeved, black turtleneck. She breathed out a sigh of relief. There, it was as if nothing happened.

She was not going to let this train wreck ruin her chance to have a good time, but she needed some time alone. The balcony was impressive, and it gave her the space necessary to come back to the party when she was ready. She looked ahead to the horizon and thought back to what Cathy said. Could there be some truth to her words? Sure, she did struggle getting dates with men, but surely that had nothing to do with her being into women, right? Her mind dwelled on Halle’s face and she groaned. Poor Halle, she was involved in this mess whether she liked it or not and she did not know to properly apologize to her. “I’m sorry my friend told you I was a lesbian?” Yes, that would go over well.

“If I didn’t know any better, it seems that I was not who you expected.” A familiar voice rang in Naomi’s ears.

She turned around and released a pained sigh. There she was, standing tall, unfazed that there was drama in the first place because of her. She was so put together; Naomi was almost jealous that Halle had better control of her emotions than she had.

Those CIA agents must be operating on a league like no other.

Naomi cleared her throat. “Oh, no, that’s the problem, you were described perfectly.” With an excluding factor, that is.

“Listen, I understand that blind dates can be weird, but I was willing to take a chance because it’s not every day that I get to know someone who is in the same line of work who is also into women.” Halle shrugged. “Does that make sense?”

Oh, how was she going to break it to her that she was probably not a lesbian? And yet, those words never exited from her mouth.

“It does make sense,” Naomi nodded her head, smiling. “I’m sorry about before, you are right, blind dates are weird. It could have been way worse.”

Halle chuckled. “What, like dating a serial killer?”

Naomi burst in laughter. “Oh, God, can you imagine? What are the chances of that happening in real life?”

“Believe it or not, it is way more common than you think. Thankfully, both of us are safe.”

She had to admit, Halle was funny. At least she could check off “sense of humor” off her list.

Huh. Hm.

“Just out of curiosity,” Naomi said breezily. “Did Cathy tell you anything interesting about me?”

“You mean like the ‘Milk Slipping Accident’? Yes, if that is true, you are hilarious.”

It was not surprising Cathy told her that story, she was expecting nothing less.

“It would be better if you heard my version of the story, I was the main instigator, after all.” She beckoned Halle to stand beside her. “Come on, I bet Cathy left off some important details.”

~

Whatever was going on inside did not matter when the woman in front of you also shared interesting stories of her own. One thing that Naomi learned from this fiasco was that perhaps the reason why dating men never worked out for her was because the spark was simply not there. With Halle, however, once the awkwardness went away, it just made sense. A part of her was still struggling with this newfound source of self-discovery, but once she allowed to just let herself be, it was comforting. She already admitted that she never dated another woman before today (which made Halle laugh, oddly enough), perhaps Halle would make this journey easier for her with no judgment.

“Sorry to interrupt you, but I’m just noticing that the sun is about to finally set.” Halle remarked.

“Do you like sunsets?”

“I think they can be romantic with the right person. Other than that, they are just nice.”

“Have you done this before?”

“Watched the sunset with someone else? Not romantically, no, but I always wanted to.”

“Well,” Naomi offered her hand. “There is always a first time for everything.”

~

Fast forwarding to the once evaporated memory from Naomi’s mind, after a tentative silence from both women, Naomi and Halle shared a kiss, the first of many that were set to come after Naomi insisted to at least see each other one more time. Unbeknownst to her, Cathy caught them in that embrace and never spoke one word to Naomi about it to avoid confrontation.

The following week, Halle organized a picnic date near a hill to enjoy the serenity of the lack of crowds. Naomi enjoyed herself on the mat despite the cold weather. She did not mind because she could just ask Halle to give her a jacket.

The less they talked about their eventual separation to get back to their normal, working lives, the better. If there was one thing Naomi learned from this experience is to just allow herself to be at peace with the present.

“Naomi?” Raye knocked on the door, the interruption of her thoughts never stopping her peace.

It seemed that Naomi was staring at the wall all this time. “Yes?”

He opened the door and sheepishly peered from the view. “I think it’s time.”

“Do you really mean that?”

“I kicked out the rowdy people out of here, we shouldn’t encounter any more disasters.”

Naomi chuckled, embracing Raye’s neck. “They should have been kicked out way earlier, but I forgive you.”

“Oh, you forgive me?” Raye mused out loud. “You are right, I should have listened to you all along.”

She gave him a firm kiss. “At least you are learning.”

~

A loud clink could be echoed across the living room, striking attention from every angle.

“Thank you all so much for coming,” Raye began. “I know my parties are bound to be entertaining, and for good reason, but we have an announcement to make, and after this, we can properly celebrate.”

Naomi raised her right hand, allowing the sparkle of the diamond ring to bling bright. “We are engaged!”

Shoko was the first to voice her excitement and soon everyone else follow with cheers and claps.

Raye squeezed her from the side and beamed with pride to finally give up this announcement. Naomi felt celebratory for a moment, but her smile faded slowly as her mind decided to ignore the noise until it turned into a blur. She somehow felt … empty.

~

“Look, Halle, the sun is setting,” Naomi pointed at the sky.

“Crap, we have to go back,” Halle began to stand up from the mat.

“Are you kidding? I have never seen a sunset from a hill, let’s not end the fun just yet.”

“Well, if that’s what you want, I suppose we can stay longer.” Halle went back to the mat and embraced Naomi from behind, allowing her to settle against her.

Even when the sun set into dusk, none of them were willing to leave each other’s arms.

[gcar90]

Blades of Grass Written by Carmen Ella Dedicated to Betty Lou; From a family that loves her

Naomi’s feet flew across the pavement as she raced into her school.  She hadn’t realized she was this far behind in her morning schedule until she glanced up at the clock and discovered that it was 10 minutes until  the start of her first class.  Panicked, she dashed off.  Naomi would be fine if she could make it to her seat before the bell rang.  If she was late, she might get a detention slip and that could jeopardize volleyball.  Miles of hallway remained before she would reach her destination, on top of stopping to get her books from her locker.  She needed to focus and hustle. Naomi huffed and puffed, weaving in and out of lanes of students, all moving at different speeds. Naomi couldn’t help but feel a little frustrated at the situation.  She couldn't figure out how she'd gotten herself so late.  The last thing Naomi remembered was walking across the street to the gas station for a soda.  After that, nothing, until she woke up this morning and was super late. With her goal in sight, Naomi checked her watch.  Score! Less than one minute left and the teacher was nowhere in sight.  There was plenty of time to be in her seat, before the bell rang, avoiding a tardy.   One final sprint and Naomi collapsed in her seat, resting her head of her table, trying to catch her breath.   It was too early in the morning to get so worked up and so exhausted.   Naomi reached for her purse, hoping to retrieve a water bottle for a drink.  Naomi heard the familiar muffled chatter and whispers of students waiting for class to begin.  She had a weird feeling.  Naomi shot a bewildered look at the clock.  Naomi been sitting for 20 minutes past the first bell of the day, but it hadn't rang.  Class didn't start.  Looking around the room, Naomi saw that the room was only half full of other students coming and going as they please, all while the teacher observed, subdued, from his desk.  Echoing from every corner in the room, sniffling, crying, and words of sympathy was heard.  Something was definitely wrong.  Naomi saw that her two best friends were drifting in through the open door.  She rose to go greet them.  “Guys!  What’s - -”  Naomi passed right through her friends.  “Huh?”  She shivered. “They can’t see or hear you,” answered a calm voice from the hall . What?  Why?“  Naomi jumped at the strange voice.  “Who are you?” “Hello, Naomi.“  A tall, plain woman stepped forward.  “Listen closely to what your friends and classmates are saying as we pass.” Naomi focuses on a nearby conversation.  Two students are talking.  Someone had been killed in an accident.  Naomi nods, still not putting all the pieces together.  She turned to the strange woman.  “Who are you?  How do you know my name?”   “My name is Judy.“  The woman smiles, trying to put Naomi at ease.  “I know your name because my niece is in your class.” “Your niece?”  Naomi follows Judy as she begins moving away down the hall. “Uh-huh.”  Judy points to an awkward girl with hair in her face.  The girl is sobbing and crying pretty hard.  “That’s her.” “The weird girl?“  Naomi makes a face.  “Nobody wants to be friends with her.”  Naomi blushed, changing her tone.  “Uh… sorry.  She’s your niece?” Judy smirked.  “Yes, she does have the reputation of being a bit, doesn’t she.  She is my niece.  Her name is Tressa.  I’ve been watching out for her.” “Watching out?”  Naomi cried.  “What do you mean?  And how come nobody can see or hear me?”  Naomi sits on a bench, tears forming in the corners of her eyes. “Oh, honey.”  Judy goes over to Naomi and puts an arm around her shoulder.  “There’s no reason to cry.  I know this is all confusing and frustrating.  It’s okay.  I seem to have forgotten how unsettling all this can be for someone new to this experience.”   Naomi allows herself to be embraced by Judy, holding onto the woman, grateful for the solace.  Her attention wavers to some students are sitting against the wall.  They are telling stories.  A name drifts by Naomi.  Her own name.  “Judy, am… am I dead?” Naomi blinks, rapidly. Judy nods. “NOOOOO!”  Naomi began to wail and cling to Judy.  She trembled with each sobs. “There there, I know.“  Judy holds the girl tight, rocking her.  “Go ahead, sweetie, let it out.” Naomi cries for hours.  “How?” she squeaked. “Take this, baby-girl.“  Judy offered Naomi a silk, embroidered, handkerchief.  “How?’  You mean how did you die?” Naomi took the hanky, blowing her nose into it.  Folding and crumpling the tissue into her fist, Naomi wipes her tears with her shirt sleeve. “Remember when you went on your walk, yesterday?”  Judy, frankly, explained.  “You were hit by a car crossing the street.  The driver was drunk and going too fast.  By the time the police and ambulance arrived, your life was over.  I’m sorry, Naomi.” “Sorry?”  Naomi stared.   Judy nodded.  “Yes.  It’s a tragedy whenever a life so young is lost.  That’s why all your friends and classmates are like this.  They’re mourning.” “Mourning.”  Naomi repeated, then blinked, furrowing her brow.  “Is this Heaven?  Shouldn't I be in Heaven?  What is all this?” “No, this isn’t Heaven.  ”  Judy said.  “All we know about heaven, is that it is paradise.  But different people have different ideas on what that paradise is.  Like a city person would imagine Heaven to be a big city, with lots of buildings and streets of gold and people everywhere.  A country person might see Heaven as a beautiful garden.  Heaven can be something different to everyone, based on who's imagining it.  The only thing we know for certain, is that Heaven is a place where there is no pain or suffering.  As for what it physically looks like, the living cannot know.” “Is God here?”  Naomi asked.  “Am I going to meet Him?  Does He even exist?” “Oh, God exists.”  Judy explained.  “God is everywhere and everything.  It knows all, sees all, and does all.  In a way, you've already met it.” “It?  I thought God is a man.” “God is everywhere and everything.  Why shouldn't God be male and female or even a gender God chooses for itself?  God decides all things, right?” “I guess.”  Naomi slumped on her bench.   “Yes.”  Judy explained.  I am one of the guardian angels.   Do you know what a guardian angel is?” “Yeah.“  Naomi sat up, nodding.  “They are angels that are specifically designed to protect and guard the living .  My grand-”  Naomi choked back a sob.  “My gran-gran told me that for every blade of grass in there world, there is a guardian angel. ” “That's right.”  Judy pats Naomi on the shoulder.   “Is there something I'm supposed to do?  How do I...?”  Naomi trailed off. “I’ll show you what to do and how to do it,.  When you find who you're supposed to take care of you’ll take it from there and go off on your own.”  Judy returned.   “Thank you.”  Naomi felt small and numb. “Have faith, sweetie.”  Judy smiled.  “Everything will work itself out.  You'll see.” “Mmmm”  Naomi whined, “I don't want to be alone.  Since your the only one that can see or hear me, c-can I stay with you?” “Of course, honey.”  Judy smiled hope.  “I'll be more than happy to help you. Me and Grandpa.” “Grandpa?”  Naomi asked. “Grandpa Fred.  My father's father.”  Judy chirped.  “He takes care of my sister.  Tressa's mother.” Naomi went quiet for a bit.  “Do guardian angels always guard their families?” “Not always.“  Judy bit her bottom lip.  “Grandpa was guarded by great-grandpa's old army buddy.  Angels can wind up guarding anyone.” “How...”  Naomi started and gave up, defeated. “It's all new and shocking, now.“  Judy encouraged  “Give yourself time.  You'll feel better, soon.” “If you say so.”  Naomi stated. “Time,”  Judy intoned, patting Naomi on the back.  “It'll get better and eventually, someday, you'll be ready to take care of someone yourself.  You'll see.”   Judy got up from the bench to follow Tressa, as she wandered down the hall.  Naomi rose, shuffling along after her.  By the end of the day, she was still miserable.   Joining Tressa on her bus, Judy sensed Naomi's mood.  “Maybe you'd like to give yourself a little makeover?” “Makeover?”  Naomi half-whispered. “If you close your eyes and concentrate, you can make yourself appear older, more mature.”  Judy explained.  “Like you would look if you had lived to adulthood.” Naomi stared past Judy. “Give it a try,”  Judy chirped.  “You don't want to look like a scrawny, awkward, teenager, forever, do you?” Naomi sighed resignation.  She closed her eyes.  Forcing herself to focus, she imagined herself older.  Like if she was in her mid-twenties instead of her mid-teens.   “Very nice.”  Judy crooned after a few minutes. Naomi opened her eyes.  Still blah.  She glanced in the mirror above the bus driver.  “Huh.”  She mused,  “I look a little like my mom.” “Feel better?”  Judy asked.   Naomi paused.  “A little,” she admitted.   “You'll be okay, honey.”  Judy smiled. After a short ride, Naomi and Judy departed the bus at Tressa's stop.  Tressa slung her bag over her shoulder, hopped down the steps, landing with both feet on the pavement below.  Judy and Naomi descended the bus with a little more dignity.  From there, Tressa walked to her apartment with her head down and her hand in her pocket, fumbling for the right key.  Naomi couldn’t keep herself from chuckling at the odd way Tressa moved and walked.  It was as if the girl were in a world of her own.   Naomi couldn't help but laugh at the antics of the girl.  Suddenly, she stood face to face with heavy steel. “HEY!”  Naomi pounded on the door. “Not a problem.”  Judy took Naomi’s hand and passed through the door.  “A locked door is no problem for us.” “Oh.”  Naomi mumbled, then blushed.   “MOM, I’M HOME!“  Tressa entered her apartment and dropped her bag on the floor.   Not hearing an answer, Tressa found a note and some money on the kitchen table.  Tressa shrugged, tossing the note out.  Tressa grabbed a can.  She left the money for her mom to reclaim later.  Then, she started her homework. Naomi was surprised at the speed with which Tressa worked.  “It used to take me forever to do all my work.   How does she do it?” “Tressa has an odd mind.”  Judy explained.  “Most of what she writes down for notes and in class, she remembers.  So, she doesn’t bother too much with the textbook.” Tressa turned on the TV and sacked-out on the couch. Naomi and Judy joined her,.  “So, is there anything else for us to do, besides hanging with the person we’re supposed to take care of?” “Not really.”  Judy replied.  “It’s pretty boring being dead.” “Is there anyway we can interact or communicate with Tress?”  Naomi wondered aloud “To a certain degree,”  Judy commented,“ if the person you're taking care of is really sensitive, we can leave some impressions.  You've heard of instinct?” Naomi nodded.   The front door opened,  Tressa’s mother entered the apartment, followed by a middle-aged gentleman with a paunch and bib overalls.  While Tressa and her mother greeted one another, Judy ran over to her grandfather, and gave the man a big hug.  Naomi hung back, fidgeting. “Grandpa!”  Judy exclaimed.   “SPROUT!”  Judy’s grandfather returned her hug, then, he noticed Naomi.  He straightened his posture,  then took his big, floppy, straw hat into his hands, and ran hand through his salt and pepper hair.  “Ma’am.” “Hi, I’m Naomi.”   Naomi extended her hand towards the man. “Nice to meet you.” Fred wiped his hand on the front of his coveralls before shaking hands with Naomi.   “Name’s Fred.” “I met Judy at Tressa’s school.  I was student there.”  Naomi explained. Fred nodded.  “I understand.  Has Judy been helping you out?  Explaining everything?” “Yes, Judy was very kind and helpful, sir.” Naomi answered.  “I don’t think I could have made it without her.” “That's a good girl.”  Fred beamed at Judy.  “You do not have to call me sir ma'am. Call me Fred, miss.” “Sure.”  Naomi returned Fred's infectious smile.  “Call me Naomi.”   Naomi studied the man before her.  He had the appearance and subtle accent of an early 20th century midwestern farmer, yet not as old as she expected him to be.  “E-excuse me s-, I mean, Fred,”  Naomi tried,“ if you're Judy's grandfather, shouldn't you be older?” “Didn't Judy explained the age trick?”  Fred’s eyes twinkled at Naomi's nod.  He replaced his hat.  “It works for us old folks, too.”  He brushed his knuckles along his temple, careful not to knock off his hat.  “How do I look, Naomi?” “Fine, Fred.“  Naomi blushed.  “I was a little upset when I found out I had died.” “Everybody is.”  Fred grinned.  “You should have seen Judy.  She was crying like a baby.” “I was a baby, Grandpa.”  Judy chuckled.  “He loves telling that joke.”   Naomi joined in on the laugh with Fred and Judy.   “I was stillborn,”  Judy explained, staring off into the distance.  “Mom developed, something called, preeclampsia .”  Judy looked down.  “Neither Mom nor me were the same afterwards.” “Did Judy tell you about finding your own person to guard, Naomi?”  Fred changed the subject.   Naomi shook her head, grateful to leave Judy to her sad memory. “Basically,”  Fred began,“ every person is on a journey; a path they could follow.  Other people pass by or cross that path.  Doctors, teachers, fellow students, co-workers, passersby on the street.  A person could come into contact with countless people as they go through life.” Naomi nods, considering. “At some point,”  Fred continued, “while you and Judy are working together to take care of Tressa, she will come into contact with someone that needs you as their angel.  When that time comes, you'll go off with that person, leaving Judy and Tressa.” “How will I know, if I'll supposed to go with somebody.”  Naomi asked. “It's difficult to explain,”  Fred affirmed.  “You'll know.  Trust.  Judy will help.  And I will, too, for as long as I can.” “For as long as you can?”  Naomi was confused. Fred nodded.  “I am responsible for Tressa's mother.  Tressa is a child.  Tressa will grow up, move away,  live her own life.  When that happens, you and Judy will go with her, but I will have to stay.” Naomi frowned. “But...” “That's the way it is.”  Fred shrugged.  “You'll be okay.  It won't be forever.  Tressa , in her adult age, will visit her mother.  When she visits, we can visit.” “Mmmm,” Naomi grunted, understanding. “And then,” Fred reminded,“ when Tressa and you meet the person you are to take care of, you'll go off to take care of them.” Naomi nodded, solemnly.  It was overwhelming, a lot to take in.  She elected to let the information sit.  Whatever happens, will happen.  She'll trust and have faith.  She'll figure it out.   For the moment, she was grateful to have Fred and Judy around.  Naomi doubted that she could do this if she was alone.  She managed a ghost of a smile, her thoughts drifting. ~~~~ As Tressa  matured, the camaraderie between the three guardian angels had grown.  When they weren’t protecting Tressa or her mother they would keep themselves entertained.  Fred would share stories and slyly inappropriate jokes.  Judy would sing; Naomi would dance.  Naomi felt like one of the family.  She regarded  Fred as grandpa and Judy as auntie.  It was as if she had always belonged.   One day, Tressa was an adult and found herself with a job and a place all her own.  She was collecting the last of her things from her old home.  Her mother stood by watching, a wadded tissue in her hands.  Both mother and child reassured each other that things would be all right.  Tressa promised to visit; her mother promised Tressa  she would always have a home with her.  Unseen by the living, the dead were sharing farewells of their own.   Tears fell.  Embraces tightened.  Judy and Naomi each gave Fred a kiss on either side of his face.  None wanted to part; yet, that always happens when children grow up.  Fred honked his nose into a red hankie with white polka-dots, then clapped the girls on their shoulders.  “You’d better go,” his gravel voice, said.  “You don’t want to lose track of Tressa.” “We won’t lose her, Grandpa.”  Judy reassured. Naomi dabbed her eyes with her sleeve.  “I don’t want to go.” “I know, baby-girl.“  Fred patted Naomi on the shoulder.  “But you’ll be okay.  You’re both fine, smart girls.  You’ll be fine.  Besides, this goodbye may not be forever.” Naomi hugged Fred.  “Hmmm.”  She whined. “Chin up.”  Fred said.  “Tressa will come back to visit her mother.  When they visit, we’ll visit.” “That’s right.”  Judy joined Naomi in hugging Fred. Tressa climbed into her car, starting it.  Judy and Naomi, reluctantly, released Fred, and crammed themselves into the vehicle alongside Tressa’s stuff.  The girls hung out the window, waving, as they drove away.  “Hope to see you soon, Grandpa!”   “Good luck, girls!”  Fred returned the wave.  “And trust God!” ~~~~ Tressa was speeding towards work.  Judy and Naomi were in the backseat.  All were anxious and tense. “Why didn’t you remind her to set her alarm?!”  Judy hissed. “I can only do so much!”  Naomi spit back.  “She’s so scatterbrained to begin with, it’s hard to get the right frequency to reach her.” Judy scanned the vista.  “I just hope we don’t run into a - -” A siren sounds.  Tressa checks her rear view mirror, curses, and pulls the car over. “Cop.”  Both angels buried their faces in their hands. “Maybe we can beat the ticket.”  Naomi sounded more hopeful than she was. “Unlikely,” Judy responded.  “We were really flying.  I hope she doesn’t lose her job over the ticket.” “Yeah.”  Naomi nodded.  “Last time she got a ticket, her boss said that if she got any more points on her license, she’d be fired.” The angels quieted, watching Tressa roll down her window to talk to the officer. “License, proof of insurance, and registration, ma’am.”  The cop stated. “Y-yes, sir,”  Tressa whimpered.  “It’s all in my glove box.” Tressa watched the cop nod, then reached for the information.  With all documents in hand, the officer walked back to his vehicle.  Tressa took a deep breath, trying to calm herself. “She really hates the idea of being in trouble, doesn't she?”  commented Naomi. “Been that way all her life.,”  replied Judy.  “If her parents called her or if she'd been sent to the principal’s office she'd blow the situation up in her mind.  She’d be terrified.  Fear kept her from a lot of things.” Naomi blinked.  “Why’s she so scared?” Judy shrugged an answer.  The angels watched, anxious, as the policeman made his slow walk back to Tressa's window,.  All three of the girls had their fingers crossed and all their faces fell, when a ticket was included in the documents. Tressa smiled, crookedly. “Thank you, sir.”  She tossed the papers onto her passenger seat, put the car in gear, and drove away at a much slower speed. “But why?”  Naomi still didn’t understand.  “The worst that could happen here is she gets a ticket.” “You and I know that,”  Judy said.  “But in Tressa’s mind, she’s getting a ticket, being arrested, taken to jail, facing a judge, and being sentenced to life in prison.” “What’s that?”  Naomi noticed some writing on the back of the ticket.  She manipulated the wind to turn the ticket over.  “Traffic School…” “Traffic school?”  Judy peered over Naomi’s shoulder to read.  “If Tressa attends traffic school, she can remove points from her license.” “Mmm.“  Naomi nodded, glancing toward Tressa’s intent expression.  “The paper’s in a good position for her to see it when she stops and picks it up.” “Mmm-hmm.”  Judy agreed.  “She needs to read this.” Tressa parked and ran, on foot, into her job.  Five minutes later, she reappeared, face red, head down, and tears streaming down her cheeks. Judy frowned. “Not good.” “At least they didn’t fire her.”  Naomi said. “Yes.”  Judy agreed.  “It was considered a no call/no show.  She can’t do that anymore.” Tressa bent to get back into her car and Judy tapped the upside down speeding ticket laying on the seat.  Tressa noticed the paper.  She picked it up, read it, flipped it over, and came to a decision.  “Traffic School…”  she murmured.   Traffic School was basically a condensed version of Driver’s Education.  It  takes place over the course of a single day.  They go over the Rules of the Road, administer written and driving tests. Any violations get either wiped completely from a driver’s record or lessened.  There was a fee for the course, but the cost would be the same as if she paid the ticket outright.   Tressa drove home to call the number on the back of the ticket to get directions and a schedule for the next session of the Traffic School.  The next class day was two days away, on payday.  Tressa decided to go for the class and swung by  the Department of Motor Vehicles to pick up the class book. Until the day of traffic School, Naomi and Judy focused hard, to make sure Tressa studied.  Most of the time, Tressa was reliable.  But she could get easily distracted.  With her, Judy and Naomi had to keep on their toes. Finally, the day of Traffic School arrived and a miracle occurred.   She awoke bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, a half hour before her alarm.  Judy and Naomi were flabbergasted.  Even the drive to the school went smooth.  (Tressa can get so unsure of herself, she becomes daffy with directions, getting lost easily).  The only explanation Judy and Naomi could come up with:  something special was about to happen.  They decided to sit back, and watch what happens next. Tressa arrived at the class early.  She wanted the seat closest to the door,.  However, there was already someone else there.  Something about this person seemed interesting to both Tressa and Naomi.  Judy noticed, but didn’t think anything of it.  It was rare for Tressa to seek friendship.  When she felt compelled to make a new friend, if Judy didn’t feel any danger, she encouraged it.  Judy assumed Naomi was interested, because Tressa was.  Either way, she let the encounter happen. “Hi.”  Tressa was polite.  Tressa would never think or say that someone was strange, since Tressa had been teased so much about being weird.  Still, the person before her was unique:  clearly female, but her style was very masculine.  Tressa took an immediate liking to the strange girl.   “Sup”came the reply. Both Judy and Tressa leaned in.  “I don’t get this guy,.”  Judy mused to Naomi. “Girl.”  Naomi stated. “Girl?“  Judy blinked at Naomi.  “How can you tell?  It looks like a man.” “I don’t know,”  Naomi remained firm, “but that’s a girl.” “My name’s Tressa.”  Tressa smiled.  Guy or girl, it didn't matter.  This person was interesting.  That was all Tressa cared about.  Tressa knew they would be friends. “Frieda.”  The girl introduced herself. Naomi grinned with pride.  “Told ya.”  Naomi taunted. “So you did.”  Judy rolled her eyes.  “What else do you know about her?” “Hard to tell.”  Naomi wrinkled her brow.  “Something about her makes me sad.  She’s been through a lot and hasn’t really had anyone there to help or do anything or keep her safe.” “What do you mean?”  Judy puzzled. “I…”  Naomi frowned at the floor.  “I think I might go with her at the end of Traffic School.” Judy’s jaw dropped, then she set it, again.  “If you’re sure.” “Yeah.”  Naomi wiped a tear from her eye.  “I’m sorry, but I am sure.” “You have nothing to be sorry about.”  Judy put an arm around Naomi.  “You have to go where you have to go.  It’s okay.  I understand.” “Thank you.“  Naomi returned Judy’s hug.  “I’m going to miss you.” “I know.”  Judy patted Naomi on the shoulder, then noticed the way Tressa and Frieda were interacting.  “Maybe you won’t miss me too much.” “What do you mean?”  Naomi wiped her eyes on her sleeve. Judy pointed. “They seem to like each other.  Maybe they'll hang out and be friends.”   It was Naomi’s turn for her jaw to hang open.  “Has Tressa ever reacted like that with anyone else?” Judy shook her head.  “Not that I’ve seen.  Tressa’s always been shy.  She’s never the first person to greet someone new.” “Look at that!“  Naomi beamed when she saw Tressa and Frieda exchange numbers, email, and addresses.   “I can see.”  Judy squealed in delight.  Her hopes were lifting.  Judy hoped she wasn't fooling herself. Something in her said that she was seeing magic happen.  She had grown with Naomi.  It was bittersweet to say goodbye. When Frieda got up at the end of class, Naomi, Tressa, and Judy joined her.  When the four girls reached the parking lot,  the living and the dead shared hugs.  The living shared new friendship and joy.  The dead expressed farewell and sorrow.   The four parted and separated into couples, both going their own ways. Everyone needs help, sometimes.  There are angels; enough guardian angels for all the blades of grass in the world.

[breakingsomething]

to remember

basic summary: marvin's spiraling.

trigger warnings: mentions of abuse and self harm, flashback to a suicide attempt, much talk of medications, violent thoughts, themes of memory loss, extreme distress

it started with little things.

first he'd forget where he left stuff, like his phone or his cup of tea. that was just normal. but then he'd forget having ownership of certain items altogether. chase had once gotten mad at marvin for leaving a full mug next to his laptop, and it had taken five minutes for marvin to remember he'd made the drink in the first place.

as the weeks went by, thing continued to slip his mind. just small things. street names, words he should know, inside jokes from a while ago. he'd stumble before saying the name of an old friend, hesitate before mentioning that so and so had blonde hair because hadn't they dyed it, or had that been year ago? which of chase's kids liked sonic the hedgehog again? oh, chase kids were missing and he shouldn't bring them up? yeah. he'd forgotten that too.

then it was his medication. he'd been prescribed small tablets of paroxetine to take every day, which he'd done at the beginning. then he'd get so caught up with other things that it'd only be every few days that he'd remember the meds and a jolt of realization would hit him that he hadn't taken them in ages. but it was fine. he'd set a reminder on his phone! which worked for a while, until he'd read the notification and swipe it away with the intention to get up right away, but then get distracted, or even if he didn't get rid of it it would just get buried in his notifications bar and he wouldn't think twice. but it was fine! he was just a bit forgetful. silly billy marvin. so what if he sometimes forgot what his girlfriend looked like or when henrik's birthday was? that was normal, silly stuff. he was just fine.

"marvin, how long has it been since you've eaten?"

oh, someone was talking to him! he startled at the sound, whipping round in the kitchen doorway to face whoever it was and breathing a sigh of relief as he recognized him. jackie. his sweet big brother jackie, big brother who helped him keep his head on straight and comforted him through nightmares of events that marvin wasn't sure had really happened. how much of reality was he making up anymore? he wasn't sure.

"i just ate this morning," marvin said certainly, flashing the hero a smile. "what about you? i haven't seen you eat recently at all."

jackie crossed his arms, narrowing his dark eyes underneath his glasses. "me, chase and henrik ate breakfast together this morning. we had toast and wheetabix with bananas cause chase is on another health kick. where were you?"

marvin's confident grin slipped. "i - i had toast too," he said, trying to keep his voice steady so as not to reveal his uncertainties. "this morning. you guys must have - left."

marvin's heart was racing as he racked his brain. he had eaten, hadn't he? oh, oh, he didn't know. jackie's disapproving gaze was burning into him, making him feel smaller and smaller, like a child on the receiving end of a lecture.

"you can't skip meals, marvin," jackie sighed. he tilted his head and slowly reached his hand up to marvin's face, touching his forehead. even with the warning, marvin flinched. "are you feeling alright? apparently a lack of hunger or a feeling of sickness are side effects of the new medication, so -"

"shut up, jackie!" marvin hissed, face flushing. jackie raised an eyebrow at marvin's response, and the magician unconsciously flinched again. fuck, what was wrong with him lately? he knew jackie wasn't going to hurt him.

"there's no need to be embarrassed about medication," jackie said coolly. "i take paxil for my anxiety. it's nothing to be ashamed about."

"i know," marvin mumbled. he rubbed his skin comfortingly beneath his hoodie, wincing at the feeling of the scars all up his arm. self inflicted. couldn't blame anti for that. "it's not - i don't know. i'm new to all this. the whole - the whole…"

"mental illness thing?" jackie said with only a small hint of amusement in his voice. marvin snorted. the situation wasn't funny at all, so they had to make it that way themselves for it to be survivable.

he hummed, not looking jackie in the eye. another thing he was struggling with lately. he had always been good with things like that, something he excelled in that jackie did not. something else that had been taken from him. "i don't know. my head feels a bit weird all the time, but i don't think i'm sick. i should be ok, but, uh, thank you for the concern."

jackie kicked at a broken panel of wood on the floor, still not moving out of marvin's way. "speaking of medication," he said, and marvin's heart sank. "have you been taking them?"

"yes, jackie," marvin lied, swallowing hard, clenching and unclenching his fists. he couldn't stay still, why couldn't he stay still? his legs were shaking. "taken them every day."

"you're lying," jackie said flatly. marvin breathed in sharply at the undertone of disappointment in his voice, and just managed to look up at his face, cringing at how tired jackie looked. he rubbed at the bridge of his nose, pushing up his glasses. "henrik says you would have needed a refill by now if you had been taking them regularly. but you've barely touched the second packet."

marvin shook his head, breaths quickening. "i - yes i have. i finished the whole box." he'd dump them somewhere when he got a chance alone.

jackie sighed, shaking his head. "stop it, marvin. i looked in your room yesterday. the box was on your desk."

marvin gave a strangled cry. "you - you were in my fucking room? when i wasn't there?" god, he sounded like a child. but jackie knew that things were different after anti. marvin needed his space. he glared at his brother angrily, mouth hanging open with words he couldn't get out. "you fucking asshole, i thought you were going to respect my fucking privacy?"

jackie grimaced, scratching the back of his neck. "we're - we're worried for you, and -"

marvin didn't even say another word. he just shoved past his brother and stormed upstairs, slamming the door behind him.

sometimes he didn't remember his brother's names. that was just something that happened sometimes though, right? sometimes he forgot his street name. that was just a funny little mishap though, wasn't it? sometime he woke up and didn't know where he was and cried himself softly through his panic attack, curled up in the middle of his bed, too afraid to move in case someone came to hurt him, until he passed out from the headache that all the tears ended up giving him. that was normal though, wasn't it? just a silly little one time thing. it didn't mean anything. it could happen to anyone.

and then it happened again. and again. and again.

he awoke from nightmares he didn't remember. he thought about names that meant nothing to him, mouthing the words "dapper" and "naomi" and "jack" to himself. he held knives and thought about stabbing himself in the chest with them just to see what would happen. he shut himself in his wardrobe, shaking so hard he couldn't breath, feeling something hot drooling onto his neck.

the others began to properly notice the day marvin got lost.

he was just going to the corner shop. he bought a bottle of milk, a loaf of bread and a small packet of gum. he left the shop and was instantly hit with a dizzying wave of vertigo, like he was standing on top of a building. he didn't know where he was. he didn't know.

it was fine. there were three streets that branched off of this one, he was bound to belong on one of them. eeny, meeny, miney, mo, and he set off down the street to the left, which went down a small hill. that street then branched off into two other streets, and a long flight of stairs. marvin stared at them, head spinning.

he was suddenly so fucking scared.

he set off down the street to the left again. this one was sloping even further down a hill, tall, pretty looking houses with trimmed gardens and shiny cars parked neatly outside. marvin didn't live in a house, did he? he was certain he lived in a flat. there were flats somewhere in the distance, he could see. he set off towards them purposely, milk carton smacking against his thighs painfully.

it was so quiet. marvin felt the hairs on the back of his neck rise, his chest tightening painfully. he wasn't supposed to be here. he wasn't supposed to be here. someone was going to stop him and tell him to turn around and he was lost, he was scared, and -

and the road ahead branched off into three separate roads, all of which were lined by blocks of identical flats.

he wasn't going to cry. he wasn't. he set off straight ahead, down a hill, frantically looking at the buildings around him. it was early spring, and some families were out in the gardens, playing in sprinklers and having barbecues. marvin was too hot in his long hoodie, sleeves covering the ugly scars on his arms. he couldn't breathe. he couldn't remember. nothing was familiar and the world was upside down and he was fucking terrified, was this a prank? was this a prank for his brother's youtube channel - which brother had a youtube channel, why couldn't he remember, he was scared, oh, he was scared!

eventually he collapsed in an empty bus stop, just across from a construction site surrounded by a red fence. he remembered that. there was a field behind it, and there was an abandoned waterworks, and a farm with lots of cows. he rapped his knuckles on his thighs, trying to ground himself. what else could he remember? he knew his own name. marvin mcloughlin, that was him. he tipped his head back and let out a shaky sob, stomach churning. nothing was right. he was too hot and the milk had gone warm and his palm was sweaty from holding the bread.

he sat there for an hour, numbly watching the sun go down. his head hurt from crying. he was too hot and tired and scared and he felt like a fucking child. marvin sat up, scrubbing at his eyes with his sleeve, scratching his sensitive skin. his mind felt like soup.

my name is marvin mcloughlin. i'm twenty nine years old. i have been on this planet for three years. i'm bisexual. i have three brothers. i have a girlfriend named naomi gudmundson. i used to be part of an organization called hecate's international network of magic.

-

it was night before his mind returned to him.

he fucking sobbed when it did, immediately scrambling to his feet and racing in the direction his mind was telling him to go before he forgot it. the milk and bread bashed his sides as he ran, and he definitely looked like a goddamn idiot, crying and darting through the streets with his shopping in hand. by the time he got to a street he recognized, a street he remembered, he was full blown sobbing, so hard it was difficult to catch a breath. and oh, when he saw chase sitting at the window on his ds, marvin could have cried out in relief. his little brother must have sensed him coming and turned to look at him, grinning, but his face fell as soon as he saw what state marvin was in. he leapt down from the window and disappeared, and marvin fell against the front door, not caring anymore if anyone saw him. he was scared, he was just so scared, he was just so, so scared.

as soon as the lock clicked and the door swung open, marvin threw himself into chase's arms, dropping the warm milk and crushed bread to the floor. "chase, chase, chase, chase!" he gasped, heart racing as his legs gave out, feeling like jelly. "oh my god, chase, chase..."

"what happened?" chase cried, clearly alarmed. he ran his hands across marvin's back soothingly, knowing not to touch his hair in case he set him off further. "did someone hurt you? do you need henrik? marvin, talk to me."

he couldn't talk. he was so overwhelmed, so fucking terrified out of his mind that he couldn't manage words, he just couldn't. all he could do was dry heave, coughing into his arm but still trying to cling to his brother because if he didn't he would disappear and marvin would be alone again and he couldn't be alone again he couldn't anti would get him anti would hurt him and dapper again and he'd punish him because kitten had disobeyed the rules and cut off his hair and anti would make him go into the spare room by himself again without anyone to touch him or talk to him fuck fuck fuck he was so scared!!!

he slept in jackie's bed that night. he couldn't speak, too overwhelmed, too afraid he'd be punished. he curled into a ball and hugged himself, confused and delirious, too shocked to speak. anti in his head. anti in his bed. dapper, anti, kitten, which name was his again? none of them sounded right.

everything came crashing down on him the next morning when he woke.

oh, oh, oh, had that all really happened? had he really gotten lost going to the corner shop, had he really had an hour long panic attack in broad daylight while clutching a bottle of milk and a bag of bread? a slapping wave of humiliation washed over him, and he shuddered, sitting right up in bed. was that real, had he made it up? he groaned softly, clutching his head. let it have been a nightmare, please, please.

he knew it hadn't been when jackie woke up and immediately started badgering him.

"who hurt you?" were his first words. "who upset you? what happened, why were you gone so long, tell me!"

"no one hurt me," marvin croaked. he hadn't spoken in hours, and his voice was hoarse. he curled tightly into himself, gently gracing his fingers across the skin of his neck to soothe himself. "just my own head. just my own head, jackie, jackie, jackie."

the conversation went by in a blur. marvin couldn't remember it.

my name is marvin mcloughlin. i'm twenty nine years old. i have been on this planet for three years. i'm bisexual. i have four brothers. i have a girlfriend named naomi. i used to be part of an organization called hecate's network of magic.

-

he didn't care what his brothers thought anyway. he was fine. it was just a silly memory lapse. ptsd? henrik, you're being ridiculous. jackie, don't agree with him! is anyone here on my side? chase? well, fuck you guys, i don't need you! no more doctors, no more doctors, i don't need you!

naomi was there for him. naomi, his best friend, his girlfriend, girlfriend, there was a change! he'd never loved that word more than now. he'd never loved her more than now. she was wonderful. she didn't treat him like he was fragile. he loved her.

"so how've you been?" she asked one morning when he was round at her shop, nai's blomma magi, yet again. he was there often, especially as of late. he didn't want to be around his brothers. all they did was talk in hushed voices and look away when he entered a room and speak to him gently like he was a bratty child. naomi didn't. naomi looked at him like he was her best friends and she loved him. he was so grateful for her. he thought she was the string holding him to the earth to stop him flying away.

"i've been good," he said cheerfully, swinging his legs on the counter where he was perched. naomi leapt up next to him, blowing upwards to push her caramel hair from her face. marvin wasn't used to it being so short. he thought it looked pretty. he stretched out a hand to run through it as he spoke, because they were dating and he could do that now, though he kept his eyes trained on naomi's despite how hard it was for him just in case she showed any signs of not liking what he was doing. "been busy. lots to do these days you know." he shot her some finger guns. "vibing."

she chuckled, rolling her eyes and shifting closer to him, knocking their legs together. "oh, the usual then," she joked, returning the finger guns. ""it be like that sometimes" and all that? are those the vibes, pye?"

he snorted, elbowing her side. "i am begging you to stop trying to use teen lingo. or - is lingo a word people use anymore? god, i don't fucking know. my point is please, please stop this madness."

she took his face in hand and titled it towards her, booping her nose against his. "ah, but you love me and my attempts at speaking like i am generation z," she laughed. "don't deny."

he knocked his forehead to hers, realizing how unprofessional they would look to anyone who might come inside. but honestly, he didn't care. he had no dignity left to lose. "i do love you," he murmured, before gently pressing his lips to hers, fingers brushing her warm cheeks. he couldn't stop himself from grinning ridiculously, giggling slightly as he pulled away. "ah, naomi, i'm bad at this."

"i'm no better," she admitted. her dark eyes flickered from marvin's lips to his eyes, making him automatically glance down at their entwined hands despite wanting to continue looking at her face. "i haven't had a relationship in years. what do we do? i mean, i won't lie, i enjoy what we're doing now. just this."

he kissed her again, just wanting to be close to her, not wanting to think. "naomi, naomi," he said softly against her lips, like a chant, like he was an actor memorizing his lines. "love you, naomi, naomi."

"that's my name," she whispered, her breath warm on his face. her fingers traced the scar on marvin's lip, the one anti had given him that day he tried to run away and he had made dapper slash his face with his knife as punishment. "you have a pretty name too, marvin. i should say it more often. marvin, marvin, marvin."

he felt light as a feather all of a sudden, like the air had been let out of him with just one stab of a knife to the face. marvin, marvin. forbidden. he didn't know that name.

he pulled away. stared into those chocolate eyes, his vision blurring as his exhaustion began to catch up to him. marvin, marvin, marvin, he didn't know a marvin.

"i don't understand," he mumbled.

the woman frowned, eyebrows furrowing. "what's wrong? pye, are you ok? you've gone very pale."

his fingers had gone very numb. he clumsily pushed himself off the counter, head swimming dizzily, his body moving sluggishly like he was wading through honey. "i'm not meant to be here," he slurred, tongue too big in his dry mouth. "i can't - i don't understand."

anti, anti, there was a name he knew. where did he go, kitten didn't know where he was or what he was doing - pye? pye wasn't his name. he didn't know what was. anti would know.

"marvin," his girlfriend was saying, naomi something, naomi gudmundson, his best friend. "marvin, hey, calm down, it's - uh, it's ok, i'm here. i - do you have your phone? i'm going to call jackie."

her voice was so lovely. marvin remembered days spent hypnotized out his mind, so desperately trying to remember the girl who called him names he wasn't allowed to know in his dreams, the two of them performing magic together. kitten wasn't allowed to perform magic anymore. his hands burned, and he clutched them tightly to his chest, tears forming in his eyes.

his phone had fallen out his pocket. "password, marvin," she asked, but he didn't know. he was suddenly so deep in his own head that he didn't know where or who he was. he was dimly aware of someone taking his hand and pressing one of his fingers to a sensor, of words being spoken, of a man with anti's face arriving and walking him home, of babbling tearfully about monsters and names and memories and girls in his dreams and twins who spoke with hands and charcoal and chocolate eyes and knives slitting his face and ropes and chains and predictive dreams and a man who held him tightly, crying, whispering "marvin, it's ok, it's ok, it's ok."

my name is marvin. i'm twenty something years old. i have been on this planet for three years. i'm bisexual. i have five brothers. i have a girlfriend. i used to be part of an organization called hecate.

-

they took him to a doctor.

jackie went with him. he was the only one marvin trusted, the one who's reddish hair and dark blue eyes and splattering of freckles across scarred cheeks was most comforting, warm, safe. the doctor's name was - something. she was kind, dark hair and glittering black eyes. she asked him questions. "have you been in any accidents recently?" she started in a tinny american accent. like chase. chase had an american accent.

jackie answered for him. "he's recently had a bad concussion, fell down the stairs and hit his head. that's the main thing we can think of."

that wasn't true. and yes, jackie and henrik had argued about lying. "they could incorrectly diagnose him, and then he could be put on the wrong medications, he's already on antidepressants and we can't risk something making his condition any worse!" henrik had cried. "this won't work!"

"then what do we say - "our brother deeply hypnotized him and locked away a ton of his memories, gaslighting him so badly he didn't remember his own name for like three days?" no!" jackie had hurled back. "a concussion is something more easy to explain. i can fake hospital records, aaron can help me if i need it, and -"

"we can't fake this!" henrik despaired. "this is a genuine problem, this is his life, we can't just fake hospital records and hope they magically come up with the correct diagnosis based on the lies you tell them -"

"this isn't your thing, hen, this is marvin and i am doing what's best for him -"

marvin had been sitting at the top of the stairs listening to them fight. he rubbed his burning hands together, wincing at the pain of the contact. how long had it been since he'd been able to use his magic? months. but he couldn't use it. he'd get in trouble. it wouldn't be ok, though. anti would let him use his magic before he exploded.

chase came to sit next to him. "i'm sorry," he said softly. "this is - shitty, i know."

everyone was always sorry. marvin shoved his hands between his knees and didn't respond until chase got the point and walked away again.

eventually, they had just gone with the concussion story.

the doctor turned back to him, smiling reassuringly. marvin fucking hated her. "does anyone in your family have a history of alcohol or drug misuse?" she asked.

chase, marvin dimly thought. then she realized he didn't mean that. "don't have parents," he said hollowly. "all i have is -"

"- is us," jackie interrupted, shooting marvin a look. "our parents are dead. there was no history of any of that, no. not that i'm aware of."

she glanced at her computer, ponytail swinging as she turned in her chair. "i see you're currently taking paroxetine, two 10mg tablets per day?" she asked, and marvin nodded. "have you had a history of mental health issues before this?"

"recently got diagnosed with depression," marvin mumbled, looking at his purple boots.

"have you ever self harmed or made a suicide attempt?"

"what does this have to do with memory loss?" jackie suddenly snapped, squeezing his brother's hand. marvin smiled, but shook his head at him, clearing his throat.

"it's ok, jackie," he said softly, and turned to the doctor again. "uh...yes to both."

"ok, ok." she was silent for a moment as she typed. "i don't see a log here for… any time recently. when did you make said attempt?"

a knife that anti hadn't taken back. he was out, gone away doing whatever he did, and marvin was in the bathroom, blade pressed to his wrist. it could all be over. dapper, brother, don't rewind, i want this to be permanent.

marvin turned to jackie, panicked. the older man immediately spoke up, leg bouncing rapidly. "i - last year, around july. he - there should be records, uh, i can see…"

jackie's boyfriend was going to be busy with these fake records, marvin thought, amused. records for a concussion, records for a suicide attempt - marvin hadn't yet met aaron, the man who had swept jackie off his feet while he was away, but he got the feeling the poor bastard was going to think he was a total nutjob.

no, that wasn't a nice word. naomi wouldn't like him using that word. a pang of guilt went through him; he'd left naomi for a full year with no explanation, kissed her a few times, freaked the fuck out and dipped. maybe she'd think he was insane too. no, no, bad word. he shouldn't be thinking such things about himself. naomi would never think that.

the doctor asked him a few memory related questions: what he'd had for breakfast, what his parents names were ("jack and… donna," he'd said), his address, ect ect. then he did something called a "mental state examination" that honestly felt like a test at school. he did a quick physical exam. then they'd asked to draw his blood.

that had been an immediate no from marvin.

"you - you can't do that," he stammered, pulling his hands inside his sleeves and wrapping them around himself. just the thought of someone coming near him with a sharp object sent him into an immediate sweat, his fight or flight instincts kicking in. "i - i don't like - i can't do that."

the doctor sighed. "we have to test for certain things, such as vitamin b-12 deficiency and thyroid disease," she said, like she was reciting from memory. "although given all i've heard, i think we may be able to diagnose you, but we have to make sure. we'll likely still have to do an mri to make sure."

"i can't do the blood, i can't do the blood," marvin chanted. he was shaking so ridiculously hard. when did he get this pathetic, this weak? "i - i'm sorry, i'm sorry, can't have sharp objects, jackie, jackie, jackie -"

jackie took his both his hands, glancing at the doctor helplessly. "he - he gets scared around sharp objects," he said apologetically. "marvin, hey, it's ok. no blood today, no blood."

"we'll have to reschedule if we can't do this today," she sighed again. marvin was getting sick of her doing that. "can we do tomorrow at… right before ten? maybe five two? that's when the trucks come to take away samples, and results would be quicker if we could get it done sooner."

jackie hesitated. "marvin?"

marvin couldn't breath. couldn't breath. "no, no, no, i didn't do anything wrong," he sobbed, flapping his hands in a circle with his eyes screwed up tight. "don't hurt me, i didn't mean it, i'm sorry, i'm so sorry, leave me alone -"

he thought he blacked out. memories were fuzzy. days passed, maybe. maybe he got his blood drawn somehow. he didn't fucking know. time meant nothing anymore.

my name isn't mine. i'm too old. i have been on this planet for so long. i'm real, maybe. i have a lot of brothers. i have people who i think love me. i used to be somebody.

-

they diagnosed him with ptsd and memory loss. then he got started on donepezil as well as his paroxetine. two medications for two of the many things that were wrong with him.

he visited naomi and told her the truth.

"i lied to you," he said. he stood in front of the counter like a customer, eyes dry and voice flat. "i wasn't staying with a friend last year. i told you that because the truth is fucking awful and i didn't want to burden you with that."

naomi looked unsurprised, but concerned. she frowned, raising her hand like she was going to touch him, but held back. "marvin," she said softly, and the name grounded him. "you can tell me anything."

she shut shop for the day and he told her.

they were both crying by the end of it. it was a lot, to be fair; marvin had years of trauma to unload, though most of it had happened within the last year and a bit. he almost expected her to kick him out - he was damaged goods, too fucked in the head to even function without constantly being doped up on meds. but she never did. instead, she pulled him in for a proper hug, kissing the side of his head and gently rubbing his back. "marvin mcloughlin," she said, naomi said. "i can't even put into words how fucking sorry i am that all that happened to you, i - my fucking shit, that's so horrible."

marvin had been so unbelievably touch starved for so long that for a moment all he could do was linger in her arms, stunned, eyes so full of unfallen tears that he couldn't see. "please don't let go," he choked out, and he was still scared, but he knew her, had known her for a long time, and trusted her with his life. he somehow always had. maybe he'd fallen in love with her the moment they'd met. "you don't hate me. you don't hate me?"

he heard her snort, shocked. "you think i would - hate you for what?" she almost laughed, her short hair brushing marvin's forehead and getting caught in his barrettes. "marvin, you are more than just my boyfriend. you're my goddamn best friend and i love you more than i ever have loved anyone, and that is - väldigt l��skigt, i am forgetting english. but i would never, ever hate you. well, do you - do you want the truth?"

he nodded into his shoulder, the movement making the tears overflow and spill down naomi's back. he quickly scrubbed at his face, embarrassed, but naomi hardly seemed to notice. she buried her face into marvin's neck, her voice slightly muffled as she spoke her next words.

"i was so lost when you left," she murmured. "i had made you my anchor. i blamed myself for you leaving; blamed my bpd, blamed all the depressive states you'd seen me go through, blamed all the mania you'd had to talk me out of. but you know what? i got a therapist and i learned i couldn't blame myself for the actions of others and i continued to love you every second you were gone. i knew you'd be back. i did. i never doubted you and i loved you, so so much, and with the help of my therapist i think i figured it all out."

she sat up, knocking her nose against marvin's. "you are a person and not an anchor. not a - a puppet or a magician for your brother to use. you are a person and so am i and this makes no sense, i don't even know if i'm speaking english but i do know i have always loved you and always will and i'm so glad you're alive."

and it was those words that finally broke marvin. he let out a noise that was almost a wail of despair, shoulders shaking as his chest heaved against naomi's body. she was crying too, he could hear her. so for a long while they just held each other through the pain, and eventually marvin wasn't sad or mourning, he was just hugging his best friend. just comfortable, just warm, just happy. just in love. just alive.

he would be ok.

and as he kissed her once more, this time certain of who he was, where he was, what he was, this time certain he knew he was ok; as he did that, he remembered himself one more time.

my name is marvin mcloughlin. i'm not dead and i'm not going to let myself hurt anymore and anti can suck it if he thinks i'm going to fall to his whims anymore. my name is marvin mcloughlin and i love my family and my friends and myself. my name is marvin mcloughlin and that glitch bitch better hide as well as he can, because a storm is coming and i'm going to be in the eye of it.

[rainandhotchocolate]

Birthday girl

A/N SORRY I’M A MESS - here is the final version!! For the beautiful @siriuslyjanhvi‘s birthday - a lil fluffy fic about Y/N and Sirius. Y/N is highkey famous and Sirius decides to throw her a surprise bday party :))

Enjoy!

Birthday girl.

“Are you sure you had a good day?” Sirius watched Y/N, his eyes trained on hers as if he could read her mind if he stared hard enough. Y/N took hold of his hand and smiled up at him.

“I promise, it was the best birthday I’ve had.” Y/N gave his hand a squeeze, and stepped out of the car, swinging it shut. They were outside Y/N’s family home, a large white Victorian two-story which sat in a row of what seemed like a hundred other white Victorian two-story homes. It was on the outskirts of London, where you could actually have a back garden and a large swing set out front if you were allowed.

Y/N’s dad had put a large tyre on the tree out front instead, promising it would be ten times more fun than Kasey’s swing-set down the road. Y/N fell out of it and broke her arm when she was seven and was rushed to the hospital emergency room where they chastised her parents for bringing her in when it wasn’t an emergency. Her arm had healed by the time they’d arrived.

Four years later she’d received her Hogwarts acceptance letter. She also met Sirius that year, trying to set up a large bucket of water over the Gryffindor Portrait Hole.

“What are you thinking about?” Sirius had come over to her, wrapping his arms around her waist and leaning them both against Y/N’s car.

“When we first met,” Y/N slipped her hands along his arms and up to his shoulders, having to stand on her tip toes to reach.

“You mean when you destroyed my prank?”

“I think you mean when I artfully took over your prank and got you covered in water before your first class with McGonagall.” Y/N grinned up at him mischievously, and Sirius squeezed her a little tighter in retaliation.

“Come on, let’s go inside, get some birthday cake.” Sirius leaned down and gave Y/N a soft kiss, holding her a little tighter.

“Mmmmk, If we have to,” Y/N sighed, giving him a small pout. Sirius smiled but pulled away from her, keeping one arm around her waist.

“We in fact, do have to,” Sirius led her towards the large doorway, “Your parents might kill me if I didn’t get you home in time for family dinner.”

“I know I know, it just would be nice to have some more… Sirius time,” Y/N looked up at him with the biggest puppy dog eyes she could and Sirius looked down at her, frowning at her.

“Don’t make me regret taking you home like a good boyfriend, you know I’d like to have you all to myself as well,” Sirius winked, leaning over and kissing her forehead, “But I promise that we will have plenty of alone time over the rest of the summer, ok?”

“Ok,” Y/N conceded, turning to face the doorway, “How do I look?”

“Perfect, as usual.”

“Sap.”

“It’s your birthday, I’m going to be as soppy as I like.” Sirius winked at her, and then rapped three times on the door in front of him. It swung open almost immediately, revealing Y/N’s tall and balding father who was wearing a very tailored suit and a huge smile.

“The birthday girl is back! Come in, come in you two,” His eyes were twinkling, and Y/N narrowed her eyes at him as Sirius and herself walked passed him and into the main lounge. Y/N knew that look, that was the look when he wanted to –

“SURPRISE!”

Y/N took a step back into Sirius as about 50 people jumped out from behind the large blue couches sitting across the living room. There was a large flash as cameras started to go off, capturing her surprise and Sirius’ arm tucked around her as he stopped her from falling over.

“Oh, my god,” Y/N laughed, turning to Sirius, “Did you organise this?”

“With a bit of help,” Sirius was grinning at her, “Do you like it?”

“Yes! I’ve always wanted a surprise party, I just, I don’t know how you pulled this off,” Y/N moved into the room, a feeling of excitement building in her chest. There was something about surprises that she loved, that made her feel like jumping up and down.

“Believe me it was an ordeal, but you have literally always said you wanted one… so, enjoy,” Sirius kissed her cheek and led her into the room.

The large, white living room was covered in large balloons standing in every corner, and there was a large section of the room that had been converted into a dance floor, a DJ already at work and blasting music across the room. Y/N could see through the windows that even the outdoor pool had been decorated with flashing lights, and streamers covered the trees alongside large, ornate fairy lights. There was a table in front of her covered in every kind of food Y/N could ever dream of, macarons stacked in a huge tower, chocolate covered strawberries, a tiered plate of cupcakes, and multi-level birthday cake covered in buttercream icing and small flowers. Y/N could feel her mouth-watering but was instead led towards a smaller group of people to her right.

“Happy birthday, Y/N!” Lily rushed over to her, squeezing her into a hug and spinning her around on the spot. Y/N laughed as Lily put her back down and she was suddenly surrounded by 5 other people all coming to hug her.

“Were you surprised?” James asked eagerly, “We had to shut Peter up like five times before he let it slip.”

“I kept the secret!” Peter scowled, giving Y/N a quick hug and stepping backwards, looking a little awkward.

“You did, you did,” James ruffled his hair, still looking at Y/N, “Have you looked at your presents yet?”

“She literally just got here,” Remus rolled his eyes, snorting at James’ excitement, “Did you have a good day?”

“Even better with you guys here,” Y/N smiled at him, her heart swelling at the sight of all her Gryffindor friends standing in her living room. She was always unsure to invite them over, with her parents having such important people over all the time they were nervous to have anything that could interrupt their meetings, like rogue magic.

“You big ol’ sap,” Marlene pushed through the group, giving Y/N an even tighter hug than Lily’s, “So who is here? Anyone famous? Your parents know cool people right?”

Y/N rolled her eyes at Marlene. When they’d found out who her parents were, they were mostly very uninterested, except for Lily who shrieked a little louder and suddenly flushed as red as her hair. The Gryffindors were always hoping that they would bump into someone famous when they were in the muggle world with Y/N, even though it was highly unlikely they would even recognise any of them.

“I mean, a few I guess…” Y/N blushed, glancing around the room to see who else was there, turning back to see five very excited looking faces.

“Oh leave her be, you won’t even know them,” Sirius waved them off.

“I will,” Lily muttered, receiving a glare from Sirius.

“It’s fine,” Y/N squeezed Y/N’s hand, laughing at his protectiveness, “Come on I’ll introduce you to some people.”

“Yayayay,” Lily clapped her hands together, linking her arm into Y/N’s and letting Y/N direct her through the crowd. “Holy shit, is that…?”

“Yes, come on I’ll introduce you,” Y/N smiled at Lily’s extreme elation as they walked towards a small group of people. Y/N tapped a girl with long dark hair on the shoulder.

“Hey, this is Li-“

“Lily Evans! I’m Lily, I can’t believe I’m meeting you!” Lily gushed, eyes wide and intense as she stared at a very shocked Malia Obama.

“Uh, hey! I’m Malia,”

“Yeah I know,” Lily looked like she could start bouncing around the room.

“I go to school with Lily,” Y/N gripped Lily’s arm to keep her from moving from foot to foot.

“Oh of course! She never tells me anything about school,” Malia smiled at Lily, “You reckon you could give me any secrets? Y/N has so much dirt on me it's not funny.”

“I, well – “

“There’s nothing to say, anyway, I’ve told you its just a boarding school in Scotland, there’s not anything really to do except for roaming the grounds,” Y/N shot Lily a look as she stumbled on her words slightly.

“Well if you have any cheeky stories about Y/N, I need to hear them,” Malia sighed, “Are you from London as well?”

“I uh, I’m – yes! Outer London, Brixton. And if this helps one time Y/N tried to set up a prank for Sirius, and… well long story short she ended up covered in treacle tart and stuck in a large tree.

“Stop it! Ok, you’re officially my favourite of Y/N’s friends,” Malia grinned at Lily who stared back, starstruck. “I’m going to go grab a drink, lovely to meet you, Lily.”

“You too!” Lily called out as Malia walked back towards the large drinks table, “Holy shit I can’t believe I just met Malia Obama. What the actual fuck.”

“Yeah, honestly I felt the exact same way.” Y/N laughed at her, as they walked back towards Sirius and the others.

“You meet people like that all the time.”

“It doesn’t stop it being overwhelming, I promise you.”

Lily was clearly not listening because she rushed back to James, squealing. Y/N felt a hand reach out and twirl her around, meeting the face of her mother, beaming down at her.

“Happy birthday my darling!” Her mum leant down and kissed her on the cheek, still smiling widely, “I hope we surprised you.”

“You really did,” Y/N laughed, looking around the room at the huge array of her friends and family, her father standing in the corner, booming a laugh at something Barack had apparently said, who was grinning mischievously. She could see Sirius and James wandering around the sides, trying to pick out the most famous muggles, stopping momentarily to oogle at Cindy Crawford and Naomi Campbell who were wearing extremely tight silver gowns. In fact, as Y/N looked across the room at the stunning guests she suddenly started to feel very, very underdressed.

As if her mother knew exactly what she was thinking, she pulled Y/N away, moving towards her parents bedroom. This was always Y/N’s favourite room in the house, a soft blue coloured room with paintings hung across each wall and a huge walk-in wardrobe that Y/N used to hide in when she was little. Her mother winked at her as she brought Y/N into the wardrobe, turning on the soft, pinkish lights.

“So, I knew that we couldn’t give this to you earlier, as it would have given away the surprise, but I thought I might put something together for your birthday,” Her mother walked away and towards a large mirror, pulling it open. Inside was a gown, a black satin dress with a triangle dip across the bust and tulle in the skirt so it puffed out slightly. The dress was covered in small, shining stars that twinkled lightly as the light hit each one.

“Mum, you didn’t,” Y/N gasped, rushing over towards it and feeling the edge of the skirt. It was the softest thing she had ever held in her life.

“I have heard you ask for the past 100 years for me to make you something, darling, I promise I was paying attention,” Her mum grinned, “It was one of my favourite pieces to design.”

Y/N felt like a fish, opening and closing her mouth, trying to find the right words to say thank you. She’d asked her mum to design her something ever since she was five and her mum started her own business, even more so when it became one of the most popular formal wear boutique for the rich and famous.

“There’s matching shoes, get changed and lets make a proper entrance,” Her mum winked at her again, slipping out of the room so that Y/N could slip into her perfect dress. As expected, it fit perfectly, sliding across her skin, accentuating every curve in her body. The black satin shoes were the most comfortable heels she’d ever worn, and the small golden buckle matched the twinkling stars across her dress.

“You ready?” Her mum called from the other room.

“Yep!” Y/N took a deep breath. She would never get over dressing up. Wearing a uniform every day meant that she never had to think about clothes to buy or looking nice, but it made dressing up like this even more nerve-wracking.

Her mum peeped her head around the door.

“Lets go then.”

They walked, arms looped together back into the party. A loud wolf-whistle echoed across the room and Y/N saw Lily hit James playfully, as they saw her and her mother. The rest of the party turned to face her, and Y/N felt her stomach jolt as it went silent, everyone’s eyes on her. Her mother gripped her hand and smiled at her.

“You look beautiful, darling, I promise.”

“Thanks mum,” Y/N turned and gave her a tight hug, “Thanks for everything.”

“Of course,” Her mum sniffed into her shoulder, pulling away so she could dry her eyes lightly, “Come on, no tears tonight, it’s a celebration!”

Y/N laughed as she continued to sniff slightly, walking Y/N back down the stairs and into the swarms of people who had come to say hello.

After what felt like an hour of speaking to numerous people, and saying thank you to the immense amount of compliments she was getting for her dress, she slipped away, moving towards the back of the room to take a quick breather.

Sirius sidled over to Y/N who had leaned against the back wall, watching the guests move around the room.

“People watching?”

“Always,” Y/N smiled up at him, “Thanks for organising all of this.”

“Anything for you, love,” Sirius spoke softly, holding her hand and rubbing circles with his thumb across her palm, “I got you a present, as well.”

“What! You didn’t have to,” Y/N blushed, feeling her stomach squirm. She still got butterflies every time he did something like this, when she felt like she was the only person he’d ever look at with those grey eyes ever again.

“Of course I did! And anyway, I wanted to, close your eyes.” Sirius grinned at her, “Do it!”

“Ok, ok,” Y/N giggled, closing her eyes and standing perfectly still. She could feel his presence in front of her, his large chest and arms pressed up against her own. Her heart was beating hard in her chest as she felt his arms reach up and behind her neck before a cold chain fell onto her clavicle.

“Ok, open.” Y/N opened her eyes to face Sirius who was standing extremely close to her. “It’s not just a kiss is it.”

“Oh shush, look down.” Sirius rolled his eyes at Y/N’s teasing, but was still smiling nervously. Y/N grinned, looking down at the small pendant necklace he had clasped around her neck. It was a circle with a small black dog inside, laying down with his tongue out on a large carpet.

“Oh, Sirius, it’s beautiful,” Y/N gasped, moving it around in her hands. As she grazed a finger across the pendant she watched as the dog stood up and motioned barking, looking excitedly up at her.

“Yeah? It’s charmed, whenever I’m not with you, I’m, you know, still with you,” Sirius pulled a hand through his hair, still looking nervous, “Are you sure you like it?”

“I love it,” Y/N reached up and pulled him closer to her, kissing him softly and leaning her forehead onto his, “it’s the best present I’ve ever had, honestly.”

“Ok, good,” Sirius leaned in a kissed her again, biting her lip softly, “We should probably get back to the party.”

“Maybe in a few minutes,” Y/N grinned, pulling him back, letting his tongue flick onto hers, his body pressed up against her and pushing her into the wall. Happy Birthday Y/N, she thought, smiling into his kiss, never let this one go.

Sirius pulled away, giving a glance to someone to their right who had flashed a photo as they made out subtly in the corner. Y/N shooed them, annoyed that paparazzi would make it into her party but Sirius pulled her back to him quickly, placing a kiss on her forehead.

“Don’t let them get to you, and anyway I’ve got to make sure that all the muggles out there know that this beauty is taken,” Sirius chuckled as Y/N rolled her eyes, “Come on, I heard your dad say something about the cake soon, and I’ll be damned if I don’t get to tell every muggle-born in Hogwarts that I heard their old US president give a speech.”

Y/N took his hand and let her lead him back towards the party, grinning as she heard her dad begin to sing Happy Birthday very loudly and very off-key, groups of people swarming towards the food table as her mother lit the candles. Y/N stood in front of the cake, Sirius by her side, leaning against him as her party guests sang loudly, everyone smiling widely at her.

“Happy Birthday, my love,” Sirius leaned in, whispering softly in her ear. Y/N didn’t think she’d been happier in her entire life.

 Taglist:  @averytruerayofsunshine @siriuslyjanhvi @blushingskywalker @blackpinkdolan @thebabblingbookworm @cherrie511 @imlukesnirvana​ @avengersassemblee​ @maraudersandco​ @sly-vixen-up2nogood​ @katbernoulli @sirius-lysad​ @evyiione​ @minerva26love​ @aikeia​ @gollyderek​ @greatwombatblaze​  @songforhema​  @your-typical-giggle @myownviperroom