#happy spotify wrapped day everyone

[ghostwise]

Business as usual I see.

[witchwhaat]

sorry professor i won't be able to make it to class today, yeah, the spotify wrapped is here

[emuchipmunk]

19 | Jared McCann x American Teenager - Ethel Cain

Part 5 of the Spotify Wrapped x Hockey series

[delaccors]

insp.

[pardonmydelays]

i think the first sign of madness you guys have no idea about was when back in march i was playing assassin's creed odyssey and i usually listen to the music when i play so i made myself a "gaming playlist" and it was 8h long and half of it was... overcompensate

[huntingrays]

For the Spotify ask thing:

27

If you have done it already sorry 😭🫶

27 - illicit affairs by Taylor Swift

so i think like originally it was going to like an actual affair but like neither of them would ever be cheaters so i just made this like a forbidden romance instead! the ending is a little rushed but eh. also ignore my random fantasy world building, i can’t stop rambling whenever i start. this took a lot longer than i expected bc writing for vg week but i finished those so we’re so back bby 😎

next fic may take a while to bc my thoughts went crazy with it…. but yeah this is just sad

Original Post

“Don't call me "kid," don't call me "baby"

Look at this idiotic fool that you made me

You taught me a secret language I can't speak with anyone else”

“You’re going out into the woods again? Seriously? If I didn’t know any better, I would say you’re secretly dating a nymph.”

Leo winked at Piper. “Please. You know I only have love in my heart for my inventions and Festus.”

A look of mock hurt appeared on Piper��s face. “And not even for me? You’re so cruel, Valdez.”

Piper was Leo’s best friend at The Academy. Though he had other friends, like Percy, Calypso, and Annabeth, Piper was his best friend. She and Festus, his dragon, were the only things keeping him sane at the school. The Academy was grueling but it was the best school for fae. Though Leo was intelligent, he doubted he would’ve gotten in if he hadn’t been an elemental. A long time ago, there were a bunch of fae who were blessed by the gods, giving them the power to summon one of the elements. They were called the elementals. The gift could be passed down to their descendants, but it was rare. The Academy sought out any elemental fae to teach since it was a valuable gift. Leo could summon fire. He only knew of one other elemental fae, which was Percy, who could summon water. Fae were powerful magic users, but elementals were even more powerful.

Leo had no desire to be a fighter like many of the others in his class. Instead, he just wanted to be an inventor and dragon rider. Leo had already bonded with a dragon - Festus - so he was already solid on that goal. With how much time he spent on his studies and his forest escapades, he didn’t have much time to spend inventing. Most of his inventions were made out of spite whenever he was slightly inconvenienced. He would feel upset over something minor, like how long it took to preen his wings and would make a whole invention just to make his life easier (and the lives of his friends, as long as they paid him in food or favors to use his inventions - though Piper got a best friend free pass).

Leo had been at The Academy for years, ever since his fire powers developed when he was eight years old. Most other fae joined when they reached their teen years when the board could properly evaluate the power of the ones who applied and would choose the best of their applicants. Only elementals, like Leo and Percy, got in early, so The Academy could hone their powers better. Percy was very talented and strong; he was one of the top in their classes (only beaten by Annabeth). Leo wasn’t as gifted in the strengths or power department but made up for it in intelligence. With all his years at The Academy, he should have thought of it as a second home. Despite his years there, the place wasn’t even close to home. The professors were too strict, the environment too stifling, and the halls too cold. To Leo, his home was his mother and his friends. Most kids were able to visit home during the weekends, but Leo could only return home when their classes wrapped up for the year since he lived far away. It took a day's travel on his dragon to reach home. So, Leo could only see his mother for a fraction of the year. He sent as many letters as he could, but he still missed her dearly.

Around the end of Leo’s first year were when his forest escapades began. At first, it was just something pure and innocent, just Leo wanting a friend. As time went on, however, it became something more, something intimate. Now that he reached eighteen, he was certain he met his soulmate, met the love of his life.

Normally, fae would be able to tell when they met their soulmate - he remembered witnessing what happened with Percy and Annabeth, then their years of ignoring their bond - but it didn’t work if their other half wasn’t fae. Leo was sure there were other ways to check if his secret lover was his soulmate, but he didn’t care to check. He simply knew that he was the one for him, that he was the only one he’d love.

None of his friends knew about his lover. He knew they likely wouldn’t care, but they would worry about him. He knew how this would end but he refused to accept it. He knew his heart would be broken in the end, yet he still held out hope. He didn’t want their pity.

Different species had different opinions on relationships. With fae, they tended to accept queer relationships. With their magic and soulmate bonds, they tended to have no objections, especially with physical proof of love. Also, they couldn’t even object to them not being able to have kids. Thanks to fae magic, things like the same reproductive organs, infertility, or risky childbirth could be worked around. Leo couldn’t exactly explain how it worked since it differed due to many different solutions.

However, the fae weren’t entirely accepting. Though they may accept or merely tolerate queer relationships (it differs from person to person), interspecies relationships tend to be frowned upon. A lot of it was due to not being able to have kids (unless the partner was human) and no obvious proof of a soulmate bond. Interspecies relationships weren’t illegal, but those in them were often frowned upon and shunned.

Since Leo was in a relationship with a man who wasn’t fae, he was sure his peers would be scandalized if they found out, especially since he was an elemental. It wasn’t law, but elementals were encouraged to have kids so they could pass the gift on. They were strongly encouraged to have kids with other elementals since it would almost guarantee having a kid with the elemental gift. Leo was sure that if Percy and Annabeth weren’t soulmates then he’d be encouraged to get into a relationship with him. Leo felt lucky that none of the other elementals at The Academy were around his age. He didn’t want to deal with that.

Though Leo knew his friends weren’t bigots, he just couldn’t gather the courage to tell them. None of them knew, not even Piper.

He kept his secret and he intended to do so until he miraculously got the courage to fess up.

“Why should I have love in my heart for you? You stole my stash of sweets and ate half of them,” Leo responded to Piper.

“But I apologized for it!” Piper insisted with a whine. “And I even replaced the ones I ate.”

“Nothing could ever be as good as my mom’s sweets.”

“Also I convinced her to send you more!”

“She would have done it anyway because she loves me.”

“Ugh, you’re impossible. I hate you.”

Leo laughed. He strolled over to Piper and kissed her cheek. “Love you too, Pipes!” With that, he rushed over to the door and left the dormitory to the sound of Piper’s protests and complaints. He grinned as he pulled the hood over his cloak over his head.

The walk to their meeting spot was long. The path was confusing but Leo was sure he could do it with his eyes closed due to how many times he walked the path.

He discovered the secret spot when he went out walking after exams, drained and wanting a quiet escape. He’d been exploring a cave behind a waterfall when he slipped in the dark and tumbled down a path that had been nearly impossible to see in the dark. From there, he wandered until he was in a hidden grove. Leo wasn’t much of a nature enthusiast, but even he couldn’t deny the beauty of it.

Leo only had a few minutes to look around, admiring the flowers that grew so beautifully, unlike anything he’d ever seen, the glittering pond that was as clear as the sky, the trees that contained species he’d never seen before, and so much more. Leo concluded that it was enchanted, so someone could only enter through the path, invisible to everyone except those who knew about it and those like Leo, who stumbled into it unknowingly. It must’ve been hidden for years judging by how pristine and magical it seemed, with types of fauna that even Leo, a fae, couldn’t identify (though that wasn’t saying too much since Leo’s knowledge of plants wasn’t the best).

Leo would have loved to sit there all day, but his admiration for the place was cut off by a low growl. He spun around, his thoughts screeching to a halt when he saw the wolf behind him. He’d been expecting a wolf the moment he heard the growl, but he hadn’t been expecting a pup. The wolf had a beautiful mix of white and silver fur with clear, blue eyes. Leo didn’t know how to translate wolf years to human years, but he didn’t think the pup was much older than he was.

Leo should’ve been scared. He stumbled into a place that was unknown to him and now was faced with a wolf growling at him.

Leo wasn’t scared. However, he was a reckless idiot. Leo couldn’t help but find the wolf… cute. It was cute and highly amusing to Leo’s worn-out brain. He started laughing.

The wolf abruptly stopped growling, caught off guard by the fae laughing at him. Leo couldn’t stop giggling now that he started. “Aww, is the puppy mad at me?”

The wolf, angered by his taunt, started barking at him. Leo kept laughing and mentally concluded that the wolf must’ve been a werewolf, judging by how he seemed to understand Leo. “You aren’t intimidating at all, puppy. Your barks are too cute.”

The wolf growled in warning before lunging at Leo. Leo easily dodged the attack. Leo must’ve had a death wish because he kept taunting the wolf. “Is your bark worse than your bite? With a bark like that, I’m dying to see how pitiful your bite is.”

They kept up their little squabble for a few minutes, with the wolf trying to attack Leo and with Leo dodging seamlessly and taunting the poor guy. Eventually, the wolf got tired and fed with Leo. He waited until the right moment to strike, when Leo took a step back and stumbled over a tree root. Before he could right himself, the wolf lunged at him but transformed back into his human form mid-attack. In a matter of seconds, Leo was lying on his back in a strange grove, pinned to the ground by a very pissed-off boy who had a firm grip on his wrists.

Leo was right with his age estimate. The boy looked to be the same age as him, with short, blond hair, sky-blue eyes, and a small scar on his lip. He looked pissed enough to kill Leo, but Leo wasn’t scared. He hummed as he evaluated the boy. “You were cuter as a puppy.”

The boy’s grip on his wrists tightened. “Shut up! I could kill you if I wanted,” he growled out. Leo was being threatened but he couldn’t help but find the boy cute. He was trying so hard to be scary, but it wasn’t working on Leo in the slightest.

“Uh-huh, sure you could, puppy,” he shot back.

The boy glowered at him. Leo continued to grin at him.

“What are you doing here?” The boy asked. “You don’t belong. You shouldn’t be here.”

“Would you believe me if I said I wanted to see your cute face?” Leo asked. The boy was silent, continuing to glare at Leo. “I just stumbled upon it, okay? I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to enter any private, magic, wolf property.”

The boy suddenly halted, confusion dawning on his features. He tilted his head as he puzzled out his words, which made him look even cuter than he already had. “What? But that’s impossible. Unless…”

Suddenly, the boy leaned down, sniffing at his neck. Leo couldn’t even make a snarky comment about it because the boy suddenly jerked back, his eyes wide. He suddenly moved off of Leo, stumbling a few feet away in his haste to get away from him. Leo sat up, frowning in confusion. He didn’t get the whole scent thing with werewolves, but he felt a little hurt that the boy disliked his scent so much.

The boy looked furious. He looked even angrier than he had earlier. He was so angry that his body was shaking with it, face red.

“Go. Now.”

Leo quickly rose to his feet, confused and finally a little scared. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to intrude on your space. I promise I won’t-”

“Go!”

The boy looked away from Leo. He walked away to a tree stump and sat on it, sitting with his anger as he ignored Leo. Leo wasn’t sure what he did. Did he smell that bad? He made sure he bathed regularly. Did he just naturally smell awful but only to werewolves? He wasn’t sure but he didn’t want to upset the boy anymore. Teasing him had been fun but this was something else, something different. He seemed genuinely pissed off.

Leo paused before taking off one of the thread bracelets he was wearing. One of Leo’s friends, Annabeth, had taught him how to make magical bracelets to help him destress before finals. Finals in general were stressful, but it was even more so for Leo since he was so much younger and behind his classmates. The bracelet-making had helped him destress a bit. Of the bracelets he made, only two were decent. One was a red one that he was still wearing and the other was a light blue one that he’d taken off.

Leo gently placed the bracelet on the ground, near the boy. “I’m sorry, really. Here, you can take this gift if you want.”

The boy’s shoulders tensed. Leo didn’t want to get into a genuine fight, so he fled, leaving as quickly as he could.

Later that week, he heard rumors around The Academy about a werewolf pup that had been spotted lurking around the grounds. The students didn’t seem to think it was a threat, it was just a pup that ran off whenever anyone got too close, but it was strange. Werewolves lived nearby - there was even a huge wolf pack located within their town - but they tended to stay away from the school.

Leo would bet money that the pup was the one he met earlier that week.

Leo waited until the evening, when the grounds were nearly empty, to sneak out of the dorm and wander off into the woods right off the grounds. He wandered around, hoping to find the werewolf pup and not wind up torn apart.

Leo found the werewolf within a minute of wandering around the woods. He paused, staring at the wolf pup, who stared back at him. The wolf walked over to Leo and grabbed the hem of his cloak, tugging on it.

Leo quirked an eyebrow up at the wolf. “Do you want me to follow you? Or do you just want to eat my cloak?”

The wolf growled and continued to pull on his cloak.

“Okay, okay, I’ll follow you! You know, you could shift back and talk to me.”

The wolf ignored him and let go of his cloak. He walked off and looked over, waiting for Leo to follow him. Leo sighed and followed the wolf.

The wolf led him to the secret grove. Once they were there, the werewolf finally shifted back into his human form.

The boy fixed him with a firm stare.

“You smell weird,” the boy told him.

“Is that why you suddenly got upset with me?” Leo asked.

The boy blushed and looked away, fiddling with something on his wrist. Leo realized it was the bracelet he’d given him. He felt happiness fill his chest.

“More or less.”

“And… why did you drag me back here?”

The boy shifted on his feet. Leo could tell he was nervous and unsure of himself, that he was wondering if he wanted to do what he was about to do.

“I was thinking… we should become friends.”

That hadn’t been what Leo had been expecting.

“Really? You want to be friends with me, puppy?”

The boy scowled but quickly cleared up his face, appearing calm.

“Yes, even if you are annoying. This place… it thinks you’re worthy, so you must be an alright person.”

Leo looked around the place. “It’s very beautiful. What is this place?”

The boy seemed to calm down. He looked around the place, a small smile on his face. Leo thought he looked the best when he was smiling. “It belongs to my family. It’s been in our pack for generations. The future pack alpha is decided based on whoever this place grants access to. My family have been the pack leaders for three generations.”

“So does that mean I can become pack alpha?” Leo asked with a teasing grin.

The boy rolled his eyes. “Obviously not. You’re a fae, not a werewolf.”

“Then why am I allowed in here?”

The boy suddenly looked nervous. His cheeks flushed as he looked away. “It’s… complicated. Let’s just say it thinks you could be… a trusted companion of mine.”

“Does my new puppy companion have a name?”

The boy didn’t look upset or done with his teasing for the first time. Instead, a glint came to his eyes and he smiled at Leo.

“Jason Grace. And does the little fairy have a name?”

Leo barked out a laugh. He thought they would become good friends. “Leo Valdez. You better not forget it, puppy.”

And he didn’t. Their friendship slowly grew after that day. They would meet once a week every week Leo attended school until they were fourteen, which caused them to meet up much more often, practically every other day. Their friendship had been innocent at first, though Jason had a habit of giving Leo gifts. After they became friends on that fateful day, Jason had given him a crescent moon necklace, his face bright red as he put it on Leo. Leo wore it constantly. He rarely ever took it off, it was his prized possession. There came a point where the bracelet Leo had given Jason had worn down and would also no longer fit on his wrist. Leo offered to make him a new one, but Jason refused. Instead, he just attached it to his belt. Leo felt touched that he still kept the silly, little thing.

That wasn’t the only thing. Jason not only kept giving him random gifts, mainly food but also kept scenting him. Leo didn’t get the whole scent thing with werewolves but he let Jason do it anyway since it made him happy. He wondered why Jason would do something so risky. He thought it might cause complications if one of his pack smelled the scent of the future pack alpha on some fae student. However, Jason had assured him it would be okay, so he never brought it up. Besides, he didn’t know anything about werewolf customs and traditions anyway. Scenting could be a thing friends do.

Their friendship went from when they were eight to fourteen. At that point, Leo had feelings for Jason and couldn’t keep being just friends with the boy. So, he gathered up his courage and confessed to his friend.

After his confession, Jason just looked puzzled, tilting his head to the side. “I would hope you have feelings for me. It would be awkward to be courting someone who didn’t even like me.”

That was when they realized there had been some misunderstandings due to differing customs. Apparently, when Leo had given him the gift of the bracelet, without specifying what kind of gift it was, it was a signal that it was a courting gift, that it was a message that he was open to courting. Then, Jason gave Leo the necklace, which he not only accepted but wore every day. So, Jason had been courting him from that point forward. Leo asked why he wasn’t courting Jason if he gave Jason a gift, to which Jason rolled his eyes and told him that it was because fae don’t court others, courting was a werewolf thing.

Jason figured Leo must’ve known he was courting him since fae were supposed to be smart and Jason was doing everything you’d find in a basic courting guidebook. He made it as obvious as possible.

That confused Leo, though. “But why would you want to court me? I was such a little shit to you back then.”

That was when Jason got flustered and explained what true mates were. Apparently, according to the laws of their secret meeting place, the only people who could access the place were the pack alpha, the future pack alpha, and the true mates of the pack alpha and future pack alpha. He said that werewolves could tell who their true mate was because of their scent. Leo didn’t understand the whole scent thing, but Jason just said that the scent of their true mate ‘smelled right.’ He said that it was a scent that was most pleasant to them, that it somehow conveyed that they were the one.

When they first met, Jason was so upset because he found out the mean fae who bullied him was his true mate and thought the world was out to get him. He was determined to ignore it but, after being around his pack witnessing Hazel, a new addition to their pack, and Frank realizing they were true mates, he decided to give it a second shot. He figured he could court Leo and see if they would work well together. They had, and the two had been courting ever since.

“So, how do we get together after courting?” Leo asked.

Jason grinned and moved closer to Leo. He moved a hand to Leo’s neck, touching it gently. “Well, full werewolves have a mating ritual but we can’t do that since you’re not a werewolf. But… you can kiss me. You kiss me and I bite you, making you my mate.”

The two of them should have thought of the ramifications of a fae smelling like a werewolf and sporting a mating bite, but they didn’t. Instead, they were two dumb teenagers who were in love. Leo had kissed him and Jason had given him the bite.

Ever since that day, Leo wore shirts with a high enough collar to hide the bite, which wasn’t hard considering it was on the junction between his neck and shoulder. The two had been happily together since then.

Leo was brought out of the memories and into the present as he walked into the hidden grove. Jason was already waiting there and he beamed as he saw him. “Hey, puppy!” He bound toward Jason but frowned when he saw the expression on the other boy. He looked stressed and in mourning. “Hey, what’s wrong?”

Jason looked up at Leo, his expression faltering. He stood up, pulling Leo into his arms. Leo paused, his hands slowly coming up to rub his back. “Puppy?” Even after all the years, his teasing nickname for Jason stayed and became affectionate.

Jason nuzzled Leo's neck before pulling away. He looked pained like he was about to do something he didn’t want to. Leo felt his stomach doing nervous flips. “Jace?”

“We need to talk,” Jason murmured, sounding more serious than Leo had ever heard before.

“What’s going on?” Leo wanted to make a joke but his brain wouldn’t work. He couldn’t think beyond his racing thoughts, wondering what happened to Jason. Was he okay? Was he hurt? Did something happen to his pack?

“One of the members of my pack found out about us,” Jason explained.

Leo felt his stomach drop. He knew they weren’t subtle, but he never thought this day would come. “Seriously?”

Jason nodded, expression growing grimmer. “Yes. He brought it up in a meeting. It caused a huge argument in our pack. I told them you were my true mate but they didn’t care. They… decided what to do going forward. They said… that we aren’t allowed to be together. I’m supposed to lead the pack and create future generations. They wouldn’t accept an outsider as my right hand. They wouldn’t accept… half-breed children. They’re going to set me up with a werewolf girl from another pack. One of the members of my pack is going to meet you next week to magically snap our mating bond. The bite will end up healing, but not fully.”

None of this made sense. Going into their relationship, they both knew this was a possible ending, that it was the most likely ending, but he never thought it would come. He felt like he was dreaming and this was a nightmare. He wanted to wake up to a reality where this wasn’t happening.

“Are you serious?” Leo asked, his voice trembling. It was useless to ask such a stupid question. He knew the answer. Jason would never lie to him.

Jason nodded. “I’m serious. I tried everything I could but with no luck. My dad was having none of it. He’s still the pack alpha, so I have to listen to him.”

Tears burned in Leo’s eyes. He furiously blinked them away, not wanting to show Jason how much this hurt him, but some tears managed to slip out and roll down his cheeks. Jason noticed and carefully wiped the tears away.

“Why do we have to listen to those stupid, stuck in their ways werewolves? Why can’t they accept us?” Leo asked, his voice cracking.

Jason pulled him into another hug, holding him close. Leo let himself cry into Jason’s shoulder.

“I don’t know. If I knew how to change their minds, I would. I'm sorry. I didn’t want us to end like this.”

“Do we have to?” Leo asked, his voice small.

He heard Jason inhale sharply. “I think so. The pack will be watching me closely until my new mate arrives. After she comes and the ceremony is done… well, it won’t be pleasant to… be with anyone else, romantically or sexually. Also, she’ll be able to know my emotions and some of my thoughts from our bond. I know my pack. They will choose someone who will be loyal to them. I don’t think we’ll be able to slip one past them.”

“Well, can’t we just… run away? Can’t we leave all this behind us? We’re adults now. We could leave and go live on our own,” Leo suggested.

He heard a heavy sigh. Jason pulled away from the hug, looking sadly at Leo. “As much as I love you, I can’t do that. My pack… I love them so much. They’re not just my family, they’re so much more. Even if their views are backwards, they’re still my pack. I can’t leave them.”

“You can’t or you won’t?” Leo asked, getting angry. “You would do it if you truly loved me.”

Jason’s expression turned stern and Leo realized he might have crossed a line. “I can’t. You want me to leave behind everything I know and everyone I love. Would you leave behind all your friends and family if I asked you to? Leave your friends without any way to contact them since you’re now a traitor? Leave your mom abandoned and alone?”

Leo hadn’t considered it like that. He hadn’t thought about Jason, about all his friends and family he would be leaving behind. If he left a traitor, he wouldn’t be able to contact any of them. Leo wouldn’t be able to do that. He thought he might be able to do it if it was just his friends he left behind, but not his mom. Leo could never abandon his mom, never leave her behind. He loved her more than anything. He shook his head. “No. I’m sorry.” His hands clutched Jason’s shirt. “I don’t want to say goodbye. I… can’t lose you.”

Jason gave Leo a sad smile. “I know. I feel the same way. I wish we could be together. I wish it didn’t have to be like this. You’re… one of the best things that ever happened to me. I’ll never, ever forget you. Not even the gods could make me forget my love for you. I… don’t know how I’ll get over the loss of losing my other half, of losing my better half. I love you, Leo Valdez. I always have and I always will.”

Leo felt completely hopeless. This was it. Their relationship was ending. This wasn’t a nightmare he could wake up from or an illusion he could snap out of. He would never be able to see Jason after this. He would be losing not only his soulmate but his best friend as well. It felt wrong that the world wasn’t ending when it felt like Leo’s world was crashing around him. He didn’t know how to go back to his normal life after this. Leo signed up for this life and this inevitable pain, but it was so much worse now that he was finally feeling it. He cursed the gods and every being he could think of. He cursed their lives. He cursed their forbidden love. He cursed Jason for making Leo love him. He cursed himself for making Jason go through this pain.

Leo leaned in, kissing Jason even as tears streamed down his face. It was a sorrowful kiss, filled with their sadness and mixed with the salty taste of tears. Despite never wanting it to end, Leo slowly pulled away. Jason was crying now. Leo hadn’t ever seen Jason cry before.

“I love you. I love you so much. I wish we could be together. Maybe… someday in the future. I don’t think I’ll be able to love anyone else. Maybe… we’ll be able to be together, whether it’s in the future, our next life, or another universe. I’ll wait. I’ll wait as long as I have to. There is no world in which I wouldn’t love you. I love you, Jason Grace. I always will.”

Leo took a few moments to admire Jason. This would be the last time he would ever see him. He took in all of him, all the features he grew to love. He was still so handsome, even when crying. It wasn’t only his looks but all of him, all of Jason. Whatever werewolf they chose for Jason would be lucky to have him.

With what little strength he had left, he kissed Jason’s cheek before turning and leaving. He didn’t let himself look back. He knew if he did, he wouldn’t ever be able to leave. He hesitated for a moment at the entrance of the grove before leaving. Jason didn’t call after him. Leo didn’t stop or look back.

As Leo walked back to The Academy, tears streamed down his face. He didn’t know how he’d explain away his red eyes to his friends. He figured he’d finally tell them the truth.

The only comfort he had was that they would have a chance to be together in another life, in another universe.

What he didn’t know was that the two of them were doomed in every life, in every universe.

[0unfortunately0]

It’s my favorite holiday (spotify wrapped day)!!

Very predictable result tbh

[goldensatellite]

i knew the king and sarah kinsley would be number one in my heart this year <3

[alittlebitofsainz]

- he kissed me right in front of my friends -

prompt: “i threw a party, he kissed me right in front of my friends, i felt so far from the cliffs.”

pairing: lando norris x reader

summary: if you could have one birthday wish granted, it would be that you no longer had to hide your relationship.

a/n: lyrics from track #89 there it goes by maisie peters :)

masterlist | the spotify wrapped collection

“hey, happy birthday baby!”

you couldn’t help but let your lips curve into a soft smile as lando pressed a kiss to your cheek, holding out a bag full of presents as he stepped inside your apartment. you accepted it graciously, eyes wide at the sheer number of gifts.

“lan, you really didn’t have to…”

“I wanted to.” he cut you off with a shake of his head, “for my special girl.”

he leaned forward to press a kiss to your lips, but you quickly batted him away.

“careful, lan, people might see!” you giggled, looking up at him like he’d lost his mind. it had been eight months of keeping your relationship under wraps, and while you both understood why it had to be that way, it still didn’t make it easy. it was moments like these where you yearned for a normal relationship, one where your partner wasn’t in the spotlight, one where he could give you a kiss on your birthday and it wouldn’t be plastered all over social media the next day. but it was worth it, you thought as you looked up at lando’s face, eagerly waiting for you to open your presents. it was worth it to call him yours, even if it was only in secret.

yeah, it was worth it, you thought, as you watched lando laughing uncontrollably at something max had said, the two of them stationed behind the dj booth you’d hired for the party. in general, lando didn’t go much on drinking, and he’d sworn off djing for the most part, but he was willing to make exceptions for your special day, and you smiled to see him enjoying himself. your best friend followed your gaze, noticing you phasing out of the group conversation you were in, and nudged you.

“you’re staring, y/n. you totally fancy him.” she teased, and for a moment you almost slipped up, you almost replied with yeah, I really do. but you caught yourself, instead laughing it off with a sharp shake of your head, elbowing her right back.

“knock it off, we’re just mates.” you protested, but your friend arched an eyebrow and pursed her lips in a way that suggested that she didn’t quite believe you. she opened her mouth to reply, but at that moment, the lights shut off and the music cut out. you instinctively glanced over back towards the dj booth, eyes searching for lando, confused to find him gone. but the confusion only lasted for a moment as a glow of light emerged from the kitchen; twenty lit candles pressed into a cake, held up by lando as he brought it across the room towards you, all your friends joining in and singing happy birthday to you. you grinned, feeling tears prick your eyes. god, you’d never been happier. there was only one thing that could’ve made this day more incredible, and you sighed to yourself as you watched lando bring the cake closer, lowering it slightly so you could blow out the candles. his eyes locked on yours for just a moment, and you swore you felt your heart stop.

“make a wish.” he murmured.

you blew out the candles, earning a cheer and a few hip hip hoorays from your friends gathered around you. lando set the cake down on the table, another friend stepping in to help cut and distribute it to guests, allowing you just a moment to talk whilst everyone was distracted.

“what did you wish for?” he asked, voice low, making you lean in to be able to hear him above the music which had started up again. you arched an eyebrow.

“if I tell you, it won’t come true.” you retorted, the corner of your lips curving up into a wry smile. it always gave you butterflies, flirting with lando in public. something about it made you feel like you were still in that stage where anything could happen, like you were just starting to get to know him all over again. his expression changed slightly as he reached into his back pocket.

“now don’t yell at me, but I got you one last present.”

“lando!” you protested; you’d already admonished him earlier after you’d opened all your gifts from him. you could tell he’d spent a lot of money, more than you believed you deserved, on anything you’d ever mentioned wanting. shoes, a nice handbag, a designer coat, expensive earrings. but it wasn’t just material things, he’d got tickets to than gig you mentioned you wanted to go to, taken out an annual membership for the gardens you always liked going to for some peace and quiet, donated money to the shelter your parents adopted the family dog from. it was far too much, yet lando insisted it wasn’t enough to show you how much he loved you.

“I said don’t yell at me!” he replied playfully, producing a small wrapped item and holding it out to you, “it’s not an expensive one. it’s just… well, just open it and see.”

you peeled off the wrapping paper with gentle fingers, the package feeling so delicate in your hands compared to all the other larger gifts he’d showered you with. it revealed a gold necklace, with a single ‘L’ hanging from the chain. you looked at it, awestruck, running a finger over the gold letter.

“lan, this is beautiful.” you murmured softly.

“to remind you how much I love you, even if I can’t always show it.” he explained softly, and you felt a lump form in your throat. it was so bittersweet, you thought, as he took the necklace from your hands and instructed you to turn around so he could fasten it round your neck. the necklace was like some sort of twisted metaphor for your relationship, always there but often hidden. you turned back to face him, glancing down to admire the jewellery for a moment. if people saw this, it wouldn’t take them long to join the dots, to make the connection, especially if you were next to lando. you sighed, reaching to take the ‘L’ between your fingers and tuck it under your top, to hide it away. but lando’s hand was on yours in an instant, holding it in place, his fingers clasped round yours, clasped round the golden letter. you looked up in surprise.

“don’t hide it.” he said softly, “fuck it. I want people to see it. I want them to know.”

the confidence with which he had said it startled you, but in the best way. you barely had time to process the words before his hand had snaked around your waist, pulling you to him, his lips on yours in an instant. it wasn’t a gentle kiss; it was a kiss that let everyone know, without a shadow of a doubt, that you were his, and he was yours.

you pulled away for a moment, eyes on him, but in your peripheral vision you clocked a few of your friends watching the two of you, mouths open, slices of cake forgotten about. your best friend had a smug grin on her face, one that said that she knew all along. you saw max begrudgingly slip pietra a ten pound note. lando saw it too, and laughed. and then you laughed. and then you kissed him again.

“happy birthday.” he murmured, resting his forehead on yours.

“I got my birthday wish.” you murmured in reply.

a/n: and thus concludes the little ‘just friends’ mixtape! check out the previous tracks below:

told her you were just a friend | just don’t want your friend to see

[nvybloo]

[house-of-lovin]

safety net

Tara Carpenter x F!Reader

masterlist | over (1) | love language (2)

Summary: Tara Carpenter loved playing games with you. (inspired by safety net by ariana grande ft. ty dolla sign)

Warnings/Tags: toxic!tara, clueless!tara, mature language, implied sexual themes, mentions of violence and trauma.

Note: as promised THE LAST PART (woohoo😮‍💨) this was seriously a lot of fun and became a bit of a writing exercise using songs as prompts and trying to piece them together into a storyline. Thanks for all the comments, reblogs and feedback. They are so appreciated! Let me know what you guys think! <3

Word Count: 3.4k+

“You’re staring, again.”

Tara snaps her gaze back to the book on the table, ignoring her friends’ smug smiles. “Why don’t you just go up to her and apologize?”

“She doesn’t want to talk to me, trust me, I’ve tried.” Tara rolls her eyes. 

It’s been two weeks since that night at the party and you have been ignoring Tara. You spent the rest of spring break working at your uncle’s shop, avoiding the friend group, sans Mindy because you couldn’t exactly avoid someone you lived with. Tara attempted to give you space the following days and then reached out to you in hopes that you could talk and sort out the situation. Tara doesn’t want to lose you as a friend. 

“I’m not gonna apologize for something that wasn’t my fault, Mindy. Just because she caught feelings doesn’t mean we can’t be friends. But now she’s ignoring me?” Tara scoffs, “Well, some friend she is.” 

“God Chad’s right. You two are clueless.” Mindy’s nose wrinkled.

“She knows where to find me when she’s done being stubborn.” Crossing her arms, she glances back at you. You were sitting across the quad, on a bench surrounded by your other friends; laughing and talking, unfazed by Tara’s brazen staring. 

How were you not seeing her shameless looks?

She swallowed the pitiful lump in her throat as she continues to observe your carefree nature. 

“Weren’t you begging me to tell her to call you back like a week ago?” Mindy objected causing Anika and Quinn to snicker as they listen in, not bothering to pretend like they weren’t eavesdropping.

“Begging is a stretch,” She mutters weakly, picking at the corner of her book.

“Tara, why can’t you just admit that you want to be with her?” Quinn ponders, genuinely confused as to why you two are playing hopscotch around one another. Everyone could see how madly in love you two are.

It genuinely puzzled the friend group as to why it’s taking this long to get you guys to stop playing games.

They just wanted to see their friends together and happy, definitely not because of the growing bet pool. And not because it was getting increasingly expensive to wager in the bet the longer it ran because you two refused to acknowledge the clear feelings you have for each other. (It was starting to burn a sizeable hole in their wallets)

The brunette shakes her head defiantly, “We’re just hooking up.”

“You’re not acting like you guys are just hooking up.” Anika counters, “actually, you guys act more like a couple than me and Mindy sometimes.”

“No. We don’t,” She frowns.

“Yes you do and it’s gross,” The aforementioned girl interjects. “No one should be cuter than me and my girl.” She wraps an arm around Anika, leaning in to lovingly peck the girl’s cheek. 

“Y/N’s always bringing you coffee when you study with us at the library, even though her class is on the other side of campus.” Anika comments.

“She always loses on purpose when we play card games just so you can win,” Quinn adds.

“She laughs at all your lame jokes and obscure movie references – there’s no way you enjoy Suspiria as much as you say you do,” Mindy stated.

“Hey!” 

“Dude, she has a Spotify playlist titled with your name and heart beside it.” Mindy throws her hands up, feeling a bit fed up.

“Doesn’t mean anything, we share music all the time!”

“Tara, Y/N literally takes care of your plants when you complain about forgetting,” Quinn objects.

Tara’s still feeling persistent. “That’s not true.” 

Her dying plants have been on the mend these last few weeks and it’s definitely because she’s been paying more attention to them; placing the potted plants in a better area for sunlight and watering them more.

Quinn shoots her roommate a pointed look, “You were over-watering them, Tara. Y/N had to come over and change the soil. Did you even notice?”

No, Tara didn’t even notice. She was shocked at how much went over her head as her friends continue to list all the little things you do that, apparently, she’s been too blind to see. She glances back at you as you’re talking to a girl; smiling, unbothered. She recognizes her from her creative writing class – Tara didn’t know you two were close. Close enough for the girl to wrap a hand around your arm and lean into your ear something that the Carpenter can’t make out from the vast distance.

Tara’s eyes slither into tight fissures as she watches the random girl continue to make herself comfortable on you. Eventually, whatever she felt she had to whisper so close was over, but not before the girl planted a kiss on your cheek unsuspectingly. The Carpenter watches as you slightly jump from the contact, then eventually grant her a shy smile – the same smile you reserved for her. 

Tara feels an unpleasant drop in her chest because, for the first time since moving to New York, she allowed herself to finally feel everything she’s been burying.

It was suffocating, making her want to claw at her throat to get rid of the nasty sensation. Regardless of how much she swallowed in an attempt to get rid of the feeling, it only grew larger as it ached; begging to be acknowledged. Hastily, Tara stands up, gathering her things.

“Where are you going?” Her friends' questions were left unacknowledged as she footed it, not really sure where she was going; all Tara knows is that she had to get away before her friends see her break down. 

In her haste, Tara misses your concerned eyes tracking her disappearing figure.

●●●

Tara is choosing to ignore the world and her problems.

After that conversation with her friends, she ran home, plopped into her bed and hid under the covers for the remainder of the afternoon. She put on her favourite horror movies, hoping it would distract her from her thoughts of you. But her efforts proved to be fruitless. You tormented her thoughts regardless of how desperately she tried to drown them out. 

So, she sat there until bright blue skies turned navy and drove herself mad thinking about you.

Trust came sparsely for someone who was violently attacked by a deranged murderer. As much as Tara tried to push through the past and live as if nothing happened, it plagued her in her daily life. It revealed itself when a phone rang too loudly, near kitchen knives, or in dark areas – there were just certain experiences that were tainted by the memory of Ghostface. 

But then you showed up. She remembers opening the door to her apartment and there you were, standing behind Mindy with a $15 bottle of champagne and a poorly-wrapped throw blanket for the old couch to celebrate the Carpenter’s housewarming party (an attempt at some normalcy) with a shy smile and Tara was hooked. 

No matter how much she tried to distance herself, echoing sentiments that it’s a bad idea to get involved with someone so soon.

You lured her in, anyway.

It was in your tenderness that you had Tara wrapped around your finger.

Normally, the Carpenter would be annoyed with someone treating her like she was made of glass, but when it came to you; she knew it wasn’t out of pity. Your gentleness was welcomed with open arms because for once in her life, Tara finally felt like she didn’t have to be so brave all the time, at least, not when she was around you. 

She didn’t have to pretend her life was as put-together as she made it out to be. 

Because for once, someone had finally made her feel like she is worthy enough to stay for, to care for, and maybe to love. And that was terrifying because all anyone in her life had ever done is let her down and leave – Sam, her mom, her dad, Amber. So she kept you on a tight leash; taking control and leading. Never letting you close enough to see how she really feels about you. But there are cracks in the unsturdy walls she tries to put up, she’s not perfect. How can she resist you when you still willingly chased after her regardless of what she’s put you through – and how even through her harshness, you never lose your gentleness with her.

You create real balance and peace within her (not the fake one, she’s desperately fronting) and to someone who’s only known chaos and instability – that’s terrifying. So sue her, for being a little scared.

So, yes. 

Right now, Tara is ignoring everything around her because that realization is too big a burden to deal with.

She has her legs pulled up to her chest, the fuzzy blanket you gifted months ago, wrapped around her shoulders as she watches the TV from the couch; not really paying attention to the film. Her eyes begin to burn the longer she stares at the blue-lit screen causing a painful sting to her pupils. 

A terse knock on the front door startles her making her blink at the sound. 

Everyone was out for the night; Sam at therapy, Quinn at a hookup’s house and her other friends, all off doing their own thing. She wasn’t sure who could be at the door at this time. Cautiously, she stands to silently walk to the door – the pads of her naked feet connecting to the wooden floor litter goosebumps on her skin. Standing on the tips of her toes, Tara looks through the peephole.

She sees you shifting on your feet, glancing over your shoulder – looking unsure if you should even be there. 

Tara feels a pit forming in her stomach, but moves swiftly to unlock the door, opening it. 

“Hey.” She says softly, palm wrapped tight on the doorknob in an attempt to ground herself.

“Hi.” You rub a hand on the back of your neck.

“What–what are you doing here?” Tara sees you flinch, mistaking her tone for malice but you’re answering before she can correct herself.

“Mindy said you needed my help.” You drawl as if confused. 

Tara shares your confusion, brows drawing together. “I… don’t need help?”

You shake your head, clenching your jaw tight, “God dammit… I think she set us up.” 

“Oh.”

Rolling your eyes, “Yeah, oh. Look, that’s my bad, I’ll deal with her. You can go back to… doing whatever you were doing.” 

Tara sees you eye her attire glumly; an oversized shirt that covered her bare legs; assuming the worst. Her eyes immediately widened like saucers, grabbing your arm before you could leave. 

“No! That–that’s not–I’m home. Alone.” She clarifies. The word ‘alone’ taking a special raised and rushed tone. 

You scoff, pulling away from her, “good for you.”

“Can we talk?” Tara calls out, she can’t let you leave yet – despite her previous decision to ignore you and ignore her feelings. The longer you stood across from her, the more she realized just how much she’s missed you these last few weeks.

“No.” You continue to walk down the hall.

Tara grows desperate, running after you and grabbing your arm again to stop you from leaving. The concrete floors were rough on the soles of her feet. “Y/N, please.”

You turn, ready to yank your arm away from her grip but her watery eyes halt you; sympathy bubbling lowly in your chest and you curse inwardly at how easy it was for her to lure you back in. 

“Can y’all shut the fuck up? Some people are trying to get some sleep!” A voice interrupted, it was her neighbour, peeking his head a couple of doors down to yell at you two. He pops his whole body out when he sees Tara’s revealing figure, shooting her a lewd smile through his cigarette-tainted teeth,  “Oh hey, there.”

Tara feels you turn in her hold as your face drops – jaw clenching as you glare at her sleazy neighbour (who was at least in his late 40s judging by his greying hair) “Go back inside unless you wanna get fucked up and stop looking at her.” 

He stares back for a few seconds, debating if the challenge was worth his time. You move her behind you with a tug of an arm; blocking his view of her. Tara knows it's the wrong time but she couldn’t help but move closer; inhaling your familiar perfume. “Man, you’re not even worth my time.”

You wait until he shuts the door before facing her again, muttering under your breath. “Creepy motherfucker.” 

“Go back inside before anyone else comes out here begging for a show.” You tell her, lightly pushing her back to her door. But her hold on your arm tightens, “Not until you come inside and talk to me.”

You sigh, looking around the hallway in an attempt to buy yourself some time before you eventually gave in – tugging her inside the apartment.

Only once you were both inside did you pull away from her grip; Tara’s arm falling limply by her side. You look at her expectantly, “Well?”

Tara remains unmoving and silent, She curls into herself, leaning against the back of the couch just staring at you

You grow annoyed at her silence, running a hand on your face, “Tara you begged me to talk…” 

Still nothing from the Carpenter; she isn’t sure why she can’t say anything now that you’re standing in front of her. Maybe it was because she wasn’t ready to confront you and her feelings but as you stood there, about to leave, she knew she couldn’t let that happen. She wasn’t sure when she would see you again, this was the closest you’d been around her in the last few weeks. 

At this point, she was acting on pure impulse and heightened emotions.

“Unbelievable…” You mutter, grabbing the doorknob. She can feel practically feel the sharp snap in your patience as you try to leave, again.

“I don’t get you.” 

That stops you in your tracks, making you turn looking confused. 

“What?”

Tara begins to shake her head.

“I mean, I don’t get you… Like, why are you still here? Jesus, Y/N, you’ve been ignoring me but you still came here cause you thought I needed help. Even after all the petty shit I’ve been doing with those guys to fuck with you and after the party” She grabs at her hair; roughly tugging on it. “And even after all that, you still chase after me. Why!”

“Because I love you.” 

Tara inhales a sharp breath at your admission and how carelessly easily you said those words. Your brows furrowed like you looked genuinely confused by her question, it has Tara scoffing in disbelief. Unsure how you can still give her genuineness even after everything she’s done, she doesn’t deserve it.

“No, you don’t, you can’t. We’re just hooking up, it was just sex.” She denies, but a fog of tears is beginning to cloud her eyes. Even through the haze, she can see you approaching closer, holding a cautious hand out. 

“Maybe I am just a hook-up to you… but I didn’t just catch feelings for you. I’m not just falling in love with you, I already fell Tara. More like, I dove head-first without a life jacket,” You take the moment to chuckle dryly.

“And yeah, that wasn’t part of the plan but I wouldn’t be able to live with myself I didn’t tell you that there’s someone that wants to wake up and fall asleep beside you every day. Someone that wants to show you that maybe this time you don’t have to be so afraid to let someone in.” You shake your head, looking down for a brief moment of insecurity but you regain the passion in your eyes as you connect gazes.

“So, look me in the eyes and tell me that I’m just a hookup, and if you do. I’ll leave you alone – for good.” She desperately blinked away the tears as she attempts to meet your eyes to tell you that you are just a hookup, it is just sex, she doesn’t love you too. But when she meets your eyes, she sees tenderness again and suddenly her knees are buckling under her.

Her body doesn’t meet the ground like she expects it to. Instead, you grabbed her, wrapping a firm arm around her waist as you held her weight up. She can hear distant mutterings of comfort being whispered in her ear but nothing registers as she realizes that she’s starting to sob uncontrollably. 

“Baby…need you to breathe… ‘gonna make yourself sick.” 

She couldn't hear anything around her until her face is being pressed into soft fabric; clawing at it, in a desperate attempt to self-soothe. She’s having a panic attack. 

“Tara… Please, baby, you have to breathe–” You beg but Tara can’t hear you properly.

Nothing works until she feels you wrap her in a firm hug, still leaving her enough space so as to not feel suffocated. One arm around her waist, the other hand wrapped around her neck, as you rub soothing lines on her clammy skin. 

A few moments of silence pass until Tara feel the pressure in her chest ease as the ringing in her ears subsides. She gasps for air against your chest, coughing as a burning ache in her throat develops. The rubbing of lines on her neck turns into firm pats on the back as Tara continues to cough through her tears.

“It’s okay, it’s okay.” You shush her. Eventually, her coughs turn into occasional sniffles and deep breaths as you run fingers back up her hair comfortingly; giving her all patience she required.

“I’m sorry,” Tara says once she pulls her head off your chest, keeping a tight grip on your clothes.

“You have nothing to apologize for,” Your eyes softened as you ran the pads of your thumbs to wipe away at her tear-stained cheeks.

She shakes her head in your grip, “Yes, I do. Even now, you’re still treating me so well. I don’t deserve it.” Her voice turns into a broken whisper as she finally allows herself to be vulnerable.

“Oh Tara,” You said so tenderly, “You deserve the world, baby. You’re amazing.”

“No, I’m not,” She shakes her head, beginning to pull away from you, not wanting to hear your words and how genuinely you believed it. 

You tightened your grip around her waist, preventing her from moving. “Yes, you are, if only you can see yourself the way I see you. Oh, Tara, you don’t even realize it. You amaze me, you make me want to be a better person, that’s what you do to me, that’s what you make me feel. Not the other stuff you’re saying.”

Shaking your head, passion raging in your eyes; eye contact with the smaller girl unwavering, “The way you care for everyone around you, and how you carry yourself despite everything you’ve gone through… Baby, it’s amazing to watch you be yourself. I know, I know… After Amber, it’s hard–” That makes Tara’s eyes widen, unaware you knew about her and her late friend. 

“–to trust people but, if you just gave me a chance and spared me an ounce of trust to let yourself fall… I promise I’ll be under there waiting with a safety net.” 

Tara examines your eyes, there was no ounce of dishonesty in them. But that’s to be expected, you’ve always been genuine with her, always up-front, and calling her out on her shit – with love. It was one of the things that made her fall for you. Where everyone around her treats her like she’s a porcelain doll, letting her get away with whatever she wanted – you stopped her, but always in a way that was more so loving and protective rather than overbearing and smothering.

The thudding in her chest begs for reprieve as her heart craves to be moulded with yours. Her heart wants to know what it was like to beat in tandem with you, to finally allow herself to be caught instead of trying (and failing) to hold herself up all the time. 

As Tara’s body caves in on herself, she pulls you down by the neck, unable to hide the content sigh that leaves her lips when your mouths meet in the middle. The kiss was sweet, passionate and firm; it poured out all love that words could never capture; where the tool of language proved to be invaluable in expressing her feelings. 

“I trust you…” Tara whispers when she pulls away, unable to school the smile breaking across her lips. You giggle, making her smile wider. For once the heaviness in Tara's chest feels bearable with you in her arms. 

No other words were exchanged as you two attempted to meet again for a kiss only to bump noses and miss because you two were beaming so wide.

●●●

happy reading!

:)

[little-brattyangel]

Dear Liam,

The 22-year-old woman I am today feels like I shouldn’t be grieving, like I’m not allowed to mourn because I didn’t know you personally. But the truth is, there was once a 9-year-old girl who didn’t understand why her life was so difficult. She didn’t understand why God didn’t love her enough to give her happiness. She was bullied at school, her dad was gone, and her mom always seemed to side with her brother, never offering reassurance. She didn’t understand why her mom didn’t comfort her when she was scared, why she had to be the “big sister” when all she wanted was to feel safe and loved.

This girl didn’t feel beautiful. She was criticized for her weight and her looks, and her dad would give her false hope over the phone, promising he’d come back, but he never did. She blamed herself, locked herself in the bathroom to cry, asking God, “Why am I being punished?” Those were dark times.

But in November 2011, everything changed. She heard "What Makes You Beautiful" for the first time, and suddenly she felt seen, loved, and beautiful—as if that song had been written just for her. Listening to your music made her happy, so she dove into research. Who were you guys? Harry, Louis, Niall, Zayn, and her crush—Liam.

From that moment, a new kind of madness began: watching every interview, reading your biographies, learning every song, connecting with people all over the world, even learning a new language with the thought of "One day I'm gonna meet 1D and they don't know Spanish, so I need to learn English" . The fandom became her safe space. It was as if the bad things in her life weren’t as dark anymore.

She loved you all, but with you, Liam, there was something different. That smile, those kind brown eyes—you became her first love. Of course, you didn’t know, none of you did, but you and the rest of One Direction saved her life. You, Liam, especially, with your sweetness and sincerity, saved her in ways she couldn’t explain.

She grew up with your voice as her constant companion. When things at home got bad, your interviews, your songs, made everything seem a little better. When her dad made her feel worthless, there was you.

When One Direction broke up in 2016, she was 14. She read fanfics about you, kept listening to your music because it felt like home. Every year, her Spotify Wrapped showed One Direction at the top. You all saved her, not in the usual sense, but you did. Your music, your laughter, your funny moments, and even those left-footed dance moves. Everything felt better because of One Direction, because of you.

Now, years later, hearing the news of your passing feels surreal. Payno, I can’t believe you’re gone. I wish this were just a nightmare I could wake up from. My heart goes out to your parents, your son, your friends and family, and everyone who knew and loved you.

I’m sorry for not telling you how special you were, how much you meant not just to me, but to millions of people around the world. I’m sorry we didn’t see your suffering, and I wish I could have been there for you like you were for me. You saved me, and I wish I could have saved you.

Thank you for everything, Liam. You’ll never be forgotten.

I’ll love you forever,

The 9-year-old girl you saved

[lyriumsings]

I keep seeing people talk about Palestine as if all hope is lost like they’re already gone and “the least we can do it remember them” and quite frankly I reject that. These people are fighting for their lives demanding the world to pay attention to them. Demanding their freedom and their right to exist on their own land. In light of the absolute atrocity that is happening in Rafah I am urging everyone to remember why we’re protesting and that these people ARE HERE. They’re alive, they’re real, they have a beautiful culture that needs to be witnessed and celebrated so here are some Palestinian creators you should follow because Palestine is not lost. It is not an empty land that’s gone. They will never be gone and we should all keep fighting until Palestine is free and not a second before because Palestine WILL be free again. I’m focusing mostly on Palestinian creators on tiktok because I think it’s important to see the physically and listen them and just acknowledge that they’re people, they should have linktrees to their other social media. I encourage you to visit their pages and interact with them because they are also being censored especially on tiktok. My platform isn’t big here so please feel free to reblog and also add more links, I would love to follow more Palestinian creators as well!

None of us are free until we all are. From the river to the sea. 🇵🇸🕊️🍉

@/mxriyum - a Palestinian woman who shares her amazing recipes passed down from her mother. She hasn’t posted in a while but there are many Palestinian recipes on her page that are absolute delicious. Please give them a try.

@/anat_international - a Palestinian woman giving updates on what is happening in Gaza but also shares about Gaza before the genocide. She is currently being heavily censored by tiktok for talking about the genocide and is doing more “influencer” like videos to beat the algorithm. So she’s sharing more stuff about the culture like Tatreez clothing, and organizing pottery painting sessions with people who are palestinian and allies. Extremely informative! She’s taught me so much.

@/sammyobeidthem - a Palestinian man who is a comedian. Genuinely so funny! And proudly Palestinian and talks about Palestine in his sets!

@/elyanna - a Palestinian singer. Her voice is insanely gorgeous. She has a song that has not been released on spotify called olive branch that is about the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

@/monamakeupdoll - a Palestinian make up artist, she’s absolutely gorgeous! She share tips and tricks and make up brands that support Palestine!

@/thatfalahigirl -A Palestinian Influencer she has a link in her link tree to purchase a Keffiyah if you haven’t yet there is even a discount! All proceeds go to Gaza via Pious Projects! She shows various ways to wrap it and shares her cultural clothes and I learned what dabke is because of her and it looks like so much fun!

@/amalzhamm - A Palestinian influencer she posts about her lifestyle and food and her family and it’s just so important right now to see happy Palestinian people. Palestinian mothers and fathers and children just existing. Like all of us do every day. And she shared this absolutely beautiful video of what palestine is like.

I’m going to end with this next one the very first person I saw on tik tok that educated me through his videos on Gaza and Palestine in October last year.

@/iamsbeih - a Palestinian influencer he posts about what is happening right now and what has been happening to the Palestinian people for over 70 years. He talks about his own family and his roots in Palestine the correct way to pronounce Gaza and Palestine. Just so much crucial information and i’m so grateful for him being willing to spend the time making these videos to educate people like me. He even posted a couple of palestinian songs (iirc they’re folk songs a lot of Palestinians in the comments know them) recently and they’re very beautiful.

Thank you. Free Palestine.

[damiansgoodgirll]

hey, can you write about damian x reader where she fell asleep without noticing and he cuddles her up in a plane and one of their friends take the pic

yup! i’m so happy writing for damian 🥹

damian priest x reader

Sleeping beauty

you never understood how or why but plane rides always made you tired.

a very embarrassing thing happened to you many years ago while you were on a plane and that kinda made you uncomfortable falling asleep again on planes. you accidentally fell asleep on the person who was set next to you and, instead of being patient or calm with you, that man started yelling and shouting about how you invaded his personal space and how you were harassing him.

that was probably one of the scariest and embarrassing thing that happened to you.

so before going on a plane you started drinking a lot of coffee and eating a lot of candies so you wouldn’t fall asleep in case you were sat next to some stranger.

this time you got lucky because you were travelling with your colleagues and friends from work damian and rhea.

you weren’t a pro wrestler you just worked with wwe, that’s how you met both of them and since day one you all got really close. rhea was like a big sis to you, always pranking you and making you laugh, damian was more like your protector. you couldn’t describe the relationship you had with damian, you were really good friends but you knew he had feelings for you and he definitely knew you had feelings for him. everyone around you noticed that.

“are you ready to go mariposa?” he asked you with a very big smile. he was thrilled when rhea told him you would be flying with them because for some work meeting you missed the flight you were supposed to take.

“yup!” you smiled “i’m just wondering who will be the stranger next to me…” you thought out loud.

“i don’t know…rhea and i got different seats, maybe you’ll be closer to her, let me see your number” he asked you and you showed him your seat “no way, you’re actually sat next to me” he smiled at you.

you were relieved when you heard those words coming from damian’s lips.

“that’s a good thing” you said.

“hey lovebirds! they’re boarding our flight, do you want to go or…?” you heard rhea calling for you and damian.

you both pretended to not hear her nickname for you and you just got on the plane.

when you got seated you realised that it was going to be a 8 hours flight and not even the whole coffe in the world could keep you awake for so many hours. you tried to distract yourself with music, switching from song to song as you didn’t want to annoy damian since he was reading and he looked completely focused on the book.

in reality damian couldn’t care less about the book, he just wanted to spend the flight talking to you but you looked tired and he didn’t want to bother you. what you didn’t realise was how fast the music endured you to sleep, it became almost like a lullaby and not even 40 minutes into the flight you were already fast asleep.

damian saw you sleeping and he decided to cover you with his hoodie, knowing the ac was on and that you would probably be cold.

he switched from the book to his spotify playlist as he was getting bored. rhea was watching a movie but from her seat she had a perfect visual of the both of you and from time to time she would send smirks in damian’s direction.

two hours into the flight you were still sleeping, just in different position. you unconsciously laid your head on damian’s shoulder but he definitely wasn’t bother by it. instead he was amused, he took it as an opportunity to have you closer so he wrapped his arm around your body and kept you close to him.

rhea saw the whole interaction and decided to take a few pics of the two of you to show you once you land. her intention was to help you confess to each others and the pictures she took were the perfect prove to it.

four hours into the flight you decided to wake up but the moment you opened your eyes you felt like you were being held by someone and it took you a few seconds to realise that the person who was holding you was damian. he looked so peaceful while holding you and watching a movie that you didn’t want to move his arm away but you got really uncomfortable in that position.

“oh you’re awake beautiful” he noticed smiling “did you sleep good?” he asked you.

“yes…uhm, i’m really sorry for falling asleep on you…i didn’t mean to” you started to apologize but he stopped you.

“it’s no problem, really. i liked having you closer to me” he smiled at you.

he what?

“are you sure? you can tell me if i made you uncomfortable…i won’t be mad i promise you”

“y/n, princesa, i promise you that you didn’t bother me at all, i liked having you close to me…heck, i wish you could sleep on me evey single night” he went straight into confessing.

“damian i -…”

“it’s okay you don’t have to say anything…i just wanted you to know how i feel” he said to you.

“and what if i feel the same?” you asked him.

“you what?” he asked almost in a whisper.

“damian, let’s be honest, we had this thing going on for over four years…we’ve been best friends but deep down we both know that we wanted for more…we-we we’re just scared to confess i guess…but i really really like you dam” you confessed too and he was to shock to even form a proper phrase that he went just by and kissed you. his soft lips over yours.

rhea was watching all the scene from the other side of the plane and she was internally screaming at the fact that her two best friends finally confessed at each others.

you never thought that the first kiss you would share with damian was going to be close to the sky but you couldn’t wish it in any other way.

[hwaslayer]

project: make you love me (jyh) | nine.

♣︎ spotify playlist | series masterlist

—summary: yunho can’t stand how you’re so wrapped up in the notorious campus fuckboy, park seonghwa. he would gladly love you the way you deserve, despite being shy, awkward and the complete opposite of seonghwa. thus, when he finds himself spending more time with you over literature reviews and random study sessions, he decides to take on the challenge to win you over.

—pairing: jeong yunho x f. reader x park seonghwa

—genre: (18+ - minors dni) strangers/friends to lovers, college au | fluff, angst, smut

—word count: 3.9k

—chapter content/warnings: cussing/mature language, competition day for the group!, flashback scene, yunho is slowly starting to pull out the cute pet names and heart eyes hehe, alcohol consumption/intoxication, chaeryeong being the cutest bff ever, feelings are being shared!!, seonghwa lol

Today is the day.

And you are nervous.

The competition isn't huge, but it means a lot to your team— it'll spread your name across groups, towns. Increase the likelihood of others wanting to join, wanting to invite, wanting to collaborate. Place yourselves in a higher place than last year. You all heard about the competition through Yeonjun, who picked up a flyer near the grocery store. It's a competition during the town's winter festival, something he felt like would be a good opportunity either way. There are three winners; each winner wins a certain amount of money awarded to help fund their group's events, competitions and fundraisers. On top of that, the competition was to be broadcasted on a livestream in order to encourage support from anywhere and everywhere.

There were designated drivers within the group, transporting members in different cars while all of you chipped in for gas. You had left bright and early in the morning in order to settle at the hotel before practicing and enjoying bits of the festival. 

It's been a whirlwind. 

Even though you're nervous, it's a beautiful day and you're happy to be here with your friends, your team. It'll be a good day.

It'll all turn out perfectly fine.

"Hey, are you guys good to go? We're ready to practice near the parking lot." You swing the door open to Hyunjin peeking into your room, eyeing everyone grabbing their things.

"Yeah, we'll be out in a sec." You smile at him, signaling for your roommates to head out the door.

Your group finds a secluded part of the hotel parking lot, taking this space to clean up and fine tune every single part of the piece. Every single beat, every single move— you, Yeonjun and Hyunjin precisely monitoring each member to correct any small mistakes and flaws. This goes on for about an hour, another hour spent to run the piece a few times until satisfaction. It's close to 2 hours before your team reaches this point, now allowing some time to walk around the festival before you're called to the stage to get ready for the competition.

Jongho points at a few vendors that are selling snacks, a few of you grabbing something small to eat— nothing too heavy before the performance. You and your friends snap a few pictures with your snacks in hand, sending one to Yunho as a way to let him know that the day has been good so far.

you: me! with friends! 

yunho: very cute. ☺️ let me know how everything goes. i'm rooting for you!

You smile at your phone just as Hyunjin calls for your group and motions for them to come towards the stage. There are a good amount of other groups present, but no one is hostile in any way, or overly competitive. It's all good vibes and it makes it much, much easier to get through the competition in one piece.

The MC comes onto the stage to start the competition portion of the festival, greeting the large crowd that has flocked to the area. He greets the panelists sitting near the front stage; a few of them being choreographers you are familiar with and have taken workshops with before. He lists all the groups in attendance, with your team being second to last to perform. 

You watch all the groups dance before you in awe, wondering how they move so gracefully, how they've pieced together everything so well. You always feel like you learn something new watching other dance groups, and you always feel so grateful to have the opportunities to learn from each other. Everyone is hyped up and bouncing along to the songs, having a good time being around people who love doing the same thing you do.

When it's time for your group to finally head up and perform, your nerves return. You stand in your position, eyeing the crowd that has grown tremendously with the other groups cheering off to the side. Your nerves switch to adrenaline quick when the music starts to play, getting into dance mode like everything depended on it. 

You love doing what you do.

You love dance.

You love being here with your friends and showing off your talents.

You wish Yunho was here.

But, little did you know that he caught the livestream as soon as he got back home from bringing his mom to her appointment— smiling in awe every time he saw you in view. Today, you seem much happier and you have a glow to you. Yunho is happy that you're happy and enjoying yourself. He really wishes he could be there in person so he could hug you and congratulate you as soon as you step off the stage, but this will do. 

He hopes you know that he does think of you, too.

You give it your all during the last few seconds, hitting the ending pose until the music cuts out. All of you cheer and hug for getting through another performance without any issues or injuries. As you step to the side to gather yourselves and take a breather, the final group heads on stage to close out. You all agreed that whatever happens today, you would leave happy and grateful for the opportunity to travel here and perform. 

They give the judges 15 minutes to decide their top three, and that might've been the longest 15 minutes you've ever endured in your life. While you all wait around, a few people from other groups introduce themselves to you and invite you to the club to hangout afterwards. Your friends agree it'd be a good way to close out the weekend trip, especially with the club not being too far from the hotel. At this point, the MC comes back on stage to announce the top 3 for tonight's competition. You aren't expecting anything, and you've drilled it in your head that winning didn't necessarily mean much— though, it would be nice.

It wouldn't take away from your passion and love for it.

"Second place goes to—" The MC pauses. "Common Ground!" Your team reacts with a bunch of yells and smiles as you make your way back up to the stage to take a photo with your trophy. You and Chaery hug each other off stage, squealing in excitement before hugging Soobin and Seungmin.

"Congrats, ya'll!" Yeonjun yells. "Time to celebrate!" He yells, making everyone erupt in more cheers on the way back to the hotel. A few of your friends head out to pick up some pizza for the group, while the rest of you shower and start getting ready for the club. Thankfully, Chaery forced you to bring a cute outfit just in case any celebrations were in store. You throw on a simple black, sleeveless short bodycon dress with your converse highs and leather jacket. You take another picture to send to Yunho, one that makes him ogle a bit at how beautiful you look.

you: going out soon 😬 gonna celebrate!

yunho: as you should, pretty girl. 😍 you look amazing.

You giggle just as Yeonjun calls for everyone to come to his room and start pre-gaming, all of you squishing around his room to pass along the shots.

"Let's fucking go!" Yeonjun yells. "Cheers!" He points his shot up in the air, giving everyone a moment to tap their cups against each other before downing the alcohol. The pre-gaming picks up quickly and one shot, turns to two, turns to three or five—

You are drunk, and you miss Yunho.

"Babe, let's go!" Chaery yells for you, slightly dragging you by the arm as the rest of your group walks out of the hotel. She loops her arm with yours, holding onto you tightly as you all [loudly] walk across the street to the club where the party is taking place.

"I'm going!" You pout, letting her keep you close.

"You're drunk, why aren't you as happy and giddy?! Where is my girl!" Chaery asks loudly, making you protest a bit in her arms. "What is it?!"

"Stop yelling at me." You look at her. "I'm fine! I just—" You pause and drop her arm from yours. "Nevermind."

"What is it?" It's her turn to whine, looping her arm with yours again so you guys can keep up with the group.

"I kinda miss him."

"Who?" She glares at you. "Y/N, who? You better not be talking about Park Seonghwa."

"No. Not him." She furrows her brows.

"Then, who—" She gasps loudly and hits Soobin behind her, causing him to yell an 'ouch' in return. "Oh my god! Jeong Yunho?!" She yells his name for the entire town to hear.

"Stop, be quiet! What's wrong with you!" She squeals. Speaking of Yunho— though Yunho loves to be home to help his mom and aunt, he only spends a night to make his way back early just so he can see you as soon as you get back. He has the whole thing set up in his head, and he hopes he can pull it off. It's really nothing big, but he does want to surprise you [in a way] and see you smile. 

That's all he wants.

"Where is he right now? Let's call him!" Chaery grabs your phone from your hand, instantly pulling up Yunho's number.

"He's at home, Chaery! Don't bother him—" Chaery screams when she hears Yunho answer on the other line with a deep 'hello,' making you smile from ear to ear even as you wrestle with her to get your phone back. "Chaery!"

"Yunho, you answered!" She looks at you. "He answered! He was waiting for your call, I think!"

"Give me the phone! I said don't bother him!" Yunho laughs as he continues to drive, hearing the commotion between you and Chaery [plus the background noise] echo in his car's bluetooth. "Yunho?"

"Hey. You okay?"

"Mm, yeah. I am just drunk." You emphasize the word, leaning your head on Chaery's shoulder as you continue to wait in line. "We are drunk. Sorry, Chaery called you."

"I see." Yunho laughs. "So, you weren't the one who wanted to call me?"

"I-I mean, yes, I did! But, Chaery physically hit your number because—" You pause, unsure if you should tell him you miss him. "Because she just did. Anyway. I'm here now!" Yunho bites on his bottom lip.

"I'm glad you are. Did you have fun today?"

"So much fun! I wish you came!"

"I know, I'm sorry. I'll make up for it, okay?"

"Okay, fine. I'll hold you to it." You giggle. "We won 2nd place! We get $250 to fund future group projects, events, fundraisers.. all that good stuff!"

"Congrats, Y/N! I knew your team would make it to top 3. I've been telling you." He smiles even though you can't see him. "You know, I caught the livestream."

"Y-you did?" You look at Chaery with those eyes, making her guess what the entire conversation is about. 

"I did. You guys really did amazing. You deserve it."

♣︎ FLASHBACK

Yunho rushes back into the house, constantly checking his phone and hoping he isn't late to the livestream. He plops onto the couch next to his aunt, reaching over to grab the remote from the coffee table.

"I'm watching the news!"

"Really quickly. Please?" He pouts a bit. She lets out a sigh and nods, giving Yunho the green light to bring up the Youtube app. He types in the channel, pulling up the livestream that has already started. He quietly curses to himself when he sees a group already dancing on stage— praying to the powers above that he hadn't missed your group yet.

He will do anything, just as long as they give him this one thing. He suddenly regrets ever checking out girls, for ever having crude, boy-ish thoughts. He's apologizing to the universe so hard he doesn't even realize how still and quiet he's being—

"Wow, you're really serious about this dance stuff. I've never seen you so focused." His aunt says, pulling him out of his thoughts.

"I'm waiting for my friend and her dance group to come on stage. If they haven't already."

"Her?" Is the one thing his mom pulls out of the entire sentence. He looks over at her and lets out a small sigh.

"Yes."

"Is this the same her?"

"If it is?" His aunt laughs.

"I'm just asking, Jeong Yunho."

"Sorry." He says with a slight whine, eyes lighting up when he catches familiar faces coming on stage. His eyes are scanning the entire group until they finally land on you. Yunho subtly nibbles onto his bottom lip to prevent himself from smiling too big, ears feeling hot and red. You're incredibly cute, and he's suddenly missing you. But even if he tries to hide it, it's obvious to his mom and aunt. They won't question it even though they thoroughly enjoy seeing Yunho crushing on someone this hard.

His eyes continue to stay glued on the tv, a small smile and 'woah's' slipping from his lips every now and then. Once the performance comes to an end, he gives off a tiny clap before exiting the app and getting up from the couch.

"I think I know which one she is." His mom says, making Yunho respond as he heads back up the stairs to his old room to start packing and gathering his things.

"No, you don't."  He teases.

"You can tell, huh? He's in love. He's definitely in love." His aunt adds, making his mom giggle.

♣︎ END

"You are.. too good to me." You sigh contently. "Seriously, how?"

"I'm just telling you the truth."

"Well, thank you. I appreciate that." You respond sweetly.

"Of course." 

"Wait. A-are you at home? Oh my god, I'm so sorry. I told Chaery not to—" 

"I'm actually heading to the apartment now. I'm just stopping for food first." He focuses on the lot ahead, pulling into a parking spot by his go-to restaurant near the apartment complex.

"Why'd you go home so early?"

"Because you're coming back early tomorrow." You feel the heat rise to your cheeks.

"You c-could've stayed—" You hiccup. "Woops. You could've stayed." You repeat to get your point across.

"It's alright. I just wanna make sure you get back in one piece." 

"You're the best. Really, Yunho. Youuuu're the best." You slur a bit, making him silently chuckle to himself as he switches the call back to his phone. He steps out of the car and heads into the restaurant, giving the lady at the front a quick smile of acknowledgment.

"Nonsense." She points at his to-go bag and he gives her a thumbs up, handing over his card. "Why don't you go enjoy yourself?"

"Because I wanted to talk to you about stuffs. Do you want me to go?"

"It's not that. I just want you to have fun with your friends while you're there. Celebrate your wins and all."

"But, we're in line waiting to get into the club. I can talk to you about stuff—" Suddenly, Chaery grabs your hand and drags the phone to her ear— not giving you time to respond or fight back.

"S-She—" Chaery hiccups. "She likes you, Jeong Yunho! That's what it is! God, she is so cute when it comes to you—"

"Hey!" You respond with a slight whine. "Stop. I wanna tell him." Your voice is louder on the other line. "Yunho?" You call for him again and Yunho melts. God, you are too adorable.

"Yeah?"

"Did you hear her?"

"Sure did."

"No." You pout. "No, act like you didn't hear it, okay?"

"You sure?"

"Yes. Let me say it." 

"Go for it, Y/N." He laughs a bit, signing his receipt before handing it over. He hears you clear your throat on the other line before you reply with a: 

"I think I like you."

"You think? That's a shame, because I actually do like you." Yunho teases. He hears you whine again and it's awfully cute— he wishes he could be there, but he knows he'll see you as soon as you get back.

The things he could do to you right now. Like hold your hand, kiss you. It makes him feel giddy inside. You make him feel giddy inside.

"N-no, no!" You hiccup. "I like you! I like you!" You repeat drunkenly.

"I'm just teasing, Y/N. It's okay."

"No seriously, I like you."

"I like you, too."

"I mean it." He can almost see the pout on your face. "I know I'm kinda drunk or whatever, but I mean this."

"I know." He smiles to himself. "I know you mean it. I mean it, too."

"Yeah?" You ask in relief, followed by a giggle. "Yay! I'm so relieved."

"Good. Have fun tonight, okay? And please be safe."

"I will. I wish you were here."

"I'm there in spirit."

"I will t-text you—" Yunho slightly pulls the phone away from his ear when he hears a bunch of ruckus and chaos. "Seungmin, oh my god! Wait! The line is moving too fast, wait— I'll call you or text you later, okay? They're literally dragging me through the door."

"Okay." He laughs when he hears Seungmin respond in the back with an 'am not.' "Be safe please."

"I will!" You loudly giggle before abruptly ending the call. Yunho looks at his phone before doing a slight head tilt, truly hoping you'll get to and from the event safely and in one piece.

"Must be so cute to be all over somebody's sloppy seconds." Yunho cocks a brow up as he diverts his attention to Seonghwa and San, who stand a couple of steps away from him. They seems to be heading into the same restaurant that Yunho just picked up his food from, clenching his jaw as Seonghwa proceeds to walk closer. 

"Right." Yunho lets out a small scoff. "Have a good night—"

"It's kinda funny. I didn't think she'd actually go for you." Seonghwa cuts him off and continues to try and taunt him. Yunho continues to clench his jaw, laying his eyes on him one last time before trying to brush past him. "Aw, that's incredibly rude of you to walk past someone who's talking to you."

"Hwa." San calls him lowly, hinting for him to let it go. Not the time, nor place. 

"No, you're right." Yunho steps forward. "I'm just not sure what you want me to say, Seonghwa. Sorry you can't recognize a good thing when you have it?" The smug smirk on Seonghwa's face dies, and he's back to glaring at Yunho.

"I wouldn't talk on shit you don't know about."

"You sure I don't know anything about it? Because last time I checked, she was in my car when you left her in the cold." Yunho maintains eye contact with him, even as San steps in and pushes Seonghwa towards the restaurant.

"Let's go." San taps his chest and continues to edge him towards the door, nodding when Seonghwa finally lets up and licks his lips.

"She'll be back anyway." Seonghwa mutters as he turns around and heads into the restaurant with San. Yunho rolls his eyes and heads to his car— shaking off the entire interaction so it wouldn't spoil his night.

I mean, why in the fuck would he let Park Seonghwa, out of all people, spoil his night? If anything, Yunho couldn't care less that he's triggered.

He should be, rightfully so.

Let's get back to the point.

You told Yunho you liked him, and he can't help but smile to himself repeating how cute you sounded on the phone. Drunk, yes; but Yunho knows you wouldn't feed him bullshit [sober or not].

He wants you to enjoy yourself tonight and have fun. He knows you've been working hard at school, during practice. You deserve it, you deserve all of it. He misses you, and can't wait to see you tomorrow. Even if that meant a quick walk around the complex before you settled down for the day.

"Yo. You're back." Yeosang says coming out of his room just as Yunho walks through the door.

"Whattup?" Yunho smiles, tossing his bag and keyto the side. "Got some food from HK. Want some?"

"Mm, yeah. Might take a bit in a few." Yunho nods. "Why are you so smiley?" Yeosang asks, making him laugh a bit.

"Maybe I'm just happy to have food?" Yeosang smirks and crosses his arms.

"You saw Y/N, huh?"

"She's at her competition." 

"Oh shit, that's right. Why didn't you go?"

"Had to be home to bring my mom to her appointment, so I wouldn't have made it in time." Yeosang nods. "I did hear from her and catch a bit of the livestream, though. They won second place. They're out celebrating right now so she's pretty drunk."

"Nice! At least her friends are there with her." Yunho nods. "Also kinda cute how she drunk called you, I'm assuming?"

"Yeah." Yunho chuckles. "She's cute."

"I'm saying, dude. You two would look really good together."

"Speaking of that, I ran into Park Seonghwa earlier while picking up the food."

"Oh, great. How was that?"

"He was just trying to get smart with me, but it's whatever."

"Aye man, his loss." Yeosang shrugs before taking a plate from the cabinet. "Have you decided if you're going to the party?" Yunho shakes his head.

"Not yet."

"Why not?"

"Parties are just.. not really my thing."

"I'll even go for a bit. I kinda want you to go and let loose, especially if Y/N is planning to be there."

"You don't have to do that." Yunho grabs his helping of food and pushes the containers towards Yeosang.

"No, seriously. I'll go. I haven't gone to a party in a minute, anyway. Might be kinda nice just to get out."

"Mm, yeah. Mingi keeps asking me about it, too." He does a slight head tilt. "He'll probably keep asking me until the day of."

"Option is there." Yeosang shrugs as he grabs his own helpings and starts to trek back to his room. "Anyway, thanks for the food! Think about it. Could be fun for one night." He gives Yunho another look before retreating back to his room.

Truthfully, Yunho has been contemplating about the party. He wants to go because he knows you'll be there, but he really can't stand them. He hates being in a stuffy room full of incredibly trashed people who know no boundaries.

But, this could be more time with you outside of school and he'll take what he can get.

So, maybe. Just maybe. Yunho will find himself at a party, trying to enjoy himself.

You.

And he's hoping Seonghwa doesn't become another fucking issue if he ends up going.

Though tonight, Seonghwa is the least bit worried about that party. He knows he'll be there, and it'll be the same thing— all the pretty girls trying to flock him and get his attention. He can't say he hates it because he doesn't. He can't think about all this right now because he hates what this has become, what you and Yunho have become.

And he's determined to be selfish, to get you back. He needs you to know just how much he misses you, needs you.

"Bro, what the hell was that about?" Seonghwa snaps out of his thoughts while San pays at the front, grabbing the plastic bag from the lady while thanking her.

"He just fucking irritates me."

"You never cared about Yunho before."

"Yeah, well."

"Yeah, well?" San furrows his brows at him as they walk out of the restaurant. "All this for Y/N and why? You made it clear you weren't gonna take it further with her."

"Things change."

"Things change genuinely, or because she's getting close to Yunho now?" No response. "Maybe you should let it go."

"What makes you think she's actually gonna take this further with him? He has nothing going for himself."

"I mean, she seems happy with him, Hwa. I'm not gonna lie." San shrugs.

"She's probably only feeling him because he wanted to be all knight in shining armor when she needed it the most. It's definitely not gonna last." Seonghwa shakes his head and gets into the car, slamming the door. "Whatever. I'm gonna get her back." San sighs, starting up the car without responding to the remark.

♣︎ taglist: @s-nsanshine @soupbinlily @tyongff-ff @jiminiscricket @g1g1l @staytinyinmybpack @woomyteez @gfksz @bitchwhytho @savluvsmingi @thisisntmyrightera @hyukssunflower @miriamxsworld @tmtxtf @kuromibabe04 @lmnhead @carrietwrites @tournesol155 @persphonesorchid @txt-yaomi @marsattacks @mxnsxngie @h-nji @mundayoonimnida @jalapeno-princess @nakiiko @asjkdk @kunikku @idkwgoh @kyeos4ng @agust-d2 @araknoid @bintificreads @primoppang @betray-the-light @aurorasjoongie @wineyoungie

[romana-after-dark]

Our Gentle Sins: Bonus Chapter; Scott's POV

Thank you so so so much to @plasticbabies for making this beautiful header!!!! we finally have a good one!

Dark!Logan Howlett x fem!reader

Series Masterlist : Main Masterlist : Logan Masterlist

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Chapter summary: Scott is watching

1.1k words

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Before

“Something is going on between those two…”

 Scott murmurs, staring at Logan and you while dancing with Jean. He knew he should be paying attention to Jean, not Logan, given how much he fought for the former over the latter, but he couldn’t stop. Around them, students danced and giggled and whispered, and Scott was aware much was about the two couples. Students weren’t stupid, especially in high school, and they have their own “ships” as they call them between the teachers. Scott was also aware that he was very much liked by the students, second only, probably, to you, and he had a group that liked to come and eat lunch with him as a group. He didn’t mind, and if he had work to do he’d simply let them know, so it was a great way for him to really get to know his students. The other upside is that he gets an inside view of the students goings on.

Much to his annoyance, lots of students “shipped” him and Logan. They started to say something about “enemies to lovers” but Scott told them not to talk like that with him. There was an all out shipping war in the middle of class one day while the kids were supposed to be working on a group project, and he was flabbergasted to find the teenagers extremely invested in whether Jean chose Logan or him last year. Insane. Of course, Logan lost Jean, leading to him running off once again. This time, in the middle of the semester. Luckily, replacing the gym teacher wasn’t too hard, but it was an annoyance.

Now, however, tides have turned with the introduction of Judith Palmer to the school. She was liked immediately by the kids, even if the teachers found her a bit odd to start. Remy and her had gotten along quickly, but that's no shock to anyone; Remy could charm the pants off anyone. Luckily, she didn’t wear pants, and it didn’t seem like he was trying to get into them if she did. The rumors flew like wildfire that she and Logan were together as soon as he came back, tail tucked between his legs to the school.

“Scott.”

She was sweet, quiet and shy while Logan was brash, sarcastic, rough. But were lonely in a way that attracted one to the other, a feeling that only they could understand one another. Pretty soon everyone “shipped” them together, thankfully leaving Scott alone with his wife.

Unfortunately, the relationship just didn’t sit right with Scott.

“Scott!” Jean’s voice broke him out of his thoughts, he turned to find her watching him in concern. “Hey, what’s going on?”

He sighs. “Sorry honey… I just don’t like it.”

Jean cocks her head to the side, frowning a bit at him. “What? Seeing Logan happy?”

“No! It’s just-” He looks at the dancing couple again. “There’s something going on between them!”

A soft hand touches his face, coaxing him back to the woman in his arms. The one he should be paying attention to. “Something is going on. They’re falling in love, Scott.”

“But he’s not good for her! He’s gonna hurt her, somehow, he’s going to-”

Jean let go of him, stopping their dance. “This is ridiculous. You’ve gotta let it go. You won, Scott. That doesn’t mean he can’t have a happy ending too.” She looked frustrated with him, and he knew, he fucking knew he should take her back, wrap her up in his arms and have a nice night together, but when he glanced back, Logan spun her around, and thats when he saw it…

Her dress, it brushed to the side just enough for him to see 3 claw marks on her back. 

“Fine.” She huffs, turning on her heel, probably hoping he’d follow after her. “Stay bitter, if you want. But it’s not a good look.”

And he should've. He should’ve went after her, either danced with her or taken her back to their room and fucked her until they both forgot about Logan like they’d been trying to do since she first cheated on him… but Judith was falling into Logan’s trap just like Jean had, and by the way they were dancing, it’s clear she wasn’t phased by him hurting her. With her head resting on his shoulder, a soft smile… She was just the type of girl to fall into abuse, primed for it by her upbringing and the abuse she suffered. Charles had told him what happened to her, some of the basics without violating her privacy, and maybe he told Logan too. Maybe that’s why Logan chose her.

But Scott, Scott wasn’t going to let this stand.

So he didn’t follow his wife. Instead, he waited until Logan and her stopped dancing, until she’d had a chance to mingle with her students a bit.

Then, Scott asked her for a dance.

After

“She’s pregnant.”

Scott spit out his mouthwash. “Who?”

“Judith.” Jean washed her face, uninterested in the conversation she started. “She’s pregnant. Willing to bet her and Logan finally made it official. Are you gonna throw a fit over that now too? Or do you just want to go back to fighting him.”

Jean had not been happy that he and Logan had gotten into a fight again, especially the fact that Scott hadn’t even asked you what happened, simply accusing Logan of hurting you. Scott knew Jean still held a soft spot for Logan, that they still talked and it killed him knowing they were around each other sometimes. She’d said he was acting like a child, but she didn’t get it. 

Jean was blinded by her affection for Logan, and it was getting in the way of seeing what was happening. A few months ago, you changed. You were quieter, smiled far less. Bags under your eyes that had always been there worsened and he watched your appearance slip. You were still put together, but not the same pristine woman he’d seen even on holiday weekends. You also had been noticeably strained from Logan, something the students had noticed too. The only thing normal with you was your friendship with Remy, which did comfort Scott some.

Jean had become distant, but if Scott was honest, it wasn’t her fault. Scott was becoming obsessed with figuring out what was happening between the two, and he knew he was neglecting his wife for it. Still, he couldn’t stop.

“Come on, let’s go to bed.” He coaxed Jean back to the bedroom where he tried, really tried to show her he wasn’t interested in Judith being pregnant, even with Logan’s baby. He tried to show her he loved her, to make love to his wife. But the chasm between them was growing as your condition worsened. 

Now, he had another piece to why.

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I was trying to figure out some joke with the song "Scotty doesn't know" but with Scott knows.... idk i havn't figured it out XD

Anyway! a little snippet of Scotts side of things.

love yuh!

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