#he knows who Reagan is and he sees her as a good person to leave the world to.

[seaglassdinosaur]

Ron said there was a sixty second window of suggestibility, yes?

That’s the exact amount of time it takes for Reagan to read the script and give her heartfelt emotional speech about how much she loves him.

Who’s to say that second part doesn’t stick with him same as the Martin Higgins identity?

[anonnluvver]

brett with a very shy reader ? most x readers have a too bold personality for me to relate too lol, gender is unimportant and just headcannons pleaseee :) ty

HIII OMG YALL REQUESTED A WHOOOLLE LOT AND IM SO SORRY IVE TOOK SO LONG TO GET TO THEM BUT I PROMISE I WILL! I’ve just been so busy lately but I’ve finally got some free time on my hands so be ready for looots of posts. ANYWAYS let’s get to it, thanks so much for requesting! (Btw this one is a long one…and cheesy)

Brett x shy reader fluff(gender neutral)

“Deep breathes, okay. You can do this.” You quietly whisper to yourself, nervously fiddling with the seams of your shirt. It’s the first day of your new job in the shadow government at Cognito inc. taking one last deep breath and push the doors open walking up to the front desk. “Hi, im Y/n. Im new here and someone named Reagan said to ask you for instructions.” The secretary just looks you up in down with the blankest expression you’ve ever seen and simply said “go to the 2nd floor, conference room.” You awkwardly look away and thank the lady. Geez so much for good first impressions. Following the mean ladys instructions you stand right in front of the conference doors and give it a quick knock. “Come in!” You hear a women shout. Opening the doors you see who you assume is your boss, Regan. “Hi, I’m Regan your boss . Since of now you are part of the task force.” That was super brief, you thought. You’re a little shocked at how quickly you had been assigned to a job. “Oh um okay, well when do I get to meet this team of mine?” You question her a little scared to meet the rest of your co-workers. “Ah sorry I called you in a bit earlier than everyone else just so you could adjust to your office a bit. I’ll show you the way there then you’ll come back here when your done settling down to meet everyone else.” Regan walks you out to your office and leaves soon after. Your body slumps and your bag falls onto your desk as you sit down. “Well this hasnt been too bad. Regan doesn’t talk too much, which is kind of awkward but I mean so am I.” You talk to yourself in your small office hearing your voice echo a little on the walls from the emptiness in the room. Well I guess I should start heading back I’ve been here a while, sighing you stand up and hesitantly go to the conference room once more. You open the doors to find more people sitting down at the large table in the conference room, all suddenly turning their heads to look at you. In embarrassment your face flushes a little and you look at the floor awkwardly. “Oh, sorry everyone um hi I’m Y/n.” You quietly introduce yourself. “Oh my gosh!” *SQUEEL* “You must be our new co worker!” *gasp* You sharply gasp, surprised by being pulled into a tight hug and squeezed up into the air. Your face grows even hotter and flustered not knowing who is touching you or what to do. You look down to see the person hugging you so tightly and see a tall and really attractive guy. And suddenly your even more flustered if that’s possible. “Brett how many times do we have to tell you, you don’t hug people who don’t know you.” Reagan sighs tiredly, clearly this isn’t the first time he’s done this. “Oh! Right sorry… I’m just so excited to have a new addition to our gang!” He quickly puts you done and apologizes. “Y/n you can come sit down with us now, everyone just introduce yourselves normally please.” Wow, Regan already seems done and the day just started. “Oh okay.” Shit, well where am I supposed to sit? You look to the right and see that weird guy who hugged you patting the seat next to him. You just quickly look away and sit next to Regan on the opposite side from him. You don’t mean to be harsh but you’re just nervous to be close to him. And strange enough he looks sad you didn’t sit next to him. “Alright well I’m Andre Lee, the tasks force one and only biochemist. I also got the good stuff-if you know what I mean wink wink.” He elbows your side while dramatically winking. “You are such a weirdo Andre.” The next girl rolls her eyes at Andre “whatever, I’m Gigi Thompson, best looking one here and PR of the media manipulation department. I’m sure you’ve seen my work because I am everywhere.” She laughs at her own flattery. “And I’m Glen Dolphman, Cognito Inc’s supersoilder and responsible for managing the company’s arsenal.” He says while firmly saluting to the American flag. “Oh and I’m Brett Hand! And uh I guess I just work here.” He laughs awkwardly at the last part as it seems he doesn’t even know why he’s here. “Okay now that everyone has introduced themselves let’s get to business.”

Regans voice just fades out slowly from your head as your distracted by a certain someone. You just stare at him in confusion and curiosity, Brett seems like such a strange yet normal guy. Though as your staring at him you can say he is really cute. Lost in your thoughts you don’t even notice when Brett catches you staring at him at first. He smiles at you and you quickly look away in embarrassment.

Eventually the hours pass you by and your first day on the job was over. You’re glad it was nothing crazy but planning things and paperwork. Reagan promised you’d be safely at the office, just for your first few days. You collect your things from your office and head to your car in the parking lot. Content enough with your first day you decide to get a quick pick me up at Starbucks. You sit at a table by yourself waiting for your vanilla with extra sweet cream foam cold brew, your regular. “Oh hey Y/n, it’s me Brett!” You look at up from your phone in surprise. Brett stood smiling right in front of you. Immediately filled with awkward nervousness you look away from him and down the the table. “Um hi…” you quietly respond to him, clearly not matching his energy. Brett immediately frowns with sadness. “Hey, I’m sorry that I hugged you without your permission. I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable, I was just so excited to meet you! From now on I promise I’ll always ask before touching you.” Surprised at his apology you look up to see him smiling sweetly at you. You feel your cheeks warm up and little and you start to smile just a little. “Thanks, I really appreciate it Brett.” You finally spoke to him while making eye contact! Brett’s eyes light up with happiness, just glad you accepted his apology. Before either of you could say anything else the employee called out your order. “Oh that’s me, sorry Brett I have to go now but um it was really nice to see you.” You grab your bag and coffee and wave goodbye to Brett. Finally at home lying in your bed trying to sleep, you find yourself staring at the ceiling unable to stop thinking about something. Or more like someone. You couldn’t get Brett Hand out of your head and it was unbearable. What was so intriguing about him to you? I mean surely you cant like him you just met. I’m sure it’s just cause your excited about having a new friend. Yes of course, that’s the answer. All these thoughts rush through your head for the next few hours of you sleepless night.

You wave lazily at the front desk lady on your way into the office this morning, tired from you lack of sleep from last night. You drop a few things off at the office and report to the conference room shortly after as Reagan directed. You walk in and it’s just Reagan, seems like your a bit early. “G’mornin.” You mumble and take a sit next to her slumping tiredly in the chair. “Woah you look just like me, what’s wrong?” Reagan questions your tired face knowing it a little too well. You slowly lift your head off the table to look at her with half closed eyes. “Hm? Oh sorry, im just really tired. I couldnt sleep last night and I forgot to get coffee this morning too.” You slur and mumble all your words but it’s clear enough for Reagan to understand what your saying. “Ah I get that but my question is, why were you having trouble sleeping?” And before you could fumble over your words trying to make an excuse the answer bursts right through the doors. “Hey guys! How’s it going?” Brett’s energy is way too much for you this morning so you just put your head back down and doze off as Regan and Brett talk for a bit. Yet before you can fall asleep Brett calls out your name. “Y/n, look up.” “Hm?” You hum and left your head of the table once more to look up at whatever Brett wanted. He was holding out a coffee to you. You wake up a little from the shock and slowly sit up straight. “Is this for me?” You look at him confused. “Yes of course, I swinged by this morning to get you it. it’s a vanilla cold brew with extra sweet cream foam!” He gleefully beams at you. “But that’s what I always get?” You look at him stumped “how do you know my order?” Still confused you question Brett. “Oh well I I remember what order the employee called out yesterday when I saw you.” He smiles once more and you gently reach out your hands to grab the cup. And suddenly your sense of touch heightens when your fingers brush softly against Brett’s as you grab the cold cup. You share one last look with Brett before he quickly jolts up. “Oh! I just remembered I should go find the others. I know they’re here probably just running late.” He smiles and heads off to find the rest of your co workers. You just sit there starring off into space from where Brett last stood. “Hey Y/n” “hello?” “Y/N!” Regan yells at you to wake up from your day dream. “Oh regan, sorry I spaced out.” “Yea I could tell. Now let’s get ready for another stressful meeting.” You fully turn your attention to helping Regan prepare for the day.

Once again the work day is over and it’s time to leave as your walking out to the doors of your office you’re stopped by a certain someone. “Hey Y/n! Great work today.” It’s Brett. “Oh, thanks Brett…” fuck you’re internally screaming. Why does this guy make you so nervous? Hiding your face from Brett inevitable feeling the heat flush to your cheeks once more. “Um by the way, thanks for the coffee. It was really cool of you.” Cool? Gosh I sound like a dork. You internally beat your self up for your stupid choice of words. “No problem! Anything for a pal.” He giggles a little from his own statement and winks at you playfully. “Okay we’ll see you tomorrow Y/n!” And with that you both exchanges waves and goodbyes. Once finally out of eyesight you mentally face palm and groan into your hands. Gosh. That was embarrassing “Honey, I just saw that whole thing and whooh that was awkward.” You quickly turn around to see who saw your embarrassing display with Brett and it was Gigi. “Ugh I know but I just can’t figure out why I’m so awkward around him.” You cringe at just remembering your interaction. And yet you find yourself weirdly comfortable talking to Gigi. “Mmhm I think I know exactly why.” She just gives you an all knowing look up and down. “Really? Please tell me why.” You plead do her to enough you so you can just solve the issue already. “It’s because you like him.” “WHAT?” You accidentally yell out in shock covering your mouth quickly. “I mean, why do you say so?” This time whispering so no one near could hear. “Honey it’s written all over that little face of yours.” You groan loudly at her claim. Could that really be the reason your social skills suck more then usual when talking to Brett? “But I just met him, how could I already like him?” You ask Gigi since she seems to be much more knowledgeable in this aspect. “Well I couldn’t tell you. After all how am I supposed to know why YOU like him? All I know is lover boy seems to be developing a few feelings of his own.” And with that mind breaking statement she leaves you alone with just you and your thoughts. Brett like me?? No way. Not in a million years. These words echoing through your head the whole way home. Throwing yourself over your bed with exhaustion more over your conflicting emotions rather than your heavy work load and eventually passing out.

A few weeks pass and your now comfortable in your new work environment, strange but now familiar. Yet one thing has not changed, the awkwardness you feel when around Brett. And yes those feelings Gigi talked about have not left one bit, in fact you’d say they’ve grown over time. Brett’s nice gestures always make your stomach flutter with butterflies and your heart face like some 3rd grade crush. “Y/nnnn, Come on! He clearly likes you, why not just make a damn move already. Everyone in the office practically knows already! It’s so obvious.” Gigi shouts at you while your just trying to enjoy your sandwich. You asked to have lunch together not a therapy session… “Gigi shhh! Don’t say that so loud!” You sigh and put your sandwich down “look, I like him sure but we don’t know for sure if he does and-“ “OH PLEASE!” Gigi cuts you off abruptly shouting and throwing her arms in the air. “He’s always extra nice to you and trust me Brett’s already way too nice. Plus he’s always bring you little gifts all the time.” She huffs and rolls her eyes at you. “Whatever Gigi, I’m not making any moves so sorry to dissatisfy your office romance fantasies.” You roll you eyes back at her and clean up since your lunch break is over leaving back to your office and go finish up some paperwork for Reagan. “Oh I will get my office romance wether you want it or not.” Gigi talks to herself planning a ‘special’ surprise for you.

*KNOCK* *KNOCK* you sigh getting up from your chair to open the door to your office. “Oh hi Gigi, Reagan, What do you need?” You see the two girls standing in front of your door. “Hey Y/n we were hoping you could help us find something in the chemical closet.” Gigi asks in a weirdly high pitch voice. “Sure,what is it?” You ask wondering what it was they couldn’t find. “Oh follow us then we’ll tell you”. So you follow Reagan and Gigi to the chemical closet and go inside. “It’s called fizzyflupflurp acid.” You can hear one of them trying to hold in a laugh behind you “Really? That sounds kind of stupid.” But before you can say anymore they quickly leave in a rush saying to just call them when you find it since they’re so “busy”. Huh, weird. But I mean this whole place is weird. You just think to yourself as you look through the various viles for ‘fizzyflupflurp’ acid. Suddenly you hear lots of giggling behind you and hear Brett stumble into the closet falling right on to you. He lets out a grunt from the impact of you two colliding and before either of you can get a word out you hear the lock click and Gigi and Reagan giggles burst out into laughter. You push brett aside and rush to the door trying to open the door but it’s locked, pounding your fist on the door in frustration when it doesn’t open. “Let us out!” You yell at the other two behind the door. “Yeah, What are we locked in here for?” Brett chimes in. “Oh I think you know why you’re in there. And we’re not letting you out till one of you spits it out.” You can just hear the smirk on Gigi’s face. You freeze in fear and feel your face turn completely hot and red. “Gosh no.” You breathlessly whisper to yourself not wanting to turn around and face Brett. “AH OKAY I ADMIT IT,” Brett suddenly yells out “I MAY OR MAY NOT HAVE STALKED YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA TO LEARN YOUR FAVORITE THINGS.” Brett winces as if you might yell at him for what he’s done. “Brett what? No, this isn’t what this is about. And that’s not a horrible thing Brett im not mad at you for it but it is kinda weird…” you sigh preparing yourself to ruin your small friendship with Brett and make it awkward for the rest of your career. “Then what is it about?” Brett asks confused to what other secret needed sharing. “Well it’s… it’s- gosh um” SPIT IT OUT ALREADY internally yelling at yourself to get it over with. “I like you.” You say extremely quite almost enough for Brett to not hear. “Oh well I like you too Y/n! You’re a great friend, that’s no secret.” He laughs at you for your ‘silly’ secret that he just doesn’t seem to understand. “No, Brett. I like like you. As in romantically.” You muster out clarifying things for Brett. It’s silent. Way too silent that you look up to see his expression and he looks so, shocked? Panicked you start apologizing “look Brett I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable I jus-“. Oof is the noise you let out from being knocked back into the closet door. “Brett?” “I’m sorry, I know I said I’d ask next time before hugging you but I just really needed to this time.” He whispers softly and your heart just melts. You hug him back tighter than ever happy he isn’t upset. “I like like you too Y/n” he quietly says nuzzling into your neck and gently squeezes you reassuringly.

I AM SO SORRY I TOTALLY READ THIS REQUEST WRONG I DONT KNOW HOW 😭. well regardless I hope some of you like it but I am truly sorry anonymous hope you can forgive me🙏.

[lemoncrushh]

Too Far From Texas | Chapter Three

STORY PAGE

Word Count: 5557

I always said if only I could be a morning person, my life would be so much easier. I just never understood those people who could pop out of bed the moment they woke up, all ready and eager to start the day. I felt like there was an elephant sitting on my head for at least ten minutes before I even opened my eyes. Then I needed coffee pronto or someone was getting their head pecked off if they dared to speak to me.

Friday mornings were the worst because I had to get Emery to school early for Spirit Squad. So much for TGIF. This particular Friday was also one where my ex-husband had the girls. We had a strange custody arrangement that was decided in our divorce decree. Very complicated, but after two years, we’d gotten the hang of it.

“Mommy,” Emery piped up when we were stopped at a light. “Is this your favorite song?”

“Hmm?” I sounded.

We were listening to Harry’s CD, the new one that he’d sent. I’d had it in my car since Tuesday when I’d taken Emery to gymnastics and hadn’t bothered to take it out. The truth was, I was enamored with it. I loved every track on it. It had been on repeat for three days now, and I’d come to know most of the lyrics. The particular song that was playing was certainly one of my favorites on the album, a piano ballad.

“Yeah, I like this one a lot,” I grinned at her.

“I thought so,” she sat back, proud of herself for guessing correctly.

“Which one’s your favorite?” I asked her.

She shrugged. “I don’t know yet. I like all of ‘em.”

“Good answer,” I nodded.

I turned onto the next street, singing softly along to Harry’s voice. I liked his voice. A lot. More than I probably should. And it wasn’t just his singing voice. I still got chills when I thought of how he said my name.

I’d be lying if I said I hadn’t thought about him since that night. It had only been a few days since he’d left Houston. And I kept reminding myself that I’d probably never see him again. But his face was stamped in my brain. Especially the look on it when he’d stood in my daughter’s doorway while she had a seizure. And his kind voice when he’d handed me a towel afterwards. He’d shown concern but also had a calmness about him which put me at ease. More than anything, though, I remembered how soft his lips felt against mine.

“Reagan!” Emery shouted out the window that I hadn’t even realized she’d rolled down, making me blink and push on the break a little too hard as I pulled up to the curb in front of her school.

“Have a good day, sweetheart,” I yawned, leaning over to give her a quick kiss.

“Bye, Mommy.” Emery grabbed her backpack and hurried out of the car to meet up with her friend.

As I drove away, letting Harry’s voice enrapture me once again, my phone buzzed in the console between the seats. I frowned when I realized it was a text from Tod.

I won’t be able to come get the girls until 7.

I scoffed, turning out of the parking lot. I waited until I was closer to work at a red light to respond.

Why?

I have a make up lesson at 6.

I rolled my eyes as I continued driving. When I got to work and parked, I angrily texted him back.

You’re supposed to be here at 6. That was the agreement.

I know that but it was the only time I could schedule the lesson.

Part of me wanted to just call him instead of text, but I hated talking to him. At least in text, I could say what I wanted without hearing his condescending tone.

You know your kids are supposed to come first. You need to schedule your lessons around your time with them.

It’s one lesson Stacey. I’m not giving up the whole weekend. I’ll leave the house at 7 and be at your place by 7:20.

I gritted my teeth and sighed.

Fine.

Turning off my phone and pulling the key out of the ignition, I threw my bag over my shoulder and headed into work. I didn’t realize I had a sour look on my face until Rachel, our receptionist, eyed me funny and asked if I was okay.

“I’m fine, thanks,” I gave her a tight smile as I walked past her and down the hall.

“It’ll be okay,” she called after me. “It’s Friday!”

I groaned when I reached my office and dropped my bag on the floor next to my chair. I hated him. Even after two years of being divorced from Tod, I still despised everything about him. No, one more hour wasn’t a huge deal. It was the principle. Just like when we were married, he always got to do whatever he wanted to do. Whatever he said was gospel and everybody else had to go along with it. Even in an argument or debate, he’d been so convincing with his point of view that I would finally give in, resolved that he was right, and I was wrong. Other than one time that was still vivid in my mind when he got angry and slammed a kitchen drawer shut, breaking it off the hinges and frightening me so much I was afraid he would hit me, he never apologized for anything.

After turning on my computer, I made my way down the hall to the break room to grab some more coffee since the cup I’d had that morning hadn’t done the trick. Lorelei had already beat me there and she was stirring her cup with one of those little red straws.

“Morning,” I mumbled.

“It is indeed,” she said, tossing her straw in the trash can. “But I noticed you didn’t throw in good at the beginning.”

I made a sound under my breath as I reached for my favorite mug in the cupboard.

“Something happen?” Lorelei inquired. “Jaz didn’t have another seizure, did she?”

“No,” I replied, pouring my coffee. “Just the usual. I’m tired and men with three letter names piss me off.”

Lorelei chuckled. “Good thing Harry Styles doesn’t fall into that category.”

I raised a brow, slightly shocked by the mention of his name. “What made you think of him?”

She shrugged. “Maybe it’s because you haven’t said a thing about him since Tuesday when I asked how the date went, and you were very vague. Or maybe it’s because you still have the flowers, he sent you on your desk after four days.”

“They’re pretty,” I commented. “And they smell good.”

“They’re wilting.”

I narrowed my eyes at her. “How long do you keep flowers?”

“Three days, tops.”

I shook my head and walked around her to the fridge. “Seems like a waste.”

“They are a waste,” Lorelei remarked. “The entire floral industry is a waste of money. That’s why I always tell a man not to buy them for me for special occasions. Give me perfume or jewelry. If I have a man around the time of special occasions, that is…”

“I’m sorry, did you have a point?” I shot at her, opening a container of Yoplait.

“Have you heard from him?” she finally asked.

“Who?” I popped a spoonful of yogurt in my mouth.

“Harry!”

I shook my head. “No. And I don’t expect to.”

“Why not?”

Just then Terrance and Josh walked into the break room. Lorelei and I both greeted them with a “good morning”. As they were pouring their coffee, I could tell Lorelei was antsy to get back to the conversation. I gestured toward the doorway with my head and she followed me to my office.

“What exactly happened after I left?” she asked as soon as I was behind my desk.

“Nothing,” I replied, sitting in my chair. “We ate pizza and drank wine and talked.”

“Oh. Well that’s sweet. Did he kiss you goodnight?”

I smirked and rolled my eyes. “Yes.”

“Aha!”

“What is aha? We kissed. It doesn’t mean anything.”

“Did he tell you he’d call?” Lorelei asked.

“Not really. He just texted me later and said he had a good time.”

“See? That’s promising!”

I scoffed, pushing my chair closer to my desk. “You’ve written too much fluffy romance.”

“Um...excuse me?” she raised a brow. “With whom did I just write this fluffy romance?”

I pursed my lips, resting my elbows on either side of my keyboard.

“Can we end this conversation, please?”

“Fine,” Lorelei threw up her hands. “But I’m willing to bet he’s gonna call you.”

“How much?” I asked when she reached the door.

“How much what?”

“How much are you willing to bet?”

Lorelei allowed the idea to roll around in her brain for a moment before a wide grin spread across her face.

“Alright,” she quipped, tossing her blonde locks off her shoulder, “If he doesn’t call you by Monday, I’ll take you to that sushi place you like.”

I chuckled. Lorelei hated raw fish. “And if he does?”

“You have to take me to Tamale Juan’s.”

I furrowed my brows in confusion. “That’s not really an even bet. I like Mexican food.”

“Yeah, but I get to order anything I want. And they have those big, tall $10 margaritas.”

I rolled my eyes. “Fine.”

The girls and I were in the middle of dinner when the doorbell rang.

“Daddy’s here!” exclaimed Emery, rising from her chair.

Normally, I would have scolded her for getting up before we were finished, but knowing it was Tod, I let her answer the door so I wouldn’t have to. I heard her welcome him in as he asked her how her week had been.

“Emery,” I called her. “Come finish your food.”

Tod scoffed as he stepped closer to the dining table. “Stacey, why are they eating now? I was gonna take them to Cheddar’s.”

“So, you didn’t tell me that,” I glared at him.

“I shouldn’t have to. It’s my night with them. You never feed them before I get here.”

I dropped my fork on my plate. “That was when you would get here at 6. It’s nearly 7:30 now. If they waited to go out for dinner, they’d be starving.”

“Stacey-” Tod began.

“Aw, I wanna go to Cheddar’s!” Emery whined. “They have the fishies!”

“Emery, sit down!” I demanded.

She pouted and sat in her chair on her leg, resting her chin on her fist. Jasmine made a face and flapped her hands, showing she was uncomfortable with the loud voices.

“I can’t believe you,” Tod shook his head.

I gave him a go to hell look. “We’ll be done in a few minutes.”

Tod turned toward the living room and sat on the sofa with a sigh. I poked Emery in the shoulder and pointed at her plate to get her to finish her dinner. When it was clear she was going to just pick at it to spite me, I told her she was excused and to gather her toys she wanted to take to her dad’s.

After bringing our dishes to the sink, I grabbed the overnight bag that I’d already packed with the girls’ clothes, handing it to Tod. He took it from me with pursed lips, throwing it over his shoulder.

“I wish I coulda gone to Cheddar’s,” Emery pouted again, her bag of toys in one hand, her iPad in the other.

“Maybe your daddy can take you tomorrow,” I said, not bothering to look at Tod.

Just then, my ringtone startled me. For a moment, I forgot where I’d even put my phone until I followed the sound to the kitchen counter. My jaw dropped and my eyes widened when I picked it up and saw Harry’s name displayed. Not wanting it to go to voicemail, I quickly answered it.

“Hello?”

“Stacey?” I immediately melted when his low, raspy voice said my name. I felt my cheeks go pink as a stupid, tiny giggle escaped my throat.

“Hi there,” I muttered softly, trying not to sound too eager.

“Hi. How are you?”

“I’m...I’m okay.” I looked up to see Tod standing near the door, a look of impatience on his face and his body language revealing the same. “Um...could you hold on for a minute?”

“Sure,” said Harry.

“It’s just...my kids are about to leave for the weekend, and I need to say my goodbyes,” I explained.

“Oh, I can let you go-”

“No, it’s okay,” I interrupted. “I’ll be right back.”

I set the phone down and hurried back to the living room, giving Jasmine a big hug.

“Have a good weekend, sweet girl. I’ll see you Sunday night,” I told her. Then I did the same with Emery who held on a little tighter, something that was part of her nature, but I still believed was due to the divorce as well.

Once Tod declared he’d bring them back at 6 on Sunday, I shut the door behind him and rushed back to the phone.

“Hey, sorry about that.”

“No worries,” Harry said. “How are your kids?”

“They’re fine, thanks.”

“Good. Everything alright with Jasmine?”

I smiled that he remembered her name, and also at his concern. “Yeah, she’s doing great.”

“Glad to hear it.”

“What about you?” I inquired. “How’s your week been?”

I felt a little odd making small talk, asking someone who no doubt had ten times a more exciting life than I did.

“Really busy,” he replied with a quick chuckle. “I’m in Dallas now. Just finished my last interview. Then tomorrow I’m leaving for St. Louis.”

“Oh, I’ve always wanted to go to St. Louis,” I commented. “I bet the weather is so much nicer than Texas.”

“It’s nice, yeah,” said Harry. “Although I probably won’t have much of a chance to enjoy it. I’ll be inside mostly.”

“Oh.” A sudden giggle rose from my throat.

“What?” Harry sounded, leaving off the T again.

“Listen to us, talking about the weather,” I snickered.

“You don’t wanna talk about the weather?”

“Harry, you’ve seen me at my lowest. I think we’re beyond the chit chat, don’t you?” I ran a hand through my hair as I crossed the living room and sat on the sofa.

“I guess you’re right,” he said with a smile in his voice. “Have you had a chance to listen to the album yet?”

“Oh, yes, the girls love it!” I exclaimed. “I pop in one copy in the evenings when we’re getting ready for bed. Jasmine has a smile on her face the whole time. And Emery dances around until I make her get in the shower. Then the other copy is in my car. Emery and I were just listening to it this morning on the way to school. I think she knows all the words already.”

“That’s great,” Harry remarked. “But what do you think of it, Stacey?”

“Me?”

“Yes, you,” he said, his voice low. “I wanna know your opinion.”

I sucked in my lips, exhaling out of my nose. “Um...sorry. I guess I’m still in mom mode.”

“That’s understandable.”

“I really love it,” I declared.

“Yeah?”

“Mmm hmm,” I nodded, even though he couldn’t see me. “Every song is great. I enjoyed all of your stuff with One Direction, but this…”

My words trailed off as I brought my foot up on the couch and hugged my knee. I heard Harry chuckle.

“Keep going.”

“This is special, Harry. I know we just met, but I feel like I know you a little better just from the music. It feels personal, like you’re giving your fans a glimpse of the real you. Musically, the songs are very eclectic, but I feel like there’s an underlying theme.”

Harry was silent for a moment while I waited for his response. I swallowed hard, hoping I hadn’t said anything out of line or stupid. Finally, I heard him sigh.

“That means a lot to me, Stacey,” he said.

“It does?”

“More than you’ll ever know.”

Side stepping his remark, I started blubbering. “Sometimes I go on and on about music because I feel like I know a lot. But sometimes it might sound like bullshit. I probably don’t know as much as I claim to, and I use big words to sound smart. So, forgive me if I-”

“Stacey,” Harry interrupted.

“What?”

“I asked for your opinion. And I appreciate it.”

“Okay,” I muttered.

“And you didn’t sound stupid. It was lovely. So thank you.”

I grinned. “You’re welcome.”

Harry made a cute, contended sound before continuing. “So what are your plans for this evening?”

“Uh…” I looked around the empty apartment. “You know, the usual. Dinner with Oprah. Then some red-carpet thing. Some Angelina Jolie movie I think. But I think I might skip out early for drinks with Leonardo DiCaprio.”

Harry’s laugh rang in my ears.

“I know I shouldn’t,” I continued, happy he thought my joke was funny, “but he’s been bugging me and won’t take no for an answer.”

“How many times have you turned him down?” Harry asked, playing along.

“At least half a dozen,” I replied. “But you know, I’m so hard to resist.”

“Can’t argue with you there,” said Harry.

I giggled, biting my bottom lip. I knew it was just a response to my sarcasm, but it still made me light up like a Christmas tree.

“Okay, so I’m not doing anything,” I admitted. “The only plans I had involved wine and something on the DVR.”

“Well, I don’t wanna bother you.”

“Please,” I rolled my eyes. “Nothing about you bothers me.”

Harry made that little sound again, which was almost undetectable, but I made a mental note of it.

“That’s a nice thing to say.”

I shrugged. “It’s true. I’m actually…”

“You’re actually what?”

“I’m um...actually kinda surprised you called. I wasn’t expecting you to.”

“Why not?” he inquired.

“I don’t know…” I pulled on a thread in the hole of my jeans. “I just knew you were busy. And I’m just some random woman you bumped into at Starbucks.”

“I don’t think you’re some random woman, Stacey.”

“You don’t?” Good god, was I blushing again?

“Nope. I think you’re pretty incredible, actually. And you have amazing lips.”

“Oh my god,” I blurted out, quickly covering my mouth with my fingers. I wanted to kick myself for my immature reaction.

“What?” chuckled Harry. “Please tell me I’m not the only one who keeps thinking about that kiss.”

“You do?” I managed to ask in a breathy voice.

“Mmm,” Harry sounded his confirmation.

“Well, that’s a relief,” I said. “‘Cause I’ve been thinking about it too. I was hoping it wasn’t just the wine.”

Harry let out a deep, sexy laugh then. Not even a laugh really...more like...oh, who knows, but it was sexy, and I literally had to adjust my position on the sofa.

“Ah, Stacey,” I heard him sigh.

“Yes?” I asked, dragging out the word in a teasing tone.

“I um…” he paused. “I really hope I get to see you again.”

It was my turn to make that contended sound. This boy definitely had some major effect on me. Maybe that was just it. He was a boy. Okay, he might have been older than just a boy, technically he was a man. But I hadn’t talked to a guy on the phone like this since I’d met Tod. I felt young and giddy and...happy.

“I guess we’ll just have to make that happen,” I replied.

“Good,” remarked Harry. “I’m already looking forward to it.”

“What about you?” I asked him. “It’s early on a Friday evening. Why aren’t you out on the town?”

“Because I’m exhausted,” he chuckled. “I’ve been awake since 4AM and doing promo all day.”

“Oh,” I said a little shyly. “But you still wanted to talk to me?”

“Yeah, I figured if I couldn’t kiss those lips again, I could at least listen to the voice that comes from them.”

I burst out laughing. “Stop.”

“Did I go too far?” Harry snickered.

“Just a smidgen,” I giggled.

“Smidgen,” Harry mocked. “That’s a cute word, I’m gonna use that.”

“Are you making fun of me?” I quipped.

“Not at all, love. You just seemed a little stiff and nervous, so I wanted to lighten the mood.”

“I do?”

“Just a smidgen.”

“Harry…”

He laughed louder, and I soon followed. I could tell my face had to be beet red, and I was grateful he couldn’t see.

“Told ya I was gonna use it,” he teased.

“Touche.” I cleared my throat. “Sorry I was being dull.”

“No, no, Stacey, that’s not what I meant, love,” said Harry. “I just remember sitting next to you on your sofa talking and drinking wine. And then that memorable kiss goodnight. But tonight, you seemed nervous to talk to me. I don’t want you to be.”

I exhaled slowly, running a hand through my hair.

“Sorry,” I said again. “I guess I’m not used to this.”

“Used to what? Talking?”

I scoffed and shook my head, biting my lip. “No. Just...ugh, nothing. I like you. I don’t know what I’m doing.”

“I like you, too,” Harry declared. “And that’s all we need to know.”

“Okay,” I voiced softly.

“So...I was thinking about our conversation the other night,” Harry commented.

“You were?” 

“Yeah. I was thinking about how you said it was your dream to be a singer. What stopped you?”

I took a deep breath and let it out slowly. Grabbing a nearby pillow, I laid it in my lap.

“Life happened,” I muttered. “I moved in with Tod...that’s my ex-husband...after only a month of dating. Less than a year later I got pregnant with Jasmine. Everything moved pretty fast.”

“You never thought about trying for it again?”

“To be a singer?” I half laughed. “No. It seems silly now.”

“Why?”

“Because...I’m forty. My chance has been long passed. Plus, I don’t really think I’m as good as I used to think I was.”

“Why would you say that?” asked Harry.

“Well...it’s like with Tod. He’s a musician. He would tell me I’m good, but he never really encouraged me. He would just say stuff like I needed to do it on my own, it wasn’t his job. Which I get...but it also made me feel a little less confident. He was in a band for years and never, not once, asked me to get up on stage and sing with them. So over time I started thinking that maybe I’m not that good, and he’s ashamed of me.”

“Stacey…”

“Ugh!” I groaned, tossing the pillow aside. “Sorry, I shouldn’t have brought that up. It’s depressing me, even now.”

“I’m sorry, Stacey,” Harry said softly.

“I know it’s not his fault. If I’d had the courage, I could have tried. I just would have liked a little push is all.”

“I understand,” he conveyed. “Who’s your favorite singer?”

I sighed. “I have lots of favorites, but my idol is Stevie Nicks.”

“I love her. She’s amazing.”

I felt my mouth stretch into a huge smile. I always got so happy to hear someone else say they loved Stevie.

“I’ve been a fan of hers for a long time,” I admitted.

“Have you ever seen her live?” Harry inquired.

“Many times. Several times solo, and a couple times with Fleetwood Mac. But it’s been a while. I haven’t been to a concert since...well, since my divorce. I miss going. Nothing like a live show.”

“I’d love to hear you sing,” Harry stated out of the blue.

I laughed nervously. “Seriously?”

“Sure, let’s hear it. Sing some Stevie.”

“Oh, no!” I shook my head. “No way.”

“Why not?” he asked with a chuckle.

“For one thing, I’m not prepared.”

“Who says you have to be prepared?” Harry quipped.

“I do,” I replied.

“Alright then,” he said. “How about next time?”

“Next time?” I literally felt my heart flutter in my chest.

“Yeah, next time we talk. Sing for me.”

“Harry…”

“Stacey…” he mimicked in the same tone. It made me giggle.

“Fine. It’s a deal.”

“Good.”

I heard Harry clear his throat, followed by a rustling sound. Not quite wanting the conversation to end, but also feeling a little awkward by the pause, I stood up and headed back to the kitchen.

“So, I’m reading your book again,” Harry confessed when I put him on speaker and I poured myself a glass of wine.

“What?” I exclaimed. “You are not!”

“Well, maybe not reading. I’m skipping around to some of my favorite parts.”

“Why?” I grabbed my wine and some cheese and made my way back to the living room.

“Because I like it. It’s good.”

“Thanks.”

“Plus the first time I read it I thought Gavin was kind of a wanker. But reading some of it again, I can see how he might have come off that way, but it’s not entirely his fault.”

“It’s Melissa’s fault?”

“Not her fault he’s a wanker, no,” Harry chuckled. “But some of his reactions and phrases were harsh I think because she started off as very abrasive.”

“She had to be,” I remarked. “She was in a big city she’d never been to before, looking for her brother. She finally thought she’d tracked him down, only to find some jerk was living in his apartment. In a way, even though she’d never met her brother, she was already protective of him and his belongings.”

“Melissa turned the corner to find Gavin standing at the end of the hall, only the dim lamp on his desk in his room shedding light on him, casting a shadow on the hardwood floor,” Harry read. “‘Holy shit, you scared me!’” exclaimed Melissa, her heart beating in her chest as she covered it with her hand. “‘Sorry,’” Gavin muttered sarcastically. Melissa knew he wasn’t. Not the least bit. Since she’d been staying in that tiny apartment with Gavin, he’d been nothing short of unbearable to be around. So what if he’d been subletting her brother’s apartment? It wasn’t like he owned the place. He just liked to act like he did.”

I shook my head. “I can’t believe you’re quoting my book to me.”

“I told you, I like it,” declared Harry. “That part right there...the first time I read it I agreed with Melissa. Gavin was being unbearable. But…”

“Oh great, I love a good but!” I chortled.

Harry laughed. “As I was reading it again, I got to thinking, no it doesn’t matter that it was her brother’s apartment. Gavin lived there. He didn’t know the bloke he was subletting it from had a sister and she’d be showing up one day to claim it. He had every right to be vigilant.”

“You’re probably right,” I said.

“I’m sorry,” Harry apologized. “I don’t mean to tell you how the book shoulda been written.”

“No, you’re not!” I shook my head, biting into a piece of cheese. “Like I said, I think readers can take their own interpretations. I’m honestly just flattered that you even read it, let alone have an opinion.”

“Okay, good.” I heard the sound of the hardback book shutting and I found myself wondering if he was sitting on a hotel bed with my book in his hand. “So that book signing where we met. Will you be doing more of those?”

“Actually, yeah,” I replied. “Lorelei thought it would be a good idea to have a book tour. We’re going to San Antonio in a few days. Then maybe Austin and Dallas. If things go well, we might venture outside of Texas.”

“That’s great,” Harry commented. “I’m happy for you, love.”

“Thank you.”

“Maybe if we happen to be in the same city again, we can meet?”

I let out a half ha. “I doubt we will be, but sure.”

“You never know…”

I smiled at Harry’s optimism. I didn’t come across too many people like him. It was refreshing.

“You’re a ‘the glass is half full’ kind of person, aren’t you?”

“I am. And there’s a reason for that,” he said.

“What would that be?”

“It takes less energy.”

“That’s it?” I inquired. “I was expecting some deep philosophical answer.”

“Life is actually pretty simple, Stacey,” he remarked. “You’ve heard the saying that a frown uses more muscles that a smile. Or that it’s easier to be kind.”

“Yeah,” I agreed.

“It’s true. Karma and all that. If you just try to keep a positive attitude and stay humble, it’s much easier than being pessimistic. That shit’s emotionally draining and exhausting. And can actually make you physically sick.”

“You’re absolutely right,” I nodded. “I found that out the hard way.”

“How so?”

“Um…” I hesitated. “Long story. I doubt you want to hear about the life of Stacey Barnett in one night, and to be honest I’m not ready to be emotionally drained from rehashing it right now.”

“Fair enough,” said Harry. “You can tell me when you’re ready.”

Taking a sip of my wine, I pondered the wonder that was Harry Styles.

“You’re not real, are you?”

“Sorry?” Harry chuckled.

“You’re just-” I stopped myself before I said something that would embarrass myself. “Never mind.”

“I said I like you, Stacey. I wasn’t lying. And one day...maybe not the next time we talk...but one night we’ll have a nice long conversation and you’ll tell me all there is to know about you.”

“That sounds so...raw and exposed,” I muttered. “I don’t like being that vulnerable.”

“I think I’ve already seen you vulnerable, sweetheart. You said so yourself. I’ve seen you at your lowest.”

“True,” I hung my head.

Harry was quiet for a moment until he said, “I’m sorry. Did I hit a nerve?”

“No, it’s…” I sighed. “It’s okay. I just don’t really like talking about it.”

“I understand. But it’s part of your life. A massive part. That’s your daughter.”

“Yeah,” I swallowed. “I hate it. More for her than me. She’s such a sweet girl, she doesn’t deserve-”

“Hey,” Harry interrupted when he could tell I was getting choked up. “It’s okay, we don’t have to talk about it.”

“Thanks.” I wiped away a tear from my cheek.

“We can change the subject. But you’re right. She doesn’t.”

Harry and I continued to talk, the conversation easy. I enjoyed talking to him. He made me laugh a couple of times, and it made me wish he was sitting next to me on the sofa instead of in Dallas in a hotel room doing God knows what while he talked to me. I shook my head to rid it of the thoughts. I would not allow myself to imagine him lying shirtless in bed. By the time I finished my second glass of wine, I realized it was nearly eleven. We’d talked for over three hours. Harry yawned and it must have been contagious because I did as well.

“I should let you go now, Stacey,” he said softly.

“Okay. Well, thank you, Harry. For making this evening less lonely.”

“Lonely? Why are you lonely, love?”

I realized at that moment that every time he called me that, I wanted to kiss him. Gosh darn it. I let out a sigh.

“I just get a little lonely after my kids are gone,” I explained. “So thanks for keeping me company. I feel a lot better.”

“You’re welcome. I enjoy talking to you. Do you think I could call you from St. Louis?”

“I hope you do,” I grinned.

“Good.”

“Oh, and Harry?”

“Yes?”

“I think you’re pretty incredible too.”

Harry released another one of those deep, sexy chuckles again and I melted all over.

“Thank you. Goodnight, beautiful. Sleep well.”

When I hung up, I practically danced to the kitchen, setting my empty wine glass in the sink. Then I skipped to the bathroom where I saw the goofy grin on my face in the mirror. I quickly shook my head with a groan.

“Get a grip, Stacey,” I told myself. “You look like a teenager.”

I washed my face and brushed my teeth before getting into my pajamas. After turning out the lights and double checking that I was locked up, I climbed into bed with only the bedside lamp on. I must have stared at the ceiling for a good twenty minutes, replaying some of our conversation in my head, like it was part of a novel I’d written.

I knew what I was doing. I was letting this guy invade my mind as though he was a character in a book. Boy meets girl, girl is lonely, doesn’t know how to feel about boy so she acts like it’s nothing, boy breaks down girl’s walls and makes her feel special and worthy and they live happily ever after.

But Harry Styles was not a character in a romance novel. And I was not a girl. He was real and he was famous. And I was me. Just me.

A/N: Just a reminder that I wrote all of this before HS1 was even out. So, no TPWK or singing with Stevie yet. It kinda gives me chills now as I reread it.

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[dandylion240]

Jolene Reagan for Scarlett's Love is Embarrassing BC

Age: 23

Sexuality: Bi Sexual - she's been attracted to women but never been in a relationship with a woman. Technically speaking what she's had is a string of one night stands.

Traits: Adventerous, High Maintenance and Self-Absorbed. She'd also readily admit she has a fear of commitment. The closes she comes to commitment is to her career. However she does have a soft spot for family. She'll defend her family like a mama bear if she perceives a danger to them but she doesn't always see when she's being overbearing and pushing her ideals on them.

Career: Archealogist (she travels a lot)

Back Story: Ever since her parents got divorced Jolene has been seeking approval from her dad (Ethan). She was six years old when he walked out of their lives and it wasn't until three years later that he walked back into it demanding to see his kids. While her brothers didn't want want him in their lives, she did. She wanted to be his little princess again, his little girl. Her biggest dream was to live with him full time because he needed her to take care of him. But nothing she did was good enough. He always told her no.

She was 15 when she decided to sneak out and visit her Dad in San My on her own. It wasn't their scheduled weekend but she was sure he wouldn't mind her coming for the weekend. When she got their Ethan was anything but pleased to see her. And he wasn't alone. He had a whole new family. One she wasn't a part of and worst of all she wasn't welcome to be a part of either.

It was at that moment her heart shattered into a million pieces. Why wasn't she good enough to be his little girl? It was on the train ride back to Brindleton Bay that she had her first time. She was hurt and this guy made her feel better. It didn't matter she didn't know his name or how old he was she just needed someone to tell her she was special.

That nameless person on the train was beginning of a long string of one night stands. In high school she did have a steady boyfriend for two years but when he dumped to go to college all those old feelings of not being good enough came over her and...well...she knew how to get those feelings to go away. She vowed then she'd never be in another relationship.

Two years ago she was involved with the brother of one of her archealogy professors that resulted in her getting pregnant. It was on a dig in Salvadorado. When she told him about the baby he just laughed and said he was no ones daddy and he left. This time when the feelings of not being enough came over her she went home.

Her parents weren't happy she was pregnant but were supportive of her decision to keep the baby. Finally she'll have someone who would give her the unconditional love she's always craved. But it was harder than she thought it would be. It wasn't easy or convenient to bring a baby on dig sites not to mention to find qualified babysitters. A lot of times she wound of leaving her son with her parents.

Over the next couple of years she's felt her life has been lacking in meaning. Her best friend and favorite cousin has pulled away from her and telling her she needs to be more responsible. Her brother hasn't talked to her since he found out what she did when they were kids. Her parents are telling her more and more that her son needs her and that it's time for her to settle down and raise him herself.

Her professor suggested she talk to a professional. At first she refused but as the feelings of worthlessness overwhelmed her she admitted she needed help. It was after her second visit that she saw the advertisement for Scarlett's BC. She recognized her from the video she made outing her father, Theo. Jolene remembered how she thought Scarlett was gutsy for doing what she did and wished she had the courage to do that to Ethan. The only downside would have been hurting her dad's (Jonah) feelings and she couldn't do that to him. Silently she applauded Scarlett for what she did. Now she could actually meet the girl and she was so pretty. Maybe this was exactly what she needed to get her life back on track.

So she sent in her application against the advice of her therapist and her family. Who knows ... maybe she'd get her own show out of this even if she didn't win the girl???

@theosconfessions

[file-21674]

Gang with a S/O who has anger issues!

This is NOT!! Romanticising!! Anger issues is a serious topic that I and some of my friends deal with! Please don’t read if this is somehow a sensitive topic to you <3

Retrieving information . . .

FILE. . REAGAN . . .

Would probably understand where your coming from

If your anger is physical she would keep her eye on you 24/7

If you ever got mad at her, she would be pissed, but would calm down for the sake of not provoking you further

Fighting/arguing is okay with her, but if it ends with you getting hurt she’s yelling at you for being reckless

She would try come up with a device to control your anger, (weather it works or not is completely up to you)

Gives you advice, mainly just saying “put your anger into your work, trust me, it works more than you would think”

If your anger is more like, silent and glares, she would rub your back

She’s really awkward, when she sees you staring someone down, eye twitching and fists clutching nothing. She would. In the most awkward way. Try to calm you down.

Overall she doesn’t know what she’s doing, but she’s trying to help no matter what!

FILE . . BRETT . . .

Has no clue what to do. Like at all

If your anger is more physical he would be next to you ALL the time. Would probably drag Reagan away from her desk just so he can be with his 2 Favourite people!! And so you don’t kill MYC

If you ever got mad at him he would be like “oh..” and make the :( face, he would forgive you, of course! But he’s still going to be upset, APOLOGISE.

Fighting/arguing, he’s not a big fan of. He doesn’t want you to get hurt, but if the person your fighting is a asshole, he will watch, but be standing next to you

He would be rubbing your shoulders trying to calm you down, telling you to let it go (Elsa) and to just leave it. BUT SWEETLY

He wouldn’t give you advice, HE WOULD IF YOU ASKED, but I think he’s more of a physical comfort kinda guy rather than just using his words

If your anger is more like silent and glares, he would look at the person your glaring at worriedly

He’s nervous, scared you will lash out all your built up anger on him. So he’s not gonna try say anything that could possibly anger you, I can see him hugging you from behind while you stare at the person who made you angry

Overall he’s slightly scared of you, but always there to comfort you when you need it <3

FILE . . GIGI . . .

honestly, I see her being more encouraging than handling your anger

If your anger is physical you best know she’s recording you whenever you get in a fight. If you win she posts it on her story on Instagram, if you loose she’s giving you tips

If you ever get mad at her she’s offended. As fuck. But knows not to say anything.

Fighting/arguing she’s okay with. It’s not her business. But if it gets out of hand she’s holding you to her chest screaming at the other person

She would rub your knuckles softly, and tell you that it’s okay

She doesn’t give advice. She gives tips. On how to either distract beat or intimidate the other person

If your anger is more like silent and glares. She’s concerned. 10000% concerned

She wants you to be able to express how you feel so if your ever just sitting there tapping your fingers on the table while killing someone with your eyes. She’s begging you to atleast go talk to them to settle your anger a little

Overall she’s not good at helping, but good at encouraging!!

FILE . . ANDRE . . .

He finds it hot. :/

If your anger is physical. He’s 100% gonna pop one when your fighting/screaming at someone

If you get mad at him, he’s gonna slowly…melt in his chair and look at you…and smirk.

Fighting/arguing he’s good with. Unless it costs him his drugs or weed or you getting severely hurt

He would offer to smoke pot with you, but if it’s one of those days you chill and watch some episodes of breaking bad to calm down

He’s not good with advice, like at all so expect something shitty like “anger is like…condoms in a way!” And he’ll get distracted and start talking about condoms 💀

If your anger is more like silent and glares, he’s just gonna take it the same way,

He will make jokes to try and make you look away from the person your staring at like “Hey Y/N! Don’t you think this chicken wing kinda looks like a dick? Y/N?” Once he realised that your twitching he’ll try and drag you away, talking shit about the person you was glaring at on the way

Overall he’s eh. He can be compassionate when he needs to, but tries to lighten the mood rather than pry you away from the person

FILE . . GLENN DOLPHIN . . .

Respect you.

If your anger is physical. He’s gonna start rambling about American “MY COUNTY STANDS BY WHAT Y/N IS DOIN. LEAVE YOU…(idk)” is what he would yell to anyone trying to stop you

If you get mad at him. I can see him sucking air through his..nose? And water coming out of his blow hole..?

Fighting/arguing? Bitch he’s joining in. He’s throwing a gun at you and telling you to shoot whoever

If it gets bad, then he’s there to listen. But he is TERRIBLE. At advice

Like I said he’s terrible. But he’s trying..though if he dose give advice..give it 5 minuets and it’s a story about war

If your anger is more like silent and glares, he doesn’t care ANGER IS ANGER TO HIM

He will feel awkward after a few minuets of you just staring at someone and he’s just sitting there..next to you

Overall hes terrible..BUT HE MEANS WELL

FILE . . MYC . . .

bros the reason your mad

[burins]

more JLI post dump! this'll be issues 6-10

6:

i know this reads different in 1987 but also i DO like it for dinah. also like of course she's friends with bruce

the rest of 6 is a lot of big-scale dr fate stuff which i know is DeMatteis' wheelhouse but which i also don't particularly care about.

7! we are now officially justice league international because the united nations choose to ratify the league. reagan is here! i warned you!

the fact that clark has to talk to reagan regularly, in the course of superhero comics, is so much for me to contemplate.

A) i think it's SO funny that bruce has a special earless cowl for going to space and wearing headphones. i realize this may just be an artistic mistake but i'm choosing to believe it's a deliberate costume choice

B) cold-war era comics!!!!!! really truly the geopolitics of superhero comics are fascinating to me. i have to do some digging to see what's been written on them

i capped this whole panel but i really just want everyone to focus on beetle. this is how you know he's queer is that in each issue he invents a new, gayer way to sit

LIKE

ok in issue 8 the league are moving into their NY and Paris embassies. as you might expect. shenanigans ensue!!

j'onn. ilu

J'ONN!!! ILU!!!!!

unfortunately for the next few issues the scans they put into hoopla are preeeetty rough in terms of quality (and so are the scans on the other website i sometimes use) so some of the dialogue is a little hard to read.

batman seems to have punched guy into a personality transplant. instead of a miserable he-man reaganite he's become like, pollyanna. it's extremely funny and frankly, as much as i enjoy him being a heel, nice to read him not sounding like clint eastwood.

booster and beetle (at the paris embassy) go out to hit on women. #justbrothings. booster strikes out very very badly with a woman he later learns is their local liaison. whoops!!

mister miracle crashes a helicopter through the NY building. also once again i love j'onn!!!!

we also learn about the (actually international) superteam the JLI are supplanting. sorry y'all. also very funny that we have this international superteam and then one year later we're going to get the wildly ill-fated new guardians. sometime i'll do a whole separate post on the new guardians except i don't really want to bc it would require me to reread that series,

9:

everyone is being mindcontrolled by the manhunters! i will admit that i do NOT know the difference between these manhunters and j'onn's manhunter situation. i will presumably learn this at some point.

guy is having a great time being personality-swapped and so am i

it is also time for feminism jokes. alas.

i DO love an ear joke though. more people should make fun of batman's ears they are objectively so so silly

we're also starting to get some good and ominous setup of a maxwell lord subplot. jli! it's not just jokes!

10: we're chasing the manhunters to space!

i'm learning so much about hawkman, a character i know nothing about. for instance. he is a cop???

also arisia is here. i have heard of her and her plotline. 😬 this issue comes out also several months before the writers finally let her and hal break up, but it's not a big plot point in the issue aside from one panel. uhhh csa/grooming cw if you go digging into that plotline? idk it's bad

cut to the manhunters BIRTHING CHAMBER?? this is explicitly how it's described. clark burns up the baby manhunters with his heat rays (fine! normal!) and the parent gets pissed and leaves.

i forgot to mention that this is the intro of gnort, who is a green lantern nepo baby.

i love him.

cut back to earth, where scott and ted are having shenanigans!

even editorial is bullying ted for his japes and jokes... he's my special little clown

[kleenexwoman]

WIP Title Ask Meme

Steve Rogers Reactions to the 20th Century in Real Time

Here's what happens:

Peggy's baby gets Super'd thanks to Vita-Ray exposure, she gets sick, and they have to abort. Zola is the only SHIELD doctor who is willing to have his team perform the procedure. Steve freaks out about Zola, which drives him and Peggy even farther apart.

Peggy doesn't bother to be nice about shit any longer. Their fights escalate. Steve goes fishing with Arnie Roth a lot.

It's the 50's! Peggy gets pregnant again, and it's that Sousa dude's, and at this point Steve is like, "This might as well happen" and wishes Sousa luck.

Howard flies them all to Reno for the divorce, then Vegas for the wedding. He takes Steve to a female impersonator review to see how Steve will take it.

It's Loki singing "Ain't No Rest For the Wicked" in a spangly green dress, heartbroken after having been engaged to some Midgardian prince to seal the course of a war. Confused that Steve recognizes him, he agrees to call the Norns to see if they can return him to his time.

The Norns don't work like that, but they'll answer three questions so Steve will leave them alone. No, there's no way to "get back fast". No, he can't undo his mistake. Yes, he can liberate his one love (Bucky) but it will cost him dearer than that (a young Tony being shot by a faceless HYDRA mook instead of Howard and Maria getting shot).

1963, the Kennedy assassination. Steve saves Kennedy from the bullet. Peggy calls him and asks him how he knew, and Steve lies and says he's been tracking the Winter Soldier. Peggy asks him to work for SHIELD, and Steve accepts, then immediately talks JFK out of Vietnam.

JFK dies of a mysterious illness anyway. Nam happens. Steve spends the 60s in and out of Russia trying to track Bucky down while Howard sinks deeper into decadence.

Tony is born, and suddenly Steve is determined to be the stable thing in his world at all costs, because nothing else is. Tony is brilliant and empathetic and Steve has to teach him how to be a decent person in spite of Howard's determination to ruin everything good he has in his life, including Tony. He can see Howard's nihilism and addiction to pleasure infect Tony, no matter how hard he tries to show Tony how to be a better person.

Bucky doesn't shoot Ronald Reagan because Nancy is a witch who flings his assassin ass into Steve's arms with her mind. An ailing Zola explains that of course he put a witch in charge of the Free World; she's going to make sure it's his actual soul in his big 80's computer instead of just punch cards, after all. So yeah, Steve can have the Winter Soldier finally -- he'll have to be his handler, because his brain is refrozen mush, but at last he'll be with his bestie again. Steve realizes at this point that there's no running off into the sunset away from everyone. The only way to get Bucky back is use the SHIELD technology they have to try to heal him, and it's a slow process.

Then there's the Gulf War and it's all just over oil and Howard is making so much money again, and Tony comes up with this idea for free energy so they don't have to do the oil thing anymore. Howard has to explain to Tony that the oil is just a mechanism for control over there, that the scarcity is the point. Tony doesn't buy it.

Howard tells Steve they gotta kill Tony.

Steve knows if he doesn't get Bucky to kill Howard before he gives the order, Tony is going to die.

[the-au-queen]

How pretty is Reagan Ridley?

Please bear in mind that somehow haven’t managed to watch season 2 yet, so any and all info about her looks is from season 1.

Now let’s break this down. I got the idea for this post when I saw a youtube comment pointing out Reagan’s “charming underbite” (no really, that’s what they called it). So I thought more about it because now the thought was in my head.

- one of the Kennedy clones calls her a 4/10, to which she responds “I’m a 7 with make up and filters”

What do we learn from this? Make up and filters generally hide flaws like unclean skin, make your eyes look bigger and brighten up your face, but they can only do that much. I’m talking about basic make up here because I don’t think Reagan would be that talented with it (unlike Gigi)

- she has a hook nose, constant eyebags and an underbite

Now, the last thing could just be a stylistic choice, but the nose and eyebags still stand. She has a bad sleeping schedule and furthermore, her eating habits aren’t all too healthy, her brows are unplucked, she probably doesn’t take care of her skin because she’s more focused on her career. Her hair care is probably also not the greatest, she just does what gets the job done and wears a ponytail because it’s practical. We’ve seen her with her hair down and I’d say it’s the look she goes for when she wants to make a good impression, so it’s one of her better looks. These things don’t make much of a difference because they can be easily changed with some self care.

- Rafe Masters got really attached to her, and she has been able to score several dates

Now the dates we could write off as her just casting a really big net, but Rafe Masters? The James Bond parody who only dated gorgeous women? No matter how charming he thought her to be, that man is shallow and wouldn’t date a so called 4/10 for longer than a one night stand. Reagan also wouldn’t have been able to score that many dates on a dating app with her personality (the reason half of them left on the first date). So clone Kennedy just has bad taste.

- she’s half Japanese

Well, a little less than half, considering Rand literally altered her DNA, but half Asians are generally perceived as very pretty in most circles. She also comes after her mother, so I’d say she definitely has that down.

- her body type

I can’t believe I’m writing this part, but here we are. Reagan has.... she has boobs. Compared to other women we see, like Gigi, Tamiko or Kate, her stand out significantly more in size, both in her work clothes and when she dresses up. I’d put her at around.... I don’t know, a DD, maybe more. I wouldn’t say she’s the kind of person to wear a push up or pads, so that just leaves her being stacked. Which isn’t really anything beauty related and more of a sexual thing, most women being called pretty actually have pretty normal sized breasts, but it is definitely something to take into account. She’s also rather slim, probably very little extra fat (which is most likely due to her not eating healthily, we know she doesn’t do any sports), so overall, she has a nice figure.

Additional thoughts: We see her as a kid where she was taken care of and she didn’t look that bad. Growing up (with Rand) really fucked her over. She deserves a vacation with lots of pampering. Or ten.

Now let’s do a tally. Considering most factors relating to her beauty are fixable with just proper sleep, food and some self care, I’d put her at a 6/10 when she doesn’t bother and an 8/10 when she does, even without make up. So yes, Reagan is pretty. She just doesn’t focus much on it.

[darcyfangirlsfrequently]

Music

Summary: A game of truth or dare among the team takes an interesting turn. (In a good way, I promise, I know we all have PTSD from the sentence "truth or dare" and CM)

Word count: 931

Can also be read here on Ao3

“Luke,” Penelope said. “Truth or dare?”

The team was having a “family get-together,” and they’d decided to let out their younger selves and play truth or dare.

“Dare,” Luke replied. 

Penelope was slightly taken aback as he’d been picking “truth” all night (he didn’t want to get dared to tell Penelope how he felt, although “dare” was potentially just as bad, but she didn’t need to know that) so it took her a moment to think of something to say. Then she remembered something Reid had told her the other day. You can tell a lot about a person based on the music they listen to.

“Okay, open Spotify on your phone, and let me look through your playlists.”

Luke sighed, relieved. At least she hadn’t asked to go through his messages. He did not want her to see his text chain with Matt and Tara where they teased him about his beyond-obvious feelings for her. 

Penelope took Luke’s phone from him and started going through his playlists. “Workout, Car Music, these are all pretty standard. Wait, Her? What’s on this one?”

Luke knew she’d find that one and he’d be teased for it, but that was fine. It wasn’t like there was anything on the playlist that identified who the “her” was. Well, actually, there was something, but you’d really have to be looking to find it. 

Penelope began to list off the songs on the playlist. “Oh my god, it’s full of love songs. Pretty Brown Eyes by Cody Simpson, Everything Has Changed by Taylor Swift, Not Another Song About Love by Hollywood Ending, Everything I Wanted by Billie Eilish, Like I Can by Sam Smith, On My Way by Jennifer Lopez, Please Keep Loving Me by James TW, Empire by Ella Henderson—you know, Luke, this music taste is very shocking for you,”

He put his head in his hands and groaned. “Is my humiliation over yet?”

“Nope, gotta finish reading out the playlist. Give Me Love by Ed Sheeran, Altar by Tim Gallagher, Right Now by One Direction, Carry You by Ruelle, Infinity by AJR, and All In by Reagan Beem.”

Reid smiled to himself. He had assumed Luke had some sort of playlist all about his feelings for Garcia, but this was even better. He turned to the man in question. “Did you do that on purpose?”

“Did I do what on purpose?”

“Did you purposely arrange all the songs so the first letter of each song spelled out her name?”

“Wait, what?” Penelope exclaimed, still holding the phone.

“Okay, that’s enough of that!” Luke exclaimed, making a grab for his phone. 

“Oh absolutely not,” Tara said as she and Matt held him back. “I need to see where this is going.”

“Alright,” Penelope said. “What’s her name? P-E-N-E-L… O… P… E…” her voice trailed off as the spelling of the name became all too familiar to her, and she read the last six letters in her head. G-A-R-C-I-A. PENELOPE GARCIA. She whirled on Reid. “Did you tell me that tidbit about music saying a lot about people on purpose? So that I would ask him this question?”

Reid grinned. “Maybe.”

Penelope groaned and forked over a twenty-dollar bill. “Fine, I’ll admit it. That was good. I’ll gladly lose to that.”

“You’d gladly lose anyway,” Emily pointed out as she too handed Reid a twenty-dollar bill. In fact, everyone on the team save Luke handed Reid a twenty-dollar bill.

“Very true,” Penelope conceded.

“Does someone want to tell me what’s going on?” Luke asked.

“We had a bet,” Penelope explained. “Twenty dollars from each person to the first person who could get you to admit you liked me back.”

“And you were in on—wait did you say back?”

“And that’s our cue to leave,” Rossi said, standing up and gesturing that the rest of the team should leave the room with him. 

Once they were alone, Penelope resumed her explanation. “Everyone on the team had a bet on how they could get you to admit you like me back. Yes, I said back. Surprise, I don’t actually hate you!”

Luke stepped closer to her. “So… you knew this whole time?”

“You weren’t exactly subtle.”

He chuckled to himself. “No, I guess I wasn’t. Then you should know I more than just like you.” He stepped closer still and rested his hand on her cheek, stroking the soft skin with the pad of his thumb. “Penelope Garcia, I am in love with you.”

She made a small laugh at the back of her throat. “Hm! Wouldn’t you know? I’m in love with you too.”

Unable to hold back his joy, Luke leaned down and kissed her. He kissed her and kissed her and kissed her until something she had said caught up to him. He pulled back and said, “Wait, everyone on the team was in on this bet except me? Even you?”

She blushed lightly. “Yeah. Even me.”

He slides his arms down around her waist, holding her close to him. “So how did you bet I’d confess my undying love for you?”

“Well, I figured I’d just be in the middle of being my usual wonderful self and dazzling you all with my abilities and you wouldn’t be able to stop yourself from blurting it out.”

“I came… embarrassingly close to making you a hundred and twenty dollars richer. Many times.”

Penelope smiled. “Oh yeah? You’ll have to tell me about those times.”

“I will,” Luke promised. “But not right now. Right now we should probably let the team back in.”

“Oh shit, yeah.”

[longlivelindanny]

Intruders

Pair: Danny Reagan/Linda Reagan

Characters: Linda Reagan, Danny Reagan, OC

Rated: K+

Linda jumps violently, her heart loud in her ears. She turns over, expecting to cuddle up next to Danny. But Danny isn't next to her, and there's a thumping downstairs.

"Danny?" Linda calls out, gripping the covers. She holds her breath, waiting for a response.

When she doesn't get one, she stupidly gets out of bed. Surprisingly, she grabs her phone and heads into the hallway. "Danny? Is that you?"

She tiptoes down the stairs, "Danny?" She's just about to go in the kitchen when she's knocked onto her rear. She quickly whips her head around and sees a dark, hooded figure racing out the door.

Panting heavily, Linda scrambles for her phone. She quickly pulls up her Recents in her phone app, and presses the number for the only person who could fix this.

********

"Linda? It's past midnight. What's wrong?" Danny's just leaving his desk when Linda calls him.

"Someone's in the house. Someone was in the house!" She cries, wishing she could just hold him.

"What?"

"Someone was here," Linda repeats. "I didn't get a good look. They- they booked it be-before—"

"Okay. Sweetheart, listen to me. You know what to do. Lock yourself in the bathroom, and I'll send someone over. The magic word is stardust, okay?"

"Okay," Linda sniffles, nodding her head quickly.

"Okay. Everything will be fine," he keeps his voice even, but he's really screaming. Who would break in? Why would they break in? Is Linda okay? "I love you."

"I love you more."

"I love you most. Help is coming."

********

"Mrs. Reagan?" The uniformed officer knocks on the en-suite door. Of course she had to lock herself in there, he thinks. "It's Officer Davenport. Uh, Billy. Reagan says I'm to tell you stardust."

Linda waits a moment before getting up from the floor. She opens the door just a crack, "lemme see your badge."

Billy sighs, because he said the password, but he obliges nonetheless. This is Danny Reagan's wife; if something happened to her, and he could've prevented it, Danny would never forgive him.

Linda inspects the badge before coming out of the bathroom. "Sorry.”

"If someone had been in my house, I'd be extra careful too. Let's go downstairs."

She follows him down to the living room, where she's instructed to sit while he tries to get prints. But before he starts, he makes her some chamomile tea to calm her down.

********

"Linda!" Danny calls as soon as he's at the front steps. He takes them two at a time, and practically flies through the door. "Linda!"

"Danny!" She stands quickly, feeling relief wash over her as he hugs her tightly.

"Are you okay?"

Her tears come back, "there was someone here. Touching our things. There was..."

"They're gone now," Danny reassures her, looking around the room. It's been finger printed, he can tell.

Billy clears his throat from the kitchen doorway, "Reagan." He motions Danny to come close.

Danny pulls away from Linda, "I gotta talk to Davenport for a second. You sure you're alright?"

Linda nods, "I'm okay."

He kisses her for head, stroking her hair, before turning and walking towards Davenport. He lowers his voice, "what's up?"

"It doesn't look like anyone's been here, sir. The doors were locked, the windows locked. There's no sign of forced entry."

"So what are you saying that she imagines the whole thing?"

Davenport shrugs, "maybe she heard something and it freaked her. Or she was in the middle of a dream? I don't know, sir, but the house is locked up. No one's been in and out except for you and me. And maybe your wife."

Danny looks towards Linda, sitting on the couch, looking scared and unsure. He sighs. "She doesn't make things up,"Davenport."

"I'm not saying she made it up. I'm saying maybe she got scared and she thought she saw someone."

"Hallucinations?"

Davenport shrugs and nods. "I mean, it's normal, sir, isn't it? She's in a dark house, all alone, possibly sleeping, she hears a noise, and she thinks she saw someone in the house."

Danny sighs again, unwilling to believe his wife is seeing things. She couldn't be seeing things... could she? "Well, thanks anyway. I'll talk to her. Thanks for coming over, checking on her."

He nods, "sure."

On his way out, Davenport tipped his hat to Linda. She smiles a little and says,  "thank you."

Danny licks his lips before sitting next to Linda on the couch. He puts his hand on her shoulder and rubs and gently.  "Are you sure you're all right?"

"He doesn't believe me. Does he?"

Danny bites his lip, trying to think of a way to put it without making Linda feel bad. " as far as he can tell, there's no sign of forced entry. Did you have all the doors and windows locked?"

"Of course I did. You know I always lock up."

"I don't know what to tell you, Linda. It looks like no one was here."

She blows a hard breath through her nose, "you're saying I imagined it?"

He needs to say this carefully. "What happened before you saw the intruder?"

"I was in bed," Linda confesses, her cheeks warm. "I heard a noise, and thought that it was maybe you coming home. When you didn't come, I came down here. I saw someone here, Danny."

She has such conviction in her voice. "Someone was here, Danny. I saw them."

"There's no evidence—"

"Then they were wearing gloves or something, I don't know!" Linda stands in anger. "I know what I saw!"

He looks up at her worriedly. There had been no one in the house, only her. But she was so damn certain someone else was here. "Were you having a nightmare when you heard the noise?"

"You think I'm imagining someone breaking into our home? You think I'm crazy?"

"I didn't say that, Linda."

"But you're thinking it," she states, offended.

Danny takes in a patient breath, "I believe you know what you think you saw."

Linda scoffs and stalks to their bedroom, upset that her own husband thinks she's crazy. She's not crazy! She knows what she saw.

*******

"Maybe I did imagine it all," Linda tells Danny two days later. Her head is down and her cheeks are pink with embarrassment.

Danny looks at her sympathetically, "you must've been dreaming. You were caught in your dream."

"I guess," she agrees dejectedly. "I was just so sure."

"I'd rather have you be wrong about seeing someone in the house, honey."

"Yeah," she agrees quietly.

"You did the right thing. Even if your facts were wrong."

"That doesn't make me feel any better."

"Then what will make you feel better?"

Linda pouts, thinking. This first thing that pops in her head is pretty corny, but she knows it'll make her feel better. "A kiss."

Danny smiles and gives her a sweet kiss. "Better?"

"Better," she nods then rests her forehead against his.

She knows Danny's probably right, that she was caught in a dream. But still, she can't help but feel that someone really was in the house.

[whatyourusherthinks]

Lee Review

...I don't know what this is. We got no trailers or posters for this movie, it just kinda appeared. I heard it was a biopic. It has to be better than all the other biopics that have came out this year. It has to be better than Reagan and Back to Black. It has to be.

What's The Movie About?

This is a biopic about Lee Miller, a war photographer during WWII who had to push back against sexism.

What I Like.

It is better. Lee's pretty good. It's well made, presents a interesting person is an accurate light, and does so in an entertaining way. I hadn't heard about Lee Miller before this movie, although I had seen what is probably her most famous photo, and I like her. She a badass, take-no-shit yet compassionate person, who's hard drinking and pops pills but always strives to present the hard-hitting truth. Yes, she's basically every Noir protagonist but a woman and war photographer instead of a detective, but that's what I like about her. And looking it up it seems fairly accurate to the real life woman. Kate Winslet is, of course, great as the titular character, but I really liked Andy Sandberg in the movie too. He is, of course, a lighter presence in the movie, but he also has the saddest scene in the movie. I won't get into it because of spoilers, but I really like the way movie sets up Lee's story. There's a twist that I didn't really see coming, and the way they presented it was fascinating. There is also a pleasant amount of boob shots in the movie, I approve.

What I Didn't Like.

If I have to be critical, it is a WWII and "this women stood up to oppression" movie. They go through the beats you expect, and with the exception of the twist on the set-up, you know what is going to happen and when it will happen. But is that so bad?

Final Summation.

I like Lee. It's a shame no one is watching it, but I can't expect anything else if this movie got no marketing. If you read this before it leave theaters, I recommend checking it out.

[cognitosclowns]

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!!! Any The Gang x reader valentines stuff?

YEAYEAYEA OFC I CAN!! HAPPY VALENTINE’S!!!!!

ALL SFW!! (brief existential/immortality stuff w/ Myc!!)

EEEHEHEHEHE <3333

BRETT

YOU KNOW HE GOES ALL OUT <3333333 COME ONNNN

He just <333 he gives me the vibe of smb who goes absolutely batshit for every holiday, AND he's such a naturally loving guy??? dear god valentines day is gonna be so cute??

 its a lot more like valentines week

BECAUSE,,,, he always gets a lot of ideas of stuff he wants to do, and he can never choose because they're all so good, so he ends up doing all of em??

<33333 he always wakes you up w/ breakfast anyways, but during the valentines season its SPECIFICALLY super cute breakfasts?? Like,, pancakes in the shape of hearts? eggs in the shape of lips? Scones and raspberry butter with lil heart sprinkles in it???? OUGHE its so cute

he has a tradition of giving,, multi-part gifts that all have a theme for the final gift? ( ex: all apple-themed things, the final gift is running around an apple orchard)

<33333 he tries to be subtle but usually you end up figuring it out smndsmd. even if you do, you aren’t gonna say anything bc <3333 he’s having so much fun smdnsd

REAGAN

tbh she struggles with gift giving? she feels like she isnt supposed to give you a gift unless,, its a special occasion? and what kind of gift is TOO much for a

VALENTINES IS KINDA HER NO-HOLDS-BARRED KINDA HOLIDAY <3 where she doesn’t need to worry about making something TOO sappy or too big

OKAY BUT SHE ABSOLUTELY WRITES DOWN EVERY LITTLE THING YOU’VE EVER MENTIONED YOU’VE WANTED 

LIKE <333 just this giant folder w/ photos and memos and half-legible scribbles?? <333 its her own little way of easing her mind when it comes to thinking of smth nice to get you!!

SO OFC,,, SHE ENDS UP STRUGGLING TO CHOOSE JUST ONE. 

<33 this means you usually end up getting,,, Care Boxes?? Absolutely jam packed w/ stuff because she kept thinking it wasn’t enough <3

OH <333 her ideal date is a nap. genuinely if you just surprise her w/ ‘oh i cleared your schedule, wanna cozy up on the couch and slip into a coma?’ she will <3333333333333333333

GIGI

<3333 OH expect to be positively hounded with notes <333

SHE HIDES EM EVERYWHERE DURING THE 13TH FOR YOU TO DESCOVER ON YOUR OWN!!!! little compliments, things she loves about you, lovey-dovey little thoughts shes had about you <3

You absolutely won't find all of them on valentines day, so <333 sometimes you'll get little surprises during the weeks after. It's extremely cute

OH <333 you'd expect something super big and fancy but she much prefers <3333 smth small and personal. It's easy to do smth super big and bright but,, <333 she likes to take the time to set up smth cute

IDEALLY??? A little weekend getaway to her cottage up north <333 its a little chilly but you two aren't going anywhere!!!

It's really nice <33 it reminds her of a simpler time where she didn't have quite so much to worry about smnsd. Sometimes she kinda misses having a normal life <3

JUST <333 all cozied up by the fireplace, giggling about nothing in particular and sipping cocoa <3333 oughghe <3333

GLENN

HE,,,, probably doesn’t really celebrate valentines? i have the feeling that he sees himself as,, ‘Too Mature’ for it, etc, etc. Valentines was never really a thing his parents did growing up, its not smth him and his ex-wife did?

THIS MEANS THAT IF YOU DO SMTH SPECIAL FOR HIM IT WILL THROW HIM FOR AN ABSOLUTE LOOP <333

doesn’t even need to be smth big <333 a simple dinner-date and some new cufflinks and he’s gonna be putty in your hands <3333

OH AND,, if you bring him flowers he’ll 10000% gonna huff about how its such a Girly Gift, etc... but there’s also no way in hell he’s gonna throw em out. 

he might even snip them when they start wilting, and leave them by his windowsill so they can dry out and preserve <333 for all his hemming and hawing, he really does appreciate the gesture <333 oughghgeouehe

ANDRE

he isn’t really the type for Grant gestures? He likes little stuff <333 just,, stuff he knows you like. Making your favorite dinner, or a few cases of your favorite drink - some little stuff to show he cares, and make the day a bit more special!!

THIS GUY USED TO WRITE POETRY BABYYYYYYYYYYY <333333

oH he is wayyyyy too nervous to read it out loud or,, even be in the room while you read it but <333 expect a little letter on your bedside while he’s in the shower.

PLEASE <33 PLEASE TELL HIM HOW MUCH YOU LOVED IT. HE’LL GET SO ROSY. YOU’LL GET SUCH A BRIGHT SMILE OUTTA HIM.

OH <3333 and what y’all do with your day is entirely dependent on you!!!

Because yeah ofc you two could go to a Rave or,, some assorted wacky shenanigans and he’d love that BUT <33 IF YOU’D RATHER STAY IN W/ TAKEOUT AND CHEESY MOVIES THEN HE’D ALSO LOVE THAT?? He’s extremely pliable 

<3 tbh as long as he’s with you he doesn’t really care!!

MYC

‘you wouldn’t have anything to do with the wad of cash that mysteriously appeared on my desk this morning?’

‘How dare you imply I care about you ;)’

‘mhm <3′

YEAH HE <333 isn’t really the sort for mushy gifts - he’s much more practical? Also his,, concept of time is kinda skewed? He’s been around for so long!! He knows that most gifts get tossed or eventually lose their use, and he doesn’t see the point of getting you smth Sappy Just Because It’s Expected?

like sure he COULD get you some super expensive glitzy necklace but,,,,,,

MONEY THOUGH??? Nah that shits always gonna be useful and appreciated!!

(ALSO ALL OF THIS MEANS,, the rare GIFT gifts he gets you are,, surprisingly thoughtful?? Its stuff you’re gonna love for a really long time. It always feels super out of nowhere but <333 you never say that bc its such a lovely, unexpected surprise <33 oughghoughoughge)

JR

OH <333 YOU KNOW THIS LITTLE RICH BOY IS GONNA GO ALL OUT. Nobody is pulling him away from you <3

there’s maybe,, 3 times a year where his phone is gonna be completely off <3 AND THIS IS ONE OF EM SO HE REALLY LOOKS FORWARD TO IT <333

you always insist that,, he should keep his phone on him in case smth goes wrong but NOPE HE RARELY HAS AN EXCUSE TO BE UNPLUGGED FROM THE CHAOS OF COGNITO AND GOD DAMMIT HE’S GONNA TAKE ANY CHANCE HE CAN <333

<333 yea he’s bringing you to a fancy restaurant, we all knew that, but afterwards? The sky’s the limit.

helicopter rides are his personal favorite, because Virginia looks beautiful from up so high, but if you’re not a fan of heights then its BOAT TIME <333

YEA YOU HEARD ME RIGHT, HE HAS A DINKY LITTLE BOAT <333

‘‘‘‘dinky’’‘‘‘ its still big but not quite,, Mega Yacht levels of big?? A small staff for the kitchen + to make sure it doesn��t steer into any rocks. Something a bit more subtle and special - he rarely takes it out except for the two of you <3

SNIFFLES LOUDLY <333 having dinner near a balcony area under the light of the moon <333 the soft sound of the ocean <333 ougghhgoughe

it’s extremely sappy and he wouldn’t have it any other way. It’s exactly what you deserve <3

A.B

OH he absolutely hates valentines day. He sees it as ‘dull human nonsense’, etc, etc and will tell you as much.

HOWEVER,,

‘you didn’t get me anything then?’

‘what? of course I did. do you think so little of me? ;)’

yeah he’s a hypocrite but honestly what’d you expect <333 cause sure, Valentines Day is mostly just another opportunity for companies to make money BUT <3 that doesn’t mean he can’t use it as an excuse

besides, he’s a hopeless romantic at heart <3 and yeah, the heart-shaped candies are kinda cute. Sue him.

OH <333 he enlists Gigi’s help in actually,, setting stuff up, since he’s currently in Tube Jail and unable to buy stuff for you </3 they make the basement area all cozy w/ a bunch of pillows and blankets so you can sleep down there <3 ouguughgoughhee

ALSO,, HE STAYS ON EXTRA GOOD BEHAVIOR TO TRY AND CONVINCE REAGAN TO GIVE HIM THE RESOURCES TO MAKE YOU SMTH NICE. 

It’s a 20/80 on whether or not it works.

IF IT DOES??? <333 a little bracelet/ring made using some of his metal, probably engraved w/ your initials? <33333

some part of him distantly hates that he can’t,,,,,, take you anywhere. or hand you the gift himself. or give you a kiss. >:(

BUT ALSO <333 he can appreciate just having you near him <333 for now that will be enough

SORRY THIS GOT KINDA LONG BUT I WANTED TO GIVE EVERYONE SOME ATTENTION <3333 HAPPY VALENTINES, LOVE YOU ALL BUNCHES

[escapism-central]

THE SEASON 2 TEASER HAS ARRIVED

(SPOILERS FOR SEASON 1 AHEAD)

So we finally have the first season 2 teaser for inside job, and it’s only logical to break it down.

The first very obvious thing we see which probably will be an important arc throughout s2 is Reagan starting off this season where we saw Rand started off last season- essentially becoming everything she despised.

Considering where we left off at the end of season 1 with Reagan’s relationship with her dad- finding out he erased her memories of her only childhood friend so she’d follow the path he laid out for her and eventually take over Cognito Inc- this is a pretty interesting development.

It’s Reagan’s hatred of Rand that ends up making her step into his shoes, just like Rand’s hatred of JR ended him up in the place he was in s1, showing how they’re really not that different.

I’m guessing this arc will eventually be resolved with some sort of personal growth for Reagan- something along the lines of “she’s not that different from her dad, but she doesn’t have to be exactly like him and can learn from his mistakes” mixed with realising that as awful as Rand as has been as a father, people are flawed, even parents, and you can’t punish them for making mistakes while raising you.

This has been a sub-plot in the previous season (episode 8), where Reagan was joyous at the idea Buzz Aldrin might be her father because she hated who Rand had been as a parent (criticising her best inventions, further increasing her self-esteem issues) until she found out he was a murderer. Though we’ve seen her come to terms with Rand’s questionable parenting, it would be interesting to see how Reagan comes to terms with building herself in her father’s image- a result of her seeking his approval but never being able to get it in her childhood- possibly go through an identity crisis, and maybe accept that she is who she is because of her father, but also because of herself.

We don’t see much of the rest of the crew, except Brett, who seems to have become more responsible and level-headed in the wake of Reagan dealing with her father being back in-charge. It’ll clearly be difficult for Reagan to take orders from her dad, considering she spent the first season looking after him, and what she’s discovered about him controlling her in the past.

Rand seems to be as unhinged as usual, intent on not listening to the Shadow Board, which is bound to stir up trouble somewhere in the season. He’s also intent on winning back Reagan and Tamiko, which might be a hint toward how he’ll further alienate the people he loves by trying to gain the upper-hand in a situation and having some sort of power over them- presumably to stop them from leaving and/or manipulating them to be just how he wants them to be.

There’s also a gag on having him in charge ending up in the world getting destroyed, which could be an Easter egg for one of the episodes. This might also be a reference to Rand crumbling under the pressure of being in charge of controlling the world, which was why he got an early retirement in the first place.

I’m curious to see what they do with ROBOTUS, whom I think Reagan will eventually end up going to for help to overthrow Rand, or maybe ROBOTUS will be successful in manipulating Rand to let him out. Who knows?

All in all, the teaser seems to hint towards a roller coaster of a season even better than, if not as good as, the first one.

[nice-kill-tanaka]

🌄Hikaru + Tease Crush🌌

Summary: Aaaa idk tsundere hikaru brain go brrrrrr,.

A/N: Lowkey, I’m not too sure about this one. But, how good it is comes down to how well it’s received by you guys. It’s in your hands now tumblr!!

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🌗Hikaru Hitachiin🌗

You, a new second year at Ouran Middle School, happened to meet Hikaru and Kaoru in a once in a blue moon situation

✨Separately✨

You and your parents were commoners from another region of Japan. But, due to trying times, you were sent to live with your impossibly wealthy grandparents to finish your education while your parents got back on their feet

So, you clearly had no idea how to navigate what felt like the world’s biggest campus

Taking initiative, you decided to take a free period to mentally map out at least the middle school campus. You were not about to be late to every single class again, lest you start getting detention

You were somewhere near the courtyard when you heard soft, delicate sobs from around the corner, followed by fast footsteps leading away from you

You quickened your pace to at least see what was going on, and the scene you walked in on told you everything you needed to know

The sobs were coming from a girl in your year, who seemed eager to get away from the courtyard. And leaning on the pillar on the bend, was a tall redhead who looked far too satisfied with himself. At least if your assumptions were correct

You decided not to go off on the boy right away, so you wouldn’t embarrass yourself

“Ah...Did I intrude on something?”

The boy apparently hadn’t noticed you until you said something, but quickly regained his composure

“Nah, you had good timing. We were just finishing up.”

“...We?”

Hikaru suddenly remembered

You were new to Ouran. And at this point, you probably haven’t memorized faces yet. Even if they were identical

That, and the fact that Kaoru was still behind a bush watching everything play out, was enough for Hikaru to try something new

“Me and that girl you saw, I mean.”

“Yeah, alright. What’s your deal with her, by the way? She didn’t sound too happy.”

Hikaru shrugged, “Dishonesty, disloyalty, stuff like that. I just gave her a piece of my mind and she couldn’t handle it.”

“Hm, I figured she couldn’t. She’s crying pretty hard.”

“Then she shouldn’t have been trying to sneak around with other guys.”

Alright...you halfway understood the guy. If you were in his shoes, you’d at least want to do something similar. But, going out of your way to emotionally decimate someone that clearly isn’t worth your time? Seems a little excessive

‘But, hey,’ you thought. ‘To each their own.’

You kept your composure around the boy, shrugging and turning to walk away. “I get that. What did you say your name was?”

“Mm? Hikaru.”

“Hikaru. If that girl’s really as horrible as you say she is, I think it’s hilarious that you’d give her pathetic ass the time of day.”

That jab technically wasn’t aimed at Hikaru, but the way you said it. The way you turned back slightly to flash a shit-eating grin at him. It was clear your comment was meant to say more about Hikaru than the girl he told off

In short, Hikaru ended up not liking you

Meeting Kaoru went a bit more smoothly

Since you were in Class B at the time (you were to transfer to Class A next semester), you didn’t actually gather that the asshole you met the other day had a whole brother. So, that case of whiplash was particularly strong

During a lunch period within the same year, you decided to sit alone. Nothing personal really, but being around twenty-four other kids your age with such a high amount of tunnel vision gets suffocating at a certain point

Not too far away, Hikaru had gotten up to use the bathroom, leaving Kaoru to his own devices for a bit

It wasn’t long before he found a familiar face in you, sitting alone and looking rather bored

Of course, Kaoru hadn’t personally talked to you yet. The only things he heard about you were from Hikaru, which still wasn’t much, considering that his brother seemed too embarrassed and pissed to say anything beyond: “They’re an asshole. They’re not worth talking to.”

But, regardless of Hikaru’s first impression of you, Kaoru thought it would be fun to mess with you for a bit

I’m fully convinced you have the eagle eye, because you noticed Kaoru before he even said anything

“If you’re still pressed about what I said the other day, Hikaru, trust me, I was just messing with you.”

Damn at least let him speak 💀

Kaoru noticed that even though you thought he was Hikaru, your posture and tone held no animosity. You seemed relaxed, even sending a half smile Kaoru’s way

Your aura felt overall likable, so what could you have said to Hikaru to tick him off so much??

“Oh, don’t worry about it. I actually almost forgot about that.”

Immediately, something didn’t click with you

“You sound different today, man. Everything okay?”

...What??

Kaoru wasn’t sure how you figured it out, but no one was usually able to tell the difference between his and Hikaru’s voices and speech patterns, period. Let alone upon hearing both twins once separately

“What do you mean...? I’ve always sounded like this?”

“Hm, must be a bad case of laryngitis then. How’s your twin doing, by the way?”

Kaoru’s expression didn’t betray much, but your knowing and lighthearted smile sure did

He originally wasn’t going to tell you the whole truth. But, you seemed like you’d be too much fun (given some time) to pass up getting on your good side!

It almost felt strange, inviting someone else into his and Hikaru’s little world. But, even if you were just a toy for now, you were someone Kaoru wanted to keep around 

Kaoru introduced himself with his real name while he explained his relationship with Hikaru, and your face was priceless

Sure, you knew that the boy in front of you wasn’t acting like the Hikaru you met a few days back. But, the twin brother thing was a complete shot in the dark!!

But, Kaoru laughed and dragged you and your lunch to his and Hikaru’s table

Ooh, when I say Hikaru was NOT thrilled??

He was seething when you gave him that same look as before

“Hey there, Heartbreaker. Nice to see you again.” 😊😊🙃🙃

Hikaru flushed as Kaoru tried to hide his giggles behind his hand

Yeah, that kind of sums up your dynamic 😂

From then on, whenever you were around the twins, you drove a clear wedge in their “identical” personalities. Just by the fact that you treated them both differently

Kaoru was your partner in crime, playing along with your jokes and often taking more agency in making decisions than usual. You were both mature, yet mischievous, so you were often on the same page

We stan compatible friends 👏😌

Hikaru...was kind of your sentient punching bag

From your first conversation with him to now, you gathered that Hikaru had a weirdly prominent petty streak, with some emotional constipation on the side. All of this, manifesting in a semi-childish, stubborn mess with a hair-trigger temper (At least, when it comes to you and Kaoru poking at him)

You weren’t exactly intent on improving those flaws (Since it’s technically not your job to fix the vices of others), but you most certainly let Hikaru know that those qualities weren’t something to be proud of. Especially when he let them get the better of him

And you did just that by teasing the hell out of him

“Aww, is little Hikaru upset that Italian isn’t being served at lunch today??”

“Ooh, don’t get too angry! You might pop a vein.”

“Y’know, you’d think a normal human being wouldn’t blush as much as you do. Are you really that bothered by me?”

Yes! He was!

He felt bothered and threatened because you dragged out every single flaw that no one (not even Kaoru) dared to call out until now. Not that he could give a name to that feeling an the moment

You were surprisingly clairvoyant for someone that strategically abused that fact. You always had an upper hand, and that wasn’t something Hikaru was used to

But, after a while, his frequent showcases of embarrassment began happening for a different reason

In between all of the teasing, you were never downright mean to Hikaru. You were just as nice to him as you were to Kaoru

Hikaru often enjoyed the bentos you made the twins on random days (Though, he failed to admit it on a regular basis)

When the teacher was going a little too fast, you’d always let Hikaru copy off of your notes

And man, you sure did look good at the beginning of the day...when the morning sun lights up your eyes, and-

Oh...

Oh no.

So, that’s why every time you’d get on Hikaru’s case, he would get flustered and look away. He liked you??

Hikaru can’t let anyone know about this. Especially you.

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[🌌Take this for your travels, bud. Don’t worry about paying me or anything, everything’s on the house! Though 🍁likes🍁 and ☘️reblogs☘️ are appreciated!🌄] — Reagan

[standingappablog]

I have theories I would like to share with y’all:

-We are left not knowing the fate of Marty and Nora, so I have some ideas of what could have happened to them.

Nora:

1.The most obvious theory, and probably the most likely is that she is in fact dead. With Rachel talking about her in the past tense and wearing her old runners it seems like she died saving her in the shark attack. Rachel also mentions that “their story” doesn’t end well. She also references at the beginning of her interview about how she treated Nora. Perhaps she felt guilty about how she treated her in their last few weeks together.

2.Now this one I know seems like a reach but, the shark attack was staged by gretchen to get Nora off the island so the experiment isnt exposed to the girls. Nora “dies” in the attack, therefore Leah has no way of blaming her. So to everyone else Nora is dead, which is why Rachel speaks of her in the past tense. (Again I’m leaning towards the her actually dying in the shark attack)

3. Or Nora could be completely fine and wasn’t interviewed because she was an informant.

Martha:

1.Now really we don’t know what happens to her. (So what I’m about to say is complete speculation) The only hint that we get is Agent Young going through her things in an attempt to find blackmail against her family. This makes us assume that she is either dead or in critical condition. Out of all of the girls towards the end of the season, the two who seem to be struggling the most are Leah and Martha. Shaken up by killing a living creature and facing the reality that she was abused as a child, makes me think Marty may have tried hurting herself. Probably towards the end of their stay on the island. Marty’s parents presumably signed her up for a relaxing time away with her best friend. So Gretchen, needing blackmail against the family so they wont sue her for whatever happened to Marty, makes me believe something like this happened to her.

Or

2. Marty’s death could have been an accident like Noras and Janettes, how? There is many possibilities, I mean they are surviving on an deserted island so exposure, sickness falling from a high place..getting lost. Ect.

Shelby:

We are left with a lot of questions about Shelby.

Her ankle:

1. The First shot we see of her in the facility is her ankle, so when I finished watching the first time, I assumed she must have ran after Nora to help save Rachel, this one is easy to believe but her leg doesn’t look like it was bitten by a shark, there isn’t any visible wounds, so I’m doubtful of this possibility.Also her injury seems fresh enough and the girls where supposed to be on the island for three months, so I doubt she got it in the shark attack, which took place three weeks into their time on the island.

2.We know that Shelby was suspicious throughout her interview, so maybe she might have tried escaping the facility beforehand and was tackled?Or she fell? So this happening before hand could explain why the investigators mentioned they weren’t going to go easy on her in her interview. She was also described to be in a pretty fragile mental state, and they didn’t know what version of her they where going to get.

3. Shelby hurt her ankle trying to save Martha. Like I mentioned before Marty may have died or got badly injured by hurting herself. Maybe Shelby was there and tried saving her, somewhat similar to the situation with her friend Becca.

4.Another theory I saw was that Toni may have accidentally hurt her like she did Reagan. There has been a lot of speculation if Toni and Shelby are on good terms or not. Maybe Marty’s death/ injuries become a conflict between them since she was present. Or a conflict about something entirely different could have cuased her ankle injury

5.Or simply she could have just fallen before her rescue from the island lol. Though her ankle is the first shot we get of her in the facility. That’s what makes me think it’s significant.

Her hair:

1. The two possibilities that I could think of is that, her hair was just so matted and unkept by the end of the three months that there was just no salvaging it so it was shaved, or:

2.Shelbys hair seemed to be her form of releasing her frustration. We know that her mental health declines after the shark attack, so she may in upset/frustration cut it all off or continues to take chunks out of her hair as a form of release.

Leah and Shelby (+possibly Dot and Agent Young)

Leah:

1.After the shark attack, if Nora does die I think Leah will have a difficult time convincing the others, especially Rachel that Nora is some sort of agent.

2. The groups friend just died, so hearing from Leah that Nora was in on whatever is happening to them won’t be taken well. Certainly not by Rachel, I can imagine Leah saying this about Nora would make her furious. They will probably assume that she is once again having a mental break, and won’t listen to her.

3.Even if Nora doesn’t die, she was told to do as much as she can to keep everyone in the dark, so I wouldn’t put it past her making Leah look like she is going crazy.

Shelby:

1.At first I don’t think Shelby will believe Leah, but she will probably slowly begin to suspect things like Leah did. The two have an understanding, as we where shown, Shelby knows what it feels like to breakdown, and have everyone think they are crazy. But she knows in that moment she isn’t crazy, and neither is Leah. So when she is rescued and quarantined in the facility it will probably convince her completely.

Anaphylactic shock:

1.Shelby going into anaphylactic shock. How did she even go into anaphylactic shock? Where they given food in their rooms and Gretchen would have to have known that she is allergic. Right?

2.I think Shelby left a time on the note to Leah for her to escape. She maybe was able to order shellfish to her room, and then would eat it during the time Leah was going to escape.

Or:

1. I think MAYBE Shelby and Dot figured out what was going on before being rescued. We see that Dot orders a plate of seafood, which she barely touches. What if somehow Dot got the seafood to Shelby, maybe by leaving it underneath the table and shelby taking it back to her room after her interview. So when Leah tries to escape she eats the seafood, which sets off the alarm and distracts the guards. And with Shelby leaving a time on the note for Leah to escape, she would know when to eat the Seafood. (Another reach I know)

And:

-Agent Young could also have helped them. We saw that he sympathised with the girls and that he was the one keeping tabs on all of them. Maybe he knowingly let the girls do this without telling anyone, making it easier for them to pass notes and for Leah to escape.

They all know:

-Another possibility is that Leah somehow convinces the others that something is going on. And plan out how to figure out what really is going on. All of the girls get their stories straight, and they purposely leave out parts that could be used against them. Playing the investigators. I’m less inclined to believe this one since Shelby gave the note to Leah telling her she was right all along, why would she do that if they all knew anyways?

Toni and Shelby:

I think a lot of us suspect that the twos releationship is a little rocky by the time they get to the facility. (I have another post explaining why I think they aren’t on good terms currently)

1.Like I mentioned before Toni and Shelbys conflict may involve Marty, with her dying or hurting herself, Toni who we have seen can have huge outbursts when she is upset, could blame Shelby for not doing enough ,because maybe she was present when it happened. So maybe Toni irrationally blames Shelby for whatever happened to Marty.

2.This irrational anger could also be the cause of Shelbys ankle injury. Of course I don’t think Toni would ever purposely hurt Shelby, but she could accidentally, just as she did with her previous girlfriend.

3.A theory I’ve seen suggested a few times is that, they staged their break up to protect each other. If they seem like they aren’t together anymore to the investigators, they can’t be used against one another. (I personally think this one is hella cute)

4. Another possible conflict is Tonis anger issues affecting their relationship just as it did with Reagan, Tonis outbursts may be too much for Shelby and that may become an issue.

5. Shelby not being able to come to terms with her sexuality. This one isn’t as likely, because as far as everyone is concerned they are stuck on the island for god knows how long. The idea of not going home any time soon only seems to make Shelby want to explore herself more. And everyone I feel like would be completely supportive.

Although:

-Martha may have an issue, not with the fact that they are together but more that when they found food instead of taking it back to everyone, they hooked up. Leaving Martha to kill the goat by herself, when she really didn’t need to. Maybe this could lead to Toni having to choose who’s side to take, her girlfriend or best friend. (Martha has “you and us” mentality with Shelby after her homophobic remarks. Toni also has told Martha “since when where there sides?”)

Annnnnnddd that is all, I’ve been thinking about this for a while and I felt like typing it all out, I’d love to know what everyone thinks and your theories!

[kinktae]

bitchin’ || pt. 9 (M)

↳ PART OF MY REWIND SERIES

The 80s were a time of choices. Which perm was right for you? What color neon would you wear next? None of these choices, however, were more questionable than a certain deal you made with Jeon Jungkook.

pairing: fratboy!jungkook x reader

word count: 4.7k

genre: 1980s au, eventual smut, e2l

warnings: fanservice. that's it. that’s the tweet.

A/N: This fic was inspired by To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before. Thank you to @junqkook for letting me use her likeness!

01 | 02 | 03 | 04 | 05 | 06 | 07 | 08 | 09 | 10

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PART NINE

"Okay, just sign your name here, and she'll come to get you when she's ready." The cheery girl at the front desk told you.

You offered her a polite smile, walking over to the sit in the waiting room.

You always disliked these chairs. We were willing to bet money that these chairs have sat in this very room since your university first opened, worn out, uncomfortable, and outdated. Sure, maybe you had been in a bit of a sour mood lately – what with your fake ex-boyfriend dirty dicking you and all – but as you sat there, metal rod poking your spin, you couldn't help but frown.

As you sat there contemplating your school's renovation budget, you hardly noticed the sound of another student walking in and over to the front desk, your stomach churning as you put a face to those loose curls.

"Hey, stranger! What are you doing here?" Kiri's white teeth blinded you, walking over to you once her business with the receptionist was done.

You could feel one of your eyebrows twitch in irritation, swallowing down your scoff as she sat next to you.

"Trying to schedule my class next semester." You responded uninterestedly, contemplating whether or not the suspension from decking Kiri in the face would be worth it.

"Oh, just picking up a termination form. One of our newbies wants to pull out of Kappa Alpha Tau."

Shocker...

"Hey, so sorry to hear things with Jungkook and you didn't work out, by the way." Kiri flashed you a sympathetic look.

An audible breath left your lips, disbelief no doubt visible on your every feature. Did Kiri seriously think you didn't know it was her who home wrecked? Or was she just that much of a raging bitch?

"If you ever need someone to, like, talk to, just know that I'm here. I totally know what you're going through."

Your hands found themselves curling into tight balls in an attempt to keep your hands from shaking. Kiri looked as cool as a cucumber in front of you, perfectly composed, not a single hair out of place.

Then it hit you.

Of course. It all made perfect sense now.

From the moment she came up to you at your event offering her condolences, she had been trying to drive you off from Jungkook. She was planting seeds of doubt about their break up and his character. Manipulation and intimidation were her cards, and she played them well.

Fine. If the rules were being bent, you might as well disregard them altogether. You relaxed your hands.

"Oh, no worries. It's all good, I mean, it's not like we were actually dating." You shrugged.

Rule #2: No one can know the truth.

"What?" Kiri blinked, her smile faltering for just a moment.

You edged closer to her, cocking your head in mock surprise.

"Oh... did you not know that? That our entire relationship was contractual?"

"What are you talking about?" Her full brows furrowing.

You let out a sigh, "Yeah, so, basically, Jungkook would get his frat to fund my event if I helped make you jealous so that you'd come crawling back to him."

The polite mask that Kiri had plastered on finally cracked, her next words clipped and curt.

"What the hell is your damage, Y/N? Do you think I'm some sort of idiot how'd fall for that?"

"Good grief, did Jungkook not tell you? Weird, I feel like that's something he'd need to tell his girlfriend." You puffed out your bottom lip in mock sympathy.

Whatever resolve Kiri had built up crumbled at the way you held her stare, a note of honesty in your voice that she couldn't shake.

"I'm..." She cleared her throat, turning her nose up. "We're not actually back together yet."

"No? Really? Hmm..."

The call of your name crossed the room, and the two of you turned to look at the receptionist, ushering you over with the news that your counselor was ready for you.

You turned to Kiri with a smile, "Guess he didn't want you back as so much as he just wanted back in your pants."

Kiri looked utterly stunned, eyes wide as you stood from your seat, for once, without a clue as to what to say.

"See ya around, Kiri. Let's do lunch sometime. Oh and, happy holidays!" You fluttered your fingers at her, slipping away from her with a smugness you couldn't be assed to hide.

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"Wait... he called you?!" Taehyung laughed, eyes wide.

Yara nodded, scouring through the shelves, a specific book in mind. Belinda Carlisle was playing softly overhead and Yara found herself humming along.

As the holidays rolled around and everyone found themselves back in their hometowns, Yara was surprised to find Jungkook's frat brother browsing through the jam aisle in her local supermarket. As luck would have it, Jungkook's genetically blessed frat brother was from her hometown, the two somehow never crossing paths until now.

What started as a polite catchup over coffee, quickly turned into an everyday thing, the two of them realizing they had more in common than friend drama.

"He did!" Yara enthused. "He left a voicemail apologizing and rambled about how he wanted Y/N's address so he could go apologize, blah, blah, blah."

"That idiot." Taehyung rolled his eyes. He watched as she let out a noise of excitement, looking over her shoulder to announce that she had found the book she was in search of. He grinned in response.

"Anyway, I didn't call back. Because that's exactly how she wants to spend Christmas morning, with that jockstrap knocking at her door, right?"

Taehyung snorted, bringing the straw of his drink to his mouth.

"Miriam is gonna have your head on a stick Lord of the Flies style if she catches you with that drink in her library." Yara warned, to which Taehyung dismissed with a wave of a hand.

Yara was a funny girl; he was pleasantly surprised to bump into her during winter break. He could tell something was off when they first ran into each other, so he invited her out to grab some coffee. It was over a warm cup of coffee – with the most absurd amount of sugar he had ever seen – that she finally shared with him all that had been weighing on her mind lately.

Sure there was the Jungkook and Y/N stuff. Yara was beyond homicidal. Taehyung was grateful for winter break as he was positive she would have rung out Jungkook's neck had she seen him after what had happened. Taehyung himself was astounded to find out what exactly was true nature of the two's relationship, curtesy of Yara, of course. Even if it was fake, however, he knew Jungkook enough to know that the happiness he gave off once Y/N entered his life wasn't.

But more than that, the petite girl was worried about a boy, an irritating one who Taehyung happened to be frat brothers with. Eunwoo had approached her immediately after Kiri left him, spewing some excuse about only dating Kiri because he couldn't get Yara out of his mind.

It was bullshit if you asked Taehyung. But he hadn't the heart to tell Yara that, especially with the way she looked so torn up about it – unsure of how to respond to Eunwoo. He wasn't entirely sure what their relationship was like, but he figured it must have meant enough to her to have her feeling this conflicted.

So he did his best to cheer her up, inviting her for lunch and driving her to their local library, which he had come to find out was her favorite place growing up. They spent many afternoons sprawled out on the couches in the now abandoned children's section of the library... or at least until the crabby librarian yelled at them to leave.

If Taehyung was honest, he didn't care much for literature – he was a math guy – but the way Yara would shove a book into his chest with wide eyes and an 'if you don't read this and tell me your thoughts on it, I'll literally die,' seemed reason enough to keep showing up day after day.

"Have you talked to her about Eunwoo, yet?"

Yara flinched at the blond man's words.

"Why don't we ever talk about normal people stuff? Like the weather, or what sports team played last night."

"Yara..."

"Oooh!" She exclaimed suddenly, "I know, let's talk about President Reagan. Did you hear his speech about tearing down the wall in Germany? Crazy stuff–"

"Dude, why are you so scared to tell her about Eunwoo? You told me." Taehyung interrupted, quirking up a brow. Yara held his eyes for a moment before sighing.

"I just don't want to bring it up to Y/N, you know? She has enough going on..."

"So? She's your best friend. She'll want to help."

"Exactly! She's going to want to comfort me and make me feel better – which will just make me feel worse." Yara groaned, leaning back against the bookshelf.

"I'm... not following." The frat boy admitted.

Surely girls aren't usually this hard to understand.

"Look, I know you'd only known me for a little while, but let me pencil you in. I have a reputation, okay? Yara doesn't get hung up on some dumb boy." Yara wagged her finger at him.

"Does Yara usually talk about herself in the third person?" Taehyung chuckled.

"Yara," she continued, paying the boy no mind, "is an independent woman who likes one night stands and sex without strings. She doesn't like clingy boys getting into her head and confusing her."

Taehyung nodded, "So basically, Yara is scared of catching feelings."

"Shh! Don't tell Yara about what Yara doesn't want to hear." She turned her nose up at him, pushing herself back off the stand to march away from him. Taehyung reached for her arm without hesitation, stopping her departure with a sigh.

"Look, I don't mean to be on your ass about this, but clearly, you feel something for this kid. Otherwise, you wouldn't be spending all your time pining over him."

Taehyung immediately wished he could take back those words as an offended look fell across the petite girl's face, her hands falling onto her hips, clearly displeased.

"Pining? You think I'm pining over Eunwoo?"

Taehyung shifted uncomfortably, unsure how to navigate this situation. As much as he liked Yara, she did spark a healthy dose of fear into him.

"Well... I mean... you're spending your whole break with me just because I can give you a ride to the library so you can read sad romance novels and cry."

"First of all," Yara began, "I happen to enjoy your company. You're a good listener and, frankly, very nice to look at."

Surprise fell over Taehyung, "Nice to look at?"

"Oh, don't act like you don't know." She waved him off, "Secondly, I've never cried. I've let out a sniffle at most."

"Fine, so you're not pining over him. Just get back together with him." He responded.

"I can't."

Taehyung frowned, "Then turn him down."

"I can't do that either." She frowned right back.

"Dude."

"I'm scared, okay!" She whined, thumping a foot against the library's carpeted floor.

"Of what? What's holding you back from going back to Eunwoo?"

"...He told me he loves me."

"And?"

"And I don't even know what that means!" Yara threw her hands up in exasperation, the sleeve of her swear falling down her forearms. "I don't know how to love him back or be a good girlfriend – which I know is what he wants from me."

"Yara, I hope you don't feel like you don't owe Eunwoo anything. Because you don't." Taehyung grew serious, which only caused the torn girl to pout.

"I know, I just... I mean, I don't hate him. But it's scary. Whenever I'm dating someone, I get all up in my head like... Am I supposed to be this someone's person? Possibly forever? What the fuck!"

"No, I get it. It's a lot of pressure." He shrugged powerlessly.

"Exactly! I don't want to have to try and love someone. I want to do it. Like... not to sound like a sappy idiot but sometimes I think about all those stories I read," she gestured towards the books beside her, "about feeling a spark when you kiss your person and just... I dunno. Would be fucking nice, instead of this complicated bullshit."

Yara was far from a hopeless romantic. As much as she loved to read about romance, she had an innate urge to flee the moment the word love came around. Still, she could appreciate the idea of it.

"So then forget about that stuff. Forget about labels and expectations. Just be with whoever you want to be with. Have fun, worry about the heavy shit later."

Taehyung had a very soothing effect whenever he spoke. His tone was low and lovely, and despite the way Yara's head was still running a mile a minute, she appreciated the boy's docile nature. Certainly made her feel a whole lot less anxious.

"I want to. That's how this whole thing with Eunwoo started, ya know?" She admitted, crossing her arms over her chest. "But all men are the same. They say they're fine with keeping it casual, but they always end up falling for me, which, duh, understandable..."

The blond boy let out an airy snicker, a direct challenge to Yara's words.

"Something funny, Tae?" She pressed.

"C'mon, that's not true." He rolled his eyes breezily.

"Oh, yeah? Tell that to my four ex-partners who are all still in love with me."

"Maybe you just haven't met the one. You know... your knight-in-no-strings-attached-armor."

"I'm telling you, no such guy exists." Yara emphasized with a poke into Taehyung chest.

He grabbed the jabby finger reflexively, his long fingers wrapping around the small digit, setting his drink on the nearest shelf.

"Yara."

"Seriously, I've done my research! You're looking at a hot commodity, buddy. I may be a raging homebody, but I am very efficient—"

Suddenly, the petite was trapped against the bookshelf with Taehyung hovering over her, a large hand on either side of her head.

"Please stop talking."

Yara's cheeks flushed in surprise as she met the handsome boy's warm eyes, growing even hotter as he leaned over and pressed his mouth against hers.

He smelled distinctly of vanilla, and it sent her stomach fluttering, reeling in the way he gripped her waist, pulling him into her. She would've lost herself in the feeling of his soft lips moving against hers if it weren't for a cough ringing out from somewhere in the library.

Yara broke the kiss short, ears red as she brought her hands to wrap around her torso defensively, trying her hardest to ignore the way her heart was pounding against her chest as if trying to escape.

"You kissed me!" She scoffed, trying her hardest to seem unaffected. Taehyung shrugged.

"You kissed me back."

Oh god, this was bad. She felt all light and giddy tucked away in this corner of the library, the gorgeous tall man still close in proximity, looking at her through a smirk.

"Yes, well... I'm a very go with the flow kind of gal." She defended, brows furrowed adorably.

"Relax, Yara."

"Well, what the hell was that precisely?! Do you just make out with all your library buddies? Is there some sort of library buddy étiquette I'm not aware of?"

"I kissed you because I wanted to. Kissing is fun." He shrugged. "Some guys just want that, you know."

Son of a bitch.

"You got balls, Goldilocks. Understood. Message received, loud and clear." Yara acknowledged through narrowed eyes.

"Happy I could help, bookworm."

A corner of her mouth turned upwards, admittedly amused.

"Just so we're on the same page... you're not in love with me? You just smooched me for fun?" She looked at him skeptically.

"Sorry you had to find out this way." Taehyung joked, earning him an eye roll.

"And you don't have some ex-lover you need to make jealous?"

At those words, the frat boy laughed heartily, head shaking a firm no.

"Wicked."

Yara hopped onto the balls of her feet, hoping to catch the blond's kiss once more when her mouth met the hardcover of a book instead. She sank back down with an annoyed huff; Taehyung had pulled a book from the nearest self in reach, holding it up between them to pause the eager girl's ministrations.

Poking his head out from behind the book cheekily, he flashed her a lopsided grin.

"Easy there, tiger. What about Eunwoo?"

Yara held his eyes for a moment, wondering how she hadn't noticed what a pretty brown they were until now. She let out an appreciative hum.

"What about him?" She raised an eyebrow, a mischievous smirk on her lips that had Taehyung leaning back over to meet it with one of his own.

┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈

"Thanks for agreeing to meet with me." You greeted him with a cautious smile as he slipped into the chair across from you.

You were nervous, to say the least, watching the tall man shift in his seat, trying to grow comfortable despite the uncomfortable circumstances.

"This place is disorienting." Erik scanned the mall cafeteria before flashing you a charming smile. "Thought you'd get tired of waiting and head back home. I apologize for my tardiness."

"No worries. I still don't know my way around at the mall, and I've been home for weeks." You grinned back.

A pleasant beat of silence passed between the two ex-lovers, each taking a moment to consider the other. Erik looked a lot older than he did in high school; he had on a brand new pair of glasses that suited him far better than the ones you remembered did. His hair was combed and styled smartly so that they would stay out of his eyes. A stark contrast from the long-haired boy you had come to know these past few months.

Dammit. Your eyes fell onto the red table between you two, cheeks growing warm as you realized your thoughts had drifted back to Jungkook, even with your ex-fiance sitting across from you.

Erik's voice rang out, "I'll be honest. I wasn't expecting you to call me."

"I wasn't expecting me to either." You confessed, your hands intertwining on the tabletop.

Really, you didn't have much reason to be nervous. I mean, it was Erik. Despite the end of your relationship, there was no bad blood between you two. It wasn't the first time seeing him since the breakup either... maybe it was why you had called him that had you so on edge.

You weren't sure exactly what you wanted from Erik. Company? A distraction? Maybe what you were asking of him was unfair, but as he placed a hand over yours reassuringly, you found the wall you had set up crumbling down.

"I can help you, but you need to talk to me, Y/N. If I could read minds, I would be a much richer man." His brown eyes rolled dramatically.

You chuckled. Same dry wit you remembered.

"I met someone."

"Is that what you wanted to tell me? Y/N, you're allowed to date other people. I understand your hesitation, but really, it is time you moved on–"

You let out a scoff, yanking your hand away from the now laughing man. You flashed him a feigned look of irritation, silently grateful for the change of pace in conversation, finding it much easier to talk when things weren't so tense.

"God, you are still just as full of yourself as I remembered." You teased.

Erik shrugged, "Not to sound like a cocky asshole, but is it not warranted?"

You let that question run through your mind. You suppose if anyone had reason to have a big head, it would be Erik. Intelligent, handsome, hard-working– everything a mother would want their daughter to have.

"It is. You've always been perfect..." You mused, a hint of sadness in your tone that Erik picked up quickly.

And all at once, his entire demeanor changed, a serious expression settling behind those frames of his.

"Tell me about him." He instructed calmly.

And so you did— the beginning, the end, and all the beautiful bits in between. You told him about a boy that challenged you in ways you never imagined– a boy who made you feel like the sun. You spoke of every stupid conversation you once thought of as meaningless but now weighed heavily on your heart and mind.

You were mad at him, of course. There was a reason you had been ignoring his calls and ordered Yara to keep him in the dark of your whereabouts, after all. But the more you talked about him, the more you lit up. Erik noticed it too. How could he not? It was that very way you spoke with an uncontainable passion that made him fall in love with you in the first place.

He watched with utmost concentration for the vocal inflections of your words, the slight movement of your brows that always seemed to speak your mind before you did.

It was clear to him that this boy wasn't just a boy. He could hear in the choice of words you used, words that were static and void of variables. But there were certain words you seemed to dance around he realized as you came to the end of the story... words that were evident to all but you.

"So... Analysis?" You breathed out, chest deflating as you took in Erik's frown.

"Above all... did you find out if he used protection? I don't want to presume anything about... was her name Kiri?" Erik paused, continuing once you nodded back at him, "but your health should be your number one concern."

"I had a friend of his ask him on my behalf. He says he used protection... I went ahead and got tested anyway, though, and I'm all good thankfully." You told him.

Whether or not Jungkook had passed along some sort of STI was heavy on your mind the next morning after you kicked him out. Thankfully, Taehyung was more than happy to get the answer you need but were still too damn pissed off to seek out yourself.

"Good." Erik sunk back into his seat, a hand coming up to run through his hair as he considered his next words. You suppose you were grateful to be able to talk to Erik like this still. Sure, he was blunt and sometimes stared at you like you were some case-study, but he didn't bat an eye of judgment at the news of the contract, for which you were grateful. He had known you for too long to find it peculiar that you'd pretend to be someone's girlfriend in exchange for furthering and fulfilling your passion project.

If anything, that was precisely in line with your character. He liked to think he instilled some of those traits into you.

"Well, frankly, I am sorry to hear this happened to you. You're a great girl; you deserve better than that."

Your neck warmed at Erik's words, slightly taken aback.

"Oh, um... thanks, that means a lot coming from you." You expressed your gratitude shyly.

Erik nodded back at you, "Seriously. It was very shitty of him to string you along for so long and for sleeping with Kiri despite knowing how you felt."

"Oh."

"Oh?" He frowned, not expecting your response.

You shifted in your seat uncomfortably, pausing to watch a woman with a stroller walk past your table.

"Well..." you cleared your throat, "I'm not actually sure that he knows that I, um, like him... like that."

God, this was mortifying. The first time you had admitted you liked Jungkook and it was to your ex-fiancé? Sometimes you swear you were the protagonist in a mediocre rom-com film and no one was telling you.

Erik paused, "I see. And does he know now?"

"...No."

"I see." He sat up, fingers tapping against the table in interest. He quirked up a brow at you. "Perhaps it wasn't just him who was dishonest."

You scrunched your nose at him, not liking what you were hearing. It wasn't anything that hadn't already kept you up, tossing and turning in bed at 2 AM, of course. You had a feeling this was where this conversation would lead to. Erik, as genius as he was, was fairly predictable in this sense. Rational, dependable... nothing like the spontaneous boy you had fallen for.

"So? Even if he knew, what would that change? He slept with her..." You grumbled stubbornly.

"And maybe he wouldn't have if he had known."

You crossed your arms, "You don't know that."

"You're right. I don't. I don't even know the guy. But you do." He continued, offering you a suggestive look.

Huh. Did you think that would have stopped Jungkook? And even so, would that fact alone be enough to get you to forgive him?

"I... I don't know." Was your conclusion, pulling a hum from Erik.

"Guess the only way to know would be to discuss it with the meathead himself."

"I just... I don't want to get my heart broken again. I, quite literally, didn't sign up for this." You placed your face into your hands, hating how rational Erik had to be.

"My guess? He didn't either. It seems as if you both got more than you bargained for." He shrugged.

"He's definitely not at all what I was expecting..." You trailed off glumly.

When you first met Jungkook, he was obnoxious, cocksure, and grotesquely unbothered. You swore you had never hated anyone more on the first meet. But as you came to know him, you found in him a lot of what you wished you found in yourself. Approachable, flexible, spontaneous...

You just wished it all didn't have to hurt so bad.

"You and I are a lot alike, you know." Erik spoke up once he noticed you fall silent. " And I only realized this recently, but I think that was our downfall. When I asked you to marry me, what I was asking of you... Well, it was unfair. Because I know I would never accept that if I were in your shoes."

Your head shot up at his words, hands quick to wave at him dismissively. Asking him to meet you here was not to discuss what had gone wrong in your relationship, and you didn't want him to think that it was.

"Erik, that's okay you don't have to—"

"No, no, what I mean is... we made perfect sense together and it didn't work out in the end. This meathead of yours is nothing like you and maybe it's for the better. You said it yourself that he makes you feel important and formidable." He pressed on.

"Are you trying to imply the notion of opposites attract? Because I personally believe that's a myth and that we're drawn to those similar to us—"

"Puzzle pieces."

"Wha— Huh?" You blinked, blind-sighted by the calm man's sudden words.

Suddenly, Erik readjusted in his seat, leaning in close as he nodded his head.

"Think of life as one big puzzle, and everyone you meet is shaped differently, right? Yet somehow... they fit. We find those that complete us. And they're not necessarily opposites but—"

"But different pieces in the puzzle." You sighed, understanding the metaphor.

You raised a brow at the intellectual man, "That was uncharacteristically poetic of you. I thought you were a man of science... since when do you rely on literary devices to get your point across?"

Erik let out a dramatic sigh, fingertips pressed to the rip of his glasses, leaning back into his seat as if showing his greatness.

"I'm a growing man, Y/N. Science helps you understand the mind and the body, but as far as the heart goes... there's only so much it can tell us." He tutted wisely with a wag of his pointer finger.

"Wow. I dig this character development. I quite like this new you."

"Wanna get married now?" He deadpanned suddenly, a laugh ripping out of you at his unexpected words.

Erik grinned at the familiar sound, also finding the humor within his joke. He was pleased to see that if anything, he could at least momentarily take your mind off of your heart's turmoil.

"Ask me again in another three years." You rolled your eyes, grinning wide, to which Erik threatened that if Jungkook didn't by then, then he just might.