#hes so funny. and weird. i want to keep him in a jar and observe him but not in the blorbo way in like the normal way

[bluebellhairpin]

What does it mean if boy you've been talking to for a few months asks you which of the trio you like and then presents you with an Armin pop the next time you meet bc you said you liked Armin best?

[silversodas]

The Fairly Odd Parents: A New Wish Observations

What actually sold me on giving this series a solid chance, was the theme song, why? Because for me it showed what the series is attempting to be, something that’s paying homage to the source material while being it’s own thing and knowing what it wants to be.

The original theme song is categorized as Electric Swing or Light Jazz. This new theme song sounds like straight up Swing and it SLAPS!

The Set Up

So Hazel Wells moves to the city with her parents for her Dads job and at the same time her older brother and best friend Antony has left for college. Leaving Hazel overwhelmed but still trying to put on a brave face for her family. Not long after arriving they are visited by their new next door neighbors

Cosmo and Wanda are masquerading as a retired human couple

Lol one of the gifts in the welcome basket Cosmo gives them is a jar of pennies. In some places it’s a thing to leave pennies as gifts for fairies, I wonder if Cosmo thought it was a custom human gift

The concept of the parents are pretty interesting, especially their jobs.

Angela is a therapist and author, with all of the non self awareness fairy world had going on her insight could definitely be interesting if she somehow finds out. she is also pretty open minded and non judgmental, not being off put by Cosmo and Wanda’s weird behavior and inviting them in

Marcus is a paranormal scientist, which instantly makes Cosmo and Wanda nervous but what makes him interesting is that he didn’t go in the direction I thought he was going. I thought he was going to go full FOP writing fashion and him basically say he was looking for fairies. But no, he is just wanting to learn the unexplained and mostly about ghost. I don’t know the fact that he is presented as a friend to Cosmo and Wanda who could be a potential obstacle because of the interest that are apart of his character is a lot more interesting then if he was presented as a blatantly obvious obstacle and that’s his only purpose as a character. ( not saying it was bad when FOP did it, they did it in a way that was funny just not to compelling)

Hazel figures out they are magic because both Cosmo and Wanda are piss poor at hiding it but Hazel actually completely drops it after being unable to get her parents to see it

Angela and Marcus actually make pretty good foils for Cosmo and Wanda they are both just completely normal people who highlight Cosmo and Wanda’s colorfulness just as they highlight Angela and Marcus’s normalcy. Hazel, Marcus, and Angela seem to be emotionally intelligent people and it makes them enjoyable and honestly is refreshing

This girl has more emotional maturity then I ever dreamed of having at 10, she keeps her brave face until she hears that Antony can’t come visit till the holiday brake, she has an understandable brake down and her parents feel really bad they are having to change so much so fast for her.

She almost runs away until Cosmo and Wanda catch her (which is interesting because when she passed them on her way up stairs they where to busy with their mail to pay attention to her, but when she is about to run away their full attention snapped to her. Their “child is about to do something stupid”senses must have been tingling) she relents and vents to them about her troubles and that she just wanted to see her brother.

Cosmo and Wanda seem to have a Cathartic moment in realizing that Hazel needed help and that they realized that they were ready to be Godparents again. It was this moment I was like “yeah, you guy’s definitely retired because letting go of Timmy hurt you”

It’s when after everything is resolved and Hazel visits their vary magical and whimsical apartment (I bought the episodes on YouTube but they wouldn’t let me take screen shots) that they reveal that they had been on a 10,000 year sabbatical through time and space during their retirement. They don’t bring up Timmy, just say that they used to be Godparents to kids but then retired for 10,000 years (and no it’s not 10,000 years into the future, they were just time traveling). They actually nervously ask Hazel if she would consider being their Godkid which she enthusiastically agrees too. Don’t make pacts with fairies kids

How it’s going so far

Something interesting to note that while they never bring up Timmy, he kinda haunts the background I think they still have some unprocessed grief for Timmy that may get unpacked. I herd this show is supposed to get an overarching story and after seeing a few episodes I can tell that it’s staying consistent that it’s not completely episodic even if it’s a slow build ( as slow as it’s allowed to be anyway)

It looks like their human personas are their default disguises, that has the potential to be interesting in future episodes

I can tell that Hazel is still not 100% close with Cosmo and Wanda right off the bat, she is still getting to know them, like it was actually so enduring to watch her formally thank them for playing with her. Cosmo and Wanda are also trying to ease themselves in for her sake, but it’s clear that even though they are out of practice they are all in for this little girl and are in Godparent mode. Wanda is never not in Mom mode, and Cosmo already knows all of her special interests off the top of his head in the short time he has known her.

I don’t know, I just saw that a lot of people have been “rightfully” cautious about this show or have written it off, and just wanted to share some things that I thought made it interesting and made it worth giving a look

There are some who are a bit hopeful because one of the writers for infinity train is on the writing team so who knows

[frogtanii]

a roar of competitive cheers burst from your hospital room, the boys all piled up on your bed playing in a smash tournament on bokuto’s switch. it was rather endearing to watch the good and grown men argue about which princess was a better competitor (rosalina, obviously, despite not being an actual princess) and, in sakusa’s case, pouting like a sore loser when his favorite — daisy — wasn’t even regarded as a real threat.

he absolutely dominated the next round in retaliation, to the group’s chagrin.

you eventually decided to take a break, the stuffiness and loudness of the room getting to you. the boys, while giving you a variety of concerned looks, respected your decision, leaving you to wander out of your space, clad in the semi revealing hospital gown and fuzzy yellow socks.

it was less than convenient to trudge around with your iv attached to your arm but you didn’t mind. the struggle kept your mind off of what you dubbed as The Incident™, weird as it sounded.

for some reason, the smallest things helped keep you occupied, thanks to your vigilance. your call with doctor yamada definitely helped, his sarcastic, biting nature criticizing some random kdrama had you cackling in your seat until your throat was (even more) sore.

at first, you felt a bit awkward calling him when you physically couldn’t speak but he took it in stride, filling up the silence with his commentary that was much, much appreciated.

actually, all the boys had been surprisingly good about your predicament. it took a moment for bokuto and suga to get used to your lack of responses but they eventually grew accustomed to it and even relished your minuscule reactions to one of their jokes or funny quips.

you were actually, finally, enjoying your time with your housemates and it felt good.

well, not all of your housemates. daichi was a given. you’d seen very little of him after the dinner, only laying eyes on him when he visited your hospital bed when he thought you were sleeping. the look of remorse and shame written all over his face was burned into your memory and you made a mental note to find a way to have a conversation with him in an attempt to clear the air.

while daichi’s situation at least made sense, kenma’s did not. you missed him deeply, and you had no idea what to do or say to fix what had been broken. apparently, both kuroo and sakusa had attempted to reach out, but they were quickly shut down. you could tell kuroo was more hurt than he let on, occasionally catching the tail-end of intense conversation between him and omi, but they were both quick to slap on a smile and change the subject as not to worry you when you made your presence known.

you appreciated their concern, you did, but kenma was your friend too and you desperately wanted to know what you could do to help.

a deep sigh left your lips, the action only causing a slight twinge in your throat as you meandered through the cold halls. your brain started to hurt as you thought more and more about it, stress climbing up your spine and burrowing at the base of your skull.

annoying, you thought, your eye twitching in irritation. headaches sucked mad ass and you were not looking forward to the hell of the one that was building up as you walked.

turning down another hallway, you abruptly stopped, your iv screeching to halt interrupting the hushed conversation that a certain someone was having at the far end of the corridor.

kenma!

kenma twisted towards you, his feline eyes widening in surprise as he whispered a hushed goodbye to whoever he was speaking to before shoving his phone into his pocket and staring at you in shock, pain, and most prominently,

guilt.

pure, unadulterated guilt permeated from all over him, the stench coming off of him in waves. you nearly flinched at the sight of him, the deep circles under his eyes practically broadcasting his struggle to the whole world.

your name dropped from his lips in a low whisper, his immediate reaction afterwards leading you to believe he hadn’t meant to say it aloud at all.

you chanced a step forward at his utterance, and then another and another until you were face to face with each other. you felt his eyes searching yours but you made sure to keep your face neutral if not for the blatant worry written all over it.

his plush bottom lip was pulled in between his teeth as his hands twitched by his sides as if he wasn’t exactly sure where to put them. you let out a soft breath at the sight, kind of hoping he would just give you a hug like it looked like he wanted to.

but, kenma held back, waiting for you to do something, to say something (not that you could) to absolve this horribly tense silence that the pair of you were now enshrouded in.

gently peeling your fingers from your iv stand, you lifted them to sign in the small space between your chests, in clear view of his observant gaze.

you recalled with fondness when a handful of the house members had decided to learn a bit of sign language, just in case someone was in a panic attack and became nonverbal. the impromptu learning session had been so much fun that the group had began regularly meeting to expand their sign language vocabulary and fluency until you all were at least semi fluent (in all the ways that mattered at least).

kenma was a member of that group and you’d throughly enjoyed his witty remarks throughout the lesson and his occasional cute little giggles that were liberally interspersed into conversation. that kenma was in such stark contrast to this kenma that it was almost jarring as he watched your hands with rapt attention, awaiting anything you had to say.

i missed you, you began slowly, not missing the way his eyes immediately became glassy and his hands tightened to fists by his sides.

“you shouldn’t,” he replied, his voice deep and gritty. “not after what i did.”

you cocked your head in confusion at his words. what he did? you had no idea what he was talking about but you were determined to get to the bottom of it if that was what was making him avoid you like this.

what did you do?

kenma’s jaw clenched, the guilt that had faded away for a moment, coming back full force. “i... i did this to you...” he motioned to the healing bruises on your neck and the iv stand still by your side.

now you were even more perplexed. he wasn’t the one who cornered you in the bathroom so what could he possibly be going on about? unprompted, your mind flashed back to that night, the moment where you were heading off to the bathroom, meeting kenma’s eyes for a second when you did.

oh.

was that what he was feeling so horribly about? that he saw you go into the bathroom? that was hardly news and nothing to be up in arms about unless he also saw meiko go in after you and...

double oh.

suddenly, all his behavior started making sense. kenma felt guilty because he believed he was somehow responsible for allowing this horrible thing to happen to you.

oh, honey, you signed quickly, driven to get your point across without him interrupting. you didn’t do this to me. meiko did.

kenma opened his mouth to protest but you didn’t let him, one of your hands coming up to cover his lips. he let out a muffled protest, his breath hot against your palm, eyes wide in bewilderment.

“listen to me kenma. you are not at fault here,” your voice screamed at you to stop speaking but not yet, not until you were done. “i know for a fact that if you knew what meiko was going to do, you wouldn’t have let me go.... you are good kenma, so good.”

his whole body shuddered at your words, all but collapsing into you, his arms wrapping around your waist and holding you tightly.

if you faintly felt the shoulder of your hospital getting damp, you didn’t say anything, content to let him hold onto you and cry it out.

after a minute or two, he sniffled and pulled away from you, his face red and puffy but content. “you shouldn’t have talked idiot,” kenma chided gently, a soft smile on his face.

you just gave him an apologetic shrug and a hastily signed “sorry” before waving him off to your hospital room, sending him a smile as he meandered off in that direction. you didn’t follow, figuring he and the boys needed some time alone to reconnect without your presence there.

taking a hold of your iv pole again, you continued on your way while staring out the window, watching the tiny birds fly by. unfortunately, your little birdwatching stint sent you careening into a hard body, your feet losing their grip on the slippery ground as you stumbled to the floor.

a quick glance up at the perpetrator had your apology dying in your throat. it was osamu, looking every bit as bewildered as you expected him to, a small jello cup in one hand and a spork in the other.

you couldn’t keep your scowl from off your face as you waved away his helpful arm, completely missing the flash of hurt that appeared across his smooth skin. “please, let me help ya,” he tried again, this time earning a physical slap on the arm, visibly recoiling at the contact.

“leave me the fuck alone osamu,” you growled before picking yourself back up and starting to stroll away but you quickly stopped in your tracks, turning your head to give him a menacing grin. “if you fuck with atsumu again, i swear on bokuto jr, i will castrate you and feed you your sorry, wrinkly ballsack on a silver platter.”

with that you were gone, head held high and a wide grin on your face as osamu watched, his heart flipping annoyingly in endearment. he breathed a deep sigh and slid to the floor of the hall before popping open his jello and taking a bite.

your reaction was well deserved but he couldn’t help praying and hoping that things would change between the two of you.

change for the better. change for good.

℗ poker face

change for the better

series masterlist

(●’◡’●)ﾉ

an - GOLLY GEE THIS WAS A LONG ONE BHT KENMA!!!!!! and samu >:( anYWAYS SLEEP IS CALLING MY NAME, LEMME KNOW WHAT U THINK <3333 don’t forget to feed me :3 also pls kenma’s secret not so secret praise thing :00

taglist - if your name is in bold, i cannot tag you

@boosyboo9206 • @geektastic84 • @elianetsantana • @trashy-simp • @infinitebells • @6mattsun9 • @suhkusa • @katsulovee • @kotarosbabygirl • @fucktheworlddude • @insomniacwreck • @calumsfringe • @saltylettuce • @chai-blu • @al3x1ss • @hawksyoongi • @jooleuuh • @loubells • @kissungjae • @liberhoe • @tetsurocore • @animeoverdosee • @duhsies • @saiKishaircLip • @afire24 • @premiyagi • @kit-kat428 • @doctorspencereid • @daphnxy • @kyomihann • @maer-333 • @sinoflust19 • @peteunderoos • @peachiikichu • @iidanotlida • @yongboxerrr • @kac-chowsballs • @tanakaslastbraincell • @memorableminds • @risjime • @starry-magicshop • @sugavwara • @smuttyanimeslut • @kiwibirbs-library • @haijkk • @airybnb • @crybabygumi • @iwaisa • @decaffinatedtealover • @notameera • @kawaii-angelanne • @rintarovibes • @urlocalsimp • @keiarma • @shrimpypenis

the rest of the tags will be in the replies!!

[taeyongdoyoung]

summary: falling for your best friend is never easy. but what is even more difficult is when the guy your best friend is interested in has a crush on you. what starts as a chance meeting in a coffeeshop turns into a complicated game that might just last eternally...

pairing: soobin x beomgyu x reader

genre: romcom, idiots friends to lovers, the slightest hints of angst

warnings: unrequited love (but not really), repressed feelings, ambiguous sexuality, flirting, swearing, matchmaking, implied social anxiety, friend dates, lying, hugging, drinking (alcohol consumption), PS5 reference, flip-flop attack, tickling, playful banter, just a bit of jealousy, some crying, confessions, holding hands, kissing

author’s note: the title is inspired by the weeknd’s how do i make you love me? and the beginning of the plot is connected to my obsession with barista!beomgyu x customer!soobin

word count: 4.7k

part two

Ever since you could remember, you and Soobin had been inseparable. He was your childhood friend and everything about him was perfect. He was kind, smart, funny, gorgeous and insanely tall. The only problem was that you had been harbouring feelings for him. But you had to keep your crush a secret at all costs. Because you were fairly certain that Soobin would reject you. You knew that he wouldn't refuse to be your friend anymore, no, he was too nice for that. However, you didn't want to make things awkward. So, you tried your best to bottle things up.

But everything changed one Tuesday afternoon. You and Soobin didn't have lectures so you decided to enjoy some coffee at this new place you'd heard a lot about from your friends Yeonjun and Wooyoung. You and Soobin wanted to see what all the fuss was about. Once you had ordered your drinks, you two found a quiet table to have a chat.

"The barista's pretty cute," Soobin observed.

"He's alright, I guess" you shrugged. Having Soobin as your best friend and crush meant all other guys paled in comparison. At least in your eyes.

"Are you kidding? Look at his long black hair! And his sparkly eyes! He is quite lovely," Soobin exclaimed.

You had never explicitly discussed the issue of sexuality with your best friend but you were fairly certain he was mostly into other guys. Which was one of the reasons why you held the firm belief he would reject you. And you were okay with that, really. In fact, you valued him so much as a friend that you tried to be as supportive as possible whenever he opened up about being interested in someone.

"Why don't you talk to him, then?" you suggested, without thinking.

"Me? I will just stumble all over my words and make a fool of myself," Soobin shuddered at the thought. And he was probably right. Despite being ridiculously handsome and sweet, Soobin had the tendency of being really shy and nervous when talking with strangers.

"How about you slide a note for him in the tip jar?"

"Forget I mentioned anything," Soobin shook his head, obviously too timid to actually act on his infatuation with the barista.

"I don't think I can do that," you teased and got up from your chair.

"What are you doing?" your best friend hiss-whispered.

"Relax, I'm doing you a favour," you chuckled confidently and began walking towards the counter.

Soobin looked completely mortified and covered his face with his giant hands to potentially stop himself from witnessing what was about to unfold.

"My friend thinks you're cute," you blurted out in front of the barista. Why was it so easy to say that to a complete stranger but you couldn't possibly picture being so bold about your own feelings in front of Soobin? Life was weird like that.

"Is that some new flirting tactic I haven't heard about?" the guy laughed.

"No, I'm serious. My friend's right over...there," you pointed at the table where you'd left Soobin only to find it empty. Your coward of a best friend had ditched you! You couldn't believe it!

"Is your friend...invisible?" the barista was amused.

"I'm sooo gonna kill him after this," you vowed in vain. "Actually, you know what? I'll give you his number," you started writing down Soobin's phone on a napkin. "The perfect revenge."

"Are you seriously hitting on me for him?" the barista blinked in shock upon realizing that the number seemed credible enough.

"You can thank me later," you smirked. What had gotten into you? Helping Soobin find a boyfriend was surely not the best idea to help you get over your feelings for him.

"So...you don't think I'm cute?"

"Huh?"

"You said that your friend finds me cute. How about you?" the barista smiled smugly.

"I mean, you're not so bad to look at," you teased. You had the feeling he was the type of guy who knew well enough that he was pretty. And that he would use that to his own advantage.

"Ouch," the barista placed a hand on his heart, feigning to be hurt.

"Promise you'll text my friend?"

"Do I get to see you again?"

What kind of a question was that? What did it matter?

"If you get along with Soobin well, why not? We're best friends, we come as a package deal," you joked.

"So that's his name," the barista mused out loud. "I'm Beomgyu, by the way."

"I know, it says so on your...uniform."

"You spend a lot of time staring at my chest?"

Was he flirting?! You had told him that your bestie was interested in him and he was flirting with you? Something didn't add up.

"Bye, Beomgyu," you laughed, heading towards the door, because you were intent on finding Soobin who had so rudely escaped the scene.

"I didn't catch your name!" he yelled after you.

"Cause I never said it," you giggled on your way out.

"Choi Soobin, how dare you leave me alone in such a life-changing situation?" you scolded your friend upon locating him a couple of metres away from the coffeeshop.

"What was I supposed to do? Watch helplessly as you made a disastrous attempt to play matchmaker?"

"It won't be disastrous if he texts you," you responded mysteriously.

"Please, don't tell me you gave my number to a complete stranger."

"Jeez, Soobin, live a little! The guy seemed decent and you were the one who said he's cute. I don't get why you're acting so upset about it."

"I'm not acting, I am upset. Why did you do that without my permission? You know how awkward I get in unfamiliar contexts."

"I just wanted to do something nice for you," you sighed. "I didn't mean to hurt you."

Suddenly, Soobin's phone buzzed with a text from an unknown number that read the following:

Hi, cute barista here. 😏 Your friend gave me your number, hope that's okay. My shift ends in two hours, we could watch a movie if you'd like. 🍿

Soobin excitedly showed you the message.

"Wow, that was quick," you smiled.

"I don't want to know if you threatened him into texting me."

"Hey, I'm not that scary! What are you waiting for? Text him back!"

"What am I supposed to say?" Soobin asked nervously.

"Just be yourself."

"How about: Hello, it is I, Soobin. That is perfectly fine. A movie sounds agreeable?

"Why do you sound like an awkward Jane Austen character? Who the fuck says agreeable over text?" you groaned. "Give me that."

Soobin handed over his phone and you quickly typed in:

Hello, cute barista. 😉 I'm Soobin and I'm game for the movie. 5pm? 

"Why did you add the wink emoji?" Soobin cried out, feeling embarrassed.

"So that he knows your intentions from the start."

"I myself don't know my intentions," Soobin sighed miserably.

"Just...go out and have fun. Don't overthink it."

"Easy for you to say. You're the type of person who would approach a complete stranger without hesitation. You're...confident."

You were also the type of person who didn't have the courage to talk to your best friend about your feelings for him.

"I was only confident because I was speaking on your behalf. Have you ever seen me flirting with a stranger for my own benefit?"

"That's because your standards are too high. You never fall for anyone."

Well, the first part of what Soobin said was true. Your standards were exactly 1.85 m high. As for the second part...Soobin didn't have to know you had fallen too hard. For him.

"What's wrong?" you immediately asked the grim-looking Soobin when he walked into the apartment you two were sharing.

"I don't know, you tell me," he snapped at you. You had never seen him so angry before so you were trying to remember what you had done wrong.

"Didn't the date with Beomgyu go well?" you tried to guess.

"It was going fine at first. We watched a movie and that was fun. But after that, when we actually started getting to know each other, he kept asking me questions about you. You weren't even there and I felt like I was third-wheeling on my own date. I felt so pathetic."

"Nooo, Soob," you rushed to give your friend a comforting hug. "I'm sure it was just a misunderstanding. Beomgyu was probably just asking out of politeness. You can't give up yet."

Soobin shook his head, disagreeing.

"I don't think he's interested in me. He probably texted me to try and get closer to you."

You refused to believe that. You really wanted this to work out so you could forget about your feelings for Soobin. Only you didn't anticipate they would grow stronger.

"Give him another chance. Did you two talk about a second date?"

"He...actually asked if the three of us can hang out."

"He didn't!" you exclaimed in surprise.

"Only he did."

"And what did you tell him?"

"I agreed. You know how bad I am at saying no."

"Right. How about...I tag along but then come up with some excuse to leave you two alone?" you suggested.

"He'll only ask about you if you're not there so what's the point?" Soobin complained. "Don't get me wrong, I love telling people how awesome you are but why go on a date with someone who's not even into me?"

"Then, let's not call it a date until you're certain Beomgyu's interested in you. For now, focus on making a new friend, yeah?"

"I guess that's reasonable enough," Soobin nodded. "Sorry for taking it out on you earlier. I know you were just trying to do something nice for me."

"It's alright. I shouldn't have approached Beomgyu without getting your approval first and I realize that now."

"I always feel much better after talking to you," Soobin nudged your shoulder playfully.

"So do I," you replied. Only you felt quite worried you'd started a game you weren't sure you could win. And you hated losing.

You were unfortunate enough to agree to this hang out with Soobin and Beomgyu. And in an ideal world, you would have been the third wheel. But shockingly enough, Beomgyu seemed intent on flirting with you for the most part of your time together. And no matter how hard you tried to include Soobin in the conversation, it was increasingly difficult. This was not at all what you had in mind when you'd given Soobin's number to the cute barista. You could tell that Soobin appreciated your efforts to make him feel comfortable, but they were mostly ineffectual because Beomgyu wasn't capable of taking a hint. Although Soobin later confided in you that he'd had a fun time, you could tell he was lying. So, you decided to talk to Beomgyu one-on-one and make things clear. You visited him at the coffeeshop where you'd first met at an hour when you were sure Soobin was busy.

"We need to talk," you approached him.

"Can you wait like...ten minutes till my lunch break?"

"Oh, right. Sorry."

You had been so determined to fix it all by yourself that you hadn't considered the fact you were interrupting Beomgyu's work. You felt a bit guilty about being so impolite but soon enough, you forgot all about it when you remembered how Beomgyu kept expressing interest in you despite being aware you had been trying to set him up with Soobin. Everything had turned so messy...

Eventually, Beomgyu's lunch break arrived and he sat down next to you on one of the tables at the coffeeshop.

"I'll have a sandwich while we talk, if that's alright."

"Oh, sure, go ahead," you replied, once again consumed by guilt for troubling him at his workplace.

"So, what was so urgent?"

"Um, I don't mean to sound insensitive but Soobin was really hurt after the last time we went out."

"Did he tell you so himself?" Beomgyu inquired.

"Well, no, but I know him well enough to know when he's hurting. Being his best friend and all that. I would appreciate it if you refrained from hurting him further."

"Are you implying that me flirting with you hurt him?" Beomgyu chuckled.

"How can you admit that so carelessly?"

"Why shouldn't I? I like you, what's so wrong with that?"

Oh, no. This wasn't supposed to happen. This was not what you planned.

"Beomgyu...I appreciate it but the truth is I have a crush on someone else."

"That's alright," Beomgyu shrugged. "I can wait as long as necessary."

You felt a bit unsettled by his ominous words but decided against dwelling on them.

"I genuinely thought you and Soobin would hit it off. I'm sorry for assuming..."

"Nah, don't be, you were right. Soobin's cool. And if it'll make you feel better, I'll stop flirting with you. In front of him."

What was that supposed to mean? Did Beomgyu intend to continue flirting with you behind Soobin's back?! Before you could open your mouth to ask, he spoke again:

"Do you want to hang out again? The three of us?"

"Yeah," you surprised yourself with your truthful answer.

"Great. It's a date."

"Don't call it that unless you mean it," you warned him.

"Who said I didn't mean it?"

But just as you were about to beg him to elaborate on that, Beomgyu hurriedly informed you that his lunch break had ended and he had to go back to work. You felt that you had just made things more complicated than needed.

The next time you hung out with the two boys, Beomgyu kept his promise. He was extremely attentive to every word Soobin was saying and he even went as far as holding your best friend's hands and hugging him every once in a while. Soobin looked really happy about that but there was also a hint of confusion clouding his beautiful features. At one point, Beomgyu went to the bathroom, leaving you alone with Soobin at the bar.

"It's going great, right?" you beamed, trying to sound encouraging.

"Well, yeah, but Beomgyu's been sending mixed signals, don't you think?" Soobin observed. "Last time you were the only one on his mind and now he's all over me. Don't you find it strange?"

"Nah, don't worry about it," you waved him off. "Just enjoy his company. He really seems to like you."

As the drinks kept coming, Soobin was feeling more relaxed around Beomgyu. Beomgyu was becoming even clingier than usual. Meanwhile, it was becoming more and more difficult to watch them getting closer. You genuinely wanted to be happy for them but the alcohol was making you more depressed than usual. You realized that your initial idea that this whole thing would help you get over Soobin was full of shit. You felt more and more jealous and...left out. Why was it so hard to make someone love you? Not that you'd ever tried.

"Guys, I'm not feeling so great," you revealed a half-truth. "I'll just head home early but you two should have more fun."

"Are you sure?" Soobin asked.

"Don't worry about me," you smiled weakly, rushing out of the bar.

Finally. Some fresh air. Away from-

"Let me walk you home," you heard Beomgyu's voice coming from behind you.

Seriously? There was no escape.

"You really don't have to," you insisted. "Besides, you can't leave Soobin."

"That someone you have a crush on...it's Soobin, isn't it?" Beomgyu correctly guessed the one thing you thought you were great at keeping secret. And he had only known you for a few weeks. Meanwhile, Soobin knew you since your childhood days. You wondered if he had figured it out but decided not to bring it up for your sake.

"Pfft, no, what are you talking about?" you tried to deny it and even laughed. It all sounded so...fake. No one would buy that.

"You don't have to lie to me," Beomgyu insisted. "I won't tell him if that's what you're worried about."

That was it. You broke down and started crying. Beomgyu approached you slowly and wrapped his arms around you. His hands were running comforting circles round your back but his words were pure venom:

"Instead of involving me in this mess, you should have just told Soobin how you felt."

"I don't regret involving you," you admitted. "You're an amazing person who deserves to be with someone as nice as Soobin."

"Well, you don't get to pick and choose who ends up with who."

"You're right, I shouldn't have tried to play matchmaker."

"What's done is done," Beomgyu sighed. "To be honest, I'm not interested in dating right now. But I do want to continue hanging out with you two. What do you say? Friends?"

"Friends," you sniffled in agreement. "I'm really tired, Gyu, I'll just go home. Please, don't follow me and go back inside. Soobin needs your company more than I do."

Whether Beomgyu believed your lie or not, you weren't sure. Nevertheless, you appreciated the fact that he did as you asked.

The next morning you were greeted by a surprise breakfast prepared by the one and only Soobin.

"What's all this?" you asked sleepily.

"It's...sorry for not walking you home last night. Do you feel better?"

"I feel great. And blessed with such a thoughtful best friend," you grinned and lifted yourself on your toes to kiss his cheek.

Soobin's face flushed with colour and he pushed the plate with the pancakes closer to you.

"What did you and Beomgyu talk about when he ran after you?" Soobin inquired curiously.

"He didn't tell you?" you were overjoyed to find out Gyu had kept his word and hadn't revealed the secret about your feelings for Soobin to your best friend.

"Nah, no matter how many drinks I gave him, he didn't say a word."

"Well, I have bad news and good news. Which one do you want to hear first?"

"Um...the bad one?"

"The bad news is Beomgyu isn't interested in dating right now."

"And the good one?"

"He still wants to be our friend and just...chill together."

"Oh," Soobin uttered laconically. You needed more than that.

"So...how do you feel about all this?"

"I mean, I guess it's better than nothing. I'm quite fond of Beomgyu as you've probably noticed already. But I'd rather continue seeing him than lose a friend."

Little did Soobin know that you felt the same way about him.

Around two months after you'd first met Beomgyu, he had become an indispensable part of your friend group. The three of you now hung out so often that you barely remembered what life without him felt like.

"Guys are the worst!" you exclaimed. "Why would you pick a PS5 over someone you're dating?"

"It's just a hypothetical situation that Yeonjun asked me about," Soobin explained.

"Not all guys are like Soobin and Yeonjun. I would pick the person I'm dating," Beomgyu added. "If I was interested in dating one day."

"Hey, why are you siding with Y/N?" Soobin complained. "What happened to bros over h-"

"If you value your life, you won't finish that sentence, Choi Soobin!" you threatened and started chasing your best friend around the room with a flip-flop.

"Gyuuu, save me!" Soobin bemoaned his fate dramatically.

"Nah, man, you're on your own," Beomgyu shrugged while eating his chips and enjoying the show.

When you had successfully caught your bestie in a playful chokehold, he surrendered.

"Okay, okay, I was wrong, have mercy."

"That's what I thought," you smirked, making the mistake of letting go of him. 

Before you could foresee his intentions Soobin started tickling you as a form of revenge. 

"Stahpp," you giggled.

Only then did Beomgyu decide that whatever it was you had going on was more interesting than his food. And he interfered by tickling Soobin, which despite his valiant efforts to resist, caused him to burst into laughter, as well.

"Traitor," he chuckled, but his words held no malice.

It felt so comfortable to be around these two. It was almost easy to forget why it started in the first place...

Later that day, you received a message from Beomgyu that puzzled you.

We need to talk. Just the two of us.

You sent him a confused look across the room, as he pointed towards the door out. Luckily, Soobin was playing some game and he didn't notice your strange behaviour.

"I'll go to the store to buy some ramen and vegetables," you improvised a believable excuse. "Anyone want anything else?"

"Nah, I'm good," Soobin replied without thinking, as he was too focused on the competition.

"I'll come help you carry the bags," Beomgyu cleverly said.

Soobin didn't seem to mind being left alone.

"What did you want to talk about?" you asked impatiently as soon as you were out of Soobin's earshot.

"I know I said I'm not interested in dating right now but that was a lie," Beomgyu admitted. "I just didn't want to make you feel uncomfortable because of my crush on you. But I can no longer hide it. The more time I spend around you, the stronger my feelings become."

"I really like you, Beomgyu," you responded, shocking even yourself. "But what am I supposed to do? It's highly unlikely that my crush on Soobin is requited, but if I go out with you, it'd be like stabbing him in the back. Considering how he feels about you."

"I think you should tell him how you feel first and then we'll figure the rest out together," Beomgyu smiled confidently.

"How can we ever solve this?"

"I may have an idea but you gotta talk to Soobin and only then will I share it."

You nodded in agreement.

"Come here, dumbass," Beomgyu pulled you into a hug and you were surprised at how safe he made you feel.

You were sitting at a park with Soobin, sharing ice cream, as you were mentally hyping yourself up for the inevitable conversation. You owed it to Beomgyu to keep your word, you owed it to Soobin to know the truth and last but not least, you owed it to yourself to finally be honest about your feelings for your best friend.

"I have to tell you something important," you blurted out. "I like you. A lot."

"I like you too, silly," Soobin flicked your forehead. "We've been best friends since forever."

"That's exactly it. I like you in a way your best friend isn't supposed to like you. In a...I want to kiss you kind of way."

"Oh," Soobin murmured as realization painted his features. "You do realize I hinted at liking you a year ago and you straight-up rejected me?" You stared at him completely dumb-founded.

"Whaaat? That's impossible, I've liked you for ages, I would never reject you!"

"Well, remember that time we were watching some romcom and I told you if we were still single in ten years, we should just marry each other? You said and I quote: I wouldn't marry you if you were the last man on Earth. It hurt like hell but I laughed it off and we want back to the movie."

"Oh my God," you blinked in shock. "I only said that because I thought you said the marriage thing out of pity. It was like a self-preservation instinct. I didn't think you actually meant it. But what I said couldn't be further away from the truth. From how I really felt...no, how I still feel about you. Soobin, I would marry you in a heartbeat."

"I appreciate you telling me but...isn't it kinda late, though? I spent so long thinking you weren't romantically interested in me that I sort of fell for Beomgyu and now..."

"Beomgyu is exactly the reason why I'm confessing in the first place," you interrupted Soobin. "I was so afraid of you rejecting me that it took him getting involved for me to finally gather the courage to say it out loud."

Soobin nodded thoughtfully.

"Beomgyu has a crush on you, doesn't he?"

"How did you figure it out?" you were beyond amazed that Soobin had realized Beomgyu was into you but remained blind to the fact that you had been crushing on Soobin.

"I mean, it was kind of obvious from the start, no? He only wants to hang out when you're around..."

"I believe it's a little more complicated than that," you suspected. "But before I get into it, tell me...is it really too late for us?"

Soobin grinned meaningfully and took hold of your hands.

"Why don't you kiss me and find out?"

Now, that was an invitation you couldn't possibly say no to. As your lips touched his, you kept thinking this was the best feelling in the universe. You had pictured this happening thousands of times but nothing could compare to the reality. Soobin kissed you back and it was more than surreal. Eventually, you opened your eyes and what you saw caused you to be the one to interrupt the affectionate moment.

"Beomgyu," you murmured.

"Wow, I love that the first word that came to your mind after kissing me is another man's name," Soobin joked sarcastically.

"No, I mean...Beomgyu was behind you. He saw us kissing and then he ran away."

"Oh, shit," Soobin sighed.

"I'll go and see if I can catch up with him," you quickly got up.

"Seriously? You're just gonna leave?" Soobin exclaimed.

"Sorry. I'll be right back, I swear!" you rushed to find Beomgyu.

After a couple of minutes, you found Beomgyu sitting on the ground. He looked really upset and you were instantly worried about him.

"Gyu..." you said softly and place a hesitant hand on his back.

"I want to be alone," he sniffled. "If you stay here, I might say something I'll regret."

"Well, I don't think you should be alone. Please, talk to me," you insisted.

"I know I have no right to be angry. But...seeing you two together just made me think that should be me."

"Kissing me? Or kissing Soobin?"

"Does it matter?" Beomgyu looked away miserably.

"It does to me. You said you needed me to confess to Soobin and only then would you tell me your idea for a solution to our complicated situation. But I think I've already figured it out. You can let me know if I'm wrong later but first, answer my question. Did you wish you were kissing me or Soobin?"

"Both. I wish I was kissing you both and I don't care if you think it's weird but...that's how I feel and nothing you might say will change that. So, hey, at least I'm being honest."

You squeezed his hands gently.

"I don't think it's weird, Beomgyu. I think it's more than perfect. Because from what I gathered, Soobin and I are in the same boat. The both boat," you couldn't help but chuckle at your own joke.

"Terrible pun but please continue," Beomgyu replied.

"I think...I want to be with you. And Soobin. And for you two to be with each other. I'm pretty sure he wants the same thing."

"Why don't we go ask him?" Beomgyu suggested, his eyes sparkling with excitement.

And so, you and Beomgyu hurried to go back to Soobin who you'd so rudely left on a bench a couple of minutes ago.

"I brought someone," you announced awkwardly, still clutching Beomgyu's hand.

"You should feel special," Soobin told Beomgyu. "Your name was the first thing on Y/N's lips after our first kiss ended."

"Is that so?" Beomgyu was grinning smugly. No trace of his previous frustration.

"Oh, shut up," you rolled your eyes. "We come with a proposition."

"I like you, Soobin," Beomgyu confessed. "And as you have probably guessed already, I like Y/N, as well. Judging from your heartfelt kiss that I interrupted, you two like each other. So, I guess what's left to ask is whether...you'll have us?"

"Both? You want me to date you both?" Soobin blinked in surprise.

"I don't see why not," you shrugged. "If we all like one another. You still like us, right?"

"Of course, I like you," Soobin smiled. "I just never expected this would be possible."

"We can't know unless we've tried," Beomgyu reasoned. "What do you say?"

"My best friend in the universe and the cutest barista in the world? I would be a fool to say no."

To be continued...

[tuagonia]

sunflower - mason x f!detective

pairing: mason x f!detective (mia garcia)

Summary: mason thinks about mia at the town’s florist.

rating: T

warning: i think there's like...one swear word.

word count: ~1.7k

note: lol ok since i flopped at getting mason x mia done for the hotwayhaven event.... i have been waiting to write this for a while and the amazing event organisers at @wayhavensummer finally gave me the excuse I was waiting for to fully indulge in this. thanks for hosting and putting in all the great work!! This is for Aug. 18 - Flowers.

--

They remind him of her.

Large and dangling free from her ears; brightly painted papier-mâché “monstrosities”.

That’s the word he’d used to describe them, making no effort to mask his distaste.

Instead, Mia smiled widely in response, reaching up to touch one at its faux-stalks. It stopped that distracting swing, back and forth with every slight movement of her head. Chuckling, and pride lifting her cheery tone, she told Mason she made them herself.

Lemony-yellow, mossy-green, the burnt-chestnut centre.

All crammed together outside of the tiny flower shop. Dozens upon dozens of them staring back at him; yellower under the blaze of the mid-August sun.

A makeshift sign stuffed among the mass of summer-ripe bouquets reads: “TOP QUALITY. Giant Sunnys £14 per bunch”.

Mason is just looking.

He tells himself there’s no harm in just looking.

And anyway, they’re hard to miss under the hot sun. It’s not his fault they’re in the way of his usual patrol route. Quite literally.

Bundles and bundles of large sunflowers, taking up the pavement. Usually, grey and cracked, now overrun with the sight of them. The florist’s quaint store looks like a child’s plaything next to the dramatic assortment.

He has to blink, thinking the sunshine and its heat has started playing tricks on him. It’s almost as if they multiply; little suns with their earthly centres, drawing him closer.

From the moment he rounded the corner to the main square, he never stood a chance against the brilliance of them.

Mason should have kept moving. He doesn’t have time for this— to stop mid-patrol, to idle in front of flowers.

But they remind him of her.

Not just of the — and his lip curls at the memory — weird handmade jewellery.

(A set for every occasion.

Cakes and candles for colleagues’ birthdays, candy canes for Christmas, glittery hearts the size of her fists for Valentine’s Day. Tiny pieces of reflective plastic shedding onto her delicate neck).

They remind him of the sunshiney smiles. The ones she so easily tosses his way, like they’re never any work, like they could never go to waste. Always patient, always bright, always...happy.

And as he glares down at them, he realises they don’t offend him. The observation renders him sceptical, partly convincing himself he’s stopped to figure out why he hasn’t felt repulsed at the overwhelming powdery aroma.

It’s not floral. No. Instead, it reminds him of...reminds him of… Mason racks his brain and frowns accusingly at the vivid flowers opened up at him.

Mason reaches for one, fingers wrapping around its surprisingly sturdy stalk.

He’s still just looking. He just— he just needs to get a closer whiff to figure this out.

Honey. That’s what it is.

Mason’s frown deepens at the realisation. His grip on the flower shifts, the skin of his palm uncomfortable against the fuzzy stem.

Bright and honey-sweet.

(There’s that memory of her kiss, soft and saccharine as powdered-sugar; should make his teeth hurt.)

The crown of gold petals distracts him, fills him with a warm something that he’s more desperate than annoyed to figure out. He can’t place it, can’t place it, can’t place it— wants to know it.

Maybe it’s the frustration of chasing after the unnamable thing that makes him forget the purpose of stopping, the reason why he plucked the flower to begin with.

...so distracted he doesn't hear when the round-cheeked vendor pops their head outside of the shop, all smiles that he feels nothing for (not her like smiles, though. Nothing like her smiles).

They mention the weather and ask if they can be of any help, but Mason’s attention slides back to the sunflower in his fist. But he shakes his head, unconvincingly but he’ll never know.

It’s the heat, he thinks. The arse-end of nowhere town at the tail-end of an unforgiving heatwave.

But just as he’s about to slot the stalk back into its bucket, the vendor stops him— shaking their head emphatically, their grin growing by the second. They sweep of their hands in a take it, take it, please motion, and send Mason off. They shoot him wink from overly-kind eyes.

Like they might be in on some big secret, and Mason will be the last in this entire godforsaken town to know.

There’s no harm in taking the flower, Mason insists, staring down into its dark-brown centre.

He’ll hold onto it until he can find the next rubbish bin, and in the mean time he’ll try not to think about how it reminds him of the dusting of dark freckles across her nose.

(He gets it now. He gets it when he’s with Mia.

He understands — finally — why everyone before her kissed his freckles like they wanted to taste the stars.

Her galaxies, his constellations. Every time they meet, Mason expects a seismic shift to take them asunder.)

His usual strides have shortened, his pace slower than normal, his senses overwhelmed by the true yellow of its petals.

For a moment, Mason forgets all about the patrol and just...walks.

It’s a quiet and lazy summer day. The sun (high and hot) urges residents to stay in the shade, seeks refuge in cool indoors. The streets are empty. Sleepy. So, he takes his time, the crease on his brow deepening with every side street he takes.

It’s hot inside his boots. That’s the only reason he’s leaning against her tin can of a car, outside of the station, holding this ostentatiously large flower.

A quick detour for some shade. That’s all it is. And when there’s a whisper of a breeze, rustling the leaves of the tree above him and the little crown of petals in his hand, it’s all the more cooler.

Mason can hear her colleagues moving in and out of the station, but pays them no mind as time moves on, still staring down at the flower in his grip. It’s far too large to twirl it with sturdy fingers, forcing him to keep studying it and wondering what exactly about it brings Mia to mind.

Lively, but not intense.

(Her laugh, he guesses. Loud and clear, broken up by giggles. The sound of it never jarring.)

A drop of sunlight, buried underground. Persists and blossoms through cracked earth.

(Her kindness, he ascertains. Not to be mistaken for weakness. As easy as she can dole-out radiant smiles, her sharp tongue can just as quickly follow.)

...like he’s been holding a piece of her this entire time.

The taut pull at his cheeks is foreign, and he lets the corners of his mouth drop.

Pointless because Mason hears a familiar drumming, a quick skip he’s grown used to over the last years.

He looks up just in time to watch Mia push through the station’s glass doors. At the top of the steps, she stops to survey the car park, and he feels a flutter in his chest when he realises those brown eyes are searching for him. He confirms it when her gaze lands on him and...that smile (the beating inside his chest is ten-fold) breaks out across her face.

She shields her face with a hand, squinting against the harsh glare of sun bouncing off windshields. With easy, unhurried steps she walks towards him and he drinks in the sight of her.

That scratchy yellow cardigan that’s become synonymous with Detective Garcia is nowhere to be seen. Probably thrown over the back of her office chair and forgotten, along with whatever work she’s been putting off all afternoon.

Dark curls scooped up and away from her neck, gives Mason a great view to the line of her throat and down her naked shoulders. A sage strappy shirt stretches down her small frame, trying its best to keep her cool in the heat...reminds him of the stalk in his hand.

He tenses.

Mia’s eyes flicker to the sunflower he’s holding and her smile (fuck, that smile will be the end of him) grows and grows.

All teeth (white, and...harmless with the dull edges) and she gives an airy chuckle.

“That for me?” she asks with one eyebrow lifting into a curly fringe.

Pushing off the car, Mason musters up his best grimace and fights back the fear fighting its way up his spine. He doesn’t understand it, doesn’t know why fear is the first thing that possesses him when she stands this close and gestures to the flower with a tilt of her head.

Before he can respond, before he can let his tongue and fear get the better of him— Mia makes for the sunflower in his grip.

Fear tells him this should be a mistake. This memory must be a mistake; one that he’s sure will be the only one to matter in a dizzying spiral of time: Mia smiling down at this sunflower.

The leaves rustle again, and sunlight filters through, dappling the deep brown of her hair.

She makes it easy, never has to wrestle with the feeling for too long before she distracts him. If it’s not a quip, it’ll be an expression that should not be equal parts funny or cute. Spears Mason somewhere deep, somewhere he doesn’t think he’s touched before— doesn’t know if it could ever be before her.

Mia speaks to the flower, a lone fingertip running over its petals. “It’s very pretty.”

Mason watches her stroke the large leaf at the stalk, leaning in nose-first to catch its scent at the centre, eyes fluttering shut. Dark lashes meet her cheeks, and he follows the line of her freckles (darker in the summertime).

He wants to take his time here too, with the same pace as he did those side streets (seeing parts of Wayhaven he would have never traversed without coaxing).

“Yeah…” his voice is rough and unused, studying as she looks up at the way the branches move above them. Sunlight casting down on her, and that easy smile fixed on her lips. “Very pretty.”

[wagner-fell]

Spiders Are Ugly And Other Lies Capitalism Has Told Us (part one)

“Dad,” Astrid called out, shutting the coral coloured front door behind her. “Are you home?”

She dumped her cream tote bag spray painted with the words ‘Washing Machine Heart’ in big, rainbow letters onto one of the stools facing the granite countertop. The rest of the Merry Hoes followed suit. It was weird seeing a person as chaotic as Astrid in such a calm environment.

They were all spending the summer in LA with Astrid and her Dad. It had taken a while for Kevin to convince his family it was a good idea. Especially because he and Blessica had finally put years of pinning behind them. Making out on Kit’s bed at Mina’s third birthday party certainly wasn’t the way they had envisioned it but as the longing was over with, they were happy.

The Chu’s didn’t love the idea of their son living in a different country for three months with his girlfriend but we’re on board once Kevin assured them there was no possible way Blessica could get pregnant.

Kit wasn’t officially sleeping at the Yang’s but at the Institute with his boyfriend. Julian wasn’t so thrilled about the situation but Emma was. She was positively ecstatic about having a training partner as skilled as Kit was, courtesy of Jem and Tessa. Though staying a thirty minute drive away (on the wrong side of the road, Mari noted) wouldn’t keep Kit away for long. Even now he was with them instead of having his own reunion make out session.

Speaking of making out…

Mari rested their chin on the top of Astrid’s head and wrapped their arms around her middle. “Why don’t you show us your room while we wait for your dad to get home.”

It was kinda perfect, Mari often remarked, that she realized her feelings for their best friend weren’t so platonic as she previously led herself to believe at the same time they and Kit realized they were better off as just platonic.

Astrid hit her hand playfully. “That’s not fair!” she whined! ”How dare you take advantage of my constant hornyness when my God-fearing Presbyterian father could be in the next room? Shame! Shame on you, shame on your family, shame on your cow.”

“I’m pretty sure it’s ‘dishonor’”, said Kit, who didn’t even look up from his phone when he addressed her, “but go off I guess.”

Astrid looked like she was questioning all her life choices up to this point. “A white boy knows Mulan better than me.” She shook her head in disgust. Mari could feel the loose hairs of her girlfriend’s ponytail ticking her exposed collar bone. “Mulan.”

Mari laughed before softly brushing their lips against Astrid mop of bleached strands of pastel yellow, pink and blue mixed magnificently with her natural inky black.

“Is hornyness even a word?” Kevin wondered aloud as he observed the knickknacks placed at even intervals utop the kitchen cabinets. Blessica was with him. She was gazing at one of a crab steering a ship when she spotted a slim piece of paper taped below it.

“Ast,” she called. The both looked in her direction, despite Blessica needing the attention of one. “Your dad says he won’t be home till seven. Emergency at work.”

“Which leaves us more than enough time to pack and head over to meet Ty, Dru and Thaìs at the arcade,” said Kit. He finally turned his phone off and shoved it into the back pocket of his ripped jeans. “Marstrid can do the ol’ devil’s tango then catch up to us.”

‘Marstrid’ wrinkled their noses. “I thought we agreed on Astari, Christopher.”

“Astari sounds gayer,” confirmed Kevin, his eyes never leaving the miniature decorations.

“Not to be rude but why does Astari sound gayer?” asked a visibly confused Blessica.

“Because,” answered Mari, unraveling herself from Astrid to slide onto one of the bar stools and reaching into the Jolly Rancher jar, blindly searching for a green, “Astari has ‘star’ in it. Star equals astrology. An obsession with astrology is the price you pay for the gay agenda. Besides, Marstrid sounds like an old southern lady.” Then she furrowed her eyebrows and swiveled to face Astrid. “Southern is Texas, right?” Astrid nooded, a smile so big the Cheshire Cat would be jealous.

Without looking, she stuck her hand in the jar and pulled out a green apple flavoured hard candy on her first try. She held it out to Mari, who snatched it out of her hand with an angry huff.

“Hey, Ast, where do you guys keep the crisps?” asked Kevin when he finished inspecting all the knickknacks.

“Uh, under the barbecue sauce, I think.”

Kit’s eyes lit up. “So I’m sitting there”- Astrid understood what was happening in just enough time to quote- “barbecue sauce on my titties” in unison.

Mari put her head into their open palms, still sucking on the pity candy. “Why is this my type?”

“Are you sure this is the right place?” asked Blessica as Kit attempted to parallel park outside the location Ty had texted him to meet at. Key word, attempt. When Tessa had taught him to drive, he’d been such a disaster at parallel parking she had instructed him to ‘take the underground when tight spaces might be a possibility.’ Which he prided himself in doing. But this was America and the underground was called the subway, so, technically, no rules were being broken.

“Yes, Blessie, I’m certain.”

“Okay. Just checking cause a few turns back the GPS said-”

“Blessie!” He nearly crashed into the car in front of him.

“Right. Shutting up.”

When Kit managed to park with minimal damage and the three were about to exit, the voice of Nicki Minaj boomed from his pocket. Ty was calling him. He accepted the call, putting it on speaker.

“Hello Tiberius.” There was giggling from the other end of the line. A groan soon followed it.

“It’s been a year,” came the annoyed voice of Dru. “Get over your British kink already.” Kevin’s laughter echoed from the backseat.

“Hey Ty!

“Hi Kevin.”

”Hey Dru!”

“Fuck off.”

“Ouch. Why do you feel the need to hurt me so?” Blessica laughed.

“Hey…Thaìs?”

“Here,” replied Thaìs cheerfully.

“Are you here yet,” asked Ty.

“Uh, yeah! We were just getting out of the rental car when you called. You didn’t tell me it was going to be crowded. I had to parallel park!”

“What are you talking about?” interrupted Dru. ”There are only four cars in the parking lot.”

“But,” Ty countered, “there are lots of Billy’s Fun Zones’ around here. You guys must have got mixed up and taken a wrong turn. I could have sworn I sent you the correct location on GPS.” Maybe Ty said more on the subject but Kit could hear anything or see anything except the superior smirk Blessica was giving him.

He covered the speaker. “Not. A. Word.” And no word came out of her mouth the entire ride to the correct Billy’s Fun Zone but the ‘I told you so’ look on her face spoke loud enough.

Kit slid back into the booth next to Ty, handing him his pretzel. Ty kissed him on the check in gratitude.

Dru and Ty were right. About this one being empty. He told him he had heard about it from Alyssa. Her pack frequented it often. They were left alone because, well, there was no one else there to bother them.

“Where are Astrid and Mari?” he asked.

“Fucking. I think. Or maybe just making out. I’ll know which one when they finish.” When Ty gave him a puzzled look he continued, “Astrid describes it all to me in full detail. I honestly don’t know whether she doesn’t have a filter or she just needs someone to scream to about how amazing Mari is.”

“Why can’t it be both?”

“True, true.”

They sat in comfortable silence for a few minutes before Ty picked up the conversation again. “When Thaìs first met Astrid, she had a huge crush on her. They got along great. I always thought they would end up together. Or hook up at the very least.”

“Huh, that’s funny,” observed Kit.

“What is?”

“When me and Mari split, I was planning on trying to set them up with Thaìs. But then I caught her ans Astrid making out in a storage closet at school. Which, in hindsight, was pretty stupid cause they were in there so I wouldn’t be sad Mari moved on when I opened the door in the first place avoiding her to call you.”

“Hmmmm.”

The gears in Ty’s head were visibly turning. Kit loved watching this process. An idea was forming in his boyfriend’s genius mind, he could sense it.

“What is their stance on monogamy?” he asked finally.

“Um, fuck, hold on. Mari sent me this whole speech about it.” Kit scrolled through his phone at a rapid rate before he saw what he was looking for. He cleared his throat and began reading aloud.

Mari_da_bisexual_whore, sent 1:52 AM: monogamy is just another lie capitalism has fed us

Mari_da_bisexual_whore, sent 1:55 AM: like, for example, the notion that house spiders are ugly and to be feared

Mari_da_bisexual_whore, sent 1:56 AM: it’s just to sell bug spray

Mari_da_bisexual_whore, sent 1:56 AM: same with monogamy

Mari_da_bisexual_whore, sent 1:56 AM: pointless!!!

Mari_da_bisexual_whore, sent 1:58 AM: in conclusion, if I want to join a polyam cult, who tf is the government to stop me?

Kev-Kev, sent 2:01 AM: mari please go to sleep

Bless-ing_to_the_world, sent 2:04 AM: ^^^^^^^^^^^

Mitski_my_love, sent 2:05 AM: preach!

Mitski_my_love, sent 2:05 AM: go off queen

By the time Kit was finished with his dramatic reading, Ty’s plan was fully formed.

“That settles it! We are going to play matchmakers!”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Alyssa, Ty’s friend mentioned is @thechangeling OC, not mine.

@the-blackdale @the-wckd-powers @adoravel-fenomeno @thomas-gaypanic-lightwood @illusions-give-reasons-to-live @ithurielkeepsgettingkidnapped @im-not-ruined-im-ruination @sofiatheskeleton @cncnbr @its-taff @noah-herondale-lightwood @maxboythedog @arangiajoan @shelvesofgold @book-dragon-not-worm sorry if I missed anyone LMK if you want to be added or removed from The tag List!!

[chalkrevelations]

Moving on to Episode 4 of Word of Honor, and y’all.

Wait, first: If you’re new or just visiting, this is a re-watch, so there are SPOILERS not just for this ep but for the ENTIRE SHOW. Maybe a lot of them. Scroll away and come back later if you haven’t seen all 36.5 eps and want to watch it unspoiled. (They’re all gonna be tagged “word of honor episode reax”)

A couple of big things, first:

So, right up front, I don’t know for sure that this is the first time we’ve heard the word, but it’s the first time I’ve twigged to it in this re-watch. As Zhou Zishu and Chengling are leaving the inn in the morning, at the very beginning of the ep, Wen Kexing asks why ZZS continues to call him gongzi and wants to know if he’s still too much of an outsider for a less formal form of address. He uses the word 外人 (wairen) (at 2:30) for “outsider,” which is how the subs translate it here. Anybody who’s been around for these flailing reactions since the first time I watched the show might remember that I made a deal about this somewhere around in the late 20s of the episodes, based on a post from someone that I scrolled quickly past while avoiding spoilers and that I have NEVER FOUND AGAIN and am STILL LOOKING FOR, that alerted me to the use of this word and its nuances in ep 25. There’s a conversation there about WKX possibly taking over some of Chengling’s training at Siji Manor, and WKX demurs, calling himself “外人.” Youku translated it there as “someone else,” as in having “someone else” train your disciple, and ZZS responds with “And you’re 外人?” again translated as “someone else.” This actually seems to mean “stranger,” or “outsider,” as they do actually translate it here in Ep 4 - presumably someone who’s from outside your sect, at least in the Ep 25 instance, in which WKX is labeling himself that while he’s in the midst of his upcoming crisis, trying to keep his emotional distance from ZZS and Siji Manor. It’s used again in Ep 26, when ZZS finds WKX giving training advice to Chengling, and it’s one of the ways they have WKX and A-Xiang reflect each other, when she uses it in Ep 29, and rejects it as a description of herself, in order to claim a place in Cao Weining’s sect/family (which, now, knowing … GOD. My HEART). Anyway, I found it super-interesting that WKX is using this word here in Ep 4 to push against ZZS’s boundaries, in contrast to the way he’ll use it later, to try to fortify his own walls against ZZS and Siji Manor. I begin to suspect that he doesn’t want to tell ZZS who he actually is because, maybe, just a little bit, he wants ZZS to figure it out, to recognize him, to truly know him (zhiji) without him having to spell it out. We kind of travel back around to this idea near the end of the ep, when WKX is questioning ZZS about the Baiyi sword, and ZZS tells him that their relationship is like the fish that ZZS unsuccessfully tried to cook and threw on the ground – raw (i.e., unacquainted) – to explain why he keeps shutting out and shutting down WKX. Only we know now that isn’t entirely true, and WKX certainly suspects it isn’t entirely true. (Also, just an observation, ZZS says in that later scene that he’s not interested in who WKX is. DON’T TELL HIM THAT, my dude, now it’s going to be 3,246 episodes before he’ll give you any personal info.)

Also, just a note – I think we make the switch from Zhou-xiong to A-Xu in this ep. (ETA: No! I have been reliably informed by @janedrewfinally that this switch happened back at the end of Ep 3 (at 41:18), and it seems to be part of what precipitates the Completely Reasonable, Not At All Flirtatious, Utterly Heterosexual No Really, Like Bros way that ZZS takes WKX's wine jar. You know the incident we mean.)

The second thing that I really started turning over in my head here is the developing relationship between WKX and Chengling, and this is one of the things that took me so long on this one, because I wanted to go back and look at those two, specifically, in the previous eps again, and revisit their interactions both with and without the mediating factor of ZZS. The first time WXK sees Chengling is in the marketplace at the end of Ep 1 when Chengling ends up giving his token to ZZS. But I think the first time WKX sees Chengling is maybe when WKX’s sitting in the cutout window with his drinkie during the massacre of Mirror Lake and ZZS draws the Baiyi sword to protect Boatman Li and Chengling, just before they make it to the boat and float away back to the mainland. I don’t know how much of the beginning of the fight in the abandoned temple WKX then sees before A-Xiang makes her entrance, but there’s a lot of Chengling flinging himself in front of Boatman Li and ZZS in a way that’s not entirely dissimilar to the way Zhen Yan will fling himself at his parents’ bodies in flashback in a later episode, and then WKX definitely sees dying Boatman Li charge ZZS with Chengling’s care, then make Chengling bow, in a parallel to the scene we’ll get later when Qin Huaizhang accepts Zhen Yan as a Siji Manor shidi. In Ep 3, there’s a lot of weird sympathetic looks from WKX as A-Xiang berates Chengling over dinner (she doesn’t quite have this jiejie thing down yet, and she’s probably never had someone younger than her to take care of) for not taking care of himself so he can be strong and get his revenge for his family’s deaths. This time out, Ep 4, we start with the beggar gangs coming after Chengling, which has some resonance with the former Ghost Valley Master and his Ten Devils standing around the bodies of Zhen Yan’s parents and debating what they’re going to do with this kid before they steal him away. You can see WKX’s eyes start to narrow as the lead beggar dude talks, and he eventually even asks them, “What are you going to do if he doesn’t want to go, take him away by force?” We get a LOT of cutting to WKX in this conversation, even though he ostensibly has nothing to do with this, it’s really a convo between Beggar Guy, ZZS and Chengling. WKX pulls focus, and he eventually provokes that fight, and sure, he wants to see ZZS fighting and hopefully get a look at the Baiyi sword, and he even may think that’s the extent of his ulterior motives, but I’m not sure that actually is the full extent of his motives, there. This episode is also when we really see WKX start to encourage Chengling to continue to press at ZZS about taking him as a disciple, including the first use of the infamous “Tough women can’t resist clingy men” saying. Chengling comments that he was just supposed to be Son #3 who stayed home and took care of the old people, and WKX comes back with the Extremely Significant Comment that “When the children want to fulfill their filial piety, the parents have died,” which is not only Extremely Significant, but also sounds like it may be a quote from a poem or other literature? Anyway, a lot of this is just to say, KINDLY AU ANON WHO WAS THINKING ABOUT WRITING THE STORY IN WHICH WKX GETS CUSTODY OF CHENGLING BECAUSE ZZS IS NOT AT MIRROR LAKE, ARE YOU STILL OUT THERE? Hopefully you are hard at work, writing, because I have been having thoughts about this relationship.

What else? Kind of chronologically:

First of all, it continues to physically pain me to have to look at that horrifying facial hair, ZZS. I cannot WAIT to hit Ep 6.

We open this ep on WKX rolling walnuts in his hand in a way that is reminiscent of SOMEONE who we’ve seen do that before – multiple times, given they put that shot of Ghost Valley Master in the opening credits. Nevertheless, I didn’t catch this right away on my first time through. It took me a few episodes, and then I FINALLY noticed the opening credits shot right in front of my face. Point to you, show. Once you know, this ep practically shoves it in your face, recreating not only the walnut rolling, but a dude getting held up in the air and choked out (which we’ve seen before, in Ep 1 (and will see again)) before being slammed down on the ground with WKX crouched over him (which we’ve seen before, in Ep 1). Later, WKX is concerned about his manicure (which we’ve seen before, in Ep 1). It’s actually a little bit funny that both he and ZZS - a master assassin and a guy who literally skinned another dude (and maybe ate him?) to take his throne – are both so prissy about actual, literal blood. Anyway, is it significant or a coincidence that WKX waits until ZZS and Chengling are out of sight before actually going wild-eyed? You know the look I mean.

OH MY GOD, it’s Lovelace. I had blocked this dude from my mind. Eurgh. Nevertheless, there are a number of things I love about his scene, and all of them are related to A-Xiang, my feral beloved - from the way she clomps into the room, completely unworried about stepping the least bit gracefully while making her presence known and stomping (lit. and fig.) all over his dramatic little bit, to the way she berates him, threatens him with “Aunt Luo,” bares her teeth at him, and makes the eye-gouging motion at him. She is the best, and I adore her. I also love how she literally laughs in WKX’s face at his comment that maybe he just wants to be friends with ZZS, OK, is that alright?

The fight with the beggar gangs in this ep may be the first time we see something similar to the cage of spears maneuver in Prince Jin’s throne room all the way up in Ep … what? 30? … although it won’t be the last time we see it, and each time we see ZZS is perfectly capable of avoiding it or escaping it, making me suspect that Tian Chuang only “trapped” him in it because he let them, just like he only got taken back to Prince Jin in chains, in the first place, because he let it happen. We see it at 5:30 with the beggar gang’s staffs, when ZZS breaks it up by literally flinging another dude into the middle of it. We see it at 5:41, when he kicks his way out of the formation. And we see it at 8:15, when the sheaths have come off the swords, and he feints under them to break his way out. Just noticing.

When WKX is talking about the Baiyi sword as they all sit around ZZS’ sad little raw fish in the dirt by the lakeside, he mentions that Rong Changqing created three master works – the White Cloth sword, the Dragonback, and the “Great Wild Land,” per Youku’s translation. ZZS has the Baiyi sword, I assume the Dragonback is Ye Baiyi’s sword. Is the Great Wild Land actually the Ghost Valley? Given what we learn from Ye Baiyi in the back nine about Rong Changqing and his plans for Ghost Valley? Anyway, then we get some magic pipa playing, and ZZS (trying to, apparently) play WKX’s xiao in musical self-defense, and even though he leaves his opponent bleeding, WKX takes the opportunity to make suggestive comments about teaching him how to blow properly, just in case WKX’s been slacking on his act as a cheesy pick-up artist and anyone’s beginning to see through him. ZZS yells at Chengling for his lack of martial skill, then yells at him for crying, because that always works, particularly with traumatized teenagers who have had their entire family and sect massacred like, two nights ago. As a shifu, I’m not sure how you manage to inspire such devotion, my dude. WKX plays the indulgent parent, but also reassures Chengling that ZZS has good reasons for yelling at a traumatized, newly orphaned kid. I suppose he is getting him ready for all the yelling that’s going to go down once they get to Five Lakes Alliance and Chengling has to deal with Gao Chong and Shenshen. Chengling’s response, with WKX’s encouragement, is to ask to be ZZS’s disciple again. Was Han Ying (who I guess we’ve yet to actually meet at this point (EDIT TO ADD: NO WAIT, he was in Ep 1)) this much of a little dumbass to 24-year-old ZZS when Han Ying was 14? (EDIT 2 TO ADD: And who is writing this story, omg.) Although, ugh, that makes me realize that part of ZZS’s bad mood is that Chengling asking to be a disciple must be bringing up a shit-ton of bad stuff for ZZS about how he got all the other Siji Manor disciples killed. (Wen Kexing sees himself in Chengling, making his bow to Qin Huaizhang, one of the few good things that ever happened in his life, while ZZS sees all those red flowers on the mural back in his rooms in Prince Jin’s palace.) A final lakeside observation – A-Xiang pokes at ZZS’s uselessness as a cook here, and WKX will later ask him why he’s so utilitarian about food and drink, when they’re the greatest pleasures of life. (Really, WKX? THE greatest pleasures? Although that’s certainly an interesting comment given where we end up, in the end.) And it makes me begin to wonder – is ZZS so bad at cooking, and does he continue to avoid it, at least partially because he’s already losing his senses enough so that it interferes with preparing a tasty meal?

Also, we meet the Four Scorpion Assassins, and Pretty Arhat and Evil Bodhisattva have some pretty bold names, but now I’m back on my thing about the women in this show, and wondering what kind of enlightenment or release these two feel like they’ve had, and how it may or may not resemble the mindset of the women of the Department of the Unfaithful in Ghost Valley. I’m not well-versed in Buddhism, though, and am maybe not the person to take on how that religious symbolism is or is not used as a metaphor for female freedom in this show.

This is getting kind of long, so one last observation for now, and I think I may have mentioned this before: WKX has color-coded ZZS and Chengling as a unit in the robes he bought for them when he also rented out the entire inn. He’s not in the same color, but he is in a complementary shade and tone, which I find interesting. Also, his sash is sort of salmon, not the red of his Ghost Valley getup, but not completely divorced from it, either.

[rodeoxqueen]

Hi hi!! I was wondering if you could do hcs of DMC boys spending times with their kids at the amusement park and at the end they take pictures with each other thank you so muc ^^

Howdy Howdy,

Of course I can, gorgeous. 

Enjoy,

Rodeo. 

Dante 

“Kids! Wake up, wake up, we’re going to the amusement park!” He screams as he kicks the door down. The kids aren’t expecting it but they were overjoyed regardless. 

Just as excited as his kids to go to amusement parks. He drives them the whole way over talking about which rides they should go on. They miss their turns several times. 

Daddy Dante got the full dad in amusement park attire. Hawaiian shirt, board shorts, and flamingo socks with sandals. 

It helps to be super strong, he holds all their stuff. 

He races the kids to the lines. He basically lets them do what they want but he wants to go on the scary rides. Good thing it’s not their turn with the Sparda brain cell, they fear nothing. 

“Wow, they say this ride is not suitable for sick people, pregnant women, old people, and people with common sense and self-respect. Well kids, it’s good that’s not any of us.” 

“Dad, you’re pretty old.” 

“Do you want to ride this death trap or not?” 

“Nevermind, you don’t look a day over twenty, dad.” 

“That’s what I thought.” 

He wins them all the prizes. One of his kids runs around with the largest unicorn known to man while the vendor tells Dante that no, he cannot use Ebony and Ivory to win anymore stuffed animals. 

“It’s so fluffy I’m gonna die!!” 

“Kiddo, can that wait? We still have several rides to go on.” 

Dante even has the dinky cameras with the photos you get developed at the print store. All of them are blurred or one of the kids makes a weird face in it. He wouldn’t have it any other way. 

You know those punching bags they have that measure your strength? Well, Dante is super cocky stepping up to punch the daylights out of it. 

The goofy dad misses, his fist going straight through the machine and lifting it out of the cement. His kids cheer as he realizes what he’s done. 

“Did I win?” 

“Sir, you need to pay for that.” 

“Kids, book it and scatter! They can’t catch all of us.” 

They are banned from that park. No regrets. 

They go home, sunburnt, faces sticky with candy and all sorts of fried foods, and arms fulls of prizes. They don’t even make it to their rooms before they all pass out in the living room. 

Dante buys so many pictures they took from the rides. They join the rest of his wallet photos. 

Lady and Trish are mad he spent so much on one excursion, but seeing how happy he was with his kids, they don’t say anything. 

Vergil 

It isn’t until his kids plead and whine to him for weeks that he will open a portal to this “amusement park.” 

“But Father, all the other kids get to go!” 

“It is a frivolous waste of time.” 

“Uncle Dante is so cool, our cousins got to go-” 

“Where is it.” 

He’ll be damned before his brother is considered “cooler” to his own children.

He’s the dad that doesn’t want to be there but relented for his kids. Another unamused dad stands next to him as they watch their kids go feral. 

“You too, huh?” 

“Don’t talk to me.” 

He stands next to them in the long lines to ensure their safety. He glares at anyone who tries to cut in line. 

“Cut in line in front of my children again. Try it. I will cut you.” 

His kids get first in line since no one wants to stand behind Vergil. When the ride takes their photos, employees are shocked to see he is stone-faced the whole ride. 

“Hell had better drops than this.” 

His kids win prizes by themselves, Vergil once again relenting and handing them bills. 

They run over to him with their own prizes and he pats them on the head. 

“I expected nothing less.” 

Vergil does not want his kids to get sick from all the sweets they wish to consume. He lets them choose a few things and then he cuts them off. 

He sits down in the shade as his kids continue to play and run around. 

It isn’t until they point to the strength tester that Vergil gets up again. He knows it’s rigged. He initially refuses, but when someone calls him a wuss he removes his jacket and snatches the hammer from the vendor. 

Vergil hits the scale so hard that the puck flies straight off the scale and enters the stratosphere. 

“Are we done now?” 

He is handed an armful of tickets. His kids praise their father while he smugly smirks at the people who taunted him. 

“Foolish.” 

The pictures booth is thoroughly stuffed with all of his kids and their toys and stuffed animals. He is literally shoved into the background, all the weight on his lap as he tries not to asphyxiate. When the photos come out, you can only see the top part of his face. 

They all go home, thoroughly entertained. Vergil acts like he doesn’t care and that the trip was mundane. But only he knows, he was smiling in all of the booth photos. Good thing he’ll take that to the grave. 

V

His children see the posters around town for the amusement parks when he takes them out on afternoon strolls to the park. He’s an observant father, who notices how his kin gathers around the idea of this “amusement park.” 

“Dad, can we please go?” They shyly ask. 

“But of course.” He says. 

He is not prepared for the chaotic nature of these crowded social events. It’s hot, he’s sweating, everything is so expensive, it’s loud……

Since he is unnaturally pale, he always applies sunscreen. His kids are also slathered in it before they go running about. 

Bless him. He tries so hard to keep up in the sweltering heat. His kids notice he’s lagging behind so they decide to stay in one place so he can sit and observe. 

At least the burgers and fries are good here. His kids run about, asking him to try what deep-fried and sugary creations they have found. He’s very fond of cotton candy and how it disappears on his tongue. 

Shadow tries to eat garbage and Griffon is heckling the street performers. 

V’s children beg him to come with them and practically drag him to the rides. He pales at the screams of other people. 

He relents and he goes on the rides. His kids feel awful after he throws up after the third repeat of the most infamous attraction. 

They leave him alone after that, letting him recover at a table. His familiars follow his children around to make sure nothing bad happens.

It’s not his scene, however….

He’s the new champ of guessing how many things are in a jar. He rests his head on his cane as he observes each marble, each little figurine before he guesses an incredibly close number. 

His children are shocked to come back to him and find the piles of tickets he’s won. 

His kids get themselves giant chicken and cat plushies. 

“Hey, V! Not funny!” Griffon declares in indignance at the chicken plushies his master’s children run about with. Shadow is quite a fan, keeping one in her mouth. 

Finally, it has gotten late and they all decide to take pictures. You know damn well that Griffon and Shadow wish to partake in this. 

V keeps the photos tucked in his book. 

Despite the literal spiraling rollercoaster that is amusement parks, he would do it all over again to see his children so overjoyed. 

[sonicringnoise]

Have a Jak 3 rant

Okay, I need to talk about Jak 3 and just...how absolutely janky the plot is. 

This rant is extremely long, so I put it under the cut.

First of all, I just want to point out, I love this game. I love it so much, and it’s my favorite out of the trilogy. But it just...it could have been so much better, guh.

And I know that development of this game was rushed (hell, it only came out a year after Jak 2), but I’m still going to rant about it!

It starts out just fine, with the Wasteland and Spargus and the arena, but it gets so weird as it goes on. Just...really disjointed.

We never really find out why Jak keeps going after eco crystals. Seriously, he gets a dark eco crystal from the Dark Maker at the beginning of the game, a light eco crystal from Seem, and just...starts collecting them, for some reason? Like, was he going to make a necklace? Start a rock collection? It’s never explained.

But whatever, it turns out those are needed later in the game to save the world. Fine.

After some Spargus-y missions, we then go...to the Monk Temple. You know, the temple. That’s never been mentioned before, and we didn’t even know existed, but we just went up there to explore and stuff and...

Like, how hard would it have been to have a line where Seem says, “We monks live far to the north, in a temple in the mountains.”

Then we’d at least have a reason to go there. But no, instead we just show up there and start poking around. 

This is one of my biggest issues with the game. In Jak 2, there are cutscenes that set up these missions, or even communications in gameplay that tell us where to go. In Jak 3, there’s just...a lot of that missing.

But, fine. Whatever, Jak has, like, ESPN or something.

At the volcano, Jak gets a dark power of invisibility, I guess. But only when he touches certain statues, and it’s only ever really used to get past a few traps and then never again.

Oddly enough, this was something that...made sense? I mean, invisibility is actually a power that dark eco has. Remember in Jak 2, there were metal heads who could turn invisible. 

But it’s never used! And that complaint holds true for almost every power Jak gets. You basically use the powers when a prompt comes on screen to get through a one-time obstacle, and then never again. 

Then we find out Veger is talking to the monks, but no one ever really expands on why? Or how? Like, for a city hidden in the Wasteland and forgotten, a lot of fucking people know it exists! 

Speaking of which...

We meet Ashelin in the desert and she begs us to come back to Haven City. Jak asks her how she knows Damas and she answers, “It doesn’t matter now.”

Excuse me??

It totally does matter! If Ashelin knows Damas, it begs the question: does she know that Jak is his son? Does she know the Kid is his son? Does she even know about the Kid? 

I mean, Ashelin would almost have to know that Jak is Damas’ son: during this scene, she gives him his seal back and says, “Don’t you remember who you are?”

Whatever. Add that to the list of things that are never mentioned again.

Jak says he’s not coming back to the city, because he’s an angry teenager and he likes hanging around with his Sand Dad. 

This is immediately followed by Jak returning to Haven City.

We head to the Monk Temple, again for no reason. This time, we open up some doors and Pecker leads us back to the city. 

There is no explanation as to why Jak has a change of heart. I actually think that the scene where Damas and Jak had a heart-to-heart and he mentions his lost son should be here: it leads perfectly into Jak deciding that the Greater Good is more important than his feelings.

Instead, we get nothing. Nada. Zilch. Just Jak heading back to Haven City because it’s The Thing To Do.

We reach Haven City after a boss battle and meet with Samos and Keira. Samos sucks, but that’s in character. Keira has no lines in this scene, and only makes goofy faces. Seriously, look: 

That’s it, that’s the character. 

Like, what’s happening in this scene? What’s going on with you, Keira? Are you okay? Are you making bedroom eyes at Jak? Are you confused? Did you smoke some of your father’s funny herbs again?

(Again, I know Keira’s role got cut down a lot because they changed voice actors, but it’s...so...jarring for a normally prominent character to suddenly get shoved into the background.)

We do some missions for Torn and eventually find out that Erol is the bad guy. Never explained how Erol survived slamming his Zoomer into dark eco and exploding in front of a huge crowd, but at this point, it’s whatever. 

We continue on our journey: Tess is a furry, Samos is useless, Torn is...Torn. 

We get a scene with Sig where Jak and Daxter ask him about Damas and his job as a spy and all that stuff. Fine, well and good, except the following exchange happens:

Jak: You’re playing with people’s lives!

Sig: Why not? They played with mine.

I’m sorry??

There’s a story there, and I’d like to know! What the hell happened to Sig? Why is nothing ever explained??!!

We get some Dadmas feelings, then we head over to have a chat with Kleiver. And this happens:

Jak: Kleiver, I need to find some very special Precursor artifacts, but I’m running out of time.

...Are you?? Has that been established?

So, in one of the previous missions, Samos mentions over the communicator (during gameplay, not in a cutscene) that to activate some ruins in Haven Forest, you’ll need some artifacts. But all he says is this:

Samos: Mar wrote that there was some ancient ruins to the west that were activated by five special artifacts and revealed wondrous truths. I'll see what I can find out.

That’s it! There’s never a cutscene where Samos says you need to find the Holo Cube, the Quantum Reflector, the Beam Generator, the Prism, and...by the way, there is no 5th artifact. Samos, you’re full of shit.

(Unless the Eco Sphere you get from Seem towards the end counts, but it’s very unclear.)

And, by the way, I had to Google those artifact names. The artifacts are never actually named until you acquired them in-game. Jak just finds random artifacts and is like, “Welp, this’ll do it! How convenient!”

Sigh.

Once we get all these artifacts no one told us about, we’re told to go take a cab down to the center of the earth. We don’t do that, and instead blow some shit up to visit our friends in person again. 

(Quarantine mood, really.)

And, again, I can’t get over how much of a non-character Keira is. Seriously, she just stands there and claps like a 3-year-old.

And we also come to my own personal pet peeve: the scene where Ashelin strips Veger of his title.

I can’t with this shit.

The biggest issue I have with this game, from a story standpoint, is how quickly the inciting incident is resolved. Like, Jak being banished is the whole reason we have a Jak 3. The city turned against him; his anti-hero choices in Jak 2 led to him being blamed for the war in Jak 3. It made sense.

But Ashelin decides, 75% through the game, to just be like, “Naw, Veger, fuck you. Get out of my face, buh bye.”

It just pisses me off, because if Ashelin had that power, why didn’t she use it before Jak was banished??

And why is Jak okay with this? Why is Moody McAngerface not even a little annoyed that she didn’t care enough to do this when he was dying of heatstroke in the desert?

Uuuuuuggggghhhhh guys I don’t understand.

So we see Vin again, blow some more stuff up, fight Erol, and get some tentacle wings. Seem acts all nice to us and gives us a present we didn’t know we needed. More Dadmas ensues, we see the Dark Maker ship for some reason, blow even more stuff up.

Finally, it’s time to head to the catacombs. We get into some trouble with Dark Makers (even though there’s only, like, three of them), and Damas busts through the goddamn wall in a car.

No idea how he got here, considering the Wasteland appears to be an island, but whatever, it’s a badass scene.

Then, because Jak can’t have anything nice, they get hit and crash the car all over Damas’ legs.

Seriously, dude, I get that you might be dying from blood loss, but why are you coughing, your lungs are fine.

So Damas dies, Jak is his long-lost son, it’s very sad, and Veger you piece of shit.

I will forever be salty that Veger, who was an overall excellent villain, was sidelined for Erol of all people. Admittedly, Jak 2 did the same thing with Praxis, but Kor was a much better Big Bad than Erol.

Regardless, we then get the Worst Plot Twist Ever, when we find out the Precursors are ottsels.

k.

Moving on from that tragedy, we then get to fight Erol. The fight sucks, it’s boring and I hate driving the stupid Wasteland buggies.

And then the end comes, and my blood pressure skyrockets. Somewhere, my PCP senses a disturbance.

The Precursors being ottsels is stupid, but Jak telling them to call him “Mar” is even stupider. First of all, Jak does not seem like the kind of person to get sentimental over his birth name. It’s weird, and I don’t like it.

Second of all, the ottsel leader calls him Mar once, directly after that. And then never again. 

Seriously, 90 seconds after Jak says he wants to be known as Mar, this happens:

I’m sorry, what’s that?

Why would you add that line in about Jak wanting to be called by his birth name, and then ignore it a minute and half later??!!

It just infuriates me. There’s a lot of stuff in Jak 3 that does this: it’s touched on once, then it’s gone forever.

And let’s talk about Daxter’s wish. I actually find this particular decision - where Daxter chooses to wish for pants instead of being human again - totally believable. 

Despite how much Daxter is regarded as the comic relief idiot of the duo, he’s actually shown to be pretty sharp. He’s definitely observant. And at this point, remember that he’s already seen the Precursors at work: he saw them turn Veger into an ottsel.

So Daxter probably realized that these guys were on some monkey paw, be-careful-what-you-wish-for bullshit and decided to wish for the most innocuous thing he could. Who knows what would happen if he actually asked to become human again? Might come out lookin’ like Samos.

And he’s right, by the way! Look at what those assholes did to my baby Tess. They could’ve just got her a size 6 pair of Levi’s and been like, “Here, boom, pants.” 

But nooo, they turned her into an ottsel, too, because why not why the fuck not nothing matters ahhhhHHHHHHHHH

...

...

Anyway, like I said, Jak 3 is my favorite in the series. It had such potential. It’s like a puzzle that’s missing pieces. I like it more for what it could have been, rather than the absolute mess it actually is.

[themetaphorgirl]

OOOO!!! Little brain worm while I was sitting outside like two min ago watching lightingbugs!!! But like the patron saints team teaching baby spencer about catching lightingbugs cause hes never had a real childhood and his little science brain getting so happy and exited over holding these little bugs!!!!!

THIS IS VERY VERY CUTE and this is the kind of adorable cuddly content I needed after a day like today.

----------

“So you want me to catch bugs and put them in a jar?”

“No, god, Emily, it sounds weird when you say it like that,” Penelope huffed.

Emily gave the mason jar a shake. “But that’s what you want me to do,” she said, perplexed.

“Come on, Em, you’ve never caught fireflies before?” JJ said. She glanced over at Spencer wrestling with the lid of his jar. “I mean, him I understand. But you’ve never done it?”

“This may come as a surprise, but the ambassador was not fond of any activity that might result in running, loud noises, or getting dirty,” Emily said. “What do you do once you catch them?”

“You admire them for a while, and then you let them go,” Hotch said.

“That’s all?”

“Yeah, kinda,” Derek said. He unscrewed the lid of Spencer’s jar and handed it back to him. “You ready?” 

Emily sighed. “I don’t think you’re going to give me a choice,” she said. She glanced back at the three oldest kids sitting under the trees. “Unless one of you guys want to talk them out of this.”

“Not a chance, Prentiss,” Alex called back. “Go play nice with the other children.”

Dave got up from the grass. “I’ll go show her how it’s done,” he said. “I used to be really good at this.”

“You mean competitive,” James said.

“I have twenty-seven cousins, second cousins, and cousins that probably aren’t related but might as well be,” Dave shrugged. “You have to be competitive in my family, or else.”

James laughed and leaned back on his elbows. It was the nicest night they’d had in a while, the air soft and warm as the stars started to pick up in the darkening sky. The fireflies were just beginning to wake up, flickering in little pinpoints. The other kids made silhouettes against the dark blue, fireflies winking around them. Dave lectured Emily on proper technique whie she rolled her eyes; Derek and Hotch helped Spencer chase the bugs down.

He glanced at Alex beside him, squinting at her book. “It’s probably too dark to read, you know,” he said.

“I do know, I just got to a good part,” she sighed.

He sat up, fumbling for his phone, and held it over her book as he switched on the flashlight. “Better?” he asked.

She smiled. “My hero,” she said.

“Any time,” he said.

Her soft hair spilled over her shoulders; he wrapped the ends of a lock around his finger. She glanced up at him from under her lashes. “What are you thinking?” she asked.

He let her hair slip through his fingers. “Well, I was thinking that maybe-”

Spencer hurtled over to them, hugging a jar to his chest. “I caught one!” he said. He flung himself into Alex’s lap and held it up in triumph. “See?”

James drew back, hiding a laugh behind his hand. “Yes, darling, I see,” she said. She set her book aside and drew him up to sit better. 

Spencer squinted at the insect inside. “You know, the terms firefly and lightning bug are technically interchangeable, it depends on regional dialects, but actually there’s dozens of varieties,” he said. “And some regions even call them glowworms, but they’re not really the same, there’s actually two main subcategories of glowworms. Beetles and fungus gnats.”

“That’s, um...that’s pretty cool, Spence,” James said.

Spencer held the jar up in front of his face, watching the bug blink on and off. “Do you think I could keep it?” he asked. “Just a little longer. I want to observe it in daylight.”

“Probably not,” Alex said, smoothing his hair. “I think you’ll need to let him go.”

Spencer pouted in disappointment. “You should listen to Alex, she’s-” James cleared his throat. “She’s, uh, usually right about these kinds of things.”

Spencer pulled away and frowned, looking from Alex to James. “You guys are acting funny,” he said. His eyes went wide. “Oh! Were you going to kiss her?”

James leaned back, feeling his neck heat up in embarrassment. “Oh!” he said. “Uh...no. I mean, that wasn’t…”

“I was pretty sure he was about to kiss me,” Alex said.

“Or I might crawl into a hole and die, that’s always an option,” James stammered.

Spencer scrambled off of Alex’s lap. “Don’t mind me, I was never here,” he said, running back to join the other kids.

James stared at the ground. Alex poked him lightly in the arm. “I thought you were going to kiss me, Blake,” she said.

“No, I’m hoping the earth will open and swallow me up,” he said. “This...this wasn’t what I planned, I’ve been waiting-”

He felt Alex lean closer, her hair falling against his shoulder, and her lips brushed lightly against his. “You say that like I haven’t been waiting,” she said, and he smiled, cupping her chin in his hand and kissing her again.

“Guys! He did it!” 

“Are you shitting me?”

“God, I thought it would never happen.”

Alex laughed. “I think everyone’s been waiting,” she said. 

“All right, who had money on two weeks before prom, and Alex kissing first?”

“Me!”

“Dammit, Blake, if you’d waited just one more week…”

[idumpyourgrass]

Always Waiting- Chapter Thirteen

Always Waiting- Steve Harrington x Henderson!Reader

(I do not own gif!)

Always Waiting Masterlist

Summary: There’s some weird tension between Steve and Y/n, The plan is set into action, Y/n blurts out something crazy

Pairing: Steve Harrington x Henderson!Reader

A/n: Tea is spilt in this chapter!! I’m so excited! We are nearing the end of this book, maybe 3-4 more chapters? But don’t worry, I’m already planning my next one! I hope you like this chapter! As always lmk if you want to be added to the taglist!

Warnings: Swearing, mention of guns, typos ofc

Word Count: 1.8k

“That keycard opens up the door,” Dustin explains, “but unfortunately, the person who has that keycard also has a massive gun.” He looks up at all of you.

“Whatever’s in those boxes, in that room, they really don’t want anyone to know about it.”

You groan hopping off the counter and moving towards the table, “there’s got to be a way in.”

“Well you know…” Steve starts, glancing up at you, “I could just take them out.”

You cross your arms, raising your eyebrows, “Take who out?”

“The Russian guard.” He looks around the room receiving unconvinced looks from you, Dustin and Robin. “What? I sneak up behind him, knock him out, and grab his keycard. It’s easy.”

You drag your hands down your face, “Oh my god.”

“Did you not hear the part about the massive guns?”

“Yeah, Dustin, I did. That’s why I’d be sneaking,” He moved his two fingers across the table.

“Oh!” You exasperated, throwing your hands up in disbelief.

“Steve, tell me, and be honest, have you ever actually won a fight?” Dustin asks.

“That was one time,”

“Twice actually, Jonathan, year prior?” You pointed out, “I witnessed you get the shit kicked out of you twice.”

“Who was the one who got knocked out last year? Oh wait that was you.” Steve pointed a finger towards you.

“I had to step in because you were getting your ass beat! What was I supposed to do? Just stand around and watch?” You took a step towards him.

“I had everything under control! Until you decided to try to be a hero or whatever.” He took a step towards you.

“Trying to be a hero? I was trying to help you!” Your voice was getting louder and louder and so was his.

“Yeah? Well I don’t need your help!”

“That’s funny cause it sure did look like it when he smashed that fucking plate over your head!” You and Steve both took a pause, trying to catch your breath. You looked up at Steve and realized how close you were, noses almost touching. You had completely forgotten Dustin and Robin were in the room until Dustin cleared his throat. Feeling the heat rise to your cheeks you quickly took a step back, keeping your eyes on the ground.

“That just might work,” Robin muttered running towards the tip jar, “What?” Robin reached in and grabbed all the money and took off running, “Robin! What are you doing?” You call after her, as you, Steve and Dustin run after her. “To find a way into the room, a safe way. And in the meantime, sling ice cream, and you and Steve behave!”

“Safe, I like that she said that. A safe way, one that won’t get us killed.” You shoot a glare towards Steve and head into the backroom.

*       *       *

“It’s amazing what 20 bucks will get you,” Robin rolls out blueprints for Starcourt mall, “At the county recorder’s office.” She takes out a pen and circles Scoops Ahoy, “This is us, Scoops,” she circles another part of the mall, “This is where we want to get.” You lean in, taking a closer look at the map. “I don’t really see a way in?” You observe.

“There’s not, unless you’re just thinking doors.”

“Airducts,” Dustin chimes in.

Robin nods then goes back to drawing on the map, making a line from Scoops to the door, “These airducts, lead all the way… here.”

You all four look up to the airduct.

“Who’s gonna take one for the team and climb through?” Steve asks pulling out the ladder.

“I can do it,” Dustin suggests. Steve unscrews the vent, “Yeah, man, I don’t think you can fit, it’s like super tight.”

“I can fit, no collar bones remember?”

“I’m sorry, what?” Robin snickered.

“Oh he has some disease, uhhhhh, chrydo…” Steve tries to remember the name.

“Cleidocranial dysostosis.” You correct him.

“Yeah, whatever, he can bend like gumbo.” He explains to Robin

“I think you mean Gumby,” You look up at Steve.

“No, it’s gumbo,” Steve argues.

“It’s most certainly not gumbo. It’s Gumby, with a Y.”

“Gumby? No it’s Gumbo.” You roll your eyes.

“Would you both just shut up? Steve push me.” Dustin yells from the vent. Steve gives Dustin a big push. While they are struggling to get Dustin in the vent, Erica Sinclair comes in for her daily samples. You look up at Steve and Dustin, then to Robin, who seems to have the same idea as you.

*     *     *

Steve slides a sundae for Erica onto the table.

“You see this?” Robin points to the map, “This is the route you’ll take. Then we just wait for the last delivery, then you’ll knock down the grate, hop down, open the door-“

“And then you’ll find out what’s in those boxes?” She looks at all four of you as you all nod. “And you say this guard is armed?”

“Yes, but he won’t be there,” you reassure her.

“You want my help? This USS Butterscotch better be the first of many, and I’m talking free Ice cream,” She locks eyes with you, “For life.”

*.      *.       *

The four of you waited on the mall’s roof for Erica.

“Are you nerds in position?” Erica asks over the walkie talkie.

“Yeah, we’re in position, you’ve got the green light,” you say.

“Green light, roger that. I’ll see you on the other side, nerds.”

You held your breath as you waited for Erica, hoping there wouldn’t be any guards you didn’t catch.

“I’m in,” Erica confirms.

“Oh, thank god,” you let out a shaky breath.

The door opens and Erica comes out, “Free ice cream. For life!” She yells.

You all make your way down to the loading dock and head through the door. Steve talks one of the boxes and opens it, steam rolls down the sides of the box, “Definitely not Chinese food,” Steve says.

“What is that?” You ask, looking down into the box.

“Maybe you guys should stand back,” Steve suggests. You, Erica, and Robin take a couple steps back.

“Dustin,” You try to grab his arm to move him back.

“Dustin get back,” Steve says, trying to push him.

“No! If you die, I die.”

Steve lifts up whatever was in the box to reveal a tube with some green liquid in it.

“What the hell?” You ask getting a closer look.

“What is that?” Erica asks.

You start to hear a rumbling noise, “Guys…?” The room starts to shake.

“Was that just me, or did the room move?” Dustin asks.

“Boobytraps,” Erica whispers.

“You know what? Let’s just grab that and go.” Robin takes the tube and you all head for the door, but before you can make it out, the door shuts.

Dustin rushes over to the panel of buttons and pushes the door open button, nothing happens. Uh oh.

“Uh, Erica, which one do I press?”

“Just push the damn button nerd!” Erica insists.

“Dustin just push the button, please!” You say, starting to panic.

Steve runs over and starts repeatedly pressing the button. Another set of doors close.

“Steve what did you do?” You yell.

“Nothing! I just pushed the button!”

The room shakes again and this time, it drops.

“Oh shit! We’re going down!” Steve yells.

“No shit Harrington!” You yell back.

Everyone starts screaming. You try to grab a hold of something in the state of panic. Steve reaches his hand out and without thinking you grab it, tight. You squeeze your eyes shut hoping the room will stop but it doesn’t, you fall for what feels like an eternity. Suddenly, the room stops, sending you all to the ground.

“Is everyone ok?” You groan, rubbing your head.

“Yeah, I’m great knowing that Russians can’t design elevators!” Steve shouts.

Dustin gets up and attempts to push the buttons again.

“I think we’ve established those buttons don’t work,” Erica says.

“They’re buttons, they have to do something.”

“Yeah, if we had a keycard,” You mumble, sitting up and leaning against the wall.

“What?” Dustin asks.

“The electronic keycard, same as the loading dock? We need it to get out.” You point to the key card scanner.

“Just so you nerds know, I’m supposed to be staying the night at Tina’s tonight, and Tina always covers for me but if I’m not at uncle Jack’s party tomorrow, my mom will hunt you down one by one and slit your throats.” Erica says.

Steve turns around, running his fingers through his hair, “I don’t care about Tina, or Uncle Jack’s party! Your mom won’t find us if we’re dead inside a Russian Elevator!” Steve snaps.

“Steve, knock it off,” you kick his leg with your foot.

“What if we climbed out?” Dustin points up towards the ceiling.

*     *     *

After discovering climbing out would be much harder than you thought, you all decided to sleep in shifts. You sat on top of the elevator lost in thought. You didn’t hear Steve come up and sit down right next to you.

“Hey,” he nudges your leg with his foot, “Whatcha thinking about?”

“Just thinking,” you say, staring off into space, “How do we always get ourselves into these situations?” You grinned, turning your head towards Steve. He looked right back at you.

“I have no idea, but I must say, we do make a pretty badass duo,” he smirked. He moved his gaze down to his feet, “I’m sorry for being such an asshole, I just, I just don’t know how to act around you.” He admits. “Like, I want to be friends, I do, but then I get scared that I’m going to lose you again, so I just think if I’m not friends I have nothing to lose, does that make sense?” He rambles. You just nod. A comfortable silence falls between you two. You sit up and turn to face Steve.

“You know what? Let’s make a promise. No matter what kind of shit gets thrown our way, we are not leaving each other’s lives again. We have gone through too much shit together to just throw away our whole relationship.”

“We have to pinky promise, or else you might break it,” Steve says holding out his pinky. You lock your pinkies.

“Unless I get killed by an evil Russian, I will keep my promise,” you say, leaning back against the wall.

“Hey what did I tell you? I’m not letting anything happen to either of you, or to Robin and Erica.”

“Oh yeah? When did you become such a badass?” You teased.

“When the sailor suit comes on, I’m a changed man,” Steve gestures down to his outfit.

This sends you into a fit of giggles. You turn and look at Steve, studying his side profile. He turns and smiles at you. You can’t stop yourself from blurting out.

“I love you,” Oh god no, you did not mean to say that. You clasp a hand over your mouth

Steve’s smile dropped, “W-what?” He stutters.

“You hide your face with your hands, “Oh my god why did I say that?”

“Y/n I-“

“I’m gonna go, uh, in the elevator, now, to check on everyone, Dustin,” You trip over your feet as you try to stand up.

You hop down into the elevator leaving Steve bewildered.

Jesus Christ why did you say that?

Taglist:

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[lia-jones]

Growing Stronger - Chapter Thirty-Six - Preview of What's to Come

It was the day before the big day! Saturday, March 21st. In twenty-four hours my last name would no longer be Jones, and I would officially belong to a new family, one Victor and I were creating for ourselves. A dream come true. I had butterflies in my stomach since I woke up that morning, I could only imagine how I would be on my wedding day.

Victor and I spent most of the day packing and making the last arrangements for our honeymoon. Our conjugal expedition would last a total of two weeks, which I thought was very ambitious, given LFG would be minus a CEO, but Victor was adamant that we took the time to ourselves, since we had been so busy the last few months.

“We need to learn to take time to ourselves.” Victor pointed out once again later that evening, while we drove to Aunt Terry’s ranch for the wedding rehearsal. “I don’t mean just you, me too. I have been solely focused on work for way too long. Our lives are changing, so should we.”

“You are not wrong, but I still think your no phone policy won’t last long. Eventually, Goldman will need something from you. Two weeks is a long time.” I frowned at him.

“At least just for the first three days. I want those to be just for us.” He turned down the familiar dirt road that led to his aunt’s property, stopping the car right at the entrance. “Ready?” He smiled tenderly. I took a deep breath, my heart starting to beat faster.

“Yes.” I nodded with conviction.

The dusky sky was getting darker, the fiery hues being replaced with dark ones, as we drove down the dirt road. It was like I was entering a fairytale. Every tree lining the road was covered in beautiful colored ribbons, and from them hung jars with flickering candles, lighting our way to the mansion. By the gates, two huge golden letters, V and A, signed the place of what would be called by the media the most important event of the year: our wedding. The gates and the walls by them were adorned with beautiful white roses and peonies, and huge lit candles were strategically placed by them, giving the whole area a whimsical atmosphere. The child in me was expecting to see fairies floating about,  like I was watching one of those Tinkerbell movies.

“I think it’s safe to assume you like it.” Victor gave me a smug smile. “You’re yet to say a word.”

I had helped plan some of the wedding, but the big plans were in Victor’s and the wedding planner’s hands, and Victor insisted on keeping some of it a surprise for me. When I looked at the man I loved, my eyes were brimming with tears of joy.

“It’s perfect.” I couldn’t help my wide grin. I was so happy. And seeing him grin back just as wide made things even more perfect.

As we entered the gates and I observed the garden, perfectly illuminated in the now darkening night, I felt my heart fill with joy and love. I was so distracted with my professional life, only awakening slightly to my personal one, that I completely forgot how romantic and magical Victor could be. This was clearly an ode to our love. It had the care and the tenderness I felt from him every day times a million. It was dazzling.

“This weekend, I want you to be surrounded by nothing but joy, beauty, and love.” He spoke with tender eyes looking at me, containing a million emotions, most of which I couldn’t decipher, but one was very clear.

Bernard met us at the door and we strolled around in the garden for a while, admiring in detail what we were sure we wouldn’t be able to the following day, while he showed us every aspect of the decorations. After spending some time with him, his English was starting to sound more normal to me, although peonies were still a serious trigger for my laughter. Noticing that it was getting late, we headed for the wedding venue. The officiant was already expecting us at the gazebo, along with my family and some of Victor’s family, which included his father, some of his aunts and uncles, aunt Terry and her partner, Susan. Gregory didn’t look happy.

The rehearsal was pretty simple, as we assume our positions, my father walking me down the aisle and taking me to Victor, and the usual exchange of vows that we chose to memorize instead of repeat. It was pretty uneventful, but of course, no wedding is a true wedding without a story to tell. And although this was a Lee wedding, held to the highest of standards, ours wouldn’t be an exception.

After we said our vows and pretended to exchange our rings, the officiant made the dreaded declaration that is always so popular in movies: If anyone has reason to be against this wedding, speak now, or forever hold your peace.

This part was so useless nobody was actually paying much attention. That is, until we heard a loud NOOOOOOOOOO coming from the end of the aisle. It turns out, it was Mia’s assistant, Minor, who was playing something on his cellphone and apparently was not having a great game. But that wasn’t actually the funniest part. Gavin, who was sitting by his side, got up ready to fall on him like a boulder, but not before Mia, red as a tomato, got up from Gavin’s side, smacked Minor hard in the stomach, making him double over and let out a loud ooofff.

Victor witnessed it with an expression that screamed What are these idiots doing now? To me, it was the funniest thing I had ever seen since blue penises. I stifled a laugh, noticing Greg watching us closely with judgemental eyes. But, truth be told, I knew what was coming, and I wouldn’t be able to hold it in. Pretending to show affection to my beloved future husband, I leaned my face against his chest, letting myself laugh a little. Noticing it, Victor rubbed my back.

“Quit it, Andrea.” He whispered between clenched teeth. I was lost. Victor’s reprimand only made me laugh more.

“Is she crying?” I heard Terry ask. “Oh, honey, there’s no reason to cry.”

“No.” I heard Victor’s voice, flat as a board. “She’s laughing.” He turned to me. “Ok, enough already. It wasn’t that funny.”

But it was. I replayed the entire scene again in my mind, picturing Minor’s face getting slightly purple with embarrassment and surprise, and tears started to come.

“The little woman…” I heard the officiant’s voice, strained as he tried not to laugh. “For someone so little she sure does pack a punch!” He let out a hearty laugh.

“Just like the bride!” My brother chimed in, laughing, and soon I could hear my parents laugh too.

They say there is nothing as contagious as laughter. One by one, all the guests present started laughing in unison. Even Victor, who was trying to keep it together, threw composure to the wind and was laughing too, his chest rumbling against my cheeks.

When, after some very long minutes, the laughter stopped and I was able to lift my face from Victor’s shirt, Gavin, Mia and Minor were nowhere to be seen, and Gregory was shooting daggers in my direction, a look of disgust on his face. The officiant was still wiping tears from his cheeks, trying to catch a breath.

“I have to say, in 10 years of practice, I have never heard a single objection, let alone such a heartfelt one!” He chuckled. “Well, let’s finish this practice. Does anyone else object to this wedding? If that’s the case, I think we can summon the little woman again!”.

I laughed loudly and the room followed me again. Victor gave the officiant a stern look.

“Skip that part tomorrow.” Victor instructed the officiant.

There is definitely no cleansing power like laughter. We left the rehearsal in good spirits, Victor particularly excited for the next activity.

It is customary for the groom to plan a dinner with all his favorite things before the wedding, usually during rehearsal dinner. My father and Victor were planning this for weeks, constantly talking on the phone or via Skype, constructing the perfect wine tasting dinner. Victor hired three renowned chefs to cook for us that night, one of them being his teacher Guy Sauvant, and some sommeliers to explain the wines and the pairings to the guests.

The decoration of the tent was truly Victor’s taste, and it somehow reminded me of old cellars and antique parlor rooms, intricate iron candle holders and dark velvet sofas and chairs, images of paintings everywhere, decorating the menus, hanging on the walls or in the background of the bars.

We sat and ate, and I noticed how relaxed Victor seemed to be around my family. Although we were trying to give both families the same attention, we would naturally gravitate towards mine, and Victor seemed to enjoy himself more in their presence, either engaging in light conversations with my parents, or laughing at some joke Joshua had made, or simply holding Ana on his lap when she demanded attention. He had clearly been adopted by the Jones, but it seemed he had adopted them too.

Gregory walked up to us while we were laughing about a story my father was telling from one of his trips.

“Greetings to the happy couple. It seems like my son has such a busy life nowadays that he doesn’t  have time to greet his own father.” Gregory shook our hands, his expression as dry as the desert.

“I was waiting for you to finish your meal.” I noticed Victor’s shoulder’s tense as he shook his father’s hand. “I hope everything was to your liking.”

“I can’t say I’m terribly impressed so far.” Gregory gave me a weird look and turned to Victor. “Make sure your fiancée shows a little more restraint tomorrow. We don’t want that ridiculous scene in front of our guests.”

“You mean your guests.” Victor kept his poker face but his ears became red, revealing his anger. “The people I know nothing about and yet you insisted I’d invite.” He gave Gregory a defiant look. “Moreso, please remind yourself that this is Andrea’s wedding too, and she is allowed to laugh as much as she wants, even if that is disagreeable to your guests.”

Gregory took a step further, ready to charge with some venomous words. I held Victor’s hand tight, anticipating a confrontation.

“Gregory!” My mother touched Gregory’s arm amicably. He looked at his arm and then at her, as if he was considering if he had been infected by something. “Have you tried the cherry wine my husband brought? Come, I’ll serve you some while we chat, I would love to know the father that raised this remarkable young man.”

Wise as always, my mother knew that a stroke of Gregory’s ego would be enough to divert his attention. The flattery made him quickly conclude she was worthy of his attention, and both walked away to get the cherry wine. Sitting by my side, Victor was fuming.

“It’s ok, let it go.” I rubbed his upper arm lovingly.

“That’s exactly why I didn’t want him here.” He mumbled, turning at me after. “How are you not angry? He basically implied you were some idiot I should control.”

“I don’t care what he says.” I shrugged. “Besides, he’s the real idiot if he thinks he’s going to ruin my night. You shouldn’t let him ruin yours either.”

Victor nodded, coming closer for a short sweet kiss. We heard a soft clink from afar. It was my brother, in the center of the room, gathering everyone’s attention.

“Good evening, everyone. For those who don’t know me, my name is Joshua, and I’m Andrea’s twin brother. If you are wondering if that is actually true, because I’m taller and better looking, yes we are twins, no, I didn’t steal all the food in the womb, and yes, despite being the second born, I am the best twin.”

Everybody, especially my family laughed, while I playfully stuck out my tongue to my brother, Victor chuckling with the both of us.

“Hmmm… So what can I say about the bride and the groom? I’ll start with the bride, since I know her since we were two fertilized eggs inside my mother's womb.” Josh continued. ”Growing up, Andrea was a tomboy, refusing to live up to her gender role, always defying the rules and sticking true to what she believed in. I remember at a relative’s wedding, we were eight at the time, she tore her dress trying to show some ‘snotty boy,’” he used air quotes, “that girls could climb trees just as well as boys. The dress caught up in one of the branches and ripped apart, as Andrea dangled happily in one of the branches, her underwear showing.” There was another wave of laughter in the room. “My mother was livid but didn’t ground her, because she did climb the tree faster than the boy, even with her dress tearing apart. And even though she now is a respectable lady of the elite, and such dress ripping habits are frowned upon, I am sure she will still be the Andrea I’ve always known, a small yet concentrated force of nature, defying everyone that tries to put her down and showing us all there can be incredible strength in adversity.” Joshua’s throat caught up with emotion. “I’m so incredibly proud of you, sis.” He turned to Victor. “Now what can we say about our CEO.”

“This should be good.” Victor spoke to me, his flat voice not matching the smile he had in his eyes.

“Perhaps our groom doesn’t know this, but we had heard of him way before the two started dating. The truth was, Andy originally didn’t like Victor very much. Well, that’s an understatement. Every time she referred to him, she used some very original terms. My two favorite still are “Lord Victor, King of Highhorseland” and “Victor Lee, the Slayer of Souls and Destroyer of Joy”.

Again, everybody laughed, including Victor, but he still gave me a dirty look. I could feel myself seriously blush.

“That was before I knew the real you, you know that.” I defended myself. He simply smiled and softly rubbed his nose against mine.

“But the mighty King of Highhorseland must’ve done something right and somehow convince damsel Andrea to ride with him because, to our surprise, he flew across the ocean for about twelve hours just to see Andy defend her thesis and… they seemed pretty intimate, if you know what I mean. And that’s when I found out three undeniable truths about my future brother in law: one, he is persistent, because I bet it was no picnic trying to woo this one.”

Victor shook his head and everybody laughed. Thank you, dear brother.

“Two, he is caring and extremely giving. He flew from a distant country, ready to face our family and Dr. Mariana’s thorough interrogation, just to make my sister happy. And by the way they held each other, the way she looked at him, she was. It’s obvious you make my sister very happy Victor, and I have to thank you for that. Thank you for taking such good care of her.” Joshua was misty-eyed again. “And three!” Joshua cleared his throat. “Victor is a very strong man. Not only did he date hurricane Andrea, he’s marrying her. Now seriously, I wish the best to both of you! Victor, welcome to the family!”

Everybody clapped and we nodded, thanking them for the applause and the best wishes, although it was more of a roast than a best wish speech. Either way, it was the way my brother would say I love you , through comedy and sarcasm, a mask not very different from the one Victor wore with his poker face. Goldman stood up, and took the mic from Joshua.

“Victor, Andrea, it is with great joy that I come here to witness your commitment, and what I believe is the beginning of a lifetime of happiness. I still remember the first day Andy came to LFG and thinking she wouldn’t last a day there. But she was a pleasant surprise, manning the desk in no time and impressing us all. Apart from some minor mishaps with a fountain pen.”

I looked at Victor with wide eyes, feeling like a burglar caught red-handed. Way back when, when I started my internship at LFG and was moved to Victor’s office, I accidentally broke his favorite fountain pen. It was a stupid accident, I unwittingly threw it to the ground while getting some documents from his desk and stepped on it. As I saw the ink spread on what seemed to be a brand new rug, my heart nearly stopped. Fortunately, Goldman entered the room, and, seeing the panic in my eyes, he swiftly exchanged the broken pen with a new one from his front pocket, and spilled coffee on the ink stain to hide my crime. And soon we were partners in crime, joined in a secret that, if revealed, would make Victor have my head.

It looked like it was time for my punishment. I just hoped the wedding would reduce my sentence.

“Stop acting so nervous.” He smiled at me. “I knew it was  you all along.”

“YOU DID?!” I was appalled. “How? Why didn’t you say anything?” He kept quiet this whole time, letting me live with the guilt?

“Unless Goldman was trying to poison me, coffee isn’t blue. And I could tell the pen I was using was brand new. After that, it was a matter of finding out who truly did it. The guilty look on your face the next morning was the final clue.” He came closer, pecking the tip of my nose. “I knew that if I mentioned you would feel bad, and most likely want to leave LFG again. I couldn’t allow that.”

I smiled at him, my heart warm for knowing he wanted me close to him since the very start. We turned to Goldman, who was still giving his speech.

“... a good man, with a heart made of gold. Yes, he may sometimes be demanding, but he is that way for the good of the company and to allow us to keep our jobs. And Andy has changed him deeply in that department as well, he’s very different from what he used to be. I mean, when I started seeing him so happy I started tasting all his drinks, fearing she was putting something in them.”

“WHAT?” I heard Victor shout by my side, making me laugh hard when I saw his disgusted expression.

“And I should probably finish my speech, if I still want to keep my job. Let’s hear it for the happy couple! A happy life for you two!” Goldman rushed to finish. Needless to say, everybody laughed.

After a few more shorts speeches, with guests wishing us a happy life, gushing about how Victor and I looked cute together, some more lively music started playing. Victor and I sat in one of the sofa’s bantering with my parents, his hand on my waist, holding me lovingly, while I occasionally nudged his chest with my head. Eventually, Terry and Susan came to sit with us.

“Are you enjoying yourselves?” Victor asked.

“Actually, I would like to thank you both for inviting me to the wedding.” Susan spoke. “It means a lot to us.”

“No need.” Victor answered with a frank smile. “My pleasure.”

“I’m just sorry I was so oblivious before.” I chimed in, slightly embarrassed. “I didn’t even invite Susan to my bachelor party.”

“It’s alright.” Terry took my hand, turning it. “I can predict a double date in the near future, after you are done honeymooning.”

“That will take a while.” Victor joked.

“What is this I’m hearing now? Terry’s assistant is invited? Is it the theme of this wedding to display the stains of this family for the whole world to see?” We heard Victor’s father say, behind us.

“I have invited them.” I stood up, facing him. “If she’s with your sister, she’s part of the family.”

“Why am I not surprised?” Gregory spat. “You are definitely unfit to be a Lee. You lack the decorum, the finesse-”

“Ok, enough.” My mother approached us, trying to lighten the mood. “We don’t want to start a fight here, Gregory, our kids are getting married tomorrow.” She paused, holding her hands up, urging us all to calm down. “Let’s all get some sleep, tomorrow we’ll all have a big day. Agreed?”

“Either she goes, or I go. You choose.” Gregory warned Victor. Victor was about to retort when my mother intervened again.

“Please, no need to choose.” She looked at Gregory warmly. “This isn’t about any of us, it’s about Victor and Andrea. Let’s get some sleep, come on. Off you go, guys.”

“Do you still think it was a good idea to invite him?” Victor sighed, frustrated, as we walked towards the house.

“Hey, stop worrying about it.” I held his bicep, squeezing it tight. “Tomorrow we will have the wedding and we will be too busy to even know he’s there, and he won’t dare misbehave with all the media around him. And after that, we will only deal with him if we want to. It’ll be over soon.”

“You are right. He will forget all about us the moment all of this ends.” He smiled at me as we walked in, heading to my bedroom. “Go get your things and come sleep with me.”

“No, we should spend this night apart.” I smiled, stroking his chest lovingly. “To make it more special the night after the wedding.”

“We’ll spend the night after the wedding on a plane to Paris.” He grabbed my waist, pulling me closer, luring me in. “Come sleep with me, I can’t sleep without you.” He kissed my neck softly, teasing me.

“I’m sorry, Mr. Lee, but my answer is no.” I pushed him away playfully, only to get a sigh in response. “I’m saving myself for marriage.”

“You can’t even say that with a straight face.” He gave me a flat expression, which only made me laugh.

“I bid you goodnight.” I pecked him on the cheek. “Sleep well.”

Obviously, I wouldn’t get away with it. He pulled me against him once more, kissing me so passionately I had no choice but to melt in his arms.

“Fine.” He broke the kiss and let me go, chuckling when I slightly whimpered. “No, no, don't complain. My fiancée wants to sleep away from me and her wishes are my command. She shall sleep alone tonight.”

Later that night, alone in my bed, I was tossing and turning. Not only did I miss my bed, but mostly I missed Victor, his touch, his smell, his warmth. This was going to be a lot harder than I thought. With a heavy sigh of resignation, I opened my bedroom door and left, taking my pillow with me. Time to get some sleep.

[himbowelsh]

Jet lag & Webgott. I know the theme is PAIN but can I request something mildly to very funny??

a little fall of meme can hardly hurt me now  ( accepting )

‘make it funny,’ you say, at which point i instantly forget the concept of humor

By this point, David has become fluent in Joe’s bitching, whichever language it’s voiced in.

It’s an acquired skill — frankly, one he could have lived his entire life without acquiring — but knowing where Joe stands makes navigating their relationship a lot easier. When it comes to the little things, Joe wears his heart on his sleeve. If he doesn’t like a particular TV show, he’ll say it… loudly. When it’s snowing, he’ll agonize about it until David’s tempted to shove him outside and lock the door; when it’s too hot, he’ll strip without shame, hissing like a disgruntled cat all the while. By now, they’ve been dating long enough that David knows Joe like a familiar book, leafed through a hundred times over. Sure, sometimes he could do without all that context, but a working knowledge of Joe’s quirks makes dealing with him that much easier.

Joe Fact #263: He can’t stand long flights.

It’s not like he’s a nervous flier. He’s just… a lot to handle. Part of it has to do with Joe’s inherent restlessness, a genetic predisposition to never hold still for more than a minute; part of it is just Joe’s talent for being annoying. And he can be… really, really annoying. Damned obnoxious. He doesn’t read, he’s hardly interested in the movies — he just spends the entire flight complaining. Why can’t he get WiFi? Why can’t he order another gin and tonic? Why are the seats so lumpy? Why do you want me to close the window, Web, look at this view, it’s priceless —

Having the window open makes him air sick. Joe knows this.

It’s not a massive problem, but during any long flight, it becomes an inevitable one. Queasiness is just another thing Joe gets to complain about on long flights. Part of David thinks it’s all a ploy; an excuse to get up and move around the cabin, even if it’s just to hide out in the bathroom and try to get WiFi signal. 

To be fair — on their trip to the Amalfi coast, when Joe had to sprint to the bathroom mid-flight and stayed there for over an hour, he probably wasn’t faking it.

Flying with Joe is unbearable for everyone involved… so when Joe announces his new solution, David’s optimistic. They’re two days out from a trip to Hawaii when Joe reveals a bottle of air sickness pills — apparently “the best they sell on the whole Internet, Web, I checked.”

David’s skeptical. “Are you… sure you can’t just make it?”

Joe huffs, genuinely offended by the question. “Fine! This time I’ll just blow chunks all over you. In-flight entertainment’s gonna be The Exorcist. How about that, Web? Fuck.”

David rolls his eyes — but he doesn’t argue anymore. At the time, it seems like a testament to his self-control.

Oh, how naive he was.

The pills make it through customs in their carry-on bag — something Joe gloats about for the next half hour, like he’s just pulled one over on the government, even though David looked it up and medication is allowed on planes. While waiting for their flight, Joe insists on Cinnabon. Insists, like it’s the only thing he’s ever wanted. He pouts, he pleads, and finally he just tows David over to the stall without any forewarning and sits him down at one of the tables. (Joe Fact #312: Arguing with Joe while he’s got a pastry craving is like reasoning with a brick wall.)

The cinnamon bun in front of Joe is larger than your average infant.  “You ever heard of ‘tempting fate’?” David can’t help but ask around his own mouthful of pastry. 

Joe reaches over and smears frosting on his chin.

Without any delay, they make it on their flight in record time. Joe waits until they’re sitting, buckled in and watching the flight attendant go through safety procedures, to dig the pill bottle from his bag. A strange sense of unease churns David’s stomach, though he can’t for the life of him say why. Joe glances over, smirking; as David watches, he pops the two pills and swallows them dry.

“There. This flight’ll be smooth sailing.”

With four and a half hours of airtime ahead of them, David can only pray.

Joe’s not the researching sort — that goes without saying — but David has always been. He never takes a medication without looking up the full list of side effects in advance. When, twenty minutes into the in-flight movie, Joe’s head starts to loll against his shoulder, he’s not surprised.

“You alright?” he murmurs, turning just enough to speak the words softly into his boyfriend’s temple. Joe shifts, sighing heavily, and tries to straighten up again. It’s more effort than it’s worth.

“Might just end up sleeping through this thing,” he mutters. “Movie’s a snorefest anyway.”

It’s some movie about a dog. Neither of them have been really paying attention. “Okay,” David replies, keeping his tone casual. “That’s fine, just… get some rest.”

Joe shifts in his seat, making himself more comfortable. For about ten minutes, David stays very still. He doesn’t move; he doesn’t fidget; he doesn’t even breathe loudly.

When he looks over again, Joe’s dead to the world.

Oh, thank god.

David tilts his head back to grin at the ceiling, fist pumping the air without a sound — definitely earning a few sideways glances from other passengers, but he doesn’t care. Finally. After all this time, all this anticipation —

There’s no time to waste. He rummages through the carry-on at his feet, emerging with three large books, and headphones dangling from between his fingers. David drops his tray table, sets up his classical music Spotify playlist, cracks open the first book, and orders a Bloody Mary.

Peace at last.

The amount of long flights he’s endured through Joe’s whining… the amount of poking he’s had to deal with, the amount of dirty jokes whispered in his ear, all the times Joe’s stolen his books or drained his phone battery… he’s earned this, okay? As David leans back in his seat, it’s impossible to keep from grinning. Slumped against the window, Joe’s soft snores are easily drowned out by his headphones. They’ve got another five hours of flight ahead, and David plans to enjoy them.

Which he absolutely does, for the first hour. By the second, Joe’s got a specialty airline pillow under his head and a blanket tucked around him; David’s wallet is thirty dollars lighter, but it’s worth it. He runs his fingers through Joe’s hair absently, still engrossed in his book; after a while, he finishes it, and starts another one.

Somewhere around the third hour, Joe stirs, face smushing up against David’s shoulder. Gently, David repositions his head, only to find his boyfriend blinking drowsily at him.

“Hey, Web…” Joe’s voice is raspier than usual, thick with sleep. “How long’ve I been out?”

“A little while. We’re about halfway there.”

Joe hums, head flopping back against David’s shoulder. After a minute, he becomes aware of the blanket around him; a small huff escapes him, turning into a chuckle halfway through. “Aww, Web. Knew you cared.”

“As though I’d ever hear the end of it if you woke up with a sore neck.”

As though just to spite him, Joe cranes his neck at an unnatural angle to look up at him. “Wouldn’t be the first time we woke up sore together.” He pauses, thoughtful, then grins. “Wanna renew our mile high club membership?”

David shakes him off.

“Okay, okay, shit —“ Joe straightens up, disgruntled. Even sitting up in his seat, he sways a bit, as though rocking to turbulence no one else can feel. Davis observes as he gradually slumps against the window again, all the energy drained out of him. Mile high club — uh huh, very likely.

“These pills have any weird side effects?” Joe asks after a moment, brows furrowed. David rolls his eyes.

“How many times have I told you —“

“Read the fine print, yeah, damn it, Web. I get it.” Joe’s eyes scrunch shut. “They’re just not gonna — gimme an extra toe, or turn me green or anything, right?”

“No.” David diverts his attention, recommitting to his book with new stubbornness. “Orange, maybe.”

“That’s a color I can live with.” Without looking, Joe reaches over. Whatever he’s trying to grab, he ends up smacking David in the jaw. Hard, damn it. As David draws back with a muttered curse, Joe’s hand finds his chest; he gives it a few solid pats, maybe as an apology. “Mind if I sleep the rest of the way?”

“Please,” David rolls his eyes. “Be my guest.”

After a while, Joe’s snoring picks up again — and David is left to read in peace. He makes it through about a quarter of the next book before his eyes start hurting, and he finally has to set it aside. He orders a snack. He watches some late-night show. He doodles a bull shark on his napkin and daydreams about the white sands of Honolulu.

By the time the plane’s begun its final stretch, David is more than ready to start vacation. His pulse thrums with muted excitement, mind racing with all the things he wants to do as soon as they step off the plane. Every slight jolt of the plane as it descends kicks his anticipation a little higher.

By all rights, it should also jar Joe awake… but when David looks over, he’s surprised to find his boyfriend still sleeping.

“Hey,” he says, nudging Rip Van Winkle’s blanket-clad shoulder. “Nap time’s over. We’re almost there.”

Joe groans, shifting in his seat. When David tries again, he blindly smacks him.

“Jesus — will you —“ With a huff, David yanks the blanket away, leaving Joe bare. Suddenly exposed to the plane’s crisp air conditioning, Joe’s face scrunches up. He writhes in discomfort for a moment, fumbling around for the blanket, before at last cracking an eye open to look at Webster.

“You’re a sadist, Web.”

“I’m tired of watching you drool,” Webster retorts, busy packing up his carry-on. “Come on, rise and shine. We’ll be on the ground in a few minutes.”

Joe gives a drawn out sigh, as if it’s the greatest inconvenience in the world to ask him to be awake. Still, he props himself up. Over the next few minutes, as the airport tarmac slowly comes into view, he pulls himself from the syrupy haze of half-sleep, back into the land of the living. By the time they’re on the ground, he’s still blinking hard and rubbing his head, but awake.

“At least we’re had an easy flight,” David chirps as they make their way up the aisle.

“I dreamed I was on some tropical island, with a buncha pool floats, and the local girls were letting me eat fruit slices off their chests.”

“I already told you, we can’t do that in public — plus I have to wear sunscreen! I burn! Why do you want to eat fruit that tastes like sunscreen?”

“Just leave a spot bare —“

“I can’t stand tangerines,” Webster declares, cutting the argument off before it can take root. “Find a better fruit. If it’s pineapples, I’ll consider it.”

“That’s because you, like pineapples, are disgusting.” 

Joe suddenly stumbles, bracing himself against the ramp. On reflex, David catches him by the arm  —  but Joe isn’t falling, apparently, just steadying himself. When David raises his eyebrows, his boyfriend rolls his eyes and brushes him off.

“I’m fine, quit lookin’ at me like that.” A second later, Joe is on the move again. “Just a little jet-lagged.”

To be fair… David did enough research on the motion sickness pills in advance to know they made you drowsy. He just… didn’t look up how long it would last. 

By the time they’re collecting their luggage, Joe is lounging on a nearby-bench, half-asleep; David has to haul every suitcase off the conveyor belt on his own. He also has to hail a taxi by himself… and, when they pull up in front of the hotel, with Joe dead to the world against his shoulder, pay for it.

“Come on,” David mutters, dragging his boyfriend out of the car. “Home, sweet home.”

Joe wakes up just enough to blink at him in amazement. “Wow, that was some vacation, Web!”

The bellboy who comes out to greet them blinks at the sight of David, two suitcases braced against one arm, a comatose body against the other. With barely a word of apology, he deposits Joe on the luggage trolley. Joe, who seems delighted with this turn of events, just pulls his legs up. 

Hopefully the hotel has a big bed, because it seems like they’ll be spending their first night in Hawaii getting to know it well.

[missmarquin]

Twenty Flowers, and the Memories of Them

I saw this graphic floating around and bam, Drabbles happened. 

Read on A03 for better Quality!

Otabek is a sap when it comes to things, but Yuri loves it. 

He’s tired and aching, and his students are fucking stupid. But when he walks into their small apartment, to find a bundle of flowers in a jar, he smiles. He doesn’t need a note. Beka has explained more than enough times his stupid obsession with flowers and the questions they can ask. 

His fingers touch a leaf lightly, and he leans over to smell them.

“Yura,” Otabek says from behind him. Yuri turns to find him in a towel, dripping wet. Otabek pulls him close, kissing his lips lightly. 

“What are these for?” Yuri asks.

“No reason,” Otabek says. “Just memories.”

Memories indeed. 

….

Rose

“Hey Beka.” 

The man in question hums lightly, but doesn’t look up from the bike that he sits before. He’s sprawled out on the ground before it, surveying it with a critical eye. Yuri watches from the workbench. Otabek takes a socket wrench, muscles bulging slightly with effort as he works at the screw. Yuri keeps watching, swallowing thickly. He blames the hot garage air. 

“What’s your crush like?” He finally asks. 

Otabek drops the tool, hissing slightly in surprise. Yuri blinks at that, but his friend recovers immediately, the wrench twirling about deftly between his fingers. “They’re a little hot-head,” Otabek says, as he moves to pull at another part of the bike. Yuri is about forty-percent sure that it was the engine, but what the fuck does he know about motorcycles? “More bark than bite though, ad I’ve learned over the years. And beautiful.”

“And let me guess,” Yuri intones, bored, “They don’t know it, right?” Isn’t that how romance always works?

Otabek snorts at that, the closest thing to a genuine laugh Yuri would ever get. “No. Trust me, they absolutely know.”

Yuri thinks on that for a long moment, and then says, “Sounds like someone I’d get along with.”

By the time Otabek looks up from his work, Yuri’s already lost interest in the idea, and he misses how the mechanic regards him with the utmost fondness. 

Cherry Blossom

It isn’t the first rom-com that Otabek and Yuri have ever watched, and it certainly isn’t the last. This night is like any other. Beka leans against one arm of the couch, and Yuri across the entire thing, his long legs stretched across the other man’s lap. Otabek holds Yuri’s ankles in a loose grip unconsciously. Yuri eats popcorn noisily, but Otabek doesn’t. He only watches him. He watches Yuri, more than the movie itself. 

Yuri never notices. 

“That’s so stupid, Yuri says around a mouthful of food. He gestures wildly at the screen. “Who the fuck believes in love at first sight?”

Otabek does. Otabek does, because he’s a living example, not that he’ll ever let Yuri know. Instead, he grunts his customary grunt, squeezing the soft skin of Yuri’s leg gently. 

“Yeah, who would ever?”

Daisy

Yuri tries not to think of his younger days, because those days fucking suck. He remembers Otabek though, and those memories aren’t so terrible. 

He remembers a stocky boy stumbling around like a blundering fool. Unable to hold basic forms, little-to-no flexibility to speak of. Yuri favors this memory because it’s funny-- it’s funny to remember the determined look on Otabek’s face, and how it belied the strain on his ill-suited-for-dance of a body.

As an adult though, he’s grown fond of it. It’s when Otabek first saw him, first noticed him. The whole Eyes of a Soldier thing was pretty endearing.

And of course, Yuri is fucking smug about it. 

Daffodil

Yuri doesn’t often dress up, because it’s extra work. Otabek relishes the rare moments when he does though, because Yuri goes to the fucking nines. 

“Beka, will you help me with this tie?” Yuri asks, storming out of the hotel bathroom in a whirlwind. Otabek turns, only to freeze to the spot. Looking, just looking, taking in the sight of Yuri in a deep burgundy button down. Yuri’s lips pull into a tight frown as he fumbles with the white bow tie. 

“Fucking ties,” He murmurs, and then he repeats, “Beka.” Yuri looks up. “I asked-- why are you staring?”

Otabek snaps his mouth shut and steps closer, trying to play it cool. He pulls Yuri’s hands from the tie, fixing it easily. “It’s a good color on your,” he says simply. His fingers ghost over the skin of his neck, pulling here and sliding the fabric through there. “Caught me off guard.”

When he’s down, Yuri fingers the shirt nervously, but smiles back. 

Peony

“Telling the truth is fucking boring,” Yuri groans, leaning long the couch. 

Otabek is sprawled across the floor, trying to hook up a gaming system. Even as a DJ extraordinaire, was was clueless when it came to most other electronics. He stares at the pile of wires and controllers and plugs with a severe frown. 

“Don’t be silly, Yura,” he says, moving to untangle a pile. “It’s basic manners.”

“You know better than anyone that I don’t have fucking manners.” Yuri pauses. “Except with you. I’m nice to you.” Another pause. “If it’s your story, fucking embelish it. Honor and glory, and all that shit. Don’t you want to seem impressive to others?”

“Do you lie to me?” Yuri knows that Otabek is only teasing him, but his heart jerks slightly. Because there are things that Yuri feels and Otabek doesn’t know. 

“No,” Yuri finally says. “But I’ve made a habit of lying to myself, I guess.”

Iris

“I asked what your favorite song from the nineties is.”

“And I answered.”

“I’m In Love With My Car, by Queen isn’t the fucking nineties, Beka.”

Otabek smiles. “The nineties was a terrible era of music, so I prefer to ignore it.”

Yuri rolls his eyes in response. 

Sunflower

“Why the moon?”

Otabek considers Yuri’s question for a moment, and then says, “It reminds me of someone.”

“That mysterious crush of yours?” Yuri teases.  “All beautiful and that shit?” They’re laying in the grass of some park, on the outskirts of St. Petersburg, and Yuri doesn’t see Otabek smile wryly.

“That’s not really why, Yura.”

“Eh?”

Otabek thinks again for a moment. “You know how the moon pulls at the tides?”

“Yeah, gravity and shit.”

“Well, this person pulls at me, and no matter what, I find myself always going back to them.”

Yuri gives him a sideways glance. “Beka, I’m literally the only person you hang out with. I feel bad for whoever’s heart your breaking.”

Otabek hums in response, looking back to the night sky. Yuri doesn’t quite get his silence.

Narcissus

“Yakov wants me to cut my hair.”

Otabek isn’t surprised, but Yakov was a bit traditional in the end all of things. Yuri hasn’t cut it in years, and it falls limply around his mid back.  He reaches out, grasping the ends in his fingertips.  “Will you?”

“Fuck that shit,” Yuri spits. “It’s my favorite part of me.”

“Same,” Otabek says, reaching to brush his bangs back. 

Yuri’s expression softens. 

Freesia

It’s been a long day of competition, and they’ve forgone the partying afterwards. Yuri hisses as he pulls his foot out of an ice bath. Otabek takes it gently, pulling it into his lap. Wordlessly, he massages the skin and applies ointment to any scrapes and cuts. He avoids bruises and moisturizes the cracked skin. 

“Hey Beka,” Yuri says, and Otabek hums in response, like he often does. “You’ll always be my best friend, right? Like this’ll never end will it?”

Otabek fucking hopes not, but the future is never certain. Still, he replies with, “Of course it won’t. I’m yours forever, Yura.”

Yuri tries not to look pleased by the words.

Orchid

“Jesus fucking christ,” Yuri mutters, and Otabek looks up at him. He’s struggling with a peach, his fingers covered in the slick juice as he peels it carefully. When he takes a bite, it dribbles down his chin. Yuri’s tongue snakes out, licking it up and--

Otabek looks away quickly. He can feel his face burning red. He’s mortified. 

He also comes to the conclusion that peaches are now his favorite fruit. 

Violet

“Kissing is overrated.”

Otabek blinks at Yuri. “Have you ever kissed anyone?”

Yuri scoffs. “Of course I have. Never impressed by it.”

Before Otabek can respond, Victor butts his unwanted nose into the conversation. “Probably because you’re kissing the wrong person,” he says, leaning over Yuri’s shoulder.

“What the fuck does that mean?” Yuri snaps, pushing Victor away.

But Victor only laughs, winking at Otabek.

Alstroemeria

“Let’s go back to Barcelona,” Otabek says one night. 

Yuri grunts softly, snuggling into his side, muttering about how sore he is from skating that day. Friends don’t do this, Otabek thinks. Not even best friends-- but best friends who love each other? 

More likely. And so-- “You heard me,” Otabek says, nudging him gently. “Let’s take a vacation.”

“Why Barcelona?”

“Because Barcelona always brings us good things.”

Yuri hums at that and doesn’t discredit his observation. “Barcelona it is, then. Let’s set a course.”

Otabek then looks down, confused-- only to realize that Yuri is talking in his sleep. 

Cymbidium

Yuri is looking at him weird, and finally it gets to Otabek.

“Yura, is there something wrong?” he asks. 

Yuri cocks his head to the side, a cute little wrinkle settling across his brow. “I’m trying to figure it out,” he finally says.”

“Figure what out?”

“Why girls don’t date you. I mean, you’re good looking and shit. Rocking muscles, sexy haircut-- aren’t you like made of the stuff they look for?”

Oh. Oh. It wasn’t that Otabek never expected to have this conversation, but he never thought Yuri would bring it up so casually. “Women ask me out plenty,” Otabek replies finally, rubbing at his neck nervously. “I just-- they aren’t my type.”

Yuri blinks at that. “Wait, are you gay?” A pause, and then, “I mean, that’s super not a problem and all that.” Otabek releases a breath he didn’t realize he was holding. “Seriously, it’s all good. Also, that dude that you like? Go fucking tell him, or something. I’m tired of carrying along your lonely ass.”

Otabek mutters something about it not being that easy. 

Rhododendron

Yuri hates the question that Otabek asks him.

Yura, are you afraid of anything? 

How does Yuri explain his biggest fear, is Otabek himself? Any and everything about him-- losing him, telling him that he likes him, what his reaction might be...

“Hey, you know how you’re like the only person that I remotely tolerate?”

“Hm?” Otabek looks at him over the bike he sits next to. And then, “Yura, is this about what I asked you the other day? Don’t worry about it; it was only a question.”

“Most people would say being alone, right?” Yuri replies, ignoring what Otabek says. “But I guess my fear is more specific. It’s losing you. That idea fucking sucks, because you’re the only person that means shit to me.” 

He risks a glance at Otabek, afraid that his words would seem weird but-- His heart beats wildly instead, because of the soft look on Otabek’s face. 

Tulip

“Lucky number fifteen,” Yuri says with a smile. 

“Fifteen? That’s a weird number.”

Yuri winks at him. “It’s how old I was when I met you.”

Otabek’s heart flutters, and he ignores it. “Yura, you were ten when we met.”

“Fucking semantics.”

Gerbera

Otabek knew the moment Aidana retired from making costumes, he would struggle finding someone else he could trust. And when Yuri tells him that he has a great person that would be perfect for Otabek’s style, he knew he should have ignored him.

“Beka, let me see,” Yuri pleads, throwing back the fitting room drape with little care. He stops. He looks, his gaze dragging the entire length of his body. “That’s uh… different,” he finally manages. 

“The first version was lavender. I told him to make it brighter. This wasn’t what I had in mind.”

And then Yuri wasn’t able to hold it any longer. He burst out laughing, nearly falling over. Otabek slaps his hand against his face, pulling at his skin in frustration. He spares a glance in the mirror, wincing at the neon pink and yellow ensemble. 

Yeah, next time he shoves Yuri’s head in the toilet instead. 

Snapdragon

“I’m a fucking unicorn, Beka, and you know it.”

Otabek smiles, because Yuri was right. 

Hydrangea

It’s probably Yuri’s last Olympics. 

It’s not something that Otabek wants to think about. It was okay when he retired, he expected to retire early into his career. But Yuri? Yuri seems like he’d be able to skate until he’s fifty-- even if Otabek knows that’s not possible. 

But it’s 2026, and Yuri is twenty-eight. He’ll be lucky to eke out another few years in his competitive career, let alone another Olympics. Yuri doesn’t mention it, but they both know. Otabek has to know, he’s his coach. The moment he hung his skates up, Yuri demanded it. 

Yuri skates flawlessly, like always. Otabek knows he’s in pain. He sees the slight strain in Yuri’s muscles, the little twitches of discomfort. He’s knows because he watches, he’s always watching Yuri. As his coach, as his friend, as well as wishing. 

They sit in the Kiss-and-Cry. They wait for the final scores, the ones that determine medals. Yuri sits in second, but he delivers one hell of a final performance. 

The announcement comes on, and the score is heard. And it’s like the stadium is quiet, it’s like there’s no one there, except for them. He turns to Yuri, who turns to him, and Yuri whoops. He jumps out of his seat, screeching, pulling Otabek with him. 

Otabek is proud, this is the proudest moment in his life. Because Yuri smashes a record and will bring home the gold. 

Yuri must be proud too, because he dips down and kisses him. It’s a surprise. They’ve danced around this for years, but Yuri finally make his fucking choice. 

Fuck the Gold, Otabek thinks, slipping his arms around his neck, pulling Yuri closer. 

Ginger

“I fucking hate Katsudon,” Yuri says. 

Otabek regards him with amusement. “Color me surprised,” he intones sarcastically. “You seem to have no problem with it anytime you come to Japan.” He points to the bowl sitting before him.

“I wasn’t talking about the fucking food,” Yuri snaps, and Otabek laughs. 

Carnation

“Hey Beka,” Yuri starts. He always starts things like that, with a simple Hey Beka. “What do you think about true love?”

He’s asked about this before, though they were pretty fucking young. Years ago, but Otabek remembers it. He remembers most of the things that Yuri asks. 

“What, do I think it exists?” Yuri shrugs. Otabek reaches out and grasps his hand, slipping his fingers between Yuri’s. “Obviously.”

Yuri isn’t the kind of guy to make mad declarations of love-- aside from his newsworthy smooch at the Olympics. But he says, “Yeah, obviously.”

Otabek smiles, squeezing his hand. 

Yuri squeezes back. 

[diminie-s-tokki]

omg… dunno… this is not proof read, it’s past 1 am and i’m too tired to thoroughly  think about this, i’m gonna regert thia tomorrow. buuuut… here’s my kinda ghost au. more like i-see-ghosts-and-i-m-a-nerd-and-i-have-the-biggest-of-the-crushes-on-you-and-my-ghost-friends-already-ship-us-together- au 

-You should approach him. You know… it’s a possibility, it could work.- she paused briefly, he knew she was observing him but Jimin didn’t let that bother him too much, focusing on the blank page staring back at him, the dim light working against him.

 -At least it did back in my times.- she then added, lowly, like it was just an afterthought, left there, hanging in the air between the two of them.

 Jimin didn’t even spare her a look, too busy with the chaos of his own notes, trying to decipher what they were originally supposed to be, but that task revealed itself to be harder than the human had previously believed to be. 

It had felt like a good enough idea that morning, going to the library in the evening and trying to be a productive member of the society. Apparently, that wasn’t his thing because he had been sitting, more like crouching, in a poorly lit corner of the library for hours now, carefully hidden by several rows of shelves, back pressed against a wall and legs bent, so far from everyone else that the sounds of the chattering struggled to reach him, and nothing had came out of that. 

Nothing that wasn't a familiar ache pressing at his temples and the growing irritation, oh and… yeah… few funny looking… flowers, he wasn’t really sure about that one, doodled at the bottom of the white page of his new notebook. 

-Com’on Jiminie, it pains my heart to see you pining like this.- her voice resounded truly concerned to his hears and he knew Hayi meant well, she was a kind soul after all and had been by his side for long enough to know the boy better than anyone else, but she what she was and Jimin knew that there were some things she simply couldn't understand. Like the never spoken rule to not mingle with people that were obviously out of one’s league. 

Jimin knew it sounded really bad, and to date he hadn’t found the right words to explain her how it worked, but he knew that it was never going to work her way. 

He was a simple, anonymous nerd, nothing special. 

Nothing someone from another department, a way cooler one, could find interest in.

-You’re just going to keep ignoring me like that?- the boy had the decency to smile sheepishly at her, he was sure that back to her times she was a presence no one would’ve ever dared to ignore, he was sure she had been blessed with the loveliest features even back then. 

The human felt sorry for no being an entertaining company for her at the moment, but Jimin wasn’t really feeling like talking, breaking the silence that had found its place around them, and then maybe gain someone’s attention. 

That surely wasn’t something he was willing to go through, he hated the embarrassed smiles and weird looks. 

Jimin got it, of course he did, to anyone else he would appear like carrying on a conversation with himself, which was just too much to handle for the majority of the population.

 It was no one’s fault that lost souls were able to be heard by him. It was no one’s fault, just something he had learned to deal with along the way. 

Hayi huffed loudly by his side, she was sitting graciously with her legs bent and hands smothering the folds of her wearings, the gree of the wonsam jarred strongly with the penumbra surrounding them, the color was bright as if it didn’t need light to be seen, always there, vivid and eternal, Jimin’s eyes fell on her chest, there were a dark stain painted the silk crimson.

The human felt a knot tying his throat, just like every other time, he couldn’t have the certainty of why Hayi was wearing a wonsam when she had died, but something always clenched his chest and made it hard to breathe, a pain that wasn’t his blooming in his chest, sharp and burning.

-Jimin…- this time he looked up at her, gladly welcoming the distraction from his saddening thoughts and then gave up on his notes, closed the notebook with a quick move and threw his pencils and everything in the gray bag he had tossed not far from where he was sitting.

When everything had been putted away he rose his gaze to her, smiling softly, encouraging her to keep going with whatever it was she wanted to tell him.

-I know there are things i don’t quite understand. But there are also things that you don’t quite understand.- he was still looking at her and he found himself smiling, she was right, they both knew, but that was something beyond his control.

There were always going to be things he wouldn’t understand.

Clapping his hands on his knees he got up, taking his bag from the ground and waiting for Hayi to follow him through the shelves. His mind already travelling to the path that was going to take him, them, home.

They were nearing the more crowded area of the big library when the soul started humming a melody, something low and sweet that made something warm bloom in the boy. It reminded him the lullabies his mother sang him, when he was scared and didn’t know who those people following him where. His mother had always been the only one believing him, comforting the scared kid until he had learned to not fear the unknown, learned how to face and welcome it. 

Jimin turned his head before turning a corner, smiling at her thankfully, knowing she was doing that on purpose, to soothe his mind, she knew it was starting to change into a dangerous trap, just like it always did when it came to face people, strangers that made up a far scarier entity than the ghosts.

It worked, Jimin let the tune lull him and distract his worrying mind, following the rhythmical sound he turned to face the main hall of the library, his eyes scanning the space automatically, before he could even order them not to. 

It was a circular space surrounded by high shelves, the colorful covers of the books greeting him. Few people were there, Jimin assumed it had gotten later that he had originally thought, the chatter was no longer filling the air, and the boy allowed himself to walk through the narrow space among desks, deeming it safe enough. There was no need to hide himself among the darker corridors once again.

Hayi was still humming behingìd him, following him, having his back, he knew that she was still there, yet the urge to turn became too hard to fight, the discomfort growing in him, the need to make sure that she was there pushed him to turn. 

Jimin let out a breath he didn’t know he was holding, the green silks of her clothes were as bright as always, the raven hair shining under the light, she felt so real, alive, to him. The boy wished he could reach out and take her hand, to feel her.

He was turning to face ahead once more when his thigh hit something, a hiss left his lips before he could hold it back.  Jimin could feel the flames rising to his cheeks, the blood rushing and blooming crimson. Something fell on the ground with a loud thump, it echoed in the library, mockingly spreading the aftermaths of his clumsiness.

Jimin stopped, feeling like frozen, unable to move. 

Thousands of words rushing in his mind but none making it through his throat, past the barrier of his mouth.

It wasn’t his fault though, there were two dark holes looking back at him, and like all the black holes those ones mercilessly took everything in, forcing Jimin to drown in them and get lost. The boy could only feel the loud beats of his hears, it raced and was all his ears could hear, for a second he feared the sound could’ve been echoing in the library just like the sound of the falling book, exposing him to everyone else in there.

Yet he couldn’t bring himself to tear his eyes from those dark holes, they were staring at him, claiming all his attention for themselves. 

What broke it was a discrete sound, a low clearing of throat coming from behind him, Hayi, probably. 

He didn’ t turn to check, blinking few times, shaking off whatever had fallen upon him.

Jimin lowered his gaze, too scared to get trapped again, and there it was, a thick red book, one of the corners of the rigid cover was slightly damaged and Jimin mentally apologised, foolishly hoping it hadn’t been his fault.

 Never letting his eyes leave the red cover he lowered to gather it, a shiver running down his spine as his fingers met the cold pavement. 

A part of him knew that he had to put the book on the desk, but another, stupid, part of him held it tight against his chest, forcing his eyes to rise and meet the other’s face.

Jungkook was staring at him and for some weird reason Jimin believed his eyes had never stopped observing him.

-I’m sorry.- the words didn’t feel like his own, he hadn't planned on saying anything, too scared to do so. But now Jungkook was politely smiling at him and Jimin could feel something in him… melt.

 -That’s alright.- he said, smile, somehow, never leaving his lips, voice deep and making Jimin want to just close his eyes and savour it. He knew it was weird, he did, but Jungkook’s voice had always had his heart and nothing could have been done for that.

They stared silently at each other without feeling the need to fix it, the silence felt good, peaceful, right. Jimin wished he could just sit and stay there, enjoy the coming night in the other’s presence.

Jungkook broke it after long moments.

-You gonna take that one?- 

Jimin didn’t understand what he meant by that, his eyebrows furrowing before he noticed where Jungkook’s eyes had fallen on. 

It was his chest, or better, the red thick book he was firmly holding against his sternum. 

Jimin could feel the red blossom on his cheeks once more, but he managed to shake his head no and hand it over to Jungkook, his eyes grasping a word before the book was out of his eyesight.

 Inferno. 

He looked for the meaning in his mind but nothing came and the confusion must’ve been evident on his face because he heard a low chuckle coming from Jungkook.

-That’s Dante’s Inferno. He described hell… I’d dare to say… very colorfully.- A smirk fell on his lips and Jimin felt his knees go weak, like they were made of watery jelly. 

That was the time to say something smart, he knew it, but his mind had gone blank all of sudden and nothing smart was to be found in there. So all that came out was a low ‘hmm’, which could’ve been interpreted in thousands of different ways.

 Jimin mentally facepalmed at his own stupidity.

-You know… it says there are only nine fractions, circles, in the hell, but that’s not actually true. There are way more parts it’s divided into, weird isn’t it?- Jimin couldn’t understand it, the reason behind Jungkook still talking to him, it was far beyond his comprehension, but greatly welcomed, it felt like a blessing, but also like some cruel joke.

He instinctively turned, looking for Hayi, for reassurance, but she was nowhere to be found. She… she had left him. Jimin could feel panic rise in him, but before it could take over Jungkook spoke again, saving him from his own mind and not even knowing it.

-I’m sorry, I’m sure you don’t want to hear any of that.- he was wearing a cute embarrassed smile and Jimin found himself mirroring it and then, surprisingly, he spoke.

-What if I want to though?- 

And God. What those words brought him was the most beautiful sight he had ever seen. 

Jungkook was smiling brightly at him, excitation shaping his features and eyes shining. They were no longer dark holes, but a starry sky shining back at him.

[alias-b]

Without The Lights~ Billy Hargrove x OC Camille Harper

Chapter 3: I Think We're Alone Now

A/N: Listen, I wrote this chapter and really fell in love with these two. Developing friendship ahoy. Warning for mentions of past rape, abortion, and //sigh// we meet Neil and he’s gross so also light antisemitism & homophobia from him.

  Camille pulled up to a smaller house the next day, parking behind Billy’s Camaro out front. She climbed a few stone steps and knocked three times, backpack clutched over one shoulder. The redhead from the other day pulled open the door and Camille smiled.

  “Hi, I’m-”

  “Camille. I’m Max.” She’d nodded. “You’re popular, the kids in my grade talk.”

  “Right, you’re in Mike’s group.”

  “Thought I was,” the younger girl shrugged and stepped back to let her in. “Billy! A girl!” She echoed.

  “Give me a damn minute, Max!” He’d bellowed at the other end of the house.

  “Like Hawkins so far?”

  “It’s not so bad, I guess.” Max tucked hair behind her ear. “What’s up with Mike and them? You know his sister, right?”

  “We don’t hang out like we used to.”

  “It’s like one moment you’re friends, the next, they start acting all weird and secretive.”

  “Hate to break it to you, that’s been my entire high school experience.” Camille offered a sobered grin and cocked her head. Mike and his friends were acting off as well. She’d definitely missed something. “Give it time. People come to their senses. Not always.”

  “Got that right.”

  “Hey,” Billy came around the corner, buttoning up a shirt that was half tucked and leaving the top three open.

  “Thought the girl last night was your project partner, that’s what you told Neil.” Max relished the awkward beat that followed.

  “You met my stepsister. Mad Max. She was just leaving. Beat it.” He pressed his teeth, eyebrows lifting because he couldn’t say much else with high school royalty in front of him. “Goodbye, Max.”

  “Whatever,” she picked up her skateboard and left out the door.

  “Nice to meet you, Max.”

  “Same here.” The door shut and Camille lifted her lips.

  “I like her.”

  “Take her.” Billy was colder, rubbing his head.

  “So...what girl? I’m not naive, I know you’re making rounds. The ladies love to gush about you.”

  “Not all good things, I’m sure. But, that’s part of the appeal.” Billy shifted, hands on his hips before he gestured. “Drop your bag wherever. Take your shoes off or don’t. I could care less.”

  “Still get the tour?” She set her backpack on the couch.

  “Shithole living room. Ugly kitchen. Garage.” Billy gestured. “My least favorite place: the family dining room.” She followed him down the hall. “Bathroom. Basement. No secret attic. No pool. Dad and Susan… Closet. Max. And me. Not much to it.” He opened his bedroom. A small space that was intimately his. Smelled warm like his cologne. “I skimmed more of the book.”

  “Main character’s name?”

  “Hester.” He set his hands out. “Do I get my medal now?”

  “Mmm, the bare minimum. Only way to my heart.” She entered the space. “Love the posters. Classy.” Bands and scantily clad women. Her eyes drew to a stereo smashed in the corner and kicked off to the side. “What happened there?” Billy almost lied but she was so soft about it like she already knew.

  “I failed the chemistry quiz and fucked up a math test.” He was matter a fact. “Dad found out. He always does. Likes to keep tabs.” Camille clasped her hands with the slightest nod.

  “And your head the other day.”

  “His important lessons in respect usually go over it. Not always. Aim gets better with age.” Billy was hard and sarcastic, opening his window to light a smoke.

  “And this has been going on a long time.”

  “Does it matter?” His eyes lowered. She didn’t hesitate.

  “Yes.”

  “He’s an asshole. Most parents are.” Billy picked up the book and set his cigarette in an ashtray upon the windowsill. “I didn’t like it. The ending.”

  “You actually read it?” She chuckled but sobered when he met her eyes. “Why specifically?”

  “All that shit and planning to run away only for the poor fucker to just die in her arms. Felt like a waste. Pissed me off."

  "Think so?"

  "And this chick didn’t really spit in anyone’s face for the hell she went through. That shit just seemed unfair.” He shrugged and Camille was amused again. Billy offered it and lingered when she closed the distance to take it. Fingers brushed and the book dropped. Instead his head lowered to touch hers. Camille inhaled and he didn’t try to kiss her. It was peculiar, the way he closed his eyes and breathed her in. His usual manner of seduction went over her. Every single time. Not sure if it was by force or not. Billy had to know now. He’d be lying if it didn’t jar him to bits. Foreheads touched and his lips opened. “I want you.” Shivers sparked out from her spine to cover her body in heat. His husky voice reverberated and Camille had to come up for air before she drowned in him.

  “Typical bad boy. Huh? You bat your pretty eyes and drag slowly on smoke. It usually works on us.”

  “You’re all perfect posture and angels singing. When was the last time you relaxed? Let those angels scream it out for a few beats?” He was so fucking close and she didn't leave his space.

  “Been awhile.”

  “I can fix that.” His head tilted. He was so certain too.

  “You only want me now because I’m teen royalty to you and our school. Pretty Knight on a conquest. Have to claim the queen. It’s your favorite brand, I can tell. You can’t get enough.”

  “What does any of it matter?” Billy read her with ease. “Not like we both don’t have flings. I know about you, Harper.”

  “I know… I can’t.” Her whisper sent him reeling back, head lifting. “Year ago, maybe. I can’t do relationships. Even flings. I don't do sex. Not right now.” Those blue eyes flickered at her face. “And Billy, if you must know, I don’t ever date boys from my own school. Personal Queen Bee Code. They should have told you that about me. Rival schools are fair game.” Rejection was an old friend but not from his romantic pursuits. “I was all about your shit a year before. Things change. It’s me. I’m...complicated.” He realized all at once that her angels never sang. Neither did his.

  “I’m not?” He hitched a quick breath.

  “No, you absolutely are. But, that isn’t the problem here. Color yourself surprised.”

  “First time in my life I’ve heard that.” Not being the problem.

  “Look, Billy, I can be a friend. But, that’s all I got in me right now. If that isn’t okay with you...tough. It’s not you or what they say at school. I’m just not in a place to be that with you or anyone at the moment.” She frowned, hands running her stomach before they crossed.

  “I can get used to tough.” He relented. “I don’t know how to be a friend.”

  “Maybe not.” Her head cocked, eyes lifting to his again. “But, what a time to be alive and try it though.” She could have left right at that moment. Yet, she didn't.

  “What exactly do they say about me at school?”

  “Steve has a lot to say. Might want to back down there.” She peered aside.

  “Still waiting to see this mighty King Steve I hear about. Harrington turned bitch but there’s something there.”

  “Will bringing out the worst in someone else make you feel better?” She asked when he returned to finish the end of his smoke. Camille read him to filth. “Fight Steve. Fuck me. High school’s a game. You’re a great player. I knew that quickly.” Billy’s eyes snapped to her again. “Look. You don’t have to tell me what goes on in this house. But, if you...or Max…need a place to get away once in awhile. Lots of school projects to come, I’m sure… I have absent parents and room to spare. Consider it an act of friendship since you’re new to that.”

  “Care about Max already?”

  “Why don’t you?”

  “We’re not close.” Billy was tense.

  “Hawkins in a small place. Guess you have time to work on that.” Her judgment set him on edge. “She’ll get older. Start seeing more. Might be nice to have someone standing with or between her and an angry stepfather.”

  “Not like I had that.” He shot back, standing taller. Felt too personal to say that. Guess they're passed it already.

  “Might feel good to give it to someone else. Not to say it's obligatory. Basic kindness. But, what do I know? I’m the rich bitch. Ever notice we’re the first to go in scary movies? Shitty thing too. Bitches and sluts. Your brand. Easy to be rid of. We all move on.” Camille dropped her arms. “C’mere.” Her hand extended and Billy raised an eyebrow. “Just, trust me. We’re trying something. No funny ideas or I walk.”

  “What happened to your perfect student wrath?”

  “Fuck it, it’ll take two seconds to write the paper. Just...” She waited until he observed her and took her hand. A slow, sparking beat pulsed between them. Skin slid against skin. Billy let her lead him to the bed and was surprised when she got atop the covers on her back and tugged him to get in next to her.

  “And this is…?”

  “Two possible friends. Two complicated fuck-ups with angels that wail. Just...enjoying each other’s company. Nothing sexual. Can you manage that?”

  “Not sure anymore,” he mumbled, eyes on the ceiling. “This isn’t like foreplay to you, is it?”

  “In your dreams, beach boy,” she laughed, hand slipping from his so she could adjust and clasp her fingers upon her stomach. Hair splayed around their crowns while they relaxed, she turned her head and peered at him. Something about this all amused her.

  “What?” He caught her expression.

  “Last year, before the whole mess...I was so absorbed in my own shit. Blinded. I don’t know, it’s like I’m awake for the first time in my life.” Camille blinked at him. “Does that make sense?”

  “No. Not at all,” he was laughing and she followed. Billy fiddled with the tiny silver pendant around his neck on a long chain. She’d not seen him without it. “All I see is red still.”

  “Gotta get out, enjoy the night sky for once.” Camille sighed, eyes back on the ceiling. “Saint Christopher. Your necklace.”

  “Yeah.” Billy was near silent, hesitating. “Was my mom’s. All I have of hers.”

  “No pictures?”

  “Not anymore, dad made sure.” Billy cleared his throat. Debated it.

  “What happened to her?”

  “They fought. Got bad. Got worse. One day, she just...didn’t come back… She didn’t come back for me.” His tone grew thick at the correction.

  “I’m sorry, Billy.” Camille offered slowly.

  “Maybe I’ll wake up another day.” He gave a bitter laugh.

  “I hope that you do.” It was cruel. How soft she was against him. “Saint Christopher. Martyr. Protector of travelers, right?”

  “Think so. Guess she liked all that shit. Even made it my middle name.”

  “William Christopher Hargrove.” She mused. “Not terrible. My middle name sounds like some hippie shit.”

  “Hate my fucking first name.” Billy smirked, distant. “Now you have to tell me your hippie ass middle name.”

  “Sage.” Camille rolled her eyes when he laughed at her. “Shut up. It’s worse because my mother’s name is Rosemary.” His laughter hitched again, hand touching his lips. “Sage was my grandmother’s name. She also picked Rosemary. Real funny.”

  “Fucking is actually,” he quieted himself and gave a lengthy sigh. “Never done this before. Whatever it is,” Billy observed then. Camille chewed on her bottom lip, gaze flickering before she gave a shrug.

  “Kinda like it.” She turned again. His advances were small candles compared to the fireworks she set off. Like it was nothing. “What’s California like?”

  “Better,” he was frank. “The air. The beach. The food.”

  “Truly the beach boy type. Hard to picture.”

  “Long, long time ago,” his fingers drummed along his stomach. “Don’t fuck my image here.”

  “Wouldn’t dream of it but, you have to do one thing.”

  “What’s that?” He peered over.

  “Say, cowabunga dude, in your best surfer accent,” she gave a bright smile that resonated before he was laughing again. They pushed at each other when her hand touched the warm skin of his arm. It stayed there.

  “You’re something else, Camille.” It was the first he’d really offered her name in that velvet tone. “You know that?”

  “I get that a lot these days. Queen Bee changing up the hive. School can’t stand it. Can’t read me anymore. I don’t want them to either.” She admitted.

  “Drives you mad that I’m skimming the pages, huh?”

  “If you say so.” She changed the subject. “I’ve never been to the ocean or seen a real beach. I’d like to. My parents were never ones for trips. Not with me, at least. I barely really left Hawkins… Never left the state for sure. You...You ever feel like everyone around you is lying most days? Like something isn’t just off, it was missing the whole time and you didn’t see it.”

  “What would they hide from you?”

  “That’s it, I have no idea. Nothing ever happens in Hawkins. Not until last year.” Camille huffed and shook her head. “So, tell me about your fake project partner last night?”

  “Jealous?”

  “Skipping the question much?” She rolled over and crossed her arms to lean on them so she could meet his eyes. “Friends talk about girls and boys.”

  “I am not your damn girlfriend.”

  “Not with that attitude.” She teased. “Come on, who?”

  “Tammy Foreman.”

  “Oh? She’s pretty. We did gymnastics together the last two years. Great routines but she never could stick the landing.”

  “She did last night.” Billy chuckled when she smacked his arm. “What? That was on you.”

  “I know that. Ass.” Camille rolled her eyes, disbelieving that this was her day. Pillow talk with the new keg king.

  “So, did that shithead really write you a nasty letter?”

  “Tommy? Oh, yeah, he wanted me bad. I’ll let you read it next time you’re at my place. It’s certainly...something to behold.”

  “Already a next time?” Billy mused, blue eyes alight at her.

  “Easy,” she turned to fall against her back again.

  “What’s your dad hiding in that attic?” He wondered aloud.

  “Hell if I knew.”

  “Ever thought of picking the lock?”

  “He’ll kill me,” Camille joked. “Yes. A lot though.”

  “I could pick it.” Came the offer. “Friends or whatever.”

  “I’ll think about it,” she shook her head. Billy looked at her face again when she was distracted. This was almost too intimate and they barely touched. “Have anymore dates coming up?”

  “Like to play things as I go.”

  “Ah. Sure… Smooth keg king, always lands the girl.” Not always.

  “Took time to perfect the method. Timing and all.”

  “Hm, method. I’m sure that did take careful practice. Alright, I'll bite. Tell me about your first time.” Camille turned her neck and studied his profile. The slight twitch of his lips didn’t quite reach his eyes. Billy shifted around to see her after a beat, lips curling further with more amusement.

  “I told you about Tammy. So, you first, Harpy.” His brow quirked. "In detail."

  “Not fair.”

  “Hm, is it? Have to give to get, sweetheart.” He earned a long sigh before Camille propped her arm up to rest her chin there. Billy wasn’t letting down so she caved.

  “I was fifteen.” She huffed, eyes rolling when triumph crossed his expression, causing him to twist and mirror her position. Blue eyes direct, he gave a nod so she continued. “He was not.”

  “What? Seventeen? Eighteen? Catch the attention of a senior?” Billy watched her exhale again before she mumbled. “Huh?”

  “He was twenty.” She saw him sober up at that. “College boy in a frat. Gorgeous. Charming. He had a method too. Met him at a new years party. He was visiting the family for winter break. Well off family. I was a friend of his little sister at the time, she moved for college in New York. No one knew about us though and I...I loved it. He told me I was beautiful and mature for my age. Turns out there’s another word for what he was. We were together for months.” Dark brows twitched up and she gave a sort of half smile, sparkling eyes lowered to his chest.

  “Shit.” Was the only sentiment Billy could offer but it resonated even still.

  “A big pile of it, yeah. We kissed at that party and...I kept seeing him. He’d invite me to big college parties and show me off to his friends. We’d go upstairs and...admittedly, he was okay with his hands. Quick everywhere else.” Camille smiled again with a scoff. “After the first time, he said...tell me you love me. And I did. I realize now that he never really said it back. He just wanted me to validate that he’d taken something of mine. That it would always belong to him somehow and I couldn’t take it back... And that wasn’t the half of it.”

  “How’d it end?” He almost took that back when her eyes snapped up to his again.

  “I...I asked him to use a condom and he spun that bullshit, ‘oh babygirl, it just doesn’t feel as good’ crap every single time. ‘Oh babygirl, it won’t fit. Don’t you trust me?’ Excuses. But, I was stupid and I was so mature and dating a college boy. Real badass. Until, something changed and...I was late. I knew instantly. I fucking knew. He reeled back so fast, I thought he might get whiplash. And I made the choice for us...to take care of it. I never asked for money. All I wanted was a ride. Just...support. I was terrified and too fucking young.”

  “He go with you?” Billy knew the answer.

  “I never saw him again. I wish I’d told him to eat shit at least. Left that in a lengthy voicemail later. But, I was so scared and upset...I started walking. I looked like shit and...ruined my shoes after a good thirty minutes. So, I’m determined and a car pulls up along side me. Barbara Holland pokes her head out and asks if I’m okay. You know her story by now.”

  “Yeah. Wheeler’s missing friend.”

  “They were both my friends once until I decided I wanted to be popular and dropped them. Was a real bitch and here Barb was...she just got her permit. I didn’t even have mine. So, I get in and I just...cried. I’ve never cried like that. Not in my life. She doesn’t say much of anything, just nodded occasionally and drove me to the clinic. Walked in and sat there. Waited till it was done. Drove me home...this girl that had every right to let me walk was there for me. So, I get out. Say thank you. Barb gets out...knowing when we get back to school that nothing is really going to change. We drifted…”

  Billy watched her trace a line into his blanket. A melancholy washed over her skin. Camille went on in an even tone.

  “…She came around the car and hugged me so tight. I wish every day that I’d said something more. But, I didn’t. She took my secret with her and I felt it linger in the air at school but we never...acknowledged it. Just slight nods in passing. You’re actually the first person I’ve told since Barb.” Camille stopped to sniffle and blinked several times to still anything else. “My parents can never know. No one can.” They locked eyes and she waited for him to share. Billy fell against his back, arm behind his head.

  “I was fifteen too. She was the most popular girl in our school and she was also the girlfriend of our school’s star quarterback. Both seniors. Older than me. He was a real dick. You know the type.”

  “I do.” Camille smirked when he did before he looked at the ceiling.

  “They were hot and cold. Drama and all, always breaking up. So, she decides she wants to make him jealous and sets her eyes on me for the first time. Hargrove trash. Ate that shit up. We’re at this party and she’s never paid me any mind. Always stuck her nose up. Prissy thing. But, I don’t know, something changed. She’s handing me drink after drink. Smiling. Next thing, we’re upstairs and she’s tugging my pants open. Gets into my lap and starts bouncing like a wild animal. I was fucking wasted, I didn’t try to push her off. She bragged about it after and I sucked up the attention from that. All these girls wanted me. Word got around quick, which she wanted too.”

  “Of course, she did. So, it worked?”

  “Too well. Quarterback and his band of merry assholes dragged me to the field and beat the living shit out of me. I laughed in his face the entire time about it too. I already had her. I was hot shit now. Fight got worse and I managed one good kick. Snapped his knee cap like a twig. Bye bye dick scholarship. Couldn’t even blame me for it. She got what she wanted. A fucking place next to his hospital bed. Dad started plans to move after that. Moved me schools first but, fuck, it’s all red. It never stopped, it just got worse.”

  “Billy, she...” Camille searched for the words. “Got you drunk...and forced you to…”

  “Yeah.” He admitted, swallowing a hard lump in his throat. "Was a real clingy bitch. Half my size and left bruises all over me. Smacked me awake when I closed my eyes because I was shit hammered. Not even sure I got off fully. And I laughed in that fucker's face like it was my idea."

  “That’s awful.”

  “I consider myself lucky.” Billy shrugged. “Put a rubber on me first.” He smiled again, all that Hargrove charm fluttering back. It grew infectious and she followed, falling back next to him. Billy didn’t want to see it that way. So, he reframed. It was just easier.

  “How can that many shitty people gravitate toward us at once?”

  “Hell if I knew.”

  “Can I tell you a secret?”

  “Hm?”

  “I don’t feel like working on the paper today.” She whispered. He chuckled at that.

  “Couldn’t tell.” Billy paused. Remembered. “Head still bothering you?”

  “Little.” Came her confession. Camille sighed and tipped her head toward his shoulder. Billy fell silent and she didn’t mind. This moment was unlike anything he’d experienced before. Deliberate and lacking in forced bullshit. Nice. Peaceful. Almost too easy. He realized the terrifying reality that he’d made a friend in Hawkins. Like he'd fallen into a trap she set. Not a challenge or fling. Not fully. Didn't lessen how bad he wanted to have her. They didn’t speak until the pull of sleep threatened. For the first time, the world seemed a little less red.

** ** **

  Max flipped her skateboard and caught it with ease when their mother’s car pulled up. Susan smiled and grabbed a bag of groceries from the back seat.

  “Hey, Mom.”

  “With your friends again?”

  “Yeah, Billy had a girl over for some project.” Max shrugged and reached for the second bag to help her mother in the house.

  “A girl?” Susan cleared her throat while she unpacked the food into the fridge. She knew what that usually meant. “Are they still here?”

  “Not sure, her backpack is still here but, his door’s open.” Max wandered down the hall and stopped in her tracks. Her stepbrother was breathing softly, wheezing tiny snores while the Harper girl lie burrowed in his side. Both clothed and atop the covers. Her head pressed to his bicep. “Weird...” Susan crept behind Max to see and smiled at the unexpected scene.

  “Come on, we’ll let them rest. I’ll start dinner before Neil gets home.” Susan whispered and left the door a few inches open before she ushered Max off. An hour or so later, the scent of food roused Billy as a hand shook his shoulder.

  “The fuck, Max?” He jerked to see her standing over him. She shrunk back when he rubbed his eyes. “Hell’re you in my room?” Sleep covered his voice.

  “Neil’s almost home and dinner’s ready. Might want to wake your girlfriend.”

  “She’s not my fucking-” Billy realized Camille was sound asleep next to him. “Shit. Harpy, rise and shine.” He gave her arm a pat and she moaned. “Scram, Max. Stay out of my damn room. Don't make me say it again.” He pointed so she rolled her eyes, leaving.

  “Billy? What are we… Hell, we fell asleep.”

  “Paper isn’t magically done, is it?” He got up to stretch and she followed, joining him at the mirror to fix her hair into place.

  “I should get going. We’ll work on it in study hall. Easy.” She put her shoes on and noticed Billy peeking outside. Neil wasn’t around yet.

  “C’mon.” He cocked his head so she followed.

  “Billy, who’s your friend?” Susan was readily waiting with a bright smile and Billy exhaled, annoyed in an instant. As if he’d been caught doing something actually dirty. Camille came to her.

  “Camille Harper, we share a few classes. Sorry, I stayed here late.” The teen reached out to shake her hand.

  “No, it’s nice to see Billy in...good company. Would your parents let you stay for dinner?”

  “Christ, Susan, she’s-”

  “You both haven’t eaten yet.”

  “I couldn’t impose.” Camille smiled sweeter.

  “Nonsense, we have more than enough. Meatloaf night.” Susan shook her head.

  “Yippee.” Billy muttered to himself and both women ignored him. Max had that smug look on her face so he narrowed his eyes to glare until she moved to set the table.

  “Ah, sure, I’d like that. Thank you. May I use your phone to call my parents, Mrs. Hargrove?”

  “Of course, and call me Susan.” She pointed. Camille went around Billy, eyes locking so she could go check in at home.

  “Why did you do that?” Billy hissed.

  “Your father is coming home.” Susan whispered, wiping down the counter. “Might be nice to have another person...a sweet girl, sitting at the table during the conversation.” She was protecting him. Drawing it out before Neil could tear into him tonight. How the fuck could he see it that way? All it did was give Neil more fuel to burn him with. Billy set his jaw and Camille returned.

  “May I help with anything?” She was cut off by the door opening. Billy shrunk behind her. For the first time, she saw his eyes change. Neil Hargrove stepped in with a steely expression.

  “You’re early,” Susan smiled and let him kiss her cheek. “How was work?”

  “Fine,” he spotted Camille, “and who is this?”

  “She’s-”

  “I was asking Billy.” He cut over his wife. Eyes glued to his son. Magnifying glasses held over burning ants.

  “Camille. We have a paper due.” Billy’s gaze hit the floor so Camille stood taller and marched up to Neil with purpose.

  “Camille Harper, Billy and I are classmates.” She reached out and he seemed surprised but shook her hand.

  “Firm grip, you could teach my son something.” He remarked.

  “Dinner’s ready,” Susan came between them to set the dish on the table. Neil turned on a sort of routine. Father and provider with company around.

  “Allow me.” He held out a chair for Camille before Billy could take it, forcing his son to sit by her so Neil could put himself near him at the head of the table. Max sat across from them with Susan at the other head.

  “Have you always lived in Hawkins?” Susan scooped up plates.

  “Thank you...and yes. All my life.” Camille shifted in her seat and eyed Billy. “Billy tells me you moved from California, must have been beautiful.” She took a bite. “This is delicious.”

  “You’re sweet.”

  “Thanks, Mom.” Max added. Billy caught his father’s eyes and sat straight.

  “Thank you, Susan.” He was quiet.

  “Where do you live, Camille?” Neil cut into his food and Billy barely touched his plate. Like he had to force it.

  “Loch Nora.” Camille met his eyes and didn’t let down.

  “They give out the full size candy bars at Halloween.” Max added and Camille smirked at her.

  “You should see the houses at Christmas time. Everyone drives down to see them and we hand out hot chocolates and cider. My family decorates but we’re Jewish so it’s more for the parties.”

  “Jews,” Neil scoffed; gave a tight smile. “Huh. That’s nice.” Billy cleared his throat when Camille’s eyes drew wider.

  “Neil.” Susan cut in, careful as she could.

  “And your parents, what do they do?” He peered at Billy and took a bite of food.

  “My father is a scientist up at Hawkins lab. Mom is a fashion designer.” She replied, sipping water. “Harper Sixx.”

  “Your mother is Rosemary Harper?” Susan cut in and Camille nodded. “Her stuff is lovely, I wore one of her blouses on our first date. Didn’t I, Neil?”

  “Sure did.” His eyes were on his plate now.

  “She’ll be excited to hear that. She did more high fashion and runway when she first began. Celebrities and all. But, she wanted to start seeing her stuff on all women. Think she’s happier with that.” Camille sat back and peered at Max. “I’m jealous, I see you skateboarding all the time around school. I was on one once and broke my arm when I was ten.”

  “I rode into a thorn bush a few years back and got stuck,” Max smiled this time, relaxing.

  “So, what project are you two working on? A paper?” Neil spoke over Max before she could go on. “Can’t write one yourself, Billy?”

  “It’s a collaborative thing for class, two minds equals more ideas.” Camille cut in and felt Billy nudge her thigh under the table. “Large book report but, I’m optimistic, we picked a good one.”

  “Which one?��

  “The Scarlet Letter,” Billy prodded at a piece of meat.

  “Little advanced for you.”

  “Billy actually finished the novel before I did.” Camille gripped her knife and fork on the table. Billy’s leg touched her own again in warning.

  “Sometimes I forget you can read anything outside of Playboy. Or was it Playgirl?” Neil pointed at Billy with his knife and laughed at his own joke, he nudged his son’s shoulder until he forced a tight grin. Eyes watery. Camille felt herself tremble. That headache pounded and then it released completely when a photo jerked from the wall to crash into the floor. Neil whipped around and cursed, standing. “Piece of shit,” he mumbled, going to shut the window beyond it. “Damn wind blew it off the wall.” Camille was dazed and Billy jerked to force a napkin against her nose.

  “Jesus, Harpy. Again?” He pulled her to focus and her hand covered his. Eyes locked, pupils dilated. She felt his fingers shake.

  “Are you okay, dear?” Susan offered another napkin. Max was silent and wide eyed.

  “Yes, sorry, I have this thing. I get them easily. Pardon me.” She held the paper and quirked her brow to save Billy more embarrassment.

  “Yeah,” Billy pulled her to her feet and guided her off. Didn’t think too much of it. Camille shot one last look at Neil and wished that photo crashed into his head. They shut the bathroom door. “Can’t keep doing this, yeah?”

  “Nosebleeds are a Camille Harper special,” she joked, angling her face up. “Your stepmom seemed nice.”

  “She chose him.” Billy was tense. "Just fucking makes it worse when she tries to help." Trembling. Susan tried to defuse the tension. Tried.

  “Sometimes you don’t know a person until they’re already drowning you.” She whispered. He wet a rag and without asking, moved the tissue to wipe her nose. Camille let him, eyes flickering over his while he stared at her lips and edged the rag over them. His thumb came up to trace them before she ran her tongue there. Oh, did he fucking want her.

  “Better?” She watched him nod. “I should go.” Billy was silent again, eyes on his feet before he sniffled and nodded once more. “Walk me out?” She went first and clasped her hands. “Mrs. Hargrove, dinner was great but my parents will want me home. Thank you.”

  “Come over anytime, hon.”

  “Yes. Bye, Max. I’ll see you around.”

  “Sure,” Max lifted her lips.

  “Mr. Hargrove, thank you for having me in your house.” She pushed her hand out with a hard look and dared him to refuse. Tightly, he shook it. They’re all better than you, you son of a bitch. Billy watched this girl stand up to his father without fear, challenging him somehow. It was the hottest thing he’d ever seen.

  “Maybe my son’s grades will go up with you...around him.”

  “Credit would be all his.” She smiled her sweetest smile and picked up her backpack. “Billy.” The teen peered at his dad, watched him fume, and purposefully crossed in front to follow Camille out. “My house for next time? Yes, I said next time, keep the excitement down.” She offered, earning a silent scoff of agreement. Hands shifted and she pulled a pen from her backpack, grabbing for his hand to write her number along his wrist. “Need anything, call. Now you.”

  “Forgot your book inside,” he remarked, inking his number into her arm next.

  “Ah, get it to me tomorrow.” Camille lingered when his hand didn’t release her wrist. Slowly, she came up and didn’t kiss him. She did something far worse. Arms slipped around his shoulders, shifting his hair aside when she hugged him. Brief. Not long enough. Nothing else could be done or said. “Take care, I’ll see you at school. I liked it...the talking and all. Felt needed.” He lifted his hands but she slipped away too quick. “Goodnight, Billy.” Camille turned and he watched her get into her car to drive off. One friend. In fucking Hawkins. Didn't seem too bad.

** ** **

  Camille observed Steve at lunch the next day, seated two tables away from Nancy. Sighing, she approached Nancy first while she packed up to go.

  “Hey.”

  “Hi.” Nancy looked ashamed. “Steve told me I said some stuff to you at the party. I don’t really remember it. But, I’m sorry.”

  “Nance-”

  “No, it was gross. I tossed that in your face.”

  “We all say shitty things,” Camille shrugged, “are you and Steve done?”

  “I’m not sure anymore. Maybe.” She watched her friend sit. Friend. “Last year...I think it messed me up. I love Steve, I do, but...”

  “You’re not in love with him?”

  “I thought I was. It’s not fair. I care about him and I hurt him because I couldn't....” Nancy sighed. “A lot happened and it changed me.”

  “What really happened to Barb, Nancy?” Camille pushed the words out and her lip trembled. “I missed something and it’s eating you.”

  “I’m going to make it right.” Nancy got up in a hurry to go.

  “Nancy,” Camille stood in a huff. But, she was gone. Annoyed, she marched over to Steve and plopped down, appetite gone. “You know something.”

  “About what?”

  “Barb, last year, all of it. You know."

   "Cam-"

  "You've been my friend as long as Nancy has. Two rich kids with absent parents make perfect wingmen. And you're lying to my face, Steve. Why are you and Nancy lying? Does Jonathan know too? That why they’re acting weird?” Camille watched Steve frown, sympathetic to her anger. “She’s dead. Isn’t she? She’s not coming back, what happened to my friend?” Camille smacked the table and above her, the light fizzled, crackling before glass broke and rained down. Gasps echoed. She and Steve jumped under the table to avoid sparks. Every light followed and teachers began to usher kids out in the chaos.

  “You’re bleeding.” Steve grabbed Camille’s shoulder and her head just burned beyond any belief.

  “Ah,” she pushed from him and slid away to go. Lights erupted all over. Students cried out while the power blew. Camille was racing down the hallway when the fire alarm went off then cut. She fussed with her locker and grew enraged when it didn’t budge. “Piece of shit!” She gave one pound and it jerked open. Breathing heavily, she stuffed items in her bag and whipped around as a hand grabbed her shoulder.

  “What’s the matter, Queen Bee? Get scared?”

  “Fuck off, Tommy.” She hissed, pushing him hard to go.

  “Hey, you bitch,” he grabbed her arm and jerked. Camille felt her body lose control. She dodged under his arm and spun once, leg gliding out to kick him in the head. Tommy lost his footing when his nose busted, dropping. Fists up, she blinked and stared down at her hands. “My nose, what the fuck, you stupid slut!” Camille looked up to see Billy Hargrove stunned at the end of the hallway. He took one confused step, eyes unblinking. Behind him, students raced out the doors as teachers ushered them. Frantic, Camille turned and sprinted the other direction. He caught up with her once she got out the back door.

  “What the fuck was that Karate Kid shit?” He snatched for her wrist.

  “Not now, Billy, I have to go home.” She was crying, bloodying her sleeve to wipe her nose. Camille pushed at him to let go and he tossed his hands out.

  “Camille! The fuck?” He yelled but she was already getting into her car to speed away. She didn’t get pulled over by some miracle.

  “Mom!” She echoed to her house once inside. “Mama!” Camille dropped her bag and fell to her knees on the stairs. Sobs ripped from her while her head burned. Hands grasped her shoulders.

  “Milly, what’s happened?” Her housekeeper shook her, gasping when she saw her bloodied nose.

  “I don’t know! I don’t know! It hurts,” she wailed, inconsolable. "Make it stop!" Edna heaved her up the steps and got her into the guest room. Camille’s sob subsided when pills were shoved into her hands.

  “Drink up, there we go. You need to rest, I’ll call your parents.” Edna cleaned her face and helped her undress. “Lie down there. Good. Go to sleep, Camille.”

  “But-”

  “Sink.” The harsh tone caught Camille, frosting her spine.

  “What...did you say?” She fell back in a daze.

  “I said, sleep, honey.” Edna watched the pills work quick and shuffled down the hallway after locking the door. She picked up the phone to dial.

  “Harper.”

  “Sir, she’s getting worse. It’s happening again. Same as when she was younger.” There was a beat and sigh.

  “I’ll be home in twenty.”

** ** **

  “Power goes nuts, half day is nice.” Steve remarked, leaning against his car while students dispersed and Heather nodded next to him.

  “I called Camille’s house, her mother said she was sick. I’ll grab her homework tomorrow if they don’t cancel it.” They stopped talking when Billy Hargrove marched up, poking Steve in the shoulder.

  “What the fuck was that?”

  “Man, not now. Any other day but, I’m not in the mood for you today, got it?”

  “What the fuck happened to her? Harper?”

  “She gets dizzy, I don’t know. She doesn’t talk about it. The hell do you care?” Steve turned with Heather. I don't, Billy almost said. Sick curiosity was ending him. “Go away, Hargrove. Bad enough I have to deal with you in gym.” Billy pushed past him to go to his car.

  “Max, get in now!” He raged so she scrambled. Billy slammed the door and sped off, too many questions rang. Better to just toss them aside and see all in red.