#hey guys happy new year I guess! I don’t even know when to start oh my word

[skyafied]

Guys is cringe dead. Be so for real with me right now this fic is the only thing keeping me afloat at the moment

Inspired by chapter 9 of Footwork [MHA if it was Awesome]

On that note I LOVE IT WHEN CROSSOVERS ARE TAKEN SERIOUSLY. OH I AM SOOOOO NORMAL ABOUT THIS FIC RIGHT NOW. IT HASNT BEEN UPDATED IN 4 YEARS BUT IM NOT GIVING UP HOPE 💪💪💪

[musical-shit-show]

little taste of heaven

Pairing: Adam (Hazbin Hotel) x Sinner!Reader

Inspiration: Prompts #53 (“why don’t you make me?”) from Prompt List #1 and #78 (“oh, i’m gonna fucking ruin you.”) from Prompt List #2 with added inspiration taken from a request from the lovely @odins-nsfw

Warnings: cursing, Adam is an asshole (what else is new), tiny bit of angst if you squint, general kinda rough smut (18+, MINORS DNI!!!), oral sex (female receiving), face sitting, digital manipulation, unprotected sex, Adam and reader are definitely toxic, enemies that are also lovers :)

Word Count: 2,149

Author’s Note: This took me a little longer to write but I’m very happy with how it turned out! Definitely getting more comfortable with writing smut, and writing for Adam is still proving to be very fun. Thanks to everyone who has interacted with my other Adam one shots (which you can read here and here); it seriously means so much to see the positive feedback. I still have one more request in my inbox, but I will definitely be writing for more Hazbin characters as the year goes on (especially since we don’t know when the show is coming back). But if you’d like to submit an ask, check out my About Me page, Prompt Lists, and other works in my Masterlist! Thanks and happy reading, depraved sinners!

“Hey, toots, settle a bet for us, would ya?” you heard Angel Dust call to you from across the hotel lobby. Ever since Charlie Morningstar successfully staved off an attack from Heaven’s army, you decided to join her crusade towards redeeming the seemingly irredeemable.

You were first assigned as a quasi-concierge, since you had spent most of your time in Hell bouncing from one side of the Pride Ring to the other. You hopped up from your desk and met Angel, who was slumped across the bar; Husk was silently cleaning a glass, a small smirk on his feline face.

“What’s up, guys?” you breathed, counting the seconds until your shift ended. You were grateful for the free accommodations that the hotel provided, but you didn’t expect the afterlife would involve diving into the wonderful world of customer service.

The porn star shifted his gaze to Husk, and you could tell they were both up to something. “Are ya fuckin’ the angel or what?” the bartender asked, his voice gruff. Angel almost spit out the swig of malt liquor he had just taken.

You feigned confusion, turning to the spider-like demon. “Angel Dust, I think I would know if I were fucking the biggest porn star—”

“Actor.”

“—Actor,” you corrected yourself, “on this side of Hell. You should know he’s not my type, Husk, honest.”

Angel Dusk tsked. “You know that’s not who we’re talking about, babycakes,” he said, his voice lowering, “We’re talking about the angel. Or, I guess the fallen angel.”

Oh, shit.

You shifted uncomfortably on the barstool, swirling the whiskey glass Husk had placed in front of you. “No clue what you mean by that.”

“Bullshit,” Husk said testily.

“See, I told you she’d lie,” Angel drawled, smiling smugly, “You can read it on her pretty little face.” You could feel the heat creeping up your neck.

Yes, you had been fucking Adam. And yes, you had been keeping it from the rest of the hotel residents. Even after showing up—in a new demonic form, no less—to be redeemed, you knew no one, not even Charlie, trusted him fully after the last botched exorcism and direct attack on the hotel itself.

But he was drawn to you almost immediately, singling you out as someone to pursue and torment. And stupidly, you found yourself attracted to him, despite your better judgement.

“Who told you,” you deadpanned.

Angel Dust’s gaze flickered from you to Husk and back again. He sure knew how to be a fucking tease.

“Your stupid boyfriend,” Husk confirmed, not wanting to torture you any longer.

“Ya shoulda seen him bragging about it last night,” Angel added, no doubt living for the drama this would cause, “He’s got some loose lips once the booze starts flowin’. Real keeper if ya ask me.”

Stomach in knots, you attempted to put up a brave face, even with their taunting. “He’s not my boyfriend,” you said definitively, now feeling anger welling up inside you.

This was all Adam’s fault. He couldn’t keep his fucking mouth shut and now you were the one dealing with the humiliating fallout. “Fine, fuck buddy, whatever,” Angel corrected, watching as you stood up from the barstool in a huff, “Doesn’t sound like it’ll last very much longer, given the look on your face.”

You rolled your eyes, completely over this conversation. “Would you excuse me?” you asked rhetorically, your voice dripping with poison. Even Angel looked perturbed for a moment.

Husk glanced over to his companion as you hopped off the barstool, practically seething, “Yeah, ‘course toots,” Angel called after you, still clearly tickled by this development. He loved this kind of soap opera drama bullshit.

You were still able to hear Husk say “Oh she’s gonna fuckin’ murder him,” as you climbed the steps and stomped to Adam’s room.

Pounding on the door, anger and embarrassment grew like a vicious virus inside you. When no one answered, you pressed your ear against the door and was met with the irritating sound of a whiny electric guitar.

“Perfect,” you muttered to yourself as you grabbed the ring of keys Charlie had given you when you were on shift. Even though you had technically clocked out, you weren’t above bending the rules to give Adam a piece of your mind.

You threw open the door, letting the thud as it hit the wall startle the fallen angel strumming his guitar lazily. “Jesus fu—” he started to say as he shifted on his bed, but then his eyes softened at the sight of you, “Oh, hey babe—”

“Don’t you ‘hey babe’ me, you fucking prick,” you spat, fire practically spewing from your mouth, “You’ve been telling people about us?!”

A tense pause.

“Maybe.”

Another pause.

“No?”

You could feel your eye beginning to twitch.

“Ugh, fine. Yes. But what’s the big deal?” Adam asked incredulously, finally putting his guitar down.

You paused for a moment, your anger simmering. The big deal was that you were embarrassed. That the thought of you and Adam going public made you look like a desperate sinner latching onto the only other wayward soul that would look your way.

And hell, you actually liked sneaking around, until he ruined it with his big, dumb mouth of his.

And maybe, just maybe, you were afraid that once the novelty wore off and everyone knew about you two, Adam would leave you behind and move onto the next shiny new toy to waltz into the hotel.

“Cat got your tongue, dollface?” he prodded, wanting to get a rise out of you. It was one of his new favorite pastimes.

You pinched the bridge of your nose, your anxiety being replaced by annoyance. “Jesus fucking Christ do you ever shut up?” The former angel smirked, his eyes flitting up and down your form.

“First off, don’t take the Lord’s name in vain,” he said as you rolled your eyes, “It’s fucking rude.”

You wanted to punch him.

“Second, why don’t you make me?”

That was the last straw.

You lunged at him, practically pouncing on top of him to kiss him hungrily. Adam knew exactly how to push your buttons, and pathetic as it was, you actually fell for it every time.

You were straddling him, and felt him wince as you bit his lip in the heat of the angry makeout. Adam knew you were pissed, and the more you fought for dominance, the harder he felt himself get. 

After all, pleasure always tasted sweeter with a little pain. And you tasted fucking delicious.

Adam groaned as you pulled away from him, your face still radiating with heat and anger. You weren’t letting him off that easily, and he knew it.

“Lie down,” you muttered, your eyes scanning his smug expression. “Now.” Wordlessly, Adam complied, lying on his back as you removed your pants and underwear swiftly.

Adam raised his head slightly just in time to watch you remove your shirt and throw it across the room in a huff. He waited patiently for you to do his own disrobing on his behalf; the lazy bastard loved when you rode him.

But he didn’t feel the desperate grasp of your hands around his cock.

No, instead, you climbed up his chest, until you were eye to eye, his gold pupils dilated. “I’m going to have to take drastic measures to shut you up, aren’t I?”

Adam felt his pulse quicken. “What’d you have in mind?”

A sinful smile spread across your face. “Something I know you hate,” you teased, cupping his face gently, doing your best to seduce him into submission, “And something I happen to know your bestie Luci is very talented at.”

Adam gripped your arm, pulling your hand away from his face. You became frightened for a second, before he started peppering the inside of your wrist with small love bites.

The games you played toed a dangerous line between love and hate, and luckily Adam had been fucking you long enough to understand the moves you were making.

“I’m not eating you out,” he said, his expression darkening, “And don’t try to bait me with that little pretty boy. It won’t work.”

You felt your pulse quicken; clearly you had struck a nerve. You just had to push him a little further to get your way.

“Is that why Lilith really left?” you said, rolling your hips against his, feeling how hard he was underneath you, “Because you couldn’t…satisfy her the way that Lucifer could?”

You knew this would send him over the edge. And the moment you looked into his burning gold eyes, you knew you had won.

A small victory, but a victory nonetheless.

“Oh, I’m gonna fucking ruin you,” he growled, tugging at the hair at the nape of your neck. You smirked as he finally complied and laid on his back. Adam would rather give up control than have his skills in the bedroom be compared to the King of Hell.

You knew he was insecure, and if he was going to be a dick about it, the least you could do was take advantage.

Before he could change his mind, you placed each thigh on either side of his head, kneeling until your aching core met the lower half of his face. After a few seconds of resistance, you felt his lips part and flinched as his tongue slid into you.

“I can’t believe this was—ah—” you bucked your hips as he found his way to your clit, “This was the only way to get you to shut the fuck up.” You felt a hum of disapproval as his slender hands found his way to your ass.

You smiled to yourself as you felt the annoyed hum that radiated from your stubborn lover’s mouth. Finding your pace, you felt the tension in your abdomen rising as Adam continued to eat you out.

For not loving the act, you had to admit he was good at it. Feeling his tongue swirl inside you sent a shiver down you spine, and you felt a yelp leave your lips as he slapped your ass as you continued to buck on top of him.

In retaliation, he tried teasing you with small sucks and flicks, but you didn’t care; the fact that he was focusing on your gratification for a change was rewarding enough.

After a few minutes, though, the fallen angel had had enough of your domineering; if he was going to finish you off, he was going to do it his way.

Coming up for air, he placated you by circling one of his fingers around your clit. “Alright baby, you got what you wanted,” he breathed, “Now it’s my turn.”

In one fell swoop, he flipped you over onto your back, and disrobed in the blink of an eye. ‘Showoff,’ you thought to yourself, annoyed by the lack of his mouth on your pussy.

Before you could protest, two of his long fingers found his way inside you, pumping and curling to hit your sweet spot.

“After this, I’m gonna fuck you into oblivion,” Adam muttered, his tempo growing more erratic, “You’re lucky I’m even bothering to get you off after your little outburst, but you can consider it a favor this time.”

You tried to focus more on satisfying sensation you were feeling than his bitching. “It’s the least you could do after that bullshit you pulled with Husk and Angel,” you said, feeling a bead of sweat roll down your back as you tightened around him, “They’ll fucking crucify me.”

“Oh, don’t be so dramatic, baby,” he cooed, resting his thumb on your bud as he continued to pump his fingers into you, “Now be a good girl and cum for me.”

It only took a few more moments of stimulation for you to humiliatingly come undone around him, knowing he’d make you pay for it later.

Getting off always seemed to come with a price when it came to fucking Adam; at the very least you were able to shut him up for a few glorious minutes.

You contemplated if the grilling from the other guests and constant bickering was worth it, but you didn’t have much time to change your mind. Adam pulled you off your back and onto your stomach, and you winced as he slammed his cock into you, your ass on full display as he took you from behind.

You gripped the sheets, the friction of him inside you equal parts painful and gratifying. ‘Another question for another day,’ you thought, burying your face into the mattress as he fucked you at an agonizingly delicious pace.

Right now, you had a pissy angel to placate and a couple of sinners to swear to secrecy.

Royally fucked didn’t even begin to describe the mess you had gotten yourself into.

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

thanks for reading! please like/comment/reblog if you enjoyed and want to read more! :)

[wheatnoodle]

i love you, evangeline

og post | p1 | p2 | p3 | p4 | p5

~🌷🌻~

“so,” dustin says around a mouthful of french toast that has him spewing crumbs everywhere, “can i ask about…y’know…you becoming…you?”

“yeah, sure. ask away. we didn’t do secrets before this,” evie freezes briefly as she grabs a napkin to give him. her face cringes slightly. “sorry about that, by the way.”

dustin flaps the napkin to wave her worry off. “dude, you could literally get killed if you tell the wrong person.”

“way to remind us,” robin rolls her eyes over her coffee mug.

“anyways!” evie cuts in with a clap of her hands. “your questions?”

“oh! right. i wrote them down,” dustin says and pulls out his phone to open his notes.

“he wrote them down,” robin repeats sarcastically under her breath, earning a snort from evie and a glare from dustin that has her raising her hands in surrender.

dustin takes a sip of his orange juice and clears his throat. “okay. did you know before you left hawkins? how did you figure it out?”

“yeah, i knew before i left. i think right around when the whole…vecna thing happened was when i really understood what was up,” evie nods thoughtfully, “like, i always felt…different? or just lost, i guess. and then with starting to find words to put to my feelings, like transgender and dysphoria, it started to feel like maybe i wasn’t so weird. robin and i went shopping and tried on like skirts and stuff and that was wild. and then i started thinking about all the girls i had dated and what that meant, and honestly, i think i wanted to be them rather than be with them.”

“so if you didn’t want to be with them, are you gay? or…i guess straight? like you like dudes?” dustin asks, his brows drawn as he listens.

“y’know, i haven’t really thought too much about it but…yeah,” she shrugs. “i guess i’d say i’m straight since i like men.”

“cool,” he nods with a smile. “damn, so even as a girl, you and robin still won’t date.”

“oh dude, i was struggling helping her out with everything after her boob job. i swear, i was no better than a man,” robin says across the table.

“she wore an ace bandage as a blind fold,” evie laughs, tossing her head back. dustin giggles as he watches robin pick up the newspaper to smack evie with, her cheeks bright red.

“is it only robin and now me who knows?” he continues along with his questioning.

“you two and my dad’s secretary since he didn’t feel like answering the phone. she congratulated me, by the way,” evie smirks at the end. just picturing her dad’s face if he were to hear the news. the rage, the steam coming from his ears. screams that could be heard blocks away as he throws another lamp. and his loyal secretary of 8 years has already congratulated his daughter and told her how happy she is for her. robin high fives her every time she gets to mention it.

“damn! i cant imagine how much that took for you to cal him. nice work,” dustin smiles proudly. “would you ever want to tell more people from hawkins?”

she’s silent for a minute. it’s something she didn’t think she’d ever consider doing. and yet, she can’t outright say no.

“i think so. someday. i hope.”

“i could…ease them into the idea so it’s less of a shock? just like…gauge where everyone’s head is at in regards to transgender individuals, give you two updates, see where to go from there?” dustin suggests with a shrug. robin’s brows raise under bangs. now that’s an idea she hasn’t had yet.

“that sounds…good,” evie nods confidently after a second, a new smile blooming on her face. robin cheers from her seat and throws her arms in the air. “just be subtle! don’t walk in all ‘hey guys, how do you feel about hypermasculine jocks from small towns turning into women who wanna be barbie?’.”

“oh no, you stole my plan word for word,” dustin rolls his eyes. “no shit i’ll be subtle. it’s a shame a side effect of estrogen isn’t intelligence.”

“don’t forget i’m hosting you,” evie warns with a pointed finger.

“yes, mom,” he sighs heavily, “okay, you can stop me if this is too far. you said you got your boobs done, did you get…like…the surgery? like the surgery?”

“not too far, honestly. yeah, i got it about…a year ago, actually! ahh happy birthday to me!” evie claps excitedly.

“does it work?”

“DUSTIN!”

~

“i just don’t get why he hasn’t said anything. he said he would update us what she’s like, i mean c’mon, he’s the first one invited over! the first one allowed over! he promised to text when he got there, what if something happened? did everyone die? him and robin are silent! nobody answers their texts!”

“eddie! will you please just stop? dustin is fine and i am sure he isn’t wooing your fairy princess, love of your life, big stupid crush, ms evangeline,” gareth groans. he’s laying upside down on the couch in his and eddie’s apartment, curls dangling to the ground. it’s been forever of listening to eddie gush about robin’s roommate and now it’s just even worse with dustin staying with them. the least eddie could do is stop pacing in front of him, he’s making him motion sick watching his legs go back and forth.

finally, eddie flips down next to him with a heavy sigh. he takes a long swig of his beer, effectively draining half of it down his throat, before just staring at the ceiling.

“i’m sorry, i’m sorry. you’re right. everything’s fine. plus, it’d be pretty fucked of him to go flirt with her when i called dibs.”

“you can’t dibs a woman-“

“yeah, yeah, shut up.” eddie lightly kicks at gareth’s shoulder. he sighs again, his finger fiddling with the wrapper on his beer bottle. “…do you think he’s mentioned me?”

“that’s it, i need a knife.”

~🌷🌻~

taggie waggies:

@lololol-1234 @xo-r4e @paintsplatteredandimperfect @homohomohoe @charlies-candid-corner @tartarusfairy @howincrediblysapphicofyou @steddie-as-they-go @bestwifehaver @sexymothmanincarnate @zoeweee @romanticdestruction @cinnamon-mushroomabomination @breadboi66 @shadowofaliar @mollymawkwrites @lofaewrites @estrellami-1 @ronance-is-my-wife @afewproblems @heartsong18 @discount-izukumidoriya @mightbeasleep @bookbinderbitch @justforthedead89 @onehandedbitch @anxiouseds @sunfloweringstories @cyranyx @thegingerrapunzel @hequet @herebedragons404 @magpiemuseum @scheodingers-muppet @the-ghost-in-your-curtains @background-noise-headache @steddieloverrr @punctualhowell @musical-theatre-gay @its-a-me-a-morgan @chronically-stupid-human @stevesbipanic @says-swag-unironically

[blippymilk]

Do You Have Something to Tell Me?

Veneer x GN!Reader

Summary: You’re a normal teen in Mount Rageous, and the biggest Veneer fan known to man. Everybody that knows you knows it too. Unfortunately it’s highly unlikely to date the celebrity of your dreams…unintentionally.

A/N: I’m working on the request but I’ve had this for a bit so I finished it today and uploaded it for the time being.Also please forgive me if I use a certain amount of pronouns. With other content I’ve made before I’ve usually made female reader content so if I say she, as in referring to you please forgive me.

Happy New Years 🥳🎉

“Seriously (____)?” one of your friends side eyed you as as you burst out in giggles in response. You had invited your two best friends over (Liliana and Romar) for your annual two night sleepovers, and currently you were killing time by watching Veneer and Velvet’s (mostly Veneer) latest concert footage. Well not really killing time according to you, it was a way of life.

“You seriously brought us over here to watch you drool over Veneer?” Liliana continued as your giggling came to a halt. “I did not invite you over here for that. Especially since I am watching Veneer AND Velvet, get it straight guys.” You replied as Romar got up and came over to your bed where you were watching on your MacBook. “Sweetie you literally zoomed in on him and cropped his sister out…” you started kicking your feet and giggling again. “This is insane, I’ve never met anyone with such an obsession over anybody ever. You don’t even pay your boyfriend this much attention.” Liliana said and Romar agreed. “Who?” You said still staring at the screen as your friends both leaned back and cocked an eyebrow at you. “Oh, Jalen…him…right.” You sighed closing your laptop.

It was silent for a while before anyone spoke again. “How about we do our favorite activity to do when we’re all together?” Romar asked as you and Liliana perked up. “SHOPPING!” You all shouted in unison.

________________________________________________________

“Let’s do a challenge guys.” You said to your friends as you all entered the Mount Rageous Mall. “Let’s put outfits together with a budget, a timer, and a person to customize.” You said as your friends agreed. “Bet. But where will we get the details from?” Liliana asked. “A generator or something.” Romar grabbed his phone and typed in a few things. The results ended up being: a budget of 35$, 40 minutes, and Romar got you, you got Liliana, and Liliana got Romar.

“On a count of three…” Liliana started, suddenly both of you almost fell over with the quick take off of Romar running through the mall. “HEY! WE’RE NOT done y-yet…and he’s gone.” She said as you both simultaneously face palmed and took off two different directions.

Your first stop was a store that was highly underrated in your opinion. It had great and reasonably priced outfits and none of your friends knew about it (yes you were gatekeeping but who cares). You ran all up and down the store for something Liliana might like. ‘Her favorite color is green, that’s a start’ you thought. You finally found a green top in her size and were now looking for some bottoms. You looked at the timer ‘32 minutes left’. You had to hurry and find some bottoms because more people started to enter the store. ‘Huh, guess this store’s not too underrated anymo-” your thoughts were cut short as you noticed someone running at the same pace towards you, and quite literally collided with them.

‘Sh*t that hurt’. The person you collided into let out a sort of high pitched “OW” that was very dramatic and dragged out. He almost sounded like…no. You sat up planning to apologize to the person, hoping it would roll over and you could be on your way. After all you only had 29 minutes left to checkout then hit up the accessory store.

“I’m sorr-”

“Ow, what the hell’s wrong with you?”

That shut you up real quick. What weren’t about to do was apologize to a blockhead. There was something weird about the way he responded. His high pitched voice had deepened when he came to his senses. “Excuse me?” You said standing up as he did too. The guy had a purple hoodie on covering his hair, but left some strands of it hanging, which was green. He had on glasses covering his eyes, pale white skin, and purple lipstick. He almost reminded of someone but you couldn’t put your finger on it.

“You should watch where you’re going next time.” The boy said dusting himself off. Now you were getting angry and the guy stuttered a bit. “Wait that’s not what I-” “Who do you think you are?” You blurted out.

“I was just saying…”

“Well maybe if you’d stop running your mouth every three seconds, your future altercations could be less painful.” And with that you grabbed your items off the floor, and made your way to the checkout leaving the boy stunned.

________________________________________________________

After hitting up the accessory store you and your friends had planned to meet up in the food court. “I seriously think I won this, like no joke.” Romar said. “Absolutely not it was me!” Liliana said shaking him. “I don’t know Lili, the outfit I picked out for you was kinda cute.” You said as you three went back and forth.

“Y’all are exhausting and I’m hungry, let’s eat.” Romar said and the disagreement was over as you three frantically traced the smells in the food court. Once in line you told your friends about the interaction with the rude guy you’d met in the store you went to. “Girl I woulda beat his as*” Lili said getting rowdy. “Uh we don’t condone violence over here mam.” Romar laughed as you two chuckled.

Once you ordered Romar offered to wait for everyone’s food and Lili took a phone call. You decided to sit down at a empty table and scroll through social media to kill time. You had scrolled endlessly for a few minutes before a Veneer edit popped up on your for you page. You stopped and watched it again, and again, and again, and maybe another time.

It’s only when a sudden voice snapped you out of your daydream, “Hey.” You jumped quickly and looked where the voice was coming from. It was that rude dude from the store earlier behind you. Rolling your eyes you quickly got up to leave but he stopped you, “Wait please don’t go.” He said. ‘He thinks I’m really gonna stay after the way he was talking to me earlier’ you thought, but you did stay.

You looked up at him waiting for him to speak again, you also noticed him eyeing your phone. The Veneer edit was still on repeat. ‘How embarrassing’ you turned your phone off and laughed nervously. You wondered if he had been behind you when you had the edit on loop, or if you were almost drooling or flustered at all.

“What is it?” You asked him as he turned his attention back to you. “Oh right um,” he sat down in the chair across from you, “I just wanted to apologize for earlier. I don’t usually act that way I actually felt really bad.” He said as you eyed him, like you were scanning him. “I’m so serious, like what I was saying I didn’t mean for it to come out like that. I have a lot of things to think about right now and I guess I didn’t think too hard on how to approach the situation.” He continued. You “scanned” him even more, he seemed sincere.

Suddenly your face softened and you could to tell his worry dropped a little too. “It’s ok I get it, I’m sorry for not hearing you out I was just in a rush.” He smiled a bit at this. “So what’s your name?” He asked. “I’m (____). What about you?” You asked. “Oh I’m V-Victor.” He said almost as if he was thinking too hard. “Nice to meet you Victor.” “You too.” “So do you live around here?” You two were in such deep conversation you didn’t see your friends staring you and this boy down until the had to frantically wave at you. You let them know you’d be there soon with your face and they took off somewhere in a hurry. Actually a couple people did, there was a little crowd forming at the front of the mall.

“What’s going on?” You said looking at the front, mid conversation. Victor looked almost panicked for a moment but calmed his face. “Not sure but I think I have to get going.” He said grabbing his bags. “Ok I get it, do you mind if I ask you one more thing though?” you asked. “Hit me.” He replied. “Why are you wearing glasses, can I see your eyes before you go?” You chuckled as he did the same. “Not this time, maybe another time.” He smiled at you, grabbed his last bag, and just like that he was gone.

‘Another time?’ You thought. He’s gotta be stupid there’s like a one in a thousand chance you’ll ever run into him again at Mount Rageous. You looked down at your phone and on top of it laid a piece of paper. You opened it to find a note: “Call me sometime? ;)” with a phone number under it and Victor’s name. He was quick with it.

Was he flirting with you? Why else would he put a winky face. ‘Little does he know, I’m loyal to my boyfriend’ you thought. “And my future husband Veneer.” You thought out loud before quickly closing your mouth and hoping nobody heard you. That’s when you realized more than half of the people at the food court was gone.

Suddenly Lili came up to you and grabbed your hand, “Come on come on! (Name) you will not believe what’s happening!” She sqeauled. “What? Just tell me!” You shouted while she dragged you to the front of the mall. “No you have to see it for yourself.” She said. “Nope,” you stopped and pulled your arm back, “I won’t go until you tell me what it is.” You tried being stubborn and it was working, Lili’s eye twitched a bit. “Fine! You wanna know so bad, it’s Velvet!” She sqeauled loosing her composer. “Velvet? As in-” “THE Velvet! Superstar and sibling to your man Veneer yes!” But you had only heard up to the Veneer part because you took off.

[yelena-bellova]

Heartfirst: A Ted Lasso Story - Chapter Seven

Chapter Seven: Movin’ On Up

Plot: Y/n receives some surprise visitors on moving day, and Richmond suffers a shocking blow to their lineup.

Word Count: 5.9k

Warnings: f!reader, language, (16+)

A/N: I really don’t know how I’m managing to crank these out so fast. Maybe shorter chapters? Anyway, this one was fun. We’re getting into the meat of the story, so hold onto your butts, and enjoy!!

(Forgive any typos, I wrote the bulk of this one at midnight 🌙)

——————

If there was a magical force at play in Richmond, it had made Y/n its latest target.

Not only had she found the perfect apartment, she’d toured it, signed the lease and booked movers in the same week. In all her post-university years, she’d never seen real estate move quicker.

Y/n wandered the flat, directing the men and whatever piece of furniture they were holding to its corresponding room.

A knock sounded from the stairs.

“Oh, the dresser can go to-“ Y/n spun around to help guide the mover she’d just seen downstairs, only to find the last person she expected.

“Hey, there, neighbor,” Ted greeted, standing at the top of the steps.

Y/n quickly plastered on her Monday-Friday grin, “Ted. What are you…how did you…?”

“Well, you said you were movin’ into your new place this weekend,” Ted hopped a step inside the apartment to let one of the movers pass by, “Took a guess that the van that came through this morning was probably yours.”

Y/n tried to laugh off the intrusion. The safety of living thirty minutes away was long gone…

“Brought you a little ‘welcome to the neighborhood’ gift,” Ted held up a little pink box and set it on Y/n’s kitchen counter. It was the same one that he dropped on Rebecca’s desk each morning.

“Thank you,” Y/n replied while pointing one of the movers in the direction of her bedroom.

Ted stuck his hands in his pockets and took a look around the living room. He let out a whistle, “I wish you’d’ve told us you were movin’ in sooner. Coaches and the boys coulda saved you some money, get you settled ourselves.”

That was exactly why she hadn’t told anyone she was moving until the day before. She knew Ted would have assembled the Greyhounds and she would have had 15+ footballers funneling in and out of her apartment, invading the little bubble she had left.

“Oh, I wasn’t gonna inconvenience you guys,” Y/n replied, watching Ted as he maneuvered around the boxes, “Especially with the match tomorrow.”

Ted made a raspberry, “Pish posh, Oshkosh. Woulda been happy to help. Hey,” Ted swirled a finger toward the ceiling, “This place got A/C?”

Y/n nodded.

“Whew,” Ted exhaled, “I gotta tell you, biggest surprise comin’ over here.”

“You get used to it,” Y/n replied, a deep double meaning to her words.

“What about you? What was the biggest shock for you, movin’ here?”

Y/n thought back to when she was eighteen, fresh out of high school and starting a brand new life in another country. Even if it had only been a few years, it felt like a decade ago.

“I don’t know,” she sighed, “Probably the difference in English. Chips versus fries, that sort of thing.”

“Man, I still slip up,” Ted said, “Took me months to get the football lingo down.”

“I still call the pitch a field sometimes,” Y/n admitted, settling on one of her barstools.

“Well, now I don’t feel so bad,” Ted chuckled as he came to sit across from Y/n, “Hey, what’s the thing you miss most from home? Just a little thing, y’know?”

Y/n sighed, thinking about the region-specific foods she couldn’t find in the international section of the market or the channels missing from her television. Truth be told, there wasn’t anything she missed so much it could be considered missing.

“I don’t know,” she shrugged, “It’s been so long since I’ve been home.”

“When was the last time you went back?” Ted asked.

“Uh…” Y/n traced back the list of holidays, “My sister’s birthday…two years ago?”

Ted whistled once more, “That’s a long time. Bet your folks miss you.”

On cue, Y/n’s muscles tensed. Her smile returned to conceal her discomfort. “My sister visits,” she said, “Every year.”

“Aw, that’s nice,” Ted cooed, “For me, it’s gotta be good barbecue. I mean, don’t get me wrong, they do food dang well over here, but I miss a good southern BBQ, y’know?”

“I actually do,” Y/n admitted with a small laugh, “4th of July’s always weird.”

Ted smacked a hand against the counter. “Thank you,” he said loudly, “Last year, we had a game. Felt like Beard and I were betrayin’ our ancestors or somethin’.”

Y/n chuckled, Ted struck her as someone who went all out for Independence Day.

“Hey, truth time,” Ted continued, the humor draining from his face, “Yea or nay on tea?”

Y/n shrugged, “I like it.”

“Dang it,” Ted bobbed his head, “Beard, you…us ex-pats keep droppin’ like flies.”

“It takes some adjusting, I’ll admit that,” Y/n raised a finger, “Not exactly a frappachino.”

“Mm-mm,” Ted shook his head, “I have tried and tried with that tree piss. Warmth ain’t goin’ anywhere north on that one.”

Y/n snorted a little, imagining what that might look like, Ted sipping on earl grey.

One of the movers asked Y/n where she wanted a bookcase and she gave him directions. For once, Ted sensed the moment.

“Well, I’ll get outta your hair,” he held up his hands and hopped off the barstool, “But I’m just down the street so you ever need anything, don’t be a stranger.”

“Good to know,” Y/n watched Ted walk away, “Ted?”

He stopped at the top of the stairs, “Hmm?”

While Ted was still a lot, after all her years spent as the foreigner, it was almost…nice to talk to someone from home. Someone she didn’t need to explain her references to or rearrange her vocabulary for.

“Thank you,” Y/n said, quickly concealing the truth of her gratitude, “For the biscuits.”

“Anytime,” Ted saluted before heading on his way.

Y/n let out a loud sigh once she was sure he was gone. She wandered back over to the counter and opened the pink box, finding the signature biscuits Rebecca raved about. Out of curiosity, she broke off a bite and ate it.

“Shit,” she mumbled, they were better than anything she’d ever found in any of London’s cafés.

Despite his line-crossing, Ted was good-natured. He had a heart of gold and tried to make sure everyone he encountered felt like they had one too. Y/n could call it tolerance or simply learning to deal with him, but deep down, Ted’s efforts were starting to poke and prod a little harder at her walls.

—————————

That evening, after the movers had finished and Y/n had gotten the basics unpacked, she started on the non-essentials. She was stacking dishes when the doorbell rang.

Y/n was perturbed as she descended her stairs, there were exactly three people who had her new address, the absolute minimum. Lisa, who handled payroll at the club, Ted, who’d stumbled upon her apartment by sheer luck, and her sister.

Looking through the peephole, Y/n sighed. She’d forgotten there was a fourth on the list.

Jamie smiled smugly as Y/n opened the door, “You went with mine.”

Y/n rolled her eyes, “I didn’t ‘go with yours.’ I was the one who found it, you just deemed it worthy.”

“And I was right,” Jamie stuck his neck out and lifted off his heels.

She’d never give him the satisfaction of knowing, but Jamie was completely right. The night of the West Ham match, the two of them had stayed at the Crown and Anchor till Mae kicked them out, pouring over each apartment until they’d eliminated 75% of the stack. The one Y/n had settled on was also the one that Jamie had decided was the best.

Jamie held up a plastic takeaway bag, “Come bearin’ sustenance.”

Not only was Y/n tired, she didn’t want to entertain anybody else from work. But, starving as she was, she was in no position to turn down free food.

“Entry permitted,” she snatched the bag from him, “Barely.”

Jamie took an exaggerated step over the seal and passed Y/n. They’d gotten to know each other better over the last few weeks, Jamie stopping Y/n anytime he saw her to ask about the apartment tours she was taking on the weekends. They’d gotten many laughs out of the stories of Y/n going against Jamie’s advice and visiting the properties that did indeed turn out to be crap.

In another world, they’d almost consider each other friends.

Upstairs, Jamie swung his arms as he took in the living room, “Not bad.”

“‘Not bad?’” Y/n turned around from where she stood in the adjoining kitchen, “You pick this place out and then it’s just ‘not bad?’”

Jamie cackled, spinning on his heel and pointing a finger at Y/n. “That’s an admission.”

Y/n internally cringed, her sharp edge was dulled by exhaustion. She could usually keep up with Jamie. “If you want any of this,” she unpacked the styrofoam container of kebabs, “You’ll stay on my good side.”

“Can’t have any,” Jamie replied, coming to lean on the bar, “Diet, ‘member?”

Y/n shook her head, popping a stray piece of chicken into her mouth. “I still don’t get why you’re doing this.”

“You know why,” Jamie crossed his arms on the counter, “Gotta get back to being the best.”

“Yeah, but is being better than Zava worth missing out on things like food and sleep?” Y/n asked. She could appreciate Jamie’s drive, but this dedication seemed overboard.

“It’ll be worth it,” Jamie stated.

Y/n decided to play the asshole, sliding across the kitchen to wave the kebab box under Jamie’s nose. She watched his willpower waver ever so fleetingly.

Jamie glared up at her, “You’re evil.”

Y/n snickered as she went back to her spot, stealing a bite before going back to unpacking. “Why are you here? Shouldn’t you be with Roy?”

“Night before a match, I’m off,” Jamie swung around the bar to the kitchen.

“So shouldn’t you be resting?” Y/n asked as she un-bubble wrapped a stack of plates.

“I will,” Jamie shrugged, bending over to peel the tape off a box.

Y/n glanced over, watching as Jamie began to unpack various glasses. He didn’t offer, he didn’t ask, just went about it as if it were his business. It was slightly intrusive…and also kind.

Jamie Tartt, Y/n had come to learn, was nothing and everything like what she’d thought he’d be. He had more depth than he let onto and he’d shown a side of it by trying to help her find a place. And though she knew the Zava battle was a personal thing for him, she also knew how much Jamie cared about his team. He wanted to be at his best for them just as much as he did for himself.

Unlike Keeley, who announced her efforts to get Y/n to crack at every turn, or Ted, who went overboard, Jamie hadn’t tried to enter into Y/n’s life. He had simply occurred.

“Do you get nervous?” Y/n asked out of pure curiosity, “Before games?”

“Not really. I mean,” Jamie answered, lining up coffee mugs in a cupboard, “Sometimes. Depends.”

Y/n stretched on her toes to put away china she never used, “On?”

“I dunno,” Jamie replied, a particular trigger or two popping up, “Lots of things.”

“So what about tomorrow?” Y/n continued.

Any slip Jamie’s mind had made was caught with quick footing. “Nah,” he said confidently, “Nah, we got that.”

“Well, good,” Y/n exhaled, setting the empty box on the floor, “It’d be nice to get a win. And hey, if it doesn’t work out and you’re forced to retire after this season, I’m sure the reality tv world is still thriving with opportunities.”

Jamie managed to grimace while smiling, “How the fuck did you find out about that?”

“You thought the PR department wouldn’t know about that?” Y/n strode past him to get another box, “I also live in England.”

“You at least vote for me?” Jamie asked, a playful lilt to his tone.

Y/n hoisted another box of kitchenware into her arms and balanced it on her knee. “Yep, you caught me,” she sarcastically grunted, “I have a weakness for crap tv featuring mediocre footballers.”

Jamie set down the mug in his hand with a particular harshness. Mediocre footballer. “Now, hang on-“ he began.

“Less talking, more working,” Y/n cut him off, she stopped to check out the cupboard he was finishing. “That’s also not where they go.”

“What?”

“The mugs,” Y/n gestured to where her coffee maker was, “Disrupts the flow if they’re all the way over there.”

Jamie rolled his eyes, only playful annoyance accompanying. “God forbid we disturb the flow,” he lamented, grabbing a mug in each hand and heading to the correct cabinet.

They unpacked in comfortable silence a minute more before Y/n decided it didn’t matter if Jamie wasn’t nervous about the match. They needed all the encouragement they could get.

“It’ll happen tomorrow,” she said, referring to their recent losses.

Regardless of whether he was hiding any feelings or if they’d pop out the moment he stepped on the pitch, Jamie stopped what he was doing to absorb the kind words. Y/n was a recent addition to his life, certainly an unexpected one, but she felt…safe. Like even if they didn’t know anything about each other past their mutual taste in real estate, he didn’t have to act so much around her.

“Thanks,” he replied, making effort to meet her eyes.

Y/n gave a small smile, “It will.”

—————————

It didn’t.

Over the next month, Richmond’s lack of luck turned to a 7-game losing streak. Some weeks were better than others, but they all ended the same way: with the Greyhounds leaving the pitch with their heads hanging in defeat.

Luckily, Y/n was kept occupied on the eighth week. Jack Danvers was coming into the office for a meeting and Keeley had asked Y/n to be there as well.

“You’re all business-y,” she’d said, “You know way more than I do, plus, Jack really likes you.”

Y/n sat on one side of Jack, with Barbara on the other, as she and Keeley recounted the conversation and clash of opinions they’d had recently.

“I completely understand where Barbara’s coming from,” Keeley said, keeping a kind tone as she turned to her CFO, “But as I was explaining to you, I’m worried that by adding more clients that could mean less attention paid to the wonderful people we already represent.”

“And then,” Barbara chuckled, though she lacked any humor, “I reminded Keeley, as you’ve said so many times, Jack, that if it does get to the point where we feel we’re spreading ourselves thinly, then we’ll hire more people,” she grinned politely at Keeley, “It’s called ‘growth.’”

Y/n and Keeley glanced over at one another fleetingly, the tension was so poorly concealed, it was getting uncomfortable.

“I’m sure you can see that as well, Y/n,” Barbara gestured towards Y/n.

“Actually, Keeley’s absolutely right, in my opinion,” Y/n answered, spotting her boss a smile, “There’s big firms, there’s small firms. Both have their allure, but I think our personability is the biggest thing we have going for us.”

“Oh,” Barbara’s grin grew scarier, “Wonderful, wonderful…”

Jack looked sweetly towards Barbara, “Okay. Let me weight in here.

“Oh, please,” Barbara obliged.

“I agree with Keeley,” Jack finished.

“Oh, that’s great,” Barbara beamed.

“Being a small boutique firm is exactly what sets you apart, like Y/n said,” Jack went on, “You want a restaurant to look successful, you take out half the tables and you have a line out the door. I say, let’s go for it.”

Keeley and Jack shared a smile.

“No, that’s wonderful. Yeah,” Barbara forced out as she rose, “And instead of salaries, we can give away the tables we threw out.”

“Don’t worry, Barbara,” Jack called, “It’ll be great.”

Barbara mumbled some dishonest agreement as she left the room, leaving it open on her way out.

Jack turned to Keeley and Y/n, “Do you ever think sunshine gets jealous of her?”

The women shared a laugh just before a knock at the door revealed Shandy. “Knock, knock.”

“Hi, babe,” Keeley greeted her friend.

“Now that your little cool girls meeting’s done,” Shandy leaned on the empty chair, very visibly unhappy, “Just wanted to share the exciting news that I’ve started an app.”

“Oh,” Keeley replied.

“It’s like Bantr, but it’s better and cooler,” Shandy’s tone was even and icy, “And actually cares about helping people have sex with celebrities.”

Y/n kept her head down, sharing an awkward glance with Jack. This was strictly Keeley’s business to handle.

“What? Shandy-“ Keeley began.

“It’s called ‘Star Fuckr,’” she announced before looking to Jack, “And yeah, we are looking for investors.”

When Jack didn’t offer to write a multi-zero check right then and there, Shandy stood tall, shot daggers at Keeley and strutted her way out of the room.

“I take it she’s still angry about the whole Bantr thing?” Jack asked.

“Oh, yes,” Keeley nodded, “Shandy does not have a good relationship with rejection, or her ex, or with her workplace, or most nouns, really.”

“‘You are so passionate, but I have to let you go,” Jack said, pulling Y/n and Keeley’s attention, “‘I’m sorry, but I know someone as brilliant as you will land on their feet.”

Keeley struggled momentarily, “What did I do?”

“No, no, no, no,” Jack reached out across the desk, “Keeley, sorry. That’s what you say when you fire Shandy.”

Y/n and Keeley both exhaled forcefully, laughing after.

“Sorry,” Jack apologized.

“No, no, it’s fine,” Y/n’s hand was pressed to her chest, “I just saw my lease flash before my eyes.”

“It’s called a compliment sandwich,” Jack explained, “You give someone bad news, but to soften the blow, you slap it between two delicious slices of compliments.”

Keeley nodded, “But I can’t fire Shandy. She’ll hate me. And she really thinks she’s killing it.”

“I am sure she does,” Jack exhaled, “The worst people often think they’re the best. My dad calls it ‘talent dysmorphia.’”

Keeley laughed while Y/n stayed silent, knowing what was coming next.

“What do you think?” Keeley turned to her hardest worker, “Do you think it’s the right decision?”

Y/n looked down at her notebook, taking a deep breath to see if it would help the force of what she wanted to say dissipate. Jack was waiting on her too, and she couldn’t lie to her or Keeley.

“I think…” she started slow before shutting her eyes and letting it fly, “Keeley, if you don’t fire her, she will literally run the company into the ground and strut over its mangled corpse.”

When she opened her eyes, Jack and Keeley were leant back an inch or two as if to avoid the splash of her opinion. Before she could try and explain it more eloquently, the two women started laughing.

“No, no,” Jack chuckled, “Don’t hold back.”

Y/n exhaled with a small smile, turning to Keeley, “I’m sorry.”

“No,” Keeley reached a hand over and poked the back of Y/n’s, “That’s why you’re my best. You don’t hold back.”

It was ironic, they both knew, considering how withdrawn Y/n kept herself. But with Keeley, it seemed to be a bit of a joke between the two of them.

“You two wanna get some lunch?” Jack asked when the giggles had died down, “My meeting just got pushed.”

“Abso-fucking-lutely,” Keeley smiled, “Yeah, my stomach started grumbling when you said ‘compliment sandwich.’”

“You guys enjoy,” Y/n rose with them and collected her purse, “I’ve gotta get back to the office.”

“Oh,” Keeley reached back over her desk and handed Y/n a sheet of paper, “Give this to Zava. A couple more people called requesting interviews.”

Y/n glanced over the list she’d originally made, it seemed like the Zava craze still hadn’t died down. In fact, the more Richmond lost, the more people wanted to hear what he had to say. “Are we sure it’s a good idea to do so many interviews on a seven-game streak?”

“That’s the thing,” Keeley grabbed her coat, “The press eat up whatever Zava says. Can’t get enough.”

Quirking an eyebrow in understanding, Y/n tucked the list in her book and tried to imagine the ridiculous headlines that would be tied to Richmond this week.

—————————

Returning to the office after having taken lunch by herself, Y/n rapped two knuckles on the open locker room door. She still knew to wait for the all-clear.

“Everybody decent?”

A chorus of various ‘yeses’ were her key in.

“Zava,” Y/n turned to the star player, “Here’s your interview schedule. The press is really eager this weekend in particular. Let me know if there’s any changes you want to make.”

Zava pressed a hand to his heart and touched Y/n’s arm with the other. “Thank you,” he said softly, before looking to his teammates, “Men.”

Taking hold of both her shoulders, Zava guided Y/n to stand in front of him. “Okay,” Y/n stuttered as she was stood in front of the entire team. Seated in the middle of the room with Isaac, Jamie matched her confused gaze.

“This is what your hearts should be seeking,” Zava began to wax his odd form of poetry, “Brains, talent, warmth-“

Y/n’s brow creased, what the fuck had she walked into?

“Outer beauty will fade,” he continued, “But a smudge like this,” Zava smiled down on Y/n, “It will last forever.”

Zava patted her shoulders once more before throwing his towel over his shoulder and exiting the room. Not only was Y/n left with every Greyhound staring at her, contemplating Zava’s words, but with his schedule still clutched in her hand.

“Can someone make sure he gets this?” Y/n asked, failing to keep her tone even.

“Oh,” Dani raised his hand and climbed over Jamie’s leg to get to Y/n, “I will.”

Y/n willingly handed it off, “Thank you, Dani.” Not caring to spend another second in the room, she turned on her heel and left. She backtracked her steps quickly, “Is a smudge a good or a bad thing?”

Colin scrunched his face up, “It’s not…not…a good thing.”

Pressing a hand to her temple, Y/n decided she didn’t need to know any more about whatever conversation she’d interrupted and left the locker room.

—————————

The Man City match came about like every other one, but the air of anticipation heightened with each week. Would this be the day Richmond finally broke their streak? Or would they take another step towards double digits?

Not more than a second after Y/n had parked in the car lot, her phone rang with a call from Higgins.

“Hi,” she answered, “What’s going on?”

“Are you here yet?” Higgins asked, his tone nervous.

Y/n shut the door to her car, striding towards the back entrance to the stadium. “I just pulled in.”

“Could you pop into the coach’s office?”

“Yeah,” Y/n hung on the syllable suspiciously, turning in the other direction and swinging the door to the office building open. “Be right there.”

Y/n took long steps down the hall, passing by the locker room and heading straight for Ted’s office.

“Hey,” she said as she entered. Coach Beard, Roy and Higgins were standing around the desk clump, huddled together in conversation. Ted was already on the pitch. “What’s wrong?”

Beard kept his hand pressed to his mouth, Roy scowled at the air.

“It seems that Zava hasn’t showed up yet,” Higgins answered, “No one knows where he is.”

Y/n’s lips parted in confusion, “He’s just…not here?”

“Apparently so.”

Setting aside her annoyance, Y/n snapped into work mode and pulled her phone from her coat pocket. “Alright,” she scanned her contacts, “Let me get on the phone with some people. See if I can track him down.”

“He’d better fucking be here,” Roy growled at no one in particular.

Y/n raised her phone to her ear and pointed to Roy and Trent’s office, the former nodding for her to take it. She started at the top of the list of Zava’s personal team he’d given to her, Keeley and Higgins. Why a fecalist needed to be considered an emergency contact, Y/n would never understand, but she’d try whoever she had to…

Except the fecalist hadn’t heard from him.

Or his agent.

Or anyone Y/n dialed.

Defeatedly, and beginning to grow anxious, Y/n rejoined Beard, Roy and Higgins. “No one knows where the fuck he is,” she answered.

“Fuck,” Roy muttered.

“We got three minutes,” Beard shrugged, “What the fuck do we do?”

“Start Colin,” Roy resolved before looking to Y/n, “If you track that prick down, I don’t care, you fucking get on the pitch and tell us.”

Y/n gave a definitive nod, “You got it.”

With not so much a plan as a temporary fix, Roy and Beard left for the locker room while Y/n and Higgins headed for the hall.

“I told everyone to call me if they hear from him,” Y/n reported as they walked.

“What could be so important to make him miss a match?” Higgins pondered as they made their way to the stadium.

“I don’t know, but so long as his wife and kids are breathing and in possession of all their limbs,” Y/n practically growled, the cheering of packed house of Greyhounds growing louder with each step, “I’ll drag him onto the field myself.”

—————————

Rebecca took to the news…as expected.

“Who the fuck does he think he is?”

Y/n sat on one side of her boss, raising two fingers of the hand rubbing at her temple, in agreement.

“So just, no one’s heard from him?” Rebecca asked.

“No one,” Higgins grimaced.

“Well,” Rebecca let her palms fall against her legs, “There goes any chance of a win.”

“Let’s pray otherwise,” Y/n scanned her phone for the fifth time since she’d sat down. It was then that she realized there was a very vocal presence missing. “Where’s Keeley?”

Snapping out of her most likely violent thoughts, Rebecca unlocked her phone and held it up to Y/n. She found a text thread from Keeley including a message that said she’d be missing the game. Below it was a picture of a baby lamb standing on the table of the KJPR conference room, surrounded by its own feces.

Three months ago, Y/n might have had a question or twelve. Now, she simply nodded and sat back in her seat. “So Shandy’s gone,” she mumbled to herself.

The game went as well as the last ones had. Colin, though talented, couldn’t rival Zava’s skill. Jamie’s extra training wasn’t the solution either, and Man City walked away with a 4-0 win against the Greyhounds.

Rebecca retired to her office while Higgins and Y/n headed to touch base with the coaches. Trent met them along the way.

“No one heard from him?” Trent asked Y/n on their way.

“Not a single text or call during the game,” Y/n scrolled her phone as they walked, an Instagram notification popping up, “Shit.”

Higgins looked over, “What?”

Y/n stopped midway to their destination, hitting play on the video.

“Hello, how are you?” Zava spoke, dressed in casual wear, “I’m just - I have to share something with you, my friends. You are not my followers. You are my believers.”

Trent and Higgins came to stand beside Y/n, expectantly waiting for an answer.

“And so it— I have to tell you,” the man paused, “Zava has played his last match. I will now dedicate all of my time and all of my energy to my family and my avocado farm.”

The rest of whatever utter nonsense Zava had to spew, Y/n didn’t listen. She was infuriated, partially because of his actions, and partially because they’d all allowed themselves to think it was ever a good idea to hire him. He’d fed the Greyhounds to the wolves with no regret and it affected all of AFC Richmond.

When the video ended, Trent, Y/n and Higgins shared a hopeless look.

“We’ve got to tell the boys,” Higgins finally spoke, shrugging slightly.

The three of them made their way down the rest of the hall where the locker room door hung open. The scene inside was dismal, each of the men sat on the benches with their heads hung.

“Hey, guys,” Higgins greeted in an attempt to stay positive, “Good effort today.”

“Mr. Higgins,” Colin spoke up from his seat, “Is it true about Zava?”

Y/n cast her gaze downwards, avoiding eye contact with any of them.

“I’m afraid so,” Higgins replied.

Dani, cradling a towel to his face, began to weep into the fabric.

“Maybe some tissues for Dani,” Higgins muttered quietly.

“Hey, hey, guys,” Sam stood with his phone in hand, “Zava just posted a video.”

“Oh gosh,” Y/n grumbled under her breath as the Greyhounds circled up. Everyone except Jamie, who remained sat on the floor.

The boys watched the video, clinging to every last word at the start, and walking away with mumbled curses and shakes of the head. Any love or respect they had for their former teammate had been lost within thirty virtual seconds.

Y/n snuck a glance over at Jamie, expecting to see him struggle to keep his joy under wraps. She couldn’t have been more wrong. Even he was in shock.

“Gentlemen,” Ted said as he entered, quickly noticing Y/n’s presence, “And lady. That was a tough one tonight. Okay? Man City has still got our number. That’s all right. We gonna get another crack at ‘em later in the season. Uh-huh,” Ted looked to Beard, “Coach? No practice tomorrow.”

Beard nodded, “That’s right.”

“Okay,” Ted looked back to the team, “Well, I’ll see y’all on Monday.”

While the rest of the team began to talk amongst themselves, Sam looked up confusedly at Ted. “Hey, hey. Hey, Coach,” he called till the manager stopped in his tracks, “What about Zava?”

Ted glanced over at Zava’s multiple lockers, his empty chair.

“He quit the team,” Sam stated, as if it unheard news.

“I mean, technically he retired from the whole sport,” Ted clarified, “Which makes it feel a little less personal, yeah? You know, like if your girlfriend runs off with some dude and it turns out they were soulmates.”

The Greyhounds replied quietly in agreement.

“But look, look, look, look,” Ted redirected their focus back, “I hear you, okay? Zava is gone. And you know what? I think it’s a good thing.”

The boys began to argue back in shock.

“Well, I do. Okay, look,” Ted spoke over his players, “Do I wanna win? Heck yeah. But I also wanna do it with folks that wanna be here. It’s not like we could handcuff him to his locker and make him love us.”

“We could have tried,” a desperate Dani replied.

As the initial surprised faded, Y/n was beginning to match Ted’s opinion. Zava may have taken them for a temporary ride to the top, but this ultimate insult had shown that his heart was next in Richmond.

“Hey, guys. Guys, look,” Ted held up a hand, “We got a good thing going here. All right?” Ted’s eyes fell to his left, meeting Jamie’s, “We didn’t need Zava. Yeah?”

No one dared disturb the silence as the truth washed over each of them, including those who weren’t players.

“Yeah,” Ted said quietly, “All we need to win are the fellas in this room, right now,” he pointed to the men on the benches, “And all you fellas need to do is believe it.”

No sooner than when Ted had uttered the last two words did the bright yellow ‘Believe’ sign hanging over his head split itself down the middle. The Greyhounds jumped to their feet and cried out to various degrees. Even Y/n gasped a little, having learned of its significance.

“It’s a sign,” Bumbercatch called out.

“That’s it,” Colin held up his hands, accepting fate, “We’re doomed.”

As the locker room grew louder, Ted held up his hands and attempted to settle things down.

“Now hold on. Hey, knock it off, okay? We’re not doomed. No one is doomed. But Bumbercatch, yes, you’re right. It is a sign. I agree, Yeah.”

Ted turned around and removed both halves of his handiwork, folding them together. “In fact this, it’s just a sign.”

Without any hesitation, Ted tore the paper into four pieces, sending the locker room into chaos again.

“All right, guys, listen to me,” Ted commanded the room, “Belief doesn’t just happen ‘cause you hang something up on a wall. All right? It comes from in here,” he touched his chest, “You know? And up here,” he touched his temple before hitting his stomach, “Down here. Only problem is, we all got so much junk floating through us, a lot of times, we end up getting in our own way.”

Y/n had yet to be present for any of Ted’s locker room speeches, as she had no reason to be. But immediately, like some spiritual presence moving through the room, she felt his words take hold of her.

“You know, crap like envy or fear, shame,” Ted continued, seemingly speaking to himself as well, “I don’t wanna mess around with that shit anymore. You know what I mean? Do you?”

He wasn’t speaking to her, but the question still penetrated Y/n all the same. She could feel a familiar ball of anxiety beginning to build in her stomach.

“No, me neither,” Ted shook his head after the boys answered back, “Hell no. Well, you know what I wanna mess around with? The belief that I matter, you know? Regardless of what I do or don’t achieve.”

One blade inserted itself into Y/n’s gut, the omnipresent pain causing her heart rate to speed up.

“Or the belief that we all deserve to be loved,” Ted went on, “Whether we’ve been hurt or maybe we’ve hurt somebody else.”

A second blade settled in Y/n’s chest, this one causing the muscles to contract. She closed her eyes in an attempt to keep the rising emotions at bay.

“Or what about the belief of hope?” Ted asked, “Yeah? That’s what I wanna mess with. Believing that things can get better. That I can get better. That we will get better.”

Better, Y/n thought on the word. Better. Did things ever get better? Or did ‘bad’ just shapeshift into something else? Did it just wait along the road in the shadows, waiting for ‘better’ to come merrily on its way?

“Oh, man,” Ted sighed, “To believe in yourself. To believe in one another. Man, that’s fundamental to being alive. And look. Yo, hey. If you can do that,” he pointed to each player in the room, “If each of your can truly do that-“

Ted made one more rip down the sign’s tatters, walking to the center of the room. “Can’t nobody rip that apart.”

As the remains of the sign slapped against the metal bench, Y/n’s anxiety reached its brim. She placed a near shaking hand on Higgins’ shoulder to signal she was leaving before slipping out the back door. Blearily, she made it down the hall and outside, the fresh air of the parking lot slamming into her.

Once in the safety of her car, she allowed herself to weep.

Zava was the furthest thing from her mind. The incoming headlines, another loss on the scoreboard…all of it. She couldn’t have cared less if she’d tried. All she could feel was the crippling ache in her chest, the sting of her tears, the overwhelming feeling that came with being utterly alone. When a person became aware of just how much bigger the world around them was and how infinitely small they really were. The pain that could be remedied with a simple hug or a comforting word.

Y/n let out a silent sob, the familiar ache of all she wanted having taken a new form, once again. It would certainly kill her to allow herself her basic needs, to walk back in and hurt with the people inside. And it would break her all the same to continue hiding.

————

Heartfirst Taglist: @lalla-04p @optimisticsandwichgladiator @makingmunson94 @taytaylala12 @storysimp @sokkigarden @lightninginab0ttle @poohkie90 @alipap3 @verra-nerevarine @shineforever19 @spaceagechimera @burnafter-reading @qardasngan @cyberpvnk-enthusiast @sogoodtoheritsvicious @buckybarnex @angelsunflxwer @blueanfield @thewildestwonderland @sablecities

[212-apricity]

mastermind, part one - theodore nott

hi omg im back😍🙌

ok so this is part one of a series called "mastermind" (inspired by the song “mastermind” by taylor swift). its a theodore nott fic and starts from the beginning of sixth year until the end of seventh, im literally making it up as i go😍🙏.

academic rivals, enemies to lovers, one bed trope, heavy angst at times and all that so enjoy😋😋

this ones a short one for now but part two is halfway done and should be out sometime this weekend🤞🤞

please lmk what you think: what were your fav parts? anything i should change?

and maybe repost if you feel extra generous :))

warnings: none for now<33

masterlist

theodore nott masterlist

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“Hey, wait on!”

I turn around to see Hermione running to catch up with me, her suitcases on her trolley and her cat happily meowing in its cage.

“Hermione!” I exclaim as I give one of the trolley boys my trolley and go to hug her.

“Oh my gosh I haven’t seen you in ages!” she sighs as she hugs back tightly.

“I know, you promised to write, why didn’t you?” I say.

“Oh shush, it’s not like you sent me any care packages anyways.” she replies as she links our arms and starts leading us to one of the carriages once we’ve taken our pets off.

Hermione and I have been friends since the beginning of our first year, before we were friends with Ron and Harry actually.

To say that my mother was happy with our friendship is a huge lie.

Bellatrix Lestrange.

Even her name disgusts me, much less the things she’s done.

She was mortified. I still remember the look on her face when I brought Hermione over one time.

“A mudblood?” she had exclaimed.

“Why on earth would you want to be friends with the likes of them? You’re surely not my daughter, that’s for one thing.”

Hermione and I both knew what rejection felt like. Her, with most of the pureblood Slytherins, and me, with my pureblood Slytherin family.

My aunts and uncles are probably the worst of the bunch surprisingly.

Lucius and Nesta Malfoy.

Even their names are filled with poison.

Not to mention my cousin. Draco.

What a horrible waste of a family.

My uncle, Sirius, is the only one in the family who understands me. Coming from a highly Slytherin pureblood family, we were the only Gryffindors. God knows why.

I think the neglect from my mother and most family is what made me and Hermione such good friends. We both knew how the other felt.

“Have you seen Ron or Harry around yet?” I asked, settling down in the train cabin in the train with my cat, Alfie, in my lap.

“No, not yet. They should be coming up soon though.” Hermione replied and surely enough the door to the cabin opened and in came a mess of ginger hair, already complaining about God knows what;

closely followed by Harry who tried to say hello before he was cut off.

“Guys you’ll never guess what. Mum made me wear Fred and George’s old jumpers again. As if I’ll ever fit into these, they’re huge! And another thing, she said I’m not allowed to get a new pet so I’m stuck with this old bird.” he finishes his rant as he points to the old caged owl in his hands.

“Hello to you too Ron.” I say after a pause.

“Oh yeah, hi guys!” he says smiling.

Hermione rolls her eyes at him with a smile and pats on the space next to her, motioning him to sit down and Harry sits next to me after hugging me and Hermione.

“So what’s all this about Draco and a weird-looking cabinet? And who are all these people you’re talking about?” Ron asks Harry settling down and rubbing his hands together to warm them up.

“Don’t you see? It was a ceremony, an initiation.” Harry says, looking over at me.

“Stop that rubbish Harry. I know where you’re going.” Hermione says, trying to ignore whatever Harry and Ron were talking about and looking out the window.

“No guys listen to me, it’s happened. He’s one of them.” Harry says the last part quietly.

“One of what?” Ron asks, confused as I take a sigh and say,

“Harry’s under the impression that Draco Malfoy is a death eater.”

“You're barking.” Ron says as he sits up, ‘What would You-Know-Who want with Malfoy, he hasn’t got any hair to want Malfoy’s bleach bottle.”

“Well then what’s he doing in Borgin and Burkes? Browsing for furniture?” Harry quips.

“It’s a creepy shop. He’s a creepy bloke. Put two and two together and there you go.” Ron responds.

“Look, his dad’s a Death Eater, his aunt’s a Death Eater, most of his family is, whos to say he isn’t following in their footsteps.” Harry says as I look away in shame.

Harry realises his poor choice in words and says, “I need some air.” and walks out the cabin.

“He’s going mad I’m telling you.” Ron says to Hermione and I.

Hermione and I don’t say anything in response but busy ourselves with our reading books while Ron raids the sweet trolley.

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It only took us around half an hour to get settled in our dorms again, this being our seventh year we had a lot more practice and we were all now making our way to the great dining hall.

“Welcome all students…” McGongall’s voice boomed as we took our seats, Hermione and Dean Thomas on either side of me with Ron and Ginny in front. Our table was on the other side of the hall to the Slytherin table but I could still see my cousin's crispy fried blonde hair as he took his seat next to one of his friends.

What was his name again?

Thomas?

Timothy?

“Why are you staring at Theodore Nott? I thought you hated him.” Ron interrupts my thoughts as he shoves a piece of chicken in his mouth.

Theodore. Right.

“And now with the sorting ceremony finished for another year, let us feast!” McGonagall’s voice, thankfully for once, gave me a chance to change the subject before things got weird.

“What? No I’m not, pass the mashed potatoes.” I say shrugging it off as I draw my attention to Hermione.

“Where’s Harry, he’s already missed the welcoming.” Hermione says, looking around in anticipation, clearly worried.

“Don’t worry, he’ll be here in a moment.” Ron responds shoving a spoon of jelley in his mouth.

Jelly with chicken? Ew.

Hermione stares at him for a moment before hitting him with her book repeatedly, making me laugh, “Will you stop eating? Your best friend is missing.” “Oi! Turn around you lunatic.”

We turn to where Ron is looking and see Harry walking towards us with a white cloth at his nose, stained in blood.

“Why do you always have to be covered in blood?” I say, taking the cloth from his hands as he sits next to me. I try to clean up his face the best I can.

“Where have you been? And whats happened to your face?” Hermione hisses at him.

“Later, what’ve I missed?”

“Sorting hat urged us to be brave and strong on these troubled times.” Ron replies.

“Easy for it to say, its just a bloody hat innit?’ I say.

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“Y/N! GET UP!”

I open my eyes and see Hermione pacing around our room trying to get ready.

“What?” I say groggily, putting my head back on my pillow.

“I said get up, you’re going to be late and we have potions first thing.” she said as she pulled the pillow from under my head and tore the duvet off my body, forcing me to get ready.

“Eugh no I can’t deal with Snape this early.” I say as I make my way to the bathroom to brush my teeth.

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“Attention to detail in the preparation is the prerequisite of all planning. Ah! Hello ladies. Please, please take a seat.” The professor says to us.

Wow. This is a change.

Hermione rushed to take the nearest seat available next to Lavender Brown which left me next to,

“Well hello to you too.” Theodore Nott says smirking up at me from his chair as I drop all my books down.

I took a seat before my knees had the chance to give out.

Woah, what?

“Hey.” I say curtly, drawing my attention to the assignment, trying to ignore Theodore’s piercing gaze and strong cologne.

“Late on the first day I see, not a good impression. If Snape were here, he’d have your heads.” Theodore says as he scribbles down the assignment on the board into his scrolls.

I roll my eyes and ask, ”Who’s this anyway?” as I copy the ingredients for the potion in my scrolls.

“Professor Slughorn. He’s taking our class for this year.” Theodore says as he waits for me to finish writing so we can get the ingredients for our potion from the back of the room. “The whole year?” I say standing up and making my way to the back with Theo, “What’s happened to Snape?”

“No idea love.” Theo says, making butterflies erupt in my tummy but I shove them down before they can travel up to my throat and make me say something flirty back.

Theodore and I never had a reason to dislike each other. Well, not officially. We never had a big fight or any interactions of any sort honestly. I didn’t even take any notice of him until he had beaten me to a question in first year in dark arts and gotten 10 house points because of it. Since then we’ve had something going on between us. The need to one-up one another, to be smarter in lessons and faster in quidditch.

I’m not going to deny that he was attractive, because God he was beautiful.

Beautiful and conceited.

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part one, done!

lmk what your fav parts were!!

and maybe repost if you feel extra generous :))

taglist: @timmytime17 @cherry-hoe @jetblackpayne @ash-tarte @coolestgirlhere

[strangersatellites]

AU where steve and robin own a bookstore+coffeehouse and it becomes their pride and joy.

steve knows everything about every book and loves to give customers recommendations. robin has taken to being a barista like she was born to do it. dreaming up new flavors of cold foam when she sleeps.

it’s in the fall that they get a new neighbor in the form of a record store.

robin is so excited she can hardly contain herself, has it’s grand opening added to the shop calendar as soon as she hears.

when the big day finally rolls around the music is loud, the line is long, and the complimentary drinks are flowing. by the time steve and robin make it over, they don’t get the chance to meet the owners because everything is just so busy.

they retreat back to the bookstore and try to accommodate their own guests and regulars despite the thumping bass from next door. steve gives them some slack, opening day parties are always a big ordeal.

but the loud music doesn’t stop the next day.

or the next day. or the next.

by the end of the second week, steve is watching himself turn into a crotchety old man in real time. he’s had enough of trying to pick a coffeehouse playlist that will hopefully drown out the noise from the record store. it never does.

he marches over as soon as it starts up one day, fully intent on making a scene if he has to when he spots a tall, lanky guy behind the counter. pretty. add pretty in there too.

he’s got his hair pulled back in a clip and a t-shirt for a band steve doesn’t recognize pulled across his broad shoulders.

the guy throws a hand up and waves at steve where he’s frozen in the door. says “hey man welcome in. let me know if i can help you with anything!”

he’s momentarily stunned until the next song picks back up and he can physically feel the floor vibrate under his feet.

he stomps up the counter and slaps his palms against it. jolts the guy to attention with wide, worried eyes.

“dude. could your music be any louder? you know you’re next door to a bookstore right? you know. the quiet place where people go to relax and read?” he gestures with a flurry of his hands.

pretty boy actually looks embarrassed for a second before he reaches over to a screen and decreases the volume.

he wears a sheepish smile when he crosses his arms over his chest.

“sorry dude. my co-owner chrissy had a pretty bad accident a few years back and lost a good bit of her hearing. i keep it up pretty loud so she can hear it. i’ll bring it down some though. sorry it’s been bothering you.”

and oh. steve was not expecting him to have an excuse. especially not a good one.

now he feels bad.

“it’s really okay. i’m sorry i came in a little dramatic. my co-owner robin and i have just worked really hard the past few years to curate our space and i guess i just got thrown off.” he shrugs. “it’s cool though. this is your store as much as the next one is mine, so.”

the guy smiles big and bright and man he really is pretty. steve’s eyes flit down to a name tag that reads “eddie.”

“maybe just bring the noise down a smidge though?” he smiles when he says it so eddie knows he isn’t mad.

he nods and steve hears a clatter come from the back. eddie laughs and hangs his head. “i should probably go check on her. she hid in the back when she saw you on the sidewalk so i couldn’t chicken out of talking to you.”

steve’s jaw drops at the implication and he has to take a second to reorganize his thoughts.

“i- what?”

eddie brings a hand up to the back of his neck in a nervous gesture and his cheeks flush the faintest pink.

“i may or may not have been unable to shut up about the pretty boy next door since our grand opening party.”

steve laughs this time, loud and happy.

“i didn’t even see you!”

“oh well i saw you. chris has been on my case to walk over for days so when she saw her opportunity today she took it.”

steve’s head tilts to the side and he has a playful smile on his face when he says “weren’t you supposed to be checking on her?”

eddie spins around so fast he nearly sends a cup of pens clattering to the ground.”

“shit! i-“

“don’t hurt yourself, rockstar. i’ll see you around eddie.”

eddie’s head swings back around and his face is scrunched up in confusion until steve points at his name tag.

“ah. right. well, i’ll see you around too…”

“steve.”

this time when steve walks through the door it’s quiet enough he can hear the bell jingle above it.

au august day 12: book store

[rosypenguins]

💙Navy Blue💙

*+ *+ *+ *+ *+ *+ *+ *+ *+ *+ *+ *+ *+ *+ *+ *+ *+ *+ *+

Synopsis: To celebrate the last week of Summer vacation, Jake and Drew decide to go on a late night drive together.

A/N: Tried something new with this one, hope it’s alright. I love Nightly and I feel like Jake would also adore their music so I just had to kinda shove it in there. Also this one takes place just before the start of Junior year, aka just before the start of TMF. (Might go back and add more between this time period of dating Zoey and summer vacation, idk.) (Also fun fact to anyone invested I think this is the last time on this timeline Drew feels joy so-)

*+ *+ *+ *+ *+ *+ *+ *+ *+ *+ *+ *+ *+ *+ *+ *+ *+ *+ *+

Drew put the car into park, and glanced up towards the driveway to see Jake running across the pavement of meet him. He had to tilt his head slightly as Jake waved to him through the window. He didn’t need Jake seeing the stupid grin that must’ve been there.

The two had been planning this for weeks now: A late night drive, just the two of them, to celebrate the last week of summer vacation.

“Hey!” Jake greeted as he opened the car door. Drew gave a short wave, and the blonde threw himself into the passenger's seat, buckling himself in before pulling out his phone. “So- I may or may not have made a playlist for this.”

And the idea of Jake putting so much thought into this evening was enough to give Drew butterflies.

“Mind if I-”

“As long as you don’t play J-Pop or whatever the hell Henry listens to.” Drew told him, and Jake chuckled.

“No, don’t worry, I won’t.”

After a few seconds of messing around with the Bluetooth feature, Jake was able to connect his phone to Drew’s car.

“Did you ever think of where you wanted to go, by the way?” Drew asked as Jake began scrolling through his playlists. The blonde paused.

“Heh, nope.” Drew sighed. He should’ve known.

“Guess it’s up to the road, then,” He said. “You ready to go?” Jake nodded, and as Drew shifted the car into drive, Jake started the playlist.

Everywhere I look there’s only shades of you…

No matter what I do, you’re my navy blue…

“You really put a love song in this playlist?” Drew questioned, only to pause when he realized what he just said.

…Jake put a love song in our drive list?!

…Oh, he was not about to overthink this while he was driving. He shoved the thought to the back of his mind.

The sound of Jake’s sheepish laugh pulled him back to reality, and Drew tilted his head to steal a quick glance.

“I know, I know. Not really your thing. But I found these guys a little while ago, and I thought their music would be perfect for a late-night drive!” He explained. “But, you can skip it if you want, I don’t mind.” Drew nodded as he turned out of Jake’s neighborhood, yet made no efforts to switch the song.

I think about you alone in my room…

When the sun goes down…

Drew glanced over at Jake in the passenger's seat, staring out the window and admiring the sunset as he mumbled along to the lyrics of the song.

It doesn't fade when I'm on the road…

And when you're not around…

Drew took in a breath, turning his attention back to the street. He had to stay focused, despite how badly his mind wanted to wander.

Yeah, everywhere I look there's only shades of you…

No matter what I do, you're my navy blue…

And in that moment, Drew felt so, so happy. Happy to be driving with Jake by his side. Happy to be sharing his music. Happy to be alone with him, and happy to journey without a specific goal or destination.

But… there was a part of Drew that still felt unsatisfied. A part that wanted to be closer. A part that wanted more.

Drew thought he’d gotten rid of that feeling long ago. That desperation, that longing… why did it always come back to him?

He wasn’t supposed to feel this way anymore. Hell, he was in a relationship now, with a girl he thought was cute, and fun to be with. And she was popular, and she liked him…

But she never made him feel like this…

Drew swallowed, keeping his mind fixated on the road as he drove them all around Rosemeadow aimlessly, talking to Jake on occasion. Drew practically had to force himself to keep his eyes on the road when Jake rolled down his window, allowing the wind to ruffle his hair. He had to remind himself to stay focused as the sun went down, and Jake’s eyes practically sparkled in the moonlight.

When I look at you, I see navy blue…

*+*+*

Hours later, Drew found himself driving down an empty highway, with only his headlights to guide him. Jake had his head out the window, his caramel eyes wide as he gazed up at the sky above them.

“Hey, can we pull off for a bit?” He asked, and Drew raised an eyebrow.

“What for?” Jake didn’t answer, and instead pointed at the sky. After a moment of consideration, Drew pulled off to the side of the road, putting the car into park and following Jake outside. Drew’s eyes didn’t stray for a moment as he watched a small smile appear on Jake’s face.

“The stars are so pretty out here,” He commented, sitting down on the hood of the car. Drew settled himself beside him, and followed his gaze to the night sky. “I almost forgot what they looked like in person.”

Drew stole another glance at the blonde as he continued.

“It’s so beautiful…”

“Yeah, it is…” Drew said, allowing himself to admire Jake as he’d done so many times before. And once more, he wondered what he had done to deserve someone so wonderful.

But after a moment, he caught himself, and he redirected his attention to the sky.

He shouldn’t be having these thoughts anymore. At least, not about Jake. These kinds of thoughts should be directed towards his girlfriend, right? Not his best friend…

So why did the stars look so much prettier reflected in Jake’s eyes?

Drew didn’t understand… he couldn’t understand. And he didn’t want to understand. Because no matter the answer, it would only complicate his current relationships. And Drew couldn’t afford to lose those.

So, Drew took in a slow breath, and forced himself to focus on the stars.

“You ready to be a Junior next week?” Jake asked suddenly, and Drew thought for a moment.

“Eh.” He answered. In truth, he hadn’t thought about it much.

“I’m not. Everyone always says Junior year’s the hardest. It sounds like it’ll be a lot…”

“It can’t be that bad.”

“I don’t know.”

…

“You know what you want to do after high school?” Jake asked, and Drew shook his head. “Yeah, me neither.” The blonde paused for a moment, before gesturing towards the sky. “You think they know?”

“…The stars?”

“Yeah. I mean, a lot of people believe in fates being written in stars and stuff.” Drew turned on his side to face him.

“Oh, don’t tell me you’re becoming one of those astrology girls. You gonna tell me about the healing properties of crystals next?”

“Hey! I’m just saying. It’s just…” He paused, and turned his head to look at Drew.

“It’s a nice thought, I guess. Knowing that at least something has everything figured out.” Drew turned back to the stars.

“I guess so.”

…

“I wish the sky could always look like this.”

And Drew wished the two could always be like this…

…

Drew opened his eyes, only to be met with the sight of his bedroom ceiling. It was hard to see anything else in the dark.

But… Drew couldn’t recall ever closing his eyes.

Swimming through the deepest oceans of my mind…

Oh… that song was still playing… He must’ve gotten lost in thought when it came on. He rolled over onto his eyes, squinting when the light of his phone hit his eyes.

When I look at you, I see navy blue…

…

Drew skipped the remainder of the song.

[brooooswriting]

HI HI HI!!

A part 5 to situations would make me the happiest human bean !! Love this story

Situations 5

situations 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7

I’m happy to make you the happiest human bean:)

Let’s imagine that Olivia Rodrigo brought out her Album ‘Sour’ now

Two days later

“Jenna?” The voice over the phone called out, “hey Olivia, how are you? What can I do for you?” Jenna asked as she made herself a coffee before work. “Well, as you might know, my new album sour is coming out in three days and today I’ve decided that I will throw a party for it in two days. Wanna come?” She explained as she looked at some decoration on her laptop, “oh wow, I’d love to come. I can’t wait to hear your new album, I love your music” after a bit more of conversation they started talking about whose coming to the party. “and last but now least, we have Y/n and her plus on” the actress was shocked and took a minute to answer, “d-do you know who she’s - you know- bringing?” Her voice was quiet and unsteady as she tried to calm herself, “no, I don’t. Sorry”

Two days later

You were ready for Olivia’s party and your plus one, Kara, was too. Kara was Mia’s little sister, she was 16 years old and loved Olivia and her music, so you thought it would be a nice gesture to bring her along. The girl was like a little sister to you, even if she looked just as old as you. But you would always remember her as the 4 years old that you met 12 years ago that you showed how to ride a bike.

“Are you nervous?” You asked the girl when you arrived at the location, the music was heard from the outside just like the peoples taking. “I’d say I’m the perfect mix of nervous, excited and happy” she answered as you laid your arm over the slightly smaller girl and chuckled, “well, just don’t embarrass me alright?” Both of you laughed as you walked inside.

You’ve know Olivia before she got really famous and somehow your friendship stayed. You didn’t talk that often but for some reason you were still going strong and you loved it, she was a great person that deserves the best only.

The first thing you did was getting something to drink. You and Kara stood at the bar when a certain someone caught your eye, Jenna. After the kiss four days ago, where she stormed off, you haven’t seen her or talked to her. It was complete radio silence which really broke you. Especially after seeing Percy appear next to her, his arms wrapping around her as she talked to Conan. “You alright?” The girl next to you asked causing you to nod, not that it convinced her but she still decided to let it go for now. “Come on, let’s find Olivia” you took her hand and pulled her along through the crowds until you found the singer you were looking for. “Liv” you called out as she ran into your arms, “y/n/n” she hugged you tight while you slightly picked her up around her waist.

“Liv, this is Kara” you introduced your plus one with a happy smile on your face from watching the younger girl nearly die from happiness. “She’s cute” she whispered to you causing you to cough, “she’s 16” you mumbled, her eyes suddenly widening. “Kara is Mia’s little sister, she’s a big fan of you so I decided to bring her along” you explained.

After a couple of minutes you’ve decided to leave them alone for a bit while you went and talked to other people, at least until you heard Percy tell people that him and Jenna were a thing for the 6th time. Deciding that you need some fresh air you exited the building, shooting Kara a quick text to stay close to Olivia while you took a minute. A certain brunette following you.

“I really didn’t think blondes were your type, but I also didn’t think you were the cheater type so I guess I was wrong about a lot” you’d recognize that voice everywhere and the last four days you would have done everything to hear it again. “What?” You asked as you turned around to face her. “Oh come on, you either had feelings for her before or you guys even already had something before. There’s no way that you fall in love so quickly” she explained while accusingly pointing her finger around as you chuckled sarcastically.

“Okay, hold up. First of all, you don’t get to judge me for bringing someone when the last four days I’ve been calling you nonstop and send you around 200 messages per day! It’s unfair you know, that shit broke me. I overstepped a boundary and I’m sorry about it, but you could have just told me instead of ghosting me. I didn’t know you had someone, you never told me and don’t even try to say that you didn’t know that I was making moves! Damn it, I would have backed up if I knew you had someone! But no, I have to find out from Percy running around and telling people!” You were pacing around as the anger inside of you built up, you were mad at her, mad at Percy, mad at yourself and mad at the world.

“What is he saying?” She asked as she watched you pace. “Damn it Jenna, he’s telling people about your relationship. Something you should have done weeks ago! You know who I brought? Mia’s little sister, she’s 16 and obsessed with Olivia. So no, I don’t likes blondes and no I’m not the cheater type” your chest was heaving as you looked at the ground and tried to calm yourself. “Y/n, Percy and I aren’t a thing” she told you as she stepped closer but you only shook your head, “maybe you should tell him that first”. With that you walked back inside to Kara and Olivia.

“You alright?” The singer asked as you stood next to her, “yeah, just needed a moment” you answered as you watched Kara and Olivia interact. “You’re y/n, right?” A manly voice next to you said causing you to turn, only to find Percy next to you. “Yeah, I am” your voice wasn’t friendly or nice, it was cold and gave clear indication that you didn’t want to talk to him. “Look, you should keep away from Jenna. She made a mistake when she kissed you, she regrets it deeply. Being in love with a girl as a girl is disgusting and the media won’t like it, so I turned her and I want you to keep away from her” you couldn’t believe what you were hearing, you tried to calm yourself, you really did but it was too much for you. Without another word you pulled your arm back before your fist collided with his face causing him to stumble back. “One, she can decide on her own who she wants to talk to and who she doesn’t wanna talk to. Two, just because there are girls who get more girls than you do that doesn’t mean that they’re disgusting! So if I ever hear you talk about one of us like that again, it will end worse.” Due to the rage inside of you you didn’t notice the crowd forming around you. But in that moment you couldn’t care less, the urge to throw yourself at him was overwhelming.

“Let’s just go, it’s not worth it” Kara pulled on your arm as she talked. You let yourself be dragged away from the crowd, your eyes catching Jenna’s as you did. “I’ll go home. You can drive the truck home later” you spoke out after you calmed down, you felt bad for ruining the girls party. “It’s fine, let’s just go home” she was too nice for her own good, but you could also really use the alone time. “I mean it, it’s okay. Stay a bit, make sure to stay close to Olivia okay? Then you can drive home to mine and we’ll see from then on, enjoy your time here” you laid your hands on her shoulders as you talked. “Okay, thank you” she hugged you tightly before going back inside.

You quickly texted Olivia before slowly making your way home. You were so caught up in your own thoughts and music that you didn’t notice anything happening around you. The events still confused and hurt you, what if she said the same thing to him and the reason she didn’t text back was because she was disgusted by you, or maybe she just wanted to try herself out.

You didn’t come very far, around 1/4 of the way before a hand suddenly grasped your wrist causing you to spin around. “Are you crazy?” You scolded, “it’s dark outside and this isn’t quite the best part of town. Do you know how dangerous it is to walk around alone? Do you know what could have happened to you?!” Jenna’s heart broke as she heard you speak, even after the whole amount of pain she caused you, you still cared for her. It was sad really and it made her sad, you didn’t deserve all that pain.

“I-I couldn’t just let you go like that. Percy didn’t have the right to say what he said. Especially because he was so damn wrong about what he said, I don’t regret kissing you one bit, it was the best decision I’ve made in a loooong while, but I was scared that I overstepped a boundary and I didn’t wanna be hurt so I isolated myself. And the only reason I brought stupid Percy to this stupid party is because I’ve heard that you were going to bring a plus one and I didn’t wanna look stupid but now I do anyway and the only thing I’ve learned is that I’m a really big idiot” she was breathing heavily when she was finally done talking, there were some tears running down her face and her fingers while nervously clawing at the fabric of her cloths. The silence that build between you two scared the girl more than anything had ever done.

“If I see Percy being out of line one more time I won’t promise anything” you said before grabbing the smaller girls waist to pull her close to you until there wasn’t any space between you. She carefully laid her arms on top of your shoulders, one hand on your jaw carefully stroking it with her thumb while your hands gripped her waist. She closed the space between your lips. The kiss got deeper and deeper as she pushed herself closer to you while your hands gripped her waist tightly as if you were scared that she’d disappear again when you let go. “Don’t ever go radio silent on me again ok?” You whispered against her lips before kissing her again. “Never, now let’s go somewhere where we aren’t being watched” you let go of her waist as you pulled out one of your AirPods and gave it to her. “Let’s go then” you told her as you started walking.

Her arm constantly kept brushing yours causing you to feel how cold she was. So you pulled of your jacket and laid it on her shoulder before she suddenly wrapped her arms around your waist and pulled your arm around her shoulder. You chuckled before pulling her closer and making your way to your apartment.

When you arrived you quickly grabbed some sweatpants and hoodies for the both of you to change into before settling down on the couch to watch some Netflix. “You alright darling?” You asked as you noticed Jenna stare into the air, she suddenly started grinning. “I missed you calling me names like darling” she told you which caused you to smile. Cuddling close, you started the TV.

It wasn’t what you expected to happen tonight but it was still great, at least until now

———————————————————————————

So this really sucks. I had a stressful couple of weeks but I at least wanted to post something :/

@oh-thats-cute @screechcat

[4townie]

Road to 4☆TOWN

part 31 | part 32 | part 33 | part 34 | part 35 | part 36

“Hey, guys.” Carmelo greeted Jesse and Selina as they came in. “How’d it go?”

“Mommy! Daddy!” Marcel ran up to them.

“Hey there, little buddy.” Jesse picked him up, and Selina leaned over to give him a kiss.

“The checkup was good, they said everything looks normal.” Selina answered her father. “We did, however, get to know the sex of the baby.”

“Really?” Carmelo stood up excitedly. “What is it?”

“We’re—” Jesse got cut off when Marcel started pulling his hair. “Ugh, Squishy, you can’t keep doing this.”

“Honey, don’t you wanna know whether you’re getting a brother or a sister?” Selina got Marcel’s attention.

Marcel stared at her. “No.”

Jesse and Selina tensed up.

“Calm down, you two.” Carmelo chuckled. “He’s just a baby. He probably won’t really care until after the little one is born.” He shook his head. “Kids just don’t understand the excitement of a new life until they can play with it.”

“Well, we did have a plan to kinda throw him a little big brother party so he can—”

“I wasn’t asking you.” Carmelo cut Jesse off.

“Right.” Jesse nodded. “You’re right. My bad, sir.”

“Papi, you have to be nicer to my boyfriend.” Selina scolded her father. “I know you’re not fond of how we got here, but he’s the father of your grandchildren, like it or not.”

“Well I don’t like it. My little angel is barely 23 years old and pregnant with her second child.” Carmelo glared at Jesse.

Jesse laughed nervously. “Would you believe me if I told you I wanted more joy in the house…?”

“No. And quite frankly I’d be a little more joyful if you figured out how to use a condom.” Carmelo raised an eyebrow. “But I do adore having a sweet little boy to spend time with again. I haven’t had one of those in thirty years.”

“Yeah, well,” Selina shrugged, “you’re gonna have a sweet little girl to play with, too.” She put a hand on her belly. “We’re having a daughter.”

Carmelo’s eyes widened with excitement. “Really? My baby girl is having a baby girl?” Selina smiled and nodded, and her dad hugged her. “Oh sweetie, that’s wonderful news.”

“You’re gonna have a little sister, Squishy.” Jesse said to Marcel. “Doesn’t that sound nice?”

Marcel was focused on the toy in his hand before realizing Jesse even spoke to him. “I wanna go home.”

“Ugh,” Selina facepalmed, “this kid really just doesn’t care, does he?”

“Give it time, don’t worry.” Carmelo assured her. “He’ll adore his sister when he first lays eyes on her.” He turned to Jesse. “Well, I may not like what you did to my little girl, but I’m still happy for you both, I guess.” He mumbled the last bit. “You’re more devoted to your family than I honestly thought you’d be when Selina first told me about Marcel.”

“Uh, thanks…” Jesse’s eyes shifted as he tried to decide whether to be pleased or offended.

“Speaking of devotion…when will you be making an honest woman out of my daughter?”

“Uhhhh…” Jesse and Selina exchanged an awkward glance.

“We haven’t exactly talked about it yet.” Selina said. “I mean, we’re still pretty young.”

“You have two kids.” Carmelo narrowed his eyes. “You’ve already made a decision to grow up.”

“Well yeah, but my schedule’s pretty messy. The band’s already going on another tour in October and I’m sure we’ll be working a lot more next year.” Jesse’s eyes shifted uncomfortably. “Not really a whole lot of time for wedding planning.”

“The tour is all the more reason for you two to get married.” Carmelo insisted. “It’ll be a surefire way to keep your eyes from wandering while you’re away.”

“Please, Carmelo, give me some credit.” Jesse looked at Selina. “Only a fool would betray the perfect woman.”

“Awww, Jesse.” Selina smiled up at him.

“Good.” Carmelo nodded in approval. “At least you’re not completely stupid.”

Jesse froze. “C-Completely?”

“Babe.” Selina put a hand on his shoulder. “Two kids.”

“Oh right…”

———

Jesse and his in-laws😅 both Carmelo (FIL) and Daunte (BIL) want his head on a platter

[andydrysdalerogers]

Your Submissively - Flirtation

Steve Rogers X OFC Isabella Davis

Summary: Five Years after the events of Civil War, Steve Rogers has moved on from avenging and has started his own business, Grant Inc. He has a secret that would turn his world upside down. And he's good at keep that secret. Until he meets the woman with violet eyes that could bring him to his knees. Now his mission is to make her, his. But she is the key that could bring the world into balance... or chaos.

And she has no idea.

Series Warnings: slow burn at the beginning, smut, angst, sexual themes of BDSM, dom/sub dynamics, kidnapping, loss of virginity, (and a bunch of others that will come up)

A/N: the taglist is open!

Dividers by @firefly-graphics

I do NOT give permission for my work to be translated or reposted on here or any other site, even if you give me credit. DO NOT REPOST MY FICS. Reblogs, comments, likes, and feedback ALWAYS appreciated

Previous: Experimentation

Series Masterlist ~ Main Masterlist

Steve woke before Belle.  He watched her sleep, hands folded under head, like an angel.  He smiled and softly kiss to her, trying not to wake her.  He pulled on some sweats and went to the kitchen.  He made them a coffee and heard Bucky come in. “Hey Buck.”  

“Hey Steve.”  Bucky looked over Steve and noticed the soft smile.  “You look happy.”  

Steve shrugged.  “It was a good night.”  

“Did she talk to you?” 

“A lot.  Think we can make arrangements for the university on Wednesday?” 

“Oh, so she actually talked to you.”  

“What do you mean?” 

“She was hiding.  The valedictorian thing.  Lila outed her.”  

“Why?” 

“Steve, she has no family, remember? She doesn’t want to be celebrated when she has no one to celebrate with.  I told her we were her family, but she was really scared.”  Bucky sighed. “I’ve been digging but her adoption is not on record anywhere.  I have no idea who this Phil guy is.”  He pulled out a picture and offered it to Steve.  

“Where did you get that?  No, don’t show me. That would violate her trust. If she wanted to share that with me, she will. Put it back.”  

“Alright, alright.” Bucky put the picture back in his bag.  “So we’re going to a luncheon.”  

“I guess so. I need to work on a gift for her.”  Steve poured the coffees and handed Bucky his.  “I need to wake her.  We got stuff to do.”  

“What stuff?” 

“I want to take her to a shop for decorations for her room.”  

“This is a new one.  Fine, I’ll look at one we can go to.”  Bucky sipped his coffee.  “After breakfast.”  

Steve smirked.  “She won you over with food.”  

“Hell yeah she did. She should open a restaurant.  I would be the first customer.  And she hasn’t even made dinner yet.  That could be epic.”  

“Bucky please don’t make me punch you out.  Stop falling in love with my girl ya?” 

Bucky snickered. “I’ll stop but no guarantees if she makes a roast like Ma used to make.”  

“I think that could be arranged.”  Steve and Bucky spun to see Belle in the doorway, Steve’s shirt down to her knees.   

“Belle,” Steve breathed.  “Sweet pea, no pants again?” 

“Relax Steve.  I have shorts on.  Everything is covered.”  Belle offered her own smirk.  “I was thinking omelets this morning.”  

“Yes,” Bucky said under breath.  Steve punched him in the shoulder.  “Shit, Cap, really?  Its not like I asked.  She offered,” as he rubbed her shoulder.  

“Steve, be nice,” Belle admonished him.  She moved towards the kitchen, leaning up on her tip toes to kiss Steve before grabbing ingredients from the fridge.  

“I’m going to talk to Bucky for a minute.  Call me if you need me sweet pea.”  

“Okie dokie, hot shot.” She turned back to the counter to start chopping.  

Steve came up behind her, wrapping his arms around her. “Hot shot?” 

“Hey, I get a nickname, you get one too.” She smiled up at him and he leaned down to kiss her. “I could have made it worse you know.”  

“Really? How so?” 

“Another time.” She smiled. “Now go away, need to concentrate.”  

Steve laughed but made his way out. Bucky had his feet up in his study, looking over the paper.  “Put that picture back.”  

“I got it. Sheesh, relax Cap. Anything else I need to know?” 

“No, are you staying here tonight?” 

“Yeah, Li is going to her parents tonight. Is that ok?” 

“It’s fine.   Just want to make sure things are ready.”    

“Whatever Cap.   Not like I haven’t heard it before.” Bucky smirked.   

“I swear Barnes, I will end you,” Steve says playfully.  He checks his emails as Bucky continues reading when Belle came in. “Breakfast is almost ready.”  

“Thanks, sweet pea.  I’ll be right in.” He sees an email from Tony and frowns.  

From: tstark@starkindustries.com  To: srogers@grantinc.com  Subject: Innocent  Steve, please reconsider your relationship with Isabella. She doesn’t need to become a target.   For her sake and yours.   Tony Stark  President  Stark Industries 

Steve was fuming.   What was Tony playing at? Steve stormed into the dining room. “Belle, why the hell is Tony emailing me about our relationship?” 

Bucky and Belle froze. Bucky looked at her and she gulped.  “He saw that last email you send me at work and he asked if we were still seeing each other.  I said yes and called you my boyfriend.”  

“I thought we talked about this.  Discretion and privacy.”  

“I know we did but then you shouldn’t have emailed me at work.”  Belle fought to maintain control of her emotions.   

Bucky started to back away when Steve turned to him. “Did you know about this?  You picked her up yesterday.” 

“Ok, well I told her to talk to you about it and I guess that didn’t happen.”  Bucky looked at Belle who looked to the ground. “All I said was that you would do anything for her. I didn’t want to make it worse.”  

Steve looked at Belle.   “Isabella, why do you stop communicating with me?  We promised each other you would talk to me.”  

“Because I didn’t want you mad at me or Tony.  He doesn’t know anything ok.  Just that we’re dating, that’s it.  I don’t know why he’s acting the way he does. I’m sorry.”  Belle exited the room and went up to her room, closing and locking the door.  The emotions of yesterday started to catch up with her and she cried.  

Steve was stunned downstairs.  “Jesus, punk, really?” Bucky looked at his best friend. “This wasn’t her fault.”  

“I know, I got that. Fuck, why every time I think we are in a good place I am very mistaken?” 

“Dunno, but I’m hungry and you are now preventing me from eating.  Go fix it Romeo.” Bucky pushed Steve towards Belle’s room.  Steve went up and tried the door, finding it locked.  He knocked.  “Sweet pea, can I talk to you?” 

“No,” the petulant reply came through.  

“Isabella I’m sorry, ok? This is much my fault as anyone else’s.  You are right, if I wanted to keep it a secret, I should have thought it about better.”  

He heard footsteps and he stepped back.  The door unlocked and violet eyes ringed in red looked at him.  “Oh sweet pea, I’m so sorry.”   

“Steve, I don’t want to make you mad intentionally ok. I tried to tell him to leave me alone, but he said things and I just wanted to shut him up.  I’m sorry.”  

“No don’t be. I’ll talk to Tony.”  He reached for her and she let him hold her.  “Are you ok?” 

“I’m ok.  Just not how I wanted to start the morning.”  

“I know. Me either.”  He tilted her head up and kissed her softly. “ So after we feed Bucky, how about some shopping for your room?”  

She smiled. “Ok.”  She took his hand and they walked together back to the kitchen.  

After breakfast, as promised, Steve took Belle shopping. She picked out decorations and sheets that suited her.  When she dragged a sack over to the cart, Steve raised an eyebrow.  “What is this?” 

“It’s a bean bag chair.  Somewhere for me to read.”  Her eyes sparkled at the chair.  

“Alright.” He kissed the top of her head.  After checking out, he loaded everything into the car with Bucky.  

“Can we stop at the grocery store?” 

“Whatever for?” 

“Dinner.”  

Belle gathered her ingredients and Steve watched, unsure of what she was making.  And an idea came to him.  They finished up and headed back to the apartment.  Bucky and  Steve took all of the bags up  to Belle’s room.  Steve stood in the doorway as Belle unpacked her new things.  The room became her,  muted jewel tones decorating the room. “Do you like what you got, sweet pea?”   

Belle turned and smiled. She went up to him and pressed a kiss to his cheek.  “I  do. “Thank you amore.”  

Steve’s heart swelled.  Amore. Love. She was sweet on him.   

“Steve? Steve?”  

“Sorry sweet pea. Did you need something?” 

“I was trying to let you know that I was going to make dinner.  It will be a couple of hours.”  

“Oh, ok sweet pea. I need to make a  couple of calls.”  

“Do not call Tony,” she said walking away.  

Steve grabbed her.  “And what if  I do,  princess?”  His eyes  blazed slightly. 

“Don’t, sir,” she said with a smile.  

Steve pulled her close and ran his nose in her hair.  “I won’t call him but if I wanted to, I will.  Behave princess, or you will be punished.” He kissed her hard.  “Now, go make dinner and don’t flirt with Bucky.” His eyes twinkled.  

“I don’t flirt with Bucky. He flirts with me.” Belle pouted at him.  

“Ok, so then don’t do anything to make him flirt with you.” He kissed her cheek.  “That’s also the second time today you pouted after I said don’t pout.” Belle sucked in air.  “We’ll take care of that later.” Steve walked away with a smirk on his face.  

Belle tried to calm her heart.  Sweet lord, can I survive this? She made it to the kitchen with wobbly legs to see Bucky sitting at the kitchen island.  She blushed but ignored him as she pulled the ingredients out.  

“So, are you not talking to me?”  

“No, just concentrating.”  

“Oh, whatcha making?” 

“Roast.”  

“Really?” He looked at her ingredients. “Not like how Ma made it.”  

“Nope, my own spin.” She got it into the oven and started with making the sides. She hummed a song in her head, chopping and stirring.  

They chatted while she cooked and when everything was almost ready, she went to change, putting on a comfortable dress.  She poked her head into Steve’s office. “Hey hot shot.  Dinner is ready.”  

“Thanks, sweet pea. I’m almost done.”  

Belle set the table when Bucky came back in. “That smell is amazing,” he said, closing his eyes and sniffing the air.   

“I should hope so.” Belle started to set the plates of food down in the center of the table.  

‘Holy… Belle, you made all of this?”  

“Well, yeah,” she rolled her eyes.  

“Marry me, Belle.  Please, I just need you to cook for me.  Nothing else.”  Bucky smirked at her.  

“Really Bucky?” Steve stood in the doorway looking at his best friend.  

“Pal, just look.  She made potatoes, veggies and I can see dessert.  Only an idiot would let her get away.” Bucky stuck his finger into the potatoes for a taste. “She used real butter.”  

Belle tried not to laugh as Bucky but sobered up when she saw the look on Steve’s face. She swallowed. “I… I didn’t do anything,” she whispered.  

Steve came up to her and cupped her face.  “I know that.  But I also knew what his reaction would be when you decided to cook.  But I warned you. And you let it happen anyway.  So after dinner, get ready in one of those cute lacy outfits in your drawer and meet me in the playroom.  Bucky and I will clean up.” He said all of this in a whisper so Bucky wouldn’t hear much. He kissed her forehead. “Everything looks amazing,” he said out loud.  

Bucky, of course, knew what Steve was aiming at, having overheard the earlier conversation.  He didn’t want to give that away.  As they sat to dinner, Bucky decided not to stop flirting.  “Belle, seriously, run away with me.”  

“Bucky stop,” she replied, red staining her cheeks.  

“I’m serious.  We haven’t food this good since Ma made it, right Steve?” 

“Your ma was an excellent cook.  But sweet pea, this is amazing.” 

“What I wouldn’t give to bathe in this gravy,” Bucky commented as he winked at Belle.  

“Seriously, James, knock it off.”  Belle knew that his comments were going to make things more difficult for her later on.  

“Ooo, got a James out of her.” Bucky smirked again. “Sassy little one, isn’t she?”  

“Buck, enough.” Steve looked at Belle who was looking down at her plate.  He could sense that she was now terrified for what was to come. He was excited to test her limits more but didn’t want to scare her.  Dinner finished and he gave a nod to Belle.  She scurried upstairs as Bucky and Steve cleared the plates. “Wear the headphones, Barnes.”  

“Really? She that much in trouble?” 

“Yeah, and you put her there.” Bucky blanched. “I don’t want you to feel guilty.  I knew what I was doing.” He patted Bucky on the back.  “Besides, I saw you in the hallway. You knew what you were doing too so don’t look at me like that.” Steve smirked and headed up to see Belle.  

He entered the playroom to see Belle standing in blood red lingerie and red fuck me heels.  He licked his lips, enjoying the color on her skin.  He didn’t say a word, heading to the bed and pulling off everything but his boxers.  He pushed a button on a remote and a pole descended from the ceiling.  “Dance,” he ordered. He played a song Nat had introduced him to called Madness.  It was slow but sensual in his mind.  

Belle flushed. Could she do this?  She could barely walk in the heels but to dance. She decided to start slow.  She circled the pole with one hand on it, letting Steve get a glimpse of the entire outfit.  The music had a slow beat but it worked to move her body. She stopped and pressed her back into the pole and sank down, your breast bouncing in the movements. “strip,” he ordered, adjusting himself in the process.  

She stood in front of him and reached to unhook the bra of the babydoll dress she had.  She crossed her arms to push the straps down and let the lace flutter down like a parasol down to her feet.  She hadn’t know how to put on the garter so she had done it first and slid her panties over them. Belle reached to start unhooking the garters. “Stop.”  She looked up to see Steve with his dick in his hand, stroking it slowly, a bead of precum on the tip.  She licked her lips, her mouth dry in anticipation.  

Steve climbed out of the bed.  He pushed her against the pole and lifted her hands above her head.  “I told you not to do anything to make Bucky flirt with you.” 

“I didn’t,” she replied, as Steve starts to kiss her neck.  

“Oh but he did.” Steve smiled.  “So I guess you’ll have to pay for his actions.”  He grasped up to a ring on the pole she hadn’t noticed and handcuffed her to it. She had a little slack until Steve bent down to remove her heels.  Now she was pulled taut to the pole. “Hmm, I like you like this.  I can just…” and he licks her the top of her core.  Belle moans at the sensation.  

“No, you don’t get to cum until I say so.”  Steve takes a step back to admire her in just stocking and garters. Belle is breathing hard, trying to stay calm but can’t with being so exposed. “What I am going to do with my bad little princess?”  Steve starts to circle her.  “First she pouts after I said she couldn’t and then she has to be so sweet and let Bucky flirt with her.  My,  my.  Such a bad princess.”  

“I’m sorry.” Belle cries. “I’m sorry, sir.”  

“Too late princess.  No more talking.”  He take a ball gag and put it to her mouth.  “Bite around it. You’ll be ok.” She opens her jaw to bite and Steve buckles it.  “Can you breathe Isabella?” She nods.  “Good.”  He reached for a riding crop.  He flicked it to her wrist.  “Did that hurt?” She shook her head.  “Good.  Now.  For the pouting, you get five since it was only once.  For the flirting you get 10.” Belle shook her head.  “What’s that?”  She couldn’t speak. “No words Princess?  Aww too bad.”  

Steve circled her again. “Maybe, I should leave you here.  Wanting and waiting for me.  That sounds like a better punishment”. Belle pulled on her arms.  “Don’t sweetheart.  You’ll mark yourself.” He lowered the ring so she couldn’t pull. He flicked the crop against her nipple and she  let out a muffled scream, her nerves electrified.  Steve could see her arousal starting to grow and a drop ran down  her leg.   “Don’t want to waste that,” he said before he took his finger and picked it up, putting the bead in his mouth.  

“So sweet  my princess. That was one.”  He flicked on the other nipple and she cried another muffled moan.  He kept going, never hitting the same place twice. Tiny red marks appeared on her body but they didn’t hurt, just flashed sensations on her body.  The last one, however, that was her undoing.  Steve flicked right at her clit and she came, hard.  Steve kneeled to drink her in.   As she came down, he lifted her to his hips and  thrusted in.  She couldn’t ground herself so she was lost, a doll for him to use.  Her body responded and convulsed around him.  “Cum for me, princess.”  She still couldn’t speak, try as she might.  Steve reached to remove the gag and Belle moaned loud from the pain and the pleasure she was  receiving.   “Steve,” she cried.  

“That’s it my princess.  Let go.”  He thrusted up into her twice before she came, and he followed her. Her head was limp on his neck as he removed the handcuffs. He took her to the sleigh bed and cleaned her up.  She was asleep by the time he came back after cleaning himself.   He picked her up and took her to her room.  After getting her into bed, he kissed her forehead.  “Sweet dream my Belle.”   

NEXT

Taglist:

@patzammit

@texmexdarling

@slutforchrisjamalevans

@jennmurawski13-writes

@firephotogrl74

@tinkerbelle67

@before-we-get-started

@bunnyforhim

@alexakeyloveloki

@amiquette

@whiskeytangofoxtrot555

[emma-cantmakeuphermind]

Just A Project | IV

Nathan Prescott x Reader

Masterlist

Parts: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Warnings: none really, this is basically jus filler

Words: 644

I’m finally in my dorm hall, completely exhausted, I miss my bed. As I’m walking down the hall I pass Dana’s room, and hear her usual music playing. “Hey, Y/N!” I hear Dana call, and I turn around, walking to stand in her doorway. “What’s up Dana?” She's sitting on her bed, legs criss crossed, in one of her cute pj sets. She always looks effortlessly pretty. “Come in, sit!” She invites me into patting the space in front of her on the bed. I accept the invitation, I always enjoy our chats.

As I sit down in front of her she speaks, “How have you been girl? We haven’t spoken in a while.” She isn’t wrong, recently she's been kind of distracted with her new guy friend, Trevor. “I’ve been pretty good, Dana. How about you? You know, with Trevor and everything.” She smiles. “Oh, Y/N, Trevor is great. He’s different from everyone else. And I enjoy hanging with him and his skater friends. No drama.” I smile, I’m glad that she's happy. Dana’s had it rough, freshman and sophomore year, everyone was convinced she was a whore just because some stupid jock made a comment about how she dressed. She only managed to get past it around a year ago. I was there for her through it all, because I know Dana. She’s been one of my best friends over the past few years, I have her back and she has mine.

“I’m so glad you’re happy, Dana. Trevor seems like he's really good for you.” I tell her honestly. Her smiles widen, “Thanks, Y/N. That's sweet.” She reaches out grabbing my hand and holds it between hers. “Oh, I heard from Kate that you got paired with Nathan for that project thing.” I sigh still with a small smile on my face. “Yeah, uhm, you know I’ve never really talked to him before today and to be honest, he’s not that bad.” I look down feeling a bit naive about my quick judgment about Nathan. I raise my eyes to try and see her reaction and she’s smiling.

“Oh my god!” I look up fully at her outburst. “You’re totally blushing, Y/N!” My eyes widen and I go defensive. “What? Am not!” I am… I wouldn’t go as far to say I have a crush on him but after today I think I definitely feel something for him. “Liar, you so are!” She laughs and rubs my hand that she’s still holding. “Don’t worry Y/N/N, I won’t tell anyone.” I smile at her, “Thanks.” We’re silent for a moment before Dana speaks up. “But for real, I get it, Nathan isn’t a bad guy. Not that I’ve seen at least. His dad is the fucked up one. And Nathan only gets seriously angry when someone genuinely deserves it. Even if sometimes he goes too far.” She speaks kindly.

I think over her words, they make sense. I mean yes I’ve seen Nathan get a little intense, but at the same time, Nathan does have genuine friends. Including Dana, which can only be a green flag. I let out a sigh. “I guess I should give him a genuine chance. He seems nice enough.” I say, making eye contact with Dana. “You should, I mean, you never know what could come out of it.” She smirks and gives me a wink. I let out a groan as blush came across my face once again, and pulled my hand away from her dramatically. She laughs wholeheartedly and I stand up from my place on her bed.

“Well, I am in dire need of a nap.” I start to back up and Dana stands up and attacks me with a hug. We giggle together and she lets go. “Bye, Y/N.” I walk out with a, “Bye, Dana!”

[wildflower-otome]

[Translation] 9 R.I.P. - Kureha - Heavenly Ending After Story

Source: 9 R.I.P. Stella Set Special Bonus Booklet Note: Major Spoilers for Kureha's Heavenly End below.

9 R.I.P. - Kureha Heavenly End After Story

On a certain day, a little while after Misa had become a ghost and we had begun to live together—.

Today, as a breather, we had come out to the shopping mall in front of the train station so I could introduce her to my friend, Koyo, but-…..

For some reason, she seemed to have an interest in him.

Supposedly what she was interested in was his ability to sense spirits, but I, too, had a sense for spirits that was just as good as Koyo’s…or should have anyway. Probably. Maybe.

Hahh…..I was beginning to wonder whether letting her and Koyo meet was such a good idea after all.

‘Hey, Kureha-san. Look, over there. There’s someone staring right at us…..’

‘Hm…..?’

Misa calling out to me, when I looked towards where she was pointing-…..

—Koyo.

Speak of the devil…..no, he was exactly the person we had been looking for.

‘Let’s go, Misa. That’s Koyo. I’ll introduce you.’

‘Sure, I’ve been wanting to meet him.’

She’d been “wanting to meet him”…..

As if trying to rid shake away the murky feeling that had appeared in my chest, I waved to Koyo, beckoning him over.

‘I’ve been looking for you.’

‘That’s unusual. Don’t often see you bring anyone along with you either.’

‘Yeah, it hasn’t been that long since she became a ghost. I brought her with me today thinking I could introduce her to you since you’re a friend.’

‘Hm~m, a friend, am I.’

‘Nice to meet you. I’m Misa Isshiki. I hope we can be good friends too.’

‘Same here. That uniform…are you a Narimigahama High student?’

‘Yes, that’s right. I’m a second year student…..—’

As the two of them began a conversation, I did my best to act the composed observer but…..on the inside, I felt unsettled.

Now that I thought about it, I’d never really seen her talk with other guys before.

No, I had seen her speak with Hibiki, but this situation felt somehow different…..

—While I was fretting, the conversation between the two of them continued.

‘Koyo-san, you knew Kureha-san even before you were a ghost…..or rather, you sensed him, didn’t you?’

‘Yeah, sure did. I was a student at Narimigahama High too. I was aware of Kureha-san’s presence ever since then.’

‘That’s amazing. Ah, but…..now that I think about it, I might have sensed Kureha-san as well while I was still alive…..although it was only the once.’

‘So you’ve got the spirit sense too. Guess we’ve got something in common.’

‘Heheh- I suppose so.’

Aren’t you guys getting awfully chummy rather quickly?

Her encounter with me had been a different matter, I hadn’t expected them to get so friendly quite so soon.

‘Hey, since we’re already here, why don’t we go see a movie together, all three of us? There’s a new one they started showing just today. Ah, are you alright with horror, Misa?’

‘”M-Misa”—!?’

I’d been so taken by surprise it had ended up coming out in my voice, by the time I realised it, it was already too late.

‘…..Kureha-san, what’s wrong?’

‘Ah, it’s nothing…..I was just thinking I wasn’t sure if I wanted to go if it was a horror movie, hahaha…..’

‘Ah, I see. That’s right.’

I thought it’d been something of a strained excuse, but unexpectedly it looked as if she’d believed me.

Still, that Koyo…..I hadn’t thought he’d be calling her by her first name right from their first meeting…..And I’d even gone and made it obvious how jealous I was. Good grief.

‘Koyo, I’m sorry, but about that movie…..’

Just as I went to speak, I realised. That Koyo was looking at me with a mischievous look in his eyes.

Koyo clapped a hand to my shoulder and murmured in my ear.

‘…..I’m happy for you, Kureha-san.’

So speaking, he went to walk past us.

‘Let’s leave it at that for today. See you later, Misa-chan.’

—!

‘Ah, yes. Goodbye.’

‘Oh, that’s right. Kureha-san, just so you know, I’ll be coming over to make fun of you again tomorrow.’

‘Hmph-, that won’t be necessary.’

As I watched Koyo walk away, I was internally apologising to him.

If this was going to happen, I should have just told you from the beginning. About Misa being the person I love.

‘Koyo-san is a good person, isn’t he? He really gets you, Kureha-san.’

‘…..Don’t tell me you knew what he was doing all along?’

‘I guessed it when he called me “Misa-chan” just before he left. Also, what he said about “coming over to make fun of you”…..Hehe-’

‘When Koyo comes to visit tomorrow, I want to make sure I explain about you to him properly…..would that be alright? I’ll tell him how important you are to me, and that I’m deeply in love with you.’

Her eyes widened slightly, and her cheeks were red as she smiled.

‘That would make me really happy. But be sure to tell him not that “you’re in love with me” but that “we’re in love with each other.”’

Now it was my turn to blush.

‘Yes, that’s right.’

The murkiness that had been in my chest having disappeared before I realised it, I now felt warm inside.

—Let’s be together this way, forever.

I took her hand and began to walk.

[moonjxsung]

hi, my lovely.

dont ever apologise for a delayed response! i promise you, i dont hold it against you. I dont expect you to be manning your inbox at ever minute of every hour of every day when you have a whole life to live offline so please dont feel bad if you take a moment to respond. in all seriousness, I'm just thankful for a response because I know it can be draining sometimes going through messages but also I know not every thing is sunshine and roses so it's not always easy to muster up a response. and yet you still take the time to make everyone feel seen, heard, and acknowledged, and i can assure you we all appreciate it. so don't feel bad for a slight delay.

apologies for that rant 😅

as for how i've been, i think I've just been trying to pick myself back up lately. i'm not completely there yet but I'm working on it. it's been a bit of a tough moment for me this year in several aspects but somehow, it's also been the easiest year I've had in a while so idk what to say about that. anyways, thank you for replying to my previous message - I really appreciated it - it made me feel a little less... I guess guilty or insane? about it. so thank you.

thank you again, honestly. it feels so validating reading your response. I've always kinda been the "mum" friend or the "therapy" friend and it was fine at first until my shoulders got so heavy from the weight of everyone's world plus my own and i just felt like I was stranded, with no one to turn to, no place to go. and I know somewhere that thats not true. but when you're stuck in the role for so long, where you've had to swallow your problems, it gets hard to feel like you can let them out.

ah this is getting a bit depressing so I'll stop. I'm sorry about that.

actually, the other day, i had this thought which i'll sum up for you in a separate thing because I realised this one is getting a bit long (sorry once again but also thank you) - don't feel pressured to reply though!

Oh before I sign off, I saw you have a girlfriend!! Congratulations! I wish you both so much love and happiness together 🩷 I hope you have a great week, my lovely. and stay safe and healthy xx

-🦁

Hey my lovely angel!!!!

don’t feel the need to apologize for ranting or needing to get something off your chest on here. I totally understand needing to let your feelings out once in a while, and I think it’s a really lovely thing that we’re able to communicate so freely on here without any judgement. I’m always here to listen to anything you guys have to get off your chest, and it’s always my goal to make you guys feel listened to, so I’m glad to hear that you feel that way about this blog 🥹

It can be REALLY difficult to feel like you’re the established “mom friend” of a group. Or any established role in your friend group, for that matter. Mt sister is often the “mom friend”, I feel like I’m often the “funny friend”, but in assuming those roles our problems can be so minimized and just taken less seriously overall. I’ve said so many times to people in my life that I feel like I’m generally less liked when I’m not performing or cracking jokes for my friends, and my friends will usually just distance themselves until I’m feeling better. When I started medication and became a more serious person as a whole, I didn’t know who to go to about my problems, because it felt like nobody cared for this new personality of mine. That’s when I really learned that I was fully capable of learning to appreciate my alone time, and that I’m the only one who’s going to understand it from this perspective. That’s not to villainize my friends of course, but we have to give credit to ourselves when we have these mental slumps. You’re the only one who can FULLY be there for yourself, so find some comfort in the loneliness. You can always vent to me on here or on discord, you can always reach out to anyone else in my server or my side blog or whatever safe space makes you feel most comfortable. And even if you don’t have anyone tangible in real life to turn to, there’s always a space for you here.

Sending you so much love my angel ❣️let your emoji anon sign off be a sign of your own personality, strong and resilient like a lion 🦁 I think of that every time you send a message on here 🥹💓

Also thank you for the well wishes!!!! Have the best week my lovely. Make sure to take care of yourself 🫶 you are so so so loved in whatever role you play in this lifetime, but the most important thing is that you’re here

[deliwrites]

ℂ𝕣𝕒𝕫𝕚𝕖𝕣 𝕋𝕙𝕚𝕟𝕘𝕤 // Dream

// DATE // 26th of November 2022 // PAIRING // Dreamwastaken x fem!reader // WARNING // angst, heartbreak, fluff, alcohol, song-based, happy ending, just in case a trigger warning; Techno is in this // WORDS // 6,6k+ // SUMMARY // a year ago Dream broke up with you. He never told you why. It hurt you so much. You weren't sure how to handle it. So with the help of Wil, you write a song about it. You wrote it to get over him, but what if he wants to try again?

Author note: This was meant for a book, that is not fan fiction. But I wasn't sure how to make it into a "normal" book. So now it's for you guys to enjoy.

 // MASTERLIST // ANONLIST //

Wilbur started his stream like usual. I sat near, just out of sight of the camera. My leg bounced up and down. I was so nervous. Wil had been announcing a new song being released today, for the past month. What fans didn't know was who the song was with. It was going to stay that way as far as real names go.

"Okay! So chat!" Wil starts, glancing over at me for a second. "As you can probably tell, I am somewhere unfamiliar to you guys," he paused, gesturing all around him. Looking at chat, he read as many of the guesses from the thousands of viewers as he could. "You're all wrong," he says bluntly, a smirk playing on his lips. A laugh nearly slipped from my own. Wil turned his smirk in my direction when he noticed me struggling to keep it in. "I am actually in Florida!" he announces. Instantly I started to see chat fill with his name. The smile that was on my face, faltered just a bit. "Nope, not at Dreams. I am at another friend's place and we have an announcement. Would you like to do the honours, Y/u/n?"

"I- wha- me?" I stutter, not expecting him to throw me under the bus like this.

"Yeah, come on, tell chat what's happening today!"

"Uhm, okay..," I swallow my nervousness quickly. "So, as Wil has been saying, there is a new song," I start, looking at Wil for confirmation. He nods, telling me to continue. "I wrote this song with some encouragement from Wil. The reason I wrote this song is... Well. I was hung up on a breakup. Yeah, I know, I am dramatic," I chuckle, Wil doing the same. "Anyway! This song is for me to get over this and hopefully it will help others too!"

"Exactly, cause believe it or not, today is the day the breakup happened a year ago. And this little lady is still hooked up on this game."

"Hey!" I pout, smacking his arm softly. "He was a great guy! You know I'm trying not to, but I still love him."

"I know," Wil says. "But from today on you're moving forward, correct?" I nod a smile back on my lips. "You can't see but she's nodding," he tells chat, making me giggle. "Now," he claps. "Let's actually play the song!" grabbing his guitar he checks it before looking at me. "You ready to do this?"

"As ready as I'll ever be," I tell him, adjusting in my seat a bit. Making sure the mic is in the right position. Wil starts playing, looking at me when it's my time to start.

I’ve been trying not to think about it, I can’t help it I know you don’t want to hear from me, but I am selfish It kills me inside, you can drink on Friday nights Not even pick up the phone It amazes me, you moved on so easily From someone that you once called home

I sang nervously, tho the stare Wil gave me boosted me with confidence. It felt so good to sing this song. I tried not to focus on the chat. Not wanting to feel discouraged or get distracted. 

I wish you had enough discipline For the both of us Just because I don’t know how to Turn off the way I feel I know you always fell out of love So damn easily But honestly, I don’t think you ever Had something real Until you met me, drinks in New york city Oh, you looked so pretty Think I fell in love before I even  knew your birthday Kissed you on our first date Somehow I knew someday This would hurt ‘cause I could  Never let you go Oh, I’ll spend my whole life Missing a part of me, part of me Oh, I’ll spend my whole life Hoping your heart is free, heart is free

I finished my part receiving an encouraging smile from Wil before he starts with his part.

I’ve been trying not to think of  This as something tragic ‘Cause our two paths might Cross again Crazier things have happened And I realized lightning strikes just Once not twice And shooting stars are burning rocks So I spend months inside, Drowning in these dreams of mine Wondering if I’m worth your thoughts I wish you had enough discipline for The both of us Just because I don’t know how to Turn off the way I feel I know you always fell out of love so easily,  but honestly, I don’t think you ever  had something real

Wil finishes and looks at me and we continue together.

Until you met me, drinks in New York City Oh, you looked so pretty Think I fell in love before I even knew Your birthday Kissed you on our first date Somehow I knew someday This would hurt ‘cause I could Never let you go

Taking over I continue.

Oh, I’ll spend my whole life Missing a part of me, part of me Oh, I’ll spend my whole life Hoping you’re heart is free, heart is free Do you not dream of me? ‘Cause I have visions in my sleep I can’t ever find me peace now Do you wake up alone And feel an aching in your bones? Or are you happy without me now? The first time that you told me You thought that you loved me That bar in the city I thought you were drunk But I knew deep down that you meant it Wish that I had said it I was scared to let it happen But it happened and now I cannot forget it Oh I’ll spend my whole life Missing a part of me, part of me Oh, I’ll spend my whole life Hoping your heart is free, heart is free

We finished the song. Staying in silence just for a bit.

"That was great! I am so proud of you, Y/u/n!" Wil says holding up his hand for a high five. I high-fived him, giggling softly. The praise raised a blush on my cheeks.

"Thank you, I couldn't have done it without you."

"Nah, you could have," he grins grabbing both our water bottles and handing me mine. "Tell me chat! What did you guys think? Do you have any questions?" Wil asked once he finished drinking. Focusing on the chat as messages flood in.

Who is the song about?

Wil read out the question that caught his eye, turning to me. He waited for my answer.

"I can't tell you who it's about exactly. Can't really expose him like that," I answer honestly.

"Yeah, we probably shouldn't," Wil chuckled. "Do you think - if he listened - Do you think he would recognize your voice?"

"He could, I guess. I have sung for and with him before. Though he could have forgotten what I sound like. I mean, it has been a year."

"That is true," Wil mumbles again, pulling a thinking face.

Could you tell us about that bar in New York City?

"I guess I could. Though, it's not actually about a bar in New York City. The name of the bar is New York City," I chuckle. "Do you mind? It could take a while?" I ask Wil.

"Yeah, go ahead, I don't know the story behind the bar either. I have to say that I am quite curious myself."

"Alright. Well, I knew this person since high school. We weren't friends but we did speak occasionally. I did already like him in high school but I never thought I would be his type," I start the back story. "Besides, he had relationship after relationship. I don't mean in a playboy kind of way. He isn't the playboy type. I guess his relationships just never worked out. Anyways, that's where I knew him from," I pause for a moment, gathering my thoughts. "So, fast forward a few years. We had both finished high school and doing whatever after. I ended up not going to college. I chose to pursue my music. Hence the song," I chuckle at the obviousness of it. "So, after a long day at my job, writing songs all day. I needed a break. Doing so by going to my favourite bar, New York City. I was sitting at the bar just drinking my (f/(a)/d) when he noticed me and came over. He asked if I was me," I giggled at the way I was explaining it, shaking my head. "I, of course, recognized him immediately. I mean who forgets their high school crush. We got to talking, quickly exchanged phone numbers and got pretty drunk together. We clicked quite well and I loved spending time with him. We joked about this being our unexpected first date while we talked about doing this again sometime. I told him that if it was, he should be a gentleman and escort me home safely. He had wheezed but nodded nonetheless. Telling me he would make sure I got safe and sound," I couldn't help but smile at the memory. "He kept his word and at about midnight, he called a taxi and brought me home. I was quite thankful and with the alcohol in my system. I risked it all for a biscuit and kissed him. Just like the song says, I fell in love before I even knew his birthday," I giggle once again, only this time it sounded clogged. My voice quivered a bit when the tears that formed in my eyes from the memory, caught up with me. "Sorry, I'm getting emotional," I quickly wiped my tears, sniffing. I felt arms wrap around me, I knew it was Wil.

"Hey, it's okay," he spoke softly as he comforted me. One hand caressed my back while the other was entangled in my hair. My head in his chest.

"I'm ruining your shirt," I muttered, my voice muffled by the fabric of his shirt.

"That's alright, you need this hug," Wil chuckled gently. "You know, I gotta say. That's a really cute way to meet someone. And fall for someone. The guy is an idiot for letting you go."

"You act like you don't know him," I chuckle.

"I just wish I knew why he would end it."

"You and me both."

After I had calmed down we put our attention back on the stream. Answered a few more questions. Wil linked and announced all my socials and provided the link to our song Crazier Things on Spotify before he ended the stream.

"Alright, it is-" Wil looks at the clock on the monitor. "Almost 8 pm, I should go to you know where."

"I know. Sorry that the stream took so long because of my long-ass answers. Not to mention my emotional breakdown," I chuckled. "You could have gone to his place already."

"Hey don't apologize for that. If I wanted to end earlier I would have," Wil shut down the PC. We made our way out of my spare bedroom. Grabbing his coat I handed it to him.

"You're staying the night at his right?" I ask to be sure I remembered it right.

"Yeah, I'll be back around noon tomorrow most likely. Then I also want you to show me that bar of yours!" chuckling at his excitement for it, I nod my head.

"Alright, I will! Now go on, have fun but be careful, okay!" I told him as I quite literally pushed him out the front door. "If you do end up needing me, just call me."

"Yes, yes, bye now!" With that, I close the front door. Being alone for the night. 'Happy birthday, Clay.'

"Wil!" Phil called out when he walked into the Dream teams living room. "I saw the stream! That song is so beautiful, mate!"

"Thank you," Will smiled. "The stream was also why I was a little later."

"Yeah, we watched it here," Techno said from his spot on another part of the L-shaped couch pointing at the tv that now just displayed the twitch logo. 

"Yeah, Clay ran off like right after too. Talking about needing some air."

"Seems pretty obvious why," Will said getting confused looks from the other two in the room. "You do realize that song is about him right."

"All the hints you had dropped. The both of you talked about it so much. You showed us just a section of the song," Techno mumbled thinking to himself as he tried to make logic out of it. Nick, who had let Will in, walked back into the living room. Handing out new beers for everyone. Including the two currently not in the room.

"Wait! That was Y/n?" Phil asked shocked.

"Well, yeah, how did you not know," he chuckles. "Who have I been helping the past 8 months? Who do we know that loves to write songs and sing? And has sung for us before, might I add."

"All the hints you had dropped. The both of you talked about it so much. You showed us just a section of the song," Techno mumbled thinking to himself as he tried to make logic out of it. Nick, who had let Will in, walked back into the living room. Handing out new beers for everyone. Including new ones for the two currently not in the room.

"I'm guessing George went to talk to Clay?" He asked no one in particular.

"Yeah," Techno answered him. "I wonder why he ran off tho. Sure, the song is about him, but it's not like the song was portraying him in a bad light."

"I don't know, maybe he feels guilty?" Nick said, confused about the situation himself.

"Wait, does that mean not even you know why he broke up with Y/n?" Phil asked the important question. A question Wil very much wanted the answer to.

"No," He stated bluntly. "We just assumed something suddenly happened between the two. It was like it happened overnight," Nick explains, taking a sip from his beer. "We were here having fun on his birthday and the next day she was gone. We didn't see or hear from her. Clay didn't talk about it either. so we waited till he was ready to tell us about what happened," he sighed. "All he ended up telling us was that she wouldn't be coming here anymore. No explanation whatsoever. And that was 2 months after."

"Woah, of all people, I thought he would have told you and George. I mean, you guys live together! Y/n basically lived here with you," Techno said, very confused why Clay wouldn't tell anyone the reason. It was silent for a little while after that.

The talking only started back up when George and Clay came back from where ever the two had been. Clay complimented Wil on the song with a hint of sadness lingering in his voice. Though, at the moment Wil decided not to comment on it. Instead, deciding to let the party become less tense. Suggesting playing a game.

They ended up playing an Uno drinking game. Everyone quickly became tipsy and the living room filled with laughter. Music softly playing in the background. Not too loud not too soft.

After a while, they stopped. Putting on a comedy show by Daniel Sloss. The humour was dark but oh-so-good. Wil couldn't focus on it though. He had a question rolling around in his head. It had been doing so for a while now. He was not leaving this place without answers, that's for sure.

"Alright," Wil spoke, catching the attention of everyone in the room. "I am sorry. I am not trying to ruin the mood. But I have to know," he said looking straight at Caly who was sitting on the outside corner of the couch. Tension instantly filled the air as most caught on to what was going to happen.

"Know what?" Clay asks, faking oblivion. He could already guess what the question would be. The question is, was he ready to talk about it.

"What was the reason?" Wil asked. "Like, don't get me wrong, but it was so sudden for everyone," he added, letting it sink for a second. "Why did you break up with Y/n?" he asks again when he didn't get a response. Clay's attention had slowly shifted to the carpet. Finding it more interesting than were the conversation was going.

"I would rather not talk about it," he confessed, his voice a little above whisper. He hadn't told anyone the reason. He didn't think he was ready to tell 5 of his friends right this second.

"You've got to talk about it at some point. It's been a year," George spoke from the recliner next to him.

George and Nick had definitely noticed a difference in Clay before and after the breakup. He was still clay, just less happy.

"Your reason won't change the way we look at you," Nick told him in reassurance. "It is honestly just so confusing. George and I didn't want to push you into talking about it. But we're your best friends. Please remember that."

"I know," Clay sighed. "Can we just say I was an idiot and not talk about it," he ends up saying. Looking around the room, but not making eye contact with anyone. His eyes then go straight to his lap. Focused on playing with the hem of his green hoodie.

"Why would you be an idiot?" Phil asks concerned. The fact that he thinks he's an idiot makes the situation all the more confusing.

"I-" He let out a sigh, throwing his head back. Trying to convince himself it was okay. He is with a close group of friends. He can trust them. "I actually broke up with her after I let a joke Wil made get to me."

"Excuse me. What?" Nick broke the silence that followed the confession.

"I don't remember the joke exactly. But it was something along the lines of Y/n cheating on me."

"You mean to tell me I've spent months taking care of Y/n from the UK. All because of a fucking joke I made!" It wasn't even a question. It was a statement. Wil was so aggravated at this discovery. The room was silent once again.

"I'm sorry," came from Clay, his hands covering his face as tears started to block his vision. His voice was croaky. "I got scared of getting hurt by the one person I actually saw myself having a future with," the anger that ran through Wil's veins quickly got replaced with confusion and concern.

"What?" he asked quietly.

"The song explains a lot," wiping at his eyes. Clay takes a deep breath, calming himself down. "The first time that you told me, you thought that you loved me. That bar in the city. I thought you were drunk but I knew deep down that you meant it. Wish that I had said it. I was scared to let it happen. But it happened and now I cannot forget it," he quotes the song with ease. "On our 1-year anniversary date, I told her that I loved her. As the song says, she didn't say it back. Which is fine, she should have to feel forced to say it back," he explains. "But months went by and I said it, every once and a while. She never said it back," looking up at Wil. "So, on my birthday, when you made that joke. All that went through my head was that maybe you were right. What if she was already cheating on me. She never told me she loved me because she had someone else besides me," he took a deep breath before continuing. "I ended it before I could find it whether it was true or not. When I did, that's when she told me she loved me."

"No," George mumbled. Every time Y/n spoke about Clay she would always shove an 'I love him' in the conversation. It always made Nick and him tease her for it. They knew how very much in love the two were with each other.

"We genuinely thought she had already told you," Nick said shaking his head slightly in disbelief. "She told us all the time that she loved you."

"Really?" Clay couldn't believe his ears. "I guess I really am an idiot huh?" shaking his head, he threw his head back. Slumping against the couch. "I lost the love of my life because I am an idiot."

"Who says you lost her," Techno spoke up. Everyone turned to look at him. Curious about where he was going with this. "Wil, Phil and I are still in contact with her. I am sure she would love to talk to you. We all know her well enough to know she would hear you out."

"I literally dumped her without telling her why. Why would she want to talk to me."

"Because she still loves you," Phil says matter-of-factly. "The song even talks about your paths crossing again, as crazier things have happened," hope started to fill him just slightly at the possibility.

The next morning I woke up to my violently vibrating phone under my pillow. Shuffling around I try to find it. Answering without looking.

"Hello..?" I croak tiredly.

"Morning, Y/n," Wil's voice comes from the other end of the phone.

"How are you up this early? Shouldn't you be hungover or something?" I mumble slowly pushing myself up in bed. Now leaning against the headboard. I rub my eyes to wake myself up more.

"Y/n, it's almost 2 pm, what do you mean early?" He chuckles. I could just tell he was shaking his head.

"Where are you? I thought you were supposed to come here?" I ask, taking the phone away from my head, and putting it on speaker. Getting up off the bed I walk over to my closet.

"I'm on my way to New York City," he says sounding excited. "One of the guys offered to take me there. So, I will see you there, okay?"

"Yeah, sure, okay," I answered while struggling to put on a tight pair of black high-waisted jeans. "I'll try not to make you wait too long. You can always order something to drink while you wait."

"Yeah, we'll do that before they leave."

"Alright! I'll see you in a bit then!" With a quick bye Wil hangs up the phone and I focus on getting ready. Though in the back of my mind I found it very suspicious how Wil spoke about the person who brought him to the bar.

Parking the car in the last free parking spot behind the bar. I try to ignore the car next to me. 'It's definitely not his car,' I think to myself. Shaking my head I grab my handbag and head to the front door. Looking back just once like I was expecting the car to suddenly change colour or something. I open the door, the small bell ringing as I walk in.

"Y/n!" Wil said with excitement as he came over immediately. Too close for a normal conversation and too stiff like he was trying to block my view from something.

"Hey, Wil," you don't look like you've been drinking last night at all," I chuckle ignoring the way he's acting at the moment. I could always ask him about it later.

"Well, we were up pretty early," he says with that cute grin of his. "Go sit at the bar I'll be right back," he says while grabbing my shoulders. Turning me around to face the bar. Looking over my shoulder, I give him a confused look.

"You're acting weird, Wil," I tell him, tho I do follow his request and make my way to sit at my 'usual' stool. Before I can turn to find out where Wil is going, my attention shifts to the bartender. Someone, I am all too familiar with.

"Well, hello there, Y/n," Lenny said with a grin. "I haven't seen you in a long time! What can I get you? Your usual?"

"Woah! Lenny, you still work here? And yes, please," the smile on my face matches his. "I am surprised you still know who I am," I chuckle. Like he said, I hadn't been here in a while. The last time I visited was at a moment of weakness 3 months ago.

"How could I not," he says setting down my (f/a/d). "You and Clay came here basically every Friday! Where is that boy of yours anyways?" Just like the last time he asked where Clay was. That time I was able to think of a fake reason why he couldn't be there.

"I- we- well-" now, I was just a stuttering mess. Unsure of how to tell him that we had broken up ages ago. But my stuttering gets cut off by another voice and the stool next to me moving.

"I am right here," Clay's voice surprises me. Looking up at him, there is a gentle smile on his face. He hasn't looked my way yet, though.

"Ah! Still together I see!" Lenny laughs, giving Clay his usual drink. Not even having to ask what it was. Neither of us corrects Lenny on his assumption. Why Clay wouldn't correct him has me lost, in every sense of the word.

"Thank you, Lenny!" He says, turning to look at me his smile softens but it's definitely still there. "Can you give us a moment?" He asks Lenny after turning back to him.

"Of course, of course!" He answers quickly and walks over to the other side of the bar. Picking up a conversation with another regular. I was utterly perplexed when I looked away from Lenny and back to Clay. We sat in silence, neither of us probably having any idea what to say. The only thing I was sure of was that Wil was behind this setup. But why? It didn't make sense to me. Clay hates me, he thought I cheated!

After taking a sip of his drink, Clay lets out a sigh. Turning his gaze to look at me. Or eyes briefly meet, but I look away, unable to look at him. I didn't want to get lost in his eyes like I used to. Besides I could already feel my emotion start to bubble up.

"Y/n, I know that I am probably way too late to tell you this," he starts off, the smile completely gone. Now replaced with a serious yet sincere look. "But I am so sorry," my eyes snap to meet his. I had no idea what to say or do. 'Should I even say anything or should I let him continue?' I decide on the latter and gave him a nod in acknowledgement. "I never told you why, nor anyone else for that matter and I felt, still do actually, feel like the biggest idiot in existence," he played with his glass a little. Something I knew he did if he was thinking about what and how to say it next. His elbow leaned on the bar, his head resting against his hand. He wasn't looking at me anymore but I knew it was because he was scared of my reaction. "Yesterday, a year ago, Wil made a joke," he says slowly. "I knew it couldn't be true, but I let it get to me. I didn't want to get hurt since I loved you more than I ever thought I could. So that night I broke up with you," he looked back at me. His eyes let me know just how sincere he was saying that. He cups the left side of my face hesitantly. With his thumb, he wipes away a tear I didn't know had fallen from my eye.

"So..," my voice sounded a little clogged from being my emotional self. I had hoped for this moment for so long. Just to know what the reason was. "Uhm, I am not sure what to say," I mumbled looking away from his eyes, trying to stop myself from leaning into his hand. Along with trying not to cry more. The comfort of his touch was still all too familiar. "I guess, thank you for telling me," I sniffed. "I want you to know that I never cheated on you and I never would."

"I know," he softly lifts my head up, making me look at him. "And I know it's far-fetched," he sighs somewhat lovingly. "Would you consider starting over?"

"But you just said 'loved'. W-why would you- I- wha?" I couldn't put into words how I was feeling at the moment. Sure, my heart started to flutter at the thought of getting back together. But I was making progress, was I not? I was supposed to move on from him now. Not let my love for him take over my life anymore. "D-don't get me wrong! I mean, I didn't write a song about you if I was actually, you know, over you. But I am very confused?" Ending the sentence questioningly to further prove my point of confusion. Loads of hand gestures. None of which add to the conversation as I scramble with my thoughts and words. Clay chuckles softly, moving both his hands to mine. Holding them delicately.

"I know, I'm sorry," he says gently. "The thing is. The reason that I am hoping you'll give me another chance is that I regret breaking up with you. I have since the moment I did it. You told me you loved me then and I could tell you were sincere. I could tell you meant it," his voice is filled with so much emotion. My eyes water, thinking back on that day. "I blamed myself for not being patient enough and letting a joke get to me," he looks down at our hands. His hand playing with a simple ring that sits on my left ring finger. It was actually a ring he had given to me. From the moment he gave it to me I had never taken it off. I have been wearing it for a solid 2 years now. "I felt so guilty after I sent you home. I knew you weren't lying when you told me you loved me. I shut down, and locked myself up in my room, for 2 months. Worried the hell out of Nick and George," he chuckles softly to lighten the mood a little. Looking back into my eyes. I notices even he had tears pooling on his water line. "And I never even told them why I did what I did. Up until last night," my eyes widen at the confession. 'No one knew? Did he really feel that guilty and embarrassed that he felt he couldn't even tell his two best friends?'.

"Let me guess, Wil asked why?" I asked knowingly, rolling my eyes. I knew he wanted to know why so badly. He needed to know if Clay deserved all my tears.

"Yep, and I didn't wanna answers at first," Clay confesses. "But they were patient with me and actually very understanding."

"I mean, they might be idiots but they are still your friends," I chuckled tearfully.

"That, they are, sometimes I don't think I deserve them," he sighs softly, though it was a sigh of contentment, not of annoyance. "They are the ones who helped me figure out how I could talk to you and hopefully make amends," he said with a gentle smile playing on his lips. "Wil told me you were gonna show him our bar, and that set it in motion."

"I guess my mind wasn't playing tricks on me when I saw your car in the parking lot," I couldn't help but giggle. Wiping gently at my eyes, I rub away any tear tracks. Grabbing my drink, I take hold of one of his hands again, taking a sip. "And you were hiding in here while Wil told me to go sit at the bar. You know, it was very obvious he was hiding something," Clay chuckled, nodding as he agreed with me. It helped him lighten up.

"But it worked and I am very happy you didn't decide to just run off when you saw me."

"I could never," I said with a teasing smile on my lips. "Even though the song was to help me move on from you. Our paths have crossed again," I could tell from him slightly shifting in his seat that he had gotten nervous again. "I would like to start over," I down the rest of my drink and get up. Not giving him time to say anything. I walk out the door of the bar. I grin to myself while my back is turned. I wait for the door to close behind me. Turning back around I walk straight back in. I look around like I'm looking for a place to sit. Moving my gaze to Clay, I noticed a confused look on his face. "Hi, is this seat taken?" a little flabbergasted, Clay shakes his head and chuckles.

"No, go ahead," he then says, gesturing to the stool. Playing along with my little act. "Can I offer you a drink? I'm Clay, by the way," he continues, moving his hand towards me. I shake his hand before sitting down comfortably next to him.

"That would be lovely," I grin. "I'm Y/n."

"What a lovely name," he says, reluctantly letting go of my hand. "What would you like?" He turns away a little to look at Lenny grabbing his attention and asking him to come over.

"Another round of usuals?" He asks as soon as he reaches us.

"Yes, please," I tell him sliming brightly. "So, who did you invite over yesterday?" I drop the act as we wait for our drinks. I knew Wil, went of course but I didn't know who else had been invited.

"Well, I invited a fair few. Sadly not everyone could make it, but as compensation, we played some games during the day. So it was just Nick, George, Techno, Phil, Wil and me during the evening," Lenny put our drinks in front of us, sending a smile. Then going back to the other side on his own. He was always pretty good at reading people. So he probably guessed we just had a pretty serious conversation. Wanting to give us the privacy we needed. "We actually watched Wil's stream while we were waiting on Wil."

"Wait, you did?" I asked calmly even though I was pretty shocked. Sure, they were friends and all but it was Clay's birthday. 'Why would he decide to watch the stream?'

"Yeah, we knew he was dropping a song but didn't know who with. I instantly realized it was you when you spoke. All flustered by the sudden attention thrown on you," he says with a sweet grin. A blush spread across my cheeks. His right hand reached out, gently taking hold of my left one. His thumb softly caressed the top of my hand. "I didn't know what to expect when it came to the actual song. But I knew it would be beautiful," the blush darkened at the compliments. "What I didn't expect was that it was going to be a song about us and this very bar. I thought you had long since moved on from me. Forgotten about me even," he says softly, looking down at our hand. Squeezing carefully, almost like he thought I would disappear. "But there you were, off-screen, singing about our bar and the effect our breakup had on you," his voice got a little croaky and I could tell it bothered him that I had been dealing with this for an entire year. I squeezed his hand, trying to reassure him that it was alright. I was obviously not the only one who dealt with it for this long.

"It's okay," I tell him softly. "It was a shitty year and I wouldn't have gotten to this point if it wasn't for Wil. But it's okay, Clay. I don't want you to blame yourself, which I know you're doing," I said with a pointed look, getting a slight grin as he knew I was right. "It's my fault for staying in that state of mind for so long. I have gotta say though, I don't regret it cause you want to give us a second chance. And that makes me really happy," I smiled a genuine smile because this is, in reality, what I had been hoping for. I love this man too much to just walk away from him.

"I guess, but I hurt you," he replies in almost a whisper. "And all because I'm an idiot."

"You might be an idiot, but you're my idiot, okay," I giggle softly, leaning over to give him a side hug and pecking his cheek. Leaving my head on his shoulder as he chuckled at my response.

"That I am."

That evening, just like on our unofficial first date, he made sure I got home safely. But! Instead of me kissing him, he gently kissed me. Looking at me with the softest of smiles when we pulled apart. A dark blush spread on my cheeks. We just stared for a bit, not really knowing how much time passed.

He told me he would come to pick me up in the morning. To pick up our cars, both of us were too tipsy to drive home. I smiled and nodded. Saying shy goodnight, I entered my apartment as he went back to the uber.

"Look who is finally home, just in time for dinner," Wil spoke from the kitchen. He couldn't see me but who else would enter my apartment. Wait!

"Wha- Wil? How did you get in?" I ask confused as I walk into the kitchen. There I find Wil making a very easy dinner of simple spaghetti with green pesto and cheese.

"You gave me a key," he says not sounding convincing in the slightest.

"Did you break into my apartment!?" My eyes wide in shock. 'How could he possibly have broken in!? I am on the forth floor! And my door definitely did not look broken into.'

"No, no, no!" he puts up his hands in surrender, letting out a sigh. "Clay still had a key. So he gave it to me to return to you after," I stood there flabbergasted. I had completely forgotten about the key I had given Clay. He actually kept it? "Love how you actually give him it with a keychain that has his name on it," he chuckled, taking the key from his pocket, sliding it over across the counter, to me.

"I-" I wasn't sure how to react. I just picked up the key looking at the battered keychain. I found it in a store once. It had a smiley, similar to his iconic one, on the the from and the back was black. So I had gotten it engraved with his name and our anniversary date.

I still remember the day I gave it to him. I was over at his place but had to go home that night because of my part-time job. I was very tired and asked if he would bring me home and maybe stay over. He had agreed after my pleading, asking for my eyes. He very well knew I was gonna fall asleep during the - short - drive. So he needed to be able to open the door.

I had grinned sheepishly and handed him his own key. He had been very confused at first. My own set of keys was filled - basically - to the brim with keys and keychains. 'It's your key. Now you can come over whenever you feel like it,' I told him. The smile on his face made my day just that much better. He pecked my lips before we got up and headed to the car. That night he had to carry me inside, 'cause just like he predicted. I had fallen almost straight asleep as soon as I sat down in the car.

"-ello? Earth to Y/n? Someone in there?" a soft pat on the head brought me back from memory lane and in front of me stood a smiling Wil. "Where did you drift off to?"

"Sorry," giggling I shake my head and put the key in a bowl that was meant for keys. "Just thought about the day I gave that key to him."

"While we're on the topic of him, how did it go? Did my plan work? I mean, I guess it did cause you were there for like 4 hours," Wil started to ramble as he filled two plates with the now-finished dish.

"It did work," I grin, a blush returning to my cheeks. "Funny how things work tho, right? The song was supposed to help me get over him and instead," I let out a content sigh. "We are going to start over and try again," I couldn't help but smile brightly as I sat down on a barstool at the island. Wil coming over to my side and sitting down too.

"I am surprised of me saying this, but I am very happy for you," he says. "I never hated Clay, but just never knowing why really made me not want you to get back together with him. Along with, of course, you being miserable for an entire year for that idiot," he chuckles. "He really is an idiot but he loves you very much," bumping his shoulder against mine slightly, a smirk on his lips.

// MASTERLIST // ANONLIST //

[itssokiee]

Smudged Happiness: Chapter 6/7

Previous Chapter

Chapter one

An: I combined chapters 2&3 so that’s why the chapter numbers will be off. If you already saw chapter six posted, this is the next one

Lucy finds out just how sheltered her private school really was. Turns out, when it comes to illicit substances, she was the odd one out.

Gray becomes weary of the new girls frequent texts, while Erza receives irksome texts of her own.

Mavis finds her new year enthusiasm is already fleeting.

Igneel finds a way to piss off both the Dragneel Brothers

All before first period.

The next morning, Lucy sat in silence on her way to school. Her driver sensed the dampened atmosphere and let Lucy sulk in peace. All she could hear in her head were echos of last nights screaming match. The thought of returning home after school filled her with dread.

After an eternity, the wheels finally slowed to a stop at the front of the school.

“Thanks for the ride. And I’m staying after school today, I have a club meeting after school. I’ll text you when to come,” Lucy said weakly.

Now I have to actually find a club.

Truth be told, she was procrastinating going home, before school even started. Lucy walked through the hallway in a daze, lost in her thoughts. On instinct, she arrived at their usual morning hang out spot.

“Hey Lucy! Sorry about last night!” Erza called out.

“Hey yeah, me too,” Gray said sheepishly, “we just both got caught up with our clubs seems like.”

“Oh it’s cool, Zeref tools is back to their place,” Lucy said. Then she frowned. With all the chaos that ensued yesterday, she hadn’t yet processed her initial bother. “Hey did you guys know that he like, you know… smokes weed? And also Mavis too?” She asked nervously looking around. It felt taboo to say aloud.

“Yeah? Who hasn’t?” Gray said causally.

“UH ME?” Lucy cried before putting her hand over her mouth.

“Uh me neither,” Erza said annoyed.

“Hehe but she sure can’t hold her liquor,” Mira chimed in. Erza’s faced matched her hair.

“Yeah I am really going to start pulling back,” Erza said embarrassed, “I can’t go through that again… and I can’t even remember most of it…”

“And I’m not going to tell you,” Mira sang.

“What? You guys do that stuff too?” Lucy said in disbelief. Nobody had ever done anything like this at her old school. If your skirt was even an inch too short, it was immediately met with a reprimandment on your file.

“I mean, you go to a public school now,” Gray said, “Standards and rules are just kinda overlooked as long as you’re not obnoxious about it.”

“How we didn’t do anything like that last year?” Lucy said confused now. Were they meeting up and purposefully excluding her? She felt a pit in her stomach.

“I mean, I guess we kinda just do really do that stuff together. None of us really have a supplier - so we just do it when available. Like I only ever get lit with my team because Ultear has a fake ID,” Gray explained.

“Yeah, the only time I ever drink is when student council throws a party after the anual debate competition,” Erza said, “Or Mira invites me somewhere.”

“Yeah, the only one of us who could have an easy supply is Natsu but he’s not really into all that stuff. I guess also since you hang out with him the most, makes sense we never did that stuff together,” Gray said.

“Yeah, we don’t really have the means,” Erza added.

“Can’t relate!” Mira giggled, “Cana, Laxus, and I all have fake IDs. We even went out clubbing once. But Erza is too goody to have one.”

“GRAY YOU BASTARD!”

Natsu ran down the hall screaming. He screeched to a halt in front of Gray, getting in his face, “WHAT THE HELL GRAY! WE WAITED FOR YOU FOR LIKE 45 MINUTES LAST NIGHT!!”

Gray stood up, meeting Natsu at eye level. “Well dickface, I was about to apologize, but now, I’m gonna beat your ass,” Gray retorted.

“Oh you wanna go? Bring it dumbass!”

“Oh you’re on!”

“Need I remind you, student code section 6 page 4 - fighting on school grounds is forbidden and grounds for suspension,” Erza said menacingly. She shot a hard look over at them.

“Yes Ma’am!” They both said backing down.

Natsu sat down and started to frantically scribble out some homework, while Gray started texting on his phone.

Erza looks over at Lucy, “Hey, the student council is throwing a party next Friday. Do you want to come?”

Lucy froze. On one hand, she was rather curious about the experience. It was so different from her usual schooling. It felt like a rite of passage. On the other hand, she knew there was no way her father wouldn’t find out and ruin anything. And the idea still freaked her out.

“No thanks, but thank you for the offer,” she said. The bell went off and they began to disperse to class. As Lucy walked away - Natsu caught up to her.

“Hey sorry about last night, I understand if he made you uncomfortable,” Natsu said.

“Oh no, Zeref didn’t make me uncomfortable-“

“What? No not Zeref! My dad! After he came in, you ran out,” Natsu said taken back.

“Oh, it’s just that… that car he described… that was my dad…” Lucy stammered.

“Oh.”

“I got to get to class,” Lucy said.

“Hey what’s your fourth period, I’ll walk with you to lunch. You can tell me what happened,” Natsu said.

“Alright I’ll text it to you.”

~

Gray felt his phone buzz in his pocket. He didn’t even have to look at his phone screen to know that the new girl Juvia Lockser sent him another text. She had been texting him quite a lot since their meeting 12 hours previously. Like a lot.

He slid into his desk while reaching in his back pocket to read what she wanted now.

Juvia (swim): Hey what are you doing during lunch period today?

Gray liked his swim team life and normal life separate. Besides he’d feel like a dick because of Lyon.

Gray: I have to attend a study group. But you should totally ask Lyon he mentioned he was free.

Juvia (swim): oh okay

Gray held his breath for a few seconds. When another text didn’t go through he sighed with relief.

~

“Hmm yeah, probably don’t text him again til at least after lunch. You don’t want to seem too clingy,” Meredy said looking at Juvia’s phone.

“I probably already do,” Juvia said anxiously.

“Okay maybe like wait until he approaches you first at practice today. Show him that he needs to come to you,” Meredy replied.

“Okay, I’ll try.”

~

Erza was taking out her laptop to prepare for class, when she noticed a text message pop up.

Devil Himself: guess who asked Mavis to host this year’s student council party?

Seriously?!

Erza was class president, meaning she represented the entire Junior class. She won re-election all three years. Seniors don’t have a class president, instead they were the student council president. This means Mavis is now the student council president, and as such, she has the honors of choosing who hosts this first party.

Of course Jellal would ask. Erza can’t win. Jellal was the head of the fundraising committee, which of course made all the girls fawn over him even more, as he helps raise money for homecoming and prom. During dance season, countless girls flaunt themselves over him. No doubt even more so this year, because as a junior, he can ask someone.

So infuriating

Erza: as if I’d walk through the gates of hell

~

“So Mavis? Are you down?”

“Huh? Sorry?” Mavis snapped out of her daze and looked over at her green eyed friend. He was sitting on his desk with his feet resting on the chair. Their friends were scattered around them looking at her waiting for a response. She looked back at him. His eyes always pierced through her mind sending her back into reality. He frowned.

“Mavis are you even listening? We’re going to the lake after school. You coming?” Yuri asked impatiently.

“Oh well-“

“Don’t tell me you have plans! We’re your friends too, ya know,” Precht said cutting her off.

“Besides summer is going to end soon! Let’s go while we can,” Jenny said.

Mavis and her friends usually met up in their first class, since they were all in the only honors historical literature class. Usually they all arrived pretty early, to start planning their day, but Mavis rolled in barely on time.

“Hey and while I have your attention, where were you this morning? hour car was still here when I left, and when I got to school - it was still in the same spot. Funny thing was, I couldn’t find you,” Warrod questioned.

“I got a ride home yesterday…”

“Mavis, you’re coming end of story,” Yuri said, “You literally saw him last night and today, you won’t die from half a day apart.”

Just as the warning bell rang, Mavis got a text.

Jellal: so mavis, will you let me do the honors and let me host the student council welcome back party?

Oh right. She was the student council president now. Well at least this was one decision off her plate.

Mavis: omg yes! So exciting! Let me know the details ASAP so I can text it out to everyone! I’ll also send out a sign up sheet for handles.

Wow I sound fake.

~

Lucy walked into her first period class and was relieved to see a familiar face.

“Levy!”

“Lulu!”

Lucy took the seat in front of her. “I’m so glad we have class together again!”

“Me too Lucy! Good to know at least one other person will have a brain!” levy said giggling

“Hey I was wondering, do you think I can sign up to be one of those tutors? I know I qualify for Literature!” Lucy asked hopefully.

“Really! That would be awesome! Just meet at the a library after school today, and I can get you started!” Levy said excitedly.

The bell rang and class began.

~

“Alright well, that’s attendance taken care over. Go ahead and start reading chapter 1. Or at least pretend to. I’ll be at my desk,” the teacher said as she sat down and opened her book.

Zeref didn’t even bother to put away his phone, much less even take out the book. Hell, he didn’t even know if he owned it. A text slid in.

Mard Gear: you going to all ur classes today ?

Zeref: fuck no

Mard Gear: meet at spot during sixth

Zeref: bet

He then sent another text:

Zeref: be there 30

Wendy: I’m sorry

Zeref: don’t be

Damn bastard Igneel won’t wake up to take Wendy to school.

Whatever, it’s not like Zeref was missing something important. Hopefully I can force myself to come back before third period…

Who was he kidding. He wouldn’t.