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legoshi-plz · 4 years

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Study Date ( Legoshi x Reader)

Summary: Late night study date with Legoshi and he can not keep his hands to himself. College! Legoshi x Fem!Wolf!Reader

Warning: Smut (NSFW +18)

A/N: No one asked for this but this has been sitting in my drafts for waaay too long. Hope you all enjoy 💕

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“Do you think this essay is too short?” You asked your boyfriend who was currently zoned out.

“Huh?”

“I asked if you think my essay is too short? The max amount of pages was five but I don’t want three and a half to come off as lazy,” you mumbled. You waited for Legoshi’s input which never came.

“Earth to Legoshi, what it up with you?” You snapped your fingers which seemed to bring him out of his daze.

“Oh, uh, sorry it’s just....”

“Just..... what?”

“You’re..... you’re really pretty... have I- have I ever told you that?” he asked in a breathless tone and you felt your heart throb at his words.

“Yes, many many times, Legoshi,” you giggled, reaching up to scratch behind his ears. His tail began to wag in delight which in turn caused your tail to swivel in reciprocated joy.

“I honestly don’t know what I did to deserve you,” Legoshi sighed, pulling you into his lap. The two of you were previously sitting side by side at your bedroom desk in an attempt to get some homework done but a certain grey wolf found it hard to concentrate on anything that wasn’t you at the moment.

“The essay, Legoshi...,” you whined but making no move to get up from his lap.

“Right, sorry. I- uh, I actually think it could be a bit longer,” he murmured into your shoulder, claws gently stroking your thighs.

“I knew I should have added another paragraph before the conclusion, it was reading way too rushed at the en-” you squeaked in surprise as Legoshi’s hand found their way up the him of your oversized T-shirt and into your panties, rubbing slow circles around your clit.

“Legoshi I’m trying to finish my essay,” you were struggling to bite back a moan, your body immediately responding to his.

“Then finish it, stay focused,” His voice was gruff and you could tell he had already switched into ‘Male’ mode.

There was a time at the beginning of your relationship when Legoshi was afraid to touch you in fear of hurting you. He was nervous about his own sexual (which was actually pretty nonsexual) history with small mammals and felt nervous about being with his own kind. He felt like he was inadequate in a way because he didn’t have the first clue on how to pleasure female canine. But that time had long since passed as he quickly became an expert in your body through experience. Lots and lots of hands-on experience with none other than yours truly.

“Legoshi, can’t this wait? I really need to get some work done,” you whined, hoping to disguise the slight moan in your voice. Legoshi’s response was taking your arm that held your pencil and pressing it against your paper almost a little forcefully.

“Write.” He growled and you felt your spine tingle in excitement.

You and Legoshi had had many conversations about his strength and how he didn’t have to hold back with you the same way he would with a small mammal. Initially he was mortified at the idea of exhibiting his strength to anyone, especially his girlfriend, but after testing the waters for an almost torturous amount of time, he eventually slipped into comfortability which slowly morphed into something else.

He began to crave those moments he could allow himself to feel you unrestrained, without the constant pressure of holding back looming over him. With you, he could finally just feel (and be felt) for the first time, no guilt attached. He finally understood why people placed such a high importance on being with your own kind. Where he originally thought it was meant to be a means of confinement, he soon discovered it actually opened up a whole new realm of freedom he could have never imagined.

You were whimpering in his lap as he began to finger you purposefully. You held your pencil in a death grip while he plunged his thick digits inside you at a vigorous pace. Despite never vocally confirming it, Legoshi was actually quite proud of his agility with his hands. It’d taken him a while to get to this point where he was confident enough that he could pleasure you so roughly without hurting you with his claws. He was cautious of every single movement yet he made it look, and most importantly feel, effortless.

“Le-Legoshi please, I can’t take it,” you moaned as you squirmed uncontrollably in his lap. Your cunt was an absolute sopping mess as your arousal gushed all over his fingers and onto his thighs. Legoshi’s mouth watered at the sight.

“Stay still for me, you’re almost there and I really wanna help you cum,” Legoshi breathed into the fur of your neck, his senses going into overdrive at the scent of your raging hormones. He was struggling to keep focus on helping you achieve your orgasm with his own straining member screaming for attention while you were practically bouncing in his lap.

Legoshi grabbed your tail by its underside, a motion he knew you couldn’t resist, and was rewarded by your wanton cries as you finally gave into your own release. The pencil in your hand snapped in two but you hardly noticed anything that wasn’t Legoshi’s fingers inside you.

“Good girl. I think you deserve a break for that,” Legoshi lifted you up and tossed you unceremoniously on your bed before grabbing you by your calves to tug you closer to him.

Legoshi practically ripped your panties off of you while you tugged off your shirt. He paused looking down at you sprawled before him. It was a sight he didn’t think he would ever get tired of no matter how many times he saw it.

“Hey! This is no time for dawdling, Furball,” you teased tugging at his sweatpants.

“Well excuse me for being mesmerized by my beautiful girlfriend,” Legoshi began to strip and your eyes never once left him. He took pride in the fact you were just as mesmerized by his own physique.

When he finally freed his weeping member from the confines of his boxers, he didn’t miss the way you bit your lip. He knew his size was pretty intimidating even now after all this time but he also knew you could take it and, more importantly, he would take care of you to make sure it didn’t hurt.

Legoshi pumped himself as he ran his tip between your soaking lips, allowing your arousal to coat him. He then began to ease into you, humming at the snug tightness surrounding him. Every time he entered you he knew that you had to be made for him, that wolves were made for each other. There was no unbearable pain or discomfort that came with him trying to force (or, in the case of his ex-girlfriend, be forced) his member into an anatomy that was simply too small to take him.

You had never tried to force him to do anything he didn’t want to do. You were patient and allowed him to set the pace for the sexual relationship the two of you had. Though initially hesitant, Legoshi’s wolf hormones would not let this hesitancy stand for long. He craved you, craved being inside you, in a way he never had with a Herbivore or anyone else actually. There was something about being with you that called to him in the most primal way and that was a call he was always happy to answer.

Once he was completely inside of you, he had to try and calm himself down. He wanted to go wild with you but not yet, not when you looked this beautiful beneath him. He wanted to savor that look for as long as he could before he fucked you into a sweaty mess.

“Legoshi~,” you cooed, running your nails through the tender fur of his lower abdomen. You knew he was especially sensitive there and he shivered at your touch, hips bucking into you automatically.

“Sorry, I just- I could look at you all day,” Legoshi lamented, grinding into you slowly. Your hips met his with you own frantic rhythm, a clear indication you were way too wired for such a slow pace.

“I know, baby, I know but I need you right now,” you mewled and Legoshi felt his spine tingle in desire.

“What do you need from me? I gotta hear you say it,” Legoshi asked in a husky tone as he dragged his claws through the fur of your thighs.

“I need you to fuck me, Legoshi,” you purred and that was all the confirmation he needed.

Legoshi pulled out slightly before sinking back in, putting most of his weight on you. He thought it odd at first when you told him you loved when he would lay on you fully during sex. ‘I just feel like we’re so much closer when you do it. And it doesn’t hurt at all,’ you had assured him multiple times and though it was nice to not have to worry about accidentally crushing you, Legoshi was still cautious of himself.

Legoshi fucked into you relentlessly, his pace becoming more frenzied as he neared his completion. You were in absolute bliss as your drenched cut began to tighten around him. Legoshi grit his teeth, determined to outlast you.

“Le-Legoshi I’m right there, shit I’m so close,” you wailed, your hips gyrating frantically as you sought your release. Legoshi continued to pound into you, his length repeatedly brushing against your cervix. The thought of filling your womb with his litter was too much and sent him toppling over the edge. He removed himself before his knot had a chance to lock into place but not before he filled you with his cum.

“No, not yet! I’m right there baby!” You yelped, grabbing at his sides trying to pull him back in.

“It’s alright, Y/N, I’ve got you. You know I’ll take care of you,” Legoshi panted, bringing his fingers to your entrance. He fingerfucked you vehemently through his cum as he watched you come undone before him, your claws sinking into his back while you rode out your release.

When you finally opened your eyes again you noticed Legoshi staring at you as if you hung the stars and the moon. He crawled on top of you to hover above you, his eyes never leaving yours.

“Have I told you-”

“Yes, many times.” You answered for him, already knowing what he would say. Legoshi chuckled, bringing his lips to your own softer ones.

Legoshi knew he complemented your beauty a lot but he felt he had to, both as a side effect of his own guilt and as a reminder to how lucky he was to have you. When he first met you, he was unintentionally put off by your beauty. He could barely even bring himself to look at you, let alone talk to you beyond cordial acknowledgment if you spoke to him. He was almost downright rude to you, completely uncharacteristic for him. Yet a few talks with Gouhin led him to the ultimate conclusion he’d been avoiding this entire time.

His mother was a beautiful wolf and she left him, leading to his own subconscious mind resenting beautiful wolves. It’s why despite him and Juno being so right for each other on paper, he could never imagine himself as anything more than her friend. And Juno’s beauty didn’t even hold a candle to your own.

So he finally sat down, began working through his issues with his own species instead of working around it and finally gained the courage to apologize to you properly. Which led to him finally being able to see you as a person, a person he couldn’t stop thinking about. A person that he couldn’t stay away from even if he tried.

“What’s on your mind?” You asked softly, stroking his fur as he laid on top of you, seemingly zoned out for a moment.

“You, as always,” Legoshi hummed in content, nuzzling your neck.

“I’ve still got a essay to write, remember,” you cooed, making no move to get up.

“I thought you finished already,”

“Oh I finished alright, just not the essay,” you giggled, and Legoshi groaned at your pun.

Yeah, he was definitely lucky to have you.

#beastars legoshi #beastars legoshi x reader #legoshi x reader #beastars #legoshi x you #legoshi

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be-ready-when-i-say-go · 4 years

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Becoming

Halloween is Bee’s favorite holiday and while for most people it’s focused on becoming something new, transforming into fantasies, it is for others about becoming who they really are.

Related to Silver Fox. Can be read alone. SingleDad!Cal+ Halloween + Cuteness.

Read Silver Fox Here.

Enjoy my masterlist.

Support me on Ko-Fi.

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Anahera reads over the text several times, exits the text messaging app, reopens it and still shocks finds her when the text does not disappear. Halloween party on Saturday, 8pm You’re invited. Costume contest too! This isn’t a text message that she should’ve gotten--Anahera played on the school’s field hockey team but she wasn’t that popular to get a text message from Chelsea. Chelsea was on the school’s cheerleading team, up next for captain once the current senior graduated. They worked together once on a physics project and exchanged numbers only to talk about who would do what and to meet after school to run the lab. But that was pretty much the existent of their interactions, besides saying hi in passing in the hallways.

But here Chelsea was texting Anahera about a Halloween party. Looking up from her phone, Anahera risks a quick glance to her father. He stands outside the car, phone pressed to his ear. A call came in right as Anahera walked up to the car. He paused long enough to greet her and ask how she was doing but he had to return to the call pretty quickly after that. Her practice ran long--mostly because their coach was getting on their case about two girls that got into a physical fight in school and thus were benched for two games. Her dad’s not the type to be overly strict about her going out. But he was a small bit of a worrier and liked to know the parents or at least have their numbers.

Anahera turns back to her phone and pulled up Levi’s thread. Did you get an invite to a Halloween party on Saturday?

It’s only a couple of moments before Levi replies. Yeah. ‘rents already said yes. What about you?

Levi was the last child in a line of four, so it was never really a shock that their parents let them do pretty much anything as long as they could say who they were going with and what time they were going to be back home by. Anahera glances back out to the window and notices Calum nodding along to whatever is being said. When they catch eyes, Calum puffs up his cheeks and crosses his eyes just to get a laugh out of her. Anahera shakes her head with a small chuckle and sticks her tongue out in return before returning to her phone.

Haven’t asked yet. Afraid he’s going to say no.

Your dad’s not like that. Let him know you’re going with me. My curfew is midnight. Dan’s on dial too--just in case.

Dan was nice, and even though he was the oldest of their siblings, he wasn’t big on partying. He was quiet, played video games mostly and occasionally went out. But as the only one with a car, he became the go to one for rides to and from places or as a quick line of defense. Anahera normally had a curfew around eleven. However, if she led the question with Levi’s plans and Dan being their ride, then her dad might be more flexible about extending the curfew. Anahera would also have to promise that her homework would be done Friday night because if she didn’t, Calum would certainly use that as a way to be hesitant.

The only way to find out her answer is going to be just asking flat out. Leaning across the console, Anahera rolls down the window. The buzzing and whir catches Calum’s attention and he takes the phone from his ear. “I’m sorry, sweetheart. I’ll be off in five and get you some dinner. I know you’re probably starving after practice.”

“Thanks. Um, actually I wanted to ask you if I could go to this party on Saturday. It’s at Chelsea’s. Levi’s going and they have to be back home by 12.”

“Halloween party?” Calum asks.

Anahear nods. “I’ll have all my homework done on Friday. I’m already done with one essay and I think there’s a math set packet Mr. M is handing out on Thursday to help as extra study material for the test on Monday. And Bee’s already reading over my college essay so when I get the edits it’ll be like super quick.”

Calum sighs, hearing the voice on the line droning on. “Levi’s going? And their parents know Chelsea’s parents or have their number?”

“I-I don’t know. I just know Levi got the approval to go. Please, Dad. I can ask Chelsea tomorrow about the number thing. But please can I go? Dan’s on speed dial in case we need a ride.”

Calum holds her gaze, mouth twisting up. Bee had asked what Calum and Anahera had planned to do for Halloween. Normally, the two of them dressed up and handed out candy to the kids in the neighborhood that came by trick or treating on the day of Halloween and during the weekends, sometimes they went to haunted houses or Anahera hung out with Levi in her room, watching scary movies until ungodly hours in the morning. Anahera’s eagerness to go the party didn’t strick Calum was strange. She’s settled into her junior year, her birthday passing in September. However, Calum did start to miss things from before. Like the way Anahera always wanted to hang out with him and how they always had plans for Halloween. But things were changing. She was growing up and Calum was going to have to grow with that too.

He nods. “Yeah, you can go. But,” he starts interrupting the squeal from Anahera, “the edits your college admission essay need to be done before you leave on Saturday. You’re not struggling in math too much, and I trust you with whatever you need to make sure you get a good grade on that test on Monday.” Anahera wants to apply early decision to a couple schools and the rest are regular decisions. Bee advised that it would be easier for her to finish the essays early and that way the only thing to stress about come the summer and start of senior year were getting the letters of recommendations. Though the essays that Anahera were drafting for college apps right now were samples/examples. Anahera wanted to have a bank of a couple different kinds that wouldn’t need too much extra work to fit to the questions before being submitted.

Though Calum suggested that she not worry that not much closer until time, Anahera insisted that she wanted some practice and considering that the beginning of the semester wasn’t that congested with work, it worked out well.

“Thank you, thank you, thank you!” Anahera exclaims crawling over the console and hugging Calum through the open window of the car.

“You’re welcome, sweetheart. Love you.” He knows he’s clinging a little too long but he doesn’t want to forget the way Anahera squeezed in her hugs. It was a trait she had since she was little and Calum’s not sure where she got it from. However, there was nothing like a hug from her--even when she was small and she sensed something was wrong, she would run up to him with her favorite toy at the time in her hand and squeeze him tight in a hug. She would always tell him not to be sad because she would always have hugs for him.

“Love you too!” Anahera replies easily.

Calum gets off the work call soon after that and climbs into the driver seat, or at least he attempts to. Anahera hasn’t left the driver side seat since getting the okay for her venture to the party. “Ma’am. I know you’re getting closer to that license but I think I’m still in charge of driving for just a little bit longer.”

Anahera laughs. “Oh c’mon, Pops. You know I can handle this no problem.” She over dramatizes taking a sharp turn, hands passing over each other and lightly brushing the cover of the steering wheel. She hasn’t tested yet but they get out early on the weekends for practice and Calum keeps encouraging her to test. It’s yet to happen, but he’s hopeful.

“Maybe on Sunday you go for a spin. But it ain’t Sunday yet.”

Anahera looks to Calum with her brows raised. “Promise?”

“Promise.” They hook pinkies and she climbs back into the passenger seat. “Subs?”

“Oh, you know exactly what I was thinking. But that might just be that you’re my dad.”

“Maybe,” Calum laughs, “maybe.”

Anahera relays the news to Levi about her approval to go to the party. Any costume ideas? I’m a giant nothing. Levi asks. Anahera thinks about usual superheroes, the sexy costumes. But those wouldn’t work out too well.

Couples costumes? Or too lame?

I love you, Ana. But I am not going in some dumb het. normative costume.

Anahera snickers at the text. I didn’t mean like couple couple costume. But like matching/same universe or something.

Oh, oh, hmm, that could work.

Stranger Things--Scoops Ahoy Steve and Robin? That message comes through at the same time that Levi suggest pirates. Oh, pirates could be cool? We’d have to get to the mall to shop possibly. but I promised to have homework done before Friday.

“Wanna eat inside or get it to go?”

Ana looks up and sees that the car is parked outside their favorite Italian place. Anahera shrugs and unbuckles. “It’s everyone else’s problem if I stink, not mine.”

Calum laughs. “That’s why there was the option to not kill everyone with your funk.” He locks the doors, taking a quick glance at the parking lot. He doesn’t spot Bee’s car. He know she doesn’t take too many hours at the restaurant during the week, but occasionally she takes a few or she comes in when they need more help. He wasn’t sure if she was working both jobs or not. But given the number of cars in the parking lot, he can’t really get a good look around.

Inside is crowded. Though most people seem to be getting orders to go, lined up at the counter as compared to the pretty empty dining area. Calum and Anahera stand the podium to be seated for a couple moments. Anahera is buried in her phone while Calum glances around. He spies Bee at the counter, handing over a stack of three pizza boxes to a man. The woman he’s with comes up and takes the bag Bee hands over. “Just two?” a voice close by cuts in. A younger guy who Calum hasn’t seen before stands in front of them.

Calum turns with a nod. “Yes, just two.”

“Booth or table?” the young man asks.

“Booth,” Anahera returns with a smile and follows behind as they’re escorted to the booth. Calum throws one last glance back to the counter. Bee happens to glance up and throws a small wave which Calum returns.

“Can I start you all out with something to drink?” the young man asks, pen in hand.

“Water,” Calum answers, slipping the sunglasses up into his hair and Anahera replies with the same.

The young man nods. “Lemon on the side okay?” With nods all the way around, he starts over to the drink mission.

Anahera turns directly to the sub and sandwiches section of the menu. “See your boo,” Ana teases glancing up for a moment.

Calum shakes his head, cheeks heating for a split second at the tease. He and Bee have been dating for a little seven months. Anahera wasn’t shocked after discovering the hickies that fated day but she never fails to say that she’s the thing that brought them together. “Yeah, I saw her,” Calum returns. “So about this party? You and Levi know what your costumes are going to be? Like going in something matching or separate?”

“We’re thinking about something matching. They suggested pirates or something but I don’t think I have anything in my closet that could work and I would ask to go shopping on Saturday before the party but I wasn’t sure how that was going to go over.”

“Hmm, if you needed to borrow anything from me, you could. Or if Levi wanted too, they could as well. And it comes down too, I could take y’all Friday after school.That would give you Saturday morning to work too and then get ready. Or whatever works better.”

“Thanks, Dad. I’ll let them know.” Anahera works her fingers over the screen, the keys highlighting for a second before dropping back down to their normal size. “And thanks. For offering to take Levi and offering your closet.”

Calum knows Levi’s parents haven’t super well to their coming out and using they/them pronouns. However, Levi’s siblings have defended them and Anahera too. He wishes he could do a lot more. He’s tried to help as much as he can, being there for Levi when they need someone but he knows it’s not always the same--it’s not like having their actual parents being supportive. “Of course. You two have been friends since elementary school. Almost feels like a second child at this point--Levi’s family at this point.”

“You’re pretty awesome, Dad.”

“I can only ever do my best, sweetheart. That’s it.”

“Yeah, but your best is still pretty great.” She’s quick to return to her phone no doubt relaying everything to Levi. The waiter returns with their waters and runs down the specials for the day. Anahera orders her turkey panini with salad and fries. Calum overs the Philly cheese steak with just fries.

“Hey guys,” Bee says as she stops by their table. The dinner rush has slowed for the time being.

Calum tugs on her wrist and she falls into the side of the booth, his bumping against his side. His arm slides around her waist in a quick hug. “Shocked to see you here. Not even a Thursday, so you can’t tell me close to the weekend.”

“Terence’s books were more expensive this semester--so I’m trying to play catch up right now.”

“More expensive?” Calum questions, twisting in the booth to look up at her. Bee gives Anahera a quick hug before turning to stand at the edge of the table. “Why don’t you sit?”

“Boss is here today. Don’t want him complaining. And Terence signed up for an extra class, said he was going to be a class short if he didn’t fully load up his schedule. And it’s cheaper to do it now than it is to take the one class during the summer. I budgeted for right around 250 for books but the extra class was in English and it ran just under an additional 200 dollars just for that class.”

“Another 200 hundred?” Calum gaps. “You’re telling me you spent over 400 dollars in textbooks?”

“Just about 400 dollars. He’s looking for scholarships to help with textbooks. But with basketball it’s not like he can pick up a job. I need him focusing on his grade to keep the scholarship that he does have. The refund should help recover costs some but most of that I’m giving right back to Terence in installments.”

Calum nods, knowing about how Bee likes to put money into Terrence’s account. She does it so that Terrence can take care of anything that comes up in case of emergency, but she know sometimes the team goes out for dinners and other things. He’s got to be a kid in college while still in college. What Calum didn’t realize is just how much Terrence didn’t know about what Bee did behind the scenes for him. Terrence came home for the summer, well before summer conditioning and they hung out, and Terrence knew Bee worked her ass off to help him but she hadn’t pulled the veil back to reveal just how much she busted ass to make his games, keep him afloat and never stressing about money.

Calum respected that and never discussed money in front of Terrence. But part of him did want Terrence to know just how much Bee was working so that textbooks were the least of his worries. “You know I’m here, for anything,” Calum offers, wrapping his fingers around hers.

Bee nods. “Thanks. I appreciate it. But get ready, you’re next,” she teases, laughing before glancing over to Anahera. “Once I get home I can send you my suggestions. They’re on my laptop and I didn’t bring it with me to this job.”

“Don’t worry, Bee. I appreciate you just taking the time to read over it.”

“Of course.” The bell above the door chimes and Bee turns, greeting the family that just entered letting them know she’ll be right over in a moment. “Alright, duty calls. Enjoy your dinner.”

Bee squeezes Calum’s hand and then turns on her heels to go to the podium. “How are we tonight? Besides just a smidge hungry?” Bee jokes, grabbing menus. The group laughs just a little bit before following Bee to a booth about three down from Calum and Anahera.

“You think Bee would take me and Levi shopping?”

Calum perks up at the question. Anahera and Bee get along well but Bee’s careful about suggesting that she and Anahera spend time together. As Calum knows and understands, Bee doesn’t want to come across as being pushing or trying too hard but she doesn’t want to seem like she doesn’t care. They’ve gotten manicures together or gone out just for ice cream--it’s always been small things. However, Anahera seems to enjoy that time together.

“Ask, can’t hurt. If her schedule allows, I think she’d be happy to take you and Levi,” Calum answers. He bites down on the corner of his lip to contain a small portion of his smile. Bee’s been the one to schedule most of their activities together or at least initiate them. But seeing Anahera take the lead on this one is a good sign.

“Oh, you’re right. She might be working. I don’t want to make her feel bad if she’s working?” Anahera enjoys the time she’s spent with Bee. When they got the gel manicures, it was fun. Bee picked out Anahera’s color and they were able to sit next to each other as they talked about watching True Crime documentaries and Ana told her all about the new music she had been listening too. Bee was cool about all the jokes Anahera made, and once their colors cured under the UV lights, Anahera spent nearly thirty minutes sitting outside the shop just showing Bee all the videos and memes that she had saved recently.

Bee felt like her dad’s girlfriend, but she also felt like someone that cared about Anahera too. It was a nice feeling to have another girl to talk about things that just got it. And whatever Anahera didn’t want to go back to Calum, didn’t get back to him. Anahera mentioned to Bee before Calum about Levi and what was happening at home for them. Anahera begged Bee not to say anything to her dad. Not that she thought Calum wouldn’t be understanding but because Anahera just didn’t want to out her best friend to someone they weren’t ready to be out too. However, when Anahera needed someone to talk to about Levi, Bee was gracious and patient and promised not to breathe a word to Calum. So when Levi came over for the first time to come out, while Bee and Calum were fixing dinner, Bee’s reaction was like she had heard the news for the first time. Calum was shocked but grateful to know and the change was immediate, though a little bumpy at first. Anahera called Bee later that night to thank her for being supportive of her best friend.

Also in terms of pirate costuming, as much as Anahera adores her dad, she knew only Bee would get her vision for her costume and be able to help her. Also Bee could also help Levi put together their costume so that the two of them matched but still kept a distinct air to the both of them.

Bee passes their table right after they get their orders with a tray full of drinks for the table that she has. However on the second pass by, Anahera manages to snag her attention. “Do you work Saturday morning?”

Bee ponders for a moment. “I work here starting at 2. What’s up?”

“I got invited to this Halloween party and Levi and I want to go as pirates. But we both need a few things to help with our outfits. Would you mind taking us and helping us out?”

The grin that breaks across Bee’s face is so big Calum’s sure her cheeks are going to split right there on the spot. “Yeah, I’d love to. Mall opens at 9. How does 10 sound? Would that time work for them as well?”

“I can ask.”

“Text me whatever works best, okay. I’ll pick you up first and then we’ll swing and get Levi.”

Anahera nods and turns back to her salad just as Bee turns back and continues down to the kitchen. “So I’m getting the boot I guess.”

“I guess you can come too. Do you and Bee have plans?”

“Bee asked if we had plans. I told her our normal plans are using dressing up and doing a little decorating to hand out candy or you watching movies with Levi but now that’s different. So I’m not even sure.”

“Just remember, I’m coming back home at midnight sharp.” Once or twice, Anahera’s caught the embarrassing glimpse of a kiss getting pretty heavy. That’s enough, she doesn’t want to see anything more than that.

Calum gapes for a moment around the sip of his water. “Missy, who’s the parent here?” Anahera goes quiet, shoveling the last bite of her salad into her mouth. “That’s what I thought.” With their dinner finish and check paid, Calum and Anahera slip out from the booth. They both say goodbye to Bee before leaving. Anahera promises to text Bee the second she gets a time that works well before 2.

It’s only later in the night, after Calum gets a text from Bee that she got home safely that he calls her. She doesn’t answer immediately. However about 20 minutes later, his phone rings from her. “Hey,” he says settling into the pillows. Tammy’s curled up on his lap. The click of paws outside the door alerts Calum that Anahera’s moving around the house and Jake’s following right behind her. “How was your day?”

“Pretty good. The restaurant was crazy when I walked in but the rest of the night calmed down. How was your day?”

“Nothing too grand until I surprisingly ran into you,” he chuckles softly into the receiver. “I just want to say thank you for agreeing to take Anahera and Levi shopping. That-that means a lot to me.”

“No need to thank you, Cal baby. But you’re so welcome. I love Ana and Levi. I’d do whatever I could for them.”

“No, I do need to thank you. I know you’re working hard to cover what you had to spend on Terrence’s books but you taking the time to spend with my daughter and her best friend--it says a lot more about your character than anything.”

“Thank you, Calum. That means a lot.”

“Of course.”

“With Anahera and Levi going to the party, are you just going to hang out on Halloween?”

“I guess. I don’t know. Unless of course you’d like to spend some time together after work if you’re not too tired of course.”

“I’m only working a 5 hours shift. I picked up part of someone else’s shift. So if you wanted to do something after 7, we can. Your neighborhood’s plenty active right? Like you hand out candy and what not?”

“Yeah, there’s enough kids that come out. Would you want to dress up? I totally get if you don’t want to, with work and everything.”

“I would love to dress up! Halloween’s my favorite. But once Terrence got too old to trick-or-treat, I kinda didn’t have much reason to do a lot. The apartment complex does like a small thing for the kids, but nothing like the neighborhood I was in before Terrence and I moved.”

“Might I crash the shopping party on Saturday? I know depending on how long it takes you might have to duck out before things finish but while they shop for their costumes you and I can plan something too.”

“Sure, you can crash the shopping party. Do you decorate?”

“Used to when Anahera was younger. Not a lot much inside. It’s more outside decoration for the kiddos as they come up to the door.”

“Well I look forward to a fairly spooped out house. Trick or treating starts around 6 so I’ll miss the first hour but after my shift ends, would it be okay if I just came directly to your place and changed? What time is the party for Anahera and Levi?”

“Yeah, sure you can come straight to my place. Their party starts at 8 and Levi’s brother Dan is dropping them off at the party and dropping them Ana back off afterwards. Or at least I need to make sure that’s the plan. Even if I have to drop her off, if you come to my place, trick or treaters can still get their candy fill while I drop her off.”

“Okay, cool. Thank you.” A yawn cuts off the last little bit of the sentence. “God, sorry.”

“It’s been a long day. I get it. Get some rest, babe.”

“Wait, I gotta email Anahera. Stay on the line with me until I finish that. Then I can go night-night.”

Calum chuckles at the repetitive phrase. It reminds of when Anahera was younger. He’t tuck her in at night with a kiss to her forehead and a sweet bid of “Night-night. Sweet dreams,” without fail. And it appears that even though children might grow out of the phrase, parents never do. “Okay, I’ll stay on until you do that. Do you have any costume ideas?”

“Something witchy. Or vampires. Or we can go with something with a bit more gore. I think I have some special effects makeup left in that kit.”

“I know you said Halloween is for favorite but for someone that doesn’t celebrate like before, I’m a little lost on why you have a kit.”

“Library holds some special readings every quarter. Theme was fairytales so we dressed up and used some special effects for some wrinkles for the old fairy godmother. And I just got the big kit because I figured it would last for more than reading. There’s some fake blood in it too. I like to have all my options.”

Calum hums, the pillows surrounding him starting to pull him into sleep as well. Just closing his eyes won’t hurt. It’s quiet for a moment, faintly he can hear the taps and clicks of Bee on her computer. “Oh, what about something with Bonnie and Clyde?”

“Like them dead? Because I think I could be down.” The sentence is a little slow to fall from Bee’s lips.

“Hmm yeah maybe.”

“Thanks for staying up with me even though we both about to pass out.”

“Anything for you.”

“Goodnight, Calum.”

“Hey, that’s a good night-night and sweet dreams to you, Bee.” She laughs softly into the receiver and it’s the only sound Calum distinctly remembers hearing too.

Friday night Anahera is sure to show Calum her changes to the essay and when he nods, kissing the top of her head, Ana tries to hold back her excitement. She and Levi have talked about their costumes. Though Levi’s unsure of if they should go with a vest or not. They don’t have one and buying one would be pointless just for the one costume. Anahera suggests if they find one cheap they could add it to the costume without fear of not necessarily wearing it out again.

Calum agrees to drive separately from Bee, Anahera, and Levi when Saturday rolls around. The second Bee showed up Anahera dove into the vision she and Levi had for the costumes and what they both already have in their closest. Calum catches wind of a skirt and he waits for a moment unsure if that’s a smart idea. However, Bee is quick to suggest fishnets in addition to the skirt. Fishnets isn’t the answer he would’ve given, but Calum knows this is not his time into the court and let’s Bee take the lead on how to best handle wearing a skirt to a party that Calum’s almost certain alcohol may sneak its way into the mix. He knows he can’t shield Anahera forever from the world but he definitely doesn’t want her introduction to be harsh. Amongst the glimpses of conversations that he catches about the skirt, he catches onto the addition of shorts underneath too and lets out a tiny sigh of relief.

Levi hangs back as Bee and Anahera enter the first store. Calum lingers back with them.“Skipping this one?” Calum asks. It’s an H&M and there’s no doubt in Calum’s mind that they can find something here. They mentioned wanting either a jacket or the vest and then needing a thick belt or fabric to help with their look. They already have the white button up, jeans and boots for the costume.

“I-It’s a lot easier to like look online at clothes.” The confession leaves Levi’s lips softly. Calum nods, understanding that online no one says anything if they switch between men or women’s. However, the physical stores has to be a whole different ballgame, the anxiety about looks that people might give tot hem.

“If you want, I’ll stick with you. Whichever section, I can be right there.”

“You-you don’t have too, Mr. Hood.”

“It’s Uncle Cal and you know that, Levi. Besides, you’re not Anahera’s best friend. You’re part of my family. So whatever you need me to do is out of love, not obligation.”

The tears collect on their lower lids. “You consider me family?”

“Always have, kid, and always will.” With an arm slung over their shoulder, Calum proposes a deal. “What if you help me with my costume and if we just happen to find something for you, then we just happen to find something for you? How does that sound?”

Levi gives Calum a quick hug before nodding. “Sounds-sounds good to me.”

“C’mon. I think I see a suit jacket that might be perfect for Clyde. But I need younger eyes because I forgot my glasses.”

As the pair walks towards the suit jackets, Bee slides over and slips a few tissues into the palm of Calum’s hand. He hands them over to Levi and there’s a silent nod of recognition between all of them. Bee zips back over to Anahera, knowing that she had to talk the young girl out of the platform boots that Anahera doesn’t need considering the pair that she just got for her birthday.

As Calum and Levi thumb through the blazers, Calum can see one particular red ornate blazer has caught their attention. So he plucks if off the rack, pulling the medium size one off the rack to start. He can’t quite gauge their size and he doesn’t want to ask someone to measure Levi. Holding the jacket open for Levi, Calum silently asks them to try it on. “I think it might look better on you than me. I think my days have passed. Besides the red blazer I have at home reads more captain than pirate. But it’s always a look you could go for.”

Levi slips their arms into the blazer. The sleeves swallow their arms and hits them too low on their legs. But the light is evident in their eyes as they look into the mirror on the wall. “Wow,” they breathe, turning to see what it looks like from the back.

“I say we try the small. This is a medium.” Levi nods, slipping out of the jacket and taking the small from Calum. “This isn’t a tailored cut. Meaning it doesn’t cut in or cinch at the waist. This is a standard fit.” He straightens the collar out for them and grins at their smile. “Arms out straight in front of you,” he directs looking to see if the sleeves come up just a little or not all. They rise just a smidge. “Okay, reach up for the ceiling.” Levi does so without seeming restricted. “Is it tight anywhere?”

“No,” they return, shrugging their shoulders. “Not tight. It’s a little loose but like a good loose.”

“Fitted jackets and blazers can be harder to get in smaller sizes sometimes. If you want this, we can get it today and then after the party to get fitted a bit better, go to a tailor.”

“My parents would not be happy though,” Levi counters.

Calum nods. “I know that’s rough. But what if for right now, we get this and if they ask, you tell your parents it’s mine and I let you borrow it for the costume. The next time you come for to visit Anahera, I can take you to get it properly fitted.”

“How would I get it back home? My parents don’t like spot check my room but they’d notice me with this kind of jacket.”

“You leave that to me. While it’s easy to say smuggle it in your backpack, they’ll wrinkle it. But trust, between Anahera and I, we’ll make sure you get it to your room undetected.”

“I don’t know Mr. Hood. Seems like a lot of trouble.”

The nerves are understandable and Calum does not want to push them to do anything they wouldn’t want to do. “Alternatively, you find a vest for the costume and Bee and I find some fabric that’s fancy and you use that to tie around your waist as as the glamour you and Ana want. The blazer’s a dream for when you feel safer.”

“Yeah, yeah I like that.” Levi slowly removes the blazer and puts it back onto the hanger. “There’s, uh, there’s this,” they state, lifting up a standard black denim like vest.

“Okay, so something along that vibe. Gotcha.” Calum thumbs through the rack and pulls out a similar vest but this one has silver buttons and embellishments that make it feel a bit more elevated, more pirate-y.

As Levi tries that one on, Calum texts Bee to grab the red blazer from off the end of the rack and add it to the pile that Anahera’s collecting. He promises to pay her back. Within a minute of the text sending, he watches Bee approach in the mirror and grab the blazer, quickly stashing it under the racks in her hand. There’s a yellow sweater on top and a few black items beneath it as well.

“Lookin’ good, Levi!” Bee calls out, leaning behind the racks to make sure the blazer is concealed.

Anahera isn’t far behind, dragging Levi over to the shoes. “You should get this vest,” she says before returning to her point about not knowing which sneakers to get.

“They didn’t go for the blazer? It looked good,” Bee ponders quietly.

“Worried about their parents blowing a fuse. But Christmas is coming up, so hopefully things are different then. If not, I think they’d still appreciate it. And I know if I wait, it’s going to be gone.”

“You’re right about that. Ana and I are done for Halloween. You might have to convince her she doesn’t need 80 pairs of the same shoe. But while you distract, I’ll check out.”

Calum nods, heading towards the clearance shoes where Anahera and Levi are huddled. “I’ll give you the money tonight.”

Bee nods and makes a straight shot for the registers. After a trip to the fabric store for Levi’s belt, and a dive into Bee’s favorite hair care store to get headwraps for the both of them, Anahera and Levi are set for their costumes. Calum knows buried in his closet is a white dress shirt that he can throw on along with a black suit jacket, so he’s not too worried that he’s walking out the store empty handed.

Bee looks down at her phone again, teeth capturing the skin of her lips--her boss at the restaurant texted if she can come in an hour earlier. She almost doesn’t take the extra hour but Calum assures that now the costumes are set, that if she needs to take the extra hour then she absolutely take it. None of them will be mad, or feeling like she’s dipping out just to get away. “You sure?” Bee asks Calum after relaying the predicament, watching as Levi and Anahera duck in line for pretzels. “Ana’s not going to feel like I’m being mean or dodgy?”

“Babe. No. I don’t think so.” He kisses her forehead. “I know things are tight after the textbook fiasco. If you need to take the extra hour, do it.”

“I’ll keep the blazer in my bag and then bring it back to your place after they leave for the party.”

“Okay.”

She gives her quick goodbyes with hugs to Anahera and Levi, before kissing Calum softly goodbye and backtracking to the opposite end of the mall, where they parked. The shopping continues for a little bit longer, but Calum doesn’t linger too much allowing them their space. They agree to reconvene outside the sporting goods store in an about hour.

It’s a dangerous game to duck into one of the jewelry stores. Calum’s not even looking for himself and it sounds crazy and too soon for thoughts of a ring cross his mind. But he tells himself he can just browse, just fantasy about what that might be like.

“Who you looking for?”

He turns to the voice and see Anahera saddled up beside him. “You two have another like half an hour to be free.”

“Not much else here,” she returns. “Looking for Bee? Is her birthday soon or something?”

“Just looking,” Calum returns with a shrug, trying not to draw too much suspicion.

“Ana, look!” Levi calls out, waving their hand to beckon her closer. “It’s an anklet like you were looking at in the other store.”

Anahera ducks over, just to look. Soon they leave the mall. Levi asks if they can just get changed at Calum’s place which is an easy yes. Calum takes Anahera and Levi for a quick lunch before Levi grabs their costume, an overnight bag and their backpack from their house. Tammy and Jake run up from the depths of the house to greet all of them. The pets and scratches are happily received. “So scary movies to pregame for the party tonight? What’s on the agenda?” Calum asks.

“I should do the World History homework before the party,” Levi starts, laughing a little.

“But we probably will watch scary movies,” Anahera finishes.

“Go figure,” Calum agrees. “So what time should I pick you both up tonight? Or is Dan still your main man?”

“Dan said he’d pick us up from the party and just drop us off here. He said he was going to be out at that time anyway,” Levi relays.

“He won’t be drinking?”

“Nah, Dan doesn’t drink. I think some friends of his are also throwing a party and he’s used to being the DD. He said it was something about a mixer? I don’t really know. But we’ll text him when we’re ready. Is midnight still okay?”

“Mixers are just different clubs, or whatever, getting together,” Anahera cuts in. “Girls field hockey has them with the guys division and other sports after school sometimes. I assume college mixers are way different than ones in the high school gym though.”

“Yeah, midnight is still fine,” Calum answers.

Once they return to the house, it’s fairly silent. Anahera and Levi go into her room and Calum takes the moment to decorate the outside of the house. He started yesterday, mostly with the hanging decorations and the lights. Today’s mostly putting on the certain yard decorations. There are some tombstones that he stakes into the ground and a few giant fake spiders that he sets out. The decor was more extravagant in years prior. But knowing Bee will be stopping by means that the lazy decorating won’t cut it.

With the outside done, Calum pulls down the bags of candy from the pantry and pour them into bowls. He’s sure to separate the chocolate from the non-chocolate stuff. He even has a separate bowl for any candies that are chocolate and have peanuts or other nuts in it knowing that some kids in the neighborhood may have allergies. A few parents put out an alert on the neighborhood watch app. There was a year, now as Calum recalls it must’ve been three years ago, where the majority of the houses had only chocolate candy making it impossible for one kid to get any candy that they could enjoy. Calum took the leftover non chocolate candy to the house after reading the heartbreaking plea from the parents.

“What’s for dinner y’all?” Calum asks after both Ana and Levi resurface in the kitchen rummaging through the snack pantry. “We got about an hour before trick-or-treaters start showing up. Pizza? There’s leftovers too, but I think I’ll be nice and order something.”

Both of them readily agree to pizza and Calum places the order without needing much more convincing. He’ll finish off the last of the spaghetti leftovers he fixed yesterday. The pizza will not last long between the two of them--never a shock anymore to Calum anymore. He changes first into his costume knowing it won’t be fully complete until Bee shows up from work however, he would rather be one half when kids start showing up.

Though Calum slips into an older black suit. It’s somewhat of a shock that it still fits. But it’s a testament to the personal trainer for sure. Calum does make sure to include the hat. The curls don’t cooperate off the bat, requiring a little bit of assistance from some hair gel Anahera suggested to him to help. Finally, he gets the curls tamed enough to slip the hat on. His dress shoes click over the hard floor and it is echoed by Tammy and Jake finding him and walking behind him.

“Uncle Cal did not come to play,” Levi jokes around a bite of pizza.

“Dad, who even are you? I don’t know this man,” Anahera laughs. Calum does a spin and laughs as the two of them whistle. Soon Thriller comes over the speakers. No doubt Anahera pairing her phone to the speakers downstairs. “Show ‘em, Dad. Show ‘em how you groove.”

“Miss Bee’s gonna faint when she sees you like this. I want a video,” Levi laughs.

“The old man’s still got it,” Calum returns and slides his fingers over the brim of the hat. The giggles are quick to subside after the song fades out. They toss out the pizza box and wash their plates before going back to Anahera’s room.

“I’m stealing your dad’s wardrobe,” Levi says as they pass through the living room. “Taking notes.”

“Oh, don’t make his ego even better.” The two of them laugh and the door closes before anything else can be said.

The first half hour of trick-or-treaters is a little slow and mostly toddlers or infants being carted around by their parents. However, Calum enjoys seeing the various pumpkin costumes on the babies as they walk up the driveway and porch. They don’t seem bothered by the night which he knows the parents are grateful for. Exactly at seven, his phone chimes and interrupts the Halloween Party playlist Calum turned on, playing on the speaker he normally uses for outdoor parties.

I’m headed out now. It’s from Bee and he replies in acknowledgement before setting the phone back down and grabbing a couple handful of candies for the group of sheet ghosts that waddle up the driveway. “Trick or treat,” they chorus.

Calum laughs. “Well, this is a predicament.” He looks over their hands. “I can hear some trick-or-treaters but I don’t see them.” He looks over his yards, hand above his brow to emphasize the point.

“Boo!” One child giggles.

Calum jumps, finally looking down at them. “Oh there they are.” The candle rustles in their bags as he drops off some for them and they reply with their thanks before going back to the parents waiting at the end of the driveway.

“I scared him, Momma!” The kid cheers and the parents laugh, with a nod. “I’m so scary!”

“Oh I know. The scariest,” the mother returns. They move down to the next house. Another fifteen minutes later, Calum notices headlights slowing down and turning into the driveway. Bee continues up and pulls right up to the garage door.

“Oh my god,” she gapes walking up on the porch. “Look at you.” Calum greets her with a hug and a kiss to her cheek. “By God, you look sharper than Sunday morning.”

The heat in his cheeks only increases. “Thanks. But I’m missing my other half.”

“Flattery will get you nowhere,” Bee teases, kissing him softly.

“I think it’ll get me plenty-where.”

“Be back in two shakes and a twist.” Calum nods, watching as Bee walks into the house. More children come up to the house. He drops off candy to some Cookie Monsters, witches, Captain America’s, and Spiderman’s. Ten minutes later, the front door opens and there are only a couple clicks of the heels. When Calum looks up, he nearly loses his breath. The sweater and skirt are fitted to her figure, hinting to what he’s always known is there, has witnessed more than once, but she keeps it hidden under jeans or skirts at work. Not that he’s upset about that, it all makes sense. He just wishes she showed it off a little bit more. The little beret and scarf really complete the look.

It’s Calum’s turn to be gobsmacked. “Holy shit, you look great.”

“Thanks. I’ve been told to remind you that the party starts in about ten minutes. And they’ll come to the front porch once they’re ready. I got stopped in the hallway,” Bee laughs, sitting in the seat next to Calum.

“Noted.”

Another group of children approaches, this time a group dressed in various costumes from Winnie the Pooh. One girl is Eeyore, there’s a Pooh, Tigger, and Piglet. The parents are dressed as Owl and Rabbit. “Twick oh tweet,” the one dressed as Tigger says quietly a shy smile on their face.

Bee gasps, chest clenching at the matching costumes. Terrence and his friends would do something similar, group costumes. His group costumes weren’t as cute as Winnie the Pooh but still memories come flooding back of superhero costume debates. God, sometimes she wishes she could make Terrence small again, cherish the moments where all he wanted to do was be up under her as she cooked or cleaned. It all just happens too fast.

Bee drops some candy into their buckets. “It’s the whole 100 Acre Woods. I won’t tell Christopher Robin that guys you dropped by.”

The kids laugh and say their thanks. “I miss dressing babies up,” Calum confesses. “Anahera and I used to always do matching outfits and she was so happy to bounce up to houses.”

“Terrence would go as athletics or power rangers. I wish my complex did more. I miss the decorating and having to hide the candy from Terrence.”

“High up in cabinets,” Calum laugh.

“He got too tall for that and too crafty. Hide it in my drawers. He didn’t mess too much in my room.”

Calum chuckles. “Smart. Did you hide Christmas presents in there too? Because I still struggle with that.”

Bee nods, watching more kids walk up and shouts “Trick-or-Treat!” The two of them drop off candy into their buckets and bags. “I leave it in the boxes, if I order online. With Terrence in college now, it’s easier now. Get crafty and hide it in the bathrooms.”

“Now that’s a thought.”

A family comes up, dressed up in leather and bling. “Oh, we got some rockstars,” Bee teases, nudging Calum.

The little girl is dressed in her leather jacket and her brother is in a jacket that matches and it melts his heart. Calum tries not to show it, tries not to gush too much at the costumes but they are adorable. He sneaks them a few extra pieces of candy. “Keep on rockin’ out,” he grins at them.

They smile in return, “Thank you!” in their excited squeals leaving both of them.

Calum clutches his chest as they leave and Bee laughs, “Don’t die on me. You gotta survive.”

“We did that one year,” he sighs, finally sitting up in the chair. “Anahera wanted to go as me and I bought her this silver blazer. I’ll show you the pictures.”

“Oh, that’s precious. I can’t wait to see them.”

The trick-or-treaters slow down and Calum knows the end is nearing for them. Things usually end right about 8 in the neighborhood, though the general unspoken rule it so linger until about 8:30 just to catch all those that might’ve gotten a later start. But he and Bee stay out on the porch. She stacks the empty buckets and sneaks an Almond Joy for herself. “The decorations look good. And I just realized we completely forgot the fake blood.”

Calum shrugs, grabbing a small Snickers. “It’s alright. Most of the parents got it regardless.” They received a few compliments throughout the night but not too many. Most of the time the older kids walked up by themselves but when parents did shadow behind, they were quick to gush at the couple’s costumes.

Anahera and Levi pop out onto the porch a little while later and Calum excuses himself to drop them off. Though, Bee snaps some photos for them and Anahera returns the favor by taking some photos of Bee and Calum together. The teases from the two are more than enough even when they don’t attempt to pose Bee and Calum in the standard high school prom pose. Calum and Bee go along with it mostly for the laughs.

Bee starts to clean up in Calum’s absence and puts things inside the house. By the time she starts to wrestle with the speaker, Calum’s returned and helps her get it back inside. She ducks back to her car to grab the blazer for Levi and takes it from the bag so it can straighten as much as it can. Calum’s quick to hang it up to help as well. “Do you work in the morning?” Calum asks, pulling the hat from his head as he reenters the living room from the back of the house where his bedroom is located.

“At the library, yeah. But I can hang for another hour or two. Unless of course I pass the fuck out.”

“I know that feeling. You hungry?”

Bee follows behind into the kitchen, her own beret and scarf removed as well. “I ate at work, but thanks.” She leans into the counter, eying the box of popcorn that seems to have been left out. Popcorn does sound good. She knows she shouldn’t. But just a little wouldn't hurt as they watch a movie. Sneakily, she pushes the box closer to Calum.

He giggles, noticing the green box moving closer to him. “So I’m going to assume you want popcorn.”

“Please?”

Calum nods, waving for her to come closer. She steps in close, resting against his chest. The microwaves beeps before whirring. Calum kisses the top of her head, wrapping his arms around her waist. “The hottest Bonnie to walk this Earth.”

Bee laughs, kissing along his jawline. “Thank you. I think you cleaned up well as Clyde. Almost cut me looking so sharp in this suit.”

They share a kiss and the beeps of the microwave interrupts them. “What’s on the movie menu tonight?” Calum asks, bumping the bag into a bowl. Bee’s not in love with horror films but can generally stomach more gore than straight up horror. Rather than dominating the conversation with suggestions, Calum lets her take charge. However, they settle on whatever is playing on the TV, after a good twenty minutes of failed decision making. Bee snuggles into his side, a blanket wrapped about the both of them.

“Where’s the picture of Anahera dressed up as you?” Bee asks during a commercial break. “I need to see this.”

Calum stretches forward to grab his phone and scrolls for the photo. “So this is the look she wanted to recreate,” he says showing her a picture of himself from so long along Calum’s shocked that he remembers it was actually him. But the picture of him in the silver jacket on stage instills a lot of memories.

“Oh look at you! How old were you in this photo?”

“Twenty-two, twenty-three. It feels like a lifetime ago. But,” he starts swiping through the pictures again and pulls up the one of them side by side, rocking the glittery blazer and slicked back hair. “Here’s my little girl matching her old man.”

“God, she looks so much like you. It’s insane. But this is so cute.”

“Thanks. I will say if you think Anahera and I look alike, it’s a family trait.”

“So you look like your parents, huh? Like you got spit out.”

Calum nods. “Yeah. My mum’s the culprit. My sister and I look like she sculpted us personally. Also speaking of blazers, I still have to pay you back. How much was it again?”

The movie continues on around them as they settle the payment. Stories filter on about their children’s past successful or failed costumes. There are some stories about their exploits in their younger years. Kisses are shared, soft and languid. Some are sweeter due the candy they snuck during the night too. Hands slips under dress shirts or sweaters but Calum and Be don’t go too far. Just kisses and exhales and intoxicating themselves with the other. During a commercial break, Bee excuses herself to the bathroom and it’s only then that Calum realizes that it’s closing in around 11 pm.

Calum cleans up their mess of kernels and wrappers. When Bee returns she finds Calum in the kitchen, hugging him from behind. “I’m gonna head home to get some sleep.”

“No, don’t leave me,” he whines.

“I know. I don’t wanna either. But out of respect, ya know. Can’t just be randomly spending the night.”

Calum kisses across her knuckles. “I appreciate it. Let me know when you get home safely okay.”

“Will do.” Calum walks Bee to her car and kisses her goodnight before watching her pull down the driveway. Not even before he can get to the porch, another pair of headlights cuts through the night. He watches it pull up into this driveway and notices the tag--it’s Dan.

Levi and Anahera step out of the car both of them giggling incessantly. “Oh fuck,” Ana says loudly upon seeing her dad. “Shit.”

Calum can already tell alcohol’s been involved. But there’s only amusement as both of them attempt to pass off like they’re sober. He takes Anahera while Dan helps Levi up the steps. “Seems like there was definitely been some fun tonight,” he teases, fixing both of them classes of water.

“We won the costume contest!” Levi declares. “And maybe had a shot or two.”

“We got third,” Ana corrects.

“Sstill placing.”

Calum tries his best not to laugh at their not sober antics. “Drink some water. Honestly, how many drinks?”

“Only like two, two and a half,” Ana confesses hiding behind the class.

“It’s clear sweetheart, so I can still see you.”

“Damn.”

Levi laughs, slipping down into the cushions. The headscarf slips off their head with the action but they don’t seem to notice. “Are we screwed, Uncle Cal? I really really can’t afford to get into trouble.”

“We’ll wait to see if you’re screwed when you wake up tomorrow. If you feel like ass in the morning, you’ll have to deal with that and there’s no reason for me to dish out any punishments.”

“If we don’t feel like ass?”

“The fear of getting caught coming home shamby from a paper is punishment enough,” Calum chuckles.

With a glass of water down each, he helps them to the room, mostly herding them from the walls to keep anyone from knocking their head on a picture frame. “Thanks, Dad,” Anahera sighs, leaning into the wall for a little bit of support.

“There was a reason why most of your homework had to be done before the party,” he grins. “Holler if you need me, okay?”

Calum texts Bee about their return, safe but not sober. Damn, should’ve stuck around to witness that. Need an extra pair of hands? Bee replies.

Seems like we’re all good. Thanks.

Also please send me the photos of us from tonight? Whenever you can of course. I think if we had gone to a costume contest we would’ve won too.

Of course. Definitely would’ve won with a woman like you on my arm.

Calum rises first the next morning, and doesn’t disturb them immediately. However, closer to late morning, he knocks softly on Anahera’s door. “Yeah?” Ana calls out and as he peeks inside he notices they’re still up. Levi is sitting on her bed and Ana at her desk.

“Oh, thought you two might’ve died at some point in the night. Glad to see I was wrong.”

“We didn’t drink that much.”

Levi snorts. “I had to get you Advil.”

“Shut up,” Anahera huffs, dropping her head in her hands. “I’m okay, Dad. Really. I’m fine. Just like a minor headache that’s all.”

He shakes his head. “You’ll learn eventually. Pancakes on me this morning, how does that sound?”

“I’m down,” Levi answers. Their attention is locked on the screen.

“I’ll let you know when food’s ready.” Calum states to the room and begins to shut the door but still can faintly catch Anahera asking Levi about the blazer. He leaves the door slightly ajar but walks back to his room the jacket hangs right where he left it. He wanted it to be a present, wanted to get it tailored. But he knows he can’t wait. Calum pulls it off the bar and shuffles back to Anahera’s room. Slipping his arm through, he hooks onto the knob on the inside and then closes the door. He waits for a moment.

“No way! No fucking way!”

The door swings open, Levi gripping the hanger and shaking the garment. “You totally didn’t?” Their voice cracks just a little as the emotion rocks them visibly.

“Maybe I did. Maybe I didn’t. But I mean you’re holding the jacket, so I’m pretty sure I did.”

“Thank you, thank you, thank you,” they gush, tackling Calum into a hug.

“Anytime, kid, anytime.” While Halloween’s typically celebrated and seen as a way to become and dress up like someone else, it doesn’t mean Levi doesn’t deserve the chance to dress like themself. “If you have to keep it over here, I get it. And I had anticipated waiting on giving it to you, but felt like now was a good time.”

They dance up and down the hallway with the suit jacket and Anahera laughs, recording their excitement. She’s careful not to post it on anything public. Her socks cause her to nearly slip and fall as she rounds the corner to the kitchen. Calum’s at the stove, flipping over pancakes when she hugs his side. “Thanks for being awesome. About the drinking and getting Levi that blazer. They love it.”

“The drinking’s one thing because you embarrassed yourself. The blazer--well I couldn’t not get it.”

“I know it’s because you’re amazing and awesome and like the best person to walk the planet, but it really does mean a lot.”

“Anytime, sweetheart. I’d do just about anything for you and Levi.”

“Only just about anything?”

“Hey, that’s still a long list and included on it is making the two of you pancakes so you two can study because there’s still school on Monday.”

“Oh don’t remind me,” she laughs, popping to kiss his cheek and then scurrying back around the corner of the kitchen.

“That’s my job!” Calum shouts.

“You do it well!”

#calum hood #calum hood x oc #calum hood fic #calum hood fanfic #calum hood imagine #calum hood fluff #calum hood blurb #5sos #5sos fanfic #5sos fic #5sos imagine #5sos fluff #5 seconds of summer #5 seconds of summer fanfic #5 seconds of summer fic #5 seconds of summer imagine #5 seconds of summer fluff #h writes #calum 5sos

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therainroguefanfiction · 4 years

Text

🎾 Announcement; Kunimitsu Tezuka (Sportember #009)

📑 Table of Contents | ⚾ Challenge Post

Genre: Slice of Life, Fluff, Friendship, College AU

Word Count: 3,960

Pairing: Reader x Tezuka

World: Prince of Tennis

Prompt: Announcement

Sport: Tennis

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The ticking of the clock echoed in the quiet dorm room, distracting you from your studies. Not that you had been able to concentrate anyway. It’s been almost an hour and you still haven’t gotten through the first paragraph of your essay but, thankfully, you still had a few days before it was all said and done.

You flicked your pen absentmindedly, eyes on the dark screen of your phone. It was starting to get late and your boyfriend still hadn’t called you as he did every night. You understood, of course, but that didn’t mean you couldn’t still miss him. Hearing his voice before bed had become a staple for you and on the rare occasions that he was too busy to call, you found it harder to sleep.

Tezuka Kunimitsu was a tennis player, drafted to the German national team when he was in his third year of middle school. He’s returned to his home in Japan many times over the course of the past three and a half years and, during one of these trips, you were able to meet him. At the time, you were in your third year of high school and your friend, Fuji Shuusuke, forced you to join him at a Halloween party hosted by his friend, Atobe Keigo. The party was to celebrate Tezuka’s return and the fact that he would be staying for three months.

Fuji was the one to introduce you, being friends with the both of you.

For you, it was love at first sight. Despite the monotone voice and expression he had kept up without fail, he was still polite and kind, his deep voice soothing to you. In the sea of people that had been at the party, everyone’s face was a blur to you but his. You remembered every detail, from the green flecks within his brown eyes to the way his brown hair was parted. He was a gorgeous man.

For Tezuka, he never had any interest in dating, focused only on tennis and his friends, but when his eyes first landed on you, he suddenly wondered if you were single and what it would be like to date you. So, when he noticed you sneaking out into the back garden to get some air, he didn’t hesitate to join you. The two of you spent the rest of the night just enjoying each other’s company, talking about everything under the sun. When it was time to part, he admitted that he wanted to see you again and, from there, the two of you started to date.

Even now, nearly three years later, both of you are still so in love with one another, even being more than five thousand miles apart. You just wanted to hurry up and finish college so you could move to Germany in order to be with him, but that seemed so far into the future.

You glanced at the time on your phone. ‘It’s nearly ten-thirty and I have a class at eight. The professor is a real stickler for being on time, too. I should really get some sleep…’ You closed your notebook, packing it into your school bag along with everything else you’d need for class so you wouldn’t have to rush to gather your things come morning time. You turned the light off, crawling under the covers before pulling up the Happy Color app on your phone.

It was the best way you’ve found to relax and destress before attempting to sleep. It was almost like magic how easily the app could help release the day’s tension. Plus, there are achievements for you to work toward, which enhanced the experience for you.

Your eyes were beginning to droop, so you decided to close the app, reaching for the charging cable when the phone started to ring, showing off the picture of your boyfriend looking at the sunset, a picture that you had personally taken the last time he was at home. You did your best to shake off your sleepiness, pressing the phone to your ear. “Hello?”

“Y/N,” came Tezuka’s deep voice, slightly strained from his practice. “I’m sorry for calling so late. I couldn’t get away from practice.”

You smiled, bringing one of the pillows to your chest. “It’s okay, I figured it was something like that. You’re not pushing yourself too hard, are you?”

“I promise you, I’m not.”

“You’re staying hydrated, right? And getting plenty of sleep?”

He chuckled softly, a sound he reserved only for you. “I’m taking care of myself, love. What about you? How is school going?”

“Mm, I’m struggling with my literature essay and I have a math test tomorrow that I’m not really looking forward to,” you sighed heavily. “I’m keeping up, though.”

“Do your best,” he encouraged gently. “You’ll be fine as long as you don’t let your guard down.”

You laughed at his typical line of advice, but it came out as more of a tired puff of air. “I’ll make you proud, Mitsu~”

“I always feel proud of you, Y/N,” he responded with earnest, making warmth settle within your chest. “You should get some rest. Text me when you wake up.”

“Mkay,” you stifled a yawn. “I love you.”

“I love you, too. Goodnight.”

“Night.”

As soon as the call ended, you fell into dreamland with a smile on your fae, dreaming of the man that you loved so dearly.

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“Y/N~”

You paused, turning around to give your best friend a smile. “Hey, Fuji! Do you wanna join me for lunch?”

“I’d love to!” He tilted his head to the smile, giving you his infamous closed-eye smile as he fell into step beside you. “How did your test go?”

“Ugh, the test.” Your nose wrinkled as if smelling something foul. “If by some miracle I manage to pass, it’ll be just under the wire.”

“I’m sure you did just fine.”

“I hope so. If I fail, Mitsu’s going to be so disappointed in me, ugh.” You frowned, carefully pushing the glass door of the cafe open, hearing the little bell above jingling as you held the door open for him.

Fuji chuckled in response. “He’s not capable of being disappointed in you. He loves you too much.”

The comment brought a goofy smile to your face as the two of you sat down at a small table near the window, ordering some boba tea and a couple of sandwiches. The sky outside was slowly beginning to darken as grey clouds rolled in, thunder rumbling in the distance as if chasing them down.

“By the way, Atobe is throwing a small get together on Saturday,” Fuji commented before taking a sip of his tea. “He asked me to invite you.”

“Nothing that man does is small.” You rolled your eyes. “I think I’ll skip out this time. Staying at the dorm and binge watching some TubeYou videos sounds a lot more pleasant.”

He frowned, brow furrowing in thought, but you were too focused on your sandwich to notice the change. Fuji Shuusuke wasn’t considered a genius for nothing, however, and a plan quickly formed within his mind. “I could really use the help, though.”

“Eh?” You glanced up, meeting his cerulean eyes, which he rarely opened, so you knew whatever he was about to tell you had to be quite serious. “Help with what?”

“Well, it seems I’ve recently acquired a stalker. She won’t take no for an answer no matter how many times I say it, but she seems to be intimidated by you.” He lied smoothly, offering you a fake, worried expression.

“Intimidated by me? Really?” You couldn’t help but snort at the ridiculous notion that anyone could be afraid of. You thought it was more believable for a hamster to be intimidating than yourself! And it made sense because you didn’t like violence, preferring to resort to kindness above all else and try to talk through any problems you had. You were also a firm believer of walking away when people couldn’t be reasoned with.

“She never comes around when I’m with you.”

You chewed on your lip thoughtfully before sighing in defeat. “Fine, I’ll go with you. You’re lucky I love you so much, Fuji.”

The brunette laughed, his eyes sliding closed once more. “I love you too~”

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The phone buzzed on the bed and you stepped out of the bathroom to check it. It was a message from Fuji, letting you know that he was waiting outside of the dorms. You quickly messaged back that you were on the way before slipping the phone into your pocket and grabbing your keys. The first thing you noticed upon exiting the building was how dark it was.

It was only just now noon, but the grey clouds covering the sky made it appear to be around eight at night. Lightning streaked across the sky, thunder roaring loudly seconds after each strike, and the rain was falling in steady sheets to the earth. To you, it was a beautiful sight, though you understood most people felt quite melancholy when it rained.

Fuji held out the umbrella so that it covered both of you, sending you a smile. “Ready to go?”

“As ready as can be,” you answered, forcing a smile. While the current weather did lift your spirits a bit, you were still feeling quite sad. You missed Tezuka so much that it was starting to physically hurt you, plus you were stressing out because you knew that you had done poorly on the math test. The last thing you wanted was to be surrounded by a mansion full of people you didn’t even know, constantly being checked on by waiters and butlers.

It wasn’t your lifestyle, but you wanted to support Fuji if you could, just as he had always done for you.

Stepping through the gate that surrounded the campus, you noticed the sleek black limo sitting down the street and you were unable to hold back the groan of annoyance. “Fuji~”

The brunette laughed, patting your back. “Atobe insisted because of the weather.”

‘Of course he did,’ you held back your sigh, following him to the vehicle. The driver jumped out as soon as you got close so he could pull the back door open for you, as if you couldn’t do so yourself. ‘He doesn’t even care that he’s getting wet. What if he gets sick? I feel bad for him, but… at least he gets paid well.’

The man sent you a kind smile as you slid into the back, taking the umbrella from Fuji so he could slide in beside you. He shook the umbrella before climbing into the driver’s seat and starting the engine.

Silence settled over the vehicle as it started forward, the tinted windows streaking as the window forced the drops of rain to slide at an angle across the glass. The closer you got to the Atobe manor, the more uncomfortable you felt, but you did your best not to let that show on your face because you didn’t feel like being hounded all night about what was bothering you.

When the limo finally arrived, you stuck by Fuji’s side for most of the night, speaking only when spoken to directly, which was more than you were currently comfortable with. It’s not that you were an introverted person or anything – normally, you had no problems with social interaction, but for some reason, you were just feeling so… down and you wanted to be left alone.

The only person you wanted to talk to right now was more than five thousand miles away.

You waited patiently for Fuji to finish his conversation with one of his old schoolmates before you called out his name to grab his attention. “I’m gonna head to the bathroom. Be right back.”

He nodded before turning back to the other male, laughing about some tennis match they had years ago.

You honestly felt pretty guilty about lying to him, but if you didn’t get a chance to breathe soon, you felt like you were going to go insane. While the hallway leading to the bathroom still held a few party-goers, it was a drastic down-size from the large ballroom that was so packed with people that it was hard to move.

Glancing around the hall, you were thankful that no one was paying you any mind, and you slipped through the side door that led out into the massive garden behind the manor. Rain still felt softly from the sky, but the thunder and lightning had already moved on, leaving only the soft pitter-patter against the walkway.

You stuck to the stone path, following it towards the very back of the property where a large hedge maze sat. With a pause, you glanced over your shoulder, but the garden was empty because of the rain, so you continued into the maze, following that familiar path that led straight to a dead end. At least, that’s how it appeared to most, but you knew better.

With a bit of prodding, a small crack in the hedge appeared, allowing you to slip into a small area hidden by the towering bushes. A willow tree sat in the center of the clearing, probably older than the manor itself, its branches long and gnarled, covered with stringy moss that formed a sort of blanket around the area.

You took a deep breath, soaking in the peace and quiet around you. The grass at the base of the tree was damp, but not soaking wet thanks to the moss, so you plopped down with your back against the trunk. You checked your phone, but Tezuka still hadn’t responded to your message, which only made your mood drop further. With a sigh, you pulled your knees up to your chest and rested your head atop them, eyes sliding closed.

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Fuji frowned as he scanned the ballroom, looking for any sign of you. You should have been back by now, but you were nowhere in sight. He certainly hadn’t missed your reluctance to join him tonight, either, and now he was starting to feel worried. Surely you wouldn’t have left the manor without telling him.

Atobe weaved his way through the crown toward the brunette, his phone held within his hand and a frown upon his lips. “Tezuka’s plane was delayed. It’ll be another twenty minutes before we can get him here!”

“I think Y/N decided to ditch the party,” Fuji added. “They really didn’t want to be here, to begin with.”

“You were’t supposed to let them out of your sight!” Atobe huffed in annoyance, running a hand through his purple locks. Tonight was supposed to be perfect, but it seemed as if everything that could go wrong was.

“Hm, they said they were going to the bathroom. We may be best friends, but I doubt they would appreciate me joining them,” he chuckled.

Atobe quickly dialed a number on his phone, pressing it to his ear. “Michael, we have a problem. Our guest of honor is in the wind. Find them immediately!”

“Y/N isn’t going to be happy about this~” The brunette quipped, earning a glare from the host.

“I promised Tezuka that tonight would be perfect and it will be, no matter the cost!” And the purple-haired male turned on his heel, heading farther into the manor as he barked orders into his phone.

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Tezuka stepped out of the limo, readjusting his suit as he looked up at Atobe manor, feeling very jet lagged and a bit nervous, not that his monotone expression betrayed this. He wasn’t entirely sure how this night had even come to be. He had simply mentioned returning home to surprise you, but Atobe had run with it, insisting on making a huge deal out of it. Why had he thought it would be a good idea to mention proposing to you? It had been a fleeting comment that he hadn’t even meant to speak aloud, but Atobe had latched onto it with a vice-grip, refusing to let go.

Fuji was waiting outside the large double doors with a warm smile upon his lips, cerulean eyes shimmering under the lights of the porch. “Welcome home, Tezuka.”

“Thank you,” he nodded in reply. “Where is Y/N?”

“About that -”

The doors suddenly swung open and Atobe strode out with a female butler at his side, his usual smirk upon his lips, but Tezuka could tell that something wasn’t right. “Don’t worry, Tezuka. I’ve gone ahead and purchased the airline and had the pilot fired for his lack of professionalism.”

“That wasn’t necessary,” Tezuka resisted the strong urge to sigh, used to the man’s actions after so many years. His dark eyes scanned the crowd through the open doors, but he saw no sign of the one person he craved the most. “Where is Y/N?”

Atobe exchanged a look with the genius, which did little to boost Tezuka’s confidence. Clearing his throat, the host held his arm out toward the entryway. “Fuji will go get them for you. Come along, let’s get you a drink and you can get changed out of that cheap suit. I’ve had one made for you, the very best that money can buy!”

But Tezuka didn’t budge, his eyes shifting between the two men. His annoyance levels were quickly rising, along with his worry for you. Had something happened to you? The thought had his heart tripping over itself within his chest and he folded his arms, fixing his narrowed eyes on the brunette. “The truth, Fuji.”

Although Atobe shot him a warning look, the brunette paid it no mind, his cerulean eyes locking with hazel. “They didn’t want to be here so they ditched me. We haven’t been able to find them.”

Tezuka’s eyes widened a fraction behind his glasses and, without a word, he brushed past the two men, determined to find you himself.

Atobe followed him closely, his hands swiping through the air as if trying to shoo away a fly. “My men have already checked the cameras. They were last seen going out of the side door, but the rain short circuited the cameras outside. They were supposed to be waterproof! I’m already going through the process or purchasing the company so that I can fire their CEO and the imbeciles that installed them here.”

Tezuka paused at this new information, realizing instantly where you had gone, but he certainly didn’t plan on telling the other male that. Instead, he turned toward him, his voice firm. “Call your men back. Y/N won’t come out for them.

Atobe’s eye twitched. “There isn’t any place they can hide from -”

“Atobe,” his eyes narrowed, hands fisting lightly at his sides. He was already tired of his friend’s over the top nature.

“Fine,” the host huffed in annoyance before storming off, pressing his phone back to his ear.

Tezuka then headed for the garden door, following the left path around the manor to the back garden where the hedge maze sat. It had been such a long time since he had last visited the small area hidden within the maze, but he remembered the path to it like it just yesterday.

He remembered the feeling of your hand in his as you attempted to find your way to the opposite side of the maze only to find a dead end. As if you were meant to find it, you had spied a small gap in the hedge when you went to turn around.

He remembered asking you what you were doing, advising you to be careful of the sharp branches as you tried to part them. He remembered how your face had lit up when you stepped through the opening, finding the hidden area that was cut off from the rest of the garden. You had fallen in love with it the moment you saw it, he knew, and he was positive that was where you had escaped to.

By now, the rain had come to a stop, leaving behind puddles and damp grass as a reminder that it had been there, shimmering under the bright lights that were scattered across the garden.

When he finally stepped through the small gap in the hedge, his eyes immediately fell upon you, curled up against the trunk of the tree as you slept, phone held tightly over your heart. Waiting for his reply, he knew. The thought made him smile softly as he kneeled in the grass beside you, feeling the wetness seeping through the cloth, but he didn’t mind.

His hand gently rested upon your shoulder. “Y/N, wake up.”

You stirred after a moment, blinking as the fog of sleep slowly lifted off of you and then your eyes snapped to his, wide with disbelief. Without a moment of hesitation, you threw yourself at him, knocking him off balance and onto his back with you on top, clinging to his neck as if he would disappear if you loosened your grip even a hair.

“Kunimitsu,” you breathed out, fingers curling around the back of his neck and the collar of his suit jacket. “I missed you so much.”

He smiled, bringing his arms around your body, breathing in the scent of your shampoo. “I missed you, too.”

“Why didn’t you tell me that you were coming back?” You frowned into his neck, playing with the soft strands of hair at the base of his neck.

“I wanted to surprise you,” he spoke softly, wondering if he should foil Atobe’s elaborate plans. Ever so gently, he coaxed you into releasing him and you pulled back just enough to see his face. He didn’t miss how your hands clutched at his shirt, as if afraid that this was some dream you didn’t want to wake up from. “The plan was to announce my return at the party.”

You deadpanned as the pieces of the puzzle started to fit together within your mind and you groaned. “That damn Fuji, he totally knew! And he made up that stalker story to lure me here.”

Tezuka’s eyes closed as he held back an exasperated sigh, not even wanting to know what this stalker story was about. “I apologize. I should have known better than to trust them with something so important.”

“Important?” You tilted your head at the comment. He had returned home dozens of times before since going pro, but Atobe had only thrown a party for him once, and even then, it was no comparison to the gathering tonight. So what made this time to special? You didn’t understand.

“Because,” he chuckled, reaching into his jacket so he could produce the ring that his grandmother had given him for this very occasion. “I returned home to ask for your hand in marriage.”

“You -” your breath caught in your throat as you looked at the ring being held between his fingers. It was the most beautiful piece of jewelry you had ever seen and, despite how hard you tried, no words would pass your lips. This was what you had dreamed of so many times before, spending the rest of your life with this man, this man that you would destroy the world for if he so desired.

“Y/N,” his eyes met yours, full of love and warmth. “Will you marry me?”

“Yes!” You managed to squeak out, hand shaking as he slid the ring onto your finger before setting his palm against yours, fingers lacing together. “I love you so much, Kunimitsu, I – I -”

“I know,” he responded softly, his thumb gently brushing away your tears before bringing you into a deep kiss – a silent promise atop the declaration of love.

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33 notes · View notes

spideesenses · 5 years

Text

Forbidden Fruit → Peter Parker

pairing: fratboy!peter x reader

warnings: swearing. use of alcohol. fluff!

prompt: he was desired by many but wanted you.

The probability that you’d be at a college party on a Friday night over studying? It wasn’t likely. Now, the same situation with a very persuasive friend? Consider it done because here you were, fishing through crowds of fratboys and sorority girls to find her, the one you came with. You were annoyed to the fullest because your only condition to Bella was that she wouldn’t leave your side. And she lied. Now you knew not to trust her. Actually, you been knowing that. So this was on you.

You tried not to step on any toes, muttering apologies as your attempts failed. Not that they minded, they were too fucked up to notice.

“Bella!” you shouted, gently grabbing her arm before she could escape from your vision. She wasn’t hard to miss anyway, she had bright orange hair.

“Oh hey Y/N! Did you want a drink?” she handed you her red solo cup. “It’s just jungle juice, taste it!” while you were weary, you were also relieved that you had found her. You took a sip of the drink, blinking a few times in surprise.

“This has alcohol in it?” you were shocked. All you could taste was juice. You noticed the limes and strawberries floating around. Bella nodded her head.

“I know right? Gage makes such great drinks. Come on, I’ll introduce you.” Bella tugged at your hand, pulling you through the dancing bodies. You wondered how the house wasn’t foggy from the body heat, maybe the AC was on?

Bella moved quickly, swiveling in between bodies and dodging dance moves. You however weren’t so lucky and ran into a wall, Bella’s drink splashing all over your stomach.

“I’m so sorry,” okay, maybe not a wall.

“No, it’s cool.” you rose on your tiptoes to relocate Bella who’d clearly not noticed losing you.

“Here, I can show you the bathroom. If you wait too long, it’ll stain.” the voice muttered again. Your eyes quickly flickered to him. You could barely make out his facial features. It was a black light party for fucksake.

“U-uh, sure?” you cursed yourself for being so willing. He gestured for you to follow him, moving slowly through the thick crowd. It was easy to navigate behind him, his curly brown hair standing out.

You shut the door behind you, the mysterious man waiting right outside the door. Running straight to the sink, you turned on the faucet and let it run before pulling off your shirt. You tried dabbing the material, hoping for the stain to move out of your shirt. You cursed under your breath, no progress.

“Jesus,” a voice called as the door shut. Your eyes widened, you hadn’t even heard the door open. You were met with the boy from outside- er, who was now in the bathroom. His reaction seemed to match yours as he quickly turned around to face the corner. “Fuck, I’m so sorry! I didn’t know you had your shirt off, the hallway just got a little crowded.” his cheeks heated up in embarrassment.

“N-no, it’s okay!” you stammered, still quite shocked. “I actually uh, made the mistake wearing a white shirt. It’s stained.” you couldn’t help but nervously laugh.

“I, can lend you my flannel? It’s the least I could do, it’s my fault your shirt is stained.” the brunette offered.

“You don’t have to do that, I ran into you.” but he was already sliding off his blue flannel, holding it out behind him, not wanting to disturb your privacy. You stood behind him, pulling the material from his hands as you pulled your arms through. You buttoned up the middle buttons and tied the strands at the bottom, so it’d at least be intact, leaving your chest exposed to avoid swoob. “Thank you.” you said softly, scaring the boy. He hadn’t realized you were this close.

“I’m Peter.” he told you, peaking over his shoulder, seeing you were finally situated.

“Y/N, sorry again, for all of this.” you stammered.

“No, you have nothing to be sorry for. And, I know who you are. We have American Literature together.” Peter was just as flustered as you were. The way you’d styled his flannel made him sweat. You definitely had worn it better. The top of your chest was slightly exposed. You looked stunning.

“Oh shit, we do?” you blinked a couple times, leaning in as you recognized his face. “Oh shit, we do! Well, uh, it’s nice to finally meet you.” you flushed.

“Do you uh, wanna get a drink with me?” he couldn’t deny how yummy you looked. He didn’t even try to hide it, he was gnawing on his bottom lip right in front of you. You couldn’t help but bat your lashes innocently as you nodded your head, pushing your way out of the bathroom. And Peter followed you like a lost puppy.

You didn’t go home with him that night. He was the youngest in his fraternity, and that made him weary of other people’s intentions. He was untouchable. That was what he was known for. It’s what made him lusted over. Unlike his brothers in Alpha Kappa Psi, he was more reserved. That didn’t mean he hated partying, oh no, he loved to party. His intentions with women and men were different from his brothers.

“Are you sure you don’t wanna go out tonight?” Bella frowned as she’d seen you pick up your laptop for the fourth time that night.

“Yeah, I’m sure. I have to write an essay, it’s due this on Tuesday and I haven’t even started the rough draft.” that was half a lie. You started a small portion of the first draft, but you were still way behind. And your essay was due the following weekend.

“You’re such a buzzkill,” Bella commented, letting you roll your eyes. “Don’t wait up, okay?” you nodded your head in response. You could hear the door moving to shut. “Oh hey-“

“This is where I can find Y/N, right?” the soft voice murmured. You perked up a bit, eyes not leaving your screen as you typed.

“Y-yeah,” Bella was shocked for words, jutting her thumb back, letting the man push through your room.

“Hey,” Peter’s voice made your eyes flicker up. He sported a black v-neck and a pair of blue and yellow sweats, repping his fraternity while silver chain hung around his neck. He looked gorgeous, not to mention, he didn’t do much with his hair; instead of it being nicely slicked back, his curls were tousled around.

“Peter, what are you doing here?” you sat up as he pushed your door shut. You happened to look just as beautiful. You wore a lavender bralette, outlined with lace, a pair of yoga pants and Peter’s flannel. You had it completely unbuttoned and the sleeves rolled up. He didn’t make checking you out discreet at all.

“Your sorority sisters let me in the house and said your room was up here,” Peter said sheepishly with a blush. “I wanted to see if you were okay. I didn’t see you in American Lit today.”

“Yeah, I emailed Rostershire about today and he said he had everyone work on their essays. I asked him if I could work on it in my room because it was my only class and I’m super behind.” you rambled, standing up as you set your laptop aside. “You were worried?”

“Y-yeah, of course. I walked you to your place one night, and then I don’t see you the next day?” the brunette was flustered, thinking you were demanding an explanation. But you were just thinking out loud. His whole face flushed when you gazed at him with a small smile. He was different when he was sober, more shy and introverted.

“Shame you didn’t have my number to text me to see if I was okay,” you playfully flirted.

“Well, it’s not completely a shame. I got to see you, didn’t I?” and maybe his game wasn’t too shabby either. He was oblivious that he was flirting; believe it or not, he was pretty suave.

The next day, Peter showed up at the front of your porch, waiting for you. He wanted to walk you to class. It surprised you to say the least, you weren’t expecting him to be this... interested in you.

Winter rolled around and he still followed you around. And he didn’t make bold advances either. They were simple and small, they made you so warm that you could melt the snow. Like one morning, you were shivering your ass off as you walked through the snow. Yeah, you were bundled up for the weather, but you’d always been sensitive to the cold. Peter tugged the beanie off his head and pulled it over yours, making sure to cover your ears. The gesture alone had melted the icicles forming over your cheeks. It wasn’t long before you started returning them. Grabbing his hands and stuffing them in the pockets of your hoodie, your smaller, warmer hands gripping onto his colder ones. It was about halfway through December and winter break was just around the corner, everyone at school knew you and Peter were a thing. His frat brothers would give him shif about being tied down too early, having not experienced life. Peter was just fine by your side though, he didn’t have eyes for anyone else, he was too enamored with you and learning about you to be bothered with someone else.

“So, my brothers are throwing a party on Friday. I was wondering if you wanted to go as my date.” Peter was a bit hesitant to ask you. He knew parties weren’t exactly your thing. He had to go to parties without you (you insisted), and while he had a good time, he missed the feeling of your skin.

“Okay.” you said without blinking. Peter waited for a ‘but’, yet it never came.

“Wait really?”

“Yeah, I finished my last final today. I think I can handle some fun.”

“YEAHHH!” a scream blew through your ears as a boy from another frat had passed you, running around with his shirt off.

The second you stepped in, Peter’s eyes were stuck on you. He wasn’t the only one. You wore a pearl blue bodycon dress; you looked classy, yet ready to party. Suddenly, Peter’s frat brothers understood why he was only interested in you.

“Hi baby,” you had stumbled on the last few steps to Peter. You already smelled like alcohol, you must’ve pregamed with Bella. You were also overly affectionate (with words and touches), not that he complained.

“Hi Y/N, you look stunning,” he tucked your hair behind your ear. Peter really got a good look at you. The thick diamond choker lined your neck perfectly, it sparkled at every angle, if you didn’t have everyone’s attention when you walked in, you were sure to now. Your hair was pulled up into a ponytail, not wanting it to be a bother when you went dancing.

“Me? Have you seen yourself? Baby, you’re looking fine.” there it was again. The little petname that sent him over the roof. He wasn’t sure if he’d missed something or it was because you were drunk, he liked hearing it anyway. He sported a black button up with tiny white dots scattered everywhere. He left the top button undone, mostly for you. The silver chain didn’t go missing with this look, as well as an apple watch, rich boy things. He wore black jeans to match. He stuck by you the entire time. Even though it was you following him around, he let you hold his hand or grab his bicep.

Peter actually handled liquor pretty well. There wasn’t ever a moment in which you questioned if he was sober. You, on the other hand, were making up for the time lost spending time studying and aceing every single final thrown your direction. You weren’t shitfaced, thank god not yet, but you were not sober; you were at the sweet spot of drunkenness, where you were so comfortably drunk, you wouldn’t even have a hangover. So you stopped the drinks from there.

“Peter,” you frowned, leaning against his arm as you two took the loveseat. He immediately stopped conversing with friends to give you his attention.

“Angel,” he said back.

“C-can I hold your hand? Mine feel lonely.” you made grabby hands for extra effect. Peter couldn’t help but grin at your cheesiness, grabbing your hand and lacing your fingers together. He kissed your knuckles, noting how soft your hands were compared to his.

Peter held your hand the entire night, when introducing you to his friends, when grabbing you a water. If he let go, it was only for a brief second. You were just as needy for affection as he was and he was down for it.

“Peter?” you called out again. Once again, he finished his sentence and glanced at you. You were worried that you were interrupting his conversation, so instead of using words, you hugged him, stuffing your arms under his. He could feel the contrast between his warm arms and your slightly colder ones. He could hear you hum in satisfaction. He held you with one arm wrapped around your waist and the other holding his rum and coke. He let you tangle your fingers with his jewelry.

Peter was the forbidden fruit, everyone knew that at this point. He didn’t like hooking up and was even hesitant about making friends, it’s what made him the most lusted for man on campus. He wasn’t oblivious to that fact, it made him more timid and aware of everyone’s intentions. For the first time in months, a girl had approached him. Months because everyone knew who you were to him, even if it wasn’t official, you were his girl and that was that. You recognized her. She was in your communications class, her name was Bianca. You weren’t sure if she was blind or just bold. She openly flirted with Peter, anyone who couldn’t hear the conversation could tell. The hair twirl, the smile and giggle, all of it. Right in front of you as you were curled up in his chest. Bold, she was. Peter was polite though, not giving into the flirting and not being rude. You were waiting for the moment she realized you were there. Or maybe she knew, she was just being ignorant. You were itching to make your presence known.

“Well, I’m actually here on a scholarship. I happen to be really good at basketball.” Peter explained.

“Oh yeah, I know, I’ve come to games to see you play. Are you teaching any classes or anything? On basketball, I mean, I’d really love to get into it.” Bianca shamelessly flirted. Peter didn’t know how to respond. You were annoyed, but he was in complete shock that she’d flirt with him in front of you. Was this how girls were?

“W-well, I-“ you gripped his jaw with one hand, your other hand tightly gripping his shirt as you tugged his jaw in for a kiss. It was spellbinding, tasting the plump lips he’d been daydreaming about for almost an eternity. He’d watched you speak with your hands for months now, but his attention were always on your mouth. Your lips were perfect in comparison to his thinner ones. Peter’s hand caressed your side, pulling you close to him. There was no one else but you.

When you pulled away, his eyes were still shut, his mouth slightly ajar as he slowed his breathing. When he opened his eyes, you couldn’t help but beam at him. Those were the brown eyes you were head over heels for. Bianca was long gone at this point. She was embarrassed and scurried away.

“Let me guess, your lips were cold?” Peter slyly grinned as he snickered at your scrunched up face. You could only shake your head and giggle, nuzzling your face in his neck.

“No, you just looked cute.”

“Baby, I am just your reflection.”

#also: i wrote the first half and then i went thru like a depression n then continued on w the second half #sorry it it’s all over the place :(#peter parker #peter parker imagine #peter parker x reader #alia writes

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meandmyechoes · 4 years

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well it’s late night again which means it’s time to work on my drafts. I’m worried that I only have 2 meta pieces that I’m proud enough to call ‘signature’. I wrote stuff all over the place post-finale and it’s just messy. I’ll call Darkness and Light, (or Lightsaber Symbolism) my third thesis but seriously those are scattered. I don’t wanna jinx any of my WIPs again but here’s a checklist of progress to start tonight and the weekend with

A Review of late S3 Anakin and Ahsoka, with a focus on stringing all three arcs together and Anakin’s responsibility as a teacher. It already passed my preferred mark of 1000 words but it’s also chopped into 3+ parts and each needs more elaboration. I’m struggling a bit because it started as a drabble and I want it to stay that way, because I’m not doing an in-depth analysis of each of those episodes, yet.

Kiros ecology is still in the fermenting house. But the stripes/stress case is pretty strong now.

I accidentally started 1/16 of the Siege of Mandalore Cinematography big essay with the final Ahsoka/Vader parallels. It is 1) much bigger than I expected and 2) might call for gifs to better convey the camera movements. But when I do pick the shots I wanted to include EVERY ONE and then the post got long :(

the ‘describing Anakin’ piece I almost forgot ˵ ✪ ﹏ ✪ ˵ The main main idea is Ahsoka idolizing Anakin (which I already talked about), AND/BUT there’s more to it, and I feel encouraged and discouraged to write about this at the same time.

kinda been doing some poetry, personal and otherwise. so I really wanna get that Anakin and Ahsoka Elegy done, now i have enough imagery. I just need the right form and voice. I know I don’t want to use pronouns, and to see them from an outsider (an object? ͡° ͜ʖ ͡° ) pov.

I’ll be clearing up the Vader epilogue setting. That mystery sat in my drafts for a whole month and now I’m more level-headed to forget about it. I’ll clean up that post, and post some more questions around Morai.

Only A Dream is getting nowhere, until I finish the S3 review, and the angst needs to be done right.

I’ve collected a few sets of lineage parallels but my gifs look ugly :/

some more language related meta and graphics

the Rex & Ahsoka BFF vs. Siblings TRIVIAL hot take has a GREAT outline but it’s honestly too trivial to put any energy in. I mean, certainly when I write their actual evolution it it’ll get more interesting but the friend vs. family experience is so personal it kinda render the piece pointless.

Best of Both Worlds: A Study in the Evolution of TCW!Ahsoka's Lightsaber Fighting Style is still staring at me from the abyss of 7.10. It has an outline, and I know nearly every duel, down to every technique, I’ll be referring to, so... nothing.

#wip #myechoes #bye going to sleep #this is like - the 3rd wip list i've posted this month do i ever stop

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eviestudyblr · 4 years

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college apps survival guide *international students edition*

Hello everyone! I haven’t really posted any original content in a very very very long time, but I thought now might be the time since I have absolutely nothing better to do + I feel like it might be helpful for some ppl.

I know the title says *international students edition* but really it’s for anyone, just holds more in depth info for my internationals out there!

So I’m currently a high school senior, finishing up my second semester of senior year and getting ready to yeet out of here and go to college. Now, I’m from Europe and seeing as I’m not American I applied as an international student to the US colleges and this is essentially how that went down and everything that I did/had to do!

~the basics

So I attended an American private college prep school during my junior year as part of this ‘one year study in the US program.’ And when I came back in early June, I was completely mesmerized and really really wanted to attend uni in the States. So in June, I started researching what I needed to do in general, but specifically what is asked of international students.

‘SO what do I need to do?’ you might ask, wellll here is a list, my friends:

research! research! research! find out what you want out of your uni experience and just the basics of each university that you have heard of or thought about already

talk to your parents and friends about it. i know it may seem silly, but trust me! they might be able to help you with your research or just be there for your emotionally during these truly TRYING times

look into standardized testing (SAT, ACT, SAT subject test, TOEFL or IELTS if you don’t go to an English speaking high school)

look for a college counselor (I know for many this isn’t an option bcs of how stupidly expensive it is, however, if you are in a position where you can pay for one I truly do recommend it!)

see if you need to better your GPA and by how much if you need to

email your teachers about recommendations. i’d advise emailing about 4 ppl e.g. your adviser, art or an electives teacher, a teacher that lectures in a subject you wanna study in college (for me it was my history teacher bcs i plan on studying politics), and a teacher that knows you really well/a teacher you really like

~standardized testing

Sooo in July, I decided to start prepping for the SAT and well it didn’t really go well, seeing as I’ve never before taken any sort of standardized test (except my Cambridge English exams). Seeing as that wasn’t going well and I already veryyyy stupidly applied for the SAT in October, I decided to find a tutor. Luckily, my tutor was also a college counselor and LUCKILY she wasn’t wildly expensive!

I started my SAT prep in August and took my first SAT in October. I wasn’t all that satisfied with my October scores, so I went and retook my SAT in December and upped it by 80 points. I would honestly advise everyone to take their SATs/ACTs before Senior year, but I’m not judging you if ya don’t... i mean look at me.

I would advise taking a full SAT test every week or every two weeks at least and tracking your progress. I would also advise using Khan Academy and the College Board website.

I also took my TOEFL exam in October, and honestly, I did no prep for it whatsoever and got almost a perfect score. Tbh most tests of English proficiency are not that hard if you’ve been studying English for a while. However, I do recommend at least doing some prep. There is also IELTS, however, I’ve been told that American colleges prefer the TOEFL test, seeing as it is an American test. But most accept both!

~looking for colleges

I’m sure most of you know already whether you want to attend a big school or a smaller one. Whether you want it to be a city school or a small college town one, East Coast vs. West Coast vs. Mid West, etc.

Now there are a couple of nifty little web sites to help you search for colleges and learn about the basics of each one and what their pros and cons are. So here are some of the ones that helped me (bolded ones are my faves):

Niche

Unigo

College Confidential

Princeton Review

College Board (Big Future)

College of Distinction

I applied to 9 colleges, I had two reach schools, three safeties, and the rest were just schools I knew I could most probably get into and I liked.

I used Sheets on Google to organize myself. I had 13 columns:

(I apologize for the picture quality and for the fact that it’s not one cohesive picture, it just wouldn’t fit.)

~essay writing

I honestly don’t know how I would’ve written my essays without the guidance I received from my college counselor and friends that have already done this. It took me 21 mfing DRAFTS to finally be satisfied with my college application essay! So take it from me - it’s okay if it takes you a while to hit the nail on the head! Trust me, everything will turn out great and you Will make it.

I honestly don’t have much to say about essay writing, except that it’s a lengthy process and everyone deals with it differently. There isn’t a magic formula for it and all you can do is be yourself and try and help them see who you are.

Some videos that might be helpful:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_PhK7n4Labg&t=1s

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DIXvZTKCnyo

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S5VQq56IDfY

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vEpmZDf0SMg

Well, I hope this was helpful to some people and if anyone has any questions they can always dm me or send me an ask!

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backtomylakearearootsstory · 6 years

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S1E20-AXDROIDARE

It was a late night for Anita who was up at 1:00 AM reading on the drug Axdroidare. The drug known as the “black trance” is a drug being prescribed for hyperactive children. It’s being marketed as a cheaper alternative to Vyvanse.

“Oh my God” she said to herself. “They know these people have the worst insurance and that this medicine doesn’t cost but five dollars” The medicine was certainly unlike anything she had heard of. With her brother-in-law Calvin being a pharmacist, she decided that she’d ask him the following morning. As the clock read close to two PM, she took down about 50 mg melatonin and sat up for about 15 minutes before going to bed. The following morning was a struggle to wake up. Hitting the snooze button a total of three times before giving in to the demand of the alarm she grabbed a sleeveless dress and a pit of heels and headed to work. At work her colleague noticed her and asked if she was alright.

“Long night” she responded “dealing with a little insomnia.”

“I’m doing a breakfast run, you want anything?”

“Yeah, get me a parfait?”

“Got it”

Needing to wake up she decided to splash her face with cold water. Afterward she decided to read over some briefs stacked on her desk.

Concurrently, QJ still slightly ill, stayed home for a second day. Feeling better he ate his breakfast and then put a movie on. After watching the movie he noticed his dad looking at a scrapbook.

“Hey dad, what you checking out?”

“Photo Album. That’s your Aunt Dina when she was younger”

QJ hasn’t seen them in a while. Unlike Deja’s family, Quincy’s family was a bit more close knit with the exception of a few. His aunts all go back home for Holidays and his siblings made occasional summer vacations out to LA to visit him so the kids are familiar with the closest cousins on that side. OTOH, they have cousins whom they have not met through their great aunts and uncles.

“Whoa, never knew her hair was so long. So dad. What about your people?”

Quincy’s dad, is originally from Jennings. His grandfather grew up in the Carolinas and found his way down to Louisiana via being stationed while in the military. This is where he met Quincy’s grandmother. Her people were from South Carolina however, her parents settled in the Jeff Davis Parish in Elton. His parents passed away around the time Quincys dad was born. Her parents had gotten ill so she had to move to the Jeff Davis Parish. They were craftsman and welders. His uncle grew fruits and vegetables and sold fruit preserves during certain times of the year. They eventually settled in Jennings and started a family.

Noticing the air force uniform QJ said, “I didn’t know grandpa was in the service.”

“He wasn’t that’s your great grandfather”

Travis was in the military stationed in Lake Charles at the time when he met Janice. She was from the Jefferson Davis Parish but would come into town to LC for shopping and recreation. They settled in Jennings after the death of her parents. He had a long career in the military retiring when Quincy’s father turned 16.

“So when you would leave, would you go see them?”

“If I was close enough yes, I haven’t been to Jennings in a few years. My grandparents are deceased but I I have atleast one uncle and aunt still out there that I know of. Growing up we would go down to Jennings but then spend our days with Uncle Hal in Lake Arthur”

Cutting the conversation short when he received a phone call QJ went back to his room.

“That was the school, I’m going to go pick up your homework. You stay out, I don’t wanna come home and see you done burned the damn house down.”

“Really, dad?”

“I’ll be right back son”

He arrived to the school and once he made his way to the front office he asked to retrieve QJs homework from the office Secretary when he was informed of an outbreak that had occurred on the school ground.

“No surprise unfortunately” the secretary said as she handed Quincy the assignments. “It happens when a parent or parents sends their child to school sick knowingly or unknowingly”.

“Well damn. I sure do appreciate the info”

“Quincy’s a good kid. How’s he feeling today?”

“He’s fine. He’ll be back tomorrow”

“Good”

“Well I’m gonna head out, you try not to catch it”

“Lysol and Clorox wipes are right here”

When he returned home, he noticed Junior up and dressed, he sported a red collar shirt and a pair of denim shorts.

“Well somebody is feeling way better”

“Oh yeah, think it’s about gone” QJ said as he struggled to find anything on TV

“Well son, it turns out that whatever the hell this is is going around at your school. There was hardly anybody in the office just now. Was told they were out sick.”

He then said, “we are going to go to the library. That’ll give you a little quite time to work on your homework. That way when you come home this evening, you can watch TV or play video games freely as your work will have been completed.”

Deciding to take a shower, he momentarily paused when he received an alert from a black news source titled “the trance drug-another Black Plague”.

[Axdroidare-a medicine being marketed as a cheaper version of Vyvanse has been reported as being responsible for 17 cases of Illnesses in lower income black and Latino communities. While no deaths have been reported as of yet, it has been reported that this drug is causing kids to become very motionless, unable to focus even though the drug was market to help with focus, and even difficulty sleeping. “My son was in a 9 hour state of hypnosis” reported one mother. Physical symptoms also included stomach cramps, nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting. One mother reported that this drug was so stringent that her son had no response to any outside stimuli. Haven’t you noticed that it’s always little boys that they want to dope up or “tame”?.....................]

Reading the same article Anita begin to pose an outline of a survey to do some of her own research. In her mind she would ask Clarissa to advertise it on her podcast and have individuals submit it anonymously. As she begin to type the first question, she received a knock on the door.

“Come in”

It was her boss asking for the briefs that she prepared on the case. “Here it is”. She expressed concerns about the companies history when her boss advised her that it wasn’t her place.

Being the strong willed individual she continued what she was doing in between breaks from her work. By the evening she had a survey complete along with preparation for another case that she was in the process of handling.

Before she left she sent a message to Clarissa who was on the phone with Deja.

Later that evening Deja and Quincy were talking while he asked her about her day.

“Busy, essays, exams, typical school stuff”

“Well I got an alert about this drug that’s being passed around in school. You know anything?”

He forwarded the article to her for her to read, she glanced over it as she got comfortable and stated that she had not heard anything about it. “Oh my God! No cases at my place of employment yet. I’ll have to ask the kids if they’ve heard anything about this”

“It’s only a matter of time” Quincy said turning the TV on to watch a news story on the very subject. “The way these teens abuse drugs out here. That’s how it goes. They flood that bullshit in black communities then it backfires. Watch what happens when the adverse effects hit the white communities and their kids are strung out on it. It’ll be considered an ‘epidemic’”.

Listening to the news it became apparent that the drug has plagued specific schools in South Central, Compton, Maywood, and East Los Angels. The reporter reported on the beginning of the lawsuit against the pharmaceutical company. When they heard the firm that would be representing them Quincy said “Oh shit! Isn’t that the firm that your sister works for?”

“It is” Deja said, “I need to call her. I’ll call her this week, I need to cook start typing my quiz.”

“Okay, well I’m gonna cook supper. Gonna cook a beef stew” he said.

Meanwhile, Malachi and Aundrea were working on ELA homework.

“So what’s the latest on the book report?”

“Just about done. Due Friday.”

“These last couple of weeks have been kind of crazy huh?”

“Why?”

“Meeting our folks, got mom on one of her projects”

“Yep”

“You know she’s talking about sending us down there for a couple of weeks next summer right? Could be an adventure. Connected with our cousin in Baton Rouge”

“Yeah....we need to get this done, I still got this book report to finish” Aundrea said unenthusiastically

“I might be able to help you finish it up. I’ve checked that book out dozens”

“Why am I not surprised?”

After finishing her homework, she went to work on the final draft of her post. She typed for about an hour before dinner was ready. At dinner that’s when Quincy decided to break the ice.

“Have the two seen any drugs on campus?”

“Ummmm I don’t think so” Aundrea said wondering where this question from.

“There’s a drug out there being passed off as Ritalin.” Deja said, “But it’s making these kids very ill”

“I haven’t heard about anything” Malachi stated.

“What’s going on?” Aundrea asked

“This medicine is getting to kids around your age. Mainly urban schools. It’s our job as parents to ask this stuff” Quincy affirmed.

Switching the conversation over to the cookbook, Deja announced that her book would be released at the end of October.

“Sweet!” Malachi exclaimed, “You gonna make some deserts for is?”

“Yeah, gonna get you guys in the kitchen. The three of you are going to learn how to make them. Your great grandmother made a mean sweet potato pie. That’s how your aunt Anna learned to make it. She passed it on to me”

“So this book includes her recipes?” Aundrea asked

“A combination of those and some of my own deserts”

“You mean like the cream cheese frosting that you put on the cake you make around Halloween?”

“Yes”

After eating supper Aundrea resumed typing the rest of her book report. QJ resumed studying his spelling words while Malachi completed a math assignment. Quincy retired to the bed while Deja sat on the sofa with her laptop and began a new paragraph in her book about connecting with her first cousin who had been in Long Beach since childhood. It was through a conversation over coffee that she was informed by her sister of the news. Growing up, she rarely visited Long Beach and she wondered if her cousin ever visited LA growing up. While typing she got a text

On the phone Yvonne explained that Zach got the word of this shortly after school let out. Mid day, a this student was seen being taken out by an ambulance. He was sweating buckets, he began vomiting out of the blue. It was no one that Zach knew personally.

“So how’d the word get out?”

“Classmate who knows this kid.”

“Oh God. Girl were the drugs this bad when we were in school?”

“Yes, unfortunately it was our generations bullshit that resulted in all these damn drug dogs at the schools.”

Deja sat there nodding her head while working on an outline, ending the conversation when Aundrea came in asking for feedback on her essay.

“My bookworm of a brother kind of helped me finish”

They read over it a bit. Preparing the report to the outline and the rubric she had stuffed in her novel. “I have to say that I’m impressed. Why is it that you don’t like school again?”

“I wouldn’t say that I dislike it, but I’m not in love with it like he is”

“Well you’ve always been one that when you put your mind to something, you got it done. You do what you need to do to get things done. I’m very much proud. This is really good!”

As Drea headed back to her room, Deja returned to the subject discussed at supper time.

“Zach had a student at his school rushed to the ER this afternoon after getting a hold to it. You know not to take anything from anyone. Just because something looks like fun or candy doesn’t mean that that’s what it is. Being honest, letting QJ go to that sleep over was scary for both of us. Growing yo we rarely went to parties and such for reasons such as this. You do know better than to take any drink from anyone right?”

“Yeah mom” Aundrea said. “Good night”

Deja sighed “between the outbreak at Juniors school and these damn medications, I worry. I’m a mom it’s my job. As time goes by, you may find yourself getting invites to parties and the like and in the event that you go, you can’t afford to be naive”.

After this bit of wisdom, she resumed her writing.

TO BE CONTINUED WITH EPISODE 21.

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