#i heard a guy talking like this to his girlfriend once and i audibly gagged

[beach-bear-enjoyer]

i hope whoever decided that it was normal for couples to be corny DIES. being in a relationship sounds cool but every single time they’re like “awww my honey bunny snookums 🥺🥺🥺🥺 just a widdol baby puppy dollface 🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺my precious eepy scrunkly angel 🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺big kiss!!!! 🥺🥺🥺🥺 poor baby want a big kiss??? 🥺🥺🥺🥺” IM GONNA SHOOT MYSELF

[cuthian]

Universal Language

“Vic,” Benji frowned, “These guys are a big deal, okay? They managed to get a record deal at seventeen and they’ve been openly LGBT the entire time, and when their old record label dumped them and tried to poach their rhythm guitarist, they found a new lead singer and reinvented themselves.” Benji glanced back towards the stage before he added, “They’re living every teen musician’s dream.”

—Love Victor & Julie and the Phantoms crossover

... I have no idea what this is.

Please blame the JatP discord server, I have absolutely no clue where this came from �� This is unbeta'd, and I hope no one is horribly out of character, but if they are... oh well ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Enjoy!

Love Annaelle

Universal Language

“Music is the universal language of humankind.” —Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Victor smiled lightly as Benji bounced up and down beside him, fidgeting with his bracelet as he eyed the stage hard, like if he visualized them hard enough, the opening band for the Battle of the Bands would just appear out of thin air. “Relax,” Victor told him, tentatively reaching out to slot their hands together—he’d only been out for a little while and they’d only been officially dating for a little over a month and Victor wasn’t quite used to being allowed to hold Benji’s hand in public.

“Vic,” Benji frowned, “These guys are a big deal, okay? They managed to get a record deal at seventeen and they’ve been openly LGBT the entire time, and when their old record label dumped them and tried to poach their rhythm guitarist, they found a new lead singer and reinvented themselves.” Benji glanced back towards the stage before he added, “They’re living every teen musician’s dream.”

Victor chuckled and squeezed his fingers around his boyfriend’s. “I know, Benj, you’ve told me—”

“Us,” Lake interrupted as she popped up beside them, Felix not far behind her, “You’ve told us this all before—it’s all you’ve been able to talk about since they announced they’d be hosting the Battle of the Bands this year.” Lake laced her arm with Felix’s and smiled up at Victor and Benji. “Their manager agreed to let me take a few pictures and ask them a couple of questions for Creek Secrets later too.”

“Really?” Benji very nearly squeaked and Victor’s chest went warm and tight with affection, because he remembered not so long ago, thinking that Benji was so incredibly effortlessly cool—and he was—but he was also a massive dork and Victor adored him.

“Yes, really,” Lake grinned. “If you’re good, I’ll even introduce you.”

Victor laughed when Benji made a tiny noise of excitement. “I wonder if they’re going to perform their old songs or their new songs,” he wondered aloud, eyes straying back towards the stage. “For smaller venues they’ve been known to use Sunset Curve songs rather than Julie and the Phantoms ones, but—”

“Whatever songs they use,” Victor grinned, tugging Benji closer, “I’m sure you’ll love it anyway.”

Benji hummed in agreement, and though he seemed a little distracted still, he still set his hands on Victor’s waist and pulled him close, tilting his head up to press a chaste kiss to the corner of Victor’s lips.

Victor felt his cheeks flush and he had to stop himself from glancing over his shoulder to check no one was watching them because he knew people were probably still watching—coming out and subsequently starting to date Benji (officially) only a month after he and Mia had broken up had fueled the Creekwood gossip mill for days, and at first, people had even tried to come into Brasstown just to sneak pictures of him and Benji doing something as mundane as working together.

Of course, back then, Victor had just been relieved that he and Benji were working together again at all.

“So,” he said quietly when Benji pulled back, sliding his hands down Benji’s back until they rested on his boyfriend’s waist, “Go ahead. Talk about the band, I know you want to.”

Benji grinned up at him, biting down on his lower lip before he said, “Their bassist can play… a truly absurd amount of instruments, apparently, and he loves country music.” He wrinkled his nose and added, “I saw an interview with him and the lead singer once, and they mentioned that he’s always slipping country songs into everyone’s notebooks and pockets—it’s a running gag at this point.”

He glanced at the stage again and bounced on his toes, “Also, no one knows which of the band members are dating. Like,” he clarified when Victor frowned in confusion, “There’s pictures all over the internet of literally every single one of them on dates with each other, and they’re super affectionate on stage and in interviews, and I’m pretty sure I heard they all live together as well.”

“Huh,” Victor frowned. “I guess that’s pretty rare, right? Them being able to keep their private lives somewhat secret?” He couldn’t imagine having to live like that, with a spotlight constantly on him—although he guessed that he did in a way. Being openly gay, even in a fairly liberal town and a very supportive school, kind of felt like living under a spotlight too.

Benji shrugged. “Yeah. I mean, everyone kind of knows that the lead singer and the drummer used to date, but that’s just because they were dating when they signed their original label. I don’t think they’re still dating, I’m pretty sure the drummer’s dating this international skateboarding champion now.”

Victor nodded slowly. “Like Tony Hawk?”

Benji laughed. “Yeah, just like that, but you know—younger. I think he’s just a couple of years older than we are. Closer to Bram and Simon’s age. Super hot too.”

“Really?” Victor chortled. “Should I be worried here?”

Benji laughed, spinning around and wrapping his arms around Victor’s neck. “Oh no,” he grinned. “No, Vic, don’t worry. I’ve only got eyes for one tall, handsome brunet.”

“Okay, good,” Victor leaned in to press a short, hard kiss to Benji’s lips, relishing in the fact that he could.

“Hey you two,” someone crowed from behind them, “Stop being so damn cute, you’ll rot my teeth.” Victor pouted as Benji pulled away and stepped back, waving at Mia and Andrew as they approached them and Lake and Felix. Victor managed an awkward little smile Mia—things weren’t exactly back to normal between them, and Victor and Benji had held off on making their relationship official for over a month to give Mia some time to adjust, some time to deal with the mess Victor had made of their relationship.

He’d apologized, of course, had apologized until he was blue in the face and had given her whatever she needed to process everything. She’d forgiven him, had forgiven them, but things were still a little awkward between them, even though she was dating Andrew now and claimed to be over Victor.

Andrew had been surprisingly supportive when Victor came out, had had his back with the rest of the basketball team, had stood up for him when people tried to be shits in the hallways or in the cafeteria, and had made the whole experience of coming out and being open about his relationship with Benji ten times more bearable, especially in the light of his parents’ utter refusal to discuss his sexuality at all.

Victor had to admit the other guy probably wasn’t so bad at all.

“Fine, fine,” Benji replied playfully, leaning in to hug Mia briefly. “But only because you asked so nicely.”

That had been the most surprising thing about this whole thing. Mia and Benji had bonded, were actual legit friends now, had more inside jokes than Victor and Felix did, and liked to joke about how much of an idiot Victor was on a daily basis. Victor didn’t mind, really, although he wasn’t sure how to feel about his ex-girlfriend and his boyfriend getting on this well.

“You excited for the show?” Mia asked Benji, grinning up at him brightly.

“Yeah,” Benji nodded eagerly, going off on another hilariously detailed rant about the band and the songs that they were most likely going to play, and Victor couldn’t help but smile, because Benji’s enthusiasm for the band and his own impending performance was infectious and he was so damn adorable.

“What’s up everybody?!”

Victor turned to the stage, finding it finally occupied by a tall, gorgeous dark-skinned young woman with thin, long box braids swept up into a playful ponytail. “Oooh, I love her outfit,” he heard Lake whisper audibly, and Mia’s affirmative mumble. Benji, on the other hand, was back to bouncing up and down on his toes excitedly, his fingers tight on Victor’s wrist.

“You guys are in for a treat,” the young woman grinned broadly. “Tonight, you’ll be getting a taste of the original Sunset Curve to open the Battle of the Bands! Our lead singer Julie is unfortunately down with a horrible cold and can’t sing, so we brought in an old fan favorite for a small reunion performance!”

“Oh my God,” Benji whispered. “Bobby’s here!”

Victor frowned in confusion, because he was pretty sure he’d heard Benji mention the name before, but then Benji had been talking about Sunset Curve and Julie and the Phantoms non-stop for the past three weeks and Victor had tried to keep up, tried to keep them all straight in his head, but much as he enjoyed their music, keeping up with the band members was more than a little confusing.

“Give it up for Sunset Curve!” The young woman cheered, and the crowd roared excitedly back at her as the band members filed onto the stage. Victor clapped, grinning at the way Benji was screaming in excitement beside him, the way Mia and Lake were both jumping up and down and Felix was clapping so hard his hands had to be hurting.

He returned his attention to the stage, to the band members that were taking up their places by the instruments and he realized another reason Benji was probably so enthralled by this band—they were all undeniably and stupidly attractive.

“Nothing to worry about, huh?” He asked playfully, nudging Benji in the side.

His boyfriend grinned back at him unrepentantly and winked. “Not a damn thing,” he chuckled, leaning up to press a kiss to Victor’s cheek. “But you gotta admit the eye candy is a great bonus.”

Victor just shook his head and laughed, just as the band’s lead singer bounced up to his microphone and greeted the crowd excitedly. “Hi everyone, I’m Luke, just for tonight, we’re Sunset Curve, and this is Now or Never.” The other band members began playing almost before he finished talking, the music loud and lively, stirring up the crowd of people.

As soon as the lead singer—Luke, Victor reminded himself—started singing, Benji sang along, as did a fair few other people in the crowd, and Victor saw why these guys had landed a record deal at seventeen. They sounded even better live than they did in their recorded songs, and Victor found himself bobbing his head to the beat, impressed by the way the band played together, the way they moved together, like a unit, like they knew exactly where everyone was going to be—

His breath caught a little when the bassist skipped across the stage to Luke and Luke moved naturally so they could share the mic between them, both of them pressed so close together there was hardly any space between them at all—they were a hair’s breadth from kissing and somehow Victor didn’t think either of them would mind if the mic, the only thing separating their lips, would disappear altogether.

“I get it,” he shouted at Benji. “Why they can’t figure out who’s dating who. They look like they’re a second away from jumping each other.”

Benji laughed and nodded. “Yeah, that’s part of it.”

The bassist skipped back to his own microphone with a massive grin for the chorus before jumping up onto the little platform with the drummer, who grinned at him with a bright, fond little grin before he jumped back off and they launched into the final chorus, and Benji started singing along again, ecstaticly shouting the lyrics back at the band.

As soon as the last note rang out, the crowd burst into raucous applause and Victor found himself cheering along with the others because he got the hype now. These guys were amazing and they were really entertaining to watch too.

“Thank you,” Luke shouted into the microphone, fingers still curled around the neck of his guitar, grinning wildly. “We’re Sunset Curve!”

“Tell your friends!” The bassist quipped with a cheeky smile, causing a smatter of laughter amongst those gathered there, even as the rest of the band laughed and rolled their eyes as they set their instruments down—or, in the drummer’s case, jumped down from his little platform to join the others.

“Right,” Luke said cheerfully, “I wanna thank Bobby here,” he dragged the tall, darkhaired young man closer with an impish grin, “for coming out of retirement at the ripe old age of twenty-one to join us tonight because Julie couldn’t make it.” Everyone cheered, and Victor clapped too, even as the singer continued, “And we want to welcome you to this edition of Battle of the Bands!”

The crowd cheered again, and Luke beamed. “We’ve got five really great bands lined up for you,” the bassist continued, and the drummer nodded beside him, smiling lightly as he looked out at the crowd, taking a clipboard from the dark-skinned woman who’d announced them.

“First up, there’s—” he glanced down at the clipboard and frowned, glancing towards Luke incredulously. “Dude, did you write this?”

Luke glanced over with a pout. “No.”

Victor glanced towards Benji, but he didn’t seem to understand the dynamic anymore than Victor did. Before either of them could comment though, the drummer snorted a laugh and said, “Can’t blame me for asking, man, when stuff is weirdly illegible, it’s usually you.”

Victor laughed at that, before the drummer said, “Anyway, first up is the Sticky Beaks!”

Benji gasped as the crowd applauded, swallowed thickly and turned to Victor with a nervous little smile. “Wish me luck,” he breathed, and Victor tried to smile encouragingly, leaning down to press a swift kiss to Benji’s lips, smiling against his boyfriend’s lips when Benji’s hands came up to clutch at the back of his neck for a long moment before he leaned back.

“You got this,” he told Benji, grinning back before his boyfriend bounced up to the stage with the rest of the band—minus Derek, who had quit the band after his and Benji’s break up.

“So,” Felix said as they watched Benji take the microphone from Luke, “You know what he’s playing?”

The other three pressed closer too, eager to hear Victor’s answer. “Some country song,” he replied, watching the band set up as the guys from Sunset Curve stood at the edge of the stage, chatting quietly amongst themselves. “I think he mentioned he chose it because it was uh—” he gestured towards the bassist, who was now tucked under the blond drummer’s arm.

“Reggie,” Mia supplied.

“Right,” Victor nodded. “Reggie’s favorite. He mentioned it in an interview or something.”

“Hah,” Andrew snorted. “Who knew your boyfriend was such a fanboy, Salazar?” Victor shook his head with a smile, because that was indeed quite the revelation—if not a very delightful one.

“It’s cute,” Mia said, smiling lightly as Benji began strumming the guitar, taking up his place at the microphone as the others set up next to and behind him. Victor remembered the first time he’d watched Benji play at one of these, when he’d still been desperately trying to convince himself he could be into Mia romantically, when Benji had sung ‘Call Me Maybe’.

He wondered if this time would be just as mesmerizing.

“Hi everyone,” Benji exclaimed happily. “We’re the Sticky Beaks, and since we aren’t allowed to do original songs this time, we prepared an old favorite of ours. Enjoy.”

When Benji started playing and singing, Victor noticed the darkhaired bassist—Reggie—perk up immediately, slapping excitedly at the drummer’s arm and tugging on Luke’s hand with an eager grin. Victor couldn’t help but grin, because not only did Benji and the band sound amazing, but it looked like his intention of getting Sunset Curve’s attention by using Reggie’s favorite song was working.

“I just need you to know,” Benji sang, eyes fastening on Victor, and Victor’s breath caught in his lungs for a second as his heartbeat sped up. “I love you more than a California sunset, more than a beer when you ain’t twenty-one yet—”

Victor remembered to breathe when Felix elbowed him in the side, smirking at him and wiggling his eyebrows playfully when Victor managed to look away from his boyfriend.

Victor blushed, biting down on his lip as he looked back toward Benji, who winked at him as he sang, “Yeah, I love you more than the feeling when the bass hits the hook, when the guy gets the guy at the end of the book—but, baby, this might be the last time I get to lay you down, 'cause I can't love you more than my hometown.”

Victor shuddered when Benji drew out the final note, and he was the first to burst into loud, raucous cheering when the music died down, and he noticed with some satisfaction that the Sunset Curve guys all looked really impressed too—Reggie was practically vibrating in excitement, held in place only by his bandmates hands on him.

“How about that?” Luke cheered as he strutted back onto stage, clapping Benji on the shoulder jovially. “That’s a tough act to follow,” he said as Benji very nearly floated off the stage, throwing his arms around Victor as soon as he was within reach.

Victor stopped paying attention to the next band almost immediately, focusing instead on his jubilant boyfriend. “Having you in the crowd is like a good luck charm,” Benji laughed, leaning in to press a more passionate, deeper kiss than they usually shared in public to his lips. “You have to always come to performances from now on,” Benji decreed as soon as they’d parted.

“Sure,” Victor chuckled. “If you can convince Sarah to give us time off on the same nights.”

Benji wrinkled his nose. “As long as I never have to go shopping with her again, I’ll do whatever it takes to convince her to let us have time off at the same time.”

Before Victor could say anything to that, the rest of their friends pounced on them and the rest of Benji’s band, congratulating them on a good performance and teasing Benji for his choice in songs. The band joined in teasing Benji mercilessly, bringing up the time Benji had asked them to learn ‘Call Me Maybe’ in less than a week—both Victor and Benji blushed hard at that—and Mia pointing out with a smirk that even she had thought there might be more to the way they looked at each other until Derek popped up.

“Dude!”

They spun around to find the Sunset Curve bassist—Reggie, Victor reminded himself—standing behind them with an absurdly excited expression, practically bouncing in place.

“Uh,” Benji said slowly, and Reggie grinned. “I can’t believe you played that—it was so good, where did you hear it first? Like, lots of people ignore country music as a whole at these things but you managed the sound so well I’d almost believe you were Wallen himself, but you know—” he waved a hand at Benji and Victor’s entwined hands. “—younger and gayer.”

“Uh,” Victor said, this time.

“Reg, baby,” the drummer strolled up behind him casually and slung an arm around the bassist. “Are you scaring the baby gays again?”

“No, ‘lex,” Reggie pouted up at the blond. “I was being nice.”

“He—he was,” Benji managed, although he still looked a little like he was about to faint. “He said he liked the song we played, he was just—asking us about it.”

The drummer nodded, keeping his arm around Reggie’s shoulders, and said, “That really was a great performance—we don’t get a lot of country at these. I think Reggie nearly expired with excitement when he recognized the song.”

He jostled the bassist playfully and Victor was fascinated by the interaction, because earlier he’d been convinced that Reggie had something going on with Luke, the lead singer—that chemistry when they’d shared a microphone was insane. Now, though, seeing him with the drummer, seeing that casual affection between them that he’d only seen with couples who’d been together forever, like Bram and Simon, he wasn’t so sure anymore.

He abruptly understood why no one knew which of these boys were dating.

“I’m glad you liked it,” Benji managed, a little flustered and bashful like he usually got when people gave him compliments. “That’s—that’s why we picked it.”

“Oh,” Reggie looked at them with wide eyes. “Really? That’s so cool though, how’d you know we—”

“He’s a fan, Reg,” the drummer pointed out. “You’ve mentioned it’s your favorite song in like ten interviews in the last year alone.” Reggie’s cheeks flushed with a splotchy blush and he looked down for a second with a pout—Victor hadn’t even said anything and he still felt like he’d kicked a puppy—before the drummer grumbled and shook his head.

“It’s not a bad thing, Reg,” he said, but before Reggie could say anything, Luke the lead singer popped up beside them, grinning excitedly.

“Hey man,” he told them, “Don’t tell anyone yet, but you guys were definitely the best ones so far.”  

“Thanks,” Benji choked, and the band made similar appreciative noises behind them. “You guys are… so cool,” he then blurted, much to his own shock, it seemed. “I just—” he squeezed Victor’s hand hard, and Victor squeezed back just as tightly as Benji said, “Just—you guys coming out, being proud about who you were, especially you, Alex—” he gestured towards the drummer, “It helped. A lot.”

Reggie’s mouth had fallen open into a tiny ‘o’ and Alex’s expression looked complicated, but Victor got it too. The first time someone at school had cornered him and told him his coming out had made a difference for them, he’d been overwhelmed and shocked too.

“That’s—uh,” Alex stuttered, “I’m glad it made a difference.”

“Told you,” Luke grinned, patting Alex on the shoulder. “Making out on stage after our manager told us to pray the gay away is still the best thing we ever did.”

Victor snorted an ugly laugh at that, and when everyone turned to look at him, he winced, “Sorry, it’s not funny, it’s just—that’s exactly what my grandparents suggested I do when I told them I was gay and that I had a boyfriend. They even sent the priest to our house.”

Alex shook his head and Luke pouted. “My parents disowned me,” Alex said quietly, honestly. “Reggie’s tried to beat him up—Luke’s mom was the only one that accepted us.”

“Yeah, ‘cause she’s awesome,” Luke snorted, and then nudged Reggie before turning to Benji. “Wanna show us the chords to that song? I bet anything Reg’s been dying to ask you that since he first heard you play it.” Before Victor knew it, his boyfriend was whisked away, back to the instruments, chattering excitedly with Luke and Reggie, leaving him standing awkwardly with Alex, who was shaking his head fondly as he watched his bandmates.

“So, uh,” Victor tried, feeling desperately awkward and completely out of his depth but also deeply curious, “how’d you figure out you were gay?”

Alex blinked at him in surprise before chuckling and shaking his head. “You’ve seen my bandmates, right? I’ve known them since I was eight. Hard not to notice.” He deadpanned, gesturing towards Luke and Reggie. Victor glanced towards them too and flushed, eyes catching on Luke’s impressive biceps in that stupid shirt with the sleeves cut off, and the curve of Reggie’s lips.

“Yeah,” he agreed faintly, “Yeah, okay, that’s fair.”

Alex laughed, running his fingers through his blond hair. “They’re idiots,” he said, but he sounded fond as he said it, and Victor watched curiously as Alex glanced back towards Reggie and Luke, who were watching Benji attentive as he played something on his guitar and then mimicked it.

The smile on Alex’s face went soft and fond, and Victor vaguely wondered if he looked like that when he looked at Benji, wondered if Alex was looking at Luke or at Reggie and wondered about the skateboarding champion Benji had mentioned.

Whatever else, he was glad his own love life was—now—not nearly as complicated as Alex’s seemed to be.

“Does it get easier?” He asked quietly, so quietly that for a second he was sure—and glad—that Alex hadn’t heard him at all.

“Sometimes,” Alex replied suddenly, and Victor nearly jumped when the drummer patted his shoulder lightly. “Sometimes it’s easier—and then others it’s just as terrifying as the first time you have to say it out loud.” He bit his lip and shook his head lightly. “All I can really tell you to do is to find your people. Once you got those in your corner… I’m telling you, the world feels a lot less scary when you’ve got good people in your corner.”

He gestured towards Reggie, who was still talking animatedly with Benji, and Luke, who had apparently gotten bored and was bothering their fourth band member, hanging off his shoulder and chatting in his ear. “They’re idiots, but they’re my idiots. Find a couple of your own and there’s nothing you can’t do.”

Victor glanced over his shoulder at his friends, who were actually dancing to whatever band was on stage now, watched Felix try to spin Lake into an unneccessarily complicated spin and nearly trip all over himself while doing so and watched Mia and Andrew laugh at them before they switched partners and tried again—with mixed results—and found himself smiling.

“I think I already have,” he admitted.

When he looked back, Alex was smiling at him, patting his shoulder again. “Good on you, kid.”

“Alex!” Reggie was bouncing back towards them, dragging Benji behind him with a slightly manic grin. “Alex, tell him I’m not allowed to drive the truck, he won’t believe me when I tell him you hide the keys.”

Alex shook his head and gave Reggie an exasperated look before he turned back to Victor. “So much work, these idiots, no matter how much we love them.” He ignored Reggie’s indignant squawk and pulled him close, planting a kiss on Reggie’s lips before he shoved him back. “I hide the keys from you because the last three times we let you drive, you almost crashed the car because you got distracted by a cute dog, a cloud shaped like a hot dog and cows in a field. Not neccessarily in that order.”

Reggie pouted. “Cows are cool.”

Alex rolled his eyes again, yanked Reggie closer for another quick, hard kiss before he pushed him back, and said, “You’re so lucky you play bass.”

Benji chuckled and patted Reggie on the shoulder comfortingly before he sidled up next to Victor again. “It’s okay, man, Victor won’t let me drive anywhere either.”  Victor rolled his eyes, because they’d had this conversation several times, and he was glad they could joke about it now, could laugh about it now that Benji had his license back, but he did remember the days that the subject had rendered his boyfriend sullen and withdrawn for days at a time.

“Last time you drove, you drove straight through a Wendy’s,” he deadpanned.

Benji pouted. “That was one time.”

Reggie huffed and grabbed Benji’s hand, dragging him back towards where Luke and Bobby were still talking. “Come on, Benji, let’s go somewhere we’re actually appreciated.”

Victor laughed a little as Reggie dragged Benji off, watching as the darkhaired bassist jumped into Luke’s arms as soon as he was within reach, planting a long kiss on Luke’s lips before slinging an arm around the shorter man’s shoulders and starting to talk with large, exaggerated gestures, making the three others laugh almost instantly.

Felix popped up beside him and immediately started talking a mile a minute, excited and enthusiastic and entirely unaware that Victor only caught about every four words of his long speech—it had something to do with food and a double date, but that was all he managed to glean from Felix’s speech before the other boy turned to Alex.

His eyes widened before he held out a hand and said, “Dude, you were so cool up there, with the whole—” he mimed beating the drums and Alex snorted a laugh as Felix continued, “And like, you were singing too, that’s some prime multitasking, man, I don’t think I could do it, I’d probably forget to drum half the time or forget the words I’m supposed to sing—”

Alex was staring at Felix with an expression that bordered between awed and mildly horrified, which was a pretty standard reaction after a first exposure to Felix’s… big personality, and Victor was a little impressed by how well Alex seemed to handle the abrupt changes in topics before his gaze drifted over to Reggie, who was still talking to Luke, Benji and Bobby and it suddenly clicked.

He glanced towards Alex and found Alex staring back at him with wide, horrified eyes, and Victor didn’t need to know him very well to know they were thinking the exact same thing.

“We can never let them meet,” Alex said decisively, as soon as Felix abandoned them to go dance with Lake again.

“Nope,” Victor shook his head. “The universe would implode.”

“It probably would, Christ,” Alex laughed, shaking his head. “It’s fine. I’ll go manage my village idiot—I’ll send your boyfriend back to you to help you handle yours.”

Victor huffed a laugh. “Thanks, man.”

Alex patted him on the shoulder one more time and added, “It was nice meeting you, Victor.” He walked off before Victor could reply, but Victor smiled anyway.

Benji turned to smile at him when Alex joined the group, slotting between Reggie and Luke like he belonged there—which he probably did—and Victor smiled back, his chest going all warm and tight again before he turned and went to join his friends.

Benji would probably be caught up with the band for a while, and Victor came to have fun.

He took Mia’s hand when she reached out and let her guide him into a simple spin before he settled into rhythm with the rest of the group, grinning wildly at his friends—his people—as they danced.

Things were going to be fine.

End Notes:

The song Benji sings is ‘More than my hometown’ by Morgan Wallen

Some HC’s that didn’t make it into the fic:

* Luke, Alex and Reggie have been dating since before they managed to get a record deal, but they figured it’d be easier to keep their romantic life private if they kept fans guessing.

* this was then helped when Alex met Willie and fell head over heels in love with him too. He’s cool with Alex’s relationship with Luke and Reggie.

*Luke and Julie dated for a while too, but they split up because they kept clashing over the stupidest things — they work better platonically. Julie and Flynn are now dating.

* Their original record label was run by a bunch of homophobic assholes that tried to convince Bobby, the band’s token straight, to sell out his friends. Instead he told them and they figured something out

* Bobby retired because he was done with showbizz and the other three met Julie and reinvented themselves before getting signed to a new label.

[moonlightskids]

soulmates

werewolf au! (smut)

i.

the house was already packed when you arrived, holding tightly to your boyfriend’s shirt in an attempt to not get lost in the crowd of drunk college students. you like parties as much as any other miserable college student looking to forget about the amount of pending assignments, so when chan mentioned one of his senior friends was throwing one and inviting everyone, including freshmen, you thought it’ll be fun to get distracted with your boyfriend for a while.

walking to the backyard of the half destroyed house, you get past drunk couples grinding on each other and the drinks table where hyunjin pours you a really questionable beverage.

on the patio, you find a group of your friends, chan’s arm is over his new girlfriend, doyeon, you recognize his sister standing really close to felix and the rest of the group who seems pretty intoxicated, scattered around, all laughs and rosey cheeks as the two of you walk closer.

“hey love birds”, changbin barely gets outs, leaning his weight on seungmin’s thin figure, “what took you so long?”, you chuckle at his lazy voice, he seems ready to go to bed.

“it’s only 11pm, how are you so fucked up already”, hyunjin laughs at his friend’s antics, “it’s yerim”, seungmin replies, not bothered by the way his older friend is basically napping against him. hyunjin hums in understanding leaving you in the dark, who the fuck yerim, giving your boyfriend a look he leans in to whisper in your ear, “i’ll explain it later”

as hyunjin walks to help seungmin with a passed out changbin, you make your way to doyeon, the other girl smiles, taking her boyfriend’s arm off of her to put her own on your shoulder, “having fun?”, she has a mischievous smile on her face.

“yeah”, your eyes are focused on felix and hannah, who seem really comfortable with each other, “what’s going on there”, doyeon eyes them too, chuckling at the frown on her boyfriend’s face, “i guess they’re a thing now”, you rise an eyebrow remembering vividly when hyunjin told you about how strict chan was with the ‘professional’ relationship the boys had to keep with his sister but choose to let it go, is none of your business, you’ll just add it to the things your boyfriend will have to explain some day.

chan comes to you, a smile on his face when he pats your head in hello, “hey, y/n, can i steal her for a moment?”, you nod watching him take away your company, “hey”, hyunjin’s hand laces with yours as he pulls you away from his friend and into the livingroom where all the dancing is taking place. his hands taking their designed spot on your waist as he pushes your back against his chest, his hips grinding against yours and his lips leaving wet marks on the naked skin of your neck, “you smell so nice”, his words tickling your sentive spot, “that’s kind of creepy”, he giggles, turning you around and hiding his face in the crook of your neck, “you love me though”, the roll of your eyes confirming his sentence without the need of you speaking.

ii.

going out was not a smart decision, after an hour or so of dancing, hyunjin and you decided to go out for some fresh air, him deciding to grab some drinks before joining you at the backyard. but it had definitely been better if you had stayed inside. from your spot you can see felix and who you assume is chan’s sister engaged into something you supposed chan himself wouldn’t approve of.

you’re sitting in one of the pool side chairs, enjoying the cold wind blowing against your hot skin when you feel someone sit next to you, thinking is hyunjin you turn around smiling, only to find a man you had never seen before, “um, can i help you?”, his cheeks red and eyes clouded from the amount of alcohol you probably had consumed that night, “what’s a beautiful girl like you doing here alone?”, he’s so close the strong smell of alcohol makes you gag, you move a little farther from him, “i’m not alone”, with a smirk, he covers the distance you had put between the two of you again, “you’re right”, he replys placing his hand on your tight, “you’re with me now”, his hand starts climbing up and when it reaches the hem of your skirt you jump away, backing till you hit someone, hyunjin’s hand is suddenly on your hip a low growl sounding next to your ear.

“hyunjin, is fine”, your fists close around his black shirt, trying to push him away from the other guy who didn’t know how to shut up, you can see his hands shaking, his face morfing into one that screamed for you to step away, “please let’s just go”, your voice breaks, what you didn’t know is that your fear was being misinterpreted by your boyfriend who’s instincts to protect were getting stronger, his eyes, now a deep red, were fixed infront of you, his body temperature rising.

before hyunjin could do something stupid, you hear a conmosion inside the house, minho and chan getting out, pulling him away from each arm and stepping outside the property. in a minute, you’re left alone with the party’s loud music and a multitude looking at you.

from the side, you watch doyeon and jisung walk to you, the both of them trying to sooth your fears away, “he just needs a minute to calm down”, jisung tries to reason with you, “but jisung, you didn’t see him, his eyes were completely red”, the two of them share a look, “y/n, you probably just saw wrong”, doyeon petting your hair but you’re too worried about what is happening to your boyfriend, “i’ll go get you some water”, jisung walks back inside and you take the chance to make your way to where your boyfriend had been pulled to.

ignoring doyeon’s requests to stay with her you walk to the three line that surrounds the neighborhood, passing through passed out college students. between the tall acres you find the trio, the two oldest are trying to calm hyunjin down which seems to not be working and in a moment you watch your boyfriend go from a tall boy to a caramel wolf triple times his size, you yelp in surprise earning the boy’s attention. his expressions could fit in a comic, hyunjin, well the wolf, walks towards you, big cautious eyes as he looks at you afraid to scred you, you step away, your feet getting tangled with a three’s root making you fall on your butt.

hyunjin whines lowering his head, seeing you so scared and knowing it’s his fault and he can’t do anything to make you feel better is the complete opposite of what his instincts want. before any of the boys could explain anything to you, you’re already running away, your legs carrying you as far away and as fast as they can, leaving behind a broken hearted hyunjin.

iii.

you watch your phone light up again, this time, changbin’s name appears on the screen, joining the other missed calls from all of the boys when it stops ringing. you sigh covering your head with your sheets, you’ve read all the text messages asking you to hear them out, to call hyunjin but you can’t find youself to do it.

even if your heart pangs everytime you think about the sad face he gave you when you turned away from him, in an attempt to try and understand on your own you had searched about it on the internet, feeling like a complete idiot when you typed the word ‘werewolf’ on the search tab. you had read every page that had appeared, from signs on how to spot one to how to get rid of one, but it was all too much. you had fallen asleep thinking about how you had spent the last months of your life going out with a supernatural being.

your phone lights up yet again making you groan against your pillow, can’t they take the hint?, taking the device from your nightstand, jisung’s name appears on the screen mocking you, with a defeated sigh you slide your finger, answering the call.

“oh thank god y/n”, jisung voices so loudly you have to move the phone away from your ear, “what do you want, jisung?”, you hope you don’t sound as tired as you feel but by the way he shifts on the side tells you otherwise, “listen, i know this is all probably too much and it most be hard for you but could you please, please, come over and talk to hyunjin?”, you sit up straight ready to reject the request, “i don’t think that’s a good idea”, jisung most have moved from the room he was cause the background goes quiet before he speaks again, his voice barely a whisper, “hyunjin is not doing well, y/n, please just come by”, you let out a defeated sigh, your heart squeezing, in all of this, you hadn’t thought once about how he most be feeling, “ok”, the call finishes and you let yourself fall back on the bed, kicking your legs till there was no more energy.

the ride to his shared apartment with seungmin feels shorter than normally and soon you fidn yourself sitting on your car trying to gain the confidence to walk inside, “it’s ok y/n, it’s just hyunjin, you know hyunjin, he would never hurt you”, at least not the human version, taking in a deep breath you get out of the car and make your way to the apartment.

before you could knock the door opens reveling a messy jisung who lets you in immediately, seungmin’s sitting on the dinningroom a bunch of books and papers scattered everywhere, lifting his head from the one he’s reading to give you a soft smile and a wave before going back to his studies.

“thank you for coming, y/n”, jisung speaks lowly, you nod in response, all your energy concentrated in trying not to freak out, “hyunjin’s in his room, you know the way”, without another word, he goes back to the sofa, game controller in his hand.

you breath in three times before knocking on his door, when you receive no answer you decide to walk in.

the lights are all off and the curtain is down, not even letting the sunlight in, giving the room a chilling look, the only movement comes from the bed, where hyunjin is laying, under all the sheets you supposed, “hyunjin?”, your voice is barely audible but you can tell he heard you when his black hair peaks from under the montain of comforters, his eyes are cloudy, cheeks swollen and lips chapped, you can tell he’s lost some weight.

he’s looking at you like he’s just seen a ghost, clearing your throat you take a step closer to him calling his name again, for a moment, it’s like he’s back to normal, shooting out from the bed to get closer to you in a quick move, a hurt expression growing on his face when you back away just as fast, your back hitting the door.

he whines watching you with begging eyes and you have to gather all the strenght you have to not run away in that moment. with a defeated sigh he falls back on the bed, head lowered and you can physically feel your heart breaking.

yes, maybe hyunjin is half wolf, and yes, maybe he has been lying to you since you met, but you can understand, he didn’t want to end up in the situation you’re in now and you love him, at the end of the day it’s still just hyunjin.

you take a sit next to him with a sigh, your body tensed being so close to him, “i’m sorry...”, his voice is barely audible, his eyes filled with tears, he looks like a kicked puppy and you can’t help the impossible strong feeling pushing your heart to comfort him.

you nod, a small smile on your lips, “i know”, your hand cups his face strocking his cheek with your thumb. hyunjin closes his eyes leaning into your touch and you hear the soft purr that comes from him, his lips trembling, “...please don’t leave”, his hands hold onto your forearms and when you nod again, he takes it as an invitation and pulls you with him to lay on the bed, your hands changing positions, yours supporting your weight and his cupping your cheeks, holding his breath, hyunjin pulls your lips on his, giving you a slow kiss, pouring in it all the love he has for you.

you kiss all over his face and you feel the smile forming in it, hyunjin finally feels a weight lift off his shoulders and you rest your head on his chest, his hands holding you tight by your waist.

iv.

you wake up to the sound of hyunjin’s snors and specially loud purrs when you brush his hair. the sun is long gone and the house is completely silent, the clock on the nightstand marks 5am which means you’ve been sleeping for quite a while.

lifting yourself with your elbows you leave small kisses on his neck and you can hear the satisfied sigh he releases, “morning”, his voice is laced with sleep but his actions aren’t. the long days you spent apart making him desperate to touch, more than he ever felt before, maybe it has to do with the fact you accepted him as your soulmate now that you know everything.

“jisung said you have been reading a lot about werewolfs”, his hands sneak under your shirt as he leans down to kiss you, “kind of”, you let him do as he pleases, his hands roaming all over your body, “so you know... that we...”

“are destined to be together for the rest of our lives?”, the statement making him blush, “is that ok with you?”, you place a short kiss on his forehead, “i love you and that’s all that matters”, he breaks into a wide smile, taking his hands out of your shirt to change positions.

getting on top of you hyunjin gets rid of his own shirt and puts his lips back on yours. you let your fingers trace the soft skin of his chest and back before tangling them on his hair pushing him harder against you.

“y/n...”, he says between kisses, “i love you”

without another word he makes his way down your body. getting rid of his pants and yours, leaving you both in your underwear. his hands roam your body the sensation of being skin to skin making you tingle and you lock your legs around his hips.

you let his lips mark you body, from your neck to your chest, taking special time with your boobs, “hmm, hyunjin”, your moan and the way you grind against his hard member making him growl, a deep one that only send shivers down to you heat, “please”, you don’t miss the smirk on his face when he pulls apart to take your underwear off, “you smell so good”, he moans, his hands separating your legs so he could dive in, his tongue tracing your heat, putting special pressure to your clit, making your legs shiver.

“hyunjin”, you whine again, pulling him from his hair so he can kiss you, “i want you”, he laughs and his eyes shine a soft gold when he looks back at you, taking off his underwear he positions himself on your entrance, “tell me if it hurts, ok?”, you nod, your finger digging in the skin of his arms when you feel the pressure.

you try not to show the pain, which you figure doesn’t work when he starts kissing all over your face, “it’ll feel better”, he promised, his hips moving at a steady pace, the sound of your skins hitting and your quiet moans filling the room. the sensation is not what you expected but better, your whole body feels like it’s on fire with the way he’s touching you.

a strange knot starts forming in your lower abdomen, making it harder to breathe, your eyes closing at the overwhelming sensation, “hyunjin”, you whimper, your hips rising to meet his in a desperate try to reach your release.

you can tell he’s just as close as you with his face hiding in the crook of your neck, you can feel his canines gracing your sensitive skin and another whimper falls through your lips when his hand reaches for your clit, drawing slow circular motiongs before you finally feel the knot come undone.

hyunjin fastens his pace riding you of your orgasm and looking for his own release that doesn’t take long to come, he let’s go inside of you with a deep growl, his hands pressing the skin of your waist till his body goes limp, letting his weight rest on you humming in satisfaction.

“are you ok?”, his plump lips move against your skin, you nod, “i love you, y/n”, his arms locking you in place, “i love you too jinnie”, you stay like that, enjoying the calmness of the early morning as the sun starts peaking through the curtains, you’re almost completely asleep when hyunjin’s stomach growls, “someone’s hungry”, you giggle, “seungmin’s making breakfast”, he announces, “so early?”

he moves from you stretching his limbs and walking to the closet to grab a fit for him and one for you. making your way to the kitchen you find seungmin infront of the stove cooking what looks like eggs, “morning”, you find a seat in at the kitchen table as you watch hyunjin look for two plates, “morning”, he scoffs not even sparing you guys a look, “you ok min?”, hyunjin chuckles at his best friend’s grumpiness.

“sure”, he says putting a spoon of eggs on your plate rather aggressively, “i love waking up at 5am on a sunday”, another spoon of eggs on hyunjin’s plate, “just to hear the two of you fuck”, you can’t help the heat that rises to your cheeks, the same expression on hyunjin’s face, “sorry”, you both mumble before digging into seungmin’s always perfectly cooked eggs.

m.list

———————————————————————

i’m thinking of turning this werewolf aus into a whole universe, like make all the stories happen in the same world, is that something any of you would be interested in? let me know uf you are.

[btxtreads]

📼  d r a m a  📼

CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE: RIGHT HERE, RIGHT NOW

↳ Pairing: Choi Soobin x Reader

↳ word count: 1.7k words

↳ rating: PG

↳ genre: fluff, this is so cheesy and cliche hhhhhh but its meant to be like that, once again i want beomgyu and taehyun to be my friends

a/n: anon from a few hours ago was right but also askjdsajkshajsa this is so cheesy??????????? :((((((((((((((((( im so adsjnjadsjhsadhjsad

Beomgyu’s knuckles pounded on the door, screaming.

Beside him stood Taehyun, his hands in his pockets and eyes incredulously boring onto his best friend with confusion.

Beomgyu continued screaming, his hand still rapping on the door.

“Beomgyu, shut up!”

“Oh, Y/N, you’re still alive,” Beomgyu replied, stopping his screaming. “Y/N, come out and eat lunch with us!”

Behind Taehyun and Beomgyu was one of the boys’ maids, dusting the photo frames in hallway.

Taehyun shot an apologetic look at the older woman, who only smiled.

If the woman was weirded out, it wasn’t apparent as she continued on her way.

Taehyun looked back at Beomgyu who started screaming again, knocking on the door.

His phone pinged with a text.

Choi Soobin: hi taehyun, im on my way. can you keep beomgyu occupied for a while?

Taehyun cleared his throat.

“Hey, gyuu?”

Beomgyu stopped, turning back to him.

“What’s up?”

“Maybe she’ll come out if we make her favorite food ourselves?” Taehyun suggested, wincing when she remembered how useless both of them were at cooking.

That’s why the only home-cooked food they ate was Y/N’s and made by Beomgyu’s on-call chef.

Despite this, Beomgyu gasped.

“Yes, let’s make Y/N’s favorite food!” Beomgyu nodded enthusiastically, knocking on the door once more. “Taehyun and I will make Carbonara for you!”

Taehyun winced as he was dragged to the kitchens, pulling his phone out to send a quick text.

Taehyun: beomgyu and i are going to be in the kitchens. i told the guards you were coming.

Choi Soobin: thank you. im here.

Y/N laid face-down on the bed, snapping up when she hear Beomgyu scream something concerning.

“Taehyun and I will make Carbonara for you!”

This was followed by a loud pitter-patter of footsteps fading away.

“Wait, no!”

Y/N gasped, falling off the bed.

Beomgyu and Taehyun can’t cook to save their lives.

“Guys, you’ll burn the house down!” Y/N squeaked from her position on the ground.

As soon as she sat up, she heard loud tapping on her window.

She turned to see pebbles hitting her window, which faced the garden.

“Who the hell—“ Y/N muttered under her breath, nearing the window to see a figure downstairs.

“Soobin?”

The said boy poked his tongue out as he picked up pebbles from the ground, cradling it in his arms and aiming to shoot it towards the window.

Y/N glared as she opened her window, making the boy gasp and smile.

“Y/N!”

“What the fuck are you doing to this window, you delinquent?”

Despite her harsh tone and words, Soobin shot her a bright smile.

“I found you.”

Y/N froze, his words sounding familiar.

Her grip tightened on the window sill, training her eyes up to the sky.

Soobin’s eyes softened as he gazed at the girl, who still looked perfect in his eyes.

She was decked in a loose white sweater that he recognized as Beomgyu’s, her hair was down in waves and her face bare of any make-up.

The girl ran a hand through her hair, clearing her throat as she looked back at the boy.

“What are you doing here?” She asked. “How did you find me?”

Soobin only shrugged, smiling.

“Does Beomgyu even know you’re here?”

He shook his head no.

“Please don’t tell him,”

Y/N pursed her lips, looking down.

“Soobin, you should go,”

Once again, he shook his head no and looked around.

“Ah, there’s no tree,” Soobin sighed, looking back up at the girl. “Can you come down?”

Y/N frowned, looking at the boy with a sigh.

“Y/N,” he called, looking at the girl with pleading eyes. “Please. Come down.”

The girl bit her lip and closed her window sill.

“Y/N?” Beomgyu gasped as Y/N passed by the kitchen on her way to the living room.

She shot him a quick look, opening the door to exit the house.

Taehyun grasped Beomgyu’s arm as he made a move to follow her, shaking his head and dragging him up the second floor.

Y/N slowly made her way to the garden, to see Soobin.

He stood there, perfect and proper—not a single strand of hair out of place.

He smiled, stretching a bouquet of white roses towards her.

“I remembered how you told me that you found white roses prettier than red ones,” Soobin explained as Y/N gingerly took the bouquet.

“Soobin, look,” Y/N sighed. “I understand, I got the message,”

“Huh?” Soobin frowned.

Y/N looked back up at him.

“You don’t have to apologize, or let me down properly. I understood very well,” Y/N smiled sadly and turned to leave. “Thank you for trying to apologize, anyway.”

Soobin sighed, looking up at the sky and pocketing his hands.

He cleared his throat.

“Can you imagine? What would happen if we could have any dream?”

Y/N stopped in her tracks.

Soobin’s soft voice continued.

“I wish this moment was ours to own it, and that it would never leave,”

Y/N slowly turned, looking back at the boy.

He smiled softly at her, fidgeting in his place.

“Then I would thank that star that made our wish come true,”

Y/N stayed still as Soobin made his way closer, his hand reaching out to take hers.

She was dead silent, making Soobin sigh in nervousness before continuing.

“Cause he knows that where you are is where I should be, too,”

Y/N looked at his eyes, her eyebrows furrowed as she observed him.

Suddenly, the sprinklers and the spotlights opened.

The speakers Beomgyu installed in the gardens, which Y/N always scolded him for because it was unnecessary, found its purpose as it blasted music that Soobin sang along to.

“Right Here, Right Now,”

Soobin’s hand found Y/N’s chin, lifting it up as water rained down on them.

He smiled delicately as tears filled Y/N’s eyes.

“I’m looking at you, and my heart loves the view.

Cause you mean everything.”

Y/N softly laughed in embarrassment, wiping tears and the raining water off her face.

“This is so cheesy,” She commented as Soobin smiled and continued.

“Right here, I promise you somehow,”

Soobin leaned his forehead on hers and intertwined their hands, closing his eyes.

“That tomorrow can wait for some other day to be,

But right now, there’s you and me,”

He opened his eyes, and smiled at Y/N as the music continued.

“I’m not gonna sing,” Y/N said. “I’m still mad at you,”

“I know,” Soobin said, moving his hands to her waist. “and I’m sorry,”

Y/N lowered her eyes.

“Chaewon, she’s—“

“Sure, I love her, but not like you think,” Soobin said, kissing her wet hair as the sprinklers continued to soak them. “Y/N, it’s you. I’m in love with you,”

Y/N slowly pulled away and looked back up at Soobin.

“Huh?”

He smiled delicately, looking down at the girl of his dreams.

“I told her that,” Soobin said, tucking a lock of wet hair behind her ear. “that I’m in love with you. That I’m so in love with you that losing you means losing my mind,”

Y/N blinked in surprise.

“Y/N, you were the best thing has ever happened to me,” Soobin explained. “And if you don’t believe me, I’d gladly show you everything me and Chaewon talked about. I would do anything you want to make it up to you, just—please,”

Y/N bit her lip as Soobin tightened his grip on her.

“Please, just don’t leave me alone,” Soobin whispered.

“Soobin,” Y/N started as Soobin looked down at her, loving eyes soft and anxious.

It was almost like he was gearing up for rejection.

Y/N reached her hands up to run through his hair and cup his face.

“The time I spent away from you made me lose my shit and realize that I was way worse without you than I was without her,” Soobin confessed. “I can’t forgive myself if I didn’t try, Y/N. You were something I can’t give up,”

Y/N chuckled through the newly formed tears in her eyes.

“You’re so corny,” Y/N commented before pulling him down to meet his lips with hers.

It was almost like the sprinklers rained water harder on them as they kissed.

It was smooth, passionate—no fireworks, not even sparks.

Just Soobin.

She couldn’t feel anything but him as she clutched tighter on Soobin, his hands pulling her closer to him—afraid to let go as if she was going to fade away.

Y/N pulled away and brushed the wet hair sticking to his forehead.

“I love you,”

Soobin laughed, picking her up and twirling her around.

Y/N shrieked in surprise, holding onto his shoulders.

“Soobin, Soobin, what the fuck!” She shrieked as Soobin laughed loudly.

“Fuck,” Soobin muttered as he set her down. “I’m so happy,”

Y/N smiled as he leaned back down to plant another kiss on her lips.

She giggled through the kiss as she reciprocated, Soobin picking her up again to twirl her with their lips connected.

Y/N smiled as he pulled away, forehead still connected to his.

“By the way, how did you pull this off?”

Soobin looked up at the second floor, smiling as he spotted two figures by the window sill.

“Over there,” He pointed.

Y/N turned and gasped.

With narrowed eyes, Beomgyu stood by the window with the sprinklers’ remote in his hands.

Taehyun bounced in his place as he waved a phone—the bright red album cover of High School Musical visibly playing.

Beomgyu mimed gagging, his loud fake vomit sounds audible as Taehyun screamed “You guys are disgusting,” from their spot.

Beomgyu cranked the sprinkler levels higher as Y/N laughed, leaning her head on Soobin’s chest.

Soobin only laughed, clutching her tight to him.

“Y/N?”

“Hm?”

“Will you be my girlfriend?”

Y/N pulled away and looked back up at him, her hand brushing his wet hair.

“I thought you’d never ask,”

Soobin smiled, leaning back down and crashing his lips on hers once again—the music still steadily playing at the background alone with Taehyun and Beomgyu’s noises.

Tomorrow can wait,

for some other day to be.

But right now there’s you and me

SAJHDJSDAJKKDHJSKJASDKJSADKJASJKKJASDJHJSAHDHSAJJHADS

[meagan-marie]

Six Months at Riot Games

I’ve been up all night after reading Kotaku’s article on the company culture of Riot, and its effect on women in particular. Cecilia contacted me as a potential source, but I didn’t commit to providing my experience on the record because I was worried about the ramifications of speaking out. The discourse around this conversation and the reticence to believe the women who came forward has stunned me. I’ve been carrying around a heavy weight on my shoulders since 2014, and I feel it is finally time to let it go. I only lasted six months at Riot before resigning.

In 2014, I left a job I loved and colleagues I adored to take up a post at Riot Games in Dublin. One of their recruiters had reached out to me nearly a year prior, and while I was immensely happy at my current place of work, I had always wanted to work abroad at least once in my life. I was becoming addicted to League of Legends, Riot had a history of great community-centric initiatives, and I felt that if I turned down the opportunity, I would always ask myself, “What if?”

I was initially apprehensive, as I had been told firsthand that Riot could have a “bro” culture at times. So I did my research. I asked the recruiter directly about the mysterious “culture” of Riot, and why conforming to it was so important. I even messaged a handful of women ex-Rioters to ask about their experiences. They all confirmed that Riot could have a “frat party” type atmosphere at times, but didn’t relay stories of overt sexism or harassment.

I took the job in early 2014. I sold my car, packed up all my belongings in a shipping container, committed to a long-distance relationship with my partner, and sent my cats off for the mandatory 30 days of quarantine. I fully committed, expecting to work there for several years at the minimum.

Before I detail some of what I experienced at Riot, first, let me state the obvious. The behavior below is NOT indicative of all Riot employees. The large majority of Riot employees I’ve met have been lovely, and as evidenced above, there are many people who weren’t subject to sexist behavior and harassment. That being said, from my own experiences and that of many others speaking out this week, an unacceptable number of people – primarily, but not exclusively women – have been subject to inappropriate behavior at Riot for years. It is systemic to the company’s culture and needs to be addressed as such.  

I’ve outlined some of the most notable negative encounters with Riot staff below. These don’t account for the daily microaggressions and condescending remarks that are too numerous to detail. For transparency, being four years removed from Riot has not degraded my recollection of these events. I am drawing them directly from the eight-page resignation letter I sent to Riot in August of 2014.

Content-Warning: Sexist, racist, homophobic, and transphobic language, as well as mentions of sexual assault.

At Riot, employees are encouraged to play League before/after work, or during lunch. My very first week at the Dublin office, I heard shouting from individuals playing together, calling each other “f*ggots” repeatedly. I was unnerved, but it was my first week and I didn’t know if this was a common occurrence. I didn’t say anything at that time. Eventually, the language would escalate to “n*gger”. No one flinched, and I realized it was considered the norm. Nearly the same thing happened my first day of meetings at the Riot LA office, where two men were loudly calling each other “c*cksuckers” right outside the office of the CEOs.

Soon I began to notice gendered language regularly being used among male Rioters to insult each other. Guys would tell each other “not to be such a girl” and call one another “p*ssies” quite regularly. They would casually refer to women as “b*tches” and say that “all women were crazy.” I also overheard a group discussing how a female professional made it far in the industry, suggesting she “sucked c*ck to get to the top.

My first month at Riot we had an opportunity to talk with one of the CEOs for an office-wide AMA. We were encouraged to submit questions anonymously. I submitted something that had bothered me for some time as a League player. I wondered why – other than the child characters and Yordles – nearly all the female champions had the exact same body type. The male champions were young, old, skinny, athletic, obese, handsome, monstrous, and more – they were unique and diverse. The most prevalent characteristic of female champions at the time was sex appeal. I wanted something more. I wanted to know when we would get a female equivalent of Gragas. 

The senior staff liked the question so much that they requested I ask it live, rather than anonymously. I was apprehensive at first because I was so new, but I also understood that this was an important opportunity to directly challenge someone in a position of power who could make a change. Unfortunately, the response boiled down to “giving the players what they want”, to which I rebutted that Riot was big enough to influence player perception of what characters are cool or fun to play. I was very disappointed by the response, which felt dismissive of the issue. (As a side note, I was happy to see Riot’s efforts to diversify their female champions these past few years.)

After the meeting, I realized I had put a target on my back with some of the men in the office. I didn’t even make it to my desk before a male colleague came up and told me that “women don’t want to play unattractive champions. They want to feel beautiful.” I was stunned. A woman behind us audibly laughed at the fact that he was informing us of our gender’s gaming preferences. A few male coworkers also asked why I would like to see an “unattractive” female champion, or a plus size female champion, because “no one wants to look at that.” These were several of dozens of conversations I would have on the matter.

Things only got worse the longer I stayed at Riot. I didn’t go out with colleagues after events because strip clubs seemed to be a common destination. Asking me what age I lost my virginity at was deemed appropriate conversation during a team dinner, and employees I didn’t know prodded into how my sex life worked in a long-distance relationship.

I felt out of place in my direct team as well. Our Jira sprints were named things like “thong.” I was the only woman on that particular team, and so a senior staff member named us the “Bros and Ho”.  I immediately tried to shut that down, but it was used for weeks regardless.

Rape became a punchline to jokes quite frequently, including one instance where an employee went on for several hours about how he was going to rape his male colleague, who was his hotel roommate. He was graphic in exactly how he was going to rape his roommate, who was a new hire, and it was obvious that the individual in question was extremely uncomfortable.

While on a team outing, the same senior staff member messaged a new employee’s girlfriend on Facebook asking if she was “DTF” - shorthand for “down to f*ck”. He thought it was a funny joke. The new staffer didn’t feel comfortable challenging him, even though his girlfriend was very uncomfortable and called to ask why she was being harassed by his boss.

Then came the final straw. At a work dinner, it came up that I thought I’d been paired in a hotel room with a male Rioter. It turned out to be a typo in the name, and, as was standard, I was paired with another woman. A senior staff member proceeded to repeatedly call me sexist for not being willing to room with a man I’d never met before. At first, I thought he was kidding, but he continued to make arguments to his point. I explained why I would be more comfortable sharing a room with another woman, and told him I wasn’t enjoying the conversation and would leave if I was continued to be called sexist. The conversation continued, with him eventually saying that my unwillingness to room with a man was the same as not hiring a woman due to her gender. I left the table in the middle of dinner, unwilling to take any more after six months of such behavior. I submitted my resignation shortly after.

My biggest concern with Riot – putting my own experiences behind me – is the inappropriate and sometimes predatory behavior that some staff exhibited towards fans. I frequently pushed back against comments and scenarios like these but found I was one of the few that would speak up. Rioters are often seen as celebrities with dedicated fans, and it is easy to abuse that power. 

I regularly witnessed lewd comments about women passing by at events, discussing their level of attractiveness, whether someone would sleep with them, and guessing if they were the age of consent.  

Several times I heard male employees bragging and sharing intimate details about hooking up with players at events, including a cosplayer we worked with in an official capacity. Several male colleagues even asked me to “hook them up” with cosplayers.

When I brought up the inappropriateness of a young League cosplayer having silly-string unexpectedly sprayed across her chest during a video piece by a third party – the gag being that he had ejaculated on her – I was told I was the “comedy police”.

I overheard at least a dozen employees comment on how cosplayers only make costumes for attention and ask “is this even considered a costume?” when a very famous cosplayer recreated a scantily-clad female champion. I showed them that she was one-to-one with the splash art. They begrudgingly conceded that it was an official outfit. This is obviously highly hypocritical.

At least three times Riot Dublin employees made inappropriate comments via work email about a female cosplayer’s breasts (one they regularly worked with).

While in LA, I had a week of very successful meetings with Rioters to help get a new cosplay initiative off the ground. In a recap meeting, I expressed how happy I was that we were creating such great programming for cosplayers. The senior most staff member responded with “Who wouldn’t want to work with cosplayers? Because Boobs.”

During one event, a first-time cosplayer came to our booth crying because someone had commented negatively on her weight in relation to the character. Another coworker and I consoled her for nearly 30 minutes, and she left, feeling much better. After she left, a fellow Rioter called her a “fatass” and asked why she would try to cosplay the character she chose. I was in shock but told him how inappropriate that was to say about our fans, especially those passionate enough to make and wear costumes. Cosplayers have also been called “tr*nnies” and “attention whores” by Riot employees at events.

In meetings, I was told that we shouldn’t put cosplayers on stage to play League live, because they are mostly women, and therefore not very good at the game.

Further examples of disrespect include when I argued that we shouldn’t let a cosplayer in blackface on our stage for a parade, keeping in mind that Riot is a global company. I was repeatedly called racist by my colleagues, who tried to convince me that it was an acceptable practice and I was overreacting.

This is not a comprehensive list. These were only the very specific examples I could draw from when I drafted my resignation letter at Riot. After word got out that I quit, I was contacted by several other women from the office, asking to meet. I was told more horror stories, discovering that some of them had been physically touched, cornered in shared vehicles, and faced professional retaliation for turning down advances. They asked for advice. I told them that they needed to speak up too.

The reason I didn’t share any of this before is because I felt trapped. I am not proud of myself for staying silent. After I quit, I was stranded in Ireland with my entire life in an apartment, no job, no car, and not even a cell phone, as it was immediately taken away from me once I resigned. I needed to get back to the United States somehow. Riot was my best bet, and I worried that if I didn’t agree to their mandates or went public with anything that I’d ruin my chance of getting home. After six months of near-daily misery, I was exhausted. I signed their agreements. I needed to get out. I recognize that I put myself at legal risk by disclosing my experience now. After years of regret and the thought that these practices could still be going on today, affecting countless others who also feel alone and outgunned by a company they were once excited to be a part of,  I am willing to take that risk. I want to work towards a better and more inclusive industry and show solidarity with the other women who have come forward.  

I left Riot feeling like a failure. I felt like I wasn’t tough enough to stick it out or make a positive change at the company.  I had been very public about my new adventure in Ireland, and all I could post about the return home was an agreed upon “culture fit issues’ statement to my social channels. Friends and followers could tell that something was wrong, but I couldn’t expand further.

To be clear, not everything from my time at Riot was negative. I became good friends with several of my co-workers and loved interacting with fans. Riot is a massive company that employs thousands of people. There are going to be women at the company who’ve never experienced sexism or harassment from their colleagues. I am very happy that they have found a safe working space with their particular branches or teams. That being said, these harassment-free experiences don’t invalidate the experiences of women like myself, and the dozens of others I personally met while working at Riot, who struggled with fair and respectful treatment on a daily basis.

The in-depth article on Kotaku and outpouring of other stories from both current and ex-Rioters finally gave me the courage to speak up, despite my concerns about professional or legal ramifications. I should have done this four years ago. I tried to facilitate change while working at Riot and after my departure. I’m hoping the groundswell of voices will now finally cause real, meaningful change within one of the most influential gaming companies in the world.

Two final notes:

To the many good eggs at Riot:  I’ve seen many of your posts. I understand your frustration if you have not been witness to this type of behavior, or experienced it yourself. That being said, you can support your company and the individuals who have come forward. Your anger shouldn’t be directed at the subjects of this abuse and maltreatment, but rather the individuals who perpetuated these acts in the first place. Please keep an eye out for your peers, and hold others accountable for their actions.

To young women hoping to work in gaming: Gaming can be a tough industry, but please don’t let conversations like this drive you away from pursuing your passion. The more we dissect and discuss these situations in a public forum, the more steps we take to making the industry a more inclusive place. As tough as gaming can be, it is equally welcoming and rewarding.

[blurry-fics]

Favors: Part Ten

Pairing: Josh Dun x Reader

Warnings: None

Word Count: 1912

Author’s Note: Getting close to the end! Hope you guys like it.

As if on cue, everyone’s heads swiveled towards the start of the aisle. Sure enough, who you assumed could only be Nickie’s mother was walking down the aisle. She walked to the front and took a spot at the front, on the left side. Once she had taken her seat, the Officiant appeared and walked down the aisle, a book firmly clasped in his hand. He took his spot under the arch, smiling widely.

Next came the groomsmen, each paired off with one of the bridesmaids. Josh was walking with someone you didn't recognize, but based off of her striking similarity to Nickie, you could only assume it was her sister. You had to admit, he looked pretty handsome all dressed up in his tux.

Each pair split off as they reached the end of the aisle. You could see Josh searching the crowd casually. When his eyes met yours, he winked before smirking to himself. You rolled your eyes to yourself, but smiled nonetheless. Just then, heads were spinning around once again. Jeremy was walking down the aisle, his suit cleanly pressed and his blonde hair pushed back to perfection. He took his spot under the arch, a hint of nervousness on his face.

The ring bearer came next, followed closely by the flower girl. Tyler quickly explained that they were the kids of some nearby neighbors that the Duns were friends with. They each walked to the front of the aisle and took their places with the bridesmaids and groomsmen.

A few moments later, whispers of, “She’s coming,” filled the crowd, prompting everyone to stand up. Everyone turned to face the back of the aisle where Nickie was soon to appear.

There were more than a few audible gasps when she appeared, one of which you had to suppress yourself. Ashley was right about her dress: it fit her perfectly and made her look regal. Her already perfect hair was curled and pulled back, adorned with a few flowers here and there. Her veil fell to just above her hips and the flowers that she was carrying somehow managed to compliment her dress. Next to her was an old, somewhat balding man who could only be her father. The look on Jeremy’s face as she walked down the aisle was priceless.

Nickie gave her father one final kiss before he took his seat next to her mother. She quickly took her spot across from Jeremy, a bright smile on her face.

The ceremony wasn’t unlike many of the others you had been to. Jenna teared up a bit during their vows, to which Tyler quickly pulled her into his side and kissed her temple. Once the ceremony was over and the new Duns had kissed, they took each other’s hands and went running down the aisle together.

Derek stood up and walked to the front of the aisle.

“Alright, everyone. The wedding party is going to be taking a few pictures now so meanwhile, why don’t you all head to the barn and get the party started?”

All at once, everyone got up from their seats and started to move through the forest. Josh managed to make his way through the crowd and fall into step with you.

“Don’t you have pictures to be taking?” you asked.

“We’re both going the same way, can’t I walk with my beautiful girlfriend?” Josh smiled, taking hold of your hand.

Behind you, Ashley was making gagging sounds. Josh turned and shot her a look.

“Sorry, never thought you the type, Josh,” she shrugged.

Josh rolled his eyes and turned back to you.

“You going to be ok while I’m taking pictures?” he asked, giving your hand a light squeeze.

You nodded, “I’ve got some people I can hang around.”

“Great.”

“You look really nice in your tux,” you smiled up at him.

He looked almost surprised by your comment, “Thanks,” he smiled brightly.

“Tyler, stop!” you heard Jenna yell from behind you, although she didn’t sound angry.

You spun around to see Jenna slung over one of Tyler’s shoulders as he carried her through the crowd of people. Jenna was laughing from her position upside down on his back.

“Oh my goodness,” you laughed.

“C’mon, Josh. What are you waiting for?” Abigail coaxed from behind you.

Josh stopped in his tracks.

“Do not sling me upside down,” you held up a finger warningly.

“Fine, bridal style,” he smiled, scooping you up before you even had a chance to protest.

“Josh!” you squealed, quickly throwing your arms around his neck.

“Yes?”

“What are you doing?”

“Carrying you.”

“Yes, but why?”

“Because I love you,” he smiled.

Your eyebrows raised automatically, but you quickly lowered them. Never in your time of knowing Josh had you heard him tell a girl that he loved her, although you shouldn’t be worrying. It was all an act, after all.

“I love you too,” you smiled, putting one of your hands on the side of his face and pulling his cheek towards you.

“You know, as much as I hate you two showing any affection whatsoever, I haven’t seen you two properly kiss at all,” Abigail interjected

“Nothing like Tyler and Jenna over there,” Ashley added with a laugh.

“We don’t really kiss in front of people,” Josh quickly excused.

“C’mon, Josh, one small kiss?” Abigail pleaded. “Show the girl you love her.”

Josh turned to you and raised his eyebrows in question. You shrugged, what harm could come of it? Josh’s arm behind you tightened, bringing you closer to him. Your lips pressed together, and you could feel the warmth of it spreading throughout your body. Josh held you in the kiss, until Abigail interrupted that is.

“Ok! Ok! We get it! Make it stop!” she laughed.

Josh let you down from his arms so that you were once again walking. He grabbed your hand and held it tightly. Your head was reeling from everything that had just happened. You had kissed your best friend and...enjoyed it?

“Is my lipstick still on ok?” you laughed, looking up at Josh.

He squinted, “Yeah, it looks good. Do I have any lipstick on me?”

There was a slight stain from where you had kissed him on the cheek, so you stood on your toes and rubbed it away with your thumb.

“You wouldn’t want that on your face during pictures,” you smiled.

“Speaking of which, I should probably get to that. Don’t have too much fun before I get there,” he smiled, quickly kissing your cheek.

Once Josh disappeared, you fell back into step with everyone.

“That was one intense kiss,” Abigail smiled. “He really does love you.”

“Yeah, I’m pretty lucky,” you smiled.

You walked into the barn, which looked pretty much as it had yesterday. Those who weren’t part of the wedding party were standing around, talking to one another. It didn’t take you long to locate Tyler and Jenna.

“Hey,” Jenna smiled.

“Hi.”

“How long does it usually take them to do pictures?” Jenna asked.

“Anywhere from half an hour to an hour,” Tyler answered.

“Hey, they’re playing music,” Jenna smiled as she headed for the dance floor.

You followed Tyler and Jenna onto the dance floor, swaying your body slightly to the music. Your head was still reeling a bit from your kiss. Before you knew it, the wedding party had returned, prompting cheers from everyone.

Josh walked up beside you, “Alright, no more running off from here on out, until toasts that is,” he smiled.

“Ok,” you smiled back up at him.

“Everything go ok while I was gone?” he asked.

You nodded, “We just danced a little bit.”

“Without me?” he laughed.

“You were busy!”

“Well, would you like to dance now?” Josh asked.

You pretended to think it over for a moment, “Ok.”

You and Josh bounced around on the dance floor for awhile until Derek made you all clear it, announcing that it was time for the bride and groom’s first dance together. Jeremy escorted Nickie to the floor, the light reflecting off the small gems in her hair. They took their spot in the middle of the floor and the music started to play.

Josh wrapped an arm around your waist and pulled you to his hip. You leaned your head against his shoulder as you watched the new couple dance. The song finished and another slow one started to play. Couples started to move towards the dance floor, and Josh held out an arm.

“Care to join me?” he laughed.

You rolled your eyes with a shake of your head, but linked your arm with his nonetheless. You headed to the dance floor amidst all the other couples.

“Not too low, Dun,” you said as Josh placed his hand on your waist.

Josh smirked as he lowered his hand slightly, “Sorry, can’t resist.”

You shot him a look, which only caused him to smile. You danced in silence, simply enjoying each other’s company, although that wouldn’t stop your mind from racing. Everything that had happened: the kiss, the flirting, the hand holding, it all felt so natural. You were beginning to think that the “feelings” you had for Josh weren’t so fake.

“Mind if I steal her?” someone asked.

You were suddenly brought back into reality. Tyler was looking between you and Josh. You hadn’t even realized that the song had ended.

“She’s all yours,” Josh smiled. “Just so long as I get Jenna.”

“Knock yourself out.”

Josh let go of you, leaving a warm impression on your hip where his hand had been resting. Tyler took his place, his hand significantly higher than where Josh’s had been.

“Hey, are you doing ok? You looked pretty out of it when you were dancing with Josh,” he asked quietly.

“There’s a lot on my mind right now, I guess.”

“You want to talk about it?”

You shook your head, “I just need some time to think it over, I guess. I might walk down to the lake after this dance, actually. Clear my head a bit.”

Tyler nodded, “I’ll let people know, if they notice you missing.”

“Thanks, Ty.”

The rest of your dance was silent, your head still spinning with confusion. As soon as the dance ended, you told Tyler you were off before quickly disappearing out of the barn unnoticed. Your heels crunched through the gravel as you walked through the cool air towards the lake. The sun was just beginning to set as you walked, the air barely causing the hair on you arm to rise.

It took you barely any time to reach the lake. The sight of the trees reflecting on the water helped to calm your nerves a bit, but your mind still continued to race. You wanted nothing more than to sit on the swing and fly out over the water like you had the day before, but you figured it was probably best that you didn’t run the risk of wrinkling your dress, especially since there was still quite a bit of the reception left.

Your thoughts were interrupted by the crunching of gravel behind you. You remained facing the water, too scared to turn and face who was no doubt behind you.

“Y/N,” Josh’s voice broke the silence of the area around you.

You spun around to face him, your heart pounding in your chest.

“There’s something I have to tell you,” he said plainly, nervousness barely detectable in his voice.

[elysianbucky]

Alberta pt.1 pt.2

Relationship: Bucky x Reader

Summary: Dark things lurk in legends and in the dark

A/N: I MADE A SCARY HALLOWEEN THING! You guys will have to tell me if you like the length and the gore.

Warnings: gore, blood, character death

Words: 2,889

“Bucky, get back here,” (Y/N) whimpered, cowering at the sound of a crunching branch and quickening her pace to reach the, much taller, man ahead of her. She angrily grumbled to herself and wiped at the lenses of her glasses with the sleeve of the shirt that was under her jacket.

“You’re fine, (y/nn)” Bucky reassured her again. He honestly didn’t know if they were okay or not, what he did know was that their friends were missing and that they didn’t have a good chance of finding them out here in the cold.

(Y/N) gained on Bucky and matched his pace. “Maybe they’re at the cabin laughing at us for all of this, we should go back,” she puffed out, letting her warm breath steam up around her. It wasn’t the first time they’d lead the pair astray in hopes of getting them alone together, this was definitely the worst though.

It started as a trip to Alberta, Canada, a sweet Halloween gift to their friend Heather from her, obscenely nice, parents. (Y/N) and Bucky, at first, were hesitant to travel so far from home, but they were eventually won over by the hopeful begs of all of their friends.

The group consisted of (Y/N), Bucky, Heather, Drake, and Anthony. They’d known each other for years; all of them meeting at different times, yet somehow making there ways to one another.

And now (Y/N) and Bucky were here; lost in the cold, searching blindly for a shrill scream that they didn’t even know was genuine or not.

“You know there are monsters here, right?” (Y/N) stated in a hushed tone. Bucky had to admit that the phrase scared him more than he thought it should.

“What kind?” Bucky asked, hoping to fill the silence.

“Wendigo.”

Bucky’s eyebrows furrowed and he tried to suppress a chuckle. “A wang-dan-go?” he repeated incorrectly, shrugging down to walk under a branch.

“Wendigo, Buck,” She corrected, “they’re spirits from the mountain that possess people who engage in cannibalism.”

“You’re joking. Cannibalism?” Bucky laughed out, finding complete amusement in the tale.

(Y/N) huffed, “am not. It’s true; it was in a book at the lodge. There were diagrams and warnings and it said that the best ways to kill them are fire or decapitation. Once the hunger sets in, you have a choice as to whether or not you actually eat human flesh.” She could feel the muscles in her legs burning and her intakes of breath were shortening.

A twig snapped near the pair. “Did you hear that?” Bucky mumbled; his eyes lowered to rake the ground surrounding their feet in search of anything broken.

(Y/N)’s eyes remained locked on something behind Bucky’s head. “Bucky, don’t move,” she instructed soothingly, “you’ll be okay, just don’t move.”

Bucky didn’t have to be told twice, he could see the reflection of the creature, the wendigo, in her glasses. He gulped loudly and quickly squinted his eyes in attempt to calm his nerves.

It was tall, and pale. The thing looked so sickly inhuman, its features were sunken in and Bucky could see scattered tufts of matted fur poking from its head. And it’s eyes, they looked blinded; a milky film covered them and Bucky felt like they were latching onto his soul. He broke his gaze from the reflection to look at the girl; she looked tough as ever, staring down the creature that tripled her size.

A piercing shout ripped through the air, “(Y/N)! Bucky!” Drake was looking for them. The beast perked its head up and scurried in the direction of the sound. (Y/N) waited until it was out of earshot, before grabbing onto Bucky and leading them back to the lodge.

“We can’t go back yet,” Bucky panted, trying to tug his arm away, “it’s after Drake!”

(Y/N) tugged at him hastily, “no, it’s not. Drake hasn’t ever called me ‘(Y/N)’, it must’ve been another wendigo trying to get us to come to it. We’re going home; the one we saw was covered in blood, Buck.”

“Blood?”

“Yes, and, honestly, it looked fresh. I could smell it,” She admitted, eyes glazing over fearfully. “We just have to get home, before they find us.”

Bucky nodded curtly in reply and followed (Y/N)´s footsteps in the packed snow that they had originally trekked.

When they finally saw the lights of the lodge, (Y/N) grabbed ahold of Bucky’s hand. “We have to be careful-,” her eyes flicked towards the ground across from them, “is that Heather’s bag?”

Without releasing his hand, she pulled him towards the pale pink bag. She knelt down and stuck a hand out to grab onto it. “Oh, my God,” she whimpered, quickly tugging back her hand that was now soaked in crimson.

Hesitantly, she reached again for the bag; yet, this time, she slung the product-stuffed item onto her shoulder. She was mindful to not touch the thoroughly soaked part.

“Do you want me to carry that instead?” Bucky asked politely.

“No, I’ve got it. Could you hand me her hairspray though?” (Y/N) answered, biting away at her tears that threatened to fall and holding out her hand for the item. With the can in hand, (Y/N) pulled a lighter from the pocket of her pants and held it in a poised position.

They trudged towards the lodge like this. (Y/N) stood half a step in front of Bucky and was armed with her own personal flamethrower; Bucky stood behind her, eyes kept peeled on their surroundings and voice kept on alert to warn her of any movement.

A quick figure darted past Bucky’s vision and he quickly latched onto (Y/N), pulling her close to his chest in a protective way.

“What are you doing?” the figure asked angrily, waving his arms wildly.

“Anthony, you’re okay?” (Y/N) chirped, releasing an excited breath of air.

“Of course, I am,” Anthony grumbled; his movements were stark.

Bucky eyed Anthony cautiously, “Ant, stop moving so much, something’s out here.”

Bucky meant the warning to be pleasant, but Anthony took it differently.

“You’re such a tool, you know that, right?” Anthony hollered, scaring a few birds from their roosts, “you’re not the boss of me, Buck!” he added, jumping through the trudged snow piles and flailing his arms.

“Are you drunk, I said to knock it-,” Bucky was cut short by the creature that flooded his sight. To the side of Anthony, another wendigo stood patiently, sizing up the rambunctious male.

“What was that, Buck?” Anthony questioned, “oh, right. The sweet sound of your silence.”

“Ant, please,” (Y/N) begged, whilst keeping eye contact with the beast, “it’s right there.”

“You’re just as bad as Bucky, (Y/NN). If it’s a monster, let it take me. I don’t have anything. You chose Bucky; you always choose Bucky.”

“This isn’t the time for a suicide attempt, Ant. Please, we can talk about this inside,” she offered pathetically.

“Yes, it is,” Anthony answered shortly and rushed towards the pair.

Anthony never had a chance; the wendigo latched ahold of him, mere inches from (Y/N)’s face. When the creature’s talons dug into Anthony’s flesh, the sound of squishy shreds ripped through the silent night and the hot, thick blood drenched Bucky and (Y/N) in Anthony’s warmth.

Anthony’s face was frozen in a silent scream and his eyes rolled backwards into his head. (Y/N) heard his heart stop; the melodic pounding of his heart, stopping as if it hit a wall. The wendigo screeched ominously and ran with Anthony’s remains.

(Y/N) stood liked a statue, blood dripped down her mouth and face, and her grip on the can and lighter was so tight that her knuckles burned a bright white. Bucky, who was covered in far less blood, doubled over in gagging heaves and his eyes filled with heavy tears at the thought of what had happened prior.

“We gotta go home, Buck,” (Y/N) stated after a bit. Her expression remained stoic; she held the appearance of a horror-film character. She calmly helped him up and led him the rest of the way to the lodge.

The lodge shone like a beacon; it’s painted-chipped outer walls stood securely and safely. Its age was shown in the audible creaks that erupted from the porch when a step was made. The door that was attached to its front, weighed nearly a ton, but the protection that it promised was more than Bucky or (Y/N) could ever ask for.

The living-room was home to a large fireplace, one that Bucky took heed in lighting. (Y/N) dropped the items she held and shrugged Heather’s bag off to peel off her sticky coat.

“Are you okay?” Bucky comforted, when he saw (Y/N) drop onto the couch that faced the fire. Her face was so thoroughly slicked with blood, that her features were hardly noticeable. Her head bobbed, but it quickly fell into a disapproving shake and tears left streaks in the covering on her face.

“I’m not dead. Does that count as okay, Buck?” she whispered, “We have to call someone, maybe the police.”

Bucky agreed with a curt nod and retrieved his phone from the pocket of his jeans. He tucked the little device into the crook of his neck and made the call.

“(Y/NN)?” A short voice called.

“Drake? Are you okay?” (Y/N) interrogated. She twisted herself in the direction of the sound. He stood at the beginning of the hall with shrugged shoulders; the darkness in the room hid his features, but the light from the fireplace highlighted his silhouette.

“Maybe,” he answered, moving closer to the couch, “I’m starving.”

“Have you eaten anything?” she asked calmly, trying to decipher a way to tell him that his girlfriend was missing and that his best friend was just brutally murdered by a seven-foot-tall, possessed cannibal.

“Yeah. I ate before Heather and I went out to look for you guys.”

“You went outside?” she asked in horror, “and you’re still okay?”

“It wasn’t a big deal,” Drake waved off.

“Do you know where Heather is, like at all?”

“She was here earlier,” he shrugged, “Can we turn on a light?”

(Y/N) was taken aback by his lack of concern. Drake and Heather had been together for years, far before she had met either of them. She nodded hesitantly in reply to his question and eyed him cautiously as he waltzed over to the light switch.

Red. Blood red. That was all Bucky or (Y/N) could see. Drake was covered in patches of it from head to toe. Long strips of Heather’s shirt hung, covered in blood, from the front pockets of his jeans. He didn’t seem fazed in the slightest by the horrified looks that adored their faces either.

“You’re covered in blood too,” Drake hummed nonchalantly, “did you read that book? I mean, eternal life and all you have to do is eat someone.” He seemed amazed by the simplicity of the gruesome act.

“We didn’t eat anyone,” Bucky gasped, “you ate someone. You ate Heather. She’s a person; she’s our friend! Are you crazy, Drake?”

“It was fine! She didn’t even realize until she woke up. I hit her pretty hard with that rock though. She probably couldn’t remember her own name,” Drake babbled un-relentlessly, fueling the disgust that resided in Bucky and (Y/N)’s stomachaches.

“You’re not possessed yet,” she said as if it were a question asking why he hadn’t yet turned into the monster that he was internally.

“The book said that it could take a few days.” It sounded as if Drake was talking about something as simple as a homework assignment. “You should’ve heard Heather scream, it was like we were in some kind of movie.”

(Y/N) and Bucky glared at him in disbelief. Drake just stood, unwavering, by the light. His slouched shoulders mimicked the man that they once knew, but this thing was nothing like him. She shuffled backwards off the couch towards Bucky.

“You two together now?” Drake questioned, a sly smile growing on his face, “It was bound to happen.”

“Why are you acting normally?” (Y/N) deflected. Out of the corner of her vision, she caught sight of Bucky’s lit phone screen; he had never ended the call to the police. They had to have started the drive to get to the lodge after hearing the conversation.

“I’m still Drake, (Y/NN),” he replied as if he’d been asked the most ridiculous question. “I’m going outside to be with them soon. I had to pack some things.”

“You do realize that those things out there aren’t human? They don’t have things; they have hunger and they for damn sure don’t care about you,” she shouted angrily, “You murdered Heather for nothing because when you go out there, they will attack you and you’ll be dead; you’ll be nothing.”

“Bucky, you better learn to control her. She’s starting to piss me off and I’ve already killed one girl today, I wouldn’t be too fazed by killing another,” Drake scolded, looking past (Y/N) at Bucky.

“Test their affections towards you,” (Y/N) dared, catching Drake’s attention, “You think they’ll care for you? Test it. Prove to me, to us, that those things actually care enough for you to let you live.”

“Really, (Y/NN)? You’re such a child. These games are ridiculous,” Drake insulted, “but, just to see the look on your little face, I’ll do it. And when I survive, I’m marching right back up to this house to rip your throat out and I’ll be kind enough to let your little boyfriend watch me do it.”

Drake stood up straight, his posture resembling a board. He must’ve had some doubts because (Y/N) could glimpse a slight wobble to his lower lip, but, nonetheless, he sauntered out of the door and into the freezing, pitch-black night.

(Y/N) quickly scurried to the window and flicked on the porch lights, illuminating Drake’s stage as if he was performing a show. Bucky scooted beside her and pushed his face towards a free pane.

They could hear Drake’s muffled shouts. He was calling the group of wendigo to him. The atmosphere of the lodge had changed, Bucky and (Y/N)’s breathing had quickened in pace and their hearts pounded as they watched the scene below them.

Something cowered in the shadows behind Drake, (Y/N) could see it. She didn’t say a word though; she could tell Bucky’s eyes were locked on Drake.

If Drake was dead, she wouldn’t have to worry about him returning to hurt Bucky and no matter how much she cared about Drake, she couldn’t allow him to kill again.

The wendigo crawled closer to Drake, he still hadn’t noticed that the beast was behind him, just waiting for him to make a wrong move. Drake turned towards the house, an angered look on his face and he yelled.

(Y/N) nor Bucky could make out what he said, but it seemed to have set off the creature that stood outside of his vision. It jumped at him, raking its nails down his side. Drake screamed out and stumbled quickly backwards in the direction of the lodge.

Blood stained the snow behind Drake and its path grew as he neared the porch. The creature seemed to have let him go, much to Bucky and (Y/N)’s surprise.

Drake’s first footfall onto the old wood let out a deafening scream that nearly called out to the beasts, “Here I am. Come get me!” The boy’s eyes widened dangerously and he wobbled as he attempted to pick up his pace.

Another wendigo, the largest Bucky or (Y/N) had seen so far, preyed on Drake. It’s body was lowered in a cat-like stance and it looked more than ready to pounce onto the already wounded victim. It stalked towards him, examining his moves in divine detail.

A claw from its frost-bitten hand raised in Drake’s direction; it swatted at him, leaving a thick cut across his arm and Drake gasped out in pain. The beast cocked its head to the side, appearing to be amused by the pain it had inflicted, yet it didn’t take its final blow. It watched as Drake stumbled up the steps and only moved to flick its talons and watch lines of blood open across Drake’s skin.

Drake’s feet planted themselves onto the porch, he was only mere steps from being back into the safety of the lodge. (Y/N) and Bucky watched as a pool of thick red gathered at Drake’s feet, it seemed unreal at how much he seemed to be losing.

The wendigo raised its hand again and threw it, with much more force than it had previously, at Drake’s arm, which dangled loosely by his side.

A sickening thud sounded out as the severed limb fell to the ground, Drake was far too gone into his impending death to even make a sound. His eyes just traveled downwards and caught sight of the ragged flesh, he let out a defeated whimper, and continued to putter to the door.

The beast turned around and retreated into the thick foliage of the woods. (Y/N) and Bucky quickly scouted the surrounding land, before opening to door to Drake, who was now swaying drunkenly. His singular arm reached out to grab ahold of Bucky and he pulled himself to step further into the house, so that (Y/N) could barricade them within the house.

[hihiyas]

Same Old Feeling (E/É modern AU) - 22/??

— 22. week 3, day 6 - shots shots shots! —

back to the start | previous | read on ff.net

Theodule doesn't know why he ever thought that his lone male cousin would have an epic stag night. Sure, Marius is Grandpa G's favorite and can easily get the old man to dole out some serious cash for all the strippers and booze this town has to offer, but does his idiot cousin even thinks to use it? Hell no. Instead of having all the lap dances money can buy, they're wasting his last weekend as a single guy at his friend's place, having barbeque and playing video games. Man, St. Marius is a fucking nerd. How the hell did he manage to score such a hot girl?

Okay, at least his best man, Courfeyrac, has an awesome, spacious flat. There's a state of the art home entertainment system, the latest console games, even a pool table. Best of all, there's a fully stocked bar! At least I can be blissfully buzzed for free all night if I have to stay at the lamest bachelor's party ever. He grabs another beer and settles to watch the ongoing Mario Kart tourney.

"You okay?" Marius asks, sparing him a glance as Theodule plops on the couch beside him.

"Eh, free beer," he grunts as he takes a long sip of his drink.

His cousin smiles apologetically as he maneuvers Yoshi through his fourth lap on Rainbow Road. "You can take my place in the next game if you like. I know this isn't really your scene, but I really missed just hanging out with everyone like this. We used to do this often before we all went our separate ways for University."

On the other side of the couch, the Blondie he saw with Éponine (Enjol-something? Whatever.) lets out an indignant cry as Mario gets turtle-shelled. "REALLY, 'FERRE? REALLY?! I'm not even that close to beating you!" he shouts.

The tall, speccy guy just laughs as he finishes first. "Revenge for the other day."

"You already had your revenge."

"Four AM, Enjolras. Four. A. M."

"Hah! Our gentle Combeferre is ruthless when it comes to Mario Kart. And that's just as well, considering how poorly you were doing. Carts harder to control that chariots, Apollo?" Grantaire gleefully goads him.

Enjolras, eyes still glued on the TV, merely chucks a throw pillow at his friend’s direction in retaliation, but ends up hitting Marius’s leg instead.

"Darling, don't start," chides Prouvaire as he and Feuilly comes in from the porch, laden with grilled meats, courtesy of Bahorel.

Theodule wrinkles his nose. Ew. He chugs down the rest of his bottle, missing Marius’ embarrassed face and the pointed looks (and knuckle-cracking) of the rest of the assembled people.  

Courfeyrac unwittingly breaks the tension when he appears with several beers and starts handing them to the men crowded in front of the TV screen. "Enjolras is just rusty. See, this is why you should come home more often!"

"...To play video games with you lot?"

"Among other things," he says with a wink, before plonking down on the bean bag beside the couch.

“Quit flirting with me, you’re in a serious relationship,” Enjolras retorts as he finishes Mario’s last lap.

Three seconds of silence, before the room erupts in chaos.

“SAY WHAAA--” Grantaire crashes Wario, but doesn’t pay any mind to it as he stands up to interrogate his friend.

“As in a steady girlfriend? Or is it a boyfriend?” Joly and Bossuet chime in together. Theodule raises his eyebrows, simultaneously bewildered and mildly impressed at the synchronicity.

“Waitwaitwaitwait why is this the first time I’ve heard that you’ve got an SO?”

“HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN TOGETHER OH MY GOOOOD--”

The harassed man holds his hands up, ears pink. “Stop shouting! This is why I never said anything!”

“Hey! What’s going on? Who did something stupid?” Bahorel hurriedly plops his last batch of burgers and surveys his friends’ faces.

“Courfeyrac, apparently,” Theodule supplies.

“HEY! She’s not stupid!” Courfeyrac, Enjolras, Combeferre, and Marius chorus.

“Is this a thing with you guys? Saying things in unison?” Theodule asks.

Marius’ Yoshi comes in third place as he replies with the rest of the group. “It happens.”

The rest of the day flows well enough. The Amis eat, drink, joke around, and play games. Enjolras, defeated for the third time on Mario Kart, invites Theodule to a game of pool. Grantaire, noticing the pair, nudges Jehan to come observe the game.

“So, you know the girl Courfeyrac is dating then?” asks Grantaire as Theodule lines up his break shot.

“Yes, she’s a common friend. I’m not telling, so don’t bother trying to wheedle me about it,” Enjolras replies.

“Why the secrecy, anyway?” Jehan wonders.

He shrugs. “They’re still not telling people they’re dating. I respect their decision.”

“This girl ugly then?” Theodule joins in.

“What? No, I wouldn’t call her ugly. Not that I’m any judge of that.”

“Okay… well speaking of common friends, you know Eponine, right?”

The two Amis pointedly look at their Chief at the question. Enjolras clears his throat and answers in the affirmative.

“What’s her deal, man?”

He quirks an eyebrow before lining up a shot. “Pardon?”

“So we go out once, right? Double-date with Marius and his girl. She’s smoking hot but acted so cold. Frigid, even. Can’t figure out why. You think she’s just being coy to keep me on my toes?”

“Perhaps she’s really not interested?” Enjolras replies as evenly as he could.

“Ha! But who wouldn’t be? Ladies love me!” Theodule boasts, too busy peacocking to mind that he missed his shot.

“Éponine has been quite clear she’s not, hasn’t she?” Prouvaire pipes in from the side.

Enjolras nods. “She has, at least in what she’s mentioned to me.”

“She talked to you about me? Are you her gay best friend or something? I thought you’ve been away and all that? Besides, a redhead with a body like that, she can’t not be gagging for it.”

“Can you stop talking about her that way?” Enjolras’ tone would have warned a smarter man, but Theodule barely paid any mind to anybody else when he’s on a roll.

“Come on, you’ve still got eyes, right? I’m sure you’ve noticed, damn, she can fill up a dress. She’s what? A nice C-cup at least? Leggy too.” Theodule whistles, blithely ignoring the rising ire of his opponent. “Oh, I can just see those wrapped around me.”

Grantaire and Jehan stare and shudder as Enjolras audibly clicks his mouth shut. Enjolras mutters to himself, “Wedding photos. Wedding photos.”

“And girls like her should feel lucky I’d even give them the time of the day.”

That stops Enjolras. Dreading the answer, he asks, “How so?”

“I’m a Gillenormand. She should be thrilled I’m even interested in her, despite her unfortunate family. You know what I mean?”

Too appalled for words, Enjolras makes the cue-ball strike the fourth ball too hard, making it jump and hitting Theodule in the family jewels. He crumples in a heap under the table.

Between snickers, Jehan and Grantaire helps up Theodule none too gently. “Oh, dear. I’m sure Enjolras didn’t mean to hit you.”

“Of course not, I didn’t mean for the ball to swing your way.”

Grantaire barks a laugh and smiles, though it seems more like a dog baring his teeth in threat rather than anything remotely friendly, as he clasps Theodule’s arm. “Also, I’m Éponine’s gay best friend. Enjolras here dresses too much like my dear old dad to be anybody’s GBF.”