#i just noticed a mistake woohoo

[ladykailitha]

Of Butterflies and Backstrokes Part 2

Woohoo!!! I'm back with the next chapter of this lovely fic.

Steve and Eddie start circling each other, but they aren't there yet.

Since it's been awhile (three weeks eekk!) I'd go back and read part one again. ;)

Part 1

~

Eddie got home that night, tired and aching from a long day of grunt work. He found he didn’t hate Murray, but he if he had a choice of passing him in a dark alley or turning tail and running the other direction, he would chose the latter every time.

Murray would spend the first week watching over him and helping him when he made mistakes then next week he’d have to do it all on his own.

Eddie worked from eight to four and the pool opened at 9am and closed to the public at 6pm. Then it was given the rich toffs with their personal coaches until eight or nine. But from when they left and until ten, staff was allowed to use the pool for personal time.

The rec center itself opened at 6am for all the people who wanted to work out before before they had to work. The pool used to open then too, but they had to stop doing that. It was without lifeguards and during that time there were huge ass signs that declared no lifeguard on duty. But because some idiot woman left her kids to play in the kiddie pool while she did yoga or some shit and the little shit goblins got into the big pool and one of them almost drowned. If there hadn’t been one of the trainers arriving early to set up for his class, the shit goblin would have died.

So because of one asshole, the public wasn’t allowed to swim in the mornings before the lifeguards were on duty, that left staff able to use it during that time. And oh boy did Eddie abuse the hell out of that on Saturdays. He, of course, double and triple checked with Joyce and Murray that he was considered staff before he did it the first time. But for three hours one day a week, the pool was mostly his.

Sure, every once in awhile he’d see a lifeguard or a trainer come take advantage of the quiet time, but mostly he was alone. He loved it.

In fact he got to know the lifeguards and trainers. Well all but one of them. Robin, Jonathan, and Nancy were all trainers. Vickie, Carol, Nicole, and Tommy were all lifeguards. All but Steve.

Steve didn’t use either of the two Olympic sized pools, but rather stayed in the endless pool, which was in a separate room. Eddie had been tempted to try it, but he’d have to ask someone how to use it and he just didn’t have the guts to.

He decided that lifeguards were snotty know-it-alls, with the exception of Vickie, and all the trainers were the cool kids.

Nancy trained the advanced students, Jonathan trained intermediate, and Robin with Steve trained the beginners. Which apparent had four different classes. Adults, teenagers, eight to twelve year olds, and the baby and toddler class.

During the day, Eddie would watch the swimming classes and he started noticing a strange pattern. Steve never went into the large pools. He would crouch on the sidelines with his little whistle and blow it when he wanted his class to stop. Then Robin would get into the water with them if she wasn’t there already and correct them.

Or they stayed in the kiddie pool if they were young enough.

Murray caught him staring the second week. “See something you like?”

Eddie wrinkled his nose in distaste.

“I don’t know what you mean,” he huffed going back to restocking the towels. They had gone through them faster today than usual. Or what counted as usual to Eddie in his two short weeks.

“Sure you don’t,” Murray said with a sneer. “I’ve seen you watching the pretty lifeguards and trainers.”

“Well, I’m not going to stare at the coaches,” Eddie said, rolling his eyes and moving on to the laundry baskets. “Considering I’m out of here before they even deign to show up.”

Murray barked out a short laugh. “There’s a reason for that.”

Eddie paused what he was doing and straightened up. He turned to look at his supervisor. “Why’s that?”

Murray just shrugged. “Let’s just say coaches and trainers don’t mix well. Like oil and water.”

Well, Eddie thought, that was cryptic as fuck and annoying as hell. But instead of pressing him, he just got back to work. After all they weren’t paying him for this shit and he just needed to get it done.

“What’s Harrington’s deal, anyway?” he murmured as he pushed the laundry cart past Murray.

“Not my story to tell.”

Eddie sighed. Apparently his supervisor was going to dangle a carrot only to yank it way. Story of his life, honestly.

Which was to say it fucking sucked.

~

Steve came out of the men’s dressing room a couple of weeks later to find the new maintenance guy watching them again.

The guy turned away when he got caught and bent over to put something away.

Steve turned to Robin. “Does that guy give you creepy vibes?”

They started walking to the kiddie pool for their first class of the day. Teenagers. God, he hated teenagers. They were only there because their parents made them, they never listened, and one or two of them would end getting into trouble, every god damned time.

“Who, Eddie?” Robin asked, looking over at the guy who had began mopping the endless puddle by the towel dispensary.

“Oh is that his name?” Steve asked, curious.

Robin nodded. “Yeah, he’s actually here doing community service. Got caught dealing and was sentenced to working here for about three months.”

Steve chewed his bottom lip. “Still not beating the creep vibes there, Robs.”

“Yeah, yeah,” she said and threw her head back, laughing. “But no, he’s really nice guy and you’d like him if you actually joined us on Saturdays.” She poked his side for emphasis.

He wiggled and squirmed away fro her. “You know why I can’t.”

She sighed and cocked her head to the side knowingly as she sized him up.

Robin and Steve had actually had the same swim coach growing up, her parents applying to some disadvantaged kids program.

Steve excelled at it while Robin merely enjoyed it. After she graduated from high school she went into linguistics and then learned there aren’t that many jobs for a polyglot. So she became his interpreter at international events like the World Championships and the Olympics.

Especially the Olympics as the primary language is French.

After his accident she got them the job of teaching kids how to swim. Joyce was fine with their little arrangement as she called it and most parents were understanding once they found out why a swim instructor didn’t like deep pools.

There were always those that complained, but Joyce would refund their money and tell them to go elsewhere. First complaint and bam! They were gone. She trusted Steve and that’s all that mattered to her.

“I know, dingus,” she said linking their arms together. “You’ll figure it out eventually.”

“Thanks.”

They got to the pool and found five spotty teenagers waiting for them. Four boys and a girl. One of them, who had gangly limbs and freckles on his arms and face sneered at him.

“What are we doing at the kiddie pool?” he whined the second he saw them. “It’s for like kids.”

Steve raised an eyebrow. “I could toss you in the deep end the main pool and see how well you fair, if you’d like?”

The other kids stared at him in shock, clearly not expecting Steve to bitch back.

“You wouldn’t!” the snotty teen huffed. “You’re not allowed to do that!”

Robin and Steve shared a glance and then Steve just shrugged.

“It’s what we do with the babies and toddlers,” he said, nonchalant, batting his eyelashes innocently. “I mean if it’s good enough for babies, it should be good enough for you, right?”

The kid’s mouth opened and shut without a single word coming out.

“You know,” Robin said dryly, “moving your mouth like a fish doesn’t mean you are one, so I’d close it if I were you.”

He snapped his mouth shut with an audible click and gulped loudly.

Once Steve was satisfied he wasn’t going to say anything else, he started the class.

Then when they in the pool learning how to float, Steve looked up to see Eddie grinning at up him. He blushed and looked away. He didn’t know why his insides suddenly felt like liquid metal had been poured down his esophagus but he knew he liked the feeling.

~

Okay, so maybe Eddie liked how pretty Steve was and how he would take down the Chads and Karens when they threw fits and how Joyce backed him up every time. But he really did try to keep the staring down to a minimum.

Which he absolutely failed at if Joyce’s teasing and Murray’s snide remarks were to go by. Like the only people who hadn’t teased him about it was Hopper and his Wayne. And he figured it was only because they never saw how flustered he got when Steve came around.

The trainers teased him, the lifeguards teased him. His friends teased him. God he wanted to murder Jeff in his sleep sometimes.

“Look, man,” Jeff said, “you’ve got to at least talk to him. Robin even said that he thinks your staring is creepy.”

Eddie let out a pained sigh. “We don’t have breaks at the same time and he never comes into the main pool area if he can help it.”

Jeff scratched his chin. “Maybe he’s afraid of water.”

“Like a swim instructor could be scared of going into the pool,” he scoffed. “He teaches in the kiddie pool and the endless pool, so it can’t be all water.”

Jeff just shrugged.

But the comment wouldn’t let go his brain. It created an itch at the back of his mind every time he saw Steve.

The closest he ever got to the pool was just out of arm’s reach. One time he even caught one of the teen-aged beginners try for him and missed.

Steve got up and walked away and the kid was forced to do pedaling exercises until the class ended. And even then Steve still hadn’t come back from class.

He needed to mop the men’s changing room, so he called out. “Maintenance! Hey anyone in here?”

When Eddie didn’t get a response, he walked right in with mop and bucket. The rec center liked to keep the area as dry as they could even though there were signs everywhere: CAUTION WET FLOOR.

He started by the showers and slowly made his way to the changing rooms, when he got to the last stall he actually found it locked.

Shit.

He hoped he didn’t have to crawl under the gap in the door to reach around and unlock it because little kids were shits. More than once Eddie had seen them lock the door and crawl out, leaving it locked and any appeals to their parents fell on deaf ears.

But as he crouched down to look he could hear the sounds of someone crying softly. He then spotted the soft shoes that a lot of the swim staff wore again, color coded like everything else in this place. White for trainer.

Eddie’s heart sank.

“Hey, Harrington, that you?” he called out gently. All their last names were on the backs of their polos.

There was a sniffle or two before the weak, “Yeah, yeah. Sorry, just give me a minute and I’ll be out of your way.”

The door opened and a very disheveled Steve came out of the stall, head down and shoulders rounded.

“You sick or something?” Eddie asked, tilting his head to get a better look at the man.

Steve let out a bitter laugh. “Yeah you can say that.” He went to the sinks and splashed water on his face couple of times before drying it on a paper towel and throwing it away.

Eddie watched as the trainer exited the changing rooms leaving him with more questions then he had answers.

~

Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 Part 6 Part 7 Part 8 Part 9 Part 10 Part 11 Part 12 Part 13 Part 14 Part 15

Tag List: FIVE SLOTS REMAINING

1-@mira-jadeamethyst @rozzieroos @itsall-taken @redfreckledwolf @zerokrox-blog

2- @gregre369 ​@a-little-unsteddie @chaosgremlinmunson @messrs-weasley @cryptid-system

3- @maya-custodios-dionach @goodolefashionedloverboi @val-from-lawrence @carlyv @wonderland-girl143-blog

4- @justforthedead89 @irregular-child @bookbinderbitch @bookworm0690 @forgottenkanji

5- @anne-bennett-cosplayer @yikes-a-bee @awkwardgravity1 @littlewildflowerkitten @genderless-spoon

6- @dragonmama76 @ellietheasexylibrarian @thedragonsaunt @useless-nb-bisexual @disrespectedgoatman

7- @counting-dollars-counting-stars @tinyplanet95 @ravenfrog @swimmingbirdrunningrock @lingeringmirth

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9- @chameleonhair @sadisticaltarts @dreamercec @xxfiction-is-my-realityxx @mac-attack19

[najlepsiznajlepsich]

tolerate it.

pairing: carlos sainz x reader

word count: 5.5k

warnings: cursing, age gap (9 years), alcohol consumption, angst, loosely inspired by tolerate it by taylor swift

author's note: this my first ever published fic!! woohoo!! star = time skip, sorry for any mistakes, english is not my first language. (had this sitting in my drafts for a long long time)

*

The bright yellow light shone right in your face. Regret was the only thing that you were feeling right now. Your brother just had to have a big party for his birthday, only inviting his friends, and you, for some reason. 80% of these people were strangers to you. 

It’s like you were totally out of place, cursing your brother in your head. Until you felt a hand on your shoulder. You turned around. “It is you!” the man in front of you said.

Carlos. The guy you had a crush on years ago. You didn’t even recognize him at first. But you could recognize that Spanish accent in a crowd full of people. His voice was like a lollypop, reeling you in to hear all his sweet whispers.

He wasn’t the 17-year-old boy playing fifa with your brother. His tight shirt highlighted his muscles, his face was grazed by a light stubble and his deep brown eyes had an emotion in them you haven’t seen before. 

Eyes, in which you wanted to get lost, scanned your silhouette. He threw his arm around your shoulders. His touch was a burning sensation dancing on your skin.  

You also weren’t the 8-year-old girl with pigtails, who sat around just to spend time with them.  “Well, you’ve changed since I last saw you.” “Yeah Carlos, that was ten years ago.”  He laughed and you swore the same butterflies flew around your stomach, just as when you were a kid.

Fuck. He still had the same hold on you. Still the same fool after all. 

*

You opened the front door to your (your parents’) house. His laugh echoed in the hallway as you took off your shoes. Carlos is here.

“Y/N!! HELP ME!! He is cheating!” your brother shouted as you walked into the living room. “‘m not cheating!!” Carlos mumbled, and your brother, who can’t handle losing, restarted the game.

“WHY DID YOU DO THAT?” Carlos exclaimed. “MAYBE ‘CAUSE YOU’RE CHEATING!” your brother yelled back, an evident smile on his lips. A throaty groan escaped the lips of both guys. Their friendship was something you saw bloom into a close bond. Their arguments sounded just like the ones they had 10 years ago. 

And if it was a different day, maybe you would stay there and just watch them. However, your tired legs carried you to the kitchen. From the fridge you pulled out a bowl of fruits you cut up this morning. 

The laughter of those two man-children was still heard. One of them brings nostalgia and some old-forgotten feelings back. Still loved him after all.

“Hey? You ok?” a small voice next to you asked. You didn’t even notice when he entered the kitchen. Shit, how and why did you zone out. Could’ve avoided him. Well, not him, but this conversation. “Yeah Carlos,” you mumbled out.

He opened a drawer, looking for something. He grabbed a pack of popcorn, threw it into the microwave, and leaned onto the cold kitchen counter behind him. A buttery smell hit your nose pretty quickly.  

Not sure, if it was because of that, but the awkward atmosphere shifted into a comfortable one. It reminded you of the moments from your childhood and his teenage years. The raindrops bounced against the glass of the window. It calmed you down until you heard the microwave beeping and got a mini heart attack.

“Can I have some?” you asked shyly. He didn’t answer, just pulled a second smaller bowl. “Wanna go out golfing tomorrow?” he asked you, as he handed you the popcorn, his voice just barely above a whisper. You looked up at him from your bowl of fruits.

“Just me, you and your brother” “All right” you smiled. “Want some?” you pushed your bowl with cut-up fruit in front of him. He grabbed a piece of an apple.

“Delicious” he moaned as he placed it on his tongue. You giggled at his antics. He really hasn’t changed. “From your garden, right? I remember this taste.” 

He picked up the big bowl of popcorn and straightened his back. “You sure you wanna golf? It’s weird you’re not complaining about it-“  “Go away before I change my mind.”

*

You leaned into him as you laughed at his joke. His smell was intoxicating, you wish you could smell it throughout your whole life.  He placed his head on yours and you swore you were in a dream.

“Carlos,” you spoke quietly, “you remember when we went golfing?” He smiled at the nice memory. If only you knew he remembered everything. 

The hairstyle that you tried on for the first time, your outfit, the way your eyes sparkled when he said your swing was nice, the pinkish-red sunset you had to take pictures of. He wished you’d take pictures of him, but you didn’t. But, shh, you were taking pictures of him. Just in secret, and for yourself. 

“Yeah, of course I do. Our first date.” “Well-“ “Yeah, I lied to you, your brother was never invited.” You smiled. That was not a new info to you. Your brother was such a gossip. He could never keep a secret. This just confirmed it.

“So you planned that! Carlos!” He couldn’t even be mad at you. The way you said his name made him feel like he was the only person on the earth. He kind of was in your eyes.

“Now look at us babe,” he said and you sat up to take a sip of your coffee. This was your new favorite activity. Laying down on the outside couch, drinking coffee, and talking to your boyfriend, Carlos.

“Half a year went by fast, didn’t it?” you asked, as you handed Carlos his mug. “Because we’re together,” he smiled at you. The same butterflies, you had ten years ago and also 7 months ago, appeared in your stomach.

“I love the coffee you make, it’s laced with something, isn’t it?” You smiled at his dumb joke “Only with love.” “You’re so cheesy, I love you so much.”

*

“We can split it.” Carlos grinned as he walked into the closet. There you were, sitting on the floor with suitcases all around you. “I don’t want to mess up your clothes,” you whined out and Carlos sat down next to you.

“You won’t mess up anything, just let me help you unpack,” he said with a smile. You started pulling out clothes and you both put them in the drawers or hung them up. Carlos had a bit of a judging era and gave opinions on nearly everything.

His meanness went away when you picked up a white tennis skirt, the one you wore to your golf “date”. “Why haven’t you worn it since?” he asked, voice laced with confusion. “I don’t know,” you answered and folded it up. His gasp made you look at him.

“This is the dress you wore that time we went to try out the new ice cream shop!” he smiled at you and put the dress on a hanger. “You remember that kind of stuff?” you asked him genuinely. Who would’ve thought he was this attentive? “Of course I do,” he placed a kiss on the top of your head.

After spending at least three hours lost in the sea of clothes, you walked out of the closet. Ecstatic, that’s what you both were. Finally moved in together. You already put some of your decorations in his living room. But, the hallway was too empty for your liking.

“Carlos, can I hang some artwork here?” you called out to him in the kitchen. His head peeked around the corner. “Sure, let me help you.” He disappeared and then quickly reappeared with the tools needed for it. He hung up all of them.

“Thanks for letting me hang these up here” you thanked him, your eyes looking to the ground. With his finger he made you look up at him. “Please, it’s the bare minimum” he whispered. That was definitely not that. 

He pulled you into a quick hug, then turned around to look at the art. “They are really pretty. Did you paint these?” he asked, his voice soft. “Yeah, some of them last year and some a long time ago” you laughed. 

“I like that one the most” he giggles, and points to the one that was a portrait of him. “Okay, that was painted last week” you rolled your eyes. “You’re so in love with me it’s funny” “Don’t act like you don’t love me too, Sainz.”

*

“YOU’VE DONE IT” you yelled as you jumped into his arms. Your boyfriend just won a grand prix. A GRAND PRIX. At that moment you were proud of him like you weren’t of anyone before. This was the first grand prix you attended and he already made it so memorable. 

“It was ‘cause of you! You’re my good luck charm!” he laughed. He smelled like champagne, sweat, and happiness if that even made sense. He held you close and in that moment, you felt you two were the only people on earth.

“My man just won a grand prix,” you whispered into his ear, calming him down a bit. You wish you could be stuck in this moment forever. And while celebrations were fun, coming home was something you both were looking forward to.

Carlos opened the front door to your house, your now colorful hallway greeting you both. He was happy you came with him, but if you didn’t, he knew you would be eagerly waiting for him at the end of the hallway. 

You left your suitcases there and just went to the kitchen to cook up something quick. Like the gentleman that he is, he helped you cut up everything. Your laughs echoed through the whole house. You couldn’t stop laughing even when you were eating, his effect on you was noticeable.

Carlos washed and dried the dishes with you. Ugh, such a gentleman. His mother raised him right. You tiptoed to your shared bedroom, heading straight towards your bathroom.

“Do you want a facemask too?” you asked as you felt his body behind you. He became shy all of a sudden. “I mean- If you want to and have one for me,” he stuttered over his words and you laughed. You couldn’t comprehend how he was so shy at times.

The cold feeling from the mask hit your face. He put on his mask too and smiled at you. “You’re so cute.” He loved watching you do your skincare routine, he was just so mesmerized by you. He sat on the edge of the bath, his eyes never leaving your face.

He was studying everything, and making a mental note to himself about which stuff is for your eyes, lashes, lips. He knew you like his favorite song. His mask was pulled off way later than your own and he headed straight towards your comfortable bed. 

You ran after him almost instantly and plopped right next to him. Your breathing synced up and you could feel a smile forming on your lips. You tilted your head to look at Carlos, to find him already looking at you. Only smiles were exchanged, no words needed.

You loved this. The comfortable silence with him. You never felt so relaxed when you didn’t know what to say. He threw a blanket over you two and you wriggled out of it.

“Carlos we have to change into pyjamas.” “No, we don’t have to baby, come cuddle.” He stretched his arms out towards you. Pulled under the covers again. “You’re lucky I love you,” you muttered under your breath and he giggled. You both got comfortable pretty quick.

Now no one could pull you out of here. “Good night, princess” his lips tickled your forehead, as they placed a quick kiss.

*

You heard the door opening. He was finally home. You ran down the hall and threw yourself around him. A little peck from you landed on his cheek and he returned it. There was sadness on his face. Something you haven’t seen in a long time.

“What’s wrong?” you asked as you led him to the table where he had dinner waiting for him. His favorite food. “You ate already?” he asked when he noticed an absence of a second plate. Changing the conversation. Wow. So original.

“Carlos. Answer my question.” “I finished out of points.” He grunted as he sat down. You let out a heavy exhale and sat across him. Could’ve been worse.

“Don’t beat yourself up because of that. You’re a great driver, it just wasn’t your weekend.” “Well, it hasn’t been my weekend for a long fuckin’ time.” He mumbled under his breath.

Sometimes comforting him was like consoling a child. You didn’t know what to say and just watched him eat from his plate. You hated when he was like this because there was nothing you could do about it. Either he’d get over it or just be quiet for the whole day.

You stood up from the table and walked slowly towards the kitchen. You knew this wasn’t your fault, but it felt like that. You sat on the counter, looking out of the window. His footsteps echoed through the room. He carefully placed the plate into the sink and his hands gripped your hips.

“Y/N,” he started his sentence, “I’m sorry.” You lifted your gaze to look at him. Your eyes were glossy, and that’s when he knew he fucked up. “It’s really not your fault, I shouldn’t be acting like this.” “It’s fine.” “No. It’s not.”

You knew it wasn’t fine. It tore your heart apart to see him in a shitty mood. He brought you into a hug. His cologne enveloped you and you buried your head into his chest. His fingers played with your hair as he stroked your head.

A tear fell onto his hand when he pinched your cheek. You wanted to speak up, but you couldn’t find your voice. Carlos was one of the people you wanted only the best for. “Please-“ you finally spoke up, “just talk to me when you’re feeling bad. I swear it’s better for us both.” He exhaled and looked down at you.

“Should’ve told me sooner,” he whispered. “I shouldn’t have to tell you that,” you thought, as you wriggled out of his hug.

*

“Come on! We’re gonna be late!” he yelled out as you walked out of the bedroom. His eyes scanned your body. “Oh. We can stay home if you want,” he changed his mind pretty quickly. You had to pull out the new dark red dress for this occasion. 

Today was your 3rd anniversary, and Carlos, the great boyfriend that he is, booked a table in the most expensive restaurant. You ushered him into the car. You weren’t running late, but you were on the edge of that. 

Quiet calming music filled your ears. The ride wasn’t supposed to be long. It felt like that though. You were looking out of the window, your eyes scanning the new buildings you didn’t see yet. Carlos’ hand landed on your thigh. That gave you a weird feeling of comfort. But, it didn’t last long as he parked his car. 

He got out of the car and then ran around it to open your door. You blushed at the act and placed your hand into his. “Let’s go, ma’am,” he said and you laughed. You got through the reception and the waiter took you to your table.

Carlos really took his time with this. The table overlooked the city of Madrid, all of the city lights shining brightly. It looked beautiful. He pulled out your chair for you and you giggled.

“So what can I get for you?” the waiter asked, as you both sat down. “Just a non-alcoholic beer for me, and a bottle of wine for my lady. What kind do you want?” he asked. He knew which one you always ordered, but he didn’t want to risk getting something you wouldn’t drink. 

“Red wine. Please.” You smiled and opened the menu. “Is that all for the drinks?” he asked and you both nodded quietly. “I’ll let you pick out the food,” he turned around on his heel and strutted towards the bar. Carlos smiled at you.

His smile was something that warmed your heart every time. He grabbed your hand and drew small shapes with his thumb. He always knew how to comfort and calm you. You broke eye contact with him and admired the city, while he admired you.

The waiter came with the drinks and took your order. You ordered something simple like always. You started eating together, the conversation topics floating effortlessly.

He was in the middle of telling a story about the crazy stuff he did with his cousins when his phone rang. ‘boss’ was the name that popped up on the screen and you chuckled. “Hold on, I have to take this,” he said and walked away from the table. You continued eating.

Something was off when 20 minutes flew by and he wasn’t back. Finished the food. Still nothing. Drank your bottle of wine. Nothing. An hour has passed and still nothing? You stood up and went towards the bar.

“Hey, do you by any chance know where my boyfriend is?” you asked, completely desperate for an explanation. “He paid your bill and left,” the waiter behind the bar said, with a calm expression. You deeply exhaled and walked back to the table to grab your purse. You stormed out of there.

What the fuck? Why didn’t he tell you anything? You were sitting there like a dumbass for an hour, waiting for him. You called yourself an uber, and while the drive was awkward it was definitely better than sitting in a car with Carlos.

“Got stood up?” the man asked, his gaze focused on you in the mirror. “No, It’s complicated.” “Relationships are complicated,” he laughed. At least that made you feel a bit better. Again, it wasn’t a long drive so you were home relatively quickly.

You walked into the hallway, which felt a bit colorless than before. Your shoes came off quickly and you threw yourself on the couch. Defeated, that’s how you felt. A tear slid down your cheek.

You woke up in your bed next to Carlos. He carried you upstairs. He looked peaceful. So pretty. You hated that you loved him so much because you could forgive him anything. Your brain was fighting itself, you didn’t know what to do.

Carlos was everything to you. First crush, love, relationship. But this really hurt. It was like he didn’t even care about anything. Your bed felt hard as a rock now. You couldn’t fall back asleep. Turning, flipping your pillow, and blanket.

You tried everything. Still up. Your brain was filled with Carlos. Did he not realize how much this would’ve hurt you? Work is important, you get that. But you couldn’t even get a heads-up that he was leaving?

You were mad and sad, and the tears you pushed back that evening came out. And they weren’t stopping anytime soon. Everything dawned on you all of a sudden. You grabbed onto your blanket and wiped your tears into it.

And you were 12 again, crying over a boy who didn’t like you. Your heart shattered into a million tiny pieces and you wished the man, who was lying behind, would pick them up and glue them together. You fought the cry, which nearly came out of your throat, and reached for your phone to look at the time.

The phone brightened up the whole room and you groaned out. 4:55. Too soon. Apparently, you weren’t the only one who was surprised by the brightness because the man next to you turned to face you. He was still sleeping.

Thank god. You didn’t want to deal with him this soon. You put the phone back on the nightstand and snuggled up under the covers. You felt his arms wrap around your waist. Somehow, his touch lost that warmness and you felt goosebumps on your whole body. You didn’t know what to do.

Another round of tears rolled down your cheeks and you never felt weaker. He had an effect on you. It used to be a positive one, but now you weren’t sure if you could continue with this.

*

Where was he? The question brewing in your mind. Yeah, he was supposed to be working. But, it’s 10 pm.

Your stress levels were increasing by every second. You were starting to worry about him. The dinner on the counter had already been reheated 15 times by now.

You sat down on the cold floor, staring at the ceiling. Your fingers fidgeted with the string of your sweatpants. Anything could’ve happened to Carlos and you didn’t know.

Your worries were cut short as a knock landed on the front door. You shot up from the spot you sat on and ran towards the door. Your keys jingled as you tried to unlock the door as fast as possible. The handle probably left a dent in the wall from how fast you opened it.

And there he was. Carlos with Charles by his side. You threw yourself into his arms and he hugged you back. “Okay Carlos, you’re home now. See you tomorrow!” Charles said carefully and slowly. He turned on his heel and walked rapidly back to his car.

As the front door closed, Carlos still didn’t let go of you. Oh, he’s drunk. You brought him to the kitchen and sat him down on a barstool. “Come on. Eat. Or you’ll have a massive hangover.” He ate slowly, talking about his evening to you.

You stood on the other end of the counter, looking at him like you were a disappointed mother. Arms crossed on your chest gave you a feeling of security and comfort. Something you need right now. As he was finishing his food, you decided to speak up about something you both dreaded to mention. 

“Why did you go to the bar? You told me you were gonna come home immediately after work.” He looked up at you like he was a deer in the headlights. “Just wanted to go out with the guys after a tough day,” he said like he couldn’t figure out why you were mad. You just exhaled, not saying anything. But, your stare spoke a million words.

“Don’t tell me you’re mad because of that.” He spoke, as he handed you an empty plate. You bit into your bottom lip and turned away from him - towards the sink. You turned on the water, so it flowed slowly as you washed his, and your plate that was in the sink for the past three hours. Carlos scoffed.

“You got so boring. What happened with you?” You ignored his drunken indiscretions and continued scrubbing the plates. He sat in silence, at least until the water flow stopped. You grabbed the closest dishcloth, not wanting to turn to see him. There were tears in your eyes, threatening to spill out of your eyes at any second now.

“You know Y/N,” he started, “you changed. You aren’t yourself. You used to be so fun.” You swore you felt like someone had stabbed you right there, and you were starting to bleed out. Maybe past or sober Carlos would help you, but this one just wanted to put another knife through you.

“It’s like you don’t even care about my feelings, I never have fun anymore.” And there it was. The tears spilled from your eyes like a waterfall, and if your heart didn’t break before, now it definitely has. “I can’t even have fun anymore.” He mumbled and walked out of the kitchen.

A sob escapes your lips, and the salty drops cover the newly polished plates. You kept polishing them over and over again, breaking down even more in the process. That job was like a never-ending one.

His hurtful words were on repeat in your head and you swore your knees started giving out. More sobs filled the room, but you stopped crying, once you heard faint footsteps.

“Are you coming to bed or are you gonna keep polishing those dumb plates.” His tone was harsh something you have never heard before. “I don’t want to sleep next to you tonight.” You whispered into the air. “Night.” He grunted and turned off the lights in the hallway. You finally put the plates in their place. 

“Second time you’re falling asleep on the couch.” You thought to yourself as you sat down. You felt like crying again, but there was nothing that could come out. You reached for the blanket on the other end of the couch and found a comfortable position.

What else could you think about, other than your boyfriend? You knew he was drunk. He probably didn’t mean it. You’ve done some shitty things while you were drunk too. 

But, what if it wasn’t just the alcohol in his blood. Were you boring? Did you change? Were you good enough for Carlos? A singular tear fell on the pillow.

You wish you could just fall asleep, not think about Carlos for once. It helped you fall asleep most of the time, but it was also your greatest enemy in times like these. You hugged yourself, but nothing could generate the heat Carlos hugged you with. A sob left your mouth.

“Can’t fall asleep. Please Y/N,” Carlos’ voice scared you. “Please,” he begged again, and you stood up. He let you lead the way, slowly walking behind you. You threw yourself into your shared bed. He just sat down on the edge.

You looked at him for a second, before turning on your other side and falling asleep. Carlos just sat there, looking out of the window. He finally laid down next to you, falling asleep nearly immediately with the familiar body right next to him.

*

Family dinners. Something you both hated and looked forward to. Your mom handed you plates, and just ushered you out of the kitchen, to the backyard.

Your cousins and you neatly set the table, talking about stuff that happened since you last saw each other. You felt like a kid again. Everyone finally sat down and started eating. You felt terrible and your face probably showed it, because your aunt asked the thing you did not want to hear.

“Where’s your boyfriend?” she asked genuinely and you just shrugged. You were defeated. You always attended his family events and he couldn’t even come on time to yours? You swallowed a lump in your throat.

“Probably at work,” you said, not even looking up from your plate. “Huh. Asshole.” Hearing your brother mutter out that about his friend shocked you. Your mom nodded and your dad just sighed.

An uncomfortable silence fell over the table. You preferred this over them calling you out. But, it’s a family dinner after all. 

“I know you love him Y/N, but that age gap isn’t great,” your cousin proclaimed. “He isn’t treating you right, younger you would never take that disrespect.” Another cousin agreed with her. You finally looked up to see the whole table staring at you. You didn’t know what to say. Maybe ‘cause they were right.

“You could’ve spent your twenties partying, and you’re with that guy.” Your dad spoke up. And you knew it was bad when he commented on it.

You exhaled deeply and opened your mouth to talk, and your brother already had his head in his hands. It’s like he was getting ready for whatever you were going to say. “ You love to just hate on everyone and everything, right?” every pair of eyes looked away from you. Your phone vibrated in your lap and you grabbed it. 

“I’m in front of the house.” You stood up from the table and became the center of attention once again. “You don’t know him like I do!” you shouted as you slid-opened the glass door.

“I know him too well!” your brother yelled out. You slammed the door and ran up to your room. “Give me 5 mins” you typed out with tears in your eyes. For those 5 minutes, you just sat on your old bed, trying to calm yourself down. Your feet swiftly carried you downstairs.

As you were about to make a turn for the door, you saw Carlos sitting in the backyard, laughing with everybody. You walked outside, wrapping your arms around his neck.

“I let your boyfriend in, if you don’t mind” your brother joked making everyone laugh. Are you going absolutely fucking crazy? Just a few minutes ago they hated him, and now they are making it seem like you had a problem with him.

You swore you were gonna go insane, but you just sat down smiling at your family. It’s fine. Everything will be fine. But as the night went on, it didn’t feel like that.

He was ignoring every ounce of affection you gave him. Acting, like you didn’t exist. And now you were regretting defending him so much.

*

You were in the middle of the unspoken routine you and Carlos adapted during the last few days after a big fight. You cleaned up after dinner, while he read emails and work-related stuff.

He fell asleep because his soft snores filled the entirety of the living room. You grinned and your heart broke at a thought that popped up in your head. You sat on the barstool, and it’s like he felt like you were watching him, because he woke up and opened up his book, continuing with his work.

Observing him was more fun when you two weren’t mad at each other. That isn’t the case today. He ‘studied‘ the whole book, and you just sat there until he closed it and placed it on the coffee table. You were internally fighting yourself.

Was this a good idea? Is it going to be absolutely worthless? You couldn’t even predict how you were gonna act, how could you know how was he going to react?

A little voice spoke quietly in your head. It’s going to be better.You were walking towards the hallway when his deep voice surprised you.

“Are you not even gonna say anything?” All the pent-up anger made its way to the surface. “You should say something!” you spat out, putting the emphasis on you. He looked down.

“Are you really making yourself the victim?” you continued. “What the fuck are you talking about?” he asked, not realizing you were one dumb question away from breaking down.

“YOU ARE THE ONE WHO IS RUINING THIS,” you strutted towards the couch, “and you’re not even realizing it.” He stayed quiet, waiting for whatever you had to say next. “You used to actually care about me” You shed a tear and he stood up to hug you. But, you just pushed him away.

“Don’t pull that shit, Carlos.” He exhaled and sat down. “I gave you everything!” you shouted. “All my attention, all my time, my energy, I gave it all! And you did nothing with it!”

You took a deep breath and looked into his eyes. Something in them screamed: When will she finally calm down. And that angered you even more.

“I don’t know shit about your life anymore! You don’t tell me anything! I have no idea how Ferrari is doing or what happened in the paddock. If you can’t even share the most basic information, how the fuck can we function as a couple?” you asked a rhetorical question. You didn’t want him to answer.

“It’s like my love and me is just extra weight on your shoulders. Is my affection annoying? Huh?” he looked up at you. You loved his deep brown eyes, but now you wished you could jab them out.

“I never you felt like that-,” “Yeah, of course you never know. It’s like you’re blind. Or maybe you just don’t fucking care! So stop acting like you do.” His clueless eyes scanned your hurt face.

Maybe he actually didn’t know. But, it’s not like that was an excuse. He deeply hurt you, and there was no apologizing he could do that was enough.

“Please let me make it up to you” he pleaded, his voice cracking nearly every word. “I swear, I didn’t mean it.” You burst into tears.

“No... Just let me end this.” Words rushed out of your mouth before you broke into another sob. Now, he was crying too. This just broke your heart more.

“You wouldn’t...” he spoke quietly. “I would,” you looked him in the eyes, “and that’s what I’m doing right now.”

“We’re done?” he asked like a little boy.

“Yeah, Carlos. I’ll pick up my stuff." You said as you walked through the hallway. The only thing you picked up, were your keys. You smashed-closed the front door and sat in your car.

You couldn’t bring yourself to drive away. Leaving all the memories behind you. Most importantly, the 7-year-old you that would swear he was your soulmate. Maybe it just wasn’t meant to be. 

*

[knnichs]

my eternity

young love, loyalty, and admiration. a gentle reminder from your dear friend that he will stick with you, even after you've gotten sick of him.

c. kingdom messenger sethos x royalty gn!reader

t. character(s) are friends with reader but have romantic feelings, mutual pining (ish??), royalty au obviously, friends to something more but less than lovers LOL, reader is the princeps/princess/prince of the vehero kingdom, dehya obviously knows about readers crush on sethos & sethos' crush on reader, fluff, not proofread we die like bamoun, POSSIBLY OOC SETHOS ??? wc: 4.1k WOOHOO

taglist. @thestarswhisper @honeyney @pneumosia @tragedy-of-commons @gl4di0lus @ariadnehelx @azuresaqua @mikashisus @yuomizuu-> join the taglist here!

author notes at the end !

The sun had already begun to set, but your day was far from finished.

Being the future ruler of the Vehero Kingdom, you had quite the list of responsibilities. It wasn’t as simple as attending your classes on time and doing homework once you got back anymore–despite being homeschooled your whole life. No, you now had to help with managing the events, attending meetings, and political discussions. You have to watch your every step as even the smallest mistake may lead to war.

Now is a time where you truly had to be aware of everything you say. The annual banquet was just around the corner and you had prepared a hefty bit of it. So, safe to say that you have put in a ton of effort just to make this event possible this year. It’s not that your parents didn’t trust anyone to do it for them, or they didn’t have the time to manage it–you were of age now. Maybe it’s time you take part in these events, they said to you.

You’re tired of it, though. Incredibly tired.

In between your duties–you caught glimpses of a familiar dark brown haired fellow come and go in the palace; talking with the maids, laughing while playing cards with the guards, and leaving once more with his bag filled to the brim. Sethos, your kingdom's beloved messenger. 

You remember telling him to deliver the invitation letters in the port's post office after the last group of messengers failed to bring it as they ‘lost’ them (they really just went to the tavern and completely forgot about it.) He’s quite efficient with his work–usually a quick trip to the port would be around 30 minutes by foot, yet he manages to come back 15 minutes earlier. 

Ah, yes. His “secret power,” as he loved to say. Especially when the king, your father, compliments him for his diligent work and asks for his route–he simply shrugged and said “I just move fast.” 

There he is, in the flesh, several doors away from you; your best friend of many years now. He’s come to teach you many things about the palace. Secret doors that lead to underground tunnels, hidden doors in the library… You wonder why he knows all of this. 

You lean on the wall, shoulders shrugged as you crossed your arms and sighed. You couldn’t wait until night came around–changing into your silk robes and lying on the soft mattress while reading a book you liked, or falling asleep immediately.

“Your highness,” Dehya coughed, seeing your prolonged stare at the window. You hadn’t noticed you zoned out already–no wonder your eyes felt heavy. “Is something wrong?”

You shook your head as you faced the girl, greeting her with a small smile. “Nothing in particular, Dehya.” 

She glanced over your shoulder, catching sight of Sethos immediately. And she grins. “Boy problems? Why don’t you go talk to him?” 

For some odd reason, the idea makes you a little excited. After a really long day, a good talk with your… friend, would be pretty rewarding. Sethos is quite an entertaining person–you thought to yourself many times, questioning if he could possibly feel the same way to you.

But again, it probably wouldn’t happen at all. 

“Ah, yes! Let’s go bother someone who is clearly busy. Great idea.” You roll your eyes.

“Come on, your highness. I don’t think he’ll mind,” Dehya takes a few steps closer to you, hand pointed at the window as she looks at you encouragingly. “See? He’s wavin’ at you right now.”

You went to look at the window–watching what was going on. “No, he isn’t.”

“Oh my god–just go approach him!”

“And I’m telling you, I’m doing something.”

“I don’t get paid enough for this,” Dehya puts her arms up in defeat, eyes closed as she looks down at the floor and grinned. “I’ll see you later, your highness.”

She walks away, leaving you alone in the hallway filled with tiles and marbles and old paintings that look almost alive. You stare as she opens the doors and goes to the many living rooms in the palace. A part of you thought that she was right–maybe you should. But you somehow couldn’t get the courage to.

“He’s busy.” You repeat–mostly for yourself.

 “We both don’t have the time.”

It’s been a hectic day. You’ve walked maybe ten thousand steps today from preparations alone, you wonder how it would be like on the event itself. You’ve talked with the maids, told the band what to play during the dinner, you cleared the menu your parents created as they weren’t appropriate at all for a banquet, so you ended up creating another menu and checked with the chefs if they were possible. There were just so many more that it’s hard to list them all in your head. 

Now, you were fresh out of a hot bath, some chamomile tea on the side of your nightstand. You were laying in your bed, wrapped in the softest blanket, dressed in loose clothing, and you had just finished reading your book. The night was cold, so your balcony was halfway opened to bring some air into your bedroom. The moon is shining on the carpet, it’s comfortable, it’s nice. 

But you can’t sleep. Not at all.

Some thoughts are rushing in your head–and there are no thoughts at all. The blanket is soft, but you feel too hot, and when you take it off you feel cold. Your head sinks into the pillows but it makes you dizzy, your tea was too sweet and now you wonder if you somehow added too much sugar and ended up getting the energy to do things. You’re tired, but not at the same time.

Does that make sense?

On nights where you find yourself restless, your first thought is to go to the gardens. There, you’re alone, only with the moon's gaze and the flowers you tend to when you have the time. Tonight is no different. Once again, you’re looking up at the sea of stars above you to find comfort.

If being an heir to the throne was this stressful, you wonder how much worse it’ll be when you do eventually become their leader.

“In deep thought, your highness?” A familiar voice calls just behind the bushes, to where the swing is. Usually you’re all alone on these nights, but it doesn’t necessarily mean a certain someone joins you from time to time.

“Sethos,” you push a few stray vines from the tree, ducking down from the branches and looking at the white swing. “Apologies… for the silence. I didn’t notice you were here.”

“It’s fine, I didn’t say anything anyway.” He pats down the space beside him, moving a little to make more room. You smile, taking a seat and nodding a thanks to the boy.

Silence wasn’t uncommon when it came to the two of you. He understood your duties drained you socially and physically—which is why he usually fills the silence with his voice. Talking about his day, what he did, or reminiscing a little on memories from the past.

“You’ve been out and about, what brings you here at this hour? I’d be too tired to even make the trip.” His voice had a raspier edge than usual—proof of his exhaustion from the day as well.

You look at the sky again, “I don’t know, actually. I felt too tired to sleep. Quite odd, isn’t it?” 

He laughs, the sound bringing a certain warmth burst in your stomach. 

“I’ve got just the idea then.” The boy stands from the swing and it sways the slightest bit from the sudden movement. He reaches a hand to you, offering to help you up. “Wanna join me, your highness?”

“Sethos, my friend—I trust you, but… is this okay?” You held the ends of its saddle. With a huff, Sethos successfully brings the two horses you got for your 16th birthday out of the stables. Without alerting anyone at that. 

He blows the flame in the lamp, leaving the room dark as you two head out to the streets. “Yes, yes. It’s fine, completely fine.” 

Although, you're not the least bit assured. If your parents catch you sneaking out late at night–without a small group of guards with you–the scolding would last weeks. All Sethos is doing is taking your hand in his, nodding as a promise. We won't get caught, and you won’t have to suffer through their endless yelling.

The sounds of their hooves tapping against the stone floor echoes throughout the streets. It’s a sound you pay no mind to in the morning–especially during events, where there are more horses to count. But at night, everything just seems to be louder. But you push forward, seeing as your little friend is exceptionally confident that nothing would go wrong. Oh, to see the look on his face when he does get caught sneaking out with the heir of the royal family this late at night–it makes you curious. Would he feel guilty, or would he feel playful and try again another time?

“This way,” He whispers, redirecting the two of you into an alleyway. You know this place, you often head through here when you need to reach the gatehouse quickly. 

Which has you wondering, where is he even taking you?

There are not many places in the kingdom that would require you to pass by this specific alleyway to the gates. Well, there are none at all. The gates have only one use, and it’s to exit and enter the walls of your kingdom with ease–so why is he bringing you there with not one–but two horses?

Is he planning an escape? There is that possibility, the only problem being that he never told you in advance–how were you to get clothes and daily necessities without any mora on hand? You didn’t even fill a single pouch with the coins, like what they do in drama plays when the main character elopes with the love interest!

If that’s the case, then is this some kind of proposal? It’s true that you find Sethos attractive–you liked the way he carried himself in conversations… his smile, the way he urges you to do the most random things. Like, five years ago when he asked you to play in the mud with him after a storm. Who even offers to do that as a pastime? Your clothes would’ve gotten stained with the dirt, but he insisted otherwise. 

So he’s seriously asking you to elope with him, this is just insanity!

“Sethos–wait!” You stop in your tracks, holding your palm up to his face when he turns around. “Is there… something you want to say?” 

He pauses for a moment, blinking in surprise. What, had you finally caught on? Did you figure him out, with the way he’s acting right now? Holding your hand, guiding you through the kingdom–gods, he hoped not.

He laughs, “What are you even talking about? Read too many fantasy books?”

“I just–” 

“No, I’m not trying to kidnap you–or anything of the sort. We’re going out to a spot I know that could help you relax.” Sethos takes a few deep breaths, no doubt trying to calm his heart from exploding at that very moment. He puts your hand to his chest, looking at you with those bright eyes of his. “Trust me. I won’t do anything to harm you, your parents would kill me if I did.” 

That, they would. But you don’t say it outloud. Instead, you gently nod your head and he smiles.

“Aren’t there any guards around?” You ask, hiding behind a crate–you can’t say the same about your companion, on the other hand, and the horse you’re with right now. (Her head is peeking over the tall crates stacked on top of another, but she looks adorable doing it.)

Sethos has his arm raised in front of you. “Well, yes. But look closely.” 

You squint as you do, but you see Cyno–the highest ranking knight–lead the other guards stationed by the gates to a game of TCG. It was just a sight to see, truly, you knew Cyno loved playing the card game–but not this much.

You try to hold back a chuckle but Sethos catches on, nudging you with his elbow, his lips curving. 

“Let’s go, before they come back.” The boy says, holding the lead rope and leading the three of you to the gates. 

“Did you pay Cyno to do this?”

“Maybe.”

The first thing that greets you outside of the kingdom walls is the familiar blow of the cold night wind, the earth's somewhat comforting dirt smell, and the deafening sounds of crickets around you. Sethos helps you up as you hop on your horse, gesturing for you to follow him into the forest. 

The air only gets colder as you move, racing through the trees as Sethos speeds up. If anyone would pass through the woods now, the first thing they would hear is the laughter you two are letting out. One moment Sethos is in front of you, the second you turn he’s already behind you, preparing to scare you.

You slow down when you realize you were all alone. The trotting of Sethos’ horse can’t be heard, and no matter how loud you shout for him, he wouldn’t pop out of nowhere. You thought this might just be an elaborate set up for another scare he was going to give you, but you’re shocked to see that even after a few moments pass by, he still cannot be found.

Great. It’s the middle of the night, you’re stranded in a forest and you have no clue how to get back to the kingdom, and you have no knight with you. You don’t even know how to use a dagger. This is exactly a plot for an assassination, based on the books you’ve read. 

After some seconds of struggling to get off your horse, you pat her back as a thank you. You’re not sure why you did that, exactly, the gesture just seemed nice. 

Then, the sound of rustling reaches your ears.

It was from behind you–as you turned, you saw nothing but bushes. It was quite dark–so except for the moonlight shining on the field right now, you could barely see anything past the trees. Maybe it was just a rabbit, it always is. So you turn,  paying no mind to the potential danger that could lie beyond it.

Suddenly you’re tackled on the ground, rolling over the patch of grass as someone has their arms around you. You’re tense, trying to break free from their hold–but once you had opened your eyes, you found out it was just Sethos who had, once again, scared the soul out of you.

“What is wrong with you?!” You yell, though playfully–you try to get him off, but he wouldn’t budge. Not at all. In fact, he impossibly hugs you tighter.

The boy doesn’t respond, instead letting go and helping you sit. You try to brush off the grass on your clothes, and once you look up, a yellow-orange glow surrounds the both of you. Fireflies. There are about a handful of them around the field, they look like stars from afar, it’s a mesmerizing sight, really. 

“How do you like it?” Sethos whispered, sitting beside you. 

You smile, “It’s beautiful.”

“I’d hope so. I found out about this place when I was out delivering the letters,” He plucks something from the ground, then reaches for your chin. He gently makes you turn to face him, and you notice the orange glow reflected in his eyes as he does. He tucks a piece of your hair behind your ear, placing a flower right on top. “Is it to your satisfaction, your highness?”

The action makes your heart skip a beat–you almost think that the two of you were having a moment until he ruffled your hair playfully and looked away. You don’t answer the question.

“Dehya told me you saw me this afternoon lazing around near the guardhouse,” He muttered, his voice softly muffled since he kept his hand on his mouth. “I was actually chatting with them. A lot of the guards seem to like you now that you’re running around the castle more often.”

“Really?” 

“They kinda look forward to seeing you now,” He hummed, “I guess the same could be said for me… Except–I was first, of course.”

“Oh, so you only liked me now, is that it?” You reached over and poked his sides teasingly, the boy laughed in response, trying to get your hand out.

“No–no! Of course not! I mean… I’ve always liked you, you know? But in like–not in a weird way.” Sethos looks away once again, but you catch a glimpse of the red dusting his cheeks. The boy was a liar, and you knew that. 

He cleared his throat before speaking up once again, trying to clear up the awkward tension in the air.“A-anyway, how’s the banquet preparation going?”

The banquet was the last thing you wanted to talk about, if you were being honest. You came here to relax–not to talk about this again. You groan when you let yourself fall into the grass, Sethos turns his head from the sudden movement. He laughs,  “Well, not a fan of the topic?”

“Talk about something else. I beg.” 

“Okay then,” He reaches for something in his leather bag, he doesn’t take his hand out yet.  “My friend, Tighnari. Oh, not to talk about it again but, you guys should totally invite him–well, his kingdom, to the banquet.”

You roll your eyes when he mentions the event once more, “I don’t think that’s talking about something else.”

“Anyway,” The boy grinned, trying to continue the topic anyway. “He’s a botanist, so he’s great with flowers. One day, he told me that if you pressed flowers, you could get a pretty good bookmark.”

He gives you said bookmark, smiling. “So, here. White roses in resin, since you like to read.”

Your lips curved as you received the box, sitting back up and muttering a thank you.  A singular flower could be seen in the middle, its petals made to look as if it was still blooming. There were a few scattered branches around, and some leaves on the side for decorative purposes. The translucent resin only added to its beauty, it wasn’t too thick–nor too thin, definitely a bookmark you could use for your reading. You struggled finding random objects to mark the page you were on anyway.

“Thank you, Sethos.” You muttered shyly, “You just know everything, don’t you?”

You still held the bookmark in your hands, admiring the details of the flowers–the placement alone is already something to be amazed about. Everything fits perfectly, right to your preferences. You wondered if the flowers itself represent some sort of meaning–Sethos may not look like it, but he says things with hidden hints most of the time. 

“How did you meet Tighnari?” You asked, glancing over the bookmark once more. “You mentioned he was from another kingdom, I’m wondering how you got to know him.”

He leans back, hands supporting his weight from behind his back. “Pure coincidence,”

“Is that so?” 

“Yeah. Cyno and I got assigned to a mission, we were just going to accompany the King and the Queen for their afternoon tea time.” He continued, “Asked Cyno to come with me and walk around, we were bored to death. He refused and just stayed put. I walked around and saw the guy in their garden fiddling with the plants.”

“He was complaining about the placement. ‘The flowers won’t get any sunlight from here, and it’s way too unaligned!’ ” He imitated, you chuckle at his horrible impersonation. 

You smile, “I’d like to get to know him someday.”

“Oh, you should! His skill is just impressive. Once you’re done chatting, you’re bound to know a thing or two about plants.” He grins.

“You know, you always seem to bring people like that into your life.” You say, “People who are really good at what they do. Tighnari with his plants, Cyno with–whatever he’s doing, and you with your… well, everything.”

Sethos turns to look at you, a look of disbelief and playfulness. “What? My charm? Come on, your highness. I’m honored but–”

“No, I meant more with your ability to just… click,  with anyone. You’re not charming, not one bit.” You reply softly, seeing the way he looks almost sad with what you said–even if you knew he was just acting. 

“Okay, maybe add the charm, too. You do have a way of making people comfortable.” 

The boy chuckles, clearly flattered–but deflects the compliment with a shrug. “It comes natural to me, nothing impressive.”

“If you say so. I think otherwise,” You lay back down, looking at the stars. “But you are lovely to be around.”

Sethos is quiet for a moment, looking down at his hands–pondering your words. He had known you for many years now, but still, moments like this are… uncommon. Very rarely does Sethos open up to you, and the reverse. He thinks it may just be the exhaustion letting you speak freely. At the end of the day, you have a reputation to keep up as royalty.

He tilts his head, giving you that easygoing smile of his–a slight red still visible on his cheeks. “Someone’s gotta look out for you, your highness. I know Cyno or the other guards may just be more capable than I am, but–” 

The boy finds a place beside you, laying on his side and turning to face you. “I have certain things that they don’t have. I’ve certainly known you for longer, I think that’s a plus.”

You can’t help but laugh softly, “I’ll hold you to that. Now you must follow me when I go to the market early in the morning.”

“Don’t I already do that?” 

You hum, “Oh, I guess you do. You’re even more fitting, then.” 

A silence, once again fills the air.

“I have much to do tomorrow,” You mumbled, eyes slowly closing with your fatigue. “Will you have some free time during the afternoon? Let’s eat lunch together,” 

“I doubt it’s appropriate for a messenger to be dining with royalty alone.” He says. 

You yawn, subtly stretching your back before rolling over to lay on your back, where you wouldn’t face him. “Don’t worry. It’ll just be like… friends eating together.”

Friends. The word is unfamiliar in your throat–It’s something more than friends, what you two have. Definitely not lovers, despite the feeling you get in your stomach when you see him look at you in a way anyone else couldn’t. You weren’t just friends either–assuming that the softness in his tone whenever he speaks to you was only reserved for you. 

He nods, saying why not?  You smile in response, falling asleep in the bed of flowers. It’s oddly comforting, actually, and quite cozy. You’ve never slept on the ground before. 

“Your highness,” Sethos whispers, checking if you were awake. The sun had already started to rise, and the kingdom was starting to get lively once more as he heard the chatter of the guards just a little beyond the forest. He smiles, realizing you indeed have fallen asleep. He’s glad that you somehow found comfort, even if you weren’t at home. 

He reaches to carry you in his arms, gently raising you up–careful not to wake you when you’re sleeping soundly. “Come on, highness. Hold tight.”

When he reaches to call for the horses, he wonders if you’ve ever stopped to think about what he truly feels towards you. It’s the saddest thing ever, that you don’t know his heart is full of you. He adores you more than words could express–yet you don’t have a clue, only because he never had the guts to tell you, not once. 

Sethos walks towards the kingdom, you in his arms, and the lead ropes wrapped around his wrist. The sun shines on your face, and he wonders if you’re bothered by the sudden brightness, especially after spending the night in the woods. 

As much as you hate it–he’s proud that you’re now the person organizing the yearly banquet. He knows how much you dread the event the day it comes, you hate socializing with people you barely knew. But he wishes that maybe you’ll change your mind this time around now that his friends would be coming along. People from the Akademiya, even if you don’t know them, he’ll be the one to introduce you to the people he also treasures.

Being the future ruler of Vehero, you certainly do have a longer list of responsibilities than he does. Although… he hopes that one day, his name wouldn’t be something on an endless list of chores.

@ knnichs 2023 ﹑ do not repost, republish, translate, feed to ai or modify any of my works. doing so can and will result into me blocking you.

reblogs with comments are INCREDIBLY appreciated! go scream go feral idc i will eat all of them up and run away with a familiarly shaped reblog in my mouth, thank you.

wow this was an eyesore to write. dawg i AM NERVOUS ABOUT THE DIALOGUE THERE ARE SO MANY IM SO SCARED ITS REDUNDANT i hate dialogue i say i hate it. this was so hard to write but i lowkey enjoyed it too (no1 party anthem on loop I WAS SO LOCKED IN) this took so long too .... ong i am GLAD its finally over hell yeah :pray: i MIGHT do a part two (keyword MIGHT) where they finally get together . .. But probably not im too lazy thank you goodnight

[writeslikeanaria]

Can you please write an omi fic of him losing his v card with mc (But make it realistic like an adorable bumbling doof? Mistakes, miscommunications, giggling, bashfulness) XD

These HL boys are becoming far too suave for my liking lately lmfao!

Xxxx love your writing btw

virgins do a standup special

ominis gaunt x reader

summary: two sassy kids have private fun time for the first time ever. or, author has way to much fun writing dumb shit. (i spiraled. i'm sorry. but thank you for requesting!!! and thank you for enjoying my writing!!! i'll do more of it i promise.)

word count: 1.9k+

warnings: SMUT, author went wild, first time woohoo, oral!m recieving, reader needs to self pleasure badly, bad attempts at comedy, p in v,

requests open! request here :) (i normally write better than this is swear)

Celibacy didn't look the best on you.

Staring at your reflection, you followed you tired eyes back and forth, drained from the restless night you had just slept. Hours spent, holed up in your hot bed, sleeping next to your quiet boyfriend, as you tried desperately to not shove your finger down your panties.

This night was no different. It was just past two in the morning and your mind had yet to drift into slumber. The crackling of the gentile fireplace and the hum of the sea breeze outside had not worked their magic to soothe you to sleep. Ominis, on the other hand, bless his heart, was out like light, sleeping like the Inferi. Sometimes, you had to place the pads of your fingers to his pulse point to even check if he was still breathing. Yet, he was, his breath puffing from his soft lips in small doses, his clothed chest rising and falling with his rhythmic heart song. You longed for that type of peace.

Instead, a fire roared inside of you. Sweat drowned your forehead as you glanced at yourself in the mirror beside his bed. It was full length, allowing you to see both yourself and you sleeping boyfriend behind you. Except, every time you would stare at you boyfriend, the fire would ablaze. Everything Ominis would do was like tinder. You pouted at yourself, ignoring the waterfall between your legs.

You were being courteous, is what you told yourself. Six months of dating and nothing more than your tongue deep inside his mouth. You were fine with it – really, you were – but you wished you could just progress past Ominis' gentleman hands, and onto the more animalistic side of him.

Too busy staring at yourself, you hadn't even noticed the stirring figure behind you, waking from his sleeping beauty rest. Humming deeply, Ominis rolled over, wrapping his arm around your sitting hips. He coughed softly to break in his sleepy timbre. "What are you doing?"

Not even fazed nor startled at Ominis' tough or voice, you sighed in response, shrugging your shoulders defeatedly. "Just thinking. Go back to sleep. You need your beauty sleep, Prince Charming."

Ominis snorted at your joke, but scooted closer to you, until his head was resting in your lap, breath fanning over your bare thigh, barely anything keeping his face from your most exclusive area. He rubbed his cheek against your soft skin lovingly, before pressing his lips gently to the tops of your thighs.

"Talk to me. Maybe it'll put me back to sleep." Ominis spoke, voice still not fully warmed up. After a pause in the conversation where you couldn't reply, Ominis piped up again. "I want to hear your thoughts."

You lifted your hand to his hair, and stroked the blond locks in an attempt to slow your racing mind. Biting your lip, you felt the guilt rush up your body. Lowering your head, ashamed, your voice came out in a mere whisper.

"I want you."

Ominis lifted his head slightly, life rattling under his skin. His lips turned into a confused frown, eyebrows knitted together into a stout line. "I'm right here? Do you think I'm leavi–"

"No." You stopped his words, before letting out another sigh. "I want you. In a sexual context." You weren't sure if your words were clear enough, so you spoke again. "I'm horny."

Still having not replied, Ominis stayed still, tongue slightly poking out of his mouth as he remained deep in thought. The wait was killing you as your boyfriend stayed quiet, the only time where his silence wasn't endearing, but exceedingly frustrating, considering the rainforest coming into season on the flesh side of your panties.

"Please say someth–"

"I'm a virgin."

"I know. I'm your girlfriend. We share these things." You snapped, not in a harsh way, but in a way where Ominis knew that you weren't truly upset with him. Biting your tongue, you restarted your speech. "I'm sorry. What I meant to say was, I know, but, sometimes I have needs. And I recognise that you may not want to sleep with me, and I fully respect that. I love consent, big fan. Some might even call me a consent groupie, but on top of that, I just need to let some inhibitions go occasionally."

"Wait a second–"

You did not, in fact, wait a second. "You know, when you woke up, I was actually staring into this mirror, trying to decide what the etiquette around masturbating next to your boyfriend was. I was a couple minutes around from taking myself to pleasure-smeade and praying that you'd stay asleep. Or maybe I should've gone to the bathroom."

"Hold on–"

You didn't hold on. "It's just that I don't like masturbating in bathrooms. It's way too cold, and I have this fear of the tap just turning on and a ghost walking in, or even just someone rattling the door nob–"

Ominis bit into your thigh to shut you up. You yelped in response, smacking your hand over your mouth to stop any more surprise noises from escaping your throat. You grind your teeth together. "What the hell was that for?"

"I'm trying to tell you that you don't have to pleasure yourself next to me." Ominis hissed back at you. "I would be very happy to," his voice dropped low, to almost a whisper, "make love to you."

You stared at your boyfriend, your polite, bashful boyfriend, whose face was now a lovely scarlet, long eyelashes downturned as his words come out like the crudest word someone could think of. You smirk.

Leaning down, you sink yourself off the bed, and onto your knees in front of Ominis, kneecaps hitting the hard, cold floors beneath you. You knew he couldn't see you, but you stared into his eyes anyway. "I'll give you a blowjob if you can say the word 'sex'."

The scarlet crossfaded into burgundy. Ominis let out a small gasp, before placing his hands over his ears and whispering out into the world, "sex."

You laughed, leaning up to place your lips against his, pressing as much love as you could muster through the emotion in your kiss, but you were unable to stop the giggles from coming out. As you both laughed your way through your pash, your nimble fingers made their way to Ominis' pant's waistband, flicking at the fabric, until your impatience wore down to the thinnest layer of the earth. Tapping your fingers at his waist, you encouraged Ominis to stand up slightly, so you could shimmy the rest of his pant down his leg, revealing his briefs, with a very strained cock protruding from it. A very large cock aswell.

"How the hell am I supposed to fit that into my mouth?"

Ominis furrowed his eyebrows. "Why would I know? It's your mouth, isn't it?"

You pinched his thigh. "But have you seen the size of it?"

"No. There's many things I haven't seen."

Ignoring his cheek, you slowly roll down his briefs to reveal the mammoth you were so afraid of. It was longy, veiny, with moles covering it's ivory length. You squeezed it experimentally and relished as Ominis let out a long hiss of approval.

Meekly, you let your hands wander the length of his cock, mesmerised by it's very being. "I've never actually seen one of these upclose before, only in those muggle education books we have in the library. It's actually different from what I imagined." You licked from base to tip and hum and the texture. Ominis' thighs tensed. "I thought it would be more, rock like, but it's reminding me of... soft rubber."

Ominis let out a throaty gasp as you alternated from stroking, licking, and just straight up babbling about his cock. "You know, darling, it is just skin and muscle, I thought you would know th–"

He was speaking too much. Deepthroating your boyfriend, you watched as his entire face contorted, hands reaching into your hair, and lacing his fingers into your locks. You didn't mind the pressure, slowly lifting yourself off the cock, and then back down again, catching a rhythm.

You stopped running your mouth and focused on giving Ominis the pleasure he deserved. Through sloppy and wet noises, your lips suctioned around his member, tongue gliding over the ridges of his cock. Humming occasionally at the salty taste oozing from the tip, you watched out for all the signs that Ominis was enjoying this as much as you.

His head was thrown back, eyes closed, as sweat enclosed his neck and collarbone. His teeth had pulled his bottom lip into his mouth and refused to let go, blood cracking from the skin. The fingers in your hair had not relenting, staying firmly in place as you worked your magic, which is how Ominis so easily lifted your head off of his cock after a short while.

You fake pouted. "I was actually enjoying myself."

Ominis snorted. "You sounded so lewd that I thought that you might've been replaced with a whore."

You slapped Ominis' dick in response. "You know, if I wasn't so horny right now, I would've taken offence to that comment."

Pulling you upwards, you met Ominis' lips once more, adjusting yourself so you could sit in his lap. Grinding down on his exposed crotch, you let out a moan, right in Ominis' ear, just so he wouldn't miss it, or mistake you for someone who wasn't so ridiculously turned on right now.

"I want to put my penis inside you now." Well, that was direct. You let your head fall into the crook of his shoulder, trying to stop your laughter from deterring him. "I would like that very much."

Satisfied with your answer, Ominis hoisted you up my the butt, and laid you down on the bed, spreading your legs seductively, and sitting between them. His warm hands rubbed soothing circles on your thighs as his brain tried to figure out what to do next.

You cocked your head. "Would you like me to remove my panties?"

"Oh," Ominis' eyebrows raised. "Only if you don't mind."

Rolling your eyes, you pulled your panties down your legs, throwing them off to the side and resettling yourself on the bed. You should've felt more exposed, completely bare and presenting your pussy like a modern piece of art, but Ominis made you feel so unbelievably safe. You smiled at him, knowing that he wouldn't be able to see, but not caring anyway.

"Gotta find the hole..." Ominis brought his fingers up to your unmentionables and starting rubbing around until he found a hole. Unsure, he bit his lip out of confusion. "Its... tighter than what I was expecting." Beat. "And drier."

"Ominis, that's my anus."

"I was just kidding..." He wasn't.

Fixing his hand placement, Ominis tried again, fingering your cunt with the dexterity and delicacy of a moose being told that he has to cook, and not really knowing how to, because it's a moose.

When he was sure he had found the right hole, he gripped onto his cock, and lined it up to your entrance. "Are you ready?"

You nodded.

"By the sound of the rustling pillow, I'm going to assume you nodded." Ominis slowly started entering you, both of you letting out harmonious moans over each other. The pleasure was almost too good as Ominis thrusted in again and hit that perfect spot and–

"Unghhh...!"

Came with six seconds.

____

i'm so sorry for whatever the hell this is i'm actually so tired and out of it but i hope you enjoy this. i love writing i love words i love metaphors i am a god.

[moonhoures]

piano lessons

pairing: jay (enhypen) + reader (fem.)

genre: non-idol!au, (kind of?) college!au, fluff, meet cute

warnings: none!

word count: ~2.3K

synopsis: working at a music shop has its perks, like meeting cute boys who can play guitars 🤭🎸

a/n: my first fic back!! woohoo!! i hope you guys like this, i only read through it twice, so there might be some proofreading mistakes. please forgive me 😇 enjoy! 🫶🏻

a/n: for reference, this fic is heavily inspired by these tiktoks [ tiktok #1 & tiktok #2 ] and [ this ] is the song jay is playing 👍🏻

posted: july 13, 2023

Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays were usually the slowest days at your job. You worked at the local music retail shop, spending most of your shifts just cashing people out, organizing instruments and equipment, or re-alphabetizing the store’s music catalog. It didn’t pay that well, but it was enough to keep you busy and get you through college.

On most days it was fine; the only real downside being dealing with older people who didn’t understand some logistics of the instruments or the younger know-it-alls that tried to mansplain the equipment you sold daily. Another downside was having to listen to people tune the instruments to their liking and/or play them awkwardly in the middle of the store.

You understood why they did it; they just want to get a feel for the instruments they want to buy. But most people either were beginners who played awfully or intermediate players who didn’t play nearly as good as they thought they did. After almost a year of working at your location, you had gotten used to the sound of the store’s center speakers being hooked up to various instruments while people tested out the sound quality or other logistics of their instruments. Today was no different.

You were in the middle of organizing some invoices at the register on a late, gloomy Tuesday afternoon in the middle of September. The faint buzz of the center speakers humming to life on the other side of the store caught your attention, but you went back to focusing on your task at hand. There was only a handful of people in the store at the moment, so it was pretty quiet aside from the very soft jazz music emitting from the speakers in the corners of the store.

After a moment of peace, the center speakers crackled. You prepared to be annoyed for the next five to ten minutes by some young kid about to play some Nirvana riff very amateurishly. However, you were surprised when the opposite happened. A single, short, sweet strum on an electric guitar rang through the shop. It wasn’t obnoxiously loud, just enough so that you could hear it from across the room. You didn’t recognize the melody that soon followed, but it was pleasant to your ears.

It was a very relaxed, R&B sound. The sound was so calming. It fit perfectly with the gray clouds and drizzling rain outside the shop. Like a soundtrack to a movie scene. You decided you had to see who this talented musician was.

You picked up a vinyl that needed to be put back in that area, and decided to use that as your excuse to go be nosey. Throughout your walk there you noticed that the elderly couple you had seen earlier was now gone, leaving very few patrons left. There was one guy who seemed to be in his mid-40’s browsing through the CD collections. And there was a high school-aged girl looking through the magazines by the door. Other than that, it was just you and your mystery guitar player.

The soulful music continued to play, growing louder as you got closer to the source. You turned the corner of the shelf just behind the speakers that the music was coming from. Your eyes travelled up to see a boy about your age. You were getting a somewhat side profile of him, but he was admittedly very handsome.

He had black hair that looked soft and untouched by the rain from outside. Rimless glasses sat on the bridge of his nose. His jawline looked as though it was sculpted by an artist. He wore average-looking clothes—khaki pants, dark blue graphic t-shirt, unbuttoned denim shirt, and converse. One of his ears were covered by the chunky headphones he brought with him, presumably listening to the song he was trying to play. You found it odd that he wasn’t using sheet music, like most people did. Perhaps he played better by ear?

The sound of the bell above the door ringing made you jump, but it was only the high school girl leaving. You clutched the vinyl in your hand, remembering that that’s what you were supposed to be doing: finding it’s home. You turned to the shelf beside you, thumbing through the albums until you found the spot you needed. The albums thumped to one side as you slid the vinyl into place before they were pushed gently back together in harmony.

It seemed the song was coming to an end, so you stood in place as the boy wrapped up the tune he was playing so elegantly. When he finished, he started inspecting the tuning pegs on the guitar in his lap. Your feet were moving before your brain could stop them. The inside of your throat felt like it was closing, but you still somehow managed to speak.

Softly, you praised him, “That was amazing.”

Dread filled your body when he didn’t so much as even look at you. Nothing signaled that he heard you, so you cleared your throat and tried again. Only this time, you took another step closer to him.

“That was amazing,” you repeated a bit louder than before.

This time he heard you, his head whipping around as if you startled him. You quickly apologized, but he shook his head.

“No, you’re fine. I’m sorry, what did you say?”

“I just said that was amazing, what you played. You’re really talented.”

“Oh,” maybe it was your imagination, but it looked like the lobe of his ear was turning red. His foot fidgeted on the bar at the bottom of the stool he sat on. The fluorescent lighting in the shop casted a white glare on the edge of his glasses when he looked at you, but you could still see his brown eyes clear as day, “Thanks.”

“Was it yours?”

“Was what mine?”

“The song,” you busied yourself by picking up the sheet music left behind by previous patrons of the day and putting them back in the folder where your boss kept them. He reached up and moved the headphones down from his ears to rest around his neck.

“No,” he shook his head, “It’s a Frank Ocean song. Have you heard of him?”

“I can’t say I have,” you confessed, “But it was a beautiful song. I’ll have to look it up later so I can get the full experience of it.”

“You should. The, uh, album that it’s from is great. It’s called Blonde,” he continued to twist and tune the pegs at the end of the guitar’s neck. His fingers were proficient and gentle; you assumed that was from years of skill crafting.

“How long have you played guitar for?”

“About 5 years?” his face expressed that he was trying to recall the moment he started.

“Wow, I figured you might be a prodigy or something. You sound like a seasoned player.”

Now his ears were definitely red; there was no way it was a trick of your mind. The same rosy color also looked like it was spreading across the apples of his cheeks. His lips twitched from holding back the bashful smile that wanted to appear. He adjusted himself on his seat, getting a better grip on the instrument in his lap, “Thank you, but I’m no prodigy. Do you play anything?”

“I took a few piano lessons when I was little,” you shrugged, fingertips mindlessly and quietly tapping on top of the speaker in front of you. An almost silent hum still thrummed from it, “But I don’t play much anymore.”

“Well, if you’d like some lessons in the near future, I know a guy who’d be willing to teach you for free,” he spoke as he stood from the stool and carefully placed the Paul Reed Smith guitar back on its stand a few feet away.

“For free? Is he doing volunteer work or something?” you teased, eyes accidentally meeting his as he returned to pick up his keys from the stand he left them on. The same stand that held the speaker you were previously tapping on. You wanted to look away, but his eyes almost held you in their gaze.

“No, but he doesn’t mind teaching pretty girls like you.”

Your breath hitched for a second, and heat rushed into your cheeks. Was he seriously hitting on you? More importantly, was it working? You had to avert your eyes.

“Oh,” you mentally kicked yourself when the shy smile took over your lips, “Does he live around here? I might consider, if he’s not too far.”

“He lives in college town actually. Are you familiar with it?” his keys made a jingling noise as he swiftly slipped them into the back pockets of his pants. You watched with a twinkle in your eye as he used the same hand to carelessly card his fingers through his hair.

“Yeah, it’s not too far from me actually. Does this guy know Frank Ocean’s music too? I think I’d like to hear some of that on the piano,” you said, walking alongside him as he started to walk towards the front of the store. The rain was still coming down, barely. The droplets were sparse, but the gray clouds remained, just as dark and gloomy as ten minutes ago, “I like the R&B sound of it.”

“I’m sure he’d love to play some R&B music for you on his piano,” he smirked a little, secretly loving this back-and-forth with you. He didn’t want it to end, but he did have plans with his friends soon, “I think he knows one or two Frank Ocean songs.”

“That’s good. Well, this guy sounds decent. Do you have his number? I’ll have to send him a text to set up a piano lesson with him.”

He nodded, so you took the few steps over to the front desk, pulling a notepad and pen out from next to the register. You tore the top sheet off that had scribbles of invoice numbers and customer information. Then you handed the pad and pen to him, folding the torn paper in your hands as you watched him jot down the phone number for you. He handed it back, and you carefully tore that paper out too before slipping it into your pocket where your phone rested.

“Thanks,” you walked him to the door, only now realizing that you were the only two people left in the shop. Were you really that wrapped up in this boy to notice the older guy leaving? Did he really captivate you that much? You supposed he did.

He pushed the door open, stepping out onto the sidewalk, “I guess I’ll see you around then.”

Some little voice in the back of your mind let out a sigh, expressing its disappointment of his departure. Another voice in there exclaimed a reminder to you.

“Wait!” you called out, causing the dark-haired boy to turn back towards you. He was already yards away, but you could still tell the weather was starting to make his glasses fog up, “You never told me this guy’s name.”

He smiled again, “It’s Jay. Sorry.”

You nodded in understanding, and he stopped you before you could go back inside.

“What’s your name? I should probably let him know so he can expect your text,” he reasoned, his hands burying themselves in the pockets of his denim shirt. The heel of his converse scuffed the wet concrete as he shifted his foot nervously.

“_________.”

Now he was the one nodding, “Got it. I’ll tell him to look out for a text from ________, the pretty music shop girl.”

“Thanks a lot,” you waved him off, the smile on your lips refusing to leave even after the door closed behind you. Even after a glance out the door confirmed he was so far down the sidewalk that he was now out of sight. You hummed that melodic tune he played to yourself as you started to think of what tasks still needed to be done. You had the whole shop all to yourself, and there was still a couple hours left until closing.

You decided to hijack the store’s AUX, hooking up your phone. You went to your music player, typing in ‘Blonde’ and picking the first option that came up. You let the album play from the top, immediately nodding your head along to the beat that began to play. He has good music taste, you thought to yourself.

For the remainder of your shift, you enjoyed the music playing. The store had no more customers after he left, which made for a quick and easy closing. The rain was done by the time you were locking up, which you were thankful for. Once you got to your car, you pulled your phone from your pocket along with the written digits pressed against it.

You debated acting on your thoughts so soon, but decided to do so anyway. Your fingertips tapped against your keyboard swiftly, typing the phone number into the messaging app. The cursor blinked as you thought of what to say. It took a minute or two, but you finally sent a message you deemed good enough.

you: hi, is this jay? a friend of mine said you could give me free piano lessons, is that true?

jay: is this _______?

you: it is 😊

jay: well, i have some good news and bad news

you: okay…

jay: i can give you piano lessons, but they won’t be free

you: oh, okay. what’s your price, then?

jay: for first lessons, it’ll cost you one dinner date at any local restaurant of your choosing. is that within your budget?

you: i think i can make that work. is saturday okay with you?

jay: saturday is perfect, actually!

you: cool, i’ll update you when i decide what restaurant we’ll go to 👍🏻

jay: sounds good 😊 have a good night, _______

you: goodnight, jay 🌙

⋆⁺₊⋆ ☾⋆⁺₊⋆ thank you for reading! if you enjoyed this fic, please feel free to leave a like, reblog, and/or a message in my inbox! i would love to hear your feedback! ⋆⁺₊⋆ ☾⋆⁺₊⋆

💌 taglist: @jaylaxies @boba-beom @bruh-changbin @bluesoobinnie

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[ch0k3herwithaseaview]

@jegulus-microfic | march 19 thumb | words: 1048

guess what? i’m on a train after a gig (i saw niall fucking horan!!!) again, although i’m not hangover this time so there may not be so many mistakes 🤠 anyways it’s a little longer again and there’s drarry in this one woohoo; enjoy

tw: hospital, accidents, lost person

Regulus was pacing around the living room, biting his thumbnail. James left to look for their son almost three hours ago. He had already called Lily and Pandora to make sure she wasn't at their place; he called Remus and Sirius to ask if he had gone to visit their daughter. He even called Barty and Evan to see if Harry had come to their studio for another piercing without asking his parents. None of them had seen him that day, but they promised that they would let him know if they saw his son.

Harry never caused any problems or ignored calls from either of his parents, so all four of them were going ballistic since he didn’t come home after his curfew.

Three hours, thirty-seven minutes, and eighteen seconds into James’ searching, Regulus’ phone rang. He practically lunged at it to see Draco’s number on the screen.

“Draco?” he asked, a little panicked. Why was his son’s boyfriend calling him?

“Um, hi uncle,” he said carefully. “So, a funny thing happened.” His cousin's son laughed nervously.

“Draco, get to the point." Regulus tried not to shout at the boy, but he couldn't; he was too scared. “Harry went missing, and I’m sorry, but I don’t really have time for your funny stories.”

“Yeah, about that.” He could almost hear Draco clutching his neck in a nervous gesture. “Harry may or may not have had an accident.” Regulus felt all the blood draining from his face. His son had an accident. What the fuck?

“What do you mean an accident?” he asked, his voice strangely calm.

Draco cleared his throat. “Well, we went to that skatepark near the forest, and he tried to do this new trick he saw somewhere, but landed badly and hit his head—nothing serious really considering all the previous injuries.” The boy laughed nervously. “Anyway, I checked if he was alright, and he said that he’s fine, so we went to get something to eat, and then he started acting weird, and when we went out, he puked and started sweating and kinda fainting, and I got scared and called an ambulance, and...”

“So basically, he has a concussion?" Regulus concluded, gritting his teeth a little. Harry might be smart, but James passed all his recklessness on to him. “In which hospital are you?” he sighed, already grabbing all the necessary stuff and texting James to come back.

Draco gave him the information, and with Regulus’ final ‘okay, see you there’ he hung up.

James arrived five minutes later, and his husband didn’t even give him time to turn off the car.

“We’re going to the hospital,” Regulus announced, entering the address into the navigation. James looked at him with big, scared eyes.

“What happened? Is he alright? Oh no, is he d-“

“Don’t you dare finish that sentence. He had a concussion; Draco’s with him. Now, let’s go.”

They drove as fast as the traffic let them, with Regulus still explaining the situation to his husband. James’ hands were gripping the steering wheel so tightly that his knuckles turned white. Trying to calm him even the tiniest bit, Regulus started running his fingers through the other’s hair.

When they finally arrived, they rushed into the hospital, breathlessly babbling Harry's name to the woman at the reception desk. Getting to the room she said he was in took them less than three minutes, and the first thing they saw was Draco pacing in front of the door.

As he noticed them, he strutted in their direction, already talking fast about how it’s not Harry’s fault and pleading with them not to be mad at them.

“Draco!” James cut in. “We’re not mad; we were just worried.”

“Well, I am a little mad,” Regulus said when the boy looked at him. “Why didn’t you call earlier? We, his moms and uncles, have been looking for him for the last four hours!"

Draco looked at him with wet eyes. “I was just so worried and scared,” he mumbled as a lonely tear rolled down his cheek. At the sight, Regulus pulled the kid into his arms, whispering his apologies and explaining that they were all worried and scared, too.

James must’ve noticed the doctor, because Regulus heard him asking what exactly happened and how their son was doing.

“He’s awake and as well as he could now, but he needs to spend the night, just in case,” the doctor replied, letting all three in.

When they saw Harry smiling a lazy smile, all the bad emotions went away. They rushed to his bed, both his dads close to crying, asking how he was doing.

“I’m alright; my head hurts a little, but it’s fine. The doctor said it should go away in a few days,” Harry answered, sounding a little tired. Then he turned to Draco. “Thank you, Cariño,” his boyfriend just smiled wobbly in response.

“I should get going,” he said, sounding apologetic. “Mom is waiting outside, pissed as Hulk.” All three Potters laughed at Draco, who stepped closer to Harry, giving him a kiss on the forehead. “I’ll try to come back tomorrow. Bye, mon chéri.”

As he walked out, Regulus and James started fussing around their son again. When he told them he was feeling sleepy, they turned the lights off and started gathering the necessary things to go talk with the hospital staff. Harry turned to them.

“Can you sleep with me tonight? I don’t want to be alone,” the boy said, sounding as if he were five and had a nightmare again. James and Regulus looked at each other, having a silent conversation about how they could go talk to someone later and call in sick at work in the morning.

“Of course, niño,” James replied, taking off his shoes and lying down on Harry's right. Regulus joined them soon after, lying down on his son's other side, cuddling him, and softly singing the song Harry always liked to sleep to as a child.

As the boy fell asleep, his fathers looked at each other, kissing their son's head and then each other.

It had been the most stressful moment of their lives since Harry was born, but now, in the quiet hospital room, lying together, they felt at peace.

i forgot to write if moms and uncles learned the truth about harry’s disappearance so just assume they had

[1totallynotasimp]

Elijah x ADHD Reader(If Rainbow Friends was in real life)

Before you read i have never experienced ADHD and ive never properly met someone with it so u had to search more on it up .so this might not be completely correct and in really sorry bout that and please try to not get offended to much .But feel free to correct any mistakes I make 

________________________________________

Requested by Cassidy (on quotev)

(Your POV)

"ODD WORLD ,ODD WORLD ,ODD WORLD" we were all chanting ODD world and we were going to ODD world I was so excited . Then we all stopped in confusion

 "This is odd world " Judah asks "looks kinda different " micah replied Micah then runs to the door to find out it's locked

"WOOHOO WE'RE LOCKED IN ODD WORLD!!!" Me and judah say jumping 

"This isn't odd world " britney says

"awww man are we in trouble again" i reply 

Then a shadow figure appears on the TV and says stuff about collecting blocks hmmm and we gotta survive

"Survive ,survive what " elijah says along with some other gibberish Everyone ran away while i started skipping and eligah followed me. I really like elijah think I like like him I wonder if he likes likes me back what did what I say make sense oh wait this is in my head I forgot this is my POV and not anyone else wait did I break the fourth wall...

*meanwhile shiloh and bros background music starts play dodododododododod ba na na*

"Wow these boxes Unfold " judah explains

"really I love boxes "I reply "since when "elijah asks me "Since now "I reply mysteriously "hey look I'm a kitty in a box meow meow meow ."

"Y/N this is serious we have to get out of here" shiloh explains then notices evryone else is in a box like me

*scary deep voice sound" Chandler has been found

 Oh that's a bummer anyway I was walking with elijah and then we heard loud footsteps eligajah why do you walk so loud " I ask him

"W-what that isn't me" elijah replies Everyone else comes and gathers around the door and then I saw a very familiar blue monster but I forgot where I saw him from

"Awwwee it so cute I wanna hug him " I say going towards the blue monster

"Nope nope nope on a rope we gonna go go "elijah tells me and grabs my hand so we run away .The blue monster caught that grey jumper girl I I always forget her name .

Anyway daniel gets the last block and places it. All th flights turns of and back on and the figure from the TV starts yappin and tells about green Then we see a food bowl "aww they have a puppy" josiah exclaims "What about this place makes you think theyd have a normal pet.elijah says sarcastically

 "Oooh can I keep blue as a pet pwease " I say"

"No" elijah tells me and takes my hand and we walk off. We found some of the doggy food  and them we saw green "Aww look it green HIII GREEN " I say to green and start waving

"You do realise he's blind right "eligah tells me slightly smiling "Oh well ill heal his blindness with my great hug because I'm the queen of hugs " I yell going to hug green

 "No no no no no " elijah grabs my arm and pulls me away frome green " Y/N you can't keep doing this "

"Doing what " i ask "trying to hug the monsters " elijah replies  .

"aww but there my friends " i tell him

Y/N, can we, like, stick to the plan for once?” Eligah asks me “Plans are boring!” i exclaimed, running around him him, eyes bright with mischief.

"your gonna get hurt I'm worried about you there not our friends " eligah tells me

“Then we can just hug them until they become our friends!" i yell and elijah  starts laughing .

I love elijahs laugh that's why I try to make him laugh alot it's cute

We found all the doggie packets and the figure on the TV starts yappin again he talks about orange and how the vent start licking ..wait no it's leaking yeah leaking that makes more sense While me and elijah were walking shiloh runs up to us and cole is in a box on the floor we all look at cole

"Huh that odd " shiloh exclaims 

"ooooh what odd" I ask

"That " shiloh says "ok what odd about it "eligah asks clearly confused 

"That is odd " shiloh says again then I look more closely " *GASPS* WAIT THAT IS ODD" I yell

" I KNOW but what so odd bout it "elijah yells after me

"look it say odd "I tell elijah

"Oh that is odd "he says finally getting it

Shiloh them says stuff about how this was apart of odd world and other stuff

Judah runs near a vent and sees a puple thing in it  "Oh hecko no ! Nope not today ! Not today!!!"

Me and eligah ses the purple thing to I was about to say how cute it was but eligah interupts me " No Y/N its not cute . It's not so hug-able . And it is definitely not our friend " 

" *gasps* how did you know I was gonna say all that are you pyscic " I say and elijah just laughs at me his cute laugh

"what - what's so funny " I asked

Then all the light went of when we found all the fuses we had to power up the backup generator or as shiloh said find a way out then me elijah and shiloh found a room with alot of lore "ooooh spooky ... you think there's any cute monsters to hug here " I ask

Elijah amd shiloh look through everything while I just stand there playing with my hand shiloh started reading about how someone created the monsters to love the kids to much and wanted them to never let them leave "awww they just want company it .just be lonely here" I say

Elijah and shiloh were talking untill I heard the word Red WAIT RED "guys guys guys reds my brother "I tell them

 "HES YOUR WHAT!"they both yell at me . "I haven't told you that I have a brother hmm I thought I did my bad " I say .

Wait that means my brother is here I haven't seen him in soooooooooooooooooooooooooo long, I wasn't paying attention until I heard

Shiloh has been found

 "what huh that thing must be broken shiloh was right with us and there's no monsters around" I say I look elijah and he points to the vent with purple in it

"oh"

 Now we were without shiloh what we gonna do we powered up the generator and it was just me ,eligah ,judah and fairy girl . Anyway red my brother said we were having a party and I love party's then eligah told red that we now he's red I was gonna ask red if he still remembers me but he was gone then

"Wait are you telling me that red was sus" judah says "Yes judah red was indeed sus" I say

We got to the party place and I was still holding eligahs hand we saw alot of balloons and blue was sleeping "awww look he's sleeping he's probably so tired from chasing us all day "I say "Im Sure he is "

 Them a balloon popped because of a fork and now we were all running and then we found everyone else we escaped blue and then I saw red

And approached Red,  i waved enthusiastically and huged red very tight. “Hey, Red! It's me, Y/N! Sibling hug !"

“You know, if I was brave enough to hug a girl like that, maybe she’d notice me,” josiah said

"It's really you" red replied to me "Yeah anyway i have to go with my friends now but ill see you next time we have to run away from the rainbow friends byeee " i smile and wave then run over to the others .

I saw red wave back to then poof he disappeared, We made it we survived . Yippee "wow we really made it " i told elijah "yeah we really did " he responded

Then He leaned in, his gaze flickering to my lips, and in that heartbeat before our mouths met, i felt a rush of exhilaration as my mind quieted, and i could finally focus on one thing then we pulled apartTalia’s eyes widened, a mixture of surprise and delight flooding her expression.

“Whoa! What was that?” i exclaimed, laughing

“Uh, I… um…” Elijah stammered, feeling heat rush to his cheeks. “I just—I don’t know!”

“We ahould kiss more often!” i declared, bouncing away, energy renewed. "i love you "elijah said softly

"I love you to " I say

The end

ADHWord count :1434

[calculatorguitar]

so I just watched across the spider-verse for the second time (woohoo!) and I would just like to list some things that I noticed/loved about this movie!

SPOILERS!!!! 

- During the gorgeously animated Spot sequence (the first one in black and white), when the Spot is explaining to Miles that his spider came from univere 42, we can see a kid with two braids in a classroom. It’s very likely that this is the Miles we saw later on in the movie.

- Gwen’s whole world! ugh it’s just visually stunning! The way the background also factors i the emotions at play quite literally reduced me to tears. Muah muah chef’s kiss!

- I’ve seen a lot of people talking about how Miguel is different from other spider-people and I would jus like to add my two cents. Miguel IS Spider-man, but he became him in such a different way to the others. This is why he basically has to inject the spider venom (?) into himself. I’m pretty sure he doesn’t have the spider sense either? In the scene where he, Gwen and Jess are fighting against the Leonardo Da Vinci Vulture, Miguel is just standing there, preaching to Gwen, while the Vulture is LITERALLY STANDING RIGHT THERE??? RIGHT BEHIND HIM??? Gwen just... doesn’t alert him about it and instead makes it a quippy joke, but it seems to me like he either doesn’t have a spider sense (a pretty significant part of being a spider-person) or it just decided not to work at that moment. Also interesting about Miguel is that his trauma has skewed his view so much that he is barely even recognisable as a Spider-man anymore. For example: he makes a giant mistake resulting in a whole universe being wiped out. Teenager unknowingly makes a mistake that could have the same result if not handled correctly. Now. How would your average run-of-the-mill Spider-man handle this? You know how he would NOT usually handle it? By BEATING THE SHIT OUT OF SAID TEENAGER AT MULTIPLE DIFFERENT POINTS IN TIME. Miguel also genuinely believes that there’s a certain structure to being Spider-man. There’s certain trauma-checkpoints you have to hit in order to be Spider-man. That’s... I don’t even know what to say except that that’s really messed up. The scene where he just CAGES Miles, presumably to wait there until his dad died? That’s not how you should go about any of this!!! I mean I shouldn’t even have to say that. It’s HOW you wear the mask that matters. 

- Okay enough about Miguel (didn’t know I had that much to say about him tbh). The characters in this movie were extremely strong! The ones we got to meet all had a clear, discernible personalities. I am definitely not immunce to the comic relief characters and I have gained new favourite characters in Hobie and Pavitr (like p much everyone else lol)

- Miles. Miles I’m so. Wow. He’s not eve real but I’m so proud of him. I nearly bawled when he tried to “come out” as Spider-man, while I had already figured out that he was in the wrong universe. Just. God. This poor boy. He was lierally going to study quantum physics so he could see his friends again only to find out that they had the chance to do exactly that this whole time and just chose not to. It was a gutpunch when it was revealed they knew that his dad was going to die this whole time. My heart was audibly beating for him the entire last 50 minutes of the movie, that’s how anxious it all made me.

I have so much more to say about all of it, but this post is already the longest I’ve ever made so I’m just gonna cut it short for now. I would love to hear all of your thoughts on this! This is just what I got from the movie, but I’m sire I could have misinterpreted some thing, so please do tell me what you all think!

[mayhemakinguser]

Task Force 141 x F! Reader part 3

Wow, the third part to this story! Yippee! Chaotic gets off her arse to actually produce somewhat good content!

Call sign: Casanova

Reader is confirmed to be American because fudge life ok?

It's your turn to spar with Ghost! That cant be going too well... right?

<story starts now woohoo>

"Ghost, get in the ring."

You perk up. Ayo? Sparring with Ghost? You get to wrestle with that huge sexy man? Hallelujah amen, God is blessing your arse today.

Soap trudges off the mats and stands to the side with the others, now a humble spectator. Ghost removes his boots and places them neatly against the bench and ominously heads your way. Not gonna lie, you were a bit nervous. He was standing threateningly. Like that standing emoji. (Author cannot insert said emoji because her android does not support it, tf man)

You eye him and he eyes you back. He carried himself as if he were Death itself. Just look at those hands. Man could crush skulls with those things.

"Ready? Fight!"

You blink and immediately go on the defensive because the moment your captain said "fight!" Ghost was already launching himself towards you. He swings a fist and you block it with your forearm, the contact making your entire arm almost go numb.

You curse, somewhat expecting him to be as rough with you as possible (mmm, rough), but not quite. You dance away from him, your mind telling you to gather some distance from the six foot something male.

But he wouldn't let you retreat so easily. He sweeps a leg under your flitting feet and you trip and fall on your butt. Instantly, you roll away before he could pin you down. You get on your knees and bounce up, delivering a swift kick which he blocks almost easily. You don't hesitate again and swing your other leg, but the man was so tall you could only hit his shoulder.

First mistake. Ghost seizes your ankle and throws you to the side, and you release a yelp in surprise. You crash to the floor and scramble to get up. Ghost grabs your shoulder and pins you down. With animalistic instincts, you decide to bite his arm. Hard.

"Fucking hell!" He curses, releasing you and you clap the side of his head with a closed fist. It causes him to lean towards the side and you take the opportunity to slide out from underneath him.

As fast as a viper, again this damn man pins your ankle to the floor and yanks, making you fall flat on your stomach. Ghost is on you in seconds, elbow digging in between your shoulder blades and one hand digging into your scalp, yanking your head up.

"Ghost wins."

You can't help but smirk. "Why don't you pull my hair a little harder, Lieutan-"

Ghost jerks his balled hand full of hair up and you yelp again. He whispers lowly in your ear, "Watch yourself, Casanova. I could easily break your neck."

You swoon. This man is so fine.

He lets go of his hold and you lie on the floor for a moment before rolling onto your back, sitting up, and massaging your head. You didn't mind the pain. In fact you quite liked it.

"Your hand-to-hand combat is good, but could be better," Price declares, looking down at you. He gives a grin. "But you are clearly suitable for this task force. Welcome to the team, Casanova."

He offers a hand to you and you take it gratefully as he lifts you up. The other men clap you on your shoulder, congrating you for your admission in. You notice someone is missing and you look around.

The boots on the bench are gone.

----

"Jesus in heaven, I am starving!" You complain loudly, plopping on the bench with your food in hand.

"Didn't you eat before you got here?" Rudy asks, shoveling some food into his mouth.

"Nah. Was too excited to. Now I pay the price," you respond, shaking your head.

"Could tell. You're like a rambunctious child," Gaz jokes, elbowing you.

"Like you're any better!" Alejandro calls with a grin. Gaz flips him off and you can't help but guffaw.

"Anyway, where's Ghost?" You ask, biting your food. You question was aimed towards anybody.

Soap answered. "He usually doesn't eat with us, but occasionally he does."

You hum, scanning the soldiers around you. When was the last time you had lunch with your old squad? Before they...

"So..." your attention went back to your table. "Why is your call sign Casanova?" Polite talk. This you could do.

"Because of my amazing personality," you chirp with a smirk. "I'm super awesome, good in battle-"

"Narcissistic, more like," Rudy interjects. You stick your tongue out at him.

"One of my comrades were like, "S***, L/N, you are such a casanova!' and it just stuck." You smile at the memory.

"...What happened to your comrades?" Soap asks hesitantly.

You should've saw this coming. You smile wavers a moment before it fixes itself.

"It was just one hell of an accident. But I'm sure the "accident" is pretty infamous. You probably already know what happened," you say carefully, trying to not reveal anything. Just keep the smile. Keep smiling. Especially when you don't feel like it.

Soap mumbles a "sorry" and the atmosphere became tense and quiet. Suddenly, you aren't very hungry anymore.

You rise to your feet and throw your food in the trash. "I'll be right back."

"Chica, didn't you say you were hungry? You barely ate any of your food," Alejandro observes, watching your face. Strangely enough, Alejandro liked you, but not for your pretty face. He liked your personality, although it seemed like a mask.

You wave a hand. "I was exaggerating. Imma just take a stroll. See yall later."

You walk off, thoughts swirling and your body went into autopilot.

What went wrong? What could've went differently? Why are you still alive? These questions kept you up at night, but you have never found the answers since the tragedy. Since they all...

You bump into someone. You curse. "Yo, my bad-"

You gaze up and realize it's your captain. He looks down at you worriedly. "Casanova, are you alright? Why aren't you eating with the others?"

"Not hungry. Still have my energy," you respond breezily. "Just decided to explore the base."

Price watches you, the same way Alejandro was. "I see."

Silence. Awkward as hell. You shuffle on your feet.

"If you need anything..." he begins, studying your expression. "You can speak with me in my office. Or anyone of your team. You're a part of the family now."

You force a smile. "Thanks, Cap'n. I'll be sure to take you up at the offer someday." You continue your stride before a voice stops you.

You turn again and see Gaz jogging towards you. Price continues walking in the other direction, not wanting to intrude in the conversation that was about to occur.

"Hey," he says breathlessly. You nod at him in acknowledgment. "Just wanted to say Soap didn't mean-"

"-Anything by it. I know. I wasn't offended or anything, so don't worry about it," you interrupt.

He shifts some of his weight on his other foot. "Look, we all have lost people. We're not going to judge you because you're a survivor. I'm sure a lot of people blame you for... y'know." Gaz scratches his neck. "It wasn't your fault. Things happen."

You purse your lips and exhale deeply. "Thanks for the sentiment. But it has to be someone's fault, right? I could've prevented it. I should've died with them."

"Don't say that!" You blink at his outburst. "No one deserves to die, least of all you. You can't stop the world from spinning. I don't know what happened at that time, but there couldn't have been a way."

You stare at him, surprised. These were some weird people, this lot. "...Thanks. Uh. Yeah." You weren't a person that could express emotions easy.

It got awkward real quick.

"Imma just..." you point to the way out. He nods.

"Yeah. Come back whenever you're ready." Gaz turns on his heel and jogs back to his squad mates.

You smile at his back. Maybe joining Task Force 141 won't be so bad after all.

<end of story wow>

This hadn't been proofread, so I apologize for any mistakes! hope u enjoyed this part yipeee-

YOu could tell I rushed pretty hard lmao-

PART FFOUR IS IS FINALLY HERE WOW

[changingplumbob]

Woods Household: Chapter 1, Part 5

In this part Samir is still feeling the effects of his battering in the tunnels. It's a rainy day so he and Reece spend some time at the rec centre, where Deanna shows up to say hi!

Low level content warning: Some sim spice and mentions of death

Samir: I can’t believe your parents got me a violin for your birthday

Reece: I can, mum likes matching gifts, thinks it's cute

Samir: How’d they even know I used to play violin

Reece: My guess? I did write it in my journal when you told me, so Carson read it and blabbed. He’s a nosy little git

Samir: Let’s see if I remember… any of this

Reece unwinds and writes down all the days events to clear his head. In the background Samir tries to channel what violin skill he had as a child. When he got interested in football he forgot about the violin, but if he is going to be a werewolf it could be good to have another outlet. (Reece has a football in his inventory and cues up the play football practice with Samir ALL the time, I just cancel it because I don’t want their relationship tanking from it, but it makes me smile)

Samir: Oh, my head is pounding

Reece: Maybe you should go to bed but… cuddles first

Samir: *chuckles* cuddles huh? Then why are you making a move on my neck

Reece: It’s… a very nice neck

Samir: Blondie, I don’t know if we should… I mean, the table was one thing but what if I’m contagious. What if I get caught up in the moment and bite you without thinking

Reece: If we look at it logically… you’d have to be a werewolf when biting me to turn me. Normal human biting should still be fine

Samir: If we look at it logically… there would be no such thing as werewolves

Reece: *pouts* please, I still want you *switches to whispering* I still need you lover... over me... in me...

Samir: *sighs* fine, but only because I love you. And no biting of any kind until we figure out what’s myth and what’s real, I’m not having you hurt

Reece: Sure thing boss

So the two have a slightly tamer than normal woohoo session before falling asleep together.

Reece: Did you get any sleep? You were tossing and turning a fair bit

Samir: Crap, I didn't want to wake you. It’s just this… it’s like a tension I suppose, in all of my muscles

Reece: You feel like you’re waiting around for something to happen?

Samir: Yeah, I can feel… something is changing. It’s just taking its sweet time

Reece: Biology is complex. If you are becoming a werewolf… then all your cells will probably be changing

Samir: You think?

Reece: It’s just a guess. I mean it probably depends on if it’s a werewolf gene or a werewolf infection

Samir: I wish I was as smart as you sometimes

Reece: You have other strengths… like brute strength and amazing woohoo skills

Samir: *chuckles* I’m so glad you’re here, I’d probably be pacing aimlessly otherwise

Reece: Hey lover, how about we get out of the house? Our laundry needs doing anyway, and I’m sure it would do you good to work out at the rec centre, you always seem calmer after a workout. If things seem to change we can always come back home

Samir: I suppose so. I just hope there's not many people there

Reece collects their laundry while Samir does some sit ups to try get rid of all this restless energy.

Reece and Samir head off to the recreation centre. Samir is doing some heavy lifting while Reece chucks on the laundry when he notices Deanna.

Reece: De! What are you doing in Moonwood Mill

Deanna: If I had to wait for you to come visit me I’d probably be waiting forever

Reece: I’m sorry, I meant to call you. It’s just been *sighs* some kind of week

Deanna: Wait so the sheriff actually came to your house

Reece: He thought we were squatters. Samir has said the bank had trouble with it over the years

Deanna: He wanted to kick you out then

Reece: Make no mistake, the guy still wants to kick us out

Deanna: But- why

Reece contemplates telling Deanna everything, but he hasn’t discussed that with Samir. He doesn’t want to betray Samir’s trust by blabbing.

Reece: Sheriff doesn’t like us being nature lovers I guess. Neither does his wife

Deanna: For a sheriff of a town in the woods that’s a stupid excuse

Reece: And get this, his name is... Captain

Deanna: Shut up!

Reece: Seriously. But I probably shouldn't say much more here

Deanna: Because everyone likes to eavesdrop at a rec centre

Reece: People do! I know I do. Plus his office is right above us. Hey, that wasn’t fair

Deanna: Because I won? To bad sucker

Reece: Yes I am. Best of three then?

Deanna: I don’t think it’ll help you but sure

Reece: Just let me get my washing in a dryer

Deanna: Watcher, you’re so bloody domestic now

Samir: Deanna *nods* Blondie... might read...

Reece: Yeah sure boss

Deanna: *concerned* Is he okay? I know he doesn't really speak but it looked like he was… frothing

Reece: He’s just come down with… something

Deanna: Come on man, if you’re sick you stay home, everyone knows that. You should be tying him to the bed so he rests

Reece has to stifle his laughter over Deanna's assumption of who would be tying up who in bed.

Reece: Pretty sure it’s not an airborne thing, he won’t get anyone sick

After having some reading time Samir returns to the gym area. There he picks a fight with a boxing bag, imagining it’s whoever killed his family. Sure he doesn't know exactly who did it but it was somebody. Somebody who was still stalking the underground tunnels. They clearly know who he is, since they said he shouldn’t have come back. Whatever it takes, he’s going to find out who they are. Then, they’re going to give him answers.

Reece finishes up the game, says bye to Deanna, and goes to check the laundry. Excellent timing, he gets there just as the cycle finishes. He gets the clean clothes in his inventory then looks around for Samir.

Reece: You doing okay

Samir: I clearly haven’t turned yet but... I think we should get home

Reece: Are you feeling sick again

Samir: No. I can’t describe it. It’s like I’m feeling… the tension will go away? I really don’t know what will happen then, and would like to not be around people

Samir: You need to get inside, lock the door, and stay there

Reece: I think you’re overreacting

Samir: I think you’re under-reacting. We don’t know what I’ll be like when I … change. I couldn’t bear it if I hurt you

Reece: You won’t. Whatever werewolf killed your parents, and hurt you, there was a person in there making that choice. You’re the strongest person I know. I choose to believe you will be strong enough to control yourself

Samir: You’re sweet, but I don’t want to take any chances. Get inside

Reece: Wait-

Reece threw his arms around Samir, pulling him in for a deep kiss. He didn’t know what would happen to his boyfriend tonight, but he needed him to know he was on his side, no matter what happened. As Samir peeled away and ran in to the distance Reece couldn’t help but remember the last time Samir ran away from him in the rain. Back then his biggest worry had been that Samir was straight. Now so many more worries were trying to enter his brain.

On top of the peak Samir felt the tension that had coiled in his muscles ease off. Rather than feeling himself shift he felt… hungry. Really hungry. He knew he was a glutton but this was something else. Heading back down the peak confused, he felt like there was food nearby. Sure enough a faint aroma of hamburgers reached him, making his stomach growl ever louder. He was trying to avoid people but… oh watcher did he need food.

Samir: FOOD

Wolfgang: Help yourself kid

Samir: Thanks. Starving

Kristopher: You and your boyfriend have just moved here right

Samir: *nods and chews* I'm back. My parents… my parents were Othman and Nadia Hadji

Kristopher and Wolfgang exchange glances, but this is completely missed by Samir as his hunger continues to rise. How can he eat but get more hungry?

Wolfgang: I’m finished, better get going eh *nudges Kristopher*

Kristopher: Hmm *nods and murmurs in agreement*

Wolfgang: Look after yourself kid

Reece has been busy vacuuming and putting the clean clothes away. Deanna joked about him being domestic, but it did feel good to be able to look after Samir. He realises he was so busy worrying about Samir this morning that he didn’t harvest the garden. Strangely most plants seem to have reverted, so there’s not much to pick, but he can get their flowers.

Reece tries to nap on the couch but he only manages a few minutes of fitful sleep. His worries soon start swarming in. Will Samir be okay alone? It’s raining, what if he catches a cold? What if he runs in to the one who killed his parents? He would be completely unprepared. Unable to still himself, Reece gets up. He makes a salad because he doesn’t trust himself with the stove, and tries to get lost in guitar playing. It doesn’t clear his mind but he does reach level 2.

Samir has been wandering aimlessly, trying to ignore the hunger. He heads to the lake but by the time he gets there he’s too uncomfortable to fish. Luckily he has some leftover birthday cake on him, and demolishes it. The rain is getting heavier and Samir once again feels drawn to the top of the peak. There’s not much of a view in this weather but at least he’s away from others.

As he’s enjoying the feel of the rain a howl escapes him, taking him by surprise. Before he can wonder what happened his head is filled with pain and his eyes feel like they’re on fire. The pain moves down his body, forcing him to buckle over. He can feel things shifting under his skin… fur??? He tries to calm down but instead all he can feel is rage. Someone out there killed his parents, he has to return the favour. No, no. He’s not a killer. But someone is, and killing them back is justice. No it’s not justice. Oh, yes it is. The rage fills him entirely and he’s lost to the red haze.

Previous Part ... Next Part

[obigem]

While the Reynolds were getting it together outside, inside Cam and Dre were getting themselves together for the dinner.

"Cameron, what do you think of this dress? Too dressy? I want to look nice but I did tell Cordelia this dinner would be casual."

"But I don't want to look too casual cause that might send the message that you and I are being cavalier about the two of them dating. So? What do you think? Your lack of reassurance is making me more nervous."

"I think this was a big mistake." Cameron moaned.

"You want to back out of this dinner 𝘯𝘰𝘸? Cameron, you can't be serious!"

"Not the dinner! I mean this whole letting Cordie date thing. I thought, hey maybe Jai isn't so bad a choice. He's nice, respectable, and probably won't ask to be her boyfriend for another 10 years!"

"But I underestimated the fact that he's a teenage boy! She's a baby, Dre, why are we suddenly just OK with letting her date!"

"Cam, she's 14. It's been a while since she's been a baby. You know that."

"But she's still my baby. That still counts for something doesn't it?"

"Cam, we talked about this. We agreed that come high school we'd be OK with her dating so long as we met the parents and we all agreed that the relationship is suitable."

"I know. I guess, I just wasn't ready for it to be happening this fast. I didn't date at her age."

"Maybe I'm out of touch, but when I think about her dating, that leads to kissing, then touching, and woohooing. All of that is so mature. I just don't want her to grow up too fast. I mean, she's never even mentioned she wants to do any of that. I thought we had time!"

"You really think she'd discuss wanting to do any of that with her daddy?" Dre smirked.

"Dre. Don't make fun."

"I'm sorry, babe, but she's coming of age. It's what comes with it. And it's our jobs to make sure she's prepared. Pretending she's still a baby won't help anything."

"Now, deep breath, love. Everything is going to work out the way it's meant to." Dre closed her eyes and took a deep breath for them both hoping Cam would follow along, but when she noticed he wasn't she took matters into her own hands grabbing his.

"Cameron, love of my life, you have got to calm down and trust your little girl. She's got a good head on her shoulders that one. And you should know that better anyone, she's just like you. She's not going to rush into anything she's not ready for. "

"She's not just me, ya know. She's you too. Particularly that stubborn will of hers. It's unpredictable and I guess that's why I worry."

"She's the best of both of us, love. That's why I'm not worried."

"I guess that's true. Cordie's a good girl and Jai's a good guy."

"Exactly, which is why there's nothing to worry about." Dre reassured him further. "This dinner is just a formality."

"Right. Nothing to worry about. I'm just overreacting per usual." Cam let his nerves ease as the chime of the doorbell alerted them to the start of their night.

[sunnyie-eve]

17 | Jackson

Series: Indispensable | Teen Wolf

Paring:  (Stiles Stilinski x OFC Martin)

Word Count: 1.9k

A/N: Might be a few mistakes

| MASTERLIST |

~~~

For the game, Julia sat with Noah and then Melissa when she joins them. Seeing the boys talking she gets up going over to stand behind them, "Any news?"

"Nope, do you have any bad feelings? Death feelings?" Stiles looks back at her.

"Not at the moment so that's a good, hopefully." She gives him a smile.

"We're losing, dude."

"The hell are you talking about? The game hasn't even started. Now put on your helmet and get out there. You're in for Greenberg." Coach pops up beside Julia.

"What? What happened to Greenberg?"

"What happened to Greenberg? He sucks. You suck slightly less." He tells him.

"I'm playing? On the field? With the team?"

"Yes, unless you'd rather play with yourself." Coach adds.

"I already did that today, twice." Stiles adds making Julia make a face.

"Dude, I'm still here."

"Get the hell out there!" Coach yells at him.

As Stiles rushes to get his stuff Julia calls his name making him look at her, "Now I get to represent my friend who's not on the bench." She grabs her necklace with a smile before joining the adults.

"Because he's on the team?" Melissa tells Noah.

"He is. He's on the team. He's on the field. My son is on the field!" Noah shouts standing up making Julia giggle taking her seat next to Melissa.

Soon Lydia joins taking a seat next to her sister and as the game goes on the other team already had two points. Julia hides her face in her hands because Stiles was just a mess out on the field.

"He just needs to believe in himself." Julia sighs catching sight of Isaac next to Scott. To her knowledge from Scott, he, Boyd, and Erica were getting out of here.

"Is he supposed to do that?" Noah asks as Isaac keeps knocking out their own players and Julia catches onto the plan to get Scott to play.

Getting closer to the end of the game the players lost the ball but it was in front of Stiles so he picks it up starting to run, "YOU GOT THIS STILES! JUST RUN!" Julia jumps up screaming to him. Stiles stops looking around him, "SHOOT IT!" She yells so he does scoring a point.

Everyone cheers for him then he celebrates himself. From that moment on he was going so much better making more points. "Woohoo!" Julia cheers, "That's my boy!" She yells making Lydia laugh at her.

Stiles looks at the crowd to see everyone cheering and his eyes spot Lydia cheering and laughing at her sister so he looks at her. She was cheering as one hand was holding her necklace making him smile.

Of course, all the cheering stops as the field lights go out causing everyone to scream and run around. When lights come back on Jackson was done on the field but Julia couldn't find Stiles.

"Stiles?" She looks around and Noah notices he's gone too.

Julia stays with Lydia since she was upset about Jackson, "Noah," Julia rushes as he passes her, "If you get anything about Stiles, please let me know right away." She tells him.

"Of course. I know you would do the same too."

While the girls were at home Noah texted Julia and she asked Lydia to take her Stiles' house so she goes. Noah lets the girls in and Lydia tells Julia she'll give her a few minutes with Stiles since they were good friends.

"Dad, I said I'm fine." Julia hears Stiles so she knocks again so he opens the door surprised to see her.

Julia automatically wraps her arms around his neck hugging him, "I was so worried." She tells him. Stiles slowly wraps his arms around her waist hugging her tightly. He closes his eyes resting his head on her shoulder till she pulls him back to look at his face, "That old man is going to pay." She eyes his face.

"It could have been worse." He stares at her.

"Yeah, he could have killed you."

"But he didn't. Rather have something happen to me than you honestly." He says so she hugs him again.

"I'm just happy you're okay. Umm, Lydia is here as well." Julia stops hugging him to open his door to call her in.

Lydia lets him know that they won't let her see him and she had to give him something talking about his house key.

"I don't have any tissue so." Stiles gets Lydia a roll of toilet paper so Julia looks back at the box of tissues on his headboard.

"Why do you have women's jewelry?" Lydia walks over to a dresser.

"Oh, it's just some stuff I bought. You know for yours and Julia's birthday." He tells her.

"For me too?" She asks him.

"Yeah, I just kind of didn't know what to get you. And so I kinda just bought a bunch of stuff for you both. I was going to return anything I didn't give you two."

"A flat-screen tv? Really?" Julia sees.

"Yeah, that I'm definitely returning." He says before Lydia shows them a text about Jackson.

"How much do you know about this stuff?" Stiles asks her.

"Pieces. Half of it is like a dream."

"Well, the other half is like a freakin nightmare." Stiles tells her.

"I don't care. I can help him." She tells him.

"I feel like if anyone can truly get to him it's Lydia. They have things to connect them together. And I hate Jackson with all my heart but I believe in my own sister. And if stuff goes sideways I'll help her out." Julia speaks up.

"See, that's the problem." Stiles snaps.

"What?" Julia tilts her head.

"Both of you don't care about getting hurt. But you know how I'll feel? I'll be devastated." She looks at both of them, "And if you die, I will literally go out of my freakin mind." Stiles looks straight into Julia's eyes now, "Death doesn't happen to you two. It happens to everyone around you guys. To all the people left standing at your funeral. Trying to figure out how they're gonna live the rest of their lives now without you in it. Huh? And look at my face, huh! You actually think this was meant to hurt me?" Stiles walks forward making Julia back up. "I'm so sorry." He backs away.

"No, I know he did it get to Scott. And trust me, no one will care about me at my funeral. I know you wouldn't either because if Lydia and I died together you and everyone else will be just sad about her. Now, we'll find Jackson ourselves. Because I'm a good sister and I care about her even if she cares for an asshole I hate." Julia leaves his room.

"Julia, wait!" Stiles calls out to her.

"I've learned a lot since the dance that she's not wrong about our funeral parts." Lydia leaves his room.

"Julia?" Noah sees her wiping her tears away as she walks out of the house then Lydia follows behind.

Julia cries getting into Lydia's car then tries to stop as Lydia gets in, "You know the best way to die is together. We come into this world together and we go out together. You're my sister and I know I treated you so badly and I'm sorry for that. I'm sorry how I made others see you too. I'm a terrible sister. If we could start over I would have never done that. I would have been there for you like you try for me." Lydia cries now. "I just want to start over with you. I miss us so much."

"I miss us too and I want to start over too. And we can do that after we save Jackson because I know you still love him."

"Even though you hate him?" Lydia laughs.

"Yes." Julia laughs too so Lydia starts the car.

Meanwhile, Stiles was sitting at his desk when his dad walks into his doorway, "Wanna tell me why Julia left here in a rush crying?"

"Not really."

"Anything to do with feelings?" Noah asks.

"Me caring about her getting hurt but she doesn't believe me because she thinks she's less than Lydia."

"Is there anything there? You for her? Her for you? Not in a friend way?" Noah goes to sit next to him.

"No, no. I-I honestly don't know. For ten years I've been madly in love with Lydia and never thought about Julia. But now, I don't know what I feel. Julia is my friend and I care about her in that way... I'm pretty sure just that way but the thought of losing her is so strong, even stronger than what I felt for Lydia for ten years..."

"Listen, it's okay to be confused. You're a teen boy who is shaken up by the things going on lately. I know two things. Julia cares about you as much as you care about her. She was the first to notice you went missing at the game. And I don't think she would have stuck around as long as she has been if she didn't care for you. Then that game, you were the hero once you got that ball changing that game." Noah comforts his son.

"I'm not a hero dad."

"You were last night and Julia routed for you even before you became one. Her lucky number 24, I heard her say it to herself." Noah gets up to leave the room, "Stiles, don't lose that girl. Even if there's nothing there."

At the sister's house, Julia kept trying to contact Scott but he wouldn't answer her, "How are we supposed to find him if no one will answer me!" Julia snaps throwing her phone.

"Is there no one else you can try?" Lydia asks as the doorbell goes off so their mom gets it.

"I don't have Issacs's number or Derek's so I'm going to say no."

"Girls, it's for you!" Their mom calls out so they go down to see Stiles at the door.

"So we gonna go save Jackson or not? I know where they are." He tells them.

"Let's go then." Julia walks past him getting in the backseat.

Getting to the building Stiles tells the sisters to hold on as he drives through the building hitting Jackson then slamming his brakes, "Did I get him?" Stiles asks with his eyes close before they all yell as he jumps on the jeep so they get out.

"Jackson." Lydia stands in front of him while the rest watch quietly. She holds out the key making Jackson look at it slowly going back to normal as he takes it from her. Both Derek and Peter lift Jackson up with their claws so Lydia rushes as he goes down. She sobs holding him before laying him down. As she walks away he gets up with his eyes glowing blue as she turns into a Werewolf. She rushes back over to hug him.

Julia looks to see Stiles looking at her, "I'm sorry." He apologizes.

"It's okay. I'd probably give you the same speech if things were reversed. Friends care about friends."

~

"So you really think she's gonna come back to you?" Stiles asks Scott as they get to the lacrosse field to practice.

"Yeah. I know she is. What about you and Lydia?"

"Ah, well the 10-year plan for making Lydia fall in love with me, umm didn't work..." Stiles gets his bag out.

"No, new plan?" Scott gets him sensing something from Stiles.

"Not at the moment." He sighs closing the back.

"Is it because of her sister who happens to be our friend?" Scott smiles.

"Not entirely. I don't know what I feel honestly but... Julia is my friend and I care about her in that way just not in that way. Now. Why don't you just get into the goal and help me make team captain like you promised there, big guy."

[thatmarvelobsessedteen]

Not planned...not at all

Cassian x reader

Azriel x OC! reader'scousin

Short Summary: Two girls, cousins, somehow find themselves inside a slightly modified version of their favorite book saga ACOTAR. What will happen to them, things have changed and not just their situation but themselves...are those pointy ears they now have?

Chapter 16

Looking up at my cousin hoping she could tell I was being honest I noticed quite quickly that I can no longer see the others around us but instead I see a set of wings right out of Roxanne's back.

She'd been smart though and had somehow managed to pull off her hoodie before they popped out. I was about to tell Roxy she looked cool and we'd both likely go on like none of this ever happened but instead I feel someone drag me away by my hair as I watch Roxy get dragged from her collar by Cassian.

Of course I kick and struggle trying to escape Azriels grip and so does Roxanne only she's got more fighting experience and she does succeed at kicking Cassian's family jewels. I hiss in compassion as I watch the Illyrian fold on himself for a moment in pain.

But my attention is soon caught by an angry looking Rhysand who speaks with a level of sarcasm that almost has me laughing.

"Neither of you are of any threat are you?!"

Giving one last tug in an attempt of freeing myself I only manage to feel Azriel further entangle his fingers in my curls.

"We're harmless...to everyone else!"

Roxanne tried another hit on Cassian but this time he saw it coming and twisted her arms behind her back she did however add her own little grain to my affirmation.

"But ourselves and each other."

Azriel sadly made a mistake just then and lowered his bandaged hand too close to me.

I turn my head as fast as I can and make a loud clacking sound with my teeth biting into the air launching myself at his already wounded hand. I wouldn't have been able to reach it, not like I planed to, the idea was that he'd fear another bite and free me.

I did manage to escape his grip thanks to it but I also got thrown to the side and his hand being tangled up in my hair pulled out a bit of it.

"Ow!"

Looking to catch Roxy's eyes I give her a wicked smile hoping she'd understand, as she returns, it I know she does.

I stand up and take two strides towards her and Cassian before throwing myself forward with a jump, heading facefirst into the ground. From the outside it likely looked like I was gonna faceplant quite harshly into the ground but I was actually ready to curl up last minute and roll to soften my fall.

I didn't need to do that though when sweet Cassian did exactly as I expected him to and released Roxy to catch me in his arms, thank God he's as much of a gentleman as in the books.

"Woohoo! Thanks big guy."

Taking the hand Roxanne was offering me I hoisted myself regretfully out of Cassian's arms as he just looked at us confused.

My mouth fell wide open as it suddenly clicked together, everything made sense of course it did!

[bunbeeplays]

The Lemon Legacy: Generation 1, Chapter 19 - Sulani Vacay

Summer’s been seeing a guy named Mark Eggleston, thanks to Ophelia’s encouragement over the phone that the Watcher didn’t bother to screenshot. He’s pretty chill and easy to talk to, so nobody's really sure what he sees in Summer, but he fits in just fine.

Libby: Sorry this gig has been so stressful, babe.

Ophelia: It’s fine, seems like she’s going to back off at least.

Summer: Sounds like you could use a vacay! Mark was talking about going to Sulani before it gets too touristy in the summer, we should all go!

Ophelia: My gran lives in Sulani! I’ve been meaning to visit her.

Mark: She’s so lucky. The scenery is beautiful. Some of my best paintings have been inspired by the islands.

Summer: You can paint me in Sulani, it’ll be your best piece yet.

Ophelia: I'm not practicing with the band again until Friday and I’ve got a few vacation days in my pocket. Why not?

Libby: I’m in!

Summer: Oh, this’ll be so much fun! I’m gonna bully Travis and Becca into going too!

Libby: Hope she knocks first! I made that mistake last night.

They grow up so fast! Marshmallow is now an adult cat, but she still needs some company (and some food) while Ophelia is on vacation! Luckily, Drew is available to catsit for a few days in exchange for being allowed to eat whatever they want in the fridge.

Ophelia: Thanks for watching Marshmallow on such short notice. I left you some homemade sushi in the fridge. It's my gran's recipe.

Drew: Your grandma has her own sushi recipe?

Ophelia: She lived in Mt. Komorebi for a while! The woman's a globetrotter.

Ophelia: Mommy will miss you! Be good for Drew, okay, baby?

Marshmallow: as long as i am fed and petted i shall tolerate the new hooman

Everyone gathers at the BFF house early in the morning, ready to enjoy two days of paradise. Mark and Becca sure are excited to get to spend time with their partners and their new friends!

Becca: Babe, you can wait to put on sunscreen until we get there.

Travis: I burn easily.

When the gang arrives at their rental, they waste no time making themselves at home. Artsy Mark starts painting the scenery, and Travis practices his dad skills on the grill, Summer and Libby swing like they did when they were kids, and Becca and Ophelia have fun in the sand.

Ophelia wants to make sure Becca feels welcome, knowing what being the new girl in a friend group is like. They idly chat as they build their sand sculpture and Becca comes out of her shell.

Not long after, the couples take some time to tour their rooms. Libby and Ophelia have yet to hit a major milestone in their relationship, but they've both agreed they're ready. Tonight, they're going to woohoo for the first time.

Summer: Hope this room's okay. I know it's a little girlier than Trav and Bec's but the en-suite is nice, right?

Mark: Baby, you know I don't care about that stuff. Besides, it won't matter what the room looks like under the covers.

Summer: OMW you are so bad!

Yeah, I don't think Travis and Becca mind that they don't get a room with an en-suite.

Mark and Summer waste no time enjoying the ocean. Mark's not as good a swimmer as Summer, but honestly he's just enjoying himself. He tries to get Summer to slow down a little by splashing her.

Summer: AH, stoooop!

Her laughing doesn't make him believe she means it very much.

The other three girls enjoy some relaxation.

Libby: Oops. better put our sunscreen on.

Ophelia: But we're in the shade right now.

Libby: The game doesn't care and you know it. No sunscreen, no kisses later.

Ophelia: Fiiiiine.

Ophelia's starting to feel a little whipped.

Well, Liberty Lee is nothing if not a woman of her word. The two check out the hot tub outside their room after a while and Ophelia does indeed get her kisses. Maybe being a bit whipped isn't the worst thing in the world.

Looks like Becca just wants to tan and relax. She's a recent college grad, can't blame her. Travis puts another layer of sunscreen on his girlfriend and on himself, just to be safe.

[the-slighty-improved-you]

Decoding Our Inner Weirdo: A Guide to Breaking Bad Habits

Let’s be honest, we humans are a walking paradox. We crave routine yet yearn for spontaneity. We love cake but hate the gym. We know we should be saving for retirement, but that new pair of shoes is just so tempting. Why are we like this?! Why do we do the things we do, even when we know they’re not good for us? (Asking for a friend… who may or may not be currently elbow-deep in a bag of chips).

The answer, my friend, lies in those sneaky little devils called habits. They’re like that catchy song you can’t get out of your head, except instead of a catchy tune, it’s eating an entire pizza while watching reality TV. Our brains are wired for efficiency, and habits are the ultimate life hack. They’re mental shortcuts that allow us to function without constantly analyzing every single decision. Think of it as your brain saying, “Look, I don’t have time to think about whether or not you really need another cup of coffee. Just do it and let me get back to more important things, like figuring out the meaning of life… or what that weird smell in the fridge is.”

But here’s the good news: habits, like bad haircuts, can be changed. It takes effort, yes, kind of like trying to assemble furniture from IKEA instructions, but it’s totally doable. So, how do we break free from these self-imposed shackles of routine?

Don’t let those habits boss you around any longer! Head over and check this audio book for more tips and tricks on habit change

1. The “Wait, I Do That?” Revelation: First, you have to acknowledge the habit’s existence. This might involve some serious self-reflection, or perhaps just noticing that your “clean laundry” pile has somehow morphed into a Mount Everest of crumpled clothes.

2. The “What’s in it for Me?” Inquiry: Next, find your “why.” Why do you want to ditch this habit? What glorious reward awaits you on the other side? Will you finally be able to fit into those skinny jeans? Will your stress levels plummet? Will you stop getting weird looks from your cat?

3. The “Baby Steps” Ballet: Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither will your new habits be. Start small. Instead of vowing to never eat sugar again, try swapping that afternoon candy bar for a piece of fruit. Instead of aiming for a marathon, try a brisk walk around the block (without stopping for ice cream, you rebel!).

4. The “Oops, I Did it Again” Acceptance: You’re going to slip up. We all do. It’s like learning to ride a bike — you’re gonna fall a few times before you find your balance. The key is to not throw a tantrum and chuck the bike into the nearest ditch. Just dust yourself off, hop back on, and keep pedaling.

5. The “Woohoo! I’m Awesome!” Celebration: Every victory, no matter how small, deserves a happy dance. Did you manage to resist the siren call of the snooze button? You’re a rockstar! Did you actually cook a healthy meal instead of ordering takeout? You deserve a parade! (Okay, maybe not a parade, but at least a pat on the back and a delicious, guilt-free dinner.)

6. The “Find Your Tribe” Quest: Surround yourself with people who support your goals. They’ll be your cheerleaders, your accountability buddies, and your fellow warriors in the battle against bad habits. Plus, misery loves company, so having someone to commiserate with when you inevitably slip up is always a bonus.

7. The “Embrace the Weird” Mantra: Let’s face it, we’re all a little weird. Embrace your quirks and find ways to work with them, not against them. If you’re a night owl, don’t force yourself to become a morning person. Just adjust your schedule to fit your natural rhythm.

8. The “Laugh at Yourself” Remedy: Don’t take yourself too seriously. Life is too short to be a perfectionist. Learn to laugh at your mistakes, your quirks, and your occasional lapses in judgment. After all, laughter is the best medicine (except when you’re choking, then maybe try the Heimlich maneuver).

Changing habits is like trying to teach a cat to fetch — it’s challenging, unpredictable, and often hilarious. But with a little patience, persistence, and a healthy dose of self-deprecating humor, you can actually rewire your brain and become the magnificent, slightly less messy human you were always meant to be.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a very important meeting… with my couch and a stack of unread books. Some habits, it seems, are just too cozy to give up entirely.

[soleilocverse]

Chapter 20 Commentary

"Just let me know if there’s anything I can do for you, too.” Soleil looks at him in confusion for a moment before he hesitantly agrees and then leaves to get Ness.

Soleil "what could I possibly need" Etain as if he is not about to absolutely crumble under all this pressure he's putting on himself. Even when Ray spells it out in clearer terms he is absolutely hyperfocused on the physical sickness aspect and only for Ness's sake

He gives Ray a transparently desperate look so Ray tables it for now, not willing to stress him out further while he’s eating.

Was soooo thinking about how ur not supposed to stress your pets out in their eating areas

Lots of kitchen appliances as bg or the Only noise going on lately.

"N—I'm awake! I'm awake, thank you." He yelps and Ray watches his hands as they shoot out to grab his plate and pull it closer to him. “I’m very grateful that you made us pancakes. Thank you, Ray.” He gives a hysteria-tinged smile.

[DJ voice] two steps back now y'all. woohoo for being careful not to say "no," fear of food being taken away, thanking (twice), expressing his gratitude, and a nervous Name drop. he is not doing well (i think it should've come through in fic but the lack of sleep is Not doing wonders for him. and it's not Just lack of sleep but a lack of sleep and then worrying him self into the ground while he's awake) tho!! small mercies, he does not apologize here. And then poor Ness is equally caught up in the vibes, if Soleil is worried, should he be worried too? And Soleil has to continue balancing not stressing Ness out while being Super Stressed which is doubly not great for admitting to himself/others that smth is wrong

"Did you know that they’re not supposed to live in bowls that tiny?” He says after a long moment. Ray looks at Soleil’s hands too, irritated and peeling as they are. “I did,” he says, “Athena told me once when we went to the store together.” Goldfish too. When they would go to the pet store for Athena’s cat, they would try and see how many dead fish they could spot in the stacks of palm-sized plastic containers. Some dark high-schooler curiosity that he thinks wouldn't sit well with Soleil and that makes him uneasy in the back of his mind, thinking of pretty, dead things in small, cramped quarters. It makes him feel uneasy looking at how vacant Soleil is now.

I like the lyricism of this bit. Hence it gets title rights despite the morbidness. But i also like Soleil having a fish motif and while the comparison of him living in a dark, enclosed space is v literal, I'm also thinking about the mental aspects and his history of having nobody else to rely on (Rose withstanding but even that was only so much), so ofc it's hard for him to even Think he could rely on ray here even if he Wasn't doing his best to isolate as much as possible. (And then isolating from a sickness point And from a return to his former way of living as like a safety crutch/ingrained pattern thing. v messy!)

Then he seems to shrug off his heavy mood with an ease that speaks of practice. Or maybe it’s more accurate to say that he’s pulling on another layer. He doesn’t know which is worse.

This too! I liked the wording of it and Ray watching right in front of his eyes as Soleil transforms so fully just for Ness.

“I’d like to help more. You seem really tired. And stressed. And distressed.” He presses as softly as he can. “I’m worried.” Soleil blinks at him and Ray’s hoping he’s not imagining some of the clarity.

This and this whole convo, Ray is trying SO HARD! and soleil just DOES NOT GET IT. in the long-run he has SO little practice at taking care of himself, esp when it's "time to put on blinders and disregard my emotional and physical health to make sure ness is alright" mode. he genuinely does Not even notice how much worse he is doing right now, rather than willfully ignoring it. (like, w/ making breakfast for the others, trying to pay for a perceived mistake w/ a service, at least then he realized he was slipping back into old habits, and he did Not like it)

And props to Ray for getting Soleil to promise to talk to Penny / promising to loop Cyrill in. I think he would've gone to athena first bc they've known each other for so long, like that's his best friend, but athena is sleeping </3 I Did actually try writing an alternate ending where Ray tells Cyrill exactly what's up but then Ray's reasoning in the final ver comes true, Cyrill gets all worried and fretful and then he gets restless bc he can't go to Soleil in person (but he would reach out over text, and i genuinely think it would stress soleil out to have Two people being like, hey we noticed these behaviors and they're concerning which he would twist into oh no i am doing something Wrong. but he would Continue doing them bc he's much more stressed about ness so >> not great for anybody). i added in cyrill texting soleil like, in ao3 editor that's how late that change was but i think it's a nice compromise. main point here is that ray /is/ in fact ready to ask other people for help. he's p go with the flow overall (which can be a problem sometimes) but it means if the flow is saying find outside help, he'll go do that p quickly.

When he brings the plate up for Cyrill, it’s comforting to hear the expected and ridiculous, “haha, balls,” Cyrill gives as he uses one finger to push one of the chocolates into the other.

man did this chapter need some levity. and i think it's fun when the other POV charas are a little in the dark about smth that's just popped up

i had to change the ending line from "the point is moot" to "it's a moot point" bc the second Is like, the way u say it but also consider, i like the way the first sounds better. i think i do actually say like, the point is moot somewhere else in fic but idt that was a final chapter line so lower stakes AHDKJASDH i know i put the warnings for a reason and I always hope they're useful cause I'll be re-reading to check for grammar/typos/to make sure i've actually Completed the chapter and not left a transition missing, or to fill this commentary or my consistencies doc out, AKA i'll be doing a lot of re-reading and every now and then i'll have to do my own breathing exercises midway through like, oh man why tf am i so anxious, AS IF i'm not reading from the POV of a highly anxious character who came straight from my brain AHKDJAHKL this arc was SOOOOO not good for my anxiety at points AHSDKJSADHKAJHDJKASK, i've been writing this sickfic arc since last year (specifically what is currently ch 22 since december and FINALLY,,,, TENTATIVELY FINISHED THIS MONTH HOLY HELL) and there have been plenty opportunities for me or someone i live with or someone i interacted closely with to be sick and @@ man. great for yay :) fic research :)), less great for not feeding into my anxiety oops. i'm not sure what the etiquette for compulsion tagging is but I thought it better to list them in the ending tags bc then people can gauge "oh yeah that's one of my triggers maybe i ought to steer clear for a sec" rather than wading into the fic and getting smacked with, ooh hahaa cool i do that :), and then i feel like there's a big difference between the POV chara doing it and then an outside chara seeing it so i wanted to clarify that. squints. next chapter will be much more from Soleil's POV so more emphasis on the thoughts/internal processes rather than the outside perspective of him acting on his compulsions