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pumpkin-cake · 2 years ago

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Midnight Rain

(part three of ???)

-part one- -part two-

tyler galpin x gn!reader

summary - things go wrong at the Poe Cup !

tw - cursing, some violence

really minor spoilers for WEDNESDAY !

You woke up bright and early the next morning. The morning of the stupid event your stupid mother was stupidly making you do. Your eyes adjusted to the light in your room, and you forced yourself out of bed so you could get into your uniform to which you’d soon change out of into a very embarrassing cat costume. Why couldn’t you be apart of say, Xavier Thorpe’s group? They got to dress as cool scary clown-jester things. Oh wait. You HAD to be in Ophelia Hall.

Well, to be honest, it didn’t matter what you looked like, since you were gonna be changing anyway.

You got yourself ready for the day ahead of you, leaving your dorm to grab breakfast. All you heard was chatter about the Poe Cup. How Bianca was probably going to win again, and how annoyed they were over it. You ignored it, you heard talk like that all the time. Bianca was just crazy talented, and in your opinion others were just jealous. She was also dating a crazy attractive dude, so she had that going for her too.

You eventually found Bianca in the Quad, sitting next to Xavier who didn’t seem very interested in whatever she was saying. His pencil furiously scribbled across his paper, his brow furrowed in concentration. Bianca’s eyes met yours and she decided to ditch Xavier, who merely nodded in acknowledgement as she stood and went over to you.

“You ready for today?” She asked, the two of you heading to an empty table.

“As I’ll ever be.” You sighed, rubbing your temples.

“Your mom make you do it again?” She chuckled.

“Yup.” You muttered, taking a sip of your drink. The coffee at Nevermore wasn’t as good as the coffee at Weathervane. “Even gave me a whole plan.”

“You’ve got the principal on your team?” She scoffed a bit and crossed her arms. “Not fair.”

“You really think I’m gonna put in all my effort?” You snorted in reply. “I don’t care as much as my teammates about winning this stupid cup. It doesn’t matter that Mom came up with the plan if I don’t give a single shit about it.”

“Well, you have a point.” She agreed, resting her cheek against the palm of her hand and glancing over to Xavier, who was still drawing away.

“…alright, spill.” You hummed, finishing your coffee. “What did he do?”

“He just got all bitchy with me this morning.” She said with a frown. “Said something about trust? I dunno, I was too tired to comprehend a lot of it.” She tapped her nails on the table.

“You think it’s cuz you’re a siren?” You inquired. “If he’s talking weird about trust. Unless you did something that I don’t know about.”

“(Y/n), you know I’d tell you. Or he would, telling you to tell me like you’re some messenger pigeon.”

“I already told him I’m done being Hermes for him.” You chuckled. “Got tired of it last fight.”

“It wasn’t a fight!” She defended, almost pouting when you quizzically raised a brow. “Whatever, but I swear I didn’t do anything to prompt it.”

“Maybe his little white boy ego is insecure for whatever reason.” You suggested. “You’ve never used your powers on him before, have you?”

“(Y/n)! You know I’d never!”

“Exactly. Then I think this is a ‘Xavier Thorpe can’t communicate’ case. Talk to him.” You shrugged, earning a sigh from Bianca.

“It’s not that easy.” She said, looking back to you. “If you were in a relationship, you’d know.”

“Uh huh. Well I am definitely not in a relationship.” You chuckled, finishing up your food. “Don’t plan to be.”

“Oh yeah?” She cocked an eyebrow, glancing to your phone on the table as it lit up. “Who’s Tyler?”

Your eyes followed her to the phone, to which a banner appeared on your lock screen, which was a message from Tyler.

“No one.” You said simply, taking your phone and putting it in your pocket.

“Oh no, now you gotta tell me.” Bianca demanded with a mischievous grin. “You talkin’ to someone?”

“He’s just the barista from Weathervane.”

“Why do you have just the barista from Weathervane’s number in your phone, hm?”

“He’s been tutoring me, I guess.”

“Just tutoring?”

“Bianca!”

“Okay okay, kidding, sorry. But seriously, the barista at Weathervane’s been tutoring you?” She questioned, sitting up as she was now fully interested.

“Yeah. That’s how I aced my homework assignment.” You chuckled.

“Isn’t he the sheriff’s son?”

You shrugged. “I dunno. Why?”

“Well, a dude named Tyler who works at Weathervane who is also the sheriff’s son destroyed Xavier’s mural in town along with some of his buddies.” Bianca said. “He was pretty upset about it.”

Weird.

Tyler doesn’t seem like the type who’d do something like that. He was so sweet to you, and always seemed more introverted. His dumb friends came into the coffee shop every once in a while, and Tyler always seemed so uncomfortable.

“Huh. I’ll mention it to him next time I see him.” You promised, before checking your watch. “We might wanna go get ready. It’s about that time.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~🛶~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“O. M. G.”

Here we go.

“(Y/n), you look so cute!” Enid squealed after you exited the tent in your black cat costume. You really hadn’t wanted to do the nose and whiskers, but Yoko pretty much forced you down.

“Don’t push it, Enid.” You sighed.

“So! You mentioned not being in the boat! What’s your plan?” She asked, a huge grin on her face.

“You’ll see.” You waved your hand. “Good luck, Enid.”

“Oh- well okay! Kick some butt, (Y/n)!” She grinned, and you gave another half-assed wave of your hand before trudging to your spot in the woods that your mother told you to wait at. Sure enough she was right.

Kent was standing there pretty awkwardly, but with anticipation. He seemed antsy.

Bianca probably came up with this one.

You stayed hidden, about ready to pull out your hair when your mom started her big long speech. It reminded you of her lectures. Finally, the cue was given to begin. You waited patiently until Kent dove into the water, and you did the same along with the item you held. He didn’t seem to notice, watching as his legs molded into a long tail.

Within about five seconds, you looked exactly like him. You shuddered at the feeling of the tail. Yuck. You clutched the net you held, taking a deep breath before darting over.

Alerted by the noise of your swimming, Kent whipped around and his jaw dropped at a copy of himself zooming towards him with a net. You swam circles around him before diving down and catching him in the net. You smiled cutely and waved, smacking his head with your newfound tail. His eyes rolled back into his head and he began to sink.

That was sort of…exhilarating.

You remembered the task at hand and swam towards the surface, looking for the canoes. You caught Bianca’s gaze, who glared and you and beckoned you over and angrily gestured to the vampire boat.

Right, you were currently Kent.

You decided to play along as to not arouse suspicion. You darted underwater over to the boat, before placing your hands on the boat and shaking. There were yelps from the vampire as their boat began to rock back and forth. You gasped as a compartment in the bottom of the boat opened and a full spear shot out. You let out a yelp and dodged, but the spear fully took out a good chunk of your forearm. You shrieked and grit your teeth, trying not to lose focus and change back into your original self.

You shot up and grabbed the side of the boat and flat out pulled it over angrily, pretty pissed that you were losing a bunch of blood from your forearm. You punched a couple vampires in the face and darted off. By the time you caught up to everybody else, they had gotten to the island. A couple people were guarding the boats, and you waited patiently from afar.

You spotted Xavier and Rowan running back with their flag. They hurriedly got into the boat and their team began to row away. Bianca soon followed, and she shouted angrily at who she thought was Kent to get them. You rolled your eyes and swam after Xavier’s boat, doing the same thing you did with the first boat. You made sure to keep an eye out for traps, not wanting to get impaled or anything.

Just as you thought, some compartments opened and curved blades appeared. They were about eight of them protruding from the bottom, all in L shapes pointing to the edges of the boat. You grit yourself teeth and carefully swam to behind the boat in hopes to slow it down.

But you forgot about one crucial thing. Or one crucial person.

The resident telekinetic.

You felt an invisible force grab you by the throat and force you up out of the water. You let out a shout and gripped at your neck, obviously grabbing onto nothing.

“Uh-!” Rowan’s eyes were wide, like he didn’t know what to do next. He looked at Xavier in a panic.

“Knock him out or something!” Xavier yelled.

Your mind raced. You needed to come up with an idea and quick. You took a deep breath and started to shift into Rowan himself, hoping to scare him enough that he would drop you. Everyone in the boat was completely stunned, and Rowan let out a shout and quickly threw you back into the water. Your head collided with the side of the boat and then…

Everything went dark.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~🌊~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

When you came to, you felt your head pounding. Your ears rang as you slowly opened your eyes, which one of them also felt sore as well. The light was bright. Too bright.

“(Y/n)! Oh my gosh, you’re alive!” A loud voice exclaimed, only making your head pound even more.

“Shh!” Someone else shushed, but you could hardly see the people in front of you because of how bright the light was.

“Wh…huh?” You said groggily, your eyes adjusting to the light. There in front of you was your entire team, back in their uniforms but still wearing the cat makeup. “Guys?”

“Oh, I’m so glad you’re okay!” Enid said, not listening to whoever had shushed her. “I had no clue that was you the whole time! Xavier Thorpe said your name or something or said something about you and then we all saw you in the water!”

Oh. Right. Rowan dropped you. You being unconscious must have reverted you back to your regular form.

“Did we lose?” You asked, and Enid smiled half-heartedly.

“Yeah. Only because we stopped to go get you.”

Your heart sank. They lost because of you. You were so careless and got hurt, and they all suffered.

“Oh. Okay.” You breathed out. You knew they’d all try to reassure you, but you weren’t going to believe them anyway so what was even the point?

Then, a light clearing of the throat got the attention of everyone. There stood your mother, an almost unreadable expression on her face. Your teammates got the idea, waved to you and left. Once they cleared, she sat at the edge of the bed.

“How are you feeling, sweetheart?”

“Not great. My head feels awful.” You said honestly. “My eye kind of hurts too.”

Your eye pain wasn’t as prominent as your headache, but you didn’t think much of it as you reached up to rub it. Your mother tensed. You were confused for a split second and then you felt it. The skin didn’t feel as the rest of your body. It felt rough and uneven. It wasn’t some dry skin, either.

“Mom. Get me a mirror.” You said, feeling the rough bit of skin around your left eye. It was in a longer stripe going up and down the eye.

She sighed and fished around in her pocket and pulled out a compact mirror, handing it over and lightly putting her hand on your leg for comfort. You opened the mirror and held it up to reflect your face.

There was a scar running over your left eye. Gross and ragged skin in a line about half an inch thick and about five inches long.

“Mom…what the hell happened?” You breathed out shakily, reaching up and tenderly running two fingers along the scar.

“When Mr. Laslow dropped you off the side…you knocked your head and one of the blades sticking out from their boat…well, you can see.” She sighed. “You’re lucky your teammates pulled you out in time. You could have…drowned.” She said, her voice strained as if she were forcing them out.

“Oh my god.” You breathed out, shutting the mirror and tossing it on the bed. “And you made me do this stupid thing!”

Anger suddenly welled up inside you. You had never wanted to participate. You only agreed at first because Enid was sick, and it was unfair to her to risk losing like that. But because of your mom’s need to win, you suffered. You could have died.

“I never wanted to do this!” You shouted, relieved the infirmary was empty. You moved your leg away from her hand. “This is all your fault!”

She flinched, like she knew you were right, but she didn’t reply.

“Now I have this ugly scar and maybe even brain damage from almost drowning! I hope every time you see me you get reminded of what you did! Now get out!”

Your mother winced once more and closed her eyes, taking a deep breath. “I know that people your age says things they don’t mean.” She breathed out, standing. “I’ll let the nurse take care of you for now. I love you very much, dear.” She leaned down, planting a motherly kiss on the top of your head before walking out.

Well maybe you were a bit harsh.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~🏥~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

After being looked at by the nurse for about a day, it was determined you were now suffering from mild hypoxia brain damage.

Basically, the restricted flow of oxygen being supplied to the brain had fucked up your head. Luckily, it wasn’t severe, and the nurse told you not to worry about any of the more intense side effects. She did warn you about headaches, disorientation, poor concentration, and difficulty coordinating balance. It also turns out you’d been out cold for a day when you first lost consciousness.

Great. More impairments for your grades.

The nurse let you go and you made a beeline for your room, angrily throwing the door open and shut. You sat on your bed and took some deep breaths, trying to calm yourself down and think things through. You knew your mom didn’t want anything terrible to happen to you, what you said just slipped out. You should be angry at Rowan, not her.

You were interrupted by your thoughts by a buzzing of your phone, that was oddly charging on your nightstand. You didn’t remember putting it there.

You took it off the charger and checked it. There were a lot of messages from your friends. Bianca had sent about fifty, Enid about fifty-five, and Xavier around ten. You decided you could catch up with them later. You see them like, every day.

What really caught your eye was Tyler’s name popping up. He only sent you about two messages.

Yesterday: Hey! Haven’t heard from you. Hope you won!

Today: I didn’t see you today. Everything alright?

Why did he bother texting you? You couldn’t believe he even remembered. Guess you were the star customer of Weathervane.

You quickly typed a response.

Yeah, just some injuries from the Cup. I should be back tomorrow.

You were very surprised at how fast he replied.

Oh no! I hope you’re feeling alright. Although, if you are coming tomorrow, I am off work.

Oh? That’s alright, I can just not come in.

No no no! I actually wanted to see if you wanted to grab a coffee and sit with me?

Holy shit. Holy fucking shit.

HOLY SHIT.

Was he asking you on a date?

Like…a date?

Y’know, yeah. Like a date. I’d like to get to know you more aside from tutoring

If that’s okay, of course

Holy. Shit.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~☕️~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

tags 🏷 @justageek @peachycupotea @realmermaid333 @noahspector @mizzydr @gasolinesavages @elizabeth916

#tyler galpin x reader #tyler galpin #tyler galpin x you #wednesday #wednesday addams #enid sinclair #xavier thorpe #nevermore #nevermore academy #gn!reader #larissa weems #bianca barclay #rowan laslow #poe cup

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littleredchucks · 24 days ago

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Best things kids have said to me during Trick or Treat tonight:

“Dude check out this house!” “Yeah dude, this is the OG Halloween House!” - two teen boys dressed as ninja turtles as they approached my front door. Do kids today say dude or were they just in character?

“Wow. Aesthetic” - tween girl as she walked down our bridge dressed as Wednesday.

“I love your bridge! Make me one!” - a young girl dressed as a zombie cheerleader upon hearing I had built said bridge.

“You do have a bridge!” - two more zombie cheerleaders, ten minutes later. My bridge is the talk of the playground.

“I love your Hooty decal!” - many many children. It’s great to know there are lots of Owl House fans about the place.

“Is your garden magic?” - a very small boy dressed as Hermione Granger.

“Excuse me, but you have a spider on your head.” - whispered by a child dressed as a pumpkin. They were right. I did. It’s name is Isabella and it was my hat for the evening.

“Witch house! Witch house! Witch house!” - a group of seven or eight year olds. Apparently we have a reputation.

“We come here every year!” - several families.

“I a wich. Happy Haywoo!” - the tiniest witch I have ever seen in all my days.

“Can I pat your cats?” - so many children. They actually came inside the house to pat the cats who were sitting on the chair by the door. I knew three of the kids who came in the cuddle my cats. Upwards of twelve came in to the entryway. I didn’t know those kids. It was an experience.

Added to this several people took photos with my cardboard monsters and signs. A couple of kids accidentally followed the path down in to the garden and missed the front door completely. I got a surprise hug from a very small SpiderGirl and got to pat four dogs. We gave out over 400 pieces candy and then gave out bags of chips when we ran out. It was a good Halloween.

#halloween

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coolbeanzeaglbones · 2 months ago

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Fanfic chapter for the one where they get real jobs

Over the course of the next few days, Eaglebones was trying to figure out a way to find the others.

He really didn't have a plan, but he was currently doing something that might get him fired. He started recording the support group meetings with an old tape recorder that he found in the garbage.

He didn't know what he was going to do with said recordings, but he knew he had to find the other four.

He was almost glad that Barbara had given up the support group heading. He was able to have much easier access to it than he would've been able to have if she was heading.

But today, it was different. It was a Wednesday night, usually the library was closed, but there was some sort of yoga class happening up the stairs, so he had to stay late to make sure that they actually left.

He was putting books back on the shelves when he felt something press into his back, “Alright, you're gonna give me all your money.” Eaglebones was more frustrated than anything, he had, like, three dollars in his pocket, but he also had his pepper spray.

So he made like he was reaching for his wallet, when in reality, he was reaching for his pepper spray.

He turned around very fast and almost clicked the little button down, when his wrist was grabbed and squeezed, “Dude, dude dude, it was a joke.” He realized he was looking into the face of one Ricky Fitness.

What a coinkydink. He dropped his pepper spray, it thudded to the carpeted floor “You scared the hell out of me, you jerk!” he whisper shouted.

Ricky chose to ignore that and go straight for the hug. He was a really tight hugger, “You're kinda killing me.” He managed to get out before relenting and hugging back.

For a second, it felt like they were back on the team, but that was shattered when Barbara came down the stairs, “You are really pathetic, Falconhawk, you know that.” She stood a few feet away from him.

Sometimes, Eaglebones thought Barbara existed just to make his life worse, “Hey, Barbara, this is my brother, Ricky.” Ricky broke off the hug and turned to face Barbara, who wore her usual sneer, “Yeah, we haven't seen each other in, like, forever.” Ricky was good at taking hints…sometimes.

Barbara rolled her eyes and went into the back, “So how have you been?” Eaglebones asked as he started to put the books on the shelves again, “Oh you know, good. I got a job as a fitness instructor at the Y, so that's cool.” Eaglebones was listening before he looked around suspiciously to make sure no one was listening, “Did you know that all of the supervillains are out of jail?” Ricky nodded slowly, “Yeah, but I think that might be a hoax.”

Eaglebones shook his head, “No, nononono, they are out of jail…and they do have a support group at this library.”

Ricky stood still. He looked as though he didn't believe him, “You're joking, right?” Eaglebones’ silence was enough of an answer, “I've been trying to track everyone down, but I can't, but now I found you.” He went behind the counter, “I have to go back up, you know, teach the class, would you get fired if we stayed after?”

Eaglebones shrugged, “Probably not.” Ricky went back up the stairs and Barbara left for the night, something Eaglebones was immensely grateful for.

Something told Eaglebones that this was going to be a long night, so he made a pot of coffee because what's better than coffee at midnight? Nothing.

#the aquabats #the aquabats super show #eaglebones falconhawk #aquabats #fanfic #ricky fitness

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yourimagines · 1 year ago

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Study buddy

* English is not my first language I apologise

* Gif is not mine

* Triggers: swearing

- Summary: this is a prequel from Fancy, it shows how you two met and how Rafe got a crush on you.

Rafe POV

“Your kidding me, right?” I looked at my teachers in disbelief. “No Rafe we are not, your grades in biology are failing, you need to get them up, otherwise you could fail this semester.” “But I don’t want a study buddy, that’s so lame.” “Rafe.” Rose looked at me like I was the bad guy. “But I can do this alone, I swear.” The teacher shook her head. “You need help and I got you one, come in darling.” The door wen further open as a shy student walked in. Her head a bit down, blushing and a shy smile on her face. “Thank you for coming miss Y/L/N, this is Rafe you’re study buddy.” She smiled at me. “Hi.” I just nodded at her. “Listen I’m not a idiot and I don’t like the word study buddy, I’m not stupid.” “Nobody says your stupid, just do this Rafe, miss Y/L/N is a A+ student in biology, there is no one better than her.” I signed. “Fine…” Rose smiled at the teachers. “Thank you.” She stood up and walked out. “Rafe, I’m available every Wednesday and Friday at the school library, I hope I see you there.” She said and walked away, probably to her next class. “Don’t screw this up Rafe, she a good student.” My mentor said while leading me out of the office. “You know me Mr Thompson.” “That’s the problem Rafe.” He gave me a pointed look, I held my hands up. “Trust me, I do my best.” “You better be son.”

————

“So you have a study buddy?” Topper asked while Kelce started to laugh. “It’s not funny, but I don’t have a choice, they called Rose so… everyone at home knows it now.” Topper laughed. “Your so screwed man.” I shook my head with a sarcastic smile on my face. “But which nerd is it? Not Sam right, the kid with the weird hair.” Kelce made a hand movement around his head. “No not him.” “Who is it.” “Miss Y/L/N.” Topper stopped with laughing. “You mean Y/N Y/L/N?, from biology class.” “Yes, do you know here or something?” “Dude everyone does, she’s a top student in multiple classes and has friends, not like Sam with the crazy hair.” Kelce said, topper nodded. “My mom loves her, she’s a Kook but is friends with the guy who’s dating your sister.” “I don’t know her and I don’t care.” I leaned back into my seat. “Time will tell buddy.” Kelce patted my shoulder.

——— Wednesday———

I walked into the school library searching for her. “I’m here Rafe.” She sat in the back, waving at me. I nodded and walked over. “Surprised to see me?” I said while taking a seat. “No, I was already waiting for you.” She opened her books. “So what is it you don’t understand.” I leaned back in my chair. “Everything.” I pointed at the books. “Everything?” “Yes everything, I don’t know and I don’t care either.” She signed. “Rafe listen, do you think I like this, sitting here with you, no I rather go home but I can’t because of your bad grades, so this is the plan, you are pulling yourself back together and study or you don’t and will fail this semester. Your choice.” She said it so calmly, nothing but kindness in her eyes. “Okay, I will.” “Good, we start at page 6, the first chapter.” She pointed at the page. I leaned a bit forward just enough to see the writings in the book.

“Thank you for your time today.” She said while packing her bags. “Yeah No problem.” She smiles at me. “I’ll see you Friday, same place, same time.” “Yeah, sure.” She then walked away. I was looking at her till she disappeared into the crowd. “You are so whipped dude.” Kelce patted on my shoulders as he walked by. “Is she single?” Kelce gave me a thumbs up as he slowly disappeared into the crowd as well. ‘Thank the lord.’

Y/N POV

I walked into the canteen. I saw my bestie sitting with a few others of our group. “So how was it with mr Cameron.” My bestie asked as I sat down next to her. “Good, why?” “You look different, more giggly. You not actually falling for him right?” I shook my head while I felt my cheeks heating up. “Oh my god, you totally are.” Our table started to giggle. “Guys stop it.” I hide my face behind my hands. “This is so cute, a nerd with a…Cameron.” “Okay, I do have a little bit of a crush on him but don’t embarrass me, please just drop it for now, we just met.” “Okay, don’t worry, we are on the same team.” They all nodded. “Good, now let’s eat, I’m starving.”

——— Friday———

I was sitting in the library waiting for Rafe to show up. I was reading a book when he sat down next to me. “Hey.” I looked up from my book, a smile formed on my face. “Hey, I’m glad you showed up.” I put my book away and opens his biology book. “Can I asked you something?” “Yes?” “Are you going to the party from Topper next weekend?” “No, I’m not invited, why?” “Just wondering, but I don’t think he mind if you are going, your a kook so I think it’s fine.” I just nodded. “Let’s focus us on your study now.” I pointed at a page in the book. He nods and started to read.

“So I think we’re done for today, you have a exam Monday, I think you will manage that one. Just think and read the questions a bit better, Take your time Rafe.” I said while grabbing my stuff. “I will, thank you.” I flashed him a smile. “No problem, and when was the party exactly?” His face lit up. “Next Saturday at 8, Toppers place.” “Alright, see ya next week then.” I walked quickly to my locker to meet my bestie. “We are going to Toppers party.” I said while opening my locker quickly. “But you didn’t want to.” “Yes but I changed my mind.” She shrugged her shoulders. “Okay, I’ll text the rest that we are going.” “Good, let’s go.” I grabbed her hand and walked to the bus stop. “Why are you in a hurry?” “Because we are late for the bus!” We both ran to the bus stop and got there just in time. “Just on time lady’s.” The bus driver said. “Lucky us.” She said while dragging me to a seat. “Who changed your mind to go to Toppers party?” “My study buddy.” She laughs. “Okay, I already like him.” “Oh please shut up.” I playfully pushed her arm.

#x reader #imagines #imagine #rafe cameron imagine #rafe cameron x reader #rafe x reader #obx fanfiction #obx imagine #obx x reader

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bomberqueen17 · 2 years ago

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surviving march

well so. here we are. well into march. surviving.

i had no real symptoms of covid and i still don't, except that i'm just so tired. i could sleep ten hours a day. of course i can't sleep that long in bed, i still wake at my normal time without an alarm but with cat help, i just get out of bed and i'm just dizzy with exhaustion. (Usually metaphorically. today, literally.) but i wake up, i get myself together, i go about my business. and then, if i have a moment, at late morning, or early afternoon, or late afternoon, i will lie down for a moment, and if i don't do something to prevent it i will sleep two hours. and then come evening, an hour earlier than usual, i will go to bed, and i will sleep until my usual time. endlessly. normally i can get by on 6-7 hours in a night, with a good 8 hour lie in on weekends, but no more.

anyway. i don't have time for that, unless i give up everything but work. i have been leaving work slightly early, and not going in any earlier. i'm paid hourly, who gives a shit. i'm tired.

but, other than that, i do feel fine. the pokey mans has helped me remember to get up from my desk and walk around sometimes at least.

the pokey mans remains... mostly fun. i occasionally hit snags. i finally posted in frustration in the local Discord asking for tips on beating the one boss I just couldn't manage (Giovanni, if you're familiar), and the collective wisdom was, get better guys, which i was like i'm trying, and they were like no really, friend all of us, and whoever makes ultra with you first, we'll meet up at the weekly raid nite and we'll trade you a better guy, and I said i don't have anything cool to trade back? and three different people were like i don't need anything back i have extra guys, please take one. so that was actually a really nice interaction.

Every Wednesday is Raid Night, which is apparently universal-- from 6-7pm, wherever you are, there are simultaneous raids and mega raids and whatnot. Our local group is smaller than it once was, and so has condensed: one guy coordinates a "raid train" that goes down Hertel Ave, which is a dense urban street with a ton of gyms, and so he opens the remote lobbies of successive gyms at like. seven-minute intervals? somebody did the math at some point. And that's enough time to get from one to the next on foot for a fair distance, but it's also of course very easy for remote raiders to dial in.

It doesn't cost them anything if I tag along-- you can only send so many invites, but if you're in person you can just physically bop into the lobby. So there I was, with my tiny little guys, and a half-dozen level 45+ veterans with huge leveled-up mega pokemons dialed in, and I would gamely swing at the raid boss a couple of times and meanwhile the other half-dozen people would pummel the thing into the ground in a matter of seconds.

I've tagged along twice now, and I can manage like. Three gyms before I'm frozen. This time I brought Dude along, and he sat in a bar and drank a beer and ate some cheese sticks, and after about half an hour I came puffing back along the street and hopped onto the barstool next to him and got some chicken fingers and chattered about the great pokey mans I just caught. He's having a stressful time at work so it was good to get him out of the house.

I'm trying to find it all fun and funny, and mostly I'm succeeding, but I'm just so tired.

I did clear out a bunch of old drafts so my queue should be interesting for a bit.

I'm writing, it's just not getting finished. But I'm writing. I'll get there.

#about the author #me #pokey mans

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biggerbetterbat · 1 year ago

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WITH YOU [28] DEAL

Daryl Dixon x OC!Charlie Reed

Summary: Rick has to solve a problem that interrupts their peace.

Warnings: language, death

Song: ?????

A/N: Hello. Now chapters will be published on Wednesdays. See you soon, and enjoy!

Five, unknown men were standing and looking at them in horror, for which they couldn't really blame them. They stormed into a locked room and cut a man's leg off, like some freaks.

"Who the hell are you?" asked a man with tattoos and a prison uniform taken off his shoulder, so it was lower on his hips.

"Who the hell are you?" Daryl asked.

"He's bleeding out!" screamed Rick, trying to bring focus back on important matters. "We gotta go back. Come around here. Put pressure on the knee. Hard! Push, push!"

Charlie moved her eyes from her friends back to the prisoners.

"Why don't you come on out of there?" said Daryl and T-Dog put a metallic bar in between the handles, so they could have free hands just in case they were needed. "Slow and steady."

"What happened to him?" asked the man with long hair.

"He got bit," Charlie said.

"Bit?" he asked and pulled out his gun from behind his pants.

Charlie took out her gun and pointed at the man, T-Dog following her moves. "Easy now."

"Nobody needs to get hurt," Daryl said.

"You have medical supplies?" Glenn asked, passing the prisoners. He ignored completely the thing that someone was pointing a gun at him, he entered some room, trying to find whatever he needed.

"Woah, where do you think you're going? Who the hell are you people anyway?" asked the man holding a gun, which didn't really bother Glenn.

"Don't look like no rescue team." said another one.

Charlie looked at the five men with eyes that were radiating something like compassion. She was them once, waiting to be rescued for something that could have been three weeks or months. One of many things that she had learned during the end of the world was not waiting for a rescue, there was nobody able to save you. That's why she decided to be the one breaking their bubble."If a rescue team is what you're waiting for, don't."

"Come on, we gotta go," said Rick, somehow ignoring the presence of the prisoners.

"Holy Jesus." whispered one of them.

"Are you crazy?" the other said. "Don't open that!"

"We got this," Charlie said and moved away from the prisoners, ready to kill the Walkers.

Naively she thought that the men they met somewhere in the prison would be just a distant memory once they came back to their block, but she was wrong. "That's far enough," Daryl said to the prisoners, who apparently walked right behind them.

"Cellblock C." the one with tattoos inhaled deeply as if the air around here smelled like home. "Cell 4...That's mine, gringo. Let me in."

"Today's your lucky day, fellas," said Daryl. "You've been pardoned by the state of Georgia. You're free to go."

He wanted them gone right this instant. They couldn't be trusted, they were in prison at the end of the day. Daryl didn't want them around their cellblock and around Charlie, the best for them was not even looking at her.

"What you got going on in there?" asked the prisoner.

"It's none of your concern," Daryl answered.

"Don't be telling me what's my concern."

Charlie clicked her gun, signaling that she was ready to shoot. That would be something new to kill a living and breathing person, but she had a feeling that it was either them or the prisoners.

"Chill, man." said a tall guy. "Dude's leg is messed up. Besides, we're free now. Why are we still in here?"

"The man's got a point." Dixon once again was faster and opened his mouth before Charlie even made up her mind.

"Yeah," nodded another man. "And I have to check on my old lady."

Reed sighed heavily because there was probably no chance that there still was some old lady to check. If she was still where he left her she would probably be ready to eat him alive."A group of civilians breaking into a prison you got no business being in..." interrupted a man with tattoos that was getting on Charlie's nerves more and more. "Got me thinking there ain't no place for us to go."

"Why don't you go find out?" Charlie asked, narrowing her eyes at the guy.

"Why don't you just kneel for me, girl?" he snapped at her immediately. "You like to run your mouth I see."

Daryl all tensed up at the man's words, he was ready to kill him really. He saw that Charlie didn't feel comfortable - how would she be? If she didn't hold a gun, she would probably dig her nails into the inside of her palms, like she used to do. Charlie on the other hand was burning. She was angry and she was holding a gun, so she was in charge now. She wasn't an innocent girl who needed a knight in shining armor, and she knew that pulling that trigger would be easier than one could suppose. "Why don't I just put a bullet in your dick?"

"I would like to see you trying, princess."

"Maybe we'll just be going now." one of the prisoners gulped.

"Hey, we ain't leaving." protested the tatted man.

"You ain't coming in either," Charlie said.

"This is my house, my rules. I go where I damn well please," he argued.

"There ain't nothing for you." she spat.

"Why don't you go back to your own sandbox?" he said. "Maybe I would let you stay princess. We could have fun."

Charlie wanted to throw up at the gaze she felt on her body. The man was rather handsome, but still, he was creeping the shit out of her and making her feel dirty just by imagining what he would do to her if they had met in different conditions. That's why without thinking and without blinking she just fired her gun. A bullet didn't even graze the man but flew extremely close to his crotch.

"Hey!" Rick screamed, making everyone turn their attention towards him. "Everyone relax. There's no need for this."

"How many are in there?"

"Too many for you to handle." Rick lied.

Yeah. Especially, Lori, they wouldn't handle a pregnant lady who would probably give birth to a baby by sneezing any moment soon. Oh, there was also Carl. The man who was probably twice Carl's height would never handle him. And Beth would beat them with the power of love and a song...Charlie had to admit that they were pathetic.

"You guys robbed a bank or something?" the prisoner asked. "Why don't you take him to a hospital?"

They exchanged glances, searching for a person who was going to break it to the man. Charlie felt no remorse for them, so she decided to be the one kicking a puppy. "How long have you been locked in that cafeteria?

"Going on like 10 months."

"A riot broke out." said another man. "Never seen anything like it."

"Attica in speed, man," said Axel. Charlie sent him a skeptical stare. He was acting as if they were friends and they weren't, they were pointing guns at each other.

"Ever heard about dudes going cannibal, dying, coming back to life?" asked the tall man. "Crazy."

"One guard looked out for us, and locked us up in the cafeteria." said prisoner. "Told us to sit tight, threw me this piece, said he'd be right back."

"Yeah, and that was 292 days ago."

"Minus 94 according to my calcula..." Axel opened his mouth.

"Shut up!" the tattooed man snapped.

"We were thinking that the Army or the National Guard should be showing up any day now." added another man.

"There is no Army," Charlie said.

"What do you mean?"

"There's no government, no hospitals, no police. It's all gone." Rick confirmed.

"For real?"

"You see us laughing? What kind of question is that?" Charlie snapped at Axel.

"We're serious," said Rick.

"What about my moms?" asked the tall guy.

"My kids? And my old lady?" gasped another man. He stepped forward in their direction. "Yo, you got a cell phone or something that we can call our families?"

Charlie was looking at them and decided that those men were more pathetic than her group. The group was pathetic, but the prisoners seemed to be even more hopeless. Archer next to her opened his mouth in annoyance."You just don't get it, do you?"

"No phones, no computers. Nothing," she said, and then she looked at the guy with long hair. "Nada."

"As far as we can see, at least half the population has been wiped out." Rick cleared. "Probably more."

"Ain't no way." one of them said, still not believing.

"See for yourself," Charlie said, lowering her gun.

The bright sun hit their faces as they opened the doors to the prison, so the five men could see with their own eyes how the world looked like now. There were still bodies of the Walkers that were killed yesterday as they didn't have time to burn them and clear the courtyard yet.

"Good Lord. They're all dead." observed the man.

"Never thought I'd be so happy to see these fences." said the other one, ignoring the fact that most of their fellow prisoners were dead now.

"You never said..." said the man with long hair. "How the hell did you get in here in the first place?"

"Cut a hole in that fence over there by that guard tower," Charlie said, crossing arms on her chest.

"That easy, huh?"

"Where there's a will, there's a way," said Daryl, driving the man's attention away from Charlie.

"Easy for you to say."

Charlie was looking with disgust as one of the prisoners was poking the dead body as if he wasn't a human before. The man could talk with him before the world collapsed, and now was acting as if it was some kind of dead bug. When he noticed her eyes on him, he asked. "So what is this, like a disease?"

She didn't want to answer him, even though he looked friendly. Charlie was disgusted by them and just wished they were gone already. That's why Rick was the one to answer. "Yeah, and we're all infected."

"What do you mean infected?" Axel asked. "Like AIDS or something?"

"If I was to kill you, shoot an arrow in your chest, you'd come back as one of these things," Daryl explained. "It's gonna happen to all of us."

"Ain't no way these Robin Hood cats are responsible for killing all these freaks. Must be 50 bodies out here." the guy with tattoos whose name was Tomas apparently, murmured under his nose. "Where'd you come from?"

"Atlanta," Rick said.

"Where are you headed?"

"For now, nowhere." the leader answered Tomas's question again.

"I guess you can take that area down there near the water." he pointed at the bridge and small pond that were just behind the fence. "Should be comfortable."

"We're using that field for crops," Grimes said.

"We'll help you move your gear out." ignored his words Tomas.

"That won't be necessary," Rick said. "We took out these Walkers. This prison is ours.

"Slow down, cowboy," he said and furrowed his brows. "You snatched the locks off our doors."

"We'll give you new locks if that's how you want it." Charlie rolled her eyes.

"This is our prison," Tomas said annoyed. "We were here first."

"Locked in a broom closet?" Charlie murmured, for what she earned an angry look.

"We took it, set you free. It's ours." Rick said. "We spilled blood."

"We're moving back into our cellblock." the prisoner still tried to reason.

"You'll have to get your own."

"It's mine," Tomas said. "I've still got personal artifacts in there. That's about as mine as it gets."

"Cell 4 was yours?" Charlie asked. "Then there's nothing that belongs to you. Not anymore."

"Woah," Tomas said, ready to fight.

"Maybe let's try to make this work out so everybody wins."

"I don't see that happening." protested Tomas who seemed to be a leader.

"Neither do I." Charlie nodded.

"I ain't going back in that cafeteria for one more minute."

"There are other cell blocks," said Rick.

"You could leave." Daryl shrugged. "Try your luck out on the road."

"If these three pussies can do all this, the least we can do is take out another cell block," Tomas said.

"With what?"

"Atlanta here will spot us some real weapons," he answered to his friend who seemed surprised by the sudden change. "Won't you, boss?"

"How stocked is that cafeteria?" the ex-sheriff deputy asked. "It must have plenty of food. Five guys lasting almost a year?"

"I'm sure as hell don't look like anybody's been starving." Daryl nodded.

"There's only a little left," they answered.

"We'll take half," Rick said and it wasn't like a question. "In exchange, we'll help clear out a cellblock."

"Didn't you hear him?" asked one of the prisoners. "There's only a little left."

"But you got more food than you got choices." Rick shrugged. "You pay, we'll play. We'll clear out a block for you, then you keep to it."

Charlie knew something was not right. The sudden change in the man's behavior was suspicious. Besides, she didn't trust him at all, he was in prison for a reason. As far as she could remember, they didn't lock people here for being good and decent.

"All right."

"But let's be clear...If we see you out here anywhere near our people, if I so much as even catch a whiff of your scent, I will kill you." Rick warned him.

"Deal."

Waiting was the worst part of life. Even before all of this she absolutely hated waiting, it was making her anxious. It could be just waiting for her friends to come or waiting for a package, she hated that. But now in times when you never knew if your friends were still alive when they left for food, waiting got even worse. What was really shaking her up was the thought that Daryl was gone with some psychos and Hershel was probably dying in a cell.

"Food's here." Charlie's head snapped up as she heard T-Dog's voice.

She stood up and saw how two men were entering their cellblock. After Carl's question, they found out that T was carrying canned beef, corn, and canned cans how he put it. The boy was running after him, wanting to help and Charlie headed after them.

"Is everything all right?" she asked and T looked behind her at Rick.

"I don't trust those guys," he whispered. "I'm not sure we should let them have even a cell around here."

"What?"

"The big guy, Axel, and Oscar they seem fine, but the one with tats?" T furrowed his eyebrows. "I'm not sure, man."

"Where's Daryl? You left him with them?" she whisper-screamed at the man. "I'm going with you."

"Hey, hey, hey." T-Dog touched her shoulders. "First of all, he's a big boy and can handle stuff. Besides, if I came back there with you he would kill me."

"They're dangerous."

"He knows that. He volunteered to go with Rick, he knows the risk," he said. "That's why he didn't want you there."

That's how she ended up waiting some more...Waiting for Daryl and waiting for Hershel to wake up. She couldn't bear the sight of Beth trying to act as if nothing was going on and the sight of Maggie's puffy eyes. But Daryl robbed her of the ability to do something else. If he had let her go with them she wouldn't have to worry about Daryl as he would be close, and her mind would have been occupied. But she was in a cellblock C, leaning her back on a doorframe to Hershel's cell, standing in front of Glenn. He was fiddling with metal chains to the clock Hershel owned and she was looking at the doors, wishing and prying that they would show up in a second. That he would show up.

She noticed that Glenn looked up and focused his haze behind her. Charlie looked in that direction and saw Carl walking towards them with a bag. He could barely walk with how big the thing he carried was. In his other hand, he carried his gun.

"I thought you were organizing the food," she said.

"Even better." he smiled at her and she sighed as she knew that smile. He entered the cell and dropped the bag, showing what was inside. "Check it out."

"Where did you get this?" Carol gasped.

"From the infirmary?" he said. "There wasn't much left, but I cleared it out.

Yet again her feeling was correct. From the moment she heard Keep an eye on Carl, she knew that would be just a burden and sooner or later he would get her in trouble. And of course, he did!

Charlie wasn't sure if she was mad at him for going there all by himself or not taking her. That would be a hundred times better for her head.

"You went by yourself?" Lori asked.

"Yeah," Carl answered proudly.

"Are you crazy?" Lori opened her eyes wider at the answer and then she looked at Charlie. "You were supposed to keep an eye on him."

"I was," Charlie argued. "I turned just for a second, I swear!" she tried to explain herself, but then she realized that Lori wasn't in a place to judge her. "You think it's easy? He's not a baby anymore. Next time just put a chip around his ankle, that would help."

"Don't argue," Carl said. "It's no big deal. I killed two Walkers."

"You did what?!" Charlie gasped.

"You..." Lori looked away from her son. "All right, do you see this? This was with the whole group."

"We needed supplies, so I got them."

"I appreciate that, but..."

"Then got off my back!" he yelled.

"Carl!" Charlie said and placed her hand on his shoulder. "She's your mother. You can't talk to her like that."

"Listen, I think it's great that you wanna help..." but Lori didn't get to finish as Carl just ran out of the cell. Charlie didn't want to hear his mother blaming her for what she should have done, so she just followed the boy's lead.

"That was not cool Carl," she said, standing in the doors to his cell.

"I know. You already told me." he rolled his eyes. "I shouldn't talk to my mom like that."

"Well, yeah." she nodded. "But I meant the thing that you didn't tell me about going to the infirmary."

"What?"

"Next time, you want to do something extremely risky that also involves killing Walkers, you should tell me." she smiled at him slightly. "We could be a team," she added. "Now come on. You ought to apologize to your mom."

He sighed and smiled back at her.

The door opened and something very heavy dropped from her heart. All the tension she had just disappeared when her eyes met with Daryl and his barely noticeable smile.

"Hershel stopped breathing," said Carl to his father. "Mom saved him."

"You all right?" Charlie ignored the father and son conversation, so she could immediately talk with Daryl.

"I'm good," he answered, studying her face not knowing why she was so nervous. "Why shouldn't I?"

It felt strange. Nice...but still strange. She was again worrying about him as if he couldn't take care of himself. If she only knew what he came through, she wouldn't be so worked up over him and his well-being.

"Hey, I'm all right," he said, but his words seemed not to convince her, so he took her hand and placed it on his heart. "I'm good. See?"

Charlie could feel his heart beating and thudding, pumping blood. His skin was warm and his chest was moving as he was breathing. There were no more possible signs to tell that he was alive. She nodded her head and let her breathe out, calming her crazy heart.

"Daddy?" they both heard Maggie asking, so they walked towards the cell.

Another heavy stone fell from her heart. Hershel was all right and alive, and prisoners were taken care of. Everything was looking brighter again. The future was looking just fine.

previous masterlist next

#daryl dixon #daryl dixon fanfiction #daryl dixon series #daryl dixon twd #daryl dixon x reader #daryl fanfiction #daryl the walking dead #daryl twd #daryl x reader

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loplainlointhemorning · 7 months ago

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so I’m tryna work with this guitarist who’s very talented but she got super upset before our first rehearsal together when i misremembered her audition date, bc she’d scheduled it three weeks out, and we had to reschedule to Saturday instead of Sunday. then she got angry when she got there bc the drummer flaked (bassist and singer still there) and said she couldn’t be in the band if it was gonna be like that. I told her to start looking for a different drummer bc this dude has always been flaky. she tells me she can’t be in the group if this keeps happening bc scheduling issues are a big pet peeve of hers. I’m like okay. we make an agreement to meet on Wednesday and work on songs. she has to reschedule to Thursday, im fine with that. i clean my apartment so she’ll be comfortable and she gets to my place an hour late and then doesn’t remember anything we worked on the last time we saw each other which is fine bc I can handle imperfections in others. we have band scheduled for today at 2:30 and she cancels around 10:30 saying she doesn’t want to play with our bassist, who she thinks is terrible, and says she’s having doubts about the group but says she owes us one constructive band practice. but still says she doesn’t like the bassist and doesn’t want to work with him and isn’t excited about it. so I’m like okay, are you in or out regarding this project. and she’s like “I’m just expressing doubts” and then I’m like look, the entire time you’ve been involved you’ve been fairly unhelpful, and now you’re canceling a practice bc we’re not practiced enough and the drummer we agreed to replace hasn’t shown again and you hate the one steady member of the group besides me. if you want the bassist to be good at the songs we literally just revamped please put them in a Google drive file and maybe send him some tabs so he can practice, also here are the covers we’re doing, I’m deciding it now, practice these. If u need a drummer and a better bassist (our bassist wants to play rhythm anyway) ask around bc she’s ALREADY IN a popular band around here so she knows people.

and then she gets butthurt and is like I’ve been honest about not having time to do anything but rehearse and write songs and i was like okay but you’re canceling rehearsal because of these problems and you need to help fix them if they’re preventing you from rehearsing. and she’s like don’t take your frustration out on me and i said I’m not trying to but you’ve been pretty hard on people who are doing their best for you and if you want xyz you have to help organize it. and she’s like “well I’m really scatterbrained so maybe you could remind me” and it’s like no, I cannot do everything. i cannot do everything for you. I will help, I accept that I’m band leader, but you cannot complain to me and talk about leaving the band and then expect me to fix these problems that we’ve been upfront about since the start. you’ve been eviscerating my friend and complaining about the circumstances of a project you Know has been struggling to get off the ground and you’re refusing to help it get up. and she just left me on read and it’s like be a fucking adult. be a fucking adult person

#aberdeen spoken word

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btssaysstudy · 3 years ago

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Salvage - 2 || jjk/kth.

Summary: After your confession, it's safe to say that there was nothing left to salvage between you and Jungkook. However, things start to change when a new hurdler joins the team. Genre: college!au, track!jungkook, track!taehyung, track!reader, angst & fluff Pairing: jungkook x reader, taehyung x reader Warning(s) : unrequited love, alcohol (drinking) mentioned, swearing Chapter count: 4.5k

series masterlist || one ||

Jungkook may have stopped talking to you, but he never stopped noticing you. But Jungkook had been carrying his own guilt that stopped him from approaching you. Every time you greeted him, all he could remember was how he ignored your texts and left you in the dark.

He wanted to message you and tell you he missed you. He wanted to tell you that he never wants you to leave his side. But he couldn’t. Not when he was the one who pushed you away.

Just when Jungkook had gathered himself to approach you, he noticed you enjoying yourself more. He saw how you got closer to the other track members, and he didn’t want to disrupt your life.

He figured that things were going well for you and it was better that he stayed out of your life. As much as it pained him to not be by your side, he knew he had caused enough damage.

Despite hating it, he made the conscious choice to stay out of your life ever since. Jungkook had convinced himself that it was the right decision.

“Take a picture while you’re at it.” Hoseok’s teasing tone brought him out from his thoughts. Jungkook scoffed, “Wasn’t looking.”

“Definitely believe you. You know she still tells me that it’s her fault.”

“She does?” Jungkook’s eyes darted back to you. You were enjoying your lunch with your usual group but with a new addition - Taehyung.

He used to be that fourth member of the group.

“It’s not her fault, it’s mine…” Jungkook mindlessly uttered with a forlorn gaze as he watched you joke with your friends. Hoseok patted his friend’s back encouragingly, “Use your words on the right person. Those words are not mine to hear.”

“You know I can’t do that. She’s happy now and I hurt her too.”

Hoseok sighed, chugging his Sprite drink down. “I give up on you dude. Don’t be stupid. It’s not too late.”

“I’ll keep that in mind.”

He grinned at Jungkook, “You should.”

“Hoseok! Jungkook!” A deep cheerful voice disrupted their conversation.

“Hey, Tae! Yn!” Hoseok was the first to greet you and Taehyung. Jungkook greeted Taehyung and glanced at your direction to say hi but you seemed to be actively avoiding his gaze.

Confused and slightly taken aback, he bit back his greeting.

“I’ll text you guys the details later but just wanted to check if you guys are free this Friday night? I’m hosting a small birthday celebration.”

“Sure! I’m free!” Hoseok nudged Jungkook, “You’re free too, right?”

“Yea I’m free.”

Taehyung grinned, draping his arms over your shoulder. “Great! Well, we gotta head off for class now. I’ll text you guys the details later!”

“I’m beginning to think it’s too late, Hoseok.”

—

Even though Taehyung had said those words nonchalantly, they have been glued in your mind. It was hard to consciously stop trying to smile and greet Jungkook whenever you saw him. But you knew Taehyung was right.

You had been trying for so long to salvage your friendship but to no avail. Jungkook had clearly made it clear that he did not want you in his life.

“Yn! Got you your favourite drink on the way!”

You smiled, reaching out to accept the drink, “Thank you Tae! You didn’t have to!”

He gave a short cheeky giggle as he shrugged his shoulders, “I know but you had a long day today. Plus, you just had a good run.”

You tried to ignore the fluttering in your chest as you thanked him once more. Despite it only being a month since you met Taehyung, he had been around you almost every day. He didn’t attempt to hide his happiness when he found you were both classmates for your Wednesday class for the semester.

It was refreshing to have someone so expressive around you again. At times, it reminded you of Jungkook.

“Yn! Let me see your schedule!” Jungkook reached out for your phone only for you to pull back. “Why do you have to see my schedule?”

Jungkook pouted, slouching his shoulders, “Because I want to be classmates with you.”

You shook your head jokingly, “Someone’s being clingy.”

“I am! I love having classes with you.” Jungkook extended his hands out one more time for your phone, successfully grabbing it while you were caught off guard by his response.

“You do?”

Jungkook’s eyes looked up from your phone to meet yours with a bewildered expression. “Why do you sound so shocked? It’s not a secret I love spending time with you. You’re my best friend after all.”

“It’s all practice. You’ll get there too.” You took a big gulp to quench your thirst, “In fact, you’re a really good sprinter. I’m sure you’ll improve in no time.”

“Very kind words.” He teased, tossing a clean towel over your head, completely blocking your view.

Taehyung placed his arms around your sweaty shoulders, “Now it’s your turn to watch me die out there.”

You pulled the towel off your face and your eyes landed on Jungkook who had been looking at you from afar. Immediately, your eyes darted away, focusing back on Taehyung.

“Good luck on your run.” You playfully pushed Taehyung away and watched as he got to his position as the first runner.

Jungkook hated how comfortable you were Taehyung. That used to be you and him. The two of you used to be the inseparable duo. He used to be the one teasing you and handing you your bottle. Why wasn’t it him anymore?

Jungkook knew the answer and he hated it.

Something in him snapped when he started noticing you getting closer to Taehyung. He knew it could’ve been him instead, but he pushed you away unintentionally. Jungkook had screwed it up and he was now facing the consequences.

As he positioned himself as the final runner, all he could think about was how you used to cheer for his name at the top of your lungs.

But right then, he could distinctly hear your voice cheering another man’s name.

Unlike last time, Jungkook acknowledged the feeling in his heart. It was as if someone had punched him in the throat and momentarily made him lose his breath.

Surprisingly, ever since you had followed Taehyung’s advice, you have been feeling lighter and it was obvious in your actions and expressions.

“The last time I saw you was that huge birthday party which wasn’t long ago, but I feel like I’m talking to a different yn.”

“What do you mean?”

Hoseok tapped his pen to his chin several times, trying to find the proper words to describe it. You had booked one of the study rooms for the day since Namjoon was over at your place and you didn’t want to disturb them either.

“You just seem less burdened.”

“Less burdened?” You repeated, furrowing your eyebrows in confusion. Hoseok nodded his head, as if he were agreeing with his thoughts.

“I didn’t want to bring it up, but Jungkook’s noticed that you have been avoiding him recently.”

You huffed, “I haven’t been avoiding him. I’ve just been appreciating those who are still by my side.”

He placed his pen down, letting out a long sigh, “Yn, you know that Jungkook still cares about you. I don’t get why you two can’t just talk it out—“

“You know why,” You said sharply, “I’ve given him space, reached out to him, always greeted him to get his attention. But what did I get in return? I get Jungkook trying to avoid bumping into me in every corridor.”

“Y-Yea… He hasn’t shown it in the best way but—“

“I’m tired Hobi, I’ve been trying for so long. I already feel guilty for screwing up our friendship because of some stupid crush. But at this point, I must be stupid for not reading the signs.”

Hoseok’s face showed it all. He felt bad for you. They all did. Every time Jungkook’s name was brought up, it always turned into a lecture of how you two should talk things out or how Jungkook misses you or how you should approach him one last time.

It got tiring at times, but you understood that Jungkook was their friend as well.

Maybe that was another reason why you liked hanging out with Taehyung. He didn’t know the full history between the two of you. Even if he didn’t, Taehyung never pressed to ask for more.

When you hung out with him, the topic was just you and him. It wasn’t about someone else or about any lecturing on life. It was just you enjoying life with Taehyung.

“It’s okay Hobi,” You glanced at your phone that lit up from a notification. Your tired expression instantly vanished when you saw his name. “He’s coming over right now!”

“Tae?” Hoseok’s pitiful expression morphed into something cheekier as he leaned back into his chair, crossing his arms over his chest. “Is this why your aura has changed? Is something going on with you and Taehyung?”

You scoffed, flicking your wrist to dismiss his accusation, “Please, we’re just friends. Good friends, that’s all.”

“Right…” He replied, unconvinced.

“You better not tease me when he arrives—“

“Hello!” The door to the study room busted wide open to reveal Taehyung with his arms outstretched in a welcoming greeting. “What’s for dinner?” He asked, dropping his bag on the floor, and plopping right next to you.

“It’s 2pm, Tae. Why are you thinking of dinner?”

“I need some motivation to look forward to.”

“Well…” Hoseok’s eyes glinted mischievously, and you flashed a warning look his way. Immediately, he changed his mind, “Instead of having dinner at the dining hall, shall we leave campus for some good meal?”

“Sure!”

“Why not!” Taehyung smiled, “Sounds good to me.”

For the next 2 hours, you managed to study with complete focus on your tasks, the two surprisingly did the same. That was until Hoseok’s phone started ringing.

“Hello?” He answered, “Yea… I don’t know, I gotta ask them… Yn and Taehyung…”

Your ears picked up your name and your fingers stopped typing as you tried to listen in to his conversation on the phone.

Hoseok covered his phone’s speaker and whispered, “You guys okay with Jungkook crashing? Library’s packed.”

Taehyung noticed the way your body stiffened at the mention of his name. He figured that you didn’t tell him the whole story, but he didn’t want to pry.

“Are you cool with it?” Taehyung asked you in a low whisper. You didn’t expect Taehyung to direct the question to you and it was thoughtful that he had asked how you felt about it since you had briefly shared your history with Jungkook.

“Yea I’m fine.” You nodded your head, facing Hoseok as he informed Jungkook that he could join in.

Though you tried to make yourself look busy with your revision, your mind was far away from your syllabus. Having Jungkook over was not helping your new agenda on closing the chapter.

“Yn, have you covered this chapter?”

“Mm?” You peered over to Taehyung’s laptop, “Oh I’m revising that now actually.”

‘“Great! Should we go through it together?”

“Yea sure,” You were thankful to have Taehyung force you to focus on your work while waiting for the Jungkook to come over.

It didn’t take long for him to arrive, knocking on the door before entering as he greeted each of you. You willed yourself to make eye contact with Jungkook, casting a small smile as you said hi.

Jungkook was hoping that the seat next to yours was empty. However, he kept his expectations low knowing that Taehyung was present. It didn’t need a genius to notice that you had been spending lots of time with Taehyung. Jungkook always looked for you at the dining hall, though he would chicken out when you made eye contact with him.

So Jungkook immediately picked it up when he always found Taehyung next to you when he spotted you at the dining hall. It left a sour feeling seeing your group become a 4-member group again. It had been a while since your group was ‘complete’, of course, it was because of him.

“Jungkook, wanna join us for dinner?” Taehyung strikes a conversation with the fellow track member opposite him. You stayed out of it as you kept your eyes on your laptop screen, attempting to forget that Jungkook was in the same room as you.

Taehyung had completely given up on studying and he started conversing with Jungkook. As much as Jungkook didn’t like seeing you with Taehyung, he couldn’t help but admit that Taehyung was easy to talk with. He got along well with Taehyung which made him even feel worse that he always felt bitter seeing the two of you together.

As Jungkook’s eyes watched how your face lit up whenever Taehyung talked to you, a heavy feeling washed over him. Jungkook had made his mind that he had to talk to you.

He knew he had to reach out to you before it was too late.

He just had to figure out how.

—

“Happy advance birthday!” You and Miya cheered, raising both your arms to invite Taehyung in for a hug. His eyes lit up with joy, stretching out his arms to pull you both in for a hug.

“Thank you!”

Namjoon chuckled, shaking his head as Taehyung shimmied his shoulders, “Happy advance birthday Tae but I’ll pass on the hug – Alright, then!” Namjoon caved, chuckling as he wrapped his arms around Taehyung, giving a pat on his back.

“Come in!” Taehyung gestured energetically, “Let me show my house.”

It was a small gathering like Taehyung mentioned. He had only invited those that he was genuinely cool with, a few from table tennis and a few from track. Taehyung, being the welcoming host, gave a house tour, explaining how his parents had book a hotel for the night to let him fully enjoy this birthday celebration.

“This is the guest room, if the party ever gets too chaotic, feel free to use it.” Taehyung opened the door, allowing you three to peek into the room.

Right after the house tour, Taehyung led the way to kitchen, where all the food and drinks were. “We just ordered more pizza so don’t be shy, let’s not waste any food!”

“Yo, Tae! How do you set up this game console?” Someone hollered from the living area. Taehyung flashed a grin, “Make yourself at home! I’ll find you all later!”

“Sure, no worries!” Miya nodded, already filling up her paper plate. Taehyung glanced at you, reaching out to pat your arm, “See you later!” He mouthed before heading off to help with the game console.

After everyone grabbed their snacks for the late, you headed to the living area to find the birthday boy placing a racing game on the console.

“Yn!” Taehyung exclaimed while his eyes glued on the TV screen, “Sit beside me! Watch me beat the record.”

You chuckled, taking a sit next to the birthday boy. Miya and Namjoon followed suit, squeezing on the couch next to you.

“Yes!” Taehyung cheered, turning to you for a high-five which you quickly returned. His bright smile never failed to make the people around him happy. Being around him always felt light and peaceful.

“Hold up!” Namjoon pointed to the coffee table, “You have Just Dance too? Let’s play a match before Hoseok comes to wreck us.”

You and Miya laughed aloud, “Were you that affected?”

“Yes, yes I was. Let’s play around! You and Tae versus Miya and I.”

Taehyung glanced at you and shrugged with a playful grin on his face, “Sure!”

Sitting a couple meters away was Jungkook, downing his first cup of the night. His eyes torturing himself as he watched you partner Taehyung for one Just Dance round. The way your eyes lit up, your mouth upturned almost to your ears.

He knew you were happy. He used to see that look all the time.

After seeing it again, he knew he wanted to be the reason that you were smiling. But all he’s done the past year was made you feel guilty. Jungkook knew he had to change things before graduation.

“You okay?” A feminine voice brought him out from his thoughts.

Jungkook winced internally, momentarily forgetting that he had bumped into a friend at the birthday party.

“Y-Yea sorry, just a bit tired.”

“We could leave the party early if you’d like? I can help us tell Taehyung.”

Jungkook sighed, glancing at his empty cup, “Yea maybe—“ He stopped midway as he looked up to see you leaving your group to head to the kitchen alone, “I”ll get us a few snacks to energise.”

He placed his empty cup on the table, not looking back at his companion as he made his way over to the kitchen.

“Yn,” Jungkook’s voice sounded behind you, “We need to talk.”

Out of all things, you had not expected to hear Jungkook’s voice calling your name that night.

“Talk? We haven’t been talking for a year.” You let your words slip as you finished the remaining alcohol in your cup before refilling it with a non-alcoholic refresher.

Jungkook wasn’t sure if it was just the alcohol talking or if it was intentional. He shrugged it off and insisted once more, “Could we talk, please?”

You sighed, nodding your head as you swirled the drink in your cup. “Alright.” Looking up from your cup, Jungkook froze a moment, he noticed the drastic change in your eyes, from how your eyes lit up when you playing Just Dance, to how hurt they looked in front of him.

“I’m shocked that you actually approached me.”

“W-What?”

“I mean seeing how you’ve managed to avoid me for the entire year since I confessed—“

“I’m sorry, I just didn’t know how to react to it.” He admitted, “I was stunned and shocked. You were my best friend and to hear those words from you left me speechless.”

“I understand it definitely shocked you and I gave you space but afterwards it just seemed like you didn’t want anything to do with me.”

Jungkook frantically shook his head, “No, no! You misunderstood, I never wanted that. I never wanted to push you away.”

“But it happened.”

He grimaced, knowing that he played a big part in driving a wedge between the two of you. “I know… And I’m really sorry.”

“Then…” You bit your lip as you contemplated your next few words, “Why have you always avoided me ever since?”

Jungkook’s shoulders slumped as he leaned against the counter. “I just didn’t know how to approach you after all this. And after awhile, you seemed to be settling down with a new group of friends and… I didn’t want to disrupt that.”

“So why’d you approach me tonight?”

Jungkook’s eyes darted to the hallway down to the living area before back to you. “I just… I just want to make things right.”

“Make things right?”

“I miss us,” He admits through a heavy breath, “I miss the times when it was you and me. I know I haven’t been the best friend you’ve needed for the past year, and I regret that. But,” Jungkook takes a deep inhale in before continuing, “But if you’re willing to give me a chance to make things right between us, I promise I won’t screw things up.”

As each word came out from his mouth, you felt a lump grow in your throat as you stopped yourself from breaking down into tears. You have been waiting so long to hear those words from Jungkook — to hear that he still wants you by your side.

“It’s been a year,” You choked, “I don’t get why is this suddenly coming up now—“

Jungkook nodded his head as he ran his hand through his hair as an attempt to calm himself down. You could his own emotions getting to him as he blinked repeatedly to stop himself from tearing up.

“After seeing you with Taehyung, it just reminded me of our times together. I never stopped looking out for you ever since. You were my best friend and the past year always felt like something’s missing.”

Just as if you were moving on to a new chapter without Jungkook in the picture, you found him trying to write himself in it.

“I hope I’m not too late, yn. I mean it when I say that I miss my best friend.”

Jungkook cautiously took a step forward towards you, “I’m not asking for an answer now, but, would you consider it?”

You collected yourself and looked him in the eye, thinking of how to phrase your response. You had almost completely given up on the thought of salvaging your friendship with Jungkook that you thought it was the alcohol making you hallucinate the conversation.

“I’ll think about it—“

“There you are! I’ve been looking for you! Here’s your new cup, got a good mix in there.” A well dressed stranger waltzed into the kitchen and approached Jungkook with a cup filled with whatever mixers Taehyung had at the party.

“Oh, hello, you are?”

“Yn.”

She flashed a smile at you, “I’m Yuna, nice to meet you! Do you know Jungkook too?”

You glanced at him with his eyes begging you not to leave as your conversation with him was unfinished.

“Sort of. Sorry, I gotta look for my friends.” You tilted your head slightly towards the two to say goodbye, promptly turning on your heels to leave the scene.

You went straight up to the guest room, closing the door behind you to mute the loud pop music blasting in the living room.

Making your way over to the guest bed, you melted into the mattress, letting out long sigh as your palms covered your face.

Jungkook’s face planted in your memory as he reached out to you for the first time in a year.

A part of you wished he didn’t do it because you were just starting to make good progress moving on from that part in your life. You hated how much of an effect his words had on you.

As much as you hated to admit it, you never wanted to remove Jungkook from your life. Despite trying to give up, you always hoped that things would change.

Now with Jungkook being the one who approached you, maybe it was the right time to make that change.

The click of the doorknob startled you, jolting yourself up to see Taehyung enter the room.

“Had a feeling you’d be here.”

“Really?”

He shook his head, “No, actually Hoseok just saw you enter the room.”

You chuckled before letting your smile falter, eyes drifting to the wooden floor.

“What’s wrong?”

“It’s nothing Tae.” You looked back up to smile at him, “It’s your birthday party. You should be out there with the rest. I just need some time away from the loud music.”

Taehyung frowned, making his way over to sit next to you.

“They can entertain themselves. You wanna talk about it?”

“I never told you what actually happened with Jungkook.”

Taehyung knew you never told him the full story. He always had a feeling the story was missing information since the day you told him. Sensing that it was a sensitive topic, he never wanted to pry further. He simply nodded his head, staying silent to let you share on your own terms.

“I confessed to him a year ago. I made things awkward between us which is why we drifted. I tried to act normal and get things back to how it was, but I just made it too uncomfortable for him.”

His heart ached as your voice cracked at the end, sniffling to stop yourself from crying. “He approached me tonight, saying that he wants to make things right. You don’t know how badly I’ve been wanting to hear him say that. And to finally hear it,” You let out a bewildered chuckle, “Feels like maybe I had too many drinks.”

Taehyung pressed his lips into a thin line. A part of him had already suspected that something awkward had happened between the two of you. Even though he loved being right, he felt awful knowing that his suspicion was right.

“Shouldn’t you be happy then?”

“I should, shouldn’t I?”

“Are you not?”

“I am… But it’s just so unbelievable.”

Taehyung nodded his head, “The guest room is yours for the night to let it all sink in. That’s good news, yn. You should be happy! Show me that charming smile of yours.” He playfully nudged your sides, trying to get a laugh out of you.

You scoffed, slipping a small smile.

“There we go.” He clapped his hands together, “I’ll go get you water to hydrate and snacks so you can camp out here.”

“No, it’s your birthday party, I’ll come out—“

“My birthday wish is that you stay here and take the time you need to process whatever happened tonight. Could you grant me that?”

Taehyung gently took your hand in his, you nodded your head, “Alright, alright. Thanks Tae, I owe you one.”

“You don’t! You’re just granting my birthday wish!” He grinned before heading towards the door to prepare a special delivery for you.

Sitting alone in the guest room once again, your mind drifted back to Jungkook’s words.

Was there really a chance for both of you to return to how things were?

—

After that Friday night, he decided it was best to give you the weekend to think about what he said. Even though he decided to do that, he made him antsy. He knew he had to do something.

So when Jungkook spotted Miya alone at the dining hall, Jungkook had to approach Miya.

“Hey.”

Miya looked up from her food to greet the person only to then look around her surrounding, “Are you looking for Namjoon?”

“No, I’m actually looking for you.”

“Me?”

Jungkook timidly nodded his head, Miya shrugged her shoulders and gestured to the empty seat opposite her.

“Thanks… I need your help,” Jungkook fidgeted with his fingers, “I want to make up for the lost time with yn. I miss being with her.”

Miya sighed, placing her utensils down, “Jungkook… You don’t need my help for that, I’m sure yn will be more than glad to—“

“We had a… Awkward and tense conversation during Taehyung’s birthday party.”

She chuckled, “So that’s why she was acting strange after the party.”

“She was?”

Miya looked back to Jungkook and shook her head, “Nothing. But, I really don’t think I can be of any help.”

She knew how close you were and Jungkook was also one of her first friends in college, so she wanted to help. She knew how much Jungkook meant to you, even just as friends, she knew how important your friendship with Jungkook was to you.

A part of her had always hoped that she would see you and Jungkook together again. Miya watched Jungkook’s expression, sensing nothing but a genuine determination to make things right.

She shrugged her shoulders, “Alright fine, I’ll help you out.” ~~

taglist: @joydowninmyheart @picturethosesmiles @ilovethewayyourheartbeats

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themonotonysyndrome · 3 years ago

Text

REDACTED verse - Those that stood above the rest

Summary: Everyone in D.A.M.N simp for the power couple at least a little bit - the Vampire Prince of Dahlia and the Electro Energetic. Gavin and the Freelancer would be lying if they said they haven't been watching them... respectfully.

TW: [Swearing], [Profanity], [Explicit implications courtesy of Gavin, of course] & [Oblivious narrators]

Apologies for any grammatical or spelling errors because I wrote this the whole night and only edited it once. I’ll do the editing process again tomorrow morning.

Life as a student in D.A.M.N is nothing like regular colleges or universities. While the environment is hectic with exams, assignments and teachers with sticks up their asses - there's also a hint of craziness thrown into the mix. You can never really predict how your day would go here in the academy, and to most of the students, it's the typical college experience you'll get everywhere. Just... taken to the next level.

That's what you get for a magical academy, after all.

An Air Elemental would accidentally shatter the windows in a classroom with a powerful gust of wind on a random ass Tuesday because she was laughing too hard. A Graviton Energetic would sneeze, and suddenly, the gravity in the music room would stick the instruments on the ceilings. The entire soccer team would fall flat on the grassy field, snoozing because the Serenity Daemon playing as the Goalkeeper uses too much magic to calm their anxious Sweeper during his first play with the team.

With so many Empowered creatures of all kinds attending D.A.M.N, there's never a dull moment. You learned that the moment a loud growl came from the Debate Club on your second week as a student. A Wolf Shifter had gotten into a heated argument with a Vampire about the toppings that should and shouldn't be on a pizza.

So yeah, typical college life with magic thrown into your daily shenanigans.

Today, you can't help but wonder what sort of excitement would occur as the large clock above the lecture hall ticks by, counting down the second before the class is over.

You check the clock and sigh. Just ten more minutes to go, but it feels like time is creeping forward at such a snail-like pace. Tapping your pen on the open notebook laid before you rather irritability, you just want the lecturer to stop yammering already so you can grab lunch at the food truck parked outside of campus.

Something gently knocks against your knuckle. You tilt your head to the side and meet with Damien's unamused stare; it looks like this is the third time he caught you losing focus in class.

"I told you to grab a snack before class started." Damien whispers, mindful to keep his voice even so the lecturer won't catch them chatting. Sadism Daemons are scary when you piss them off, and the way the lecturer's eyes sweep through the students is more than enough to have them all shut the hell up the moment he begins their topic of the day.

"I was meeting up with Lasko and we lost track of time." You hiss back. Yesterday you made a promise to catch up with the Air Elemental before your first class started to organise the date and invitations for the next game night. Once Lasko starts talking about the things he's comfortable with, he loses his stutter and launches into an animated one-sided conversation. You didn't have the heart to stop him, not when he looks so happy and cute.

Buying that Arkham Horror board game was the right purchase to surprise him with.

While your mind replays the morning you spend with Lasko, Damien rolls his eyes. "Of course you did. Here." He pushes his coffee cup towards you. His fingers linger on the cup for a few seconds to make sure that the coffee remains hot enough to drink.

You grab the cup, grateful for his consideration, and take a big swing. The coffee settles pleasantly in your stomach as warmth spreads within your body.

You're more a tea drinker - the classic Early Grey and Gunpowder Green - but at this instance, coffee would hopefully kick your focus back into gear.

"Thanks, Damien." You said before passing the cup back to him. You peeked at his notebook and wasn't surprised to find that it's packed with notes written in different coloured pens. "Hey, want to grab lunch together after this?"

Damien switched the yellow pen for a red one when the lecturer mentioned something about a topic for the upcoming test. You absentmindedly wondered if it's worth your life stealing his notebook. "Sure. What are you in the mood for?" He asked.

Finally, the lecturer dismisses the class. Chatters erupt as students pack up while some scurry over to the podium to ask a few questions.

You lean against your seat to stretch your back; your notebooks and stationery are already in your school backpack. You're just waiting for Damien now. "I'm craving for a burger and some cheesy loaded fries with a boba tea." God, just thinking about it is already enough to make your mouth watered.

Being a health nut, Damien throws you a judgemental look at your food choice as you two made your way towards the main campus entrance. He easily follows your lead through a crowd of students, and Damien even gently pulls you closer to his side when a student whizzes by on her skateboard.

With so many people talking and laughing around you and Damien, you can't help but hear the conversations hovering around you.

"...had class with them yesterday? Dude, you're so lucky! Did you sit beside them!?"

"Are you fucking crazy? No! I sat two rows behind them, but it was enough to smell their perfume. God, they're so gorgeous - I couldn't focus the entire time!"

"I've heard a few players from the Earth Elemental team tried to invite them to their party this weekend, but they were shot down. Apply cold water on burned area."

"Well, duh. You can't just walk up to them like that! They're one of the hottest people in this academy."

"Yeah, but those players are in one of the most well-respected sports teams in all of Dahlia, and even they can't stand a chance against them!"

Students parted ways as you and Damien approached the gates. Rows of food trucks parked across the street with tables and chairs placed about. The conversations tapered off behind you, along with the hubbub of the academy. You have a pretty good idea of whom those students were talking about. It's been a topic surrounding the academy ever since the start of the new academic year.

Even as an introvert who prefers to hover to your few but close group of friends, you couldn't escape the latest academy gossip.

"Finally, I thought my ears would've fallen off before we could escape," Damien mutters. It's a cloudy Wednesday; dark clouds are rolling above them with an occasional burst of strong breeze cutting through. "You'd think they would just give it a rest already."

The food truck you and Damien stop by displays a menu with a wide variety of food and drinks. From burgers to pasta and desserts ranging from ice-creams to Thai banana pancakes, your stomach begins to growl. You place your order in a hurry, whereas Damien selects a hearty sandwich stuffed with juicy and tender slices of slow-smoked beef brisket with veggies of his choice and chipotle mayo in between two crusty loaves with a bottle of water.

You and Damien grab your meals to sit at one of the vacant tables and enjoy lunch together. Good food and good company - what more could you ask for? Well, other than Damien's tsk-ing and wiping the barbecue sauce that smudged the corner of your cheek like the mother hen he constantly denies to be.

"Can't you eat your food properly, Freelancer? You're getting your fingers dirty too. Give me your hand." Damien demanded halfway through his sandwich. You grin impishly and offer your left hand for Damien to wipe with some tissue while the other is holding a burger. The thick sauce begins to drip.

Soon enough, a familiar voice shouts at them from across the street.

"Yo, Damien! Freelancer! Are you guys, like, having lunch? Can I join!?"

You can't help but beam and wave your hand (that was still holding the burger) high up when Huxley crosses over. Damien squawked with eyes wide in horror when the barbecue sauce got all over the table. He hurried to wipe the table clean while you greeted Huxley.

"Hi, Huxley! Are you grabbing lunch too? Take a seat, man!"

"Thanks a bunch, dude. It's been a while since I hung out with you two."

"We literally had a class together two days ago."

"Two days too long, Damien. I miss you guys."

"Aww, that's super sweet of you, Hux!"

"Oh, for the love of - just go buy something already before the next class starts."

Huxley happily gives Damien two thumbs up before grabbing his food and drink. When he returned to their table, he brought a tray of smoothie consisting of kale, spinach, banana, orange, and vanilla blended into green mush in a plastic cup and a plate of vegan quesadillas.

The moment Huxley sat down, you took a sip of his drink and made a face.

"Yeah, I ask them to hold back on the honey because I like the vanilla more," Huxley explains before tucking in. "Oh! But I can ask them to add more honey if you want. That’s like, totally cool."

You quickly shake your head and clean your palate with your sweet boba tea. "It's cool, Hux. Just wanted to try a sip. You're really into these crazy healthy smoothies."

"They're the bomb, dude. My Mums introduced a few recipes to me when I was a kid, and I basically hooked ever since." The Earth Elemental explains after gulping down a good chunk of the green goo.

"Yeah, well, with the calories you burned up during practice, I guess you can't go wrong with smoothies," Damien added thoughtfully. His sandwich is all gone. He props an elbow on the table and cradles his face in one open palm. "Anyway, what's up, Huxley? Anything new happened?"

"Nah, it's been nothing but the same shit lately. Classes, assignments and practices for the upcoming Elemental & Energetic Games - normal stuff. What about you guys?"

"More or less the same." Damien replies, soundly ignoring your "We're hitting the tournament arc!" outburst. "Planning to organise a study group for the upcoming tests. I expect the two of you will be joining, by the way."

At Damien's words, Huxley beams brighter. Any brighter, you'd need a pair of sunglasses. "For real, dude!? You're like, the best friend ever, Damien! C'mere - lemme give you a hug!"

You snicker when despite Damien's frantic protest, Huxley shoot up from his chair and quickly hugs the Fire Elemental tightly before he has the chance to weasel away.

Also, you didn't miss the chance to snap a quick picture of them to show Gavin tonight.

Unaware of your phone, Damien grumbled when Huxley finally released him, and they sat down again. The three of you continue to chat about everything and anything. Soon, the topic shifts from tests to plans for the weekend.

Huxley snapped his fingers when you mentioned Lasko's gaming night and the tabletop game you recently bought for him so they could all play together.

"I totally forgot about the party! A few guys in my team are having a party this Saturday, and I want to invite you guys and Lasko. Oh! Gavin too! It's going to be a blast, and on Sunday, we can play that new board game."

You and Damien exchange a glance. "Sounds fun. Actually, we've heard about the party just now. How many people are your team members inviting?" You asked, curious.

Huxley takes a moment to ponder before shrugging. He's nearly done with this food. "It's supposed to be just with a few close friends. Nothing too crazy, you know? After the last party that ended with fireworks exploding in someone's bedroom, they want to keep it lowkey."

"Huh. Close friends, but they tried to invite a certain Energetic," Damien interjects. "What's up with that?"

"You heard about that too?" Huxley replied, surprise coloured his tone. "Word travel like, super-fast around campus! It happened, like, yesterday morning!"

Damien let out an annoyed groan and ran a palm down his face. "I think it's safe to say that everyone in this fucking academy is talking about it and nothing else. God, no matter where you go, you can't escape it."

You pat Damien's arm in a comforting manner. "They're hot and popular; people will be talking about them until we all graduate."

"And if it isn't them, people would be talking about their boyfriend," Huxley pointed out, stirring his smoothie languidly. Huxley smiles and offers it to you when you critically stare at it for a tad too long. Against your better judgement, you try again.

Blek! It still tastes the same! Huxley just chuckles and finishes the rest of the smoothie while you seek solace with your boba tea again.

"Besides, it's not often you see an Energetic and Vampire couple walking around," Huxley continued. "I think they're living together too. I mean, that's what I heard."

"Don't tell me you also have a crush on them."

Before Huxley could say anything, you tentatively raise your hand as if you guys are in class. Now you bear Damien's annoyed glance. "I was kinda hardcore crushing on them and their boyfriend before Gavin and I officially got together. They keep to themselves and their boyfriend most of the time, but they're super nice in classes."

The Elemental and Energetic courses often have classes that intermingle every week. However, they're primarily compulsory lessons like magical history, laws regarding coverts and taxonomy of various Empowered creatures.

So you're practically classmates with the hottest Electro Energetic in the academy and had even sat beside them a few times during class. Unlike many of the students who simp for them at a distance.

The power couple of D.A.M.N is certainly interesting, to say the least.

You narrowed your eyes at Damien when he refused to let up his disappointed stare. "Don't lie to me. You simp for them too."

Damien huffs and crosses his arms. "Both of them look good, alright. Anyone with a working pair of eyes could tell from a mile away. They're gorgeous, and the Vampire is hot - so what?"

"They're both super strong too." Huxley unknowingly throws more wood into the fire.

By the time their lunch ended, Damien had demanded they talk about something else, so you jump into plans for the weekend. Party on Saturday and a gaming session on Sunday.

Typical college life.

When the time on your phone displays 10.30 PM in glaring bright light and you're still on campus, you know what death feels like.

It's quiet in the cafeteria, save for a small group of students huddled together around tables scattered in various places. Their heads are hunched down as they go over textbooks and assignments. One of the students happens to be a Vampire judging from the blood bag beside his laptop.

A red swirly straw juts out of the bag, and for a brief moment of exhaustion, you entertain the image of the student sipping the blood bag as if it was a Capri Sun.

Just like those students, the reason why you've stayed late in the academy's cafeteria is because of assignments. You know that if you bring your homework back home with you, you won't get any of it done. It's better to stay here and slough through them instead.

Damien would scold and drag you home if he knew. Huxley would be sad and plead for you to rest, and Lasko would put on his guidance counsellor voice and advise you that a good night's sleep would help you think better.

The boys mean well, and you love them for it, but you know yourself better than anyone. If you don't finish these assignments tonight, you would just procrastinate until the deadline punches you right in the face.

You sigh and rub your temple in frustration. You've made good progress so far, but there's still a few left and you want to complete them all before going home. So you resume writing down the essay about the importance of convert and the Department on your laptop, fingers deftly flying all over the keyboard.

Nighttime at D.A.M.N is not as busy as it is in the morning. The students that are going in and out of classes are mostly Vampires and nocturnal animal Shifters. The academy's faculties are also lesser in terms of numbers compared to their morning counterpart.

Twice you've experienced the nightlife at D.A.M.N, and tonight would be your third. You wondered if Gavin is at home already. Hopefully, you can return to the apartment before him. Better wrap this up, then.

The steady rhythm of your fingers on the keyboard and quiet discussion from the group of students slowly lull you to sleep. Hang in there just a little more!

The sound of a Daemon Rifting into this world startles you awake.

"Here you are, Deviant," Gavin said, his ordinarily seductive voice laced with conceal anger. Oh shit, you're in trouble now. "I thought we talked about this."

You have no choice but to face him. Gavin looks devastatingly as sexy as ever; his black t-shirt snugly fits his body to the point that it showcases his biceps tastefully. A pair of dark blue jeans that he just so happens knows will get your heart racing and accompanied by a pair of shiny black Doc Martens boots. A rainbow-coloured bead bracelet is on his right wrist; a gift from Caelum.

You would've swoon at the sight of him if you weren't seconds away from face planting on your laptop.

So instead, you greet him with a, "Whaaa... Gavin?" You rub your eyes and blink at him. "W-What are you doing here? I thought you'd be - " You break out a yawn before sighing. "At home by now."

"Funny. I thought the same thing about you but colour me surprised when Caelum reached out to me while I was grocery shopping — saying that you aren't home even when it's close to midnight." Gavin explains and tilts his head to the spread of books you have before you. "So, want to explain why you're at the campus cafeteria right now instead of in our bed?"

The gears in your head are scrambling to come up with an excuse that's good enough to appease Gavin. So lost in your thoughts that you didn't hear the whispers coming from the nearby students.

"That's the main boyfriend..."

"Holy fuck, an Incubus? Damn, they're insatiable!"

"How often do you think they have orgies? Twice a week?"

" - collecting them like Pokemon!"

Oh fuck it, you can't come up with anything decent. "I'm nearly done with my assignments, Gavin." You assured the worried Incubus. "Just need to write down a few more paragraphs..."

Gavin is undeterred. "Freelancer, we talked about this. It's not healthy that you're making a habit of staying over at campus late at night because of assignments. You're going to burn out like this."

Well yeah, you could feel your body is already seconds away from collapsing but like hell would you admit that to your boyfriend. It's been a long day and an even longer evening. It's a good thing that tomorrow's the weekend.

Gavin startles you once more by leaning against the table and cupping your face in his large hands, so you're forced to look straight into his eyes. He's many things, but to those he deeply trusts and loves, his eyes would always betray the worry and concern he has for you and Caelum; even if his words aren't as forthcoming at times. "My stubborn, enticing Deviant... Are you being a brat again? Not listening to your Dom like you should be?" He purrs.

All of a sudden, your throat suddenly feels like sandpaper, and your heart skips a beat at Gavin's tone. You're very familiar with that tone - it always promises punishment and pleasure mixed together until nothing else exists except for your boyfriend.

But the question now is, how far can you actually push him. So with Gavin still refusing to release your face, you swallow and reply as nonchalantly as you can, "Oh, I don't know about enticing, Gavin. I-I mean, I've been running around campus the whole day. Probably have some barbecue sauce stain on my jacket and - Ow!"

You puff out your cheeks when Gavin pinched them.

"Are you purposely trying to test me, Freelancer? You know that just means more fun for me, and you tie up and helpless on the bed, right?" Gavin is all too happy to remind you, cocking one eyebrow at your impertinence. No doubt he already has your punishment in mind when the two of you are home.

But you're not going to budge that easily. Sensing your stubbornness, Gavin lets you go and unleashes his ultimate move with a sigh.

"I can see the Knots on you, Freelancer, and if I can see them, Caelum can too. I'm not covering your ass when he comes over for breakfast tomorrow and starts crying."

You gasp and immediately recoil. "Low blow Gavin!" You counter, but you know that he speaks the truth. Your heart will literally break if you're the reason that Caelum cries.

Gavin smirks when you switch off your laptop. He helps put your things away and offers a hand to you. With a small smile, you let yourself be gently pulled up by him and sling your backpack over a shoulder.

"Are you hungry?" Gavin asked as the two of you stepped into the large hallway, hand-in-hand. "I didn't manage to make anything when I put the groceries away, but I can whip something up real quick when we get home."

It's a sweet gesture, and you made sure that he knows how much you appreciate it by squeezing his hand. Ever since you two started living together, Gavin is determined to feed you properly. According to him, it's only fitting since you've constantly been feeding him too. "I'm more sleepy than hungry." You reply after a yawn. "I'll just eat a big breakfast tomorrow."

"I'll hold you to it. Also, look alive, Deviant. Hottie approaching at 12 O'clock."

That got your attention immediately, and snapped your eyes forward. Your jaw would've dropped if it weren't for Gavin lightly nudging your side when you saw who was walking towards the two of you.

It's them — the Electro Energetic that became the talk around campus.

They're as breathtaking as ever, even after a whole day of classes and club activities. Not a single hair out of place and clothes unruffled. Their body language stood out to you; their gait is a little hesitant but friendly, while their eyes are kind.

It's easy to see why so many people harbour crushes on them, and you've always been a sucker for cute faces.

When they finally approach you, they pull out a pair of wireless white earbuds from their ears. That's when you hear intense music playing:

It's the Pumpkin Patch King

With the corpse with the ring

And she'd fuck my best friend if I die here today...

"Um, hi. Good evening. I'm sorry for bothering you guys so late like this. Are you heading home?" They inquire tentatively.

Gavin waits for you to take the lead. "Hey, man. Yeah, we kind of are, actually. Want us to walk you home?" You could feel how pleased Gavin is beside you. The offer just crosses your mind, and besides, it's not nice to walk alone this late at night.

That's what you're telling yourself despite the small part in your brain whispered that walking them home would be a great step of getting to know them better. It's just a harmless crush anyway.

Unfortunately, they decline the offer. "I'm waiting for someone, actually, but when I saw you, I wanted to talk for a bit."

Your heart skips a beat for a second time tonight. They specifically sought you out? You? When they've never done so towards anyone before?

"O-Oh," You embarrassingly squeak, clutching Gavin's hand tighter.

The Electro Energetic nod. They tilt their head like an indulged, curious cat and god, that simple gesture shouldn't look so hot. "I don't know if you notice me, but we share Covert Laws - "

If you notice them? If you notice them!? They have a stronger presence than the lecturers themselves! They radiate magic like thunderstorms - intimidating, powerful and commanding that you have no choice but to submit to it.

Sitting beside them was an experience and a half! There's no way an Empowered creature could ignore them despite their quiet demeanour!

" - and I was wondering if you would like to be partners for the final project this year? Um, I heard that you're really good in that class, and I promise to pull my weight with the research and - "

You don't know how to react. Is this really happening? One of the most popular students in the academy wanted to be your project partner? You thought this sort of situation only occurs in animes!

"They'd love to." Gavin smoothly answers when you're too shocked to say anything. "It's always nice to make new friends after all. Especially with a walking wet dream such as yourself." Here, he purposely pauses to appraise the Electro Energetic.

Just like his Freelancer, Gavin has heard all about this Empowered human and even basks in the delicious energy coming from the thoughts and emotions his partner has for them. As an Incubus and their boyfriend, it's hilarious that his Deviant thought he's not aware of their crush. It's cute.

Hmm... it'll be nice if he and the Freelancer could invite the Energetic and their Vampire lover into their bed one of these days. Regardless if they've been Marked; honestly, that just made the couple as appealing as the biblical Forbidden Fruit.

And besides, Gavin has a strong feeling that the Freelancer wouldn't oppose the idea. It'll be the perfect anniversary present for his Deviant.

"...Was that supposed to be a compliment?" They ask warily. Oops, looks like he's coming on a little too strongly. Time to take it down a notch.

"It's whatever you want it to be. Anyway, now that you guys are... partners, what say you get to know us better, hmm? My lover has been eager to be friends with you." Gavin explains. You whip your head at him incredulously. Is he seriously doing what you think he's doing!? "I'm Gavin, by the way. It's a pleasure to finally meet you."

The Energetic look confused, and you can't blame them. You need to save them before Gavin proposes something as crazy as an orgy on your behalf!

You laugh awkwardly, bringing their attention to you. "Right! Partners! I'd love to be yours - I-I mean, uh, for school stuff! Yeah! Can we exchange numbers?"

"Smooth, Deviant." Gavin teases. Something caught his interest, not that you notice as you and the Energetic trade contact information. They compliment the cute picture you have as your Home Screen (it's a selfie shot of you and Gavin, Lasko, Damien and Huxley during the previous game night. It's a shame that Caelum couldn't appear), and in return, you ask where did they buy their sick phone cover.

While they still feel like the human embodiment of a fierce thunderstorm, it's nice to have a casual conversation with them. They're thoughtful, kind and fun that you soon find yourself calming down a little.

"Not to cut this riveting conversation short, but are you sure that you don't want us to walk you home? It's getting really late, and we're more than happy to have you crash at our place for the night." Gavin interjects with a seductive grin, eyes half-lidded.

"Umm..."

Whoa, what happened to being friendly, Gavin!? You shoot him a look; he's going to drive them away!

"We have an extra guest room at our apartment." You hurried to explain. "So it's totally cool if your place is far away or something."

Their hesitation melts to understanding. The last thing that you want is a misunderstanding between you two.

"You guys are sweet, but I'll be alright. Actually, I'm about to leave the campus too. I'm just going to hang out at the cafeteria until he arrives." They said. You have a pretty good idea who 'he' is judging by their soft smile.

Gavin, for some reason, amp up his game. With a smirk, he cajoles, "Since he hasn't shown up yet, how about you hang out with us for a bit? There's a bar not too far from here - "

You flinched, and Gavin automatically shuts up and pulls you close to his side when a Vampire appears behind the Electro Energetic. It was so sudden that his appearance was a blur at first.

"Vincent? You're done with class already?" They blink. An arm snaked around their waist as the Vampire pulled his Mate close to his chest. The Energetic had to crane their head up slightly to look at him.

He's as tall as Gavin. Dressed in a casual black coat that screams money with a dark grey shirt accompanied by a pair of black jeans and boots. His silver studs, rings and watch glimmer underneath the fluorescent lights. Everything about this man reminds you of a panther sizing up its prey.

You gulped. He's currently glaring daggers at you and your boyfriend. You're itching to stutter out a, "This isn't what it looks like!" for some reason.

Now, ever since you learned about the existence of magic and Empowered creatures, you did your best to be open-minded. Even that whole ordeal with Vega didn't stop you from reaching out to the various Daemons attending the academy.

However, you haven't managed to befriend a Vampire due to their night classes, and even the few times you stay back like today, most of them are running back and forth through the hallways to catch their next lesson.

So to be the target of a pissed off Vampire made you uncomfortable. You want to fidget, but Gavin's arm secured around you ease some of that tension.

"Mm-hmm. I'm on break right now, so I can drive you back home. You done with that talk with your guidance counsellor?" The Vampire inquired, eyes still glued at you and Gavin.

"All done. We lost track of time when we discussed next semester's timetable for the Energetic course and potential careers once we graduate." His lover explains, unaware of the displeasure rolling off like waves from their boyfriend. "I think I need some time to go over them again. It's a bit much to take in."

The Vampire hums in acknowledgement. "We can go through them together this weekend if you like, Lovely. Maybe we can ask Will for help since he's coming over on Saturday for dinner too."

Oh, you suppose that's why they reject the Earth Elemental players' invitation to the party.

But the Vampire wasn't done. He assesses you and Gavin with narrowed eyes as if you were stains on the bottom of his boots. What the hell? "By the way, are these guys bothering you?"

A chill sweeps through you, sending goosebumps crawling on your skin at the sudden shift of tone. He was warm and affectionate when speaking to his lover, but now? It's colder than ice.

Gavin, whose smirk turns into a shit-eating grin, is utterly unfazed at the Vampire's hostility. In fact, you would go as far as to say that he's relishing it. "We're just keeping your gorgeous Mate company while they're waiting for you. I was just about to propose that we move the conversation to a bar so we could all get to know one another a lot more... intimately."

Oh god, they're so fucked. You have no idea why your boyfriend is trying to start shit up, but you're too tired to deal with this drama. So again, you try to salvage the situation.

"Just as friends!" You quickly butt in. "We decide to be partners for an assignment in Covert Laws, so hanging out at a bar sounds like a good idea as friends." You're sprouting bullshits at this point, but you hope it's enough to save both of your asses. You also made sure to emphasise the word 'friends'.

The Vampire quickly looks at the Energetic for confirmation, and they readily nod. His aggressive body posture relaxes somewhat, but he's still wary of you and Gavin.

Maybe this is the best time to introduce yourself to him.

"Uh, it's a little silly that we didn't introduce ourselves right away, but I'm a Freelancer." You mutter out rather awkwardly. Should you offer a hand to him?

Gavin saves you from doing so. "And I’m their boyfriend, Gavin. An Incubus."

"...Vincent Solaire." The Vampire - Vincent - reluctantly replies.

Wait - his surname sounds familiar, though. You think you heard it in one of the classes about the supernatural factions in Dahlia... It's on the tip of your tongue...

"Oh, we've heard all about you, Your Highness." Gavin slyly quips. "You and your lover are quite the celebrities around here."

Holy shit. Solaire! The most powerful Vampire clan in the city! You remember now; the King has two progeny - A Vampire Princess & Prince. You didn't expect the Energetic boyfriend to be the Prince himself! What a twist!

"Celebrities?" The Energetic - Lovely, as Vincent calls them - pipes up in confusion. The way their eyebrows furrow is adorable, but you wisely keep that to yourself.

They really are a mesmerising couple. You detect the perfume that lingers around Lovely is sweet and misty. It's calming yet so light that it dances just out of your reach; like a coy lover. Slowly driving you mad with desire. Vincent's cologne reminds you of husk and cedar. Subtle, but once you catch a whiff of it, it'll stay within your mind for hours on end. Wondering if that particular scent will ever return - like the perfect one night stand.

It says a lot about the couple.

"We haven't done anything wrong." Vincent Solaire stated, voice as hard as steel. "I don't know why you're trying to rile us up, Incubus, but I don't appreciate you and your lover hitting on my Mate when I made it clear that I Mark them."

Ooooh, he's jealous! Wait - did you come across as flirty to him!? Did Gavin purposely flirt with Lovely to make Vincent jealous? You've completely lost the plot.

"Consider it as an act of public service," Gavin answers, easily brushing off the Vampire Prince's irritability. "Besides, how can I not when you both are half of the student body's recent fantasies."

Lovely 'eeped' when Vincent bare his fangs at your boyfriend. "Back off, Gavin. Lovely is mine. Not yours or the Freelancer's."

Whoa, whoa! A severe misunderstanding is boiling here! No one is stealing Lovely away from him!

Fortunately, Lovely has gotten tired of the conversation. With a put-out sigh, they pat the arm around their waist to capture Vincent's attention. It worked. "No one is stealing the other's partner, Vince. It's all good; chill. You know you're the only one for me, right?" Here, they peck his cheek. "When did you get so possessive?"

Vincent grumbled but didn't explain himself, so Lovely just shook their head.

"Anyway, we better get going before Vincent's next class starts. It was nice meeting you two. I'll text you soon so we can plan on how to tackle that project."

You give a shaky smile and a thumbs up. "Looking forward to it."

Immediately after you said that, Vincent bares his fangs to you next. Oh my god, this guy needs to fucking relax!

"We're going! We're going! C'mon, Vincent. You're driving me home. Now."

And with that, you watch as Lovely drags the Vampire Prince to the parking lot. It's a strange yet comical sight. You only sigh in relief when they're out of your view.

"I thought I saw my life flashing before my eyes!" You complain. Those were the single most stressful moments that you’ve encountered— second to Vega invading your home.

"I think that went well, Deviant." Gavin objected, very pleased with himself. "He's pissed now, but he and his Mate will be thanking us soon."

So you were right; Gavin purposely flirted with Lovely just to rile Vincent up, and for what? Possessive, sexy time later tonight? Oh, whatever. That's enough drama for one night; you seriously just need to pass out now.

And with that, the two of you head home without realising your interactions with the power couple of D.A.M.N didn't go by unnoticed by the several students who were hovering close.

"Are you hurting anywhere, Lovely?"

"I'm alright, Vincent. The hickeys and bruises are healing nicely; my body still feels a bit sore but not enough to cripple me, so stop hovering near the door."

Vincent guilty did as he’s told and takes a seat on the corner of the bed. He watches you apply some light makeup on your face and neck in front of the vanity table as you're getting ready to head out to the academy. Your outfit compliments your look and, most importantly, hides any patches of skin except for your hands.

Vincent really went all out last weekend after his night classes ended. It's obvious that Gavin unleashed something within your lover, and you will freely admit that an unrestrained Vincent makes for a very fun and wild night.

The moment Will came over and realised that Vincent re-Mark you an hour before he arrives, he graciously decided to take a rain check and promise to have dinner with the two of you some other time.

Once Vincent gets it out of his system, he teased before leaving you gobsmacked and Vincent a blushing mess.

"You know, your guidance counsellor wouldn't mind if you're absent from classes today, Lovely. Probably." Vincent tries; a part of him doesn't want his Lovely to attend their lessons while their body is still healing. Then again, that part also whispers that the Incubus and his lover would be around them without his supervision.

Nope. No. Bad Vincent. Lovely is more than capable of taking care of themselves. They don't need him acting like a jealous, clingy boyfriend.

However, something that the Incubus bothered him.

"You and your lover are quite the celebrities around here."

What did he mean by that? He and Lovely had been playing good students the entire time they've been on campus! Their assignments are always delivered on time, grades nothing but above average, and they keep to themselves to avoid any typical college dramas.

Is it because of his status? For some reason, Vincent feels like it's more complicated than that. What a headache.

"Maybe, but I did promise the Freelancer that I’ll catch up with them to discuss our project," You commented and spritz your favourite perfume on your wrists and neck. You love this scent, despite it being cheap and common. "Vincent, honey, you're making that face again."

"It's my face, Lovely."

"Yeah, well, you have your happy-snappy-neck face again, Vincent." You dryly point out before sitting beside the Vampire. "Did that Incubus really rub you the wrong way?" Your voice is gentle. You didn't get any bad vibes coming from Gavin and the Freelancer - just genuine, harmless, friendly flirting. In a way, you welcome it as their attempts helped you drive your anxiety away.

God, walking up to them was hard enough. You always feel a little intimidated whenever you're around charismatic people.

"I don't know... I thought they were making you nervous, and the words that kept coming out of that Daemon's mouth? He knew what he was doing; I just can't figure out what or why." Vincent admits, frustrated.

Seeing him look so frustrated saddens you, so you propose a suggestion. "How about this, I'll ask the Freelancer what that whole thing on Friday was all about, and if it's anything gross, I'll give you a call so you can deal with them. How's that?"

It assured Vincent. Seeing his tiny smile urge you to peppered his face with kisses until he laughs. With your boyfriend now properly appeased, you leave the apartment for D.A.M.N.

It's a bright Monday morning. You hope that this week will be a little kinder to you than the previous one. However, the moment you arrived on campus, everyone was glancing at you curiously. When you made eye contact with the stares, the students couldn't walk away fast enough.

Weird.

Your first class of the day is on the second floor, so you didn't waste any time heading for the stairs. Students mingle around as they go about their day; some grab breakfast at the convenient store, while others chat with their friends at the cafeteria and lounge room. A Water Elemental is performing simple tricks at the marble fountain to an adoring crowd.

Just as you rounded a corner, the crowd parted ways with a subtlety of a serial killer in slasher movies, which is to say, absolutely none whatsoever to reveal your new friend. The Freelancer is flanked by their boyfriend, Gavin, on the left and on their right, the famous player in the Earth Elemental team Huxley and one of the academy's guidance counsellors, Lasko.

You couldn't help but notice that everyone is giving them a wide berth. Not that it matters when Gavin's body is positioned to shield the Freelancer from bumping into any of the passing students. Huxley passes a bottle of orange juice to them while Lasko is staring at something behind the Freelancer. He mutters something under his breath.

A loud voice suddenly bounces off the walls. "What happened to my water tumbler, Freelancer!?"

You and every other student in the area watch as the Freelancer turns around and loudly replies, "Don't worry! I already got you a new tumbler, Damien! It looks exactly like your old one. Except it's pastel pink with kittens on it, and the shape looks like a really fat snowman with bunny ears for straws." To make a point, the Freelancer rummage inside of their backpack and proudly present the weirdest looking water tumbler you had ever seen in your life to their boys.

"AAAAAHHHHH!"

"You know you could at least see it before you judge it, Damien." The Freelancer grumbled and shoved the tumbler back. Huxley gently pats their shoulder in a comforting manner. Lasko laughs nervously while Gavin continues to protect his lover silently, all the while looking at ease.

Everyone knows of the Freelancer and their boyfriends. They're the most popular group in D.A.M.N for a reason. Friendly, yet no one can be a part of their group due to the tight bond they have with one another.

The Freelancer is quickly shaping up to be a remarkable magical individual in their own right, marching to the beat of their own drums rather than the world's. Unwaveringly kind and friendly, constantly making sure the people around them are comfortable and safe.

In terms of academic performance, Damien remains unchallenged among his peers. Everyone could tell that he would undoubtedly change their world for the better the moment he graduates, especially in governing. He's also known for his fiery temper, yet that fire becomes a hearth when it comes to the Freelancer. More than once, students have stumbled upon them huddled close in the library, softly discussing the future they wanted.

If Damien is known for his academic excellence, then Huxley is famous for his prowess in the field. His mastery over his element made the younger Earth Elementals look up to him as their role model while his teammates view him as their ace. Charming, cheerful yet a bit absentminded at times, and even then, you can't help but be fond of him. You can find the Freelancer cheering him from the bleachers during his matches, and once Huxley won the game, he would immediately launch himself at them. Sweats, dirt and grass all over him, but the Freelancer would laugh as he hoisted them up in his embrace.

Lasko is an odd addition to their group, but once he drops his stuttering, he shows just how capable he is as one of the academy's guidance counsellors. Acknowledged as one of the most powerful Air Elemental of his generation, Lasko is well on track to graduate D.A.M.N with honours, and while the future might be uncertain, students like to speculate that he will remain with the Freelancer and the others no matter what. Sometimes you can even catch a glimpse of them hanging out at one of the local cafes and see how bright and alive Lasko can be when around the Freelancer.

Gavin came with a mystery trailing his saunter. See, no one knew how exactly he and the Freelancer first met. Speculations range from a cute, accidental meet up in a random convenience store to the Incubus boldly inviting them into a threesome when the Freelancer stumbled upon him mid-feeding. Lovely wonders if there's a betting pool going around the academy. The seniors would recognise Gavin, for he was their peer before he suddenly dropped out and vanished for a while. But judging by his frequent presence around the Freelancer, some say that he's looking forward to retaking his previous course. But whatever the reason may be, no one can deny the chemistry he has with the Freelancer. How fiercely protective he is of them when the Freelancer isn't looking.

They're certainly an intriguing group, that's for sure.

And when Gavin notices you were watching them, he winks at you. No doubt as an Incubus, he could scent what you and Vincent had been up to the entire weekend.

That's what you get for a magical academy, after all.

PS: Everyone in D.A.M.N (including Lovely & Vincent) hilariously assumes that the Freelancer is in a poly relationship with Gavin, Damien, Lasko & Huxley when in reality, they're just with Gavin. BBBBuuuttt... Gavin could detect the romantic/lustful feelings the other bois harbour for the Freelancer but kept it to himself for now. He's just waiting for the Freelancer to feel the same way so he could give them all The Talk™ and then go buy a bigger bed!

Anyway, I seriously had a lot of fun writing for this oneshot! It's been a while since I had that writing fever again so I hope you guys enjoyed it!

#redacted asmr #fanfic #second pov #they/them pronouns #gender neutral s/o #lovely (listener)#freelancer (listener)#vincent solaire #game #damien #huxley #will and caelum are mentioned

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makebank · 4 years ago

Text

secrets & suds

request: long request but to summarize jj is involved with a kook but hasn’t moved past hooking up, he gets in trouble for pope sinking the boat, and she decides to help out.

word count: 2.3k

warnings: mentions of smut but none, cussing, typos, angst, fluff

He presses a quick kiss to your cheek as he throws his shirt over his disheveled head. His skin is slightly damp and glistening and some of his tufts of hair plastered to his forehead. “Gotta bounce, see you tomorrow?”

You beam at the blond from across the room and send him a smirk, “You always do”. He rushes out of your house just before dawn. JJ was always good about making sure to leave before your parents woke up, specifically your dad. You never minded the class division, but it was easy to say from your spot on the kook throne. You take a moment to regain your breath then toss yourself back onto your silky king size bed. Your satin pajama set lay wrinkled off the side of your bed, you knew he was going to love ripping off the matching outfit as soon as he saw you.

For some time now you and JJ have had a little arrangement. And by arrangement that meant he came over most nights to fool around. Sometimes you’d get him to watch a movie or cuddle, but it was always interrupted by your parents waking up or his friends texting him for something. You weren’t exactly sure when you started to fall for the troublemaker, but it came with ease. He seemed so rough and mysterious, which is what amplified your want for him in the first place. But after closer observation, he is kind, gentle, and would do anything for you. Of course you knew it would never happen. He is too caught up in the division and himself to even want anything more than this. Not that you don’t love the time you get with him, but you crave more.

You sigh as you stand up wrapping yourself in your fluffy robe. Peering out of your bedroom window, you watch JJ sprint across your lawn and expertly hop the high gate.

Alternating between mindlessly scrolling through your phone and checking out your window, you grow impatient. JJ had never missed coming over without texting. You were worried something happened or maybe he was just bored of you. It was getting late, so you send a single text hoping he was okay and try to lull yourself to sleep.

The next morning you wake up and for a moment your fears weren’t there. Slowly blinking your eyes open, it all comes back to you. You reach for your phone hoping for some relief. To your dismay no new messages were from him. You jump out of bed and rush to take a quick shower. Some slight snooping wouldn’t hurt.

You definitely weren’t close with any of JJ’s friends, but you did know where to find them. You enter the Wreck looking overwhelming overdressed in your designer shoes and this season’s newest sundress. You find a vacant booth and make yourself cozy until a curly haired girl you recognize as one of his best friends comes to get your drink order. After she introduces herself, it clicks. Kiara right you had a class with her freshman year of high school. Hm small world. She comes back with your coffee and asks what you’d like to order.

“Have you seen JJ lately?” you awkwardly ask. She shoots you a confused look before settling into a glare. “What’s it to you?” You stumble on your words, “Oh… nothing. He just normally mows our lawn on Wednesday mornings, but he didn’t show up. Just thought I’d ask”. She seems semi satisfied with your answer and doesn’t press for more detail. “Well, he’s busy. Not that it’s any of your business anyway. So do you want something to eat or not?” You weren’t sure why she was being so hostile it's not like you two ever had any direct problems. Maybe she was just being protective of her friend. You weren’t going to take it to heart.

You slump down in your seat resigning to the fact you weren’t going to get any answers from her. “No, I think I’m good with just this. Thanks”. She huffs whatever and walks away. Just as you're about to leave you see a frantic boy rush up to the counter to Kiara. You knew it was Pope from the pictures JJ has shown you. He looks like he’s on the verge of meltdown.

“I can’t believe JJ covered for me. Ten thousand dollars is a lot of money. I feel so bad! What do I do?” He’s running a mile a minute and Kiara tells him to lower his voice. She brings him into the back room to comfort him away from eavesdropping ears. However, you heard it all and can’t comprehend what happened that he would owe that much money. Nonetheless, you conclude that you’re going to find a way to help him, wherever he is. You drop a couple twenties leaving a hefty tip and rush out of the restaurant.

Walking down the street you bump into the three bozos that rule your side of the island. They ogle you and shout their vulgar ‘compliments’ at you. You scoff but are well accustomed to their barbarian-like nature. As you strut away, you overhear Rafe yelling at Topper. “Dude, get over the boat! You won’t even hit on y/n with us. That Maybank kid will have to pay one way or another”. What was with today and perfect timing? You thought you were going to have to dig a little deeper.

You walk home to think of a plan. You had lots of money, but your parents would notice if you took that big of a chunk out without something nice to show in return. There was no way you could get that much, but you could find a way to get fifty percent. That would be enough to get the authorities off his back and give you time to talk down the Thorton’s. You decide you could easily sneak a couple thousand without your parents noticing, but you were going to have to figure out a way to come up with the rest.

It dawns on you after spending all your childhood watching teen rom coms. A car wash! Everyone was always searching for one after a storm. Plus, it wouldn’t take much but a simple tweet and an instagram story to have people lining the block. You immediately text the girls’ group chat to set the plan for tomorrow.

You wake up with a spring in your step ready to put your plan into action. You frown a little knowing it was another day with no word from JJ. You hope he’s safe and just taking time to himself.

Putting on your skimpiest bikini and shorts you gawk at yourself in the mirror. It’s not like you had a problem with showing yourself off, you just knew the attention you were in for today regardless. You were doing this for JJ though, you wanted to help him out and show him there’s a lot more to you than having money and pretending to be perfect.

You greet all your friends and start setting up. As cars start to line up, you can’t help but giggle to yourself thinking of the stereotypical ‘Cherry Pie’ or “Milkshakes’ playing in the background of every car wash scene. You get to work flirting and scrubbing cars as you all work for every dollar. The nice thing about Figure 8 was that they were willing to spend whatever. Just as you were about to head to another car you hear someone shouting your name.

You whip around to see a red faced and furious JJ. “You’re alive!” You try to lighten the tension. “What the hell are you doing y/n?” You frown in confusion. “What do you mean? A car wash?” He doesn’t seem satisfied with your sarcasm. “You're half naked out here and all these guys can’t keep their hands to themselves,” he remarks annoyed while flailing his arms. You grin for a moment realizing he’s jealous, then it dawns on you, “First of all, you just disappeared off the face of the earth for days. No text or anything. Second, since when you do you care about what other guys say to me?” He crosses his arms over his body clearly irritated by your logical retort. “It’s none of your business. And I don’t care”. All the energy drains from you at the impact of his words. “Fine. Then keep not caring and leave me alone.” You swivel around stalking off to another car leaving him alone. Even if he didn’t want you, you were determined to finish your job and then move on.

You turn over your shoulder to see JJ storming off in the other direction. Your heart aches at seeing him actually leave. At least you knew he was breathing now. The next car pulls up with Pope in it. “What was that all about?” Your eyes widen at one of his friends catching you. He chuckles, “It’s okay I know about you guys. He tells me everything”. You soften knowing you weren’t a complete secret. “I’m not sure. He’s upset with me though.” He sends you an empathetic smile, “Don’t worry. He’s dealing with a lot right now. He’ll cool down eventually.” You nod your head, “Yeah, I heard about that. That’s actually what this is all for,” you admit sheepishly. Pope’s eyebrows raise with confusion. “My mom had me bring the car, because she said it was raising money for the high school”. Yikes. “That’s my bad. I kinda said it was for whatever people would listen to, so people would come”. He laughs, “Quick thinking y/l/n. You want some help?” Now it's your turn to laugh. “I’m sure we could find you some short shorts somewhere.” He parks the car off to the side and grabs a sponge to contribute.

The rest of the day goes by with a breeze while joking with Pope and the girls. The last car drives off and you all plop on the curb for a break. You dry off your hands and start counting the money. You could almost cry happy tears. You raised over four thousand dollars. You thank everyone and promise to buy them mimosas at brunch tomorrow. For spoiled rich kids, they sure knew how to help someone in need. Pope pulls you into a side hug, “Thanks for doing this for him”. You smile squeezing him back, “thanks for helping”.

After putting on some real clothes you stalk off to the Thorton’s. They promise they’ll leave JJ alone about the couple thousand left so it can be paid off slowly, now that they have a down payment for another boat. You breathed a sigh of relief knowing you did all you could.

JJ was relaxing at John B.'s when he got a call. After hanging up, he’s elated and full of energy. He yells to the pogues, “Guys they said I don’t have to serve any time for the boat!” They all jump up excited and ask how. “They said over half of the debt has been paid, so they said I’ll have to sign up for some payment plan. But this means it won’t be on my record or anything”. They all join him in a group hug congratulating him. John B. pipes up, “Who paid it?” JJ stops for a moment considering that it wasn’t just magic, and the only person he knew that had money that knew was Kie. “Did you have your parents do it Kie? I seriously can’t thank you enough,” he picks her up into a giant hug. She shakes her head once he lets her down. “No, I wish I could’ve though. Sorry man.”

Pope is smirking thinking about his day yesterday trying not to blow his cover. JJ notices. “What do you know, Pope?” He just shakes his head not budging. JJ throws his arm around his neck putting him into a choke hold wrestling move. Kie and John B. are enjoying watching them fight until Pope taps out. “Fine! It was y/n. That’s what the whole giant parade of cars getting washed was”. JJ freezes speechless. He turns on his heels and instantly busts out of the chateau.

Meanwhile, you’re getting into comfy clothes preparing yourself for a lonely movie marathon tonight. Just as you settle into your thousand thread count sheets, your door swings open making you jump. “JJ you scared the shit out of me. What are you doing here?” He crosses your abnormally large room beelining to you. He grabs your chin and pulls you into a kiss. Your hand naturally falls to his arm as you allow him to passionately lead your lips. You pull away gasping for air. “What was that for?”

He sits down next to you. “I am so sorry. I’m sorry for disappearing and not texting you. And I’m really sorry for being such a dick yesterday at the car wash. I didn’t know you were doing all that for me. Either way though I shouldn’t have acted like that. Thank you for what you did. It means a lot. I’ll repay you I promise”. You smile rubbing your thumb against his hand. “I forgive you. You don’t need to repay me, we worked for it. You were right though, it wasn’t my business”. He shakes his head, “I wasn’t right. I like you a lot. I’m stupid for not saying it before. I just didn’t know how to tell you about all my issues and thought I’d scare you off.”

You lean over kissing him on his cheek to soothe his obvious tension. “You can’t scare me off. And I really like you too. You can trust me with your secrets, but I’ll try not to meddle anymore if you don’t want to tell me.” Grabbing your arms to scoot you closer, he brings you in for another long and deep kiss. “Don’t worry. You can know all my secrets now,” he winks as he pulls his shirt off easing you back onto the bed.

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#jj maybank #jj maybank x reader #jj maybank x you #jj maybank fic #outerbanks #obx #des writing #rudy pankow #jj maybank x y/n

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thehorrorsoftheblackbunnymask · 2 years ago

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Another vent, yay.

Tw: Trauma, you know the usual.

I just got back from a football game and I feel so broken.

Like, on Wednesday right. My friend told me that my best friend's little brother (He's the same age as us but he failed a grade so yeah) pulled out a whole ass condom and said that this could be used to the both of us as a joke. But since then I've been having flashbacks and I'm been almost having panic attacks everyday.

One of my band mates was kinda getting on my nerves and I like him too which made me almost have a panic attack because the entire time at the football game I was having flashbacks and barely able to keep it together. Then he went around saying who his favorite "kids" were and he never came up to me. One of my friends said.

"Damn (My name), you're not one of them"

And I just said

"I know" because I was about to cry.

I'm nobody's favorite, and I'm never someone's first choice. It hurt t much and I just wanted to break down.

Only 3 people asked me if I was ok, the assistant band director, the dude I mentioned and a guy that's like an older brother to me. Nobody else asked. Not my brother, nobody.

Today I just felt like I was failing and failing.

Nobody told me I did good today, nobody told they were proud of me. like yeah they said everyone did great but nobody came to directly and said it, while everyone else did.

The entire game I felt like someone was touching me. I wanted to cry and hide but I couldn't.

That one sexual thing I was told had me in a spiral. I stay away from my bestie's brother and I keep seeing my abuser's face in my head. I have dreams of mocking me. Hurting me, and I just can't.

I want to cry right now but I just can't.

I hate it when " other parents" have favorites. I think I'm his least favorite and it hurts so much. My friend is his second and I just feel like I'm gonna snap.

whenever I rant to one of my friends she just tells me to quit and I just get so pissed because she doesn't understand. Band is the only thing keeping me alive, but it's also killing me emotionally and mentally. I can't leave, the group is too small and I'm so close to just ending it all.

I was trying to grab something and my band mate asked in an annoyed voice if I was taking it and I said yes. It reminded me of my mom and I almost cried. I just want someone to care. And I mean someone I know in real life. I know you all care about me and my stuff but nobody in my actual seems to care.

And I'm telling you, I'm going to snap.

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tobesobri · 4 years ago

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Bust | Part One: Chisel (7.8k)

“Disappointed?” She tilted her head, smirking at him. She had no right to think he liked her better than Rose. She, herself, liked Rose better too. So she was sure he had to be at least a little bit sad to see Rose missing.

He smiled and the second she saw those dimples she was reminded of his Instagram all over again.

“A little,” he nodded, pinching his thumb and index finger together in the air and she painfully agreed.

“Well, you get me all by myself tonight.” She didn’t realize how it sounded until it was too late. Until she was cringing at all the sexual insinuations she’d just made for absolutely no reason. She could have said something else that wasn’t laced in an innuendo. But no, of course not. She had to continue her embarrassing streak when it came to Harry.

Instead of being creeped out by her, however, and pulling a confused and slightly terrified face, he laughed. And, on God, his laugh was the most amazing thing she’d ever heard. This wasn’t the first time the sound of his laughter graced her eardrums, but it was the first time he was laughing because of something she said that wasn’t about crooked penises.

“Lucky me.”

In which Y/N is an annoyance in Harry’s sculpting class.

story masterlist | my masterlist

It’s not her forte. Her hands don’t know how to hold onto things. They tremble under pressure. They mess things up no matter how hard she tries.

Not that she had really tried very hard to begin with.

Sculpting was just not something she saw herself doing. Ever. Not with her lack of agility and poor attention to detail. But to appease her whining best friend… she’d do just about anything.

The class was held in a little art studio with large windows for ventilation and tall ceilings to display the mass amounts of student artwork on butcher block shelves. She never thought she’d be back in a classroom type setting after graduating college, but here she was.

Learning, what she proclaimed as, a useless skill.

The studio was smack dab in the middle of an inclined street. Little quaint buildings that sat on an angle because why not pour foundations on a hill and make her weekly walks to the studio a little sweatier than she would have preferred. Even if it was winter in their little beach village town. Sweat still happened. It just happened underneath a scarf and a hand-knitted beanie from the sewing shop next door.

She could not deny, however, that the late afternoon classes every Wednesday and Saturday brought her way more joy than she’d anticipated. She looked forward to meeting up with Rose at the bottom-of-the-hill cafe, sharing the daily special with her before making their way up to the studio. It was calm in the middle and end of her hectic weeks that she most definitely needed.

What she didn’t need, however, what she most certainly did not look forward to, what she could have done without, what took her joy and smashed it against a wall was him.

The instructor.

Harry ‘I have nice hands and a misleading smile’ Styles.

It had only been two weeks into their classes and he had already told her one of her bowls was garbage. That the way she sculpted a face was terrifying. That she couldn’t draw for shit and that made her attempts at sculpting even worse.

So by Saturday of their second week, she didn't care anymore. He was a jerk and she would be the best pain in his ass she knew how to be.

While everyone called him Harry, like he’d asked them to the very first day, she called him Mr. Styles. Just to see the way his eyes rolled back into his head and his nostrils flared. While everyone asked him insightful questions, like what glaze was best to use or what tool sculpted eyes most efficiently, she asked him if she could use the bathroom.

She got a fucking kick out of irritating him. Knowing he went home after their classes just as irritated as she’d been. With clenched fists and a pounding headache.

It helped that he was insanely too attractive to be teaching a bunch of millennials about sculpting in his free time.

“You should really leave him alone, he might kick us out, you know,” Rose said on their first third week walk up Justice Hill. There was no justice in walking uphill, and most fucking certainly not in the humidity-ridden beachside town. She found the street name personally offensive.

“Oh fuck him. If he kicks us out, he’ll have to refund us.” Y/N did not, even for a second, bother to lower her voice as they neared the studio, knowing any one of the other students could hear her if they were to walk by.

“Refund us what? We got the class for free, remember?”

Y/N racked her brain like she’d completely forgotten that little detail before shrugging it off. “Whatever. He won’t kick us out.”

“How do you know for sure?”

Before she could make some stupid remark about how Harry secretly liked her pestering him or about how much he seemed much too impressed by Rose’s progress to ever get rid of them, the devil himself turned the corner in front of them.

He came out from an alleyway that connected the street to a tiny parking lot. And while they were going uphill, he was coming down. He was hard to miss and so were they, but still he attempted to not see them.

“What a prick,” Y/N mumbled under her breath as they got closer to each other. And almost as if he could read her lips, he rolled his eyes so fucking hard she thought maybe they’d finally pop right out of his head this time.

“Shush,” Rose warned as the three of them finally met in the middle, at the door to the studio that was decorated with a bright yellow ‘Open’ sign, children’s drawings, hand-painted hours of operation, and one too many polaroids of past students and their sculpting creations.

They all stood and stared at each other for a moment before he opened the door first, holding it as, to Y/N’s surprise, he let them go in first. And while she was still in shock at the gesture, his body language said it all. Like he was forcing himself to be nice to the dynamic duo, to the bane of his existence. While she was too distracted by Harry and his clay-stained trousers and cable-knit sweater with a cartoon deer embroidered on it, Rose walked into the studio first. Giving Harry a polite smile that he returned almost… genuinely.

And right when Y/N made a move to follow, Harry stepped in front of her. She jolted back as he just about let the door slam her in the face.

Today was going to be fantastic.

* * *

“Right, so,” Harry began, clapping his dry hands together as he took a seat behind his messy table at the front of the studio. “I know some of you haven’t finished your heads yet, but our focus today will still be on the bodies. We’ll have a catch up on Saturday to make up for it.”

Y/N sought out her head on the wall where she’d placed it last week beside Rose’s, realizing for the first time just how ugly it really was. And to think she’d been trying to sculpt Harry’s annoying face. Even more annoying that no matter what she did, he was always a lot more handsome than her hunk of polymer clay.

“... because, like I mentioned, we have special guests today who will be modeling for you.” Harry stood again while two very thin and very conventionally perfect people came out in white robes. Y/N couldn’t help but gag.

“This is Hope and Jordan.” Harry motioned as he introduced them, not getting any further in his instructions before Y/N raised her hand in the back of the class.

Rose attempted to get her to put it down, too, because Harry was clearly in the middle of something, but it didn’t really work out so well. Y/N was a stubborn son of a bitch.

“Yeah?” He pointed at her, sighing while planting his hands on his hips. He knew nothing she had to ask was going to be at all beneficial to the group.

She cleared her throat and just from the smirk on her face, he braced for impact. “Are they going to be modeling nude?”

She made just about everyone blush, except for Harry. He hated how she never took anything seriously. That the art he’d spent years perfecting enough to teach meant nothing to her. It was all just a primary school joke in her eyes.

“Yes, actually,” he answered bluntly and then returned to what he was going to say before Y/N’s interruption. “So I want everyone to get a piece of paper and while they’re modeling, do a rough sketch of what you might want the body of your sculpture to look like. The importance is to get the proportions down so that when you use the clay, you’ll know how much you’ll need for each part. Just like we did for the heads.”

Harry walked around the class once the models were stripped and the sketching began. Rose started immediately, concentration on her face as she flipped between the female model and her piece of sketchbook paper.

All Y/N had was a scratch piece of grey-toned mixed media paper she’d found laying on their table. And absolutely no clue where to even begin.

She stared at Harry instead of the naked models, watching as he helped others around the room, pointing at their sketches and where they could improve. His other hand behind his back that gave her perfect access to stare at his rings. Remembering how he’d taken them off guide their first few sculpting lessons. Remembering how his hands had so gently but so fucking firmly caressed the mound of clay into the exact shapes he wanted like he knew exactly what to do with those things.

“See it’s going just as I expected back here.” When his voice was at her ear, she jumped out of her skin and out of her daydreams. Twisting her head around to him as he stood behind her, she found him staring over her shoulder at her blank piece of paper.

She narrowed her eyes at him once she’d fully processed what he said. “Sorry I’m trying to figure out the best way to scale up that dude’s micro-cock, proportionally, if you don’t mind.”

He just about choked on his own spit, and rightfully so. But when he glanced to her eyes instead of her disappointing blank canvas, with his eyebrows furrowed and his cute little nostrils flared just the way she liked them, it was clear his reaction wasn’t for the reasons she’d intended.

He was quiet. Lips pursed, mind completely empty apart from hearing her say cock over and over again. Echoing against his skull. Making a home for itself in his hippocampus for later purposes. When he was not in a class full of students with their eyes on him, watching him get hard at the fucking way she said cock.

“Leave you to it then,” he cleared his throat and continued on.

“He may not kick us out, but killing you is still an option,” Rose whispered once Harry was a safe distance away from them.

Y/N leaned back in her seat to watch him walk down the rest of their row. His hands behind his back again, eyes wandering over shoulders.

As long as he had those rings on while he choked her out, she was okay with that.

* * *

Everyone had moved on to their bodies. Gathering the clay they needed from the front and using their sketches as guidelines to build around the pre-made wire and aluminum foil armature. Most everyone had some sort of a form being attached to the heads of their sculptures by the time Y/N even got started.

Because she decided on using Harry as reference after all and he would just not stand still.

With the models gone, they were on their own, with help from Harry of course. He played several videos and gave various demonstrations to aide them. It wasn’t supposed to be perfect, but after she gave it her all for about ten minutes, she was ready to give up. Her body looked like a very lumpy, very deformed version of Shrek.

She took a break again, watching Rose sculpt for a while instead. She watched Harry sometimes too as he walked around the class again in gloves this time. Smoothing out features and picking up tools to aid in the process of forming collarbones and wrinkles.

The studio was in its typical state of disarray. Random cups of milky water on every table, pieces of clay smushed into the tile floor, tools and used gloves strewn about with no rhyme or reason. Harry thrived in that kind of environment while Y/N well… she hated it.

She wanted organization and cleanliness. Her nine-to-five called for that kind of thing. But she was slowly getting used to it. To letting go and embracing the mess while she was here. She wasn’t the one that had to clean it all up anyways.

The only time she wasn’t daydreaming was when Harry started up their aisle again, walking in front of their table this time however. He helped a couple others at the end of their row, watched some of them work before eventually landing right in front of Rose’s station.

He cocked his head to the side while he watched her struggle to form an even pair of breasts on her headless lady. And even though Y/N was trying her best to look busy, she just couldn’t help it.

Rose handed her work in progress over to him with a frustrated huff after he offered his assistance. And like… no way was Y/N missing out on Mr. Harry fucking Styles fingering some clay into the perfect set of boobs. No way.

Especially fucking not when he removed his gloves and used those fingers in their bare glory the way she wished he’d use them someplace else. She watched while he slapped some more clay on Rose’s poor flat-chested model and proceeded to smooth it out with his expert fingertips. She watched the clay melt under his touch, watching him dip into their shared cup of water to aid the process. She looked away long enough to admire the concentration on his face, the way he bit down on his lip and furrowed his brows the way she was used to. She watched again while he fixed all of Rose’s mistakes just by gliding his thumbs over the two perfect little lumps on her sculpture that sure as hell hadn’t started out so perfectly.

She had no idea why Harry sculpting a tiny set of breasts on what would eventually become a mermaid got her so hot and bothered but… it did. It did so fucking much, she was almost salivating like a dog by the end of it, thinking about what his hands could do with the real deal. But then he handed it back to Rose with a content smile on his face and burst Y/N’s little bubble.

“Might be better,” he said softly and Rose nodded in agreement. She hadn't noticed before, but when he stood to his full height it was clear he’d been leaning over on their table. Closer to the both of them than he’d ever really been before. And she knew he was tall, taller than Rose, who was five foot seven inches herself. And not just that but his shoulders were broad and his arms were a humble amount of muscular. Almost like he was a sculptor that kneaded clay a hundred hours a week. Maybe that was why she was a soaking wet mess.

He stretched his gloves back onto his hands and glanced Y/N’s direction. Eyes going straight from her disaster of an art piece to her flushed face and back.

“Don’t even know where to start to fix yours up,” he commented while moving slightly to his right until he stood directly in front of Y/N this time.

She looked at her abomination, wondering if it would be her worst idea to push more of his buttons or not. But, she went for it anyways. Her lack of impulse control would definitely come back to bite her in the ass one day.

“It’s the penis. Still haven’t gotten that down yet.”

He nodded, amused rather than his previous reaction to her antics. “Can see that, yeah. He’s got a bit of a crooked willy there.” Harry poked at it with his index finger and she became hyper aware of his closeness this time while he leaned over her tabletop again. Because his hands were right there, almost touching her own. And they were big, bigger than she realized. She could see him perfectly through the transparent gloves, his long fingers with clipped nails at the end that were well taken care of, considering.

She would need to soak herself in holy water for a while after this.

“Oh, is that not what the male anatomy looks like?” She teased, not fully realizing they were getting along for the first time and it was because of dicks. Because she’d put an oddly shaped protrusion on her figure before she’d even done much else with the blob of clay stuck to her form.

“No,” he laughed, shaking his head at her and standing up straight again. “Maybe if you paid attention when the models were out here, you’d know that.”

“Maybe if you hired someone who’s cock I could actually see from all the way back here without a fucking magnifying glass.” She was only slightly aware of how fully immersed she was in the debate over this penis.

But all he heard was cock again. She really needed to stop saying that. Because this time his mind was a little more imaginative while he stared at her lips and thought about the way she might say that on her knees in front of him.

He shook his head clear. She was an insufferable nuisance that he just barely tolerated on a good day. He didn't need her clogging up his brain with her cock talk too.

“Just fix it.” He mumbled.

She huffed when he left her to her own devices, not even bothering to offer his help, but she really shouldn’t expect any less. If he helped her, he would be doing it all for her. And that was hardly the point of taking a class to learn how to sculpt if the hot instructor was just going to do everything for you.

“Is there a reason why you’re arguing with him about penises?” Rose asked, hushing her voice around the apparently taboo word.

“It’s fun. And if I’m going to sit here in this stupid class with you I’m going to have some fun.” Y/N, on the other hand, was not hushed or subtle at all, as she ripped off the phallic piece of clay from her sculpture.

Rose cringed when she glanced past Y/N to find Harry looking right at her. He had been helping someone a few seats down and clearly not far enough away to have missed what Y/N said. All of his features drooped and he looked genuinely upset. Rose wished she could put a filter over Y/N’s mouth to save everyone from her insensitive outbursts. Especially Harry. He always tried so hard and for Y/N to brush everything off and boil it all down to a ‘stupid class’ even broke Rose’s heart a little. So she could only imagine how Harry felt.

After their typical hour and a half was up, once everyone at least had some semblance of a body minus the legs and arms, Harry called the class back to order.

“Alright, that’s time. You can put your armatures back on the shelves, carefully. As always, I’ll be around for a little while after. Have a great rest of your night, I’ll see you all on Saturday.” He finished his spiel, turning away to help clean up before a lightbulb went off in his head and his voice rang through the studio again, “Oh, and make sure you bring your sketches back with you!”

Everyone worked on cleaning up, including Harry. And while Y/N took both her and Rose’s sculptures over to their respective spots on the shelves, Rose walked up to the front of the class without any warning whatsoever.

She tapped Harry’s shoulder and watched while his smile faded just the tiniest bit after he turned to find her. That Rose’s poor face had to be associated with the thunderstorm that was Y/N.

“I just wanted to say sorry… about Y/N.” Both Rose and Harry glanced at the girl in question near the back of the studio, playing with their two sculpted bodies like they were barbie dolls. “I forced her to do this with me so she hasn’t really taken it seriously. But I’m really enjoying the class, you’re a fantastic instructor.”

His smile returned again and if he was being honest with himself, it really did make him feel better to hear her say that. He had some sort of a reasoning for Y/N’s horrible attitude and while he wished it was her apologizing and not Rose, he figured it was good enough.

“Thank you. You’re doing really well so far. I’ll see you on Saturday, yeah?”

She nodded, giving him one last polite smile before trotting back to Y/N and helping her clean up the last bits around their workstation.

“Please do not tell me you were flirting with him.” Y/N gagged, using a ball of clay to gather the little pieces spread across their table like a magnet.

“No, actually, I was apologizing to him for your behavior.”

Y/N snapped her head up, first at Rose and then Harry all the way across the room from them. “You what?”

“He’s just trying to teach and you’ve been a fucking knobhead.”

Y/N gasped in fake offense, which was actually slightly real offense. “Excuse me, he made fun of my bowl the first day, you seem to have forgotten about that.”

“A toddler could have made a better bowl than that, Y/N, and you know it.”

She frowned, grumpily averting her eyes to the table with her arms crossed over her chest like she really was a toddler.

“I’m just saying,” Rose started, a bit calmer this time, “stop pestering him.”

* * *

Y/N thought about everything Rose had said. About how much she wished she could take things seriously and not constantly get on people’s nerves all the time, but she simply did not know how to. Taking the piss out of things and making jokes was how she got through her days.

But she did agree. Harry didn’t deserve her behavior. Maybe he was a bit of a jerk to her to begin with, but insulting his class might’ve been crossing a line.

Because she didn’t actually think it was stupid. She quite enjoyed listening to him. She liked learning something new and following his instructions as he walked them through some of his techniques. She liked being connected to all the people in the little studio, even if only briefly. Complete strangers all shared that one little thing in common and it made her all fuzzy and warm inside each time she met up with Rose at the end of every Wednesday and Saturday.

Hiding behind a bit of humor, however, was a lot more comfortable than admitting she found pleasure in anything as corny as sculpting classes.

On Friday night, boredom got the best of her and she took a chance upon searching Harry’s name on Instagram while she took her weekly bath. It had been Rose’s idea, the bath, not stalking her attractive sculpting instructor online. That decision was completely her own. But the baths at the end of stressful weeks had a little influence from her best friend, as did most aspects of her life. Baths were a waste of time, in her opinion, and she preferred the efficiency of showering. But Rose had given her nice smelling soaps and weird fizzy things for bath time and well… she couldn’t let them go to waste.

So, amid her regularly scheduled, once-a-week bath, she scrolled shamelessly through Harry’s feed. Because he did, in fact, have an instagram. And she only knew it was him because every fourth post was a video and in said videos were his hands. And, fuck, they were just as nice on film as they were in person.

He didn’t post much of his face, which she thought was an actual crime, but there was a lot about him and his sculpting. She found out it had been his sister’s birthday recently, who, when she smiled, looked just like him. He’d also just finished a piece he seemed really proud of, a clay head and bust of a pit bull, to which he linked in the caption about a local shelter who rescued the breed specifically and needed donations. Her heart nearly fucking melted.

Harry wasn’t much of an open book, though, unless he let his art do most of the talking. He seemed to enjoy sculpting women the most, which is probably why he’d been so good at de-lumping the breasts on Rose’s mermaid. But all the female sculptures he made weren’t sexual at all. They had meaning behind them. Like every single clay face she clicked on throughout his photos had a story. Like he was uplifting rather than fetishizing.

And not every single one of them was skinny and had perfect features. She was shocked to see at least half of the creations she’d skimmed through were of larger women with imperfect breasts at times and asymmetrical faces. Not sticking to typical European beauty standards as she may have originally assumed he might.

It made glancing down at her very much imperfect body feel a little less like an attack. Because Harry spent his time putting all his love into his little sculptures with diverse body types that she almost felt ashamed for ever hating hers.

Once she was done clicking on just about every single post he’d ever made, she finally found a selfie. Well… not really a selfie. Someone else had clearly taken it of him candidly while he had been working. But there was an awfully cute smile on his face and very familiar dimples poking into his cheeks that make her heart warm up again.

He wasn’t a damn thing like she’d assumed he was from the beginning. She thought his art centered around the ideal, and that maybe he was a little condescending because of it. But his Instagram told a different story about his art. And she wanted to know so much more about him.

She was completely lost in her dreams about him that just the smidge of distraction led to accidentally liking a photo of his from two years prior.

She’d have to move countries. Change her name. Delete everything. Never look back. Y/N? A distant memory.

Before dropping her phone in the tub and really making a complete ass out of herself, she threw it, instead, onto her furry rug in the middle of the bathroom and sunk herself down into the water. Wondering if it would really be so bad if she just drowned a little bit.

Because she desperately wanted to. There was nothing she could do. Not even unliking the picture would help. He’d still see the notification. Still click onto her page and realize who in the fuck had just liked a two-year-old post of his that he, himself, had probably even forgotten about.

She wanted nothing more than to sink her head under the pink-tinted water and never come back up. Her mind would not stop with the visualizations of what his reaction might be. Things he might be thinking. Like is this that fucking bitch from my sculpting class? Or whether or not she might find herself blocked by morning.

God, just make it stop.

But suddenly her phone buzzed and her heart just about stopped beating. It had to be the notification that Harry blocked her. Was that even a thing? Did Instagram notify you if someone blocked you? And why was her phone on silent? Because her Instagram notifications and her text messages made very different sounds. If it was just a text, she’d consider ignoring it. She’d continue marinating in all her shame a little while longer. But it ate her alive not knowing what the buzzing was from.

So, carefully, she pulled herself upright and reached across the floor until she had her phone in her hand. Before she clicked the screen on, though, she closed her eyes and inhaled a deep breath.

But when she opened her eyes and found out why her phone had buzzed, she let that breath out and settled her ass down again. It was Rose.

Hey, I can’t make it tomorrow for class. Felt like absolute shit at work today and had to go home because as it turns out I have the flu.

“Fuck,” Y/N mumbled to herself. She wasn’t sure if she wanted to go alone because facing Harry after she just did what she did was one thing, but doing it all by herself was another. But a part of her did still want to go tomorrow. The part before her horrific accident when she was full on getting a love boner over Harry. She’d wanted to see him again so fucking bad.

Okay. I probably won’t go too then

Y/N physically frowned at the idea of waiting another five days to see Harry again. Her brain really needed to make its fucking mind up about him. Did she want to see him or not?

No! You have to go and tell me what I missed!

Y/N rolled her eyes, but felt relieved. Even after her embarrassing slip up, her desire to see Harry again still prevailed. And she hated it. How was she even supposed to look him in the eye tomorrow, both of them knowing damn well she’d been stalking his Instagram back to two fucking years ago?

* * *

It was beyond weird sitting in their usual cafe on Justice Hill alone, even without the whole Instagram fiasco of the previous night she was trying everything in her power to forget about.

However all the desperate attempts to bury that awful experience were fruitless when she glanced across the room over her latte and found a very familiar set of grumpy-looking eyes already staring at her. But once she did notice him, he immediately looked away, stepping up to the counter to order his own cup of coffee.

She nearly choked on her drink, having to set it down and wipe what had spilled onto her chin off with a napkin she’d already used to sop up another one of her messes.

Of the three weeks now they’d been going to classes and frequenting the cafe just before, she’d never seen Harry. It was like he didn’t have a life outside being an instructor. He just popped up in the studio and she always left before him so she had no idea what he did after class either.

But seeing him here was like seeing a fucking unicorn in real life.

She couldn’t help watching him either, even if she knew she shouldn't. But, in her defense, he was wearing beautiful wine-colored corduroy pants with a tight white t-shirt tucked into them and a beige coat thrown over his arm to match. And for shoes he had on his usual white vans that had gained a few more scuff marks since the last time she’d seen him. His fashion would look terrible on anyone besides him.

He glanced her way again, briefly, when he left the counter with his cup, fighting his legs from walking in her direction but not exactly winning that battle.

And to her surprise, he stood right in front of her, behind the chair where Rose usually sat.

And when she looked up at him, he completely forgot why he had come over. He had no fucking clue what he was doing there. But it was too late now for him to back away and pretend like it never happened.

“Your friend's not coming?” His voice shook, but she didn’t notice with the way he finally took his fucking eyes off of her and gave her a chance to breathe again. He glanced at his watch just to confirm that it was, in fact, only five minutes until class started and it seemed reasonable to assume Rose wasn’t meeting her before then.

She pulled herself together and pretended like his close presence wasn’t intimidating her in the slightest.

He smiled and the second she saw those dimples she was reminded of his Instagram all over again.

“A little,” he nodded, pinching his thumb and index finger together in the air and she painfully agreed.

“Lucky me.”

He left her so fucking speechless, that after he started backing away from her table, reminding her to not be late, she still ended up being late. Because she sat in her chair for what felt like a century repeating his two words over and over again in her head.

Lucky me.

She knew he was only teasing but the way he’d just gone along with her original joke and how his voice sounded when he said it, she could not believe it. She could also not believe how Harry had some kind of massive hold on her that she sat staring at a wall for ten minutes trying to figure out how to operate properly again just to get up out of her chair.

Lucky fucking me.

She could scream.

If she wasn’t in public.

There was an extra pep in her step as she took Justice Hill alone this time, partially because of how giddy Harry had made her and partially because she was late… right after he told her not to be. But how was she supposed to be on time after what he’d just done to her emotions. And to the throbbing mess between her legs, but that's another story entirely.

Everyone was all over the place when she’d finally arrived, though, so it made slipping in the back that much easier. Not that she got past Harry’s watchful eyes, though, but at least she wasn’t interrupting anything while the class readied their workstations for another full night of going ham on their sculptures.

Harry kept his eyes on her mostly the entire time she did the same at her empty little area, watching as she tucked her purse under the desk for safekeeping and threw a couple tools he wasn’t sure he’d ever seen her use onto the table. When she wandered off to the wall of shelves to retrieve her absolutely horrifying work of art, he finally gave her some privacy again. But he couldn’t help the fact that he’d been worried sick when she didn’t show up on time after he’d just seen her at the cafe, thinking something horrible could have happened to her between there and here.

So making sure she was unscathed before he, too, got his area organized was essential.

She sat in her chair and stared at what she had made the past three weeks. They’d started with something simple on the first day, taking a pre-cut slice of clay and free-handing a bowl with a few tips from Harry thrown in here and there. Then they jumped straight in after he showed them a few clips of sculptors working, pausing to explain specific things about creating a head and face. They were given everything they needed to make sculpting a complete figurine of a human body as easy as possible.

And still, she managed to create a combination of Shrek and the abominable snowman.

She huffed, wondering if she asked nicely enough Harry would let her just start all over. But before she could even think to do so, he clapped his hands together and got everyone’s attention for today’s mini-tutorial.

He explained smoothing to them and how there were many different ways of doing it so that your end results weren't littered in fingerprints. He reminded them to use water to smooth out the initial shapes of the clay they wanted and if they were having a really hard time with too much warmth from their fingers to use the gloves.

He ventured a little into detail work of the bust, showing a short clip of another artist forming collar bones with just two tools and her fingers. He explained what tools those were and why they were the most efficient for details and went on some more about other detail tools that were good for different things.

And the entire time she was far too lost in his voice and how his eyes lit up passionately when he rambled to even think about the fact that she wasn’t taking a single note for Rose’s sake.

They’d done a few lessons on details for the face, but they had yet to really get that far, only having put on tentative eyelids, lips and a nose for their heads before he really dove deep into details in what she assumed would be a full class later on.

And when he finally took a break to ask for any questions, she was, of course, the first to raise her hand. He thought about ignoring it, knowing all too well that anytime Y/N raised her hand in the back of his classroom, she was up to no good. But he was too nice to do that to anyone, even her.

So he called on her by nodding his head and she cleared her throat while he grimaced, expecting the worst.

“So, um, for example if we were going to do bigger details like abs on a male figure, what would be the best tool for that?”

He could have sworn he was having a heart attack. He had to blink a few times just to make sure he wasn’t dreaming. She was actually asking him a legitimate question, and a good one at that. He had to repeat what she said in his head first, just to make sure it was real, before he answered, completely unprepared.

“Um… well after you lay out the clay where you want on the body, you can use one of the knives to blend the edges,” he held up an example of one for her, “and then a large ball or oval tool like this,” he held up another, “to smooth everything out. You’d probably want a more blunt pointed end to shape them, though, after you blend the clay in.”

She nodded like she’d been fully absorbing every single word coming out of his mouth and then he watched as she dug around quietly in the tool kit on her desk, in search of the types of tools he’d mentioned.

He could not fucking believe it though. She finally showed a stitch of interest in learning about sculpting. And he had no idea why she decided to right now. Maybe it was because she was without her partner in crime, but either way he was stunned. Absolutely fucking marveled.

After a few more questions and some demonstrations, he let everyone go and continue working on their projects while he circled the room as he normally did. And he found himself glancing at her from time to time, all by herself in the back with a genuine look of concentration on her face as she attempted making her creature a little less loch ness monster and a little more human.

Eventually, after he figured she was giving it enough effort for him to step in and help if she needed, he headed her way. And just as she sensed him walking down her aisle, while she was busy shaving off clay, a piece of it went flying into the air, completely out of control.

He stopped in his tracks after almost being smacked in the face with a chunk of clay and bent over to pick it up before someone squished it into the bottom of their shoes. He leaned over the edge of the table in front of her again, setting the piece of clay down next to her gently while she bit her lips between her teeth and tried to hide her embarrassed red cheeks behind her hands.

“Sorry!” She squealed at him, further digging herself into a hole.

He shook his head, “S’alright. Not the first time that’s happened.”

She laughed at the thought of him actually getting hit in the money maker with a hunk of clay and it eased her worries a little.

“So how are those abs going then?” He asked.

She stared at her sculpture for a moment before she sighed and turned it around to face him. It wasn’t as bad as it had been before, but it was still pretty rough.

“Mind if I…?” He held his hands out and she, without a single hesitation, handed it over to him.

He immediately grabbed the shaving tool she’d been using, and since it still sat next to her where she’d put it down moments ago, his fingers brushed against her hand when he picked it up. Sending every one of her nerves in the general area on a field day to mess with her nether regions again. It’s just… his fucking hands were an art form in and of themselves. His knuckles prominent, stretching soft skin around the bone. His veins protruding every time he made a more delicate move that required precision. Even the ones on his arms underneath the ink when he was a bit more rough with her sculpture sent her over the moon, while he shaved off bits and pieces with firm pressure to define the shape of the body and somehow create a human-like figure from her mess.

Then he started smoothing down the surface with a little water on his fingers and she went batshit. His hands while dry were one thing, but sparkling, wet, slippery fingertips? Lord have mercy.

She watched him spread a chunk of extra clay onto what would be the figure’s chest to build it up a little more with the knowledge of their previous conversations about dicks and abs making it clear she was attempting to make a male figure. She couldn’t help but watch his muscles flex underneath his tight white t-shirt. From far away across the cafe it had caught her attention. And now right here, she was definitely not letting it go unnoticed. It wasn’t too tight that he looked ridiculous, but just the right amount to show off every curve of his biceps and triceps and whatever other -ceps he had hiding underneath the shirt. He was normally in oversized tops so she was taking full advantage while she still had the chance to.

When he handed it back to her, it was like he’d done some kind of magic spell to get it to look so good after what she’d given him to work with. He leaned forward a little more and pointed at the figure’s chest and she was only halfway paying attention to him when he spoke, mostly focusing on how close he was and every single time he accidentally brushed his skin against hers.

“So if you want to make the abs,” he paused to glance over and dig through her pile of tools until he found the one he was looking for. “Use this to kind of sketch out the shape like we did with the faces,” he took the ball tool and rolled it down the middle of the chest, making a short indent to separate where the pectorals might be, “then you can add on the dimension like I was saying earlier.”

She took over the tool when he flipped it around and gave it to her so she could try for herself. And he watched for a short while as she did what he said to do, sketching out tentative abs, but not really knowing exactly what they looked like to come to any sort of realistic end. Her figure started to look like a shirtless Johnny Bravo.

He just giggled and pointed his stupid finger back into her personal space, smoothing down her mistakes until they disappeared, “Have you never seen a six-pack that wasn’t on a cartoon character?”

She racked her brain, trying to say something funny, but once she looked into his eyes, nothing came to mind. “Of course I have. I just don’t know how to make them look realistic.” She couldn’t exactly remember the last time she’d been faced with a naked man’s chest, but she had seen them before.

“Well…” Harry sighed, resting his head on his hand and staring at her sculpture sideways, “he doesn’t have to have abs.”

And then she said it. Something worse than her earlier set of words back at the cafe. She had no clue what was going on with her tonight, but she needed an ass-kicking for it.

“Do you have abs?”

“Me?” His eyes flickered up to hers in shock and it was far too late for her to backtrack, she was here and she had to face what she’d done. Even while he looked at her like she was fucking insane.

“Uh, well. I mean…” She had no fucking clue what she meant. And even if she did, she sure as shit wasn’t telling him.

Then it clicked in his brain. “You’re not using me as reference, are you?”

After a solid three seconds of just staring at him, she laughed. “No, of course not.”

“Hope so after you gave him that wonky penis.”

She sighed once they were through it. Once he’d proved, yet again, that he didn’t make her embarrassing statements feel as bad as they really were. He kind of just... went along with it.

But then she made it even worse.

“So yours isn’t wonky and crooked, then?”

Jesus, fuck Y/N just shut up.

His smile never faded, however, and instead, he leaned close again and whispered, “Maybe one day you’ll be lucky enough to find out.”

#harry styles fanfiction #harry styles imagine #harry styles fanfic #harry styles writing #sculptor!harry

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fnf-brain-rot · 3 years ago

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We're In This Together [Pico's School AU] Chapter 2 - Donut Rendezvous

Today was the day..

Wednesday..

It was a half day, being the day before a teacher work day. They didn't have school on that Thursday. Teachers had donuts available to them in the break room every Wednesday.

Pico and Darnell have been planning this for months.

They got the whole class on their side, having started a little protest in the cafeteria. "We're tired of adults hogging the sweets to themselves!" They cried out to the other students. "This time we take the sweets for ourselves!"

They were being normal at first, all arriving when the bell rang, sitting in their seats, and listening to the lecture. Most of the students shot each other knowing glances. Pico was the leader of this rendezvous, of course. On his signal, the others would move.

Ten minutes into class now, Bee was curious about the restlessness of the other students, looking around himself, having made eye contact with a few. Right, he's new. Pico had a grand idea. He'd lead in the front with him, like his queen of the army or something. He snickered at the thought, looking down at his blank paper. Right, perfect move. He and Darnell looked to each other, then nodded.

It felt quiet. Too quiet. The seconds ticked by loudly from the clock above them. Usually the teacher that buys the donuts would buy two boxes, which should be enough for two classes to feed each student one time.

Oh, right, the other class was in on it too. This would be big.

Pico stood up from his seat, slowly, as to not alarm the other students. Mrs. Fee's back was turned to the children, the woman mindlessly explaining some math equation and writing on the chalk board. He walked over to Bee, gently grabbing his hand. "Bee-" He almost started, but Pico covered his mouth, as to not alert Mrs. Fee as well. "Follow me.." He whispered. Bee nodded and stood quietly as well. The two shimmied from between the desks, and Pico held up one finger.

One...

Two....

Three...

The cacophony of screeching desks an chairs startled the woman up front, and many children began to yell at the top of their lungs, mostly those also known for causing trouble. A thunderous rumble of feet crossed the floor, and Pico raced for the classroom door, Bee just barely able to keep up with him. He threw the wooden slab open, and bolted out of the classroom, not looking back, but he could hear the monstrous amount of kids following him.

"Beep!! Beep bop!!" Bee cried over the noise, then heard the door next to theirs slam open. The second class took the message, and now raced after the other. Pico could hear Darnell's laughter over the noise as the group of students scattered around down the hall. It was a straight shot to the break room, right down the hall. Their school had no security, all they had to worry about were the teachers.

"What are you kids doing?!" The voice of one of the teachers rang out, muffled by the sound of stomping feet and ecstatic screams. "Scatter!!" Pico yelled out. Some of the taller kids blocked view of Pico, Darnell, and Bee, entering the room in which the donuts resided. Bee stood off to the side, hiding behind the wall as Darnell closed the door behind them. "B-Beep?? Brappity-"

"Yeah, you weren't here for instructions. You see, me and Darnell been planning this for a long time." Pico began to explain it to the shorty, quickly grabbing one of the boxes. Still warm. Nice. "Darnell grab a bag." Darnell saluted and went to look for a plastic bag. They would snag a little under half the donuts exclusively for themselves, being Darnell, Pico, Nene, Gigi, by Nene's begging, and Bee, because Pico said so.

"Bep bop.." Bee breathed out. Pico could damn there hear his heart thumping in his ears. It wasn't over yet. "Darnell, assess the situation." Pico then ordered. Darnell poked his head out the door. "No teachers in sight, sir." He responded. "Good, let's book it." Pico grinned maniacally, Darnell holding the door open for him and Bee.

"Boop bepoo?" Bee pointed at himself, and Pico raised a brow. Their next stop was their secret spot, but they had to go past the main office to get outside, since the doors were chained during the day. "Why did I grab you? Well, cause you would have been left alone in there with Cassandra." Pico gagged as he said her name. the goths wanted no part in it. He didn't care, more donuts for everyone else. "Now come on, there shouldn't be anyone in the office right now." He led the two past the glass room, which as he stated, was devoid of any staff. They most likely went to deal with the kids, which the screams still echoed faintly down the halls.

They scampered past the view of some cameras, then accessed the side door. The empty area behind some trees across the walkway was visible. They were in the home stretch. "Hey, Darnell, carry one of these will ya? My arms are dying." Pico huffed softly, and Darnell snurked. "Whatever you say, sissy." He teased. "Hey, I'm the leader of this whole operation. I ain't no sissy." The ginger shot back, making Bee giggle lightly.

They made it without error to the hiding spot in the trees. Bee fumbled with his hands awkwardly, staring at the bag of donuts Darnell held. Pico laughed a little, setting one of the boxes on top of the other on a tree stump. "Wait just a second there Bee." He walked over, elbowing the smaller's shoulder, who winced a little, but rubbed it with a goofy smile. "Those are the special donuts. We're gonna go heat them up in the lounge." Bee made a face. "During lunch dummy."

"There's a part two to this plan??" Darnell quickly asked. Pico shook his head. "I just know how to get in and out. Me and the janitor are on good terms. I'm close to him letting me into his closet." He nudged the brown boy's arm, and they made their way back into the building.

_______________

"Now, I don't know what's gotten into you kids, but this behavior is unacceptable."

Mrs. Fee had decided to give the kids a lecture after they all returned to their respective classrooms. "The only one who didn't leave was Cassandra, which means the rest of you get workbook homework for the rest of the week." Darnell groaned, but Pico had a shit eating grin on his face, his cheeks flushed in triumph. "Fucking worth it." He muttered, holding his fist out to Darnell. "Yeah, I guess." He responded with quiet laughter, returning the fist bump. the other kids probably thought it was worth it. Hell, Pico controlled the distribution of the donuts. They better think it's worth it or they ain't gettin' shit.

Pico looked over to Bee, who was smiling and kicking his legs a little, fiddling with his pencil. That whole ordeal must have filled him with quite the adrenaline. "Stick with me, and you'll be on top of the food chain dude." He had told him when they were coming back in. Bee didn't seem opposed to the idea, but he still didn't wanna scare him off. They did things like this pretty often. Having the parents Darnell had, usually others had to get involved so just those two, or three, including Nene, wouldn't get in trouble.

After the end of first period, Pico waited for Bee by the door, of course being teased by Nene and Darnell as they left. Bee stumbled a bit as he threw his big bag on his shoulders, walking over to Pico with a big smile on his face. "You like that chaos, huh?" He asked the boy, returning the grin. "Beep boop!" He responded, bouncing on his toes a bit, and they left the room.

"That's just how it is in this school. Of course I'm the instigator, got kind of a reputation. I make my father proud." Pico laughed a little. His ego was inflated as hell considering the dads he has. Well, dad. Steve didn't like to entertain the chaotic nature those two shared. Said he didn't like to lose sleep while those two jousted with frying pans at two AM.

"Bep bop.. Skdoo beep.." Bee muttered softly, a bit of a bitter tone to his voice. "What, your dad doesn't like that kind of mess?" Bee shook his head in response. Must be on closer terms with his mom huh? Yeah, he's lucky he had a dad who didn't suck ass. "Well when lunch rolls around, you can have your donuts, okay?" Pico reminded him to reassure him. He didn't wanna see the sad look on the kid's face. He was too bright to be frowning like that. "We could work on that homework together too, if it'll make you feel better." He then offered him. There it is, that bright smile.

Man this kid was just so precious..

_______________

History was mostly uneventful, save for Bee falling asleep in the middle of writing a sentence. He must have crashed from all the excitement. It was so abrupt that his face banged against the desk, and his head shot back up as he let out a yelp. Pico snurked from beside him, and heard some others begin to laugh as well.

Once the class had ended, Pico made sure he and Boyfriend were the first ones out, so they could run and grab the donuts. Thankfully the boxes were still there, untouched. "Come to papa." Pico rubbed his hands together, and lifted the boxes. he hoped all the glaze didn't melt off, it's hot out here.

They made their way back into the school, walking in through the side door to the cafeteria, where all the students waited eagerly for their treats. Darnell, Nene, and Gigi caught up to them when they saw them enter. "Wow, you actually managed to pull it off. I'm impressed." Gigi commented lightly as they set up the boxes on the end of one of the lunch tables. Pico cleared his throat, his cheeks reddening as he put a hand on his chest. "Well, they don't call me Pico "danger" Neil-Griffiths for no reason."

"literally no one calls you that." Nene snorted. Bee held back a laugh, turning his head away, while Darnell just openly cackled. "Whatever, I like my name." Pico scoffed in response, then opened one of the boxes. He was right to be worried. It's a mess in there. "You sure they'll want these?" Nene asked him, doubt in her voice. Pico waved his hand dismissively. "They're idiot kids, they'll take anything with sugar in it." Bee reached for it, but Pico smacked his hand away. "We get the nice donuts. Darnell?" Said boy held up the large plastic bag of almost half a box of donuts. "You sneaky.." Gigi mumbled, sweating nervously. "That's capitalism for you. Now take the best looking ones outta here, and we'll let them have the rest- quit your yappin', you'll get your turn!" Pico glared at some kids that had gathered around the table, and allowed his buddies to grab whatever ones they wanted. He had a mind to sock one of these greedy children in the face.

He often forgets he's a child himself, but he doesn't associate with these gremlins.

Once each of them were satisfied with what they got, the group began to move to leave out of the cafeteria. Pico stayed behind to whistle, signaling to the others to come get their donuts. And like a pack of starving dogs, the children rushed over, once again, save for the goth kids, who glared at Pico knowingly. the ginger only flipped the bird at them, and ran off with the others.

"What are you guys doing for the half day?" He heard Gigi talking to the others. She and Bee were walking pretty closely. Pico stayed back a bit, narrowing his eyes at the little pit in his stomach. He felt nauseous, or something. He didn't know, but he didn't like it. He didn't linger on it for too long though, noticing Bee glance behind him. "Bep!" He slipped between Nene and Darnell, who looked to see where he was going. They cooed when they saw Bee grab Pico's hand, which made the taller flush exponentially. Geez this guy could pull. He must have been an annoying toddler.

"C'mon man, how are we gettin' in?" Darnell then asked as Pico was brought to the front. Pico laughed to hide how flustered he was, then cleared his throat. Literally everyone, except for Bee, weren't buying it. Oh whatever, he didn't need to convince everybody. "Simple, just walk in." Pico walked over and opened the door. "We're on schedule, so the teachers should be on their way in a little bit. Hurry and throw that in there." The others filed inside, looking around and snooping through drawers. "Nice. Sharp scissors." Nene pulled a pair of scissors out of the metal cabinet, and Bee flopped onto the couch, letting out a content, "Beeeeeeep.." Gigi laughed and sat beside him, causing his face to go red.

Pico forced himself to look away, as to not seem weird.

_______________

As everyone wouldn't shut the hell up about, school ended early. Pico was so ready to leave, he even had a couple spare donuts. He stashed them away in his backpack for safe keeping. "Geez P, how do you understand Bee so well so fast?" Darnell had asked them, the group hanging out in the front of the school. "I dunno, it's like.. telepathic." Pico looked to the blue headed boy in question, who was mindlessly tapping away on his phone a a bit away from them. "Bee, you're sitting in the middle of the staircase, someone can trip over you." Pico pulled him closer, just barely missing some kid who wanted to launch himself off the top stair. Dumbass..

"Bop.." Bee mumbled softly, turning his body to face Pico, then continued what he was doing. Gigi and Nene talked with each other some bit away. He didn't care to listen in, they were probably chatting about girl stuff.

"Hey, who the hell rides a limo?" Darnell grumbled in question, and Gigi's head shot up. The horn from said vehicle honked loudly, and some people stared at it. "God, that's so embarrassing.." Gigi covered her face. "That's mine.."

"What?!"

"Beep?!"

The group had shouted simultaneously, and the red head girl giggled. "What are you, rich??" Darnell questioned her, and she made a nervous sound. "I'll explain some other time. See you guys!" She gripped her backpack and ran off, the group watching as the door opened for her, and she hopped in. It left just as quickly as it came. "Huh.." Darnel murmured thoughtfully. "New objective. Find out if Gigi is rich." Pico joked lightly, and Nene scoffed.

"Knock it off. You've done enough today." She went and sat with the three. "Hey Bee, you wanna hang out with us today? We always stop at this playground on the way home." Pico then offered. Bee hummed in thought, but paused when he noticed Pico give him the puppy eyes. He giggled, then held up his phone. "Bee bo bop." He responded. "Is that.. a yes?" Nene questioned. "He'll text his mom." Pico answered for her, standing up from his spot. "Wizard." Darnell mumbled, and followed suit.

Thankfully Bee was able to go. Pico thought he would have to rant to his dad about mean parents.

_______________

Pico wanted to do everything and absolutely nothing all at once.

He sat in his favorite spot near the slide, Bee sitting beside him. "Behp beppo." He muttered nervously, and Pico scoffed. "We steal the playground every day, those kids should know better by now." He huffed. Bee went quiet after a moment, and Pico looked up to him staring at him. His cheeks flushed red. "Uh.. What?" He then asked. The boy only responded quietly with "Hm?" as if he were spacing out. Pico clicked his tongue and looked away again. "Hey, you got your mic, right?" He then asked. Bee popped out of his trance almost immediately, and nodded excitedly. He reached into his back pocket and pulled it out. "Bee-dep?" He then asked the other, and he nodded, a light smile on his face.

Bee seemed ecstatic to sing for him again, and so he did, gaining Nene and Darnell's attention as well over some time. Just like at P.E, they listened to him sing for quite some time. It was calming, Pico would argue he enjoyed it the most.

"You know, you should hang at my place sometime. I got games and stuff." Pico offered, about an hour after Bee's little jam session. "Beep?" He turned to look at him. leaning against the bars of the playground structure. "I mean, I live with Darnell when my dads go off in the army. Oh, you get to meet my dads sometime! They're cool. I'll be completely honest, one of them will tease you for speaking in bee-bops." He then snickered lightly at the thought.

"Baps?" Bee tilted his head, holding up a two with his fingers. "Yeah, technically, I call them both dad. They're real close, but they're not married or in a relationship or anything." Pico then hummed softly. Sure they also sleep in the same bed when they're at home, but that's just because it's more comfortable than bunkers out where they are.

Bee hummed in thought, then nodded. Cool. It's a date.

Yes, he meant to think that.

It's a date.

Pico's mind swirled with thoughts of what he could do when they met up again. He pulled one of the donuts out of his back pack. It was a little mushed, but still good. He ate at it slowly, wanting to savor the taste. He could eat cold donuts, they were fine. He caught Bee staring at him again, then raised a brow. "What? What's up?" He then asked, his voice muffled with food. Bee's cheeks flushed, and he pointed at the donut. "Oh.. I can give you a piece." Pico looked down and tore off a piece of the treat, handing it to Bee, who took it thankfully. He popped the entire piece in his mouth, a happy "mmmmffff" emitting from his throat. Pico laughed a little. "You like donuts, huh?" He teased him, and Bee curled up a bit, still chewing away happily so he could get every little bit.

Pico spent the rest of that afternoon with the three. Darnell and Nene definitely understood Bee a little bit more after today.

Even if it is just a little bit.

#picos school #darnell pico's school #nene pico's school #boyfriend x pico #fnf boyfriend #fnf girlfriend #cassandra pico's school #nene x girlfriend

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