#in my head they be tweedle dee and tweedle dum

[aryomengrande]

🍤 ; but unlike kate sharma who is not allergic to bees, i am, in fact, allergic to shrimps HAHAHAHA

happy birthday, haru ! ⋆˙⟡♡

← | →

[unbaptism]

TAG DROP

[tiyoin]

♡ 🐰 wait, you’re a girl?! ✩ೃ°

synopsis ───◌  where the twst guys find out the ramshackle perfects secret

characters ┈┈◌ jack howl ♡ leona kingscholar ♡ ruggie bucchi

cw ──♡⃝ cursing, leona’s overblot, ruggie basically black mailing reader 😭, questionable bonus,

𝐉𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐇𝐨𝐰𝐥

⊹ ︶︶︶⠀୨ first impression ୧⠀︶︶︶ ⊹ 

You smelt sweet. Yeah, that’s a weird thing to say but it’s true. When you walked past him in the hallways, he noticed this… sweet, almost refreshing scent that softly entered his nose.  

Now he isn’t saying he doesn't like it, but he is saying that it’s odd for a guy to have such a dainty smell, and Jack's a smart guy. So he has 2 possible hypotheses of why you smell like that.  

You're from another world and things might be different there

You're a weirdo and he should avoid you at all costs

So if you see Jack eyeing you, or just tensing up around you, just know you made his radar. 

Whoops🤷🏻

⊹ ︶︶︶⠀୨ how he found out ୧⠀︶︶︶ ⊹ 

He reluctantly became your friend, let's get that clear. After the spell-drive incident, he couldn't seem to shake you, tweedle dee, and tweedle dum off his back. So there you three stayed like leeches. 

It was only when Ace and Deuce got those anemone things on their heads that Jack truly joined your band of misfits. But that's not the point. 

The moment when he found out about your little secret was when you were both hiding under Azul’s desk after trying to get to the contracts. You were squished up against either side of the dark oak deck when Jack couldn’t stop thinking about how unnaturally short you were. I mean, hey he doesn't judge, Heartslabyul’s dorm leader is short and Jack respects him. But he never noticed it until now, with his thigh completely overwhelming yours in both size and mass.

Or maybe he’s never noticed how small your hands are? Must come with the size he guessed. But the one thing that truly bothered him was your face, it was soft and delicate, so much chubbier and fuller than any guy he’s seen… and your smell… it almost reminds him of…

His eyes shot open as the door to Azul’s office opened. 

⊹ ︶︶︶⠀୨ the confrontation ୧⠀︶︶︶ ⊹ 

It’s been weird lately. Besides the fact that Ace and Deuce are busy working slaving away at the Monstro, Jack has also started to act more… like Jack around you. Always hovering, carrying things, and nagging. Nag nag nag nag! ‘Y/n don't do this, y/n don't do that, y/n you'll get hurt, don't go in there it's dangerous!’ He was treating you like a damsel in distress when Ace and Deuce were the real ones. 

Yet here he is babying you while treating them like normal! It’s gotten so bad that those two plus Grim started raising eyebrows whenever Jack did something for you. 

So you decided to do what all smart people do; confront him. 

So you do. 

You pull him from his track practice and bring him under one of the trees that acts as shade for the runners whenever they're about to pass out from heat exhaustion. 

Of course, you were trying to think about the correct way to go about this, because being in a school full of boys, especially teenage boys in mid-puberty, you had to learn to pick your words carefully. 

“Why have you been acting weird lately?”

Great start. 

Jack denies it, claiming this is how he treats all his friends, yet when you peek behind him to his low swinging tail, and back up to his cherry-sprinkled face, you know you’ve caught him in the act. 

You sighed, running a hand through your hair to try and claim even a little of your nerves. “You know, don't you?”

He was silent before he spoke. “I do”

You bit your lip, the two of you unable to keep eye contact any longer due to the embarrassment of the whole situation. There was a pause, yet none of you said something. You both just let the cool autumn breeze cool your nerves before you spoke. Yet Jack beat you to it. 

“I know you're wondering when I found out…” You nodded hesitantly. “Well, I’ve had my suspicions the first time I met you-“

“Was it my height?” You asked, but Jack quickly dismissed your guess which sidetracked him to commemorate Riddle and a kid named Epel. 

“They’re both short but respectable, hard-working guys. So I thought the same about you. Being a magicless human in a school full of aspiring magicians can be hard, especially with no family or friends to back you up. Though I'll admit, at first I pegged you as a fool looking for trouble more than respectable- until the spell-drive tournament that is.” He added on quickly, not wanting to increase the raise in your brow. 

“But I found out when we were in Azul’s office… I never noticed how soft you were. How… squishy you were”

You snorted “Squishy?” You repeated, causing the light flush on his cheeks to worsen. “Hey, this is embarrassing enough as it is! Just- let me finish talking alright!” He growled. Though that didn’t scare you as you kept silently laughing at his unusual choice of wording. 

“Only then did it click for me that you were a girl.”

You nodded thoughtfully, looking up at the half-naked tree, a leaf fell and fluttered to the ground, before another leaf followed, and another, and another. 

Yet kept your eyes on the tree, on the leaves as you kept thinking about everything he just told you. 

“I’ll keep your secret you would like me to, and I apologize for how I’ve been treating you…”

Your eyes were still on the tree “But?”

“But.” He completed staring at you despite the far-away look you had. “I won't change how I’ve been treating you these past couple of weeks.”

Your eyes waivered to his as a cautious tone of curiosity laced your tone. “And why is that?”

“Because” He breathed in, searching for the right words to say, searching for the proper way to say the undeniable fact in a way that won't drive you away, or make you laugh. 

“You’re not from here, you have no family or background, no nothing. You're not a beastman, let alone have magic. So there’s no way for you to protect yourself in an all-boys school. It isn't safe for you. If I know you're a girl the others will figure it out too, and where will that leave you? What will happen if the wrong people; Azul, find out? If we weren't friends” He made a face while saying it, like the word was foreign to him “I wouldn’t be doing this. But you are, so you can't stop me.”

“Jack for crying out loud! I’ve dealt with two house warden’s overblots! I can handle a few horny guys!”

He sighed, and his ears twitched. “You can’t change my mind.” That was all he said before he walked away. 

Achievement unlocked! You just gained a wolf bodyguard!

⊹ ︶︶︶⠀୨ what happened after? ୧⠀︶︶︶ ⊹ 

You’ve gained a shadow is what happens next. Jack is practically all over you to the point where Grim and the Aduece combo felt a wee bit threatened. Claiming that he better not be trying to steal you away. But it’s fine, you’re actually kind of grateful (though you’d never admit it out loud)

People aren’t giving you scrutinizing looks or curious gazes anymore, instead, they're trying to avoid your gaze in fear of the brooding cc 6-foot buff freshman that follows you. 

He has calmed down a bit, having someone consider your opinion was nice for a change. You carry your own stuff and take care of your own problems, unless it’s on a top shelf he can easily reach. 

Sometimes you both brainstorm ways to mask your scent so you don't attract any eyes and noses. And the solution was scent blockers, usually reserved for female beastmen's heat. You were deemed the acceptance  (Those things are like fucking horse tranquilizers)

                         

𝐋𝐞𝐨𝐧𝐚 𝐊𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐚𝐫 

⊹ ︶︶︶⠀୨ first impression ୧⠀︶︶︶ ⊹ 

Who? All he knew was that you were probably gonna mess up his peaceful school life. If being from another world didn't make that evident, then you and your pussycat almost burning down the joint did. 

He was already getting a headache from all the new scents and loud chatter, so he just wanted to go back to his dorm where his Egypt cotton-laced mistress was waiting. 

⊹ ︶︶︶⠀୨ how he found out  ୧⠀︶︶︶ ⊹ 

He would make it seem like he found out all on his own, but in reality, he overheard you say it yourself. Well, not outright yourself, but it was in an awkward- oh sevens that doesn't even cover the severity of how embarrassing the conversation was. 

Jack’s mom somehow found out about your little secret (looks at Jack) 

note, he slipped up when going on break, how might you ask? He forgot to shower and wash his clothes so when his mom confronted him about the new smell 👀 all he could do was curse silently under his breath.

yes there are scent blockers but c'mon, how effective can those things be all the time  

Anyways! His mother created a feminine hygiene care package for you! Packed full of feminine hygienic products, deodorants, and razors, albeit a bit cheap but you couldn't complain. 

Back to Leona, Ruggie had begged (bribed) him to at least do some of his house warden duties, like for example; making sure everyone got back safely from break, and that they were situated in their dorms. And after a hard day's work, he was on his way back to his dorm for some shut-eye when he heard a high-pitched squeal, one that made his ears twitch angrily.

Jack. 

He had already checked in with the freshman and assumed he just had a girlish scream despite his masculine appearance. 

“Oh my god Jack I love you so much!”

Leona’s head snapped towards the freshman’s door because what the fuck was that??

Girls weren’t allowed on campus, let alone in dorm rooms. 

Leona groaned, a gloved hand sliding down his face as he groaned again, deeper. Great. More work for him. It was too much work to get Crowley involved so he’ll just warn Jack, sternly. 

He did have to give kudos to the young freshman, because the last time someone tried bringing their girlfriend in, they were caught at the magic mirror and given detention. Of course, Jack could be given the same treatment, but he was feeling oddly generous… He stopped thinking as a slimy feeling crept up his back. 

As previously stated, Leona has amazing hearing, if not the best hearing in the school- and he takes pride in that, he really, truly does. 

Another thing Leona took pride in; he was hard to surprise. His aloof personality cracks for no one. Sure, there may be a quick eye raise, or maybe even a slight pause if he's talking. Other than that, nothing. Zip, zilch, nada, nothing. 

So when Leona was surprised to the point where he whipped his head back towards the freshman’s door again, he was glad no one was there. Especially Ruggie.  

“Y/N please be a little quieter, someone could be outside!”

All else was unimportant as Leona stood outside the door, frozen, hand just about to land on the door before it fell limply to his side. 

There was a few seconds' pause before he backed away and slowly slinked back to his room to process what he just found out. 

(He was conflicted because a girl helped stop 3 overblots. 

But then again, Faerina’s wife could get him out of his room…)

⊹ ︶︶︶⠀୨ the confrontation ⠀︶︶︶ ⊹ 

You were in the botanical gardens helping Crewel pick rare plants for next class. It was a nice arrangement if you do say so yourself; help Crewel prepare for class, grade papers and get alone time to study for your worst subject. 

So the chance to explore the gardens after staying in stuffy classrooms all day was a Hail Mary for you. 

Until you stepped on a snake. 

Shrieking like a banshee, you heard the snake protest as it darted into the bush. Scrambling a few feet away, you kept your eyes locked onto the bush, waiting for the snake to fly out and exact its revenge. 

That would have been the better scenario anyways. Instead, you were met with a towering lion beastman, tail in hand and his ears in flight mode. 

Shit. It was Jack’s house warden. Leona. 

After hearing horror stories, you knew no matter how low you bowed or how profusely you apologized, you were royally screwed. 

“Oi, I’d watch where you're going if I were you” He stepped closer. “Cause you don't know what someone could do to a herbivore like you” He stepped closer as you took a step backward. 

“So small and soft… not an ounce of muscle on ya. Makes one think if you're even a guy at all” He forced you to look up like he was challenging you not to. 

“I’m not a girl!” your eyes widened in horror as his smirk deepened. 

Uh oh. Voice crack. 

Yeah puberty, and all, but you were well past the age of voice cracks. 

“You should really keep your voice down” he whispered, leaning in on you. His breath rustled your hair which tickled your ear sending a sharp shiver up your spine and to your brain, sending it into a red alert. It was a whole chain reaction just from his breath. You haven't felt this pathetic in a while. 

“As you never know who could be listening”

And with that, he walked away. 

⊹ ︶︶︶⠀୨ what happened after? ୧⠀︶︶︶ ⊹ 

Nothing. Literally nothing. 

You were skittish around him, anxious about the thought of him spilling your secret to the whole school. But little did you know, Leona did not care. Not in the slightest. At most, he's probably impressed. 

I mean with 3 overblots under your belt, you were fine. So there’s no need for him to keep an eye out on you. Nope, none at all. 

It’s all the same, as you and Leona barely interacted before so why would that change now? You already got a bodyguard, and who was he to impose his morals on you? 

…yet that doesn't stop his sharp gaze from following you whenever you crossed paths. 

Where he was from, girls were fierce, dominant, and controlling, a perfect example of that was his sister-in-law. And of course, he knew not every girl was like that, as not everywhere has the same traditions as the sunset savanna. But you were a magicless girl in an all-boys school. And that didn't sit right with him. (No matter how much he tried to ignore it)

He’s basically your convenient savior, popping up if Jack isn't around and claiming he was napping there and you were disturbing him. 

Don’t be surprised when there's an unmarked package on your steps filled with a few months supply of premium scent blockers. And don't bother confronting Leona cause he’ll deny it. 

𝐑𝐮𝐠𝐠𝐢𝐞 𝐁𝐮𝐜𝐜𝐡𝐢

⊹ ︶︶︶⠀୨ first impression ୧⠀︶︶︶ ⊹ 

Yawn, just another extra. 

He met you during the spell drive arc when you stopped him from pushing Trey down the stairs. You smelt nice, was all he remembered before scampering away. But as nice as you smelt you made him nervous and he couldn’t understand why. 

I mean, he injured heartsbyul's vice house warden, he’s stolen from men thrice his size, and he’s friends with Leona for crying out loud! All of this would make one think he had balls of steel and answered to no one.

Except for Leona.... and his grandma of course… Well I mean, sometimes his sisters too but that's it! Really!

Women in the Savannah scare the shit out of him, all strong, dominant and all that junk made him shiver.

Ruggie is observant. So the fact that you could inflict the same kind of caution women give him... Strange. He’ll have to keep an eye on you. 

⊹ ︶︶︶⠀୨ how he found out ୧⠀︶︶︶ ⊹

Hehehhehehehehhe

Unfortunately for Ruggie, he's going to be a victim to a trope, sorry not sorry.  During Leona’s overblot your legs were shackled in the sand, unable to move, and unable to flee from the stalking lion. 

It was just the 3 of you, the rest of your friends outside the swirling sand tornado, standing there helplessly. 

Foolish herbivore was all Ruggie could think as you clawed up your ankles, feverishly looking between the house warden and your trapped feet. 

Your eyes were wide with fear. 

Oh. 

An epiphany. 

You reminded him of him, that's why he felt uncomfortable with you. You reminded him of a younger, scrawnier self. One that did anything and everything to survive, one that had to conserve food and the little money he had so he could've able to live. One that had nobody but his grandma and a few siblings.

Just a boy from the slums living off of stolen leftovers. Covered in rags, dirt, and bruises. A boy who hoped, dreamed, and prayed for a way out. 

A boy whom you shared those same hopeless shimmering eyes with.  

Fuck.

Ruggie didn’t know what he should do. Well, he lied, he did but he didn't know if he should do it. But as Leona hit the 10-meter mark Ruggie made a break for it 

His legs carried him as fast as the sand would let him, and endless curses spilled from his lips as he saw Leona’s head turn in his direction. Shouting something, he threw a scalding hot gust of sand his way. Gritting his teeth as the searing grains of sand were pelted at him He kept repeating to himself: It was better than someone dying. 

He didn't know why he chose to voluntarily go back into the jaws of death; he barely escaped thanks to Riddle.

Maybe it was those damned eyes of yours. 

Tackling you onto the sand dome, you both just missed death's door as you both grunted at the sagging impact. 

As much as you're both grateful for skating by the sandstorm, that couldn't bring attention away from the uh… obvious cushion. 

“ Y-you're a girl!?”

“Not the time Ruggie!”

⊹ ︶︶︶⠀୨ the confrontation ୧⠀︶︶︶ ⊹ 

Basically a cat and mouse game. You spot Ruggie in the cafeteria, and Ruggie creates a clever way to lose you, may it be a crowd of people, laugh with me, or a ‘happy little accident’. He wants nothing to do with you so if you would just leave him alone that’d be great. 

But of course you keep persisting, and eventually you catch up with him and corner him in the hallway. 

“Why are you avoiding me?”

“Good morning to you, too perfect. If you would excuse me, I have to get Leona's homework from Trein, then do my own. So I really don't have a lot of time-“

“Then I’ll join you “ You smiled, grabbing his jacket sleeve before walking towards Trein’s room. It was foolish of you to assume it would be that easy, he’s a sneaky hyena after all. 

Retracting his arms from his jacket, he expertly shimmied out of it like an octopus from a jar. He smiled as you turned around glaring at him, his jacket dangling from your clenched fist. 

“Sorry, perfect, but I’d rather not have this talk” He shrugged before walking away. He was free, the sunlight spilled through the dirtied glass windows and onto the walkway of the hallway, highlighting his path to freedom. 

“Not so fast Ruggie Bucchi! You get back here!” 

And just like that the gates to heaven closed and he was dragged back down to earth. “Shit” He whispered, already starting into a sprint as he heard you thundering footsteps behind him. He felt like Jack from Jack and the Beanstalk, only he was Jack running away from the giant (you) who's ready to eat him alive for stealing his golden goose. (Over exaggeration, you just wanted to talk)

With lingering people in the hallways, he was able to disappear a few times, or purposely put them in your way. Yet each and every time you found him. No matter how hard he tried to lose you, you caught up. What was this a horror movie?

Finally, the hallway ended and he was trapped with no escape. You were stalking towards him, like a predator who had just found its prey. 

“Ruggie I just want to talk” You put your hands up in surrender. “That’s it. I want to talk about what happened during Leona’s over blot”

Ruggie wanted to smack himself. God was he stupid. Not even once had he considered using ‘laugh with me on you’. Why? He wasnt sure himself. There were a few theories that popped through his head, but he had no time to entertain them as you were less than 2 meters away. 

“Oh, real mature ruggie”

He let out the breath he was holding, the clatter of the lockers was heard as he straightened himself up. Rubbing the ‘dust’ from his knees he just looked at you. As he started to make his way towards you. 

You couldn't read him. Did he have a face of relief, conflict, worry? You weren't sure. But when he passed you in your frozen state, all he said was:

“You really think I’d tell people? Really think that low of me huh” It was rhetorical.

By the time he was far away into the hallway, you were unfrozen. Stumbling a bit as you turned to him still walking. “Though my silence comes with a price!”

Ugh great. At this point you’d rather have him tell people

⊹ ︶︶︶⠀୨ what happens next? ୧⠀︶︶︶ ⊹ 

I wanna say he’d tease you but I mean… woman…  No, he isn’t afraid of you! He knows you’re not going to be as rough or intense as the ladies back home, as you’re no beast-man, especially not a hyena beastman. 

So there’s going to be a bit of distance between you 2. I mean, there already was to begin with, cause he never met you or talked to you before the spell drive tournament situation.

But after that, he’ll probably mess with you a bit. Not a lot like how he would with others, but a good enough amount to where you interact weekly. Like he’ll cut you in line with a cheeky smile, or he’ll pluck a particular sandwich out of your hand and hide among the masses as you (grim) yell out curses. 

He will use your situation against you ngl. He would shamelessly dangle it over your face in exchange for something, mainly food. 

But I know he wouldn't do anything too callous or too mean.

Though he does keep the promise of ‘silence coming with a price’ and usually that price is an extra pair of hands or food. So now you've got 3 mouths to feed. Great. 

𝑩𝒐𝒏𝒖𝒔! I originally wrote this for Jack but I thought it was too ooc. Then I thought about Leona but then realized he would only do this in fanon.

Your back was slammed against a tree, Jack hovering over you as you struggled in his grip. His hand encased both of yours while his other gripped your hip, keeping you flat against the tree. His leg was bent awkwardly, pinning you against the tree at an angle that should make him fall, but he didn't. No matter how hard you tried, the leg that kept him braced didn’t budge. Not even an inch. 

“Try to escape” Was all he said through your struggling and wiggling. Yet no matter how hard you tried pushing, shoving, kicking, or flailing away from him- nothing worked. You were stuck. Never once did he stop looking at you; through you as you grew more and more desperate to prove yourself. 

But he was a wolf beastman, and you were a teenage girl. 

And soon, as expected, your struggling slowly stopped, eyes downcast as you laid there, still, in his arms before he set you down. 

Your hands rushed up over your chest as you struggled to understand the situation, to understand why he did that. 

“I’m only a freshman” he spoke quietly “I don’t even have control of my magic yet, just think about what other guys would do if they found out. So please” You looked up at him, lashes heavy with locked in tears. His face was soft, gentle even which only confused your heart more.

[endomentendo]

Wonderland tadc designs ramble maybe? :³ (ofc, it's okay if you don't want to)

don’t mind if I do 😈

Zooble’s design was a little tricky when I tried drawing her first hand. Before I was trying to see how she would work as a caterpillar, and I wanted to avoid making her look too much like one and to close to her original design. It wasn’t until I remembered the Frankenstein-toys from Toy Story and used their mismatched designs for inspiration. The Barbie doll arm is the biggest hint.

Before gangle played the role as tweedle Dee and tweedle dum. But later changed after sun and moon filled the role. The design actually worked out very well when I thought how I can clearly tie the ribbons. The wings for the gryphon is no brainer, but I'm more proud of myself on giving the mock-turtle a bun-like ribbon. The mask for the mock-turtle is actually based on Japanese dragon heads.

Moon and sun filled the role perfectly and both played off each-other well comedically. But their first designs aren’t my favorite because of their torso half. They originally were gonna have those spin top toys for dresses, making them looking goofy. But it became difficult to draw multiple times, so I decided to drop it and redesign. It wasn’t until after looking for refs, I found a little Victorian lad in a sailor uniform. It was cute and it made me think that these two would be placed near the shore or docks telling nonsensical rhymes and stories.

I’ll explain more later on once the master post is complete, so stay tuned too.

[techs-goggles9902]

Soft!Crosshair and fem!reader please

Maybe with something about his hand tremors?

Why did you wait for me? - Soft!Cross x fem!reader

REQUESTS OPEN FOR ALL LISTED FANDOMS. READ TERMS BEFORE REQUESTING ON MY MASTERLIST

Word count: 767

Warnings: none? Lmk if I missed something

A/N: Hey, I really wanna know who these anons are or if they’re the same person so I can thank you for these requests!!!! Sorry if this feels rushed or anything. I will happily rewrite it next week if requested. I’ve been sick since Sunday and I feel like trash :P

Ever since he came back, he’s been… off. His calloused fingers, his eyes, his voice, all once so familiar, now somewhat foreign.

But he’s your Crosshair, he always comes around. You’re his girl. This is no different. Right? And, he always comes back. It’s only been a few hours since the Marauder landed on Padu’s upper level, your home, at the crack of dawn. You were roused by that familiar chime on your comlink.

What the hell, Hunter, you thought when you woke. Couldn’t he wait a few more hours until your alarm went off?

He couldn’t, which you now know.

You met the batch while they were on leave a few years back, fell in love with that tall, lanky sniper of theirs. Once Order 66 happened, Hunter advised you to come with them since Crosshair wasn’t the man you met anymore.

You found Pabu, where you settled down while the boys didn’t. Could you blame them, though?

“Stop staring at me like that, Cross,” you say as you cook him breakfast in your warm kitchen, feeling his gaze dig holes in the back of your head as he sits at the island.

“I’m sorry… I just can’t…” he pauses, swallowing. “I can’t believe you actually waited for me.”

“How could I not? You’re you. No matter what Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum say,” You turn, about to scrape the eggs onto his plate when you see his watery eyes. Those dark irises that usually pierce into people’s souls now desperately gaze into your own.

“I… I did a lot of bad things. Why do you still love me?” He whispers as you slowly put down the pan of eggs. You step around the island to embrace the sniper, his face buried into your sternum.

“Shhh… You didn’t have a choice, back at Tantiss.” His shaky hands lock around the fabric of your shirt. He doesn’t make any sound, just lets the tears stream down his narrow face, catching on his stubble.

“That doesn’t answer my question, love.”

You sigh, cupping his tear stained face in your soft palms. “I loved you during the war, loved you when you left on missions, I loved you when you joined the Empire. This is no different. You’re mine, I’m yours.”

His eyes widen ever so slightly as he gazes up at you, for once.

“How ‘bout we get some food, real food, in you and then we’ll talk?” You softly ask, pressing a gentle kiss to his forehead.

“Yeah… Yeah, okay.” He nods and you let him go to slide the eggs onto his plate. Watching him eat, you see the muscles working in his jaw as he chews, his temporalis bulging with each bite.

You haven’t seen him since… Kamino. You begged, pleaded for him to join the batch. You remember how he declined and begged for you to join the Empire, they’ll understand, he said.

He finishes eating and you scoop up his plate, turning away to put it in the sink. When you turn around, he’s gone off to your bedroom. You follow, thinking, I bet he hasn’t slept in a while. I mean, really slept.

He stops in the doorway of your room, turning back to you. He quietly asks, “Can I…”

“You don’t need to ask me for anything. What’s mine is yours.”

You sit against your headboard, his head in your lap. Before, you used to card your hands through his silver curls. Now… You make due with caressing his growing follicles, careful of his lumpy, dented scar.

His hands tremble as they lie against your knee. You tap his fingertip.

“Are you scared?” You ask.

“What? No, why?”

“Your hands.”

“Oh… It just came one day.”

“Tell me… What happened?��� You tenderly take his shaking hand in your own and you run your fingers over his too-short nails. Hemlock must’ve had them cut so he wouldn’t claw someone’s eyes out.

Poor Cross… Hemlock’s dying for this.

“You remember the shadows?”

“Mmhmm. The clone assassins.”

“He… Hemlock tried to recondition me into one… I was tested…” He doesn’t have to finish his explanation.

You’re quiet for a beat before you say, “I’m sorry, Cross…”

“Don’t be. You couldn’t do anything.”

“You know, a friend of mine has tremors, too. We can try exercises to… help cope, if you’d like,” you say, pressing your thumb pad down onto his knuckles for a gentle massage.

“I’ll give it a shot, love,” Crosshair says, rolling onto his back to look up at you.

“I love you, Crosshair.”

“I love you too, riduur. You’re my girl.”

Riduur = spouse in Mando’a

Taglist: @will-is-silly @fionajames @sevdidntdie @dangraccoon @skellymom @hellhound5925 LMK IF YOU WANT TO BE ADDED OR TAKEN OFF TAGLIST

Dividers by @ saradika

[theorphicangel]

𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫. | 𝐋𝐞𝐯𝐢 𝐱 (𝐟𝐞𝐦!) 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫 | 𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 |

[ “𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝘄𝗲 𝗮𝗹𝘄𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝗯𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗰𝗹𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿?” ]

𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐬: 𝐫𝐨𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬, 𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬, 𝐝𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐜 𝐟𝐥𝐮𝐟𝐟, 𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐬𝐭, 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐬𝐦𝐮𝐭, 𝐦𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠

synopsis: You're pretty good at sticking to rules. Always have been. And for the past three years you would think that you've been good enough to stick to the rules of being a roommate.

Rule number one: Don’t fall in love. Under any circumstances.

Rule number two: Follow to rule number one.

Easy enough to follow.

Right?

series | previous chapter | next chapter

Chapter 4: April.

cw: suggestive themes, 18+

“Levi! Come look at this rock!”

Levi comes to a stop. He’s only a little ahead of you and yet you can already imagine the frown on his face before he turns.

“Why? So you can throw it at me? That’s attempted murder.” He deadpans.

You snorted aloud, watching him stroll over to you with his hands in his pockets.

“Hey, don’t start giving me ideas, not when we’re getting along so well. I might just use it against you, and it’s not attempted if I succeed.”

“Too bad we’re in the open. Save it for later.” Levi turns to make his way back to the path but he stops again. “Who said that we were getting along well?”

“Well, you stopped calling me an idiot for one. That really annoyed me at one point.”

Levi snorts. “I’d like to see you try and pick that shit up anyways… idiot.”

“Hange’ll help me.” You say, purposely ignoring his insult.. At your comment Levi merely rolled his eyes as, unfortunately, you had a point.

If anything Hange would agree to any stupid thing you’d say. Together you were like tweedle-dee and tweedle-dum…only twice as worse. If Levi could prevent one moment from happening, it would have been the moment that the two of you met. If he’d known that you and Hange would live up to the expectations of making Levi’s life a pure hell, he wouldn't have taken you over to Hange’s house that day.

You laugh out loud suddenly, as if you had read Levi’s personal thoughts. “Don’t tell me you actually think we’ll carry this out.”

“Wouldn’t beat it past you.” Levi spoke, turning around and heading back to the path. You follow him diligently, wanting to keep up with him.

You quickly join his side abruptly bumping into his side. With this action you smoothly link arms with him. For a second you feel his body go stiff, freezing up in surprise but shockingly he doesn’t seem to protest by it.

You lean into him slightly as you tease. “Don’t worry, I don’t plan on murdering my favorite roommate just yet.”

Now it’s his turn to laugh as you both walk down the path together, taking a slow pace.

“Okay one: I’ve been your only roommate… two: ‘just yet’?... I may as well take your guilty ass down to the police station myself.”

You shrug casually, ignoring his last threat. “One: Not many people have had the ability to earn the title of favorite roommate, so be grateful you jackass… and two: sure, I’ll give you credit for being the first but what about when I move out?”

Levi frowns almost immediately, a horrible taste in his mouth at the slight proposal of your last point. Levi feels his stomach suddenly drop and he tries to keep a light hearted tone in his voice as he questions you further. “What’d you mean when you move out?”

“After I murder you, I’ll need to find a new roommate of course, I can’t pay rent by myself.”

Levi rolls his eyes again but this time his shoulders seem to drop with a sort of internal relief. Levi hopes you won’t bring that up again, not even as a joke. He’s not looking forward to that conversation. Not for a long time anyways.

“So you’ll go off and find a new victim?”

“Something like that, although I don’t think anyone else will be as annoying as you.”

“I’ll take that as a compliment.” Levi scoffs in reply.“And where exactly are you planning to hide my body?”

“Not sure.” You murmur softly. “Wanna help me with ideas?”

“Fuck no.”

You pull a frown. “I want to find a comfortable spot for you.”

“Comfortable? I’m dead.”

“Whatever, I still want to keep your soul in peace y’know?”

“You are absolutely fucking ridiculous.” Levi mutters. “I should’ve recorded this so that I can prove to the whole world how fucking crazy you are.”

“They would never believe you.” You taunt. “Plus it was you who made the suggestion in the first place, doofus.”

“Are you sure about that?” Levi asks, tilting his head to look over at you. You notice his dark locks falling gently beneath his brow.

“Positive.”

Letting out a giggle and him a withdrawn scoff you continue to stroll down the path, arms still linked with his.

The local park was pretty quiet, give or take for a few lonesome people. You put this to the responsibility of the gloom of rain clouds approaching your overhead. You and Levi both randomly agreed to go out for a walk to clear your minds from rotting in the apartment all day. But it was suggested to you in particular.

Over the past few days Levi had noticed how you had been cooped up in your room all day, waiting for a text back from… him.

Earlier, Levi had thought for a second that you were alluding to about moving out to go live with Daniel. It was simply a joke. You didn’t even explicitly mention Daniel at all but it didn’t take long for Levi to quickly jump to conclusions.

Although you’d played it off as a lighthearted joke Levi would be lying if he said that he wasn’t worried about it turning to reality one day.

But who is he kidding? You’re only roommates. Friends even. Not…lovers. He has no right to get upset about what you choose to do in the future.

It’d be wrong to think of you as his. Completely wrong. And it’d be wrong to think of the ways you’d touch him. Particularly, late at night when he can’t sleep he’s conjuring up the ways that you would please him. It’s certainly wrong to think of you with his fist wrapped around his cock, imagining that it was yours.

How would you react?

Would you be gentle with him?

How would you sound when he touches you?

How would you sound when he enters you for the first time? When he fills you up? How would he feel when you're clenched around him? And what would the look on your face be when you–

Fuck, fuck, fuck, he shouldn’t be thinking that. Not when you’re right next to him.

“Are you alright?” You ask, noticing Levi’s silence. You felt his body suddenly stiffen.

“Yeah, yeah.” He plays off, trying to fixate his mind on anything, anything at all. Anything but you. In order to succeed in this, he thinks of the worst thing possible. And it seems to do the trick on getting his past thoughts to evaporate.

“Have you heard back from–”

He doesn’t even need to finish the sentence to get you to understand what he’s trying to say. Levi can barely say his name, mentally cursing himself for bringing him up. This walk was supposed to be an attempt to get your mind off him.

Lately, Levi’s noticed how you linger around your phone. Constantly refreshing your screen in the hope of receiving an immediate notification.

You shake your head beside him. Levi notices your facial expression drop at the topic of conversation and a sea of regret floods his entire body.

“No but…” you pause, taking a moment to search for some words. “I’m sure there’s a reasonable explanation.”

“It wouldn’t be reasonable enough.” Levi mutters under his breath, and he succeeds in getting a small smirk from you. The two of you continue to walk at a slow pace down the path, a comfortable silence emerging.

“I know you hate him.”

“What made that obvious?”

You chuckle at the sound of Levi’s sarcastic tone. “From the moment he came into the apartment and forgot to take his shoes off I knew that he would never be able to live up to your expectations ever again.”

Levi huffed, as if the remembrance of that occasion physically pained him.

“But I’m sure he’s learned his lesson by now. You probably scared him off with all your glaring.”

“I was not glaring.”

“Oh yeah? And the sky is purple.”

“I didn’t say a word to him.”

“You didn’t have to.” you remarked. “It was obvious by your face that you didn’t like him.”

“That’s not my problem.”

“Try and tone it down next time.” you sigh. “I really do want to make it work with him y’know?”

“I know.” Levi says, a random feeling of dejection in his heart and it takes all of him not to add to the end of that sentence ‘but you deserve so much better.’

A crease appears between his brows at your words of a ‘next time.’

Levi hopes there won’t be a next time. Deep down he hopes that there won’t be another time of Daniel coming over invading Levi’s personal space with his shitty jokes and pathetic conversation. He hopes there won’t be a next time of witnessing how Daniel eagerly tries to show off constantly to try and win your heart, blissfully unaware that you deeply dislike it.

He hopes there won’t be a next time when Daniel comes to stay over for the night and Levi is left to hear your muffled moans through the walls. It’s a violent reminder that he’s not getting the privilege of knowing you intimately. He hopes there isn’t a next time where he has to watch Daniel sneak out through the front door, not bothering to wait until you wake with claims of work at his excuse.

Levi truly hopes that there won’t be a time where he watches your innocent heart get played with.

“Ducks.” you say randomly, causing Levi to emerge from his thoughts.

“What?”

You’ve both now reached the lake that stretches wide and far, creating an oval shape in the center of the park. Over to the right there’s a bridge that leads to the other side of the park.

“Ducks.” You repeat, now delving your hands in your pockets to look for your phone. “Lemme take a picture.”

“Swans.” Levi points out impassively.

“And ducks. Same thing.”

“Hardly.”

You ignore his last comment as your thumb clicks the white circle, taking multiple photos of the scenery despite the gray sky and all.

“Take one with me in it.” You turn towards him, holding out your phone to him. For a few seconds he merely stares at your phone in silent protest. You tilt your head in pure persuasion. “Pretty please?”

He rolls his eyes, unable to resist your somewhat adorable charm.

“Whatever.” He mumbles taking your phone as you walk ahead of him ready to pose. Levi sighed before tilting your phone landscape to get a full view of the lake and the swans behind you.

“Smile.” he deadpanned before focusing on taking the photo.

A cheesy grin spread across your face, your hands gesturing towards the swans and ducks. Levi couldn’t help but shake his head at the way you posed bashfully.

“Are you finished?” he mutters, after you start changing poses numerous times. “I think your storage is full.”

Your face drops. “Wait really?” And in a blink of an eye you’re by his side with a concerned look on your face as you glance at your phone screen. “Wait where?”

It then dawns on you that he just wanted you to stop.

“Fuck you.”

“It was for your own reputation. Murderers can’t be seen making goofy poses in the local park.”

“They were not goofy–”

Your argument soon gets interrupted by a stranger approaching and you could tell someone was coming based on the way Levi’s eyes squinted behind you and how his teasing expression began to disappear.

You turned to see an elderly woman, who you assume to be out on possibly on her daily walk.

“Excuse me, but I couldn’t help but admire the two of you and I was wondering if you would like me to take a picture of you and your boyfriend?”

The question makes you double take immediately. Your cheeks grow warm and you stutter for an answer as you and Levi both go silent.

“Oh, no he’s not my–” you begin before you’re interrupted by Levi.

“Sure.”

Levi hands her the phone, your phone, and the two of you both shuffle backwards,

At first you’re unsure of how to pose but quickly relax and wrap an arm around Levi’s waist. Once again, you can feel how his body stiffens yet he ends up positioning his arms around your shoulders.

“Thank you!” you say, taking back the phone after she had taken a few pictures.

“The two of you remind me of my late husband and I. We met when we were quite young and we’d come to this park almost every day together.” As she comes to a pause, she bows her head making your heart ache for her as she remembers her gone soulmate.

“Keep each other close and don’t take each other for granted.” The older woman murmurs her advice. “You two are a beautiful couple. Please cherish every moment you spend together and don’t regret it.”

“Oh uh– thank you.” You nod, the idea of breaking the truth now a thought that you had pushed away.

You nudged Levi discreetly, who was listening silently with a blank expression, to say his gratitude. You wave at the woman who shuffles away, heading over to the bridge.

For a moment, there was a silence between you and Levi. Neither of you are sure how to carry on from that experience.

You take the opportunity to go first. “Why would you say that?”

Levi shrugs, “It’d be more embarrassing for us if we had to explain ourselves. It’s not like it’s the first time people have assumed, so I just thought to let it–be.”

You nod slowly, coming to realize that he’s right.

It was an honest and harmless mistake and that lady was not the first to think that you and Levi were more than just roommates or friends. It has gotten pretty exhaustive and repetitive to state your friendship so now, you don’t really care about the assumptions that people make about the two of you and by the looks of it…neither does he.

A small smile reaches your lips before carrying on with your stoll and in silence the two of you admire the lake which stretches to the other half of the park. On approaching the bridge, dark clouds of rain seem to be heading your way and this is the moment where you internally curse yourself for not bringing an umbrella.

“Maybe…we should start heading back to the car.” You suggest, anxious of the heavy shade of gray that looms over you.

“I second that.” Levi murmurs, beside you. “Let’s head back.”

Making a U-turn, the two of you decide to leave the opportunity to explore the other side of the park for another day as your weather app informs of heavy rain to begin in the next ten minutes which will continue for the rest of the afternoon.

You’re a little deflated, disappointed that your day had to come to a short end. Making your way back to the car, you and Levi briskly walk in an attempt to make it back to the apartment with your bodies as dry as possible but once you felt a large raindrop fall onto your skin, you knew that the raingods had come to curse you.

“Fuck’s sake.” you mutter underneath your breath, eyes watching the once dry pavement beneath your feet soon become patterned with raindrops. In a rush, Levi grabs your hand fiercely, taking you by surprise as he continues his pace despite the rain beginning to unleash its worst.

For a second he was optimistic. Thinking that perhaps this would be a slow start before the real downpour was set but his thinking has failed him as the light raindrops turn heavy and every inch of his body seems to become an antonym to the word dry.

You pull at his hand which causes him to abruptly halt for a moment to turn and look at you.

And by god were you a sight for sore eyes.

Your face is dripping with rain, clothes dark with precipitation and your waterproof mascara suddenly not living up to its name. It’s more than obvious that you needed to get somewhere dry. You both are in need of it.

Levi looks around, scanning for a place where the two of you can find shelter, the number of people in the park now becoming scarce. Unfortunately, there’s no buildings nearby but Levi spots a large oak tree whose branches seem to provide a decent enough roof for the two of you.

His hand, albeit wet, is still tightly wrapped around yours, guiding you to the tree as you try to blink away the on coming raindrops from your eyes. It doesn’t take long for the two of you to reach your safe haven whilst the rain is still smacking against the concrete.

Contrastingly, the ground is soft underneath your feet and you can feel yourself slightly sink a little into the ground with each step. Levi, of course, makes his complaints known by cursing as loudly as he can over the rushing sound of rainfall.

“Shit, I didn’t know this would be muddy. Maybe we should go somewhere else?” His eyes were already searching for a new location, a location with shelter and of appropriate ground.

You shake your head, raindrops falling from your head. “It’s fine, I don’t want to go back out there again.”

Although the leaves of the oak tree aren’t completely dense, you’re still glad that the amount of raindrops that are now falling on you has now slowed to a much relaxed pace.

You sniffle a little, wiping off the raindrops from your face, trying as much as you can to dry yourself up but you don’t seem to get much luck from your otherwise soaked sleeves.

“You alright?” Levi asks. And now you can hear his voice a little better as the volume of the rain has quietened down.

You nod wordlessly, straining your clothes from any damp, watching as water is squeezed out of your materials. You curse aloud, only now realizing the extent of being in the rain without the umbrella. You’ll just have to manifest to the universe tonight that you won’t catch a cold but you can’t completely disregard that consequence.

“Take this.” Levi mutters before taking off his black jacket. “I mean it’s pretty soaked, but you should stay warm. You don’t want to be catching a cold.”

You smirk a little at his offer. “I’m pretty sure it’s set in stone by now, don’t worry. You should keep it on, you might catch a cold.”

“Says the one whose immune system is weaker than an egg shell.”

You roll your eyes. “Alright jerk, just ‘cause you only get sick approximately every 5 years.”

You expected a laugh from him, maybe even an insult but instead you watch the frown on his face grow deeper, him still gesturing for you to take his jacket. “You’re shivering. Take it.” His tone is a little more forceful and before you could even respond, you found comforting material wrapped around your shoulders.

It's only now that you're aware of the sudden close proximity between the two of you. His features are somehow more prominent in the rain. The front locks of his jet black hair have raindrops dripping down onto his face, dripping from his nose and sliding down his cheeks to meet his sharp jawline.

Somehow the rain just makes him look even more…attractive.

“Levi, I’m fine I swear.” You grumble, trying to distract your mind as the warmth from his body transitions to yours. Your retaliations are continuously ignored, leaving you no choice but to accept the gesture gratefully.

“Thanks.”

Levi’s eyes meet yours. “No problem.”You blink and you’re suddenly lost in them.

The gray of his iris mixed with a hint of light blue, which is apparent if you squint and you can’t help but worship their beauty.Your eyes move to glance at his lips. Pink and plump, with water dripping from his cupid’s bow. You’re not really sure why your eyes suddenly fixate on those, but your heart does seem to race faster and all of a sudden you’re now wondering how soft he would feel against your own lips, your own skin.

Looking back at him, he’s still fixated on you and the two of you are stuck like a photo in time. The only thing that reinforces the notion that you’re not living in a freeze frame is the rush of downpour that streams behind you.

Swallowing thickly, you just wonder…whether…maybe…if you just leaned in to –

You clear your throat suddenly, stepping back and sniffing. You turn away to wipe the tip of your nose.

No. Absolutely not. Get that thought out of your head.

“Sick already?” Levi presumes and there’s a hint of playfulness in his voice.

“Yeah, yeah.” You brush off. “Do you think it’ll ever calm down?”

The rush of downpour continues to aggravate the stone pavement, water dripping off the leaves above.

“Should do.”

“Or should we just run for it?”

“You’ll get sick.”

“Which is inevitable either way I’m sure.” you shrug.

Levi raises a brow. “You sure?”

“Undoubtedly sure.”

“You’ll regret it.”

Rolling your eyes, you begin to step forward where the downpour of rain doesn’t hesitate in drenching you again. “Are you coming or not, Ackerman?”

Rolling his eyes, he follows you, making a mental reminder in his mind to get his favorite stash of tea out when you both get home. Immediately.

And boy, did you regret it.

There’s nothing more you hate in life than being constrained to your bed, with endless tissues that come with an endless amount of sneezes and snot. Not to mention the sore throat or the banging headache that returns every hour even after taking medicine.

But what you hated the most was having to deal with a smugass roommate whom you had to rely on for basic needs. After multiple ‘I told you so’s’ and his own endless amount of complaints and criticism for you, you decided to fulfill his ego and express your regret for your decision.

It was bad enough that you were sick but now you had Levi taking care of you. You were currently under the pretense that he absolutely hated every single moment which, unbeknownst to you, was terribly false.

Entering your room with your third cup of tea this morning, he caught you in the midst of a sneezing fit whilst placing the steaming hot china cup down on your bedside table. And of course he loudly grimaced as he did so.

“Shut up.” you groan, your voice croaky from your illness.

“I–”

“I told you so, yeah, yeah are you finished?”

Levi frowned. “I was going to say that I could get you another pack of tissues if you wanted them?”

“Oh.” you say dumbly. “Right. That would be great thanks.”

Levi quickly disappeared from your room and arrived by the next minute, a new pack of tissues in his hands.

“Sorry.” You mumble, accepting the package.

“It’s fine.”

“It’s really not.” you sigh. “I’ve got you running around the house like a madman all because I’m sick.”

“Again.”

“Again.” you repeat, a small smile appearing across your lips.

“Thank you.” you say, after a long pause of silence.

“For what?”

You roll your eyes, honestly sometimes you really want to smack Levi against the wall. He can be so dense, which is surprising for someone who has achieved the highest grade possible at university.

“For this.” you gesture around. “For helping me out.”

He shrugged. “Nothing I haven’t done before.”

You hummed, “I’m getting pretty used to having you as my slave, maybe I won’t kill you at all.”

Levi clicked his tongue. “Don’t get too comfortable, princess.”

Whether it was the pet name or your fever spiking up again– though you wish to believe the latter– your cheeks suddenly burned and you looked away in hidden embarrassment. You cleared your throat before speaking again.

“I really do mean it though, thank you.”

Levi sat on the edge of your bed. “It’s the bare minimum I can do as your roommate.”

There it goes again. Your constant reminder.

You’re roommates, nothing more, nothing less. At the end of the day, you’re around each other merely because of a single contract.

You’re roommates, this is normal, the bare minimum.

This is what friends do. Not lovers.

Yet… you can’t stop yourself from thinking about if you were. Shaking your head you attempt to pull that thought out of your head. No, no, no, you’re with Daniel. Thinking about Levi? That would be wrong.

But could it be so wrong that he’s the only thing that you can think about late at night?

When you touch yourself underneath the sheets, it’s Levi’s name that you moan softly to yourself, fantasizing over the ways he would touch you. It’s embarrassing to admit but… Daniel’s never managed to please you properly. The only way that you can reach your full release is by imagining if it was Levi.

But it was wrong. So wrong. Yet, you couldn’t stop yourself from wondering.

How would he touch you? What would he feel like? Would he be soft and gentle with you or the complete opposite? What would he sound like when he–

You inhale sharply which catches Levi’s attention.

“You okay?” He asks.

You nod. “Just really cold.” You play off, trying to get rid of that dirty thought about your roommate.

You couldn’t. You were loyal to Daniel, even if he seems to take weeks to respond.

You couldn’t ever because you’re pretty sure Levi doesn’t even feel the same way.

If he did then you would’ve known by now. There would’ve been a hint.

You think back to Valentine’s day. Perhaps if you didn’t have a date with Daniel would he have asked you out?

No. Don’t be stupid. You are roommates.

The number one rule of being roommates is universal: Don’t fall in love with each other.

Snapping you back to reality, Levi picks up the cup of tea on your bedside table.

You cough a little. “Levi, I’m fine, really. You don’t need to babysit me.”

“You can’t murder me if you’re sick right?”

You laugh, which soon falls to a series of heavy coughs. With his free hand, Levi rubs reassuring circles on your back, once you’re alright he holds out the teacup for you to sip. You do so obediently, the hot liquid satisfying your body. You let out a deep exhale, reclining back into your bed.

“So when I get better you’ll watch out?”

He nods, smirking a little. “I’ll always watch out for you. Always.”

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[gigglesandfreckles-hp]

OH JILY PROMPTS pleaseeee can you do number 51 (we're so hot) or 56 (baking is a science) ♡♡

from these prompts

They’re on very official, very important Head duties.

If asked to specify exactly what those duties entail or what makes them so very official and important, there would be some hesitation and a fair bit of fumbling, but ultimately, they’d make something up, because it’s well after curfew and the rumours about the Head Boy and Head Girl dating aren’t entirely baseless, but it’s not as if they need to add fuel to the fire.

They are distinctly not taking advantage of the freedom afforded to them by their badges to find new places to fool around.

“It’s this way,” James says, using his grip on her hand to tug her down another hallway. “I think.”

Lily sighs, a mix of exasperation and fondness. “Why didn’t you just bring the map?”

“Because, Evans,” he drawls, “where’s the fun in that?”

“Of course,” she says, rolling her eyes and quickening her pace to match his long strides. “No fun to be had in actually having a destination in mind instead of mindlessly wandering around the castle at half eleven, trying Alohamora on random doors.”

“I’m hearing a lot of complaining from the girl who practically begged me to—” He jiggles another doorknob and curses under his breath before dragging her further down the hall.

“And what if I change my mind before we find an actual spot?”

James comes to an abrupt halt, dropping her hand to turn around. “Lily Evans, you wouldn’t.”

She laughs, the kind that bubbles up and spills out. “No, Potter. I wouldn’t.”

He watches her for another moment, his eyes searching her face for any hint of deceit, before reclaiming her hand, this time threading his fingers through hers, and continues to pull her along the corridor.

And that’s when they hear Mulciber and Avery.

It couldn’t be Dolohov or Snape or anyone with half a brain; no—it had to be fucking Mulciber and Avery. The Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum of Slytherin House.

The issue with it being them is that there’s no reasoning, no common sense, no ‘get back to your common room before we have to dock points.’

It doesn’t mean they don’t try.

“Do you have a pass from a professor, to be out at these hours?” Lily speaks up before James can, because a) it’s usually easier this way and b) one of the lovely things about James Potter is that he never minds being in the background, at least not if it’s her background.

Mulciber sneers at her and Lily immediately knows what’s coming next. She wishes she was still holding James’s hand so she could warn him too, with a small squeeze of ‘don’t freak out, I’m okay, I’m used to it, please don’t freak out, he’s not worth it.’

“Filthy Mudblood bitch.”

Lily has less than a split second to decide whether to try and stop James from raising his own wand or whether to draw her own. In the end, it is a good thing she chooses the latter because Avery fires off a nasty curse that Lily barely manages to deflect toward Mulciber. The howl of pain he releases as he drops to the ground isn’t enviable. The amplification of that howl as James hits him with another hex for good measure makes Lily wince.

They make short work of Avery after that and, barring a quick argument on whether or not to levitate the boys to the Slytherin common room with a signed note and a confetti bow, decide to leave the boys where they are in the halls, petrified for whichever professor happens to be up the earliest.

It isn’t until after they round the corner down the hall that Lily lets herself think about it. Not what Mulciber said because she has spent plenty of time thinking about that—but about them, her and James, and how, well, nice it is to have him at her side in moments like this. Even if he tends to go overboard, like, all the time.

“Potter.”

“Hm?” He doesn’t look up from his task—rebuttoning the cuff of his shirt now that the sleeves are pushed up to his elbows. His forearms flex with the motion, catching her eye. The button is stubborn, apparently, as James deftly twists his fingers around. He uses his shoulder to push his glasses up the bridge of his nose, his brow furrowed in concentration. A light sheen of sweat dots his forehead, but Lily loses sight of it as a wild curl flops down into his eyes.

She smiles appreciatively at the scene. “We’re so hot.”

His head pops up to look at her, amused and curious. “Er…what?”

Lily laughs and stops them in their tracks, gently taking over the task from his fumbling fingers. “Look at us. We’re…” She successfully manages to fasten the button and smiles up at him. “Don’t you ever feel that way? Like, one day, we’ll tell our kids about all the things we got up to and they’ll tell their friends and their friends will be like, shit, your parents were so cool.”

He grins down at her and tucks a stray strand of hair behind her ear. “Our kids, huh?”

She playfully shoves his chest, feeling her cheeks warm. “You know what I mean.”

“I do. I absolutely think our kids are gonna tell stories about their ridiculously fit, Quidditch Captain dad and the sexy, rebel Head Girl—”

“Why are our kids using terms like fit and sexy to describe their parents? That feels problematic.”

“It feels inevitable, actually. I mean,” he leans down, his tone light and teasing against her lips, “have you seen us?”

“Oh, piss off,” she snorts.

His grin widens against her mouth, even as he—finally—kisses her. “We are so hot, Evans,” he murmurs, his lips ghosting over the corner of her smile. “You," and back to her lips again, "are so hot.”

[loveysloveclub]

a perfectly good heart - ethan edwards

in which, isla should have never gotten involved with a hockey player who made it clear he was only after a fling.

isla hadn't meant to search the party for the hockey player immediately upon arrival. she had told herself she was going to wait until he found her, but he seemed less than interested when she spotted him whispering something into a pretty blonde girls ear.

yet, her smile didn't dim.

ethan was allowed to have friends, after all, she wasn't his keeper. she wasn't even his girlfriend.

the strange relationship that had spurred between the two college students happened last semester, and had followed both into the new one.

it was simply a fling, ethan had said. he wasn't ready for a relationship, ethan had said.

and isla had respected it. she had respected his boundaries, his space and his wishes. but that still didn't mean that it didn't hurt whenever he would blow her off for the guys or randomly get angry when she suggested they do something that was too 'couple like' for his liking.

but still, isla knew he was a good person deep down, so she continuously gave him the benefit of the doubt.

"girl, stand up." hannah, isla's best friend and college dorm roommate, stated simply as she rolled her eyes. "i am standing." isla replied with furrowed eyebrows and reluctantly tore her gaze away from the brunette hockey player across the room. the result of this action being her miss him kissing the blonde girl goodbye as she slipped him her number.

"you know damn well what i meant." hannah rolled her eyes once more.

isla did know what her friend meant. she had heard it all one too many times. how ethan was bad news, how he was only hurting her and how she deserved better.

"ethan's a good guy, you don't know him like i do." isla was persistent with the narrative she had created for the boy in her head. "your heart is too pure, it's bad for your health." hannah stated, sipping her drink judgmentally as she locked eyes with the edwards boy from across the room, sending him a disgusted look of acknowledgment.

"i would say my heart is fine. a perfectly good heart."

"yeah, whatever. tweedle dee is coming this way, which means i will be going to find tweedle dum, aka the better option." and with that, hannah was sauntering across the room in search of mark estapa, someone she had befriended through their mutual disgust in ethan's behaviour.

isla sipped on her drink as she awaited ethan's presence, which was made known when he slipped his arm around her waist. "wanna go back to mine?" he whispered into her ear, just as he had been doing to the blonde girl moments prior.

isla merely nodded her head as ethan took her drink from her hands and placed it on the table beside them before guiding her out of the party by the small of her back. the girl turned once more, her eyes searching for hannah's as she knew her friend would be watching the encounter.

and there she saw it, both hannah and mark shaking their heads whilst watching the two leave.

[randomestfandoms-ocs]

Time For Tea: Introduction

Lavender Haze ( Violet Kingsleigh & Cian Hearts ) has now been merged with Long Live The Queen ( Queenie Hearts & Ace Hearts & Maria Frollo & Helena ) to create a clusterfuck political intrigue series, and several more Wonderland characters have been added to the mix

PS: huge thanks to @cecexwrites @ginevrastilinski-ocs @the-witching-ash for listening to me completely lose my mind and jump all over the place as I figured this out!

The OGs

Ace Hearts [ Curran Walters ] – Long Live The Queen; son of the Queen Of Hearts, Queenie's left hand man & chief enforcer

Cian Hearts [ Gavin Leatherwood ] – Lavender Haze; son of the Queen Of Hearts, invited to the isle because reports say that the child of the Queen of Hearts is running the Isle and they assume it must be her son

Helena [ Tegan Croft ] – Long Live The Queen; daughter of Hades & Persephone, Queenie's right hand man, and other chief enforcer

Maria Frollo [ Elle Fanning ] – Long Live The Queen; daughter of Judge Frollo, grew up locked in his tower and has only recently been freed and brought to Crims, manages Crims

Queenie Hearts [ Madison Davenport ] – Long Live The Queen; daughter of the Queen Of Hearts, unofficial Queen of the Isle, runs her crew with an iron fist and military precision

Violet Kingsleigh [ Meg Donnelly ] – Lavender Haze; daughter of Alice & The Hatter, heir to Wonderland, goes to Auradon because Wonderland suspects Auradon of poisoning the White Queen

The Wonderland Crew

Caoilinn Whittemore [ Florence Pugh ] – daughter of the White Knight & Violet’s personal guard; goes to Auradon with Violet

Arley Whitaker [ Tom Holland ] – son of the White Rabbit & Violet’s personal secretary / manager / wrangler; goes to Auradon with Violet

Chelsey Chester [ Rowan Blanchard ] – daughter of the Cheshire Cat

Tenney Earwick [ Jack Wolfe ] – son of the March Hare

Mallaidh Merrick [ Mary Mouser ] – daughter of the Dormouse

Deirdra Taggart [ Ella Hunt ] – daughter of Tweedle Dee

Deryn Taggart [ Joe Keery ] – son of Tweedle Dee

Duncan Taggart [ Joe Keery ] – son of Tweedle Dum

The Isle Crew

Neasa Kearney [ Kaia Gerber ] – daughter of the Red Queen, runs recruitment & orientation for the crew

Caitria Devlin [ Billie Lourd ] – daughter of the Duchess, crew manager

Keira Knave [ Alba Baptista ] – daughter of the Knave of Hearts, combat trainer

Killian Knave [ Freddy Carter ] – son of the Knave Of Hearts, combat trainer for the crew

Shiloh Reece [ Emilia Jones ] – daughter of the Cook, medic

Bonus – existing ocs who have been added to Time For Tea as part of Queenie's crew

Nettie Tremaine [ Peyton Elizabeth Lee ] – daughter of Anastasia Tremaine, medic

Raisa Rasputin [ Sophia Ann Caruso ] – daughter of Rasputin, barge day coordinator, collector

Rini Bing [ Jenna Ortega ] – daughter of Herman Bing / The Ringmaster, crew manager

Savina Stromboli [ Diana Silvers ] – daughter of Stromboli, collector

Winona Sykes [ Milly Alcock ] – daughter of Bill Sykes, head of inventory

( now need to decide if the existing ocs added to Time For Tea should keep their current titles or become part of Long Live The Queen )

[inkymoon16]

Night In The Dungeons

Masterlist

Summary: Ron x Reader (slight smut)

Halloween is here at Hogwarts!! You and Ron attend an exclusive Slytherin Halloween party.

--

Now that you and Ron were officially a couple, Halloween was one of the most important holidays to launch your relationship to everyone. To show one another off. As soon as October rolled around, you began to think of costumes that were both unique but recognizable. Naturally, he just wanted to dress as his favorite Quidditch player. But you shut that down fast. 

Slytherin was rumored to be throwing a massive party this year. Their parties were always legendary and impossible to get into. As much as you hated it, you had been becoming friends with Draco in your Defense Against the Dark Arts class in hopes of securing an invitation. You guys were friendly in class, but obviously never hung out outside of class. As Halloween rolled around, much to your delight, he brought up the party.

“Oh, Y/N, Slytherin’s hosting a party this Saturday for Halloween, you should come. You can bring a plus one too.”

You smiled in appreciation. “That sounds awesome, thank you Draco. I’ll bring my boyfriend, Ron.” You threw that last bit in just to make sure Draco knew you were strictly friends. You didn’t know if he knew you had a boyfriend or not. 

“Cool. See you there.” He said, indifferent. 

It was Monday and the anticipation of Saturday followed you all week. You had decided to go as vampires, which was generic enough for Ron, but allowed you to accessorize and make it unique. It was perfect. Saturday rolled around and you began to get ready early, as hair and makeup would take a while. 

Your hair was in a messy updo, and you had done minimal makeup. You had put dark cherry red lipstick on and fake blood leaving the side of your mouth. You had done a spell to enlarge your canine teeth to make them pointy like an authentic vampire. You had a black minidress on with black gloves and black heels. Ron had black slacks and a white button up shirt on, which he left partially unbuttoned. You had done the same fake blood makeup on him as well. You guys looked perfect. 

You could hear the Gryffindor party begin to start downstairs - the music and chatter floated its way up through the stairwell. The excitement grew in your stomach like a tree and branched out to your limbs, a shiver rolling down your spine. Halloween was your favorite holiday. The idea of being someone else, if even just for one night, was enthralling. Everyone was on their worst behavior and you couldn’t wait to see what happened this year.

Ron squeezed your waist and led you down the stairwell out into the common room. Gryffindor was throwing their own party and as much as you wanted to be with your friends, the exclusive Syltherin party was calling your name. You stopped in the common room to chat with all your friends and get some drinks in your system before you headed over to the dungeons. Hermione was in her Stevie Nicks costume, Harry in his pirate costume, and Fred and George as Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum from Alice in Wonderland. Neville had dressed up as Dumbldore which was very creative. 

After a little while, you decided it was late enough to head to Slytherin. As you descended the castle, the cold wasn’t the only thing creating goosebumps over your skin. You had no idea what to anticipate, but you knew it would be good. Crabbe and Goyle were guarding the door, checking the guest list. You said your name and they waved you in, albeit giving Ron a side as he passed. 

He grabbed your waist tighter as you entered the illustrious Slytherin common room. You had attended one or two parties here, but had never seen in all its glory like this. The dark dungeon was lit by floating green orbs, that illuminated people’s faces only briefly in passing. The music was loud and seemed to pulse between the gaps of people. There was barely any furniture, magically moved for the night. It was amazing. Everyone’s costumes looked fantastic in the dim lighting. Even the air seemed to shimmer with anticipation.

You went to the punch first, filling up goblets of fire whiskey. The first sip sent electric sparks down your spine. Ron still had his arm around your waist. You chit chatted with a couple people near the drinks table while you waited to become more drunk. Ron suggested doing shots which you quickly downed. 

As you made your way to the dance floor, you passed Draco. He was dressed as Hugh Hefner with a girl as a Playboy bunny on his arm. You paused, thanking him for inviting you once again. The girl on his arm looked pissed that you were even looking in his direction, even though Ron was right next to you. You rolled your eyes once they left. 

“Let’s dance baby!” Ron said in your ear, leaning close to you so you could hear him. His cologne made your stomach flip. You grabbed him around the neck while he placed his arms around your waist. The music was easy to dance to and you found that Ron was a fantastic dance partner. 

His eyes were full of lust and his hands roamed everywhere around your body. The alcohol was starting to hit you now. Ron leant down and brushed his lips against yours, sending sparks below your stomach. You pressed your lips hard against him. He pulled you close so there was practically no room between your two bodies. 

After dancing and drinking for a while you both decided to go back to Gryffindor. His hands were getting restless and all you wanted was to take your costume off and consume him. You stumbled out of the Slytherin common room into the dungeon hallways. You walked back hand in hand. Before you got back to Gryffindor, Ron pulled you into a nook, pushing you up against the wall. He leant down and kissed you. He grabbed your breast, groaning into your mouth. 

Your tongues were doing a dance of their own. You didn’t even care who saw right now. He was hard against you. His hands were trailing up and down your waist and you felt very turned on. 

Somehow the two of you managed to get back into the common room and stumbled into his room. You quickly became a tangle of limbs and kisses.

[ladykailitha]

Sugar baby AU for WIP Wednesday please!

WIP Wednesday! Make me write!

Other asks here, here, here.

Snippet

“Chief,” Hanks greeted with false cheer. “When did you get here?”

“Mrs. Henderson,” Hopper greeted tipping his hat and then taking it off. “You’ll have to pardon Dustin, ma’am. He spotted Tweedle Dee and Tweddle Dum here from the window and radioed me to head on over. He wanted to say he’s sorry for not notifying you first.”

“Chief,” she nodded back. “It’s all right, he did the right thing. How did you get here so fast?”

Hopper grinned. “I was on my way to work and was close to the neighborhood. I got here about a minute after these two morons.”

[harunovella]

love in stereo ; r.b.

synopsis: reiner braun, the beloved football star and ladies man - or as jean likes to call him "manwhore" - has had his eyes on you. after attending one of your band's shows, he found himself head over heels when his eyes first laid on you. however, everyone said the two of you were polar opposites and from different worlds… can reiner finally win you over or will he eventually let you go?

cw: fem!reader, musician!reader x football player!reiner, college/modern au, unrequited love (at first?), acquaintances/friends to lovers, drunk kissing/touching, angst (slight argument), fluff, ngl some of it is cheesy but endearing ok, oral (m → f), fingering, smut... MDNI! (18+)

wc: 12k+

an: this was actually my first ever fic posted on ao3 for aot... before i went down the eren spiral oops but pls enjoy! i love my bby reiner, he deserve lots of hugs and kisses (and therapy)! srry for any errors/missing cw! enjoy!! xo chapter title inspo

“Look at how massive this crowd is!” Sasha exclaimed as she stood amongst the roaring crowd, clapping and singing along to the band that had taken the stage. The theater was filled to the brim with local college and university students, most gathered at the center while others spread throughout the two floors of seats. “We should get closer!” Grabbing Connie’s hand, she tugged him deeper into the tight horde of overly hyped bodies. Connie gave a face of fear as he tried to reach out for Jean but completely missed, sending him a look that screamed please save me . However, Jean shrugged it off and stayed towards the back. 

It wasn’t like he didn’t like the music, hell, it was one of his favorite bands––a band that consisted of four of his closest friends––but he wasn’t in the mood to get into a pit of sweaty bodies thrashing around and possibly stealing his wallet from his back pocket or one of the many rings adorning his fingers. “Poor Connie, he won’t last not even five minutes in there,” he snickered as his eyes shifted from the duo, towards the stage where he began to bob his head to the strumming of the guitars. 

“Can’t expect much from tweedle-dee and tweedle-dum,” Annie mumbled as she stood beside him, her hands in the pockets of her jean jacket, tapping her foot lightly. Though she didn’t give anyone any hint that she was into… anything (besides her fashion sense of jeans, plaids, and any sort of band tee) it was no surprise to run into her there while at the theater. She was friends with the band, too. 

Looking down at her, Jean scoffed, “insult all you want, but at least they don’t stick out like a sore thumb like your meathead of a friend,” he pointed back with his thumb. Annie’s eyes trailed past him, noticing the towering blonde that stood next to the bar, a grin on his lips as he held a glass of–– “Reiner literally dresses up as if he’s about to attend a frat party every time he comes to these shows.”

Sighing, Annie shifted her eyes back to meet with Jean’s, “what can you expect from a man who thinks with his dick.” Rolling her eyes, she then looked back ahead to the band. “He literally only comes to these shows for her,” she nudged her head towards you––the lead singer and guitarist. You stood dead center, Mikasa (the bassist and backup vocals) to your right, Eren (another guitarist and backup vocalist) on your left, and Armin at the drums behind you. Annie’s eyes settled on Armin a bit too long, causing Jean to snicker. “Shut up,” she hissed, already knowing what he was about to say.

Lifting his hands up in defense, his laugh continued, “I said nothing! Your face and reaction says it––” Suddenly, he was hunched over, clutching his stomach as Annie had elbowed him in the gut. “Bitch…”

A subtle smirk grew on the corner of Annie’s lips, eyes lingering on Armin as he wore a big grin on his face, twirling his drumsticks around his fingers as you spoke into the microphone. You thanked the crowd and waved goodbye, bowing and walking backstage as Mikasa, Eren, and Armin followed shortly after. Turning her head to face the bar, Annie sighed, “looks like he’s on the pounce… yet again.”

“Masochist,” Jean scoffed as he, too, looked over at the bar. “Does he not get that she has zero interest in him? It’s gotten obnoxious at this point that he won’t give up.”

“You sound jealous,” Annie teased as she looked over at Jean, but he gave her a disgusted look. One that made her laugh. It was so forced and so obvious that he was . “Then you better beat him before he gets to her before you.”

“Shut up,” Jean growled, only to be knocked off of his feet as Sasha and Connie rammed right into him. “HEY, WHAT THE FU––!”

“You coward! We could have been in there longer!” Sasha exclaimed.

“The show is over! Not my fault we got here late unlike Jean and Annie!” Connie fired back.

“Because you were too scared! Who gets scared to go to a concert?!”

“That’s not true!”

“Next show we are coming here before showtime and getting a good spot in the pit!”

“No way! So we can be trampled?!”

“That’s the––”

“GET. OFF. OF. ME!” Jean exclaimed, shoving the two that behaved like a pair of twin toddlers off of him. “You two are so damn annoying!” He huffed, forcing himself to his feet and patting off his leather jacket and tight, black jeans. “Sasha, stop forcing Connie into things he doesn’t want to do. Connie, grow a pair and live a little!” Pointing his finger at the two of them, he then looked over to the spot Annie was in, then noticed she was already walking towards the backstage doors. 

Seeing him quickly walk off, Connie and Sasha exchanged looks before rushing over to join them. It wasn’t uncommon for them to hangout with the band after shows, the only problem was the band’s manager––Levi Ackerman. He hated when others came in and distracted the bandmates. Usually, he used those moments to inform them on upcoming matters involving shows or recording sessions. Luckily, this time around, he wasn’t there as they walked in.

Armin handed out beer to you, Eren, and Mikasa as the four of you sat amongst each other. You sat on the couch next to Eren and Mikasa––who shared the love seat. Mikasa had her legs over Eren’s lap as he had his free hand wrapped around her calf. Armin sat on the coffee table before you, chatting as the sound of the doors opening caused the four of them to look over. Sasha came rushing in with Connie in her grip, pushing past everyone who was in their way. “You guys were amazing!” She shouted as Armin smiled, mirroring the expressions of his fellow bandmates. “I got Connie and I into the pit… not for long but we were in there! It was wild! Your fans are getting bigger and bigger! So glad we were the original fans.”

“You guys were our friends first,” Armin chuckled as Sasha and Connie stood beside him, only for Annie to walk by and take a seat on the coffee table beside him. “H–– Hey, Annie!”

“Sasha’s right, you guys did great out there,” she lowly spoke as Armin blushed.

Turning away from the two, Sasha tugged Connie with her as they went to speak with Mikasa and Eren, praising them for their work on the guitars. Eren teased Connie for being on a leash with Sasha and Mikasa blushed at said woman’s enthusiasm. Jean eyed the room, amazed that Reiner wasn’t there already when they had assumed he had gone ahead before them… seeing as he didn’t even stand to watch with them. Furrowing his eyebrows, he then noticed the spot beside you was empty, grinning and making his way over to sit beside you.

Feeling your phone vibrate, you pulled it out of the back pocket of your ripped up jeans. Seeing the name that was written across the notification, you sighed. Not bothered, but not entirely eager, you unlocked your phone and read the message. “I’ll be right back,” you said as you took a swig from your bottle, then settled it down beside Annie as you stood up. “Hey Jean,” you smiled to the mullet haired man as he plopped beside you, you completely missing the sudden frown on his lips.

“Embarrassing,” Eren mumbled as Jean shot him a dirty look. “She’s clearly off to see Reiner.”

“They’re not even a thing, she can’t stand him,” Jean snapped.

“Says who? You?” Annie asked as you were now long gone from the group. 

“He’s a douchebag manwhore who sleeps around with any cheerleader who opens their legs for him,” he spat. “Always wearing that stupid varsity jacket… They’re from two different worlds. It would never work!”

“Because you wish it was you? Since you’re the better fit?” Eren smirked as he brought his beer bottle to his lips, Mikasa reaching behind him and twirling some of his loose hair around her fingers. 

“No! I am just being a good friend––”

“And saying no one is good enough for her? I think that’s a little over the top if you ask me,” Sasha raised a brow as Connie couldn’t help but laugh. 

“You-- Shut up! All of you!” Jean snapped. 

“I haven’t said anything…” Armin mumbled as Annie patted his knee. 

“In your head you know we’re all right,” she said as Armin grew stiff for a moment, then looked away. 

“Not you too, Armin!” Jean whined. 

No one had really noticed you slip past the bar and towards the side of the theater. Everyone was either waiting by the front for their ride or too invested in their conversations about how amazing the band is to even recognize the lead singer walk right past them. Wasn’t like your band was mega famous, but you were doing pretty well that your following was quite large for a “local” band. 

Slipping your hands in the back pockets of your jeans, you looked around the street as you stood at the curb, looking left and right before landing your eyes on the person waiting for you. Making your way over, walking along the edge of the sidewalk as you kept your balance, you approached the black Ford F-150 with a man (just as giant as the ride) leaned against it. A small smile grew on his lips as he spotted you, standing up straight as you stopped before him. “Desperate for my undivided attention?” You teased as he shrugged, pulling his hand from behind his back––something you hadn’t noticed until now. 

“Jean was there, you know how he is,” Reiner said as you gave him a small look, an eyebrow arched but a playful smirk on your lips. “I’m sure he’s making a scene as we speak. Annie and Eren like to poke fun at him.”

Eyeing the bouquet of flowers in his grip, you asked “now, what do these mean?” Reiner had a habit of bringing you a bouquet of flowers after every show, and each time they were a new set. Usually, if not always, they had a meaning. You were quite amazed that he knew the language of flowers but he insisted it was his little cousin––Gabi––who knew a thing or two about it. “Jealousy?” You teased as he let out a small laugh, shaking his head. “Since you’ve got competition according to Annie and Eren.”

“Jean has nothing on me,” He huffed as he straightened his back. “Yellow pansies, thinking of you…”

Eyeing the bouquet you had taken into your hands, you let out a soft chuckle. “When aren’t you thinking of me? You gave these to your past flings?” Arching an eyebrow up at him as you tilted your head, he shook his head.

“You still think my crush on you is just to get in your pants and move on?” He asked as you shrugged. “It pains me how little you think of me, superstar.”

Rolling your eyes, you grunted, “ugh, don’t call me that.” Waving your hand, you sniffed the fresh flowers. “I’m just being cautious. You know, jocks like you don’t have great reputations. The fact that you’re after a girl with a whole different background than you is quite odd.” 

Watching you breathe in the flowers with a face full of content, Reiner reached over and gently tugged on the piercing that looped around your upper left ear’s cartilage. “What? Can’t have a crush on a goth?” He asked as you let out a low huff.

“The goths are Mikasa and Eren, I’m just on that fine line,” you explained, but Reiner eyed you from head to toe, taking in your outfit. Sure, you weren’t wearing pitch black eyeliner and lipstick with matching nails, nor were you wearing some sort of chunky platform shoes with fishnets… but you still had that feel. You did wear those ripped jeans, had that bralette sticking out from your flannel that you didn’t even bother to button up… “Call it grunge if you gotta label it. Y’know, very 90s,” you shrugged. “Not that being a goth is offensive or anything but Mikasa definitely takes the mantle. Eren is a follow up. More because she influenced him.”

“And Armin?” Reiner asked as you grinned. “A nerd that randomly found his place in the band?”

Gently punching his solid chest, you sighed, “let him be. He has his own style and we love that for him. Doesn’t need to meet a certain criteria in order to be included.”

“Yet I get made fun of for attending the shows in my varsity jacket,” he crossed his arms. “I don’t see how that’s fair.”

Looking back down at the flowers, gently caressing the petals, you bit your inner cheek. “Guess it’s because it’s fun to tease you… You handle it far better than Jean does, that’s for sure. He gets so easily flustered. It’s cute.”

Huffing, Reiner rolled his eyes at your compliment, your eyes shifting up to meet his golden ones. He wasn’t one to verbally say he was jealous, but it was obvious. After all, he had been pinning over you for months now––something most of his friends would say was unheard of. Porco would make fun of him for falling head over heels for a woman completely out of his league as Pieck would defend him and say that opposites attract and to give it time… and boy was he giving it a lot of time. He wasn’t one to brag, but his past relationships and flings were easy to get… Maybe that’s why he liked this chase. You weren’t easy to get. You were someone he wanted to fight for. Someone he wanted something real and true with. Nothing shortly lived, nothing driven by pure lust. No, he wanted it all with you… If only you would just give him a chance.

He blamed his past and that stupid manwhore title Jean gave him (one he liked to drill in your brain). However, the look on your eyes––and face––was showing that maybe… just maybe, you were slowly loosening up to him. Maybe he had a chance.

“You know I won’t give up,” he finally spoke. “No matter what anyone says about me, or what you may think. I’m not putting all this effort because I solely want to get in your pants… Though… I’ll be honest, I do want to get in your pants, but I want more than just that with you,” he said your name as you eyed him. Your heart skipped a beat, but you swallowed the small lump in your throat as your grip slightly tightened around the stems of the bouquet. “I’m just being straightforward. No way around it, anyway. It’s obvious my feelings for you. Unlike that coward Jean.”

Feeling a smile grow on your face, you looked away, eyes settled on a group of girls climbing into an Uber as they laughed. Then, your eyes landed on a couple holding hands, sharing a small kiss as they had crossed the street. “Leave Jean alone,” you softly laughed. “I don’t have feelings for him, not that I should have to say that because I owe nobody anything. He’s just a great friend.”

Eyeing you, he felt a faint sense of relief. He’d be lying if he said if he didn’t feel a sense of competition between Jean and himself. “What about me?”

Looking back up at him, you grinned, “you’re a great friend, too.”

Dropping his shoulders, Reiner sighed. “I should’ve expected that…” Letting his head fall back as he looked up at the black sky scattered with stars, he then took in a deep breath before returning his focus to you. “I still won’t give up.”

“I know,” you nodded, reaching up to the collar of his jacket, tugging him down as you placed a gentle kiss on his cheek. “Thank you for the flowers.” At that, you let him go before turning away, making your way towards the theater as Reiner watched.

“Will I see you tomorrow?!” He called out as you stopped in your tracks, turning to look at him for a moment. 

“Wanna see me dressed in something skimpy for Halloween?” You teased, a sudden flush of pink on his cheeks appearing. “You know I’ll be there.”

Feeling his heart flutter, he shut his eyes for a moment, taking in a sharp breath before turning to his truck. Maybe he’ll finally win you over then.

Music could be heard down the street as cars scattered across the lawn and driveway, taking up any possible space they could. Drunks and couples making out were spread throughout the interior and exterior of the home. Reiner’s home––that he shared the rent with Porco and Pieck––was filled wall to wall with (what felt like) almost every student from the university. Eren and Mikasa had taken their spot in a dimly lit corner of the living area, arms wrapped around one another as they kept to their own world. Armin was being cheered on by Connie, Sasha, and a bunch of others as he chugged beer straight from the keg while Annie watched from afar. 

You and Mikasa decided to have matching costumes, you as a devil and her as an angel; the two of you wore similar, strapless dresses that flared out at the waist and didn’t go any lower than mid thigh. You, in devil horns, as Mikasa had the halo “hovering” over her head. Eren claimed he was dressed as a vampire, wearing the fangs and having his shirtless torso covered in fake blood, his usual black, ripped up jeans tucked into his boots as Armin was a vampire hunter. Though, for Armin, it wasn’t much of a costume as he was wearing a flannel and jeans with a dagger in hand. Like your closest friends, you were buzzed… maybe beyond that. You were dancing with Historia and Ymir before you found yourself taking shots with Jean and Marco. You jumped around from person to person, group to group and lost track of how much you had in your system. 

Spotting Reiner as he wore a flushed face, playing beer pong with Bertolt, you watched as he made every shot while Bertolt kept missing. Giggling to yourself, you walked up to the broad blond and clutched onto his bare bicep. He was dressed as a firefighter, though the getup stopped at his waist while his torso was in nothing but an insanely tight, white tank top. “You’re too good… at this! Poor Bertie… he hasn’t gotten one in!” You pointed as Reiner looked down at you. The smug look on his face was suddenly wiped away as his eyes widened, landing on your breasts. The dress hardly covered your chest up and he was sure if you tugged just a little, you’d give him all that he was suddenly craving to see. “I’ve had a shot… with everyone… but you!” You pointed, snatching him out of his trance as he forced his eyes up to meet yours. 

“Then let’s do a shot,” he nodded, grabbing your hand and tugging you away as Pieck rushed over to take his place at beer pong. “You look so… good, you know that?” Reiner said as the two of you stood in the cramped kitchen. A couple making out on the counter, others trying to make their own drinks while watching through the window as Sasha was chugging away at a funnel. 

Shrugging, you then pressed your hands against his chest, “not as good as you!” 

Feeling the blood rush up to his head, Reiner took in a sharp breath as he poured the two of you a shot, handing you the tiny red cup as you left one hand against him. Reiner brought an arm over your shoulders as the two of you took in your shots as you tossed your heads back before laughing. Suddenly, you grabbed the sharpie that sat behind him, grabbing his wrist and tugging him away. You dismissed the fact that the couple making out on the counter was Eren and Mikasa, not entirely surprised as they were just as drunk as everyone else.

Shoving Reiner onto the couch, you straddled him as you removed the cap of the marker. His hands settled on your hips, eyes landing on the swell of your breasts that were more prominent due to the strapless getup you were in. He hadn’t realized you were writing on his chest––at least, on the thin material of his tank top––until the sharp smell of the marker hit his nose. “What’re you doing?” He asked in a low voice, eyes slowly shifting from your chest, to your lip between your teeth. How he wanted to have it between his own. 

“Your tits are so fucking big!” You said as you capped the marker and laughed, pressing your finger against his right peck. “There, perfect.”

Still caught in his trance, he forced his focus down, seeing the upside down writing as he read it out. “M–– Milk… Got… Milk… Got Milk?”

Bursting out into laughter as you held onto his shoulder and threw your head back, your free hand clutched onto your chest as he watched you in confusion. “Get it?” You vibrated, looking back at him. “You should have… come as a cow! Your boobs are bigger than most girls here!”

Shaking his head, he removed his hands from you and crossed them behind his head. “Being a meathead pays off.”

Nodding, you bit your inner cheek before standing up momentarily. You turned and tossed the marker onto the coffee table before bending over and grabbing your horns that had fallen off of your head from your laughter. You purposefully stayed bent longer than you should’ve, knowing very well that Reiner’s eyes would linger on the red number that you wore underneath. The thong gave him enough fuel to make him harder than he already was as his eyes stayed glued on your exposed ass cheeks and clothed cu––  “It’s kinda hot.” Your words had snapped his eyes away as you turned back and placed the devil horns on his head instead before straddling him once again.

“Kinda?” He asked as you nodded, giving his chest a squeeze as a small laugh left him. “Can I… do the same… to you?”

Shrugging as your eyes were focused on his chest, you nodded, “sure…” Feeling his hands grip underneath your breasts, your already flushed cheeks grew hotter.

“Ugh, these two are groping each other,” Porco rolled his eyes as he walked by from the kitchen alongside a few other guys, holding a freshly opened bottle. “Get a damn room!”

“This is my house as much as it’s yours!” Reiner called out without even lifting his focus from your breasts. He squeezed and kneaded before tracing his fingertips over the exposed bits he could get at, sending a shiver down your spine. You’d be lying if you said you never imagined his hands wandering your body. Sure, you played hard to get––not out of the idea of being cruel––but because you weren’t really sure if his intentions were true. Yeah, he did admit that he does want to get into your pants, but also said he wanted more… and in the incoherent state you were in, you couldn’t really tell what was right from wrong… 

Probably why you found yourself lip locking him, tongue deep in his mouth as you found yourself grinding your hips against his own. Your sense of decency was gone, completely forgetting you were in the middle of a Halloween party; wasn’t like anyone cared, this was a common occurrence but… not this exact thing. It didn’t help that at some point Ymir and Historia, Sasha and Connie, and so on had walked by to see it happen. Ymir was disgusted and Historia blushed, Sasha and Connie spewed I knew it would happen at the same time… Eren and Mikasa had seen it from the kitchen, peeking their heads out and noticing the way Reiner’s hands were underneath the skirt of your dress and kneading at your ass and how your hands were squeezing at his biceps. 

“She must really be drunk…” Mikasa said as she and Eren watched. “She definitely wouldn’t be doing this if she were sober.”

Laughing, Eren wrapped an arm around Mikasa’s shoulders, “I dunno… she’s pretty into it, that means she’s definitely wanted to do it for a while,” he pointed out, noticing the way both yours and Reiner’s tongues pressed against one another as you rubbed yourself against him.

“What the hell are you two looking at?” The sound of Jean’s voice from behind them caused Mikasa’s eyes to widen as Eren smirked.

“Your girlie officially made her move on another man,” he said as Jean furrowed his eyebrows, both he and Marco peeking over.

“Oh wow…” Was all Marco could say, blushing at the sight. “That’s… That’s something to see…”

Slightly gasping before narrowing his eyes, Jean looked away, “how disgusting, they couldn’t even do this in another room?” 

Looking over at Jean, who crossed his arms, Eren grinned, “why? Mikasa and I do this all the time and no one complains.”

“That’s because we’re all used to the two of you. I am amazed the two of you haven’t made out on stage,” Jean said as he closed his eyes, keeping himself faced elsewhere, completely wanting to avoid the show of you and Reiner practically dry fucking in the middle of a party. “I thought she had more decency.”

“And you have a right to complain about what she does with her body?” Eren poked as Jean scoffed. “It could have been you if you made a move––”

Turning around, Jean snapped, “I don’t have feelings for her!” Snatching the red cup in Eren’s grip, Jean stormed off as he chugged it, unaware of its contents but not seeming to care as he made his way outside. Marco gave them an apologetic look before turning his focus back to you and Reiner, then forced himself to walk away and follow Jean.

“She’ll regret it in the morning,” Eren said as he turned away with Mikasa, making himself another drink.

Peeking over once more, Mikasa sighed, “probably…”

You woke up with a throbbing ache in your head, as if it was about to be split open. You didn’t seem to acknowledge your environment right away, instead, you sat up and clutched your forehead as your eyes adjusted to the darkness around you. There was a hint of light seeping from the kitchen appliances. Taking in a deep breath, you pressed your hands against what you had thought to be the couch, only to gasp when you realized it was a person. Blinking a few times, you covered your mouth, seeing a completely knocked out Reiner beneath you, devil horns on his head and face (plus neck) covered in your lipstick marks. “Oh, fuck…” you breathed, looking down and seeing his hands lazily resting on your thighs. You had fallen asleep against him, that much you could tell… you just weren’t sure what the hell you were doing.

Peeking over to see your phone sitting on the couch, you quietly reached over and lifted it up to your line of vision. Dozens of notifications from Mikasa and Sasha, a few from Eren and Armin. Unlocking your phone and reading through, seeing how Sasha and Mikasa both mentioned how they left you be because you were completely knocked out and latched to Reiner––seeing as they were your roommates and normally brought you back to your shared apartment after parties. Yet, here you were… left behind. Not really, they insisted you were too involved with Reiner to even bother tearing you from him .  

Eyeing Eren’s three messages of nothing but let me know if you need a ride home , Mikasa is a bit worried that she left you behind , and a if you and Reiner fuck, Armin owes me money! followed by Armin’s please ignore anything Eren says about a bet and I am so sorry!

Sighing, you were about to toss your phone back on the couch as you closed the app, only to freeze. Seeing another app was open, you tapped onto your photo album and saw dozens upon dozens of photos that had you had taken with Reiner… Swiping threw them as your eyes grew wider and wider, embarrassed by the documentation of how much you were all over his body, you were just about to drop your phone only to hear gentle groaning and shifting. 

“Shit…” Reiner’s low, disgruntled voice rang in your ears as you slowly looked at him. “Oh… hey…”

“Oh my god,” eyeing him, you nearly slammed your palm into your face and showed him the photos on your phone. “Why didn’t you stop me?!” You squeaked.

“Because… you initiated it and… I wanted to do it, too?” He said in a questioning tone, rubbing his own forehead. “Fuck, I haven’t had that much alcohol in my system since Sasha’s 21st…” Carefully pulling you off of him and settling you down as if you were as light as a feather, he moved towards the kitchen and eventually returned with a pair of water bottles in hand, giving you one before he opened his and chugged it down. 

Staring at him, then your phone, then back at him, you shivered. “This was a huge mistake…” you mumbled, causing Reiner to eye you with slightly furrowed eyebrows. “We were both drunk and–– and I was… oh my god,” looking back down at your phone as you noticed there were a few videos of you and him, you covered your mouth. “I was practically humping you like a dog in heat!”

Sighing, he reached for your bottle and removed the cap before handing it back to you. “Drink,” was all he said before getting up to toss his empty bottle into the trash. A part of him expected you to run out with regret, but you sat there, staring at your phone as you took sips from the bottle. “Staring won't make a difference. If you truly regret it… you can act like it never happened…” he lowly spoke, rubbing the back of his neck as his other hand sat on his hip.

“You won’t,” you said. “You definitely won’t, you’ve wanted this for so long, Reiner.”

Taking in a deep breath, he eyed you, “let me take you home. I know your apartment isn’t too far from here and I’m not going to let you wake Mikasa and Sasha so they can come get you.”

Watching him walk away for a moment, you forced yourself to your feet, a bit wobbly as you clutched your head before following him out as he came back with his keys. From the moment you entered his truck to the moment he parked in front of you apartment building, the two of you sat in silence. Nothing but the hum of his AC, the low beats of his radio playing, and the late night drivers was all that was heard. It was awkward, you sat stiff, staring out the window. You never expected for this to happen or to ever get to this point. You wished you didn’t allow yourself to get os drunk, and you wished you had never done what you did… but it was too late now and you were sure you had Reiner’s hopes up… only to crush them.

“Thanks…” was all you said as you slipped out of his truck, not giving him a single glance. It wasn’t like you were mad at him, you were just embarrassed. Embarrassed by everything that transpired within the last god knows how many hours. All you wanted was to get inside, clean up, and knock out. You would wait till the morning came to accept the bombardment of questions your friends would have...

Reiner watched you go with a small slouch in your back. You were full of regret, that was given… but was it really that bad to have kissed him? Well… to makeout with him? Though it was a blur of a memory, from what he could remember, it wasn’t bad at all. And he was sure, deep down, you felt the same. You must’ve. Why else would you engage? He only had hope that maybe giving you the space and time you needed, things would clear up.

For now, he left the moment you entered the building and hoped for the best.

That following morning you woke to a message from Reiner wishing you were feeling better and that he hopes things aren’t awkward… even if his crush has been beyond apparent for a while now. You smiled and appreciated the effort, glad he wasn’t being an ass about or persistent on whether or not it could happen again. However, you never answered. You said you’d wait a day to reply… and that one day turned into two… then three… and so on. You hadn’t been confronted by the girls––thankfully––but you willingly told them what you wanted to. You knew they were curious and had… pretty much every right to be as they had seen it all happen. A girl who wouldn’t give the guy the time of day for so long, then so willingly making out with him at his Halloween party.

It wasn’t easy to forget, the first few days it sat on the back of your mind, you thinking about what transpired in the middle of class or during rehearsals. On your walks on the campus to your time driving to and from shows… 

Two weeks passed and you still hadn’t responded to Reiner. He had messaged you a few times since then, saying he assumes you were better after the hangover, praising you for your performance that happened a few nights after his party. Another message was saying he hopes to hear from you soon and that he’s sorry if he’s bothering you, but he was a bit concerned. You nibbled your bottom lip at the messages, finding yourself rereading them at random times of the day. You still hadn’t answered and you still held off… A piece of you said you just needed time to think but two weeks was plenty of time to go over what happened. You just didn’t want to admit… you were scared of the possibility of what you were feeling… But it was wrong of you to lead him on. Not once had you denied him, neither have you accepted any of his advancements, either. If anything, you felt to be at blame. You did flirt and you did acknowledge his attention… and made out with him. 

It didn’t help that two weeks turned into a month and within that time you went from I need to think about it to completely avoiding it and him . You convinced yourself it was because you were busier, classes were a lot and Levi had you and the band rehearsing more often than not due to the higher demand in appearances at shows. However, that was no excuse for your behavior. 

And maybe… it was getting to a point where Reiner was losing his patience. Sure, he only messaged you a few times, not wanting to seem like he was harassing you, but there were times he tried approaching you on campus and after shows but you completely dismissed him. Avoided him. Your eyes would meet, he would smile and wave… and you would dip and act like he was invisible. At first, he understood your reaction, you probably were still embarrassed, but after a while, it was getting old and it was driving him insane. How many times did he have to tell you you weren’t a fling, a one night stand he was interested in? He wanted you and only you. And if you really were disturbed by him, or had zero interest, you would have told him to fuck off and move on a long time ago. Not straight up avoid him. 

Exiting your afternoon class and finding him leaning against the wall, holding a bouquet of red carnations, you panicked. You learned a thing or two about flower language after growing curious one night. Red carnations were one of the popular ones and you knew what it meant: my heart aches for you. Gulping and staring at him as everyone piled out from the same lecture as you, walking past you from in front and behind, you panicked. Should you run? Should you finally confront him?

The sound of someone calling your name caught your attention as you looked over, seeing Hitch wave at you at the end of the hall. You sighed in relief, peeking over to see Reiner now looking directly at you as he lifted his focus from his phone. Slipping past the crowd as you quickly made your way to Hitch, she looped an arm with you, “are you still avoiding that hunk?” She asked, you went red in the face.

“Wh––”

“Everyone in the group is talking about it,” she shrugged. “Annie told me.”

“She did?” You asked, worried. “What… did she say?” You knew how close Annie was to Reiner, you were sure he said something to her.

“Well, apparently Bertolt told her that he hasn’t been all there during practices and that he has this habit of checking his phone… Annie says it’s because he’s waiting for you to answer him. I asked her how she would know that and she straight up said she snooped through his phone.” Hearing you gasp, Hitch laughed. “You really are avoiding him, huh?”

“I–– No–– I just––”

“Oh, you’ve got it bad then?” She smirked as the two of you stopped walking and stood outside the building. “You’re scared you’ve fallen for the meathead, huh? Or maybe… you’ve always found him cute and developed feelings but refused to act on them because of what everyone says. That you two are opposites and that he just wants to sleep with you and toss you to the curb when he’s done.”

“No, that isn’t––”

“Save it,” Hitch said as she lifted her hand. “What are you scared of?”

Biting your inner lip, you looked down and clutched your grip on the notebook pressed against your chest. “I don’t know… maybe it’s all a lie. Maybe he does want to use me? Or maybe I’m just scared because I have never been with a man like him––”

“Massive?” She snickered as she leaned in, you couldn’t help but blush and nod.

“I mean yeah, he’s huge as fuck and… he’s on the football team. Ugh, I sound like I’m dealing with high school shit,” rubbing your forehead, you sighed. “I guess what I’m saying is I am scared of what this could become.”

“Well, how would you know if you don’t try?” Hitch asked, now grinning. “I don’t know Reiner that well, I’ve spoken to him a few times but not as much as you or Annie. However, I have dealt with plenty of men and… I don’t think any who want to just get in your pants and then act like you don’t exist afterwards would put effort into getting you flowers that have meaning…”

“Annie told you?” You whispered as she nodded. “God… I feel like an idiot. I’ve avoided him for a whole month. I don’t know why he’s still trying, if I were him, I’d be mad and just say fuck her and move on…”

“Doesn’t that say a lot about him?” Hitch tilted her head as you rubbed your face and groaned. “Go back in there and talk to him. Clear things out. You’ll feel so much better.”

Eyeing her as she nodded, your shoulders slumped as you sucked in a deep breath. “Fine…” Turning away from her and walking back inside with a racing heart, your lips curved downward into a frown as Reiner was nowhere to be found. No longer leaning against the wall and nowhere near sight. “I’m too late…”

“Brat,” Levi called out to you as you snapped your focus to him. “What the hell is wrong with you? You’ve been out of it these past few shows. Are you on something?” He glared, studying you. “You know my terms on smoking and drugs especially before shows--“

“No!” You exclaimed, shaking your head. “It’s nothing…”

Eyeing you, Mikasa stood from her crouched position as she had placed her guitar into its case. “Levi, I have something to show you,” she said, pulling out her phone to change the topic and get him off your back. You gave her a wordless thank you before you dealt with your own guitar. 

It was true, it had been a week since you were going to speak to Reiner and found he was no longer waiting for you. You weren’t being yourself, if anything, you were worse than before when you were avoiding him. You had messaged him, apologizing for the delay and asking if you could meet in person but received no response. You had seen him a few times out on campus and made the effort to reach out… but he was now the one ignoring you. It had gotten to a point he wasn’t even showing up at your shows. You thought, at first, he was busy with homecoming or maybe he was busy with schoolwork… but that never stopped him before and one missed show became multiple. Possibly why tonight when you looked through the crowd while performing, you noticed he wasn’t there.

“Hey…” 

Looking up and seeing Eren tower before you as his hands were in the pockets of his black jean jacket, you softly smiled and stood up, “what’s up?”

“Can I talk to you somewhere in private?” He asked and you slowly nodded, feeling your heart skip a beat.

“Sure…” Seeing him give you a reassuring smile, he guided you out of the backstage area and towards a door that lead you to the rooftop of the theater. In the distance, you saw lighting strike as an incoming storm was approaching, the winds picking up as both of you came to a stop, sitting on the AC unit. “What’s this about?” You curiously asked. 

Sighing, he picked at the threads hanging from one of the holes in his jeans. You knew he did this often when he was deep in thought and had nowhere else to put his focus. “I’m not going to take too long… there’s a storm coming and, well, I don’t sugarcoat shit, so…”

“Okay…” you slowly nod, growing more and more anxious by each passing moment.

“Reiner’s a good friend of mine and I’ve never seen him behave such way,” he started. You had an inkling this was going to be about him . “I mean, you and I know very well what people say about him because, for the most part, he was what they say he is… He hasn’t been like that in so long, not since he developed that crush for you. I know you’ve been avoiding him after that whole fiasco on Halloween. I get it. Hell, if it was me in that situation where Mikasa finally made a move on me, I’d be so happy but then insanely heart broken when she completely avoids my existence––”

“But!”

“Wait,” he lifted a hand. “You’re scared, I get it. I know, you’re one of my best friends. I can read you like a book and I can tell you’re super conflicted after all that shit that happened. He spoke to me recently, told me what happened last week with you and Hitch––”

“I–– I went back inside to look for him but he was gone!” You explained but Eren sighed.

“How long do you think a man can wait for the girl of his dreams? After a while of being tugged along, flirted with and yet no advancements made… it gets old. I know you meant no harm with the flirting, did it because it came naturally and more than likely because you are attracted to him. It happens. But after dry fucking him and then ghosting him, what do you think happens? Not that I’m pointing fingers at anyone, but, after a while… it gets tiring. And I think he reached his limit.”

Swallowing, you turned your worried eyes towards the incoming storm and frowned, “I know… I knew it would happen eventually… though I kind of hoped not. I guess it is my fault, I did this to him. I kissed him first, that’s as much as I can remember from that night. I have evidence… I straight up took photos and videos,” you awkwardly laughed as Eren eyed you. “I haven’t been in a relationship… in so long. My life has become school and the band and I just, I couldn’t see myself being tied to someone when I wouldn’t be able to give them attention like you do to Mikasa or even Armin to Annie––even if they’re not a thing…”

“Yet,” Eren added as you softly smiled.

“But… I just… I spoke to Hitch and she told me to confront him. I tried to, I tried going after him but he was gone. I’ve seen him on campus and now he’s the one avoiding me…” eyeing the nail polish that was cracking and peeling away on your nails, you sighed, “I know I deserve it but I–– I didn’t want it to stop. For him to stop, I was and still am being selfish. I like his attention, I like the feeling of someone wanting me so badly and supporting me even if everyone scrutinizes him for falling for someone potentially out of his grasp… I don’t know, I just… it’s nice and I took advantage and fucked him over.”

Leaning back into the palms of his hands, Eren let out a small breath, “you kinda did––” you frowned at his words, but Eren grinned, “but I don’t think it’s too late…”

“What do you mean?” You asked.

Sitting up straight, Eren patted your knee, “well, if you leave right now, you may catch him finishing his game. I know he couldn’t make it because of that… and also because he’s hurting, so…”

Blinking a few times, you eyed him, “he’s on campus?”

“Yeah, the stadium. We’re against some out of state college and I’m positive we’re beating their asses,” Eren nodded. “He’s always watching you perform, maybe you should go see him play for once and surprise him.”

Taking in a deep breath, you nodded. “Yeah… okay…” Leaning over and kissing his cheek, you thanked him. “I should get going then.”

“Yeah,” he said before he stood up and watched you go. “Hey,” he called out as you stopped in your tracks before the door, turning your head to face him. “Do you remember that talk we had years back that pushed me to finally ask Mikasa out?”

Thinking back, you nodded, “yeah… why?”

Smiling, he stuffed his hands in the pockets of his jacket, “see this as my thank you for that. I owed you big time.”

Grinning, you shook your head. “I just helped pull your head out of your ass.” At that, you left his sight.

When was the last time you went to one of these games? You couldn’t remember. Maybe in high school for homecoming? You couldn’t recall ever going to one for the university. You stood feeling out of place, paying for a ticket for a game that was soon to end, getting strange looks from the volunteer within the ticket booth. It was the least of your concern. Your heart was pounding in your ears as you made your way to the seats and took the first spot you could find. 

Eren was right, your university’s team was winning but not by much. From what you could tell, it was neck at neck and the crowd was losing their minds as the clock was ticking. You weren’t entirely sure what was happening, only knowing a handful things about the sport due to the Super Bowl… but that was that. 

Searching the team, you spotted Bertolt and Porco. Eyeing a few others you recognized solely by association––and who you’ve seen at parties––your eyes landed on him . 

It felt almost as if he had felt your gaze and only yours, even if he had thousands of people watching him as he was playing. He was in the midst of making a touchdown, inevitably earning the win for his team in this game as nearly everyone in the crowd roared in happiness. As the team rushed up to him and cheered him on, his eyes so happened to land on you. Growing wide eyed at the sight, he looked away and focused on his teammates as they lifted him up on their shoulders. 

Sitting longer than you meant to as everyone began to rush out of their seats as the rain began to pour, you watched as Reiner was settled down before the team sprinted towards the interior of the stadium. Eyeing him, you decided it was now or never.

Making your way down the steps and onto the field, you jogged up to him and grabbed his arm before he could join the rest. “Hey, wait,” you spoke up, not seeming to care if either of you were now becoming drenched with the downpour.

“It’s raining––”

“I know but this can’t wait!” You exclaimed as you looked up at him with desperation.

“If this is an apology, I don’t need to hear it, it’s fine,” he said with a straight face, almost unbothered by the rain.

You, on the other hand, kept blinking it away and wiping at your face as your hair stuck to it. “No, please. I––”

“I have to go, it’s traditional that we celebrate after every win,” Reiner spoke as he slipped from your grip, turning away. You froze for a moment, panicking, unsure as to what you should do. 

Before you could think, your mouth began to utter words you weren’t even processing. “I was scared! I–– I haven’t been in a relationship in so long and I haven’t let anyone in like that in so long! Especially someone I’m so–– I’m so–– You’re just so different! Unlike anyone I’ve been with before and, I just, you have a reputation. Had one. I was scared for so many reasons before but I saw the effort you put. The flowers, the support, the way you spoke to me and how you never forced yourself on me and––” taking in a deep breath you gulped. “Fuck, I sound so stupid. I’m sorry, I am so sorry! I loved it, I loved the feeling you gave me. I took advantage, I never thought I was! I just–– It felt so good and, shit, when I kissed you I was drunk and I know it wasn’t the brightest idea but it––” rubbing your face, you shook your head. “I don’t know what the hell I’m trying to say or even get at. I don’t even know what I’m doing right now. I just came here without a second thought and I knew I had to do something because––”

“You were scared I wasn’t going to give you the attention you want anymore?” He furrowed his eyebrows, almost in an accusing tone as he eyed you.

“No! No! I––” taking a small step forward as you reached a hand out, you choked on your words, “please… I didn’t mean to sound like I was only using you. I never was. I just enjoyed the flirting, it was fun––”

“That makes it even better,” Reiner rolled his eyes. “You saw it as some little past time while I was madly–– I had feelings for you and you knew it and the moment you make the first move, I am suddenly the bad guy and go ignored as if I was at fault,” he pointed a finger as you shook your head with a gasp. 

“No, that’s not it!” You shrieked as lightning struck in the distance.

“Then what the fuck is it?!” He shouted.

“I— I–––” standing there like a deer in headlights, lips parted but nothing coming out, Reiner shook his head and turned once again. Watching him walk away, you bit your tongue and ran towards him, grabbing his wrist and turning him around, using your free hand to grasp the back of his neck and tug him down as your lips crashed against his own. 

Reiner hesitated at first, more than ready to push you and tell you off, claim you were going to regret it and avoid him all over again… but you didn’t let him move, you kept him locked in place. You desperately kissed him, grip on his wrist and the back of his neck not wavering. You weren’t giving up, and you knew you weren’t too late when he kissed you back. His tongue swiped along your bottom lip before bringing it in between his teeth and biting deeper than you expected. A small whimper left you but you welcomed it. Your lips parted as his tongue slipped past and met your own, pressing and gliding along with such hunger. In a matter of seconds, your feet were off the ground as his grip was now on the back of your thighs. With legs wrapped around his waist and hands gripping his broad shoulders, the two of you kissed with such intensity that you had to force yourself to pull away and catch your breath. 

Without a word and a soft look in your eyes, Reiner knew. “You could have saved us all this trouble if you were honest with yourself from day one.”

“I know…” you breathed. “I’m sorry…”

“I want to say you’re forgiven, but you put me through hell,” he sighed and you couldn’t help but softly smile, wiping his hair from his forehead as the rain refused to let up.

“Tell me how I can make it up to you,” you softly spoke.

“Hmm… You could come back with me to my place… Porco will be out for the night celebrating and Pieck is out of town visiting her father…” Eyeing you, your smile was enough to have him rushing away from the stadium. He settled you down and took your hand as he went for the locker room. Everyone was huddled together just outside, giving you two time to sneak in through the backdoor as Reiner grabbed his bag. 

He had handed you his spare shirt and gym shorts as he grabbed a pair of towels for the two of you to dry off with. Reiner changed into a pair of sweats and tank top that he had sitting at the bottom of his duffle before the two of you made your way out. He whispered an apology for how big his clothes were as you struggled to keep the shorts up, but you waved it off. 

Lucky for the two of you, his truck wasn’t too far off from the back entrance of the locker room, you weren’t soaked again but you did get a good amount of drops on you. The two of you panted from the sprinting before slamming the doors shut. You looked over at Reiner who gave you a smile, one you soon mirrored. “I have to thank Eren,” you said, earning a confused look from him. “He basically helped me realize I wasn’t too late.”

“Huh…” He slowly nodded before he inserted his key into the ignition and began the drive to his home. It wasn’t that long, though the weather was a bit of a time delay. As eager as both of you were, you didn’t want him speeding and crashing either. 

The moment you made it to his home and rushed inside, the two of you removed your shoes by the front door before he took his duffle bag—and your wet clothes—with him to the laundry room as you stood there and eyed the couch you two were making out on Halloween. Biting your inner cheek, you huffed and looked away. As embarrassing as the thought was… you had to admit, it was worth it in the long run. 

Reiner eventually came back and took your hands in his, “wanna continue this there?” He nudged his head towards the couch, causing you to scrunch up your nose and shake your head. Letting out a small chuckle, he brought your knuckles to his lips, kissing them one by one before lowering your hands. “I’m glad you’re giving me this chance…”

“And what chance might that be?” You leaned in with a small grin. “I’m not your girlfriend and we haven’t even gone on a date.”

“That’ll change,” he nodded. “Though, not today… it’s storming outside.”

Watching him shrug as you did the same, you then grinned, “tomorrow you’ll take me out then?”

“If you stay till the morning I can take you to breakfast,” Reiner offered.

Silently nodding, Reiner let go of your hands before bringing your face into his hands, leaning in and pressing a gentle kiss against your lips. You returned his affections, lips moving carefully against his own, almost calculated. However, before you could even deepen it, Reiner pulled away and took your hand and brought you up the stairs with him, to his bedroom. 

Shutting the door behind him, he brought you onto his bed where he sat first. You stood in between his legs as his hands trailed your side while he kept his eyes on yours. You shivered at his touch––and the feeling of your wet hair dripping down your back. The storm was still raging outside, but nothing compared to the feeling in your belly. He so gently brought your hands on his shoulders before he brought his own to the loose waistband around your hips. Untying the drawstrings you had tied a million times to keep in place, you felt the breathable material slip down your legs before stepping out of them. Moving his hands underneath the shirt you wore, he caressed the expanse of your back and settled on your ass, giving it a small squeeze before wrapping his hands over your waist and bringing you closer to him. 

You leaned in and closed the gap once again, lips back to softly touching before your hands slid down his chest. You pulled away for a moment as Reiner eyed you, “what is it?”

Biting your inner cheek, you fought a grin as you eyed his tank top, “got milk?”

“What?” He furrowed his eyebrows, but the moment your small hands pressed against his chest, his eyes grew in size. “Oh… shit…” Looking down and seeing the faded sharpie marker, you laughed. 

“I didn’t even notice until now. I’m surprised you kept it,” you said, feeling the hard muscles against your hands.

“It was funny, I’ll admit.” Watching you as you kept your gaze low, Reiner pulled his hands out from underneath your shirt and reached for your wrists. “Plus, you wrote it.” Kissing your palms, he then placed your hands back on his chest before bringing you to straddle him. “You wont freak out when you wake up in a few hours?”

Throwing your head back, you groaned. “Reiner…” Feeling his hand reach for you chin to pull your focus back to him, he awaited your response. “No… I wont.” Leaning in and kissing him, you wrapped your arms around his neck as he slid his hands along your bare thighs. 

“Good,” he muttered against your lips before he shifted positions, settling you beneath him as he left a trail of kisses. He kissed either cheek, then your lips before making his way down the column of your throat. Tugging down the collar of the shirt you were in, he continued along your collar bones before kissing the bit of your chest that was exposed. Reaching underneath you and unhooking your bra, Reiner gently tugged at it, wordlessly ordering you to remove it.

You slid your arms underneath the shit before tugging off the bra straps. Feeling him pull it off of you and tossing it to the side, your arms slid back through the shirt. Your hands went to rest in his hair as he brought his lips back to your neck, finding that sweet spot that had you squirming the moment his tongue made contact. He bit at the skin, not too hard, before sucking and kissing it. A small sound left you as he left another over your left clavicle. 

Lifting himself off of you and sitting on his heels, Reiner removed his tank top before tossing it to the side as your heart fluttered. It was enough that your body was on fire from his kisses, but your fingers itches to feel every bit of his skin. Every dip of his hardened muscles begging to be traced. You reached up and trailed your fingertips down his abdomen, feeling the shape of his abs beneath as Reiner watched you. Your bottom lip was between your teeth as your hands wandered, shivering at the sensation of his warm body against your curious hands. He seemed to enjoy it, letting you do as you please. 

“You’re so big…” you breathed, earning a smirk from him. Your eyes widened for a moment, “oh, don’t get cocky!”

“You haven’t seen it all yet,” he said as you blushed, almost forgetting just how much he must be carrying. The thought was terrifying, something you had forced yourself not think about… but now? It was inevitable. 

“I’ll say… I’m a bit scared,” you confessed. 

Shaking his head, he brought one of your hands to his lips, kissing your fingertips and palm once again. Then, his nose nuzzled your hand before leaving one last kiss on your wrist. “I’ll prepare you.” That only made your cheeks burn brighter, but he didn’t say a word. Instead, he settled your hand back on his body before he hovered you again, lifting your shirt enough to expose your underwear. He noticed the wet spot that already formed and bit back a groan of desperation. He lifted your knees and left a path down your thighs, nibbling and swiping his tongue the closer he got to your heat. 

Your heart picked up its speed as you watched him. Your hands left his body and found their way clutching onto the hem of his shirt that you still had on your body. “Reiner…” you breathed, almost trembling in anticipation.

He brushed his fingers along your clothed cunt, earning another lewd sound from you before he rubbed against your clit. You squirmed and tightened your grip around the shirt, biting your inner lip as you closed your eyes to collect yourself. It had been so long since you indulged in such pleasures, almost not remembering the last time you were intimate with someone. You were too lost in your clouded thoughts to even notice the material covering you being soaked by his mouth. You snapped out of it the second his tongue pressed against your panties and teased you. His teeth tugged on it, pulling it back before letting it snap into place as you gasped. 

A small snicker left Reiner as he reached up and tugged the piece off of your hips in one fluid motion. Your breathing quickened as you felt your sex now completely exposed, your eyes squeezing shut for a moment until you felt his mouth back where it had been. His tongue swiped up your aching cunt, swirling your sensitive nub before repeating the movement. You bit on your thumb as you looked down at him, the way he seemed as if he were eating the finest ice cream. It made your insides twist as your chest heaved. He teased your entrance along the way, savoring the taste of you and the sounds that left your parted lips. Bringing his fingers towards your entrance, your hands flung to the bedsheets. 

He started off slowly, gently curling and feeling around with one finger—then two. You took in heavy breaths as he thrusted in and out, at a steady pace, understanding your body and what made you feel good. Then, before you knew it, he was knuckles deep. Pumping them, finding what exactly sent you over the edge. One of your hands reached over to cover your mouth as your eyes squeezed shut, your other tugging on his blond locks as his lips sucked at you clit. 

“R— Reiner… I— I—“ you couldn’t speak, eyes squeezing shut once again. You wouldn’t last, you definitely weren’t, not when it had been so long. Not when his fingers were so fucking thick and felt so good. Your knees tried pressing together but he prevented you from doing so, pumping faster, searching for what would send you over the edge. And when he did, you came with a sound only his ears would ever get to listen to. He smiled when he tasted your climax on his tongue, lapping your juices before pulling his fingers out. 

A small whine left your lips, desperate and needy to fill the void with his cock. Reiner couldn’t fight the grin off of his lips, sitting up and leaning in to kiss you, letting you savor your own taste before he reached over to his nightstand and pulled out a condom. He lowered his sweats just enough, your eyes peeking open and an involuntary gasp leaving you at the size of him. The thickness was just enough to terrify you, and your worried eyes were enough to have Reiner kiss at your face. “It’s fine,” he whispered in your ear as you shivered. “You’ll be fine.”

Swallowing hard, you nodded. You hoped he was right. As much as you wanted to be ripped in half by him, you didn’t literally want to. 

Watching him slip the condom on, he reached for your hips and slotted himself within your legs. “You sure?” He asked as you slowly nodded. “I’ll be gentle unless you ask for more.” You nodded once again. 

And then he was pushing into you, slowly. 

Your eyes squeezed shut, adjusting to his size as he sunk into you, inch by inch stopping for any sign from you to keep going before he bottomed out. A shaky breath left your lips before you opened your eyes. You nodded, hands gripping his forearms and tapping them, motioning for him to start moving. 

He started with slow thrusts, pulling and pushing, just enough to get the rhythm going. Then he pulled and pushed further, picking up his momentum as strangled moans and cries left your lips. Reiner watched you unravel beneath him as he gripped your hips, legs spreading further apart to feel more. 

“Faster—“ you choked out. Reiner didn't need you to tell him twice. He picked up his pace, going faster and faster the more you begged for it, until skin was slapping. Until his headboard was banging against his wall. Until your moans turned into cries. Cries turning into chants of his name, begging him to go faster and harder. Faster and faster and faster . You were begging, pleading, eyes welling with desperate tears before he lifted your legs from under your knees and nearly pressed them against your chest, reaching deeper. 

“I’m c-- I’m gonna-- Rei--!” Your voice got cut off by your own cry as you chased your high, felt your body trembling and the ache of your incoming release. 

Reiner groaned at the way you clenched around him, thrusting faster and faster until you came all over him and milked him from all his worth. He rode it out, hips bucking a few more times before he nearly collapsed against you. A thin layer of sweat covering the two of you as you panted into each other's mouths while trying to share a lazy kiss. 

Pulling out and removing the condom, he tied and tossed it into the bin next to his bed before he fell against you. His weight nearly suffocated you, but it felt so good. His body heat, the warmth radiating onto you. You wanted to stay Like this, you didn’t want to leave, never wanted him to get off… but eventually he did. He cleaned either of you before he rested beside you, a hand slipping underneath the shirt that you managed to keep on. 

“Tell me you don’t regret it…” he whispered as he gazed at you with hooded eyes. You lied there on your back, still trying to catch your breath and collect yourself. 

“I don’t,” you breathed with a smile, turning your head and reaching over to run your fingers over his cheek bone, then down his jaw, over his goatee and soft lips. He kissed your finger before he wrapped his arm around you and pulled you closer. Your legs tangling with his as you nuzzled his chest.  In a matter of moments, the two of you were fast asleep. 

You woke up aching, a heavy weight on your hips as your eyes peeked open. You gently pushed back, eyeing a sleeping Reiner. Your body shivered as your bodies rested above the sheets. You frowned, sitting up carefully. 

“Don’t leave…” he mumbled, you looking over and seeing his eyes open. 

Reaching over, you caressed the side of his face, “I’m not… I’m just cold.”

“Oh…” he sighed in relief before sitting up and pulling the sheets from underneath either of you and bringing them over. He kept his arm lifted, waiting for you to curl back into his chest. You did so without hesitation, except this time, you turned so that your back was against his chest. You sighed in content and felt him nuzzle your hair, leaving a small kiss against your shoulder before the two of you fell asleep again. 

“Mind telling me if you two are a thing now?” Hitch asked you as the two of you sat at a bench out in the open courtyard. Classes had ended and you were on break, spending the day with Hitch as you went to the mall for a few hours. “It’s been a few weeks since this glow took over you and you’re back to flirting with him out in the open…”

Smiling you nodded. The following morning after your first time together, Reiner took you to breakfast—as promised—and claimed it was your first date. He also said it was the perfect time to ask you to be his girlfriend, though you begged to differ. “Yeah… though we are keeping the PDA to a minimum.”

“For now. I’m sure you two will become like Eren and Mikasa… or worse,” she snickered as you blushed. It wasn’t like you didn’t do anything in public, you did, just not around everyone. It was usually when you two were alone… though, one time, you couldn’t help but ride him in the locker room of the stadium when you were feeling extra turned on by the sight of him training and sweating. 

“Who knows,” you shrugged before your phone vibrated. You looked down and saw it was a text from Mikasa in regards to meeting up with the band. “I gotta get going, band things going on.”

“Band things,” the peridot eyed woman laughed. “Is that code for Reiner?”

“No!” You laughed. “Though, he usually is there when he’s got down time, the group doesn’t mind…”

“Poor Armin,” Hitch shook her head. “Annie seriously needs to get in on that.”

Shaking your head, you gave her a hug goodbye before leaving her sight. Your band was in the midst of putting together your official first EP. Reworking old songs, writing new ones, (trying to) narrowing it down to your top five. Reiner was your extra set of ears to help with decisions on what was better or which song was stronger. Eren claimed he was only there just to be with you, teasing the blond about how he was only invited because you couldn’t get enough of his attention. You usually brushed Eren off, even if he was right… sometimes . 

Now sitting in the living room of Eren and Armin’s shared apartment, you were on the L portion of their living room couch with Reiner resting in between your legs. You spent a few hours discussing and writing more, managing to play a few new songs before calling it a day and deciding to hangout for a bit longer. You were in your own world with Reiner, kissing his cheek and showing him your journal of songs you’ve written, claiming you lost count of how many you’ve filled out as he flipped through it. Eren was in the middle of playing on Armin’s PS5 with him while Mikasa was on the phone with Levi discussing how the band was now down to your top 15 and would work from there. 

“So… you’ve got songs about me?” Reiner asked and you scoffed. 

“As if—“

“She does,” Eren and Armin spoke in unison as they kept their eyes glued to the screen. 

“Okay, maybe a few…” you confessed. “Not all love songs are mine! Some are Mikasa’s about Eren or the reverse… and some are Armin’s!” You exclaimed as Reiner chuckled. 

“It’s fine, babe,” he patted your knee. “I love everything you create.”

Smiling, you ran your fingers through his short strands of blond hair before resting your chin on his head and pointed at one of the songs in the journal. “That one is about you,” you confessed. “I wrote it that week you were avoiding me,” you lowly said. Reiner squeezed your knee, as if in an apology, but you dismissed it. “We haven’t performed it.”

“It’s called… I Love You,” he read out and you nodded. 

“Because I do,” you softly smiled down at him as he tilted his head back enough to look at you. 

His cheeks burned but he grinned, “I love you, too.”

Leaning in, you kissed him as Eren sighed, “is this how you guys feel about me and Mikasa?”

“Pretty much,” you, Reiner and Armin all said in unison before you went back to kissing your boyfriend. 

“I guess that’s fair,” Eren sighed, eyeing the two of you before looking back at the TV. “You’re welcome, by the way.”

Chuckling, you looked over at your best friend, “thanks.” At that, you looked back down at a grinning Reiner, caressing and tracing his face. “I’m glad I listened.”

[stevesbipanic]

Boy For All Seasons

Part 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Ao3

By the time the first snow began to fall upon Hawkins Eddie knew he was falling in love with one Steve Harrington. Most nights the boys shared a bed feigning exhaustion or cold weather as an excuse to be close to each other. Eddie was weak to Steve's wishes and selfishly wanted to keep the younger boy in his orbit for as long as possible.

Christmas break had just started and Eddie was helping Steve hang up lights on the roof of Family Video.

"Ya know Stevie, usually when I help you with work it's to steal corporate America's heating system not freeze my balls off."

"I told you to wear I sweater when we left this morning."

Eddie's cheeks flushed and it wasn't from the cold, he mumbled a response.

"What was that?" Steve asked as he climbed back down and they headed inside.

"I said you're wearing my only sweater." Eddie was at least feeling warm now under Steve's gaze.

"Eds why didn't you say something, I could've survived!"

"I didn't want you to get cold, besides you look cute in my clothes."

Steve smiled softly, "Oh yeah? Trying to get me all dressed up a metalhead Munson?"

Eddie leaned in, a smirk dancing over his face, "Well you would look pretty h-."

"Oi! Tweedle Dum and Tweedle Dee! A little help would be nice!" Robin called, startling the boys apart.

"Sorry Robs."

"We helped with the lights little Birdie!"

"Mhm, Steve did the lights, you enjoyed the show, Munson," Robin muttered under her breath. It hadn't been long ago that the two had done the questioning gaze at each other revealing they had more in common than they thought. It made Eddie happy that it was unlikely Steve would punch him if he found out but even with all the flirting Eddie wasn't willing to risk it.

"What time are we supposed to be there on Tuesday, Steve-o?"

"Five, 'cause you know the kids are gonna want presents before dinner. Is Nance still picking you up?"

"Yeah she said she's got room, Joyce says she's gonna borrow Ms. Sinclair's car while they're here so she's got the rest of the kids handled."

Steve smiled and continued stacking the shelves.

"You guys having a little Christmas Eve party with the sheepies?" Eddie asked trying not to feel a little hurt that he'd been excluded.

"Hm? Oh shit! Eddie yeah everyone's coming over that day, you should bring Wayne too if he's not working."

"Dingus, did you forget to invite him?"

"Maybe," Steve said sheepishly, "In my defense, I assumed we'd be hanging out that day anyway."

Something warm bloomed in Eddie's chest at the assumption, at the inference that Steve would want to be around Eddie all the time.

"Wayne's working sadly, but you're right, we should probs sleep at yours Tuesday then so you have time to get everything set up." If Eddie hadn't been hiding his own blush behind his hair, he may have caught the light dusting across Steve's cheek at the word "we".

It wasn't long before Christmas Eve had rolled around. The Harrington house looked warmer when it was bathed in soft yellow Christmas lights. Steve had spent all day moving around the kitchen getting the feast ready, Eddie a dutiful taster and switcher of vinyls.

Before long the doorbell rang and a stampede of noise and laughter filled the home. Steve had been correct, the kids wanted to do presents first, and a mess of wrapping paper and cheers flowed through the living room. Eddie in typical Eddie fashion had dressed up as Santa Claus and helped pass around the gifts.

"This is for you, Eds," Steve said shyly passing a small gift to Eddie.

"Thanks, sweetheart." Eddie unwrapped the gift to find a chain with a black and red guitar pick attached.

"You've got so many rings, thought you needed something a little different, plus it matches your guitar."

"It's awesome, thank you, Stevie." Before Eddie could stop his own actions he'd leaned into Steve's space and pecked his cheek.

Steve immediately flushed, his hand reaching up to softly touch his cheek before standing quickly and telling the group that it was time for dinner. Briefly, Eddie thought he'd ruined everything but at the table, Steve still smiled and sat beside him.

Later, when everyone else had been taken home leaving Eddie and Steve warm and safe in Steve's bed Eddie thought about mentioning it. He thought about mentioning everything, all the flirting, the jokes, the costumes, the smiles, the stares, the fact that they slept together almost every night. But he didn't, instead, he whispered softly as they both softly drifted to sleep.

"Merry Christmas, Stevie."

"Merry Christmas, Eds."

Tags: @zerokrox-blog @smallfrogpleasedtomeetyou @eboyawstenn @sharingisntkaren @goodolefashionedloverboi @the-redthread @steddie-there @questionablequeeries @liorereshkigal @mightbeasleep @carlyv @my2amgaythoughts @gregre369 @space-invading-pigeon @bisexualdisastersworld @epiclazershark @sherrylyn628 @raisedbylibrarians @swaghettoni

[freakattack]

I also have cast them as alice in wonderland and the nutcracker in my head because i'm quirky like that but im putting it under the cut becayse it is too long

NUTCRACKER: OK so we have to go in with the assumption and aceptance that clara does Not have a thing with the nutcracker in this adaptation they are just dancng. Anyways crygor is drosselmeyer mike is the nutcracker and penny is clara. Wario is the rat king natch. I wanted him to be the nutcracker because he has teeth but then i rememmbered drosselmeyer and it all fell into place. I'm going to be honest everything after the rat king dies is like a drug trip to me i dont remember what happens. I'm going to say tht ashley was cast as the sugarplum fairy but she threatened to burn the whole place down so red is her understudy. He has a great time. This is all i have

ALICE IN WONDERLAND: This one is called Penny in wah-nderland and my pitch is that crygor is the big sister that&:s like, trying to teach her shit (i read the book but this is based on the disney movie because it's easier) and mona is the white rabbit (because shes always late). Tweedle dee and tweedle dum are kat and ana, natch. Also. Dribble and spitz are the march hare and mad hatter respectively and orbulon is the dormouse because he is sleepy. Jimmy t is the cheshire cat but he has a smaller, separate cheshire cat in his wig. Plus also, the caterpillar. Is. ...... I guess mike. Congrats mike. Wario is the queen of hearts

[rosewaterandivy]

a fool without a cause | track 2: seether

🎶 oh, she is not born like other girls, but I know how to conceive her 🎶

summary: Tweedledee and Tweedledum show you the ropes.

word count: ~2K

warnings: 18 + for eventual smut, empire records AU | The gang are in their early twenties, college-aged, cursing, name calling, vague mentions of crime

a/n: just some minor exposition as I continue to clean out my drafts.

Series masterlist | Playlist | Currently spinning: 

“And this our night manager, Eddie,” Hopper mutters waving toward the man reclining on the dilapidated sofa in the lounge. He shuffles through a pile of papers on his desk. “Eddie, mind your manners.”

The man in question doesn’t move from his spot on the couch at the center of the room. Long limbs and silver jewelry shrouded by a cascade of curls, he grunts in greeting.

Well shit.

It's the guy from earlier, the asshole who was smoking as you pulled up this morning.

“Charmed,” you reply with a smirk, crossing your arms across your chest and lean against the office door. “Soooo,” you drawl, “Hop tells me you committed the perfect crime?”

He looks at you with slightly dazed brown eyes, almost lost in thought. “Well,” he allows, “Not entirely perfect.” He kisses his teeth and spies Hopper behind you in the office, “You said I could hire the next employee, Hop!”

Hopper lets out a long-suffering sigh, “That was before the incident, Munson.” He grabs the night deposit pouch and shoves it in his back pocket. 

“Ooh,” you enthuse, curiosity piqued, “Color me intrigued.” You move aside as he grabs his keys, getting ready to leave.

Hop scoffs and locks the office behind him. “Ass glued to that couch,” he threatens Eddie with a pointed finger, “I mean it.”

“Aye, aye cap’n,” Eddie chirps with a mock salute. 

“Newbie’s in charge while I’m out.” 

“The hell man?” He sneers, “Indie Sleaze over here isn’t even a manager,” Eddie complains from his spot on the couch, fluffing the pillow in his lap.

“Tsk,” you cluck out in disapproval, “Might be by the end of the day if you fuck up enough.” And follow Hopper out onto the shop floor.

The mid-morning crowd consists of regulars, from what you can tell. Robin mans the sale desk behind the counter in front of the staircase while Steve fiddles with the sound system at the registers.

“Tweedle-dee and Tweedle-dum,” Hop calls out, “I’m headed to the bank.” He chucks a thumb behind him, gesturing to you. “This is the new hire, she’s in charge while I’m out—don’t fuck it up.”

Robin nods and greets you with a wave before turning to address a customer with a canvas tote of items. Steve leans against the sound system consol, phone forgotten in his hand. “Heeyyy,” he drawls, lips ticking up in a slow smile while he eyes you up and down. “Gotta name, newbie?”

You smile in return, but before you can respond Eddie shouts loudly from the back room, “She’s our very own brand of indie sleaze, Stevie!”

Steve laughs good-naturedly with a shake of his head, “Ignore Ed, he’s just a little wound up today s’all.” He opens the half-door behind the register and waves you through. “Indie’s a cute name though,” he says, licking his lips, “We can put that on your nametag, if you’d like?”

“Uh, sure,” you agree with a nod, “That’s fine.”

“Harrington,” Hopper warns, “Stop flirting with the newbie. If you’re not at register, I need you working on inventory, got it?”

“You hate me that much man?” Steve follows Hopper to the end of the counter, “I didn’t even do anything, Ed is the one that—” He hops over the ledge to follow after Hopper, trying to plead his case.

“I don’t wanna hear it,” Hop grouses, “You take care of it and try to keep Munson in line.” And with that, he turns on his heel and leaves the store, the front door chiming as it swings open. 

Steve sighs and runs a hand through his coiffed hair, muttering to himself. He turns back to you with a reassuring smile. “Okay,” he claps his hands together, “Time for the grand tour.”

The store is huge, three storeys all told, with rooms and levels labeled by media and genre. By the entrance are two counters, one for customers to sell their items to the store and another for regular transactions. A few bookshelves grace the main entrance, stocked with newer releases or highlighting local artists. The vast front windows are dressed with stenciled advertisements, “Back to school sale!” And “Ask about discounts for students and teachers!”

The main floor is dominated by DVDs, Blu-rays, CDs, tapes, and vinyl. The higher-priced items enclosed in glass cases flanking the wall. The book section begins at the front but flows into the next room and dominates the second floor and basement. Vinyl overflow is housed in the second room as well, easy enough to monitor from the front desk and CC TV feed. Located directly behind the register and re-sale counters lies the faculty lounge and Hop’s office. 

“So, any questions?” Steve asks, depositing you back at the registers. You shake your head considering that you can barley keep the flow of media/genres straight.

Sensing how overwhelmed you could get, he smiled. “Would you believe me if I told you it gets easier?”

“Guess I’ll take your word for it.”

Satisfied with your response, Steve goes back to fiddling with the sound system. “Hop usually insists on his playlist when he’s here,” he tosses over his shoulder, “But we can’t stand his penchant for the glory days, soooo.” 

Chumbawamba’s “Tubthumping” booms through the speakers and you can hear Eddie groan from the office. It’s certainly a choice for 10 in the morning, but who are you to complain? Especially when Steve he looks so cute mouthing the lyrics to himself and tucking a pen behind his ear.

“Indie!” 

You turn to find Robin at the opposite counter bag of Sour Patch Kids in hand. “I need to make your name tag, come and help me out!” Leaving Steve at the register, you wander back to the re-sale desk that Robin has completely covered in markers and flair pens of every conceivable color. 

Dutifully, you respond to her questions of your favorite color, glitter or sequins, and so forth. She offers you a handful of candy from her stash beneath the counter, “This bad boy,” she thumps the counter with her palm, “Can hold so much high-fructose corn syrup!” And invites you to grab some anytime you need a pick me up.

“Ta-daaa!” She sings presenting you with a nametag decorated with holographic glitter and purple gel pen. You take it from her with a smile of thanks, eyeing the loops and swoops of her handwritten ‘Indie’ - the ‘i’ dotted with a heart, naturally.

“Thanks, Robin,” you say with a smile and loop the lanyard around your neck.

Stepping back behind the register, you watch as Steve deals with a few customers. Always quick with a smile or joke, and you can see why the regulars like him. As evidenced by the teenage girls blushing furiously as they scamper off with the latest Olivia Rodrigo release.

"Harrington," Eddie shouts from his spot on the couch in the lounge. "I swear to Christ that I am going to smother myself if I have to listen to anymore this shit!"

Steve just smirks and hollers back, "Then use your veto dumbass!"

"Never!"

It's all a moot point as the song fades into "Flashed Junk Mind" by Milky Chance. Which Eddie apparently has no objections to.

Settling into an easy rhythm, you shadow Steve for the remainder of your shift. Desperately trying to commit the procedures to memory, which is kind of difficult when he keeps catching your eye.

Well, there are worse things to be distracted by and it is only your first day on the job, after all.

[legacyshenanigans]

I have such a cute image in my head of MC reading Alice in Wonderland and Through the looking glass to all three guys and Marvolo loving the White Rabbit, the March Hare and finding the Queen of Hearts hilarious, and Rowan getting annoyed by the Cheshire Cat (cuz you know cats 😂) and being so confused by Tweedle Dum and Tweedle Dee and Ominis just loving all the descriptive fantastical bits, but has a strange liking for the caterpillar, but also the sleepy door mouse as it's so much like him 🥰 💜💜💜

Omg I can see this 🥹🤣

Such a cute little image to have! 💚💚💚💚