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can-i-roll-for-it · 1 year ago

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"How much do you know about flower language?": A Hunchfucks oneshot

also posted on ao3: "How much do you know about flower language?" - Tina_ya_boi - Dimension 20 (Web Series) [Archive of Our Own]

Summary:

"Huh.." Hunch spoke. He examined the bunch of flowers again. It was then he noticed that it wasn't just flowers alone. There was a card attached. Hunch grabbed it and opened it, hoping to get some clarity. Perhaps it was from a past client who wanted to thank him? However as he read the card, he was just more confused

'Dear detective

I have a challenge for you. Find out who I am'

Then he paused. Before a giant grin spread across his face. "Well Anna! Looks like we have a new mystery on our hands!"

- Flowers randomly start appearing in Hunch's office

Fic under cut

"Things have been quiet in the office lately." Hunch groaned and he put his head in his arms as he sat at the bar at Sughas. "Dan I swear- I feel like I am going to evaporate if I don't have something new happen soon."

Dan glanced over at the clouds of smoke that consistently surrounded and made up his friend. He chuckled. "Could that actually happen to you?"

Hunch paused. "I'm not sure. But now I'm curious!" Hunch's eyes lit up at the idea of this new mystery.

Dan shook his head and clicked his tongue. "Ok ok, we need to get you some stimuli in your head before you bore yourself to death, my man." he laughed.

Hunch just groaned. "I'm serious Dan, nothing has been going on. I'm sick of it."

Dan simply shrugged "Wish I could help Hunch, but I don't have anything new for you right now. If you want we can go to that restaurant that has all the new stuff?"

Hunch looked up at him. He sighed. "No, that won't help me here. Sorry Dan."

Dan just shrugged "Your giving up too easily! Where is the detective that always bounces back from a problem?" He gave a lopsided grin. "Anything could happen!"

Hunch just looked up at Dan, he frowned. "I just don't see things changing any time soon Dan."

3 days later, Hunch went to his office in the morning, only to find flowers on his desk. A whole bouquet of them, more specifically. Hunch thought he recognized them as being Red tulips. (The Big guy used to be real into flowers in highschool). He tilted his head, as he went to pick up the bouquet.

"Hey Anna?" He called toward her in the other room.

"Yes?" The woman poked her head into the room. "What's going on?"

"Did you put flowers here?"

"No. Why would I have do that?" Anna tilted her head to look up at the detective. "Now. Where did those come from? I didn't see anyone come in earlier."

'Dear detective

I have a challenge for you. Find out who I am'

Then he paused. Before a giant grin spread across his face. "Well Anna! Looks like we have a new mystery on our hands!"

Hunch debated if he had to keep this investigation secret. There was a level of confidentiality that is expected between a detective and a client. However he supposed this isn't technically a client. This was a -challenge-. Someone had challenged him, and there is no reason for him to have to keep a challenge a secret.

Though it's possible he was just making up excuses. He really wanted to tell Dan about this. Which is how he finds himself banging on the door of Sugha's in the early hours of the morning long before the place should actually open. Could he have just called instead? Sure, the phone lines were back up, but is it so wrong to want to share good news in person? He knew Dan would be awake by now, so he assumed it was no harm.

Hunch heard the sound of footsteps loudly coming toward the door, and Hunch backed up right in time for a very angry looking Dan swinging the door open "Conrad I swear if that's y-! ..Oh." Dan blinked and looked at Hunch. Hunch watched as Dan tried to make himself look more calm and collected, yet still he looked very confused. "Hunch! My good man." Dan grinned and stepped aside to let Hunch inside.

Hunch happily walked into Sugha's after he was let in. "Dan, you're never going to believe what happened!"

Dan closed the door of Sugha's again once Hunch was inside. He leaned against the door and looked at Hunch. "Oh? What happened?..And what's with the flowers? Are they for me?~" Dan teased with a wink.

Hunch looked down. He completely forgot he had brought the flowers with him. He must have been too excited to leave them at home. That probably was a bad way to store his evidence. Though showing Dan the flowers would probably be much easier than explaining it.

"Dan!" Hunch started, ignoring Dan's comment from before. "Remember how I was telling you how slow things have been lately?"

"Mhmm." Dan hummed, watching Hunch.

"Well. I went to my office this morning and I found these flowers on the desk." Hunch held up the flowers. "I was real confused, then I saw this card. Look here!" Hunch held up the card from the flowers, and Dan walked forward in order to read it. After a second he smiled "Well well well. Look at that!" Dan pulled Hunch into a side hug "I told you you were giving up too soon!"

Hunch paused and stared at Dan after he did that. Dan was quite touchy Feely. Which would not be a problem if every hug didn't leave Hunch with a desire for them to be much closer, and honestly, closing the distance between them wouldn't be hard, if that's what Dan wanted too.

Hunch shook his head. Now was not the time to think of that! He has a case he needs to solve. He backed away slightly from Dan. "Right! Well then. I do need to get back to the investigation! I just wanted to tell you the good news."

"Awe come on now." Dan fake complained. "Why not stay for a drink? You came all the way down here. We aren't technically open yet, but I don't think there will be any problem getting something together for my favorite customer." Dan smirked playfully.

Hunch stared at Dan. In this moment he became painfully aware that they were completely alone right now. He swallowed. "No," Hunch chuckled. "I got to focus on the case! I'll see you later Dan! I'll keep you updated!" Hunch yelled before he swung open the door and quickly ran out to leave, not looking back at Dan as he did.

Hunch should have accepted that drink from Dan.

Hunch stared at the flowers in front of him. This was a dead-end. There was nothing linking these flowers to any owner. Hunch figured maybe he could go asking around at flower shops, but Red tulips are such a common flower, he doubted any would be able to pinpoint a specific buyer.

The card was typed. So there was no handwriting evidence for him to look for, and the message was so short, there was no way to get a good read on this person, to figure out who they might be.

Hunch did wonder who this person was though? Who would leave such a clue like this just for what is basically a big game of hide and seek? What do they gain from this?

Maybe it was someone who was bored with how things were going in life too, just like Hunch, someone who also wanted some mystery back in their life. That would be quite exciting!

Hunch decided no matter what he should thank this person when he finds them. So many unanswered questions! And he couldn't wait to solve all of them!

But to do that, he will need a lead.

Luckily for Hunch. It seems the mysterious person wasn't going to leave things off with just one clue.

After Hunch returned to the office again the next day, just like before he found a bouquet of flowers on his desk. He recognized these as Dahlias.

Hunch quickly grabbed the flower and turned them over looking for a card. Just like last time the card was right there attached to the flowers. He grinned "Bingo!" He yelled.

He pulled the card off the flowers and quickly opened it.

'Dear Detective

I thought I should give you a bit more help. These flowers have a meaning. One that may connect them to me

- <3'

Hunch tilted his head at the end of the note. A heart? Was the flowers coming from someone in the heart?

Hunch quickly dismissed it. Why would someone all the way in the heart bother with sending him flowers? Maybe the person has a name similar to heart?

Hunch decided to focus on the main part of the letter. The flowers have a meaning.

Right. Hunch completely forgot! Flowers language exists. He remembered that the big guy had learned a lot about it when he had tried to confess to his first crush years ago.

Though Hunch is ashamed to admit, he does not remember much of it. It was around that same time Elias started getting interested in science. It had taken priority in Hunch's mind at the time, but Hunch always kept notes of things he had learned. He supposed if he looked hard enough he could find those old notes about flowers!

Or at least that's what he thought. Turns out finding years old notes in your room is quite difficult. Hunch ended up spending the whole day looking, and he ended up falling asleep at his desk that night.

It was a shame. He had wanted to visit Dan again today.

Hunch groaned as he woke up the next morning. It wouldn't be the first time he had fallen asleep here, and it won't be the last, but the desk never became more comfortable. He yawned and he sat up and stretched. As he waved away any smoke that was in front of him (or clouds. Hard to tell the difference between the clouds and the smoke here.) Hunch noticed something.

In front of him on the desk were more flowers.

They were here! And he slept through it? Shit!

Hunch jumped up and grabbed the flowers. Forget-me- nots. Hunch quickly searched all over for the next card. Like before it was not hard to find. He almost ripped it with how fast he went to open it.

'Dear Detective.

I hope your search is going well. I hope another flower will help you place the meanings together.

- your secret admirer <3'

Hunch gripped the paper in his hands. Staring down at the words on the page. Secret admirer.

Well that solved the mystery of why this person was doing this.

That day Hunch once again found himself banging at the door of Sugha's. "Dan! Dan!" He yelled. He felt he may be causing a scene, but he was freaking out! He had to talk to someone about this.

Some minutes later the door had swung open. This time Dan just grinned at him "Hey Detective. You get a break in the case?" Dan gave Hunch the space to walk in

Hunch ran into the room and Dan shut the door behind them. When Dan looked back at Hunch, he was pacing back and forth. "What's troubling you Hunch?"

"Dan look at this!" Hunch stopped pacing and he held up the card he just received. Dan tilted his head. He walked over to Hunch. He grabbed the card from him. Hunch is ashamed by how he felt when their hands brushed against each other.

Hunch watched as Dan read the note. Before he slowly nodded. "Ah! So you have a secret admirer then?" Dan chuckled. Dan turned the note over in his hands."Well then. What do you think of that?"

Hunch stared forward at him. He hated that he felt this way, but part of him was hoping Dan would be bothered by the idea of Hunch having a secret admirer. Shamefully, he wanted to see Dan jealous.

Still Hunch just stared at Dan. "What do you mean?"

"What do you think of it?" Dan repeated "Having an admirer?" Dan looked at Hunch in the eye. "Ever think about dating before, Detective?"

'All the time. All the time' Hunch thought 'I think about dating you'

Out loud Hunch shook his head "No. I probably shouldn't get involved in that." He laughed. It was a pained laugh.

For a moment, Hunch thought Dan looked upset at this answer, but he figured it was just hopeful thinking. Hunch continued to speak "I don't know what to do Dan. I know I was having fun before, but I don't want to continue on with this case like this." He huffed "it would feel like I'm leading them on, you know?"

"Well if you're going to reject them, you better do that in person." Dan hummed quietly, messing with the card in his hands.

"How could I do that? I don't know who they are!"

"Leave a note for them. They leave you flowers. So just leave a note where they leave them." Dan looked at Hunch, he smiled "invite them to come here."

Hunch blinked "You think that's a good idea?" Would it even work?

"I say so. Can't hurt to try, right?" Dan tossed the card onto a nearby table

"I suppose not no..." Hunch couldn't figure out why Dan would want Hunch to bring this person to Sugha's to reject them. Is rejection not the opposite of why people came to Sugha's? Wouldn't that be bad for business?

Maybe it was for Hans? That guy enjoyed people's pain.

Later on Hunch left a note on his desk for this mystery person. He tried to keep it short and to the point

'Dear flower person

Well I am flattered by the feelings, I do not return them. I don't want to leave this with just a note though. If you would be willing, I think we should meet up. If you know the bar Sugha's, I think that can be a good spot

From Detective Hunch Curio'

Hunch left the note on the desk and he left his office for the night.

If Hunch was being honest with himself. He did not expect the person to respond. Yet when he came to the office the next morning. There. On his desk was a note. No flowers. Just a note carefully placed on the desk.

'Dear Detective.

I'll meet you there at 8pm. I'll be holding roses. I have some things I need to explain to you'

Hunch gasped.

This was really going to happen, wasn't it?

This time he didn't need to bang on the door long before Dan had opened it for him.

"Hunch," Dan smiled. Hunch immediately felt something was off with him, but what that was, he wasn't sure.

"Dan?" Hunch frowned "You ok?"

Dan chuckled "I'm always ok! Why wouldn't I be? Come on in." Dan stepped aside. Hunch did as he was told and he walked in. He still frowned

"Are you sure about that?" Hunch would hate it if Dan was upset.

Dan put his hands up "Hey hey. Just having an off morning, don't worry about it- What about you though!" Dan looked at Hunch "What happened with them?"

"Oh!" Hunch had almost forgotten "they said they will come by around 8pm! They will bring flowers with them."

Dan nodded. Hunch waited for Dan to say something, but it never happened. He frowned, he figured once this mess was cleared up with the mystery person, he would have to focus more on how Dan was. Something was up.

"I...don't have much else to do today, so I say you got yourself some company until 8" Hunch laughed.

Dan tilted his head. "You want to stay here until 8? That's quite a long time. You are pretty dedicated to this huh?" He chuckled. Dan had gone to walk over to the bar counter, and Hunch followed after him.

"I guess so," Hunch hummed. He didn't want to tell Dan that he just wanted to hang out with him.

"Well." Dan smiled. "Lucky for you, I finally have something new for you."

Hunch had spent the day at Sugha's with Dan. He felt guilty about it in a way, talking up so much of Dan's time. Sure he felt back enough that he didn't interfere with Dan's working, but just staying by his side felt wrong. He was sure there were a lot of people who would have wanted to hang out with Dan at that bar, they must be so upset by Hunch.

Dan didn't seem bothered by it though, and that's really all that mattered to Hunch right now.

Though around 5pm, Dan had started asking a bit strange. He threw an arm around Hunch's shoulder, which was normal. But then Dan spoke up "Hey Detective, would you be willing to go up to my room?"

Hunch choked on his drink and started coughing. He slammed the cup he had down on a table and looked at Dan "What-?!"

Dan laughed "Not like that, I mean unless you want to," Dan winked and smirked. Before he went back to a more somber expression "I have to talk to you, and I think we need to be alone for it."

Hunch stared at Dan, wide eyed. Dan wanted to speak to him alone? Hunch felt his throat go dry. He nodded slightly. "Ok Fucks. Lead the way."

Hunch thought that it was foolish of him, but there was a small bit of hope in his chest as Dan grabbed his hand and brought him to the upstairs of Sugha's where his room was.

Hunch sounds of the bar slowly faded out as they made their way up there. Once they made it to the room, Dan gestured for Hunch to sit on a couch he had. Hunch just as he was told.

"I'll be right back" Dan said "I have to go grab something, you wait there."

Hunch nodded, feeling dazed. He was left wondering what Dan had to tell him, as he nervously tapped his foot against the floor. Dan wasn't gone long, but it felt like forever. When Hunch heard the sound of the floorboards squeaking, he looked back up at the doorway to see Dan standing there.

Holding a bouquet of roses.

Hunch stared at him, wide eyed. He looked up at him "Wh..what are those for-?" He mumbled.

"Come on, you're smarter than that Detective." Dan smiled. It was a sad smile "it's not 8 yet, but I was feeling real guilty keeping you here." He chuckled softly.

Hunch just stared at him. It felt like time stopped. "You...you sent the flowers?"

Dan bites his lip "Mind if I sit. Detective?"

Hunch, not sure what else to do, nodded, and watched as Dan slowly made his way across the room, and sat down next to Hunch. Notably trying to keep his distance. Hunch frowned at that. He looked at Dan. "Why..?"

"You came in complaining about how bored you have been lately," Dan started "I figured the least I could do for you would be to give you a bit of a mystery to solve, I was missing the fire in your eye when you had a mystery.." Dan looked away from Hunch's eyesight "I think I got too excited."

Hunch paused to process this. So the flower person was Dan. It was always Dan.

Dan called himself Hunch's secret admirer.

"Dan-" Hunch started "Were you..serious about this? The..the admirer thing I mean."

Dan gave a stained laugh. "My good man, what do you know about flower language?" Dan said, not answering the question.

Hunch frowned "Not much. I know we learned it before, but I forgot most of it."

"Well," Dan started, fiddling with the roses in his hands. "I remembered a few. Only the ones that felt more related to pleasure though, you know?"

Dan kept talking "red tulips are supposed to represent love and passion," he started explaining "dahlias are supposed to be eternal love, which is corny as fuck for me to use" He sighed. Hunch just stared blankly. Dan continued "forget-me-nots are another sort of everlasting love thing, but I don't know, I guess they felt more important than the Dahlias? Shit. I don't remember what I was thinking." He took a deep breath. Before he shoved the roses into Hunch's hands "and I think you can figure out roses."

Hunch was unable to move for a moment. He took a moment to process all of this. He glanced down at the roses in his hand. He turned them over slowly. There was a card. Hunch grabbed it. He slowly. And very carefully opened the small card

'I love you'

Hunch took a deep breath and stared at the card for a long moment. He looked at Dan, who had turned away from him. "Ah- sorry about all this. I really just wanna help, truly." Dan put his hands up in defense "I don't think I realized what I was doing until it was too late. I guess."

Hunch continued to stare speechless at Dan. So many words hung on his tongue. 'I love you too' being some of them.

"You can leave if you want."

Hunch blinked and mumbled a "huh?" Finally speaking "You want me to leave?"

"Obviously not." Dan leaned back. Dan has been uncharacteristically tame this whole time. Hunch wasn't sure how to help. "But I'm sure you want to now yeah?"

Hunch stared at the sad smile on Dan's face. Hunch has never seen that look on Dan's face before, but it looked like he was going to cry. Hunch refused to let that happen.

"What if I don't want to leave?" Hunch started.

Dan groaned but nodded "Ok. Fine. I guess you were ready to reject someone tonight, yeah?"

"What-? No!" Hunch didn't expect himself to yell, but it just happened. He watched Dan's eyes widen. He looked confused, but Hunch had started and he wasn't going to stop now. "I'm not rejecting you! I can promise you that!"

Dan stared at him. "You said you didn't want a relationship." He crossed his arms.

"Because I don't want to date some random person leaving flowers in my office I want to date you!" Hunch yelled. He wondered if the people downstairs could hear him. Probably not. It is pretty loud down there.

Hunch watched Dan sit up and leaned closer to him "Do you still want that?" He said in a hushed tone.

Hunch bit his lip "I won't change options about something like this that fast."

"I see." Dan said.

And Hunch can't exactly remember how this happened, but the next thing he remembers is that he and Dan were kissing. It was messy and passionate and they were both desperately grabbing on to each other. The roses were tossed to the side, and Hunch briefly thought that maybe they should speak about this more. However he figured that could wait until later. There were more pressing matters right now.

#dan fucks #daniel fucks #dimension 20 #hunchfucks #hunch curio #mentopolis #my fics

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kaiparker-avengerssmut · 4 years ago

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CURSED: CHAPTER FIVE

"Had I known how to save a life"

Kai Parker x OC!Mack Grace

Series synopsis: "We're both cursed, in a way."

We all know the story of Kai Parker, but he once lived in a very different life. Do you ever wonder what that life looked like?

Chapter summary: there’s a party

Warnings: ben is a douche, Kai is kinda sweet

Masterlist | Series Masterlist

It had been about 20 minutes since they realised Nicole was alive and a lot had happened, Mack had broken into more tears and an ambulance had arrived. The fire engine had retrieved Nicole and she was on her way to the hospital, everyone else either stood around awkwardly in shock or heading home. Mack leant against a tree and sunk to her knees covering her face with her hands. She sat there for god knows how long. She hadn't seen Kai or Ben since the almost fight and she didn't particularly want to either. She looked up a someone cleared their throat.

"Need a hand?" Kai said - almost shyly - holding his hand towards her. Mack stared into his eyes but didn't move, before Kai sighed and extended his hand further. "C'mon Kenz, I don't bite." She carefully put her hand in his and Kai yanked Mack to her feet, pulling her close to him and whispering in her ear. "At least not unless you want me to." His hot breath fanned across her face and Mack looked away turning red. Kai stepped back and winked, backing away.

No matter the situation, Kai always managed to make Mack so flustered and it annoyed the shut out of her. Why? Why him of all people? Mack sighed, annoyed and walked towards Ben's car, before noticing it was gone.

"Need a ride?" Kai's cocky voice sounded from behind her. Mack threw her head back before looking back up and putting on a fake smile and turning to face him.

"No- yes. Please." She said quickly, a smirk breaking into Kai's face and he gestured for Mack to follow him. His unlocked his jeep and let Mack inside before going to his side of the car and climbing in.

Mack rested her head back against the seat and the tears suddenly fell. She was so close today, too close. Kai froze.

"You okay, Kenz?" You could slightly heat the concern in his voice. She clenched her eyes shut and pressed her lips together before turning to Kai and shaking her head. "Hey, hey. It's fine. She didn't die, it's not your fault, Kenz. It's that jackass you call a boyfriend." She nodded and he placed a tentative hand on her shoulder, not sure what to do.

"It's not fine, Kai." She spat through the tears, breaking down into even more.

"Shhhh, okay it's not fine. But it's still not your fault." He reassured her, before pulling her into his chest and wrapping his arms around her. The embrace was awkward at first, but they both melted into it soon enough. Kai's hand ran through Mack's messy hair and he rubbed her back soothingly, trying to make her calm again.

As the tears subsided Mack pulled away and wiped her now wet eyes before sitting back into her seat. Kai's Starr was still on her.

"You need anything?" His voice was unsure.

"Just take me home, please."

The sun leaking through the slight gap in the curtains made Mack's eyes fluttered open. She groaned and rolled over, pulling the covers back over her head. But they were yanked back down straight away.

"Ah ah ah sweetheart, you don't want to miss breakfast do you?" The sound of Kai's voice from beside her made Mack shoot up and instantly look under the covers. Clothes were on. But they were not what she was wearing last night. She was in one of Kai's AC/DC T-shirts and her underwear. Shit. She looked to the side to see a grinning Kai laying over the covers with his hands folded behind his head and his ankles casually crossed. Her eyebrows pulled together as she spoke.

"Why am I-" Kai cut her off before she could get any further.

"In completely different clothes to last night? I thought you'd be uncomfortable in a wet suit." Kai's smirk was evident through the insistent grin.

"You saw me naked?!" Mack almost screeched with wide eyes, holding the covers over her chest.

"Maybe." His grin was now a full-blown smirk. Mack made a noise of disbelief before slapping his arm and scrambling out of the bed, trying to hold the covers over her half-naked body but failing. Her feet twisted with the dark blue sheets and her shoulder collided with the wall.

"Ouch." Kai mused through his hysterical laughter and Mack stumbled into the adjoined bathroom and kicked the door shut with her foot, shouting a muffled 'fuck off!' as she did so.

Once getting into the bathroom Mack instantly spotted her wet suit and bikini top on the floor. Mack double checked the door was locked before tugging the t-shirt over her head and putting her cloths from yesterday back on. A sudden knock on the door made her jump.

"You know, wet suits are uncomfortable. I could always lend you some clothes." Kai shouts from the other side of the door. Mack sighed and unlocked it.

"Really?" She asked hopefully, popping her head round the side. Kai thrust an armful of clothes towards her and Mack backed into the bathroom to get changed. "Thanks."

"No problem, you look sexy in my clothes anyway." Kai winked and Mack scoffed before rolling her eyes and closing the door.

A minute later she walked out clad in light grey sweats and another one of Kai's t-shirts, this was a black Nirvana one.

"Kai?"

"Yes, Kenz."

"Why am I not home?" For some reason Mack hadn't asked that question yet.

"You fell asleep in the car and I felt too bad to wake you so I took you back to mine." Kai said with a fake pout.

"You felt bad? Wow. Funny." Mack scoffed. "Wait. I slept in your bed, which means-" Kai cut her off again.

"I slept on the couch." He finished for her, flashing a smile of innocence. Mack's mouth was still open. She closed it after a second and frowned.

"Oh."

"You want a ride home?"

"I thought you said breakfast was ready."

"I did, and I lied. I just didn't know how you'd react to being woken up and I was bored." Mack rolled her eyes at Kai's words and picked up her stuff.

"Sure. Take me home." Kai stayed on the bed. "Please." He jumped up and brushed past her and out the door.

"Whatever you say babe." Mack stopped in her tracks.

"Babe? That's what you've resorted to now?" The disbelief her her voice clear.

"Well, you told me you didn't like princess, so..." Kai trailed off and grinned before continuing his was down the stairs.

"Where's Jo? And your parents?" Mack wondered as Kai locked the door.

"They're away for the week." He said simply.

"The whole week? Without you?" Mack pushed.

"I didn't want to go. It's some family thing - there's always something happening." He shrugged, getting into his car.

"Oh." Mack could've think of anything else to say.

"So I'm having a bunch of people round mine tonight, wanna come?" Kai asked with a smirk. Mack shook her head and tried to hide her laugh.

"I'll pass. Hanging out with you're lot never works out well for me." Mack snorted.

"'My lot'? What's that, Kenz?" Kai tilted his head questioningly.

"You know, the popular kids. The jocks and self-obsessed bitches that gossip and call themselves pretty." Kai raised a brow.

"Self-obsessed bitches who think they're pretty? What'd they do to you?" Kai laughed. Mack crossed her arms and scoffed. "That bad?!" He continued laughing.

"I meant what I said. I used to be part of that crowd, realised they were awful and graduating school was more important so I left." Mack defeated. All Kai did in response was nod.

"Here we are, babe." Kai pulled into Mack's drive and brought the car to a stop. She rolled her eyes but said nothing.

"Thanks." Mack said before getting out the car and walking into the house.

"Think about tonight! It's starts at 8!" Kai shouted before driving off.

"Mack!" Kim shouted. Mack groaned and padded over to her door, flinging it open and shouting back.

"What?!" Mack answered with a bored voice.

"Ben's here! He's coming up!" Kim replied and sauntered off, letting Ben make his way up the stairs.

"Hey babe." Ben greeted as he walked through her door, placing a chaste kiss on Mack's lips. She cringed internally and turned away, plopping back down onto her bed. "Get changed. We're going to Kai's." Ben spoke.

"W-What? I already told him I wasn't going." Mack defended.

"Since when are you hanging out with Kai? And hurry up, we need to be there in 20 minutes." Ben's tone was demanding.

"He took me home last night after you disappeared." Ben rolled his eyes and folded his arms over his chest. "And I'm not just gonna up and leave because you tell me too." Ben's expression was over taken with rage.

"Yes. You. Are. You never go out with me and people are starting to think you're not into me. You're coming." With that Mack gave up, scared to anger her boyfriend further. She pulled some cloths out her drawer and put them on, discarding her pyjamas on her unmade bed and walking over to Ben. He pulled her into him, making Mack gasp, and brushed his hand over her cheekbone before trailing it over her curves and grabbing her ass. "Mmmm, you look sexy. I can't wait to tear this off you later." Ben whispered in her ear before intertwining their hands and pulling her out of the room with him.

As they pulled into Kai's drive Mack slipped out the car and waited for Ben, who wrapped his arm around her waist and led Mack to the front door. He knocked loudly and the door soon swung open, revealing Kai, who's head was facing away from them.

"Sure, just don't go in Jo's room - she gets cranky if everything isn't perfect." Kai shouted down the hall to someone in the house. Mack soon spotted the couple rush up the stairs and she put two-and-two together. "Hey guys." Kai greatest with a smile as he turned back to them, shooting Mack a subtle wink when he saw her and making her cheeks flush. "Come on in. Mi Casa es su Casa." He said, stepping to the side and holding his arm out as an invitation.

The couple ventured into the house, walking their way to the living room where around 10 of Ben's friends were sat with red solo cups in their hands all laughing at something someone had said.

"Ben! My man!" A guy called Mitchell shouted as he clapped Ben on the back, who was already smiling and greeting all his friends. The two found a place on the sofa, where Ben pulled Mack into himself further. Kai sat down on Mack's other side - not before handing both of them a drink and sending her a smirk as she looked his way. She rolled her eyes and turned her attention back to the girl sat on a bean bag on the opposite side of the coffee table that occupied the centre of the room.

"Who wants to play truth or dare?" She slurred slightly. Cheers hollered through the room and eventually everyone had agreed. "Okay, Matthew. Who's the sexiest girl in this room?" The girl started. Matthew surveyed the room, before his eyes landed on a girl Mack new as Sophia. He bit his lip, giving her a once over and winking.

"It's gotta be Sophia, baby." He called back and the boys laugh, Sophia giggling and blushing slightly. "Right, my turn." Matthew looked over everyone until he saw Kai. "Okay, new guy. Best sex you've ever had?" Kai shook his head.

"For-fit, give me the dare, dude." His ever-present smirk was still there but he looked sheepish, almost. Lots of 'ooooo's and 'that bad?'s came from the crown of teens.

"Okay, I dare you to take off an item of clothing." Matthew orders. Kai grins and pulls his t-shirt over his head, leaving it on the floor and sitting back into the couch. Mack felt herself keep giving his toned, bare chest glances and had to stop herself, instead focusing on the next dare. She missed the first part but caught the end of it.

"Courtney, I dare you to take off your panties and give them to the guy in this room you'd be most likely to smash." Kai said with an evil smirk, looking in the direction of a blonde girl who was wearing a short black skirt and crop top. Her cheeks flushed red and she stood up, removing her underwear and shyly walking over to a guy Mack didn't know the name off. Courtney placed the fabric in his hand before sitting back down, crossing her legs awkwardly.

Mack zoned out for a while, only snapping back to reality when she heard Ben's name.

"Ben, what's the dirtiest thing you've ever done with Mack?" One of the guys asked with a sly expression. Mack looked down at her hands and twiddled her thumbs, feeling everyone's gaze on her. She drowned out Ben's response the second she heard him start.

"Well Mack does this thing with..." she didn't listen to the rest. There was a chorus of cheers and 'no way!'s before Ben settles back into the seat. "Okay babe, what's your dirtiest secret?" Ben asked, nudging her side playfully. That I want to see Kai Parker over me, she thought instantly. She shook herself out of it quickly.

"Um, pass. D-dare please." She said sheepishly.

"Okay, I dare you to take off your bra." Ben said, kissing her cheek and winking at her. Mack leant forward, reaching around her back and unclasping her bra. She pulled the material from under her shirt and threw it on the floor. She heard someone shout 'the old Mack is back!' and everyone laughed, even her. Mack felt herself grow a bit more comfortable, like she used to be. She turned to the girl that started and asked:

"Okay, Tracy, what's your biggest fear?" Tracy refuses to answer. "Fine. Down 5 shots of the strongest alcohol Kai has in the house." Kai shook his head, grinning, beside her and pushed himself up, soon returning with some shot glasses and a bottle of whiskey. He set them out on the table and poured the shots.

Mack's attention was drawn to Ben who started kissing her neck, moving his hand to her inner thigh.

"Let's go somewhere a little more private." He whispered in her ear, pulling the girl up to standing. He held her hand in his, dragging her away from the living room and towards the stairs. As they turned the corner Mack caught Kai's eye, who looked almost disappointed to see her leaving with her boyfriend. His look soon turned to one of sympathy and Mack gulped, turning back to look at her boyfriend who wore a dark expression.

#smut #elena gilbert #image #images #stefan salvatore #the vampire diaries #tvd #chris wood #damon salvatore #kol mikaelson #kai parker fanfic #kai parker image #kai parker x reader #kai parker smut #kai parker #tvd fanfic

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growingupautie · 5 years ago

Text

StoryTime: The White Card Incident

(2,770 words but worth the read.)

In January of 2013, I was promoted from a part-time weekend job as a technology sales representative for Lenovo to the Marketing Development Manager for Lenovo in charge of half of my entire city of Houston. For a while, I felt like I was on top of the world. I loved my job and traveling through my city. I loved meeting all the people in the 50 plus stores I had to visit and started to memorize a lot of them and what we talked about.

I even made my route have me end up near Chinatown on some days so I could stop by and eat lunch there (and get some things from my favorite bakery.) But just as Kandace and I were planning on using this newfound position to get an apartment together, something terrible happened. In October of that year, we got on our weekly conference call as we always did, but the mood seemed somber and no one was talking or laughing like they used to.

When our boss came on, she also seemed upset and had trouble getting her words out. I could tell that everyone on the call, all 20 plus of us from across the United States just wanted her to say what was happening so we could rip the bandaid off. After a minute of praise that felt hollow given the tone of the call, someone finally asked if she could get to the news we were told to expect.

She said "sorry" and continued to tell us that the parent company we work for had lost the contract with Lenovo after failed negotiations and our positions were being terminated immediately. The call somehow fell more silent. Everyone had questions. Myself included. But in the end, we found out most of what we wanted to know. The Lenovo branded cars we drove were to be returned, (I had let my vehicle stay broken down as I didn't need it and it would be expensive to fix.)

The laptop we were provided was to be returned as well along with the phone, and hotspot device. But the most important bit of info came when someone asked if we would be allowed to apply for unemployment. "Of course we would be able to. We paid into it, we worked, we should be able to get that back." but to our surprise, the boss said something along the lines of "no don't do that! We could get in trouble! We haven't paid into that!" All of us were stunned. Someone asked how that was even possible.

It turns out the loophole in the law they had found was that because the company was in Akron Ohio, and we all worked and paid taxes in our various other cities somehow they managed to not pay into it. We didn't get bogged down into the why or how, but all that meant to us was suddenly we were without cars and a paycheck and would be denied unemployment. I was devastated. I really thought I had found a place to grow and could see myself making a career out of it.

We were about to sign papers on an apartment and suddenly I'm without a job, without a working car, and without any kind of financial assistance. Some issues happened around my family and after a short time, I got my car somewhat fixed and I moved out of the house into Dadaw's (grandmother's) house. I tried frantically to get another job. After all, I had just been in charge if half of Houston for a big company. Surely I would be offered another position somewhere soon.

But as time went by, nobody had called. I had very little money left, and very little outside help if any. Hope was dwindling, relationships were strained. I had spoken to at least 20 job placement agencies. After my mom informed me that I had been diagnosed as Autistic as a child, I had reconnected with D.A.R.S. (Department of Rehabilitative Services) who help people with disabilities get help with work and other things.

But they refuse to help me based on my other medical issues because they closed my case before, and they refused to help me as an Autistic until I got rediagnosed. They paid for me to be rediagnosed, I did so with no sleep, having skipped dinner and breakfast, and with a ridiculous amount of stress on my shoulders.

I aced their IQ test minus the memory portion, and after a while of convincing the doctor I was Autistic through old stories and experiences and the fact that I had been diagnosed, he agreed. That day, I went home with my heart sunk in my chest. I felt like a failure for needing this kind of help. I felt like a broken or incomplete person because I couldn't do it on my own.

And after months of their "help," working with a bunch of disability-based job agencies, the "help" of 20 plus other job placement agencies I had saught out, and filling out applications online myself, no matter what I tried, I couldn't get a job anywhere. I couldn't afford to eat, and I didn't want Dadaw to pay for me as she often couldn't afford much. A few people in my life suggested I get food stamps. Several people in my life told me I should apply food stamps. But the idea of that in itself was terrifying.

But after a while, between eating very little, my friends taking me out from time to time, and constant pestering from my family I felt I was left with no choice. I went to the food stamp office with my head down, the people around me had the same downtrodden demeanor. When they called me back, I felt a rush of emotions. Guilt, remorse, sorrow, anger that it came to this.

But most of all, I felt embarrassed. Growing up, food stamps had been used as an insult toward the people around me, I knew at one point my family had needed them and used them and I felt like as someone who had been constantly bullied growing up, I was opening myself up for more. I played through a million scenarios in my head as I walked back. Someone I know seeing me at the checkout counter, the cashier silently judging me, the people around me, me dropping the white card with the unmistakable logo in front of someone.

I snapped out of it and sat down in the interview room to answer questions to determine my eligibility. But it felt like a police interrogation to me. I felt like I was cheating the system. Like it wasn't for me, but someone else who deserved it. Someone else who needed it. I felt the eyes of the interviewer boring into me as if to say "why are you even here?" I spoke up about to break. "I...I don't even want to do this." Her face changed from accusatory and annoyed, to shock.

I let her know that I felt like I had no other choice, that I felt embarrassed. I explained my situation, and she looked at me almost begrudgingly endearing. "Son, if you need help, you need help." she said. "That's what it's here for." I felt somewhat relieved or at least a little better about not actually cheating the system. They accepted my application, and I was approved.

When I got the card, I was once again filled with dread. Replaying the simulations over and over in my head a million times. Finding a way to cheat the system in a way to avoid being bullied, I realized I could use the self-check-out. Then quickly realized if I get one of those "please remove items from cart" messages or something else regarding my card, someone would have to come up and help me anyway.

Still, I figured it was my best hope for avoiding confrontations, and I parked outside the grocery store. I checked my balance on the card and made sure everything was working, went in and got a basket, and started shopping while feeling like a spy. Like somehow I would get caught and it would be the end of the road for me. I'm honestly surprised nobody thought I was shoplifting as nervous as I was.

When I was done, I walked over to the self-check-out area doubling down on my earlier decision when a woman stopped me and said they were all closed for repairs. Panic set in. I didn't say anything. I just sort of smiled and walked away with my basket.

The 15 items or less line was almost empty but I had too many items. The next line had too many people. The next few lines had the same amount of people and items, and I started doing the math on which cashier was scanning and bagging faster vs how judgmental they look trying to get myself into the best possible situation.

Eventually, I found a line sandwiched between two closed lines with only one woman and her 2 kids in the basket with a few items. The cashier didn't seem to care much about anything and didn't seem like a gatekeeper or any other kind of threat. And the woman in front of me seemed sad and aloof as well so I felt like things were going to be ok. The woman smiled at me and apologized for having so many items. "It's not that much. It's fine." I responded with a smile.

But suddenly from behind me, I felt a high strung angry presence. Like a monster who's in a hurry and I'm in his path. As each item was scanned, he started saying "Oh God...." "Of course..." and "Just great..." in a demeaning and monstrous tone. The woman continued to hide her face with her back to him and sulked further into herself as he continued. "Cash or credit?" The cashier asked in a monotone voice. "I...uh...Here..." The woman said quietly and she tried to hand her..."A food stamp card..." I thought to myself.

I realized that I and the woman felt the same at that moment. In need of help, but afraid to seek it out, and even afraid to use it once that help had been provided. I started to piece the scene together realizing the kids had beat up shoes and clothes, and the woman did as well. They were clearly hungry and frightened by this angry rhino of a person and just wanted to get some food. I started to think of all the scenarios that could have put them in that situation. But then I realized it didn't matter.

Only a moment had passed while I thought through all of these things, the children were terrified of this man already and then he saw it..."OH GREAT! MY TAX DOLLARS AT WORK!" he screamed scaring the kids even more. He began to verbally narrate what he thought her situation was. accusing her of getting "knocked up" to "leech off the system." He said people like them were a "drain on the economy" all while using language inappropriate to use around her children.

At that moment after the initial shock wore off, I grasped my card in my pocket as anger built up inside of me. I knew what I was afraid of, I had built it up in my head, and this ignorant jerk was making it a reality for a down on their luck mom and her two scared children. I immediately pivoted. "What did you just say?" I told him with a face that said: "I dare you to repeat that." apparently too blustered to care, he said, "I SAID PEOPLE LIKE HER ARE A DRAIN ON THE ECONOMY!"

I whipped my card out and held it in-between two fingers right in his face. "And what about me?" I spoke out with an angry but in control tone. "I...Uh..." he said as it became clear to me, like most bullies, this one was only doing this because he thought his targets (this mom and her kids) would not be able to defend themselves. I yelled at him more, trying to control my voice so I didn't frighten the kids anymore "Well, you had all kinds of ignorant crap to say a minute ago!"

He snapped out of his shock bullies go into when someone stands up to them. "Wh...Why don't you mind your own business?! I WASN'T EVEN TALKING TO YOU! WHY DON'T YOU FIND ANOTHER LINE!" He started to build up steam again making the children huddle in the cart.

Having had enough of his nonsense I moved my card, leaned in with a scowl, got uncomfortably close to his face and angrily whispered: "Why don't YOU find another line before I find one for you..." a terrified look came across his face as he realized doubling down on his ignorance would not get the job done and after a pained audible gulp in the "big man's" throat he was frantically on his way spouting off "That's what I thought" and other face-saving phrases.

I timidly turned back to the family making sure I had dropped my "don't mess with me" persona (My Autistic folks know this one) so I didn't scare them. I asked them if they were ok. Her eyes were filled with tears, and so were the kids. She smiled at me and thanked me for stepping in. I told her kids that it was ok because he was gone now and offered to walk them to their car. She said she appreciated it but they would be fine.

The checkout woman handed her a receipt and obviously wanted to stay out of the situation. I saw the woman leave and she smiled at me on the way out. I had enough items that it took a good 5 minutes to check me out. I realized in that time I was no longer afraid of being seen with my card. Maybe it was the adrenaline of standing up to that bully, maybe it was outing myself to protect that family, after all, it would be silly to be afraid now that everyone had clearly seen it.

I paid, went outside, and on my windshield was a note on small lined paper that had been torn out of a planner of some sort that said: "You will be blessed all the days of your life." I don't know who left it, or if it was in response to what happened, or even how they found out which car was mine, but it was there.

The message here is two-fold. First, it is easy to get caught up in thinking you don't need help, or that even if you did it isn't for you. "It's for someone more deserving." sometimes it's just the fear of being bullied or ridiculed for accepting it. And because of this, a lot of people wait until they hit "the bottom" before they ever consider asking and even then they might not.

In a better world, we would destigmatize the need for help. Therapy, government assistance, shelters, these things are in place to help people, and if people need help, they should be able to get it without being berated to tears over it. The last thing someone who's questioning if they need help or not needs is some blowhard with their ignorant opinions of why they don't. Which brings me to the second message.

If you see something like this happening, and you have the power to step in whether you are personally affected or not, do it. This includes all forms of bullying. Bullies are cowards. They may double down, but once these types of people realize that we won't allow this anymore and there are actually people who will stand against them, they buckle under the pressure. If you see it, shut it down.

This has been another [Growing Up Aspie] Storytime. If you'd like to help me make more content more often, please consider supporting me at Paypal.me/growingupaspie or with a monthly pledge of $1 or more at patreon.com/irishwolfproductions. Thank you for your support.

-Nathan Alan McConnell

#autism #selfworth #story #growingupaspie #autistic #aspie #storytime #foodstamps #help #bully #bullies #gatekeeper

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cherrygorilla · 5 years ago

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Time for me to be nosy as heck for the fanfic author thing! Hope you don't mind if I ask a lot like you did to me! Here you are: 4, 5, 6, 7, 14, 17, 20, 21, 22, 24, 25, 27, 29, 30, 31, 33, 34, 35, 37, 40 A bunch are the same ones you asked me, but I'm really curious as to what your answers would be. If there's anything you'd like to answer that I didn't ask you, then feel free to add it on if you feel up to it! 💖

Okay, I'm known to ramble at the best of times but I really ran away with myself here. You may want to grab a snack or something first; it's hella long. You've been warned!

4. What made you start writing fanfiction?

When I was like 11/12 I was obsessed with the musical Starlight Express and after trying to google just about everything I could about it I think I stumbled across some fanfiction for it. Well, instantly my little english-class-loving brain grabbed this concept and ran with it. I remember writing my own stories in this cheap little notebook I would hide in my bedside table drawer and it was around this time that TBM came out, so naturally I decided to see if that had any fanfiction too. Turns out it did, and significantly more than Starlight Express might I add, so my creativity ran away with itself and next thing I knew I was setting up my own account and getting properly involved this time. And I guess, as they say, the rest is history...

5. Favourite pairing?

This is pretty tricky for me. Most of the pairings that I have set up are littered with little flaws and things that make them more interesting to write about (and hopefully read about lol) and more realistic. And the already established pairings that I use (i.e. Mack & Brady in old stories or Lela & Tanner) just feel too bland for me to really connect with them, which is probably why I always struggle so much to write for them. I suppose Lela & Tanner can be cute, or at least their potential is; I don't feel like the movies did them justice lol. But for my stuff, at the moment I just feel so out of practice with writing and at such an early stage in the story with Wheels and Waves that I'm not really attached to any of the pairings yet. And besides, the only one I've really established so far is Butchy & Giggles, but if you've read my last chapter then you'll know that that's not exactly doing so hot atm. So, since I can pick holes and find flaws in everyone's relationships too much to pick a favourite, I think I'll pick one I'm excited about that has some of the biggest flaws imaginable: Coral & Hyde. And that's all I'm going to say. Unless you're curious, then ask away lmao.

6. Least favourite pairing?

Okay, I may be a bit controversial here- Actually, this is probably really controversial judging by some of the reviews on my old stories that I was just reading. But I don't really like Mack & Brady… Hear me out! Maybe it's just because I haven't watched the movies for ages and I haven't been thinking about them writing-wise since I abandoned my old stuff but they just seem really bland to me. Don't get me wrong, they're super sweet, but I like giving my characters a bit of grit to work with and make them a little more interesting beneath their 'perfect movie character in an idyllic world' surface and I just could never seem to do that with Mack & Brady. I could never manage to give them any depth and because of that I feel like I just grew to resent them haha. Other people can write for them much better than I can, let's just put it that way. Apart from them though, non-canon-wise in my stories it's got to be Butchy & Coral. Hands down. Honestly, what was I thinking? It was cringey. It was basic. And I think because of it Coral became super one-dimensional and kept losing her way as a character because my whole focus was trying to get them to work as a couple. Spoiler alert: they don't. And since I ditched them I think I was really able to get her to come into her own and develop a much more interesting, albeit worse, side of her.

7. Favourite type of au?

This is probably going to be a quick one because I don't do a lot of au stuff but modern day/high school aus are always a lot of fun. I feel like TBM2 could have done so much cool stuff with that premise but then they went and dumbed down all the characters and really ruined their chance but I think the concept in general is so cute. I'm actually working on something in this vein for my sims blog, but that's not what we're talking about so let's move on.

14. Do the people in your life know you write fic? How do they feel about it?

Nope. I haven't ever mentioned it to my family because I just don't think that they'd 'get' it. I think I mentioned it to one of my best friends ages ago because she also read/casually wrote fanfics but I don't think that she still knows that I've kept it up; she probably just assumes that it was something we both just did when we were 13/14. So they don't really think anything of it; they don't know and probably never will lol. So I just struggle over chapters and ideas and things by myself.

17. What's the harshest criticism you've ever gotten on a fic?

To be honest, I don't think that I've ever really had any super harsh criticism. None that I can remember, anyway. I was reading through the reviews on one story recently and someone told me that I should work on my dialogue for Mack & Brady because it wasn't true enough to their characters and tbh they probably weren't wrong. That's barely criticism but it was the closest that I could find to it in my five minutes of looking and nothing else stood out in my memory so I guess that's what I'll go with. I know that probably sounds super cocky like "omg i'm amazing i never get any criticism from anyone because i'm amazingggg!!!1!!" but honestly all the reviews on my old stuff were just people being nice to me because I was friendly to them and I get next to no reviews on my current stuff, so there's no real opportunity for criticism if there's no interaction in the first place lmao.

20. What's your biggest struggle when it comes to writing fic?

Actually finding the time to write it when I have uni work, family life, stuff with friends and a somewhat healthy sleep schedule to balance as well. I just don't have enough hours in a day. Besides that, when it actually comes to writing I guess I find it hard to stick solely to ideas that progress the plot. I've been trying to work on that a lot more lately and be more ruthless with my planning but sometimes I just get inspired by something fun and in sheer creative desperation I just wedge it into the plot somewhere. And I think that for the reader's sake I need to stop doing this.

21. Your biggest strength?

I don't know if this is what anyone else would consider my biggest strength but I personally really like the way that I can develop the characters beyond what little personality we get to see in the movies. I love working on their story arcs and experimenting with how they 'exist' in my head, like finding out who the quiet souls are, who the loud mouths are and why they act like that. From the snippets we actually see of them in the movies and how basic they are, I'm pretty proud of the characters I've rounded them into in my stories; they feel a lot more real now, to me at least.

22. Which do you do more: read fic or write fic?

I know it's hard to believe, but probably write. I only really keep up with a handful of stories now and I always find I'm more actively thinking about kicking my butt into gear and writing something myself instead of setting out to read someone else's stuff.

24. What's your process?

Daydream and plan out future plot lines for most of the waking hours of the day. Find the fleeting shred of time available in said day to sit down and work on something if both inspiration and motivation are working in my favour. Actually sit down and open up a google doc, perhaps with a cup of tea if I'm feeling particularly adventurous and fancy treating myself for doing something productive. Painfully struggle through the first ten minutes of warming up my writing muscles and getting my creative juices flowing again. Settle into a good rhythm and just let my fingers and the words work their magic until something boring from the real world interrupts me and drags me away from my fictional one. Then repeat.

25. Of all the fics you've written, which is your favourite?

I know it's not necessarily a single fic but I really liked when I was writing the one-shots for Surf, Sun, Sand because I knew that I was writing the things people wanted to read, so I knew there was more of a chance that they'd enjoy them. And it was nice not being constrained to one timeline, I could jump around and play with different pairings, ideas and settings as much as I, well, the requests, wanted. I also really liked my Twelve Days of Cruisin' for a Bruisin' Christmas story, but I can't put that at the top spot because I'm so frustrated that I never got that final chapter up. It was really fun to write though and that's one of the few things that I've written that I'm still happy with to this day lmao. I just think it's sweet and I like how I wrote all the characters, so I'd say that's a win for me.

27. What's your most popular fic? Do you think the popularity is warranted, or is there another fic that you think deserves it more?

Statistics-wise it's Paper Flowers, by a long-shot. 77,485 views and 331 reviews. Now, I think that the fact that there are about a million chapters and I wrote it back when the fandom was thriving has quite a lot to do with that, if not all of it, because I'm almost certain that it can't be the writing, character quality or whatever crap I threw into the plot back then. But for nostalgia's sake, I'll allow it. And to be fair, it was probably alright at the time. I do think, however, that I've developed and improved my writing style over the years, so it would be nice if Wheels and Waves could get a little more popularity (since it's something I'm actually semi-proud of lol). But I just don't have the audience, so what can you do?

29. Which of your fics was the hardest to write?

Just Like Me. By a country mile. Like I mentioned earlier, I really struggle when it comes to writing for Mack & Brady and although I liked the concept (and a few other people did too) I just wasn't ever happy with what I ended up with. The chapters felt boring (which probably had something to do with the fact that I wrote them in my phone notes at 11:30pm), their relationship felt bland and the plot felt like it was going nowhere. I sort of had a vague structure of where I wanted to take it, but when I couldn't seem to get the hang of writing for them every chapter felt like such a challenge.

30. Favourite fic writers?

You, girl! I literally don't even bother to keep up with anyone else anymore because I just don't have the time (uni will do that to a bitch, lol) but I never miss a post of yours and will frequently go and re-read your stuff (especially if it's in preparation for a crossover lmao) if I need a pick-me-up. And like you said, we're practically family now and what kind of internet sister would I be if I didn't support my fam?!

31. Do you write just for fun, or would you ever consider pursuing writing?

I don't think I'd ever actually pursue it as a job. I'm in dentistry school atm so I'm pretty set on becoming a dentist, but even if that wasn't the case, I don't think I have the creativity to create my own unique story with original characters and a whole universe under my control. I just think it's fun to expand on other ideas and grow my own ideas from them.

33. Fanfiction pet peeves?

Bad grammar is really frustrating. But I also just think it's really boring when people will basically re-write the whole movie/story pretty much word-for-word with only the slightest of alterations. Like, I've already watched/read this once, why would I want to do it again? I came here for creativity and fun stories with my fave characters, not the flat-out plot all over again with a cookie-cutter, paper doll inserted into the mix to steal a few lines. It just bored me.

34. First person, second person or third person?

I'd probably put second person last because I just find reader-insert things weird and cringey. Like they legit make me feel uncomfortable sometimes. And then I'd go with first person because although I don't really have a problem with it, it's just never a style I'd choose to write in; I just can't really get the hang of it and I prefer to be able to see and show everyone's perspective on a situation from the outside, which is why good old third person has to be my favourite.

35. OCs, reader inserts or canon pairings?

Like I said, reader inserts creep me out a bit so definitely not those. Canon pairings are a pretty safe bet and can be cute most of the time (I just personally seem to struggle with them lol) and if they're done well (i.e. not basic bitches with no personality that just double as weird reader inserts *cough cough* Coral in Paper Flowers smh 12 year old me) then I think OCs can be really fun and can add another layer to fanfics that takes them beyond the bubble of what's canon.

37. Which character is your favourite to write for?

Saying Coral would be too easy because she's literally my own character, so of course I'm going to enjoy writing for her. So, other than that I'm going to have to say Seacat. I feel much more comfortable writing for the surfers than the bikers anyway, so that definitely plays into it. But I really like the version of him I've created. I really leaned into his sort of fiesty, stubborn side that occasionally showed itself in the movies, which created a super interesting dynamic with his inherent relaxed nature that all the surfers have. He's a really fun character to work with and I've got lots of fun things planned for him, so I think he's earned that top spot. But I'll mention Giggles too because it's been fun developing her character more deeply for Wheels and Waves. I just like a bit more drama, which Seacat can deliver more than my sweet bby G.

40. Imagine yourself 10 years in the future, do you still think you'll be writing fic?

Honestly, who knows? Back when I started I never thought I'd still be writing it at 18, so never say never, I guess.

And since you said I could choose another one, I'll go for 38. From where do you draw inspiration?

I wanted to include this one because I'm literally listening to my Wheels and Waves playlist as I write this to try to get me into that #writingmood. A few different things influence me but music has always been my biggest inspiration. I'm constantly adding new songs to my playlist and finding songs I want to use so badly that I'll rearrange and shift around plot points to work them into the story. For example, that Coral & Hyde relationship I mentioned earlier? Grown entirely from songs. But yeah, I'm always getting inspired by songs, which is why I'm really trying to get a general plan of Wheels and Waves set in stone so that I'll stop being tempted to switch things around and ruin the plot with convoluted ideas I get on a whim because I heard a fun song. On another note though, if you have any song suggestions then hit me up lmao; I'm always looking for more haha.

#if you made it to the end then you're a saint lmao

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untuckedqueens · 8 years ago

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I don't think you ever did an original season 9 reaction/opinions, but now you've watched the first 20 minutes and the NYC live stream of the carpet, what are your current opinions of the queens?

I don’t recall doing a first impression of them, but I definitely did have opinions/thoughts and feelings about them, and after seeing the the preview/red carpet, some have changed!

Also, can I just add that I thought the arrangement of the red carpet was shitty; queens were just stood around with nowhere to go, because they were waiting for the interviewer at the end of the carpet to finish up so they can move on, instead of just awkwardly being stood just waiting for something to happen. The carpet was too short, and there was not enough interviewers to talk to the queens.

Anyway, the opinions:

Eureka: Love. Didn’t really know anything about her, but after seeing the red carpet and the preview, I’m obsessed. So funny, quirky, loveable, shady, and likeable. I just really hope her wit and shade doesn’t come across as rude or hateful, and I hope the edit doesn’t paint her in that light, because I really enjoy Eureka.

Aja: I was obsessed with Aja before the cast was announced, and that absolutely hasn’t changed. I wasn’t feeling the red carpet look, but her entrance look: YAASS. Such a likeable, sweet, person. My only fear is that she might get portrayed in an unfavourable light, just based off what I saw in the preview (not to spoil, but it’s just in reference to material things)

Farrah: My baby. Looked absolutely incredible on the carpet, so polished and perfect. I wasn’t completely obsessed with her entrance look, but it was cute and the hair and makeup was RIGHT (as always), I also found her complaining and confusion adorable and super endearing.

Trinity: My opinion on her has done a complete 360, and I love her. When she was first announced I had never come across her, wasn’t super in love with her promo look, kinda assumed she’d just be a filler queen. But oooh, bitch. That entrance and red carpet look, YAASS, I’m so intrigued and obsessed.

Shea: I will always absolutely love her. So creative, and amazing. Red carpet look was beautiful. Promo look was perfect. Entrance look was so cute, also I love how she was representing Pearl! I’m just obsessed. Such an adorable and genuine personality and flawless looks.

Peppermint: Did you mean, the love of my life? SO FIERCE. The look is RIGHT, the makeup is RIGHT, the personality is RIGHT, the attitude it RIGHT. Also, if you haven’t seen the NYC premiere performance, you’re missing out, I was so shook after I watched it.

Sasha: Oh my god, fuck it up. Destroy me. I cannot cope. I can’t handle the absolute perfection that is Sasha. I fucking love how unique she is, and how so much thought goes into every single outfit, every single performance, every single concept. The entrance look and THAT FUCKING RED CARPET LOOK, YESSSSS. I’m obsessed and I hope Sasha wins.

Valentina: Aww, this gorgeous little peach. I love her. She’s so cute, funny, quirky, talented, and I also love how shady she is (her and Eureka’s little shady/funny interaction just let me know I’m gonna love this season so much). I can’t wait to see more of her, because I am obsessed. Also, during filming she’d been doing drag for 10 months.. Look at the perfection of Valentina and tell me that doesn’t look like 6 years in the making. So professional and amazing, I love.

Kimora: Beautiful. The body is right, the mug is right, the hair is right, the outfits are right. I just kind of wish she would show us more than just the beauty right now, she showed on red carpet and a little in the preview the fun, quirky, personality that she has, and I absolutely fell in love from seeing that side. I hope she doesn’t focus on always being beautiful and super polished, and lets that fun side shine.

Alexis: So fucking entertaining and talented, I could honestly watch her perform everyday because everything is so put together and amazing, and I feel like I haven’t seen a bunch of drag queens take the approach to their performances, that she does. I would easily say Sasha and Alexis are my favourite season 9 performers, because there is so much thought behind what they do. Also, those outfits are out of this world and I am obsessed.

Charlie: I think Charlie is one of the few queens this season that I’m just unsure about. When I heard she was going on, I was super excited because she’s a ‘British’ queen, and from what I had seen briefly about her, I was excited, until I found out she was problematic af. That aside, I have been genuinely very underwhelmed from what I’ve seen so far - the entrance look was boring, and the red carpet look was kinda just like “Oh, a British queen, dressed up as British guard.. Cute”.

Jaymes: Yikes. She got called out on that personality as soon as she walked into the work room, also, that red carpet outfit.. Really? Like you go for that? I think she is a queen that will get very boring, very quick. We get it, you’re cute and childish, and you squeak when you laugh.

Nina: I think the makeup is great, I think she is very unique and quirky and I’m super into that, but there is something about Nina that I just don’t really love.. I don’t find her to be that likeable. I’m hoping my opinion will change when I see more of her on the show, because I really want to like her, because I think her makeup, costumes, outfits, performances, and concepts are great, I just am not drawn to her.

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