#love how Cass interacts with us this way

[mathmusicninja]

hahaha I won

(see latest Cass Apocalyptic Series update (tw language))

Since we are getting close to Leo's resurrection I feel like it's an appropriate time to start taking bets on who is going to cry the most

Hmmmmmm................

[swordsandholly]

Double Date - Double Down

NSFW | MDNI

Simon ‘Ghost’ Riley x Fem!plus size!reader

Word count: 4.9k

Summary: When you get a call in the middle of the afternoon from your friend begging you to fill an empty spot on a double date your initial instinct is a hard no. After all, no one wants to go on a blind double date and be surprised by the fat friend. It doesn’t help that this Simon guy is stupid fucking hot and obviously doesn’t like you - if his lack of talking is anything to go by.

A/N: Just a fun little oneshot I used as a warmup between working on chapters of future multi chapter projects.

“I said *no*.” You snap, angrily folding the washcloth in your hands.

Your friend splutters from the other side of the phone, the desperation in her voice only growing now that she’s on her fourth ask. “*Pleeeaase*! Steph backed out last minute and no one else is free-“

“How do you know I’m free?”

“You just said you were!”

You huff. She’s got you there. When she first called, you admitted you didn’t have anything going on but that was *before* she told you the plan for the night. Before she mentioned that her very, very conventionally hot military boyfriend wanted to do a little double date with his friend and one of hers. Plus, you take a least a little offense to being second choice. Really, last choice, it seems.

“Cass, you can’t just set up a blind date and take your fat friend. That’s not-“

“You’re not fat, love. You’re beautiful.” Her words drip with turned honey. You make a gagging face to yourself in the mirror. “You just need more confidence!”

You sigh loudly, pinching the bridge of your nose. You could try, for the millionth time, to explain to her the nuanced ins and outs of dating as a fat woman. The rules and stats that could rival even the most complex rpg… or you could be petty. It takes less time to be petty. “If I go, you’re paying for my drinks.”

“Johnny’s friend will probably-“

“Yeah, and when he leaves you’re paying for my tab.”

“He won’t-“

“We got a deal?”

She clicks her tongue. “*Fiiiine*.”

At least you can get wasted for free either way. A small consolation. She texts you the time and location, barely leaving you with enough time to shower and turn yourself into something presentable. Not that you really care. It’s going to be shit either way, most likely. Staring yourself down in the mirror, you suppose you could at least try to look somewhat attractive. If you’re about to get rejected (or possibly shouted at, you’ll never forget *that* horrendous interaction) you might as well feel your best.

The pub is small as you push through the front door. Casual. A couple pool tables, some darts, a large bar and few booths with stools on the outer side. You scan the room, searching for Cass’s familiar face.

“Over here!” Cass waves with a wide arc at you, a grin plastered from ear to ear. At least she’s having fun.

You take a long breath, bracing yourself for whatever is about to happen. Cass introduces you to her boyfriend - who is somehow even hotter in person. You can see why she’s so smitten with him. Johnny looks you up and down as he shakes your hand. He doesn’t comment, or make a face, or really react in any particular way, but you can feel a shift. Something in his eyes…

Maybe it’s just your imagination. You’ve always been a little over sensitive.

“Si will be back in a sec. Stepped over tae get a drink.” He flashes a grin.

You hum, quietly folding your hand as Cass pushes a cocktail for you that she preemptively ordered. Criticize her as much as you like, she knows her mixes.

“There he is.” Johnny grins, turning slightly.

You follow his gaze, heart sinking as your eyes settle on the man approaching your table. He’s massive. Tall and wide. Total brick shithouse. His face is mostly covered by a black surgical mask. A few years ago you might have questioned it but at this point you couldn’t care less, especially when his dark eyes meet yours, small flecks of gold honey catching the low bar lights. Barely styled tufts of blonde hair stick up from his head. They look like they might curl if he let it grow a little longer.

All in all, wayyyy out of your league.

He settles into his seat with all the confidence of any military man - back ramrod straight. He extends a large hand. “Simon Riley.”

You murmur your name, somewhat enthralled by the half lidded, almost bored look in his eyes. Now that he’s closer you notice a large scar splitting his left eyebrow and light, newly forming crows feet in the corners of his eyes.

“S-so you’re military, too?” You stutter, eyes trained on his the massive hand holding his glass. It’s nicely vascular, his nails are well groomed but it also looks like he could snap you in half with it.

Not that that’s entirely a bad thing - whatever that may or may not say about you.

He nods. “I’m a Lieutenant.”

“Oh! Officer position. So you’re smart, then?” You try to be charming, to give him a sweet smile and keep your body language open.

“Enough.” He deadpans. It takes a few beats for you to realize he’s not going to say anything else.

“Uh…” You squirm awkwardly under his gaze. It’s intense - his dark eyes nearly black in the low light of the bar. “I do hair.”

Conversation is slow, to say the least. The longest answer he gives you is maybe five words. He only flips up the mask long enough to take a sip of his drink every so often. You start to talk less, opting toward a group conversation in which Johnny takes the lead, which he is obviously very good at. He regales you and Cass with a few stories of his and Simon’s adventures. Some funny, some brave, some worrying. He’s setting the man up to be a god, nearly, but Simon himself just shakes his head and insists Johnny is exaggerating.

You wonder what he sees in Simon. Alternatively, you wonder what *you’re* supposed to see in Simon. Besides his good looks, of course. He’s… bland. Obviously bored if his constant glances toward the exits and rhythmic, occasional tapping on the corner of the table are anything to go by.

“Want tae go dance, lovie?” You overhear Johnny as he leans in toward Cass.

She glances at you, then Simon, then back to you before nodding enthusiastically. “We’ll give you two some time *alone*.”

In any other situation, you’d probably beg her to stay in desperation for a conversation buffer. Here and now, though, you’re grateful. You can finally let this poor guy off the hook. You wait until they’re gone; fully out of earshot before turning to the man in front of you.

“I…uh… look…” You chew your lip, glancing between him and your folded hands on the table. “Sorry… I know I’m probably not what, uh, what you expected… I get it if you want to leave. It’s - you don’t have to stay, or whatever. Don’t have to be polite…”

He cocks an eyebrow, eyes boring through your skull. “Why would I want to leave?”

“I know what I look like. You don’t have to be nice.”

His raised brow turns into a slight frown. “I think you’re quite pretty.”

You scoff - blushing despite yourself. “Again, you don’t have to be nice.”

“Do I seem like the type to just be nice?”

You continue to gnaw at your lip. He’s got you there. Simon definietly doesn’t come off as the type to bow to polite society. “You’ve barely talked to me.”

He stares for a moment. It’s his turn to avert his eyes, swirling around the whiskey in his glass awkwardly. Almost bashfully. “It’s not you. I’m… not great in public… especially in crowds…”

Oh.

*Oh*.

You’ve completely misjudged him, haven’t you? Shit. He’s just a big awkward lug isn’t he?You sigh, rubbing your temple. “Oh God, *I’m* the asshole, aren’t I?”

He chuckles, “I wouldn’t go that far.”

“I’m sorry it’s just…” you scrub a hand over your face. “Most men don’t really want to be surprised with a fat girl on a blind date. Guess I assumed the worst.”

Simon hums. A low vibration that settles into your bones. He gets up, sliding into the booth side of the table beside you - his massive frame pushing into your space. He smells like spices. Cinnamon and pepper. A little hint of leather and tobacco underneath. It’s heady, and some primal part of your mind wishes you could roll around in it like a dog.

“Some men might like a waifish little thing, that’s their business, but personally…” He leans in, a large hand resting on your wide thigh. “Yeah. I like somethin’ I can get a proper handful of.”

“*Oh*.” You squeak, back stiff. Was that what you saw in Johnny’s face before? Approval?

“‘Ere’s a thought - we go back to mine. S’quiet. Can talk more freely. See where the night goes, hm?”

You smile hesitantly, finally looking up to meet his gaze. It’s honest. Kind. Dark pools of sincerity. It’s against your better judgement. Impractical. Out of character. Even so, you allow yourself to surrender with a warmth in your cheeks and a small nod.

“I’ll get an Uber.” He pulls out his phone, tapping away. “Five minutes out.”

“Want to wait outside?” You offer, nodding toward the front entrance. Simon just nods, following you out close behind. Neither of you say much of anything while you wait, but you watch him out of the corner of your eye. He taps on his leg a few times in much the same way as he did on the table.

He dutifully opens the car door for you, letting you slide in before climbing in beside you, long legs slightly cramped in the small sedan.

“You don’t live on base?” You ask as the Uber drives away from the infamous military housing. You’d been there once or twice - a while ago when you were younger and messier.

“S’too loud.” He shrugs. “Too crowded.”

“Well, at least you’re consistent.” You smile.

Simon hums, resting his hand on your thigh once again. It’s casual, not too high up or too much pressure. Not presumptuous.

“How’d Johnny get you out there in the first place? If you’re so *averse*.” You tilt your head.

He shrugs, “Was supposed to be another Sergeant we work with but I guess he cancelled. No one else was free.”

“Ah, so we’re both last choices, then.”

“Yeah?”

“Made Cass promise me free drinks if I came.”

“Smart girl.” He chuckles, holding out a hand to help you up out of the car upon your arrival. His hand is warm when you take it, and a small part of you feels disappointed when he lets go.

The building is small. Old. All red brick with a thirty year old intercom and an elevator that you’re pretty sure hasn’t been inspected since the place was built. About halfway down the hall, you start to second guess yourself. You don’t know a thing about this guy - you don’t know what’s going to happen as soon as you get on the other side of his door. His weird, bright red door. Wait - why is this whole floor covered in red doors?

“Alright?” He grunts, back turned to you as he wrestles with the lock.

“Uh - why is your floor color themed?”

Simon laughs, wide shoulders shaking with the movement. It’s a low sound, something that vibrates in his chest. Makes you want to press your ear to it, see how it feels. If it will reverberate into your bones as well. “The old lady that owns the building is a bit… unique. Likes to talk about colors and karma and destiny stuff.”

“Ah.” You nod, as if that makes any sense at all. “So you’re red?”

“Apparently.”

His apartment is actually quite homey, as you step into it. From a stiff military man like him you expected something akin to an ikea floor model. Instead it’s furnished with a well worn, green couch. A large TV with an extremely up-to date surround sound system and an entertainment center filled to the brim with CDs sits against the wall. A few movie posters fill the walls. All horror classics - you count three of the scream movies. The first two final destination. There are condensation rings on the coffee table.

Behind you, you hear the door lock and unlock three times, but you don’t pay it much mind.

“Want a drink?” Simon asks, already popping open a decanter full of something gold on a small drink cart beside the kitchen island.

“Sure.” The agreement is automatic - blurted out before you can second guess taking a drink from a total stranger.

You watch a little too closely as he takes off his light jacket, exposing his strong arms and a half sleeve tattoo. It’s a bit tacky, all skulls and military symbols. The black ink has been sun worn over time. The motif of a young getting his first tattoo after enlisting. He settles down on the couch with the decanter and two glasses, patting the spot beside him. You plop down. It’s pretty comfortable, honestly.

His fingers loop into the mask’s straps. You find yourself watching with wide eyes and bated breath as he removes it. His nose is crooked - broken more than a couple times, you think. There’s a scar running from his nose to upper lip that could only come from a cleft palette. It’s charming, in a way. When he turns toward you, you notice a patch on the side of his face that looks like a rather large burn all the way down to his sharp jaw. The roughness of him works, somehow. The scars and tattoos and choppy hair all coming together to create the visage of a life hard lived.

“You’re really pretty…” the words slip from your tongue before you can stop them.

Simon splutters out a laugh, the slightest hint of color appearing across his cheeks. “Didn’t take you for a flatterer.”

“I’m not.” You huff before nodding toward the posters. “Horror fan?”

He hums, passing you a glass. “Are you a fan? Of horror, I mean.”

“Found footage!” You grin a little too excited. “It’s the best genre.”

“Terrible taste.” He scoffs.

“Wrong! Found footage can be anything you want it to be - slasher, thriller, mystery, mocumentary. Anything.”

“Which makes them messy.” He argues. “Anyone can make one.”

“Yeah! Theres so many hidden gems out there.”

“Whatever you say.”

“Oh, I’ll put you on them. We just need to get you a good one.”

“Askin’ me on a second date already, love?”

“Oh, fuck off.” You shove at his shoulder. He was right, it is so much easier to talk freely out of the bar. Away from everyone and everything. His posture is far more relaxed, laid back into the couch with his hips canted forward rather than stiff as a board.

“We could watch one now?” He offers. If you were more sober, you might have heard the twinge of pleading in his voice. As it stands you’ve already drained the glass he gave you and are perfectly buzzed enough to be ignorant to the subtler parts of communication.

How convenient.

“Okay.” You whisper.

After a bit of debating back and forth you settle on Hell House. After all, it’s been your tried and true method for getting anyone and everyone into the genre. You don’t notice it, at first, but you slowly begin to scoot closer to him as you fold your knees up on the couch. Eventually, tucking yourself under his arm sling across the back cushions. Between him and the drinks - which you’re pretty sure is a rather fancy bourbon - you feel what could only be described as snuggly. Limbs loose and pliant, smile easy and words flowing as you cheer and jeer at the characters together.

At some point, Simon’s dark eyes meet between yours. You lean in, so does he. Inch by inch until your lips meet. It’s tentative, at first. Testing the waters. His lips are soft and move expertly against yours. You part for him has his tongue darts across your lower lip.

It’s easier than it usually is for you. Easy to let him pull you over his lap. To rest your hands on his broad shoulders as you take each other in. Normally, you’re not a person for one night stands. A commitment kind of gal. You can’t exactly say no, though, when you have a beautiful man’s hands traveling over your body like it’s the only thing in the world worth paying attention to right now.

He breaks the kiss just long enough to grunt, “Bedroom?”

“*Yes*.” You gasp between kisses.

Suddenly those large hands grasp under your ass as you’re hauled up. You grapple to hold onto the back of his neck, keeping your weight forward.

“Simon!”

“Yes, love?” He asks as if he didn’t just life you like a sack of potatoes.

“A-aren't I heavy?” You question as he makes his way through the apartment, peppering kisses over your neck and jaw.

“No.” He replies bluntly. Like what you asked was stupid.

You’re placed on a bed with all the gentleness of a rare china plate- one hand cradling your upper back and the other tucked under your thighs. There isn’t any time to take in the room before Simon is kissing you again but you do count approximately five pillows and zero navy sheets.

That shouldn’t be as hot as it is.

Simon leans in close, nose ever so slightly bumping yours. “Before we keep going, I want to establish a rule. Red light means stop. At any time, for any reason.”

You can’t help but smile. “Okay.”

“Say it back, doll.”

“Red light means stop.” You reach up and cup his face. So handsome. So warm.

“Good girl.” He murmurs. “Let’s get these off, hm?” Simon pulls your clothes off deftly - dragging those rough palms over your skin as he moves and kneading at the plushness of your hips appreciatively.

You reach up to tug at his shirt. “S’not fair if I’m the only one naked.”

Simon chuckles and hastily sits back to yank the shirt over his head, giving a lovely show in the process. You think this what people mean when they talk about an Adonis. There’s a comfortable soft layer of his strong abdomen. Something you want to sink your teeth into. Your fingers trace each dip and curve of his muscles, the lovely shape of his pectorals, the raised scars littering his body. Floral shapes from bullets along with slashes and smaller jabs. A particularly nasty one runs down his side, coving his ribs. A burn, you think.

“You’re beautiful.” You murmur. Definitely out of your fucking league. You move to sit up, reaching for his waistband.

His hand pushes your shoulder back on the bed. “Let me take care of you tonight, bird.”

Your face warms. Simon kisses your cheek, continuing down to your chest and taking one of your nipples in his mouth. Gently sucking and nipping at it while flicking the other with his hand. A shameful whimper escapes your throat.

Simon leans up to murmur in your ear, “What do you want, sweet girl?”

“Want you to fuck me…” You murmur, embarrassment making you want to close your legs. His solid hips block you.

“Oh, I will, but first I want those beautiful thighs wrapped around my head.” Simon continues to place kisses down your body, over your stomach, stopping right at your panty line and tracing along it with rough fingers. His arms circle your thighs and in one swift motion your hips teeter on the edge of the bed, Simon kneeling between them. His fingers hook in the waistband of your underwear.

“W-wait…” You sit up on your elbows.

He freezes, looking up at you.

“I, uh, I haven’t exactly *landscaped* in a while… wasn’t really planning-“

Simon huffs out a laugh. “I’m a grown man, love. You think a little bush is gonna scare me off?”

All thoughts related to anything within the proximity of embarrassment come to an instant halt as Simon’s lips wrap around your clit- sucking and nipping and lapping like a man starved. Like he’d die without it. A low groan rumbles through his throat.

“F-fuck!” You gasp, whimpers and moans interrupting any chance you may have at putting words together.

“Taste so fucking good, princess.” He mumbles against you. A shaky moan rattles through you as he pushes a thick finger in, working it gently. His other than grips your hip tightly, pinning you in place. The pet-name sends a shiver down your spine - leaving you rolling your hips and clenching on the finger inside you.

“Fuck, Si…” You gasp, tangling your fingers in his hair.

“I can tell your close, baby.” Simon groans. “Cum for me. Come on, be a good girl and cum all over my fucking tongue.”

The bastard knows the power he has in that voice. He *has* to. That baritone gravel sinks in your veins and all you can do is whimper. Panting pathetically the closer you get. His fingers curl up and your back arches harshly as your climax washes over you. Your legs tremble as he works you through it; stopping just shy of pushing you too far.

“Hey!” You gasp indignantly as a jolt shoots up your spine as he settles a final, harsh suck on your clit.

Simon taps your hip, climbing back over you as you scoot up on the bed. He carelessly kicks off his pants as he goes, toeing them off before settling between your legs. Those dark eyes rake over you leisurely - taking in every inch. Every curve and dip and flaw categorically. He sucks in a breath and sighs. “Bloody ‘ell, look at you… so fuckin’ pretty.”

Your face heats and you look away. “Who’s the flatterer now?”

“Not me. Just bein’ honest.” He places a quick kiss to your soft jawline before reaching over to dig through his nightstand drawer. You don’t miss the gold foil of the condom wrapper.

You can’t stop yourself from licking your lips as he pulls off his boxer briefs. Simon is uncut, already ruddy and leaking and just begging for your mouth. Maybe next time, though. He’s already slipped on the condom, carefully hooking one of your legs over his shoulder and the other around his hip. The man has a laser-focus to him, you’ll give him that.

“Still want t’ keep goin’?” He mumbles, eyes locked on his cock as is drags between your folds.

“*Please*.” You whine pathetically. Simon’s chuckle turns into a gasp as he presses in. It’s achingly slow and you roll your hips in demand for more.

Simon lets out a low groan as his hips meet yours. The stretch is perfect - just enough to feel completely full without pushing you too far. As though your bodies were made to slot together just so. Your head falls back, chest heaving as you beg him to move, to fuck you, just *please* for the love of god-

“Needy little thing.” He gives you a sloppy smile before setting a brutal pace. You find yourself clawing at his back, clinging to him as your back arches and the most obscene sounds are systematically torn from your throat. The angle he has your hips placed causes his cock to bully that sensitive spot inside you - dragging over it with every thrust.

Simon leans toward, bracing himself on his forearms and pinning you under him as he fucks into you. “So fuckin’ good f’me. Knew you would be. So soft and sweet and goddamn *pretty*.”

“*Fuck, Simon*.” You gasp, nose bumping against his as your lips intertwine. Breaths and moans intermingle as you both chase that edge. There’s nothing else, in this moment, just you and Simon and the sounds only he has ever managed to pull from you.

Your orgasm hits you like a train. Out of nowhere and all at once, tensing every muscle into a trembling mess as you clamp down around his cock. Simon sinks his teeth into your neck as his own climax takes him, cradling you close and moaning out your name so muddled you almost miss it.

For a few moments, you stay frozen in place trying to catch your breath as you come down. Your limbs feel like jelly when you finally try to move, body limp and pliable. It almost feels like a loss as he pushes off of you, leaving you open and vulnerable to the cool night air while he ties off the condom.

“Be right back.” He murmurs, slowly climbing off you and heading for an attached bathroom off to the left.

You let your eyes slipped closed only to jump and shoot back open as a dap rag drags between your thighs. A little yelp escapes you as the rough material drags across your oversensitive clit. Simon chuckles at you, tossing the rag back somewhere in the bathroom before crawling into the bed beside you. It’s so easy to curl into his chest and let those strong arms encircle you.

“Have fun, love?” Simon murmurs into your hair.

You just hum happily, smiling against his hard chest.

“Good.”

It’s just as easy as the rest of it to fall asleep like that. To seek out the warmth of his body in your satiated haze and press into him, allowing the night and rhythmic beating of his heart to overtake you. You feel four small taps between your shoulder blades just before tipping over the edge into comfortable nothing.

You wake slowly to an empty bed. The light from the window above you streams in - bathing the room in a light golden tone. It’s cozy. The blankets seem to pull you in, keeping you snugly in place. Distantly, you hear the sound of pots and pans clinking.

Shockingly, you’re not hungover. Well, not much at least. There’s a slight twinge in your head and a not unpleasant soreness in your hips. You dig around, finding your clothes strewn across the room haphazardly. Your underwear are nowhere to be found and you eventually give up with a shrug. They weren’t one of your best pairs anyway.

When you come out of the bedroom, you pause. Simon stands in the kitchen, working on something over the stove wearing only a pair of sweatpants. They hang loosely around his hips, showing off the rises and dips of his strong muscles and well defined waist. This scene somehow feels too intimate despite your activities the night before.

“Perfect timing.” Simon turns, placing a plate down on the kitchen island. The omelette before you looks immaculate, all the way down to a light garnish on top.

Your eyes turn to saucers. “You…you made me breakfast?”

“Course.” He nods sharply as if it’s the most obvious thing in the world. As if *not* doing so would be some sort of affront. Either you’re still asleep and this is all a dream or you stumbled upon the perfect man through pure happenstance.

He turns the stove off and on and off twice before standing at the counter across from you while you sit on one of the stools at the island. It’s a comfortable silence as you both eat. Simon keeps glancing up at you as if waiting for your disapproval. Boyish, somehow, despite the size and breadth of him.

It’s perfect. The eggs practically melt in your mouth and the goat cheese and vegetables taste fresh. You can’t help but him happily as you eat.

By the time you’re done, you think you might be a little in love.

Maybe you should text Cass and thank her or something. Maybe a gift basket. “Oh. My phone’s dead.”

“Didn’t charge it before y’left last night?” Simon cocks an eyebrow, chewing on his last bite.

You snort. “It was last minute, remember?”

“What if I’d been some sort of psycho? What was your plan?” He grins as he takes your empty plate. If you were a more impulsive woman you may have gone so far as to lick the damn thing.

“Are you a psycho?”

“Not generally, no.”

“Well then, nothing to worry about.” You grin, watching a little too happily as he rinses down the dishes and loads the dishwasher.

Simon just scoffs at you.

You glance at the time above the stove, disappointment settling deep in your chest. “Shit. I should get going.”

“I’ll get you a cab.” Simon offers automatically, reaching for his phone.

You shift side to side, twiddling your thumbs. “Y’know… we never finished the movie…”

Simon cocks and eyebrow. From the pleased smirk on his face you can tell he knows what you’re implying. He still patiently waits for you to say it out loud.

“Would, uh, would you want to exchange numbers? Maybe… meet up… again…?” Your voice is more timid than you’d like. This fear of rejection is new. Being rejected is nothing new for you, so why does it suddenly feel so high stakes with this one guy you barely know?

You don’t miss the way his eyes light up ever so slightly at the question. “I’d love to.”

[acotarxreader]

The Stray and The Snakes

Cassian x Reader

Synopsis: Your adjustment to the Night Court after meeting your Mate is made all the more difficult due to the unwelcoming nature of two particular sisters.

Orignal request: "Okay, so I have a request. Reader is mates with Cassian, and Nesta is like jealous or something. Nesta and Elain are horrible to the reader, like always putting her down. Reader tries not to let it bother her, and no one really notices until it finally does get to them and the inner circle does notice."

Warnings: Fluff, Nesta and Elain being meanies

A/N: Hehe my first Cassian request. This was a lot of fun to write, I hope people will forgive the Inner Circle for their blindness, Nesta and Elain are a real piece of work in this.

Let me know what you think!

p.s thank you for the love on Other Worlds, over a thousand of you have interacted with it, can't believe it!

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“It’s beautiful YN” 

“Do you think?” your hands traced down the front of the snowy dress, your head tilting to the side as you watched your own movement in the mirror. Feyre sat behind you on a blush-coloured pouffe, sweetly smiling in the reflection. 

“Do you think Cass will like it?” “Who cares what that big baby would like, do you like it YN?” your head tilted to the otherside before you span to face your fast-friend.

“I want him to like it” you admitted softly, Feyre unable to keep the roll away from her eyes as she stood, pulling your hands in hers. 

“You could walk into Starfall in a paper bag and your mate would love you in it. So, I’ll ask you again, do you like it?” a smile grew across your face to match Feyres as you nodded. 

“Great! Let’s wrap it up and head to the House of Wind” 

The both of you strolled across the city you had learned to call home, a far cry from the outskirts of the Autumn Court where you were born and raised. It had been six months since Cassian had rocketed into your world and changed it forever, meeting you while you worked as a cook in a grand house. The preparations for Starfall had sent the city into an excited frenzy and you couldn’t wait to experience it for the first time with your new family. 

“Feyre! There you are” Nesta’s voice sang out of her in excitement but it felt as though the tone was a snake heading for your feet. She looped her arm through her sister’s as the both of you entered into the House of Wind, pulling her away from your side, to walk ahead of you. 

“Where were you sister, Elain and I are just getting ready upstairs”

“I was helping YN find something to wear for tonight for her to feel beautiful-” “-as if you could find anything that would help that” she laughed out, the snake climbed its way around you further. Feyre rolled her eyes with a small laugh, brushing off her sister's words as you fought your faltering smile.

“She found a lovely dress, didn’t you YN?” She called back to you as the three of you entered the main living area of the house.

“Ye-” “-Feyre! How could I forget to tell you, I found the perfect shoes for tonight, come on I’ll show” you huffed out slightly, familiar with Nesta cutting across you. Nesta spun on her heels to face you, causing you to almost walk directly into her with the abrupt stop of movement.

“Something the matter YN?” she almost bit out, the snake of words wrapping around your throat. Feyre had crossed the floor towards her own mate who beamed at her.

”N-no Nesta” 

“I didn’t think so, go make yourself useful, go help the other staff, back to your true calling” whispering at the end so only you could hear. 

“I-” “-My love, there you are!” Cassian's voice pulled the imaginary snake from around your airways, returning lightness to your chest as he met your side, his arm wrapping around from behind. Nesta’s face softened and a smile you knew to be laced with simmering irritation crossed her face.

“You're so kind YN for offering” Your eyes snapped from your shoes back to Nesta.

“Offering what?” Cassian kissed your cheek gently, his hand moving from your waist to lace with your fingers.

“Well, your lovely stray has offered to help with the setup of dining room! Right YN?” Her sickly sweet words turned in your stomach as Elain joined her side to collect her sisters and return to getting ready for the party.

“Oh, really YN you don't have to”

“I-”

“Cass, let her help, she probably craves the familiarity of a dirty apron” Poison-coated words dripped from Elain but shielded behind a smile. You looked to your mate standing behind you, his genuine well-meaning grin warming you despite the cold environment Nesta and Elains’ presence had swaddled you in. You were finding settling in around the two sisters especially difficult, your arrival had halted the friends-with-benefits situation between Cassian and Nesta and this had led to some deep-rooted resentment from the latter. Elain joining the cause in some sort of sick solidarity with her sister. 

That had decided your plans, afraid to contradict Nesta, with the mentality of service in the Autumn Court of being seen and not heard, very difficult to unravel yourself from. 

-

By the time you had finished setting up, the inner circle had finished readying themselves. You met Cassian on the stairs as you rushed to get yourself ready.

“My love, are you alright?” His hands cupped around your face as his lips pecked your forehead with the utmost of tenderness.

“Yes Cass, just finished with the table, you look so handsome” You held his wrists as his thumbs brushed across your cheeks. 

“Thank you! I can't wait to see your dress…and see it again on our bedroom floor later” he laughed as you rolled your eyes at him. He kissed your forehead again before releasing your face with softness, his brothers appearing on the landing behind him, guests beginning to arrive. You marvelled at the three Illyrians before rushing yourself up the stairs to change. 

By the time you had built up the courage to leave your bedroom, the party was in full swing. Fae seemed to flow from every corner of the bustling House as you found Feyre glowing alongside her mate on the outskirts of the courtyard where the festivities were bursting to life. 

“YN, you look dazzling”

“Thank you High Lord” You did a small curtsey and Feyre elbowed Rhysand cutting off his building laugh. 

“YN how many times have I to tell you, please call me Rhys” he offered you his hand to help you rise from your curtsey as your cheeks flushed.

“She can't help that she's built to serve” The two mates laughed at Nesta's joking tone from behind you, its undertone of sincerity not lost on you. 

“Nesta you lo-look lovely” you offered like so many white flags you had beforehand. 

“And you look clean for once”

“Nesta” Feyre laughed out a half warning, carrying no weight. The group had chosen to believe that Nesta's relentless snipping at you was more like she was hazing you instead of its true goal to wear you down. 

“I-I must find Cass, the migration starts soon” You bowed your head slightly to the three, out of sheer habit, gaining a snide laugh to leave the eldest Archeron sister. 

“Oh he went down the side corridor” Elain offered with a smile that didn't meet her eyes as she joined her sister's side. You gave a somewhat thankful smile and began to make your way in the direction she sent you. You felt suddenly pairs of hands collide with your side, pushing you with harsh force into a service pantry of the hallway, the door closing behind you.

Your hip met the tile floor of the cupboard with force, your arms instinctively going outwards to the shelves lining the walls, sending various cooking powders and syrups down on top of you. You gave a small shriek in pain and shock as the sound of two laughing females on the other side of the door spat venom in your ears. 

“Hey! Hey you guys let-let me out!” You pushed shakingly from the floor, palms splaying against the solid wood of the locked door. The laughing grew distant until dissolving completely and you found yourself sitting back down on the cold, food-covered floor. You fought back tears as you tried to swipe the savoury and sweet additions to your dress from the fabric, the dark of the room holding you close. 

“YNN!” You heard your mate's voice call out through the hall, giving you the strength to call back, trying to keep the shake from your voice. 

“YNN! What the fuck?!” The light flooded the small space, Cassian's eyes landing on his beautiful mate, sat in a ball at his feet. He dropped down to his knees, beginning to sweep away the floury coating.

“I-I-” The thoughts of the truth ran around your mind, would he even believe you if you told him? Did you want to risk finding out if he'd choose them over you? Or what if he did believe you and it ruined the family dynamic you knew he had spent his whole life craving? “-I…was looking for the bathroom” you offered as he stood, pulling you back up to your feet. 

“The bathroom?” He raised an eyebrow at your obvious lie, a faux smile painting across your face. You looked down at your destroyed dress, the tears once again threatening to add to the scene. 

“You-you look beautiful YNN” his eyes traced the stained fabric, a thumb brushing over the last remaining flecks of flour on your face. 

“I'm covered in food Cass” Your genuine smile returned.

“Just makes you even more delicious” he kissed wholly then, the taste of him took any bitterness from you. 

“C’mon, let's get you changed” he separated from you, his hand slotting into yours as you both traipsed back up the hallway. 

To get to your chambers, the main foyer had to first be transversed, the inner circle gathering there before going out to enjoy the spectacle in the sky together. You stepped slightly behind Cassian as you walked closer to the stairway, hoping to be able to sneak past the group.

“Ah Ah, you guys! We all promised we would watch this Starfall together, you can have sex after!” Mor laughed from behind you, your feet having only spent a moment on the bottom step. You reluctantly turned back to face the full group, Cassian instinctively standing to shield you from their eyes.

“YN and I will just be a moment”

“Yeah, I heard that's all you can last” Azriel laughed, the group following suit as Cassian shot his brother a playful death stare. Nesta sauntered over to the two of you, her hand landing gently on Cassian's shoulder, pushing him to the side, revealing the full picture of your ruined look.

“YN, what happened!?” Feyre looked you over, a bruise beginning to grow across your elbow.

“I-”

“It's obvious our little YN couldn't help but get involved in the kitchen” Nesta remarked, turning back on her heels, happy to watch the gawking take place. 

“I think it improves her outfit”

“Definitely Elain, anything would improve that tarp she's wearing” the two snickered, the group unsure of the sharp tones of the two sisters, too shocked at the brashness of the females. 

“That's not very kind of you two” Cassian felt himself bite out, the maroon now painting across your face as Cassian's hand held yours tighter.

“Oh Cass please, how could we ever match your level of charity, taking in such a lost cause” the group's heads snapped to the uncharacteristic bitterness dripping from Elain.

“I mean honestly Cassian, when are you going to wake up and realise she's never going to fit in here!” Nesta's sharp words gave life to the internal doubt you fought daily and you couldn't hold it back anymore, your tears flowed freely, having spent months being kept just below the surface. You dropped your mate's hand, catching the end of your long ruined gown and darting up the stairs in awash of pure heartbreak. You heard the beginning of Feyre and Rhysand reprimanding the sisters, with Mor and Azriel joining in, the agile footsteps of your mate echoing behind you. 

You crashed into your shared bedroom, wrenching the hair clips from your hair before running your hands across your tear-soaked cheeks. You had practically prised the stained fabric from your skin as your mate's knuckles rapped against the door. 

“YN let me in” You ignored his desperate tones, choosing to clothe yourself in trousers and a loose top before beginning to collect your things from around the room. The sound of Cassian's hammering had stopped along with his calling. You exhaled deeply before continuing to pack up your space. 

“YN!” You screamed with fright at the sight of Cassian closing the distance between you both, having landed on your balcony. He pulled the bundle of clothing you had grasped in your hands, tossing them aside before gripping your upper arms with a gentle firmness. 

“My love, please please stop”

“You heard them! I don't belong here, they're only saying what you're all too cowardly to admit!” You managed between falling tears, Cassian's heart beginning to shatter in his eyes at the sight. 

“YNN, you know it's biologically impossible for an Illyrian to be a coward” You felt a slight laugh leave you at his joking tone. His hands moved from your arms to wrap around you, pulling you flush with his chest where you could clearly hear his trembling heart beneath his midnight blue suit. 

“No one thinks what they said is true my love, they must have eaten something poisonous or something” You pulled back to look at your mate in his hazel eyes, it was clear to you from his words that he had not been aware of their historical treatment of you. 

“Cass-Cass they always say stuff like that” you managed to rattle out. You could see the rose-tinted glasses shattered in front of his eyes beneath his furrowed brow, reevaluating every interaction he'd seen between you and them before tonight.

“Gods…” he released you from his arms, standing back to run his hands down his face in disbelief at his blindness. 

“YN, I am sorry, I'm so so sorry for not seeing before, what kind of mate am I for being so fucking blind” You step back towards him, relief rushing through you that he had believed you. 

“One who believes the best in people” your hand ran down his cheek.

“I never thought I'd miss something like that”

“It's okay Cass, I'm sure you never thought they could be like that”

“No, it's not okay, it's not okay at all” his eyes darting across your face, the true reality he'd not been privy to before making him feel instantly ill.

“Cass, I love you, it's okay”

“It's not okay YN!” His raised voice surprised you slightly as he moved towards the bedroom door again.

“Cass, where are you going?”

“To defend you, I'm just sorry I didn't do it earlier, they will be sorry for this” His unfamiliar coldness stunned you almost as much as the sudden sparkling out of the corner of your eye. You looked to see the migration decorate the sky with a level of beauty you had never seen before. 

“Cass…please stay with me for this, I want to experience this with you” You manage to tear your gaze away from the view to land back on Cassian as he seemingly reluctantly removed his hand from the doorknob.

“Of course” he said with an almost sad smile, reaching for your hand to bring you to the balcony. You both looked up in comfortable silence at the glimmering skyscape, a genuine smile growing on your face. Cassian couldn't help but look down at you with pure unadulterated love, his annoyance that he didn't see the torment you had been under sooner. 

“You’re my everything, my love” 

“And you're mine” You leaned into his side.

“If there's anything left of those two downstairs by the time Feyre is done, I promise I'll make them understand their grave error in hurting you” 

“I don't expect much to be left” you laughed, the sound releasing pressure from Cassian's chest. You both stood on the balcony marveling at the glorious sight above you, unable to image being anywhere else with anyone else.

----------------------------------------------------------------

Whatcha think?

[ellievickstar]

Pretty Lies

A/N: THIS THOUGHT STRUCK ME AS I THOUGHT OF THE MEME SO LIKE BEAR WITH ME FOR A MOMENT OKAY??? also i gave up valentine week, i want to write a lot does not mean i want to stick to a schedule.

Summary: Cassian has some questions about you and Azzy's relationship, and because you are both very private people you choose not to answer Cassian truthfully, but what will happen when he decides to test your answer out?

Request: Nope.

Pairing: Azriel x reader

Warnings: Fluff. I'm in my soft era okay??? shush. This is set before even Amarantha so somewhere between the first war and the curse.

⋆༺𓆩☠︎︎𓆪༻⋆

Cassian glanced between you and Azriel, both of you had been speaking through the mating bond, thus it was mostly silent. Truth to be told, your bond was quite new and Cassian had not really heard you both interact with each other since you both confessed your love.

"Hey...I have a question," Cassian spoke up, raising his hand slightly. You cocked your head curiously, waving a hand to encourage him to continue.

"Do you guys use pet names?" Glancing at Azriel, he shrugged.

"No," You said simply.

Narrowing his eyes, Cassian internally scoffed. He did not buy it, not for one moment. Azriel may have been the most quiet among the three of them but he knew for a fact that Azriel was probably the most affectionate behind close doors. Azriel cared in a way that was quiet, a way that did not draw attention. The smallest details that hinted to the fact that the shadow singer cared more than he let on.

Cassian nodded to himself, he would reveal your lies and expose them for what they are, this was his true purpose in life.

⋆༺𓆩☠︎︎𓆪༻⋆

His plan commenced during dinner.

Waiting for the proper moment to strike, he suddenly piped up when you and Rhys were deep in conversation, Azriel was listening to Amren closely as she complained about how boring her life was now.

"Hey, Y/N, what do bees make?" Cassian asked slyly. Hesitating for a second, you gazed at him before answering, "Honey?" It was then that Azriel suddenly said, "Yes, Sweetheart?" Mor exploded into laughter, Amren hummed her amusement and Rhys grinned like a wild cat.

Blushing a deep red, you turned your head to hide your face in Azriel's arm, his hand coming up to stroke your hair while your body shook from trying not to laugh, his lips curling up into a smirk.

"I KNEW IT," Cassian screamed, "YOU LIARS TOLD ME YOU DIDN'T USE PET NAMES, HOW COULD YOU LIE TO ME," Wincing at how loud he was, Azriel shot Cassian a pointed glare in which Cassian quieted down, sulking slightly as he dramatically collapsed back in his chair, clutching his chest from 'heartbreak'.

"I'm sorry Cass, but you're not the most...subtle person," You tried. You were trying to not snicker and be kind about it but he gasped louder. "I can be subtle. I am soooo subtle," He rolled his eyes.

"So if I told you I found my mate would you be calm?" Rhys joked. However, Cass's eyes widened at Rhys, his eye balls seemingly almost popping out. "I'M THE LAST ONE LEFT WITHOUT A MATE????"

⋆༺𓆩☠︎︎𓆪༻⋆

Bonus:

"Never lie to my face every again," Cass whined, chuckling you nodded, Azriel's wing tucking you closer to his side, ready to scoop you up once you were done talking to Cass so you could retire home for the night.

"I promise I will tell you every detail, even how Az-"

"NEVER MIND!"

⋆༺𓆩☠︎︎𓆪༻⋆

A/N: hope this was fun to read heheheh see y'all next time <3

Azriel taglist: @chessebookgirl (if you guys want to be tagged in any character fics please tell me and I will happily add you <3)

[himejoshiangels]

Duke Thomas fic rec list

I've scowered every tag relating to him, combed thru the 'duke centric tag' at least 8 times, this is what ive come back with, at least my personal faves

necessary reminders - duke pov, outsider pov, and some social media following duke as he gets used to his day job as a vigilante. flows really well, has a good balance of sad and happy, and gets dukes character rlly well

that which you cannot bear - THIS FIC WILL BREAK YYOU duke is kidnapped and its only down from there!! this is like, one of the first duke fics I read and it's still labeled as such in my mind. its well based, sooo cohesive plot wise, and stays completely in character w all its characters, especially duke, while exploring such an interesting facet of him > his tendency to self-isolate, insistence on being independent, and his stubbornness. sooo much good angst just incredible stuff while also staying hopeful and grounded. ALSO duke is an intelligent badass throughout the fic which is an important detail 2 me

signal, n. a divine act - same author as the last one, absolutely insane concepts are explored and its just so well written srsly it's like poetry. digs into some of dukes ideologies so well. if u like holy imagery??? kind of but not rlly?? ig you'll love this

this whole series is just so fucking incredible but something about my bodies made of crushed little stars I don't fucking know it messed w my brain chemistry, I've recced it b 4 bcs it made me cry but read the whole series, it's all duke centric and just so good. Saki writes bruce and duke in a way that fizzes u up w emotion and focuses on such unique facets of dukes character/dynamics and sleep well my little sunshine is soo cute and fun and soft >when earth finds the stars - bonus presignal duke and jason fic, balances being incredibly fun with a realistic zoom in on duke before we are robin. he's quippy and witty and always at the edge of his rope

not mutually exclusive - tired of bruce being kinda shoved into the role of dukes capital F father when that's not quite what their dynamic is? Then this is the fic for you!! Just good duke and Bruce interactions overall, it's sad and hilarious with just incredible dialogue and peak Bruce and Duke interactions

signals and symptoms - a classic sickfic and like one of my fave bruce bonding fic ever ever EVERRR!! really introspective abt dukes character and just so well done

even exchanges - some of u are gonna hate me for reccing an incomplete fic and esp one that doesn't look like it's gonna be finished anytime soon but even exchanges is so formative to my duke characterizationalong with portraying such a fascinating dynamic w him and his new family. it delves into his messy and angsty experiences pre-becoming the signal and is overall written like several subsequent punches to the stomach. promise ur gonna bitch and moan about this fic as much as I do

scientific method - extremely cute fic, watch Duke bond w the bats and slowly get more comfortable with them over time as they all tru to figure out what the fuck this guys powers are. Really fun dynamic wise, the dialogue is crafty and captures the familiarity between the characters. Really realistic about day to day vigilante life and how genius the bats truly are. really slice of life fluffy shit w some bonus sciencey stuff

turn my voice human torch remind people what I’m fantastic for - truly a classic, Duke invites cass to slam poetry night. short n sweet I LOVE BUMBLEBATS RAHHHHHH

tradition - pure duke n bruce ice cream fluff

meal prep - real sad angst one shot ft. alfred

occupational health and safety violations - duke pov reverse robins but it's way out of order

write about flowers (at a time like this) - duke and dick fic where they meet pre we are robin. yes I just found this one yesterday yes I'm absolutely obsessed. it characterizes him so well and understands his thought process and motives and UGHH just tune in yall

sidequest: the viper pit - WE ARE ROBIN DND JUMANJI

signals of fear and hope - duke centric reverse robins, caters TTOME specifically it's so fire

and now here are fics that arent duke centric but he's in it and in character/well written and now forced into the back of the room aka some of my general faves that feature duke

gotham aviary - the batman fic where he just adopts a bunch of em truly adorable like the cutest thing you'll read

I walk the streets at night (with monsters in my mind) - dragon fic, absolutely goated 10/10

fight, flight - cass centric but duke plays a big role, they mean everything to me

[mysterycitrus]

but if u say something mean about jtodd i will love you

that is such an amazing point anon ty

one of my (many) issues with jtodd is that popular fan interpretations ignore the actual, intentional tragedy of his character in order to massacre every other character in his orbit.

jtodd isn’t welcomed back into the fold by bruce or dick or tim or anyone else because of his own actions — he rejects the chance to return, and pursues his own idea of violent retribution instead. he can’t return because he himself has burnt that bridge. that is the nature of that kind of profound grief, you often self immolate because there is no other way to keep urself warm.

the tragedy is that yeah, jason does casually want to interact with his family (re outsiders, parts of utrh + batman 2009) but he can’t — because of what he’s done. he still respects dick and babs, but he’s irreversibly destroyed any properly trusting relationship that could’ve been rebuilt. he still loves bruce (and try as he might he just can’t stop) but bruce will never trust him around his allies again, because he broke bruce’s cardinal rule to spite bruce.

not only that, he used what he’d learnt as robin, the allies he’d gained through that legacy, and systematically uses that knowledge to cause harm. how could that ever be reconciled? how can anyone seriously ally themselves with that sort of person?

by comparison, fanon turns him into someone with no agency (pit madness), someone who is reviled unfairly (despite being a murderer), or someone who is beloved by those who would never justify his bad decisions (any of the other robins, cass, roy, etc) to the detriment of their own characterisation.

JTODD IS A TRAGEDY OF HIS OWN MAKING ! YOU CAN NEVER RETURN TO WHAT YOU ONCE WERE ! THE ONLY WAY OUT IS THROUGH !

[dieinct]

what WOULD you describe as pseudoscience? or is that term just kinda useless in your mind?

i think i would probably use pseudoscience to describe people like van daniken (the ancient aliens guy). like, people whose claims are factually incorrect / verifiably false in consensus reality, but who lean on jargon and the appearance of scientific knowledge to make their (wild) claims.

i just think the fact that science itself IS necessarily authoritative is a big part of the issue with scicomm and how people interact with the Facts science turns up yk. like pseudoscience is... i don't even think it's useless. i just think people often use that term as a way to try and shed some of the great historical evils committed under the auspices of science - i said this in the tags but implying that eugenics and race science were 'pseudoscientific' is a great way to no true scotsman your way out of having to grapple with that. like. no: that was science. it was wrong and it was evil. but it was still scientific.

and i think to call things like neuroplasticity at 25 'pseudoscientific' is also like. well, no. iirc the issue was the study ended at 25 so there's just no data after that, and people misinterpreted and understood it to mean something else, which got looped into medical and legal frameworks (eg cass report) in part because it verifies something people already basically feel is true (young people in todays cultural and economic framework aren't really allowed or able to make their own decisions anymore). so that IS science. there was nothing wrong with the science itself. the problem is jumping to conclusions, the fact that nobody stood up and shouted hey, you're misinterpreting this data, that's not what it means. that gives it an okay. like....

i guess: the social use to which their science is put is a responsibility scientists love to abrogate themselves of. and i'm just out here saying: no. that is actually part of the work. and if you won't do that part of the work - which i do understand very few scientists are able to do - other people are going to do it for you.

[zyhkoo]

☆ you bewitched me

Jason Todd x GN!singer

Jason knew that he should keep his distance, but he cant help but fall of Gotham’s most beloved singer. part 1

Jason was currently on patrol with Nightwing, jumping and running between rooftops.

“You seem pretty hyper today” Nightwing commented as he landed beside Jason on the edge of a building.

Jason rolled his eyes under his helmet.

Dick often teased him whenever he was in a particularly good mood. And today, he was very much in a good mood.

“Shut up” he retorted back at him. “I’m just on a good roll today, is all.

“Are you going to go see your girlfriend again after patrol?” Dick asked, grinning as he eyed Jason’s happy demeanor.

Jason glanced over at Dick. He had to resist the urge to just smack the grin right off his face.

“None of your business” Jason grumbled, keeping his eyes focused on the city below.

“Who’s your girlfriend?” you peeked from behind.

Jason whirled around, his heart nearly jumping out of his chest.

His eyes widened as he saw you standing behind him. His mind was going crazy wondering how in the world you’d snuck up on him like that.

Meanwhile Dick was just laughing maniacally beside him, completely amused by Jason’s reaction to your surprise appearance.

Jason had to resist the urge to glare at Dick.

He focused his eyes on you, who was looking at him with a cheeky grin.

“What are you doing here?” he asked.

“Was on patrol and wanted to see you boys.” you answered.

Dick chuckled again. “You just wanted to see this one” he said, gesturing at Jason.

Jason was about to snap at Dick but managed to hold himself back.

“Oh,” you frowned, “guilty as charged.” you joked back.

Jason could feel his cheeks heat up a bit as you admitted it.

He glanced over at Dick to see if he was going to say anything and thankfully he didn’t.

He turned back to you, trying to act casual. “You couldn’t have waited until we got back to the Bat-Cave?” he asked, crossing his arms.

You crossed your arms “Came all the way to find at least one of you then you want me out?” you huffed “Okay, I see.”

Jason couldn’t help but raise an eyebrow at your little act.

“Don’t put words in my mouth” he said, a bit amused. “I didn’t say I wanted you out, I just said that you could’ve waited instead of sneaking up on me” he replied.

Dick was watching the whole interaction and found it absolutely hilarious. He could clearly see that Jason was trying so hard to act like his usual grumpy self, but failing miserably.

Jason glanced over at Dick who was clearly trying to hold back another laugh. He was getting fed up with how amused he was getting by the whole situation.

He let out a small huff before looking back at you. “Look, you’re here already so you might as well just hang out with us until patrol’s done” he said.

You unfolded your arms “Sweet.” you moved to look at the city down below.

Jason kept his eyes on you as you walked closer to the edge.

He kept a close eye on you, as usual, making sure you didn’t accidentally do anything stupid.

Jason had no doubt that you were a great vigilante. He had seen firsthand how strong and smart you were during patrols.

But there was also another side of you that Jason adored just as much.

He loved watching you perform.

He didn’t know how you managed to perform in front of large crowds or how you were able to do it so confidently and effortlessly.

He couldn’t relate to that at all, he hated having the spotlight on him.

But you? You were completely in your element while you were on stage.

The bat-family was gathered together in the audience, watching as you performed on stage.

Steph and Duke were fangirling over you, while Babs and Cass were all smiles and singing along to the songs they knew. Tim was tapping along to the beat while Dick enthusiastically sang along to the lyrics.

Even Damian was somewhat enjoying the show, even if he was trying hard to hide it.

Jason’s eyes were still glued to you as you continued performing.

He felt a slight nudge and he glanced over at Dick.

“What?” he grumbled.

“Earth to Jason,” Dick said with a smirk. “You’re completely drooling!”

Jason quickly snapped out of it and realized he’s been openly staring at you this whole time.

He felt his cheeks heat up as he quickly looked away.

“I’m not drooling” he mumbled.

Dick heard this time and time again.

“Yeah, and you’re not in love with her either, right?”

Jason rolled his eyes and grumbled under his breath.

He knew Dick already knew about his feelings for you (almost everyone did), but he still hated dealing with his teasing. But at the same time he didn’t mind.

“Shut up.” he hissed.

You tapped your mic then strummed your guitar “Okay, I haven’t released this song on any platforms. But I figured I’m going to sing it here first before I release it.” you told the crowd.

The crowd cheered as you announced a new unreleased song.

As you strummed your guitar, Jason recognized it a bit. As you sang, he definitely knew where this came from.

He knew this song, you had sung it to him before.

He felt his heart thump in his chest as he listened to you sing, singing the very same lyrics you sang to him in the privacy of your apartment.

Jason couldn’t believe you were actually singing the song you sung to him all those months ago.

The memory of your late night singing session in your apartment was still fresh in his mind. He could still recall the warm and intimate atmosphere, as you sang so softly just for him.

He couldn’t help but feel a flutter in his chest as he thought back to that moment.

As you stopped the song you smiled at the crowd. “Um, I wrote that for a friend.” you nervously chuckled as you scan at the VIP area up above where the bat-family was.

The crowd cheered and applauded as you finished the song.

Jason’s heart beat faster as he heard you say it was written for a friend.

He knew damn well it was for him. You didn’t sing those lyrics for no reason.

The rest of the bat-family was glancing around at each other, clearly all knowing you were talking about Jason.

Dick was grinning widely, obviously enjoying Jason’s reactions.

Jason just sat silently, trying to maintain his stoic demeanor but failing miserably as his cheeks turned slightly red.

He could feel everyone’s eyes on him, and he knew they were all enjoying this moment a bit too much.

“What?” He looked at his family.

His family members all had amused smiles on their faces.

Dick was still grinning, while Steph and Duke were both squealing loudly. Babs had a knowing smirk, and Damian even had a tiny bit of a smirk on his face.

“Yeah, yeah laugh it up” he muttered, folding his arms and looking away.

The bat-family made their way backstage, eager to see you and congratulate you on your performance.

As they made their way deeper backstage, they eventually found you talking to the stage crew and the backup dancers.

As soon as you saw the bat-family approaching, you brightened up immediately.

You hugged all of them but noticed that Jason wasn’t there.

“Where’s Jay? you asked “I’m right here,” a voice said from behind you.

Jason suddenly appeared from behind you which made you jump a bit.

You turned your head with a smile and immediately pulled him in a hug.

His arms automatically wrapped around your back, pulling you closer to him.

He tried to play it cool and act nonchalant, but he couldn’t help the small smile that formed on his lips as he held you.

“Ah- Jason, wait I can’t breathe!” you wheezed.

Jason didn’t realize he was hugging you so tightly until you spoke up.

He immediately loosened his grip, but still held you close to him.

“Sorry” he mumbled, feeling a bit embarrassed that he was getting so affectionate in front of his family.

You let go of his grasp and faced everyone “Why don’t we all go eat somewhere?” you said as you specifically eyed Bruce.

Bruce, on the other hand, let out a small sigh, realizing there was no way he could say no to you.

"Alright, where do you want to go?" he asked, everyone started brainstorming.

The bat-family members all started throwing out different ideas

“Thai food..

“Burger place.”

“Italian.”

“Pizza!”

“Sushi.”

“Steak!”

Jason stood silently, just watching his family members all debate where to eat.

Bruce pinched the bridge of his nose, clearly overwhelmed by the different suggestions.

“How about we let Jason decide?” Dick says.

Oh, great.

All eyes turn to Jason as they try to convince Jason to choose their option.

“Jason say steak please.” you pleaded.

Jason felt all eyes on him, everyone eager for him to make a decision.

He heard your pleading tone as you begged for him to choose steak, and the way you said his name sent a small flutter to his heart.

“Steak” he finally said, the word slipping out of his mouth without even thinking twice.

Everyone let out a mix of groans and cheers.

Bruce looked relieved that a decision had finally been made, while Damian just rolled his eyes.

“All of you are like children.” Damian says.

Days turned to weeks and weeks turned to Months.

Jason had come to look forward to your constant presence in his life. From your regular hangouts to your late night phone calls and everything in between, he craved it all.

Jason found it harder and harder to deny his feelings for you, but he still somehow managed to keep it under wraps.

He knew his family members were getting fed up with him holding back, especially Dick and Tim.

They both kept pestering him, saying how painfully obvious it was that he was completely smitten with you. But Jason just brushed them off, pretending like he didn’t know what they were talking about.

You were walking in the batcave then saw the three of them talking about…. you.

You hid behind a wall listening in.

“Why can’t you just tell her?” Tim asks as he crosses his arms.

Jason grumbled a bit as Tim asked him the same question again.

“Because,” he replied, “It’s not that simple. Do you think dating a star is gonna be easy?”

“You’re just making excuses, Jay” Dick chimed in. “You know they like you, so why are you holding back?”

Jason grumbled, feeling frustrated as he knew he couldn’t deny what they were saying.

“I just can’t, okay?” he snapped back. “It’s not that easy to just confess to someone like them.”

You felt your heart sink a bit as you heard Jason's words.

You couldn't help but wonder what he meant by that. Was the idea of confessing to you really something that he thought was so impossible?.

“Why does it have to be so complicated?” he asked. “You like them, they like you. It’s not rocket science, just ask them out.”

“It’s not that simple,” Jason mumbled, folding his arms. “They’re a star in the industry, they could’ve had anyone they wanted. Why the hell would they want me?”

He felt like he wasn’t good enough for you, that he wasn’t worthy of your time and love. He was worried that his own issues and past baggage would only drag you down and make your life worse.

“I don’t want them to love me, I’m not someone worth wanting.” Jason said.

Jason’s words were completely contradictory to his own thoughts and feelings.

Deep down, he knew that he desperately wanted your love and affection. He longed to be with you, to hold you, to love you.

But his own self-doubt and insecurity kept him from accepting or even acknowledging his own feelings.

His words punched you in the gut, your eyes clouded with pain as you clenched your fist.

Tim’s eyes widened as he saw you around the corner.

Both Jason and Dick turned around, following Tim's gaze and freezing as they saw you standing there.

Jason's face paled as he realized you had been eavesdropping on their conversation.

You were still reeling from what you had overheard, your heart aching at Jason's words about not wanting your love.

Feeling overwhelmed, you stormed out of the batcave, leaving the three men speechless and stunned.

Eventually, Jason snapped out of his frozen state and began running towards the entrance of the batcave.

Dick and Tim both watched him go, knowing that he was going after you.

Soon enough, he found you in the gardens outside the manor, sitting on a bench with your head buried in your hands.

He cleared his throat, trying to get your attention.

"Hey," he mumbled softly, taking a seat on the bench next to you.

“Gah!” you exclaimed, surprised by his presence.

Jason flinched as you exclaimed in surprise, not meaning to startle you so much.

“Sorry.” he apologized softly, awkwardly rubbing the back of his neck.

You looked at him then softened “It’s okay.” you said as you pulled your legs to your chest.

He knew it was his fault for making you feel like this, and he hated himself for it.

The two of you stayed silent for a while.

He knew it was his fault for making you feel like this, and he hated himself for it.

He took a deep breath, knowing he owed you an apology.

“Listen, about what you overheard-” he began.

“So, everything I did was all just casual to you?” you cut him off.

Jason looked taken aback by your question.

“No, no, it wasn’t casual” he protested, shaking his head. “I genuinely enjoyed every moment I spent with you. You don’t have any idea how much I-” he cut himself off, suddenly feeling too embarrassed to finish his sentence.

“Jason, I tried to give away my schedule just to hang out with you. I wrote songs for you. I gave you presents just to show how much I care. I tried to show you that I loved you, but you wouldn't let me that’s why I didn’t say anything.” you said

“But, I wasn’t too sure if you actually didn’t want my love so I just waited till you said something.” you looked at his gaze.

Jason was speechless as he listened to your words.

He felt a pang of guilt in his heart as he realized the extent to which you had gone to show him your feelings.

He had been so focused on hiding his own feelings that he hadn't been able to appreciate all the gestures and efforts you had made to show him how much you cared.

He stared back at your gaze, his expression unreadable.

“I know I’m affectionate to my friends, but it’s different with you Jay.” you looked away, staring at the red flowers in front of you.

“If you want me to stop loving you just.. say the word.”

Jason's heart skipped a beat as he listened to your words.

He knew he should say the word, should tell you to stop loving him. It would be the easy thing to do, the logical thing.

But the words just wouldn’t come out of his mouth.

"I…. I can't," he said softly, his voice barely above a whisper. "I can't ask you to do that."

Your head turned to him “What?” you blinked.

Jason avoided your gaze, feeling conflicted and vulnerable.

"I can't ask you to stop loving me... because I don't want you to," he admitted softly.

He knew he was risking everything by admitting his feelings like this, but he couldn't hold back anymore.

He took a deep breath, gathering all his courage to continue.

"The truth is, I’ve been a complete dumbass for months," he said, finally looking back at you.

"Every time you tried to show me how you felt, I just couldn't accept it. I was scared, okay? I didn’t think I was worth your time or your love. So I kept pushing you away, pretending like I didn't care."

For a moment, you just stared at him. Then you felt your body move towards him as your arms pulled him in a warm hug.

Jason was taken by surprise but he immediately wrapped his arms around you, squeezing you tight.

He buried his face in your shoulder, feeling an overwhelming mix of emotions.

All the tension and guilt he had felt for months slowly began to melt away as he held onto you.

"I’m sorry" he mumbled against your skin. "I'm sorry for being an idiot. For making you doubt how I feel about you."

Your hand slowly caressed his hair “It’s okay, I’ll always forgive you either way.” you softly replied, trying to soothe him.

He looked into your eyes, searching for any signs of doubt. But all he saw was sincerity and love.

A small smile tugged at the corners of his lips, and he felt a warmth spread throughout his chest.

Your hand moved up to cup his cheeks when you saw his smile “There’s my Jason.”

He leaned into your touch, feeling a sense of comfort and peace wash over him. "Yeah, I'm still me," he said softly, his eyes locked with yours.

He gently placed his hand over yours, holding it against his face, feeling the warmth from your touch.

"I'm sorry for being such a dumbass," he mumbled, feeling overwhelmed with emotion. "I won't push you away again, I promise."

"I just.... I’m not good at talking about my feelings, y'know?" he added, "But I'll try, for you. I’ll try my best to show you how much you mean to me."

Your expression softens “And I’ll give you everything I have.”

Jason felt his heart melt as your expression softened and you spoke those words.

He felt undeserving, but at the same time, he couldn’t help but believe you.

He leaned his forehead against yours, "You already have my everything," he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper.

Jason's lips met yours in a soft, gentle kiss.

When he started dating you, he felt more at peace.

Though he often hung out with you, this was different. Everything felt so intimate and lovely.

He’s usually composed, that is until he touches you and he can't pretend he loses himself again.

You made him a sappy, stupid something out of him. The kind he swore he’ll never be. He feels awake inside a dream.

Jason couldn’t believe the effect you had on him. He had never thought he could feel this way about someone, so vulnerable and exposed.

He used to pride himself on his stoicism, his ability to maintain control. But when he was with you, all of that went out the window.

He found himself craving your touch, your attention, your love. He was like a man possessed, completely bewitched by you.

But Jason especially loved your voice, he could listen to you sing for hours on end.

There was something about the way you sang that captivated him. Your voice, your expression, the way you poured your heart and soul into every lyric.

He loved watching you perform on stage, seeing you shine and shine, but he had to admit that he loved it even more when you sang for him alone.

Those moments, when it was just the two of you, felt like a secret little world that only they shared.

He loved how, after each and every song, you would turn to him with a smile, seeking his approval and praise.

He would shower you with compliments and applause, telling you how beautiful you sounded and how privileged he felt to be the one to witness your talent.

But sometimes, he preferred to show you how he felt. He would pull you into his arms, holding you close and kissing you deeply, hoping to convey all his appreciation and love through his actions.

He wanted to do more than just say it. He wanted to show you how much he loved hearing you sing.

He would pull you into his arms, holding you tightly against his chest, his head resting on your shoulder.

"Sing for me again," he’d murmur, his lips pressing against your neck.

Jason was not one to broadcast his relationship with you to the world.

He liked to keep things between the two of you as private as possible.

He was protective and territorial, and didn’t like the idea of other people knowing intimate details about his life, especially when it came to you.

Your life was constantly put under a microscope, with fans and paparazzi following your every move.

You didn't want that kind of attention to affect your relationship with Jason.

You wanted to keep him away from the public eye, to protect him from the spotlight and the scrutiny that came with it.

But that didn't stop you from longing to tell people that he was yours.

Jason would often feel embarrassed when you would brag about him to the bat-fam or your friends.

He wasn't used to being talked about in that way, and he didn't like being the center of attention.

He would often stand there, trying his best to keep a straight face, while secretly enjoying hearing you talk about how awesome and amazing he was.

The bat-fam found it all too easy to tease Jason, and they often did so, much to his annoyance.

However, they quickly discovered that it was practically impossible to tease you.

You rarely got flustered or fazed by their taunts, and it drove them insane.

Jason would sit back and watch, feeling a mix of admiration and amusement as you effortlessly shut down any attempts to poke fun at you.

Jason's eyes eventually settled on the shelves, where a collection of vinyl records were neatly displayed.

He walked over, taking a closer look at the records. Some of them were of your own albums, but there were also records from other artists that you seemed to enjoy.

He picked up one of your albums, admiring the cover and running his fingers over the title.

As Jason browsed through your collection, he noticed the wide range of genres.

There was pop, rock, jazz, R&B, country, even classical. It was clear that you had a taste for variety.

He picked up a jazz record and held it up "Who knew you were such a fan of jazz?"

You were sitting in an armchair, your guitar on your lap as you strummed a soft melody.

You looked up as Jason spoke, a small smile playing at your lips.

"You don’t know this but I’m a sucker for Jazz.” you replied.

He let out a soft scoff at your response. "I’m learning more and more about you every day," he said.

“The more you know.” you said, taking the record from him.

Jason watched as you took the record from him and opened your record player, placing the vinyl on it.

The music filled the room, a smooth and sultry jazz melody that oozed with elegance and charm.

You turned back at him, then you had an idea “Hey, dance with me.” you offered your hand.

He took your hand, intertwining his fingers with yours, a smile playing at his lips. "Alright, I'll dance with you.”

Jason treasured every single moment he spent with you.

He adored the way you held his hand, the way you looked at him with those sparkling eyes, the way your laughter would ring out like music to his ears.

He loved the way you would pull him close, the way you would sing for him, the way you would kiss him as if you couldn’t get enough of him.

And in those moments, everything else faded away. There was only you, and him, and the love they shared. He was bewitched.

[strawbuddy-luv]

Tim Drake would love video games sm tho, and I do not see that represented enough.

He'd be a total nerd about it to. He'd rant and rant and rant about all the games he's played and all the cheats and the secret cut scenes and the hidden lore. He'd be a game theorist for sure, probably has a YouTube account dedicated to it since he's such a little detective. He knows the true lore of FNaF.

He'd definitely speed run minecraft, rp to probably. First person shooter? How about first hand experience. FNaF fanatic oh my God he'd LOVE that game so fucking much. Absolutely a Sonic kid, like you cannot convince me otherwise. Mario less so but you knows hes probably played every single game anyways. Pokemon? Every single one memorized down to their exact coloration. Stardew valley? Do i even have to ask. Animal crossing? Perfected his village, villagers and all. Zelda? I cannot prove it but he has a lino Cosplay somewhere and he's worn it for under cover missions. He'd slay in DTI, have like 5 different mansions in Bloxburg, defiantly played Royal High until the capitalism became to close to the real world, probably has hundreds of avatars to. An expert at games like fnf has played half the mods to ever be made for that game. He's been playing fortnite since it's release. He'd have one of the top scores ever in subway surfers. He'd download those "complete your restaurant" type games and finish them in two weeks and it'd only take that long because the game forces him to wait sometimes. Candy crush is his bitch 100%. He'd download mobile games and finish them in a day and then keep redoing them till he's perfected his method. He has played and replayed countless driving based games, can learn almost any new one in 6 minutes. Going back to the speed run thing I think he'd just enjoy speed running games in general, and gridning. He'd love minecraft so much omg-. Last of us? Played. Iron Lung? Played. Cuphead? Played. Detroit Become Human? Played. Kindergarten? Played. Sallyface? Played. Splatoon? Played. He'd love small games to I just am not that into video games to know any to list- :').

I mean think about it. Going off the "Tim's parents are never home" version of him, he'd have so much time to just sit around and play video games. He has the money to buy them and the time to spend getting ungodly good at them. He'd have amazing equipment, and it'd give him some sort of community even if he doesn't really interact with it personally. Like if he's not out stalking Batman or at school, he's playing a video game. Even after he starts working for Batman, he'd overwork himself to the bone and he'd STILL find a way to go pro gamer in-between. Probably for like 0.5 seconds whenever he's got to stand up to get himself another energy drink.

Like please, video game nerd Tim Drake on my knees begging you add this to your stories and headcanons. Have him introduce other batfam members to video games. HAVE HIM INTRODCUE BRUCE TO CANDY CRUSH AND MAKE THEM GET INTO A COMPETITION ON WHO CAN GET TO A HIGHER LEVEL FASTER. He shows Damian animal crossing. He gives Jason a gaming console and like 50 different shooter games and one copy of stardew valley as a joke and did not expect Jason to get so into it. Him Cass and Steph would love those Roblox horror games. He'd force the whole family to start having game nights and they'd have a world on Minecraft that has the most insane lore you've ever heard. Like please give me more video game nerd Tim and tell me your headcanons on what games he'd like and what he'd introduce different batfam members to in the comment I am begging you.

[casscainmainly]

When discussing Batfam relationships, there's a tendency to focus on out-of-context 'events'. For example, when discussing Tim and Dick, many people bring up the 'giving away Robin' event without talking about their reconciliation immediately after or their lengthy history of love and brotherhood. Same goes for Tim and Damian; they are almost entirely defined by the early events of their relationship (namely the dinosaur murder attempt and the line-cutting), rather than their more amicable interactions later on, or their nuanced and complicated feelings for each other.

This is possibly why people want Cass and Jason to get along - there's no 'event' to make them dislike each other, so people don't think too hard about whether they would actually be good companions. On the flip side, many people use Batgirl (2008) to say Cass and Dick don't get along, without discussing their reconciliation in Batman and the Outsiders + evidence of their camaraderie elsewhere. (Also ignoring that 2008 is deliberately OOC for Dick).

This is completely understandable. Events are often glossed over in canon, so some of this behaviour stems from desiring a bigger unpacking of certain moments. Also, nobody has read every comic in existence, and of course you'd base your dynamics on what you have read.

However, I think it's important to remember that events don't exist in isolation, and relationships are defined not only by events but by how people interpret and learn from them. Singular events rarely define entire relationships. Personalities, belief systems, and relationships to others affect how events are viewed (case in point: to Tim, the line-cutting is more of an excuse to beat Damian into the ground, rather than a threat to his life. Damian is way more affected by the hit list than Tim is by the line-cutting).

Events definitely have a place in relationships, and I make headcanons based on singular events all the time. But including context, consequences, personalities, and perspectives into discussions makes for richer and more meaningful interpretations.

[bomber-grl]

Hiro Hamada dating hc ❤︎₊ ⊹

~ Pairing(s): Hiro Hamada x Gn!reader (no pronouns used)

Hiro is most definitely full of nerves and awkwardness when the relationship first starts

I mean you can’t rlly blame him considering it’s super awkward when you start dating your friend 🫠🫠

He obvs eases up eventually and it becomes more casual between the two of you .

He pretty much stays the same but the way he tries to sneakily hold your hand doesn’t go unnoticed

He’s still the stupid and cringe prick he always was

Except 100x worse

You thought it couldn’t get worse than this? Well you were wrong 🦍

He’s alwayyyysssss bothering you

Sure he loves you and everything but bro

You can only handle so much

Bro is obsessed with so many things and is in a bunch of fandoms

So best believe you’re gonna have to sit and listen to him talk about the lore about random ass shit you’ve never heard about

How lovely ☺️

He seems to be on crack all the freaking time

Freaking demon child

You’ll especially love when you get comfortable enough to cuddle and he decides to trap you under the blanket with his farts while he runs away

And they say romance is dead 😍

And then he goes and acts like he’s an angel in front of cass

☺️ beautiful

Just smile for the time being, dw you can imagine the torture you’ll put him through to get you through the week

Also, you can’t not tell me this boy is a gamer or anime watcher

He’ll definitely watch shonen anime’s like Naruto or bleach but secretly watch them romance animes

Hell probably watch kdramas too, initially because cass would and it kinda stuck with hiro

Now going back

Hiro is super clingy

He tries denying it but he’s Fr super fucking clingy

It’s not a bad thing iggggg

He’s super cuddly and affectionate but not like in a super lovey way but more like a cat just doing whatever

Likes having his hair played with too

Will throw a whole ass tantrum if you don’t

Not rlly but still)

It’s pretty fun hanging around him especially when you’re not with him

When you’re not together you use social media to interact

Over TikTok, discord and just regular ol messages

Usually over TikTok since you guys be having TikTok wars

Whenever you open the app hiro always sends you 99+ TikTok’s and you do the same just to be an ass

He also uses those wack ass TikTok emojis 😭

Imagine going home after a long day at school and just seeing-

“Fnafl0v3r_66 tagged you “hehe [cute]”

If you don’t know that emoji go ahead and search it on TikTok)

Following that message is a video of sukuna x Cinderella w bakugo as their son

Like wtf

And then there’s the other end of the spectrum with hiro tagging you in those cute couple TikTok’s like bro pick a sideeeee

Ugly ass

Calling him that as if you guys don’t cuddle all the time

Well yea he’s pretty cool to have as a boyfriend when he’s not being a pain in the ass 😍

Extra - I just think of that one audio “I love you mr beast, I’ll love you forever and ever”

———————————————————————————

Best believe he says that on repeat

[scmg11]

KATE BISHOP x READER

TUTORING

A/N: HELLO HELLO HELLO! I know, I disappeared for a long time after promising I had one new chapter ready, but college is really testing my patience and strength, but here I am! How are you guys?

I hope you enjoy this new concept that came into my mind and let me know if I should continue this.

Sending you love ❤️

-

Summary: Kate is failing two classes and to avoid getting kicked out of the school's team, one of her professors asked Y/N to help her.

Warnings: none.

Word count: 18382 words.

-

The bell rang loudly throughout the hallways and the classroom signaling the end of the current class and the beginning of the next one, all the students gathering their belongings and saying goodbye to their teacher as they walked out of the classroom and sauntered into the hallways.

"Ugh I hate Mr. Thompson. He likes to make my life a living hell."

"Well Cass, if it makes you feel any better he hates me too." Y/N joked with a small snort as she placed her Calculus book back into her locker and grabbed her literature one, snickering a bit when she head the blonde groan beside her before slamming her head on her her still closed locker door.

"I don’t know why he pushes me to know how to throw a punch. I’m gonna be an engineer. We use math and physics to create things, not punches."

"Well you could, when something doesn’t works you could always use a bit of violence." Y/N kept joking with a wide smirk that only broadened when Cassie slapped her shoulder gently as she opened her locker to grab her literature book too, happy that she was going to share a class with her best friend.

"Ha-ha. Very funny." Cassie faked laughing, closing her locker and leaning her back on it as she watched students walk up and down the hallway, "it’s not like you’re any better at physical stuff. You suck at any sport."

"That’s not true." Y/N snorted as she also closed her locker and leaned on her right shoulder to stared at Cassie, who was sporting an unamused expression. "I like all kind of sports, I just don’t like being part of them."

"Ha! That’s just a nice way to say you suck at sports."

"Whatever." Y/N rolled her eyes with a small grin tugging at the corner of her lips as she gently pushed on Cassie’s shoulder to urge her to walk towards their class. "C’mon or we will be late."

"Make me." Cassie stayed frozen in her spot and snickered loudly when Y/N struggled to push her and make her start walking, causing her to loose her balance for a second and collide harshly with another student’s body.

"Oh no, I’m so so sorry!" Y/N looked up from her gaze on the floor after she regained her balance from the harsh collision and almost fainted when she was met with the most beautiful pair of blue eyes she had ever seen, "I-I’m- sorry."

"It’s okay, don’t worry. I was actually in a hurry and I wasn’t watching where I was going." Y/N smiled politely at the black haired girl and watched from the corner of her eyes Cassie sporting a small, cheeky smirk as she watched her best friend interact with the blue eyed girl, and made a mental note to hit her hard as soon as she was finished talking to the blue eyed girl. She watched as she black haired girl nodded softly at her before walking away, Y/N watching her go for a few moments before turning around and hitting Cassie hard with her book.

"Ow!"

"That’s what you deserve for being an ass. You made me embarrass myself and crash into one of the most popular girls in school."

"Oh honey, you do all the job of embarrassing yourself. I didn’t do anything at all." Cassie teased Y/N as they started their journey to their literature class, snorting loudly when Y/N merely grunted at her.

"I hate you."

"No you don’t." Cassie sing-sang as she entered the classroom and took her usual seat, watching Y/N take her place in front of her before turning slightly around to face her and keep their conversation, that shifted to another topic, going since their teacher hasn’t arrived yet.

"I’m telling you the truth!"

"There’s no way. My dad would never."

"I swear, I saw him eat at least 3 cookies around 3 a.m. when we had our sleepover."

"Fuck! He promised me he wouldn’t eat them! Those were for his clients!"

"Well 3 clients didn’t have their cookie." Y/N joked with a small chuckle as she watched their teacher enter the classroom before turning herself back around and waited for the class to start.

"Oh Miss Bishop! How nice of you to join us!"

"I’m sorry!" About 5 minutes later, the blue eyed girl entered the classroom out of breath and a bit disheveled after running towards her class, taking the last seat in the room, right beside Y/N, smiling politely at her and nodding in her way, doing the same with Cassie, then focusing her attention to the teacher as she kept on with her class.

"Okay class, do not forget to read to page 328 to page 341. We will discuss everything in class next week." Miss Peyton finished speaking just in time, because as soon as she was done, the bell rang and all the students gathered all their things to go to the cafeteria to have their lunch, "oh Miss Bishop, Miss Y/L/N can I please have a word with you?"

Cassie stared at Y/N with furrowed eyebrows as they both stopped their walk towards the door, but Y/N merely shrugged, clueless about why their teacher wanted to talk to her and to Kate after class. "I’ll see you in a bit, can you grab lunch for me too?"

"Yes of course, I’ll see you later."

As soon as all the students left the classroom, Miss Payton saying goodbye to the last teenager with a big smile, she turned her gaze towards Y/N and Kate still waiting in their seats and slightly confused. The teacher’s face the turned serious as she dropped her smile and assessed her students, "okay girls, I wanted you to wait for everyone else to walk out because I need to talk about something really important. I will be quick you can have your lunch."

"Okay, what is it, Miss Peyton?" Y/N asked politely with a calm voice. She wasn’t nervous, she was the top of the class, she was polite to everyone, she was always on time to class, she stayed out of trouble, she was just confused as to why Miss Payton wanted to talk to her with Kate.

"I- Kate that you are failing my class and Mr. Craig’s class." Miss Peyton announced to the black haired girl quickly, sighing out sadly, making Kate stare at her in concern, "you need to improve your grades or, as your coach informed me, you will be out of the team."

"What?! No! Why? I’m trying to study as much as I can to get better!"

"I know, I can see it. But it’s not enough for Coach Miller. I want to help you. That’s why Y/N is here." Y/N perked up at that as she stayed silent to listen to what Miss Payton was telling Kate. "She will tutor you in literature and math. You will have all the semester to improve your grades. I talked to Coach Miller and he will not kick you out of the team if you will pass your final tests."

"Great!" Kate huffed out in frustration as she collapsed ungracefully on the chair, slammed her hands on the desk before starting playing with her fingers angrily.

"It would be a pleasure to help you." Y/N spoke up with a polite smile and tone, hoping to help Kate to calm her nerves down. To be honest she didn’t want to deal with Kate Bishop at all. She was the most popular girl in school, the star of the school’s soccer team, a great archer that collected trophies after trophies, medals after medals and also one of the most wanted girl in school. She had never interacted with her before today. She was the nerd of the school, she was closed-off, she avoided all kind of school gatherings unless they were mandatory. But she needed to please every teacher’s request to reach her goal and enter Harvard with Cassie like they had always dreamed. So she was willing to make an effort for the sake of her future.

"I don’t have a say in this, do I?" Kate completely ignored Y/N’s sentence and stared at Miss Payton in annoyance. Y/N scoffed under her breath at Kate’s rudeness, before focusing on their teacher’s answer to Kate’s rhetorical question.

"I’m afraid you don’t. It will help you, trust me. Y/N one of the school’s best students. I know you two will get along pretty well and you will improve your grades quickly!" They both nodded as they said goodbye to their teacher after discussing a few things about Y/N tutoring Kate before the two girls walked out of the classroom and took different paths without saying a word to the other.

"What the hell did Miss Payton want from you?"

"She just asked me-." Y/N trailed off for good measure, smirking inwardly when Cassie was literally hanging from her chair impatiently, but Y/N took her time to place her bag beside her feet before pulling the chair back and sitting down slowly, but Cassie grabbed her shoulders and slammed her onto the chair to urge her on, causing a small laugh to leave the Y/E/C girl’s lips, "eager to know, are we?"

"Yes. Now keep going."

"She asked me to tutor Kate." Y/N told her best friend nonchalantly before grabbing her salad, taking a forkful and eating it.

"What?!" Cassie screamed incredulous, her small shriek caused a few heads to turn towards them, but she paid them no mind, "why are you saying this like it’s no big deal?!"

"Because it’s not?!" Y/N said rhetorically using the same tone Cassie used to ask her question, causing a small scoff to leave the blonde’s lips as she rolled her eyes at her best friend.

"Are you being serious right now?"

"Yes! I’ve tutored plenty of our classmates and a lot of other students here. It’s really no big deal."

"But we’re talking about Kate Bishop now!" Cassie stressed her words out with a look between desperation and frustration at her best friend nonchalance. She was smart, but she could be truly dense sometimes.

"She is just another student Cass, relax."

"No, she is THE student. The star of the school’s soccer team, the most wanted girl in our school, the heartbreaker, the world’s greatest archer as anyone puts it, not to mention really fucking hot." Cassie finished her speech pointing her fork full of pasta towards Y/N before eating her bite and chewing on it happily. She then rolled her eyes when Y/N rolled her own with a loud sigh.

"I’m not interested in her Cass. We’ve never talked before and after our tutoring sessions it will be back like that with us ignoring each other. Hell I don’t even know if she will show up at our tutoring sessions. We didn’t exactly speak, like at all, after talking with Miss Payton. We just walked away, without even saying goodbye."

"Well maybe she needed a moment to think about it. I don’t think she won’t show up. I mean, these tutoring sessions has to be mandatory for her, am I right?"

"Yeah, apparently if she doesn’t improve her grades in Miss Payton’s and Mr. Craig’s classes, Coach Miller will kick her out of the team." Y/N finished off as she took the last bite of her salad and drank a sip of water from her water bottle.

"Oh shit, that’s bad. She’s definitely showing up to your tutoring session, I’m 100% sure."

The two best friends changed topic and started talking about Cassie’s father, Scott, and his girlfriend Hope, taking Cassie to an amusement park the prior weekend, "no way! Shit Hope is strong."

"Yeah! She formed a crowd all around the punching bag machine and-." Cassie stopped her retelling abruptly when she recognized the approaching figure walking towards their table and swallowed loudly when she met their eyes with her slightly widened ones and smiled awkwardly up at them.

"What?" Y/N turned herself around to look herself at what Cassie was staring at behind her back and almost fainted and fell off the chair when, for the second time that day, she was met with the most intense ocean blue eyes she had ever had the pleasure to meet with her own Y/E/C eyes.

"Hi." Kate said in a small tone and a tiny smile, before staring at Cassie and grinned at her too, "hi." She repeated to the blonde before moving her eyes back onto Y/N.

"Hello." Y/N didn’t exactly intended to answer that coldly, it was just that Kate’s eyes were really distracting.

"Hi." Cassie replied to Kate’s greeting ten times more politely than Y/N, with a bright grin on her lips and a small wave, something that made Kate smile gently.

"Can I talk to you for a second?"

Y/N had a small problem formulating words as she tried to kickstart her brain, to no avail of course, but Cassie came to her rescue and kicked her shin hard under the table, trying to conceal her gesture as much as she could, and almost laughed when Y/N squealed quietly under her breath and jumped a bit on her chair. Cassie smiled in apology at Y/N when she stared at her with a mix of anger, wrath and pain before regarding Kate with the softest expression she could muster despite the excruciating pain in her leg, "sure."

"Thank you." Kate smiled gently at Y/N before regarding Cassie with an apologizing grin, "sorry, it won’t take long, I promise."

"Don’t worry, you can even get rid of her for me. She is annoying." Cassie cracked a joke with a wave of her hand, triggering a soft chuckle from Kate while Y/N flipped her off with her middle finger, but Cassie merely smiled sweetly at her.

Y/N sat up, wincing a bit from her still a bit aching and painful leg, and walked towards the exit of the cafeteria, stopping a few feet out of the door, that effectively muffled the student’s loud chatter, "so, what do you need?"

"First thing first, I’m Kate."

Y/N stared at the hand stretched over in front of her for a few moments, before grabbing it and shaking it gently, "I know. I think pretty much the whole school knows who you are. I’m Y/N."

Kate chuckled gently under her breath and shook her head at Y/N’s joke, "I won’t take too much of your time of your lunch, I just needed to ask you if we can start as soon as we can with our tutoring sessions. I really need to not be kicked out of the team."

"Sure, we can start this afternoon after our classes." Y/N conceded with a small shrug, not failing to notice how beautiful Kate’s wide grin she had just triggered with her words was. But she discarded those thoughts immediately.

"Great! How about around 3 p.m. in the school’s library?"

"Hm, I’m afraid it’s closed." Kate stared at Y/N in confusion and the Y/H/C girl had to discard again thoughts about how cute Kate looked with her confused frown to instead Y/N was clarify to Kate’s silent question, "it’s Friday. Library always closes after classes."

"Oh right. Sorry, I usually study at home."

"It’s okay."

"Okay, so, we can study at my house. My mom is working late and my dad is on a business trip. We won’t be disturbed."

"Okay, yeah." Y/N nodded politely as she smiled gently at the black haired girl, noticing how happy she looked after she agreed to start their tutoring sessions right away.

"Okay, I’ll meet you at your locker at 3 p.m. okay?"

"Yeah. I’ll see you later."

"See you later." Kate winked towards her as she started her walk opposite the cafeteria and Y/N had to admit she swooned a little at the charming gesture as she turned around and opened the cafeteria’s door and walked back towards Cassie, before stopping in her tracks as a thought made its way to the forefront of her mind.

"Wait, how does she know which one is my locker?"

-

"And she looked so good! You should’ve seen her!"

"I did Cass, I was right beside you."

"Really?"

"Yeah, you were too busy drooling for her to notice my presence." Y/N snickered when Cassie pushed on her shoulder hard, making her loose her balance for just a second as she grabbed her things from her locker, "I still don’t get why you don’t ask her out."

"Are you out of your mind?! I will never ask her out!" Cassie spoke to Y/N with her eyes widened in shock as if Y/N told her the most unbelievable thing in history. "She doesn’t like me. She doesn’t even know who I am."

"She likes you Cass, she looks at you like a lovesick puppy!"

"You’re just speaking nonsense now. She doesn’t like me and I’m pretty sure she is dating that jackass. What’s his name? Carl?"

"Cory. And I don’t think they’re dating." Y/N laughed when her best friend got their classmate’s name wrong, bumping their shoulders together amusedly, "I will prove to you she likes you. You just need a great wingwoman to help you out." Y/N puffed her chest out proudly and lifted her chin in an authoritative way, all the while Cassie stared at her blankly before turning her expression into a surprised but curious one.

"Oh do you I know her? Can you please introduce her to me?" Y/N deflated at that with a roll of her eyes and punched Cassie’s shoulder gently as she laughed her ass off at her own joke, "okay, on a serious note, I don’t think I will ever find the courage to ask her out. I’m way too out of her league."

"Are you being serious right now? Cass, she is the one out of your league. You are smart, beautiful, funny. She would be a fool to reject you. And if she will ever reject you, it’s her loss." Y/N placed her left hand on Cassie’s right shoulder before squeezing it in a comforting manner and smiled softly at her, the blonde mirroring her right away with a bright, thankful grin.

Just as when Cassie was about to open her mouth to reply to Y/N’s encouraging words and to thank her for boosting her mood up, Kate approached them shyly and smiled at the two best friends cordially with a small wave, "hey guys."

"Hi." Y/N said quickly as she pulled her hand away from Cassie’s shoulder, turned around and finished retrieving her things from her locker, while Cassie, who already finished pushing everything in her backpack, smiled brightly at Kate and waved back at her.

"Hi Kate. Just a little warning, she can be a lot sometimes when she talks about literature, so if she ever starts talking too much, the button to shut her up is right here." Cassie pointed to the back of Y/N’s head, getting Kate’s complete attention, who watched her with a small smile adorning her lips, "you just push this button here and she will shut up automatically. Like this- look." And then Cassie slapped the back of Y/N’s head, right on her nape not hard to hurt Y/N, but not exactly gently, making Y/N almost drop her backpack on the ground.

"Cassie Lang!" Y/N turned her head towards Cassie with a withering look as she massaged the back of her head with her right hand while her left one gripped her backpack hard.

"What?! I was just helping Kate by giving her tips about surviving studying with you."

Y/N turned to look at the black haired girl, who was trying to prevent her laugh to come out of her mouth by biting on her bottom lip hard, but it was becoming a really difficult task with the bickering still going on in front of her, before regarding Cassie with an unamused expression, "I hate you."

"No you don’t! I’ll see you tomorrow." Cassie quickly kissed Y/N’s right cheek, before waving at Kate happily, "bye Kate, good luck with her."

"Thank you. Bye!" Kate waved enthusiastically at Cassie and watched her run towards the school’s exit before focusing her attention back on the Y/H/C girl when she heard a locker close beside her. "Ready to go?"

"Yes! Let’s go."

"How were classes?" Kate asked to fill in the silence wrapping around them as they walked towards the exit, the school’e hallways already empty since it was Friday.

"Good. Yours?"

"Pretty good."

"Great." Y/N sighed as she felt as awkward as ever with Kate. She didn’t know her and she wasn’t exactly good with people she didn’t know, especially when she met them for the first time a few hours prior. "Did you have soccer practice today?"

"Yeah, this morning." Kate answered earnestly as she opened the school’s exit door and held it open for Y/N to walk out first, the Y/H/C girl thanking the blue eyed athlete with a polite smile, "I came here around 7 a.m."

"Thank you." Y/N’s grin fell off her face when she heard what Kate said and widened her Y/E/C eyes in shock, "wait- what?! Why so early?"

"We have a game this Wednesday. It became a daily routine coming to school earlier than everyone else a week prior our game to train alone. I like practicing on my own sometimes."

"Wow, you have a lot of pressure on you." Y/N pointed out as she noticed a stressed frown form on Kate’s forehead and felt bad for her, she knew how it feels to have a lot on your shoulders.

"Yeah, when you are the, and I quote, ‘the most promising striker of the league’, you tend to have a lot of pressure and attention on you. I try my best to give what everyone wants." Kate shrugged as they walked into the school’s parking lot, Y/N pretty much following Kate since she didn’t know where they were going, but as she listened to Kate’s words, Y/N couldn’t help but hear a bit of tiredness and sadness in her tone, making it look like Kate resigned herself to do what everyone wanted from her and wasn’t happy to do just that. She felt bad for her, so bad that she couldn’t control the words that left her mouth in form of a question.

"And what do you want?" Y/N noticed Kate trying to mask the shock and bewilderment, clearly not expecting Y/N to ask that question, but Y/N pretended she didn’t notice and gave her time to answer her.

"Hm- I like doing sports. I do that since I was little. I won a lot of medals and trophies for them but- I feel like soccer will be nothing but another sport I’m good at."

"Hm- you didn’t answer my question completely though." Y/N teased Kate to lift up the heavy air suddenly surrounding them and felt relieved when the black haired girl snorted under her breath with a small, amused smile and a soft shake of her head.

"I will. One day."

"Hm, cryptic and mysterious. I like it." Y/N nodded and fell silent, letting her mind dwell on how easily they were getting along and how comforting Kate’s presence was for a few seconds, a shocking realization to Y/N since they literally met properly that morning, a few hours prior, but it was short lived when Kate’s voice pulled her out of her head.

"Okay, that is our lift home." Kate pointed to a grey Mercedes C Class parked in the school’s parking lot as they approached the expensive vehicle. Y/N was surprised, to say the least, when the blue eyed girl opened the left rear door and signaled her to slip in, "I haven’t got my driver’s license yet. Nick is driving me around wherever I want, whenever I want until I do, so I try to take advantage of that." Kate explained, winking at Y/N jokingly at the last part, making Y/N nod in understanding.

"Oh wow, cool." Y/N looked around the car curiously as soon as she got in and waved awkwardly at Nick when he waved at her from the rearview mirror before focusing on Kate entering the car and closing the door.

"Yeah." Kate sighed contentedly as she sat comfortably on the comfy seats and closed her eyes for just a moment to relax her whole body and mind, she was still a bit exhausted from her practice that morning, and Y/N let her be since she didn’t know what else to say to Kate.

They didn’t talk a lot during their car ride towards Kate’s house as Kate took a moment to rest a bit before studying with Y/N for their tutoring sessions while Y/N took advantage of the silence and the moment to herself to look outside her window and admire the view running fast out of the car. "We’re here Miss Bishop."

"Thank you Nick."

"Thank you. Have a nice day Nick."

"You too Miss-." The driver stopped mid-sentence since he didn’t know Y/N’s name, making the Y/H/C girl smile at him shyly as she watched Kate open the car door to exit the vehicle.

"Y/L/N. Y/N Y/L/N."

"Right, have a nice day Miss Y/L/N."

"Goodbye Nick!" Kate smiled warmly at Nick and waved at him before closing the door after Y/N walked out of the car and guided her into her parents’ building, "c’mon, this way."

"Wow, this building is huge and so classy." Y/N exclaimed as she stared all around herself in awe, trying to look at all the details the front of the amazingly looking building had to offer to her eyes, "oh wow, that’s great!"

Kate laughed softly under her breath when Y/N looked at John, her building’s doorman, opening the door for them, "hi John, I missed you." Kate chuckled some more as she tried to make Y/N move from her frozen spot beside John on the door’s threshold, as she stared at the tall, old man in complete awe. "C’mon Y/N, you’re scaring him."

"Hello Miss Bishop, I missed you too. It’s been far too long since we’ve seen each other." Kate laughed heartily at their usual internal joke as they joked about them missing each other and saying it passed a lot of time since they’ve last seen each other every afternoon after school when in fact they had seen each other that same morning. "I see you have company today."

"Yeah, she is Y/N, she is my classmate."

"Hi, nice to meet you. I’m Y/N." The Y/H/C girl shook the doorman’s hand gently after she finally pulled herself out of her stupid awed daze by softly shaking her head.

"Nice to meet you, Miss Y/N. I’m John." The two girls said goodbye to John and took the elevator to go up to the penthouse, Kate laughing in anticipation as she tried to imagine Y/N’s expression when she will see her house.

"What?" Y/N heard Kate stifle a small snort and looked at her in amusement with a small smile tugging the corners of her lips as her eyes shined happily under the elevator’s lights.

"Nothing." Kate snorted loudly this time as she collected her thoughts and tried to explain them to her friend? Classmate? "I was just thinking about your reactions on seeing my parents’ building’s front and having a doorman."

"Well I couldn’t help it, this building is beautiful and a doorman? Really? That’s so cool!"

"Well that’s not why I was laughing."

"Then why?" Y/N asked confused as she watched Kate snort again after her words, not clearly following her train of thoughts.

"Because I can’t wait to see your reaction when you will see my house."

"What? What possibly- oh my god!"

Kate chuckled under her breath when Y/N stopped herself mid-sentence as soon as the elevator’s doors opened and revealed Kate’s elegant and huge penthouse. "See? I told you. That’s why I was laughing, I imagined that would be your reaction." Kate pointed to Y/N shocked face and giggled some more, not understanding how she could be so comfortable with someone she only started talking to that morning.

"Well excuse me, but this house is huge and so beautiful, and- I- I’m speechless."

"I’m glad you like it." Kate smiled warmly at the still stunned Y/H/C girl as she took her coat off and hung it on the coat rack, "can I take your coat?"

"What? Oh yeah sure." Y/N had to blink a few times to get herself back on earth as her mind wrapped itself around Kate’s question, before taking off her coat and handing it to Kate with a grateful smile, "thank you." Y/N sent Kate another small, grateful grin but her Y/E/C eyes couldn’t help but sweep some more around to take the black haired girl’s beautiful house in.

"You’re welcome. Do you want something to drink before we start studying?"

"Just water please."

-

"So? How was it?!" Cassie appeared right beside Y/N as she placed her books for her school day in her locker, making the Y/H/C girl roll her eyes fondly at the girl’s eagerness.

"Hello to you too Cassie. Oh I’m good thanks! I spent a great weekend, how was yours?"

Cassie rolled her eyes at her best friend’s antics but before playing along, she decided to tease her some more, knowing Y/N was stalling to answer her question, "drama queen." Y/N stared at Cassie unamused and the girl finally relented, "okay, fine. Hi Y/N/N, how are you? Great! Okay now, how was it?" Cassie talked quickly to try to get Y/N to talk about her tutoring session with Kate on Friday, since she had been in San Francisco with her dad for a small vacation and she hadn’t time to call her.

"Eager are we?" Y/N teased Cassie some more to take some more time to answer to her question just for a bit of personal entertainment, she loved watching Cassie getting impatient on things she wanted to know, "how was your trip with your dad?"

"Yeah, yeah, it was cool. Now answer me!" Cassie urged Y/N on with slapping her repeatedly on her left shoulder, making her best friend laugh heartily at her for her need to know how was her tutoring session with Kate, something that amused the Y/E/C girl to no end.

"Okay fine, I don’t know why you want to know how it went. It was a normal tutoring session. We studied a few things from our literature class. Nothing much."

"That’s it? Ugh you are so boring Y/N/N." Cassie exclaimed, a bit disappointed in her best friend at knowing nothing much happened during her tutoring session with Kate Bishop.

"What? Why are you saying that?"

"Because you two just studied! That’s boring!"

"What were we supposed? Save the world?" Y/N asked sarcastically, snorting at her own joke and shook her head.

"Things."

"Wait- what do you think would’ve happened?!" Y/N asked with widened eyes as she looked at her best friend like she was crazy, not exactly understanding why Cassie was behaving like that, especially with that dangerous grin on her face and with her eyebrows wiggling mischievously.

"I don’t know! Maybe you two getting along, trying to get to know each other, becoming besties, stuff like that." Cassie listed with an exasperated tone, feeling the need to slap Y/N at how dense she was being in that moment.

"Cass, I love you but you watch too many movies. She is trying to not get kicked out of the team she clearly cares about. I’m just doing my job in helping her by tutoring her."

"Yeah, but you are tutoring one of the most popular girl in our school. Everyone talks about watching you two get into a car together." Cassie explained excitedly as she tried to make Y/N understand why she was so excited and eager to know about her tutoring session with Kate, she was starting to get popular by just being seen with the most popular girl in school.

"Like I said, you watch too many movies Cass." Y/N chuckled as she closed her locker and leaned on it with her right shoulder, Cassie mirroring her by laying on the locker next to Y/N’s one with her left shoulder and facing her best friend, "I am a nobody here. No one acknowledges us except when they ask us to help them with homework or during tests or when that douchebag pick on us. I am not getting popular like you're thinking. I’m just Kate’s tutor. That’s it."

"We don’t need any of them Y/N/N. We are going to Harvard while all these idiots are probably gonna stay here regretting being assholes that bullied us instead of studying and getting a life." Cassie spoke as she moved away from her locker, puffing out her chest and lifting her chin up in pride, before making Y/N move away from her locked too by pushing on her right shoulder leaned on the locker before circling her shoulders with her right arm and pulled her closer to side hug her.

"That’s why I love you, you know exactly what to say to calm my nerves down." Y/N smiled appreciatively at the blonde, who merely waved her off with a scoff, before widening her eyes in fake shock as she realized what Y/N just told her.

"Did I hear you right? Did you just say you love me?" Cassie had a million dollar smile on her face as she looked at Y/N with mirth swimming into her blue eyes, something that made Y/N roll her eyes feigning annoyance.

"Nope, I didn’t. You must’ve made that up." Cassie laughed heartily when Y/N tried to escape her best friend’s embrace but Cassie used her other arm to lock Y/N into her arms, her left side flushed on Cassie’s front, making the Y/H/C girl groan in frustration, "this is kidnapping. Please someone help-." Y/N pretended to ask for help from Cassie’s attack, closing her eyes as she pretended to suffer from the embrace Cassie trapped her in and making the blond laugh heartily at her in the process, but in their giddy state neither of them noticed the approaching figure until they came into their line of sight and made Y/N stop mid-sentence.

"Hm, hi?"

The two best friends stopped their childish banter right away at the small, shy voice coming from their left, Cassie releasing Y/N from her strong lock and let her go before both turned fully towards Kate, grinning softly at them, "hi Kate." Cassie was the one to speak first, sending the soccer player a genuine smile before side-eyeing Y/N that stayed quiet beside her and smirking inwardly when she found her staring at Kate with an awestruck glint in her Y/E/C irises as she tried to keep a poker face on. But Cassie had known her since they were little and she knew exactly when Y/N was trying to not gay panic in front of a pretty girl. Hm, this is very, very interesting. The blonde thought as she deftly hit Y/N’s left ribs without being seen or being too obvious she was trying to get her best friend back on earth from ‘Gay Planet’ and broadened her inward smirk when Y/N blinked a few times before finally finding her voice.

"Hi." Y/N tried and hoped the grin she sent to Kate wasn’t an awkward grimace, but a genuine smile as she felt an odd happiness swirl around her stomach at her presence, "how are you?"

"I’m good, thanks. How are you guys?" Kate asked with her smile widening a bit as she felt more and more comfortable with the two best friends each passing second, "I saw you two bicker from afar, is that what you two always do? Because I seem to always find you two doing that." Kate chuckled under her breath and as Y/N was still patting herself on her right shoulder for acting cool in front of Kate and asking a question to make casual conversation with her instead of just lamely saying ‘hi’ to her and keeping staring at her like an idiot - Cassie would have added ‘in love’ or would have used ‘like a lovesick puppy’ to express and describe how Y/N was staring up at Kate - her mood quickly crumbled into embarrassed shame as she cursed under her breath for looking like an idiot in front of Kate. She totally discarded the question ‘why are you concerned about Kate discovering your childish behavior with your best friend?’ her mind came up with, crumbled it and pushed it to the farthest end of her brain to not think about it anymore, hopefully.

"Oh we are good. And yeah, we do that all the time. It’s always the same script. Y/N feigning having a cold heart that isn’t capable of loving, while I try to make her admit she loves me. I always win."

"No you don’t."

"See? She’s heartless." Kate chuckled amusedly as she eyed the two best friends for a few seconds with mirth and some kind of nostalgic feeling swirling into the pit of her stomach before focusing on why she approached the two girls.

"I won’t take up any more of your bickering, even though I would love to witness you two do that all day, Y/N, I just needed to know if we can study today. I need to get as much studying done as I can before our match that will be in two weeks. Coach Miller just told me this morning that if I pass at least one of the two exams he asked Miss Payton and Mr Craig to let me take to start improving my grades, he will let me play."

"Yeah, of course. I would love to help you."

"Great! Thank you!" Kate thanked Y/N with a million dollar smile and restrained herself from hugging the girl since they had known each other for just a couple of days and weren’t exactly friends, "we can meet here at 3 p.m. and go to my house."

"Sounds good."

"Okay I need to go now or I’ll be late, I’ll see you in class later! Bye!"

"Bye Kate." Cassie yelled when the black haired girl waved at them hastily and run away to go to her first class, Y/N doing the same with a big smile on her lips.

"Bye Kate." Y/N watched the black haired girl turn the corner and sighed wistfully before adjusting her backpack on her shoulder, "what?" Y/N asked when turned her head around and found Cassie staring at her with a smug, knowing grin and her right eyebrow lifted up teasingly.

"Oh nothing, I was just watching you two interact."

"So what?"

Cassie smiled with mischief swirling into her blue eyes at Y/N urging her on with annoyance written all over her face at her beating around the bush to tease her, "what did you say right here on Friday? Oh yeah, now I remember, ‘I’m not interested in her’." Cassie did her best at imitating Y/N’s voice with a serious face before erupting in a loud laugh when the girl rolled her eyes at her annoying best friend.

"Very funny." Y/N pushed on Cassie’s shoulder when she kept laughing and urged them to walk towards their first class, "why don’t you become a comedian instead of an engineer?"

"Because then you would make my life a living hell for having you as the center of all my shows. No thank you." Cassie kept making fun of Y/N as she delighted on Y/N’s annoyed and unamused expression on her face, before schooling her expression and giving Y/N some mercy, "but anyway, on a serious note, I saw how you look at her."

"No don’t start."

"Why? Y/N/N you literally froze when she came up to us. If I didn’t hit you, you would still be there staring at her like a lovesick puppy."

"Okay, I like her eyes. It’s not a crime admiring someone’s eyes."

"How cute." Cassie commented sweetly, before focusing back on her thoughts, "but I would like to say you not only looked at her eyes, but I interrupted you before you could eye fuck her-OHW!"

Cassie caressed her sore shoulder right where Y/N had hit it and massaged it gently to try to subdue the pain, "remind me why I still hang out with you?"

"Because you love me and because I’m fucking awesome."

"Hm, these are really debatable statements." Y/N countered back nonchalantly as she shrugged her shoulders, making Cassie gasp in fake shock as she laid an hand on her chest.

"You bitch!" Cassie exclaimed with a fake shocked face, a small smile cracking her façade when she noticed the tiny grin adorning Y/N’s lips and hit her gently on her shoulder before smacking her bicep again when Y/N started chuckling under her breath. "Deny it all you want, I know you love me!" Cassie exclaimed as she entered the classroom and sat right behind Y/N before slapping the back of her shoulder again.

"Ohw! Stop hitting me!"

"Not until you admit you love me." Then Cassie pointed her statement by slapping repeatedly Y/N’s left shoulder with her hand and laughed heartedly when the girl shrieked cutely as she tried to shield herself away from Cassie’s attack, but to no avail due to the proximity of their chairs, "admit it."

"Okay fine, I love you."

"That’s better."

-

"No wait, you have to put 5 there."

"Ugh, I knew I got it wrong!" Kate exclaimed exasperated, leaning her head between her hands to calm down herself down.

"Hey no, you are doing great. Don’t put yourself down." Y/N lifted her hand up to try to comfort the black haired girl that slammed her head on the table and groaned in frustration but in the end retracted it and placed it back on her lap, deciding to try to comfort the girl with only her words since they had met just a week prior and they couldn’t even consider themselves friends. "You just need some practice like with sports and I can assure you, you will do great in the test. Trust me."

"But I can’t understand it."

"You are very close to understand it. I had troubles with this too." Y/N admitted, making Kate lift her head up to stare at her curiously.

"Really?"

"Yeah. I was angry at myself for not understanding some things, but then I just closed my books and opened them after taking a break. I almost slapped myself when I noticed it was very much simple." Y/N shrugged with a small smile on her lips as she recognized a lot of her emotions when she dealt with this math problem when she studied it in Kate’s frustration and anger as she now studied it.

"So you’re just suggesting to take a break?"

"Yeah, close that book and don’t think about it for a bit. Just relax and release all the stress. I can go if you want. We can continue this tomorrow." Y/N spoke with an insecure and shy tone as she bounced her eyes on and off everything around her in Kate’s fancy looking living room to avoid at all costs Kate’s mesmerizing blue irises staring at her gratefully, fearing she would make a fool out of herself if she got lost in them like she does every time she looked into those eyes.

"Are you kidding? Now it’s like a personal challenge! We can chill for a bit and then continue studying, if you don’t have to go home yet." Kate proposed as she closed her book and notebook.

"No, I can stay a bit more, it’s okay."

Kate smiled at Y/N’s words and nodded resolutely, happy she could spend some more time with the Y/H/C girl, "okay, then. Now tell me about yourself."

"What?" Y/N asked in mere panic as she widened her eyes and looked at Kate like she was crazy, she wasn’t prepared for that question asked out of nowhere.

"We know very few things about the other- well technically you know a lot more about me compared to me that I only know you are one of the best students in school. So since we have a bit of spare time, why don’t we use it with getting to know each other?"

"Oh, uhm, okay." Y/N nodded gingerly with a shy tone, feeling her stomach flipping over itself at the thought of the black haired girl wanting to get to know her.

"Only if it’s okay with you." Kate said with uncertainty and shyness swirling in her ocean blue eyes as she stared at Y/N softly, something that warmed Y/N’s heart to no end and instantly eased up her nerves.

"Yeah, of course. I’m just not really used to- y’know interact with people other than Cassie."

"Why? I mean you seem like a really cool person, you are one of the best students in our school, you are a great tutor and you are funny. I don’t get why you only hang out with Cassie." Kate delivered all those compliments to Y/N and meant them with all her heart, something that made Y/N almost pass out as she tried to calm herself down, and asked that question just out of pure curiosity since she couldn’t understand why Y/N was so socially awkward.

"Thank you. I just- I don’t know. People think that just because you have good grades and don’t do any sport you are automatically considered a geek that you have to avoid at all costs. Plus not being attractive like the head cheerleader and her minions makes you more avoidable." Y/N shrugged nonchalantly, speaking up her mind about something she had always discussed with Cassie but she shockingly wasn’t uncomfortable doing with Kate too. It was surprisingly comforting talking to the athlete about a few of her insecurities.

Meanwhile Kate couldn’t believe what was coming out of Y/N’s mouth. She knew Y/N and Cassie were, among a few other students in their high school, harassed by a few jocks and popular douchebags but she never had the occasion to witness those moments to stop them from happening and she sometimes hated herself for that. She hated when things like that happened. "What? Are you serious right now?" When Y/N stared at Kate like a deer in headlights, not knowing what she referred to, Kate sighed out dejectedly. She couldn’t believe Y/N was so used on bringing herself down and belittling herself so much and so easily, she needed to make her believe it was exactly the opposite of what she thought of herself, "okay, I don’t know if you need to hear it or not, but Y/N stop treating yourself like that. You are beautiful, inside and out. I’m so sorry you are going through all of this. No one should. Everyone needs to experience high school like a normal teenager and not avoiding making new friends because they pretend you don’t exist just because you are smarter than them or fearing crossing paths with jocks that are complete assholes because they would make fun of you. It’s bullshit."

"I wish that was all."

"What do you mean?" Kate asked alarmed as she sat straighter on her chair while looking at Y/N nervously, fearing her answer and hoping Y/N wasn’t going to confirm what she was thinking.

"We get slammed into lockers or pushed in the hallways all the time. We get called like ‘nerds’ or ‘teacher’s pet’."

"What?"

"It’s not that bad, we try to find entertainment in it. Like- last week Trevor called Cassie ‘dyke’ and when she told him to be more creative he slammed her again into the locker and stammered ‘pussy licker’. We gave him a 7 for trying."

When Kate noticed Y/N using a solemn tone and shrugged at the end of her sentence, her heart fell right into her stomach, "why are you saying this like you are okay with that?"

"Because I have to be. I can’t change things. It is what it is since our freshman year. I didn’t change their mind then, I can’t do that now in my sophomore year and I will not do that in my senior year. I- we just accepted it and we try to take the fun out of it."

"Y/N." Kate started with a worried tone, feeling bad for how poorly the two best friends had been treated since their freshman year. She met them just a week prior and know nearly nothing about them, but they seem really cool people to hang out with and these hierarchical positions and social constructs about jocks bullying people that has good grades and does not enjoy sports like they do really makes her blood boil.

"It’s okay Kate. You don’t have to feel bad. I try- we try to not to get it to our heads and we try to stay focused to get out of that hellhole of place." Y/N reassured Kate with a smile that Kate immediately saw through and noticed it didn’t reach her eyes, but she decided to not comment on it and moved their conversation onto something else, putting aside this topic for now.

"Shall we start again?" About 15 minutes later Kate jumped up from her chair and exulted loudly with a fist up in the air when she finally got the math problem she couldn’t understand not too long prior, before engulfing Y/N in an awkward hug since the Y/H/C girl was still seated in her chair but Y/N tried to reciprocate the gesture as she tried to will her body to stop melting from just an hug with the black haired girl.

"See? I told you you could do it!"

-

"I’m so fucking worried Y/N."

"Relax Kate, you are gonna do amazing. We studied a lot and you are now doing better in math. Take a deep breath, it will help you calm down." Y/N reassured the black haired girl as she grabbed her book for her third period from her locker before sending a reassuring and calming smile towards the worried, black haired girl that was wringing her hands nervously while staring into space into the hallway full of students.

"I am afraid that if I do that I will faint."

Y/N chuckled at Kate’s statement as she closed her locker with a shake of her head, before looking at Kate fully, "okay, let’s not do that. Hey." Y/N tried to get the black haired girl’s attention and the Y/H/C girl almost fainted when Kate’s ocean blue eyes met her Y/E/C irises right away, but the Y/H/C girl got a grip on herself and tried to reassure the athlete. "You are gonna do great. Trust me."

"Hm." Kate emitted in a strangled, not so convinced whimper while keeping wringing her fingers some more but never taking her eyes off Y/N’s ones.

"Okay, let’s think about a deal, so you will be more encouraged to pass your exam. Think about anything you want." Y/N suggested, hoping this would help the girl relax her nerves down and she succeeded when she noticed Kate’s eyes losing their worried glint as they filled with resolution. Kate thought about something for a few moments before grinning widely, a sign that told Y/N, the black haired girl found something for their deal.

"Okay, if I pass my math exam you will come to the game tomorrow night. If I don’t pass my exam you are authorized to hit me with your math book. Repeatedly."

"Hm, a very interesting offer." Y/N hummed in thought, speaking up right away, "deal." Y/N immediately accepted, making Kate believe she was doing so just because she wanted to hit Kate with her math book, when in fact she was sure she was gonna pass her math exam. Although she wasn’t completely sure about going to Kate’s game, it was the least she could do for her to make her feel better. "I can’t wait to create a Kate head-shaped dent on my math book, my Cassie one is feeling lonely. It will be amazing to show around."

"Shut up." Kate pushed on Y/N’s shoulder gently with a small smile adorning her lips as she watched - with butterflies flying around her stomach that she totally ignored - Y/N laugh heartily at her expression, before shaking her hand to seal their deal - and ignoring again her butterflies in her stomach at the softness of Y/N’s hand and at the spark that their touch created-.

-

"Ugh, I’m starving. Y/N hurry up or I will bite your leg to dwell my hunger."

"Let’s not re-enact our fight in fourth grade. I got stitches for two weeks. C’mon, let’s go before you eat my books." Y/N had the time to close her locker before she got slammed into it when a body collided on her back a second later, "what the-."

"I PASSED IT!" A familiar voice yelled in her right ear, making her almost going deaf, but as soon as she registered those words she couldn’t care less about anything else in the world as a shit eating grin appeared on her features and reciprocated Kate’s hug as she could, "I PASSED IT!"

"Kate! Oh my god! I’m so happy for you but please I’m becoming one with my locker." Y/N said in a muffled murmur due to her squished face on the uncertainly cleaned and extremely cold surface of her locker, making Kate realize she was almost hurting Y/N and released her a second later.

"Oh sorry." Kate admitted with a grimace and got off of Y/N right away, helping her pull away from her locker and smiling at her sheepishly before her grin broadened widely as she thought again about why she jumped on Y/N, "I passed my math exam."

"Yeah I heard you the first time you yelled it in my ear." Y/N admitted sarcastically as she waved at her right ear to mock Kate some more before smiling at her softly, "see? I told you!"

"Thank you. So so much." Kate looked at Y/N with gratitude, her chest filling up with happiness.

"Congratulations Kate and welcome back in our school’s team, they would have sucked tomorrow without you." Cassie spoke up to break the sudden tension that rose when the two girls grew quiet as they looked into each other’s eyes like the other put stars in the sky, inwardly freaking out for Y/N for maybe finding someone that really liked her for who she was, and smiled at the black haired girl softly.

"Thanks! You are coming tomorrow night too, right?"

"What?" Cassie asked confused as she looked at Kate quizzically, not understanding what she was asking.

"We had a deal this morning. If I pass my math exam, she will come to the game tomorrow night. And I did, so she has to come now. And you are coming too, right?"

"Oh yeah, absolutely!" Cassie nodded enthusiastically as she already planned a few questions to ask to Y/N about this interesting deal she made with Kate. "I can’t wait."

"Me too! I need to go, Coach Miller wants to see me. I’ll see you guys tomorrow."

"Bye Kate!" Cassie waved enthusiastically at the blue eyed girl before focusing quickly her attention as Y/N did the same.

"Bye Kate, I’ll see you tomorrow." Cassie swallowed the snort that was ready to come out when she watched Y/N staring lovingly at Kate as she walked away, the blonde ready to play Cupid if Y/N wasn’t going to make a move tomorrow night.

"Wow, it took you only one week to be completely whipped." Cassie mocked Y/N as she made whipping sounds, reveling in Y/N’s blush that immediately fell on her cheeks as she tried to cover it up with a roll of her eyes and pushing her towards the cafeteria.

"Let’s go jerk. No more talking or I’m making you starve to death today."

-

"Close your mouth, idiot. You’re drooling." Cassie taunted Y/N in a casual tone, never taking her eyes off their classmates running around the field to warm up before the game and smirked mischievously when Y/N choked on the small sip of water she was drinking from her bottle, before closing it and hitting Cassie with it. "Hey!"

"That’s what you deserve for being an ass! Stop making fun of me!"

"I’m sorry! But it’s just so funny, but also cute. You have a crush on Kate."

"I don’t have a crush on her." Y/N murmured while crossing her arms stubbornly, deep inside already knowing Cassie was right.

"If it makes you sleep at night." Cassie spoke with a knowing tone as she bumped her right shoulder on Y/N’s left one and smiled softly at her, "but seriously, you don’t need to deny it with me Y/N/N. It’s cute and honestly I’m happy she likes you too."

"Woah, woah, slow down. No one said anything about Kate liking me back."

Cassie smiled at Y/N unconsciously admitting she liked Kate, watching as she noticed it too and sighed out loud, not saying anything since it was pointless denying it now that she inadvertently admitted it to Cassie, "I can see it in the way she watches you, or from the smiles she reserves just for you. And let’s admit it, she invited you to watch her game. She only needs to dedicate a goal to you and she is literally pushing her vagina in your face."

"Cass!" Y/N chastised Cassie as she turned around to make sure no one was listening to them, sighing out in relief when everybody around them was fully focused on the field.

"What?!" Y/N blushed furiously under Cassie’s knowing look but shook her head at her best friend’s antics a few moments later as she pondered on what she just said. Does Kate really likes her back?

"Hey! You came!" In her pensive state she didn’t notice Kate approaching them from the field and shook her head to get rid of her troubled thoughts as she focused on the blue eyed girl now in her soccer uniform with her hair high up in a ponytail. Y/N thought about how she had never seen someone being that effortlessly beautiful in every way and almost slapped herself when she realized she was staring without saying something for a moment.

"Yeah, well, we couldn’t miss our Captain bringing our team to the win." Y/N admitted casually as she tried not to focus on Kate’s biceps standing out from under her uniform’s t-shirt’s sleeves as she leaned her forearms on the railing in front of her, focusing instead on the beautiful smile Kate sent her way at her words.

"I hope so. Just so y’know, if I score tonight it will be all for you. Because if I am here tonight it’s just thanks to you." Kate smiled softly at Y/N and the Y/H/C girl pretty much imploded right then and there, thanking God Kate got called by her teammate since the game was about to start, leaving her to combusting in her spot with a small blush adorning her cheeks. "I’ll see you guys later!"

Cassie waited a few seconds as she watched Kate running towards the field before commenting on what she just witnessed, "like I said, she is smashing her pussy in your face." Y/N’s blush deepened as she tried to calm her own core down and making it stop from pulsating at Cassie’s words, the blond having the decency to whisper it in her ear this time instead of yelling it, "I find it so cute."

-

Like promised Kate scored 3 goals that night and every time she pulled away from her teammates’ hug she met Y/N’s eyes and smiled widely at her before winking at her every single time, something that warmed Y/N’s heart among some other parts. "Congrats for the win Cap!"

"Thanks Cassie!" Kate thanked the blonde before focusing on Y/N, eager to hear what the girl had to say as she tried to calm her heart down from beating so fast - she knew it wasn’t from the exertion but from Y/N’s extreme beauty and her dangerous close proximity - hoping she was doing a good job in looking cool.

"I don’t know Cass, she is pretty bad at soccer. I mean she never scored and never even touched the ball at all tonight!" Y/N taunted Kate with a serious, disapproving tone, looking at Kate like she was scrutinizing her before a smile rolled on her lips when Kate laughed heartily at her joke.

"Yeah, I ask myself why ever playing soccer when I am always on the sidelines." Kate continued on with Y/N’s joke before shaking her head as they shared a laugh, "hey, hm- Kelly is throwing a party for our win at her house, are you guys in?"

Cassie smiled widely at Kate’s words and was ready to answer when Y/N spoke up with an uncertain tone before she could talk, "hm- I don’t-."

"We’re in!" Y/N turned to look at Cassie for just a moment before reveling in the small squeal Kate emitted at Cassie’s answer for their assured attendance at the party.

"Great! I need to shower first, then I’ll go there. Do you guys know how to go to Kelly’s house?"

"Hm, actually no. My dad drove us here." Cassie replied shyly as both girls scratched the back of their heads in embarrassment as they blushed furiously. They both didn’t know why they were acting so embarrassed all of a sudden, they were only 15 years old after all and since they had yet to be 16 years old they both haven’t yet had the chance to get their driver’s license. "I was just about to text him to come and get us. Okay nevermind, he is here!" Cassie placed her hand on her forehead when she noticed her father Scott waving at her from not too far from them with a baseball hat before watching him approach them with a bright smile on his lips.

"Hey girls! What a nice game! Oh hey, you are the Captain of the team! Hi big fan!" Kate chuckled in amusement at the man word vomiting his excitement on her, noticing how similar Cassie was to her father and her heart swelled at the cute duo hugging as Scott circled his arm around Cassie’s shoulders and side-hugged her.

"Always nice to meet a fan!" Kate nodded at the man with a wide smile and watched him do the same, looking like a kid in a candy store at her gesture.

"Dad can you take us to a party?"

"Oh yeah sure! But I’m afraid I can’t come get you back girls, I have an important meeting with the boys for an important possible investor and I won’t be available for a while."

"It’s no problem sir, I can take them back home. Actually you don’t have to drive them either, they can come with me."

"There’s no need Kate, we don’t want to bother you too much." Y/N tried to reason with Kate as she tried to calm her own heart down from beating so loudly, fearing Kate could hear it. To be honest she didn’t know when her crush for Kate started, but in hindsight she knew it would’ve been inevitable. The black haired beauty was funny and witty, but also a little bit goofy and clumsy, and let’s not forget smart. Even if she needed to tutor her for math and literature, Kate was extremely good in other scientific subjects, like biology and physics. She had really good grades except for literature and math but during their tutoring in this last month she proved to be an extremely fast learner. She was also so pure of heart and very kind, something that astonished Y/N just a bit, since she had always pictured Kate to be like every other athlete in their high school or to be like the athlete stereotype that you always watch in movies or tv shows. Dumb, full of herself, an heartbreaker and a total asshole. Kate was far from being that and as soon as Y/N realized it, she started crushing on her. She hated when Cassie was right.

"It’s no problem, truly!"

"Okay then, it’s my clue to leave- oh can we take a selfie? You are a great!" Cassie slapped her forehead with her hand at her father’s antics while Y/N and Kate chuckled heartily at his excitement and for being a total goofy in front of her daughter and not caring about that one bit. Y/N, Kate and Cassie, despite her embarrassment, could say he was truly excited about wanting to take a selfie with Kate.

"Sure! But on one condition." Kate smiled brightly before putting a serious face on, watching as Scott, after retrieving his phone from his pocket and opening the camera app, stopped in his tracks as he made his way towards Kate with his phone in his hands, looking a bit concerned, "you have to send it to Cassie so she can send it to me."

This put a million dollar smile on Scott’s face as he resumed its small walk towards Kate and took a few selfies with her. Meanwhile Y/N was dealing with trying to calm her heart down after bursting out at Kate’s eager and truthful words, fearing the black haired beauty could hear it from where she was standing a few feet from her, "she is a good catch. Don’t let her go away Y/N/N."

Cassie’s words whispered in her left ear struck Y/N hard, making her head spiral out of control as she kept watching Kate and Scott hug briefly after taking those selfies. She didn’t know why Cassie’s words hit her that hard, but they did. She already admitted to herself she was crushing on Kate, but actually acting on that said crush? It never even occurred to her Kate could ever like her back. She was way out of her league. But with Cassie’s comments pointing out a few actions Kate did that same night and her genuine behavior was instilling a small seed in her mind that was sprouting fast and she felt she couldn’t control it. The question that she couldn’t seem to answer was: was she really ready to make the first move? And as that question echoed around her head, another one made its presence know in her mind: if Kate liked her back, would she ever make a move or just ignore it since they were worlds apart?

"Y/N?"

"Hm?" Y/N got pulled out of her mind by the center of her thoughts, making her blink a few times and shake her head to come back on earth.

"I said, is it okay if you wait for just 15 minutes? I need to shower then we’re ready to go."

"Of course, go on. We’ll wait on the bleachers."

The three girls got their separate ways after saying goodbye to Scott, the two best friends walking towards the bleachers while Kate run towards the locker room to go have a shower and change as quickly as she can to go to the party with Y/N and Cassie. "So? Are you gonna do your move tonight?"

"I don’t know Cass. I’m too awkward with these things. And we still don’t know if she likes me back. No-." Y/N lifted a hand up to stop Cassie from talking when she opened her mouth to interject, "we can’t be sure with just a few things like ‘she dedicated each goals to me’ or like ‘she looks at you like you put the stars in the sky’. Remember that I still have to tutor her for the rest of the semester and I can’t ruin things by making them awkward with me declaring my crush for her, especially if I don’t know if she feels the same. I don’t want to be rejected."

"I know Y/N/N, I would never allow anyone to hurt you. You know that. But I wouldn’t push you to make a move if I wasn’t sure she liked you back. I would also never push you to do anything, I am just suggesting it."

"Why are you so sure, though? Did you hear Kate talk about me or something?" Y/N asked with a sarcastic scoff as she rolled her eyes good-naturedly, before moving them towards her best friend when she didn’t answer to her question right away and found her avoiding her gaze at all costs by flipping her blue irises from one place to another while she biting on her bottom lip nervously and wringing her fingers slightly in embarrassment. "Cass? You didn’t hear Kate talk about me, did you?"

"No! Of course not!" Y/N sighed out loud at Cassie’s quick answer, but she instantly chocked on her saliva on what Cassie added right after, "I just heard about a few girls gossiping in the bathroom about Kate rejecting a girl at a party a week ago."

"What? Really?" Y/N asked flabbergasted as she widened her eyes comically. It wasn’t a secret that Kate liked to have some fun with their school’s girl and with girl’s not from their school. She had dated a few of them but she mostly liked to hook up with them or just have some fun with kissing them at parties. So it was really uncommon hearing about Kate turning a girl down. It only happened when she was in a relationship and since everyone knew about her being in a relationship, the girls would stop throwing themselves at her to respect her relationship - even if they did throw themselves at her, Kate would’ve have never cheated on her girlfriend, she wasn’t like that. She, in fact, hated people like that. She turned down a lot of girls that were in a relationship and tried to hook up with her. It wasn’t a good behavior. - . "Wait, are you sure she isn’t dating someone and she just said no to that girl?" Y/N reasoned with Cassie, as much as this new piece of information made her heart beat fast in her ribcage, almost as if it was ready to come out of her chest, she needed to be realistic and not let herself hope for Kate to like her back when there wasn’t hope for Kate to like her back at all.

"Yup. When that girl laughed at her, stating, and I quote-." Cassie lifted her arms up to make quotation marks with her pointer and middle fingers of both hands, curling and uncurling them repeatedly in the air, "‘stop being so funny. You are not really rejecting me.’" Y/N snorted at Cassie using an high-pitched voice to imitate the girl’s voice, but let her continue, "Kate stated that she was in fact serious and when the girl tried to reason with her, she asked if she was in a relationship and she said no before leaving her there." Y/N sighed out loudly at her best friend’s story, not wanting to get her hopes up again, she didn’t want her heart to break if Kate didn’t like her back.

"It doesn’t mean anything Cass. Especially it doesn’t mean she likes me."

"Well okay, it may not mean she likes you, but it could." Cassie reasoned with Y/N as she caressed her shoulder softly, watching the troubled expression on Y/N’s face. She knew it was starting to become difficult for Y/N to be around Kate, especially because she didn’t want to make a move to avoid ruining their friendship. She was going through the same thing with her own crush and Y/N was doing the exact same thing Cassie was doing with Y/N right now, pushing her to make a move but she was too much of a coward to do just that. So they were both suffering in silence as they stared longingly from a distance theirs crushes. Two idiots in love.

Y/N was ready to open her mouth and counter back when Kate got into vision right as she sauntered towards them, making Y/N’s mouth instantly dry up as she took in Kate dressed in tight, black, ripped jeans, an old, white Rolling Stones t-shirt, a black leather jacket, her hair flowing down her shoulder in perfect waves and light makeup to highlight enough her ocean blue eyes. "Oh shit."

"Close your mouth Y/N/N or you will catch flies." Cassie mocked Y/N in a sing-song tone, taking a look at Kate herself and she had to admit the black haired girl was looking really good, before watching Y/N stare and ogle at Kate in awe with her mouth slightly parted. Y/N instantly shook her head to look at least slightly smart instead of an idiot and tried to look cool, disinterested and uncaring as Kate walked the last few steps towards them.

"Hey girls, ready to go?"

-

The party was already going when they arrived after about an hour, teenagers dancing all over the living room, an improvised and really heated beer pong match going in the kitchen, loud music blasting from every speaker present in Kelly’s house and just everyone having a good time drinking with friends. Kate, as Y/N expected, got pulled away from the two best friends almost immediately, her teammates making a toast to their win in the living room as everyone else circled around them and cheered them on. What surprised Y/N was that Cassie got pulled away from her not too much later from none other than her crush Ava, that asked if she wanted to be her partner for a new beer pong match. Cassie immediately looked at Y/N for help with widened eyes and was ready to decline Ava’s request, but Y/N immediately pushed her towards her with a smile, "go have fun and please do not come back here if you lose. I don’t wanna be friends with a loser." Y/N joked, eliciting a fond roll of her eyes from Cassie, before smirking when a second later a fire got ignited into Cassie’s blue eyes. Cassie, ever the competitive, nodded and walked away and that was how Y/N found herself leaning on a wall in a far end of the living room observing her ‘friends’ drinking, dancing and having an overall good time. Y/N’s Y/E/C irises fell on Kate’s happy face as she danced care-freely with her friends and instantly mirrored her million dollar smile as she laughed at something her friend must have told her and couldn’t stop the butterflies in her stomach to fly around like crazy at the view. She lost sight of Kate after a few minutes when a new EDM song made the whole crowd erupt in loud whistles before everyone joined the dance floor to dance to the EDM song, so she sighed loudly and grabbed her phone to scroll mindlessly on her Instagram feed to kill time now that she couldn’t ogle Kate from afar. After about 3 minutes she almost threw her iPhone up in the air when she jumped up in fright at the voice that whispered into her ear.

"Not a party fan, hm?"

"Holy sh- Kate! You scared me!"

"Sorry!" Kate chuckled under her breath at the girl’s reaction before smiling softly down at her, "so, not a party fan?"

"Not really. To be completely honest it’s my first time being here. I’ve never been invited to these parties. Not that I would’ve showed up if they really and actually invited me."

"But you came here tonight after I invited you." Kate pointed out with the cutest furrow of eyebrows Y/N had ever seen and for a moment she contemplated her answer. She could find a witty remark or a joke to pull but as she got lost into those ocean blue eyes for a few seconds, she made up her mind and in the end decided to be honest with the black haired beauty. She had been a bit straight forward tonight, if she was really trying to show Y/N she actually was into her. So as soon as Cassie’s words echoed around her mind, she decided to answer to the blue eyed girl as earnestly as she ever was.

"Because you asked me to come Kate."

"Really?" Kate asked like she couldn’t believe what she just heard and widened her eyes just bit as she leaned her head back a slight bit, as if she wanted to take a better look at Y/N to be sure she heard her right.

"Yeah, to be honest I would be in my room watching a movie or a tv show right now if it wasn’t for you." Y/N answered honestly, shrugging her shoulders softly with a small smile on her lips, something that Kate found extremely cute to witness as a small smile appearing on her lips.

"Well-." Kate started to say but got stopped right after by someone yelling right beside her and making both girls jump up in fright. "Do you wanna go to a quieter place upstairs?"

"Hm-." Y/N hesitated a few moments and swept her eyes all over the living room from her position at the far end on the left side of the room, leaned on her side with her left shoulder, before focusing her eyes back on Kate as she leaned on the door’s frame, situated on Y/N’s left, with her right shoulder, making them almost face each other, and almost forgot how to talk when she met her ocean blue eyes with their dangerous proximity.

Watching Y/N’s hesitation at her question, Kate was quick to add something that she was sure would ease the Y/E/C girl’s nerves, "I swear if someone else will scream in my ear, I will punch them as a reflex."

Kate’s joke immediately put a smile on Y/N’s lips before a small laugh left her mouth, immediately calming her nerves down. "We definitely don’t need that to happen." Y/N giggled some more and she swiftly lifted one hand up to cover up her mouth embarrassed at the sound, overwhelming Kate with urge to grasp the girl’s wrist and push her hand down to admire Y/N’s smile, but she stayed frozen in her spot as her mind turned into mush at the muffled but adorable sounds coming out of Y/N’s mouth.

"Why not? It could be fun."

"It would be, yeah. But then it would most likely transform in a fight and I don’t want to patch you up after." Y/N joked giddily before chocking on her snort when Kate rolled her eyes at her and grabbed her hand right after - a bold move that was totally impulsive but Kate patted herself on the shoulder for that -, pulling her up the stairs to one of the guest rooms, knowing this house like the back of her hand.

"Just so y’know I’m a black belt. I would knock anyone out twice my weight and height in probably 5 second- nope wrong room." Kate grimaced when she opened one of the guest room’s door and found a couple making out without shirts on the bed, the Y/H/C girl wearing the same grimace as Kate at the sight they stumbled into, slammed the door shut quickly and pulled Y/N towards the next one. Both sighed out of relief when they found it empty. Kate walked over the bed and sat down gently before patting the mattress softly to signal Y/N to do the same. Y/N stared at Kate’s hand on the comforter for a few seconds before switching her eyes on the couch not too far from her, debating in her mind if she should sit as far away as she could from Kate so she could act like a normal human being, or if she could just listen to her heart and sit beside Kate even if it meant probably acting like a fool in front of her crush. In the end, after staring into the black haired girl’s intoxicating ocean blue eyes and finding hope and anticipation in them, she decided she could not face the disappointment and hurt she would put into those amazing blue irises if she decided to sit far away from Kate on the couch and walked towards her to sit beside her. The smile Kate gave and the happiness clear in her eyes made her brain short-circuit immediately.

"So you’re a black belt, hm?"

"Yes, I earned my black belt when I was 12."

"Wait, are you serious?" Y/N asked incredulous at Kate’s answer, a mix of pride and shock filling her chest, "you were 12 years old when you got your black belt?"

"Yup! And I’m proud of it!"

"I’m sure of it. I mean, you were only 12! Jeez, remind me to not get in an argument that leads into a fight with you." Y/N stated with widened eyes, eliciting an adorable laugh from the girl as she shook her head amusedly.

"You better!" Kate joked with a warning tone, pointing a finger towards Y/N with serious eyes, before letting her façade down and giggling softly when the girl lifted her arms up and put a frightened look on her features. "No but seriously, I would never hit you even if we were in a fight. Not only because you can use those skills only when it’s strictly necessary, but also because it’s you. I would never hit you, not even unconsciously."

The butterflies in Y/N’s stomach exploded at that admission and the girl had to stop herself from kissing Kate right then and there as a sudden urge overtook her. She just lifted her eyebrow up menacingly and pointed at Kate in warning, "hm, you better Bishop. I will fight back, just so you know."

Kate giggled gently under her breath and shook her head softly at the girl’s goofiness before changing topic of their conversation and starting talking about her game as Y/N was genuinely interested in her thoughts about it. They then moved on light topics, talking about everything and anything at the same time, hobbies, favorite tv show, favorite book, and before they realized it 2 hours passed by with them talking. Y/N noticed it was nearing midnight only when a yawn made herself stop talking mid-sentence and forced herself to move her eyes away from Kate’s ocean blue ones to grab her iPhone from her pocket and look at the time, widening her eyes comically when she read it was 12:07 A.M. and it made Kate chuckle softly under her breath, "what?"

"Holy shit, it’s 12:07 A.M.!"

"Wow, time flies by when I’m with you. It’s amazing." Kate stated and let her million dollar smile unfold on her lips like she just didn’t drop a bomb on Y/N that made her heart beat so fast she was sure the black haired girl could hear it from beside her, staring intently into Y/N’s eyes and making Y/N literally melt under her gaze as she got lost into those big ocean blue eyes she had loved since the first time she looked into them.

"Yeah." Y/N nodded in agreement as she smiled back at Kate, "luckily I told my parents I am going to spend the night at Cassie’s after the party or they would’ve grounded me for a month for being this late."

"My mom and my dad are out of town, so I’m covered. Besides, they know about these parties and they let me crush at my teammates’ house when it gets too late." Kate admitted with a shrug and shivered wildly when she turned her head towards Y/N and noticed how close their faces were, her body getting invaded by the urge to kiss her by the second.

"That’s so cool. My parents are not that strict but they would get worried. Well now that I think about it, they would probably throw a party to celebrate me acting like a real teen and going to parties and staying there late for once." Y/N joked but Kate could see behind her eyes a melancholic glint that made Kate’s heart clench, filling her up with the urge to hug her as hard as she could, not to mention making the need to kiss her grow copiously.

"Is it really your first party?" When Y/N nodded Kate sighed out loudly, "oh Y/N/N, I’m sorry. I should’ve invited you sooner."

"Kate it’s not your fault. I’m used to being the lone kid. The looser that no one wants around. The annoying student that everyone avoids and consider ugly. It had been like this since middle school and it never changed. Honestly it got worse. At least I wasn’t bullied then like I am now." Y/N discarded the butterflies that erupted in her stomach at Kate calling her with her nickname and smiled sadly up at her instead when a frown settled on Kate’s - in Y/N’s opinion - flawless features.

Kate felt sadness invade her whole body as she heard Y/N belittle herself that much as anger boiled under her skin and run fast in her blood, invading her whole body in a second, as she heard again about Y/N being bullied in their school. "Stop Y/N/N please. I can’t let you talk about yourself like that. You’re not a lone kid, or annoying or ugly. You are so beautiful, smart and funny. Anyone would be lucky to call you their friend, their girlfriend. I would feel the luckiest girl on earth to call you mine. You are the most beautiful girl I’ve ever laid my eyes on. Don’t ever believe otherwise." Kate decided to wear the heart on her sleeve and offer it to Y/N in hope she would at least feel the same about her and she almost fainted when she noticed Y/N’s eyes fall on her lips, both feeling their heads gravitate towards one another, so close their breaths mingled together and their noses almost brushed together, all the while never breaking their staring on each other’s lips. Kate was sure a small whine left her throat at the hungry look Y/N had in her eyes when she licked her own lips greedily, making Y/N mirror her while they both moved closer slowly.

"Kate I-."

"Shh, don’t talk." Kate interrupted Y/N as she got closer and closer, happy to know Y/N did the same, both their hearts beating fast into their ribcages while their stomaches flipped over themselves. Kate’s eyes fell on Y/N’s lips for one last time before she closed that small gap that was between them, butterflies erupting in both their stomaches in anticipation but before they could feel the other’s lips on their own, they jumped apart in fright when the door opened quickly and a couple of drunk teens entered the room.

"Oh sorry!" The girl apologized before giggling when the boy behind her kissed her neck hungrily and hugged her from behind to pull her into his body.

"No don’t worry, we were leaving anyway." Y/N stated as she sat up quickly and pretty much run out of the room while Kate found herself sat still with her eyes open wide and her heart beating fast in her chest before sitting up fast and running after Y/N a few seconds later when she realized the girl wasn’t sitting beside her anymore.

"Y/N wait!" But it was too late. Y/N as soon as she run down the stairs and found herself in the living room, found Cassie, apologized to Ava and pulled her out of the house, making them walk a few blocks away to prevent Kate to find them as they waited for Cassie’s father to pick them up. Kate sighed out loud sadly when she exited the house and the girls were nowhere to be found, then returned to her teammate’s house, grabbed her things and left the party dejected.

-

"Y/N, you had been avoiding this conversation since Friday night. Can you tell me what the hell happened between you and Kate? We run so fast out of that house. I thought you were having a good time spending time with Kate."

"I’m sorry for pulling you away from the party but I had to get away."

"You had been saying this since Friday night. You didn’t make me kiss Ava goodbye. You owe me an explanation." Cassie countered back with an hard expression on her face as her eyebrows furrowed together and her lips curled in annoyance at Y/N’s elusive behavior, but her features instantly softened when she watched Y/N sigh out loudly.

"I’m sorry for ruining your night with Ava. Congratulations for finally asking her out by the way. I just-." Y/N got interrupted when Trevor bumped her shoulder hard with his own purposefully and made her slam her back on the lockers behind them while his friend Brad laughed his ass off.

"Look where you are going idiot." Trevor yelled at her before resuming his walk, but Y/N wasn’t having it that day, she was still mad at herself for running away from Kate and ignoring her texts and calls and having to deal with Trevor wasn’t in her plans that day, not like finding Kate and apologize to her and hopefully kissing her this time was.

"I wasn’t walking, you jerk. You should use that last brain cell that you have left to at least try to walk straight and not bump into things or people, but I know it may be a very difficult task." Y/N bit back with anger as she eyed Trevor with fury burning behind her Y/E/C eyes, noticing as a small crowd already formed around them and it made her roll her eyes at this childish behavior. Meanwhile Cassie stared at Y/N with wide eyes like she just went mad, but didn’t open her mouth, too much shocked to talk.

"What did you just call me?"

"Oh I’m sorry, you are too stupid to know that word? Do you want me to spell it?" The few people around them laughed at her joke and she did it too inwardly as Trevor looked at her dumbfounded, Cassie still starting at her in shock. She never went against Trevor that way, she just leaned her head down and walked away. But not that day.

"Okay, that’s it. I’m gonna fucking beat you up Y/L/N." He stated as he charged towards Y/N but she wasn’t scared at all, she deserved a good beating up for her shitty behavior with Kate Friday night.

"Oh, wow! You know how to put more than 3 words in a phrase. I’m impressed!" Y/N got slammed on the lockers as Trevor finally got to her and was now towering over her with his fist lifted up, ready to hit her face, when he got suddenly hit in his side and fell down on the floor.

"Don’t fucking touch her, Trevor." Y/N lifted her eyes from the boy on the floor when she heard a familiar voice and her heartbeat instantly increased.

"Bishop, stay out of this."

"I don’t think so. Hitting girls? Really Trevor?"

"Okay, since you so adamantly want to protect her, I’ll beat you up t-." But Trevor didn’t finish his sentence, he got stopped mid-way while he lifted his fist again to hit Kate this time by Kate grabbing his wrist, pushing his body forward and punched him right on his nose.

"I hope this will be enough to teach you to stay away Y/N and Cassie. You and those idiots you call friends."

"WHAT IS HAPPENING THERE?!" All the students started to clear their way as a teacher’s voice sounded throughout the other end of the hallway, but Y/N stood still as she watched Kate stare at Trevor, now laying again on the floor with blood running down his nose, with an angry - and completely hot, in Y/N’s opinion - look in her beautiful ocean blue irises and her face scrunched up in wrath.

"Kate- fuck! Let’s go or Coach Miller will kick us out of the team." Kelly pulled Kate towards her and rushed them away from Trevor, but Y/N couldn’t find herself the force to move as she stood frozen beside Trevor.

"Y/N/N let’s go!" Cassie screamed as she run away from the teacher approaching but it was too late. She was glad that Cassie got away before the teacher could reach them so she couldn’t get in trouble, but she felt anger at herself for not doing the same as soon as the teacher took herself and Trevor to the principal’s office.

-

"Hey, I had been looking for you for the entire day. Are you okay?" Kate tried to regain her normal breath after running around the entire school to find Y/N, finally finding her in Miss Locke’s office in the school gym as she cleaned her trophies during lunch break. She furrowed her eyebrows together when Y/N didn’t even move her eyes from the trophy she was cleaning and ignored her. "Y/N/N, what’s wrong?"

Kate watched as Y/N sighed out loudly and slammed a little bit forcefully on the shelf the trophy before turning to look at Kate with slightly puffy eyes and anger burning behind them, "what’s wrong?! I got fucking detention for two months! Yeah I told Trevor he was an idiot and a jerk but I never hit him and I got punished for it."

"It’s okay, I will go to the principal and I will tell h-."

"You don’t understand Kate! I’m not rich like you! I can’t afford going to a good college without a fucking scholarship. Do you know if any student ever got a scholarship after getting detention for hitting someone? I’ll answer for you, no! Do you know how much it costed me to be the teachers’ pet for 3 years and getting hated or laughed at from my classmates for it? Or how much it costed me to never miss school even when I was feeling shitty? Just to keep that fucking scholarship? It costed me a lot. It costed me everything, Kate. And now it’s all ruined. I doubt Harvard will accept me after this. So if you will excuse me, I need to clean all of this as a part of my detention. I probably will practice for a future job. Now, leave me alone. As soon as I am finished here I will tell Miss Peyton to ask for someone else to tutor you. We’re done."

Kate wanted to counter back and tell Y/N she will fix this but a small look into Y/N’s hurt eyes and she slammed her mouth shut. She screw up big time. She needed to fix this. Y/N and her were not done. She was going to be pretty fucking sure of that.

-

"I’ll call you later Cass. I need to go to the library to sort out and put away books for my detention."

"I can’t believe Kate tried to kiss you Friday night and then does this to you. Yeah okay, she saved you from that punch, but she got away while you got detention. It’s not fair." Cassie grunted in anger as she stopped at the school’s exit and turned around to look at Y/N angrily.

"It’s okay. It is what it is." Y/N shrugged and hugged Cassie hard, "now go have your date. I want to know everything when you get home." Y/N winked at Cassie, who blushed hard at her best friend’s words before she nodded gently, then walking towards Ava waiting outside, in the school’s parking lot. Ava waved at Y/N, who waved back before the two of them walked hand in hand towards the street and out of the school’s parking lot. Y/N turned around and sighed contentedly that the school was completely empty so she could finish her detention for the day without being disturbed from others.

"You should be home by now."

Y/N jumped up in fright when after 10 minutes of sorting books out, a familiar voice echoed around the room, very close to her.

"Kate shit! You scared me!" Y/N turned to her left and found Kate leaning with her arms crossed on a bookshelf not too far from her, who chuckled under her breath for Y/N jumping up adorably in fright.

"Sorry."

"What are you doing here? If I remember correctly, I told you to leave me alone this morning."

"Right, but I didn’t listen to you." Kate lifted herself off from the wooden bookshelf and walked towards Y/N, stopping very closer to her, hoping to grab her attention, but the girl didn’t look up at her as still sorted books out to put away on their shelves, "can you please stop?" Kate asked quietly as she grabbed the book Y/N had in her hands, this time succeeding on grabbing Y/N’s attention.

"No, I still need to sort all these books out and I want to be home around 6 p.m. to do my homework." Y/N snatched the book from Kate’s hand and put it on the table beside her on its stack she created before sighing out in frustration when Kate stopped her from grabbing another book by leaning her hand over hers. She chastised herself for feeling her stomach do somersaults at the touch for leaning into the touch for a few seconds but then she regained her resolution and pulled her hand away from under Kate’s one letting out another breath of frustration.

"You don’t have to do it."

"Yeah, I’m sure I will totally get away if I don’t do my detention duties." Y/N scoffed in a sarcastic tone before walking away from Kate to try to finish her work without Kate disturbing her, but the black haired girl stopped her by grabbing her arm and pulling her back in front of her.

"You don’t have to do it because you don’t have detention anymore. I do."

"What?"

"I tried to talk to the principal to tell him it was me that hit Trevor but he didn’t believe me. I honestly don’t know why since you never did something like that. So that made me think and I realized that that ass dragged you down with him, so I went searching for Trevor, took him to the principal with me and got him to confess everything. You don’t have detention anymore and since you didn’t anything wrong. This won’t compromise your scholarship to Harvard."

"I-I." Y/N was astounded to say the least as she wrapped her head around what Kate just did for her, staring at her dumbfounded as Kate stared at Y/N with a sweet smile, "wow. Thank you."

"Don’t mention it." Kate winked at her and looked down at her wringing hands, her nerves getting the best of her after everything that happened between them.

"Wait, you didn’t get kicked out of the team, did you?"

"I almost got kicked out for good but after I explained why I did what I did, Coach Miller understood, he is a romantic after all. One week out of the team. I will workout alone again in the meantime." Kate explained as she looked back up at Y/N and smiled at her sweetly, shrugging her shoulders like it was no big deal for her.

"What does it mean he is a romantic?" Y/N asked in a strained voice, not thinking clearly as she tried to understand everything what Kate was telling her, her heartbeat increasing wildly and the butterflies going crazy in her stomach. She can’t possibly mean what she is implying, right? Y/N asked herself as she watched Kate take a step forward towards her, her eyes wide and her body stiff.

"Because I couldn’t let Trevor hit the girl I like."

"Yea-wait, what?" Y/N asked when she realized what Kate actually said and turned her head around, pulling her eyes away from the books in front of her to stare into those intoxicating ocean blue eyes that held so much affection and tenderness that she almost felt overwhelmed by them. "Y-you l-like m-me?"

"Yeah Y/N/N. I thought trying to kiss you Friday night was pretty obvious. And I almost lost all my hopes when you run away."

"I’m sorry." Y/N looked down at her feet when she couldn’t look into Kate’s ocean blue eyes anymore, too much guilt and anger at herself rising in the pitch of her stomach to keep looking into Kate’s eyes without starting crying and apologizing to Kate over and over again and falling on her knees to ask her- to beg her to forgive her and her shitty behavior towards her.

"Don’t apologize Y/N/N. I admit I was a little bit sad and heartbroken when you run away, but then I thought about that moment over and over the entire weekend. I watched you lean over to me too and I’m pretty sure that if we hadn’t been interrupted by that drunk couple, we would’ve kissed. I’m sure of that."

"I- I was scared." Y/N admitted in a stutter, her eyes dancing between the books, her pointer finger skidding over a book cover and Kate’s eyes, still not finding enough courage to stare into them for longer than a few seconds, not after Kate’s admission that almost melted her onto the ground.

"Why were you scared Y/N/N?" Kate asked as she walked even more closer to Y/N by taking a step forward and closing some more the small gap between them, making Y/N’s body set aflame in anticipation as it buzzed from the close proximity with Kate’s body.

"I was scared that you weren’t really into me like I am into you. I like you a lot and since I’ve only had one small and really brief relationship, I’m not good at reading signs. Cassie assured me that you were trying to show me you liked me, like inviting me at your game and dedicating your goals to me. She even said something inappropriate that I will not repeat- actually I don’t even know why I told you that. It was better if you didn’t know what she said. Maybe I should stop talking, yeah-."

"Y/N/N." Kate chuckled cutely at Y/N’s adorable ramblings and placed her hands on her shoulders and shook her gently to try to ground her and help her get back to earth, to regain some needed breath from talking too fast. "Fuck, I would’ve loved to stop your cute ramblings with a kiss like you see in movies, but I want your consent on me kissing you first." Kate admitted as she chewed on her bottom lip softly, staring intently onto Y/N’s lips a few seconds before focusing her gaze back on Y/N’s Y/E/C irises and speaking up again, "we will discuss about Cassie’s inappropriate comment later, because now I definitely want to know. But- just clarify any misunderstanding, I like you. A lot. And I’ve been crushing on you for a week now. I pretty much started crushing on you when I bumped into you the first day about over two weeks ago. You are so amazingly perfect Y/N/N. How could I not like you? I admit at first I didn’t know if it was better asking you out right away or sending you a few signs that I liked you, but I was scared too, about maybe sounding too forward and scaring you off, so I decided to send you a few signs. I wasn’t exactly planning on kissing you that night but there was a magnetic pull, an electric force that pulled us closer and closer. And I know you felt that force too. Just like right now. I feel like we are two magnets that attract each other."

"I feel this magnetic pull too." Y/N admitted shyly as she smiled gently at Kate, who brushed a strand of hair that fell in front of her left eye behind her ear before settling the palm of her right hand on Y/N’s left cheek and started caressing her skin softly, making Y/N melt under her gesture and lean into her hand, "hm, this is nice."

"Yeah. But do you know what would be nicer?"

"W-what?" Y/N asked in an embarrassing stutter, chastising herself for being so awkward in this moment when Kate is clearly asking something both had been dreaming about a lot during this past week.

"Us kissing."

"Oh." Y/N let out in a whisper, her head spinning out of control but she tried to look cool on the outside. Is she going to make the first move? I hope so because I’m totally freaking out right now. Say something that will make her believe you want this too, you idiot! "Cool."

As Y/N slapped her forehead inwardly at her awkwardness, Kate chuckled cutely at her and took one last step forward, their bodies almost flushed as she brushed their noses sweetly together while her left hand joined the right one and settled on Y/N’s right cheek, now both caressing Y/N’s face softly. "Can I kiss you?"

Y/N simply nodded at Kate’s question, not trusting herself on forming coherent words, not with the black haired girl standing so close to her, so with a small chuckle Kate leaned closer and closed the very small gap between them to join their lips together in a slow, delicate and sweet kiss. Their lips danced together in a beautiful dance, savoring the other’s taste and getting immediately addicted to it, their stomaches flipping over themselves as goosebumps formed on their skin at the meaningful and earth-shattering kiss and their bodies burning from all the passion the stacked inside this past week. "Wow."

"I couldn’t have said it better." Kate admitted with a sweet, but brighter-than-the-sun smile, as she caressed their noses together some more while breathing Y/N’s jasmine and lavender perfume in for a few moments before laying a soft peck on her plump and soft lips, whose were quickly becoming addicting to Kate.

"It wasn’t bad, was it? It has been a while since I kissed someone." Y/N admitted with insecurity clear in her eyes, but Kate didn’t answer her, she just kept staring at her with a dumb grin on her kiss-swollen lips, "it was probably bad. You don’t need to lie to me saying it was good, don-."

Kate shut Y/N up with a languid kiss, keeping it chaste but hard enough to make their heads spin out of control, pushing more and more into Y/N’s mouth as need to be as close as possible to Y/N invaded her body, "I didn’t know how to shut you up and make you believe you are a good kisser, so I kissed you again."

"O-okay." Y/N smiled shyly at the black haired girl and closed her eyes when Kate leaned over and pecked her lips once again, "and for the record, you are an amazing kisser."

"Thank you." Kate replied with a wide grin and skidded her hands down Y/N’s body gently, before settling on her waist and sneaking her arms on her back to hugged her closer, causing their noses to brush together as their lips hovered over teasingly, while Y/N’s arms linked behind her neck, "can I kiss you again?"

Y/N smiled at Kate’s charming side and bit down on her bottom lip in thought, deciding to tease Kate a little bit now that she gained some of her brain functions back, "don’t you have detention today? You shouldn’t waste too much time, I head that detention duties are tough."

Kate chuckled at Y/N’s joke, liking Y/N’s funny and witty teasing side, "you’re right. I shouldn’t waste too much time. But one more kiss one hurt."

"I guess it will give you the motivation to finish as soon as you can, so maybe we can kiss again." Y/N murmured on Kate’s lips, humming right after finishing speaking as she felt Kate’s soft lips pushing more on her own and then did the first move and pecked her lips sweetly, pulling away a few seconds later with a loud, playful smack.

"Hm, I guess one more it will help." Kate hummed and leaned their lips back together, hugging Y/N impossibly closer as she flushed their bodies together, and setting them aflame with a powerful kiss that made them both dizzy and reduced them into a puddle of mushy feelings into the other’s hands.

"Did it help?" Y/N murmured on Kate’s plump, kiss-swollen, red lips and felt the butterflies in her stomach going crazy when Kate hugged her and nuzzled her nose in her neck, breathing her perfume in.

"A lot. But I don’t want you to go."

"Well, I don’t need to." Y/N was trying to calm her butterflies down but after Kate’s admission and Kate still hugging her it was almost impossible to tame them.

"So, are you staying?"

"Yes, I can help you so you will be done sooner."

"Great! I just need to ask you something before we start."

"Shoot. I’m all ears." Y/N replied to Kate’s words with a big grin adorning her features, her cheeks still a bit red from their kisses and the blue eyed girl’s close proximity and her mind still swirling in a daze as it tried to wrap itself over everything that happened in this short amount of time.

"After finishing my detention, do you want to go on a date with me?"

"I-I- m-me?" Y/N stammered her words as her stupid mind couldn’t find a reason behind Kate asking her out, not really believing yet Kate truly liked her back, not even after them sharing a few kisses.

"Yes, Y/N/N. You." Kate smiled sweetly at her as she caressed her back gently, "I want to take you out on a date. I want to do things properly."

Y/N blushed furiously as she smiled widely at the black haired beauty, "yes." This put a big grin on Kate’s lips as they both leaned over to kiss softly once again, before starting back up on organizing books for detention as soon as they could so that as soon as they finish, they will get out of the school to start on their date.

[somerandomdudelmao]

It's Cass appreciation time!!! Don't get me wrong, I think we all appreciate you exactly all the time, but I wanted to write it out because I'm filled with SO MUCH LOVE RIGHT NOW THAT I PHYSICALLY CAN'T CONTAIN IT.

So!

First and foremost, I think you're a wonderful person. I may not know you personally, but the way in which you go about things - not just in your comic, but the way you interact with people - just leaves me in awe. You're so gentle but in the most chaotic way possible, and it makes me so happy to be alive. You're supportive of people and the things they create, while also just... spreading the joys of not just the fandom, but so many other things too. You're one of the people on here that unites the fandom as a whole, and it's so inspiring! You bring so much love here, and I admire that about you.

Another thing that I admire is that you know what your limits are and that you take care of yourself. I see so many people these days who don't - some who just forget, some who don't realize they're doing it, and others who blatantly refuse to do so - and it's frustrating to see. I want to help them (aka: wrap them in a blanket burrito to protect them from the world, offer coping skills, give them the support they need- the list goes on), but I can't really do much of that without burning myself out. Which is why I love to see you take care of yourself - whenever I see those asks that are like "reminder to drink water / rest / take a break", it reminds me that I need to do it too, and I'm positive that it reminds others as well. That, and it's refreshing to see!

I also love how creative and spontaneous you are! The plots you come up with, as well as the characterization and overall flow of the story - not to mention the PERFECT amount of fluff and angst you give us (WITH THE PROMISE OF A HAPPY ENDING??? OH MY GOD)- leaves me floored every time! I don't know a whole lot about writing and portraying things, but I've learned a bunch just by what you do. LETS ALSO REMEMBER ALL THE SMALL DETAILS YOU PUT INTO THIS - THE PARALLELS, THE LITTLE SHOWS OF AFFECTION,AND JUST- EVERYTHING??? GHDBDKDBSJ

AHH!

You inspire me to create, and whenever I have the confidence to post what I'm working on, I'll be sure to tag you (bc all of it is related to your comic)!

I have so much to say, but not nearly enough words to fully express it! But this is also getting much longer than I thought it would, and as much as I want to sing you praises all day, there's not enough time. So to wrap this up:

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for all that you do. I'm sure it's not easy - you're a whole person outside of this, and everyone has bad days - so, again, thank you. I may not know you personally, but I still care a great deal about you. Please keep taking care of yourself! Drink some water, have a snack, take a nap, make some time for yourself - whatever it is, have a fantastic time hon. You deserve it.

Keep being amazing, and I wish you the best!

Until next time, dearie ^-^

Oh god I don't even know what to say jcdtujdsukcdhb thank you yhank you thank you so much you just brightened my day I

[emmitaaa4]

Azriel, you beautiful, complex man.

Anyone else ever lay awake at night thinking that it’s not that Azriel wants a mate, any mate: it’s that he believes only a mate—only someone who was meant to love him—could love him ?

Do you ever think about the fact that Azriel’s visceral response to Elain looking up at him with trust & hope, was to believe that there was no possible way she could ever look at him that way if she knew the things he’d done and been forced to do? If she knew that his scarred hands mirrored his marred soul? Yet we know Elain has never balked from him and has only ever seen beauty in his scars; in who he is.

Do you ever think about the way Azriel feels this need to prove himself useful—which is why he so clings to his titles and his job—for if he is needed, he cannot be abandoned?

Do you ever want to shout from the rooftops that Azriel is so much more than this « darkness » he cloaks himself in, and that he doesnt need someone to heal him & « handle his darkness ». Healing, for Az, does not mean fighting & ‘killing’ his demons, it means being at peace with himself & learning to live with them without needing to mask who he is. He needs to begin to believe that there is darkness and light in him to love.

Does your heart ever squeeze when you understand that allowing yourself to be loved, first means bearing yourself to another & willingly risking being hurt ? It requires an unparalleled level of emotional vulnerability from him. You ever realize that Az uses his shadows as an emotional crutch, that he so carefully masks his expressions, yet it takes but a look for Elain to read him? He, who finds his strength & perseverance in hope, found his match in her gentle, hopeful heart—and he physically has to keep himself apart from her, only allowing himself to act upon his feelings when she made the first move. Entitlement where?

Truly, how has the fandom decided that Azriel, who follows the sound of Elain’s laugh, who listened to her when no one else would & didnt let her be misunderstood, who trusted her with TT so she could protect herself & those she loves, who stayed up past 3am as she spoke of her passions, who made everyone wait for her to eat, who chooses to sun his wings next to her in peaceful, quiet company… is an entitled, flaky male that sees her as nothing but a sexual distraction?

Do people really not realize what it means for him to question the Cauldron, question the very core of his beliefs?

1) It is not his feelings he questions:

His mind is tortured by thoughts of Elain, so much so he can’t sleep;

They do not need words to communicate, indicating familiarity & understanding;

He IS showing more than “just lust”, it’s clear from their interactions since the first trilogy. There was something there before Nessian happened.

2) Not only does he believe himself unworthy of her, but that sentiment is reinforced by the fact that the Cauldron “broke the pattern”. I do not see the entitled man the fandom speaks of. What he is is a deeply traumatized man, who was abused as a boy by the people who were meant to love him & protect him.

The popular thought that Az would fold for a mate, regardless of who she (or he) is, is truthfully not attractive, not to mention that it implies he’d only risk love for a “guaranteed” happy ending.

=> “Az wants a mate therefore give him a mate” is counterproductive to his growth (tho to clarify, i am not saying he should not have a mate, just that there is a way the story should be told.)

We have seen him plan for snowball fights & tactical missions, yet never for his future: not with Elain—again, he never even actually allowed himself to consider pursuing her—but not in any other sense either:

Children? he tells Cass he doesnt know if he wants any—has he ever let himself imagine having a child? A house ? he has no place to himself. Remember that even after 500 years of existence, Az says he still does not know where he belongs?

Could you not imagine two people who make themselves what others need them to be, being brave enough to bare those hidden, repressed parts of themselves to the other. Can you not see the growth it would require from both of them should they give themselves a chance? To, on one hand, choose the other despite what is expected & the problems it would cause, and on the other, be vulnerable enough to receive that love & believe yourself worthy of it.

Love doesnt care for convenience. It could all go to hell but at least they’d know they had tried, and i do not see how that could ever make for a boring, 2 dimensional story.

[readychilledwine]

Can I please request a fic where Cassian falls for a teacher at Nyx’s school?

Hot for Teacher

Summary - For Cassian, meeting his son's teacher was love at first sight.

Warnings - single parenting, kids

A/n - my mom is a teacher and was all too excited for a cute drabble about a teacher reader with a Cassian, her favorite batboy.

Cassian sighed heavily as his son and Nyx ripped him through the streets of Velaris. They were speaking so quickly to each other about their new teacher. About what she'd have planned for today, about if she'd have snacks and treats.

It had been 7 long years since Nesta left him and Atticus to run off with Eris. He should have seen it coming and been more prepared, but the ache still lingered and stung. His mate, gone to Autumn, for a position of power, just like he knew she wanted. Like she had lied to him about wanting.

He smiled apologetically as the boys swayed him through the crowd, eyes locked on where Azriel stood with his daughter, kissing her forehead gently in goodbye. "Uncle Az!" Nyx yelled, running to him quickly. "Don't you feel like Miss Y/n would be a good girl friend for Uncle Cass?"

Azriel was slightly taken back by the question, and by the way his daughter's eyes instantly lit up and she began to nod eagerly. "I think that's up to Cassian, bud."

Liliana shook her head. "Nope. Up to us." She grabbed Cassian's pinky in her tiny hand, running towards the door as her bright red curls bounced and danced in the sunlight.

At the tops of the steps, Cassian locked his eyes on am incredibly gorgeous female. Her curled hair was to her shoulders in waves. She was wearing a tight black shirt with leggings and a black blouse. A bug smile graced her face as she greeted each child with their own secret handshake.

"Lili!" Even her voice was melodic, making cassian almost fall down the steps. "Who's your friend?"

Cassian felt Lili nudge him. "I'm Cassian," he held his hand to her.

"Ah! Atticus' dad," her eyes were sparkling as the little illyrian appeared behind him. "I was wondering if I'd ever meet you!" She took his hand, gently shaking it before going to greet Lili and Atticus. "He's a dream." Azriel watched you two interact, playing the moment openly for Rhys as Nyx ran to you, getting his own greeting.

That's how it started.

Cassian began dropping the kids off alone almost every day, ensuring he could spend sometime with you. That time turned into dinners alone. Nights spent in his bed when Atticus would be in Autumn for a weekend with Nesta.

Soon, those dinners turned into you meeting him and Atticus in public, slowly adapting the young illyrian to the big change.

You were currently on an ice cream date with them, using a napkin to wipe Atticus' chunky cheek. "Thank you, Mommy." You and Cassian froze, causing the little guy to look up. "What? Don't act like you don't want to be my mommy. I know I'm your favorite."

You couldn't help but to smile at him, kissing his nose in silent confirmation. "I'm just daddy's girl friend, bud. Not mommy."

"Not mommy yet."

Cassian was still quiet, hand tight on his ice cream sundae. The ring box in his pocket was heavy as he shot Atticus a little look of warning.

But he couldn't shame him, couldn't lie to him.

You weren't his mommy.

Not yet at least.

[aingeal98]

Thinking about this stephcass moment today. It was pretty early on in their friendship like this was only the third or fourth time they interacted.

(For context, Cass was fighting Shadow Thief who was using special equipment to give himself powers. Barbara found a way to block his powers from working but this was mid fight so when Steph gets there it's clear Cass was caught off guard by the switch and hurt him too much by accident)

There's so much going on in these two pages alone but the way Cass begs Steph not to tell Babs what happened and the way Steph is instantly fine with it, marking her as different from the rest of the family and setting up the first indication of why Cass would go on to consider Steph her best friend (and fall in love with her). It's a lot.

(There's a joke to be made about how their first date was taking down a gang and their second date was helping Cass avoid manslaughtering a guy but Cass's fear in those panels makes me so sad I'm going to leave it be.)