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clumsyromantic · 1 year ago

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NOT ANOTHER RAINBOW LEGACY CHALLENGE

Welcome to this ten generation legacy challenge based on vibrant colors! Inspired by all the other color themed legacies out there, because who doesn’t like basing their sims whole personality on a color (I know I’m a sucker for it lol). I won’t put a long list of rules here, because at the end of the day I want this to be your gameplay and story that you create. I will suggest that you follow each generation, but if something isn’t to your liking, by all means, change it for yourself. With that being said, don’t claim this challenge as your own, even if you tweak it. Remember, though, legacy challenges are all about having fun!

If you play don't forget to tag me here or on instagram @clumsy.romantic or use the hashtag #notanotherlegacy. I would really love to see some gameplay/stories!

Generation One: Licorice.

You never stay in one place too long. As a criminal, you’re always on the run. You don’t commit to anything. The only thing you’ve ever truly loved and committed to is your career. When it comes to actual love, you dip as soon as it seems like things might get serious. You don’t like being that close to people, letting people in like that. You can’t trust anyone, or so you thought.

Traits: Evil, Non-Committal, Romantic. (Additional: Self-Assured, Mean)

Aspiration: Serial Romantic.

Career: Criminal.

Have more enemies than friends.

Have a child with an enemy.

Move to a different world each time you age up.

Only your child(ren) can be your partner in crime.

Get caught cheating at least once.

Max your career.

Complete your aspiration.

Master the Mischief, Handiness and Programming skills.

[Packs used: None]

Generation Two: Pearl.

From the time you could hold things, you were coloring, drawing, painting, anything that could help you express yourself. You are the exact opposite of your parent. Maybe you’re like the other one? You wouldn’t know, though. You never met them, nor heard a single truth about them. That doesn’t matter, though, because as soon as you can, you move out of your parents home so that you can start your own life and family. Love isn’t easy, as you don’t truly know what it’s supposed to look like, but with how kind and caring you are, it almost comes easy to you.

Traits: Creative, Cheerful, Family-Oriented. (Additional: Loyal, Good)

Aspiration: Big Happy Family.

Career: Painter.

Complete the Artist Prodigy as a child.

Move to a different world from your parent.

Marry someone with amazing compatibility (or someone with similar traits).

Have 5 children.

Have a bowling night with the family at least twice a week.

Max your career.

Complete your aspiration.

Master the Painting, Parenting and Bowling skills.

[Packs used: High School Years, Growing Together, Parenthood, Bowling Night]

Generation Three: Latte.

You come from a big family, and you’ve always loved every bit of it. However, nothing can compare to the love you have for fitness. As a teenager, you become a simfluencer who models athletic wear and shows off your healthy lifestyle. As a Young Adult, you constantly have dogs. You tell yourself all you need is dogs, until you meet another fitness buff who you end up having a baby with.

Traits: Active, Dog Lover, Vegetarian. (Additional: Ambitious, Outgoing)

Aspiration: Friend of the Animals.

Career: Simfluencer.

Have a good relationship with your parents and siblings.

Go to the gym four times a week.

Change your hairstyle once a week.

Have at least 3 dogs as a YA.

Become a B-lister.

Have a baby with someone you meet at the gym (bonus points if they have the active skill).

Max your career.

Complete your aspiration.

Master the Fitness, Entrepreneur, Media Production, and Pet Training skills.

[Packs used: Cats & Dogs, High School Years, Get Famous]

Generation Four: Dandelion.

It was hard for you to relate to your parents, as they were much more outgoing and sociable than you were. Keeping up conversations and being around people always made you feel drained. You preferred being by yourself with a good book. It was usually a sci-fi book about robots. It’s no surprise that you’re the first in your family to go to university and you end up working in engineering. Your best friend, perhaps lover as well, is a robot you built. Seems like a good life to you.

Traits: Loner, Overachiever, Socially Awkward. (Additional: Bookworm, Geek)

Aspiration: Nerd Brain.

Career: Engineer.

Attend university.

Build a servo bot.

Be romantic partners with the servo.

Woohoo with the servo in the rocketship.

Only adopt or have science babies.

Max your career.

Complete your aspiration.

Master the Logic, Handiness and Robotics skills.

[Packs used: High School Years, Discover University]

Generation Five: Emerald.

You want to make the world a better place for the next generations. Everything you do involves Mother Earth. You live off the land, garden and fish for your food. You raise chickens for your eggs and cows for your milk. You also fabricate and make things for yourself, others and your animals. Some of the things you create you sell on Plopsy for income. You have a baby with someone you’re engaged to be married to. But as soon as you can, you pack up and leave them, taking the baby with you.

Traits: Loves Outdoors, Maker, Freegan. (Additional: Green Fiend, Recycle Disciple)

Aspiration: Master Maker.

Career: Plopsy Seller.

Live in Evergreen Harbor (If you don’t already, move there as a YA).

Live in Port Promise, where you must make the eco footprint green.

Additional Challenge: have the Simple Living lot challenge in Evergreen.

Knitted and Fabricated items can be sold on Plopsy when you need simoleons.

Get engaged and try for a baby until one of you is pregnant.

Once you have reached green for the eco footprint; break off the engagement, take the baby and move to Sulani.

Complete your aspiration.

Master the Knitting, Fishing, Gardening and Fabrication skills.

[Packs used: Eco Lifestyle, Nifty Knitting, Island Living]

Generation Six: Turquoise.

Growing up on a beautiful beach with your single parent doing everything for you made you into a spoiled brat. The only thing you actually want to do, besides sleep and chill, is fashion photography. You have a real eye for fashion. Although, you don’t really have a knack for picking up work. You’re more likely to be suntanning than actually doing your job. The few times you do accept a job, you fall in love with the model. Instead of falling happily in love together, you are constantly fighting, and to make matters worse, you have a kid together. Something neither of you wanted.

Traits: Self-Absorbed, Lazy, Hates Children. (Additional: Jealous, Squeamish)

Aspiration: Beach Life.

Career: Freelance Fashion Photographer.

Accept a job once a week.

Have a baby with one of the models that has the Mean, Hot-Headed or Evil trait.

Only have 1 child.

Have a bad relationship with your child.

Move to San Myshuno as an Adult.

Max your career.

Complete your aspiration.

Master the Charisma and Photography skills.

[Packs used: Get Famous, Outdoor Retreat, Moschino, City Living]

Generation Seven: Ruby.

You constantly heard your parents fighting over something. They were never not fighting. You found your solace in music; listening to it, writing it, playing instruments, just everything about it. You get married young just so you can move out. But you’re in love with a musician on the side. You’re not really sure if you should keep seeing them, or stick by your spouse. You never really were good with decisions, especially ones that could really impact your future.

Traits: Music Lover, Hot-Headed, Childish. (Additional: Erratic, Dance Machine)

Aspiration: Musical Genius.

Career: Live off tips and fame.

Marry and move out as a YA.

Have a bad relationship with your parents.

Cheat on your spouse with someone who plays an instrument or sings.

Only earn money from tips when you play instruments or sing in public.

Have either a dance battle or karaoke night once a week.

Obtain fame, at least c-lister, from music.

Complete your aspiration.

Master the Singing, Dancing and any instrument skills.

[Packs used: Get Famous, City Living, Get Together]

Generation Eight: Magenta.

You’ve always used humor and pranks as a way to cope with everything going on in your life. No one but your best friend really gets you. It’s hard for you two to get over being friends when you realize that you have feelings for each other. Except, after having a baby together, you realize you were better off as friends. You still civilly raise the child, just not under the same roof anymore.

Traits: Paranoid, Goofball, Gloomy. (Additional: Clumsy, Cat Lover)

Aspiration: Chief of Mischief.

Career: Social Media.

Have a childhood best friend.

Have a baby with said best friend.

You and your best friend fall out, but you still raise the child civilly.

Have at least 1 cat.

Max your career.

Complete your aspiration.

Master the Comedy, Writing and Mischief skills.

[Packs used: Cats and Dogs, Strangerville, City Living]

Generation Nine: Tangerine.

You prefer the finer things in life. You live in the city, but as a young adult working in law, you often take vacations to Mt. Komorebi. Where, when you fall in love with a local and have children, you take your children there often. Not until you retire, do you and your spouse move there. In the meantime, you enjoy the time you spend there; skiing, snowboarding, rock climbing, sightseeing, etc. You dream of your vacations while at work.

Traits: Adventurous, Kleptomaniac, Bro. (Additional: Lactose Intolerant, Materialistic)

Aspiration: Mt. Komorebi Sightseer.

Career: Law.

Take 2 vacation days a week to go to Mt. Komorebi.

Marry and have children with someone who lives in Mt. Komorebi

Continue living in San Myshuno until you retire and move to Mt. Komorebi.

Steal one item a day.

Max your career.

Complete your aspiration.

Master the Skiing, Snowboarding and Rock Climbing skills.

[Packs used: Snowy Escape, Cottage Living]

Generation Ten: Aubergine.

Your parents always showed you the luxurious sides of life. Treating you to everything and anything you could ever imagine. It lit the way for your future career as a critic. You enjoyed being able to put your 2 cents into whatever you could get your neatly, well kept fingers on. You also always looked and presented to be your best self.

Traits: Neat, Foodie, Snob. (Additional: High Maintenance, Perfectionist)

Aspiration: Party Animal.

Career: Critic.

Host 3 parties a week.

Each party has a theme; decorate and cook accordingly.

Get married 3 times (not to the same person).

Have 1 child per marriage.

Don’t get close to your children until they are Young Adults.

Max your career.

Complete your aspiration.

Master the Cooking, Writing and Gourmet Cooking skills.

[Packs used: Spa Day, City Living]

#the sims 4 #sims 4 #s4 #thesims4 #sims4 #sims legacy #sims lets play #notanotherlegacy

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lanawinterscigarettes · 3 months ago

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What about smth for JD (heathers) with an s/o who's equally as possessive and protective over him, maybe even more so?

I fucking love it when the reader perfectly matches the characters energy omg

Jason Dean with an s/o who's just as possessive/protective as he is

Warnings: gender neutral reader, both the reader and JD are possessive and protective to an unhealthy extent, JD and the reader are a match made in hell (which means they're naturally perfect for each other), codependent relationship to the max here, swearing, dark humor, mentions of murder/death, mentions of gun use, some smutty/nsfw stuff

As much as JD likes to mess with you, he actually does appreciate just how much you seem to love and care for him. Far too often has he been in relationships where it seemed as though he was the only one who was putting in any effort that he eventually began to lose hope he'd one day find someone who loved and worshipped him as much as he does for them

Then you showed up, and everything in his life seemed to get ten times better. He actually started attending school more often just so he can see you, especially if he knows you won't skip

However- that doesn't mean that he won't push your buttons, because he absolutely will. Believe me when I say that he's going to have at least a little fun at your expense

He'd never actually cheat, as he's way too clingy for that (unless he got really pissed off and wanted to teach you a lesson or something, but even then he'd probably end up killing the person afterwards) but he does find it amusing to see your reaction to him flirting with other people

It doesn't even have to be anyone he actually likes, in fact, he purposely goes out of his way to flirt with people he hates and actively talks shit about in front of you because he knows how mad you'll get. He's an asshole, what can I say

The look of silent rage that appears on your face whenever you see him walk up to any random guy or girl gets him chuckling everytime. He'll stay over there and flatter said random person until you storm over and drag him away from the conversation

Don't think that just because he flirts with other people that you can, that'd be crazy. How dare you talk to anyone other than him? What do you have, a death wish or something? (You flirt with other people anyway because he's not the boss of you and you can do what you want)

It's all in good fun though, because neither one of you would ever let anyone else lay their hands on the other, whether that be in a violent or sexual manner (or both). In fact, you guys even joke that if one of you ended up cheating on the other all three people involved would die, because there's no way the cheater or the person they'd cheated with would be allowed to live and the other couldn't live knowing their beloved was gone (it's actually not that much of a joke, but since you guys are so attached to each other that would probably never happen)

Speaking of committing murders, you guys do! All the time! :D (I don't know why I'm saying this like it's a good thing lol) Anytime someone does something to piss either one of you off, the two of you turn it into a date where you both kill the person, frame it as a suicide, then go back to your house for sex while the adrenaline is still pumping fast through your veins

Jealousy sex/make-up sex happens fairly often, by the way. You two may love each other, but because your personalities are so similar they're bound to end up clashing at some point, which leads to explosive arguments that typically end in "hate sex" (it's not really hate sex since you guys still love each other but given how much you both curse each other out and literally say "I hate you" during it I guess it could qualify)

Neither one of you really have any friends, not that you'd need them when you have each other. In fact, the only time you ever hang out with anyone else is when you're purposely trying to get JD riled up, and vice versa

I know he acts pretty aloof but I like to think that deep down he's actually really flattered to have someone who's crazy over him the same way he is over you. To someone as clingy and obsessed as him, it's almost like the highest honor, y'know?

End notes: I'm finally working on old asks yippeee

Likes < reblogs | comments are greatly appreciated | requests are currently open

Main masterlist | Heathers masterlist | wanna be added to my taglist?

🏷 taglist: @caplanreblogsfics

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sleepybabybees · 6 months ago

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Incorrect quotes return ✨️

Why? Simply because I can't sleep.

Ghost: Bridge the generation gap by combining old and new slang into one!

Price: Tubular AF!

Gaz: Mood to the max!

Soap, annoyed: Groovy, I hate it.

Laswell, just as annoyed: If she breathes, she’s a square.

----

Ghost: There are seven chairs and ten kids. What do you do?

Price: Have everyone stand.

Gaz: Bring three more chairs!

Soap: The most important ones can sit down.

Laswell: Kill three.

---

Laswell: Anyone d-

Ghost: Depressed?

Gaz: Drained?

Soap: Dumb?

Price: Disliked?

Laswell: -done with their work... what is wrong with you people...

---

Ghost: What’s something you guys are better than Price at?

Gaz: Mario Kart.

Soap: Yeah, video games.

Laswell: Emotional vulnerability.

---

Ghost: I’m an idiot.

Price:

Gaz:

Soap:

Laswell:

Ghost:

Price: If you’re waiting for us to disagree, this is going to be a long day.

---

Oryn: You're 'the second worst thing to ever happen to those orphans', what does that mean?

Eskell: It means i was second worst thing to happen to those orphans.

Oryn: but what’s the first worst thing?

*Awkward pause*

Eskell: Oryn, they...they weren’t always orphans.

Oryn:

---

Oryn: Eskell...

Eskell: Oh no, 'Eskell' in b-flat.

Eskell: You're disappointed.

---

Oryn: Violence isn't the answer.

Eskell: You’re right.

Oryn: *sighs in relief*

Eskell: Violence is the question.

Oryn: What?

Eskell, bolting away: And the answer is yes.

Oryn, running after him: NO-

---

Oryn: *Screams*

Eskell: *Screams louder to establish dominance*

Graves: Should we do something?

Price: No, I want to see who wins.

---

Price: Why are Oryn and Eskell sitting with their backs to each other?

Graves: They had a fight.

Price: Then why are they holding hands?

Graves: They get sad when they fight.

---

Oryn: I think we're missing something.

Eskell: Teamwork?

Graves: Cohesion?

Price: A general sense of what we’re doing?

---

Farah: How did none of you hear what I just said?

Alex: I’ve been zoned out for the past two and a half hours.

Ghost: I got distracted about halfway through.

Soap: Ignoring you was a conscious decision.

---

Farah: Listen, I can explain...

Alex: You’re making $500,000 and you’re only gonna pay me $30,000?

Ghost: You’re getting 30 grand? I’m getting $1,000!

Soap: You guys are getting paid?

---

Farah: *Trying to fill out legal paperwork stuff* Were you guys born AMAB or AFAB?

Alex: Bold of you to assume I was born at all.

Ghost: I personally was created in a lab.

Soap: I just straight up spawned lol.

---

Farah: Go to Hell

Alex, tearing up: I wish I could

---

Farah: *holding a bottle* Is this whiskey or perfume?

Alex: *chugs entire bottle*

Alex: It’s perfume.

---

Nikolai: Must be hard not being able to laugh

Price: I do have a sense of humor you know

Nikolai: I’ve never heard you laugh before

Price: I’ve never heard you say anything funny

---

Nikolai: I'm a reverse necromancer.

Price: Isn't that just killing people?

Nikolai: Ah, technicality.

---

Nikolai: Okay. I get it. You've had a really hard time lately, you're stressed out, seven people died-

Price: Twelve, actually.

Nikolai: Not the point. Look, they're dead now and really whose fault is that?

Price: Yours!

Nikolai: That's right: no one's.

---

Nikolai: I made tea.

Price: I don’t want tea.

Nikolai: I did not make tea for you. This is my tea.

Price: Then why are you telling me?

Nikolai: It is a conversation starter.

Price: That’s a lousy conversation starter.

Nikolai: Oh, is it? We are conversing. Checkmate.

---

Gaz: Why are you on the floor?

Price: I'm depressed.

Price: Also I was stabbed, can you get Nikolai, please.

---

Nikolai: What if I press the brake and gas at the same time?

Price: The car takes a screenshot.

Gaz: For the last time, get the fuck out.

---

*Nikolai and Price sitting in jail together*

Price: So who should we call?

Nikolai: I’d call Gaz, but I feel safer in jail...so I'm going to call kate-

Price: good call-

---

Nikolai: Are you sure this is the right direction?

Price: Certainly, I'm as sure as I am honest!

Gaz: In that case, we're definitely lost.

---

Laswell: Just be yourself.

Price: 'Be myself'? Kate, I have one day to win Nikolai over. How long did it take before you guys started liking me?

Soap: Couple weeks.

Gaz: Six months.

Ghost: Jury’s still out.

Price: See, Kate?

Price: 'Be myself'. What kind of garbage advice is that?

---

Nikolai: We need to distract these guys

Price: Leave it to me

Price: Centaurs have six limbs and are therefore insects. Discuss.

Gaz, Soap, and Laswell: *Immediately begin arguing*

Ghost, watching in horror: Oh, this. I don’t like this. I don't like this at all.

---

'Can I copy the homework?'

Nikolai: I can help you with it!

Price: Yeah, sure.

Gaz: Bold of you to assume I did the homework.

Soap: lol nope.

Laswell: Wait, we had homework?!?!?!

Ghost: *Read 5:55pm*

---

Nikolai: Croissants: dropped

Price: Road: works ahead

Gaz: BBQ sauce: on my titties

Soap: Shavacado: fre

Laswell: Miss Keisha: fuckin dead

Ghost:

Ghost, grumpy: I didn’t understand a single word of that, and I hate every single one of you.

---

Alejandro: I prevented a murder today.

Rudy: Really? How’d you do that?

Alejandro: self control.

---

Alejandro: Is letting someone win at chess sapiosexual bottoming

Ghost: my dad would argue yes.

Soap: yes

Gaz: if you wanna see it that way, sure

Rudy: Does anyone in this godforsaken group ever think before they speak

---

Alejandro: I was thinking I'd do some magic-

Rudy: You? Magic? Alejandro, it says talent show.

---

Alejandro: Do you ever want to talk about your emotions, Rudy?

Rudy: … No.

Valeria: I do!

Alejandro: I know, Valeria.

Valeria: I’m El Sin Nombre!

Alejandro: I know, Valeria.

---

Alejandro: What's a word thats a mix between 'sad' and 'mad'?

Rudy: Disgruntled, miserable, desolated-

Valeria: Smad.

---

Store Worker: Would a Mr. Rudy please come to the front desk?

Rudy, arriving at the desk: Hello, is there a problem?

Store Worker: points to Alejandro and Valeria

Store Worker: I believe they belong to you?

Alejandro and Valeria, simultaneously: We got lost :(

Rudy: I didn’t even bring you guys here with me

#call of duty #simon ghost riley #john soap mactavish #cod mw2 #john price #captain john price #cod nikolai #kate laswell #sergeant kyle gaz garrick #kyle garrick #kyle gaz garrick #call of duty original character #phillip graves #farah karim #alex keller #alejandro vargas #rodolfo parra #valeria garza

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bestiesenpai · 2 years ago

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Youtuber Itadori

Gardener Itadori is the cutest thing ever and I tried to make him as cute as possible here lol. Femme reader 9.6k words

Hands in the soil, dirt beneath his nails and a bountiful harvest in his little wicker basket - that’s what Itadori’s life had become, and he wasn’t mad about it. After inheriting a home and land in the countryside from his grandfather, Itadori scoffed at the idea of living in the slow countryside, but burdened with morality, he went and discovered that it was actually the best thing for him.

Quickly getting to work, he collected rain water, installed solar panels, had a massively flourishing garden that he rotated with seasonal plants all year round and cultivated a nice relationship with the local farmers. Everyone traded their wares, holding markets in the town center that people from all over would come and visit.

Itadori haphazardly stumbled into making YouTube videos one day when he decided to post a video of the apples he’d just picked to show his friends. It wasn’t a long video, ten minutes max, but for some reason the algorithm had decided to bless him and put his video in front of a million people.

The comments made him smile, they were all so supportive of his hard work. A few made him blush, calling him impossibly cute among a few other embarrassing things. And that was how his channel was born. Ordering a few cheap supplies off Amazon, Itadori filmed whatever he thought was interesting: his spring harvest, deadheading flowers, the farmers market and the handmade soap he got one day.

He had imagined his life to be filled with the busy atmosphere of the city, but the relaxed pace of the countryside brought his mind at ease. All he needed to do here was make enough to pay for utilities and keep himself fed. Sure he missed his friends, but they were always a phone call or a train ride away and he had managed to make more friends during his time here.

Walking the rows of his garden, Itadori filmed the plants along the way, narrating what he was planning to do with the upcoming summer season and what fruits and vegetables he was excited to grow. Quickly posting the video to TikTok, he tucked his phone away and forgot about it; becoming entranced with small insects and birds that visited often got him distracted.

“Yuji!” Someone shouted, drawing Itadori’s focus away from the caterpillar he was feeding a berry to. Dusting off his pants, Itadori came to a stand and looked around to find the voice.

“Hey!” He waved back upon landing eyes on Daichi, the retired farmer standing at the edge of his field. Bounding towards him, Itadori could see the gray streaks of hair permeating the otherwise dark strands on the man's head. “What’s up, gramps?”

“There’s someone I want you to meet.” Flicking his chin, Daichi began to walk towards his home and Itadori followed dutifully. It wasn’t a far walk, hardly five minutes and they were at the front door.

“(Y/N)! C’mere!” Daichi beckoned and the sound of rushed footsteps gave way to a side door opening in the hallway and a flustered individual staring back.

“I told you I’m in a meeting!” You hissed, eyes flicking to Itadori but not paying him any mind. “Give me a minute, please?” Not waiting for a response, you hurriedly closed the door and went back to work.

“Who’s that?” Following Daichi to the living room, Itadori accepted the lemonade that was offered to him by Daichi’s wife.

“That’s the grandkid.” Daichi huffed, taking a sip from his own glass. “She’s here for the summer to spend some time with us.”

“Hmm.” Nodding along, Itadori’s eyes wandered to the hallway, where if he strained he could hear your voice.

“There ya are!” Throwing up a hand, Daichi grunted. “I thought you said you were on vacation, what’s with the work?”

“Not yet. I told you I have some things to finish up for the end of the week and then I’m free.” Rolling your eyes, you entered the fray. Itadori tried not to giggle at the button up you’d thrown on over an old shirt for your meeting. You quickly took it off, laying it over the back of the couch before sitting down next to your grandfather.

“Whatever.” Waving off your attitude, Daichi gestured to Itadori. “We have a guest, say hi.”

“Hey, I’m (Y/N).” Giving him a brief wave, you settled into the cushions.

“I’m Itadori, I live in the house next door.”

“Got it from his grandpa! You remember old man Wasuke, right?”

“Kinda…” Wasuke hadn’t lived in the area for long, and what you remembered of him was that he gave you money for some candy at a festival once.

“Wasuke wasn’t much of a farmer but Yuji here? Why, he’s got a great green thumb!” Laughing to himself, Daichi pushed up off the couch. “Stay here and chat, I’m going to see what grandma is making for lunch.”

As Daichi shuffled away, Itadori took the opportunity to observe you a bit more. You were typing furiously on your phone, mumbling that you’d be done in just a few seconds. He couldn’t deny he thought you were cute, hoping that this coming summer you would have a chance to hang out - just the two of you.

“What kind of things do you grow?” Finally tossing your phone away, you looked up at Itadori, seemingly not noticing that he’d already been staring at you.

“I-I grow a lot of things!” Clearing his throat, he tried to hide his surprised blush with his cup. “Right now I’m transitioning to summer crops and I really hope to grow some amazing strawberries this year and make some jam.”

“That sounds cool, you’ll have to let me come by and see the garden.”

“(Y/N) can’t even grow a houseplant!” Daichi shouted from the kitchen, causing you to jump up in defense.

“Grandpa be quiet!” Now it was your turn to blush, heat crawling over your entire body. You could hardly look at Itadori when you sat down, slapping your hands over your face as Daichi laughed. “God, he’s so embarrassing.” While what he said was true, why did he have to say it in front of the cute boy you’d be seeing the whole summer?

“It’s okay!” Itadori chuckled a little, enamored by your bashfulness. “I think you can grow something if you really put your mind to it.”

“Thanks.” Collapsing onto the couch, you stared at the ceiling. “But honestly, I’d probably need divine intervention to keep a plant alive longer than three weeks.”

“I’ll make sure whatever you plant stays alive the whole summer.” Whatever Itadori had to do, he was ready.

“Promise?” Turning to look at him, you stuck your hand out, pinky outstretched to him.

“Promise.” Quickly locking his pinky with yours, Itadori shook your hand. He’d have to remember to grab your number before he left, now that he had an excuse to start talking to you.

Talking a bit more, it wasn’t long till lunch was ready and Itadori was sitting at the dining table with a sandwich in front of him. He’d eaten in the house before, but it was different now that you were here.

“Did’ya know Yuji makes videos about plants?” Daichi asked, looking at you curiously. “Puts ‘em on YouTube and stuff.”

“Really? What’s the name of your channel, I’ll check it out!”

“(Y/N) works for a big PR agency in the city, maybe she can help promote you.” Daichi said with a proud smile on his face.

“Grandpa, I work with musicians.”

“You never know, maybe Yuji is into music!”

“Not really.” Itadori laughed, shaking his head. “I go to karaoke sometimes but that’s about it.”

Chatting away into the day, eventually you had to return to your laptop and finish out a few more things for the workday. Itadori had scored not only your number, but you were now mutuals on a bunch of social media sites. When you balked at his TikTok and YouTube following, it made Itadori’s chest swell a bit.

He didn’t see you for a few days after, with you being busy on your laptop and him being busy in the garden, there was no time to meet. But you did text him occasionally, sending pictures of plants you were hoping to grow and if there was something funny to show on Twitter.

When Saturday came, you sent Itadori a text in the morning asking if you could come over to see the garden. He instantly replied, dropping everything he was doing and running around the house to prepare for your visit.

Making a lunch, drinks, cleaning dishes that were already clean and making sure the greenhouse out back was spotless - he’d done everything a million times over and it still didn’t feel like he was ready enough when you rang the doorbell.

“C-coming!” Nearly tripping over an area rug, Itadori ran to the door. Opening it in a hurry, you gasped at the sudden motion and Itadori gasped upon seeing you. In a pale yellow sundress and a wicker hat no doubt made by your grandma, you were exactly what Itadori imagined the cutest gardener ever to look like.

“Hi!” You smiled, waving a hand at him. The faint smell of sunscreen drifted towards him and Itadori stepped aside to let you in.

“Hi.” He replied dumbly, closing the door after you. He suddenly felt self conscious of the decor of his home; it wasn’t modern in any sense, all of the furniture belonging to his grandpa before he passed.

“I remember this!” Stopping in the hallway, you pointed at a painting of a field of tulips.

“You do?” Itadori had passed by the artwork many times and didn’t think it had any special meaning.

“Yeah! Our grandpas painted together when I was young, I remember finger painting some of the tulips on here.” The tips of your fingers brushed the canvas as the memory came back to you of sitting on Daichi’s lap and insisting on helping.

“That’s really cute.” Itadori cooed, wishing he could have been there as well. Shuffling towards the backdoor, Itadori beckoned you to follow. “I have something to show you.”

Following him diligently, your jaw dropped at the garden before you. There were rows of large spring crops ready to be harvested, several flower bushes being visited by bees, and a few garden beds filled with rich dark soil and seedlings taking root. You couldn’t help but stop and smell some of the flowers as you walked through the garden, smiling at the ladybugs and caterpillars that called the leaves home.

“This is amazing.” Coming upon a large archway in the path, it was fully enclosed in climbing roses, some beginning to flower and show delicate pink blossoms.

“These are cecile brunner roses.” Coming up to one, Itadori plucked a flower and held out the stem for you, which you happily took. “At first I didn’t think it would ever grow, but luckily it took to the soil.” There were countless days spent doing research on the best soil, watering techniques and fertilizer to get the roses to not only grow and climb around the archway but to also survive the winter.

“Grandpa wasn’t kidding when he said you’re a great gardener.” Coming to the edge of the garden, you saw an empty little plot of dirt waiting patiently to be used. “How cute.” Crouching down, you giggled at the sign made with popsicle sticks and cardboard that read ‘(Y/N)’s garden’.

“Made it this morning.” Rubbing the back of his neck bashfully, Itadori motioned to the greenhouse off to the side of the garden. “I have a bunch of seeds in the greenhouse ready for you to choose from. A bunch of flowers and stuff.” Was it wrong to assume you would like to grow flowers? He didn’t want to stereotype you or make you feel bad-

“I’d love to grow some flowers!” Cutting off his inner monologue, you started toward the little structure. “I can give them to my grandma!” Itadori watched you walk away for a few paces before following you, his long stride catching up with you in no time.

Inside the greenhouse, with its frosted windows and higher humidity, it felt like the two of you were in a completely separate world. Itadori had set up the building shortly after moving in, assembling and filling it with gardening supplies and saplings in record time. He’d laid out all the summer seeds he had for you on his work table, unsure of what you’d like.

“I definitely want to grow these.” Holding up a packet of sunflower seeds, you handed them to Itadori, who settled close to your side. “Definitely a watermelon too!” As you picked seeds, Itadori followed along, making a mental checklist of what soil and fertilizer would be needed.

“Hey (Y/N)...” Walking back to your little plot, Itadori wasn’t sure how to pose the question he had.

“What’s up?”

“Do you mind if I set up the camera and film this for a video?” It felt so awkward asking you this - no one was ever in his videos so he never had to worry about asking permission. “It’s not for anything weird, I promise! I just think it’d be nice to make a series for new gardeners. Y’know, give tips and stuff?”

“That’d be perfectly fine!” Your immediate response instantly eased Itadori’s nerves. “Have to capitalize on every chance to make content.”

“I’ll be right back!” He didn’t want to keep you waiting, breaking out into a sprint to grab his camera gear. Setting up his trusty dirt covered tripod, he made sure the scene wasn’t too washed out from the glaring sun before hitting record and running back in front of the camera.

“Hi, welcome back to my garden!” Itadori started the video; he didn’t do proper intro’s or fancy editing for his videos, he preferred to keep it simple. “This is-” Stopping himself short, he turned to you. “Wait, sorry I didn’t even ask if you wanted to be in the video.”

“I don’t mind! I’m already here anyway.” Giggling a little, you waved to the camera. “Hi, I’m (Y/N), someone that can’t garden to save her life.”

“Yeah, this is (Y/N).” Laughing at your introduction, Itadori loosened up as he spoke. Talking about the promise he had made and the seeds you chose to plant, he went through the packets with the camera and zoomed in on the empty soil.

“I’m going to list on screen the fertilizers I recommend for this kind of soil; it’s all kinds you can buy for cheap!”

“You’re really easy going in front of the camera.” You said after he turned it off. You’d interjected with funny quips here and there as you and Itadori planted, but for the most part you were quiet, letting him do his thing and rattle off a million and one gardening tips.

“You think so? That’s good to hear!” Your compliment meant a lot to him; he never had an audience before, and his friends never commented on it when they watched his videos. A light blush adorned his cheeks as he shot some b-roll footage, chuckling as you waved at the camera after being caught in a sweeping view.

“Do you edit all your videos yourself?” You asked, walking slowly side by side back to the house.

“I do.” It wasn’t the best by any means, but Itadori was proud of the skills he’d managed to scrape together during his time producing content. He thought about hiring an editor, or at least someone else to just look at his work, but he didn’t like the feeling that it gave him; like he was giving up on a part of his channel, delegating it to someone else when he should be taking responsibility and doing it himself.

“If you want, I can…possibly help? I do some video editing for my agency.” The words were hesitant to come out of your mouth and you didn’t look at Itadori as you said them. You knew it was risky, and you were prepared to hear a rejection come from him.

“I…” His previous sentiment flashed before him. “Sure, you can give it a try.” Saying it with a slight smile, on the inside Itadori was freaking out. He had no idea he would say that, shocking himself to the core. But looking at your tentative smile, the ease in your shoulders as you walked into his home, he found he didn’t regret it.

Sitting you at the dining table, Itadori brought out lunch. He had made a large salad with the vegetables he’d grown, putting in fish that he had bought at the market. He was proud to boast that he made the dressing himself as well as the lemonade in your cup.

“You’re amazing, Itadori.” The awe in your eyes bolstered Itadori, making his chest puff out with pride. He could see the stars in your eyes and wished he could take a picture to capture the moment forever. Choosing not to answer, he stuffed his mouth instead, watching with interest as you took your first bite. “Itadori, it’s amazing you’re not married already.”

“W-what?!”

“Especially living in this town.” Your statement made him blush fiercely, his entire body engulfing into a red flush. It was true some of the townsfolk had wondered about possibly setting him up, but Itadori felt too awkward to accept any dates.

“S-so, what kind of videos have you edited?” Desperate to change the subject before he embarrassed himself, Itadori glanced at his camera sitting on the table.

“Mainly short videos for bands, like if they film behind the scenes content or make a vlog.” Pulling out your phone, you brought up a recent video you edited. “We flew overseas for a brand campaign with an artist recently!” Leaning forward, Itadori watched the man on screen talk about his first time being in the city and working with the brand in question. The video was smooth, interjected with funny pictures or short meme videos, stickers and glowing pencil drawings adorning the man whenever he did something cute.

“He’s…” Itadori struggled to find a word to describe him. With a serious, almost sullen face and jet black hair, Itadori saw why he would be the face of a brand.

“Megumi’s a bit of a grouch.” You chuckled, pausing at one part of the video where he was eating ice cream. “He insisted on getting ice cream just because I said I wanted some, and ended up getting it all over his clothes!” And sure enough when you hit play, Megumi stumbled on a bump in the sidewalk and his cone went right into the middle of his shirt; a GTA death screen fading overtop him as he realized what happened.

“What kind of music does he make?” Itadori was impressed with your editing skills, but there was something weighing on his mind.

“Here, let me show you!” Eager to promote him, you pulled up Megumi’s most recent music video. Itadori nearly groaned at hearing the smooth tenor voice coming out, wanting to smack a hand over his face. There was no way he could compete with a guy like this.

“He sounds great.” Itadori wasn’t listening to the words at all - he was too busy picturing Megumi buying you ice cream, probably taking you to dinner once filming was over and getting you some fancy bottle of wine Itadori had no idea how to pronounce. “Is he your boyfriend too?” As he asked, his head slumped forward and pressed against the table. He couldn’t bear to hear a yes come from you.

“W-what?” Now it was your turn to be embarrassed. “N-no! He’s my- he’s the agency's client!” You didn’t even allow yourself to entertain that idea, not wanting to get caught up in silly daydreams and possibly losing your job for falling for someone.

“Good.” Whispering to himself, Itadori sat up and ran a hand through his hair. “Finish eating, I’m going to grab my laptop and upload the footage.” Quickly leaving the table, as soon as Itadori was out of earshot he leaned against the wall and let out a sharp exhale. Thank god.

Returning quickly, Itadori took a seat next to you instead of across, opening up his laptop and importing the footage as fast as he could. Just sitting next to you like this made him nervous, sliding over the laptop and trying not to breathe too loudly as your knees brushed together.

“Itadori, your computer’s a dinosaur.” Giggling at the piece of tech before you and nudging his shoulder, you took a glance over the screen.

“Shut up.” He nudged you back and laughed as well. His friends also teased him about it, but Itadori figured that as long as it still turned on, it was good enough for him. He wanted to spend his time in the garden, not worrying behind a screen.

“Itadori, do you think-” just as you were speaking, your phone interrupted with a blaring ringtone. “Shit sorry.” Scrambling to grab it, Itadori saw the name flash on screen: Megumi.

“Hello?” It was a video call, something you were ill-prepared for. Fixing your hair and clothes, you were met with the desperate face of Megumi’s agent.

“(Y/N)! (Y/N)!” The man was close to tears, or at least that’s what it looked like to Itadori. “I need your help!”

“What is it, Jin?” Glancing at Itadori, you mouthed the word sorry and sent him a brief pout.

“I know you said you were on vacation for a while and that you would respond to emails once a week and to not bother you too much, but-”

“Gimme the phone.” Yanking it from his grasp, Megumi positioned himself into view with a scowl. “Where are you?”

Itadori’s mouth flashed a quick frown. Why was this man talking to you like this?

“You know where I am.” You replied in kind, playfully scowling back at Megumi. It was quiet for a moment, just the two of you staring at each other, before it was Megumi that broke the silence.

“Whatever. What’s my schedule for the week?”

“Ask your agent!” Rolling your eyes dramatically, you slumped in your chair. “He’s literally right next to you!”

“I don’t want to hear it from him.” Megumi copied your eye roll, earning a begrudging laugh from you. “Wait. Who’s that?”

“Who’s who?” You immediately jerked away from Itadori upon noticing his face was starting to peek into view.

“Are you with another guy?”

“Megumi, you can’t ask that!” Jin cried, tugging on his arm.

“It’s no one!” Another giggle came out from you, coated in nervousness. You didn’t expect Megumi to care who you were with.

“(Y/N), who-”

“He’s my boyfriend, bye!” Blurting out the line, you hung up the phone and slammed it on the table. Your entire body burned from humiliation and your phone was now getting a flurry of text messages.

“He…has your personal number?” Itadori asked slowly.

“Yeah.” Lifting up your phone, you groaned at all the messages from Megumi and now his agent as well. “Boss thought it’d be best for him to have it when we started working together. Ya know, ‘just in case’.” You’d never been more desperate for a proper work life balance than now. Sitting up, you took a look at the messages.

Megumi: (Y/N)! Call me

Megumi: answer the phone!!

Megumi: do you really have a boyfriend?!

Jin: (Y/N) I’M SO SORRY

Jin: just email me the schedule for this week

Jin: I promise to keep Megumi out of the way while you’re gone

Jin: JUST PLEASE DO THIS FOR ME

“Wow, they’re desperate.” Itadori didn’t mean to read your messages but it was difficult not to when you made no effort to hide them.

“Jin is always like this, I swear he was born a nervous wreck.” Pushing yourself away from the table, you wanted to curse at the moment that was lost between you and Itadori. It was normal for Jin to act this way, but Megumi was usually so nonchalant that you had trouble reading him at times.

“Let me get back home and put out the fire.” You had a dramatic slump to your shoulders that made Itadori laugh. “Do you mind sending me the files? I really want to edit the video.”

“No problem!” Giving you a thumbs up, Itadori led you to the door.

“Oh, and sorry about calling you my boyfriend.” You stuttered to a stop right as the door opened, taking a tiny step across the threshold and looking over your shoulder. “I hope it didn’t make you uncomfortable.”

“No, no worries.” Itadori waved it off. “I…I didn’t mind it all, actually.” Taking a quick glance at you, Itadori rubbed the back of his neck. Both of you stood still, worrying your lips and unsure of what to say next. “There’s a market in the next town over a few days from now, d’ya want to come with me?”

“I’d love that.” Your flushed smile and shy giggle made Itadori laugh himself.

“Great. I’ll text you the details.”

“Great.” The both of you gave each other once overs before finally separating and Itadori watched you walk away until he could no longer see you.

In the coming days, you had been unexpectedly swamped with work; apparently, you were the only one able to work with Megumi’s attitude and coax him into actually listening to Jin. You came over to Itadoris briefly, just to check on the plants and give him some bread your grandma made.

The day of the market, Itadori drove to you in his mini truck, the back filled with wooden crates of produce he intended to trade for some meat. Climbing in, the two of you set off down the road with a picnic basket in your lap; you and your grandma had woken up early just to make lunch for today.

“I’m so excited!” Bouncing in your seat, your eyes darted at every passing thing. You used to go to the neighboring towns a lot when you were younger but as you’d grown older you got too busy to do more than visit your grandparents.

Itadori smiled big at your enthusiasm and hoped the market would live up to all your expectations. You chattered about how it used to be when you came, before you got swept up in university and getting a job in the city. Listening happily, Itadori flicked the radio on.

“Oh my gosh, this is Megumi’s song!” Snapping to attention, you immediately turned the volume up, clapping giddily as his voice filled the car. “This is amazing! I have to let him know!” Quickly shooting off a message to him, you turned to Itadori. “What do you think of his song?”

“His song?” Resting his head in his hand, Itadori listened intently for a few moments. Megumi wasn’t a bad singer by any stretch, yet Itadori struggled to find something to say that wasn’t negative. “It’s good.”

“Just good?” You teased, leaning forward as the car slowed down at a red light. Itadori glanced at you from the corner of his eye, his cheeks getting a bit warm.

“If I say it’s amazing will you stop looking at me like that?”

“Ha!” Falling back into your seat, you laughed and sent off another message to Megumi. “I’ll let him know you love it.”

“Y-you’re telling him right now?”

“Of course! He worked really hard on this song!” He had spent many sleepless nights in the recording booth, only coming out to use the bathroom and to give you and Jin loathsome stares.

You came to the town in twenty minutes, nearly swaying Itadori to stop at a random field so you could take pictures of some grazing cows. Parking right at the edge of the market, Itadori first had to deliver his produce. He insisted on you staying in the car, not wanting you to lift anything heavy and hurt yourself.

“Alright, all done.” A few minutes later and you two began your walk down the market, shoulder to shoulder and looking curiously at every table.

“Smell this!” Picking up a bar of soap, you held it out and watched Itadori take a sniff.

“Oh, a sample!” A kind elderly man gave you and Itadori a slice of cheese.

By the time you were halfway down the market, Itadori was carrying a bag of things you stated you absolutely needed. You’d even bought him a few things, like a candle and homemade cookies.

“I love it here.” Sipping on an iced drink, you and Itadori wandered over to the nearby park, setting up your picnic and laying out on the grass. “I can’t wait for the summer festival, it’ll be even more fun!” You’d gone to the festival nearly every year, only missing out on recent years due to work.

“Yeah, it’ll be great.” Itadori was already forming a mental plan on how to ask you out at the festival, possibly right before the fireworks went off.

The two of you spread out on the blanket you’d laid down, people watching as you ate. The sun was warm against your skin, there was the light background noise of people in the distance, and once your stomach was full you decided to lay down.

“That cloud looks like a rabbit.” You pointed up at the sky. Itadori had laid down with you, not even trying to hide his yawn.

“Mmm, I don’t see it.”

“Your eyes aren’t even open.” Poking him, you got him to open one eye.

“Okay, maybe I see it.” Both of you laughed quietly, and while you tried to pick out more shapes from the clouds, Itadori fell asleep - with you unwittingly following suit soon after. It wasn’t a deep sleep by any means, you could still faintly hear people around you, but it felt good to relax for a bit.

A heavy weight across your midsection roused you in your slumber, drawing you closer to the body laying next to you. Looking out the corner of your eye, you saw Itadori still fast asleep, his head pushed against yours as his arm tightened around you.

“He’s so cute.” You whispered softly, fumbling to grab your phone and snap a couple pictures of him and the two of you together. You had to bite back the childish squeal that bubbled in your chest; the two of you looked cute together and if you were bolder you would show them to Itadori when he awoke.

Letting him sleep, you carefully sat up and began to put things away and back into the basket. At least half an hour had passed since you both laid down and there was no shortage of people still at the market.

Looking down at Itadori, you were unable to resist any longer and you ran a hand through his hair. It wasn’t exceptionally soft or silky, if anything it was a bit rough and in need of conditioner, no doubt from him being outside all the time but you liked the feeling between your fingers and you repeated the motion.

“Feels nice…” Itadori mumbled sleepily, pushing himself into your leg and groaning in appreciation at your fingers in his hair.

“Have a nice nap?” You chuckled, ruffling his hair a bit to stir him awake.

“How- how long was I asleep?” Interrupted by a yawn, Itadori forced himself to open his eyes and look into the sky.

“I’m not sure, I was asleep too.” Grinning at each other, Itadori yawned again and sat up on his elbow.

“We should head out soon, I need to load up the truck and get the meat home.” He made no move to get up any further, instead rubbing a hand over his face and shaking his head. Itadori looked at something in the distance, his mind trying to catch up with what was happening in the world.

“C’mon.” Helping him come to a stand, you folded up the blanket and tugged on his sleeve. “Let’s go.”

“Okay.” Comically dragging his feet, Itadori let you drag him back to the market. As you got back into the crowd of people, he slipped your hand from his sleeve and laced your fingers together. “Let’s stay close.”

The words came out smoothly and from your vantage point he looked perfectly calm moving through the crowd, but on the inside Itadori was freaking out. It was taking everything in him not to shake from holding your hand and if he dared look over his shoulder at you, he knew an embarrassing noise would escape him.

“Pretty flowers.” You said casually, looking at a table full of floral bouquets. Itadori took one glance at the table and turned, walking straight toward it.

“Which one do you want?” He asked, fishing out money from his wallet.

“Oh no, it’s okay, you don’t have to-”

“How about this one?” Itadori picked up a large bouquet of baby's-breath and tulips, a lovely pink shade that nearly matched his hair.

“These are gorgeous.” Taking the flowers from him, you took a whiff as Itadori paid for them.

“Such a loving boyfriend you have.” The shopkeeper cooed, handing Itadori his change.

“Thank you.” A blush overtook your cheeks and a smile spread across your face; you didn’t have the heart to correct them nor did you want to in the first place. Walking back to Itadori’s truck hand in hand, you sat in the car as he loaded a few coolers of meat into the back.

Hugging the bouquet to your chest, the two of you drove in relative quiet, listening to the soft noise of the radio as the day winded down.

“I had a great time today.” You spoke up as Itadori made it to the front of your home.

“I did too.” Putting the truck in park, he quickly hopped out and ran to your side to open your door. Taking hold of the hand he offered, you moved slowly, not wanting the time together to end. Standing in the doorway, Itadori stared straight at you, inching closer every few seconds.

“Welcome back you two!” Your grandpa’s voice shocked both of you, forcing Itadori to take a large step back from you.

“H-hey grandpa!” You waved, hoping he didn’t see you and Itadori just staring at each other. Closing the car door, you tipped your head at Itadori. “I’ll see you soon? I should be done editing your video by tomorrow.”

“Soon.” With a nod and a wave to your grandpa, Itadori got back into his truck and drove off, this time allowing his hands to shake as violently as they wanted to. When night fell and both of you were in bed, Itadori could hardly sleep, reliving the day over and over in his head. As he tossed for the hundredth time, his phone lit up with a text.

(Y/N): I got a vase for the flowers!

Attached to your text was a picture of the vase sitting on your bedside table. Another picture came in shortly after, of you holding the bouquet in your backyard, bathed in the golden glow of the setting sun.

(Y/N): grandma really wanted to take this picture, she said she’s going to print it out and frame it

Itadori immediately saved it to his phone, having to stop himself from making it his wallpaper.

Itadori: you look beautiful

Gripping his phone tightly, Itadori stared at the screen. He didn’t care if his statement was too bold, he needed to let you know.

(Y/N): thanks

The word was sent between a flurry of heart emojis and Itadori just knew you were blushing like he was. Neither of you said anything further, opting instead to grip your pillows and try to force sleep to come.

As the days and weeks went on, you and Itadori spent more time together. He loved how you edited his video, asking if you’d like to do a few more for him and possibly show him how to do it as well for when you left. You filmed several more videos together, capturing the growth of your seedlings into blossoming buds with fledgling leaves. You also went over the video comments together, thinking of how best to reply to them.

Neither of you said anything about the comments shipping you, saying how cute you looked together and wondering when you would start dating if you weren’t already. A few people had asked if you also made videos or were on other social media platforms, but you declined to answer those, not wanting it to possibly affect your work negatively.

“(Y/N), call up Yuji and tell him to come over, I want to have a barbecue.” Your grandpa announced just after 4pm. He and your grandma had been going back and forth about what to do for dinner and he finally decided.

“Why do I have to do it?” You questioned, grabbing your phone nonetheless.

“Oh, and tell him to bring some beers-”

“Don’t you dare, you know the doctor told you not to drink on that new medication!”

“Dear, he said one or two was fine!” And back to bickering they were. Laughing under your breath, you slipped out into the back, looking at the wide open grassland before you as you waited for Itadori to text back.

“(Y/N)!” You didn’t have to wait long, Itadori called your name as he rounded the corner.

“That was quick!” Standing to greet him, you gave him a curious look. You’d only sent the message ten minutes ago and he was already here with a platter of vegetables and meat.

“I got excited, I haven’t had a barbecue in so long!” In dirt stained overalls and no shoes, you could see he had been working in the garden.

“Well I’ll let grandpa know you’re here.”

“Yuji!” As if on cue, the man came out of the house. “Such a good kid.” Taking the platter from him, your grandfather turned over his shoulder. “Dear, is the barbecue still in the shed?”

“I’ll get it.” Itadori immediately walked over to the building in question, pulling out the barbecue and a bag of charcoal. “Where d’ya want it, gramps?”

“Over here.” As the two of them got to work setting up the grill, you went back inside to grab drinks. In no time, all of you were outside, listening to music from an old stereo and waiting for the grill to heat up.

“So (Y/N), how’s that boy in the city?” Taking a sip of water, Daichi stared at the grill. “He done calling you all the time?”

“Megumi’s just stressed, this is the first time I’ve gone on a vacation like this since we met.” Itadori frowned at the topic of conversation; he couldn’t help but see Megumi as competition in winning you over.

“Oh Yuji, you’re so cute!” Cooing at the young man, your grandma glanced at you. “I think someone is jealous.” Giggling behind her hand, the elderly woman patted you on the shoulder as you slapped a hand over your face.

“Jeez Yachi, you could try to be more subtle!” Leaning back dramatically, Daichi groaned.

“I can’t help it!” She continued to tease, reveling in yours and Itadori’s embarrassed faces.

“I’m going to get more water before I die of humiliation.” Jumping up, you all but ran into the kitchen to escape. Going straight into the bathroom, you splashed cold water on your face to quell your scalding cheeks.

Once your body had cooled down, you exited the bathroom, surprised to see Itadori standing at the kitchen counter chopping vegetables. You could see the muscles in his arms flexing as he chopped, his already short sleeves rolled up to expose his shoulders.

“Did grandma put you to work?” Making your presence known, you tore your eyes away from his arms and over to the window where the two of them were standing over the grill.

“Yeah.” Itadori chuckled, focused on chopping. Leaning against the counter, you looked over to him, wanting to say something about your grandma’s comment. “I am jealous.” He spoke before you could, not tearing his eyes away from his task.

“Really?”

“Yeah.” Glancing at you, he licked his lips nervously before continuing. “Jealous that he’s known you longer, he’s gone on a vacation with you and probably a bunch of other things I don’t even want to think about.” Setting the knife down, Itadori placed his hand over yours. “But I’ll beat him, I’ll make sure of it.”

“Beat him in what?” Your breath was hardly coming out and your heart was beating so loudly in your ears you were surprised any sound was able to be heard.

“In the race for you.” A shaky exhale left Itadori, his eyes making contact with yours briefly before dropping to your lips. “I’m going to win your heart before Megumi knows what hit him.” Giving your hand a brief squeeze, Itadori stepped away and grabbed the cutting board he’d been working on. “Alright, all done!” He yelled as he walked outside, leaving you alone to think about what just happened.

You wanted to deny it, push away the idea that Megumi might like you in that way, but there was no getting around it. You’d seen the signs yourself no matter how hard you pushed them away and if these past weeks were any indication, he was desperate not to lose you to Itadori.

The rest of the evening went by in a blur, your interaction with Itadori playing over and over in your head. A few other neighbors had joined the fray, helping to disperse the conversations and take attention away from you. You didn’t shy away from Itadori, sitting next to him when it came time to eat and walking him out when it got too dark to stay out any longer.

“Thanks for coming.” You two were now standing on the sidewalk, neither of you making a move to leave the other.

“I had a good time.” Rocking on his feet, Itadori reached out and hooked his fingers on yours. “I’ll see you soon?” He gave you a hopeful look from under his lashes, one that turned to happiness at your nod.

“Yeah, I need to check on my plants!”

“Plants, of course.” Chuckling, Itadori raised your hand to his lips, giving your knuckles a kiss and a squeeze before letting go. “See you.”

“Bye.” Biting your lip to hold back a childish giggle, you waited for Itadori to get a bit farther away before making yourself turn to go back inside. Itadori’s confession followed you to sleep, making butterflies erupt in your stomach everytime you thought about his lips on your hand.

With the summer festival coming up sooner than either of you had anticipated, the time you and Itadori spent together wasn’t as much as either of you had hoped. Being a strapping young man, he was put to work grabbing supplies and setting up booths. What time you did spend together was always short, just a quick exchange before Itadori was called to do other things or he was simply too exhausted to stay awake any longer.

But it was all worth it in the end, when you woke up and saw that the festival was beginning to start. People from other towns had come and set up, making the festival stretch widely across the town center.

“Itadori!” Painfully excited and jumping for joy, you knocked loudly on his front door. You knew he wasn’t at the festival already because you had made a promise to go together.

There were a few thumps from the other side of the door and a hushed ‘ow!’ before the door was yanked open.

“W-what time is it?” Itadori yawned, shielding his face from the sun. You couldn’t formulate an answer though, too busy ogling his shirtless physique. It was like seeing him for the first time all over again, your eyes drinking in every detail of his muscles.

“Eleven?” Your voice was terribly quiet and Itadori didn’t even hear it, opting to turn around and look at the clock on the wall.

“Damn, pretty late. Come in.” Dragging his feet through the hall, Itadori came to a halt at a coffee machine in the kitchen. “Want one?”

“I’m good.” Leaning against the dining table, you now stared at the muscles in his back, idly wondering what it’d be like to touch them.

“I see you staring.” Itadori teased, looking at you from the corner of his eye as he poured a cup of coffee.

“Shut up.” Whipping your head away, a blush cropped up on the back of your neck.

“I’ll get dressed and then we can go.” Quickly downing the drink, he did a light jog out of the kitchen. Five minutes later and Itadori reappeared, a light tank top adorning him. Escorting you out of the house, Itadori held up his camera.

“You’re filming a vlog?” You asked excitedly. He had never really filmed a video like this before and you were excited to see him broadening his content.

“Yes, I’m filming a vlog.” He was already holding up the camera, arm extended to capture both of you in the frame. “It’s the summer festival everyone! And me and (Y/N) are going!”

“It’s going to be great! There’s so much to do there!” You chimed in, pumping your first into the air.

“What should we do first? Maybe get some cotton candy?”

“Yes!” Scurrying ahead, you let Itadori continue to talk to the camera, excitement driving you forward. Briefly looking over your shoulder, you saw him film you running off and waving. Stopping once you reached the edge of the festival, you bounced on your toes waiting for him to meet up with you.

“Someone’s excited.” He teased, casually slinging an arm over your shoulder as you began your walk through the festival. You welcomed the motion, moving closer to him and letting your head rest on his shoulder for a moment.

Walking through the festival, Itadori had a hard time multitasking between vlogging and talking to you. He’d never filmed in such a public place before and it was making him nervous; not all the townsfolk knew he filmed videos.

“Hey Itadori!” A man sitting at a strawberry tanghulu stand waved the two of you down, gesturing to the fruit sitting on the table. “Look, these are with the strawberries you grew!”

“Wow!” Itadori had an impressed look on his face as he filmed it for the camera.

“Here, take some! They’re technically yours after all!” The man eagerly handed you a skewer of the fruit, giving you two a wave as you walked away.

“Don’t keep me waiting, try it.” Itadori nudged you; he wanted to see what you thought of his food. Biting down on the brittle sugar, you hummed and licked your lips.

“Only the best from the Itadori farm!” You exclaimed, waving the skewer at the camera. “I know all of you are jealous!”

“Gimme some.” Opening his mouth, Itadori waited for you to feed him. Taking a bite himself, he gave a thumbs up. “Amazing.”

Walking around the festival, the both of you stopped to talk to the other townspeople, some running stands and others just perusing themselves. There was a lot to see and do, from eating all the festival food you could get your hands on to watching live performances of local musicians.

“I should ask Megumi if he’d be interested in playing a festival, I want to go to more.” You said offhandedly, always eager to help broaden the exposure of your agencies clients.

“I should become a musician so I can have you think about me all the time.” Itadori teased, pinching your cheek.

“I think about you plenty!” Giggling and swatting at his hand, you captured it in yours, holding it tightly against your chest. Itadori laughed as well, untangling your hands to properly thread your fingers together.

“Good, ‘cause I think about you a lot.” Resting his head against yours, Itadori turned his attention to the music playing, turning the camera so it could capture it as well.

As the sun began to set, there was an excited murmur of the fireworks show to come. Itadori had helped put it together, driving cases of fireworks from one town to the other and helping plan out the order of everything on his ancient laptop.

“How cute!” Walking around a bit before it started, you stumbled upon a game stall where the prizes were large plushies. A large pink bunny had caught your eye, its ears much longer than its body.

“You like it?” Handing the camera to you, Itadori fished out a few dollars. “I’ll win it, no problem.”

“Alright, I’m counting on you!” Angling the camera, you made sure the whole stall was in frame before he started. Itadori was painfully focused, he hardly made a sound as he threw darts to pop the balloons a few feet away. Every throw landed, making you more anxious by the minute.

“It’s all yours.” The person manning the stall pulled down the rabbit and handed it to Itadori.

“Here you go.” Walking off, Itadori switched the camera for the rabbit.

“Thank you!” Feeling a rush of adrenaline, you bounced on your toes and swooped in, giving Itadori a kiss on the cheek. Clutching the plush close to your chest, you laughed at his shocked expression and how his eyes got wider upon realizing he caught it on camera.

“N-no problem.” He could hardly speak, surprised that you would even want to kiss him. Fighting the urge to grab you and kiss you back, Itadori tugged at your hand instead, focusing on walking straight and not passing out from how hot his face was.

Finding a spot to watch the fireworks, Itadori hugged you to his chest, resting his camera on his shoulder as the sky lit up. The babble of amazed children was drowned out every few moments by a loud boom and the crowd was bathed in a wonderful swatch of bright colors.

While the fireworks were going off, Itadori did mental gymnastics trying to figure out how he was going to ask you to be his girlfriend. With the festival coming to an end, it also signaled the beginning of the end of summer, meaning you’d be going back to work in the city in no time. He worried so much about it all that the firework show came and went without him noticing.

“I had so much fun!” As the two of you walked out of the town center, your hands had naturally come together and swung back and forth.

“Me too.” Itadori turned the camera off now, it was too dark to really see anything on film. Passing by street lights, he dreaded every step closer to your homes. “(Y/N).” He stopped abruptly. “Let’s go on a walk.”

“Okay.” Sending him a curious look, you followed him down a side street away from home. Walking in silence, you could tell something was eating at Itadori because every few steps he would falter and look at you, only to snap his head away just as quickly. “Is something wrong?” Now it was your turn to stop under a streetlight, tugging him to stop as well.

“No.” Itadori said, refusing to look at you. “Well, yes…” Taking a glance at you made a groan come out of him and he threw his head back in frustration. “Nothing’s wrong, I just…just…” It was silent between you two: you looking at Itadori with worry and him staring at the sky trying to muster the courage to do something.

“Did I do anything wrong?”

“No!” Your question immediately brought Itadori back to earth, his wide stare throwing you off. “No, nothing!”

“Then what’s up? You’ve been acting weird since we left.”

“I-” Getting fed up with himself, Itadori let out a short and annoyed shout. “I just don’t want this night to end with me doing nothing!”

“Nothing?”

“Yes! I want to- I want to kiss you! I want to ask you out, I want you to be my girlfriend! But how can I ask any of that when I keep chickening out?” He hadn’t meant to shout, but Itadori was getting angry at himself. Squeezing your hand tighter, he leaned forward and rested his forehead on your shoulder. “I don’t want you going back to the city without at least knowing how much I like you.”

Itadori refused to lift his head after his final words, not wanting to see your expression lest it be something he didn’t want to see. Sure, he had stated that he intended to win your heart but this was different, he was actually coming out and saying how much he wanted to be with you.

“Itadori.” Nudging his head up, you got him to look at you, his cheeks a horribly deep shade of pink. Looking at you made it worse, but he leaned into the hand you placed on his cheek. “I thought you’d never ask.” Your words made a tremendous weight lift off his shoulders and Itadori nearly collapsed.

“Thank god.” He sighed happily, cupping your cheeks as well and laughing like a fool. “I don’t think I could stand to be rejected.” Pushing his forehead against yours, he closed his eyes and sighed again. “Can I kiss you?”

“Yes.” The word barely left you before he was already putting his lips on yours. Itadori was smiling in the kiss, pushing his teeth into yours without meaning to. He kissed you a few times, managing to close his mouth properly a few times before finally parting.

“Alright, let’s get you home. I don’t want gramps to get the wrong idea about me.” Kissing you again, Itadori put his arm around your shoulder and began walking. The trip back was too short for either of your liking and you made it to your front door all too soon.

“I’ll see you tomorrow?” You asked hopefully.

“Of course.” Itadori punctuated his statement with a kiss. Sharing a long hug, you eventually separated and went inside. Taking a glance into the lounge room, you balked at seeing both your grandparents scrambling to fix the curtains. “Were you spying on us?”

“I- well- it was your grandma's idea.”

“No it wasn’t! You know grandpa is nosy!”

You couldn’t find it in you to be embarrassed at being caught by your grandparents. You just laughed it off and offered to give them the details which they happily listened to, giving you love advice every now and again.

With the end of the festival truly came the end of your summer holiday. Itadori and you harvested your crops, proudly showing the camera the bundle of flowers and produce you were able to grow. He edited the vlog of the festival himself as well, keeping in all the cheesy and romantic moments you two shared and titling it ‘finally getting a girlfriend’. There were hundreds of fan edits by the end of the week and Itadori clipped several moments to relive on his TikTok.

Once the day came to leave, you said goodbye to your grandparents, promising to come back soon. Itadori drove you to the train station, his hand laced with yours as he drove. He was pensive, not saying much as he drove; he had to constantly stop himself from turning the car around and driving you right back to town.

“You won’t forget about me right?” He asked as he helped grab your bags.

“How could I?” You knew for a fact that he and your grandparents would be blowing up your phone constantly asking for you to visit.

“Megumi better not give you any trouble.” Itadori would be ready to drive to the city at the drop of a hat just to put the melancholy man in his place. You laughed at that statement, rolling your eyes and taking your suitcase from him.

“Please, Megumi’s harmless.” Fixing your bags and checking the time, you missed Itadori’s brief look of discontent. You said that, but Itadori had a feeling Megumi wouldn’t back off just because you suddenly had a new boyfriend.

“Text me when you get on the train.” Placing his hands on your shoulders, Itadori squared your body to him.

“I will.”

“Promise?”

“Promise!” Throwing your arms around him, you squeezed him tightly and pecked him on the lips. “I’ll even send a picture of my seat.” Kissing him one last time, you pulled apart and took a step back. “Bye!” You went to walk away but Itadori grabbed onto your hand, preventing you from going any further.

“I’m going to miss you!” He whined, letting you tug back and forth.

“You big baby!” You would miss him too and you nearly let him pull you back, but you stayed strong and eventually broke free from his hold. “Go pick out the fall crops already!”

“Fine!” Itadori made no move to leave, instead watching you walk away and into the station. He waited until you texted him that you were on the train and even then still waited until he heard the whistle blow and saw the train begin its departure.

(Y/N): miss you already

(Y/N): I’ll be back before you know it

(Itadori): I’ll be waiting

#jujustu kaisen #jujutsu kaisen scenarios #jujutsu kaisen au #jujutsu kaisen imagines #jujutsu kaisen fluff #itadori yuji #itadori x reader #yuji itadori x reader

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andiwriteordie · 2 years ago

Note

hi :) coming at you with a v-day prompt that you can totally take or leave!

thinking about hawkins high student council organizing a compatibility quiz to find your perfect valentine (a la S3E3 of Never Have I Ever) and byler gets each other as 100% perfect matches in the midst of their will-they-won't-they era. Cue them blushing and hiding their results from the rest of the party at first, but then ultimately deciding to confess to each other, etc... will leave the rest up to you :)

okay so i have actually never watched never have i ever, and... i could've gone and watched that episode... but i didn't... so hahaha here's my spin on this!

honestly this one was so fun, and it brought my back to my days of being on student council 🥲 i got a little carried away with this one (lol it is a whopping 3.9k words) so thank you for such a fun prompt!!!

—

5: made for lovin' you

Looking back on it, Will should have known this was all El’s idea.

It makes perfect sense that this would be El’s idea, after all. The idea is just so damn ridiculous, and El has been obsessed with Never Have I Ever for the year or so now. So, it just makes sense that this idea would have come from Will’s younger sister.

What doesn’t make sense is how in God’s name El managed to convince the rest of student council—including Mike, the literal senior class president—to create a Valentine's Day compatibility test as part of their annual fundraiser.

And what makes even less sense is how Will was convinced by his best friends and his sister to spend ten dollars of his hard-earned money to purchase the stupid test and figure out who the hell he’s compatible with at Hawkins High.

(Ten dollars is basically like an hour of work, mind you. That’s one whole hour of listening to Robin and Steve argue with each other over whether they enjoyed working at the now permanently closed Family Video better than they do the little bookstore the three of them all work at now.)

“Results are going out today!” El says in a sing-song voice as she takes a seat at the lunch table. There’s a bright smile on her face, and she seems in a much better mood than she did when the two of them were running late for school this morning. Unlike a few hours ago, her hair is now neatly braided in two little braids—courtesy of Max, no doubt. “Are you all ready to see who you are compatible with?”

From the other side of the table, Max snorts, poking at the sad-looking meal the lunch ladies had served them today. “Sure,” she says with a shrug. “As long as the results don’t tell me I’m compatible with anyone I hate, I think it’ll be fun to see them.”

“That doesn’t leave a lot of people, you know,” Dustin points out. “You hate most people at Hawkins High.”

“Damn right, I do.” Max smirks. “But that’s just because most people here suck.”

“Remind me again how you ended up being vice president of student council?” Will asks curiously, raising an eyebrow at his friend. “Was it an intimidation thing, or…”

Max merely flips him off, and as the others laugh, Will can’t help but grin. “It’s because nobody cares about student council,” Lucas teases, and he dodges the food Max throws at him. “Sorry.”

“You definitely aren’t,” Mike says, rolling his eyes. “You two have been shitting on student council all year! Come on, it’s not that bad.”

“It’s not that bad,” Will agrees, mostly because it’s Mike, and sure, Will doesn’t care much for student council, but if Mike and the others do, then Will cares too. “It’s just fun to rile you up.”

“And to laugh about your ridiculous events,” Lucas adds. “And fundraisers. I still can’t believe you actually got this compatibility test fundraiser approved.”

“We did have to use some intimidation there,” El says thoughtfully. “But Mike and Max are very convincing. And Dustin’s budget presentation helped too.”

“The numbers never lie,” Dustin says with a smug smile. “And by that, I mean: Principal Altmann saw that we could reasonably make about three grand off this one fundraiser, and she about lost her shit.”

“And then we ended up making even more than that,” Mike adds, just as smug.

If it was anyone else, Will probably would’ve rolled his eyes, because honestly, there’s no need for Mike to be that damn smug about a student council fundraiser, but with Mike, Will just thinks it’s adorable. Mike’s always been someone who gets incredibly passionate about things, and even beyond his romantic feelings for Mike, as his best friend, Will’s always been happy to hear about the things that make Mike happy.

Max rolls her eyes. “Look, I might be vice president and all, but can we please stop talking about student council at lunch?” she says, scrunching her nose. “I already spend half my time thinking about this, so I really don’t want to think about student council more than I have to.”

“Me too,” Dustin chimes in.

They both sound a bit like annoyed coworkers—which Will supposes they are, in a roundabout sort of way. And though both El and Mike seem a bit disappointed at the change of topic, they’re quick to jump back into the conversation when Lucas brings up the latest gossip about Ms. Kinney and Ms. Patton—two teachers the Party is almost certain are dating.

The rest of lunch goes by in what feels like a blink of an eye, and before Will knows it, he’s heading to the fifth period AP Lit class he shares with Mike and Lucas. The three of them settle into their seats, getting out their school-issued laptops, and Will absently scrolls through his email, since that’s just about the only damn thing you can do on these stupid things.

Barely a minute before class starts, a little notification comes up Will’s email, and he scrolls back up to the top, his brow furrowed.

And there—right at the top of his inbox—is an email.

The email.

“THE RESULTS ARE IN! WHO ARE YOU COMPATIBLE WITH?” reads subject line of the email, and Will’s breath catches. His heart does a nervous somersault, which just feels stupid since all of this is just for fun anyways. Knowing his luck, he’s probably going to end up getting paired with someone like Jennifer Hayes or some other girl. The Party will end up laughing at him, and that’ll just be confirmation of ten dollars wasted.

This test doesn’t matter.

But for some Godsaken reason, Will can’t help but feel nervous as he clicks into the email. At the front of the room, his AP Lit teacher begins the lecture by asking everyone about their assigned reading, but Will pays him no attention.

The email takes a moment that feels like an eternity to load.

Then, finally, the email opens up, revealing a little message in bright pink and red font explaining how the compatibility test works and thanking him for supporting the Hawkins High Student Council.

Will doesn’t see or care about any of those words.

No, his entire focus is on four words, bright red and damning, and smack dab in the middle of the email.

MIKE WHEELER.

100% MATCH.

(Well.

…

That was unexpected.)

—

“I just don’t understand why you won’t tell us!”

Will groans, and he fights the urge to walk out of Mike’s basement, get into his car, and drive it into the nearest giant snow pile. It probably won’t do too much damage, but it’ll do enough to save him from the interrogation he’s receiving from the Party right now.

At this current moment, he’s retracing every single step that led him to this moment of sitting on the hot seat and getting nothing but shit from his so-called best friends. A lot of mistakes brought him here—like befriending Max in eighth grade when she’d just moved from California, or stumbling into El in the woods of all places with the Party in seventh grade, or convincing Mike and Lucas to invite Dustin to their DnD campaign in fourth grade, or shyly complimenting Lucas’s X-Men backpack all the way back in first grade.

Lots of stupid mistakes made over the last decade of his life. Will hates himself for being too nice. No good deed goes unpunished and all that shit.

“Because I don’t want to,” Will stresses, for probably the thousandth time in the past hour alone. “Why does it even matter?”

“It doesn’t matter,” Max says with a shrug, and Will raises a brow at his best friend. “Or I mean… it didn’t matter, at least until you started being dodgy about it.”

“So, what?” Will makes a face. “Because I don’t want to tell you what my test results were, suddenly they matter even more to you guys?”

“Yes,” El, Max, Lucas, and Dustin chime in unison, and Will groans again, grabbing the throw pillow from off the couch and covering his face with it.

“I hate all of you,” Will mutters. “All of you except for Mike. I don’t hate you.”

Beside him, Mike chuckles, and he reaches over, patting Will’s shoulder lightly. “I don’t hate you either,” he says, and he sounds like he’s having way too much fun watching their best friends torture Will tonight. “Sorry they’re so obsessed with finding out who your match is.”

“It’s not fair,” Will groans again, lifting the pillow off his face and looking up at Mike. There’s a soft sort of amusement in his eyes, and Will’s heart—the stupid, obnoxious organ that it is—does another somersault.

Ugh. You know what else isn’t fair?

Getting a 100% match with your definitely-not-queer best friend of over ten years, whom you’ve also had a crush on since you were eleven years old.

That’s not fair, and really, Will thinks that someone out there in the universe must be laughing at him.

“It’s not fair,” Mike agrees, patting Will’s shoulder again. “If you don’t want to tell anyone, you don’t have to—”

“Wait a minute!” El exclaims, and she all but throws herself across the floor, half-landing onto Will’s chest, knocking all the air out of his lungs, and sprawling on top of him. Will lets out a little “oomph,” but El pays him no attention.

No, her entire focus is on Mike.

“Mike,” El says slowly, a smile tugging at her lips.

Mike’s brow furrows. “Yeah?”

“You have not told us who your match is,” El declares, and Mike makes a little choking sound as all the Party members turn on him, instead of Will. “Who are you compatible with?”

Mike begins to sputter—half-sentences and nervous explanations and words that don’t even really make sense. Part of Will feels bad for him, because the Party members are as vicious as they are nosy, but the other part of Will is just glad the attention has been taken off him.

“Oh my God, you’re so red right now,” Dustin says gleefully, and he and Lucas burst into laughter at Mike’s expense. “Are they that bad?”

“No!” Mike says defensively—the first coherent sentence he’s said since El’s initial question. Considering the fact that the sentence is literally only one word, Will doesn’t think that’s much of a victory. “I just… I don’t… I don’t want to tell you guys!”

Lucas scoffs. “Why not?” he asks, clearly suspicious. “Everyone else shared their results.”

“Everyone but you and Will,” Max adds. “So, that’s a little weird. What, did you guys get each other or something?”

This time, Will makes a choking noise, and he sits up, lightly pushing his sister off him. “No!” he says, probably too quickly and too suspiciously.

Everyone in the room turns to look at him, and fuck, Will’s really dug himself a hole here. First off, the Party’s number one rule has been Friends don’t lie since before the Party even really existed. And second off, Will’s a pretty shitty liar, unless it comes to games like Mafia and Secret Hitler and other covert games like that.

He’s so fucking screwed.

“That was suspicious,” Dustin remarks.

“Very suspicious,” El agrees, narrowing her eyes at Will. “Will… friends do not lie.”

“Brothers do though,” Lucas points out, and El makes a face at him. “Just saying. The point still stands for the rest of us though.”

Warmth rises to Will’s cheeks, and he winces, feeling a bit like a cornered animal. Somehow, in the span of under five minutes, he’s gone from being the Party’s primary target, to finally being free from the interrogation, to ending up in a worse place than where he started.

Again, Will finds himself questioning every decision that brought him to this place.

“You’re bright red right now,” Max says, grinning mischievously. “Holy shit, you and Mike got each other, didn’t you—”

“Maddy Morris,” Mike blurts out.

Suddenly, every person in the room turns to Mike now, and Will blinks, watching as his friend turns a bright shade of red.

“That’s who I got matched with,” Mike explains, shrugging a bit helplessly. “Maddy from the grade below us. Cute brunette? Helps run the school newspaper? I, um… I was a 77% or something match with her.”

Much to Will’s surprise, he actually seems genuine, which is strange since Mike is also a really shitty liar. And so, for the first time since around 1 PM when that stupid email first came through, it hits Will.

Maybe Mike is a 100% match for Will.

But that doesn’t necessarily mean Will is a 100% match for Mike.

…

Oh, well that’s just fucking great. The universe most definitely hates Will.

“Maddy’s cute,” Max remarks, a curious look on her face. “She’s sweet too. We have trig together in the morning. You think you’re going to ask her out?”

(Oh, Jesus, way to rub salt in the wound.)

“I don’t know.” Mike shrugs again. His cheeks are still bright red, and he won’t quite look any of them in the eye. “Maybe. I don’t really know her though.”

“You could get to know her though,” Dustin suggests helpfully. “Couldn’t hurt, right?”

“Couldn’t hurt,” Mike echoes half-heartedly, and for a brief moment, he glances over at Will. There’s a strange look in his eyes that Will can’t quite put his finger on, but before Will can think too hard about it, Mike glances away again and adds, “Anyways. Are you all done being nosy? I thought we were going to watch a movie tonight, not talk about student council.”

He says “student council” the same way Lucas and Will do, when they like to rile their friends up—a bit mocking but without any real heat. Clearly, it’s Mike’s last desperate attempt to get their friends to change the subject, lest either of them get embarrassed any further.

“Fine,” El says, though there’s still a suspicious look on her face. “We will stop being nosy. If you let me choose the movie tonight.”

As Mike begins to sputter again, a grin forms on El’s face. “That’s the deal, Mike,” she says cheerfully, ignoring Mike’s protests. “Otherwise, I will keep asking you and Will about your real results.”

“You’re evil, you know,” Mike deadpans; then, he looks over at Will. “She’s evil, you know.”

“Trust me, I know,” Will says dryly. “I live with her, remember?”

That comment gets a pillow thrown directly at his face, but it’s worth it.

(In the end, the Party ends up watching one of El’s favorite rom coms, 10 Things I Hate About You, for probably the fiftieth time in all their years of friendship.

And look, if Mike falls asleep on Will’s shoulder and if Will thinks Mike looks adorable with his messy hair and with his favorite blanket wrapped around his shoulders, then that’s only for Will to know.)

—

Like always, Will is the last one to leave the Wheelers’ house.

On most nights, he and El are usually the last ones to leave, since they usually take turns driving each other places, but tonight, El isn’t coming home with him. She and Max have plans to go to Indy tomorrow for their own Galentine’s Day celebration, so she’s spending the night at Max’s house.

Sometime around midnight, all the other Party members begin to leave Mike’s house, and Mike sleepily says goodbye to them, still wrapped up like a little burrito in the old, green knitted blanket from his nana. He’s probably about five minutes away from passing out on the couch in his basement, which is exactly why Will sticks around a little bit longer to clean up the basement before he goes.

“You didn’t have to stay, you know,” Mike yawns, and Will glances up, meeting his best friend’s eyes. “I could’ve… could’ve cleaned this up t’morrow.”

Will’s stupid heart does that stupid somersault thing again, because fuck, Mike looks so adorable and so sleepy and so cuddly right now. It’s honestly not fair, just like it isn’t fair that stupid Mike is Will’s stupid 100% match, but stupid Maddy Morris is Mike’s stupid 77% match.

“It’s fine,” Will says with a shrug. “I figured I’d make your life easier.”

He throws away another empty can of Coke into the trash can and also makes a mental note to remind the Party that they’re not animals, because Jesus, this place is a mess. He has half a mind to mention it to his best friends’ parents, because God knows Mrs. Sinclair and Mrs. Henderson would probably chew Lucas and Dustin’s asses out for being rude guests.

(Not that any of them are really guests in the Wheeler household anymore. But still, it’s just the principle of the matter.)

“You’re the best, you know that?” Mike says softly.

Once again, Will looks up, and much to his surprise, he finds Mike staring at him, a curious yet soft look on his face. “What, because I’m cleaning up after our friends?” Will jokes.

Mike’s lips quirk up into a little smile. “Yeah,” he says and shrugs, “but obviously not just because of that.”

He pauses here and purses his lips, like he’s trying to think of what to say. All the while, Will’s heart does its stuttery, nervous thing, and warmth rises to his cheeks. “You’re just… you’re so…” Mike starts to say, but his voice trails off again.

Everything goes quiet and still in the basement, and Mike stares back at Will with a familiar sort of intensity in his dark eyes. Suddenly, he seems more awake than he did moments ago, and he looks at Will like there’s something he’s dying to say. Something hangs in the air between the two of them—an electricity, a magnetism, or maybe a force that pulls Will closer and closer into Mike’s orbit.

“Will,” Mike whispers, his voice low and raspy.

Will swallows the sudden lump in the back of his throat. “Y-yeah?” he manages to say.

“I… um… I have to tell you something,” Mike says, still just as quiet, and he stands to his feet, walking towards Will.

In just a couple long strides, Mike is right in front of Will, barely a foot away and close enough that Will can feel his warmth, and close enough that the strange feeling in the air—that electricity and that magnetism and that force pulling Will towards him—is the only thing that Will can focus on.

(Mike looks beautiful tonight, but then again, Will thinks he looks beautiful every night.)

Then, Mike does something strange.

He holds out his hand to Will to shake.

Will blinks, staring at his best friend’s hand. “Um…”

“I broke a Party rule,” Mike offers, but he doesn’t give Will any more context than that. “Just trying to make amends.”

Ah, okay, well that makes a little bit more sense. Truthfully, they haven’t really followed this little “drew first blood” rule since seventh or eighth grade, but Will supposes the tradition still stands. And like any good Party member, he should take Mike’s hand and accept his apology.

…

But before he can do that, Will needs to know what the hell Mike’s talking about here.

“What rule did you break?” Will asks, suspiciously eyeing his best friend’s hand before looking up at him again.

Mike’s lips quirk up into a little smile. “I’ll explain,” he promises. “Just… trust me?”

It’s a bold request to make—to ask Will to accept his apology before Will even knows what Mike is apologizing for—but if there’s anyone in the world that Will trusts, it’s Mike Wheeler. And besides, only Mike would go through the trouble of admitting that he’s wrong when Will hasn’t even accused him of anything.

So, without any hesitation, Will takes Mike’s hand.

The touch is like electricity, and Will’s breath catches, ever so slightly. Then, before he can process what’s happening, Mike pulls Will towards himself, so close that the two of them are barely inches apart now, bodies flush against each other.

Will, admittedly, squeaks, because hey, he was caught off guard and was not expecting that, and also because there is absolutely no way this is happening right now, and—

“I lied earlier,” Mike murmurs, his voice low.

Will blinks, daring to look up and meet his best friend’s eyes once more. There’s a playful yet still intense look in Mike’s eyes, and he smiles slightly, like he knows a secret that Will doesn’t.

“You… lied,” Will echoes.

(Honest to God, it’s a miracle he’s even able to get that sentence out.)

Mike nods. “I did,” he says softly, and he doesn’t seem very apologetic. “Sorry.”

He squeezes Will’s hand gently, and warmth rushes to Will’s cheeks. His heart is pounding inside his chest—violent little palpitations that would probably make a doctor concerned for his wellbeing. But somehow, Will manages to find his voice again, and he whispers back, “When? And… why?”

A laugh escapes Mike’s lips, and blush dusts across his cheeks. “Come on, Will,” he says, just as quiet. “You know when.”

That strange look in Mike’s eyes returns, and all Will can do is stare back at his best friend—searching, wondering, and trying to figure out just what he means. The two of them have always been on the same page and always able to read each other, but somehow, in this moment, Will feels completely clueless.

“I don’t,” Will stammers, and Mike tilts his head at him, “I don’t know what you’re talking about, Mike.”

Mike raises a brow, and he shakes his head, offering Will a smile. “Okay, I just want the record to show,” he murmurs, and as he leans in closer, Will’s certain that all rational thoughts leave his mind, “that I am definitely not the oblivious one in this relationship.”

Then, before Will even has the chance to process that, Mike’s lips are on his, and he’s pulling Will even closer to him, wrapping his arms around Will’s waist. His lips are warm against Will’s own, and they taste vaguely of the Valentine’s Day themed cookies Mike’s mom had so graciously made for the Party tonight—sweet like sugar and filling Will with a sense that nothing has ever felt this right.

It’s a bit like the two of them were made for each other, and as Mike’s mouth moves against Will’s and the two of them find their way in this brand new, brave thing that Will’s only dreamed about up until this point, Will has to rethink his thoughts on fate.

(Okay, he still doesn’t actually believe in fate, but this works. He and Mike work.)

Mike’s the first to pull away, and it takes everything within Will not to chase after him—not that he’s gone very far, since Mike is still resting his forehead against Will’s own, his lips still close enough that they brush against Will’s when he speaks.

“You were my match, by the way,” Mike murmurs, his breath warm against Will’s skin. “If you couldn’t tell.”

Will can’t help but smile, and he moves to wrap his arms around Mike’s neck. “I kind of gathered that,” he teases back, just as soft. “You were mine too.”

A pleased smile forms on Mike’s face. “100% match?” he asks softly.

“100% match,” Will confirms, watching as the smile on Mike’s face just grows.

And Mike leans close to him again, capturing Will’s lips in another sweet kiss, Will can’t help but think that maybe… just maybe… the two of them were made for each other.

#byler #byler ficlet #andi writes not dies

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dropthedemiurge · 1 year ago

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Got prompted by @pinkkop but also partially this might end up as the controversial Thai BL post because the range of characters I'd defend with the passion is very wide for me:D

8 BL BOYS I WILL THROW HANDS FOR

Uea (Bed Friend)

This show isn't jokingly called 'A Tale of 1000 Traumas' for no reason, I mean – there is only so much one young adult can go through, and Uea has been through... well, almost everything. Tagging hurt/comfort fics on AO3 will result into red triggers all around. What fascinates me in this character is his resilience, too. He managed to go through everything with the sheer will power and knowing his own worth, what he deserves and what he does not. I am so glad the show made an active choice to send him to therapy and give him a considerate and loving boyfriend! He really needs both.

Sky (Love in the Air)

Again, no surprise that everyone would want to protect Sky. The acting was also chef's kiss in this show, I know I shouldn't be but I absolutely enjoyed seeing Sky getting triggered and sent to the red-lit room in his mind because this was pure cinematography, but irl I would just hug Sky with consent and never let him go. And kick Gun until he never rises up again too. I think Rain should've been given full freedom to avenge for his best friend. But this is also why I'm writing all these skyrain fics – because they are safe space for each other and I want to keep seeing it.

Rain (Love in the Air)

Ehem, like I said– the show has not declared it loudly but he's one of the most ADHD characters in Thai BLs if I ever saw one. He does not deserve to be mocked for his struggles and airheadness. I wish we saw more of him playing into his strengths beside taming a dom, instead of being infantilized by the show sometimes. Don't ask me to dive into full analysis though, I only could watch the PayuRain half of the show once so I'm going off vibes I remember, but I absolutely adore Rain and love reading fics that focus on his ADHD headcanon and how others understand and help him. And also those platonic BDSM tendencies he has with his best friend Sky.

Kawi (Be My Favorite)

For this guy, I would not fight the show or narration because they treated both characters and viewers with care, gentleness, wise teaching and love (Max is a harsh brat but that's his personality). I would actually fight the fandom: from people who hate-watched this show and refused to acknowledge it was amazingly done further than 'i might've liked it but ew screw this actor and novel the show was inspired by amiright don't judge me for liking it jk lol' to some individuals who missed the beautifully developed and portrayed close bond (aspec on at that, I'll stay firm) that spread across >10 years and different timelines and reduced Kawi to immature whiny weirdo who's scared to fuck Pisaeng ten times a day instead of one, idk. This show is a gem with many life-lessons and Kawi has one of the strongest and fascinating character development in Thai BLs that I've seen. Hands are being thrown.

Boston (Only Friends)

The creators of the show said the series didn't have any intentional message, but considering how many long discussions and poured out frustrations we had with some people, Only Friends definitely did Boston wrong. So what if he's a proud slut, should the show punish him for it while praising 'righteous' characters high on their horses? I don't think so. My guy was constantly filmed illegally and threatened by his hookups and friends, he's very hesitant about falling in love but he tried his best with clearly spoken offers, poly views and limits. I also see Boston kinda neurodivergent and/or demiromantic based on many lines he said about himself and his own view of people and relationships in the series. Nick might not be fully compatible with him, and I would throw hands for both of them, but if those two would communicate better, there would be no need for the OOC "twist" at the end. Their story could be beautiful, sad and realistic, instead Boston being kicked down in the street dirt by everyone after opening up about his heart and fears made me angry.

Akk (The Eclipse)

These descriptions just keep getting longer and longer? Oops... I don't think I need to explain the desire to protect Akk – this guy has not stopped crying since a mischievous and passionate newbie managed to break through his 100m thick wall of composure, pokerface and sheer will to survive. And also through all the manipulation Akk faced from the people he looked up to. Akk and everything that he went through managed to rip my heart out, and I'm not kidding. If you're repressed, oppressed and/or struggling with money, desire to make your parents proud and can't help but feel 'disapproved' feelings for someone – meet Akk, he's very relatable. I'd protect him and you too.

Thua (The Eclipse)

*clears throat* I did say this post would get controversial. I can and I will consider 90% of the people who hate Thua as lacking media literacy :D But without getting into useless fandom discussions, Thua is a poor teenager that needs love and support to be able to find himself and his own voice. He's stressed out by a harsh step-father, constantly facing homophobia and mocking in school, has suicidal intentions and the only good friend who opposed homophobic students and teachers, who showed him safe space and helped reach out to his mother, encouraged him to speak out loudly... went behind everyone's back, started dating the main "bully" of the school who threatened every queer for months and decided to support him while silencing students' and Thua's voices. At least that's what Thua experienced from his POV. Would you throw hands? Thua did, and while I may not agree with how he handled the situation, I can't hate him. He finally stood up for himself and his own, tried to change the system, and I'd fight Suppalo school for him too.

Black (Not Me)

There's someone who doesn't need my protection at all! A second before turning into bloody merciless activist-fighter who doesn't shy away from murdering capitalists and cops, I would still want Black not to think he's better off alone. While antagonistic sexually-tense exchange of comas with his ex-best friend can count as one of the most delicious type of romance that happened in subtext not text, he still deserved to seek solace in his ex-girlfriend and (ex? they were so close, why Gram does not care about him at all when he returns? we'll never know) other activist friend's company. Also, fighting with his life to change something in how the country works and hearing 'nah, your twin is better, he knows how to fight with social media so we achieved more with him than with you' from his mentor and Black deciding that he should again ditch everyone he cares about...noo:( I need spin-off about him where he gets everything he really deserves.

#I think I could've picked up 2 more but I can't think of anyone else right now #writing these 8 has already filled me with fire xD #thai series #thai bl #gmmtv #let's say pat and pran are the 2 left and i won't need to explain anything #dropthemeta

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enam3l · 11 months ago

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love, lola chapter 10 preview

hi guys lol i am alive and i am trying to write again so as an apology here's a preview from the next chapter where the cat is finally out the bag!

September 25th 1986, Hawkins

Much like it had been almost a month ago for Eddie’s leaving party, your house is decorated in streamers and bunting. The dining room filled with the people you love except one in particular. Your name and the number ‘21’ swirl in lilac frosting on an overly ambitious cake Grams and Joyce made. Ten years ago, it would’ve been an activity she would’ve done with Eddie’s mom. The pair of them conjuring bizarre baked concoctions for yours and his conceding birthdays.

Your stomach growls looking at the frosted mountain, desperate for everyone to leave so you can subdue the ravenous little alien growing inside you and stuff your face with it. But that can’t happen yet, because all those people you love are gazing at you with hopeful eyes waiting for you to cut the cake. Steve and Gram’s had presented it to you seconds before, her smile glowing with candlelight whilst he looked at you with a knowing look of just do it already.

The knife passes from one hand to the other awkwardly as you decide what to do. You pass it back to your dominant hand, giving in to the watching smiling mob and begin to cut. Only half an inch in and you retract the knife and look up and stutter. Everyone’s faces twitch with confusion.

‘Urm, before I, y’know, cut the cake and stuff,’ you fumble gracelessly over your words, ‘there’s something I guess, I’d like to say to you all.’

Breathe in, breathe out. These people love you, they’re family.

‘It’s urm, well…’

From your peripheral you see Steve nodding slowly in encouragement.

‘I, umm… oh god, look I’m pregnant, okay?!’

You pull taught your dress to reveal the bump it had artfully hidden. Gram’s palm slaps her face at your rashness. Hopper chokes on his swig of beer whilst Joyce turns to him with wide eyes. Wayne stumbles back into his chair, instinctively clutching the front pocket where his cigarettes lie. Both Mike and Dustin stop mid-mouthful of food. Max and Lucas whip their heads round from their current bickering. Nancy pushes Jonathan’s poised camera down slowly, knowing this is not a moment anyone wants on record. Steve, ever your rock these days, comes straight to your side and places a soothing hand on your elbow.

Naturally, the only loud response screeches from Robin.

‘EW! WITH STEVE?!’

‘Oh excuse me, it's not EW!’ Steve begins to retaliate, already sick of this being the go to response. All eyes now shift to Steve who you elbow in the rib.

‘No, don’t be silly,’ a small soft voice interrupts, ‘it’ll be Eddie’s.’

All eyes, including your own, wide and with matching dropped jaws land on Eleven who sits with a content smile on her face. The assumption has sweating beading at your forehead. A wheeze comes from the corner of the room, you know who that is instantly.

‘It’s not!’ You plea, hands up to calm a very pale Wayne Munson, ‘it’s not Eddie’s, Wayne!’

You don’t notice the look of disappointment that flickers across several faces in the room.

‘Oh my god,’ Nancy gasps, ‘so is it Steve’s?’

Another ‘ew!’ wails from Robin, earning her a scolding look from her best friend.

‘Oh can we stop saying ew!’ Steve pleas with the room, ‘it is not my baby but you know what, she’d be lucky if it was, alright!’

‘Steve?!’

‘Steven!’

You, Joyce and Gram chastise causing him to raise his palms in surrender.

#enam3l love lola #eddie munson x y/n #eddie munson x reader #eddie munson x you #eddie munson x yn #eddie munson angst #eddie munson smut #eddie munson x best friend reader #rockstar eddie munson x reader #rockstar!eddie munson #eddie munson is bisexual #rockstar eddie munson x you #eddie munson series

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bookaddict24-7 · 1 month ago

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REVIEWS OF THE WEEK!

Every week I will post various reviews I've written so far in 2024. You can check out my Goodreads for more up-to-date reviews HERE. You can friend me on Goodreads here.

Have you read any of these? What were your thoughts?

___

369. No Love Zone Vol. 1 by Danbi--⭐️⭐️⭐️

NO LOVE ZONE is an interesting manhwa because while the story itself started a little weak and the artwork wasn't really for me at first, it grows on you.

I kind of guessed where it was going a couple of chapters before the reveal, so that made me a bit excited because it meant that the story was about to get more interesting. And while it definitely got more interesting, I loved how the MC stood up for himself and set a hard boundary.

The ending of the story really made me want the next volume. I liked seeing the love interest be told exactly where he stands with the MC. I want to know how this relationship develops now that those boundaries have been set.

I will say, however, that this had a very questionable spicy scene. The MC is very drunk and some stuff happens that made me side-eye Danbi. Consent was definitely dubious and I didn't how I felt about the whole thing. I don't know if this is a "it's a guy so why does it matter?" situation, but consent is for EVERYONE and that scene made me feel icky. And yet, I want to see how the series progresses in hopes that this is rectified in some form.

Of all the manhwas I've read this year, this was probably one that made me a bit concerned for the main character and the type of man he was going to end up with.

___

370. My Dearest Patrolman Vol. 1 by Niyama--⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Adorable. Absolutely adorable.

This almost felt like a slice of life for an older queer audience because these two are just living their normal lives, while also falling in love.

I can't imagine falling for the person who saved your life and helped you get on the path you're currently on, and then having that reciprocated ten years later. The love the policeman has for his older friend and crush was so cute and intense. Watching them both fall in love with each other and navigating the attraction they share was cute and very spicy.

Also, the cat is ADORABLE. I can see this being a cute live action where each chapter is just a different small town adventure in the lives of these two lovers, surrounded by nosy neighbours and an adorably intrusive cat.

I immediately ordered the other two books currently available to order LOL.

___

371. Midnights Like This by Max Walker--⭐️⭐️⭐️

MIDNIGHTS LIKE THIS wasn't a horrible read, but it wasn't great. It was one of those books you play in the background while doing other stuff, not really minding whether a detail or two gets skipped because it all leads to the same place. It was an alright mystery with some serious spice. Like, A LOT of spice. Not dark spice, just two very horny lovers meeting again.

The mystery would have been more interesting if it didn't take a backseat to the sex--and listen, I'm usually alright with a good amount of smut, but there was a murder mystery somewhere in there. And a pretty big one because it was the mother of one of the MCs. I liked how it was all tied up at the end, but I wish there had been more sleuthing (which is saying a lot because I'm not usually a mystery girly).

While I enjoyed the reveal at the end, that prologue worried me a bit. I wasn't expecting it and I actually almost DNFed this book because of it. I hate when that's done in books because it just completely turns me off the book.

This is random, but the audiobook production was questionable LOL. There were some weird sleep noises, like it was a dog or someone quietly snoring in the background. Most people might not notice it, but my little hyperactive brain latched on to the sound and wouldn't let go until that POV was done (this was a dual POV story, performed by two different narrators).

I don't know what I was expecting from this book. I am guilty of not really reading the synopsis, but I definitely fell victim to the cute cover. I thought this was going to be one of those cute romances that takes place in Italy, not an awkward mystery.

Anyway, I'm glad I've finally read it and have taken it off my to-read shelf!

___

372. Getting Friendly by Saxon James--⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

While book two in this series is my favourite, this was a close second! I loved how hard the one MC fell for a completely different type of guy than he was anticipating--really shows how sometimes attraction takes you completely by surprise. And while he was quietly falling for this sweet but anxious man, said awkward man was trying his best to prove that he is worthy of the job he's finally earned.

This book was a great example of how people can really reach their potential when given the chance.

I also really liked the character growth on both ends because while one learned to speak up for himself, the other learned to let the reins go a bit. I think that's also why these two worked so well together--because they both helped each other achieve what they never thought they could or would.

And of course, as always, Saxon James nails the sexual tension and the will they/won't they of their relationship. I liked how one character set strict boundaries so no ethical lines could be crossed and other respected those boundaries. I think this one, of the whole series, had the most sexual tension.

Thankfully, we also got t0 see more of the friends and the small town that made one of the MCs and me fall for this series.

___

373. Delinquent Daddy & Tender Teacher Vol. 5 by Tama Mizuki--⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I will forever love the cuteness and true exploration of emotions in this series--I'm so sad that the next volume will be the last one. 😭

This was adorable and I loved how we got to see further into this relationship, especially from one side of the couple. And as their lives are changing and their relationship is growing, I could feel the love these two shared jumping off the pages.

Volume 5 also explores the conversation that could be approached when letting the MC's son about his relationship with his old teacher. Even it wasn't fully brought out, I liked that it was approached because it means that there might either be a more in-depth conversation in the future, or that that adorable little one will be a lot more open-minded than his dad expects. Unlike the nosy assholes who needed to mind their business in this volume.

Finally, I loved seeing the dad making moves towards his career goals. I love to see a character who's worked so hard finally see their road leading to success. It made me feel so hopeful for their future!

The ending was adorable af and I need the next volume absolutely right now, thanks.

___

374. Blacktop Wasteland by S.A. Cosby--⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

S.A. Cosby is quickly becoming one of my favourite authors--which is saying a lot because I'm not always a big thriller/suspense reader. But his books are usually about more than just one of those heart-pounding reads, Cosby's books deal with family, grief, racial injustices and racial power, and some of the most satisfying moments of avenging any wrongs committed.

BLACKTOP WASTELAND was a bit of a slow starter but once I fell into the story, I was fully in it until the very end. Cosby does a great job of creating a setting, whether it's that of two grieving fathers traversing the road of grief, or a struggling father driving down a road surrounded by wasteland and a fast approaching past that refuses to let him go. That very past chasing the MC in BLACKTOP WASTELAND also introduces the concept of struggling with who you really are and who everyone else wants you to be.

There is no sugar coating in this novel, it is a story full of raw honesty and oftentimes desperation that might have led to questionable choices. But really, how far would you go when so many people depend on you, but you have only so much to give? What do you do when you have this sense of responsibility that can be dangerous?

BLACKTOP WASTELAND was addicting, exciting, and badass. Some of the characters were kind of annoying because of how their influence affected the MC or how they refused to understand what he was experiencing and how his father's abandonment affected him. But again, this book had fantastic commentary and some serious Black John Wick vibes.

Cosby is truly becoming an auto-read author for me.

___

375. The Five Year Lie by Sarina Bowen--⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

I'm a big fan of Sarina Bowen's romance books, so reading a thriller from her was a bit of a weird experience. It took me a bit to get into the story, but thankfully I fell into it once the first few chapters passed. But this probably has to do with the fact that I'm not a big thriller reader.

I grew to like the mystery, however, and I became thoroughly intrigued. Why did the MC get that text? What really happened to her boyfriend five years ago? Did her dad really die of an overdose? And who the hell is keeping such a close eye on everything?

👏🏽I👏🏽wanted👏🏽answers👏🏽.

And while some of those answers weren't a surprise, it was the journey there that kept me intrigued. I felt that desperation, curiosity, and grief. Even though she didn't write solely a romance this time, Bowen still has the ability to create great characters--like the great friends, the surprising ally, and the adorable little boy who stole every scene he was in.

Overall, the mystery did have me saying at one point "I really like this", and the shady characters and situations kept that feeling growing.

The dual POVs, but set in two different years threw me off a bit. They felt a bit jarring and interrupted the flow of the story a bit, even though I understand the purpose. They ended up growing on me, but there were moments where I wanted one POV to end so I could get back to the other one.

While the book itself was definitely up and down for me, I did like the ending--even if it was a bit too convenient. I definitely want to read her next thriller because it sounds very, very interesting!

___

376. Falling by T.J. Newman--⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This is my second Newman novel and phew, she is great at creating suspense. Also, the irony of this not being my usual genre and I've done so many thrillers this month LOL.

One of the things I love about books like FALLING is how no-nonsense it is with its suspenseful elements. There isn't any word-play or skirting around an issue or situation, it is very much presenting in a black and white way where you either you do something or you don't. I love books like this one because I know that the author isn't going to play with me, she's just going to present the facts and potential actions and go from there. Also, the survival aspect of these kinds of books are always chef's kiss for me.

The political aspect of this book made me incredibly sad, especially with how the world is right now. The antagonists of this novel were very easy to empathize with in terms of their grief, not their murderous actions. And while one hopes for the survival of the MCs and the people their protecting, one can't help but also feel that echo of grief and why certain situations are happening.

With that being said, I liked the note of hope in this one when it comes to the main family. There was a level of love and trust in there that is nice to see in books like this one, where things can waver so easily.

DROWNING is still my favourite of the two, but I've been meaning to read this one for a while and I'm glad I finally got to it. I listening to the audiobook and I was truly hooked from the beginning.

___

Happy reading!

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silvermaplealder · 2 years ago

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Hellhound Adventures: David Chapter 1

Since I got my own puppy, I've felt so inclined to write this. Perhaps I'm just self projecting onto these characters, but I thought it would be very adorable for this to be how they obtained their hellhounds. I'm not going to lie, this story is just a wholesome mess of puppies and the lost boys being dog dads. Each boy will have several chapters of how they got their pup and the little bit of life of caring for them. Mostly because David's full story is already over 4k words (of cute David and puppy chaos) so I realized I'd have to break this down lol. Anyways, Enjoy!

Chapter 1: Who Could Hate Puppies?

Words: 2400ish

Normally Max wouldn’t have wanted David to accompany him anywhere. He didn’t want to risk being seen with his “son” because the image he curated in public was so pristine he didn’t want David to soil the hard work he built up. Today was different though.

David sat in the passenger seat of Max’s red car. Thorn was at home, close to retiring from his job. Max wanted to start looking into getting a new hellhound puppy for himself, and he urged David to accompany him. David rolled his eyes at first, though all it took was the appearance of a beautiful bottle of whiskey for him to agree to go.

The two vampires sat in the car with Nickelback playing in the background. “You think I listen to Nickelback?” David asked with a bit of attitude, still a little ticked off about having to leave the rest of the Lost Boys for the night. Not that he was missing much. The other three boys were going to the movie theater tonight to keep themselves occupied.

“I don’t know,” Max admitted. “You and I haven’t spent much time together lately.”

“Maybe it’s because your dog tries to rip my arm off each time I come within ten feet of you,” David responded. “And now you’re trying to get a second one.”

The older vampire sighed. “I require a daytime protector,” he explained, as he had many other times. “And perhaps you do too.”

David snorted, his eyes averting to look at the side of the road. “The cave is a great deterrent.”

“Really?” Max stated. “Didn’t Paul tell me you guys had a midday snack earlier this week? A couple of younger college goons looking to explore the cave if I recall.”

A smile crept across David’s face. “Yeah, it was nice.”

“But it’s dangerous,” Max chided. “They could have been vampire killers. You could have been dead.”

David shrugged. “But we didn’t die.”

Max knew it wasn’t worth arguing with David. He tried many times before, but his son was stubborn. Countless times had David lied to Max’s face and then went home and did exactly what he said he wouldn’t. No matter what he said to David, if David made up his mind it was all worthless. “I suppose you’re right,” Max sighed, adjusting his glasses. Max knew if he wanted David to do something, he needed David to come to the conclusion himself.

The two vampires pulled into a long driveway. The house in the distance was lively with activity. The rooms were brightly lit downstairs, and people were walking between the rooms. Max pulled his car up to the main walkway to the front door. He cut the engine and the two vampires exited the vehicle. Max adjusted his light jacket. “This won’t take long,” he promised. “Just come inside and play nice.”

“Play nice with who?” David teased, adjusting his long overcoat. Max shot him a stern look. “Who are we here to see?”

“I’m here to see Stella. She sold me Thorn many years ago. You’re here because I talk about my sons all the time and people are starting to think I’m delusional,” Max chided. “Behave and you just might wake up at sunset to another bottle of whiskey waiting for you.”

David drew his lips into a tight line. He did like whiskey. “Fine.”

Max knocked at the door. A chorus of barking dogs erupted, though they were silenced quickly. Footsteps approached the front door. Max stood a little taller and offered a warm smile as the door swung open.

A woman stood on the other side. Her short hair was a vibrant pink with a streak of dark red. She wasn’t someone David expected Max to hang out with. The woman was punk and glowing. Her clothes were brighter than David’s future. He almost felt the need to wear sunglasses from just looking at her. “Ah, Maxwell!” She praised. She offered a hearty handshake. She moved to David next after taking Max’s hand. “Well, you must be Max’s son.”

“David,” he introduced, shaking her hand.

“Well David, it’s a pleasure to meet you.” She stepped aside from the doorway. “Come on in. Make yourself at home!”

David and Max entered the house. David’s eyes immediately fell on a hellhound at the entrance of the parlor room. He tensed up, remembering how Thorn always responded to him. But this dog wagged her tail, and it was clear to David that she had a litter of puppies recently.

“That’s Delilah,” Stella commented, motioning to the dog. “Her litter turns seven weeks tomorrow. Vet is coming to give them their first round of shots.”

“How cute,” Max stated. He put his hand casually on David’s shoulder. “Why don’t you work on that fear of dogs that you have and sit with the puppies? I’m sure those little fellas couldn’t do anything to harm you.”

“All hellhounds are sweethearts to vampires,” Stella said. She kneeled beside the short haired shepherd dog. “A hellhound will bond with a single owner and they’ll become protective of them. Like Thorn and Max.” She stroked the mama hellhound’s head gently. “But Delilah here knows her job. She needs to let other vampires get close to pick a hellhound of their own. I promise, none of my dogs here will hurt you.”

David narrowed his eyes and slid his gaze to Max. He knew exactly what Max was up to now. “I’m all good, thanks. I don’t like dogs.”

Max put his hand onto David’s back. “Just sit in with them, won’t you? It’s good for their socialization to meet new people.”

David ground his teeth and looked to the parlor. A whelping box was set up with a litter of seven puppies bouncing around. A knot began to form in his stomach as Max gave a gentle nudge for him to go towards the puppies. “Max I don’t want a dog-” David growled.

“They need socialization,” Stella said. “The puppies are spoken for.”

David looked between them skeptically, but he trudged across the parlor to the whelping box. He was only doing this for the bottle of whiskey. The puppies were excited to greet him as he stepped over the barrier and entered the puppy pile. Max and Stella vanished into another room, taking Delilah with them.

The blonde vampire wrinkled his nose as the puppies climbed on his boots. He nudged them aside, careful not to push too hard. “Rat dogs,” he whispered. He made his way into the corner of the box. He shrugged off his overcoat and tucked his gloves into the pockets, not wanting the pups to attempt to bite at them. He tossed it outside the whelping box and sat on the ground.

To his surprise, the pups lost interest in him and began to tussle between each other. He didn’t know very much about dogs other than they had teeth and would bite when near him. Marko and Paul had a dog phase where they tried to convince David to let them get a puppy. David proved his point by bringing them to a shelter and a dog managed to bite through Paul’s hand in almost thirty seconds after arriving.

David eyed each puppy nervously. He was anxious, and he was certain that dogs smell fear. He inhaled deeply and fidgeted with his hands. He usually would outline the watch faces on his jacket when he was nervous, but his jacket was safe away from the jaws of the land sharks. These puppies looked like rats to him. They had short tannish fur with dark faces and big, pointed ears.

One of the puppies meandered towards him. The puppy’s beady eyes looked up to meet David’s. The vampire's lips twitched. If he had a beating heart, it would have been pounding in his ears. His anxiety was telling him to kick the menace away from him, but he would never have the heart to kick a puppy.

The puppy casually dropped to lay on David’s boot. The black boot had cuffs from all his nights riding motorcycles and performing stunts. David casually twisted his ankle to roll the puppy off him. “Don’t,” he growled.

The puppy tumbled away from David. Her eyes blinked without a thought behind them. So she did it again. She padded over and dropped onto his boot, putting her chin onto the top of his foot.

David exhaled sharply and he rolled the puppy away again. The puppy tumbled and rolled to her feet. Still it tried to get to David.

“Well I’m done here,” David growled. He placed his hands down on the ground to push himself up, but the puppy bounced onto his hand. David stared down at the animal as it stared back up at him. “You just don’t give up, do you?” He scruffed the puppy and put her closer to the other pups. “I will not hesitate to punt kick you next time.”

It suddenly became a game. He got to his feet and the puppy was on his boot. He picked the puppy up roughly and tossed her with the others. But still, it would wander back. “I hope this is the socializing that Stella was looking for,” David mumbled to himself.

With one last huff, he grabbed the puppy as the pup bit his spur. He held the pup out in the air at arm’s length. “Do you want me to hurl you out the fucking window or-?” He asked.

The puppy stared at him, her tail wagging thoroughly. Its whole body was wiggling as the puppy stared at David. The vampire set the puppy down and stepped out of the whelping box. He leaned over and grabbed a hold of his coat. The puppy sailed over the whelping box barrier and tumbled to David’s boots again.

“Oh for fuck’s sake,” David hissed. He snatched the puppy from the ground and brought it up to his chest. “Will this make you fucking stop?” He demanded.

The pup immediately nuzzled her nose right into the crevice of David’s bicep. David sighed. He gently ran his fingers across the fur of the puppy. His fingers twitched when he felt how soft it was. The puppy became a limp puddle of fur in his arms as he stroked her back. It had been a very, very long time since he held a puppy like this- if he even ever did. He could barely remember the last time he interacted with a dog and it turned out fine.

With each pet, the tension in his shoulders loosened. Soon he found himself sitting on the couch in the parlor, leaning back to support the puppy against his chest. The weight of her on him was soothing the dog anxiety that had built up inside him. He closed his eyes and leaned his head back.

He was startled as Stella and Max entered the room. The puppy stretched and nuzzled further against the vampire. David ground his teeth as he thought of an excuse to why he was holding a puppy. Nothing could come to his mind fast enough though. It was clear as day- he was genuinely in love with this puppy.

Stella stepped in front of David and held her hands out. “Blue collar pup got snuggly with you, huh,” she said, holding her hands out.

David carefully lifted the puppy from his chest and handed the pup over. The small puppy whimpered as it shifted hands to Stella. David inhaled and sat up, as if nothing had happened, trying to shove down his emotions quickly.

Max grabbed David’s overcoat from the ground and casually handed it to the other vampire. Stella put the puppy back into the whelping box. David took the coat and shrugged it on. “Well, we settled our agreement. Are you ready to go?” Max asked.

“Yeah,” David sighed. “Let’s go.”

The two vampires went back to the car. Max pulled out some paperwork from his jacket and set it in the center console. “I’m getting another hellhound puppy,” Max explained. “Probably not for another year, but Stella has shown me her future litters.” He started up the car, and pulled out of the driveway.

David was too curious. He grabbed the paperwork and unfolded it. There were dog names and pedigrees that he couldn’t read very well along with various acronyms he was confused by.

The blonde vampire folded the paperwork up and set it down again. The two of them were silent as they returned back to Santa Carla. David stared out the window, his mind swirling with compressed emotions.

“You know,” Max said, breaking the silence. “Those pups she has now, they’re going to their new homes next week.”

“Nice,” David commented.

“Yeah.” Max pulled up towards the cliffside by the lighthouse. He put the car in park. The two of them glanced over to the single motorcycle that sat partially hidden in the brush. No one else was home. “Well, thanks for coming with me. Stella was glad to have another vampire around to help with socialization.”

“Of course,” David mumbled. He got out of the car and adjusted his coat.

“How much are those pups? Out of curiosity,” David asked, leaning up against the phone booth while cradling the payphone against his ear. He casually flipped through his wallet, seeing only a handful of bills left. Damn nicotine addiction. David spent the whole day dreaming about that puppy. When he woke up he felt antsy. All he could think about was having a dog.

The elder vampire departed, and David returned to the cave. He dropped down onto his wheelchair throne and for a split second he imagined what it would have been like to feel the puppy on his lap. His fingers twitched as he remembered the soft fur under his hands.

-----

He knew Max was smiling on the other end of the phone. “Are you perhaps thinking about that blue collared puppy? Because Stella told me the person who was supposed to buy him backed out.”

“Coincidental, huh?” David commented. He knew it was too coincidental, but he wasn’t in the mood to argue now. He wanted that puppy.

“Stella sells her hellhound puppies for forty-five hundred dollars.”

“Forty-five hundred!” David gasped. “That’s insane.”

“But-” Max cut in. “If you are genuinely interested, don’t worry about the cost. I can cover it.”

David fidgeted with the clock faces on his jacket. His eyes darted around as his emotions raced through his dead heart. “What else do I need for it?”

tags: @misslavenderlady

#the lost boys #lost boys #the lost boys 1987 #tlb 1987 #tlb #vampires #tlb david #lost boys hellhound adventures

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