#max said yes so i stand my ground lol :3

[mandarinmoons]

Guys, is it just me or is it the same shirt??

[katsukisbimbo]

bun bun

✯ pairing: usagiyama rumi x reader

✯ synopsis: everything changed for you when your favourite hero, usagiyama gets thrown inside your shop.

✯wordcount: 12.4k+

✯warning: fem! reader, she/her pronouns, wlw, swearing :))

✯ note: this is dedicated for lovely andrea <3 aka ms @kagsbuns !! I think I got carried away tho. this was only supposed to be 10k max, but at 9k I still didn’t get to the conflict so here we are LOL. I hope u guys enjoy!! this is my first time writing something so long!

You sighed as you used you picked up the heavy basket of apples. Your day usually consisted of tending to your growing vegetables in the early morning, before picking and washing the ripened vegetables and fruit. Using some fresh peppers from your garden to spice up your usual omelette for breakfast, then getting ready for work. 

You currently owned a cute little produce market in the middle of the city, which was only a twenty-minute walk from your home. Your small shop was mostly frequented by old folks and young moms buying fruits and veggies for their children.

 You loved your work and your life, tending to vegetables and fruits and selling them. Your work helped you produce a schedule, a schedule that kept you sane. 

You smiled as Ms. Takeshi walked in, smiling at you before browsing through her favourite strawberries that you had just picked and washed this morning. “Good morning lovely! Your fruits and vegetables look wonderful today! Did you also make some of my favourite banana bread?” She queried as she made her way to the display case where you kept your freshly made pastries. 

“Of course Ms. Takeshi! I already wrapped it up for you!” you handed the bag over to her. “You’re going to be a great wife one day lovely” She smiles as she leaves the door, leaving you with a sour taste in your mouth. Your smile dropped as you activated your quirk. You had a plant quirk, pretty convenient for your work. You were able to manipulate plants and grow them to your will.

Large vines soon began to rise from your potted plants as you started to organize some of your products, not liking how they looked. You rolled your eyes as you recalled what Ms. Takeshi had said to you. Every morning was the same thing with her. Some days she would even try to set you up with her grandson. Yes, you were only 19, turning 20, but you already had everything you wanted. Plus, you didn’t play for the other team. 

You were more of a “We fell in love in October” kinda gal. 

Your thoughts were swiftly interrupted at the sound of a body getting thrown inside your shop, soon landing right in front of you. It took you two seconds to register that a body just flew into your shop and ruined your blueberries, and another two seconds to figure out that this body belonged to the Rabbit Hero: Mirko herself. You gasped softly as you pried her body out of the rubble with your vines. 

You propped her up onto your counter before wrapping your vines around her once more, with the purpose to heal her bruised body. You concentrated your power as you continued to heal her, your vines sprouting flowers and glowing with a light yellow hue. 

You had to restrain yourself from cooing when you saw her nose twitch. It wasn’t known that you were fond of heroes. Everyone had assumed that you had no interest in it, when in fact, you’ve been a huge fan of Mirko’s for some time. You did have other heroes you liked, but Mirko had your attention and heart. 

You struggled to breathe as you felt your energy being sapped out of your body. You didn’t know how much longer you would be able to take, especially when you had only used your quirk for meagre housework, up until now that is. You suddenly jolted in surprise when Mirko’s arm shot up and grabbed you by the collar of your shirt, bringing your face barely ten centimetres away from hers. 

As her mouth opened to speak, another crash occurred nearby, making both of your heads snap up in the direction of the noise. You gaped as you saw the wrongdoer slowly walk towards your shop. “Mirko-san, please get up” you shakily whispered to her. 

She laughed at your cute shivering figure before jumping up on top of the counter. “Come at me bitch!” she provoked before they hastily jumped her. You quickly threw yourself out of the way and hid behind your apples. “Hey! Baby carrot!” she hollered as she pinned down the villain. “Get out of here!” Rumi growled. You immediately shook your head, small tears sliding doing your cheeks. 

“I-I can’t! I’m not gonna let either of you mess up my shop!” you weakly yelled as you somehow mustered up enough strength to summon your largest vines, speedily sending them towards the villain and entrapping them, leaving Mirko to gape at your work. She whistled as she observed the vines twining around the body of the unfortunate villain. ‘T-That’s kinda hot, not gonna lie’ she thought in her head before successfully knocking the villain out with one kick. 

“Hey, you okay there?” she questioned as she looked at your trembling figure. You felt unable to respond to her query, your throat suddenly closed up. You let out a squeak in response before feeling your knees buckle, your body quickly tumbling to the ground. Before you could even graze the wooden floor, Miruko already had her arms wrapped around you, carrying your unconscious body princess style, your face nuzzled onto the top of her breast. 

“My poor bunny” she cooed before wiping the sweat off your brow, taking you to the closest ambulance to get the both of you checked out. 

___

You groaned as the exhaustion started to seep into your body. Your head was killing you. You peeled your eyes open, expecting to see your room, only to see a blindingly white hospital room. A few machines monitoring your blood pressure and heart rate had been situated by your side, along with your IV drip which was currently connected to your left arm. 

“I see you’re up” voice booms, making their presence known. 

You turned to see Mirko, sitting on the couch, clad in civilian clothing. You blushed as her outfit consisted of a black leather jacket, accompanied by tight black jeans, a white v-neck shirt, and chunky leather shoes. To sum it all up, she looked delectable. You felt your cheeks warm at the sight of your hero crush. What was she doing here in the first place? Wasn't she supposed to be on patrol or something? What was she doing, wasting her time on a girl like yourself?

You cleared your throat before piping up. “W-why’re you here?” you questioned before quickly averting your gaze. 

“You saved my life, my little carrot” She started, standing up and making her way towards your bed. You felt yourself slightly flinch back, intimidated by both her figure and her aura. Mirko had an intense vibe that made you want to crawl into a hole and die. The way she carried herself was both overwhelming and admirable. She was just so captivating, it was like-

“Hey. Hey!” she snapped her fingers in your face. “What’s wrong carrot? Are you nervous? Last time I saw you, you were brimming with complete and utter confidence. Well, kinda, but you were still badass. Are you a badass or was that just a facade to impress lil ol’ me? Hm?” she teases, her face nearing yours. 

“I-I no! I mean y-yes! Um!” you felt yourself about to tear up from embarrassment. You were humiliating yourself in front of your favourite hero. You sputtered once more before deciding to just shut your mouth, staring at your lap where your hands were neatly folded. 

“What’s wrong carrot? Do I make you nervous?” she taunted. 

God, now you wanted to cry. 

 You felt your tears starting to arise, your throat closing up. Your lips were quivering. You tense your jaw to prevent any whimpers from slipping out, you didn’t want to embarrass yourself any further. Mirko's eyes almost bulged out of their sockets. She made her poor carrot cry! 

She immediately took your hands off of your lap, bringing one of your hands to rest against her soft cheek. She then gave your palm a soft kiss. “Don’t cry! I didn’t mean to tease ya that much!”. You just nodded as you felt yourself become light-headed at her actions. The Pro-Hero Mirko just kissed your palm. She just kissed your palm. You didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. 

You were unaware of how to act in front of her as you didn’t want to make a fool of yourself any further than today. You would always remember the time you embarrassed yourself in front of your hero crush. 

“What happened by the way? Why am I here?” you piped up, taking the time to admire her bright and shining face. 

“Well, I accidentally got thrown into your shop and got knocked out. You used your little vines to help me out! I passed out a little, but the villain came, and I tried to fight him, but before I could do some real damage, you stepped in and told us that you weren’t about to let us ruin your shop and apprehended the villain by yourself! I didn’t know you had it in ya! I was so surprised but I managed to knock out the fella! You also ended up passing out dear! I had to catch ya and carry you to the ambulance myself!” She grinned, playing with your fingertips. 

“I’m so sorry“ you cried, gripping tightly onto her fingers. “I didn’t mean to make your job harder for you! I‘m only nineteen and I don’t have enough money to repair any of the damages! Are there even damages? For sure there are!” you were about to cry again. Everything was just so overwhelming that your first reaction was to cry. 

You’ve only met Mirko and you’ve managed to embarrass yourself three times. 

“Don’t worry about it, carrot. I already took care of the damages, because I was the one who got thrown into your shop. Don’t worry about being a crybaby either. It’s cute” she gave you her signature toothy grin. 

“I-Thank you! Thank you so much Mirko-san!” You cried, bowing as low as you could in your state. 

“Don’t worry about it” she brushed off. 

“Please! I have to repay you somehow! I can give you a free produce? I can make your bread? I can't offer much” your brows furrowing. You wanted to repay her. 

“Yeah? I’ll think of something, cutie. Anyways, I gotta run, I’ll see you around yeah?” She quipped before making her way out of her room, giving you one last smile before exiting. 

You had it bad for her. For sure. 

___

It’s been a week since you were discharged from the hospital, you didn’t have any fatal wounds but was only admitted for overusing your quirk, you didn’t use your quirk for anything as exhausting as apprehending a criminal. 

You sighed as you continued to tend to your vegetables, already missing a certain someone’s presence. Meeting with her, even for such a short time was an experience. 

You clicked your tongue as you checked the time, you only had half an hour to make your way to work and set up your produce. 

You wondered if you would be able to see her again. 

You continued to bustle around, seeing Ms. Takeshi rushing inside. “Oh my goodness! Are you all right lovely? I heard about the attack! Thank goodness you’re okay!” she continued to check your body for any bruises or wounds, sighing in relief when she found none. 

“I’m fine Ms. Takeshi! I wasn’t attacked, a Pro got thrown into my shop.. and she saved me” your mind drifted to the memory of Mirko lunging at the criminal, putting her body in front of yours to shield you from any attacks. 

“She saved me” quipped up a voice. 

Both you and Ms. Takeshi had whipped your head around, seeing Mirko, clad in her hero costume with her hand on her hip. She smirked at your bewildered reaction before moving further into the store. 

“M-Mirko-san! What’re you doing here?”

“I don’t know, to be honest, I was in the area and I just missed your face” she walked around, admiring the large carrots you had grown in your garden. 

“Y-you missed me? I-I missed you too, M-Mirko-san..” you blushed, averting her piercing gaze. “You’re such a precious carrot, call me Rumi” she offered, stretching her hand out to yours in a handshake, you hesitantly took it, noting how her hand dwarfs yours. 

“I couldn’t possibly!” releasing her hand. “Why not? We’re friends aren't we?” your eyes widened at her implication that you two had something more than just a fan and idol relationship.  

“I-I YES! Of course, we are!” you rushed, not wanting to upset her. If she was willing to call you her friend then who were you to disagree? Not everyone has the chance to be friends with their favourite idol. 

Ms. Takeshi smirked as she watched the exchange between the two, noting how each of them had quite a fond look in their eyes. She shook her head as she signalled you that she was about to leave, you gave her a hasty goodbye before going back to Mirko-- or Rumi, as she preferred. 

‘Those two are getting together’ Ms. Takeshi absently thought, smiling at the thought of you finally having the companion you deserved.

“This is a cute place ya got here, it's almost as cute as you” she flirted, smirking at your abashed expression. Normally you would have cringed at such a cheesy line, but to be honest, it hit a little different when it was Rumi who was saying it. “I’m not cute!” you huffed. You were a strong independent woman! You were not cute. 

As you continued to stew in your thoughts, Rumi proceeded with exploring your cute little shop, sampling some fruits as she passed by. “D’ya have any family here?” she queried, popping a plump, red strawberry in her mouth, almost gasping at the sweetness and freshness of the berry. “I don’t actually! I moved here just a year ago to start the shop I've been dreaming about ever since I was a kid!” you smiled, recalling the obstacles you had gone through to reach your goal. 

“That's good! It’s good to have goals you want to work towards, it keeps people motivated” 

“How about you Rumi-san? Do you have any family here?” you piped up, curious of her families’ whereabouts. Did she live here alone? There was only so much information that could be disclosed to the public about heroes and their personal lives. 

“They don’t live here. They’re back in my hometown. It’s nice living out here, I get to do what I want, save all the people I can, and kick as much as... Though, there are times where I miss my family... They’re a rambunctious and chaotic bunch I tell ya!” she chortled. 

You felt yourself melt at the very thought of Rumi with her family, playing and spending time with her small cousins/siblings. If someone were to describe the look on your face, they would have immediately said that you looked either lovesick or had heart eyes. You blushed at the thought of spending time with Rumi and just being gay <3 with each other. You honestly needed to get a love life, it isn’t normal to fantasize about your idol, especially when they’re right in front of you. 

Rumi noticed that you were mentally elsewhere, smiling at your dumbstruck expression. What were you thinking about that was more interesting than her? Was it perhaps Rumi herself? She shook her head, trying to disperse her somewhat indecent thoughts. It wasn’t proper to ogle or fantasize about your friend. 

“Hey, can I get your number?” she piped up, causing you to snap out of the internal conflict you were previously having about yourself. “W-what?” you stuttered, unbelieving of the fact that she, Usagiyama Rumi, had just asked for your number. Plain, old, little you! This was an absolute dream. 

You quickly nodded, having no words as you haven’t fully processed her question or the meaning of it. You struggled to extract your phone from the pocket of your overalls. Curse women's clothing and their tiny pockets! Rumi laughed at your struggles, loving at how you scrunch your cute little nose when you feel feelings of frustration. 

 “Aha! I got it!” you cheered, fist-pumping with your phone in your hand, before sheepishly handing your phone to her. Rumi raised a brow. “Is this me as your lock screen?” she smirked. 

At this point, you were begging the Gods, any God, to take your soul. You did not understand how you could have forgotten such a crucial thing! You were an idiot! A dumbass! 

“And, did you edit yourself in the picture so it looked like we took a picture together?” 

 You felt your brain short circuit. You froze up, unblinking and unbreathing. Rumi didn’t mean to tease you so much. You were just adorable! The fact that you had been too shy to ask her for a picture and kept the edited one as your lock screen amused her to no end. She just wanted to eat you up!

As she continued to gush about your cute habits and you in general, you were tearing yourself up inside. You thought you had changed your lock screen a few days ago! It was a picture of Rumi as well, but you weren’t included. She must think you’re desperate! Or a stalker. Or worse! A desperate stalker! 

“Lord, please take me” you whispered, hoping that someone would grant your wish this time. “What was that baby carrot? You want me to take you? I don’t mind, but I wanna get to know you better first”

Your jaw dropped at Rumi’s insinuation. “I’m kidding! You're adorable. C’mere” she beckoned, not wanting to keep her waiting you immediately made your way towards her side, her muscular arm scooping you up and pressing you against her warm body. 

“R-Rumi-san..! What are you doing?”

“Taking a picture ya dummy! Make this your lock screen okay? I want everyone to know” she winked. She pressed her face against yours before capturing a picture. You felt as if your face was on fire. She was smashed against you! “Hey, you okay with fanservice?” she asked, you nodded your head, curious of what she had under her sleeve. 

Rumi soon grabbed a hold of your chin before pressing her soft lips against the chub of your cheeks. She quickly snapped the picture, capturing your embarrassed face. She let go of you, opting to check the pictures to see if they had come outright. “You want one more baby carrot?” she mused, peering at your warmed face. 

You slowly nodded your head, she threw her head back and laughed, coming over once more and wrapping you in her arms. This time, she walked, well, more like waddled, as you were in her arms, to put your phone on the counter, setting the timer for three seconds. She hugged you tightly, resting her head on top of yours. 

Since she was already taking pictures, might as well request some poses right?

“Can we do peace signs? I… I like peace signs” you mumbled, twiddling with your thumbs. “Oh gosh, you're adorable!” she gushed. “Peace!” the both of you posed as the flash went off. 

You ran back to your phone, eager to see how the pictures had turned out while Rumi had stayed behind, watching your excited figure. Your eyes lit up as you examined the photos you both had taken. They were adorable! “Rumi-san looks very pretty” you mumbled, unaware that she was now peering over your shoulder and heard what you had said. 

“You gotta stop tempting me, baby carrot. As I said, I wanna get to know you better” she smiled. You blushed. This was the second time she had mentioned that. Does she like you as well? You felt a little bold so you decided to take your opportunity to fluster her as well. 

“If you wanna get to know me better, why not go to lunch with me?” you offered, slyly smiling at how her jaw was left ajar. “Y-You cheeky little brat! If you're free right now we can go but it’ll be my treat okay?” she insisted, raising her brow as if to say ‘are you going to say no to free food’. 

You nodded and agreed, who were you to say no to free food? Especially free food with your favourite hero/crush. She extended her hand towards you and you gladly took it, lacing your fingers with hers, loving how both of your hands fit perfectly within each other. 

“Let’s go baby carrot. I’ll make sure to feed you lots” 

___

“Nooo-- Rumi no more!”

“It’s okay carrot, I know you want more” she smirked

“I can’t! I-It’s too much” you moaned, rubbing your bloated stomach with both of your hands. Both of you had eaten too much chicken! Rumi decided to challenge you to an eating challenge, ordering a whole 10 piece box for each of you. That, plus the drinks and fries she had ordered on the side. 

“Awh you’re so cute, for sure you’ll be sleepy” she cooed, propping her chin upon her fist. “I’m thankful for you Rumi-san, but if I eat more, I’ll surely explode” you cried, wanting to just go home and nap. You closed your eyes and leaned back. You couldn’t even breathe properly anymore! She was going to stuff you full! [;)]

“Hye, carrot. I gotta ask since I want both of us to be on the same page. Was this a date? I mean, would you consider this a date?” she sheepishly asked, bringing warmth to your cheeks. You didn't perceive this as a date, since you two never really outright stated it was a date, but it did seem date-ish. 

Rumi watched as you struggled to come up with an answer. “Ah! I didn’t mean to pressure you carrot! I’m sorry! I-I just really like you, and if you didn’t consider this as a date, I would like to take you out--that's only if you agree! As I said, no pressure cutie”

What was she talking about? This was so much pressure! On the bright side, your crush likes you back. This was a miracle! She was famous on top of that1 not that you liked her for her popularity, but she could have anyone, and she chose you! You had to thank which God was looking out for you, or if it was just your luck. Either way, you’ve been manifesting this for some time. Not exactly this situation, but you had actively been looking for a partner, a female partner at that. You didn’t want anything serious, shoutout to Ms. Takeshi though, she was trying at least. 

“I like you Rumi-san and I considered this as a date! And.. and I want to go on more dates with you!” you nearly yelled, causing some heads to turn. This had caused Rumi to gasp, scrambling out of her chair to sit beside you and engulf you in her arms, nuzzling her soft cheek against yours. 

“You’re so cute! I swear! Let me take you home! I just wanna eat you!” she gushed, uncaring of the peering eyes in the restaurant who had been watching the whole exchange. “R-Rumi-san! How lewd!” you grimaced. sure was a handful. 

“I’m sorry, cutie! I just can’t help it! You make me wanna go feral” she growled the last bit, feeling a coil in your lower tummy tighten. What was she doing to you? Did someone hit you with a quirk? This was crazy! 

“Hey, don’t think too much about it. You and I are going to get to know each other better okay? Okay, carrot?” She grinned, peeking down at your flustered expression. This was going to be something else. 

___

Lately, you and Rumi have gotten closer. You both had started to frequently text and call each other, though you have been a little timid during phone calls. They were mostly carried by Rumi and her extroverted personality. You hope she knew that you were just shy and that you weren’t losing interest in her. 

Your relationship with Rumi had no label, at least for now. You both decided that it would be wise to learn about each other before making rash decisions. Especially you. You had a habit of running off in tandem and making yourself worry about scenarios that have zero percent of happening. Good thing Rumi was there to calm your nerves.

You were so immersed in your thoughts that you had failed to notice the stop sign in front of you, promptly running into it and talking on your butt. Luckily, nobody except a small child had seen you embarrass yourself. That’s what you thought at least, until—

“Baby carrot! Are you alright?! My poor little carrot didn’t see the stop sign! Are you okay? Do you need to be taken to the hospital? I can take you!” She rambled as she checked your body for any extensive injuries, sliding her hands down the curve of your ass in the process. You didn’t wanna go to the hospital as you would be an unnecessary burden to all the medical staff. It was still better to be safe than sorry. 

She was a different breed. 

“I can’t help it, I just.. I care about you” she murmured, facing off to the side to hide her warming cheeks from your view. She was adorable! Is this what she felt when she saw you blush? It was a nice feeling. Like eating really good food. Rumi blushing was good food. 

“Well, um, if you don't wanna go to the hospital, do you just want to come over for dinner or something?” she offered. “Aren’t you patrolling right now Rumi-san? I would hate to impose and possibly get you in trouble with your work” you sheepishly looked away from her gaze, unable to compete with the intensity her eyes hold, as if she wasn't a quivering little mess two seconds ago as well. 

“Nah. I can get someone to cover for me. Let me call them right now so that I can put your mind at ease yeah?” she detached herself from you and went to grab her phone strapped on the side of her somewhat revealing hero costume. You never really noticed it but Rumi’s costume was, how do you say this, very sexy. At least to you. 

You shook your head as dirty thoughts soon started to fill your head. This was wrong! Rumi-san is a strong beautiful woman who shouldn’t be objectified! She does not deserve that! Though she looked very beautiful in it, that was for sure. 

As you continued to have another internal battle with yourself, Rumi had already dialled Hawks’ number. 

“Yo Hawks! It's Mirko! I need a favour!”

“What is it?”

“Please cover for me. I’m on patrol and I just asked my crush out for dinner at my place but she’s iffy because she doesn’t want me to get in trouble for ditching my patrol--”

“You are ditching your patrol though” he replied. Rumi can already see Hawks using this against her. 

“PLEASE! She’s so beautiful and I like her so much” Rumi practically begged.

“Fine, but I’m doing this because you’ve never seemed so serious for anyone before and I’m happy for you. You don’t have to owe me” he sighed, but Rumi knew that he didn’t mind at all. 

“Thank you so much! Bye! Muah!” she yelled, before facing you. “Hey little carrot, you can come over! I told you my friend was gonna cover me” she smiled, her shiny teeth showing. “I-I..let’s go!” you blushed, wanting to be able to hide your cheeks from her. 

“H-Hey, slow down! Plus I haven’t got any ingredients! We gotta go shopping first!” 

“S-shopping? Together? That’s quite domestic” 

“Better get used to it”

___

“Are you allergic to anything my little carrot?” she questioned, wanting to know which ingredients she should take. “Ah! I’m allergic to shellfish” you mentioned. “I get hives and sometimes my throat closes up”. You stressed that your allergy wasn’t a big deal, but Rumi thought otherwise. “Hm, no seafood then” she pondered on what to get next. “How about pasta?” 

“Oh-I still eat shellfish, but just not often” you spoke, hoping she would overlook this small thing. “That’s not good carrot! You can die like that!” she yelled, catching the attention of most of the customers within the vicinity. “R-Rum-san! Not so loud!” you mumbled, tugging onto the fabric of her hero costume. “I’m okay Rumi-san! I promise!” 

Her concern for you was adorable. Nobody had ever really cared for you like this. You knew your limits and everything, and everyone knew as well, but it was a nice change. The way Rumi cared for you gave your tummy butterflies. Her smile, the way she spoke. You might be in love. For sure, it’s too soon to tell. You’ve also never felt love other than familial love or love for your friends, but you were sure this was love. 

You haven't known Rumi for a long time, but love isn’t about the time you spend, it’s the experiences you both share. If you could describe the way you felt in a word, it would be love. The way Rumi plagued your mind 24/7, the way you felt your heartbeat a little harder than it usually does. This felt like love. Of course, you weren’t about to tell her, but you already had a love for her from the beginning. It had just grown into something more than idolization for her the more you got to know her. Loving Rumi gave you absolute euphoria. Even if her feelings for you were platonic. 

“Hey, baby carrot? Let’s go?” she asked, already pulling you towards the exit of the store, waving at some fans who had called out her name. 

You were still lost in thought. You never understood why she was attracted to you, it wasn’t love, but even her attraction was questionable. To you, it seemed like a whole joke. The fact that your idol even offered to cook for you was baffling, not even that, the fact that she even spoke to you was a miracle itself. You felt tears well up in your eyes. There was just no way that Rumi would actually like you. 

Too lost in your head, you bumped into Rumi who had suddenly stopped, though she wasn’t facing you. She tightened her grip on your hand “I can smell your tears, why are you crying Y/n?” she whispered before whipping around to face you. Her face was riddled with sadness, her ears flopping down at the sides of her face. “D-Did I do something?” she stuttered. She loosened her grip on your hand, letting go completely. 

You felt your heartthrob in your chest. That was the exact opposite! You were crying because you were happy with her, too happy almost. You never wanted it to end. You sobbed a little harder before running to her, burying your face into her chest. Her arms wrapped around you, rubbing your back and pressing soft kisses on the crown of your head.

“I’m sorry! I’m a crybaby! I was crying because spending time with you made me happy! Very happy! I don’t want it to stop! I wanna stay with you forever Rumi-san!” you cried, hugging her tighter as if she was about to evaporate into thin air and never come back. “Baby... I...Can I kiss you?” she whispered, bringing her warm hand to rest upon your tear-stained cheek.  

Your eyes widened. Did she want to kiss you? Well, who were you to deny her? You nodded your head and shut your eyes, feeling the press of her lips against yours. She pressed multiple kisses against your lip before swiping her tongue against your bottom lip, causing you to let out a soft whimper at the contact. 

She grinned and did it once more, this time letting go of the groceries in her hand before pressing you into the bricked walls of the alleyway. Rumi had her hand on your hip and the other against your cheek, your arms wrapped around her and tangled in her soft, silky hair. You moaned as she pried her way into your mouth, exploring it with her tongue before you let out a whine that caught her attention. 

She pulled away to see the work she had done, she had left you flustered and fucked out, just from a kiss. She leaned over to press another soft kiss onto your lips before slowly pulling away again. “I like you, so please believe me when I say so. I want to have more good memories with you. Don’t cry okay? You have me, and I’ll never let go” she whispered before rubbing her nose against yours.  

You giggled as she pulled away, almost surprising her. It was stupid of you to think so negatively. You knew that Rumi would never do anything to hurt you, well, not on purpose at least. You nodded before picking up the groceries on the floor. You smiled. “Let’s go home, Rumi-san”

Her eyes sparkled at the fact that you had called her apartment “home”. She quickly nodded before helping you with the bags, opting to hold all with her one hand so that she could use the other to hold yours. 

___

“We’re finally here!” yelled, making her way to the kitchen to drop off the groceries, you took off your shoes before entering and following her. Her apartment was pretty luxurious. It was one of those gated places that needed I.D and permission to enter, in other words, it was high end. It was to be expected honestly, she was a very famous hero who had some very..determined fans.

Her apartment was mostly white, it didn’t have that many decorations, mostly since Rumi was quite a simple person who had no desire for such things. She did have matching furniture though. You walked through the living room, taking a moment to gaze at her white and grey furniture. It all matched! She had a knack for interior design. If she wasn’t a pro, she would have made some money off being an interior designer.

You finally made your way into the kitchen. Seeing Rumi already putting the groceries away, setting out the ingredients. You gaped at the various ingredients laid out on the counter, why hadn’t you noticed the number of ingredients she had picked up?! There were quite a few.

“Rumi-san? Why’d you get so many ingredients?” you queried, tilting your head to the side in confusion. “Cuz! We’re gonna make a lot of food!” she cheered, raising her fist that was currently holding a pork bun, slightly squishing it and slightly deforming it. 

“R-Rumi-san the pork bun!”

“Oh, haha! Sorry about that baby carrot” she apologized before splitting it in half and pressing it against your lips. Did she want to share? A-And feed you as well? You couldn’t refuse so you shyly took a bite, taking a small piece of the pork bun in your mouth and chewing. You moaned at the wonderful flavours dancing on your tastebuds, this tasted so good! It was still quite warm as well. 

As the both of you continued to stand in eat in the kitchen, neither of you noticed a familiar flying birdman hovering above the balcony, peering at the both of you with a happy smile on his face before flying away. 

“She’s lucky she has me as her friend” Hawks laughed as he continued his patrol. Hopping off of the balcony and flying away like a little weird fairy man. 

___

You both had finished cooking, there was a surprising amount of dishes you two had made. Your meal consisted of a wide but healthy assortment of dishes. It was no surprise that Rumi cared about what she was putting inside her body. 

“Come on baby carrot, let's go eat yeah?” 

You nodded and brought as many plates as you could to the counter, pulling up a chair while Rumi took a chair to sit beside you, promptly digging into her food. “This is so yummy! Where did you learn how to cook like this? I’m not a bad cook myself--” that much was obvious, “-but you cook well carrot!” she gushed, quickly swallowing the food in her mouth. 

“Ah-you're giving me too much credit Rumi-san!” you cried. Your cooking was mediocre at best and she was likely just gassing you to make you feel better. You were unsure of why she was hyping you up, though, you weren’t going to question it. Your mind suddenly drifted back to the kiss you both shared, heat rising onto your cheeks. 

You slapped your cheeks, trying to get any indecent thoughts to exit your head. This caused Rumi to laugh and take another bite of her food, used to your unusual behaviour already. You blushed, though this time, you were less embarrassed than usual. If she had already liked you after knowing you were weird, then why hold back?

“Hey baby carrot, why do you call me Rumi-san? It just seems a little too formal.. and I wanted us to be a little closer than that? I mean, I have a nickname for you” 

This wasn’t the first time that you had thought of giving her a nickname. You were nervous as to what she would say about it. Would she think it was stupid? Would she hate it? Would she make fun of you for it? Of course not, but your thoughts were going a mile a minute and you didn’t have any time to filter them out. 

“I’ll think of one for you, but please give me some time to do so!” 

“Of course baby carrot” she replied before quickly getting back to eating as she motioned for you to do the same. 

The both of you had just finished eating, already washing the remaining dirty dishes, including the pots and pad you had both used to cook. It was quite a domestic and intimate sight. Both of you, side by side. Both washing the dishes. and the other drying. 

As of right now. You were in complete and utter bliss. You’ve had a taste of euphoria and that was Rumi. It was amazing how one person could affect another so much. 

“Hey, it’s getting late. Do you wanna sleep here?” She piled up. Drying a plate before placing it on the dish rack. Meanwhile. Your mind was once again in distress. Why was she so casual about these types of things? Of course, you wanted to sleep beside her, and cuddle close to her, and gee her soft skin brush against yours, and—you get the idea. 

You were a bit hesitant as you didn’t want to overstay your welcome or burden her even further. No matter what she said, you knew that a hero wouldn’t be able to drop their patrol just on the dot. She broke the rules and you knew it. You didn’t want her to be making reckless decisions just because of you! 

“I-I... Am I already overstaying my welcome,” you asked, trying to make sure she wanted this and that she didn’t feel obligated to let you stay for whatever reason? You just wanted a good reason for you to be here. 

“It’s late. I would walk you home to ensure your safety, but right now, there’s a lot of villains lurking and to be honest, I’m not sure if I can take them all while protecting you at the same time” 

She wasn’t lying. If it was just her. For sure she’d be able to go all out and defeat as many villains as she could. She was in the top fen for heaven’s sake! She was just afraid that you’d get caught in the crossfire and end up injured, kidnapped, or worse, dead. 

“Oh.. okay” you mumbled, finishing up washing the dishes. Right now. You were unsure of what to do, she was still unfinished with drying the dishes and had suggested you slept over. Sure you trusted her, but, were you ready to sleep beside her? Were you ready to let her head you snore? Were you ready to let her see your horrible bedhead in the morning? Quite frankly, you were unsure if you were ready at all. 

“But if you want to, I can take you home, it’s your choice. I’ll gladly defend you and protect you carrot” she had quite the facial expression. You could tell that she was determined. Her sheer determination was held in her eyes, her lips pulled up in a smirk and her eyebrows furrowed. 

“I don’t want to be more of an inconvenience, so I’ll just choose the less inconvenient option. I’ll sleep here tonight but I’m taking the couch” you announced. She was going to take it or leave it! You were not going to go into her private space and make her share her rooms and bed. 

“Fine. But. Please feel free to move inside if you’re uncomfortable. I know that couch seems like a good couch to sleep one, but it’s only good for sitting really. More like decoration if you were going, to be honest. 

“Fine, but I promise that I won’t!” you stubbornly added. Wanting to make sure that she understood that you weren’t going to sleep beside her. You were fine sleeping on the couch and she had to understand that! She smiled before giving you a change of clothes, some pillows and blankets, including a spare toothbrush. 

“I’ll be in my room okay? Goodnight carrot” she bid you goodnight before entering her room, not fully shutting it. You fixed up the couch before making your way into the bathroom, passing by Rumi’s bedroom and seeing her shadow move around as her door was left ajar. You changed your clothes and cleaned up, getting ready to take your place on the couch. 

You charged your phone and closed your eyes, waiting to drift off into sleep. 

___

You screamed as you were being chased by a villain, it was in the early hours of the morning, you could tell as the sun was coming up and it just had that morning vibe. You were used to getting up this early and were familiar with it. What you failed to comprehend was why a villain was chasing you? 

It seemed as if it was only about five a.m or six a.m at the latest, but surely by now, there would have been cars driving around. You peeked behind you and saw that the villain had caught up, as he was about to grab you, you suddenly fell off a cliff, your stomach-dropping, your voice stuck in your throat before letting out a shriek and waking up in a cold sweat. What type of dream was that?

“Baby carrot! Are you alright?” said a worried Rumi who already had a glass of water at your side. You tried to take the cup from her but she noticed how shaky your hands were and decided that it would be best to help you drink herself. You slowly gulped down the water, not wanting to choke. You were heaving for air after drinking, maybe you didn’t slow down as much as you had needed to. 

“I-I had a bad dream! I was being chased by a villain and I was all alone! Then when he was about to catch me, I fell off of a cliff!” you explained, recalling the haunting images of the unknown man who had almost caught you. Rumi wrapped her arms around you and had placed you onto her lap, patting your head and rubbing your hands to comfort you. 

“How about you sleep in my room and I sleep here? Are you comfortable with that?” she whispered, not wanting to startle you while in such a vulnerable state. 

“No.. please stay beside me bun. I wanna sleep beside you if that’s all right” you blushed, averting her gaze as you were embarrassed to have mentioned the nickname you had been thinking about for her. It was something you had been thinking about and whilst being cliche, it still suited her quite well. 

“B-Bun? That's such a cute nickname! A little cliche, but still cute! I love it so much and I’m so happy that my cute little carrot thought of it for me!” she gushed, holding you even tighter against your body, almost squeezing the life out of you. 

“I’m glad you like it bun”

“I do carrot. Let’s go to bed now yeah?” she offered, placing your figure down on the couch before straightening herself out and standing up, stretching her arm your in your direction, asking you to take it. You gladly placed your hand in hers, pushing yourself up and sticking beside her as you both made your way to the bed. 

Rumi let go of your hand and made herself comfortable on the bed, making space for you as she moved the large and fluffy comforter and patted the spot, beckoning you to come to take your place beside her. You reluctantly sat on the bed before fully laying flat on your back, awkward and unmoving as you felt Rumi’s eyes on your still figure. 

“You can turn on your side and face me y’ know” she piped up. 

“I’m nervous” you admitted, not wanting to gaze into her eyes. 

Rumi laughed before placing her hand on your cheek, coercing you into facing her direction. You hesitantly obliged and turned your whole body to face her, still avoiding her piercing eyes. She laughed once more before inching her face closer to yours, both of your lips just an inch away from each other. 

“Don’t be a nervous baby carrot, it’s only me” she reassured, stroking the chub of your cheek while you relished in the feeling of the soft pads of her fingers stroking your face. You placed your hand on top of Rumi’s, pressing your face even harder against her palm. Rubbing your cheek against her warm hand. 

“Can I kiss you bun? I wanna kiss you so badly” you softly whined, feeling yourself in the hands of Rumi. Instead of replying she decided to just press her lips against yours, moaning at the feeling of your soft plush lips. 

“Baby carrot” she whimpered, pulling you impossible closer to her, your chests and thighs pressed against each other. You felt arousal consume your whole body, a tight coil forming in your stomach. You whimpered needlessly as Rumi sucked your tongue while wrapping your leg around her hip, placing her hand on the curve of your ass. 

You continued to whine and moan as Rumi caressed your body, her tongue pulling you in and leaving you in a trance. You pulled away, feeling yourself get lost in Rumi herself. 

“If we continued any longer, I would’ve passed out for sure” you sighed, pressing soft kisses on her lips and moving to scatter kisses on her cheeks. She closed her eyes, relishing in the pleasure of you peppering her face with soft kisses. “That’s okay baby carrot, we’ll take it to slow okay?” she took her turn at peppering your cheeks with kisses, making sure to kiss each untouched spot. 

“I like you” you confessed, this time using the courage that had magically shown up to your advantage. You swiped the hair out of her face, wanting to see her. “I like you more,” she replied, kissing the tip of your nose. 

 ___

“Ah~ This is the life! Getting your hair braided by a cute girl while she feeds you!: she chortled, leaning back into your lap as you continued to braid small pieces of her hair while taking small breaks to grab the chopsticks and feed her. You enjoyed watching Rumi relax and eat. It was somewhat satisfying. 

“Don’t you have work today bun?” you asked, feeling much more comfortable than you were from before. After you had spent the night at her place, your relationship with her had only gotten stronger. You felt closer than ever and felt as if nothing could break the pair of you up.

“Nah baby carrot, this is a once in a lifetime thing us heroes call a ‘day off’” she joked, looking behind to face you. “But I’ll be busy this week okay? I don’t want you to worry so I’m just letting you know that I’ll be on the down-low”

It was quite upsetting to see your crush? Girlfriend? Partner? You didn’t even know what to call her. The both of you still hadn’t put a label on your relationship, not that it was a problem, but you wanted to know if she was in it for the long ride or if this was something casual. If it was something casual you would prefer to break it off. You didn’t appreciate sharing your significant other with anyone. 

“Okay bun, I’ll wait for you” you had just settled on something simple, though Rumi saw through your facade and saw that you were somewhat upset by her incoming absence. She just turned around and hugged you, hoping it would give you some type of comfort for your oncoming lonely days without her. 

___

It had been a week since you had seen or heard from Rumi. While she was away, you had busied yourself with tending to your garden, your customers, and practicing baking pastries. You had quite a lot to do. At the moment, you were currently picking some ripe strawberries as you were planning to make some strawberry shortcake, seeing as you had never properly tried it before. 

As you picked the last strawberry, you had noticed it was a mutated one. It was huge! It seemed like it was about three to four normal strawberries combined into one! It fits in the palm of your hand! While you were distracted, you failed to feel your phone vibrate in the pocket of your overalls. 

You made your way inside of your small home and placed the freshly picked basket of fruits on the counter and washed your hands in the sink. After drying your hands, you took your phone out to see a text from Rumi. 

From: bun<3

I’ll be coming home today. I miss you

7:24

Her text made your heart flutter. Even if it was simple, it still filled you with love and affection. Anything Rumi did was amazing in your eyes. It was quite pathetic really, but that’s what love did to people sometimes.  

You decided that this would be a good time to drop by and give her some love and affection with some food included. You smiled as you imagined the happy face that would be present on Rumi’s face when she saw you. She was for sure going to be happy!

You felt yourself starting to feel giddy. This was going to be a good day!

___

You were wrong, dead wrong. Going to Rumi’s house had been a horrible decision. 

You had decided that after closing up the shop, you would make your way to Rumi’s and bring her food. You wanted to show her how much you had missed her, but you mostly wanted to spend time with her. She was always around and made sure to check up on you and your shoot during her patrols. If she wasn’t in the area, she’d send one of her sidekicks in her place.

When you had gotten to Rumi’s place, she still wasn’t home, giving you time to set up a nice dinner for her before she had gotten home. You had prepared some fried rice along with stir-fried vegetables, knowing that she enjoyed a healthy balanced meal, especially after a hard mission. You smiled once again, you were excited to see her again. You just wanted to take her in your arms and love her the way you wanted to. She wasn’t aware, but you were completely and utterly in love with her.

As time went by, it became easier and easier to admit your feelings for Rumi to yourself. Before, you would blush and stutter at the thought of it, but now, you were able to say it to yourself, but sadly not to Rumi. Not yet, at least. 

You heard the front door slam open before hearing a familiar pair of feet stomp inside before hearing the door slam shut. You heard Rumi stomp her way to the kitchen, her brows furrowed and her eyes filled with anger. She didn’t even spare you a glance before placing her keys on the counter and making her way into the bedroom and slamming it shut. 

You sat down on the counter, hoping that she just needed time to relax before spending quality time with you. You waited, and you waited. It had already been an hour and the food had gone cold. The vegetables were cold and hard, as well as the rice. You decided to place everything in a counter before cleaning up. You knew that she was just upset and needed time for herself.

You made your way to the front door, making sure to shut all the necessary lights as it was already nearing midnight. You didn’t wanna upset her any further by overstaying your welcome. Usually, you would have asked to spend the night, but it didn’t seem like Rumi was in the mood for head pats and cuddles. 

You smacked your head with your palm, already putting on your shoes but you had stupidly forgotten about your phone which you had tossed on the couch when you had first arrived. You took off your shoes once more before stepping back into the living room, knowing how disrespectful it was to walk into someone's home with shoes on, especially dirty shoes. 

You made your way to the couch before picking up your phone, seeing two different texts from Rumi before she had gotten home. 

From: bun <3

I’m really upset, usually, I’d love for you to visit but I just want to be alone. I hope you understand. 

10:23

From: bun<3

We can go out tomorrow if you’d like? I miss you carrot

10:26

You were an idiot. An actual idiot. At that time, you were already setting the table as you had closed the shop at eight, having only two hours to cook Rumi a proper meal before her arrival. You should have just left her alone. Now she thinks that you ignored her texts and invited yourself into her home anyways.

You sighed before plopping your phone down on the cushion beside you, placing your arm over your eyes, wanting to just go home and sleep. You should probably make your way home now. It was already getting late. You sat up, making a move to get up off of the couch when Rumi’s bedroom door slammed shut. A pair of feet dragging down the hallway as she made herself known in the living room, standing barely two feet away from you. 

Your jaw was left hanging. You were unsure of what to say? Would she be upset? Would she kick you out? Before you could come up with any more anxiety-inducing thoughts, Rumi had chosen to interrupt you before you had gone any further. 

“Why’re you still here? I thought I made it clear that I wanted to be alone. Do you not know how to use your head?” she sassed, moving around the coffee table to walk towards the kitchen. While she was in the kitchen, you remained glued to the couch. Appalled at the words that had just exited her mouth. 

“I-I” you stuttered, unable to formulate a proper response under her piercing gaze from where she stood in the kitchen. 

“What? Are you just going to stutter and babble like a dumbass? I asked you if you could use your head or not. I’m not sure how clear I could have made this, but I did not want to see you today. I had a shitty mission and all I wanted to do was come home and relax. Instead, I come home to you, doing God knows what in the kitchen! Have you no boundaries? Can your pea-sized brain even comprehend boundaries?” she mocked, harsh words spouting from her mouth as if her mouth was a fountain of curses. “Fucking idiot” she mumbled under her breath. 

You wanted to cry. This time, you had a good reason. You hadn’t expected Rumi to be this upset with you. You had good intentions but you didn’t mean to overstep. You had only wanted to let her know that you had missed her. 

You nodded, opting to stare at your hands that were neatly folded in your lap instead of defending yourself. You probably deserved this anyways. It would be over soon, you just had to suck it up and tough it out. You did put yourself in this situation in the first place. 

“Nothing to say? You’re dumber than I thought” she hissed. 

“You’re going too far Rumi-san. I never intended to step over any boundaries. I was already here before you texted me because I wanted to make sure that you could easily relax when you got home. I wanted to cook for you and take care of you—“ you cried, your tears finally sliding down your cheeks “—I didn’t mean to overstep. But you insulting my intelligence and my mannerisms is too far. You’re being disrespectful and I don’t like that. Don’t take your anger out on me” you scolded, staring at her with such an intense and almost hateful gaze.

You could never hate Rumi, but the words she had spoken to you were something that you were going to remember for the rest of your life, you knew that this would haunt you forever and probably give you nightmares. 

Her face faltered. Your words had finally been processed in her head. Sometimes Rumi acted before thinking. It was one of her lesser traits but you grew to love it anyway. 

It was quite surprising how you were able to defend yourself without bursting into tears, probably because this was the one person whom you had never expected to blow upon you--to take their anger out on you. 

“If you never liked me, then why did you lead me on? What was the whole point of this? You wasted my time, and yours as well” You spat, finally allowing your tears to cascade down your cheeks. “You are a horrible person Usagiyama Rumi.” you spat with venom before taking the rest of your things and walking past her, stopping at the door to say “Delete my number”

You understood that you had done something wrong, but the fact that she had degraded you and insulted you was just immature. You wiped the tears off of your face, upset at the fact that she thought that was okay. Had she always thought this way? Was she just playing you? Your mind was just running amok and you didn’t have anyone to calm you down. 

Luckily, you had safely made it home, encountering no villains or criminals during your journey home. When you had gotten home, you had thrown yourself in bed, not even bothering to change your clothes or clean up. You cried yourself to sleep that night, your anxiety and insecurities weighing down on your shoulders. 

___

It had been a few days after your encounter with Rumi. You had muted her texts and calls, not having the heart to block her and fully eliminate her from your life just yet. You sighed once more, picking the rest of the carrots and taking them back inside to wash. It was almost time to open up the store. 

It had been quite a rough week, you spent most of your week crying, thus resulting in red puffy eyes. It still hurt to touch or rub them. You probably looked stupid, and it was probably noticed that you had been crying. 

You chose to wear glasses today, hoping that it would hide your tired and puffy eyes, not wanting your customers to worry about your wellbeing, especially Ms. Takeshi. She was quite old and you did not need her to worry about you as if you were one of her children, of course, you thought of her as a mom but you didn’t wanna burden her with your problems. 

Hopefully, today will be a better day for you and your fruits and vegetables. 

___

“She’s not answering me Keigo! I’m getting nervous!” Rumi whined, feeling slightly queasy.     

“She probably blocked you” he laughed, finding some amusement in his friend's pain. It was quite sadistic but this was Keigo we’re talking about. It wasn’t rare to see him finding amusement in fucked up things. It was just how he worked. 

“But my texts are still going in! I keep trying to apologize but she keeps ignoring me” she whined, flopping on her back and tossing her phone away from her. They were both currently on patrol, sitting atop of a building somewhere in the city. Both of them were currently situated on top of the building a few buildings away from your shop, your little building of establishment visible. 

“If you did that to me, ridiculed and degraded me, you would never hear from me again. I’m not surprised by her actions Rumi. She was a great girl and sorry to say it, but you fucked up. Real bad.” he continued, wanting his companion to realize how badly she had fucked up. 

“You don’t have to tell me okay?” she grumbled, starting to feel irritation seep into her veins while her supposed friend continued to bring up her mistakes. 

“Yeah, but you still gotta apologize anyways” he blew a piece of flyaway hair out of his face before continuing. “Why’d you do that anyway? Were you just leading her on or something? Cuz that’s mean” Keigo teased, adding more salt to her open wound. 

“I-I was frustrated. One of the younger heroes got killed. A bunch of civilians too. I felt so fucking useless. I was useless. I didn’t save anyone. I may have kicked ass, but that’s not what being a hero is all about. Being a hero is about saving as many lives as you can. I saved nobodies. I just wanted to be alone and I told her that, but I guess she didn’t see. When I saw her at my place, I just left her for a while. I didn’t talk to her--” she sighed. 

“Then I came out and she was just sitting on the couch. I don’t know what overcame me. I just lost it. What I did wasn’t right and I have to earn her forgiveness, but I’m not even sure she’ll let me. I hurt her so fucking bad Keigo” she sighed, placing her arm on her face, shielding herself from Keigo’s pitying gaze. 

Keigo tsked before getting up, shaking his head in disapproval. “I got a plan for you bunny girl, don’t worry about it. Just make sure that you have something nice planned for tomorrow, and dress nice too. Just leave it to me. I’ll help ya. Believe it.”

“Naruto?”

“Shut up”

___

As you were exiting the shop, you encountered a familiar winged hero, stopping at the magnificent sight of his wings. “Hawks?” you squinted, almost thinking you were dreaming, fast asleep on top of the counter in your shop. 

“Hey birdy, how are ya?” he greeted, stepping a little closer to you. 

“I’m okay. I’m sorry, I’m closing the shop right now but if you want anything, I can open it back up? They won’t be as fresh as it’s already late, but I can fix them up with my quirk!” you explained, already digging for the key in your pocket. 

“Nah baby I’m okay, don’t worry about me. I was just wondering if I could take you out? Maybe for coffee?” he asked, scratching the back of his neck. You blushed. What did he want with you? Was he playing with you? Was this a ploy to get you back with Rumi when you hadn’t even established a proper relationship with her?

“O-Okay, I don’t mind” you stuttered, blushing at the fact that he wanted to take you out. This still must have been a play, but this was still the Pro-Hero Hawks! This was an opportunity you couldn’t miss due to your stubborn and prideful personality!

“Come here baby bird, we’re flying” he smiled, wrapping his arms around your waist before taking off, launching the both of you into the air. You screamed as you both flew up, not used to flying. 

“Um… Hawks-san... Why did you want to talk? I’ve never spoken to me before” you started, clutching his arm a little harder as he weaved the both of you through the city. “I’ll talk at the coffee shop okay? I promise.” he smiled.

You nodded, not wanting to pry any further as you didn’t want to overstep your boundaries once more. 

___

“Look, Rumi misses you kid.” he started, scratching the back of his head, mussing up his already wind-swept hair. “I KNEW IT!” you cried, slamming your frappuccino that he oh so kindly bought for you on the table, startling Hawks and the few customers in the joint. 

“I know she’s sorry. I’ve seen her. She’s messed up right now. I know what she did was shitty but you gotta give her another chance kid.” he nearly begged, grasping at your hands. You scowled. How dare he? What did he know? 

”Is that supposed to make me pity her? She knows what she did. And, with all due respect, you shouldn't even be trying to apologize for her in the first place, Hawks-san” you seethed, letting go of his hands and balling yours into fists. You were irritated. 

”Look, I know how badly she fucked up. If it was me, I wouldn't even waste my time with her. But that's me, and this is you. I know you’re in love with her baby bird. Please don't give up on her just because of one fight. All couples fight and all couples are toxic in their own ways. You just have to communicate.” he smiled. 

”F-Fine! But… Please don't mention my feelings for her! That's just embarrassing!” you yelled, hiding your heating face into the palms of your hand. Hawks smiled again before getting up, beckoning for you to follow him. 

Hawks was quite surprised at your willingness to accompany him to meet Rumi. he expected you to be either hesitant or just reject his proposal and leave Rumi in the dust. He smiled once more, you had strong feelings for her, that was a guarantee. 

But, it was now or never. 

Hawks had flown the both of you on top of this building a few ways away from your shop. Your shop was actually visible from here! As Hawks set you down, he motioned for you to turn around, you obeyed, only to see Rumi standing there, holding a bouquet of white orchids. You recognized them as the ‘I’m sorry flowers’. You scoffed. Did she think you were going to be bought by flowers? 

Maybe. 

You felt your cheeks heating up at the sight of Rumi. She still wore her normal clothes, but for some reason, she looks even more attractive than she did before. Of course, she was attractive but it felt as if her attractiveness doubled. Or was that just because you haven’t seen her for some time? People did say that absence makes the heart grow fonder. 

Rumi approached you before trying to nudge the flowers in your hands. You reluctantly took them, not wanting to rub any more salt onto her wounds. You knew that what she had done was wrong and disrespectful, but you understood that sometimes people snapped. Anger was a human emotion, though she just didn't deal with it very well.  

“I’m sorry carrot. I disrespected you and called you names. I made fun of your intelligence even though you’re one of the smartest, prettiest, and most creative people I’ve had the pleasure of meeting. I know that I can’t make excuses, but I know what I can do is try my best to get you to forgive me and regain your trust” she softly spoke, staring lovingly into your eyes. 

You felt tears well up in your eyes. You knew she was sorry, but you still felt hurt by her words. She may have just said it out of anger and to hurt you, but it still hurt. There was the intention with her words. You knew and felt it. You knew that you would be able to forgive her but when things like this happened, it turned you off. 

Though, this case is special. You should’ve checked your phone and asked for permission to go inside her home in the first place. Your fault may not have been as serious or as severe as hers, but you weren’t going to let her shoulder all of the blame. 

You placed the flowers down on the floor, resulting in you worrying Rumi in the process. Were you going to leave? Did you not accept her apology? Did you hate her? Did you never want to see her again? Were you ever going to forgive her? Rumi could feel her heartbeat pounding in her ears, anxiety bubbling up inside her. She was suddenly overcome with an urge to hurl. Before she could even gag, you had already thrown yourself in her arms, wrapping your arms around your neck whilst your legs did the same to her waist. 

“I accept your apology! I’m sorry too! I didn’t mean to ignore my texts! Please take me back! I love you so much bun bun!” you sobbed, grasping her even tighter, unaware of what you had just spoken. You heard Rumi let out a laugh of disbelief. 

She pulled away to gaze at your crying face, feeling herself fall even harder for the crybaby right in front of her. She smiled before slamming her lips against yours, quickly dipping her tongue inside of your mouth. Your eyes widened at the surprise kiss before you slowly melted into it, using your tongue to caress hers, pulling her in even further into you. 

As you and Rumi made out, Hawks stood there. He literally just stood there. “H-Hey Rumi! I thought you said I would be eating dinner with you guys” he tried to gain their attention, even sending some of his feathers to them, trying to separate them from each other. 

But, Rumi just shooed him away, leaving Hawks to sadly walk away. As Hawks flew off of the building, his one thought was ‘when will I meet my someone?’. He sighed and continued his flight home. He would meet his soulmate one day. That was for sure. 

“Rumi, do you love me back?” you asked, wanting to hear it come from her mouth. She smiled, caressing the soft skin of your cheeks. “I do carrot. I really do” she smiled, leaning in for another kiss. “Why did you choose to bring me up here though? We could have just gone to your apartment” you tilted your head, resulting in Rumi’s heart skipping a beat. 

“Well, I’ve actually known you for a while. There was a time where I was patrolling here and I saw you walking home, it was already late so I wanted to keep an eye out for you and make sure you were safe. I saw you reviving all the dead plants you passed by, even growing some berries on the shrubbery. I just thought you were so interesting, but I didn't want to be a stalker so I let you go. Then a few days later, I get thrown inside your shop. What a coincidence huh?” she laughed. 

“You’re such a simp bun” you teased, pinching her soft chubby cheeks. 

“Oh! That reminds me, I got you something!” she revealed a small box before handing it to you. It was quite heavy. You opened it, only to find out that it was a bunny! Rumi had gotten you a bunny! How ironic. You scooped it out of the box before placing the bunny in your arms, feeling your bottom lip tremble at the adorable site of the bunny. 

“Do you like it?” she queried, anxious to find out. 

“I love it! I’m gonna name them Hawks!”

“E-Eh? Why!? Why not after me? Hey! Wait! Don’t use your vines to escape! Answer me!” 

___

“Rumi! Where do I smash this in?” you asked, wondering where the hammer was. “Baby carrot, that’s a screw, you can’t use a hammer, we need a drill,” she informed you, carefully taking the hammer out of your dangerous hands. 

“Why’d I have to get such a big closet anyways” you grumbled, sitting on the ground with a pout, hating how useless you were right now. “Because you ran out of snack space. It’s okay. My dad taught me how to build stuff, also this is from IKEA so it’s easy to follow” she bragged, smirking at your sulking figure. 

“Can you hand me the door? We can attach it now. Don’t worry, we’re almost done baby, I promise” she smiled, ruffling the top of your hair. You grumbled about not liking her messing your hair up before reluctantly getting up to fetch the door for your lovely girlfriend. Has this door always been so big and heavy?

You squatted and wrapped your arms around the door, grunting as you tried to pick it up. You succeeded but lost your balance, your legs locking into place as you fell backwards, the door landing on top of you and smashing into your forehead. “HELP!” you cried as you were pinned under the door.

Rumi came running in, thinking you had hammered a nail through your own foot, only to find you on the floor, under a cabinet door. She snickered as your limbs wiggled. 

“I guess you can say you look… a-door-able HAHAHA!”

“Haha. Please help, my lungs are being crushed”

“OH SHIT”

© katsukisbimbo 2020 — all rights reserved. please refrain from modifying, translating, reposting of any kind. plagiarism will NOT be tolerated. please be kind and enjoy!

[daimonhalos]

More Badlands headcanons: the prequel

I return from the grave to lay upon ye my newfound knowledge: so I was just doodling a sad bbh, then he started looking more like child bbh and it turned into a comic of Bad meeting the other three for the first time and eventually I came up with a sort of backstory for bbh and some initial bonding for the badlands LET'S GET INTO IT

(this is all /rp)

So life in the nether certainly wasn't easy and bad's childhood was definitely fucked up.

One day he had walked away for five minutes from home and returns to it being burnt down and his parents on the ground, stabbed to death.

Baby Bad did n ot have the same attire. His current scarf, he took it from his mom when she died, whilst the sword comes from his dad. That's why he never upgraded from a diamond sword to a netherite one.

Before they died, he had 3 halos, two disappeared after they did and one remained broken until he got over them passing away.

As a kid he had more devilish wings, which became normal angel/feathered wings a little after his parents' death. It had been said that his family had a toll on their heads and only once someone else's vengeance was completed (killing said family), his features would've gone back to the way his species used to be. He wasn't sure much had changed.

(Also sidenote, for once he's on the other side: literally every bad thing reminds him of his childhood in the nether so at least for the first few centuries he's always absolutely nice to people)

Then he goes wild with chaos when hes more comfy and has friends ♥

Once grown up and confident, despite everything he'd heard about the overworld, he decides to find a portal and cross it.

Of course, when he crosses, he is immediately met with three complete strangers staring right back at him, entirely different from what people had told him: there's a biped cat, a diamond person and a creeper hybrid, still staring and blinking at him, quite surprised.

The three immediately notice how he's immediately on the defensive, guarding instead of attacking them immediately

So they understand he doesn't mean bad and they also understand it's his first time out of the nether because of the way he needs to adjust to the sunlight which is the same skeppy had the first time out of the underground (he only ever lived in caves so underground, max/min y levels where u find diamonds.

They take o n e look at bad and go "holy shit. We need to adopt this guy quick"

Bonus: "okay. GOTTA protect this dude at a l l costs. He might be 3 meters tall demon, but he looks sad so he needs to be PROTECTED RIGHT NOW-"

Sam ant and skeppy are in fact together already which means they already are found family tm so they already got each other and helped each other in the past.

Hold the fuck up this is beautiful because. Creepers can spawn or stay in mines WHERE DIAMONDS ARE

creepers can be on the ground as well where CATS ARE BUT THEY'RE AFRAID OF CATS THIS IS ACTUALLY SO GOOD pardon my enthusiasm i had an epiphany

Hence their small backstory: Sam finds skeppy first, then he loses skeppy as the latter freaking bolts around in the overworld for the first time.

Skeppy finds ant and brings him to Sam and Sam is like Oh GOD PLEASE NONONO "Can we keep him" "NO." "Im right here" "he TALKS?"And transforms to his humanoid vers

Actually they keep Ant for a week before he speaks for real because skeppy wants to prank sam

One night a skelly shoots an arrow at ant and Sam has been protective over the two ever since (they are brothers your honor)

Sam stopped sizzling everytime ant is nearby ♡

Skeppy does not feel hot nor cold

He's simply an unbothered king about temperatures ♡

Thats why he wears a crop top anything for fashion,,,/hj (granted to u guys by the great @azaethal)

"We're in a snow biome at least pretend you're cold"" f a s h u n "

"Hey Sam do u think ants like. Constantly naked" "Skeppy it's Four IN THE MORNING. GO. TO sleep" "He has fur in his cat form I know but like. He's basically naked right" "For fucks sake-"

Lol get skepped

It's a blessing when they adopt bad in their friend group cause skeppy finally has a new victim and Sam and ant have some rest. Bad falls for every single prank of skeppy.

The moment skeppy finds out he doesn't swear it's over for you bitches

Then the next problem is when they get into fights and become petty and don't talk to each other like literal kids

Ant and Sam stand there like how does this diamond block fuckin have the guts to yell at a 9 feet tall demon what the f u ck

Is anyone going to make fun of this demon?? Bet. (courtesy of @azaethal)

And that's how our boys know. They just know bad and skeppy are gonna be loooong time friends

ONE DAY THEY'RE LIKE

"YO GUESS WHAT WE JUST DID SOMETHING S I C K"

"WE JUST LINKED OUR SOULS TOGETHER"

"What the ACTUAL F-"

They say it was just for the meme

Deep down they know it's because they got an unbreakable bond

When he joins his soul with skeppy's, the second halo comes back to him. The third will when he finds sapnap and decides to make him his son and take him away from there.

Don't have anything else yet but will add up as soon as I do owo

[ressyfaerie]

Just something dirty about Kai. Either a hidden kink or secrets. I'm honestly down for anything!!

Thank you for making my slutty heart happy <3

YES THIS ASK IS MY REASON FOR LIVING.

I ASK

ARE YOU READY.

ARE YOU REALLY?

Thank god for us sluts <3 

I’m putting this in a read more because NSFW.

Let’s say for the sake of the dirtyness Tyson and Kai are over 18 and newly dating. Yes I’m making it Ty/ka because it’s the easiest to write for me lol. 

A regular training day in the dojo was different than a few years ago. Kai was much closer with the Bladebreakers especially since Tyson and him had started dating. 

The reason they weren’t too close to each other?

No one else knew yet, and if they got too close, they couldn’t keep their hands off each other. 

However they were still rivals, which led to some… Interesting altercations. 

They all crowded around Kenny’s laptop watching some playbacks of old matches. 

“Eh! Get off me!” Tyson whispered gently pushing Kai off his shoulder. 

Kai shot him the grin he had been giving him lately, the kind no one else could. 

“See that Tyson?” Kenny pointed to the screen. 

“Um- What am I supposed to be looking at Chief?” Tyson was totally paying attention.

“This move right here, it's dangerous with your new hardware, you need to wait till later on in the match to do something like this.” 

“Alright…” Kai kept leaning into Tyson to ‘see the screen’. 

“Okay- can you like fuck off for a second?” Tyson turned to Kai aggressively, but Kai knew better. 

“Tyson! What kind of language...” Ray wondered where he learned it from, but obviously it was Kai.

Tyson pushed himself off the ground hitting Kai with his body in the process. 

“Hey Tyson, watch where you’re moving your dumb body-” Kai picked on him constantly but lately it had been… different. 

“Eh!” Tyson grabbed his shirt and pushed him back, Kai fell backwards on the hardwood. 

“Shit sorry Kai!” Tyson went to help him up, he didn’t mean to put so much effort into his shove. 

When Tyson held his hand out to Kai Kai grabbed it slowly, and then pulled him down to the floor. 

The play fighting was common between the Bladebreakers so of course no one questioned it, although Kai and Tyson had been doing it more lately. 

Tyson rolled onto his side and tried to kick Kai’s thigh. 

“You jerk!” Tyson gasped at him in a low gruff voice. 

Kai laughed at him and tried to sit himself up to tackle him. 

The guys started chanting fight fight! Cheering them on. 

Tyson managed to get Kai on his stomach, Kai managed to crawl forward but Tyson grabbed his scarf too fast for him to get away, and pulled. 

“Ah!” Kai scowled when Tyson pulled on it.

Tyson wrapped the silk scarf around his wrist and yanked it moving his face closer to Kai’s shoulder. 

“Give up yet Kai? Am I finally going to win one of our wrestling matches?” Tyson teased. 

“Mhhf!” Kai spluttered as the scarf tied tighter around his neck.

“Just admit defeat Kai-” 

“Mm- Harder-” Kai said barely above a whisper.

Tyson dropped the scarf instantly making Kai fall flat on his face. 

“Excuse me?” Tyson stared at Kai in disbelief, but grinning in satisfaction.

Kai turned around to look his boyfriend in the eyes, that told Tyson everything he needed to know.

 “Time to train guys- let’s go outside.” Tyson ordered everyone but didn’t take his gaze off Kai. 

After training for a while Tyson escaped to head into his house. A few minutes later Kai needed the bathroom. 

Max laughed. “They think we don’t know they’re dating.”

In Tyson’s room upstairs Kai found Tyson standing in his room.

“I was waiting for y- Mm!” Kai shut him up with a fast intense kiss. 

“Fuck-” Tyson managed let go for a moment before Kai started to kiss him again.

Tyson pulled away, “So... You’re scarf.”

Kai looked him up and down with desire, “What about it?” 

“You like being choked don’t you?” Tyson felt up his chest through the tight black shirt.

Kai didn’t answer but grinned in response, a low chuckle escaped his throat. 

“Really?” Tyson dragged his forefinger over his neck, “This dominant Kai?” 

Kai nodded fast.

“Tyson wrapped his hand around his neck, he didn’t even add pressure and Kai closed his eyes in euphoria. 

“Oh wow you do like that-” Tyson whispered pleasantly surprised. 

“Take my scarf off-” Kai practically begged. 

“Okay-” Tyson obeyed. “Where do you want me to put it-”

“Don’t put it down.” 

“Um-” Tyson questioned. 

Kai placed his arms behind his back and turned around.

“Oh you cheeky bastard!” Tyson’s face hurt from smiling. He wrapped the silk scarf around Kai’s wrists. 

“We have to be quick- the guys are outside waiting to practice-” Kai’s body radiated heat showing his true emotions to Tyson. 

Tyson kissed his neck from behind and reached around to grab his neck.

“Like this?” Tyson asked coyly. 

“Mmm yes…” Kai’s voice sounded like honey, and his body shook silently begging Tyson to do more. 

“Alright but we have to be quick…”

[deans-baby-momma]

Seeking Mercy-Chapter 10

A/N: FINALLY!!!! Guys, I’m so sorry that it has taken this long to get this posted but I actually didn’t feel like getting online yesterday at all. But good news, I think I’m gonna live! LOL And without further adieu, here is the final chapter of Seeking Mercy, the last part to the Falling Series. Enjoy!

TWO YEARS LATER

Dean and his family had left no stones unturned when it came to warding the house he had bought for Y/N and the kids. Every day for months she would find a new sigil hidden somewhere, always out of sight in case she ever hosted a non-hunter visit.

He took every chance he could get to come and see Mavelin and his visits soon turned into the little girl going and spending time at the Bunker. Y/N could see the distrust and pain in her ex’s eyes. He couldn’t even seem to stand to say more than 10 words to her. And it was all her fault.

Y/N blamed no one but herself for how her life had turned out. She fell into the temptation of her brother-in-law, although she had a loving husband then became afflicted with guilt after Dean was injured and she continued with the affair, getting pregnant along the way.

She knew the moment-the second- that she lied to Dean about the paternity of her son that her time as his wife was close to coming to an end. She had deluded herself to think that she’d ever get away with such a giant bluff.

Mavelin is now 3 1/2 years old and is very much a Daddy’s girl. She insists on wearing flannels and jeans everyday and instead of playing with dolls and Barbies, she would rather take her brother’s toys apart to see how they work. She is pretty good at putting them back together also.

The little girl has yet to realize that when her Daddy comes to pick her up that he never brings her brother along, thank god! Y/N isn’t ready to have that conversation, to try and explain in terms a toddler could understand that her daddy isn’t her brother’s daddy. It’s sometimes too much for her to even comprehend.

How could she have done that to Dean? The one man she vowed to love and honor, cherish and obey; the man she worked so hard on tearing down his walls and getting him to let her in. And she just threw it away, like the pledges she made were just words that could be erased.

Y/N watches Dean back the Impala out of her driveway, waving at the little girl sitting so proudly in the backseat. This whole week Dean is going to have Mavelin at the Bunker. Apparently one of their old hunting colleagues, Eileen, is back and her and Sam are getting pretty serious. 

Y/N only knows this because Mary still calls and texts to check up on her. She doesn’t understand why because it was the woman’s own son that Y/N hurt, but Mary insists she wants to stay in contact. Mary is the one who told Y/N of Adam’s untimely death at the hands of a demon.

Mary is also the one that told Y/N how Dean is, how he has thrown his all into hunting down and defeating Chuck, who is apparently God now and is kinda evil. Y/N thinks back to the capricious and kooky writer they’d met years ago. Who knew that he would turn out to be such a malevolent being.

Her two-year-old son runs into the back of her legs as she watched the sleek black car that she loved so much disappear down the street, wishing she could go back in time to where she’d be inside the cab ready to take on whatever, next to her husband.

“Hey Max, looks like it’s just me and you for a week,” she says as she picks up her son.

“Sissy?”

“She’s gone to see her grandma and uncle,” Y/N tells the child. “She’ll be back Sunday evening.”

“Mommy?” Mavelin asks one night, weeks later, as she is getting put down for bed. “Is Maddox my real brother?”

“What?!” Y/N asked incredulously. “Of course he is your real brother. What makes you think he’s not?”

“I heard Gamma and Daddy talking one night when I was staying with him. Daddy said that Maddox isn’t his son,” the girl explained. “I didn’t mean to eaffsdrop but I was thirsty and wanted some water. Gamma was washing dishes and Daddy was at the table and they was talking. So I thought if Max isn’t Daddy’s then how is he my brother?”

Y/N blows out a breath of air and sits on the edge of the bed beside her daughter. “Listen honey, first off, you know it’s not polite to eavesdrop. You should’ve let you Daddy know you were thirsty instead of listening to adult conversations. 

And, no your Daddy is not Maddox’s Daddy but Maddox is your real brother. I am his Mommy just like I am yours. Okay?”

“Who is Max’s daddy?” Mavelin asks, her green eyes looking up at Y/N inquiringly.

“That little miss,” Y/N begins, kissing the top of her daughter’s head. “Is a conversation for later. Much, much later.”

“Does ‘e love Max? Like my Daddy loves me.”

“Like I said, a conversation for another time, when you are older. Now go to sleep. Tomorrow is a big day, it’s your birthday! I love you.” That earned an ear-to-ear smile from Mavelin.

“Wuv you too Mommy.”

The next morning, Y/N is running around trying to get the house in order before the Winchesters arrive. It’s Mavelin’s 4th birthday and Y/N has planned a small party for her daughter. Mary is bringing Winchester Surprise and Sam is supposed to pick up the cake from Wal-Mart. Y/N also knew that Dean was going to be here and was preparing herself. The two of them hadn’t spent more than 30 minutes together since the break-up. She just hoped they could be civil to one another for Mavelin’s sake.

The doorbell rings and Mavelin jumps up. “I got it!”

“Mavelin Winchester! You know you are not allowed to answer the door.”

“Yes, Mommy,” the little girl responds deflated.

Y/N looks out the window and sees Mary standing on the terrace with a dish in her hands. But what astonishes her is the massive amount of gifts that Dean is holding behind his Mom.

She hurriedly opens the door with a smile on her face.

“Hi. Come on in.”

Mary returns her smile and steps in the door and heads for the kitchen. Y/N watches Dean try to maneuver around without dropping a single package.

“Want some help?” Y/N asks timidly.

“I got it,” Dean huffs as he steps over the threshold about the same time that the top present begins to teeter and fall off the pile. Thankfully Y/N’s reflexes are still competent enough that she is able to catch it before it hits the ground.

Dean looks around the massive stack and smiles sheepishly at her. “Or not. Thanks.”

“No problem,” Y/N answers. She directs Dean to place the presents in the front room for Mav to open after dinner.

Before she and Dean can just stand there awkwardly Sam bursts through the door with the cake box in his hands. “Cake’s here!”

That evening, for the first time in a very long time, Y/N feels like she is once again a part of the WInchesters; that everything with Adam has disappeared and the family is plainly celebrating a birthday. It is a good day; one that none of them seems to want to end.

All three of the oldest Winchesters putter around, lingering even after the kids go down for the night.  Even Dean seems to find things to check on to keep from leaving. Y/N offers everyone a drink and while Dean and his brother are re-checking the warding one more time, Mary and Y/N sit at the kitchen table.

It was quiet until Mary speaks, almost in a whisper to where neither of the guys can hear her.

“Do you still love him? Dean, I mean.”

Y/N looks at her mother-in-law in shock. That is the last question she expected to hear.

“Yes, of course,” she answers truthfully. “I’ll never stop loving him.”

Mary smiles and opens her mouth to respond at the same time the guys walk into the room.

“All set,” Sam tells them while Dean hesitates near the doorway. “Everything looks good. You’re still safe and sound.”

“Thanks, Sam,” Y/N says with a smile.

Not long after, the Winchesters bid a goodbye to her and Y/N watches as they climb in the Impala to leave.

That night she cries herself to sleep for the first time in the two years since Dean sent her away.

Y/N had just finished cutting up some fruit for Maddox when she hears a knock on the front door.

Wiping off her hands, she walks toward the front of the house, looking out the window near the door. She sees the Impala in the driveway and is shocked. Mavelin is back at the Bunker so why is Dean knocking on her door? Maybe their daughter had forgotten to pack something or had accidentally left something behind.

She opens the door slowly, looking out at the man she loves. Before she can ask why he is here, he speaks up.

“Y/N,” Dean’s questions, his voice faint. “I need to talk to you.”

A/N2: Okay guys, I’m not that much of a bitch. LOL There will be an epilogue posted Monday (8/10) by noon.

@lostinaseaoffictionalbliss​​ @squirrelnotsam​​ @sandlee44​​  @internationalmusicteacher​​ @kricketc29​ @natura1phenomenon​​ @blacktithe7​​ @spnbaby-67​​ @travelingriversideblues-x​​  @keymology​​ @tftumblin​​ @markofdean79​​ @thevelvetseries​​ @deanwanddamons​​ @winchester-fantasies​ @akshi8278​ @michellethetvaddict​ @larajadeschmidt13​ @leatherwhiskeycoffeeplaid​ @hoboal87​ @atc74​ @maddiepants​ @delightfullykrispypeach​

[sweetingly]

Bitter & Sweet

A Billy Hargrove Imagine (requested by @rachelcarroll1819 )

———

Y/N’s POV:

Fits of laughters fall from me as my boyfriend placed sloppy kisses on my neck. He was only doing it out of spite because he knew how much it tickled for me.

“Billy!” I squeal, trying my best to push him off, but my strength was no match, especially compared to his musclar arm.

I feel him smile against my neck as he continues, “You shouldn’t have teased me in the first place then you wouldn’t be in this mess.” He pauses for second before attacking me with kisses again.

More giggles escape from me, a few of the things on kitchen counter tumbling to the ground due to all the movement we were causing.

“Okay, okay!” I yell, breathless from all the giggling and he stops to make eye contact with me. “I am really sorry about what I said.”

“Said what?” He eggs on, one of his eyebrows going upward.

I send him an annoyed look, “Really? I’m not repeating it just for you to tickle me even more.”

He lets out a fake gasp, pretending to be hurt. “I’d never do that! Now, just tell me what you’re apologizing for and then we can get on with our lives.”

“Fine.” I huff, “I’m sorry for calling you a pea-brain.”

“See that wasn’t so hard, was it?” He teases, both of his hands giving my hips a little squeeze.

I shrug, “I guess not. However, I should be getting an apology too since you know I hate being tickled. You made me suffer for five whole minutes!”

“Awh come on, sweetheart.” He teases poking my sides, but I don’t give in as I cross my arms over my chest while fake pouting. “Can I get a kiss?”

I shake my head, “Nuh-uh.”

He tries to kiss me, but I dodge them perfectly causing him to let out a little whining noise. I wanted to laugh so bad, but I wasn’t going to give in so easily. Stopping him from failing to kiss me, I place my hand over his mouth and he pauses immediately.

“You shouldn’t have tickled me to death.” I simply state, the both of us eyeing each other.

Without even thinking, Billy swipes his tongue against my hand making me pull my hand away instantly. Taking that as his cue, he pressed his lips against mine. Me being purposefully stubborn I don’t kiss him back- just to mess with him.

That was only until he lifted me off the counter, giving my butt a tight squeeze and I ended up moving my lips along with his. I feel him smile into the kiss before he sets me back down on the counter, my legs wrapping around his waist to bring him closer.

“I’m bac- ah what the hell guys?!” Billy and I break away from the kiss once the voice of my brother was heard from the kitchen doorway.

“We’ve talked about doing the shimmy-sham in the kitchen- it’s not acceptable in this house or anyone else’s house.” Steve explains as he set the bag of groceries on the counter.

“Someone’s just upset because they don’t get head everyday like me.” Billy mutters, but it’s loud enough for Steve and I to hear which I slap his chest in response.

My mouth is agape for a moment after the comment since I didn’t expect him to say that. “Billy, be nice.” I warn.

“You know what Billy? At least my dic-“

“Okay, that’s enough guys.” I interrupt Steve from continuing the rest of his sentence, already knowing how it was gonna end. “Gosh, you two are like preschoolers who fight over toy trucks in the play area.”

“Sorry,” They say in unison, Billy kissing my cheek.

“It’s fine,” I sigh. “Steve, are we still on for tonight? Remember, the gang wanted to go to the arcade and dinner afterwards.”

Steve’s eyes widen, “Oh shit, I completely forgot- thank god you reminded me. But yes, as a matter of fact I’ll call Dustin to confirm the time on when we should pick them up.” With that, Steve leaves Billy and I alone in the kitchen again.

“You’re welcome to join us, babe.” I tell him once we make eye contact, my hands resting on his biceps. “It’ll be fun!”

Billy looks unsure for a second, “Uhh i’ll pass- I’ve got some errands to run anyway.”

My eyebrows furrow, “You have to get them done tonight?”

“Yes, they’re sort of important.” Is all he says and my face holds a slight frown, he immediately notices. “I’m sorry, I’ll join you all next time though.”

He had said that every time I invited him along to hangout with us, but I let it slide once more. Giving him a chaste kiss, I nod adding a smile so he wouldn’t feel bad.

———

Our plans for going out to the arcade then dinner had ended up changing to us doing puzzles and ordering pizza. We had all hosted our mini get togethers at each other’s houses besides Lucas and Max. Deciding we’d all go to Lucas’ since Max’s wasn’t the best idea as of right now- or forever.

“Will, I swear you keep putting those together thinking they’ll magically fit.” Mike tease as his friend concentrated on getting the same two pieces.

Will shrugged, “Maybe they will magically fit- you have to believe in me guys.” I laugh at his response, ruffling his hair. “Don’t worry, I have faith in you, Baby Byers.”

After about ten minutes, all of us give up on the puzzle since we weren’t even halfway at that point. The film Grease playing from the VHS as we all gathered on the family room.

“You know what?” Max spoke up, our attention turning towards her. “Y/N and Billy remind me of Sandy and Danny.”

“Yeah, but Y/N’s not as perky as Sandy. There are times where she can be a real bit-“

My eyes dart to Dustin and his mouth is agape. “I swear if you even continue that sentence then you won’t have front teeth again.” His mouth slowly shuts as the others let out a laugh.

“In conclusion,” Mike starts. “Billy and Y/N are the next Sandy and Danny- end of discussion.”

The doorbell rings before we could all get into watching the movie some more. I glance at the teens who glance between Steve and I.

“Did you guys order more pizza?” Steve questions, mostly asking the boys in particular.

El shakes her head, “Never. I wouldn’t let them do that again.” She says, referring to the incident from last time.

I get up for my comfy spot, “Look, I’ll get it since none of you dipshits are going.”

Walking out of the family room and towards the front door, I check the peephole noticing Billy standing out there. My brows furrow in confusion as I open the door.

“Hey babe,” I say causing a smile to arise on his face. “What are you doing here?”

He leans his body onto the doorframe, chewing on a piece of gum. “I came to get you, of course.”

I let out an awkward laugh. “Billy, you know I’m hanging out with the gang tonight.” I suddenly feel bad when his expression falters. “I invited you, but you said you had errands to run.” I put an emphasis on the word “errands”.

“I really did.” He defends and I cross my arms over my chest, sending him a warning look. “Okay, I didn’t.” He sighs in defeat.

“Yeah, I know. Why didn’t you just tell the truth?” I question.

He his clears throat, his body not leaning on the doorframe anymore. “Alright, I’m sorry, but I know how they are whenever I come around.” I send him a puzzled expression, but he continues. “Steve, Lucas, Mike, Will, Dustin, Eleven, and even my little sister, act like I’m some murderous criminal whenever I come around.”

My heart falls when he admits that to me, and I immediately pull him into a warming hug. “Billy...” I whisper, his eyes meeting mine when we pull apart. “I promise they want to get to know you. It’s just the whole demeanor you gave off when you and Max first moved here and that made them feel a bit iffy about you. Hell, I’ll even admit that you scared me a little before we started dating.” I tell him, light laughs falling from the both of us. “But every time we get together they’ll either ask me or Max why you don’t come along.”

A small smile appears on his face, “You’re not just telling me that to make me feel better?”

“I’d never lie to you, Billy.” I give him a smile of reassurance. “Now, come in and join us because we just started Grease.”

With further ado, I grab his hand and bring him inside, closing the door behind him. We both walk to the family room where the others sat watching the film still. However, all their attention breaks away from it once they notice Billy and I standing in the walkway.

“I hope you guys don’t mind, but Billy came to join us for tonight.“ I tell them, my hand letting go of his as my arm snakes around his waist.

Silence floats throughout the room, and I watch as Billy glances down at the carpet awkwardly.

“Fine by me as you guys don’t do the shimmy-sham.” Steve teases, and I’m glad that he finally broke the silence.

“Oh shut it, Harrington.” Billy jokes, chuckles traveling throughout the room.

Lucas and Max then slide over for Billy and I to join them on the couch. I allow Billy to sit beside Max, hoping that it’ll somehow help their awkward brother-sister relationship. And boy, was I right because the whole time they kept whispering and giggling about things to one another.

To be honest, Billy was a bitter person and it showed whenever he was around people he couldn’t stand. But I knew deep down that he was also just a sweet, ole’ cuddly teddy bear.

———

send in more requests for Billy or Steve because I run out of ideas easily lol!! <3 <3

[the-beskar-alchemist]

Billy’s Baby

Buckle up buttercups, because I have a lot of feelings and I can't seem to control my brain's obsessiveness with Billy and his relationship with/mentality towards his little mean machine, so here's a bit of a "Character Analysis" starring a certain Camaro and its mullet-wearing human.

(I want to include some of the other characters, besides immediate family, but I think I'll save that for a headcanon post. More specifically I want to elaborate on Billy/Neil vs Billy/Hop/Joyce in terms of how he is with the car).

Here are some somethings I've noticed:

1) Billy doesn't appear to want to put too much money into anything cosmetic. Basically he's not eager to "pimp" his ride, only maintain the upkeep.  Granted he's probably working on a budget, and that's absolutely my headcanon....but only HALF of it. Do you know what costs more money than parts? Cigarettes.  If he's buying a pack or more a day, that money adds up, he could be spending hundreds of dollars a year, maybe more depending on the brand. I get the feeling that he's not interested in making his car look like a starlet, but he does value its appearance enough to keep it clean.

2) While he's not interested in a Fast and Furious worthy look, he's not eager to do damage on any cosmetic/mechanical level.  Yes in S2 he threatens to run over the boys, but honestly that felt like a bluff to test Max's loyalty to Hawkins (and the boys by default). Repairs (on the surface or below) cost money, which Billy is struggling to get.  He'll keep the fluids check/changed, the tank as full as financially possible, and the car washed, but he's not going to bust his ass to prove a point.  The engine is running, it gets him from A to B, and that's his main goal.

3) This car is a personal thing for him, it's his safe-space, fuck how anyone else feels about it. It's a point of focus for him, or at least one of the top 5 things that gives his life meaning.  It's not THE most important thing, honestly he could live without it if necessary, but he's not eager to part with his baby.  It's something that's JUST his, and no one else's. It's something he can claim that wasn't touched by Neil and has no connection with that deadbeat WHATSOEVER. Basically it's not TAINTED, and he loves that.  While he may bear a few scars from his life with his father, the car is unscathed, and that matters to him.

4) Why yes it is a chick-magnet, why do you ask? It has a V-8 engine that'll scare anyone standing too close when he gives it a nice rev before taking off.  He's done a few burn-outs, donuts, he's street-raced a few times hoping to win so he can get some serious cash, but a wheelie? He's afraid to try, he's heard stories, but the idea of raising up off the ground and feeling the roar of the engine beneath him? Makes his heart race.  When he first got the car people started to notice him, he wasn't "just Billy" anymore, he was Bad Boy Billy with the cool car.  The girls would flock to him just before he climbed inside and gave the engine a spin, they were drawn to the power of that engine more than Billy, but he didn't mind.  It's only when Max climbs into the car that he's reminded why he got the car in the first place, less than a year before they moved.  The girls are a nice bonus, but you can't put a price on freedom.

5) He's a teenager so obviously he enjoys having the option to leave the house if he needs to.  That's always the dream right, once you get your license? The car was only ever meant to be a way to escape, but it inevitably became a moving hotel room during those dark times.  When Neil would lose his shit and put his hands on Billy, forcing him out the door because he "was getting sick of his shit", and Billy had nowhere to go......his baby was the one to give him a place to rest.  Hell if he ever made it out of this shithole he just might live in the car for a while until he got back on his feet. But leaving Max would be the hardest part, because without Billy in the house Neil had to turn to SOMEONE to vent his anger.  But those nights when he curled up in the backseat (the front seat just wasn't that comfortable to lay on), usually with only his jacket to keep him warm, Billy couldn't help but think about the open road that would lead to a place far, far away from Hawkins.

6) While Billy is capable as a self-taught (ish) mechanic, he's not AS incline as he could be. It's not that he doesn't care to learn, he truly does, enough that he's snuck books out of the local library just so he could figure out what the hell was making that racket that one time he couldn't get the car to start. His lack of a teacher is the issue, and Billy sure as HELL won't go to his dad asking for help.  The one time he did, Neil scoffed and snapped back with an "It's your fucking car, you fix it", before shoving past Billy to leave the house.  Billy didn't ask again.  What he's learned was "on the go", purely a trial-and-error situation, he doesn't stop until he figures it out. He once spent HOURS trying to fix the car (there was a blockage in the fuel-line and the car wouldn't stay cranked), by the end of it all he was very tired. But knowing he'd taken care of the problem HIMSELF only fueled his confidence, and elevated him to a kind of high no woman or drug could ascend him. He slept like a baby that night.

7) Where did he get this car anyway? If he's strapped for cash how did he afford it? Well in my personal opinion Billy "earned" the car by working for the previous owner.  When he was still living in California, he went for a walk on the beach, a little further than he usually did.  He came across a beach house, and the Camaro was parked in a shed. He only noticed it because the breeze had caused a corner of the tarp covering it to flap, kind of like it was waving, and underneath a singular headlight caught the light from the sunset and nearly blinded him.  The man that owned it said it was his son's car before, but he died in Vietnam, and he didn't have the heart to drive it.  Long story short Billy worked out a deal to pay off the car little by little.  During this time the old man told him a thing or two about how to take care of it, what oil to use, what wax worked the best, etc.  By the time Billy had the car in his possession, they had to move to Indiana.  His biggest fear was the car breaking down before he could make it there.  He'd enjoyed his time with the old man, even bonded a little, it still hurts to this day knowing he had to leave it all behind.  He had started to really like the guy.

8) Obviously Neil isn't too fond of his son's car, he's complained about it leaving oil stains in the driveway, how Billy parks it at the house, when it's blocked the other cars (it wasn't even close to being in the way, Neil just sucks at backing up).  Neil once backed into the Camaro while leaving the house, and Billy flipped his shit, but Neil wasn't having that. He threatened to have the car towed away if Billy didn't start parking where he "was supposed to". Billy didn't argue at that point, he wasn't sure if Neil would follow-through or not, but a tow was expensive so it wasn't worth the risk.  Of course Neil DOES shut up for the most part, resorting to saving his complaints for his most "unfavorable" moments, why? Because of Max. As long as Billy has a car, Max has a chauffeur, so she's out of Neil's and Susan's hair at least THAT much.  As long as Billy has a car, Max is not their problem, so he'll shut up about it enough to avoid losing that loophole.

This turned out a LOT longer than I'd originally planned, sorry for the length, but I have so many thoughts popping into my head so I'm trying to get them all out or I'll get restless lol.

[porkchop-ao3]

Park Chinois: PART 1/3

Part Two - Part Three

So I decided to write Ice Cream Rick and reader’s 6 month anniversary date at Park Chinois, the one that Tailor made I.C his suit for in this fic! I’ve been writing this for a while, since before I started the Tailor backstory fic, Unpicking, so bear in mind that this fic takes place before reader knows anything about that (its not hugely relevant, just in the first few paragraphs of this fic). Thank you to @rixxy8173571m3w1p3 for talking to me about this fic and giving me the push I needed to write it!

I’m splitting this into three parts, the first two parts are SFW and can be read as a stand alone story (like I’ve done in the past), and the final part is NSFW but can be skipped if you aren’t into that :) 

By the way I just wanna put a disclaimer here and say I have never been to Park Chinois (which is a real restaurant in Mayfair, London), and so the experience these characters have here is totally made up and doesn’t reflect what it’s actually like! I just took my inspiration for the setting of this fic from there :) Don’t sue me! Lol. 

Enjoy!

-

“Relax, darling, trust me. You've honestly no need to be nervous, I recommended the place. Has my impeccable taste ever led anyone astray?” Tailor, who was leaning up against the banister of the stairs as we waited by the door, assured me. I.C would be arriving any moment.

“I'm not nervous about the place, he could be taking me to McDonald's and I'd be totally happy. It's just this- this waiting around. I have so much nervous, excited energy, I just want to see him! To get going. You know? You've never felt like this before a date?” I asked, giving myself a last check in the mirror. Tailor had 'sorted me out’, he'd curled my hair for me (since I always missed parts in the back) and helped me pick out shoes and accessories to go with the yellow dress I.C had insisted I wear. He'd been keeping me company while I waited, dropping not so subtle hints about his involvement in the whole thing.

I was honestly surprised, I didn't at all expect him to have bothered involving himself in I.C's and my private life.

“I haven't been on a date since I was still with my ex wife.” He informed me, a bitter scowl on his face. “I don't date.” He added with an air of finality that warned me not to push it. I looked at him through the reflection in the mirror and he was staring at the ground.

“Thank you for helping me.” I told him, swiftly changing the subject. I didn't know a lot about his ex wife but whenever he mentioned her he got this look on his face that I didn't like. “You know I'm useless with hair and stuff. I appreciate you giving me your time.”

“Yes, you are pretty useless. I may not be a hairstylist but you look more kept than you would've done without me here.” He agreed bluntly. I was used to it and simply nodded my head. “I hope your boyfriend appreciates it too.”

“I'm sure he will. He's been speaking a lot more fondly of you the past few days, and now that I know you've been helping him out with this date, I understand why. I think you've grown on him.” I smiled at him as I turned to face him.

“I think that's more because he now knows I don't want to roger his girlfriend.” He scoffed. My eyes widened

“He thought that?” I asked, surprised.

“Mm. Clueless bastard obviously doesn't realise that he has more of a chance with me than you do.” A smirk played at the edges of his lips. I always liked seeing him smile.

“Well you can keep your hands off.” I smirked back.

“Please. I prefer my Ricks with taste and class. And preferably of high standing.”

“Well surely if they're after you they already have taste checked off the list, hmm?” I said, stroking his ego just a little.

“Of course. But I won't settle for one out of three.” He shrugged.

The doorbell rang and I legitimately cried out in surprise. Tailor cocked his brow at my jumpiness.

“Oh shit. Okay. How do I look?” I asked him one last time.

“Sweetheart, if I still had faith in womankind I might just be interested. You look fantastic.” He said flatly, looking me up and down with a sense of distance in his gaze. He was looking but from a place of total disinterest. I nodded and smiled at his idea of a compliment and spun around to open the door.

“Rick.” I breathed once I set eyes on him, my eyes immediately flashing to his striped yellow jacket and baby blue shirt. He had a white tie on too, a change from his usual bow tie. My lips parted and I simply stared at him for a few long seconds. “Oh my gosh you look adorable!” I was finally able to tell him in an excited babble. I threw myself at him, like I so often did, and he accepted me into his arms with a chuckle.

“You like it, baby? I had it made just for this.” He told me, and the penny suddenly dropped.

“It's a Sanchez!” I exclaimed, pulling back so I could better inspect the suit. Just as I suspected, the buttons on the jacket were embossed with Tailor's logo. I spun around to acknowledge him, but he had already conjured up a portal and was stepping through.

“Yes, you're welcome.” He muttered before vanishing out of sight.

“Oh… bye then.” I chuckled, shaking my head and turning back to I.C. “I love it. You look so handsome, like something out of an old fashioned film… I don't know. The stripes!” I grinned, running my hands up and down the silky smooth fabric.

“I thought you'd like it.” He smiled.

“I know why I'm wearing this, now.” I laughed, gesturing to my calf length summer dress, sleeveless with a high neckline and white lace around the bottom hem. The colour of it matched almost perfectly with his suit.

“See? I had a plan all along. And you look absolutely beautiful, sweetie, give me a twirl.” He took my hand and lifted it above my head, urging me to spin in a circle. I giggled, once again reduced to a school girl in front of him. “Perfect.” He whispered once I'd done a full three-sixty, then he brought my hand to his face and kissed it. So damn smooth.

“Let me get my cardigan and then we can get going.” I said bashfully, trying to ignore the heat in my face.

-

Rick drove us to our location. I still didn't know exactly where we were going but when we ended up at Mayfair I started having my suspicions… he was clearly going all out for our six month anniversary. He found a parking space and pulled up. As we parked, I noticed passers by staring.

“Jeez, you have ice cream trucks here, right? 's like they've n-never seen one before.” Rick muttered, seeing it too.

“These are rich people, Rick, they're not like us.” I hissed dramatically under my breath, winking at him.

“Well, we're rich. For tonight, anyway. W-w-we're gonna indulge to the max, okay? So no ordering tap water and skipping dessert to keep it cheap.” He grinned, cutting the engine.

“I still don't know where we're going.” I said, and he pointed past me, through the window to the other side of the street. I followed his gaze and found a building with a red door, and some cast iron fencing on the outside. “Park Chinois? No! You didn't.”

“I did. Come on, baby. Let's see how the other half live.” He snorted, opening the door and swinging a leg out. Then he paused. “Wait, stay in the truck, I-I wanna get out and open the door for you. We're doing it all, baby.”

“Oh!” I laughed in surprise and waited, watching him walk around the front of the truck, buttoning his suit jacket as he did. As promised he opened my door for me, giving me an over the top yet gentlemanly bow as he did. I stepped out as gracefully as I could, taking Rick's outstretched hand for support as I did. “Thank you.” I told him quietly, squeezing his hand and keeping hold of it as he shut the door behind us.

We made our way towards the entrance hand in hand, and were greeted with a polite nod from the suited up gentleman standing by the door. He opened it up for us, and I wondered if that was all he was paid for… or was he some type of fancy bouncer? I didn't stop to ask, simply thanking him and walking into the restaurant.

My first thought was that the place had some serious atmospheric lighting going on, it was kept mostly dark, but it had considerately placed spotlights and wall sconces giving the place a nice, warm glow. There was a host desk in the front entrance, and the host standing behind it greeted us with a charming smile and well spoken voice.

“Good evening to you both, welcome to Park Chinois. Do you have a reservation?” He asked, smiling between the both of us.

“Uhh, y-yeah. Should be under the name Sanchez.” Rick told him, adjusting the tie around his neck just a little. I had picked up over time that this was a nervous habit of his, even when wearing his usual bow tie, but I'd never mentioned it.

The host was scanning his reservations book, and smiled when he found us. “Absolutely,  Sir. I see you're seated in Club Chinois this evening, would you like to follow me?”

He led us through the restaurant into a large room where live music was being played by a band on stage at one end of the room. At the other end of the room there was a long bar, framed by two huge golden pillars with this textural pattern that – whilst reminding me of a pineapple – reflected the light in a way that made the whole place seem to glisten. In fact, there was a lot of gold in this room, the bar seemed to be enveloped in this yellow haze of light. It was absolutely stunning.

We were seated between the bar and the stage on one of the many tables in the room. The restaurant was already quite busy, but it didn't feel that way; everyone kept to themselves and despite being surrounded by other people, our table felt rather private and intimate. Rick, of course, pulled my chair out for me before I took a seat, then took his own seat. We were handed a menu each.

“Here are your menus, a waiter will be over shortly to take your drinks order. Is there anything I could do for you both in the meantime? Have a waiter bring some water for the table, perhaps?” The host asked, flashing a bright white smile at the two of us. Rick and I glanced at each other.

“Hmm, sure! Some water, please.” I nodded.

“Certainly.” He was off, spinning on his heel and marching with his head held high and his spine impossibly straight. Reminded me of someone…

“Wow, this place.” Rick snorted, scratching at his goatee as he glanced around the room. “It's something, huh?”

“It sure is. I haven't been to many places as fancy as this. My folks like to push me into all that stuff, that's how I ended up at the party with Tailor. But just going out for a meal somewhere like this? It's a little different to my local Weatherspoons.” I snorted, glancing down at the menu. “I wonder if they even have-” I cut myself off with a sharp gasp that had a couple of heads turning.

I covered my mouth and ducked my head, pretending to clear my throat.

“Are you okay?” Rick asked, frowning in concern.

“No! I've just seen the prices!” I hissed under my breath. Rick sharply looked down at his own menu, then back over at mine. He quickly reached over and snatched it out of my hands, replacing it with the one he had.

“Fuck. He was supposed to give you this one.” He grumbled. The menu he'd given me didn't have prices. “I wonder if I complain; we'll get a free dessert out of it… No, I'd better not. I'd probably get the poor bastard fired.” He muttered to himself thoughtfully.

“Rick…” I shook my head.

“Don't do it. Don't start feeling guilty, I want to do this so just enjoy yourself tonight.”

“But-”

“No. Business has been booming at the citadel lately since I came out with those alcoholic ice creams, I've got money burning a hole in my pocket. Le-let me spend it on you, baby.” He reached over and touched my hand, drawing a swirly pattern on the back of it.

If I argued, we'd be here all night. I knew that much.

“You better believe I'm making this worth it for you.” I told him instead, my voice dropping an octave. He smirked.

“Oh?”

“Just wait till we've checked in at the Premiere Inn.” I winked. He laughed loudly, leaning back in his chair and withdrawing his hand.

“Doesn't sound as good as the Ritz, does it? I-I-I'm sorry baby, the budget could only stretch so far.”

“You think I mind? I like the Premier Inn. The beds are super comfy. Besides, going there meant I could afford to call and ask them to charge my card instead.” I told him casually. It took him a moment to process what I'd said.

“You did what?” He questioned.

“It takes two to tango, Rick. Both of us are celebrating six months. It's not fair that you should pay for everything. I wanna feel useful.” I explained and he rolled his eyes at me.

“You're a pain in the ass.” He said. I grinned, and looked back down at the menu, deciding what to drink.

A pair of tumblers along with an ornate crystal pitcher full of water were placed down in front of us. The sides were cloudy with condensation but I could see that there were wedges of different fruits floating inside. Fancy.

“Thank you.” Rick and I said in unison. The guy who brought it over was a different one than before.

“Good evening, I’ll be your waiter tonight so if you need anything please don't hesitate to ask! Have you decided what you'd like to drink?” He asked us, clasping his hands behind his back. He looked to me first and I scrambled to pick something.

“Umm, just some… some orange juice- you have orange juice, right?”

“Yes ma'am. Freshly squeezed today and chilled.” He nodded.

“Then I'll have some, thank you.”

“And for you, sir?”

“I'll have th-the same. Thanks.” Rick answered.

“No wine this evening? Perhaps Champaign?” The waiter suggested. Neither one of us were heavy drinkers, I could count the number of times I'd seen Rick with an alcoholic beverage on one hand. Spending so much time with him, I'd found myself less and less interested in drinking myself.

“No thanks. But, uhh, could I have a splash of Sprite or something in m-mine? I could go for something with some fizz.” Rick added.

“Of course, sir. I'll be right back with those.” The waiter nodded, heading off. I looked at Rick with a cocked brow.

“Ooh, lemonade with your orange juice. You're really pushing the boat out, hm?” I teased, winking.

“Thought I'd get a little crazy.” He joked. “Now, what're you having, baby? You want an appetizer?” He asked, picking up his menu.

“Oh, you know, I think just a main course will be okay. You don't have to go stupid.” I assured him, looking down at my own.

“I wanna go stupid. I might go for this Hokkaido Sea Cucumber thing… see what's so special about it.” He laughed. He noticed I wasn't in on the joke and quickly explained. “Oh yeah, you can't see the prices.”

“How much?” I asked, curiosity getting the better of me.

“A hundred and ten.” He said under his breath.

“Holy shit.” I breathed. “If I order something like that, please tell me! There's nothing I wanna try enough to make you spend that sort of stupid money.” I shook my head. Rick laughed and nodded.

“Sure. If it'll make you feel better.”

“What about the soft shell crab? That sounds nice.”

“Yeah, you're good. It's reasonable.” He smirked. I thanked him, and poured myself a glass of water. A slice of strawberry plopped out into my glass with it, and I took a sip of the delicately flavoured water.

“What on Earth is poulet de bresse? There's far too many languages on this menu, I don't know what's what.” I asked. Rick laughed at me again, scanning the menu for what I was talking about.

“Uhhh…  no idea. My French isn't too great.” He admitted.

“Hmm. Better leave that one then.”

“Counter question. What's bavette?” He asked me. I thought for a while, I knew that one.

“It's like a steak, I think.”

“Oh! Th-then why don't they just call it steak?”

“Cause that doesn't sound as fancy.” I told him. He nodded in acknowledgement.

“Ahh, right.” He said, then rolled his eyes. “Well, that seems a safe option for the main course.” He snorted.

“I'm struggling.” I laughed. “Uhhh, maybe the grilled sea bass. I know what that is.” I looked at him for some monetary reassurance.

“And you wouldn't keel over at the price.” He nodded slowly.

“Phew.” I smirked. “I'll stick with seafood then. Sounds good! Though it has a kumquat sauce. I've never tried kumquat… I'm not even certain what that is. Is it like a berry, or?”

“God knows.” He shrugged his shoulders. “I'm taking a gamble on ginger with my steak, I'm not sure how that'll work but I'm giving it a go.”

“Aren't we being adventurous?”

“Well, we don't get to eat like this every night, so why not have s-some fun with it?”

“Ma'am, sir, your drinks.” The waiter returned, carrying our drinks on a fancy wooden tray. “Orange juice for the lovely lady.” He placed it in front of me in a tall, skinny glass that flared out at the top. It looked very top heavy and I knew I'd have to be mindful of knocking the damn thing over all evening.

“Watch it.” Rick warned him at the complimentary comment, but it was only playful. The waiter seemed to momentarily shit himself before realising that it was just a joke. Then he laughed a little too hard.

“And for you, sir.” He placed down Rick's drink once he'd recovered. “Are we ready to order?” He asked. Rick looked to me as the two of us nodded.

“Yes, ahh, I'd like the soft shell crab to start, followed by the grilled wild sea bass, please.” I told him, and he jotted down my order on a little notebook he retrieved from his breast pocket.

“Of course. Sir?”

“Uhhh.” Rick paused, scanning the menu once again. “The Sichuan vegetable dumplings, and then the stir fried Australian wagyu bavette. Thanks.”

The waiter finished writing then looked up at us with a dazzling smile. “Perfect. Thank you. Would you like some bread while you wait? It's freshly baked today and comes with a selection of spreads.”

Rick looked and me and I simply shrugged, not really knowing what to say.

“Uhh, sure.” Rick answered, sounding just as certain as I looked. The waiter nodded, and he was on his way.

“Oh Rick, you didn't have to. You watch, you've just dropped fifty quid on some Hovis.” I snorted.

“So what? Live a little.” He grinned and leaned forwards with his elbows on the table.

“Gosh, I'm a little surprised, honestly. I didn't expect something like this.” I told him, glancing around the room. The live band were taking a short break, and I watched them move around on stage, preparing for their next song.

“We've been to a lot of restaurants, haven't we? But none like this. I thought it'd be cool to try something a little different, a little more upmarket. One expensive meal won't hurt.” He told me, leaning closer to me across the table.

“I suppose it is nice to try it, even just for a night.” I smiled, leaning across to give him a brief kiss on the lips. “It's certainly interesting to see how the other half live.” I snorted.

“Yeah, for sure. There's a couple over there on first name terms with the waiter, how often do you reckon th-they come here?”

“Wow, enough to keep the place in business, clearly.” I raised a brow. “I think even if I was stinking rich I wouldn't eat out at expensive places too often. It just seems excessive.”

“It'd lose it's shine. You know, you do something too often it doesn't have the same effect. It's not as enjoyable.” He agreed, nodding slowly.

“Well, there are exceptions to that.” I countered, simpering to myself.

“Like what?” He asked innocently.

“Like I said, just wait ‘till we get to the hotel.”

“Oh!. Well, I'm surprised at myself. Can't believe I didn't think of that. I'm rubbing off on you, clearly.” He smirked in amusement. I laughed, shaking my head at him. The waiter returned with a platter of bread; all different sorts, white bread, whole wheat, seeded, sourdough, sun-dried tomato infused… then there was a separate platter with various spreads, half of which I didn't recognize but some I did. There was some sort of cheese and herb spread, a tomato one, various chutneys, and simply butter. Damn. It'd be hard not to fill up on bread with how good it all looked.

Rick and I thanked the waiter, and he left us to it. Rick was the first to dig in, plucking a seeded slice and slathering it in a thick layer of butter; a sickening amount, really. I didn't know how he did it, but he always went heavy on the butter. I decided on the sun-dried tomato bread and some cheesy spread. Taking a bite, I wondered how they managed to get bread to taste so good.

“Oh man.” I mumbled, covering my lips as I chewed. “Can I just have a plate of this for my main instead?” I chuckled.

“Hey, we're rich today. Anything goes, you wanna loaf of bread for dinner you can have one, princess.” He replied with his mouth full. My tummy warmed at the nickname and I resisted a huge smile, he was always dropping things that made my heart soar.

“If I start scarfing this down, stop me. I don't wanna spoil my dinner.” I chuckled.

“Eat whatever you want, baby. Indulge.” He grinned, polishing off his own slice and going for another. This time he tried what I'd had. “Shit. If I start scarfing this down don't stop me. Oh my God.”

I snickered.

“Well, if this is what the food's like I'm sure it'll be well worth the money.” I surmised, grabbing some sourdough and butter.

“Yeah… but then again it's pretty hard to fuck up b-bread. I have high expectations for this place.” He said, looking around the place. I watched him with a little smile on my face, it was funny seeing him like this, in such a new environment. The places we usually dined at were small and quaint, not at all considered luxurious. I looked down at his jacket.

“I can't get over how cute you look in that suit.” I told him. He glanced down at himself and grinned.  

“You like it, huh? I helped design it with Tailor.” He told me proudly, I couldn't help but smile at the idea of Tailor trying to cooperate with I.C. “Th-the stripes were his idea though. But I picked the colour so we'd match; I've always loved that dress on you.” He nodded towards my own attire.

“That is unbelievably sweet Rick, you went to all this effort.” I praised, feeling emotion well within me, this man was just too damn cute.

“Hey, it's all fun. The effort’s worth it if we're both smiling in the end.” He told me, tearing off a chunk of bread with his teeth right after. I just wanted to leap across the table and smother him with hugs and kisses, but I had to stay put.

I jumped at the sudden eruption of music on stage. The two of us snapped our heads towards the band as they began to play music that was much, much more lively than it had been before. It was loud, upbeat swing music that immediately captured everyone's attention. Lights began to float around the room and we were in the middle of a concert now, rather than a restaurant. An impressed smile appeared on my face once the adrenaline wore off, but Rick looked at me with a strange, nervous expression.

“Yeah now I get why they call this area a club. I di-didn't expect music like this…” He murmured. I shook my head at him.

“What? This is awesome! Don't you like it?” I asked him and he shrugged his shoulders.

“Oh, well I guess it's okay then. I just wondered if you'd have preferred something quieter.” He admitted. I shot him a comforting smile.

“This is different, it's exciting. I like it!” I told him and his shoulders lowered as he relaxed, his easy smile returning.

Tbc...

[gazlena]

I saw you were looking for prompt ideas and had to leave an ask 😄 How about one where Zim's been captured by membrane and Dib tries to help him escape. Cliche, yes, but I never get tired of reading those 😂

okay so im sorry this is so late but it took me forever to write (i hate college lol) and im not very good at these two yet. so im sorry in advance but:

Dib said long ago he wanted Zim to be captured, but he didn't mean like this.

Staring at a glass chamber in his father's lab, Dib felt his stomach churn as he watched Zim, drowning in green liquid as he kicked and screamed at the walls he knew damn well weren't going to budge.

It was exactly what his 12-year-old self said he wanted—and the more that he thought about it, he probably did mean that at the time, when it was only a hypothetical that Zim's guts would be splayed all over an operating table (because getting people to believe a green kid with no ears was an alien was apparently impossible), but that was then. Before their pseudo-rivalry had dissolved into friendship, before Zim's plot to destroy the Earth (and subsequently, Dib's quest to save it) had more or less died off, before Dib had noticed that Zim was the only person in his life who had ever genuinely believed in him.

And of course, before the first time Dib's heart beat a little too fast around his so-called mortal enemy.

"Filthy humans and their—their stupid INFERIOR technology," Zim spat, ironically trapped by said inferior technology, "should have killed them all when I had the chance."

Considering where Zim was right now, Dib wasn't going to point out that he never really had a shot at annihilating all humans anyway. "You probably should have."

"You know what they keep doing to me? To ZIM?" And after all these years, his tiny hand still shook. "These human MEAT worms keep poking me, like I'm some kind of freak—"

"I mean, you are an alien. That’s kind of freaky."

"But Zim is not some stupid... lab hamster for them to experiment on!" Zim said. He gave up on kicking and resigned himself to crossing his arms and floating backwards. "They will be punished."

I'll make them pay, Dib thought.

"I already foil their plans as it is, you know. They keep trying to get me to talk, or even just to scream," Zim smirked, "but I never will."

"You know my dad knows you can talk, right? I mean, how many times did you come over even before we started—"

"Yes, but he can't make me. Not the all-powerful ZIM, member of the mighty Irken race!"

Dib had a feeling that Zim's recent talk of his great "power" was just to keep him from going insane. At least his dad wasn't getting what he wanted though, but at what cost to Zim? He looked more tired lately, and in-between rants against the entire human race and the superiority of literally anything Irken were moments that Zim just looked like he had... given up.

That, though, was about to change.

Dib pressed his hand to the glass. Zim pressed back.

"So, are you gonna get me out of here or what?" he asked softly. 

"I am," Dib said, with a grin, "that's why I came here today, actually."

He reached underneath his coat (Zim was wondering what that bulge was, actually, but they hadn’t gotten that far in their relationship yet) and fished out a small—but very familiar—grey robot.

"GIR!" Zim cried. Dib was happier when he saw the relief wash over his face. "But how the hell did you get him to be quiet?"

"I turned him off."

Dib set GIR down on the ground, watching as the lovably annoying robot slowly came to life while it yelled unintelligable bullshit.

"SHHH!" Zim hissed from inside his alien prison. "They'll hear you—"

“Gaz said she’s covering for us,” Dib said, which was surprisingly true: Gaz was covering for them, by blasting the speakers on some console game upstairs, but she said it was only because she had been waiting years for him to get launched into space. That him being on the run with his alien boyfriend was possibly the best thing that could ever happen to her. Regardless of how true that actually was, Dad probably wouldn’t be hearing for the next three weeks, so. They were good. 

“Your scary sister? Helping you? That’s almost as weird as when I do it.”

Rolling his eyes, Dib waved a drive-thru taco bag in the air.

“You’re going to lose an arm, you know,” Zim said, as GIR started climbing Dib’s trench coat like a deranged spider monkey trying to grab it from him.

“You’re supposed to free him first,” Dib said to GIR, pouting, “what’s the point of having a robot dog-thingy sidekick if it’s fucking insane, anyway?”

“Yeah, that’s sort of how I figured out the Tallest were lying to me.”

GIR bit into the side of Zim’s prison, the green inside of it spilling out onto the floor—apparently bulletproof glass was no match for alien robots. The way it was chomping away at the thing, Dib almost wondered whether it was actually worth the 2.99 for the tacos. 

By the time all the glass had disappeared, Zim was (with no success) trying to get all the alien-preservation-stuff off of him. Disgusted, he flung off some of the jello-like remnants from his arms. “Filthy, filthy earth goo...” he muttered, as GIR climbed onto Dib’s back and snatched the tacos from him.

Dib couldn’t care less about whatever was on him. After their 48-hour nightmare, he felt like doing nothing but taking Zim in his arms and kissing him. But even if Gaz was playing Vampire Piggy Hunter on max volume (he could hear it all the way down here, so probably), he figured it wouldn’t be long before Dad noticed the giant spaceship crashed in the middle of the yard.

So instead, he took Zim’s hand and squeezed. Zim squeezed back.

“You have a ship ready?” Zim asked.

“Yeah, just outside. I wasn’t really sure how to drive it though so it may-or-may-not be sort of stuck in the grass right now.”

If Zim had eyebrows, one of them would have been raised. “It still works, though!” Dib explained.

GIR’s taco buzz had already (thankfully) helped with the next part of the plan: a decent chunk of the wall was gone now. Dirt fell into the lab while the night sky peeked in. Climbing out of the basement and into the light, Dib could see the sky, streaked with black and red and purple and covered with glowing specks of stars. Under the moonlight, Zim glowed too, his eyes the most brilliant magenta and his green skin practically shimmering like...like—

“What?” Zim said, climbing into his ship from the open window. “Are you just going to stand there all night?”

Dib didn’t think he had ever seen anything more beautiful in his life.

He followed Zim into the passenger seat, while GIR scurried into the back for snacks and the big TV.

“I don’t know why you have to waste precious time staring at the sky,” Zim huffed. “Night sky, big deal! You’ll be in it in five minutes anyway.” 

----

okay hnnn thats where i think im gonna end it. thank u for sending something in! it was really good to get some practice and i hope u liked it

[michael-hearteyes-wheeler]

As Strange As it Seems

[1] [2]

Chapter 3: Saddle up, Partner!

Read on (AO3) or (FF.net)

[A/N] So, fun fact, I made three moodboards for this fic, and I wanted to find a way to use each of them. Im calling this phase of the fic ‘Act II’, and this moodboard fits the tone better than the original one. I hope its not too confusing lol! And I hope you enjoy chapter three.

The week that followed, went on much the same as opening day. Hot, humid, big crowds, 'Saddle up, Partner', a lunch break that was really just a mad dash to shove something into your face, and then it was off to the rides with Max.

Mostly it was fine. And getting that first paycheck, that was pretty great too, but by far the best part of everyday was right before closing. When the sky turned pink and orange, and the sounds of laughing crowds faded, leaving only the constant calliope jingles to be heard. By Wednesday Max didn't even have to ask for Lucas to join. He would just hop over the counter and they would cross different things off of her checklist. By Friday they had ridden the Scrambler 8 times, and all of the kiddy rides at least a dozen times each.

Still, he was unsure of what to call their relationship. Were they friends? Was she only spending time with him because no one else would agree? Was he overthinking everything? (Probably, yes to the last one, for sure).

The answer, to at least some of his questions, came in an odd form on the last day of the first week.

Saturday had been essentially a repeat of each day before, the only difference was that there was a live performance of some magician happening in the evening. 'Great Value brand Mind-Freak' as Dustin had referred to him. Which was, all things considered, pretty accurate. But it also meant that most of the rides, as well as the midway would be closing early, and that during the 'pre-show' show, Lucas's lunch break was extended to a full hour. A gift from god himself.

Lucas decided that a milkshake sounded pretty good. But, then again, so did the idea of a bucket of ice getting dumped on his head. He made his was towards the cart he had come to frequent over the last several days.

"Aw hey, to what do I owe the pleasure?" Dustin grinned toothily from behind the food stands sliding glass window. He had his curly mop of hair pulled back in a messy ponytail to help keep off some of the heat. He wore a little paper hat with the fairs logo, and a striped polo that reminded Lucas of something an old timey barber might wear.

"It's my break, I just came to beat the heat." Lucas looked past his friend into the little booth, wear a row of slushie machines sat churning their sweet treats.

"Well come on in then!" Dustin disappeared from his place behind the window, and popped out of a small door a moment later, gesturing for Lucas to follow.

The space inside the cart was small, and what little floor space there was was covering in shipment boxes of food. A giant fan sat on the back wall above a small window, and a cooling breeze pushed its way through the space. There was a bubbling deep fryer for elephant ears, and another one for curly fries. There was a big class cooler with buckets of ice cream inside, and a long counter covered in sprinkles that didn't quite hit their target.

Lucas found a place to sit on top of a couple of sturdier boxes, and Dustin busted around the cart, like a well tuned machine, making them both milkshakes all without breaking conversation.

"I swear, some of these people have to be millionaires. $5 for a large fry!? You have to be kidding me! That's really the only perk though, that I get to eat for free." Dustin handed Lucas his shake before leaning against the counter opposite him.

"At least your job has a perk. I just have to stand there all day and press a button a thousand times." Lucas leaned back against the cool metal walls of the cart. He only then realized how sore his feet were.

"Don't sweat it, you get to close up early and run around while i'm still in here slaving away." Dustin paused to take a sip from his shake. "And besides, I can't think of a pretty good perk that you have."

Lucas furrowed his brows. "And what might that be?"

"You work directly across from Max! I'll bet you anything that the two of you fall in love before the end of the summer." Dustin winked and Lucas groaned.

"First of all, that's ridiculous. Second of all, we both just like rides. It's not like we get to just hang out all day, unless I yelled across the walkway, and that would just be weird."

"Look, ill i'm saying is that on your break you could have gone and chatted up a cool girl, but instead you came and talked to me." Lucas could feel a headache coming on from the amount of eye rolling he was doing. Why had he come here in the first place?

"Alright, Henderson, time for our switch." A voice called gruffy from the back of the cart. The boys turned to look at the woman who was clambering through the cramped space. She was older, with grey blonde hair pulled up into a hair net, and the face of a bulldog. An unlit cigarette dangled from her lips.

"Thanks Susan!" Dustin said as he hurriedly grabbed his things, and motioned for Lucas to follow. Lucas watched Susan give him an uneasy look up and down before turning to the window.

As soon as they were outside, Dustin untucked his polo shirt, and tossed his already finished shake into the trash.

"Thats Susan. She's one tough nut to crack. I used some of my best food puns on her, and nothing! Not even a chuckle!"

"Well yeah, if they were your food puns then im sure not." Lucas joked, elbowing his friend in the ribs as they walked.

"Haha very funny. You wanna go see Will? I think the backstage has AC."

"Hell yeah!"

They backstage did have AC. It hit them both like a wall, stepping into utter paradise. It looked a lot different than it did the first time they had walked through. The cavernous room was filled with people rushing back and forth across its cement floor. People yelling things at one another, people hoisting things up on ropes, and Will himself painting lazily in the corner, looking bored out of his mind, across from a wildly gesticulating Mike.

"Will Byers!" Lucas hollered, cupping his hands around his mouth to make his voice boom through the space. Nearly everyone turned and scowled at him before continuing about their business.

"Oh! Hey guys, what's going on?" Will set down his paintbrush, and wiped his hands on his apron. Mike stopped whatever he had been going on about and turned to wave at them.

"We were hot," Dustin plopped down on the cool ground at Will's feet. "And Susan scares me, so we came here to bother you."

"Well, there isn't anything interesting going on here." Will shrugged. He looked... off. Sad Maybe? Disappointed? Lucas couldn't quite place it. He made a mental note to ask him later. "But you could probably hide out here all day. I'm still not even sure who is in charge back here."

"William, I might just take you up on that." Dustin leaned against a large wooden crate, arms tucked behind his head and legs outstretched.

They all sat and talked for the rest of Lucas's break. It was nice, catching up, and it affirmed what he already knew to be true. That it really was more fun that they had agreed to join him. If it weren't for his friends being there to hang out with, he would probably have just been standing around the Midway like an idiot. That, or be off spending his entire paycheck at the arcade.

"And then, he got off the ride and basically fell over the edge! He was passed out for like five minutes! I thought we were going to have to call the paramedics." Mike was telling them a story about one of their old Middle School bullies, who handled the Tilt-A-Whirl with the grace of a dying whale. They were all howling with laughter. "The best part is that his date didn't even wait for him! She just went home!"

"Serves him right!" Dustin chuckled, wiping a tear from his eye. "God I wish I could have seen that."

"It was pretty great. Definitely blows the Hotdog Incident out of the water." He finger quoted the words and Will smirked up at him.

Just then, Lucas's watch beeped. He sighed, and stood up, dusting his jeans off. "Alright guys, I gotta get back out there. Are you all going to watch the show?"

"Yeah, may as well." Mike shrugged and Dustin nodded. Will looked like he wanted to say something, but he didnt.

"Cool, i'll find you guys later then."

Lucas made his way back through the fairgrounds, passing happy families and rambunctious teenagers, towards the shooting gallery. He made the trek take as long as possible, shuffling his feet slowly across the dirt pathways. By the time he got back to the midway, the crowds had mostly cleared out. People were already flocking to the stage, wanting to find the best places to stand to watch whatever bogus tricks would be performed. Lucas imagined a lot of smoke and mirrors and sequins. As he neared the game booths, he couldn't help but look up as he passed by Max's stand. His heart dropped momentarily when he saw that she wasn't behind the sunbleached counter, and instead some other bored looking teenager stood in her place.

It wasn't until he turned the corner to his own booth that he saw where exactly she had run off too.

Max was sitting on the shooting gallery counter, swinging her tanned legs casually and drinking from a bottle of orange soda that almost matched her hair in color. When she saw Lucas in the corner of her eye, she turned and smirked.

"Your break ended ten minutes ago." She scolded playfully, hopping from the counter.

"Uh yeah I know I... Had to wait in a long line for the bathrooms." Lucas winced at his own lame excuse. Smooth, Sinclair, really smooth. He didn't think that taking his sweet time on the walk back would affect anyone he actually cared about. Not that he cared about Max, no not at all (aside from the fact that he cared a lot).

"Shame on you, Lucas, look at all of these customers just begging to shoot something!" Max gestured out at the completely empty space around the booth mockingly. "You have deprived them of a good time, and now their entire trip is ruined all because of your small bladder."

Lucas felt himself smile as her condescending facade faded into a giggle. "Sorry Miss Mayfield, i'll make sure to keep my bladder in check next time."

Max laughed hard at that, and it was a sound that made Lucas's face feel hot. "See that you do. You wanna make it up to me?"

"Sure, how?"

"Let me kick your ass in a shooting contest." She patted the top of one of the plastic guns.

"You can try, but I hate to break it to you, i'm the best sharp shooter in Roane County." Lucas crossed his arms in defiance. He really was good, if not on his credentials shooting tin cans with his wrist rocket as a kid, then the week of practice he had amassed working here would surely secure his victory.

"We'll see about that, wont we?" Max flipped her hair over her shoulder as she took her place behind the player 2 shotgun. Lucas smiled and followed suit. After they were both in position, Lucas leaned over the counter and pressed the little red start button hidden underneath.

"Saddle up, Partner." Max and Lucas both spoke along with the games droning prerecording, having heard it a million times before. It made them both laugh before they fixed their rifles in their hands. Then, a western themed song played, and it was off to the races.

Little cardboard cutouts of sharp shooters and bandits would flip up with a number telling you how many points each hit was worth. Some moved slowly and were easy to hit, others flipped up for only a few seconds before flipping back down again. However, it's not exactly that simple, because hitting the cowboy, his horse, or a barmaid will deduct points.

Max and Lucas were firing at full speed. Each turning and aiming, the barrel of their guns crossing on a couple of occasion as Lucas went for a 10 point bandit, and Max went for a 15 point burglar.

"Stay on your side, Stalker!" Max hissed, determination and excitement in her voice.

"I will if you-" Bang "Do!" Lucas taunted back.

Lucas felt pretty confident, there weren't many targets he was missing, and he only hit the Cowboy once. It was probably his best game so far. Max was doing pretty well too. Aiming low and high, getting heavily invested and cheering after she caught the big 50 pointer that flashes up only for a split second. They were both laughing and bumping into one another before;

"That's some sharp shooting, buckaroo!" The game signaled that the round was over. Each cutout lowered back into place, and they returned their guns to the stands on the counter. They were both panting slightly, grinning from ear to ear. At least until Lucas looked up at the scoreboard.

Player 1: 445 - Player 2: 560

"Holy shit!" Max cheered, "I totally owned you!" She threw her arms up and spun in a small circle. Lucas's mouth just hung open. "Oh man, like I mean, I knew I was going too, but you weren't even close!" She punched his arm.

"Jeez, someone is really a sore winner." Lucas chastised and Max threw her head back in a loud cackling laugh. The same laugh that she always had when they were whirling together on rides.

"I can't help it!" She giggled, "You are just so fun to beat. Your face gets all confused and then you scrunch your eyebrows together."

Lucas felt his eyebrows, involuntarily, press together.

"Yeah, like that!" She laughed again and flicked his forehead. If it had been anyone else, he probably would have smacked their hand away.

"Yeah yeah yeah, congratulations or whatever, are we even now?" Lucas crossed his arms, watching her dance in place celebratorily.

"Totally even, I mean, i'm still going to gloat about this for the rest of today, and maybe forever, but we are even." She lifted her chin, looking proud.

"Until I find something I can beat you at."

"Is that a threat, Stalker? Video games are kind of the only thing i'm good at, and i'm really good."

Something really honest past through her eyes at this last rib. He realized that he had never heard Max say anything even remotely self-deprecating before. Not even to be funny. It was strange. It felt off.

"Hey, that's not even fair, you are good at lots of things, maybe just... extra good at video games."

Max looked at him puzzled for a moment. She was still smiling, but her eyes peered deeply into his own, shifting back and forth, almost like she was reading him.

"Okay. Maybe just extra good." She grimaced, her mouth turning downward crookedly.

He felt as though he had stepped into some sort of weird, uncomfortable, territory.

"I will find something to beat you at though. One day." He smiled as earnestly as possible, and let himself slouch against the counter, wanting to change the energy of the situation.

"Well," She slouched beside him, her face shifting back to a more normal, playful one, "If that day ever comes, then i'll owe you big time."

"Oh yeah? Like what?"

Her face shifted yet again. She was closer to him now, looking up at him. He could see the small flecks of green that framed her brilliant, blue eyes. How had he never noticed that before? She was looking... Mischievous. Like she had a secret she was just dying to tell.

"I will tell you when and if that day comes, Stalker, but for now, you have made me miss some of my lunch break." She punched his arm, again, and pushed herself off of the counter.

"Hey, you were the one who wanted to play!" He hollered as she began walking back towards the main part of the fair.

She didn't respond, or if she did, he didnt hear it, but his heart buzzed in his ears. That small exchange had told him... well, nothing really. If anything it just gave him more questions. Max was always making him second guess and over think things. Which was, admittedly, really out of character for him. He was always the 'level-headed' friend. The one who said 'No, Dustin, you shouldn't try to eat a burger in one bite.' and 'No, Mike, you shouldn't spend all weekend trapped in the basement, come have fun.' It kind of alarmed him, actually, the fact that she could waltz over to him, flash a smile, and his brain would turn into mush. He sighed, and hopped over the counter back into his station.

The midway closed soon after that. There were just no crowds to try to sell too, and the entire carnival was basically empty save for the Main Stage. Lucas walked off after being relieved for the night, and he met up with Dustin as soon as the food cart closed. Together they found Mike, and then Mike found El and Max. Soon the entire group was on a mission, searching high (and mostly low) for Will. If he was somewhere deeper in the crowd, the thought of finding him would have to be dashed, but he made himself be found in a way that left the entire group reeling.

Will Byers. On stage, dressed in some ridiculous, blue velvet suit, being locked inside of a gaudy box by the magician.

The group was at a loss, silent and in awe, just like the rest of the crowd, but for very different reasons. Will had always been shy. More a behind the scenes sort of personality. It was immediately agreed upon that he had either been bribed, blackmailed, or hypnotized.

Will stepped out from behind a curtain. The Magician introduced him to the crowd as 'The Invisible boy!' He was asked to step inside of a huge rectangular box in the middle of the stage. Everything about Will, the Magician, and the box shimmered in the dusk lighting. Lucas had been right about the sequins, there was no denying that. Will did as he was asked, looking less 'mystified', and more just terrified.

The Magician tapped on the box several times, spinning it around, then spinning it again to show it was a solid structure. Then, he said some sort of magical word gibberish, and swung the door open. Only Will, and his very horrible suit, were gone. In his place was a beautiful and busty woman wearing a swimsuit version of that blue velvet ensemble.

The crowd went nuts, and so did the Party, but again, for very different reasons. Max and Dustin both cupped their hands around their mouths to let out loud and ear piercing applause, before Max grabbed Lucas by the hand, and pulled him towards the backstage area. He could feel the others behind him, but mostly he could just feel Max holding his hand tightly.

They found Will in the dressing room, hanging his suit delicately onto a hanger. He looked green with nausea, and pink with embarrassment all at the same time.

"William Byers!" Dustin gasped.

"Please, please for the love of god, tell me you weren't watching the show." Will groaned somberly.

"Oh, we watched buddy, and you killed it! Who knew royal blue was your color!"

"I didn't kill anything. I just looked like an idiot and walked into a box." Will rolled his eyes.

"You didn't look like an idiot," Mike placed a hand on Will's shoulder. "It was... surprising, but cool. Why did you go out there?"

"I guess the normal assistant for that part never showed up, and i'm the only person small enough to fit through the trap door." He shrugged.

"Trap doors!? Thats awesome! You have to give me a secret tour." Max winked at him and mussed his hair like a mom. That made him smile as he smoothed his hair back into place. Max speaking made Lucas realize that she was still holding his hand tightly. She must have noticed too, because she dropped it, and stuck her hand in her pocket.

"Yeah, sure, maybe. Can we just go? It's going to be crazy getting out of here." Will sometimes did this thing where he would anxiously bounce in place. It was nowhere near the level of twitching and bouncing that Mike often demonstrated, but it was his own version of it. And that's how he looked now, his flush face, and hair bouncing as his eyes flickered to the exit.

It made Lucas remember that sad expression he had worn when they saw him backstage. Was this the reason? Being forced out of his comfort zone? Either way, they all nodded and followed him outside.

"Sure, whatever you say, Invisible boy."

Will just groaned.

The group made their way out into the parking lot. It was basically silent. The only sounds were the 'oo's' and 'aa's' coming from the crowd still inside the gates. It had become a routine for the girls to walk with them to the van, before deciding it was really time to go home, and walking to Max's own car. It was nice, and the conversations they all shared before splitting lasted longer and longer each day.

El was talking about someone who came through the ticket line and had made a big fuss about the price. They all commiserate with her and laughed at her jokes. She was surprisingly really funny, in an understated sort of way. Unlike Dustin, who told a story about some kid who wanted sour apple sherbet and vanilla ice cream, and they all laughed about that too. It felt so... natural. Like they all got along, and the conversation never fell into awkward silence or a dead lull. Not with personalities like Dustin and Max, who bickered over basically everything as if they were old chums. Somewhere the path of the conversation had become skewed to comic's, and it was all downhill from there.

"Dustin, shut up, seriously, if I hear you say one more thing about the MCU im going to kick you." Max rolled her eyes and laughed.

"I'm just saying! It's an objectively better franchise with objectively better narratives!"

"Yeah, I think we all caught that. I even like Marvel movies, and you are making me want to pull my hair out." She flipped her hair back over her shoulder, as if to prove a point, and turned away from him to Lucas. They were sitting on the floor of the van through the open sliding door. "Anyway, Stalker, I have to go before I kill your friend."

"Hey, it's your life, you can kill whoever you want."

"You promise you would still be my friend after?" She put a hand in front of her mouth, as if to keep it a secret, although she still talked loud enough for anyone to hear. Mike chuckled and Dustin sighed.

"Max, if you did something to shut Dustin up? I might be your best friend."

"Alright, it's settled then," She clapped her hands together. "Dustin your days are numbered, El you have been replaced."

"Oh get bent, Maxine." El teased back. El was currently leaning into Mike, who had one arm wrapped around her shoulders, and one arm wrapped around Will's shoulders.

Max popped up from her seat next to Lucas with a smirk, pinching El on the arm. "Let's get out of here, lover girl, I can feel them destroying my last good brain cells." And then she sauntered off, her hair swishing back and forth.

"You know," El began as she stepped out from under Mike's arm, "She only insults people that she likes." And then El was off too, waving goodbye and following her friend to their car.

"Jeez, Dustin, then you must be her favorite." Will said with a grin.

"Hey now, I like Max as much as the next guy, but I think we all know who her favorite is." Dustin gave Lucas a shove as he moved past him into the van.

He didn't respond, not being able to think of a good enough comeback, and he let himself smile. Everyone took their normal seats, and they set off just as the sun dipped below the horizon.

The drive back to Hawkins each day felt as though it was getting faster and faster. Maybe it was because of Will's expertly made playlists, or maybe it was just that they had now made the drive seven times. Either way, it was a nice and fulfilling experience to watch the sky get darker, as the long stretches of farmland faded into quiet suburban neighborhoods.

Before he knew it, Dustin was pulling onto Maple Street, and he and Mike were jumping out of the car.

It was now their first official weekend off of work. The fair was closed on Sundays and Mondays, and the group was looking forward to not doing much of anything. They had talked passively somewhere around Thursday at having a movie night, but if those plans fell through, Lucas probably wouldn't complain. He was looking forward to just sleeping in, and maybe using his paycheck to buy some better shoes for standing in.

When he walked inside, His dad was sitting in the easy chair in the living room watching some History channel documentary. His mom was in the kitchen washing up from supper. He heard the TV go silent and took a seat at the breakfast table in front of a plate of leftovers.

"Hey, son, how was work?" His dad bellowed.

"It was good!" He replied through a mouthful of mashed potatoes.

"Oh! I saved you a plate from din-" His mom turned around from the sink, "Oh well look at you, are you eating enough at work? Do I need to start sending you with a lunch?" His mom was always the type to fus about whether or not he was eating enough. She was a great cook, so the answer was almost always yes.

"Im fine, Ma, dont worry about it."

"Okay, well you just let me know." She turned back to the sink. "Work is going well? You and your friends are having a good time?"

"And what about you girlfriend?" Lucas eyes shot up to where his little sister, Erica, was spying on him from the stairs.

"Shut up, Erica! You- You don't even... That's not!" He stuttered, dropping his fork back onto his plate. "Why do you-"

"You should know by now that I hear everything." Erica walked into the kitchen and stole one of his diner rolls.

"Erica! Leave your brother alone, and I think you have had enough bread today." His mom scolded, ringing her hands on a rag.

"It's not my fault he talks so loud!" She shrugged, and turned to stomp back upstairs. He liked his little sister a lot, but she was probably the nosiest person he had ever met.

"I- I don't have a girlfriend." Lucas crossed his arms, suddenly feeling not hungry at all.

"Mmmhmm." His mom hummed.

"Mom! I don't!"

"That's fine, I didn't say anything. Now you wash up before bed, you smell like a churro." She pinched his check and walked into the living room.

Lucas sighed, but he smiled to himself. He finished his food and washed his plate, and all the while he thought about Max. He realized that she had said they were friends, and that made him want to dance in place the same way she had after beating him at the Shooting Gallery. It was an affirmation to at least one of the dozens of questions he had about her.

That at the very least, they were friends. And that was good enough for him, figuring that was as far as he was ever going to get.

At least for now.

Tagging:  @stranger-things85 @bestcoastisthewestcoast@she-who-the-river-could-not-hold @dustinhendrsn @samchamberlain @paladin-wheeler@peachysteve @summer-in-hawkins @elliehops @midnightmillie @el-hopper @puzzlingsnark@zerodoubleone@lumaxfanfictionarchive @bob-newby-superhero @sweet-sugar-sunsets @caseyk112

[the-mangled-readings]

Coaster (Billy Hargrove x Reader) (Part 5)

AN: OMG PART 4 WAS LONG AS FUCK, but I warned y’all lol. FYI, I’m really sorry for taking too long on this par but I been really busy with school, and yes I changed somethings up but trust me if for the better and I’m also making Part 5 into 2 pieces since it’s going to be a bit long if y’all don’t mind.

Summary: Billy was in love with the reader but she always turned him down, until one night where she gets drugged and confesses her past and later on her true feelings, but little did she knew that her Best-Friend Steve also had similar feelings. 

Warnings: Jealous/Overprotective Steve, some fluff from both Billy and Steve.

Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5

“Are you kidding me?”-You rolled your eyes as you heard Steve yelling at you from the kitchen. You were laying down in the living room, in what used to be your Step-Dad’s recliner, waiting for him to give you “the talk” about why you shouldn’t be with Billy. 

You sat up once you saw him come in with his mouth stuffed from the popcorn he was carrying, putting it on the coffee table, turning to the selection of movies he had picked up, the most corniest ones you thought, why the fuck he had to pick Romantic Comedies, why not Horror, but then again it was Steve and he also went through a lot after being involved (dragged) into the UpsideDown. Luckily you didn’t get as much involved, but you did enough to help them solve certain things, but then again after the accident, you couldn’t really help them as much as you wanted to.

”Why you’re making a big deal about this?”-You asked throwing him some popcorn. “Because (y/n) ...”-He made a big pause, catching them with his mouth. “I care about you, and I ain’t going to let you be with that psychopath.”-You rolled your eyes, turning away from him. “What? So you’re telling me that you don’t remember what he did to us?”-You sighed at the question.

“(Y/n) he almost killed us, me and Lucas?”-You could feel Steve’s eyes on you, he wasn’t mad, he was just upset at the fact that you were defending Billy. “What about Max? You don’t remember how he would treat her?”-You took a deep breath, finally turning to him. “Yes ... I remember EVERYTHING, but he changed.”-You said trying to reason with Steve, only making him laugh. “OH MY GOD (Y/N)!! You seriously can’t be that stupid now can you?”-He laughed but after seeing your expression he quickly regretted it. “Oh, I’m sorry, but that psychopath you’re talking about just so happened to save my fucking life. If it wasn’t for him, I wouldn’t be here talking to you...”-You yelled at him, staying frozen in the recliner. You started to think about last night and how lucky were for still being here ... 

Steve quickly kneeled in front of you, after seeing your expression, he took your hand in his, rubbing the back of bit with his thumb. He bit the inside of his lip, looking down, feeling guilty.

“I’m sorry ...”-He said under his breath. “I’m sorry for everything ...”-You looked at him with a frown. “What?”-You leaned in, getting closer to him. “If it weren’t for me, you wouldn’t have been drugged ... It’s my fault you went there in the first place ... it’s all my fault.”-You cupped his face, making him look at you. “You didn’t force me to go, none of you did, I went there because I really needed a break, and I knew something was going to happen, ‘cause it was a party Steve, and in every party, somebody does something stupid ... but it's not your fault.”-Steve grabbed both of your hands from his face, intertwining them together. “You don’t understand (y/n/n) ...”-He said looking down again. “Then tell me.”

Steve was about to speak when the doorbell rang, making both of you look up. You got up, looking through the peephole, quickly opening it after seeing who it was.

“Billy!”-You pulled him in, hugging him tightly, he quickly returned the hug, slightly lifting you off the ground. Steve slowly raised up from where you had left him, he cleared his throat, making both of you turn. 

“I think I’m a go ...”-He grabbed his jacket and started to walk towards the door.

“Wait, Steve, you didn’t finish tellin-”

“Call me if you need anything.”-He said, closing the door behind him, not once looking at you. 

“Did I interrupted something?”-Billy asked with a quirked eyebrow. “Uh- I ... honestly, I don’t even know.”-You said trying to comprehend what just happened when you felt a warm air hit the side of your neck, you turned to see that you were still in Billy’s arms. You slightly pushed him off, making him frown. 

“You alright?”-He asked a little bit concern from your sudden actions. You just nodded and looked down. Your heart was racing, why the hell am I feeling like this? You could feel Billy’s getting closer to you.

“Hey um ... I want to apologize for earlier.”-He lifted your chin, his eyes were practically begging for you to look at him. “It’s okay Billy”-You held his hand, a small smile starting to form. “Do you want to talk about it?”-He only shook his head and gave you a kiss on your forehead. “Not yet Princess ...But I wanted to talk about something else ...”-He trailed off as he walked over to the living room and saw the movies that Steve had picked up for you guys to watch. He let out a scoff and picked them up one by one. “Really? Endless love?? Splash?? Flashdance?? (y/n) I never took you as a romantic maniac.”-He started to laugh, only to make you roll your eyes. “Steve was the one that picked them ... But I actually like Flashdance so GIVE ME THAT!”-You snatched the movie out of his hand. “Wait ... Steve picked them?”-He looked at you wide-eyed, mouth open, ready to burst into what would seem a hysterical laughter. “Don’t ...”-You warned him. He only shook his head and laughed on the inside.

You crossed your arms over your chest, standing in the middle of the room, watching him as he dropped himself into the sofa. “So ... What did you wanted to talk about?”-You dropped the movie on the coffee table as well as yourself into the recliner. Billy looked down and took a deep breath. “It’s about earlier ...”-He looked up, seeing you starting to blush.

He must be talking about the kiss, you thought to yourself. 

“It made me realize something ...”

He softly spoke and slowly got up from the sofa, kneeling in front of you, just like Steve did before. “(y/n) ... I really like you, and I know it’s going to sound so cliché but, ever since I saw you, you literally took my breath away, and since that night at the record store, I knew you were the one ... so, in other words ... I’m in love with you, and I would like you to give me a chance to prove it to you.”

You stayed in the recliner, frozen, not knowing what to say. Every single word hit you, this was a whole different Billy, you thought, and you were curious, should you give him a chance? I mean, after all, he just saved your life ... 

But what about Steve ...

STEVE’S POV

“Come on man, this is ridiculous ...”-Steve turned away from Dustin who was just rolling his eyes from Steve’s bed. “Look, if this helps you so you can face your fear of telling (y/n) how you really feel then do it !”-Steve turned looking at Dustin unsure of what to do or say. “I rather want you to embarrass yourself with me than with her ... SO HURRY UP! Cause my mom also gave me a curfew ...”-Steve laughed at the last sentence, taking a deep breath he finally faced Dustin who was eagerly waiting for him to make his move. “I can’t believe I’m doing this ...”-Steve laughed at himself, looking at the ceiling. 

“You were the one that asked me for advice ...”-Dustin said under his breath. “I know, and I shouldn’t have ... I should of have just asked Nancy.”

“Really? Asking your ex for advice? Doesn’t sound smart to me.”-Dustin scoffed. “Well, neither is asking a 13th-year-old ...”-Steve raised his eyebrows to Dustin as he placed his hands on his hips. “Whatever ... but let’s just get this over with.”-Steve nodded and placed himself in front of Dustin looking at him directly in the eyes, taking a deep breath, he kneeled. “Just relax man, you got this ...”-Dustin smiled at Steve as he placed his hand on his shoulder, Steve returned the smile and mouthed a Thank you, clearing his throat he began his speech ...

“(Y/n), we’ve been friends since ... I can remember ... and ever since I saw you moving into our street, I practically fell in love with you. And as we grew, my feelings became stronger and ... I never knew how to tell you because I didn’t wanted to ruin our friendship because I love what we have ... but since that night when your mom called us, that you guys were leaving for good, I felt so heartbroken because I knew you were never going to come back and maybe I would never get the chance of telling you how I really feel ... And when I saw you laying on that bed at the hospital, unconscious, I knew right then I had to be there with you, even if I had to put my feelings to the side, I wanted to be there with you, protecting, and do everything in my power to make sure you’re happy and to let you know that you’re not alone, but last night made me realize that ... even that ... I couldn’t do, and I thought I had lost you again ... And believe me when I tell you that I was going insane, and YES I’m actually thankful that Hargrove was the one that took care of you and all but ...”

“What? That’s insane !”-Dustin said under his breath interrupting Steve and taking him by surprise. “Sorry, keep going.”-Steve nodded and continued.

“Right, um ... Look, what I’m trying to say is ... I love you, and I would like you to give me a chance to prove it to you.”-Steve looked at Dusting for approval. “I like it ...”-Dusting smiled at Steve making him sigh in relief. 

“Ah man ... I don’t know how I’m going to do this ...”-Dragging a hand over his face he turned away from the small 13th-year-old who hopped off from his bed, grabbing his backpack. “Well, I already did my part ... Now drop me off ...”-Dustin began to walk towards the door, turning to Steve as he waited for him. “I told you, you got this ... And if it’s any help, I think you guys would make a gross but cute couple.”

“How’s that ... Nevermind, come on.”

As Steve dropped Dustin off, Dustin turned to Steve noticing how nervous he was. “Let me remind you that not long ago you were able to beat the shit out of some Demodogs, so if you can do that, this should be a piece of cake ...”

“Yeah Buddy, but if I’m honest ... I think I prefer those things right now ...”-Both of the boys began to laugh. “Well, Good luck Steve, and if she turns you down ... Remember that I’m here, with snacks ...”-Steve only let out a dry laugh.

“Thank you Dustin, and say Hi to your mom for me.”

“Yeah, I will, I’ll see you later ... and remember YOU got this !”-Dustin yelled out before slamming the door behind him.       

On his way to your house, Steve started to have flashbacks when you guys first met ...

June 1973

It was the beginning of summer, he had just come back from playing basketball at Tommy’s house. He was looking down at the concrete while bouncing his ball, too distracted by his actions, he was about to cross the street and if it wasn’t for the drivers honk he would of have been run over, and that’s when he noticed it, it was a Move-In truck and it was going to his street. 

Running to his house, he stopped at the driveway and looked down at the curved street. The truck had parked at the old Vreeke’s house, followed by a small pick up truck. A young woman came out of the driver's side, she was slim, easily dressed in high-waisted denim flares and a red bottomed-down shirt with the famous Farrah Fawcett hair. She looked back at the truck and motioned someone to come out. Steve’s breath got caught up in his throat, dropping the ball, he had no words and neither could describe how it felt when he saw her.

A small girl, around his age, came down the truck. She had long messy (y/h/c) hair accompanied by an old dirty red cap. She was wearing dark denim overalls, folded by the ends, with a white t-shirt under, and some old black converse.

Wow ... Was everything that Steve could say.

The little girl started to look around until her eyes landed on Steve. He then realized how creepy he must of have looked, staring at her the whole time, and took no time to run back his house. Leaning against the door, he felt someone approaching.

“Oh sweety what’s wrong?? Are you okay?? What happened??”-A young brunette dressed in a light blue dress and white flats came down running leaving what seemed a basket on the coffee table. “What happened Stevie??”-She looked at the young boy who was breathless.

“I-uh ... saw a wasp and I freaked out.”-The young Steve lied and it seemed to satisfy his mom, nodding she then picked up the basket from the table. “Well, hopefully, it’s gone ...”-She smiled at Steve, looking out the window she questioned Steve “Honey, by any chance did you see a Move-In truck?”-Looking down at the boy who only nodded, her face suddenly light up with excitement? 

“Yes! They’re here! Okay, Stevie, I’ma ask you a big favor, can you please go change and maybe ... fix your hair a little bit?”

“Why?”

“Oh, Honey weren't you listening to what I was saying last night? My roommate from the University was going to move into our street, and she also has a lovely daughter.”-Smirking at the last comment, it made Steve's cheeks go red, remembering that she was indeed lovely, although he wouldn’t use lovely, but beautiful. 

“Do I really have to go??”-Steve whined, not wanting to face the girl again. “Oh Steve, don’t be a whiner and now go and get dressed, I want you ready in less than 5 minutes.”-Steve’s mom ordered. Running up the stairs, he began to panic, what was he supposed to wear? Did it really matter? What would she think of him? At the end, he ended up wearing a white bottomed-down shirt and high waisted denim shorts with a pair of brown oxford shoes, with his hair slicked back. His mom was already waiting for him at the door, and her serious expression suddenly changed at the new look that her son had.

“Oh My GOD! Stevie! Baby, you look so cute! Hold on let me go and get my camera!

And suddenly his mom was gone, now realizing that this was a bad idea, there was no going back, so he came down the stairs thumping with each step. After a quick photoshoot, Steve and his mom were now on their way to her roommate's house. 

“Now, I want you to behave and be a good boy for mommy, would you please do that for me?”-Raising an eyebrow at Steve, he nodded without a question, and after ringing the bell 3 times, the young woman that Steve saw before opened the door and gasped in surprise looking at both Steve’s mom and Steve.

“No way! Lynn, I’ve missed you so much! Here, come in.”-Both Lynn and Steve entered the house, there were still boxes everywhere. “So, is this your little boy??”-She now turned to Steve and lowered at his level. Lynn raised her eyebrows at Steve, and he quickly pulled out his hand. “Hi, my name is Steve, is nice to meet you.”-Smiling she took it and nodded at him. “Well is nice to meet you too Steve, my name is Meredith.”-She got up and turned to Lynn. “Well at least your boy says something, mine doesn’t.”

“Oh, really?”-Lynn said with a tone of concern.

“Yeah, she uh ... She’s still trying to ...”-Meredith’s voice suddenly faded away from Steve's attention, he was now looking at the young girl who was sitting in the backyard, the wind hitting her hair, making it move like waves.

“You know she doesn’t bite.”-Steve’s attention was now back to the women who were smirking at his red cheeks. “Her name is (y/n), she’s around your age too.”-Steve looked back at his mom who was now gesturing him to go. “Uh ... ”

“Come on Stevie, go, cause Meredith and I are going to talk about adults stuff.”-Defeated he nodded and began to walk towards the sliding door. 

“Oh, I almost forgot I brought you ...”

Sliding the door behind him, he saw the little girl jump and turn, looking at him from up and down and frowning instantly.

Oh boy ... This isn’t good ...

Coaster Tag List (still open):

@drugsanddisneyprincesses @sarcasticvodka @missblasphemy@nighttwingg @sarahshea @alwaysoutoftheordinary @gemgemswift@tobarblog @hippie-taco-lady @marvelite1998 @vanitysfairr@youtubehelpsmesurvive

[bcydbeaulieu]

for @kahlilravishans, my wife’s, bday || part 8 of 8

ok so this is it… the end. this was going to be second but i thought why not end with this. this is where it is going to get a bit emotional… so if you don’t want to hear all the gay that i am about to say then just look at the pretty edit. emily you are not allowed to skip this so buckle up babe… because you know how i can get when i decide i want to gift you some words… ok here we go!

ok so funny story… i wasn’t gonna start out this way but i was going through the early days of our tag and well i wished you a happy bday a year ago.. specifically while you were trying to get through interludes. so can you believe its been a fucking year since icos and our 12 hours skype sessions. those were the days were our relationship grew from “still had some chill” to “are you sure you two aren’t dating” so damn that book series. but seriously just needed to point that out. now here comes my incoherent babbling about how much i love you and how much you really mean to me. 

so, i’m pretty sure everyone knows the story of how me and emily met. god knows we talk about it enough. but it wouldn’t be an emotional emily and laura post if i don’t mention it so lol. i remember it, that february day, oh god. so she idk follows me or finds my blog and at the time i had a neil url and she just starts yelling at me on the chat. that stupid fucking messaging system. and of course i just start screaming back. and in the back of my mind i’m thinking how do i get this nerd girl to keep talking to me about our foxes and really i didn’t have to do much bc we exchanged numbers (she made me get a whatsapp) the next hour. and guys look.. i didn’t do this type of stuff before. i randomly talked to people and the only person i kept in contact with was my irlbff. so emily was not a normal occurrence. but anyways she asked if she could call and my heart was like beating out of my chest cause omfg what the fuck but of course i said yes and that’s how i find myself outside mid day on a february in texas walking around my front yard, my backyard, and yelling about literally everything we had in common at the time. 

now, i thought this girl is awesome and every part of me wanted to keep talking to her but i just knew that we’d talk for a month a few at max and then you know that thing would happen where you just lost connection, even tho i felt like i had just found like part of my soul. 

not what happened. the next week or couple of weeks we had our first skype session.. it lasted 6 hours yall. like who does that with someone they just met. fast forward to late august of 2016 and there we are getting into icos against our better judgement and there its kind of history. with our 12 hour skype sessions. and us eating dinner and breakfast together on opposite ends of the world and in complete different timezones. and i don’t know if something just clicked then cause we were already too close for our situation. but after that it was like i knew that this wasn’t some fluke this was real. and i HAD found a part of my soul. and god that’s cheesy but it’s fucking true. i’d run to the end of the world for this girl. and i’d do it multiple times. 

so that’s part of the story i guess. but i’m not done talking and emily i’m sorry babe but you know how i get i’m gonna write some more here so really buckle up. 

when i say i love you emily, i truly mean it with every part of me. i’ve never had a relationship like i have with you and the ones i had that came close don’t even touch to what we have. you’re so much more than my best friend and i don’t have a word for it and i don’t think words could justify it. but you keep my world spinning sometimes and then others you can make it stop. you are my rock when i need someone to ground me. you are the light in my life when i can’t seem to even get one positive thought in my mind. you support me through everything that i do and truly believe that i can be great at my career and in life in general. and i don’t know where i would be without you. 

you’re a good listener. you give great advice. and sometimes you just help me to stop thinking. you do so much for me and i hope that on the flipside i’m doing everything that i can for you. our relationship isn’t perfect and i’m glad it isn’t im glad that we can talk as honestly as we do and that we don’t keep anything from each other. and sometimes i’m amazed at how honest we can be bc so much of our relationship is over text or phone and its so easy to not say things when you’re not in person. but i would never let myself not be fully myself with you and that comes down to even the parts of me that i don’t want anyone to see. 

i’m also so happy that i’m the person that you talk to even when you don’t want to talk to anyone. i can’t believe i’m that person for someone, that person that even when the world is too much i’m not. that you trust me enough to be that person… it means… literally everything to me. 

you are always the highlight of my day, your snaps, texts, stupid messages, emojis, the fact that we’re each others screensavers. god that is freakin gay wow. i wanted to go through posts and like remember our relationship for the PAST YEAR AND A HALF CAN YOU BELIEVE LOL. but haa its like 55 pages and i don’t think i could summarize the best points cause they’re all just so good. we’re fucking legendary sometimes, you know. god this is a mess. this girl knew there was a hurricane happening in texas before i could tell her and has been the most dramatic about it. so if that says anything. 

“Perhaps it is true that we do not really exist until there is someone there to see us existing, we cannot properly speak until there is someone who can understand what we are saying in essence, we are not wholly alive until we are loved.”

This quote, this fucking quote ok wow. like ya do shit for yourself and you can create your own happiness blah blah like cool but babe sometimes you are the thing that makes me feel alive. and knowing that there is someone out there that loves me as much as i’m 100% you do keeps me going day to day. i’d swim across the damn fucking ocean for you. and one day we’ll get to see each other in person and it’ll probably be the best damn time of our lives and i can’t fucking wait for it bc it’s gonna happen. and we’re gonna road trip with son and yell at each other about music and scream in person about our favorite characters and spend hours reading together and probably some times on our computers not talking, bc honestly half our skype sessions are us just silently soaking in each other’s company and i wouldn’t change that for the world. 

you are without a doubt one of the most important people in my life, if not the most important and i can’t explain how it feels to have someone that knows me as well as you do and to have that in return with you. i love that as our relationship has grown it’s gone from we have all these things in common in fandom to we have certain fandom things in common but our lives are intertwined and even if we had nothing like that in common it wouldn’t matter. i know you have class on wednesday, i know you can’t skype in the early hours of morning but you will take my call. i know you live in the middle of nowhere and it takes like an hour to get to the city. i know your dad is australian but 50% of the time i hear him speak it’s with that terrible american accent. and well here…

The things i know about emily: she hates coffee but she will try every concoction she can to stay awake while reading, she loves her new puppy even though she said she wasn’t that attached, she has way too many comics (this girl set up a store on ebay ok), she is the most indecisive person to ever grace the earth, her books are arranged in alphabetic order correctly but only after i made sure they were correct, she loves rock music and can’t stand pop, she’s one of the most gorgeous people in the world but doesn’t believe it (uhm she should tho), she…. ok i could go on forever and i can never do those questions on tumblr bc i know everything about her. 

omg this should prob end soon, but like ok emily this is just a mess and i’m sorry but just if you didn’t know i love you more than anything and i hope you have a wonderful day and that we have many more bdays of yours to celebrate even when you don’t want to celebrate them. i’m so glad that you messaged me that day bc there would be a hole in my life without you. you’re amazing, incredible, outstanding, kind, hilarious, an asshole, and like my soulmate. also i’m listening to stand by me while writing this (the power rangers version) so just… i’m about to cry with how much you mean. 

to emily: i love you i love you i love you. and i will love you until the stars i’m looking at now and the ones you will see when you’re reading this can be looked at while we sit with each other outside one of our houses. and i will keep loving you through the distance and the ocean and the fights and the tears and the stubbornness of the world for not letting us be closer in the first place. you have undoubtedly changed my life for the better. you have made me a better person. more confident, happier, and somehow calm. there are days when you make my heart race (gay) and days when you make me still. (raven cycle much). you are my person (lol grey’s) and you are the first person i think of in any situation (laura no we don’t want to hear about this emily girl in australia). so baby girl, again i hope you have the best day and obviously the best life and i’m just so glad that i get to be a part of it even from so far away. i love you (to the moon and back and all that shit) <3

Oh, won’t you take me from this valley To that mountain high above? I will pray, pray, pray Until I see your smiling face. I will pray, pray, pray To the one I love.

[seokjins]

wings vcr theory ???? aka what is happening

wow ok so i thought that people connecting every era of bts M/V’s were maybe looking into it too much (and as a lit student like. i know what it means to close read) but via this vid (@jinjjarevil on twitter) apparently I WAS WRONG and here is the reason why

1) the return of jin & the flower petals

as we are all familiar: the general consensus is that the 6 flower petals represent the rest of bts’ members (re: everyone EXCEPT jin), and it’s often agreed upon that he’s “filming” the boys because 1) he’s dead and dreaming them up or 2) he’s recalling all his memories with them or 3) the boys are dead and he’s the only one alive or 4) tbh pick ur poison i’m not gonna make this post a breeding ground for HYYH theory discourse, but i’m down to talk elsewhere !!!!

this part isn’t particularly groundbreaking, but it’s the first direct link to the young forever M/Vs

HOWEVER !!!!the difference arrives when the shot cuts to what jin is filming; it seems that there are seven people in frame? (this is at 0:52 in the video)

which leads me to believe that, because WINGS is a continuation of young forever, it makes sense that jin manages to find his way back to the boys - something that connects itself to a bs&t theory i have. the general rundown of my interp is the (6) members are literally works of art in the museum, and when jin starts to “crack” at the end of the M/V, it’s because he joins them as an art piece; they’ve drawn him in (kissing tae’s statue, the hands over his eyes, tae covering up jin’s face with his hands, jin stopping to stare at the painting near the beginning) and this is how jin ends up joining the rest of the group

2) the focus shot of jungkook

again, parallels to run, where there’s a solo part that’s just him staring into the cam (once after his fight with yoongi, again at the end of the M/V). he’s staring into jin’s camera and, subsequently, at jin himself - likely wondering 1) why he isn’t with the rest of the group or 2) who he is/what he’s doing

from a cinematographic point of view, this is probably just a cool transition shot, since the members all need their solo screentime + the cuts won’t be too sudden, but i like the repeating themes they’ve been using :0

3) taehyung's wings

in the beginning of the video, taehyung is seen matching himself up to a pair of wings in a box behind him. the glass to his left side says “YOUTH”

the main thing to note here is that the feathers are white, compared to the thousands of other shots of tae with black wings (M/V, trailers, teasers, you name it). once he breaks the box to access them (AKA shattering youth or the illusion thereof), taehyung strips away his innocence - similar to when he killed his father “i need you”

white is a color that often symbolizes purity/chastity while black is. well. has evil and sinister connotations, as well as a demonic undertone, if you want to get biblical (hold onto this thought now; it’ll return with my jimin analysis), so it makes sense they’d use this color palette with taehyung’s storyline

4) hoseok’s wings

hoseok is seen eating his snicker bar (lov my man omfg), but after he takes a bite, the wall behinds him shatters into color. in the first round, the camera pulls tighter in on him and the word “placebo” can be seen clearly behind hobi

i think this directly references the placebo effect, in which one’s condition improves/degrades depending on your mindset of your illness. in both eras, HYYH and wings short films, hoseok is often depicted dealing with drugs, pills, and medication. he and jimin are even seen in a hospital together (again, spanning both timelines), which leads me to believe that he’s using prescriptions to deal with the fact he’s suffering from something meds can’t cure. what is it? that’s a great question i only have vague answers to. it could be the fact that he’s missing his friends/bts family? is (still) suicidal? trying to cope with their loss? his condition has worsened after losing jimin, which is why he is in a max safety cell with all those pills pouring in through the walls? listen, who knows? i sure don’t, but i can definitely talk about the next shot!!!!!!!!!!! right afterwards, hoseok also gains a pair of wings, but notice they’re different than taehyung’s

these are his BME wings (they show up in his intro, u can go check it out if you want). his corrupted wings. his Bad Wings. and they come from the crossover of boy and evil.

boy = youth = wings MEETS evil = dark/cool toned colors (evil) = bony (feather) structure

^ is why his wings look the way they do (thank u @ opening shot of taehyung’s YOUTH/wing box haha)

5) progression of their lives/jimin’s solo shot

there are five (?) consecutive scenes with all the boys goofing off together. the vid quality’s pretty low so i can’t tell who is who, but it seems like they’re all just chilling. hanging out. being bros. etc. so i’m lead to believe the first three “windows” of light (bc each scene is separated by a long black column) are before any bts M/V timeline. then you have jihope in a hospital/nondescript room together - directly related to run and jimin’s wings short - in opposite beds, being playful like their pillow fight in run.

last there is the truck with all 6 of the boys in the trunk from run

these shots lead up to jimin in his blindfold, holding an apple in his hand (seen clearer in the actual vid)

this is his costume from bs&t/his solo stuff/is part of “lie’s” concept. the blindfold could mean many things, so i’ll focus on the apple for now. in his promo shots, he’s surrounded by many apples, something i was always confused about, BUT I AM NO LONGER !!don’t worry!!!

as bts has said multiple times, bs&t is about boys who fall to temptation, and what better symbol of temptation than eve in the garden of eden - the first woman who is unable to resist the forbidden fruit? DAMN THAT’S RIGHT !!!!!!! you can have him holding an apple - the figurehead of eve failing to resist her temptations and, therefore, the way jimin/bts fails to resist their temptations. this is why jimin’s holding the fruit in all his shots lol. it’s because he’s already picked the apple off the tree & “fallen” prey to his desires

6) Bangtan and the Curious Case of Looking Up

at the end of the video, right after jimin takes off his blindfold, the VCR cuts to bts all looking up at the sky, faces illuminated. this is likely a symbol that they literally “see the light” - a popular term that means someone has died and is crossing over to the other side/heaven/the afterlife. this makes sense, because of the HYYH theories imply everyone is dead or ends up dying (since young forever implies bts meets up in heaven)

the thing that sets this apart for me is the fact that EVERYONE BUT JIN IS LOOKING UP @ THE SKY. jin is the first member to get focus during this scene; he’s just standing there staring straight at the camera, a motif that showcases their character is detached from the rest of the members in bts’ M/Vs. it’s like they’re not quite there, even though one member may appear alongside everyone else (jin & jungkook in HYYH).

here: jin’s seen looking side to side, even a little upwards, but never completely like the rest of the members

besides his dashing good looks and impeccable suit taste, jin seems worried. he seems to be obviously, obviously worried. however, the other members don’t have this expression on their faces; they’re at varying levels of peace or happiness or excitement when they each get their solo cut (i’m not gonna put 6 pics after jin’s bc that would just take too much room due to tumblr’s poor image spacing rules rip, but they’re all in a thread in that link credit up top)

jin looks like he’s confused and baffled and searching for something (or someones ;;)))) amiright or amiright) during this scene - a motif that corresponds with the HYYH/my bs&t theory of jin being alone in some way, shape, or form

“WAIT” you say “BUT JIN DOES LOOKS UP AT THE END !!1!11!1!!!” you say

“yes my friend !!” i say

you are absolutely right. he is eventually seen looking up into the light like the other boys. however there are two things of things to notice: first is that he’s never looking up completely (comparison below)

and right as he fades into the background - he starts lowering his head (it’s easier to see this when the actual video is playing) back down to the camera - his expression still troubled. again, this shows he’s still separated from the rest of bts, even though he seemed to be very close to joining them.

so maybe he’s still dead. maybe he’s still trapped and he’s looking for a way out and his distress comes from knowing his members are going Somewhere Without Him, but i guess what happens next is on bts.....

i hope they keep going with this storyline; i’d love to see where it goes :0

[artificialqueens]

Katya (Trixya) pt 8/? - Skyline

AN: Hello AQ :) Worked on this for a few days so hope you guys dig it! Been trying to write longer chapters so I hope this is up to par! Also a note from the last part, my dumb ass typed “Abby” instead of “Courtney” for whatever-the-fuck reason so I apologize for that confusion. If you didn’t catch it, then good. lol. Alright! Enough of my blabbing, get to reading! And leave me some feedback, I love hearing from you guys <3 -Skyline

Summary: Lesbian Trixya AU based off the incredible movie Carol, set in New York during the 50’s. Katya, a mother struggling through a messy divorce meets young, inexperienced Trixie at a department store and they hit it off.

         Half way through the train ride, Trixie finally got her mascara soaked tears to stop. If only the same could be said for her brain. Why was she so upset? She had no right to be. Katya was just an acquaintance. An acquaintance, yet she felt more of a connection with her than she had with anyone in a long time. Her two years in New York hadn’t been the easiest. When she moved from Wisconsin, being away from her mother was harder than she ever thought it would be. Of course she was glad to get away from her miserable step father. She thought that would be a good enough justification to leave her family. She thought it would get her through.

         She lived the first few weeks depressed up until meeting Matt and his friends. She thought she’d finally felt some sort of contentment. She belonged somewhere in this crazy city. But when she first saw Katya, that’s when she finally felt it. A spark. A feeling that had been missing since she left home. She was forlorn because she hoped this wasn’t the end. It couldn’t be the end.

         She’d caught a cab outside of Penn Station, and sat in silence on the 10 minute drive to her apartment. The tinge from the street lights casted a yellowish glare in Trixie’s eyes every few seconds. She closed them tight, wishing for the end of this turned-to-crap night to come already.

         The Taxi pulled up to her apartments around 11:30pm. She knew her neighbor’s, one in particular, would chastise her for coming home so late. Hopefully Alyssa would be asleep by now, she prayed. She was ascending the last flight when a startling ring came from the joint phone in the middle of the three apartments on her floor. Great, she thought. If Alyssa wasn’t up, she sure would be now. She hopped quickly up the last two steps and grabbed the phone from the hook as rapidly as she could, as if the damage wasn’t already done. “Hello?”

         But before the person on the other line could answer, a grumpy Alyssa popped her head out from her apartment door, her usual long brown locks wrapped in curlers. “Do you know what time it is, Ms. Mattel?” Trixie looked over apologetically and pressed her hand to the receiving end of the phone. “I’m sorry! It just rang..” Alyssa rolled her giant eyes, shook her head dramatically and slammed her door shut. Thank god.

         Trixie turned her attention back to the call. “Hello?” There was a pause on the line. Trixie immediately knew who it was. Katya was on the other end. She was leaning on the counter in her kitchen, with the umpteenth cigarette of the night between her delicate red painted fingers. Tears still making there way down her raw cheeks.

         “I was horrible.. Earlier. Will you forgive me?” Katya’s words were just above a whisper, but her previous crying was evident in her voice. A small flutter in Trixie’s stomach occurred at the realization of Katya being the one phoning her. She almost hated herself for being so hopeful. Trixie was at a loss for words. She just rambled the first thing that jumped into her head. “Yes… I..I mean..” But her thoughts couldn’t be finished. Katya interrupted anyway.

         “Then will you.. would you let me come see you tomorrow? Evening?” Trixie’s heart fluttered this time. She wanted to rip the smile from her face. She felt so foolish. She was just crying 30 minutes ago from this woman, and now she had butterflies in her tummy because of her. Who else could do this to her? She didn’t know, because no one’s ever made her feel like this. She couldn’t help herself. “Alright. Yes.” There was a short pause but Trixie continued, knowing if she didn’t speak now, she’d loose her courage from not being face-to-face with the older blonde.

         “I wanna– know, I think. I mean I want to ask you things but I’m not sure that you want that.” Katya pulled the phone closer to her, desire expanded in her at the younger blonde’s words. Her voice slightly cracked from crying as she spoke. “Ask me things.. Please…” Out of nowhere a group of rowdy guys started up the stairs making the loudest ruckus. She held the phone to her chest to try and keep the noise out, until they passed her on their journey to their apartment a few flights up. She put the phone back to her ear trying to savor the last few seconds of the call. All she could hear was Katya’s steady breathing. She hangs up the phone.                                                         ……….

         The next day, Katya is rushing down the sidewalks of Manhattan trying to get to her Lawyer’s appointment on time. The traffic had been hell from Long Island, but at least she found a decent parking spot. She scurried up the steps into the large office lobby, her black mary janes clicking on the tiles below her. She smoothed a hand down her crisp black sheath dress and matching blazer, trying to look like she didn’t just sprint here from her car. She greeted her lawyers lovely secretary who took Katya’s red coat and hat from her and hung it in the coat closet.

         “There he is!” Her lawyer’s footsteps heard behind her made her turn and smile. He walked past her and opened his office door to escort her in.“Now will you talk to me?” She says with an almost playfulness to her voice, but she knows this is a serious matter. “ You know you didn’t have to come all the way down here today Katya—” He was cut off by her sharp voice.

         “Just give it to me straight, Max. What am I not to worry about until after the holiday?” She looked him dead in the eyes. He scrambled his way to his desk while speaking. “Paul Charles served some papers this morning, to my complete surprise— Why don’t you eh, sit.” He took a seat at his desk and gestured for Katya to do the same. She just stared at his hand and stayed glued to her stance. A smirk adorned her features. “Why is it people think you’ll take bad news better if you’re sitting down?” A sad smile spread on Max’s face as he settled in his chair. He looked down at the paperwork in front of him and began.

         “Roy has sought an injunction which denies you any access to Violet until the hearing.” Katya’s smirk instantly fades. She rips off her red gloves, those gloves, and slams them to the desk. “What?!” She angrily whispers. He continues robotically. “And I’m afraid Roy has changed his mind about joint custody, he wants sole custody of Violet.” She looks at him with complete disbelief.

         “But–We’ve already come to an agreement on custody. What’s this all about?” She finally comes around the front of the desk to sit in one of the chairs. She can feel the blood draining from her already pale face. “They’re filing papers on the 29th in district family court for the permanent custody petition.” As if the disbelief wasn’t already painted all over her face, disgust takes its place shortly after his words. “Can he do this? Is it right?”

         “I don’t know if it’s right, but it’s legal.” “On what grounds?” Her voice is raised at this point. Max takes his glasses off and places them on the desk. “Listen, let’s wait til after Christmas to—” Again he’s interrupted by the furious blonde. “Max! On. What. Grounds?” Her pained green eyes bore into his for tenth time today. He can’t hide it any longer.

          "They’re petitioning a judge to consider a morality clause.“ Katya can’t hide the surprise and anger in her voice. "A morality— What the hell does that mean?” A small sad laugh escapes his lips but its replaced with a serious expression almost instantly. “Alright. I won’t mince words with you.” He picks up a folder, no doubt holding the so called “morality clause” and flips through some papers. “Courtney Act.” He says sternly and she knows. She knows all too well. She takes a gulp of breath feeling her throat close up. “Also they’re suggesting similar associations with– well they’re alleging evidence of a pattern of behavior.” He says it almost disapprovingly but closes the folder and places it off to the side.

         “Evidence of a pattern? Courtney is Violets godmother! Court— He–” She pauses and rolls her eyes feeling a wave of emotional exhaustion come over her. She looks down to her hands and has a realization. “If he can’t have me, I can’t have Violet. That’s what—” Her thoughts trail off as she stands and turns to face away from Max. Stroking at her temples like she did last night when Roy was screaming in her kitchen. “I’m sorry but, they seem serious.”

         “When is the custody hearing?” She turns back to meet Max’s eyes. He shrugs.“ It’s hard to say with the holidays and the backlog—” “Your best guess Max!” He shrugs again more apologetically. “Not before March. Maybe middle of April?” She stares at him again, frozen in place. “Can I see her?” He closes his eyes in frustration and tries to explain the best he can. “Not– Let me put it this way. It wouldn’t be advisable under the—” “At school?! In an office?!” She desperately tries to find a loophole in this devastating situation. “The issue is not where necessarily..” “Surely a visit, supervised or–” He interrupts her this time.

         “There will be serious allegations, forcing contact before the hearing, you risk inviting further scrutiny concerning your conduct.” She looks at him with utter disgust. “MY conduct? Jesus Christ. I’m a mother for gods sake.” She sits on the edge of his desk and hangs her head, defeated. “A morality clause. Pft.” She whispers to herself. She continues.“I see.” “Do you?” She scowls at him. “No! There’s nothing moral about keeping my child away from me.”

         Katya sits in the office lobby for a while trying to get her bearings. She feels completely hopeless. Nothing can be done until after the holidays anyway. What can she do? She gets up and pulls her coat on. Sliding her black sunglasses on as she heads out of the offices and onto sidewalks of Manhattan. The hustle and bustle of the city is on high today, with the sidewalks crowded and the streets even worse. She starts to slow her walking, feeling her anxiety take over.

         She pulls a cigarette out of the case, but of course struggles to find her lighter anywhere in her black hole of a purse. People in a hurry start to push by and give her dirty looks. All of a sudden the voices, the people, the honking and everything becomes too much. She steps off to the side and walks toward an open shop door that will cover her from the wind. She shakily lights her cigarette and inhales to the utmost capacity her lungs can take.

         She lets the smoky air flow from her lips, while she looks at the store display in front of her. She see’s something in particular that catches her undivided attention. What a coincidence, she thinks to herself. And with that a decision is made for her.                                                          ……….

          Trixie’s in the record store, picking up a little something for a certain someone. Matt wouldn’t stop bothering her so she had him tag along to keep him quiet. He’s outside smoking a cigarette while she picks up the package. Oh how she loves that habit. Not. When it’s Katya though, it’s a different story. She makes it looks so elegant and beautiful. With Matt it just puts her off even more. She turns to see two women standing in the corner of the store. One of them is in a man’s suit and both are staring directly at her, a seedy smile on the girl with the suits face. Were these women what she would become? Was this what Katya was like? No. Katya wouldn’t stand and gawk at other women with a sleezy expression on her face. Katya was subtle and intelligent. And so beautiful…

         Her attention is snapped back to the worker handing her the “package” and sliding it into a bag. She smiles gratefully and walks briskly out the front entrance, not wanting to catch the attention of those women again. Her and Matt stroll down the quiet street, his bike is being trailed along beside him. “Find what you wanted?” He asks her happily. She looks up at him a small smile on her lips. “Yeah, just something for someone at the store.” He hums. “Huh. That’s nice of you.” They keep walking in silence until Matt continues. “You should stop by on Christmas. My mom’s kinda planning on it..” Trixie looks straight ahead a confused expression making its way to her face. “Christmas? It’s for families– I’d feel–I don’t know…” They turn the corner. “You are family Trix.” He says it so surely. Trixie dips into a new conversation, trying to avoid telling him she most definitely won’t be coming for Christmas.

         “I’ve been thinking of putting together a portfolio. Of my pictures, ya know? Start taking portraits even. Apply for jobs. Maybe even at a newspaper, Dan said someone—” She was cut off by Matt. “Have you been thinking anymore about Europe?” Her stare at him turns into one of disbelief and she continues walking, this time ahead of him, ignoring his question. “Trix?” She continues walking. “What?!” He says as if he didn’t realize he’d just interrupted her to talk about something she cares nothing about. She stops finally. She looks ahead a mad smirk on her face that changes to an expression of nothingness. She turns to look him dead on.

          "How many times have you been in love?“ A small laugh escapes Matt’s mouth before he realizes she’s serious. She glares at him still waiting for a response. He shrugs, a smile splayed on his features. "Never… Until you.” Trixie gets angered knowing he’s lying. “Don’t lie! You told me about those other two girls.” His smile fades and he becomes a little defensive. “Come on.. They were—” He leans in as if anyone is even around listening to them. “I had sex with them. It’s not the same thing.” Trixie becomes the defensive one this time.“ Meaning I’m different because– we haven’t gone all the way?”

         Matt looks irritated and closes the small distance between them. “Hey what’s this all about? I love you. That’s whats different.” Any other girl would swoon and praise their man for this kind of declaration. Not Trixie. He smiles, thinking he’s got her. It’s the total opposite. She just gazes at him the same expressionless face she had before. She then turns and starts to walk away again. He trails along after her trying to catch up, so they’re side by side.

         “Have you ever been in love with a boy?” Trixie asks nonchalantly. He looks at her perplexed. “No.” He almost scowls when answering her. “But you’ve heard of it.” She says with a more bored tone to her voice. He locks eyes with her, his exterior becoming more stern. “Of course. I mean, have I heard of people like that? Sure.” She’s angered by the way he addresses it. As if they weren’t humans too. “I don’t mean people like that! I mean two people who fall in love with each other. A boy and a boy, out of the blue.”

         “I don’t know any people like that. But I’ll tell you this. There’s always some reason for it. In the background.” They continue walking, crossing the street. “So you don’t think it could just— happen to somebody, to anybody?” “No I don’t!” His voice becomes defensive again. “What are you saying? Are you in love with a girl?” Trixie’s cheeks flame and she instantly denies it. “No!” She opens her mouth to try and say more but nothing comes. Matt continues.

         “Don’t you know I wanna spend my life with you? Come to France with me, let’s get married!” Trixie is so tired of hearing this. She gets more and more angered each time it’s brought up. She feels this is the breaking point. “Matt! I’m not ready for that! I can’t just make myself.” He looks at her flushed face, bewildered. “What then? Tell me?!” She turns to walk into her apartments, too frustrated to deal with this any longer. “I’m sorry. I have to go.” He watches her go, irritation more evident in his voice as he shouts after her. “Trixie!” She doesn’t look back and she opens the entrance door. She shouts an “I’m sorry” again behind her as the door slams shut.                                                          ………..

         Katya and Courtney met at a small restaurant in the city. She wasn’t positive when she was going to see Trixie so she decided to see if Courtney was up for a little afternoon drink at their favorite spot downtown. Of course she was, plus Katya had to inform her of all the falling apart her life seemed to be doing as of the past few days.

         “I found Violets hair brush underneath my pillow this morning.” The small smile on her face was only betrayed by the traces of sadness in her voice. She took a deep breath and continued. “Full of her hair. She does that you know. To let me know she’s been a good girl and brushed properly. Usually I clean it out but today— for some reason..” She trailed off the devastation clear in her voice now. She had to keep taking deep breaths in order to keep herself from crying. Courtney looked at her with empathy, but disgust concerning her monstrous husband.

         “How could he…How dare he. A morality what?” Courtney questioned, but the sadness was no longer clouding her aussie accent. Her voice was full of anger. Katya looked up and made a face at the mention of the so called morality clause. “Clause, he said.” She takes a dainty sip of her martini and follows with a puff of her cigarette. Courtney’s face turns from anger to regret and remorse. She feels somewhat responsible.

          "Oh Katya.“ She says lovingly and shakes her short blonde curls while animatedly talking. "If I am responsible in ANY way—” She opens her lips but is cut off by Katya who grabs her wrist from across the table. She has the most serious look on her face. “Don’t you dare. Don’t you ever.” She looks at Courtney with her don’t even try it look. She was solely responsible for her actions and she would deal with what would come on her own. No one else was responsible. No one.

            She pushes her empty glass towards Courtney who grabs the shaker and fills up both their drinks to the top. Courtney see’s the look in Katya’s eyes and knows she doesn’t want to press on the subject further. She takes the hint and drabbles on about a women she met a few weeks back.

          "Anyway. I got my eye on this redhead who owns a steakhouse outside of the city. I’m talking SERIOUS Rita Hayworth redhead!“ Katya wheezes and throws her curly blonde tresses behind her as her head falls back with laughter. She comes back to meet Courtney’s eyes, a giant smirk on her face. "You think you got what is takes to handle a redhead?” Courtney just sips her drink slyly and stares at Katya, whose smiles fades slightly. Courtney notices a small suitcase next to Katya on the ground and nods towards it.

         “You going somewhere?” She asks, a gentle tone to her words. Katya nods.“West, I thought. At least for a few weeks until the hearing.” She answers almost immediately. Katya’s tone turns almost sad again as she continues. “What else am I gonna do?” Courtney stares at her. She catches on.

    "Well I know you don’t like driving alone, so…..“ She stares at Katya who has an unreadable expression on her face and goes on.” She’s young.“ No response. Courtney continues. "Tell me you know what you’re doing?” Katya looks down. She starts to shake her head slowly. “I…. Don’t.” She looks back up at Courtney. A ghost of a smile appears on her red lips. “I never did.” The smile grows to a grin that finds its way to both of the girls faces.                                                         ……….

         Trixie’s cleaning the last of her dishes from dinner when she hears a knock at her door. She hasn’t heard from Katya since the night before, so it could be anyone at this point. She still smooths down her plaid pink skirt and runs a hand through her loosening hair just in case. She struts to the front door, heels clicking against the hardwood floors of her hallway. She opens the door to find a grinning Katya stood at her doorstep. She looks immaculate compared to the dingy halls of her apartments.

         “Your Landlady let me in.” She says after a beat, then looks down to her side and with her high-heeled clad foot pushes forward a suitcase that Trixie just noticed beside her. After she’s successfully pushed it into the apartment she looks up into Trixie’s eyes, her breathtaking smile still intact. “Merry Christmas.” Trixie looks dumbstruck. Katya bought something for her? She looks down at the gift and back up to Katya’s eyes, disbelief plastered all over her face.

         Katya notices and urges her to open it. Trixie drops straight down to her knees in front of the suitcase and begins to open each latch. Excitement and curiosity swirl inside her. She finally flips the last latch and slowly opens the case. Inside is the latest model Canon Camera, that only came out 2 weeks ago, and just about a dozen rolls of kodak film. Trixie slowly picks up the camera as shock fills her entire being. She’s in such disbelief she can barely bring herself to smile. When she finally does she gazes up at Katya and her smile grows instantly, though the shock is still evident in her voice. “Oh Katya.”

        She lets the older woman in and takes all her outdoor-wear and lays it on her bed. She turns on the record player in her room and leaves the door open so the apartment is filled with some background noise. When she comes back Katya’s in her kitchen, looking through some photos Trixie has taken and pinned up to the bare walls. There’s pictures of people at work, men in a barber shop, and so many others. Katya’s gaze finally comes to stop at the picture Trixie took of her at the Tree lot. The development is beautiful. Katya looks beautiful. Trixie comes to stand a few feet behind her seeing her admire the picture she took of her. Feeling completely vulnerable she feels the need to defend her work.

         “It’s not very good, I was rushed.” She’s anxiously fiddling with her shirt sleeve as she watches Katya eye her work. “I mean.. I can do better.” She adds. Katya’s gaze stays firmly on the picture, transfixed by it. “It’s perfect.” She says and it’s almost a whisper. If Trixie wasn’t right behind her she wouldn’t have heard her. Eventually Katya’s stare shifts to a different picture. One of Trixie as a child. She couldn’t be more than 4 or 5 in the photo. Katya’s hand involuntarily goes to the photo and she gently caresses the aging paper.

         “Is this you?” Trixie smiles from behind her and hums a small mhm as a response. Katya realizes her hand on the photo and drops it, her stomach dropping. She wipes away at an imaginary lint on her black dress and turns to walk into the living room. “Do you– have anything other than photo chemicals in the icebox?… I’m feeling—” Her thoughts trail off as she begins to feel a small panic come to rest against her chest. Trixie turns on her heel and opens the fridge. “Sure!” She grabs two beers and a bottle opener from the counter and begins to walk toward the living room. Before she enters she hears Katya take a big shaky breath as she sits on the arm of Trixie’s couch. She hears her breathing labor again and she sets down the beers on the kitchen table.

          She turns and slowly comes to stand in the archway between the two rooms, unsure if it’s her place to comfort her. She hears a small sob escape from Katya’s lips and her decision is made for her. She quickly makes her way to the other blonde and rests her hand on her right shoulder, gently stroking her back. Katya squeezes Trixie’s hand on her shoulder and leans into her touch, letting her tears finally fall. She tells her everything.                                                          …….

         Eventually they move to the roof of Trixie’s apartments, both needing some air after the heavy conversation. Both are wrapped in their coats, a beer in each girls hand. Katya can’t sit still and paces around the roof while Trixie sits on a wooden box, intently listening to the other women talk. Katya’s ramblings slowly come to a stop and Trixie thinks about the situation before responding. “Is there any point in, I don’t know, fighting it?"

         Katya takes in the city skyline in front of her and gently shakes her head. "The injunction? No.” She takes a sip of her beer and continues to ogle the beautiful lights in the distance. Trixie shakes her head in annoyance. How could anyone be so cruel? To take someone’s child away? “I feel useless. Like I can’t help you or offer anything.” Katya turns her attention to the younger blonde a stern expression taking over her delicate features. She raises her voice slightly as she speaks. “It has nothing to do with you.” Trixie looks down in defeat and leans against the brick chimney behind her. Katya see’s her sadness and continues.

         “I’m going away for a while.” Trixie looks up at her, confused. “When? Where?” Katya smirks and lets a half laugh escape her mouth and gazes back at the young blonde. She shrugs. “Wherever my car will take me. West…. Soon.” She looks down at her beer and opens her mouth to continue. She pauses but finally just spits it out. “And I thought, perhaps, you would like to come with me?” Trixie’s downcasted stare comes back up again to meet the older womans crystal green gaze. They stare at eachother almost expressionless for a few moments. Katya breaks the silence, eager for an answer. Any answer. “Would you?”

          Trixie just nods her head then breaks into a stunning smile. “Yes. Yes I would.” Both their smiles could light up the night in an instant. Trixie’s gaze turns upward. Katya’s eyes follow to see a few snowflakes flutter down from the black night sky above. Is this their sign?

[summersnowdrops]

GOT7 Flight Log: Turbulence in LA Recap

So where do I even start because this honestly was a really really good experience

So first off, for the first time in all the concerts I’ve been to, there was no security check? Which was great because we actually all got into the venue and our seats within 10 minutes max of being in line! But at the same time I feel like it could be potentially dangerous because you never know what might happen. 

So I got into the venue pretty early so I went to go find where my seat was and then went to go wait in the insane bathroom line so I wouldn’t have to go during the actual fm. While I was waiting in line, this girl in front of me asked if we were allowed to bring in water bottles because she thought we weren’t allowed to and was super thirsty so I offered her some of mine and she thanked to me and told me papa tuan had arrived outside and was taking pics with people outside but I was already inside so I couldn’t go back outside.

But anyways so after the bathroom I went back into the venue and as I was entering I heard all these screams and people waving and a mob in my aisle and thought got7 was here but there was mob so I couldn’t see. I went to sit down and asked the girls next to me what happened (I was sitting second from the aisle on the right) and they told me that Papa Tuan was actually sitting right across the aisle from us, hence the huge mob. The whole two rows were full of Mark’s family and they were sooo nice and sweet and patient even when hordes of fans were asking for a picture with them. Eventually a security guard had to step in and literally stand in front of Mark’s dad and physically prevent people from asking him for pictures. The whole time he was super nice to the fans and indulged them and it was also really cute because they received a lot of goodie bags and gifts from fans and also had a light up board for Mark that had ‘Tuan” on it in Chinese. We (the girl sitting next to me that I made friends with) also wanted to go up and ask for a picture but didn’t want to be annoying or rude and crowd them too so we held ourselves back haha. But we did get a picture at the end and Mark’s dad was so nice he even asked if we wanted to take a video which we did but neither of us were prepared for a video so it’s really just a super awk video of us smiling in the camera for 5 seconds haha. I really wanted to say something to them but I blanked and also my Mandarin isn’t good enough to say anything substantial unfortunately.

But moving on to the fanmeet itself, IT WAS SO GREAT. I think they performed like 5 songs - Hard Carry at the end, Just Right, Prove It, Boomx3 (Jinyoung asked Double Bam to introduce the song lol), Fly (THIS WAS SO GOOD LIVE), and other songs which I totally blanked on, also I think No Jam ?? also maybe home run?

But in between they had like a Q&A questions with questions from fans written on post-its and each member picked one.

The first one was Jackson’s question and it was for all the members - “What is your ideal type?”

He made Yugyeom go first lol the poor baby who says his type was a cutie sexy igot7 I think, and bam bam says his was similar, mark says his was igot7, jaebum said he has none, jinyoung was like ‘just one word. you!’, and youngjae pointed at a girl in the crowd and said you and she cried and the mcs were like dude you made her cry and yj was like half laughing but also felt bad so he told her not to cry which tbh I’m sure made her cry more hahaha. But jackson said his ideal type was a girl who only loves him because ‘you can’t share girls you know???’ and said he’d see those who were interested after the show. Most of the members tried to speak in English most of the time which I appreciate but I could see them struggling but still trying which was super cute. 

They also asked for their favorite disney movies to which jinyoung answered toy story and mark said storks? and also dumbo I think which is really a great movie I am also a fan. And Jaebum really likes La La Land and the members made fun of him saying he also knew the OST lol and they made him sing a couple lines from it.

Jinyoung’s question was his first impression of the members lol and he said he first impression of jackson was that he was a hk actor lol, mark was darker than he is now, youngjae was really cute, bambam was TINY like 3 ft tall and jackson being jackson was like no like THIS tall and gestured like 1 ft above the ground and eventually got on the ground pretending to look for bambam cus he was so small haha. jaebum he said he knew jaebum for 7 years and he used to be more quiet and stuff and yugyeom he thought was older than him lol. 

Jaebum’s question was what inspires him when he writes/makes music I think and he said that like it comes from his imagination but also the fact that people are listening to what he creates gives him the motivation and moves him to keep doing it and thanked us for being the reason (he said it almost all in korean and mumbled a lot so sorry if I missed something).

There was also a question to JB about why he likes or what he likes most about RnB and he said he liked that the beat isn’t that strong but chill so he can jam and also he just likes it lol.

It was a little awk because some of the members picked questions directed towards other members but it all worked out so it was okay.

There was also a question asking for bambam and yugyeom to do juju on that beat and they did and it was so cute and everyone went crazy.

After they did another song and then was the game time !! They passed out raffle tickets when you first came in and drew them and if you won you would be paired with a member for a game of like korean hacky sack they called it and I guess there were two rolls of tickets they used - one started with 264 or 294 and another roll started with 918 (my type) and obv no one shuffled the tickets or mixed them because 6/7 members picked a ticket starting with 2 and I died because why why why did no one shuffle but jackson got a 918 at the end and was confused and asked if all the tickets were supposed to start with 2 because his didn’t and he was confused and half the place screamed because FINALLY we had a chance which I guess jackson took as a cue that nope there was nothing wrong with the ticket. obv I didn’t get to go on stage but tbh with only 1/7 even picking a 918 ticket, I literally had probably a 1/600 chance so yeah.

But anyways while the fans who got picked were lining up, got7 played the guess the song game and were very into it but also very bad lol. jinyoung like gave up halfway and put his head on top of the speaker to hear better but i was like woah kid calm down are you trying to go deaf please be careful. but eventually even the mc felt bad for him and gave him a chance and i think (?) whispered the answer to Jinyoung but he either didn’t hear it or what because he still answered wrong lol and was like he (the mc) told me! youngjae was very good at this game and jackson and everyone else was a mess lol. and bambam had the most dramatic baaaaaaammmm when he wanted to answer. the punishment if you got the answer wrong was to to ahgase (basically a baby bird squat thingy and flap their arms it was so cute) 

next was the fan game where they had to hacky sack and everyone introduced their partners and asked their favorite song and bambam called his partner noona after he found out her age and jackson was really happy because his partner was from china but also lw salty because her bias was jinyoung haha everyone was kinda bad at this besides jinyoung and his partner who got like 15?? and everyone was like woaahhh and they had really good chemi and did like a little pose and when he asked what her favorite song was he whispered to her so she said her favorite song was his song lol. and youngjae’s asked her age and she answered who’s that and he was like wait what oh okay what’s your favorite song and she said who’s that and he was like YOU DON’T LIKE REWIND?????? but anyways mark ending up beating jinyoung and his partner and was so happy he hugged his partner and picked her up (she was this small cute girl with light up green shoes) and everyone SCREAMED lol. jaebum’s partner got one and he was like YES to be supportive and then he got one lol and was like YES to save face it was great. bambam let his partner go first and was like ‘my queen go first’ and i died it was so cheesy and yugyeon went last and accidentally hit his partner with the thing they were kicking and she played along and pretended to fall down and he fell down and they hugged after and it was so cute she was nice and funny.

Hmm after this I don’t really remember what else happened besides more songs during which I screamed my lungs out and probably creeped out and annoyed the people next to me with my screaming. 

During the ending speeches, yugyeom thanked all the fans for their burning passion and love, bambam said la felt like a second home and really really liked it and would come back soon and cooler and shock us?? i forgot what jaebum said but mark spoke in english and said he really appreciated la fans because it was because of us that he could come back to see his family and said they counted on us every time they came to the us and maybe they would come back for kcon or some other time this year?? his family next to me cheered a lot during this and the crowd awww’ed a lot. i also don’t exactly remember what jinyoung said but i’m sure it was along the lines of thank you and i love you and we’ll be back soon. jackson also spoke in english and basically said happy new year and that haters will never be satisfied so to live doing what you like and what you want to do because it’s your life. and last but not least youngjae was the cutest little thing he thanked us and said la made him happy but also he was really happy because someone he really liked was here (elliot yamin) and the mc asked who it was and youngjae was like please turn on the lights where is he and the lights above the balcony turned on and everyone pointed to elliot yamina and sanjoy and their other friend and people screamed and the mc/members got youngjae to sing ‘wait for you’ to elliot yamin and it was so cute he was so happy. 

and then the members waved and left but there was an encore and everyone ran down to the stage for the encore and originally the security guard wouldn’t let people pass and was like physically pulling people back but eventually let us go and i found out later that mark’s dad was the one who walked up and asked the security guard to let us go but she said no and he said just let them go up and she let us go PAPA TUAN IS SO NICE HOW but anyways it was very squished and hot up front and a girl idk used me as an armrest to record ?? i didn’t even know her and another girl had her arm like pushing against my face and pushing my head out of the way trying to record. but the members were taking fan’s phones and taking selfies of themselves and members and the crowd and taking videos and i saw jaebum up close and jinyoung they’re so so goodlooking and yugyeom paid a lot of attention to our side of the stage and they sang no jam and it was so great. after the encore, i went back to my seat and we asked mark’s dad for a picture and he literally looked so HAPPY when we were the ones who were asking for a picture not him but he was so nice.

and then they asked everyone who wasn’t p1 or p2 to leave and checked wristbands and p1 went first with the group photo and it was so different from normal group photos where it’s like just the members standing and fans sitting and just a simple picture. everyone was back hugging or holding hands with the fans except jaebum the awk child who held thumbs up signs or made faces but literally did not touch the fans and i regret not doing p1 because it was just advertised as a group photo but literally the chairs are all in a line so as you leave the stage you also get a hitouch. but halfway through the staff realized their mistake and put staff members in between the chairs and got7 (who i am now gonna call gotsob (shout out to arandelly for this) because they make me sob with happiness/they’re so kind/goodlooking/talented/what is wrong with them sometimes)

anyways for the the hitouch my friend and i were originally really close the front of the line but we got so nervous because we didn’t know what to say to the members or even if we should say anything and who should we talk to so we stepped out of line to brainstorm and all of the sudden the members were gone and we were like what?? but then the mc was like people have been doing hitouch and getting back in line so we’re gonna figure it out and bring them back out after but if we catch another person doing that we will cancel the whole thing so during the wait the best thing i could think of was to tell jaebum i love him (typical but all i could think of) and jackson to come back soon in canto (because i personally get excited just hearing cantonese spoken at school (i got to ucla so its lot of koreans and not a lot of canto people so i imagined jackson would be even happier hearing canto because hk and he lives in korea) but they rearranged the order of members after they came back out (it used to be jaebum second from the front and jackson at the end of the line but now it was jackson first then jaebum right after) so i was too nervous to say anything to jackson because he was first and then it was jaebum but jackson was so nice and smiley and jaebum had a slight smile but still a little awk and youngjae was super super sunshiney so that made me less nervous and bambam was also very smiley and all the members made eye contact when you passed by which was really sweet and for yugyeom i had to reorient myself and look up because he was so tall and mark was like saying bye to everyone as they passed by and jinyoung was last but he didn’t really make eye contact because he was looking at the next person behind me so basically i highfived him while staring at his side profile lol and awk saying bye to all of them. there was actually enough time for me to say something to all the members but i had no idea what to say so i literally just stared at them and smiled as i walked by so i’m pretty sure they thought i was unenthusiastic and awk and gah i am ashamed

also one thing I noticed was jaebum kept putting on his hood during the songs??? I’m not sure if it was too bright or he was trying to focus or the lights hurt his eyes?? or if that’s what he normally does?? It was the first time I’ve seen him do that so I wasn’t sure. Like i understand people put up their hoods when they’re dancing but he just did it for like the whole song??? even fly which is kind of an upbeat song? 

also during the song game jaebum said his name really cute so everyone was making fun of him like jaebeom ! jaebom!

so that was basically my recap of the fanmeeting, hopefully it was slightly interesting??

[adultingrefs]

sometimes days are just shit

so i worked 47 hours in 6 days last week (with no overtime or break, technically legal because of the way Lowe’s splits up its weeks) and my foot ended up hurting because of it, and i was exhausted. I spent most of yesterday in bed so I could function this morning. 

i have no one else to blame that I stayed up way too late for my 6 o’clock wake-up time and the i didn’t do my laundry. but i wake up and i’m still exhausted right? step out of bed and right onto my microphone stand. it gives me a blood blister on my already-injured foot. it’s shower day but I don’t have any clean clothes to change into and i’m somehow pressed for time anyways. i forgot to take the garbage out last night so i’m have to do that as well, and the wood i’ve recently foraged is in the way (again, something i have no one but myself to blame for).

i’m cold. i throw on a sweater (I later find out it’s got dirt all over it). it’s raining outside. i don’t have my umbrella because i brought it inside for some reason. i have a broken umbrella in my car. i have to go back inside to get a trekking pole to help me make it through a 9 hour shift. i can’t find the umbrella because why the fuck would i hang it back up where i’d look for it. 

so i’m exhausted and in pain but i make it to work on time and ready to work. and i’m not in a great mood but i’m trying. i get sent upstairs on my first break to continue computer training. i can’t really focus on the words but i’m trying. i make it to lunch with all of the computer stuff done and then just a few walking around activities to do. I ask an ASM if i really need to do every single square of the busywork (because I know my coworkers didn’t) and she said yes. okay whatever. i keep going. 

i’m about like 1/3 through when i run into the Operational ASM and approach her to fill out one of the squares of the busywork. She looks at my pole and was like “okay what’s with this” and I was like “um my foot hurts” and she was like “why” and i was like “uh because I worked 47 hours in six days” and she was like “how” and now im like ??? this isn’t something new for this store i’m pretty sure. like “okay i can’t have you on the floor with something like that without a doctor’s note or with you going through accommodations.” and then she starts asking me questions about my training. i can’t really answer because i’ve been caught off guard and i’m shocked and upset and confused. and then she escorts me up to the computers to look at my training.

she then said “okay just go home once you’re done with all the computer stuff. also you said you had open availability and could work all the hours so what’s this?” and just. i had already told my scheduling manager not 2 hours ago that I can do 32 hours max instead of the full 39. and just because i have open availability doesn’t mean i’m available to work myself to death. i should also note that open availability was pushed on me because I don’t want to work Sundays because of my religious beliefs (in which every person should have at least one regular full day of rest a week, typically set aside for holy shit, e.g. commandment #4 from the 10 commandments), but I ‘have’ to be able to work both Sundays and Saturdays. I now have accommodations for my services on Sunday but that’s it.

so i was sent home for my mobility aid. i want to know when I was supposed to get a doctor’s note or accommodation between Saturday 7pm and Monday 7am?? also i’m not allowed to call out. Calling out without sick time accrued is an occurrence. I’m only allowed 3 occurrences in a year period. but apparently sending me home like that doesn’t count as an occurrence. I want to know why I can’t have a mobility aid that in nowise affects my work. like it wasn’t “if you are in pain and would like to go home, you can do that” it was “because you apparently can’t function without this aid, you have to go home.” if I had fucking known i was allowed to call out, i would have. I’ve been talking myself into going to work because I need the job because I need the money. but i can’t just call out when i’m feeling a little overworked because I only get 3! fucking! occurrences! and then i have no job! 

i like the work & people at work. i just don’t like being worked to death. i’ve done everything right, been on time every day, and learned quickly. according to both manager and customer, i am a fucking excellent cashier. i got to work today and was doing what i was supposed to be doing.

anyways i stumble through the rest of my computer training because now i’m crying. i clock off, get my shit, and go home. i wish people wouldn’t ask me if i’m okay or what’s wrong. 

when i get home, i eventually take a four-hour sleep because i’m fucking exhausted from work and now from crying. i wake up and wander into the kitchen, then ask if i can have some of my sister’s expensive Easter-present apple juice (martinelli apple juice, which i got her, which is $8/gallon). she says yeah of course. i pull the jug out. i immediately drop the jug on the ground and it breaks, flinging a gallon of apple juice all over the floor. i just wanted some fucking apple juice.

after cleaning up the apple juice (or soaking most of it up with every available towel, anyways, the floor is still sticky af), my older sister goes and fetches a new jug from the store. (now we’re $16 in this.) she brings it to me and puts it on my bed and i’m like “haha you’re goign to leave me with the juice i broke last time” and she was like “lol yeah.” she turns around, i start to open the apple juice. it spurts all over my leg and bed.

i got my apple juice but now i have no sheets to sleep on. the apple juice, for the record, is tasty, but idk that it’s worth an arm and a leg for all this trouble. i’m so tired. and im crying again. i hate crying.