#no one ever has to agree with me ever I blame my roommate for all of this

[velvetures]

Hello loves💕 I still can't get over your writing I'm obsessed!!

I would love to request Roommate König x fem reader. König hears you fucking some guy on the other side of the wall and he can tell you faked it so once the dude is gone he's got you over his shoulder and is walking you to his bedroom to fuck you right. I love the idea of her trying to get him to confess to her and trying anything after months or years of mutual pining, her last resort is to make him jealous.

Overheard

a/n: I'm so sorry for being so slow my love... I always have the worst self-confidence with nsfw reqs. I constantly write them, delete them, and start all over... (this is like... the 8th full-draft retry) So I hope you'll forgive me if this isn't up to standard. Also, I know this trope has been covered by some really talented writers and I hoped to do it justice, and not feel like a carbon copy of something better. (ps. This shit is too long... but I knew if I deleted anything, I'd delete the whole thing over again.)

tw's: 18+ ONLY, nameless hookup, alluded unprotected sex w/side character, unintentional orgasm denial, the reader is mentally not in the best place for sex (disconnected), voyeurism, jealously, fem-oral receiving, fem-fingering receiving, dirty talk, König being a bit of a loser, König omitting his lack of experience, aftercare.

His mom kept saying it was about time to settle down. That the biological clock, normally pushed on women, was ever-present and ticking against his favor. But his sweet, innocent, mother didn’t know the depth of his awkwardness. Not even the slightest idea that her well-mannered boy, turned praise-worthy Colonel was nothing but a bumbling fucking idiot when it came to speaking with women. In the field, sure. He could give orders, discuss tactics, and even bullshit with the best of the best… but if a woman was among those? Oh hell. It was like trying to talk to a brick wall with a randomly developed stuttering issue.

He didn’t understand where it came from either.

It wasn’t like his mother was one of the overbearing types that made dating impossible, and nor did he exactly have the worst time when he was younger with women being interested. It was just… after they showed interest, that became the struggle. Relaxing wasn’t possible. Not when he knew that a woman’s perception of him was far higher than that of any man. Believing that even the smallest of gestures and phrases could earn him an immediate dismissal, and his name or photo being sent in some group-chat to be berated after a first date. He didn’t blame any of the women though… he knew what he looked like. What he sounded like… and God, how miserable his personality was compared to what his career and position would lead others to assume.

A shred of truth could always be found in his mother’s warning though.

He’d gone years without any meaningful relationship where the softer, side of a woman could be found. He found bastardized ways of getting a taste, but he could only allocate so much money a month to porn sites and camgirls without feeling like a total sleaze. The Colonel felt much more confident mapping out a prospective warzone than the contours of a woman’s body, and fuck… it made him more than a little embarrassed to admit. Enough so, that when you mentioned that your rental agreement was coming to an end, and you were trying to find somewhere new to stay, he offered for you to just move in with him.

He owned. Which made the idea of ‘rent’ or you paying it almost unquestionably stupid. It made the deal a little sweeter -in his mind- for you to agree, and then he wouldn’t have to be quite so personally diligent on logging onto online portals to pay utilities. That is, if he could get you to move in. And while in his own mind and body, every synapse screamed that he was being unrealistic, you hadn’t caught on. He’d looked just as stoic and cold as ever when he propositioned that you just start moving over your things into his house. Save money… it’ll be easier for you; He’d said, hard eyes glancing over your face. You thought saying ‘yes’ was anxiety-inducing? König nearly passed out in his office after walking there on numb feet and weak knees.

In the week following, he brought you a small ring of keys, and you started moving your life into his, one cardboard box at a time. And every night after returning from his on-base duties, he would have to physically restrain himself from opening up the taped flaps and getting a peek at the unattended items sitting by the front door. At the time, he thought it was nothing more than unchecked curiosity and instinct to feel-out a new situation. Just simply wanting to learn more about you before you started sleeping over. Merely the soldier in him. But box, by box, that curiosity didn’t dampen down. Even when your items began making their way out of their containers and enmeshing with his around the house.

Tea cups in the kitchen cabinet next to his thicker, coffee mugs. Throw blankets rolled and stacked in the far corning of the couch he rarely sat on. A little rug you’d tossed down in the kitchen in front of the stove with a little floral print that he’d been utterly possessed to not get any stains on while cooking, or by taking off his boots before walking inside. And while never claiming to be a ‘minimalist’ man, he learned right away that his house was nothing short of a hotel when it came to personality.

You’d brought at least five full walls worth of decor. Little trinkets and cute things from all over the world you’d been sneaky enough to stuff into the pockets of your gear. And all of it, had initially been shoved into an empty linen closet he’d been perfect happy with you claiming as your own since it was ‘on your side of the house’. That was, until he found himself noticing that you’d put more than “storage” things away, and had silently refused to put them where they belonged.

On the damn walls.

“I don’t decorate well anyways..” It’d been his excuse… or at least something along those lines. Maybe a little bit more gruff. Guarded. Because even in his own home, he had the tendency of walking around like someone was going to sneak up behind him.

So one week, while he was away, you took the permission and ran with it. Buying the picture hanging kits, and everything else needed to begin covering the Colonel’s walls with your amassed collection of utterly unnecessary, but brain-scratching decorations, art, and collectable junk. Spending a good half hour walking around the halls and rooms with a little smile of accomplishment on your face seeing the colonel’s house feeling more like a home. Totally unaware that he’d been checking the security cameras dotted around, watching you scale a shitty stepladder, climb the kitchen cabinets, and struggle to lift the more heavy items. All the while, growing more and more intrigued with this new arrangement. Debating whether he liked it or not. Rapt attention making the instinctive suggestion that you’d make a good wife far less perverse than he should’ve felt it to be.

Missions took precedence though. And it kept both of you busy more than not. Fully living adjacent instead of in a more dependent role. But there were decidedly small decisions that needed to be made. Like who was in charge of buying groceries, and getting essentials that you both used. König ended up just leaving cash on the counter once a week so you could take care of his end for him. Saving the trouble of a second loaf of bread being bought, or doubling up on paper towels after a miscommunication lead to fifty rolls of the shit needing to be stored somewhere. You did the job more than credibly, and it got you out of the house too.

Which was good, because you rarely left.

Not unlike him, you preferred your time spent in calm situations. Either reading reports, answering emails, and other related tasks before just closing that tab on your laptop and opening up an new one to watch a show or scroll on your phone. You appeared to thrive in his house when you could curl up like some little bird in a nest and just rest. Developing almost permanently sleepy eyes when you came through the door, and a softer tone of voice that took some getting used to. König didn’t exactly understand it. Why your demeanor changed so much within the house, and how it got substantially much more noticeable when your schedules aligned for both of you to be there at the same time.

A solid seven months or more passed before he got his answer. And from your late-night scrolling nonetheless.

Some woman, blabbering on about her husband, and all of the ways that he effected her life once she moved in with him. And, honestly, König wasn’t listening all that much. Having just begun sitting on the other end of the couch with you, since it was where you spent your evenings after dinner. And, it’d become a little bit of a new experience. Just being halfway close to you. Interacting, but not. A safe way to enjoy your presence without any expectations. But that woman on your phone caught his attention when she made the joke about being tired all the time. Tired. Sleepy. All the fucking time. He had to stare down at the TV to keep his head from snapping in your direction.

Apparently it was chemical. Some little thing in the back of a woman’s mind that men didn’t have the complexity to experience the same way. That this woman -and you- were so mentally focused for such a long time, that when the right person was around you, and created a safe space, it acted like a the strongest sleeping pill in existence. Flooding you with dopamine and melatonin to the point that your pretty face got even sweeter with those deep, sleepy looks and constant yawns at all times of the day. Getting a glimpse of you tapping the screen twice, and then tapping at your keyboard to leave a comment only reinforced his inquisitiveness. From the moving boxes, to watching you on cameras while away… and now realizing that you acted so sweet and docile around the house because of him..? He didn’t know how to control himself, and still find a way to keep figuring you out.

Wanting more…

Needing a chance to find out if things could go further than just living in his house.

Dating wasn’t a walk in the park for you either. Call it a hazard of military work. Computers and filing paperwork was more your speed than the guns and blood that König was accustomed to, but it still limited the amount of men who were interested. Especially in the long-term.

It really came down to the uniform and lack of free time that could be allotted to the guys that you did have the fortune to meet. They wanted to take you on dates, and your superiors preferred you stay late to take minutes for a meeting. They always suggested you take a vacation, since it was clear just how tired you were on a daily basis. But vacations were practically a laughable dream you knew wouldn’t come to fruition until you finally were sent the retirement packet everyone in the service dreamed of. But.. on the rare occasion, you did have the energy to entertain a man for a night. Just. One. Night.

Thankfully König was out.

Such good timing considering you’d spent nearly a week, taking your sweet time to wring orgasms out of yourself just for the sheer frustration of getting them, and still not feeling satisfied. Instinctively missing the warmth of skin on skin and the dynamic of having someone else provide and take pleasure from you. Even getting on the app had felt more like a shopping trip than a chance to go on a date. Looking through photos and bios with nothing more on your mind than someone big enough, and pretty enough to make the ordeal worth it. The guy who answered back to your painfully blatant request for a good fuck, didn’t ask any questions either. Just asked politely asked if you wanted to go to him, or vice versa and gave you ample time to get yourself ready before the knock on the front door.

Your mental ruined any chance of having a good time though.

The poor guy sucking at your neck and grunting soft praises was nice… but you couldn’t get into it. Feeling tense. Going through the motions. Foreplay becoming an act of forced moans to reassure the guy genuinely trying to make you feel good, and unable to even make eye contact for a slightly guilty feeling that pervaded your thoughts. Hell, you even refused to have missionary, just to make sure that your facial expressions didn’t have to constantly match the fake whimpers and whines.

John… Joe… Jacob… whatever his name was, he was honestly a sweet guy. Giving your clit attention, no just shoving his cock in you without prep, and actively checking in without making it overbearing. On another day, you’d have really been trying harder to impress him. Give the impression that you were interested in him for more than the sex you couldn’t surrender to. Hope that he liked you enough to stick around. But deep down, you thought better of it. Withholding your feelings to ensure that when he left you alone for the night, that you wouldn’t hate yourself.

König, on the other hand, came home a bit earlier than expected. Walking in the door quietly to expect a silent house, and you sleeping in your bed or on the couch after waiting up for him. Only to be stunned with wet, skin slapping and familiar, pathetic, whimpers getting overrun by deep grunts and low, almost whispered sounds from a man.

God… you were getting fucked.

His whole chest tightened in embarrassment and his face felt hot. You’d never been quite this comfortable… at least to his knowledge. Plenty of nights he had overheard the faint sounds of you getting off alone… soft little moans and gentle hums of a vibrator filtering down the hallway to him. But he’d never heard anything quite that… loud. Even when you fucked yourself on a dildo -he’d always been too curious not to listen intently- the slick sounds of your cunt always made louder noise than your voice. As mortified as he was hearing it… part of him knew something was wrong. Like his whole body was stiff, realizing that you weren’t enjoying it. Faking it… for some unknown reason.

Why couldn’t you say something? Surely you could ask him to… to do something different right? To let you use a toy? Or… or touch your clit? Whatever it took to help you enjoy yourself. But those pinched, almost broken moans starting grating on him within seconds. Stalking towards your bedroom door quietly, and leaning against the wall. Eyes closed and his breath getting heavier with each imagined scene in his head that developed. Picturing him doing all the wrong things… Touching you… tasting you… and living out his own pleasure without the slightest idea that every sound out of your mouth was a fucking lie.

König’s jaw clenched. Resisting a sudden desire to bang on the door or make some other loud noise that would bring this all to an end. Even his fist clenched at his side flinched towards the bedroom door, as if he was insane enough to actually bust in.

What would he even do?

The question rang out a bit too harshly in his mind.

He didn’t have the first idea how to… do better. To make you feel good, or any woman really. Plenty of jealousy rose in his throat at the thought of that bastard fucking you, but he hadn’t even touched a pussy in years. And the last time he did it, he was, pathetically inexperienced. Using his huge fingers to try and prep his partner, but not hitting any of the right spots. Accidentally taking a clinical approach, and it left him feeling like a damn gynecologist instead of a good fuck.

He couldn’t please you, no matter how much he wanted to…

The sobering thought forced him to back away from your bedroom door. But pride alone forced him into the kitchen, leaning against the counter with a glass of scotch in his hand. The last -and unavoidable- line of defense before the front door. No doubt in his mind that if nothing else, he’d get a good look at the man you’d brought home for a disappointing night of sex. Wanting to at least humiliate the bastard for a few seconds. Because while he knew himself to not be an acceptable partner, the guy currently riding out his high in your bedroom wasn’t going to know it. And seeing him -in his daily fatigues- and his hood, would give any man a moment of pause.

You felt sticky. Hot. And more than a little achy in all the wrong ways as Jeff… Josh… whoever the fuck he was, removed himself form your bed and began pulling on his jeans. Watching cautiously as he excused himself into your bathroom -sweetly- offering you a wet washcloth and a too-shy smile for a man who’d just come all over your stomach.

You didn’t bother putting on pants to walk him out to the front door. Too disappointed and stuck in your own head to see König standing in the corner of the kitchen. His dark eyes glaring daggers at your… ‘guest’ who was much more observant, and stood stock still. Shirt in his hands, and forced to raise his gaze more than normal to get the best look at the terrifying man looming in the shadows. It took you far longer than it should’ve. To trace Jonah… Josiah’s… gaze, and recognize your roommate. And even longer to remember that you weren’t wearing pants.

“Hey man…”

You had to give what’s-his-name credit for being as casual as he sounded. Because in all honesty, you were just as taken aback. Shuffling to stand behind the guy just enough that your bare pussy and ass weren’t totally out for him to see.

“Evening…” König sounded… bored? Not his normal tone. “Heading out already?” The guy you were using as a shield, just nodded his head. Looking a bit apologetic, but still anxious.

“Yeah, man…” He pulled his head over his shirt, patting his pockets for the jingle of car keys before glancing back at you with an truly apologetic smile, and a clear unpreparedness for the situation. “I… uh…. thanks for… letting me come over…”

You can’t manage more than a nod. No smile, no reassuring touch to him… nothing. Just a silent acknowledgment and the subsequent scamper over to the couch to grab a blanket to cover yourself up.

Shit… König fucking waved bye…

He didn’t expect you to come out. Nor to get his first-ever look at your pussy. And god it’d taken a lot of restraint not to just stare at you and memorize what he could get get a look at. You just looked soft. So fucking small and soft… A slight sheen of sweat on your face and the roots of your hair damp from the erotic affair.

Too bad it was all an act.

“Thanks for letting him come, huh?” He can’t resist… the guy just hadn’t been cautious enough to not fuel the fire of jealously in him.

Seeing you wrap that blanket around you tighter, avoiding all eye contact, and even turning your side to him a bit… it makes him smile under his hood. An amused one. A sickeningly happy sort of feeling rising in his gut where you appear vulnerable under his gaze. You’re already much more expressive just talking to him than you’d sounded with that bastards cock inside you.

“Didn’t think you’d be back for a while…” Your valid excuse falls a bit flat, especially when those dark brown eyes scan your entire body. He lifts his tumbler of scotch under his hood, nodding before taking a long drink. Feeling a secondary burn that soothes the heat building everywhere else in him.

“I can see that…” He chuckles lowly. To him, it sounds unsure… and maybe tinged with anger, jealously. But on your face, he’s clear that you don’t recognize it. Far too embarrassed to see that there’s just as much uncertainty flooding him as well. “Could hear it too…”

He literally sees your shoulders sink. The wave of embarrassment. Part of him loves it. Knowing you’re experiencing some of the same things he is. That you to, know what it’s like to leave a bed feeling like things didn’t go right, and there’s a guilt that hardens like sediment in your gut. Yet the other half, resists pushing harder. Using this same, defensive, and chastising tone. To give you just a bit of respite, because, he’s not really mad… he’s just fuming with jealously.

“If I knew… I wouldn’t have…” You can’t manage much more. Both of you knowing damn well this wouldn’t have happened if you knew what his arrival was going to be. You always kept so good to his schedules… and not just because this was his house. But because you were so genuinely sweet around him.

“Been so loud?” He suggests, downing the last gulp of his scotch and pushing away from the counter. “Speaking of that…” His gaze lingers on your throat… those faked moans echoing in his mind.

“I didn’t know it was common practice for women to walk their fucktoys to the door… especially when he doesn’t make you come.”

If your stomach was twisting before, there wasn’t a doubt now. And god… you couldn’t tell if it was that he was home, or his voice, or just the edged-feeling of your aching pussy; but König was making you squirm. More than he’d ever done before… and you’d gotten yourself off to the thought of him plenty of times before when no other fantasy had done the trick.

“I finished.” You defend, tightening the blanket around your waist and tucking your bare feet under the excess material pooling on the floor.

König’s eyes blacken, and he laughs lowly. It’s the closest you’ve seen to his behavior when he’s interrogating someone. His power of knowing all the right answers and just dangling the freedom to lie right in front of your face. Maddening, to say the least. And enough to make your thighs flex together.

“I’d like to believe you…” he begins, making leisurely steps closer. “Yet, I’ve spent more nights than I care to admit hearing you come… and what I just hear… is nothing close to the real thing.”

“It’s different with—when it’s not just me.” You gape at him, trying to find anger at the audacity.

Searching for something other than a feeling of arousal knowing that despite your muffled cries into pillows, he’d still heard you at night. Still listened, and if nothing else, knew what your true pleasure sounded like to call you on bullshit. He shrugs, massive hands resting on his hips. Watching them sway a little as he keeps getting closer. Testing the boundary lines you no doubt had. Pushing and prodding at weak spots, and wondering if he can set foot on the living room rug you stood at the center of.

“Different, huh?” The fake acceptance doesn’t last long. “So if I asked for proof… you’d have it?”

“Proof?” You choke out. “What kind of proof could I even give you?” There are plenty running around in your head, all of them raunchier than the previous. But you’re almost desperate to hear him say it.

“Sweetheart, you’ve got the wettest fucking cunt I’ve ever heard,” He growls softly. “You never finish yourself off without making the slickest goddamn noises. Can hear it from down the hallway like it’s playing off my phone.” He adds, voice getting gritty, eyes lowering towards your hips and back up.

“Show me, that is… if he really did make you come.”

Air in your lungs evaporates. God it’s criminal how fucking lewd anything could sound coming from his mouth. And your dry pussy is pathetically getting wetter by the second. Fluttering muscles twitching with each filthy admission he makes. You’re already resorting to putting pressure against your clit by flexing your legs, trying to deny the feelings. Excusing it all by the still-lingering desire for release and not König. Not moving, and a miserable lack of a response forces him to approach faster. Stepping onto the rug serving as a mental barrier for you.

“Embarrassed?” He asks, head tilting a little and stretching the hood to pull away from his chest a little. Putting a bit more of his chest on display in that tight t-shirt.

You shake your head defiantly.

“Oh? Okay then… you should be able to show me then, right? Pretty girl like you, wanting to get fucked… Should be more than willing to brag that you got satisfied. That he left you satiated…”

Your face burns. Debating how to answer. If it’s even smart to try and test your voice in the first place.

“Nothing to see… got-got cleaned up…” God the miserable truth that your no-name partner’s cum was the only thing needing cleaned off of you hits like a punch to the gut.

A massive hand grabs at the blanket in your grip stops all possibility of lying anymore. A warning. Gentle, for sure and meant to be just a small test of consent. However, you too far into this to not want more. He’s just hitting all the right buttons, whether he means to or not.

“How about I… check for myself?” He asks lowly, free hand -covered in a glove- sliding up under his hood and returning into sight with the achingly sexy sight of a huge, scarred hand. His meaning isn’t lost on you, and it’s almost like your cunt floods in anticipation.

“Slide my hand between your pretty thighs, and see just how good he treated you…” He murmurs, trailing fingers down the two sides of the blanket pulled together. “Let me see if that pussy is fucking drenched like she deserves to be.”

“König.” You warn softly, eyes darting down to his hand and back to his eyes.

Not the slightest bit worried about him touching you. Not at all. But about what would happen after all the tension faded. What would come of your relationship if you fucked… or, just made things complicated in general.And he pauses, looking to you a bit cooler. His breathing still heavy, and laden with emotion.

“Yes, sweetheart?”

You’re desperate to think of a way to explain yourself, but the most basic, stupid, comment comes out of your mouth.

“I don’t want this to end badly.”

He straightens just a bit. But his hands don’t move. And while from your perspective, it seems he’s hesitating on whether or not to continue, that’s not what’s got him stuck mere inches away from slipping his fingers between your folds.

He’s worried you know. That you’ve caught on to his inexperience, and are merely defending yourself from a second bad experience in one night. And god it makes this throat burn. Desperate to defend himself and prove that while -yes- he’s more than a little bit lost when it comes to the manual process, he’s still going to be the most teachable fucking man you’ve ever met.

“I’ll listen so well…” He eventually mutters, stepping just a bit closer. Voice lowering and a hint of desperation entering it. “Can—can give you everything you want… Just need to tell me…” he adds, unable to look you in the eyes.

It’s not exactly what you were expecting to hear, but it still strokes that burn between your thighs. Especially when his hands grip your hips through the blanket wrapped around you. Groping softly, massaging at the fat over your muscles and feeling hungry just to touch you.

“I… I don’t want things to be awkward afterwards.” You try to reexplain. Hoping the clarification will help him see why you hadn’t already leaned into his commanding touch.

“Awkward,” he repeats, as if it’s a foreign idea. Like it’d never crossed his mind. “Don’t plan on ignoring you anymore… Not—Not after hearing that… and knowing… fuck…”

“He couldn’t have listened… please tell me you tried to tell him what to do… what you wanted,” His rambles get more panicked. Like every thought in his head is equally important and he can’t take the time to pick one and let me even answer. “Should’ve asked what your pussy needed… how to make you feel good… make those pretty sounds..”

You’re half dazed just watching his breathy words fan the material of his hood to react to his boot kicking your feet apart. Wide hand sliding between your thighs and groaning. A deep, guttural sound that reminds of him being winded. And really… he probably should be. Because your inner thighs are dry to the touch. The wetness he’d been creating still not enough to make much fuss over. But he’s not satisfied with that alone. Immediately curling a finger to spread your lips, feeling the thick, slick of new arousal that had been nothing, if not his doing.

“Ohh, you poor baby…” He sighs lowly, head rolling back at the mere sensation of your pussy under his fingertips. Feeling you a bit anxiously, yet getting a buzz in the back of his skull when your hole pulses against his prodding touch. “Left you so fucking hot…”

It’s a fast movement but he’s got you off your feet and dropped down onto the couch in one swift move. Your back arched in the slumped position and the blanket that’d been covering your -pathetic- modesty, fluttered open on both sides of your hips. Leaving your core exposed to his hungry and heavy-lidded eyes. Letting out a little whine of a sound when he slowly drops to a knee; tracing his hands down your inner thighs like he was scared of touching you too harshly.

“König, please…” You gasp out, watching his thumb run over your swollen labias. Pinching your fat lips together softly and inadvertently putting delicious pressure on your swollen clit. He curses under his breath, free hand grabbing your thigh with bruising strength.

“Tell me how to please you,” He commands, eyes flashing dangerously wide in the icy moonlight streaming through the living room windows. “I need to make you come.”

His desperate, and knows you can see it. His whole body shakes seeing your flushed pussy a mere foot away from his face, and nothing but opportunity and his hood preventing him from burying his face in it. Watching as you shyly reach for his wrist, guiding his hand where you want it. Extending his fingers and whimpering when your motion for him to rub small circles over your clit sends those to-intense waves of pleasure through your pussy.

“Like that… just like that…” You’re able to praise with a shaky nod of your head.

Rocking your hips in tandem with his movements and nearly crying out in relief when he diligently keeps the same pressure to you despite your little twitches and grinds. Allowing you the freedom to plant your feet on the edge of the couch and simply feel. König’s lost in it. Lost in the sight of you. Your pretty mouth gaping open and your hips chasing the touch he’s providing. His breath catching when you cry out or give a weak praise for his work. Like you’re enjoyingwhat he’s doing.

But god he’s happy to stay right where you want him, how you want him. Feeling his knee dig into the harsh floorboards, and ignoring it with a refreshed feeling of duty he’d long lost as a soldier. Never had he been given such a pretty fucking prize to work for. Nothing as sweet as seeing your cunt drip from his rough fingers rubbing soft, almost too-soft circles over it. Not even realizing that he’d spent almost fifteen minutes just rubbing your clit lazily when your hand reaches back down. Happy to direct him yet again, especially when he doesn’t even need a verbal direction to do exactly what you want.

“Fingers,” You whisper through panting exhales. “Give me your fingers…”

Your little hand grabs his pointer and middle fingers, spreading your own slick over them like a goddamn professional before guiding him down to your aching hole. Letting go just long enough to feel the thick digits press though that first little ring of tightened muscle. Forcing your eyes open to witness his mostly-hidden expression as he sinks knuckle deep inside of you.

“So fucking pretty,” His head shakes a little, lost in the creamy slick gathering at the base of his fingers as he curls him up towards your pelvis just a little. Subconsciously scared to do the wrong thing, but desperate to keep your cunt flex and mold to his touch. “Tell me, sweetheart… show me what she needs.”

You’re too possessed to chase your high to not listen. Readjusting your bent legs on the couch to gently lift your hips and sink them back down. Slowly getting used to the feeling of his thick fingers, already deeper than your no-name partner. Groaning when they bump into your g-spot just hard enough to make your clit burn. Grinding against his hand and keeping one hand wrapped around his wrist just to try and ground yourself to the present situation. Lost in the rhythm of fucking yourself -quite literally- stupid within mere minutes. Beginning to hear that vulgar, sucking sound of your pussy gripping his fingers and utterly drooling over his palms.

König’s helpless to so more than sing your praise. “That’s a good girl… so good for me. Using me like a fucking toy.”

It’s the best he’s felt in a long time. Watching you take from him. Too absorbed to even think about anything other than yourself. Not in enough control to even worry about the true moans and yelps escaping you. Real pleasure wracking your body and burning every nerve ending.

“More… please more…” You cry softly, hips slowing to a painfully sexy grind as you squeeze the tendons in his wrist with your thumb.

König takes a little more initiative than he’s normally comfortably using, but adds a third finger. Slowly pumping them in and out, little by little, to help you adjust. Watching as your eyebrows pinch together in focus. A low growl rumbles in his chest, his mouth practically watering as your cunt sucks him in.

“Let me taste it, baby…” He huffs, head flinching forwards before backing off, repeating the action a couple more times. “Wanna help… just—just let me taste you…”

You clench around his fingers when he rests his cheek against your inner thigh. Big, wide eyes pleading with you so innocently like he isn’t stretching your hole wider than the biggest of your toys can with nothing but a few fingers. Forcing you to slow the roll of your hips, a shaky hand reaching out to cup his face through the mask. Rubbing a thumb over his hidden cheekbone with a little whimpered hum. Pulling his head closer to you, hissing when the hem of his hood merely grazes your clit.

“How’d you want it?” He asks, head down and pulling his mask up so you’re stuck. Forced to merely feel his mouth so close to you, and not see the shape of his mouth.

“Lick-lick my clit… s-soft…” You whine, eye shutting when the hot fan of his exhale his your fevered skin.

Holding his head steady with one hand, you almost coming up off the couch when his tongue makes one, long, lazy, lap between your folds. Gripping at the material of his hood just tight enough that he ends up ripping the whole thing off. Tossing it to the floor with an aggressive snarl that rumbles against your clit. Sparks of pleasure forcing your thighs apart and jerking your hips back up. Chasing his mouth. The rough texture of his tongue, and the slight graze of his teeth against your slicked folds.

Your orgasm approaches fast from there. Between his fingertips stroking you deep, and the new rhythm of his tongue lapping your slick up to massage your clit, it’s hard to even warn König that he can’t stop for risk of ruining your long-awaited release.

“König… K… oh… fuucckk…”

Your back arches tightly, both hands grabbing harshly at his hair with an unintelligible shout as you come. Jerking wildly and one of your feet losing it’s hold on the edge of the couch. Trying to fight through the shocks of pleasure, and groaning curses with a hoarse throat. Feeling König’s free hand latch onto your thigh to keep you from running away too far from his still-working lips and tongue. Sucking up the wet drips of release trying to drip down his hand.

“Slow, slow down.” You whimper, pushing at his forehead just a little. The pressure too much. The stretch of his fingers still satisfying but overstimulating.

Your so fucking grateful that he doesn’t fight you on it, or force you to try for another. And maybe it’s just the mere sight of you. abdominal muscles twitching, forcing your upper body to do baby-curls with each flex of your pulsing cunt. Toes curled and an all-over buzzing sensation making it hard to even make sense of where your limbs are in relation to the rest of your body, much less König or the couch your hardly laying on.

“You okay, sweetheart?” His softened voice almost gives you emotional whiplash, especially when he bends over you forehead resting against yours softly.

Gently removing his fingers with murmured apologies when your little winces mar your pretty features. Both hands sliding up your sides to help lift you back onto the couch, moving to sit himself next to you just long enough to reposition your body on his lap. Pulling that blanket back over your bottom half and maneuvering your cold, tingling feet between his thighs like he can tell they’re freezing. He presses soft kisses all over your forehead and nose. Rocking you softly and squeezing at the muscles in the back of your neck reassuringly.

“You needed that… needed to feel good…” he murmurs almost lovingly.

You nod dumbly, laying your head against his shoulder. Letting out soft nearly unconscious whimpers and a soft repetition of his name in cum-drunk appreciation.

“Told you I could listen… could be good for you,” He adds, almost like he’s reassuring himself of the idea. “Wanted to be better than him. Needed to prove it.”

He holds up your weighty head, stabilizing it with care and a sickeningly sweet look of devotion in his eyes.

“You’re never going to fake it again, sweetheart.”

reblogs & comments are always appreciated <3

[blue-jisungs]

hello! i hope 2024 has been treating u well!

can i request where jaemin is ur new roommate and ur sorta pessimistic abt him for awhile cuz of his cats? then one day its just u and his cats and then u start warming up to them, not knowing that jaemin was watching the whole time please!

so sorry if this is too specific but thank u if u see this!!

cats and pizza

author's note. hi anonnie! sorry it took so long :( 2024 has been quite nice for me teehee, i hope it has been for u too <3 also this was so fun to write as someone who absolutely adores cats 😭

setting. vet med student !jaem x fashion designer student!yn

warnings. one of the cats pisses lol, pizza, swearing, yn doesn’t like cats and talks bad about them >:(

“oh come on, it’ll be fine! he looks nice and he’s a veterinary medicine student? come on, he must be… normal… i think” renjun hummed, looking through your shoulder at the text you got.

you rested your forehead against his arm and groaned while he took your phone and replied to the message.

“you need a roommate. stop being picky… besides, he’s not gonna be any weirder than the chenle guy… probably. hopefully” renjun cheered you on and patted your head.

your previous roommate, karina, had to move out so now you were in a desperate search of someone at her place because there’s no way you could single-handedly afford the rent. the landlord didn’t mind as long as it was paid so you could choose whoever you wanted.

but once you put the offer online, the amount of people and interviews crushed you. the rent was almost due and you had to hurry up – but it wasn’t your fault that all the interested individuals were… specific.

but getting a text from a guy named jaemin drew your attention. he wasn’t dry like all the previous guys and said that he’ll adapt into your schedule to come see the place – unlike others who set up the date and you didn’t have much choice.

you agreed to meet today and brought your bestie, renjun, as a moral support. and additional eye of judgement.

a knock on your door caused you to jerk up.

“it’s probably him” you sighed and ran to open the door “hi—”

your voice got stuck in your throat as your eyes met with a very handsome guy. a gummy smile bloomed on his lips as he reached his hand out.

“hi, i’m na jaemin! y/n, i assume?” he asked, voice full of positive energy. renjun appeared behind you.

“i… oh, right, you know my name. yes, y/n” you cleared your throat and shook his hand. it was warm and bigger than yours.

“renjun” your friend grunted and accidentally nudged your shoulder.

“i’ll show you around. do you want some water or anything to drink?” you asked nicely, stepping aside to let him in. while jaemin and you couldn’t take your eyes off each other, renjun let out a sigh.

“do you have any questions?” your friend asked, crossing his arms.

“oh, yeah! are pets allowed? cats specifically?” jasmin asked and you froze.

well, technically yes.

but you just weren’t a big fan of felines. they are just… mean. and ignorant.

but jaemin is so cute and–

“no”

“yes”

you looked at renjun surprised when you two spoke out at the same time. jaemin laughed (and goodness, if it wasn’t the prettiest thing you’ve ever heard), throwing his head back slightly.

“yes they are. i’m just more of a dog person, you see” you hummed. jaemin sent you a warm smile.

“don’t worry, they’re lovely” he reassured you and renjun urged to show him the room.

and you blame renjun to this day for that because if you were to listen, you would’ve paid attention and noticed that jaemin had said ‘they’.

was one of your main factors to settle for jaemin the fact that he was charming and handsome? yes. did you think he only has one cat? yes.

much to your surprise, along with a new roommate you got three cats as a bonus.

standing terrified in the middle of kitchen you watched one of them snuggle against your leg as jaemin watched with amusement.

“they are real angels. i promise they won’t cause any trouble” he hummed.

you moved away from the cat but it followed you, looking at you with its big, blue eyes.

“just for the love of god please… make sure they don’t shit in the kitchen. or come anywhere near my room” you murmured, jaw clenched. if that furry thing of a demon is going to brush against you again–

the cat must’ve somehow understood that and it purred, tail wrapping around your leg.

“go… away…” you whined, stepping back yet again.

“luke, c’mon” jaemin sighed and grabbed the cat in his arms. the beast animal was looking at you with a mischievous expression. a shiver run down your spine as you looked away, and a meow came somewhere from the distance.

the sound of happy little feet kept you awake at night. lucy, luna and luke (it was hard not to remember the names since jaemin had them engraved on almost everything) were playing around in the hallway. at 3am.

pressing a pillow to your ear and pulling the duvet over the other, you cursed mentally at your own stupidity. you hated cats, why would you even agree? sure, jaemin is really cool and there certainly is something between you two but the goddamn furry beasts…

a loud meow came from under your door.

and then a scratching sound.

“you have to be kidding me” with a groan, you left the bed and opened the door only to be met with a pair of evil looking cat.

“luna- lucy, whoever you are… get your ass out of here” you grunted and tried to whoosh the cat away. but it only meowed and tried to come into your room “no!”

it was middle of the night, you should be asleep and getting your well needed rest for today’s exam.

but you’re closing the door and fighting with a feline.

great, just great.

“jaemin!” you yelled out, not bothered by the fact that you’ll wake him up “na jaemin, get ahold of your goddamn furry devils!”

you heard his hurried footsteps and when he reached to hold the cat up, you noticed he’s not even angry in the slightest.

“luke, c’mon, no scratching the door. sorry, y/n. sleep well” jaemin hummed softly and walked away with the pet in his arms, scratching it’s head gently.

as much as you’d like to say that you warmed up to the cats it just wasn’t… very true. you just accepted their presence. you even refilled their bowls a couple of times or threw them a squeaky toy.

as long as they didn’t interfere with your personal space, you didn’t with theirs.

which you were glad for.

“i’m back! i have some leftover pizza if you’d like!” you yelled out, not even sure if he was home.

you went to leave the pizza in a safe space (you totally didn’t save it because you knew it was his favorite) and walked towards your room.

something was off - it was very quiet in the apartment. and… it smelled…

pushing the door open you saw lucy jump off your bed.

“what?” you grunted, noticing how the cat ran past you. before you realised the smell, you saw the source: cat urine.

on your uni project.

“no, you’ve got to be shitting me” your voice broke, walking up to the handmade material for a dress. it was certainly pissed on.

but how did the cat end up here? you closed the door to prevent exactly such thing from happening.

tears were falling from your eyes, feeling helpless.

lucy was peeking at you from behind the door cautiously. maybe she sneaked in before you left and then you accidentally locked her in? yeah, that’s the only possible reason.

but that doesn’t make the situation any better (or the cloth any less stinky)

“ew… y/n…”

you heard jaemin’s mocking voice but the moment you turned around and he saw your quivering lip, his face dropped.

“what happened?” jaemin asked, walking in.

“i… lucy peed on my dress… which was my project for tomorrow… i don’t know what to do…” whines and sobs ripped out of your chest. jaemin sighed, eyeing the situation.

the said cat meowed as if saying sorry.

then, you felt two warm arms wrapping around your shaking body.

“it’s going to be fine, i’ve dealt with this countless of times before” he said calmly, fingers caressing your hair “let me handle this”

you sobbed into his chest – maybe from the stress of relief – and jaemin continued to soothe you, his cat watching you two curiously.

this day was shitty as hell. it’s been two weeks since the pee accident and luckily you managed to save your project. and whereas that made your mood lighten up, today was just a bad day.

you lost $20, dropped your phone and cracked its screen, and on your way back home rain started pouring and soaked you completely.

the warmth of your place was nice and made you feel secure. the second you stepped inside, you broke down.

everything just snapped and you sat down on the floor, careless to the fact that all the water is pooling around you.

cries left your lips, tears mixing with the raindrops on your face.

suddenly, something warm and fluffy crawled on your lap.

at first you wanted to push it away but upon meeting luna’s blue eyes staring at you cutely, you didn’t. you let her stay, unsurely resting your hand and her head. when she purred, you took it as a sign to let her.

sobs mixing with purrs drew the other two, lucy snuggling next to you, pawing the material of your sweats, and luke staring at the scene.

the cats silently comforted you, it hit you.

because of that, you started crying even more; feeling bad about the way you treated them before.

the quiet sound of door opening fell deaf on your ears.

jaemin looked down and his heart warmed upon the scene. he was proud of his kids, they reacted the same way he would.

“i have some pizza, i figured you’d want some” he announced quietly and you nodded.

maybe that’s all you needed after all: cats and pizza.

masterlist <3

taglist. @l3visbby ,, @laylasbunbunny ,, @planetkiimchi ,, @mon2sunjinsuver ,, @w3bqrl ,,

@eternalgyu ,, @haecien

[group-dynamic]

Abbott Season 4 Episodes 7 & 8 Analysis Because I'm Losing It

These past two episodes were masterpieces, and I could talk about them all day, because I was deeply affected by them, but I'll pick one thing:

I love how these past two episodes skewered toxic amatonormativity and promoted the benefits of non-traditional, non-restrictive families and holidays.

Like, yes, there's a hilarious sitcom premise, but Barb making a mission of inclusion by reworking their holiday pageant to be a winter pageant so her student who is Muslim won't be excluded or Janine and Gregory making space for Ava with them, while the show allows Ava to deliberately choose who is family to her. Jacob and his brother becoming family again outside their parents. Melissa choosing not to invite the firefighter to dinner because she is valuable as an individual, unattached woman whether her family sees it or not.

But what I think really drove this home for me was the scene in the kitchen and the parallel set up between Jacob and Melissa. They are two roommates from different generations who have both failed to fulfill the heteronormative, amatonormative ideals their families wanted from them: Jacob--presumably--due to his queerness and Melissa through her divorce. (Though this reading is also very friendly to queer!Melissa interpretations, too.)

The moment this struck me the most is Melissa in that kitchen upset and stressed and occasionally teary while holding it together (because that's who she is and that's how she does this) trying to convince Jacob that they need to keep the uncle dying a secret because she's been working so hard to pull off this dinner for weeks and she needs to impress her family who do nothing but insult and diminish her and her individual value.

Like, keeping up appearances is genuinely more important in that moment than the death of a family member. Even if he is a bigoted prick, Melissa knows they'll be mad she "ruined their holiday" more than the familial death itself, suggesting that the very idea of the family is a sham. A performance.

And Jacob remains obstinate because this is a really Big Deal and stressful and he always dislikes the holidays anyway so he can't understand why they won't just call 911 and get the big deal over with, because that guy is dead on his bed. But then Melissa says, "They're going to blame me" and Jacob is aghast, "What, how?" because of course that's incomprehensible, why would Melissa ever think someone would do something that mean and illogical? Especially to a great person like her? And she answers, "You've seen my family. They'll find a way." And then we hear the insults and petty you're not good enough commentary from the other room. And slowly it sinks in.

Because Caleb, Jacob's younger brother, who last episode revealed he completely understood how toxic their family was for Jacob and how proud he is that he made it out-- this goofy, himbo-esque tiktok personal trainer just stares at his brother, until finally Jacob gets it and looks over. Because they've lived this. And, of course, Jacob couldn't see it in the same way, because to some extent, Jacob's desperation to be liked and accepted has always suggested that he maybe still believes that he deserved to be the least favorite. (He couldn't even imagine his brother looking up to him, or having anything nice to say about him , or wanting to see him just because he values him. His "I lift people's spirits!" is a performance we've seen him carry out for four seasons. (Worthy of note is that Caleb's job is also a performance. He's a personal trainer, but not one with any actual training. He couldn't find a pulse. He just acts as a trainer on tiktok.)

Now, of course, the plot has to roll on, so Jacob continues to secretly object, but he takes part in Melissa's performance, now, despite his objections, because while he doesn't agree with the charade, he gets why she's doing it. (And maybe, in some way, seeing how a great and likable person like Melissa can be targeted and bullied by her family, is some proof that he might not actually be a bad and unlikable person after all. Maybe he's not the problem.)

And then when Barbara shows up to that kitchen and the first words out of her mouth are "How can I help?" Like I'm sobbing!! Her IMMEDIATE concern is Melissa. First and genuinely, and that's even before she hears her uncle "died" and then Barb is instantly ready to support her with whatever she needs and her first instinct is to hug her and when Melissa says she needs something else (the bread) she goes and does what Melissa says she needs because THAT IS FAMILY!! aahhh.

Anyway: while there's defeat in Melissa's face when her firefighter shows up and her family behaves exactly as expected (Ooooh, you're good because a man has made you good. It all makes sense.) It's tempered by Barb and her husband coming up and reassuring and complimenting her, acting CLEARLY as better family to her than blood or her current fling.

I don't know if I have a conclusion to this. I just want to shout out that the show also says that you don't NEED to go full speed into found family, either, to combat the loneliness caused by the nuclear family model. Sometimes you can also go on the party bus or to the strip club and that's valid, too, haha.

[maximoffgxrl]

hi i’m not sure if you still take requests but would if you ever have time a yelena belova x reader (platonic) with lots of cuddling and kisses? just a whole ton of fluff and it doesn’t need to be too long? if you can’t/don’t want to do it that’s totally fine but i have such a soft spot for sweet yelena <3

Home {Yelena Belova}

Pairing: Yelena x gn!reader (platonic)

Summary: Yelena arrives from a mission and all she really wants is you

Note: yelena is the best i swear <3 hope you like it! this request has been sitting on my drafts for months, but now it’s finally here!!! so, enjoy 💕

You sighed as you flipped another page on your book, a pink highlighter on your hand and a bunch of loose pages resting in your lap. Were you studying on a friday night again? Yes. Sure, you had promised to yourself that this kind of nerdy behaviour would be left behind in high school, but who could blame you? It's not like you had anything else to do and you actually enjoyed studying.

- Oh, absolutely not. - a familiar voice with a thick accent sounded behing you and you smiled.

- Hey, Yelena. - you turned your head towards the voice, seeing the blonde girl climbing out the window. - Nice to see you're home again. And still unable to use the door.

- I already told you, sometimes I need to climb the window so I can make sure that no one else can climb the window. It is science. Just like your book. - she said, taking off her shoes and coat, her cheeks red from the cold weather. - Now, what are you doing reading a book? When I left, a whole week ago, you were doing that exact same thing.

- Well, I have to. It’s called studying. And if it helps, it was a different book last week. - you answered, watching as the blonde went straight for the kitchen. - But I wanna know about you. Your super secret mission went well? Where were you, after all? Now you can tell me, right?

- Bolivia. And yes, it went well. No one blew me up and it was not for lack of trying. - she said, frowning at the refrigerator. - Now, tell me, Y/N, this studying of yours does not require eating? There’s nothing in here.

- I was planning on ordering something later and I didn’t know you were coming home today. - you said, finally closing the book and resting your head against the armchair. - What do you mean they were trying to blow you up? Are you okay?

- Peachy. - Yelena said, sitting on the sofa. - I wasn’t even shot this time. It’s a big win.

- I don’t think I’ll ever get used to this. - you glanced at her with your eyes a little widened. You still remembered when, a year ago, Yelena showed up holding your announcement and asking if you were the one looking for a roommate. At the time, you didn’t knew you were getting a best friend and a giant headache all in one person. - You know, every time you leave I get worried sick.

- That is very sweet, Y/N Y/L/N, but you don’t have to worry. I am the best, so yeah, no danger here. - she smiled and you held back a laugh. Yelena could be so unintentionally conceited sometimes. - Now, will you please stop with the books, order some pizza and watch a movie with me? I missed you a lot.

- Own, Lena, I missed you too! - your heart melted at the russian’s words, smiling at her. - I’ll just bring this stuff to my room and then we can watch anything you’d like, okay?

She agreed with her head and you piled up all your books, papers and pens and carried them to your room, leaving it all on your desk. Fishing a blanket out of your closet, you picked up your phone and went back to the living room, sitting comfortably in the armchair again as you dialed the number of the pizza place you guys always ordered from.

- The pizza will be here in 40 minutes! - you yelled to make sure Yelena would hear you and went back to your phone, waiting for the girl to come back.

A few minutes later, she showed up in sweatpants and a My Little Pony white t-shirt, her hair wet and carrying a sweet lavender smell. She used your shampoo, but you didn’t really care, just watching as she practically fell onto the couch, resting her head against the pillows.

- So, what are we watching? - you asked, toying with the remote.

- Can we watch the one with the sirens again? You know, the one with the song that was stuck in my head for like a month? - she asked with big puppy eyes.

- Barbie A Mermaid Tale? - you asked with a laugh. Yelena was a big Barbie fan, but she specifically loved this one. - I think we’ve seen this at least five times.

- Please? It’s my favorite! - she pleaded, holding her hands together. - I love the evil fish.

- Okay, okay. But I’ll choose the next one.

- YES! - she exclaimed in pure delight, making you laugh again. If there was something you loved about Yelena, was her almost childlike joy about the little things in life. It was adorable.

You were about to press play when she cleared her throat, making you look in her direction only to find her already staring at you, brows furrowed.

- What? - you asked, a little confused.

- Aren’t you forgetting something? - she asked, rolling her eyes at your absolutely lack of perception. - Cuddling, Y/N Y/L/N, you’re forgetting the most important part of a movie marathon. Get your ass on this couch right now.

You couldn’t help but smile as you got up, laying beside the blonde on the couch and throwing your blanket over the two of you. It wasn’t long until Yelena’s arm was around your waist and the russian’s cheek was resting against your head. You hummed in contentment, feeling relaxed and warm and safe, like you always were with her.

- Now you can start. - she said simply as she placed a kiss against your forehead, making your heart melt all over again.

- It’s nice to have you home. - you said softly, grabbing the blonde’s hand and kissing her knuckles. - You know I love you, right?

- Yeah, you big softie, I love you too. - she said rolling her eyes as she kissed your cheek. - Now shush, my movie is starting.

You just smiled, too enthralled in the feeling of being in Yelena’s arms. She was home now, and it was all that mattered. After all, she was your home.

[lcvehee]

the kiss

in which our dear y/n and sohee are the epitome of the friends-to-lovers trope. cutie patooties fr.

ft. sohee of riize warnings: 'sickeningly sweet fluff' and the fact that english isn't my first language lol. not thorougly proofread. this also my FIRST EVER fic so please be nice ;;

author note: gustav klimt's painting has always been one of my favourites and it inspired me to capture the tenderness of a kiss shared between two inexperienced people.

you were getting ready, standing in front of your hallway mirror, lip tint in hand.

“oh my gosh, your hands are shaking!” your roommate uttered, a knowing smile slowly creeping on her face.

“shut up, giselle!” you huffed, poking her with your elbow, “am not!”

she laughed, putting her hand on your shoulder. “girl, it’s okay to admit that you’re nervous.” you finally faced her, seeing that her expression has melted into a reassuring look. “but you don’t need to, i don’t wanna fluster you too much before your date.” you rolled your eyes playfully at her words.

“how kind of you,” you deadpanned, staring right in her eyes, before resuming your makeup routine.

she laughed again in response. “no but actually,” she patted your back gently, “it’s gonna be alright, i've seen how he looks at you when we all hang out. sohee seems like he really likes you." she leaned conspiratorially closer to your ear. "like a lot," she added.

“yeah, i hope.”

she waved at you. “i gotta go to class, i’ll see you tonight.”

ೀ ⋆⑅˚₊

the small coffee shop you were at was bustling with people. yet your date, lee sohee, was nowhere to be found. you anxiously tapped your feet, your eyes darting from right to left. still not here.

you looked at the clock.

2:34 pm.

he was more than thirty minutes late.

you didn’t want to admit it, but you were starting to worry. you had already ordered your drinks, and he still hadn’t texted you. that was unlike him; he usually answers fast to your texts, and he was known to be very punctual—everyone in your friend group seemed to agree on that. it's actually something you admire in him. a myriad of doubts weighed on your mind—despite this, you waited.

there must be a reason.

you glanced at your phone. you sighed. your phone was dry as the sahara.

five languid minutes passed by and soon, you were snapped awake by your waitress.

“here you go, miss.” she beamed, putting the two drinks down. she was about to leave when she noticed the vacant seat in front of you. “oh, are you still waiting for your friend?”

you nodded, abashed.

you eye your colorful drinks: two strawberry matcha lattes, the drink that sohee recommended on your first date, two weeks ago.

that wasn't the first you met each other—far from that, actually. your roommate and best friend giselle is close with some people in his circle, and so the rest is history.

at first, when she brought you to one of the group's hang out, you didn't quite know what do with yourself; giselle had gone off on a tangent about obscure japanese fashion designers with shotaro, and you ended up sipping on sprite, alone on the edge of the couch. you couldn't blame her; college was demanding and, almost always, people were less and less available for hangouts.

"hey, what are you thinking about, y/n?" sohee asked as he lightly tapped your shoulder.

you remembered how he helped you be more at ease by including you in conversations. naturally, you grew close to sohee. his easy-going and thoughtful nature made becoming friends quite easy. he treated everyone kindly, even people he didn't know well, which included you at some point.

soon, he became a steady presence in your life, and your heart speeding up became a normal occurrence as well. you only realized that you've started falling for him when you caught yourself thinking about his goofy grin a little bit too often for a friend.

again, you get pulled back to reality by the energetic voice of the waitress.

“i can give you some extra ice if you want? or i can serve it later when they arrive.”

you consider your options, not noticing a presence behind your seat.

“no need to, but thank you!” someone exclaimed.

you turned your head around, slightly tilting it upwards. chocolate brown eyes met yours. “sohee! um, you’re here,” you managed to sputter.

taking this as a cue to leave, the waitress excused herself quickly.

flustered, was what you both were in that moment.

he was breathing a bit heavily, cheeks slightly flushed. his hair, frankly, looked like a birds' nest.

“did you run here?” you stared at him, bewildered.

he definitely ran here.

“hi, y/n.” he put his hand on a nearby chair, supporting his out-of-breath self, “and yeah, i was running from the bus stop. i’m sorry for being so late,” he paused again, trying to calm his breathing. “there was an emergency with my roommate, seunghan, and i had to help him…”

you expected further elaboration—which you did not get as he was still catching his breath. a beat of silence followed.

“ah!” he gasped, “this is for you.” he smiled sheepishly, handing you a bouquet he was hiding behind him. it was a mix of blush pink peonies, along with some fresh foliage.

you chuckle at his forgetfulness. he looks down, chuckling too, albeit a bit nervously.

you you wrap your hands delicately around the stems, accidentally touching his fingers. “thank you,” you say as you breathe in the flowers’ scent. the café was still as noisy and busy as when you got there, and yet, the only thing you focused on was his presence. you could feel your heartbeat drumming inside your chest. “they’re gorgeous,” you added. you couldn't believe he remembered that you liked peonies, as you don't even remember mentioning these flowers.

“i’m glad you like them. i didn’t know which color to get you and so… i asked the florist for some advice,” he said, removing his jacket, and finally sitting down in front of you. "he told me pink peonies symbolized romance? i didn't know each flower had so many complex meanings!"

you giggle at his bluntness. "that's really thoughtful of you."

you looked up from your newly-acquired bouquet, just to see him looking at you, completely enrapt, a small smile dancing on his face with his chin in the palm of his hand. realizing he's been caught, he looks away again, clearing his throat.

you feel your heartbeat quickening even more at the sight.

“um… where should i put this?” you changed the subject, as a tentative to calm your restless heart.

he takes the bouquet and puts it on the bench he was sitting on. “you’ll have to do something to get them back.” he grinned. “and thank you for remembering my favorite drink,” he said, before taking a sip. he let out an appreciative grunt, thoroughly admiring the drink.

“what is it that i should do?” you looked at him, raising your brows, “you made me wait and now you’re making me do something again? such a gentleman.”

he put his drink down. “all you have to do is spend the afternoon with me.”

you snorted. “that’s it?”

he took another swig at the latte, looking fondly at you. “yep. it’s that easy, y/n.”

ೀ ⋆⑅˚₊

5:44 pm.

the last rays of the september sun cast a warm glow on your figures as you two walked side by side. your date was coming to an end and sohee was walking you home. the previous nervous atmosphere has dissipated and has long been replaced by witty comments and cheeky grins.

"what did you think of me when we first met?" he asked, turning to face you.

"that's so sudden." you glanced at him. he continued looking at you, determined to obtain an answer. you gave it a thought.

you thought he was cute, and his friendly demeanor made him instantly likable. you tell him just that. he lets out a boyish laugh; the one he does when he doesn't quite know what to say.

not knowing what to say next, you bask in the comfortable silence. you were never good with words, so you appreciate him not prodding too much.

the two of you continued walking next to the han river, hands almost brushing together, but not quite.

you stared straight ahead, even when you felt his gaze lingering. you just couldn't bear seeing his eyes focused on you with such intensity.

you added, "what about you? what did you first think of me?"

"hm..." he looked up, thinking.

"i know." he snorted, "when do you think was the day we met?"

"we were at shotaro's appartment, right?

"nope. actually, i first saw you in composition 1104. remember professor choi?"

wait. he knew you then?

he chuckled. "you were kind of my hallway crush since then."

you stopped in your tracks. "really?" you say, facing him.

"yeah, i didn't know your name back then. but i thought you were really pretty." he added, voice suddenly soft. "i didn't have the courage to tell you so i just... kept it to myself."

you didn't think he'd compliment you like this—you expected him to crack a joke as per usual or tease you about something embarassing you said.

you felt blood rush to your face as you noticed the honey in his eyes and the slight upward curve of his lips.

despite your inhibitions, you felt yourself slowly inching closer as he did the same. you could smell his cologne—a fresh aromatic scent tickling your nose. his right hand tenderly cupped your cheek. you shivered at the physical contact.

"y/n, may i?" he asked, as he gingerly tucked a strand behind your ear.

you hum in agreement while your hands grab onto his shirt.

finally, your lips touched. you closed your eyes, as you melted in his presence, feeling his warmth envelop you. you could feel him smile through the kiss, making your cheeks turn redder than you could imagine. it felt like time stopped and all that mattered was him and only him. your heart was beating so fast, you thought he could hear it too.

sohee's the first to break the kiss, his face flushed. he leaned back, just enough for your foreheads to be still touching. you could feel his thumb tracing circles on your cheek.

"wow," you both said in unison. your eyes met his, and not being able to take the intensity, you both started laughing, jumping away from each other.

"that was really nice," he muttered, "you don't know how badly i wanted that..." he eyed you sheepishly.

you couldn't help but laugh again, so overcome with joy. "you're not the only one," you replied.

you walked some more, engaged in playful conversation, and soon, your front door came into view.

"so here's your bouquet, as i promised."

"thanks. i'll put them in a vase as soon as i'm home!" you grabbed them, "i had fun today. thank you sohee." you smiled at him.

"no, thank you for spending time with same old me," he retorted, nudging your shoulder playfully.

as you made your way to your door, sohee doesn't walk away, still gazing at you.

"what is it?" you turned around.

he cleared his throat, looking down. "i wanna kiss you again, y/n."

@ lcvehee | hope you enjoyed :)

[redfurrycat]

🤠🛖🛏️🐓And They Were Roommates & Only One Bed Fic Recs🐓🛏️🛖🤠

Check the Top Gun Masterlist post for the latest updated version. 💕

Ao3 Authors: Barnes_Brain, Billpaxton, Coconutcordiale, Crueltether, Davidbyrne, Dracculaura, Dvrco, Emseebeans, Fuddlewuddle, Halestrom, Honestlydarkprincess, Imafriendlydalek, Indybob, Iprefervillains, Lesbiseresin, Liass21, Nickies_Nonsense, ReformedTsundere, ReiverReturns, RosannaDrinksToForget, Sceld, Sreshaw, Teacupivy, Trinipedia, Vannral, Violation_of_faith_and_devotion, WaffleToaster, Writerofthelorde, Yourstrulytay.

I'll ride in this life with you by Fuddlewuddle {E}

Rooster is called back to Top Gun along with 11 other pilots for an important mission. Not only does he have to deal with the unresolved issues with Maverick now the Captain is going to be the one training them, but he's also been assigned to live with the one person who seemingly lives to infuriate him; Hangman. He'll be lucky if he even makes it to fly in the mission in the first place.

Squadron Scorpion by RosannaDrinksToForget {E}

Maverick, Rooster, Hangman, Phoenix, Bob, Fanboy and Payback make up the Deadly Seven more widely known as Squadron Scorpion. Maverick isn't done teaching and the young pilots aren't done learning. Things can't get any worse when Rooster and Hangman of all people are forced to room together. They waited in silence. Each catching a breath. "Rooster, still with me?" "Still alive, but barely."  "I... I think I need this." "I don't think I can live without it."  "Glad we agree on something." Or maybe for the better.

Don’t You (Forget About Me) by Barnes_Brain {M}

When Bradley “Rooster” Bradshaw was 14 his mother passed away, leaving him an orphan in an ever changing world. With no other family, and Maverick halfway across the world, Tom “Iceman” Kazansky took over as primary guardian. Through hard work and extreme perseverance Bradley reached Top Gun at age 27, even with Maverick pulling his papers. Take that asshole. But now that he’s at Top Gun he’s going to find if he has what it takes to be one of the best pilots in the world. That includes learning how to work with a team he doesn’t know, and doesn’t know if he can trust. Especially his obnoxious roommate who he can’t help but stare at. If only he could shut up.

show me again by dracculaura {E}

He hasn’t had a roommate on land-based assignments in years, not since flight school, so it takes him by surprise. He just isn’t used to it, not anymore. And he’s especially not used to sharing a room with fucking Bradley Bradshaw. (jake and bradley are roommates during their time at topgun)

T-shirt by violation_of_faith_and_devotion {E}

He inadvertently takes a breath and before he realizes what’s happened, Jake is already away, making his way towards the bar. He’d like to blame it on the alcohol, but he’d need to lie to himself. *  Or, three times when Rooster smelled Hangman. And kinda liked it.

You Are My Deepest Lonely by Writerofthelorde {T}

Post mission. Neither Rooster nor Hangman can sleep. Both have nightmares and they get grumpy and rude. When it finally comes out that neither of them has slept in ages, Phoenix jokes that they should sleep in the same room or something, and they look at each other. A silent agreement. The thing is… Jake refused to let anyone in. Every nightmare just left him in a panic alone. Bradley sound asleep next to him. Because it worked, of course it worked. But now, Jake was just alone with someone next to him, and that was worse. So much worse. Aka Bradley and Jake share a room, but there's only one bed... They pine, they long, they ache and flirt. Jake has nightmares and panic attacks but refuses to share that with Bradley, who grows increasingly worried. When will they break?

coming up for air by vannral {T}

"The horizon blurs into blue and bone white. It’s so light it burns Jake’s eyes. The entire cockpit is eerily silent, except for the thundering in his ears. ’fly, fucking fly like your life depends on it – fly FASTER, THEY’RE GONNA DIE – !’" In which Jake shares a room with Rooster on the carrier, he has a nightmare about not reaching Mav and Rooster in time, and Rooster comforts him. And ends up sharing the bed.

I Won't Stop Running by ReformedTsundere {M}

"What? You said you were heading somewhere, didn't wanna give me the exact location, so sure, I've got a shotgun with no passenger and snacks that'll get us from here to Texas." When Bradley continues to stand there, with no response other than a widening of his eyes and slackening of his jaw, Jake takes two steps forward, close but not crowding into Bradley's space. "So, what'da say Bradshaw? Wanna come see the lone star state with me?" It strikes Bradley like he's been doused with a bucket of water, that Jake is serious.

Whiskey and Rye by sreshaw {E}

a.k.a. The Fic Where There's Only One Bed Because the Navy Fucked Up Hotel Reservations The Dagger Crew got turned into a real-deal instructor squadron after the mission. They get sent on missions and demos to teach new pilots how to do what they do. On this trip to Florida, the WSOs are staying with their pilots, but Jake and Bradley, since they are WSO-less, have to room together. And the hotel fucked up.

nothing safe is worth the drive by davidbyrne {E}

this slope is treacherous (and I like it)

It begins, like most things in Jake’s life, with a questionable decision. Or they were roommates (oh my god they were roommates)

I will follow you, follow you home

missing scenes from the first year of jake and bradley's cohabitation

You Love Him, and No One Else by Sceld {T}

“I’ve got it,” Jake offers, holding his hand out, but Rooster only tuts disappointedly. “What kind of host would I be if I made you carry your own bag?” Jake blanks on a response, his mouth twisting into a smile without his permission. Rooster turns to where Jake can now see the Bronco. Its engine is still running, and it’s warm inside when Jake closes the door behind him, clicking on his seatbelt by feeling along while he stares intently at the glove compartment in front of him, waiting while Rooster puts his bag in the boot. He doesn’t feel as weird as he thought he would, as he probably should. Every conflicting feeling from the F-14 is returning in waves. He’s helpless to resist the pull of the tide. It’s terrifying and exhilarating all at once. or; Jake's apartment floods and his only other option is to stay with the last person in the world he wants to spend time with. Shenanigans ensue.

Wave goodbye and say hello to unfamiliar circumstances by trinipedia {E}

Finally, the glances and the expression on Bradley's face that morning made sense, and Jake found himself grinning as widely as the cat that got the cream. Okay, maybe not yet. But soon, sooner than he thought. OR: Jake has a crush on Bradley and decides he has to have him. Incidentally, Bradley agrees.

I should be scared, honey, maybe so by yourstrulytay {T}

It’s several nights into their new sleeping arrangements that Bradley jolts out of sleep, heart pounding, and for a second, he can’t figure out what’s woken him. The room is filled with silence as he looks around, trying to spot something that may be out of place. He’s confused until a sound emanates from the bunk next to his. It’s a soft keening sound and Bradley’s heart twists to hear the pain laced through the drawn-out noise. It’s the next sound that has Bradley stopping cold, head whipping around to look at the man inhabiting the other bed. It’s mumbled, but undeniable. “Rooster- Bradley, no-!”

will the teasing of the fire be followed by the thud? by davidbyrne {T}

as he can to understand. “Because…you always are first,” Jake offers, shrugging. It’s the truth, as lame as it may be. “I think I have the right to be a dick to the person who broke my heart,” is Bradley’s abrupt response. 

Hey Hey Hey Lover by Nickies_Nonsense {G}

After the mission Bradley and Jake are both granted a month of leave. Mav offers up his house but it feels too soon so Bradley does the only reasonable thing and rents an apartment with Jake for a month. Terrible cooking, stomach bugs, beach days, nightmares, and first kisses follow.

Some Unspoken Thing by indybob {M}

With paths that have crossed for the better part of a decade, Jake and Bradley have a history unlike any other. A history that sees their relationship develop from best friends, to bitter rivals, to eventual lovers. The five times that Jake felt there was some unspoken thing between himself and Bradley, and the one time he decided to do something about it.

waking up to you by honestlydarkprincess {T}

Jake drinks too much at a party he and Bradley throw for Bob's birthday. He wanders off, settles into Bradley's bed and they fall asleep. That's it, that's the fic. Based on the prompt "we’re roommates and you drunkenly passed out in my bed; move over I’m coming in"

Calefaction by ReiverReturns {M}

It's 2am, and Bradley isn't used to sharing the hour.

tell the truth, I look better under you by lesbiseresin {G}

Before Bradley knows it, there’s a hand landing on his shoulder and squeezing as Hangman slips past him towards the door. “Hope you don’t snore. Otherwise I might have to shove your face into a pillow,” he tells him, completely cheerful. It makes Bradley want to reach for his collar again, face no longer numb but burning hot in a way he hopes doesn’t show through in color. Instead, he tightens his jaw and does what he’s been doing for the past few days every time Hangman tries to push one of his buttons. He ignores him. (alternatively: and they were bunkmates…)

Storm's Coming by imafriendlydalek {M}

There's a hurricane headed toward San Diego and Rooster gets sent to a nearby aircraft carrier to help move planes back on land before it sails out to sea. Too bad the storm has other plans.

you next to me by coconutcordiale {T}

“We can play for it,” Bradley offers, twisting to reach across Jake and pull a deck of cards he’s tucked into the rack supporting Jake’s mattress. “Loser has to trek across the ship and sleep with Zing.” “He’s not my type,” Jake says, mischief glinting in his eyes when he peers up at Bradley. “Too skinny.” + aka three times there was only one bed and one time there were too many

waiting for a star to fall by billpaxton {E}

Bradley's been struggling to adjust after the uranium mission so Maverick generously gifts him with a weekend pass to a mediation retreat in the Californian woods. He should be grateful - really it's an awfully nice gesture and a getaway Bradley's been desparate for. But it's hard to be appreciative when Maverick forgot to mention anything about having a roommate.

Being your something (for Christmas) by WaffleToaster {E}

It all started because of a damn Christmas sweater. Bradley's pretty sure there's some underlying motive behind all this, all he wants to do is to survive the party, but Jake ends up making everything ten times worse than it actually is. So what can he do other than defend his pride? Throw in some alcohol, some stupid questions and some shameless behaviour and just maybe.. maybe, he'll admit that he's actually having fun. And maybe he'll also admit that he's kind of hoping for something more..

When September Ends by imafriendlydalek {E}

Bradley had only applied to colleges other than the Academy to appease his mom, who insisted that it was important to have safety schools. He never thought he would need a backup. And yet here he is, at Cornell University. His dreams of going to the Academy have been thoroughly dashed, his mother is buried across the country next to his father, and his parking spot has just been stolen by some asshole with Texas license plates.

I’ll save you a seat by teacupivy {M}

“What if…” Seresin starts, but then he shakes his head. He’s about to walk away when Bradley grabs for his wrist, nodding at him to go on. “It’s stupid,” he says, rolling his eyes, “but what if we go together?”

feel it all by crueltether {E}

The battery percentage on Jake's phone is nearing the red zone and the last thing he wants is to be completely removed from society (being stuck in a snowstorm in the middle of nowhere is bad enough). He leans down to find the charger in his bag when – “Seresin?” Jake goes still, grin on his lips before he even looks up. “Bradshaw,” he replies, grin twisting into a fond smirk. “As I live and breathe. The hell are you doin’ here?”

Maybe We Were Always Meant To Be by indybob {E}

“And since my flight got rerouted I have to stay at a hotel nearby. It’s supposed to be a nice one at least.” Jake sounds a bit on the annoyed side considering he’s going to be stuck at a hotel for his entire leave, and Bradley can’t say he blames him. The idea of Jake having to live out of a hotel doesn’t sit right with Bradley. It sounds just as boring and lonely as it’s been for him alone in his house. He’d hate for his friend to go through that for two weeks. The perfect solution suddenly dawns on him. At least, it’s perfect logically, but in reality, it’s probably a terrible idea. Oh well. He’s got to jump off the perch sometime, right? “What if you come stay with me?” Or: Two boys. Two weeks. One everlasting love.

I wanna bring you home myself by Iprefervillains {T}

Jake! Jake! Jake! All he could think about was the other man, every thought led right back to him. He was supposed to be asleep, not wide awake, missing Jake while sniffing his fucking pillow. He was supposed to be pissed at Jake for getting the first overnight date with the prince like the others were, not pissed at Brigham for stealing Jake away. Hell, he was supposed to fall in love with the prince, not with -. Oh. Oh. --- or when Bradley applied to be a contestant on “Prince Charming” on a drunken dare by his best friend all he hoped for was to have a fun time in Mexico and make some new friends within the queer community. He didn’t expect to get to the Top 5 of the show. He certainly didn’t expect to fall in love with his annoyingly handsome roommate Jake along the way.

me and my truth we sit in silence (we can't be friends) by dvrco {M}

“Seresin and Bradshaw” He’s fuming. He’s pissed. Whatever Admiral put together this stupid list better hope Jake never finds out their name. Months of strategic avoiding all out the window because now he has to share a glorified broom closet with the object of all his hate and desire. He had come to terms with having to live, breathe and eat with him on a ship in the middle of the Pacific ocean. But literally having to sleep directly on top of the other man has to be some kind of cruel joke. or Jake and Bradley have been broken up for a few years when they get stationed on the same base and carrier for two years, assigned to share a three by seven foot box the Navy calls a bedroom.

riding down this highway with you by halestrom {E}

At loose ends after the mission, Jake and Bradley end up on a spontaneous roadtrip that changes their lives forever.

Bad Idea, Bradshaw. by emseebeans {T}

Bradley reaches across the bed towards Jake in the dark, the same way he has so many times before. “Bad idea, Bradshaw,” Jake says, the moment his hand settles on his hip.

heavy // light as air by liass21 {T}

A tropical vacation on the Navy’s dime would make anyone happy, ordinarily. It’s too bad Jake’s got a soft spot for his best friend Javy, who’s begging him to swap rooms in order to avoid the premarital spat he’s having with his girlfriend, Nat. “Jake,” he pleads. “Man, please. You don’t even have to share with Nat. She’s swapping out, too.” “With who?” He asks incredulously, and then a wave of arms and an upset shout catches his attention. He turns to his left, and Phoenix and Bradley are deep in a heated conversation not too unlike his own with Javy. “Oh, hell no,” Jake groans.

[this-witch-writes]

Part 4 (Show Don't Tell)

Back to: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3

‘Maybe you are a spoiled child!’ Eddie shouted, the blood was pounding in his ears so loudly that he almost didn’t hear the dialtone.

Steve had hung up.

Huffing in frustration, Eddie went to redial, Steve was not getting off that easy, but then he realised that he didn’t even know where he’d called from.

Eddie slammed the phone down and whirled around to rant at his uncle, who’d taken refuge in the kitchen, only for his breath to hitch painfully in his chest. Eddie hated crying, but it felt like his lungs had been shredded. He understood what Steve meant by “I couldn’t breathe”.

‘Ed?’ Wayne put up a calming hand out. ‘You need to walk that off before you talk?’

‘No, I just,’ he panted. ‘I have no idea what just happened.’

‘It got a bit heated there.’

‘No I mean.’ Eddie sobbed. ‘I think it’s really over. Apparently I’m lovely but I don’t love him.’

‘Not that he doesn’t love you then?’ Wayne clarified.

Eddie shook his head, some tears getting knocked loose into his hair. ‘It doesn’t matter. It doesn’t matter because…’

‘Tell me what he said, son, let me help.’

‘You never say it. You smile and nod along and when I asked you, you acted like I was a spoiled child,’ Eddie echoed hoarsely trying to get it right.

‘That’s what we thought, no? He wanted you to say the words.’ Wayne graciously framed it as “we thought” and not “I said”.

‘It doesn’t matter,’ Eddie repeated. ‘It’s done. It’s fucking ruined anyway and he’s gone.’

‘Is that what you want?’ Wayne pressed.

‘It doesn’t matter what I want.’

His uncle looked sad, but understanding. ‘It does to me, Eddie, always has.’

‘But…’ his lips trembled. ‘What if I try and it still…’

‘If you try and it doesn’t work, you’ll recover,’ Wayne put an arm around his shaky shoulders. ‘You were brave enough to go back to that high school where they treated you bad, and again even after the Caver boy’s nonsense. You’re brave enough to give that silly boy another chance.’

‘I don’t know how to start. I don’t blame him for hanging up but I don’t know Robin’s number. I miss him already and I’m still mad,’ he admitted with a watery laugh.

‘Be mad,’ Wayne told him. ‘As long as it’s the kind of mad that makes you ask for better, not the kind that makes you act worse.’

‘When’d you get so poetic, old man?’ Eddie laughed properly that time. ‘Where was all this when I was writing my campaigns?’

Wayne shrugged, looking a little pleased with himself. ‘I got depths, kid, and you never asked.’

A bit of a pattern, Eddie realised. Goddammit.

In the end there was only one thing to do. He didn’t have the number for Robin’s dorm but it wasn’t hard to find Columbia university campus on a map. Wayne packed him into the van with snacks and one more pep talk then Eddie started to drive.

-

The day after the disastrous call with Eddie, Steve didn’t get out of Robin’s bed. She agreed to give him 24 hours to mope and cry in peace. Her roommate wasn’t thrilled about the surprise visit at first until she picked up enough context to express her sympathy to Robin’s heartbroken “gay best friend”.

‘I’ve never been anyone’s “gay best friend” before,’ Steve snorted.

‘I have,’ Robin teased. ‘It’s easy, I’ll show you the ropes.’

‘Well I was already halfway there.’

That morning he actually showered, did his hair properly and let Robin drag him to another trendy café for breakfast.

Steve didn’t want his broken heart to make him bitter about how at home Robin seemed in New York. It was like this anxious weight had been lifted off her shoulders that was only obvious when it was gone. Still, he was a little envious. He only ever felt that at home with…

Steve sighed into his coffee and Robin looked up with sympathy. ‘Want me to start listing his irritating habits? For one thing, he eats with his hands like an animal.’

‘He just really enjoys his food.’ Steve defended weakly.

‘He walked on tables in his shoes.’

‘He’s spontaneous.’

‘Steve.’ She glared, done with his shit.

Another sigh heaved its way from Steve’s chest. ‘The problem is that I’m not mad, just sad.’

‘Do you need help getting mad or do you just want to forget? We can do something fun? Have a distraction?’ Robin offered.

Steve shook his head. ‘I don’t want to forget how he was good to me for so long or pretend he awful when he wasn’t. He made me really happy and even if it’s over, I’m not over it yet.’

They walked the slow way back to campus, while Robin tried to convince Steve to finally, finally move out to New York. The answer had technically always been yes, but he’d been dragging his feet for months while he and Eddie saved their money. Just as they were arguing about the money side of things, Steve spotted some very familiar curls on a hunched figure sitting on the steps to Robin’s dorm building. Steve froze, his hands shaking, and Eddie looked up. He looked a bit the worse for wear too, with deep shadows under his eyes and his hair in a mess.

‘You’re not a spoiled child,’ Eddie blurted out as Steve reached him. ‘Your parents sucked too much to spoil you.’

Steve made a punched-out, incredulous noise and Robin groaned into her palms.

‘Did you seriously drive eleven hours cross country to remind me that parents didn’t love me?’ Steve gaped at him. ‘Because I definitely already knew that.’

‘No,’ Eddie grimaced, flushing with embarrassment. ‘I meant… I forget sometimes, that you still expect people to act and think like they do, that it was normal for you.’

‘God, You two suck at this,’ Robin groaned. ‘I’ll be over there if anyone needs an adult translator.’ She sat on the opposite side of the steps.

Eddie gave her outburst a grateful look which just added to Steve’s confusion. ‘I don’t think you’re like my parents?’ He offered, not sure where Eddie going with this.

‘But you assumed that me not saying those words meant the same thing as them not saying them?’ Eddie challenged gently. ‘Even though I didn’t act like them…’ he hesitated. ‘Right?’

‘Of course not,’ Steve huffed again. ‘No one’s ever been as good to me as you. That’s why it was so confusing.’

‘I’m sorry I didn’t say the words,’ Eddie whispered. ‘I thought I had. It might not mean the same thing to me, but I should have heard you asking.’

‘I’m sorry I ran off.’ Steve said for good measure. ‘And that I wasn’t clearer. I felt so ungrateful, asking for more, asking too much.’

‘It’s not too much, it’s just not how I normally think about love.’ Eddie shrugged. ‘It was easier for me to assume… well I’m used to not feeling good enough.’

‘You’re more than good enough, Eds,’ Steve stepped closer, reaching out nervously, not sure if were back to hugging yet. Luckily Eddie made the choice for both of them and pulled him close.

Steve squeezed Eddie so tight as Eddie practically melted into his arms, clearly exhausted beyond much more talking but he managed to murmur ‘I never want to make you feel like that again’ into the skin of Steve’s neck.

‘Me either,’ Steve agreed, kissing his temple.

Then they remembered that they were standing somewhere far too public to create this much of a scene.

‘I’m still a little mad at you,’ Eddie admitted quietly once they’d sat more calmly on the steps.

‘Me too,’ Steve said. ‘Don’t want to be though.’

Eddie smiled at that. ‘Wayne said it was alright to be mad, so long as it pushed us to be better not worse.’

‘I won’t argue with Wayne.’ Steve brushed their fingers together on the stone step. ‘I want to be better at not taking you for granted, not assuming you’ll always read my mind,’ he bumped his shoulder. ‘Even if it feels like you can sometimes.’

‘I want you to never forget how much I love you,’ Eddie said plainly. As soon as he finally said it, Steve had no idea how he’d ever doubted.

‘There is no way you two disasters are staying in my room after that display,’ Robin called over, reminding them she was there and sending Steve’s cheeks scarlet with mortification.

‘I have motel,’ Eddie laughed. ‘Getting a room was cheaper than paying for just parking in this nightmare city.’

‘I think…’ Steve hesitated then decided that Eddie shouldn’t be the only brave one that day. ‘I think you’re going to like this nightmare city. I think we could both like it.’

Eddie blinked in surprise. ‘You still want to move together. You seemed nervous about even before the fight.’

‘I was,’ Steve laughed at himself. ‘And I'm not saying we pack up tomorrow or that we don't have stuff to figure out still but... I guess it turns out that you driving across the country so I didn’t throw away the best thing in my life, matters even more to me than the words.’

‘So you don’t need me to say it?’ Eddie teased.

‘Maybe once more?’

Eddie leaned in close to whisper in his ear. ‘I love you, Stevie.’

-

The end.

-

Part 1, Part 2, Part 3.

[yawnzbf]

⚝ REVERIE?

College students soobin and yn move into an apartment together who are unaware of each other's existence

900+ words

In the second year of university, yn shifted from his on-campus dormitory to a shared apartment. Being a busy university student who worked two jobs to sustain himself wasn’t easy as it sounds on paper letting him have no chance to greet his roommate properly.

Yn composes himself and marches away to their shared living room for a movie marathon his only solace for the night. On the way, yn notices the other bedroom’s light still up. Looking for something anew, makes his way over.

Knock.

Knock.

Knock.

The door opens to his supposed roommate- ‘Soobin, that was his name, right?’ yn wonders. Soobin was tall and with those thick rimmed glasses, bangs just above his eyes and headphones that hung around his neck- god he looked absolutely delicious. ‘what the hell is wrong with you yn, you just met this guy!’ yn internally screamed at himself.

“hello…?” Soobin asked confused why yn was at his room this late.

“oh uhm- yeah, I am going to have a movie marathon tonight and thought that I could invite you as well. Since you know, we haven’t really got to know each other as roommates” yn mutters out embarrassed.

Soobin on the other hand patiently watched the man trying to explain himself with an amused smile growing more and more with each second passing. Soobin pretends to think for a second too long, he agrees when yn looks at him with hopeful eyes, unable to refuse the offer.

“sure, ill be there in 5 though” he says shutting the door leaving a giddy yn alone with his own thoughts.

Unknowingly a grin finds its way to yn’s lips as he prepares snacks for his company, switches the lights off and choosing their very first film of the night. Yn sits back on the shared couch, waiting for Soobin. The side of the couch dips slightly as Soobin settles beside yn.

“you don’t need your glasses?” yn asks after examining soobin’s illuminated figure.

“mhm, people say I look much better without my glasses” Soobin replies, raking fingers through his hair.

“really? I thought they looked much better on you” yn passes a comment without a thought.

Soobin’s eyes find yn’s as if questioning the authenticity of his words. Yn suddenly feels small under his gaze and looks away.

“did I say something wrong?” yn asks eyes averted.

Soobin's amused smile returned, and he shook his head. "No, not at all. It's just... no one has ever said that before. Most people think I look unapproachable with glasses."

Yn felt a mix of relief and curiosity at Soobin's response. "Well, I guess I have a knack for seeing things differently. Besides, glasses or not, you seem approachable to me."

Soobin's eyebrows raised slightly, and a genuine smile played on his lips. "I appreciate that. It's refreshing to hear a different perspective."

They both fell silent focusing on the movie being played or at least yn tried. Yn often found himself stealing glances at the latter.

Soobin, who was well aware of yn’s eyes on him turned to face yn. Yn was caught red handed, his eyes slightly widened when Soobin directly saw through him. This time, instead of looking away, yn met Soobin's gaze with a sheepish grin. There was a moment of shared amusement, an unspoken acknowledgment that dispelled any lingering tension.

Soobin chuckled, "Caught in the act, huh?"

Yn laughed, unable to deny the obvious. "Guilty as charged. I guess I'm not very subtle."

Soobin leaned back on the couch, his smile never fading. "No need to be subtle. I mean I am handsome who wouldn't want to look?"

Yn couldn't help but burst into laughter at Soobin's playful remark. "Confident, aren't we?"

Soobin shrugged with a mock-serious expression. "Well, it's a fact. I can't blame you for appreciating the view."

Yn gazed at soobin again for a second too long before focusing back on the movie which was left forgotten long ago.

As the night progressed, the television played movies after movies, the pair occasionally sharing their opinion on certain parts of the movie- constructive criticism perhaps. Tiredness of day caught up to the two when they both released a yawn. Soobin snuggled his body with yn leaning on the latter for support.

Warmth was welcomed by yn when he rested his head on top of the other’s. The soft glow of the TV illuminated their faces, casting a warm and intimate ambiance. Yn couldn't help but appreciate the unexpected turn the night had taken. What started as a simple movie night had evolved into a genuine connection, and now, they found themselves not only sharing laughs but also moments of quiet companionship.

As the next movie started playing, Yn felt a subtle shift. Soobin's breathing became slow and steady, indicating that the weariness had finally caught up with him. Yn, too, felt the gentle pull of sleep tugging at his consciousness. The combination of the cozy atmosphere and Soobin's presence provided a sense of tranquility that was hard to resist.

Soobin, nestled comfortably against Yn, murmured in a half-asleep state, "This is nice."

Yn smiled, his own eyes growing heavy. "Yeah, it is."

The movie played on, but the characters on the screen became a mere backdrop to the peaceful scene unfolding on the couch. Yn, succumbing to the drowsiness, let his eyes close slowly. Soobin, already on the verge of sleep, remained nestled against Yn's side.

[ohbo-ohno]

🗑️sometimes I get nervous writing asks and I think "is this too far? I don't want to be weird" and I have to scroll through your blog to remind myself that you're kind of off your rocker but it's okay because we like you like that❤️

Anyways vampire Simon going to a bar and luring in Johnny for a night of passion and blood sucking and then wakes the next day thinking that Johnny's gonna run for the hills.

But he doesn't and instead begs to stay with Simon, who has no idea what to think about it- but Johnny swears he doesn't have anywhere else to go, he's desperate, and won't you PLEASE help him? He swears he won't stay long and he'll do anything for Simon in gratitude.

The puppy eyes and begging (and the bj that sucked the brain out of him) definitely convinced him, and really, Simon wouldn't mind some help- only being nocturnal sucked once one realized most places closed before he opened his eyes. And he's been needing a familiar.

And Johnny is the perfect roommate: cleans, cooks, takes care of Simon. Basically worships the ground he walks on sometimes, and boy does that give him a power trip.

But Johnny doesn't always behave, poor thing, and Simon makes sure to discipline him like a proper master should to their familiar. And Johnny doesn't ask much questions, does what he's told and thanks Simon afterwards.

And when Johnny asks to stay for a little longer, Simon agrees, to the point where both are sure Johnny probably won't ever leave.

By that point, his random one night stand became his familiar of four years, and though Johnny barks and kneels and whines like the puppy he is, Simon doesn't know if he's truly the one with the leash.

But Johnny has such a pretty face, so Simon will forgive him this time.

i AM kinda off my rocker but if you follow me you are too so it's all good. balances it out. also don't be nervous sending me asks! as long as long as you don't include anything from my no-go's list, it's unlikely i'll be squicked out

also i say it all the time but i like to remind y'all: if i don't respond or post your ask it's more than likely just because i had literally nothing to add. i don't like posting things to my blog that don't have at least a little bit of Me in there lol

also i love this idea but with a like Druggie twist on it lol

like, vampire!ghost who's got that super special addictive venom like literally every other vampire, and one night when he's drinking from someone (johnny, who loves feeding vampires cause he's a painslut) he's so enamored with the taste of his blood that he can't help but slip him a little venom

(also let's say werewolf johnny, and vampires rarely drink from wolves, so when johnny offered himself up on a platter for ghost he just couldn't resist. smth like that idk)

and then poor johnny's hooked. he needs another hit, dogs at ghost's heels like an eager pet, just begging for a little more (even though it's not safe for ghost to drink from this soon anyways)

and like. ghost hates the pup, can't stand that he's around all the time, wants some goddamn privacy again, but also... well he's a little pathetic :/ all sad and begging, tail drooping and ears flat while he looks up at ghost with those big blue eyes...

well, he did taste delicious. it wouldn't be the first time a vamp took someone to keep as their own personal bloodbag. and johnny's not the worst company, he wouldn't be so bad to keep around... maybe. if he can listen

and he does! listens oh so well, bends over backwards to do anything for ghost, tries his best to try and predict ghost's needs before he can even ask. it's a lot, to be sure, but also... well, he treats ghost like a king. can you blame him for indulging?

[thinking-destiel-thoughts]

So I could go after a bunch of stuff that irks me in How I Met Your Mother but I wanted to post about some of the major things that bother me and see if I’m crazy or if others resonate the same.

First and most frustrating to me: STELLA. nearly everything about this irked me.

The thing with inviting Robin to the wedding…like, yeah, absolutely valid that you don’t want your future husband’s ex to be there. But why didn’t you say that when making the initial plans? Especially when you know she’s one of his 4 friends. Did you really expect him to not invite her??

The thing with inviting Tony…yes, absolutely I get not wanting him there. But Ted has no legal guardianship over Lucy. What exactly was Ted supposed to do? Take a little girl from her father against his will? That’s kidnapping. He has no legal right to take Lucy away from Tony.

Moving into an apartment in New York with Tony after making a massive point about how ridiculous it would be for her to do something like that with Ted. Like…girly…the man wouldn’t move to New Jersey for his OWN child? Ted was like “you know what, you’re right” but Tony was like “nah give up the house” and that was fine??

Going to Ted to ask him to get Tony back for her…my sister in Christ, what the fuck. What exactly did Tony expect Ted to say about the woman who LEFT HIM AT THE ALTER? Did he expect Ted to still be obsessed with her? And WHY does Stella even want Tony back if the man is willing to break up their family for a SECOND TIME bc a man who Stella hurt is not obsessed with her and thinks she’s selfish? Clearly he wanted the out. Why chase him? AND the fact that she literally only apologizes bc she needs help from him…ugh. That is messed up imo

The movies REALLY irk me. Ted is the man who YOU left at the alter and the man who GOT TONY BACK FOR YOU, but you let this man make him the villain for his movie? You not only divulge private shit that went on between you and Ted, but you also don’t stop him from putting it in a fricking movie?? I get Tony having his warped image of things, fine, but Stella really just let that all go down like that?? She just told Tony every single detail and everything she ever learned about Ted and he put it in a movie. WHY

Ted and Victoria, the second time they get together:

One of my biggest issues with this is that for some reason Ted is the one people blame for the wedding not happening??? As if 1) Victoria wasn’t a whole adult who chose to not tell Ted it was her wedding day before agreeing to meet up with him and bringing a car for them to run away together 2) Victoria’s husband-to-be ALSO ran away from the wedding. He literally also left!!

Even if Ted had brought Victoria back, there wouldn’t have been a wedding. Victoria’s dad blaming Ted and expecting him to pay is so crazy to me.

Another issue I have is with her being pissy that Ted wants her ex-fiancé out of his apartment. It’s not like the dude was normal and super chill. He had an aggressive pet that kept birthing babies and biting AND he didn’t respect boundaries. Like if the dude was just chilling and a normal roommate, I’d get it. But I don’t feel like it was unreasonable for Ted to not want him there — he agreed to let the ex stay with him and had no knowledge of the ferrets or whatever pets the guy had when he suggested it.

My last issue with Victoria is that when Ted is like “if you wanted a bigger commitment, you’d tell me, right?” and she’s like “yeah, I’d be direct.” and then continues to be passive aggressive. The man literally told her “I need you to be direct” and she wouldn’t. All of that on top of her thing about getting back together with him on her wedding day meant he shouldn’t be shocked she wants to get married…babygirl…you didn’t want to get married. You literally ran away at the first opportunity when Ted asked if you wanted to catch up

Ted and The Mother: My main issue with them is that SO quick after being ready to MOVE TO CHICAGO bc he loves Robin, he’s just all good to stay for her? Like suddenly the Robin thing is a non-issue??? Like…bruh??? That just doesn’t track for me at all.

I also take issue with him returning to Robin in the finale and the kids encouraging it. Like idk about yall but wouldn’t it be weird for your dad to admit to saying he was so in love with his best friend’s wife that he was moving but the next day fell for your mom? I feel like I’d be kinda like “okay so was mom a stand in for Robin??? is that what the point of this story was???”

Ted and Barney (Robin and the bro code): I’m pretty sure going after your best friend’s ex-wife is a violation of the bro code if going after your ex-girlfriend is. Like this is the one woman your best friend ever REALLY loved…

Plus…was it not a whole issue of Ted being unable to sleep with a woman because he thought Barney was with her first? But banging the woman Barney was married to and consistently slept with is fine?

There’s definitely more that irks me but these are the main things…anyway. for anyone who made it this far, thanks for reading my rant lol

[star-going-supernova]

prompt: since you said you wanted to try writing for your siblings au again, i would love to see a oneshot with gregory, annie, and vanessa :) maybe gregory has a broken bone and theyre sitting at home with him and hes just stewing in anger of not being able to move off the couch?

(thank you for the wonderful au btw!! one of my favorites)

Tumblr generated prompt 43! Just some siblings AU silly stuff in this one. I’m not a doctor, so don’t pay too much attention to the injuries and whatnot, lol. You're welcome! I'm glad you like it!

Blame the Centipede 

Annie had to take a moment to muffle her chuckles into her hands before regaining her composure. Once she was sure she wouldn’t laugh in their faces, she picked up the snack-laden tray she’d prepared and left the kitchen. 

A pouting Gregory and a sulking Vanessa sat on the couch in the living room of their apartment. Gregory’s left ankle was in a blue cast, his crutches leaning against the arm of the couch beside him. Vanessa’s right arm was secured in a sling, and she had a dazed look about her from the painkillers. 

They’d left a spot open for her in the middle, and after setting down the tray, she fell back into the cushions, keeping firm control of her expression. 

But her poker face was far from perfect. Vanessa slumped down further before wincing and pushing herself back up. Gregory glared at his cast. “It’s not funny,” he mumbled. 

“I’m not laughing,” Annie immediately denied. The corners of her mouth twitched upward. 

If the accident had been serious or traumatizing, she really wouldn’t be. But it hadn’t been, quite the opposite, so it was only out of the kindness of her own heart that she wasn’t mercilessly teasing them. 

“Movie?” Vanessa grumbled. 

It was day three and their sixth movie. It was going to be a long few weeks with her roommates mostly immobile. Gregory had already developed a glint in his eye that spoke of his accumulating restless energy. He was going to cause trouble soon, Annie could feel it. 

She queued up the first Indiana Jones, one of the few movies they could all agree on, and passed each disgruntled sibling their snacks. Annie swallowed back her comments as Vanessa fumbled with her bowl of pretzels, reduced to one functional hand. Gregory tried to find a comfortable position while keeping his ankle elevated. 

Not that she’d ever say so, but she was glad they’d both gotten hurt. Simply because one of them being down for the count would have utterly tormented the other, and there surely would have been blood drawn. As it was, they were both partially responsible, and they were both suffering the consequences of their actions. 

For a while, the movie distracted all three of them. But Gregory began fidgeting before it was even over, which was highly concerning. There was only so much that an energetic kid like him could be engrossed in, and it was way too early in their recovery to break out Monopoly. 

Vanessa seemed to catch on soon after Annie. She silently mouthed a curse up at the ceiling, making Annie snort, before leaning forward to send her little brother the stink eye. “Don’t tell me you’re bored already.” 

“I’m so bored!” Gregory groaned. “Can we go outside? Or just me, you guys don’t have to.” 

“No,” Vanessa and Annie said together. 

“You’ll just get yourself into more trouble or something,” Vanessa added. “You’re not going anywhere without adult supervision.” 

Gregory groaned louder. “Literally, can we please do something that isn’t watching another movie? My brain’s gonna start leaking out of my ears soon.” 

“We could do a puzzle,” Annie suggested. She’d suggest video games, but they didn’t have any. None of them really had time or the inclination to camp out on the couch for hours on end, sucked into this or that game. 

Probably why this forced stillness was so difficult for both of them. 

Vanessa made a noise that said please not a puzzle but also I’m desperate. Fair, as Gregory would probably resort to war crimes soon if they couldn’t find something engaging for him. 

Annie glanced at Vanessa, saw the sling, and a sneaky giggle immediately escaped her control. Vanessa rolled her head along the couch cushion to level a grumpy glare at her. 

“It’s not my fault that it’s funny!” Annie finally broke. She snickered. “A seesaw, Ness! A seesaw! Gregory managed to break his ankle, and you managed to break your collarbone and dislocate your shoulder—on a seesaw! It doesn’t get much funnier than that!” 

It had been glorious. She and Vanessa had been lazily going up and down, with Gregory balancing right on the fulcrum. And then Vanessa had told him there was a centipede on his shoe, he’d half lost his balance, half threw himself into the air, and he’d pretty much landed on Annie. Most unfortunately, since her side of the seesaw had been more up than down. 

The extra weight had taken them straight to the ground, doing little more than brushing Annie’s behind. Gregory landed funny, breaking his ankle, and Vanessa, taken by surprise, was basically launched off her seat. Except she’d held on with one hand, yanking her shoulder out of socket as it took her full weight at an awkward angle, and then she’d smacked into the fulcrum when she did let go, fracturing her clavicle. 

Annie had quite uncharitably been laughing when she called for an ambulance. 

“We never should have stopped at that park,” Vanessa said to herself. 

“Ugh! I want to go to the park!” Gregory said. “That sounds like so much fun right now.” 

“After what happened,” Vanessa cried, “you want to go back?!”

“It wasn’t the park’s fault! You know I hate centipedes!” 

“You shouldn’t have thrown yourself at Annie!” 

“It wasn’t like I was aiming at her!” 

Annie sank down into the couch and opened a pack of Hostess cakes, letting their argument wash over her as the bad guy’s face melted on screen. Pretzels and chips began to sail over her head in each direction. Ahh, her weird sibling roommates. She wouldn’t want them any other way. 

[ofstoriesandstardust]

seventeen going under (b.r.b.)

a/n: i know everyone has some pretty strong interpretations of how bradley would behave at UVA and this is honestly just mine. i know a lot of people won’t agree but here have this anyways. also, i finally made a playlist for the UVA years if you’re interested!

summary: A series of moments as Bradley arrives at UVA fresh off the worst betrayal he’s certain he will ever experience. 

inspired by sam fender’s “seventeen going under” | flight risk masterlist

warnings: underage drinking, swearing, panic attacks, mentions of vomit, a hint of future sunshine and bradley, the word bitch is used in a derogatory context, brad brad isn’t the nicest person in this fic, this is more of a character study than anything, honestly Bradley’s participation in a frat is vague on purpose, and that purpose being it’s not the point, honestly this delves really deeply into bradley and eli’s friendship and i hadn’t intended to go there

word count: 5,141

I was far too scared to hit him/but i would hit him in a heartbeat now/that’s the thing with anger/it begs to stick around

Your laugh rings out into the night, warming his soul. “You were in a band? Why didn’t I ever know that?” 

He gives a half-shrug, squeezing your arm before he continues to run his fingertips down your bare skin. “I don’t know, it had kind of fallen apart by the time you came around.” 

You snort, nuzzling closer to him. “What I would’ve given to know you while you were in a band.” 

He hums, fingertips stuttering slightly. “I don’t know Sunshine. It wasn’t very a good time in my life.”

“Yeah?” 

“Yeah.” He confirms, pulling you closer. “It was right after Maverick pulled my papers to the Naval Academy.” He says softly. 

You shift, leaning one arm on his bare chest, the other hand coming up to run through his curls. “Tell me about it?” You ask softly. 

Despite your genuine interest, your care and love for him, he feels himself visibly hesitate. “I don’t know Sunshine. I don’t know if you would’ve liked who I was.” 

He recalls a distant memory, one he often liked to keep locked away, when he’d shown his true colors to a group of people who’d decided to stick around anyways.

You shrug, hand moving from his curls to one of the scars on his cheekbone, thumb gently rubbing over it. “You’ve been pretty wonderful since the day I met you. I don’t know if you could ever be someone I didn’t like.” 

He gives you a soft smile, hand coming to grip your chin and guides you down for a kiss. “That’s because you see the best in people Sunshine. And you make me want to be better.” 

You hum at his words, leaning down to press another soft kiss to his lips. “Tell me anyways?” 

He sighs, shifting again to sit up against the bed frame, moving you into his chest. “As you wish Sunshine.” 

-

The door is slightly ajar as he holds his key in one hand, a box in the other. He knocks, if only to announce his presence and pushes the door open. The kid in the room is blasting music and barely glances up at him as he walks through the door. He sets the box down on the desk under the bare bed, taking in the meticulous way his roommate’s side of the room is set up. 

“Hey man, you must be my roommate. I’m Bradley.” He says, sticking his hand out. 

He was going to put his best foot forward here, Pete Mitchell be damned. 

The guy barely turns to acknowledge he said anything at all. “Henry.” 

Bradley bristles at his dismissiveness. “Well, nice to meet you Henry.” 

“Yeah, you too, uhh...” The guy pauses, looking him over once more. “Brayden.” 

Bradley purses his lips, resisting the urge to huff like a child. 

Choosing his housing so last minute as he awaited an acceptance letter from the Naval Academy that would never come him had left him with bottom of the barrel choices. 

Just another thing Pete Mitchell could be blamed for. 

He turns towards the door, moving to go back down to his car to grab more stuff when Henry speaks again. “Oh yeah, Benjamin, just so you know, I’m planning to have a ton of girls over and I’ve got a fake, so there will definitely be alcohol in the room at all times. So if you’re a pansy about that, I’d find a new roommate.” 

Asshole. 

Bradley takes a deep breath to steel himself, because getting into a fistfight with his new roommate was not putting his best foot forward. “Yeah, whatever, Harry.”

The door slam behind him echoes through the hallway.

-

Bradley blindly pushes the door of the lecture hall open, noting he had three minutes until class started. The lecture hall was lively, buzzing with he excitement of students being back on campus, being in the first class of the semester. 

He scans the pretty full rows, electing on one of the few empty seats in the back. He pulls his notebook out of his bag, opening the front to scrawl Spanish 1 in black pen on the first page. He fiddles with the pen as he waits for class to start, hoping no one slips in at the last minute to sit next to him. 

He and Henry had been at each other’s throats since that every first meeting and somehow it felt like three months had passed instead of three days. 

Granted, he couldn’t really hold his anger over his godfather being a traitorous piece of shit against Henry, but since Henry was in his line of vision and currently pissing him off, he’d utilize it anyways. 

The door of the lecture hall opens at 10:02, someone whispering apologies and he squeezes through the row to get to the seat next to Bradley. He glances up at the kid as he sits down next to him, almost hitting Bradley with his backpack. 

“-now, I want you to turn to the person next to you and introduce yourself, along with telling them your major, and one thing you’d like to accomplish this semester, whether in this class or outside of it, academic or personal.” 

The kid sitting next to him groans. “Man, icebreakers are so middle-school.” Bradley snorts, looking down to his paper as he begins to mindlessly doodle. “Well, I’m Eli.” 

“Bradley.” 

“What was the next- oh right, our majors. I’m a Business major.” Bradley nods, not looking up from his paper. “What about you?” Eli prompts. 

“Undeclared.” 

“Oh, that’s cool bro.” Bradley nods, still doodling on the paper in front of him. “Well, anyways, what’s your goal for this semester?”

“To not kill my fucking roommate.” 

Eli lets out a hearty laugh, attracting the attention from some of the students around him. “Oh man, not having a good time?” 

“You could say that.” 

Eli sighs, stretching out. “Oh man, I kinda lucked out in the roommate department. Tommy’s chill.” 

“How lucky for you.” He mutters, staring angrily at his paper. 

“Anyways, you gonna ask me my goal for this semester, Bradley?” 

He wanted to grunt and say no, tell this kid to fuck off, but he reminded himself that he couldn’t fault Eli for simply existing. 

“What’s your goal for this semester?” 

Eli’s voice drops to a whisper. “Man, to pass fucking Spanish 1.”

Bradley finally raises his head to look at Eli. “Yeah?”

Eli nods. “All the private tutors in the world couldn’t teach me a language if they tried. And trust me, my parents tried.” 

“Private tutors?” Bradley asks incredulously. “Man, I just took regular Spanish in high school like everyone else.”

Eli leans back in his chair, waving a hand through the air. “I forget you peasants wouldn’t have luxuries like private tutors.” 

Had the words been said with anything other than the teasing air in which Eli carried, Bradley probably would’ve leaned over and pushed him off his chair. But despite himself, he finds himself laughing at the remark. “Yeah, okay.” 

“What about you? You any good? At speaking Spanish, that is?” 

Bradley shrugs. “Yeah, I’m okay. I took AP Spanish in high school.” 

Eli whistles. “What the fuck are you doing in Spanish 1 then?” 

Bradley shrugs, choking down the memory of how he had missed the AP exam his junior year, finding out the morning of that his Mom wasn’t gonna get better. 

He didn’t even sign-up to take the test his senior year, the memory still too fresh and sickening.

“Didn’t pass the test.” 

Eli nods, as if he doesn’t quite believe him, but doesn’t press the matter futher. “Well, sounds like tough shit. Unlucky for you, but lucky for me, because I think I just found my new tutor.” 

That punches another laugh right out of him.

-

“Why are you so fucking bad at Spanish?” He mumbles, watching Eli improperly translate a word. “It’s literally, Hello, my name is. It's not that fucking hard.” 

A few weeks into the semester and the first quiz of their Spanish 1 class was quickly approaching. While Bradley could do it in his sleep, Eli was struggling beyond belief. 

Eli ignores him, head popping up as he recognizes someone over his shoulder. “Yo, Tommy! Over here!” 

He glances behind himself, spotting a lanky figure with two girls following behind him. The guy has thick glasses and he slides the chair next to Eli. “Bradley, this is my roommate Tommy.” 

He forces a smile, looking up from the notes of his Political Science class. “Hi.” One of the girls sits in the chair next to him, the other standing by the table. 

“Hey, you’re in my Political Science class, right? Intro to Politics or whatever? With Dr. Peters?”

Bradley nods, eyes flickering back down to the notes for the aforementioned class in front of him. “Seems like it.” 

Tommy opens his mouth to respond, but is cut off by Eli. “You need something Bailey?” Eli asks to the girl still standing. “Bradley’s trying to teach me Spanish.” 

She snorts. “Yeah, good luck to him. Mads, I’ll meet you back at the dorm, yeah?” 

The girl sitting next to him nods, already making a face at the pasta on her plate. “You wanna make a McDonald’s run in a little bit? I don’t think I’m gonna be able to stomach whatever the fuck this is.” 

She nods. “Yeah, I’ll text Kade and see if he wants to join us.” 

The girl sitting next to him makes kissing noises at her and the girl, Bailey, rolls her eyes. “Whatever Madison.” 

“Hey, we’re still going to that house party this weekend that Kade told us about, right?” Tommy asks, taking a bite of his sandwich. 

Bailey and Madison both nod. 

“Hey Bradley man, you should join us!” Eli exclaims. 

Bradley bites his lip as the attention turns to him. 

Honestly, he’d wanted to put his best foot forward while he was here at UVA, make the most of a future he hadn’t wanted as he worked for the one he did want. 

Mostly though, he’d wanted to fly under the radar. Get in, get his degree, get out. He hadn’t wanted to make friends, despite Eli’s... persistence. 

But getting shit-faced at a house party sounded good. 

“Hey, we can pregame at our place in Alderman.” Eli’s voice drops down to a whisper. “My sister got me the good tequila so it’s gonna be a partyyyyy.” 

Yeah, getting shit-faced seemed like a good plan. 

“I’m down. Just tell me when and where.” 

-

The music pulses through the house, Bye Bye Bye by N’SYNC blasting for the fifth time that night. Everything was making his chest feel too tight, his body too hot. He felt like if he didn’t get out and sober up soon, he’d be passing out in the middle of the crowd. 

He’d long since lost Eli, sucking face with a senior sorority girl the last time he saw him. 

Madison was shit faced, clinging to Bailey and Kade as they stood at the beer pong table. 

Tommy was leaned up against the wall, sipping a Coke. He calls out for him, stumbling and squeezing his way through the crowd as the man’s hands reach out to steady him. “You good Bradshaw?” 

He shakes his head. “No, I can’t fucking breathe.” He mumbles, afraid Tommy won’t even be able to hear him over the noise. Tommy hears him all the same, nodding and straightening up. 

“Let’s get you out of here.” 

If he was sober, he’d be embarrassed about the way Tommy guides him out of the house, making sure no one bothers them. Hell, he’ll probably be embarrassed about it come morning, but he can’t bring himself to care too much as his eyes squeezes shut, realizing how short of breath he was. 

The tightness in his chest is familiar, but it only makes his panic grow more as he realizes what’s about to happen. 

And Maverick’s not here this time. 

Maverick’s the reason this time.

The thought of his godfather is what sends him over the edge, the ringing in his ears growing louder as he stumbles. He feels someone’s hands reach out for him, steadying him and guiding him to the ground. 

It’s not like how his godfather had been, gentle but firm. 

No, this person is kinder, hands less calloused. 

The hands, they aren’t as steady or firm, not exuding with love like Maverick had been, but they’re gentle all the same. 

“Hey Bradley, can you hear me?” Bradley feels himself jerk his head, doing his best to nod. “Okay, that’s great. Can you try to take a deep breath?” 

The breath he tries to suck in gets caught in his throat, meaning he chokes as he feels his chest tighten just that much more. 

“Okay, that’s okay. What’s one thing you can taste?” 

“B-Beer.” He chokes out, the stale alcohol still lingering on his tongue.

“Great. What about two things you can feel?” 

“The- the cement and you.” 

“Great, you’re doing so great. Three things you can you smell?” 

His breathing is a little less choppy and his vision isn’t so blurry as he blinks a couple of times, still trying to calm his racing heartbeat. 

“The alcohol, um- cigarette smoke, and uh- your cologne.” 

“Okay, four things you can hear?” 

He swallows, his voice feeling raspy as his vision clears. Tommy’s hand is still on his back and he realizes the ringing in his ears has dissipated. 

“The music- from the party, you, people talking and um-” A particularly loud cheer erupts from the back of the house. “Whoever the fuck that was.” 

Tommy chuckles. “And five things you can feel?” 

“You, this stupid grass, and uhm, the fucking cement.”

“That’s not five things.” He turns his head to Tommy, who gives him a grin. “But i’ll give you a pass. Are you okay?” 

He shrugs, looking towards the ground as his arms come up to rest on his knees. “How’d you know how to do that?” 

Tommy stretches out, moving to match his position. “Mom has pretty debilitating anxiety. I learned pretty young how to recognize it and how to talk someone out of it.”

It’s quiet for a moment as he nudges a rock on the ground with his shoe. “I- I forgot what they feel like, how fast they can come on. I haven’t had one of them since my Mom died.” He confesses quietly. 

“Do you know what triggered it?” 

“Uh, if I had to guess, too much alcohol? I know better.” 

And he did. He did know better. 

He knew that anger and alcohol didn’t mix well together in his system, making everything worse. All it did was serve to heighten the panic that lay just under the surface of the anger he put forth. 

He had known the it was only a matter of time before his body broke down after learning Maverick had pulled his papers, his skin always feeling too tight on his own body, his chest always heavy and aching. 

“Well, how are you feeling now?” 

“A little more sober, maybe. Kinda nauseous.”

Tommy hums. “Figures. Well, why don’t I drive you back? You can come crash on Eli’s bed.” 

He recalls that Tommy had been designated driver for the group tonight and suddenly feels bad by taking him away from the rest of the group he was also supposed to be keeping an eye on. “What about the girls?”

Tommy shrugs, standing up. “I guess Madison pregamed a little too hard so Kade isn’t drinking for the night to keep make sure they’re okay.” 

He holds his hand out for him to take, and Bradley is grateful for the support as he realizes he’s trembling slightly. Tommy fishes for his keys in his pocket as they walk down the street to Tommy’s truck. 

“Are they dating?” He hears himself asking, itching for the conversation to keep going before the panic can come back in tidal waves. 

“Madison and Kade? No. Bailey and Kade on the other hand... well, nobody is too sure.” 

-

“Thanks for deciding to join us.” Tommy comments as Eli slips into the seat next to him. 

“Where are the girls?” Bradley asks, looking to his left where Tommy is scanning the menu of the diner near campus. 

“Who the fuck cares? I could spend the morning without listening to Bailey.” Eli mutters, pinching the bridge of his nose.

“Well, you won’t be so lucky.” Comes Bailey’s voice as she slides into the other side of the booth, Madison and Kade following in after her. 

“Eli, where’d you sleep last night?” Tommy asks, finally looking up from the menu. Eli smirks. 

“Guess.” 

Tommy studies him for a moment before he gives the boy a disbelieving stare. “No. You didn’t.” 

Eli lets out a chuckle as he stretches out on the bench, his arm coming up to rest on the back of it. “Yeah, I bagged Samantha.” 

Bailey tosses Eli a withering look from across the table. “Your objectification of women disgusts me Eli and quite frankly it is far too early in the morning for you to begin telling us about your gross sexual escapades.” 

He, Eli, and Tommy all swivel towards Bailey, blinking at her. Madison groans, leaning her head on the table. “Bailey, I’m too hungover for you to bicker with Eli right now.” 

-

“Carpet vomit? Dude, I’m eating.” He groans, pushing his plate away as Kade and Bailey relay the events of what had gone down in Bailey and Madison’s dorm before they’d joined them at the party the night before. 

Kade shrugs. “Well, you made the mistake of asking.” 

“Hey, I puked and rallied. Honestly, I think everyone should be proud of me.” 

“Madison, I had to clean up your carpet vomit. We almost got caught by the RA. Not only am I not proud of you, but I will never be letting you forget this either.” Bailey says firmly, glaring at her roommate. 

“Mmm, speaking of- I think I’m gonna sign up for rush.” 

Kade blinks at Eli as he pour salt over his eggs. “How does Madison’s carpet vomit have to do with greek life?” 

Tommy shakes his head, his curls bouncing. “It doesn’t. Eli just wants an excuse to talk about it.” 

Eli doesn’t deny it as he nudges his shoulder. “Bradley man, we should rush together. Tommy won’t rush with me.” 

Tommy rolls his eyes, stabbing at a piece of egg. “I told you Eli, I’m too busy getting involved with student government. I dont have time for a frat.” 

“I have no interest in joining a frat.” Bradley says plainly, still looking at his pancakes with mild disgust. 

Eli pokes his shoulder. “C’mon Bradshaw, it could be fun! Plus, fraternities have great connections for after post-grad...”

He sighs, looking back up to Eli. 

Despite wanting to fly under the radar, Eli was quickly proving to make it impossible for him and he was starting to wonder if it might be better to lean into it than pull away altogether. 

“I’m going to regret saying yes, aren’t I?”

-

"Do you play an instrument?” Eli asks him one day in the dining hall, just a few days after returning from spring break. 

He drops his bag on the floor as his mind processes the words. “Uh, yeah I played the drums in high school. Why?” 

“That’s perfect! Carter, Tommy, and I want to start a band.” 

“Um... okay?” He says, settling himself into the booth in the dining hall, looking to the girls for an explanation. Madison shrugs, Bailey not even sparing him a second glance from her food.

“So, I’m thinking you play the drums, Carter plays keyboard, Tommy plays guitar, and I can sing.” 

Bailey snorts, pouring hot sauce over her eggs. “You’re gonna sing?” 

Eli huffs. “Yeah, and I’m happen to be really good at it. 

“Yeah, okay.” She laughs, capping the hot sauce bottle. 

“Well, okay, there’s just one small problem with this plan, Eli. I don’t have a drum set and I couldn’t afford one anyways.” He says, stealing a fry from Tommy’s plate. The guy flips him the bird, eliciting a chuckle that rumbles in his chest. 

Eli’s eyebrows furrow as their fraternity brother, Carter, comes around the corner. “Yo, I just got off the phone with Jason. Guess what?” 

“What?”

“We got the house! Lease starts July 1st.” 

Bradley feels his shoulders slump in relief as Eli cheers. He honestly hadn’t known where else they were going to live if they didn’t approved at this place they’d heard about from one of their fraternity brothers. 

“Anyways, what are we talking about over here?” Carer says, squeezing into the booth next to Tommy. 

“The band.” 

“Yeah, and I was just telling Eli I can’t afford a drum set.”

“But if you had a drumset, you’d do it?” 

Bradley shrugs. “Sure, Eli, but that magically make a drum set appear.” 

A grin appears on Eli’s face as he pulls his phone out of his pocket. “Oh, you don’t know the power I hold Bradshaw.” 

-

"Do you know what you’re doing for the summer?” He blinks, pausing as his fork is halfway to his mouth. He glances up to see Eli toss his backpack into the bench across from him. 

“Uh, no? I haven’t given it much thought.” He says, forcing the food down his throat. 

He had given it thought, where he was going to stay for the months of May and June haunting him every night. He hadn’t gotten a good night of sleep in days. 

His lease at the ne whose with Carter and Eli didn’t start until the 1st of July but he had nowhere to go. He sure as hell wasn’t going back to San Diego, back to Pete Mitchell. 

He’d live in the Bronco just to prove his point. 

He didn’t need Pete Mitchell. 

He could do it without him. 

Eli gives him a bright smile, folding his hands on the table. “Well, I just heard from my Mom.” 

“Okay?”

“She- Well, I-” Eli sighs, shifting on the bench. “She wants to know if you want to come stay with us for the summer.” 

He raises his eyebrows. “Isn’t your family taking like a month-long vacation to the Hamptons?” 

Eli nods slowly. “Yes. Mom wants you to come with. She’s got a soft spot for you, you know, and you’ve already spent the last couple breaks with us, and you know, it’s no trouble for us to have you. Mom’s said the guest room is practically your bedroom already.” 

He shakes his head, setting his fork down carefully. “Eli, I can’t- I can’t take advantage of your family like that just because I don’t want to go home to mine.” 

The words are sour, knowing he doesn’t have much of a family to be going home to. Not since Pete Mitchell had pulled his papers. 

Eli sighs. “You’re not taking advantage. Look, I say, you come with us, we fuck shit up in the Hamptons, we piss my sister off, we play, and then we come back in July when our lease starts.” 

He huffs out a laugh, mostly to himself. “And you really think it’s that easy?” 

Eli smiles. “Doesn’t have to be any harder than that.” 

-

He sighs, shaking his head as he flips his phone shut ignoring the 1 New Voicemail notification. 

He knew all too well who had left him that voicemail and he knew he wouldn’t be listening to it. 

Still, the anger is there, simmering under his skin as he tunes back into the conversation. 

It’s been months since Eli had asked him to spend the summer with him. It was nearing the end of October, the weather turning colder and with that his spirits, the holidays growing ever so closer. It would be another year of eating Eli’s Mom’s turkey, opening gifts from their family, wrestling with their dog while they ate pie. 

It’d be another year watching a family that loved each other, despite dysfunction, and knowing his chest ached to be home with his. 

Not his family anymore. 

They’re sitting in the basement of his, Carter, and Eli’s house, chatting more than practice any music. He’s sat on his drum stool, fiddling with his drumsticks in both hands now as he tries to put the voicemail and thoughts behind him. 

“C’mon, Tommy, plenty of bands only have three people. Fuck Carter, we don’t need him.” 

Carter had gone head first into the fraternity lifestyle this year, and while still bearable as a roommate, was no longer dependable as a friend. 

Tommy sighs, tuning his guitar. “I’m just saying Eli, I don’t even think I’ve got time for a band. I’m trying to run for a newly opened position in student government next semester and I’ve got work...” 

Eli scoffs, shaking his head, but doesn’t say anything more. 

Bailey rolls her eyes. “Shut up Eli. you wouldn’t know what it’s like to work in a day in your life. Your parents pay for fucking everything and you’ll spend the rest of your day skating by on Daddy’s money.” 

His head shoots up at the words, cutting deep. 

The door to the front house opens at that moment, revealing Madison. “You’re late!″ Kade teasingly chides as she pulls off her coat. 

“Yeah, sorry. That girl from my movie night the other day pulled me aside after class. I think she wants to go get coffee sometime, think she’s trying to make friends.” 

“Is it working?” Tommy asks. Madison shrugs. 

“I think I do know who that is, now that I think about it. She’s in our American History class.” Kade says, nudging Bailey. 

She looks up at him. “I really don’t care.” 

He huffs, looking back to Madison. “Well, she sits in the front row of that class, I think.” 

Madison nods, sitting down on the couch alongside Kade and Bailey. “Anyways, what did I miss?” 

Kade sighs, leaning back on the couch. “Just another petty argument between Eli and Bailey.” 

Bailey rolls her eyes gain, sitting up straighter as she becomes defensive. “I’m just saying that Eli walks around here, flaunting his fucking money. All of this-” She says, waving a hand to the house around her. “-None of this would be possible without your Daddy's money. And not an ounce of you is grateful or appreciative of what you have because your parents are self-serving assholes who raised their son to be a self-serving asshole-”

“Bailey, you’re a bitch.” 

The words tastes like venom on his tongue, bitter and heavy. 

It’s silent for a minute as he stares the girl down, all eyes on him. 

“You’re a bitch. You only see things one way, your way. You always think you’re fucking right and you think you know everything about everyone all of the time. We know, you’re very cocky about it.” 

Everything seems to tunnel in that moment. 

Distantly, he feels his chest heaving. 

The sound of his drumsticks clatter to the floor. 

Heavy footsteps on the stairs. 

The front door slamming behind him. 

The prickle of the October air against his skin. 

He takes a choked breath, reaching up to run his hands through his hair. 

His Mom would be rolling in her grave if she knew what he had just said, the way she had always raised him to treat women with nothing but the utmost kindness and respect. 

But something in him had finally snapped. 

Eli’s family, for better or worse, had loved him like one of their own. Eli’s family had brought them into their home, bought him a drum set, fed him warm meals, took him skiing, even made one of the guest bedrooms his bedroom,. They’d let him spend the summers and holiday breaks with them and took him on vacation and he be damned if he let Bailey continue to say the thing she was, thinking she was always right. 

But it wasn’t Bailey he was truly angry at. 

The front door open and closes again and he glances behind him to see Tommy and Eli. Eli’s holding his jacket in one hand and he walks forward, offering it out to him. He grunts, taking it as he watches Tommy stay perched on the front step. 

“That wasn’t cool Bradshaw.” 

“Yeah, Bradley man, you didn’t have to do that. I don’t give a shit what she says about my family.” 

He shrugs, slipping his jacket on. 

“You should apologize, Bradley.” Tommy says, crossing his arms. His voice is firm. 

It’s not a suggestion. 

You should apologize to him Brad.

Ice’s voice echoes in his head and he squeezes his eyes shut, suddenly feeling himself become off-kilter. 

The front door opens again, revealing Madison, Kade, and Bailey. The three of them stand on the front porch as he pulls himself up to his full height. 

“I’m not apologizing.” Bailey bristles, but doesn’t move. “I’m not sorry. I’m not.” 

“Bradley.” Eli whispers, taking a step closer to him. “You don’t have to do this, it’s really not that deep-” 

“Oh for- for fuck’s sake Eli, it’s not about that!” He shouts. He turns as Eli’s eyes widen, taking a few steps away from the group before turning around. “You all have fucking families to go home to! You have homes to go to!” He zeroes in on Bailey, who holds his gaze without wavering. “Even if you fucking hate your Mom or whatever, at least you- God, at least you fucking have a Mom. Both my parents are dead! In the ground six feet under. I don’t- I don’t even remember my Dad! There’s not a single person in the world who cares about me!” He yells, throat feeling raw as he lays it all on the table. 

His chest is heaving again as they all stare at him. 

“But his family comes the fucking closest, so don’t- don’t even fucking go there with me.” 

No one protests as he moves further down the block, his chest heaving as his heart threatens to beat right out of his ribcage. 

He can still feel the phone in his jean pocket, feeling like a burning weight. In a moment of rage, he grabs it out of his pocket and tosses it into the street, watching as a car comes along and runs right over it. 

He sighs, turning the corner, pretending he’s better off for not knowing whatever that voicemail said. 

Pretending like he’s not a bunch of splintered, jagged pieces cobbled together. 

Pretending like hearing his godfather beg him to come home one more time wouldn’t break him clean in two. 

[leathr-blr]

i really wish i understood the appeal of milo murphys law but i just can't get into it :-( I've tried watching it but it's just so painfully mid

(i’m very critical about mml here but i end it positively don’t worry. essay under the cut)

i watched milo murphy’s law with my best friend and roommate ( @herbi-cide ) which gave me a more positive experience with the show as a whole but there were so many times were it just felt like a slog. i hesitate to call it “filler” because it’s a pretty episodic show (though theres much more of a plot than pnf) but i don’t particularly find the laid back contained story episodes very engaging or funny most of the time. i’ve seen people (KEYAN *shakes fist*) say this roots from a lack luster premise, but i think that a premise is always as good as it’s execution. and a lot of mml executes like ass. it is straight up disastrous. like milo murphy himself walked through the writers room one day leaving the writers to salvage whatever scraps were left among the wreckage

im really not confident in dwampy’s ability to write a plot-driven show, i think it’s obvious that they’re comfort zone lies in episodic comedies. which is awesome, we all have our skills and comfort zones, phineas and ferb is so great at what it does for a reason. but i think this is very much to mml’s detriment. there is so much set up for great storylines and likable characters, and so many good ideas, but like, either they didn’t have time to do anything with them or just straight up didn’t know how. it is genuinely impressive how boring mml can get given its cast and world

i think people blame pnf too much for the decline of mml in season 2, doofenshmirtz is insufferable throughout most of it and all, but i think the pnf shoehoring hints to a larger problem that mml always had. it feels as if it’s uncomfortable with its own characters and world, like it’s afraid to commit, and i think that is very much dwampy’s sitcom-oriented writing style shining through in an ugly way

i see people praise mml for its story, but because of dwampy’s aversion to writing linear storytelling, it definitely ranges on the plot-light side of television. it’s not quite a sitcom, but there’s really not much story progression happening aside from a few world building episodes and big arcs like the aliens or the pistachions (which phineas and ferb also does better in the meap saga let’s be real, at least for the alien arc)

i don’t like comparing mml to phineas and ferb, but one fails so hard at the things the other achieves in spades that it’s kind of impossible not to compare them. i wouldn’t mind mml’s shitty storytelling as much if the plot-light episodes (which is most of them) were compelling. phineas and ferb has just as good as a premise as murphy’s law, if not less interesting, and does the character-driven sitcom filler infinitely better in every single way. it is rare i’ll ever be bored watching phineas and ferb, and ik comedy is subjective, but i think a lot of us can agree that phineas and ferb is overall just wittier and funnier in general than mml. mml is kind of forgettable! i’ll be real! i love it but it’s forgettable

i want mml to be its own unique thing sooo bad but especially in the second half it feels like there’s no reason i shouldn’t just turn it off and go watch phineas and ferb. it’s also frustrating because i know mml has the capability to be good, because the pistachion arc is gripping and well structured and generally super entertaining (one of the best experiences i’ve had watching a show with a friend), and there’s a lot of fantastic episodes and moments in there. which is why i’m so harsh on it, it’s disappointing!!

there’s dozens and dozens of ultra talented people who worked on milo murphy’s law (i’ve gone through so many storyboards and portfolios to look for more details about the artists who worked on it so can confirm these people are awesome) so i can only wonder if studio conditions / time crunches / other factors (disney bullshitery) had anything to do with how spectacularly mml fails in a lot of regards, but there’s an upside, and this is the biggest appeal of murphy’s law for me:

the milo murphy’s law fandom and by extent the dakavendish fandom is one of the best fandoms i’ve ever seen hands down, some of the most dedicated and passionate writers, artists and general fans continue to be active in the community and create awesome shit that is leagues better than anything in the source material. because mml presents so many good concepts but doesn’t deliver, it leaves a lot of room for fans to expand on them and make their own amazing stuff. and because they’re such a small community, and milo murphy’s law is widely remembered as “that show that came after phineas and ferb” or “that show keyan carlile didn’t like” they are very close knit and very very friendly. nicest ppl you’ll ever meet

if it weren’t for the fandom i would not give a single shit about milo murphy’s law, but the fans make the show and it’s characters so much more than they are in the source material. so no wonder i had such a good time watching it when i had my roommate to talk about it with! community adds context to art in a way that can change it entirely, especially in the age of the internet

so i will always recommend murphy’s law with that in mind. also, think of it this way: at least it’s not hamster and gretel. i’ll stand by my opinion that show sucks LMAO

[echo-rambles]

NOT HYUNLIX ANON however, I would love to take this opportunity to talk about hyunlix and my opinions on them as best friends and partners (coming from a hyunlix multishipper who is very easily swayed into shipping just about any combo of skz members, and who relates to hyunlix a lot). now here’s a personal essay lol:

I completely agree with your interpretation of hyunlix because I have lived that exact same dynamic with my best friend, and I think people are just not used to seeing such intense platonic relationships? for me, there are moments where hyunlix reminds me of myself and my bestie. namely the time in 2 kids room ep.1 when felix said he has to calm himself down because he thinks too seriously about hyunjin. that hit me so personally when he said that, because I know what it’s like to have that feeling with your best friend.

I met my best friend in my first year of university when we were randomly paired as roommates, and I felt that she was the first and only person who truly understood me. we immediately clicked and loved spending time together, and have always been able to easily work through conflicts and support each other unconditionally. I was a lesbian woman questioning my gender identity and my friend was (and still is) a straight cis woman. and people in our friend group immediately assumed we were ‘more than friends’ because I was openly queer and my friend was very uninterested in dating. and we were also super affectionate: holding hands, cuddling during movies, giving each other hugs and cheek kisses. which like, I don’t blame our friends for assuming that we were a couple but that was not the case at all. we both consider each other our soulmate, but we also believe that a soulmate doesn’t have to be a romantic/sexual partner, or even only one person. we love each other, but we’ve never been attracted to each other.

in our second year my friend got really busy with her studies and social commitments, and even though we were still roommates we were spending a lot less time together. I was also going through a bad mental health dip, and I tried to explain to our mutual friends how I was upset that bestie and I weren’t spending as much time together. and their response was basically that I was overreacting, and the reason I felt that way was because I was in love with her. but I wasn’t, and none of them understood my feelings??? and I ended up breaking down to my bestie one night because I felt so guilty and selfish that I had these feelings, and also like I was the only one in the world who ever felt this way. and she comforted me and promised that it was okay, because she felt the same way she just was in a much better mental state lol. so when I heard felix describe his feelings for hyunjin in 2 kids room, I felt that! I knew the exact feeling he was describing because I had someone that brought up those feelings for me! it’s like, confusing and scary when your feelings go against what is expected socially. or even against your own personal expectations. some of our friends have voiced confusion, and even I don’t understand how my bestie is seemingly the perfect person who understands me but I don’t want her to be my partner. I just want her to be my bestie.

and I think that’s where the hyunlix shippers get confused about non-hyunlix shippers. relationships like these often turn out romantic in media. there isn’t a ton of aromantic or asexual representation, so I get why people don’t understand relationships that defer from our traditional expectations of love. often when we see people using the term soulmates, or being so openly in love with someone, we assume those people have to be in a romantic/sexual relationship. and even more so when we’re in the fandom culture and we enjoy the act of shipping, these moments of intimacy between members fuel the relationship we want to see.

I’m a hyunlix shipper, and my reasoning for seeing them romantically is basically: I like shipping. I ship people and characters because I think it’s fun and silly, and I don’t see the ships as reflections of the real relationships.

so for me, hyunlix the ship and hyunlix the people are entirely separate. yes, the idea of finding that person who knows you and loves you unconditionally is very romantic. but, I know you can be in love with someone, and still want them to find their special person who they’re going to spend their life with. and when I see hyunlix, the ‘real’ hyunlix (because let’s face it, idols are playing personas most of the time because it’s their career), I see soulmates. I see myself and my best friend, who were mistaken as a couple by our own friend group, who feel safe enough to seek physical comfort in each other, and who are lucky enough to know what it’s like to have someone who knows you like nobody else. so, I think with any ship, people interpret the interactions as what they want to see, or what they are used to seeing. and there’s nothing wrong with that. but I believe that your interpretation of hyunlix is probably closer to the ‘real’ relationship, solely because I know it’s possible.

but who knows, hyunlix could be romantically attracted to each other. I’m not saying they’re not, I’m just saying I think I understand their feelings and I interpret their interactions as very similar to my own closest friendship 🫶🏻

first of all anon, thank you so much for sharing your life experiences!! especially with your best friend. I'm really glad you have someone you're that close to!

secondly; I LOVE YOUR BRAIN!! you worded everything so perfectly, I loved reading every bit of it. especially the bit about how the idols are showing us personas of themselves, and the people we're shipping are the personalities they want us to see.

also the vibes I was getting from your entire dissertation was qpr hyunlix, which I can absolutely see.

whenever I see hyunlix, I truly just see two people who love each other unconditionally but it's not romantic. something that's not quite romance but feels too big to fit into something as simple as 'plantonic', which I'm pretty sure is the definition of a queerplatonic relationship. you can have someone in your life that's incredibly important to you without dating them.

I love their dynamic but personally it's just not romantic for me. I don't have much else to add because this really was worded WONDERFULLY.

[gggh0st]

I’ve been sick lately and it’s obviously a burden to those around me. I’m a burden in many ways, but I guess this has been the thing eating away at me.

I have all the symptoms of bronchitis. Yippee. I’ve been dodging going to urgent care for about a week now, because my girlfriend really wants me to go and I really really fucking don’t want to. I don’t trust doctors or hospitals and I know it’s the trauma that’s causing me to act like this about medical shit but I feel like I’m allowed to be scared at least. It’s hard to explain to her, she doesn’t get it. My girlfriend has been in and out of hospitals so much it’s just another thing you have to do for her, she has her own bad memories from hospitals but it’s clear she doesn’t understand my feelings about it and it’s frustrating but I cant blame her. I haven’t been to a hospital in 9 years, or willingly gone to a doctor in 6. I refused to even visit my mom for the birth of my last two siblings because of this overwhelming horror I get from even the thought of being inside a hospital. Hospitals bring bad things, the doctors are mean and the nurses are meaner and nobody listens.

But I’m getting sicker. No fever thank god, but now I’m struggling to hold food down and my coughing fits have turned into me gasping for air and sending myself into a panic attack because I cannot fucking breathe at all. I called out of work today and lost a job opportunity because I finally agreed to go to urgent care because last night I basically woke up choking on my own mucus and unable to breathe for about a minute straight. I finally fucking caved and I want to go, but guess what?

I don’t have a car. My girlfriend doesn’t have a car. A walk to the bus stop is a mile and a half and my girlfriend can’t make that and I won’t go alone. I’m scared to ask my girlfriends brother for a ride because he already has to pick me up from work all the time and he and his fiancé have shit to do today. And my other roommate with a car is busy today and when I mentioned having to go to urgent care he looked annoyed and I told him he wouldn’t be the one taking me.

So much for caring about my body for like 5 seconds. Life is stupid. My guess is I won’t make it to urgent care today, and I would have called out and wasted that time for nothing. Always happens. Whatever lol. I’m just gonna watch tv and sit here and waste away on the couch. I’ll go to work tomorrow, probably hate it. Probably have a few more coughing fits where I stop breathing.

As long as I’m not in anybody’s way I guess?? I dunno. I’m feeling very annoyed at everything as of recent. This is not something I needed to deal with right now, shits hard enough. Money is a bigger problem than ever. I’m tired :p

[shadowsong26fic]

open question: what gave you the idea for "Papa and J-----, August '34"? did anything in particular spark the idea for the fic and do you remember what it was?

So it was actually the product of a rambly conversation with my roommate (who is the one who mostly dragged me into this fandom; i blame her (affectionate)).

I pulled up our Discord logs and this is the conversation in question:

Me: unrelated, and it went in a very weird crossover direction because my brain is what it is, but--even if valjean survived past 1832/33 into the 1840s, he would probably never be super comfortable with. like. getting his picture taken. but he did at one point agree to let cosette draw him (and possibly javert; either together or separate drawings). anyway, it eventually becomes a sort of Treasured Family Heirloom, however much of the story behind it is actually remembered Roommate: which is SUPER adorable on several levels Roommate: although Roommate: did you know Javert actually canonically draws Me: i did not but that is amazing. Me: so possibly there are Two actual images of jean valjean among the family papers--one that cosette did, either of papa and javert together or just papa, and then one that javert did Roommate: yup! Roommate: and possibly a few more did exist and got burnt Me: yeah, quite possibly [edited to remove an unrelated tangent] Me: ((…and then my brain just jumped onto a ‘what if cosette actually became a fairly well-known artist, and some art history nerd in like modern times spots the drawing of valjean and javert just casually hanging on their new friend/boyfriend/girlfriend’s mantle and has a Moment’)) Roommate: ((XD YES))

This conversation also led to An Imperfect Memory, which is why I left that bit in XD

And then I just kept. Poking at the idea; by myself and talking with Roommate some more, and then I realized I was going to have to actually Write The Damn Thing, so here we are XD

ETA because I also found this bit from Provenance in the log and it still makes me giggle so I had to share XD:

cosette at one point is talking to javert and something along the lines of: "i remember, when i was a girl, papa would let me draw him sometimes, because I needed to practice on someone other than the nuns. and he would always praise them and tell me how proud he was, but ask me to make sure no one else ever saw it. because, he told me, 'you may be the next botticelli, chere, but i am certainly no venus.' and i knew it wasn't because he was lying to me--although he might have been viewing my talents with a father's loving eye more than anything else--because he kept all of my other sketches. so i put it down as just another of his eccentricities and destroyed them as he asked."