#quarterback competition

[hshouse]

me only talking about our shared class together since we don’t know each other kind of at all: love texting a BOY he is so CUTE

[ramp-it-up]

Sugar, Cubed

Photo found on Pinterest

Summary: I revisited Sugar and the boys from the Sugar is Sweet séries, and let me tell you. Bucky and Steve sure have grown up from their college days. They are no longer playing around. And they are coming for you. How do you choose? And do you have to?

Word Count: 3.5K

Pairings: Steve Rogers x Reader; Bucky Barnes x Reader; boss Tony Stark x reader

Warnings: 18+ Only, Minors DNI. Not Beta’d. Read at your own risk. Roommate/Co-worker au, S MUT! Angst, little bit of slow burn. Main character injury, allusions to sex, sexual tension, indecent proposal, caught between two lovers trope, idiots in love, Tony being Tony, truth or dare, talk of voyeruism, possibility of group sex, eventual polyandry.

A/N: This is related to the Sugar is Sweet au, but can be read alone. This is part one, part two will be posted next week. I hope you like it. This is part of Falloween 2024.

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——

You met the two most hated men in your life while you were living together as recipients of the prestigious Stark STEM Fellowship at NYU.

There was an instant spark when you met James Buchanan Barnes and Steven Grant Rogers, best friends from childhood. They sarcastically named you Sugar because of your initial rudeness, but the nickname just stuck around after you warmed up to them.

In the Stark Fellows program, life was hard work and hard play. Soon it was down to just you, Bucky and Steve, and life was a dream with parties, booze, and almost anything you wanted, as long as you lent your minds to the work.

Tony Stark tolerated anything that would keep productivity high. He knew that all work and no play would make Bucky, Sugar and Steve dull scientists.

So he encouraged you three to play. And funded it too.

Steve and Bucky were so protective of you, their sweet Sugar. The sexual tension that came with living with them was heady stuff.

You basked in the glow of Bucky and Steve's attention, while observant of the lines of partners at their bedroom doors and the competitiveness between the football quarterback and lacrosse captain.

You swore that neither Bucky nor Steve would ever win you, no matter the plays they made. But they each had you sprung in different ways. And they were so damn competitive.

They both wanted your heart.

It was only a matter of time before you gave it to each of them.

You fell hard for Bucky first. And it was urgent and intense.

But after just a year together, Bucky accepted a position with Stark Labs in Bucharest for a term that stretched into two years as he completed grad school at Politehnica. It happened without warning. You were angry at his choice and trapped in New York by your own contract with Stark for graduate work. 

You and Bucky were over. And you were heartbroken.

Steve’s waiting arms were open, and it was effortless and freeing to realize that the golden boy was the one who truly loved you. And he’d always been there. Your heart healed. You thought.

According to social media, Bucky seemed to love his new location, extending his contract beyond the initial year-long contract to finish his degree. It seemed that all he did was work.

Not that you were stalking his IG or anything.

He didn’t communicate with you directly, and with Steve only intermittently. It was like he’d erased his best friend and his best girl from his life. 

It made sense, since his best girl was now his best friend’s girl.

Then, during his second year, Bucky's stay in Romania was cut short,  he came back to New York, although not in the way you imagined.

Bucky had been critically injured; losing a limb. Tony made sure he had the best care, flying with Bucky to Wakanda for experimental surgery and overseeing his recovery. 

You found out via a social media after Bucky was back in town, and not from Tony or anyone else.

You were livid.

You raged at Steve, who had lied to you that he had to go to London for two weeks for work when he was actually in Wakanda at Bucky’s bedside.

The betrayal ran deep.

You and Steve were done after that, although you continued to work side by side at the labs. You felt as if Tony was trying to drive you over the edge, having you work around the clock with your ex. But he didn’t care. He had some insane theory that the tension would yield better results.

Each day, you longed for the hour that you could go to your posh new quarters in Stark tower. Although it was lonely, at least your apartment was private, and you could unwind in peace. Your days were tense, but predictable.

Until they weren’t anymore.

——

One afternoon, the hairs on the back of your neck stood up as you stared into the monitor to watch the results from the latest compound analysis roll numbers across your workstation.

“Hey there, Sugar.”

You froze, looking up and out over Manhattan through the window above your station. You couldn’t believe it, but you saw a pale reflection of him in the mirrored glass.

You slowly turned around.

Bucky looked good, his pale complexion not all the result of the blue gray skies over the Hudson. His face had grown more angular, his hair was shorter, and his eyes seemed older, but outside, he was the same Bucky. 

You didn’t know what you were expecting. 

Bucky Barnes seemed whole, except his left hand, the “golden arm” that was the pride of Bobcat football, was now black and gold metal. 

Vibranium. 

You stared at it as it reached for you.

“So I don’t get a hug?” 

Your eyes moved to his face while Steve cleared his throat and reminded you that he was there. You tried to forget his existence most days, but Bucky walking into your lab had erased him from your mind completely. For a moment.

“Sugar–”

You cut him off.

“Fuck you, Grant.” 

You looked back at Bucky with tears in your eyes.

“And fuck you, James.”

Despite your epithets, you threw yourself into his arms, sobbing with emotion.

“How could you…?”

You whispered it into his suit coat, your fingers digging into the material at his back as you cried into his shoulder. Bucky held you tight against him, and he felt harder, more solid. 

You realized that under all of the anger and hurt, you were mainly just relieved that he was alive.

Over two years of anxiety and unprocessed feelings were coming out, and Bucky rocked you as your body heaved. Steve came up behind you and hugged you both.

For a minute you relished the feeling, being held by the only two men that you ever had feelings for. You felt safe. But then you remembered the secrets and the lies, and anger flooded you again. You twisted out of their grasp.

“Don’t get any ideas, assholes.”

You moved away from them and wrapped your arms around yourself, suddenly cold.

“Do you know how worried I was? No one gave me any information. At all. I had to find out from social media. I felt like a fool, Bucky.”

You scowled at him.

“And you. You knew that, Cap. And you lied to my fucking face.”

You glared at Steve.

You looked from Steve to Bucky, who shared a guilty glance with each other. 

“That’s my fault, Sugar. I– I made Tony and Steve swear not to tell you.”

Your dark haired ex boyfriend looked at his shoes as he rubbed the back of his neck with his new hand. He held it up and looked at it and then at you.

“Didn’t know how you would feel about this.”

You ignored the uncertainty and hurt in his eyes.

"What do you want? A cookie? A pat on the head?  A tear? You are not going to make me feel sorry for you. Not when you let everyone else but me in on your secret."

You cocked your head and gazed curiously at the new appendage, then back at him.

“Bucky, I am stronger than you think. And I loved you.”

Both Steve and Bucky winced at the word ‘loved,’ but both for different reasons.

“I would have accepted you anyway you came. And I would have been by your side while you recovered. But you didn’t want that. But it looks as if you’re fine.” 

Steve sat back down at his workstation, resigned. You shook your head at him. If it wouldn’t have cost you a million dollars, which you didn’t have, you would have walked out of Stark Industries and moved across the world. But you had work to do.

“You’re interrupting our work here. You need to leave.”

You wanted him away from you like fire.

“That’s what I’m tryna tell you, Doll.” 

Bucky strolled over to the locker area and took off his coat, grabbing goggles and a lab coat.

“I’m reporting for duty. Tony assigned me back to the New York lab.”

—-

Tony leaned against the bar in his office, after he downed the drink that he’d offered you and that you’d refused. It was only 10:46 am. You were trying to hand in your resignation. Or at least ask for a transfer to a new location.

“And just where do you think you’re going to go, Sugar?”

You glared at your boss. Bolstered by anger, this was the least intimidated, and most angry, you’d ever been at him.

“Paris, maybe? Tokyo? Hell, even Des Moines. I’ll take anything. I need space.”

Tony shook his head. 

“I need you here. The productivity with Barnes back is about to be through the roof.”

You just stared at him incredulously.

“You’re not thinking with your brain. Your heart and what is pounding between your legs are in the way.” 

Your mouth dropped open.

“...But the tension between you Barnes and Rogers will make me a lot of money. I’ve studied you since your freshman year. I know what makes you tick, what motivates you to do your best work. And the numbers don’t lie. Being right in the middle of Bucky and Cap makes lots of money for Stark Industries.”

You stared out at the view of New Jersey, outraged.

“Besides. I have the exclusive contract over your mind, body, and soul for the next seven years. Might as well make the most of it.”

You sighed and took the drink Tony offered you this time.

—-

Bucky Barnes was the most infuriating man you’d ever met, second only to Steve Rogers.

Your brain was scrambled when you weren’t working, so you worked that much harder to stay in control. You hated when Tony was right.

Here you were, flanked by two gorgeous men whose work clothes only accentuated their powerful bodies. Bodies that you knew very well. Your tongue had traced every plane of each of them. Your hands explored their broad shoulders and taught, muscular frames. Your fists had clenched their throbbing cocks and you had accepted them inside you. 

No matter how mad you were at them, you couldn’t get them out of your mind.

Imagining Bucky crashing his lips to yours as he backed you up against a wall made your core throb. And dreaming about Steve’s hands around your thighs as he lifted you onto a lab table made your nipples tingle.

Working in between them in the lab was torture for your neglected body and soul. You were doomed to work in  between the two men who’d fucked you most thoroughly and recently.

You didn’t even want to think about your heart.

You ignored the lingering looks in their blue eyes, the way they gentled their voices when they spoke to you, and the way they tried to come in contact with you for no reason. The number of times fingers lingered over passed specimens, the way space became so tight that they had to squeeze behind you in the lab, and the uncomfortable number of times you ended up between them in the equipment closet made you lose your breath.

Steve and Bucky never pressed you for anything, and all you had to say was ‘excuse me,’ for them to move out of your way, but it was untenable. You would give neither of them the satisfaction of getting upset. You managed made it through work and home to your brand new vibrator every night after long days of fighting their pheromones in the lab.

After a week of forced proximity, you were experiencing the forced Stark Industries Happy Hour. As you waited for your drink at the bar, you thought it strange that Tony had never made them mandatory before Bucky came back. That was quite the coincidence.

You wanted to pace yourself with your drinking as you realized that you had to stay there for another couple of hours to get the bonus that came with attendance. The word ‘happy’ and the names Bucky Barnes or Steve Rogers did not go together, so you participated in each round to numb the desire that was plaguing you. 

For someone so smart. You were so clueless sometimes.

—-

As you rode the elevator in Stark Tower to your apartment later that evening, it seemed as if the elevator was moving extra slowly. You didn’t know if it was the tequila affecting your senses, or an actual malfunction, so you asked FRIDAY for analytics, but for some reason, she said you didn’t have clearance for the answer.

You were mad and mute for a minute, trying to clear your head for the security code. It was then that one of your fellow passengers, who you were trying to ignore, broke the silence.

“Okay Sugar, truth, or dare?”

You looked at him as Steve watched you both. 

“I said, truth, or dare.”

“Truth is Bucky, we’re not kids anymore.”

“So you pick truth. You don’t get to pick the question, though.”

Bucky ignored your ire.

“Which one of our cocks is better, mine or Steve’s?”

Your eyes widened and you gasped as Steve interjected,

“Buck…”

“What, Punk? Remember she rated them before she experienced them. Did that hold out? Or did she tell you that you were the 9.9 too?”

Steve rolled his eyes and went back to watching the floor count, mouth set in a thin line. You had not, in fact, told Steve that he was the 9.9. 

“Stop being a little shit, James.” 

You were rocked, memories flooding back, dysregulating your nervous system even more.

“So you’re saying you won't answer the truth?”

You crossed your arms and legs as you leaned back against the elevator wall. You looked up at the floor indicator lights, trying to stop the emotions from getting to you.

“You can pass. Or you can take a dare, Sugar.”

You huffed, fighting the urge to just say pass. Some lingering adolescent urge refused to let you.

“This is so fucking ridiculous.”

You spoke it outwardly, but you were talking to yourself, to your riotous body, which was reacting to these two men in this enclosed space in the most alarming way.

Bucky was watching you intently, but Steve hadn’t turned around, just replied in that voice of his.

“Those are the rules, Sugar. You should probably answer the question or take the dare.”

You closed your eyes and took a deep breath when you realized what this was. You were dealing with male egos and competitiveness. And they wanted to know the answer, hear you talk about their cocks when for some reason the agave gods were making you horny.

You had to get out of there. 

“You’re not making stupid bets and putting notches in the bedposts any longer. Bucky, we were together, and then you left. I thought it was something that it was not. Then Steve and I got together. I loved you both and in return, you both played me. You both won.” 

Steve turned around and faced you as Bucky advanced closer. He licked his lips and you wanted, no you needed, to run.

“You think I didn’t love you, Sugar? Shit, I worshiped you.”

The sensation of Bucky’s firm body crowding you in bed, taking up the mattress, leg wedged between your thighs while he delivered hot kisses and a slow grind against your clit came out of nowhere. You missed it. You wanted it again. But you lifted your chin as you straightened your spine, determined to resist him.

“You left me.”

“Stark made me!”

Bucky’s blue eyes were wide with emotion.

“‘S’okay Buck. She doesn’t believe I loved her either. Even though I always have. And I caught her when you were gone.”

You looked up at Steve and saw the hurt, and you were preparing not to care, but the feeling of Steve naked against your back, his hands roaming all over you, whispering assurances and praise as he rocked inside and made you come apart in his grip almost made your knees buckle.

You had to move, so you pushed at the rock hard wall of them and they let you move them to get to the elevator controls.

“Why. Won’t. This. Thing. Move!?!?”

You pushed too many buttons at once as Steve and Bucky tried to stop you. The only thing that stopped was the slow progress of the elevator. The small room jolted to a halt, and you stumbled, right into Bucky and Steve’s arms as everything went dark.

“Well now, Sugar. You should have just taken the dare.”

Bucky’s sass enraged you and you cursed and batted their hands away from you as you reached for your purse to find your phone.

—-

A half an hour later, you were all sitting on the floor, Bucky’s jacket beneath you and Steve’s jacket around your arms because the climate control was off. There was no telling how long it would be before someone would find you.

There had been silence since you realized you had not cell phone signal and cursed for 3 minutes straight. You were more than sober now.

God, you wished you were drunk.

“Answer the question. Or take the dare, Sugar.”

This time it was Steve.

“Your fucking competitiveness is so annoying, you know that? Can you two accomplish anything on your own, just for your own pride? Or altruism? Or shits and giggles?”

You could feel their eyes on you in the dark. You fought against them in the darkness, or you were just fighting the darkness, because the lack of sight was enhancing your other senses, and lord you didn’t really want to feel those right now.

“Truth. Or Dare?”

Bucky’s velvet voice was undeterred. You shook your head at it.

“Fine. If it will get you to leave me alone. Dare.”

“I dare you to give up control.”

The response was immediate, as if he were waiting for you to say that.

You groaned, a sound that sounded to sensual, even to your own ears. You were going for annoyed.

“Bucky, it’s late. I’m tired. I’m stuck in an elevator with my two exes. This is a nightmare. And you’re daring me to give up a concept?”

He chuckled.

“Not the concept of control. I think you know exactly what I mean. Give me control. One long weekend. It will be just like when we were roommates. But without the endless teasing and blue balls. This time you give us both that we deserve.”

“What the hell are you talking about, Bucky?”

Your head turned toward Steve, whose voice was on edge.

“I get to watch. You and Sugar, Steve. And direct. And participate…and we find out who is the best…”

“Hold on…”

You could feel Steve shifting in his position on the floor.

“Are you talking about….? Watching me and Sugar… what–?”

“Really Bucky? Do you have a metal brain as well?”

You wanted to fight, but them touching you was out of the question. Bucky was pure chaos.

“If we do this, what would that accomplish?”

“The fuck are you entertaining this nonsense for, Steve? Who the fuck–”

Bucky interrupted your rant.

“Well, you’ve entertained both of us, Sugar, haven’t you? Teased us. Toyed with us. Played us against the other. Wore our clothes and nothing else, slept between us in our bed. Teased us with that body well before we could really do anything about it.”

You dropped your head in your hands, exhausted, as Bucky continued.

“And then, when you finally granted us between your legs, one by one, there was always this spector hanging over the bed, or the floor, or the counter, or the lawn that we fucked on, wasn’t there?”

Bucky paused and you heard the bitterness in his voice. 

“The other one of us was always in the closet or the bushes, or in your head, weren’t we?”

"Don't blame me for your twisted predilections, Bucky."

“What about your predilections, Sugar? You’ve played us against each other long enough. Don’t forget. We both know what gets you off.”

Bucky’s voice wrapped around you in the dark, and you wanted to climb on and ride it as your clit began to pulse. You cursed your body’s reaction to him.

“We know what gets you off hard. Steve told me everything. And it was the same as with me. Your fantasies, Sugar…”

Steve spoke up.

“Bucky, this is uncalled for…”.

"Stop being such a boy scout."

“We know you, Sugar. What we don’t know is who you like the best. We deserve to know.”

“Bucky…”

“It would give us all closure, Steve.”

“You’re crazy, Bucky.”

“Put up or shut up, Sugar.”

Suddenly the lights came back on and you scrambled to stand up as the elevator started again, this time moving at normal speed. You looked between one man who was flushed red and the other who had a smirk on his face.

The elevator stopped and the doors opened, as you bolted out, you replied to Bucky.

“Why don’t you just fuck each other? That will kill two birds with one stone.”

——

Next part: Simple Sugar

Let me know if you like it! 😊

[tj-crochets]

Thanks everybody! I texted my mom about this and she was like "Yeah, I'm not surprised you're ambidextrous, I am and at least one of your siblings is too" so it turns out like at least half of my family is ambidextrous and that's probably why I thought that everybody could do all those things

Thinking about my neurology appointment again, I have another weird question for y'all! My neurologist was surprised and said it was weird I was right handed, which I am assuming is because of the reflex and grip tests she did, not because I give off a left-handed kind of vibe Wait I was going to ask if it was weird that I, a non-ambidextrous person, hit and kick evenly with both right and left sides, open doorknobs with whichever hand is closer, and use the foot pedal for the sewing machine with whichever foot it ends up nearer but can't write with my left hand But I just tried it and I can write with my left hand??? Like, not as neatly or as quickly as with my right, but it's clearly legible and not difficult to do. Have I been ambidextrous this entire time??

[elly-grace]

Friends don’t look at friends that way

Pairing:Joe Burrow x reader

Word count: 1505

September 2014

Today was your first day at Athens High School, but you weren't a freshman. Your dads business opportunity has led you here for your senior year. Only knowing the people on the dance team, which you were a part of. You honestly didn’t know them well enough to call them friends yet. The only person you knew on a personal level was your new neighbor Joe Burrow.

Joe was the quarterback on the football team, but he didn’t act like a football player. He was kind unlike any other football player you have had interactions with. He was smart as well. You could have an intellectual conversation with him.

Suddenly you are pulled from your thoughts by a knock on the front door.

“Let’s go Y/N don’t want you to be late on your first day.”

You and Joe had grown close over the summer. Often hanging out on the weekends.

“Coming, geez give me a minute.” you yelled through the door going to open it.

Once out the door you locked it and got into Joe's car. Of course Kid Cudi was playing in the background.

“Our schedules are the same,” You said after examining his schedule.

“That's cool!”

Joe knew that already he made sure he had the same classes as you. He enjoyed your company, but he would never tell you that. You could tell he was behind the identical schedules.

“You did this, didn't you?”

“Maybe,” You gave him a ‘I know it was you’ look and he sighed. “Yeah.”

“I mean thank you, I guess”

You both laughed as he pulled into the school parking lot.

“See you in class.” you said closing the car door. You didn’t want to walk to class with him or walk into the building with him because of the amount of attention it would attract. So you hurried inside and hoped that no one saw you get out of his car.

When you made it to your locker there stood Lacy the captain of the dance team.

“Hey, just so you're aware practice is on the field tonight. We have a game on Friday and the boys won’t be there till later.”

“Okay thank you.”

She walked away and you put your books in your locker and headed to class.

The only bright spot of your classes was actually having someone to sit by. Joe made sure to save you a spot in every class, even during lunch. But the school day was soon over and practice was in full swing.

The boys walk out of the locker room during your last run through of the halftime routine. Once Joe saw you he couldn’t keep his eyes off of you. His friends took notice.

“Ohhh does Burrow have a crush on the new girl?”

“No, we're just friends.”

“Friends don’t look at friends that way man.” His team mate said then patted his back.

January 2016

Joe and You both ended up at Ohio State, both of you were buckeyes. You made it on the dance team and he was on the football team. Although he was redshirted he showed up to every game and every practice. There you guys met one of your best friends Sam Hubbard. He was part of the football team with Joe. They instantly became friends and Joe introduced him to you and things clicked. The three of us soon became an unbreakable trio. Often spending your weekends together, most of the time you guys just went to get coffee. You guys tried to go to the bar one time, but never again. Joe and Sam would get extremely protective over you, Joe even punched a man who hit on you. Your movie night tradition remained which now included Sam.

Both of them showed up to all of your dance competitions and performances. You showed up to all of their games. But today was a huge day, they both flew out to Florida to support you at nationals.

You were extremely nervous, you couldn’t focus. You were shaking running through the routine in your head over and over again. Joe saw this and knew he needed to help you out.

He ran over to you and gave you a huge hug, upon feeling Joes touch your nervousness faded. Your teammates took notice of your reaction to seeing him.

“Hey, you got this! I’m gonna go sit by Sam but I want you to know that I believe in you.”

He then turns his back and walks over to Sam.

“Wait, are you two together?” Sarah asks, pointing Joe out.

“No, we're just friends.”

“Really? Because friends don’t look at friends' way.”

You sighed, you knew she was right. You did have feelings for Joe but you two could never be together, it just wouldn’t work.

“And friends don’t do what he just did for you. I can tell he loves you.”

You tried to shake the thought from your mind. Joe couldn’t have feelings for you. Could he? No he could have any girl he wanted, he didn’t want you.

August 2018

Today was a rough day, Joe was leaving for LSU, he decided to transfer after being redshirted his entire career at OSU.

“Come visit me, I’d love for you to see me play.”

“I promise I’ll come see a game. If not this season then next season.”

Joe smiles and gives you a hug, once he pulls away he walks to the car. You waited until his car was out of sight then you ran to your room and started crying. Robin noticed and followed you.

“Sweetie, what’s wrong?” She said rubbing your back as you continued to cry.

“I think I’m in love with your son, and he doesn’t know I exist in that realm. He thinks of me as his best friend and that’s it.”

Robin knew the two of you loved each other. She had a similar conversation with Joe about a month ago. She couldn’t tell you that though. She just offered you a small smile and continued to comfort you.

First day of school

Today was going to be incredibly tough. You had to walk into school without Joe and Sam. You kept your head down, only paying attention during classes. You walked down the hall until you hit something hard.

“I’m so sorry.” You said keeping your head down.

“No worries. What’s your name?”

“Yeah, Im Y/n. What’s your name?”

“Cody, it’s a pleasure to meet you.”

“You’re on the football team aren’t you. You look kinda familiar.”

“Yeah, I’m the tight end.”

“We’ll nice to meet you Cody but I gotta go”

“Wait can I maybe get your number?”

You smile and nod, grabbing a post it out of your bag and giving him your number. Then walked away.

It didn’t take long for you two to start dating, Cody was kind and sensitive. You went to every game, although it felt weird supporting a different number than Joes.

You were so busy with Cody you sort of forgot about your promise to Joe. You didn’t visit him and definitely didn’t see a game. But you did continue to call him every night.

After a few months Cody started getting really jealous of your relationship with Joe. He ended up making you block Joe's number. You listened to Cody, you thought you loved him. But by April you were sitting in your dorm crying because he broke your heart.

There was only one person you wanted to text, but you couldn’t bring yourself to text him. You had been avoiding him for a month what would he think if you reached out to him?

So you texted Sam, who responded right away. He came to your dorm with ice cream and movies. You sat and talked for hours, before Sam told you to text Joe.

You called Joe but he didn’t pick up.

Summer before Joes heisman season

Joe came home and didn’t even walk into his house. The first thing he did was go to your house. He let himself in using the hidden key. He was upset and hurt but most of all he was worried about you. Walking up the stairs to your room he heard crying. He opened the door and ran to you and hugged you.

“Shh it’s okay.” He said soothingly while brushing your hair.

“How can you be so nice after what I did to you?”

“Sam filled me in, am I hurt yes. But you are the most important person in my life.”

“I- I didn’t want to but, he made me.”

“Shhh I know, I know.”

You cried harder. You missed Joe so much, you missed his embrace.

“Don’t ever let a man make decisions for you again. You are strong.” He cooed in your ear.

You pulled away and looked him in the eyes.

“Joe?” you asked

“Yeah?”

“Friends don’t look at friends this way.”

“Friends don’t look at friends this way.” He said then kissed you. It was full of passion and need.

Thank you @funnyjb for proof reading ♥️

[fryingpan1234567]

DC high school au… mayhaps…..

I’m not sure if anyone’s done this before

But I’m doing it now

So the JL, right. These are famous alumni who made school history and now obvi they’re billionaires and reporters and museum owners but they’re not superheroes— just regular people

Liiike Clark Kent was the best quarterback the school has ever seen

Oliver Queen essentially revolutionized the archery team

Diana Prince convinced the school to start a fencing league

Barry Allen slayed both track and any and all chemistry competitions thrown his way

Arthur Curry… I shouldn’t have to say anything about his swim team career. That’s where he met his wife

Bruce Wayne was one of the smartest people probably ever, especially to grace that building

And so on and so forth

Anyways so these people are famous, and they’re up on the walls and display cases and shit

The staff!! Was so thrilled!! To be getting their children!!!!

(The principal counted down the days on his calendar after the news hit that Brucie adopted his first kid)

So.

Dick and Barbara are seniors. Dick is the cheer captain and Babs WAS on the team until a fun little accident that has her wheelchair-bound. (It’s fine, she discovered she actually likes computers better. She’d hacked the entire security system one day at lunch because she got bored)

Dick is kind of the queen bee of the school, which is hilarious, because he KNOWS but refuses to let it get to his head. This man will start water gun fights in the hallways for fun

Jason and Cass are juniors

Jason is one of the drama club’s absolute best (singing and acting). He played Billy Flynn in Chicago, Prince Charming in Cinderella, Aladdin in… yeah. He slays pretty hard

Cass is on the dance team and regularly misses class for some competition or another. Sometimes, when cheerleaders and the dance team collab on stuff (like assemblies), she actually likes the pompoms. She does not like the skirts.

Tim, Steph, and Duke are sophomores— people are s c a r e d of these three

Tim is known for constantly having a stockpile of energy drinks in his locker; sometimes a few of his friends get access to it. He’s also terrifyingly smart. And he’s got a bike. SOPHOMORE YEAR. TIM WHAT

Steph’s whole entire TikTok presence is lifting/ workout challenges against any poor scrub who tries to go up against her. She can lift the same amount as Jason Todd. That gives her a very confident “don’t fuck with me aura” around school, which is good, because she’s got zero interest in any guy there anyways (bi f pref queen)

And Duke… Duke is the golden boy, so the first time you see him in a sparring match with any of his siblings (they do that for fun at lunch), you’re very shocked to see him holding his own against Cassandra Cain and Stephanie Brown. He also slays

Damian is the only freshman in his family. Jason and Tim make fun of him endlessly

It is pretty impressive that a freshie organized the biggest fundraiser the school has ever seen— and it was for local animal shelters. Nobody knows how he did it. Probably intimidation. You never know with that kid

Now the superfam. Ohoho, yes, these legends go to that school too

Kara is a junior, Kon is a sophomore, Jon is a freshman. They’re all on the football team (their dad comes to every game🥰)

Did anybody expect a woman or freshman to land on the varsity team the first year either of them tried out? No. But they made it anyways. Good for them

And football is just so different from their day-to-day personalities, sometimes it gives people whiplash

Kara pretty much runs the broadcast and yearbook teams, and she does it along with dominating the football field and gym

Conner looks like he’d deck you for looking at him wrong (I mean he might but like he won’t… probably), and he’s like. He makes good fashion choices. He’s the Bad Boy, which is funny considering his nerdy bf is the one with the motorcycle

Jon is fluffy?? So nice?? Sir who let an actual decent person on the varsity football team?? When someone spots Dami wearing his letterman at some point, they become the most popular couple at school. As freshmen. Slay for them tbh

Donna Troy is a senior. Fencing and beauty pageants is a weird combination. But she knows she’s pretty and she’s gonna make damn sure everybody else knows too

Cassie is a freshie, but she’s already on the fencing team as well and several people have seen her sparring with Damian (wHERE did he get KATANAS), and it looks like a couple of war gods who happen to be fifteen are fighting to the death for a few yards of shitty grass behind the school

Conner Hawke, Artemis Crock, Emiko Queen, Roy Harper, and Mia Dearden are the archery team captains. Yeah, there’s five of them, yeah, the coaches couldn’t pick because the kIDS ARE BETTER THAN THEM

(Ollie laughed so hard he fell out of his chair when they came home and told him that)

Roy is a junior and definitely brings his bow everywhere he shouldn’t. He also “accidentally” shot Jason once. Whenever someone asks about their meetcute they just laugh until the person gets scared and runs away

Conner is a sophomore but a bitter old man in his soul. What a king

Artemis is also a sophomore and everyone thinks she’s Ollie’s favorite because she’s like a mini-him, but Ollie doesn’t actually HAVE a favorite and she finds this claim hilarious

Mia, third sophomore, has a very strange attraction to the color yellow. She LOVES it. And she actually pulls it off, how awesome is she

Emi is a freshman but gets along with Dami pretty well, which isn’t surprising considering their matching deadpan humor and lowkey murderous rage constantly

Jackson Hyde broke Arthur’s record for fastest lap on his fourth try. He spends more time at the ocean than literally anywhere else

Wally West and Bart Allen are technically not related?? They’re like. Cousins. But Barry ended up officially adopting Wally (long story)

Anyways they’re actually cousins with Jesse Quick

The three of them DOMINATE track and field/ cross country/ physics club (yeah you read that last one right don’t even with me)

Wally is a senior and working towards becoming a forensic scientist for the cops. When someone asks why the fuck he wanted to do that to himself, he always jokes, “I’m not fast enough to be a serial killer so I guess I’ll help catch ‘em” and everyone is scared

Bart is a sophomore but should be a freshie, because he’s almost a full year younger, except that he skipped fifth grade and went straight to sixth. Tim and Kon pretend to be his adoptive parents and it’s like a soap opera watching these three act out a dramatic divorce arc

Jesse is a junior (alliteration go brr) but a younger one (summer birthday WOO) she definitely takes after Barry, especially in speed

SO people call their friend groups chaotic. What are you gonna do, go up and fuck with any of them? Bad idea

For fun, these assholes run a fight club after school with betting and rosters and everything, with anyone who signs up. FOR FUN. Once the batkids learned their dad has a black belt in like six different martial arts, it was all over

They say it’s a good workout

They’re probably not wrong, but still

Who the fuck wakes up and chooses violence on all their friends and family all in good fun to make MONEY OFF OF BEATING THEM UP

The most viral videos taken from their school is a push-up contest with all eight batkids, seven competing, Babs filming

Cass won.

LET me know if you want more for this. Because I’m gonna write more. But if you had specific suggestions or characters or scenarios or questions, I would love to write them

Good morning/ night/ 4am!! (PS BACK TO SCHOOL WOO)

[simmyfrobby]

do u have any sports doc recs 🤝

i mean. the crossfit games documentary i just watched was sad but also quite an interesting look at the crossfit community & how people deal with grief. i watch the buttery bros documentaries for this event pretty much every year. the quality isn’t Amazing but they’re free & on youtube & they provide an up close & personal view of the athletes because the guys who make the movies are friends w them so that part is pretty cool.

other sports documentaries i liked:

The Last Dance - basketball series. incredible storytelling. equally incredible soundtrack.

Icarus - cycling doc. slow start but gets REALLY good. deep dives into the russian doping scandal from a few years back.

The Russian Five - hockey doc. it’s on youtube and i think everyone has pretty much seen it by now but it’s just. so good. so devastating.

Free Solo - climbing doc.

Senna - F1 doc. i liked the documentary and thought it was good but senna himself is um. pretty gross. the documentary doesn’t mention it but he dated a teenager when he was a grown adult so. you should know that going in i guess.

Last Chance U - series. the basketball season is good & the first american football season is good too. every other season i kinda hated. it’s a series that follows a group of boys who’ve failed out of university or gotten into some kind of legal trouble & are now trying to impress at a junior college to get back into the competitive sports programs. my mom and i used to watch these together.

MotoGP Unlimited - MotoGP series. this is basically drive to survive if it was good.

Hitting the Apex - MotoGP doc. slightly older but still good. focuses more on VRossi who i think is one of the most interesting motorsports personalities probably ever.

Tour the France: Unchained - cycling series. i thought this was v good even though i don’t typically love the netflix drive to survive type shows.

Cheer - cheerleading series. this one is interesting because the second season takes SUCH a turn. (CW: sexual assault) the first season follows a cheer team throughout their season. it’s happy. lighthearted. cute. the show does really well, the cheerleaders become pretty famous over it. the second season starts with one of the cheerleaders (a fan favourite) being imprisoned for sexually assaulting a minor. so that season then follows the rest of the team & how they’re dealing with that. it’s pretty dark but i found it interesting.

other docs worth checking out:

the first pens cup doc is pretty good. (i watched the other 2 and liked those less). there’s also a documentary called Pittsburgh is Home which i quite liked. not super high quality, but interesting.

ive seen a bunch of the netflix sports docuseries and hated pretty much all of them (sorry) but i will still check out the american football quarterback series just because i think american football is cool.

i watched the leafs all or nothing docuseries twice (TERRIBLE storytelling. really so bad) and enjoyed it for what it was. but man it’s bad. sorry leafs fans. also some very disturbing serious injuries being shown so don’t go into that one blind.

more crossfit & crossfit adjacent documentaries that i liked but that aren’t necessarily Good: FroIVing, The Fittest on Earth (there’s like 4 of these. ive watched all of them a few times), Fullsterkur, Ronnie Coleman: The King.

[limitedgigi]

yall pls request 😭

another yandere hcs post bc i was bored!!

so sorry if its too long

yandere jock hcs!

yan! jock who is your school's prized quarterback and has never lost a game.

yan! jock who sees you in the crowd at his game and immediately falls in love with you.

yan! jock who talks you the next day during class and asks you to have lunch with him.

yan! jock who invites you to his next game, but is disappointed when you tell him you have plans that day.

yan! jock who performs poorly during practice because all he can think about is you.

yan! jock who notices how his teammates look at you in the halls as you pass by their group and hates the way they stare at you.

yan! jock who starts to slack off during his next game, until he sees you watching him in the crowd.

yan! jock who turns the game around and beats the opposing team to make sure he impresses you!

yan! jock who asks you about your plans you had that day and melts when you tell him you cancelled them to watch him play.

yan! jock who follows you around like a lost puppy after the game.

yan! jock who carries all your stuff, holds doors open for you, and pulls out your chair for you, like a true gentleman.

yan! jock who scares off any competition with his 6'2 muscular frame, and then showers you with attention immediately after.

yan! jock who comes to any of your extracurricular events when he has free-time to support you! he's your biggest cheerleader, literally.

yan! jock who is ecstatic when you ask him out on a date. he doesn't care where you guys go, he'll pay for everything as long as you're with him!!

yan! jock who spaces out when you talk to him and just looks into your eyes with a stupid smile on his face, thinking about how much he loves you.

"h-huh? oh, yeah i was listening! what did you say? uhh.. um... hehe.."

[solitary-bones]

so dndads live show St Paul! idk how much of this is a spoiler for anyone else going to shows so I'ma cut here!

we had!

- so many gay people in the audience that as I was walking in to the venue I said to my friend damn this is like a pride parade and a bunch of gay people in front of me were like TRUEE

- a live performance of both! dead and gone and rocks rock! it was so incredible. Beth and Will both POPPED OFFF!!!!!! they were so cool oh my god. and Freddie fucking shredded it on the electric guitar it was so sick.

- silly St Paul themed dad facts plus Ron just uhh thinking all manual labor is called a hand job.

- the people royally fucking up the dice roll (not my fault I was in the balcony I cannot be held responsible)

- the people absolutely manifesting the complete improv prompt as the live show topic. and all of the cast going into mourning over it (will fell to his knees on the stage so dramatically it was so funny)

- the cast deciding to do a DND game with their characters! Starring: Will Campos as Henry oak as Mr Chris (later Dr Chris), by the book health inspector! Matt Arnold as Darryl Wilson as Darryl, ex football quarterback now accomplished priest searching to remember all 10 commandments! Beth may as Ron stampler as Nor Relpmats, doctor (the best health inspector of them all)! and Freddie Wong as Glenn Close as Glenn The Closer, weed enjoyer moonlighting as a health inspector relying on his gut! Anthony Burch as Patrick as Patrick the shit (among other characters)!

- the audience not being able to stop being horny when giving suggestions for what their location, bad guy, and theme were gonna be (bdsm dungeon, just a guy from the audience named Patrick, and a 10 commandments dildo)

- an abundance of flashbacks and one single flashforward

- butt spanking competition to get past the second door (it is a bdsm castle ig)

-mr Chris tests to see if the floor has been cleaned recently and thinks it hasn't. Glenn the closers gut says it's fine but Mr Chris says if he tastes some of what's on the ground he'll be able to tell better. Glenn the Closer bites his fingers and Mr Chris is into it.

- Mr Chris finding a dead cockroach on the ground and revives it using CPR and mouth to mouth (Anthony is the cockroach and also when will tried to fake the mouth to mouth yelled DO IT PUSSY so yeah they actually kissed like twice at least) and revived it to ask about the cleanliness of the floor and found it not very.

- none other than paeden bennets on the second level, who Darryl proceeded to obliterate with a holy football. I'm not lying (not before asking how Patrick the DM knew about their friend Paeden who was long dead and us getting a lively npc on npc scene by Anthony of Patrick meeting Paeden and getting punched in the balls and saying "I'll never forget you")

- Test by the health inspectors to see if the blood of paeden would get cleaned up. all of the soots from spirited away came in with little mops to clean it and cleaned all the party. Glenn rolled to see if he's into it and got a 9 but the crowd gave inspiration and he got a 6, which is 69 so he was and wanted to stay there forever with the soots. Henry as Mr Chris used his persuasion to get Glenn the closer to leave the soots by saying that whatever they're doing he could do it better. because apparently they're ex lovers now. (Anthony yelled something about Will wanting to kiss another boy)

- Flashback reveals that they were highschool sweethearts but were going to health inspection schools on opposite sides of the US and were talking about how their relationship would progress from there when Mr Chris' secret lover barges in and informs them that they're pregnant and he's the father! Glenn the Closer gets upset and asks what happened and Mr Chris proceeds to another, extremely graphic, flashback where Ron the doctor commentates the uhhh conceiving of said child. and Glenn is understandably upset at the graphicness of this explanation about being cheated on. They end with bitter words, stating they're now nemesis in health inspection.

- Nor asks Mr Chris how long it's been since he saw his son Patrick. (not since birth lmao)

- they go up to the final level, find Patrick using the commandment dildo, on the 8th one I think, and upon seeing his absent father run in and ask "are ya winning, son!?"gets extremely turned off. he understandably asks what he's doing there after being absent his whole life. Mr Chris explains that he's finally ready to be back in his life, with his husband Glenn the closer, and his newfound belief in Christianity from Darryl the priest who's really good at football.

- Flashforward to Mr Chris and Glenn the Closer living together and apparently "they're bougie enough to have their own priest" so Darryl lives with them too. Nor comes to visit and we see the commandment dildo hanging above the mantle.

and that's that on that.

[petalsthefish]

RIPTIDE

Read on A03 for July @jilychallenge prompt: surfing lessons and sexy wetsuits. This oneshot was too long and is now a three chapter story, so enjoy!!!

Summary: Nothing gets between Lily Evans and her board. Living near the beach with two roommates including her naggy older sister, she is up before dawn every morning to conquer the waves and count the days until the Morro Bay surf competition. Lily finds all she needs in the surf scene ... until pro quarterback James Potter comes along. Like it or not, Lily starts losing her balance - and finding it - as she falls for James.

“Don’t drift out too far!” Petunia’s voice mixed with the seagulls, “I’m not coming after you if you get sucked into a riptide!”

“You worry too much,” Lily shouted over her shoulder.

The ocean was an expanse of endless blue, wild and breathtakingly beautiful. She could lie on her board forever, drifting with the tide, staring out over the white-capped, ruffled waves. Occasionally, an otter would drift by, its serene presence contrasting with the sight of a dolphin’s fin cutting through the water. The waves were terrible for surfing that day but perfect for slipping away into her thoughts.

Her fingers swirled through the water as she hummed her favorite song from the radio that week. Her legs kicked up behind her, waving in the wind, her white-painted toes dipping into the water playfully every few minutes. Her red hair was unbound, the hair tie long retired to her wrist, allowing the ends to soak in the salt water. A heavy but contented sigh escaped her lips as she rolled onto her back, her gaze shifting from the ocean blue to the sky blue.

Lily Evans was born in California after her father moved to San Diego for his military career. Her early years were filled with the scent of plumeria and the sound of the ocean. But when her mother died, her father left the military and, unable to cope with the loss, left the world a few months later. He’d left sixteen year old Lily in the care of her older sister. Petunia and Lily couldn’t have been more different—Petunia was practical and grounded, while Lily was a dreamer with a love for the ocean.

As the sun climbed higher in the sky, its rays reflecting off the water, Lily noticed Petunia and Marley waving from nearby where they floated with their boards. The carefree moments of drifting were over; the wave meant it was time to face the responsibilities of the day. Lily sighed, knowing she couldn't delay any longer. The ocean, her refuge, would have to wait. She paddled back towards the shore, her heart heavy with the weight of reality pressing in once more.

"Come on, Lily," Petunia nagged as Lily leisurely paddled over to the girls. "We can’t be late again!”

"Yeah, yeah," Lily rolled her eyes, but picked up her pace because she knew they needed the job for the money.

Petunia was the oldest of the three girls, the skinniest, and always clad in her six-year-old one-piece and purple and black wetsuit. The purple clashed with Petunia’s dirty blonde hair and over-tanned, reddened face, but Petunia was a creature of habit. She’d wear the wetsuit to pieces if she had too.

"Come on," Petunia urged, practically racing for the shore, her thin arms carving through the water.

"Petunia we’re coming as fast as we can," Marley huffed, paddling in front of Lily but directly behind Petunia. "Chill, please, or I’m sneaking pot into the brownies this weekend."

Marlene, the youngest by only a month as she constantly reminded Lily, had curly black hair, thick expressive brows, and a beautiful golden tan. She was undeniably the hottest one, she got all the guys, even the ones she didn’t want. Marley only wore a bikini today, absolutely taking advantage of the warmer weather even though the pacific was still cold.

"One day I’ll bring home the big bucks and we won’t even have to ever leave the water," Lily shouted after them playfully, “I’ll have maids cook and clean for us all day so we can just surf.”

If Lily looked in a mirror, she'd see a face covered in freckles from her time in the sun. Her red hair was her statement piece, attracting attention and making her look more like she’d stepped out of Ireland than California. Her cropped rashguard was doing little to protect her from the sun or the waves, but she liked to show off the abs she’d worked so hard to get.

"Come on!" Petunia exclaimed, "I've seen children swim faster than you two!"

The girls reached the shore just as the first tourists started to arrive, equipped with their sunglasses and lawn chairs. Other locals were clearing out, unwilling to deal with tourists taking over the beach and sandbars. Lily wiped down her board, then began peeling off her rashguard, the fabric clinging stubbornly to her wet skin like a banana peel.

They didn’t have a car, but they managed to hitch a ride in Alex Graff’s truck, which took them halfway to the resort just up the beach. In Lily’s opinion, the resort was the nicest on Morro Bay. Built only ten years ago, its sleek design featured walls of glass that reflected the ocean and gave it a modern, luxurious appearance. As they approached, the building seemed to sparkle in the sunlight, but Lily dreaded heading inside because it meant it was time to work.

Being a cleaning lady in hotel rooms hadn’t been on her list of ‘most impressive jobs to have’ but it paid for the expensive shack on the other side of town where the girls lived together. The rest of the money went into maintaining her board, surfing competition fees, and what food money was left over. The girls tumbled into the staff locker rooms, pulling their maid outfits from the lockers as they laughed and ate apples Marley had nicked from the breakfast lounge.

“I’m going out with Vernon Dursley again tonight,” Petunia said as she pulled the gray dress over her body, her wet hair staining the fabric.

“Ew, that toolbag from Piper Tech Industries?” Lily wrinkled her nose. “Petty, you can do so much better.”

Petunia shrugged. “He’s making six figures a year, Lily, and one of us needs to marry well.”

Lily tossed her bikini top at her sister. “You act like I’m going to marry some slum.”

“Your last boyfriend was Raymond from the post office,” Marley sang from her locker, “and he’s as slummy as they come.”

Lily flipped Marley off while Petunia laughed. It was rare for those two to gang up on Lily. Usually, it was the other way around, and Lily hated it when it happened. Despite her frustration, she couldn’t help but admire Petunia’s determination and practicality. Petunia always had a knack for thinking ahead and making choices that secured a stable future, even if Lily didn’t always agree with her decisions.

Last week Lily had been forced to get an expensive plan B from the Wal Mart in the next city over because she’d let a stranger at a bar fuck her without a condom. Meanwhile, Petunia was on date number five with the IT guy from Piper technologies and they hadn’t even kissed yet.

Lily and Petunia were not the same.

The girls were stationed on the second floor, where there was currently an influx of professional football players enjoying the spa and amenities during the off-season. They were from the team in San Francisco, but Lily didn’t know much more than that. The only sport she cared about was surfing. Even as she started making beds, her eyes wandered to the window panes, constantly drawn to the sight of the ocean.

In just two weeks, the championship surfing competition would be held in Morro Bay. Despite training hard for the last year, Lily felt totally unprepared. She knew she could surf, and surf well, but she was so concerned that once she was up against the real professionals, Petunia would force her to give up her dream of going pro and make her focus on college instead. The pressure was immense. She felt torn between her love for surfing and the expectations placed upon her. Every wave she caught in practice carried the weight of her aspirations, and every wipeout felt like a step further from her dream.

"Hey, this room left us a tip!" Marley called from the bathroom, holding up a hundred-dollar bill where they could see it.

"What?" Lily and Petunia gasped, racing over to Marley to stare at the bill.

"Are you sure they didn't just forget it?" Petunia asked worriedly, snatching the crisp bill from Marley's fingertips. "I mean, this is a lot of money."

Marley shrugged, a grin spreading across her face. "I found it tucked under the soap dispenser. Doesn't look like an accident to me."

Lily's eyes widened, and she glanced around the room, half-expecting someone to burst in and reclaim the money. "This is crazy. Do people usually tip this much?"

"Not in my experience," Petunia said, still holding the bill like it might disappear any second. "But maybe these football players are just really generous."

"Or really messy," Marley laughed. "Maybe it's a bribe for not complaining about the state they left the rooms in yesterday."

"The rooms were pretty disgusting yesterday," Lily agreed, "I still can't decide if that was blood or ketchup on the walls."

All the girls shuddered then Petunia said, "This room wasn't bad at all this week, though."

“This room has been the nicest out of all of them so far,” Lily agreed. "Either way, it's a nice surprise. We should split it."

Petunia hesitated, then nodded. "Yeah, you're right. But let's be careful. If anyone asks, we found it and turned it in."

"Agreed," Marley said, her grin widening. "But we’re eating steak this weekend, ladies.”

The other rooms down the long hall hadn’t been quick cleans, and none of them had left any tips to keep them motivated. By the time they reached the last room, Lily was eager to be finished. She leaned against the solid wood door and knocked politely.

“Housekeeping!” she called out. When there was no response, she knocked again and raised her voice. “Housekeeping!”

When there was no answer, Lily pushed the door open and was immediately hit with a wave of unpleasant odors. She quickly covered her nose, her eyes stinging and watering, as she forced the door open wider. The sight that greeted her almost made her gag.

The room was a complete disaster. Clothes were strewn haphazardly across the floor, and half-eaten food was scattered on the sofa and beds. Empty beer bottles were littered everywhere, adding to the mess. To make matters worse, there were visible signs of someone having thrown up, with streaks and splatters of vomit on the carpet and furniture. The entire room reeked of stale beer and something far more foul.

“Oh hell no,” Marlene exclaimed, peering over Lily’s shoulder. “There’s no way I’m touching this.”

Petunia covered her nose and added, “We don’t have a choice, guys.”

“This is the worst I’ve seen in ages,” Lily said, stepping over a pizza box filled with half-eaten slices.

“Football players are gross,” Marley complained, carefully tiptoeing around the mess.

“This is just awful,” Lily agreed, her eyes watering from the stench. “I can barely stand it.”

“Come on Lily,” Petunia urged, trying and failing to look undisturbed, “help me make the bed.”

Lily walked over, with Marley trailing closely behind her, preparing to grab the other side of the white sheets that desperately needed a good cleaning. Suddenly, Marley cried out behind her, as if she was in pain. Lily spun around, expecting to find her friend nursing a bloody foot from a broken beer bottle. Instead, she saw Marley hopping up and down with a piece of plastic stuck to her foot.

“Get it off, Lily!” Marley pleaded, collapsing against the wall—one of the only clean spots in the room. She held her foot up and cried, “Ew, ew! It's stuck! It won’t come off!”

“What is it?” Petunia called from the other side of the bed.

Lily wrinkled her nose and grimaced. “Oh gross, it’s a condom.”

“Please, get it off!” Marley begged, hopping in place.

“Hold your foot still!” Lily snapped at Marley, pulling her gloves up higher on her wrists.

With a shudder, Lily peeled the condom off, her entire body crawling with revulsion at the thought of why it was so stiff.

Marlene slumped, as if she was defeated. ‘Fuck men.”

“I’ve had enough of this, we are not their mothers.” Lily grabbed the small trash can from the desk, acutely aware of Petunia and Marley’s anxious gazes as she headed for the door.

Petunia noticed the wild look in Lily’s eyes and warned, “Lily—”

Lily’s voice was tight with frustration as she snapped, “No,” without turning around. “I’m not touching this room, and I’m going to let the guest know why.” She strode purposefully to the elevator, her footsteps echoing her determination, while Marley and Petunia’s desperate pleas faded behind her.

Ignoring their calls, Lily exited the elevator and pushed through the back door of the resort. Stepping onto the beach, she was met with the mingled sounds of laughter, chatter, and waves lapping at the shore. Her shoes sank into the warm sand, and the salty breeze stung her cheeks as she scanned the area, searching for someone to blame for the mess she had just left behind.

Raising her voice above the ambient noise, she called out, "Is anyone from room 215 here?"

When no one responded, she made her way down the beach toward a group of men lounging on lawn chairs. She locked eyes with a hazel-eyed man wearing a maroon and gold baseball cap. His charming smile momentarily distracted her, but she forced herself to speak.

"Gentlemen, room 215?" she asked.

The hazel-eyed man glanced at the condom in her hand and the trash can in her other hand, his gaze lingering on the latter. "Nope," he replied, his eyes shifting back to her. “You okay?”

“Fine.” Before he could say more, she turned and headed toward the water's edge. "Is anyone from room 215 out here in the water?"

“What?” a pudgy young man in a white tank top shouted from his floating noodle.

“Suite 215? Is it yours?” Lily called out to him.

She could feel the eyes of onlookers behind her, their curiosity piqued. She tapped her foot on the sand, maintaining a face of cool, formal disgust—her best customer service expression. The man stumbled onto the shore like a clumsy sea lion, nearly colliding with her. She stepped back, keeping her composure.

“I’m in 215. What’d I win?” he asked with a grin.

“Hi, I’m Lily, the housekeeper for your rooms during your stay here at the resort,” she replied.

“Peter,” he said, still grinning.

“Do you have a sec, Peter?” she asked.

“Sure,” he said in a sleazy tone. “Take all the time you want, sugar-whooger.”

Lily bit back the urge to kick him where it would hurt. She lifted the condom she was holding into the air, and his eyes, along with everyone else’s in the vicinity, followed its trajectory. “Step one,” she said. Then she dropped the condom into the trash can she was carrying. “Step two.” She flashed a sickly sweet smile. “Got it, sugar?”

His friend, still in the water, burst into laughter. “You got schooled by the maid.”

Peter stuttered, “I’m on vacation. You don’t have to clean your own room on vacation…”

“You’re cleaning your room today, buddy,” Lily warned, “and every day after until you leave.”

“That's ridiculous–”

Lily gave him a crisp salute before turning on her heel. As she walked back up the sand, she caught the eye of the handsome man. He was sitting up, the sun gleaming off his tanned chest. She felt her stomach lurch when he smiled at her with a fucking look that promised her a good time if she stopped.

“Most people are scared to talk like that to our linebacker.” He said loudly enough that she couldn’t ignore his piercing gaze.

“I’m not afraid of anyone,” she responded with a small, mocking bow.

“Wait! Can I take you out for a drink?” he called after her retreating form.

“I’m too busy cleaning up your friends’ messes,” she replied, continuing on her way.

"Ouch." But he laughed a deep, pleasurable laugh that would make her toes curl if she heard it in private.

Whispers followed her from behind, “Don’t waste your time on her, she'd just a maid.”

"She's going to be in so much trouble."

Lily heard one of the girls that worked the bar who saw the whole encounter add, “Lily’s made grown men cry before.”

“My kind of woman.” Lily felt her cheeks reddened and she glanced back to see hazel eyes following her up the beach with interest.

Lily trudged back to the resort, her steps heavy as the weight of her confrontation sank in. That guest was furious and would likely report her to management. She wondered why she had let her temper get the best of her again. When she got back upstairs, Petunia and Marley were waiting for her with disapproving looks.

“What did you do?” Petunia asked, her voice faint.

“I took care of it,” Lily replied, placing the trash can in front of the door. “That guy will clean his own room.”

“You’d better not get fired,” Petunia hissed. “Rent is due, and we still have to come up with the extra two hundred for the Morro competition.”

“Lay off her, Pet,” Marley said. “She was only trying to help.”

Lily let the girls bicker, staying silent to avoid getting dragged into the argument.

As Lily wrapped up her work processing sheets in the basement, she found Mrs. Thompson, the maid supervisor, waiting by her locker with an air of stern disapproval. Petunia and Marlene stood behind Thompson, shaking their heads at Lily as if to warn her not to make any sudden moves. Word must’ve gotten around then, probably because of the gossip beach bar babes.

“Do you have any idea what you’ve done?” Mrs. Thompson’s voice was cold and accusatory. “That display on the beach was completely unprofessional.”

Lily shifted uncomfortably, her cheeks flushed. “It was disgusting. Did you see their room?”

“They are VIP guests!” Mrs. Thompson cut her off sharply. “They don’t pay good money to be lectured by a housekeeper about hygiene!”

“But there was vomit all over the floor!” Lily protested, her voice rising slightly.

Mrs. Thompson’s eyes narrowed with frustration. “And making a scene in front of other guests is how you handle it? What you did was completely out of line. You can pick up your final paycheck next week.”

Lily bit her lip, struggling to keep her composure. “I’m sorry. I just…”

“You’re fired, Evans.” Mrs. Thompson sighed, leaning back in her chair. Her expression softened slightly, but remained resolute. “You need to learn to manage your frustrations more professionally.”

Lily noticed Petunia angrily hissing into Marlene’s ear but forced her gaze back to Mrs. Thompson. “Please, we really need the money.”

“You should have thought about that before antagonizing a paying guest,” Mrs. Thompson said firmly. “Goodbye, Evans.”

With tears threatening to spill, Lily slammed her company card down on the bench, and stormed out of the locker room. She walked out to the back, where her surfboard stood propped against the wall alongside Petunia's and Marley's boards. The pink color was bright and horribly offensive (according to Petunia), but Lily had saved up all her money to buy it three years ago. It was supposed to get her to nationals in Hawaii after she won at the Morro Bay competition.

Right now, it felt like her saving grace.

Ignoring the fact that it was a private beach, she grabbed her board and walked for the water. Her little maid uniform rode up at her hips as she walked fast, aiming for the sea. She kicked her shoes off as she went, not even bothering to even untie them. The football players were in the middle of a beach volleyball game, and she caught the eye of the handsome black-haired boy again.

He offered half a wave from where he stood at the back of the pack.

She quickly looked away and leaped into the water, then onto her board.

She thought she heard Petunia chasing her from up the beach, but she didn’t want a lecture. Especially not a Petunia lecture. Paddling out, she made it to the break and caught the first wave she could. As she stood up, a feral laugh escaped her, mingling with the crash of the waves. Salty water fell behind her in the barrel, mixing with her tears.

No job. No security. Just the relentless pull of the ocean, offering a brief escape from the reality waiting on shore.

She considered letting the silver-white foam of the waves take her under. It would be easier than facing the earful waiting for her once Petunia got ahold of her. Ever since their dad had left, and Petunia had gotten sole custody, she’d taken the role of ‘big sister turned mother’ a little too seriously sometimes. Right now, Lily couldn’t bear one of those lectures, where Petunia somehow morphed into a perfect blend of their mom and dad.

Lily stayed out on the water longer than the football players stayed on the beach. By the time she abandoned the waves, the beach was mostly clear, save for a few families who had appeared once the men had gone. Lily barely noticed that her maid uniform was ripped up the side, revealing the curve of her hip. She was half-ready to rip the damn thing off.

She made her way up to the double doors, preparing to get her stuff out of her locker, when she remembered that she’d left her entry card inside… and her regular clothes. With a hiss of frustration, she let her forehead fall against the door, her hand pushing at the handle out of sheer hope.

“Are you alright?” a voice asked, laced with humor behind her.

Lily, her face burning with humiliation, turned around and found herself face to face with the hot guy from the beach. Gone were the straightforward views of his hazel eyes; now they were hidden behind a pair of sleek sunglasses. His baseball cap, which had shadowed his features before, was missing, allowing his jet-black hair to fall freely. He stood there confidently in nothing but gym shorts, his lean body perfectly sun-tanned and glistening in the sunlight.

"You," she blurted out, her voice a mixture of surprise and embarrassment.

"Me," he replied, a playful smirk tugging at his lips. Even with the sunglasses, she could sense the amusement dancing in his eyes. There was something infuriatingly attractive about his self-assured stance and the way he seemed to enjoy her presence.

She nervously tucked a strand of her fiery red hair behind her ear. "No, uh, sorry… just leaving."

Lily rounded the corner quickly, but the football guy was faster, following her down the side path with an easy, casual stroll.

"Nice surfing. I saw you out there," he said with a nod in her direction.

Lily felt her cheeks heat up. "Thanks," she muttered, unsure of what else to say. She quickened her pace, hoping to put some distance between them, but he easily kept up with her, his long strides matching her hurried steps effortlessly.

"Do you need help getting in?" he asked, gesturing towards the double doors she had just been leaning against.

She hesitated, her pride battling with her desperation. "No," she said firmly, glancing around the parking lot for a familiar car. Everyone had already left for the day. She'd have to walk back to the house, and the thought filled her with a sense of dread

"I'm James," he said, extending a hand towards her. "James Potter."

"Lily Evans," she nodded, shaking his hand briefly. His grip was firm, his palm warm against hers. Despite her initial irritation, she couldn't help but feel a spark of curiosity. What was he doing here, and why was he so interested in her?

"Are you waiting on someone, Lily Evans?" he asked, noticing her scanning the parking lot with a hint of desperation.

She sighed, letting her gaze fall on him again. "No, not unless you know someone who can drive me home."

"I can," he offered quickly.

"Yeah," she laughed darkly, "right."

"I'm not kidding," he said, his tone earnest. "Consider it a formal apology for my teammate. He's pretty disgusting, but he's the best linebacker we've got."

"Listen, no offense," she began, "I'm sure you're a great guy, but today’s been terrible, and I just want to get home so my sister can yell at me."

"You want your sister to yell at you?" he asked, a hint of confusion in his voice.

"It's bound to happen, so I might as well get it over with," she replied with a resigned shrug.

James raised his sunglasses away from his eyes so that they rested perfectly on his hair. “Why’s today terrible?”

“Your friend from room 215 got me fired today,” Lily said tersely. “He complained to my boss about the condom.”

A flicker of shock crossed James' face. “He did?”

“Yes,” she replied curtly. “So, forgive me if I’m not in the mood for flirting with guests.”

James ran a hand through his jet-black hair, looking genuinely pained. “Look, I’m really sorry about that. Please, let me help you. Do you need to talk to your boss?”

“No,” Lily said quickly, shaking her head. “I’m not looking for someone to swoop in and save me. I should have managed my temper better.”

James' expression softened, and his voice dropped to a more serious tone. “I saw that room. I ordered him not to come out until it was spotless again.”

Lily’s eyes widened slightly in surprise. “You did?”

“Yeah,” he said, nodding earnestly. “I didn’t realize the extent of the problem until after you left. I’m really sorry for what happened, I feel responsible for these guys; I am team captain after all. Let me make it up to you.”

“How?” Lily asked, her skepticism evident.

“You need money, I’m guessing?” he inquired. “Until you can get a new job?”

“I’m not having sex with you for money,” Lily said flatly.

“First of all,” James leaned in slightly, looking slightly hurt, “I’m disappointed that you think I’d pay anyone for that. Second, I was going to suggest something else entirely—surfing lessons.”

Taken aback, Lily raised an eyebrow, her surprise evident. “Why would a football player need surfing lessons?”

James shrugged, a small, genuine grin tugging at his lips. “I dunno. You made it look like so much fun, and I thought it might be a great way to improve my skillset.”

“Surfing lessons?” she repeated, disbelief coloring her voice. “You’re serious?”

James nodded, his expression sincere. “Absolutely. I’ll pay you one hundred dollars for private lessons, once a day, until the end of the month when I head back to training camp.”

Lily stared at him, trying to wrap her mind around the offer. “One hundred dollars a day? That’s more than I’m worth.”

And more than enough to finish paying for her slot in the Morro Bay surfing competition. Lily tried and failed to not look relieved, but she was, this was the best thing anyone could have asked her.

James chuckled, clearly pleased with her reaction. “I know it’s not what you expected, but it seems fair to me. My friend got you fired, and I can help you, so you don’t get an earful from your sister.”

Her eyes widened. “Well, this definitely wasn’t what I had in mind to escape her wrath. But if you’re serious, then sure, why not?”

“Great,” James said with a broad grin. “Let’s set up a time for our first lesson while I drive you home."

"Fine," she shifted her arm on her board as she started to follow him while joking, "but you have to promise not to fall in love with me."

He snorted and sent her a charged look before lowering his sunglasses back down. "Right. Whoever falls in love first, has to skinny dip in the ocean at midnight."

"I like my odds." She was rewarded with another one of his nice laughs.

Her odds weren't great.

[strawberryblondebutch]

before the season starts, do you have predictions based on the current rosters/draftees? who do you think will be standout players? who might have the best season? etc etc

Making me flex my creds after a couple bourbons, I see you!

The Good: Boston is the team to beat this year. They didn't lose any of their stars this year (to retirement or free agency), they got my No. 1 pick of the draft in Hannah Bilka, and Frankel/Soderberg still make the best one-two goalie tandem in the league. The only question mark on the roster is if the new-look D corps can take some of the pressure off the goalie.

Montreal didn't tweak much of their roster, nor did they have to. ARD is aging out of her prime, but you've got a window there with her, MPP, and Stacey that you need to maximize. Hope that you can get a draft seed that doesn't rematch you against Boston and maximize what you can get from your role players. O'Neill was sneaky good last year and is only 26.

The Bad: Toronto is going to regress. You can bookmark this and come back to clown on me if they get the top seed again, but I don't see the pieces lining up for a second year in a row. Campbell isn't a strong enough goalie to stand on her head every game, and they were carried by an offense that will take a hit as Spooner works her way back from major surgery. I don't expect her to hit the wall as hard as, say, Tyler Seguin did after his season from hell a couple years ago, but you never want to be in a spot where your sparkplug is a step behind. (At the time of this post, Toronto also only has five goalies under contract, which... remember what I just said about Soupy standing on her head? Yeah.)

Ottawa has one big regression candidate as well, and that's Maschmeyer. Masch not only has the most mileage on her body from last season (not her fault, Abstreiter was working through injury) but she has a newborn at home, and I anticipate the Cole Hamels problem coming into play. Hamels, for those who didn't follow the Phillies in the late aughts, had a newborn at home right before the 2009 playoffs and suddenly forgot how to pitch, because he was sleeping maybe two hours a night. I think the Charge knew Masch was primed to take a step back, and that's why they swung for Gwyneth Philips in the draft. Philips was lights out in college - not sure how she'll adjust to senior-level play.

The Ugly: Let's talk about the elephant in the room that is Minnesota. A title hangover is real, and it's made worse by the behind-the-scenes drama. When I say that I expect Britta Curl to be a liability for the Frost, I'm not just talking about her Twitter personality. I had the misfortune of watching her on the Badgers for five years, and she may have decent counting stats, but I noticed a selfish, whiny player, which carried over her to her national team play. On D, you're expecting Clare Thompson to be a major contributor after an extended break from competitive play. The one good thing you can say about Minnesota is that Heise is finally healthy. You can't tell me that AC injury wasn't bugging her the back half of last season. I do think Taylor needs to add one step to her game, and it's physicality. A lot of that was being snakebitten by injury, but she has the frame of a power forward, and she needs to be throwing her weight around like Knight does.

And, last but unfortunately least... New York. For what it's worth, they will get a Fillier deal done now that they've indicated they're open to a shorter contract. I really like the Schroeder/Levy tandem. The coaching change will do them well. Now that I've given them their flowers, I need to be mean for a second. The Sirens do not have a player who can quarterback their offense. I love Alex Carpenter deeply, but she thrives as a second choice. She buries the greasy goals that snipers and true playmakers leave out for her. Abby Roque is the same way. That was my worry about taking Fillier 1OA - Princeton fucked her up. They took a dynamic, play-driving forward and made her a passive floater. Now she's on a team of people who hang around the zone, waiting for something to happen.

Players to Watch: I'm excited to see what Izzy Daniel can do with competent players around her. Her counting stats in her Patty Kaz year weren't great, but that'll happen when you're dragging along a husk of a team. Minnesota must have seen something in Hymlarova that I didn't. I've watched a lot of St. Cloud State hockey, and they're. Well. Not terribly great. Brooke McQuigge was sneaky good for Clarkson, perennial thorn in the rest of the NCAA's side. Elle Hartje has a good hockey IQ and 200-foot vision (though she doesn't solve New York's dynamo problem). Anna Wilgren adapted very well to Mark Johnson's system last year, which shows an adaptability that will come in handy in the pros.

[juliussilver25]

The Triplets

At a bustling college game, Silver Collective recruiter Julius scanned the field for fresh talent. Amidst the athletes, his attention was captured by an unusual sight—a rodeo man named Clayton performing incredible stunts during halftime. With his unparalleled agility and raw power, Clayton stood out even among the football players.

Intrigued, Julius approached Clayton after the show.

 "Ever thought about playing football?" he asked, eyeing the cowboy's impressive build and reflexes.

Clayton chuckled, shaking his head. "Rodeo's my life.”

“If Rodeo is your life, what are you doing here?” Julius asks.

Clayton’s shoulders slump as he looks down: “I need to support myself and at the moment my skills are not appreciated at the rodeo. Opportunities to perform have been few.”

Julius, sensing immense potential, made Clayton an offer he couldn't refuse—a chance to join the Silver Collective and see where his skills could take him. With a combination of curiosity and excitement, Clayton accepted.

As Clayton donned his new Silver Collective jersey, he felt an electric surge.

His rodeo skills enhanced, making him faster, stronger, and more agile on the field. Moves that required intricate balance and strength in the rodeo translated perfectly to his new role as a defensive end.

On the team, Clayton became a force to be reckoned with. His rodeo-honed reflexes allowed him to easily break past blockers fast enough to sack the quarterback. Every game was like a rodeo, and Clayton thrived, bringing a unique flair to his plays. With new confidence Clayton discovered he could, as a trick rider, now perform stunts that defied gravity, his agility reaching new heights.

Now rodeos across the globe were fighting to have Clayton perform at their venues.  He became a star. 

Unbeknownst to the crowds who cheered for his trick riding, Clayton was leading a double life as a secret Silver Collective player, blending the agility and strength from the rodeo into his football.

His brother Carson, a bull rider, who despite having great skills and many successful rides never seems to win a competition was becoming depressed.

Clayton hated keeping secrets from his two brothers, they are triplets, and knew it was time to share his secret with Carson in order to lift his spirits and improve his outlook. 

One day, after an exhilarating rodeo show, Clayton approached his brother, Carson who was downcast having lost again despite his successful ride.

"Ever thought about taking your skills to a different kind of field?" Clayton asked, a knowing smile on his face.

“What kind of field, Clayton?

“A football field!”

Carson laughed, shaking his head. “You’re crazy. Look at me I’m not built for it. I don't have what it takes. Besides the rodeo is my life and yours as well."

"Trust me, you do have it," Clayton replied, revealing his hidden Silver Collective jersey. "I've been playing undercover, and I know your talent could make a huge difference."

Intrigued, Carson listens to his twin’s pitch. More and more enticed by the possibilities before him he accepts Clayton's offer. He tries on the Silver Collective jersey feeling an incredible surge of power and agility course through his veins.

The silver jersey enhanced his exceptional core strength, quick reflexes, agility, and the ability to maintain balance under immense pressure while facing a powerful, unpredictable opponent on the field or while riding a bull. The silver jersey provided a new level of mental focus to stay composed in potentially dangerous situations.

The two brothers trained together, merging their rodeo agility with the precision and strategy of being defensive ends. When Carson finally stepped onto the field he felt at home. His rodeo experiences gave him an edge, making his moves unpredictable and his strength unparalleled. In the rodeo no bull could throw him allowing him to quickly rise in the ranks.

The two brothers, part of a set of triplets, became the talk of their hometown.

Known for their daring stunts and unmatched skills at the Rodeo, they harbored a secret: they were also key players on an undercover Silver Collective football team.

Their unique blend of rodeo agility and football strategy made them unstoppable.

Their brother, Colton, was a stock car racer, revered for his speed and precision on the track. Despite their different paths, the brothers shared a bond of mutual respect and admiration for each other’s talents.

One evening, after a particularly thrilling rodeo performance, Clayton and Carson decided it was time to bring Colton into their secret world. Over a family dinner, they broached the subject.

"Colton, we’ve got something to show you," Carson said, opening his shirt to reveal a silver collective jersey as Clayton did the same.

The shocked Colton with mouth wide open: "You two playing dress-up now?"

Carson chuckled. "Not exactly. We've been playing on the silver collective team, and we think you’d be a perfect fit."

Colton hesitated, unsure if they were serious. But the excitement in their eyes was undeniable. "Why me?"

"Your skills on the track—your speed, your reflexes—they’re exactly what we need," Clayton explained.

Curiosity piqued, and never able to resist his brothers, Colton agreed to try it out. As he slipped on the silver jersey, an incredible transformation began. His physique expanded, muscles bulking up with strength he never knew he had. The agility and reflexes honed on the racetrack were amplified, merging with the raw power of a football player.

As the transformation completed, Colton felt an electric surge linking his racing instincts with football prowess. His mind, sharp and strategic from countless races, now applied that same focus to the football field. Colton became a force of nature. His speed, enhanced by his racing background, allowed him to dart through defenses with ease. His newfound strength made him a formidable tackler, while his strategic mind turned him into a tactical genius, orchestrating plays with precision. His new ability to understand complex strategies and quick decision-making became invaluable for his racing, where split-second decisions can determine the outcome of a race. Excelling in teamwork on the field Colton was better able to coordinate with the pit crew and understand the mechanics of the car, ensuring smoother pit stops and more effective race strategies.

Together, the three brothers, Clayton, Carson and Colton, trained rigorously, combining their rodeo and racing expertise with football tactics. When the triplets finally stepped onto the field together, they brought a fresh dynamism to the game and were unstoppable.

[alaskan-wallflower]

I need any and all headcanons you might have about darry and paul

Ooooh okay!

They became friends in third grade

They were both competitive little shots and they were from different classes (like say there were two third grade teachers, Darry was in one and Paul was in the other)

They were both picked as captains for field day and as soon as they saw each other they were glaring at each other because they were competitive as fuck-

Things kinda escalated when they started getting physical with each other and yelling insults at each other and the teachers made them sit out for a bit

They actually kinda got to talking and Darry’s just like “I have a little brother named Ponyboy” “Is he an actual Pony?”

They became good friends after that one

Darry of course used to go over to Paul’s like…every other day. The dads even started talking and getting closer because their sons were best friends and it was kind of nice

They used to go out and watch movies together.

Wheneve r they hung out, Paul would get Darry the VIP stuff or whatever that he couldn’t afford so Darry could have some luxuries

Paul never wanted to go to Darry’s place though and would kinda make backhanded comments about his house being small lol

I kinda imagine Paul was naturally a bit spoiled-or a lot spoiled. Especially because he doesn’t have any siblings to share with

Pony and Soda didn’t like him much, especially because Darry acted like Paul was his brother too

Like Pony and Soda would have full on gossip sessions 😭(it was more out of jealousy that he spent more time with Paul than them, at least that’s how they felt)

I remember my school held a fake prom for the eighth graders who were moving up to high school and there they were both tied for prom kings

As they got older their friendship started fragmenting though because the two were a bit different

I feel like Darry was rather intimidating in high school-I mean, dude’s 6’2’’ and a pure tank of muscle. The resting bitch face doesn’t help. But he was the absolute sweetest boy ever-like he would help anyone out who needed it, he would be so sweet to the freshmen too, he was Boy of the year for a reason. And maybe even one of the top in his class.

Paul on the other hand was kind of the opposite. He was the one football player who was really just a jerk to everyone. People were afraid of him honestly and he’s probably managed to coerce Darry into doing some really shitty things with the excuse “boys will be boys”

I feel like he would give Darry things to kinda keep him under his spell a little-hence why he gave Darry his Madras shirt

I love the idea of Paul having an unreciprocated crush on Darry. I feel like that also fueled his jealousy honestly because Darry attracted girls like flies with honey and he HATED watching Darry even jokingly flirt back

Things finally shattered when Darry got the quarterback position-something Paul had been jonesing for since freshman year.

I mean…Paul had a private instructor! And what did Darry have? His dad? Yeah, that just toppled everything

A twisted part of him was even happy when Darry lost everything. In his eyes Darry had everything he ever wanted. A good family. Good friends. Chicks swarming him. And Paul didn’t see the good things he had. And he managed to get Darry to open up

And that’s when he pulled the train prank.

He waited for Darry to cross the tracks one night (maybe the night after the funeral?) when he was with Pony and Soda and he blared flashlights at the car. Darry swerved into a ditch and both him and his brothers got hurt (not too hurt-Darry broke his shoulder, Pony broke a collarbone and Soda needed stitches) but the damage was done. And he saw Paul run away.

That was the end of their friendship.

Bonus:

Darry’s lying in the hospital bed watching his brothers sleep, Pony in a sling and Soda with severe head cuts and he just whispers “you two were right about him.” and promptly busts into tears

[y2niki]

# just like the movies <3

→ high school! 니키 x you

warnings? none, repetitive use of language on purpose

in the bustling halls of decelis high school, everyone knew you were a popular cheerleader with a smile that practically lights up the campus. did I mention and everyone can't help but adore you?

one sunny afternoon, as you cheer on the sidelines during that cliche heated football game, your eyes lock with niki, the star quarterback. And just like the cliches, your heart skips a beat, and you can't help but blush when he winks at you after scoring a touchdown. cliche right?

as the days go by, fate keeps bringing you and niki together. you find yourself sitting next to him in a few classes, and you strike up conversations about everything from schoolwork to your shared love for video games. and just like the movies, you discover that behind his tough football player exterior, he's a genuinely kind and funny guy.

on one very sunny afternoon, as you're practicing in the school gym, niki shows up with a football. he playfully challenges you to throw a pass, and of course you accept, determined to impress him. after a few attempts, you finally catch the ball he throws your way, and his eyes light up with admiration.  this is a cliche, but he’s falling for you.

soon, after a hard-fought football game, niki’s approaching you near the bleachers. and just like the movies, he whispers slowly “i was wondering, would you do me the honor of going to homecoming with me?"

the entire football field seemed to hold its breath as you smiled and said yes. 

from that day forward, you and niki become the talk of decelis high. your popularity and his football popularity blending seamlessly as you cheer him on during games, and he supports you at cheerleading competitions. the whole school can only help but watches in awe as they dream… after all this is just like the movies

[traldemic6]

Sabotaging Brandon (Male Weight Gain Story)

Brandon was the star quarterback of the college team, known for his chiseled physique, charm, and good looks. He had it all, including a beautiful girlfriend named Sarah, who was the envy of every girl on campus. However, unbeknownst to the world, Brandon harbored a secret love affair with his teammate, Alex, who was openly gay.

Alex was proud of his sexuality and didn't shy away from expressing his feelings towards Brandon. However, he struggled with the fact that their relationship was kept a secret, hidden behind closed doors. As the months went by, Alex's envy and frustration grew, and he couldn't help but wish for more from Brandon. He was tired of being the side piece and decided that it was time for a change. Alex wanted Brandon to understand the pain he felt from being kept a secret, so he devised a plan to sabotage Brandon's life.

One day, while scrolling through social media, Alex noticed that Brandon had a weakness for junk food, despite his athletic build. The idea struck him: he could use Brandon's love for food to his advantage. By making him less attractive to Sarah and even jeopardizing his football career, Alex would force Brandon to confront the consequences of his actions.

Over the next few months, Alex began to put his plan into action. He started by inviting Brandon over to his place more frequently for movie nights and always made sure to have a lavish spread of snacks and treats ready. Alex would encourage Brandon to indulge, playing off his love for food and his competitive nature.

"Come on, Brandon, you know you can't resist these nachos," Alex would tease, knowing full well that they were one of Brandon's favorite guilty pleasures.

Brandon, oblivious to the ulterior motives, happily obliged. "You're right, these are too good to pass up," he replied, digging into the platter.

Gradually, Alex started to incorporate larger portion sizes in their meals, plying Brandon with rich, high-calorie foods and desserts. He also began to introduce alcohol into their evenings, using the guise of celebration for their team's victories. As the weeks turned into months, Brandon began to pack on the pounds. His once chiseled abs disappeared under a layer of fat, and his muscular arms and legs grew softer and less defined.

Despite his weight gain, Sarah remained supportive and loving, but it was clear that she was beginning to worry. Meanwhile, Alex relished in the changes he saw in Brandon. His plan seemed to be working, as Sarah's friends had started gossiping about the couple's strained relationship.

Brandon's addiction to junk food grew stronger, and he found himself spending more and more time with Alex, who continued to provide a constant supply of unhealthy treats. Rather than growing distant, the two became increasingly inseparable, much to Alex's delight.

As Brandon's body continued to change, his clothes grew tighter, and his once confident stride turned into a sluggish shuffle. His teammates began to notice, and whispers about his declining performance and expanding waistline spread through the locker room.

"Hey, Brandon, maybe you should lay off the snacks, man," one of his teammates suggested, eyeing Brandon's now protruding belly.

"Whatever, I've got this under control," Brandon replied, brushing off the comment. In truth, he couldn't deny that he was starting to feel the effects of his unhealthy lifestyle.

As the year went by, the consequences of Brandon's unhealthy lifestyle became more evident. His performance on the field suffered, and he became the subject of ridicule by his teammates. Sarah, worried about her boyfriend's health, urged him to seek help, but Brandon's addiction to junk food and his bond with Alex held him tight.

As the months wore on, Brandon's life continued to spiral downward. His relationships with his teammates, friends, and even Sarah began to crumble under the weight of his addiction. Alex, on the other hand, felt a twisted sense of satisfaction as he watched Brandon's life fall apart. He felt justified in his actions, believing that Brandon deserved to experience the pain of loss and rejection.

One evening, Alex invited Brandon over for what had become their usual night of indulgence. As they lounged on the couch, a football game playing in the background, Alex handed Brandon a large, greasy pizza and a six-pack of beer.

"Here you go, man. Enjoy," Alex said with a smirk, watching as Brandon eagerly grabbed a slice.

Brandon, now clad only in his tight, strained underwear, had long since outgrown most of his clothes. His once muscular and toned body was now covered in layers of fat, his once defined jawline hidden beneath a double chin. He had given up on trying to find clothes that fit him properly and had resorted to spending most of his time in his underwear.

"Thanks, Alex. You always know how to cheer me up," Brandon replied, taking a swig of his beer. "I don't know what I'd do without you."

Alex chuckled as he watched Brandon devour the pizza and guzzle the beer. He couldn't help but feel a sense of amusement as he observed the once-star athlete succumbing to his vices.

Another night, Brandon stumbled into Alex's apartment after a night of heavy drinking, his speech slurred and his movements unsteady. Alex found himself grinning as he helped the inebriated jock to the couch, barely able to suppress his laughter as Brandon struggled to remove his shoes.

"Man, I don't know what's happening to me," Brandon mumbled, his eyes glassy from the alcohol. "I used to be able to handle my liquor, but now it's like I can't stop."

Alex patted him on the back, feigning sympathy while reveling in the sight of the once-confident quarterback brought low by his own weaknesses. "Don't worry about it, man. We all have our off days. Besides, I'm here for you, no matter what."

As Brandon's life continued to unravel, his football career hanging by a thread, Alex found himself increasingly entertained by the results of his sabotage. He would often invite other friends over, relishing in their shock and disbelief at the sight of the once-fit jock now bloated and struggling to maintain his balance.

"Can you believe this guy used to be the star quarterback?" Alex would joke, nudging Brandon in the side as their friends snickered.

Brandon, his face flushed with embarrassment, would force a smile and play along, doing his best to hide the hurt and confusion he felt.

As the second year of college began, Brandon and Alex found themselves in a strange new world. Though they still shared the same campus, their lives had taken vastly different paths. Brandon struggled to adapt to his new reality, the weight of his addiction weighing heavy on his shoulders. Alex, on the other hand, reveled in the chaos he had created, enjoying the sight of the once-powerful jock brought low by his own vices.

In an attempt to recapture the camaraderie they had once shared, Alex convinced Brandon to join him for a spring break trip to a beachside resort. It was there that the changes to Brandon's body became even more apparent, as he spent most of the time wearing only a pair of too-tight swim trunks that struggled to contain his bulging belly.

As they strolled down the beach, Alex couldn't help but smirk at the sight of Brandon, his once-chiseled body now marred by rolls of fat and stretch marks. The once-confident jock now walked with a waddle, his thighs chafing together with every step. Passersby couldn't help but stare, their eyes filled with a mixture of pity and disbelief.

"Hey, Brandon, want to join us for a game of beach volleyball?" Alex asked, knowing full well that the once-athletic jock would be no match for his former prowess.

Brandon hesitated, self-conscious of his diminished abilities and the stares he was sure to attract. "I don't know, man. I'm not really up for it," he replied, trying to mask his shame.

Alex feigned disappointment but was secretly pleased with the outcome. "No worries, buddy. We'll just hang out here and enjoy the sun."

As their second year of college continued, Alex found more opportunities to showcase Brandon's ever-expanding body. He would often invite friends over for pool parties, encouraging Brandon to wear nothing but his now too-small swim trunks. The once-muscular jock would reluctantly oblige, unable to hide the cellulite that now covered his thighs and buttocks, or the rolls of fat that hung over the waistband of his trunks.

At one such party, Alex decided to up the ante by organizing a cannonball contest. "Come on, Brandon, show us what you've got!" he shouted, encouraging the heavyset jock to climb up the diving board.

With all eyes on him, Brandon hesitated, feeling the weight of his now 300-pound body pressing down on the creaky diving board. He steeled himself, took a deep breath, and jumped. The resulting splash sent waves crashing across the pool, drenching the onlookers and eliciting a mix of laughter and gasps.

Amidst the commotion, Alex stood off to the side, grinning with satisfaction as he watched the man he had once loved struggle to pull himself out of the pool, his once-mighty arms now buried beneath layers of fat.

As the third year of college began, Brandon's life continued to spiral downward. Despite his attempts to regain control, his addiction to junk food and alcohol only seemed to worsen. He found solace in his newfound smoking habit, as if the nicotine provided a temporary escape from the crushing weight of his reality.

Brandon's once-ripped body had now ballooned to over 350 pounds, a far cry from the chiseled athlete he had once been. His friends and former teammates could hardly recognize him, their eyes filled with a mixture of pity and disbelief.

In an effort to maintain some semblance of normalcy, Brandon decided to attend a Halloween party with Alex. He had little choice but to wear a toga, as finding a costume to fit his massive frame had proven nearly impossible. The white fabric clung to his bulging belly, the rolls of fat cascading over the waistband of his now too-small underwear.

As they entered the party, Alex couldn't help but smirk at the sight of Brandon, who was struggling to maintain his balance as he navigated the crowded room. Guests stared openly, their eyes wide with shock and amusement.

"Hey, big guy! You sure you're not going to eat all the snacks?" one partygoer called out, eliciting laughter from those around him.

Brandon tried to laugh it off, but the sting of humiliation was undeniable. He retreated to a corner, nursing a large cup of beer and chain-smoking cigarettes in a futile attempt to drown his sorrows.

As the third year of college wore on, it became increasingly clear that Brandon would not be able to continue playing football. He could barely make it through practice, his massive frame struggling to keep up with the other players. Eventually, his coach had no choice but to remove him from the team, his once-promising career now a distant memory.

Brandon's increased drinking and smoking only served to exacerbate his downward spiral, further distancing him from the life he had once known. As he watched his former teammates practice from the sidelines, a cigarette dangling from his lips, he couldn't help but wonder how he had fallen so far.

Alex, on the other hand, continued to delight in Brandon's misery, his amusement never faltering. He would often take Brandon to the campus pool, where the heavyset jock would struggle to find swim trunks that fit. With his belly hanging over the waistband and his cellulite-covered thighs spilling out of the sides, Brandon would reluctantly wade into the water, his former athletic prowess now a thing of the past.

Despite his increasingly dire circumstances, Brandon found it difficult to resist Alex's manipulative charm. Even as his life fell apart around him, he clung to the hope that their relationship might one day become something more than a sordid secret.

As the third year of college came to a close, Brandon's life had become almost unrecognizable. With his football career in ruins and his friendships all but dissolved, he was left to face the harsh reality of his situation: his addiction to food, alcohol, and cigarettes had cost him everything he once held dear.

As the fourth year of college began, Brandon and Alex found themselves navigating a new set of challenges. The first semester loomed ahead, filled with uncertainties and the ghosts of their past actions. The once unbreakable bond between the two had been twisted and frayed, leaving both men wondering if there was any hope for redemption.

In a futile attempt to regain some control over his life, Brandon decided to join a support group for people struggling with food addiction. He knew that it wouldn't be easy, but he was desperate to find a way out of the darkness that had consumed him.

One day, after an emotionally draining group session, Brandon found himself alone in his dorm room. Clad only in a pair of stretched-out boxer shorts, he stared at his reflection in the mirror. The sight of his 400-pound frame, covered in stretch marks and folds of fat, brought tears to his eyes. In a moment of vulnerability, he broke down, sobbing uncontrollably as he desperately tried to find the strength to overcome his addiction.

Despite his tears, the siren call of junk food proved too strong to resist. Through his tears, Brandon reached for a bag of chips, continuing to eat even as he sobbed. It was a painful cycle, one that seemed impossible to break.

In a misguided effort to cheer him up, Alex decided to throw a small party in their shared apartment. He invited a few friends, promising a night of fun and games. As the party got underway, Brandon reluctantly emerged from his room, wearing only a pair of ill-fitting sweatpants that barely contained his massive frame.

"You okay, man?" Alex asked, feigning concern as he handed Brandon a beer.

"I don't know," Brandon replied, his voice choked with emotion. "I just feel so lost, you know?"

Alex nodded, a cruel smile playing at the corners of his lips. "Don't worry, buddy. We're all here for you, no matter what."

As the night wore on, Brandon found himself the center of attention, the other partygoers unable to tear their eyes away from his immense body. They watched in morbid fascination as he consumed beer after beer, his belly straining against the fabric of his sweatpants as it grew even larger.

In a particularly cruel twist, Alex suggested a game of strip poker, knowing full well that Brandon would be left exposed and humiliated. As the game progressed, the heavyset jock found himself down to his last hand, his face flushed with shame as he removed his sweatpants, leaving him in nothing but his strained boxer shorts.

The laughter and jeers of the other partygoers rang in his ears as he tried to hide his tears, continuing to eat and drink in an attempt to numb the pain. As the first semester of their fourth year came to a close, Brandon's life had become a living nightmare, his addiction continuing to control him even as he tried to fight back.

As the second semester of their fourth year began, Brandon's downward spiral showed no signs of stopping. Despite his attempts to regain control of his life, his addiction to food and alcohol continued to dictate his every move. His once-impressive physique had now ballooned to over 450 pounds, a constant reminder of the choices that had led him to this point.

Alex, meanwhile, continued to take pleasure in Brandon's misery, his amusement never wavering. He would often invite friends over to their shared apartment, encouraging them to gawk and laugh at the sight of the once-athletic jock, now reduced to a pitiable shadow of his former self.

One particularly warm day, Alex convinced Brandon to join him for a barbecue by the campus lake. Brandon, desperate for any semblance of normalcy, agreed, despite the knowing stares and whispers that followed him wherever he went.

As they arrived at the lake, Brandon struggled to find a place to sit, his immense frame making it difficult to fit comfortably on any of the available chairs. Eventually, he settled for a sturdy bench, the wood creaking ominously under his weight.

Clad in nothing but a pair of too-small swim trunks, Brandon's body was on full display for all to see. His once-muscular chest was now buried beneath layers of fat, while his once-toned arms hung heavily at his sides. The waistband of his swim trunks dug into his flesh, unable to contain the mass of his belly as it spilled over the top.

As the barbecue got underway, Alex couldn't help but grin at the sight of Brandon, who was now struggling to hold back tears as he consumed plate after plate of greasy food. He knew that he should feel guilty for what he had done, but the sight of the once-dominant jock brought low by his own vices was too intoxicating to resist.

As the semester wore on, Brandon continued to gain weight, his body now a testament to the power of addiction. His once-promising future as a football star had been replaced by a life of solitude and shame, the dreams he once held so dear now distant memories.

Alex, for his part, continued to delight in Brandon's downfall, even as a growing sense of unease began to take hold. He knew that what he had done was wrong, but the thought of relinquishing the control he held over Brandon was too terrifying to contemplate.

After college, Alex and Brandon decided to move in together, both believing that it was the natural next step in their relationship. They found a cozy apartment on the outskirts of town, and despite Brandon's ongoing struggles with his weight and addiction, they tried to make the best of their new life together.

Over the years, Brandon continued to indulge in unhealthy habits. His consumption of junk food, alcohol, and cigarettes only increased, causing him to gain even more weight. As time went on, his once-strong body became a distant memory, replaced by the ever-expanding figure that now inhabited their home.

One summer evening, as the sweltering heat made their apartment unbearable, Brandon decided to strip down to his underwear in an attempt to find some relief. Sitting on their couch in nothing but a pair of stretched-out boxer shorts, he mindlessly snacked on a bag of chips, the crumbs falling onto his massive belly. Alex looked on, a hint of amusement in his eyes, as he watched his partner become increasingly consumed by his vices.

In an attempt to lighten the mood, Alex challenged Brandon to a game of cards. The stakes were simple: the loser would have to perform a dare chosen by the winner. As they played, Brandon's minimal clothing served as a constant reminder of his ever-growing body. Despite the heat, he couldn't help but feel self-conscious about his exposed flesh.

When Brandon inevitably lost the game, Alex took the opportunity to further exploit his partner's insecurities. "Alright, big guy, here's your dare," he grinned. "I want you to put on your old college football jersey."

Brandon hesitated, knowing full well that the jersey would no longer fit his massive frame. Still, he was unwilling to back down from the challenge. He reluctantly retrieved the once-treasured garment from the back of his closet and attempted to pull it over his head.

As he struggled to force the jersey down over his enormous belly, the fabric groaned in protest, stretched to its absolute limit. The once-proud emblem of his athletic prowess now served as a cruel reminder of the man he had once been. Eventually, the jersey's seams gave way, the garment splitting apart and leaving Brandon standing there, humiliated and vulnerable, in his tattered underwear.

Despite his partner's obvious distress, Alex couldn't help but laugh at the sight before him. His amusement only served to deepen Brandon's sense of shame and self-loathing, further cementing his dependence on the very habits that had brought him to this point.

Over time, their home became a testament to Brandon's growing addiction. Empty pizza boxes, beer cans, and cigarette butts littered the floors, while the once-tidy living space was now dominated by Brandon's ever-expanding wardrobe of increasingly larger clothes. In the rare moments when he wasn't eating or drinking, Brandon could often be found sprawled across their bed in his underwear, the sheets barely able to contain his massive frame.

Their once-active social life had all but disappeared, replaced by long evenings spent in front of the television as Brandon continued to consume more food, alcohol, and cigarettes. Friends and family members tried to intervene, but their concern fell on deaf ears, as Brandon's shame and denial kept him trapped in a cycle of self-destructive behavior.

As the years passed, Alex's amusement with Brandon's situation never waned. He watched with a mixture of fascination and satisfaction as his partner's body continued to grow, always eager to witness the next milestone in his transformation. Though the consequences of his actions weighed heavily on his conscience, he couldn't deny the twisted sense of satisfaction that came from watching Brandon's life spiral out of control.

[justherbert10]

Chance Meetings

This is my first story! enjoy!

word count: ~3400

The air in the bustling press room of the SoFi Stadium is charged with electricity as the LA Chargers celebrate their latest victory. Justin, the star quarterback, stands tall, his blue eyes scanning the sea of faces, looking for a moment of reprieve from the storm of flashing cameras and eager reporters. His gaze locks onto a figure that seems to glow amidst the chaos—a young woman with y/e/c and y/h/c hair, her smile as radiant as the setting sun. Y/n, a rising star in the world of entertainment and a surprise guest due to her friendship with Formula 1 legend Lewis Hamilton, feels the same magnetic pull. As they are introduced, their hands meet in a firm but gentle handshake, a silent promise of friendship, and perhaps more, in a world that often feels scripted.

"Justin, you make dodging defensive lines look like a cakewalk compared to dodging these paparazzi!" She playfully nudges his arm, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

"Ah, you've got to learn the art of the juke, Y/n," he says with a wink. "But I'd say you're pretty adept at navigating through crowds with that charm of yours." He nods towards the group of star-struck fans that had gathered around her earlier.  The corner of Y/n's mouth twitches upwards in a knowing smile as she leans closer, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "You think I'm good? You should see me when I'm dodging the plot twists in my next movie script."

Justin chuckles, the sound resonating deep in his chest. "Now that's a game I wouldn't mind watching you play," he says, his eyes twinkling with amusement. He glances around the room, noticing the way people's eyes keep darting in their direction. The whispers and glances from the other attendees don't go unnoticed. "You know, it's crazy how quickly the spotlight finds us," he muses, a hint of wistfulness in his voice. "I miss the days when I could just grab a burger without someone asking for a selfie." He sighs, looking down at his hand wrapped around a bottle of water. "But I guess that's the price we pay for chasing our dreams, right?"

"It definitely has its perks," Y/n agrees, her smile wistful. "But sometimes I just want to be Y/n from Y/h/t again, you know?" She takes a sip of her drink, her eyes scanning the room before returning to Justin's. "So, tell me, how does a small-town boy from Oregon become the heartthrob of LA?"

"Well," Justin says, leaning back slightly, "It's a long story, but it all started with a love for the game and a father who believed in me more than anyone else." He pauses, his gaze drifting momentarily before refocusing on Y/n. "But let's not talk about me. What brings you to the world of football, Y/n?"

"Ah, the world of football," she echoes, her eyes lighting up with enthusiasm. "It's all thanks to Lewis. He's like a father figure to me, and he's been introducing me to his own brand of speed and competition." She smiles warmly at the mention of her mentor. "But honestly, I've always had a soft spot for sports. It's like watching a live-action movie with the most unpredictable plot twists."

Justin nods, understanding the allure of the unpredictable. "Sounds like you've got a taste for the thrill," he says, leaning in slightly, his voice a mix of curiosity and admiration. "You ever get the chance to throw a ball around, or are you strictly an audience kind of girl?" His words are teasing, but there's a genuine interest in his eyes. He's used to people seeing him as the poster boy for the sport, not a regular guy who enjoys a good toss.

"Oh, you'd be surprised," Y/n says, her smile widening as she recounts tales of her impromptu football sessions with Lewis. "He's been trying to teach me the basics, and I've got to say, I'm not half bad." She mimics throwing a perfect spiral, her hand twisting gracefully through the air. "But let's not tell anyone, I wouldn't want to ruin your reputation."

Justin laughs, the sound rich and genuine. "Your secret's safe with me, Y/n. Besides, I've seen enough Hollywood magic to know that anything's possible with the right coach." He leans in, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "And if you ever need some tips from the real deal, you know where to find me."

The connection between them is palpable, a silent understanding that they share a common ground of chasing dreams and navigating fame. Y/n's eyes dance with excitement at the prospect of learning from a pro.

 "You know, I might just take you up on that," she says, her voice filled with the excitement of a child offered a secret treat. "But for now, let's enjoy the rest of the night. Maybe we can find a quiet spot where we don't have to whisper over the din of the party?" She glances around the room, her gaze lingering on the crowded space.

"I know just the place," Justin says, his eyes lighting up with a mischievous glint. He motions for her to follow him with a subtle nod of his head. They weave through the throng of people, his hand occasionally brushing against the small of her back, guiding her gently through the sea of bodies.

They arrive at a secluded patio area, the cool evening breeze carrying the faint scent of jasmine from the nearby garden. The noise of the party fades into the background, leaving only the distant murmur of the ocean and the occasional cheer from the die-hard fans watching the post-game analysis on the outdoor screens. Justin pulls out a chair for her, his movements as smooth as the passing plays he's known for. As they sit, their legs brush against each other, sending a shiver of anticipation up Y/n's spine. "This is more my speed," he says with a genuine smile, looking around the quiet space.

Y/n's eyes widen in delight as she takes in the serene surroundings. The twinkling lights strung above cast a soft glow over the patio, creating a cozy haven amidst the cacophony of the event. "It's like stepping into a different world," she whispers, her voice filled with wonder. She runs her fingers along the cool metal of the chair, feeling the gentle vibrations of the distant cheers. As she sits, she crosses her legs, the fabric of her dress whispering against her skin. The sensation of his hand briefly on her back lingers, sending a warmth that spreads through her body. She returns his smile, her heart fluttering at the kindness behind the gesture. "Thank you for this," she says, her eyes meeting his, the blue depths of his irises reminding her of the Pacific she'd seen in photos from his hometown.

Justin pulls out a chair for Y/n with a chivalrous grace that seems almost out of place amidst the flashy glamour of the event. He can't help but feel a swell of pride at her approval, the corners of his mouth curling up into a genuine smile. As they sit, the energy between them shifts, becoming more intimate, more real. He leans back in his chair, the leather creaking softly under his weight, and takes a deep breath, savoring the scent of jasmine that fills the air. "It's the least I could do," he says, his voice low and earnest. "I know how overwhelming these things can get. Sometimes you just need a break from the madness." His gaze holds hers for a moment longer than necessary, the silence stretching out like a tightrope between them. Then, with a shrug of his broad shoulders, he cracks open a beer, the cap flying off with a satisfying hiss. "So, what's your favorite thing about LA?"

"The people," Y/n says without hesitation, her eyes lingering on the horizon where the stadium lights bleed into the night sky. "Everyone's got a story, a dream they're chasing. It's like the whole city's alive with possibility." She takes a sip of her drink, the cool liquid a welcome contrast to the warmth of the evening. "But I miss the quiet nights back home, where you can hear the crickets and the rustle of leaves." She looks at him, curiosity piqued. "What about you, Justin? What do you miss most about Oregon?"

"The rain," Justin says with a nostalgic smile, his eyes reflecting the distant twinkle of the stars. "There's something about the way it sounds on the roof, the smell of wet earth, and the quiet that follows. It's like the world's hushing itself so you can hear your own thoughts." He takes a swig of his beer, the foam clinging to his upper lip for a moment before he wipes it away with the back of his hand. "But LA has its moments. The ocean, the palm trees...it's got its own kind of magic."

The conversation flows easily between them, their shared experiences of leaving small towns for the big city creating a bond that feels both familiar and exciting. The sound of their laughter intertwines with the distant murmur of the party, creating a symphony of shared secrets and new beginnings.

The moment is shattered by the sudden appearance of Joey, his towering frame silhouetted by the light spilling from the party inside. His boisterous laughter fills the night air as he claps Justin on the shoulder, a knowing smirk playing across his face. "Well, well, well," he says, his eyes dancing with mischief. "Looks like someone's finally decided to take my advice and snag themselves a date." Justin rolls his eyes, but the warmth in his cheeks betrays his embarrassment. Y/n laughs, the sound like the tinkling of glass bells, and shakes her head. "You two really are like brothers," she says, playfully swatting at Joey's hand. "Could you at least pretend to be subtle?" Joey just chuckles, his eyes flicking between the two of them before he settles into the chair next to Justin, his grin unabashed. "So, what's the story here?" he asks, leaning back and crossing his arms over his chest. "Or is it too early for me to start planning the wedding?"

Justin's cheeks redden slightly as he tries to brush off Joey's teasing. "It's not a date," he mumbles, his voice gruff. But the smile that tugs at his lips gives him away. Y/n giggles, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "Let's not get ahead of ourselves," she says, playfully nudging Joey's arm. "We're just two friends enjoying a quiet night amidst the madness." Joey winks at her, his blond hair catching the light. "Friends, huh?" He leans back in his chair, a smug look on his face. "Well, if you say so. But if you ever need a best man, I'm your guy." The air between Justin and Y/n crackles with unspoken tension as they share a look that speaks volumes about the depth of their connection.

The playful banter between Justin and Joey brings a blush to Y/n's cheeks, but she quickly recovers, her laughter as bright as the stars above. She playfully swats at Joey's arm. "You're terrible," she says, though the smile on her face tells a different story. "But I'm surprised you noticed. Usually, you're too busy breaking defensive lines to care about my social life."

Joey's grin stretches from ear to ear as he takes a seat next to Justin, his eyes gleaming with mischief. He nudges Justin with his elbow, his voice a playful rumble. "Finally," he says, waggling his eyebrows. "I've been waiting for you to find someone who can keep up with your fast pace, both on and off the field." He winks at Y/n, his blue eyes twinkling with a hint of teasing. "And let me tell you, Justin here is the king of slow plays. But I see the way you two look at each other, and it's like watching a highlight reel of a perfect game." He laughs, slapping his knee. "I'd say it's about time you scored a touchdown in the love department, buddy."

Justin's eyes dart to Y/n, his cheeks reddening further. He playfully shoves Joey's shoulder, trying to deflect the attention. "You're one to talk, Joey," he counters, his voice tight with a mix of embarrassment and amusement. "Remember that time you tried to woo the mayor's daughter with your 'world-famous' pancake recipe?" The memory brings a round of laughter to the trio, breaking the tension.

"Oh no," Y/n gasps dramatically, her eyes widening. "What happened?" She leans in, eager for the juicy details, her curiosity piqued by the sudden shift in the conversation.

Justin's eyes widen in mock horror as Joey crashes into the conversation, his cheeks flushing a deeper shade of red. He playfully swats at his friend's massive arm, trying to shoo him away like a pesky fly. "It's not a date," he protests, his voice a little too loud. His heart races in his chest as he feels the weight of Joey's words, the truth behind the teasing. But he can't deny the thrill that runs through him at the thought of it being true. He glances at Y/n, her laughter lighting up her face, and feels a warmth spread through him that has nothing to do with the beer. "You're just jealous because you can't handle a night without making headlines," he says, his voice tinged with affectionate sarcasm. Joey just laughs, not bothered in the slightest by the jab.

Y/n's laughter is like a summer breeze, light and airy, filling the quiet corner of the patio with a gentle warmth. She watches the playful banter between the two friends with an amused smile, her Y/e/c eyes sparkling. She's used to being the center of attention, but there's something refreshing about being part of this unscripted moment. When Joey finally takes a seat, his presence is like a warm embrace, reminding her of the camaraderie that comes with shared experiences. "So, you're the one who's been trying to play matchmaker," she says, tilting her head to the side as she assesses him with a playful glint in her eye. "What's your secret? Spill it, I want in on the action." She leans in conspiratorially, her fingers tracing the rim of her glass, her eyes darting between Joey and Justin, enjoying the blend of embarrassment and camaraderie between them.

Joey's laugh booms across the patio, the sound resonating with the easy comfort of an old friend who knows all the best stories. He leans back in his chair, his arms folded behind his head, a smug smile playing on his lips. "Secret?" He says, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "It's simple, really. I just know what a catch my boy here is." He nudges Justin with his elbow, the motion causing the chair to rock slightly. "And when I saw you two," he says, gesturing between them, "I knew it was game over."

The air thickens with the weight of Joey's words, and Justin's heart skips a beat. He clears his throat, trying to regain his composure, his eyes flickering to Y/n. Her smile is gentle, a knowing look in her eyes that suggests she sees right through their playful banter.

"Well, it's been quite the evening," Y/n says, glancing at her phone with a sigh. "But I've got an early call time tomorrow, and I can't let Hollywood's toughest director catch me yawning on set." She stands up, smoothing out her dress with a grace that belies the sudden sadness in her eyes. "Thank you for the escape, guys. It's been... refreshing." She looks at Justin, the unspoken understanding between them as palpable as the night air. "I'll see you around, Justin," she says, her voice a soft caress. "And Joey," she adds, her smile widening, "you keep him out of trouble, okay?"

"Oh, you bet I will," Joey says, his grin never faltering. He stands up as well, towering over both of them. "But you know me, I'm the king of stirring the pot." He winks at Y/n before slapping Justin on the back. "Take care, sweetheart," he says, his tone teasing but affectionate. "And don't let this guy sweet talk you into any crazy bets. He's got a silver tongue when he wants to."

Justin stands up with her, his hand instinctively reaching out to help her chair. "It's been a pleasure, Y/n," he says, his voice sincere, his eyes holding hers for a beat longer than necessary. "I hope our paths cross again soon." The gravity of his words hangs in the air, hinting at the connection that's grown between them in such a short time.

As Y/n says her goodbyes, Justin can't help but feel a pang of regret at their impromptu meeting coming to an end. He watches her slip away into the night, her laughter fading into the buzz of the party. His heart feels lighter than it has in a long time, and he knows that this isn't the last he'll see of her. With a nod to Joey, he gathers his things and heads home, his mind racing with thoughts of her smile, her wit, and the way her eyes lit up when she talked about her love for racing. The quiet of the night seems to amplify his longing as he navigates the city streets, the neon lights reflecting off his windshield like a kaleidoscope of their shared moments.

The party goes on without them, a cacophony of voices and music that now seems a bit hollow. As Y/n's silhouette retreats into the night, Justin can't shake the feeling that he's lost something precious. He says his goodnights to Joey with a forced smile and heads home, his thoughts swirling like a tornado around the charming girl. Her laughter echoes in his mind, her words of kindness and understanding resonating in his soul. The drive back to his beachfront apartment is a blur, the city lights a mere backdrop to the replay of their conversation. He parks his car in the garage, the engine's purr the only sound to break the silence. The cool ocean breeze whispers through the open windows, carrying the faint scent of jasmine from the patio. He can't stop thinking about her, his heart racing with excitement and a hint of fear that he might never find someone who truly gets him like she seems to.

The memory of Y/n's dress clinging to her curves plays on a loop in Justin's mind as he walks into his apartment, the quiet hum of the fridge the only company to his racing thoughts. He tries to shake off the image, but it lingers like the scent of her perfume on his shirt. He heads to the bathroom, the thought of her contagious energy making his pulse quicken. 

As the steam fills the bathroom, Justin's thoughts drift back to the press of Y/n's body against his, the way her dress clung to her curves like a second skin. The memory sends a jolt of desire through him, and he can't help but let his hand wander, his fingertips grazing his abs as he imagines the softness of her touch. His hand moves lower, his thoughts spinning a web of passionate encounters, each more vivid than the last. The water pummels his back, a rhythmic beat that matches the tempo of his thoughts. He pictures her laugh, her eyes sparkling with mischief, and feels a sudden surge of arousal. He lets out a low groan, his hand moving faster as he gives in to the fantasy, the warm water a silent witness to his longing. The climax hits him like a wave, crashing over him and leaving him breathless, his heart pounding against his ribs. He leans heavily against the wall, the water now cold against his skin, as he comes back to reality with a gasp. It's not just physical desire; it's the connection they share that fuels his need for her. He turns off the shower, the silence ringing in his ears, feeling both satisfied and empty, knowing that the real thing would be nothing short of earth-shattering.

[lainiespicewrites]

Electric summer Ch. 2

Here is chapter 2! I love everything about this story so far it’s so fun to write and I adore writing Sy! It was so weird I was modeling this after my time at camp and I literally got a brochure from them in the mail today😂 maybe the universe is telling me something 👀

Anyway enjoy! Comments, likes and weblogs are encouraged!

Summary: Sy and ofc are united as camp co-counselors and spend the day catching up and reminiscing!

Warnings:none? Just cursing a lil

Link for Pt 1 if you missed it 🥰

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I blinked a few times in disbelief. “How, I-I…aren’t you…” I stammered trying to string a sentence together, still lost in the puzzle my brain was trying to work out. How was he standing here in front of me right now?

“Come here,” He laughed. Throwing his arm around my shoulder and pulling me into a tight hug. I was still for a moment still in shock about the situation but I pulled myself out of it and hugged him back squeezing just as tight.

“I can’t believe it,” He chuckled. “This had to be Rebecca’s doing.” He said.She was an old counselor of ours. She was with us our last summer together.She also happened to be camp director now and in charge of assigning cabin groups. This was surely not a coincidence. Sy’s arms were still around me. Admittedly I wasn’t ready to pull away just yet either. I was afraid he’d disappear and this would all be a dream. My mind was playing tricks on me or something.

“How are you here?” I finally strung the question together, pulling back to look up at him. Did he get taller? I could have shrunk but I swear he got taller. “I mean aren’t you in the military?” I asked, obviously confused.

“Take a walk with me?” he asked. “I’ve been dying to see this place again.” He added. I nodded and we finally let go of each other. It may have been years since we’d seen each other but I could still read him. Logan was social. He loved to talk, he was extremely expressive and attentive. Right now he’s quiet. And pensive. When we walked away from the cabin he shoved both hands in his pockets staring straight ahead. Whatever had happened it was difficult for him. Like the night on the lake in the canoe. When he told me he wouldn’t be coming back to camp. It’s why he wouldn’t look at me. He knew or was afraid that after all this time I could tell when something was hard for him.

He hated coming off as weak. It’s why he was so competitive. When the boys played ultimate frisbee his team always won. In high school when he played football he was the quarterback. He had to be the best. The strongest. The leader. But not with me. He told me that once. He told me even before our summer fling, back when all we were was best friends excited to spend the summer together. That’s why he liked me so much. He could let his guard down with me. I didn’t understand it then. But eventually I figured out exactly what he meant. And I saw it in him now. Even when we’d only been reunited for minutes.

We walked from my cabin and through the park out to an open field outside the woods. There was a path that ran alongside it. If you took it left it would take you to the lake down to the dock to swim, if you followed it further you crossed a bridge and you could go sailing or take out a kayak or a canoe. If you took the path right it was a hiking trail. It had its own forks in the road one leading to a nature preserve and a small shelter where the camp housed some exotic reptiles and other animals. And one that led to a ropes course and a rock climbing station. We didn’t take either path. Sy stopped walking and stared off at the trees. I came up next to him and gently put my hand on his shoulder.

“You don’t have to tell me, we don’t have to talk about it, whatever it is. I’m just really glad you’re here.” I spoke softly. I felt his hand over mine on his shoulder and he turned to me with a sad smile. He let out a deep breath before he spoke

“I’m retired from the military. Uh, discharged. Medically.” He stared at the grass when he spoke. I could hear the shame in his voice. It broke my heart. I slid my hand off his shoulder and over his back soothingly. I didn’t say anything. He knew I was listening. “Last April, I was leading the boys into a raid. We’d been waiting on this for weeks. Trying to find these guys. Somehow they got tipped off that we were comin’ and they were ready. One of my boys was being attacked. Enemy came out of nowhere. I jumped to cover him. Told him to run up stairs with the rest of the guys to secure the building. He was alright. His chest plate protected him. But I got shot in the leg with 2 bullets. I managed to stop the attacker. But I had to be carried out of there. They sent a Med-line, it's a helicopter.” He explained. I nodded and let him keep talking.

“I was in surgery that night. They almost thought I was gonna have to lose it. But the Dr was able to get the bullets out. They uh, didn’t think I’d walk right again. So.. I was discharged from the military not long after. They transferred me to a civilian hospital for physical therapy…” He trailed off.

“How is it now?” I asked softly. He finally looked up from the grass. My voice pulled him back to reality.

“I ain’t gonna be runnin’ in the Olympics anytime soon but. Normal. Aches sometimes when the weather gets weird or cold. Probably coulda went back but no one knew how long it would take. Or if…if I’d ever get better.” He said.

“They should’ve known,” I said, “nothing stops Logan Syverson when he’s got his mind made up.” There it was. That genuine smile I’d missed all these years.

“Guess they don’t know me like you do,” He chuckled. “Enough about me, it’s been 7 years darlin what have I missed?” he asked, his hand hovering over my lower back guiding me toward the left path. We started to walk again toward the lake.

“I wish I could say you missed a lot but,” I shrugged. “I graduated. Went to school and graduated again, and at the end of this summer I’ll finally start my first job with the schools.” I explained flatly. It was nothing compared to the things he’d done and what he’d seen.

“Hey, graduating college is a big deal. I’m proud of you! Child Psychology, right?” He asked. I stopped walking and just stared.

“You, remember that?” I questioned. He laughed and threw his arm around my shoulder pulling me into his side.

“Of course I do. It was all you talked about our last summer together. You were nervous about getting into the school you wanted. I admired that because you were only a junior. I was going into my senior year and I’d never even thought about that shit.”

“But you knew you were going into the military, you didn’t have to think about that.” I argued.

“Maybe, but you were so smart, you are so smart, you had it all figured out. I was just following what everyone else in my family did. Now that I’m out, I kinda wish I’d had some other plan. Something I knew I wanted to do to fall back on.” I nodded. I understood what he meant. It must be hard for him now. The things he’d aspired to be in his adolescence had come and passed. He had to reinvent himself now. Start over. I couldn’t imagine how scary that must feel.

“You’re smart too Logan. You’re quick in a crisis. You’re logical and level headed. You’re great with people. And and from what you’ve said you’re an incredible leader. I have no doubt you’ll figure it all out soon.” We had wandered some more, now we were walking along the lake. Or what we knew as the beach. When they’d built the camp they carved out the shore and laid down sand. Leaving it more like mini beach than a country lake. I followed Logan out onto the dock. He turned to me and smiled.

“I think coming back here this summer was exactly what I needed.” He said. I smiled back giving his arm a gentle squeeze… and trying not to dwell on the fact that his muscles had gotten incredibly larger.

“It’s funny,” I answered. “I always remember it being the other way around, you giving me pep talks and encouraging me to take risks.” He chuckle the air between us becoming lighter as I watched his smile form into a playful smirk.

“That’s because you were always trying to chicken out. You were a little scaredy cat.” He laughed. I pouted. And smacked him in the arm. “Ow,” he teased as he fake soothed his arm.

“I was not!” I argued. He shook his head.

“You were too!” He challenged. I rolled my eyes resting my hands on my hips.

“Name one time,” I groaned. He eyed me with that same smirk on his face with an eyebrow raised looking at me curiously.

“You really wanna do this? He teased. “Alright, you did this to yourself, night hikes.” He stated. I frowned.

“Oh that is so not fair!” I objected. “You know I hate the dark. That doesn’t count!” I argued.

“Mhmm, rock climbing.” he deadpanned. I scoffed.

“I suck at climbing I have like no upper-body strength I wasn’t gonna embarrass myself infront of everyone.” I defended. He shook his head again trying to hold back a laugh.

“You’d never done it before. You had no idea if you were bad at it or not!”

“Okay, well… it was really high.” I pouted.

“My point exactly,” He chuckled.

“That means nothing!” I said. He groaned pinching the bridge of his nose.

“You wouldn’t even jump off the dock into the water that first summer! Because the water was deeper. You knew how to swim.” His shoulders were shaking with laughter. “You remember how I got you to do it?” He asked.

“Yeah you literally picked me up threw me in off the dock! I wound’t call that being “kind and encouraging.” I laughed emphasizing the last bit.

“It worked,” He smirked.

“It was traumatizing.” I countered.

“ I caught you blushing when I grabbed you, I think you liked it.” He winked. I glared at him crossing my arms.

“You have no proof,” I scoffed. He smirked, a mischievous glint in his eye.

“You wanna test that theory?” He raised an eyebrow taking a step closer to me. My eyes went wide and I started to back up slowly.

“Logan,” I said softly. He looked me over that cocky grin plastered on his face.

“I’d start runnin’ if I was you.” He challenged. I backed up a little more, holding my hands up in defends.

“You don’t have to do this.” I reasoned with him. He let out a low chuckle.

“I think we both know I do.” He said. “Last chance darlin’” He teased. I turned on my heal quickly back toward the beach. Only getting in a few long strides before he had his arm around my waist. Damn his long legs. It doesn’t help that mine are so short either. I squealed as he lifted me off the ground in his arms.

“No! Logan please!”

“I warned ya, told you to start running sooner.” His voice was deep in my ear as he carried me to the end of the dock and I wrapped my arms around his neck for some sort of safety net. “Would you look at that.” He smirked, looking down at me in his arms. Bastard. Of course he was right. After all this time he still had the same effect on me.

“Oh shut up!” I rolled my eyes. Which was a bold move for someone in my current position.

“You’re blushin’, after all this time, I still get your heart racing.” He rasped.

“My face is red because I was running, and it’s ..it’s warm out here.” I argued.

“You took 3 steps, you weren’t running,” He smirked. “You’re just too stubborn to admit you still feel it.” He whispered against my ear. I felt hot. And it had nothing to do with the sun glaring down on us on the pier. It had been 7 years. Did we even know each other anymore? And…he ..he left. That hurt so bad. What if he leaves again. I don’t think I could handle losing him a second time. We’re in totally different parts of our lives than we were then. But at the same time… “Answer one thing for me, all this time, did you see anybody else? Let anyone else in? I don’t see a ring on your finger.” He raised an eyebrow looking down at me intently. I swallowed hard and swatted at his chest.

“Put me down Sy!” I whined. He jostled me in his arms threatening to drop me in the water.

“You want down?” He smirked. I squealed, wrapping my arms tighter around his neck.

“Logan, Don’t!” I chided. He chuckled, adjusting his grip under my thighs. He leaned in close. I could feel his breath against my ear, his beard tickling my skin.

“Tell me, I just wanna hear it. Did you wait for me?” He sounded like honey. The way his voice hummed in my ear. He always did. It had been so long since we’d stood this close, or been this close and I could feel myself still magnetized to him. It’s like he lit up every sense in my body. I had no choice but to follow his warmth and his chaos and his light. I never felt anything like it with anyone else.

“ Sy you know, I …” Before I could answer him he leaned forward and tossed me into the water. I screamed and heard him chuckle before I hit the water. It was still a little cold since summer had only just started. As I started to come back up to the surface I heard a huge splash a few feet away from me. Logan jumped off the dock with me. When he surfaced he swam closer and I splashed him. “You’re such an ass!” I rolled my eyes. He laughed, swimming toward the shore.

“I had to distract you. You thought I wasn’t gonna do it,” He smirked.

“Yeah I thought maybe you were like a decent guy now or something!” I scoffed.

“Aww come on honey, don’t be mad at me, you know it’s not really summer till we take our first swim.”

“Yeah I know,” I smiled.

We left the lake, soaking wet and headed back to our cabins to dry off. I couldn’t get what he’d said out of my head. I knew it was killing him to know. Why did he stop me? After drying off and changing into some dry clothes I hung my wet clothes and towel out on our cabin's little clothing line. I dug through my bag to find a new pair of shoes, because those were soaked too, and headed over to Logan’s cabin where he was waiting at the picnic table. I walked over and hopped up sitting on the table top. Something I’d made a habit of during my years at camp. And it followed me everywhere. I sit on my countertop all the time. He looked up from where he’d been writing in a notebook on the table and smiled.

“Feel better?” he asked.

“Now that my feet aren’t in squishy wet sneakers? Yeah much better, no thanks to you.” I laughed.

“Did you have fun?” He raised an eyebrow. I groaned.

“Yeah,” I muttered. He had a proud grin on his face.

“Well then you’re welcome.” He mused. I rolled my eyes and flickered my gaze down to his notebook.

“Whatcha working on?” I asked curiously. He leaned back looking down at the list one hand smoothing over his beard.

“Trying to remember all of the camp traditions. The games we played. Ice breakers things like that. Trying to set up a bit of a plan or a loose schedule before the kids get here tomorrow. I don’t know if the boys' cabins still do their prank war, but I’m bringing it back.” He said seriously.

“Ah yes, the infamous prank war, you were ruthless. But your cabin always came out victorious.” I giggled. His eyes met mine and he just smiled holding my gaze for a moment. I shook myself out of it before I could let him in too deep. “What else you got?” I prodded. He sighed. And his eyes went back to the paper in front of him, trying to hide the disappointment on his face.

“Uh, Just some of the group games we used to play, Red rover, capture the flag, the coed softball game. Shit like that.But I just wanna make sure we get everyone comfortable when they get here ya know? I always felt…”

“Safe? When we were here. Me too.” I nodded.

“Just wanna be sure everyone’s having a good time like we did. Whatever problems we were having back home, in our family, or friends, kids that were dealing with bullies, we left it behind. We didn’t tolerate anyone being left out. Just want that for our campers.” He said.

“You’re really passionate about this.” I added.

“Aren’t you, I mean, you loved this place as much as I did, … do.” He added. I nodded.

“Of course I am. I’m just really glad that you are too. I’m glad that my co-counselor is someone who loves and appreciates this place and the kids as much as I do!” I smiled. “I’ve got this book of icebreaker games. We can go through it after our counselor meeting. Find the ones we think are best fit.” I smiled. He nodded.

“Sounds great.”

Later that night after our meeting introducing and welcoming us all to camp and going over our rules and shifts, and after dinner we met in my cabin. We sat outside on the patio at the picnic table. We started flipping through the book and talking about each of the games. Some we had done when we were campers.

“Oh, here's a good one.” I said pointing to one of the pages. “Remember doing this one, ‘two truths and a lie’ we always had a lot of fun with that.

“I do! It was like being a cop trying to read a lie detector test. And trying to beat one. “He chuckled.

“You were good at it!” I laughed. “Like try me,” I nodded to him. He smiled, and cocked his head to the side thinking for a moment.

“Alright, I blew a tire going 90 down the highway last week. I shot my first gun when I was 10, or my brother broke my arm in a fist fight.”

“Jesus!” I laughed. “From the stories you told me about your brothers I wouldn’t doubt it. I know you like to drive fast but you take good care of your truck…I’m gonna say it’s the gun.” He shook his head.

“Nope, I broke his arm.” My eyes went wide and I tried to hold back my laughter.

“Your poor mother.” I giggled.

“She got used to it.” He smiled. “Your turn, see if you can fool me.” He said. I groaned. I never could trick him. He always knew. But maybe I could use this as an opportunity to answer his question back at the lake.

“Okay,” I nodded, “Uh, I have a short story published in a book. I..I’m still a virgin. I lost my phone on a cruise to Jamaica,” He looked at me quizzically, his bottom. Lip pulled between his teeth as his gears turned.

“There’s no way,” he finally spoke. “You’re not still a virgin. No way.” He added. I shook my head. My eyes met his.

“I’ve never been to Jamaica,” I said softly. He let out a shaky laugh.

“In seven years nobody.. Nobody’s tried?” He questioned.

“They’ve tried.” I said. “I tried.” I added. “I wanted to be over you. I tried to be mad at you, for leaving me. But I knew that was selfish. You didn’t leave me. Certainly not because you wanted to. You were fighting for me. For everyone you loved. I couldn’t be mad at you for that.” I admitted.

“I never intended to hurt you so bad. It hurt like hell leaving that summer.” He said.

“I know you didn’t,” I said. “When I went to college I tried so hard to put myself out there and meet other people, I went to a few parties. I made out on trashy frat couches. It was awful. I did go on a couple of dates. I convinced myself I had to. I was sure you’d moved on, found someone new. I liked them okay but it was nothing special. They weren’t… you.” I said. He nodded soaking in all the information I’d just given him.

“You have no idea how happy that makes me. To know that you were still thinking of me as much as I was thinking of you. I have to be honest with you. I slept around in high school. When we broke things off that summer I was just trying to shake it. I hate to say it but, I barely remember their names. But you’re wrong about one thing. I never found anyone, never had one serious relationship after that last summer. You said it darlin, they weren’t you.” He rested his hand on my knee softly caressing my skin with his thumb. I never thought. I’d be here again. At camp. With him. In this position all over again. I think somehow we were getting a second chance. I’m not sure I’m ready for that. But I’m willing to see what the universe has put right in front of me.

“Sy, all I wanted back then was to be with you. To kiss you. For you to be my first. I don’t know if I’m still the girl you knew then. If you still want this after all this time. I don’t know what I want, I’ve spent so much time trying to forget you and what this felt like I don’t know if I know how to do this anymore.” He saw the panic in my eyes. And his face softened. He reached up tucking my hair behind my ear his fingers resting on the back of my head, gently massaging with his fingertips.

“This is a lot, I know, it’s a lot for me too. What I want is the woman you are now. For us to learn how to be now. If it aint the same spark then maybe it’s not meant to be. But i’m not gonna look a gift horse in the mouth and let you go again. Not without saying we tried to give this a shot.” He said his eyes boring into mine My heart felt like it was overflowing with emotion. I nodded. It was all I could do. “There is one thing, we never got to do that summer that I can’t get out of my head.” He whispered.

“What’s that?” I asked.

“I never got to kiss you,” He stated almost breathless like it was a secret we’d been keeping for years. And a weight had now lifted off his shoulders.

“We never did, did we?” I blushed. He shook his head a gentle smile on his lips.

“It’s all can think about since I saw you again. That, and how you’re somehow even more beautiful.”

“Logan,” I blushed playfully shoving him.

“It’s true.” He said. I smiled.

“Well, are you gonna make a move or am I gonna have to make it for you?” Logan chuckled grabbing my waist to pull me closer and cupping my cheek. He leaned in his hot breath against my lips and…

“Hey you two!” Becca called from across the lawn. We jumped apart quickly. I could hear Logan groan no matter how hard he tried to hide it. “I just wanted to check in with you!” she said as she approached the cabin, “You settling in okay? Nervous about the kiddos or anything?” she asked. I shook my head.

“I’m a little nervous, not like I did much babysittin or anything,” Sy admitted. “But I’ve had plenty of practice with my brothers little rascals.” He laughed.

“Great!” She said. “Don’t be nervous, I’m so glad to have you guys back here, you’re our only counselrs this year that are camp alumni, and I always love having people that know the place well.” she smiled.

“It’s good to be back Becca! I never thought I’d see this place again!” I added.

“You know you’re always welcome!” She smiled. “Well I’ll leave you guys too it then, I’m so happy to see you two hear together again,” She winked. “Good night you two.”

“Well, she’s got impeccable timing.” Sy groaned. I giggled and squeezed his shoulder softly.

“This summers just getting started Sy,” I smiled. “I uh, better get some sleep, I was gonna get up early to decorate my cabin for the girls.” I said quickly. He nodded trying to hide his disappointment.

“Okay darlin’, I’ll see ya breakfast?” He asked. I nodded and turning and opening the door to my cabin

“I’ll see you then, goodnight Sy.”

“Goodnight Lainie,”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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