#really tired of this whole debate but y'all wanna know what?

[hyperfixatedwhor3]

Zutara is a valid ship, but the world would be a better place If the shippers stopped trying to pretend that a great part of why they ship it is because Zuko is hotter than Aang

The "I was better for her, but the hero must get the girl" squad

[restinslices]

I really liked your post for LKBS parents. Can I request more HC about them as parents?My main idea was what they would be like with a girl or boy who tends to behave quite badly, but you can do it however you want if you decide to answer this :3Thanks in advance. Your blog is very entertaining :D

Here you go bookie. Also I broke a thumb nail and my typing is so off now😔

May the Elder Gods give him strength-

Bi-Han has such low patience and a kid that acts bad would drive him insane 

Especially if this child is the first born and therefore has to be the next Grandmaster? Oh boy 

Imma be real with y'all, I can see him whooping his kids-

Y'all know how people debate on whether or not whooping your kids is okay? I think he's on the pro whooping side. Not ABUSE tho. There's a line there 

“give me my belt” type shit. Very much a black mother-

If his kid wanna act up, then he's making life terrible 

He's pulling all the stops. They ass ain't going NOWHERE. 

Oh they wanna sneak out? Aight. He's boarding up the window. He's boarding up the front door. He might even take their own door off 

Play stupid games, win stupid prizes 

He's already a strict dad, so acting out will really get him heated 

Kids are assholes but I think there's a difference between regular kid shit and making life way more difficult than it has to be 

The type of parent to make his child sit next to him for the whole day. He's not playing with them 

He's escorting them to school and escorting them back home 

They legit have no freedom until they're over this phase 

And cursing at him? Absolutely not. 

This man does not argue with children at all. The going back and forth shit ain't happening. If you wanna act like a toddler that needs to be watched, then he'll treat you as such 

“I don't wanna be out here anymore” the teenager next to him sulked with their arms crossed and their mouth in a deep frown. Wrinkles spread from their frown and their pulled down eyebrows. How they hadn't gotten a headache yet, he was unsure of. 

Bi-Han ignored them, so they repeated themselves louder. “I don't wanna be out here anymore! Did you hear me?!”. 

Bi-Han didn't spare a glance at them. He turned a page in his book and said in a dangerously calm voice, “control your emotions before I let mine loose. What you want is irrelevant now. If you don't want to sit, then stand”. The teenager huffed and slouched more in the seat. 

“Is there something you'd like to say?” he said in response to them mumbling something under their breath. They knew better than to repeat themselves, and stayed silent. 

Not dealing with that shit at all 

Do I think he has more patience than Bi-Han? Yes 

Does that mean he'll deal with disrespect? Absolutely not 

It's not even the rebellious acts that bother him. He knows teens will be teens. It's the disrespecting him that pisses him off 

He's also not going back and forth with nobody 

Arguing isn't happening. At some point he's just finna start handing out groundings 

Since they have so much energy when they're doing all that extra shit, he has them train more 

Keeps them incredibly busy so they're too tired to do anything stupid 

Not entirely foolproof but it works 99% of the time

Has no problem taking away their door if they're always up to bullshit 

Lowkey I can see any of them pulling up to the school if his kid is acting up there too 

Will forbid them from seeing any of their bad acting friends 

He cannot wait until this phase is over. He is EXHAUSTED 

The teenager collided with the hard ground under them and winced. Their breath was knocked out their lungs and they glared at the older man that knocked their feet from under them. 

“Again” Kuai Liang said sternly and stepped back. The teenager stayed on the ground and crossed their arms over their chest in defiance. 

“So I can get knocked down again? No thanks! And you can't make me!”. Kuai Liang rolled his eyes. He put his hands on his hips and looked down at the teenager, that acted more like a toddler with each passing day. 

“You're right. I can't. Well if you won't do this, then I won't give you any of your privileges back-”

“Wait-!”

“No no” the older man walked towards their house with the teenager quickly jumping to their feet to catch up with him. “You can tell me all about what I can't make you do over dinner”

Exhausted 

He just wants to live life without hearing bullshit in his ears 

Tries to figure out what the problem is but when he finds out they're just being a brat to be a brat, he's at a loss for words 

He assumes that maybe he said or did something and the acting out was a result of that 

He didn't know they're just in an asshole phase 

He has hope that this phase will end soon, so he doesn't react immediately 

Once the week is up he's like “they're still going? Damn. Now I gotta be strict”

In one of the dialogues he said his mom was no nonsense and tough as nails so I can see him trying to embody her spirit and do what she would do 

It probably surprised his kid that he starts actually being strict with them and raising his voice

He's the most chill parent out the 3 so the strictness is a switch up they weren't expecting 

Groundings getting handed out like coupons 

They're losing any privileges they have 

He doesn't enjoy making life miserable for them but he can't NOT parent them 

Hoping the phase ends soon 

“What?!” The teen exclaimed. “You can't ground me!”. 

“Why not?”. The teen had no answer. They just stammered nonsensical sentences that Tomas didn't care to hear. He kept trying to be patient with them, but everyone has a limit, and he had reached his. 

“I keep trying to hear you out but you don't wanna talk-”

“We can talk now!”

“You're right! We can talk after you hand over all your electronics and anything else you've been hiding in your room! Now!”. 

By the end of the day Tomas cleared their room of anything that resembled fun. Needless to say, his kid was far from pleased. It was fine though. They'd look back on this time soon enough and be embarrassed by their actions. 

Or so he hoped. 

[nicoleheichou]

Now All I See Is Color - chapter 21: only for you pretty girl

♡ masterlist ♡ 《 previous | next 》

In a world where soulmates exist, it's uncommon for most people to find theirs. A lot of them going their whole lives never experiencing the world in color because they've never met their soulmate. But that all changes for y/n when she becomes MSBY Jackals player, Miya Atsumu's assistant. They're about to experience the world in color together. But what does that mean for y/n when both her and Atsumu are in committed relationships?

a/n: slightly suggestive towards the end but it's nothing crazy.

You finish prepping the ice cream and toppings, stepping back to take a look at what you've created. You were known to your group as the designated therapist, always the one they'd go to when they needed someone to listen to them. It had become tradition for you to lay out different flavors of ice cream and different kinds of toppings and sauces as a way to sort of break the ice. It was a way for you to not only give the other person time to organize their thoughts but to also just help keep them occupied until they were ready to talk.

A series of knocks ring throughout your apartment. You glance at the clock, not even 15 minutes had passed since he texted you asking to come over. "Coming!"

You finally open the door and the first thing you notice about the blonde is that he looks distraught, hair sticking out in different directions, probably from running his hand through it, a habit you noticed he did whenever he was anxious or unsure about something. Before you can even ask if he's okay, he's pulling you into him, arms already wrapping around your shoulders, his face buried in your hair. You bring an arm to wrap around his waist and your other hand up to rub circles on his back. You stand there until he finally pulls away.

"Sorry angel. I just really needed that." You shake your head, "it's fine Tsum." He shuts the door behind him and follows you into the kitchen. "What's all this?" With a shrug you hand him one of the waffle bowls and a spoon. "Ice cream makes everyone feel better." Digging in to your favorite flavor you watch as he hesitates, unsure of which flavor to pick. "Tsum, it's okay. The flavors aren't going anywhere." Grabbing a handful of your favorite toppings you sprinkle them on to your ice cream before putting on one of the flavored sauces.

"Ya know am not supposed to be eating this. Especially so late at night." Although he says that, he's already putting his third scoop of ice cream into his bowl. A silence falls between the two of you as you eat your ice cream but it's a comfortable silence, you don't feel the need to fill it. You hear a sigh come from the male, you look over to see him fidgeting with his spoon. "I don't think am in love with Mika anymore y/n. I think I've been fooling myself into believing I still love her, but I just don't feel it anymore."

Placing your spoon down you focus your full attention on him. Gesturing for him to continue. "She's different compared to when we started dating. She's always blaming me for when things don't work out or if something happens, she never wants to take responsibility. Am tired angel. This isn't what love is like. I realized that when I saw ya and Suna." You reach over and place a hand on top of his, giving it a soft squeeze. It hurt your heart to see just how much he was hurting over this.

"Have you told Mika your concerns?" He shakes his head. "She's mad at me right now. But I don't want to drag this out anymore. This isn't fair to me or her." You let out a sigh. Debating with yourself if you want to tell him what you found out earlier. You decide against it, he's been through enough, he doesn't need to know about what she's been doing behind his back. It seems like he's already made up his mind, there's no point in hurting him more.

You both finish up your bowls and he helps you put the rest of the ice cream and toppings away. "I think am gonna call in sick tomorrow. I don't think I'll be able to focus during practice." He buries his face into his arms that were folded on the table. You've never seen him so dejected, you can't believe that someone would hurt him, he's nothing but nice to everyone. Atsumu was the type of person who'd, as cliché as that sounds, give the shirt off of his back for someone he cared about even if he came off as a jerk sometimes. You can't help but feel angry towards Mika, how could she do this to him?

"Tsum? Wanna watch a movie and cuddle?" Without waiting for an answer you grab his hand and lead him into your living room. Plopping yourself onto the couch you pat the cushion beside you. He follows your lead, plopping himself right beside you. "Do you care what we watch?" He shakes his head, you can tell he's not really in the right head space, so you opt for a Disney movie to play in the background.

You get comfortable on the couch, laying on your side, leaving space for the blonde to slip in behind you. He hesitates for a moment before taking his spot behind you. He puts an arm around your waist and you cover the both of you with a blanket. Within a few minutes you hear his soft snores. You can't help but smile, knowing that you were able to make him feel just a little bit better. At the same time you hear your phone vibrate on the side table.

sorry for the late update! i'm getting anxiety because i'm stressed y'all won't like the direction this goes and so i didn't want to put out the update. lmao.

comment or message me if you want to be added to the taglist!

Taglist [open]: @bakugouswh0r3 @youidiot91 @koffyee @kyomihann @szeonn @chantalkate16 @onlyonew @ntimacy @underratedmage @90s-belladonna @simpletype @toshikamo @todomaniac @sumebreaks @sammistry @pansexualproblemchild @kozuelle @roselleviennesstuff @erensnubs @fantasycantasy @choozari @starsabove-me @halesandy @encrytpta @youraggedybitch

[venactricisfics]

Down Time

Part 1      Part 2

The Unit Based Story

The mission I was tasked with this time was more terrifying than any I had been on before.  I couldn’t take Beau with me or my gun. I was meeting the Unit wives for the first time.  I never enjoyed meeting my squadmate’s wives. They seemed to assume that I would be a liability for them or a distraction.  I even had one wife assume that I was interested in her husband off the battlefield. 

It was a barbecue at Jonas’ house.  Semi-lowkey. And only three of the five were married.  So at least I’d have Charlie and Hector as buffers. 

I balanced a bowl of potato salad in my arm as I step out of my SUV and walked to the door.  I wore a pink tank and light jean shorts.  I felt more feminine than I normally did at the office.  I pause debating between knocking or making a run for it. 

The door swings open as I lift my hand to knock, “Welcome, come in.” 

“Thank you for inviting me, Mrs. Blane,” I step over the threshold and follow her through the house to the back yard.

“Molly, please,” she told me, “You’re Mitch?” 

“Yes, ma’am,” I respond relaxing a little when I see Bob and Mack with their wives sitting at the picnic table. I shake Bob’s wife, Kim’s hand while Mack’s wife, Tiffy’s takes the bowl from me.  They seemed normal enough. For wives.  I still felt like I was an exhibit in the zoo. 

“Did you bring your dog?” A little girl about five asks me. “Daddy says we can’t have a dog cause it’s a lot of work.” 

“That’s our daughter Serena,” Kim tells me.

“Your daddy is right,” I kneel down to her level, “Beau is a lot of work but he’s a working dog so I have to keep him at the kennel so someone can take care of him all the time. One of the cadets is feeding him his dinner right now.” 

“Oh,” she says, “what does he eat?” 

“Kibble mostly,” I answer, “though he did try to eat Col Ryan’s boots one time,” I give her a smile, “while he was still wearing them.”

“I’m gonna go play with Lissie,” she says and runs off to play with the other girls. 

“She’s cute,” I stand back up.  

“We think so,” Bob responds.  I glance around looking for my single squadmates.  Was I early? The only thing worse than being a female soldier surrounded by Army wives was being the only single person at an event with couples.

I take an offered seat as I’m asked about my life before Fort Griffith.  I told them about my family.  I was the youngest of five, the only girl.  Two were military men, one went to college, and the other moved to California to become an actor. 

After a half-hour of being prodded and poked about myself, I noticed that Charlie had slipped in undetected. I felt his gaze. I welcomed it by giving him a smile before turning my attention back to the conversation. 

"What's your housing like?" Kim asked.  

"I'm still in the barracks, " I respond. "It was supposed to be temporary but it is taking longer than I thought to get into an apartment." 

"Transition to Unit housing doesn't take this long, normally,  " Molly said. "Jonas?"

"Unique circumstances, sweetheart, " he responded. 

“My roommate options are limited,” I tell them, “and there’s a waiting list for a single. ” I couldn’t have a non-Unit roommate and well there were no other women in the Unit. 

“It’ll get sorted soon enough,” Jonas says, “food is ready.”  I grab a plate and find an empty seat next to Charlie.  

“Hey, you,” I sit my plate on the table and step into the picnic table seat as ladylike as possible. I give him a smile, “I’m shit at small talk. You wanna come to the Stand with me tonight?”

“I’d like that,” he takes a drink of his beer then narrows his eyes in thought, “but I can’t, I promised Hector I’d double with his girl and her sister.” 

“Oh,” my shoulders slump a little, “cool. Maybe some other time.”

“For sure,” he gives me a killer smile. The rest of the meal we chatted between each other and the other guys, careful to keep the topic off of our missions. 

"Thank you for having me, you have a lovely home, Molly, " I say as the party starts to wind down. I dig my keys from my pocket and head to my SUV.

"Hey, Mitch, " I turn towards Charlie's voice and stop. 

"Yeah?"

"You still going out tonight?" He asked. 

“It has been a hell of a first week,” I respond as I open the car door, “I think I need it.” 

“Yeah, it gets easier,” he says resting his hands on his hips.

“No complaints of course,” I give him a smile, “I’m used to it. Some dudes have to put down the little woman to make them hard.”

“I never heard it put like that,” Charlie gives me a smile in return.  “Hector and I may stop by the Stand after the movie if the girls are up for it.”

It was that last bit that dashed the bit of hope that had swelled.  Fifth wheel, great. I kept my smile painted on, “Y’all should come out. It’ll be a great time.”

“I’ll see you there then,” he gives my hand a squeeze before turning to walk toward his own car. The man confused me. Only because he didn’t seem to be like any other man I’d known before. I glance in the rearview a moment, if I really thought about it, all of them were different.  

A couple of hours later I’m squeezed into a pair of tight jeans and top that made me feel and look like a woman. Dressing up and putting on makeup can make you feel like a new person. Being in the Army can sometimes make you forget you've got curves and swerves. Tonight I was flaunting them. 

"You want to dance?" A tall guy asked as he leaned against the bar next to me. I could feel the Latin beat in my hips. 

"Sure, " I give the handsome stranger a smile before letting him lead me to the dance floor.  I felt the music. Smiling and dancing with him for the next few songs. He seemed to be a perfect distraction. As the music slowed I asked, "You wanna get a drink?" He nods and we make our way back to the bar. 

"Hey, " a familiar smiling voice calls from behind me. I turn to find Charlie and Hector with their dates standing behind me. 

"Hi, " I turn to my companion, "I'd introduce you but I don't think I caught your name." 

"John, " he says to me.

"I'm Mitch, " I respond, "this is Charlie and Hector, my… coworkers and their dates."

"Alison, " Hector introduces his girlfriend, "and her sister Kelly." 

"There's a big table open in the corner, " I motion, "y'all want to grab it." My Southern accent flows from my lips more freely after a couple drinks. 

"I'll  bring our drinks, " John says, waiting for the bartender, "I'll be over soon."  I didn't think anything of it. 

Though I suppose hindsight is what it is. 

"You look good, " Charlie whispers as he pulls out a chair for me than his date. 

"Thanks, don't get the chance to get pretty very often, " I reply. I felt John behind me close before he set the beer bottle in front of me.  The conversation flowed. I finished my beer and promptly John gets me another. I felt the second one go straight to my head. I blink through the dizziness. 

"I'll be right back, " I stand, "I think I need some air." 

"I'll join you, " John says with a sweet smile pulled across his lips.  His hands seem to be all over me the moment we step outside. I didn't want it. I pushed him. But my movements were sluggish. "Let me make you feel good." He whispered as he pushed me against the brick wall of the bar. 

"Stop!" I use the last of my strength to plant a knee in his crotch. He stumbled back and I tried to regain control of myself but I felt my face get cold and the whole world spin as I slide down the wall. 

"Mitch, are you ok?" My chin is lifted so my eyes meet Charlie's. 

"I don't think so, " I felt groggy. "I only had two beers." 

"I know, " he says, "Kelly said she saw him put something in your drink." 

"Oh, " I rest my hand on his hand, feeling the cuts, "what happened to you?"

"Might have punched him a couple times, " he smiles, "Can you stand?" 

"Maybe, " my legs were as wobbly as a newborn deer as I try to stand. “I’m normally not this stupid.” I steady myself holding onto his arms, “What happened to your date?”

“She let a friend of mine get drugged so I lost interest,” he looped his arm around my waist, “not that I was really interested before.”

“Sounds like a shitty person,” I lean into him a little and feel my pockets, “I can’t find my phone.” 

“Who you gotta call?” he walks me back to the door of the bar where Hector stands with the girls.

“Cab,” I respond, “don’t think I should drive if I’m seeing two of you.” 

“You OK, Mitch?” Hector asks. I give him a nod.  “I’m taking Alison and her sister home,” he says and looks to Charlie, “you need me to come back?”

“Don’t think so,” Charlie responds, “I’ll get her home.  See you when you get back.” Hector gives me an apologetic look before walking with his girlfriend and her sister back to his car.  "Where are your keys?" He asked me. 

"Pocket, " I pat my hip stumbling a little. "I can't get them out." 

"This is not exactly how I pictured getting into your pants, " he fishes my keys from my pocket. 

"Me neither, " my words slurred. "I don't know if you can tonight. I'm so tired." He holds me up as we walk to my car. He fastened my seatbelt then climbed in the driver's seat and drove us back to the base. I drifted in and out of consciousness, vaguely remember the guard at the checkpoint talking to Charlie. 

"Where are we?" I groan as he helps me from the car. 

"My place, " he says, "I can't leave you alone like this." 

"K, " I rest my head against his shoulder as he scoops me up in his arms, nodding off a little. He carries me up the steps and into his apartment. 

"Stay awake for a little while longer, Mitch, " he says as he carries me down the hall and into the bathroom. I sit down on the edge of the bathtub as he looks me over.  I groan when he shines a light in my eyes, "Almost done." He smiles, then takes my temperature. "You'll be ok. Just need to sleep it off. Wait here." I'm not sure where he was expecting I was going. My legs were so weak I couldn't imagine moving. A moment later he comes back with a pair of shorts and a t-shirt. "Can you do this?" he asks. I try to stand but he catches me as I stumble. 

"I'm sorry, " if I were completely in my right mind I would be more embarrassed as my fingers fumble with the button of my pants. "This normally isn't this hard. I have good underwear on though." 

"Is that right?" He steadies me and helps me peel the tight jeans down my hips. Then he helps me step in a pair of running shorts. Taking care not to look too long at my black lace panties. He helps me off with my top and on with a t-shirt. I lock my glassy gaze on him for a long time, then lean forward, dangerously close. 

"When you are yourself again, ok?" He says pulling back from the near kiss. I nod. He was probably right. "Let's get you to bed." 

"K, " I responded. He scoops me up again and carries me into his room, keeping the door open he lays me on the bed. I start to doze but jump at hearing his front door open then close again. 

"It's just Hector, " he says. 

"I like Hector, he's nice, " I mumble as I snuggle into the pillow. It smells like Charlie. 

"I brought saline bags from the cave, " I heard Hector say. "Do you know how much he gave her?" 

"Don't know, she was fine when we first got there, seemed to hit pretty fast, " Charlie responded. "I'll stay up with her." 

"We can take shifts, " Hector stated. 

"You're on duty in the morning. I've got the day, " Charlie replied and looks back at me then steps out of the room for a minute. I lost track of their conversation and drift off into a dreamless sleep. 

I squeeze my eyes tight to keep the room from spinning but it wouldn’t stop, “Bathroom.” I groan as I try to climb from the bed, hand over my mouth.  Charlie helps me to my feet and guides me across the hall to the bathroom, holding my hair back as everything I ever have eaten in my life comes up. 

I sit down on the bathroom floor leaning back against the wall, keeping my eyes closed, “What happened?” 

“That guy, John, put GHB in your drink,” Charlie says as he places a cool cloth on the back of my neck. 

“Shit,” I open my eyes a sliver trying to focus on him. “Did he?”

“No, we stopped him,” he hands me a cup of water. 

“I’m not this stupid normally,” I take a sip turning my eyes to focus on the wall. “Thank you for looking out for me.” 

“Not your fault,” he said, “and don’t worry about it. You want to lay back down?” I nodded, taking his hand to help me back up. I still felt wobbly on my legs as we walked back to his room and settled back on his bed. He put an extra pillow behind my head to prop me up.

His room was minimal.  I suppose like most single men in the army. He did have an impressive firearm display mounted to his wall.  Vintage and working. “I’m not really surprised by that,” I look back at him sitting in a chair on the other side of the room. “You’re not sleeping over there are you?”

“Na,” he says, “I’m staying up. Keep an eye on you.” 

“I’m fine,” I sit up and the room starts spinning again, “or I’ll be fine.” 

“Right,” he smiles and comes over to help me get settled again, “just let me take care of you, woman. It’s not a weakness.” 

“It’s not?” I ask settling back, “I let some asshole in a bar drug me. You beat him up and here I am.”

“It was you,” he said, “you kicked the shit out of him. I got there after. So lay back and get some rest.”

“Ok,” I let him tuck me back under the blankets, “but you’re not sitting in the chair all night,” I motion to the empty spot beside me, “I’m not budging on this one soldier.” 

“You sure?” he asked.

“I’m not asking you to sleep with me,” I said, “Well I guess technically I am. But if we did anything more than actually sleep I’d probably puke again. And that would spoil the moment don’t you think?” 

“Probably,” he says back with a smile, “I don’t want to take advantage of you.” 

“You’re not,” I yawn pushing my hair from my face, “I trust you.” 

“You need fluids,” he said.

“Sleepy, later,” I grumble. He smiles, shaking his head at me as he grabs the bag of fluids, “You’ll feel better, sweetheart.” I stick my arm out, for him to start the IV, keeping my eyes closed, barely wincing as he inserts the needle. “Get some rest. I’ll be here.”  I feel the bed shift beside me as he sits on top of the blankets beside me.  

[jawnjendes]

don’t want your hand this time | shawn mendes

chapter 1/?, university au, shawn x goth oc

AN: i know i know i posted a thing yesterday but UUUHHHHH im just tryna get to the saucy parts of this bc SOMEBODY decided to be all hot n sexy in a certain music video ANYWAY this is just an intro chapter of sorts and we are introducing some new characters!! lmk your thoughts thots!

***let me know if u wanna be added/removed from the taglist

masterlist | playlist coming soon

When Annalise Flores has shit to do within a time limit, she forgets about everything else. Her phone goes on silent, she ignores her other obligations, and she makes sure to get whatever is in her focus done. This has proven to be disastrous in the past, like when Annalise just needed to clean the entire dorm before starting any homework assignment was due the next day. Or when she reorganized the filing closet at the dealership before adding up the gas receipts she was ordered to do. You get the idea.

Annalise was very determined to get all of her unopened boxes, and her clothes to fit in her tiny, beat up car so she didn't have to make multiple trips, given how far campus is from Shawn's apartment. He promised he would help her move when he got home, he had that huge Jeep after all, but Annalise was way too antsy. Besides, they already fought about this, and she didn't want to start anything all over again. She didn't want him to feel obligated to help if only one of them was into the idea of her moving out.

After pushing on the car door three times, it finally clicked shut. Annalise successfully managed to stuff all of her clothes and half her boxes into the backseat. The rest of the boxes were in the trunk. The windows were all covered, so maybe she wouldn't be able to see her blind spots, but at least Annalise wouldn't have to make a second trip. She silently thanked the Tetris gods for blessing her with the appropriate skills as she went back up to the apartment.

Shawn's living space didn't look that different with all of Annalise's belongings out. Most of it was all stashed into the "recording" room over the summer, and neither of them spent any time in there. There was more space in the closet now, too. It was no longer just a black abyss, and all of Shawn's belongings were now undisturbed. Annalise debated smuggling out his black Nike hoodie, but given the circumstances it was best to leave everything as it was. The apartment didn't look any different really, but Annalise still felt an ache from her throat down to the bottom of her feet as she removed the spare key from her chain and left it on the glass dining table. This was easier than saying goodbye to him in person.

~

Campus was nowhere near as quiet and lonely as the apartment. Students were running around like headless chickens, trying to locate buildings, schedules, and friends. She already had a key to her dorm, so she parked near her building and carried her backpack and two boxes up the walkway. Annalise's resting bitch face and the clunk of her boots on the ground gave her less of a struggle to push past other students. Weak and fragile as she was these last couple of months, she's still got it.

The dorm building wasn't too far from the last one she lived in, but it was going to be a bitch getting to her classes. Maybe she should invest in a bike… or she should get her shit together and take the bus.

Annalise's new dorm was on the third floor, and it was furnished. Weird, yes, but she was not going to complain. It was a bit smaller, but not cramped. There was a tiny hallway between the two bedrooms, and one cramped bathroom. She noticed one room already had boxes sitting on the floor, and she couldn't help but get just a little excited. Stella hadn't completely abandoned her. Annalise wasn't even mad about their three month long silence, she was just happy that she would be seeing a familiar face.

She didn't run into Stella at all during the multiple trips she took bringing all her stuff in. Annalise knew she was here, though. Her perfume scent was always left behind in any room she had been in, and Annalise definitely caught the scent in the dorm. The same amount of boxes were still in her room by the time Annalise finished bringing all of her's in. She figured she could have texted Stella, but she kind of wanted to surprise her… even though they both knew about the other.

She checked her phone anyway. The only text she had was from Shawn.

"How come you didn't wait for me?"

Pursing her lips and smudging the signature black lipstick, Annalise cleared the notification and went to sit in the armchair in the living room. She was way too tired to try to reason with him. She certainly couldn’t jump into the "I miss you" crap so quickly either. She didn't want to, but Shawn obviously did when he sent another text. Out of sheer habit, Annalise opened the notification instead of clearing it, and she cursed under her breath.

"You've been gone only a few hours and this place already feels so sad and empty. Why did you leave your key?"

Yeah, she left him on read. She didn't know what else to say to him.

Thankfully, the lock on the door jiggled and in came Stella carrying a large cardboard box. She gasped and her hazel eyes lit up when she saw her dark natured roommate. She quickly squatted down and set the box on the floor before coming at Annalise with open arms.

"Mi esposa hermosa!"

Annalise will never say this out loud, but Stella gives wonderful hugs. They two girls haven't seen each other in over three months, so getting a nice tight hug was something that was really needed. They rocked from side to side, giggling at the motions. It was like nothing had really changed.

"When did I become your wife?" Annalise asked, amused as she leaned back to look at her.

"When we decided to live together for the third year in a row!" Stella replied. “Oh you got a little…” Her thumb rubbed under Annalise’s lip, showing her the black.

“The struggles of being goth,” she joked.

Stella giggled, and then the rambling began. "How are you? I'm so sorry we didn't talk much over the summer. Did you stay with Shawn the whole summer? Oh, is he here?" She bounced on her feet, looking around the dorm.

"Uh yeah, I did stay with him the entire time," she told her. "And no, he's not here. He's working."

Annalise knew he wasn't. He had found her abandoned key, which meant he was home. And he was probably sulking. And he was going to sleep alone...

"But he'll be here later, right?" Stella asked, nudging her arm. "Y'all are gonna christen your room, eh?"

She really had to ask, didn't she? She really had to jokingly ask a question that would change the expression on Annalise's face, thus warning her of the things that had happened. She wasn't sure why she kept an obviously fake smile on her face as she silently stared at her roommate. The silence alone wasn't enough, apparently.

Normally, Stella would dramatically gasp, sit her down, and ask Annalise to spill every detail. Instead, she sighed.

"Fill me in while you help me bring my stuff up."

~

Classes and club meetings resumed within the next couple of days, so it gave Annalise plenty of excuses to keep her texts to Shawn dismissive and short. She knew he was coming and going from campus for class too, but due to their different majors, he was going to be very far away from her. Not to mention, he didn't know where her new dorm was located, so it wasn't like he could track her down.

Except… Annalise had to retake biology. She knew Shawn was at the science building quite often, and she had hoped her bio lab fell on a day that he was at the fine arts building. But you know, life just happens, and sometimes you see your mans between classes. Sometimes you just see him leaving classroom, towering over the other students because he’s a giant. Maybe you’ll see him with a very short girl at his side, and they’re both laughing at something. Maybe he won’t see you either because he’s balls deep in banter with this random girl.

There was a lump in Annalise’s stomach following that minor event, and it made her anxious and uneasy for the first day of that class. Still, she was determined to stay on board with the separation they both agreed on. It was better that way for now. She didn't know about Shawn, but Annalise fully intended on keeping the distance, suspicious-looking friends be damned.

Anyway, she could find friends of her own too. Gaming club meetings started up again that Friday, and it was something to look forward to. After god knows how long, Annalise attended said meeting after receiving an email from the head of the club, Josh. He and his friend, Paul, ran the club most of the time. They managed to get plenty of people to sign up during the rush earlier in the week but only seven of them actually attended the first meeting. Just like every year.

Both Josh and Paul were scrawny blond boys with "nice guy" complexes. They were polite for the most part, given that they inducted Annalise into the club the moment she signed up. But they also quizzed her on just about every popular, mainstream video game there was once they realized she would actually be showing up to the meetings. It took time, and a bit of Annalise telling them off, but they were civil towards each other now.

"Annalise!" called Chad as the lady herself entered the classroom in the communications building. He was another member, and he had his two frat bros with him, Kyle and Jared, and they both chanted her name in their deep, manly voices.

All different heights, but same amount of insane muscle. For lack of better words, these guys were meatheads with good intentions. Chad was a student with one of the highest GPA on campus, practically competing with Josh. Kyle was the star student in his major, sports medicine. Jared was that guy who beat up bigots as a hobby. All three of them were fully dedicated to their fraternity, Sigma Chi.

Then there was Patrick, who nodded to Annalise as a greeting. She nodded back and took the empty seat next to him in the circle.

The people who think Annalise Flores is a complete hardcore goth have not met Patrick Markowski. This was a guy who was always decked out in leather, ripped jeans, and black eyeliner. He had a proper faux hawk, which is what made people notice him the most. He typically surrounded himself with other goths, unlike Annalise. He was truly dedicated to the lifestyle, while she deviated from even that sometimes. This was the only guy in the club Annalise was actually friends with.

Anyway, all seven of these nerds shared the same appreciation for video games, which brought them all together in a circle, in an empty classroom, in the communications building this evening. However, Annalise's entrance caused the guys to deviate from the main topic.

Josh and Paul had been staring at her with their mouths open the second she entered the room. The Frats were visibly excited and each gave her a high five. Patrick merely stayed quiet and smiled.

"Heard you almost fucking died!" Chad told her. "And you didn't tell a single one of us!"

"I thought you had actually died," Josh spoke up. "Since you never miss a meeting and all."

So that got around. Cool.

“I wasn’t dying,” Annalise said, rolling her eyes. “I just had part of my colon surgically removed.”

“No way…” Jared said in wonder.

“Oh, that’s disgusting,” said Paul with a gag. He brought the collar of his red Pizza Planet shirt over his mouth.

The Frats stared at Annalise in awe, almost impressed by her vague explanation. She really didn’t understand the fascination, given everything that happened during and after the hospital. Of course, they knew nothing about any of that. At the same time, Annalise was annoyed at Paul’s dramatic reaction, so she kept talking.

“It might happen to you too if you don’t take care of yourself and listen to your body,” she told him. “Or worse, you could end up with a bag of your poop attached to your belly.”

Paul gagged again, much louder this time. Then Annalise decided that that was enough and directed the conversation to the club’s main topic: video games.

“So who’s played Team Sonic Racing?”

It was only the first meeting, so the group made a plan to bring their Switches and play next time. The Nice Guys prompted to play a round of Fortnite online later, but Annalise was not up for that game in the slightest. Too mainstream. Too chaotic. She never could get into it.

“Well, we can play without you,” Paul suggested, “not everyone has to join in.”

“Isn’t that a rule, though?” Patrick asked pointedly. “If we’re gonna play something together, we all have to agree on one game. Besides, I don’t play Fortnite either.”

Paul's eyes darted around, trying to look for a counterargument, but he sighed. “Fine. Anyone else got any suggestions?”

“What about a D&D campaign?” Annalise said. “Or some type of board game?”

Josh scoffed. “It’s video game club. Besides, me and Paul already have a campaign with our other friends.”

“‘Course you do,” she mumbled, folding her arms.

“Ooo! I got an idea!” Kyle spoke up, raising his massive hand. “We should hit up Bart. That bar with the art and retro games?”

Annalise perked up. Finally, someone with a brain cell. “I participated in a Smash Bros tournament there. It’s really fun, we should all go one weekend.”

“A bar?” Josh said in distaste.

“Yeah! It’ll be a class field trip or something!” Chad agreed. “It’s awesome, bro! They got a Gamecube and an N64! Sometimes they do karaoke night, but only with songs from different games!”

Then, Kyle looked at Annalise with a smirk. “Bet your boyfriend would perform there, eh?”

Even when she was far away from him, Shawn still had a presence wherever she went. “Heh, maybe…”

Luckily, none of these guys were the type to hover. The subject went back to going to Bart one weekend, and then the group chat was revived to discuss further adventures. Once the meeting was adjourned, Patrick followed me out the door.

“So, Annie. No offense or anything,” he said, walking in step beside her as they walked down the corridor, “but what the fuck is wrong with you?”

“My summer was great, thanks,” Annalise said, too busy glancing at her phone to cringe at that awful nickname. No new messages for once.

“Nah, seriously. You were in the fucking hospital, and I find out through Snapchat?” he asked seriously. “Did you even tell anybody? What the hell happened?”

She didn’t remember posting anything about her hospital stay anywhere on social media. However, the only two people who were there with her were social media freaks. Stella was the type to tweet every single one of her brain farts, and frequently Snap where she was every second. Shawn was less active on his platforms, but he was still quite popular in the Toronto area, so he had a sizeable following. Annalise knew he took a picture of his hand holding hers while she was in the hospital at least once. Maybe it made it to his Instagram story a couple of times.

Sighing, Annalise gave Patrick the gist of her exciting adventure with her large intestine. Some underlying guilt wanted to be felt as she recalled staying and Shawn’s for so long, but she decided to spare those details.

“Looked death in the face, eh?” he said, nodding in what looked like approval. “Badass.”

She chuckled. “Guess I wasn’t ready to be yeeted off this mortal coil.”

“Ugh, you use the word yeet? How much has that guy changed you?” Patrick stuck his tongue out at her, flashing the piercing he had on the muscle.

“Hey, I’m more down with the kids than he is.”

The pair were quiet as they made it out to the courtyard. The night was chilly and cloudy, the only light coming from the lampposts on either side of the walkway. It felt different knowing Annalise was with only a friend rather than her mans, and she tried to ignore the ache in her chest and the urge to talk about him.

“Do you remember what it was like?” Patrick asked after a minute. “Being so close to death?”

“Nope,” she replied simply. “Although, when I was under, I had a really vivid dream that my… uh, Shawn cheated on me.” Way to not talk about him.

“You sure it was a dream?”

They were passing by one of the picnic tables, where Patrick pointed to. There was a group of people standing around the table, and two people sitting on top of it. One of those people was Shawn with his acoustic guitar. He was singing with the girl who was sitting next to him, the same one he was walking with at the science building. It wouldn’t have seemed weird if Patrick hadn’t said what he said. It would have been left alone if Annalise hadn’t thought about that stupid fever dream.

“Come on,” she said to Patrick as she stalked off towards the group.

“I was joking!” he said with a laugh.

Still, Annalise walked with a purpose and he followed her. She clutched the strap of her shoulder bag and kept her chin up as she made herself apart of the tiny audience. It was quite the sight, two nerds decked out in all black and heavy eyeliner amongst a group of normals watching two other normals sing a pop song. No lie, Annalise just wanted to get a look at this girl she had never seen before.

Olive skin. Black, curly hair. Very short next to her guy. Very pretty voice coming out of very pretty lips. She looked at Shawn and he looked back at her as they sang an eerily familiar song. Musically speaking, they seemed good together.

“I’ll leave you with the memory, and the aftertaste…”

The tiny audience clapped. Patrick was nodding in pleasant surprise, probably having never heard Shawn’s songs before. Annalise applauded as well, but she couldn’t help the narrowing of her eyes as she watched Shawn and this girl high five each other.

They were both comfortable with all the attention, it was easy to see. Shawn was beaming in a way that hadn’t been seen in a long time, and then he laid eyes on Annalise. He still had that smile on his face, even though it faltered a little bit. She kept her face neutral and quirked her eyebrows at him as a silent greeting.

“Should I leave you guys alone?” asked Patrick as he and Annalise watched Shawn get down from the table top.

“No,” she replied simply.

She almost regretted having him stay. He had to witness Shawn and Annalise attempt to figure out how to greet each other. A side hug would have been awkward for reasons not only having to do with the guitar strapped to his shoulder. She definitely couldn’t kiss him, because that would have started something she had been trying to distance herself from. They finally settled for a mildly uncomfortable handshake, and Shawn kept holding her hand as he spoke.

It had been almost a week since Ann moved out, and she only sent him one text in that time span. It was the black heart emoji. Better than nothing, but not better than seeing her in person.

“You haven’t answered my texts,” Shawn told her. If she was going to decide when she'll give him attention, then he wasn't going to beat around the bush when he saw her.

“I’ve been busy,” Ann replied, feebly attempting to shake her hand away.

Shawn nodded, but he wasn't thoroughly convinced. Between work and school, Ann was a hermit. Or so he thought, given that she now had this new goth dude at her side. “So, who’s your friend?”

“Who’s yours?” she quickly said back.

“I’m Patrick!” said Patrick, holding out his hand. “Annie and I go way back!”

Shawn let go of her hand to shake his. “Nice to meet you, brother. Wait… Annie?” He chuckled.

Her cheeks heated up, and she decided to move her eyes somewhere else, specifically on Shawn’s unnamed singing partner. She was chatting with some of the other people still around the table. Annalise noticed she talked with her hands a lot.

“She lets me call her that even though she hates it,” Patrick said, snapping her back into the moment. “Right, Annie?”

“Do not,” she warned. Then she looked at Shawn. “So who’s the chick you’re singing with?”

Shawn took in an almost reluctant deep breath as he turned and called the girl over. If there was anything he had yet to discover, it had to be if his girl was the jealous type.

Annalise's dark brown eyes narrowed once again while he wasn’t looking. Call it anxiety or paranoia, but she was oddly suspicious. Patrick caught the glare though, and he nudged her arm to snap her out of it.

“Ann, Patrick, this is Alessia,” Shawn said when the very short girl joined them. “She’s a first year. Alessia, this is my…” He elongated the vowel. “Annalise. And her friend Patrick.”

Okay, so… a sinking feeling in the tummy. That’s what that felt like. Couldn’t be mad, though. Annalise wasn’t so quick to use the boyfriend word these days.

“You’re Annalise!” Alessia said in pleasant surprise. She did not hesitate to hug her, arms going around her shoulders and practically pulling her down to her level. “It’s so nice to meet you! I’ve heard so much about you!”

Honestly, Annalise was just glad she didn’t call her the goth girlfriend. Or the goth anything, for that matter. She didn’t hug Patrick, though, but he didn’t seem to mind.

“So, how did you two meet?” Annalise prompted. So maybe she was a little more than curious to know how and when Shawn found the time to get another girl at his side.

“I could ask you the same thing,” Shawn replied a little too quickly.

His eyes bored into hers, throwing them into a staredown. He broke through the fake, polite smile Ann had on. Of course he broke it. He was the only one who could. However, Shawn couldn't read the expression she had on. He couldn't tell if she was upset or not, happy or not… He couldn't tell if she wanted to change her mind about this separation or not… Ten months together and Ann was still a mystery.

“Uh, Shawn and I have like, every class together,” Alessia said slowly, looking between the couple, noticing the sudden change in atmosphere. She scratched the back of her head.

“Annie and I have been in the same club for two years,” Patrick added in the same tone. He too noticed the tension.

“Oh, which club? There’s some I’ve been checking out…”

Those two kept up the conversation. Shawn’s gaze on Annalise made her throat close up. He wasn’t smiling or feigning politeness anymore. His jaw was clenched and his eyes were hard and glossed over. Inexplicable guilt began to form in her chest yet again. She knew he didn’t understand.

_______

taglist: @normalcyisoverrated-beyou @ilsolee @mendesromano @1-800-khalid-mendussy @kitykatnumber @strangerliaa @iloveshawnieboi @poppyshawn @shawnsunflower @shawnvvmendes @yourdelightfullyleft @shawmndes @havethetimeeofyourlifee @calyumthomas

[randompony03]

Not In Kansas Anymore

Heyooo! So a bit ago, I had a little convo with @spiderversetweets and then I decided to make a fic based off of it, because I'm hella cringey. This might be bad, but whatev. This is the refined version, it's also posted on Wattpad and some of the writting is different.

Wattpad link:

Characters: Helena/MindFang (oc), Virgil/SpiderGale, Roman/Royal Slinger, Patton/LoveBite, Logan/Arachne, Thomas/Rainbow Weaver, MJ (oc)

Summary: MindFang gets stick in a certain spidey boy's room, and is ultimately stuck in his dimension as well. How will she get home?

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MindFang opened her eyes and groaned. What the hell had just happened? One minute she was swinging through Laurence and the next she was zipping down a tube of big time acid trips only to wake up in pain and...in a dark purple room? She sat up and looked around. There were band posters, black clothing items scattered about, and black out curtains. "What kinda emo lives here?" She mused to herself. "Where are we?" Asked the tiny voice of Rosie as she scuttled up MindFang's arm. "I have no clue." MindFang responded. She pulled down the hood of her cloak and took off her mask. A confused look came over her round, freckled face. She pulled out her phone and opened Twitter.

'MFangOfficial: Ok y'all, don't panic (I'm already doing enough of that), but I'm suddenly in someone's room. It's dark and really purple, but I have no idea how I got here.'

With that, she posted it. She signed and scrolled around until she started getting blown up with notifications. 'OMG, you ok?' 'Sis, you need us Topekans to rescue you this time?' '@MFangOfficial idk why, but mood.' She smiled and replied to any and all of them. One in particular grabbed her attention. 'SpiderGaleOfficial: Don't touch anything, I'm on my way.' She stared for a moment at the response. SpiderGale? Was that..a YouTuber? Or was she not alone? 

'MFangOfficial:@SpiderGaleOfficial I give you my word. I like your spider though. Also, thanks.'

 MindFang thought a moment. Could there really be someone else with abilities like hers? Well, outside her family that is. She watched as Rosie climbed up the leg of the table with a spider tank resting on it. The rose-knee curiously peered through the glass. The spider on the other side scuttled up to her.

'SpiderGaleOfficial: He's a chill little dude.'

 MindFang glanced back up at the spiders with a smile as they began to chatter at each other.

'MFangOfficial: Indeed he is. I kinda wanna hold him, but I promised. He's a tarantula right?'

 She sat down on the floor. Holding up her mask she rubbed a thumb over it in thought. MindFang pulled the mask back on. She didn't know if this person was actually a superhero. They could be some Average Joe. The last thing she needed was some civilian finding out her identity. That would only add on to the stress today had brought her.

'SpiderGaleOfficial: Yes, he is. If he lets you hold him go ahead.'

 MindFang smiled brightly under her mask. She gently lowered her hand into the tank and offered it. The tarantula inside came closer. He hesitated before gingerly walking onto her hand. He happily chirped at her a greeting as she held him up. Rosie jumped onto her and made her way to her new buddy.

'MFangOfficial: You're a real pal. Oh he's so sweet.'

"Who are you texting, Helena?" The tiny voice of Rosie asked. Helena looked up from her phone. "The owner of your new friend." She told her. "Ask them for his name." Rosie said glancing back to the other tarantula. Helena cocked a brow. "Can't you ask him?" Rosie giggled at her. "Yes, and I already did, but you may as well make conversation." She said with a playful smirk in her voice. Helena sighed.

'What's his name btw?'

'SpiderGaleOfficial: I'll tell you when I get there.'

'MFangOfficial: 👌'

 Helena eyed her spider companion. "You're a little shit, ya know." She said. "Don't forget it." Rosie laughed. Helena chuckled a bit herself. She felt a tingling sensation in the back of her head. "His name is JD." Came a new voice.

 The masked girl turned around to see a boy in a purple and white onesie climbing in through the window. Helena's eyes widened as his did as well. The rest of the world seemed to tune out as an aura of purple and dark grey with bolts of bright lightning seemed to surround him. "..you're just like me." They spoke in unison. Helena went over and began to circle him. "That can't be right. I thought it was just me and my siblings. Is that hoodie built in?" She stopped in front of him, "God I love your suit." SpiderGale chuckled. He extended his hand and she shook it. Helena took off her mask once more. "By the way, I'm Helena." She told him, a smile settling onto to her freckled cheeks. The boy removed his own mask and shook out his purple hair. "Virgil." Helena couldn't help but chuckle. "Nice to see we have similar taste in hairstyles." She said, pointing out their heads being shaved on the same side, hers being wavy and auburn while his was straight and naturally dark with the longer part dyed. 

 Virgil took his turn to pace around her. Studying her. The two tarantulas on her shoulders, one of them being JD,  the silver lining on her suit and cloak, the cool color scheme, the thigh-high Nightvale purple boots. "How did you get in here?" He asked. Helena ran a hand through her half a head of hair. "Well, that's the thing. I'm not entirely sure. I was sucked into some colorful tunnel and then woke up in here. That probably makes me sound like a crackhead though." Virgil stopped in front of her. "It sounds like you need to go home."

  "So you said you can clearly communicate with spiders?" Talyn asked Helena as they examined her. "Uh, yeah." Helena watched them. Joan stood back and took notes. "Interesting." Talyn mused. Virgil cleared his throat, gaining everyone's attention. "I think you're getting a little off topic." He said, raising a brow. "Oh, right. Sorry, it's just so fascinating is all." Talyn apologized, stepping away from Helena. They went over to join Joan and began quickly muttering to them.

 Virgil stepped over to Helena. "Sorry about that, they tend to get sidetracked when something tickles their curiosity." He explained. "It's fine, I guess. I just didn't think my powers were all that interesting or whatever." She shrugged. 

"Well, they are when my friends and I can only partially make out what they say."

"There's more than one of you??"

"Yeah. What, are you the only one where you come from?"

"Well, no. My sister got bit as well and my brother made something called a symbiote."

Virgil raised his eyebrows. "Huh, we have someone with a symbiote here too." Helena looked down at the floor. "What the fuck." She whispered. 

 Joan and Talyn came back over to them. "Ok, after talking it over we think we can get you home. Although, it may take a while to make the machinery needed." Joan told Helena. "How long would 'a while' be?" She asked. "About five weeks if we can get Logan to help. Interdimensional transport isn't exactly common or anything." Talyn explained. Helena felt her stomach drop. Five weeks? Oh God, what was she supposed to tell her parents? Could she even contact them? Tears began to sting her eyes. She turned around and walked a few paces away. No. God no. Not here. Not now. 

 "Helena, you ok?" She heard Virgil's voice ask. "YeAH." She replied. Damn it, that voice crack would give her away. Hesitantly, Virgil placed a hand on her shoulder. "Hey, look at me." Despite every red flag her brain was sending her about letting him see her like this, she faced him. "Breath with me. In for three, hold for four, out for seven." He instructed as he demonstrated for her. After a few rounds of this, Helena had seemed to calm down. "Better?" He asked. She nodded. "Better"

 Helena had been taken and introduced to Virgil's friends; Logan, Roman, Patton, and Thomas, who seemed more like a tired dad than a friend. Patton flopped down next to her on Thomas' couch. "So, if you're stuck here for five weeks, where are you going to stay?" He asked her. Helena's face fell. "Oh, uh, I hadn't really thought of that." Helena admitted. "And what are you going to wear? Don't get me wrong, I love your suit, but that can't be all you have, is it?" Roman added. "...My civilian clothes are back home." She mumbled. The boys all looked at each other before leaning in and quietly discussing the situation. Helena tuned them out and began to fret all over again. Where was she going to stay? Perhaps she could just bum around town and live like the homeless for the next few weeks? Did they have a homeless shelter perhaps?

 The boys stopped talking and turned back to Helena. "Well, I guess you could stay with me for now." Thomas offered. The girl was taken aback. "Oh no, I don't wanna be a bother!" She argued. Thomas shook his head. "You wouldn't. It's not like these guys don't frequently come and go from here." He insisted. Helena was about to debate the offer all over again when the door opened.

 A red-haired man walked in and over to Thomas. He slipped his arms around the other's shoulders. "Hey, guys." He greeted with a smile. "Hey, MJ." The boys replied in unison. The man, known as MJ, spotted Helena. The girl was caught off guard and ended up making eye contact. She nervously waved. "Who's this?" MJ asked, standing up straight. "This is Helena. She's a long ways from home." Thomas explained. 

"How far?"

"A whole other world far."

"Yikes."

"Yeah. I was just telling her that she could stay here with us until Joan and Talyn finish their transporter." 

MJ's eyes shined as he looked back up at Helena. "I think that's a great idea." Helena mentally sighed. It seemed there was no way of getting out of this.

 Living with Thomas and MJ turned out to be pretty nice. Thankfully she was able to give her parents an excuse for her absence. Since she had been at the library, last they knew, she had gotten some of her friends to agree to be her scapegoat. As far as her parents were concerned, she was spending the next few weeks at with the Loockes. Through her experience there, she had come to know the rest of the boys pretty well. Roman had insisted on taking her out shopping so she could look her best. Thanks to him, she had practically an entirely new wardrobe. Patton had shown her how to bake practically every kind of cookie. When Logan wasn't helping Joan and Talyn, she'd let him ramble about whatever topic he wished. She thought the number of things he knew was fascinating. Virgil was a lot like her in some ways. They often sat around sending memes to each other and discussing horror movies. By the end of it, they had all become good friends. The time did come, however, for Helena to go home.

 She had been sitting on the couch drawing with Roman and talking about cartoons they watched as kids when Logan came into the room. "Helena, it's finished." He informed her. She stared back at him in wonder and blinked a few times. "It is?" Logan nodded. She looked down at her sketchpad. "I honestly thought I'd be a little more excited to go home." She said with a half-hearted chuckle. Roman reached over and patted her back.. "We'll miss you too." A sad smile rested on his face. He understood what she meant.

 Helena went to pack what belongings she had. While folding and putting away all the clothes Roman had picked out for her, the door to the room burst open. Before she could fully process the outburst a pair of arms were hrown thrownaround her. "I can't believe it's over already!" Wailed the voice of Patton. Helena smiled when she realized who it was that attack-hugged her. She returned the hug, getting a bit misty-eyed. "I know. I'm gonna miss you,, Pat." She said softly. "Ok Patton, give her some space." Virgil laughed from his leaning position in the doorway. Patton pulled back with a slight whine and glossy eyes. "How did you guys know I was leaving right now?" Helena asked them. Roman stepped in. "I may have texted them." He admitted. 

 Logan came into the room as well. "Helena, could I see your phone?" The girl complied and handed it over to him. He took off the back and slid what looked like some kind of SD card into it. He popped the back on again and handed it back to her. "When you activate that, it should allow you to keep your contact with us." He explained. Helena smiled so warmly. "Thank you, Logan." Virgil punched him in the arm. "You softie." He teased. 

 Eventually, Helena had been all packed up, even between all the chatter. She had said her final goodbyes and received an especially long hug from Patton and MJ at the same time. With one more round of goodbyes, she was transported back home in a flash of bright white. 

 After she had come back inside and spun a tale of what she had 'been up to with the Loockes, she went down to her room and flopped onto her bed. Her phone buzzed as Rosie crawled out of her pocket. Helena pulled out the device. 5 messages from SpiderGang. A smile crept over her face as she tapped on the chat bubble.

PattonCake: Hi Helena!

Sir-Sings-A-Lot: With one more round of goodbyes, she was transported back home in a flash of blindingly bright white.

 When she opened her eyes, she was standing on the corner of her block. Looks like those two had a pretty precise aim. She walked up to the front door of her home and knocked. Once her parents had finished interrogating her about what she and the Loockes had been up to, she escaped downstairs to her room. Flopping onto her bed, she felt her phone buzz. Rosie crawled out of her jacket pocket as she pulled the device out. 5 messages from Spider Gang. A smile crept onto her face as she tapped the chat bubble.

PattonCake: Hi Helena!

Sir-Sing-A-Lot: @Bi-Stander Greetings!

Pocket-Protector: If the chip is functioning, salutations.

Dark-And-Stormy-Night: Yo

Could-Be-Gayer: Hey, kiddo

Tears of joy began to sting her eyes as she read over the messages.

Bi-Stander: Hey guys

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And that's all she (I) wrote! This is set in the world of the spiderverse au made by the lovely @sugarglider9603 and @ask-spiderverse-virgil . If you guys read this, I hope you like it!

[jbuffyangel]

Weekly Rundown 10/21/18-10/26/18

Time to rundown what I’m watching, loving, hating and everything in between! Spoilers ahead! Full episode reviews and reactions are linked in the titles.

Daredevil Season 3

Just so y’all know - most nuns do not wear their habits in public anymore. It’s been that way since Vatican II, but TV refuses to catch up.

The action is amaaaaazing again. I love how Matt actually gets tired when he’s fighting.

I don’t want Matt to put that ugly Daredevil suit on again he looks ridiculous. Keep the black mask and call it a day.

I want Foggy to propose very badly. I need a Foggy wedding in Season 4.

Is there any particular reason why Karen didn’t haul ass to Frank’s Punisher lair when her life was in danger and Matty Mcbrown eyes was off Daredeviling an existential crisis? That’s where I’d go.

Matt refusing to ask the other Defenders help because “it’s not their fight” is the stupidest reason ever.

Arrow (“The Longbow Hunters”)

It is a bit creepy when Stan says, “I bet a guy like that would do anything to keep his family safe.” Maybe Stan is a nuthouse, but leave me to my dream for now.

Is it me or did Yorke look older than 40? 1978????

Deputy Director Bell is evil. Calling it now.

The Longbow Hunters don’t actually use bows. This is a twist I did not see coming.

Bl*ck S*ren can’t lawyer worth a damn, but she can wear a suit.

“Stay behind me.” That was oddly hot Rene. I’m wildly uncomfortable that I find you attractive right now, but it is what it is.

Rene: Been back in town a week and you’re already sneaking out of A.R.G.U.S. behind Papa Dig’s back? I’m so proud.

Felicity: Thanks man.

This whole exchange was delightful and not remotely derogatory like “Blondie.” THY NAME IS CHARACTER GROWTH.

“Grab your balls Curtis, we’re going in.” If the Rene character only exists to say this one line of dialogue then it was worth it.

Why didn’t BS and Dinah go after the Longbow Hunter? What is up with allowing all these criminals to run away at a moderately brisk pace and our people acting like they can’t catch them? They are called legs! Move your ass!  

BITCH YOU BETTER NOT STEP ON THAT PHOTO!!!!!!!

Legends of Tomorrow  (“The Virgin Gary”)

Legends Season 4 premiere is fantastic and full of all the hi-jinks I’ve missed over hiatus.

“Speaking of the same old crap isn’t that what he did last year?”Legends gets points for acknowledging that Wally gets the storyline shaft a lot.

When you are officially a hero the time bureau gives you a medal, but I was more excited about the balloons.

It would be super weird if the Legends spent more than a day in 2018.

Remember when Oliver asked Sara to move in with him and she went running screaming in the other direction? It all worked out because Sara knew he was really in love with Felicity. I’m just saying she’s come a looooong way.

I want to be clear about one thing and it’s not up for debate. Ready? The best thing about Legends is Mick. It’s always Mick. That is all.

OMG NATE’S FATHER IS BIFF FROM BACK TO THE FUTURE?????!!!!!!!! THIS IS SPECTACULAR CASTING!!!

Manifest “Connecting Flights”

It was nice to fill in the back story of the characters left behind after the plane went missing, however the show is starting to lose my attention. I need more movement on these character relationships. Manifest is hitting a lot of the same notes week after week.

This Is Us (“Toby”)

Randall is going ahead with the city council job? Are they independently wealthy Does no one have to work?

Baby Toby is the cutest.

Holy crap is this how in vitro really works? It’s so friggin expensive and no guarantees. Wow, my sympathies to all those who have gone through this excruciating process.

Randall unbuttoning his shirt is all the reason I need to vote for him. Done deal. 

Toby used his wonderful sense of humor to cheer up his depressed Mom. Ugh my heart.

But for real though sometimes you need just “one damn day.” #MomLife

Three hours to get ready Kate? Just as an FYI - that’s all over when you have a baby. You’ll be lucky to get a shower.

Miguel carried a piano up stairs to cheer Rebecca up. That’s love.

“There’s so much of her in you it scares me.” THAT IS NOT SOMETHING YOU SAY TO YOUR CHILD ASSHOLE.

A+ on the prom dresses. Absolutely what I wore in high school. We were fashionista slaves in the late nineties.

Kate’s impression of Adele is dead on.

Miguel tries so hard. He’s just trying to keep his promise to Jack.

Rebecca is such an amazing mom. Kate doesn’t give her nearly enough credit.

KATE IS PREGNANT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The Rookie (Pilot” and “Crash Course”)

I really loved The Rookie. I typically don’t hate procedurals, but this one has surprised me thus far. It’s fast paced, so it held my attention more. I hope it stays that way. 

I love how it is the rookies versus the training officers. It fills my Rookie Blue void.

I am not invested in any ships yet. I am not buying the romance between Nolan and Lucy so far. I actually think Lucy has more chemistry with Bradford and Nolan with the Captain.

A Million Little Things (“Friday Night Dinner” and “The Game of Your Life”)

I want to love this show, but they are making it next to impossible. I hate cheating storylines in any show. It’s one of the main reasons I quit watching Shonda Rhimes’ shows because she is unable to write one without including adultery. Arrow’s original love story revolved around cheating and was an absolute mess. It feels like a lazy way to inject drama. This cheating storyline between Eddie and Delilah is making two characters who are otherwise very likable extremely unlikable. 

Instead of jettisoning this plot into the atmosphere where it belongs and never speaking of it again, A Million Little Things is double down on it.  Delilah is pregnant! Oh wonderful, now we get to play “Who’s the Daddy?” for several weeks.

Apparently, the writers come from The Fl*sh school of writing. Characters can only be mad at other characters for one episode. All the friends found out about Eddie and Delilah’s affair and the very next week they are sitting down to pizza. It’s at Delilah’s house and Eddie’s wife Katherine comes too because FRIENDS. No. Just no.

Instead of being angry at Eddie and Delilah, the friends make excuses for them. Regina’s conversation with Delilah turned into a huge “I didn’t see your pain” apology, which is flat out ridiculous. What Delilah did was so off the charts wrong there is no excuse for it. If you are in pain see a therapist. It’s not an excuse to cheat on your husband. Also, Regina you are not to blame for Delilah lying to everyone for over two years. 

Gary, who has been the angriest, decides he’s being too hard on Eddie (ya know by actually holding him accountable for his actions) and lets Eddie move in with him after his wife finally kicked him out. Are you freaking kidding me with this? I was already mildly irked at Gary for giving Delilah a free pass, but I understood his reasoning because her husband just jumped off a building. She has been punished quite a lot. But Eddie? I think we could muster a couple episodes of anger towards Eddie.

The writers attempted drum up sympathy for Delilah by shining a little light on her seemingly perfect marriage with Jon. It’s not really perfect, but what marriage is? Jon was short with Delilah during a family dinner. He took a phone call from work and snapped, “Everything I do is for this family.” What a bastard. Of course, that is reason enough for Delilah to jump into bed with Eddie, her husband’s best friend. GIVE. ME. A. FRIGGIN. BREAK. If my husband slept with someone else every time I was cranky with him, he’d have a harem.

So, on top of being suicide apologists, the writers are adding cheating apologists. There is no reason to cheat. It’s just mean. Nobody has put a gun to your head. If you want out of your marriage you march to an attorney’s office and file for divorce. Not sure if you want a divorce? Then go to counseling. But cheating, under any circumstances, is wrong. It’s cruel and selfish. It’s trying to have your cake and eat it too. A Million Little Things trying to excuse away Eddie and Delilah’s heinous behavior is almost as bad as the cheating itself. Trying to make suicide and cheating okay with excuses is dangerous behavior. I AM NOT A FAN.

Stray Thought - on what planet is a school program presented in the middle of the freaking day? What kind of ridiculous school do Eddie and Katherine send their son to?

Blindspot (“The Quantico Affair”) 

Zapata has a very interesting running stride. Sorry I was in cross country. That stuff interests me

Roman saying "He knows. This is it. Kill him" underscores the dramatic tension.

I’m gonna need someone on Team Blindspot to pick up on Remi's side eye. Y'all are FBI agents for goodness sake.

I don't actually know what Patterson's name is, but I feel confident it is not Lisa.

I think Martin Gero saw me write "Where is Patterson's storyline?" in my last review. I could have opted for patience, but complaining loudly via written word felt like a better plan. 

Hey watch the condemnation Remi aka Jane aka double secret agent who told so many lies I can't keep it straight anymore.

OMG Rich not explaining how the tattoo was solved is the best thing ever. PLEASE DO THIS EVERY WEEK

I wanna talk about the Book of Secrets mostly because Rich calls it the Book of Secrets.

Hahaha. Her one night stand showed up at work. This is how Meredith and McDreamy began. I highly recommend elevator scenes too.

One night stand boy is Weitz's nephew. IT. JUST. GOT. BETTER

Sure Madeline come on in and check out our super secret tattoo murder board.

"Thundercats ho!" OMG was that an ad lib?

Totally ship Patterson and this dude. I should probably learn his name.

Somebody tell Rich about the one night stand. Pleeeeeeeease.

I'm not calling him Lincoln. He shall be known as "Slab of Man-Ham" forevermore.

Patterson and Rich are the perfect work wife/husband team. Remember Rich is the work wife

How does Weitz maintain employment? This may be the greatest of all Blindspot's mysteries.

Of course "Jane" and Weller are on the train Weitz. IT'S THEIR JOB. Seriously someone get this dude a DVD of #Blindspot S1-S3

Patterson girl, Jane is never that cranky with you when she's diffusing bombs. SOMEBODY NOTICE PERSONALITY CHANGES PLEASE!!!

"You're new here." ALL KNEEL TO PATTERSON.

[verdigrisprowl]

May 14 Dancitron Movie Night - Star Trek V: The Final Frontier

Prowl was warned ahead of time by Soundwave that there was going to be constant organic shadowplay in this movie. And after the fight against Unicron was immediately followed by a wave of movie nights with mind control, bugs crawling into heads, forced gestalt minds, needles in heads... Prowl decided he didn’t feel up to more makeshift exposure therapy tonight.

So he didn’t show up.

ItsyBitsySpyers *Soundwave quickly finishes nibbling his piece of the gummi dancing chestburster's tail and slams his visor down. Time for movie night - and a seat.* Specs ((bless)) Smokescreen This message has been removed. This message has been removed. ItsyBitsySpyers ((i'm gonna start at 8:25 so if y'all want snacks or whatever, get them)) Prowl *arrives* Specs ((awright)) ItsyBitsySpyers *Soundwave pings Prowl hello.*

[[Good evening.]] Prowl *pings back*

Hello, Soundwave. Specs *here comes a dragon! she looks exhausted, but she's brought the energon goodies as always.* Hello, Soundwave! ItsyBitsySpyers *She's to be greeted with cushions, bugs - this time, Buzzsaw tried to fancy them up a bit by cutting off bits of random plants as a garnish, based on what he saw on Earth cooking shows - and Soundwave's feelers helping her move the goodies to the counter.* Specs *bless this Soundwave. what a friend.* Oh! Thank you, Soundwave, Buzzsaw. Thank you! *she doesn't even get a full dragonloaf this time, it's more like a dragonbaguette* ItsyBitsySpyers ((*does the skeletor NYEH and laughs into her hands*)) [[Quite welcome. Still experiencing the aligned planets...?]] *She looks as tired as him.* Specs No, thankfully. Concursion only lasts a week. A bonded triad got lost out in one of the less-inhabited areas. Part of my job, as it were, is to make sure search parties passing through my area get fed and rested, so it was a busy week. At least they were found before they starved. ItsyBitsySpyers [[Do you require search assistance?]] ((wb)) Smokescreen Tonight's a Star War trek night, right sounds? //asbncv thanks ItsyBitsySpyers [[It is.]] ItsyBitsySpyers ((well, looks like a quiet night tonight. we're gonna get rolling)) Specs *the dragon blinks. she wasn't expecting to hear THAT!* Not this time, but... *pauses to lick her paw and smooth out the fur around her face* But if your offer stands for the next time, it would be appreciated. Smokescreen /He's going to go ahead and take his usual spot! He brought a few snacks to share- or just eat, himself/ ItsyBitsySpyers *Ah. Preserving her dignity, felinoid style? Or just dirty?*

[[He can allow it to stand.]] ((SHIT WAIT i forgot warnings uh where' smy file)) ((WARNINGS: Often nonconsensual invasive telepathy, passing ableist comment, Bones being species-ist, "nudity", flashing lights, birthing scene, shaky camera, monotheistic focus. Not to mention that the movie is just plain BAD. Badly written, badly filmed, badly edited. Hands down the worst of all six original Trek films. I'm so sorry for making you all sit through it.)) Specs *Yes.* You have my thanks, Soundwave. *she is really grateful! just also very tired and not making the words go.* ItsyBitsySpyers *Soundwave sends Prowl the name of the film and where to find the audio description file* *He still hasn't figured out what her alternate did.* Prowl *notices something off about the energy signatures in the room* My alternate isn't here tonight? ItsyBitsySpyers [[No. Not yet.]] *And that's probably for the best.* Omicron *Ice Queen pokes her head in, late, looking around* Me ((can we assume he was warned ahead of time? since that would be the reason for him not to show.)) ItsyBitsySpyers ((we can)) Smokescreen ... Huh, he isn't? I didn't look that way yet. Me ((o7)) ItsyBitsySpyers [[He's not. Police work doesn't always obey the hours we set for ourselves.]] Smokescreen Yeah- yeah, that's fair. Still, sucks to have to work when he usually gets to relax, right? But I guess every Cybertron's been pretty busy! ItsyBitsySpyers [[Naturally. And... yes. Yes, some of them have.]] Omicron ...? *the big predacon carefully sits in the bakc.... sneaks a lick on smokey as she passes* ItsyBitsySpyers *Without so much as fidgeting, let alone turning to look:* [[Greetings.]] Prowl Ah, all right then. Thank you for the audio description, Soundwave. *frowns* Smokescreen I don't know if mine's busier, or if I'm just taking on way too much work. Omicron hello Specs *the smol fluff chirps at the sound of Icy Claws, but doesn't get up- she's TIRED.* Omicron ....? *looks for the chirper? where is the fluffy?* Me ((i appreciate that they feel the need to specify "Yosemite National Park, Planet Earth." It implies that the audience might not necessarily know what planet Yosemite is on. Good immersion there.)) Specs *the fluffy is on all these nice cushions Soundwave has brought out for her. she is a cozy fluff.* Omicron *Ice Queen eyes the spot, debating if there's room to rest her head by the tiny friend* ItsyBitsySpyers [[Perhaps you could tell him what you have been up to, and then he would know whether you're doing too much.]] *Soundwave tilts his head to one side.* [[...Should he not have provided that?]] *Why is she frowning?* ((and agreed on the immersion point)) Specs ((bones is perfect)) *the fluffy dragon can move, or be moved, if Icy needs. she's just tired.* Omicron ((he is, human ratchet but not--PFFFFFTTT)) ItsyBitsySpyers ((when we get to the campfire scene remind me to tell you all a thing)) Specs ((Are they actually playing pool in a wet pool table)) ItsyBitsySpyers ((they are)) Omicron *watch big dragon steath herself over to rest her big head by fluffy dragon. broken horn makes it easier to sit by the cushions* Prowl Hm? Oh, no, no, you should have. That is... I appreciate that you did, but the Captain has been sharing his visual feeds with me. I'd been enjoying the opportunity. ItsyBitsySpyers [[Oh. Do... Should he provide one?]] *Pause.* [["Captain"?]] Smokescreen ... What exactly WAS that noise and how'd they make it Prowl The belch? Smokescreen Yeah, that I heard 'em before, but how exactly are they made? Prowl Are you able to? I didn't think to ask. Specs *the dragon gives Icy a sleepy lick on the horn. there. it is clean.* ItsyBitsySpyers [[...You ARE in HIS home.]] Omicron gas, not unlike how we, some predacons can produce fireballs Prowl A Klingon explained it to me as gas coming up from the tank, er, stomach. Smokescreen Gas? ... Wait, do their stomachs just make gas somehow? Like- is it some kinda weird food conversion thing? Prowl Yes, your home. Which is precisely why I didn't ask. To my knowledge, Soundwave, you don't trust me. ItsyBitsySpyers [[He doesn't.]] *Blunt, isn't he?* [[But you are a guest. And he is a host.]] Prowl I don't know that much about Klingon anatomy. ItsyBitsySpyers *Ping. She can have a feed from one of the overhead cameras... which he'll be removing from access to any greater part of the network, and later, completely digging out.* Prowl *appreciates the honesty* *pings a thank you* Me ((those dorks)) Specs ((DORKS)) Smokescreen These are advanced beans Prowl ((yesss best scene ItsyBitsySpyers [[Ah. The musical fruit. He has heard of this plant as an instrument.]] Smokescreen I wanna go camping like this ... wait this plant's an instrument? Also wait... Wait sounds I have a vegetable band to show you later ItsyBitsySpyers [[Apparently. Dried, they can be put in a hollow object and shaken.]] Prowl A simple but effective instrument. Smokescreen That sounds pretty fun- humans are pretty creative! Me ((wow way to make it dark kirk)) Omicron ((on phone, Icy's dosing <.<) ItsyBitsySpyers (( ;n; )) ((kk) Smokescreen Oh! I figured out energon marshmallows recently- they're not bad! But you can't toast 'em ItsyBitsySpyers ((SO FUN FACT in the novelization they expand on this "marsh melon" mistake of spock's and bones jokingly goes on and on about how his family member had a whole farm of marsh melons)) Me ((omg)) Specs ((HAHAHAHA)) Smokescreen ((pfpfff ItsyBitsySpyers [[He should say not. How many explosions did you go through to figure that out?]] Prowl Marsh melons. Smokescreen None! I'm not that dumb. ... Maybe once. ItsyBitsySpyers *Tiny trembling.* Smokescreen Life is but a dream sounds kinda poetic! Prowl *huffs in amusement at Spock* ItsyBitsySpyers [[...Is the satellite screaming.]] Prowl ...I think it did. ItsyBitsySpyers [[Life is more often a nightmare, if you ask him.]] Prowl Indeed. ItsyBitsySpyers *At least as of late.* Smokescreen ... Really Sounds? Are you okay? ItsyBitsySpyers [[Oh, yes. Quite fine, thank you. Merely thinking about the war.]] *Lies, lies, everywhere lies.* Smokescreen ... Is it about the Unicron thing? Blaster -wanders in, looking a bit tired- ItsyBitsySpyers [[The destruction of the Hall of Records.]] Smokescreen Oh. Oh yeah- I can agree with you on that. Blaster -sits in empty seat, and waves at Soundwave- ItsyBitsySpyers *Soundwave bobs his helm.* [[Good evening.]] [[Now is not the time for such jokes, doctor.]] Blaster Hello,...what did I miss? ItsyBitsySpyers [[A revolutionary Vulcan has seized control of a small outpost, captured three ambassadors, and demanded a Federation starship for unknown reasons.]] Smokescreen ... Maybe if it helps, Sounds, there were a lot of things we recovered from the Hall of Records in my universe. Maybe there's a few other things that survived in yours? ItsyBitsySpyers [[Hm?]] *Oh, right. His fib.* [[Yes. We've been recovering some... ancient files.]] Blaster Oh. Okay. -understands only half of what was said- Smokescreen Really? What kinda stuff? Did you find the covenant or something? Or maybe something else? I guess I shouldn't be surprised that that stuff upset you, too. ItsyBitsySpyers [[He hasn't found the covenant. You need not fly into a panic about whether or not he's worthy of possessing it.]] *Yet.* Smokescreen ... Why would I be panicked about that? You probably are worthy of it. ItsyBitsySpyers [[...Pardon. He must reset his audio receptors.]] *Because he didn't just hear that.* [[Say again?]] Smokescreen I mean, using the past to make the future better? I bet you'd do that, and I bet you'd try to record everything going on in there- you have a lot of data you could add that isn't in there, too. I would figure that'd be the kind of thing Alpha Trion would want. You'd probably never let it go if you got a hold of it, right? Specs ((HAH)) ItsyBitsySpyers *Amused huff at the screen.* Prowl Clever. ((this talk of the covenant reminds me, you owe me on our thread, smokey, didn't he bring the covenant to show prowl? Smokescreen //AAAA yeah lemme find that thread asdxc Prowl ((it was right before the unicron plot took off, no worries <3 ItsyBitsySpyers [[...He wouldn't want to, no. But if - er. Certain parties, demanded he let it go, he would - consider the circumstances. Otherwise, no. He would guard it like little else.]] *Basically if Primus strode up to him and said "burn it" he would have a crisis but probably obey. Otherwise? Nah.* Smokescreen And you're a strong bot, you'd be able to protect it pretty well! I'm pretty sure if Alpha Trion talked to you, like, at all, he would've put you in his will. You think you'll ever find your covenant? ItsyBitsySpyers [[...Why are you flattering him. What is it you need.]] Smokescreen ... I mean, I'm glad you kept Unicron from destroying my home, but that's honestly how I feel. ItsyBitsySpyers *Now outright staring at Smokescreen instead of the movie screen.* [[He does not understand.]] Prowl *would be staring herself if she could, this seems... strange* Smokescreen ... What's so hard to understand, exactly? You probably know practically everything about Cybertron where the Covenant cuts off. You'd be a great fit for writing down modern Cybertronian history, I bet. ItsyBitsySpyers *Something's wrong. This isn't Smokescreen. Or he's somehow lapsed into recharge mid-movie and this is an exhaustion dream. They had a whole argument about how he wasn't worthy. And Smokescreen's been hiding his copy from him for months. None of this is right.* Smokescreen ((wait they did ItsyBitsySpyers ((some while back iirc)) Smokescreen ((i remember sounds and primus but ItsyBitsySpyers ((smokescreen started it i think)) Smokescreen ((adsxvcbn he would ItsyBitsySpyers [[...He does know a great deal.]] *But not as much as some relics sitting here listening to the movies.* [[But he doubts that alone makes him worthy. If it did, he would have it.]] [[Or know where to look. And he does not.]] Smokescreen I mean, just 'cause you find it doesn't mean you're worthy, and vice versa. Is there any rubble in Iacon? Maybe it's hidden around there. ItsyBitsySpyers *If a sharp buzz could be a nasty laugh...* [[Iacon is still MOSTLY rubble.]] Smokescreen Well! There's lots of places where it could be, then. And I'll bet it'll pop up when it's needed most. That's how it works most of the time. ItsyBitsySpyers [[Then, as he said, it isn't time, as it hasn't popped up.]] Smokescreen Has anyone been around the area recently? It's not gonna pop up if no one goes there. ItsyBitsySpyers [[He often goes to the Hall of Records to inspect their new findings and recoveries.]] [[...They ARE in the brig.]] Smokescreen Huh. Maybe you pissed off Alpha Trion or something. He wasn't big on Megatron, maybe he thought you were in league with him and would alway be. Prowl It's likely unneeded at this point. We are managing quite well without the need for relics. ItsyBitsySpyers *(Barely) refrains from asking why she's still there, then.* Prowl *rude* Smokescreen ... Fair enough. But with the covenant and Sounds, he could teach an AWESOME history course. ItsyBitsySpyers [[He'll teach nothing. He's dead.]] Smokescreen I'm talking about you Prowl *huffs* Blaster -has probably fallen asleep where he's sitting- Prowl Why Soundwave? Smokescreen ... /He's putting a small cube of energon on top of Blaster./ Blaster -no movement- Smokescreen 'Cause he's old and was awake for most of the war- and has a pretty good memory! Specs *the dragon, too, is out like a light.* Prowl He is not the only Cybertronian alive during the war. Smokescreen ... /Putting another cube on blaster./ Omicron *Icy stirs, yawning wide* ItsyBitsySpyers ((there are some great editing errors here. watch the deck number progression in a little bit)) Blaster -still hasn't moved- Smokescreen But- Sounds, do you have a lot of the war recorded? Omicron ((I see a blaster, hiii!)) ItsyBitsySpyers [[He does.]] Smokescreen Exactly! Blaster ((hiiiii Prowl As do I. Smokescreen ... Do you wanna teach history, Prowl? Shocky *Shockwave enters, somewhat distracted looking and quickly takes a seat* Prowl Not at the moment. Smokescreen !! /Waving at Shockwave!/ Omicron ((and hi to others! don't mind icy sprawled on the ground. the predacon can be a good couch at least)) ItsyBitsySpyers *Soundwave bobs his head at Shockwave* Smokescreen Well- I figure Soundwave might be more interested. Shocky *He nods back in acknowledgement, giving a slight wave to Smokescreen back* Omicron *The predacon humms, head resting inner optics covers over.* Prowl Do you want to be a teacher, Soundwave? ItsyBitsySpyers [[He has some interest in educating others.]] *Not necessarily as a teacher, but...* Specs *the dragon makes a sleepy purr-chirp, getting Real Long and resting her tail on Icy* Shocky ((I won't be here for long, just saying hi really)) ItsyBitsySpyers ((the pop-in is appreciated!)) Smokescreen Yeah! I bet Sounds would be pretty awesome at teaching other bots. He's helped me with math before. Prowl Has he? Smokescreen Yeah! He sent me a bunch of documents, since I kinda missed out because of... You know. The war and stuff. Omicron *has a fluffy tail on her muzzle, happy predacon* Prowl But what about before the war? Surely you were educated during the Golden Age. Smokescreen I really didn't get that much math education. And my processor, uh- it kinda has trouble with this one part of math in particular. Prowl What part? ItsyBitsySpyers *This seems so familiar. It's a very, VERY good thing "the Captain" isn't here, yes. Yes, indeed.* Smokescreen ... Do we gotta talk about it out loud like this? Prowl Not at all. Smokescreen @Prowl: ::I can't do decimals or percentages or slag like that at all- I can't process 'em without having to write it out.:: Shocky *he has just now zoned in to the conversation* Nothing to be concerned over. Mathematics has been an age long struggle to many Smokescreen But I want to be able to get it! It's- wait are they showing THAT Prowl @Smokescreen: [[Ah. And Soundwave helped?]] ItsyBitsySpyers *Alarmed.* [[Is the spawn injured? It bleeds.]] Shocky A normal thing for organic emergence. Specs *sleepily* Blood keeps the babies alive, in eggs. There's always a little extra afterwards. Smokescreen @Prowl: ::Yeah! He gave me some documents so I could figure out how to do it manually. I still can't do it like- like how some other Cybertronians do, but I can do it, and that's a big step.:: ... Eggs? Shocky I do not believe they are formed in eggs Smokescreen Wait do humans lay eggs ItsyBitsySpyers *Not quite believing it, but if anyone knows, it's an organic - and a scientist who's probably pulled uncountable numbers of them apart* Shocky humans emerge live, or so extensive amount of evidence points towards Omicron eggs? Specs Dragons lay eggs. I dunno if humans do. Smokescreen Okay- but why do some organics lay eggs? Do vulcans lay eggs? Shocky apparently not Prowl There were no eggs in the flashback. Omicron I lay eggs? *puzzled waking up* Specs *the other dragon has fallen back asleep* Prowl I thought you were a Predacon? Shocky Such carelessness for their crew... But the pursuit of knowledge is admirable Omicron I am, but I can produce what are 'eggs' with the sparklings, hatchlings inside *Icy slowly stretches from the nap. curling her tail and flexing claws, might nudge some chairs sorry* Blaster -annnnnd wakes up to this- What just- -down go the cubes when he moves- ........... Prowl *startles at the clatter of the cubes falling* Smokescreen ... PFPffff ItsyBitsySpyers *Soundwave has a long, long vent. He had hoped that mess wouldn't happen. He wanted to go right to berth afterward, not mop...* Shocky *sharply looks at the source of the noise* Blaster ....how did those get there? Smokescreen I don't know! That's just what happens sometimes ItsyBitsySpyers *He wonders what it's like for other species, not knowing where their gods are located, if they actually exist.* Omicron *looks over, loosing the fluffy tail and curls her neck around to peer at mess?* Blaster I want to argue with that, but I'm just waking up. Smokescreen You need any help getting that cleaned up? Shocky I will extend my help to clean also. Prowl How can all organics have one god between them? They're not that alike are they? ItsyBitsySpyers [[They are not.]] Blaster I...think I might ItsyBitsySpyers [[He appreciates the cleaning work.]] Prowl *oh good, Prowl was going to volunteer Smokescreen clean it up, glad he volunteered himself* Smokescreen Well, yeah. I'd feel kinda bad leaving you to do it. Plus, it's free energon! ItsyBitsySpyers *...He still can't go recharge while they're there, but at least he won't have to put in the effort.* [[...Do NOT lick his floor.]] Smokescreen ... Oh. ItsyBitsySpyers [[If you are in need of refueling, there are PLENTY of refreshments atop the bar.]] Smokescreen Well, yeah, but someone else will drink that energon for sure. Prowl Don't lick the floor. Smokescreen There aren't that many bots brave enough to lick freshly spilled energon! And I'm just the type! Blaster Smokescreen No. Shocky ((I gotta go since i'm using phone data, but for this instance let us say shockwave stayed to help clean and make sure smokescreen didn't lick the floor)) Blaster ((kaaaay ItsyBitsySpyers ((gotcha! thank you for coming for what you could!)) Smokescreen ((pfff see you later! Blaster ((see you later! Smokescreen ... Where do you keep your towels, Sounds? Shocky ((Bye <3 )) Prowl Smokescreen, that's disgusting. You don't know what's on that floor. ItsyBitsySpyers [[Just behind the bar.]] Smokescreen Energon's on that floor. Prowl Besides the energon. *unimpressed frown* Blaster Smokescreen don't lick the floor ItsyBitsySpyers [[Ravage dragged a rusting titanium moose across that spot not six hours ago.]] [[Do you really want to lick it.]] Smokescreen ... Blaster ...oh...uh...can I get a towel too? Prowl Eugh. Smokescreen /He's just going ahead and getting the towels, and is starting to soak up the energon./ Blaster I have a feeling it got on Blaster too)) Omicron *shifts and her turn to screach, movies to bonk Smokey, and curl her tail around him to pull away from mess?* ItsyBitsySpyers [[Oh, don't "eugh". He was retrieving it for the hospital. They wanted to make sure it doesn't have plague of some sort.]] Prowl *don't tell Prowl you thought it had a plague, she will freak out, even if the floor was cleaned* ItsyBitsySpyers *Snaps back to the screen. Hold on. They found something?* Blaster !!!! Omicron ...???????? Prowl ...so there was someone there after all. Smokescreen /He's starting to put the towels on Blaster, as well!/ Blaster Uh...hi Smokey Smokescreen Hey Blaster! ItsyBitsySpyers [[A very good question.]] Prowl Why would their god--yes, thank you, Kirk. Omicron .......does that stink of something Bad Blaster Thanks for the towels? Prowl Yes you do. Omicron ...?! ItsyBitsySpyers *Suddenly uneasy shifting. Just an itty bitty bit.* Prowl It is a perfectly valid question. ItsyBitsySpyers *...HEY you know what needs doing? Putting away the snacks early.* Me ((i mean. not knowing who kirk is and shooting lasers around doesn't prove he ISN'T a god. he might not fit a given theology but that doesn't make him not a god.)) ItsyBitsySpyers *He'll just stand and do that.* Omicron *growls at screen, trying to not to lash tail in current spot* Me ((sometimes gods are not omniscient and are dicks. they're valid too.)) Prowl This is not a being that should be freed from his prison. ItsyBitsySpyers ((this is basically a remnant of the fact that originally shatner wanted a story where they thought they found god but found the devil - there was a LOT of executive meddling with this movie)) ((tbh this isn't the first god they've met anyway. they met apollo once)) [[No. He should be destroyed.]] Prowl ((i'm honestly ok with it being just a very powerful horrible being and not literally the christian devil Omicron ((*nods*) Blaster .......wow, okay, no Me ((oh i certainly wouldn't want it to be literally the christian devil. or literally any other human-made theological entity.)) ItsyBitsySpyers ((i am too, i'm just reciting fact)) Me ((i'm just saying. rude of them to assume it's not a god just because it doesn't have the same traits THEY expect out of a god.)) ItsyBitsySpyers ((this being got written more about in a novel later and i find that content far more interesting)) Omicron *looks over at blaster again, chirps a question, does he need help cleaning up?* Blaster -grabs a towel and starts cleaning himself off, ignoring the screen now- Prowl ((ah yes, true, after all, loki is just an ice wizard that fucked a horse Me ((HE SURE DID FUCK A HORSE.)) ItsyBitsySpyers [[All of this and now they are under attack.]] *It's like being interrupted by his alternate, the universe curse his existence.* [[It still lives?]] Prowl Not for long. ItsyBitsySpyers [[Good.]] [[They must leave. Now.]] Omicron pfffttt though yes, they should leave before that parasite reforms ......? ItsyBitsySpyers ((ARE YOU SERIOUS)) [[Pardon. It is occasionally difficult to maintain a signal this far from Earth.]] Blaster -only now glances over at the dragon- Yes? Omicron *glances over* need help? Blaster ...I don't think so? Did I miss any? Smokescreen /Once one towel is soaked, he's picking it up, and is wringing it over his mouth to try to get a bit of the floor energon./ Omicron (( I love this part) *Icy tries to smack that towl away!* *with tail!* ItsyBitsySpyers ((time marker: 10:30)) Smokescreen Hey- come on! Blaster Smokescreen! Tarantulas (( *applause, and a wave goodbye, sorry i wasn't here ic, heh* ItsyBitsySpyers ((np! take care <3)) Tarantulas (( <3 Smokescreen //<3 ItsyBitsySpyers *Anyway, here's Wonderwall.* Omicron No sparkling! Smokescreen I'm not a sparkling, come on Omicron (have a good night!) Prowl Smokescreen, that's disgusting. ItsyBitsySpyers *Soundwave is glad the business with hunting the god is over.*

[[Even the twins have better manners.]] Smokescreen waitwaitwait sounds can you put up wndrwll Omicron Yes you are, *Icy gets up and starts to twist around, lifting wings and tail up so not to knock someone one way to smokescreen* ItsyBitsySpyers [[He can.]] *But you know what he's doing? Not that.* Smokescreen I'm as old as Soundwave! And there's nothing wrong with trying not to waste energon. Omicron *snorts at that, still coming over* Prowl You're much older than that. Soundwave is only 25 million give or take, yes? *tilts her helm toward him* Smokescreen ... I'm like, 21 million. I think Prowl ... Blaster -he;s keeping the towels used on himself in his servo- When it's probably got things in it from the floor, yes there is Smokescreen ... I don't really know, I was in stasis for a while. I've eaten organic stuff, I'll be fine. Prowl ...are the differences between universe so extreme that you and my Smokescreen are completely different ages? Smokescreen Wait- is your version of me way older? Prowl He's my age, yes. Smokescreen ... And how old are you? Omicron ((Icy really wants to grab smokey and bring him outside to groom him you know, or move him away from mess)) Blaster You've eaten organic stuff. ItsyBitsySpyers [[You don't want to know that.]] Smokescreen Only once or twice! Blaster And how did that turn out for you? Smokescreen Not great! But I'm still here. Blaster I'm younger than you and I know better Prowl *huffs* Smokescreen ... And a loooong time ago, I had a run-in with Unicron and that was REALLY not fun. Omicron *predacon looom over Smokey* Smokescreen It was a dare. And it was still worth it. ..... /He's starting to pick up the soaking towels and back away./ Where should I put these, Sounds? ItsyBitsySpyers [[There is a bin for wet material near where the cleaning supplies were.]] Blaster -will take his towels over there as well- Smokescreen /Smokescreen's going over and dropping the wet rags, before grabbing a few more cleaning supplies to clean the floor!/ Blaster A dare to eat organic things? Smokescreen /He's trying to avoid getting groomed by a predacon again./ Smokescreen ... Yeah? Blaster You do know you don't have to do everything people dare you to do, right? Smokescreen I know I don't HAVE to, but I need them to think I can do anything. Prowl *Prowl isn't sure she wants to say her age lest someone freak out again like the last time. That was really uncomfortable* Blaster No. You don't. Smokescreen ((oh yeahhhh i need to ask my boss to buy this game for our stuff aszcxvb Omicron *Icy is not far from Smokey, at least she's not stalking* If you have a propper conversion tank you can eat organic things ItsyBitsySpyers ((I NEED THIS GAME SO BAD)) Smokescreen //IT LOOKS LIKE FUN! Blaster ((it does! Smokescreen I don't want bots thinking less of me 'cause I won't do a dare or something Blaster If they do then they're not the type of bot you need the rewspect of *respect Prowl *still using the visual feed, going to focus on this video* Smokescreen but I need the respect of every- anyway, it doesn't matter, 'cause I haven't done it in a while. Prowl You don't. Blaster You don't need the respect of everyone It won't happen Smokescreen ... I at least want bots to like me Prowl They won't. ItsyBitsySpyers [[Bots will think poorly of you no matter what you do. He should know.]] Blaster You can try your hardest to please everyone, and you'll only end up tired in the end Omicron It doesn't matter what you do, you can't impress everyone. You can kill yourself trying. Its best to focus on those you care about Smokescreen I mean, I know you will, Sounds, but I want other bots to like me, at least. Prowl And if someone said the only way they would like you would be if you harmed others? ItsyBitsySpyers [[He MEANS he is very, very familiar with being disliked. It does not decide what he does.]] Smokescreen ... But no one would say that Omicron or to take from things those that need? Smokescreen ... I mean, I can't do that. Prowl Megatron would say that. Blaster Daring you to eat things that shouldn't be put in your tanks counts You are hurting yourself doing that Smokescreen ... Well, I'd want to make sure those bots are okay. I don't want to hurt other bots. Prowl Harming yourself is still harming someone, Smokescreen. Omicron Prowl is right *still not far, waiting* Prowl Would you ask other people to do the things you do so you'll like them? Smokescreen What? No way. They're themselves, I'm me. I'd probably like them either way Blaster Smokey. I have a question. You might recognize it. Prowl *scowls* Blaster How long are you going to keep putting out more than you make back? Prowl So hurting yourself is fine but hurting others is not? Smokescreen Relationships aren't some kinda transaction- I'll give as much as I can if it means other bots'll be fine ... I mean, when you put it that way, it sounds bad. ItsyBitsySpyers *What madness. Of COURSE they're a transaction. It works perfectly well for him.* Blaster I'll talk to you later. I have to go home now Omicron Smokescreen, how about this. When you really need to help someone Smokey, and you Can Not, because you've hurt yourself too much to help them. What happens then? Blaster Good night Prowl *of course they are* Smokescreen Night, Blaster! It was nice seeing you! Prowl I can't do this. Good night, Soundwave. ItsyBitsySpyers [[Goodnight, Blaster. Prowl.]] *He doesn't blame them.* Omicron *Icy nods to prowl, and moves to try and grab Smokescreen with jaws, kidnapping time? please?* Smokescreen I should probably go, too. Night, Sounds. Thanks for the movie! Sorry about trying to lick the floor and stuff! Prowl Smokescreen... *she reaches out and pats him on one shoulder before getting up and leaving* Smokescreen /Aaaand he's grabbed!/ Wait- wait, come on, what's that about? ItsyBitsySpyers *Soundwave just sort of waves a hand goodbye at Smokescreen. He doesn't have the ability to argue about that tonight. It's just a goodbye instead.* Omicron *grings around the smaller bot, lifting him up, waves a wing at soundwave good night* V'Mm vaking vis. *fully intenting to sick her insectons workers on smokey to get the mech cleaned up* ItsyBitsySpyers *Nods.* [[Thank you.]] Omicron (XD thank you for the movie) ItsyBitsySpyers ((you're welcome)) Smokescreen You know you can't just take me away like that, right? /Still, he's not even fighting it right now. He's had worse!/ Omicron (want to move to tumblr smoke mun?) Smokescreen //Thank you very much! Also yeah that'd be good

[jejemonmon]

What are your headcanons for Zen with an MC who doesn't fall for him within the first 11 days but like 2 months instead? Like she supports him the same and thinks he's handsome but it takes her longer to fall for him while he's sitting there pining for her?

AHHH it’s good to be back with a mini-fic! I’m sorry for being gone for so long, just two more months and my schedule will finally OPEN UP and I can focus on this blog. Anyway, this is just a little thing I came up with. This ask has been in my ask box for MONTHS and I’ve always wanted to write it.

I’m telling y'all now that this is pretty inconclusive, so if you want a Part 2, LIKE, REBLOG, AND/OR REPLY TO THIS and I’ll have it up as fast as I can. I really enjoyed writing this, I hope you guys like it!

YOU FELL FIRST (ZEN X MC) - PART 1 (possibly?)

Zen was confused, and for multiple reasons. He couldn’t understand how he could fall for someone so quickly. Five days was all it took. Maybe it was the genuine kindness that seemed to just radiate off of you, or maybe it was because for the first time in his life, the girl he liked didn’t like him back the same way. Was it just the thrill of the chase? Did he just feel challenged to pursue you more because you were hard to get? He didn’t know.

At first, it did break his heart a little. He wanted to be able to express how much he liked you, but he didn’t want to make you uncomfortable since you didn’t feel the same way. Nonetheless, he never stopped showing care and concern towards you, and you didn’t either. Just like how he envisioned his ideal girlfriend to be, you supported his dreams, you were always there for him, and you didn’t like him just because he was handsome; you saw past his looks and you learnt to appreciate his personality, even down to his tiniest quirks.

The first time he met you, he had a broken ankle and you appeared at his doorstep, a worried look on your face. He observed your features closely. He had worked with many pretty actresses before, but you were beyond beautiful. Even your voice sounded even more melodic in real life. And boy, hearing you laugh made him wish he was a comedian, just so he could hear it over and over again. He had a huge crush on you. In fact, he had hoped that while the both of you sat on the rooftop that night, you couldn’t hear his heart beating so fast in his chest. Several times that night, while you stared at the night sky, he debated reaching over to hold your hand. Would that make you uncomfortable? You didn’t even feel the same way! After that night he prayed. He’d never been the religious type, but he prayed to whatever or whoever was out there that you’d be safe, and that you’d come around and fall for him too.

The both of you weren’t together but he found himself staying committed to you. In the past he would allow himself to flirt with other girls. Now it seemed wrong. Sure, the both of you weren’t exclusive to each other, and he respected if you chose to flirt with other people, even date other people, but he just couldn’t. He would think of you the moment he woke up, and you were his last thought before he would fall asleep at night.

You’d wake up with a good morning text, and you could only fall asleep if you knew he was going to bed too. Friends. That’s what friends did right? It was normal… right?

A month passed.

You got to know him better. The both of you started to hang out more often, to the media’s content. The bolded headline “IS THIS ZEN’S NEW GIRL?” followed by a blurry picture of you and Zen sitting in a café would be on page 2. Three days later, another headline “MYSTERY GIRL CUDDLES UP TO YOUNG BROADWAY STAR” would be right next to a picture of you hugging Zen goodbye after a picnic at the park; front page. You learned to laugh at them, and so did Zen. Whatever relationship you had with him was purely platonic, but why did you feel like he didn’t want it to be? And why did you feel like you didn’t want it to be that way either?

Two months passed.

You were cooking dinner. Zen was coming over after his rehearsal. It had been over two weeks since you had last seen him. Damn his busy schedule, the boy’s director was working him to the bone! You hoped that a nice dinner would help him relax a little. You’d never been the makeup type, but you found yourself putting on some mascara and tinted lip-balm. Why? And why was your heart beating so fast?

You heard a knock on your door and instantly your heart started beating even faster. You were so used to texting him every day but lately he hadn’t been consistent. Again, blame it on his busy schedule. So yes, maybe you did miss him. Yes, that was why your heart was beating so fast right? Right. You took a deep breath and opened the door.

There stood the tall, white-haired guy. He was clearly tired. His hair was slightly dishevelled and there were even slight bags under his eyes. Of course, they didn’t make him look any less handsome. He still looked like a damn model. You pulled him into a hug instinctively. You felt his whole body tense up, but a few seconds later he relaxed and wrapped his arms around you too.

“How are you?” You asked, breaking the silence.

“I missed you.”

Your heart started beating even faster.

You both sat down for dinner. This time you decided to observe him closely. What was it about him that changed that made you suddenly… attracted to him? He looked up from his plate and saw you looking at him inquisitively. He offered a small smile.

“You okay there, MC?”

“No, something changed about you,” you replied back.

“Really? What?”

“I don’t know, but this feels different…”

He laughed. “I don’t feel particularly different. But you look a little different, so maybe it’s you?”

And then it hit you.

There you sat in front of him, in a pretty dress you only ever wore on dates, with your hair tied up neatly, makeup done; from the beginning he had only ever seen you in shorts and a t-shirt, and your hair was always in a mess.

You were trying to impress him.

Because you liked him.

“Hmm.”

You weren’t gonna show how much your realisation affected you. You weren’t gonna talk about it. He had had a busy enough day. He was clearly tired. Did you really wanna pile emotions on top of that too? Nope.

You didn’t realise that you’d been sitting in silence until he cleared his throat.

“I didn’t mean it in a bad way. You look very beautiful as always, MC. You could sit in front of me in a black trash bag and I’d still think you’re gorgeous,” he said. “You know that right?”

He complimented you a lot. You knew he liked you from the start, but how did your reaction to all of this change from “Wow, what a great friend, such kind words.” to “Holy sh*t my heart is gonna beat out of my chest did he really just say that to me!”?

You shifted uncomfortably in your seat, trying to come up with a topic for conversation. Sure, you liked him, but so did around a million other girls. Who wouldn’t like him? It took you some time, but did you really think you could befriend a guy like Zen and not become infatuated with him eventually?

You didn’t know what exactly you were going to do with your feelings, but what you did know was that it wasn’t the right time to confess.

Maybe you’d just let your feelings dissipate. They will eventually, right?

Part 2: https://jejemonmon.tumblr.com/post/168158014108/you-fell-first-zen-x-mc-part-2-link-to-part-1

[anotherhelplesshamiltrash]

We'll Figure It Out

Anthony x Reader

Notes: Reader is the newest member of Hamilton and quickly develops a friendship with Anthony, though both of them secretly want more. Per usual, I write this with all respect to Ant, Jasmine and their relationship as this is purely fictional. Enjoy! (Ps: this my second request! I was so sure no one would read these things lol - sorry it took so long!)

Word count: 3525

Warnings: mentions of sex (uuuuuh) and making out, I guess.

You have walked by the Richard Rodgers Theater several times before, but somehow, it seemed to have doubled its size now that you were standing in front of it. “The opportunity of a lifetime. There’s no time for second doubts” you reminded yourself before walking in. Your eyes wandered for a moment, unsure of where to go, until you spotted the signature ponytail of the man who’s taking Broadway by storm.

- (Y/n)! Welcome! - he smiled at you, giving you a quick embrace.

- Hi, Lin! It’s great to be here. - you made sure to call him by his first name, since he corrected you on the phone a few days ago (“Oh please, Mr. Miranda is my dad. Call me Lin”).

- Everyone’s at the stage to warm up so we can stop by to introduce you and then I’ll give you a tour of the theater. - he pointed to the right direction, waiting for your response.

- Sounds awesome. - you smiled at him and the two of you made your way through various flights of stairs.

As soon as you reached the stage, you had to take a moment to admire how grand the venue is. In fact, you were so fascinated by the scenario that you didn’t even notice how some people turned their attention towards you, not even the talkative curly haired guy who suddenly lost his train of thought.

- Guys, I’m happy to introduce you to (y/n), the newest member of our cast! - Lin announced with a smile to the group of artists in front of him.

- Hi! - you smiled, waving your hand for a moment and regretting it immediately.

They shared a small laugh, your nervousness probably reminding them of their early days in the production. A dark haired woman with rosy cheeks suggested that they went around the room, introducing themselves by name and their character on the show. With an unanimous nod, she began.

- I’m Phillipa, but everyone calls me Pippa. - she said with a kind smile - And I play Eliza.

One by one, they put names to the faces and you were thankful for their enthusiasm. It was only a couple of introductions later when you noticed a certain pair of green eyes that haven’t left your direction since you walked in. “Of course he’s looking at you, you’re the new kid, that’s all” you thought to yourself.

- Hi, I’m Anthony and I play John Laurens and Philip. - he simply smiled at you and you could feel your face getting warmer. Oh god, breathe.

Once everyone had spoken, Lin walked you around the theater as he promised, showing you everything from the dressing room area to the orchestra pit. And while everything was so foreign and there was a lot to memorize, you were as excited as ever. However, you still had two weeks of rehearsals before your Broadway debut, so while everyone was performing, you were enjoying the show from the wings. Your eyes lingered on the man passionately rapping about the end of slavery, an involuntary smile gracing the corners of your mouth.

- Do you ever have food here? - you take a look at the fridge, finding only a couple of beers and a large bottle of ketchup.

- Only when my parents visit. - Anthony replies from the couch - I’m surprised you haven’t gotten used to it yet.

- Oh well, a girl can dream. - you close the fridge door and turn around to look at him. - So, pizza?

- Always. - he grins, making you roll your eyes with a small smile.

It’s your day off, you have good company and, soon, pizza. What’s there to complain about? Sure, you initially had a crush on Anthony, but he quickly became your closest friend in the cast and that’s great. You’re happy to be friends with him, which is what you remind yourself when he decides to rest his arm on the back of the couch over your head, sitting a bit closer than usual.

- How I Met Your Mother? - he asks, scrolling though Netflix.

- It would take forever to choose an episode. I feel like watching a movie.

- True. Remember Me?

- Too heavy. Amélie?

- We saw that last time.

The debate continues for a moment, until you come across the animation section and a particular movie catches your eye.

- Mulan! - you shout excitedly at the same time. Mulan it is.

You start the movie, laughing at the jokes you’ve heard countless times. When the first song begins, you look at each other with bright eyes, silently agreeing to sing along to every word. He even gets up from his seat, trying an interpretative dance that makes your stomach hurt from laughing too hard. He then takes your hand and starts jumping and dancing around the room with you, both of you singing and laughing. It’s only by the end of the song that you realize how close you are. His hands firmly on your waist, yours on his shoulders. You’re still smiling, looking straight into his beautiful green eyes. You’d gladly get lost in them. His gaze flickers from your eyes to your lips for a second and you lean forward. He does the same. Eyes closed, his lips ghosting over yours, when the bell suddenly rings. You jump away from each other, breathless.

- That’s the pizza. - he points to the door, walking towards it with a shy smile. Maybe you’re not over your crush after all.

Now with the pizza in hand, you continue watching the movie, though not as close as you were before. You sing the next song without leaving your seat. Everything feels a bit awkward for a moment, until I’ll Make a Man Out of You comes up and you have no choice but to belt the lyrics, laughing with the same intensity you had at the beginning.

Almost a week later, you’re making your way towards the bright yellow lights of the theater, just as you did two months ago on your first day at Hamilton. You’re no expert of the theater community, but you’re certainly more comfortable with your settings than you were before. You even managed to make friends all the while, especially Anthony, becoming inseparable after a few days of being on the show. You’d hang out together at work, sharing funny videos and even occasional naps on two show days, and on your free time, going to the movies or playing video games at his place. You never seemed to get tired of each other. In fact, you had just placed your bag on the ensemble dressing room when you hear a familiar voice:

- Yo, (y/n)! - you turn around to find Anthony with his phone in hand and a smile on his face.

- Ant! What’s up?

- There’s this new Netflix series coming up and it sounds awesome. Check this out. - he hands you his phone, a YouTube video on the screen.

- Wow. It seems really cool. - you hand back the phone after watching the short video.

- Right?! We should totally binge watch it when it comes out.

- So you’re basically planning to Netflix and chill? - Morgan teases with a raised eyebrow on the other side of the room.

- What?! How.. why.. what? We’re just gonna watch the show - he stumbles with his words, blushing furiously.

- Besides, you’re supposed to “Netflix and chill” while watching something boring and The Get Down sounds awesome. - you try your best to sound cool, despite the heat on your cheeks. Morgan raises her hands in surrender, clearly holding a laugh.

- Of course it’s gonna be awesome, I’m in it! - Daveed suddenly shows up at the door with a conceited look on his face.

- See? Another reason why you can’t Netflix and chill to it: Daveed is in it. - you turn to Morgan’s direction, earning a laugh from her and Anthony while Daveed dramatically gasps with a hand on his heart, though he ends up joining the rest of you with a grin.

Soon it’s time to warm up and rehearse before the matinee, the whole cast ready to enjoy their day off tomorrow. While the ensemble practices a specific choreography, the lead actors have a few extra minutes to prepare for the show on their own.

 Meanwhile

- So, Ant.. what’s your deal with (y/n)? - Daveed asks him out of the blue while they’re hanging out in his dressing room.

- What? There’s no deal with (y/n). She’s my friend. - Anthony replies with as much confidence as possible, though he wishes his answer could be something else entirely.

- C'mon, dude! We’re your best friends. You can tell us. - Oak reassures him.

- I just.. like to be with her, okay?

- Then why aren’t you with her already? - Daveed asks with curiosity.

- Cause.. we’re friends. And I don’t wanna mess that up. - Anthony looks down, his friends sharing a knowing look.

- So, did y'all watch the game last night? - Daveed asks the group.  

After the show, feeling sweaty and tired, you head straight to the ensemble dressing room, ready to leave. As you’re about to close the door, Jasmine appears.

- (Y/n)! What are you up to, girl?

- Today? I’m just gonna go home, binge watch something, take a bath, that kind of thing. Why?

- Weeeell, now that you asked, a bunch of us are going out tonight and I was hoping you’d come along. - she tilts her head, a slight pout on her lips.

- I’m so tired, Jas..

- Pleeeeeease? - she uses her puppy eyes as a last resort. Damn you, puppy eyes!

- Okay. But you’re gonna have to help me get ready cause I have no idea what to wear.

- Done and done! Meet me in my place at 8! - she grins before going on her way, leaving you to wonder how you got yourself into this.

A couple of hours later, you find yourself at Jasmine’s place with Pippa. Renee was also supposed to be there, but one of her kids wasn’t feeling too well and she decided to skip this one.

- So, what are our options here? - Jasmine asks with the intensity of a general in battle.

- I’m settled for this matching top and skirt, but I’m gonna need your help with hair and makeup. - Pippa responded promptly, both of you laying on Jasmine’s bed.

- And I brought this crop top, these two skirts and this dress. I’m lost, I never go to these things. - you sigh.

- These are not bad.. oh, this dress is cute. So flowery! - Pippa sits up straight to look at your options.

- That’s the problem, Pip. It’s not a picnic. We’re not going for cute. - Jasmine rules out the outfit.

- Wait, what are we going for? We’re just meeting people from the cast. - you sit beside Phillipa, a bit confused.

- But Anthony is part of the cast and I know for a fact that he’s going tonight. - she raises an eyebrow with a mischievous look on her face.

-  So? I see him everyday, it’s not a big deal. - you furrow your eyebrows with your arms crossed in front of you.

- True, which is why tonight requires something special. Come on, I see the way you look at each other. We both do. - she looks at Pippa, who nods in agreement.

- It feels like you should be together, don’t you think? - Pippa asks softly.

- I don’t know.. I really like him. But we almost kissed once and everything felt so awkward afterwards. I don’t want to risk everything. - you confess.

- The problem is not the kiss. It’s the almost. Trust me. - Jasmine reassures you while holding your hand - It’s time for this struggle to end and tonight is the night.

- So.. what do you have in mind? - you ask quietly, which is all they need to start working on you.

Two hours later, you’re on your way to the club. Pippa wearing her matching top and skirt, Jasmine in a bodysuit and jeans, and you with a tight lace dress that showed off your curves, courtesy of Jas. Bold, yet elegant. Definitely something that you wouldn’t wear on a regular basis, but with the heels and the red lipstick, you felt oddly confident. Soon enough, you’re at the club, making your way towards the group of loud performers you know and love. Anthony’s mouth drops slightly open when he sees you, which you take as a good sign. Maybe your feelings could be reciprocated after all.

- Girls! Good to see you! - Lin shouts over the music, which is loud, but thankfully not to the point where you can’t hear each other. - Wow, (y/n)! Looking good tonight, are we?

- It’s only thanks to these two. - you indicate to Jasmine and Phillipa with a smile.

- Let’s get something to drink. - Jasmine points to the bar, where the three of you head to.

Each of you drink a shot of tequila to loosen up a little and you decide that’s enough for you, as you don’t want to get really drunk. You go back to the group, talking for a couple of minutes with Carleigh and Thayne. Just as they head to the bar, Anthony shows up.

- Hey! You look.. amazing. Just amazing. - he exclaims over the music and there’s a hint of alcohol in his breath but he’s clearly not drunk.

- Thanks. You don’t look so bad yourself. - you smile with confidence, aware of how different you look from your usual self.

He’s about to say something else when a remix of Hotline Bling comes up and Jasmine pulls you to the dance floor. The majority of the group had already been dancing, so you feel at ease joining them. At first you’re dancing with Jasmine, then Thayne, and lastly Groff. As you switch between having different dance partners and dancing by yourself, Anthony and Daveed have their sights on you from the bar.

- Honestly, if you don’t make a move, I will. - Daveed says firmly.

Anthony takes a shot and walks straight to the dance floor.

He offers you his hand just as that popular song from The Weeknd comes up and you gladly take it. You dance together for hours, varying from really dancing, as the Broadway performers that both you are, and just goofing around. A remix of another overplayed song begins and this time, dancing with him, the lyrics hit you a bit harder.

I thought that I’d been hurt before. But no one’s ever left me quite this sore.

Your rhythm gradually slows down, until it’s just the two of you practically slow dancing while everyone else is jumping around.

And now that I’m without your kisses, I’ll be needing stitches.

You’re as close as you were that day at his apartment. His hands on your waist, yours on his shoulders. He leans over, eyes closed, and you do the same, meeting him halfway. Like a wave hitting the shore, his lips crash onto yours, gentle and desperate at the same time. Your hands move to his hair and he tightens his grip on your waist, pulling you even closer. He tastes like alcohol and you’re sure you taste the same. You melt on his embrace and the feeling of his lips against yours. There’s just you and him. Everything else fades away. When you finally reach for air, his forehead touches yours, eyes still closed while a smile appears on both of your faces. You slowly open your eyes, afraid that it might be a dream. He smiles even wider looking at you. You suddenly hear applause and cheers and you turn around to find your fellow castmates high-fiving each other, some even with their phones out. You rest your head on his shoulder and laugh at how insane this moment is.

- Alright, TMZ, that’s enough for you. - Anthony raises his arm to the group, who laughs and puts their phones away.

You keep dancing through a few more songs, but when it becomes more making out than dancing, you know it’s time to go.

- Bye, guys! - you wave to the group quickly, a giant smile on your face.

- Bye, lovebirds! - they reply in a chorus, leaving you to wonder if they rehearsed it before.

Hand in hand with Anthony, you wait for your Uber, breathing into the chilly air of the city. You end up kissing again in the backseat of the car, his hands rest on your thighs, sending shivers down your spine. The poor driver has to clear his throat to get your attention once you arrive. You walk to his apartment hand in hand and when he closes the front door, he pulls you closer and presses you against it, kissing you again, this time rougher and needier. Your hands are on his hair again, pulling it lightly. He places his hands on your thighs and, letting your body move on its own, you wrap your legs around his waist. He carries you to the couch, carefully dropping you off. He sits down, pulling you with him so you’re sitting on his lap. He kisses you intensely, as if he’s out of breath and you’re the only source of oxygen in the room. Soon you’re lightly grinding against him, making him moan against your lips. When both of you reach for air, he starts kissing your neck.

- Bedroom? - you suggest, breathing heavily.

- Bedroom. - he looks up at you, his eyes dark with lust.

You stand up and he follows you, his fingers intertwined with yours as you make your way towards his bed. When you do, you turn around to kiss him, feeling your heartbeat echo through your whole body. His hand moves to the clasp on your dress and stops there, stepping away from your embrace to look at you first. Consenting with a nod, his lips are on yours again, the taste of alcohol slowly fading. He then leads you to the bed, laying on top of you. His hands travel around your body while you unbutton his shirt. Anthony breaks the kiss to toss it on the floor, giving you a moment to catch your breath. He pauses for a moment, his chest rising and falling quickly, to take a look at you. He lets out a small laugh at how surreal this moment is.

- I can’t believe we’re gonna do it. - he laughs against your neck in between kisses.

- I know, right? - you smile with him. A week before you barely kissed and now there you are.

- I’ve always had a crush on you, you know? - his eyes sparkle with happiness, fingers gently caressing your cheek.

- What?! Shut up! I had a crush on you! - you exclaim a bit too loud.

- Well, I know for a fact that I had a crush on you since the minute you walked into that stage with Lin.

- Wait, really?

- Really. - he smiles, leaning over to kiss you once more. - The problem was that I’m apparently awful at keeping secrets. I’m telling you, I almost told people so many times.

- Really? How? - you ask, curious to know more.

- I think it was mostly small details, you know? Like commenting on how beautiful you look or how good you smell or whatever you said that made me laugh and, I mean, these are fine on their own, days apart. But all the time? Suspicious. - he’s now resting his head on his arm, laying on his stomach.

-That’s so sweet, Ant. But you should have said something to me, who knows what could have happened if I knew sooner.. - you play with his hair, all your affection reflected in your eyes.

- We figured it out. That’s all that matters. - he smiles brightly - Wait, does that mean we could have been doing this for months?!

- Yep. - you laugh and he joins you, the sound making you feel at home.

The night is spent sharing stories of how you’ve felt about him and vice versa, times you almost revealed your feelings to someone else in the cast (though, let’s face it, everyone knew), weird dreams involving each other that you felt too embarrassed to share before, and just retelling good stories of your adventures. You move around in bed, sometimes facing each other side by side, or sitting, or him resting his head on your lap. You share secrets and childhood stories that neither of you had the chance to bring up before. Bad habits and hopes for the future. You don’t even notice falling asleep, only waking up to the sunlight slipping through the curtains and his arms wrapped around you.

- Good morning, sleepyhead. - you smile when his eyes open, so close to him you could count his freckles.

- Good morning, babe. - he smiles back, his voice still raspy. - I can’t believe we didn’t have sex. The guys would crucify me.

- We have plenty of time ahead of us. - you laugh with him - In fact, we have a whole day to do whatever we want.

- Hmm so what are we thinking? Pancakes? - he pulls you closer, your legs still intertwined, and you hum in response.

- We’ll figure it out as we go. - you look into his eyes, your words possibly meaning a lot more than just your schedule for the day. He kisses you softly.

- Hey, (y/n).. wanna watch something boring?

[theatrekidgerardway]

Hey y'all! I did this bit of creative writing for an online workshop and ended up really enjoying it!

---

When Charlie first met Patrick D’Souza in the tenth grade, the first thing he thought was, “No wonder he doesn’t have any friends.” D’Souza was always hesitant; he had this pained look on his face like he was dying to correct you about something but knew a million reasons why he shouldn’t. When he spoke, which wasn’t that often, he was terse. His words were sharp like a knife and he spoke like he knew better than you. Though, knowing D’Souza, this wasn’t exactly inaccurate. He always had his nose in a book, but not some Harry Potter novel or something, it was usually something about economics and it was usually thicker than the school textbooks. D’Souza never ate in the cafeteria, always preferring the company of a teacher over, what he referred to as the “mind-numbingly idiotic conversations of arrogant teenagers- or even worse, the self-deprecating ones.” He wasn’t self-deprecating. In fact, most of his peers would classify him as arrogant. However, no one really picked on him or befriended him, few even spoke to him. At first, teachers thought it was because he was black, despite the diversity of the school, and considered reaching out to his parents. But, after close observation, they realized it was just because he got into a debate with anyone who ever tried to start a conversation with them, and students just got tired of him. Charlie didn’t really care about the hostility, however, and struck up conversation with Patrick on multiple occasions. He didn’t like D’Souza all that much, didn’t pity him either. He was just curious. D’Souza never seemed like he was paying attention in class. He looked like he was focused on something better but still managed to get straight A’s the entire time, though every teacher mentioned something about his lack of social skills in class during parent-teacher conferences and on report cards. Eventually, they realized their efforts were futile. At least, until Charlie Cambell started showing up at lunch in their classrooms.

-

When Charlie thinks of Patrick D’Souza, he thinks of muffled snickers and judgemental snorts of laughter behind his sleeve. He thinks of long rants about how useless their shared physics teacher was while sitting on the empty bleachers at the high school long after dark. He thinks of the crackle of popcorn in the microwave and the soft melodies that Patrick played on the piano for him all those years ago. He thinks of loud delirious laughter derived from a moment that they couldn’t have recalled, but it didn’t stop their sides from aching as they sat together and talked about nothing.

Sometimes, he wonders what life would’ve been like if they had stayed in touch. If it would’ve been different, better. He thinks about graduation. The way that he was blind to how soon it would be until they had to go their separate ways, how fast it all happened. Charlie thinks life would be a hell of a lot worse if he still knew Patrick D’Souza, but that doesn’t stop him from combing through his yearbook to see if he was smart enough to write his phone number down. He wonders if this is how most people feel when they end up back in their childhood bedroom. If they feel this aching nostalgia for the worst years of their life. He hopes to God that they do; he’d hate to be torn up over someone like Patrick goddamn D’Souza.

Charlie closes his eyes and tries to think about anything else. He lets everything wash over him: the shuffles and conversation of family and people downstairs; the creaky floorboard on the staircase that prevented him from ever sneaking out of the house through the front door; the familiar buzz of the boiler that always kept him up at night, and caused him to frequently roll out of his window and bike to Patrick’s house. He thinks if high school was supposed to be the worst years of his life, he did pretty okay. Charlie sighs and looks down at the ten digits screaming up at him in neon green gel pen from the slick, mostly blank pages, of the signature page. He tells himself that he is perfectly calm and puts the new-old contact into his phone.

Five hours and a lot of contemplation later, he shoots off a single text. Hey. Simple, slightly pathetic, but still simple. Stupid, he belatedly realizes, when he gets a response. Who is this? Bracing himself for a whole lot of feelings, he types out: Charlie Cambell, from high school. I’m in town, visiting family. You wanna meet up? He holds his breath for no particular reason, and his heartbeat spikes with every movement those ominous three dots make before he gets a reply.

Sure.

-

When Charlie sat down with Patrick D’Souza eleven years after graduation at a coffee shop in Queens, he thought his once-best friend had been replaced by a clone. For one thing, the guy wasn’t drinking the disgusting ‘black coffee, no sugar, no cream, thank you very much’ that he ordered almost constantly when he was at the ripe age of seventeen. Instead, he had ordered, and this nearly gave Charlie a heart attack, because D’Souza ordered a goddamn pumpkin spice latte. The same drink that he claimed to abhor years before he was enjoying with gusto while sitting right in front of Charlie. But the most astonishing thing about Patrick D’Souza, besides the fact that he’d managed to maintain small talk with Charlie without bringing up politics, was his job.

“I’m a therapist.” Charlie gaped at him. The least empathetic, possibly most arrogant person he had ever met (and Charlie was friends with some absolute jackasses when he was a teen), with his hoity-toity books and his constant corrections of how you’re supposed to live your life, spent his adult years helping other people.

Finally, Charlie replied, “You’re joking, right?” Patrick laughed in response. Charlie listened to the sound; it’s so different from the subdued giggles of high school. This — this was an actual laugh. Loud and boisterous and a little embarrassing, but he looks at Patrick D’Souza and his wide grin and the telling flush barely visible on his dark cheeks but visible nonetheless and wonders why he didn’t stay friends with this guy after high school. Then, he remembers high school and realizes there were many good reasons for that.

“Well, I don’t blame you for saying that. I was kind of awful as a teenager.” Patrick winced.

“Kind of? You were a goddamn fool. I’d know, I was the one who had to deal with you every day for three years straight.”

“And whose fault is that? You could’ve left me alone anytime you wanted. Jesus, I don’t know why you even spoke to me, to begin with.” Patrick sipped his coffee and stared off into space; he looked like he’s pondering the universe, but Charlie would be unsurprised if he was actually thinking about food. He lets the silence stretch on for a few minutes before answering the implied question.

“For the record, I befriended you because I couldn’t dissect you like I could with the rest of the student body, and decided that was awful.” Patrick raised his eyebrows.

“Gee thanks,” Patrick took another gulp of his latte, “I guess I should be glad it wasn’t out of pity? I genuinely don’t know how to respond to this.” He looked a little bitter, but his voice was light enough that Charlie knew he hadn’t pressed any nerves.

“Kind of a dick move, but I was sixteen, and most sixteen-year-old boys make decisions that are made up exclusively of dick moves, so I don’t feel too bad about it.” Patrick snorted mid-drink, splashing a little coffee. Charlie grinned.

“Hmm, nice to know little has changed since I last saw you then.”

“Excuse you, I happen to be a charming young man. My nan told me so herself,” Charlie stated proudly with a playful smirk.

“Oh, Old Lady Cambell? Lord, I hope her dementia hasn’t let her believe her grandson is anyone other than the little shit he truly is. Please, I’ve met your grandmother; the only person who’s more aware of how awful you can be is, well, me,” Patrick replied, an easy smile on his face.

“Yes, I suppose you did have a front-row seat to the shit-show that was my personality in high school. I’d like to think that I wasn’t as bad as my mom says, but something tells me I was worse.”

“It’s me. I’m something. I’m telling you, you were worse.”

“Piss off,” Charlie exclaimed with a smile. “You can’t pretend like you were an angel back then, though. Judgemental idiot with dreams of being on Wall Street. Look at you now, drinking coffee at a Starbucks and reminiscing with old friends from school. Something tells me your younger self would be appalled at what you’ve become. What happened to that, anyway? The business, I mean,” Charlie asked, leaning forward in his seat. Patrick’s wide smile dimmed into a thin line. His eyes grew clouded and far away as he stared down intensely at his cup, brows furrowed and voice quiet.

“Um, sophomore year of college. My dad passed; car crash, drunk driver, you can put the pieces together. I took over for a few months, but years, and I mean years of preparation — ” His voice cracked a little. “I was in love with the idea, but only the idea. I memorized the information, I didn’t understand how hard it would be. I ended up signing it off to my uncle, and going back to an undeclared major my junior year.” Patrick paused with a sigh, and Charlie glanced up at him. 

The noise of their surroundings felt suffocating, too insignificant; Patrick was telling him about the death of his father and questioning his life’s purpose while people all around them were just happy to sit and live their lives in complete ignorance of the conversation. Charlie had the intense urge to stand up and yell at everyone for no real reason but pushed that down as Patrick continued. 

“I don’t think it was pressure from my dad, at least, not entirely. It was all internal. Pressure from me, to be the best and do my best and take over this great company and be the great leader and person I thought I had to be, y’know? It was this desire to reach this destiny that I thought I had to fulfill, this role I thought I had to play because it was the only role I ever knew. It never occurred to me that there were other options, and even when it did, I was too stuck-up to consider them.” Patrick stared up at Charlie, waiting for a response.

“I’m sorry, about your dad. I wouldn’t say he was nice, but he was a good person. How’d Dani and your ma take it?” Charlie said after a long pause. 

“As well as you’d expect. Aunt Teresa, the one who talks to trees, she came to take care of Mom for a bit. Everyone was in shambles, and Dani couldn’t do it on her own. They’re better now, after some gentle coaxing to find someone to talk to; Mom was convinced Father Lewis was enough, but I eventually got her to see someone. I’m seeing a therapist too, so the psychoanalysis of myself isn’t completely amateur.” 

“Better late than never, Lord knows you needed it in high school. So, why therapist? Any specific reason, or did you just throw yourself into the first degree you could think of?” Charlie asked.

“Well, it’s like you said. If I had a therapist when I was a teenager, I probably wouldn’t’ve had that mid-quarter-life-crisis. And, the whole point of being a therapist is helping people understand their emotions and deal with them. It’s a profession completely devoted to helping others. Plus, it’s definitely improved my social skills.” Patrick grinned, looking down at the table, and it seems to light up his face.

“Saying they improved implies you had social skills, to begin with,” Charlie joked, knocking his foot against Patrick’s under the table. They glanced up at one another, savoring the comfortable silence and chasing the last drops of caffeine in their near-empty cups. The conversation rose and dwindled with varying degrees of awkwardness for the rest of the afternoon until they were being kicked out by exasperated baristas and trying to stretch their time together so it was endless. Eventually, they parted ways with a promise for lunch the following Tuesday and a goodbye similar to a sickening couple going, “You hang up!” “No, you hang up!” before finally separating. And if they spared a few lingering gazes, well, it had been eleven years. 

-

Fin.