#simply stop thinking about it. stop thinking about everything. be a bat. be the bestest bat in the whole wide world.

[thegreatyin]

ive officially entered the stage of OC brainrot where i start putting him in outfits for fun and (zero) profit

[gojicorps]

I've been trying to make this post for a while... This is my OC "master post"

This is Ltw, if you dig stories of super heroes with a bunch of teenager drama and high school tropes, this isn't the story for you! Sorry, but this gender is already really saturated so I tried to mix and match different tropes across the medias to create a weird love letter to Comics, Tokusatsu and anything that I really enjoy. It's a coming of age story about Hart Lee Valentine, who chose to left his father house to live with his uncle in a city called Saint Expedite, famous for crimes, urban legends and some of the worst pizza you can ever imagine, an absolute paradise for someone who really wants to have a fresh restart in life.

The cast consists mainly of this 5 characters.

Hart Lee Valentine: He's the son of the smartest man alive... But this is just a media claim, his father helped cure one of the weirdest illness know to mankind. But that doesn't matter at all, Valentine is already living under the shadow of his only parent alive (wink, wink) he starts as a calm and collected person but gradually starts loosing his manners, becoming an unhinged not so crazy science. He has an odd sense of justice but he's MOSTLY a pacifist who will try to talk before throwing hands around.

His favorite animals are moths and ducks, dor different reasons, in his opinion moths are our saviours from the monstrosities called butterflies. And ducks because he loves how versatile they are, he identifies with that Jack of all trades style.

Sadako Atsuko: She's the local emo weirdo girl of the class, nobody knows much about her and her brother Helis, they live together in a mansion in the middle of the city, she's always tired, not in the best mood and usually sassy. People don't know but she's actually heiress of The Atsuko family, one of Japan's most advance tech companies, she's also a city vigilant who uses fear to stop crime... Yeah she's basically my universe version of the Batman, her character is driven by masks and alter egos, she feels incapable of leading a normal life since she's shattered between personas, not knowing who's the real her, not knowing how to express her true self. Those burdens started to get louder to the point she started playing instruments, as a therapy, but this basically turned into another problem, her days are getting too short to accomplish all her desires.

Her favorite animal is the bat, the long eared ones! So yeah she's basically using a fursuit to fight crime.

Helis: Sadako's adoptive brother, he's basically the group heart, trying to make their maniacal schemes be a little more unhinged, he's the protector and the tallest one of them. Those responsabilities are instantly forgotten when he's near Valentine, something about him makes Helis adopt a more act first think later persona, but they usually have fun with that. He's the one that gives unsolicited advices with the bestest intentions he wants to know more about his origin and maybe who's his real family but that's more a monkey palm situation that doesn't goes well when he meets his father and sister. He usually helps Sadako in her schemes, usually to treat her wounds while calls her irresponsible, dummy or anything in between those lines (she doesn't even get a cute animal band-aid...) oh he has an abnormal strength and light based power's, but that doesn't matter much to him.

His favorite animals are giraffes, he likes that they have the strongest kick, and besides their pattern is beautiful.

Ettore Zanchini: the definition of overcompensate! He simply is a tryhard in absolutely everything, he has a rivalry with Helis, Sadako and sometimes even Valentine, everything he does is trying to be the best. He likes classy outfits and good manners, he's a true gentleman with a short temper and overachiever, even though he doesn't need to prove himself that much. He's the best athlete of the school and won several fencing medals, he usually fights using two rapiers for the simple reason that this is a really dumb idea, so it's a good exercise.

He really likes Wolves and Stags, specially because they're the princes of the forest, he definitely cried with Bambi but keeps it hidden.

Stefanny: Starting as a villainess, Stef is the last one to join the crew, she's really unused to a bunch of stuff the others enjoy but tries her best to get ahold of everything, she's not the warmest person and can be really misunderstood, she's gruff and goes direct to the point in most of her interactions, some have the audacity to call her impolite, BUT SHE'S NOT! She's just not used to have conversations longer than 45 seconds or with people that aren't psycho's, she and Sadako get along pretty well, perhaps because of all their battles and training, oh and even though she's all cool and collected... She has fire powers, yeah they are neat I guess.

Her favorite animal are salamanders, she loves those little moist dragons!

[pxper-cranes]

Meddling Kids Redesigns

It took a while, but I finally finished all four designs of the main gang. There are still some tings I would change if I were to redesign them again, just by seeing all the other ones on tumblr.

I'll do some headcannons here, and maybe draw them again with plot ideas for a fictionalised series I would make with them.

Fist of all, they would start out as high schoolers, then go into univertity after. either way they would all be adults when the film starts

None of these guys are cishet or neurotypical sorry slays but you cant tell me otherwise

Thirdly, these guys are FRIENDS. they CARE about each other. some have been besties for years others were hard and fast ride or dies but they all really care for one another

They would initially start out unmasking people in monster costumes, but there would definitely be an overarching plot that is defiantly supernatural. by midway through season two, the monsters of the week would be real more often than not, and the gang has to turn to more spooky ways of dealing with them

Aight so

FRED

This man HAS to be nice, and reasonably stupid. He was a himbo Blueprint and we must make sure he stays that way

I want to make him into theatre tech and stuff, which he uses to debunk the monsters and point out all the techniques in the 80s horror movies he likes to watch with the gang.

I'd also say he was a prolific camper and scoutgoer as a child, and intends to work as a camp counsellor once he graduates for a little while

because of this hes pretty much a survival expert and gets pretty intense whenever they find themselves in the woods.

while he is strange himself he still is a leader for the group, and plans a lot of their moves on cases.

He and Daphne start the show dating and they are madly in love with each other, and are the bestest of friends. Fred is the more puttogether in the group though, and regularly has to stop daphne from comitting crimes like breaking and entering or simply trying to beat the monster over the head with a bat

DAPHNE

This version of Daphen would just be a pretty unhinged girlboss. she is the part of the gang who is just itching for a fight half the time, so shes been designated team muscle.

Her family is extremely rich, and while they don't really like her pastimes of going out and solving mysteries, but those funds are the thing keeping the gang going, and funding their trips, as well as bail when they get caught investigating some abandoned house or something.

She is really into fashion, specifically 70s style clothes, and spends a lot of time at home making her own clothes and things for others.

alongside that she is really into journalism, so much so that she practically runs the school newsletter when in high school, and runs it through her brilliant people skills. she intends to go to university to do a media and communications degree.

but shes also regularly unhinged and the fisrt one in the gang who would get into a brawl with a monster if given the chance. shes like a black belt in karate at least, and can definitely ride a motorbike.

I think she would encourage Fred's traps in their cases but if she was left alone she would just use a crowbar to solve her problems.

VELMA

This Velma is a todal dork. she is such a nerd its funny, bun in a way ehre the audience laughs with her. let her talk endlessly about her academic interests and cut back to everyone else dumbfounded.

Also my version of Velma isn't mean in any way. While she can be dry, witty or packed with smart comebacks, she is rarely intentionally cruel.

She doesn't believe in the supernatural at the beginning of the series, but she desperately wants to believe in everything. Cryptids, monsters, aliens etc (She was one of the kids that cried when they made Pluto not a planet anymore)

because of her eagerness to investigate she is practically uncarable, and more interested in anything spooky than she is frightful, which could be used for some good gags, especially since she never realises that she is ever out of her element

Velma brings out the nerdier side of all her friends too. she gets Fred talking about traps and survival skills, Daphne on about fashion and law, and Shaggy talking about food and films.

SHAGGY & SCOOB

Scooby doo is Shaggy's assistance dog, and that's how he is allowed to go wherever the gang does.

I've got some lore ideas about how he talks and stuff, which is basically the same as mystery inc plus some inspiration from the Magnus Archives but I'll probably talk about it another time.

I was thinking it might be funny if he talked kinda like puppycat from Bee and Puppycat, but that's just a thought, all I'm going to say is that's not a normal dog.

Shaggy also comes from a wealthier family but nowhere near as rich as Daphne. His parents really tried to shelter him as a kid after something happened in his childhood (IDK what but it was spooky) and ever since he's craved the independence that he gets with the gang

He has been friends with everyone the longest. I assume he went to a summer camp with Fred when they were little, met Velma at some kind of convention and lived close to Daphne.

He has tons of random skills and knowledge about pretty much anything. hes a trivia god and there could e a running gag that he went to a bunch of summer camps too, but for weird and niche things. he's also the kind to binge read wikipedia articles at 3am

I think we would be really into films, specifically horror and pulp films from the 70s - 90s. He probably has an interesting relationship with horror, scaring easily but still doing it for the thrill.

He also implores that in their mysteries, pointing out a bunch of the technical clues with Fred. He probably really likes mystery solving because it gives him that reassurance and control when they finally unmask them. I'm sure he starts to crack a little once they start going up against real monsters.

Hes also a really good cook and makes great playlists.

[sanchoyo]

danny phantom 14-20 thoughts!! I finished up s1 :D these last few eps were actually really really good!!!

-did. did tucker really just say esperanto was a dead language only spoken as a secret code between geeks. google says around 100,000 people actively speak it. oh my god...it being an auxiliary language doesn't mean its 'just for geeks to speak in code' ...it helps bridge gaps between people who don't have a language in common...

-danny really isn't pulling punches when it comes to fighting the ghost-cop possessed people huh. like he SLAMMED KWAN INTO THE CONCRETE SO HARD. HE THREW PAULINA INTO A BILLBOARD. will that...I mean it WOULD carry over to their bodies non-possessed, right? like if the ghost piloting their bodies gets hurt?? itd be so upsetting to be possessed, lose time, then wake up covered in bruises (and possibly, broken bones??) real horror movie stuff im sure wont be addressed in any way

-tuckers parents seem nice! I like them :)

-WULF IS CUTE AND I FEEL BAD. im so glad the gang realized he was only causing trouble bc of the shock collar walker put on him and helped. also, him wearing that big hoodie with the hood on, and thinking its subtle. we can tell youre still a giant wolfie :) THEN GETTING SUCKED INTO THE PORTAL AAAAH :( anxiously waiting to see Him Again....

-DANNY BLASTING HIS PARENTS THINKING THEY WERE OVERSHADOWED LMFAO GET THEIR ASSES. maddie marking how many ghosts she gets with lipstick tallies on the side of her portal gun? kindaaa iconic tho. (ALSO, SHE WAS LIKE, 2 FT AWAY FROM HIM RIGHT AFTER SHE TRIED TO SHOOT HIM. HOW DO YOU NOT RECONINZE YOUR OWN SON??? like sure, he might have diff hair/eye colors. but like, if one of my family members dyed their hair, and was wearing contacts, its not like id be like 'wHO IS THIS STRANGER!!!' ...he still has all his facial features!! same everything!!! I hate it here)

-paulina being #1 girl realizing danny's a friendly ghost immediately. smart queen. lancer and kwan ran away right after he made this sweet baby face at them:

which is hilarious.

-ok. im not saying his bullying is JUSTIFIED, but. dash looked so pleased with the (cute!) poster he just painted, and danny comes thru the wall and spills paint on his nice letterman jacket. his anger is justified maybe 65% of the time so far...(not the way he handles it, but STILL.) at least lancer is stepping in!! and them making a silly little bet was...cute?? until dash pulled out his GROSS UNDERWEAR AND SAID DANNY WOULD HAVE TO EAT THEM???? WHAT THE FUCK MAN. TUCKER WAS SO RIGHT ITS FUCKING WEIRD TO CARRY THOSE AROUND EWWW. THIS KID IS UNWELL. lancer was right, his animatronic setup was SUPER IMPRESSIVE?? hes actually pretty creative. danny meanwhile is stealing the fright knight's design...I hope dash is taking art classes or smth with his sports

-fright knight is the most bestest ghost so far i LOVE THAT DESIGN. I am biased towards knights, and characters with swords, but he fucks so severely. and should sue danny for copyright infringement for stealing his design for his haunted house. if some 14 yr old broke into MY house and stole MY sword, id also be pissed. his evil winged unicorn rules too with its FANGS. and he just CAN SHOVE THE PORTAL OPEN WITH HIS HANDS??? is he the strongest ghost weve seen so far? idk but hes my fav. SOUL SHREDDER IS SUCH A COOL SWORD NAME TOO. ANY NAMED SWORD ALSO FUCKS. 'flaming bedsheets of DEATH' funny king. ALSO he was polite to dash and tucker when just asking for directions and telling tucker 'oh maybe, just a suggestion, maybe be nicer to me and be more respectful :)' I LOOOVE HIM.

-I noticed this in the Ember ep, but jazz has an electric guitar in her room!! talent musical queen!! its cool to see hobbies just in the bg.

-fright knight's murder castle reminds me of the booby trapped murder castle in zexal!! another supposedly 'for kids' show with murder/trap castles! we love that. if you are a dp fan reading this, give yugioh zexal a try. its also got 13-14 year old protags and involves (alien) ghosts. the cardgame is just a vessel for the plot, which is really good. (I just want more people to watch my fav yugioh, man)

-danny. with a SWORD.

-danny doesnt NEED TO WIN this contest, dash didnt STEAL HIS DESIGNS AND STEAL A SWORD. he also got excited to hear lancer got sent to a dimension with his worst fears too just so he could win the contest? DANNY WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU!!! BRO MAYBE YOURE 14 AND HAVENT FULLY DEVOLPED YOUR WHOLE BRAIN YET, BUT...THATS FUCKED. this kid casually says the most deranged things, I do worry for my spooky son. once again, therapy needed. that judo toss was great tho. I wonder if he actually did pick up some martial arts stuff from his mom?

-danny can fly 112 mph!!! thats so fast! I love the lil montage of him and his friends testing his abilities and stuff, very cute and a good way to showcase what he can do by now and how much more proficient he's gotten from ep 1!!! I'm sure he's going to get more abilities :)

-im glad...maddie's at least TRYING this ep. I do feel for her because her husband is a man baby. but the fact it took 16 episodes to get a kinda semblance of any kind of real concern or attempts at bonding. hmm. jack's 'BACK OFF SHES A MINOR' @ the ghost trying to attack jazz. also was very funny. and him wanting to make an action figure of her? are the parents redeeming themselves to me? slightly. they gotta Work Harder

-THE GHOST. IS FLYING. THE PLANE.

-fenton machete. but she doesnt carry a PHONE??? ???

-I mean I expected vlad when you namedrop him earlier in the ep, and also the title card picture, and dalv corp being fucking vlad backwards. but seeing him just pull up on a golf cart made me bust out laughing. WITH the gift baskets prepared. why wouldnt you at least be suspicious. also, if he wants danny to be his lil sonboy, why is he so fucking malicious?? dude you are going about this in such a bad way. stop it. get some help.

-maddie not even hesitating to drag danny out. fucking good. danny is so right, go on the internet to date. get a cat. how do you spend...how many years?? has it been since college?? at least 20, right, since the parents/vlad are in their 40s? hung up on ONE girl. my god, man. incel drama queen. her kung fu IS impressive, but dude. 'we both know hes a creep' SO right. it sucks but they do need a phone and shit being in the middle of NOWHERE. also, just stealing his helicopter was great. <3

-'you must be exhausted carrying the weight of that mistake you made years ago' 'well we all make mistakes. maybe I'll make one now!' WHY DID THIS EXHCHANGE SEND ME. AND VLAD WITH THE BREATH SPRAY EWWW BITCH. 'OLD BAIT BREATH' SOO RIGHT. both danny and his mom playing him HAHAH hes so dumb. or rather, I think he thinks with his emotions too too much and is...actually pretty gullible? lmao he believed danny was ready to give in SO fast. (which is sad hes that hopeful, like you have SO MUCH MONEY YOU COULD EASILY GET ANOTHER GIRL WHO HAS A KID. AND WOULD WANT TO BE WITH YOU AND BE SUPPORTED. GET OVER THIS (1) WOMAN ALREADY IM GETTING SECONDHAND EMBARRASSMENT AAAAH)

-GHOST BEAR GHOST BEAR GHOST BEAR. it was also in the title card, but I still got very excited. we love bears here

-SAM'S BAT SWIMSUIT COVERUP!!! her outfits are simply iconic.

-'i'd tell you to go to the mens room, but I don't think you qualify' top paulina transphobic moments. :( and him wearing a tanktop to the swim park? hmmm! (actually I think she was overshadowed by then, so, KITTY top 10 transphobic moments??)

-kitty just piloting paulina around makes me feel SO bad tho, paulina's gonna wake up and be like 'wtf do you mean I was dating this rando' like youre leading danny on to make johnny jealous, and also just POSSESSING POOR PAULINA. dude take your relationship problems ELSEWHERE. last time we saw them, they seemed like such a cute couple!! wtf johnny!! I mean, she sucks for trying to make him jealous, he sucks for looking at other girls...maybe they need a break, but Not Like This. or, you know, just. better communication...

-and the A-listers having a full packet and a stamp system. who organizes this. kwan fucking owning being the new danny though, this is hysterical. THE TUCKER/KWAN FLOWER FIELD TWIRL. UNIRONICALLY ADORABLE. and him giving it his all for the poetry slam. bless his HEARTTTT.

-Star owns. actually, all of the extra characters are shining this ep and I love it.

-INVISO-BILL??? NOOOO THEY DID HIM SOO DIRTY. DANNY SWEETIE IM SO SORRY.

-johnny and danny bein friends and staging a fake fight (which danny takes too seriously, once again this child has aggression he NEEDS TO WORK OUT) I hope these three stay friends, I said it before but danny needs more friendly ghosts to hang with.

-at this point, Danny's ghost enemies are a lot like, I dunno, batman's rouge gallery is the first thing that comes to mind. they all have their own gimmick and unique designs, but most of them are easy to beat after learning the Moral Lesson. I still get excited when any of them show up again, though. 18 is another valerie episode!!!! :D skulker really said you two will get along if I have to handcuff you together <3 and the gym teacher really said, youre married now, have a flour baby! ngl, I'm not really watching this show for the shipping stuff (which I am very scared to look at the fandom for after I finish this watch through- I feel like there's probably discourse/arguing about ships...) but. I'm gonna put my opinion out there. valerie/danny > sam/danny. maybe I just really love the enemies to lovers trope. And the secret identity stuff adds Extra Flavor.

-SKULKER JUST HAVING THE BOX GHOST AND DANGLING HIM BY A STRING. HILARIOUS. and him watching them with binoculars and making his silly little commentary. AND MAKING THE SACK BABY CRY. LMAO. THIS DUDE IS A BABY KIDNAPPER. skulker is super fun

-danny, you just...collapsed the water tower. and then attacked the nasty burger machine...mascot thingy...out of anger..I KEEP SAYING HE'S GOT ANGER ISSUES BUT. HE REALLY NEEDS A LESSON IN MANAGING COLLATERAL DAMAGE!!! So does valerie!! They're both pretty focused on each other. I mean it's good of Danny to say he's trying to make sure PEOPLE don't get hurt, but... (I mean I guess it's not something 14 year olds WOULD worry about, but as an adult im like, who's going to fix that? how much money will that take??)

-TUCKER MAKING BANK. and sam and tucker being super emotionally attached to their flour baby and being pretty good parents. that's cute...also him just straight kissing her and being like. WAIT. O_O JDSKAFHD. his mom baking them into cookies was the funniest possible result. tbh I dont feel like this is on tucker, if anything the other kid's shouldve been more responsible! He was just taking an opportunity to get that $$ which I respect

-Danny being more understanding of Valerie's situation in the end (helping her at her job, too, and trying to keep that a secret for her!!!) And seeing them work together this ep, and also her letting phantom get her out of the ghost zone...was very sweet. LOVE that. more valerie eps pls

-me when I realize vlad's big stupid house exploded because of his own carelessness with changing the ghost portal ectofiltrator or whatever: *pointing and laughing*

-me when I realize it means he's gonna go make danny's life hell for it somehow: >:(

-SCOOBY PARODY!!! I feel like there's gotta be some scooby doo/danny phantom crossover stuff, right? also, 'guys in white' men in black wishes

-'oh, that's right! dad married the love of your life! you're bitter and alone!' DANNNNNYY GET HIS ASS ONCE AGAIN WE ARE POINTING AND LAUGHING AT VLAD

-'jack, you captured the ghost boy!!' UMM. he did nothing <3 'we have a weapon's vault??' YOU HAVE A WEAPONS VAULT??? and jack didnt put a handle on the inside. of fucking course he didnt! why would you leave that to your son!! or expect him to clean YOUR LAB when its where you work with probably dangerous chemicals and weapons and hes 14!! give him normal chores, like, I dunno, vacuuming, laundry, dishes...CMON. I hate it here. But I'm glad Jack is more chill about danny while he's a ghost, and willing to work with him for this ep. AND. I DID ENJOY JACK PUNCHING VLAD IN THE FACE. AND GENERALLY JUST OWNING HIM. the ghost punchy fists are actually amazing. like yeah, just punch a ghost in the face. that rules.

-ep 20 opens with the coolest fucking ghost lady design. her tattoos can come off and fight. MA'AM. I like ur nose ring and your cape maam hello 👉👈😳

-sam's grandma is hilarious and the most valid member of her family and I love her. thats my grandma now. and tucker covering for sam by dressing as her. thats true friendship <3 also skipping school to go to a goth circus. just bestie things! sam's parents are haters but for all the wrong reasons.

-'my family has controlled ghosts with this for generations!' WAIT. WAIT FREAKSHOW /ISNT/ A GHOST? I didn't expect that...he's just a fucked up guy controlling ghosts? anyway watching danny shoot at police cars and rob banks while mind controlled. its like, the most stereotypical 'bad' things lmao. (tbh an evil ghost circus troupe is a sick concept)

this gives off big deviantart emo edit vibes

(I'm going to assume evil circus reaper danny has a lot of fan content. people love an edgy au, except this one is canon (even tho its via mind control...having the protag go evil otherwise might be hard, I guess?) but au where he stays with the troupe...that has to exist, right?)

ANYWAY. excited to start s2!! lowkey surprised by how many notes some of these posts have gotten. I've gone back and tagged them all with 'dp thoughts' so they're easier to find on my blog! ^^ and I will probably possibly do (more) fanart on my art blog after I finish the watch of the whole show, so like. @sanchoyodraws follow my art blog :)

[twisted-leader-of-something]

Angsty and/or Horror Rose Trio Fic Because I Was Sad Last Night That I Guess I Promised?

Trey Clover was currently too terrified to even speak at the 'tea party' he was at, though Trey wasn’t sure how this could be a tea party when the sky was so red, the area smelled terrible from the bodies, and the table the two sat at was clean, but everything else around it was messed up pretty bad. 

One of his childhood friends, Riddle Rosehearts, had Overblotted a few moments ago and completely slaughtered most of his own dorm until it was nothing but him and Trey and Riddle didn’t seem to bat an eye at the act, which made Trey want to throw up just thinking about it, and this time, he did. 

“Trey?” A distorted voice of his former childhood friend called out to him. “This is the second time you’ve thrown up all that you’ve eaten. Are you sure that you’re alright?”

Riddle seemed to float over to Trey’s side in his black and red form. . . No. That thing wasn’t Riddle. It was a distorted copy of him. Or, that’s what Trey wanted to convince himself as he looked at Riddle’s form. 

His desaturated black and red dress that vaguely reminded Trey of Riddle’s dorm uniform seemed torn pretty badly despite that’s how it was. It had black cards at the bottom coming out of the dress that Trey had seen what could do to people, thorn-like ribbons that also came out of Riddle’s outfit that Trey had seen had spawned countless amounts of roses, with that collar, choker, and crown on Riddle’s head that only served to make Riddle’s body look paler than it once was. And ink covered Riddle’s hands that didn’t make Trey feel any better.   

Riddle seemed very worried at his childhood friend’s sickened conditioned, which didn’t seem to help when Trey simply said, “I-I’m fine. I-I-I just. . . The smell! The smell is getting to me. S-Sorry, Riddle. I didn’t mean to scare you.”

“Ah!” Riddle said way too cheerfully, as if he was relieved that was the reason. “If that’s the case, I can fix that!”

And then Riddle stood up and faces the countless amount of bodies spread across the area and then wave his hand dismissively, and then the bodies that once littered the area where swallowed by the roses the thorn-like ribbons had spawned and soon enough, the bodies disappeared and in their place was roses and violets. But, that didn’t make Trey feel much better.

“I don’t know how long it’ll take for the smell to go away though.” Riddle sighed to himself, as he then pulled a card from his dress, the 8 of clubs to be exact. 

Which defiantly seemed to scare Trey, as he flinched and moved back from where Riddle was a little bit, which Riddle seemed saddened by.  

“It’s alright.” Riddle smiled at the distressed Trey. “This card won’t hurt you. It’ll just get rid of the smell. I promise.” 

Riddle reached for Trey, and Trey’s body wouldn’t let him move. 

Was it fear? 

Was it something Riddle did? 

Trey wasn’t sure anymore as Riddle placed the card on his head, which instantly dissolved into his head and then. . . He could only smell the sweets he hurriedly made on the table, and a strong scent of roses and violets. And, on top of that, his body seemed to involuntarily calm itself down and the sky changed colors, so did Riddle’s face and outfit. For one, he looked for human than before and he had colors back in him.  

It was as if the scene of a play had changed, and now the world had changed to something. . . Fake. 

Like it was meant to hide something so much worse.

“There.” Riddle smiled at Trey, “That’s better, right? Come on, let’s get back to the tea party.”

Trey nodded as his mind panicked as to what was happening to him now, and Riddle lifted Trey up from the ground and guided Trey back to his place at the now pretty and amazingly decorated table, which was by Riddle's fancy dorm chair and helped Trey sit down in his chair on his right designed with clovers. 

“Hmmmm.” Riddle contemplated as he looked at the wide array of sweets placed in front of him. “Ah! There it is!”

Riddle reached for a small layer cake with decorated with clovers and hearts. “Here! This one! I had the other one and it was so good!” 

Trey simply nodded, which was miles more convincing then the pervious one he gave, and took it from Riddle. “Thank you.”

Riddle than once more looked at the table of sweets once more, this time going for a set of purple, green and red cake pops. But, just as he was about to eat a green cake pop, he put it down on a plate. 

“I know!” Riddle said as he stood up and walked over to Trey. “Let’s get Che’nya!”

“H-Huh?” The fear Trey once had came back, and it felt like Trey's body was somewhat responding to it. “R-Riddle, he’s in class now. W-W shouldn’t.”

“Hmmmmmm. You’re right, but school doesn’t matter anymore.”

This seemed to scare Trey more. “W-What, w-why?”

“Because,” Riddle said, wrapping his arms around Trey warmly like he was going to hug him. “I’m going to take over Night Raven and Royal Sword, and then the two schools will be united, and we’ll play tea party forever and ever. We won’t need school or anyone else since tea party is the only thing we’ll do in my world. After all, tea party is the best game we played.”

Trey’s brain went into straight panic at the countless scenarios that could happen to the innocent people caught in the crossfire, but his body didn’t respond, as it seemed that it was not responding to his commands anymore. 

“Come on Trey, let’s go get Che’nya.” Riddle seemed to coo at Trey, almost like he was mocking him, but Trey knew for fact that’s not what Riddle meant.

Trey couldn’t say anything to Riddle’s proposition, but Riddle took that as a yes.

Che’nya was in the middle of a Animal Communications classes when he heard people screaming, things being trashed, and general chaos. 

Now, as much as Che’nya loved some chaos to spice things up, this didn’t sound good. 

At that was before a staff member told his class they needed to evacuate, now. 

Che’nya, having a bad feeling about what was about to happen, did as he was told and followed his classmates to leave the area until his path his blocked by rose brushes and heard his nickname being called by a distorted voice. 

When he turned, there was. . . A desaturated boy wearing a torn black and red dress with hints of white and gold that looked an awful lot like Riddle and a motionless Trey being held in a moving bush of green and black roses. 

“Trey!” Che’nya called out, but was stopped by the person who looked like Riddle who suddenly appeared in front of him and hugged him tightly. 

“Che’nya!” the boy happily said. Gods, the person even sounded somewhat like Riddle. “You’re alright, right? They didn’t hurt you, right?”

“Huh? Why would I be hurt here?” Che’nya answered, and the person in red and black seemed very happy at that. 

“I’m glad. Come on, let’s go!” He said, pulling Che'nya towards the exit as the rose bushes once blocking the way parted for him.

“Hold on. I don’t even know you!” Che’nya said, pulling away from the boy who seemed confused for a moment but then sighed.

“It’s me, Riddle. Don’t you recognize me?” the boy said, giving a pouting look Che’nya knew all too well.  

“No,” Che’nya firmly said. “You look. . . Different. Very different. Riddle, did something happen?”

“Hmmmmmm. Well, I did kill those who broke my rules.” Riddle said, like he really tried to think of something to say to answer Che’nya’s question. 

“You what?!” Che’nya now seemed pretty scared. 

“But it’s okay! They don’t matter! Nobody but our group does. Not mother, or those stupid first years.” Riddle simply smiled, but this really creeped out Che’nya.

“No, Riddle, you need help. Killing people. . . Isn't okay! You know that! You’ve Overblotted! You're not thinking straight!” Che’nya tried to reason with Riddle, but this seemed only to make Riddle upset.

“I don’t need help. I just need you and Trey. . . Everyone else, I. . . Can’t trust not to break the rules anymore.” Riddle said, but sounded like he was stating a fact rather than telling the truth of his feelings. “Both of you. . . Can’t leave me! I need you! More than anything else! You won’t leave me, after all, we’re friends! The bestest of friends in the whole world!”

Che’nya face seemed to turn for worry to a look of pure terror when he realized Riddle had gone off the deep end. 

“No!” Che’nya protested, as he turned as ran away from Riddle, which only seemed to confuse Riddle.

“Where are you going, Che’nya?” He asked simply, as he levitated after Che’nya. 

“To get someone to help you!” Che’nya said, as he ran as fast as he could but that didn’t seem to affect Riddle that much. 

And then, a rose brush appeared right in front of Che’nya, and he got tangled up in the bush, he struggled in Hope's of getting free but then realized it was wrapping itself around his body to trap him.

“But I told you.” Riddle said, as he floated to where Che’nya was trapped by the red roses. “We don’t need them anymore. Come, let’s go play.”

And then the bush started to follow Riddle towards the bush where Trey laid, which now Che’nya realized Trey was sleeping in. And Trey. . . Didn't look okay, either.

“Riddle! I don’t want to play! We need to get you help!” Che’nya called, in hopes that it would do something, and it did. It caused Riddle to stop and sigh. 

“They really did hurt you, didn’t they? Oh well, it won’t matter.” Riddle said, pulling out a card from his torn dress and the rose bush Che’nya was in moved to Riddle and the card, which looked to be a joker card. “You’ll feel better in a bit.”

Che’nya really tried to struggle more, but it didn’t work that well and Riddle easily put the card on Che’nya head, which made Che’nya's body immediately calm down and make his head hurt really badly. 

“Yes, now we can go play, forever.” Riddle euphorically smiled at the two rose bushes holding his two friends in their branches.

[jimlingss]

Love So Shallow [1]

Chapter 1 - Chapter 2 - Chapter 3 (Finale)

Words: 11.4k

Genre: Fluff & Humour, Best Friend to Lover!Au, College!Au (sort of) Summary: There’s no doubt about it. You’ve always been thirsty. And *ahem, not just for water. Everyone and their mothers knows it and so does your best friend Taehyung. Though, rather than desperate, he’d like to say that you’re naturally bold. Sometimes, he wishes he could be that way too. Warnings: Themes of low self-esteem, hints of fat-shaming and very mean people. Swearing.

Cr.

The Ultimate Guide for the First Day of School:

Backpack

Pencil Case

Laptop

Pens and Pencils

A Notebook

Binoculars

That’s right. Binoculars are the absolute essential. If you forget everything else, you’ll still survive but without your trusty pair of binoculars - ten times zoom power, military and hunting purpose, night vision, made in Germany - you’ll be nothing.

“Oh man, he’s hot.” You press the lens to your eye sockets, licking your lips and salivating immediately. The guy you’re observing is at least six feet in height, a slight shadow around his mouth that exhibits how his testosterone levels are high enough to grow a beard, ab muscles defined through his tight shirt. “He’s smoking…ten-out-of-ten.”

As you’re snacking on your popcorn, hidden in the display bushes of your college grounds, your jaw drops.

The popcorn disgustingly rolls off your tongue into the dirt.

“Dammit. Please be a friend, please be a friend…” You watch as a pretty girl goes running up to the guy and as you’re muttering under your breath like it’s a prayer incantation, they lace their hands together. Okay.

Maybe they’re just overly affectionate friends...siblings, perhaps? Nope. Nope. They’re kissing.

You swing your head around to target another person. “Ooh, fresh meat.”

He’s a shorter kid, cute with bright eyes. You know that look all too well, the ‘I’m going to change the world and make the best out of my years here without procrastination!’. But you’re also aware that the moment they sit down in a lecture, the light will diminish. God forbid, midterms roll around. Finals will simply be the finishing attack.

But hey. If you’re around the kid, maybe you can save them.

“Impossible.” You swallow down your popcorn, almost falling into a coughing fit. Your spare fist pounds your chest as you watch the boy catch up to his friend. “You’re straight out of high school. There’s no way you’re dating…”

Dammit! They kissed each other! The world laughs at you. He has a boyfriend!

What the hell is up with public displays of affection today?! Were they trying to mock you?!

“Uh miss?” The campus security guard taps your shoulder and you crane your neck around. “You can’t be inside the bushes. They’re for display purposes.”

“Sorry.” You climb out, back cracking from crouching down for the past half-hour. The middle-aged man stares at you with a mix of horror, astonishment and slight repulsion. You don’t notice the other eyes that are on you as you brush off the leaves.

Whelp. You sling your binoculars around your neck. Might as well try some place else.

//

The tent is orange and brown amongst a field of different stands. There are beefy dudes in tank tops and mirror sunglasses, ripped muscles shredding through the fabric. To every chick that passes by, they slyly grin and let their eyes wander to their leaving asses. To any male that looks of any redeeming quality, they pass a flyer. In the huge bustle of crowds and of the hundreds of people promoting their own club or group, you’re standing in front of this one.

“If you think you’re a good fit, join Lambda Sigma Squared! We’re the best frat house on campus!” He hollers aloud, “We’ve got parties! We’ve got beer! We’ve got girls!”

You stride up to the man tall enough to make your neck tilt upwards to the sky. “Hi.”

The stranger looks down at you with a quirked eyebrow. “Hello?”

Your palm opens up. He looks at your hand. You nudge it forward. He doesn’t do anything. “Can I have a flyer, please?” You read his name tag, “Jungkook?”

He hums and slowly brings out the stack of paper in his arms. “Is this for you to give to someone else….?”

“Nope.” You wonder why there’s so much doubt in his voice. “It’s for me. I’d like to join!”

If there was one place ridden with testosterone and men, it was the resident frat house. You can already imagine waking up every single morning to a mansion full of glorious hunks. They’d worship you as their queen; a wake up call to cuties lying in your bed, nuzzling their hair into your neck and boys in the kitchen cooking steak, topless with only a thin apron to tease. It sounded like a Heaven ridden with sin….delicious sin. Your mouth waters.

Right as the paper is held between your fingertips, it’s snatched away. You look up to the college boy who has his brown hair slicked back with gel. “Uh, sorry. We don’t accept females.”

Your dreams are crushed.

“Well isn’t that unfair?” You laugh nervously, scrambling to find any arguments in order to win. There has to be some way. You rock back and forth on your feet, nibbling on your bottom lip. The so-called ‘Jungkook’ appears to be unfazed. “What about the people who don’t identify as one or the other? Isn’t it kind of discriminating to only strictly allow males? You should be all inclusive! I mean equality...right? I’ve heard of some fraternities that allow females...”

“Honey.” His fingers are squeezing the bridge of his nose and then he whips around to point at the banner. “We are a frat house. We have been for the past...I don’t know, fifty years? Our fraternity doesn’t allow females. If you want to join something, go to the female sorority. I’m sorry but I’m only handing out flyers. If there’s something you want to complain about, go contact the administration. I don’t make the rules.”

You part your lips, eyes watering up and a whimper leaves the back of your throat. “Please?”

“No.”

“Pretty, please?” You bat your lashes, “I’ll be good.”

“No.”

The morning hasn’t been going well for you. Okay. You’ll admit it but you’ve been shot down in your life numerous times before. You’re not going to give up so easily!

“If you’re fit and you love to run, join football!” An athletics major bellows with a smile and you march up. “Football- oh. Hello there. Are you lost? If you look for the people in blue, they can help you or give you a tour of the place.”

“I’m not a first-year.” You put your hands on your hips, attempting to appear tall and large. “Can I join football?”

If frat houses were out of the question then surely football would be a great second choice?

“Sorry. We’re a male team. No females.”

It’s not like it should be a surprise to you. You’ve already tried to join all these clubs and groups last year. But rejection after rejection makes your vigorous energy die down and you’re left in a moping puddle of your own sorrows. There’s only one thing that can cure you at a time like this...

You wander to the engineering faculty where the buildings are old and wearing down. The grounds are empty on orientation day when there aren’t any real lectures yet. Which means there aren’t any potential bachelors either. You continue to tread onwards anyways.

Sooner or later, after actively searching every corner, you come face to face with-

“Taehyung!”

As his expression blanches and he tries to make a run for it, you’ve already caught up. The honey brown haired boy sulks, slumping his shoulders. “How did you find me?”

You ignore him, gleaming irises pinned on the tall man beside him. “Who is this?! You’re handsome!” Taehyung’s friend with the blonde locks widens his eyes at your bluntness. You bat your eyelashes back and forth, standing on the tips of your toes. “Can I have your number?”

“No.” Taehyung answers for his friend. “He’s not free.”

“You’re not single? Aww…” Your pout returns and your best friend shakes his head with his infamous boxy grin.

“Namjoon’s too busy to be dating. He’s a new engineering friend by the way, met him by the vending machines.” Tae turns to the boy beside him who’s watching the two of you bicker back and forth in amusement. “Namjoon, this is Y/N. She’s a high school friend-”

You interrupt, “best friend!”

“Ah, debatable.”

“Is not!” You stamp your feet. “Kim Taehyung that is not debatable!”

“It is.” He argues back firmly and then juts his finger at the device slung around your neck. “Especially when you bring those binoculars with you. How thirsty can you even get?!”

You open your mouth to argue back but Taehyung turns to Namjoon. “You know what? I don’t know her after all.” The engineering major laughs it off, shaking your hand and smiling sheepishly. You marvel at the cuteness of his dimples and the messy ruffle of his hair.

“Are you sure you’re too busy to date?”

Namjoon scratches the back of his neck, “well…”

Taehyung shifts himself to stand in front of the dimpled boy, as if using his body as a shield. “Be gone dehydrated demon! Attempt to seduce elsewhere!” Your feet moves to kick him in the shin but Taehyung jumps back and he giggles. “Y/N!” He whines out your name childishly with a mock pout and you sob back at him. “You’re going to run off all my friends! Stopppp it!”

“You were going to run them off anyways.” You whine back to him, mimicking his pout and ugly expression. “Plus, you don’t need anyone else other than me. Let’s be honest here, I’m the bestest friend you could have.”

He pretends to cry into his sleeve. “What did I do to deserve this?”

“To deserve someone so beautiful and great and amazing?”

“Someone so shabby and shameless and horrible.” He corrects and then mischievously grins again. With his face hidden by the sleeve of his sweater, you only see the square shape of his mouth.

Before Namjoon can be left in the dust to observe the both of your antics and Taehyung completely forgets about his trip to the library to pick up his textbooks, a certain someone clears their throat behind you. The booming ‘ahem’ causes the pair of you to stop fake sobbing to turn around.

Taehyung’s eyes immediately light up. “Somi!” He leans over to his new friend. “That’s my other best friend, from high school as well-”

“What are you doing here, Miss Y/N?!” Her screeching voice causes you to visibly jump. You’re folding into yourself as if to disappear. “I turn around for one second and you’re gone! Are you harassing people still? Don’t you know Taehyung has better things to do than to deal with your sorry ass? You act like you’re drunk when you’re sober!”

“I can explain!” You sling your binoculars behind you but that doesn’t deter Somi from dropping her crossed arms to march over to you, ankle boots clanking on the cement. You have to admit she looks pretty great in her brown leather jacket and skinny jeans. “This isn’t what it looks like! Taehyung was the one who told me I should come over here!”

“I did not.”

You whip your head back. “Trader.”

Taehyung shrugs with a playful smile. Somi takes the collar of your shirt and begins to literally drag you away. Namjoon waves to you in slight bewilderment. “This is not fair!”

Your wail ricochets throughout the entire campus, causing the birds in the trees to fly into the sky, startled at your voice. “This is not fairrrrr!”

//

You didn’t have a lot in your life - never gifted in brains, beauty or strength. In elementary, you were called cling wrap since you attached to people and suffocated them even if they hated you. You’ve overheard teachers call you annoying behind your back, you’ve never made it to the top twenty list of smart kids in your class, never won at athletics either. But if there was one thing you had...it was blind will and determination.

“Girls! Line up!”

You listened to the frat boy’s advice, seeking out a sisterhood sorority and wow...things were not easy. They had taken one look at you and made a face of disgust. Everyone was ridiculously pretty here. They had long, clean legs and silky hair. They wore small dresses with high slits, thongs that you couldn’t even fit in, tiny bikinis that would only show off your rolls and how much you loved to eat. The women exuded confidence. All of them looked like they walked straight out of Forbes or Vogue magazine. You’d hit up any of these women in a heartbeat if given the opportunity.

In comparison, you are a pansy in the field of roses. But your enthusiasm won.

No matter what challenge, mission or the type of hazing they did, you never deterred. When the sorority sisters forced the newcomers to eat McDonald’s Big Macs and super sized chocolate bars, most whined about the potential weight gain and some threw up, a few even dropped out but you ate it all. You ate it with vigorous energy, secretly ecstatic since it’s free food. Sure, they mocked you as you stuffed your face and the word ‘fat’ was tossed around but whatever….if you became easily riled up by a few syllables from strangers, you’d be living a very difficult life.

It’s easier to live when you’re shameless.

The sisters forced you into the freezing showers in the middle of the night and you embraced the freshness while the others screamed. When they made you take out their garbage for them, you did it happily. You scrubbed the floors with a toothbrush, let them cut an inch of your hair off, let them throw food at you. They made you drink vodka and tequila but you had eaten a huge meal beforehand and secretly snuck in water between the shots. It’s the only reason why you didn’t become a huge drunken mess. On the coffee runs, you were the first to come back, having ran across campus with a huge brown stain on your shirt from bumping into someone. But you delivered it in record time and with a grin.

No matter what, the sisters had to acknowledge your eagerness.

“This is going to be one of the final missions!” The leader paces back and forth in front of the small group. The hundred candidates has dwindled down to ten people. “We’re going to be having dinner here in two nights. Bring each of your boyfriends. Fairly simple, right?”

The word ricochettes in the hollows of your brain. Boyfriend. Boyfriend. It ridicules you, laughing in your face. It echoes, reverberating in your ears. It plays over and over again. Boyfriend. Boyfriend. Boyfriend.

“What?”

“Is there a problem, number five?” Her eyes pin harshly onto you and you quickly shake your head. She smirks, continuing to strut around. “Here at Rho Alpha Beta, we are not whores who prostitute ourselves. We are committed, young women.” The leader spits her venomous words sharply and then giggles. “Bring your boyfriends, girls.”

NOOOOOO.

This is your worst nightmare. Of all the things they could’ve made you done….bring a boyfriend is literally impossible for you. You joined the sorority in order to find guys! Now what were you going to do?

“Difficult challenge, isn’t it?” You laugh awkwardly next to the gorgeous brunette beside you.

“Really?” She frowns. “I think this is a lot easier than when they made us stand for the entire night without letting us use the bathroom.”

You’re royally screwed.

//

“Are my eyes lying to me or is it my best friend that I’m suddenly seeing?” Taehyung blinks expressionlessly and then brushes past you. You whine out, stamping your feet and he finally stops walking down the hallway, turning around with a grin. “What?”

“Don’t ignore me!”

“I think it’s my head playing tricks on me.” He lays the back of his hand on his forehead and pretends to faint, backside dramatically hitting against the wall. “The Y/N that I used to know would never be such a hypocrite. She disappears for three weeks without a word. Then she comes back and demands not to be ignored when she’s been ignoring her dearest friend that would sacrifice his entire life for her.”

“Oh, quit it.” You throw your arm over his neck, locking him in a choke hold. Taehyung grips your arm and half-laughs, half-screams. The engineering students passing by rapidly shoot the two of you an odd look while they hasten their steps. “You suddenly want to be my best friend after you said you didn’t know me?!”

“Okay, okay. I do know you, okay?” He hits your arm and you begin to let him go. “I know that you had a bladder issue and pissed in your bed every night up until grade six!”

“Kim Taehyung.” You step forward as he takes a stride backwards, laughing his head off. A bunch of people are staring. “Shut up!”

“And that you still piss yourself when you have a nightmare!”

His scream pounds up against the ceilings for all to hear and you groan, kicking him in the knee and hearing him let out an ‘ow’. “I told you that once! How do you even remember?”

Tae has a rectangular shaped grin as he shrugs. “How could I forget?”

“Ugh! You are ridiculous. You know what?! Forget it! Pretend I wasn’t even here.”

“Y/N.” He complains when you begin to walk away and Taehyung holds you back. You scoff but yield to him nonetheless as the pair of you begin to walk out of the building together. “So what’s made you so busy that you can’t even spend time with your two dearest friends? You know Somi’s pissed, right? She told me not to pick up your calls or answer your texts.”

On the subject matter, you evade for now. “I’ve been busy….”

“With the sorority?” He takes a glimpse of your face and grimaces. “Why are you even joining? It’s not like you to be those…”

“Pretty girls? Are you saying I’m not good enough to join them?”

Taehyung sighs. “I was going to say shallow idiots.”

“That’s a stereotype. Some of them are really nice girls.”

“But they’ve been treating you okay?”

“Yeah I guess.” You clear your throat. “I only have a few things left to do before I can get officially accepted and do the pledge and all that. How’s classes been going for you?”

“It’s so painful for me to have to be such a skilled academic.” He laments with a smile. “Engineering takes up all of my time, so many math classes, so much thinking involved. My head is always full of numbers and complicated equations that you would never understand.”

Usually you’d scoff, maybe jab at him but you only answer with a- “nice”.

“So, what’s your real reason for looking for me?”

“Hey!” You snap back into it. “You’re my friend. Can’t I hang out with you without being suspected of other intentions?! Why does this feel like a witch hunt! How dare you accuse me of such thing?!”

“Y/N…” He gives you that look and you exhale in exasperation.

“Okay. Hear me out, alright?” You prepare yourself and the both of you stop under a shade of a tree. “The sisterhood sorority is doing this thing in two nights and it’s one of the last things I need to do before getting accepted. It’s really, really important to me and you’re my best friend. You wouldn’t want to disappoint me, right?”

He looks at you in growing suspicion, “What is it?”

“They want me to bring my boyfriend to the dinner.”

Taehyung laughs. He laughs and he laughs. Your limbs fall to your side and you stare at him unimpressed as he grabs a hold of his stomach. Tears fill Taehyung’s eyes and he still continues to laugh like he’s watched the best comedy of his life. “Tha-that’s impossible!” He tries to catch his breath, hyperventilating. “You’ve never had a boyfriend in your entire life!”

Your best friend spits out the last word before he’s thrown back into absolute hysterics. He howls, roars and snorts. At some point he says ‘stop it’ since his stomach is hurting so bad. But you’re doing nothing, staring at him with a sigh leaving your mouth.

“Yeah. I know.”

“Oh god.” He wipes his eyes and stands up straight, the last laughs leaving his throat. “What are you going to do?”

You stare at him. He stares at you. Your sparkling irises gazes into his darkening ones.

“No.”

“Please?”

“No.”

“Why not?”

Taehyung cries out, “I just can’t!”

“Taehyungggg.” You moan out the last syllable, drawing it for an extended time while pouting. His lips have fallen to the side, no longer laughing or joking around with you. You have a feeling that he won’t budge on this matter.

“Noooo…” He pulls out the last syllable like you, mimicking your childishness.

“Whyyy?”

“Because I don’t even want to be a fake boyfriend to you.” He thinks about it and then scrunches up his face, flailing his hands like it’s infested with germs. “The thought is so ewwwukkkkkk. Yuck! That’s like being a fake boyfriend to my sister!”

“You don’t even have a sister.” You have to admit the thought of being with Taehyung more than platonically is disgusting. It’s pretty gross but you’re in a desperate situation. “C’mon Taetae, it’s only for one night, for a few hours.”

He shakes his head. “Ask someone else, bro.”

“You know I have no one else.”

“No! Just...no.” He doesn’t look at you to make sure you won’t guilt trip him into it. “I’ve put up with enough of your antics over the years, okay? I’ve done a lot. Find someone else, Y/N.”

Before you can penetrate through the barriers, Taehyung takes off running in the opposite direction. You scream after him, chasing him across the courtyard before his long legs out run you. “Taehyung-! You bast….ard! I hate you!”

//

You show up like a sad puppy on her doorstep.

She takes one look at you and slams the door. But luckily you catch it, intruding into her apartment. “Somi. I-”

“Save it.” The girl in short blonde hair and pouty pink lips crosses her arms. “I already heard it all from Taehyung.”

You gasp, tearing off your shoes to march into the living room. “I knew it! I knew it! So you two do have a group chat without me!”

“I already know what you’re going to ask me.” Somi cuts to the chase with a pointed look. “No.”

Your body slumps down to the floor and you cry to the wooden floorboards. “Why?”

“You know I’m trying to go out with Suran.” She sits down on the floor with you, trying to appease you like you’re a toddler throwing a temper tantrum. “If she catches wind that I’m going out with you...fake or not...it won’t look good. Things are...delicate….”

You sniffle, “You fucked up, didn’t you?”

Somi smiles slightly. “I may or may not have accidentally ran into my psychotic ex on our last date.”

“Oh my god. The one that keyed your car?”

“Yep.” Somi shudders and shakes her head. “I’m sorry, pumpkin. Have you tried to ask someone else out? I mean...there’s plenty of people on campus and I’m sure there’s someone nice who would be willing to help y-”

“There’s no one!”

“Why does the sorority even matter?” Her eye twitches and the anger surges when she realizes everything that’s coming out of her mouth is right. “I’ve heard about the things they made you do and it sounds horrific. The people in there don’t give any shits about you! They’re bitches with shallow exteriors. They talk trash girls that are different from them and then turn around to talk about each other. It’s a backstabbing-bitch battlefield! Why are you doing this to yourself? You don’t need them or their validation.”

“I just...want to, okay?”

It’s true that they might treat you badly. Okay. Not might. They do.

You’ve been feeling like a modern day servant or slave. You’ve also been designated as the permanent one to go on their coffee runs. But you’re used to being treated badly. It doesn’t hurt that much. Plus, you’re too determined to give up.

//

Taehyung lugs his bag full of textbooks back to his dormitory, dragging his feet with him. He had gone for a three hour study session in the library, tackled a handful of assignments and readings, punching in page-long equations into his calculator. It’s only been less than a month into the school year. He has no idea how he’ll survive. All he wishes is to get a hot steaming shower and collapse on his bed for the next ten hours.

But as he opens the door, he screeches. “What the hell are you doing here?!”

You’re scrolling through his laptop, perched on top of his ruffled sheets. Your eyes don’t stray away from the screen and your mouth casually murmurs out, “came through the window.”

Taehyung quickly shuts the door before someone can catch a girl in his room. It would be even worse if the RA saw. He locks it for good measure and then skedaddles over to close the window that’s letting in a chilling breeze. “Y/N….”

“I’m on this site…” You squint your eyes and he flickers on his lamp, allowing the glow to provide more luminescence. “It’s called Rent-A-Boyfriend but it’s so...expensive.” You sob lightly. As a poor college student that’s completely broke, there’s no way you can afford a luxury like this.

Never mind eating instant ramen for the rest of your life, you would have to rely on photosynthesis and gaining nutrients from the polluted air.

Taehyung scoffs and he begins to unpack his belongings, throwing his things on his desk and not paying attention to you. “If I went to the corner street, do you think anyone would want me?”

“They’d probably throw you into their truck and drive to some abandoned warehouse. Then, they’d sell you off to some foreign country.” He mumbles, agonizing about his future study sessions as he skims his notes. Perhaps he’ll consult Namjoon who seems to be doing well.

“If I hold up a sign downtown, do you think anyone would help me?” You exhale, giving up on the site and escort pages you were looking at. You close the laptop, rolling on your stomach to look at your friend.

“No. The police might show up since you’d be loitering.”

You drop your face into his pillow, the onslaught of his cologne and clean shampoo filling your senses. “What do I do?!” Your voice is muffled but your cry is all too clear.

Taehyung finally twists around to look at you. He sighs for a long time. Ten agonizing seconds pass. “Fine.”

“What?!” You shoot right up and your eyes glimmer. “Really?!”

“You better be grateful that I’m such a good best friend and that I won’t dump your sorry ass even though Somi says I should.” Taehyung’s certain that he’ll regret this decision. But for now, you’re looking up at him like he’s lifted the sun back up and it makes him feel a bit better. “I’ll do it with the cost of five meals.”

“Three.”

“Six.”

Your jaw drops, “Hey! You raised it!”

“Keep talking and I’ll make it ten.” Taehyung grins and stretches out his aching muscles. He plops down beside your body and you pretend to zip up your lips.

Taehyung threatens to go eat the most expensive steak at the most expensive restaurant. It’s only after you whine to him that he tells you to pay for his convenience store food. Instead of showering and hitting the sack like he had intended to do, he’s out at midnight, sitting outside on a dingy bench with steaming hot instant noodles, eating with you.

It’s not such a horrible alternative.

//

The sorority is completely white with pillars on either side, a dim glow appearing from inside. At the brown double doors, it looks like a humongous palace and you gulp nervously. Your fingers pull on the modest blue dress you have and you look over at Taehyung.

He’s pulled out his fancy clothes, Gucci-whatever and you still don’t know he could afford it with his old part-time job of working at the diner. His long sleeved shirt is tucked into his pants, paired with a belt. You can admit when Taehyung cleans up and he doesn’t look like a stressed out college student half dying and burning in hell, he looks pretty damn good.

“Do whatever you need to do to prepare yourself.”

“Okay. I’m not standing next to Y/N.” He shuts his eyes and braces himself, murmuring under his breath. “This is Rachel Mcadams. I’m standing next to Rachel Mcadams. I’m going on a date with Rachel Mcadams. Okay….okay….” There’s an extended moment of silence. “Alright!”

You jump in a startled response when he suddenly grabs your hand and holds it.

Taehyung smiles and knocks on the door once. It swings open and one of the girls snarl at your appearance. “Oh. It’s number five. Did you bring your boyfriend?” The girl you recognize as Sandra swings her head over and then she does a double take. Her mouth drops and she openly ogles your best friend, scanning him up and down. “I- uh..this-”

“Nice to meet you, I’m Kim Taehyung.” He tips his head to the side, wearing a smirk and using his infamous charms to shake her hand. The girl gasps and wheezes. You hold back from rolling your eyes. “You’re a very beautiful lady. Thank you for opening the door for us.”

She makes a strangled noise. “Come in.”

As you enter, he leans over and angrily whispers to you. “Do they really call you by a number?” You hum, nudging him to be quiet as you turn the corner into the massive dining room.

“N-number five is here. I-I mean...”

“Y/N.” You correct when she turns around and stares at Taehyung some more.

“Y/N’s here.” She mutters and snaps out of it, shaking her head to sit down at the table. It’s then that it dawns on you that you were the last one to show up, about twenty two people seated around in total, six of them being sorority sisters There aren’t any more chairs and it occurs to you that two of the ten candidates never showed up.

Everyone is staring at Taehyung. “And..who is this?”

“Hello, my name is Kim Taehyung. It’s nice to meet all you pretty women.” He pulls out the chair for you and gestures you into it. You sit down and the leader nods her head slowly, perhaps in suspicion that you managed to reel in such a beautiful boy that looks like he was carved from angel tears.

“We were just beginning to eat. But now that everyone’s here, feel free to dig in.”

The hired waiters put down the plates and you begin to eat in small, delicate bites. Everyone around the table takes turns to introduce themselves, their majors and their relationship details. Some males appear highly uncomfortable and a few are basking in the attention, even going as far as to let their eyes wander to the pushed up breasts of the sorority sisters.

The leader smirks, going as far as to lean over the table more. The girlfriend of the guy has obviously realized what’s happening but she’s unable to say anything, trapped in utter humiliation.

Taehyung manages to keep his wits and realizes what the girls are trying to do. When you met the kid years ago, he was an awkward and introverted fellow. You wonder how he made such a change and how he could even enchant babies at the supermarket with one killer look.

“I met Y/N in high school and I don’t know but we’ve always had a connection.” He throws his arm over you and pulls you close to him. “Isn’t that right?”

You laugh lightly. “I was the one who approached him and told him to be my friend.” What you’re saying is the most truthful thing you’ve done all evening and night. “He attracted so many people and I thought it would be easier to make friends if I was around him.”

“Who knew we’d become the best of friends and gradually fall in love…”

Taehyung’s teeth are gritted and your own fists are clenched in your lap. You don’t have telepathic abilities but one glimpse of him is all it takes for you to know that he’s doing the exact same thing you are - cringing and screaming in your heads. “She helped me break out of my shell and loved me even when I had long limbs and so much acne.”

“You, having acne?” Krystal is a gorgeous sister with long, black hair and milky skin. Her aura has been that of an ice queen, cold and calculating, intimidating. She’s dazzling and reminds you of a porcelain doll.

Krystal bats Taehyung playfully on his shoulder and her sudden smile makes you blink twice. “I can’t imagine. But the two of you are so cute. High school sweethearts are always adorable.”

“Aren’t we?”

Taehyung gazes into your eyes, a millimeter away. “We are.” The guy has the audacity to nuzzle into you, rubbing his nose against yours. You hold in your vomit. Taehyung’s smile is tense.

Your best friend pulls away and pecks your forehead in another form of pda. You push him away, a bit harshly and he nearly falls out of his chair. “Oh, stop it, you.”

The entire table had to be witness to your cringey actions but at least they seem to believe you’re in a legitimate relationship now. The leader decides to move on, interrogating other couples.

“Do you both go on a lot of dates to fast food places?” The sorority head asks two of them and the girl fidgets in discomfort. Her boyfriend faintly grazes his rounded stomach and grimaces.

“You should try going on an exercise date. Running is really healthy.” The leader tips her head and smiles. “You two are actually the perfect pair. You should try losing weight together.”

You're becoming more and more irritated by the second but the chance to speak up is stolen by your best friend. “Isn't that a bit rude?” Taehyung swoops in, saving the couple and surprising you. The sisters seem even more shocked, appalled that he uttered a word and intervened. “I'm sorry but it's a bit difficult for me to sit here and watch.”

“I-”

“Such a pretty person shouldn't say such ugly words.” He leans his chin in his propped hand, attention solely on the flushing girl. “You don't want to be a bad girl now, do you? Only good girls get rewarded...in life, that is.”

The leader clears her throats with a quiet ‘alright’, moving on and the couple smile at him in thankfulness. You admire your friend for being able to muster the courage that you lack.

As you listen and munch on your salad, you notice some movement underneath the table. Taehyung is completely stiff, blushing from his chin to the top of his hairline. It’s a stark contrast from before and his cool facade has shattered. He discreetly elbows you as if to grab your attention but you can already see it.

Krystal is playing footsies underneath the table with Taehyung, caressing her bare leg against his. Her hand is also on his thigh, moving up and up. You instantly dart your pupils elsewhere.

“Uh-”

Before anything can be said, the leader stands up from the table and she smiles. “Ladies, could we have a brief meeting in the other room? Everyone is required to come. Men, feel free to continue.”

Krystal detaches from him and Taehyung releases a sigh of relief, eyeing you closely as you firmly nod, leaving the room. The sorority sisters surround the eight of you and they strangely appear friendly.

“Good job.” The redhead pats one of the candidates on the shoulder. “You all did a fantastic job.”

Your companions relieve themselves, including you. But then the brunette steps forward with the click of her heel. “There's one last obstacle before all of you can officially be part of the group.”

The leader smirks, pacing in front of the scared little lambs. “In this sorority, we are all sisters. Sisters meaning we share everything. That's how we build an everlasting bond. But boys always get in the way. They break up friendships and cause all sorts of drama. Hence, to prove the rule of sisters before any misters, you will watch us sleep with each of your boyfriends.”

The redhead giggles, “sharing is caring.”

Krystal and a few of the sorority sisters looked as shocked as the candidates. A girl beside you murmurs that she might be sick. They shiver and look to the floor, contemplating their morals while some look like they’re up for the challenge. You feel a muscle in your cheek jerk.

“I’m sorry.” You cough out. “I don’t think I can do this.”

The leader quirks her brow at you and the brunette seems to be disappointed she can’t lay a hand on your supposed ‘boyfriend’. “Excuse me?”

“I don’t think this sorority is right for me.”

You can live shamelessly and boldly to do what you want. You can self-sacrifice and allow yourself to be humiliated. But you will never let Taehyung be harmed in such a way.

“D-do you know what this means?!” The leader stammers out, appalled at your rejection.

“Yes.” Everything you worked so hard for will go to waste. “I’m sorry.”

You bow your head as you move past them out of the room. They can scream, throw objects at you, haze you but you have to let Taehyung walk out of this place with his dignity. You can only hope the other candidates will have enough respect for themselves and their significant others as well.

“What’s wrong?” Your dear best friend blinks up at you in bewilderment. The other eight males look at you and you shake your head. “Is there something wrong?”

“No, not really.” You grab onto his wrist pulling him up. Taehyung drops his scone and wipes his fingers on the napkin. “Let’s go home.”

“O-okay…”

The both of you lead yourselves outside, without turning back once but he stops you on their lawn. Taehyung laughs nervously at your serious expression. “No, seriously...what happened? Why did we leave? I thought this was important to you…”

You shrug. “I just came to my senses. They never treated me right and it feels wrong to be in there.”

“That’s it?” He looks at you in suspicion, studying your face. “There’s nothing more?”

“Nope.”

“Okay. Well, I’m glad.” He begins to walk with you, hands buried within his pockets. Tae grins, “that place is deranged. They’re really rude and it’s insane how long you stayed there for...”

“Yeah. They are.” There’s a long silence where the luminesces of the street lamps cascades down their glow. You bask in the peacefulness of the street. “Thanks.”

His eyebrow lifts. “What for?”

“I don’t know. For coming with me….putting up with them...being my friend.”

You know it’s the right thing to do. There was no doubt that you should leave such a toxic place behind but you can’t help feeling empty. Everything you’ve been working so hard towards, your goal and your backbreaking labour for the past three weeks has disappeared in front of your very eyes. You realize how difficult it is to let go of something that seems so important in the moment. But you know you’ll thank yourself later for it.

Despite feeling empty, you could be alone right now to dwell in your sorrows but you’re not. Taehyung’s still here with you.

“Okay. Now there must be something wrong with you.”

You match Taehyung’s humongous grin, laughing and bumping into him purposely. “Why?! I can’t thank you without being suspected of something?! Wow, what a friend!”

“Is there someone recording?” He tries to search for a hidden camera around. “Is this going to be a prank put on youtube? I don’t want to go viral. Someone’s hiding in these bushes, aren’t they?!” He screams at the plant, shooting out his hands in a martial arts position. “Ahh!”

You laugh, the misery slowly but surely evaporating from your heavy chest. “No one’s hiding in the bush, idiot. Maybe your brain. Did you forget to bring it with you again?!”

“Rude.” He snaps playfully, “you just thanked me for being your friend and now you’re insulting me. What kind of contradictions are you throwing out there, girl?”

You giggle but before you can retort and banter along with him, there are huffs and puffs behind you. When you turn, you find Krystal having dashed four blocks to catch up. The beautiful girl with long hair is bending over with her hands on her knees, catching her breath. “H..ey…”

There’s a look of exchange between you and Taehyung. He decides to go on ahead to allow some privacy and you stride up to the sorority female. “Are you okay?”

“I-...” She breathes in and sputters, pounding her chest. “I wanted to apologize. I didn’t know that they were going to do that. It went too far...I’m sorry. For everything actually...the girls, they can be really nice but they-”

“It’s okay.”

You’re fully aware that Krystal is a decent girl. She was never cruel to you like the other members. You also knew that she was intelligent and a fashion design major, ridiculously gorgeous and better than you can ever be. “I saw what you were doing to Taehyung.”

“I-” Her face transforms into a shade of scarlet. “I’m sorry. It was inappropriate of me.” She rushes to explain, “he’s your boyfriend and I-”

“Actually, he’s not. I don’t have a boyfriend.” You admit to the girl. “He’s just a friend who was helping me out.”

You shouldn’t stand in the way of Taehyung’s relationships. The best thing you can do is be a good friend, a good wingwoman and not cockblock him like you’ve done a handful of times before. He’s your dear friend that you want to treat well.

“Tae’s a really good guy so if you’re interested and serious about him, you should totally go for it.”

Krystal registers your approval and she nods with a bright smile. “Okay. Thanks, Y/N.”

“No problem.”

“You’re a really good person.” Krystal tucks a strand of her midnight hair behind her ear, lips puckered in a rosy shade. She looks like a painting. “I’m sure you’ll be able to find someone.”

Your head tilts to the starless sky. “Hopefully.”

//

The world is punishing you.

“Fifth ramen of the day! Let’s go!” You fist pump the air in an attempt to make yourself feel better as you stir up the cup noodle on your dingy cardboard box-makeshift-table, sitting on the stool you bought at the dollar store. “I’m not sick of it at all!”

You might be going crazy.

After you left the sorority, you tried to enter the dormitory but you were late to the application process and all their rooms were full. You talked to Somi about it and you couch surfed for a week at her place but you didn’t want to intrude on her and her evil roommate - who you swear has it out for you. The evil roommate threw out your food in the fridge and only said ‘oops’ when you asked her about it and your clothes were on the floor all the time for no reason.

There was no other choice but to move out on your own to some poor apartment that was as small as a closet with walls that were peeling, cabinets that came right off if you tried to open them and stained, coarse carpet that you don’t even want to know the story behind. You could’ve tried to move back with your dad but that’s a four hour transportation process, meaning eight hours a day and you would get endless questions from him. You’d be better off sleeping at the train station on a bench.

The apartment isn’t that bad…..it’s pretty close to your school at least...

“Are you a law student?” Someone at the buffet table looks at you.

“O-of course I am!” You laugh nervously. “I-I’m in your Criminal Law 101 class..your name is…”

“Seokjin.” He frowns and then smiles, piling food onto his plate like you are. “Strange. I’m sorry. I just thought I hadn’t seen you around before. What’s your name?”

“Somi.”

You hurry back to your table, sitting at the very back to stuff your face and grumbling stomach. For the past two weeks since you’ve moved into the place, you’ve been eating so meagerly that you discovered another solution - the holy grail that is conventions.

There were a ton of networking events for all sorts of majors and graduate students. The trick was to slip in, pretend you belong there and act casually. You’d listen in on the presenters trying to inspire future workers and then, you could completely raid the tables, stuff your face to your heart’s content. They often fed you better than your own mother did.

Sometimes, you’d get dragged out.

But six out of ten times, no one really noticed anything.

“You’ve been doing what now?!” Somi groans and facepalms when you reveal what you’ve been up to. “Oh, Y/N.”

Instead of being upset and telling you off, your best friend sympathizes with you as she looks around the tiny place. She’s sitting on the second stool, knees gathered together. At the sound of scattering in the corner, you ease her by telling her it’s not a cockroach.

Occasionally it’s better to lie than to tell the truth.

“You should’ve moved in with me when I asked you to. Now I can’t kick out my nutty roommate. Her lease is all the way to next year and my own is the same.” Somi exhales, “as much as I’d like to be poor together with you, I can’t. There is some old furniture we have though..if you want.”

Your eyes light up and you nod enthusiastically.

Well...your own life might be falling by the seams but other people seemed to be having a better time than you are, namely Taehyung. You’ve seen him around with Krystal lately and you tried not to intrude, only texting your friend to catch up with him. The sorority girl’s already making her move and you applaud her for it.

“You’re really so cute, do you know that Tae?” Her hands are on the boy’s thighs, stroking up and down at an excruciating pace. “You’re handsome too and so...thick.”

Taehyung gulps, scanning the library premise but when he’s in the corner and certain things are happening underneath the table, no one seems to notice at all. The only person that calls him ‘Tae’ is you or Somi - you’re the one who made up the nickname for him anyways. It sounds weird to have someone else call him that.

“D-don’t you have a boyfriend?” He sweats from his hairline, cheeks flaming up to a thousand degrees.

“No. I broke up with him awhile ago.” She shifts closer, bare thighs brushing against his and uncaring that her skirt is pooling higher and higher. Her hot breath whispers against the shell of his ear. “Things weren’t working out since he wasn’t able to satisfy me. I’m lonely at night, Tae. Do you think you can help me?”

Taehyung swallows hard and his eyes dart, thankful to see you.

He shoves Krystal off and hastily says ‘gotta go’. He abandons his belongings to chase your shadow in the maze of bookshelves and cases. “Y/N!”

“Oh dear god!” Your heart stopped beating, startled from him. The librarian immediately hushes you two sharply and a few studying students glare from their books. “What do you want?”

“What is up with that girl, Krystal.” He leans on the shelves, whispering hastily under his breath. “That girl’s coming onto me like strong….she's got game. I-I am just so confused right now. Like is this a dream?!”

You smile at your friend, taking the novel off the top shelf. “She's a nice girl. You should try to get it on with her or something. Wouldn't want the chance to fly away.”

He nods and hums in a delayed response. “Thanks Y/N. You hooked me up with her, right?”

You laugh as he suddenly throws his arms around you. He makes you pet his hair like he's some kind of dog. “At least one of us is getting some…”

//

Your friend is popular by nature. It’s always been that way. You can remember the awkward years but how he still managed to draw a crowd merely by being himself. In retrospect, no matter what you do, not many people stick around. It isn’t necessarily because you’re a bad person but you tend to make others feel uncomfortable with your natural boldness.

“I can’t believe you got invited into a frat party and I didn’t.” You mutter underneath your breath bitterly and Somi laughs.

“He is technically part of the house…”

From Krystal’s influence, Taehyung had entered the Lambda Sigma Squared fraternity and it didn’t take a full week before they accepted him. He didn’t even need to go through any hazing rituals or grueling challenges. You can’t help but feel a bit jealous.

But for now, the music is thumping the walls and ceiling, strobe lights flashing colourful hues in the dark crowd of sweaty bodies. You can’t feel a single thing aside from euphoria with the liquid courage burning through your veins. The red solo cup is filled with a concoction that you can’t begin to describe. It’s some part apple juice but most part vodka, tequila, whiskey and rum. It tastes atrocious but you feel great.

“Oh my god.” The brightness of Somi’s phone makes you and Taehyung wince. “Suran’s here. She’s at the front door.” Your friend is jumping for joy and you grin.

Tae shoots out his arm through the sea of people, “go forth young one and be with your truest love.”

“Will you guys be okay here?” She’s shaking and jittery, the type of excited drunk that for once overrides her calm rationale.

“What? Ditch us for your girlfriend? Psh, completely fine.” You make a waving motion and her smile dies down. “I’m joking! Gosh, why do you take everything so seriously?!” You push her through and she grins again, yelling a ‘see you later’ over the booming music.

There’s a long silence between you and Taehyung as you sway to the music and Tae leans against the wall. He takes a good look at you. “Are you alright? What’s up?”

Of course of all the people, he would know that there’s something wrong.

You take a long drink, tipping your head back and downing the entire cup until it’s empty. With a recoil at the bitter taste, you narrow your eyes. “If Somi can get a girlfriend, if you can find someone and all these people can get with other people…” You bite away the pain with a hard blink, “why can’t I have someone?”

“Y/N….”

The people who knew you would assume that you’re a psychotic drunk that jumps, climbs onto things, humps the floor and flirts with others. In reality, you’re the emotional type that tends to start crying for no reason. You know it’s happening but you can’t really help it.

Your emotion of sadness is amplified ten fold and a puppy walking past is enough for you to burst into tears, thinking about all the unloved pets in the world.

“I deserve love too!” You sob out and Taehyung sighs, begrudgingly patting your shoulder.

“Listen-”

In the mass of people grinding on each other, spilling alcohol on the floor, a certain girl in a short black dress revealing too much thigh and cleavage comes ripping through the horde. “Taehyung!”

“K-Krystal!” Your nervous friend smiles charmingly and she monopolizes him within an instant. “I didn’t know you would be here.”

“Same here. It must be fate that we ran into each other.” Her red stained lips are puckered and perfect, curls in her hair rest at her shoulders. “You look good, Tae.” Krystal runs her hand over his chest and she nibbles on her bottom lip. He staggers his breathing.

The woman emits an air of absolute sexiness and confidence. You feel envious but it’s overridden by the thought that your best friend is going to get lucky tonight. As her eyes flicker to yours, you know it’s your cue to leave.

“Y/N...I didn’t know you were here either.”

“Not for long. I’m a person on a mission.” You will find someone. You won’t be alone. And you’ll do whatever it takes. “Catch you later, Taehyung..”

As you dive into the crowd, he lets his eyes linger and follow until you’ve all but disappeared in the ocean of people. Taehyung simply laughs and shakes his head to himself.

//

The sunshine sears into his bedroom, causing him to groan with a thumping headache. The girl beside him whimpers and returns back to sleep. Taehyung staggers to the bathroom to find hickies marked all over his neck. His mind travels back in time and he remembers the alcohol and the bedroom, sweaty sheets and the feeling of skin on skin...also very loud noises, the unpleasant kind like banshees are shrieking.

The memory causes him to shiver.

As he goes down the stairs to find some aspirin that’s in a kitchen drawer, he catches a conversation in the living room. “Did you fuck her?”

“God no. I send her home without even making out or getting a blowjob.”

The voice he recognizes as Jungkook piques his interest. He hasn’t had many opportunities to talk to him before but he seemed like the typical guy and a well respected brother of the frat.

“Aw, why not man? She was so fucking desperate for that dick.” Hoseok laughs, “what was her name?”

“I don’t fucking know. Why would I know?” It’s not Taehyung’s intention to eavesdrop but it’s more of his ears accidentally being active. They’re only a wall away but he pays no mind as he gets a glass of water and takes the pill to ease the nausea. “It was...uh...Y/N, right. Fuck.”

Taehyung sputters.

“Why didn’t you just bang her? It’s not like you to refuse anyone.”

Jungkook exhales in irritation, “I would have but she’s just so fucking annoying.”

Hoseok giggles, “oh shit.”

“If only I somehow could’ve covered her face up and gag her so she’d shut up.”

The two frat boys are lying on the couch, catching up on some video games together. They partied all night and got woken up by their respective sleeping partners, cute girls that went dashing in yesterday’s dresses like a hot mess. The both of them don’t remember their names.

“You’re such an asshat, you know that?”

One second they’re joking around with each other, the next…

Taehyung’s marched into the other room and his clenched knuckles is meeting the cheek of Jeon Jungkook in a punch that nearly shatters bone.

//

It’s really odd. Taehyung had left his dormitory and went to the frat house and then left that place all in the course of two weeks. He never really tells you why and you’re completely bewildered when it seemed like he was having fun and fitting in nicely with his ‘brothers’.

Well, it’s ex-brothers now.

He doesn’t say anything about it and there aren’t any rumours spreading around at his sudden leave. You suspect that there’s been a cover-up, maybe an embarrassing situation had transpired. Krystal was the one who asked you for the reason when you were going to ask her. Somi was as confused as you are. Taehyung simply told you that it wasn’t a right fit, like how you didn’t match with the sorority you tried to join.

But everything ended up fine anyways.

“We can be poor together!” You celebrate in your tiny apartment, staring at the dirty couch you had bought from a guy living on the streets. He took fifty bucks for it and your best friend told you that you totally got scammed. “This is destiny, dude! Who knew that two separate bedrooms would come in handy? And here I thought I got duped when the realtor showed this place to me.”

“I wonder if I betrayed my nation in my past life.” Taehyung mutters dramatically as he attempts to hot glue the wallpaper back onto the wall. “What did I do to deserve this?”

You ignore his sobs, boiling some expired pasta on the weak gas stove - you’re pretty sure the extra salt you added will kill any germs or bacteria that could get you sick….probably.

It was a lot less lonely now that you have Taehyung around. You don’t feel like you’re suffering alone and with the extra money he’s chipping in, you don’t have to sneak into conferences or networking events to eat that often anymore.

“Maybe this opportunity will make you realize that you’ve been in love with me this entire time.”

Taehyung looks down from where he’s standing on the stool. You’re holding the slotted spoon in your hand, blinking up at him innocently.

“I’m moving out.”

“I’m joking!” You have to grab onto his ankle when he tries to get to the doorway. Taehyung drags your entire body while he lugs his anchored leg. “Please don’t go!”

Life with Taehyung is great.

“Did you just fucking fart?”

He chucks a grimy cushion at you and you evade the dust cloud. This evening, after an intense match of rock-paper-scissors, Taehyung has won couch privileges which means you get to sit on the floor to finish school work. But really, the floor isn’t as bad as the bug infested sofa.

“GOD! What did you even eat, lady?!” Taehyung pinches his nose.

You laugh as he shouts that there’s been a nuclear bomb attack. “I had bean burritos for lunch.”

What were you saying? Oh yeah… Life with Taehyung isn’t so bad-

“What are you doing?!” He shrieks and shuts his eyes, clawing at his face while simultaneously melting onto the floor. You scoff at him, kicking the side of his ribs before stepping over his body.

“I forgot to bring my clothes in the bathroom and I was doing laundry...so...no towels either. Nude life!” Your words shoot past the man who’s still groaning on the dirty floorboards. It’s as if he’s going through a metamorphosis or in the middle of an exorcist, screaming and flailing his limbs.

You question how he has so much energy at midnight and how he never fails to act childishly. But maybe that’s why the two of you are such close friends. “Oh c’mon. Don’t be embarrassed, Taehyung! You’ve seen it all before.”

Your naked body collapses on the sofa and he gets up off the floor. “Doesn’t mean I want to see it again.”

“Hey.” You fill your mouth with chips, stuffing your cheek. “My body is goddess-like. The whole world’s just missing out.”

“What? On those bee stings of yours?”

You gasp, “do not call my boobs bee stings!”

“Sorry.” Taehyung hurls your jacket on top of your head for you to wear temporarily, so you won’t get cold and complain about it. “I meant mosquito bites.”

“Rude.”

You’re beginning to question if life with Taehyung is that great or not.

It is fun. And you’re not so poor anymore which is a massive plus. Your best friend proves to be your best friend for a reason. Taehyung’s is a companion you adore to be with, to tease and to chat to. You almost don’t feel too bad about being single anymore. Almost.

“Aren’t you quiet today?” He frowns and spins around, deciding to finish his paper later or maybe tomorrow...or whenever the deadline is. “Y/N? Earth to Y/N…”

“Hm?” You lift your head from your phone monitor, met with Taehyung in his heart patterned pajamas. “What?”

“What are-...is that tinder?!” The honey brown haired boy gapes at you with an open mouth.

You continue to swipe left without looking. “Don’t judge me. You have hot Krystal taking you out on dates and leaving me here every other night.”

He collapses next to you, watching the netflix show on your laptop propped up on a chair. “Are you not even looking at their profiles?”

“Nope.” You pop the ‘p’ syllable, finger still moving erratically across the screen as your eyes pin on the monitor where two characters are running towards each other after being separated for ten years. “I think there’s a glitch with my app. Maybe it’s the wifi. I’m not getting any matches.”

“That’s weird.”

“I know right.”

The both of you sit in silence for the rest of the half hour, finishing the show. Taehyung chows down on your hot cheetos and feeds you when you open your mouth with an ‘ah’. He doesn’t really care that your hair has been unwashed for the past two days or that the rips in the couch scratch uncomfortably on his skin. The pair of you simply allow time to pass as the flickerings of the lights flash onto your faces until it dies out.

“What the fuck?!”

“Shit.” Taehyung jumps from your sudden yelling voice. “You startled me!”

“Why am I not getting any matches?!” You cry out, still swiping. “I’ve downloaded this, Bumble, eHarmony, OkCupid, everything under the damn sun!”

“Well maybe-”

“Ow.” You wince and the mobile device falls from your hand. Taehyung yawns, rubbing the sleep out of his eyes. He feels terribly drowsy and exhausted, no better dream than to collapse onto his bedsheets at this very moment.

He groans with your hiss, “What is it now, woman?”

“My thumb hurts, Tae.”

“Well yeah, you’ve been swiping for how long now?”

“Three hours...I think four actually.” You whimper out, trying to bend the bone.

“Dear lord.” He shakes his head and stretches his arms out. “Go ice it or something. I think I’m going to head to bed now. See you in the morni-”

A strangled shout erupts from your lips. Taehyung is jolted awake and he immediately flickers on the lights. It takes a second before electricity runs through the bulb but when he lays his eyes onto your thumb that you’re trying to fold into your palm, he sharply inhales. “Oh fuck.”

Your digit is not only swollen but bruised, bent in a weird direction, coloured blue and purple.

“You actually sprained it!”

“Did you think I was making it up?!”

“Oh my god...why can’t I have a day of peace with you?! Get up!”

“What?” You’re hauled up when his hand wraps around your other wrist. “Where are we going?!”

“The hospital.”

//

You’ve died.

Suddenly, as you peel back your lids, you’re in a large room of white. It burns to the back of your eyeballs, the immaculate shade of purity embracing your cold heart and the pain of your hand has dwindled into nothing. Wherever you look, wherever you go, there are good looking people everywhere. Women and men are dressed in ivory coats, slicked back hair and adorning gorgeous smiles. This is Heaven.

“Are you her guardian? Please register.” The nurse hands your best friend the clipboard and several sheets of paperwork. He sighs and drags you with him as he takes a spot in the open waiting room. Your eyes are going all over the place and you’re drooling.

He snaps his fingers in front of you. “Y/N, Y/N...Y/N?” When you look at him, he pets your hair like you’re a puppy. “Good girl. Now I need you to use your left hand and sign here.”

You obey his command and he nods, filling in your home address and your date of birth, everything in between for you. “Taehyung. Be honest with me…” You ogle a smoking surgeon as they ruffle their sweaty locks, rushing past you. “Am I dead?”

“Yes.” He giggles, deciding to entertain you despite it being one in the morning.

“If this is Heaven…” Your pupils find his. “Then why are you here?”

He uses the clipboard to lightly smack the top of your head. You let out an ‘ow’ but he saunters off to submit the papers to the counter before sitting back down. “How could you hit someone ill?”

“You’re not ill.” He nags, “and you did this to yourself.”

“Maybe it was worth it. Why are there so many good looking doctors and nurses, here? I’ve been missing out, Tae. This is where it’s at. Maybe you should break my leg so I can stay longer.”

“At this rate, I might run you over with a car first.” He holds his head in his hands, questioning every single deity and god he knows the name of, as to why you’re so thirsty and desperate.

Your best friend’s phone buzzes in his pocket and he pulls it out. You lean over, reading his messages over his shoulder. It’s Krystal and she’s asking him what he’s doing, sending a wink emoticon along with the message. He stares at it for a second and then puts his phone away.

“You’re not gonna answer that?”

“Nah.” He shuts his eyes, crosses his arms and leans back. “I’m too tired to.”

You let out a baffled scoff. If it was Taehyung, he could afford to give radio silence for two full weeks and people would still be all over him. If it were you, no matter how far and wide you would search, there would be absolutely no one.

You repress the urge to strangle Taehyung out of pure jealousy.

“I really don’t understand it.” Every once in a while, you would consult him on some girl advice, whether it’s on what preferences men have on lingerie or ranting as to why people are so difficult. He always listens and it reminds you of the sleepovers that you, Somi and Taehyung used to have in high school.

“Am I pretty, Taehyung? Or is it because I’m just unlovable?”

“I think you’re a bit psychotic but you’re honestly fine.” He mutters and opens his eyes slowly. “Half-decent, I guess.”

“Psh, thanks for the comfort, dude.” You nudge him and he laughs. The two of you don’t get to banter back and forth when Somi comes strutting down the hallway with her hands on her hips.

Her kitten heels click against the tiles and you suddenly feel you’re getting into trouble with your mom or a teacher. You stand up and Tae follows you, silenced by the menacing aura approaching. “What did you do, young lady?”

“Nothing.”

“She sprained her thumb by swiping left on tinder for four consecutive hours.” As if to further mock you, Taehyung hitches his healthy thumb to your form beside him.

You whip your head up with a sharp glare. “Tattletale.”

Taehyung grins mischievously, shrugging his shoulder upwards as his mouth moves into a boxy shape. Somi’s face falls within her hands as she mumbles something like ‘oh god’. “You’re an embarrassment, you know that?” She scolds you without restraint, “you should be lucky I’m working a graveyard shift.”

Somi’s in the nursing program and to help add to her resume, she’s working part time at the hospital. You never thought it would come in handy until now. “Thank you.”

“Wait here until I can get some bandages or something…” She gradually backs away. “Both of you. Do. not. move. I don’t need any trouble around here.” When you nod and Taehyung mimics your motion, she takes off running down the hall.

You’ve never had a boyfriend or girlfriend in your entire existence. You’ve never once been embraced tightly. You’ve never had a lover before. You haven’t been kissed. You haven’t held hands with someone. You haven’t been touched or caressed by another. You don’t know what it feels like to mean the world to someone or to be held close by a person’s heart. The words of ‘I love you’ have never been spoken on your tongue.

But you have also never been alone.

As you watch one of your best friends scatter away, you turn to directly face the other one beside you.

“Maybe the person I’ve been looking for this entire time has been standing right in front of me.”

Taehyung who’s standing in front of you, steps off to the side almost immediately, nearly getting whiplash from the movement. He bursts out into laughter and the corners of your own mouth lift upwards.

[stozzierr]

What A Wonderful World

author’s note: okay so i wrote this fic a while ago and i never got around to putting it on tumblr?? for some reason?? i dunno why but i didn’t. but i am now!! so!! enjoy.

warnings: angst, mentions of blood, richie dyin lmao

ships: mentions of stozier, bichie, reddie

read on ao3 here

Everything that could have gone wrong, has gone wrong. It, that vile creature, had its long arms clutching onto Bill whilst the other losers stood a few feet away, watching the situation playing out before them. "Leave.." Bill managed to wheeze out, his voice laced with regret and hopelessness, knowing that if the other Losers wouldn't leave, It would just take them too. But there was one person that Bill couldn't tear his hazel eyes away from: Richie. One of the closest friends he'd ever made. If anyone had a reason to leave Bill behind, it was Richie. And the glasses-clad boy made sure to list out all the reasons he could think of.

"I told you, Bill... I fucking told you. I don't wanna die!" Richie shouted, his voice cracking with emotion. "It's your fault. You punched me in the face... Made me walk through shitty water... Brought me to a fucking crackhead house!" Bill could feel It shift around, obviously a little angered by the comment. If the situation wasn't life-or-death, Bill would have laughed. "And now.." Right when Bill thought Richie was going to leave him behind, bring everyone else with him, he saw his pale arm extended and grab onto a baseball bat. Hope, just some hope, returned to Bill.

"I'm going to have to kill this fucking clown."

If you were to ask Bill who the first friend he made was, it was Eddie. A small ball of anger ready to fight at every given moment, as long as his asthma didn't act out against him. Which, it often did. But then, if you were to ask who the second friend he made was, it would be Richie.

Second grade, one of the best grades of his life. It teetered on the border between just another grade to play in and actually doing work. It was a perfect balance, and Bill's 7-year-old mind wished it could be this way forever. There was one problem though: he got Mrs. Jalinski for a teacher, and Eddie got Mr. Linden. Great. They were separated, and Bill could either choose to go about his school year without making any friends in his class, or he could just man up and be friendly. While he was more inclined to take the first offer - stuttering over your words was more likely to get you laughed at than make friends - a little boy in the corner caught his eyes.

He seemed to be just as lonely as Bill did on this first day of school. Bill had seen him hop around excitedly for the first hour or so of school, trying to make friends, but ultimately failing altogether. Not many people could properly handle his obnoxiousness, even if they were all around the same age. Bill felt a pang of hurt in his chest as he watched this boy, with curly dark hair and glasses too big for his face, coloring alone in the corner. So, he made a decision and began to make his way over to the boy.

At first, the boy didn't even seem to notice him. He continued coloring, his scribbles making out to either be nonsense, a dragon, or a squid, with determination to finish. Bill watched him for a minute, before taking a deep breath and speaking. "Hey, y-yuh-you seem lonely ov-ve-er here. Why are you a-al-alone?" Curse him and his stutters!

The boy flinched a little bit, his big wide eyes magnified behind his thick lenses, but a smile split over his cheeks nearly immediately. "You talk funny."

Bill flushed in embarrassment. "And you di-did-didn't answer my que-qu-" He sucked in an annoyed breath, "question."

The boy just simply smiled wider. "My bestest best friend didn't stop going to first grade yet. He got sick a lot. His name is Stanley and he's a Jew." He said it like it was the most casual thing in the world. Bill didn't know the meaning of 'Jew', and frankly, he believed Richie didn't either. But if he took it so casually, why shouldn't Bill? "What about you?"

"M-Muh-My friend is in a different class than I am." Bill replied with a shrug, before asking, "What's your na-a-ame?"

"Oh! Almost forgot the pleasanties." The boy said, trying to sound smart. Bill had no idea what 'pleasanties' meant. "I'm Richard Mason Tozier! But Stanley calls me Richie for short. So you can do that too."

"Richie..." Bill repeated to himself, a happy smile of his own appearing on his lips. He liked the sound of it. "My name his B-Buh-Bill Denbrough. But E-heh-heddie calls me Bill."

"Well, B-Buh-Bill, it's nice to meet you!" Richie grinned and thrust a handful of crayons Bill's way. "Here, come color with me."

And he did.

Stan could barely believe the sight he saw before his eyes. The pain on his face was immeasurable, but the only thing that could surpass that pain was the guilt in his heart as he watched Richie pace around, listing the things Bill had done. He knew that if he were in Richie's place, he would have "got the fuck out of dodge", in Richie's words, and left Bill behind. Yeah, it was a shitty thing to do and he knew that, but he couldn't help it. He didn't want to die here, not now.

But of course, Richie being Richie, he stood up for Bill. Stanley had always admired Richie for his courage, his courage to walk into Neibolt twice, to walk into the Barrens with Bill with no second thoughts, to stand up to Bowers when it counted. Stanley admired Richie, a lot of things about him. And he, undoubtedly, loved him more than anyone in his life.

To watch Richie slam a metal bat into the face of a clown was surely a sight to see, and pride filled Stan's chest. If Richie could do this, Stanley surely could, facial wounds be damned. With his own bravery coursing through his veins, he charged forward with the rest of his friends to attack.

He didn't know when it happened, the need to kill the god damn clown blinding his vision, but Richie managed to fall to the floor and not get back up. Nobody seemed to notice, but he continued to shout profanities and encouragements, which got weaker with every passing second. But of course, the losers failed to notice his voice died out, and his dirtied self not standing next to the rest of them while It dangled from the top of a large pit. Only when Pennywise finally fell to Its demise did Stanley look back, and horror and tears pooled in his eyes all at once as he shrieked, alerting the rest of the losers.

Richie was lying on the ground, blood seeping from large scratch marks dragged up his abdomen.

If you asked Stanley when he fell in love, he'd respond with, "I've always loved him." If you asked when he could pinpoint it, he'd respond with a simple, "The exact moment Bill and Eddie fell in love with him."

Because, honestly, it was true.

The exact date was July 7th, 1987. Richie and Bill were 11, Stanley and Eddie were 10.

The four boys had planned to meet each other at the Quarry, one of their favorite places to spend time. Stan and Eddie had met up at the Kaspbrak household, met Bill up at his house after he said goodbye to sweet little Georgie, and then went to the Tozier household. After being told that Richie had already left by Maggie, Richie's mother, the three decided to just meet Richie up there. They thought he just went to the corner store to grab some gum. So down the three boys biked, chatting aimlessly and enjoying the peace of not having to deal with stupid jokes from their Trashmouthed friend.

Bill and Eddie haphazardly dumped their bikes in their specific bike-dumping spot, surprised to see Richie's rusty old bike laying there already. Stan, being the sensible one, kicked down the kickstand. When the bikes, their metal creating commotion, stopped moving, Stanley caught the sound of soft singing. Eddie, opening his mouth to ask what the hell that was, was quickly shut up by Stan slapping a hand over his lips. He'd never heard it before, and honestly, it was beautiful. Bill and Eddie must have agreed because they walked towards it like a siren was calling for them. Stanley did the only sensible thing and followed after them.

"I see trees of green, red roses too. I see them bloom for me and you. And I think to myself, 'What a wonderful world...'" Richie, that bastard, sang so softly, yet so passionately, that the three boys thought they had their friend mixed up with someone else. But no, it was Richie, with a bruise on his face given to him by Bowers earlier in the day. He had headphones on his head as he listened to music, Louis Armstrong's voice flowing into his ears and giving him the confidence he needed to sing, albeit he thought he was alone.

As Richie continued to croon, Stanley stole a glance at Bill and Eddie. Eddie was, for once, quiet, with no remark on how stupid this all was. He glanced over at Bill, who looked back at both Stanley and Eddie. Stanley could feel his heart pound in his ears as he stared back at Richie, barely processing Bill tugging him and Eddie backwards so they can act like they never saw Richie singing in his safe space.

Stanley Uris was in love with a boy who liked Louis Armstrong. He didn't quite know how he felt about that.

If you asked Eddie what the saddest moment of his life was, he'd tell you it was right now.

After hearing the ear-splitting shriek from Stan, everyone whipped their heads back to see what he was staring at. Eddie couldn't quite describe what he was feeling. Looking back on it, he knew he should have felt sad, or angry, or upset. No, he was just numb at the first glance at Richie, refusing to believe what he saw was real. Beverly, with her long, strong legs, got to Richie's body before anyone else did. "Richie? Trashmouth, come on, answer!"

A harsh cough ripped itself from Richie's throat, blood coming up with it and splattering onto the ground. "Woah, chill, not so loud..." He laughed weakly, the simple action he did every day causing him immense pain. Stanley, Bill, and Eddie stood in shock for a moment, while Ben and Mike made their way over to him. With Beverly barking quick orders at the both of them, Mike was instructed to grab any piece of cloth he could find from the large pile of toys in the center of the room while Ben was instructed to press said clothe against the bleeding wounds, applying as much pressure as he could without making Richie kick the bucket.

Watching them move made Eddie kick into action, his little legs carrying him swiftly to the scene with Stan and Bill quickly trailing behind. His size was deceitful, as he shoved Ben aside with ease. "No, no, you're doing it wrong, this is wrong, he'll die and we'll have done nothing about it!" Eddie rambled on, regretting throwing his fanny pack away in the front yard of the Neibolt Street house. If he wasn't so stupid, he could be saving Richie, Richie wouldn't be dying-!

A soft hand grasped his own, and Eddie looked into Richie's eyes. And his heart shattered. Richie had a look of knowing in his eyes, knowing that he wouldn't be able to make it out of the sewers alive. Stan seemed to notice it, too, as he let out a small sob while Mike held him, who was also fighting back tears.

Bill was the first to talk. "R-Ruh-Richie, wh-a-aht are w-we-we goi-go-going to d-do with-th-out y-yo-you..?" He muttered through the tears, grasping Richie's limp hand. The other boy just laughed softly, shaking his head.

"For starters, you'll have to break it to Eddie's mom that our sessions have been cut short.." Nobody laughed. "Come on, not even one laugh? You're the toughest crowd I've ever faced.."

"Richie, you fucking moron!" Eddie sobbed, standing up with clenched fists. "This isn't some fucking joke! You're fucking dying in front of us and we can't do anything about it! Richie, you've been so important to us, and now you're fucking leaving us?! For good?! This is bullshit! And to top it all off, you make some joke about my mother!" Eddie's knees wobbled as he struggled to stand, Beverly's tear-stained hand grabbing his own. She must have been trying to get the tears to stop the whole time.

Richie, with a hand utterly soaked in blood, fixed his glasses and smeared the red onto the lenses. Stanley wanted to fix them, call Richie an idiot for getting them dirty, but he couldn't find it in him. He couldn't find anything in him anymore, the Richie's ripped skin visible through his blood-soaked stupid Hawaiian shirt. Richie let the hand fall back to his side. "Come on, Eddie Spaghetti, don't be like that.."

"Don't... Don't call me that.." Eddie whimpered, sniffling and not bothering to shout anymore. "You know how I.." He couldn't finish. There was no point. The last little bit of life Richie had clung onto was gone, Richie was gone, gone gone gone.

Someone, or maybe all of them, let out loud shrieking sobs.

"Richie!"

As life always does, life moved on without Richie in it. Bill had flat-out refused to leave Richie's corpse in the sewers ("He w-wuh-wouldn't like it and you fucking kn-o-ow that."), Mike offering to carry him out. Having to explain to the Tozier family that their only child was dead without revealing the existence of Pennywise was proven both difficult and painful to do. The group's dynamic was broken, their happy-go-lucky comic relief having left them for good. They split up only a month later, Beverly moving to Portland with her aunt, Bill leaving Derry for a vacation and never returning, and the others leaving Derry at their own pace. With the exception of Mike, who stayed back as everyone swore to come back and avenge Richard Tozier (and Georgie Denbrough and the other missing kids, of course) had Pennywise ever returned.

And avenge them they did. The cost was high, but they did it. Eddie and Stan didn't make it to see the end of Its terrifying reign, while Mike ended up in the hospital. Beverly and Ben left Derry soon after It's death to start a family of their own, leaving Bill to try and get Audra to come back from her comatose state. There was one thing that William Denbrough never forgot to do.

Leave flowers on a grave deep within Derry's Cemetery.

Richard Tozier (1976 - 1989)

The Boy Of A Thousand Voices

Making people smile every day, even after death.

[redwine-house]

More Than Madness Ch.8 (Steve Harrington x Reader)

Chocolate Pudding

(Ao3) (Wattpad)

(Masterlist)

Steve Harrington was 6 when he decided that he loved you. You had your natural hair color back then and a healthy love for Elmo. No Elmo posters, Elmo inspired makeup, and certainly no Elmo inspired clothes. When Steve thought it would be funny to poke fun at the little red monster, you threw a chocolate pudding snack pack in his face. However, when you saw your friend’s eyes start to well, you grabbed a scoop of pudding and smeared it all over your forehead and cheeks.

“See?”

Ever since, Steve was stupidly in love with you. He didn’t understand it at first. He just knew that you were his best friend and that you were more special than any other kid he hung out with. As he got older and learned the ways of the world, it became clear to him that he saw you as much more than a friend. There was no way he could ever tell you. Losing his pudding buddy over a crush wasn’t worth it. He would just soldier through it and get over the whole thing.

But he didn’t.

High school came and his feelings were as strong as ever. You had both grown closer over the years and had really come into your own. By the time you were 16, it was clear that you had an effect on each other’s personalities and habits. Unfortunately for Steve he still loved your dumb ass, so he did the only thing he could thing of – change.

King Steve was everything you hated. He was pompous, rude, and cruel. Even the new people he hung out with were scumbags; he attracted trouble like a magnet. But somehow you still called out his bullshit and scared the minions away whenever you so pleased. So Steve was left with one option.

He liked Nancy. She was truly a sweet girl, but she wasn’t you. He didn’t have to filter himself around you and you had many more things in common. He had to make an effort to get along with Nancy. With you, he just needed to remind himself to breathe. Nancy had said they had been pretending to be in love, and she had no idea just how right she was. The breakup hurt his pride, which was insanely strong. Otherwise, he was relieved.

“I knew you’d find him,” Mrs. Harrington said as Steve burst into his house. “Why is he in such a hurry?” You watched as he took the stairs two at a time.

“I am not the person to ask. I’ll see.” Before you could step all the way into the room, a hand was slapped over your mouth and you were yanked inside.

“What in the seven levels of hell?” you swore, pushing Steve off you as he turned on the light. “Get that out of my face!”

Steve lowered his bat to his side. “Sorry. I forgot that to normal people think this looks insane.”

“’Normal’ people?”

Steve pointed his spiked bat to his bed. “Sit. I have a shit ton to tell you and you aren’t going to believe any of it.”

You sat down on his bed. “Well, I have to. It’s one of the rules, isn’t it?”

Steve nodded. He grabbed his desk chair and spun it around. Sitting on it backwards, he pressed the heels of his palms to his eyes. “Okay, so like…do you believe in aliens, supernatural creatures or whatever?”

You brushed a lock of orange hair behind your ear. “Oh, do you mean like Starman?”

Steve’s jaw set as he shook his chair. “This isn’t a fucking David Bowie song, Dusty! This is real scary, dangerous, will-kill-you-if-you-don’t-keep-up shit!” he snapped.

You froze like a deer caught in the headlights. Steve had never raised his voice to you, especially in anger. Doe eyed, you nodded in understanding

Steve closed his eyes. “Shit.” He ran a hand through his hair. “I’m sorry. This is just really, really serious and it would be really cool if you didn’t die.”

“Then just tell me,” you threw your hands up. “I’m not some delicate daisy!” You pulled at your hair in frustration. “How can I stay safe if I don’t know what to protect myself from?”

Steve let his head fall to his chest and he held out his hand. “Okay…so you know about Hawkin’s lab?”

As you talked, Mrs. Harrington sat in her living room, reading a novel. She listened, making sure that you weren’t getting into any trouble. For the last hour, she heard the murmur of hushed conversation. Little did she know the murmurs were divulging the world’s biggest secret.

By now, you had slid to the floor and put a hand to your head. “So Hopper knows about this?”

Steve snorted. “He’s a key player, Dusty. Him, me, the kids…”

“That number girl.”

“Eleven.”

“Yeah.” You held up a hand. “Who sounds like a bomb ass bitch, by the way.”

Steve let out a single, breathy laugh. “Hawkins, Indiana sucks ass, but they’ve been doing really well in the kid department lately.”

You smacked the floor in realization. “Those little pricks did all this and never told me!” You jabbed at your chest with your finger. “I’m the party mom! What the fuck?” You gave a single angry kick to the air.

Steve had rested his chin on the back of the chair. “We decided to do this thing where the less people know, the less people are going to be dragged into the Upside Down and brutally ripped to shreds or whatever that demogorgon thing does.”

“So it’s a parallel universe?” you asked calmly.

Steve looked away, fully aware of how stupid he sounded. “Yeah. Something like that.”

You nodded. “Okay,” you said simply.

Steve’s head whipped to you. “What?”

You pouted in thought. “There’s a parallel universe you all refer to as the Upside Down because you’re dumb nerds. It was made because of the lab assholes and Will was kidnapped by the demogorgon, the monster from that other plain. Bomb ass bitch Eleven was subjected to disgusting experiments and was given telekinetic powers in the process. You, Jonathan, and Nancy, fought the thing.” You smiled. “You did only by accident, but you stayed even though you didn’t have to. I’m proud of you.”

Steve swallowed. “Yeah.” He ran a hand over his mouth.

You threw a hand up and let it fall to your thigh. “So Barb is gone and every single one of you, including Chief, has been lying to me. So that’s awesome.” You bit your lip and began to scratch your eye, trying to hide the few tears that were threatening to escape.

Steve looked at the ceiling. His face was painted with pain. “Shit,” he whispered. He shoved his hands in his pockets. “Dusty, come on. Do you know how much we didn’t want to tell you? But I totally just opened my ass here.”

You sputtered into your hand, finally allowing yourself to smile.

Steve stood up and held his hand out, which you took gladly. “Stop crying,” he ordered. “It’s gross.”

With a small laugh, you gently punched him in the arm before you wrapped your arms around his neck and buried your face in his shoulder. “I love you, Steve Harrington. There’s a reason I’ve put up with you all these years.” You took a deep breath. “You can be a dillhole, but you’re somehow still my bestest fwiend.”

Steve closed his eyes and grit his teeth. “You fucking, bitch,” he muttered, too low for you to hear. He stepped out of your arms. “Let’s go.”

When you wouldn’t stop referring to the demogorgon and demodogs as starmen, you were sent to the back of the line. However, you decided it was for the best. As you danced around the hunks of beef Steve was slapping onto the train tracks, you reflected on the last year of your life.

All of them. Steve, your friends, your boss, and even Mrs. Byers was in on this government, other worldly conspiracy fighting monsters in a parallel universe. They had all lied to you with the best damn poker faces in the world. Steve kept insisting that it was for your own safety, but if four little boys could handle such a shit show, why couldn’t you?

In front of you, Dustin and Steve were immersed in what appeared to be a riveting conversation. You smiled at the new bromance and decided to bite back on heckling.

“Okay, so let me get this straight,” Steve said as he smacked a couple hunks of beef onto the tracks, “you’re saying that in an effort to make yourself look cool, you would keep something that was totally dangerous to impress a girl?”

Dustin held out a hand, quick to put Steve in his place and stand up for his manly charm. “Alright, that is grossly oversimplifying things.”

Steve wouldn’t have it. “I mean, why would a girl like some nasty slug anyway?” He tossed more meat on the ground.

Dustin snorted. “Uh, an inter-dimensional slug, because it’s awesome,” he said with a grin, reaching into his bucket. He looked over his shoulder. “And don’t tell me that Dusty wouldn’t like it.”

Steve stared down at his shoes as he snatched another handful of meat. He let out a brief chuckle. “Okay, yeah. But she doesn’t count as a girl.”

Dustin tossed some beef into the air and laughed as it rained down onto the tracks. “Then why are you so in love with her?”

Steve immediately panicked. “What did I say about zipping it?” he said, quickly looking over his shoulder before jogging up to Dustin. “It’s a delicate fucking ecosystem.”

Dustin reached into his bucket, grinning from ear to ear. “You keep saying that, but what does it truly mean?”

“It means don’t let them destroy the rainforest or kill the bees and whatever.” He poked Dustin in the chest. “I have a good thing, and I don’t need me being a dumbass fuck it up.” He smashed a beef square on the train track.

They walked in silence for the next few minutes until Dustin spoke up. “Well, if you’re really that good of friends, you shouldn’t worry.”

Steve’s attention was immediately caught. His eyes were glued to Dustin as he began to speak his wise words.

“Think about it like this,” Dust started, digging into his bucket, “You’ve known each other for a million years and have literally already gone through and seen all of the awful parts. You know your strengths, weaknesses, and even the types of things you’ll say when you get mad.” Dustin shrugged. “Unless you kill her, I really don’t see a problem if it doesn’t work out.”

Steve stared at Dustin, stunned by the young boy’s sage advice. “You’re a cool kid,” he finally said, taking a handful of beef and tossing it. “Now, let Captain Steve guide you through the sea of dating.”

Dustin snickered. “The ‘sea of dating’?”

Steve nodded. “Yes,” he said sagely, “it’s why there’s a proverb ‘there are plenty of fish in the sea.’” A bit of beef juice flew as Steve smacked it down. “The key to girls is acting like you don’t care.”

“Even if you do?”

“Yeah, exactly. Drives them nuts,” Steve said casually.

Dustin looked over his shoulder. “It looks like it makes them walk with their head down.”

Steve’s eyes landed on you briefly before he re-focused his attention on what was in front of him. “I’m not trying to make her nuts, man. Like I said, I am not veering into that territory.”

After kicking a rock, Dustin turned to Steve. “So why do you like her?” His foot caught on a railing and he stumbled, but he quickly caught himself. “Totally meant to do that,” he insisted, straightening his baseball cap.

Steve let out a shallow sigh and rolled his eyes. “Are we really doing this?”

Dustin shot Steve and impish grin. “Unless you want me to go down there and tell her for you.”

“No!” Steve shouted in panic, his eyes wide. He checked behind him to see that you were staring at him with confusion. He shot you an awkward wave. “Saw a tarantula!” he called.

“There aren’t any tarantulas in Indiana!” you yelled back.

“Saw a dog, then,” Steve countered before turning back. “Christ, Dustin. If I tell you, will you shut the hell up?” he said out of the corner of his mouth. When Dustin nodded vigorously, he began. “So it started when we were a lot smaller and shittier than you.” He hurled a chunk of meat way ahead of them. He held up a hand. “It’s hard to believe, I know. She had the nerve to splash some pudding in my face.”

“Alright, Dusty!” Dustin laughed, his fake teeth sparkling in the sun.

Steve scoffed, but pushed on. “When I was…about to cry, she grabbed the pudding and mushed it all over herself to make me feel better.” He looked down at his feet. “I mean, who does that, man? Especially when you’re that age. We’re all assholes then by law.”

“Well, yeah. She threw pudding at you.”

Steve continued to look at the ground. “Then it just kind of went that way. As we grew older, one person would smack the other person in the face with pudding, and the other would do the same to make him or her feel her.” He looked at Dustin and raised an eyebrow. “Metaphorically, of course. Got it?”

“You like Dusty because even though she throws pudding at you, she cleans it up and puts it on herself?”

Steve clapped Dustin on the shoulder. “Exactly. Look for the girl you know will clean pudding off your face.”

Dustin blinked. “The horrible thing is that makes sense.”

Steve straightened the lapels of his jacket. “Of course it is. I’m the Captain of love.”

The rest of the walk consisted of Dustin making kissey sounds and Steve punching him in the arm, both laughing like kids.

[tnystrk-exe]

Surprise Three

Edward Nygma x reader

Warnings: Pet names, language, probably daddy at some point

The first thing you had done was clear out your bank account, next you went the the hospital. Arguably it was a risky decision, but you couldn’t take the chance of giving Ed anyway to find you.

You had never felt a more intense feeling of relief until the doctor said that your child should be okay.

Now to figure out where to go. Edward was an incredibly clever person and that probably meant you couldn’t stay in one place for long. Star City was all the way in California, you figured you could lay low there, just until the baby was born.

(Ed/Eddie P.o.v.)

I woke up on the floor. It should have been clue enough that something went wrong, but the throbbing pain in my head made it impossible to think clearly.

“YN? What happened?”

There was no memory for me after leaving the GCPD and YN and I talking about our child. Standing, I took in my surroundings. Only it wasn’t the usual neat and organized abode I’ve grown used to. Everything was out of place, glass shattered around, and the drawers seemed to have been raided.

“What did you do?” I asked, panic rising in my voice as I took everything in.

“What did we do,” the voice in my head corrected, “We got rid of the whore. Hey Eddie, how many babies does it take to paint a fence?”

“You killed them!” I started to search around the apartment for my dead family.

“Sadly, the bitch hit us with a bat. On the bright side she won’t fuck with us ever again.”

I rubbed the tears out of my eyes, the fact that they were alive provided me with hope. It would be simple to track them down.

“Really? You want to live with a little bastard and slut for the rest of your life?”

“Stop calling them names. Why the hell are you so awful? They’re the only people in this world that give a shit about us. I’m going to learn to control you,” Eddie vowed.

“Good luck with that,” Ed chuckled, “Never gonna happen.”

(Reader p.o.v) -time skip- “Mommy!” Your son jumped up and down on your bed, attempting to wake you up.

“Benji,” you groaned, hiding your head under the covers, “Five minutes.”

“But mommy,” he whined, “I finally solved my rubix cube. See?”

Getting out from under the covers, you looked at the toy in his hands. Sure enough it was completely solved. “How’d I get such an intelligent son?” You asked, looking at him lovingly.

The pregnancy had been fine for the most part. Minor bumps here and there but your doctor had said they were to be expected given the circumstances. It was difficult dealing with the pregnancy on your own. There had been many times when you wanted to go back to Eddie. The only thing stopping you was his darker self, being with Eddie simply wasn’t worth your child’s life. It certainly didn’t help that Benjamin was a spitting image of Edward and had the kindness to match. It was easy to forget anything about Ed being involved.

“You just got really really lucky. But I am too! Because my mommy is the bestest ever!” Benjamin exclaimed, moving to cuddle close to you.

“Thank you kiddo. You know mommy loves you, right?”

Benjamin nodded against you happily. “Mommy? Can I have ghost pancakes since it’s Halloween?”

“If that’s what you want.”

“Can I eat them in my Riddler costume?” He asked giving you puppy eyes.

Benjamin was obsessed with Riddler, much to your dismay. He liked that the villain was based puzzles and such. It didn’t help that strangers would voice his likeness to the man. Obviously, he just had to be the Riddler for Halloween. Of course you didn’t want to disappoint your son so you swallowed your pride and agreed. That meant you spent the better part of the month making him a homemade suit, picking the exact shades of green and purple that Ed would have.

“Yeah. Just don’t dirty it.”

“Thank you!” Excited he ran to his room to put on his suit.

You made your way to the kitchen to get started on breakfast. The iPod was set on shuffle filling in the science. When Teddy Bear came on you were quick to skip the song, it just held too many bad memories. (EH?! I’m fucking rad admit it)

Once breakfast was finished you both took a seat on the couch and ate as Nightmare before Christmas played on the tv.

It was fucking delightful that Halloween was on a Saturday. You didn’t have to worry about school or work. That meant Benji got to have all your attention for the day. The day was filled with board games, Mario Kart, and cookies. Finally it was time to go trick or treating with his best friend, who had dressed as Batman.

Three hours and a full bucket of candy later you returned to your home. Benjamin had fallen asleep in the backseat. Carefully you took him into your arms, balancing a candy pail and the small boy in one arm as you opened the door. You turned on the light before walking towards Benjamin’s room.

“Momma?” Benjamin yawned, sleepily nuzzling his face against your neck. “Why’s the Riddler in our house?”

You turned on your heel, sure enough you met Edwards stare. “I don’t know, baby. Let’s put you to bed and I’ll sort it out.”

Edward stood silent, a smirk playing on his lips when he saw the costume your son was wearing.

“Mommy!” He whined, starting to wake up, “But he’s my favorite!” Benjamin managed to squirm out of your arms and he started to run toward the man.

“Benjamin Nashton YLN!” You quickly grasped his wrist, “Do as your mother says and get to your room.” Benjamin took a look at your face before stomping off angrily. Well as angry as a five year old could be.

“Really? Benjamin, I like. I’ve no problems with that whatsoever. But Nashton? Hardly think that’s appropriate.”

“You don’t get to have a say on what I named my son. What are you doing here? Got bored putting Gotham through hell?” You studied him, the hidden gun you had wasn’t too far out of reach if you needed.

“I came to take back what was mine,” he replied, racking his eyes over your body. It seemed like Edward had finally found a mix between Eddie and Ed. Ed’s vulgarity was certainly present in his looks but Eddie’s calmness took over his body.

“Nothing here belongs to you.”

“Are you sure? Because if I remember correctly, my son and my kitten,” as he spoke he pointed in the respective directions.

“Go to hell, Nygma. You ran us out. Besides don’t you have your whores, Echo and Query?” You ignored the shiver the old nickname gave you.

“Aw, did the my little kitten miss daddy?” Edward walked towards you, placing his hands on your hips, “Did those other girls make you jealous?”

“Get off of me!” You pushed him away, “How dare you try to come back after what you did? It was all your fault. I just wanted my Eddie…” (Ed POV)

Edward’s mask of confidence fell when he saw tears threatening to fall from YN’s eyes. ‘Women like confidence’ echoed in his head, but she never fit into the common norms. YN had liked him for his quirky faults. He was an idiot for thinking an arrogant act would win her over. “I’m still here. I just thought that if by acting a certain way you’d want me back. YN, please, I just want the two of you back.” He pressed kisses against your face in the way that used to calm you down and attempted to pull you into his arms.

(Reader POV)

“You put me through hell! I was pregnant and forced to leave. Afraid of the one person I’ve ever loved,” you flinched away from his kisses, “You weren’t there for any of his first. When he walked, talked, solved a damned rubix cube. Of course, even though he didn’t know it he just had to love you.” As much as you hated it you leaned against him and started to bawl.

Edward pressed a kiss on the top of your head, apologizing in every way possible. “Shh, come here baby.” He led you to the couch and sat you on his lap.

Your son rushed out of his room once he heard your cries. “Momma! Are you okay?” The small boy tried to pry the man’s hands away, “What’s wrong?” Benjamin pressed a kiss to your cheek.

You stood up and knelt down in front of Benji. “It’s okay baby,” you pressed a kiss to his cheek in return, “I just got a little sad.”

He looked shyly at the man in green before returning his attention to you, “Did the Riddler hurt you?”

(Ed POV)

Edward had missed having you in his arms, the short time you were there wasn’t enough. Still, he couldn’t help but admire his son. It was like looking in a fun house mirror that made you look shorter.

He never understood what his past darker self had against a child. At least now he had full control over him.

Benjamin made him feel like he was seeing himself as a child. Hardly any of YN had made an imprint on the boy. YN was doing a perfect job raising Benjamin and he, of course, had to be brilliant. Edward felt pride at being someone Benjamin wanted to emulate.

“I wouldn’t hurt her, you either,” I answered the question he had directed to his mother.

“Why?” He asked, his big curious eyes seemingly seeking the answers to the universe.

“I’m your father little one.”

Benjamin frowned in response, staring at YN. “You told me daddy died in an accident mommy. I’m confused.”

The Riddler felt his heart clench. It seemed reasonable for her to spin such a tale. A child of his age would ask questions about an absent father. Especially since she had assumed by moving often, Edward wouldn’t be able to find her. It hurt nonetheless.

(Reader POV)

Great, now you had to explain this whole mess to your son. “Baby, I’m sorry, but I told you a lie. We got into an argument and decided it was best to get away from each other,” of course you weren’t going to tell him the whole truth, “The Riddler is your dad.”

“That’s why you would get sad when I talked about him!” Benjamin realized, before looking angrily at Edward, “Mommy cried because of you. I hope Batman solves all of your riddles!”

It was obvious that Edward taken back by the young boy’s anger. Though, if Ed had any control he would have exploded by now. Instead Edward looked sad by the thought of upsetting you and your son. You couldn’t help but think he deserved it. Still Benjamin had managed to make you laugh.

“Love, calm down. You’re so amazing,” you pressed a kiss to the top of his head, “Mommy’s fine, promise. She’s just thinking too much right now.”

Benjamin hugged you, “It’s okay mommy. I forgive you for lying.”

You smiled, before looking at the Riddler. He didn’t know what to do with himself to say the least. Undeniably there was still a part of you that loved the man. Even if he was a criminal now, you wanted your son to have some real memories of his father. “Benji, how about you go get a board game or the rubix cube?” They both looked at you with identical expressions of confusion, but Benjamin shrugged and went to go get a game.

“Why’d you send him to get a game?”

“Once upon a time some fucked up things happened with us. But I know you enough to know if you wanted to hurt us the deed would be done by now. The only thing to do is to right now is to him happy again. He holds a hell of a grudge, if anyone asks me, I’d say he gets it from his father. Usually playing around can distract him though.”

“Does this mean I get another shot at life with the both of you?”

“I…Eddie I don’t know,” you crossed your arms, “Let’s just take it slow. Benjamin is the important one in this situation and we should focus on him.”

He nodded, “You’re right. Just don’t put off the idea of us. You’re still my favorite kitten.”

“Don’t call me that.”

Benjamin came back with Clue and his solved Rubix cube. “Here you go mommy,” he said, handing you the cube.

“Look at this.” You started to mix up the cube, stopping when you were satisfied with the final product. “Eddie, solve it one handed.”

Ed took the cube and started matching the colors. Benjamin shuffled closer, captivated by how quickly his father was solving it. “You know, they won’t let me hold the record because I’m an adversary to the Batman,” Ed rolled his eyes, “The dimwit.”

“Bet you I could get the record! I solved it for the first time today,” Benjamin explained, happily. You were glad to see your distraction worked.

“No arguments there. With parents as intelligent as your mother and I, no doubt you’d be any less.”

“Dad,” Benjamin looked as if he was experimenting with the word, “Why’d you come back?”

“Because I missed your mother and I wanted to know what my son was like,” he ruffled Ben’s hair playfully, “I’ve always known where the two of you were, but there was something holding me back from coming to see you.”

“Does that mean you’re gonna leave again?”

“If you want me to stay around, I will.”

“That would be cool. I’ve always wondered what having a daddy would be like. Stephen always makes fun of me for just having a mommy,” Benji frowned.

“Obviously he was raised by apes. No matter, you have me now. I promise I’ll stay as long as you need me,” Ed scanned the room, looking for something that would cheer up his son, “Hey! How did you know Clue was my favorite game?”

Ben’s eyes lit up, “Really? Mine too! I’ll set it up!” Ben got to work, setting the pieces up on the living room table.

“Should’ve known you would catch on quick. How long did you know about the moving?” You wondered.

“Since the beginning. I just stayed away because I didn’t want him to gain control. Around the time Ben was born I was debating seeing the both of you,” he shook his head, “Risking the two of you wasn’t worth it.”

“I hope you know we’re not going back to Gotham. Maybe back then, but now with all you rogues? I just don’t feel it’s safe enough.”

“Didn’t want you to anyways,” he said, “I know of too many plans. It would be easy for one of you to be caught in the crossfire.”

“Mommy, daddy! Come on, let’s play!”

The conversation you two were having was put on pause. By the end of the night, the three of you had had your fill of Ben’s candy and the game had came to an end when Ben started to doze off at the table. Ed helped you put your son to bed before joining you back in the living room.

“How long is your visit?”

“I was thinking, maybe, three weeks. I have business in Gotham. Then, if you were okay with it, I could come back later?”

You sighed, but nodded, “Fine, sure. Just don’t get yourself killed Eddie.”

“I’ve got reasons to live now,” he yawned, rubbing his face sleepily. “Mind if I take your couch for the night?”

“You know you’re not sleeping on the couch,” you rolled your eyes grabbing his hand, leading him to your room, “Just don’t expect to get lucky anytime soon.” You started to change into your night clothes. It didn’t matter that he was there, he’d seen you before. “Here,” you threw a shirt at him and a pair of sweatpants, “I accidentally packed it when I was getting my things but the sweats I took on purpose.”

“You did love wearing my clothes.” That made you stick your tongue out at him. “Don’t stick out your tongue unless you plan to use it dear.”

You got comfy in your bed, more tired than you had realized. “Fuck you, Eddie.”

“Thought you said I wasn’t getting lucky anytime soon?” He chuckled, joining you in bed once he was dressed.

“Only in your dreams. Goodnight.”

“Wouldn’t those be the sweetest dreams? Goodnight kitten,” he said, holding you close. He knew that you’d be his again.