#so i struggled in the wendys bathroom

[createacamillahect]

dulcie seducing cam by asking her to zip up her dress

[dovesndecay]

Hey! I saw your post on diet culture and fast food and wanted to know what you mean about "diet culture would rather us starve than admit fast food is an accessible food resource"? Could you elaborate? (sorry for the paraphrase, I'm on mobile.) Thanks!

So, I'm disabled in a number of ways. I struggle really hard with executive function, appetite, sensory issues, and pain/fatigue/brainfog that makes deciding on food, and then following the process of making that food very difficult on a good day.

I've always had food issues -- I've snuck whole mouthfuls of food I could not physically make myself eat into the bathroom to spit it out in the toilet because I'd been told I had to eat it. I've puked from the texture of food. And I've gone hungry because food that was prepared is food I could not eat, for a number of reasons.

I'm also really fucking poor. I cannot work a regular job anymore. Groceries have actively skyrocketed to the point where our household is spending less than HALF of what we should be for the number of people. The difference between buying a bunch of groceries that we may or may not eat before they expire or our tastes for them die and simply purchasing a meal from a fast food joint is literally just the cost of labor -- saving us from expending spoons on deciding, buying ingredients, preparing, cooking, and then eating that food, which I will again stress that we might not actually eat.

There's only so many times you can have Walmart brand chicken nuggets before you physically cannot choke it down again.

Diet culture has a huge focus on eating the "right" kind of foods as well as this weird "self-sufficiency" fetish for cooking that can be fine but has a bad habit of edging into ableism. If you physically cannot cook on a regular basis, for any reason, and you have a lot of fast food meals, you get judged a lot for it. It's labeled "unhealthy" and "lazy". I am often told that I just "haven't found the right recipes" or "cooking hacks". No, man, I'm just fucking disabled.

Personally, I'd label starving as more unhealthy than eating fast food, but people don't like hearing that you aren't willing to swallow whatever gruel society thinks people in poverty deserve to have.

For me, fast food is predictable, safe, filling, often less expensive, convenient, spoons-saving, and it means I will eat. I also just genuinely think a lot of fast food tastes good. Sure, it's not fresh veggies and fruits, but I'm not getting those anyway. When I buy groceries, it's the cheapest items possible which means a lot of frozen foods, packaged pastas, and cereals.

And this isn't even looking at food deserts where grocery stores are few and far between, but fast food chains are everywhere. Even my Louisiana hometown, boasting a population of 10,659 people as of 2020, has a Burger King, McDonald's, Hardee's, Wendy's, Taco Bell, Popeyes, and numerous pizza delivery places. Y'know what closed down though? The Piggly Wiggly, one of the more affordable grocery stores -- my grandmother actually worked there during my childhood -- and I don't think the Winn-Dixie is even open there anymore either. So all they've got is a Walmart.

Fast food is an accessible food resource, and diet culture would rather see us starve than acknowledge that.

[cringelordofchaos]

Stan questioning their gender in The Cissy

For the purpose of this post I will refer to Stan with they/them pronouns, although I usually use he/him for them.

This is the end... Of being cis...

Ahem.

Let us start, from The beginning:...

Cartman told Stan Wendy/l is "telling everyone (s)he likes girls" and identifies as a boy, "which would mean Stan's a girl", which starts confusing them... ("cartman's a girl? Wendy's a boy? Could I... also be something nobody noticed before?" - Is what I assume was going on inside their head.)

Their confusion/curiosity prompts them to seek some form of explanation... Support, reassurance.

They go to their dad.

"Dad, Is it possible for someone to be one way on the outside, but totally different on the inside?"

"I mean - can someone identify as one sex, but be something else, but still have it be nothing about sex?"

I do find it somewhat interesting that Randy is the first person Stan goes to when confused about this. It wouldn't be the first time - similiar scenario occurred in "Tweek x Craig", where they were confused about Tweek and Craig being depicted as gay by the new girls in school, despite neither of them showing any signs of being gay before. They turn to Randy, despite their rocky relationship- but I digress. Randy simply tells them yes, that can be the case. And explains to the, how he(?)'s actually Lorde, to which Stan faints - i have no comment of relevance

Leaving them possibly more confused then before...

Further confusion ensues.

They don't know where they belong ...

Did they ever?

And they finally decide...

But, shortly after, they get in Trouble (or at least undergo interrogation)

When asked why they felt the need to go to the transgender bathroom/didn't feel comfortable using the boys bathroom, they respond -

"I just... Two people close to me are having gender identity issues and I'm confused."

So, their confused feelings of gender identity could possibly be due to their empathy, rather than them actually being trans. Throughout the series it is frequently shown that Stan is a pretty empathetic kid, and easily emotionally influenced - this could easily be another demonstration of their high emotional empathy.

But ya never know.

But the interesting thing is that in this episode, it's acknowledged that being transgender and gender dysphoria is a real thing people struggle with, but that's not Cartman, as cartman's only using being transgender as an excuse to get access to a cleaner bathroom. Stan here could possibly be the demonstration of a kid actually struggling with gender identity, as a parallel to Cartman in a way (?), as while Cartman's new gender identity is accepted despite probably not being trans, Stan is perceived to be cis and transphobic by everyone despite them genuinely being confused about their gender, unlike Cartman.

At the end, when it is officially announced anyone can go to any bathroom they feel comfortable in, including trans and cis kids, and if they're not comfortable sharing a bathroom with anyone possibly trans they'll have to go to a separate "cissies" bathroom, Stan feels comfortable enough going to the boys bathroom, only with this knowledge intact. (I mean, if they were non binary and possibly had to choose between "girls" "boys" and "cissies", they possibly felt most comfortable with "boys")(and also, perhaps knowing they're not the only non-cis/not fully cis person in the bathroom at all times comforted them..?). However, they're bullied into the cissies bathroom, because everyone assumes Stan's transphobic because they're all fucking dumbasses.

Now, them questioning/being confused about their gender is never referenced again in the series, at least I doubt it is. But, from what we've been shown, I just find it all very interesting. Idk.

Long post short, non binary/demi-boy Stan real 💯💯💯

[lovelykil]

「 Kissing in the Bathroom 」

kyle x reader older ver.

cw; none

"Have you guys seen Kyle? I needed help on my math homework.." Stan walked to his group of friends, "He's been absent alot and I wonder why." Cartman looked up at Kenny from his phone they both smirked up, cracking a laugh.

"Have you seen Y/n??! I accidentally took her jacket and forgot to give it back to her." Wendy came running to the group of teens, holding a jacket in her hands.

"Y/n and Kyle missing? Where the hell are they?" Stan looked at Wendy whom shrugged. Stan frowned trying to figure out where his friends were it seemed like Kenny and Eric only knew what was going on.

"If you want to find the two they both went into the bathroom, together. " Kenny snarkled, pulling down his parka.

"HUH??"

────────

There, a hall away from their friend group who was searching for them were two friends, they both giggled in unison making their way into the bathroom. You locked the bathroom door behind you to make sure no one entered so there would be privacy.

As you turned back around Kyle grabbed your hand swiftly, pulling you close to him he left a small kiss onto your head causing you to smile.

You held his face, strumming your thumb against his cheek with his hands around your waist. This was already the 4th time you guys snuck away from everyone to have a private moment with each other.. to the people who noticed thought you guys were a thing, together, a couple– but you guys weren't.

Nothing more but just two friends kissing and hugging..

Right?

"Dude, how much do you think we can get away with doing this without anyone noticing?" You asked the pale ginger. He giggled slightly.

"Why do you care so much?" He whispered

You looked into his light green eyes, coming up with an answer. "People are going to think we're.. you know–"

"We're dating?" Kyle let go of your torso, his tone off. You looked at him with nothing to say, he looked a bit offended on how you approached saying that.

"Kyle I-"

"So you never thought of maybe taking this to another level?" He questioned, your eyes widen as you stood in front of him. You stayed quiet letting yourself take in what was happening.

"You really never consider it?.. wow I-"

"No! Wait let me talk, okay?" You grabbed his hand quickly, shutting him up. He looked surprised at your sudden gesture. You stared at him, his eyes such a beautiful shade of green that you loved getting lost in, his hands soft as silk you loved holding onto.

Everything about him you adored, and you wanted to tell him. But you thought this was nothing but a small fling.

"You're my bestfriend I say even more now, i- uhm" your face began to grow warm realizing the intensity of this situation.

I didn't realize confessing would be so hard..

"This is harder than I anticipated.." you muttered with a blush, still holding onto his hands. As you struggled trying to tell him how you actually felt his grasp began to tighten. He soon blurted out something that made your heart beat.

"Y/n would you want to be my girlfriend?"

"WHA-" you stared at him, stunned he finished what you couldn't say. Of course you wanted to tell him but you were to embarrassed to admit it, you were glad he said it.

Kyle awaited for your answer, patiently he looked anxious almost sweating a bit.

"I- yes? Yes I want to be your girlfriend! ..holy shit." You squealed, smiling up at him. You saw his shoulders go down he then let out a sigh of relief.

"Like actually? You want to do this everyday with people actually knowing we are together?" He nervously questioned, being unsure still.

"Was I not clear?" You raised your eyebrow. He blushed lightly in embarrassment.

"Well I mean I might've heard wrong or I-"

You playfully rolled your eyes, grabbing the boy's face to prove what he didn't believe. He immediately put his hand on your waist to pull you closer to him to deepen to kiss, he longed to connect lips with you now he was your boyfriend.

You smiled into the kiss being relieved you guys were finally a couple and not some friends with benefits thing, tears almost stung your eyes from excitement.

After exchanging the magical moment of confessing to each other we pulled away, making a cheeky smile to each other.

"Am I clear now, Broflovski?" You teased, still having your hands on the sides of his cheeks. He put his hand in your face, as his face grew red.

"Yeah, loud and clear.."

"Ow my NOSE-"

"You'll be fine."

"Asshole."

[bellysoupset]

"Figured where do I know your face from," Vince said, sitting in front of Max in the teacher's lounge. Mr. Daniels was pushing the food around on his plate.

"Yeah?" he asked, uninterested, "where's that?"

"You broke my arm when I was 10," Vince glared at the other man, who let out a little snort, still staring at his plate. When Vince didn't chuckle too, he frowned and looked up.

"Wait, you're serious?"

"Yeah," Vince sat before him, eyebrows raised, "you're the big kid in the playground who bullied me when I moved here."

Max let out a groan, letting his fork fall back down on the plate, "aw man, I'm sorry. Middle schooler me was a shithead," he grimaced, "I don't remember breaking anyone's arm, though, I'm really really sorry."

Vince rolled his eyes, unimpressed, "well, but you did..." he frowned then, noticing Max waxy pallor, "what's wrong with you?"

"Generally? Right now?" the other man shrugged, quirking an eyebrow and causing Vince to let out an annoyed sigh.

"We've established you're a shithead generally, so I meant specifically at this moment," he clarified and Max let out a chuckle at that, scratching at his cheek.

"I think it's just a hangover," he shrugged.

Vince raised his eyebrows, on a Tuesday? Damn whoever said teachers didn't have fun.

"Shithead indeed," he sighed, getting up once more, "don't hold my kids back today."

"Sure, sure, I never do," Mr. Daniels waved him off and Vince wrinkled his nose with annoyance, before walking out of the teacher's lounge.

Most teachers ate in the lounge, but it wasn't a requirement, so Vince went to the parking lot and found a nice bench in the shadow, unwrapping his lunch and scrolling through his social media. It was a nice break after a morning packed with kids, to be reminded the adult world still existed out there.

Luke had already flooded his DMs with memes and there were two texts from Wendy, one being an outfit check of her in gym clothes that had his heart skipping a beat.

Vince typed a cheeky response to her texts, smiling at his phone, only to hear a snort.

"Well, hello, Mr. Monacelli," he would recognize his sister's voice anywhere. Sophia's hair was up in a ponytail and she sat next to him on the bench, "why are you smiling at your phone?"

"None of your business, now, is it?" Vince scoffed, "where's the rest of your mean girls pack?"

"Hurling up their lunches in the bathroom," Sophia said, jokingly putting her finger inside her mouth and Vince wrinkled his nose in distaste. He really couldn't understand how his middle sister had such an acid sense of humor, nothing like the rest of the family.

"That's horrible to say, Soph-"

"Yeah, yeah," she rolled her eyes, criss-crossing her legs, "you can't embarrass me in class."

Vince snorted, "embarrass you?"

"Yeah," Sophia glared at him, "none of your i'm-a-cool-teacher jokes, nu-uh. Don't even mention you're my brother, you're gonna ruin my reputation."

"I'll make sure to fail you, just so they know there's no special treatment," Vince turned back to his sandwich, "or maaaybe I'm gonna bring up your super embarrassing crush on my best friend."

"Are you never gonna let that go?" Sophia jumped up, glaring at him, her cheeks turning red, "I was a kid!"

"It was literally six months ago," Vince grinned, "get out of my sight, kid."

"You're so mean," she pouted, "I'm gonna leave you a terrible teacher review."

Vince rolled his eyes, chuckling as the girl stomped away. He loved her dearly and it was really nice to be back in her life, but Sophia was also the most annoying person he knew.

She was also a senior, which wasn't a good thing, because Vin was already struggling to make the older kids respect him and he knew it wouldn't be any easier if his influential little sister decided to make his life a living hell in the classroom.

Hopefully Sophia was just bark and no bite.

It was to no one's surprise when his last class rolled on and yet he met an empty classroom. Vince sighed, glancing at his watch. Fucking Daniels, again.

He was going to strangle that man.

Vince was already ready to stomp out of the room and forcefully retrieve his kids, when suddenly the door opened. He straightened up, ready to face the swarm of frustrated teenagers, as they always were after chemistry class, but instead it was just Sophia.

Alone, which was all the more worrying, her blue eyes were huge on her face.

"What's wrong?" Vince asked, talking over her as his sister said:

"Mr. Daniel's is really sick and we don't know what to do... Can you help?"

Oh great, Vince thought, stepping out of the classroom, "what happened exactly?"

"He was off all class, but we said nothing- And then like, just now he suddenly stopped talking and barfed everywhere and-" her voice dipped, switched to Italian as Sophia groaned, "it's so gross, Vin."

Vince sighed as he followed her down the hallways to the chemistry room, "why didn't you call up a nurse?"

"We didn't want to get him in trouble..." Sophia frowned, planting her hands on her hips, "you're not gonna get him in trouble, right? He's cool."

And hungover, Vince thought bitterly, but despite his feelings he nodded, "I'm not," he promised, "stay out here, I know vomit makes you sick."

She let out a grateful sigh, slumping against the hallway wall as Vince entered the room.

It was truly a sight to be seen, fucking spectacular. Vince had no idea how he was supposed to not report the fact that Mr. Daniels had somehow managed to puke on his own boots and in a large puddle in the middle of the room.

He was folded in half, bracing against one of the tables and most of the teenagers were pushed to the opposite side of the room, looking completely horrified.

"Alright everyone show's over," Vince said, gesturing to the kids, "you have history class now, go get some water and then to the classroom, shoo."

Despite his somewhat harsh words, most of them looked visibly relieved there was an adult in the room. Vince cringed as he saw some kids that were almost green with sympathy nausea, he just hoped he wouldn't have to deal with that as well.

Once the classroom cleared out, Vince approached the other teacher, who was still mute, save for a couple hiccups and little sniffles.

"Okay... So hangover, uh?" Vince couldn't help but say, touching the man's back and Max let out a loud groan.

"No," he rasped, "no way this is a hangover. I'd never- Not in front of them..." his voice trailed off and he shuddered violently, "my head is killing me."

That didn't really help his i'm-not-hungover case, Vince thought, forcing the shorter guy to straighten up. He immediately grimaced, realizing why Max had stayed in that position. There was vomit down his band t-shirt and clinging to his auburn beard.

Without thinking Vince touched his cheek, then forehead and let out a sigh. The guy was burning up.

"I have good news and bad news," Vince said, side stepping the beige mess on the floor and pulling Max to a clearer patch, before pushing him to sit down in one of the chairs.

The blonde fell like a ragdoll, spreading his legs and wrapping an arm around his stomach, "good news is that I didn't shit my pants?"

Vince scowled, "good news is that you're sick, so this means we can tell the nurse and you're not gonna get penalized for hurling in front of the kids."

Max let out a little huff at that, "terrible good news-" then he hiccupped and groaned, "get me the bin..."

Vince couldn't believe there was anything in the guy, after seeing such copious amount of vomit. He also couldn't help a wave of sympathy as he thought of how much Mr. Daniel's reputation was fucked after getting sick in front of the seniors.

He planted the bin in front of the guy and then crouched next to him, carefully pulling Max' curtain of blonde hair and tying it on the back of his neck, "you're gonna be fine for a minute? I'm gonna go get a janitor."

Max let out a sickly burp inside the bin, raising a thumb up.

Once Vince got back in the room, now followed by the janitor - Maurice, who was also a relic from his school years - Max had folded on himself all over again, both arms wrapped around his stomach, head resting on the school desk.

"Man, c'mon," Vince sighed, frustrated, "try and help yourself, the principal is gonna have your head..."

"Uhm," Max groaned, "I don't- I don't feel well..."

Maurice let out a snort, "you'd think he's feeling fine after throwing up everything he ever ate," the man teased and Vince couldn't help but chuckle at that, grabbing Max' arm.

"You'd think," he agreed, pulling the blonde up, "c'mon, nurse's office. You have someone who can pick you up?"

"What...?" Max's gaze was all dazed. At least he had managed to clear the vomit from his beard, probably with his hand and wiped on his jeans. Vince grimaced at the mental image.

"Someone to come get you?" Vince repeated, pulling the guy down the hallway, "you're out of it."

There were curious faces on the hallways, kids out for a bathroom break stopping to watch them and Vince sped up, causing Max to stumble and collapse against his side.

"I'm gonna hurl again," the man mumbled and Vince shook his head.

"C'mon, we're almost there-" he wrapped an arm around the other teacher's waist and pulled Max against him, making them walk even faster.

The minute they got inside the nurse's office, Max turned to the big flower pot and heaved, his whole back arching as he let out a deafening retch and brought up a mouthful of bile.

"Goodness heaven's, Mr. Daniels!?" the nurse exclaimed. Mrs. Doyle was elderly and never used to do anything back when Vince was a student but tell the kids to go back to class. At least now she couldn't tell them that.

"He's got a really high fever," Vince said, keeping a hand planted on Daniels' back, as the man braced against the wall and continued to heave, not a thought given to Mrs. Doyle's sad palm tree, "and he's been sick," a lot, Vin mentally completed.

"Uhm- Well, he can lie down in my office... I'll get him so gatorade, until he feels-"

"Just let me go home, for fuck's sake," Max groaned, his voice all raspy and Mrs. Doyle frowned at the swear word.

"I don't think I can release you when you're this sick, I need-"

"I'm not a fucking kid," Max turned to glare at her and Vince stepped between them, glaring at the man.

"Then don't behave like one. You can't drive like this, either let Mrs. Doyle call someone or sit in the office and wait until classes are over and I'll drive you," he said strongly, causing Max to raise his dazed eyes at him and scowl.

"There's no one to pick me up," he groaned and Vince sighed, dropping his shoulders.

"Then go lie down, I'm just gonna finish my class and I can drive you," he turned to Mrs. Doyle, who was stunned into silence, "he can stay, right?"

"Of course..." She frowned, "you're the Monacelli's kid? Little Vince?" she suddenly held her hand down to her hip and Vince blushed, while Max let out a raspy chortle.

Vince nodded, his whole face aflame, "I'm gonna go, I have a bunch of teenagers to calm down. Hopefully you're not contagious, otherwise our lives will be hell for the next weeks."

Max groaned, stumbling forward towards the nurse's office, "yeah, don't count on it."

[velvetsupremacy]

what kinks do you think the members are into 🤭

Hi, thanks for the question! I’m just gonna write my top three for each member, not in any particularly ranking order:

Irene

Praise – I think it’s pretty obvious why I think this lol but she just seems like a partner that craves intimacy and loves receiving compliments because beauty to her extends beyond looks. I think she would love giving too, she wants to make sure her partner is enjoying themselves too and lets them know that through her words.

Bondage – I meannnnn come on… don’t tell me this wouldn’t be fun both ways with her! Seeing her squirm and ache for everything you have to offer her (and hearing her whineeee). I think she would have so much fun and might even laugh seeing you struggle as well!

Edging – My opinion of Irene as a strict sub has changed recently (as you can tell), but she loves teasing. She would so be into letting someone else control her pleasure, taking her mind off being responsible all the time. On the other hand, she can be a little shit (I say this lovingly lol) and wants to see how long you can go without breaking and loves riding your face. Something about the Aries in her would make her compete for being the best partner you’ve ever had in bed.

Seulgi

Blindfold – I feel like Seulgi is lowkey a freak😭 She loves the anticipation and thrill of guessing what her partner might do to her. In general, she loves experimenting and expects the unexpected, gets tired of routine and constantly wants to spice things up. Wants to share unique experiences with you as well so expect to be blindfolded as well (not that I’m complaining lol).

Impact play – loves being physical and is into some degree of pain. Loves being spanked, hearing her little gasps and she kinda gets turned on trying to hide the marks on both your bodies. It makes her feel a rush of excitement like how she feels when she’s performing.

Edging – I just get heavy vibes that the woman has stamina! It’s different with her because I just know this can go hours on end. The sensation of being on stage and controlling her breath is so like how she forces herself to keep going for you and vice versa.

Wendy

Gag – As I said before, she loves using her mouth for anything! When your fingers aren’t enough sometimes, she’ll ask for a gag herself or whenever she won’t stop begging to cum, you’ll gladly stuff her mouth with something that’ll keep her quiet.

Bondage – Hates that she loves being tied down and can’t touch you! It’s a sweet torture but she loves watching you please yourself in front of her, it’s the best seat in the house. She just loves being your patient girl and goes crazy when you sit on her face! She just gives good girl vibes so much, always wanting to please her partner!

Clothed/public(?)- Okay this one is kinda hard to put into a specific kink rn, but I think she would be down to sneak into in an empty practice room or bathroom and have you bend her over the nearest surface to take her. She always has those abs out and shows off on purpose just to get a reaction from you! She still has some sense so she never goes completely unclothed but likes when you mess up her pretty outfits even though she pretends its a hassle to fix

Joy

Bimbofication – This might be random, but I think she’s the type to fuck to the point where it makes her or her partner dumb, like all she wants to think about is being pounded stupid. Loves hearing/saying phrases like, “you’re my dumb slut, aren’t you? All you can think about is my fingers fucking you so good huh?”

Roleplay – She’s probably the type to get off on costumes and making up scenarios to spice up the bedroom. Loves to dress up in lingerie, sexy nurse outfits, cop outfits, anything that seems silly but she adores the way you devour her when you get back home. Loves surprising you and being surprised herself.

Teasing in public – Her kink is somewhat different from Wendy’s since she would probably like to tease in public instead, rather than fuck. I don’t think she’d get off properly in public. Loves the built-up tension it creates. Loves using vibes and lingering touches. She’d crave a crazy makeout session, but stop midway and say to be patient just to frustrate you even more.

Yeri

Praise – Another subby baby who loves nothing more than to be praised for being the good girl she is! You don’t have the heart to give her harsh punishments, especially when she’s so good for you. You just wanna protect her and let her know that she’s doing so well!

Body worship – Both giving and receiving I think! Going down her body with kiss to all her “imperfections” and telling her you love every inch of her??? She’s putty in your hands at that point! Especially loves when you play with her tits, she’s just so sensitive everywhere!

Bondage – She’s such a pillow princess honestly. I would say you’re the one going down on her 90% of the time but how can you not when she moans, whines, and thrashes about so cutely?? She can get a bit handsy and wants to hold your head down, but you tie her up and while its frustrating, it's a reminder that you’re the one in charge and controlling her pleasure and she wouldn’t want it any other way!

[veryextraincorrectfegbaquotes]

And now, the special edition "Goop Lyn has horrible identity crisis nightmares" story

This one has got lots more dialogue, so if you like reading the Lyns talk to each other then boy is this the story for you!

To say ‘it was a memory, but not her own’ wasn’t exactly a unique thing for Goop Lyn. She has all of Lyn’s memories, underneath her own memories that only really started about a week ago. So for her to ‘remember’ something she wasn’t present for was if anything, painfully normal. But to have a memory that Lyn wasn’t present for either? That was, or at least should be, impossible. But as hard as she tried, she couldn’t recall any time Lyn had this conversation.

“Not in real life but I know what you’re talking about.”

She hadn’t said anything, but he was responding. As she stood there, frozen, trapped in this place and time she’d never been, she could only watch as he looked aside, smiling and bemused. As he looked back, visibly trying to not look condescending and failing, he said something that made her feel sick.

“Wendy buying 52 unique knives would be devastatingly expensive.”

That’s not me. I’m not her. Don’t call me that. I fought to be who I am. Look at me. I became this. I fought to be this. Acknowledge it. Acknowledge me. Look at me.

Every part of her was trying to scream out, demand he call her by her own damn name, but the sound wouldn’t come out. She felt like she was choking, then it got even worse as she felt her form giving out on her, melting away the person she was into the anonymous pile she refused to be ever again. She tried desperately to claw back herself but it just. Wouldn’t. Work. All because Hector had called her Wendy.

Then she woke up. Of course, phrasing it like that implies that ended the situation. She still felt awful, she woke up coughing and fell out of bed trying to get up. She was on her hands and knees, struggling to breathe, but at least she was in her room. Undeniably hers, specifically cleaned and prepared to be hers. It was proof that she was here and that she was herself. Because this was Her room. With her spit on the floor from struggling to breathe. Once she stabilized her breathing, she went to the bathroom to wash her face and calm down.

She walked out of her room, went down the hall and entered the bathroom. It was still late at night or early in the morning, so she had to turn on the light. She turned to the sink, looked in the mirror, and went to hell. It was wrong. It was lying, it had to be. She reached up and pulled at the lie, but it was still there, a bright pink stain on everything she was. She pulled harder, trying to yank it out, like pulling out the lying pink would show the green truth that had to be underneath. She was choking again, her throat not just feeling clogged but visibly in the mirror pulsing and changing.

Lyn’s hair was not pink. Goop Lyn’s hair is not pink. My hair isn’t this. Get rid of this fake hair. Why won’t it come out. Why is the mirror showing me Wendy’s hair. The mirror is wrong. I need to break it.

The next time Goop Lyn woke up, she was bleeding from the forehead and the mirror was broken. The streaks of red blood in her hair briefly made her feel like she was choking again, but they were just streaks against the green. Her green. Lyn was standing over her, looking in the part of the mirror that wasn’t broken while she brushed her teeth. She spat in the sink, briefly looked down at Goop Lyn, said “Hit your head like a dumbass, huh.” then left the room.

Goop Lyn jumped to her feet, rushed out and grabbed Lyn by the shoulder.

“No. We’re talking about this. Lyn meeting.”

“That Isn’t a thing.”

“Well as a 50% shareholder in Lyn inc, I’m making it a thing. And calling one. Bitch.”

“As the other 50% shareholder, I make a formal motion for you to blow yourself.”

“Motion denied, you freak.”

“You’re the bigger freak. Objectively.”

“Can you shut the fuck up so we can go start the Lyn meeting!?” “I thought this was it.”

“Sometimes I’m baffled by just how someone as great as me could have started out as a copy of you.”

“You’re really inspiring confidence in the company, miss 50% shareholder.”

“Shut up and go to the table!”

The Kitchen/Dining area, the most ‘open-plan’ area in Lyn’s (or as is more accurate Lyns) house was the standard place to discuss anything they didn’t want to end up resolving through fighting games or just regular fighting. Since Lyn was more argumentative than she let on and Goop Lyn was exactly as argumentative as she let on, it was a space they used a lot. Lyn slouched in her chair, one arm slung over the back to make it visually apparent she did not care and was not paying much attention. Goop Lyn sat with her elbows on the table, fingers steepled infront of her face.

“I hereby bring this Lyn Meeting to order. Pausing for applause.”

“Go fuck yourself. Meeting adjourned.”

“You should really make a better choice of words around your clone.”

“... Okay you got me.”

“Now then. First point of business. I… had a nightmare.”

“Damn, that sucks. Meeting adjourned.”

“Take this seriously you shitting piece of fuck!”

“Any more cusses you wanna string together or can I go.”

Goop Lyn slammed her fist on the table “It was a nightmare that was one of Wendy’s memories! I was her! Can you imagine why that would freak me out, Hm!?”

Lyn leaned back in her chair and looked up at the ceiling. “... I guess?”

“You fucking GUESS!? I woke up and I still had Wendy’s hair and you GUESS that’d bother me!?”

Lyn sighed, waved her hand to pre-emptively stop Goop Lyn from saying ‘don’t you fucking sigh at me’, then leaned forward and looked her alien clone in the eyes.

“Listen. I’m the foremost expert on whatever the fuck you are. That doesn’t mean I get it. You have my memories, so you know I don’t have any actual experience with your whole deal outside of this. So yeah, I guess dreaming you were someone else and then waking up with their hair would mess with you, I guess because I don’t fucking know. Don’t give me shit about it, alright?”

Goop Lyn paused then looked to the side.

“Maybe I was being unfair because I was stressed out of my fucking head. Maybe. It doesn’t sound like me to make a mistake, but there is a lot of you in here and you do make many, constant mistakes so…” she trailed off, then her eye widened. “There’s a lot of you, but plenty of other people. That’s how I got my strength back, by absorbing it from the mass produced clones. They must’ve put more in me than I thought.”

“Cool, we’ve cracked the code, good job team meeting adjourned.”

“Meeting not fucking adjourned, now we have a theory on why this happened, that doesn’t mean I’m over it.”

“Well get over it, there are other things I want to do today.”

Goop Lyn started moving to hold herself but stopped out of pride.

“You Listen to me this time. I don’t have a lot that’s ‘me’, okay? I’m still trying to figure out exactly where you end and I begin, but I know I like this form. It’s mine. It’s a lot like yours, because I am a kind of Lyn, my own kind. And that means a lot to me, it means pretty much everything. So can you understand why it not looking like it should, looking in a mirror and seeing someone else's hair when there’s already so little proving that I’m me would freak me out?”

Lyn paused for a moment to take it all in, this was a rare case where she couldn’t dismiss something.

“This is like, heavy shit for you huh?”

“The only thing heavier would be Lloyd coming back and yelling in my brain again.”

“Shit dude. I think this is something people would normally like, get therapy about.”

“But that’s not an option for an alien clone living in hiding.”

“And I don’t think they teach shit like that in psychology 101.”

“They’d have to reach at least 709 to start getting into my problems.”

“So what do we actually do about it?”

“... I don’t know if there is anything. I don’t think there’s ever been anyone like me, so there’s no info to go off of. For all I know this’ll never happen again, or maybe it’ll happen every night. I just don’t know.”

Lyn recognised the fear hidden in Goop Lyn’s voice. Only someone who knew her as thoroughly as Lyn did could. They were both intensely prideful and unwilling to show vulnerability, it was beneath them. Even to each other. So she knew that it was taking a lot for Goop Lyn to express this. And since they had no solutions to her problem, all Lyn could do is respond in kind. Even if she hated doing so and thought it sucked bad.

“Well if you figure out anything I should do about it, just tell me. Even if I have to sleep in your bed with you to hold you down if you wake up freaking out again. I’ll look out for ya. Not like anyone else does.”

“You better, I’m only alive and like this because of all your self confidence. You owe me.”

“Yeah yeah, I’ve got your back til death do us part.”

“Don’t fucking say it like that!”

[l0vergirlatheart]

" VACATION. " a south park x reader

SNOW IN THE SUMMER?! || I - past : next

        Hissing at the sudden cold air nipping at any exposed skin you had out, you lugged your suitcase into your temporary house as the taxi sped off. You were grateful though, it smelled like nothing more than cigarettes, smoke, and piss.

        'Temporary, temporary house.' You reminded yourself.

        You dug through your pockets before finally fumbling with a key, unlocking the front door and entering, greeted by a warm wave of air which made you feel as if you were slowly but surely thawing. You shut the door behind you and looked around the room which you entered, it seemed to be the living room as it had a really large TV infront of a large, black sofa with a coffee table infront of it. You spotted the kitchen around the corner and then saw stairs on the other side. You sighed and started to lug your rolling suitcase behind you as you struggled to get it up each of the steps.

        'How much shit did they pack?! God fucking damn, I know I'll be here for over a month, but I could always buy myself some new shit?!' You thought to yourself as the suitcase finally got to the top with you, and you started down a hallway. You spotted, in this order, one bathroom, two bedrooms, and an empty office room. You went inside the first bedroom which was bigger and had a king-sized bed. You dropped the luggage, your eyes deciding to move around the room and scan for anything out of place or anything that you didn't like.

        After concluding the room was good, you sighed and knelt next to the suitcase and started to work on putting all your clothes and anything else that was shoved packed away in this poor, overflowing suitcase, courtesy of BOTH your parents...

|| TWO HOURS LATER ||

        Sighing as you flopped backwards onto your extremely comfortable bed. You had finally finished your clothes, bathroom supplies, and a couple of decorations. Your room was still pretty bland, but you'd get to that later! You had other things to worry about, like-

        || DING DONG, SOMEONE'S HERE! ||

        ...like who's ringing the doorbell... you swore that nobody had saw you go inside! What stalkers... You huffed internally before making yourself get up and out of bed, down the stairs, and to the front door.

        Unlocking it and opening it, you were met with a shorter girl wearing a cute little pink beret. She had long black hair, really dark brown eyes, and she had a light skin color, presumably white. She wore a pink sweater with darker, purple-ish lining and buttons. She also wore yellow pants, which is something you'd never thought you'd see, but even more so something you'd never see someone pulling it off so well. She also wore black shoes.

        '...I take that back, she's really fucking pretty.. I don't mind her stalking me.'

        "Hi there! Couldn't help but see you step out of your taxi a few hours ago, I wanted to say hi but I had something really important to do! I wanted to check in and see if you needed any help getting set up, and if not, wanted to at least introduce myself!" She exclaimed, lending a hand out to you for a handshake. You took it and she gave it a firm shake, smiling.

        She continued, "My name is Wendy! Wendy Testaburger! May I ask for yours?"

        "[Y/N] Niaki." You stated blankly as you returned the handshake before bringing your hand to rest into your pocket. She beamed up at you before her phone let out a small, 'ding!' and she went to check it. You stood there quietly as she went over something and gasped a little before looking back up at you with slightly widened eyes.

        "Sorry [Y/N], I've got to go do something right now! See ya around!" She said quickly before waving and swiftly turning on her heel and rushing off, her pace fast as she stuffed her phone into her pocket. You just waved back before closing the door again and plopping onto the sofa.

        '...I'm going to get roped into something and I'm not really gonna like it, I can already tell.'

|| SECRETS FROM THE AUTHOR ||

1. oopsies, foreshadowing

2. rushed this one oopsies

3. i lub wendy mwah mwah

4. my gayass will most likely make the girls fall in love first cuz... im gay.. lmao... oops..?

5. but dont worry your cute little head off, youre going to see some cute boys soon!~

|| SWEET DREAMS, DARLING. ||

[heinouscolette]

Nice

Stan Marsh x Fem!Reader | Part 3 Part 2

“I’m sorry, girl! I don’t have any spare clothes for you. Unless you want to wear my cheerleading outfit.” Nichole gave you an apologetic smile after she rummaged through her locker to find any piece of clothing for you.

You groaned in response. This day isn’t going so well for you. Many things are happening as if you’re in a movie. A movie that sucks balls.

“Thank you, Nichole.” You ran your hand through your hair, thinking for another solution. “If you change your mind, my offer’s always up. I’m sorry I need to go, they need me at the Board Game Club. Call me if you need anything.” She flew you a kiss and left.

You’re growing desperate to get out of your vomit scented clothes. Thankfully, it didn’t penetrate through your underwear, maybe you still have some luck left. While mindlessly walking through the halls, you found yourself back to the boys. Stan’s nowhere to be found, maybe still changing.

“Dude, only 20 minutes have passed yet you look like sleep deprived.” Kyle spotted you, before you reached their circle. “You think I don’t know that? What am I gonna do?” You whined, shaking Cartman who’s trying to get away from you. “Kyle says you’re looking like a homeless, and get away from me! You stink!”

Kenny on the other hand was lost in thought, not that it was unusual since he doesn’t ramble more often. You just noticed how deeply he’s staring at you. That made you stop bothering Cartman and gave the blondie a questioning look. Kenny became embarrassed at how you noticed him staring, he just shrugged at you.

You know he’s up to something.

“What? Spill it.” You crossed your arms.

“You should wear it.”

“Wear what?”

“Wear that bralette.” Kenny didn’t hesitate.

You just stared at him blankly, then smiled. “Fuck no.”

“Then rot in Stan’s vomit.” Cartman added and you sent him a glare.

You whine once more knowing Cartman has a point. You don’t have any options left since Wendy might’ve united the girls to side with her, Bebe and Red might not help you. Now that bralette which caused this whole mess is your only option. You wished that this is just a dream where nothing happened at all when you wake up.

“Ugh, okay…”

Kenny’s eyes beamed at your response, probably imagining what you’ll look like. You sent him a knowing glare threatening to poke his eyes out.

You just know that it’s humiliating that you’ll end up wearing the bralette you poked fun with Stan. This is not how the prank was supposed to go, it went the other way around.

You skipped a class today, smelling like vomit is a deal breaker for you to attend any class right now. Plus, you didn't have a proper conversation with Stan yet which makes the situation worse.

You went to your locker, retrieved the bralette and you hurriedly went to the bathroom to change in one of the cubicles. Thankfully, no one was at the restroom since everyone was in class. The bralette showed too much skin specially it is shaped like a butterfly. This isn't really your go to outfit which made you cringe a little.

Everyone might think you're showing off, and this is against dress code!

Washing the substance off your clothes made you struggle for a bit since it went all over it. You'll just have to do a good job wringing it dry. You still can't shake off the thought that Stan heard what you said. He might think that you're pining for him and torment you for that. Even so, he's not that bad compared to Cartman in terms of teasing. But still!

You don't really dislike Stan that much, but you're keeping a distance since you knew his history with Wendy. It's hard to come into terms that he may still have lingering feelings for Wendy from what you've heard from Nichole and the guys. Even though you know that he hated the pranks you've been pulling, you still hoped that in this way you get to have a unique connection with him, and well... catch his attention. Yet, you kind of hate yourself for catching his attention the wrong way.

After wringing out your clothes, you looked at yourself in the mirror and sighed. You can't keep doing this for long, you cringed at the thought that you've brought this to yourself. Maybe karma is hitting now.

"Hey, (Y/n)! Are you finished yet?! You're the one who has to explain why we're skipping class!" Cartman's banging was heard from the restroom door.

"I get it, fatso! You don't have to scream!"

"Oh, you'll pay for that, bitch!" He screamed once more. You rolled your eyes at this and started fixing your clothes and putting it in a plastic bag. You need to hurry home before this monstrosity smells. While packing, you realized that your sweater was also drenched. You look at yourself on the mirror then back at your sweater as it dawned on you that you'll definitely be getting a violation slip.

"Bro, my feet hurts from standing since Stan chose to be a bitch!" Cartman complained on the other side of the door. "Then sit!" Kyle retorted, "I'm not sitting on the floor, it's dirty! So, you better bend down and-"

"Hey guys..." Your head peeked from the bathroom door. "Can I ask you a favor please?" You plead, making you want the floor to eat you alive.

"What? Just come out." Kenny smirked knowing what you might be showing off. You only glared at him, "Can I please borrow one of you guys' jacket?"

"No, it's cold." Cartman crossed his arms.

"Sorry, (Y/n). It's also cold" Kenny chuckled but you know that he has other reasons why he doesn't want to lend his parka. You only flipped him off.

"(Y/n), why are you talking to us through the door? Can you please come out so we can talk properly?" Kyle genuinely asked, unaware of your state.

Even though embarrassed, you complied to his request. You stepped out while rubbing your other arm. The air is chilly which makes you shudder a bit. Cartman only looked at you in annoyance while Kyle was also embarrassed as he did not expect you to show too much skin.

"That's more like it." Kenny smirked. "Stop!" you groaned pushing his face away from you.

"Where's Stan?"

"Probably still fixing himself, he'll join us soon. Here I'll lend you my jacket for the mean time." Kyle took of his orange jacket off and you wear it, finally feeling comfortable. "Thanks! I owe you one." Kyle is really a life-saver, better than the other two assholes.

"You better use that debt into something useful." Kenny winked which once again earned a groan from you.

"You still have to help us issue an excuse letter from the clinic, you know, for Stan and us." You gave him a nod, Kyle is an academic achiever and you know he can't be ticked absent or it'll affect his grade.

You requested an approval on your excuse letters from the clinic for the class the five of you missed. Thankfully, the nurse fancied Kenny which made the whole deal quicker. Right after, the bell finally rung, a signal for lunch time.

"You guys go ahead, I'll just stuff my clothes in my locker." You left the group as you made your way back to your locker. They wave their goodbyes before going straight to the cafeteria.

After stuffing your locker with a plastic of wet clothes, you closed it and saw Stan walking to your direction. He looked better than before, finally wearing his signature red collared brown jacket. Before you could look away, he spotted you. You only froze at your spot unsure of what to do.

He stopped in front of you, "Why are you wearing, Kyle's jacket?" curiosity filled his eyes, assuming ways of why you're wearing another man's clothing.

"My clothes are wet, they're in my locker. So, I wore these." You explained, your snarky tone gone.

"Take it off."

"What? I-I can't-" Your eyes went wide, confused at his actions. Yet your body is responding to his request.

"Just take it off."

You unbuttoned Kyle's jacket revealing what you were wearing. Stan immediately looked elsewhere just realizing why you were wearing Kyle's. He rubbed his face with his hands and decided to take off his jacket.

Stan tried to not stare at your chest while handing you his jacket. He won't lie, you looked good in it. "Just wear this, fresh off from my locker."

You only stared at him dumbfounded while still doing what he says. "I thought this was soaked from earlier?" You grabbed his jacket while taking off Kyle's

He crossed his arms and leaned on the lockers, "You learn something when you used to be alcoholic." He replied hinting he keeps an extra.

The shuffling of clothes untangled the strap on your neck, which made you groaned. "Can you please help me?" You turned around exposing your back to Stan. This made him swallow as the thought of your skin comes contact with his fingers. "Please? My hands are full." You raised the two jackets placed on your arms.

"O-okay." He reached for the strings and tied it on your nape. He also sneakily checked you out. Not that you would know.

"Thanks!" You smiled and you finally wore his jacket, smelling the faint of his cologne. He really smelled nice and wearing it makes you feel butterflies.

He also smiled at you and took Kyle's jacket from and escorted you to the cafeteria. The moment was rare, as you always pick on Stan and ran away from him. The feeling was surreal like something was going on between the two of you, but little did you know that the feeling was mutual.

As you reached the guys' table, the three of them greeted you as you sat across each other. The boys exchanged knowing looks while you were preparing to sit. You were seated next to Cartman and Stan was sitting next to Kyle. Stan handed Kyle his green jacket. "Did I smell bad?" Kyle asked kind of anxious. "No, you didn't." You gave him a reassuring smile.

"Looks like someone was jealous." Kenny chuckled while sipping on his juice. Kyle only nudged him.

Stan cleared his throat and proceeded to eat his lunch while the guys talk about different things as usual. You remained quiet and answered when asked until you remembered something.

"So... where you sick earlier?"

The guys stopped talking and looked at Stan, waiting for his answer. Stan only hummed and continued eating. This made you confused, then why were they making fun of him if he was sick?

"Then, why did Cartman associated it with being turned on?"

Kenny smirked at this while Kyle only minded his business. Eating. The redhead doesn't want to interfere since his best friend prevented him earlier. The table only went silent which made you feel horrible as it may be something that's personal and private.

"I-I'm sorry, I was just--"

"Jesus Fucking Christ! It's because he likes you, goddamnit!" Cartman screamed, itching to spill the beans. He's annoyed at the romcom happening in front of his food. He attracted the attention of the whole cafeteria which earned chuckles and cheers from everybody.

Your face went red and you feel small from the recognition. You looked at Stan who was surprised at the whole scene. This made you feel uneasy as he might object from Cartman's declaration.

"Is it true?" You asked, heart pounding and ringing was all you could hear as your eyes were fixed on him. You saw him tense at his seat which made your heart drop. Stan saw you frown from his lack of response which made him panic. He only nodded at you, trying to contain the food he just ate.

"Well, I like you too." You smiled at him, yet on the inside, you're panicking and screaming. Finally letting it out of you system and knowing that he likes you too.

Stan was also blushing as he puts his hands to cover his mouth.

"Don't even think about it, Stan. Not in front of my food or I'll end you. And you, (Y/n), we didn't invite you here for some romcom shit." Cartman threatened as he ate his meal.

[cockypark]

a short trans kyle fic for @kylematthewbroflovski! @spinthetags

word count: 806

Wendy drapes a towel over Kyle’s shoulders. There are hand towels on both sides of the bathroom counter, one with scissors and an electric razor, the other with a standard hairbrush and comb and a spray bottle. Looking at it spread out feels sort of medical to Kyle. Technical. Sterile. Nervousness builds. He wipes his palms on his jeans. “Should we put a towel on the floor?”

Wendy whips around. “No. We’ll just vacuum. My mom has the Dyson.” She was in the midst of her cleanfreak phase, so any stray hair was a threat. Despite that, she was extremely supportive of this decision.

Supportive and ambitious, it turned out. The day after they hatched the plan, Bebe asked Kyle if he was comfortable with her cutting his hair. “Wendy just doesn’t know anything about curly hair. Don’t you want the big chop to be good?” She was very convincing. Her hair was always in beautiful ringlets. Kyle struggled to tuck as much of his hair into his hat as possible. He did want this haircut to be good.

Wendy safety pins the two ends of the towel together. She looks at Kyle and his massive halo of red hair. A part of her is sad to see it go. It will never be this long again. Wow. “Sit up straight.”

Bebe and Wendy squeal when they see each other, and Bebe squeals when she sees Kyle’s hair. She is not hesitant to stick her hands right in. “I’ve always wanted to see it down!” He supposes it’s objectively nice hair. His mom was always after him to do something with it. He didn’t like to think about it as a part of him. Soon, it wouldn’t be.

Bebe eyes the equipment Wendy laid out. She goes into her own bag that Wendy is outraged she even brought and comes out with a wide toothed comb and a special brush. Bebe is outraged to find out Kyle isn’t familiar with any of it. “Maybe it’s best that you’re getting rid of it,” she muses. He couldn’t agree more.

It starts easily enough. Bebe gathers all his hair in one bushy ponytail and uses the razor to cut through it all. Kyle keeps his eyes shut tight. When it’s over, she holds the ponytail out. He can’t believe it came from him. It doesn’t look like his hair. Before he can get emotional about it, Wendy and Bebe start cheering. They’re shaking his shoulders and giggling. He laughs, too. He feels lighter.

It takes most of the afternoon. Bebe is dedicated to her craft. She blames it on Kyle’s hair. “So much detangling. Do you even condition?” Fine, it was both of their faults. It could have taken all night and he would have been happy it happened at all.

Assuringly, Bebe says several times, “I’m so good at this.” She wants to be a beautician for a living. Kyle thinks it must be nice to see that far into the future. He’s still trying to figure out who he is. At the final reveal, he thinks if she makes people feel this good, she should pursue it.

“So? What do you think?”

Kyle touches the perfect curl front and center. Then the full top. Then the sides. His hair has never been this short. He has never felt more like himself. “I love it. Thank you, Bebe.”

Bebe wraps her arms around his shoulders tightly. They don’t know each other that well, but it feels full of love. “I’m so happy. You look so good.”

“Very handsome,” Wendy adds. She hugs him, too, once he’s free of hair clippings.

“Nice Jewish boy,” Bebe sings from the bathroom. She was left with the mess. “Very handsome Jewish boy, going to impress Stan on Monday.”

Kyle rubs his neck sheepishly. The lack of hair is thrilling. “I don’t know, I-”

“Have my blessing,” Wendy interrupts. “You guys are better friends than we ever were, and are going to make a hell of a better couple.”

It’s not the first time she’s said that. Kyle can’t help feeling bad. He was friends with Wendy first, then made best friends with her boyfriend, and now he had a crush on him. It was not good friend behavior.

“It’s all girl code, anyway. You’re free.”

Then again, Bebe had her own share of bad friend behavior, and there were no hard feelings. Wendy is going after Tolkein, anyway.

“Free” is exactly how Kyle feels. He goes home feeling the best he ever has. He can’t take his hands off of it. He doesn’t even care what his mom is going to say. She had consented to the haircut. It didn’t matter if it’s what she had in mind or not, it’s what Kyle wanted. Besides, she couldn’t make it grow back.

~

if you like this please consider checking out my ao3! and if you're really interested, i am opening commissions :)

[shhh-secret-time]

Lucky Number 13, Baby

"Definitely need a chapter 2, So take your looks at comments.

This is what I'm made of. Torn jeans, tattoos, and stray child terror!

Lucky Number 13, baby!"

Chapter 1

Her tongue pushes against the small black rings on her bottom lip, knocking the hoops from side to side. The poor teacher's voice seemed to fade further and further away as she continued the rythmatic clicking. She knew she'd regret not paying attention later when she was struggling to do the homework the teacher was sure to assign her and the rest of the class, but right now her mind was elsewhere.

It was outside the classroom, wandering around to nothing. Her thoughts bouncing around in her head like that old DVD symbol not quite hitting the corner of the screen. That's what she'd compare it to anyway when she went absent minded like this. Right now, the only thing on her mind was the pack of cigarettes tucked away in the faded oversized varsity jacket, big blocky white letters with her last name printed on the back.

Wellman. 13.

Lucky number thirteen given to her when she joined the school's basketball team, something she wore like a badge of honor. The jacket grew with her developing character from the patches going down the arm of the sleeves to the old energy drink stains down the front. Because of the nasty habit, the jacket had the scent of cigarettes trapped inside it; holding the contraband in the deep pockets.

The lip rings were supposed to be a way to stop her from smoking, again something she just told herself to justify the reckless D.I.Y piercings she gave herself. The crumbled pack rolled in her palm, probably crushing them further, but it helped the itch in her palm. The need to just hold it in her lips and taste the burn in the back of her throat. She bit her lip rings again and let out a little exhale, knocking her boots together before perching one on top of the other.

Fuck this wasn't helping. Maybe she could slip out with the typical bathroom excuse. Pulling the nurse card wouldn't work, the nurse hated her. Too many trips after a night of drinking and using the nurse's office as an excuse to get a few extra minutes of sleep. An energy drink was starting to sound good right now, her body just craved something terrible. Something that would shave a few years off her life.

Yeah, that sounds good.

"Jean. Jean!"

Her head snaps towards the front of the classroom when she hears her name being bellowed by the teacher. The frown and disapproving look told her everything she needed to know that she was in trouble. Jean sat up in her chair and gave the teacher a sheepish smile. The braided pigtails resting on her shoulder swung forward as she did.

"Hey teach~. You uh.... you wanted something?" Jean bit back a smile trying to creep up across her lips, but the snickers in the classroom weren't helping.

"As a matter of fact, you can. You can answer number thirteen on the board like I asked you to a minute ago." If looks could kill Jean would be dead three times over.

"Not what I meant when I asked for something to shave years off my life, universe." She thought to herself as her eyes scanned the whiteboard.

It wasn't the silence or the group of eyes on her that was the problem, it was the anticipation; the fact that class wouldn't continue until either the teacher gave up or she gave an answer. Jean squints a few times like she's trying to come up with an answer, even going so far as to cock her head. Her eyes bounced away from the board for a moment over towards the only person she knew would throw her a lifeline, the only person who was smart enough to know the answer to any of these questions.

Wendy Testaburger, who always sat at the front with perfect posture and perfect hair. Perfect clothes and with perfect grades to match. Now Jean was banking on her perfect mind, and she could see it in those perfect eyes that Wendy knew it. She watched as the ravenette sighed and mouthed at her.

Jean's face lit up with a grin. That's another I.O.U for Miss Testaburger.

"Why teach, I think the definition of a long... longitutde-", she squints back over towards Wendy again who only rolled her eyes and mouthed-, "longitudinal! Longitudinal wave caused by vibrations and carried through a substance of sort would be a... sound wave." Jean ends the sentence with a relaxed smile and a click of her tongue.

"What the fuck does longitudinal even mean?!"

Jean wasn't expecting the teacher to lighten up when she gave him the answer, in fact, him pinching the bridge of his nose was about par for the course. It wasn't the first time the man tried to single her out, but here of late it felt like every other day he was trying to make her choke. Like he was trying to make her feel bad for staring off into space. Some part of her knew that responding with shitty remarks didn't help, but if he wanted to pick, she could pick back.

"Right. Jean, stay after class, we can talk about how the only reason why you're barely passing my class is because of Miss Testaburger. Wendy stop encouraging Miss Wellman's behavior." His tone was cold and dismissive as he turned back to the board to continue his lesson.

"Yes sir."

It was one thing to scold her, but Wendy? Jean's heart sunk a little in her throat, the feeling of guilt clawing its way up to the back of her mind. Yeah, she owed her big time. The rest of the class was a blur if she wasn't checked out before she was now. Confining herself to her own little mind prison again. Lucky number thirteen indeed. When the bell rang, it was like a weight was lifted off her shoulders.

"This prisoner is free to go with parole!"

She slung the canvas messenger back over her shoulder and made a beeline towards Wendy's desk. Her boots nudged the side of the desk in her hurried attempt to catch the woman, her hands coming down on the desk in a desperate attempt to make it look natural.

"Wemdy!" The nickname slips past her lips with a little chirp. "Hey, I'm super sorry about that! I didn't mean to get you in trouble with the teach! Between you and me I think the dude's got it out for me, he's got such a stick up his ass." She whispers that last part.

She's expecting that perfect smile. That perfect little giggle she does when the girls say something funny or when she receives a compliment, Wendy was always the type to get flustered from praise. But when she doesn't even smile at her she goes pale, that feeling of guilt rears its ugly head again. It's worse when she realizes Wendy isn't even mad, little flashes of pity come across her face.

"Jean, it's fine. Just please try to pay more attention. I can't keep getting in trouble for you."

"You won't! I mean, I will! I was just kinda having an off day, you know how it is!" The desperation in her voice to fix the little situation she's put herself in comes off a little too strong for her liking.

"You're always having an off day. Look, I know it's hard and you know I'm always going to help you if you need me...just don't abuse it okay?" Wendy finally gives her that smile as she stands up, the tension in the air being worked out like a sore muscle.

"Right...look I'll make it up to you! I promise! You saved my ass again Testaburger, you're a hero! Queen shit for real for real!"

Jean grins at her when Wendy finally lets out that laugh. Her shoulders relax and she can feel stomach start to settle again. She felt like a junky who finally got a fix, the rush of withdrawal into the rapture of her smile.

"That's three now you owe me Jean, expect me to collect soon."

"Anything you want~ you just gotta name it beautiful." Maybe the wink was a little unnecessary, but it got the results when Wendy laughed again.

"Careful, I wouldn't go flirting with me when you still have to stay after class. I'm not really into rule breakers." Jean can feel her stomach do flips when she pokes her nose.

"Ah if I can't flirt with my homies before getting yelled at, am I really living?" She jokes back with a little shrug.

Wendy smiles at her and shakes her head before speaking. "Seriously though Jean, I know you mean well. But you've gotta get it together, okay? I'm not here to lecture you but...we're seniors about to graduate. Have you even thought about if you're going to college or not."

That knot in her stomach returned, the subject made everything numb. It used to make her feel sick, nowadays it just doesn’t make her feel at all. Static on a tv was a good way to describe it, drawing a blank whenever the talk of the future came up. Her hands go for the pack of cigarettes again taking comfort in the smooth plastic.

"Uh...well I don't think I'm going to college; school clearly isn't my scene. I was thinking..." She stops as Wendy picks up her textbook and tucks it into her arms, "...doesn't matter! I'll figure it out Wens, you've done enough for me today! I won't burden you with this!"

Her tone changes, but she's not fooling anyone. The grin on her face doesn't reach her eyes, and she knows it. Wendy isn't stupid. It's a losing battle to try and fool her. But thankfully, she doesn't pry.

"Well, when you are ready to talk about it, Kyle, Heidi, and I started a little group to try and help other students figure out where they want to go after they graduate. You should come to one!"

"Isn't that Macky's job?"

The two stare at each other for a while until Wendy raises a brow at her. Then it's laughter that echoes the classroom. A silent joke shared between friends.

"Right. I'll think about it, Wens."

"Nope. I'm cashing in those favors; you're coming to at least three of the meetings. One with me, one with Heidi, and one with Kyle."

"No! Wait come on just make me do something embarrassing or ask me to play smoke on the water like everyone else fucking does." Jean's desperation was back, the shameless begging turned to whining.

"Nope. I've made up my mind. You want to make it up to me Jean you'll come to these meetings to better yourself. I'm only doing this because I love you." Wendy turns and pokes her nose again but this time it's not as cute as it was the first time.

"Fuck, god damn it woman. Fine. Just text me the deets and I'll be there." Her hands come up to the bright purple and pink slouch hat on her head, pulling it down over her eyes.

"I'll do you one better! We made little cards!" Wendy fishes into her purse and pulls out a vanilla business card with the three last names written on the bottom.

She was almost impressed, the handwriting had to be Heidi's just from the way the dots above the i's looked so bubbly. From under the brim of her hat she skimmed over the card, taking note of the classroom they were using to host the little meetings. It looked like the hours were strictly after school and that they tried to work around any other after school activities. That meant using basketball as an excuse was out of the question.

"You guys really went all out. So... next Tuesday I just show up?"

"Yep! Trust me, this will be really good for you! I'll see you later, okay? Oh! I hope you don't get detention again." She gives her a little look of pity again before she leaves, a small squeeze of her hand and she's bolting out the door.

That look of pity felt different than the other one, it left Jean glued to her spot. Standing there wondering why, why did it feel different? The first time it almost felt like Wendy felt sorry for her, sorry that she was the way that she was.

"No. Wendy wouldn't think like that. Not Wendy." Her thoughts were getting louder as students moved past her towards the door. "You should be sorry you are the way that you are. You got in her trouble. You're making her drag you to that stupid meeting, making her waste her time on you."

That little voice that wasn't quite hers rang out in her mind, its fists banging against her temples like a hammer on a nail. She swallows the lump in her throat as she shoves the card in her coat pocket, shaky hands crushing the card.

Before the ice could settle in her veins her phone buzzed, breaking her out of the little trance she was falling into. Her hands find the small device and pull it out of her pant pocket, and for the second time that day she feels like she's been thrown a lifeline.

Stan "The Man" Marsh - 1:02pm

Starks Pond after school? We can grab a case on the way.

Yeah, that sounds really good.

Prologue | 1 | 2

[spwastedaffairs]

[SIDE CHAPTER ONE]

[DATE] September 10th, 2022

[TIME] 11:55 PM

"Sooo?" Bebe glanced over her shoulder at Wendy, who was peering into the bathroom mirror. Her best friend spun around and arched an eyebrow at Bebe's questioning tone. "So??" Wendy repeated, her voice laced with confusion.

Bebe's lips curled into a sly smirk as she turned to face Wendy. "How do you feel?" she asked, her eyes twinkling with mischief. Wendy's brows furrowed in confusion, unsure of what Bebe was referring to.

"About what?" Wendy walked past Bebe and washed her hands in the sink, shooting a quick glance in the mirror at her reflection. Bebe huffed in disbelief, rolling her eyes in annoyance. "Wendy, please. You know what I'm talking about."

Wendy looked up at Bebe, still not quite grasping the situation. "Yet, I don't know," she replied, her voice fading into confusion. 

Bebe was relentless, refusing to let the subject drop. "What do you think about Stan and y/n?" she smirked in the mirror, knowing full well what she was doing. 

Wendy's eyes widened in surprise, her mind racing with thoughts as she struggled to come up an answer. "Nothing..." she trailed off, her hands fidgeting with her jean skirt. 

"So you're telling me you have no feelings about  your ex-best friends dating your ex-boyfriend?" Bebe asked, determined to get a reaction out of Wendy. 

Wendy's expression shifted, a hint of sadness creeping into her eyes. "It's complicated," she replied softly, her thoughts drifting to the past. "But if they're happy, then that's all that matters." 

Bebe nodded in agreement, "Yeah, you're right," she said sincerely, placing a hand on Wendy's shoulder. "But if you ever need to talk about it, I'm here." 

Wendy smiled in gratitude, appreciating the support of her best friend. "Thanks, Bebe," she said, feeling a sense of relief wash over her. "I'm glad we talked about it." 

Bebe and Wendy walked out of the bathroom, their footsteps echoing through the empty hallway. Bebe had a pensive look on her face, while Wendy appeared unperturbed. But as soon as they exited the restroom, Bebe spoke up. "But don't you think it's kind of weird?" she asked, her voice low. "I mean, you knew Stan longer than he's known Y/n." 

Wendy stopped in her tracks and turned to face Bebe, her expression suddenly serious. "I know, but Y/n and him just have this...connection, you know?" she said, shrugging nonchalantly. "It's hard to explain." 

Bebe didn't look convinced. "I don't know...maybe they were talking wayyy before you and Stan broke up," she suggested, her eyes darting around the hallway as if searching for something to distract her from the awkwardness of the conversation. 

Wendy furrowed her brow. "What do you mean?" she asked. 

Bebe shrugged her shoulders again. "I don't know. Maybe they've been secretly talking for months, and you just didn't know about it." 

Wendy felt a knot tighten in her stomach. The mere thought of Y/n and Stan secretly communicating behind her back made her feel sick. But at the same time, she pushed the thought away, dismissing it as ridiculous. 

The two girls walked on in silence, lost in their own thoughts. Wendy couldn't help but replay the conversation in her mind, wondering if Bebe was right. Did Y/n and Stan have a deeper connection than she knew about? And if so, what did that mean for her and Stan? 

As she walked down the hallway alone, Wendy couldn't shake the feeling of unease that had settled over her.

[WENDY’S RELATIONSHIP STATUS HAS BEEN UPDATED]

[RELATIONSHIP LOG ; WENDY'S POV]

BEBE: Best friends ; extremely close - 100/100 Trust

KENNY: Somewhat friends ; somewhat close - 77/100 Trust

KYLE: Somewhat friends ; somewhat close - 73/100 Trust

TOLKIEN: Awkward friends ; not too close - 55/100 Trust

STAN: Ex-Boyfriend ; not too close - 51/100 Trust

Y/N: Awkward friends ; suspicious - 42/100 Trust

ERIC: Acknowledged ; not close at all - 21/100 Trust

[spikedsoul]

maid's worst nightmare - ch 22

here we are! enjoy bowser starting to sink a little deeper

previous chapters

@sovereign-of-succ

"It's a little small, isn't it?"

You looked up at Bowser, frowning a bit, your hands on your hips. Bowser, unsurprisingly, was smirking, clearly pleased with himself.

"Nah, it'll be fine," he insisted. "Just give it a try, handmaid."

You pursed your lips and looked back down at it. It really wasn't what you usually went for, but at the moment it was either this or nothing, and it was pretty cute…

"Alright, fine," you sighed dramatically. Bowser pumped his fist in triumph, hissing in delight as he shoved it into your hands. You curled your fingers around it before or could slip out of your hands and promptly turned for the bathroom. "But no comments if it doesn't look good, got it?" You wagged your finger at him just before shutting the door.

You sighed again as you looked down at the dress in your hands. Apparently Kamek had found it hidden away in a chest somewhere and figured it would be something you could fit into, and Bowser himself had somehow come up with a pair of biker shorts for you to wear underneath. At the very least, the clothes were freshly washed instead of the few-day-old ones you were wearing now.

The dress went about to your mid thigh once you had it on, which made you eternally grateful for the shorts. The skirt had a cute little flare to it and swished rather nicely when you twisted your hips. The top was a halter style, which wasn't your favorite since it exposed your shoulders and bra straps, but you'd have to deal for now.

Kamek insisted he'd have better clothes for you by dinner so you could only hope some of them were a little less revealing.

"Hurry up, Bethicca," Bowser snorted impatiently just outside the door.

Okay. Bethicca wasn't one you'd heard before and you couldn't stop your laugh at the absurdity of the mishmash name. Maybe he'd come up with some other names during your stay that you could use to confuse people even further.

"Bethicca?" You grinned as you swung the door open.

Bowser's jaw dropped as he gaped at you. Your grin faded a little, your amusement quickly replaced with self consciousness.

Don't freak out, Bethicca… Ludwig said yesterday that Bowser wasn't exactly used to spending time around women. Either he was about to make a crass comment to save face, or he would genuinely compliment you and you could feel good about yourself… hell, you'd actually take an insult, too, because you could play off of it.

"Ya look - uh - I mean - that dress - nice–" The king struggled. He gestured to you, mouth flapping uselessly a few times and eyes flicking up and down your form, then he pointed toward the bedroom door. "Kids–"

Okay… yeah. That made you feel pretty good that just putting on a dress made a king speechless.

You smiled at him and moved to head on your way. Unsurprisingly, his head swiveled on his neck as you passed by him; his hand lifted like he wanted to stop you, but ultimately he just let you go.

"Uh… lunch… here… b-be here," he managed to get out as you opened the door.

You chuckled, turning to smile at him just to see if it would have an effect. "Yessir," you chimed. His mouth at least snapped shut but you left before you saw any further reaction, a small bubble of giddiness forming in your chest.

It honestly made you feel pretty good that you could turn at least one head just from putting on a dress. It had been way too long since you'd felt that good about yourself!

But you had a job to do, so while you kept your happy mood, you focused on finding your way to Wendy's room first. It was getting a little easier to navigate the halls so soon enough you arrived at her door. You hadn't noticed earlier when you got ushered in from getting frostbite, but her door had a fashion poster on it, which you found to be rather fitting for the stylish koopa girl.

You knocked, loud enough to hear, but clearly not her dad, and waited. After what felt like minutes (but probably wasn't even thirty seconds) the young princess opened the door.

"Oh, Maidie," Wendy blinked in surprise. "No wonder you didn't just barge in like dad does. You look awfully cute and happy today, what's up?"

You smiled at Wendy. "I'm in charge of coming to check on you all today," you explained. "And while I'm here I just wanted to thank you again for helping me after that blizzard. How do you race when there's such an environmental threat?"

"Oh." She waved away your thanks like it was no big deal and grabbed your hand, gently tugging you into her room. "When the track is in use, it generates enough heat to prevent risk of hypothermia. Plus, humans don't usually race on our track out of season."

You blinked as you allowed her to pull you toward her bathroom. "Right…" you replied, more or less just to indicate you'd heard, but you were now more concerned about what she planned to do with you.

Clearly, Wendy picked up on your mild anxiety and glanced back at you with a little smile. Instead of saying anything, though, she lightly patted your hand and guided you to sit in a chair in front of her bathroom counter.

A large mirror backed the counter, much too big for such a small koopa, with lights sounding the edges like a backstage makeup booth. You had to shield your eyes briefly when she flicked them on. But she didn't even flinch, just diving into her drawers like a girl on a mission.

"Hey, Wendy? What are we doing?"

"It's not obvious?" she scoffed, practically slamming a hair dryer onto the counter. "I'm gonna make you look like a princess, duh." Various makeup pallets and sticks and brushes quickly followed suit. "Princess Peach never lets me touch her unless it's an emergency, but now I have you to play with! Uh… you've already put lotion on those cheeks, right?" She caught your eye in the mirror.

You sighed, but smiled and nodded. "Yeah, your dad won't let me forget to keep my face and hands moisturized."

Wendy giggled quietly, making your eyes narrow suspiciously at her, but she just grabbed the first tube of foundation. "Well, you look so pretty in that dress, let's just finish the look! I'll style your hair a bit, too, but it's actually pretty decent just as is."

"Well, thanks, I guess. Considering I don't have any of my normal products, that's good to know." You chuckled softly and settled into the chair to let her experiment to her heart's content. You just ate breakfast, so you had quite a few hours to kill before you had to be back at the room for lunch.

"Okay, Maidie! When I'm done, you won't even recognize yourself!"

"I do still have to check on the others…" you reminded her softly.

She rolled her eyes at you. "Oh don't worry, I'll be done pretty quick once I get your skin tones. Now shut up and sit still!"

Ahh… kids were so sweet.

[the-lighthouse-lit]

I was tagged by @cruulsummer

The rules are simple - find a sentence, or excerpt, that includes the words you’re given and paste it in, and include a link to the finished story if you want. But honestly, these are guidelines at best - do what you want.

I’m tagging: @lunarmoment @scorpioaqua @laestrellapanda @raevenlywrites @blushroomx @fiora-miriel

My words to find: Red - Sleep - Writhe - Shallow - Bet - Safe - Look - Anger - Help

Your words are: Intention - Suit - Dark - Smirk - Heavy - Spread - Music - Stop - Alcohol

Red and Help (double whammy because it’s a long bit!) from The Invention of Gravity (a Gravity Falls 1800’s AU that will probably never be finished…):

“What’s your name?��� Mabel asked.

“Wendy Corduroy!” Grunkle Stan shouted from the ground. The three looked down. “Get in here!”

Wendy descended from the tree in a series of exact movements that told the twins she’d been slowing down for them before. The twins observed as she ran into the house after their uncle, long red hair mostly out of its cap flowing freely behind her.

The two looked at each other, finding themselves higher up the tree than they’d ever intended, and now alone.

“…How do we get down?” asked Dipper.

Inside, Wendy Corduroy was telling Stan, “I can chop wood, make pegs, I can empty up a mattress and fill it up and sew it back up again with help, I can almost cook on the spit without burning it, and I can clean and shoot a rifle.”

“You’re already hired, Miss Corduroy, I spoke with your papa,” Stan told her.

Sleep from There’s Probably a Moral at the End Somewhere (my Teen titans play-format Fairytale AU, posted here)

STARFIRE: She is floating two feet above the ground. You who know her best, is this how she sleeps?

ROBIN: I don’t even know if she sleeps. I don’t know anything about her. And everything I thought I knew about her was wrong.

I’ve got nothing for Writhe, or Squirm, or Thrash, so I offer you Struggle lol, from a roooough draft of my original story Surot (found absolutely nowhere):

“But if the bathrooms are closed, you can get the key from the hut over there, just ask for Laura…”

I stopped myself. Stella looked kind of jittery and nervous. When I’d motioned to the bathroom she’d dove forth, and now that I’d presented her with a challenge, her eyebrows arched, like she was slightly shocked she’d have to struggle in this way—or like she was calculating she’d spent too long talking to the class freak and was panicking about it.

“Hold on,” I say, and I hold my camera to my chest as I go to the hut myself, all the while wondering why I insist on doing things for pretty girls. It made me feel like a boy. Or like a rough maid from a period drama doing stuff for her delicate ladies.

Shallow from The Club of Unauthorized Heroes Year 3 (yet unpublished):

Dick’s breaths were shallow. His mind was stuck on the here and now. He felt like he should be reviewing the mission—searching for where they went so wrong. But really all he could think about was how much Gar hated hospitals. How annoyed he’d be when he woke up.

Bet from Feral (an entry for BBRae Week 2022, found here):

“That was cool. Quick and clean. Bit sloppy at the end, though. Anyone could see what you were doing.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” The girl’s voice was a grave whisper. Nearly a hiss.

“You chose a good area, too,” Gar went on regardless. “Lots of distracted loaded pockets around. I bet there’s even some left for me.”

Safe from Over Again (my Teen Titans-Miraculous Ladybug AU, first two chapters found here):

He took in her sarcasm and decided to one-up her. “Hm. You tell your crush you like them yet?”

She groaned, all her coolness gone. “I never should have told you about that.”

“But you did,” he reminded her with a big grin.

And she still didn’t know why. How had she told Beast Boy when she hadn’t even told Kori? She guessed she felt he was safe. Kori might try to set her up with Gar if she knew; it wouldn’t take her long to figure out who her crush was. But Beast Boy was detached from her world—he went to her school, but he couldn’t let her know that.

Look from The tide is full, the moon lies fair (my only She Ra fanfic, a Seamista oneshot, posted here):

He laughed, and it rumbled through his chest. “Really. A small fire. Without me needing to be there?”

“Maybe the venue missed you,” she returned, moving away to look at his face—his handsome face with the jaw and the ridiculously sharp moustache and the hyper-expressive eyes. She’d missed the chance to really look at it, before.

She tilted her head up to kiss him, and the whole world fell into place. To come back into his arms after a long time was a feeling she wouldn’t trade for anything.

And finally, Anger from The Club of Unauthorized Heroes Year 2 (which is published here, but not this bit yet!):

Gar looked back and forth between the faces in the car windows. “Jen?” He turned to Terra, whose face turned from anger to panic when he did.

“You haven’t figured it out yet, slug-face?” taunted Mikron. “Are we gonna have to spell it out for you?”

“Figure out what?” Gar returned. “That you’re Hive? We knew that for ages.”

“Do you wanna tell him?” Baran asked Terra. He was clearly having the time of his life.

[bellysoupset]

Can we please get some sick Leo with caretaker Wendy? I'm dying to know how each of them would react in a situation like that and how it would affect them in the long run considering Leo's dislike of her.

They could be out, encountering each other accidentally and Leo having no choice but accept her help or something. I'm just really curious to see how it would play out.

- 💜

Hi 💜!! I'm sorry this took so long! Have a long fic as payback. Another anon also asked for "Jonah has to leave and Wendy comes to take care of Leo", so here you go!

-----

Leo's stomach was a mess.

He had woken up nauseous and spent good twenty minutes sitting in the bathroom, expecting something to come up, but nothing did. Now he was sitting by the kitchen counter, head in hands as he watched JD happily munch on her food bowl.

"Morning, love," Jon's voice was deep and scratchy from sleep as he stumbled out of the bedroom and pressed a kiss to Leo's temple, zombie walking straight to the coffee machine.

Leo let out a groan, leaning forward and resting his cheek on his arms, watching his boyfriend move around. Jonah was still half asleep, so he wasn't paying any mind to the fact Leo was two shades paler than normal and clammy too.

He moved on autopilot around the kitchen, filling up his favorite large mug with coffee and crouching down to pet JD as he drunk it. After the third or fourth gulp, though, he finally seemed awake enough to look at Leo.

Jon frowned, "what's wrong?"

Leo shrugged, "upset stomach, that's all," he said, although he really wanted to be babied. He felt terrible, "I think I'm going back to bed."

"Do you feel nauseous or is it just aching?" Jon frowned, getting up from his position and walking to the medicine cabinet, "Leo?"

"Nauseous," he said, holding his belly. It was bloated and the smallest amount of pressure caused it to gurgle loudly, "crampy too."

"Did you try eating anything?" Jon asked, grabbing three different medications. He stepped closer, cupping Leo's face and then let out a relieved sigh, "you're not feverish."

"I really don't wanna eat anything, Jon," Leo grimaced, "my belly is really sour."

"You barely ate at dinner yesterday," Jonah frowned, his hand still cupping Leo's cheek, "were you already feeling sick?" there was an edge in his voice. He hated not being in full control of the situation.

Leo shook his head, "no, I just wasn't hungry."

"Well the nausea is probably hunger, baby," Jonah sighed, "at leat eat one of my vertigo cookies, please?"

Leo groaned, but accepted the cookie and nibbled on it, while JD moved closer and climbed up his pajama pants so she could curl up on his lap.

They sat there for the longest time, Leo struggling to swallow down the dry cracker and Jonah rubbing his back, caught up in his own thoughts. A gurgle from Leo's stomach interrupted the peaceful silence and Jon frowned.

"Leo...?"

"I'm going back to bed," the blonde decided, swallowing as his mouth watered, the nausea making him slow as he patted JD's head and plopped her back down on the ground.

Jonah took a second to follow and when he did, he brought with him a bucket from their laundry, the pepto bottle and Leo's gym water bottle, "take one gulp of this," he instructed, throwing Leo the plastic pink bottle, setting down the bucket on the floor, next to his head and climbing on the bed too.

Leo obeyed, gulping down the sweet medicine before washing the taste off with a grimace, swishing the water around to make sure he had gotten everything. He turned on the bed, curling up and pressing his face to Jonah's chest.

Jon wrapped an arm around him, turning on the TV and lowering the volume, "try to nap."

Leo nodded, although he doubted he could nap with the way his stomach was churning. His skin was covered in goosebumps and he shuddered as another wave of nausea caused the stomach acid to splash on his throat.

Jon continued to rub his back, distracted by the documentary. After a few minutes of trying to nap, Leo rolled off of him, staring at the ceiling.

"It's not happening," he declared, when Jonah raised a questioning eyebrow.

"Are you gonna be sick?"

"I don't think so," Leo groaned, digging his fingers on his stomach, rubbing firm circles on, managing to make it gurgle and slosh, but nothing else, "it just feels really gross..."

"I have the antiemetics I take for vertigo," Jonah offered, "it might help with the nausea."

"Those are heavy drugs, babe," Leo shook his head, "I don't know if I should take them, I already take my regular meds."

Jonah frowned, he didn't think there would be any issues, but Leo was right. His medication was regulated and Jon wasn't a psychiatrist, he had no idea how it would interfere with Leo's antidepressants.

"I hate seeing you like this, baby," Jonah sighed, turning on the bed to get a better look at his boyfriend. He wasn't sure he believed Leo saying he wouldn't be sick, considering he was so pale he was transparent.

He sat there, quietly petting Leo's hair and waiting to see if he'd bolt from the bed. Leo gulped down nervously, eyes slipping closed with a grimace, but slowly the frown went slack as he started to drift off. Jonah didn't even consider stop petting his hair, in case this made Leo wake up.

Jon was caught up noticing the light freckles Leo had acquired in Italy, when his phone went off and startled them both. He scrambled to grab it, while Leo sat up in a rush, only to immediately regret it as nausea hit him like a truck.

"Fuck, I'm so sorry," Jonah exclaimed, struggling to mute the call, while Leo let out a moan and folded in half, arms wrapped around his stomach.

"Who is it...?"

Hospital was written across the screen and Jon cringed, "I'm sorry, I really gotta pick up..."

"It's fine," Leo mumbled, moving on the bed so he was sitting on the edge of it, shaky hands going for the water bottle, while his head hung.

Jonah's chest squeezed as he stepped out of the room to pick up his phone. He had been on call for a possible surgery he should assist and clearly nothing could ever have a good timing.

True to his prediction, the patient's condition had worsened and the responsible doctor had scheduled the surgery for that evening, giving Jonah one hour before he had to leave.

He sighed heavily, hating this turn of events and walked back inside the bedroom, "Leo, I have b- Leo?" Jonah frowned when he met an empty bed.

He crossed the room towards their suite and hesitated as he was about to knock on the door, before thinking Fuck it, and turning the knob already, "Leo..." Jonah swallowed down the stubborn sympathy nausea as he found, predictably, his boyfriend sitting before the toilet, hunched over it.

"What did the hospital want?" Leo groaned, rubbing his stomach with one hand, the other one supporting his head, elbow resting on the porcelain.

"I... I have to leave," Jonah bit his lip, worried, "I'm scheduled for a surgery in one hour."

"How glamorous," Leo snorted, without humor, and turned his head to look at him. He was covered in a thin layer of sweat and clearly feeling like death, "babe, you can go. I'm fine, it's just a stomachache."

"Nothing is ever just anything with you," Jon scowled, crossing his arms and glaring at Leo. He hated not being able to stay and take care of him, but mostly he hated the prospect of Leo being alone, "I'm calling someone to stay with you."

"A nanny," Leo deadpanned, raising an eyebrow, "I don't need a nanny, I'm twenty five."

Jonah ignored him, scrolling through his contacts. Lucas was an option yes, but even Jon felt bad calling the guy when he was in the middle of his honeymoon period. Vince was working, as he did all Saturday mornings, so that only left one option...

"Don't hate me, but I'm gonna call Wendy," He said and Leo's head snapped.

"Absolutely n-" he never finished the phrase, because just then his stomach decided it was done with him and vomit exploded out of his mouth, taking them both by surprise. It covered the arm Leo had planted on the toilet and a little bit splashed on the ground, but most of it made it to the bowl. Leo's shoulders jerked as he leaned in and continued to heave.

Jonah's stomach churned and he tasted his coffee, but he was getting very good at handling his sympathy nausea when it came to Leo. Worry overruled anything.

He grabbed a towel, throwing it on top of the sick covering Leo's arm and crouched down to rub his back, turning his face so he was looking the other way, "okay, get it up, at least you'll feel better..."

Maybe even better enough that Jon wouldn't have to call Wendy...?

However it was almost twenty minutes later when Leo managed to pull back enough from the bowl to breathe. He was drenched in sweat now and let out a little pitiful whine, leaning back against the bathroom wall.

"I'm so sorry, Leo, but there's no way I can leave you alone like this," Jonah said, flushing the toilet and starting to feel antsy. He couldn't leave, but he was already starting to run late.

"I survived stomach bugs on my own before," Leo groaned, his voice scratchy, "besides I'm just gonna go back to bed."

"Leo-"

"Please," Leo sighed, seeming very close to tears, "I feel horrible, I just wanna go back to sleep."

Jonah looked like he wanted to argue, but instead he nodded stiffily, "alright, baby, let's get you back in bed."

Leo's shoulders dropped with relief and he allowed Jonah to pull him up, gagging all over again when he attempted to brush his teeth and was forced to settle for mouthwash. He promptly curled up under the blankets, turning on his side so he'd have easy access to the bucket in case needed and closed his eyes.

"Good luck today," Leo mumbled and Jon let out a scoff, planting a kiss on the top of his head.

"I should be back in three hours, please, promise me you'll call someone if you get any worse or if the puking doesn't stop soon."

"Uh-hum," Leo hummed, not paying him any mind and Jonah hesitated leaving, before his phone alarm went off and he knew he had to run if he intended to disinfect before getting to the hospital.

----------

Wendy was crouched down on the floor of an antiques store that was nearby Vince's museum when her phone started ringing.

It wasn't even midday yet, so it definitely wasn't Vince, who only got out at 3 PM. She frowned, glancing at the screen and then pressing the phone to her ear with a smile.

"Hey, I was just thinking about you," Wendy babbled, "I found the cutest pair of cufflinks-"

"Wendy," Jonah interrupted her, "I'm on my way to the hospital, for a surgery, but Leo is home and he's in a bad shape. If I don't ring you back in three hours, could you swing by to check on him? Matthew already knows to let you up and you have my spare key."

He said it all in one breath and Wendy raised her eyebrows, "uh... Yeah, of course, honey. Whatever do you mean by bad shape?"

"Stomach bug," Jonah answered and Wendy let out a relieved breath she wasn't aware she was holding, "he didn't have a fever when I left, but Leo can go from zero to hundred really quick..."

"it's alright," she nodded, knowing she'd be calling just the same if their situations were reversed. Vince's fevers too were always high and dangerous, "I'll give it a couple hours and stop by to check on hi-"

"Don't tell him I sent you."

She let out a snort, rolling her eyes, "okay. What's the surgery you're going in for?"

"Coronary artery bypass."

"With Dr. Stewart?"

"Yeah."

"Oh honey, you're not coming home tonight. That man takes hours," Wendy said in an annoyed manner, "either way, have fun and don't worry about blondie, I got him."

"Thanks, Dee."

"Don't mention it," Wendy hung up, rising from her crouched down position with a groan and grabbing the cufflinks, to pay for.

True to her prediction, three hours passed and she didn't hear a thing from Jonah. She even called the front desk to make sure he was still in surgery and not back home and had forgotten to tell her.

Resigning to her fate, Wendy grabbed whatever she figured could be useful and drove to Jonah and Leo's place.

Matthew only smiled at her, not bothering calling up to announce her and Wendy let herself in the apartment.

JD immediately ran to her and Wendy let out a smile, crouching down, "hi sweetie," she whispered, petting the kitten and planting a kiss on her head, "where's daddy, uh? Wanna show me?"

As if understanding her, JD meowed, rubbing herself against Wendy's legs before turning around and wandering further in the apartment.

Wendy followed, bracing for the worse, only to be met with quite the mundane scene. Leo was half sitting up on the bed, watching TV, an empty bucket lying where was Jon's spot of the mattress.

"Jonah is such a mother hen," Leo scoffed upon seeing her, "hi Wendy."

"Hi," she leaned on the doorway, "you're not dying?"

He rolled his eyes, opening a small smile when JD climbed the bed and snuggled up on his side, "it's just a bug, I'm fine."

"Fever?"

"None last I checked," Leo shrugged and Wendy squinted at him.

"And when was that?"

He had the decency of blushing. She let out a huff, entering the room and circling the bed, going through her purse to grab her own thermometer and sticking it in his mouth when he opened it to complain.

"I'mfie" he mumbled and Wendy rolled her eyes, cupping his cheeks. In truth, he was not overly warm, just sticky with sweat.

They waited for the thermometer to beep and then Leo glared at her, holding up the device that read a perfectly normal temperature, "told you," he scoffed.

Wendy shrugged, "have you been keeping down water?"

"Yes, doctor."

"Any diarrhea?"

Leo's cheeks turned beet red, his glare more intense, "no, not that it's any of your busine-"

"Guess I'm going home then," Wendy got up from the bed, only to catch a glimpse of something on his face. She paused, putting the thermometer back in her purse, "no?"

Leo shrugged, "you already came over, might as well stay..."

She did her best not to smile in a smug manner or sound amused as she said, "alright, let me just ditch the shoes... Do you want something to eat?"

"I'd rather not get food poisoning on top of a stomach bug, thanks," Leo wrinkled his nose in a disdainful manner and Wendy rolled her eyes.

"Starve then," she said, not meaning it and walking out of the room in order to rid herself of her shoes and coat. Ignoring his previous answer, she searched the kitchen for the ingredients to make soup and then spent good ten minutes scrolling through google to find a recipe.

"You know," Leo mumbled, walking slowly into the kitchen, probably curious if she had left or not. He had brougth the blanket with him, wrapped around his shoulders like a cape and looked like death warmed over. JD was jumping at his foot, playfully trying to grab the tip of the blanket, "you don't need a recipe for soup, just boil some vegetables. It's really not that hard."

"Do you wanna make it yourself?" Wendy scoffed and Leo grumbled something uninteligible under his breath, before sitting down on the couch, observing her every move.

"Why'd you come here?" he asked after a minute and Wendy let out a frustrated huff.

"Because Jonah-"

"No, not here," Leo rolled his eyes, rubbing his chest in an uneasy manner, "I meant to town. To Maine. Why didn't you stay in NY?"

Wen frowned. Leo had never shown any interest on her life, this was out of the blue.

"Uhm..." She started peeling some carrots before throwing them in the pan full of water, "I needed a fresh start... Penn was great, but there were too many... Memories, I guess. Too close to home too."

"It's two hours away," Leo pointed out and Wendy shrugged.

"And Maine is seven and I'm happier this way," she finished throwing all the vegetables in the pot and put a lid on it, crossing her arms, "why are you asking?"

"I feel disgusting, just humor me, would ya?" Leo said, moving on the couch so he could better cuddle JD when she climbed it and curled up on his stomach, "talk with me."

Wendy sighed and walked to the living room area, sitting on the armchair across from him, "okay... What do you wanna know?"

"What are your parents names?" Leo smiled as JD headbutted his chin, purring like crazy, "are they assholes?"

"Lydia and Sheldon," Wendy rolled her eyes, picking at her nails, "they're jerks, they're not assholes."

He let out a little snort at the sentence, before grimacing and softly pressing on his stomach, pushing up a little sick burp, "and? We're having a conversation here."

"You're not collaborating enough for us to call it a conversation, it's more of an interrogatory. Why did you move here? I can hear the accent."

"They offered me a full ride," Leo shrugged, "they even paid my damn bus tickets."

Wendy raised her eyebrows, studying him, "so you didn't choose here?"

"I applied to a lot of places. As far away from home as I could and then I got the best deal," he closed his eyes, clearly looking uncomfortable but not by whatever he was sharing.

Wendy had a million questions she wanted to ask, but she settled for, "do you need the bucket?"

"No," Leo shook his head, throwing an arm around his stomach, "nothing left...UuUrogh-" a louder belch interrupted him, causing JD to meow in an indignant manner since her head was pressed to his collarbone, and he let out a relieved sigh, whole face ablaze, "to bring up."

Wendy squinted, not sure if she believed him or not and feeling amused by how embarrassed he clearly was. Leo muffled another tiny burp on his fist, then looked at her, "did you have a crush on Jon?"

She spluttered for air, before throwing her head back and laughing "oh is this why you hate me!?" Wendy cackled, earning a glare.

"No-"

"It totally is," Wendy's shoulders shook with giggles, "you think I'm pulling a Jolene on your man."

"I don't think that," Leo scoffed, his face even redder than before and moved his position again, clearly uncomfortable and embarrassed enough he couldn't stay put. It finally pissed off JD enough she moved away from him, curling up on the opposite end of the couch, "Wendy, shut up-"

"I never crushed on him, you're so ridiculous," Wendy giggled and Leo groaned, sitting up straight, facing the ground with his arms wrapped around his stomach.

"You're so fucking annoying."

"At least I wasn't convinced my gay boyfriend was going to run off with some girl-"

"It's not that," Leo sighed, swallowing convulsively, "it's not like that. You got here before we were together and I had never-"

Wendy frowned, her giggle fit fizzing out as she noticed two things: Leo looked dangerously close to throwing up again and he looked genuinely upset. He was being serious.

"C'mere," she got up, reaching for his arm and Leo easily allowed her to pull him to his feet, swaying dangerously so Wen wrapped an arm around his waist.

He slapped a hand over his mouth, voice coming out all muffled, "I have never seen Jon act like that with anyone."

"Like that?" Wendy pushed the guest bathroom door open with her hip, flipping on the lights and Leo curled up on the ground. He sat down, leaning over it to spit the thick saliva pooling on his mouth and then planted an elbow on the porcelain, a hand combing his hair back and staying there, supporting his head.

"So sweet- I didn't even know - When you got here, I thought he was dating you and I hated it," Leo said quietly, staring at the water and spitting again when the bitterness filled his mouth. He vaguely could feel Wendy fussing, her hand coming to rub between his shoulder blades.

She let out a huff, "you're so ridiculous being jealous of Jon, as if you're not everything he talks about all day, every day," Wendy said, thumb rolling on his nape in little soothing circles.

Leo let out a groan, not in response to her words, but when his stomach churned harder and he leaned even more forward, now bringing up a little bit of colored spit, "fuck..." he moved the hand that was bracing him against the wall and planted it on his stomach, "how can I still have anything to bring up?"

Wendy let out a sympathetic noise and rubbed his back, "you're almost through the bug," she said, which he figured wasn't wrong since he had stopped puking for the evening, but at the current moment felt like the biggest lie ever. He rocked on his heels, coughing up a thin stream of puke when his belly let out a loud gurgle.

Nothing felt settled and he pressed against his sick tummy, fingers digging in on the hurt organ as he gagged again.

"Leo, you're empty, honey," Wendy said quietly, touching his shoulder. Leo shook his head.

"I don't feel empty..."

"You are. You need to eat something," she straightened him up, "take a deep breath."

Leo sat back down, spine straight and hugged his stomach with both arms as she got him a glass of water and flushed the toilet. His mouth tasted terrible and his tummy was rolling around, despite the hollow sensation.

He wanted Jon, but saying that out loud sounded like asking to be teased, so he kept quiet. He glanced up when Wendy crouched back down again, holding the glass before his lips, "small sips," she instructed.

The water soothed his throat and he braced for it to land like a brick on his belly, but it actually felt slightly better. Leo let out a sigh, taking another sip, "thanks."

Wendy smiled, looking terribly soft for a second and Leo felt an urge to snap at her, if only to get rid of that fond little smile in the corner of her lip, "you're welcome."

He leaned back against the wall, "I'm glad you came."

"I- I'm glad I came t-" Wendy started to say, looking surprised and touched, so Leo interrupted.

"But you definitely can't cook, I can smell the soup burning from here."

[thecarnivorousmuffinmeta]

i am willing to sit through whatever criticism or opinions you have on shining, its adaptation or King in general, please, Muffin!

... I earned this, didn't I?

That's a lot of topics so I think I'll just talk about The Shining.

Personally, I like Kubrick's film adaptation better.

Some Background

King infamously initially despised Stanley Kubrick's film adaptation of The Shining. He really didn't pay too much attention to film adaptations of his work before that point (even the really shitty ones) but hated The Shining. (To this day, while he's calmed down, he still doesn't really like it all that much.)

This was, in part, because it's an extremely loose adaptation. It takes the setting, the premise, characters with the same name but the characters only share the same name.

In King's version, Jack is a good man, albeit with a predilection towards alcoholism, who is driven irrevocably mad by the hotel and has this tragic descent into becoming the hotel's pawn. Wendy has a much stronger personality, is less dependent on Jack who never saw Jack's madness coming (because it wasn't). Then we have the ending changing where Hallorann, Danny, and Wendy all escape and survive and the boiler explodes because Jack has been too busy going insane to remember his basic duties.

In Kubrick's version, Jack is a man very fragilely gripping sanity when he enters the hotel, who is enabled and driven on by the hotel and descends back into alcoholism and domestic abuse. Wendy is a mild-mannered woman who at first starts as an apologist for her husband, and then has to somehow find the will to fight back against him when he loses his mind. Then, of course, we have the ending where Hallorann dies and Jack freezes to death in the outdoor hedge maze.

Add into this that Jack is an SI for King himself (who struggled with alcoholism that has informed a lot of his books), and Jack starting out as this thinly veiled horrendous madman versus being an every man who is driven beyond the bend by the hotel, and you basically get something that isn't King's novel.

It's an adaptation that didn't actually care about adapting the core values of The Shining. Just the setting and the premise.

And I'm alright with that.

Why Kubrick Over King?

The Shining is one of the most visually stunning films to ever be made. It is infamous for a reason and has lasted so many decades in popular imagination for that same reason. Even though it was despised at the time it made an impression.

Everyone remembers the tricycle, the blood elevator, the lady in the bath, the hedge maze, the typewriter, "Here's Johnny", the bathroom, the barman, and pretty much every damn scene in this movie.

Beyond that though, I enjoy the ending more as we don't get what, to me, felt like a bit of deus ex machina as the boiler explodes right at that moment. I enjoy that Wendy is someone you can easily picture as being trapped in this abusive relationship, why she's stayed in it for so long, and truly feeling her terror when it goes over the edge. I enjoy that we don't get as much of the investigation by Jack into the hotel as, frankly for me, that just ate up time and wasn't that interesting.

I enjoy that we don't see much of Danny's imaginary friend "Tony" or "Redrum" for that matter. We see enough to get the idea, but not enough to make it repetitive (as it gets a uh little repetitive in the book).

I also just really like Nichelson as an actor, especially when he's allowed to go full scary or crazy. The man does an excellent job of being fucking terrifying.

This isn't to say the novel is bad, and I am colored by having seen the film first, but if you're making me choose a more memorable iconic version I'd pick the film.

Why Muffin Mentioned It Last Time

The reason I nearly ranted here, was that I was about to launch into a whole rant that what people remember most about The Shining is not the novel but the film. They remember the scenes from the film, and part of this isn't the writing, it's the cinematography and the directing by Kubrick.

So, the idea of "what scenes would be most remembered in the Twilight horror novel" translated in my brain to "You mean the film adaptation, who's directing? Are they actually adapting the novel or doing whatever the fuck they want?" And then I realized I wasn't actually answering anon's question and no one wanted to hear me gushing over The Shining.