#so sorry for the caps lock BUT HOLY SHIT I ADORE HIM

[apocalyptic-dancehall]

Do the Claptrap character unhinged bingo. Now! (Please <3)

HE'S JUST.. HE'S SO FUCKING EVERYTHING.. HE MAKES ME FEEL SO FUCKING PSYCHED HE'S LITERALLY JUST A LITTLE GUY!!!

[oreosmama]

i loved your yandere hc’s of the darling trapping them in a room while they try to escape. could you please do another version of that with sugawara and kuroo? or just suga please ?

Darling Traps Them in a Room to Escape (Yandere Haikyuu Headcanons)

*GIFs not mine*

Ushijima and Oikawa Version

Bokuto, Kageyama, and Kenma Version

Tendou and Hinata Version

A/N: HmmmmmmmmmIlikethisonemmmmmm. Thanks for the request! Honestly, I went a little off the rails with both, hope ya don’t mind. Sorry it’s been a while, but enjoy! (Side note: thanks for 1.7k followers cuz apparently that happened while I was gone holyfuckthankyou)

Word count: 2490

Sugawara Koushi: 

First, the keys jingled in the door. “YN, I’m home!”

“Hey Suga, can you come look at something in the bathroom for me?”

And that’s how, two hours later, you were still looking for those damn keys he set down when he went to help you. 

The plan felt genius at the time. At least until you realized you had trapped Sugawara inside with every single one of your bobby pins. Now you couldn’t use them and he couldn’t use them. Thankfully, you had enough brains to shove a kitchen chair under the door while you searched. 

“YN, please stop and think about what you’re doing, darling. This is ridiculous.” 

He sounded so calm. Then again, didn’t he always? That’s why it pissed you off so much. 

“Hmm, let’s see. Fuck no, and fuck you.” 

“Watch your language, darling.” His tone dipped tensely, but trapped inside the bathroom, he couldn’t do anything to you now.

“Fuck you twice, then, Suga.” 

You picked over everything in the living room. Behind the TV, under the couch-- hell, you even had half a mind to search inside the oven. Nothing. 

“YN, you’re acting absurd. Come let me out and just tell me what’s wrong.”

“YN, please don’t test my patience. Just let me out, love.”

Your blood boiled at how level-headed he was. He sounded so damn confident that you wouldn’t escape, so self-assured that you wouldn’t be able to leave him. 

I’m gonna prove him wrong.

You resorted to pen caps while he whined, chucking a few at the bathroom door in annoyance when he got a little too loud. “YNNNN please! I’m getting lonely in here. Won’t you come join me?” 

When you ran out of those, you moved onto trying to bend forks. “YN, at least just talk to me so I know you’re okay. For all I know, you could be really hurt and need my help out there.” CLANG! You chuckled at the yelp Sugawara let out after hurling the fork at the door. 

And then, for a solid ten minutes, Sugawara fell into silence. First, you counted it as a blessing. Maybe he passed out. Maybe he died.

You doubted you were that lucky. 

Instead, while you perked your tongue out the corner of your mouth and wiggled a single fork prong around inside the main door lock, you heard a noise that made you want to cry. 

*jingle* *jingle*

The keys. The motherfucking keys. He had them the entire time. You could’ve sworn you heard him set them down what must’ve been two hours ago now, but evidently you were wrong. 

“You’ve gotta be fucking kidding me.”

“C’mon, YN. Doesn’t this make your efforts pointless now?”

Your jaw clenched at that, and you knelt down once more, jamming the fork into the main lock with more force. Your vicious stabs flooded the apartment, and apparently only served as entertainment for Sugawara. 

“Sweetheart, you’re so adorable when you get all bratty like this. It almost makes me not want to punish you, but that just wouldn’t be fair now, would it?”

*Click*

The apartment fell into a dead silence. Sugawara sucked in a breath behind the bathroom door, and you stared in amazement when the lock clicked open. 

“Holy shit,” you mumble, hands shaking in surprise. “Holy shit. Holy shit, holy shit, holy shit, I got it! I fucking GOT IT!”

“YN, DON’T GO THROUGH THAT FUCKING DOOR OR YOU’LL BE SORRY!” Sugawara’s desperate cries almost got you to stop, but you were already on the high of winning. 

“Too late now.” You grinned and whipped open the unlocked door, dashing into the halls with Sugawara calling after you.

In the apartment, the walls were soundproofed and the windows were blacked out, but when you sprinted through the corridors, you were surprised to see you were on the first floor. A clear glass door had never looked so beautiful as you shoved your way out of the apartment building, hopping right over the steps to the street and landing flat on the sidewalk. Your muscles burned from the sudden burst of movement after being trapped in a confined space for so long, but you would make do. 

What you had to do now was find someone to help you, like-- there!

A police officer right down the street, dressed in full uniform and ordering from a hot dog stand. 

“OFFICER!” You raced toward him, almost tripping over your feet before sliding to a stop right at his side. At the shout, he had glanced up in surprise, but a look of recognition fell over his face at the sight of you. 

“YN? What are you-... are you okay?” The cop had warm, brown eyes and short, dark hair fluffed around his sunglasses, but he still didn’t look even the slightest bit familiar to you. 

“Do I… know you?” You furrowed your brows, glancing the officer up and down a couple more times just to make sure you were right. 

“Yeah- well, no, not really. But-”

“YN!” Oh shit. Sugawara scurried toward you in an all-out sprint, pushing past others on the sidewalk and reaching out a hand toward you. “YN, please!”

Without a second thought, you returned your gaze, more panicked this round, to the cop once more. “Please help me! That guy back there kidnapped me for, like, I don’t know how long, but I just escaped! Please, cuff him or something!” 

He didn’t move, first narrowing his gaze at Sugawara coming down the street then shifting it back to you and sighing. “Come with me.” In what you hoped was a comforting manner, the officer wrapped an arm around your shoulder and led you right in the direction of Sugawara. Instinctively, you panicked and tried to wiggle away, but with one “it’ll be okay” from the cop along with a kind smile, you relented and allowed him to lead you back. 

The instant you were close enough, Sugawara reached out for you, but the cop batted his hands away. “Suga, stop it!” Wait, what. The hopeful expression on your face fell away in exchange for blankness with a mix of confusion. What the fuck.

“Daichi, please, just help me! I don’t know how, but she got out!” 

Oh shit, they know each other. 

OH SHIT, THEY KNOW EACH OTHER!

The second that thought flitted through your brain, they were already both dragging you back toward the apartment building, both of their combined strengths overpowering you easily. “SOMEBODY HEL-” Sugawara shoved a hand over your mouth and helped Daichi lead you back into the building, straight back into your little, personal hell. 

First, you were sent to your room like a child while the grown ups discussed what went wrong and where. Couple of dickheads.

“Fuck you both.”

Sugawara only slammed the door in your face before talking to the cop.

“Jesus, Suga, I thought you said you could handle it?”

“I thought I could too, but she got out somehow!”

“It’s only been a damn month and I can’t even trust you to keep her safe inside for that long? I never even got to meet her, for fuck’s sake.” 

“I know, I know, but now you have, Daichi. Isn’t she beautiful? Just like when we first met her.”

“Right, but now we’re both on her bad side. How the fuck are we supposed to fix that?”

“Let me handle it. I know just how she likes to be punished.”

Well shit. Of course, they were in it together. Because who could possibly have worse luck than you, their darling.

Kuroo Tetsurou: 

You weren’t sure how it happened. One minute, he was entering your room, a forlorn look in his gaze seeming almost abnormal on his face. The next, his lips and hands were all over you, all over your body. And you let him. 

When you woke the next day, the sun wasn’t even in the sky. A glance to your nightstand told you it was turning close to four am, but only then did you seem to have some true clarity. 

Oh God. Oh God, what have I done?

Your body felt covered in germs, sticky with dried sweat and sore with stiff muscles. 

He touched me. I let him touch me.

Disgusting. Gross. Used. Unclean. But how could you excuse letting him do that to you? You hadn’t even put up a fight, and in the back of your mind, you remembered actually liking it. 

Kuroo was sound asleep by your side, his chest and cheek pressed to the mattress while an arm draped over your midsection. It was hot, too hot. At any second, you were afraid he would wake up and see the fear in your eyes, because you knew if he saw it, he wouldn’t let you go. 

Moving his arm was a painstaking process. Every time he let out a snore, you would move it just an inch higher, and after what felt like hours, you were finally free. You set his arm back down on the bed before rising to your feet and padding to the door. Opening it without a squeak seemed to be a worse challenge. 

Reek.

“Mmm, where are you going, Kitten?” 

It was everything about him that set your skin crawling. The raspy tone, the smug glint in his eye, the teasing lilt of the nickname. When you responded, you were surprised with how confident you sounded. 

“The bathroom. I’ll come right back, I just, uh, couldn’t hold it anymore.” Too much information? Maybe so, but it seemed to do the trick. Kuroo shifted onto his side and propped himself up on an elbow, the sheet over his body inching down a bit farther. 

“Hurry back.” 

A dismissal, and with a nod, you left. Truly, it wasn’t completely an excuse. You went to the bathroom and did your business, but while washing your hands, you tried to cleanse more. Hand soap was lathered all the way up to your elbows as you rubbed them raw, bottom lip trapped between your teeth. 

How could you let that happen? How could you just agree to letting him touch you? 

You scrubbed your face clean of the stale sweat and dabbed the skin with the hand towel. What have you done, YN? Movements slowing, you let the rag slip from your fingers before dragging your eyes down to your body. Neck, covered in bite marks. Wrists, red from a tight grip. Hips, bruised purple and blue. Kuroo had taken a part of you last night you had never wanted to give to him, not since he kidnapped you from your home seven months ago. He had said he was lonely, lost, saddened because he loved you so much and knew you would never feel the same. 

In a lapse of your own judgement, you foolishly said he was wrong. After months of being deprived of human contact, you were desperate for anyone’s touch. Now, you were paying the consequences. But you didn’t want to stay here. 

No. Get out of here.

When you left the bathroom, you caught sight of the sofa straight across in the living. Dragging it over was easy, but doing it quietly was a pain. As lightly as you could, you leveraged the furniture under your bedroom’s door knob. 

Then you began the search. 

“Kitten?” Still groggy. Good. 

His bedroom was clean. Nothing hidden in the box in a closet. Nothing hidden in the drawers of his dresser or nightstand. 

“YN?” The door knob rattled, but didn’t move. “Really, YN? You wanna do this now?”

The kitchen was clear, and so was the living room coffee table. 

“God, it’s so early. Can’t you just come back to bed and we’ll discuss this later?” 

Your hands shook the more you couldn’t find that damned key. Nothing. Nothing. Nothing!

“FUCK!” you shouted, running a hand through your hair and slamming the glass door of the console closed. Behind your bedroom door, Kuroo chuckled. 

“Having trouble, Kitten?” 

“God, I hate you,” you hissed, dropping to the couch and shoving your head into your hands. Not even a headache of frustration was arising. Only a tight pain was growing in your chest. Every time your heart thumped, it ached and choked you up. 

“Now, we both know that’s not true. After all, have you already forgotten what happened last night?” 

“Don’t…”

“Don’t what, Kitten? I know you don’t want to leave. Do you really want to go out into the real world after I’ve been with you? Can you live a normal life knowing that?” 

“Stop…”

“Last night, Kitten. You said you loved me. Said you always would-”

“I didn’t mean it!”

“Didn’t you? Didn’t you beg for more as I kissed you? Wasn’t it my name you moaned as I made love to you?” 

“JUST STOP!” You kicked up to your feet and wiped away your tears, stomping over to the bedroom door only to bang on it. “GOD, I HATE YOU SO MUCH!”

The worst part is he never even took it to heart. No, even after your screams and your cries, your pleas and your whimpers, you could still hear the arrogance in his tone. 

There was a smirk on his face. After what felt like hours of breaking down, you dropped into a worn out sleep right into the sofa lodged under the door. And when you woke, six long, dreamless hours later, you were back in the bed where it all began. 

“I knew you didn’t want to leave me, Kitten. Now stay here and rest. I’ll bring you breakfast when it’s ready.” His fingers, rough and hot, were gentle against your stiff cheek. He pressed a kiss to your forehead, and when you felt your last drop of dignity wither, you reached out and snagged his hand again. 

“Tetsurou.”

“Hmm?”

You couldn’t even meet his gaze. It was so full of pure love that you resented the warmth it spread through your veins. “I don’t… I don’t want to love you.”

A muscle twitched in his cheek. 

“It’s wrong, what you did to me. Bringing me here. But… but I do anyway.”

At that, he turned away, but not before you saw genuine happiness twinkle in his eyes. 

You wanted to hate it. You really did. You wanted to wipe his hidden smugness right off his face. But instead, you pressed your cheek back into your pillow and watched him pad out of the room, only to stop in the doorway. 

“Kitten?”

“Hmm?” 

God, he was going to keep you in his arms forever. “I love you too.”

[just-here-for-the-moment]

Paloma, Part I

Series Masterlist - Part I - Part II

Word count: 4100+

Rating: mature, 18+ only

Outline: Statesman!Frankie "Catfish" Morales, Agent Jack “Whiskey” Daniels, and "You" (OC cis/het female reader, Statesman research analyst, code name “Paloma”; age 26; reader is “blank canvas”/no physical description/no use of “Y/N”)

Warnings: fully legal age gap; curse words; references to M/F sex; lots of yearning; a little sprinkling of angst; American readers, please be warned that this piece features the absolutely filthy fantasy of Statesman paying off your student loans in full

You left Kentucky on a sunny June morning with a rolling suitcase, six cardboard boxes, and a heart full of golden light. You were ready for the new challenges of your promotion and the move to New York, but it was still hard to quell the little butterflies that insisted on dancing and twirling in your gut. Statesman HQ was like a beacon that had been calling to you for the last three years, and you were half-convinced that the promotion and the move were a daydream; something that would be snatched out of your hands if you thought about it too much.

It was strange to leave Kentucky, your home since you were four years old. You had been raised in a small town about an hour south of Louisville, and you hadn't had the opportunity to leave until college. Even then you didn't travel very far, just to a dorm room at the University of Louisville, going back to your hometown for every vacation instead of flying off to California or Europe like some of your more glamorous friends.

You had put your time to good use, though. You busted your ass and completed an accelerated program in Criminal Justice that earned you both a Bachelor's and a Master's in one go, with a minor in statistics and data science. The result was a deep and abiding love of research and analysis, with the burning desire to do good in the world.

---

The Friday morning of your graduation ceremony, you emerged from your apartment fresh-faced and giddy, ready to walk the stage and start the next phase: adult life in the "real world." You knew that your life was about to change, but as you juggled the garment bag with your cap and gown and tried to lock your door, you had no idea just how much. You heard a soft voice say your name behind you, and it made you jump and drop your purse, spilling the contents across your doorstep. You turned to see a woman of about 40, with flawless terra-cotta skin and an adorable mop of chestnut hair. Black horn-rimmed glasses framed bright, inquisitive eyes. She immediately bent to help you retrieve your belongings, stammering gentle apologies.

"I'm so sorry! Let me help you get your things. I didn't mean to scare you." She smiled sweetly at you and handed you back your sunglasses and lip gloss.

"No! It's fine, I'm sorry I'm so preoccupied." You lifted the garment bag by way of explanation. "Graduation day! Um, how can I help you?"

"You don't know me, but my name is Ginger. I work for an organization that recruits bright young minds like yours. It's a lot to explain, but if you're interested in a job interview next week, we'd love to talk with you." She handed you a creamy white business card with a Louisville address.

You frowned. "Statesman Distillery? I don't have any experience with alcohol production or marketing. I do data analysis and my degrees are in criminal justice."

"We know. We've been following your research and your schooling for a while." She gave you a mischievous smile, and it looked for all the world like she was hiding something fun behind it, something secretive and intriguing that made you want to know more.

"Please, just give me an hour of your time next week? When you have some time to pay us a visit, just call that number and ask for me. I'm really looking forward to chatting with you."

You thanked her and promised you would call, and then you tucked the card into your bag and forgot all about it for nearly a week. Graduation day was hectic, with lots of relatives visiting and interrogating you about your career plans, and the days afterward were spent attending parties and saying goodbye to friends who were scattering to far-flung places. After you had finished the last of your university-related errands like returning a few library books and picking up your official transcript, there wasn't much left to do except putter around your apartment and take a few days off before beginning a job search. Those student loans weren't going to pay themselves off.

You found Ginger's card in your purse on Wednesday morning and put it on the fridge with a magnet. On Thursday you were so hungover you didn't want to make any calls. On Friday you found yourself at loose ends with nothing planned, so you picked up the phone and dialed. When you reached the switchboard you gave your name and asked for Ginger, and they put you right through. She picked up after one ring, as if she had been waiting for your call.

"Hi! I'm so glad you called me! Can you come by today?" Ginger sounded genuinely excited to talk to you, not smarmy or fake like other corporate recruiters you had spoken with.

"Oh, uh, yeah. I mean, yes, thank you. Are you sure today's okay? I can come next week if that's better."

"No! Please come whenever you're ready. I'm really hoping you'll like what you see."

"Okay, will I need to dress up? Will I be meeting with anyone for an interview? Should I bring copies of my resume?" You wanted to make a good impression, but you weren't sure if this was just something the distillery did casually, like a winery tour, or if you would need to be ready for a formal interview.

"Nope! Just bring yourself! We already know everything we need to know about your qualifications."

"Ah... okay. I'm all yours. I'll see you in about an hour?"

"Perfect! I'll leave your name at the front gate with the guard. Just show them your ID and they'll wave you through."

You said your goodbyes and put the phone down. What kind of data analysis job was even available at a distillery? Market trends? Did they need a criminal justice major for tracking down rip-offs, like people counterfeiting their product? But wait, didn't the government do that kind of thing? The ATF? You shook your head clear of questions and hopped in the shower. You could ask Ginger all of your questions, since she seemed to be so happy to talk with you.

When you arrived at the Statesman Distillery an hour later, you were impressed at the size of the facility. Distilleries were pretty common in the state of Kentucky, with lots of little family companies sprinkled around. But Statesman rivaled the big names for sheer square footage.

Ginger met you in a conference room and offered you coffee, and then asked you to sign a non-disclosure agreement. You didn't think twice about it. NDAs were common in lots of industries, and you guessed that it had something to do with trade secrets, Statesman not wanting to leak information about their whiskey production details. When Ginger began the tour and you walked down a long hallway with multiple sparkling white laboratories behind thick glass, you found it unusual, but not alarming. Cleanrooms, maybe? Something to do with alcohol distillation formulas, probably.

When she ushered you into a large wood-paneled office and introduced you to Champ, the head of Statesman, you thought it was odd. Companies didn't normally introduce new college graduates to executives during tours. Based on the size of the organization, you thought you might meet the CEO or President once or twice a year, maybe at a holiday party or a company retreat. But he was friendly, and he seemed to have already heard of you; his eyebrows raised an inch at Ginger when she gave him your name. He also seemed far more interested in criminal justice and data analysis than you expected for a distillery executive, but you shook hands and answered all of his questions politely.

When Ginger asked you to step into an elevator and it dropped 10 floors, you started to wonder a little. When the doors opened and she walked you to a room with a huge bank of monitors, with screens showing all kinds of maps and security video feeds, you were downright confused. But when she revealed the cherry on top, the fact that Statesman was not in the business you thought they were? That was too shocking. You were sure she was joking. You turned behind you to look for hidden cameras, expecting a prank show host to come jumping out at you.

"This is a joke, right?"

Ginger smiled that sweet, warm smile at you. "No joke. We want you to join the Research Unit, working in the Data Analysis section. You would be keeping our agents safe, helping them make the best decisions possible. And in turn your work could save lives, hundreds of them. Maybe even thousands. What do you say?"

"I... uh... I still think you’re joking. I’ve never heard of anything like this. I… are you sure you want me?"

"Yes, if you're interested. We could use you on the team." She pushed a little slip of paper into your hand, and when you saw the annual salary that was listed, you almost fainted.

"Ginger, this is way too much. I just graduated and this is, like... this is a senior analyst's salary. I'd be able to pay off my student loans in like three years!"

"Actually, we would be paying your student loans off before you start work. If you have financial burdens hanging over your head you could be vulnerable to bribes or extortion attempts from foreign governments or bad actors. We want you clear before you start with us. Think of it as a signing bonus."

"Holy shit! Sorry, I mean... I... Jesus." You looked at her in confusion. "Y'all really want me?"

She smiled and nodded. "Yes, we really do."

"Okay, when do I start?"

And that had been it, your first "big girl" job out of college. You were welcomed warmly to the Statesman team, and you loved the fact that you did interesting work that had a real impact. The hardest part had been telling your friends and family the required cover story, saying you were doing market analysis until you could find a job in criminal justice somewhere. But since you were happy with your new job and it paid well, none of them pressured you to move on.

During your first two years with Statesman you climbed the ranks, earning promotions and new responsibilities that eventually put you in the seat of Assistant Director of Data Analysis. You had risen high enough in Statesman that your work required a code name, and you chose “Paloma,” a nod to your favorite grapefruit cocktail. You answered directly to the head of the Research Unit, and every report that your team produced was vital. You weren't wasting your talent in some corporate hole, enriching the CEO's salary at the expense of your sanity. You were saving lives, making a difference. Your reports had even been sent to the New York headquarters, where they used them as a model for operations.

And the job had brought you romance, too. One day not long after your promotion to Assistant Director, you were walking out of the conference room, so focused on your phone that you didn't see where you were going. You bumped into something large and solid in a denim shirt, and a pair of warm, calloused hands held your shoulders to steady you. You cursed softly to yourself and then looked up into the most gorgeous pair of brown eyes that you had ever seen. A man with patchy stubble and a well-worn baseball cap smiled at you, eyes crinkling with warmth.

"Whoa! Are you okay?" His eyes looked concerned as they searched your face. You looked at him with wonder. He was so, so beautiful. The smile dropped, and then his brows knitted together into a slight frown. "I said, are you okay?"

You realized you were staring with your mouth half open like some lovestruck teenager, and that an embarrassing amount of time had passed since you first met his eyes.

"Yes!" Your voice was louder than you intended. "Yes, I'm sorry. Sorry I bumped into you. I should have watched where I was going. I'm sorry."

"That's okay. Did I hurt you?"

"Ah, no. No, I'm fine. Sorry. Just distracted today."

"That's okay. Sorry I startled you." He smiled again and squeezed your upper arm.

You could have stayed there forever, leaning into his touch. He let go, much to your chagrin, and then went into the conference room. You made a note to ask someone who he was, to see if you could find out more about him. He wasn't being escorted by a staff member, so he was obviously part of the Statesman organization somehow. Someone would know who he was.

You went into the ladies room, running into Ginger at the sinks. "Oh, Paloma! I'm so glad I saw you. I need to steal your boss for an urgent matter. Can you run his 11:00 meeting in the conference room? I know it's last minute, but I'll buy you lunch later."

Your brain flickered out for a nanosecond. The 11:00 meeting? The conference room? The handsome man? You recovered your composure and smiled at Ginger. "Yeah, no problem at all. Tell him to drop his notes off in the conference room and I'll be there in just a moment."

Ginger smiled and punched your shoulder softly. "Thanks, Pal. I owe you one."

You washed your hands in a trance. Oh lord, this was going to be interesting. You squared your shoulders and met your own eyes in the mirror. You looked exactly like you had this morning, just your normal self. Most of the time that was fine, but right now you wanted to be more glamorous, more devastating. You wanted to absolutely bewitch the handsome mystery man in the meeting. In the absence of some kind of last-minute emergency Hollywood makeup team, you would have to settle for a fresh application of lip balm and a quick scrub of your teeth with a damp paper towel. You flicked a stray eyebrow hair into place, sighed, and headed back to the conference room. Looks weren't important anyway, right? Statesman had hired you for your brain, not your face. And really, you were more interested in showing your boss that you could do well in your new role. So you banished your insecurities from your mind and breezed into the meeting.

"Good morning everyone." You studiously chose not to look at the handsome man you had run into, keeping your eyes on your notes for the time being. You were afraid that if you looked at him you wouldn't be able to tear your gaze away. "The Director has been called away for an urgent matter, so I'll be leading today’s operational planning meeting. For those of you who don't know me, I'm Paloma."

You risked a glance at the handsome stranger, relieved to see that his eyes were on his notepad and not on you. You let out a breath and found your stride, walking the group through the team's findings, the data, the implications, and the desired outcome for the mission. Agent Tequila asked a few cocky, half-assed questions, probing you for weaknesses. Normally that would have irritated you, but today it was a welcome focus that took your mind off the butterflies. You knocked Tequila back in place with a few well-chosen words, and then opened up the floor for questions.

The handsome man raised his hand, and your eyes fixed on how large and thick his fingers were. Oh God, this was torture. "Yes, Mr...?"

"Catfish. Um, can you tell me more about the extraction plan?"

"Yes, absolutely." You went over that phase of the mission, giving all the details your team had gathered about the terrain and the timing. When you were done, Catfish smiled at you, and your knees went weak at the sight of the dimple that appeared. No one else had questions, so you closed the meeting and stood to leave.

Suddenly there was a warm wall of denim at your elbow. "Hey, that was really detailed information. Thank you so much for walking me through everything."

You turned and smiled. "You're welcome. Glad I could help." You fumbled for something to say, trying to extend the conversation and keep him in your orbit for however long you could while everyone else filed out of the room.

"So, um, you go by 'Catfish.' Can I ask why? That's your code name, right? There's not some kind of hidden tragedy where that's the name your parents actually wrote on your birth certificate?"

He chuckled, throwing his head back. The expanse of his thick neck and bobbing Adam's apple did nothing to improve the butterflies. They only fluttered harder, rising higher in your chest.

"It's an old Army nickname, I was Special Forces about a million years ago. Now I'm here on the transport team. I'm a helicopter pilot. When we're not working you can just call me Frankie."

"Ah." You bit your lip and nodded. Why couldn't you think of something else to say? Fortunately, Frankie continued the conversation.

"And you're Paloma around here? I love that drink. Am I allowed to know your real name, or is that classified?"

You grinned and shook his hand, giving him your name. When it rolled off his lips in that deep voice it sounded like heaven to you. You didn't want anyone else to say your name ever again. Just him.

He leaned closer, like he was sharing a secret. “Can I ask you a question? Top secret.” He winked, and you nodded.

“Can I take you to lunch?”

Your heart dropped into your pelvis, and you gulped, hard. “Y-yes. Yes, that would be great. I’d love to.”

---

When Ginger found you in your office at 2:00 p.m. you were staring off into space, smiling blissfully.

“Hey, Paloma. Why did you blow me off for lunch? I came by at 12:30, I was going to take you out.”

“Oh! Oh my god, Ginger, I’m so sorry! I had a date.”

She raised her eyebrows at you, settling down in one of your visitors chairs. “A date?”

“No! Not a date. A, um…” You burst into husky giggles, and then confessed everything to her: the handsome man, the crinkles around his eyes, his dimples and his silly code name, the easy conversation over lunch, and the fact that he had scribbled his phone number down on a sticky note that was now burning a hole in your pocket. You felt like you were 12 again, confiding in your girlfriend about crushes and cute boys.

Ginger laughed and gave your hand a squeeze. “No wonder you forgot about me. I can’t compete with a handsome helicopter pilot!”

“Oh, I’m so sorry, Ginger. I really didn’t mean to forget.”

“No, it’s okay. But definitely call him this weekend and make a real date. I’ll want details when you take me out for an apology lunch on Monday.” She winked and left your office.

You sat back in your chair and tilted back to look at the ceiling while you considered it. Was it too soon to call him and make a date? Ugh, this was agony. You decided that going by conventional rules hadn’t really mattered to you at any point in your life until now, so why the hell not?

You took a deep breath, trying to puff up your confidence. When he answered the phone on the second ring, you dove right in. “Hi, Catfish? It’s Paloma. Listen, I had a really good time at lunch, and I’d like to see you this weekend if you’re free.”

---

On Monday, you had a whole lot to report to Ginger.

Frankie took you up for a sightseeing flight on your date, and you loved the way he controlled everything; making sure he warned you before any sudden movements, and checking that you weren’t getting airsick or anxious. When the rotors were stilled and you were back on the ground, Frankie reached over to help you unbuckle your harness. Something got stuck, and the agonizing extra seconds of feeling him jostle the strap near your hip made you bold. When it was finally free and he was about to pull his hand away, you grabbed his wrist. He looked at you, alarmed that something was wrong, and you crashed your lips against his, all teeth and tongue and wanting. Frankie was as good a kisser as he was a pilot, and you spent the rest of the date making out in his truck.

The next weekend, you found out that his warm, work-worn hands were also magic in the bedroom. Frankie was adept at tweaking your sensitive spots as gently as the little buttons and switches of the flight panel, bringing you to thrumming heights the same way he did his helicopter.

The rest of the summer passed in heady, humid days and nights like a dream. You loved Frankie’s easy sense of humor and his confidence in the cockpit. But Frankie was less confident about your relationship, voicing concerns about the decade-plus that separated your ages, and whether he was keeping you from dating men your own age. He made self-deprecating comments about being an “old man,” and you reassured him that there was no one you’d rather be with, no one who could sway your attention. You loved using your hands and arms and lips and tongue to reassure him, finding that he had his own sensitive spots that you could manipulate. You loved sending him to sleep with a smile on his face.

But as much as you and Frankie enjoyed the relationship, the nature of his work with the transportation team meant that he was never in town for very long. At the same time, your job was getting more complex, requiring late nights at the office that interfered with your time together. You refused to dwell too much on the fact that you were torn, that you loved your work as equally as you wanted to spend those nights with Frankie.

By the end of the summer, you both came to the realization that it was nobody’s fault, simply a case of poor circumstances, and you decided to end things and remain friends. In October Frankie left Statesman to take a job that relocated him to Florida. You were wistful, and you missed him, but at least it had been an amicable split. At least friends was something. And as sometimes happens even with the best of intentions, the time in between each phone call grew longer, and you eventually lost touch. Last you heard he was spending weekends with his old Army buddies who all lived nearby, and he had a new girlfriend. By February the ache was starting to subside, and by April you were nearly ready to date again.

In May, almost three years to the day after Ginger’s visit to your apartment had changed your life, you were offered the position to lead the Data Analysis team in New York. You jumped at the chance. Statesman located an apartment for you, and from the pictures you were already in love with it. Huge windows looked out over the city, and it was within walking distance of Statesman HQ. Your farewell party was bittersweet. Ginger offered to come visit you, and promised that New York would be everything you hoped it would be. Your team gave you such high praises that you joked that if that’s what it took to hear accolades, you would have left ages ago.

---

Your first few days in New York were spent acclimating to the Statesman HQ, and getting to know your neighborhood. It was strange to find that you could walk or take the subway for whatever you needed, compared to the Midwest where a car was required for everything. Your new team was welcoming, and you enjoyed your new duties immensely. Your first two weeks on the job passed in no time, and you went home every night feeling like you could fly.

And then you hit a wall, in the form of Jack Daniels, a.k.a. “Senior Agent Whiskey.” You knew him by reputation, of course. Ginger had filled you in on his exploits, his overbearing charm, his smarmy flirtations. You had seen him once or twice in passing when he had visited Champ’s office, but you hadn’t actually met him in person.

When you finally did, you almost asked for an immediate transfer back to Louisville. --- "Paloma" Series Masterlist Just-here-for-the-moment’s masterlist

Tag list: @honeymandos @driedgreentomatoes @silverwolf319 @mourningbirds1 @honestly-shite @anaaaispunk @greeneyedblondie44 @spacedilf @maxwell–lord @nicolethered @dihra-vesa @the-queen-of-fools @juletheghoul @anxiousandboujee

[necropxlis]

That’s My Girl (Kenma x Reader)

A/N: The reader is female. This was based off of something that happened to me while playing a game with someone. So I hope you enjoy!

Word Count: 1,785

Tagging: @missingmystogan​

“Just cap the point I have my super! PLEASE! UGGGHHHH.”

Dropping the controller, you leaned back in the gaming chair Kenma bought for you. Back when he first introduced you to all of his viewers on Youtube and Twitch, it seemed the content you both made was highly demanded. So with the idea set in stone, he bought you a whole new setup and turned the spare bedroom into your gaming studio (with Kenma’s being right beside yours because of easy access.)

The two of you thought today would be a great day to do a little recording for Youtube and just hang out and have some fun. However, your competitive side was showing, and with the fact that every game you have played so far ended in you taking that L, just started to push your buttons. Kenma noticed you were getting frustrated with your losing streak and the bad reputation of picking up horrible teammates. The silence in the lobby party was deafening, trying to decide if one more game was worth your sanity or not. For heavens sakes, you just lost a game that could have turned around if someone just put their foot on the capture point.

“One more game.” Kenma’s voice echoed through the headset.

You sighed, “Babe, I don’t know if I can handle another game right now.”

“Just one more game,” Kenma laughed picturing the glare you were probably giving him through the walls, “let’s do a 2v2 and if we end up losing then we will call it a day. I’ll scrap all the footage and we can just cuddle and watch anime all night. Does that sound like a deal?”

You thought about it for a second. The thought of actually just throwing the game was tempting. Knowing your boyfriend, even if you did win the game, he would still give you all the affection you desired.

“Alright. One more game. Only if we can have takeout.”

Kenma laughed at your request but agreed knowing that you would eventually have your way. With a newfound spirit, you launched the 2v2 match. The stakes were high. Food was on the line. Your mental health was on the line. Even the sake of Kenma’s YouTube video was on the line. You had to bring your A-game. The game finally loaded in with two other random players on the opposite team. For a while, the game was pretty even. Your team would win a round and the opposite team would win the next one.

It was now match point, the opposite team had two wins and your team had two wins. Whoever could capture the point or make the other team run out of lives takes home the gold. Your hands were starting to get sweaty. This was the moment your pride was riding on (not only your pride but your sanity as well.) Inhaling sharply you focused on the task at hand, getting the team down on lives. You pushed the stick on the controller to make your character walk around the corner of a building. One of the enemy players was focusing on killing Kenma, so you lit them up with a magazine, successfully killing the enemy. Only, for the other teammate to get its revenge by sniping you.

“I am this close to breaking my controller.” You said gritting your teeth.

“The game is almost over, baby. We can do this.”

Kenma had so much hope in you. A swirl of happiness began to blossom inside of you. The praise only fueled your motivation to win this game. The game went on for a while longer, both sides equally pulling your life count down to 1 life per team. The game was getting annoyed at how slow both teams were taking, so it placed the capture point in the middle of the map. You had just respawned back into the game when Kenma died again. He groaned in frustration as he tried to round the corner to capture the point, but both players on the opposite team used their supers on him. A smirk made its way onto your face as you thought of a grandmaster plan. Kenma took the same route to the capture point, while you decided to use the flank.

Running up the middle of the map, Kenma was shot down before he even got near the point. There was no way you could take on both players without getting double-teamed and if you died, that was it you had no more lives. You hid around the corner, being able to see the players on the point, but them not being able to see you.

“Kenma, run up the middle again.”

“Baby, we could lose it here.” Kenma said exasperated.

You scoffed and let out a little chuckle, “Just trust me. When they start shooting at you, dodge and hide behind a pillar. I got this.”

Kenma, although a little worried, trusted you and followed through with your plan. He followed his same path and ran towards the point. He began to fire on the team 1 on 2. The team was completely unaware of you sneaking behind them. The reason for your master plan was due to your super being so closed to being charged. Kenma was a little early so you began to panic. You couldn’t let him die. If he died there was no way you would be able to win. The team still didn't notice your presence.

“Whatever you're gonna do, Y/N, do it now!” Kenma said.

Kenma’s character dodged behind a pillar and you knew now was your chance. You made your character jump in the air and popped your super. The super you had equipped was a giant laser beam that was way too overpowered at times. This was one of those times. The enemy team turned around, but it was too late for them to do anything about the giant blue laser. You slaughtered both teammates in one shot and landed on the capture point when your super subsided. Nothing hit you yet, you were too “in the zone.”

“Holy shit, that's my girl.” He said laughing and running onto the capture point with you.

The other team, having had both players die, had no more lives left. There were only 20 seconds left in the game and it was looking to be in your favor. However, no matter how happy you both were, you still had a chance to lose. Turning around the corner the 2 players on the opposite team were heading your way. You both held them off as much as you could until the game stopped. You and Kenma had captured the point and ultimately won the game. You began to laugh. Somehow, miraculously, you managed to kill the losing streak. Kenma was silent for a minute. Then out of nowhere, he began to laugh as well. The both of you are just absolutely shocked over what just happened. You heard some rustling over on your boyfriends' end, but you were too busy laughing to notice. The door to your room opened showing your boyfriend with a stunned expression. You took your headset off and threw your arms in the air signaling your victory. Kenma smirked, running over to you and engulfing you in a huge hug. The both of you a giggling mess. Your boyfriend tilted his head and smothered your face in kisses.

You squealed and tried pushing away from him only for him to chase your lips. Capturing you in a sweet and loving kiss. His lips were soft against yours, every movement took your breath away. Slowly parting from the pudding-haired man, a smile spread across both of your faces. Kenma chuckled and brushed a bit of hair behind your ear.

“That was so badass.” He said cupping your cheeks.

“I am badass.” You said smirking.

Kenma laughed and kissed your nose before letting you go. He walked to the doorway, turning back to look at you with so much love in those golden cat-like eyes. You giggled and threw your peach stress ball, that you had resting on your desk, at him. He quickly ran out the door and back to his office. Laughing, you put your headset back on and made sure you could still hear everything. There was more rustling on the other end, signaling you that your partner was back.

“You know I was recording all of that?”

“If you delete any of that I will murder you.” You said smirking.

Kenma doubled over laughed and agreed that he wouldn’t delete the footage. What you didn’t know, was that he had turned the camera on in your room before you got in there. A couple of days passed before Kenma uploaded the video to YouTube. Being the supportive person that you are, you watched the video. Unbeknownst to you, the entire interaction began to play across your screen. Part of you wanted to hide out of embarrassment; but seeing how the comment section gave you both nothing but love and support, you couldn’t help but love your geek of a boyfriend even more. Even if he was a sly little devil sometimes. 

Extra: (That same night.) After paying for your take out, you cuddled up next to your boyfriend with your favorite anime playing on the big tv in the living room. Kenma smiled wrapping his arms around you and placing a quick kiss to your cheek. You smiled and continued eating your take out.

“You know, I was scared there for a moment. Didn't think your plan would work.” He said turning back towards the tv.

You stopped eating and stared at the man, “You had no faith in me?!”

Kenma shrugged as a smirk tugged at his lips. You scoffed and gathered your food, quickly walking to your bedroom and locking the door behind you. Your boyfriend was right on your heels but a second too slow. 

“Come on, Y/N. I was just kidding. Please open up, baby.”

“No. No cuddles for you.”

Kenma sighed and tried not to laugh at you adorable temper tantrum. No matter how much he apologized for picking on you, he ended up having to sleep on the couch that night.

The next morning he woke by the smell of eggs and pancakes. Opening his eyes, there was a tray with breakfast on it. Beside the plate of food there was a little card with his name on it. Picking up the card he noticed your adorable handwriting.

“Sorry for getting mad at you. Can I have cuddles? - Y/N”

Kenma laughed and got up to make his way to you. After all you were his girl.

[dojaspankow]

dumbstruck

(*NOT MY GIF)

summary: you and jj have been friends for a long time and somewhere along the way you develop a small crush for the cute blond. you want to know if he feels the same way so you decide to do something about it.

word count: 3,400

a/n: hiii!! This is my first obx blog and jj piece I’ve ever written so plspls give it some love!! i hope this is enough for now hehe, enjoy babies! xx

based on the song : dumbstruck - ceraadi

*

*

“I don’t get it. The two of you are affectionate with one and another eye fucking every time both of you are in the room and none of you are planning to confess?!”

you laugh softly at Kie’s exclaims and waving her hands in exaggeration as you pour another batch of brownie into the pan. Popping it inside the oven before turning around to face her shocked face,

“There’s nothing to get. It’s just how we are. Flirty and shit. Strictly platonic.” You remind her, though you know deep down in your heart, you want more than just friends with JJ,

She rolls her eyes at your comment, shaking her head in disagreement. “Yeah no. I’ve seen the way you look at him and I’ve seen the way he looks at you. That boy is head over heels for you.”

“No, he isn’t.” You press, chuckling a little, sitting yourself down on a stool across her. “He’s my best friend, Kie.”

She casually brushes your defense. “Again, no.” She disagrees, grabbing a couple of fries before shoving them into her mouth. “I’m no expert but he’s definitely into you. And since you are too, both of you need to gut up and confess!”

“Who are you talking about?”

A familiar voice of John B’s causes the two of you to glance towards the door. Watching his figure walk in and towards the kitchen, sitting down next to Kie,

“Have you ever heard of knocking, JB?” you playfully asks, raising your eyebrow before handing him a bottle of cold soda,

“Have you ever heard of locking your doors?” He asks back, making you laugh and nod,

“Okay, you’ve got a point.”

John B leans forward and settles his elbows on the counter, flickering his eyes to you then Kie. “So” he starts, smacking his lips, “What are you guys gossiping about?”

You open up your mouth to say something but Kie beats you to it,

“JJ and y/n”

You widen your eyes and gasp before reaching over to smack her lightly on the arm. “Kiara!”

She laughs and raises her hands in surrender, giving you a ‘sorry not sorry’ look,

“Ah!” John B’s eyes snap back towards you and giving you a teasing smile. 

“That boy is fucking crazy about you.”

“See!” Kie claps her hands and looks at you, trying to get you to understand. “I wasn’t lying!”

You blush at John B’s statement, looking down and fiddle with your fingers a little. “No, he’s not.”

“Yes, he is.” He argues. “Man, you should see the way he looks at you when you’re not looking. He’s got this dopey smile and heart-eyes when you’re in the room. Turning down a bunch of girls at parties because his heart is set on yours, drop my ass off at midnight because you needed him.” He casually spares the details about JJ, chuckling at the last sentence

now you can feel your stomach is filled with butterflies

“And the way he talks about you when you’re not around?” He asks as he stares at you, throwing his head back in disbelief with a small laugh. “He talks about you as if he’s writing a fucking poem. Doing John Green shit and he could go on for hours without stopping especially when he’s high, I’m telling you that boy is in love with you.”

Biting your lip, you’re trying hard to hide your smile. your cheeks redden even more while John B continues to unbox every little secret of JJ’s to you,

“You think so?”

John B nods his head fast, cracking open the bottle before taking a chug. “Oh, I know so. Don’t blame him though. You’re hot as fuck y/n—don’t tell JJ that— Two of you are perfect for each other. He can’t stop talking about you”

Kie nods furiously, “I second that.”

“Then why hasn’t he said anything?” you frown, putting your hands on your hips,

“The same reason why you hadn’t said anything too” John B fires, putting a cocky smirk on his face, “You’re a daredevil y/l/n, what’s so scary and hard about saying ‘i love you’ to him when you do? You keyed Rafe’s car last summer yet you’re scared of this?”

You shoot him a glare before answering, “The fact that he could either turn me down or laugh his ass off for being in love with him” you say in an obvious tone, picking the strings of your jean shorts. “You pick.”

“Jesus Christ, woman!” He groans in frustration, running his hands over his face as Kie shakes her head at your stubbornness. “He likes you! more than a friend! I know this!”

Kie rubs John B’s arm in an attempt to calm him down in a joking manner before switching to another subject. “Look, there’s a party at Kegger’s tonight. Do your thing and that boy will surely prove our points.”

*

*

It was around 7 and the gang decides to meet you there at the party. Except for JJ himself. He wants you to come with him and he doesn’t take no for an answer, despite the number of times you’ve told him that you can drive by yourself,

looking in the mirror, you feel satisfied as you stare at your own body up and down with the choice of clothing you’re wearing. A simple white bralette and black swimming undies, along with a short sheer wrap up skirt also in white that compliments the plump of your butt and thick thighs.

What? you love showing off your assets

you let your long thick brown hair fall over your shoulders before clasping JJ's your necklace. Then spraying your chest and neck with your favorite body spray, setting the bottle down on the table when you’re done,

hearing a ding from your table, you crane your neck to see a text message from the pretty blond,

JJ💞 : hey gorgeous, I’m outside. come out whenever you’re ready x

a smile taking over your lips as you reply to him, you have no idea why simple text messages like this could guarantee heebie-jeebies from you. but it always works.

God, you love this man,

after replying with a simple ‘okay boo’ you shove your phone in your small bag and walk out of your room. writing a note on the table for your mom so she knows you’ll be ‘staying at a friend’s house’ because there’s no way you’d be honest about going to a party,

locking the door behind you, you see a glimpse of golden-haired boy a few feet apart leaning against the motorcycle with a white muscle tank and red snapback on, busy playing with his phone to even notice you,

“hey pretty boy” you greet him with a smile in which he looks up, a frown is replaced with a grin,

“holy-shit. you look hot.” he compliments bluntly, looking at you up and down as he bites down his lower lip softly. chuckling as he sees you blush. “Is that new?” he asks as he points at the skirt,

nodding excitedly as you step closer to him so you can hop in behind him. “you look hot too tonight, Maybank. have I ever told you that your white tank and a red cap is my favorite look on you?”

he feels the butterflies erupt his stomach when he hears that, smiling to himself as he looks down to start his engine. “no you haven’t actually. I’m glad you told me.” he says, feeling your hands wrap around his waist and he can’t help but loving how your delicate touch makes him weak on his knees and cheeks red,

“you always look good though. smells nice too.”

he tries to ignore the feeling you give him and clears his throat. “ready princess?”

“ready, my love” you smile softly as he begins to drift off to the Kegger.

soon as the two of you arrive, JJ keeps his hand against your lower back as he guides you to the party. Not that you minded one bit, you even lean towards his touch. Feeling warm and protected under it.

“Not even five seconds in and a bunch of Kooks and shit start looking at you like a piece of meat” he grunts, shooting glares at the guys who keeps staring at you,

chuckling, you turn your head to look at him and squeeze his shoulder. “Down boy” you joke, feeling his muscles soften soon as you touch him. “They know I’m with you, they wouldn’t even dare to lay a hand on me. Plus I’d knock their teeth in even if they tried.”

A soft chuckle escapes from his mouth, pulling you even closer. “That’s my girl”

Again with making your heart flutter. This boy won’t stop!

Kie is the first one to notice about your arrival, waving her hand enthusiastically as you giggle. Waving your hand back,

her eyes then stop at JJ’s hand on you. Her mouth drop open and eyes wide like a bug, squealing a little as you sign to her to ‘tone it down’ with your hands,

“I’m getting high tonight,” you say out of nowhere, sighing as you look out at the scene. dozens of kids getting drunk, sweaty bodies grinding against each other, endless chatters can be heard from left to right. 

JJ raises his left eyebrow, baby blue eyes are now focused on you. “With me right?” His protective side is showing making your lips curve,

“Of course silly. You’re the only person I want to get high with... at the moment” You say in a whisper, nudging him in the stomach as he smiles fondly at you,

“Good. Because I brought just enough for the two of us.” He states, pulling a Ziploc bag out of his pocket just enough so you can see. “Want something to drink?”

Nodding your head, he gives a quick peck on your head, muttering a ‘be right back’ before wandering off. You stand there with your hands behind your back, watching the beautiful scene of young kids enjoying their moment like it’s their last and you can’t help but smile. The sound of ‘Best On Earth’ by Russ is blasting through the speakers as you bob your head to the beat,

“hey cutie” you hear a voice from behind, noticing that it’s Kie greeting you, with her hand interlocked with Pope’s,

smiling at the couple, you greet back. “hey you two. Awe aren’t you two the most adorable shits I’ve ever seen” you poke out your bottom lip, placing your palms against your chest,

Kie just giggles and looks up at her man who has a shy smile plastered on his face. “You and JJ next.”

rolling your eyes playfully, you give a small pinch on her stomach making the girl squeal. “stoop that. God, you’re so annoying.”

Pope then wraps his arm around his girl’s shoulder, pulling her close before giving you a playful smirk. “So you and JJ, eh? Not surprised, man.”

“Oh my God we’re just friends” You laugh at the two, putting your hands on your hips and you stare down at Kie. “You should stop spreading false rumors” You joke,

“they’re FACTS, not rumors” she shrugs, sipping on her red solo cup. “Pope thinks if you two get together, you’d be the hottest couple in the box.”

he nods his head aggressively. “oh yeah definitely. plus, he won’t stop bragging about it. God, you need to lock him down, y/n”

you’re trying so hard to suppress a giggle, just before you could respond to his statement, you feel a figure bumping from your side,

“don’t even try to steal her away from me. I’m planning to spend the whole night with this woman.” JJ jokes, his hand goes out to grip on your waist and keep you close to his body which makes you melt,

“All yours buddy” Pope sends him a wink and Kie just shoots you a smirk before the couple bids you bye and walk off,

"Here you go beautiful” He hands you your drink with a smile, admiring how gorgeous you look under the dark sky with him by your side,

you’re so fucking beautiful it hurts him,

“Thank you my lovely escort” you look up at him before taking a small sip. “Just so you know I’m not planning to get drunk tonight.”

“Me too. I have to drive you back home and make sure you’re safe.” He explains, lacing his fingers with yours as he guides you out from the crowded scene to find a spot just for the two of you,

shaking your head, you look at him who has his eyes on the ground. “You don’t have to. I can just ask Kie or John B to drive me home.”

“Nonsense. I’m taking you home, I always do.” He responds, finding a quiet spot which drives the two of you away from the scene before sitting down on the sand. “Come here, pretty.” He pats a spot next to him before you plop down,

His hand digs into his pocket to pull out the bag he shows you earlier, grabbing a couple of joints as he hands you one. “me and my dad got into a fight this morning when I stopped by the house to grab a few clothes of mine”

With that, you freeze. Your focus is no longer on the joint but rather the boy who’s sitting next to you with a sad smile on his face. “Oh no JJ, what did he do?” Your tone begins to roughen,

as he takes a notice of the tone of your voice, he assures you that nothing happened. “He was about to knock me to the ground but I bolted out of the door before he even got the chance.”

your brows furrow, bottling up your anger deep at the thought of his father hurting the boy you love so much. it pains you to know that you can’t do anything about it, mainly because JJ tells you to stay out of it. Not wanting you to get hurt too.

“where have you been staying?” you can’t help but ask,

he shrugs lightly, lighting the joint before his hand goes to your behind, setting his palm firmly on your back and rubs small circles around it,

“here and there, doesn’t matter.” 

“of course it does” you get a little defensive, scooting closer to him. “i don’t want anything to happen to you jay... you know the guest room at my place is always available right? my mom loves you so she doesn’t mind.”

he smiles at your concern for him, grabbing your hand and kisses your knuckles. “don’t worry about me. i got you, the guys, a job. I could give two fucks about my dad. He’s the least of my concerns.”

though you feel unsatisfied with the answer, you decide to not push him since you know all he wants is to enjoy this night with you and you do too.

“okay.” you smile, softly inhaling the weed before exhaling and closes your eyes. “you know... me, Kie and John B talked about you today” you tease as you bite your lip,

he groans playfully, rolling his eyes before smiling back at you. “Oh yeah? what did you guys talk about?” he asks, 

“they said ... you have a crush on me aaand that you’re like a John Green when it comes to talking about me” you giggle, watching his hand covering his eyes and cheeks flush. you reach out to peel his hand off so he can look at you. 

“heeey don’t be embarrassed. it’s cute as fuck.”

he hums in reply, staring at your pretty brown eyes and find himself getting lost deeper and deeper in them,

“not cute. it’s embarrassing.” he mumbles, leaning his back against the stone wall. “i can’t believe they told you that, fuck! i told them not to tell you!” he groans cutely, 

giggling, you shift your body a little so you’re laying on your side and let your thighs touch with his. “why?” you question,

he knits his eyebrows together, confused by your question, his hand on your hip. “why what?”

“why do you have a crush on me?”

he scoffs at that, chewing on his lip before choosing the next few words to say to you. “1. you’re gorgeous and sexy as hell” the start of the sentence causes you to throw your head back with a laughter. “2. you have always been there for me and no matter how much i think myself as a fuck up-”

“that’s because you’re not” you cut him off

he smiles for a second and continues, “you always remind me the good things i’ve done and what a good person i am to a lot of people, especially our friends. i’ve never had someone do that to me, you know?” he says sadly, his eyes looking forward,

you bite your lip as you put your focus on him, fingers playing with the hem of the material of his tank,

“And every time you talk? Fuck, i’d never want you to stop. Your voice is fucking angelic and makes me smile like a dumbass which is now a joking matter to JB and Pope.” he chuckles and you laugh too, smiling softly as you watch him explain the things he loves about you. “I love how passionate you are about your work but not forgetting about your friends, i love how you stick up for me that one time when we’re at the police station, i love how you know exactly how to make the perfect grilled cheese sandwich and got me hooked on your Empanadas, i love how you punched Topper and gave him a nose bleed that time, i love how you’re willing to guide me through everything in life just so we can get the fuck out of here and move to New York.”

he pauses for a while, taking a deep breath as he now moves his gaze down towards you, who’s eyes already looking at him getting teary.

“but most of all... i love how much i love you and have no intention of going back.” he confesses. “i want to stay in that bubble. would you let me stay?”

you can feel the tears start to building up and blurring your vision, blinking fast as they start to run down your cheeks in which you quickly wipe it off. Nodding your head. “of course... i love you too”

he breathes out a relief, showing you a toothy grin before crashing his lips onto yours, humming deeply as you kiss him back. he smiles against your mouth, heart skips a beat when he feels your soft lips moving hungrily. he bites onto your bottom lip making you gasp and he takes it as an opportunity to slip his tongue inside you. 

the two of you make out for a couple more seconds before pulling away to catch each other’s breathes, laughing lightly at how hungry you two are for each other’s kisses.

“God i’m fucking crazy about you, baby." he sighs out, shaking his head as he admires how plump and sexy your lips are after he kisses you. “driving me insane but i love it. i love you.”

you giggle shyly, sucking on your bottom lip as he chucks off the joint he has on his fingers and so do you. ”i love you too and i’m into you, JJ. i hope you know that.” you wrap your arms around his shoulders and drapes your leg over his lap. “there’s no place i’d rather be right now.”

JJ is over the moon. He can’t believe he got you. He got you... his gorgeous best friend is now his girlfriend, who’s cuddling against his chest and just shared their first kiss. he doesn’t have to hear about you going on a date with other guys because now, you’re his girl.

he fucking wins in life.

“you know” he starts, smiling at you, the ‘i’m so fucking in love with you and there’s no going back’ kind of smile. one of his palms is settled on your waist and the other on your ass. “from the number of times i’ve smoked with the guys, you might be the best high i’ve ever had, baby”*

*

a/n : omg this kind of sucks i’m sorry lmaoo but please give me feedback or leave a comment down below. thank you for reading babies:)

[wxlfstxrx]

you drive me nuts (oneshot)

so I received a prompt from @gaeilgelupin to have two of the boys bickering over something stupid while the third just watches and laughs. naturally (or should i say nut-urally), Finn seemed like the kind of arsehole who would just obnoxiously laugh as Logan and Leo argued :")

if you can't tell, there are gonna be bad puns made here. i'm not even sorry.

lots of swearing too. that, I'm sorry about. I couldn't help myself. also, it's a kinda silly oneshot but I had a shit start of the week and I needed some comic relief. just... just humour me, please.

characters by @lumosinlove.

read it on AO3: https://archiveofourown.org/works/24627019

The front door to Finn and Leo’s apartment slammed open with a bang, and Logan saw Finn jump from where he was lying sideways on the couch, scrolling through his phone.

“Hey—” He started, propped up on an elbow and turning his body halfway to face them, but neither Logan nor Leo paid any notice as they continued bickering.

“I know it’s meant to be a joke, I’m not fucking sensi,” Leo rolled his eyes as he bent down and yanked his worn out white converses off his feet, almost losing balance and gripping onto the wall for support.

Logan snorted, peeling off his black denim jacket. “Well, you’re certainly acting that way, aren’t you?”

“Guys, wha—” Finn started again, but was startled by a loud slam of the bathroom door.

His eyebrows were raised high behind his floppy red hair as he regarded Logan with wide brown eyes. What’s up with him? He mouthed.

Logan rolled his eyes. “He’s pissed because I keep making nut jokes.”

Finn’s face broke into an amused grin.

“Yeah?” He choked out, trying and failing to school his expression into a neutral one.

“Mmhm, and he’s being overly melodramatic about it,” Logan responded, raising his voice intentionally as he leaned on the wall just beside the bathroom door.

“Fuck, Logan,” The bathroom door slammed open, and Leo had the grace to wince and gently pull the door shut as he stepped back out into the living room. 

He closed in on Logan, his eyes glinting dangerously again.

“I fucking swear, if you start again…”

“Yeah? What, you’ll go nuts?” Logan drawled, folding his arms and leaning against the wall.

“What the fuck,” Finn laughed in surprise, as though he couldn’t believe his eyes and ears. Logan glanced at him and winked, the corner of his mouth twitching upwards.

Leo shoved him hard in the shoulder, forcing him to snap his gaze back to the tall, livid boy.

“You’ve been— You’ve been at it the whole bloody afternoon!” He cried exasperatedly. “I don’t know how I haven’t socked you in the jaw yet, to be honest.”

“I guess you could say,” Logan paused for dramatic effect. “That you’re simply a tough nut to crack.”

Leo groaned, about five different expressions flickering across his face in rapid succession, and he ran a hand across his face, choosing not to respond. He turned to head towards the kitchen, picking up the groceries that he had dumped unceremoniously on the floor as he went.

“Of course, I’m sure you’ve heard lots of those over the years, haven’t you?” Logan taunted, arms propped on top of the kitchen counter as Leo silently fumed, unpacking all the groceries and stowing them away.

“Funnily enough, I haven’t. You lot are the first. Shows what a bunch of hooligans you all are, really,” Leo snarled, but Logan detected an undercurrent of affection for the team, and he smiled wickedly.

“Oh, I bet there were many others with puns for your name, they just…” Logan shrugged, fixing Leo with a sympathetic pout. “Did nut tella, is all.”

Leo turned his head slowly, jaw dropped almost comically. Finn was sniggering from behind Logan.

“Come on, babe,” The redhead pitched in. “It walnut hurt for you to let loose a little, laugh with us once in a while. If you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em, or whatever the fuck people say.”

Logan’s face split into a massive grin, whipping his head around to waggle his eyebrows at Finn.

Leo sighed tiredly. “For the last fucking time, my last name is pronounced as newt. Not nut.”

“Whatever do you mean it’s not pronounced as nut?” Logan gasped, a hand flying to his chest theatrically.

“Are you telling me, Logan Tremblay,” Leo’s eyes were narrowed, arms folded across his chest and staring Logan down. It would’ve been a right terrifying sight, if not for the fact that Logan, a full six inches shorter, was rising to the bait, decidedly undaunted by Leo’s massive height advantage. “That I don’t know how to pronounce my own last name?”

“I… No—”

“Then?”

“It was a joke,” Logan threw his hands up. He yanked his cap off, ran a hand through the flattened curls, and slammed it back onto his head.

“Well, it certainly isn’t funny,” Leo growled.

“God, this wasn’t supposed to make you angry. Was just tryna make you laugh, I don’t know what’s gotten into you,” Logan grumbled, turning and attempting to stalk off, but Leo had him cornered before he could even take a step. 

“You’re the one who started this, if you remember,” Leo glared menacingly. He waved his hands around as his voice rose, “Don’t go walking away now. I’m not done.”

Logan dared a glance at Finn, then scowled at the redhead’s still irritatingly gleeful expression. He rolled his eyes and looked back at Leo, pushing his shoulders back and straightening his back. He lifted his chin, giving Leo a challenging look.

Finn howled with laughter from where he had shifted on the couch, arse on the seat, one arm slung over the back of the couch and legs dangling over the side of the armrest. At both Leo and Logan’s warning looks, he clamped his hand over his mouth and shook with mirth.

Logan raised an eyebrow and leaned back against the blank wall behind him in an act of nonchalance. 

“You’re cute when you’re angry, y’know that?”

“Yeah? Then I’m about to get really fucking adorable.” Leo spat.

“Ooookay,” Now both of Logan’s eyebrows were raised, eyes hesitant as he craned his neck to look at him. “What crawled up your arse?”

He could feel the anger radiating off Leo in waves, even as he stood completely still, stormy blue eyes locked with his own bright green orbs. 

Logan swallowed nervously, suddenly realising just how close they were standing. His eyes flickered down to Leo’s full lips and back up to meet his gaze again. If he was being completely honest with himself, he had only continued riling the taller boy up because of how bloody hot he was when he was angry. He hadn’t expected the other boy to get so upset.

But then something flashed in Leo’s eyes, and he took a step closer, bringing one hand to the wall beside Logan’s head, and leaned closer so they were almost nose to nose. He pushed his hips forward so he just brushed against Logan’s rapidly filling erection. 

Ever so slowly, he lifted his other hand up, tongue darting out of his mouth to lick his lips. He ran his tongue along his middle finger, and Logan found that he couldn’t look away from those intense blue eyes even as he saw Leo’s tongue swirling around the tip from his peripheral vision. Leo tilted his head down so he was looking at Logan through his lashes, and Logan had to bite back a moan. 

Fuck, he was so hard.

His eyes widened and he inhaled sharply as Leo plunged his entire finger into his mouth, and Logan broke eye contact, gaze snapping down to watch, open mouthed, as Leo sucked on his own finger, sensually, alluringly, unashamedly. Logan vaguely heard a soft holy fuck from the couch, but his mind was so foggy with lust that he could barely focus on anything else besides his pounding heartbeat ringing in his ears and Leo’s sinfully gorgeous mouth that was still licking and sucking on his long, slim finger.

After several tense moments, when Logan thought he couldn’t hold back any longer, his hands itching to grab Leo by the front of his hoodie and kiss him senseless, Leo pulled his finger out of his mouth, wet with saliva. His lips were shiny and red, and when Logan peered up into Leo’s eyes, the fierce, and frankly insanely sexy look that he received made him weak in the knees.

The blonde boy finally smirked then, one corner of his lips pulling up as his expression changed. He looked… Animalistic. Hungry.

Logan shivered.

Leo turned his wrist from where his hand was still inches away from his lips, such that the back of his hand faced the shorter boy. He lifted his middle finger, which was still slick, and raised a blonde eyebrow. 

“Nothing, and best believe nothing will be up yours either, unless you shut your pretty mouth.”

The silence was deafening for a heartbeat or two, after which Finn burst out laughing, gasping for breath as he clutched his stomach. Seemingly satisfied, Leo turned and strode off into the kitchen as Logan spluttered in confusion.

“Wha— What the fuck?” 

“Fucking hell, babe, I fucking love you,” Finn wheezed, receiving a hum of agreement from the kitchen in response as the refrigerator door opened and closed.

“Merde,” Logan groaned, letting the back of his head thunk against the wall. He pressed his palm to his now obvious erection, willing it to subside as his cheeks flamed. 

“You good there, Lo? Or has our baby Leo right there finally gotten you speechless?” Finn looked like Christmas had come early for how big his grin was.

“Leo’s middle name should be ‘Tease’, fuck’s sake,” Logan muttered, sliding to the floor as he buried his face in his hands in shame.

“And I suppose yours would be ‘Blue Balls’,” Finn chortled. Logan just shook his head, mumbling in rapid French.

“What crawled up your arse, Logan ‘Blue Balls’ Tremblay?” Logan could practically hear the smirk in his voice. He lifted his head up and gave him a reproachful glare.

“Damn you, Nut.”

Finn cackled and pulled Leo, who was seated on the armrest of the couch, beside Finn’s legs, into a deep kiss. Leo reciprocated immediately, but leaned over to place his glass of orange juice on their coffee table to avoid any spillage. With both his hands now free, he slid his hands up the back of Finn’s neck and into his hair, running his fingers through the thick copper curls. Finn moaned as Leo broke the kiss abruptly, and Leo patted his cheek lightly, all anger from earlier seemingly forgotten.

Leo glanced at the clock above the television. “Alright, what should we have for dinner? Gotta start cooking soon if we wanna eat by six.”

“How the fuck can you even be thinking about dinner right now?” Logan asked incredulously. It was no use trying to control himself, his cock was hard and throbbing again.

Leo blinked. “I’m hungry.”

“You’re always hungry,” Logan deadpanned. 

“Come on, you idiots. Bedroom. Now. Seeing you angry has gotten me all hot and bothered. I can only imagine how rough you’re gonna be,” Finn had an almost dazed and longing expression as he rolled off the couch, dragging Leo by the hand.

Logan made an approving noise as he made to follow them.

“Completely bonkers, the both of you,” Leo grumbled. “Absolutely nuts.”

Neither Finn nor Logan could hold in their raucous laughter as they doubled over, and Leo couldn’t help but smile too, shaking his head at his two lovers as he shut the door behind them.

[jlalafics]

“Katniss and Peeta’s Excellent No-Baby Adventure”-an Everlark Fic

For @drivebyanon who requested this prompt: Peeta and Katniss go on a date and leave the baby home with a babysitter for the first time 😄

(I totally relate...)

Summary: Peeta plans to give his wife the best date night ever. Katniss decides to name it. Everlark with a smattering of Hayhanna, Odesta, Gadge, and few other couples.

Peeta stood up as his wife hastily entered the restaurant.

“I’m sorry, babe!” Katniss kissed him quickly, all the while taking off her blazer and revealing her black date night dress. It was a cute number with a simple silhouette and cap sleeves. It was also the only decent dress that fit her after Rye was born. “Meeting ran late. Then, Beetee caught me as I was getting on the elevator. Seriously, it’s Friday. I mean, get out of the office—”

“Don’t worry about it.” Her husband pulled out the chair for her and signaled over their server. “You can drink, right?”

Katniss nodded excitedly. “Oh yeah—I have pumped for the next two days. I am ready to forget this whole week.”

Peeta sat down as the server came up to their table. “She’ll have a glass of Riesling.”

“What’s going on?” his wife asked immediately. “It’s too early in the evening for you to want to get laid.”

“Okay…I have some good news and some bad news,” Peeta told her. “Which one first?”

“Bad news, of course,” Katniss replied as she placed her napkin on her lap.

“Katie had to cancel on us.” He let out a slight breath. “Actually, all our usual high school kids had to cancel when I tried to find a replacement. It seems a number of kids at Panem High caught a case—”

Katniss was genuinely curious. “What? Head lice?”

“Chlamydia,” her husband told her. “So, Katie is grounded for the rest of the school year until she’s off to college.”

“Oh Katie…” Katniss shook her head. “Is it horrible that I’m a little relieved? It’s not that I wanted her to get something that could have easily been prevented with a condom. But I was also thinking that we have to clean everything out in the house in hopes that Rye wouldn’t get lice.”

“No, my big concern is that she invited guys over,” Peeta explained. “I checked all the outside cameras. No one that we didn’t know has entered the house.”

The server reappeared placing her glass in front of her. “So, who is currently watching our child?”

“Drink that first.” Katniss took a long swig. “The good news is that I found a great babysitter. She is more than capable and can actually stay later than Katie could, anyway.”

His wife’s gaze went steely. “Who, Peeta?”

“Johanna.”

“Johanna!” Katniss exclaimed. “She’s never watched a kid in her life. And when did she pop back into town?”

“She is Rye’s Godmother,” Peeta pointed out. “And she’s family. I may have also told her that she could stay for a couple of days.”

The last bit of information was said in such a rush that Katniss almost didn’t catch it.

Peeta hoped she wouldn’t.

“Well…” Katniss took another large gulp from her glass. “…I’m sure she won’t be that bad.”

She downed the rest of her drink.

++++++

Johanna Mason looked at her nephew in the bassinet beside her. He was fast asleep, the mobile above him playing softly. She could tell that her stepbrother had doubts about her ability to watch her nephew, but Johanna was sure that he was blowing it all out of proportion.

Rye was just a baby; he ate, slept, and pooped. This was not a big deal.

Then, the mobile broke.

And the crying began.

++++++

Peeta and Katniss ordered their usual; lamb for her and chicken for him. When their plates arrived, he took the radishes off her salad and she grabbed half of his fries. They caught up on work and she told him about some of the new cases that they were taking on at the firm. He told her about some of the commissions that were coming since his latest gallery show.

Everything was going great in their professional lives and—after many years of trying—they finally got the baby that they’ve been waiting for.

Halfway through dinner, Katniss made a suggestion. “Should we call and check on the baby?”

Peeta reached over, placing his hand over hers.

“Katniss, I’m sure everything is alright.” He looked around the restaurant before leaning forward. “You need to relax, because you’ve been working so hard especially since going back to the firm.” Peeta could tell that she was already trying to come up with ways to get home. “Tell me. What is something that you’ve really wanted to do but couldn’t because you just had a baby?”

Katniss searched her mind. “Um…maybe see a concert…go on a rollercoaster…go dancing?”

“That’s a lot,” Peeta replied grinning. “Let’s do it.”

Right after he texted Johanna.

++++++

‘How’s it going?’

Johanna quickly looked at her phone screen on the coffee table. In her arms was a wailing Rye Mellark, his face red and his bright blue eyes full of tears. She patted his sweaty raven hair as she stood up to pace the floor.

“Baby Boy, it’s just a mobile—” He wailed louder. “I’m sure we can find an alternative song…”

Except Johanna didn’t know any songs.

The next text came in: ‘Should we come home?’

With her free hand, she picked up the phone and pressed the speech-to-text icon.

“’We’re fine. The stupid mobile broke, but it’s okay. Do not come home. One of us should get laid and you two haven’t been alone for six months.’”

She threw the phone on the couch.

“Okay, Rye,” Johanna said to the weeping six-month-old. “Auntie Johanna doesn’t know all the Twinkle-Twinkle bullshit, but she does know her Black Eyed Peas.”

The fussy baby lifted his head to her expectantly.

Okay, she had this.

“Whatcha gonna do with all that junk…all that junk inside your trunk…”

++++++

“Where are we?” Katniss asked as they walked past the long line of people.

“You wanted to see a band, right?” They headed towards the box office. “Are there any tickets left?”

The attendant—a curly-haired teenager—gave them a buzzed smile.

“We don’t have anything on the floor,” he said. “But we do have some VIP tickets left. You get a private booth and unlimited drinks.”

Then, the boy told them the price.

“We cannot afford that,” Katniss told her husband.

“We can and we’re doing it.” Peeta kissed her gently, earning an appreciative hum from Katniss. “You pushed our kid out of your vagina. It’s the least I can do.”

She already knew she would say yes.

But first…

“Let me just text Johanna really quick about feeding Rye.”

++++++

‘Make sure that you give him the spinach that I blended for him. Thanks!’

Two rounds of ‘My Humps’ had quieted her nephew down and by the end, he had actually giggled at her.

When he wanted to be, Rye could be adorable.

They were currently in the kitchen as she warmed a bottle of Katniss’ breast milk—ew—and searched for the pureed spinach in the fridge. Rye sat in his highchair, plastic spoon in his grasp.

“Alright, we’re going to feed you this spinach that your Momma made for you,” Johanna told her nephew, pulling out a small container. She blanched seeing the green mush but went to the baby. “Yum…yum…”

Opening the jar, Johanna put her nose to it.

“Oh, gross!” She looked to the baby. “She makes you eat this?”

Rye put his spoon in his mouth and chewed.

Johanna put the concoction in the garbage. “Oh whoops…looks like you dumped it in the garbage.” She went to the fridge and looked at the other labeled jars. “What do you think of peaches for dinner?”

The baby pulled the spoon out his mouth and gave her a gummy smile.

Holy shit. Her ovaries just exploded.

++++++

“Wow, these seats are amazing,” Katniss gasped as they entered the balcony. “And we’re practically next to the stage.” She turned to her husband. “Thank you so much. We probably won’t be able to send our son to college with the amount you paid, but it was well worth it.”

Peeta shrugged, a smile against his lips. “Well, we’re just going to have to hope that he’s stupid, so we don’t have to worry about it.” He reached, wrapping an arm around her waist to pull her against his chest. “I love seeing you smile.”

“If you’re trying to get laid—” Her arms wrapped around his neck. “—it’s totally working.” She pressed her lips to the corner of his mouth. “I love you so much.”

Peeta’s lips went to her temple, wondering how he ever got someone as beautiful, inside and out, as his Katniss. He lingered against her skin for a moment before lifting her chin to meet her eyes.

“You two are the cutest fucking couple that I have ever seen.”

They turned to find two women by the entrance curtain of their box. One was dark-haired and wearing a green moto jacket with a silk tank and leather leggings. The other was a long-haired blonde. She was wearing a white dress, an oversized jean jacket, and combat boots.

“I didn’t realize that there were four seats here,” Katniss said suddenly. “Sorry! We were just about to makeout in the box.”

“Not that I wouldn’t love for you to continue but my fiancé is about to come on stage,” the brunette informed them. “I’m Annie Cresta and this is my friend, Madge Undersee.”

Peeta nodded at the two. “I’m Peeta Mellark and this is my wife, Katniss.”

The quartet shook hands before taking their seats with Peeta sitting at the end.

“So, your fiancé is in District 4?” Katniss asked.

“He’s the lead singer,” Annie said proudly. “Madge’s man is on drums.”

“So cool!” Katniss replied before turning to her husband. “I can’t believe we’re sitting with people who know the band!”

“I bet Rye is going to love hearing about this,” Peeta replied, putting an arm around her.

“Who’s that?” Madge asked.

“Our little boy.” Katniss pulled out her phone to show them her lock screen featuring their cherub of a son. “He’s six months old. This is actually our first time leaving him for the night…” Her eyes filled slightly. “I kind of miss him.”

“Aww…don’t cry Momma.” Madge gave her a smile. “I’m sure he’s doing fine.”

“Thanks.” Katniss sniffled. “Blubbering was so not part of ‘Katniss and Peeta’s Excellent No-Baby Adventure’.”

“Did you just name our date?” her husband asked in amusement.

Katniss shrugged. “Yeah…”

“Pretty cool. What else do you two have planned?” Annie asked curiously.

“Katniss wanted to go to a concert…go dancing…go on a rollercoaster…” Peeta listed.

“You know what?” Madge suddenly said. “I think we can help you. After District 4’s set is done, you two are coming backstage with us.”

Peeta looked to his wife who nodded excitedly.

“I’ll text Johanna that we’re going to be late.”

++++++

‘Don’t wait up. We’re at a concert and are going to hang with one of the bands after their set is over.’

“Whoa. Your parents are so extra,” Johanna informed the baby, who was laying on her chest. She was prone across the couch, one hand on Rye’s back and the other on her phone. She placed it on the armrest above before grabbing the remote. “They need a fun night.” She stopped flipping when her eyes caught a movie obviously filmed in Hawaii, the island sunset so achingly familiar. “I was just there. Left a man…thought he might’ve been the one. I guess I’ll never know.”

Rye let out a content sigh, burrowing against her contently.

Johanna kissed the top of his head.

“I much prefer snuggling with you, anyway.”

++++++

“Before we finish for the night, I wanted to sing one last song,” Finnick, lead singer of District 4, said. “My beautiful fiancée Annie is here tonight—” There was riotous applause and Annie blew Finnick a kiss from her seat. “It’s kind of a special night for us, so I wanted to sing a cover of our song.”

Thresh, on keyboard, started the beginning of the slow tune as Finnick put mouth to the mic, his eyes on the woman at their box, whose green eyes were glowing with love.

“My heart is filled with so much love…and I need someone I can call my own…” Finnick crooned and there was a collective sigh among the crowd. “To fall in love—that's what every one's dreaming of I hold this feeling oh so strong…”

Peeta leaned over to his wife, who watched the performance and was mouthing the words. It was a popular song when they were teenagers.

“Did you want to dance?” he asked her suddenly.

Katniss turned to him. “Here?”

Peeta stood up, offering his hand. “Yes, here.” Urged by Madge, Katniss took his hand and stood up. He pulled her close, wrapping an arm around her waist as his other hand entwined in hers. “I’m surprised I didn’t get more of a fight.”

“Well, you’re only trying to check things off my list,” Katniss replied, her chin resting on his shoulder. She pressed a delicate kiss to his neck, and he shivered at the spike of pleasure that raced through his body. “Is there anything you want?”

“A little girl?” he suggested, and she drew away from him in shock. “Kidding…for now. Let’s have a few years of seeing if we even like that little meatloaf at home.” Katniss giggled at his words. “Instead, I’d like to practice.”

She raised a brow. “Practice.”

He pulled her close, his mouth brushing over hers. “Thoroughly…until you’re too tired to practice…tonight.”

Katniss laughed breathily. “I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of practicing with you.”

++++++

Five Hours Earlier…

He packed his bag methodically, trying to think of the many ways to beg for her back without looking like too much of an inconsiderate dumbass. She had told him that she wanted more, and he argued with her; told her that they agreed on it not being forever.

So, Johanna left and took whatever was left of his mangled heart with her.

She had mentioned going to the mainland to see her brother and his family.

Going to his laptop, Haymitch typed in the last name ‘Mellark’, finding the address easily.

A knock on the door sounded—his taxi was here.

Now, he only had five hours to figure out how to convince Johanna to marry him.

+++++++

“Finnick, come meet Peeta and Katniss Mellark,” Annie said, her hand entwined with the bronze-haired man. “Mellarks, meet my fiancé. Finnick Odair.”

The man gave them a bright smile. “Nice to meet you two.” Finnick shook Peeta’s hand and kissed Katniss on the cheek. “I heard you were having an ‘Excellent No-Baby Adventure’.”

“I told you that name was cool,” Katniss crowed to her husband before turning to the couple. “Yes, we’ve already gotten 2 out of the 3 things out of the way.”

“Madge mentioned that you two wanted to ride a rollercoaster.” A dark-haired man with steel eyes approached them. “Gale Hawthorne.” He shook their hands before turning to Finnick and Annie. “Did you tell them where we’re going?”

“No, but they’re coming with us whether they like it or not,” Madge declared, wrapping an arm around Gale’s waist.

++++++

On the way to their destination (in a limo!), the Mellarks met the rest of the band.

There was, of course, Finnick, who was the lead singer and Gale on drums. Cato was on bass and Thresh was on keyboard. They had all met in high school and formed the band after graduation, deciding to try and break into the music industry in oppose to attending college.

They were steadily gaining popularity, their latest single getting regular radio play.

“We’re heading to New York after this to speak with an actual record label,” Finnick told them, his arm around Annie. “Hopefully, it will all work out.”

“In the meantime, I’ve booked them some gigs to keep us living in the lap of luxury,” Annie added. “We’re here!”

Katniss looked out the window and her smoky eyes widened. “Holy shit.”

Thresh chuckled. “I couldn’t have said it better myself.”

“The girls are here!” Cato added excitedly.

The Mellarks stepped out of the limo in a daze at the sight of the amusement park before them.

“Whoa, they really did help with the list,” Peeta said, putting an arm around his wife. “Ready to ride a coaster?”

They joined the group and were introduced to Clove, Cato’s wife, a petite woman with a messy bob who was obviously pregnant underneath her navy sheath dress. Then Thresh introduced his wife, Finch; a tall redhead with sharp eyes who looked very statuesque in her gold lamé dress.

“We’re all set,” Finch told them, walking them through the turnstiles to get into the park. The place had obviously been closed for hours, as the usual litter of parkgoers had been cleared. However, the place was still lit up.

“What’s going on?” Peeta asked as they stopped in front of a large water fountain. Across from it was a two-tier carousel.

“It was a sign of good luck that we met you two,” Annie told them brightly. “Because Finnick and I are getting married.”

Katniss beamed at the two. “When?”

A blond man rushed over, a piece of paper in his hands. “I had to print out my certification at one of the ticket booths. Are we ready?”

Finnick smiled at the couple. “I guess now.”

Madge quickly explained that the amusement park was where Finnick and Annie had their first date and that they kissed at this exact spot where they would also get married. Marvel, their last-minute guest, was Annie’s cousin and the officiant.

So, it came to be that in front of a beautiful lit carousel, Annie and Finnick married.

Peeta wrapped his arms around his wife’s waist as they watch Finnick sniffle through his vows.

“Feels like that was just us,” he said.

“You cried a lot more,” Katniss replied softly before turning her head to press a kiss to his lips. “Thank you for marrying me.”

“Thank you for giving me that little meatloaf at home,” Peeta said into her hair, watching as the couple exchanged rings. “You two are the best things in my life.”

“By the power vested in me and the hopefully legit internet site that ordained me, I now pronounce you husband and wife,” Marvel announced. Everyone applauded, the guys letting out whoops of excitement. “Finnick, you may now kiss your bride—just not too much tongue, because she’s my cousin and that would be really gross to see.”

“Then avert your eyes,” Finnick told the man and Marvel chuckled before turning away.

Pulling Annie into his arms, the new husband dipped her down before planting a kiss to her lips, unaware of the cheers around them.

++++++

Johanna awoke to the doorbell ringing. She looked down, finding Rye still asleep, his mouth slightly open.

Sitting up carefully, Johanna readjusted so that the little one was in the crook of her arm before standing up and heading to the front door.

Maybe the couple had forgotten their keys?

The doorbell rang once more.

“Hold your horses,” she muttered before reaching to turn the knob and opening the door. Her mouth fell open at the person before her. “What the fuck are you doing here?”

“Can we talk?” Haymitch asked. “I mean, I came all the way here.”

“No one asked you to,” Johanna muttered, patting Rye’s back. “Plus, I’m obviously very busy.”

“I wanted to,” the man before her said. “And he looks like he’s out for the night.”

“Of course, he is. Rye has spent most of the night asleep on my chest,” she retorted.

“I can relate.” Johanna couldn’t help but chuckle at Haymitch’s words. “Can we please talk?”

“Fine. But if you wake him, you die.”

She widened the door.

++++++

The air was cool from their seats.

“Last thing checked off the list for ‘Katniss and Peeta’s Excellent No-Baby Adventure’,” Peeta said as they ascended in their coaster cart. The newly minted Odairs had the front cart but if they decided to go again, he insisted that they get the front.

“I’m really starting to have doubts about going on this roller coaster,” Katniss said, gripping the railing in front of them. “However, I think this has been a really cool night. I’m looking forward to the next one.”

“I promise there will be another adventure,” he told her.

Katniss leaned over to kiss her husband, no longer caring that they were at the crest of the roller coaster, ready to tip down into the unknown.

They were ready for whatever came next.

FIN.

I really wanted to have ‘Date Night’ vibes (you know the movie starring Tina Fey and Steve Carell) because I think that they had such great chemistry.

Music:

“My Humps” –The Black Eyed Peas

“Shower Me with Your Love”—Surface

All the popular girls in my high school used to do this hula dance to this song and I kind of imagine Annie being one of those girls doing that hula dance during a school talent show and Finnick just falling in love with her in a grass skirt. I thought that it would be cool if that was Finnick and Annie’s song since they’re from a coastal district.

Thanks for reading.

[starryseo]

costume. | bang chan

this gif is so cute oml

pairing ↠ chan x gender neutral!reader

genre ↠ fluff!!

wc ↠ 1564

summary ↠ chan really likes couple’s costumes. 

warnings ↠ a tiiiny bit of swearing. woojin is in this fic bc i wrote it before the news; pls don’t read if you’re not comfortable doing so.

a/n ↠ hope this makes u smile!

"We should do a couple's costume," Chan suggested for the fifth - sixth? - time. "I saw a Robin Hood and Maid Marian costume earlier that we'd look so hot in. I'll even let you have first pick."

You groaned, ignoring him for the fifth, or sixth, time.

And then you groaned again, interrupting whatever it was he was just about to say.

"Once again, Chan, I would like to remind you that we're not a couple."

"That can be changed very quickly," he said, stopping his search through his cupboard to shoot you a smirk, "Y/n, would you do me the honour, make me the happiest guy in all of Korea, and go out with me? Please?"

You stopped scrolling on your phone, raising a brow to perfect the bored expression you were sending his way. "I'm positively swooning, how can anyone say no to that?" You fall back onto his bed with a huff, continuing to scroll on Instagram once more.

"Great! C'mon, babe, let's go get our costumes!" He slammed his cupboard shut, turning to pull you up and off his bed. "What do you want to be?"

"Single."

"Ha ha," he shoved your shoulders before pulling you closer again, "Seriously though?"

You placed your hands on his shoulders, grasping tightly to hold him together, because you knew what you had to say was going to make him crumble.

"I'm sorry, Chan, but I already have a costume."

Promptly after your big reveal, Chan had pushed you out of his room and muttered, "We're over." You were too busy laughing at his theatrics to stop any of that, your snickers increasing when you hear him sigh, scoff and sulk behind the locked door.

"Chan," you called, inhaling deeply to control your laughter, "C'mon, open up. Don't be a baby, baby. I can still help you find a costume!"

Silence.

Aside from your choked chuckles.

"Can you stop being a drama queen, man," you groaned, knocking on his door. "Chan, c'mon!"

Unsurprisingly, more silence.

"Alright, fine, I'll be Robin Hood, okay? You happy now?"

You thought that would bring him out of his blues, but he still wouldn't reply. You knocked again, much more softly, before calling his name.

"Just leave him," Woojin said, coming from the living room. "He'll be fine in, like, 5 minutes." He rolled his eyes, a teasing grin on his face though. "C'mon, the guys have set up Mario Kart."

You joined the rest of the boys as Woojin magically got Chan out of his room - in 3 minutes! - to join in on the fun.

He sat on the seat furthest away from you, shooting you a glare, so you knew he was still mad at you. You rolled your eyes at him, adoring the way he pouted and crossed his arms. He was over the top, yet endearing. A deadly combination.

Some time through playing games, you all decided to place bets on who would win, daring the losers to do random things. Seungmin dared Jisung to not speak for 20 minutes (which he failed after 7 minutes), Minho dared Hyunjin to take his shirt off (20 minutes later and he’s still blushing), and Felix dared Changbin to cuddle him for the rest of the day.

When Chan and Woojin were battling it out, Chan lost. Only by a split second, but all his demands for a rematch fell on deaf ears as Woojin cheered victoriously.

"I dare you to let me pick out your Halloween costume!"

"Fine," Chan huffed, sending a pointed look in your direction when Woojin mentioned the costume.

You grinned at him, but he turned away, his pout returning.

When Jeongin moved to get more snacks, you seized the opportunity to flank Chan's left side, immediately draping yourself on his shoulder.

"You done being a baby?" you teased, linking your arm with his. He tried pulling away, but stopped his futile attempts when you wrapped your other arm around his, too. Instead, he simply turned his face away, suddenly intent on watching the Minho v Felix round. "C'mon, Maid Marian, talk to me."

"Only if you tell me who you're going as."

"No can do, Channie," you sighed, "it's a surprise. You gotta wait til the party like everyone else."

"C'mon," he whined, "I won't tell anyone, I promise."

"Nope," you grinned, "Wooj already knows, I can't tell anybody else."

"Seriously?" he exclaimed, "That's so unfair, y/n, I wanna know!"

You shrugged your shoulders, pinching your fingers to pretend to zip up your lips.

"I hate you," Chan grumbled, leaning his head on your shoulder.

"Love you too."

It was Halloween day. Finally. Costumes had been bought, decorations were hung and food was prepped, all tasty and delicious and begging to be eaten.

Just like you all had agreed, the ten of you were wearing the longest coats you could find to cover your costumes. Minho and Jisung had even gone the extra mile to put paper bags over their heads, probably - hopefully - to cover their makeup.

You drew numbers out of a conveniently-placed magician's hat, the numbers dictating the order of the costume reveal.

Hyunjin was first, in a beautiful Captain America suit. He even pulled out a fake shield - from inside the sofa? - to complete the look. Next was a mummy Seungmin: you have no idea how he managed to keep all the layers wrapped so well, but Seungmin was nothing if not insanely talented.

A vampire Jeongin - whose contacts made the youngster actually look pretty terrifying, especially since they glowed in the dark - was next. Then Minho who, upon shredding the paper bag, was revealed to be the Joker.

"You asshole!" Jisung had yelled, jumping from the sofa when Minho took off his jacket too. "We had a deal."

"Holy shit, you actually did it?" Minho laughed, much to everyone else's confusion.

Jisung, who was next anyway, harshly ripped off his own paper bag.

The long, golden locks were a nice touch, but you definitely loved the blue face paint drenching his face.

"You gotta take the jacket off too, man," Minho chuckled.

Jisung was vehemently opposed, shaking his head, but Hyunjin and Minho tackled him, ripping the cover to reveal Jisung in a flowing white dress.

"Isn't Cap supposed to be the good guy?" Jisung grumbled, crossing his arms as he glared at Hyunjin.

"Not anymore," Hyunjin smirked, tossing over Jisung's jacket, though the damage had been done.

Jisung made a very cute Smurfette.

Once everyone's laughter had died down - which took a very, very, long time, because one look at Jisung caused a giggling domino effect to erupt - Woojin revealed himself to be Cupid. He even had wings and a cute heart shaped bow and arrow set. Felix was the angel to Changbin's devil and they both pulled off the duality stunningly well.

You were next to go and you could see the excitement rolling off Chan in waves. He immediately sat up, cheeky grin plastered on his face as he raised his brows, desperately awaiting your big reveal.

Just to tease him, and he rolled his eyes when he caught on to your actions, you undid your jacket as slowly as possible.

Peter Pan.

The fun-loving, Captain-Hook-hating, youngster was who you decided to dress up as. You took out a hat from your jacket pocket to complete the look, twirling the sword that came with the costume around on your finger.

Whatever expression you thought you'd see on Chan's face, you definitely weren't expecting to see him that shocked and confused, his mouth dropping open slightly. You thought you'd see a teasing grin or him laughing, but not this.

"You asshole!" Chan imitated Jisung, turning to face Woojin. "You did this on purpose!"

"No idea what you mean," he let out airily, but by the smirk on his face, you knew he knew.

"Ooh, is Cupid playing matchmaker?" Minho taunted, "It's your turn, Channie!"

Chan huffed as he stood up, shooting Woojin a vicious glare, before facing you for the reveal. He looked nervous, cheeks tinted a light pink, and it was cute watching him bite his lips as he fumbled to open his jacket.

A green dress. You would have joined the others in laughing if you weren't 100 percent sure that dress belonged to a certain tinkering fairy.

Chan certainly did make a pretty Tinkerbell. His muscles were a bit much though in the tight dress, but you weren't exactly complaining about the view of those. 

"Best couple's costume award definitely goes to Chan and Y/n," Hyunjin grinned, shooting you a thumbs up.

"You're welcome!" Woojin hollered, laughing harder when Chan flipped him off.

"That's so unfair," Felix whined, "they didn't even plan that!"

As the boys argued over who would get what awards for the night, you turned to a still-pink-faced Chan.

"We're in a couple's costume," he smirked, "It all worked out in the end."

"Tink's just obsessed with Peter," you argued, "they're not a real couple."

"Just like us then, yeah?"

"Oh, definitely."

"Is Chan flirting with Y/n? Is that seriously all he's got? No wonder it's taken him this long to make a move."

Chan grabbed your hand, making a swift escape to the safe confines of his room.

If anyone asked what the two of you got up to after that, you were simply telling ghost stories. 

[stevesharrlngtons]

143 for steve !

ew, your hand is sweaty. 

the party raged on around him and steve felt stagnant. he hadn’t wanted to come tonight, but a some of his old party pals stopped by the video store a few days before and urged him to attend. he tried to persuade robin into coming with, but she declined.

“i see enough of those binge drinking barbarians at school. it’s a hard pass.” she had scoffed and extended her hand for steve to pass her another vhs from the box by his feet.

steve was going to join her in rejection of the halloween bash, but decided against it last minute. he pulled out from his closet a pair of blue jeans, a white shirt, an old red flannel and a pair of scissors, to hastily constructed his outfit.

with his hair perfectly quaffed and a bandana in his back pocket for extra emphasis, steve grabbed the crumbled flyer from his night table and left for the party.

upon his arrival, party goers identified the king steve in the crowd almost immediately, some even cheering when they saw he was now in attendance. steve didn’t have much time to process their applause before he was ushered off to the kitchen by a kid he was pretty sure he had sophomore biology with, and got himself a drink.

as steve reminisced with some hawkins high alumuas and stood around for underclassmen to gush over, steve started to think coming tonight was a horrible idea. with the pulsing music, rowdy teenagers and familiar faces swirling in his vision, he couldn’t get what happened last time he was at a halloween party out of head.

nancy. spiked punch. bullshit. pain.

steve was sure other people remembered too. he attributed half of the looks and whispers directed his way to that.

his stomach began churned from cheap alcohol and anguished memories.

steve quickly excused himself from the conversation he’d been roped into, and started off for the door as inconspicuous as possible. steve really didn’t want the word around town to be that he fled a halloween party for the second year in a row. so, he bobbed his head to the music and pushed his way through the crowd, but not without sending smiles and friendly hellos to people to avoid suspicion. the door was soon in sight, and he was almost free, when he caught the sight of someone he couldn’t shake.

and suddenly steve was stock still, all thoughts of fleeing the house party silenced in his head. because there you were. (y/n) hopper, in the flesh, red solo cup to your lips and looking as beautiful as ever. suddenly leaving didn’t sound so appealing.

steve migrated through the crowd again, in the opposite direction this time, not caring to chat or hold a facade with anyone.

“(y/n)?”  

you glanced over to where your name had been called and did a double take.

“steve?”

steve grinned, “wow, holy shit. wow, what are you doing here?”

“surprised the news didn’t travel fast.” you chuckled, taking a step closer to so you wouldn’t have to yell over the music.

“after my dad’s accident,” you put knowing emphasise on the word, “i decided to defer duke a semester and come back to take care of him for a while. till he gets back on his feet.”

“oh, i didn’t hear, i’m sorry.” steve replied solemnly, keeping up the charade in case anyone was listening.  

silence fell over the both of you soon after, two pairs of eyes became distant as you thought back to a year before. seeing the other bring back so many memories.

like when you had stumbled upon steve and dustin, both helpless in their ability to make a reasonable plan. how you lied and went against your father wishes and your word when you promised not to get involved with anything involving the government or their secret experiments ever again. how you and steve both experienced indescribable horrors, how it had only brought you together and created a pair of unlikely allies. how you both had watched your lives flash before your eyes more than once that day, with your hands clasped with whispered reassurances. it all still felt so fresh.

“well, you uh, look great.” steve broke the pause, desperate for the gruesome memories to flee. and well, you really did look fantastic and he had to tell you.

“oh, thanks.” you chuckled and tipped the thin cap on your head, “slutty nurse.”

“yeah, i could tell. it looks, well, nice?” steve inwardly cringed.

you looked perplexed, but amused at his stumble, “i didn’t know springsteen got flustered.”

“guessed it, huh?” he looked down to his costume.

“i’ve been told i’m a good little detective.” you smiled and cocked your head.

steve’s heart stuttered as your words jolted his mind to the past once again.

“looks like the apple didn’t fall far from the tree, huh?” steve said.

“sleuthing is in my dna, i guess.” you had shrugged.

“how was scarsdale?” he blurted out, internally kicking himself for his clunky conversation skills were with you.

you gave him another amused look, but answered his question, “it was fine. my mom’s my mom. we’ve never really got along. it was hard bein’ away.”

after the gate had closed and you had narrowly escaped the whole ordeal, hopper had sent you to new york to finish out the school year with your mother. steve remembered watching you scream at him on the front lawn of the byers house, tears mixing with the dried blood on your cheeks. you were always tough, too tough for your own good, he remembers your father saying, before taking your face in his hands and pleading with you to leave while you still could,

“because i need to keep at least one of you girls safe.”

and so, you left without a further fight. the last time steve saw you, you had been wrapped in his arms as he placed a sweet kiss to your temple. eyes glassy with tears, hearts rife with trauma, unshed emotions and declarations.

the story that was told to people was the truth, just not all of it. you were sent to live with your mother in new york. no one questioned this, the chief’s daughter did have a stubborn streak and a rebellious nature. it came as no surprise that your father would eventually send you away. and it came as no surprise that you sniffed out a party to attend and dress up for now that you were back in town.  

“well, things haven’t been the same with you gone. they’ve been much bleeker, all around dull. i mark that down to your absence and not indiana’s over all shitiness.“

you laughed and steve hadn’t known he had missed that sound of your joy so much until this moment.

“and, i mean, it wasn’t the same this time ‘round… without you.” steve added, shifting his weight and yearning to still have his cup to hide behind.

“i heard this one was a doozy. can’t say i’m sorry i missed it.” you mused.

“evil,” steve looked over his shoulder and lowered his voice to a whisper, “evil russian spies, possessed people and a monster of demonish rat king proportions?”

you tried to hold off a smirk, “well maybe i’m a little sorry.”

and steve shot you his signature smile. the very same smile that appeared to you when you couldn’t sleep at night.

“it woulda been better with you there, dustin even said it at one point. you’re smarter than all of us, y’know? always have been. and i missed that, missed you.” steve said, looking over your shoulder at the patrick nagel print on the wall.

“only miss me when you’re fighting commies and monsters, hmm?” you prompted.

“maybe other times, too.” steve resumed his focus back to you, and butterflies awoke in his stomach.

your (y/e/c) eyes were piercing through him, lashes fluttering slowly, hair falling perfectly to frame you stunning face, your tongue coming to quickly to sweep across your cherry red pout. you both had migrated closer to each other due to the parties vast attendance, you were almost chest to chest and steve could smell strawberries and creme on your skin. and god, had he missed you more times than just when he was in danger.

“yeah?”

“definitely.”

and the party continued to jostled you both, but you were still. still in this moment where you both communicated with your locked gazes. where you were both conveyed the longing you felt for the other, the fondness, the adoration, and hurt from your hasty retreat. the mourning for your lost first chance, and hope for a future one.

“do you wanna get outta here? i work at the video store downtown and get free rentals. i’m sure everything halloweeny is out of stock, but we could have our pick of anything else.” steve proposed hopefully, never tearing his attention from you.

“thought you’d never ask, harrington.” you grinned.

again. you had brought steve’s thoughts back to that night.

you were leaning against the wall of the byers house, steve next to you, his bat securely in his grasp. you were both awaiting further instructions on your role in fighting the mind flayer.

“can i say something?” steve asked.

you hummed in reply.

“i’m bummed we’ve never really hung out before this.”

you turned your head, a little shocked, “for real?”

“yeah, i mean, i always thought you thought you were too cool for me or something. too cool for high school politics and shit.” he shrugged.

“well, i did, i do and i am.” you smirked.

steve chuckled, “see? that’s what i was missing! you’re funny, you make me laugh.”

“i’m a regular steve martin.” you said deadpan, and again steve laughed.

“like i said, funny.”

you hummed again, “well, i’m sad i never got to know this steve before now. not the keg king, or ‘the hair,” he rolled his eyes at the nickname, “but steve. funny, strangely inquisitive, kind, thoughtful, steve.”  

steve preend at your compliments, and cursed himself for thinking about all the ways and places he wanted to kiss you when the end of the world was on the horizon.

he hated that this is what brought you together, this time of terror and fear. steve wondered why he couldn’t have just thrown his reputation to the wind and talked to you at some other moment. he had always thought you were beautiful, courageous, intelligent. he had an intrestrest and by your previous comments, he was sure you did, too. you could have hit it off in the hallways rather than in this hell. you could have been great together, so in love and so lucky. maybe he could be have been holding you, whispering sweet coos and comfort, instead of itching for your touch and reeling from nancy’s heartbreak.

“how about, if we get out of this, this steve takes you out on the town?” steve shifted from his back to rest against the house with his shoulder, inching closer to you.

“didn’t you and nancy like, just break up?” you raised a questioning eyebrow.

“that wasn’t my question.” he wore a flirty grin. when you returned it, his heart did a flip. something unexpected but certainly not unwarranted.

you moved to your shoulder as well, so steve’s lips were only a breath away, “i thought you’d never ask.”

the answer was never explicitly given, but you both knew it was yes.

“then let’s motor.” steve stuck out his hand for you to take, and after you set aside your cup on the nearest flat surface, you eagerly took it. excited to hold hands with him without any carnage around.

“oh,” you commented when steve intertwined his fingers with yours.

“what?” fear zipped down his spine.

“your hand is sweaty.”

and now embarrassment flooded his cheeks.

“oh god, i’m sorry- shit.” steve tried to yank his hand away, but you held strong.  

“no! no! it’s fine, i’m sorry. it just came out, i didn’t mean to- just, uh,” your face was starting to heat up, “i don’t mind. it just, surprised me, i guess?”

“cool, calm and collected (y/n) hopper is now the one flustered? how in the world could that have happened?” steve smared, pride inadvertently filling him.

“don’t let it go to your ego, harrington.” you rolled your eyes playfully.

“but just to get it straight, you got all flustered just by holding hands with me, right?” steve played.

“oh shut up, this offer is becoming less appealing.” you grumbled, but leaned forward to rest your cheek on his bicep.

“whatever you say.” steve replied, pulling you both from the throng of people around you, out of the house, toward his car and into a night full of possibilities.      

feedback! pls!

[holylulusworld]

Worth her ring – Part 4

Summary: You were Steve’s best friend and more until you chose neither Tony’s nor Steve’s side.

Pairing: former Steve x Reader, Bucky x Reader???, Thor x Reader ???, Natasha Romanoff, Loki Laufeyson

Warnings: angst, unrequited love, heartbreak, jealous Steve, some arguments, Natasha being badass, fluff, language, alcohol abuse

Worth her ring Masterlist

 “It’s been a week now. Did you already make a decision?” Natasha asks glancing at you.

Over the last week, she was your rock. You let out all the hurting, frustration and heartbreak you felt since Steve abandoned you. Nat was by your side the whole time and helped you ease the pain but also helped you letting it all out.

You can’t decide yet if you like Bucky more or if you shall give Thor a chance. The only thing you know for sure – Steve will never get a second chance.

There’s no way to fix what he broke yet again.

No remorse in the world can make you love him again, never. Steve was your first everything and you will cherish the time with him. Your mom always said ‘you learn how to crawl before you walk’ when it comes to love, and she was right. Steve taught you how to ‘crawl’ but he didn’t let you ‘walk’.

Realizing you never were the one he wanted, hurt like hell and broke you in a way you never thought is possible, but it made you stronger too. The only thing you will regret for the rest of your life is that you let him play with your heart far too long.

The moment he told you to keep your relationship a secret should’ve been the moment you walked out of his life. James and Thor would shout it from the rooftop that they are with you – Steve even hid your relationship from his friends.

He always acted like your best friend in public, so he could hug or kiss you without anyone getting suspicious, anyone but Natasha. She always assumed there was more between you and Steve, but she remained silent.

“How do you intend on deciding? Rock, paper, scissors?” Natasha chuckles emptying her drink.

“We agreed that we have a date. I decided to give both a chance. I have feelings for Bucky, but I like Thor too. I don’t want to hurt one of them as Steve hurt me. I want to give both men a fair chance.”

“Damn, girl, two hot guys are after you. Take both into your bedroom. I bet Thor is huge…”

“Nat!”

“What? A girl can dream.”

“I’m not ready to have sex with one of them, Natasha. I was never with someone else than Steve.” You whisper.

“Did he at least ring your bell? Or did he fail in that department too?”

“He did ring my bell, Nat. Steve was…I mean…I liked how he did it…”

“It? Girl spill it. Was he rough? Tender? Kinky?”

“I don’t want to talk about Steve anymore. I don’t want to remember anything about him. This part of my life is over.”

“Sorry, I was just curious. I always assumed Cap is a dirty boy in the bedroom.”

“Hmm…you are not wrong, Natasha. That’s all you will get from me. You can ask Sharon or Stacy if you need more information about Captain Asshole.”

“I like how you let your anger out, girl. Shall we burn his room down? Scratch his eyes out or…wait!!! We can cut his cock off!” Natasha cackles and you take the last drink out of her hands.

“What did Bruce do, Nat?”

“Told me again we can’t be together…he’s dangerous…blahblah…always the same shit, girl. I want to smash something right now.”

“How about we destroy Steve’s bike?” You ask a wickedly grin on your lips.

“Amazing idea…but I want to smash it into a wall or something. How do we do this?”

“I know two men offering their help on free terms, Nat.”

“You want to ask Thor and Bucky to help you destroying Cap’s bike?”

“Damn right. He destroyed everything I loved and now he will pay for it and we are even.”

“Let’s do this, girl…right now!!!”

----

“You want me to do what?” Bucky asks watching you leaning against his doorframe.

“Destroying Captain Asshole’s bike. Natasha and I need to release some steam. Will you help us, James?” You slur and the super-soldier chuckles at your adorable behavior. You are beyond drunk but still, you are the prettiest little thing he ever laid eyes on.

“Hmm…this could damage my friendship with Stevie.”

“You kicked his ass, Barnes. Not a week ago we had to stop you from killing him.” Natasha mutters.

“This was a completely different situation. He hurt my girl…”

“I’m your girl?” You ask drowning into his blue eyes.

“Sorry…uh…”

“You’re right, Buck that was a horrible idea. Nat, we should destroy something else. Hmm…one of Tony’s cars?”

“Uh, how about all the windows in the tower?” Natasha suggests.

“Could get a bit cold at night, girl. I want to blow something up right now. Damn, any ideas Jam…Jamie…no James…” You whisper in his ear.

“I have a few ideas to release some steam, doll.”

“You little pervert, Barnes keep that in mind for later.” You tease and he smirks at you. “Did you ever have a threesome? Nat suggested getting you and Thor into my bed. Damn a Mé·nage-à-Trois…” You giggle as you lean closer to Bucky.

“Doll, I think I should bring you to bed,” James says and you squeeze his biceps.

“You are pretty forward with your intentions, Barnes. Are you good? Kinky? I like it when you call me doll, makes my body tingle for you.”

“Let me bring you to your room, Y/N. I think you had enough for today.”

“I want to have fun and blow up something, James. Please.”

“You only want to blow something up to not feel the heartbreak any longer. We can’t just blow things up.”

“I don’t love him anymore. I realized I stopped loving him the moment he gave up on me, Buck. Who would give up on the woman he loves for nothing? Answer – only Steve fucking Rogers. I never felt good enough for him, never James. When he asked me to marry him – I was not happy, James.”

“You were not happy?” Bucky asks locking eyes with you. “No, I was terrified, James. How could I compare with his ideals? I would’ve disappointed him the whole time. I think I’m no good for anyone.” You sniffle leaning forward only to lose your balance.

Carefully catching your fall Bucky picks you up and you don’t fight him. Resting your head against his metal shoulder you let him carry you toward your room.

“You always make me feel like I’m special, Buck. Don’t know why…”

“Baby, you are special. Thor, me and all other Avengers know that. Steve is an idiot and he will regret his decision for sure.”

“Nope, …he talked to that slut yesterday. I saw him…I bet he’s banging her, Buck.” You mutter and James looks down at you in his arms. “You know what James?”

“No, Y/N.”

“It was the first time it didn’t hurt to see him with someone else. I moved on and now I’m going to find a hot guy and fuck the soul out of him. I prefer you…or Thor…or both. Damn, I’m drunk, dude.”

“I don’t want to fuck you, doll.”

“Not…awe…am I not pretty enough?” You sniffle and he smiles at you. It’s a warm smile but you can barely recognize it so you just lean into his touch as he whispers loving words into your ear.

“I want to love you, Baby. Worship you and well your hot little body. We will take our time, me and Thor. It’s your decision but please choose me.” He whispers but you are already sound asleep in his arms.

----

Waking up with the worst hangover ever you wonder why an arm is draped over your waist.

Fuck…did you have sex with someone and forgot about it?

The last thing you remember is Nat and you tried to convince Bucky to help you destroying Steve’s bike. A stupid idea – you know this by now.

“James?” You whisper and the super-soldier starts flinching.

“Morning, sunshine. Sorry, I must’ve fallen asleep after I helped you…vomiting.” Bucky yawns.

“I did…shit. I’m so sorry, James. I’m not into alcohol but Natasha didn’t stop filling my glass. Damn my head is pounding and my mouth tastes as a cat shit me onto my tongue.”

Starting to laugh James shakes his head. “You are something else, doll.”

“Thanks for helping me…vomit…” You whine.

“Relax, Y/N. I left the room to take care of something with Thor and you didn’t feel well after I came back, so I helped you into the bathroom, nothing more.”

“You’re the best, Buck.”

“I have a surprise for you, Y/N. It was my idea, but Thor and even Loki helped me, doll.” Bucky chuckles and you wonder.

“What did you do?”

“Let me show you. Have a shower and we meet outside the compound in thirty minutes. Bring your phone…”

“James – what did you do?”

“It’s a surprise. Now hurry up and I’ll get Thor. Loki is waiting for us.” Grinning wickedly Bucky wants to leave your room only to bump into Steve.

“Didn’t take her long to let you into her bed.” He barks angrily.

“Calm down, punk. She didn’t feel well, and I helped her. Fell asleep completely clothed. Not that this would be any of your concern. Y/N saw you with Sharon again. Leave her be.”

Not waiting for Steve to say something Bucky walks toward Thor's room to tell him you will be ready for their surprise.

----

“You’ve got no clue what the surprise might be?” Natasha asks walking with you out of the compound.

“No. James said he, Thor and even Loki prepared something for me. Got no clue what.”

“Doll! Over here!” Bucky chuckles waving at you.

“Okay, guys. What’s going on?”

“Well, My Lady my brother and James told me about the misbehavior of a certain Captain we all know too well. I offered my help and here we are now. Just enjoy the show.” Loki chuckles and you know you are in for a treat.

“Look over there,” Bucky says and you see Steve’s bike on top of the tower.

Loki is keeping it from falling with his powers as Thor, well Thor is using Mjolnir to rise higher, and higher until Loki is throwing the bike at Thor, who is using Mjolnir to shatter it into pieces.

“Holy fucking shit, guys!” You squeal and James chuckles next to you.

“I assume you liked my brothers and my show,” Loki says and you smile at him.

“Damn, you Asgardian’s know how to have a smashing party.”

“It was Lord…I mean James idea. We only offered our help.” Thor beams at you.

“Guys, thank you. This was kinda…liberating.” You sniffle and James looks at you with worry. “I’m fine, James. This was the last piece of my relationship with Steve. I helped him find it and then…he…he just invited Sharon to his first ride. Sharon, not me.”

“We should get away from here my friends. I see a very angry Captain America storming toward us.” Loki says glancing at Steve who is beyond pissed. Angrily clenching his fists, he storms toward Bucky and Thor.

“What the hell did you two do?” Steve yells.

“I think this is my fault, Captain. Thor and I wanted to train to work better as a team. I thought this bike is a piece of junk and used it for training. Was that your bike?” Loki lies shamelessly.

“You did what? Use my bike for training, Loki. Unbelievable. Even worse all of you were watching these two destroying my bike.” Steve yells and you simply shrug.

“Punk we didn’t recognize it’s your bike. Sorry, but we wanted to help Thor and Loki with training. The bike was already on top of the tower. I couldn’t see the license plate.” Bucky lies a devilish grin on his face.

“Got something to say, Y/N?” An angry Captain America asks you. Towering over your much smaller frame he wants to stare you into the ground.

“Nope. Nat and I arrived the moment Thor used his impressive hammer to destroy this piece of junk. How should we have known it was your bike, Steve.” You say innocently and Steve narrows his eyes.

“I know all of you are lying.”

“Hmm…maybe…maybe not, Captain.” You chuckle. “What a pity you are not allowed to spank my cute ass any longer, Captain.” You tease turning to walk away.

“I…” Close to an outburst, Steve watches your hips swaying and his cock stirs in his pants. The thought of never being able to touch you let him get even madder.

“Damn, I need a cold shower now, punk.” James chuckles. “I bet she likes being spanked by me, Stevie. A hell of a woman and you let her go.”

“I think I will look for something else to use for training. May you help me, Thor?”

“I’m right behind you, brother.”

Watching all men enter the building Steve looks at a grinning Natasha. Not letting the chance to hit Steve hard slip through her fingers she purses her lips.

“Y/N is over you by now. I think seeing you with Sharon finally freed her. If you ever try to get close to her outside of a mission or as our Commander I will kill you and it will hurt like hell. You don’t deserve her, never deserved her. Y/N gave you everything you ever wanted and you, Captain, let her go.”

“Natasha…I…”

The red-haired assassin turns around to face her friend, her Captain to shake her head. “Last warning, Cap. We are friends and I don’t want to lose you as a friend or my Captain but if I have to choose, I will never be on your side.”

“I lost her…”

“Yes, you did, Steve. This is all your fault. If only she would’ve been worth your mothers ring…” Natasha snorts before following her friends inside.

“The problem is…she was always worth my mothers ring. I was just too blind to see…”

All works Tags

@yolobloggers, @meganywinchester, @shikshinkwon, @idioticsky, @miraclesoflove

Worth her ring Tags

@evanstush, @mischiefsthings, @rororo06, @sebbystan-owns-my-mind-body-soul, @hphmincorrectquotes, @classyunknownlover, @soryuwifeyxx​

Marvel Tags

@stuckys-whore, @notyourtypicalrose, @voltage-my2dlove, @thedoctorscamanion , @officialmarvelwhore, @randomgirlkensy

[bladekindeyewear]

Time to read hs^2′s third non-bonus update!  I have not had a single portion of an image spoiled this time, and have no damn idea what it’s about.  Not even any asks in my inbox.  Will we have more of Ghostflusters, maybe a reason Jane didn’t know he was gone even when he supposedly received divorce papers?  A cut back to the good guys in pursuit of Dirk and crew?  Will Jade be a black-eyed zombie, or finally fucking awake like she deserves to be???

Let’s find out!

Oh god damn everything, please no.  ==>

...Oh!

Oh that’s MUCH better than it could’ve been!  We’re still in Candyverse, but cutting over to the Vriskas’ perspectives.  So that on the right would be the “mostly identical” Vriska who Rose and Kanaya raised, and the aforementioned logistics are just dealing with a dead clown body (that hopefully isn’t being refrigerated in the unseen spot Dirk was hiding from Terezi on their ship).

Kid Vriska looks pretty cool!  A fair bit Aranea-y, with that collar feeling like a nice hint of the Pagey version of her who originally earned the (Vriska) title.

(Vriska) pockets John’s phone before she can worry too much about waiting for a reply from Terezi.

Right, stolen phone... an anon in my inbox pointed out that Vriska “has a direct line out to Terezi” because of it, but I didn’t take it that seriously because I thought it wouldn’t come into play at all later.  Guess I was wrong, with the narrative taking the trouble to point it out-- especially considering that whatever she said, she EXPECTS a possible reply.

Other than some fun banter, I can’t figure out where this particular upd8 is going.

> (==>)

Oh that is a smug, self-satisfied Vriska look if I ever saw one.  (Vriska) over here is still dust under her heels, isn’t she?

VRISKA: If you want to keep Hanging Out, I mean. Which I assume you Do.

Holy shit, she’s throwing a bit of Kanaya Caps in her language.  That’s SUPER adorable.  That was probably in Candy too and I just forgot about it.

VRISKA: So, Nickname me, 8itch. And make it Cute.

Huh!  You don’t stake too much on your name, then?

> (==>)

Vrissy!  That’s surprisingly genial of you, it’s pretty damn good.

VRISSY: So now that we have that locked down, what’s First on the list of Awesome Shit we’re gonna do Together?

Oh no.  No, no Vrissy, you’re gonna be disappointed.  :(

VRISSY: I told you already, I don’t ever get up to Anything nearly as Interesting as you did. VRISKA: Till now ;;;;) VRISSY: Heh. Yeah.

...yeah, FUCK.  Vrissy is gonna get used and thrown away so fucking hard.  The slightest ounce of hero worship thrown Vriska’s way is an ounce that’s gonna get exploited to hell and back.

I suppose from here we’re going into the rebellion, aren’t we?  I hope badass eyepatch Karkat doesn’t look too silly in this art style.

> (==>)

God, this art style is so CLEAN and makes her look so ADORABLE.

--ah, okay.  We’re gonna see how the dynamic between Vrissy and human Kid-Tavros works.  Hope this won’t be too painful.  Besides, like... the kind of hilarious starting-pain that she’s asking HIM to help take care of a dead body.

VRISSY: That was Tavros. He’s on his way.

Oh man, Vriska didn’t know.  :D

> (==>)

Huh!  That’s a more thoughtful expression than I was expecting.

VRISKA: Unless he’ll rat us out to his mom???????? VRISSY: Nah. He’ll get too much of a Kick out of seeing this dead Piece of Shit, don’t Worry.

Oh man.  Tavros’ll probably just be sad or freaked out a bit, but what I wouldn’t give for our first look at him to be him dancing on this clown’s grave.

> (==>)

Vrissy hates that ostentatious prick-mobile, mostly because it is not her ostentatious prick-mobile.

Heheheh.

Hm?  “Actual spy shit”, other than hiding a body?  Did you have some bigger anti-Crocker stuff in mind, Vrissy?

> (==>)

Oh Jiminy Christmas!!!  You’re the spitting image of your parents!  And, like... perfectly visually suited to induce Vriska-macking, unwanted or otherwise.

> (==>)

TAVROS: These are normal things you expect to happen, when you are picking up your kismesis and her,,,, ah,,, new friends,

Oh right, that’s the relationship.  More that I forgot from Candy.

VRISSY: Who is VERY Cool and Sexy with her Eyepatch--

--remind me again why Vriska has an eyepatch?  Something in the Lord English fight, a stray shard of universe fabric inflicting more random meaningful damage?  *Looks it up.*  Oh huh, so THAT was the vague damage to her head she played off-- the shard literally got her eye and she refused to admit it to herself or the narrative.  I was wondering about that weird damage back when I read it, but never inferred the answer.  And did she put the eyepatch on when she landed in Candy?  *Looks that up*  Wait, no, it couldn’t have hit her eye.  From Candy:

Vriska’s face snaps up, eyes blazing. Eyes. Actual eyes, with expression, color, pupils, and everything.

[...]  There’s a bleeding gash on her head and something lodged in her chest.

Okay, fuck.   Then whence the fucking eyepatch?  *Keeps skimming Candy...*

(VRISKA): The 8attle was hitting its clim8x when I got hit in the head with... with...

(Vriska) paws at her head wound, fingers numb and vision blurry.

(VRISKA): Wh8tever the fuck it was that hit me in the head!

Hmm?

JOHN: do you wanna see a doctor for that or something? (VRISKA): No!!!!!!!! (VRISKA): I w8nt to know what the fuck is GOING ON!!!!!!!!

Hmmmm.....  *Keeeeps reading...*

Dammit, that’s all there is.  So this is an inference either Andrew intended or the other authors/artists did from the tail end of all that -- Vriska either took head damage that deprived her of sight in that eye, made it more light-sensitive/blurry, OR that eyepatch is essentially a makeshift bandage over the bleeding parts.  (Which might remain medically necessary, or she might just keep wearing for style points.)  Hmm.

I’m mostly just relieved that whoever’s helping write HS^2 didn’t fuck up.  Okay, that’s enough Candy-digging, back to the story now:

After a few beats, he propels himself off the car like a swimmer at the sound of a gun, his body plunging in a graceful arc toward his goal.

Huh?  I mean, good execution, very Jake, but... huh?  Is someone gonna get clobbered?  Vrissy?  The corpse?

> (==>)

Ooh, the corpse!  Yes!!!  Kick that corpse.

Why did the head honk?  Hopefully this stays a corpse.  (I’m surprised his strikes are as weak as the narrative’s saying; even if he’s really Tavros-natured, he’s still the son of two of the strongest, fisticuff-iest players.  Kind of a rebellion against his parents both, then?)

> (==>)

--unrelated, I just saw the Bonus blinking with Catnapped Part 2.  Guess I won’t be finished once I’ve covered this, just yet.

VRISKA: I am in no place to 8egrudge a man his cathartic ass-kicking moment, but that was a loud fucking scream. VRISSY: No kidding. My ears are STILL ringing from your 8ig attempt at breaking the sound 8arrier.

Y’all are ones to talk, I just reread the part of Candy where you two found Vriska fucking Gamzee.

> (==>)

> (==>)

Please don’t move, clown.  Stay the fuck dead, please?

> (==>)

Calm down, Tav, you’ve got this.

> (==>)

Nice suspenders.

> (==>)

aaaaAAAAAAAAAAA WHO IS THIS AGAIN IS THIS HARRY OR SOMETHING IS THIS JOHN AND ROXY’S ASSHOLE KID

--sorry I got overexcited because I clicked next and saw that hair spiral aaaa.

...I hope it isn’t a DIFFERENT kid of theirs that I somehow forgot exists or such.  That’d be embarrassing.  This guy/girl/person looks infuriatingly suave, also.

> (==>)

YOU’RE SO CUTE IN A WAY THAT MAKES ME FEEL LIKE YOU’RE AN ASSHOLE.

--Yep, dialogue confirms it’s Harry Anderson.

Heh, he’s pulling an Early Acts John and not believing a word of it, but playing along.

There is no possible way that this stuff Vrissy is saying isn’t horeseshit, but he is not about to crack.

--just wanna point out the probably-typo before they fix it.

Ah, bringing it there.  Good luck, Harry.

> (==>)

Oh, that was fast.

> (==>)

...That’s what you get for relying on Harry.

> (==>)

VRISKA: We can just dump it in the inciner8or. That’s pro8a8ly what his plan was to 8egin with. VRISSY: The what???????? VRISKA: The inciner8or. Like, for 8odies?? VRISSY: At SCHOOL???????? VRISKA: Yes? TAVROS: It is somewhat pleasant to be reminded,,, in my darker moments,,,, that the grass is not really ever greener on Alternia,

No comment, this is just pretty hilarious.

I still keep revisiting how easily Vrissy gave up her given name, here.  As if she feels like her real name ought to be associated with the hero instead of her, in a kind of... lowkey low self-esteem way.

VRISSY: I should have known he was fucking with us. VRISSY: GOD he is such a Stupid 8astard.

--Well, they know each other well enough.

Hm.  Does Vriska think they can just kill any human kids they run into?

> (==>)

...GOSH, Vrissy is stupid adorable.  And like, shockingly chill, in general.

> (==>)

Huh.  Vrissy, are you chickening out on an adventure because you’re afraid you’ll get caught?  ...well, good for you, honestly!  Not that I think it’ll last.

...yup, there she goes after ‘em.

> (==>)

I think you’re still going to fuck up, Vriska.

> (==>)

None of them know where they are going, but Vriska is leading the way, hunched and purposeful

I guess none of this is surprising, really.

Is Jane going to, like... hear about the corpse found in a human school’s basement and blame the rebellion some more somehow?  Not that it matters, I guess.

There is something incredibly reassuring, Tavros thinks, about someone who has absolute outward confidence in themselves.

(There’d better not be any relationship conflict involving Vriska upcoming in the future.  BETTER not.)

> (==>)

Gamzee managing to fuck everything up even when he’s dead.

> (==>)

VRISKA: No, he’s right, I was going to count to eight.

Hah.

> (==>)

Are they gonna end up dumping him at Harry’s feet?

Nice way to force him out of school and into the rebellion, that.

> (==>)

VRISSY: Keep looking for Harry Anderson. He’s In The Shit with us now, whether he likes it or not.

Guess so!  Fair enough.

> (==>)

oh no

(I also understand why I haven’t gotten any asks about this upd8 yet.  This is mostly just character (re-)introductions and hijinks.  Totally up for some Harry, Vriska, Vrissy and Tavros adventures now that I can actually SEE them, it really adds a lot.)

> (==>)

And there it goes.  Slide into Harry’s classroom on the waterslick maybe?

> (==>)

The human students, trained to respond to a fire drill with speed and enthusiasm for missed class time, are out in the hall in a matter of seconds.

Oh, the worst possible outcome.  :D

> (==>)

Shit, they’re all on camera.  Nice job, Vriska!  Welcome to Earth.

> (==>)

> (==>)

Oh my fucking GOD, this image.  Vriska is LOVING the chaos!!!  She doesn’t even care!

VRISKA: I thought this planet was gonna be a snoozefest desert devoid of 8oth agency and fun, but I am honestly having a gr8 time.

Pfff.  I should’ve known.  She just cares about being where the Action Is, as Aradia put it at the end of Meat.

> (==>)

She sees it, and she can’t breathe. Her lover, her confidante, her clown of many years, being desecrated by a bunch of treasonous monsters.

You threw him out of a ship.

Yeah, of course she draws that conclusion.  Everything and everyone is either with her or against her, after all.

> (==>)

--Wait, you didn’t even know Tavros was missing until that moment???

So did the lawyers send the divorce papers on their own, or did the authors really just forget?

> (==>)

Your John is showing SO hard, Harry.

> (==>)

Congratulations!

> (==>)

Yep!

> (==>)

HARRY ANDERSON: oh fuck

*slow clap*

I’ll cover Catnapped 2 in a bit, though circumspectly as it’s a paid bonus.  See y’all!

[writeforcarat]

First Date With SEVENTEEN

[Dongsaeng Line]

The8 A man of many interests, Minghao has A LOT of ideas for your first date. But since you want to take your time in getting to know every bit about him, you tell him that you don't mind trying all his ideas one date at a time, but right now, you really want to go on a photo walk with him. You are not that well-versed on photography, but you've seen Minghao's sample photos, which he ever so often posts on Weibo or Instagram, and you could easily tell that he's really got an eye for photography. His composition is great and he knows how to make the little details stand out in his pictures. You spend the day clicking photos around the city. The season changing from spring to summer also gave you colourful subjects to shoot. You've never gone on a photo walk before, but now that you did, you couldn't wait to go on another. Watching you pick up a newfound hobby charming to see for Minghao, and he was more than happy to help you with the basics of photography. Exhausted from all the walking, you take a break at a café (you go for an iced latte, while he opted for some hot tea). "I bet you took nice pictures," Minghao says, prompting you to hand over your camera to him. "They're not the best, but thanks for helping me. I learned a lot." The corners of Minghao's lips tug upwards, as he viewed some of the pictures you took. "How about you?" You ask him. "How are your pictures?" He slides his camera across the table towards you. "Well, since I chose the most beautiful subject around, all the pictures I took are perfect," he says with overflowing pride, to which you playfully roll your eyes (he can be adorably conceited sometimes). You turn his camera on and browse through one photo after another. There are dozens if not more than a hundred. Your eyebrows knit in confusion, and your lips part in an effort to say something. All of the pictures Minghao took... it was all you.  You look up to face him, and as though he has read your thoughts, he smirks and says, "Didn't I just say I chose the most beautiful subject?"

Mingyu When Mingyu found out that you also enjoy cooking, he brought up the idea of a date in his kitchen. You loved the idea, of course, and decided to meet at a supermarket to get all the ingredients you need for your DIY dinner date. Even in his most comfortable clothes, Mingyu looked fine AF.  You'd never seen someone look so good just to get some grocery shopping done. Clad in a plain black shirt and jeans, with a baseball cap on, he got heads turning wherever you two went, and you felt quite proud to be by his side, as his date. Like, how could you be so lucky??? When you arrived at his flat, which was surprisingly neat albeit some misplaced objects here and there, you both went straight to the kitchen to get the cooking started. Things were really going well, until Mingyu's clumsy ass tipped a pot over, spilling pretty much all your dinner. He looked really apologetic, and while you said it's okay, he kept saying sorry (that poor puppy!). After cleaning up the mess, you decided to just have some ramyeon (whatever you learned from K-Dramas, it’s not THAT), while waiting for the kimchi rice you ordered from a restaurant in the neighbourhood. Just as he dropped you off, he apologised once again, though you cut him off as he continued to curse at his clumsiness. "Hey," you said softly to him. "I wouldn't have this first date any other way." And a smile lit up his face.

DK You and Seokmin had packed schedules and couldn't find an entirely free day that you can have to yourselves, so you agreed to keep him company during one of his visits to the orphanage. Seokmin had a dream of becoming a social worker when he was younger, and while it wasn't the career he decided to pursue having developed a deep interest in the music industry, he still tried to render some of his free time to causes he cared about. You found Seokmin at the orphanage surrounded by adorable children. He was reading them a story, complete with comical character voices and sound effects. He was also wearing a lopsided felt crown on his head and a cape that's loosely tied around his neck. When he saw you from the corner of his eye, he gestured his hand for you to come over. He dramatically introduced you to everyone as the fairest maiden in the land, making you blush. When one of the kids asked if you were a princess, he said, "No, she's a queen," giving you a playful wink, as he placed a crown that looked similar to his on your head. From there, you took over the roles of the female characters (from fairies to witches to damsels in distress) in the stories, as he delivered his best impression of kings, wizards, and knights—much to the children's amusement. As you put the kids to sleep for their afternoon nap, a little girl snuggled between you and Seokmin, asking if you two can be her mum and dad for the day. With a soft smile, Seokmin told her, "Sure, Princess," tucking her in with a plush blanket. You don't know much, but at that moment, you were certain that you couldn't love a man as much as you already loved Seokmin.  

Seungkwan You didn't plan it, so you'd be beyond thrilled to see each other wearing matching pastel outfits on your first proper date at an amusement park. Though you already knew it, this date just affirmed that, indeed, Seungkwan is one hilarious fluffball! He'd send you to fits of laughter, as you spend your day playing sideshow games, trying out rides, and indulging on classic carnival food. You just couldn't believe how he doesn't seem to run out of witty remarks to say, and on top of that, he also has his way with words sending butterflies fluttering in your stomach. He had decided to call you "dear," and the first time you heard it from him, you swore you could have melted!

Vernon Hansol is so chill, deciding on what to do on your first date became quite a problem for you because he's okay with anything you suggested. Like, dude, just pick one! Anyway, you ended up attending a music festival, which was a good excuse for him to wear his rather questionable fashion pieces, but tbh, you couldn't care less coz you're pretty weird yourself, too. You hopped from one concert to another, noticing how you enjoyed the same bands and genres of music. As the afternoon slipped into evening, you spread out a blanket on a grassy patch. He sat down and allowed you to recline against him, the back of your head resting on his chest. He gingerly wrapped his arms around you (a gesture of affection you didn't think he's capable of showing), as the temperature dipped and the band began to play a mellow tune. "Now, isn't this nice?" You let out a satisfied sigh in response, placing your hands on top of his. You couldn't see it, but you could tell that a smile was painted on Hansol's lips as he hugged you tighter.

Dino Oh, dear Lord. This guy is a firecracker! He loves attention, especially when he gets it from you. On your first date, he'd take you to a club. You are fun-loving yourself, so you didn't really mind the idea. You'd be clinking drinks over small conversations, but when his favourite song plays, you can bet that he'd take over the dance floor, breaking those moves he so badly wanted to show you. Holy shit, he's a great dancer. He knows it and he shows it. He basks in the cheers of the crowd surrounding him. But what you find extremely sexy, though, is how his eyes remain locked with yours and only yours the entire time. When the song ends, he flashes you a smile that makes your heart skip a beat. He scoots over to you, takes your hand, and leads you back to your table. "Did I do okay over there?" He'd ask you, and you'd be quick to answer him. "No, you were amazing."

I had so much fun coming up with these scenarios! You can read the hyung line’s version here. And if you have requests, feel free to let me know! 

[365daysoftododeku]

5th February 2019

Author: Anna

Title: Coffee + Cream

Rating: Teen and Up Audiences 

Pairing: Midoriya Izuku/Todoroki Shouto  

Additional Tags: Fluff, Flirting, Teasing, Coffee Shop AU, Light and Fun

Words: 1,778

Summary:  Shouto, a student at university, relies on coffee to get him through his semester. What will he do when his favorite cafe is closed for renovations?

________________________________________________________________

Coffee + Cream

University was kicking Shouto’s ass. With finals seasons only a month away, his professors had decided (like they were trying to screw their students over, he thought) to kick it into high gear. He had numerous projects and essays to finish, some worth over half his grade, and they were really running him ragged as he attempted to complete them all. Not unlike most students, he debated dropping out during the many nights he spent awake until the early hours, contemplating whether it would be better to just go to sleep and accept failure.

Luckily, Shouto had a cure for getting through his many sleep-deprived days: a latte with four extra shots of espresso and steamed almond milk, prepared for him by his favorite coffee shop. It was nearby his apartment, so he could stop by before class and enjoy the caffeine energizing his system.

However, today, on a morning when he desperately needed the caffeine boost, a notice on the café door destroyed all his plans.

“Closed?!”

The café was apparently going through renovations for the next few weeks, meaning Shouto would be unable to indulge in his caffeine kick until then. Frustrated, Shouto blew piece of his hair away from his face.

Well. This sucked.

Shouto checked the time on his phone. If he went to a different café, he could still be on time to class. He searched for nearby coffee shop on his phone, clicked the closest, and started his journey to the café.

The air blew through his long hair, his long locks flowing in the wind. He tried to keep the hair away from his face, but the waves had a mind of their own. Whipping out a hair band from his wrist, he tied his hair back, keeping his speed as he walked. He kept a fast pace, used to the exertion due to his agile livelihood. Weaving through passerbys, Shouto made sure he followed the directions on his phone.

He made it to the café in a timely manner. The shop was still fairly close to his apartment, and on the way to his class, according to his phone. Shouto locked his screen and pushed the door open into the warm coffee shop.

Blissful scents of baking pastries and hot coffee greeted his nose. The coffee shop had a lot of people in it, the patrons’ conversations creating a cacophony of sound. Shouto looked around the warm room, thinking the modern decorations were very attractive. He flitted toward the short line, repeating his memorized order in his mind, just in case he forgot it.

He reached the front of the line quickly, and after glancing at the menu, prepared to give the cashier his order.

“Hello, yes, I’d like a latte—”

Shouto cut off, finally meeting the eyes of the person at the register.

Woah.

“Sorry, what did you want? You kind of cut off right there,” the cashier said, laughing.

Shouto’s mind went completely blank, mesmerized by the eyes of the cashier. They were green, shining in the café light, and matching his whirlwind of tousled curls. He had a cute nose, with a smattering of freckles across his flushed cheeks. His bone structure gave him the appearance of softness, but a hidden strength underneath.

Well. Maybe not hidden, Shouto thought, looking down to the man’s chest. The wide breadth of the smaller man’s chest was obviously muscular, obvious even with his clothes.

“Uhhhhhhh—”

“Oh! Do you need any help? I can probably whip something up if I know what you like.” The man smiled at Shouto again, and Shouto, who had finally regained some semblance of sanity, short-circuted. Wow. His smile could light a thousand forest fires.

Shouto shook his head, trying to restart his brain. Though he already knew what he was going to order, he wanted to keep talking to the cute cashier. “What do you suggest?”

“Hmm.” The cashier tapped a pen against his chin. God, that was adorable. “It’s cold out, so I wouldn’t suggest anything frozen or iced, unless you plan on staying inside. I generally enjoy warm drinks anyway, like lattes or cappuccinos. Depending on if you like it sweet or bitter, I can add syrups or use less milk. We also have dairy substitutions, if you’re into that. It really depends on how strong you like your coffee. Or if you like espresso in the first place. Maybe you’d just enjoy a black coffee. Do you like espresso?”

Shouto blinked back at the cashier, who turned a deep red. The cashier scratched his neck, grinning sheepishly. “Uh, sorry. I tend to ramble a lot, especially when I’m nervous.”

Shouto’s lips twitched. This man was getting cuter by the minute. “Why would you be nervous?”

“Uh-well-that’s—ahaha.” The man turned an even deeper red, fiddling with his pen and mumbling. “I tend to get nervous around pretty people.”

It was Shouto’s turn to blush. He laughed awkwardly, and the green-haired man let out a few awkward chuckles of his own. “Uh. Thanks. You’re not so bad yourself.”

The cashier’s face brightened, somehow appreciating Shouto’s lame attempt at a compliment. “Thanks! Now, did you still need help, or do you know what you want?”

Shouto finally remembered his purpose for coming the shop. He shook his head again, trying to find his train of thought. “I’d like a latte, with almond milk and 4 extra shots of espresso.”

The cashier blinked back at him. He laughed. “Woah, alright, then. I guess you need your caffeine.”

Shouto chuckled. “You have no idea.”

The cashier smiled, writing his order on the cup. “Do you have a name for that order?”

“Shouto.”

The cashier smirked. “Shouto. That’s a nice name. A nice name for an even nicer person.”

Shouto tried to think of a witty response, but his tongue was all tied up at the sight of the beautiful man in front of him. Finally, he managed to say, “What’s your name?”

The cashier winked, pointing to his nametag. “Izuku.”

“Ah. Izuku.”

“Are you going to continue to stare or will you let me make your order?” Izuku smiled, twirling his pen around.

“Ah. Right. You should. Go. Do that.”

Izuku laughed, beginning to prepare Shouto’s drink. “I can still talk while I’m working.”

“What about your other customers?” Shouto asked.

Izuku laughed. “Do you see anyone else waiting?”

Shouto looked around. Everyone else had already been served, and he was the only one left in line. “Oh.”

Izuku chuckled again. “So, Shouto. Are you on your way to class this morning?”

“Ah, yes.” Izuku nodded, urging Shouto to continue. “It’s a literature class.”

“Oh, are you studying literature?” Izuku asked, as he prepared the espresso shots and steamed the milk.

“No.” Shouto shook his head. “I’m studying law. It’s just an elective class I thought would be fun.”

“Oh, cool,” Izuku said. “I’m studying pre-med. I hope to become a doctor of some kind. Maybe an anesthesiologist or a surgeon of some sort? I’m not really sure, right now. Hopefully I figure it out soon.”

“Wow,” Shouto said. “That’s amazing. I have a great respect for those pursuing medical degrees. It seems very challenging.”

Izuku laughed, as he poured the shots and steamed milk together. His deft hands poured the milk gently, holding back the foam with his spoon. “Thanks. Luckily, I was blessed with a very analytical mind, so studying comes naturally to me.”

“That’s awesome,” Shouto said. A cute guy with an ambitious attitude. How was he already enthralled with this man, only a few minutes after knowing him?

“Yeah. I’ve always wanted to save people, so.” Izuku put a cap on the drink, arranging a sleeve on the cup. “This way I can make it possible.”

Shouto smiled softly. “That seems like an honorable goal.”

“Thanks,” Izuku said, smiling at Shouto. “Your drink is finished. Oh. Wait!” Izuku turned away from Shouto for a second. Shouto watched, but was unable to see anything due to Izuku’s body. He wondered what the barista was doing. Finally, Izuku turned back, offering the drink to Shouto. “There. Hope you enjoy!”

Shouto nodded, carefully taking the drink from Izuku. “Thank you.” He paused, about to turn to go. “Uh, maybe I’ll see you again, sometime?”

Izuku laughed. “Okay. Just text me. I’ll tell you when I work, or.” Izuku winked. “When I’m free to hang out.”

Shouto blushed a deep red. “Uh, yeah. Sure. I’ll do that.” He moved to leave, but then stopped. Shouto made his way back toward the counter. “But, I don’t have your number?

Izuku giggled, hiding his smile behind his hand. Shouto could see the outline of a dimple in his right cheek. “Check the side of your cup, Shouto.”

“Huh?” Shouto said. He checked the side. “I don’t see anything?”

Izuku rolled his eyes, huffing a laugh. “Beneath the sleeve.”

Shouto moved the sleeve. An elegant script was written on the side:

                             Maybe I can buy you a coffee sometime?

                                                                                      XXX-XXX-0910

                                                                                                Izuku <3

Shouto blushed again. “Oh.”

Izuku laughed. “I’ll probably still be here after your class, so if you need another caffeine kick, or a place to study.” Izuku spun his pen around, and offered a wink. “You know where to find me.”

“Okay,” Shouto mumbled. He sighed, looking at his phone. “I have to get to class, but thank you.”

“No problem,” Izuku said. He began to wipe the counters. “I’ll see you around?”

“Yeah,” Shouto said. “See you around.”

The bell dinged behind him as Shouto left the coffee shop. He turned to face the blustery wind, walking towards the direction of his class. A small smile met his lips.

Well. That was fun.

He took a sip of his drink, blowing a bit to cool the top. The warm liquid moved through his lips, flowing down his throat and warming his insides.

Holy shit.

Shouto looked at the cup. What had that man done to his drink? The bitter espresso mixed with the almond milk… it was perfection. He could taste the bold flavor of the beans, along with the creamy, light milk. The contrast was amazing, fulfilling and overwhelming his taste buds. Damn. This was the best coffee he had ever had.

Shouto shook his head, smiling. Well. Even if he hadn’t been so infatuated with the cashier, he would have to come back for the stellar coffee.

Facing against the windy, biting breeze, Shouto couldn’t help but feel optimistic. Pressing deadlines, late-night studying sessions, final projects… they all left his brain.

All that remained was a warm drink in his hand, and a beautiful barista, captivating him with a smile.

Hmm. This could be… interesting.

________________________________________________________________

Would you like your work to be featured in the 365 Days of TodoDeku Project? Apply here! (≧∇≦)/

[starwriterulia]

Reviewing Brea's Stuff - BTS Soulmate AU (1/2)

PART 1/2 (Taehyung, Jungkook, Jimin)

HI! \(OwO)/

I want to draw ya'll's attention to one of my friends: @jimin-jungshook-over-literalbae. She's a k-pop reaction/scenario/text writer, and not only have I missed her as a friend so much during my long hiatus, I've also missed her writing. Thankfully, there's a lot for me to catch up on! She asked me to give my opinions on her BTS AUs, and with her permission, I've turned my reviews it into a bit of advertising! If you wanna read the stuff I did, ya'll don't have to scroll super far to find it all. I'll be reviewing each AU from a Reader's Standing (silly, sometimes improper sentences; sO MUCH swearing; caps lock) and from a Critic's Standing (second reading; at least one paragraph). Let's get into this! >o<

—Faith

Written in Order of Whichever Came up First While Scrolling

Taehyung AU (Reader's Standing):

Man, I can't relate with being abandoned at a club 'cause I don't drink, and there's no club in my town, but I love how Y/N is essentially abandoned, ha ha ha! Also, poor Y/N, the only person among their friends who hasn't found a soulmate yet and feels so damn lonely about it. :'(

'...soft masculine voice'—bless you, Brea, for describing this scum as feminine.

'It makes you want to scoff, honestly'—All right then, this Y/N is a bit of a bitch, when it comes to meeting strangers in a club. I like Y/N, already. :D

'...back hitting a wall'—Aw yeah, good going, Y/N. Cornering yourself, good shit.

Strong Tae is hot, like that whole wrist grabbing sequence, ooh.

'Excuse me, sir'—My inner Englishwoman accent has been summoned.

Bitter chocolate on Y/N's tongue?? Where did this come from, hm... HM... hm.

Oh wait this is the soulmate bit. NEATO, I LOVE CHOCOLATE!! Milk is cool too, I mean, I'm vegetarian. If you bring meat into any of these AUs I will riOT.

Internal screaming holy shit it's the gang they're here hi Jimin my baby TwT

Yas to fun dancing with the puppy that is Taehyung

'Your back is pressed against his chest and his hands rest on your hips'—AERUNAWERAWENURAWO cute yes thank you

More chocolate taste, mm, yes. *w*

Holding hands on way to friends = classic, love it.

scREAMING HE CALLED Y/N HIS SOULMATE YES BLESS THIS AU I mean I don't usually read them, but my friendo-burritos are special occasions, OK??

Physical manifestation?? All right, sure. I'm so confused about this because, as I just said, I don't read soulmate AUs.

Love how the flavour of chocolate changes, it's kind of romantic.

*Sees typo at second last paragraph for 'had' instead of 'hand' and holds breath* Save it, Grammar-Nazi alter-ego, it's just a typo.

Super cute paragraph though awoureraelr

'As though he's meant to stay there forever'—Is just too cute, oml.

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA THAT LAST PARAGRAPH AND THE LAST LINE OF Y/N MY HEEEEEEEEEEART GOD DAMN SO CUTE UUUUUUUUUUGH

It's over? ;w; It's over...

Taehyung AU (Critic's Standing):

I'll say this here so I don't have to repeat myself, but I don't tend to read Soulmate AUs because I honestly think they're a very basic and beginner's way to write fan fiction. But they're also a great way to practice, so no, I don't hate them, I just don't tend to read them. As you know, I've made an exception for my friend. The first paragraph set the atmosphere very well, and easily stated how Y/N was feeling about not having found their soulmate, yet, and how they're just forced to watch their friends, who already have. The creep insertion, while a common trope, was well executed—I especially approve of how Brea described the wrist grabbing and the little struggle Y/N had.

And then there's Taehyung to the rescue, and for a moment I forgot I was reading a soulmate AU, I was confused about why Y/N tasted chocolate for second. Like the subtle inclusion of Jungkook, Jimin and the other guys, and the dancing section where the taste of chocolate changes according to Taehyung's emotions was really neat. I also loved how Taehyung took Y/N home, and their little kissing moment was the cutest. Not the mention the killer one-liner Y/N delivered, at the end. This was a brief AU, but that's often a good idea, for these kinds of scenarios. If I could improve one thing about this, I would have done... nothing. I seriously can't find anything that I would change, in this. Great job, Brea!

Jungkook AU (Reader's Standing):

Ooh, a Big Bang concert!

OOH, bells to signal soulmate status, that's really cool! Also, cute stumble is best stumble.

'bunny teeth'—Yes, Jungkook is a bunny in disguise, I knew it. *w*

YouTuber Jungkook is a concept I would sell my soul to Satan to see IRL

Ey yo, Seungri! \(>w<)/ Feels like a real concert, lol

Oh boy, whispering...

Awwww group waving to Jungkook's camera, how nice. ;w;

OH BOY JUNGKOOK IS ESCORTED

Oml Jungkook must have been so embarrassed, standing on stage like that, as a mega-fan. Lucky dude.

Never mind, boy was hyped as hecc

Happy Jungkook is best Jungkook, that was so cute to read.

Ye boys and girls, let's go with Jungkook and see what happens next oml this is too cute aaa

iS THIS THE SAME BAR AS THE TAEHYUNG AU?!

Hi Jimin I love you ;w;

Riot for Jimin? Yes, very possible.

beLL RUNG AGAIN GOOD LORD

I approve of Y/N's choice of Daesung as their favourite member

Thank you Jimin for approving of Y/N's choice

Jungkook shooing because he's secretly a possessive puppy, cute

bELLS AGAIN

'pretty damning evidence'—This is suddenly a detective AU? Nice.

'princess'—Aaand now I'm trying not to squeal.

Good choice of bar over apartment there, Jungkook.

Clasped fingers are cute, yes, thank you

More bells, aaaaa

Soft kiss ;w; Ow my heart

Evolving bells? YES.

Seriously this was really cute, I loved it. I love everything Brea writes, tbh.

Maybe that's just a friendship thing, idk.

Jungkook AU (Critic's Standing):

When the story began at a Big Bang concert, I immediately started to recall every bop they ever made, and it made me so nostalgic and happy. Really nice concert vibe, felt pretty alive, for being described in one paragraph. The first occurrence of the bells stole my heart, I'm a winter fanatic and bells are such an iconic symbol of that season, so I really enjoyed finding out that the little soulmate signal for this AU was bells. Not to mention the little confused looks that Y/N and Jungkook gave to their surroundings before introducing themselves with yelling (because concert, makes total sense) was really nice. I also loved how Jungkook was a YouTuber, that's totally something he could be, if his life went a different direction.

Seungri noticed Jungkook, told the guys about him, and they all gave Jungkook's camera some love was neat, too. They got him onto the stage and Jungkook fulfilled his mega-fan dream of performing with the big boys, that was ultra sweet of them (and Brea, I guess). And the excited Jungkook after he returned to Y/N was so easy to picture, it was great. As I said in the Reader's Standing, is this the same bar Y/N in the Taehyung AU was taken to? It was nice to see Jimin again though, hee hee, and I really liked how Jimin and Jungkook talked about why Jimin wasn't with Taehyung—the struggles of being a famous idol, right?

Jungkook shooing away Jimin was also cute, and how Brea mentioned that Jungkook and Y/N just sat with a couple drinks and talked with a little buzz was nice. Jungkook's explanation of how he and Y/N are soulmates was a nice touch, I really can't get enough of picturing how those bells sound. Small kiss from Y/N to Jungkook was super sweet, and yes, YES, I would love it if those bells evolved into like, an entire little melody, ah. This one was somehow very relaxing to read, I enjoyed it.

Jungkook isn't even my bias wrecker and I want to punch him with a pillow for being so cute in this AU, dammit.

Jimin AU (Reader's Standing):

For some reason the picture of Jimin wouldn't load and I'm immediately a little sad because I don't get to see his pink hair and those amazingly adorable cheeks of his. Not to mention his gorgeous eyes and just AERNUOEWATO Jimin is great. ;w;

Y/N is legit me, but I'm reading hentai manga instead of an 'actual book'. Just kidding, I'd be reading Piers Anthony.

Cool cafe, would definitely go there.

But reading sometimes stresses me out, so... I just stick to Piers and other fantasy others who don't write about female leads, sorry, but I really fucking love men. >w<

Aw yes look at that, his pink hair is peeking through, I wish I could reach into this story and touch it, fuck

The Chim just keeps getting closer... and closer... God that's cute, it's so like him, I love that.

'marches his way right over to you'—AEUROOAEUNCOWEASNLU thank you Brea, I'm dying a little

Soft speaking is so cute, good Lord, bless this AU

I'm just excited to read this for a second time, I love Jimin so damn much, aaaa

Just reading with Jimin would be so nice, that one paragraph had such a quiet feeling to it, ah.

Oh no, he went back on tour </3

he'S BACK AND HE TAPPED Y/N'S HAND MY LORD

I would totally jump up and hug Jimin, sorry not sorry, that man needs so much love for being so cute and... A N D *heavy breathing*

Oh right Y/N does it anyway

Awww yes he hugs back ;w;

Ooh, familiar scent and a long hug, that's definitely romantic.

bOOK HANDING OVER INCEPTION. Thank you for that little nod, ah.

I would probably fit in his suitcase tbh I mean I'm 145cm and he's what, 165cm?? It would totally work out, guys.

fiNGERS ENTWINE SCREEEEEEE

Sneaky Jimin putting his number in Y/N's pocket. Wait he's also part of the pervert line, BREA ARE YOU SURE HE DIDN'T TAP Y/N'S ASS A LITTLE? Lol just kidding, but still, nice move, Jimin.

He smells like books, bless

NOT TO MENTION THE KISSES GOOD LORD

That note was so sweet holy shit

Good ending oh my God that was such a nice ending

Jimin AU (Critic's Standing):

How do I write a formal review, again? I loved the book cafe, that was such a natural place for this to happen. Y/N and Jimin meeting week after week, and Jimin inching closer and closer until he literally comes right up to Y/N and all I could think of was a fluffy puppy running, and it killed me. I really liked how Y/N and Jimin established a quiet relationship, that's like, friendship, and friendship is so nice. Then Jimin left and I felt a little empty with Y/N, and I'm just sitting here thinking about how easily you were able to make me relate to Y/N. He came back blond (I refuse to add the 'e' for a male; I'm Canadian, that's just how the French do things, nothing wrong with the more modern/American way >w<) and had to tap Y/N's hand to get their attention, and then there's that adorable hug that just warmed my heart.

Then there was a very well executed explanation of how Jimin knows he and Y/N are soulmates and how he slipped a note into their pocket when they hugged. And I'm completely serious when I say that I would love to just stuff myself into Jimin's suitcase, ha ha ha! The kisses were also a really nice touch, the note was very sweet, and again, Y/N's last say in this scenario as they gave in to temptation and texted Jimin was adorable. Jimin's explanation and the note really did it for me, heh. I enjoyed Jungkook's the most, out of these three, but this was also really relaxing to read.

OK, that's it, for the maknae line! Onto the hyung line. Thanks again for reading, everyone.

[im-a-goner--foryou]

Starker prompt- Jealous Tony

Thank you so much @the-caps-ass for the prompt, hope you like it! (Also just a warning I can’t write to save my life, so.)

Tony knows he’s being stupid, immature even. God, he’s acting like a damn teenager, stalking– okay, not stalking, as if Tony can sound any creepier– observing his boyfriend almost obsessively. Still he can’t help but peer out of the half-open car window; staring as Peter bounds down the steps of his school doors, backpack slung carelessly over his shoulder. He’s wearing a soft blue sweater that’s a little too big, sleeves falling over his wrists and Tony should not be finding that as cute as it is.

He’s still mesmerised by the way the sunlight falls across Peter’s curls, colouring it a hazel brown, when he finally realises that the boy’s not alone. There’s another kid beside him, a guy with a green shirt and jeans and walking way too close next to Peter. Tony shifts in his seat, pressing against the car door and he knows that what he’s doing counts as borderline stalking now, but he can’t bring himself to care. They’re talking animatedly, engrossed in conversation; then the guy says something and Peter laughs, face split into a huge smile as he playfully punches the other on the shoulder– what the fuck? The guy grins, lurching forward and tickling Peter’s side, making him squeal with laughter; and Tony’s overcome with the urge to march out there, grab his boyfriend and drag him away–

Okay, woah, calm down, Tony tells himself. The boy’s probably just Peter’s friend, a classmate maybe; it’s just a friendly conversation. There’s no need to get so protective. He glances out the window again as the boys part ways, Peter waving as he turns and walks towards Tony’s car. The kid spots him then, face lighting up into a smile, but Tony’s too preoccupied with watching the other guy stare at his boyfriend, stupid grin still on his face.

“Hey!” Tony jolts as Peter opens the door, sliding into the passenger seat. “Sorry, did you wait here long? Class was released late–”

“Who’s the guy?” Tony blurts before he can stop himself. Peter blinks confusedly at him, hand still on his seat belt.

“Huh?”

“The boy. The one you just talked to.”

“Oh! You mean Harry?” Peter tilts his head. “He’s just a classmate, why?”

“What were you guys talking about?” Shit, seriously Tony? Stop. Peter’s facing him now, frowning slightly, Tony keeping his gaze firmly on the steering wheel and trying to act casual.

“Um, just…school stuff? He needed help for his Calculus assignment.” At the hum in response, Peter adds, “Is there anything wrong? You’re acting kinda weird–”

“Nope!” Tony interjects, attempting a nonchalant shrug. “Just curious, that’s all. Let’s go, there’s still a lot to be done in the lab.” He moves to start the ignition, but pauses when he sees Peter squinting at him. “What?”

The boy bites his lip, then asks, “Are you jealous?” When Tony doesn’t reply, Peter’s mouth curl up into a tiny grin, honey brown eyes twinkling mischievously. “Oh my god, you are!”

And Tony’s done holding himself back, he leans over and kisses Peter, who yelps adorably in surprise. Tony grins against his lips, pressing closer; reaching up and carding his fingers through those silky locks. The boy sighs, then pulls back, an endearing blush on his cheeks as he smiles up at him questioningly.

“Okay, maybe I am,” Tony concedes, hooking his fingers into the collar of Peter’s hoodie to pull him closer, presses a kiss to his neck; making a whimper escaping the boy’s lips.

“What are you– oh my god Tony, we’re just outside of school, people could see us–”

“Let them,” Tony breathes, gently scraping his teeth on Peter’s collarbone and grinning as he feels him shiver. “Then everyone will know that you’re mine.”

“Holy shit,” Peter stutters, arms slung across Tony’s shoulders as he arches towards his touch, and Tony can feel his leg pressing uncomfortably against the side of the car but he doesn’t care.

Then there’s a tap on the window behind him, and both of them jerk away in surprise; Tony watches as Peter’s eyes widen.

“Harry!” Peter squeaks, and sure enough the guy’s there, jaw slack in shock and eyes huge. Tony winds down the car window, raising an eyebrow.

“Yes?”

“Um, uh, I just wanted to give Peter– I mean, he left his book with me,” Harry babbles, shoving said book towards Tony. “Uh, okay, bye.” Before any of them can react he turns and leaves hurriedly, face flushed red. Biting back a grin, Tony turns towards Peter, who’s burying his head in his hands.

“Oh god.”

Tony laughs. “Nice friend you have there.” Peter glares at him through his fingers.

“I hate you.”

“No you don’t,” He teases, pressing a quick kiss to his boyfriend’s lips again. Peter rolls his eyes, grabbing the book from him.

“No I don’t,” He sighs.

[clementineverett]

Chasing Waves - Chapter 1: Global Warming

I FINALLY FINISHED THE FIRST DAMN CHAPTER HOLY MOLY

I HOPE YOU ALL ENJOY!! :D

[Ao3 link]

Summary: Clementine chuckles before asking, “So, what’s the verdict?”

Gabe meets her gaze and nods. “I’m in.”

OR: Wanting to escape his dad’s expectation of joining the army after graduation, Gabriel Garcia stumbles across his opportunity in the form of the annual National History Bowl Championship.

Chapter 1: Global Warming

Of course.

Of fucking course Kate would tell him Mari’s ballet lessons ends at 5:00, not 5:30.

Gabe turns away from the reception desk with an exasperated sigh. As annoyed as he is, Gabe admits to himself that maybe he does run on Hispanic time. Consistently showing up to school fifteen minutes late for the past three years is an achievement his dad and Kate like to remind him on the daily. Given his track record of punctuality, he admits Kate made a smart move.

However, Kate had underestimated how eager Gabe still is to take the beat-up car he affectionately calls “Sexerella” (or “The Gabemobile” around his family) out for a spin. He had worked at Howe’s since the beginning of the year to save up for it -- a beige sedan older than he is that sports a few shallow dents. His old neighbour Pete offered her for $800 cash. Dad even inspected the car and commended on her well-maintained condition, given her old-ish age. Only the brake pads needed replacing.

Gabe considers grabbing an ice cream cone and waiting out the next thirty minutes at a nearby McDonalds, but gas is expensive and Gabe isn’t exactly balling, okay? So he plops down on the bench in front of the dance studio and prays there’s wifi. But before Gabe pulls his phone out, he peers into the windows of the studio and his breath catches in his throat.

Of all the people he expected to see today, Gabe definitely does not expect to see Clementine. Clementine, with the wide amber eyes, the curly hair often tucked under a baseball cap. Clementine, as in the girl he hasn’t maybe completely been lowkey crushing on for the past three years. Clementine, as in his best friend’s adopted sister who is not only totally out of his league, but also probably off-limits.

(Not that Duck had ever explicitly stated it -- Duck doesn’t even know, for starters. It’d be a cold fucking day in hell before Gabe would ever admit to Duck that he maybe has a thing for Clementine.)

And today, Clementine is helping an older woman (the instructor probably) correct the postures and stances of younger students. He knew she did ballet, from Duck’s offhand comments about dance rehearsals over the years. Gabe internally regrets not tagging along with Duck to her recitals.

Which isn’t weird, right? The Gordon household was essentially his second home, after all. But come to think of it, he had never exchanged more than a handful of sentences at a time with Clementine.

On an average day, Gabe would come upstairs from the basement to grab a glass of water in the kitchen after a grueling match of Melee with Duck (No Items, Fox Only, Final Destination). He’d stammer out a hello to Clementine, who’d normally be studying in the dining room or curled up on the couch with a mug of tea, and then run back downstairs before he could run his mouth and say something stupid like he usually does around cute girls.

He’s only here to fetch Mariana and get back home, easy peasy. Don’t look like a moron. Maybe even say hi to Clementine. But most importantly, don’t look like a moron. Or a creep. With that thought, Gabe rips his eyes from Clementine and glues them to his phone.

Browsing on his phone makes the half-hour wait go by smoothly. Students pour out of the door, signalling the end of the lesson. Mari isn’t among them, unsurprisingly. Gabe remembers how excited she was when Kate and Dad finally saved enough to pay for ballet classes.

Sucking in a deep breath, he pushes the studio doors open and suddenly pauses in his tracks. The sound of violins flood the room.

Clementine moves effortlessly across the floor, arms flowing above her and then behind her like a silk banner caught in a gentle breeze. She eases onto one foot and spins on her toes -- once, twice, three times -- then glides into a stance, with her arms reaching in front of her, her leg stretched behind, and her foot high above her head. Gabe is mesmerized.

And the door promptly collides with his face.

He stumbles backward and lands hard on his bum. Gabe instinctively presses his hand to his cheekbone where the door had hit it. It’s tender and smarting like a motherfucker. In that moment, he prays for two things: 1. that the bruise won’t be too obvious, and that 2. no one saw that.

Unfortunately for Gabe, God does not answer prayer number 2.

“Oh my god, are you okay?” Gabe looks up to see Clementine standing over him, her eyes wide in surprise and concern. Great, he cringes internally.

“Yeah, I’m good,” Gabe replies as he struggles to his feet. “Hi, Clementine,” he greets her, his face burning in utter embarrassment. Real fucking smooth, Garcia.

“Hi, Gabe,” Clementine says, brows furrowing in worry. “Are you sure you’re okay? That looked like it really hurt.”

“I’m fine, really,” Gabe refuses to meet her gaze. “Have you seen my sister, Mari, by the way?”

“Gabe!” he hears Mari call out as she rushes to him. “What happened?”

“Accident,” Gabe quickly responds. “Anyways, Kate sent me to pick you up, so,” he adds, “are you ready to go?” Gabe’s just a little desperate to leave. He’ll nurse over his bruised face and bruised ego the moment he gets home.

“Yeah,” Mari replies, nodding.

“Okay,” Gabe says. He stammers, “I, uh, I’ll see you at school next week, Clementine.”

“See you around,” Clementine replies. “You should probably get some ice for that.” She gestures to the bruise starting to form on his cheek.

“I will, thanks,” Gabe answers, absentmindedly scratching the back of his head.

“Okay then,” Clementine says. “I’ll see you next class, Mari.” Gabe huffs out a sigh when they reach the parking lot. Plan: Don’t Look Like A Moron has crashed and burned miserably. No survivors here.

Mariana snorts.

“What?” Gabe asks.

“That was kind of sad to watch back there,” Mari says lightly.

“What on earth are you talking about?”

“The door slamming on your head?” Mari responds. “I saw the whole thing.”

“It was an accident,” Gabe insists.

“You mean how your brain fries itself whenever you’re around a girl?”

“You’re crazy,” Gabe interjects. “It was just an accident. And my brain doesn’t fry itself, okay? I know how to act around girls,” he asserts with a thump to his chest. “I’ve had girlfriends before.”

“A girlfriend,” Mari corrects with a grin, “and that was in middle school? How long did that last again?”

Gabe swats Mari on the arm playfully. “You know, maybe leaving you on the side of the road is a good idea.”

“You wouldn’t,” Mari scoffs.

Gabe rolls his eyes before admitting with a fond sigh, “No, I wouldn’t.” He ruffles her hair wildly. “You’re my little sister, after all. It’s your job to annoy me.”

“Gabe! What the heck!” Mari yelps, ducking away. She combs her hands through her hair with an annoyed huff.

“Don’t fucking swear, Mari,” Gabe lectures, deadpan.

Mari rolls her eyes. “You’re such a dweeb.”

“Love you too,” Gabe teases as he unlocks his car.

“I’m guessing you’re picking me up from ballet from now on?” Mari asks with a smirk as she climbs into the passenger seat.

“Yes,” Gabe adds as he locks in his seatbelt, “but it’s only because Kate asked me to, since I have a car and I’m pretty much an adult now.”

“Riiiiiiight,” Mari singsongs, wiggling her eyebrows.

“You know,” Gabe suggests, “I was thinking of stopping by good ol’ Ronald for some ice cream, but since you’re being mean to me right now…”

“Oh come on,” Mari pleads. “Please? Can we?”

“I don’t know,” Gabe sighs, shrugging. “You really hurt me, Mari.” He dramatically places a hand over his heart and sticks his bottom lip out in an exaggerated pout.

“Alright, alright,” Mari concedes with an eyeroll. “I’m sorry, Gabe. Okay?”

“That’s better,” Gabe grins as he backs out of the parking spot. From the corner of his eye, he spots Mari fishing something out of her pocket. “What’s that?”

“It’s Pipo’s,” Mari replies quietly, showing him a portable cassette player.

Gabe nods solemnly. “Pop the cassette tape in.”

Gabe catches a glimpse of the tape’s label: Mi vida, mi corazón. He smiles as familiar salsa tunes drift through the car. The wind roars through the rolled down windows and threads through Gabe’s hair. Today, he’d forgone his beanie.

“This is the tape he always plays when he dances with Yaya,” Gabe recalls.

Mari chuckles. “Yeah. It’s his favourite.”

Gabe smiles wider at the fond memory. He used to find it embarrassing when he was younger. In hindsight, it was actually really adorable. Now Gabe would give anything to watch his grandparents dance again. To see Yaya laugh and smile like she did before. Just once more.

“I miss Pipo,” Mari murmurs.

“Me too,” Gabe sighs. “You know,” he changes the subject, “he kept a journal when him and Yaya left Cuba in 1980.”

“Really?”

“Yeah, I found it on a shelf at him and Yaya’s house,” Gabe says. “Dad must have been a baby when they left.”

“I wonder what made them leave Cuba,” Mari wonders.

“Cause of some guy named Fidel Castro,” Gabe responds. “He imprisoned and executed a lot of people who were against him. Even people who were thought to be against him.” Gabe grimaces. “I don’t blame them for leaving, it must have been really scary back then.”

“You got that from all documentaries you’ve been watching, haven’t you?” Mari asks.

“I wanted to know all the shit that was going on at the time,” Gabe says with a shrug.

“Books exist, you know,” Mari points out, “and they’re a lot less noisy, too.”

“But do books have moving pictures and explosions?” Gabe replies with a dismissive wave of a hand. “And besides, does it really matter how I learn?” He taps the side of his forehead. “Knowledge is power.

“Inglourious Basterds doesn’t count,” Mari drawls. “And besides, why would anyone want to know about what a bunch of old guys did years ago? Boooring.”

Gabe gasps sharply. “First of all, Quentin Tarantino’s movies are fantastic,” Gabe objects, “and secondly, that was the only history-related thing you actually managed to stay awake for. If you had just stopped falling asleep in the middle of the other actual historical films, I’m sure you would’ve found it interesting.”

“I fell asleep because they were uninteresting,” Mari responds sarcastically.

“Come on,” Gabe says, “how do you not find it interesting at all? How things came to be? Why our family came to the States in the first place? The wars and global events that literally affected everyone? How is that not interesting?!”

“I mean that’s cool, I guess,” Mari remarks, “but it’s just not my cup of tea.”

“Fair enough.”

“Hey,” Mari chuckles, “at least learning some history is more productive than bashing your head on the sidewalk all summer, like you did last year.”

“For the record,” Gabe starts, “I did finally master that kickflip, so it was totally worth.”

---

They hear the yelling before they even make it out of the driveway.

Gabe glances at Mari, who winces.

“Just go to your room, okay?” Gabe assures her. Mari nods meekly.

Inhaling deeply, he turns the key and swings the door open.

“Unless you want to dig up my CO’s fucking corpse-”

“David, it was an accident,” Gabe hears Kate plead. She’s clutching her left hand with a towel that’s stained bright red. Pieces of shattered glass lie scattered around the kitchen floor where they’re standing. “Maybe if we can actually afford a dishwasher, this wouldn’t have-”

“Do not start with this again,” his dad roars back, “that is the absolute last thing I need when I come home from work to support this family and pay off Pa’s treatments-”

Gabe retreats to his room, locking the door behind him before flopping onto his bed. He pops his headphones in, selecting a random song on his phone and maxing out the volume until the thundering drums and screeching guitars drown out the world.

He hates it when they get like this. Which is rare to begin with, though, since Kate usually goes along with whatever Dad says. Not that he can blame her, honestly. It’s the easier thing to do.

His phone beeps, shaking Gabe out of his thoughts. A text message from Duck.

Duck Gordon (6:17 PM): THE END IS NIGH

Gabe snorts and types out a reply.

Gabe Garcia (6:18 PM): Wat

Duck Gordon (6:18 PM): Senior year starts next week bitchez

Right. Gabe swallows nervously.

On one hand: fucking finally. It wasn’t that high school had been bad. It had just been so… average. He got decent grades, skateboarded with Duck, and generally stayed out of trouble. His high school life, so far at least, is nothing like those melodramatic teen soap operas Mari likes so much. Not that he wants his high school experience to be filled with messy love triangles and skeletons in the closet. But all those movies and TV shows Gabe had seen over the years made high school seem so magical, you know?

On the other hand: he graduates from high school… and then what?

“Not today,” Gabe groans to himself as he sits up on his bed. He’ll cross that bridge when he gets there.

Gabe pulls up his laptop, an outdated thing his uncle Javi passed down to him. He can’t run League of Legends on it anymore (he needed to quit anyway, since it really brought out his temper) and it’s a little laggy, but it still does the job when it came to watching YouTube and scrolling through social media. Gabe decides to finish up on the last hour of this documentary he’s been watching about the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. He pops the disc in the laptop and makes a mental note to drop off the DVD at the library tomorrow, since it’s due that day anyway.

He’s about half an hour in (and close to tears) when a loud knock rattles his door. The doorknob jiggles. “Gabe?” It’s Dad. Gabe instantly flies to the door and opens it.

“Why did you lock your door?” Dad snaps.

“Force of habit,” Gabe replies quietly. “Sorry, I won’t do it again,” he quickly adds.

“Good,” his dad comments curtly as he tiredly runs a hand over his head. Gabe can’t help but notice how even more salt and pepper-y his dad’s hair has become. “I need you to take Kate to the clinic tomorrow morning. Can you do that?”

“Yes, dad,” Gabe answers. He watches his father intently, noting the clenched jaw and the tension in his shoulders. Don’t set him off again. Just be the obedient son he needs you to be right now, Gabe thinks to himself.

“Gracias, mijo,” Dad says. “I know I can count on you.” Dad gives him a squeeze on the shoulder before smiling at him fondly. “Look at you, starting your last year of high school next week,” he breathes a deep sigh. “It only seems like yesterday you were running around in your diapers.”

“Now I’ll be graduating,” Gabe replies, smiling back.

“And then you’ll be enlisting, just like your old man.” His dad beams at him proudly.

Just like your old man. The words echo in his head. Gabe’s mouth goes dry. “Of course.” He swallows hard.

He doesn’t remember exactly when Dad started expecting him to join the army. (Since forever maybe?) But Gabe had always went along with it. Although it always fills his heart to see his dad puff his chest out in pride because of him, the thought of inevitably enlisting also fills his stomach with dread.

“By the way,” Dad starts, interrupting Gabe’s train of thought. “What happened to your face?”

Gabe instinctively touches his bruised cheek. “I ran into a door, that’s all.”

“You should get some ice for that, mijo,” his dad clasps him on the shoulder one last time before turning away. “There’s some soup in the kitchen, too. Don’t stay up too late.”

The kitchen is cold when Gabe steps in. The window is thrown open. The floor is free of glass. A pot sits on the stove. Kate leans on the counter by the window, smoking a cigarette. Her hand is wrapped in gauze, the blood dried to a dark, brownish red.

“There’s some food on the stove,” Kate says before taking another drag of her cigarette.

“Thanks,” Gabe replies as he helps himself to a bowl. “How’s your hand?”

“It’s been better,” Kate mumbles. “Nothing too serious, though. The cut’s not deep and I’ve cleaned it as best as I can.”

“Well,” Gabe begins, “Dad wants me to take you to the clinic tomorrow, so…”

Kate sighs, shrugging. “I guess it wouldn’t hurt to have someone look at it.”

“We can go before your shift starts,” Gabe suggests. “I’ll drop you off at your work, too.”

A small smile forms on her face. “Thank you, Gabe,” Kate says.

“What happened, earlier?” Gabe asks quietly. “If you don’t mind me asking…”

Kate looks so drained, with her slumped shoulders and shining eyes. “It’s nothing, really. I dropped your dad’s army glass, that’s all.”

Gabe frowns. He knows how important that glass is to Dad. Gabe would be upset too if something sentimental to him broke. But Kate also got hurt, you know? Yelling at her, especially when it was an accident, just… left a bad taste in his mouth.

Kate must have seen the look on his face, because she quickly adds, “Don’t worry about it. Your dad and I talked it out. We apologized. We’re good now.”

Gabe nods, a little wary. “If you say so.”

---

  Gabe normally likes to sit window-side and towards the back row. Not the very last row, though, where the teacher's voice drowns out into a low, coma-inducing drone and the heat of the afternoon sun entices sleep. And not the very front row either, where the teacher can watch your every move.

Except today, Gabe slides into a desk at the front row and lets out a nervous breath. Sitting at the front of the classroom naturally makes you more attentive (at least, according to a few internet articles). After all, AP World History may be his last class of the day, but it’s his first Advanced Placement class, ever. Sure, Gabe isn’t a terrible student. But he’s not exactly top-of-the-class material -- just enough to make Dad and Kate happy. And besides, he’d also been in an Honors class before (in freshman year). It can’t be all that different, right?

Gabe watches as students enter the classroom and immediately recognizes most of them as the top-of-the-honor-roll types: those who’ve been taking AP classes since sophomore year (and even freshmen, for some of them), whose sights set high for Ivy League. His stomach sinks a little.

His mouth goes dry and his stomach knots when Clementine enters the classroom. No duh she’d be in this class. Gabe always saw her name on the honor roll, and knows how often she studies, as it was the one activity she was always doing every time he would be at Duck’s house. Plan: Don’t Look (Even More) Like A Moron is officially back in motion. This is going to be a long-ass year, Gabe internally grumbles to himself.

“Hello, class,” Mr. Everett greets as he begins to pass around the course outlines. “Welcome to AP World History. As you know, this class is equivalent to an introductory college course.”

Gabe swallows nervously. Mr. Everett does the roll call before briefly explaining the basics of AP tests and scoring. Gabe follows along, jotting down important information.

“A common theme you’ll notice throughout the course is that no matter the era or the civilization,” Mr. Everett scrawls the next words he says on the chalkboard, “there is always war and conflict.” He underlines the words, further emphasizing them.

“Instead of just talking about the syllabus today,” Mr. Everett turns to the class, dusting his hands of chalk, “I’d like to start off this year with a discussion.”

Mr. Everett returns to the chalkboard and writes in all capitals: IS WAR JUSTIFIABLE?

Every hand in the room shoots up.

Gabe notices that most of the answers his classmates give are a variation of Sometimes. Not that it was wrong or anything -- everyone has a right to their opinion, after all. But Gabe’s sweating as he mentally prepares himself, running through the points he wants to make and recalling the facts he’s learned from the documentaries he watched.

“Gabriel?” Mr. Everett’s voice pierces through the fog of his nervousness.

“Yes,” Gabe stands in his desk and clears his throat. “Right, um. I don’t think war is justified. Ever.”

The classroom immediately breaks into a buzz.

Mr. Everett shushes the class before he turns back to Gabe. “And why do you think that?”

“Because,” Gabe begins, suddenly feeling every eye on him. He inhales a deep breath before saying, “it’s just not right that the people at the top can declare war while everyone else pays the price. While innocent people pay the price.”

“Pretty sure the people who enlisted knew what they were signing up for,” pipes up a classmate. A few stifled giggles erupt behind him.

“That’s not what I meant,” Gabe bites back. He clenches his hands into fists to still them from shaking before he continues, “I meant like, men, women, and children who never asked for war, whose homes were invaded. People who were killed because they were at the wrong place at the wrong time, like Hiroshima and Nagasaki.”

“Well, it was because Japan refused to surrender,” another classmate challenges. “More people would’ve suffered and died if America had invaded Japan instead. Would you rather lose millions of lives or just several thousand?”

“Two hundred thousand,” Gabe corrects, blood pounding in his ears. “War is more than just a numbers game. Sacrifice two hundred thousand people to save more? Okay sure, but two hundred thousand people still died, you know? And most of them were just regular old folks minding their own business when the bombs hit. They didn’t deserve to die. Life is precious but life is irreplaceable too. The lives that were saved because of the bombings aren’t replacements for the lives that were lost.”

“So what,” someone responds, “countries should just do nothing then, like how Britain dealt with Hitler in the late 1930s? Should people just stand by and do nothing while something like the Holocaust happens?”

Gabe goes silent, brows furrowing in thought. When he meets the gaze of his challenger, he’s greeted by their smug, triumphant expression. “No,” Gabe finally admits, grudgingly.

“So then doesn’t that make war justifiable?”

“I’m not saying that countries should do nothing,” Gabe declares, his blood boiling. “But war often comes with war crimes, too. Both the Allies and the Axis raped thousands of women. Both sides bombed each other’s cities -- cities filled with innocent civilians. Cities like Hiroshima and Nagasaki. I think countries should step in and stop things like the Holocaust from ever happening. But even if the cause you’re fighting for is good, raping and killing innocent people isn’t. And that is never justifiable.”

The bell rings, a sudden shrill noise that startles Gabe out of his thoughts.

“All right, I’ll see you all tomorrow then,” Mr. Everett says to the class. “You all have a good day. Gabriel, can I see you for a moment?”

When Gabe is done packing his things, he makes his way to Mr. Everett’s desk. “You wanted to see me, Mr. Everett?”

“Yes,” Mr. Everett says, nodding. “I just wanted to commend you on what you said in our class discussion.”

“Oh,” Gabe responds, scratching the back of his head. “Thanks.”

“Have you ever heard of the principle of ahimsa?” Mr. Everett asks.

Gabe shakes his head.

Mr. Everett raises his eyebrows. “I’m surprised, because a lot of what you said reminds me of that. We’ll actually be touching on it in the course. But anyways, ahimsa is an important principle in Hinduism, Jainism, and Buddhism. It means to not harm. Non-violence. Ahimsa has greatly influenced theories of war and military ethics, and was also central to the independence movement of India.”

“The one with Gandhi, right?” Gabe faintly recalls from previous social studies classes.

Mr. Everett nods. “All forms of resistance against the British Empire were non-violent and it actually worked, as India finally achieved their independence in 1947. In fact, it worked so well that it influenced the Civil Rights Movement right here at home.”

Gabe nods thoughtfully. “Huh, no way.”

“Yeah,” Mr. Everett says. “Well, I also wanted to talk to you about joining our History Bowl team. I really think you’d make a great addition, and I’m not saying that just because I’m the sponsor teacher.”

History Bowl. Gabe had heard of that before -- isn’t that some kind of Jeopardy for history or whatever? Where a bunch of Ivy League types from different schools gather round and flex their knowledge or some shit? Gabe is certainly not Ivy League level, and the idea of being stuck in a whole room of them… ok well, he is in AP World History. But still. Gabe’s about as average as you can get, honestly. And besides, who wants to study for fun? He’s got enough classes to worry about.

Mr. Everett must have read his mind or something, because he says, “I know it’s not as glamorous as the football team, but I really do think you’d be great at it. At least consider?”

“Thanks,” Gabe replies a little sheepishly. “I’ll think about it.”

“Great,” Mr. Everett says, “You have a good day then, Gabriel.”

“You too,” Gabe replies as he leaves the classroom.

---

Gabe spots his uncle sitting on the porch as he approaches his house. A worn box sits next to him. “Hey, Javi. What are you doing here?”

“Hey, buddy,” Javi says. “I was hoping Kate would be here. I’ve got a package to drop off.” He gestures to the box.

“How long have you been waiting?” Gabe asks. “And what’s that?”

“Just ten minutes, no biggie,” Javi replies, grinning, “and these are your abuelo’s cassette tapes.”

“You have his cassette tapes?” Gabe questions.

“Just some of it.” Javi says. “I hear music really helps with memory. Maybe your dad can take them with him when he visits your abuelo.”

Gabe peers into the box. Cassette tapes stack on top of each other, almost spilling over the brim. “Those are… a lot of tapes.” He turns to Javi and quietly asks, “Why don’t you go with my dad?”

Javi looks away, scratching the back of his head. “I love your dad,” he sighs. “He is my brother, after all. We just… don’t see eye-to-eye on a lot of things.” His gaze rests on the box. “Let’s just say your dad doesn’t agree with how I’m… processing all of this.”

“Was that what it was about?” Gabe mumbles, studying his uncle’s face. “You know. Two weeks ago, at Yaya and Pipo’s house?” He recalls the yelling being so loud from he could hear it from the backyard. His abuela crying, pleading with them to stop. A door slam that seemed to shake the walls and the air around them. A loud tire screech. Javi nowhere to be found after. His dad dark-eyed and tense and silent for the rest of the night.

“Sort of, yeah,” Javi answers, quietly.

Gabe decides to change the subject. “So why does Pipo have a lot of cassettes?”

Javi smiles, eyes tinged with fondness and melancholy. “He made a mix for every event,” Javi sigh. “Like, every event. Not even just for milestones and holidays, but for days when it rained, when the sun shined. I think he has a whole tape dedicated to cafecito.” Javi shakes his head, chuckling. “Freaking obsessed.”

“More than dominoes?” Gabe asks, almost astounded.

“More than dominoes,” Javi affirms. “That man really loves music.”

Gabe chuckles, shaking his head. “Well, since Kate’s out, I can let you in and you can put it on the coffee table or something.”

“That’d be great, thanks.”

Gabe unlocks the front door and steps inside. He plops his backpack on the floor of his bedroom and double checks his pockets to ensure his wallet, phone, and keys are still with him before heading back towards the door.

“By the way, I need to pick up Mari from school and drop her off to ballet,” Gabe says to his uncle. “Do you need me to drive you back to your place?”

“No I’m good, my car’s just down the street,” Javi responds. "Actually, is it okay if I tag along? I feel like it’s been ages since I really spent some time with you guys.”

“I hope my dad won’t mind,” Gabe wonders hesitantly.

“I hope not,” Javi says, sighing. “Listen, no matter what’s going on between me and your dad, we’re still family.” Javi then playfully nudges him in the shoulder. “Now come on, I’ll treat you and Mari to McDonalds.”

Gabe grins. “You sure you want to wait out until Mari’s lessons are over, though?”

Javi cocks an eyebrow up. “You’re gonna wait out the whole hour?”

“Hour and a half,” Gabe corrects. “Plus, it’s kind of a waste of gas to keep driving back between home and the studio. Global warming, am I right?”

Javi snorts. “Since when did you care about global warming?”

“I always have,” Gabe shoots back, “but especially since I started noticing gas prices, you know?”

“Of course,” Javi says with a laugh.

When Gabe pulls up in front of Mari’s school, she climbs into the backseat and sets her duffel bag of ballet stuff next to her. “Hey uncle Javi,” Mari greets. Gabe feels her nudge at the back of his seat. “Are we heading to the studio right now?”

“Yup,” Gabe replies.

“But it’s only 3:15, and class starts at 4,” Mari points out, “can’t we wait at a McDonalds or something?”

“Well, Javi is planning to treat us after your lessons anyway,” Gabe responds, “and besides, it’ll be 3:30 by the time we arrive to the studio. You can wait another thirty minutes. Go practice or something.”

“Oh, I see what this is about,” Mari drawls, glaring at him through the rearview mirror before smirking. “You’re just eager to see Clementine, is that right?”

Gabe nearly swerves the car. “What?!” He sputters.

“Who’s Clementine?” Javi asks excitedly.

“No one,” Gabe interjects hastily.

Mari simultaneously answers, “His girlfriend.”

“I don’t have a girlfriend!” Gabe yells, knuckles white as he grips the steering wheel hard.

“She’s the teaching assistant for my class,” Mari says matter-of-factly, completely ignoring Gabe, “She’s really pretty, and she also goes to Gabe’s school. I think she’s also Duck’s sister?”

“Aww,” Javi sings, grinning.

“She’s not my girlfriend!” Gabe yelps indignantly, cheeks flushing.

“Uh-huh,” Mari sarcastically mutters.

“Mari,” Gabe hisses, glaring fiercely when they make eye contact through the rearview mirror.

“All right, all right,” Mari grumbles. “I’m sorry, Gabe.”

“Thank you,” Gabe huffs, annoyed. He relaxes his grip on the wheel.

“Clementine is amazing at ballet, though,” Mari says with wonder, “I want to be just as a good of a dancer as she is one day.”

“I believe in you, Mari,” Javi replies, “You can achieve anything you set your mind to.”

“Thanks, Javi,” Mari says, smiling. “Maybe it’s not a bad idea to get some extra practice in,” she admits.

“Told you,” Gabe remarks, and spots Mari rolling her eyes at him through the mirror.

Predictably, Gabe doesn’t see Mari exit the studio when the lesson finishes. Gabe pushes the doors open (and steps through them quickly before they can crash into his head again).

“Clem, you should come with us,” he hears Mari practically beg, “My uncle, Gabe, and I are going to McDonalds. It’ll be really fun.”

Gabe freezes in his tracks. She’s doing this on purpose, isn’t she? She’s totally shitting him right now. Seriously, Mari? Wow.

“Gabe!” Mari calls out to him. She’s beaming brightly and sporting puppy dog eyes. He knows that look and sighs internally. Okay, so she’s definitely not trying to mess with him. Somehow, that makes it worse. “Can Clementine come with us? Pleeeease?”

“Um,” Gabe mumbles, scratching the back of his head. He desperately tries to force down the blush that begins to rise in his face.

Okay. So. It’s not like he wants to say no because honestly? That’s a little dickish. But Plan: Don’t Look Like A Moron failed spectacularly last time and Gabe definitely does not want to risk embarrassing himself in front of her again. He’s not sure if he can survive it.

Before Gabe can reply, Javi calls from behind him, “Of course, of course. The more the merrier.”

“I do have an hour to kill before my shift starts,” Clementine says, shrugging.

Mari beams. “Great! I’ll grab my stuff.”

“You, uh, work with the Gordons, right?” Gabe finally manages to unswallow his tongue and speak. “I can drop you off at the diner before your shift.”

“If it’s any trouble-” Clementine starts.

“It’s not,” Gabe replies sheepishly. “Really, it isn’t. It’s on the way home, anyway.”

Clementine nods gratefully and smiles. “Thanks, Gabe.” Gabe’s heart immediately accelerates. “I’m just gonna pack up and change.”

Gabe nods, his eyes unconsciously following her as she exits the studio. Did she really just smile at him? Was that real? He didn’t imagine it, right? Holy shit.

“What happened to ‘global warming?’” he hears Javi ask slyly. Gabe doesn’t turn, fearing his face is bright red.

“I’m just being nice,” Gabe asserts defensively.

“If you say so,” Javi casually replies.

---

“Please,” Javi begins, “I insist, Clementine. You’re our guest.” The four of them are standing in front of the counter. Gabe hears an exasperated sigh behind him -- another impatient customer, probably. They’ve been holding the line up for only a minute or so. Jeez.

Gabe watches as Clementine hesitantly puts her wallet back into her pocket. “You’re too kind, thank you.”

“No worries,” Javi says before addressing Gabe. “Gabe, why don’t you and Clementine find us a booth? Mari and I will wait for our order.” His uncle’s eyes glint playfully.

“Uh yeah, sure,” Gabe replies. He contemplates maybe killing his uncle as he and Clementine sit down at an empty booth.

“By the way,” Clementine begins, “Good job in the class discussion today.”

Gabe’s eyes widen in surprise. “Oh. Thanks.”

“What made you join AP World History, by the way?” Clementine asks, brows furrowing in curiosity. “Not that I’m saying you’re not smart or anything, but I didn’t think you… well, it’s just that I haven’t seen you in the other AP classes before-”

“I’m not exactly the AP student type, I know,” Gabe admits, nervously laughing.

Clementine chuckles with him. “I’m sorry, I just wanted to ask.”

“It’s okay,” Gabe replies. “I, um, kind of switched into that class last minute, I guess? It was sort of a spur of the moment.”

“Really?” Clementine cocks her head sideway in curiosity.

“Yeah,” Gabe responds. “Well, um, I’ve always liked social studies, and I also watched a lot of history documentaries over the summer. Made me realize how much I liked learning history. So I figured, why not?” He scratches the back of his head absentmindedly as he shrugs. “How about you?”

“I really like history, too,” Clementine replies. “I want to do a minor in History when I go to college, and you know, the AP class would be great for the transfer credits.”

“What are you planning to major in?” Gabe asks.

“Dance,” Clementine answers. “Hopefully at the University of Georgia. They have a pretty good ballet program.”

“That’s great,” Gabe says. “You’ve, uh, been doing ballet for a long time, right?”

“Yeah,” Clementine says, “Since I was 7 or 8. I really love it. But how about you? What are your plans after high school?”

Gabe’s eyebrows rise. He’s caught off guard. “I…” He trails off, lost in thought. What the hell is he supposed to say? “I’m still figuring it out, to be honest,” Gabe finally answers.

“No worries,” Clementine responds. “But if you plan on going to college, you should join the History Bowl team. It’s a great opportunity and looks really good on college applications.”

“Mr. Everett talked to me about that earlier today,” Gabe notes.

“He is the sponsor teacher,” Clementine says. “And this year, I’ve been made captain of the team. We need more members -- one more at least. It’s just me and Sarah now, since Arvo graduated last year.”

“Arvo?” Gabe recalls the familiar name. “You mean that really smart Russian kid? Didn’t he graduate early?”

“Yup,” Clementine sighs loudly. “He also got accepted into MIT’s engineering program.”

“Wow,” Gabe says in awe. “That’s… pretty impressive.”

“It becomes less amazing the more you hear about it,” Clementine drawls. “Arvo never failed to remind me every single week.” Gabe notes the way she rolls her eyes with deliberate annoyance.

“Duck told me he was kind of a dick,” Gabe replies.

“Oh, he definitely was,” Clementine says with a hint of a grin. “Big brain, bigger ego. But because of him, we did get pretty far last year. And this year, I really want to win the National Championships. So,” Clementine pauses, exhaling a deep breath, “I’m asking you to join the team.” “Me?” Gabe asks incredulously. “I’m no Arvo, though.” He looks down at the table.

“I’m not asking you to be Arvo,” Clementine replies. “Besides, it’s clear from the discussion today that you’re passionate about history, and you seem to know a lot about it. Give yourself some credit. We’d be lucky to have someone like you on the team.”

Gabe’s heart skips a beat. “I, um…” He trails off, attempting to fight the heat beginning to rise in his face. “Can I think about it, at least?”

“Of course,” Clementine says. “Well, tomorrow is Club Day, and I’ll have a table set up in the atrium during lunch. Come talk to me when you’ve made your decision.”

“Sounds good,” Gabe responds.

“If it helps,” Clementine starts, “the grand prize for the Nationals is a scholarship. Divided among the teammates, of course.”

“Really?” Gabe asks with a piqued interest.

“Yeah,” Clementine says, “it’s a pretty decent amount. But I think you have to use it within a year before it expires.”

Gabe hums and nods thoughtfully. “I’ll let you know tomorrow?” He asks.

“Sure thing,” Clementine replies.

---

Gabe is in the living room watching TV when he hears the keys turn and the front door unlock. His dad steps through. Gabe quickly checks the time on his phone. It’s nearly 10:00 PM.

“Hi dad,” Gabe greets him. “Long day at work?”

His dad nods. The exhaustion is apparent on his face. “Yes, mijo. Have you eaten dinner yet?”

“Yeah,” Gabe answers. “Kate put the food in the fridge, by the way.”

Dad suddenly pauses. “What’s this?” he asks, pointing to the box on the coffee table.

“Javi came by earlier today,” Gabe tells him. “He dropped off a box of Pipo’s tapes.”

His dad frowns slightly, brows furrowing as he chews on his cheek. “Okay,” his dad comments quietly. “Anyways. Come sit with me,” he invites him. Gabe nods, and follows his dad into the kitchen.

“How was your first day of classes?” His dad asks as he opens the fridge.

“It was good,” Gabe replies as he reaches into the cupboard to grab a plate for his dad. “We just got our lockers and course outlines, that’s all. Real lessons start tomorrow.” He sets the plate on the dining table. “But we did have a class discussion in AP World History today.”

“An AP class?” His dad notes. “You know, it doesn’t really matter what kind of grades you get. As long as you have a high school diploma, the military will accept you just fine.” He shrugs dismissively.

“I just wanted to take it this year,” Gabe asserts quietly.

“Okay,” Dad responds. “What did you talk about in class?”

“Whether war is justifiable or not,” Gabe answers. “A lot of the class said it was justifiable sometimes.”

“But what did you say?” His dad asks.

Gabe immediately regrets bringing up AP World History. “I said it wasn’t justifiable,” Gabe murmurs. He studies his dad’s face, trying to decipher the unreadable expression he now wears. “Why?” Dad says with an eyebrow raised. “Sometimes we have to fight back when bad guys threaten the rights and lives of other people.”

“I guess,” Gabe says uncertainly. “I was talking more along the lines of, um, war crimes. Like murdering and raping innocent people. Stuff like that.”

“That doesn’t really happen anymore, mijo,” his dad says pointedly. “There are international laws that stop that from happening now, don’t you know that?” His dad lets out a harsh sigh before taking a bite of his food. Gabe winces slightly.

“I know. I just, I don’t know,” Gabe mumbles, shifting his gaze down. “I was just offering another view. That’s all.” He half-lies.

His dad only nods and continues to pick at his food. Gabe takes his leave and heads to his room.

He shuts the door behind him quietly and sits on his bed, lost in thought. Gabe had been on fire earlier today, adrenaline pumping and blood boiling and thinking on his feet. He had a lot to say in class, but all the points he wanted to repeat to his dad seemed to just… evaporated from his head or something.

I’m just tired, Gabe justifies to himself. And Dad’s tired too. A debate is the last thing he needs.

Though, Gabe really did enjoy the class discussion today. He normally hates debates -- Gabe usually never knows enough to effectively participate, and he hates how tongue-tied he  can get. Except today, Gabe actually did know enough, for once. There was something incredibly satisfying about being able to prove your points with cold, hard facts. Like a perfect one-two punch. And damn, did it feel good.

Maybe joining the History Bowl team isn’t a terrible idea. Sure, it’s not quite the same as debating morals and whatever like they did in class today. But Gabe has always found his history and social studies classes so much more interesting than his science classes. He liked learning about importants events that happened, and how and why they still affect people today. It always intrigued him.

And besides, Clementine did mention the scholarship grand prize. If they win Nationals, then he’d have no choice but to attend college. Dad would understand. He would see. Surely.

But I’m nothing like Arvo, Gabe admits to himself internally. Winning Nationals sure as hell isn’t a guarantee. It’s a slim chance, especially with the likes of someone like himself. Someone like me, Gabe thinks. He is… painfully average.

But, he has to try, right? Taking a chance can’t hurt. It’s not like it’s totally hopeless -- Clementine mentioned Sarah was on the team too. And they’re both really smart. He’s not on their level, sure, but Gabe can compensate with a lot of work and effort. Winning Nationals is definitely possible, he decides.

Dad will understand. Dad will see.

---

Gabe pushes through the crowd of students, his mood slightly souring with every shove of a shoulder. Just when he’s had enough and considers charging through the swarm like a bull on the loose, Gabe stumbles into empty space.

He spots a simple poster (HISTORY BOWL CLUB, it reads) hanging down the front of the table. Clementine and Sarah sit behind, chatting.

“Hey,” Gabe calls out breathlessly, giving a small wave to Clementine. She waves back. He approaches their table.

“Woah there, you’re gonna have to wait in line,” Clementine says sarcastically, gesturing to the considerable lack of students around them.

A grin plays on his lips. “Hilarious,” Gabe replies with equal sarcasm.

Clementine chuckles before asking, “So, what’s the verdict?”

Gabe meets her gaze and nods. “I’m in.”