#thanks you guys for just chatting some smaller/lighter questions with me while i work out some health stuff
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carefulfears · 1 year ago
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What do you think of the episodes Gillian and David wrote/directed and which one is your fav ?
i love gillian and david's episodes, i always think of this post about how they write each other's characters as they were at the beginning, as they are at the core underneath everything that builds up. david's scully as bright and joyful and curious. gillian's mulder as rash and authentic and gentle. david's msr is flirty and lighthearted and introspective; gillian's is combative and devoted, she writes love as an action, dedication as a decision.
they love these characters, and they love to explore together, and seeing them through their eyes is special.
i also really love how metaphorical and foreign david's writing is. the unique unreliable narration of the unnatural, the way that the present day setting starts to shift to question the tale that's being told. characters weave in and out of the past, the props get older, the details get fuzzier. the moral of the story is bookended, "life on this planet" being understood and sought out.
the last temptation of amor fati, choices offered that are rooted only in true purpose, in commitment to something both larger and smaller. the internal struggle to not lose sight of that.
his dancing zombies at the end of hollywood a.d., dead and forgotten, happy and in love; just like mulder and scully holding hands before them.
my favorite of them all is hollywood a.d., i just love it. i smile to think of it. it's iconic and reflective and goofy. it has practically no plot whatsoever. it has more quintessential and referenced lines than any other episode. it just got the characters, it's all about the small moments in the face of commercialized imitation. it somehow tied together jesus/judas, dostoyevsky, and ed wood. it is absurdist fluff written by someone with most of a phd in english and i adore it.
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bunnyramen · 4 years ago
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I just would like to give a big Happy Birthday to @kalofi , shes officially an old woman we shall plan accordingly on which nursing home you have to go to.
All jokes aside, it’s a been good year as your friend and uh. I hope you like this! Happy birthday!!💕💕
——-
A figure rose up out of a bed that wasn’t his own.
Josuke didn’t sleep on a bed covered in a queen bed spread, his was Prince and the under sheet was purple.
“What the hell?” That wasn’t his voice either, it was a bit lighter than his own but still had a sort of gruffness to it.
He looked at his hands and noticed they were smaller than his longer piano fingers, and covered a bit more scars than his own.
Josuke looked around the room with eyes that also weren’t his own, well eye since one seemed to be blind.
There were some Bruce Lee, Prince, Queen, Elton John and Selena posters hung around the room.
And despite the gaudy curtain and muscle clock, whoever this was had some taste.
He pulled the covers off of someone and someones feet touched soft carpet, rising out of someone’s bed.
God, was this what it was like to not be 6 feet tall? Small like Koichi?
He touched at the hair framing his face, some of it white and some of it a bright red.
And he ran a tongue over the teeth in his mouth.
They were razor sharp!
“What the fuck?!” A voice screamed and the wall next to him was punched, telling him to shut up.
He didn’t recognize the voice.
Ok, he felt like he was going to have a heart attack.
Speaking of attack, was this the work of a stand?
Where was the bastard? He had to neutralize him before he did some serious damage to Morioh!
But he couldn’t go anywhere in pajamas that weren’t his.
He went over to where presumed the clothes were, the dresser that had a boom box and plenty of boxes of tapes next to it.
He opened the first drawer and grabbed a white t-shirt with green accents.
He looked up on the wall and saw a picture on the wall, one of the kids in it was presumably the body he was inhabiting, judging by the hair and teeth.
Next to him was a angry blonde kid, who kind of looked like he got hit in the face with a hot shovel by his standards.
Maybe it was just the really ugly face he was making.
Luckily they were wearing school outfits, so he was able to figure out what he was supposed to normally wear.
A pair of green pants came onto his body next, a belt then a pair of purple socks.
He looked near the small closet in the room, seeing a pair of red Velcro shoes in front of them.
He figured it was time to brush his teeth and wash his face, and see what the hair situation was like,
He saw a large jar of hair gel sitting on the desk next to the bed and he grabbed it.
“Thank god, I didn’t wanna walk around with this hair all day.” His-er the kids inner voice said.
This was going to be weird since not only was his mom not here but there seemed to be more than one person on this floor.
Was he in a apartment or something?
Or some kind of dorm?
While he was thinking, he located the placement of a face towel and pulled a toothbrush from the boxes and boxes of toothbrushes in the kid’s closet.
He opened the door, peeking out into the hallway and seeing an empty get colorful looking ceiling and flooring.
He closed the door behind himself, thankful that he could be on his own while his mind was racing about where the fuck he was and who the fuck he was.
He went down the hall and got to an elevator.
“Must be some rich kid school or something.” He pushed the button for the second to last floor, figuring that was where the bathroom was.
Hopefully.
——
After asking another person than the original 2 he asked (that seemed to wanna chit chat), he finally located the bathroom.
He got in front of a mirror and finally got to see what the hell was he was working with.
He had to admit, the guy he was pretty handsome, at least he wasn’t stuck in someone ugly.
Like that Guy with that surface stand.
Or that little purple dude that he came across that kept chatting up with the girls in a gross way, he socked him one good with some kind of rock hand on his way here.
And it was weird since Crazy Diamond didn’t show up to punch the fucker for him.
Anyways, he did his hair in his usual pompadour, pretty much a second nature that it he got it done in less than 3 minutes.
While he waited for it to dry, he brushed his teeth and washed his face, having to periodically spit out bristles since they kept coming out when he gave these teeth a full cleaning.
He walked out of the bathroom but held the door open for some kid with a lightning bolt in his head since he was coming while he was trying to walk out.
“Woah! Trying a new look, Kirishima?” A pink girl with black eyes asked and he’d almost mistaken her for some kind of alien stand user but he didn’t sense anything from her.
“Uh haha, yeah! I’ll catch you later, Pink girl.” He laughed awkwardly, patting her on the back before he started to walk away.
He seems to be walking through a dining room, judging by the multiple people eating cereal.
God, he really missed his mom right now. He wondered what the other kid was like towards her. He hoped he got switched with someone nice.
“Your hair looks even more shitty than usual.” A low voice said from the end of the table he was walking past.
He looked to see the kid in the picture, hot shovel face.
“The fuck did you say about my hair?” A fire lit in his gut but it was pure hot red anger from himself , instead of the anger from him and his stand combined.
Bakugo took that as him not hearing what he said, so he said it again.
And that really set in stone was this body was about to do to him.
He punch him directly in the face, knocking over the cereal that was balancing in his spoon and ignored the gasps of the bystanders.
He would’ve went back for another but he was being pulled away by this really tall dorky guy.
He admitted to himself that the guy was pretty handsome.
“Eijirou, what has gotten into you?!” He pulled him away further as the blonde stood up with anger written all over his face.
“No one insults the hair of the man that saved me! No fucking one!” He tried pulling away from the nerdy dude but boy was he strong.
The lighting bold guy seemed to have to hold the other dude back from trying to let off some kind of explosion near him.
“Who saves you?” Mina looked confused.
“Look, My name is Josuke and that hot shovel faced asshole insulted the hair of the person that saved my life!”
“Josuke? Wait hold on, you’re saying your not Kirishima Eijirou.”
“No! I got switched with him by some kind of stand user or something! Now let me go so I can pummel him!”
“A stand?” Mina looked at him weirdly.
“Fuck.” He was hoping this “Kirishima” kid wasn’t doing anything weird with his body or messing up anything.
——
“So this is what it’s like to be tall!” Kirishima ran down the stairs of a house he didn’t at all recognize and was greeted by a rather tall purple haired woman when he reached the kitchen he presumed.
Maybe tallness ran in the family.
“Hello, Ma’am.” He waved at her nervously, not sure of who the woman was or who’s body he was in.
The lady picked up a knife, holding it towards Kirishima threateningly, the boy backing away.
“Who are you and where is my baby?” She said darkly, the knife glinting in the light.
“Huh?”
“Josuke never calls me ma’am. And he never comes down those stairs with his hair undone unless it’s a weekend.” The knife was getting dangerously close to his neck.
“I’m sorry but I’m not your son. I’m Kirishima Eijirou, and I’ve switched bodies with him, I think? I don’t what’s going on or who you are.” Either this Josuke kid could sweat a lot, or his sweat glands got transferred to this body.
“Switched? But where’s my baby?” She wasn’t holding the knife to his neck anymore but she still looked prepared to slice and dice him.
“I think he’s in my body. This could be the work of a quirk user or something, I’m not too sure.”
The lady fainted suddenly, the knife coming out of her hand and clattering to her floor.
“Oh fuck!” He was about to approach her to try and see if she was ok but a new figure bursted in, the door being unlocked by an outside force, probably a key.
“Josuke?” The new comer asked, his eyes shiny as he took in the scene in front of him.
“Hey man, it’s not what it looks like! She fainted, and I don’t know what’s going on!” God, was everyone the type to fight first and ask questions later here?
The guy came over in a few strides and grabbed him by the collar of his shirt, the motion alerting this really big pink guy that smelled oddly like strawberries.
“Crazy D, you know who this guy is?” The guy was really strong or something since he just shook him like a limp rag doll.
‘Crazy D’ looked at him with a weird glare, and the guy shook his head, shrugging with a confused “Dora.”
“What is that?” He pointed behind the guy, The Hand having been summoned at the mention of Crazy D.
“You’d know that if you were Josuke, and so since I don’t wanna cave my own boyfriends face in without giving whoever you are a chance, you got five seconds.” The guy robot he summoned looked ready to slice him in half too.
Normally, Kirishima would fight back but since he had no idea who he was, where he was, or what he was working with in terms of fighting back, he decided to bitch out just this once.
“I’m Kirishima Eijirou, I go to U.A, Im from Musustafa, I’m 16 years old, and my quirk is Hardening!” He flinched away when he felt that his explanation wasn’t good enough, but the punch didn’t come.
The guy let go of his collar.
“Alright, a stand user trying to actively kill us wouldn’t give himself away like that but I swear to god if you try anything funny, you’ll be having a talk with the hand.” The boy glared at him, making sure that hand thing was on stand by.
While the guy helped Tomoko onto the couch, Kirishima went to the nearest phone and dialed the number in.
There were a couple rings before he heard an energetic ‘Present Mic speaking!”
“Daddi-o!”
“Eijirou?”
“Yes!”
“Thank goodness! Are you okay?”
“Yeah, I’m in this Josuke kid’s house and I have like no idea where I am!”
“You’re in Morioh.” The guy said from the couch, where he was helping Tomoko wake up.
“This guy said I’m in Morioh!”
“My names Okoyasu.”
“I’m with Okoyasu. Luckily, he let me speak before he tried icing me out.”
“At least we’re know you’re safe! The kid in your body, his name is Josuke and he’s actually a pretty nice kid when he stopped trying kill Bakugou. Something about his hair, it’s actually pretty cool, you should see it-”
There was a struggle over the phone and a brief ‘hey!’ Before he recognized his dad’s tired voice being put on the phone.
“We captured the villain. Luckily it wasn’t what this Josuke kid calls a ‘stand user’ otherwise it’d be up to you and you’re not able to control his stand.”
“Thank goodness. Dad, How soon can I get my body back?”
“Well, actually the quirk only lasts for a few hours and it should end right about now. Brace yourself.”
Kirishima dropped the phone from his hand and blacked out, he doesn’t remember hitting the ground.
“Hey, Kirishima!” He felt someone patting his cheek, trying to rouse him from his sleep.
He blinked his eyes, a blurry vision of pink and yellow coming into view.
“If your really Kirishima finish this phrase.” Sero said from above him, he could presume he was probably on the ground right now.
“Precisely.“ Kaminari started, Kirishima’s eyes lighting up.
“Damn, I’m late for school!” He sat up, actually seeing that the arms he was fist pumping were his and the friends he was looking at were his.
“Woah, hold the phone!” He looked up at his forehead and saw something blocking his view. “What is this?” Kirishima grabbed his pocket mirror, because he’s he owned a pocket mirror for just such occasions of keeping his spikes in order.
But it wasn’t spikes.
It was a pompadour.
“Yo Daddi-o, can I borrow your phone?” Kirishima asked Present Mic after his friends helped him off the floor and into a chair.
He called the last number, and it rung for a second before a voice he recognized answered the phone.
“Tomoko speaking?”
“Hello Mrs. Tomoko, I’m the kid your son switched bodies with. Sorry for the uh..trouble.” The redhead coughed.
“No trouble at all, as long as I have my son back in his rightful place and you back in yours. Would you like to talk to him? He says he’d very much like to talk to you.”
Kirishima heard Josuke whine to his mom to stop embarrassing him.
“Hello?”
——-
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sam-writes · 6 years ago
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Unexpected, Not Unwanted.
Cherry Smoke series
Roger Taylor X Original Male Character
Word count: 1841
Links:
Part 1 / Part 2
Aesthetic Moodboards
Note: heyyy so here's a part 2 to Cherry Smoke! I hope you enjoy!
I'm slowly becoming worse and worse at naming things. Forgive me.
Also!! BIG THANK YOU FOR 1300 FOLLOWERS!!! That's such an insane number!! Thank you all!! Please feel free to drop by my inbox and chat! I love chatting!
_________________________________
It's a couple weeks since they last saw each other, and this encounter was completely accidental.
Both Queen and Cherry Smoke had been invited to a party held by some famous person who just wanted them there to brag about it. Both bands weren't the type to turn down free drinks and a party, so they went along.
Nicholas hadn't even been at the party for longer than five minutes and he had already downed two shots and had a half-finished beer in hand. He was aimlessly walking around the big open space of someone's huge house. It obviously cost a lot and he felt quite small being in such an expensive place. He was stopped a few times by people who considered themselves fans of his band, but he didn't think of his band as big enough to have fans. It was a shock to the system that so many people had recognised him. Once or twice someone would mention the news article of Roger Taylor and himself. Whenever it was brought up he would deflect any questions, not wanting to make the whole situation worse. For the both of them. So he took his drink and stayed away from anyone who wanted to talk about the paper and Roger. He wanted to forget Roger.
Nicholas had been heavily distracted since the run in with Queen. His mind kept ticking over the fight and the drinking the next day. The rage he felt when his band had been dissed. How taken aback he was when Roger had definitely checked him out, maybe he was just imagining it, wishful thinking and all that. How his fist burned with pain after he punched Roger. He kept thinking of the way Roger had smiled at him while they drank together the next day. The drunken smug smile that made his eyes squint and the laugh that came deep from his chest when Nick rambled off a joke. His feelings were very confusing and he didn't want to put effort into figuring it out. One side of him wanted to never see Roger again. The other side wanted to make things better because he looked up to him, though he'd never admit it to Roger. He didn't need that going to his head.
It was like Roger was two different people. When he was around his band he was the protector. Needing to keep up their already high reputation. But when he was alone, with Nicholas, he was completely different. More free? But maybe that was just the alcohol. He wanted to blame it on the alcohol.
Nicholas watched as his bandmates talked with other party guests. Michael had struck up a conversation with someone who was currently miming playing a piano, so they'd both be fine for an hour or two. Pianists always seemed to be able to talk about their skills for long periods of time without break.
Miranda was leaning against a wall talking animatedly to a cute girl, who was paying close attention to everything she said.
Damien was unsurprisingly surrounded by a crowd of girls. Nick rolled his eyes but couldn't help but breathe out a laugh, "Of course." How typical of him.
Eric caught Nicholas' gaze from across the room, he was a wallflower when it came to parties. He never really wanted to stand out and he did whatever it took to avoid conversation. Nick gave him a sad smile as he noticed a nice looking guy walk up to Eric. He shot him a thumbs up with a half hearted smile and looked away before Eric called for his help. As much as he loved and admired Eric, he wasn't in the mood to go rescue him.
Nicholas was stuck in his own thoughts when he felt a hand land on his shoulder making him jump and he looked up quickly.
"Nick. As your frontwoman I command you to get out of this funk you've been in and go mingle." Miranda tried to shove him but he only took half a step back.
He noticed a phone number scrawled sloppily onto her arm, but didn't bring it up. "I'd rather not."
"Well, stop looking sad at least. Here," she handed him a sealed can of something she had been holding, "I was going to drink it but it looks like you need it. Enjoy!" And she was gone. He stared at the drink, knowing he had already maybe had a bit too much as he had lost count.
Nicholas contemplated opening the can for exactly half a second before finishing off the dregs of his beer and cracking open the can with a satisfying hiss and pop. It was alcohol and it was strong, but maybe that is what he needed.
He had been involved in multiple halfhearted conversations with strangers and people who had sworn to have met him before - he didn't remember them, but maybe that was just the booze.
He was currently letting a sweet girl ramble while he stared into the crowd, hoping to see someone he knew to get away. That's when the long bleached blond hair caught his eye. It seemed familiar and he just couldn't put his finger on who it was. He excused himself and decided to follow before he lost it into the crowds.
Time seemed to slow as he navigated the masses. Ducking past other guests, he was always just too far away to call out to the blond, who never looked back. He would lose sight of him for a moment before seeing him reappear a few metres away. The house hadn't felt bigger than when he was chasing the blond. It seemed to continue on forever, but maybe his drunken state wasn't helping. Finally the blond came to a halt outside on a patio, leant against the railing and lit a cigarette. It was very dark outside, but there were orange fairy lights strung from tree to tree which slightly illuminated the surrounding area. Nicholas wondered when it had gotten so dark.
Nicholas was entranced. The long hair pushed back behind one of his ears and the smoke gently rising, twisting and curling in the air. The still burning lighter left a pale orange glow on his face and twinkling in his eyes as he watched the flame dance in the breeze. There was faint bruising on the bridge of his nose and it brought great satisfaction to Nicholas to know that it hadn't completely gone away yet.
Roger Taylor was a sight. Even Nick had to admit that as he stood, almost starstruck, in the doorway. He was agape and his eyes roamed and traced the faint red marks on his collar bone and neck. He felt something roil inside him, he couldn't put words to what that feeling was, but it burnt white hot.
Sadly the whole moment was ruined when he looked over at Nicholas and groaned. "God damn it. You again?"
Nick almost turned and left but couldn't make himself move anywhere but forwards. It's like his feet knew his destiny, even if mentally he wasn't ready to confront it.
"I'm not happy to see you either, Taylor." Which could be a lie but at this point Nick wasn't sure. Those marks on Rogers neck had imprinted themselves in his mind. What if he could make marks like that on Roger. He shook his head, immediately stopping that train of thought.
There was a long pause filled with an extremely tense silence before it was for broken by Roger offering Nick a cigarette, who accepted it.
He put the cigarette between his teeth and leant in close as Roger lit it for him. He looked at the man, realising now that Roger was slightly smaller than him. He almost laughed.
Roger continued looking out into the large yard and Nicholas had his back against the railing and looked back into the building.
People mingled and it seemed that no one noticed that they weren't in there. It was nice to not be bothered.
"Want to get another drink?" Nick offered, after mentally going through all possible answers to that questions Roger could have given him.
"Why the hell not. Free drinks, after all."
Roger and Nicholas weaved through the crowds and successfully acquired two beers each before heading back outside and sitting on the deck chairs.
They drank and talked again. Roger was retelling an anecdote from his tours and Nicholas was staring at him with great interest. His gaze dropped to his lips. He watched as he spoke, how his lips moved and curled around every word.
Roger must have noticed because his speech slowed and he looked at Nick, raising an eyebrow with a smug look on his face.
The lips on his caught Nicholas off guard. That's not to say he didn't kiss back, but he was startled by the sudden closeness of Roger. His mind was a mantra of "it's just the alcohol, it's just the alcohol..." As he tried to blame yet another thing on drinking. Maybe he was just imagining this? God, what would Miranda say of she knew...
Roger was pulling away quickly. "Sorry. It's just... I... I'm sorry." He was going red and looked away, avoiding Nicholas' eyes, which were desperately trying to catch his gaze.
In a very soft voice, still trying to believe that that had just happened, Nicholas spoke, "Don't be sorry..." And Roger's eyes snapped back to Nicholas'.
Taking his chance, Nicholas initiated the next kiss. He moved slowly, making sure Roger had enough time to pull away if he wanted, he even paused before he made contact. Quickly Roger's hand was in his hair and Nick was pulling him closer. His touch was like cold static on his scalp. His fingers pulling on his curls was driving him mad. Breaking apart for air was almost painful. Nicholas didn't know how badly he had been wanting this. He knew he had wanted it but not to this degree. He wouldn't let himself admit it. But here he was. Here they were. Together.
It was all so sudden, so fast. Soon they were finding a spare room somewhere upstairs. He hoped no one had caught on to what was happening as they locked the door.
Nick had Roger against the door as soon as he could. He kissed him quickly, intensely, before he began to work his way down to his collar bone and claim him for himself. Fresh hickies contrasted with the more faded ones. Roger almost whimpered at his touch.
Nicholas knew what he wanted, and he wanted Roger Taylor. It was just by luck that Roger Taylor wanted him as well.
________________________________
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ghoulboyboos · 6 years ago
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Magic = bad. Now Steven and Andrew have to look after smol! Ryan and Shane who have a crush on each other, while trying to hide the fact that they also have a crush on each other (or vice versa)
I woke up on cold sweat I know you’ve done a smol!aubefore I meant child ksjfks            
I gotcha Anon no worries ;D
“Oh my God isn’t that a precious little guy!” Freddie exclaims, bending down to look into the face of the kid Steven’s carrying on his hip. The maybe five-year-old boy beams at Freddie with a huge, white smile before giving Steven a look she could almost interpret as smug and Steven rolls his eyes.
“A relative of yours?” She asks, when Steven doesn’t answer and the kid stays quiet. That question gets her offended glares, funnily enough from both Steven and the boy.
“Really, Freddie? Because we’re both Asian? I expected more of you.”
“Uh, no?” She gives him a judging look. “I’m asking because you’re carrying him around and I don’t assume you stole someone’s child. You also don’t strike me as someone who has a secret baby, so I figured he might be a cousin or something.
“Oh.” Steven deflates. The kid is giggling.
-
“You really didn’t have to make eyes at Freddie, you know.” Steven grumbles as he continues his way towards the Buzzfeed “Kiddie Corner” where employee’s with children can leave their kids in careful hands.
“I would have talked to her if you didn’t tell me to keep my mouth shut,” Ryan complains. It’s weird. The vocabulary and cadence is still the same, but Ryan has the voice of a little kid now and his tongue is clearly stumbling over a couple of words. He doesn’t have a lisp, but he sounds like he still has to get used to having a smaller mouth and less teeth and whatever other changes he went through when he got turned into a kid. Steven always told him not to mess around locations too much, but Shane was a bad influence on him. At least Shane got cursed as well. Steven briefly wonders how Andrew is doing. That thought makes him nervous, so he answers Ryan instead.
“I had to. You sound nothing like a little kid, Ryan. People would notice something’s up.”
“I doubt that. People usually are as stupidly dismissive as Shane is. They love to think up the dumbest of explanations.”
“Will you stop talking about Shane for five minutes, Jesus. You’ll see him again in a few.”
“I’m not- I didn’t-” Ryan starts stuttering and under normal circumstances, Steven would sit back and laugh at Ryan’s dumb crush on his co-host, but right now he is busy.
When he hands Ryan off to the caretaker and she asks for his name, Steven freezes. He can’t call the kid Ryan, people would notice how much he looks like Buzzfeed Unsolved’s Ryan Bergara. Ryan of all people saves his ass:
“I’m Ricky!” He calls out, childlike voice surprisingly believable as he holds out his hands towards the lady who just laughs and takes him out of Steven’s arms.
“He’s a cousin of mine…” Steven mumbles, but he is mostly ignored because the lady has started to chat with “Ricky” about the games they could play.
Not for the first time that day, Steven wishes that Andrew was with him.
-
Shane is a little bored. He likes kids, they are fun, but usually he is in some form of “authority” or at least intimidating in whatever way kids consider a very tall dude. Now, he is barely taller than the children around him. The other children because he is a child as well. It’s been a long time since he’s been one and he is sure he is acting suspicious. At least this places has Mega Bloks, even though Shane would have preferred Lego.
He is building aimlessly and without a real plan, when suddenly he’s tapped on the back. He squares his shoulders, preparing to discourage whatever kid is trying to join him when he spots a familiar face. It’s not quite as familiar as it used to be, but he can still see Ryan in this kid. Even if not, they woke up together on location yesterday, turned into little kids and panicking. Ryan looks a bit better now.
“Oh. Hey. Steven’s here, then?” Shane keeps his voice low so nobody listens in. Ryan nods.
TJ and Devon had transported the “kids” home and - in lieu of a better place - left one Ghoulboy each with one of the Worth It Boys. Adam was spared because he is currently assisting with another shoot for a couple of days. Andrew and Steven both thought they were being pranked for a Buzzfeed video, but eventually admitted that no child actor could reproduce Shane’s completely insane and off-track ramblings that well. Ryan had complained a lot about being handed off to Steven but Shane understood. They couldn’t just go home. Sure, they still had their adult minds so it wouldn’t be exactly like leaving children unsupervised, but a lot of things were way too dangerous to try alone and at their current height. Shane really doesn’t want to get smashed in the head with the microwave because he can’t reach it properly, so having Andrew for assistance had been really helpful. Shane made a point of telling him so.
He doesn’t know how Steven and Ryan spent their evening but he had a relatively normal night in with Andrew, except that Andrew insisted to bring him to bed at eight because at the moment, Shane looks to be about six and it eight is a normal time to go to bed for someone of that age. He had tried to protest, but realized that he was actually close to passing out when Andrew put him on the couch and tucked him in. That last part was so unnecessary, but Shane fell asleep before he could complain. Apparently, his body very much had the metabolism and inner clock of a little kid because he slept for ten hours and woke up feeling refreshed and energetic. He hadn’t felt like that in forever.
Ryan looks like he did yesterday. For someone who knows him well, it’s very obviously Ryan, just a little different. His hair is even messier than before and his cheeks are a little rounder, but his eyes and his smile are as big and as bright as before. Well, minus the constant bags Ryan usually has under his eyes. He looks a lot more fresh faced now.
“Wanna play?” Shane asks, indicating towards his half-finished whatever the hell he is building. Ryan looks at it before shrugging and dropping on his knees on the play mat, scooting closer. They are dressed in kid clothes now, thanks to Devon and TJ making a quick stop to buy them proper clothes yesterday. Until then, both he and Ryan and been wrapped in their ow (now way too big) shirts. Shane has to admit that Ryan looks adorable in his blue overalls. It’s a strange thought and it’s also weird to see such a close friend as a little kid. Well, weird and intrusive in a way that makes Shane uncomfortable.
“I’m glad I’m not alone in this.” He mutters, because he feels like he should say it. Ryan is looking at him but Shane keeps his eyes fixed on the blue block he puts on top of the little wall he set up. “Not that I want you in the same mess as I am in. Just… you know. Helps to keep sane when you’re not the only one.”
“Nah man, I get it.” Ryan looks around to make sure nobody is listening. “I just hope this isn’t permanent.”
“Otherwise we have to create “Buzzfeed: Kids” and milk this mess for all it’s worth.” Shane grumbles and he hears the first real wheeze from Ryan since they woke up in this mess. It turns into a full laugh and Shane finally looks over at his giggling friend. It makes Shane laugh as well. Sure, Ryan’s smile is still the same. But their laughs sound lighter, softer. More innocent, he thinks and immediately makes a face at that.
“What’s up?” Ryan rubs the corner of his eye as if he actually laughed himself to tears.
“This is weird.” Shane mumbles. “I feel like I shouldn’t see you this way. This is something that is kept to our childhoods and our family and stuff. Not your co-worker who probably got you into this mess.”
“I highly doubt it was just you.” Ryan rubs his nose. It’s kind of runny. Someone will probably make him blow it soon. “And… I don’t know. It’s kind of fun. We kept finding out about obscure stuff that we both did despite never meeting before. But now we kind of… get to be childhood friends. Because for some reason you don’t have five years on me now.”
“True.”
Shane sits back and looks at the building they made. It looks horrendous.
“We will never be architects.” He says sadly and Ryan laughs again.
-
Andrew and Steven pick them up after work and decide to just grab dinner together. It’s easier than cooking and being in public will force them to not rant and panic about what happened to Ryan and Shane. It’s supposed to be relaxing. Really.
It’s only when the four of them are seated around a table in a nice little restaurant with Shane and Ryan placed on extra big cushions and the kiddie menu in front of them, that Steven realizes what this must look like. A sweet gay couple and their equally sweet little boys. Fuck. He only hopes Andrew hasn’t noticed. He glances over.
Andrew has his elbow on the table and his chin leaned into his palm. His gaze is on Ryan and Shane, who are playfully squabbling over the menu. Ryan tells Shane that he is ridiculous for wanting chicken nuggets in dinosaur shape while Shane fires back that if there ever was any time appropriate for that kind of stuff, it was now. Andrew is smiling softly and Steven stares, not realizing he does until Andrew’s gaze drags over to him and they both start, returning to their menus. Steven is sure he can hear muffled giggles from the “kids” but he won’t address it
The waitress is very fun and sweet and chitchats with the “children” about their favorite foods. Steven thinks that Ryan and Shane lay on the “cute little kid” stuff a little too thick but she seems completely enchanted by them, so he can’t really reprimand them in front of her.
“Oh he’s not my brother.” Shane says when Steven tunes back in. “He’s my best friend. My ghoulfriend!” With that, he takes Ryan’s hand, completely oblivious to Ryan’s face lighting up and turning red at the same time. The waitress giggles and mutters something about them being cute before she finishes taking their order and leaves. Shane seems fine with keeping Ryan’s hand, but the other boy winds his fingers free after a while, muttering something about Shane’s hands being sweaty.
Steven rolls his eyes and looks over at Andrew. Andrew is looking at him, a thoughtful expression on his face. The smile he’s directing at Steven is careful and soft and Steven is about to ask, but finds that he can’t. They all eat in a strangely awkward silence.
-
Shane sits on Steven’s couch while the “grown ups” are busy in the kitchen and looks at Ryan. They picked a Netflix movie to distract themselves and nearly got into a fight about it. Shane had seen no reason why they shouldn’t watch a horror movie as always but Ryan had insisted that it felt weird to him to watch one while he looked like he was five. Sure, he wasn’t actually that young, but still. Shane thought it was dumb, but he had conceded to watch Coco instead, which was more “age appropriate”.
“Did I overstep earlier?” He asks out of nowhere after staring at Ryan for a while.
“What?” Ryan blinks at him.
“When I took your hand, I mean. I didn’t... I don’t want to make you uncomfortable, I just felt like doing it.”
“I don’t know.” Ryan frowns at him as if he’s suspicious. “Do you always want to do that or just because I’m... I dunno, small and adorable right now?”
Shane laughs.
“You’re always small and adorable, Ryan.”
“Fuck off!”
“Language!” Andrew calls from the kitchen.
“Shut up, Andrew!” Ryan shouts back. “I’m not a little kid! Not really at least!”
Shane takes a deep breath when Ryan turns back to him.
“Would it be okay if I wanted to hold your hand sometimes? Or maybe... do other things?”
“What things?”
Ryan has leaned in a little. His hand is brushing the back of Shane’s hands and he seems a little apprehensive at what might happen. Shane can’t really tease him when he looks like this. A scared little kid, even more vulnerable than usual. So he shrugs.
“Once we figured this out, I mean. I would like to take you on a date or something.”
“Really?”
“Yeah. I mean. I figured life is really weird.” He gestures to their situation. “And I’m not so scared about making things between us weird anymore.”
Ryan looks at him for a moment. His bottom lip is pushed forward as he is thinking and his brows slowly pull together. Then, as if he made a decision, he leans in and kisses Shane’s cheek. It’s just a quick peck, but Shane feels his face light up anyway.
“Okay, big guy. Once... once you’re a big guy again.”
They both wheeze.
-
When Steven and Andrew check on “the kids”, they find them asleep. Curled together on the sofa with Ryan’s head on Shane’s shoulder and Shane leaning against Ryan’s head, they snore. Andrew is smiling again, the soft, domestic expression that Steven has seen on him a lot the past few days. It makes his stomach flutter all funny and weird. They each carry one of the boys to bed and watch as they immediately curl on their sides, faces towards each other.
“I’m sure things will not be the same once this is all over.” Steven says, as he closes the door behind them.
“Yeah, I think the same. I don’t really mind, though.” Andrew is glancing at the floor when Steven looks at him.
“What do you mean?”
Andrew shrugs.
“It’s kind of... fun. Playing house with you and all.”
“Really? Playing house? That’s what you’re gonna call it.”
Andrew shrugs and chuckles to himself.
“Okay. What is so funny?” Steven puts his hands on his hips. “You keep smiling and laughing and looking at me all weird since we have this whole kid debacle. What in the world is going on?”
Andrew leans closer, almost caging Steven against the wall.
“I just think... you’re really sweet like this. Even though you and Ryan keep calling each other names and stuff, you’re really caring and you want to help them and I think that‘s admirable. And also really cute.”
“Oh.” Steven blinks. “Well, okay.” He doesn’t know how to deal with this information but he definitely knows that his face is warm and his heart is doing funny things in his chest. He kind of feels like he should take Andrew’s hand or something. So he does. Andrew links their fingers and smiles his weird little domestic smile again. Okay then.
-
Ryan and Shane wake up in Steven’s apartment, curled into each other and the stretched out versions of kid’s pajamas straining over their bodies.
“Thank fuck.” Ryan mutters as he tosses the too-small t-shirt aside. He’s about to get out of bed when an arm sneaks around his waist and Shane pulls him back against his chest.
“Shane!” Ryan hisses. “What if Steven checks on us or-”
“He’s busy.” Shane mumbles into Ryan’s hair, forcing the other man to settle into bed again. “Heard them talking last night. Stuff happened.”
“What stuff?” Ryan asks, but he lies down again, curling up against Shane’s side.
“Later.” Shane yawns and cuddles closer to Ryan, rubbing his back. “Sleep now. You’re much cuddlier like this.”
“Fine.” Ryan rolls his eyes.
He could ask later and mock Steven for whatever happened.
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captainsimagines · 7 years ago
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He’s a Ghost
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Bucky Barnes x Reader
When you and Natasha chat one night about the others, you reveal some frightening secrets.  Natasha admits she’s terrified of Bruce and you reveal the same feelings for the Winter Soldier.
Warnings: violence, angst, blood
Word Count: 3,041
     “How was training?” you asked Natasha, throwing your hair up into the towel.  She shrugged and continued eating her cereal. 
    “Same old, same old.  I think I’m running out of ways to kick Sam’s ass,” she chuckled.  You rolled your eyes.
     “I’m pretty sure you could come up with twenty other ways under ten seconds,” you replied, grabbing yourself some milk and powdered chocolate.  “Want one?”
      “No, thanks. I got to get up early in the morning and I don’t need a sugar rush tonight,” Natasha said.  Over the past year, you had grown close with the ex-assassin.  At first, you two hated each other.  You had beaten her once while training and she warned you to sleep with one eye open.  You didn’t think she was being serious until your shampoo was replaced with expired mayonnaise.  Her childish behavior was revealed and you couldn’t help but congratulate her on the prank she pulled on you.  She bowed and said she had tried it on almost everyone in the compound, except for Bucky and Bruce.  You asked her why not, but you soon discovered the “why” yourself.
     “So, anything new with you?” Natasha asked.  You shrugged and watched the microwave heat up your drink. 
    “No, not really.  I have a mission in the next three days but that’s about it.”
     “I meant with you and Bucky.”
     You turned toward her and rolled your eyes.  Ever since you first came here, you and Bucky never spoke one word to each other.  Oh, wait.  You did tell him when a swarm of agents were coming up behind him and he muttered a small “thanks” in return.  You didn’t know what made you stay away from him but you just couldn’t bring yourself to keeping a conversation.  Every single time he walked into the room, a shiver went up your spine and you automatically turned away.  In all honesty, you couldn’t bare being in the same room alone with him. 
     “No. You and Bruce?”
     There was nothing romantic going on with Nat and Bruce.  After he turned her down, her feelings went away after a week.  You only asked because the last mission they went on together, he suited up and hurt her to the point she needed bed rest.  You had never seen Nat so depressed in your life.  Bruce hasn’t spoken to anyone since then, and he’s been spending all his time in the lab.  He was only here because Tony talked him out of leaving the country once again.
     “No. Don’t bring it up,” she snapped.  You grabbed your hot chocolate and took a seat beside her.  You sighed, “You know, he’s really sorry.”
      “No, shit Y/N.  You think I don’t know that?” she spoke, forgetting about her soggy cereal. 
     “Sorry… Nat, can I ask you something?” you softly spoke.  You didn’t want to anger her further.
      She only nodded and you continued, “Are you afraid of Bruce?”
     Her breath hitched and you became smaller, tucking your knees up to your chest. 
     “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean t-“
     “Are you afraid of Bucky?”
    You two stared at each other and when you finally nodded, answering her question, she nodded as well. 
     “I’m not afraid of Bruce.  I’m terrified of the big guy,” she whispered.  She got up and put her bowl in the sink, not caring to wash it. 
     “I don’t know why I’m terrified,” you whimpered.  You didn’t hear the heavy footsteps about to enter the kitchen and stop and neither did Nat.  Bucky stood behind the wall, wanting to know what you were terrified of.  He didn’t really know you and that was knew of him.  After Tony had decided to let him join the team, he made sure to at least speak with every person there.  You were the exception.  For some reason, he didn’t know how to talk to you.  He had a small crush on you but he didn’t act upon it.  After not talking to you for three months, he saw no point in trying to anymore.  So, he pushed his little crush on you to the back of his mind until he wanted to think about you.
     “Are you afraid of him or the Solider?” Nat’s words pierced Bucky’s heart.  He was positive the conversation was about him.  You feared him? No- terrified.
     “Nat… you’ve fought the Winter Solider yourself. How did that feel? We’re you scared?”
     “Don’t avoid the question.  Are you scared of Bucky or not?” Nat urged you speak.
     “Of what he was,” you said.  Bucky’s shoulders slumped forward and he released a breath. 
     “Stop talking,” Nat said but you continued anyways.
     “Nat, no.  I’m so scared of what he was and what he might become again.  I feel so guilty thinking this because I want to be his friend and my heart leaps every time he walks in the room but then I remember.  I want to hug him and then I cower back into the back of my mind-“
    “Stop talking,” Nat repeated.  Her eyes were slightly widened but you brushed it off.  You had to get this off your chest. 
     “I want to like him, and I think I do.  Maybe that’s why I’m so terrified of him.  I have a crush on a fucking ex-assassin.  The fucking Winter Soldier!”
      “Stop talking!” Nat slammed her hands on the countertop and pushed herself off from it.  She landed near the doorway and she took a good chunk of Bucky’s shaggy hair in her hands before she dragged him half way in and held him in place in front of you.
     You gasped and tears pricked the sides of your tired eyes. 
     “I told you,” Nat uttered, “to stop talking.”
     She was angry.  You wondered why she cared so much until you realized everything you said.
     You’ve fought the Winter Solider.
     Of what he was.
      What he might become again.
     A fucking ex-assassin.
     You stood from your chair and began apologizing to Nat for the comparisons of your words.  You had insulted Nat as well. 
     “Apologize to me later.  Apologize to him now.” She let go of Bucky’s hair and left the room without another word.  You shut your eyes and tried to stop the tears.
     “I don’t talk to you at all and you’re terrified of me?” Bucky asked.  Your legs were wobbly beneath you.
     He scoffed, “Are you terrified of me right now, Y/N?”
     You still didn’t answer but you slightly shook your head no.  He raised his voice on purpose now.
     “Are you sure?” he walked towards you.  “I say nothing to you.  You say nothing to me.  It’s been a year and you still fear me?” He was screaming now.  You were surprised no one had rushed into the room to see what all the commotion was about. 
     You stepped backwards and pushed slightly against his chest.  You turned your face with your eyes still closed.
     Bucky didn’t say anything so you finally opened your eyes to meet his sad ones.  His blue eyes were a shade lighter than they usually were, and his eyebrows were scrunched together so tightly it hurt you.  His face fell when you still hadn’t said anything and with that, Bucky forgot what he had originally gone to the kitchen for and went back to his room.
___________________________________________________
     A day later and your streak of not talking to Bucky was still strong.  He looked lost half the time and Sam joked that it was just his normal behavior.  Now, you were seated in front of his frowning face as the plane took off.  It was you, Tony, Steve, Bucky, and Nat who were chosen to go on this mission.  Two women to do the fighting and three men to take all the credit, you and Nat joked.  You had patched things up with Nat that same night.  She let a few tears slip and you cried for the whole night.
     Once inside the building, you and Nat split with the guys and took out the men who sadly crossed your paths. 
     “You ladies fine out there?” Tony snickered through your earpiece.
     “Without your suit, you’re nothing,” you spit back.  
     Nat snorted, “Going for blood immediately, huh?”
     “That was low, Y/L/N.  Nothing I haven’t heard before, though,” Tony chuckled, brushing your insult off his shoulders.  You rolled your eyes and continued beating a guy with your foot. 
     “The door is there, c’mon.” You followed Nat into the room and scanned the computers.  You only had to find one word.  A word that HYDRA kept wrapped safely - a word that could unlock their hidden work and files. Your mission was to find it and use it against HYDRA.  Sort of like blackmail. The only people who knew of this word were you and every person on this mission with you.
     “Y/N, Natas---, “ you heard.  You fixed your ear piece and glanced at Nat across the room.  She flipped through piles of papers, her gun pointed with her flashlight attached.  She didn’t seem to care about the message that was breaking up in your ear.
     “Buck--- he—careful!” That was Steve.  Nat stopped what she was doing and looked at you.  Both of you were confused.
     “Steve, come again,” you held onto your ear piece tightly.
     “—Soldier! He’s not himself! Buck—Winter Soldier!” Steve yelled.
     Your heart raced.  Nat was speaking to Tony and asked him what was going on.  With your ear piece connected to Steve’s at the moment, and Nat occupying Tony’s ear, you switched to Bucky’s. An ambush cornered Steve and Bucky, holding them down as those special trigger were whispered into Bucky’s ear. He hadn’t yet been cleansed of these words, so their reappearance could prove deadly. 
     “Bucky…” you whispered. Heavy breathing was heard from the other side of the call.  You sighed and kept calling his name.  Gun shots ran through your ear and you winced. 
     “It’s Bucky.  He’s gone into Solider mode.”
     Nat’s words crushed your lungs.  The gun shots you heard weren’t being directed at only HYDRA… they were directed to you and the team. 
     “Bucky, please listen to me.  You’re not the bad guy.  We’re not the bad guys,” you began but Nat reloaded her gun and cocked it.
     “Forget it, we’ve all tried that. This is his first relapse in almost two years,” Nat rushed to guard the door you were trapped behind.  You tried to control your breathing. 
     “Now you know how I felt,” Nat whispered.  You looked at her with sad eyes.
     “He tried so hard not to turn into the monster,” Nat’s voice was becoming distant. “He looked at me and told me to run.  I ran so fast, Y/N.  I ran until I couldn’t feel my fucking legs.  He tried so hard.”
     You bowed your head and looked at the floor.  Imagining Nat’s face when she saw her friend in so much pain and distress was enough to get you to start crying.  You had treated Bucky like such shit this past year.  You never even said “hi” to him.  Who cares if he never said or might have never said it back? You could have simply said “good morning” and “goodnight”.  You could have told him “good luck” every time he left for missions.  You could have asked him how his day was.  You could have played video games with him or gave him your left-over brownies.  You could have made him a cup of hot chocolate and asked him questions about the 1940s.  But you didn’t.  And here you were, trying to negotiate with the Winter Soldier.  Not Bucky.
     A harsh crash knocked you out of your thoughts and your attention was now back on Natasha and the door.  You could hear heavy breathing each time the door rattled. 
     “Bucky!” you yelled, aiming your gun at the door. 
     “Bucky!” you yelled again, louder.  Your bottom lip was twitching and your eyes were wide.  Tears threatened to slip. 
      “Please!” you screamed, when the door began cracking.  Nat stepped to the side, aiming her gun for the door as well.
      “Bucky!” Nat yelled, cocking her gun after firing a warning shot.
      “Where are you guys?” you heard Tony yell into your earpiece.  You ignored him and let Nat answer. 
      “Bucky, please!” you were sobbing.  Your breath hitched and your throat burned.  You cocked your gun and aimed it for a clear shot.
      “Bucky! Bucky! Bucky!” you screamed.  The door burst open and Nat fired at Bucky’s metal arm.  You shot to the side of him, hitting the wall. “Bucky!”
      “Y/N!” Nat’s heart wrenching scream made its way through the entire building when your body hit the floor.  Bucky was on top of you, eyes wild.  His metal fist knocked your head to the side, and each blow to the face after that was Bucky tearing your heart out. You spit blood to the side of your face, almost gagging on it.
      Natasha wrapped her legs around Bucky’s neck and pulled him down.  Kicking his gun out of his hands, she held his hands together and choked him. 
     Dizzy but aware, you got up to pull Nat’s legs away from his neck.  “What are you doing?”
     Ignoring Natasha, you pulled a pistol out of from your hip and aimed it smack in the middle of Bucky’s forehead.  He was grunting and fought against your weight, the gun at his head not seeming to faze him in the slightest.  You looked at his animalistic eyes with your innocent ones.
      Nat guarded the door and you stood your ground.
     “Bucky, Bucky, Bucky…” you repeated.  He was becoming more agitated by the second, whipping his metal arm from your grip and placing you in a chokehold. You pulled back the safety of the gun and planted your knees on either side of Bucky’s hips.
      “Kill me,” you choked out.  “I’m not afraid of you. Kill me.”
     Bucky growled and tightened his grip on your neck.  Nat pleaded by the door, telling you that it was no use until he could be sedated.
      You ignored her and continued with your own pleas. 
      “James, listen to me. I’m sorry.  You’re innocent.  You’re a good man.  Bucky— “his grip tightened impossibly.  With all your strength, you leaned down and kissed his lips, removing the gun from his forehead and shooting his flesh arm instead.  He yelled, his grip on your throat became absent. 
___________________________________________________
      You stood in front of your mirror for ten minutes, tracing the hand print on your neck.  You had cuts over your cheeks, nose, and bottom lip.  Bucky sure punched harder than you thought.  You winced each time you accidentally pressed down too hard, it only reminding you of what happened hours earlier.  The whole team visited you, making sure you were alright.  All of them had witnessed and experienced Bucky relapse.  You were the only one on the team that hadn’t. 
     It was midnight and you made your way outside of your room.  You wanted to be anywhere but there.  Your bed reminded you to sleep and act like nothing happened.  You couldn’t sleep.
     Nat informed you that Bucky was resting and he was no longer a threat.  You only nodded, your eyes focused on everyone in the building rushing to get their weapons just in case Bucky hadn’t fully returned. 
     Because of this, you thought, everyone was now frightened of him.  They would continue to be like this for a good week, each of them double checking that Bucky was indeed Bucky.  This was all your fault.
     You padded down the hallway, looking at each bedroom door you passed.  Passing each emblem, you stopped at the one that simply stated, “Sergeant.”
      You knocked, your head hanging.  You didn’t know what you were doing.  Just a few hours ago, you were almost killed by Bucky and here you were, standing in front of his door with no back-up or weapon.  You could hear feet hit the tile floor and slowly make their way over to the door.  He was sleeping.  He was resting.  You ruined everything. 
     You stepped away and turned to leave but the door flew open.  Bucky stopped moving when he saw your back turned to him, your arms hugging your chest.  He looked like a ghost.
     “I can’t see you,” Bucky quietly admitted.  You turned around and met his eyes.  That was the most he has ever spoken to you. Your stomach turned. 
     “I don’t care,” you replied.  You raised your head and noticed your mistake almost immediately.  Bucky whimpered and tried to reach out to you but he refrained.  The bruises on your neck stood out proudly, taunting Bucky of what he was capable of.
     “I’m okay,” you reassured him.  His face remained in a frown.  You couldn’t handle it anymore.
     “I wasn’t scared of you,” you choked.  Bucky met your eyes and grabbed your shoulders, pulling you into a long hug.
     “I wasn’t scared,” you said again.  You clutched at his shirt and sniffed away the tears that you were beginning to become annoyed of.  Bucky rubbed circles on your back, kissing the top of your head every so often.
     “I tried to bring you back.” Bucky only nodded and you followed him as he walked back into his room.  He went to sit down on the edge of his bed and you followed, kneeling down and taking his hands in yours. 
     “You didn’t come back,” you whimpered.  Bucky sighed and nodded.     
     “I am so sorry.  The trigger words... they haven’t left my head.  They used them against me... to hurt you,” he shook his head.  You gripped his hands harder and got up to lead him to his side of the bed.  He laid down and you made your way behind him.  You spooned him, running your hands through his long hair and reciprocated his actions.  Every sob that left his mouth was rewarded with a small kiss to the back of the head. 
     “I never meant to hurt you.”
     “I know.”
     “You mean more to me than I let you believe.”
    “I know.”    
     “I’m scared.”
    “I know.”
     He reached back to grab your arm and threw it over his own hip. You hugged him closer to you.
    “From now on, you and I speak to each other.  Okay, Bucky?”
     He nodded and for the rest of the night, he apologized and you forgave him each time. 
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frozenartemis1 · 7 years ago
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MLB One shot {Lifeguard} Adrien Agreste/Chat Noir x Reader
Adrien’s Pov
My father sent me to go for a holiday to America in Miami. We have a beach house there so he sent me to stay there for the rest of the summer.
I didn’t really complain cause it would be nice,but Paris needed me as their local superhero.I took a deep breath and tried to think of this as a vacation cause technically it was.I walked inside the mansion.
I left my stuff inside and decided that I’ll go to the beach for a swim.I changed into my swimming trunks and popped out the house.
Walking for five minutes I reached my destination.I breathed the salty breeze and looked around.There weren’t many people.All of them young adults, teens like me and some kids.
I walked on the golden sand and placed down my towel.I rolled it open and left my stuff there.I then went in the crystal clean water. I swam and enjoyed myself.
Suddenly, a cry for help knocked me back to reality.A child started drowning.It probably didn’t know how to swim.My instincts kicked in and I swam towards it.
As I was 10 meters away from it, a splashing sound cut me off.I looked up to find a girl around my age running or technically swimming to the kid.I looked at her fully.
She wore an orange sports bikini,with a white cross on the right and she held a small float. She must have been the lifeguard. My eyes shined as she picked up the smaller kid and took it out to the sand.
Her H/C hair swayed with every movement she made,as she reached the beach.I slowly went out of the water too,but couldn’t get my gaze off her.
She laid the kid down on a F/C towel and it started coughing.She checked for any wounds and then she patted a little it’s chest and back.The kid spitted out water and breathed deeply.
Everyone cheered at the sight before them.She just looked at the kid sweetly,with kind eyes.“Please be careful next time kiddo. I don’t want a fellow like you to get hurt.I want you to either stay away from deep water or go with your mommy and daddy ok?”
Her voice innocent and careful made my heart flutter.My spine shivered at her kindness.The kid hugged her and she hugged it back with a chuckle escaping her mouth.
It pulled away and she bopped it’s nose,making it giggle in the process.The kid’s parents went to her and thanked her for saving their little boy.
“You should talk to her ” Plagg’s voice called out from my pocket. “How did you even get here?“I questioned but he dodged it."Just go”
Somehow I got convinced and without even knowing my legs started taking me to her.
Your Pov
Sighing I looked at the family’s form fade with a smile, as it walked further and further.Another day,another save.I laid my back against the tower as I slightly closed my eyes.
“Woah that was some fast thinking you did there"A voice broke me from my train of thought.I turned around to find possibly a boy the same age as me,with blond hair and sparkling green eyes.
I nodded looking at him.I chuckled lightly."And who might you be?” I asked him,making him smile.“I’m Adrien.Adrien Agreste” He stated and I raised an eye brow.
“Well James Bond I’m Y/N L/N"I rolled out of my tongue making him chuckle.
"Well Y/N.I hope to see you around.I’ve taken an interest in you."I pointed to my jacket as he started taking some steps backwards. "Oh don’t worry.I work here . You’ll see plenty of me"And with a laugh,he was out of sight.
Wow.What a guy.Welp…I guess I’ll be seeing more of him since he looks like he’ll be staying for a while.
~Magic time skip to three weeks later~
Sitting up high at my lifeguard tower I heard footsteps under me. I looked down to find Adrien with a smile looking at me as well.
"Hey there Adri"I called him by his nickname.He chuckled."Again with the nicknames mon amor?"He questioned and I shrugged it off. I guess that was my nickname.
"So what’s shaking from yesterday?"I asked,looking back towards the now darkened sea.
"Nothing much . You?"He asked me and I motioned ‘the same’.So we talked and talked until it was 11 pm.We soon parted ways and I started heading home.
As I was walking something cool grabbed my wrist,yanking it backwards.I gasped and I was pulled back to a chest.The intruder tried to shush me but I only started screaming.He took me in an alley way and tried to muffle my screams.
I then truly shut up once he placed a nigh on my neck.
Adrien Pov
Walking back I heard a scream coming from 10 blocks away. Realising the voice I knew that Y/N was in trouble. I ran into an alley and took a deep breath.I then transformed into my alter ego.
Not the smartest idea, but it was the only one that was coming in mind at that moment.I started running and ended up in front of another alley. I could hear whimpers coming from the darkness.I hissed angered.
"Hey!"I yelled,gaining attention from the both of them."What do you want kid?Mind your own business ” The guy said before turning back to Y/N.
I growled.“Leave her alone and no one will get hurt "I announced but he only chuckled."Try me"And with that I smacked my pole to his left arm,making him let go of his nigh.
Y/N stumbled back,crying quietly,as she leaned against the far back wall.The guy got up and without me being quick enough,he kicked me in the stomach.I hissed as pain coursed through my veins.
I looked up and he was about to throw me another punch until I hit him on his head.He lost consciousness and I breathed heavily. I placed my button behind my back.
I looked straight to see Y/N terrified by the whole scene.I walked towards her,but she only tried to back up.I looked at her in pity.
"No no no,don’t be scared of me.I came here to help you"I extended a hand to her and she just looked at me with teary eyes. I smiled sweetly at her and she hesitantly took it.
I lifted her up slowly and she hissed as I touched her side.My eyes widened as I saw that she had a cut,bleeding through her clothes.
"C-Can you help me g-go to the beach p-please?"She pleaded.I nodded furiously."Of course"I replied and I lifted her up.Wow she was light.She gasped but didn’t say anything.
I walked slowly,so I wouldn’t harm her."S-so um who a-are you?” She questioned as she stared a little at my masked face. I smiled but continued looking straight.
“I’m Chat Noir m'lady ” I announced and I could see the faintest blush spread across her cheeks.
“O-ok, well I’m Y-Y/N."She said and I nodded."Well um s-sorry for asking b-but why are y-you wearing cat ears?A-And what’s w-with the mask?”
I grinned and I looked down at her confused face.“Well you might not believe me but,I’m a superhero!"I’m stated and her eyes popped out.
"A-A superhero?How c-come I haven’t heard of y-you before Chat N-Noir?"I chuckled at her response and tightened my hold on her as I kept walking.
"To be honest with you I’m not from here.Heck I’m not even from America ” I said confusing her.I smiled at her expression and continued.
“I’m actually from Paris ” I gave away the information and her eyes widened.Yeah to be honest it’s quite shocking to find a European superhero in America.
“P-Paris?A friend of m-mine is from Paris.H-He never told me that the-the’re superheroes t-there."She said and I smiled.I soon stepped on the sand and Y/N looked straight.
"Can you please t-take me t-to the l-lifeguard tower? "I nodded and I went there.I placed her under it and she pulled a box from under.
I sat next to her and she opened the box to reveal some medical treatments. "So you’re a lifeguard?"I questioned knowing the answer.She nodded.
"It’s only a summer job b-but I enjoy i-it"She nodded and I looked at her."May I?"I asked her and she blinked.She looked down to realise that I meant to help her with her wound.She nodded and I pulled her shirt off hesitantly.
I hissed as I looked at the cut that was made.It wasn’t to deep but it bled a lot and it didn’t stop.I adapted some medical liquid on a cotton ball and gently touched her.Her breath hitched and she bit her lip to not let her screams out.
I pulled away and she breathed shakily.I then took some bandages and wrapped them around her waist.The bleeding stopped and she laid her back against the tower.
"Thank you.For the save, for everything really.” She breathed out. “Don’t worry about it . It’s my job anyways"She shook a little in laughter and turned to me."I guess that we’ll be staying here for a while?"She asked and I nodded a small smile on my face.
She smiled at my response and looked around the place.She took out of the sand a couple of sticks and rocks.She shaped the rocks neatly in a circle and placed the sticks in the middle.
She snatched a lighter from the aid kit box and made a fire."Woah that’s impressive ” I commented and she shrugged.“I went to camp hen I was younger and they learnt us this stuff.Nothing special”
She looked at me.“So why are you in America Chat Noir?Doesn’t Paris need it’s superhero?"I chuckled.If only she knew that I wasn’t needed.
"Well I came here for a vacation.You know everyone needs some time off."I stated and she nodded. "Cool.So what do you save Paris from? ”
And from then,we kept going on for all the night,getting to know each other better.In the end,I realised that this girl is amazing and that I had feelings for her that grew stronger every second I was with her.
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ylla · 8 years ago
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Friday Night Gurus - Chapter 1
Series: JJBA Ships: josuyasu (others will eventually happen too, but im tagging as i go) Tags: au where theyre famous, modern au, pining, josuke is a hot mess and has exactly 0 chill Rating: T (for this chapter only, bc eventually there will be sex/smoking the devil’s lettuce)
AO3 link
reeeeee so i’ve been in and out of the doctor’s office with a sinus infection so intense, i’ve been to the ER due to pain. fun shit. i came up with this AU while listening to music while waiting for someone to come smother me with a pillow to put me out of my misery.
this unbeta’d because i wrote this on my phone while waiting. i plan on keeping up with this idea because it delights me. next chapter will follow shortly too, because i’m trying to break this up into smaller chunks as i hammer it out on my phone (which fucking sucks, lemme tell ya). if you notice anything weird, tell me about it so i can fix it!!
The first time Josuke Higashikata meets Okuyasu Nijimura was because of a fuckup in a magazine photo shoot schedule. The shoot in question was for a feature in Rolling Stone; award season was coming soon and they wanted to feature the current Biggest Names in Music. Some poor intern (who was probably promptly fired) fucked up EVERYONE’S schedule, so all the bands and singers had to come in during the same hellish week in June. It was a nightmare for all involved.
Of course, the cover would feature the biggest name in the industry which, naturally, was Josuke. Discovered at sixteen, with two world tours, four albums (two of which went platinum), and at least 20 different awards, he was twenty-four and still going. His latest album dropped too late for Grammy consideration last year, but he was feeling real confident. This was his year. He’ll get that fucking Grammy, even if he killed him.
Josuke still considered himself to be a chill, down-to-earth kind of man despite his superstardom; able to roll with the punches whenever they came. He got that sometimes things just didn’t go your way, but he still couldn’t help it when his precious time off gets thwarted by some dumb idiot.
“What the fuck, Koichi?” Josuke whined on their way to the shoot, “Why couldn’t have this happened literally like, last week?”
Koichi Hirose was his manager, agent, PR guy, and truth be told, the only person beside his mother and grandfather who truly knew him. “Stop whining, it’s not the end of the world.”
“Dude, this was supposed to be my first week off in forever—“
For someone who was 5’3 and weighed 110lbs soaking wet, Koichi could be intimidating. He gave Josuke a look before parking and turning off the car, “Can’t be helped. They wanted to do the cover shoot last since there’s two of them.”
Josuke made a face. He forgot that this would be a dual cover. Him on one side, some band on the other. “Who’s the other band?”
Like he was still in school, Koichi started rattling off some facts, “Arrowhead, they’re a metal band. Comprised of four members. Skyrocketed up the charts this past year with their second album. You guys fought over #1 album and singles on Billboard on and off all year.” Koichi was the type of guy who always did his homework, “Now come on, you’re gonna be late.”
The shoot was operating in some random ass warehouse in some backassward part of Los Angles. Josuke and Koichi waltz into some giant room that was getting set up; a group of 4 people huddled in a corner eating what appeared to be a large quantity of Taco Bell with a sharp dressed man standing near them. Josuke’s kind of people.
“Oi! Tonio!” Koichi called out with a wave, before gesturing at Josuke to follow him over. Josuke barely restrained an eyeroll; his hair was up in a ponytail and he was wearing some worn-out sweats with an old t-shirt, not exactly looking good for first introductions.
“Koichi,” the finely dressed man shook Koichi’s outstretched hand, “good to see you.”
“Josuke, this is Tonio Trussardi, we work at the same agency.” Koichi gestured at Tonio, “And Tonio, this is Josuke Higashikata.”
Josuke held out his hand and got a firm handshake, “Nice to meet you.”
“Pleasure to make your acquaintance,” Tonio’s eyes sparkled. He let go of Josuke’s hand and gestured to the group of people sitting behind him, “These are my charges, Arrowhead.”
He started with introductions, pointing to a man leaned up against the wall, who had sleepy eyes and a face Josuke would find attractive if it wasn’t for the tattoo on his chin, “Yuuya Fungami, drummer.” Yuuya nodded in greeting. Tonio pointed to a pretty girl with long black hair who was intently staring at Koichi, “Yukako Yamagishi, lead guitarist.” She didn’t even acknowledge Josuke, but held out a hand for Koichi to shake (which he did, if a little hesitant due to her staring). He swept a hand towards a man with impressively tall hair and two braids, “Keicho Nijimura, bassist.” Keicho gave them a cold stare and said nothing. “And last, but not least,” Tonio clapped his hand on a scarred man who had been too busy slamming a taco the entire time and didn’t notice people had walked up, “Okuyasu Nijimura, lead singer and rhythm guitarist.”
Okuyasu jumped a little, before turning a little pink and waving, “Sup?” His voice sounded he had came out of the womb smoking like a freight train.
Josuke was taken aback when he got a good look at the guy. The symmetrical scars running parallel on Okuyasu’s face did nothing to detract from how goddamn hot he was. Square jaw, angular face, black and silver hair pulled up into a ponytail, three piercings in each ear, ripped arms that had tattoos snaking up them, good God almighty. The first thought that entered Josuke’s mind when looking Okuyasu in the face was Oh no, he’s hot. The first words out of his mouth were “Those tacos smell so fuckin’ good.” Real smooth.
Without another word, Okuyasu offered him one. Josuke ignored how the blonde guy glared at him, and took the proffered taco, “Thanks dude.”
“S’no prob.”
As Josuke started chowing down, about to start chatting up the cute guy, when Okuyasu unceremoniously got up and walked away. Trying not to look so bitter, Josuke turned towards Koichi, but Yukako was asking him incredibly personal questions about his life, while Tonio started ushering Yuuya to hair and makeup, “Photographer’s not here yet, but you need to be ready since you’re the first up.”
“Yeah yeah, stop pushing.”
Keicho’s cold stare was unwavering and was starting to give Josuke the heebie jeebies, “Oi, Koichi. I’m gonna have a smoke.” Josuke didn’t bother to listen for Koichi’s stammered reproach before heading outside (which might have been a strangled cry for help). Truth be told, he really didn’t need a cigarette, he just kind of wanted to go pout. But luck would have it, when he went outside, Okuyasu was sitting on the curb with earbuds in, watching some video. Nosy as shit, Josuke hovered over his shoulder to see what he watching, “Are you watching Real Housewives of Atlanta??”
Okuyasu nearly jumped out of his skin, phone fumbling in his hand, “Oh shit!” he whipped around, wearing glasses he didn’t have on earlier, unlit cigarette dangling from his lips, “Uh, I can explain.”
Oh no, he’s so fuckin’ cute Josuke hollered inwardly. He held his hands up in defense, “Sorry man, didn’t mean to scare ya.” Pulling out his own pack of cigarettes, he sat down beside him on the curb, “Don’t gotta explain anything to me, I love trashy reality shows.”
“You ain’t makin’ fun of me, are ya?” Okuyasu asked, scowling.
“What? Nah, reality shows are the shit. I love binge watching them.” Josuke fished around in his pocket, “You got a lighter?”
As if Okuyasu was trying to divine if Josuke was lying, he stared at him for a few seconds before handing over his lighter, “Jus’ asking. Keicho gives me shit for watching them, but they’re hilarious.”
Josuke lit his cigarette, “Don’t let anyone tell you how to live your life.” Inhale. He gave Okuyasu a serious look, speaking on the exhale and handing his lighter back, “Fuck what he thinks.”
Okuyasu was quiet while he lit up and took a drag. For a moment, Josuke was worried that he had already overstepped his boundaries with someone he literally just met. God, no wonder he didn’t have any friends.
He was snapped out of mentally kicking his own ass when Okuyasu spoke, holding up his right earbud, “Wanna watch with me?”
“Hell yes I do, which episode are you on?”
“The one where Ridickulous shows up—“
“THAT’S MY FAVORITE ONE—“
“DUDE, MINE TOO.”
They ended up talking while watching, not really paying much attention to the show until Ridickulous showed up, which was met with raucous laughter. Josuke learned that Keicho was Okuyasu’s older brother, that the only thing better than chocolate or strawberry ice cream was strawberry ice cream with chocolate chunks, he smoked his cigarettes like he did his joints, he smelled insanely good, most of his tattoos didn’t have much more meaning than “They looked cool as shit when my dude drew them”, and that Okuyasu Nijimura was the most genuine person he had ever met. He was sweet, eager to please, loud, and friendly. Josuke was already dangerously enamored.
Josuke hadn’t even been aware of how much time passed until Koichi came out, “They’re looking for you guys. Keicho’s almost done, so you both need to go to hair and makeup.” Yukako hovered in behind Koichi, her eye’s sliding between Okuyasu and Josuke with a blank expression on her face.
“Shit, I hadn’t even realized,” Josuke stood up and held a hand out to help Okuyasu up, “Let’s go before we get murdered.”
With a grin, Okuyasu took his hand and hopped up, “Yeah, god forbid we disappear for a minute.”
It was hilarious watching Okuyasu, who had never had makeup put on him in all his life, grimace as his face was caked. “This shit smells weird.”
Josuke couldn’t help but cackle while he did his own hair, “Get used to it, dude. This is your life now.”
Makeup finished, Okuyasu got started on his own hair, “Josuke, the least surprisin’ thing you could ever tell me about yourself is the fact that you don’t let anyone else do your hair.” He was fighting with stubborn strands that didn’t want to stay still, “The pomp is cool, you pull it off.”
A quick glance in the mirror told Josuke that he managed to keep his blush to a minimum, “Thanks dude, you got some slick style there yourself.” The shy, pleased grin that crossed Okuyasu’s face was an image he wanted branded to the inside of his eyelids.
Okuyasu was up for pictures first, looking anxious and green. It was clear to Josuke that he had no idea what he was doing. “Dude, just relax!” he shouted, “You’re looking fine!” What he didn’t say was that he meant that two ways. With a slight nod, Okuyasu relaxed slightly, and his pictures started coming out better. Josuke was trying to go for the somewhat disinterested watching, but damn, he couldn’t help but stare. This dude was cute. Out of the corner of his eye, Josuke caught Keicho staring at him again. What was that guy’s deal??
He couldn’t ruminate on an answer, because as soon as he thought that, Yuuya suddenly sat down beside him, causing Josuke to yelp in a totally manly way, “Jesus! You scared the shit out of me!”
“Sorry dude,” Yuuya was eating a leftover taco, “Busy watchin’ the show?” He tilted his head toward the photographer fussing at Okuyasu, shit-eating grin on his face.
Josuke did not like that smug look Yuuya was sporting, “He looks nervous. Jus’ tryin’ to help him out.”
“That’s just how he is,” without looking over his shoulder, Yuuya tossed the taco wrapper behind him, hitting a trashcan, “He doesn’t know how to chill out.”
They sat in silence few a couple of minutes before the eyes Josuke felt on his back were getting on his last goddamned nerve, “Why is that guy staring at me like I murdered everyone he’s ever cared about?”
Yuuya eyed Keicho for a second before shrugging, “That’s just how he is too.”
Before Josuke could even ask what the fuck that even meant, Keicho punched Yuuya’s shoulder as he walked by, “Come on, asshole. It’s time for the cover.”
“Ow, that fuckin’ hurt, dickhead.” Taking his time, Yuuya stood up and stretched, rubbing his punched shoulder. “By the way, Okuyasu’s single,” Yuuya said casually, as if he was answering a question that had been posed.
Josuke sputtered, his face scarlet, “WHAT MAKES YOU THINK—“
Yuuya pointed at his nose, “I got a nose for romance,” and then he dead ass winked at Josuke before walking away. Josuke wondered if he was that obvious. Perhaps that explains why big bro Keicho stared daggers at him. Maybe he needed to work on being subtle, but Higashikata’s were never, ever subtle (thanks mom).
The cover shoot didn’t take too long, much to Josuke’s surpise. Not a whole lot of time passed before it was Josuke’s turn. Okuyasu was dragging his feet, watching intently, while Keicho was demanding they leave. Tonio, bless him, told them that he needed to speak to Koichi about business matters before they left (mercifully saving him from Yukako’s question of “What do you look for in a woman?”) Josuke didn’t know if Tonio was picking up on something, or just making assumptions, but he appreciated it.
When the pictures were mercifully done, Josuke ran to the bathroom real quick to reorient himself, muttering under his breath, “Okay, Higashikata. You got this. You’re cool, suave, and undeniably handsome.” Josuke applied a quick coat of lip gloss before heading back out there, “Get that cute guy’s number.”
After leaving the bathroom, Josuke was greeted to an almost empty room. Okuyasu was nowhere to be found. In fact no one associated with Arrowhead was there; Keicho had muscled them out of the door as soon as Josuke left the room, Koichi helpfully explained, patting Josuke’s shoulder as he felt his confidence leak out of him like a sad balloon.
Josuke pouted the whole way home, and Koichi couldn’t tempt him out of a foul mood. “Josuke, what’s the problem??” Koichi asked, finally fed up with his huffing and sighing, “Why are you like this?”
“Koichi, I’m gay,” Josuke said, head leaned against the window.
“I know this, you’ve told me before. What does that have to do with you sighing like a moody teenager?”
“I was gonna ask Okuyasu for his number, but they left before I could.” He felt like a fucking fool, why did he have to run to the bathroom like a scared baby? It was taking a lot of effort to not punch his own face in. “That Yuuya guy told me he was single and everything. Was I that obvious??”
As they sat at a stoplight, Koichi patted his shoulder, tactfully choosing to not answer the last question, “Don’t sweat it, Hollywood is small. You’ll run into him again.” Actually, Koichi could easily get Okuyasu’s number, but he knew better than to offer. It would only hurt Josuke’s pride.
Josuke shrugged and changed the subject, deciding to throw a pity party for himself later, “So about that Yukako chick…”
Koichi grimaced, “She followed me around the whole time. Asked me how I got such a high powered client when we’re the same age! And a bunch of personal stuff like my underwear size and what kind of man did I consider myself to be.”
“At least she’s cute?” Josuke offered, an apologetic smile on his face.
“She is that…also intense. Very…intense…”
“Did you get her number?”
Koichi sighed as he pulled into Josuke’s driveway, “She took my phone, put her number in it, and then texted herself.”
“Damn,” Josuke snorted with mirth, “Hey man, you might end up getting laid before my dry spell ends. I’m rooting for ya.”
Josuke didn’t need to look at Koichi to know that he was getting a look. He hopped out of the car and waved goodbye as his friend pulled out of the driveway. Upon walking through the front door, he greeted an empty house. “I’m home!” he called out to no one. Josuke really wished his mom hadn’t moved back east, but after his grandfather had that heart attack and refused to move to Los Angeles, someone had to stay with him. He could use advice, and was tempted to call her. No, he was grown ass man. No advice from mom, you die like a man.
…He’ll just call her later.
One shower and ordered pizza later, Josuke laid on his bed, booted up both his laptop and PS4. It was time for Netflix and Learning As Much About Your Crush As Possible. With Netflix on Worst Cook’s in America, pizza in one hand, and beer in the other, he typed in Arrowhead into Google and got to work.
Two hours later, he laid on his bed, hands folded across his chest, and stared at his ceiling, Netflix and pizza forgotten. Arrowhead’s second, self-titled album had been on repeat for the last hour. Metal was never his cup of tea, but Okuyasu’s husky, rough voice made the hair on the back of his neck stand up and chills run down his spine. If he didn’t have it bad for Okuyasu before, he certainly fucking did now. Josuke briefly wondered if this is how he sounded when he woke up in the morning, or when he was needy and wanted—
Josuke promptly rolled over and started screaming into his pillow. Why was he like this?
You’re a fucking mess he thought to himself, You have it bad for a dude who you barely even know, just because the way he sings goes directly to your dick.
“He’s also really hot and nice,” Josuke mumbled aloud. He paused before tearing out of bed, determined to shower, do anything that would get his mind off of Okuyasu. “I also need to stop talking to myself!” he said, ripping his clothes off, jumping into lukewarm water.
After a long, somewhat cold shower, Josuke steeled himself. He was gonna get that fucking number.
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foursprout-blog · 7 years ago
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How To Be The Girl Who Never Quite Loves Herself
New Post has been published on http://foursprout.com/happiness/how-to-be-the-girl-who-never-quite-loves-herself/
How To Be The Girl Who Never Quite Loves Herself
Twenty20
It’s 2004 and I am changing in the girls’ locker room after gym, sitting in a light blue sports bra while chatting with the other girls. I had just moved to Cologne, Germany and am trying to make new friends. So far, I don’t really fit in. I am hyper and gangly and talk way too much for someone with nothing particularly interesting to say. I try too hard. But I don’t want to change. I have this belief that I need to be liked for who I am, even if that is too much most times. But so far, that wasn’t really working for me. I needed something to make up for it.
“You’re so skinny, Molly,” remarks one of my classmates after I still hadn’t thrown on my shirt. She was one of the “cool girls” and to have that compliment thrown my way made me feel seen in ways I hadn’t yet felt at my new school.
Because it’s true. I am incredibly skinny. Puberty hasn’t struck yet and my stomach seemed to be almost concave, even while seated. I don’t remember how I respond. Did I say thanks? Did I deny it like young girls are meant to? I can’t be sure. I do remember that feeling in the pit of my tiny stomach, though:
Pride.
Because in all the ways I was too much, at least I was small. At least I had that going for me.
***
It’s 2005 and I just ate a shit ton of spaghetti to put myself into a food coma so I could take a nap. Being awake feels like too much effort. I don’t want to deal with myself. Depression was a word that was thrown around since I was young, but this was a new habit no one knew I was participating in. I didn’t know this was the beginning of a dangerous new coping mechanism.
***
It’s Spring 2006 and my family has been back in the States for a year now. I join the freshman softball team. I’m the fastest. Probably the most enthusiastic too.
The “cool girls” on the team write mean things about me on MySpace.
Too much, too much, too much.
I don’t try out again next Spring.
***
2006. Or 2007? But who’s keeping track? All I remember is that one year in high school, the boys swim team sends me a fake Valentine’s Day card from a guy I had a small crush on. He approaches me after a swim meet I attended with friends and apologizes. Explains it wasn’t from him. Says he’s sorry. I say it’s okay. No big deal. I go home and cry.
Not enough, not enough, not enough.
***
It’s Spring 2008 and I’m a junior in high school. My pants size sees the double digits and I spend most of my time the days I actually make it to school sleeping. Depression is a word used regularly to describe my behavior. I am prescribed Vyvanse for my ADHD. I regularly skip lunch but binge in the evening once the effects wear off because I’m so fucking hungry I can’t see straight.
I have an excellent lacrosse tryout. Whisperings of me making varsity, no questions asked. I get cut and only make JV. I leave tryouts sobbing.
Not enough, not enough, not enough.
I lose some weight. Still probably eat too much rice after practice. I’m captain of the JV team. And at least I’m active, right?
***
It’s 2010 and I finally make varsity lacrosse. I’m a senior. I’ll be attending community college in the fall. My twin sister got into the University Of Michigan. I am bitter.
Not enough, not enough, not enough.
I hurt my knee the day before prom, during my last lacrosse game. I go to the ER and am given a huge brace to wear and crutches. It could be a torn ACL.
Luckily I had a flowy dress since I wasn’t confident enough to wear anything tighter. I go to prom on crutches.
***
2012. I discover alcohol by doing shots of gin with my best friends at my parents’ house while they’re out of town. It burns. I feel giggly. Less aware of everything I lack and everything I have in excess.
I visit my best friend at the University of Michigan. We meet two frat boys. I am not interested. I go along with it anyway. Frat boy #2 and I end up in his dorm room. I say I’m uncomfortable. My friend is nowhere to be found. He continues to push. Eventually, I get the chance to leave. We go back to my friend’s dorm. I joke about it even though I feel very sad and guilty.
***
It’s 2012 and I told myself I would be more confident by now.
Prettier.
Happier.
More in control.
I got into Michigan State University, my dream school. I leave home. I change my major from psychology to professional writing. I have a path. I am excited about it. I lose 25 pounds. I am thin. I wear crop tops. I am not talking to my mother. It hurts.
126 is the number that reads on the scale and a boy I don’t want to kiss tells me I’m beautiful.
Little does he know it’s because I can’t eat because the anxiety has its hands wrapped tightly around my esophagus, making it difficult to breathe. I had gone off my antidepressants. I shouldn’t have.
Almost, but not quite.
***
2013. Spring semester. My best friend and I are not speaking. It hurts. I am back on antidepressants. I start to party. I start to party a lot. I gain weight back from beer and drunk food and hungover pasta. I try and get over a man who doesn’t love me by going home with boys who don’t even like me. It’s familiar. I hope I can convince them I’m worthwhile. I never do.
Never enough.
I meet someone who makes me forget the man who doesn’t love me for a little while. He is funny and charming and bad news. We go back to my house after the bar. I say I don’t want to sleep with him. I’m not ready. He stands up and leaves for another girl’s house immediately.
You can do better, everyone says. Fuck him.
But can I?
***
I graduate college in 2015. I find a job a few months later. I am constantly afraid I am not doing enough and screw up too much. I stop working out. I drink $2 wine at night to chill out. I work long hours. I gain weight; a lot of weight. It happens, people say. First job, they remind me. You’re still beautiful, some say.
I don’t see it.
***
It’s May 3rd, 2018 and I told myself I’d be thinner by now.
Smaller.
Less.
Better.
I stop buying clothes because I don’t want to waste money. Because I am going to lose weight. I WILL. I join Weight Watchers for any sort of accountability. I don’t track it every single day. Sometimes, I’d rather just not know.
I lose weight, but not enough. Not fast enough. Not. Enough.
I drink too much on a Saturday night to forget the extra space I take up. After all, how can you be sober on a night out when everything fits the wrong way and your mirror is a constant reminder about reality? At least tequila distorts.
***
I write an essay about body image and depression and self-love and feel lighter. More free.
Enough.
2019 will be better.
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