#the grinch press tour

[beyondxmeasure]

My collection of fics written for the One Direction fandom, most recent listed first. Subscribe here for new fic & chapter updates!

✨ Thanks for reading! ✨

♾️ Near You Now

Fic Post

Explicit | 8K | Larry | Strangers to Lovers | Neighbors | PWP | Grindr AU

When a leaky bathroom sink turns into a minor flood, Harry has to act fast. So, he thinks of the closest (and most unlikely) way to find home repair help… Grindr. The last thing he expects from this quick fix is to find anything long term.

Or... A Grindr AU inspired by this very real DM exchange as seen in this tumblr post.

♾️ Paint a Rainbow Inside My Heart

Fic Post

Teen+ | 22K | Larry | 5+1 Things | Queer Coding | Sexual Identity | Coming Out

A story about hiding in plain sight and the journey to revealing your truth, told in six acts. Or, the five times Harry queer coded with actions, behaviors or clothing and the one time he was too proud to hide it anymore.

🏳️‍🌈 Written for the @1dpridefest

♾️ The Habit I Can't Break

Fic Post

Explicit | 63K | Larry | Strangers to Lovers | Fitness Instructor Harry | Mild Kink (discovery)

While searching for a healthy alternative to fill the void that one habit left, Louis gets hooked on something and someone totally different. This new experience pushes him way out of his comfort zone, making Louis realize he’s capable of so much more than he could’ve ever imagined.

Or… The one where Louis quits smoking and tries to get healthy, and Harry is the fitness instructor who helps him achieve those goals while making him sweat in and out of the gym. In which Harry and Louis still meet at bootcamp, just not the one you’re thinking of.

Featuring Lottie as the supportive sister who drags her brother to bootcamp class, Louis as the grumpy (and very recently) ex-smoker, and Harry as the instructor with exhausting amounts of enthusiasm and one obnoxious pair of yellow trainers.

♾️ Forget About the World Outside, Because It's Just Me and You Tonight

Fic Post

Explicit | 4K | Larry | Post-Brit Awards Smut

Harry’s swept the Brits, bringing home four awards. He couldn’t be prouder and can’t wait to share his excitement with his favorite person, who he knows is waiting for him in the limo to take him home. He can’t help it if his mind starts to wander while the press snaps photos of him with his statuettes. All he can think about is the warm welcome he knows he’s bound to receive.

But first, Harry will have some repenting to do for a particular comment he made to the world about one, Stanley Tucci.

Or... The one where Louis didn’t care much for Harry’s acceptance speech for the Album of the Year award and needs to remind him that it’s Louis (not some bald American twat) who Harry loves more than anyone else in the world.

♾️ Let Your Heart Be Light

Fic Post

Teen+ | 77K| Larry + Ziam + Nashe | Enemies to Lovers | Advent Fic | Christmas Fluff | Slow Burn

Louis Tomlinson, a self-proclaimed holiday-hater, loses his job two weeks before Christmas. Broke and desperate to see his family back home in England, he takes the only job left at the mall as one of Santa’s helpers. Harry is an unconventional mall Santa, the youngest one they’ve had in years, but with as much holiday spirit as any other seasoned Saint Nick. He’s determined to un-Grinch the new guy in Santa’s Village if it takes until Christmas, then he finds out the devastating reason Louis has lost his Christmas cheer. Will Harry be just the thing Louis needs to help him get his sparkle back?

Featuring Liam as the manager at Santa's Village, Niall as an easy-going Irish elf and Harry's best friend, grumpy Grinch Louis and his best friend Zayn and one matchmaking Mrs. Claus.

♾️ Lazy Days and Pancakes for Two

Fic Post

Teen+ | 4K | Larry | Established Relationship | Domestic Fluff

They haven't seen each other in eighteen days. What better way to spend a much-needed tour break than having a lazy day watching shit TV and having breakfast in bed with your husband.

♾️ I Gave Up Hope and Found You Instead

Fic Post

Teen+ | 14K | Larry | Strangers to Lovers | Pirate AU | Fisherman Louis | Fluff/Angst/Hurt/Comfort

The entire village warned him not to go. Still, the peculiar boy from Eroda set sail on an odd-numbered day and, without knowing it, headed straight into the Our Flag Means Death universe. While being held captive aboard the pirate ship Revenge, the boy meets a fisherman named Louis.

Tasked by the captain to teach the reluctant boy to fish, Louis struggles to hide his frustration and hold his tongue. As difficult as it was to deal with this clumsy stranger, the skilled fisherman had worse assignments and more unpleasant partners, but none of them with a smile as bright as this peculiar boy had. A moment of unexpected distress catches them off guard, and both soon find out it’s much easier to catch feelings than fish.

Or, Where the "Adore You" music video ends and the Our Flag Means Death canon begins.

🐟 Written for @erodaficfest

♾️ I Was Born like This, Don't Even Gotta Try

Fic Post

Explicit | 2K | Larry | 2015 Era | Canon Reimagined | Fluff & Smut

A Gucci suit to get on your knees for… Louis and Harry return home after a long day of promo events and cocktail parties. They’re both exhausted, but that doesn’t stop Louis from keeping a promise he made to Harry in the limo earlier that night.

A certain geometric Gucci suit might have played a part in helping Louis’ keep that promise.

♾️ A Simple Twisted Fate

Fic Post

Explicit | 18K | Larry | Strangers to Lovers | Tattoo Artist Louis | Rock Star Harry | Kink Exploration

Global rock star Harry Styles has some time to kill between tour dates and stumbles into a Doncaster tattoo shop with a desire for some new ink. He has a few other desires as well, but those he must keep to himself.

Louis Tomlinson, owner of Twisted Fate Tattoos, has seen enough of the tabloids and thinks he knows everything there is to know about this world-famous rock star, and he’s not impressed.

Harry may be one of the world's biggest stars known for a lavish lifestyle, crazy parties and entourages of women wherever he goes, but he’s more than just what his image and wild reputation suggests.

Things take an interesting turn when Louis finds out he’s been helping satisfy Harry’s voracious pain kink. Bet he'd love to know that not only is Louis a gifted tattoo artist, but an experienced Dom as well. Perhaps they both have something to learn from each other, if only Louis would give Harry a chance. Maybe their paths crossing was more than just a twist of fate, but the universe’s plan all along.

Written for @subharryficfest

⚓ Update (11.1.22): New installment in the ‘Twisted’ universe coming soon!

♾️ Just a Little Taste Before I Go

Fic Post

Explicit | 4K | Larry | OTRA Tour | Kink Exploration

Just before showtime, Harry has a bit of nervous energy and needs help to settle himself before he and the boys hit the stage in Milwaukee. Louis knows just the place.

Or… The one where Harry and Louis just need to... ahem, blow off some steam in a storage closet and wind up dabbling in some unplanned kink exploration—and we find out what really happened before they took the stage that night of OTRA tour… you know the one.

Written for @subharryficfest

♾️ Climbing the Swells

Fic Post

Explicit | 6K | Larry | Enemies to Lovers | Surfer AU | Smut

One surfer out of his depth amongst some territorial locals makes a bold move and a very unwelcome entrance. After things go wrong, another surfer reluctantly takes mercy on him, offering some first-aid and unexpected hospitality aboard his Airstream. A couple dimples and a few wayward curls go a long way to soften one surly local, and what started out as a rough morning becomes a very sunny spot to the day.

Or… The one where a clumsy Harry and a stubborn Louis reconcile their grievances on the beach, with a heartfelt apology from Louis on his knees without saying a word.

��️ Written for @hlsummerfest2021

♾️ I Know You Rider (Gonna Miss Me when I’m Gone)

Fic Post

Teen+ | 9K | Larry | Strangers to Lovers | 1990s AU | Single-Rider Line AU

Waiting in line at the Big Dipper, one angsty skater punk gets paired with a chilled out hippy boy, by way of a single-rider line. Together, they ride one of Cypress Gardens’ oldest wooden roller coasters. Will this easy-going stranger in tie-dye make Louis forget his fear of heights, or turn their rickety ramble into a nightmare on steel wheels? Either way, it will be a ride Louis won’t soon forget.

Or… The one where Louis hates hippies and roller coasters and Harry tries to fix that with lots of fun facts, terrible puns and perhaps one very life-changing moment in a dark tunnel.

🏖️ Written for @hlsummerfest2021

🍋 Part 1 of Arcades & Lemonade. Part 2 coming soon-ish!

♾️ Freedom Always Comes with a Price

Fic Post

Explicit | 101K | Larry | Lovers to Friends to Lovers | Memory Loss | Non-Linear Narrative | Angst, Fluff & Smut

A shared dream brings them together onto the X-factor stage, but one decision changes Harry and Louis’ lives overnight. Thrust into a world of instant stardom, they're forced to live a lie to sustain their dreams, but years of living in the shadows and under strict management take its toll.

With the band's impending hiatus, there’s no better time for change, so they think.

Desperate for a solution, they turn to an unlikely source with a radical plan. An unfortunate accident sets everything in motion, but not how they intended, leaving Louis’ memories altered, Harry broken-hearted and full of regret.

Can Harry figure out a way to fix everything? Will he even want to once he sees how Louis moved on after the hiatus? Will Louis ever find out the truth of their past, and can he forgive Harry after all this time?

In the end, two friends find out that memories are elusive, trust is everything and love is the only antidote.

💥 Written for @onedirectionbigbang

♾️ Longing like a Searchlight

Fic Post

Explicit | 27K | Larry | 5+1 Things | Roommates to Lovers | Road Trips | Mutual Pining | Angst and Smut

Louis moves in with his friend Harry and soon thoughts of his new flatmate are anything but innocent. When it comes to acting on those urges while he’s alone, Louis has no control, and it doesn’t take long for his primal impulses to turn into deep, urgent longing the more time they spend together.

An unexpected family event takes Harry home for the weekend. Will it be the catalyst that finally brings them together, or what tears them apart when Louis overhears what Harry reveals to his mother about his true feelings?

Or... The Five times Louis almost gets caught during a salacious moment of self-care and the one time he did... a roommates-to-lovers fic with lots of feels.

Written for @1d5xfest

[fallen-down-slowed-down]

(warning: 160+ f/o’s)

💌books

Cage Lackmann – The Graves of Whitechapel

Calvin Evans – Lessons in Chemistry ( book + TV series )

Dr. Henry Jekyll – Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde ( book + musical )

Fred Weasley – Harry Potter saga ( books + films )

Jacopo Ortis (poly) – Ultime Lettere di Jacopo Ortis

💌films/series/tv shows

Agent Stepdaughter + Gretel + Hansel (poly, with agent stepdaughter & Gretel) – Secret Magic Control Agency

Alva + Jesper Johansen + Mogens (poly, with Alva & Jesper) – Klaus

Anglaigus – Astérix: le Domaine des Dieux ( film + comic )

Aziraphale + Crowley (poly) – Good Omens

B.E.N. – Treasure Planet

Ballister Blackheart (poly) – Nimona

Benjamin Dunn – Mission: Impossible saga

Betterfly – Miraculous World: Paris, les Aventures de Toxinelle et Griffe Noire

Bruno Madrigal – Encanto

Burn-E – Burn-E

Camilo + Carlos Madrigal – Encanto

Chuck – Angry Birds duology

Cinderella – Disney’s Cinderella trilogy

Clopin Trouillefou – Disney’s The Hunchback of Notre Dame

Cloudy – 7 Zwerge trilogy, 💍24.01.2021

Diaval – Maleficent duology

Dr. Herbert Cockroach – Monsters vs. Aliens

Ebenezer Scrooge – Scrooge: a Christmas Carol

Eugene + Rapunzel Fitzherbert (poly) – Disney’s Tangled

Félix Fathom – Miraculous: les Aventures de Ladybug et Chat Noir

Fix-it Felix Jr. – Wreck It Ralph

Gabo + Safi + Simon – Wish

Grand duke Rainier (nnic) – Disney’s Cinderella trilogy

Griffin – Hotel Transylvania saga

Grinch – Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch (2018)

Harrison Knott – Press Play

Héctor Rivera – Coco

Hermes – Disney’s Hercules

Hickory – Trolls: World Tour

Jack + Kio + Noki + Pino – Red Shoes and the Seven Dwarves

Jaq – Disney’s Cinderella trilogy

Joe Bradley – Roman Holiday

John Watson (poly) – BBC’s Sherlock Holmes

Lieutenant Columbo – Columbo

Lumiére – The Beauty and the Beast ( films )

Major Major Major – Catch-22

Megamind – Megamind

Miles Miller – Bad Times at the El Royale

Mr. Tumnus - The Chronicles of Narnia

Mugman – The Cuphead Show!

Ned McDodd – Dr. Seuss’ Horton Hears a Who!

Once-ler – Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax, 💍24.07.2022

Pasunmotdeplus – Astérix aux Jeux Olympiques

Peter Graham – Hereditary

Rhett Abbott – Outer Range

Rigolin – Pil

Robert Floyd – Top Gun: Maverick

Snake – The Bad Guys

Stanley Uris – IT (2017-2019)

Stephen Meeks – Dead Poets Society

Tadashi Hamada – Big Hero 6

Tatsuhiko Shibusawa – Bungō Stray Dogs: Dead Apple ( manga + film )

Thranduil – The Hobbit trilogy

Timon – The Lion King trilogy

Tin man – Legends of Oz / Fantastic Journey to Oz (separately)

Tristain – Pil

Tulio (poly) – The Road to El Dorado

V – V for Vendetta

Victor Van Dort – Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride

Vincenzo Santorini – Atlantis: the Lost Empire

💌videogames

Aesop Carl – Identity V

Alexandre + Brandon + Frank + Ji-Yeong + Lee + Soul – Subway Surfers

Akihiko Satou – Ikemen Vampire

Anatoli – Alchemy Stars

Azul Ashengrotto, 💍06.04.2024 + Jade Leech – Twisted Wonderland ( videogame + manga )

Barbatos + Beelzebub + Lucifer – Obey Me! duology

Barton – Alchemy Stars

Charon – Alchemy Stars

Daniel Schwartz – Alchemy Stars

Dire Crowley + Rook Hunt – Twisted Wonderland ( videogame + manga )

Faust – Alchemy Stars

Florine – Alchemy Stars

Gertzurde – Alchemy Stars

Jane – Alchemy Stars

Johann Georg Faust – Ikemen Vampire

Jola – Alchemy Stars

Jomu – Alchemy Stars

Julian Devorak + Lucio Morgasson – The Arcana

Leo – Alchemy Stars

Leyn + Matthieu – Alchemy Stars

Luke – Alchemy Stars

Moon + Sun – Five Nights at Freddy’s: Security Breach

Narrator – The Stanley Parable

Novio – Alchemy Stars

Roy – Alchemy Stars

Sariel Noir – Ikemen Prince

Steel – Speedy Ninja

Sucre + Zacharie – OFF

Trey Clover – Twisted Wonderland ( videogame + manga )

Winston – Royal Match

💌other type of source

Adam – Hellaverse

Adrien Agreste – Miraculous universe

Alastor + Vox – Hellaverse

Asmodeus + Fizzarolli (poly) – Hellaverse

ATEEZ/Black Pirates/HALATEEZ – ATEEZ ( band )

Bane – DC universe

Beetlejuice – Beetlejuice ( musical )

Caine + Jax + Kinger – The Amazing Digital Circus

Doppo Kunikida – Bungō Stray Dogs universe

Edward Nashton – DC universe

Ethan Green – Hatchetfield universe

Francis Scott Key Fitzgerald – Bungō Stray Dogs universe, 💍09.06.2022

Gabriel Adrian (nnic) – Hatchetfield universe

Hank Miller – OC

Henry Hidgens – Hatchetfield universe

Howard Phillips Lovecraft + Nathaniel Hawthorne – Bungō Stray Dogs universe

Johnathon Ohnn / the Spot – Marvel universe

Joker – DC universe

Grell Sutcliff – Kuroshitsuji universe, 💍03.09.2022

Knuckles – Sonic universe

Lucifer – Hellaverse

Luigi – Nintendo universe

Luka Couffaine – Miraculous universe

Marc Anciel + Nathaniel Kurtzberg (poly) – Miraculous universe

Marcus Cubitus – Astérix universe

Mark Connor (nnic) – The Simple Plot of... ( music videos )

Millie + Moxxie Knolastname (poly) – Hellaverse

Motojirō Kajii + Ryūrō Hirotsu – Bungō Stray Dogs universe

Mountain ghoul + Swiss Army ghoul – Ghost ( band )

Nathalie Sancœur – Miraculous universe

Night Owl – Miraculous universe

Ōgai Mori, 💍01.11.2022 + Yukichi Fukuzawa (poly) – Bungō Stray Dogs universe

Patrick Waff + Peter Roghlow (poly) – @scimmy’s OCs

Sparrow – Miraculous universe

Spiderman Noir – Marvel universe

Stolas – Hellaverse

Ted Spankoffski – Hatchetfield universe

Zestial – Hellaverse

[nv00]

He deserves all the love❣️

I think one of the most startling things about BC is the fact that he’s…a man.

He’s a living breathing man.

A man with faults. A man who experiences anger and sadness and loneliness and annoyance and impatience. A man who walks talks breaths eats. A man of flesh and blood.

It’s sometimes a startling thought, isn’t it?

This man…who uses the fame that comes attached to his immense talent to bring to light causes most of us would not be aware, to shed light on charities that have gone unnoticed by us, causes that have been brushed under the rug.

This man who is so talented that some of us forget that he’s an actor acting, pretending to be feeling the raw emotions of the Creature or Hamlet or Patrick or Chrissie or Sherlock. He’s convinced some of us that Richard III was handsome and sexy in his anger, that Doctor Strange isn’t a real doctor looking for redemption, that the word for Polar Bear in French isn’t le polar bear.

He’s so creative that we forget Smaug isn’t real, that he’s CGI. That the Grinch shares a voice with him and with Classified.

He swings from intensity that gave birth to Patrick in At Last with his shaking hands and tears streaming his eyes, fighting himself to showing up on red carpets looking like a supermodel to going on talk shows and giggling so hard you worry he hurt his tummy.

We forget he’s flesh and blood, that he’s just a man.

A man who deserves respect and privacy like every other flesh and blood man. A man who deserves the love of his family, a man who’s life we’re not entitled to, a man who is willing to share himself with the world even though he doesn’t really have to.

Benedict Cumberbatch blows me mind.

He always does, he always has, and he will always blow my mind, with his humility, humanity, and deep sense of honor and respect.

And I’ll always put him on a pedestal.

And know I’m doing it, that I’m holding him to an impossible standard, that I’m idolizing a man made of flesh and blood.

Because he’s Benedict Cumberbatch, and that’s all I ever need to explain about him.

(First photo is my Untagged edit, please be kind xx)

[museswithinx]

😏 - Our muses get frisky in costume { Connor for Haley }

fall/autumn starters.

Halloween was still over a week away but that didn’t stop the festivities around here from starting up early. This weekend marked the beginning of McKinley’s annual Halloween Festival, which would greet the season with a big parade ending at the town square where the rest of the festival would be taking place. Everything from a jack-o-lantern carving contest to a haunted maze to spooky ghost tours would be open to everyone through the weekend. And just like the annual Mikaelson Halloween party, it was pack tradition at this point to attend.

Getting the memo from Marlene that they would all be dressing up for it, Haley had picked up her finished costume from her best friend and put the full look together. She had gone more classic Sleeping Beauty with Maleficent’s eye makeup; settling on a dark purple and green color palette and blood red lipstick with matching nails. The costume itself was a black one piece with a dip in the front where her cleavage would be and a long cape that tied around the neckline. Her horns pulled the rest of it together.

Connor had messaged her saying he’d be a little late to the festival, which Haley suspected was just him not wanting to come. He was the Davidson pack “Halloween Grinch” as Aubrey liked to lovingly refer to him... Even if Tristan, Shiloh, and Ryder could also be categorized as the same. 

As daylight faded though and all the night time festivities began to pick up, he finally arrived and managed to track her down at some funhouse mirrors. She felt him come up behind her before she even saw his distorted reflection in one of the mirrors. Haley barely managed to greet him before he kisses her neck and his hands were on her, sliding down along her ribs to her hips.

“Better late than never.” She manages as her head slightly tilts off to one side on instinct. He murmurs something to the extent of her looking “sexy” in her ear before she turns in his arms to finally face him. That was when she noticed what he was wearing as the funhouse mirrors didn’t reflect it very accurately.

Her hand sliding up his chest, she pinched the collar of his shirt in between her pointer finger and thumb. It wasn’t very obvious and not actually a costume, but he was dressed in all black from head to toe. Those that didn’t know him like she did wouldn’t really notice the effort but she knew it wasn’t coincidental. He’d dressed to match her in his own Connor-like way. 

“You’re looking pretty sexy yourself. Like a Master of All Evil,” she purrs back at him as she presses him back against one of the mirrors and kisses him on the mouth with some heat. His hands were wandering over her again just as hers dipped slightly under his shirt and she pulled away just an inch to murmur, “Let’s find somewhere a little more... Secluded.” 

He didn’t need much more convincing than that.

[1ddotdhq]

🎹Mon 14 Dec ‘20🎤

Zayn is back! Possibly for real this time! Yolanda Hadid posted a picture of him and Gigi from a year ago at their gender reveal party (spoiler: it’s a girl!!!), and following that Zayn uploaded a picture of himself in a studio with some lovely R&B synth style music floating around. This came on the two year anniversary of the Icarus Falls release, and it set twitter ablaze, immediately trending “Z3isComing” and “Zayn is Coming”. Alex Oriet (of #pizza and Saltwives fame) posted a snippet of Zayn’s new song and said, “What kind of Christmas Present do you want to get?”. Uh, if you’re taking recommendations, I would like to see THE NEW ALBUM - preferably before the end of the year! Anyways, here’s hoping this comeback sticks because OH MY GOD I need that album! 

Louis has spent the day raking in the compliments (as he should!), including an piece in the Independent! He's quoted from a pre show press release, saying, “performing for a live crowd is the most important thing to me, this live stream is a step back into that world and is something I can’t wait to film,” and “I want to put on a real show for the fans, with scale and production, creating something special to end 2020 on a positive, upbeat note and raise money for charities that are especially close to my heart. I also want to give my touring crew work, and raise some vital money for them, as without my crew the show literally couldn’t go on”. ThePulpConversation, CelebMix, and IHeart had similar praises, including calling Walls his “chart topping debut album” (*cough*) and calling  ‘Copy’ “one of the highlights”of the show, saying, “If this signals the way [he’s] moving forward musically for his second album then we think he’s gonna make one heck of an impact”. THANK YOU!! THIS IS WHAT WE’VE BEEN SAYING!! Notably silent about the whole affair: Arista, who we last heard from in October when Walls jumped all those charts, raising the question of whether he's still with them. As they were his label for the US only due to him being tied to Syco in the UK, and with Syco out of the picture, it is plausible that he is choosing to move forward with a single deal rather than one fragmented by region. That’s fine though, the rest of us are celebrating enough as it is, and whoever gets him for that deal (or already did) sure will be too! Charlie Lightening, Krystal, and Helene all put up BTS pictures, as did the camera team, who were the same ones who shot Niall's RAH show, and Helene added a heartfelt congratulations, saying, “The voice needs time to build strength, flexibility, and all things magical..Great Singers start way in advance before hitting the mic...I am happy to say we managed on Zoom...to prepare a big ass show vocally.. Where there’s a will, there’s a way and that… *mic emoji* *heart emoji*”.  Welsh production company Krupa welcomed their new followers and also confirmed the MASSIVE amount of money that Louis had raised! Charlie Lightning's pictures are, well, lightning in a bottle and I look forward to seeing them in moodboards here for years to come, and Krystal (Louis’ makeup artist) gave us a fun close up of Louis laughing backstage while she tries to fix his (recently trimmed?) hair. God, he’s beautiful. Alex Oriet is EVERYWHERE these days, because he took a break from hanging with Zayn to ask us all what we thought of ‘Copy’ - uh, AMAZING! 

Liam is back(ish)! He did a few promos for Naughty List and went on Roman Kemp’s show to talk about his upcoming Capital Up Close show, joking that he might be dressing up as the Grinch. Roman, of course, took that as his cue to do the voice (“eight o’clock, wallow in self pity, can’t cancel that again”), to which Liam burst out laughing and said, “I’ve been on the phone with about 12 people, I just can’t handle it”. ‘Tis the season, huh?  And their advent alarm today included...more terrible jokes! “What do you get when you eat Christmas decorations? Tinselitis!”.Also Maya posted a pic taken at Liam's place showing the framed pic of Liam and Louis from gogglebox in the background, still in its place of pride on the mantle. Quite right, I would do the same with a pic of me and Louis! For some belated Fine Line celebrations, Mitch Rowland posted some behind the scenes content, (and WHERE’S THE REST OF IT?), and Fine Line has officially been on Billboards Top 200 for A FULL YEAR NOW, AND it’s been in the top 25 THE WHOLE TIME! Iconic!  Harry had a late night on Instagram, which could totally be due to the fact that he was celebrating yesterday, but he followed another artist that’s signed to FullStop (Roddy Rich) and liked King Princess’ new music video announcement, who’s caption read (among other things), “working with your partner on a video is like having a best friend on set who you KNOW WILL MAKE U LOOK GOOD lmao”. #relatable. Not to me, but probably to him! Meanwhile, Niall promoted an Irish livestream taking place at the Guinness Storehouse. Find me a more Irish event, I DARE you. 

[sunsetcurvecuddles]

Road trip to nowhere in particular. Bobby just likes to drive. Reggie just likes to point out cows and horses out the windows. Maybe he counts them. Maybe he names them. Either way Bobby has to pretend to be annoyed/mildly amused even as he is experiencing SO MUCH LOVE

hi this is both sadder and longer than i intended for it to be so it is now also available to read on ao3 here. warning for allusions to child abuse.

seems like i’d take a new road | boggie | 2.1k

--

It's still barely bright outside when Bobby pulls up and parks the car a few houses down from Reggie's, so he doesn't risk waking Reggie's parents. As he gets out of the car and goes to knock on Reggie's window, Bobby rubs his eyes, wondering what kind of insanity possessed him when he suggested they leave so early.

Reggie's already sitting on his bed when Bobby comes up to the window, hands folded in his lap, backpack at his feet. The light from the lamp on his bedside table casts shadows across his face, makes him look thoughtful, and quiet. He looks up almost as soon as Bobby comes into view, like he knew, somehow, that Bobby would be there.

Or he just heard you coming, idiot, Bobby chides himself, but when Reggie grins, eyes way too bright for the hour, Bobby feels a matching smile tugging across his face without his permission.

—

"Okay, okay," Reggie says, as soon as he's plonked himself into the passenger seat, rifling through his backpack immediately, "I've got snacks, and soda, and sandwiches for lunch later, and some mix CDs, but I don't know which one we should listen to first, since—"

"Reg," Bobby interrupts him flatly, even though it's absolutely killing him not to laugh. "Seatbelt first, thanks."

"Oh." Reggie sits back, abashed, and buckles in before returning to the contents of the bag. "It's just very important that we have the right mix for the drive. It has to fit the atmosphere. That can make or break the whole trip!" He's gesturing all over the place with his free hand, still half-buried in the oversized backpack on his lap.

"Right," says Bobby, as though he's totally on board.

"So," Reggie hums, "We've got a selection, so, I'll just read them all out to you—"

"Don't worry about it," Bobby tells him, turning the key and pumping the gas a few times as the engine rolls over before it properly coughs to life, "you just pick something."

Reggie stops, looks up at him wide-eyed. "Are you sure? I know that I like weird music. Alex would die before he let me choose a CD."

"Do I look like Alex?" Bobby retorts, and Reggie's face splits into a huge smile.

"I know the perfect one. It's gonna be so good, Bobby, promise."

—

This is how Bobby spends the next half an hour listening to a burned CD of all Reggie's favourite country songs, as the sun rises over the road and he takes them out of the city. Even this early, there's traffic, because LA is a nightmare city from hell and Bobby hates it, but leaving early has definitely given them an advantage. Reggie winds his window down and rests his arms on the window edge so he can sing Tim McGraw out to the city of angels to wake her up and ready for her the day, and Bobby settles in for the drive.

They'd both been going nuts, was the thing. Bobby’s just had too much work to do, and there’s always so much noise at home, his little siblings underfoot and on top of him and exhausting, as much as he loves them.

Bobby knows Reggie doesn't have such benign reasons for wanting to get away for the day. However, Bobby also knows better than to push him on it, especially when he's in such a good mood, belting the lyrics to Memory Lane (when Bobby swats him and tells him the song sucks, Reggie just smiles bigger, belts even louder). Reggie pretty much universally refuses to acknowledge that there's a problem until it becomes impossible to ignore.

Like last week, when he'd called Bobby from his home phone, whispering a request to pick him up — please, just for a few hours, Bobby, and then I'll get out of your hair, it's just — and Bobby had been able to hear the banging and yelling even on his end of the call. Or when he'd turned up at Bobby's place with a black eye last month, had ended up sleeping in Bobby’s studio, curled up to Bobby on the couch, shivering even under the blankets Bobby brought out for them.

It's difficult to reconcile that image, of Reggie teary and silent and meek as Bobby had given him a pack of frozen peas to press over his eye, who had only shaken his head when Bobby asked him what happened, with this image, of Reggie with his head half out the window, singing and beaming in the morning sun. Tim McGraw's voice fades out, only to be replaced by more guitar (which sounds exactly the same to Bobby's ear) and Reggie's face lights up as he whoops, says, "This song is SO good, can I turn it up?"

Forget the morning sun. Reggie's brighter than it is.

Bobby makes sure his resigned sigh is extra theatrical before he says, "I guess so."

—

The next hour or so continues mostly this way, as Los Angeles becomes a more scattered, widespread set of houses and then eventually not much except desert. They share a packet of Haribo bears, Reggie insisting on giving Bobby the 'best colours' even though Bobby is almost certain they all taste pretty much the same, but he rolls his eyes and gives in when Reggie insists there's a subtle difference. At one point, the CD comes to an end, so Reggie swaps it for the next one. Which is also full of country. "Alex never lets me play any of these," he says defensively, even though all Bobby had done was glance at him out of the corner of his eye.

Bobby just shrugs and says, "I can see why."

And Reggie delightedly retorts, "Hey!"

After winding through the open, rocky expanse for awhile, things turn a little greener. Suddenly, Reggie breaks off singing to lean so far out the window that Bobby instinctively grabs the back of his shirt in his fist.

"Jesus, Peters, ass in the seat!" he huffs, mostly because his heart is still pounding.

Reggie has the decency to look a little sheepish as he sits back down, but still more excited than anything. "Sorry, Bobby, just — there's cows! Look, a whole field of them!"

There is, in fact, a whole field of cows. "Well, don't traumatise them by falling out the window."

"There's so many," Reggie continues, like Bobby didn't even speak, and then continues at a muttered volume, "one, two, three, four—"

"Are you seriously going to count all of them?" Bobby asks. This needs to stop. If Reggie's going to be this distractingly cute — no, just distracting — the whole trip, Bobby's going to crash the car, he can feel it. "You know they're going to move around and stuff."

"Oh," says Reggie, humming, "you're right. Hang on, I should name them so I can tell them apart. What are some good cow names? I think the big one up on the hill looks like a Betsy. And the brown one is totally a Buttercup."

Bobby groans, his heart growing three sizes in his chest, like he’s the Grinch or something. "Franco," he suggests at last.

"Franco?!" Reggie bursts out laughing. "You think 'Franco' is a good cow's name?"

"Is it not?" Bobby retorts, and Reggie laughs harder, throwing his head back and wrapping his arms around his stomach. The sound of him cackling almost drowns out Dolly Parton's voice still crooning from Bobby's stereo.

This Reggie. Versus the one who lives in Bobby's memory, tiny and silent, frozen peas held to his face with one trembling hand.

"Francesca," Reggie is saying, through his wheezing laughter, "now, Francesca is a good cow's name."

"Would you shut up about naming the cows and pass me a soda?"

"The calf is called Henry!" Reggie insists, as he leans to dig through his backpack. When he pulls out a can of soda and holds it out to Bobby, still flushed pretty-pink from laughing, his hair sort of a mess in his eyes, nose scrunched up extra cute, and Bobby feels his stomach softly flip over.

Well. That's a feeling he should repress.

"Thanks," he says, careful not to brush Reggie's fingers as he takes the can from him. Reggie doesn’t seem to notice. Thank god.

"You're welcome," says Reggie quietly, snuggling back down into his seat, looking out the window again. He points and says, "That one's called Oscar."

Definitely repressing, Bobby decides. Immediately. Forever. He can't have a crush on Reggie. Like, the band, and the fact that the last thing Reggie needs is for one of his friends to have feelings for him, as if he doesn’t already have enough going on. There are so many reasons he shouldn't have a crush on Reggie. Down, he tells the feeling, pushing at it in his chest, go down, stay down. "Is he?"

Reggie is oblivious, cheerfully rambling on, with no idea that he is causing Bobby a serious internal crisis. "Yeah. And that one's called—"

Bobby hopes it stays that way. He turns Dolly Parton up a little bit, and keeps driving.

—

They park and have lunch at the top of a hill looking over the valley. Reggie regales Bobby with some needlessly complicated story of the relationship between all the cows, as if they’re living a little soap opera down in the field. If Bobby’s going to be honest, he can’t follow the plot, but that doesn’t stop him staring at Reggie’s profile, the way he looks perfect here, at home among the grass and in the bright sun, how he comes alive being out here.

Bobby’s never really known what to think of the future. Before the band, he didn’t have much in his head to imagine. All his thoughts of the future were of his little siblings, what their lives would be like, but it was Luke who had first interrupted him and asked, “Well, yeah, but what about you, man? What do you want your life to be like?”

Maybe Bobby will save up and buy a farm out here, when all the band and touring stuff is done. So Reggie can come visit. Hell, maybe he’ll just buy Reggie a farm, with their millions of dollars they’re going to make when they’re all famous rock stars like Luke says they’ll be.

If we all have that much money, Reggie will buy his own farm, the voice in his head that keeps him in line sharply reminds him. Push them down. Push the feelings down.

“Here,” he says to Reggie, shoving his sandwich over. “You wanna finish this? Then we can get going.”

—

On their return drive that afternoon, Reggie is quiet. When one of the CDs loops back to the beginning, Reggie ejects it and doesn’t put in another one. The quiet is okay, Bobby thinks. It gives him a chance to catch his breath, to focus on the road, to forget all about his revelation from earlier in the day.

Winding back through the city, the sun dips lower in the sky. The city lights start to come alive as the evening sets in. Reggie starts to fiddle with the edge of his flannel, shift in his seat, like he’s nervous. A few times he breathes in, like he’s going to talk, and then doesn’t.

Bobby waits him out. He knows Reggie hates being pushed, hates stammering and fumbling for words when he doesn’t have them yet.

Still, he’s surprised when Reggie actually does break the silence. “Can I—” he starts, swallows, and then stops.

“Can you?” Bobby prompts, when Reggie doesn’t continue. His instinct is to reach for Reggie’s hand, but he does what he’s been doing all day, and pushes the thought down. God, what if Reggie’s noticed? What if that’s what he’s about to say? For a moment, Bobby feels cold, and nauseous. He sets his jaw.

“CouldImaybestayatyourplacetonight?” Reggie blurts out, all in one go.

Bobby breathes what he hopes is an imperceptible sigh of relief. Sure, it means a night of knowing Reggie’s out in the studio, probably cold. It means Bobby will inevitably climb out of bed, and out his window, bringing his extra blankets, to curl up with Reggie on the couch, to make sure he stays warm. Because that’s what always happens when Reggie sleeps over. And that’s a whole lot more complicated now that Bobby knows that he—well.

But Bobby looks at the worry on Reggie’s face, his stupid puppy eyes, and he can’t say no. Could never say no to Reggie anyway, he thinks. He needs to be there for Reggie, and that’s why his feelings have no place in this mess. “Of course, Reg. No problem.”

No problem, he tells himself, and does his best to mean it.

--

jatp taglist (lmk if you want to be added or removed!!):  @queenmolina @nickalicious @bi-reginald @jughead-is-canonically-aroace @multifandom-queer @cinnamonstickrayofsunlight @malecacidd

[saltymiraculer]

Ceremonial Kisses (Part 2 of 3)

Ahhhhh, thank you for all the support I’ve gotten on this fic! It is with great pleasure I present to you *trumpet noise* Part 2 of Ceremonial Kisses!

I apologize for the huge wait, and I’m really sorry about my update schedule in general. 

Also, you might notice that around the middle of this chapter, the writing gets a little bit choppy, and I’m super sorry about that! My apartment just decided to evict anyone with a cat, and I’m under a lot of stress right now. Thankfully, it gets smoother towards the end!

Happy reading!

Part 1 | Part 3

                                                    -🌸-

After ten minutes of gorging themselves on the Chinese equivalents of Kit-Kats and Lays chips, they pulled up to a hotel.

“Whaf, wewen’t we goih to da cashale?“ Nino asked, his mouth stuffed with cookies. Marinette shot him a disgusted look. He swallowed and took a swig of soda. “Wait, weren’t we going to the castle?“

Marinette had been thinking the same thing. This couldn’t be an ancient Chinese palace–it looked like a hotel!

“My instructions have changed. I was informed you would be staying at the Overseas Suites instead.“ The driver (she still didn’t know his name) said, pulling up to the front of the hotel.

As soon as they stepped out, they remembered that time zones existed.

It was 5:00 PM there.

They were going to be up all night.

The driver handed Marinette a gold-embossed business card with a phone number written on it.

“Call me whenever you need a lift, miss Marinette.“ He stepped back into the car and drove off.

Marinette shrugged and stuffed the card in her pocket. “Well, that was weird. Let’s go inside now, it’s freezing.” 

As soon as they walked inside, Bustier scurried up to them.

“Where were you? You had me worried sick!“

Before anyone could say anything, the chauffeur from earlier appeared.

“I am Marinette’s uncle, ma’am. I heard she was going to be staying in China for a week and I just had to see her. The school was informed that I would be picking her and her friends up.“

“Oh–well–you still should have told me where you were going!“

“But shouldn’t you have already known?“ Marinette asked sweetly. “I mean, you were informed of it, weren’t you?“

Ha. She had her there!

“W-well, yes, technically, I was…but it’s time to go to your rooms! Off you go, everybody!“

“Oh, wait, I’m sharing a room with Marinette, right?“ Alya asked.

“Yeah, I think so.“

“Shit. Guys, I’ve got to share a room with Adrien. Say your prayers, ‘cause I don’t know if I’ll make it out alive.“

Oh, right. I guess it’s time to explain.

Adrien had stayed with his “high road” approach, but not in the way that she had expected. He started treating Lila to lunch, buying her jewelry, asking her to school dances, the whole shebang.

But it was all so forced that nobody believed any of it, and one day, all the ‘affection’ had just stopped.

Lila milked it for all it was worth, blaming Marinette and Nino and Alya, and the president of some far-off African country, and Adrien...

Something changed.

His face was more gaunt and his cheeks were more hollow, and he barely ever talked to anyone, just shrugged them off and turned away.

He was, to put it frankly, terrifying.

Which was not good for Nino at all.

“Oh, I’m sorry, class, but Ivan will be sharing a room with Nino. Adrien and Nathaniel will be roommates.“

All three of them heaved a sigh.

“Okay, so I’m sleeping tonight, that’s a plus.“ Nino joked. “What are we doing for dinner?“

“Um, I think Bustier said there was food already in the rooms. There are kitchenettes and, like, boxes of pasta and stuff. The trip was sponsored by–“ Marinette suddenly froze. She was contemplating how to finish her sentence when Alya finished it for her.

“–By your family, right?“

“Yeah. It feels so weird to say that, like–me? A princess? I’d probably trip over my own dress.“

“I know what you mean, girl. Now, let’s go get some food.“

After scurrying back up to their respective rooms and scarfing down some fettuccine, they fell asleep almost immediately, despite it being only about 3:00 in Paris.

Which, in hindsight, was probably why they woke up at two in the morning and started eating Cheerios with chocolate milk.

“Marinette, it’s so early!“ Alya said, stretching her arms towards the ceiling. “What should we do until it’s time for the first tour?“

“Wanna play Uno?“

And play Uno they did, a six-round monstrosity that lasted five hours and many draw-four cards.

There was a knock on the door and they both whipped around. “Girls, are you awake yet?“ a muffled voice asked. “You have to be down in the lobby in ten minutes!”

Alya and Marinette looked at each other. “Shit!” they yelled, jumping up and grabbing clothes out of drawers. They took the elevator down to the lobby after getting dressed, only to face something that made them wish they hadn’t.

Lila.

“And since the princess was so touched by what I did for her, she told me that she’d grant me any favor!“

“So…what was the favor?“ Mylene asked, inching closer.

“I asked her to bring our class on this trip, of course! Because I love my friends–unlike some people.“ She tilted her head in Marinette and Alya’s direction.

“When did you get here? Were you eavesdropping on our conversation?“ Kim shouted.

A few of them turned pink and tried to turn away.

“No, but I’m sure we’ll hear plenty of other horrible things about ourselves from you guys on this trip.“ Marinette said.

“Oh, get over yourselves! Lila’s the one who got us here, and she can kick you out just as easily. Right, Lila?“

“Of course! Marinette, I really want to be friends, but after the way you’ve treated everyone, it’s only fair I had to do what I did!“

“Oh? And what exactly did you do?“ Alya challenged, putting her hands on her hips. Alix smirked and nudged Kim with her elbow.

“Let’s just say…some of the tours might not be for you.“ Sabrina interjected, swiping something on a familiar white tablet. Marinette’s eyes widened. “Did you steal Bustier’s tablet just so you could take us off the tours? You risked suspension for that?!”

“Well, Mari-nette, you should be surprised to know that some people are willing to take risks for their friends.“ Kim snapped over his shoulder, earning many a nod from Lila’s entourage.

“Kids!“ Bustier yelled, startling them all. “What are you doing with my tablet?“

“Um–uh_Marinette stole it and threw it to us!“ Lila replied nervously.

Everyone turned to Marinette. “Marinette, I expect better from you! You just earned yourself a week of detention when we get back to Paris.“ She whisked the tablet out of Sabrina’s arms before Marinette could protest, and turned around, taking a deep breath.

When she faced the class again, she had a smile back on her face.

“Okay! Today, we will be touring a replica of one of the ancient Chinese palaces. Please behave yourselves.“

She started walking out, and the class followed her, Alya and Marinette tagging behind. Nino joined them soon after.

“So, that was weird.“

“No kidding.“

Once they had stepped off the bus in front of the palace, everyone stopped. Of course, they had all done a bit of googling about the places they would visit, but seeing everything live and in person was taking it to a whole new level.

“Whoa,“ they whispered. Even Lila, who wanted nothing more than to break something, was dumbfounded by this wonder of architectural beauty.

Miss Bustier was the one to break the silence. Clearing her throat, she said “Well, shall we head inside?”

As they shuffled inside, Marinette secretly wished she had about eight more eyes so she could take in everything she was seeing. But she had to be on high alert, Lila and her crew were sure to pull something nasty.

“Ah, and this,“ Bustier gasped. “This is one of the things I was looking most forward to seeing.

“As you all know, the princess will be coronated soon, and this is exactly why I wanted to take you here. This is a replica of an ancient Chinese coronation hall, isn’t it breathtaking?“

Lila snapped out of her trance and elbowed Kim, whispering something in her ear that made both of them snicker. 

“Hey, Marinette!“ he yelled, running up to her. “What are you doing?“ Marinette watched in horror as he pushed a porcelain vase off of a pedestal, backing away immediately so she was the only one in the area.

Everything seemed to go in slow-motion after that.

Everyone in the room turning to them.

Lila’s grin turning up towards her ears in an almost Grinch-like fashion.

Marinette diving to catch the delicate artifact and balancing it in one hand just before it smashed on the floor.

Security appearing to lecture them.

“Now, miss, what you did was punishable by law,“ one of them said. “And by nature I’ll have to ask you and your whole gang to leave, if you don’t want the royal family to press charges.“

“The-the royal family?“ Lila squeaked. Marinette sighed and stood up.

“I’m sorry, sir,“ she said, hanging her head.

“Wait just a second!“ Someone in the crowd yelled. “That guy in the red hoodie pushed it–I saw it with my own two eyes! The girl saved the vase!“

“Yeah, why don’t you go check the security cameras? I’m sure the girl was the one who stopped it from breaking!“

“No, no, I’m quite sure I saw Marinette push the vase.“ Bustier interrupted. “She’s quite the troublemaker, and it wouldn’t be inconceivable for that to happen.“

“I’m terribly sorry, miss, but only once we review the security footage can we make a decision.“

They left with a promise to return as soon as they were done, and everyone started at Marinette.

Nino was the first to speak.

“Alright, who’s gonna fess up? Marinette didn’t do it, I didn’t do it, Alya didn’t do it. So who did?“

Marinette saw the look on Lila’s face. There was no wriggling out of this one.

“Kim did it! I saw…he tried to warn Marinette about a huge bug, but she had this evil look on her face and moved out of the way…and Kim accidentally pushed the vase.“

“What?! That never happened.“ Nino said, crossing his arms.

“Yeah, I was there the whole time, and there weren’t any bugs.“ Alya said, leaning against a wall. “Give it up, Lila. The security guys’ll be back in a minute.“

“Actually, we’re already here.“ said a deep voice. “The boy’ll need to come with us.“

“Oh, please don’t!“ Bustier cried. “He’s only a kid, he didn’t know any better!“

                                                         -🌸-

“I’m sorry, miss, but the security footage suggests otherwise. Though, if you pay a fine, all charges will be dropped.“

“What’s the amount?“ She asked nervously, pulling out her checkbook and hoping euros would translate into whatever the Chinese currency was. 

“794.71 yuan.”

“Do you take euros?“ Caline asked weakly. Nino glared at her, and several of her students looked dumbfounded.

“You didn’t bring Chinese money…on a trip to China?! Even Kim brought some!“

Kim suddenly looked scared. “I don’t have to give up my money, do I?”

She sighed. “No, you don’t. If anything, Marinette should be the one paying. How much is that in euros?“

“100, I believe. We do take euros, if you’ll follow me.“ She sighed and shrugged. 

“Kids, please don’t push anything else over. I’ll be right back.“

                                                        -🌸-

As soon as Bustier hurried away after leading them outside, everyone glared at Marinette except Alya and Nino. Lila still didn’t understand why they had left her, Alya had just stormed up to her one day and yelled, but that was besides the point.

“Marinette, how could you blame this all on Kim? Now Miss Bustier has to pay eight hundred euros!“ Lila cried, earning Marinette a few glares.

She smirked inwardly. Now, if only she could have gotten Marinette arrested…

“Eight hundred yuan, Lila. It’s only a hundred euros, and besides, it would have cost much more if Marinette hadn’t caught the vase.“ Nino said, crossing his arms.

“Yeah, but she’s gonna call my mom. Do you know how long she’s gonna ground me for? Thirty years!“

“Marinette, what is wrong with you?“ Alix accused. “You seriously need an attitude adjustment. And I think I know just what we need to adjust.“ She whispered something into Lila’s ear and smirked.

“But hey, all disagreements aside, do you want a drink?“ Lila asked, shoving Marinette backwards. She stumbled a bit, and Nino and Alya tried to stop her, but she fell back into a large fountain and emerged a second later, sopping wet.

Her hair had come out of the bun, her makeup was running, and her clothes were soaked through.

Everything was going according to plan. “Oh, Marinette, I’m so sorry! I didn’t mean to…I was only trying to squish a mosquito!”

“Mosquito?“ Marinette seethed through gritted teeth. Her expression was terrifying. 

Lila backed away, as did most of the class. “This was one-of-a-kind, Lila. You ruined it. Chloé should know!“

Everyone turned to Chloé for an answer to the nonexistent question. “I didn’t get her that shirt on purpose! My mom did!” She yelled, ducking into a bathroom. Lila shrugged.

“Marinette!“ Bustier screamed, appearing at just the right time. “What are you doing?!”

Lila interrupted Marinette before she could even speak. “Marinette was trying to push me into the fountain, but I dodged.“ She glanced to the side, where Nino was helping Marinette dry off with handfuls of paper towels. She frowned, then looked over at Alya.

Bad idea.

“Miss Bustier, I have a question. Why would Marinette, one of the most non-violent people we know, try to push Lila into a fountain? Especially after she was just proven innocent? Do you really think that she would compromise her innocence like that?“

Miss Bustier looked alarmed. Lila gritted her teeth–she would have to lay low for a while if she wanted anyone to believe that Marinette would do anything wrong.

They're such idiots, she thought to herself. I’ve got practically the whole class under my thumb.

“Lila? Are you coming? We’re going back to the hotel so nothing else gets damaged.“ She shot a pointed look at Marinette, who was dripping all over the floor.

“O-of course, Miss!“

They caught a bus back to their resort, and Lila was delighted to see that Nino’s efforts had come to no avail trying to distance Marinette from the older men who approached her from behind.

                                                       -🌸-

“Marinette, I can’t believe that little liar.“ Alya said, seething. “She must be getting cocky. Like a game of ‘catch me if you can.’ She’ll have to lay off you for a few days if she wants anything to be believable, though.“

Marinette was toweling off her hair, deep in thought.

“This isn’t like her. Normally, she would stop after the vase and lay off for the rest of the day, maybe badmouth me a little at dinner, but know when to quit.“

“Well, I think you should just bop her in the head with your yo-yo.“ Alya added.

“Agreed!“ Trixx squeaked.

“I don’t normally condone using the Miraculous for selfish purposes, but I’ll let this one slide. You know what to do, Marinette! Get those spots on!“

“Guys,“ Marinette sighed, tossing the towel onto her bed. “That’s not the point. I just want a peaceful few days before I have to deal with her again. Is that too much to ask?“

“Not at all, Marinette!“ Tikki said, nuzzling her cheek. “Just know that I’m always here if you need me!“

“Thanks,“ she whispered.

                            Two Glorious, Lila-free days later...

“So, Marinette, it’s your free day!” Tikki chirped, patting Marinette’s face. “What do you want to do?”

“Sleep,“ she grumbled.

“No, silly! I mean after you visit your family!“

Marinette bolted upright. “What?!”

“You didn’t remember? You’re supposed to meet your biological parents today for brunch at 10.“

“And what time is it now?“ She asked, jumping out of bed to see if Alya was awake.

“5:30.“

“So I only have four hours to get ready?! That’s not nearly enough!“

“Marinette...? Why are you up so early...?“ Alya mumbled sleepily.

“I’m meeting my family!“ she squawked.

Alya sat up and put on her glasses. “Oh. Want me to help you get ready?“ she asked, walking over to the kitchenette for a glass of water.

“That would be great. Now, can you hurry up!?“

Alya took a long sip. “Calm down, Marinette. Do you want them to think you’re nervous all the time? You don’t want that in a princess. Take a deep breath.“ Marinette glared. Taking a deep breath, she focused on how tranquil she would be.

Her mom would probably be there. Wait–mom–not really her mom, but who she...used to think her mom was? Agh, now she was nervous again!

“So, Marinette, what do you want to wear? Something more traditional, or something that’s a little more...you?“ Alya asked, setting her empty cup down on the counter.

“I don’t want to offend them by just wearing, like, a nice blouse and jeans...but I don’t want to overdress. What do I do?“

Alya munched on a bagel thoughtfully. “Do you still have that qipao dress from a few months ago? The pretty pink one with cherry blossoms on it?“

Marinette nodded and pulled a blur of pink fabric out of her suitcase. She shut the bathroom door, and when she came out a second later, she thought that maybe she actually had a chance to make a good first impression.

On her mom.

Hoo boy.

                                                      -🌸-

When Marinette stepped out of the bathroom, Alya immediately started squealing. “Marinette, you look perfect!”

The outfit was simple, no more than a short-sleeved, a-line dress if not for the neckline, which resembled a traditional qipao, adorned with tiny embroidered flowers.

Marinette twirled around. “You like it? I was thinking of wearing those light pink heels. What do you think?”

“Do it.“

                         🌸 at brunch because op sucks 🌸

“Good morning, miss. Where are you headed today?“

Marinette glanced down at the little card in her hands. “The east dining room, please.”

The man at the desk raised his eyebrows so high they were in danger of disappearing into his curly grey hair. “Right this way, your Royal Highness.” he said, pointing her towards an entryway with a significantly fancier arch than the rest.

She walked down a seemingly endless hallway, wondering when she would get to eat, when the narrow room exploded into a dining room larger than her house.

“Ah, hello…Marinette.“ a peaceful voice greeted her. “I’ve been waiting for you!“

“Hi.“ was all she managed to squeak out. The lady in front of her was stunningly beautiful, with black hair that fell in a curtain down to her waist, wearing nearly the same dress as her, but in what looked like red silk.

“Sit, please!“ she said eagerly. “I’d love to get to know you.“

Marinette awkwardly positioned herself in ont of the high-backed chairs.“Okay.“

The lady sat on the chair opposite from her. “My name is Fei. I’m so sorry to have just...left you with my cousin for years, but I really do hope you can forgive me. This is all a bit hectic–trust me, I know–but I believe that if we can get along, this will go smoothly. What do you say?”

Fei had a warm smile, but there was a nervous undertone to her words. She had felt that way before, and a new feeling coursed through her body. Marinette moved forwards forwards and hugged her. “I’d like that.”

She seemed surprised at first, but hugged her back immediately but then let go almost as fast. “Look, I’m just ecsatic, about this, but if it’s uncomfortable calling me ‘mom’, or anything else, I need you to know that it’s okay. You can call me Fei, you can call me mom, you can call me māmā, anything you want. Okay?”

“Thank you.“ Marinette said, looking down. “It’s nice to know I have you. I think it’ll take a while for me to…adjust, but I’m so happy to know that you’re okay with that. Now, can we stop being so serious and eat?“

She beamed. “That sounds great, Marinette!”

After a few minutes of slightly awkward eating, Marinette cleared her throat. “So, other than the whole coronation thing, are there any other princess-y things I’ll have to do while I’m here?”

Fei choked on her water. “Actually…” she coughed. “I’m glad you asked. See, this is only day three of your 10-day trip. We need to get outfits, jewelry, speeches, everything prepared, and I don’t know if we’ll be able to do it all in time.”

Marinette was soeechless. This was unexpected.

“But that’s not all. I have to intruduce you to my mother, my husband, the whole royal family. “ She was sounding increasingly stressed with each sentence. “Everything has to be taken into account.“

“Hey, it’ll be okay!“ Marinette assured. “Things happen. They’ll sort themselves out. I promise.“

“I know. I have to be calm and levelheaded, or else my mom will take over. If that happens, you’ll end up naked at your coronation, or worse, if my husband takes responsibility, he’ll give it to my mom three days later. Do you know what I mean?“

Marinette nodded. “I know, but sometimes things will just happen. But other times, you have to work for them, you know? As long as you don’t give up on it, it will work out. I promise.”

“Hah–usually I’m the one giving the pep talks. Thank you, Marinette, I-I really needed that. How about you go and…meet up with some of your friends? No use in talking to a boring old lady any longer. Go on!“ she said, motioning towards the door.

Marinette turned back and smiled. “Um...bye, I guess!” she murmured, waving.

                                                     -🌸-

“So, Alya, when’s Mari getting back from breakfast with her peeps?” Nino asked as they walked down the street.

“I don’t know. I’ll text. If she replies, she’s free. If she doesn’t, she’s still the–“

“Hey guys, what’d I miss?“ Marinette asked, appearing in front of them. he screamed. “Where did you come from?“

“Brunch.“

“Marinette? You’re already done? We were about to go check out some of the tourist shops.“ Alya remarked, scrolling through something on her phone. Nino rolled his eyes.

“We were going to text you, but since you’re already here, what do you want to do?“ he questioned. Marinette fidgeted with her dress.

“Actually, that sounds fun. Which ones were you thinking?“

“Um, there’s actually one right there.“ Nino said, pointing around her to a shop with neon signs covering the whole window. “It looks fun.“

“So let’s go!“

They walked into the shop, the door jingling cheerfully behind them, and immediately things started catching their eyes. “Oh. My. God. Nino, are you seeing these?” Alya blurted. “They have Carapace merch. We’re world famous!”

Marinette was examining a bracelet with plastic rhinestones on it. “This looks like the bracelet from yesterday’s museum. Isn’t it pretty?” She dug through the bin. “Oh, they have other replicas, too? Awesome.”

Nino walked around, perusing the shelves, not really finding anything that sparked his interest. He picked up a trinket here and there, maybe checked a price tag, but wasn’t very interested. But then he saw it.

“An authentic OctoInk ‘I ain’t callin’ you a truther’ t-shirt? The printing block had an extra line, and only 47 of these were made!“

“Dude.“ Alya and Marinette whispered simultaneously.

“Um, how much is this shirt?“ Nino asked innocently, showing it to the girl at the register. She looked up uninterestedly, blowing a bubble with her gum.

“8 yuan.“ She scoffed. “Like that thing would sell for any more.“

“Hey, this is a nearly one-of-a-kind piece that–mmph!“

“Don’t tell her it’s supposed to be expensive!“ Alya hissed in his ear. “That’s the opposite of what you do!“

Wayzz poked him from his pocket. “She is not wrong, Nino. Purchase the shirt for eight yuan, if it makes you so happy.”

“I’ll take it.“ he said. Marinette put her bracelet on the register with an ‘eh, what the heck?‘ sort of expression. Alya placed a tiny glass turtle on the counter, and Nino felt a flush spreading over his face.

Alya smiled.

                                                    -🌸-

“So, Marinette, why did you get that bracelet?“ Alya asked once they had left the shop. “It looks pretty real, but you have way nicer jewelry at home. Like the necklace you wore this morning?“

“Yeah, but this one looks like the one from the museum. I know it seems silly, but it feels special.“ she said, twisting it around her wrist.

“Nah, I get it. And speaking of special, here comes a special little liar.“

Marinette’s head straightened immediately. “Aw, shit. And here I was thinking this would be a nice day.“

“Oh, hello, Marinette!“ Lila purred, snaking into the space between Nino and her. “I love your bracelet. It looks expensive…“ and with that, she sauntered away, all other interactive possibilities completely wasted.

“Well, that went better than I’d hoped.“ Nino chuckled.

“Ooh, Nino, there’s an art gallery! Want to check it out?“

“Sure thing, babe!“ He turned to Marinette. “Wanna come?“

“You can go without me, I’m going to get a bite to eat.“

“But–didn’t you just get back from–never mind.“ They walked into the gallery, chatting about who-knows-what.

Marinette spun around, and immediately someone on a blue bike yelled a split second before they knocked her over.

“Aaaack, my bike!” A male voice yelled. Marinette tried to open her eyes and stood up. A pale boy with bangs that hung over his eyes stared at her. “Sorry, I guess…”

Marinette stared back. “Okay?” she whispered. Maybe it wasn’t going to be a free day after all.

Just as she was about to ask for his name, her stomach growled like an angry Godzilla.

He chuckled.

“You wanna grab a bite? I know a place.“

“Sure. What’s your name?“

“Jianyu.“

“Marinette.“

He opened the door to a little sandwich restaurant and walked in, but let it swing shut behind him in Marinette’s face. Rude. Once they were seated and Marinette was starting to get a little annoyed at him–it was like he didn’t even notice her–he decided it was time to order.

Jianyu snapped at one of the waitresses to get her attention and whistled to get her to come over. She walked over with a pained expression on her face, then plastered on a smile.

“How may I help you today?“

“I’ll have pork dumplings and a Pepsi, the lady’ll have the chicken salad.“

“Actually, I was going to get–“ Marinette started.

“Sorry, sweetheart.“ he said, shoving the waitress away and turning back to her. “But why don’t you tell me a little bit about yourself while she’s gone?“

I know that when I’m crowned princess, I’ll kick your scrawny ass, she thought. But she didn’t say that–in fact, she didn’t say anything, just got up from her chair and knocked Jianyu’s water glass down his front.

She swept out of the store before she could hear his cursing.

Yeah, that date was over.

And–being Marinette–as soon as she stormed out of the restaurant, she slammed into a cute girl with her wavy black hair in a ponytail, wearing leggings and a red hoodie.

“Oh, no, are you alright?“ she gasped, checking Marinette over for injuries.

“I’m fine.“ Marinette grumbled. She wasn’t in the mood to meet anyone else she bumped into, not if they were going to be like him.

“You don’t sound fine. I’m Chuntao.“

“Oh–um, I’m Marinette. Little tip, don’t go in there unless you like being catcalled.“

Chuntao frowned. “Hm. I think my brother told me he was going there for lunch–I wouldn’t put it past him to do that.“ She walked in and came out a second later, dragging Jianyu out by the ear.

“What do you have to say for yourself?“

“Marinette!“ he shouted. “I didn’t do anything! Back me up!“

“You called me ‘sweetheart’.“

“Mom’s gonna kick your ass,“ Chuntao growled, letting go of Jianyu’s ear. He scampered away, and she turned back to Marinette, rubbing her temples.

“I’m so sorry for him, but you seem like a really cool person. Can I get your number?“

“Y-yeah, totally!“ Marinette swapped phones with Chuntao, slightly dazed. She handed her phone back and waved.

“Thanks, Marinette! Text me later!“ She yelled, jogging away.

“See you…”

“So, who was that?“ Alya asked, appearing at her shoulder.

“Waugh! Alya! You know…maybe we should sit down first.“

                                                        -🌸-

“So…what if I’m gay?“

Alya and Nino simultaneously choked on their drinks.

Alya dabbed at her face with a napkin. “Marinette, darling, may I know the circumstances that have led you to entertain this line of inquiry? Because what the fuck?”

“Tell me all about her.” Nino said, resting his chin in his hands.

“Well, she saved me from a really sucky dude,“

“Hm. So she’s already a nice person.“ Alya remarked.

“And she’s super pretty,“

“So are you, honestly. But that’s off-topic.“

“And I haven’t had a real crush on a boy, like, ever,“

“And you went out with Kagami a few months ago, too. That settles it, Marinette! You are most definitely likely probably gay!“ Nino announced, raising his virgin Piña Colada in a toast.

Alya clinked her Shirley Temple against Marinette’s glass. “So, Marinette, it’s your free day. Only 48 hours until the coronation. How are you feeling?”

“Honestly, I d–“

“Hands in the air!“ an amplified voice screamed. “You’re under arrest!“

.

Tags: @professionalfangirl1738 @kuroko26 @k-poplunardreams @smolplantmum @heaven428 @briareris @dnsakina @purplesundaze @bloodydragon000 @mimika-28 @strawberrycheesecakebar @k-laconia-bug1@kristycocopop @abrx2002 @wannajointhecrabcult @mochegato @lozzybowe @ozwaltwashere @flufflepuffle296 @fandom-trapped-03 @nanakeid @hetalia-lover-is-here @futursworld @pale-lady-dreamer @susiej1118 @lostinthewrongfandom @fantasyfandommaiden @aestheticnpoetic @feliciakainzofspades @schrodingers25 @echpr

[kindahoping4forever]

All I Want For Christmas Is You // Ashton Irwin

Day 3 of Hoe For The Hoe-lidays! I hope everyone is enjoying the event so far, we’re having a lot of fun! Please be sure to let us know what you think either via ask or in your tags if you’re a kind reblogging soul 😉

Stay tuned today for a new Cal blurb from Cass on her @cal-puddies​​ blog and as always, each new piece will be linked on the masterlist below.

Warnings: Oh you know, just gifting Boyfriend!Ash with some good old fashioned road head for the holidays 😌

Word Count: 1785

Hoe For The Hoe-lidays Masterlist

Masterlist // Taglist and Ko-Fi linked above

Let  me  know  what  you  think!

“I would’ve taken you to get some real coffee if you’d asked,” Ashton comments grumpily.

You ignore his negativity, pecking his cheek. “It’s good! I mean it’s still gas station coffee but it’s not flavored or anything. Unsweetened and disgusting, exactly what you like,” you cheerfully reply, sitting the drinks in the cup holder.

When he’d heard you were planning to travel a couple hours away to pick up a gift you wanted to give your mother for Christmas, he eagerly offered to accompany you on your journey, even volunteering to drive.

The trip there went smoothly; he picked you up early, you stopped for breakfast along the way and had fun singing Christmas songs, sharing holiday memories and enjoying each other’s company. You’ve only been dating since the summer so every new fact you learn about each other is fascinating and the idea of spending time together is even more novel as the holiday season unfolds.

The rest of the trip, however, is a different story: you got caught up at your destination and your one-stop shopping trip turned into a multi-store, multi-hour tour of the mall, putting your return trip smack in the middle of rush hour traffic.

You'd hoped that your suggestion of pulling off the freeway to fill up the tank would’ve helped either his mood or the traffic but as you plop back in the passenger seat, wincing at the latest traffic delays, you concede your plan may have failed.

“That bad, huh?” Ashton guesses, seeing your face as he starts the car back up.

“Yeah… traffic looks pretty light if you skip the freeway and take the streets, though,” you offer positively.

“Traffic’s light because no one’s taking the streets unless they have to,” he scoffs. “Long stretches of road without anyone or anything nearby and it’ll add at least another hour, if not more to our trip.” He runs a hand through his long hair and over his tired face, scratching at his beard, frustrated.

You’re not used to him like this, so pessimistic and combative. You respond, much quieter than before, “Just thought it’d be better than white knuckling through another hour of bumper to bumper.”

He immediately notices your change in demeanor and reaches over to squeeze your knee. “Hey... you know I’m not mad at you, right? It’s just been a long day and stuff like this makes me a little crazy,” he explains.

“I know… I’m just sorry I turned this into a way bigger deal than you thought it was going to be, I didn’t mean to take up your whole day,” you shrug.

“I offered you my day, baby,” he corrects. He takes a sip of his iced coffee and makes a displeased face, yet keeps drinking it. “We haven’t seen each other much lately and I’m not gonna see you at all for the holidays so I’m not complaining about a few extra hours with you.”

He laces his fingers with yours, bringing them to his face to place a kiss on your knuckles. He gets back on the road and it takes less than 10 minutes of freeway traffic for Ash to agree with you about taking the alternate route.

His disposition may have lightened but he’s clearly not in the mood to talk so you flick the radio to the local Christmas music station. You hear him take a deep, steadying breath but don’t think anything of it as you quietly sing to yourself while you sip your coffee and answer texts.

The music simply exists in the background, neither of you paying it much mind until the opening tinkles of Mariah Carey’s “All I Want For Christmas Is You” sound out through the speakers. You excitedly sit up in your seat to sing along but notice your boyfriend clenching his jaw, gripping the steering wheel as if his life depends on it.

You get through the first verse before you steal another glance at Ash and he looks inexplicably, comedically furious. You don’t want to push your luck based on the day you’ve had but you can’t imagine what the issue is. “Um, babe? Everything alright?” You tentatively ask, turning the radio down.

He takes another deep breath and says as evenly as he can manage, “Sweetheart. You know I care about you. You know I want you to be happy. I love when you’re happy. Nothing makes me happier than when you’re happy. But I swear to fucking GOD if I have to hear that fucking song one more fucking time I’m going to lose my goddamn fucking mind.”

You can’t help but burst out laughing. “What?!”

“Baby, it was on the radio a few times on the trip there, we heard it at the breakfast place, every goddamn store in the mall played it. I’m at my wit’s end," he insists.

“Was my rendition really that bad?” You joke.

A grin threatens to creep up his cheeks but he remains stoic. “Just trying to get us back to our respective homes with my mind and body in one piece.”

“Homes plural? I don’t even get to invite you in to make up for how today turned out?” You tease, walking your fingers up his thigh.

“You're not ready for a break from a grinch like me?” He asks with a faint smile. You feel a rush of serotonin shoot through you when you see the sparkle back in his eyes.

“Aww, I’m pretty sure I know a way to raise your holiday spirit,” you smirk as your hand settles on his crotch.

"That so?" He laughs coyly, enjoying the build up.

You drape yourself over his seat, attaching your lips to his neck while you palm him. "Long stretches of road without anyone or anything nearby?" You quote his words back to him as you hastily undo the button and zipper of his jeans. "Sounds like a perfect opportunity to help relieve some holiday stress."

Ashton inhales sharply as you pull him out of his boxers, attentively massaging his tip between your thumb and forefinger. "You know you don't have to do this just because of earlier, baby," he states softly.

You press a soft kiss to his cheek before ducking down to lick a long stripe all the way up his shaft, suckling gingerly at the head when you reach it. You let your spit collect in your mouth and fall onto him when you pull off to say, "Oh, I meant I'm doing this to relieve my stress but you're right, I can see how this would help you out too."

He laughs loudly and you think there may not be a sweeter sound in the world - at least not until you hear the awed way he mutters your name when you slowly slide your mouth down his cock, almost making it all the way to his balls before you start to choke and pull up.

You hollow your cheeks and bob your head, tongue working him over in your mouth just how you've learned he likes. His hand rests gently on top of your head, occasionally tangling his fingers in your hair but careful to never apply pressure. It enters your mind that part of you wishes he would and you moan around him at the thought.

Ash can't help but quickly cast his eyes down to take a peek; he groans loudly at the sight of you in his lap with his cock nearly buried in your throat. You swirl your tongue around him as you pull up, hand cradling his balls.

"God, baby… feels so good… your mouth is fucking heavenly," he sighs breathlessly.

You press your legs together at his praise, regretting you didn't wear that skirt you'd considered this morning, wishing there was some way you could relieve the ache between your thighs before you got home.

He must've noticed your struggle because suddenly he's asking, "Being such a good girl turning you on, baby? How wet has sucking me off made you?"

You whine, pulling off with a loud pop. "Ash… been wet since I first thought to do this," you admit, stroking him while you catch your breath.

"Poor baby," he replies with a smirk. "Can you behave and wait to cum until we get back? Or are you so desperate for my cock that I'm gonna have to pull over and fill you in the middle of this goddamn highway?"

Your head spins, overwhelmed by arousal. "Only ever wanna be good for you," you whimper, sloppily kissing up and down his length. "Wanna be good and make you cum." Your declaration has barely left your lips before you're sucking him again, with renewed intent.

"Fuck, baby, yes… wanna give you my cum, you deserve it," he babbles as your mouth works him, up and down, up and down.

You pull up to pump him again and out of the corner of your eye, you notice his blood moon tattoos practically jumping off his skin with how tightly he's beginning to grip the steering wheel.

Before you even have a chance to teasingly comment, Ashton's breath hitches and with a sharp cry of your name, his cock is suddenly throbbing in your hand, cum shooting up and onto the shoulder of your sweater.

You giggle in shock but act quickly, moving to try and get him back in your mouth, a task made difficult by the forceful pulses of his orgasm; you can't help but moan as you feel the stripes of hot cum hit your cheek before you're able to wrap your lips around him, sucking the final drops from his tip.

He finally lets out an exhausted huff, followed by an elated chuckle. "Jesus, baby, I'm sorry," he apologizes, looking over in disbelief as you shift back to your seat, trying not to make a mess of the car, digging through the glove box for tissues. "That came out of fuckin' nowhere."

You wipe your face, snickering, "You're telling me." You use your water bottle to dampen a tissue and start carefully dabbing at the stain on your sweater. "To be fair, you did say you wanted to give me your cum. So. Mission accomplished, pal."

He cackles, stealing another glance at you, unsure if this memory will ever leave his mind. "Gonna make you feel so fucking good when we get back," he promises breathlessly.

"Decided to come over to mine after all, then?" You tease with a smile.

Ash squeezes your knee. "I've got favors to return, my dear," he giggles. "Plus, we need to go online so you can pick out the new sweater I clearly need to give you for Christmas."

————-

Taglist issues again so my apologies if you get notif’d more than once (or not at all)

@mymindwide​ @suchalonelysunflower​​ @pxrxmoore​ @loveroflrh​ @ghostofmashton​ @sexgodashton​ @feliznavidaddycal​  

@castaway-cashton​ @ashtonlftv​ @cashtonasfuck​ @megz1985​ @ashdork-irwin​ @angelicfluffs​ @findingliam-o​ @youngbloodchild​  @irwinsbetch​ @everyscarisahealingplace​

@wiildflower-xxx​ @metalandboybands​​  @realisticnotes​​  @makeamovehemmings​​ @golden166​​ @burstintocolor​​

@mfartzzz​​ @babyoria​​ @petunias-pet​ @youngblood199456​​ @notinthesameguey​​ @seanna313​​  @zhangyixingxing1​​ @stardust-galaxies​​  @zackoid​​

@lovelybonesetc​​ @xsongxbirdx​​ @justhereforcalum​​   @ashtonangst​

@laura66sos​​ @calumrose​​ @karajaynetoday​​  @pilunb​​ @jazzyangel242​​ @babylon-corgis​​  @heyheyhaleyd​​ @calmsweetcreature​​

@spicycal​​ @talkfastromance4​​  @holystxne​​

@meetmedowntown​​ @myloverboyash​​

@irwindoll​​ @cheekysos​​ @carrielfisher​​ @lukedorkyhemmings​​ @creampiecashton​​ @lovelywordsblog​​

@trix-arent-for-kids @uh-huhh-honey @tobefalling @aladyofalbion @likehuhdude

@curlycalums​​  @cxddlyash​​  @reddesert-healourblues​​

@fedorable-killjoys​​  @iamcalumswhore​​   @i-like-5sos​​   @Too-et-moi215

@photochic18  @kouska901 @Indermeow  @dantord

[innuendostyles]

Your from the UK right??? Not to make u sad but imagine going to Asda with Ben at 2 in the morning (u only went for some milk) and u end up coming out with almost the entire shop in ur trolley 😂😂 Happens to the best of us

YAY

“We’re only going for milk.” He quietly mumbled as he aimed the keys at the car and pressed the lock button, hearing the sound of the mechanisms working to ensure the car wouldn’t get stolen from the car park. He held his hand out for you to take before he crossed the zebra crossings, giving a silent nod to a car that’d stopped so the two of you could pass.

It was a gentle reminder but also a jest at himself, considering the last time he’d gone to Asda this late, he’d returned home with a new DVD player for your living room, an abundance of on-sale Easter chocolate, and a DIY friendship bracelets set (it was located in the 6 years and over section, but he wouldn’t tell anyone that part.)

The bracelets aforementioned had been tied to your wrists for a month and a half now, yours was a braided black, white and yellow band while his was black, white and red. He somehow matched his outfit, black jogging bottoms, a red Nike hoodie and the best part of all…. socks with sliders. You’d claim that if he wore those out of the house, you’d pretend not to know him, but later decided that it was more endearing than embarrassing. His socks were black with red love hearts printed all over them, some you’d got him for Valentine’s Day as he claimed that “a pair of socks is the best present you could ever buy a man.”

You, on the other hand, wore a pair of black leggings, paired with an extremely worn “Rolling Stones 1979 Tour” acid wash t-shirt. Ben had insisted that you wear one of his jackets, given the fact that your local Asda always seemed to be freezing around this time, so it was topped off with a navy blue Nike Air Max windbreaker. Your fluffy bed socks really pulled the outfit together.

You each had one of Ben’s AirPods in your ear, currently listening to a song by The Lumineers, one that Ben described to you as making him feel as if he was “running down a sandy beach trying to get to you.” His pinky finger slid around your pinky finger as he strayed to the shelter where all the trolleys (shopping carts) were located.

He always pushed the trolley, claiming his driving skills were better than yours, but you knew the only reason he enjoyed pushing them so much was so he could “fly down the aisles”, an act in which he would push the cart extremely fast when there was nobody near you, and lift his feet from the ground, letting the cart take all his weight.

The song ended and changed to a Snoop Dogg song, to which you quirked an eyebrow, asking, “What fucking playlist is this?” with a laugh.

You walked through the sliding doors, Ben already getting distracted by some plants that were on clearance at the front doors, silently placing 2 small plant pots with some sort of pink flower in the middle into the cart.

There was a display as soon as you entered the shop floor, a large green cardboard cut out of the grinch, next to it sitting a handful of Christmas DVD’s, letting all the customers know that they could “Buy 1 Christmas DVD and receive a free 9” pizza”. Ben’s eyes immediately lit up, turning his head towards yours as he exclaimed that Christmas films and food are two of his favourite things ever. You shook your head in disbelief as you picked through the DVD’s, most of them being new and animated films you’d never heard of.

You were looking for one in particular, though you had little faith that it would be in the same pile as these cartoon ones. Ben loved The Nativity, one of the funniest Christmas films in the world, he reckons. He thought Martin Freeman was one of the best actors ever, and that along with Marc Wootton, it had to be the best film ever.

You rifled through the array of cases, finally picking out a white cover that read, “The Nativity!” You placed it in the cart, seeing Ben’s eyes light up as he bounced up and down in excitement, like a child.

“Can we get pepperoni on the pizza? Please!” He whined, earning a “yes” from you, to which he skipped down the aisle and giggled like a schoolboy.

You reached the fridges, Ben picking up 2 pints of milk and putting them in the trolley before giving an accomplished nod.

“Can we ‘ave a look at some vinyls?” He asked, with a pleading pout that he knew always won you over.

“Ooh, yeah actually, Gwil said he wanted the Hamilton vinyl a couple of weeks ago. Might be a good present, yeah?” You suggested, knowing it would result in Ben realising he hadn’t yet bought Christmas presents for any of his friends yet, something you’d been trying to gently remind him of for the last couple of weeks.

You made your way to the music section, getting distracted by anything and everything you could find. Ben was clinging onto a t-shirt with a green dinosaur on it, lit up by Christmas lights with a star on top of its head, the phrase “Tree-Rex” printed underneath it.

He held up the knitted fabric to you, and you both whispered, “Joe.” at the exact same time. It was folded and placed into the cart.

A pack of 250 small Christmas cards was the next thing to grab your attention, Ben telling you that the two of you “had to send the neighbours a card this year, considering the amount of times they’ve had to endure foolish giggles and the  creaky bed really late at night!” You’d simply nodded with a chuckle, though he didn’t put them in straight away. He noticed the box had been busted open at the top and went on a hunt for an unopened box. He reached his arm all the way back into the shelf, jokingly asking you to hold his hand so he didn’t get lost. He finally grabbed a pack, throwing them into the trolley from about a meter away and doing a celebratory dance when they went in.

One of the lights overhead flickered, which caused Ben to turn to you with an over-exaggerated gasp, claiming “Asda is haunted!!!!” and running away from you frantically. You guffawed at his antics, lightly jogging after him while trying to catch your breath from laughing.

After collecting your pizza on the way to the music section, Ben made a quick turn down the homeware section. He browsed the cushion cases, holding up a few colours and patterns that he thought may match your living room sofa, all of which received a horrified glare from you (this was the exact reason you didn’t let him take the lead when you decided to start decorating your flat together… his first suggestion was warm brown walls with a stripy turquoise and black sofa…)

He reached the mirror section, finding an extremely large plain mirror, with no frame, slowly running his finger over the edge of it.

“Might buy us this for Christmas.” He stated.

Your brows raised in confusion, tilting your head to tell him you were unsure why he’d said it.

“One of them naughty mirrors…… when you put it on the ceiling so I’d be able to see everything when you’re ridi-“  your hand quickly shot over his mouth, your eyes widening as you took in what he meant. You could feel his lips sporting a smirk beneath your palm. You shook your head and giggled along with him.

“C'mon babe… know you’d love seeing this juicy cheeks every time I’m on top of you…” you lightly smacked his chest and delivered a sharp, yet humorous, “enough!”.

Once you’d finally made it to the music section, Ben appeared to be in his element. He’d picked up the Hamilton vinyl for Gwilym, as well as a new Ariana Grande record for Lucy. He was eyeing up Taylor Swift’s newest release, hoping you wouldn’t notice when he slipped it into the cart. He groaned when you looked him directly in the eyes and shook your head with a knowing smile on your face.

“I was gonna give you that for Christmas! Now you’ve ruined the surprise!” He whined with a pout.

“You are all I want for Christmas.” You replied, already cringing wondering if anyone else had heard you.

He, too, shook his head, but still gave you a quick kiss on the cheek to show his appreciation for you.

The next aisle was the clearance aisle. This was a dangerous one for Ben. His Mum had always taught him “never to pass up a bargain, cause you’ll see it one day, regret not buying it, go back the next day and it’ll be gone!”.

Within 5 minutes of browsing the shelves, he’d picked up a large Christmas-themed Yankee Candle gift set for his brother, a turkey-shaped dog toy for Frankie (this one you’d suggested) as well as a pack of 3 photo frames and a new flower vase for his mum.

Walking to the checkout was always a dangerous game, as the bakery part of the shop was located right next to all the tills. He’d always claim to be “just looking” while you unloaded the trolley onto the moving belt so the cashier could scan your items, and most times he only came back with a box of flapjacks or at the most, 2 jam donuts and a reduced fat chocolate eclair cake.

What you weren’t expecting today, however, was for your boyfriend to return with a basket he’d picked up from somewhere, filled with pastries and cakes that made your mouth water.

“These’ll be alright til Christmas Eve won’t they? Can watch Nativity with our little pizza ‘n then fill ourselves wi’ these after? Yeah?” You didn’t really get a chance to reply before the food was placed down onto the belt. You’d never seen him so happy with himself, thinking he’d just come up with the best idea in the entire world, even though you’d done basically the same thing for the last 2 years of spending Christmas together.

The cashier gave you your total, a whopping £110, even though you’d originally come in for 2 pints of milk, which should’ve brought your total to around…. £3.

He shook his head with a small smile as he took his card out of his wallet, swiping it over the reader and thanking the lady when she gave him his receipt. He rolled the trolley out onto the car park, you following closely behind telling him to unlock the car so you’d be able to hear the beep it made and find it, considering how dark it was outside. After locating the vehicle, he gently placed all the items in the backseat, taking extra care to make sure the pizza was cushioned by Joe’s new shirt and Frankie’s new toy. He dropped the trolley back off at the shelter before getting into the car, strapping his seatbelt and turning the radio on.

Paul McCartney’s “Wonderful Christmastime” filled the speakers, causing Ben to let out a quiet, “What a fuckin’ banger!”.

You couldn’t resist the urge to lean over and give him a peck on the cheek and a ruffle of his hair. You simply were having a wonderful Christmas time.

[taleofharrison]

Mistletoe | Calum Hood

Summary: Calum admits his feeling for reader

Warnings: and they were roommates, friends to lover cliche fluff

Requested: No jthis is for the Christmas Celebration so...​

Word Count: 754 (baby)

A/N: Well I got inspiration for this while listening to Christmas music I really love this is sweet and simple and hope you enjoy

MASTERLIST HERE | Michael | Luke | Ashton

“Why are you doing this?” Calum asked making his way into the living where you were setting up the Christmas tree.

“It’s Christmas season!” you simply said.

It was the first week of December and you didn’t feel festive at all, the flat you now shared with Calum felt sad and empty without the classic Christmas tree and lights around the house, so you took out all the decorations that were now in boxes around the living room and you also took a trip to the store to get even more decorations while he was at the studio.

“I know that” he stated “but isn’t it a little bit early to put up a tree and shit”

“Don’t be a grinch” you teased “we could use some holiday cheer up in here”

“I’m not being a grinch” he said “I’m just saying that November literally finished yesterday”

“Oh, now you care about dates” you said in a playful tone.

Calum chuckled it wasn’t uncommon of him to forget the date and month since the pandemic began, and the schedule he had grown accustomed thanks to the hectic life to band was now nonexistent. Promo concerts, interviews, meeting fans and tours became binge watching Netflix, working out and just taking time to rest.

He missed performing and his bandmates, but he liked this new normal too, especially the part where he got to spend it with you. The pandemic and spending this crazy reality with you confirmed him that the crush he had on you helped him understand that it wasn’t just a crush. He was in love with you, but he just couldn’t let you know that.

“Ok” he gave in “what do you want me to do?”

“Can you play Christmas music please?”

“Any requests?” he asked taking his phone from his back pocket.

“Last Christmas would be good” you replied “or just any song by glee”

Calum chuckled pressing play on Last Christmas glee version so you could have both your favorite Christmas song and a cover by glee playing at the same time.

“Thank you” you told him once you recognized the song playing “now help me get the lights”

Songs kept playing as you got the tree with more and more decorations and Calum put the stuff around the house, you broke an ornament while jingle bell rock was playing.

“It wasn’t my fault” you defended yourself cleaning it up.

“Sure” he looked at you with an amused look. He loved how clumsy you could be sometimes.

The only thing the tree was missing was the golden star on top and since the tree was taller than you, you let Calum have the honors of putting it. The last thing before you could sit with him and watch Christmas movies.

All I want for Christmas was playing now.

“And what do you want for Christmas this time?” he asked you once the tree was ready and completely decorated. It looked beautiful.

“The pandemic to be over” you laughed thinking how ironic it was his question given the song playing in the background “and you?”

“That’s a good wish” he agreed with a smile as he saw you walking back to the kitchen.

“Would it be cheesy if I said that all I want for Christmas is you?” he asked you again as you prepared two mugs with hot chocolate. It was a bold move of him, but he had to act on his feelings it had started to become a lot for him to handle.

“What?” this had to be a dream there no way your amazing roommate and best friend Calum felt the same way about you.

“Well, I’ve had this crush on you since who knows when never acted or did something about it” he explained “spending lockdown and all this madness with you made me realize it was more than just a crush I’m in love with you”

You stared at him speechless this was actually happening and you couldn’t believe that you weren’t dreaming he was admitting his feelings for you and you couldn’t help but smile and though your silence was worrying Calum a little too much, but that smile told him everything he needed to know, that smile he loved.

One I’ve been missing by Little Mix was playing now.

“So, can I kiss you now?”

“Don’t we need a mistletoe?” you teased.

He chuckled at your words pulling you closer and finally connecting his lips with you.

Who needs a mistletoe anyways?

[menshusband]

💌 romantic f/o’s

💍: engaged/married

Aesop Carl – Identity V ( videogame )

Anglaigus – Astérix: Le Domaine des Dieux ( film + comic )

Aziraphale + Crowley (poly) – Good Omens ( TV series )

B.E.N. – Treasure Planet ( film )

Bane – the Dark Knight Rises ( film )

Barbatos – Obey Me! ( videogame )

Barton – Alchemy Stars ( videogame )

Benjamin Dunn – Mission: Impossible ( films )

Bruno Madrigal – Encanto ( film )

Cage Lackmann – The Graves of Whitechapel ( book )

Caine – The Amazing Digital Circus ( yt series )

Calvin Evans – Lessons In Chemistry ( book + TV series )

Camilo + Carlos Madrigal (poly) – Encanto ( film )

Charon – Alchemy Stars ( videogame )

Chuck – Angry Birds ( films )

Clopin Trouillefou – Disney’s the Hunchback of Notre Dame ( films )

Cloudy – 7 Zwerge ( films ) 💍24.01.2021

Dan – The Voice In Your Head ( short film )

Diaval – Maleficent ( films )

Doppo Kunikida – Bungō Stray Dogs ( manga + anime )

Edward Nashton – DC universe

Ethan Green – Hatchetfield universe

Fix-it Felix Jr. – Wreck It Ralph ( film )

Francis Scott Key Fitzgerald – Bungō Stray Dogs ( manga + anime ) 💍09.06.2022

Fred Weasley – Harry Potter ( books and films )

Gabriel Adrian (nnic) – Hatchetfield universe

Grell Sutcliff – the Black Butler ( manga + anime )

Grinch – Dr. Seuss’ the Grinch ( film (2018) )

Hank Miller – OC

Harrison Knott – Press Play ( film )

Héctor Rivera – Coco ( film )

Henry Hidgens – Hatchetfield universe

Hermes – Disney’s Hercules ( film and cartoon )

Hickory – Trolls: World Tour ( film )

Highston – Highston ( TV series )

Howard Phillips Lovecraft – Bungō Stray Dogs ( manga + anime )

Jack – Red Shoes and the 7 Dwarfs ( film )

Jax – The Amazing Digital Circus ( yt series )

Joe Bradley – Roman Holiday ( film )

John Watson – BBC Sherlock Holmes ( TV series )

Johnathon Ohnn / the Spot – Marvel universe

Joker – DC universe

Julian Devorak – the Arcana ( videogame )

Kinger – The Amazing Digital Circus ( yt series )

Kio + Noki + Pino (poly) – Red Shoes and the 7 Dwarfs ( film )

Knuckles – Sonic universe

lieutenant Columbo – Columbo ( TV series )

Lucifer - Obey Me! ( videogame )

Lucio Morgasson – the Arcana ( videogame )

Luigi – Nintendo universe

Luke – The Strangers: Prey at Night ( film )

Lumière – the Beauty and the Beast ( films )

Major Major Major – Catch-22 ( miniseries )

Marcus Cubitus – Astérix universe ( animated films )

Mark Connor (nnic) – the Simple Plot of… ( music videos )

Megamind – Megamind ( film )

Miles Miller – Bad Times at the El Royale ( film )

Moon + Sun (poly) – Five Nights at Freddy's: Security Breach ( videogame )

Motojirō Kajii – Bungō Stray Dogs ( manga + anime )

Mountain Ghoul – Ghost ( band )

mr. Tumnus – The Chronicles of Narnia ( films )

Mugman – The Cuphead Show! ( cartoon )

narrator – The Stanley Parable ( videogame )

Nathaniel Hawthorne – Bungō Stray Dogs ( manga + anime )

Ned McDodd – Dr. Suess’ Horton Hears a Who! ( film )

Ōgai Mori 💍01.11.2022 + Yukichi Fukuzawa (poly) – Bungō Stray Dogs ( manga + anime )

Once-ler – Dr. Seuss’ the Lorax ( film (2012) ) 💍24.07.2022

Owen Taylor – The Starling Girl ( film )

Pasunmotdeplus – Astérix aux Jeux Olympiques ( film )

Patrick Waff + Peter Roghlow (poly) – @scimmy's OCs

Peter Graham – Hereditary ( film )

Rhett Abbott – Outer Range ( TV series )

Robert Floyd – Top Gun: Maverick ( film )

Roy – Alchemy Stars ( videogame )

Snake – the Bad Guys ( film )

Spiderman Noir – Marvel universe

Stanley Uris – IT ( films (2017-2019) )

Steel – Speedy Ninja ( videogame )

Stephen Meeks – Dead Poets Society ( film )

Swiss Army Ghoul – Ghost ( band )

Tadashi Hamada – Big Hero 6 ( film )

Ted Spankoffski – Hatchetfield universe

Thomas Keefer – The Caine Mutiny Court Martial (2023) ( film )

Thranduil – the Hobbit ( films )

Timon – the Lion King ( films )

tin man – Legends of Oz / Fantastic Journey to Oz ( films )

Tulio – the Road to El Dorado ( film )

V – V for Vendetta ( film )

Victor Van Dort – Corpse Bride ( film )

Vincenzo Santorini – Atlantis: the Lost Empire ( films )

[baddly-well-done-translations]

Who is (and who was) who in Marilyn Manson | by Lala Toutonian (Madhouse magazine N°84, year 1997)

A very normal family

  Stop with the Reverend, for Satan’s sake! It’s the turn of the rest of the band, those relegated who maintain a lower (although not less controversial) profile. It’s difficult growing behind the shadow of such a character as Marilyn Manson, because of that is essential to maintain a spiritual strength and a fire-proof constancy. Here, an article (with the most solicited data) about the members and opus of the group which has most given to talk in this time.

Twiggy Ramirez: androginous (but sexual)

  The second place in the category which refers to a visual phenome, is undoubtedly for the androginous bassist. Twiggy Ramirez is only one step away from taking the name of Antichrist Superstar, as his mentor. 

  “I pretend trying to break that barrier between what’s femminine and masculine” says the one who insists with dresses; “I think I had my first erection the day I put on my mother’s undergarments. It’s a part of me which feels comforted with that, as so many other people. Obviously I’m not a hermaphrodite, although people believe so. There’s a very thin line between hetero, bi, and homosexual”.

  His thing is terminant. “We’re here to change today’s mainstream because it’s very mediocre. There was a time in which music wasn’t exciting anymore, there wasn’t a single one rockstar, it depressed me. I’m proud of being part of the mainstream now, somebody had to change it, turn it more exciting”. 

  He asegurates his thing was there since his mother’s womb. “She danced in a cage for the Kinks and Leslie West’s band”. His father could be the legendary guitarist West or Ray Davies from the Kinks: “I grew up surrounded by music. I lived with an aunt who was a groupie and very friend of the Ramones. I remember she hung up with one from the Bee Gees too”. If he hadn’t got success with music, he assegurates he’d be a prostitute. 

  And he continues with polemic themes: “I was raised without religion, I’ve never been cristian or satanist, I’m nothing”. He’s a rockstar: “Our music is so straight forward… There’s a group of idiots who simulate they don’t want to be rockstars, like if they felt pity for themselves. We’re the exception. The last time I talked with my mother, she told me little boxes with pubic hair were arriving at the house. I thought it was spectacular. Someone has to raise and care for those children. If their parents raise them, they’ll be just like us”. 

  Twiggy’s musical career started in primary school. He started playing violin because of a Star Wars film. In secondary school days, “Shout at the Devil” by Mötley Crüe and “Stay Hungry” by Twisted Sister were the albums which had most amazed him and the ones which ended up being decisive in his career. “Dr. Hook and the Medicine Show” was his first band: “A blend of country-wester disco with rockabilly bits”. 

  Ramirez met Manson in a Shopping Mall. “We had a band called ‘Mrs. Scabtree’ in which I dressed up as a black woman and sang. Then we started ‘Satan on Fire’, christian death metal group. I also sang and played guitar while Manson played the bass there. All these projects were while the creation of Marilyn Manson was taking place. He (Manson) played drums and bass, mostly so I could improve with guitar”. 

  Attracted by most dark metal genres “because of its message and rage”, Twiggy realized there was a lot of limitation, you couldn’t go further and the audience was minimal in this type of events. 

  He was invited to join the band after the recording of “Portrait of an American Family” and after two rehearsal weeks, they went on tour. “First album was recorded as a live band. In ‘Smells Like Children’ most of the material were covers. Scarcely in the song ‘Scabs, Guns and Peanut Butter’ I could give my own musical idea”. 

  Until that moment nothing could prevent the path the “Antichrist Superstar” would take, although the creepy version of “Sweet Dreams” deatheached a rotten smell. Ramirez assegurates that while in the “Smells..” tour, Marilyn and him had the same dreams, so they started composing together because it seemed that inspiration had the same start point in common: “In those days we talked about telepathy. We knew what the other was thinking and what we pretended for every song”. 

  The recording process of “Antichrist Superstar” ended up being pretty stressful for Twiggy since the moment in which Daisy was fired out of the band: “I don’t really know what was up with Daisy, but I was feeling alone, I wasn’t contributing in anything. I was lucky that there was Trent (Reznor)” Twiggy, with Marilyn Manson, plus Madonna Wayne Gacy’s contributions, were some of the pillars that helped “Antichrist Superstar” being the success it is.

God’s chosen one

  The last thing the group’s members needed after the recording of Antichrist Superstar was having to search for a replacement for Berkowitz. But in the face of Daisy’s inability to get into the Manson family, they had to search for a six string player. This was in May 96’, and after a year they crashed into Zim Zum. While dozens of musicians paraded around Treznor’s house, the trio Manson-Ramirez-Gacy was acting as a judge while watching auditioning aspirants. 

  Although his name doesn’t derivate from a sex simbol and a murderer, the nickname has a particularity worthy of emphatize: the idea was taken from Hebrew. Zim Zum was the angel God had chosen to do the dirty work at the start of times; the same function was given to him by Mr. Manson while including him in the band. There are other dark sides in his ambivalent personality too: Tzimtzum refears, in cabbalistic terms, to the place God left for giving place to humanity. Also his name could be attributed to the serial assassin from the 60’s, called Raymond Zum. 

  From Illinois, Chicago, he worked for a long time in a guitar factory (In fact, three guitars of his are self-made). Apart of LSD (Life, Sex and Death), he had never participated in a band before. He debuted recording the live version of “Irresponsible Hate Anthem”.

A simple guy: Olivia Newton Bundy

  Brian Tutunick is an original member of the Spooky Kids, after the initial project of Marilyn Manson, he continued his career in Collapsing Lungs and now he plays in Nation of Fear: “Nation of Fear started in 1995 after the dissolution of Collapsing Lungs. This project really was in my plans before that Marilyn Manson thing, as something more industrial. But some members of the bands preferred hip-hop. Then I met DJ Grinch, who was a Collapsing fan, and we started Nation together”.  He assegures his thing is industrial, goth, alternative and a bit of rap and hardcore, everything blended with computers. 

  How was his history in Marilyn Manson? “Perry (Zsa Zsa Speck) and I were working on the Collapsing thing, and we were very friends. We had never made music before, but we wrote a lot of poetry. He started hanging out with Scott (Daisy Berkowitz) and recorded something like six tracks. That way they started Spooky Kids and I was asked if I wanted to be part of the project.  I joined them, although I always pretended returning to Collapsing. Everyone gave ideas about performance and the visual part, but Manson already knew what direction we had to take. Between 1989 and 1990 we had only five shows. Madonna was bizarre. When we quit off the band because we wanted to keep up with Collapsing, we told him to take charge of the samplers. He was an encyclopedia of bizarre acts”, tells Olivia. 

“I basically left the band because Manson and I have our own messages, someones in common, others not (...) I’m not on the musician's side. I hate musicians. I’m with entertainment, because of that I have more in common with a stripper than with Billy Joel”, concludes Wayne Gacy like if he wanted to make clear his mental lucidity. 

  Olivia practically doesn’t see the members of Marilyn Manson anymore, unless they met in a club or pub in the city. “Marilyn Manson is a shock rock band. They’re what they’re because they’re very controversial. There’s a thing I find particularly funny: religious groups which attentate in it’s shows. I consider that threatening a stadium full of kids with a bomb is a lot worse than a simple guy who’s trying to play his music”.  Simple? Guy?...

Leafing the Daisy

  When Daisy Berkowitz said goodbye to his peers in the middle of Antichrist Superstar’s production, fans were left totally shocked. After desperate searches by the press hand, he finally appeared, only to present Three Ton Gates, his new aggrupation. Now he’s heading towards the trial Manson initiated because of his composition’s rights. 

  “I wasn’t fired. I felt like I didn’t have credit for what I was doing and certainly not the opportunity of doing my music, while that was all I did between the first album and Smells Like Children. Manson didn’t accept any of the compositions I had for Antichrist Superstar. He only wanted ‘Wormboy’ and I felt deceived. He didn’t respect me. He changes opinions every five minutes, I’m not exaggerating. He was always searching for a sonorous personality and I contributed a lot in that field. When you write, you cannot simply transmit what you have in your head. He isn’t a musician, so he doesn’t understand that. He never appreciated my effort in creating a big sound unity”. 

  He assures Manson wanted to work with Twiggy and not with him, because the bassist took charge of the guitars after Daisy’s departure. “When I noticed I had only participated in a third part of the album, I decided to go away. They didn’t even include lots of guitars! They literally didn’t let me enter the studio, I only entered two times per week to do the basics with guitars. I played in five tracks: ‘Warmboy’, ‘Tourniquet’, ‘Mr. Superstar’ and ‘Antichrist Superstar’. Then they told me ‘Now you can leave’ and they hadn’t even ended the album. I realized I had to leave...“ laments Daisy. 

  He criticises the Reverend saying he had never had a band before and he doesn’t know what professionalism is. He doesn’t hang out with any of the band members now: “Nobody has even invited me to a show”. What does not being “Daisy Berkowitz” anymore feel like? “A bit better”, he tries to convince us. 

  The ones who want to contact the ex-Daisy, can do it at http://www.spookykids.com/threetongate (It’s a magazine from the ‘97, I hardly believe the page even exists now)

[makeste]

BnHA Chapter 242: SANTA IS REAL

Previously on BnHA: We said farewell to the League of Pliff and were finally reunited with the kids of U.A., an institution which I would just like to point out is so diametrical to the League that they literally took the polar opposite route when choosing their name, and focused only on the acronym. I’m 100% sure U.A. doesn’t even stand for anything. Anyway, so Bakugou and Todoroki went on whirlwind press tour following their ch 219 antics, and the resulting interviews were so disastrous that Aizawa decided to bring in Mt. Lady to give the whole class a crash course in PR 101. Meanwhile All Might scoured Ancestry.com for info on the past users of OFA, and Rat Principal announced that U.A. was going to resume its internship program. This is great news for Deku, who’s been taking his sweet time mastering Blackwhip. Like, we’re not even talking baby steps here so much as little tiny flea steps. Kid’s going to need all the help he can get.

Today on BnHA: Horikoshi targets all of my weak points at once. The My OT3 Academia arc gets off to an incredible, award-winning start with a Christmas party and the announcement of Internships 2: This Time, it’s Compulsory. Highlights include: (1) Kaminari and Mina forcing Bakugou to accept the spirit of Christmas into his heart and soul, (2) Iida rocking a Santa beard, (3) Eri holding a giant sword, (4) Bakugou reminiscing about his internship with Best MIA Jeanist, specifically the part where Jeanist was all “A HERO’S NAME IS REALLY IMPORTANT AND SYMBOLIC AND MEANINGFUL, SO YOU NEED TO THINK VERY CAREFULLY ABOUT IT” and oh my fucking god, and lastly (5) Todoroki inviting Bakugou and Deku to come intern with him at the Endeavor Hero Agency (known for its famous business slogan: “Got Plot?”). It’s like I wished on seventeen different falling stars and they all came true at once. I still can’t even fucking process this. kfkdslgk.

(All comments are my unspoiled reactions from my initial readthrough of the chapter. I did a quick edit for grammar and clarity immediately afterward, and added a few ETAs in the process, but aside from that there are no changes.)

I just got like three excited-seeming asks (I haven’t actually read them yet) in rapidfire succession less than an hour ago, and my dashboard is now filling up with filtered “bnha spoilers” posts, so I took this as a sign that I should read the new chapter ASAP. oh gosh

(ETA:

(1) SAMEEEEEE, and (2) YEEEEEEEEP. listen I’m not religious you guys, but I said “oh my god” so much while reading this chapter that I wouldn’t be surprised if he or she finally answers and is like, “YES!? WHAT IS IT???”)

what new state-of-the-art tomfoolery will our intrepid heroes engage in this week. what novel hijinks will they commence. what frivolous escapades will they embark on this lovely Friday morn?

HOMGAAAHHHHHH

THE TITLE IS LITERALLY MY FEELINGS RN. MERRY FUCKING CHRISTMAS TO ME. YES GOD I LOVE IT. I’LL TAKE A DOZEN

okay. so today, September 6th, is officially Christmas. you heard the man and who am I to argue

so we’re opening with a teacher’s meeting! probably about the internships. or the fact that they’re all screwed. I don’t really know what their priorities are nowadays

okay yeah it’s about the internships. also Rat Principal is nested in Aizawa’s scarf for absolutely no reason, and Aizawa is disgruntled about it. heh. tomfoolery already and it’s only the first panel

oh shit, Nezu’s saying it’s now a government requirement. I got so surprised I actually forgot to call him RP

because ain’t nothing safer than hero internships. if the Basement arc taught us nothing else. it’s that

that was sarcasm in case that’s not coming across. this is clearly a baffling decision. but what are government committees for if not for making baffling decisions I guess

and now Midnight is coming to the same conclusion I was starting to wonder at

can someone please tell me what the PSC’s goals actually are, then? is this not the same group that recently changed the rules of the provisional license exam so that an even smaller percentage of people would pass? so do you want more heroes or fewer? which is it?

how do they cope with it? does anyone even have any idea?? it seems to me like they’re just throwing them to the wolves. we have this problem that we have absolutely no idea what to do about, oh I know, let’s toss a bunch of inexperienced kids at it. and hope that none of them gets murdered I guess

anyway so The Sheriff is speculating that the League must have been involved in the Deika situation, and he’s wondering why the PSC is trying so hard to keep it on the dl

oh yeah. friendly reminder that the PSC, thanks to Hawks, probably knows exactly how powerful Tomura and the League have recently become. so they know full well how shark-infested the waters are, and they’re making it mandatory for the kids to all take swimming lessons. nice

lol back when I was brainstorming ideas for future arcs, I seriously thought Horikoshi would have to go out of his way to come up with excuses for the kids to have future encounters with the League, because the school was so concerned with their safety that they wouldn’t allow them to leave the grounds except on rare occasions. well I sure got that one wrong. though to be fair, for once it isn’t U.A. that’s doing the child endangering here

(ETA: and actually, regardless of how insane it is, I do appreciate that when shit inevitably hits the fan again, at least it won’t be U.A.’s fault this time. I’d like to be able to continue rooting for them, and that can be difficult when they keep doing reckless things that needlessly put children in danger. at least this time they’re not the ones driving the Stupid Bus to Bad Decision School.)

a message to who? the League?? “we’re not scared of you”?? did they seriously not think of all the numerous ways this could backfire?

oh shit Aizawa even went and said the d-word

well there you have it. the government is drafting teenagers to risk their lives dealing with a crisis they won’t out-and-out admit they’re actually having. on today’s episode of “Oh Hero Society, You’ve Got Problems”

anyway so RP is making the admittedly good point that “we’re fucked and everyone is in terrible danger” is hardly a new state of affairs for them these days, and so they’re all moving on. okay then. good talk. lol. gonna need my damn Christmas fluff after all of that

and also RP is mentioning some other mysterious new program to Aizawa too. I wonder what that could be

(ETA: oh yeah I almost forgot about this. thoughts??)

and now we’re cutting to “several days later” oh my god. it’s really happening. I need a moment here, I’m not even ready. gotta get all my Christmas headcanons lined up here. Satou baking cookies. Kaminari and Sero running around arm in arm singing “JINGLE BELLS, ALL MIGHT SMELLS” over and over at the top of their lungs until Bakugou screams at them to shut up. Mineta debating anyone who will listen over the merits of the song Baby It’s Cold Outside. the naturally Christmas-themed Todoroki savoring this, his time to shine

oh shit, we’re still with the fucking Rat Principal. for fuck’s sake

-- ooh but are they talking about the traitor??

will this put an end to the “Horikoshi forgot about it” rumors? several people have mentioned this to me here and there (sorry to everyone whose asks I still haven’t answered), but as far as I know, this was part of a fake interview with Horikoshi that was unfortunately circulated around as though it was the real deal. sometimes people are not cool and think it’s fun to take advantage of communities that are enthusiastic and trusting! always fact-check what you read on the internet just to be safe guys

anyway

so there definitely is one, then. got it

so the traitor is definitely a student in the hero class, then. got it

sob. I got an ask about the whole Kaminari traitor theory earlier this week, so I’m in the process of doing up a whole long post about that. but the cliff’s notes version is, it’s not him. it’s Hagakure. but I will actually go into detail in the post. it’s been a while since I’ve discussed the traitor thing in depth anyway

so RP is asking All Might if he’s coming back today, and All Might is immediately all “WHY, DID SOMETHING HAPPEN TO MY CHILD, OH GOD IS HE OKAY” which, omg. so much love for this man

and RP is like “geez relax” and OH MY GOD

[slaps on a paperboy cap and screeches at All Might in a bad cockney accent] TODAY, SIR?? WHY, IT’S CHRISTMAS DAY

OH MY GOD

I SPOT A GRINCH UP THERE AT THE TOP. SOMEONE NEEDS TO BE VISITED BY THREE GHOSTS FROM VARIOUS DIFFERENT TIME PERIODS

LITERALLY EVERY SINGLE CHILD (GREMLINS ASIDE) IS WEARING A SANTA CLAUS OUTFIT. DID U.A. JUST GIVE THESE OUT FOR FREE

AND IN THE TOP RIGHT NEXT TO SHOUJI, SATOU’S COOKIES! JUST AS THE PROPHECY FORETOLD

I SEE THEY HAVE THE REQUISITE KFC PLATTERS LIKE GOOD JAPANESE CITIZENS. WE SHOULD ADOPT THIS TRADITION HERE IN THE WEST TOO TBH

and last but not least, there are only nineteen children in this panel. it took me forever to figure out who was missing, but pretty sure it’s Iida. Iida where are you. clearly the traitor. certainly not off visiting his brother and the rest of his family, what kind of gullible fool do you take me for

looool

I love when the characters start to become self-aware that they’re the main characters in a story and that plot things keep happening to them at an unreasonable rate

oh my god they really are wearing the suits. it wasn’t just a title page gimmick like I half-wondered

ANSWER THE QUESTION, JIROU. INQUIRING MINDS WANT TO KNOW. do we even know where she did her first internship?? I suddenly desperately want to learn more about this

(ETA: she interned with Death Arms, the traffic cone-looking guy who notably chewed Deku out for trying to save Kacchan’s life in chapter one. Jirou my hope for you is that you find someone better this time around!)

also Tsuyu is observing that Momo doesn’t have a chair, and I honest-to-god was trying to count how much seating there was in the previous page. it seems to me like the common room got a lot bigger. it keeps adjusting to their needs like the room of requirement in Harry Potter

also does anyone else wish that Jirou would move her cup off of the armrest. IT’S GOING TO SPILL ffff :/ this is who I am at parties

oh shit wait, that was Iida with the beard?? I honestly thought that was Satou. well then Satou is the traitor. -- NOBODY TOUCH THOSE COOKIES!!

anyway so he’s all “well Deku not to bring up the elephant in the room but YOUR PREVIOUS MENTOR DIED A HORRIBLE DEATH so what’s your plan huh”

oh sweet god

listen, no offense to Centipeder, he seems like a really nice guy, but if I never see his repulsive face again I will count myself lucky

OH FOR FUCK’S

PLEASE GET RID OF IT IT IS CHRISTMAS!!! here I am trying to have a nice time and!!

god. and like, I feel bad, it’s not his fault he is A GIANT BUG and he has like, fucking mandibles and shit! but I can’t help the fact that my skin is trying to crawl off my body right now, and god but I can barely look at this panel long enough to read the dialogue sob why

(ETA: and now that I’ve forced myself to read it again, this doesn’t even make any sense lol. “we have too much work and not enough help, so we have to pass on you coming back to help us out. ...wait.”)

I want Iida to like. pat his lap and tell Deku in a big booming voice to cheer up and come sit and tell him what he wants for Christmas. not in a weird way you guys, come on. but just, he looks so forlorn. do you want Santa to bring you some cozy All Might socks

or wait, didn’t he want a PS Vita according to that one omake thing. what the fuck Deku. someone get this kid a Switch

anyway so Deku says that participation is mandatory this time, so the school will handle assignments if the kids aren’t able to find someone

meanwhile Kacchan is in the background accusing Mina of stalking him. I think she is trying to get him to wear his Santa outfit. doin’ god’s work

OH SHIT YOU GUYS I CLICKED TO THE NEXT PAGE, AND THIS. THIS IS MY CHRISTMAS OMFG

HORIKOSHI YOU DID GET MY LIST! BAKUGOU BEING TROLLED BY HIS SNEAKY DETERMINED FRIENDS AND MANHANDLED INTO A RIDICULOUS GETUP WHILST ANGSTING ABOUT BEST JEANIST BEING MISSING, YESSSSSS. IT’S SO SPECIFIC, I THOUGHT, “SURELY HE WON’T ACTUALLY DO IT,” BUT SANTA IS REAL, EVERYONE

HFMLSDKMGLKLKL!!!!!LKL:DSF

RED ALERT RED FUCKING ALERT PEOPLE!!! THIS IS NOT A DRILL!!! GET OUT OF THE WAY!!!!

AHHHHHHHHHH HOLY SHIT YOU GUYS

“MERRY CHRISTMAS MAKESTE HERE’S A WHOLE FUCKING CHAPTER ABOUT KACCHAN’S FUCKING HERO NAME COMPLETE WITH A BEST JEANIST META ON THE TOPIC” mother fucker I need to start reading these chapters with a goddamn life alert and a defibrillator on standby

“your name represents your wish.” ladies and gentlemen, introducing the new number one hero... Number One Hero!

heh. just kidding. “what do you want to become?” this, though. this right fucking here is why I’ve been dying to know what name he’ll actually choose. because it does reflect exactly what Jeanist is saying. whichever name he chooses will be an insight into who he is, and who he is trying to be

and this meta is making me rethink all my chapter 223 feels, and tbh now I’m back to thinking that it’s not going to be Ground Zero, unless he comes up with a cool reason for why that name ties in to the image of the person he wants to be (because right now, that particular name is tied more to the past than to the future). but oh my god, if he does choose the name Kacchan I am going to spontaneously combust. I will fucking do it. I will fucking die from being a dramatic excited bitch

(ETA: because. listen. there is one person who has always looked up to him in spite of everything and has always seen his potential. “in the end, in my mind, you’re the image of victory.” this, to me, is the meaning that the name “Kacchan” would have if he did choose it. it would symbolize him choosing to be his best self.)

don’t mind me I’m just stanning this child so fucking hard it hurts

(ETA: oh hey, and more feels on the reread because it looks like the reason he’s having this flashback is because he was planning to go back to Jeanist’s agency to do his real internship, and to show him how much he’s grown. but then The Thing happened. Hawks I just want to talk why won’t you answer my calls.)

Mina and Kaminari are the MVPs of this fucking chapter and I owe them my life omggggg. THEY’RE HERE TO SAVE CHRISTMAS

what are you thinking about there, Best Friend?

are you thinking about your daddy angst. penny for your thoughts

(ETA: “how can I cheer up my new best friend? I know, I’ll make him a lucrative job offer.” actually that’s a good way to cheer up just about anyone in this day and age, Shouto.)

okay, is there some sort of perverted context to Christmas that I’m totally missing here?? or is Mineta just really into the holiday spirit?

I feel like I missed something. eh

anyway Mr. Traitor himself is walking out now and HE’S BROUGHT THE CHRISTMAS GOOSE! or turkey! but goose sounded funnier

of all the things to be shocked about?? “SATOU CAN COOK!?!” like um yes hello you’ve been living with this guy for four months already? like the only thing more ridiculous than this would be, “TOKOYAMI IS A BIRD!?!”

(ETA: like I know baking and cooking are two different things, but in a manga they’re the same thing. fact.)

now someone is making a dramatic entrance! IS IT ERI I WILL DIE!!!! BRING IT

YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSS

I HEREBY SWEAR FEALTY TO THIS PANEL OF AN ADORABLY AND FESTIVELY DRESSED ERI MIXING UP HOLIDAYS WHILE DADZAWA PATIENTLY CORRECTS HER. I WILL PROTECT IT WITH MY LIFE. SOMEONE PLEASE TELL ME WHAT DID I DO TO DESERVE THIS CHAPTER SO THAT I CAN GO DO IT SOME MORE AGAIN, OVER AND OVER AND OVER

Ochako is me

(ETA: DEMONS OUT! DEMONS IN!! THAT’S WHAT IT’S ALL ABOUT!! YOU DO THE HOOOOOOOOKEY POKEY.)

and Kiri is out here asking the real questions, but sadly Aizawa says Mirio is spending Christmas with his own class. WELL FINE. I HOPE HE’S EXPERIENCING THE FOMO OF A LIFETIME. HOW DARE HE HAVE OTHER FRIENDS whatever I’m over it

sobbbbb

WELL HOW MANY FUCKING HOLIDAYS ARE THERE!? CAN SOMEONE HELP A GIRL OUT OR WHAT

oh my god I’m just going to reblog every single Dadzawa panel and none of you can stop me go on and try!!

impatiently waiting for fanart of Aizawa tucking Eri in and reading her A Visit from St. Nicholas. get on it, fandom

ohhhhhhhhh my goddddddd

I know it’s not a Christmas song, but I am this close to cranking up “I Gotta Feeling” by the fucking Black Eyed Peas. ya feel

do you guys see him sitting there next to Dadzawa. he finally gave in. Satou is feeding him chicken. his friends will not abandon him to be on the naughty list. motherfucker that’s it. I’m fucking doing it. fill up my cup. mazel tov

lol I don’t even want to click to any more pages because they’re all so happy and it won’t fucking last. :( noooo

good little boys and girls. noshing on that chicken. Kacchan continuing to be stalked by the Ghost of Christmas Friendship. Tokoyami what even is that. lol and is this their weird way of distributing random gifts. did Sero buy Jirou a scarf. did Deku buy Ochako a freaking All Might plush keychain!? FOR THE LOVE OF GOD, WHAT IS THAT THING AND WHY DOES ERI HAVE IT NOW AND WHY IS SHE MAKING THIS FACE

-- holy fuck, IT’S A SWORD. oh my god. THEY GAVE THE SEVEN YEAR OLD A FREAKING BUSTER SWORD AND SHE IS FEELING IT YESSSS THIS CHAPTER TRULY IS ALL MY DREAMS COME TRUE

“dad can I keep it.” Aizawa: [not even opening his eyes, all bundled up in his oogie boogie suit] “sure”

so now we’re cutting to afterwards and everyone’s cleaning up and Deku’s using his freakish super strength to lift heavy things impressively while Bakugou continues to stomp around with his hands shoved into his pockets waiting for someone to finally tell him he can go back upstairs

OH???

motherfucker. are you going to invite them to come intern with you and your dad!!?!?? I know I was all set on Bakugou interning with Miruko just last week, but I TELL YOU WHAT BITCHES, I’M FUCKING FLEXIBLE LIKE THAT

OH SHIT YOU GUYS!!!!

TODOROKI ARE YOU PLAYING THE OT3 SONG BECAUSE HONEY YOU KNOW THAT’S MY JAM, BRO

OH FUCKING SHIT YESSSSS

BAKUGOU DO YOU WANT TO INTERN WITH YOUR TWO BEST FRIENDS, EXCUSE ME, HATED ENEMIES. DEKU DO YOU WANT TO INTERN WITH YOUR TWO BEST FRIENDS. AND THE NUMBER ONE. WHO JUST SO HAPPENS TO BE BEST FRIENDS WITH THE NUMBER TWO. WHO JUST SO HAPPENS TO BE BEST FRIENDS WITH TODOROKI “I DIDN’T HAVE A FLASHBACK IN THE LAST ARC BECAUSE WE WERE SAVING IT FOR THIS ONE!” TOUYA? THAT’S RIGHT, IT’S BEST FRIENDS ALL THE WAY DOWN. OH MY GOD

it’s like Horikoshi made a long and detailed list of all of his regrets about the previous internship arc, and then said, “fuck it. do-over”

you guys. I’m all out of cans. we only have can’ts and cannots. I cannot

Christmas fluff. Dadzawa. Bakugou hero name meta. hints that the traitor plot will soon be relevant again. and the motherfucking OT3 of OT3s, MY SONS, MY THREE RESPLENDENT OFFSPRINGS, interning together at the motherfucking Endeavor Hero Agency because Todoroki is the sweetest most considerate angel, and because KNOCK KNOCK, IT’S ME THE PLOT, I’VE COME FOR YOU AGAIN AT LONG LAST AND I VOW TO NEVER LEAVE YOU ALONE AGAIN FROM THIS MOMENT ON

shit, y’all. I don’t know if it’s possible for an arc to become my favorite motherfucking arc only two chapters in, but damned if this sunnuvabitch ain’t trying

[cruelwritersthesis]

So I just finished ITPS and INAS and humor me here: Tori and Luke in a The Good Place AU. Tori dies and wakes up in Elysium and is being introduced to the neighborhood and whatnot. Luke shows up and when they finally get a moment alone, she's freaking out because She. Didn't. Die. A. Hero. Luke chalks it up to a happy mishap. Antics ensue. Cue them realizing they're actually in the Fields of Punishment and this is just a new way of torturing the dead.

bruuuuuuuuuuuuuh your Mind

yo comedy is so hard to write, for real, but i’m gonna attempt it also thus far my stories have been far from comedies lol

follow meeeeeee~!

[[[spoilers for the good place below bt-dubs]]]

Tori dies and the first thing she sees when she opens her eyes again: “Welcome! Everything is fine.” She can’t remember how she got there, and she’s confused, because wasn’t she supposed to meet Charon? Cross the River Styx? Get in line and wait for her soul to be judged?

She’s sitting an a nice room, fairly minimalist. In one corner there’s a small water feature. To her left, a door opens and a man steps out: “Tori.” He smiles. “Come on in.”

She goes in, not knowing what else there is to do and sit down in one of the chairs in front of a desk, and the man sits down behind the desk.

“I’m Adrian, and I’m the architect of this neighborhood.”

Tori’s even more confused. Neighborhood??? Architect???

Adrian smiles and chuckles. “I can see you’re confused. Elysium is split into neighborhoods, built by immortals like me. And yes, you died.”

Skip to Adrian giving a tour of the neighborhood to Tori: “Three-hundred and twenty-two perfectly matched heroes…” etc.

They come to a stop in front of where Tori will be staying: a ginormous mansion that’s far too big for just her and far too ostentatious. She hates it,,, but it’s Elysium right? Not to mention this neighborhood was supposed to be perfectly crafted to her likes, right???

They go inside and that’s when Adrian drops the bomb: “Oh, and did I mention soulmates exist?” Inside, despite her panic at what’s happening, she feels her heart lift with anticipation. Surely Luke was her soulmate on earth, so he must be her in Elysium [he is, don’t worry, it’s not a plot twist or anything]. Adrian goes on, “Yes, they exist on Earth as well, but the gods decided they didn’t need to give humans a sure-fire way to tell. You were the lucky few who happened to find your soulmate on Earth. It’s always a bit of a mess when someone finds out their soulmate here is not the person they were with on Earth.”

Luke walks through the door then, and Tori can’t help but run up and give him a big hug, tears already in her eyes.

Adrian’s doing his architect act, smiling and all that. “You two must have a lot to catch up on. I’ll leave you to it and meet up with you later. I have some people I’d like to introduce you to, and I have a surprise for Tori. See you both later!”

And despite her happiness at getting to see Luke again, there’s something more pressing, weighing on her chest that she needs to talk to him about immediately.

After making sure Adrian has left, she finds a small broom closet, and just to be safe, checks for any hidden cameras or microphones. All the while Luke is confused and asking Tori what’s going on and what’s wrong. Tori won’t answer until she’s sure they aren’t being watched or listened to.

Finally, she turns to Luke with wide eyes and a look of fear: “I didn’t die a hero. I’m not supposed to be here.” [I could leave it here and be like, Part 2 coming soon! But I won’t.]

Instead of being concerned, Luke just smiles gently and takes her hands into his. “I don’t care if it’s a mistake, I’m just happy to be with you.”

Tori’s caught between wanting it to be some happy, miracle mistake, but the other part of her is worried something could go wrong at any moment. Mistakes didn’t just happen in Elysium, did they? Their souls were judged, how could the judges decide that she belonged somewhere else but send her to Elysium?

She tries to get this across to Luke, but he’s too happy to see her. And she, of course, is happy to see him. But, like most things in her life, she doesn’t want all of this to just disappear. She doesn’t want Luke to just disappear suddenly, and then for her to find out she’s in the Fields of Punishment or something.

“Why don’t we take a walk, maybe it’ll help clear your head.”

So they head out again, though Tori is reluctant, and take a stroll around the neighborhood. It’s beautiful and all the people seem really nice. They’re all paired up with their soulmates, going about their business like it’s just another day in the neighborhood [lol sorry I had to].

But Tori is still worried. “You know I don’t do big or ostentatious,” she mutters to Luke as they walk around. “And what’s with all the tapioca pudding shops? You and I both know that regular pudding is better.” [side note: I actually love tapioca pudding lmao]

Tori stops them and turns to face Luke. “Also, I can’t cuss. You know I love to cuss.”

Luke chuckles and shakes his head, linking his arm with hers and pulling her gently along again. “Yes, but a lot of the people in this neighborhood don’t like it.”

“Okay, but don’t you think that if I like to cuss so much–and I now you do too, don’t deny it–wouldn’t they have put us in a neighborhood with people who also like to cuss?”

“I think you’re thinking too much about it.”

Before Tori can argue more, Adrian shows up with two people trailing after him.

“Tori, Luke, I’d like to introduce you to Mali and Amir. I was just telling them about the welcome party that Tori’s throwing.”

Tori wants to object vehemently, but to keep up appearances she grins. “Yes, that party. Everyone in the neighborhood is invited. It starts at 8pm sharp, but you can show up late if you want to. In fact, I’d even appreciate it if you didn’t show up at all–”

Adrian laughs. “Isn’t she funny? Of course they’re excited to go!” Talking to Mali and Amir, “Why don’t you two go explore the neighborhood a little more while I talk to these two about the party?”

As soon as the other two are out of earshot, Adrian turns to Tori with an “apologetic” look. “I’m so sorry, I meant to talk to you about it earlier, but it must’ve slipped my mind!” Tori forces a laugh and Luke can tell she’s ready to throttle Adrian, so puts his arm around her waist. Adrian continues, pretending not to notice. “Your house is the biggest, so it would only make sense that you host the party.”

“That makes sense,” Tori forces out. “But why me? I don’t mind lending my house for the party to someone who is a little more equipped for party-planning.”

“Oh nonsense! You’ll be just fine. Listen, I have to go meet some of the others here. I’ll see you at the party!”

As soon as Adrian’s out of earshot, Tori turns to Luke. “What am I supposed to do? I hate parties! I hate people! I don’t know how I’m going to even plan a party. Where am I going to even find stuff? Do they have like some…heavenly gift-shop? Do I need currency, or can I just tell them what I need and they’ll give it to me?”

Introduce Janet [I can’t think of a different name for her :P], who gets Tori everything she needs

Adrian forces Tori to give a speech–the party isn’t a disaster, but Tori’s already under pressure because she knows she’s not supposed to be there, so things slip both in the speech and as she tries to play hostess

Cue Chaos Sequence the next morning

Luke’s like, “Okay, I believe you now.”

As you say, antics ensue as they both try to navigate this neighborhood without exposing Tori being in the wrong place while Adrian actively works to undermine them

Remember those other two demigods I introduced? Yeah, hand-picked to make it difficult for Tori and Luke to keep their secret, because they also don’t belong in Elysium, and are meant to torture Tori and Luke. Long story short, they sided with the Titans, but neither Luke or Tori ever met them because armies are big and like they really had time to meet every single demigod who joined Kronos’s side

More antics ensue as the four of them get all mixed-up and band together to try to keep Tori, and Mali and Amir’s secret, bc they know they didn’t exactly die heroes either (among other things).

Cue more antics and even more crossed wires and confusion.

And then, Tori has her realization when they’re all bickering about who’s going to sacrifice themselves and go to the Fields of Punishment, much like Eleanor’s.

“This is the Fields of Punishment!”

Adrian does his Grinch smile and evil laugh.

It’s explained that, after centuries of the same old thing, Adrian decided to come up with something new–take four humans (and/or demigods) who don’t mix, throw them together in a place they think is Elysium, and make them torture themselves

Luke is confused because, “But I died a hero???”

And Adrian is like, “We changed the formula, numb-nuts! Were you not listening to my whole, entire explanation just now? What, you thought joining Kronos and bringing him back would get you into Elysium? Even if you sacrificed yourself at the last minute to defeat him? Seriously, dude?”

“But the prophecy–”

“You’re dead now, ya ding-dong. The prophecy doesn’t matter anymore!”

aaaaaand that’s all she wrote lol. but for real, i’m not really sure what would happen after that. if we’re going full good place au, then Adrian would reboot them, but they would keep figuring it out and banding together until Adrian gives up and joins them bc his boss (whoever that may be in the Greek mythology world) would rip immortality from him and send him to the Fields of Punishment as well, but the old-fashioned way

unfortunately, the fact that the world is so complicated that an act intended to help actually hurts and docks you points doesn’t quite work for this au lol bc while Luke did have good intentions by raising Kronos, and Tori staying with him is certainly colored in many shades of grey, they did like…get a lot of people killed. like that did happen, they started a war and a lot of demigods and nature spirits died. it’s both very grey and not that grey at all (which muddles things up even more; i could go on)

but hey, if you have any ideas that expands on this au, hmu, lmk!

and thanks for sending this in! i had a lot of fun with it :D

[megalony]

Fractured pieces- Part 3

Another part to my single dad! Roger Taylor series which I hope everyone is enjoying so far.

Taglist: @marshmallowmae @butlegendsneverdie @langdonzvoid @jennyggggrrr @luvborhap @radiob-l-a-hblah @rogertaylorsbitontheside @chlobo6 @rogertaylors-lipgloss @sj-thefan

Series masterlist

Enjoy.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Roger bit down on his thumb to stop himself from beginning to shake or start tapping like he did when he got anxious. His eyes locked with those of a woman he hadn't seen for over a year, a woman that he didn't think he would see so soon.

(Y/n)'s mother.

Roger had met her and (Y/n)'s father on many occasions given he was her best friend for over ten years. He had gotten along with them both well enough, they thought he was the usual image of a rockstar. They thought he was an airhead that was carefree and didn't have any cares and Roger tried hard to prove them wrong and he had. But he hadn't talked to them for over a year, now he was faced with seeing their grieving faces that were partially his fault.

If Roger hadn't of gotten drunk that night at the party he and (Y/n) would have remained friends, she would still be alive because she wouldn't have gotten pregnant which caused her illness. But at the same time, that would mean Roger wouldn't have James and he was beginning to wonder what he would do without the little boy he was doting on every day. It was such a price to pay, a life for a life but right now Roger was trying to find some sense of peace. He had (Y/n) in his life for over ten years, he spent those times with her well and he had no regrets about them. Now he had James in his life and he intended to make the most of the years he was determined to get with his boy.

He took shaking steps towards the couple standing just in front of James' room, clearly having been in to see their grandson whilst Roger had been at Freddie's place. The singer had kindly offered for Roger to stay with him but that simply meant Roger could go over, get changed and cleaned up before coming back to stay with James. He'd usually have a quick nap before coming back to the hospital, a day hadn't gone by in the past two weeks where Roger hadn't been here.

Roger didn't have the contact information for (Y/n)'s parents and due to that, he had taken it upon himself to try and organise her funeral. He sat and tried to do that with the help of the band whilst he was watching over James. The band had known (Y/n) too and they had loved her as a great friend, anyway that they could help Roger and James they would.

It didn't take much working out for them to know that Roger was the father of the baby in the room behind them. He wasn't sure if (Y/n) had told them this or not when she told them she was pregnant, somehow he doubted it but another part of him just knew they figured it out before now. Seeing him walking over to them clearly knowing where he was going and knowing the baby was in the room behind them just gave them evidence to prove their theory that Roger was the father.

"Hello, Roger. We tried to contact you..." Lisa, (Y/n)'s mother was the one to speak up first, unsure of what else to say to start a conversation with him.

The drummer nodded, scratching the back of his neck instead of biting his thumb as he looked down to his feet for a moment. No one could get hold of him since he had moved out from his old home with his wife and he wasn't at (Y/n)'s apartment either. Mail or telephone calls didn't get to him, he'd been meaning to sort that out but everything else seemed more of a priority than people getting a hold of him.

Roger had made the decision that he couldn't live in (Y/n)'s apartment because it would be too hurtful to him but he wasn't selling her home. He was going to continue paying the rent and keep everything as it was like a treasured memory. He didn't want to let go of any of (Y/n)'s things and the apartment was something that James could see when he was older to know his mum. The drummer had already found somewhere else to live and paid the deposit but he wasn't moving anything until James was better and ready to go home.

"I'm in the middle of moving at the moment. Have you been to see James?" Moving over to his right, Roger leaned against the wall silently asking it to hold him upright as he watched the elder couple in front of him move to sit down on the seats outside of the room.

He didn't know what he was meant to say to them. Was he meant to tell them that he had started making funeral arrangements? Was he meant to inform them of James' condition and how he was getting better? Were they to make small talk or avoid the obvious topic of (Y/n)? Roger wished he had a manual for this kind of situation so he could be told what he was meant to say or what topics were allowed to be talked about and which ones to avoid. He didn't like this. He had been away from James for nearly three hours, he was long overdue to go back and sit with his boy now.

"Yes, we have. He's... actually what we wanted to talk to you about." Roger's eyes shifted to look at (Y/n)'s dad, Mark, his eyes narrowing on the elder man. The drummer didn't like the tone of his voice which clearly indicated Roger wasn't going to like where this conversation was going to go.

"Right...?" Roger trailed off, his head shaking just a little as he waited to be informed of what they wanted to talk to him about.

"We thought that it might be better if we took care of him." Roger's lips curved upwards into the kind of warped smile that the Cheshire cat would be expected to wear. The look mixing between a smile and a crooked smirk of the grinch as he let out a breath that resembled a laugh. His teeth clamping down on his lower lip as his head bowed forward again, hands stuffing into the pockets of his worn blue jeans that resembled the colour of his eyes.

They actually thought Roger would be alright with having this conversation with them or that somehow he would be glad they wanted to take his son from him. James was his baby, not theirs and Roger wasn't letting him go like that. How would it benefit James for them to bring him up instead of his own flesh and blood?

"Instead of me? I know you don't particularly like me but you can't change the fact that James is my son. It's a kind thought but when he goes home, that will be with me." They weren't doing this to him. Roger had lost the person he loved, the person he had tried so hard to protect and now they thought it was fine for them to swan in here and decide to take his boy from him as well. Roger couldn't lose anyone else and they had no right to do this. He understood that they had lost their only daughter but James was Roger's only boy, his only child and he was capable and fit of caring for him.

There was no concern that Roger wouldn't be a fit parent and he wasn't going to stop them from seeing James, they had no need to try and fight him on this he wasn't cutting them out. He just wanted to do the right thing, what (Y/n) wanted and what he now wanted. Roger wanted to look after his son.

"We're not saying that, but James is going to need a lot of care and you work, we don't. You go around the world, are you planning on taking him with you? We don't want to cut you out of the picture-"

"You just want to take over from me." Roger finished for them, knowing what they were implying. They were coming from both a good and a bad place with this decision they made without him. They wanted to care for James because he was their grandson and he was going to need more care than a normal baby and it was true Roger did travel a lot and worked more than most. But then again they had never fully accepted Roger and they didn't take to him that well, instead of offering their help to care for James they were walking in here and saying plainly that they wanted to take him.

Roger wasn't asked if he would need help with James, he wasn't offered any advice or support. He was given the choice- or an ultimatum- that they wanted to take James off his hands to help them both. That wasn't fair and it wasn't allowed.

"Do you really think so low of me that you think I'd sign my son over to you just like that?" There was clear hurt in his voice as they didn't seem to think he was going to put up that much of a fuss as if he didn't care or even love his boy. "The polite thing to do would be to ask if you could help, not ask to take him away from me. Touring the world with the band is a choice, not a demand in the job description, we can stop touring for now and we will. I can cut down work or stop altogether because I don't need to work I do it because I love my job."

The band didn't do touring because they had to or for money, tours never gained them money because of the amount they spent on the lighting, the equipment, the stage and the designs they had. They toured because they got to travel and for the fans. They loved live concerts, it was a choice not a demand. Roger was financially stable for the rest of his life, he could quit music altogether right this moment and be set for life for him and James. But he continued because he loved music and it was his life and job, he could cut down if he wanted or needed and he was going to do just that.

"And you can cope with James, can you? We're only saying this because we want to care for him, Roger. He needs more care than a normal child and you don't stay in one place long enough for that. What does your wife think of this?"

The drummer's lips pressed into a thin line as he glared at the man sitting in front of him. They had been here five minutes, Roger had been here since the moment James was born. He knew the date and the exact time James had been put on a ventilator to breathe for him, he knew that two hours after he first saw his son they gave him steroids to make his lungs develop quicker. Roger knew what times they fed James which happened through a tube into his stomach, he knew that tomorrow they were taking him off the ventilator for the first time and he knew every little thing that changed in his son's condition. He knew how to care for his son when he got him home because he had listened to the doctors and he had taken biology in university. Roger could cope and he was ready for this, they weren't taking James from him now.

"We're separated, actually. Did you know James had steroids last week to develop his lungs? Or that they feed him every two hours through a syringe into his stomach? Did you know his kidneys are being monitored in case they stop working, or that he's coming off the ventilator tomorrow to breathe on his own for the first time? I know exactly what is wrong with my son and I know how to help him. I won't cut you out of his life but listen to me now when I say he is my boy and he stays with me so please don't fight me on this. The courts won't grant you custody, I'm his parent and legal guardian now, I have the money to support him, I want him and there is nothing that says I can't care for him. He's mine."

Roger could feel his body beginning to shake as the thought of informing them about (Y/n)'s funeral left his mind completely. If they wanted to know about that then they could ask him or they should have gotten here earlier if they wanted to be a part of that process. They had left it over two weeks now to come and see their grandson and to plan their daughter's funeral so Roger had taken things into his own hands.

His body pushed away from the wall, his knees tensing as they tried to lock in place to stop him from falling down. He didn't give them one more glance before he went to see his son, slamming the door behind him.

The courts would never give them custody of James.

Roger was fit to care for his son, he had a home- more than one property in fact. He had more than enough money, he had a flexible job that meant he could care for James. He had done nothing wrong to suggest he was an unfit parent and most importantly he wanted his son. They weren't going to take James from him when all of this was there to back him up. (Y/n)'s parents didn't work anymore but they weren't James' parents, they didn't have the kind of money Roger did and they had no reason to have custody of him. No judge would take a child from their parent just because a family member thought they were better suited to care for them.

James was staying right where he belonged, with Roger.

[emilyschoi]

Emily Choi College Au

“If I have to hear another Mariah Carey song I will lose my mind,” Daniel deadpanned emotionlessly sliding two hot chocolates towards Emily and Eunmi. Eunmi hummed in agreement stirring her hot chocolate around. Emily frowned she was hoping that Daniel might have stopped hating Christmas so much this year.

“At least it’s not carolers,” Emily said optimistically, hoping some of her good cheer will rub off onto him. Daniel face scrunched up in disgust pretty much spitting out the words carolers.  

“Nah he already scared all of them away,” M spoke as he passed by. “Regular little grinch that one is,” he said, tilting his head towards Daniel who growled in response.

“They are lucky could walk out of here,” Daniel muttered. “Remind me again why I cannot kill the carolers?” He asked in a sing-song voice. 

“We will lose money”

“You look like if you got punched once you’d run away crying”

“Because it’s illegal”

“None of those seem like legitimate reasons and screw you Eunmi I could totally kill someone,” Daniel huffed sound a little too offended about someone not thinking he was a murderer.  “And I am taking my break now,” he said dragging an empty chair from a nearby table over to Emily’s table.

“Hi, Daniel why don’t you join us,” Eunmi said sarcastically with a roll of her eyes. Emily giggled as Daniel poked his tongue at her. “Really mature Choi,” Mini muttered. “How is he still employed?” she said turning to M, “Like he can’t make coffee, is rude to customers and has turned your storage room into the red light district,” she listed as Daniel let an affronted huff. 

“I am not that bad!” Daniel said in response, “At least i didn’t put mistletoe up everywhere turning the cafe into some overly cheery kissing booth,  unlike some people,” he huffed, eyes narrowed at M. Emily patted his shoulder in support. 

“Hey that was Sungjae thank you very much,” M said, “Not my fault he is looking for excuses to kiss his girlfriend,” he added putting the blame fully on his best friend. 

“Oh yeah like you don’t want to get the blonde 7 under one those sticks,” Daniel said rolling his eyes. “God if you people want to kiss someone just kiss them,” he said. M shook his head walking away. Emily pouted, silently hoping M got his girl because he was a sweetheart and deserved some love.

“You can tell he has been hanging around his frat boy too much because apparently consent isn’t a thing anymore,” Eunmi said rolling her eyes and taking a sip off her chocolate. 

“Honestly out of everyone you picked her to be your best friend, why?” Daniel said scrunching his nose up. “Her presence is annoying me so much I’d rather get back to work,” he huffed but made no move to get back to work. “Should have figured a 5 would be like that,” he said haughtily earning a nudge from Emily. 

“Don’t be rude Daniel, Mimi is easily an 8,” Emily sending finger hearts to her best friend who was pretending she was embarrassed by it but she still was smiling widely. 

“You are too nice to lesser numbers love,” Daniel said shaking his head in mock disappointment. “You shouldn’t give them too much hope,” he added. Emily rolled her eyes sometimes (all the time) Daniel could be a real asshole. 

“Oh yeah, and what is Em in your eyes,” Eunmi asked. Emily frowned not at her friend's question, she was far too used to Daniel ranking people to his personal standards so whatever number he gave her wouldn’t matter, but at the fact, Daniel’s ‘boyfriend’ had shown up and was making his way over.

“Out of 10? An 11 clearly,” Daniel said as if it was the most obvious thing in the world. Emily couldn’t stop the grin that broke out on her face, Daniel may be an asshole to everyone else but he was the sweetest pseudo big brother to her. 

“Who is an 11?” Tyler Lee asked making his presence known causing everyone at their table to scowl. He leaned against Daniel’s chair resting his head on Daniel’s shoulder, pressing a kiss to Daniel’s cheek. Emily's nose scrunched up, she didn’t think she would ever get used to Daniel dating someone - (if that was what he was doing, she had heard very conflicting stories.) especially someone like Tyler who in Emily’s opinion was a little too arrogant for Daniel which was a very hard level of arrogant to reach all things considered.  

“None of your business,” Daniel snapped, “And 8’s really shouldn’t eavesdrop,” he said eyes narrowing as he flicked at Tyler’s nose. 

“An 8? Hilarious, you should consider becoming a comedian babe,” Tyler said rolling his eyes, “And are you ready to go?” he asked standing up, looking at his phone and frowning. “We need to get going before the rush happens? You know how i hate it when peasants think they can walk into high-end shops,” he said. Emily and Eunmi shared a look both shaking their heads, how did a person like that actually exist.

“Go? where?” Daniel asked twisting around in his chair a confused look on his face.

“Christmas shopping,” Tyler said with a grin. Emily chocked, happy she had yet to take a sip of her chocolate because if she had she was sure it would be covering Eunmi right now. Daniel doesn’t Christmas anything, especially not shop. The only time he had from Emily’s memories is the time she begged him to take when she was 11, and for that to happen she had to use fake tears and the promise to help him prank Jessica.

Daniel starred at Tyler before breaking out into laughter. “Oh you hot deluded fool, I don’t go Christmas shopping, why would even think that?” he said mockingly turn back around. 

“Because you agreed rather enthusiastically when I asked, I have proof right here,” he said holding his phone up smirking at Daniel who once again turned around an annoyed look on his face. 

“Proof? Show me then?” Daniel said raising an eyebrow. “ Because this all seems like bullshit if you ask me, i can’t even remember you asking me to go shopping with you let alone agreeing to it,” he ranted. 

“You really want me to show you, even though there are children present,” he said gesturing to Emily and Eunmi. 

“Fucking asshole,” Eunmi muttered under her breathe. 

“Go ahead baby,” Daniel deadpanned. Emily wished he hadn’t because a few seconds the cafe was filled with the record noises of Daniel moaning. She was glad that only Daniel could see the visuals because she was pretty sure she couldn’t handle bleaching her brain and her eyes. 

“You dick,” Daniel said turning the video off and locking Tyler’s phone. “Excuse us,” he said to Emily and Eunmi as he stood up and pushed Tyler away. Emily frowned watching as they went behind the counter and into the storage closest, hearing M shout out that they couldn’t go in there it was out of order. 

“Frat boys are disgusting,” Eunmi said after a second, “ I never thought i would say this but even Daniel deserves better than that,” she said. 

“Trust me they deserve each other,” M said coming over to them. “I can’t be near that closest when they are in there, my ears can’t take anymore,” he said shaking his head. “So do you mind if i join you two, they are going to be in there a while trust me,” he said. 

“Isn’t Daniel just telling him off?” Emily asked.

“Oh you sweet girl,” M said shaking his head. “I hate that i have to do this but trust me a telling off isn’t what is happening, apparently arguing is an aphrodisiac for those two,” he said nose scrunching up. Emily's face scrunched up as well. That was gross, there were other people here.

“M would you be able to put my hot chocolate in a to-go cup because i am pretty sure i am gonna have to do a runner after this,” Emily said standing up. “I’ll put an end to this once and for all,” she said dramatically, eyes narrowed. “Or at least for today,” she added after a moment. “Excuse me,” she said stomping over to the godforsaken storage cupboard. Too absorbed in her mission she didn’t notice a group of boys walking into the cafe and sitting at a table nearby. 

Emily knocked against the door with as forcefully she could. She smirked when heard a bang followed by Tyler cursing. “Don’t stop on my behalf,” she said. “I was just letting Daniel Mimi and I are leaving,” Emily called out. 

“Okay bye love you see tomorrow,” she heard Daniel call out between pants. Emily’s nose wrinkled up in disgust. They couldn’t even stop for a second.

“Aaaand,” she drawled out. “To say you really inspired me, Daniel, thanks to your relationship I’ve decided to find a frat boy of my own to hook up with and scar poor innocent barista with, so what frat would you recommend looking at first?”  She asked sounding fat too innocently for the subject matter.

“You don’t have to look, my friend right here volunteers,” A boy called out causing Emily to spin around on the spot. Her eyes widened as she noticed her audience had grown from Eunmi, M and several seemingly uninterested customers to all of those plus a group of first-year frat pledges apparently. Her jaw dropped and her cheeks heated up, well that wasn’t what she expected. “Seriously Luc-“ a second boy stopped mid-sentence as the third boy judged him before slipping down in his chair trying to hide. Emily’s shock turned into horror when she recognised the third boy. It was Lucas aka the cute basketball boy with the nice arms she met on her tour of the campus. 

This was just her luck. Was god really cruel enough to punish her for cockblocking Daniel and Tyler?

“She isn’t looking for any boy,” Daniel sneered appearing behind significantly more dishevelled, glaring at the group. 

M who Emily assumed had who grown accustomed to dealing with Daniel when he was in this mood. Raced over handing Emily her hot chocolate. “Right here you go,”  before turning. “Don’t you have Christmas shopping to go get ready for,”  he said side-eyeing Daniel’s who face completely fell at the prospect a muttered stupid hot boyfriend escaping his lips.

M mouthed go to her while Daniel wasn’t looking and Emily didn’t waste time racing for the door Eunmi wasn’t far behind her.

“Did you grab my bag,” Emily asked looking at Eunmi who sheepishly looked to the ground as she shook her head. “Damn it, can you go in and get it?” Emily asked trying to use those puppy eyes she has heard Sungjae talk about. Any normal day she would have left it knowing Daniel would return it or M would keep it stored somewhere safe but she had a group study session and film studies essay due by the end of the day.

“No way I am not going in there now it’s overrun with frat boys, you know that isn’t good for my general health,” she said as  Emily’s eyes narrowed at her friend's silly excuse. “And seriously Em puppy eyes I am a cat person,” she added.

“I can’t go back in there,” Emily snapped. 

“Scissors, Paper, Rock it then?” Eunmi offered holding out her hand. Emily sighed holding her free hand out in agreement.

“Scissors! Paper! Rock!” They both said at the same time. Emily looked down at their hands pouting as she saw Eunmi held scissors out defeating her paper. Honestly, what had she done to deserve this?

“Good luck,” Eunmi said parting Emily on the back. 

Emily shrugged her off, turning to glare at her one last time before walking back into the coffee shop. She didn’t get past the door when she collided into someone spilling her chocolate all over them.

“Oh my god I am so sorry, I was just in a rus-“ she stopped mid-sentence seeing Lucas staring down at her. She clearly could never show her face around here again. She was suddenly so thankful she wore her down today so she could use it has a curtain to hide her face. He didn’t need to see that she was bright red or how she was trying to ignore the stinging in her eyes. Honestly, how many times could she embarrass herself in front of her crush on one day? 

“It’s okay, I was actually looking for you, Emily right?” he asked. Emily was embarrassed but not enough to stop her from speeding up when he said her name. “I think this belongs to you,” he said holding out her backpack. 

“Yes, thank y-“ she was cut off by Lucas’s friends from earlier, one was wolf-whistling while the other was singing obnoxiously singing Justin Bieber’s mistletoe. 

No no no, Emily thought as she looked up above her only to find mistletoe hanging down taunting her. The friend the was whistling now had stopped and instead was chanting kiss her, kiss her.

“Get away from my cousin if you want to live,” she heard Daniel growl from behind the boys. Oh, could this get any worse?

“Babe calm down it is just a kiss let the kids have their fun,” she heard Tyler reply back. Why was he even here and commenting didn’t have a sister’s love life he could be ruining instead of hers.

“Not everyone’s younger sibling wants to sleep with some disgusting frat boy but I know you can’t relate to that hun because Ta-“ Daniel said in a fake sweet tone.

“Don’t finish that sentence” Tyler growled. “And besides that Emily pretty much said she wanted to hook up with one so -“ Tyler trailed off.

Emily started to back away hoping Daniel and Tyler’s argument was distracting enough that no one would notice her leave.

“She was just saying that she is a virgin for fuck sakes you think any girl would want to lose their vcard to the likes of you lot,” Daniel said. 

“Oh my god why,” Emily whined as the attention fell back on her. Throwing trying to be stealth away she instead bolted away from the shop, feeling more embarrassed than she ever thought possible.

“I am still mad at you,” Emily pouted, eyes flickering from her notebook to Eunmi as she sat down across from her.

Emily had spent the last three hours hiding working in the library. Away from the majority of the world considering most people were in holiday mode. 

“I know I am sorry,” Eunmi said, “I should have gone into the cafe for you or just grabbed your backpack in the first place since I know about your misplaced crush on Lionel,” Eunmi said. Emily looked up again raising an eyebrow at her. “Fine, Lucas,” Eunmi spat out. Emily whimpered at the name a fresh wave of embarrassment washing over her. 

“If it helps I told Jessica that Daniel embarrassed you -“ Eunmi said stoping as Emily let out another whine. “Don’t worry I didn’t tell her the details but she said she will kick his ass for you or at the very least lock him out of their dorm- maybe both,” Eunmi shrugged. Emily smiled at the thought of her sister beating Daniel up, he deserved it.

“And I made you cupcakes, there are twelve of your favourites and six for Jessica and even some for Daniel,” she said placing a large Christmas gift bag in front of Emily. Peaking in the bag there was a large plastic container filled with cupcakes.

“Why would you make Daniel some?” Emily asked raising an eyebrow and closing her notebook.

“Well, his cupcakes are the ones that are particularly festive and well in an attempt to fatten him up since he deserves it,” Eunmi said with a wicked smile.

“You know he won’t eat them right? He’d probably just give to Tyler or Joshua, probably Tyler since he and Josh are no longer talking,” Emily said. “But props to you for having perhaps the most wholesome way of being evil I have ever seen,” she said causing Eunmi to grin.

“So how was the group project study session thing?” Eunmi asked causing Emily to groan again. She hated group projects with a burning passion. Why teachers thought they were a good thing was beyond her? Did they not realise how stressful they were for Em, her grade that she has worked so hard to maintain could be ruined because some idiots didn’t put any effort in. “That bad huh?” Eunmi frowned. 

“Only Marcus showed up and he is a nice guy but really” Emily trailed she was a strong believer that if you had nothing nice to then don’t say it.

“Weird? Creepy?” Eunmi offered, shaking her head at the thought of him.

“No that’s mean, he is just unique,” Emily said sheepishly.

“Which is code for hella weird,” Eunmi smirked. “So the rest of the group just didn’t show up? Did they at least give you an excuse?” she asked. Emily shook her head, they didn’t even bother to let her know they weren’t going to show up.

 It was just her day, one of those days that reminds you that the human race was inherently selfish and deeply flawed. Even the most positive people had moments of wishing that those people suffered in the worst ways. Not that she was thinking like that, no way not even when heard one of their groups had ditched them to, in  Marcus words hook up with someone. 

“Damn,” Eunmi whistled. “I can stay with you while you work on your essay if you want, a little company never hurt,” she offered. Emily smiled at her weekly, Eunmi’s company would hurt, she loved her best friend she really did but she was a chatterbox. Especially now that she wanted to make Emily feel better. Plus Emily already knew she had something planned, a party for her track team friends. 

“Mimi we both know you have plans and by the looks of it you spent the afternoon baking just to cheer me up,” Emily said a small smile on her face. “You should go to your Christmas party, I will be fine,”  she added. Eunmi frowned opening her mouth to speak but getting stopped by Emily, “Eunmi Kim i swear if you don’t go i will still Ghibli movie collection and give them to… Tyler,” she said, that was the worst person she could think of on such short notice.

“Ew, fine, not because of your threat but because i deserve a night out awkwardly watching and judging my team members,” she said. “I mean have a totally awesome fun time,” Eunmi said noticing the ways Emily’s brows furrowed.  “But you will call me if you need me right? And head home before it gets too late, i know you think the boys on campus are harmless but -” she trailed off. 

“I will,” Emily said with a mock salute. “Now leave me to finish this essay before I lose my mind,” she said. Eunmi sighed turning away from Emily walking slower than normal. Emily smiled at her, cheekily waving as Eunmi turned to check one last time.

Once Eunmi was out of the library Emily turned back to her work, she would finish this essay and hopefully get top marks for it and then spend the rest of her life hiding out in her dorm or maybe becoming a nun she hadn’t decided yet.

Lost in her work Emily didn’t realize how much time had passed until she had finished. Looking up she looked out the window to see it was already dark. She looked to her computer seeing it was around 8.30, where had the time gone. She quickly packed her things grabbing her backpack and the Christmas bag full of cupcakes and grabbing all the books she had to put away before she left and balancing them with one hand.

She walked down the library, putting back in their places.  She froze when she heard what sound like a snore, twirling around looking around the library she spotted a lone figure about three tables away from where she was. She tried not to laugh at this person who was fast asleep on the table. She was about to move on from the person until she noticed a hot chocolate stained jacket on the chair beside him.

Why him of all people? 

Emily moved carefully trying not to draw attention to herself as walked down putting books back on the shelf. Glancing back at Lucas every now and then, just to make sure he hadn’t woken up not because she thought he looked cute asleep.  

Maybe she could leave him a cupcake to say sorry for the hot chocolate. That wouldn’t hurt anyone, she had plenty of cupcakes and it was a small way to apologize without actually ever having to interact with him again. A win-win for everyone.

Emily walked over to him placing a cupcake on the table beside him. She frowned, she should probably leave a note or something just so that he knows it is an apology and not just a random cupcake appearing out of nowhere. She frowned looking around the table grabbing his pen and ripping a piece of his notebook to write her message. She wished she hadn’t packed all her things away she could have left him her message on a cute piece paper or post-it note. 

“Is that your number?” A voice asked causing Emily to jump, dropping the pen against the table with a thud. 

“What the hell?” she said clutching her chest to see Lucas watching her with his head resting against his hands, a sleepy smile on his face.

“It was an apology,” she muttered looking down, “for the hot chocolate,” she said gesturing to his jacket on the chair

“And the cupcake?” he asked reaching out. “Did you bake for me?” he asked if Emily didn’t not better he sound almost hopeful.

“Part of the apology and no my friend made them, I can’t cook,  well i can sort but only those cake mixes out of the box but she is like a baking goddess,” she rambled, flushing at the fact Lucas was still staring at her. 

“Well thank you,” he said. “I need something to help me get through this,” he said gesturing to his textbook. Emily frowned eyeing it curiously. Forensic Science and Technology. “I thought the sciences were finished for the year,” she said covering her mouth as she said it aloud. 

Lucas nodded as he devoured the cupcake only stopping quickly to throw off the wrapping. “They have but i am an idiot so I have to do this makeup assignment to stay in the class or well the university i guess,” he said after he had finished. 

“You aren’t an idiot,” Emily said softly. 

Lucas smiled brightly at that before tilting his head seemingly thinking about something. “You know my jacket cost a couple hundred dollars,” he said causing Emily to frown. 

“Wait really?” Emily said in shock, looking at the jacket with an eyebrow raised. It looked like a hoodie, just a normal hoodie. Certainly not something that cost a hundred dollars. 

“Yup and the cupcake was a good starting point but i was thinking you could help me, you are a smart right?” he said. “I mean you look intelligent,” he said as Emily looked on waiting for him to get his point. He wasn’t going to ask her to do his assignment, she knew nothing about forensic science except what she saw on Law and Order. “You have that study blog thing where you post your notes looking all pretty right?” he asked.

Emily should have left when she had the chance now she had to live with the fact her crush knows she runs a study blog. “How did you even find that out?” she asked, her name wasn’t on the account and she didn’t even use her normal email. 

“That’s for me to know,” Lucas said with a grin. “Could you help me? Like if my notes looked as good as yours, I am sure I would pass more classes,”  he said “You could tutor me!” he added excitedly.

“I mean maybe that would help but this is probably wrong of me to say and definitely none of my business but have you ever thought of maybe not being on both the football and basketball team?” she said timidly. 

“I know but i don't want to let anyone down you know?” Lucas said pouting. Emily wanted to swoon at how cute he looked. 

“I am sure you wouldn’t, they would understand,” she said softly.  Lucas shrugged not agreeing or disagreeing with her. “I guess I can help you out since I do owe you but i am not sure i will be much of a tutor,” she muttered but Lucas must have her heard her because his whole demeanour changed. 

“Really?”He said excitedly and loud enough for it to echo. 

“But can we start another time, my roommate starts to panic if i am out too late, she says she can’t trust people on this campus and -” she trailed off. This time she was embarrassing herself, why would she mention that to him?  He probably thinks she is some little girl who is afraid of the dark and can’t do anything by herself.

“She is right especially that weirdo Marcus, why were you hanging out with him anyway?” Lucas said shaking his head. Emily brows furrowed how did he? How long had he been here? She didn’t get to ask because he started packing his things. “Right just give me a second and we can go,” he said to her. 

“Go where?” she asked dumbly.

“To your dorm? I am gonna walk you home to make sure you get there safe, it's the least i can do since you agreed to help me out plus we can figure out when can meet up on the way,” he said as if it was the most obvious thing in the world. 

“Oh you don’t have to leave because of me,” Emily said. 

“I am not well i am but i have basketball practice in -” he paused looking at his watch “Half an hour,” he said with a grin. “So the walk would be a good warm-up,” he said bouncing on the spot. 

“My dorm and the gym are on opposite sides of the campus,” Emily pointed out.  “You really don’t have to go out of your way,” she said. She would hate to be the reason he was late to practice. 

“I know i want to,” he said with a grin, “Plus if i am late it gives the other guys a chance to shine,” he laughed a cocky grin on his face. “Here,” he said handing Emily his hundred dollar hoodie. 

“Oh, do you want me to wash it?” Emily asked looking down at the hoodie.

“No it's freezing out there and your cardigan doesn’t look that warm so -,” he trailed off scratching the back of his neck. “You should keep warm,” he said. 

“You want me to wear this?” Emily squeaked. Lucas nodded in response causing Emily’s face to heat up. “Uh, i -” she started but stopped noticing the look on Lucas’s face it was different from any other look she had seen before. “Thanks?” she offered before pulling the hoodie on. 

“Perfect let's go,” Lucas said grabbing her hand, Emily froze once again. They were apparently at the stage where they could hold hands. This morning they were strangers and now they were friends? Acquaintances that held hands and shared stained hoodies. Was that a thing?

“So which is your dorm?” Lucas asked once they got outside.

“I’ll lead the way,” Emily laughed dragging him in the opposite direction of where he was headed.