#then she had to choose between letting the dude she loved be hurt in a way he wouldn’t recover from & torpedoing her relationship to him by

[cranberryjuice-posts]

You could write a Clarisse la rue x fem! Jiu jitsu (or judo) fighter reader? You decide the rest of the story, but I would like it to involve a rival relationship between lovers, where Clarisse challenges the reader to fight alone, but it ends up becoming a kissing and making out session.

I love your writing by the way <3

- rivals -

Pairings - Clarisse La Rue x fem! Jiu jitsu! Reader

An - i finished this and I reread the prompt and I’m not sure if it meant for An already established relationship or not but I hope this is good 😭😭

An pt2 - FUCK YEAH I WROTE SOMETHING GOOD ASF‼️‼️

Clarisse La Rue.

Clarisse fucking La Rue.

The woman who always had some shit to say to you. Even when you were just minding your business and helping some new kids learn to fight she just had to tell you everything you were doing wrong.

And of course the one fucking time she was right she just had to have that same usual shit eating grin. What was her problem anyways?! Why couldn’t she just leave you alone why was she always up your ass.

——

You stepped into the arena tossing your duffel bag aside. Today Chiron had put you in charge of leading the wrestling and hand in hand combat class, your co-teacher was unknown but you figured it was probably Luke once again.

While tying your hair up you heard a strong voice speak “what are you doing”. Turning around you saw clarisse standing cross armed with her spear attached to her back. “Get lost I’m about to teach a class”

You gave her a sarcastic look “really? Because I’m about to teach the hand in hand combat class”

“No your not” Clarisse walked close, speaking like she knew it was true.

“Shut up clarisse, gods Your so fucking ignorant” you scoffed turning around once again to finish preparing, great Clarisse is your co-teacher. Whatever it was just for an hour anyways.

The arguing didn’t stop however, both your egos being hurt little by little with what was saying. It continued up until the kids arrived, Infact it didnt stop until a camper had luke show up to break up the argument.

He walked in, linked his arm with yours and dragged you to another section of the arena before dropping you down.

“Dude!” You complained, standing up eventually and dusting the orange dirt off of you.

“Can you teach the class or not cause your run time is currently being taken up with you and clarisse arguing.” He spoke with confidence and his usual charmful smirk.

“We’ll be fine.” You gave him a harsh look, mainly annoyed by the fact that you both were paired together. “Speaking of which why were we even paired together”

“Because Chiron wants you both to not only get along but with the fact your both the best with hand in hand combat you both got paired”

You just gave him a sarcastic smile. Mumbling ‘dick’ to him ask you walked away you quickly got to the wrestling mat. You clapped your hands getting everyone’s attention including clarisses. “Let’s start with stretches then we’ll move into pairs to do some basics”

“Or” Clarisse quickly interjected “we move into a death match where everyone wrestles one at a time until we have one standing”

“That’s stupid, start with basics so they can warm up” crossing your arms you were firm on your stance.

“That’s slow and boring and keeps the group longer than they need to be here” the argument was starting up once again. Wanting to just blow the whole thing off you thought of an idea.

“Fine. Me and you on the mat winner gets to choose how the class goes and looser just goes along with it” you offered which clarisse quickly accepted.

Shifting on the mat you both looked at one another ready to end the disagreement. As a kid shouted announcing the match to start both you and clarisse went at each other.

Grabbing her waist you slammed her to the ground only for her to break loose and try to pin you down in return. The match lasted for close to five minutes before you were ultimately decided the Victor.

Standing up breathless you noticed clarisse was not only embarrassed but also royally pissed off. “Go on! Go do uh.. go do the basics or whatever” you panted shooing the kids off.

“You ok?” You asked bending down offering your hand out only for clarisse to hit it away. “Fuck off I have better shit to do than this anyways” she scoffed standing up and walking away.

Whatever. She wanted to play the spoiled brat who’s who is hurt then fine, she can act like that for however long she pleases.

——

Sitting at the campfire you sat on the ground resting against your friends leg while drinking a soda. It was peaceful to say the least, everyone was singing, clarisse wasn’t around, and your mind was clear.

It was peaceful until clarisse came over and stood in front of you. “Me. You. Rematch in an hour” she practically demanded.

“Excuse me?” You chuckled confused by it all.

“You heard me in an hour me and you are gonna rematch in the arena.” She glared down at you.

At first you just rolled your eyes muttering an ‘ok’. Though once she didn’t move you realize she was being serious. “Fine! Damn well have a rematch or whatever”

“Don’t be late” finally leaving you scoffed again shit talking with your friends.

You stumbled into the arena, looking around you didn’t see clarisse anywhere. “Hello?! Damnit larue It’s fold and I’m freezing my clit off!” Yelling is what got the girls attention.

“Shut up oh my gods” she groaned “why are you so descriptive damn”

That cause you to giggle. “What is it a Crime for me to be descriptive”

“Yes.” She spoke quickly shutting down your good mood. Walking towards the wrestling mat that she finished setting out clarisse lifted her shirt to wipe off her sweat.

Shaking your head you let go of every thought that Clarisse was attractive out the window. She wasn’t. She was just some girl who had a problem with you.

You both took your stance ready to just get this over with. Partially on your end not hers.

The fight went as stated. She lunged at you, you blocked, she tried to pin you down, you broke free and so forth and so forth. It continued until some how you managed to find yourself on clarisses waist with her arms above her head and the gasp for air coming from you both.

It was silent. Sitting there under the night with only the faint fire torches lighting your view for some reason clarisse looked, oddly beautiful. Her curly hair and soft brown eyes framed her face perfectly. The small scar on her cheek which you knew was from her spear and the light pink lipgloss she wore sparkled.

Wait.. when did clarisse wear lipgloss. The same for her perfume it was way to feminine for her actually it smelt a lot like silenas signature scent, roses with vanilla. Before you thought about it you both were leaning into eachother.

The kiss was soft and slow. Hesitant but enjoyable. You let go of her hands and replaced you hold onto her face while she found herself on your waist.

The slow kiss soon turned more heated. She sat up helping shift the weight and give her more control. Predicable. Before she could slide her tongue into your mouth, you pushed her back down taking away her opportunity and giving it to you.

“Even making out you just have to be the best” she muttered into the kiss only fueling your anger. You just ignored her tangling your hands into her curls you broke the kiss only to repeat it instantly after.

What was supposed to be a regrettable make out soon turned into you both having yet another competition on who could be the best. After a certian point You pushed clarisse Away breathless.

Sitting back you just started to yell. “For the Gods clarisse you just can’t let anything be normal!”

“Me?! Your the one who’s perfect at everything! Know what I bet you kissing me was just another way to prove your just better” she stood up accusatory.

You Only followed suit equally pissed off. “What?! Are you insane! Clarisse what makes you think I’m better than you”

“Because!” She shouted. “Everyday you have to be better at everything! From wrestling to talking with others! To even fucking doing your hair and talking with other girls and it pisses me off because why do you even bother with them!”

You took a step back confused. “Wait… you jealous that I flirt with other girls? Why?” You asked tilting your head slightly.

“Yes! Fuck YN your so stupid” she rubbed her eyes in frustration before yelling it out. “Im in love with you damnit!”

Wow.

All sense flew out the window, grabbing clarisses Shirt you kissed her once again. This time you did it softer, gentler any word that could describe it. Neither of you tried to fight each other instead you worked together. Leaning into one another, hands tangling into each others hair, grasping each others bodies it was like you both were desperate.

Breaking away you softly panted against her lips. “I like you to.. a lot actually Your like really pretty” that just sealed the deal for you both, causing yet another makeout.

——

[cupidsbow00]

Hii! Love your fics! For a request, maybe being friends/coworkers smth like that, but fans keep making edits and theories abt you two dating or being in love or something? Honestly, idk if I want it to be more fluff with a soft love confession or some hurt/comfort where one of them denies it (unknowingly hurting the other one) and with a dramatic love confession - it's up to you to decide cause I literally can't choose.

No rush! You can absolutely write it whenever or not write it at all!❤️💐

I gotchuuu <3 thank you for your suggestion !

Canon now, actually

Bbno$ (Alex Gumuchian) x reader

Female reader, slight angst and fluff at the end, friends to lovers

A/n: I’ve been getting a lot of requests for a friends to lovers fic so here’s my version of it! I’ll probably write another one with more angst and slow burn but please enjoy this one for now and I have more fics coming out soon <3

You had always been there — before the world knew his name, before the streams and sold-out shows and absurd viral TikToks. You were there when he was still in his “let’s see if this music thing works” phase, helping him with shoots, hyping up his worst freestyles, laughing at his chaotic sleep schedule and even more chaotic outfits.

You knew him as Alex, not bbno$. He was just your best friend. At least, that’s what you tried to remind yourself.

But somewhere between late-night FaceTimes and stolen glances during studio sessions, something shifted. He’d show up with your favorite coffee without asking. He remembered every inside joke from years ago. He called you when anything remotely funny happened because, “It’s only funny if I tell you.”

And then the internet noticed

---

It started small — a comment on a TikTok:

- “Are they together or is it just me?”

Then came the edits. Little montages of Instagram stories, him looking at you mid-laugh, hand brushing yours, casual flirty banter. His fans were convinced you were a secret couple.

- “He’s so in love and it’s obvious.”

- “The way he looks at her? That’s not platonic.”

- “She’s his muse. I’m calling it.”

You couldn’t lie — it made your heart race. Even if it wasn’t real, it felt real. The way his hand lingered on your back. The way he called you “dude” and “babe” in the same breath. The way he talked to everyone, but really only looked at you.

But then came that stream.

You weren’t even watching live. A friend sent you the clip with a laughing emoji and a “rip the shippers.”

You clicked.

There he was — in his usual streaming setup, hair messy, glasses slipping down his nose, sipping from that enormous bottle of water he never left without.

A fan asked in the chat:

- “yo be honest. are you and y/n dating?”

Alex read it out loud, grinned, and shook his head.

“What? No way,” he said, laughing. “We’re not dating. She’s just my best friend. Chill, y’all.”

He moved on like it was nothing.

But it wasn’t nothing. Not to you.

You sat with that clip playing in your head on repeat. The way he said “no way.” Like it was ridiculous. Like it had never even crossed his mind.

Maybe it hadn’t.

---

After that, you stopped texting as much.

Not because you were mad — but because it hurt. Because you realized maybe you were reading too much into everything. Maybe you had built something in your head that didn’t exist in his.

You needed to let it go. So you tried.

You answered slower. Called less. Didn’t stay on FaceTime with him until 2 a.m. talking about everything and nothing. You told yourself it was healthy. That you were creating boundaries. That he wouldn’t even notice.

Except… he did.

---

It was a week and a half before he showed up at your place, completely unannounced, hoodie up, hair messy, and that look in his eyes like he’d been pacing around the city just to figure out what to say.

You opened the door in surprise. “Alex?”

“Okay,” he said, breathless. “What the hell is going on?”

You blinked. “What?”

“You’ve been weird. Like—like ghosting me weird. You barely text. You don’t call. You didn’t even like the pic I posted yesterday. It was me with a cat, dude. You love cats.”

You crossed your arms. “Maybe I’ve been busy.”

“No, see—no. That’s my excuse,” he said, stepping inside. “You’re never too busy for me unless something’s wrong.”

You looked away, trying to keep your composure. “It’s not a big deal.”

“Then why does it feel like I lost my best friend without warning?”

Your throat tightened. “Because maybe you did.”

He froze. “What?”

You finally looked at him — really looked at him. And it all came out.

“You said ‘no way’ like it was insane,” you whispered. “Like the idea of dating me was laughable. And yeah, I know we’re not dating. I know we’re just friends. But hearing you say it like that… it just made me feel stupid. For thinking this was ever something more.”

Alex looked like he’d been hit by a train.

“Wait—wait. You felt something too?”

You hesitated. “I thought I was imagining it.”

“Oh my God,” he said under his breath, running a hand down his face. “I’m so dumb.”

“You’re not dumb. You were honest. And I needed to hear it. That’s why I backed off — because I needed to stop hoping.”

“No,” he said, voice suddenly shaking. “You don’t get to do that. You don’t get to disappear because I said something dumb on stream. I thought I was protecting us. I didn’t know you— I didn’t know you felt it too.”

He took a shaky breath, eyes meeting yours.

“I love you, [Y/N]. Like, not in the ‘haha you’re my bestie’ way. I love you in the ‘I can’t go a day without thinking about you’ way. In the ‘you’re the only person who makes the noise in my head quiet’ way. In the ‘I see those edits and want them to be real’ way.”

Your heart was racing.

“I love the way you talk about things you’re passionate about. I love your stupid playlists. I love how you take care of people without even realizing it. I love you,” he finished, voice soft but certain.

You stood frozen in place, tears in your eyes.

“And I didn’t say it on stream because I didn’t think I deserved to say it out loud. I was scared. But losing you — even just a little — that scared me more.”

You stepped toward him slowly. “You mean it?”

“I’ve never meant anything more.”

He opened his arms like a silent question.

You didn’t answer with words — just stepped into him, wrapped your arms around his hoodie-clad torso, and held on like your heart had finally come home.

He kissed your forehead first. Then your cheek. Then, finally, your lips — slow and careful and full of everything he hadn’t known how to say until now.

And when you pulled away, forehead resting against his, he smiled.

“So… can I say it on stream now?”

You laughed, and in that moment — in his arms, with the weight of everything lifted — you knew:

The edits were right all along.

[maranigai]

For the character meme. I love your hornsent OCs and thus wanted to know your thoughts on Messmer!

Ah, thanks for the kind words about my guys, I love them and I appreciate it so much! And what about Messmer... ho-ho, that's a tricky one. Anyways, let's go.

favorite thing about them

First of all, I have a lifelong weakness for morally ambiguous red-haired spearsmen, as sir Ornstein can confirm. But fine, that was a joke, let's get serious for a moment. The key thing for Messmer, the core of his story and his character, is love. He loves his mother - quite simple, isn't it? But in fact no, it isn't simple. Because he loves her, more than anything else in the world, more than himself. This love is bigger than any destruction and harm it brings, even to Messmer himself, this love is the reason for all things, it's the basis of all things. And Messmer can't hurt what he loves so much, he can't deny this love, he can't deny his mother, because if he does, what's next? It was everything. Literally everything. So of course he does things for her, some things that he likes, some things that he doesn't like, some things that he would never do if not her. I think I can relate with this after a fashion, but this is not what made me love his story and his character. I love it because in the end of the day that love was hollow. It wasn't enough to overcome fear, hatred and vengeance. It wasn't enough for Marika to save Messmer, and he realizes it...

least favorite thing about them

...too late. I don't believe that Messmer sympathized with the hornsent in a slightest during his crusade, but I do believe that he had his doubts that grew as time - and war - went on. I'm sure he, unlike most of the crusaders, knew the truth about the shamans, about his mother's vengeance - and his mother was everything to him, right? He had no reason to sympathize with savages capable of such horrific acts - and so he didn't, completely ignoring how horrific and savage he himself was. It was for his mother and the new civilized world she was building, so what's wrong with a little hypocrisy here? But the war went on and on and on, and the lands were shrouded in shadows, and the mother stopped answering, and Messmer and his army were left in oblivion, alone with the deserved hatered, far from everything they had fought for. Their purpose got blurred, their guidance faded, and I believe that's when Messmer began to ask himself - why? Why is he going on, why is he fighting? And he could have answered that question - but he didn't, because the answer was "there's no reason", because answering meant acknowledging that nothing he had done really mattered, that all his love and suffering was a waste. Eventually, he was not strong enough - brave enough - to admit it before his dying breath, which was too late. I can't say I dislike his ending (I'm writing it in this paragraph mainly because I'm too curious to see an alternative), but I still wish he could overcome his fear earlier, when it could still change something - though it's a FromSoft game, so obviously it's not an option given their brilliant taste in tragedy.

favorite line

It's always hard to pick favourite lines in a FromSoft game, because... idk, I just love the dialogue and the voice acting in these games. But if I had to choose, it would be...

Embrace thine oblivion, as shall I.

Just because how utterly summarizing it is, for both the character himself and for the whole Land of Shadow.

brOTP

My glorious boar-riding man Gaius! I just love how Messmer, mommy's personal machine for eradicating everything graceless, befriended artificial (!) graceless (!!) dude who was persecuted by almost everyone in the Lands Between and made him his deputy. It's also mentioned that they had common ground in that they both were cursed from birth, so their friendship seems to come from a genuine understanding of each other's struggle. In general, I think that this is an interesting adittion to Messmer's overall portrait and a bittersweet dynamic of two cursed beings finally finding understanding in one another.

OTP

Rellana, because I'm a hopeless fan of the "liege and their a bit too loyal knight" dynamic. However, I hc their relationships as unresolved/platonic because both of them put their duty in the crusade first, and it's generally not a smart move to show open love when you're surrounded by people who'd gladly take away everything you love as revenge. I also don't like it when Rellana is reduced to just Messmer's gf instead of a fearsome sorceress and military commander in her own right.

nOTP

To be honest, I have yet to see a pairing with him that would straight up frustrate me. For the most part, my reaction is just indifference. But if I had to pick one, it would probably be Godwyn/Messmer, just because there are so many so much more interesting dynamics for both of them.

random headcanon

He was the son of Radagon and Marika, born during Marika's marriage to Godfrey, and was officially recognized as a bastard (this is why he's sir Messmer and not lord Messmer). In the beginning Godfrey wasn't a big fan of him for obvious reasons, but over time their relationship became more tender; by the time of Godfrey's exile Messmer sincerely viewed him as father, even without blood relation.

unpopular opinion

I don't thing he had a close relationship with Melina - in fact, I don't think he was even aware of her existence. Fandom often portrays them as twins for some reason, but the "younger sister" can be centuries younger when we're talking about demigods - and in my hcs, she was. So no cute Melina&Messmer fanart for me.

song i associate with them

Белая гвардия - Песня рядового

I know, I know, the language and all that, but just trust me, the lyrics hits hard considering Messmer.

favorite picture of them

I really love this trailer-based art by IvyJinna

[0ciestiel0]

Brilliant Minds ep 7 musings:

5 mins in and Wolf is already backseat surgeon-ing Nichols. “That makes sense” yes wolf. Nichols is a very good surgeon. He knows what he’s doing.

They really wanna hit us in the feels this episode with Roman. Everything with him and Alex was just heartbreaking given the outcome. But Roman and Alex did get to be together for Romans last moments as heartbreaking as that is it’s also what both of them needed. They got to say goodbye. And most importantly Roman was finally heard after all this time and got to communicate his wishes. Again heartbreaking. But the storytelling was *chefs kiss*

Not Wolf and Nichols having a cute lil awkward moment in the doorway before giving Roman and Alex time alone. Like what was that look my dudes 👀 come on now.

Nichols giving Wolf a great lil pep talk, gonna need to watch that again a few more times. “I admire that about you.” You like him and everyone but Wolf can see it.

Letting Roman die at Wolf’s house is just so. EMOTIONAL. The storytelling in this episode is really top tier, even if it’s trying to hurt me.

Simon really coming off like an ass this episode. So is his mother. Wolf was the one most opposed to letting Roman die and she had the audacity to think he didn’t try hard enough? And of course it came down to hospital publicity and investors. While yes, that’s important, that technology could be life-saving/changing for all kinds of patients, Wolf is still absolutely right that doctors have an obligation to their patients. It seems highly unethical to force Roman to continue care he doesn’t want. And Simon and his mother KNOW THAT.

The kiss between Wolf and Nichols came earlier than I expected, I expected the end of the season earliest, but I’m ok with the way it happened and boy was it my favorite scene. Ok but Nichols lil pep talk is a close second. Loved seeing Wolf finally choose to let someone in, to choose wanting to be happy with someone. Bonus seeing Nichols follow Wolf as he pulls away from the kiss and then Wolf having the audacity to look surprised, like my dude YOU kissed HIM. Why are YOU surprised?

I’m sure they will have an obstacle or two since they didn’t go the slow burn route (sorry but slow burn means like 4 seasons minimum of build up not 7 episodes) but since ep two it was clear Wolf/Nichols were being written as love interests.

I wonder how different their relationship experience is between Wolf and Nichols. Teddy Sears mentioned a more causal/party style in an interview when talking about Nichols but we really haven’t had that shown in canon aside from Dustin from abs class and Wolf it seems just avoided relationships of most kinds. Seeing them navigate something with feelings will be interesting, since both may lack experience in that department.

I still need to know what happened to Wolf’s dad. Is he dead? Or in some long term car facility? The camping flashback makes me think dead but he told Roman he hadn’t seen his dad in a long time making it sound like he’s alive. I’m hoping we get that answer by the end of the season.

Also heartbreaking moment, Van learning Erika has feelings for Jacob. Like my dude really thought she liked him back. I was rooting for him tbh. Dana looked like she was picking up on a little bit of that.

[itz-pandora]

Guys watch this before clicking read more

I have so many thoughts

THE PARALLEL BETWEEN MARIA'S WOUND AND THE DESTROYED MOON?!!! OH MY GOD!!!! OH MY. MY GOD. That's the entire reason I started writing my thoughts down because that's way past important. Where's that post about the symbolism and correlation between Maria's name and the moon because that's all I can think about

AND I LOVE how they're choosing to portray Maria recently, excited and eager for everything, even though it hurts her. Also how fascinated she is with earth makes me happy. I love the idea she'll just endlessly ramble to Shadow about Earth. Also her VA does a good job at letting you know how out of breath she is and how she's still all upbeat even tho she's literally about to pass out

Also ?!!! I AM GOING A BIT CRAZY AT SHADOWS PORTRAYAL!! I'm so hyped to see how he's interpreted in Generations. He seems so confused, and like each time period he's in impacts his personality heavily, like he's still with them on the ARK. He wants to save everyone even though he knows he can't and I'm SCRATCHING AT THE WALLS because of it. I think the way that they'll try to portray him going into the past is with him being only half-aware of everything, OR, HE'S TRYING TO LIVE A LIE TO MAKE HIMSELF FEEL BETTER. Ohmygod the second one makes me feel ill because he just wants to be happy, he wants to keep his little family together and safe, but he knows that the fate is inevitable, just wondering if he could've stopped it. It's haunting to him. The feeling of not being in control is present throughout the entire episode, where he's constantly dragged through each event, each one being more exhausting than the last. Everything is happening to him, he's not the driving force, and that's the sad part, he had an entire game about defining his identity, and still, he's always been a puppet to someone else, bent to their will.

I'M SO CURIOUS ABOUT WHAT THEY'RE PLANNING WITH GERALD BECAUSE ITS DEFINITELY SOMETHING. SHADOW WHAT DID HE DO TO YOU??? Shadow had to PHYSICALLY CLASP HIS HEAD BECAUSE OF THIS. I NEED TO KNOW.

Dude is this supposed to be Shadow's second traumatic flashback regarding the ARK, since in the hero story of SHTH, there's an entire level about the ARK where he plays with Maria as his sidekick, and it was triggered by hearing the sirens of the ARK (which I LOVE btw. Of COURSE he'd associate the noise with events since it's been drilled into his psyche before the amnesia)

I LOVE how scared he is at the end. He's sooooo panicked. I love how they give him the sparks when he's overwhelmed, it makes me feel so happy.

Who is HE?! It can't be Shadow before his memory loss, that guy did NOT SURVIVE. Also idk if they're going to return to the "pre and post amnesia Shadow are different people" thing they implied, because I think it'd be best to have it be like his memories are fragmented, and it's all about remembering, and THEN WE GET A NEW INTERPRETATION OF SHADOW?? Pls? Like not new but somewhere in between SA2 and after that, but with more little brother energy because MARIA IS HERE!!!!

GUYS WHAT ARE THOSE FLOWERS AT THE END AND WHAT DO THEY MEAN. PLEASE TELL ME SINCE THEY PROBABLY HAVE SYMBOLISM

This is so disorganized sorry I'm not normal at all

And ofc Eggman's piss was still on the moon. We love continuity

[citruslullabies]

DAMN ur writing is amazing man, keep it up, ur doing great !!<3

also hope u dont mind me asking but do u think u can do a dogday x reader where he's in love with her, but she has to refuse him everytime since Poppy playtime co. wont let relationships happen between coworkers. ps. this happends before any of the disasters happends (dogday is still a human worker,,,ig Rich, since that is a really big theory rn) also its angst, HEAVY angst. they dont deserve happyness (its half of my oc lore,,i need to make her feel pain) ((ALSO as a payback for this, if u'd like, i can do a fanart for u ! ^_^))

No YOU'RE amazing!<333

Trigger warnings: none

Requested by: clownsgirlghost

Romantic/platonic?: romantic-ish?

Category: angst

Ship (romantic or platonic): Dogday x reader

Word count: 496

Professionalism

The building was buzzing with children's laughter and the chattering of critters and employees alike, the colorful place being a place of happiness with an underlying tone of secrets far too dark for the public.

“Rich, for the last time, no.” you said with a sigh, not even looking at him as you continued with your work. The canine mascot frowned snd groaned, holding a bundle of flowers in hand that he heard from co-workers were your favorite. He leaned in a bit but kept his distance respectfully. “Please? I promise, we can go out to dinner and I'll pay, everything. You can even choose the restaurant!”

You sighed as you paused your work momentarily, just long enough to look back at the Dogday mascot. You shook your head with a frown growing ever deeper as this interaction continued. “You know the rules.” You stated, which was a sad and harsh reality of it all. They had to stay strictly professional. It's not that you didn't like Rich, it's just that you'd like to keep your job.

The man was upset, but respected your wishes and went back to work. He asked at least twice a week and the answer was always the same, he just wished that you'd give him a chance. He's willing to go to the end of the earth and back just to go out to dinner with you but he respects your wishes of not doing so. As the days went on, there seemed to be an overgrowing tension in Playco.

You started to avoid Rich, not wanting to hurt his feelings any further as you kept yours chained down like some feral dog with rabies. You kept to your work and made it clear what your boundaries were, one day he went back up to you with no flowers or anything in hand. Just himself.

“Hey.. I was thinking-” before he could even finish, you responded with annoyance at his persistence despite you making a clear boundary with him. You pinched the bridge of your nose as you took a deep breath.

“Rich. You're a cool dude, but get it through your thick skull that I am not going out with you. I'd rather keep my job then get a write up or worse, fired because I decided to go out on a date with you.” You said, keeping your composure as well as you could. You shut your eyes as your stomach felt tight and heavy with bubbling feelings of too many things at once. “Just leave me alone and do your work, so that I can do mine.” You stated bluntly before turning away from him and continuing your work.

Poor Rich walked away, hurt. All he wanted was to ask you if you'd like to go out to lunch with him as friends. He just wanted to stay as friends if he couldn't be with you romantically.

Shame that he won't get that chance again after tomorrow.

Thank you for requesting! And art would be AMAZING!

[peri-helia]

Okay so I'm sorry for peeps who don't want to see me losing my mind over Wicked but in short when it showed the water on the floor and panned up to Elphaba's hat I genuinely got GOOSEBUMPS

I was smiling the whole fucking way through ahhhh

TLDR: Wicked Part 1 was everything to me and I'm so pleased and my 11 year old self is so warm

Okay okay so hello omg let's start at the beginning shall we:

-Glinda's voiceover as it showed the destruction and then the water all over the floor and there's her hat on the floor and like I say immediate goosebumps, I knew I was gonna be so fucking thrilled with this movie

The whole contrast between the Munchkins and Glinda over the news that Elphaba is dead - goddd the way she says what she needs to say and does it the way is expected but the second they get gleeful about it, Glinda's head turns they interrupted her as well aca-scue me and the smile slid off her face and the grief! The anger! The set of her shoulders when they wheeled out the effigy. AHHHHHHH

There's plenty to do after the Wizard that bastard fucked off mmmph hmmm my girl was getting the fuck outta there also how cute was the whole 'I can't hear you thing'

The childhood scene and the clever staging of hiding the Wizard's face

The fact dude had a whole kingdom and a pop-up book by the time Elphaba's what seven??

'Our paths did cross' fuck I forgot how I love that bit

SHIZZZZZZZZ - the most beautiful campus, the way its set on the water was a lovely surprise, I was falling all over myself at the set designs

The way Galinda hopped up on her luggage the better to see and be seen

Honorary mention to Adam James as Popsicle Upland bc I just think he's a swell actor and I was pleased to see him so briefly

Essentially every time Elphaba came on screen and owned everyone and Cynthia was just so marvellous I just kept thinking 'That's my girl! That's my girl!!!' with increasing intensity right the way through

The whole magic scene and the mural with the Animals!!! I was always so invested with that storyline in the book so to see it expanded in the movie my 11 year old hearttt

I'm beautifully tragic YESSSSSSSS THANK YOU

Also fuck you (affectionate) to Michelle Yeoh for making Morrible so likeable and genuinely sweet to Elphaba god the way my heart fucking broke in the palace hearing her decry Elphaba summed up in Glinda's 'oh no'

THE WIZARD AND I AND (THE GEOGRAPHY OF SHIZ WITHIN THE EGG OF OZ 10/10 NO NOTES) THE WHOLE BELLE REPRISE VIBE AND HER STANDING ON THE CLIFF [THAT'S MY GIRLLLLL]

The whole entire accidental roommates and note on the bed and What is this feeling? oh my god just kiss you morons

My mum fucking snorting at the 'Boo!' 'Ah!' bit

Doctor Dillamond was so sweet and the whole thing with the poppies was so fucking cute and the vision broke my heart

The Jane Eyre of it all when Elphaba met Fiyero

Jonathan Bailey stole the show

Honorary mention to my mum apparently sitting next to me wanting to shake my arm and go 'ANTHONY?' throughout lmfao bless her she didnt know he was in it

And the defensiveness is that new??? (Prince? KING FIYERO)

He suits the blue eyes fuck meee

The whole Glinda/ Fiyero flirtfest your honour I'm seated

that cute little wave he can't stop looking at her

god but Dancing through life was sexy. Genuinely. The stacks and the whole energy we stan a bi king

The fact that he said 'grab the prettiest girl, give her a whirl' and then didn't grab Galinda till she grabbed him OH MY

Also also Boq and Nessarose the meet-cute and the OzDust ballroom was so well done that is really going to hurt later

Also how FUCKING CUTE was the sneaking off to the boats and the way Fiyero and Glinda bloody beam at Nessa and Boq when they turn up I-

The Ozdust scene and Glinda's genuine piece of standing up for something and that something is Elphie, and the way they vocalised that, the way she was told to stop and said 'no' very clearly and chooses Elphie again and again right up until she can't anymore I' m not crying there's a broomstick in my eye

When they took Doctor Dillamond away, the authoritarian regime of that bastard Diggs

The poppies was a clever change and I love it

Concerned Boyfriend Fiyero, one of the throuple got knocked out

RIP 'just don't get mad at me' you will always be famous

It doesn't matter how many times i hear it, 'I'm not that girl' absolutely takes my knees out.

He keeps looking for her, he keeps looking for her FIYERO YOU LEFT 1/3 of the throuple in the woods

Galinda becoming Glinda and the Look Fiyero and Elphaba share like that is our Girlfriend

The theatrics of the Wizard and the way you can tell Diggs was a carnie in the way he's built the Emerald City, my mum said it was like being back in Disneyland

Idina and Kristin's bit was so inspired and when Indina hit that note I could have cheered

The cute little tip of the hat between Idina and Cynthia especially

And then everything goes so very wrong so very fast and the conflict of Glinda chasing Elphie and the magic cape and holy fuck holy fuck all of Defying Gravity, I was vibrating on a molecular level and fuck that shit up that's MY! GIRL!

aLSO POOR FIYERO HEARING THE ANNOUNCEMENT

Governor Thropp having a heart attack in the bg fucking good

I LEAVE THE GIRLS UNATTENDED FOR ONE FUCKING SHORT DAY IN THE EMERALD CITY AND THE POLYCULE IS IN SHAMBLES

The horror in that hug from Morrible for Glinda

In short

AHHHHHHHHHHH

I NEED TO GO BACK

[messenger-of-stupidity]

NAH NAH NAH

Okay. Let's go through the thoughts of this latest update. There's a lot so buckle up buttercup.

1. Kravitas is literally so based. He's willing to spare Albus the suffering of long travel just because he's bored when typically he would enjoy Albus suffering.

2. Only Albus would risk insanity to spite a demon. Ever heard of cutting off your nose to spite your face, Albus? Seriously, these dude shot himself out of a fucking canon to stop Devlin from touching this hella cursed sword, but in typical Albus fashion when it's his safety and emotional welfare at stake common sense flies out the gods be damned window.

4. Is Kravitas really a demon or was his statement last episode about being more than that the truth that Albus just chose to call bullshit on?

5. Kerano, sweetie, if you don't like the sweater you don't gotta be nice to me and lie. Tis okay

6. Dad is back with his video of a casual demon attack. A normal Thursday. You'd think violence could slow enough for Faithful to get some groceries but I guess not.

7. AN ADULT TALK? EXCUSE ME? also yes now shoo child.

8. Guess I'll just go in a bunker and braid some hair or some shit. Whatever.

9. Don't you love it when the father figure of your child is so obsessed with transformers that he turns into a robot? (Yes I know he didn't turn into a robot. It just sounded kind of robotic in my head and it was funny.

10. What's the song called? It was kind of a vibe.

11. Oh my God we're raising a menace, thief, AND a liar. Where did we go wrong? 😭 Also can Faithful read minds? She was able to hear Kerano's mind about a key or something before Kerano had it, and was able to read the thoughts after that.

12. Move aside, Faithful is coming through like a badass. Hold the child

13. Oh neat. Both Albus and I have yelling voices in our head. 🥲

14. "I AM THE GREATEST GOOD YOURE EVER GONNA GET" - Faithful 2023

15. IS HE CUTTING OFF HIS HAND?! KERANO LOOK AWAY

16. Are... Are you seriously gonna make me choose between my two husbands right now? WHERES MY POLY OPTION? (Albus and Devlin in strictly familial relationship with each other. No condoning incest here)

-Branch-

Albus Route:

- yeah u tell him Devlin! How dare he try to reject us after saying it was our choice. Bitch

- UH I UH UHM ER

- daddy? Sorry. Daddy? Sorry. Daddy? Sorry

- HOW MANY ROUNDS? Albus let her BREATHE before you fuck her to death omg

- I thought we became a bio mom to half demon children. But nah turns out we became a slutty saint

- YOOOO another thing in common with Albus! We both don't like kids. For different reasons but the point still remains

- Awww. He misses Devlin.

- Kerano is wholesome but I ain't forgiving her for snatching that key

- wait does anyone remember when he said he wouldnt tap faithful with a ten foot pole? Does that mean he tapped her with an eleven foot pole to stay true to his word?

- Devlin Route -

- that's what your brother said to me in an alternate reality when I chose him too.

- Albus back with the orgies. My angsty brain McThinks it's some copium since that's his whole "nothing hurts me!" Mask

- "HES A ROCKIN SPACE AGE BACHELOR MAN" I hope he gets his dream of being a monsterfucker

- Faithful got that holy rizz sheeeeeeesh

- astrology 🥰

- wait nevermind. Just some brotherly love

- you can call me darling any day of the week baby. I am living for it.

- Awww starry kiss. 🥹

Update: I keep forgetting there's a high chance that GBA will see this... BUT YOU KNOW WHAT?! I STAND BY WHAT I SAID (/lh) 😤😤😤

Update #2: for those asking about the third route thoughts, that's a secret that I'm saving for a fic.

[no-goodbyes-no-regrets]

Tarlos @flufftober day 2: Friends, Family, Loved Ones

Sister (AO3) TK meets Carlos' sister, just not in the way they expected

Look at me posting on time again! (don't get used to it)

---

“We’re getting married in 6 days and I haven’t met his sister yet. That’s weird right? That’s weird.” TK was pacing up and down the firehouse kitchen and Nancy was close to strangling him.

“You’re meeting her tomorrow, aren’t you? So even if it was weird, it’s not anymore.” She looked to the rest of the crew for help.

“Yeah… but what if she doesn’t like me? What if she thinks I’m not good enough for Carlos?” TK paused and ran a hand through his hair. “I hurt him so much with the loft… What if she hates me? What if she’s going to tell Carlos not to marry me?”

“Dude, stop stressing, Carlos really isn’t going to call off the wedding at the last minute because his sister doesn’t like you.” Nancy sighed.

“What if she’s going to make him choose between her and me?”

“Why would she? And what makes you think Carlos wouldn’t choose you?”

“Yeah man, I’ve never seen two people more in love than you and Carlos.” Paul chimed in and the others agreed.

“Exactly.” Nancy said, putting her hands on TK’s shoulders. “So stop stressing. You’re going to marry that man in a week and -”

“Six days.” TK interrupted and Nancy rolled her eyes at him.

“You’re going to marry that man in 6 days and everything will be fine and you’ll be your own horribly loved up selves and calling each other husband all the time.”

“Yeah. You’re right. Yeah.”

“Of course I’m right.” Nancy sat down again. “I’m always right.”

“Hmm… Maybe I should buy some flowers?”

“For the sister?”

“Yes? I bought flowers for Andrea when I officially met her and Gabriel for the first time…”

“I suppose that could be a nice touch…”

“But then I’d have to buy flowers for Andrea and his other sister too. And then I’d show up with just three bouquets and nothing for Gabriel? I should get something for him too right?”

“Maybe forget about the presents. Just be yourself. I’m sure it’ll be fine.” Judd told him. “You already know his parents, those are the ones you want to have on board.”

“And they love you. I’ve never heard anyone use as many pet names as Andrea Reyes any time she’s near you.” Paul pointed out.

TK nodded.

He knew his friends were right, but he couldn’t help but worry. He wanted the whole of Carlos’ family to like him.

“Look, the way I see it, you’re marrying Carlos, not his family.” Judd said, trying to get through to TK.

“I know… but I want them to like me. He’s had such a complicated relationship with his family, I don’t want to ruin that when he’s finally in a good place with them.”

“And why wouldn’t they like you? You’re a little shit sometimes but you’ve got a good heart.”

“And Carlos loves you.” Nancy reminded him.

TK bit his lip.

“I hate it when you go all rational on me and start making sense.” He said and everyone laughed.

Suddenly Tommy came running down the stairs.

“Medical, gear up, we have to go.”

“What? Why? I haven’t heard the bell?” Nancy commented.

“It’ll ring soon. There was a car accident nearby. At least two cars involved, drivers statuses unknown as of yet. Let’s go.”

“Wait, cap… how do you know?”

“I was on the phone with Grace when it happened.”

“Gracie was in an accident?” Judd asked, worried.

“No, she just saw it happen on the way home from her shift. She’s fine Juddy.” Tommy patted his chest. “Ok medical, let’s go!”

Just as they were getting into the ambulance, the alarm went off, calling not only medical but also fire and rescue to the accident.

“Must’ve been a big crash.” Nancy commented, buckling her seat belt. “But hey, maybe Carlos will be at the scene too and he can tell you to stop worrying.”

“Yeah, maybe. Depends on where in the city he is… they send the unit that’s closest to these things.” TK said, checking the mirrors before starting the engine. “You know he’s working up until the day before the wedding?!”

“So? As long as he’s not working the day of… I don’t see the problem.” Nancy shrugged, putting on gloves as they pulled out of the station and made their way to the scene of the accident.

APD was already on the scene, though unfortunately Carlos was on crowd control and couldn’t give them more than a quick nod in passing.

An officer TK recognised from the APD barbeque brought them up to speed.

“We’re hearing that guy ran a red light and crashed into the other car. The driver seems mostly in one piece, though likely under the influence, the passenger wasn’t wearing a seat belt so that got kind of ugly.” The officer told them and pulled a mildly disgusted face. “My kids are never getting in a car without their seatbelt on… or their feet on the dashboard.”

“Right. And the other car?” Tommy asked.

“One driver, a pregnant woman, she’s stuck. The airbag deployed but the car is pretty banged up. She’s awake and responsive though.”

“Ok. Nancy you go check out the drunk driver and the passenger, TK and I will take the pregnant woman.” Tommy decided. “And radio for a second ambulance.”

“Got it cap.” Nancy replied and went with the officer as TK and Tommy went to check out the other driver.

“Hi there, my name is Tommy, this is TK, what’s your name?”

“Luisa.”

“Hi Luisa, how far along are you?”

“Almost 8 months... My doctor said I was still ok to travel.”

“I don’t think your doctor thought any of this would happen.” TK said as he tried to get into the car from the other side.

“Are you in any pain?” Tommy asked the woman.

“I… uh… a little I guess. My legs… I can’t move my legs. And I’m having cramps… and I think… I uh… wet myself… in the crash… but it can’t be labour yet, can it?”

“Let’s hope not.” Tommy said, giving the woman a reassuring smile. “Judd, I need your guys here to get Luisa out!”

“I need to get a c-collar on her but I can’t get in.” TK told Judd. “Can you guys open up the door on the other side first?”

“We can do that.” Judd confirmed and took a quick look at the state of the car. “This thing is pretty banged up, but we can do it. We can take the roof off.”

“No, please don’t. This is a rental.” Luisa told them. “I’m only in town for my brother’s wedding.”

“I’m sorry ma’am, but I don’t think you’ll be getting your deposit back in any case.” Judd replied. “Just hang tight, we’ll have you out in a tick.” He said and started instructing his team.

“Is there anyone we can call for you?” TK asked. “Partner? Family? Your brother?”

“No… the baby’s father is… not around… And my family… don’t know… I’m coming today. They’re not… expecting me… until tomorrow. My brother… is getting married… this weekend.”

“Are you having trouble breathing?” Tommy asked, noticing the slight shortness of breath as the woman was speaking.

“Uhm… a little. That’s bad… isn’t it?”

“It’s not ideal… but you’re in good hands. Try to stay calm.”

TK had managed to break the window on the passenger’s side and climbed into the car to put a c-collar on the woman’s neck.

“This will protect your neck and spine.” He explained as he quickly examined her. “Her legs are pinned cap, they’ll have to take the whole engine apart. No other visible injuries.” He turned to Luisa. “Can I touch your belly? To check on the baby.”

“Yeah, ok.” She replied and TK carefully put his hands on her belly, feeling for injuries, before grabbing his stethoscope and listening to both her heart and that of the baby.

“Your heart rate is a little fast, but that’s understandable.”

“And the baby?”

“Nothing unusual as far as I can tell.” He gave her a smile and climbed back out. “Diminished breath sounds, possible pneumothorax. Baby seems alright but I couldn’t get a clear heartbeat.” He told Tommy quietly. “We need to get her out quick.”

Tommy nodded and looked through the purse she’d found.

“Oh honey I’ve found your purse. Your phone is still in one piece. Do you have any medication in here you need? Any allergies?”

“I don’t… think… so…”

“Ok, that’s good. That’s what we like.” Tommy said and looked at Luisa’s driver’s license. “Uh Luisa, what is your brother’s name?” She asked, leaning into the car and taking her hand. Both to try and distract her and to check her pulse.

“Carlos… why? Do you know him?”

Tommy nodded.

“I believe I do. Is he an officer with APD?”

“Yes…”

“And do you know the name of the person he’s marrying?”

“Cap…”

“Uhm… it’s a double name… Tyler… I think… but he goes by… a nickname…”

“TK?”

“Yes, that’s it…”

TK pointed at the name on his uniform.

“Hi.”

“Oh… Uhm… Hi.”

“I think you’ve just met your soon to be brother in law.” Tommy said, amused. “Probably not the way you planned.”

“Not really…” Luisa craned her neck to look past Tommy to TK. “Is Carlos here too?”

“He’s on crowd control. Do you want me to go get him?”

“No… he’s working. It’s ok.”

TK nodded and glanced in the direction where he’d just seen Carlos.

“Ok, we’re ready to move.” Judd told them. “Do you need more hands, Tommy?”

“Yes, your guys can help transfer her onto the gurney.”

A few minutes later Luisa was being strapped in and carefully loaded onto the ambulance. Tommy quickly climbed in with her, stopping TK when he wanted to climb in after her.

“I can help Cap.” He protested

Tommy gave him a slightly exasperated look.

“TK, I need to examine her. We need some privacy.”

“Oh. Right. Got it, Cap.”

“Just go help Nancy with the other driver, I’ll radio when I’m done and we’re moving out.”

TK nodded and did as he was told, only not even 10 minutes later Tommy’s voice came over the radio, ordering both him and Nancy back to the ambulance.

“Everything alright back there, cap?” TK replied via the radio.

“The baby is impatient, she’s in labour. We need to get to hospital now.”

They rushed back and jumped in the ambulance, TK behind the wheel, Nancy in the back with Tommy.

They almost made it to hospital when Nancy banged on the little window behind TK’s head and told him to pull over.

“The baby is coming now. We need you back here.”

He parked the ambulance in the first available place he could find and quickly opened the back to help out.

“TK, come sit here and hold her hand.” Tommy ordered, getting up from her own seat to make room for him.

He did as he was told and grabbed Luisa’s hand.

“I know it’s scary but try to stay calm. Captain Vega and Nancy are badasses. They’re the best.”

Luisa nodded and squeezed his hand on another contraction.

“You’re doing great honey.” Tommy told her. “Your baby will be here soon.”

Not long after that, TK was wrapping a baby boy in a blanket after Tommy had quickly checked him over.

“Are you sure you don’t want to let your family know now? I can call Carlos. Or your mom.” He carefully passed the baby to Luisa.

“Ok… call Carlos.”

TK nodded and grabbed his phone and called Carlos’ number.

“Hey babe. Slow shift?” He answered almost right away.

“No, not exactly. Where are you?”

“On my way to the precinct. We just wrapped up at that accident. Why?”

“How fast can you get to hospital?”

“Hospital? TK what’s happened? Are you ok? Please don’t tell me we have to cancel the wedding because you got hurt?”

“No don’t worry baby, I’m fine.”

“Then what’s wrong?” Carlos asked and TK heard him moving around.

“Nothing’s really wrong. I just… I met your sister. Luisa.”

Carlos let out a sigh of relief.

“I don’t think so babe, she’s not coming until tomorrow.”

“No, she’s definitely here…” TK told him, trying to decide just how much of the rest of the day’s events he should tell him. “She was in an accident. We’re on the way to the hospital now.”

“Is she ok? Do my parents know?”

“No not yet. She asked me to call you.”

“Ok. Ok I’m on my way. Tell her I’m on my way. Are you going to Northwest?”

“Yeah, we’re maybe 5 minutes out. Drive safe baby.”

“Yeah, yeah, you too. Love you. Bye.”

As soon as they got to hospital, both Luisa and the baby were met by a team of doctors and nurses.

“We’ll take it from here.” One of the nurses said as they transferred Luisa to a hospital gurney.

“Wait, I’m family. I’m her brother.” TK said and a doctor looked back and forth between him and Luisa. “Brother in law, ok?” he said annoyed. “Can I come with her?”

“Sorry, medical staff only beyond these doors.” A nurse stepped in front of him. “I’ll come update you as soon as I can.”

“I am medical staff.” TK pointed at the logo on his uniform.

“Yes, but not in this hospital.” The nurse explained calmly. “As soon as I know anything, you’ll know too.” She gave him a quick smile and disappeared through the double doors leading to the ER.

“I’ve taken us off shift for now.” Tommy said, putting a hand on TK’s shoulder. “We’ll wait with you until Carlos gets here. And if you want us to stay after that, we’ll stay.”

“Thanks cap.”

Not long after the three of them had sat down, Carlos rushed into the hospital.

“TK! What happened? Is she ok?”

“She got hit by a drunk driver. The car was smashed up pretty badly but she was awake and responsive.” TK told him, rattling off facts like he would updating Tommy or Nancy. “Her legs were pinned under the steering column but nothing life threatening as far as I could tell.”

“Ok. Ok. Where is she now? Can I see her?”

“The doctors took her through to treat her. I’m sure someone will be out to update us soon. Why don’t you take a seat.” Tommy told him. “You know what hospitals are like.”

Carlos reluctantly sat down between TK and Tommy.

“Did she say anything? Why she’s here a day early? Does she know who you are?” He asked TK.

“Yeah… yeah she knows. But she didn’t really say anything… we were all a little preoccupied.”

“What do you mean? What aren’t you telling me?” Carlos asked, noticing the looks between TK, Tommy, and Nancy.

“I uh… I’m not really sure it’s my news to share.” TK said, taking Carlos’ hand. “It’s nothing bad, I promise.”

“That… does nothing to ease my mind.”

“She had a baby, ok? About an hour ago.” Nancy blurted out. “If she gets upset, just blame me.”

“What?”

“Yeah dude, you’re an uncle. She had a boy.”

“She what? I mean… is the baby ok?”

“Yep. As far as we could tell in the bus anyway.”

“I… I didn’t know she was dating anyone.” Carlos settled on, trying to process the information.

“She was with one guy at least once.” Nancy shrugged, ignoring the look TK gave her.

“Yeah… yeah I guess you’re right about that…”

“Luisa Reyes’ family?” A different nurse than the one from before asked as she walked into the waiting area.

“That’s us.” TK jumped up, pulling Carlos to his feet too. “We’re her brothers.”

“Alright. Well, your sister was lucky. No major injuries, just some cuts and scrapes, and she’ll probably be sore for a while, but she’s alright.”

“And the baby?”

“Also doing fine.” The nurse told them. “We’re keeping them overnight for observation but they should both be ready to go home tomorrow.”

“Can we see her?” Carlos asked.

“Sure, follow me.” She said and led them through the ER to a bed with the curtains drawn around it. The nurse opened the curtain. “I’ve got some visitors for you.” She told Luisa and stepped aside for Carlos and TK. “I’ll be back as soon as we’ve got a bed ready for you upstairs.”

“Hey, how are you feeling?” TK asked, sitting down on the stool next to the bed after the nurse had left.

“Tired. Sore.” Luisa replied and looked down at the little boy in her arms. “But happier than I’ve ever been.”

“I’m glad you’re both alright.” TK told her, reaching out to stroke the baby’s cheek.

“Aren’t you going to come say hello to your nephew, Carlitos?” Luisa asked Carlos who still stood frozen in place, right where he’d stepped through the curtain.

“Uh yeah, yeah, sorry. Of course. Yeah.” He stammered and stepped forward. “I’m just… why didn’t you say anything? Where is his dad? Who is his dad.”

“It’s complicated.” Luisa sighed. “I didn’t want anyone fussing over me. Mainly mom.”

“You know she isn’t going to let you out of her sight when she finds out. Either of you.” Carlos said and carefully leaned down to hug her and the baby.

“Yeah I know. But he deserves to be fussed over by his grandma. And mom will need a project after your wedding.” Luisa said, raising an eyebrow at Carlos. “I can’t believe my baby brother is getting married. And to a nice guy too!”

Carlos smiled and looked at TK who took his hand.

“Yeah. I didn’t think this is how you two would meet...”

“We could have met sooner if you had actually told me about him, mister oh by the way I’m getting married in 6 weeks.”

“You didn’t tell her about us until six weeks ago?” TK laughed. “We secured the date almost eight weeks ago!”

Carlos blushed and muttered something unintelligible under his breath.

“Ana told me a few things about you. And I’ve been meaning to look you up online… but I haven’t gotten around to that yet. I’ve been a little busy.” Louisa told TK.

“Well, I’m happy to tell you anything you want to know.” TK replied with a grin on his face Carlos knew meant trouble. “On one condition.”

“You want to offer your services as babysitter?”

“No, but we’ll be happy to after the honeymoon.” He leaned forward and briefly squeezed the little boy’s foot. “I want to know what Carlos was like growing up. Your mom has shown me his baby pictures and I’ve heard some stories… but I want to know the stuff she doesn’t know about and he won’t tell me.”

Luisa laughed.

“Oh I like you. You’ve got yourself a deal.”

[lost-walmartbag]

Marjorine x reader pt 7

Playlist

Warning: Transphobia, swearing, deadnaming

Background: Marj comes out to her parents which does not go over well.

Status: Ongoing

Previous part

Next part

Out

Seeing how close you were getting to Kenny made Marjorine's blood boil. It shouldn't...god why did it? Oh yeah because she was stupidly in love with you but basically told you no. Why can't she just be normal? She's been awkwardly avoiding you for days now. Hoping that she could speedrun the whole healing process.

She needed to do this and needed to do it fast. So she did something she didn't think she would. As her parents were downstairs watching tv Marjorine walked downstairs in a dress. Her hands were shaking and she could feel her heartbeat in her throat.

She wanted to run upstairs but the thought of you losing interest in the time it would take her to figure this out scared her more than her parents. She took a deep breath and walked in front of the tv and faced her parents.

"Butters get out of the way." Her mother said with a frown.

"Why are you in that dress. Take it off." Her father said crossing his arms.

"I-I...." She started feeling her confidence drop. She took a deep breath and looked up at them. "I'm a girl. No more Butters. No more Leopald. I want to go by Marjorine."

Her parents stared at her for a second trying to process what she had just said. Her mother stood up and walked over to her. Marjorine looked at her and within a second she felt a sharp sting on her cheek. She touched her cheek and looked at her mother as her eyes filled with tears.

"Get out."

"B-but"

"Get. Out." Her mother repeated.

Marjorine wanted to say so much but at that moment nothing came out. She looked back at her father who sat on the couch looking down at his lap holding his head in his hands.

"D..dad?"

"You heard your mother Leopald." Her father muttered.

She stared at them hoping they would break and say they were sorry or that it was all some sick joke. She knew they hated her....that she wasn't the child they would have wanted but this? Why? Why didn't she see this coming?

She quickly rushed out of the house taking nothing with her. She didn't know where she was going. She just knew she couldn't be there for much longer.

You were home sitting on the floor with Kenny doing your science homework. He was always better at this than you were.

"What the fuck even is gravity?" You said with a groan throwing down your textbook and falling back, laying on the floor

"Sometimes you say things that make you sound so stupid it's actually crazy," Kenny said with a chuckle as he flipped through pages in his own textbook.

"Yeah well this one girl said we don't even need it."

"And you shouldn't be getting your information from mentally ill people online and stick to just asking me for help."

"Yay, so I get to choose between mentally ill people online or mentally ill people in real life."

"I would respond but the voices in my head are telling me not to," Kenny said making you laugh softly.

Suddenly the peaceful environment was cut off by Kenny's phone going off. He pulled his phone out of his pocket seeing Kyle's name pop up. He answered and held the phone to his ear.

"Hey dude what's up?" Kenny said into the phone as he kept his focus on his book.

Within a few seconds, you noticed Kenny dropping his book and his face going pale. You sat up and looked at him confused.

"O-ok dude slow down I- let me put you on speaker," Kenny said taking the phone away from his ear and putting it on speaker. "O-ok repeat what you said."

"It's Marj! Her mom just called mine freaking out saying that something happened and that Marj was hurt and that they couldn't save them or some shit she wouldn't tell us what happened and now they aren't returning our calls and.."

The minute the words cut through the air you felt as if all time had stopped. You sat there as the blood flowing through your veins ran cold. You could hear Kenny and Kyle still talking but it sounded so muffled in comparison to the ringing in your ears.

Dead? That can't be possible you just saw her yesterday. You texted her not even a few hours ago. She can't be. She couldn't be dead.

Kenny gently shook your shoulder trying to bring you back into reality but you couldn't focus on anything but the thoughts clouding your head.

When did you end up at the park? God, it's fucking freezing. Why was it always snowing here? Why are your feet and legs so cold. You looked down seeing your legs and feet turn red as the cold snow burned your skin. You looked behind you seeing your own footsteps in the snow. God you wish this mental breakdown happened when you were wearing something other than shorts.

You dropped down to your knees not paying any mind to the stinging on your skin. Dead. She's dead. Were the only things you heard in your mind as you looked out at the pond reflecting the moonlight on the frozen layer of ice.

You started crying which quickly turned into sobbing which then turned into screaming as you pounded your fist on the ground. You hadn't known her for long but....dead? She was so bright so happy so....beautiful. What happened? Why? Why weren't you there? To tell her you cared to tell her you loved her.

You felt a large hand on your shoulder and looked up seeing Kenny. He was horribly out of breath and holding your shoes.

"Kenny I..."

"I know. I loved her too." He whispered putting down your shoes.

"I don't understand." You choked out through sobs.

"Me either...Look Kyle's on his way so he can tell us everything he knows but it doesn't seem like...." Kenny started before looking off to the other side of the lake.

You followed his gaze seeing a tall figure across the frozen lake. They had short blond hair and a yellow dress. You know that dress. You made that dress.

"That's my dress! That's her dress!" You yelled rising to your feet and running towards the figure.

"Y/N wait!" Kenny yelled but it was in vain as you ran across the icy lake. You stumbled and fell down a few times but that wasn't stopping you.

Marjorine looked up seeing your figure running towards her. How did you know she was here? How did you know she needed you right now? Fuck that didn't matter not now. She was just as stupid as you were at that moment because she rose to her own feet and ran towards you.

"Marj!"

"Y/N!"

You both yelled out after each other. Once you two were close enough you grabbed hold of one another. You both sobbed into each other's shoulders. Nothing else mattered. Nothing. She was alive. That's all that mattered.

"Y/N! Get off the ice!" Kenny yelled.

You pulled away from Marjorine and your eyes widened as you heard ice beneath you and Marjorine begin to crack. You grabbed her hand and started running off the ice with her.

"Oh fuck oh fuck oh fuck oh fuck why did I think this was a good idea?" You said in a panic as you both tried to make your way off the ice before it gave out.

Just as you two were in arms reach from Kenny the ice gave out causing both you and Marjorine to fall through the ice.

A/N: So so so sorry this didn't come out when scheduled I didn't want to release it before I was done writing it and I didn't want to rush. I just want to say. You all are valid and I'm sorry if you don't feel accepted by those in your life. You deserve so much love and to feel comfortable in your own skin. And if no one else shows you that love just know I feel that love for you. Thank you for reading and I love you all 🩵🩷🤍🩷🩵

[mayomalice]

twilight • eclipse

10/10

i adored eclipse, what a massive step up from flop moon.

we had action, more character backstories, more bella & edward content victorias long awaited death.. like let me get into it;

1. rosalie is so dommy mommy, the entire sequence of her telling bella her backstory, as well as the fact that she CARRIED emmett after he got mauled by an ACTUAL bear?? that’s fucking crazy. like the bitch is strong as fuck and that’s so hot. (rosalie top me challenge: very easy actually)

2. bella punching jacob (despite breaking her hand as result) she girlbossed very hard with that, as well as edward being willing to beat the shit out of jacob but not doing it because he wouldn’t hurt bella like that (im swooning)

3. the training sequence. i love me some jasper x alice moments, and i live a good training sequence so i was eating good with that

3.5 the werewolves & the cullens teaming up

4. the final battle between victoria and that 1 random dude she recruited and their army of newborns. i lived for it, the action tickled my neurodivergent brain just right.

5. bella being the bigger person. despite being a jacob hater i will admit here; she did see a life with him, a future as well as telling him she does love him (somehow) but was mature enough to be like ‘hey dude, i do love you, but im choosing edward & i always will.’ (clearly not what she said in those exact words)

6. bella accepting edward’s proposal, as well as letting alice both plan the wedding (with hesitation but still) and choosing her to be her bridesmaid. (i was a little more than giddy for all of this happening)

now my complaints, i’m keeping it short this time because i really don’t have much to say negatively about this book;

1. stephanie referring to jacob with a whole indigenous slur (i was gagged)

2. the pedophilic nature of imprinting, we all know about this, i can’t be asked to delve further into it (see you in my breaking dawn review later)

3. jacob assaulting bella & later manipulating her into kissing him again when she didn’t want to, threatening his life to do so. i truly mourn for the sweet character jacob was before he turned, if only stephanie didn’t make him such a cunt (derogatory)

4. charlie being team jacob, that’s his 1 and only red flag

5. jasper being a confederate soldier is crazy

~ end of complaints segment ~

eclipse is that bitch, i fear. not even the complaints i have about it could change my rating. so far its definitely my favorite of the books in the series, and that will be a very hard crown to take (if it can be taken)

obligatory ‘fuck stephanie meyer’

& lastly, a mildly irrelevant closing statement: i need a gf who loves me the way edward loves bella

[thesweetnessofspring]

A review of the Hadestown tour (Toronto) that no one asked for:

I sprung for good seats this time and it was worth it! I loved being close enough to catch the expressions in the actors' faces and details like Eurydice putting a finger in Orpheus's outstretched palm and then him returning that gesture later, or that Persephone's flask is in the shape of a pomegranate.

The absolute highlight of the show for me was Hades (Matthew Patrick Quinn). His voice isn't quite as deep as Patrick Page or the Hades I saw on tour last year, but his voice was absolutely marvelous and my favorite Hades I've heard so far. I choked up a little with how he delivered the line "doubt comes...doubt comes in." It was SO clear that Hades was thinking of himself there and just knew Orpheus would fail, because he sees himself in Orpheus and he can't help but look behind to check if Persephone is following, too. Outstanding, 10/10 performance!

Hades was really tall, and Persephone (Maria-Christina Oliveras) is on the shorter side, which made for a really fun dynamic between the two. I liked her. She plays Persephone a little more loose and crass, especially in "Our Lady of the Underground" which was an interesting dynamic given the implication of Hades picking Eurydice out as a sexual conquest to make Persephone jealous, as if they were both fighting each other the same way. She also did well with that hurt, conflicted side of Persephone that comes out after "If It's True" and the mask of her good time-attitude comes off. Solid performance.

Eurydice (Hannah Whitley) has a really beautiful, distinct voice that I loved with Eurydice. She plays Eurydice's vulnerable side so well, I got emotional watching her face as her walls came down around Orpheus and then again when she's deciding whether or not to go on the train and leave him behind. I absolutely loved how she played Eurydice's conflict about what to choose. And ugh when the moment happens when Orpheus turns...gut-wrenching how she's so hopeful and practically celebrating that they've made it only for...well, you know.

Now I'll be honest, the Orpheus I saw on last year's tour (west coast) was a disappointment because he really struggled to hit the high notes, but I have to acknowledge that Orpheus's register is really, really hard. So I was nervous for this role, but this Orpheus (J. Antonio Rodriguez) had an astoundingly beautiful voice, especially when he sings those high la la la las. It was such a pleasure to hear him sing! He comes across initially more naive and boyish than I read Orpheus (who is a rather naive and boyish character to start) but he hit his stride early on and it got more to the level I like in Orpheus during "Wedding Song." He plays the transition of Orpheus to being more weary and doubting so naturally and heartbreakingly. Whitley and Rodriguez had good chemistry as Orpheus and Eurydice, I was completely able to buy into their love.

I really didn't like Hermes (Nathan Lee Graham), which is a disappointment because there are so many incredible, different ways to play this character, but it felt like Graham was trying to steal the show from others and be as over-the-top as possible. He stopped after the "all right" at the beginning to show off his suit and grin, begging for applause. After everyone takes a drink in "Livin' It Up on Top" following Orpheus's speech, he made a huge "AHHHH!" sound after he took his drink. Like dude that moment is NOT a Hermes moment!!! Let Orpheus give his incredibly important speech without it being about you! And his voice (at least in this role) has a somewhat British cadence to it...I'm not sure exactly what it was, but it wasn't Southern at all, and however Hermes is portrayed, all of Hadestown is very Depression-era Southern inspired, so why is he sounding like that?? It bugged me so much. He came across as rather mean and cold to Orpheus and Eurydice as well, his shock and sadness felt out of place when he comes on stage after Orpheus turns around. I'm sure this actor is great in other roles, but his Hermes was not it.

Still, I loved it, I love this show, I love seeing it live and getting the experience of the chorus and the band up on the stage and the lights and feeling the music. I was crying from Epic III onward. This is the only show I've felt the need to see in the theatre live more than once, and I have to say...I'm gonna see it again!

[hansomeskz]

Devil Like Me Chapter 4

Han Jisung is the devil of the music industry, but he’s tired of being alone.

Read on Ao3 | Read on Wattpad | Talk to me on Twitter | Chat on retrospring

Chapter 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Epilogue

NOTE: I am trying to decide which fic I want to post next!! I was going to post a fic I have inspired by Ceilings by Lizzy McAlpine but I also have one ready to go inspired by The 30th by Billie Eilish!! let me know which you would prefer :’)

The three of them keep their word, plotting when Jisung is not around. They spend spare time between 3Racha events whispering, huddled together. Jisung chooses to mind his business, carrying out any tasks handed to him by their manager.

He hears a lot from Chan about how he should just give up the act but the idea of angering their team any further when things are already so bad for them makes him feel sick. In the wake of the boardroom showdown, their schedule has become a living hell, especially for Jisung.

They seem to be trying to keep him busy so he has less energy to fight back, and it really is working. Each day is hours of rehearsal or recording sessions, followed closely by appearance after appearance. Jisung has done more interviews and attended more parties in the past few weeks than he has in his entire career.

He’s so exhausted that when his manager points out Chan across the room, suggesting Jisung goes and starts something, he does it without a second thought. He approaches Chan, shoving him harder than he’d intended.

Chan looks at him, completely unbothered. “What’s up?”

“I don’t… I don’t know.” Jisung wears the angry face that everyone around them expects, but he has no fight left in him. “She told me to start a fight but I don’t… I don’t have anything to be angry about,” he says simply. Chan’s face morphs into fake hurt to match Jisung’s act. “You threw a drink at me once because my shirt was ‘too expensive’, there’s nothing you’re upset about here?”

“Your shoes are fucking stupid, but you love them.” Jisung grabs Chan’s collar, pulling him close to sneer in his face. “I can’t find a single thing to even pretend to be mad about.”

Chan pushes at Jisung in fake desperation until he finally lets go. “That’s good, Ji. Do you get to go after this?”

“I don’t think so,” he says quietly, scowling as Chan takes a step back, scoffing at him for appearances. “I hope you get to leave soon, man. How many shots have you even had?”

“I stopped counting forty minutes ago.”

“Fuck, dude.” He flinches when Jisung gives him one last shove. “If you hit me hard enough, I bet they’d let me go,” he jokes. Chan seems to consider it before he turns and stalks off, a sour look on his face.

Jisung watches him as he heads to security. He sees Chan point towards him and speak angrily to the man before the security guard starts to approach him.

Their manager and his bodyguard are quick to roll up behind him when they realize this is going to foil any plans they had tonight, but it’s no use.

They spend well over twenty minutes arguing to keep Jisung at the party. While his manager’s shrill voice carries through the party, Minho texts Jisung to let him know that he’s waiting in his car outside. Jisung tells him he won’t be long.

Ultimately security wins, forcefully removing the three of them from the party.

When Jisung quickly approaches Minho’s car and slides in, the doors locking behind him, his manager starts screaming at him. He chooses not to listen, instead stealing a kiss from Minho over the centre console.

“How did you know I was getting kicked out?”

“Chan texted me. I thought you’d want a getaway car.” Minho smiles lightly, glancing at him before looking back to the road.

“You always come through when I need you, Min.”

“I hope I always will,” he says quietly, placing a hand on Jisung’s thigh. “You stink, baby. You smell like my parents’ liquor cabinet.”

“I did an unholy amount of tequila shots, don’t ask.”

“Tequila? And you’re not crying?” Minho squeezes his thigh gently and Jisung is actually a little surprised. “Huh, I guess not.”

“It sounds like this is all helping,” the older boy says, smiling to himself. Jisung smiles too, warmth spreading through his chest.

He does have to admit now that he has Minho, Chan, and Changbin in his corner, things have gotten a lot easier. He’s glad he isn’t alone anymore.

They go back to the dorms this time and as they step into Jisung’s room, he can’t help but notice all of the mail is missing.

“Chan gave me a key,” Minho starts. “We thought maybe you’d want them gone.”

Jisung nods softly, turning to look at him. “Thank you, Minho. I don’t know what I did to deserve you.”

The brunet just kisses his forehead and finds them both a change of clothes, helping Jisung out of his party wear and into a pair of sweats before he changes, too.

They crawl under the covers together, curling close. Jisung’s body is exhausted but his mind is racing, thinking of what’s next.

Minho dozes next to him, making small humming noises every time Jisung shifts positions. The blond feels very lucky that things turned out this way, even if it was a hard road for him. He thinks that even if they can’t escape their contract, he could live the next few years like this.

Changbin and Chan enter the apartment not too much later, giggling on their way through the living room and down the hall. Jisung hears them stall outside his door, whispers not quite reaching his ears.

When Chan quietly peeks inside through the cracked door, Jisung turns his head to look at him. They exchange sleepy smiles before Minho pulls Jisung closer, grumbling about how Jisung should be asleep by now.

Chan laughs softly before he disappears from the doorway, making his way to his own room. Jisung buries his face into Minho’s neck.

“Why are you still awake?” The Minho whines, hands slipping under the younger boy’s shirt to try and pull him somehow closer.

“I just have a lot on my mind.”

“Wanna share?”

“I’m just… happy. I’m fucking tired, but I’m happy,” Jisung says quietly, curling his fingers against Minho’s chest.

The brunet hums happily, giving him a squeeze. “I’m happy to hear it, baby. You deserve it.”

“I couldn’t have done it without you.”

“You would’ve reached your limit eventually. I’m just glad I was there to make sure somebody was taking care of you.” Minho presses a kiss to the top of Jisung’s head, shifting so he’s half on top of the blond.

Jisung takes in Minho’s warmth, exhaustion starting to take over. While he can’t make out what the older boy says as he drifts off, it makes him feel loved.

The real war between them and the company starts when Chan’s tell-all comes out. The interview is 20 minutes long with Chan exposing all of the things he knows of that the company has done to Jisung.

The part that surprises Jisung the most is that Chan tries to take the blame for Jisung’s public persona, too. He and Minho are curled up on the couch in Minho’s apartment, watching everything unfold.

“The worst part is, it’s kind of my fault,” Chan says to the interviewer. Jisung gasps, shaking his head.

“I knew Han really well when we started out, and I just assumed that after debut he’d let the popularity get to his head. I wish I’d known better than to let them portray him as a monster when he was just doing what our management told him would help the group.” Chan sounds choked up, swallowing hard as the interviewer asks him another question.

“It’s not his fault,” Jisung says to Minho, furrowing his brows. Minho is frowning at the TV, the arm he has around the younger boy tightening its grip.

“No, that’s the worst part,” Chan says to the question Jisung missed. “The label knew about all of this, the death threats, the damage it was doing to our Hannie. They just didn’t care. It was doing numbers so why bother, I guess.”

“How does Han feel about telling everyone about this?”

“He’s scared out of his mind. Hell, I’m scared too. He just couldn’t keep living like that, it was going to drive him to…” Chan trails off but the interviewer nods in understanding.

“So why isn’t he the one telling everyone this?” The interviewer asks this as he leans forward. The blank expression he is sending to Chan makes Jisung’s blood run cold.

“Like I said, he’s scared. Ever since it came out to us that he was doing all of this we’ve been begging him to drop the act, but he doesn’t want to go against the company. I just… I had to do something to get him out of the situation. Maybe this will help. I hope if nothing else, this helps him be himself.”

Jisung blinks back tears as the interviewer starts to wrap up the show. Minho gives him a little squeeze, looking at him. “Are you okay?”

“I’m fucking terrified, Minho.”

“I know, but you’re free now. It’s all out in the open. No more being somebody else,” Minho says quietly.

“What if I’m not? What if we’ve done everything we have and I still have to be the same guy I was before all of this?”

“Don’t let it happen, Ji. Han is dead, okay? Just… be Jisung.” Minho presses a kiss to the side of his head, smiling reassuringly.

Jisung opens his mouth to say something else but is cut off by the sound of his ringtone. Chan’s name is displayed over a picture of them from pre-debut. He hesitates, but he does answer the call. “Hello?”

“It’s done, Han-ah. It’s all out there. Are you at Minhos? Changbin and I are on our way.”

“You’re coming here?”

“I think if the label calls, it’d be best for us all to be together,” Chan says quietly.

“Okay, yeah. Thank you.” Jisung’s heart is hammering against his rib cage, sweat gathering on his hairline. He’s not sure if he’s ever felt so scared.

Chan and Changbin arrive quickly and the four of them sit together in silence.

When Jisung starts to fidget, picking at the skin on his hands, Minho puts on a show to fill the silence and laces their fingers together.

She takes her sweet time, but their manager does call them that night.

Before Chan can even say hello, she’s screaming down the phone line. “Do you have any idea what you’ve just done? Do you have any idea how much damage you’ve just caused?”

“I do,” he says simply, hands clasped in front of him. They all huddle around the phone to listen. “Then you must be fucking stupid! We are losing money as we speak, our investors-“

“Let us out of the contract,” Chan demands, voice firm. Jisung admires Chan’s composure, his own hands shaking. “Oh, no, Bang. You’re stuck until you make back every penny we just fucking lost.”

“We aren’t playing your games anymore. Let us out or we’ll only make it worse.” He hears their manager huffing and puffing on the other side of the phone. “Meet me tomorrow at nine in my office. I don’t want to hear another peep from you until then.” The line clicks as she hangs up, and the four of them fall back into silence.

Jisung knows they don’t have to say anything else tonight. The story is already on the internet and will blow itself up without any help at all. The weight of the silence around them suggests the others know this, too.

“We should play scrabble,” Minho says quietly. The absurdity of the statement makes Jisung laugh, which prompts smiles from Chan and Changbin.

“Fuck it, let’s play scrabble,” Changbin agrees. Minho goes and gets the game and they all gather around the board. This moment of normalcy before their lives change forever is completely welcome, Jisung thinks.

Minho breaks out some bottles of wine too, and they spend the night pretending everything is fine. The cats trample the board regularly, all four of them giggling about it.

Jisung feels good, he thinks. This is one of the scariest times of his life, but with these people around him, he feels like he can handle what’s about to come.

Several bottles in, late into the night with Chan and Changbin are asleep on the couch, Jisung and Minho are tangled together in Minho’s armchair, whispering to each other.

“How are you feeling, Ji?” The older boy asks him, running his hands through his blond hair.

“I feel good. I don’t know what it is, Minho, but I feel like everything’s going to be okay.” Jisung smiles at Minho, and he returns it quickly. “I think it will be. Even if it doesn’t go how we all want it to, I think we’ll all be just fine.”

“I think so too,” Jisung says, burying his face in the burnet’s neck. He doesn’t move after that, knowing he has to be up early for the scariest meeting of his life. Minho holds him tight while he falls asleep, keeping him close through the night.

Minho comes with them in the morning, Chan stepping into their manager’s office at exactly 9am. The three of them trail behind their leader, nervous.

Jisung admires how fearless Chan is as he steps right up to her desk. She stares up at him, arms crossed. “You have created the most intense PR crisis I have ever seen in my life,” she says, cocking her head to the side.

“We didn’t do a thing, this was all your shit that caused this,” Chan barks at her. “We want out of the contract.”

“Well,” their manager starts, sneering at him. “If it were up to me I’d keep you stuck here for the next few years. I’d make you work off every penny you just cost us. Lucky for you, it isn’t up to me and the investors want you gone, so we’ve drafted an agreement.” She slides a folder across her desk to Chan. “But we need an answer by Monday.”

Jisung’s shocked, if he’s honest. None of them crack a smile, knowing anything could lie in the pages of the agreement, but he feels a little lighter knowing he’s got a chance to get out of this.

When they turn to leave, their manager speaks up again. “Oh, Han? Keeping your mouth shut is much easier than what you’ll have to go through to clear your name after all of the dust has settled.”

Han shrugs lightly, offering her a small smile. “At least it’ll be my choice to do it.” He turns and follows Minho out of the room.

The next few days are a blur while they go over the terms of the contract and make new demands. By Monday night they’re huddled around a table with the people who used to make up their team and all parties are signing, agreeing to all the terms to separate 3Racha from the label. The notice about it is posted before they’ve even left the building.

Changbin and Chan’s phones start to blow up right away, but not one of them misses how Jisung’s phone stays silent.

“I’m happy you’re out now,” Minho tells him once all four of them are curled up on his couches. Chan and Changbin are texting back all the people wishing them well as Jisung scrolls through Netflix. “Me too. I’m just scared about what it means for all of us, you know? Where do we go from here?”

“A million other labels would love to have you,” the brunet says quietly. “Or we could start our own,” Chan says, and the other three turn to stare.

“Our own?” Changbin asks, frowning. “Yeah, I mean… we can do everything ourselves anyway. The writing and producing we have on lock, and I know choreographers, directors, creatives…” Chan trails off, thinking for a moment. “Yeah. We could do it.”

They all fall quiet, looking at each other. Jisung thinks about how he would usually panic in a scenario like this, but with his thigh pressed firmly against Minho’s and his two best friends by his side, he feels like maybe he can do anything. “I think we should,” he says, eyes sparkling.

“Yeah?” Asks Chan, smiling at him. “Yeah.”

So they do. Weeks turn into months and before they know it, it’s nearly been a year since they split from their label. All four of them are sitting around a table at their favourite bar. They’ve turned this place into their official hangout spot over the past few months, so the waiters know to keep the drinks coming. A few faces have joined their crew, members of the team they’ve built for 3Racha Entertainment.

Jisung finds himself seated across from Felix, head choreographer, and Changbin. They’ve been lip-locked for what feels like hours and he and Minho are trying to break it up by throwing napkins at the two of them. It isn’t working.

“I can’t keep going like this, Ji. If I have to watch this for another second I’m going to combust,” Minho whines, burying his face in his hands. Jisung hears Seungmin, the head of PR, laugh from somewhere down the table. When he looks over, he sees the younger boy lean against Chan, a hand on his thigh.

Hyunjin, their head stylist, elbows him roughly to grab his attention. “Are you going to finish your drink? Jeongin disappeared, I don’t think we’ll ever get another drink again.” Jisung slides his cup towards Hyunjin, laughing. “Last I saw, he went to change so he can come to hang out,” Minho says, voice still muffled by his hands. Jisung curls his fingers around Minho’s wrist, tugging gently.

Jeongin, their favourite bartender, slides into the seat at the head of the table. “There he is!” Chan grins, standing. “Now that we’re all here, I want to raise a toast.” The eldest boy holds up his drink and the seven other boys crowding the table do the same.

“To a brand new beginning! And to the family we’ve built along the way. I can’t wait to do this with all of you.” Chan smiles proudly at all of them, and Jisung’s chest swells. “Cheers to that,” he says, clinking his glass against Minho’s.

The sound of everyone’s glasses knocking together has Jisung’s eyes watering. “Everything okay, Ji?” Minho asks, curling an arm around him. “Too much tequila,” he lies, face growing hotter. “Mmm, my crybaby,” the older coos, kissing Jisung’s temple.

“I’m gonna get some air before I start bawling,” he laughs as he stands. Minho stands, too. “I’m coming with. I don’t want to see Changbin sucking on Felix’s tongue anymore.”

The two of them head outside the bar, sitting on the curb. “Really, are you alright?” Minho cups his cheek, rubbing it gently with his thumb. Jisung leans into his touch, nodding a little. “Overwhelmed,” he mumbles, scooting closer.

The brunet nods, pressing a kiss to the crown of his head. “Wanna go home?”

“Nah, I’m just…happy. If you’d told me last year that things would end up like this, I don’t think I would’ve believed you.”

Minho laughs lightly at that. “I did tell you, baby.”

“And I didn’t believe you!” Jisung shoots back, giggling. The older boy pulls him closer, grinning. “You didn’t, that’s true.”

They steal kisses from each other in their few moments of peace, only pulling apart when a girl approaches them. “Excuse me, I’m so sorry to bother you… Are you Han Jisung?”

He looks up at her with wide eyes. “Uh, yeah, that’s me.”

“Do you think I could get a picture with you? I’m a huge fan.” She’s trembling slightly, a shy smile on her face. He buffers for a moment before his brain registers what she said.  “A picture? Of course.”

He stands shakily, smiling brightly at her. “What’s your name?” He asks, curling an arm around her shoulders for the picture. She tells him before leaning in a little closer, smiling and snapping a photo. Jisung is reeling as she thanks him again and scurries away. “Did she say she’s a big fan?” He asks, looking down at Minho.

The older boy has his phone out, having taken dozens of pictures of the interaction. “She did! Your very first fan interaction, huh?”

“My first good one, at least…” He holds his hand out to Minho to help him up, smiling brightly. “That was so exciting, I can’t believe it.”

Jisung gushes about it for the rest of the night. Nobody at the table teases him for it, knowing what he’s had to go through to get to this moment.

As Minho loads the last boxes of his things into Jisung’s living room, the blond gets a call from an unknown number. He would ignore a call like this on any other day but something in his gut tells him this call might be an important one.

His feeling is confirmed when a shaky voice on the other end answers his greeting. “Jisung, sweetheart, I am so sorry.”

His heart hammers against his ribcage, his face going pale. “Mom?”

“I didn’t know, and I should've. I’m sorry I fell for it, I thought I knew you better than that.” His mom is crying into the phone, voice breaking. Minho is watching him with wide eyes.

“No, Mom… It’s not your fault. It all happened the way they designed it. I didn’t want to drag you into it, so I just pushed you away.”

“I should’ve known. I should’ve known that wasn’t you.” He can hear her gasping for breath between words and his stomach twists. “There was no way you could’ve known…”

“I just called to say I love you and that I’m sorry. I should’ve been there. I should’ve known.” Jisung can feel her shuddering breaths in his bones, tears pricking at his eyes. “I don’t blame you for a second. Thank you, Mom.”

“I love you, sweetheart. I miss you, come home soon?”

“Yeah. I love you too…” His throat closes around the words, his lower lip trembling. “Mom, I have to go, I’m in the middle of moving. We’ll talk soon, alright?”

“Okay. Talk soon.” She sniffs right before she hangs up, leaving Jisung stunned.

“That was your mom?” Minho asks, biting his lip nervously.  “It was. She called to apologize for not being there while everything was happening, but…”

“But what? Isn’t this what you wanted?”

“I don’t know, I think so, but I’m kind of hurt, I think.” Jisung blinks a couple times, trying to get his thoughts to settle.

Minho approaches him slowly, slipping his arms around his waist. “I think you earned a little hurt in all of this, no?” He presses tender kisses to both sides of the younger boy’s face.

Jisung tries to hide the smile tugging at his lips but it’s no use. “Yeah, I guess so.”

“You can accept her apology without jumping right back in. Especially considering how long it took her to reach out, I think that would be okay.” Minho looks at him so tenderly, causing Jisung’s heart to hammer against his rib cage. “Yeah, you’re right.”

“I know.” Minho steals one last kiss from him before pulling away. “Now help me move the books, they’re too heavy.” Minho gestures vaguely towards the boxes he packed far too full of books.

Jisung gets to work, feeling grateful he has somebody like Minho to help him through all of this.

As the younger boy slides the books onto his bookshelf, slotted between his own CD collection, the brunet wraps his arms around him from behind.

Jisung smiles lightly, leaning into his touch a little. “I’m happy you’re moving in,” he says quietly. Minho hums in acknowledgment, pressing a kiss to Jisung’s shoulder. “Me the fuck too.”

“I’m also glad this means I get 24/7 access to the cats.”

“Soonie will keep himself out of reach at all times still, baby.”

“Yeah, well, I can dream, can’t I?” Minho laughs in response, giving him a squeeze. “I guess so. I’m gonna order us some dinner, keep working hard.”

Jisung misses his touch the second he disappears to make the order.

All eight of them find themselves crouched around Chan’s laptop the day they announce their new venture. Hyunjin is carrying on about how nervous he is as Chan publishes the official announcement of the launch of 3Racha Entertainment.

Minho has his arms wrapped tightly around Jisung, chin hooked over his shoulder. The younger boy has his hands clasped over Minho’s around his middle, leaning back against him. Jisung lets out the breath he didn’t know he was holding as his friends erupt into excited chatter around him.

He can’t hear a thing except for Minho’s voice in his ear. “I’m so proud of you, Ji,” he says quietly. The blond’s skin heats up quickly, the tips of his ears turning bright red.

“I never could’ve done it without you.” He turns in Minho’s arms, curlings his fingers into the older boy’s shirt and pressing chaste kisses to his lips. “You could’ve, but I’m glad you didn’t have to.”

“Yeah, me too.”

They savour the few moments that they get to themselves before their friends start demanding their attention. Chan pulls Jisung aside as the rest of the group absorbs Minho into their conversation.

“How are you feeling, Jisung-ah?” He smiles lightly at Jisung, putting a hand on his shoulder. “I’m nervous, maybe even shitting myself, but I’m ready for this.”

Chan laughs, nodding. “Yeah, me too. Are you happy you did it, though?”

“I couldn’t be happier. Thank you, Chan.” Jisung smiles brightly at the older boy who shrugs lightly. “I’m glad you let me in, Ji. I missed my best friend.” Chan pinches his cheek gently, a fond look in his eyes. “I missed you too, man. You know-”

“Jisungie! Can you vouch for my sick beatboxing skills?” Jeongin yells from the huddle a few feet away. Jisung grimaces and pats Chan’s shoulder before joining the group. “I could but I’d be a filthy liar,” he says, earning a good laugh from his friends. Warmth spreads throughout his chest at the sound.

He locks eyes with Minho across the huddle and smiles lightly. Minho smiles back, slipping out of his spot so he can stand next to Jisung instead. He thinks about how lucky he is to have found his people.

A year ago, Jisung had been at his lowest. He’d been completely alone and entirely afraid of what was in store for him. He’s shocked that now he’s surrounded by people he loves, who love him back unconditionally.

Minho’s thumb brushes his cheek as he leans in to whisper into his ear. “Is everything okay, baby?”

“I’ve never been better,” Jisung says quietly. His face is hot, tears pricking at his eyes, but he sends Minho his brightest smile. Minho smiles back, knowing he means it.

Felix’s hand finds his back, too. “Are you crying? That’s a bit much, don’t you think?” He grins as he teases him, and the jab draws the attention of the other boys standing around them.

They all coo and pinch at Jisung, teasing relentlessly about the tears now finding their way down his cheeks. He whines, smacking at their hands. “Leave him alone you vultures,” Minho snaps playfully, pulling Jisung in close.

The younger boy laughs against his skin, embarrassed he’s been caught. Chan squeezes into the huddle between Felix and Jisung, patting his back. “We’re happy you’re here, Ji.”

“I am too,” he mumbles. Minho holds him a little tighter as Changbin punches Jisung’s side gently. “We love you, dude.”

“I know.” And he does. He could spend forever with these people, he thinks.

[waynes-multiverse]

I can't tell you how giddy I was to read this masterpiece. My hands are literally shaking as I'm typing this 😂

EEEEEEK!

Nickleback’s “How You Remind Me” was blaring.

Thanks for getting that early-2000s lump of coal stuck in my head, dude 🤣

(btw this is literally the first gif that came up when I typed in Nickelback. That should tell us something lmao 😂)

And, oh yeah, you still didn’t know about that last part. 

WHAT?! Omg please let Joey be the one to clumsily tell her 😂

doe brown eyes and a too-bright smile.

Honestly the best way to describe Joey lol

“Hey. Good to see ya…not with my girlfriend,” he quipped with a smile.

There he is! My first love and crush 😍 Have I told you that my very first fanfic at thirteen was written about this man? 😆

Jen’s eyes were on him, even while she hugged you.

Oh God, Jen! Could you be any more awkward about it? 🙈

He was still sorry that he hurt her, but he wasn’t sorry for choosing you.

Swoon! 😍😍😍

Maybe it would give you a chance to mend this weird rift of distance that had seemed to come between you and Jen in recent weeks.

Bah, Zep! I'm dying here 🙈🙈🙈 The cringe, the awkwardness, the secrecy!

“Sorry,” she waved a dismissive hand. “Just remembered something. Like the fact that I really like vodka. I mean, it’s clear, almost tasteless, so it’s almost like drinking water, you know?”

Bless her 😂 Technically, it is Russian water, right? 🤪

“Don’t worry, you’re all safe. This is Jameson,” she said.

You nailed Jen there. She'd defnitely come back with a retort like this 🤣

“By all means, check away,” she said.

Gah, Jen, stop it with the pettiness! He didn't pick you. Get over it, girl 🙈 (The cringe is truly why I love teen dramas so much lol)

Sorry you’re a leper. That’s rough buddy.

He really did say it like that 😂 And why Pacey went out of his way to call him out on it is such an odd thing anyway. Who does that? You sweep shit like that under the rug

Are we having fun yet? he thought dryly.

The second one who's petty. Maybe he and Jen are a good match after all... 🙄

“You’re looking at me like an inmate who got loose in the psych ward.”

True. I snorted 😂😂😂

“Hey,” he said, in a softer voice. He looked down at you with softer eyes too.

Their little moment after their fight had me legit in tears 😭 Again, you're making me like him and I really didn't want to lol

Gus took the first turn, and got creative with it—giving Joey a nice lick on the cheek.

Omg, Zep, thank you for bringing that disGUSting memory back 😝🤣🤢

Instead of the light peck that he was aiming for, she surprised him by taking his face in her hands and giving him a kiss deep enough to make him taste the burn of whiskey.

WHAT?!?!!?

SHE DID NOT!!!!!

NUH-UH!

I'm shooketh!

The balls on this girl! Whiskey-induced balls but still... WOW

Joey finally dropped her hands from her face (she’d been watching the scene through the cracks in her fingers).

My sweet Josephine 🥰 That soothed some of my shock

“Go ahead,” you said. Your tone was a challenge, as were your crossed arms, and the tight expression on your face.

I love how your readers always have that passive-aggressive fire, Zep 😅❤️‍🔥

He plied you softly at first. His lips dragged against yours in a slow, lingering kiss. Then he angled his head away from the circle, away from prying eyes as he brushed his tongue across your lower lip, seeking entrance. You inhaled deeply, and you couldn’t help but let him in.

Damn... Seriously, stop making me fall for this man 👀🔥

or hurt her more by pursuing another one of her friends

Dear Lord 😂😂😂 He's just going through the whole group, isn't he? Watch out, Joey lol (Although Pacey might punch him again then)

“You’re my one exception,” he said.

Aww 😭❤️

This was wonderful, Zep! Funny, dramatic, sweet! 🥹 (Stefon-worthy) You're really making me love this guy (and do a rewatch of DC lmao) 🫶💚

One Exception

Pairing: CJ Braxton x F. Reader

Summary: Joey has invited you to a party at Pacey’s apartment, and CJ has agreed to go, despite the contentious history between him and your new friends. He doesn’t want to be the reason you miss out on a good thing, but it also means he’ll have to hide his apprehension (and his alcoholism).  

AN: Here’s the sequel to Good Morning! This story takes place in 6.14 of the show, with a little twist.

Word Count: 4K

Tags/Warnings: Mature themes, but it doesn’t really warrant an 18+ rating. Angst, alcoholism, hurt/comfort, jealousy, fluff, tinge of spice, and implied smut.

“Nice television,” CJ remarked, noting the giant monstrosity in the middle of this very loud apartment.

“See? Told you it’d be low-key,” you said.

More like high and off-key, CJ thought wryly.

Nickleback’s “How You Remind Me” was blaring. People you and CJ recognized from school were crowded in the living room around the TV, as well as milling around the kitchen with beers and solo cups, and it was pretty much a wall of sound that already grated on CJ’s ears. Pacey had to be in here somewhere too.

You squeezed CJ’s hand and gave him a sympathetic smile.

“You okay?” you asked.

He gave you a smile to hide his nerves. “Yeah, I’m fine.”

He was no stranger to parties. He just didn’t often find himself going to parties where the host had once introduced his face to a brick wall.

Before he truly got to know you, CJ had a one-time unintentional fling with your (former) dorm roommate, Audrey. She’d been spiraling out of control in an alcohol-fueled depression. He’d seen a kindred spirit in her and tried to help her. He just hadn’t known that she was still sort of in a relationship with Pacey, who had a mean right hook when he wanted to.

And then there was Jen, Audrey and Joey’s best friend. CJ felt the worst for hurting her along the way, unable to reciprocate her feelings…

And, oh yeah, you still didn’t know about that last part. 

CJ silently stewed in all of this when you led him by the hand to find your friend and current dormmate, Joey.

“Hey! Glad you could make it,” she said with her wide, doe brown eyes and a too-bright smile.

You gave her a quirking look when you hugged her in greeting. She smelled like vodka and orange juice, but you’d never known Joey to go too hard in the paint with her liquor.

She gave your companion a little wave. “Hey, CJ!”

“Hey,” he nodded with a smile.

“You guys want something to drink?” she asked, gesturing to the row of liquor bottles and various chasers behind her on the kitchen counter. You internally paused for a moment, glancing at your boyfriend, but you turned back to Joey with a smile.

“Yeah, Diet Coke would be great,” you said.

CJ gave you a curious look, but he asked for the same. Joey bobbed her head before she went to pour the drinks into some plastic cups.

CJ leaned in near your ear. “Sweetheart, you’re allowed to drink. You know I’ve been to parties before.”

In fact, you and CJ had met at a club party. One where Audrey had been led up to some guy’s room while she was drunk, and CJ had all but broken down the door to get her out for you and Jen.

“I know, I just don’t feel like doing alcohol tonight,” you told him.

It wasn’t exactly a lie, but it wasn’t the whole truth either. You just didn’t want to risk making CJ even more uncomfortable than he likely already was, being near Pacey. You’d asked Joey to talk to him for you—a plea for him to not try and kill your boyfriend.

And there your esteemed host was, coming over now.

“Heyyyy, good thinking,” said Pacey. He went over to Joey’s side when she turned to hand you and CJ your drinks. He grabbed another cup to pour one for himself. 

“Hey, man,” CJ greeted politely. His hands were in his pockets, trying to mask his stiffness.

Pacey hesitated, taking note of CJ, but the beat of tension broke between the two men when Pacey graciously stuck out a hand.

“Hey. Good to see ya…not with my girlfriend,” he quipped with a smile.

CJ’s was a bit more strained, but he gave a wry chuckle along with his handshake. Joey elbowed Pacey in the ribs.

“Ah, what?” he protested. She gave him a firm look, pursing her lips. Then she turned to you and CJ with a smile.

“Hey, you guys have any whiskey?” Jen cut in, as she sidled up to Joey. “I’m not so much in a beer mood, but whiskey I could do. Maybe it’s the burn I’m craving—”

She stopped short when she saw you and CJ. Her smile thinned.

“Oh! Hey, there,” she said.

CJ offered her nod, but his insides tightened. He watched you brighten and give Jen a hug that the other woman couldn’t easily reciprocate. Jen’s eyes were on him, even while she hugged you.

You and Joey then broke off to catch up for a bit (CJ encouraged you to it), while Pacey went back to watching a football game on the mega-sized TV with Jack. CJ was about to join them when Jen’s voice stopped him.

“You guys look good together,” she said. She had a glass of whiskey in her hand and a small smile on her face. Her blonde hair was shorter now, cut just below her ears. Her black halter-style dress suited her.

But she wasn’t you.

CJ smiled more genuinely. “Thanks.”

Jen was a good person. He was still sorry that he hurt her, but he wasn’t sorry for choosing you.

You were happy to see CJ hanging out with his friend David, along with Jack and Pacey and some other guys from school. Meanwhile, you had the chance to catch up with Joey and Jen.

Maybe it would give you a chance to mend this weird rift of distance that had seemed to come between you and Jen in recent weeks.

You didn’t know where it came from, but you genuinely admired Jen as a person. She was smart, and she always spoke her mind and stuck to her principles. That was something you wish you had more of in yourself.

Now, she was a bit quiet while sipping her whiskey. Joey made up for it, with a kind of giggle-snort you'd never heard come out of her mouth before. You raised a brow, despite your smile.

"Yes, Josephine?" you teased.

"Sorry," she waved a dismissive hand. "Just remembered something. Like the fact that I really like vodka. I mean, it's clear, almost tasteless, so it's almost like drinking water, you know?"

You and Jen shared an amused look.

"Sure, that's what it's like," you said.

Joey's eyes went wide then. She leaned in close to you, leaning on your shoulder.

"Oh. Don't drink champagne though," she said, while eyeing Jen. She "whispered" loud enough to be heard over the music, and also hurt your left ear. "She once killed a girl with champagne."

Jen's mouth fell open incredulously. Your eyes went as wide as Joey's. This was some serious “girl time.”

"Wait, what?" you said.

Jen looked at her empty glass. "Well, would you look at that? Right on time."

She escaped to the kitchen to refill her tumbler, but you and Joey followed her; you out of morbid curiosity, and Joey because she too wanted more vodka than orange juice in her plastic cup.

Jen gave you a smirk as she filled up her glass.

"Don't worry, you're all safe. This is Jameson," she said.

You emitted some nervous laughter and leaned on the kitchen counter, trying to figure out where the joke was here. How the hell do you kill a girl with champagne?

“So are you sure you don’t want an actual drink?” Jen asked, gesturing at your soda.

“Oh, no. I’m fine,” you held up a dismissive hand.

“You sure?” Pacey said, coming up from behind your little group to find a beer. “I got your boyfriend a vodka soda. I can get you one too.”

Your eyes widened, though you tried to hide your alarm, smoothing your hands down your jeans.

“What?” you asked.

Pacey paused. He’d caught the surprise flitting across your face. “What?”

“Um…” Your hesitation came from trying to process information in record time. You looked over and saw CJ with David. Your boyfriend was indeed holding a different cup.

You returned your attention to Pacey. His brows were raised. Joey looked confused as well, while Jen was sipping at her own drink, in a way that hinted that she already knew what you were about to say.

“CJ doesn’t drink,” you explained.

Pacey brows popped higher. “Ah. He’s 21 though, right?”

“Yes, but he’s a recovering alcoholic,” you said with a sigh. You didn’t want to have to say that, telling CJ's business, but you didn’t know how else to explain why you were slightly freaking out.

“Oh…uh, sorry about that,” Pacey said.

“No, it’s not your fault. Don’t worry about it,” you said.

Pacey gave a wan smile and returned to the group around the TV, CJ included. You sighed and turned back to Jen and Joey.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t know either,” Joey said.

“Nothing to be sorry about,” you said, shaking your said. “I’ll just check on him, if you guys don’t mind—”

Jen’s glass hit the counter, and she poured herself another whiskey on the rocks.

“By all means, check away,” she said.

“Hey, sorry man. I didn’t know,” Pacey had said to him, with a look on his face that also said:

Sorry you’re a leper. That’s rough buddy.

CJ found himself withdrawing from the rest of the guys, even as the smell of vodka wafted from the solo cup in his hand. He glanced down at it with a short sigh, but he didn’t drink it, even though his hand itched to raise the cup to his lips.

You startled him a little when your hand curled around his arm.

“Hey,” you greeted in a whisper.

“Hey,” he smiled back at you. But the worried look on your face made his smile fall.

“Wanna hang out for a bit?” you asked, nodding at a quieter looking corner of the living room.

CJ waved at David with the hand that held his cup, and he followed you over to the far side of the couch. You sat on its edge, arms crossed, while he found a seat on the sill of a large window.

You pointedly glanced at his cup. “Have you been drinking?”

CJ’s lips pursed. He took in your stance: arms crossed, shoulders tense, lips pursed, eyes deeply concerned and wary.

Are we having fun yet? he thought dryly.

“See, I’d be more inclined to answer that question if you hadn’t lured me over here under false pretenses,” he remarked. Though he did set the cup down beside him on the windowsill.

“What false pretenses?” you asked, your brows furrowing.

“You don’t want to be with me. You want to check up on me,” he pointed out. “You’re looking at me like an inmate who got loose in the psych ward.”

You frowned then. “That’s not true. I’m just wondering why you would take an alcoholic beverage from Pacey.”

“Your friend offered me a drink. It seemed rude to say no, so…” CJ glanced down at his hands in his lap. Your head tilted in concern.

“CJ…” you sighed. “Why the hell would you ruin your sobriety over something like that?”

“I don’t expect you to understand,” he replied flatly.

“Oh really?” you said. Your lips pursed in irritation.

“I just didn’t want to get into it with a stranger,” CJ said, throwing up a hand. “But thanks for telling him that I don’t drink. Now he’s apologizing to me like I’m dying or something.”

A sharper sigh fell from your lips. “I told you we didn’t have to come here. I didn’t want to make you feel pressured to—”

“Again, you know this isn’t my first house party,” he said.

“Yeah, I know it’s not. So why? Why did this happen tonight?” you asked. “For as long as I’ve known you, you’ve been so disciplined with yourself. You have a set of rules, and you follow them.”

“Yeah, well, did it ever occur to you that maybe I realized that I was too strict on myself?” he said. “That maybe we wouldn’t even be together if I didn’t bend those rules?”

Your mouth fell open incredulously, a bit of anger sparking your blood. He knew he shouldn't have said that. It just kind of flew out of his mouth, immediately sparking his guilt.

“Okay,” you snipped. “Well, maybe you shouldn’t be bending those rules at all if this is where it leads.”

CJ's lips pursed. “What, because I’ve been sitting here, spending the last hour debating whether or not to take a drink?”

He gestured at the cup beside him. 

Your eyes blinked wider, with even more surprise, and a heavy dose of confusion.

“Wait, what? Are you telling me that you haven’t been drinking tonight?” you asked.

“Is that going to magically change all the conclusions you just jumped to?” CJ retorted.

You closed your eyes with a sharp, exasperated sigh. When you opened them again, you frowned at him.

“Uh, yeah!” you exclaimed. "Of course it does, CJ!"

“Well, it doesn’t work that way,” he said. “Yeah, I’ve been thinking about it. Fine. Just like I’ve been trying to find some normalcy with you here. But apparently you find that wildly insulting.”

He was getting wildly defensive right now. You sort of saw where he was coming from, but it was still frustrating. You held a hand to your chest as your heart raced with the force of your relief.

“Look, I’m sorry for assuming. I’m just…I was worried about you,” you said honestly. “I knew coming here might be stressful for you—”

“I can handle stress,” CJ said. “What I can’t handle is you looking at me like I’m a powder keg waiting to explode.”

You raised up placating hands as you glared at him.

“Fine,” you said. “Sorry for being concerned about my boyfriend. I’ll try to curb that behavior in the future.”

At that, CJ’s frustration and anger simmered down, swiftly followed by more guilt.

You got up and blinked quickly, like you were fighting tears as you shook your head. You aimed to get by him, but he got off the windowsill and went for your hand. There was no drunk excuse for his behavior now.

No, this one was all him.

“Hey,” he said, in a softer voice. He looked down at you with softer eyes too. He could see now that you didn’t mean to make him feel less than, like you had to watch him so he wouldn’t mess up in front of your friends. No, you were just genuinely worried about his wellbeing. 

You looked up at him warily. He held your hand more securely in his.

“Okay, I’m sorry. I am,” he said, when he noted your raised brow. “I’m really grateful that you care about me. That you’re concerned about me. But I’ve been dealing with this for a long time. I don’t want you to feel like you can’t be yourself either, even when we’re out here in the wild.”

A small smile twitched at your lips. You held his hand back.

“Out in the wild, huh?” you quirked a brow. CJ smiled back and brushed your cheek with his thumb.

“I just need you to trust me a little more,” he said.

You nodded, smiling when his forehead gently rested against yours. The ends of his hair tickled between your brows.

“Okay, I’m sorry too,” you said. “Next time I won’t be so quick on the draw.”

You leaned up for a kiss. CJ met you there, sweetly at first. Then he tilted his head and deepened the angle of his lips moving against yours.

“Ooh save that for later,” Joey said, loudly from behind you.

It made you jolt in CJ’s arms. You turned your head and met your friend with a wide-eyed look of confusion. She held an empty wine bottle in her hand and waggled mischievous brows.

“Come on, let’s play.”

You really couldn’t believe that Joey was making you all play Spin the Bottle. For you, it was the stuff of awkward middle school horror stories of the highest form. She’d roped in you and CJ, Jen, Jack, Pacey and their roommate Emma, and Gus, a gross looking guy who was apparently her "fiancé" of some sort. 

Gus took the first turn, and got creative with it—giving Joey a nice lick on the cheek.

That’s what you get for making us play this dumbass game, you thought as you laughed.

Joey ended up giving Jack a sweet kiss, followed by him and Emma sharing a little lip-lock, and even Emma and Jen giggling as they came together for a peck.

But when it was Jen’s turn, the wine bottle spun, and spun…and landed on CJ. A chorus of “ooohs” came from the others.

You felt yourself bristle internally. It’s just a game, you reminded yourself. Just a stupid, stupid game.

You patted CJ’s knee and tried to school your face into amusement.

“You’re up, babe,” you said.

He looked a bit uncomfortable when he met your eyes, and then Jen’s. She wore a smile, though she was a little absent in the eyes. She’d been pounding hard liquor pretty much all night.

“All right, CJ. Let’s get this over with,” she teased.

He let out a subtle breath through his nose, but he uncurled his arm from around you so that he could lean over to meet Jen across the circle. Instead of the light peck that he was aiming for, she surprised him by taking his face in her hands and giving him a kiss deep enough to make him taste the burn of whiskey.

He parted from her with a flinch. His eyes blinked wide. A quick glance around the circle told him he wasn’t the only one who was surprised, but you were the only one he cared about. He settled back next to you and felt guilty for your muted disbelief, even though he wasn’t the real perpetrator here.

CJ frowned hard at Jen. She just smiled and crossed her arms around her legs, head bobbing to the tune of the alt rock music playing.

“Damn, Jen,” Pacey said, laughing uncomfortably. “That’s some dedication to the game.”

You were still shocked into stillness. You knew Jen was a bit deep into the bottle, but was she really drunk enough to try and make out with your boyfriend in front of you?

Joey finally dropped her hands from her face (she’d been watching the scene through the cracks in her fingers). She gave you an apologetic look. She was very effing drunk as well, you knew, but not make out with your boyfriend in front of you—drunk.

You finally looked over at CJ, not knowing who you should be more irritated with: Jen for sticking her tongue down his throat, or CJ for letting her.

“It’s your turn, bro,” Gus said. Not that he cared about whoever CJ landed on. He just wanted the chance to kiss another one of the girls. Preferably Emma.

CJ shook his head. “I don’t think I—”

“Go ahead,” you said. Your tone was a challenge, as were your crossed arms, and the tight expression on your face. “It’s just a game, right?”

That last part, you aimed at Jen. She finally had enough self-awareness to avert her drunken gaze. Your teeth were grinding.

Though you had to pause when you realized where CJ’s spun bottle had landed: right on you.

“Aw, well that’s good,” Joey said, with a nervous laugh that broke some of the tension in this little circle.

CJ let out a subtle breath of relief himself. But this was a whole new challenge as he met your steely gaze. He tried to give you a smile.

Your eyes fell. So with a small sigh, he gently took your chin between his fingers and tilted your face up to him, just before he leaned in to kiss you.

He plied you softly at first. His lips dragged against yours in a slow, lingering kiss. Then he angled his head away from the circle, away from prying eyes as he brushed his tongue across your lower lip, seeking entrance. You inhaled deeply, and you couldn’t help but let him in.

You uncrossed your arms and found his cheek with your hand. Your fingers soon delved into his hair, nails lightly scraping the back of his neck. He barely restrained a shudder.

“Ah, okay then,” Pacey muttered.

When you parted from CJ, your heart was racing, and there was a fire in your belly that you could see reflected in his eyes.

“I’m a little thirsty, you wanna…” he trailed. You nodded and let him help you off the ground where you all had been sitting.

CJ’s arm once again wrapped around your waist, and he led you into the first bedroom he could find. The door shut against the blaring music, the sounds of laughter and stories and dumb middle school games.

Until all that was left was you and CJ, and the sounds of quick breaths, clothes hitting the floor, and skin against skin.

“I’m sorry about earlier. With the game,” CJ later said. “Jen took me by surprise.”

Much later, where you were tangled up in his arms and the sheets, both of you mostly naked and tucked under the covers. You felt bad that you didn’t even know whose bedroom this was.

Jack’s maybe? You could only hope so. That would probably be the least awkward situation if you two were caught in here.

But at CJ’s question, your blissful mood of moments before was wiped away. Your face dropped into a frown. You turned in his arms so that you could see his face, resting your head on his arm.

“Yeah, what the hell was that with Jen?” you asked.

CJ soothed a hand up and down your arm. He knew it was time for him to come clean with you, even though he knew it might make you look at him differently. He could only hope that it wouldn’t.

“Before you and I started talking, dating—well, you know what happened with me and Audrey,” he said, expelling a breath of regret. “Before then, Jen had feelings for me.”

Your eyes widened. By now you could’ve guessed that Jen wanted your boyfriend, but you had no idea it had started way back then. CJ looked you in the eyes.

“I just didn’t feel the same way,” he said. “Then Audrey and I happened, just the one night. But Jen…I know I hurt her, and I felt terrible. I still feel bad about that, because I never meant to hurt her. I just thought Audrey and I had a connection.”

“And then Pacey,” you supplied, realizing where this story was headed. A fight between Pacey and CJ. Audrey left for rehab in California. And Jen was left to nurse her wounded pride and hurt feelings…especially when you and CJ began for real.

You closed your eyes on a sigh. This explained why she’d been so frigid to you lately.

“I’m sorry I didn’t tell you,” CJ said. “I didn’t want to come between you guys, or hurt her more by pursuing another one of her friends…I just couldn’t help falling for you.”

At that admission, you softened. You caressed CJ’s cheek, and you brought him down to you for a kiss. Again, it was slow and unhurried, yet no less passionate.

Your lips parted from his first, so you could meet his eyes.

“I’ll talk to Jen,” you said. “But…I’m glad I fell for you too.”

You and CJ shared a quiet moment then, each of you processing, hands intertwined. It had you thinking about everything he said tonight, even before the game. 

“Yeah, I’ve been thinking about it. Fine,” he’d said. “Just like I’ve been trying to find some normalcy with you here. But apparently you find that wildly insulting.”

You sighed and squeezed his hand. It was comfortably trapped between his bare chest and yours.

“Just for the record, you don’t have to be ‘normal’ for me, or be what you think I want around my friends. Just be you,” you said, meeting his green-eyed gaze. “I do trust you, CJ. I trust that you want to be with me, and that you have a handle on yourself.”

CJ smiled ruefully. He ran his thumb across the back of your hand.

“You were right though. The truth is I did get a little nervous tonight,” he said. “Being here, seeing Pacey…it brought up all that drama again. I took that vodka soda from him, and I was thinking about drinking it.”

“But you didn’t,” you said firmly. “Because you’re strong. Stronger than anyone I know.”

CJ looked down at your hand joined with his, at your face, set with honesty and vehemence. You seemed to believe every word of what you were saying. That alone made him feel strong.

“Thanks,” he said with a smile.

It hadn’t been all that long, but he knew this felt right. It always felt right with you.

You smiled back at him and leaned up for a sweeter kiss.  

“Thank you for bending your own rules for me,” you teased.

CJ chuckled. He stroked your cheek and pressed another kiss to your forehead.

“You’re my one exception,” he said.   

AN: As frustrated as CJ made me at times, somehow he weasels his way back into my heart. 😂💗 If you enjoyed this, let me know!

Ko-Fi Me ☕

CJ Braxton Masterlist

Main Masterlist

CJ Tag List:

@kazsrm67 @letheatheodore @agothwithheavysetmakeup @jacklesbrainworms @foxyjwls007

@wincastifer @ades106 @iamsapphine @roseblue373 @brianochka

@branj19 @hazel-eye-coffee-shop-girl-blog @globetrotter28 @charmed-asylum @waywardxwords 

@deanwinchestersgirl87 @this-is-me19 @rachiem4-blog @sweettimelady @leigh70

@clinicallydepresso @emily-winchester @xiphoidbones @skoveu @nyotamalfoy

@kmc1989 @jackles010378 @jessjad @pieandmonsters @deans-spinster-witch

@idiotdyslexic @heartlessdelusions @chriszgirl92 @peytongoose @hobby27

@waynes-multiverse @lovelyunjinn @twinkleinadiamondsky

[typewriter83]

Look, I just wanna prepare you because this might be the longest feedback I eve did by now for your chapters.

First of all, I loved the🌶️🌶️, thank you.

Secondly, the dina and jesse thing got me intriged and I'm mad at jesse, and I'm trying not to be mad at dina too. In one second they were treating ellie so well and in the other, bang, harsh and silent treatment. I am suspicious that maybe dina had suffered some kind of uncomfortable thing from david, but why does they keep blaming ellie for that? She didn't asked to be invited for dinner, jesse was acusing her of associating herself with the pastor and I was like "? What's going on, what does he mean?". And also, I'm also trying to figure how ellie and joel's interaction (or at least the perspective of jesse about it) could have hurt dina that much. I mean, if that girl had ptsd from past trauma with some older man when she heard about them I get it, but seemed a little more than that, like it was personal. I felt as confused as ellie in this chapter. Everyone just treated like shit and there wasn't even an explanation from their part🫠

Also, the dinner scene. Man, I'm really curious about how can someone think "oh this pastor has some trauma, he would make such a good therapist😍" It's really laughable, maria is a bit crazy. All don't know how tommy feels about it. I mean, he said he thought that was a good idea, but maybe he said that just so maria wouldn't make him sleep on the couch tonight? Maybe, I don't know. Also, I know it's wrong to laugh about it, but is it just me or it is actually funny how maria is trying to heal ellie's trauma and will give her another trauma🤦🏼‍♀️the irony, my god. David is such a creep, yikes.

Also, I'm mad at joel. He has to come out later wirh a really good explanation to why the hell did he lie to ellie to hang out with that woman. Dude, I felt ellie's betrayal. I wanted to punch him when he was laughing and walking away grrr. I really want ellie and kenny causing some jealousy on joel, we will get that??? I want him to suffer too muahahaha.

Also, by the end of the chapter I wanted to put maria, tommy, joel, dina and jesse in a room and punch all of them. They all found a way to leave poor Ellie alone and without enough options of company. Mom and Dad wannabes scared her to a point she was practically running from their house, joel and dina suddently ditched her, joel- I won't even talk about him, I'm mad at him. Oh God I was hoping things would be head for david to reach out on his plans, but if everyone else don't cooperate, ellie might be an easy target because of damn loneliness.

Oh my, I’m always overwhelmed and flattered when any of y’all take this much of an interest in something I write. Let’s see if we can’t pick this apart and put it back together for you 😘

🌶️🌶️🤭 for about a year now, I’ve been pushing myself to write for a more mature audience. Honestly, I’m taken aback that anyone likes it - and I’m not saying that to be self deprecating, it’s still something I struggle with, but I’m kind of starting to enjoy it 🫣❤️‍🔥

Let’s take everyone we’ve met and interacted with and line them: Ellie, Joel, Tommy, Maria, Dina, Jesse, David. (Side note: I’m gonna be honest about Kenny - I threw him in there because he was fun from the last universe, and I wanted Jesse to have a male friend, he really serves no purpose at this point so, he’s just there) so, everyone we’ve met and toss them into the air and jumble them up because that’s where we are - right?

Not really - everything does line up, but you as the reader just can’t see it yet because you’re only seeing it from Ellie’s perspective. When you take a second look, if you so choose, and have that piece of knowledge, that this is all from Ellie’s POV then it’s going to be confusing and it’s going to be jumbled.

Remember: Tommy is stuck between a rock and a hard place with Maria and Joel. Maria actually is the nosy busy body that I make her out to be, but she also doesn’t have all the information she needs. Dina, Jesse, and Ellie are new friends, they haven’t built up their trust yet. Joel… don’t hate him too much. David… hate him as much as you think you should.

Plus, if I gave you everything, why would you come back for chapter 9? There’s a reason why I wrote it the way I did, and I can promise that everything you’re confused about - from the Ellie/Dina/Jesse interaction, to the dinner scene, to the Ellie/Jesse scene on the porch - even the Joel/Esther interaction will make sense in due time.

Also, spoiler alert, don’t be too mad at Joel - remember, we saw him from Ellie’s point of view. That’s all I’m gonna say on that.

Thank you so much for reading and leaving such a sweet, detailed analysis comment. D&C is up next, then we’ll come back to Jackson.

🫶🏻

[linggluu]

Gotta rewatch HZGG3.

Unpopular opinion: I thoroughly enjoyed HZGG3 as a kid , watched this front to back on VHS 2003-2004 from basically because it was one of the last VHS dramas we had. Also, at the time I was too young (dumb) to realize this was a sequel to part 1 and 2 (I distinctly remember going "didn't we borrow this set already" the day we hauled the boxes in front of the tv)

Blurbs before I rewatch:

my fav was always er kang. he already had a big boy job when yongqi/er tai/xiao yan zi were still in school. he was an ADULT. also 周杰 is one of the few actors to this day that i can fully understand without subtitles??! 台词功底棒棒哒

it's astounding how much of the dialogue i still retain after 20 years lmfao

also er kang got so hot between hzgg 2 and 3

if er kang killed musha in the desert, the drama would have ended. 天上人间was er kang/zi wei's story, not so much yongqi/xiao yan zi.

zi wei almost killing her self against er kang's casket TT

during er kang/zi wei's meet cute, when she crawls towards him, it mirrors years later when she crawls towards him in Burma ;;

im always thinking about xiao yan zi/晒书日 and her miscarriage

qing er running away from the palace/lao fo ye after growing up there her WHOLE life holy shit, does she even know how to work in the fields

lao fo ye drugging all her grand kids 奶奶 你好狠啊 still rings in my head lmao

xiao yan zi and zi wei watching their husbands go off to WAR TT

in the very begining, er kang gets shot with arrows and yong qi almost gets stomped on by an elephant, xiao jian chose to save his brother in law. not the other guy lmao

when xiao yan zi flipped out at huang ah ma and YONG QI HIT HER WITH THAT VASE?????!!!!!!!!

the entire OST is A+++. Ma Yili lip sang everything. 只要有你 had the whole cast singing with even distributed lines??? Zhou Jie's singing voice??? Leo Ku's high notes???

er kang /zi wei really gave off husband and wife vibes ;;

"she's your sister dude. she got that thing on her butt. as her husband who can look at her butt, can confirm."

zi wei didn't want her son after she thought er kang died ;;

er kang's parents were the best parents

the cute way xiao yan zi packed literal snacks for yong qi to eat on his way to war. sweet summer child.

qing er at xiao jian "i could maybe ask lao fo ye if you had some achievements" bro

that boy made qing er run after him IN THE RAIN

excuse me . xiao yan zi and yong qi banged in yunnan AND XIAO YAN ZI NAMED HER KID NAN ER. like how cute. but lady, you announced this at your brother's wedding haha.

"er kang, you're daughter in law is reporting for duty"

this whole entire gang is like LET ME CHOOSE WHO I LOVE. but also "lets have our kids marry each other"

xiao jian got raised by his adoptive parents who were an ethnic minority so his wedding ceremony followed their custom jfsldkfdsl

why was xiao jian so mad lmao. he clearly chilled out in hzgg 2 when the gang went home

hzgg 1 and 2 xiao yan zi would never say "he is my life" about yong qi lmao

leo ku's eyes were so sparkly here.

i think i watched the scene where er kang got poisoned during war and taken back to the camp like 40 times hahaha.

"don't tell zi wei i got hurt" oh husband

that moment when xiao jian lifts qing er's veil. A++++ acting

when xiao yan zi used up her entire dictionary's worth of cheng yu at her brother's wedding IM CRYING

why did qiong yao write zhi hua as a han....as if a han could ever be empress in a manchu dynasty.

zi wei and er kang's couple talks at night about yong qi and xiao yan zi lmao. i still need a spin off of zi wei/er kang's married life without burma/musha.

that time dong er got sick with small pox and er kang was SUCH A CUTE FATHER ;;

er kang's parents were ok with zi wei staying with dong er who was infected with small pox but his mom was like GET OUT OF THE ROOM YOU'VE NEVER HAD SMALL POX. DID YOU FORGET HOW SHUN ZHI DIED?!

"would i feel happy/complete if i only had dong er and not you? no. there's a place in my heart that's only for me and you" TT

dong er watching MOMMY AND DADDY KISS LKFJSDLKF

zi wei and er kang watching the scenery , asking what they were thinking about what they were both thinking about at that moment, they both said dong er and Zi Wei was just so astounded and so happy. chill woman haha.

...

....