#they have made the stakes higher and higher every season
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Thinking about how every season starts with Mike being late and how apparently s5 is jumping right back into the action post-s4...
And so, what could Mike possibly be late for this time?
#stranger things#byler#hashtag i am scared#if it's similar to s1 like they say...#very likely he's going to be too late to save will#and im not ready for that#imagine a parallel to the ending of 1x03#early s5 is going to be fast#but i also think some major tragic things are going to happen#they have made the stakes higher and higher every season#it's the very end#they need to go all out#which is why we will be crying a lot#i can't wait
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Charles Leclerc x CEO!Reader - Social Media AU
Formula 1 News: Everything We Know About Arnault Racing So Far
The team is owned by LVMH, the worldâs leading luxury goods company, and is named after the prominent Arnault family, which includes LVMHâs chief operating officer Y/N Arnault, wife of Charles Leclerc. Y/N is the youngest daughter of Bernard Arnault, the worldâs richest man, and is said to be his favored successor.
They are expected to benefit from the extensive resources and expertise of LVMH which boasts a diverse portfolio of luxury brands such as Louis Vuitton, Christian Dior, MoĂŤt & Chandon, TAG Heuer, and Tiffany & Co. These assets could potentially provide Arnault Racing with a competitive edge on and off the track in a sport heavily reliant on business dealings.
As with any new team, Arnault Racing will face numerous challenges including building a strong technical staff, securing talented drivers, and establishing partnerships with sponsors and suppliers. However, the backing of LVMHâs vast resources and the Arnault familyâs commitment to success bode well for their prospects.
While no official announcement has been made regarding Charles Leclercâs involvement with Arnault Racing, his familial connection to the team coupled with his recent decision to step away from Scuderia Ferrari has fueled rumors and heightened interest in whether he will be part of Arnault Racingâs driver lineup ⌠(Read more)
Press Conference of Arnault Racing CEO, Y/N Arnault, and Team Principal, Sebastian Vettel
REPORT Arnault Racing snags Adrian Newey: CEO Y/N Arnault says âwhatever arbitrary figure you have in your head, triple it and thatâs how much we offered himâ (Aug 2023)
NEWS Red Bull loses LVMH-owned sponsor TAG Heuer as entry of Arnault Racing brings new conflict of interest (Dec 2023)
UPDATE A weekend of team bonding on the beach after the car launch? Charles Leclerc and Mick Schumacher talk about flourishing environment at Arnault Racing (Feb 2024)
FEATURE What to expect from Arnault Racing â data from preseason testing explained (Feb 2024)
REPORT Podiums and points: a strong start to the season for newcomers Arnault Racing (Mar 2024)
FEATURE The Prince that was promised: Charles Leclerc triumphs in Monaco (May 2024)
UPDATE Who are the âlosersâ and âwinnersâ halfway through the season? Arnault closes in on Red Bull as Ferrari falls behind (Jul 2024)
FEATURE What could have been â Arnaultâs Charles Leclerc tops the podium in Monza as Tifosi look on (Sep 2024)
NEWS Red Bullâs reign continues as Arnault brings home historic P2 in both the Driversâ and Contructorsâ championship during debut season (Nov 2024)
REPORT Arnault promises more competitive 2025 season following already impressive first year on the grid (Jan 2025)
âWe find ourselves at the edge of our seats here in Abu Dhabi. It all comes down to this final lap of the season and the battle for the World Championship has reached its peak! Charles Leclerc of Arnault and Max Verstappen of Red Bull are locked in a fierce duel for the ultimate prize.â
âThis is the moment every racing fan has been waiting for. The atmosphere here is electric and the stakes couldnât be higher. Leclerc and Verstappen have been pushing the absolute limits of their cars and their skills throughout this intense race.â
âThey certainly have. Both drivers have showcased their exceptional talent and determination all season long. Itâs a clash of titans, and now, as they approach the final corners, itâs do-or-die time.â
âLeclerc has been holding onto the lead for the majority of this race but Verstappen is focused in his pursuit. The Dutchman is determined to wrestle this championship away from Leclercâs grasp.â
âThe tension is palpable here as they enter the final sector. Leclerc seems to be holding his ground but Verstappen is right on his tail, looking for the slightest opportunity to strike!â
âThis is nail-biting stuff. The championship hangs in the balance as they approach the final turn. Leclerc takes a defensive line but Verstappen moves to the inside. Heâs desperately trying to overtake!â
âVerstappen is side-by-side with Leclerc! Theyâre wheel-to-wheel! What an incredible battle! They both accelerate out of the corner âŚâ
âTheyâre neck and neck! Itâs an all-out sprint to the checkered flag. Who will emerge victorious?â
âLeclerc finds another gear! He edges ahead of Verstappen!â
âItâs a photo finish! They cross the line. And ... itâs Charles Leclerc! Charles Leclerc has done it! Charles Leclerc is the World Champion!â
âWhat an incredible end to the season. Charles Leclerc and Arnault Racing have taken the championship title in a heart-stopping finale!â
âThis is the stuff of legends. Leclerc has proven himself a champion through and through today. The emotion in the Arnault Racing garage is indescribable!â
âWhat an amazing moment for Leclerc and his team. This race will be remembered for years to come. Congratulations to Charles Leclerc! Congratulations to Arnault Racing!â
y/narnault
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y/narnault ⨠Abu Dhabi, 2017 â¨
A chance encounter in the paddock with a hotshot young driver sent us both sprawling to the ground and ignited a spark that changed our lives forever. Our love story began in Yas Marina as Charles celebrated the end of the season after winning the F2 championship. Little did we know that this would be the start of a remarkable journey, both on and off the track
Fast forward to ...
⨠Abu Dhabi, 2025 â¨
As the CEO of Arnault Racing, it fills my heart with immense pride to witness our immensely talented driver win a much deserved World Drivers' Championship. As the wife of Charles Leclerc, it makes me even prouder to see the most amazing person I know finally be granted the fruit of his labors. There has been no sweeter feeling than chasing our dreams hand-in-hand
Eight years later, in Yas Marina once again, our journey came full circle. Our love, like a well-oiled machine, has only grown stronger with each challenge we faced. Working together as a team, we transformed dreams into reality and surpassed every limit. The joy of victory, the adrenaline of the race â it all pales in comparison to the love and support we share
To our extraordinary team at Arnault Racing, thank you for your relentless commitment and tireless efforts. Each one of you has played a vital role in making history this season and we truly could not have done it without you
Charles, my champion, you continue to inspire me every day with your talent, dedication, and resilient spirit. The road here has not always been easy but I am thankful for every obstacle we faced because they made us grow as people and as partners in both love and racing. We have weathered the storms and celebrated the triumphs. The countless hours of hard work, sacrifice, and pouring over data for so long that we forgot the cookies burning in the oven brought us to this extraordinary moment of victory. But beyond the increasingly crowded trophy cases and roaring crowds, it is our love that always shines the brightest. No matter where we may have placed in the standings, I was always content in knowing that we are P1 on the podium of life â and now we stand on top of both together
This chapter is just beginning. There are still many races left to win, many trophies left to raise, and many championships left to clinch
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charles_leclerc From the moment we met, you have seen me not just as a driver or public figure but as a person with hopes, dreams, and flaws. You have been there for me through the setbacks and the victories and your faith in me never has wavered. Your belief in me pushed me to be the best version of myself and I will spend the rest of our lives eternally grateful for being sent such an angel. Our victories are not only measured by the number of trophies or the applause of the crowds but in the quiet moments we get to bask in the life we built together. Our love has always been the beacon that guides me, even in the darkest of times. It is the constant reminder that no matter where we stand in the standings, we have each other to lean on. I have no doubt that it is because of you that I stand here today. You are my pillar of strength, my constant motivation, and my rock. Without your love and support, none of this would have been possible. Thank you, mon amour, for believing in me, for supporting me, and for always standing by my side. It is fate that brought us together and destiny that irreversibly wove our hearts into one
f1wagupdates you two are singlehandedly keeping my belief in true love alive
formulanone how are they still in the honeymoon phase after eight years together and i canât even get a text back?
arnaultracing there are power couples and then there is THE power couple đ¤Š
GQ France: An Interview with 2025 Formula 1 World Champion Charles Leclerc
charles_leclerc and y/narnault
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charles_leclerc Baby Leclerc will make their F1 debut in August đź
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pierregasly hmmm i wonder what happened a little over nine months before the due date?
mickschumacher no wonder we couldnât find them during the championship party đł
arnaultracing a championship baby for our champions đ
lovelyleclerc oh to be reincarnated as their baby
leclercbabe itâs really getting gifted godly genes, money, and talent đ
princecharles is it bad that iâm jealous of a baby that hasnât even been born yet?
#f1 imagine#f1#f1 fic#f1 fanfic#f1 fanfiction#f1 x reader#f1 x you#social media au#charles leclerc#instagram au#instagram imagine#cl16#charles leclerc imagine#charles leclerc x reader#charles leclerc x you#charles leclerc fic#charles leclerc fluff#charles leclerc fanfic#charles leclerc blurb#f1 blurb#f1 fluff#f1 instagram au#instagram edit#fake instagram#f1 fandom#formula 1#insta edit#f1blr#f1edit
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Original Ask: I would like to request a Jenson Button x driver!reader they have been rivals since their karting days and Jenson has been crushing on reader for years. He flirts with her every chance he gets but she's completely oblivious to it since she thinks he's just doing it to distract her from the race and she hates him for it since she's not taken seriously by the drivers and reporters because of it. So Jensen wins the championship and he throws a big party with the team. Reader attends to congratulate him so they partied and they have a heart to heart conversation in which they finally confess their feelings to each other.. (anonymous)
Word Count: 1120 words
(author's note: i can't tell if this is bad or not, i've been slightly stressed out due to my job so i hope the jenson girlies enjoy this đĽš)
When Jenson began carting at a young age, he thought he would walk away with trophies and medals. He did get both of those things, but he also developed a crush on a girl who was convinced he hated her.
Y/N L/N was the bane of Jensonâs existence. He would say his rival if anyone asked him what she was to him, mainly because he was far too embarrassed to admit that he was completely and utterly in love with her.
Both Jenson and Y/N had successful carting careers and, despite their rivalry, made it to Formula 1 at the same time. Jenson signed with Williams and Y/N signed for Red Bull. Although the pair were much older now, their childhood competitiveness had followed them into F1 which caused many disputes between the two drivers.
Their careers in motorsports flourished and Jenson moved to Brawn GP, where he would unknowingly win the Championship. But the longer Y/N stayed in Formula 1, the more unbearable the reporters became. Question after question about her and Jenson, their ârelationshipâ and if being a female driver was more difficult.
It was the final race of the 2009 season and the Abu-Dhabi air was stifling. Y/N stood outside the Red Bull garage, holding a microphone for the interview that was about to begin.
âSo, final race of the season. Are you nervous?â The interviewer asked.
âWell, Iâm nervous before every race if Iâm honest. The last race of the season is worse though because the stakes are always so much higher.â
âHow do you feel about Jensonâs position in the Championship? If he finishes in the points this race heâs pretty much guaranteed a win?â
âWhat does Jenson have to do with me? Iâm glad heâs performing well but that doesnât affect me at all. Iâm my own driver, not an extension of Jenson.â
âRight, sorry I apologise.â
At that moment Jenson walked past and was caught by the cameras. When he realised it was Y/N being interviewed he turned around and smiled at her.
âYou look gorgeous today Y/N, it's gonna be hard for me to concentrate on the race knowing you look that good!â Jenson shouted over at her, throwing her a wink at the same time.
Y/N shifted uncomfortably on the spot, she knew all too well what was coming.
âDo you think itâs fair that your gender can become a distraction for the other drivers, especially ones who have important races coming up?â
Jenson was mortified, he didnât realise that his stupid joke was going to cause the interviewer to ask such an inappropriate question.
âI was only joking around, she isnât actually a distraction to us. Y/N deserves to be here as much as the rest of us-â
âIâm finished with this interview, thank you for having me,â Y/N stated, passing the microphone back to the interviewer. She disappeared into the garage, leaving Jenson outside with an uneasy feeling in his stomach.
Before they knew it, all the drivers sat in their cars, lined up and ready to race. The lights went out slowly and they set off. It was an exciting race throughout and by the end, Sebastian came out on top, followed by Y/N and then Jenson.
However, the amount of points gave Jenson his first Championship win, and he couldnât be happier. Of course, all the journalists, reporters and interviewers forgot to congratulate Y/N on her P2 finish. She was overlooked. Again.
Celebrations were in full force for Jensonâs win. His house was packed with drivers and team staff and the sound of music and cheers filled the room. Drinks were flowing and the evening air was cool as it seeped into the room through the open patio doors.
Y/N had turned up to the party, but only because Sebastian had forced her. Part of her was cheering for Jenson but another part of her remembered how he had toyed with her feelings all those years. She moved through the masses of bodies and grabbed a drink.
Eventually, the pounding of the music and heat from the people became too much and Y/N headed outside onto the balcony. She took a deep breath, allowing the bitter air to fill her lungs. Gazing at the sun that had begun to set, she didnât realise she was no longer alone on the balcony.
âCongrats on P2, you drove incredibly,â A voice said, cutting into the silence.
Y/N spun her head around, her face dropping when she realised it was Jenson.
âOh, thanks. I should be congratulating you though. How does it feel to be a World Champion?â
âPretty good, Iâm not gonna lie. While Iâm here, I just want to apologise for earlier. I didnât think before I spoke and I didnât realise that my stupid, distasteful joke would make you be treated like that.â
âItâs fine, Iâm used to it. Itâs nothing new, questions like that have been asked since our karting days.â
âItâs still not right. Especially when everyone thinks my feelings for you are just a joke.â
Jenson froze after he realised what he said. Y/Nâs eyes widened as she looked up at him.
âYou- You like me? Youâre telling me that youâve been telling the truth all along?â
Jenson scratched the back of his head awkwardly, âThis isnât how I wanted to tell you, but yeah. I like you. I have since our first kart race. I knew the minute we built up our rivalry that I wanted to be more than friends. But all this time I thought you hated me. So I kept quiet-â
âJenson.â
âI didnât know how to speak to you about it. I also thought you would reject me and I didnât want the media to scrutinise you more than they already do. I just-â
âJenson!â
Jenson stopped his rambling at the sound of Y/Nâs raised voice.
âI like you too. I canât believe I thought you were pretending to like me all along.â
Staring intently at each other, Jenson leaned down and closed the gap between the pair. He captured Y/Nâs lips in a soft kiss and she smiled into it. When they finally pulled away, Y/N wrapped her arms around Jensonâs middle and squeezed, enveloping him in a hug.
Jenson leaned his head onto Y/Nâs and the pair stayed tangled in the warm embrace of each other as the sun finally disappeared and was replaced by the moon. Stars twinkled in the sky, but nothing shined brighter than the smile on Jensonâs face as he looked down at the girl he had pined for all those years.
#f1#fanfiction#fanfic#f1 drivers#jenson button x reader#jenson button#jenson button blurb#jenson button imagine#by ts1m1kas
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Hey Devon. This is related to community-building ask, as I feel it kinda hit something in me, and that is my frustration with my local queer "main community", who is mostly made up of people who can work/hang together (people in visual and performative arts, LGBT NGOs, event organisers and so on). It's so closed off and so circlejerk-y that it's demoralising. I've been trying to fit in ever since I started being an adult, almost ten years ago, but I have never made any progress on getting to any of its members. I have made queer friends who are wonderful people, and as you said in the previous ask, that is enough and makes a community of our own already. Nevertheless, it is frustrating for all of us to go to a queer space/show/event just to see that the crowd there is made up of people who know each other and talk to each other and make big groups, while we're just sitting there. It brings us down to know that for queer political events like protests (which are ofc organised by them), we have no one left to fall back on except us. It makes it weird when only one of us is able to go protest, they'd rather not go because it feels so lonely to be sitting around all those people who just know each other, who have been passing by us for so many times over the years, and yet never take interest in even saying "hi" or whatever. It makes us think that they're fucking disingenuous and their "community building" is a load of crap. And I don't really want to feel like that about my people, but look at me, after almost ten years in my city, I fucking do.
Hi there, thanks for your message.
Let me just say that while I understand where the perception comes from, the queer people who put on shows, run nonprofits, and go out clubbing are not "The main lgbtq community" in your city. They're just a bunch of cliquish, careerist, young, privileged people who market themselves as such because they've been convinced that's what the "queer community" is and because doing so helps them get butts in seats at events.
I've seen theater kids, drag performers, DJs, comedians, party promoters, and other various people of the attention-seeking arts (said neutrally) do this all my fucking life. They stake a claim on building "feminist spaces" and "anti-racist" spaces, too, among other things, and use those higher values to sell tickets to their shit too. It's a way to make every tragedy that strikes oppressed people into an advertisement for their burlesques and shit. Don't let the self-important myopia get to you.
The real queer community? In any given city? Well, it's not any one thing. There is no singular "queer community". What people often refer to as the LGBTQ community or the queer community is a demographic, not an actual community. That demographic is marketed to, including by fellow queer people, but that does not a community make.
A community consists of people who know one another, and have enduring bonds, and who have shown up for one another mutually in multiple ways. A lot of these hot cool stylish young queer people are actually merely colleagues of one another. When there's a conflict, or a cancellation, or a venue that closes, they will be tossed to the wind like so many dandelion seeds. Compare that to you and your friends, who can and do remain in contact as the seasons of life change.
It is demoralizing to see so many people who talk a big game about community fail to show up to do activist work that is meaningful to you. I can't deny feeling the same way. For many years, I dated an actor who was very plugged into the local scene, and while his theater company had a reputation for being progressive, trans inclusive, even left-leaning, almost nobody in that collective did anything for the broader 'community' at all. They were all too busy being overworked five nights a week for like a $200 per week stipend, writing plays in which they repeated leftist platitudes but did relatively little.
I'm being a big overly cynical here -- the theater did just put on a big pro Palestinian fundraiser -- but the fact is that running a club, a theater, a local education org, or a regular drag show is a business, and in the end the business always comes first. Even when the members of that business might not want it to. They're often extremely exploited and underpaid, which is part of what makes them so hungry to market themselves and maintain their careers. I have sympathy for it. But meaningful social connections and local impact it does not make.
All of which is to say: please try to remember that these people presenting themselves as the symbols of the local "community" are just a bunch of artistic kids who are trying to make a living doing what they love. They're naive, exploited, a little self-absorbed yes, but they're ultimately not that important. they just deal in a very self-important line of work.
There are SO many queer people all around you who never go to those fucking clubs and shows and aren't even on instagram. The "main" queer community, demographically, is more like the nerdy 40 year old gay couple that lives down the street from you who goes out to the movies once or twice a month and holds board game nights with their friends. The "main" queer community is volunteering at the zoo, going camping with their fraternity brothers that they met 20 years ago, working at the car dealership, planting tomatoes at the local community garden, taking care of elders with dementia, organizing weekly running groups.
You can find people like this -- total normies -- who will care about causes greater than themselves and want to contribute to community building efforts. Many of those people are already doing a ton to make community. It's just less sexy and less self-consciously queer than like, the dance parties. It's also more diverse, accessible, and capable of meeting people where they are at.
It does sound like you would like to meet more activist friends / politically engaged friends, and for that I'd say try looking at pro-Palestinian (for example) events and spaces and seeing who turns up there, checking out a local food not bombs chapter, looking up local mutual aid groups or buy nothing groups, getting involved in hyper-local initiatives, and putting what feelers you can on local forums and personals boards (like Lex, local Facebook groups, local Meetup groups, etc). You probably wont find a perfect space, but you will find worthwhile people scattered everywhere you look!
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supernatural s2 is SO GOOD because every decision has more weight because the after life is still unknown to us. we know there is something after death but we don't know quite what that is. the season starts with tessa the reaper begging dean to come with her. to where? she cannot say. when john dies itâs devastating to the brothers that heâs no longer here but elsewhere. but itâs even more devastating as they come to the slow realization that elsewhere is probably hell, whatever that looks like. sam and dean don't know anything more than the audience does about hell.
there is an effort to exorcise the possessed and save them instead of letting them die because there is no promise of heaven to be made. the ghost in roadkill wants to know what happens when she crosses over and sam and dean just donât know. where do the monsters go when they die? are there angels? is there a god? sam and dean donât know. sam more than anything wants to believe. and secretly dean does too. but they just donât know.
when sam dies where does he go? dean doesnât know. we never get to see it. and more than that. does dean truly believe that he would be sent to the same hereafter as his brother after everything he has done? all dean knows is that there is a way to damn your eternal soul to hell and there is a way to bring his brother back from the unknown and he will choose that path without hesitation over and over and over again.
the second the angels are introduced we lose that sense of unknown. while the stakes are higher in seasons 4-5 the second we can see behind the curtain itâs over. yes you can damn the world and start the apocalypse but at least you KNOW. you know there is an afterlife. a heaven. a hell. a hereafter. and all the people who die will end up will end up where they belong so how guilty can you feel using a demon knife to kill an innocent? how wrong is it to drain the host for blood? theyâll end up in heaven after all. no more pain. and that is how only the winchester family drama becomes important to the brothers, because they KNOW the end is not the end. thereâs more than just ghosts and demons and reapers. there is a heaven. and if there is a heaven every wrong bad thing in the narrative can be brushed away by the characters or the audience as âwell at least they are at peace in heaven now.â they do this to jimmy novak and ash and pamela and lord knows who else.
season 2 sam and dean donât have this opt out. every choice they make is so much heavier because they just. donât. know.
#long post sorry#spn#supernatural#dean winchester#castiel#sam winchester#spn season 2#supernatural season 2#for the record I LOVE Castiel and the angels add a lot to plot#but undeniably it forever changes the show on a molecular level#sometimes good sometimes bad#but season 2 is one of my all time favorites#so many back to back banger episodes#great dean moments dealing with john dying and sams psychic stuff#GREAT sam moment holy shit an amazing sam season so many gems#also a ton of stupid little dean outfits this season
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can i interest you with a rhaenicent au where rhaenyra is a football player who injured her ankle post season and had to see a therapist which turned out be alicent... AS A SUCKER OF SPORTS AU AND RHAENYRA IN CLOTHING APPAREL
ok i wrote a one shot for u rated T
~
It's one thing to get injured mid-game; there's a sense of nobility to it, a sense of look at me, limping off the field, brave and unbothered, cheers from the crowd for Rhaenyra simply hobbling away. It's another thing entirely to twist your fucking ankle during a fucking friendly.
She should have known, really, that it would end up like this. The pitch is damp, there are patches of mud from cleats trampling the grass, and Coach Tyrell is running them to the bone, and Rhaenyraâs in a foul fucking mood.
Still, she plays like winning will erase every mess she's ever made off the field, which â yeah â talk about setting yourself up for failure, considering she's made a lot of fucking mistakes, and the defenders are closing in, and Laena's in the center with her hand raised signalling for a pass, but Rhaenyra gets distracted, thinks about how Viserys is probably at Aegon's training right now, because Aegon plays men's football, and it's just much higher stakes, you see, my dearâ
And Rhaenyra shifts her weight to the left to feint one of the defenders, but then her cleat slips on the fucking mud and she feels her knee twist awkwardly, and feels the pain shooting up her leg before she goes down hard.
Rhaenyra tries to get up immediately â pride, stubbornness, embarrassment, whatever â but the pain lances sharp, she grimaces before she can stop it. Laena sprints towards her.
âYou alright?â Laena extends a hand that Rhaenyra reaches for.
âMy knee,â she grits out. âI â fuck ââ she hisses when she rises. âI think Iâve fucked it up.â
âOkay. Alright.â
Coach Tyrell does a half-jog over to them.Â
âTargaryen?â she asks, frowning. âNo need to play for a foul here, just a friendly ââ
âYeah, no,â Rhaenyra grumbles, putting an arm around Laena as Laena guides her off the field. âNo, itâs real.â
âTake it slow,â Laena murmurs.Â
They get into the changing rooms, where Laena calls over one of the first aid attendants.
âThink sheâs fucked up her knee,â Laena says as the attendant gets Rhaenyra to extend her leg, which hurts like fucking hell.Â
âCould be a sprain,â the attendant says, her face a little concerned. âMaybe worse. Weâll need to get it checked, but you should stay off it for now? Iâll get you some ice?â
Rhaenyra nods, leans back against the wall, huffing. âFucking great. Just great.â
âCool down, Targaryen,â Laena says, sitting beside her as the attendant goes into the office. âNot the end of the world.â
âTerrible timing,â Rhaenyra says, referring to the fact that post-season is over in, like, two months, and sprains take forever to heal.
âItâs always terrible timing,â Laena says. âYouâll be fine. Stubborn streak, and all.â
Rhaenyra lets out a frustrated breath, staring at the opposite row of lockers. âJust feels like another thing Iâve fucked up,â she says quietly.
âRhaenyra.â Laenaâs voice is quiet, serious, bereft of the playfulness from before. âYou didnât fuck it up. Itâs just shitty luck.â
The attendant returns, handing Rhaenyra an ice pack.Â
âFifteen minutes,â she instructs, âIâm going to go contact the physiotherapist -â
âI donât need physio ââ
The attendant gives Rhaenyra a look, then turns to Laena. âWould you mind spotting our dear friend here while she tries to stand on it?â
Fine. Fuck you.Â
Rhaenyra glares at the attendant, pushes herself off of the bench, only to immediately have to grab onto Laena as the pain flares hot and sharp, her knee almost buckling underneath her.Â
âYeah, you seem fine,â Laena deadpans as the attendant just quirks her brow and goes back into the office. âLetâs get back out there.â
Rhaenyra groans, feels pain and defeat â she can already see the look on Viserysâ face when she tells him.
Oh, thatâs just fine, my sweetâ injuries happen, rest is good, while if Aegon ended up with a similar injury, Viserys would be flying in physiotherapists from all over the globe in order to find the perfect one, since Aegon is the one who plays professional menâs soccer and is paid millions a year â
The attendant returns, holding a piece of paper. âAlicent Hightower is fantastic at her job,â she says, passing it to Rhaenyra. âIf anyone will have you in tip-top shape before your first match, itâll be her.â
Rhaenyra takes the paper, folds it, twists her mouth.
Horseshit. This is all such fucking horseshit.
*****
PAIN IS TEMPORARY. GREATNESS LASTS FOREVER.
Rhaenyra glares at the cheesy fucking posterâ itâs of a determined-looking athlete mid-stride, beads of sweat glistening on his forehead. Sheâs been here a handful of times already for smaller injuries, and this wonât be any different, it wonâtâ sheâll be back tomorrow, if she can help it, and it doesnât matter what this physiotherapist has to say, because â
ââ Rhaenyra Targaryen?â
She looks from the poster to see who she can only presume is Alicent Hightower, waiting for Rhaenyra. Her dark red hair is pulled up into a ponytail, arms crossed, sharp eyes, really fucking fit, what in the fucking shit â
(Their last physiotherapist was a lovely old man named Mellos who always smelled a little bit like mothballs and loved to rubber-stamp them.)
Rhaenyra rises slowly, her knee still smarting, but she doesnât show it, because she doesnât have to, sheâs fine.
â...Thatâs me.â
âNice to meet you. I've heard a lot,â Alicent says, though not quite warm, like sheâs not someone whoâs impressed by things like reputation or fame. She gestures with her chin for Rhaenyra to follow.
âGood things?â
Alicent doesnât turn around as they walk down the hall. âThings.â
The fuck â
âOh. Good.âÂ
Alicent shuts the door behind her as Rhaenyra takes a seat, drops onto the table.Â
âIâm sure this will be quick,â Rhaenyra says casually. âJust need you to give me a few exercises to get me back on track.â
This doesnât get her a response; Alicentâs scrolling through something on her iPad before she sets it down, grabs a clipboard and pulls up a chair to sit directly in front of Rhaenyra.
âWhen does the pain flare up the most?â
Rhaenyra clenches her jaw. All the time.
âJust when I put weight on it.â
âAny swelling or bruising?â
âSome swelling. Bruisingâs mostly gone, though -â
â- And the pain? How would you rate it, on a scale of one to ten?â
ââŚDepends,â Rhaenyra replies, nonchalant. âWalkingâ a three. Running, more like a six. But I can handle it -â
âAny pain at rest? Or only during activity?â
Rapid-fire.
âSometimes at rest. When I wake up in the mornings. But, againâ it goes away, it doesnât last that long.â
Alicent just looks at Rhaenyra like she doesnât believe her. ââŚRight.â
She asks a few more questionsâ enough that it almost feels like she repeats a few, which Rhaenyra realizes a little too late that sheâs doing to try and get the truth out of Rhaenyra.
Fucking physiotherapists.Â
"Okayâ I'm going to take a look at itâ okay if I touch?"
Beyond fucking okay â
"Yep. Sure. Mhm."
Rhaenyra is only a human being with eyes who is being touched by literally the most beautiful woman she's seen in ages, and Rhaenyra feel the warmth of Alicentâs skin through the thin fabric of her shorts, canât help but notice how the light catches the few loose strands of auburn hair framing her face â
This is ridiculous, youâre being sodding ridiculous, you just need to get laid because itâs been forever â
She tries to focus on literally anything else, but the room feels suddenly smaller, the air charged, and itâs hard to pretend like sheâs not hyper-aware of every inch of space between them.
But Alicent is focused, her gaze steady as she lifts Rhaenyraâs calf, guiding it carefully to the right angle.Â
âTell me when it starts to hurt,â she says, her voice calm, professional.
Rhaenyra clears her throat, willing her brain to cooperate.Â
âUh, yeah, yep. Itâs⌠fine right now.â
Alicentâs hands linger for a moment longer, adjusting Rhaenyraâs position. Her touch is deliberate, almost impersonal, but something about it sends a small jolt up Rhaenyraâs spine, and she canât help the hitch in her breath â fuck â
Please tell me she didnât hear that â
Alicent glances up, frowning slightly.
â...Everything okay?â
Shit, fuck â
ââFine,â Rhaenyra replies too quickly, voice tight. âTotally fine.â
Alicent arches an eyebrow but doesnât comment. Instead, she presses gently on Rhaenyraâs thigh, testing the range of motion. âLet me know if it gets too uncomfortable.â
Rhaenyra tries to steady her breathing.
This is physio, not whatever the fuck you think it is, Alicent Hightower is your physiotherapist, and Alicent Hightower is in close proximity, and her brows are furrowed in concentration, and I think I smell citrus in her shampoo â
âYouâre tense,â Alicent observes suddenly, her voice breaking the silence. âRelax, please.â
Rhaenyraâs laugh comes out strangled.Â
âHard to relax whenââ She stops herself, the words almost slipping out â when youâre touching me like that or looking at me like that while looking like that â
What the fuck is wrong with meâ
Alicent looks up, curious. âWhenâŚ?â
Rhaenyra swallows, her mouth dry. â...When Iâm thinking about how long this is going to take.
Alicentâs eyes narrow, as if sheâs not quite buying the deflection. But she only nods, her tone matter-of-fact.
âWell. That depends on how well you listen.â
âRight,â Rhaenyra mutters, feeling slightly relieved that the moment passes without further comment. âIâll try to be a better student, then.â
âGood,â Alicent says, but thereâs a faint, knowing smile tugging at the corner of her lips as she shifts her grip and continues the stretch.
ââŚItâs looking like a ligament tear, and not a sprain,â Alicent murmurs finally, setting Rhaenyraâs leg down and writing notes down.
Oh, fuck.
Rhaenyra shrugs. âI meanâ probably not, those are bad, and this doesnât feel badâ itâs temporary, itâll be fine ââ
âJust because itâs temporary doesnât mean it wonât impact you long-term,â Alicent says, looking up at Rhaenyra with a furrowed brow.
âYeah,â Rhaenyra mutters, âGot that from the posters.â
Alicentâs lips press together, as though keeping herself from laughing, and she shrugs, looks back down at her clipboard. ââŚThose are pretty terrible, yes.â
Itâs a nice moment of levity that Rhaenyra tries to take advantage of.Â
"A woman with taste."
Alicent snorts. "Bar seems low, if that's your idea of good taste."
"...My bar is quite high, actually."
Alicent looks up, eyebrow quirked, and Rhaenyra decides to be bold and meets her eyes, knows that sometimes, if she flirts just enough, people will generally be a bit more lenient.
"That so?" Alicent murmurs, looking back down at her clipboard, though Rhaenyra doesn't miss the slight pink that appears in her cheeks.
"That's so. I'd say you clear it, though."
Alicent's pen stops writing for a satisfying moment, and Rhaenyra waits for her rebuttal, but she just clears her throat and keeps writing, doesn't respond.
Rhaenyra continues, a little flustered. "Okay, butâ long story short, itâs fine. I just need you to tell me how to stretch it and I can go, you donât have to ââ
ââ Are you any good at football, Rhaenyra?â Alicent asks, not looking up from her clipboard.
ââŚIâm sorry?â
Alicent finishes writing whatever notes she was jotting down and sets her pen on top of the clipboard, giving Rhaenyra a hard glare.Â
âAre you good at football.â
âI mean â captain of the national womenâs team, soâ Iâd say Iâm pretty good, yes -?â
ââ Mhm, right. Youâd say you earned it, though, yes? Years of training, practice, et cetera.â
Okayâ sheâs fit and rude â
Which is an unfortunate combo, really, because Rhaenyra's always had a tendency to try and impress women who are fit and rude â
ââŚYes?â
Alicent nods, resolute. âIâm a physiotherapist on retainer for three premiere leagues â ones even bigger than yours, mind you ââ
ââ Oh, I doubt any are bigger than mine,â Rhaenyra quips back, only to turn bright red immediately because what the fuck are you doing making dick size jokes in front of this physiotherapist, what the fuck are you doing â
ââŚAnyway,â Alicent says, clearing her throat, and Rhaenyra does notice her ears turn a little red, which is interesting, to say the least â âIâve earned my keep. Same as you. If you want to get back on the pitch, you need to listen to me.â
Rhaenyraâs still trying to push down the flush in her cheeks, trying to focus on anything but the fact that she just made an accidental dick joke to a woman who is both fit and determined to put Rhaenyra in her place.Â
â...Fine,â Rhaenyra mutters, half a grumble. âWhat do I have to do.â
Alicent leans back slightly, crossing her arms, clearly not swayed by Rhaenyraâs attempt at compliance. âFirst, youâre going to stop thinking you know better than me. You may know how to play football, but I know how to fix you so you that can play it. Understood?â
Rhaenyra clenches her jaw again, nods once.
âAnd second,â Alicent continues, casual, âYou need to accept that you might not make it back in time for the season opener.â
No.
Rhaenyra feels the air rush out of her chest.
âExcuse me -?â
â- If the damage is as bad as I think it is," Alicent says, and holds Rhaenyraâs gaze, unflinching. "Rushing recovery isnât just dangerousâitâs reckless. You push too hard, too soon, and you risk re-injury. Maybe even worse.â
Rhaenyraâs throat tightens, her whole body going rigid.Â
Not the fucking season opener, not after a fucking injury from a friendly, no no no noâ
âYou donâtâ you donât know that for sure.â
Alicent doesnât flinch, doesnât soften. âNo, I donât. But I know enough to recognize the risk. You have to let this heal properly, or youâre gambling with your entire career.â
Rhaenyra can feel her temper rising, hot and volatile. âYou think I donât know that?â Her voice is raw, a mix of anger and desperation. âYou think Iâm not aware of whatâs at stake- ?â
âI think youâre scared,â Alicent says quietly, with an unwavering certainty. âAnd I think youâre letting that fear make decisions for you.â
Rhaenyra glares at her, eyes blazing. âYou donât know me -"
âNo,â Alicent concedes, her voice low but still firm. âI donât. But I know this injury. I know what itâs done to players who didnât listen, who thought they could just push through it.â
She pauses, her gaze still locked on Rhaenyra, something different there, something like â
Enough, she's telling you bad fucking news â
âAnd... I donât want that to be you.â
And Alicent sounds so sincere, so gentle that it cuts right through Rhaenyraâs anger and leaves just a raw and exposed wound â
I canât miss the season opener, I canât, Viserys was going to come and he never goes to my matches, ever â
âI canât miss it, Alicent -â
â- I get it,â Alicent says, leaning forward, placing a reassuring hand on Rhaenyraâs knee, and itâs not clinical this time, itâs not practiced, itâs soft with a thumb rubbing along her knee and Rhaenyra might either cry or explode. âI really do. But sometimesâ missing one game means you can play the rest, yeah?â
âI canât just miss it -â
ââ You have to see the bigger picture, here.â Alicent gestures towards Rhaenyraâs knee.Â
âI canât.â
Alicent leans forward, slowly, deliberately, and okay, thereâs absolutely something here, Rhaenyra canât be crazyâ her heart is hammering a little too loudly, the air feels a little too thick. âThen let me see it for you, Rhaenyra. Let me help you get better.â
Rhaenyra remembers a similar conversation sheâd had with Mellos, years agoâ heâd told her she would have to miss semi-finals, and sheâd yelled at him until he had to call Coach Tyrell to put Rhaenyra in her place, and even then Rhaenyra had refused, until Tyrell threatened to kick her off the team.
But Alicent Hightower looks up at Rhaenyra now like Iâll help you, just let me help you, and Rhaenyra came in here ready for a fucking fight, ready to tell whoever the fuck it is that tells her she needs rest to fucking fuck right off, but Rhaenyra looks at Alicent and thinks â
Yeah. Okay.Â
She swallows, hard.
âYeah,â she says, voice a little hoarse. âOkay.â
#rhaenicent fic#rhaenicent#this was fun actually#me looking into the mirror: you are taking a break. do not write a rhaenicent football fic. do not write a rhaenicent football fic.#also i know u said ankle injury but i have injured my knee before and gone to physio for it so felt a bit more well-versed in that
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love in the air
sunghoon x fem!reader â cw: mean boy sunghoon, angst, lowercase intended, 500-1k wc, not proofread (let me know if i missed something!)
there was no doubt that slytherin and gryffindor were rivals, as for you and sunghoon it was no different. the animosity between the two of you had been brewing since the first match of the season. slytherin versus gryffindor. it had been a brutal game, with both sides playing their hearts out, but in the end, slytherin had won by a single point. sunghoon had made sure to rub it in every chance he got. he wasnât content with just winning; he needed to make you feel like a failure for losing.
âmaybe if you spent more time practicing and less time talking, you might actually score next time,â heâd sneered at you in the corridor a few days after the match. his words had stung, but youâd fired back with equal venom, refusing to let him see how much his taunts hurt.
âmaybe if you werenât so full of yourself, you wouldnât need to compensate by being a jerk,â youâd shot back, earning a cold, disdainful smirk from him. it was a battle of wills, each of you refusing to back down.
as the season went on, the tension between you and sunghoon only grew. every time gryffindor and slytherin faced off, it felt like a personal grudge match. your teammates noticed it too, and theyâd often tease you about it, suggesting that maybe the reason you and sunghoon were so hostile was because there was something more beneath the surface. youâd always laugh it off, insisting that there was no way you could ever like someone as insufferable as him.
but then, during the final match of the season, something changed.
it was gryffindor versus slytherin again, and the stakes were higher than ever. the quidditch cup was on the line, and both teams were determined to win. the match was intense, with both sides fighting tooth and nail for every point. you were in the zone, flying faster and harder than you ever had before. nothing mattered except the game.
then, in a split second, everything went wrong. youâd been diving for the quaffle, but another player collided with you mid-air, knocking you off course. you lost your grip and started to fall. the world spun around you, and for a terrifying moment, you thought you were going to hit the ground.
but before you could, a strong hand grabbed your arm, yanking you back onto your broomstick. you looked up, dazed, and found yourself staring into sunghoonâs dark eyes. he was glaring at you, but there was something else in his expression tooâsomething you couldnât quite place.
âwatch where youâre going, idiot,â he snapped, but there was an edge of concern in his voice that threw you off. before you could respond, he let go of your arm and zoomed off, leaving you hovering in place, stunned.
after the match, which gryffindor narrowly won, you couldnât stop thinking about that moment. sunghoon had saved you. he didnât have to, but he did. it didnât make sense. he hated you, didnât he?
the question gnawed at you for days, and eventually, you couldnât take it anymore. you confronted him in the hallway, determined to get some answers.
âwhy did you save me?â you demanded, blocking his path.
sunghoon rolled his eyes, clearly annoyed. âwhat are you talking about?â
âduring the match. you didnât have to catch me, but you did. why?â
he sighed, running a hand through his hair in frustration. âi donât know. it was just instinct. maybe i didnât want to win that way. does it matter?â
âit matters to me,â you insisted, refusing to back down.
for a moment, he just stared at you, his expression unreadable. then, to your surprise, he softened, just a little. âlook, just because iâm competitive doesnât mean i want you to get hurt, alright? we might be on opposite teams, but that doesnât mean i want you dead.â
the admission caught you off guard, and for the first time, you saw something other than arrogance in his eyes. there was vulnerability there, buried deep, but it was there. maybe he wasnât as heartless as he wanted everyone to believe.
âso, you donât hate me?â you asked, the question slipping out before you could stop it.
sunghoon scoffed, but there was no real malice in it. âhateâs a strong word. i just⌠youâre annoying, alright? always so stubborn and determined. but i guess i can respect that.â
you blinked, not sure what to say. this was the closest thing to a compliment youâd ever gotten from him.
âyouâre not so bad yourself,â you finally muttered, feeling a strange warmth in your chest. it was the first time youâd ever admitted it, even to yourself, but maybeâjust maybeâthere was something more between you and sunghoon than just rivalry.
he smirked at your words, but this time, it wasnât mocking. âdonât go getting soft on me, gryffindor. weâre still enemies on the pitch.â
âweâll see about that,â you shot back, a small smile tugging at your lips.
and for the first time, sunghoon didnât respond with a sneer or a sharp retort. instead, he just looked at you, his gaze lingering a little longer than usual, before he turned and walked away.
as you watched him go, you couldnât help but wonder if maybe, just maybe, the line between enemies and something more had started to blur.
#enhypen imagines#enhypen reactions#enhypen scenarios#enhypen jake#enhypen heeseung#harry potter fanfiction#draco malfoy x reader#fred weasley x reader#enhypen x reader#enhypen#enhypen sunghoon#enhypen jay#yang jungwon#park sunghoon#lee heeseung#sim jaeyun#nishimura riki#park jongseong#fanfiction#enhypen sunoo#enhypen au#enhypen smut#enhypen harry potter#harry potter imagines#harry potter imagine#harry potter
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hi darling!! i just saw your modern!aemond one-shot with a model!reader and i just love it, and i wanted to ask for another one shot with a model!reader, not necessarily a smut, i mean,it could be them as a couple just taking a vacation in the countryside or on a paradisiacal beach or even simply Aemond supporting his girlfriend at a rehearsal or fashion show, or the opposite. <3
hiya! absolutely love this request so decided to combine all of it together! hope you enjoy this fluffy love xoxo
â his grand prix prize: the holiday â
F1 Driver! Aemond Targaryen x Model! Reader
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After a career-defining runway, your devoted F1 star boyfriend whisks you away for a holiday of romance.
Word Count: 1.5k
Themes: just pure lovin fluff as per the delightful request, reader and aemond r cutie simps, alcohol consumption, tooth rotting fluff!!!
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You stand in the wings of the bustling backstage area of the Highgarden Haute Couture fashion show, surrounded by the orchestrated chaos of models, designers, and stylists making last-minute adjustments. Itâs one of the biggest nights of the season, and the energy is electric. You adjust your clothes and take a moment to centre yourself before stepping out onto the runway. A makeup artist fusses around you, dabbing blusher on your cheeks, but you hardly hear her.
For the past several years, youâve become a household name in the fashion world, the face of numerous campaigns and covers. But tonightâs event is something special. Highgarden Haute Couture is your home turf, where you first made a name for yourself, and tonight, the stakes are higher than ever.
Out in the audience, Aemond Targaryen, the man turned boyfriend who has somehow managed to capture both your heart and admiration, sits in the front row. As one of F1âs top drivers, heâs usually more at home in the paddock or racing down a track at breakneck speed. But tonight, heâs traded his race suit for an impeccably tailored black velvet suit that hugs his athletic frame. His slicked back silver hair and amethyst eyes amplify his allure, drawing all eyes to him, even in a room filled with models and celebrities.
The lights dim, and the music shifts to a rhythmic pulse that echoes in your body. Youâre next. As you prepare to step onto the runway, a small, knowing smile plays on your lips. You know Aemond is watching, his gaze unyielding and proud. You can feel the heat of it, even from backstage.
When you finally stride out onto the runway, the audienceâs eyes turn to you, but you only have eyes for one person in the crowd. Amidst the flashing cameras and whispers of the fashion elite, Aemondâs gaze is the anchor that grounds you. The way he looks at you, with such pride and admiration, sends a thrill up your spine.
Each step you take is deliberate and confident, your body draped in the exquisite fabric of Highgardenâs latest collection. The dress is a masterpiece, a delicate blend of sheer lace, and intricate floral embroidery that clings to your frame, accentuating every curve. You feel powerful, beautiful, and bolstered by your loving boyfriend.
You reach the end of the runway and hold your pose, letting the photographers capture the moment. As you turn to make your way back, hips swaying, your eyes meet Aemondâs. His lips curve into a smile, one thatâs just for you, and your heart skips a beat. Youâre used to adoring fans and lavish praise, but nothing compares to the silent support and unwavering belief Aemond gives you.
After the show, you find Aemond waiting for you backstage. The chaos of the event swirls around you, but the moment you see him, everything else fades into the background. Heâs leaning against a column, hands tucked into his pockets, his expression one of casual confidence. The moment his eye meets yours, he straightens, his smile widening.
âYou were incredible,â he says as you approach, pulling you into a warm embrace. âThat dress was made for you."
You laugh softly, feeling the adrenaline from the show begin to ebb away. âIt was, wasnât it? But youâre just biased.â
âPerhaps,â he agrees, brushing a kiss to your forehead. âBut that doesnât make it any less true.â
You pull back slightly to look up at him, your fingers lightly tracing the edge of his lapel. âThank you for coming. I know this isnât really your scene.â
He shrugs, his expression fond. âIt is when youâre here. Besides, how could I miss watching my favourite model steal the show?â
Your cheeks warm under his gaze, and you feel a rush of affection for the man standing before you. Itâs moments like these, away from the glitz and glamour, that you cherish the most. âAnd what about you, Mr. Targaryen? Whatâs next on your agenda?â
His grin turns slightly mischievous, and you know heâs up to something. âI have a surprise for you,â he says, his voice low and teasing.
âOh?â You raise an eyebrow. âShould I be worried?â
âOnly if you donât like sunshine and secluded beaches,â he replies, producing two plane tickets from his jacket pocket and handing them to you.
Your eyes widen in surprise as you take the tickets, scanning the details. âDorne?â You squeal. âYouâre taking me to Dorne?"
Aemond nods, his satisfaction evident. âA little getaway. Just you, me, and the sun. I figured we both could use a break.â
You can hardly contain your excitement as you throw your arms around him, pulling him into a tight hug. The idea of escaping the hectic schedules and demands of your respective careers for a private holiday is too enticing to resist. âYouâre amazing, you know that?â
He chuckles, wrapping his arms around you. âI try. So, are you in?â
âAbsolutely,â you reply, already imagining the golden sands and shimmering waters of Dorne. âWhen do we leave?â
âTomorrow morning,â he says, leaning down to capture your lips in a soft kiss.
The next day, the two of you board a private jet bound for Dorne. The flight is luxurious and comfortable, allowing you to unwind and enjoy each otherâs company. As the plane soars above the clouds, you steal loving glances at Aemond, whoâs reclining in his seat, his expression relaxed and content, glass of whiskey in hand. He looks every bit the handsome, confident man you fell in love with, and you feel a swell of gratitude.
You land in Dorne to a burst of warm sunlight and a gentle breeze that carries the scent of the sea. A sleek car waits to take you to your destinationâa secluded beachfront villa nestled amidst lush greenery and overlooking the crystal-clear waters of the Summer Sea.
As you step out of the car, the view takes your breath away. The beach stretches out before you, its sands golden and inviting, and the sound of waves gently lapping at the shore fills the air. Itâs paradise, a world away from the demands of your careers.
Aemond takes your hand, guiding you toward the villa. âWhat do you think?â he asks, his voice holding a note of nervous anticipation.
âItâs perfect,â you breathe, feeling a sense of peace wash over you. âThank you, Aemond. This is exactly what we needed.â
He smiles, pleased by your reaction. âI thought so. Come on, letâs make the most of it.â
The days blend into a blissful routine of sun-soaked relaxation and intimate moments. You spend your mornings lounging on the beach, the warm sand beneath you and the sun kissing your skin. Aemond joins you, his presence a comforting constant, as he reads or indulges in light-hearted teasing.
In the afternoons, you explore the beauty of Dorne, wandering through picturesque towns and savoring the local cuisine. The vibrant colors and rich culture captivate you, and you find yourself enchanted by the land and how you can share it with your lover.
One evening, as the sun begins its descent, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink, you find yourself back at the villa, enjoying a quiet dinner on the terrace. The table is set with an array of delectable dishes, and the soft glow of candles adds a romantic touch to the scene.
You gaze at Aemond across the table, your heart full of gratitude for this unforgettable experience. âI could get used to this,â you confess, sipping a glass of chilled Dornish wine.
He chuckles, reaching across the table to take your hand in his. âSo could I. But donât worry; we still have a few more days before reality calls us back.â
After dinner, you move to the lounge, where a gentle breeze carries the soothing sounds of the ocean through the open windows. You curl up on the plush couch, Aemondâs arm draped over your shoulders.
âIâm so glad youâre here with me,â you murmur, resting your head against his chest.
He presses a soft kiss to your forehead. âThereâs nowhere else Iâd rather be.â
As the stars begin to twinkle above, you find yourself lost in the contentment of the moment. Itâs a rare escape from the demands of your lives.
Aemond shifts slightly, drawing you closer. âYou know,â he begins, his voice low and tender, âwatching you on that runway, seeing how incredible you are at what you do⌠it made me realize how lucky I am.â
You tilt your head to meet his gaze, your heart swelling with affection. âYouâre my biggest fan, Aemond. I couldnât do it without you.â
He smiles, his eye glinting with warmth. âAnd youâre mine. We make quite the team, donât we?â
You nod, feeling a sense of certainty in his words. In the paddock, on the runway, your hearts belong to each other.
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AN: loved just spitting out this gorgeous fluff, plz plz send in requests! i love writing for you guys like this! hope you enjoy @luckyfirebasement âĄââĄ
#modern house of the dragon#modern aemond targaryen#aemond targaryen x reader#modern aemond targaryen x reader#aemond targaryen#aemond f1 au#f1 au
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So yesterday, I binged Love in the big city. I had read the book, and as I am wont to do, i skimmed through to get back to the episodes and really sit down and watch them later (hopefully in small increments over the next two weeks).
I have been scrolling around on twitter since then (as one does, I am sick in bed with nothing to do but an assignment I don't have the brain power for right now) and really made me think.
First, I looked at international fans' reactions in English e.g. a gay guy I follow who parties a lot and talks openly about his sex life said it felt real, another guy kept complaining about Go Young's taste in men but also the people who watched it for the romance and only focused on that (and the sex scenes, which have racked up 100.000s of views). Some excitedly writing about how handsome the actors were, how they wanted to see a second season, a shame about this or that plot point (the "endgame" not being there). And as @lurkingshan said, it is NOT a romance drama or even a BL drama. This is a chronicle of one's man's life and his trauma, his relationships and his triumphs.
A lot of English-writing commentors praise the actors for their bravery. And that is always the debate, isn't it? Without them taking the role, this thing might not have been made. But the people behind it, who wrote, filmed, assisted, the writer who is a gay man himself, they all had such high stakes too, even higher (the author kept urging people on twitter to give the drama high views, one of the actors offered free hugs and an eating live stream if they managed to trend at no. 1). The drama is a depiction of a queer person's life as it could happen. Taking on this role, playing the part and then leaving it behind, is that as brave as people who live this life every day? Not to say that none of the actors in this production could be queer, bc some probably are.
One of the people i follow on twitter pointed out this feels like the drama shows queer sex, not sensationalised sex, just, that sex is a part of life so it is depicted in a series that is about life. With reading that, I began to wonder what queer koreans were saying about the series. Thanking the fact that google translate has not yet dropped their support of X, formerly twitter, I began by searching up Nam Yoon Su's name in Korean. A lot of people were calling him handsome, saying they cried about his performance. And then I stumbled upon several things:
1. The club scenes/music they used seems outdated to some Korean queers. They wrote that this feels more like a man in his 30s reminiscing his 20s than someone actually in their 20s, which, fair, the drama is told over the span of like 10 years I believe. Also the commentors thought the dancing was bad. But they said, even if some of it felt not true to gay life/the actors couldn't completely sell it as believable, that the drama was important and shouldn't be criticised too harshly.
2. They were having a linguistic debate about the usage of Korean gay slang (i think it was the word 기ę°, but I could be wrong bc my Korean vocabulary is like 30 words) and that it has come into vogue with straight girls who go to gay bars, as Mi Ae does in the drama. In a way, it is a risk bringing a subculture that is/was quite closed to the mainstream (I think similar critiques have been made about drag race).
3. That the drama was not reaching its intended audience (queers) and was instead something for straight BL fans to screech over. It does feel kind of weird that something that veers more into raw territory (if you disregard the casting of Nam Yoon Su, who is super pretty and not at all like Young was described in the book), is treated the same as the stylised/trope-ified human experiences we see in some BLs (nothing wrong with those! Media is in its essence always a distillation of an experience),
I think that there is always a risk of depicting something that is close to the way actual individuals experience it and running into voyeuristic territory, on display for millions of people. Is it weird to want people to take this more seriously? To look at it in depth, treat the characters like humans that could actually be living out there and not Ken dolls you can mash together? Or is that too reductive of me, dictating what other people's experience with media should look like?
These are just my initial thoughts, I need to ruminate on them more, and I could be completely wrong about all of this.
I myself rarely go outside and have not had many queer IRL friends, which is why I am drawn to these series. To be honest, I don't even know the local queer slang bc I have been to the queer bar here once before it closed down due to internal disputes. Reading Love in the big city made me feel like i was hit with a sledgehammer, the series makes me want to go out and live again (once I am feeling up to it).
#love in the big city#i have not completely felt like myself in while#but i had to type this out as it was bouncing around my head#i always said i hated google translate bc i studied to be a translator#i think maybe this whole endevour can give me the push i need to actually learn korean#bc what is media criticism/literacy if you never look at the original sources#and i do know i can't trust google translate 100% and have to read through a lot of different comments saying similar things#before i can start concluding things#i know this is also a kind of voyeurism in and of itself
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I don't know if you ever said it before, but do you think Gabriel was a good villain?
mmm i guess the answer is yes because i think he's a good character? and the things that make him a "bad" villain are intentional flaws and weaknesses that make him more human. he's arrogant, short-sighted, and all his wins are attributed to outside help from nathalie, tomoe, or even felix !!! but he's not really meant to be seen as a schemer, as the way he exerts power over people is through his status. as he claims in pretention and as felix highlights in his play, the empire he's built and the resources he has access to make him the most intimidating, it's about "gabriel agreste" as a symbol of influence, who can control people in more ways than one.
he shines the most in S5 as he fully loses it and his dehumanization of adrien reaches ridiculously cruel extremes with the alliance rings, which are one of my personal favorite visual metaphors in the show altogether. it's sort of what i'm getting at, that you can see gabriel increasingly more corrupt with every passing season, and with that he also loses all the plausible deniability he was operating with from the start. the agreste story arc of S1-S5 is ultimately about questioning the consequences of our choices and the power we each hold as individuals, and gabriel is a physical manifestation of our worst possible selves. he's unapologetically selfish from his first to last appearance and even when he seems to come to recognize the results of his insanity, he cowardly leaves marinette to clean up his mess & deal with the aftermath.
while nathalie snapped out of it earlier than him & tried making amends for her actions by doing the bare minimum for adrien with the time she had left, and as felix ended up trading his cynicism for a positive outlook through the power of love, gabriel remained stubborn in his ways and his goal changed from the noble-sounding promise to reunite his family to, like, sticking it to those morally righteous brats as he grew mad with power. like akumas are people possessed by their negative emotions, gabriel is consumed by his regrets without even realizing it, and he's a cautionary tale for marinette to remember so that she doesn't end up like him. felix got to find out for himself pretty quickly how it felt becoming the monster that he thought his father was, that gabriel agreste was, and he immediately changed his path. but for marinette, whose life mirrors gabriel's own, the stakes are much higher and she's yet to come to terms with whether the choices she made in the S5 finale & london special were morally reprehensible after all. even with his physical disappearance, gabriel's control of the media, the people, and his son, have all been passed down to marinette and he still lives on through her. she could arbitrarily sympathize with felix's motivations as they both fought for adrien's sake and eventually their own romantic interests, but this time she's in a situation that would greatly affect and endanger her own life, and that's where the question initially posed to gabriel comes back to her - how far is she willing to go to keep things as they are, and how long will it be before she's also consumed by regrets?
the marinette/felix/gabriel spectrum really fascinates me because these characters have a ton of flaws in common as well as a similar way of thinking, and the distinction only lies in how instilled those mindsets are, and how easy or hard it would be to change them. marinette is always second-guessing, always unsure of herself; felix knows who he is, he has causes he vehemently advocates for but he's willing to make the occasional sacrifice or two if they'll benefit him in the long run, and he'll learn from past mistakes when things blow up in his face - and as for gabriel? he never makes any compromises, never reflects on himself, not once does he try and make an attempt until it's too late to change things.
and the way all of this ties with the show's message definitely makes him an incredible villain to me. thematically, he archieved his purpose in miraculous' first story arc and was an amazing nemesis to the main character. my only real complaints are only about how much more could've been done with these parallels while he was still active as the primary antagonist, or how we were only told about gabriel's past in the last minute, even if it was purposefully hidden. however i'm really excited for lila to succeed him as the theme of lies will surely be the most prominent in the second story arc, and i hope i'm correct in assuming that'll mean gabriel replacing emilie as the entity the narrative revolves around.
#am i allowed to tag my opinions again. hiii#miraculous ladybug#miraculous#marinette dupain cheng#gabriel agreste
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hey hey! its one of your readers on ao3 i realized i can ask questions on tumblr so i am trying it out. this may be a controversial question as opinions vary greatly from person to person lool but i am curious being a fellow fan of aot and a fan of your work, so, what did you think about the ending to aot? đ
(personally i subscribe to a specific fan theory (NOT ANR GOD FORBID i rebuke it!) to keep hope alive in my heart that theres more aot to come cause i did not like the ending much so basically, theres no judgement from me srsly im delulu myself as it stands đđŻ)
anyway thats all thank you for writing left behind and answering my question (potentially)! hope you have a great rest of your day :D
Yeah I know your nickname haha and you can ask or yap about anything!
Ahh yes the ending opinions where swords are drawn two minutes into the debate lol and itâs annoying that people canât state their thoughts as freely because of the toxicity from every side. This is going to be long Iâm sorryđ
I personally didnât like the ending that much either. I donât think itâs as bad as people make it out to be, I mean weâve all seen GoT, but I know a story like AoT couldâve done a little bit better than that, so. Itâs not that I wanted Eren to live happily ever after, because his death made the most sense even before I knew about it, but itâs the execution of the episode in general that makes it feel rushed for me.
Mikasa killing him is a beautifully tragic twist, I started bawling my eyes out right there, but I wish the cabin scene was done differently. For me it didnât feel as raw and honest as the Eren-Armin convo, which Iâm not the biggest fan of either, but Iâve always wanted more communication for Eremika so maybe that makes me bitter. Let me see them talk about the table scene and let me see Eren apologise to her. Itâs their last moment together, I wanted to see more emotion and honesty rather than an already established relationship that they did off camera. I get what itâs trying to show, and the scene itself is not bad, but I was just a big EM shipper at the time and hoped for more. (I felt the same back when he told her he would wrap that scarf around her forever and always. It hit me just in the right place I remember wanting them to talk about it afterwards but nothing was said.) Same with the memories he gave back to his friends, Iâd have liked to see them talk. Him opening his eyes one last time to see her was beautiful no comment there.
Other than that I also LOVED when Levi saluted his friends and comrades! Liked his internal monologue where he said he didnât regret not bringing Erwin back (Which also made me wish we couldâve seen Armin coming up with impressive strategies and ideas like he used to.)
I liked how Hange was sent off, but I missed them in the final fight.
I really liked the rumbling montage with Guilty Hero playing and Arminâs VA pouring her heart out + that cry at the end when Armin sees Eren. The Levi&Mikasa team-up/final stand was amazing. Those were all done nicely, but thatâs pretty much it for me.
For some reason I wasnât vibing with Annie. I mean she was never my fav but her in season one and in her ova was so much more interesting to me.
I was left underwhelmed by the final fight considering weâve had great battles like RTS and Liberio previously, it does not compare in my opinion. I understand that Eren wonât kill his friends and I definitely agree with that, but something else couldâve been done with Ymir to make the stakes higher. The ancient titans didnât feel threatening when you just knew no one was going to die, especially when Falco (first time flying) could dodge all of their arrows.
When everyone there turned into titans, like Jean and Connie, I wouldâve preferred if they stayed titans and died when the curse ended. Bringing them back a few minutes later is just meh for me, and makes the emotions Iâve felt a one time thing only because that Jean&Connie dialogue didnât hit the same afterwards. Not to mention that Connieâs mom was brought back only for us to not see their reunion lol.
Ymirâs storyline was interesting when Eren saw her memories, but after that she lost me a bit. I also donât like that that *chefâs kiss* scene with Eren telling her sheâs just a person didnât free her at all, that killing Zeke stopped the Rumbling, that Levi was nerfed for the sake of the fight. If all these decisions were done in a slightly expanded time period, I donât think I wouldâve minded much. Especially the final episode itself was, again, rushed in my opinion.
Also, this isnât just the finale but Historia being sidelined like that is a no-no for me. Not a fan of how the Hizuru-Mikasa plot line didnât go anywhere either. That may just be nitpicking, but again I do believe season 4 shouldâve been longer, maybe with a season 5 as well.
With all that being said, these are just my personal opinions/feelings and despite all, thematically the author did a good job wrapping everything up. Ending a story like AoT couldnât have been easy at all. Watching it was an experience I donât think Iâll ever forget or get over and Iâm forever going to miss it. (Iâm reading the manga now and the uprising arc has me hooked since itâs a bit different from the anime, and dare I say better?)
The ending didnât ruin it for me or anything, just sad that I wonât get to see the things I wanted to see because naturally everyone has their own expectations, but what are fanfictions for?
Whatâs the fan theory that you believe? Other than that ANR Iâve heard about the mist and ouroboros but Iâve never read them in detail.
Thank you for reading Left Behind! Iâd also like to state that my criticism of the AoT ending does not mean Iâll write one better lol. I like my ending for my story but Iâve already made peace with the fact that some readers might have problems with it. Which is fine as well because I love a good finale debate.
You have a great day/night as well!đ
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Hey man what the fuck.
I don't like how every single episode of FHJY has just upped the ante. I have loved every single season of Fantasy High, and hands down the Intrepid Heroes seasons' are my absolute favorite. But it genuinely feels like every new release, the team behind D20 just escalates further and further. It isn't just higher level gameplay; it's the sheer creativity behind the mechanics implemented and how the story weaves from one episode to another.
Every single player on this table throws themselves into every character they have ever made in previous seasons, but it is the intimiate familiarity with the Bad Kids that raises the stakes. Raises the plot. Raises the tension.
Holy fucking shit, every combat episode in FHJY so far has left me on the edge of my seat. The use of Downtime is so good because it paces the plot, development and mystery so well.
Every single episode I have been like, "Wow, holy shit that was the best episode ever." I've been forced to say that fourteen times now.
Brennan, Rick, the Art Department, the Music, the Concept and Character Artistsâevery person involved in FH from cast to crew all have that FUCKING DAWG IN THEM.
And now a MSG live show to boot? The quality of Game Changer becoming increasingly insane?
Every one at Dropout is cooking. These are some gourmet shit, people. Not only are they one of the only ethical streaming services out there, but they got that fine dining ready to go.
#fantasy high#fantasy high junior year#d20 fhjy#d20 fantasy high#d20 spoilers#dimension 20#dropout#fhjy spoilers#dimension 20 fhjy
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Speed | CS55
Summary: In a chance encounter at a gas station, a mysterious woman on a Yamaha YZF R6 catches the attention of Carlos, a charming Ferrari driver. Little did they know the journey they would both go on.
Warning: Smut, fluff
Pairing: Carlos Sainz x OC (Lola)
Masterlist
Chapter 10
Flying to Japan in a private jet was like a fever dream for Lola. She never imagined that she would ever travel to Japan, let alone in such luxurious style, with a very handsome man sitting across from her. As the jet soared through the clouds, she couldn't help but pinch herself to make sure she wasn't dreaming.
Glancing over at Carlos, she felt a rush of excitement mixed with disbelief. Here she was, embarking on an adventure of a lifetime with him, the man who had captured her heart with his charm and kindness. The plush surroundings of the jet and the breathtaking view from the window only added to the surreal experience.
In a way, she hated it. She hated how he paid for everything. Sure, he invited her and wanted her there, but she couldn't shake the feeling that he didn't want her to pay for anything â not even a coffee on the way to the airport.
As they travelled in the lap of luxury, Lola couldn't help but feel a pang of discomfort with each extravagant gesture. It wasn't about the money; it was about her independence, her desire to contribute, even in small ways. She wanted to feel like an equal partner in their adventure, not just a passenger along for the ride.
While she appreciated his generosity and understood that it came from a place of caring, she longed for the chance to show him that she was capable of standing on her own two feet. She wanted to share the expenses, to feel like she was pulling her weight.
But as the private jet continued its journey to Japan, Lola couldn't bring herself to voice her concerns. She didn't want to spoil the magic of the moment or make him feel unappreciated. So, she buried her feelings beneath a smile and resolved to find a way to express herself when the time was right.
In the days leading up to their flight, Carlos couldn't shake the anticipation building inside him. Knowing that Lola would be there waiting for him that weekend filled him with an indescribable joy. The thought of being able to walk out of the garage and find her within a few metres, ready for a quick kiss and a warm embrace, consumed his every waking moment.
As he prepared for the upcoming race in Japan, his mind often wandered to the moments they would share outside of the track â exploring the bustling streets of Tokyo together, savouring the local cuisine, and simply revelling in each other's company. The thought of having her by his side, supporting him both on and off the circuit, fueled his determination and added an extra layer of excitement to the already thrilling experience.
Every time he closed his eyes, he could envision her smiling face, her laughter echoing in his ears. The days couldn't pass quickly enough as he counted down the moments until they would finally be reunited. For Carlos, having Lola there that weekend wasn't just a mere convenience; it was a source of comfort, happiness, and an undeniable connection that made every challenge worth facing.
As Carlos worked tirelessly to secure a seat for the next season, the weight of uncertainty hung heavy on his shoulders. With each passing day, the pressure mounted, and the stakes seemed higher than ever before. Despite his best efforts to remain composed, the stress of the situation was impossible to ignore.
In the midst of this turmoil, he found solace in Lola's presence. Her unwavering support and understanding were a source of strength during his most challenging moments. Yet, in his eagerness to confide in her, Carlos sometimes let slip confidential information during phone calls with his team, conducted openly in front of her.
Though Lola appreciated his trust in her, she couldn't help but feel a pang of discomfort at being privy to such sensitive conversations. She understood the gravity of the situation and the importance of discretion, and she silently grappled with the responsibility that came with it.
Unbeknownst to Lola, Carlos had been secretly planning a special surprise for her during their time in Japan. In the week following the race, he had arranged for a visit to the Yamaha factory, knowing it would be an adventure she would especially appreciate. It was his way of showing her a different side of Japan, one that had nothing to do with his work or the stresses of his racing career. He wanted to see her in her element, to share in her passions and interests for a change.
As he finalised the details of their visit, Carlos couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement building within him. He imagined the look of surprise and delight on Lola's face when he revealed his plan to her, and it filled him with a sense of joy that temporarily eased the weight of his own worries.
For Carlos, it was a chance to create lasting memories with Lola, to deepen their bond beyond the confines of the racetrack or her home. He couldn't wait to see her eyes light up with excitement.
After a brilliant P3 result at Suzuka, Carlos was brimming with excitement and gratitude. The race had been a challenging yet rewarding experience, and he couldn't have achieved such success without Lola's unwavering support throughout the entire weekend. Despite their efforts to keep her well concealed from the media and the fervent fans, Lola couldn't contain her emotions when Carlos crossed the finish line.
As he made his way back to the paddock, Carlos's heart swelled with pride at the thought of sharing this moment with Lola. He knew that her screams and jubilations were a testament to her genuine investment in his success, and he couldn't wait to express his gratitude to her.
Finding her amidst the hustle and bustle of the paddock, Carlos pulled her into a tight embrace, his heart overflowing with appreciation.
âThank you so much for being here, Lola.â He whispered, his voice filled with emotion.
âYou can thank me properly when we get back to the hotel.â She teased and left a sweet kiss on his lips.
âCount on it.â He replied with a wink, his voice filled with anticipation for the private celebration that awaited them back at the hotel.
Caught up in the heat of the moment, Carlos found himself unable to resist the overwhelming temptation that consumed him. As their journey back to the hotel continued, his hand gradually made its way to Lola's thigh, his touch sending shivers of anticipation down her spine. With each passing moment, the desire between them grew stronger, until finally, Carlos couldn't wait any longer.
With a sudden surge of urgency, he pulled the car over to the side of the quiet road, the darkness enveloping them like a cloak of secrecy. In the dim light, he turned to Lola, his eyes burning with desire, and without a word, he pulled her towards him, their lips meeting in a passionate, steamy kiss.
Lost in the intensity of their embrace, time seemed to stand still as they surrendered to the raw, unbridled passion that pulsed between them. In that fleeting moment, nothing else mattered but the intoxicating connection they shared, a connection that transcended words.
As their kiss deepened in the darkness beside the quiet road, Lola's breath caught in her throat, her senses overwhelmed by the intensity of their passion. However, as the heat of the moment began to subside, she reluctantly pulled away from Carlos, her chest rising and falling with each ragged breath.
âI donât think your tiny Ferrari has space for what we have in mind.â She spoke breathlessly, her words tinged with a hint of playful teasing as she attempted to inject a moment of levity into their heated exchange.
With a soft laugh, she placed her hand on his chest, her touch gentle yet filled with a quiet insistence. Carlos met her gaze, his eyes still smouldering with desire, but a knowing smile tugged at the corners of his lips.
âMaybe not.â He conceded, his voice husky with desire. âLetâs get back to the hotel.â
-----------------------
Taglist: @itsjustkhaos @notyouraveragemochii @heyheyheyggg
#carlos sainz#f1 fanfic#f1 fic#f1 imagine#formula 1#carlos#ferrari#f1 2024#ferrari f1#formula one#carlos sainz jr#scuderia ferrari#carlos sainz 55#carlos sainz x reader#carlos sainz imagine#cs55#cs55 x reader#cs55 imagine#cs55 fluff#cs55 fic#forza ferrari#carlos sainz fanfic#carlos sainz smut#carlos sainz fanfiction#f1 imagines
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Is the new dndads season good? I kinda fell off on the second one with the kids since it felt kinda railroady and bogged down.
I ended up writing a lot. tldr I am having a Great time. if you're worried about railroads know that the track was not exactly loose on this season's plot but boy did the players manage to shatter it in like 2 episodes (and Will's ability to keep the party together)
s2 definitely had a LOT going on (emotions run way higher I think mostly because the characters are teens and the stakes are the end of the world) but I don't think it's any more railroaded than s1. frankly these guys operate best with a clear set of instructions to follow and/or mcguffins to collect and then proceed to not follow those instructions but win anyway. which is (sort of??? lol) what's going on in s3
I'm liking season 3 a lot! life has made it harder for me to just sit and draw fanart for it, but Francis might be my favorite. (tied with Trudy) Anthony is super fun as a player. There's a kind of player balance that the daddies have (between silly and serious, sincere and irreverent) that makes them work as a group, and Anthony fits into Will's spot without being Will, if that makes sense? Like he's definitely a different flavor of player and Francis is no Henry/Normal/Hildy/etc, but he plays the heavy emotional hits with Beth, the I'll-die-before-I-break-character with Matt, and the This-is-a-game-and-I-intend-to-Win with Freddie. But instead of Will's hopepunk sincerity he brings a flavor of "no, I'm straight up gonna do a thing that's Wrong" that even Freddie didn't hit with Glenn. And then Will as DM, like Anthony, is more than willing to throw in real-life mechanics that somehow work on a podcast, as well as brutal, horrific, curve balls that make me question life.
s3 is also big on mystery! every s3 PC even has a Twist built in, and you find them all out within about... 5 episodes? but since this season is meant to be shorter honestly that's plenty of time for them to be uncovered and then pulled on for all their worth. Beth's twist for Trudy is a hecking profound take on the human condition (naturally), Anthony's plot for Francis is a sandbox one could sink their teeth into for days that is honestly a bold hecking swing (especially if you're a usamerican living in Now), Freddie's twist for Tony is--
...we don't have time to talk about Tony but take every Glenn antic, crank it up to a hundred, and then literally mad libs his backstory. Nothing I say could prepare you for this man.
and then I have Feelings about Matt's character Kelsey, since she's a teacher and I'm a teacher but I don't know if they're the feelings anyone would expect and I don't wanna write any takes of even moderate temperature I'm literally just here to have a good time but I WILL say she fascinates me and I want to watch a documentary about her interviewing her coworkers and students
#dndads#dndads 3#ask ka#me talking#i hope that answers your question????#i have had some HARD laughs so far#episodes have also averaged around an hour and a half instead of an hour ten#if you need some vague spoilers or outright spoilers to pull you in more just ask#ill make a post with a readmore
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Why do many find the HS universe disappointing? I LIKE IT (no shade to those who donât like it). Astreaâs broken heart being a part of the universe is mind-blowing! It adds such depth and complexity to the characters. Like, they couldâve kept the spoiler after Diamond Rush (which Iâm patiently waiting on, lol)
I look at it as an exciting evolution of the story. It opens up new possibilities for character development and plot twists that we might not have anticipated. It feels like the author(s) is inviting us to explore a more expansive universe, where the stakes are higher and the stories can take unexpected turns. Iâm excited to see where this journey leads us next!
I wish I could agree with you anon, but I can't, not for now (at least).
Ranting incoming! Sorry in advance! I have some points and you can feel free to disagree with me too.
Everything you brought up as an argument could work precisely because Astrea's Broken Heart (ABH) is not from the same universe as Heaven's Secret (HS).
I'm not against stories that are set in the same universe, given the post on the connections between contemporary and mundane stories that I pointed out a few days ago (7 Brothers, Garden of Eden, The One, Vying for Versailles and Elite Tag). I think these are easier because the lore is grounded in reality, nothing supernatural or anything like that. The connection between Chasing You (CY) and HS doesn't bother me either, precisely because CY is a story with completely different themes, the HS plot wouldn't directly affect the CY plot (they all die in the 1st apocalypse?. Probably. Nobody cares because that's not what the story is about). And honestly, it seemed more like an easter egg than something really thought out.
But ABH deals with precisely the same theme as HS (the same mythology in this case), except that before we learnt about the joining of universes, the way this theme was being dealt with was different from what we had seen in HS and was, in my opinion, a breath of fresh air compared to HS. The way the hierarchies were beginning to be dealt with, the interaction of the then angels with the Father, the characters' relationship with the subject and so on. New things (and better in my opinion).
But as soon as you say that this story takes place in a universe of an already established story (which already has 2 stories, 3 in fact), things start to go wrong. Because in order to subjugate a story to a universe, things start to become limited at certain points. There are things you can't do, and if the aim is to keep the universe cohesive in the writing, adding lore here and there like the issue of angels in Heaven's Secret Requiem (HSR) is valid and doesn't affect the story, but what about Mikael being the Father's right hand (because they call him Father), Raphael being that important to Him, but in the HS universe there's no mention of them, or the treatment isn't even the same?
The Beast also seems to be an important figure in ABH, a supreme evil. But putting it in HS is going to be what? Because we know that evil is the Shepamalum, the first Satan presented in HS1 was a minion and honestly, hell looked more like a corporation with a CEO taking part every quarter of a year? Is the beast going to be Satan #546465? Will it be antichrist #7894646? Or will it be Shepamalum? Or demon Larry who made a revolution calling for better working conditions and decided to sacrifice some people as a form of rebellion?
Jokes aside, I can't see how a story that's just starting its second season suddenly (because I don't know to what extent this was planned inside, but as an audience we only know about it now - another problem) has to subjugate itself to an existing universe with its most important hierarchies and lores that have already been established. The number of plot holes is going to increase a lot.
Which brings us to the point of how this was passed on to the public. How do you announce something important like that after the second season of a story, already established, and via Facebook of all places???????? Like?
I have theories. Firstly, the two stories were released on the same day. HSR as a direct spin-off. nice. ABH as something completely new, interesting, unusual. ok. Announcing two spin-offs of the same book, on the same day, would be insane and the accusations of capitalising on every drop of HS's popularity would be off the charts (we've only had that with the HSR part, but it would probably be worse). But doing it afterwards, the way it's being done, isn't much better, the backlash is there and I think it's fair.
They probably waited to see if the book was going to be a success on its own, so that they could talk about it and people wouldn't get too outraged (from the reactions it didn't do much good). They could have done this much more organically. This month's update would finally introduce us to the agency's superiors, and what better way to announce that a story is part of an existing universe than by mentioning existing characters! They could take advantage of this and introduce already known characters, or just mention them by name. It would be much more organic and we would see the connection in the story, not in a random Facebook advert.
Another point is that it could be that they didn't want to create a story of similar mythologies that rival each other. HS has its own fanbase, ABH is also creating its own, the way it's constructed is different, and I think the latter is better. Then, to avoid problems, they put everything in the same universe and that was that. But I don't really believe that because Alice herself (HS) is Elena's (ABH) editor in the story. Which leads me to wonder, was this planned from the start or did they see the potential later and change their minds in the middle of the first season? How serious is this for them to announce it on Facebook and not in the story itself? They had to have the guts to admit it on launch day, why hide it?
So as not to be too long-winded, and to summarise my opinion, I don't think it's an advantage for ABH because it limits the development of the lore too much, since what is going to be dealt with already exists in a certain way, the plot and the development of the plot worry me within this universe. On the other hand, it's advantageous for HS because the popularity of ABH joins it. I don't like the decision at first, I'm going to continue treating them as separate things. I really hope that they have a plan up their sleeve that is spectacular, that things work out and no story is harmed in the process, because ABH has become one of my favourite books. And I must emphasise that I also don't like the way they're trying to squeeze every last drop out of HS, the way it's been done has its ups and downs, HSR was a good decision, HS2 not so much. As well as having other stories that deserve continuation and an exploration of the universe (such as Moonborn with the werewolf and vampire clans, Sails in the Fog with other pirates, Heart of Trespia with the unexplored lands beyond the seaâŚ).
I guess, that's what I think about it. And sorry for the long text again!
#romance club game#romance club#кНŃĐą ŃОПанŃики#rc astrea's broken heart#rc heaven's Secret#ask answered#ask anonymous#ask anon#personal rant
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Showmance
27,318 words
Adam x reader
Musical theatre! AU; College! AU
For anyone who'd rather read it on here:
You straighten out your clothes, fingers brushing off invisible lint as you take a deep breath, the excitement bubbling just beneath your composed exterior. The echoing sounds of chatter and nervous footsteps fill the audition room lobby, where a group of hopefuls wait for their names to be called. It's finally musical season at your university, and youâve jumped on the train with unrestrained enthusiasm.
This semesterâs show is Little Shop of Horrors, a classic choice that feels like putting on a comfortable pair of your favorite pantsâfamiliar and comfortable. Though it's a basic pick, you definitely arenât complaining; this is your chance to shine. For weeks, youâve been meticulously preparing, working with your private vocal and acting coaches, honing every note and every intonation for this audition.
As a musical theatre major, a spot in the chorus is practically a given, but youâre not one to settle for just that. No, no, no. You have bigger ambitions. Your eyes are set on Audrey II, the mysterious talking, and singing plant. It's a role that demands charisma, vocal prowess, and a certain je ne sais quoi that youâre confident you possess. Or at least you really, really hope so.
Of course, you also understand you arenât guaranteed a role! Itâs really no biggie, youâre just excited.
Although theatre wasnât always your passion, taking the class in middle school had spurred something in you. Since then, youâve worked hard at your craft. And itâs definitely paid off! You managed to make it into multiple audition-based schools. At the memory, you pat yourself on the back.
Middle school was where it all began. You still remember the thrill of your first performance, the way the stage lights felt warm and comforting, and the applause that followed. It ignited a spark in you, a passion that has only grown stronger with time.
In high school, you faced more challenges. The competition was fierce, and the stakes were higher, but you rose to the occasion. You worked tirelessly, attending acting workshops, vocal lessons, and dance classes. You balanced your schoolwork with your theatrical pursuits, often sacrificing sleep and social activities to chase your dreams.
When it came time to apply for colleges, you aimed high, auditioning for some of the best programs in the country. The acceptance letters that followed were proof of your hard work and dedication. You had made it into multiple audition-based schools, each one a testament to your talent and perseverance.
Now, standing here, you can't help but feel a swell of pride. You've come a long way from that middle school elective. You've faced rejections and setbacks, but you've also experienced triumphs and growth. Every step of the journey has been worth it, and you're excited for what lies ahead.
Eventually, you finally hear your name called, pulling you out of your thoughts. You smile at the runner, a freshman eager to get their required hours in, and hand them your resume. They take it gratefully, glancing over the neatly printed sheet as they lead you into the audition room. Itâs a black box theater, a square room with black walls and flooring. The stark simplicity of the space serves as a blank canvas, allowing the directors to transform it into whatever they need, just as they have for these auditions.
Their table is set up near the back, papers and coffee cups scattered across its surface, giving them a perfect vantage point to observe and take notes without being overheard. They chat quietly among themselves, their voices a low murmur that blends into the background hum of the building. You can feel their eyes on you as you step into the room, the anticipation almost tangible in the air.
Near the door, a piano sits, and at the bench is what you can guess to be your accompanistâa tall, chubby brunette with a messy sort of look about him. Heâs honestly kind of cute, but you canât afford to focus on that right now. You have an audition to nail.
You greet the directors with a confident smile and a nod, then march over to the piano. Handing the accompanist your binder, you ensure itâs open to the marked sheet music. Like a seasoned performer, youâve already highlighted the 32-bar cut of your song, clearly indicating where he should start and stop.
As he scans the music, you take a moment to explain your plan. You point out the precise places where youâll be taking breaths and describe the tempo you have in mind. He listens attentively, nodding along as you speak, his fingers instinctively moving over the keys as if mentally rehearsing the piece.
You glance over at the directors, expecting them to be ready, but theyâre still shuffling papers and folders on their desk, likely comparing notes from previous auditions. A flicker of impatience might cross another's face, but not yours. Instead, you smile, savoring the rush of adrenaline that auditions always bring.
The anticipation heightens the moment, and you use the extra time to center yourself even more. You roll your shoulders, subtly release the tension in your hands, and take another calming breath. The hum of quiet activity behind the directors' table, the muted clink of pens and rustle of paper, only amplifies your focus.
"So, got any plans after this?"
You frown, snapping back to the present as you turn to the accompanist. "Excuse me?"
He smirks, leaning in slightly. "I can take you out on the town, show you a real good time. My roommate is even out for the night, if you know what I mean." He wiggles his eyebrows suggestively.
You scrunch your nose, not appreciating the distraction from your audition. You need to get in the zone and focus, but heâs throwing you off. You can entertain the idea after the audition, not during. However, at your reaction, he takes it as a no and furrows his brows. He starts to say something, probably something rude, before you walk off.
You head to the tape marking your spot on the floor, feeling the familiar buzz of excitement mingled with nerves. The directors stare at you blankly, their faces giving nothing away, but you know better than to let it get to you. This is your moment.
Taking a deep breath, you slate in, introducing yourself with a clear, confident voice
âIâll be performing the song âJennyâs Bluesâ from âIt Shoulda Been You,â and a monologue from âConfrontationâ by Kelly Powell.â You smile before dipping your head, breathing in, and starting your piece. Your voice is strong, resonant, effortlessly sliding into the comfortable range of the song. Each note is delivered with precision, every word infused with emotion. You make sure to breathe deeply, expanding your diaphragm to support your powerful vocals.
However, halfway through your audition cut, you hear the piano falter and fumble, the notes coming out jumbled. You pause for a split second, a flicker of concern passing through your mind, but you quickly regain your focus. Mistakes happen, and you're determined not to let it throw you off. You press on, maintaining your composure and delivering a flawless performance despite the hiccup.
As you reach the climax of the song, you hold out your money note, pouring every ounce of emotion into it. The accompanist manages to catch up, albeit a little off rhythm, but you donât let it deter you. With a final flourish, you finish the song.
You manage a quick glance at the accompanist before looking backâ but wait, hold on. You look back again. That fucker has a smug smirk plastered across his face. His eyes twinkle with amusement, and suddenly it all clicks into place: He tried to mess you up on purpose because you ârejectedâ him. Any chance you had with him suddenly goes straight down the drain, and now you're fuming.
You grit your teeth, trying to tamp down the surge of anger that threatens to consume you. How dare he sabotage your audition like that? But you refuse to let his petty actions derail your performance. Instead, you channel that newfound adrenaline, that simmering rage, into your audition.
With renewed determination, you throw yourself into the monologue, each word dripping with raw emotion. Your voice crackles with intensity as you inhabit the character, every gesture charged with conviction. The room seems to pulse with energy, your presence commanding attention as you deliver a performance that's nothing short of electrifying.
Well, not like youâd think as much.
You perform your piece, and as you finish, you try not to beat yourself up about it. It was⌠okay. A little frustrating, perhaps, because you ran more on muscle memory and pettiness than actually existing in the moment, but the dedication and hard work you had put into it still shone through. You remind yourself that perfection is an elusive goal, and what truly matters is the passion and effort you poured into your performance.
As for the song, you try not to dwell on it too much. Otherwise, you know youâll get stuck in your perfectionist head, picking apart every single detail until it drives you mad. Instead, you choose to focus on the positives, reminding yourself of the moments where you truly connected with the material and let your talent shine through.
You take a deep breath, feeling a sense of relief wash over you now that the audition is over. Whatever the outcome, you gave it your all, and thatâs something to be proud of.
You thank the directors, offering them a quick but polite goodbye, and head over to the piano to retrieve your binder. The pianist smirks, a mischievous glint in his eyes as he hands you the binder. But as you reach out to take it, he doesnât let go. You tug gently, expecting him to release it, but his grip remains firm.
Your frustration mounts as you give the binder another tug, but still, he refuses to hand it over. With a growing sense of annoyance, you pull harder, and finally, he lets go. But instead of handing it to you properly, he lets it slip from his fingers, and it drops unceremoniously to the floor with a thud.
This bitch.
Instead of giving him the satisfaction of seeing you lose your cool, you bend down gracefully, feeling his eyes linger on your backside, and pick up the binder. Straightening up with a sense of quiet determination, you shoot him a subtle, sour look, and exit through the door.
â
You needed to be pinched awake.
There it was, plain as dayâyour name listed next to Audrey II. The role you'd yearned for, sweated for, poured your heart and soul into securing. And now, here it was, yours for the taking. You stare at the cast list, almost disbelieving, as if expecting the letters to rearrange themselves at any moment. But no, there it remainsâyour name boldly printed beside the coveted role.
Despite the adrenaline coursing through your veins and the excitement threatening to bubble over, you find yourself remarkably composed. It's as if a serene calm has settled over you, masking the tempest of emotions swirling beneath the surface. You're totally normal about this, you tell yourself, even as your heart races with exhilaration.
But inwardly, you're anything but calm. You're ecstatic, over the moon, practically floating on air. It's a dream come true, a validation of all the hard work, late nights, and sacrifices you've made in pursuit of your passion. And yet, there's a sense of quiet gratitude mingled with the jubilationâa recognition of the privilege bestowed upon you, the opportunity to bring this iconic character to life.
As you continue to scan the rest of the cast list, a few of your friends approach, their faces beaming with genuine happiness and excitement for you. They pat you on the back and offer heartfelt congratulations, their words a chorus of support and admiration. You take it all in stride, offering each of them an easy smile and a gracious thank you. At one point, you even go as far as to herd some of them into a group hug.
As you continue down the cast list, you recognize a few names, but none that you're particularly close with. Still, you can't help but feel a sense of optimism as you imagine the bonds that will form over the course of rehearsals. After all, there's nothing quite like the camaraderie that comes from working together towards a common goal.
One name stands out among the restâQuinn, the guy playing Seymour. Memories of your collaboration on a project in Theatre History come flooding back, and you can't help but smile at the thought of working with him again. You remember how seamlessly you worked together, bouncing ideas off each other and complementing each other's strengths. With any luck, that chemistry will translate into a dynamic partnership on stage.
You can already envision the two of you bringing Seymour and Audrey II to life, each playing off the other's energy and timing. It's an exciting prospect, and you can't wait to dive into rehearsals and see how your dynamic evolves.
And then there's the puppetâyour puppet. God, you were so excited for your puppet.
Still riding high on the euphoria of landing the role, you feel as light as a feather. It's as if you're floating on cloud nine, sipping Shirley Temples and being pampered like royalty. Every step you take feels effortless, every breath filled with a sense of elation. You glide all the way to rehearsal, anticipation buzzing beneath your skin.
But as you step into the rehearsal room, the bubble of bliss threatens to burst. There, standing before you, is the accompanist from beforeâthe same one who tried to sabotage your audition. Instantly, the weight of reality comes crashing down, dragging you back to earth with a resounding thud.
You can feel his gaze boring into you, a silent challenge in his eyes. You roll your eyes in response, refusing to let him see how much his presence rattles you. At least he doesnât seem too thrilled to see you either, his lip curling into a sneer as if he were growling in disdain.
Redirecting your attention back to the room, you notice that seats have been pulled to create a circle, a common setup for read-throughs. Your eyes scan the space, and you catch Quinn's enthusiastic wave, his smile infectious. You feel a sense of relief flood through you, grateful for the easy decision on where to sit, and you make your way over to join him.
"Hey!" he greets, his excitement palpable. "Congrats on Audrey II!"
You return his smile, the warmth of his congratulations washing over you. "Thanks! And congrats on Seymour! You definitely deserve it," you reply, genuinely happy for him.
The two of you strike up a conversation, the easy rapport between you quickly filling the air with laughter and shared excitement. But as you chat, you can't shake the feeling of someone's eyes on you. You glance around discreetly, your gaze landing on Adam, who's peering at you with a curious expression.
You lean over to Quinn, a puzzled frown creasing your brow. "So, why's the pianist here?"
Quinn follows your gaze before turning back to you, a thoughtful look crossing his face. "Adam? I think he's getting extra credit for this. He's a music major, so... It's kinda cool."
You shrug your shoulders, a bemused expression on your face. It makes sense that Adam would be here for extra credit, but what doesnât make sense is why he's glaring daggers at you. All you did was turn him down, and then get upset because he tried to sabotage your audition. What a dick.
"Are y'all exes or something?"
You shake your head, a perplexed frown forming on your lips. "No, definitely not."
"Then why is he glaring at you like you killed his dog?" Quinn presses, his curiosity piqued.
You roll your eyes, frustration simmering beneath the surface. "He tried asking me out in my audition, and I didn't respond because I was trying to lock in."
Quinn's eyes widen in disbelief. "Oh my god, you should've totally said yes! He's a total hunk!"
You can't help but let out a wry chuckle, acknowledging the truth in Quinn's words. "Yeah, he's definitely hot," you admit. "But he's a dick though. He purposely messed up my backing accompaniment."
At that, Quinn sucks in a sharp breath before nodding solemnly. âSo just a one night stand.â
At Quinn's suggestion, you cringe, feeling a surge of indignation rising within you. "What?" you squawk incredulously. "No! I'm not sleeping with him!"
âSleeping with who?â
As the new voice breaks through the conversation, you and Quinn turn to see a girlâ probably playing Audrey, your brain retorts. She's thin and gorgeous, her presence commanding attention. Itâs probably best to keep her away from Adam.
However, when you glance over to see Adam's reaction, you're surprised to find that he hasn't even spared the girl a passing glance. Instead, his focus remains fixed on you, his glare as intense as ever. Annoyance prickles at the back of your mind, and you return his glare with equal intensity.
Adam seems to realize that you're looking at him, and for a moment, you see a flicker of something cross his features. But in a swift attempt to maintain his cool guy facadeâor perhaps because he enjoys the attentionâhe smirks and throws up his hands in a playful gesture, as if suggesting a game of rock, paper, scissors.
You surprise him by joining in.
Rock⌠Paper⌠Scissors⌠Shoot!
But instead of throwing one of the three conventional options, you catch Adam off guard by flipping him off, a gesture that leaves no room for misinterpretation. With a satisfied smirk, you turn your attention back to Quinn and the girl, refusing to give Adam the satisfaction of any further reaction.
âHi!â The girlâs voice is perky and energetic. âSorry, I hope I wasn't intruding with my earlier question. Iâm Sadai! Youâre playing Audrey II, huh? Thatâs pretty cool! Iâm excited about your puppets.â
At that, you perk up. âYeah, me too!â
She glances away before leaning in, just as you had done before. âI donât mean to overstep but⌠I can't help but notice a certain someoneâs eyes on you. Did you break up or something?â
You frown, sinking into your seat. âNo, why do yâall keep asking me thatâŚâ
âWell, thatâs the more logical explanation.â Quinn pipes up.
âThereâs an explanation?â Sadai grins. âSpill!â
As your director calls for everyone's attention, the lively chatter in the room gradually subsides, replaced by an air of anticipation. Rehearsal is about to begin, and you can feel the energy buzzing in the air.
When it comes time for Adamâs introduction, it's surprisingly more formal than what you wouldâve thought. But that's probably because your director is right next to him.
âIâm Adam,â he says, his tone serious and professional, âand Iâll be the accompanist for rehearsals. Iâm also a part of the actual band youâll be performing with.â
You can't help but roll your eyes at him. It's a stark contrast to his earlier antics, and you can't shake off the feeling of disbelief at his behavior. You stick your tongue out at him.
As Adam clacks his teeth in response to your gesture, a strange sensation washes over you. It's a fleeting moment of amusement mixed with something elseâsomething you can't quite put your finger on. You quickly dismiss the thought, shaking your head to clear it.
As the read-through gets underway, you find yourself slipping into the mindset of Audrey II, the iconic character you're tasked with bringing to life. It's a role unlike any you've played before, and you can't help but feel a surge of excitement mingled with apprehension. With each line you deliver, you try to embody the essence of the character, exploring different nuances and inflections.
But despite your best efforts, you can't shake the feeling that your choices aren't quite hitting the mark. They're not big enough, not bold enoughâat least not by your own standards. Still, you refuse to beat yourself up about it. It's only a read-through, after all, a chance to explore the character and experiment with different interpretations.
However, the distraction of Adam's antics doesn't help matters. Every time you say a line, you can feel his eyes on you, making faces and mocking you. It's infuriating, to say the least, but you try to push past the distraction and focus on the task at hand.
Adam can get fucked.
â
As the ballet class draws closer, the familiar excitement begins to bubble up inside of you. You eagerly anticipate the opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of dance once again. Dressed in your favorite leotard and tights, you feel a sense of comfort and familiarity wash over you. The snug fit of the leotard and the sleek lines of the tights serve as a second skin, allowing you to move freely and gracefully without any hindrance.
As you enter the studio, you take a moment to soak in the atmosphereâthe polished wood floors, the mirrored walls, the soft lighting casting a warm glow over the space. Youâve always made a habit to arrive early to class, giving yourself ample time to prepare both mentally and physically. Taking your place at the barre, you begin with a series of gentle pliĂŠs, allowing your muscles to awaken and loosen with each movement. From there, you move through a sequence of tendus, jetĂŠs, and dĂŠgagĂŠs, each step flowing seamlessly into the next.
As the warm-up progresses, you feel your body gradually opening up, the tightness in your muscles giving way to a sense of suppleness and strength. You revel in the sensation of your limbs stretching and extending, reaching for the ceiling with each grand battement and arabesque.
But it's during the stretch routine that you truly lose yourself in the moment. Finding a spot on the floor, you lower yourself into your middle splits, your muscles protesting slightly as you sink deeper into the stretch. With each breath, you feel yourself melting into the floor, your body becoming one with the music that fills the room.
But as you're bent over, laying your chest on the floor, you're suddenly aware of a presence behind you. Startled, you lift your gaze to meet the reflection in the dance mirrors, and your heart skips a beat as you see Adam standing there, a smirk playing on his lips.
âAdam.â
âThatâs my name, baby. Go ahead and practice screaming it for tonight.â
You ignore that. âThis isnât an open class. You should leave.â
âAw youâre looking out for me, how sweet. Good news though. Iâve been invited, bitch.â
You finally turn and look him in the eye. âDonât call me that.â
Adam raises his hands in a mock gesture of surrender, but his smirk remains firmly in place. "Woof. Rough subject, huh?" he quips, his tone dripping with sarcasm. âAlright, what would you prefer for me to call you? Sugartits? Sweet thing? Mine?â
Your patience wearing thin, you shoot Adam a withering glare. "I'd rather you leave.â
Adam's grin only widens at your request. "Again, I can't," he replies, his tone smug. "I need this extra credit."
Confusion furrows your brows as you try to make sense of his words. "What do you mean?"
His smile widens even further, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "I'm playing piano for your class," he reveals.
"Oh god.â
Feeling the ache in your muscles, you mindlessly begin to pull yourself out of your middle splits, sensing that you're warmed up enough for the time being. But before you can fully relax, Adam's voice cuts through the air, drawing your attention back to him.
"You know what stretch might be good for you?" he asks.
Your eyebrows knit together in suspicion, wary of whatever suggestion he might have up his sleeve.
âBaby pose or whatever itâs called.â he licks his teeth.
â...Do you mean childâs pose?â
âIâm not sure. Why donât you show me and weâll find out. If youâre correct, you get a reward.â
The retort slips out before you can stop it, your frustration boiling over. "Go to hell.â
Adam's expression shifts into something more serious. "Hey, that's not funny,"
You're taken aback by the sudden change in his demeanor, surprised by the hint of offense in his voice. "You're... religious?"
Adam's lips quirk into a wry smile, always ready to talk about himself. "Minoring in religious studies, babes.â
âAnd you act like this?â
Adam looks genuinely offended. âHey! God loves all His creations.â
You decide to test the waters, aware that this isn't just a question about religion, but more about understanding Adam. âSo, youâre okay with gay people?â
âWhat kind of porn do you think I watch?â
âYou watch gay porn?â What the fuck.
âOnly the girlsâ itâs hot as fuck. Besides, look at youâ Iâve disrespected everything about you except your pronouns.â
Well youâve got to give him that.
As your instructor walks into the room, effectively diverting your attention from the unsettling exchange with Adam, you're grateful for the interruption. She calls Adam over, and you watch as he trails obediently toward her, unable to shake off the lingering annoyance from the wink he sends in your direction. The gesture sends a wave of bile rising in your throat, leaving you feeling unsettled and off-kilter.
Thankfully, the start of class offers a welcome distraction as you begin with barre exercises. The familiar structure of the routine allows you to slip into autopilot, your muscles responding to the familiar movements with practiced precision. Despite the discomfort of the exercises, you push through, knowing that each repetition brings you one step closer to improvement.
When the instructor calls for places to run the combination, your heart skips a beat as you realize it's finally your turn. You take a deep breath, mentally preparing yourself to showcase the combination you've been practicing diligently.
But before you can fully focus on the task at hand, you notice Adam's persistent attempts to catch your eye in the mirror. His gaze feels like a weight on your shoulders, but you steel yourself, determined not to let his presence distract you.
As the instructor calls for Adam to take his place at the piano, you can't help but feel a sense of relief wash over you. With him occupied at the keys, you're free to focus solely on your own performance without the added pressure of his scrutiny.
As you wait for your turn to perform the combination, you can't help but find yourself drawn to Adam's piano playing. Despite the tension between you, there's no denying the skill and finesse with which he handles the keys. Each note flows seamlessly from his fingertips, filling the room with a melodic richness that captivates your senses.
You watch in quiet admiration as he navigates the piano with ease, his fingers dancing across the keys with precision and grace. There's a gentle quality to his playing, a delicate touch that belies his earlier brashness. It's clear why he's been enlisted to help with productions like Little Shop of Horrors and ballet classesâhe possesses a rare talent that really elevates the performances he accompanies.
As you square your shoulders and turn out from your hips, preparing to execute the combination you've practiced tirelessly, you can feel Adam's eyes boring into you from across the room. Despite the tension that lingers between you, you refuse to let his presence throw you off course.
With a deep breath, you begin to move, allowing the music to guide your every step. Despite the lingering doubt that Adam's presence instills in you, the music never falters, reaffirming your belief that his attempts to sabotage you during the audition were indeed intentional.
But you refuse to dwell on the past, pushing aside the nagging thoughts and focusing solely on the dance. As you move through the combination, something feels different. It's as if you've suddenly become one with the music, feeling its rhythm pulsating through your veins and guiding your movements with an effortless grace.
A quick glance in Adam's direction reveals that he too is caught up in the magic of the moment, his expression mirroring your own sense of connection to the music. Despite the tension that exists between you, there's a shared understanding in that fleeting glanceâa recognition of the power and beauty of the music that transcends any animosity or resentment. In other words, you can forgive him in this moment.
In that moment, as you dance to the haunting melody of the piano, you feel a sense of liberation wash over you. All the worries and doubts that had plagued you before melt away.
As you're swept up in the exhilaration of the dance, an unexpected twist of fate brings you crashing to the floor as your ankle buckles beneath you. Embarrassment floods your senses as you find yourself sprawled on the ground, the sudden halt to your movement jarring and disorienting.
But before you can fully process what's happened, a kind-hearted classmate rushes to your aid, offering you a supportive hand and helping you to your feet. Despite your attempts to brush off the incident with a forced smile, the humiliation of the fall lingers, casting a shadow over your confidence.
With your ankle throbbing painfully, you're guided out of the room by your compassionate classmate, grateful for their support and understanding. As you limp away from the dance studio, you can feel Adam's eyes following your every move, his gaze burning into your back like a weighty presence.
â
Thankfully, you hadnât torn or broken anything. All that came out of that incident was a rolled ankle. The recovery was straightforwardâalternating between icing and heating it. Before you knew it, your ankle was back to normal. You were able to rotate it without any stinging or pain.
The relief was immense. You had been worried that the injury might keep you from participating fully in rehearsals. Right before you walked into ballet class, you tested your ankle carefully, rotating it and putting a little weight on it. No pain. Perfect.
When you push open the doors to the space, Adam is already seated at the piano, idly messing with the keys. You know Adam never made a habit of being early to this classâespecially since he didnât need to be. During warm-ups, your instructor usually played music from her speakers. So why would he be here early?
Curious, you linger near the door for a moment, observing him. His fingers dance over the keys with a casual grace, producing a soft, almost melancholic melody. It's unlike the boisterous, cocky persona he usually projects. For a moment, he seems lost in the music, unaware of his surroundings.
You clear your throat softly as you walk further into the room. Adamâs head snaps up, and for a split second, you see a flicker of somethingâsurprise, perhapsâbefore he masks it with his usual smirk.
âGood morning,â you say, keeping your tone neutral.
âMorning,â he replies, his fingers pausing on the keys. âDidnât expect anyone else to be here this earlyâ
âSame goes for you,â you counter, setting your bag down and beginning your stretches.
Adam shrugs, looking back at the piano. âJust felt like playing a bit before everyone else got here.â
You raise an eyebrow, skeptical but not wanting to pry. âWell, donât let me stop you.â
He resumes playing, the notes filling the room with a soft, intricate tune. You settle into your stretch routine, focusing on your warm-up but unable to ignore the beautiful music emanating from the piano.
However, it seems as though Adam canât go more than a minute without being a certified dick. He leans over the piano, watching you stretch, before speaking up.
âSeems like you healed up well.â
Your cheeks ignite, embarrassed by the reminder of your tumble. That shame shortly turns into anger, and youâre quick to throw it in his face.
âYeah, and it seems like you finally know how to play piano, huh? No messing up?â
âOh baby, daddy never messes up by accident.â
Indignation rises in your chest at Adam's casual confession that he's been deliberately messing with your music. The realization blooms on your face, and Adam smirks, clearly enjoying your reaction.
Just as you're about to take off one of your ballet slippers and give him a well-deserved bitch slap, Miss Nicole, your instructor, signals for class to begin. With a final glare at Adam, you take your place at the barre, forcing yourself to focus on the exercises ahead.
You spend the entire class wishing you were in tap, imagining the satisfying clatter of metal taps scuffing up the floor. Instead, you're stuck in ballet, with Adam just a few feet away, his presence a constant reminder of your frustration. You do your best to channel your rage into your dance, pushing yourself harder with each movement. The burn of exercise helps somewhat, providing a physical outlet for your anger. Your muscles ache as you stretch deeper into each pliĂŠ and extend further in every arabesque.
By the time itâs your turn to work the combination, the anger has faded to a dull background hum. You step up, squaring your shoulders and prepping your feet before beginning.
Your chasse leads you into a middle leap. As you ascend, it feels good, almost as if nothing can touch you while youâre in the air.
Adam is a rude reminder that you are not.
But then, mid-leap, the music jarringly falters. You miss a beat, your landing is shaky, and the momentary lapse causes you to stumble. He had done it again, intentionally disrupting the music. It takes every ounce of your self-control not to let it throw you off further. You manage to avoid a full-on trip and finish your combination, but the disruption leaves you seething. As you head over to grab your water bottle, you glare daggers at Adam, who, despite appearing focused on the keys, is clearly smiling to himself.
One of these days, you think, youâre going to wipe that smug smirk off his face.
Class wraps up, and you see the clock signaling the end of the session. Why not today? The thought plants itself firmly in your mind. You decide itâs time to confront him directly.
As the other students start to filter out, you march over to the piano, your anger giving you a surge of confidence. Adam looks up, still smirking.
âWhat is up with you trying to sabotage me?â you demand, your voice edged with frustration.
He has the nerve to act confused. âWhaaaat? Lilâ olâ me? Iâd never! When have I even tried?â
âJust now. And my fucking audition.â
âOkay but is it really sabotage if you got the part? Think about itâ maybe they were impressed with the way you continued on. Maybe I helped you,â he retorts, his tone flippant and infuriatingly smug.
Your jaw tightens, struggling to contain your anger. You take a deep breath, trying to keep your composure. âImpressed or not, you had no right to mess with my audition. It was unprofessional and disrespectful.â
Adam shrugs nonchalantly, not appearing at all remorseful. âHey, itâs a tough world out there. Gotta learn to roll with the punches, sweetheart.â
âThereâs a special place in hell for you.â Itâs a low blow and you know it. But you get the reaction youâve been waiting for, his nostrils flaring with offense.
âBitch, you care way too much about college-level theatre.â
âAt least I care about something other than myself,â you snap back.
âAw, baby,â he drawls, leaning back and crossing his arms, âI can put some extra care towards you. Lay you out all nice for me, make you see heaven. Prove to you I can take care of you. Might make you beg a bit.â
âEat a dick.â
âI know what you are, but what am I?â he retorts, a childish grin spreading across his face.
âThat doesnât even make sense!â you exclaim, exasperated.
Before the argument can escalate further, your ballet instructor, Miss Nicole, approaches. âIs there a problem here?â she asks, concern etched on her face. You stumble over your words, caught off guard by her sudden appearance and the need to explain the confrontation.
âNo maâam! Just some classic friendly bickering. You know how it is! We were just about to head out and grab some lunch, werenât we?â Adam interjects smoothly, throwing you a glance that suggests you go along with his narrative.
You grit your teeth, seething at his audacity, but reluctantly nod in agreement, knowing you canât contradict him in front of your instructor. The last thing you need is to cause a scene and get thrown out from the class.
âYep. JustâŚ.bickering,â you reply through gritted teeth, your frustration simmering beneath the surface.
âAh. Itâs nice to see you getting along with our accompanist. I was a bit worried how everyone would treat him. Where are you going to get lunch?â your ballet instructor asks, oblivious to the tension between you and Adam.
âThe campus cafe,â Adam responds smoothly, suddenly looking smug as if heâs won some sort of victory.
âOh! I was walking that way. Mind if I join you on the walk? Iâd like to talk to you about our future classes, Adam,â she says cheerfully, turning to you both.
You go to interject, to protest adamantly that this is NOT okay. But before you can speak up, Adam beats you to it. âOf course! We donât mind, do we, babes?â he says, flashing a faux-charming smile in your direction.
You clench your fists at your sides, seething with anger at being maneuvered into this situation. With a forced smile, you nod curtly, not trusting yourself to speak.
"Great!" Your instructor claps her hands together in excitement, seemingly pleased with the arrangement.
The three of you walk. Adam seems effortlessly engaged, occasionally nodding and adding insightful comments. Meanwhile, you follow along half-heartedly, tuning out most of the conversation as your frustration with Adam continues to simmer.
You try to focus on the scenery passing by, the rhythmic sound of your footsteps, anything to distract yourself from the situation at hand. However, snippets of their conversation still reach you, reminders that Adam's presence is more entrenched in your academic life now than ever.
âSo Adam, are you also the accompanist for the voice recital?â Miss Nicole asks, navigating the three of you past a group of what you assume to be freshmen.
âOh, no maâam. One of my classmates beat me to the punch,â Adam responds.
"Really?" Miss Nicole raises an eyebrow. "I thought for sure you'd be the first in line for that."
Adam shrugs, glancing at you briefly before turning his attention back to Miss Nicole. "I guess they were just quicker this time."
âWell Iâm sure theyâll be good. Just maybe not as good as you,â Miss Nicole says, her tone warm.
You internally roll your eyes. Barf.
Adam seems pleased to hear that, and not just because his ego is getting fed. âAbsolutely,â he replies, his smirk widening.
âYouâre not a fan of them?â she asks.
Adam cringes. âYou could definitely say that.â
âIs it that skinny blond kid? I know we were warned not to pair you two together,â Miss Nicole inquires, her curiosity piqued.
âWorse,â he says, his voice dripping with disdain. âItâs his girlfriend.â
Confusion clouds your expression as this new piece of drama unfolds unexpectedly. âHis girlfriend?â
Your voice cuts through the conversation, drawing the attention of both Adam and Miss Nicole. They seem momentarily surprised, as if they had forgotten you were there amidst their discussion.
"I'm surprised you haven't heard about it, considering you two are friends!" Miss Nicole responded, her tone tinged with surprise and a hint of curiosity, her eyebrows arched expectantly.
"I don't think friends is the right word to describe us," you muttered under your breath, though Miss Nicole's sharp ears caught your words. Immediately, she began to backtrack, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment.
"Oh, I'm so sorry! I hadn't realized you two were... Well, you know what? That makes much more sense," she stammered, her words rushing out in an attempt to smooth over the awkwardness.
"What makes sense?" Adam asked, his brow furrowing in confusion as he glanced between you and Miss Nicole. Finally, it seemed, both of you were on the same page, even if it was only because you were confused.
"Well, would you look at that!" Miss Nicole diverted suddenly, pointing upwards. Following her finger, you spotted the familiar sign of the campus coffee shop. Finally, your destination had arrived.
"Here's your stop! I'll see you in class! Bye!" Miss Nicole blurted out, her cheeks now a deep shade of red as she hastily retreated. It was almost comical, and a snort of amusement escaped your lips. Even Adam chuckled softly before his expression turned mischievous.
"She totally thinks we're boning," Adam remarked with a smirk, his tone teasing.
Your smile faded instantly, replaced by a look of disdain as you curled your lip in disgust. "As if. You can only wish," you retorted sharply, the implication of Miss Nicole's assumption leaving a weird taste in your mouth. Not unpleasant, but you wish it was.
"Oh?" He challenged, striding ahead to hold the door open for you. "I'm the dick master over here. One of these days, you're gonna be begging and drooling for my dick, and I'm gonna say no, bitch."
You walked past him, rolling your eyes as he followed you into the store. "You've already been drooling for me."
"I drool for everyone," he retorts nonchalantly.
"Thatâ" you pause, scrunching your nose, "that's not something to be proud of."
"So what're you getting?" he asked casually, not-so-subtly cutting in front of you in line. You sighed inwardly, not having the energy to react, so you let him take the lead. It was hard to gauge whether that pleased him or annoyed him.
"Probably just a chai with oat milk," you replied, your voice neutral.
"No food?" he inquired further.
"Eh, I don't know," you shrugged, feeling indifferent. "I don't feel like getting anything."
"Do you think their blueberry scones would be any good?" he asked, his voice contemplative as he eyed the display case of pastries.
You followed his gaze, your mouth watering involuntarily at the sight of the tempting treats. If only your bank account had a bit more padding, you might indulge yourself. A faint rumble from your stomach emphasized the point. "Yeah, they look really good," you admitted wistfully.
He nodded thoughtfully. "Cool, cool," he replied, his tone casual as he continued to scan the assortment of baked goods.
It didn't take long before it was Adam's turn to order. He stepped up to the counter, clearing his throat nervously. Glancing briefly in your direction, he then turned back to the barista.
"Could I get one large frozen hot chocolate, one large iced chai with oat milk, and two blueberry scones? Actually, make it three," he requested.
The barista nodded, punching in the order as Adam glanced back at you briefly, a subtle smile playing on his lips before he focused on completing the transaction. "Man, you must be hungry, huh? Your piano teacher starving you?" you teased lightly, trying to inject some levity into the moment.
"Piano isnât my only hobby. I only learned because I have to if I want a music major," he replied with a hint of a pout, sinking into a chair. You took the seat across from him, the uncertainty of how to navigate this conversation lingering between you. Bickering was your comfort zone, but this felt like uncharted territory.
"So," you ventured cautiously, hoping to keep the conversation flowing. "Why did you become a music major?"
"I want to be in a band. Well, I am in a band. But I want to write our own music," he answered earnestly, his eyes lighting up with passion.
"Why the minor in religious studies?" you asked, genuinely curious as you leaned forward slightly.
He smirked, pleased that you remembered something about him. "My dad wanted that. It's my backup, I guess. Makes him feel better about paying all this money."
Nodding in understanding, you replied, "Yeah, sometimes I wish I took a minorâMusical Theatre isnât exactly the most stable major."
"So then why'd you take it?" he probed gently.
You shrugged, a smile playing on your lips. "There isnât a world in which I donât do musical theatre."
Adam looked at you for a long second, his gaze almost penetrating, as if he could see right through you. That same unsettling feeling from before crept in, causing you to shift uncomfortably in your seat. However, before the moment could linger, you were saved by the barista calling out Adamâs order. He stood up and headed over to collect the snacks and drinks.
Meanwhile, you tried to steady yourself, willing your thoughts to stop spinning. He was so... infuriating. Yes, thatâs it. You were still annoyed from earlier.
But then Adam returned, deftly balancing the tray of food and drinks. The sight of him bringing back lunch for you softened your irritation. Of course, you were grateful. Thatâs all it was.
The two of you ate in silence. Adam seemed content, devouring his two scones and his drink without a care. On the other hand, you found it difficult to swallow, the food sitting heavy in your stomach. It felt like you were on the brink of a realization, a sensation that made your stomach churn with uncertainty. Still, you weren't about to waste free food.
Once you managed to finish your lunch, you found yourself unexpectedly thanking Adam. Gathering your things, you prepared to leave. However, to your surprise, Adam stood up too.
âSo whereâs your dorm?â Adam asks, following you out the cafe door.
"We're not having sex," you retort firmly, making your boundaries clear.
"For once, not my intention," Adam replies with a grin, his charm still evident despite your skepticism. "It's getting late, and I'm offering to walk you back."
"It's like 1:30 in the afternoon," you point out, slightly amused by his insistence.
"Exactly," he counters smoothly, his tone making it clear heâs not backing down. "Itâs going to get dark soon. Let me walk you home."
You exhale a dramatic sigh, reaching for your dance bag and slinging it over your shoulder with a practiced motion. âFine. But I expect payment.â
His eyebrows shoot up in surprise. âPayment?â
âYeah,â you confirm, giving him a pointed look as you start heading towards the exit of the cafĂŠ.
âButââ he sputters, his voice trailing off as he rushes to catch up with you. âIâm walking you! What more do you want?â
âThat was your own choice!â you call back.
âOkay, fine!â he exclaims, throwing his hands up in exasperation as he falls into step behind you. âHow much do you want?!â
You pause mid-stride, causing Adam to almost bump into you. âHow muchâ Adam, I donât mean actual money. I just meant filling me in on your drama.â
His eyes widen in surprise as he forms a soundless âoâ with his mouth. âWhat, you mean with my ex?â
The two of you begin walking side by side. âThe blond guy?â you ask, trying to piece together the details.
Adam scratches his beard scruff, his expression thoughtful. âNo, wellâno, I mean his girlfriend.â
You cringe slightly, trying to wrap your head around his words. âHis girlfriend is your ex?â
Adam nods, looking somewhat resigned. âUh huh.â
You frown.
When you arrive at your residence hall, you invite Adam to walk you to your room. His smile widens into a sharp grin as he agrees, and you both head up to your floor.
As you reach your door, Adam pulls out his phone, and you hear the distinct sound of a camera shutter. You glance at him, puzzled, but he doesnât explain. Before you can ask, he starts to say his goodbyes, but you quickly shut the door in his face. The click of the latch echoes in the hallway,
â
You were backstage, flipping through the program selection, counting down how many performers were left until it was your turn to go onstage and sing. Voice recitals always made you nervous, despite knowing this was what you hoped to do for a living. The pressure for your notes to be pitch-perfect, the intense focus on your singingâit all weighed heavily on you.
Months of preparation with your vocal coach had gone into this moment. Together, you had meticulously chosen and honed your repertoire, though you only got to perform your favorite piece tonight. The culmination of all those hours spent practicing, tweaking, and perfecting was now just minutes away.
You took a deep breath, trying to calm your racing heart. The murmur of the audience beyond the curtain was a constant reminder of the scrutiny you were about to face. You glanced around, taking in the familiar backstage chaosâthe hurried whispers, the rustling of sheet music, the occasional burst of nervous laughter from other performers.
So far, only two people were left before it was your turn. If you really paid attention, you could strain your ears and hear the beginning notes of "Some Enchanted Evening" from South Pacific. Your shoulders bounced in a silent laughâwhat a classic choice.
The girl after him sang "Memory" from Cats, another timeless and powerful piece. As she exited the stage and entered the wings, she patted your back and gave you a thumbs up for encouragement. You grinned and whispered back, "Great job," before puffing out your chest and walking on stage.
The lights were bright, the audience a dim blur beyond their glow. You took your position at the center, feeling the familiar thrill of anticipation mixed with nerves.
Your vocal coach was busy introducing you and your pieceâI Donât Need a Roof from Big Fishâso you looked at the pianist.
Otherwise known as Adamâs ex.
Something about the thought pissed you off, but you refused to delve deeper into it. Her name was Lilith, and she was, without better words, hot. Which pissed you off even more. You dreamed about grabbing her by her waist-length hair and demanding to know how someone like her managed to date someone like Adam.
âŚBecause she was totally out of his league, thatâs all. You were just curious, yep. Itâs not like the thought of her dating him filled you with this indescribable rage, something that felt so incredibly close to jealousy. She was hot, Adam was hot, and you... were not.
Lilith glanced up from where she was hunched over the piano, scanning your sheet music and cracking her knuckles. Seemingly unaware of your torturous thoughts, she offered you a small wave. The gesture made you feel incredibly guilty, and you forced yourself to smile back.
At that moment, your vocal coach seemed to have finished with the introductions, stepping off to the side of the stage to watch you. She gave you a wink of encouragement, and you took a deep breath, centering yourself.
Those past months of technique training come to mind, and you breathe out. You relax any tension in your shoulders before expanding your diaphragm, and start singing. Of course, youâre still a musical theatre major, so you act alongside the song. As you began to sing, you immersed yourself fully in the piece. The familiar lyrics and melody took over, carrying you along in a blur of emotion and intensity. You lost yourself in the character and story of the song, each word infused with meaning and purpose.
It goes by in a blur, too caught up in the song to really be conscious of whatâs happening, but something feels wrong.
The piano.
Itâs not as if Lilith is bad. Quite the opposite, actually. Sheâs practically perfect, understanding each breath mark and each shift in dynamics. If you didnât know any better, youâd say the two of yâall work extremely well together.
Except⌠something is missing.
You donât feel the music in your soul, like you did that one time in class. When Adam was playing. And even if Lilith is objectively better at piano than he is, itâs missing his spark. The final notes hung in the air, leaving you with a sense of dissatisfaction. In your own critical assessment, it felt like the worst performance you had ever given at a voice recital.
Someone seems to disagree though.
Hidden a few rows back in the audience, Adam suddenly leapt to his feet in raucous applause. His gesture, though likely intended to embarrass you, had an unexpected effect. Instead of feeling self-conscious, a smile spreads across your face. You were delightedly surprised to see him here, especially since Lilith, his ex, was seated right behind you.
As you listened to Lilith mumble something under her breath, your attention was drawn back to Adam in the audience. He was enthusiastically encouraging others to stand and applaud, and though most remained seated, a few near him joined in. When he called out your name, you waved your hand down at your side, a mix of amusement and exasperation at his antics.
His gesture, though somewhat obnoxious, strangely warmed your heart. Despite his teasing and occasional insensitivity, there was something endearing about Adam's unabashed support. He had come all this way just to see you singâor at least that's what you hoped. Sure, he might be here for other performers or academic reasons, but the idea that he might have shown up primarily for you filled you with unexpected warmth.
As you processed these conflicting emotions, a sigh escaped your lips. Adam was, in many ways, a complicated presence in your life. His unpredictability, his charm, and yes, his 24/7 dickish behavior kept you on your toes. But underneath it all, there was a connection that you couldnât deny, something past just irritation.
âŚ
Fuck.
â
It's finally a rehearsal where you're called to the stage. The moment you've been waiting for, to step into the character's shoes and bring the scene to life. But for now, you're off to the side, nestled in a comfortable chair, flipping through your script and silently rehearsing your lines. The stage is a hive of activity, filled with the sounds of crew members adjusting lights, actors practicing their entrances and exits, and the director calling out instructions.
Right now, youâre using a facial steamer to help your lungs recover after a night of smoking weed with friendsâwhich, in your opinion, is a good summary of theatre kids. The steamer emits a gentle mist, soothing your throat and helping you clear your lungs for the rigorous rehearsal ahead.
As you look over the steamer, eyeing the lines in your script, you quietly mumble the lines to yourself. Each word feels foreign at first, rolling off your tongue with an unfamiliar cadence. You're determined not to lock in one specific delivery, knowing that variability will keep your performance fresh and dynamic for the show.
You glance up from your script, noting how theyâre almost up to your first line. The realization sends a shiver of anticipation down your spine, a delightful excitement curling in your stomach. Youâre totally gonna blow the socks off of everyone here.
Speaking of people being here, Adam is in the audience. You arenât really sure why, considering itâs just a blocking rehearsal. All you know is you'd prefer for him to be literally anywhere else. Ever since you found out you don't hate him as much as you thought you did, youâve been avoiding the hell out of him.
This strategy has definitely worked against you. Adam probably thinks you're playing mind games with him, ignoring him just to get under his skin. Heâs been working hard to try and catch your attentionâapparently going as far as to show up to rehearsals. During breaks, you hear him call out to you, likely saying something provocative to get a reaction, but you always turn the other way.
Yes, you feel bad. No, you wonât stop.
The director calls for you, snapping you out of your thoughts. As you flip to the right page in your script, you feel Adamâs eyes boring holes into you from his seat in the audience. You awkwardly clear your throat, doing your best to ignore the sensation of his gaze, and instead focus on preparing for your section of the scene.
The director walks Quinn through Seymourâs blocking for this scene, giving detailed instructions and adjusting positions to ensure everything flows smoothly. You try to stay present, listening closely, but the awareness of Adamâs presence is a persistent distraction.
Finally, the director finishes with Quinn and calls for the two of you to begin. So⌠you do.
âOh boy,â Quinn starts, reading the lines off his slightly crumpled page. âHere we go again. Look, I haven't got much left. Just give me a few more days to heal, okay? Then we'll start again on the left hand andââ
âFeed me!â you whine, your voice taking on a pleading, almost desperate tone. It feels good, acting. Not just good, but right. Like stepping into a pair of pajama pants fresh out of the dryer. The warmth of the role envelops you, and the words flow naturally, embodying the characterâs urgency and need.
As you continue the scene, thereâs a spark of energy between you and Quinn. The two of you effortlessly bounce off each other, each line building on the last, creating a dynamic and engaging interaction. You internally fist pump in victory.
However, you make the mistake of glancing out into the audience and meeting the eye of none other than Adam. Lately, since youâve been ignoring him, heâs been wearing this resting pouty face that sort of looks like he sucked on a lemon. But not now. Watching the two of you, his eyebrows are raised as if heâs impressed.
You watch as he realizes you're looking back at him, and his expression shifts into something upset. The sudden change throws you off balance, and you stumble over your line. Embarrassed, you quickly avert your eyes to your script, desperately trying to find your place.
Quinn, sensing your struggle, tries his best to help by repeating his line. Your finger traces the lines on the page until you find where you left off. Taking a deep breath, you catch up, delivering your line as if nothing had happened. The brief disruption had felt like an eternity, but you manage to slip back into character, focusing on the scene and Quinnâs supportive presence.
The director, who had been watching closely, gives a small nod of approval as you recover. The scene continues, the rhythm gradually restoring itself.
Youâre beating yourself up, disappointed in yourself for getting flustered. You need to get your head in the gameâyouâre paying a pretty penny to learn how to be the best performer, not whatever that was back there. You need to get it together, unless you want your director to replace you. That thought fills you with fear.
But then your blame shifts to Adam, and that fear transforms into anger, even though it shouldnât. Itâs easier to be angry with Adam than it is to feel the embarrassment and self-doubt that were creeping in.
You clench your fists, letting the anger simmer. Itâs a distraction, but one you can channel. You mentally replay the scene, pinpointing where you stumbled and how Adamâs presence threw you off. The frustration fuels a determination to not let it happen again.
So when your director calls for a water break, you gracefully exit from the side stage and make your way towards the audience area. The theater is a hive of activity during the break, with cast and crew members scattered around, discussing scenes in hushed tones. You find your water bottle among the clutter of chairs
Chugging down over half of it in one go, you feel the cool liquid refresh your parched throat. As you lower your bottle and wipe your mouth with the back of your hand, you suddenly come face to face with Adam. Heâs standing there, leaning nonchalantly against a nearby chair, a smirk playing at the corner of his lips.
For a moment, you just stare at each other, the air thick with unspoken tension. You resist the urge to say something biting, reminding yourself to stay composed in the professional setting of rehearsal. Instead, you give a curt nod, acknowledging his presence without inviting further conversation.
Adamâs smirk widens slightly, as if heâs enjoying the discomfort heâs causing.
âSo, gonna blame me for sabotage with that one, too?â Adam quips, a smirk playing on his lips as he leans closer.
You roll your eyes and turn away, not in the mood for his teasing.
âHey,â he whines, reaching out to grab your arm, but you pull away, annoyed. âDonât be like that. I was only joking.â
âPiss off, Adam,â you retort, frustration bubbling up. âIâm trying to memorize my lines.â
âWhat, are your lines written in your water bottle?â
You glare at him over your shoulder. âMaybe.â
He laughs. âYeah, you are definitely crazy enough to do that. How about we grab dinner after this and I can help you run lines.â He walks his fingers up your arm slowly. âAnd then maybe after dinner⌠we can have dessertâŚâ
You flick his hand away, irritation simmering beneath your glare. His attempt at humor falls flat, and you feel a pang of hurt at how heâs toying with you, even if he doesnât realize it. âHaha, very funny,â you retort dryly, crossing your arms defensively.
He frowns, but before you can respond, the director calls for places at the top of what youâve blocked today. You peel yourself away from Adam and head to your seat on the side stage.
With Adam, it feels like one step forward and thirteen steps back.
â
You were still avoiding Adam, but he finally seemed to take the hint and left you alone. Occasionally, youâd catch him glancing at you from the corner of your eye, but whenever you turned to look, heâd quickly avert his gaze.
Rehearsals had been... okay. No matter how hard you tried and how much effort you put into it, it felt like none of it mattered. You weren't getting Audrey II down, and it was plain frustrating. The other cast members seemed to be finding their grooves, their characters coming to life in ways that left you feeling envious and disheartened. The role you had worked so hard for, the one you were so excited about, seemed to be slipping through your fingers.
Youâd run through your lines over and over, trying different inflections, different approaches, but nothing seemed to click. It felt like you were hitting a wall, and every attempt to break through only left you more battered and bruised. The director's notes, meant to be constructive, started to feel like a litany of your failures.
The only thing you could fault was yourself. There were points where you would leave rehearsal in frustrated tears, feeling utterly defeated.
At one point, you had made the mistake of walking past Adam during one of those tearful nights. He stepped in front of you and blocked your path, his presence a sudden and unwelcome barrier. You could feel the heat of your frustration and sadness rising, threatening to boil over. The urge to scream at him, to lay into him and unload all your pent-up emotions, was almost overwhelming. Especially when he was looking at you with eyes full of pity, a look that made your skin crawl.
Instead, you swallowed it down, forcing the words to stay trapped in your throat. The effort it took to hold back was physically painful, like swallowing shards of glass. You clenched your fists, nails biting into your palms, and shoved past him with a force that surprised even you. He let you go, not saying a word, just watching you with that same pitying look that made you want to scream.
Today, though, was going to be a good day. The cast was scheduled to meet the band that would be playing for the show, and you were determined to make the most of it. You had been looking forward to this day, hoping that the energy and enthusiasm of the musicians might reignite your own excitement for the production.
As you arrived at the rehearsal space, you could already hear the faint sounds of instruments being tuned and tested. The anticipation in the air was palpable, and it gave you a much-needed boost. You spotted Sam, one of your acquaintances, setting up their drum kit with a focused expression. When you found out they had volunteered to help out, you had immediately warned them of Adam.
"Where's Adam?" you ask Quinn urgently, scanning the room for any sign of him. The last thing you want is to have driven him away from the show with your own behaviorâ youâd never forgive yourself.
"Aw, I knew you cared about me."
Startled, you spin around to find Adam standing right behind you. His smirk is evident, and you realize with relief that he hasn't left after all. On his back is an instrument case, not the familiar piano you've grown accustomed to seeing him with.
You purse your lips, still mulling over Adam's earlier comment. This conversation is the most you've engaged with him since that rehearsal.
"I thought you were our pianist," you finally manage to say, trying to sound casual despite the lingering tension between you.
Adam tilts his head, his expression shifting from playful to more serious. "For the extra credit. But piano isn't really my first choice. I learned it for music theory purposes."
Quinn chimes in, always eager to fill the silence. "So if you're not on piano duty for the band..."
Adam readjusts the strap of his instrument case, his grin widening mischievously. "I'm on guitar, obviously," he declares, a hint of pride in his voice.
That⌠actually makes a lot of sense. He doesn't fit the typical image of a pianist; his personality is more intense and unpredictable. You mentally correct yourself, aware of not stereotyping, but Adam's demeanor aligns more with someone wielding a guitar, ready to bring an edgier vibe to the performances. The image of him strumming away fills your mind, and you find yourself fighting the urge to bite your lip at the thought, because, well, yoohoo! Adam is right there.
Sadai bounds up to the three of you, playfully knocking Quinn on the upside of his head as she enters. Quinn, caught off guard, lets out an unattractive squawk that makes her giggle. Honestly, thereâs something there that even you can see. And looking across at Adam, he sees it too.
He opens his mouth to say something, you assume to make a teasing remark on their romantic life, but you instead smack him on his head. Instead of a squawk, he lets out a huff of a laugh. He looks less pissed that you hit him, and more pleased to have your attention.
Out of the corner of your eye, you see Quinn and Sadai share a knowing look. Are you that obvious? Embarrassed, you grab Adam by the sleeve and tug him away. Adam, still preening under the attention no matter how harsh, obediently follows you. Once youâre a reasonable distance away, you remove your grasp and it makes Adam frown.
âListen. I know you have a big, trashy mouthââ
âYou love it,â he interrupts with a grin.
ââAnd maybe no one has smacked actual sense into youââ
âYou have,â he quips again.
ââStop interrupting,â you glare, cutting him off. âBut if you intervene in whatever the two of them have going on, Iâll personally murder you myself. Let them figure it out themselves, without any side comments from you.â
He raises an eyebrow, but mimes zipping up his mouth and throwing away the key.
Your glare is still flat. âDo I make myself clear?â
He points to his still zipped mouth and makes muffled noises. Annoyed, you roll your eyes before digging into your pocket for the key. You pantomime unlocking and unzipping his mouth. âYouâre hot when you take charge.â
Exasperated, you lock and zip his mouth again, this time tossing the imaginary key as far as you can. Adam pretends to look shocked, making exaggerated muffled noises between his closed lips. You raise an eyebrow, silently repeating your earlier question. He sighs dramatically, as if accepting defeat, before slowly nodding his head in agreement.
In appreciation, you gently pat his cheek and he leans into it. You quickly redraw your hand, feeling your face burning up, before you march off back to your friends. You see the question on their faces, but they never get the chance to ask because your director is calling for everyoneâs attention.
As she talks, you see a clump of music students behind herâ Adam and Sam included. Using the basic common sense you sometimes have, youâre able to deduce that this is yâalls band. Despite most likely volunteering for extra credit, they seem excitable. Well, minus Adam, but he doesnât count.
After introductions, your director has the brilliant idea to let the musicians show off. They set up in the pit, adjusting and tuning their instruments. Although they donât have their conductor with them, they feel confident enough to perform the title song.
Adam and Sam take their positions, with Adam adjusting his guitar strap with practiced ease while Sam eagerly checks the tuning of their drums. The other musicians, a mix of eager students, also seem ready, their faces showing a combination of nerves and excitement.
As they begin to play the title song of the musical, the auditorium fills with the lively melody. Despite the absence of their conductor, the musicians manage to synchronize well, each instrument blending harmoniously with the others. Adamâs fingers move deftly over the strings of his guitar, adding a distinct flair to the music, while Samâs drumming provides a steady backbone to the ensemble.
The image of Adam with his guitar has absolutely nothing on the actual sight of it. He looks, for lack of better words, sick as fuck. Incredibly hot. You feel yourself getting hot under the collar the longer you watch him.
His concentration is palpable as he strums the strings, his fingers moving with a practiced grace that speaks of hours spent honing his skill. The way his hair falls across his forehead, the slight furrow of his brow in concentration, and the way he leans into each noteâall of it adds to his allure.
Youâre really fucked.
â
Fortunately for you, the band wasnât called back until the sitzprobe in a week, so Adam was back to playing the role of accompanist. Although you couldnât wipe the image of him shredding the guitar, at least you werenât getting distracted at rehearsals.
Considering how close you all were to tech week, rehearsals had been extended an extra few hours. The long hours were grueling, but you pushed through, knowing it was all for the final performance. Todayâs run-through was particularly intense, leaving everyone exhausted and hungry.
After rehearsal, someone suggested grabbing dinner together, and the idea was quickly embraced by the group. It seemed like a good way to unwind and bond after a tough day of work. As you gathered your things, you noticed Adam packing up his sheet music, glancing at you every now and then with that familiar smirk.
âReady to grab some food?â Quinn asked, nudging you gently.
âYeah, I could eat a horse,â you replied, slinging your bag over your shoulder.
The cast and crew gradually made their way out of the rehearsal space, chatting and laughing about the dayâs mishaps and triumphs. You tried to avoid Adamâs gaze, but you could feel him watching you. He was always watching. You wondered what the dinner would be like with him there, knowing his penchant for stirring the pot. But maybe, just maybe, youâd all have a nice, drama-free meal.
For whatever reason, Chiliâs had been chosen as the restaurant for the evening, and the thought of their triple dipper had your mouth watering. Quinn had kindly offered to drive, and you gratefully accepted, settling into the passenger seat and buckling up. As Quinn gripped the steering wheel, he paused, not making a move to start the car. Concerned, you turn to him.
âQuinn? You okay there?â
âI have something to admit.â his voice was serious, the most serious youâve ever heard him. He was avoiding your gaze, and alarms were sounding in your head.
â...Okaaaaay?â you encouraged him to continue.
âI⌠hm.. I..â he took a deep breath before blurting it out. âI have feelings for Sadai!â
You stared at him⌠Did he not think you could tell? You had to stop yourself from laughing, as he was obviously distressed. Instead, you placed your hand on his shoulder. âQuinn, dude, I know.â
Quinn's eyes widened in surprise, and his grip on the steering wheel loosened slightly. âYou know?â
You nodded, giving his shoulder a reassuring squeeze. âYeah, itâs pretty obvious. The way you look at her, the way you act around herâitâs clear as day.â
He let out a breath he seemed to have been holding. âI thought I was hiding it well.â
You chuckled softly. âYouâre not. And you know what? I think she might feel the same way about you. You should talk to her.â
Quinn finally started the car, a small smile forming on his lips. âThank god.â
âIâm rootinâ for ya.â
As you drove to Chiliâs, you felt a sense of hope for Quinn. Maybe things were finally falling into place for him.
When you arrived at the restaurant, the rest of the cast was already there, chatting and laughing. You spotted Adam at the end of the table, waving you over. At first, you ignored him, glancing around for other open seats. However, it seemed fate was against you, as those were the only two seats open. You sighed, making your way over to him. His smile widened, a mischievous glint in his eyes that you were starting to recognize all too well.
Sadai, who was seated next to him, perked up at the sight of you and Quinn. Or, you know what, maybe just Quinn. He froze up in response, so you pushed him down to sit across from her. You plopped yourself in the seat next to him⌠which was, of course, across from Adam.
Great.
You took a seat next to Quinn, who was looking more relaxed than youâd seen him in a while. âFeeling better?â you asked.
He nodded, glancing at Sadai who got dragged into a conversation with the group next to her. âYeah. I think I will talk to her.â
Adam leaned over, grinning. âWhatâs the gossip?â
âNone of your business,â you replied, shoving him away.
âAw,â he whined. âI was nice enough to save you seats, and this is how you treat me?â
You raise an eyebrow in disbelief. âYou saved a seat for me?â
âYep.â he popped the p. âHad to make sure I had eye candy while I ate.â
Adamâs attempt at humor fell flat, and you found yourself frowning, feeling the familiar urge to shut down again. "Gross," you muttered under your breath, not appreciating his comment.
Despite his usual dense demeanor, Adam seemed to sense he had said the wrong thing, even if he didnât fully grasp why. His expression shifted, suddenly looking bashful. âBesides, you three are the only people who talk to me here. Theatre kids are very...â
He trailed off, searching for the right word while you waited, arms crossed.
âClique-y?â you finished for him, understanding all too well the feeling of being an outsider. His admission struck a pang of guilt within you. You realized you had been ignoring him, afraid to confront your own romantic feelings. It hadnât occurred to you how this might have made Adam feel, especially since apparently you were his only "friends" in the theatre department.
He smiled lightheartedly, clearly not deterred by the topic. âYeah, thatâs the word.â
Quinn awkwardly cleared his throat, and you jumped, realizing you had forgotten he was there. You had gotten a little too wrapped up in your vulnerable conversation with Adam.
âUm, sorry to interrupt,â Quinn said with a hint of amusement, âbut can we get back to the menu? Iâm starving.â
You blinked, feeling slightly embarrassed by the abrupt shift in focus. âRight, sorry. Food. Yes.â
Adam chuckled softly. âFood sounds good. Whatâre yâall getting?â
Quinn is the first to respond. âI wanna try their quesadillas.â
You nod. âI want to get the triple dipper, but Iâm stuck between getting the mozzarella sticks, or the eggrolls.â
Adam paused, gluing his eyes to his menu as he talked. âGet the eggrolls.â
You sigh, nodding your head in agreement. It did feel strange to be getting along with Adam like friends after all the tension between you. You werenât sure how to navigate a conversation with him without being rude or defensive. Well, guess youâll have to learn.
Eventually the waiter makes his way to the end of the table where yâall are sat. Adam is the last to order. As the waiter writes down his food, Adam clears his throat.
âUm,â he glances at you before looking back at the waiter. âCan you also add an order of mozzarella sticks? Weâre gonna share,â he gestures to you. âPut it on my tab though.â
Your jaw slightly drops as the waiter scampers off. Apparently Quinn is just as shocked, as he nudges you under the table, out of Adamâs view. At your reaction, Adam becomes defensive. âWhat?â
His remark catches you off guard, but you resist the urge to retort with something sharp, something that would escalate into banter. Instead, you find yourself smiling genuinely at him, a gesture of gratitude you hadn't anticipated making. It feels different, acknowledging his gesture without a layer of sarcasm or defensiveness.
"Thank you," you say, the words soft but sincere. There's a flicker of surprise in Adam's eyes, quickly replaced by a faint smirk that hints at his usual playful demeanor.
"You're welcome," he replies casually, though his tone holds a hint of something softer beneath the surface.
Quinn, sensing the shift in dynamics, nudges you lightly again under the table, his silent approval evident. You keep your gaze on Adam, meeting his eyes for a brief moment before looking away, the weight of unspoken words lingering between you.
Sadai, unaware of the weird tension, turns to the three of you. âOkay guys, help me out. Is Hamilton technically an opera.â
Quinn guffaws, caught off guard by the question. Or maybe heâs just flustered, you canât ever be too sure. Adam just narrows his brows.
You, on the other hand, nod your head. âItâs a rap operaâ itâs completely sung through. Just like how Rent is a rock opera. Duh.â
âThank you!â Sadai exclaims, clearly relieved to have you on her side. âTheyâre trying to tell me Iâm wrong!â
She turns back to her group, her expression a mix of concentration and amusement as she engages in the lively debate. You and Quinn exchange a glance, silently observing the group.
Suddenly, a light tap on your head breaks your focus. You instinctively turn, catching sight of Adam across the table. He sits with a mischievous grin, busily rolling up straw wrappers into small projectiles. With practiced precision, he flicks them in your direction, each one landing with a gentle thud against your shoulder or bouncing off your arm.
You deftly dodge one of the trash balls, your reflexes kicking in as you narrowly avoid being hit again. "How did you even get those?" you ask incredulously, amusement dancing in your eyes despite the slight annoyance.
"I asked for a bunch before you got here," he replies nonchalantly, launching another wrapper ball in your direction. This time, it catches you off guard and smacks you square in the nose, prompting an involuntary grumble and a playful pout.
Before you can retaliate, another wrapper ball grazes your arm. Determined not to be outdone, you swiftly grab one from the table and send it sailing back towards Adam with a flick of your wrist. The small projectile arcs through the air, landing neatly in his lap with a satisfying thud.
Adam chuckles "Nice shot,"
You smile, finding yourself surprisingly enjoying the playful banter with Adam. Despite his occasional crudeness, his sense of fun is infectious. As you glance over at Sadai and Quinn engrossed in their conversation, a smirk tugs at your lips. It seems Adam has noticed too, his sly expression indicating he's been watching your reactions closely.
With a casual flick of his fingers, Adam pulls out his phone and swiftly types a message before sliding it across the table to you. You pick it up and read the screen.
âAre they together now or what?â
You slide his phone back, shaking your head. "You're such a gossip, Adam."
He pretends to look offended. "Hey, curiosity killed the catâ but satisfaction brought it back."
As the waiter sets down the plate of mozzarella sticks between you, you and Adam both reach for one almost simultaneously. He's quick to grab one, popping it into his mouth with a satisfied crunch. Following suit, you dip yours into the marinara sauce before taking a bite, savoring the gooey cheese and crispy coating.
Mid-chew, you notice Adam staring at you with a peculiar expression. You tilt your head in silent question, wondering what has caught his attention. Without warning, he leans forward, and you freeze, unsure of his intentions. His hand gently cups your chin, and with a surprising tenderness, he uses his finger to swipe at the corner of your mouth, where a smear of marinara sauce has escaped your notice.
The brief touch feels oddly intimate.
All too soon, he leans back to his seat, bringing his hand with him.
"You had sauce there," Adam says with a smirk.
IsâŚ
Is he flirting�
The realization sends a thrill through you.
The rest of dinner goes on without a hitch. You and Adam keep flirtingâ at least you think so. But based on how Quinn keeps sending you looks, youâd say you werenât wrong. However, with all the water youâve chugged, you get up to use the restroom. Quinn, probably determined to talk to you about Adam, practically leaps up from his chair, offering to join you.
You accept.
As you make your way to the restroom with Quinn trailing behind, you notice him shooting furtive glances back at the table where Adam sits. The restaurant's ambiance wraps around you, filled with muted conversations and the clinking of cutlery. Quinn waits until you're both out of earshot from the table before he speaks up.
"So, what's going on with you and Adam?" Quinn asks, his voice low but filled with curiosity.
You pause, considering how much you want to share. Quinn has been your friend for a while now, always there with a supportive shoulder or a witty remark when needed. "I don't know," you finally admit, trying to sort through your own thoughts. "It's... complicated."
Quinn raises an eyebrow, his expression a mix of amusement and concern. "Complicated how?"
"I used to really dislike him," you begin, your words slow and thoughtful. "But lately, things have been different. He's been... different. I guess I've been different too."
Quinn nods, understanding dawning on his face. "So, are you saying there's something between you two now?"
You hesitate, unsure of how to answer. "I honestly don't know, Quinn. Sometimes it feels like we're on the same wavelength, and other times..." You trail off, not wanting to voice your uncertainty aloud.
He nods again, his gaze thoughtful. "Well, just be careful," Quinn advises gently. "You know Adam can be unpredictable."
You sigh, feeling the weight of his words. "I know. That's what makes this all so confusing."
Quinn gives you a reassuring smile. "Just take it slow, okay? Figure out what you really want and go from there."
"Thanks, Quinn," you say sincerely, grateful for his support.
You step into the restroom, taking a moment to freshen up before heading back out to join Quinn. There's a smile on your face, anticipation building as you look forward to rejoining Adam and continuing the lively atmosphere at the table. As you walk back towards your group, you feel a rush of excitement.
However, as you approach the table where everyone is seated, you suddenly come to a halt.
You freeze in your tracks, feeling a knot tighten in your stomach as you watch Adam leaning in close to Sadai, his fingers toying with her braids. The sight hits you like a punch to the gut, shattering the good mood you had moments ago. For a split second, you feel a surge of anger and betrayal, mixed with a pang of hurt that catches you off guard.
Quinn notices your sudden change in demeanor and follows your gaze to Adam and Sadai. He frowns, sensing the tension in the air. "Hey," he murmurs softly, touching your arm gently. "Are you okay?"
You swallow hard, trying to push down the swirling emotions threatening to overwhelm you. "I... I don't know," you manage to reply, your voice wavering slightly. âAre you?â
Adam and Sadai seem engrossed in their conversation, oblivious to your presence. The image of Adam flirting with Sadai stings, igniting a mixture of jealousy and frustration within you. You had started to feel a connection with Adam, and now it feels like a slap in the face to see him cozying up to someone else so effortlessly.
âNot really.â
You stand there, frozen in place, as Adam and Sadai continue their animated conversation, completely absorbed in each other's company. Quinn's quiet admission hangs in the air, echoing in your mind as you watch Sadai laugh at something Adam says, playfully smacking his arm. The joy on Adam's face is unmistakable, and in that moment, it feels like a dagger to your heart.
A rush of emotions floods through youâembarrassment, disappointment, and a profound sense of being utterly foolish. You had allowed yourself to get swept up in the playful flirtation with Adam, only to realize now that his attention has shifted elsewhere, toward Sadai. The bile rises in your throat, a bitter taste of rejection and self-doubt washing over you.
You glance at Quinn, who meets your gaze with a sympathetic look, understanding the turmoil churning within you. The urge to turn and walk away tugs at you, to escape this painfully awkward moment. But you stand rooted to the spot, grappling with your emotions and trying to compose yourself.
Taking a deep breath to steady yourself, you reach into your wallet, determined to handle the situation with dignity. Beside you, Quinn does the same, silently acknowledging the need to gracefully exit from what has become an uncomfortable scenario. Together, you count out enough money to cover your meals and leave a generous tipâa gesture of gratitude for feeding the group of loud theatre kids.
With a sense of numb resolve, you make your way back to the table, each step feeling heavier than the last. You avoid making eye contact with Adam and Sadai, focusing instead on the task at handâsettling the bill and preparing to leave. The once vibrant atmosphere around the table now feels tinged with an awkward tension, and you silently curse yourself for letting your emotions get the better of you.
As you approach, you set the money down on the table without a word, your movements deliberate yet distant. Quinn follows suit, his expression mirroring your own subdued demeanor.
As Sadai and Adam remain engrossed in their⌠position, seemingly oblivious to your departure looming nearby, Adam's intermittent glances in your direction don't go unnoticed.
You instinctively turn away, shielding your face from view, determined to conceal the raw emotion threatening to spill over. You muster a smile as you bid goodbye to the rest of the group.
As you and Quinn make your way out of the restaurant, you're caught in a whirlwind of emotions, trying to maintain your composure despite the disappointment weighing heavily on your heart. As you exit, you catch a glimpse of Adam's face, and for a fleeting moment, you swear you see a frown etched across his features. It's a look of disappointment, unmistakable in its fleeting intensity. Despite your efforts to avoid his gaze, his reaction doesn't escape your notice.
â
The next day brings rehearsal, a welcome distraction from the previous evening's emotional upheaval. You find it easy to avoid Adam; he's at the piano, absorbed in his music, while you remain backstage, clutching your microphone. The distance between you feels like a necessary buffer, allowing you to focus on your part without the complication of seeing him.
You can't help but feel for Quinn, though. He has the unfortunate task of performing a scene that requires him to make out violently with Sadai. This scene had always been your go-to for teasing him, but now the dynamics have shifted. Quinn is doing his best to avoid her backstage, and you choose to keep your observations to yourself, respecting his discomfort.
As you sit there, the quiet moments between cues offer too much space for your thoughts to wander. Each time you think of Sadai, your mind inevitably drifts to her interaction with Adam from the previous night. The memory stirs a sickening emotion within you, a queasy sensation that threatens to unsettle your stomach. The vivid recollection of their interaction gnaws at you, bringing back the bile that rose in your throat.
Your director calls for a water break, and you can't help but watch as Adam immediately stands up. He scans the room, his eyes moving through the various clumps of people, clearly searching for someoneâlikely you. When he doesn't find what he's looking for, he bangs a fist on the piano in frustration, a gesture that sends a jolt of mixed emotions through you.
As you're absorbed in observing Adam, a sudden presence at your side startles you. You spin around quickly, a small squeal escaping your lips as you come face-to-face with your director. The surprise causes your heart to race, and you notice out of the corner of your eye that Adam's attention has snapped in your direction. Thankfully your director is straight to business⌠well, once sheâs done laughing.
âSorry, sorry,â she says, wiping away a stray tear from laughing too hard. âI just came to tell you that your puppet is finished. Want to come look at it?â
You nod eagerly, feeling a spark of excitement light up within you. The emotional turmoil from moments before takes a backseat as anticipation takes over. You follow her backstage and into the workshop, your steps quickening with each stride.
As you enter the workshop, your eyes widen in amazement. The puppet, which had only been a concept in your mind and a sketch on paper, now stands before you in all its detailed glory. It's even more impressive than you imagined. Every joint, every feature, every piece of fabric and paint has been meticulously crafted.
"Woah," you breathe, stepping closer to inspect it.
The puppet was a mesmerizing blend of alien grotesquery and organic menace. Standing as the largest iteration of Audrey II, its slender frame defied your expectations, draped in sickly pink with accents of puke yellow that sent a shiver down your spine. The puppet's design looked like it was inspired by a Venus flytrap, with a face that opens like the petal-like maw of a demogorgon.
In other words, itâs sick as fuck.
âGo on ahead, you can touch it.â Your director gives you permission.
Giggling eagerly, you carefully lift one of the plant's roots. To your surprise, it's heavier than expected, its weight adding to the puppet's realistic feel.
You playfully make the root squirm in your hands, marveling at how lifelike the puppet is even in its stationary state. The texture is smooth yet strangely slippery, reminiscent of a reptile's scales. As you manipulate the root, you canât help but continue to laugh in awe.
âBe careful though,â your director warns. âItâs not completely finished, so itâs easy to tear.â
You nod obediently at your director's warning, fully aware of the delicate craftsmanship that went into creating Audrey II. With careful hands, you gently place the root back onto the workshop's table, ensuring it rests securely.
As you do so, a sense of fondness washes over you. You pat the root gently once, twice. "Goodbye, Audrey II," you murmur softly, your voice filled with a weird mix of affection.
Your director smiles warmly at your gesture, appreciating your connection with the puppet. "You're going to bring it to life on stage," she says encouragingly, her confidence in you evident.
As the rest of rehearsal proceeds smoothly, you notice Quinn standing by the piano, deep in discussion with Adam, probably about the timing in the music. From the subtle shifts in Quinn's demeanor and the tension in Adam's posture, it's clear that the atmosphere between them is strained.
Taking a deep breath, you decide to suck it up like a big boy and offer Quinn some support. Swallowing any residual discomfort, you make your way over to where they're standing, determined to ease the awkwardness if only for a moment.
"Hey, Quinn," you greet him warmly as you approach, flashing a genuine smile that belies the effort it takes to maintain composure. You deliberately avoid making eye contact with Adam, focusing your attention solely on Quinn.
Quinn's relief is palpable as he meets your gaze, a faint smile of gratitude tugging at his lips. "Hey," he responds, his voice carrying a hint of appreciation.
"Have you seen my Audrey II puppet yet?"
Quinn glances at you, a flicker of interest crossing his face. "Oh, did they finally finish it?"
"Yeah, sorta! I was just heading to go look at it again now. Wanna come with?" you offer, hoping to include him in something that might lift his spirits.
He grimaces slightly, apologetically meeting your gaze. "I would, but I HAVE to run through my lines. Sorry, dude.â
"No big!" you reply with a casual shrug, trying to keep the atmosphere light.
âI want to.â Both you and Quinn swivel your heads to Adam. His tone carries a hint of annoyance, likely catching on to the fact that you've been pointedly avoiding him.
âYou want toâŚ?â you ask cautiously, unsure of his sudden interest.
âLook. I want to look at the puppet.â Adam interrupts, standing from the piano stool and closing his binder of sheet music. His abruptness catches you off guard, and you awkwardly laugh, glancing over at Quinn for his reaction.
"Are you sure you donât want to join us?" you hastily interject, silently pleading with Quinn not to leave you alone with Adam.
âOh uhhhhh yeah sure! Why not! In fact, letâs get the whole cast to come and look!â Quinn exclaims enthusiastically, seizing the opportunity to divert attention away from any potential awkwardness. His declaration gathers the attention of the entire cast, who readily agree to join in.
Grateful for the distraction, you lead the way to the workshop, guiding everyone towards Audrey II. As the group gathers around the puppet, curiosity and excitement fill the air. Conversations bubble up among the cast members, sharing their thoughts and impressions of the intricate design.
When one of your castmates reaches out to touch the puppet, you instinctively slap their hand away. âDonât touch itâ itâs still fragile,â you caution, a hint of protectiveness in your voice.
Out of the corner of your eye, you catch Adam raising a brow as your castmate apologizes and joins the rest of the crowd to ogle at Audrey II.
After a few minutes of everyone marveling at Audrey II, they begin to file out of the workshop one by one. You watch the group gradually disperse, feeling a mix of relief and lingering excitement from the shared experience.
Turning back for one last look at Audrey II, you take a moment to soak in the puppet's eerie beauty and the significance it holds for the upcoming production. As you start to turn away, ready to join the others, your heart skips a beat and you clutch your shirt, a startled shriek escaping your lips.
Adam is still there.
His presence catches you completely off guard, the sudden realization causing a jolt of embarrassment to course through you. You hadn't noticed him lingering behind, and now he stands alone in the workshop, observing Audrey II with a thoughtful expression.
You could've sworn Adam had exited with the rest of the group, but there he stands, still in the workshop. Your attempt at a polite smile falters as you realize heâs holding one of the puppetâs roots.
"Adam, put that down," you warn firmly.
"Why should I?" Adam retorts, a playful glint in his eyes as he continues to hold onto Audrey II's root.
"It's not yours," you state matter-of-factly, trying to maintain your composure despite the frustration creeping in.
"Technically not yours either," Adam teases, a smirk playing on his lips.
You bristle at his response, the playful banter hitting a nerve. "It's my character.â
"And yet you don't move the puppets even once.â
"Adam," you warn, your patience wearing thin.
"Baby,"
You huff in frustration. "I'm not going to be nice about it."
"You never are.â
"Put. It. Down," you grit through your teeth. "Adam!"
He moves it again, and this time, you hear a faint tearing sound. Your heart sinks as you see the seam start to pull taut.
"Adam!!" you practically shout, urgency in your voice now.
Finally, Adam looks up, his expression shifting from casual amusement to concern as he realizes what he's done. The tear in the puppet's root is evident, a small but significant damage that threatens its fragile structure.
"Oh, shit," Adam mutters under his breath, his eyes widening in realization.
You stand there, a mix of anger and disappointment washing over you. "Adam, please put it downâ" you start to say again, but it's too late.
Rrrrrrrip! The tear worsens, the fabric giving way under the strain. You wince at the sound, knowing the damage is done. You both stare in shock as the root rips from the body of Audrey II. Adam jumps, his hands instinctively letting go of the root, which drops to the floor with a soft thud. Your heart sinks as you quickly bend down to retrieve it, hugging the damaged puppet piece protectively against your chest.
The workshop falls silent, the weight of the moment hanging heavily in the air. You shoot Adam an angry glare, your eyes flashing with a mix of frustration and disappointment. His usual nonchalant attitude falters under your gaze, and for once, he seems genuinely remorseful.
"I didnât know it was gonna do that!" Adam exclaims, his voice tinged with a hint of desperation as he tries to justify his actions.
Still, you say nothing, your focus solely on assessing the damage to the puppet. The torn fabric and strained seam speak louder than Adam's words.
"Seriously, I didnât know!" Adam insists, his tone pleading now, seeking validation or perhaps forgiveness.
Silence greets him once more, your expression unreadable as you continue to inspect Audrey II's damaged root.
Adam's nervousness grows palpable. "Really, if it was going to be that fragile, then it totally wouldâve ripped on stage!!" he continues, his voice rising slightly in frustration.
But still, you offer no response.
"Why wonât you respond? Say something!" Adam finally demands, his patience wearing thin.
âWhy do you have to be such a dick?!â
Adam flinches visibly at your outburst. His expression shifts from defensiveness to a mix of surprise and guilt
âSeriously, you complain and whine about how no one wants to be your friend here, but then you go around and act like this!â Your throat hurts. âDo you have no common sense? No respect for other people? This isnât some show, Adam, this is my future!â
Adam's tense and nervous laughter only serves to fuel your frustration, his dismissive response hitting a nerve as you confront him with the seriousness of the situation.
"I'm not joking," you assert firmly, your voice edged with determination. "This is my first chance at a lead. If I don't do well now, my director won't consider me for other roles. And without that experience, I'll have nothing to show for when I enter the real world. It's my dream, Adam, and it means everything to me."
"Baby," Adam begins, attempting to placate you, but you cut him off sharply. âI think youâre being a bit overdramaticââ
"Don't tell me how to react!" you snap, your anger bubbling to the surface. "You're such an asshole!!"
"Why? All I did was fuck with a puppet!" Adam retorts defensively, his frustration mirroring yours.
"And then you went behind Quinn's back and flirted with Sadai," you say, your voice cracking slightly with emotion. The reminder of his betrayal overwhelms any lingering anger.
Adam cringes visibly. "I wasn't flirtingâ" he starts to defend himself, but youâre quick to cut him off.
"Adam," you interject.
"Okay, fine!" Adam admits, his voice tinged with remorse. "I was, but not for the reason you think!"
You meet his gaze, your eyes searching his for an explanation. "Then why?" you ask quietly,
"Jealousy is a very powerful emotionâ" Adam starts, but you cut him off, unable to contain your incredulity.
"âyou flirted with Sadai to make Quinn jealous?"
Adam hesitates for a moment before nodding reluctantly. "Well, I mean, something like that."
"What the fuck," you exclaim, your frustration boiling over. "You manipulative asshole."
Adam winces at your words, his usual bravado crumbling under your righteous anger. "Sadai was in on it!!!" he blurts out defensively. "We were just hoping that... he'd⌠make a move on her."
"Because he was jealous," you conclude bitterly, the pieces falling into place.
"Yes," Adam confirms, his voice quieter now, his gaze shifting uncomfortably.
"Well, good luck with that now! Now he thinks he has no chance, so heâs not interested anymore. And I canât say I blame him," you say, your voice tinged with resignation.
Adam's gaze remains steady on you, his expression unreadable as he waits for your response.
"Are you?" he asks gently, much softer than before.
What?
"Am I..." you repeat softly, the question lingering in the air.
"Not interested anymore?"
You feel a lump form in your throat as Adam's gaze lingers on you, his silence echoing loudly in the workshop. The vulnerability of the moment washes over you, leaving you feeling exposed and uncertain.
"In Quinn?" you ask again, your voice barely above a whisper, hoping for clarity amidst the swirling emotions.
Adam's expression remains unreadable, his eyes searching your face as if weighing his words carefully. He doesn't respond immediately, the tension between you palpable.
"No," he finally answers softly, his voice steady but devoid of further explanation.
Your heart sinks slightly at his cryptic response, the lack of elaboration leaving you with more questions than answers. You struggle to maintain composure, your mouth dry as you attempt to process his words and the unspoken implications behind them.
You're very careful with your words. "If I were in Quinnâs shoes, I wouldnât be.â
Adam sniffs softly, his eyes momentarily flickering away before locking onto yours again. He seems to choose his next words carefully, his demeanor serious yet contemplative.
"Okay. So youâre in Quinnâs shoes and youâre mad at Sadai. What now?" Adam asks.
"I wait for an apology," you reply firmly, your voice gaining strength as you articulate your stance.
"An apology? Thatâs it?" Adam questions, his brow furrowing slightly in apparent skepticism.
"No, thatâs not it," you clarify, meeting his gaze unwaveringly. "But itâs the first step."
Adam purses his lips. "Okay, she apologizes to you. Now what?"
You shrug. "I donât know.â
"The fuck you mean you donât know?" Adam exclaims, his frustration escalating.
"Adam.â
âYouâre right, youâre right. Whatever. So what, should Sadai just go up to Quinn and apologize? What if sheâs not sorry?â
"Then she better not talk to him until she is," you assert firmly.
Adam frowns, his expression troubled as he considers your response. "What if Quinn doesnât forgive her?" he asks, his voice tinged with concern.
"Then Sadai better respect that.â
"And what if it kills Sadai that she wonât have Quinn in her life anymore, if he doesnât forgive her. What if thatâs too big a risk to takeâ to apologize and find out."
You can't decipher if Adam is speaking from a hypothetical standpoint or if there's a deeper personal resonance behind his questions. Nonetheless, you stand firm in your belief, doubling down on your stance with resolve.
âAt least then sheâd know.â
Adam nods slowly in agreement, his expression thoughtful as he processes your words. "Right," he acknowledges, his voice subdued.
You stare at him, waiting for an apology that never comes. The silence stretches between you, filled with unspoken expectations and unaddressed emotions. When it becomes apparent that Adam isnât going to apologize, you sigh deeply, the disappointment evident in your voice.
"Alright Adam, time for you to get out of here," you say with resignation, firmness creeping into your tone.
"Butâ" Adam starts to protest, his voice tinged with uncertainty.
"Just go, Adam," you interrupt, cutting him off before he can say more. "Iâll see you in class."
"C'mon babyâ" Adam tries again, a hint of pleading in his voice.
"Goodbye.â
As Adam begins to muster a response, he catches sight of tears welling up in the corners of your eyes. The defiance in him wavers, replaced by a sudden deflation. Adam nods silently, his resolve faltering. Without further words, he turns and exits the room, leaving you to grapple with the aftermath of your exchange.
Youâre left still hugging that damn puppetâs root to your chest. Holding it tight makes your heart hurt a little bit less.
â
After ballet class, you find yourself lingering with a mix of emotions. Adam's absence didn't go unnoticed, and while a part of you is concerned, you're also determined to convince yourself not to care. Getting over a crush is never easy, and you're trying your best to stay focused.
Class was fine. The familiar routines and movements provided a welcome distraction, allowing you to immerse yourself in the physicality of dance. Your muscles ache in that satisfying way that signals a good workout, and your mind feels clearer, if only for a little while.
The sight of Adam waiting outside the dance class catches you off guard. He's sitting on one of the benches, his head buried in one of his hands. At the sound of the door opening, he jumps up, his posture stiff with tension. You watch, puzzled, as he nervously gulps and reveals a bouquet of flowers from behind his back.
For a moment, you just stand there, frozen. The confusion must be evident on your face because Adam's expression shifts from nervousness to something resembling desperation.
"Um, you're late to class," you say dumbly. Of course he knows that.
He glances at the clock. "Yeah, I was waiting for it to be over."
"Why werenât you here?" you ask, still trying to wrap your head around the situation.
"I wanted to talk to you.â
You glance behind you to see more of your classmates piling out. Contemplating, you bite your lip. âCan it wait?â
âOh, oh yeah, no, totally, thatâs fine,â he stammers, his nervousness evident in the way he shifts on his feet. He passes you the flowers and you take them, cradling them to your chest.
âOkay,â you say, feeling the weight of the bouquet in your hands.
You awkwardly snap your mouth closed and wait for everyone to leave. Ms. Nicole is the last one out. She notices you, Adam, and the bouquet in your hands. She coos, her eyes twinkling with a knowing smile.
âAww, you two look adorable. Have a good evening, okay?â she says, waving as she exits.
You offer a tight-lipped smile, feeling a flush of embarrassment rise to your cheeks. âThanks, Ms. Nicole. See you tomorrow.â
As the door closes behind her, you and Adam are left alone in the now-quiet hallway. The silence is thick with unspoken words, and you shift uncomfortably.
âSoâŚâ
You click your tongue. "So..."
"Uh, listen." He finally looks at you. "I'm not good at apologizingâ"
"Yeah, I can tell."
His eyes narrow at your interruption, but you remain firm. He hurt you, whether he meant to or not, and you're willing to hear him out, but you won't make it easy for him. "I'm trying here."
âYeah?â you ask. âWell, try harder.â
He pinches the bridge of his nose, clearly frustrated but determined. âIâm sorry for messing with your puppet.â
âAnd?â you prompt, raising an eyebrow.
He grumbles, his voice dropping. âIâm sorry for flirting with Sadai.â
You nod your head slowly. âOkay.â
âOkay. So weâre good?â he asks, hope in his eyes.
You laugh, but itâs a bitter sound. âFuck no. You were a dick.â
He winces. âI know, I know. But I apologizedââ
âYou tore my puppet after I told you to put it down. Who do you think got in trouble for that? Not you. And then you go behind our friendâs back and try to make him jealous. You didnât even get anything out of it!â
âHe wasnât the only one we were trying to make jealous!â Adam blurts out, eyes widening as if he didnât mean to announce that.
You donât stop to think of the implications, your anger flaring again. âRight, because that makes it much, much better.â
âWell, I already apologized!â
âI know.â
âSo, Iâm forgiven?â he asks, hopeful.
âNo,â you reply firmly.
âCut me some slack here!â he begs.
âI have been. For a long time,â you respond, your patience wearing thin.
âI even got you flowers! I never get any bitch flowers!â
Your eye twitches. âTry again.â
He takes a deep breath, realizing his mistake. âI never get anyone flowers. I promise, Iâm really trying here.â
âTrying what? Because youâre certainly not trying to apologize. Youâre just saying the words.â
He groans, exasperated. âIâm trying to confess to you, alright! Iâd like to take you out, but I canât do that if youâre mad at me!â
You stare at him, the anger quickly being replaced by a deep sense of disappointment. ââŚso youâre only apologizing so Iâll go out with you.â Itâs not a question.
Adam is silent, the guilt evident in his eyes. He opens his mouth to speak, but no words come out. He realizes how hollow his apology now sounds.
You sigh, continuing. âListen, Adam, youâre a dick. But you can be real sweet when you try. Being around you can be a whole lot of fun, when youâre not being a little shit. I like you a lot too, Adam.â
He perks up, hope lighting up his eyes.
ââbut I canât go out with you.â
His face falls, the hope extinguished as quickly as it appeared. âWhy not?â
âYouâre not boyfriend material. Youâre real rough around the edges.â
He looks desperate, pleading almost. âYou can help with that!â
"Adam, I'm not going to fix you. You need to fix yourself before we even consider going out. And that starts with a proper apology. A meaningful one, not just because you want me to forgive you."
For once, he shuts up and nods. "Okay. I'm sorry."
"Nice try. I'll give you some time," you reply firmly, holding your ground.
Adam looks at you, seeming to understand the gravity of what you're asking for. He nods again, more earnestly this time. "I'll do better. I promise."
You give him a small, cautious smile. "I hope so, Adam."
With that, you turn and walk away, leaving him to contemplate his actions and words. It's a step forward, albeit a small one, and you're hopeful that he'll take the time to reflect and make the changes necessary. For now, you're content to wait and see what happens next.
â
The next day at rehearsal, when you walk in, Adam waves at you from a distance. You appreciate the space he's giving you; being around him still leaves your head spinning. The rehearsal proceeds smoothly, with everyone focused on their roles and scenes.
As you go through the routines and lines, you find yourself immersed in the production, trying to put the recent events with Adam aside. Your performance is your focus now, and you're determined to give it your best despite the distractions.
During breaks, you catch glimpses of Adam occasionally glancing your way, but he doesn't approach you. Part of you wonders if he's taking your words to heart and giving you the space you need. It's a relief in some ways, but also leaves you with a lingering sense of uncertainty about where things stand between you.
â
Itâs finally sitzprobe time, which means itâs the first time the cast gets to sing along with the band, and not just Adamâs accompaniment. Usually, youâd be a bit nervous about rehearsing with Adam, but heâs been surprisingly respectful with your distance.
That, youâre incredibly grateful for, as opening night looming closer and closer, you havenât had time to think about romance or drama or whatever. Your free time has been spent going over lines, rehearsing your music, and stressing over this show. Basically, your life is now revolving around your production of Little Shop.
You wouldnât have it any other way.
You were all herded into the music room, music stands holding bindersâ or for the less prepared, loose papers. The actors were pushed to the back of the area to make room for the bandâs equipment.
You flip through your binder, mentally going over your music in your head. The sitzprobe was to start in a few minutes, so you were making sure to have everything down. Since you were just singing along with the band, you didnât need to worry about lines or blockingâ just your music.
As the band fine-tunes their equipment, the room is filled with a low hum of anticipation. Adam, with his guitar perched on his thigh, looks focused as he adjusts his amp chord. The heat and the crowded space have left a sheen of sweat on his forehead, causing his messy hair to stick to his skin. You catch yourself biting your lip at the sight, your mind momentarily drifting despite your best efforts to stay focused on the rehearsal.
When he meets your eyeâ because of course he wouldâ you almost look away. But you donât. Instead, you hold his gaze, feeling bold. He stares back. From your side, you hear Quinn call your name.
âDo you have a spare pencil?â
You look over to see Quinnâs backpack completely turned inside out in search of a pencil. You laugh before handing him one of your extras. You nod at his quick and embarrassed âthanksâ before looking back to adamâ
âWho is still watching you.
You feel yourself blushing under his warm gaze, your cheeks tinged with a faint pink hue. Despite your shyness, you manage to muster a timid smile. His response is a surprisingly sweet smile that melts your nerves and sends a flutter through your heart.
This time, it's he who breaks the gaze, turning away to start tuning his guitar. Each testing strum reverberates loudly through his amp, filling the room with its vibrant sound. With every chord he adjusts, you feel yourself grow more and more hot under the collar.
So he looks sexy playing guitarâ go fuck yourself!
When itâs time for the sitzprobe to actually start, you almost miss your cue, too distracted watching Adam. Heâs completely focused on his guitar, and youâre completely focused on him. Can you blame yourself, though?
Eventually, it's your turn to sing, and you hear the familiar notes creeping in. Taking a deep breath, you belt out the song with all your heart. A smile spreads across your face as you feel the electric guitar blending beautifully with your voice.
â
Before you knew it, tech week had sneaked up on you. With opening night just around the corner, the days leading up to it were a whirlwind of adding the finishing touchesâadjusting lights, fine-tuning sound levels, and perfecting costumes down to every last detail.
Today's agenda had been slated for running through lighting cues and honing the synchronization between your voice and the Audrey II puppet; You were eager to finally meet the puppeteer who would bring your character to life. However, upon meeting her, despite her incredible talents, it didnât seem like she wanted to be there very much. Or maybe that was just her serious RBF. So instead, you spent your breaks avoiding her.
Since today was focused solely on lights, the band wasn't called in. Despite your best efforts to downplay it, you couldn't shake the disappointment that settled in. After the last sitzprobe, you had been eagerly anticipating another chance to watch Adam shred his guitar. The thought of his skilled fingers dancing over the strings made your mouth water.
Not that youâd admit it, though.
After checking in with the stage manager to confirm your attendance, you heaved your monster-sized duffel bag towards the dressing room. The door protested with a loud squeal as you pushed it open, prompting a wince from you. However, your expression quickly turned into a wide grin when you realized you had the dressing room all to yourself for now. It was a rare moment of tranquility before the whirlwind of preparations beganâa brief calm before the storm of tech week.
As you approach your designated spot at the mirrors, you're taken aback by what you find. Sitting neatly on your seat is a fresh bottle of water and a thermos. Intrigued and slightly skeptical, you twist open the thermos lid and bring it close to your nose, taking a cautious sniff. A smile spreads across your face when you recognize the familiar scent of throat coat tea. Score!
You hesitate, momentarily questioning if you should be tampering with these items, worried they might have been placed at your station by mistake. Yet, your curiosity gets the better of you when you notice a card tucked behind the water bottle. With cautious fingers, you pick it up, finding your name neatly written on the back. Perplexed, you carefully tear open the envelope and pull out the card.
"Break a leg. Or whatever the fuck you say. This isn't an apology. Not yet. You deserve something better than a card."
You notice a few lines that have been crossed out, suggesting some hesitation or revision. But at the end, it's signed with a heartâ
"Adam"
Giddy butterflies fluttered in your stomach, and this time, instead of brushing them aside, you allowed yourself to revel in the sensation of hope and happiness. It felt absolutely wonderful.
You opened the thermos once more, letting the comforting scent of throat coat tea waft out, and took your first sip. The warm, soothing liquid eased your nerves as you continued to prepare for rehearsal. You carried the thermos with you out onto the stage, still taking generous sips. .
Mid-sip, you choke slightly as your eyes meet Adam's in the audience. There's a moment of surprise, followed by a rush of warmth when you see the pleasedâno, relievedâexpression on his face as he notices you enjoying his gift. With the hopeful butterflies still fluttering in your stomach, you can't help but smile and wave in his direction, a silent acknowledgment of gratitude.
He blinks in surprise before a warm smile spreads across his face, and he waves back. It becomes clear that seeing you enjoy his gesture was his sole purpose for being here today. With a practiced casualness, he slips his hands into his pockets and begins to make his way towards the exit. For once, youâre the one watching him go.
You totally look at his butt while he walks.
â
The past two days of tech week had been long and grueling, each hour stretching into what felt like an eternity. Yet, somehow, you managed to push through, thanks in large part to an alarming abundance of energy drinks. Who could blame you, though? The relentless schedule demanded it.
You'd developed a strategic habit of stashing energy drinks in every conceivable spotâyour bag, your dorm room, and especially your dressing room. This way, no matter where you were, a quick jolt of caffeine was always within arm's reach.
Today, as you arrived at rehearsal, you polished off yet another can and felt the familiar pang of needing a refill. Without a second thought, you made a beeline for the dressing room, determined to grab another energy drink before diving back into the demanding pace of tech week.
Now that the lights and sounds had been meticulously carved out, the band was invited back today to perform with everyone. You had already run through the show once, which meant it was now time for a break before notes and then another run-through.
You felt a wave of relief wash over you at the thought of a second run-through. The first one hadn't been your best, and you couldnât help but replay every minor mistake in your mind. Although you knew you were your own harshest critic, you couldn't shake the desire for perfection. This show was important to you, and you desperately needed it to go well.
You finally reached the dressing room door, grateful for a moment of solitude. Everyone else was taking their water break and snacking in the lobby, leaving you the dressing room all to yourself, which you always appreciated. The quiet space provided a welcome respite from the chaos outside.
Plopping yourself down in your seat, you rummaged through your belongings in search of another energy drink. When your fingers finally closed around the familiar can (thank god), you quickly pushed on the tab to open it, savoring the crisp sound of the release. Without hesitation, you took a big gulp, feeling the rush of caffeine invigorate your senses.
Suddenly, as you were wiping your mouth on your shirt sleeve, a knock echoed through the dressing room door. Rolling your eyes, you assumed it was someone from the neighboring dressing room, probably looking for more hairspray or some other last-minute item.
However, what greeted you when you swung open the door was entirely unexpected. Instead of a fellow cast member, you found yourself face-to-face with a gigantic piece of poster paper. It took a moment for your eyes to adjust and process the sight in front of you.
"Pretend it's your director," the poster read in bold, messy letters.
"Um," you muttered, looking around in confusion. "I'm the only one in here..."
Before you could make sense of it, Adam's head popped up from behind the poster board. Of courseâit had to be him. He looked absolutely giddy, a mischievous grin spreading across his face as he took in your bewildered expression.
âAt least pretend,â he playfully pouts, his eyes twinkling. It's surprising to see him in such a good mood.
âOkay, okay,â you relent, laughing. You canât help but join in on his contagious amusement.
He flips the poster.
âWith any luck, by next year,â it reads.
He flips it again.
âIâll be going out with one of these people.â
The next flip reveals a collage of different models and celebrities. Despite yourself, you can't help but burst into laughter.
âAre you stealing this from Love, Actually?â you ask, grinning.
âShhh, donât spoil the surprise,â he replies, putting a finger to his lips dramatically.
âBut for now, let me say,â
âWithout hope or agendaâ
âJust because its tech weekââ
â(And at tech week you tell the truth)â
ââŚIâm sorryâ
You raise your eyebrows in surprise, setting aside the signs to focus fully on him. His playful demeanor has shifted subtly, revealing a softer, more vulnerable side. His gaze meets yours, and you notice a hint of bashfulness in his expression. His Adamâs apple bobs noticeably as he swallows, the tension palpable in the quiet moment between you.
âIâm sorry,â he begins, taking a deep breath before the words tumble out in a rush. âIâm sorry I messed with your puppet, and Iâm also sorry I flirted with Sadai. You made this whole point about how it upset Quinn. You didnât say it, but I knew it upset you, too.â
He pauses, searching your face for your reaction. When you nod encouragingly, he continues, his voice earnest.
âItâs⌠why I did it. I hoped you would have confessed to me. But instead it hurt you. And so then I messed with your puppet because Iâd rather you be mad than sad, but you still were and I was a dick. Iâm really, really sorry. Iâll even get on my knees. Iââ
"Adam," you interrupt softly.
He flinches, expecting a different reactionâperhaps yelling, tears, or a freak-out. What he doesnât expect is for you to lean in and give him a gentle peck on the cheek.
Adam blinks in surprise, his eyes widening as he processes the unexpected gesture. His cheeks flush slightly, and for a moment, he's at a loss for words.
âI forgive you,â you say softly, leaning back into your own space.
His mouth opens and closes like a fish gasping for air, before a dopey smile spreads across his face, lighting up his features.
âI still feel like I need to make it up to you,â he admits, his voice tinged with relief and happiness, as if he's floating on cloud nine.
âYou will,â you reply with a knowing smile.
âI will,â he agrees, a look of determination settling in his eyes as he finally comes back down to earth. He smiles at you, then places his hands on your shoulders with a resolute expression.âThis doesnât mean weâre going out yet, though. I need to sweep you off your feet.â
You canât help but laugh at his declaration. âIs that so?â
âAbsolutely,â he replies, his eyes twinkling with a mix of seriousness and playfulness. âYou deserve the best, and Iâm going to prove that I can give it to you.â
Touched by his sincerity, you nod. âAlright, Adam. Iâm looking forward to it.â
He nods, then raps his fist on the door frame. âWelp, looks like we better get back to rehearsalâŚâ
You hum in agreement. âYepâŚâ
A moment of stillness hangs between you before you grab him by his shirt collar and tug him forward. He grins the whole way, eyes sparkling with anticipation. You plant a kiss on his mouth, and he smiles through it, pressing his lips firmly against yours. The kiss is brief but charged, lasting only a second before you both pull away.
âWell!â you bring your hands together in a loud clap, bashfully embarrassing his eyes. âGotta go!â
â
The next day, after a long rehearsal, you start packing up to head to dinner. As you're in the middle of a conversation with one of your castmates, your phone buzzes with a notification. You pick it up from the dressing room table, pausing mid-sentence to glance at the screen.
You tilt your head in confusion as you see that the notification is from a random number.
UNKNOWN
You hesitantly click on the attachment, and a video begins to play on your phone screen.
The video is of your song "Feed Me." You watch in awe as the puppet comes to life, synchronized perfectly with your voice. This is the first time you've seen yourself perform as Audrey II, and you find yourself captivated by the seamless blend of your vocals and the puppeteer's movements.
Surprisingly, youâre impressed with your own performance. Your voice sounds powerful and emotive, carrying the song with confidence and flair. Watching the puppet and hearing your own vocals, you realize just how much you've accomplished. A sense of pride washes over you, mixed with a touch of disbelief.
The video is taken from the pit of the stage, where the band is located. You notice the phone recording is propped up on what you assume is a music stand, angled perfectly to capture the stage. A hint of suspicion about who took the video begins to form in your mind.
Your suspicions are confirmed when, after the song ends, you hear an enthusiastic whoop and holler from behind the phone. A drumstick suddenly appears, swinging into view, and you hear Adam curse loudly, likely having been smacked with the stick. The unexpected moment makes you giggle; the scene is endearing and somewhat cute.
When you click out of the video, your phone buzzes again.
UNKNOWN You were super good. -your secret admirer
You can't help but smile as you type back.
YOU Adam
A moment later, your phone buzzes again with a quick response.
UNKNOWN Dammit.
You quickly add his number to your contacts, labeling it with a fond smile. As you finish, you glance up and catch sight of yourself in the dressing room mirror. The realization that you're grinning from ear to ear makes you blush. Your cheeks warm, and you canât help but laugh softly at yourself.
ADAM Wanna sit next to each other at dinner I wonât bite And I know you wonât either ;]
YOU Are you gonna flirt with Sadai again
ADAM Okay so apparently you /will/ bite. And no I will not.
YOU Then yes
ADAM Ok Iâm boutta leave Iâll save you a seat
Just as you're about to put your phone away, another notification pops up. You open it to find a selfie of Adam, flashing a peace sign with a goofy grin. The only caption reads, âAm I kawaii?â
You laugh but decide not to respond, clicking your phone off with a shake of your head.
Determined to get to the restaurant, you gather all your belongings and throw them into your duffel bag. Slinging it over your shoulder, you take one last glance around the dressing room, feeling a mix of excitement and satisfaction.
As you step out into the bustling hallway, you feel lighter, a spring in your step as you head towards the exit.
With your head down, still thinking about Adamâs ridiculous text, you almost run face-first into Quinn. He steps back just in time, and based on his expectant expression, you already know what he's going to ask.
âYes, I can give you a ride.â
He cheekily smiles, his eyes lighting up. âSick.â
You both walk to your car in silence. Once inside, you unlock it and slide into the driverâs seat. As you click your seatbelt in place and adjust the rearview mirror, Quinn awkwardly coughs, breaking the quiet.
âSo,â he starts, his voice a bit uneven, as if heâs unsure. âYou and Adam.â
âMe and Adam?â you prompt, glancing over at him.
âAre yâall⌠a thing now?â he asks, his curiosity evident.
You awkwardly shrug as you turn on the car ignition and begin to back out of your parking spot. Technically, you aren't lying. Adam hasnât asked you out yet, but you did kissâit's like some sort of limbo.
âAre you just going to look past his dick actions?â Quinn asks, his tone a mix of concern and curiosity.
âHe apologized. Like, actually. It was this whole thing,â you explain, trying to convey the sincerity of Adamâs apology.
âOh,â Quinn replies, looking down, his fingers fidgeting with the hem of his shirt.
You get on the road and steal a quick glance at Quinn. Heâs anxiously bouncing his knees, his shoulders as taut as a rubber band.
âSo, you and Sadai.â
âMe and Sadai,â he echoes, his voice carrying a hint of tension.
You roll to a stop at a red light, keeping your eyes forward as you attempt to carefully breach the topic. He hasnât stopped bouncing his legs.
âHave yâall talked after that night?â you ask gently.
âNo,â he replies, his tone clipped and filled with frustration.
You click your tongue thoughtfully. âMaybe you should.â
âYeah, maybeâŚâ
You canât take it anymore. The words burst out of you before you can stop them. âSadai and Adam only flirted to make us jealous!â
Quinnâs legs stop bouncing, and he perks up, suddenly full of energy. âI knew it!â he exclaims, a triumphant look on his face.
You laugh, relieved to have finally admitted that information. But then you pause, realizing something. âWhat do you mean you knew it? And you didnât tell me?â
âWell, you didnât tell me!â Quinn laughs.
âTouchĂŠâŚâ
âBut yeah, no!â He sits back in his chair, a smug look on his face. âI totally knew it! They kept looking at us!â
You frown, trying to remember. âThey did?â
âYes! And when we left, Jared said they just... stopped talking to each other entirely!â
You groan, facepalming. âOh my god.â
Eventually, you both pull into the parking lot of the restaurant. You park your car and step out, Quinn following suit.
âUh, hey guys.â
You turn to see Sadai perched on the sidewalk, standing up and brushing off any dirt as she sees you. Her expression is tentative, eyes flicking nervously between you and Quinn.
You glance between Sadai and Quinn, noticing the tension in the air. Quinnâs eyes are locked on Sadai, a mix of emotions playing across his face. Just as he moves to open your car door, clearly trying to escape the situation, you quickly press the lock button.
He tugs at the car door handle, but the door remains firmly shut. His frustration becomes apparent as he glares at you, a mixture of betrayal and disbelief on his face. His eyes dart between you and Sadai, his shoulders slumping in resignation.
You stand firm, meeting his gaze with a resolute expression. âAdamâs waiting for me. Donât take too long,â you say, your tone carrying a hint of finality.
With that, you turn on your heel and walk towards the restaurant entrance, trying to ignore the uneasy feeling in your stomach. You can feel Quinnâs eyes boring into your back as you move away, his disapproval palpable even from behind. You almost falter, a pang of guilt hitting you for leaving him to face this conversation alone. But you remind yourself that sometimes, facing uncomfortable truths is necessary for growth and resolution.
You push open the restaurant door and step inside, the lively hum of conversation and clinking cutlery greeting you warmly. Your eyes scan the room, quickly locating your table. A wave of relief washes over you as you spot Adam among your friends, seated comfortably towards the middle of the group.
You wave hi to everyone, your smile widening when you see the empty seat next to Adam. You make your way over, feeling a mix of excitement and relief.
âHey, dickwad!â you call out playfully.
Adamâs head snaps up at the sound of your voice. His face lights up instantly, his smile spreading from ear to ear. The sight makes your heart flutter, just a little, as you approach him.
âHey, bitch!â he responds with equal enthusiasm, waving you over. âI saved you a seat!â
He pats the seat next to him, and you slide in with a smile. As soon as youâre settled, Adam wraps an arm around your shoulders, giving you a playful half-hug. The gesture feels warm and comforting, a stark contrast to the awkwardness you left behind outside.
âHowâd you like the video?â he asks, his voice light and full of enthusiasm. âArenât you just the best?â
You feel your cheeks warm under his praise, and you duck your head slightly, a shy smile tugging at your lips. âMy favorite part was when you got hit with the drumstick,â you admit, your eyes twinkling with amusement.
Adam dramatically groans, pulling his arm away and releasing you. âI really thought I cut that part outâŚâ he says, pretending to be exasperated.
You laugh, the sound genuine and joyful, and it feels good to let go of the dayâs stress. Reaching for the menu, you start browsing through the options, feeling the familiar sense of comfort and relaxation settle over you as the conversation flows around the table.
As time passes, you find yourself genuinely enjoying dinner. The food is delicious, and the atmosphere is lively and warm. Adam is surprisingly attentive throughout the meal, making a point to include you in all his conversations. He listens intently to your stories and takes an active interest in the topics you bring up. His easygoing nature and the way he makes you feel heard only add to the eveningâs enjoyment.
Despite the pleasant distraction, your mind occasionally drifts to the Quinn-and-Sadai-shaped hole in the group dynamic. Theyâve been outside talking for what feels like forever, even after your food arrived. The minutes tick by, and you start to wonder whatâs going on.
Just as youâre nearing the end of your meal, you catch sight of them finally making their way inside. Your gaze naturally shifts towards the entrance, and your eyes widen in surprise when you see them walking hand in hand.
Your jaw drops in surprise as you watch Quinn and Sadai approach the table, their hands intertwined. You glance over at Adam, who is mid-bite into a juicy rib, his mouth full and his eyebrows raised in curiosity.
You nudge his attention towards Quinn and Sadai. Adamâs eyes follow your gesture, and as he takes in the sight of them holding hands, his face lights up with genuine excitement and happiness.
âTheyâre holding hands!â you exclaim, unable to keep the delight out of your voice.
Quinn and Sadai settle into the only available spotsâ a table a few feet away from you. Without a second thought, you peel yourself off your seat, nearly bumping into other diners as you practically race to Quinn.
As you approach, you come up behind him and place your hands firmly on his shoulders. The sudden contact startles him, and he turns his head slightly, looking up at you with a mix of surprise and confusion.
You lean in slightly, a mischievous grin playing on your lips. âHey,â you say softly. âI need to use the restroom. Care to accompany me?â You tighten your grip on Quinnâs shoulders just enough to make it clear that this is not up for debate.
Quinn chokes, his eyes widening in surprise. âY-yeah. Thatâs all good. Let me justâŚâ
He stumbles slightly as he stands up, clearly flustered. Your hands fall away from his shoulders, and he avoids making eye contact as you start walking toward the bathroom. You let him be, content to lead the way
Youâre seriously getting deja vu from the last cast dinner.
Quinn, trying to maintain a nonchalant demeanor, shrugs casually. However, a telltale smile tugs at the corners of his lips, betraying his genuine happiness. âWe talked,â he says simply, though the glimmer in his eyes suggests thereâs more to the story.
You place your hands on your hips, trying to hide your impatience. âYou have to give me the details! Now!â
Quinn chuckles, shaking his head. âThereâs too many details to go over right now. Iâll just call you tonight and fill you in.â
You sigh dramatically but canât help but smile at the thought of hearing all the juicy details later. âOkay, okay fine,â you concede. âI wasnât kidding about needing to pee, though. Wait here for me, okay?â
After you finish up in the restroom, you and Quinn walk back towards your respective tables. As you reach his table, you pause for a moment and give him a quick, affectionate ruffle of his hair. The gesture is filled with genuine excitement and happiness for him.
âYou really deserve good things,â you say warmly, your voice brimming with sincerity. âIâm so glad you and Sadai worked things out.â
Quinn's face lights up with a grateful smile, and he nods appreciatively. âThanks for everything. Iâll fill you in on all the details tonight.â
You give him a final encouraging nod before turning back towards your table.
You slide back into your seat next to Adam, and immediately notice his subtle attempts to inch closer to you. His movements are slow and deliberate, as though heâs trying to discreetly close the gap between you without drawing too much attention.
For the fun of itâand maybe because you actually enjoy the closenessâyou let him continue his subtle advances. You shift just a bit, allowing him to inch closer. His arm brushes against yours, and you can feel the warmth of his body next to yours.
Adam seems to sense your willingness and takes the opportunity to move a bit closer. His shoulder lightly brushes against yours, and he offers a soft, satisfied smile, clearly pleased with the closeness.
As you settle back into your seat, you feel Adamâs mouth come close to your ear. His breath tickles your skin as he murmurs, âWanna get out of here?â
You turn your head slightly, catching the playful glint in his eyes, and nudge him away with a light shove. âI need to pay, dipshit,â you reply with a teasing edge to your voice.
Adamâs face lights up with a smirk, clearly pleased with his little revelation. âOh, I already took care of it,â he says, his tone almost smug. He reaches over and gently brushes a stray strand of hair behind your ear, his touch tender and reassuring.
You blink in surprise, your eyes widening. âWhat??â
He chuckles softly, his smile widening at your reaction. âYep. Iâve got it covered, baby. It was getting late, and you need to rest up for tech week.â
You let Adam guide you out of the restaurant, feeling a mix of excitement and contentment. As you walk towards the exit, you turn back to give a cheerful wave to the rest of your castmates, your smile wide and genuine. âGoodbye, everyone!â you call out, your voice full of warmth.
Your thoughts briefly drift to Quinn, who are likely only now getting their food. Youâre confident that heâll be just fine to ride home with Sadai.
As you approach your car, Adam walks beside you, his hand still gently holding yours. When you reach the driverâs side, he steps back to let you unlock the door. Youâre pleasantly surprised by his gentlemanly gesture as he opens it for you with a wide grin.
You look up at him, your eyebrows raised in playful suspicion. âDid you make me leave early just so you could have a kiss?â you ask, your tone light but teasing.
Adamâs grin widens, and he gives a mock sheepish shrug. âYa caught me,â
You roll your eyes with a playful sigh, feeling the warmth of the moment. Gently, you cup Adamâs face in your hands, and he melts into your touch, his expression softening into a dopey smile. His eyes flutter closed, and he purses his lips expectantly. You meet him halfway, leaning in for a kiss.
The kiss is sweet and brief, lasting only a second, but itâs filled with an undeniable connection. Youâre pleasantly surprised when he doesnât try to sneak in any tongue action; instead, he keeps it tender and simple. When you pull away, he surprises you again by planting a quick kiss on your forehead, his touch light and affectionate.
Before you can react, Adamâs hand gives your backside a playful smack, and he bursts into laughter. âAdam!â you gasp, your face flushing with a mix of shock and amusement.
He chuckles heartily, his eyes sparkling with mischief, and begins to sprint away towards his car. You watch him run, laughing at the impish grin on his face as he disappears into the distance
What a guy.
â
Youâre sprawled out on your stomach, idly kicking your legs in the air, when you hear a knock on your dorm room door. Assuming itâs your roommate whoâs forgotten their card key yet again, you roll off your bed with a sigh and pad over to the door, swinging it open without a second thought.
âHeeeeyyyyyy bitch,â a familiar voice greets you.
Your eyes widen in surprise as you take in the sight of Adam leaning casually against the door frame. In one hand, heâs holding a loaf of bread, and in the other, a steaming cup of what you assume is coffee.
âWhy are you here?â you ask, the surprise evident in your voice. âHow are you here?â
âRemember that one time I walked you home? Yep. Took a picture of your room number so Iâd never forget.â
You feel a mix of emotionsâboth a little creeped out by the fact that he remembered your room number like that, and oddly flattered by his dedication.
âSo,â you say, tapping on the doorframe. âwhatâre you doing here?â
Adamâs grin broadens. âI was thinking about taking a walk around campus. Care to join me?â
You glance down at the loaf of bread in his hand, then back up at him. âDo you need to put that down or...?â
âNah.â Adam slaps the loaf lightly, careful not to crush it. âThis big guy will be joining us.â
âUm, okay.â You smile, amused and curious. âWhy?â
Adam tugs at his collar, a bit sheepishly. âI was hoping to take you to the lake down by the library. Maybe feed the baby ducks.â
You canât help but melt a little. âAww, cute!â you say, and Adam ducks his head, a blush creeping up his cheeks.
âLet me go change out of my nasty pajamas,â you add, stepping back into your room.
âAw, but I like the bed head,â he teases, reaching out to ruffle your hair. You push him off, swatting him playfully until he steps out into the hall.
âGive me a minute,â you call out as you close the door. You quickly change into something more suitable for a walk around campus, then open the door to find Adam engrossed in his phone. When he notices you, he clicks it off and smiles, eyes lighting up.
âHere.â He shoves the hot drink towards you. Confused, you glance up at him through your lashes. He quickly explains, âI bought you an herbal tea. Figured itâd help for tech week.â
Your eyebrows quirk up in surprise, and a slight blush fills your cheeks at the thoughtfulness of it all. âAw, Adam, you didnât have to.â
âI know. Just wanted to.â He shrugs, but thereâs a genuine warmth in his eyes.
You two had walked the expanse of the campus, mindlessly chatting. It was surprisingly pleasant, and you found yourself enjoying the conversation as you sipped on your tea. It was a bit bitter, but you appreciated the gesture, knowing it would help during tech week. When you finished, you quickly tossed the empty cup in the nearest trash.
Adam was just as bold and brash as ever, but as you looked past his jokes and playful banter, you noticed the subtle signs of his nervousness. The way he kept squeezing the loaf of bread, squishing the slices between his fingers, was almost too endearing. For someone who usually plays it so cool, seeing him so anxious about something as simple as feeding ducks made him seem more genuine.
You couldn't help but smile, appreciating this different side of him. It was clear he was trying hard to make the day special for you, and his nervousness only made the gesture more touching.
You eventually find yourself at the libraryâs lake, the peaceful setting a perfect backdrop for your outing. The ducks are a welcome distraction, and you both sit shoulder-to-shoulder, enjoying the serene atmosphere. The sun casts a warm glow over the water, and you canât help but feel content.
Youâre deep in conversation about the oddest things when you spot the baby ducks. Your excitement bubbles up, and you grab Adamâs arm, pointing towards the tiny, fluffy creatures. He turns to look and immediately lights up, a soft smile spreading across his face. He places his hand over yours, giving it a gentle squeeze before reaching into the loaf of bread he brought.
You both begin tearing off small pieces of bread and tossing them into the water. The ducks quickly flock to the crumbs, their tiny beaks pecking eagerly. You take turns feeding them, each small piece met with a flurry of happy quacks and paddling.
As one particularly brave baby duck waddles up almost to your feet, you struggle to contain a squeal of delight. The sheer cuteness of the moment makes your heart flutter. Adam chuckles beside you, clearly amused by your reaction.
That doesnt last long, however.
You hear a dramatic gasp of offense before some short, blond twink comes angrily waddling towards you both. Adam, upon spotting him, immediately glowers.
âUm, hey..?â You greet, unsure of the appropriate response.
The blond ignores you in favor of pointing a sharp finger towards the loaf in your hands.
âIs that bread?â He asks, incredulous.
âYes?â
He furrows his brows and puffs out his chest. âAnd youâre feeding it to the ducks?â
You look to Adam for reassurance, however heâs too busy glaring daggers at the short man. ââŚyes?â
The man lets out an ignified squawk. âYou canât do that! Youâll fill them up with nutrition-less food, and then they wonât have an appetite for their actual diet! Are you insane?â
You sheepishly tug the loaf of bread behind your back, hiding it from the man. âSorry.â
He goes to say something else, before finally noticing Adam next to you. His eyes dart between you both before coming to some sort of conclusion. His once offended face splits into a smug grin. You donât like how heâs looking at you.
And apparently neither does Adam, because heâs maneuvering you to stand up. Before he gets a chance to turn you around, the man grabs your hand and starts shaking it.
âHow rude of Adam to not introduce us! The nameâs Lucius, but you can call me Lulu.â The man, Lucius, purrs.
You wrinkle your nose. âYou want me to call you lulu?â
Adam forces his way between you both, managing to make Lucius let go of you. Youâre thankful for him not to be touching you anymore. âAlright, cunt, leave them alone. Youâve already taken two, that should be enough.â
Youâre somewhat offended to be reduced to some number, but your confusion stops you. Whatever dick measuring contest the two of them are holding right now, you want no part of it. âAdam, relax. Heâs just upset about the bread.â
âLike hell he is! Thatâs how he gets you!
âGets me to do what?â
You look between Lucius, whoâs smirking and whistling like heâs in a cartoon, and Adam, whoâs staring at the ground with a deep scowl. You feel like youâre missing something big, like thereâs an inside joke youâre not a part of. The situation is honestly frustrating.
âGets me to do what?!â You repeat.
Lucius ignores your question. âYou know, youâre rather pretty, arenât you?â
. âDonât.â Adam says.
Lucius goes for a more personal approach, reaching out to brush a strand of hair from your face. You instinctively dodge his hand, but he doesnât seem deterred. Instead, he rakes his fingers down past your head, his touch lingering as he toys with your shirt collar. His eyes glint with mischief as he leans in closer. âWhatâs a pretty thing like you doing slumping around a tool like Adam?â
âLuciusâŚâ. Adam warns.
âBetter to run while you still can.â Lucius laughs. You donât think itâs very funny. âNo one ever stays with him for too long, and itâs better to not find out why. â
Adamâs shoulders slump as his anger melts into hurt. He grumbles something under his breath before turning on his heel and marching off, leaving you standing there with Lucius. You watch him walk away, feeling a pang of disappointment at his sudden departure.
Lucius catches your gaze, his eyes filled with what seems like pity, and it makes you bristle. How dare he assume he knows more about your relationship with Adam than you do? The audacity of this man, whoâs clearly intruding on your time together, is infuriating.
Before you have a chance to voice your frustration, Luciusâs lips curl into a reassuring smile. But something about it is far from comforting. The smile exposes unnaturally sharp teeth, making you feel even more uneasy.
You nervously flash him an almost-smile before scurrying off to join Adam. He seems honest-to-god surprised you chose him over that other guy, which is sort of rude, but you try to look past it. âWhatâs up with you?â
âNothing.â He grunts.
âOkayyyâŚ? Then where are we going? I thought we were getting lunch.â
It looks like it hurts him to say whateverâs next. âNo. Iâm taking you home.â
âWhy? I thought we were going on a date?â
âBecause.â He swallowed hard. âThe date was ruined.â
You raise an eyebrow, taking a second. You know not to take it to heartâ poor dudeâs ego was just watered down right in front of him. So you choose a different approach. âRuined?â
Adam, still sulking, nods his head. âRuined.â
âDo you think it was ruined?â
âNo, but you do.â
You scrunch your face up. âI do? Since when?â
Adam finally looks up from the floor and into your eyes. Heâs a bit more energetic than before. ���Since Lulu came in and ruined it?â
âFirst off, donât call him that. Second off, he was just some crazy twink! What, did you think I was gonna run off with him into the night just because he gave me a compliment?â
âThe others did.â
Okay, now you really are confused. âThe others?â
Adam rolls his eyes, but not at you. He huffs and sits down on the nearest bench, encouraging you to follow. When you do, he grabs the bread from you, opens it, and starts absentmindedly chewing on a slice.
âI used to have two girlfriends. Not at the same time, though. Thatâd be way too much drama to deal with.â
Nice to know that thatâs where he draws the lineâŚ
âBut Luciferââ
âLucifer?â You balk.
He rolls his eyes and corrects himself. âLucius set sights on both of them. When I wasnât looking, he went behind my back and swept them off their feet. Both of them!!! Both of them chose him over me! So excuse me for getting upset when I thought you would too!â
A pang of sympathy plays at your heart, and it takes everything in you to not pull him into a tight hug and never let go. Sure, Adamâs a jerk. A cocky, jerky, dickhole. But heâs been sweet to you. And funny. And thoughtful.
âWell Iâm not like your other two girlfriends, am I?â You carefully say.
Adam looks at you with a confused expression, not exactly sure on where youâre going with this. ââŚno.â
âThen Adam,â you reach for him and feel awful when he flinches away. However, you keep going and manage to pet his hair. âWhy would I run away? I want you, plain and simple. Iâm still waiting for you to ask me out, ya know.â
Despite everything, he bashfully smiles and looks away. âYeah, alright. I get it.â
âDo you?â
He looks to you, really looks. And finallyâ âI do.â
You both stare at each other for a second. Youâve never seen this side of Adam beforeâ vulnerable and open. Itâs addicting, and you want more of it. You want to know him inside and out. Before you can think of the overwhelming ache in your bones, youâre standing again and brushing off your clothes.
âAlright, Adam, baby.â Your voice is still soft with emotion. You reach towards him and smile when he grabs ahold of your hand with no hesitation. âLetâs keep walking.â
You pull Adam up, and he follows your lead with ease. As he stands, he doesnât let go of your hand, holding on tightly. His face is a mixture of emotionsâpinched tight with tension and his eyes a bit glossy, but heâs still smiling. Itâs a vulnerable sight, and your heart aches for him.
âAre you okay?â you ask softly, concerned.
Adam brings his free hand up, roughly wiping at his face as if trying to clear away the emotions that are threatening to spill over. âYeah. Yeah, I just⌠I donât know. I kind of expected you to run away after all that. Iâm just relieved.â
Seeing his struggle, you squeeze his hand reassuringly. The touch is gentle but firm, a silent promise that youâre here for him. He squeezes back, and you both stand there for a moment, connected by this simple but meaningful gesture.
The air between you feels lighter, filled with an unspoken understanding. You take a deep breath, feeling the weight of the dayâs emotions start to lift. With a comforting smile, you nod toward the path. ââŚwanna go get food?â
He laughs. âFuuuuck yes.â
â
Rehearsal later that day was so incredibly hectic, you didnât get a chance to utter even a word to adam. Your time was spent polishing the show, as you opened tomorrow. The thought alone filled your stomach with dread and excitement.
However, after your songs and scenes, Adam did let out a few cheers. Of course, that led to him getting reprimanded while the director sat you down and gave you notes. You tried to get a peek at him, but he was too far and you were too busy jotting down your notes. Once he was done getting scolded from the conductor, he walked back down to the pit near where you were sat. He caught your eye and, despite having been dug into moments prior, brightly smiled at you. Your heart ached.
Eventually, rehearsal was called to an end. You were grateful that class had gotten canceled tomorrow, as you are quite literally dead on your feet. When you feel a pair of hands land on your shoulders, you jump a few feet in the air. You spin to see Adam, who had grabbed your bag before you could. He slung it over his shoulder, juggling his own guitar case, and held out his hand.
You took it, pressing yourself into his side. Normally you most likely wouldn't have done this, but youâre so exhausted so you lean your weight into him. He laughs and removes his hand from yours, instead wrapping it around your shoulders to pull you in. Together, he silently walks you to your dorm.
â
The velvet curtains closed with a final, satisfying thud, and the applause roared through the theater like a crashing wave. After rushing onstage for your bow, you stood center stage, chest heaving with exhilaration and relief. You had done it. The months of rehearsals, the late nights, and the countless hours of self-doubt had all led to this moment.
You could see the faces of the audience, all beaming with appreciation and admiration. But there was only one face you sought out among the crowd. You felt a rush of warmth, knowing Adam had seen you at your best.
As the house lights came up, you made her way backstage, your fellow cast members congratulating each other with hugs and high-fives. You accepted their praise graciously, but your mind was elsewhere.
You knew you had one more performance to deliver tonight.
Finally, the stage manager gave you a nod. It was time to greet the audience in the lobby. You took a deep breath and stepped out, your heart racing in anticipation. The crowd gathered, forming a semi-circle around the cast. Autographs were signed, selfies were taken, and congratulations were exchanged.
And then, there he was. Adam stood at the edge of the crowd, waiting patiently. As their eyes met, your heart skipped a beat. You excused herself from a conversation with an enthusiastic parent and made your way over to him.
"Hey, superstar," Adam greeted with that charming grin that always made your knees feel a little wobbly.
"Hey yourself," you replied, feeling a blush creep up your cheeks. "What did you think?"
He grabbed both your hands, bringing them up to his mouth to press a gentle kiss. âYou were awesome, really. I loved having you sing along with my guitar.â
You giggled, eyes sparkling. âYeah?â
âYeah.â His smile was genuine, the corners of his eyes crinkling. You batted your hands away from him, relishing in his sickly sweet corniness.
âOh?â
âI know people typically get flowers, but they die really quickly, so I thought, âHey! Why not make something!â So I did, but it honestly didnât turn out very well, soââ
âAdam. Just show me, baby,â you interrupted gently.
He bashfully smiled and dug into his pockets, pulling out a pair of car keys. You balked, eyes wide.
âYou got me a fucking car?â
âNo!â he laughed, shaking his head. âItâs in my car.â
With that, you both head outside, Adam's hand resting on the small of your back, guiding you gently through the cool evening air. The sky is painted with the soft hues of twilight, casting a romantic glow over everything. When you reach his car, he glances at you with a mix of excitement and nervousness before popping the trunk. He steps in front of you, effectively blocking your view, heightening the anticipation.
You hear the rustling of items being moved around, and your curiosity piques. Finally, Adam turns around, cradling a large, beautifully arranged gift basket. The basket is wrapped in shimmering cellophane and tied with a big, bright bow. Inside, itâs filled to the brim with your favorite candies and your go-to drinks, each item thoughtfully chosen. Nestled among the treats are several gift cards to your favorite stores and cafes.
Your mouth drops open in surprise, and you quickly cover it with your hand, eyes widening in delight and disbelief. Adam, nervously waiting for your response, shifts from foot to foot
You lurch forward, grabbing the basket from him and carefully placing it back into his trunk. With a burst of impulsive energy, you grab him by his collar and pull him down into a passionate kiss. His lips are warm and soft against yours, and the world around you fades away, leaving just the two of you in this perfect moment.
When you finally pull away, breathless and with your heart racing, you canât help but blurt outâ
âI want you to be my boyfriend.â
Adamâs eyes widen in surprise before his mouth curls into a dopey, joyous smile. âFor real??â he asks, his voice full of hopeful excitement.
âFor real,â you affirm, your own smile spreading wider.
He pumps his fist in a triumphant gesture.
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