#ty for the prompt friend <3 hope you like

[blackjackkent]

Prompt fill for @thedarkstrategist from this ask meme: [ 🛁 ] - running them a bath, Shadowzel.

-----

“She is in pain,” Lae’zel says, pacing back and forth before the bar on the Elfsong’s bottom floor. The ale Karlach purchased for her sits undrunk on the wood bartop; she seems to have forgotten its existence. “And it is a pain I do not know how to soothe,” she growls. “It is maddening.”

“Yeah,” Karlach says, watching Lae’zel’s quick, restless movements with an air of sympathy. “Fucking sucks, when someone you care about is hurting. And this kind of hurt… whoof.” She breathes out, rattling her lips heavily. “I lost my parents, back before the Hells, but at least they went… normally, y’know? Bad fever, overturned cart. Things like that happen to people. This, what she had to do… that’s a whole different ball game…”

“This is not helping,” Lae’zel says curtly.

“I’m commiserating,” Karlach says with a slight shrug. “I don’t really have an answer for you. ‘s not the sort of thing you fix.”

Lae’zel comes to an abrupt halt and turns to face Karlach directly. “There must be something,” she says. “I--” She breaks off abruptly and scowls down at the battered slats of the floor. “You know of these things,” she mutters. “I do not. I must have your help.”

“These things?” Karlach cocks her head slowly to one side.

A pause. Lae’zel flushes, her jaw working with frustration at the struggle to articulate her own feelings. “Romance,” she finally says carefully. Another pause, then suddenly rapid, “No. Not romance. Something more. The gentleness that comes with it. I feel the need for it, but do not know…” She falters, her ears flushing a deep olive. “I do not know what to do.”

“Oh.” Karlach would be tempted to smile, were it not for the fact that Lae’zel looks so terribly agitated. “Well, I’ll let you in on the first secret I know,” she says, “which is that we’re all making this the fuck up as we go along. I certainly am.” She nudges the barstool next to her with her boot toe. “C'mon, sit down."

Lae'zel sits abruptly, a soldier obeying orders. Karlach studies her for a moment thoughtfully. "Y'know," she says slowly after a little while, "sometimes when my engine's real bad, Hec'll just... do things for me. Just so I don't have to. Get my dinner served up, or clean out my armor, that sort of thing. And it helps." She rubs at her jaw. "I think, with this sort of shit... it's not about fixing. Not really. It's about... just being there, and holding some of the weight. Helping her keep living, while she sorts it all out."

Lae'zel considers this with narrowed eyes. "Yes," she says slowly.

Karlach's teeth flash in a cautious grin. "We've got a proper bathroom in our rooms upstairs now. You could draw her a bath, bring her dinner after... give her a night not having to think about anything."

Lae'zel nods. "Yes," she repeats. Her whole body is stock-still except for her fingertips which fidget almost imperceptibly against the floral-carved edge of the bar. 

Karlach's smile softens. "The way Hec tells it - it'll make you feel better too," she says gently. "Maybe feel a little less like your head's eating itself alive." She claps Lae'zel on the shoulder. "Look. We're gonna make this happen," she says. "And I'll help. She likes night orchids, right? I'm gonna go right now over to Bonecloaks and shake that woman down for every blossom she's got, and then Jaheira and me'll take the boys off on an adventure for a while. Leave the rooms upstairs all yours till, say, ten o'clock?"

She doesn't expect thanks - the whole crew, by now, is well aware that Lae'zel doesn't tend to say it out loud. What she does get, though, is a sudden tight grip on her forearm from the gith's long-fingered hand; a gesture of camaraderie - or perhaps the clinging of a drowning woman to a driftwood life raft. "That is... generous," Lae'zel mutters.

"Just doing my part to make love bloom," Karlach says airily.

Lae’zel flinches, her color deepening again. “We have not spoken of love,” she says stiffly.

Karlach lifts her eyebrows innocently. “Oh, are we not saying that part out loud yet?” she asks.

“Kainyank…” Lae’zel grumbles, rolling her eyes - but Karlach notices she doesn’t argue the point.

-----

Shadowheart sits on the bed, leaning against the window, her knees drawn to her chest. She’s dimly aware that the others haven’t come back from dinner yet, but it’s hard to muster the energy to care. Ever since the House of Grief, she’s felt drained, empty, surrounded by the shattered pieces of a world she doesn’t know how to reconstruct yet. She feels broken.

There’s the soft sound of a footstep up the stairs. Rustling movement in the center of the shared floor of their lodgings. The sound of running water from the magical taps in the bathroom. Shadowheart ignores it all, focusing her eyes on the progress of a fly climbing up the outside of the window glass. 

Then-- “Shadowheart?”

Something in her heart loosens just a little, hearing Lae’zel’s voice. It’s astonishing, given how they began, the way that Lae’zel has come to mean protection, and understanding, and calm. Lae’zel is safety in a way that none of the others are, because Lae’zel too has had her life taken apart, and the two of them have built a new one out of the ashes. “Yes,” she says softly, forcing herself to stir and lift her head. “I’m here.”

To her surprise, she finds that Lae’zel is standing watching her with a bundle of deep blue flowers in one hand. The gith shifts awkwardly and then sets the plants down on the nearby table. “I--” she says haltingly. A pause, and then she presses on doggedly as if expecting a burst of laughter from some corner at any moment. “All day you have sat here alone. I have drawn you a bath. Will you come?”

“A bath?” Shadowheart tips her head, mildly bemused.

“Yes.” Lae’zel shifts her weight slowly from one foot to the other. Then she adds, almost sheepishly, “Karlach said it would help.” A pause, then so low Shadowheart almost can’t hear it, “Let me help. Please.”

A sudden tight lump settles in Shadowheart’s throat, making it hard to speak. “Lae’zel--”

“I said I would protect you,” Lae’zel mutters. “But there is no enemy to strike. There is only this. These small things. It is not much, but…” 

“No.” Shadowheart slowly uncurls herself from the tight ball in which she has spent the last few hours. The barest hint of a smile pulls at her lips for the first time in days. It’s not about the bath, not really - she didn’t need or even really want one. It’s the reminder that there is more around her than the impenetrable shadow Shar has draped over her world. That Lae’zel is driving it back with both fists, even when she doesn’t think she knows how.

“No,” she repeats softly. “That sounds perfect.”

[inafieldofdaisies]

💭💭 one for each deputy if you'd like, also not sure if you're still doing them 😂💕

Okay, so your snippet on Grace's surveillance of Calahan totally inspired me to do a POV from him. I so loved the tense undertones to their interaction. <3

Calahan took a deep breath as he searched for his lighter, desperately needing a smoke after another "talk" about his methods with Whitehorse. "For fuck's sake.", he muttered, cigarette hanging from his lips while the zippo was nowhere to be found, then a hand appeared and lit it for him. He took a hungry drag of nicotine before raising his eyes to the good samaritan that had helped him and the "Thank you" he had lined up died in his throat. "You're welcome.", came from the dark haired girl in front of him, the words paired with a sweet smile that chilled his bones. Something ain't right. Hartley wasn't keen on making any type of conversation with anyone with last name Seed, no matter how innocent they presented themselves to be. He knew how deceiving that family could get, how they stopped at nothing for Joseph. He exhaled a cloud of smoke, hoping it would be enough to chase Grace away, but she remained glued to the spot next to him. "Is something wrong, Deputy?" Calahan watched her from the corner of his eye for a beat, gaze trained at the building ahead when he muttered a stern "No." Where usually cold demeanor and curt words used to warn people to back off and leave him in peace in the rare moments where he didn't feel like socializing, here that approach seemed to encourage Grace to push further. To his displeasure, she leaned in closer. Just lovely. Joseph sending me a honeypot now? He wanted to laugh at the idea, but he knew the tactics the bastard used, how he tricked people into joining Eden's Gate. "Fall's End is such a lovely place, so many nice people! I do always enjoy coming here.", she continued, ignoring his silence, not taking any of his hints. He doubted if he waved a flag with "Go away", she'd comply. Two can play this game, sweetheart. He smirked, "Yeah, nice places tend to attract all kinds of folks. At least that makes the troublesome ones more easy to find. They tend to stand out against the rest." And one is right next to me now, no matter how friendly you want to appear. Grace giggled at his comment and he pushed down the urge to roll his eyes, feeling no need to give away he wasn't buying her little act. "Oh, you are so right, Deputy Hartley. Luckily we have keen eyed individuals such as yourself helping to show us the difference.", the smile that followed from her side felt rehearsed and loaded with intent, the sight sparked his anger.

He thought back to his argument with Whitehorse, how his inaction allowed the Seeds to spread their poisonous ideas around the County. Naive old man. How are we going to ever fix this? When Hartley didn't grace her (ha) with an answer, she straightened out her skirt and stepped in front of him in final attempt to lure him in, "Well then, I'll be seeing you, Deputy." She walked away with that and he finally felt like he could breathe, that he could enjoy his cigarette without a Seed's presence clouding his afternoon. He watched Grace until she disappeared out of view, at that moment he heard a familiar giggle, one that was as genuine as it could get and just as contagious. "Uncle Cal!", Savannah called out as Sabrina led her towards him and the little one held herself back from rushing over to him. Their arrival made him put out his cigarette hastily. "Well, if this isn't the person I missed the most.", he kneeled down and Savannah barreled into his embrace, her arms wrapping around his neck. "I made you a bracelet.", she announced proudly and backed away, pulling out something from her jacket's pocket. Savannah opened her palm, presenting him with a word bracelet while a huge grin took over her freckled face. "I love it, Tiny. Thank you." "She was so excited, she insisted we come right away, kid.", Sabrina explained as she leaned against the wall of the Spread Eagle, then she lowered her voice, "I saw you talking with Grace Seed…" Calahan shook his head, letting Savannah tie the bracelet around his wrist. "Nothing to report, Gray.", he assured Sabrina while small fingers worked gingerly on making a knot. He looked down at Savannah's creation, another reminder of what needed protecting. What Joseph should never get his claws into. The innocents he could easily fool. "I have a bad feeling about this, Cal." "You and me both."

Prompt: Send 💭 to hear my OCs most recent thought about your OC.

[tetsumie]

heyy when you have the time to do so, can i request college!suna x reader angst to fluff where reader tries to spend time with suna but they get into an argument where he decides to spend time with his athlete friend group but then feels guilty and make up with reader through heart to heart conversation? 🫶🏻sorry if this is so long i have no idea how to make the prompt shorter but honestly i love all the fics you post so idc if you change it up a bit just thought i’d give an idea

𝐅𝐀𝐃𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐓𝐎𝐔𝐂𝐇

pairing: suna rintaro x gen!neutral reader

genre: hurt/comfort

content: you confront him about the growing distance in your relationship, something he's been dismissing for a while, until he finally grasps the seriousness of the situation

cw: suna is a bit harsh; arguments but they make up <3

a/n: hihi anon! ty for requesting and i hope it's to your liking :D i'm still accepting requests for my 1k event so feel free to send more into my inbox!

"it's like i never see you anymore!"

suna and you have been in this back and forth argument for what felt like an eternity and it's draining the life out of you.

suna has been preoccupied with the upcoming inter-collegiate volleyball tournament. as a starter on the prestigious division 1 ejp raijin volleyball team, the arduous practices and pressure have been taking a heavier toll than expected on him.

as a result of this, suna has been incredibly distant in your relationship. he was always gone before you woke up in the morning and didn't return until after you fell asleep. every time you tried to plan a date or suggest something to do together, he somehow always cancels. it's always, "sorry i have to run some extra drills. maybe another day?"

it's exhausting putting this much effort into your relationship when it all seems in vain.

you've tried bringing this up to suna before, mentioning how you would like to spend more time together. but suna, being suna, always brushed it off. but there's only so much dismissal you can take.

you really miss your boyfriend.

but you're not sure he misses you the way you miss him.

"y/n you can't expect me to drop everything for you! like fuck, i have a life outside of you," he exclaims, snapping you back to the current argument at hand.

"i didn't say that, rin."

"that's what you're trying to say," he replies, crossing his arms over his chest.

you shake you head, lowering your voice. "i know volleyball always has and always will be a top priority for you but i just wish... well, it would be nice if you could put a bit of effort into our relationship."

"what if i don't even want to anymore..." he mumbles under his breath as he walks to the closet, grabbing a coat.

the rage in your heart and mind now simmer down to a feeling of dread and heartbreak. what?

as he turns around, he sends an icy glare at you. you've never seen this side of him and you refuse to let him see you crumble apart in front of him. you refuse to break down right now.

"you don't want to what, suna?" you look at him, tone icy cold. "go on. tell me."

the heated environment is making his mind all cloudy and he wants to end this conversation now.

"you know what i mean, y/n. i'm going out. don't call me."

the door opens and slams shut.

the moment the door closes, you're completely still. you're running on autopilot. you find yourself making a cup of tea and sitting at the dining table, looking at the empty, lifeless apartment sprawled in front of you.

subconsciously, the tears started to roll. i guess that's it then. i think i better start packing my things. i should be gone by the time he comes back home.

meanwhile, suna makes his way downtown to the bar where some of his volleyball friends had invited him out for a couple drinks. he opens the door to the bar and he can hear the familiar rowdiness of his friends.

"well, well, well, if it ain't the infamous sunarin from ejp," a familiar blonde comes running to him. "been too long since i've seen ya stupid ass."

"yeah yeah whatever asshole," suna slaps the back of atsumu and nods over at osamu who's sitting on the table. "it's good to see you both."

as suna and atsumu head to the table in the back with the rest of his friends, his mind can't help but linger back to the argument that he had with you. but he decides to shake his mind off it.

he's here to have fun with his friends right now. not be worried about you.

"you didn't bring y/n tonight?" komori, suna's teammate, asks. "i haven't seen them in a hot minute. what've they been up to?"

what have you been up to? he doesn’t know. when was the last time we both had an actual conversation? he doesn’t know. he doesn’t even know what's been going on in your life lately. fuck this is what y/n meant.

he forces a smile, masking the bitter thoughts playing in his mind. "they're good. just doing their classes and stuff."

"ah right, well bring them by sometime! it's been too long since i've seen them. they never fail to light up the room with their presence."

"yeah you're right."

he nods, taking small sips from the beer in front of him.

as the conversation and chaos ensue among his friends, his mind keeps drifting back to the memories of the argument he walked out on. his mind has cooled off and a sense of guilt starts to take over his body.

here he is having fun with his friends while you're at home all alone, waiting for him. you just wanted to spend time with him and here he was, finding comfort in other people other than you.

he tries to remember the last time you both had gone out together but he's drawing a complete blank. he can't even remember the last time he's kissed you or held you in his hands.

no wonder you've been feeling so lonely.

and in response, he just kept brushing you off until you blew up today. and to make matters worse, he walked out of the argument giving you no sense of reassurance or closure on the matter.

at the realization, suna shoots up out of his seat with flushed cheeks. the group turns to him.

"i gotta head out for the night. i gotta see my baby."

"get a fuckin' room sunarin," osamu shouts. the rest of the groups howls in agreement. "see ya."

he waves goodbye and starts trudging his way back to the shared apartment. he expects to find you asleep so he can crawl into bed with you and cuddle, never intending on letting you go.

so you can imagine the surprise when he opens the door and sees the bedroom light on and hears rustling noises. "baby?" he calls out. "y/n?"

he takes off his shoes and coat and walks to the bedroom. he starts to internally panic at the sight in front of him.

you have a couple of suitcases out filled with your clothes and belongings. at a glance, he can see that your side of the closet is almost empty. you've even taken down a couple of the decor pieces in the room that you bought but he was never particularly interested in. with your headphones in, you’re focused on packing, but what breaks him the most is seeing you wipe your eyes as you do so. why are you even packing? where are you going?

and then it hits him.

not only did he make it seem like he didn’t want to make this relationship work, but his actions have been driving you away. fuck, this was bad. he didn't mean any of it. he has to fix it or he's gonna lose the best thing in his life for good.

he goes over to you and taps your shorted and you yelp, startled by the 6'2" man, hovering above you.

"what the hell are you doing?" suna asks, cocking an eyebrow at you.

you wipe your eyes. "i'm leaving."

"don't be ridiculous," he scoffs.

"ridiculous?" you laugh at the absurdity of his comment. "what's ridiculous is how you walk out of an argument not even wanting to work things out. what's ridiculous is how you just continue to put me aside like i’m some side piece."

he knows you’re hurting. and it’s all his fault.

he doesn’t know how to properly express everything he needs to say to you.

so in the heat of it all, he does what he thinks is the next best thing and kisses you.

you'd forgotten this feeling. his soft lips on yours and how they fit together just right. it's the softest kiss he's ever given to you and your heart swells at the gesture.

you pull away and you plop yourself on the floor to process what just happened.

right there and then, he looks at you. he really looks at you. he notices the way you have some baby hairs popping out and your cheeks feel warm from all that crying. he notices the way your eyes look slightly puffed out and the remnants of tears on your cheeks.

i'm the cause of this. this is all my fault.

"i’m sorry," he begins.

you sigh and look away mumbling to yourself. "you’ve said that before. it doesn’t change anything."

"and you’re right."

you look up at him, surprised by his admission. "w-what?"

"you’re absolutely right, y/n."

he crouches down to your level, resting his hand on your knee so he can look you in the eye.

"i shouldn't have made it seem i wasn't willing to put in the effort into making us work," he says, gesturing between you and him. "my actions and what i said to you a couple hours ago obviously made it seem that way and i'm an absolute dumbass for not picking up on it."

you’re silent. he searches your face, looking for any speck of emotion, but he still can’t read you. in the amount of time he's known you, you’ve always been the exception.

"i've been swamped with so much work lately and i know i need to do better. i spread myself so thin that i forgot to prioritize the things and the people that matter the most to me."

you're silent, unsure of what to say to him.

"i thought i was doing the best i could do until i realized i could be doing so much more for us and for you. i'm so sorry for not being here."

"i know rin," you whisper. finally, for the first time you look up from your lap to look at him. "it just felt like you didn't care about us anymore. you're the hardest worker i know but i just wish you were here sometimes."

"and i wouldn't be able to be that hard worker without your love and support, you know," his hand cups your cheek as he runs his thumb across the tear streaks on your face.

"i realize how absent i’ve been in our relationship lately and i can’t imagine how lonely you’ve been feeling. i want to make this relationship work with you. i know i suck at being sappy and shit but you really are my other half. no matter what it takes, i’ll make us work. i’ll fight for this relationship. i'll fight for us."

"oh, rin," you sigh and wrap your arms around his neck, bringing him in close for a hug. the tears begin to flow from your eyes.

he feels his eyes glaze over. he breathes in your familiar scent and feels a warmth he’s missed.

even after everything, you still love him.

he starts with a gentle kiss on your cheek, then starts peppering your face with soft kisses.

you let out a watery chuckle, making his heart skip a beat. he hasn't heard your laugh in forever and he swears to himself to never be the reason for your tears again.

"let's go to bed now baby. i've gotta cuddle away all the pain i've caused you."

© tetsumie 2024 all rights reserved

[causenessus]

HIII NESS CONGRATULATIONS ON 1K!! YOU DESERVE IT SO SO MUCH LOVELY!! 🤲🏻🤍

and if I mayy, can I pls have 💕 + 💙 with iwa if that's alright? I have this picture in my head where iwa doesn't really like touching other's hands with his cause they're pretty calloused, but I just know he's the type to kiss his lover's knuckles so he makes an exception and AHHHH soft iwa always gets me

but anyway CONGRATS AGAINNN!! ILYSM AND TY IF U DECIDE TO DO THIS<3

knuckles & callouses. | iwaizumi h.

iwaizumi x f! reader

written in 2nd person

prompts from 1k followers event: 💕 -> childhood friends &💙 -> "i like the way your hand fits in mine"

"yeah i'll do everything / just let you know / all the reasons why / i'm never gonna let you go <3" from never gonna let you go by stevie dinner

word count: 1k words

notes: fluff!! this was cute to write because i have a lot of callouses on my hands from how frequently i climb ladders (catwalk monkey things </3). iwa’s definitely one of those guys who would've fallen victim to that “my hands look like this so her’s can look like this” trend years ago <3 thank you so much for requesting frans!!! i hope you enjoy this and your idea was ADORABLE

ALSO if you like this...you should totally check out @eggyrocks... who has a kuroo smau CALLED calloused hands which i thought about the entire time i was writing this AND THEY ALSO HAVE MANY MANY BANGER IWA FICS

"the conversation between your fingers and someone else's skin... this is the most important discussion you can ever have."

hajime always has a hand on you. whether it’s an arm around your waist or shoulder keeping you close, or a hand on your thigh when you’re sitting down. he likes to always be in contact with you in some way, making sure you’re still there. but despite that, no matter what, he never lets you hold his hand. whenever you reached for it, he always subtly moved it out of the way just in time. he’d casually lift it from his side where you were moving to hold it and play it off by brushing a stray piece of your hair back, giving you an innocent smile as if he doesn’t know exactly what he’s doing.

“haji,” you pout one day, fed up with his avoidant habit. “you can’t constantly remind me to put lotion on my hands to keep them from drying out and then not let me hold your hands because you think they’re rough.”

“what are you gonna do about it?” he smiles, amused by your complaint. as if just to make his point clear, he brings your hand to his lips, placing a light kiss on your knuckles. he’s always taking care of you, telling you he’s happy just loving on you and needs nothing else, but that’s not enough for you.

“this,” you retort, grabbing his hand between both of yours, kissing his own knuckles. he can act snarky towards you, you’ll just act the same way back.

out of habit, he tries to pull his hand out of your grip, but you won’t let him. “y/n–”

“no, haji,” you cut him off, looking him straight in the eyes, “i want to hold your hand. i want to love on you the same way you love on me, the way you have since we were kids. and we used to hold hands all the time back then, when your hands were still soft.”

he averts his eyes, and you see the way his jaw tightens at the mention of your shared childhood, “that’s why i don’t want you to touch them–”

“i’m not done yet,” you hush him, placing a finger to his lips, “i miss hold your hands, hajime. i don’t care if they’re rough or calloused or whatever you want to call them. as much as you and your manly little head like to believe that me touching your hands is the end of the world, it’s not. do you wanna know what i think about your calloused hands?”

he blinks for a second, as if he’s seriously considering if he wants to know. his teasing demeanor has completely given away to a nervous, embarrassed one as he mumbles out a small, “...what?”

“i think they’re beautiful just the way you are,” you say, giving him a smile as you turn his hand over in your own, running your thumbs along the hills of his knuckles before you kiss them again, the way he's kissed yours so many times. “i think they show how hard you’ve worked,” you say, holding up his right hand so that you can both see it. you point out the bump on the left side of his middle finger, “i like this callus. do you remember what you told me? you said you developed it when we wrote letters to each other while you were traveling for your internship. you were complaining so much, saying ‘i’ve never had to write this much in my life! blah blah blah, i have another callus…’ do you know what that meant to me? that you were writing so much to me that you developed a callus? i loved reading your long letters, i was so happy that you wrote so much—that you didn’t leave out any details even if it tired out your hand. as much as you may hate how it looks, i like it. it’s like i’m always with you now.” 

you kiss his hand and he presses his lips into a thin line. he’s trying to hold himself back from agreeing with you, but two can play that game. there's a reason you both have stuck around each other since you were kids. “i like the way your fingers are uneven from volleyball. they show how dedicated you were to it, that even when you tore a tendon in one of them, you kept playing because you were so bent on winning. i like the way your hand fits in mine, and the way that i can feel each and every single one of your calluses whenever i hold them. i like the stories behind each one.”

“...you’re a sappy work of art, you know that?” he says after a short pause, because he doesn’t know what else to say.

“oh whatever,” you roll your eyes, intertwining your hand with his. and he lets you. “i can see your cheeks are red. did i get through to you?”

“maybe,” he mumbles, looking away.

“does this mean i get to hold your hands more often?” you tease with a smile, squeezing his hand. he squeezes it back three times, giving you a silent ‘i love you.’ 

“i guess,” he shrugs, slightly pursing his lips, “but don’t complain if they get sweaty, or rougher in the winter.”

“i wouldn’t dream of it,” you laugh, lowering your intertwined hands so you can step closer, standing on the tips of your toes to press a chaste kiss to his lips. “and now you can’t complain if i won’t let go of your hands. you’ve given me permission to hold them and i have lost time to make up for, mr. macho man with the calloused hands.”

he gives you an exasperated sigh, telling you that you've won. you give him a smug smile as he lifts up your hand to kiss the top of it, “as long as your pretty hands stay the way they are, that’s all that really matters. i’ll keep working hard. and if you truly feel that way about my hands, you can do whatever you want with them. i'm all yours.”

[house-of-lovin]

safety net

Tara Carpenter x F!Reader

masterlist | over (1) | love language (2)

Summary: Tara Carpenter loved playing games with you. (inspired by safety net by ariana grande ft. ty dolla sign)

Warnings/Tags: toxic!tara, clueless!tara, mature language, implied sexual themes, mentions of violence and trauma.

Note: as promised THE LAST PART (woohoo😮‍💨) this was seriously a lot of fun and became a bit of a writing exercise using songs as prompts and trying to piece them together into a storyline. Thanks for all the comments, reblogs and feedback. They are so appreciated! Let me know what you guys think! <3

Word Count: 3.4k+

“You’re staring, again.”

Tara snaps her gaze back to the book on the table, ignoring her friends’ smug smiles. “Why don’t you just go up to her and apologize?”

“She doesn’t want to talk to me, trust me, I’ve tried.” Tara rolls her eyes. 

It’s been two weeks since that night at the party and you have been ignoring Tara. You spent the rest of spring break working at your uncle’s shop, avoiding the friend group, sans Mindy because you couldn’t exactly avoid someone you lived with. Tara attempted to give you space the following days and then reached out to you in hopes that you could talk and sort out the situation. Tara doesn’t want to lose you as a friend. 

“I’m not gonna apologize for something that wasn’t my fault, Mindy. Just because she caught feelings doesn’t mean we can’t be friends. But now she’s ignoring me?” Tara scoffs, “Well, some friend she is.” 

“God Chad’s right. You two are clueless.” Mindy’s nose wrinkled.

“She knows where to find me when she’s done being stubborn.” Crossing her arms, she glances back at you. You were sitting across the quad, on a bench surrounded by your other friends; laughing and talking, unfazed by Tara’s brazen staring. 

How were you not seeing her shameless looks?

She swallowed the pitiful lump in her throat as she continues to observe your carefree nature. 

“Weren’t you begging me to tell her to call you back like a week ago?” Mindy objected causing Anika and Quinn to snicker as they listen in, not bothering to pretend like they weren’t eavesdropping.

“Begging is a stretch,” She mutters weakly, picking at the corner of her book.

“Tara, why can’t you just admit that you want to be with her?” Quinn ponders, genuinely confused as to why you two are playing hopscotch around one another. Everyone could see how madly in love you two are.

It genuinely puzzled the friend group as to why it’s taking this long to get you guys to stop playing games.

They just wanted to see their friends together and happy, definitely not because of the growing bet pool. And not because it was getting increasingly expensive to wager in the bet the longer it ran because you two refused to acknowledge the clear feelings you have for each other. (It was starting to burn a sizeable hole in their wallets)

The brunette shakes her head defiantly, “We’re just hooking up.”

“You’re not acting like you guys are just hooking up.” Anika counters, “actually, you guys act more like a couple than me and Mindy sometimes.”

“No. We don’t,” She frowns.

“Yes you do and it’s gross,” The aforementioned girl interjects. “No one should be cuter than me and my girl.” She wraps an arm around Anika, leaning in to lovingly peck the girl’s cheek. 

“Y/N’s always bringing you coffee when you study with us at the library, even though her class is on the other side of campus.” Anika comments.

“She always loses on purpose when we play card games just so you can win,” Quinn adds.

“She laughs at all your lame jokes and obscure movie references – there’s no way you enjoy Suspiria as much as you say you do,” Mindy stated.

“Hey!” 

“Dude, she has a Spotify playlist titled with your name and heart beside it.” Mindy throws her hands up, feeling a bit fed up.

“Doesn’t mean anything, we share music all the time!”

“Tara, Y/N literally takes care of your plants when you complain about forgetting,” Quinn objects.

Tara’s still feeling persistent. “That’s not true.” 

Her dying plants have been on the mend these last few weeks and it’s definitely because she’s been paying more attention to them; placing the potted plants in a better area for sunlight and watering them more.

Quinn shoots her roommate a pointed look, “You were over-watering them, Tara. Y/N had to come over and change the soil. Did you even notice?”

No, Tara didn’t even notice. She was shocked at how much went over her head as her friends continue to list all the little things you do that, apparently, she’s been too blind to see. She glances back at you as you’re talking to a girl; smiling, unbothered. She recognizes her from her creative writing class – Tara didn’t know you two were close. Close enough for the girl to wrap a hand around your arm and lean into your ear something that the Carpenter can’t make out from the vast distance.

Tara’s eyes slither into tight fissures as she watches the random girl continue to make herself comfortable on you. Eventually, whatever she felt she had to whisper so close was over, but not before the girl planted a kiss on your cheek unsuspectingly. The Carpenter watches as you slightly jump from the contact, then eventually grant her a shy smile – the same smile you reserved for her. 

Tara feels an unpleasant drop in her chest because, for the first time since moving to New York, she allowed herself to finally feel everything she’s been burying.

It was suffocating, making her want to claw at her throat to get rid of the nasty sensation. Regardless of how much she swallowed in an attempt to get rid of the feeling, it only grew larger as it ached; begging to be acknowledged. Hastily, Tara stands up, gathering her things.

“Where are you going?” Her friends' questions were left unacknowledged as she footed it, not really sure where she was going; all Tara knows is that she had to get away before her friends see her break down. 

In her haste, Tara misses your concerned eyes tracking her disappearing figure.

●●●

Tara is choosing to ignore the world and her problems.

After that conversation with her friends, she ran home, plopped into her bed and hid under the covers for the remainder of the afternoon. She put on her favourite horror movies, hoping it would distract her from her thoughts of you. But her efforts proved to be fruitless. You tormented her thoughts regardless of how desperately she tried to drown them out. 

So, she sat there until bright blue skies turned navy and drove herself mad thinking about you.

Trust came sparsely for someone who was violently attacked by a deranged murderer. As much as Tara tried to push through the past and live as if nothing happened, it plagued her in her daily life. It revealed itself when a phone rang too loudly, near kitchen knives, or in dark areas – there were just certain experiences that were tainted by the memory of Ghostface. 

But then you showed up. She remembers opening the door to her apartment and there you were, standing behind Mindy with a $15 bottle of champagne and a poorly-wrapped throw blanket for the old couch to celebrate the Carpenter’s housewarming party (an attempt at some normalcy) with a shy smile and Tara was hooked. 

No matter how much she tried to distance herself, echoing sentiments that it’s a bad idea to get involved with someone so soon.

You lured her in, anyway.

It was in your tenderness that you had Tara wrapped around your finger.

Normally, the Carpenter would be annoyed with someone treating her like she was made of glass, but when it came to you; she knew it wasn’t out of pity. Your gentleness was welcomed with open arms because for once in her life, Tara finally felt like she didn’t have to be so brave all the time, at least, not when she was around you. 

She didn’t have to pretend her life was as put-together as she made it out to be. 

Because for once, someone had finally made her feel like she is worthy enough to stay for, to care for, and maybe to love. And that was terrifying because all anyone in her life had ever done is let her down and leave – Sam, her mom, her dad, Amber. So she kept you on a tight leash; taking control and leading. Never letting you close enough to see how she really feels about you. But there are cracks in the unsturdy walls she tries to put up, she’s not perfect. How can she resist you when you still willingly chased after her regardless of what she’s put you through – and how even through her harshness, you never lose your gentleness with her.

You create real balance and peace within her (not the fake one, she’s desperately fronting) and to someone who’s only known chaos and instability – that’s terrifying. So sue her, for being a little scared.

So, yes. 

Right now, Tara is ignoring everything around her because that realization is too big a burden to deal with.

She has her legs pulled up to her chest, the fuzzy blanket you gifted months ago, wrapped around her shoulders as she watches the TV from the couch; not really paying attention to the film. Her eyes begin to burn the longer she stares at the blue-lit screen causing a painful sting to her pupils. 

A terse knock on the front door startles her making her blink at the sound. 

Everyone was out for the night; Sam at therapy, Quinn at a hookup’s house and her other friends, all off doing their own thing. She wasn’t sure who could be at the door at this time. Cautiously, she stands to silently walk to the door – the pads of her naked feet connecting to the wooden floor litter goosebumps on her skin. Standing on the tips of her toes, Tara looks through the peephole.

She sees you shifting on your feet, glancing over your shoulder – looking unsure if you should even be there. 

Tara feels a pit forming in her stomach, but moves swiftly to unlock the door, opening it. 

“Hey.” She says softly, palm wrapped tight on the doorknob in an attempt to ground herself.

“Hi.” You rub a hand on the back of your neck.

“What–what are you doing here?” Tara sees you flinch, mistaking her tone for malice but you’re answering before she can correct herself.

“Mindy said you needed my help.” You drawl as if confused. 

Tara shares your confusion, brows drawing together. “I… don’t need help?”

You shake your head, clenching your jaw tight, “God dammit… I think she set us up.” 

“Oh.”

Rolling your eyes, “Yeah, oh. Look, that’s my bad, I’ll deal with her. You can go back to… doing whatever you were doing.” 

Tara sees you eye her attire glumly; an oversized shirt that covered her bare legs; assuming the worst. Her eyes immediately widened like saucers, grabbing your arm before you could leave. 

“No! That–that’s not–I’m home. Alone.” She clarifies. The word ‘alone’ taking a special raised and rushed tone. 

You scoff, pulling away from her, “good for you.”

“Can we talk?” Tara calls out, she can’t let you leave yet – despite her previous decision to ignore you and ignore her feelings. The longer you stood across from her, the more she realized just how much she’s missed you these last few weeks.

“No.” You continue to walk down the hall.

Tara grows desperate, running after you and grabbing your arm again to stop you from leaving. The concrete floors were rough on the soles of her feet. “Y/N, please.”

You turn, ready to yank your arm away from her grip but her watery eyes halt you; sympathy bubbling lowly in your chest and you curse inwardly at how easy it was for her to lure you back in. 

“Can y’all shut the fuck up? Some people are trying to get some sleep!” A voice interrupted, it was her neighbour, peeking his head a couple of doors down to yell at you two. He pops his whole body out when he sees Tara’s revealing figure, shooting her a lewd smile through his cigarette-tainted teeth,  “Oh hey, there.”

Tara feels you turn in her hold as your face drops – jaw clenching as you glare at her sleazy neighbour (who was at least in his late 40s judging by his greying hair) “Go back inside unless you wanna get fucked up and stop looking at her.” 

He stares back for a few seconds, debating if the challenge was worth his time. You move her behind you with a tug of an arm; blocking his view of her. Tara knows it's the wrong time but she couldn’t help but move closer; inhaling your familiar perfume. “Man, you’re not even worth my time.”

You wait until he shuts the door before facing her again, muttering under your breath. “Creepy motherfucker.” 

“Go back inside before anyone else comes out here begging for a show.” You tell her, lightly pushing her back to her door. But her hold on your arm tightens, “Not until you come inside and talk to me.”

You sigh, looking around the hallway in an attempt to buy yourself some time before you eventually gave in – tugging her inside the apartment.

Only once you were both inside did you pull away from her grip; Tara’s arm falling limply by her side. You look at her expectantly, “Well?”

Tara remains unmoving and silent, She curls into herself, leaning against the back of the couch just staring at you

You grow annoyed at her silence, running a hand on your face, “Tara you begged me to talk…” 

Still nothing from the Carpenter; she isn’t sure why she can’t say anything now that you’re standing in front of her. Maybe it was because she wasn’t ready to confront you and her feelings but as you stood there, about to leave, she knew she couldn’t let that happen. She wasn’t sure when she would see you again, this was the closest you’d been around her in the last few weeks. 

At this point, she was acting on pure impulse and heightened emotions.

“Unbelievable…” You mutter, grabbing the doorknob. She can feel practically feel the sharp snap in your patience as you try to leave, again.

“I don’t get you.” 

That stops you in your tracks, making you turn looking confused. 

“What?”

Tara begins to shake her head.

“I mean, I don’t get you… Like, why are you still here? Jesus, Y/N, you’ve been ignoring me but you still came here cause you thought I needed help. Even after all the petty shit I’ve been doing with those guys to fuck with you and after the party” She grabs at her hair; roughly tugging on it. “And even after all that, you still chase after me. Why!”

“Because I love you.” 

Tara inhales a sharp breath at your admission and how carelessly easily you said those words. Your brows furrowed like you looked genuinely confused by her question, it has Tara scoffing in disbelief. Unsure how you can still give her genuineness even after everything she’s done, she doesn’t deserve it.

“No, you don’t, you can’t. We’re just hooking up, it was just sex.” She denies, but a fog of tears is beginning to cloud her eyes. Even through the haze, she can see you approaching closer, holding a cautious hand out. 

“Maybe I am just a hook-up to you… but I didn’t just catch feelings for you. I’m not just falling in love with you, I already fell Tara. More like, I dove head-first without a life jacket,” You take the moment to chuckle dryly.

“And yeah, that wasn’t part of the plan but I wouldn’t be able to live with myself I didn’t tell you that there’s someone that wants to wake up and fall asleep beside you every day. Someone that wants to show you that maybe this time you don’t have to be so afraid to let someone in.” You shake your head, looking down for a brief moment of insecurity but you regain the passion in your eyes as you connect gazes.

“So, look me in the eyes and tell me that I’m just a hookup, and if you do. I’ll leave you alone – for good.” She desperately blinked away the tears as she attempts to meet your eyes to tell you that you are just a hookup, it is just sex, she doesn’t love you too. But when she meets your eyes, she sees tenderness again and suddenly her knees are buckling under her.

Her body doesn’t meet the ground like she expects it to. Instead, you grabbed her, wrapping a firm arm around her waist as you held her weight up. She can hear distant mutterings of comfort being whispered in her ear but nothing registers as she realizes that she’s starting to sob uncontrollably. 

“Baby…need you to breathe… ‘gonna make yourself sick.” 

She couldn't hear anything around her until her face is being pressed into soft fabric; clawing at it, in a desperate attempt to self-soothe. She’s having a panic attack. 

“Tara… Please, baby, you have to breathe–” You beg but Tara can’t hear you properly.

Nothing works until she feels you wrap her in a firm hug, still leaving her enough space so as to not feel suffocated. One arm around her waist, the other hand wrapped around her neck, as you rub soothing lines on her clammy skin. 

A few moments of silence pass until Tara feel the pressure in her chest ease as the ringing in her ears subsides. She gasps for air against your chest, coughing as a burning ache in her throat develops. The rubbing of lines on her neck turns into firm pats on the back as Tara continues to cough through her tears.

“It’s okay, it’s okay.” You shush her. Eventually, her coughs turn into occasional sniffles and deep breaths as you run fingers back up her hair comfortingly; giving her all patience she required.

“I’m sorry,” Tara says once she pulls her head off your chest, keeping a tight grip on your clothes.

“You have nothing to apologize for,” Your eyes softened as you ran the pads of your thumbs to wipe away at her tear-stained cheeks.

She shakes her head in your grip, “Yes, I do. Even now, you’re still treating me so well. I don’t deserve it.” Her voice turns into a broken whisper as she finally allows herself to be vulnerable.

“Oh Tara,” You said so tenderly, “You deserve the world, baby. You’re amazing.”

“No, I’m not,” She shakes her head, beginning to pull away from you, not wanting to hear your words and how genuinely you believed it. 

You tightened your grip around her waist, preventing her from moving. “Yes, you are, if only you can see yourself the way I see you. Oh, Tara, you don’t even realize it. You amaze me, you make me want to be a better person, that’s what you do to me, that’s what you make me feel. Not the other stuff you’re saying.”

Shaking your head, passion raging in your eyes; eye contact with the smaller girl unwavering, “The way you care for everyone around you, and how you carry yourself despite everything you’ve gone through… Baby, it’s amazing to watch you be yourself. I know, I know… After Amber, it’s hard–” That makes Tara’s eyes widen, unaware you knew about her and her late friend. 

“–to trust people but, if you just gave me a chance and spared me an ounce of trust to let yourself fall… I promise I’ll be under there waiting with a safety net.” 

Tara examines your eyes, there was no ounce of dishonesty in them. But that’s to be expected, you’ve always been genuine with her, always up-front, and calling her out on her shit – with love. It was one of the things that made her fall for you. Where everyone around her treats her like she’s a porcelain doll, letting her get away with whatever she wanted – you stopped her, but always in a way that was more so loving and protective rather than overbearing and smothering.

The thudding in her chest begs for reprieve as her heart craves to be moulded with yours. Her heart wants to know what it was like to beat in tandem with you, to finally allow herself to be caught instead of trying (and failing) to hold herself up all the time. 

As Tara’s body caves in on herself, she pulls you down by the neck, unable to hide the content sigh that leaves her lips when your mouths meet in the middle. The kiss was sweet, passionate and firm; it poured out all love that words could never capture; where the tool of language proved to be invaluable in expressing her feelings. 

“I trust you…” Tara whispers when she pulls away, unable to school the smile breaking across her lips. You giggle, making her smile wider. For once the heaviness in Tara's chest feels bearable with you in her arms. 

No other words were exchanged as you two attempted to meet again for a kiss only to bump noses and miss because you two were beaming so wide.

●●●

happy reading!

:)

[httpsdana]

do you write for musiala? if so, can you do something like enemies to lovers, they are forced to spend time together because of mutual friends, but they constantly fight, secretly like each other<3 ty

Cupid in Bali~Jamal Musiala

I might start putting pictures like these instead of the gifs cuz they're prettier. also first Jamal fic hope you enjoy <3 long fic ahead.

you can request from my prompt list

this is my master list

players/drivers I write for

All these characters are made up and not real!!!

The Characters: Jason & Leah, Ethan & Serena, Tyler & Emma, Carlos & Abigail, and Jamal & y/n

"I'm on my way. are you done?" Leah said through the phone to y/n.

"I am, I'll be waiting for you" y/n replied, walking her suitcase into the elevator. Her bag was on her back and she was in some comfortable clothes for the very long trip ahead of them.

They were gonna be a group of 10, 5 girls and 5 boys. Funny thing is how all of them were in couples, except for y/n and Jamal. Of course people will say that they go along very well, which was the most inaccurate thing to be said about those two. They were basically enemies.

y/n exited the elevator, and stood outside waiting for her friend that was gonna take her to the airport. It only took 2 minutes for Leah to arrive, but not alone. She had her boyfriend, Jason, in the passenger seat, and Jamal...in the backseat.

y/n rolled her eyes, opening the rear of the car and placing her suitcase and bag there, then opening the backdoor, sitting next to Jamal.

"hey guys" she said as soon as she sat in her seat. Both Leah and Jason greeted her back, while Jamal just rolled his eyes and huffed.

y/n ignored his presence, while the drive to the airport was silent.

~∙~∙~∙~∙~∙~∙~∙~∙~∙~∙~∙~∙~∙~∙~∙~∙~∙~∙~∙~∙~

"Okay guys, so as you know we have a very long trip ahead of us. Our first stop will be in the United Arab Emirates. From there, we have to take another plane to Singapore. After landing in Singapore, we will stay in the same plane, and leave for Bali. About 7 hours between Germany and the Emirates, then 7 hours between the Emirates and Singapore, and about an hour and a half between Singapore and Bali" Tyler explained, while everyone listened.

It was going to be a very long trip. Everyone checked in and got in their seats. And lucky for y/n, her seat was on the window.

"you've got to be kidding me" y/n heard, so she looked up, seeing the guy she was planning on avoiding the whole trip so she can have a good time. Jamal.

"what is it now?" she rolled her eyes at him, only for him to sit down next to her.

"your seat is here?" she said, already knowing his answer. He huffed and nodded, crossing his arms over his chest. She let out a sigh, knowing it's gonna be a very long trip.

~∙~∙~∙~∙~∙~∙~∙~∙~∙~∙~∙~∙~∙~∙~∙~∙~∙~∙~∙~∙~

The first part of the trip was a bit quiet. Jamal didn't speak much and y/n was just watching a couple of movies she had. When she finished her movies, they still had about 20 minutes to land in the Emirates.

She was getting bored, and started moving a bit in her seat. Jamal, who has been trying to sleep, all the trip looked at her annoyed.

"Can you stop moving " he complained. She let out a sigh, sliding down in her seat

"I'm bored" she mumbled.

"now that you have nothing to do you're complaining? I've been trying to sleep for 6 hours but I didn't say a word." he rolled his eyes, before closing them and trying to fall asleep again.

"we land in a while I don't think it's a good time to sleep" y/n pointed out, making him sigh

"better than hearing your voice till we land" he said rudely. y/n was taken back a bit by his response, but only looked away from him and to the window, where the sun was setting in a beautiful way.

She ignored him for the rest of the time until they landed. After they landed, everyone got their bags and met each other.

Some got food, and others got coffee, until it was time to get on the plane again. Another 6 to 7 hours to Singapore. This time y/n was sat next to one of her friends, Abigail, where they talked for a bit then went to sleep as it was almost midnight.

~∙~∙~∙~∙~∙~∙~∙~∙~∙~∙~∙~∙~∙~∙~∙~∙~∙~∙~∙~∙~

When they landed in Bali, it was almost 4 am in the morning, meaning that they were going to sleep more before starting their vacation.

"I'm sorry y/n, but you're gonna have to share a room with Jamal" Tyler said, making y/n sigh. She knew that all the girls wanted to sleep with their boyfriends, but she thought that maybe one of them would sacrifice the sleep with her boyfriend so y/n wouldn't sleep in the same room with Jamal. I guess not.

She let out a sigh, nodding her head. She had no energy to argue with any of them, nor did she have the energy to stay standing. She just wanted some sleep.

Jamal noticed her tired figure, so he took their room key and helped her carry her bags.

"I'll take her to our room, good night everyone" Jamal said, before walking behind y/n with both of their bags.

Everyone looked at each other, confused by Jamal's nice behavior towards y/n, but they were secretly happy that the two might actually get over whatever problems were between them.

Meanwhile, Jamal and y/n had reached their room, and already got in. y/n was almost asleep while walking, unaware of whatever was happening.

"y/n? are you gonna change before sleeping?" Jamal asked her, while she was walking to one of the beds. She dropped on one of them already asleep.

Jamal let out a sigh, walking to her and taking off her shoes. She was wearing comfortable clothes, so he decided to let her be.

~∙~∙~∙~∙~∙~∙~∙~∙~∙~∙~∙~∙~∙~∙~∙~∙~∙~∙~∙~∙~

The next day arrived pretty quick as everyone was tired the previous night. The girls went shopping in the day, while the boys hung out together for a while. At night, they all decided to visit a club and party at the beach. At the end of the day, they were in Bali and every night was a party.

"Ready you guys? we are about to have the best first night in Bali!" Serena cheered, making all the girls cheer with her.

They were getting ready in Leah's room, and after they finished, they walked out all dolled up while their boys were waiting for them.

Each of the girls held the hand of her boyfriend, and started walking out of the hotel, leaving Jamal and y/n alone.

He looked her up and down, making her think he was going to comment about how she looks like always.

"you look nice" he said, taking her by surprise. She expected him to speak something mean, but he did the opposite.

"oh thanks" she mumbled, looking down at her sandals that suddenly seemed more interesting.

"well...we have to get going" Jamal said, putting his hand out for her. She looked at his hand suspiciously, making him sigh.

"let's just have a nice trip and not ruin it for anyone" he said, making her sigh but nod too.

"you're right. we should just get over our problems for our friends" She took his hand and walked behind the others, who already reached the party without them.

As soon as they stepped onto the beach where the party was, Jamal was pulled by Carlos who took him to where the boys were, leaving y/n alone. She pushed through the sweaty bodies, until she reached the bar where her friends stood.

"y/n, you took so long, we were just looking for you" Emma said, turning everyone's attention at her. She coughed awkwardly before speaking.

"um me and Jamal just talked for a bit" she said, looking away quickly.

"you two talked? about what exactly" Abigail asked, while everyone else looked at y/n waiting for an answer.

"nothing important, just that we should have fun on the trip" she shrugged, making the girls smile

"finally you two made up, it was about time" Leah said.

They ordered their drinks and started their own party. As the girls were dancing, y/n stood at the bar with her drink, just looking around the dance floor, until her eyes landed on Jamal, except he wasn't alone but with a girl next to him. They were talking and laughing seeming close.

For some reason her heart sank as she watched him laughing with another girl. A mix of jealousy and hurt clouded her thoughts. Despite their constant bickering, seeing him with someone else stirred unexpected emotions within her, making her feel a strange mix of emotions she couldn't quite understand.

She looked away immediately, afraid he might see her watching them and making fun of her. She turned to speak with one of her girls, only to see them all on the dance floor with their boyfriends.

She let out a sigh and turned to the bartender, refilling her drink. She took a huge sip, feeling herself loosen up a bit. Suddenly the music slowed down, and some people left the dance floor as couples started dancing in a slow dance.

y/n always felt lonely as a person who never had someone. But when she's with her friends they always made her feel included. However, this trip was different. The girls wanted to spend time with their boyfriends, and y/n could never blame them. They didn't have to cancel their plans, so she doesn't feel left out.

For some reason, her eyes drifted to where Jamal and that girl were, to see if they were dancing together or not. Instead, she didn't see them. Her eyes started scanning the place in panic, not seeing any of them anywhere.

"y/n" a voice from behind her startled her. She turned around to see Jamal standing there, his charming smile present on his face. He barely smiled at her as they're always arguing.

A small smile found y/n's face without noticing, as she saw the handsome boy standing in front of her.

"Jamal" she said in a low voice, feeling a relief wash over her.

"Would you like to dance with me?" his voice soft and a hint of nervousness in his eyes.

Y/n, touched by his shyness, smiled warmly and replied, "I'd love to dance with you, Jamal."

Jamal then extended his hand to y/n, leading her to the center of the dance floor with a gentle smile. Placing one hand on her waist and holding her other hand in his, they began to move gracefully to the music.

Their bodies swayed in harmony, creating a magical moment between them.

Their dance was delicate, each step was like a silent conversation between their hearts.

Jamal's touch was both reassuring and tender, guiding y/n with a sense of care and understanding.

As they moved across the dance floor, their bodies swayed in perfect harmony, lost in the enchanting melody that filled the air. The warmth of their embrace and the closeness of their dance spoke volumes, expressing more than words ever could.

It was a moment frozen in time, a dance of forgiveness, understanding, and newfound connection.

Their eye contact was intense. None of them daring to break it. As the dance was coming to an end, Jamal decided to speak up.

"I'm sorry for everything I've done and said for the past like 2 years. It was never my intention to make you hate me" he said in a gentle voice, making her smile

"it's okay. I've said some things too and I'm sorry about that. I just eneve understood why you hated me" she chuckled, making him shake his head

"i never hated you y/n. It just bothered me so much back then how you were close to everyone and we never talked. so i figured bickering and arguing with you would be the only way I can talk you because I really like you y/n and just wanted to talk to you in any way. And looking back at it now it wasn't the best way to approach you" he said laughing slightly making y/n laugh too

"obviously it wasn't. I just hope we can move past that because I like you too Jamal" she said, making him smile

"of course y/n. I wouldn't have asked for a dance if I didn't want us to start over" he said

She smiled back at him, leaning her head on his chest as they still swayed to the music. He pressed a small kiss on the top of her head, tightening his grip around her.

Their friends watched them from afar, realizing that their plan of getting them to make up has worked better than they thought it will.

[hongcherry]

7+ M+ the little bird+ jk

oh you want to feel THE PAINNNNN 😭 we love angst here, so i got youuuuuu. tysm for sending in an ask! 💖 hope you like it!

Pairing: Jungkook x Reader G/AUs: Angst, established relationship, non-idol au TWs: None but ofc lmk <3 WC: 763

Prompt: “i didn’t do it. please, you have to believe me!” + distrust + the bedside of someone who doesn’t want you there

Build a fic! ✨

bts masterlist | main masterlist

this blog is 18+. minors do not interact. plz & ty! (ageless/minors/blanks blogs will be blocked)

Whoever said silence couldn’t be deadly was a liar.

Jungkook stares at you with accusation, round eyes now narrow. It makes your breath catch in your throat.

“I didn’t do it. Please, you have to believe me!” you exclaim.

Jungkook points down to the phone he had thrown on the bed.

“How can I when you’re the only one who has access to it?” he says.

Your eyes drift back to the phone. On the screen is a YouTube video of his now-released song. You recall how Jungkook was still working on it, trying to build his portfolio so he could pursue his dream job as an artist.

“I—I don’t know,” you meekly reply, tears pricking your eyes.

Jungkook snatches his phone and starts tapping his screen. You stand idly, hands fidgeting with each other as you try to think of what to say. You’ve never seen him so upset before.

“Jungko—“

“It’s fucking everywhere,” he huffs. “You must have had a party posting this on all these different platforms. Are you happy now?”

He finally looks up from his device. He’s furious, but if you look closely, you can see the hurt from betrayal too.

“Please, Kook,” you plead. “I didn’t do that. I don’t know how it got released. Believe me!”

“I want to—“

“Then do!” you almost shout desperately.

He shakes his head, more hair falling into his face. He stuffs his phone in his pocket and raises his arms to run his hands through his hair in frustration.

“I can’t!” he groans and spins to look away from you.

You reach out to touch his arm, but he turns and backs away. He looks at you in a way that makes you feel small.

“You don’t trust me?” you ask.

“I guess not,” he mutters.

Your chest feels tight with pain. Although you and Jungkook only started dating three months ago, you’ve known him for a year. A year of smiles and laughter and love. Now, it’s all crumbling down because of… You’re not sure. Your mind can’t function properly knowing he doesn’t trust you after all this time.

“I want you to leave,” he says before you reply.

“Jungkook, please,” you beg.

“No,” he says sternly. “No more trying to get me to believe you. It’s time for you to go.”

“Jung—“

“Enough, Yn.”

He storms out the door and comes back a moment later with your keys.

“I’ll pack your belongings and you can pick them up tomorrow,” he says and places your keys in your palm. He holds the bedroom door open and gestures out.

You stare at him, barely able to hold yourself up when all you want to do is fall to your knees and convince him you didn’t do it. You would never sabotage him or his career. You were rooting for his success.

Jungkook sighs.

“Don’t make me—“

“Okay,” you force out, not wanting to hear him finish his sentence. You will your legs to take one step, then another until you’re out his door without another word.

Your hands shake as you retrieve your phone and dial your friend and roommate.

“H-Hey, can you pick me up from Jung-Jungkook’s?” You hate how you can’t say his name without feeling your heart break.

“Oh, now? Did something happen,” Hyunji asks.

“Yeah, but I—I don’t wanna talk about it right now,” you say with a sniffle.

“Ah. Sorry, I can’t right now,” she replies. If she knows you’re crying, she doesn’t mention it.

Great. You’re stranded. 

“O-Okay,” you say.

The line goes dead quickly after. After a deep inhale, you make your way out of Jungkook’s apartment building while looking at the ride apps.

By the time you’re seated in your ride, your heart has become numb and your eyes swollen with tears. Your ride doesn’t say anything about your state and begins driving.

You gaze out, gaze glossing over your surroundings until something catches your eyes.

Hyunji’s car.

You watch as she turns into Jungkook’s apartment complex. Odd. She said she was busy.

Jungkook and his friends live in the same complex, so she could be visiting one of them. However, there’s a growing dread in your chest that’s hard to ignore.

You lean forward to speak to the driver.

“Sorry. I forgot something. Can you turn around?” You’re surprised to hear your voice stable when your body feels otherwise.

Maybe you’re just overthinking. Maybe you’re making an excuse to not leave.

But something in your gut says you’re about to get the answer you were searching for.

Who leaked Jungkook’s song?

©️hongcherry // DO NOT REPOST OR MODIFY Please consider reblogging if you liked this work to show your support. Feedback/commentary is always welcomed.

[hxrukii]

Hi, lovely human! Saw ur reqs open so Imma give u a prompt! Vil x fem!reader (platonic), she has that typical queen bee attitude like in that classic Mean Girls film (Ily, Rachel McAdams) & is a public-speaker:3 I wonder how their duo would turn out! Besties ending, finger-crossed. Ty, lavya

❝Get in losers, we're going shopping.❞

╭・๑ 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲︰ʚ Vil Scheonheit with a Queen B!Reader.‧₊˚✦

‧₊˚↷ 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐫(𝐬)┊❝ Vil Scheonheit ❞ ⸜⸜*

↷︰ʚ 𝐍𝐨𝐭𝐞 ‧₊˚✦ Reader is female and is implied to be Yuu. This was kinda hard since I never actually watched Mean Girls, only seen clips and stuff but I hope I did good lmao

╰・𝐖𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠(𝐬) ‧₊˚꒰ Platonic ɞ‧✦

Vil Schoenheit and Queen B!Reader would either be the bestest of friends or each other's sworn enemies fr

Like one moment they're arguing about who's outfit is the best, and the next they're judging someone's outfit and agreeing with each other.

When they get into an argument it would probably be something like where a person goes "That doesn't look flattening on you." And the other would respond with "Oh yeah? Well I didn't ask." Or something, though they know that the other just wants them too look their best, even if it's not the best way to show it.

Would definitely, 100% go on a spa day together, with mani-pedi and all that.

I feel like Vil and Queen B!Reader would scare and annoy the shit out of Epel, like they always want to dress him up much his dismay and would also give him the longest scolding of his life if he as much as annoy them.

The two of them would talk about different fashion trends from their respective words and judges them.

Vil himself isn't into gossip very much, but would definitely listen quietly whenever Queen B!Reader has any gosip they overheard to share.

Shopping sprees every week 100%, sometime Rook would even accompany the two of them.

The two of them would definitely be Crewel's preferred students, especially if Queen B!Reader still has decent/good grades and attendance, if not then he would prefer Vil more but definitely wouldn't mind Queen B!Reader's presence all that much, especially since studying for something from another world they never knew probably isn't no easy task.

The three of them, Vil, Crewel and Queen B!Reader will sometimes have brunch with each other, when Vil and Crewel aren't busy ofc, and talk about fashion and stuff.

"So last time you were talking about a fashion trend from your time, something called Y2K fashion if I'm not wrong? What exactly is it about?"

꒰ ◁ ꒱┊❝Back to Vil's Masterlist❞

[zaimta]

Hey. How are you doing? Congrats on the followers. I'm a huge fan. I wanted to put something in for your event. I was hoping to have Ace with the prompt "i’ve been wanting to kiss you for a while." please? I don't know how much detail you would like. But I think it would be cute if they were childhood friends. But whatever idea you want to use it okay with me. It will be great no matter what. Thank you and congrats. <3

zai: i love me a good childhood friends to lovers it itches my brain just right! the actual event was a year ago but imma still write this bc why not lol ps everybody say ty bochi for the fire manga cap

ˏˋ«────── « 𓆩♡𓆪 » ──────»

growing up together the two of you were basically inseparable. he always found himself by your side, he couldn’t help himself there was something about you. maybe it was the way you never backed down when he argued with you, or the way you cared for luffy and got along with sabo, or definitely how you called him stupid for letting his name define him.

sabo elbowed ace with a small smile on his face “you’re staring at them. again. everyone knows you like them you know you’re so obvious.”

ace stammered over his words, his face quickly turned red as the blush creeped up his neck “im not! i was just lookin out for luffy. you know luffy plays rough and i didn’t want him to injure y/n. yeah that’s it.”

sabo’s grin gets wider and becomes smug “oh so you’re worried about y/n?”

“shut up!” ace yelled feeling embarrassed and with his pipe raised as if he was going to swing.

it’s been years since that conversation. the quartet, unfortunately, became a trio. although the conversation ace had with sabo was years ago he remembered it as if it was yesterday. he’s been crushing on you since you were kids he’s not the shy type but for some reason, you have that effect on him. anytime he tried he always chickened out.

but today was the day he was leaving to sail the world so it was now or never.

“are you sure you don’t wanna join my crew ace? you can be first mate!” luffy smiled widely at his brother. he asked the same question hundreds of times and got the same answer.

ace laughed and smiled “please we both know that i’m the captain and you’re first mate luffy. i’ll see you later yeah? try not to cause too much trouble while i’m gone luffy.”

ace’s gaze landed on you, his eyes visibly softening when he looks into yours “how do you feel about an adventure on the seas y/n?” he extends his hand to you “it’d drive me crazy to be apart from you.“

“what? come on ace you can’t steal my first mate!” luffy protested with his arms crossed.

you raised a brow and smiled at luffy “first mate? i thought ace was your first mate luffy?”

“he’s a captain now so it wouldn’t work get with the program y/n!”

you laughed and gently nudged luffy with your shoulder “im gonna miss you luffy.” ace’s eyes lit up and he smiled like a love-sick fool “y/n..”

you put your hand in his. he pulled you into him, his free arm snaking around your waist “welcome aboard first mate.”

luffy stuck his tongue out at the two of you “traitors!” he then laughed with his usual infectious grin on his face.

“oh great he took the only one with sense.” dadan grumbled and rubbed her temples it was going to be a long few years with no one to keep luffy in check.

as you sailed off with ace you watched as the island became smaller and smaller, he cupped your face in his hands. his touch was gentle yet rough “there’s something about you. you drive me insane always have and you always will.” he leaned closer your lips mere inches apart. he wanted you to close the gap he wanted to see if you wanted him as much as he wanted you.

you leaned in and closed the gap, your lips gently molding with his. one of his hands moved down to your hip to pull you closer when you unfortunately had to pull apart for air he bruised his lips against yours and pressed a kiss to your lips.

“i’ve always wanted to kiss you…we’re gonna burn the house down baby just watch.”

[kirislovelygf]

tsireya x fem!sully!reader pls pls pls?? 🥹🥹 y/n is lo’ak’s twin and she likes tsireya a lot but she thinks tsireya likes lo’ak so she starts skipping lessons to avoid her, only to find out she was wrong the whole time because one day after training lo’ak storms into the marui pod all mad and when y/n asks what’s wrong he’s like “i told tsireya i like her but she turned me down because she likes you” but y/n just doesn’t believe him until the next day tsireya comes up to her and asks to talk in private and you can make it up from there!! 🤍🤍

sunsetz (tsireya x omaticayan fem! reader)

contents: confessions, crushing, hugs, lumity reference at the end, lo’ak and y/n are twins, good ole wlw happiness.

wrd count: 1.8k

a/n: ty to whoever submitted this prompt and i’m so so so sorry it took so long!! i feel so bad! i hope this makes up for it. enjoy! :)

<3

when y/n’s family arrived here in awa’atlu, it took her a while to adjust. but she eventually became happy here.

after the war, and neteyam’s recovery, she was already growing closer with the reef kids.

especially tsireya. y/n had fallen hard for her.

tsireya was kind, graceful, smart, generous, and beautiful. y/n could think of hundreds of terms to describe her.

everyone knew about her painfully obvious crush except for her twin lo’ak and tsireya.

only because they were too focused on each other.

to tsireya, she thinks she found a new best friend.

to lo’ak? a crush as big as y/n’s.

the only thing that was stopping y/n from asking her out was because of her twin.

she thought they were obsessed with each other from looking at how much time they spend together when they’re in a group.

she had mistook tsireya’s friendship with lo’ak as a crush and was afraid that if she tried anything, she’d humiliate herself.

or ruin the friendship with tsireya and then her relationship with her best friend from birth.

for the past couple weeks, the kids have been taking underwater hunting lessons with tsireya, au’nung, and rotxo, but y/n’s been skipping them.

her crush was stronger than ever and she couldn’t go through another lesson where lo’ak was flirting with the girl she loved.

today was the third lesson she skipped.

she was sitting on the edge of her family’s marui while looking down at the water, one knee propped up to hold her head.

neytiri was behind her organizing her things, or sharpening a knife, something that y/n couldn’t really care less about.

“why aren’t you out there?” neytiri asks her.

“you should be learning how to hunt.”

“i have a headache. i don’t feel like swimming right now.” y/n responded in a low tone.

“hmph. next week, i better see you out there with everyone else.” neytiri said.

“yes, mama.” y/n muttered. neytiri sighs looking at her daughter's sad demeanor and decides to leave her alone.

“uhm.. i need to gather some fruits for later. i’ll be back before eclipse. your father should be back soon, so you won't be alone for long.” she said as she stood up.

“okay, mama. see you later.” y/n mutters. she turns slightly to smile at her but quickly looks back at the water.

neytiri watched her for a moment before grabbing her basket and leaving the marui.

a little while later, jake comes back from a meeting with tonowari and they sit together, organizing some of his tools.

“whoa, can i have this one?” she asked her father while holding up a knife that was made from sea glass.

“what’s wrong with the one you have?” he asks.

“nothing, i just want this one.” she shrugs. he chuckles and nods, “fine, keep it.”

she smiles and gets up to put it away in her corner of the marui.

“hey, dad. where’s y/n?” lo’ak said from the other side of the marui.

“uh, she’s in her room.” jake answered.

y/n gets up and watches as lo’ak storms into her corner, throwing the divider that acted as a door aside.

“hey! what’s your problem? i coulda been naked.” she grumbled.

“but you’re not. sit down, we gotta talk.” he said quickly.

she rolls her eyes but they both sit down together.

“what?” she asks.

“why have you been avoiding tsireya?” he asks.

her mouth suddenly went dry. could he know? he must be mad with how he entered her room. “uh..”

he rolls his eyes. “just tell me. i probably already know the answer.”

“i.. wh- uh, why do you think i’ve been avoiding her?” she asks hesitantly.

“because you like her. no, not even. you love her.” he said bluntly.

“bro, what the hell are you talking about? you don’t know that.”

neteyam was walking past the room and heard her ask when he said, “how could anyone NOT know that?”

“go away, ‘teyam!”

“bro, go away!” the twins yelled. they rolled their eyes at neteyam’s snickering and didn’t continue until they heard his footsteps walk away from the room.

“look, i went to tsireya earlier because i had a crush on her too. i decided i was gonna tell her today, so i did.” he admitted.

y/n’s expression softened with sadness. “oh..”

“but she told me she didn’t like me. because she’s already in love with you.”

“what? no, she isn’t-“

“come on, would i lie to you? i’m serious, she’s crazy about you.” he said in an irritated tone.

“okay.. and you’re mad at me cause she likes me and not you?” she asked him hesitantly.

he scoffed. “no! dude, i’m mad because you’ve been a bitch about it and you haven’t spoken to her in weeks! she thinks you hate her.”

“i haven’t been mean to her-“

“no, dummy. bitch like wimpy, scaredy cat, a pussy. but you’ve been mean to her too, so that applies too.” he nodded. y/n glared at her brother before he continued.

“i tried my best to convince her you don’t hate her but she still thinks you and her have a zero chance of happening. so you have to let her know you’re obsessed with her.” he poked her knee and she swatted his hand.

“i’m not obsessed with her, lo’ak. i swear, if you told her i am-“

he chuckled. “i didn’t. i didn’t even know you liked her until today. i was too focused on tsireya to notice.” he shrugs.

y/n sighs and her hands drag down her face with she groaned in frustration.

“look, i know we fight a lot and stuff. but you’re my best friend.” lo’ak started softly.

y/n looks up at him. lo’ak looks down at his hands, fidgeting with his fingers and not making eye contact.

“i care about you. i guess if tsireya doesn’t wanna be with me, i’d rather her be happy with you. cause i know you’ll treat each other right.” he continued, slightly stumbling over a few words.

y/n looks up at her brother and smiled. “thanks, lo’ak.” she holds his hands that were folded together. he unfolds them and holds hers in his one hand.

y/n sighs. “okay. i’ll tell her..”

“yes! good.”

“tomorrow.”

“no! go, now! like, now, now! come on.” he grabs her wrist and picks her up from the floor but y/n stops him.

“no, lo’ak!”

he looks back at her. “what? if you ignore her any longer, she’s gonna lose interest.”

“it’s almost eclipse, anyways. dad’s not gonna let us out.” she told him, literally reaching for any excuse.

it was just a coincidence that the eclipse was in a couple minutes.

“oh.” he mumbled. “yeah, that’s a problem.” they stand by the entrance of the room and figure out what to do.

“okay. tomorrow, we will find some flowers, make a bouquet, you’ll go to her dad-“

“her dad?! why would i go to him? he’s gonna stab me with his big-ass spear!” y/n said.

“not if you’re nice. and then you’ll be all like ‘i’d like to take your daughter out on a date.’ and he’ll be like ‘oh my god, you’re so sweet, of course.’ and then ronal-“

“hell. no. ronal will literally make sure i never see my family again.” she says, shaking her head.

“don’t be dramatic.” lo’ak laughs and suddenly, they hear voices in the main room of the marui.

y/n and lo’ak quickly shut up to hear who it was.

“i was wondering if i could talk to y/n for a moment. it’s important.”

y/n and lo’ak look at each other with wide eyes and started whispering to each other.

“what the hell do i do?”

“go out there!”

“no, i look like a mess! you go and ask what she wants and then-”

“oh my- just go!” he shoved y/n out of her own room and her heart was beating what felt like a million times per minute.

“y/n. your friend, tsireya’s here to see you.” jake called out.

“coming!” she responded, her voice cracking.

she could hear lo’ak’s quiet laugh from her room and rolled her eyes.

she meets up with tsireya and they agree to take a walk. jake asked her to be back not too late since eclipse was soon.

the girls walked away from the village, down the beach, just talking about bland topics, avoiding the topic they actually needed to be discussing.

“uhm.. so i wanted to ask you something.” tsireya said. she stood to face y/n.

“okay.” y/n says worriedly.

“so.. i was speaking to lo’ak earlier and i was asking him about you.”

“okay..”

“i can’t help but think you don’t like me. or you hate me. i haven’t seen you in weeks and every time i try to look for you, you’re busy with something else.”

y/n suddenly realized how shitty that was of her and felt a wave of embarrassment.

her hands covered her face as she chuckled lightly. “oh, god- i’m sorry. i’m so sorry, no wonder you think i hate you.”

tsireya gently takes her hands away from her face with a soft smile. “so, you don’t hate me?”

“no, of course not. i could never hate you. you’re so amazing and nice and pretty. i mean, i’ve liked you since we got here and you showed me around the village and you were just super nice.”

“you think i’m pretty?” tsireya interrupted. hints of pink flooded her cheeks.

“uh.. yeah.” y/n said quietly.

tsireya blushed even harder and looked down.

“i really thought you despised me and the whole time you just..” she laughs out softly.

“i’m really sorry, tsireya. i actually really like you. you’re the kindest and more generous and considerate girl i’ve ever met and uh..”

tsireya watches y/n’s expression, waiting to hear her ask the question she’s been waiting for ever since y/n arrived.

“i uhm.. will-“

“will you go out with me?” tsireya interrupted.

she quickly slapped her hand over her mouth as she watched y/n’s face. she was ready to ask tsireya already.

y/n sighs out before tsireya laughs out.

“i’m sorry!”

“i was so ready to say it! ugh, tsireya…”

“i’m sorry! i’m sorry, i’ll let you say it..” tsireya smiled.

y/n chuckled lightly. “tsireya.. will you go out with me?”

tsireya squeals in excitement before hugging y/n, throwing her arms around her neck.

y/n laughs out and spins her around, holding her tight in her arms.

she puts her down, her hands still on tsireya’s waist. tsireya had her hands on the back of y/n’s neck and they were inches apart from each other.

they would have kissed and had a nice, happy, sapphic ending, but the author is single and sad and will not be made jealous of by two fictional characters.

<3

[blackjackkent]

For the blossoming romance prompts: #25 finding comfort in someone's scent. Shadowzel. Pickee this mostly bc of lae'zels comments about scent in her actual romance lol

(Blossoming Romance writing prompts)

-----

“Zhak vo’n’ash duj…” Shadowheart makes an attempt at the githyanki phrase, a low call at the door of Lae’zel’s tent.

There’s a long silence. Perhaps Lae’zel is already asleep - as it should be, really. As the closest thing the camp has to a healer, Shadowheart knows better than most how much the gith’s body was battered by her imprisonment at Orin’s hands. By all rights, Shadowheart should be doing anything rather than disturb her rest. It’s pointless, self-indulgent, to be standing here in the middle of the night just to hear her voice… 

She’s on the point of turning away when Lae’zel answers from within the tent. “Zhak vo’n’ash duj,” she echoes, equally low and somewhat hoarse. “Rhen n’a kovakha sutaj… fynh avun…”

Shadowheart doesn’t know what that means, but it doesn’t sound like a dismissal, so she pushes the tent flap aside cautiously. 

Lae’zel is sitting up on her bedroll, legs pulled to her chest. Her eyes glitter subtly in the flickering light from the fire as she looks up. A bruise that Shadowheart has not yet healed runs in a long dark-olive line along one of her bare arms. 

“You didn’t come to dinner,” Shadowheart says.

“I am not hungry.”

“Do you want me to bring you something?”

“No.”

A pause. “Do you want me to stay with you?”

Silence. Shadowheart holds her breath. Perhaps it would be better if Lae’zel drove her away, if their dalliance shattered apart at this moment of strain. Perhaps it would be easier not to risk believing that they can see each other through this storm and all the worse ones that lie ahead. And yet her heart aches at the thought, because she has lost everything else that ever mattered to her, and gods help her, she does not want to lose this…

“Yes,” Lae’zel says softly, and the breath rushes back out of Shadowheart’s lungs. She slips through the flap into the tent and settles herself, cross-legged, in front of her lover. After a moment’s hesitation, she reaches out and takes one of Lae’zel’s hands.

After that, neither of them seem to know quite what to do. These days, their relationship manifests most often in lovemaking as violent as it is intense; this quiet moment is unfamiliar. Lae’zel looks intently down at their clasped hands. Her fingers twitch minutely against Shadowheart’s palm, long nails scoring gently against her skin.

“Orin showed me your face,” she says abruptly. “Mocked me with your voice. Tried to make me believe, time and time again, that you had come to break the chains she put on me.”

“Oh,” is all Shadowheart can think to say.

Another pause. “Chk,” Lae’zel mutters. “Foolishness. As if I could not tell the difference. As if I do not know the truth of you by now. I am not so easily taken in.”

The truth of you. Shadowheart frowns. Which one? “I’m not sure I even know the truth of me,” she murmurs ruefully. Ever since the Shadowfell, all the pieces of her seem tangled and indistinct, pulling in different directions - the Sharran and the Selunite, the torturer and the healer, the warrior for the fate of the world and the frightened child lost in the woods.

Lae’zel looks up and her eyes blaze with sudden intensity. “I would know you anywhere, Shadowheart. Do you not know I have memorized every detail? Your eyes seem grey but carry flecks of gold. You favor your right hand for combat but your left for healing. You have a scar on your elbow. Another at the back of your hip.” 

Her grip turns crushingly tight on Shadowheart’s hand, hard enough to bruise. “Your nose wrinkles upwards when you smile. Your armor is cracked at the left shoulder. You move without sound and your steps roll, heel to toe. Your scent--”

She breaks off abruptly and swallows, closing her eyes. “There are no words. But it is you. So many things Orin did not know. So many things she forgot and thought I would not notice. But I knew. I always knew - that she was a false thing, a pale imitation. Merely a reminder that I was caught and mocked, an animal in a cage. That I might-- might never again--” Her voice stutters abruptly, hangs on the edge of cracking.

Shadowheart lurches forward abruptly. Wrenching her hand from Lae’zel’s grip, she cups it instead to the back of the other woman’s neck and pulls her fiercely into a crushing kiss. Lae’zel makes a soft, startled noise, but then relaxes, her lips softening into the contact. When the kiss breaks, she turns her head so her nose presses against Shadowheart’s cheek and draws a long, shuddering inhale.

“I’m here,” Shadowheart whispers. “I’m real. No more of Orin’s lies. I’m real, and I’m here, and you’re safe.” It is only now that she is sure of that fact that she can begin to comprehend the possibility that it might have been otherwise - that they might have been too late, and she might have lost Lae’zel forever. Her world is very empty now that Shar has exiled her, ironically darker than it ever was before, but Lae’zel has been a buoy in the raging storm, implacable and steady. Shadowheart can see down that not-taken path and it is a frighteningly blank place.

“I think you see me more clearly than I see myself,” she adds quietly. Of course that’s frightening too, in its way. She was raised for so many years to exist in shadow and obscurity. To be seen is not something she is practiced at. She feels self-conscious - but at the same time there is something electric in the knowledge that Lae’zel has studied her so deeply. 

“You fill my thoughts,” Lae’zel murmurs. “I see you each moment, whether you are before me or not. Once I thought it madness - but the madness was in seeking to escape it.”

“Yes,” Shadowheart agrees. Absently, almost without thinking about it, she summons some reserve of strength and produces another healing spell which she draws gently along that long bruise on Lae’zel’s arm, watching it slowly fade back into the subtler green tint of her skin. “You should rest,” she adds softly, letting those words carry the weight of the ones she doesn’t yet feel brave enough to say. I missed you. I was so scared for you, and for myself. I love you.

Lae’zel draws another slow breath through her nose against Shadowheart’s jaw, and some of the rigid tension starts to bleed out from her. She sags forward until her forehead rests on Shadowheart’s shoulder. “Stay,” she says - but it lacks the commanding tone she might usually bring to the word. It sounds more like a plea, heavy with exhaustion.

Shadowheart nods. “I will,” she murmurs. Her fingers comb gently into Lae’zel’s hair, along her neck, over her back. “Here and real, and waiting when you wake…”

[inafieldofdaisies]

💭

Calahan cocked his gun, pressing it to the back of John's head. At first all he got as a responce was a frustrated sigh, and he couldn't blame the bastard, he too would be feeling that way at the realization he was getting sloppy, careless. John hadn't heard him enter his ranch, not until it was too late, not until Hartley had him at gunpoint. Right in the middle of his living room.

Ironie in French. A bitch in any language.

"You're making a mistake, Deputy.", came out in a hushed, but still stern voice.

"Do you have your words for God ready, or should I give you a minute to come up with your defense? Don't forget to tell Him Joseph will be joining you soon. In Hell, bastard, it's where you're all headed to."

"Wrath.", John muttered, at the same time a child's laughter carried over from the kitchen.

Fuck.

"John.", a female voice called out next and then its source came into view. A tiny readhead, face full of freckles, carrying a sleeping baby in her arms, her eyes shifting in worry between her husband and Calahan.

"Well, look at that, Johnny-boy, it's your lucky day. We'd have to reschedule your rendezvous with God.", he gritted out, lowering his weapon, taking few steps back, ready to make his escape. Retreat, something he hadn't done ever. But Reaping or no Reaping he had a code, in comparison to the Seeds.

"M'am," he nodded his head to the woman he knew as Esther, copying Leslie in his polite mannerisms when meeting new people. He hated John, but something about the woman's energy told him she didn't deserve any cruelty. Killing John in front of her and her child would be just that. Her gaze remained on his, but didn't say anything as she joined her husband, hugging him around his waist with her free hand.

Just as Hartley was at the door, his fingers reaching behind him to push it open, Esther called out, "Deputy, I made a pie, would you like a slice?"

"He was about to kill me and you're offering him pie, bumblebee?", John asked incredulously.

"Remember what Joseph says.", was all she uttered out.

The name made Hartley's blood boil. Reminded him of his goal, what was at stake.

He ignored the peace offering, addressing John instead, "You're a lucky man, John Seed. Remember that.", he lowered his voice, "Enjoy it while it lasts."

John's eyes darkened at his words, he was ready to follow Calahan as he exited the house, but whatever Esther said next held him at bay.

Lucky man, indeed. Too bad this ends with one of us dead, Seed.

He knew next time there won't be anyone to hold him back, to make him hesitate. He promised himself that. Too many people depended on him to let doubts creep in.

Prompt: Send 💭 to hear my OCs most recent thought about your OC.

[nishayuro]

Can you do Stanley Snyder and how he dealt with his crush on reader in his teens? Ty!!

Dr.Stone Stanley Snyder with a crush on reader in his teens

A/N: I did a childhood reader fic, so i’ll change this one up from the other one so we can have variety <3

Genre: Fluff

GN! Reader

"He takes the shot! What a strike! The ball sails past the outstretched arms of the goalkeeper and nestles into the back of the net. Stanley Snyder has done it!" The loud cheers of the crowd echoed through the male’s ears as the game came to an end, with his teammates surrounding him, jumping for joy for his winning goal. He smiles at himself, looking through the stands, seeing his best friend, Xeno Wingfield near the front with a proud look on his face. It took the male lots of convincing to make his best friend watch his game. 

But Xeno wasn’t the one that caught Stanley’s attention, it was the figure next to him, who was wearing his team colours. ‘Y/N L/N’ he thought. They were quite popular in school, being in the student council. Although the two have only interacted a few times whenever they’d come to talk to Xeno about the Science club affairs, or to check up on the football club, Stanley still took interest towards them. 

The male finished with the formalities in the field, rushed towards the lockers, took a shower, and left, rejecting the team’s celebration party invite, saying he had something else planned. He quickly took off towards the stands, looking for his best friend, in hopes that you haven’t left your spot next to the scientist. And to his joy, you were still there, chatting with Xeno. 

“Yow, Xee.” Stanley approached, prompting you and Xeno to look over at his direction, your eyes met with his as you gave him a smile. “Hey, Stanley! Congratulations on the win! You did great out there, it was amazing to watch!” You exclaimed, Xeno noticing a tint of red painted the male’s ears. Of course he knew about his best friend's attraction towards you, he was subtle, but nothing gets past his observing eyes. 

“Oh, it was a team effort, but thank you for your support, Y/N.” Stanley answered, a cool aura surrounding him. His pride and ego swelled from your compliment. “Yes, indeed, your skills are elegantly unmatched, Stan. Give yourself some credit” Xeno added. To which Stanley chuckled at. 

“Wanna join us, Y/N? We’re gonna celebrate the win with pizza at the diner nearby. My treat.” Stanley invited, with that cool nonchalant aura still surrounding him. ‘Oh this guy is faking so bad’ Xeno thought, knowing that his friend is probably dying inside in fear. They’ve been together for years, he can basically read Stanley’s body language, and it’s practically screaming ‘please say yes, please say yes, please say yes…’

“Oh, I wouldn’t want to intrude…” you answer, unsure if it was okay, you didn’t really know them well enough, so you found it weird that Stanley would extend the invitation towards you. “Nonsense, miss Y/N. We would be delighted for you to accompany us.” This time, it was Xeno who insisted, Stanley thanking him in his mind. “Oh, well, if that’s the case, sure! I’d love to join you both!” You answered, not noticing the breath that the blonde let out. 

The walk towards the diner was filled with you and Stanley talking about the game. He didn’t know you were a fan of the sport, so you corrected him, saying you only watch matches that your school plays in, revealing to the male that you’re a fan of his. Xeno noticed you both got flustered after that revelation. The conversation continued with Stanley talking with you about random things like game strategies, or interests, with Xeno sometimes adding his own input. 

When you reached the diner, he asked you both to choose your orders. You decided to get 1 whole pizza and a few other sides, as well as milkshakes. When your food arrived, it was Xeno’s turn to talk both your ears out about his scientific endeavours. 

“Hey, you have a little something on your face” Stanley pointed out, gesturing towards your face. You attempted to wipe it off, but missed the mark. The blonde leaned over and wiped the sauce off of the side of your lips with his finger, lingering for a second, then sat back down and wiped the sauce onto a napkin. Your flustered appearance at his sly act caused the male to develop a hint of pink on his cheeks. 

‘They’re both down bad for each other…’ Xeno thought, deadpan at the scene he just witnessed. “Say, Y/N, would you be free tomorrow? I could use another pair of hands for an experiment I'm working on.” Xeno asked, which piqued Stanley’s interest. If he remembered correctly, said experiment has something to do with some physics that comes with marksmanship, a hobby which he’d picked up last year. ‘Is Xeno… wingmanning right now?! He’s totally giving me a way to show off!’ Stanley thought. “Oh! I’d love to! I always got intrigued with your science things whenever I'd visit the lab. I’d love to be a part of it!” You exclaimed,  excitement brewing. 

After the celebration, Both boys walked you home, with you now talking about your interests, which Stanley gladly listened to. As you got to your door, you turned towards them. “Well, here’s my house. Thank you both for walking me home, Get home safe, okay?” You bid farewell, waving to the boys before coming inside your house and closing the door, but not without stealing a glance and a smile towards the blonde haired male who waved you goodbye. 

As the two males walked home, Xeno spoke up, “Well, don’t let me down tomorrow during the experiment, you’ll have another set of eyes to impress after all” The grey haired scientist smirked. “I wouldn’t dream of it. I’ll pass your little experiment and show off to them easily.” He answered, a smirk of his own plastered on his face. 

He can’t wait for tomorrow to come, now that he’s practically secured another hang out session with you. Whatever happens, he can’t deny that this whole interaction got his feelings for you much deeper. And he hopes that after tomorrow, something between you both blossoms. 

masterlist

navigation

[afewproblems]

For the writing prompts - steddie, 3. “I’m not jealous” or 31. “You weren’t supposed to laugh!”? Pls & Ty

-steddierthings

Thank you so much @steddierthings for your lovely prompt! I chose number 3, "I'm not Jealous" (I was trying to get both prompts but just couldn't come up with a solid enough idea for the two of them)

This is partly inspired by this post that I read recently but I really like this idea and I do hope that you enjoy!

This was the last straw, Gareth thinks to himself, his face in his hands, fingers dangerously close to plunging themselves into his eyes. 

“I can’t take it anymore man,” Gareth groans as Jeff takes a seat at their favorite table. It’s tucked away into the far corner of the Hideaway, the thick shiny veneer has been dulled over the years and the honey wood beneath is covered in thick layers of graffiti and carved initials. Jeff is particularly proud of the Metallica logo he painstakingly free-drew out on one of the corners while the bartender wasn’t looking. 

Jeff snorts as his gaze travels to Eddie at the bar before falling back to Gareth, who has dropped his hands in favour of glaring at the back of their friend. 

"If I have to hear him fuckin' harp about Harringtons perfect lips one more time I swear I'm going to lose it," he mutters before taking one last pull on the nearly empty bottle in front of him. Gareth winces at the taste of warm beer as he swallows the dregs and puts the bottle down a tad harsher than he means to. 

Jeff rolls his eyes and smirks, "I don't think it's going to stop anytime soon dude, he's too much of a chicken-shit to actually do anything about it," he shrugs and takes a swig of his own beer, "besides, you remember him after the senior swim meet?" 

"Oh my Goood," Gareth groans and drops his head to the sticky table surface, "he didn't shut up about that swim suit, or his moles, for a fucking month". 

Now admittedly, Gareth could appreciate that Steve Harrington was hot, he had eyes in his head after all. 

But he just couldn't understand this sudden resurgence of Eddie's very vocal pining from afar. 

After the whole business with poor Chrissy, the man-hunt that left Gareth and Jeff incredibly spooked, and the sudden earthquakes that swallowed much of their small town, Eddie had come back to their band with a gaggle mismatched party members that trailed after him like lost puppies -including Steve Harrington. 

Now, Robin Buckley and Nancy Wheeler made sense. Robin was one of their own -a band geek, sheep adjacent in her own right and Nancy was Mike's sister, whip-smart and twice as scary. 

But Steve, former jock and King of the hallways of Hawkins high? 

It made no sense. 

But, he had been there for Eddie through it all apparently. Steve had sat at his bedside in the hospital, trading off with Wayne and Dustin to let them go home for a rest while they waited for Eddie to wake up. He had brought over food to the Munson's new trailer to help while Eddie was still recovering, and even offered to host their renewed Hellfire nights at the Harrington House rather than the school. 

As much as Gareth hated to admit it, Steve Harrington actually seemed to have turned into a decent dude. 

Which brings him back to the issue at hand. 

"I just don't get why he won't shut up about him man," Gareth says with a sigh, he looks over at Jeff who is busy rolling his eyes and looking for an empty spot on their table to tag with his pen.

"I mean, you would if you've ever been hopelessly in love with someone before," Jeff says with a shrug before elbowing Gareth sharply as Eddie makes his way back to the table with three beers.

Oh…well shit.

"Maybe he just needs a little push," Gareth hums under his breath to Jeff as Eddie plunks the bottles down and slides them across the table toward them.

"What are we talking about?" Eddie asks as he takes a seat on one of the mismatched chairs on the far side of the table, he looks between Jeff and Gareth expectantly with a crooked grin. 

Gareth takes the new bottle in front of him and tears at the slightly damp paper label with his nail, as a new thought blooms, he turns to meet Jeff's eyes with a grin and lets the thought travel through their gaze.

I have a plan.

No.

Dude, trust me!

Jeff shakes his head and hides a smile behind his beer as he takes another swig.

"We were just talking about the next Hellfire meeting, maybe we can sweet talk Harrington into hosting again for us," Gareth says, trying to keep his voice level, he leans forward on his elbows and ignores the sigh that escapes Jeff beside him. 

Eddie brightens slightly and smiles for a moment before it disappears as his eyes narrow suspiciously, "probably," he says after a beat, "why?" 

"No reason," Gareth hums again as innocently as he can manage, "Steve's great, it'll be cool to catch up on how the Hoosiers are doing, that's all". 

Eddie freezes across the table and Jeff kicks Gareth's leg, hard, he fights off a wince at the impact and kicks back. 

"I uh," Eddie stutters out as he slowly seems to gain his movement back, "I didn't know you liked Basketball". 

Gareth waves his left hand and drops his gaze back to the bottle in his right, trap set. 

"I don't follow it that closely, that's why it's nice to talk to Steve about it," he lies.

Gareth has no interest in Basketball and has not in fact spoken to Steve much, outside of thanking him for hosting their last session. He can feel Jeff's gaze boring into the side of his face, it's one lie, one little white lie and it's for a good purpose, right? For love!

He tries not to let Eddie's somber face eat away at him for the rest of the night.

It's at the next Hellfire night that Gareth decides to kick things up a notch despite Jeff's warnings. 

"Just don't do anything really stupid man," Jeff tells him over the phone before the game. It wasn't like it was malicious, Eddie just needed a little push in the right direction. 

Maybe a big push.

Gareth takes a deep breath as he walks into the kitchen of the Harrington house, he'd never been here himself during the wild party phase King Steve had been infamous for and he can see why it was the central hub for the popular crowd. 

The kitchen itself is massive and the in-ground pool outside the window seems like it would be fun in the summer without the chill of April winds and the tarp covering it. 

Steve is in the kitchen talking with Eddie, he's wearing a slightly oversized forest green sweater and tight blue-jeans which --even Gareth catches himself staring a little too long at. Focus.

He's bent over the oven and putting something on a cookie sheet onto the middle rack before standing back up and closing the door. Steve takes off the floral oven mitts and sweeps his wild hair away from his heat-flushed face. Eddie seems to be listening but his eyes are just slightly glazed over and lingered far too long on the swell of Steve's jean-clad ass as he bent over.

"Hey man," Gareth calls out from the kitchen entrance, he ignores the way Eddie freezes again before slumping into a pout.

"Oh hey," Steve says, his voice tinged with slight surprise, "you excited for the session tonight?" 

Gareth nods and siddles up closer to the pair, he leans around to take a peek at the oven behind them and sniffs the air exaggeratedly, "oh what did you make for us this time Harrington? I swear, if you cooked for me like that every day I'd die a happy man". 

A pretty pink blush blooms over Steve's cheeks and ears as he fumbles with one of the oven mitts, and Okay, if Eddie doesn't make a move soon maybe….

No. Focus up man.

Steve's large hazel eyes flick from Gareth to Eddie so fast he almost misses it. 

"Uh, I mean, it's just some pizza rolls, I didn't actually have time today," Steve mumbles with a shrug, he doesn't seem to notice the furious glare that Eddie shoots Gareth's way, too busy turning around to set the timer on the little plastic egg on the counter. 

"Next time, I'm sure," Gareth says with a smile, knocking his shoulder into Steves and leaning into his space, a startled high pitched laugh bubbles out of Steve who shrugs again. 

Eddie reaches out and slings an arm around Steve's shoulders, tugging him slightly away from Gareth and into Eddie's space. He watches, fascinated as Steve relaxes slightly into Eddie's hold. 

"Stevie here does such a good job taking care of us," Eddie says sweetly into Steve's ear, he may as well have pissed in a circle around the kitchen and told Gareth to back off and eat glass, it doesn't go unnoticed the way Steve seems to bask in the attention -to Gareth anyway.

Ah well, in for a penny.

"How is it that someone hasn't snatched you up yet Harrington? He cooks, he cleans, he hosts game nights? Like a regular Carol Brady or something," Gareth asks, his voice almost wavers as Eddie's hackles rise. Eddie's normally soft brown eyes have hardened and he's looking at Gareth as though trying to figure out if he could actually get away with kicking him in the shin, or somewhere slightly higher.

But then all at once Eddie sags, he abruptly drops his arm from Steve's shoulder and stomps out of the kitchen leaving Steve and Gareth alone as the back door slams shut. 

Well shit.

Steve's eyebrows crinkle together worriedly as he bites his bottom lip, his eyes trained on the back door, "that was mean," he says softly before finally shifting his gaze to meet Gareth's surprised face, "I know what you were trying to do, but I don't think he was really ready to talk about it yet man," Steve continues with a shake of his head before seemingly steeling himself.

Steve breathes out a long sigh and hands Gareth the oven mitt in his hand without looking at him, "that timer is going to go off in about eight more minutes, just flip them when it goes off and then put them back for another ten".

And with that Steve steps around him to follow Eddie out the door. 

"I told you not to do anything stupid man," Jeff's voice floats into the kitchen from the hall, Gareth resists the urge to knock his head into the wall beside him.

"I know, I know," he mumbles as Jeff takes the spot that Eddie and Steve had vacated, "I should probably go apologize, can you watch these?" Gareth gestures towards the oven as he hands over the mitts.

Jeff's nods and rolls his eyes again as he leans back against the counter, "I better hear groveling dude," he calls out as Gareth makes his way towards the back door, "don't think Eddie wouldn't kill your character just to spite you!"

Gareth walks a little faster at the thought.

Without a porch light the yard is dark but for the pale moonlight that stretches over the lawn and patio. He makes his way down the stairs but pauses as soft voices reach his ears. 

"I'm not, I'm not jealous man," Eddie scoffs, his voice comes out in a sharp growl.

"No, Eds, that's not what I'm saying--" 

"Why would I be jealous, I don't own you, you can date or screw whoever you want Harrington," Eddie says again, his voice now bitter and soft.

There's silence for a moment before Steve speaks slowly, "whoever I want huh?" 

"Be my guest," Eddie scoffs again.

Gareth tip toes over, closer to the corner of the house and crouches down beside the bushes before peeking around the corner, just in time to see Steve step forward and slowly cup Eddie's face before leaning in to kiss him. 

Gareth resists the urge to cheer in relief, but it's a near thing. 

Eddie is frozen for a moment before he seems to come back to himself, his hands rise up to thread into Steve's hair and around the small of his back as Eddie walks them backwards into the side of the house, he presses Steve against it drawing out a surprised gasp which Eddie swallows with a please hum.

Gareth takes this as his queue to back away slowly and tip toe back up the stairs, no need to add voyeurism to his list of crimes for the day. 

When Steve and Eddie do finally return to the kitchen, Steve's hair is in complete disarray and his lips are nearly as red as his flushed cheeks. Eddie grins widely, radiating happiness, and saunters in with his arm loosely draped around Steve's waist. 

Eddie spots Gareth hovering awkwardly near the oven, Jeff pays neither of them any mind as he takes out their treats from the oven and asks Steve for a hand plating everything for the kids in the living room. Steve smiles knowingly at Jeff, his eyes trail over to Eddie and Gareth once before he snags a platter from the cupboard and leads Jeff to the farthest side of the kitchen. 

"I suppose I have you to thank for that?" Eddie says quietly, the rising volume in the living room teases the arrival of the kids at any moment. 

"Yeah, look I'm sorry man--" 

Eddie waves him off and claps him on the back with a small smile, "eh, it's fine, I needed a little push, wasted a lot of time thinking I didn't deserve everything I wanted," he says softly. 

Eddie snorts suddenly and a playful grin blooms over his face as he brings up his hand to poke Gareths chest, "Besides, I'm your DM remember? I can throw an ancient red dragon at you guys next time and tell the kids it's your fault". 

Eddie cackles as he leaves Gareth in stunned silence to join Steve and Jeff on their way into the hallway. He slips his hand into Steve's back pocket as he joins them. 

Gareth groans quietly, and starts mentally writing out a new character backstory, he has a feeling his current Elf Ranger wasn't going to last that much longer. 

[blushweddinggowns]

if it hasn’t been asked yet, prompt 18 has incredible steddie potential. no pressure tho! love your work, hope your brain feels better<3

Aww ty and it is feeling a lil better 💗 And here's some pre-steddie for ya! I might do a part two of this because the vibes leave room for some uh, not sfw material. She has some energy.

~

Steve liked to complain about driving the kids around, but in all honesty? He loved it. He loved how lively they all were, he loved the silly arguments they would have, he liked just being around them, especially Dustin.

But holy shit did he hate picking him up from Hellfire. Because for some fucking reason, Dustin was never just waiting outside. He was always waiting outside with Eddie Munson, his brand new hero.

Steve had no idea what Dustin saw in the guy. He was such a dick, even when they barely talked for five minutes a week Eddie never missed the chance to be a snarky little bitch.

Which is why he wasn't too excited to see Eddie smoking alone outside of their club room, no Dustin in sight. Steve frowned as he got out of his car, looking around like Dustin might magically appear.

It wasn't helping that Eddie was staring right at him, an amused smile on his face, "You looking for something?"

Steve rolled his eyes at the question, "Just tell me where Dustin is."

"Inside," Eddie said as he took a drag, still staring at Steve. It always made Steve feel weird, the way Eddie would look at him. HIs eyes were too big or something, too intense. It always made him squirm, "On the phone, talking to his girlfriend. It's kind of gross actually, how mushy they are. He managed to scare everyone off but me."

That sounded about right. But that also meant that now Steve was stuck with standing next to this guy. And he really wasn't in the mood for awkward small talk.

"I'll wait in the car then," Steve said dismissively, stopping when he heard Eddie snort behind him.

"Too much of a princess to stand around with the undesirables huh?"

Steve spun around, his face hot at the weird insult, "What the hell is that supposed to mean?"

Eddie shrugged, dropping his cigarette to the ground, "It means I think you're an uppity bitch. Tell me Steve, is hating me your only personality trait? Or do you get off on acting like a pissy kitten? That pretty face can only take you so far you know. "

This, this right here is what he hated the most about Eddie Munson. He was a dick yes, but he was so specific about it. Always calling Steve stupid shit like princess, kitten, bitch and now pretty. It was weird, emasculating, and...confusing. Very confusing on why the first thing it always did was make him blush. He didn't make Steve mad in the right way. He made him feel off kilter and anxious, his heart almost always going into overdrive whenever he had to talk to the guy.

But that didn't mean he was going to take all of that laying down, "Says you? I'm surprised you don't have a I hate Jocks tattoo on your forehead. For an 'undesirable' you sure are judgmental as fuck."

Eddie laughed at that, like Steve was an old friend who made a hilarious joke, instead of someone who was actively trying to get under his skin, "Do you still count as a jock? Because if you do I might have to re-evaluate that. I never said I hated you, princess."

Oh great. So that was just a nickname now. Steve opened his mouth to snap back at him, to ask why he was such an ass if their wasn't mutual hatred between them.

But then Dustin was popping out of the club room, a big smile on his face as he waved at Steve, "Sorry I'm late! Suzie called and she heard about this new theory she had to tell me about and-"

"And you can tell me in the car," Steve interrupted, avoiding Eddie's eyes as he dragged Dustin away. The asshole smirked at him as they drove away, like he could just tell how much he was driving Steve crazy.

Yeah, Steve would never understand what Dustin saw in that guy.

[dearharriet]

could you write a steve x fem!reader fic based on little freak by harry styles? thank you!!!

ty for the req!! <3 i hadn’t listened to little freak since harry’s house came out but this prompt rly grew on me :) hope u like it! (1.6K) 🦢 (cw: drinking, smoking, foul language)

A football team of college pricks had invaded the kitchen. You felt bad. In high school, the kitchen was always a haven at parties for chatting and drinking and planning to leave. What you were witnessing felt like the desecration of God’s land.

You were on the counter, where you’d stationed yourself an hour ago. The rowdy group would rotate between flirting with you and rooting through the cupboards and drawers, or roughhousing (which had broken three household items so far), or yelling.

The guy talking to you now smelled like Windex and had calluses on his hands that kept snagging on your tights.

“—and girls always say they like blue collar guys but really they’re just talking about Bruce Springsteen.”

“Mm-hm,” you mumbled a half-hearted agreement.

You’d exhausted your options, and were considering letting Windex take you home. Half of the other guys wouldn’t even talk to you, only shooting furtive glances your way.

“Have you seen how lanky that guy is? He’s never seen a day of work in his life.”

“Uh-huh.” You scanned the crowd, desperate for another chance, but only found two girls eyeing you from the punch bowl. Caught, they scampered out of the kitchen again giggling, their full cups sloshing red onto the linoleum.

“Hey,” Windex pulled your attention back to him. Your face felt warm, and you chided yourself. The girls never used to make fun of you for being liked.

“Hey,” he said again, taking your chin. You tamped down a cringe. “Wanna get out of here?”

This time when you swept the kitchen, hopeless, there was someone standing on the threshold.

There was a fuzzy familiarity about him—the nose, the big brown eyes.

Windex finally turned to see what was distracting you, and his grip on your leg tightened.

“Oh, Jesus. Here comes royalty.”

The other boys in the kitchen noticed him too, and started heckling him. The chaos of their insults made them indecipherable. You caught the stranger’s eye and smiled demurely, but he averted his gaze, and then lurched forward like someone pushed him. A small dirty blonde traipsed in behind him, speaking a mile a minute.

Windex blocked your view with his body, standing between your thighs.

“C’mon, let’s get outta here. I think the rats are moving in for scraps.” He pulled at your legs to slide you off the counter, but you anchored yourself with your hands.

“I think I’m gonna stay a little longer,” you told him, and because your subtlety is nonexistent, your eyes flicked over to the boy and his friend. Windex caught on quickly, glancing between you two and scoffing dryly.

“Right,” he said. “Have fun with that. Just don’t be surprised if his dick is softer than his hands.”

You straightened. “You can go now.”

He threw his hands up in surrender and backed away.

“You guys can give it up,” he shouted over the music and the jeering. “King Steve is here!”

The guys all groaned, dropping everything and abandoning ship.

One of them threw his cigarette into Steve’s brand new cup of liquor and it flamed. Steve jumped back, tossing the drink away from him. You gasped.

“What the hell?” Steve was giving the guy what for? but everyone else was staring at Windex. Steve’s drink was seeping into his flannel shirt, a blotch of brown over the forest-green. Thankfully the flame didn't last, so he was only soggy and unhappy.

“Real nice, bud,” Windex bit out. “My shirt is fucked.”

Steve’s friend spoke up.

“Tell your idiot friends not to make molotovs out of his damn drink, then, bud.”

“Rob, stop. Let’s just go, they were here first.”

“No, please, your highness. She’s all yours.” Windex shot a look your way, and then him and the rest of them went away.

With the guys gone, the typical kitchen crowd started reappearing. Steve and his friend seemed content to lean against the island and people watch.

You assumed she was his girlfriend after a while, but then a pretty redhead appeared and whisked her away, their fingers nervously interlocked.

Steve made his way over soon after.

“Hey.” There’s an art to charming guys, and you were always naturally talented at it. You’d dip your chin and look up through your lashes, and speak just a smidge too quiet so they’d have to lean in to hear you.

Steve, however, didn’t lean in. His mouth pulled into a strained smile.

“Hi.”

“Everything okay?”

“Yeah, um, fine.” He glanced behind you. “Would you grab me a paper towel?”

Twisting around, you found the roll on its spool under the cabinet and frowned. The section tore off cleanly and you slid it across the counter to him.

“I remember you, now,” you said before he could escape. “From school. You’re the ladykiller.”

He blew a breath out and ran a hand through his hair. You remembered that, too.

“That’s not something I’m really proud of.” He winced. “I’m trying to leave it behind.”

A throaty giggle sprang out of you.

“I don’t know if spilling drinks on people is a step in the right direction.” You were joking, but he frowned.

“Yeah, I’m, uh. I’m sorry about that.”

“Are you?” You squinted.

“No,” he said with retroactive irritation. “He was being a prick. They all were. But I’m sorry for you.”

A scoff rolled out of you, slightly affronted.

“Gee, thanks.” You folded your arms and leaned back into the cabinet. “Is this how you charm all the girls? By feeling sorry for them?”

“I don’t do much charming,” he muttered. You raised a skeptical brow. “Anymore.”

Laughing, you lifted your butt to grab the pack of smokes you had stashed away in your back pocket.

“Clearly. I’m starting to think you’re actually here for the paper towel.” Kicking a leg out, you grazed his hip with your sneaker while you pulled a cigarette out.

Steve watched you light it, something churning behind his eyes.

“I don’t get it,” he mumbled, almost too quiet for you to catch. He was shaking his head.

“Hm?” Blowing your first drag out into the kitchen, you relaxed a little further in your perch.

“Just…in school, guys always talked about you like you were odd. Freaky.” He shrugged. “You just seem like a girl to me.”

Your brows pinched, conflicted. “Oh.”

Steve kept eyeing your smoke. When he realized he wasn’t being subtle enough, he turned to gaze out at the kitchen, arms crossed.

“Yknow, I always wondered what you thought of them.”

You looked out into the kitchen, but there was no identifiable person that he was talking about.

“Who?”

Ruffling the back of his hair a bit, he said, “The guys you’d talk to.”

You hummed. Ashed your cigarette onto his forgotten paper towel.

“You mean why I liked them?”

“No, just—” Steve paused. Intrigued, you scooted to the edge of the counter to listen closer.

“Just what you were thinking.” Steve kicked his sneaker into the floor. “You looked kinda far away most of the time.”

A smile crept over your face.

“Yeah, that sounds about right,” you muttered, swaying your feet. You tried to sum your thoughts up without being long-winded.

“I think…they’re bored.” Steve looked at you and you added, “And sad.” Smiling bitterly, you looked away. “Mostly sad.”

Steve's laugh was hollow as he rubbed his cheek with the flat of his hand.

“Yeah. Sounds about right.”

You shared a look, and then shared a silence as you finished your cigarette. When you were done, you stubbed it briskly and leaned forward onto your hands again.

“Hey, so.” You cleared your throat. “I think I’m gonna go. And if I leave on my own, at least one of those guys is gonna follow me. I know you’re not interested, but, um…”

Smiling at him—a real smile, not a simper or a manipulation—you asked, “Do me a favor and walk me out?” Steve looked unsure, so you added, “You can come right back. If you don’t want people to think…”

Nodding slowly, Steve came and helped you hop down. You tried to concern yourself as little as possible with his big hands, with how automatic his decision to help you was. You failed miserably, especially when he started guiding you out by the small of your back.

Windex was shirtless on the couch, talking at a new girl who wore a thousand-yard-stare that rivaled yours. He stilled when you passed, watching the both of you with contempt, but didn’t stop you.

Outside was chilly, being night and near-October in Hawkins. You rubbed your arms over the thin sleeves of your shirt and sucked in a shaky breath. It came out as steam.

“Thanks,” you said cheerily, giving Steve's forearm a small grateful squeeze. “I’ll see you ‘round.”

You probably wouldn’t.

The gravel driveway loomed before you, and you started your trek with a huff.

“What are you doing?”

You spun around to see Steve looking at you, perplexed.

“I’m walking home.”

Steve's face flickered with emotion before he shook his head insistently.

“Uh-uh. Let’s go.” Shoving his hand into a pocket, he produced his keys and started toward a BMW.

“What? Steve, no, it’s fine. I do it all the time.”

The passenger door was already open.

“Get in the car, crazy.”

Shifting where you stood, you found yourself tempted to do just that. You glanced at the house.

“People will think—“

“That’s fine.”

A beat passed between you, and then a cold gust of wind pushed you into the cushy leather seat, and Steve closed the door behind you.

When he slid into the driver's side you asked, “What about your friend?”

He smiled. “She left a while ago.”

“Oh.” Nodding, you relaxed. Steve put the car in reverse and turned the radio up, and you laughed outright.

Springsteen was on.

+

thank you for reading! 🌝

masterlist