#ugh I am tired but I really want to play wow today I almost unlocked earthen

[goblin-enjoyer]

Oh by the corpses I think I’m loosing it. Earlier I just got back from a friends birthday get together for their 21ST. I’m a bit worn out so I go to watch some background entertainment on YouTube while a get my batteries for wow back (I heard there was a new important quest chain). I see some homestuck comic dubs in my feed. Odd, but makes sense as I have been listening to the music lately. So I turn on those old 3-4 year old videos thinking: “eh this is just some old dubs from 2015-16 might as well watch em while I recharge. See what this old decaying fandom had in its heyday”. I watch for a bit until I find a comp that BLINDSIDES me with a Covid reference comic. I look at the date, 4 years ago. After the video is finished I then proceed to realize that all those videos were from 2020-2022 and then start breaking down somewhat as I realize I’m getting old and starting to think “4 years ago was 2016” . Que this post . Honestly I can’t tell which is worse. The fact that 2016 was almost 10 years ago and as much as things change, every 5 or so years they kinda just reset a tiny bit in the transition from old to new to old again Or the fact that i might be a homestuck fan now. Nonsense of a mad[WOULD PREFER NOT TO SAY] in the tags as I don’t put that crabp in the main post.

[westfrosts]

Apple Pies - Colt x MC

You rushed across the halls, trying to avoid the busy students before they crammed the stairways, eager to get home just like you. You knew you could chunk in some extra studying at home and maybe watch a movie if you got home fast enough. But as you thought about home, your heart ached as you remembered everything you hid from your father. Guilt was inevitable. I'm the worst daughter on the planet. I really don’t deserve a father like him. Shaking your head with a sigh, you decided you would stop dwelling on it.

 The fresh, crisp air hit you as soon as you got to the parking lot. The buses were getting ready to leave. Frantically, you broke into a sprint, but before you could make any distance, you saw Logan step in front of you.  

 Damn it. Just what I need right now.

 You couldn't stop your eyes from rolling. “Is there something you need? I have a bus to catch and I'm tired of seeing you at my school unannounced. Borderline creepy, if I may add.” There was no point in biting your tongue anymore.

 Logan raised his hands in mock surrender, but the smile on his face is unmistakable. “Phew, easy there, Tiger! I was actually here on business, another car deal success, as you know.”

“Riiiiight. I'll just be on my way,” you looked around and saw the buses had already disappeared. “Ugh, give me a ride, you're the reason I'm gonna be late.” You sighed, already walking towards his ride.

 Logan laughed, but still let you into his car. “Home?”

 “No, duh. Gotta study,” you shook your head, putting on your seatbelt, “I still intend on being the valedictorian.”

 “I see, the double life isn't for you,” said Logan, as he turned the wheel, “I have to see the gang first and grab something, is that okay?”

 You sighed. “Can't you do it after you’ve dropped me off?”

 “Let's say it's time sensitive.”

 You snorted at his attempt at being mysterious. “Never change,” you quickly added, “I'm being sarcastic if you couldn’t tell.”

 Logan rolled his eyes as he drove into the M.P.C garage hideout and then unlocked the door for you to get out. “It seems like you’re not in the mood today, Y/N. I'll be back in a couple minutes to take you home.”

 “Great,” you said, extra cheery before you grabbed your bag. You looked for a place to chill until then, but you suddenly felt arms surround you from behind your back, wrapping you up tightly in a bear hug. You went rigid as you attempted to get them off of you, until you heard Ximena's voice. “Y/N! I haven't seen you in awhile!” she cheered, as she continued to give you a bone-crushing back hug.

 “God, Ximena you gave me a heart attack!” you almost shouted, trying to breathe through her vice grip.

 “You wouldn't want to kill her before she becomes top of her class, Ximena,” said Colt, you heard him before you saw him.

 Ximena laughs at the jab before letting go, “Damn, can’t a chick hug someone around here?”

 You brushed yourself off, raising your eyes at him, “Actually, I am at the top of my class,” you covered up a smile before you said, “By the way, your fly is open.”

 Colt's eyes widened as he fussed over himself and went to zip up his jeans before he realized it wasn't true. By then his face was already flushed, seeing his reddened face brought a smile to your own. You just wanted to squeeze those cheeks. You laughed. “You really fell for that!”

 “You're not funny,” Colt grumbled, before folding his arms across his chest, “What are you even doing around here, come to see Logan the Lover Boy?” he taunted.

 “Nice to see you too,” you rolled your eyes.

 Ximena clasped her hands as she said, “Okay you two, quit it. Kaneko wants these cars repaired and in top shape before he comes back.” By then, you’d lost track of Logan but you couldn’t really bring yourself to care, though the idea of turning up late at home again gnawed away at you and the guilt you felt earlier today felt like a ton of bricks on your shoulders.

 You were distracted from your raging thoughts when Mona came out to fix her own car and stayed off to herself. You couldn’t help but marvel at her outfit, how she constantly managed to look good while pretty much being off the grid was beyond you.

 You set your school bag down and took a seat next to Colt as he worked on a car. You rested your chin on your hand as your eyes watched him working with intrigue. Damn, that jawline could cut a bitch...

 Colt glanced curiously at you before returning his gaze to his car. “Do you need something? Why are you so obsessed with me?” He grunted, as he tweaked the engine.

 Your eyes widened as you chuckled. “It's actually the other way around. You're the one that approached me when we first met, you know, always dropping your little comments every time I was around.”

 Colt narrowed his eyes, opening his mouth, but you quickly interrupted him, “Not that I mind.”

 “...You're bold.”

 “I know. You like it?”

 Colt pressed his lips together, slowly moving his eyes towards your face with thinly veiled curiosity, before moving his gaze back to the car in front of him. “Just what game are you playing, Wheeler?”

 “...Alright then,” you sighed quietly, looking down in disappointment. You took out your phone to see the time and gasped when you saw how long it had been. “Ugh, just where is Logan? He was supposed take me home after he grabbed something.”

 Colt rolled his eyes, seemingly irritated, “How would I know? I guess your Prince Charming left you behind.”

��You stood up and pulled on your backpack with a sigh. “Shut up. Can you give me a ride? Please, I need to get home.”

 “No.”

 “C’mon Colt, pretty please with a cherry on top?”

 “Hmmm, let me think about it… No. Go ask someone else.”

 “Pleeease?” You asked with a pout, stretching the word out and grabbing one of his hands in both of yours. His spanner clattered to the ground noisily as Colt blinked up at you, almost unseeingly.  Colt stared into your eyes, with an unreadable look in his own. “...Okay, fine,” he sighed, shaking your hand off and rubbing the back of his neck instead.

 You squealed, jumping up and down before running to his motorcycle, “Well come on then, Pretty Boy, I don't have all day!”

 He tossed you a helmet, “You owe me,” he said, while putting on his own, “and try not to scream in terror, I’m hoping to keep my eardrums tonight.”

 “Oh really? So on any other night, I’m free to scream as loud as I want and rupture your eardrums then?” You winked at him, a cheeky grin on your face. Colt’s mouth opened and closed like a fish before he shut it abruptly and got onto the motorcycle, seemingly lost in thought. You couldn’t help but chuckle to yourself.

 …

 Colt sped up across the street, steering his motorcycle as you screamed, “Oh my goooooosh!” You clutched his waist tightly, your head resting on his back. You tried to focus on the warmth emanating from his body and how nice your arms felt around him, but the wind whipping at your face and hair took your breath away faster than Colt ever could, so you squeezed the seat of the bike harder with your legs, wishing for the journey to be over already.

 “What were you saying before?” He laughed and it seemed to vibrate through him. For some reason, you thought it was one of the most beautiful things you'd ever heard. It was carefree and soft, not bitter or mirthless this time. You didn't get to hear it as often as you'd like. From that moment on, you decided to make it your mission to hear that genuine laugh as many times as you could.

 He took a shortcut, but it led to a bumpy road. “Hold tight!” he yelled over the noisy engine, before you both began bouncing around on the bike. You did as you were told, this time looking up to see the landscape around you. The houses and trees passed by quickly, almost blurring. You sighed contently, you could get used to this. For a moment, you hadn’t a care in the world, only Colt and the peaceful night life as your backdrop.

 Colt stopped in front of your house and you took your time getting off the motorcycle, not just because you didn’t want this moment to end but also because your legs felt like jelly. Colt laughed as he watched you wobble around slightly and you narrowed your eyes at him, keeping a good grip on the bike. You took a good look at him, before opening and closing your mouth a few times, lost for words. His eyes were dark and deep like you could get sucked into them, his olive skin complimented his features, his arched eyebrows were the most stunning. He had a rigid look, but managed to look gentle. You didn’t know why you were suddenly bewitched by his appearance, but you couldn’t bring yourself to care. In this moment, he was all that mattered.

 Colt coughed awkwardly at the silence, staring at you a little weirdly. “Are you… okay? Damn, that ride must’ve done a number on you,” he said with a chuckle.

 You scratched your neck, your face feeling hot, “I’m fine, anyway, thank you for the ride. I guess you don't suck like the rest of them.” Colt rolled his eyes, a hint of a smile playing at the corner of his lips. Suddenly, his eyes were brighter in the dim streetlight, almost glinting and gleaming. Wow… Was that a trick of the light making him seem ethereal or had that motorcycle journey really ruined you? You shook your head.

 “Gee, thanks. You really have a way with words. You sure you're the top of your class?”

 You gasped. “Shut up! ...Although, maybe you have a point. Ingrid really seems to be on top of the game lately...” You sighed, muttering the next part, “Both academically and appearance wise, she’s so pretty, I could never...” Your voice had become a whisper by the time you finished your sentence. When you looked at up, Colt had his mouth open like he was about to say something, but he closed it immediately upon seeing your gaze now on him. He looked away, fiddling around with his motorcycle with his lips pressed together.

 Your eyebrows furrowed, unsure of what to make of him. When you finally regained your balance, you walked up the steps of your house and quickly gave him a wave before heading inside. Wouldn’t wanna ruin the moment with my embarrassing brain.

 Colt watched you leave, his hands now in his pockets. The hell, what am I? A nervous schoolboy? Leave already. Clearing his thoughts, Colt moved onto his bike, gripping the handlebar. He couldn’t stop his eyes from drifting back toward your house as he contemplated everything that had happened today. He didn't know what to think of you yet, but if the happiness and warmth that he had felt around you was anything to go off of… Are we friends now?

 …

 In the Wheeler household, your dad's cheery voice rang through the kitchen. “Y/N! How come you’re back so late? It’s 4:30 PM, did something happen at school, is everything OK?”

 You smiled sheepishly at the tone of his voice and felt bad as you once again formulated another a quick white lie. “Same old, same old. I stayed to get help from one of my teachers. Also, I think Ingrid and I are gonna be friends! I'm tired of competing with her. She doesn't seem so bad,” you said, taking off your shoes and throwing your bag on the couch, “How was your day, Dad?”

 Your dad placed a warm, steaming meat casserole on the dinner table as he removed his oven gloves, waving you over to the table. “Come on, we can talk all about my boring day later, for now, feast your eyes and mouth on this! It’s one of your mother’s recipes, I can’t believe it came out so well after not making it in years! I even put your favourite cheddar cheese on there, you know, the one you’re always snacking on in the middle of the night?”

 You gasped as your dad laughed at you, “Dad?! How do you know about my midnight missions, I thought I was being quiet.” You said with a pout.

 “How can I not know? The packet is always so loud and you chew like a dinosaur!”

 “I do not!” you gaped, “Daaaaad!”

 Soon enough, the Wheeler household was filled with laughter and joy, and the warm, yellow light streaming through the curtains onto the street was enough for Colt to feel a little melancholy. As he thought about his empty apartment, he felt a pang of jealousy. He couldn’t remember the last non-aggressive interaction between him and his father. He scoffed. Can I even call him a father? Colt shook his head, something he found he’d done a lot today.

 As you and your father finished up your meal, you sighed, sitting back with both hands on your very filled stomach. “That was amazing as always, Dad, thank you. It’s almost like Mom made it herself, though she wouldn’t put nearly as much salt in as you did…”

 Your dad gaped at you, looking severely affronted. “Excuse you, little missy! I happen to think that was a perfect replica of your mother’s recipe!” He had his hands on his hips as he narrowed his eyes at you playfully.

 You pressed your lips together before bursting out with a laugh. “I was kidding, Dad! It was perfect, Mom would’ve been proud, I’m sure of it.” You smiled sincerely and your father mirrored your expression. A comfortable silence settled between the two of you as you began tidying and washing up. As you turned around from finishing the dishes, you saw your father stood by the window, holding the curtain aside and looking intently at something outside.

 “Dad? What’s up, is something happening outside?” He seemed distracted looking out of the window. 

“There’s someone just sat outside on a bike out there, who is that? Do you know them by any chance?”

 Your eyes widened. A bike? Shit, it can’t be Colt, right? No, there’s just someone else with a motorbike... in our area... sat on our drive, no big deal… Right? You hurried over to your father’s side, pulling the curtain with more force than you intended before scanning your driveway. Shit!  You found Colt on his bike with his hands in his pockets, looking down somewhat forlornly. Why is he still here?!

 You stammered out slowly, “Oh, yeah... that's Colt! He took me home because I missed the school bus.” That could work, you hoped. You eagerly watched your father’s face, looking for any signs of disbelief or doubt. Please work, please work, please work!

 “You've never mentioned him before,” he said, surprised, “You're making new friends even in your last year. I'm so proud.” He gave you a little side hug, but the guilt still ate away at your heart.

 “Yeah, we just met a couple of days ago at lunch.” Your hands were starting to sweat. You were never one to lie to your dad that often. You felt extremely bad, but knew you couldn’t tell him about the M.P.C, you feared what would happen to the both of you if you did. “You know what, his bike is probably broken, I’ll go out there and figure out what’s up.”

 Your dad clapped your shoulder affectionately, “Well, let me go invite him in! I haven't seen you hanging out with anyone besides Riya and Darrius.” By the time he’d finished his sentence, he was already on his way to the door and ready to step out.

 “Dad, wait! I'll ask him...” you said, trying your best to disguise the nervousness in your voice, “He's probably got a lot to do anyway. So don't be surprised if he can't.” You put on some slippers to get ready to go out, but your heart hammered as you thought of what you could possibly say Colt.

 “I hear ‘ya. Am I not cool enough for your friends?” He asked, jokingly. You wondered how he managed to still be happy and playful even after everything he went through with your mother’s death. He's probably doing it for me. I really don't deserve him.

 “On the contrary, you're cooler than cool. The coolest amongst everyone.” You said, hoping the humour would help distract your father from inviting Colt in. Your dad crossed his arms, but still wearing his sweet smile, “I do not appreciate that sarcasm, Y/N. I’ll have you know back in my day, people begged to hang out with me,” he squinted his eyes at you a couple of seconds later, “You're stalling aren't you? I'll ask your friend myself.”

 Fuck.

 Before you could intervene, your dad opened the front door, bounding over to Colt, “Hey, son, would you like to come in? We just finished having dinner but I’m sure we can spare a plate for you,” he called out, his voice kind and trusting. Colt jumped a little when he heard your dad’s voice, looking around as if he’d forgotten where he was. He blinked a couple of times before looking between you with your widened eyes and your dad. “Sorry, what did you say?” He asked.

 “I asked if you wanted to come in, son. Come on, it’s the least we can do for dropping our Y/N back home. We’ve got some meat casserole on the menu and apple pie for dessert!” Your dad said with an easy smile. You gasped. “Apple pie?! Dad, why didn’t you tell me before? I love that!”

 “Well because I knew you’d demolish it in five seconds and I didn’t want our lovely guest to not have anything for dessert,” said your father with a shrug.

 “Wh-what… how did you know there’d be a guest? You’re not a psychic, dad.” You crossed your arms while narrowing your eyes.

 “Maybe I am, I predict this lovely fellow on this motorcycle is going to accept my invitation and he’s going to love my apple pie.” Your father said, turning to Colt and trying to wink discreetly at him.

 You gape towards Colt and shook your head briskly. “No.” You mouth towards him, shaking your head and making an ‘X’ with your arms. Colt, who was looking between you and your father in that moment with a pensive look on his face, seems to catch on and a lovely smirk appears on his lips. If your two lives collided, you knew the future would spell danger for you. You couldn’t let this happen. “Wait, Colt! Didn’t your friend Logan invite you over for dinner tonight? Yeah the one from school in Physics class. Oh no… I’m so sorry, maybe another time. Bye Colt!” You waved hurriedly at him before grabbing your father’s arm and trying to drag him back inside.

 “Oh wait! Didn’t you hear, Y/N? Logan’s car broke down and he took it to the garage after school. Looks like had to cancel. So... yeah, dinner would be great! Thank you Mr. Wheeler, if it wouldn't be too much trouble.” He got off his motorcycle, sauntering over to you with the biggest shit-eating grin on his face. You gape at him, sure that your eyes would come out of their sockets any second. Your hands fall to your side as your dad slings an arm around Colt’s shoulders, telling him all about the meat casserole you just ate. Colt, however, doesn’t take his eyes off yours and the smile on his face is cheeky enough to leave you speechless.

 …

 “Are you sure you're not a new student? I think I would've met your parents.” Your dad questioned, oblivious. He looked at Colt with soft eyes, looking like he actually wanted to get to know him. In that moment, you almost wanted to let Colt and your father get on, uninterrupted. You knew how much a father figure would mean to him but you also knew you couldn’t leave this conversation unchecked, lest your secrets be spilled.

 Zoning back into the conversation, you almost choked on your food thinking of a lie to say before Colt could try to reveal anything. The M.P.C crew, your double life, anything. But before you could open your mouth, Colt glanced at you, a glint of mischief dancing in his eyes as he said, “No, I'm not. My family just keeps to themselves.”

 The rest of the time, you were hyperventilating over what Colt would say or if your dad would figure out Colt's father led M.P.C, the very gang he was after. But for the time being, he seemed to understand your situation and kept quiet about it. You squinted at him, trying to figure out what he was up to.

 You could tell Colt was enjoying being in control. But even he knew that he couldn't give away too much or else Kaneko's crew would be in danger and he sought his father's good graces. Not that you could blame him.

 Soon enough, your dad brought out his famous apple pie and set it down on the table. “Ta-daaaaa!” he said, as he showed it off with a flourish. You momentarily forgot about everything else and only focused on the pie. Gosh, that’s one beautiful pie, I can’t wait to dig into you…

 Colt chuckled to himself as he watched you nearly drool over it. How cute. Colt thought to himself. ...Wait, what?! No! Not cute! Shut up!  You quickly reached for the knife to cut your slice, paying no heed to Colt shaking his head and his inner turmoil, but your dad slapped your hand away. “Ow! Dad, why?” you said, annoyed, “This is my favourite dessert, what are you doing?!”

 “Our guest gets the first slice, and we both know you'd just cut half the pie for yourself,” your dad said, matter of factly, “You know it's true, don't try to deny it.” He’d already slid the pie to Colt and you could only watch in horror as Colt smirked at you over the pie, dramatically licking his lips.

 “Sorry, (Y/N), looks like your beautiful pie is mine now. How does it feel being a loser?” Colt snickered.

 You stuttered as you tried to come with a reply defending yourself as Colt sat back and started laughing. “This is so embarrassing!” you whined,  “Dad, I bring one guest and suddenly you slander my name. You have no right.”

 Your dad shrugged as he said, “I do, you know, being your father and all. I might actually have to disown you for your pie obsession, your midnight-cheese-eating obsession and your coming-home-late obsession and adopt Colt instead. I’m sure he wouldn’t worry me nearly as much as you do,” your father sighed dramatically, placing the back of his hand on his forehead, “You’d make a good son wouldn’t you, Colt? Wouldn’t leave me worrying if you were gonna come back from school late?”

 “Hey, Dad!” You complained with a pout.

 Colt knew it was a joke, but even the thought of a father like yours was enough to change the mood. Colt found himself blinking a few times, not sure what the watery feeling in his eyes was. What would've happened if he had a normal dad like yours? One that loved him and didn't constantly push him away? He looked up towards the ceiling and blinked a couple more times in hopes of drying his eyes, but failed. All the built up anger and remorse he had tried to bury was bubbling up to the surface. Great, I’m really about to cry in front of the Wheelers. Just great.

 You watched the change in Colt’s demeanour, how his shoulders were pushed back, almost as if he was trying to act strong and like everything was fine. Are those tears? Oh no… You immediately knew this was about Kaneko and you bit your lip, unsure of where to go from here. Your dad quickly glanced at you, confused, “I'll, uh, give you two some space?” your dad said, though it sounded more like a question than anything else. He quickly took up some plates and left for the kitchen. A short silence followed, you tried to make eye contact with Colt but he was making it his mission to not look at you.

 Colt pushed his chair back and made a motion to leave, but you stopped him with a hand on his shoulder. “Is this about your dad?” you asked, already knowing the answer, “You know… I’m here for you… if you need me or anything.”

 “No!” he replied, bitterly, but even he knew he wasn’t convincing anyone, “I-I just need to go. Don’t worry about me, it’s nothing… You’d just laugh at me, anyway…” His voice almost disappeared towards the end of his sentence.

 You shook his head, your eyes filled with worry. “No. I'd listen to you and try to understand. I'm always willing to listen, Colt. I care, you know.” You sit patiently, and for a couple of minutes you think all is lost as the silence goes on. But Colt inhales slowly, dropping his head to look at the repeating patterns on the carpet instead. He traces the patterns with his eyes and you shift your chair closer to his, trying to show your support. You knew this would be hard for him and you could sense how he was taking a huge risk by telling you, he didn’t seem like the type of guy to open up that easily.

 Colt moves his head even lower, his voice soft now. Something about you made him trust your words. Hesitantly, he said, “It's just... I want my dad to be proud to call me his son. I want him to appreciate me, the way he does Logan.” Colt murmured, though the ending came out with malice, “That's it. There's nothing I want more in my entire life. Why can’t I have a loving relationship the way you and your father do? Why does everyone have it better than me, what have I done to deserve this?” His voice cracked, his head shaking miserably.

 “Colt, look at me,” you placed your hands on either side of his face, bringing his head level with yours, “First, you’ve not done anything wrong. Know that. None of this is your fault, it’s your dad’s fault for not being a good enough father, OK? Colt, you’re not alone. I’m here for you, I’m sure the crew would be there for you… not sure about Logan though, fuck him.” You murmured somewhat pissed off, more to yourself than to Colt, but seeing how it brought a smile to Colt’s face brought a grin to your own. You wiped away the tears on his cheeks with your thumbs and almost lost yourself in his warm gaze again. “Stop distracting me, I’m trying to give you advice and console you here!” You admonish with a slight blush. This is why I don’t do eye contact!

 “Me? How am I distracting you? ...Let me guess, you’re getting lost in my eyes like all them other girls do?” Colt raised an eyebrow, the corner of his mouth turning up. He looked positively charming despite the teary eyes and wet cheeks. 

 “What would you do if I said yes?” You countered.

 Colt was left speechless once again, before he quickly averted his gaze. Suddenly, you remembered how you were cupping his face, and moved your hands down to his instead. “Colt, you shouldn’t feel guilty, you shouldn’t feel bad. I don’t think you should worry yourself grey over your father and this matter unless your father is willing to put in some work himself. Maybe you have to let go of this one relationship and instead focus on, I don’t know, a ‘chosen family’ instead? It isn’t just that blood connection and that parental figure that makes a family. It’s the bond, the connection, that innate need to help your ‘family’, your peers and your friends, to repair damage and to create new, healthy bonds. You can still have a healthy relationship with a father or a parental figure, whether that’s Kaneko a few years down the line or a completely random person you could meet tomorrow, I’m sure of it. I’m sorry it can’t be Kaneko right now, I’m sorry he, I don’t know, appreciates Logan more. But there’s one thing I’m not sorry for, even if it did put my secrets at risk,” you roll your eyes playfully, and Colt seems to know where the conversation is heading, as a small smile makes its way onto his face, “I’m glad about you being here today. It meant I could tell you everything I just did, but it also meant you met my father, who, pretty much sees you as his son already. So, if you ever need a shoulder to cry on, or a meat casserole and apple pie to dig into, you know where to find us. All you have to do is act like you’re in a sad Justin Bieber song on your motorbike outside for a few minutes.” You finish off with a smile, rubbing your thumbs over the back of his hands.

 Colt burst out laughing at the end of your speech and the tears in his eyes were no longer from his sorrow. “Justin Bieber song? Really? I can’t believe you said I looked like a JB song! I’m obviously way better and hotter than that numpty. He couldn’t ride a motorcycle as well as me even in his dreams. He wishes he was me.” Colt shrugged nonchalantly, seemingly back to his debonair self again. There’s a small silence between the two of you, but all it takes is one look for the both of you to burst out laughing again.

 After settling down, Colt speaks slowly, “(Y/N), I don’t know what to say… Thank you. Honestly. I really appreciate that, I doubt anyone else would’ve gone to the effort that you just did. You’re right, you know, I can’t keep waiting for Dad to do something about us, I have to move on I guess, until he’s ready to rekindle this relationship. But that’s if I’m even ready to forgive him, I don’t know if I ever can. Weird, I know, I was desperate for him to,” he pauses, “Come back to me, I guess, but I don’t think I was ready to forgive him. How dumb of me, huh?” Colt almost whispered.

 Your eyes softened, “No. Not dumb of you. You’re allowed to feel everything you feel, if anything, you should feel that way. You’re the one that was cut off, you don’t have to worry about whether your reactions and feelings are out of line because they have every right to be… You’re perfect the way you are, Colt.” You said, with a soft smile.

 Colt stared at you, almost incredulously, “...What did I ever do to deserve you, (Y/N)?” he asked.

 “Everything and nothing,” you grinned, “you merely had to exist for destiny… fate… whatever to throw me in the works. Maybe it was meant to be, huh?”

 Colt shook his head, but there was no mistaking the small smile on his face, “Thank you, truly.”

 “We should finish this off with a hug, don’t you think?”

 “What, no? Honestly, thank you for everything but we really don’t-”

 “C’mon Colt, bring it in, bring it in.” You say with a cheesy grin, your hands slide up his arms before wrapping around his back and you slowly move closer to Colt, leaving him time and space to decide if he wants to back out.

 “I-” Colt looks flustered and isn’t sure what to do other than rest his chin on your shoulder and place his hands awkwardly on your back. “...You know, we really don’t have to do this.”

 “Is that why you’re here in my arms right now and not running screaming for the hills?” You teased.

 “...Well. I heard hugging does does wonders for your oxytocin levels, so, maybe just this once.” Colt mumbled to himself, before wrapping you up tighter in his arms. You smile down into his jacket as your head comes to rest on his shoulder, glad that he can’t see or feel the heat currently rising in your cheeks. But unbeknown to you, Colt had a similar feeling and soon enough his cheeks were red from your embrace. Before today, it would’ve taken a lot more persuading for him to hug someone, but now, he couldn’t help but wonder if hugging people was all that bad. This is fine... My oxytocin levels are positively yelling, that’s the only reason I’m hugging her right now...

 “You don't need him, at least, not now. You may not believe me because you’ve been seeking his validation for so long, but it's true. You will get through this, we will.” You say, your voice slightly muffled because of his jacket. “Remember, you ever need anything, the Wheeler household is right here, and we’re not going anywhere, not until the Wheeler household gets wheels.” You say confidently, pulling back with a grin in time to see him rolling his eyes and laughing.

 “I can’t believe I found that funny, you Wheelers must be rubbing off on me already.” Colt shook his head. He looked down, still sporting a blush on his cheeks. “This wasn’t so bad, you know, maybe I should put meat casserole and apple pie on my schedule each Monday night, just to come here and be the first person to cut the pie.” He said with a grin.

 “Watch yourself, Kaneko,” you said while narrowing your eyes, “You ever open my pie up again and you’ll be meeting my fists.”

 “Oooh, that was so scary. I’m quaking in my boots, how will I ever be free of this reign of terror you have over me?” Colt said with a gasp, shivering and shaking in his seat.

 You laughed, “Shut up. Anyway, since you love the apple pie so much, wait here, I’m sure Dad won’t need that much convincing to let you take a couple slices away,* you said with a sigh, as you stood up and walked away, “I can’t believe I’m choosing to give away pie leftovers, who am I?”

 Colt watched you walk away, unsure as to what the warm feeling in his heart was. Is this was having a friend is like… or a girlfriend? Wait, what? Shut up, why the hell am I even thinking of that? He shakes his head. What you’d said about your father being there for him had really struck a chord, not only had he never felt that bond before, or felt it as strongly as he had with his own dad, but he’d never seen a friend offer themselves and their family in that way. She really is something else, huh… Colt stared at the few stray plates on the table, still not believing anything that had happened. Your speech resonated within him. He looked up into the direction of the kitchen. Anyone that has (Y/N) in their lives is really lucky… I don’t know what I would’ve done or where I’d be right now if her dad hadn’t invited me in.

 You came out of the kitchen, laughing, with your dad in tow. Once he caught sight of Colt, he grinned, “A little birdie tells me you wanna take some pie home, huh? I knew it was good.” He laughed, in a moustache-twirling type of way while rubbing his hands together.

 “Dad! I was the one that offered to let him take some away, shouldn’t you be praising me for my selflessness?” You asked with a huff, putting your hands on your hips.

 As you start bickering playfully with your father once again, Colt zones out while staring at you. He takes in the way your brown eyes glisten when you’re happy, the way one side of your mouth has a dimple, the way your cheeks move up your face and get flushed as you smile, the way you throw your head back when you laugh, the way you fiddle and fuss about with your face when you’re embarrassed. An angel I don’t deserve...

 Colt closed his eyes, leaning back in his seat with a happiness and weightlessness he hadn’t felt in a long time. Thank you.

 FIN.

 Written by: @wzkdj (instagram) and @choicesfrost (tumblr)

[5hfanfiction]

you're my end (and my beginning)

work from home

~~ “This six a.m call time is fucking bullshit.”

“You’re just grumpy because you didn’t have time to get any last night.”

“Shut up, Dinah.”

“I rest my case.”

“And for once I’m on time while nobody else is.”

“Um, hello?”

“You don’t count; we drove here together.”

“You bet your ass I count.”

“Ugh, whatever.”

“Do you have a stick up your ass or something? Like, did you and Mila get into some kinky stuff and she left something up there?”

“The fuck, DJ?”

“Just asking.”

“Well, don’t.”

“I don’t have to put up with you all day,” Dinah says with a hair flip as she walks away.

“Uh, actually, you do!” Lauren calls out to her retreating form. She only receives a middle finger in response.

Rolling her eyes good naturedly, Lauren follows after the girl into the hair and makeup trailer.

There are five seats set up in front of five different mirrors, just like always, with each vanity labeled with one of the girls’ names. Lauren glances over, seeing that she’s sat in between Ally, who is on one end, and Dinah, followed by Normani and then Camila. Making her way over to her seat, Lauren sets her stuff down and drops into the chair, taking a sip of the Starbucks her and Dinah picked up on the way over.

“As tired as I am, I’m kind of looking forward to this video too. It’s pretty different from our other stuff.”

“Yeah,” Lauren scoffs, “because in this one we have to shake our asses even more.”

Dinah gives her an unimpressed look. “Girl, please, don’t act like you don’t love shaking your ass for the camera.”

“Shut up,” Lauren chuckles out, gently pushing at Dinah’s shoulder.

“Hey, at least it’s not too hot today,” Dinah muses.

“That’s true,” Lauren replies with a nod. “Imagine filming something like this in the summer.”

“Yeah–”

Before Dinah can say anything else, Ally walks in, her greeting loud and positive as always.

“Morning, girls! Ready to do this?”

“Hey, Ally,” both Dinah and Lauren respond in unison. They all exchange hugs with her before she moves to her seat, setting her purse down.

“Mani and Mila were just pulling up when I started walking in so they should be here any moment.”

Dinah just nods while Lauren looks to the door in anticipation. A smile begins to appear as she hears some chatter approaching the trailer, and when Camila steps up and through the door, Lauren is on her feet to greet the girl.

“Good morning, babe,” Lauren says, completely bypassing Normani to wrap her arms around her girlfriend.

“Hi, Lo,” Camila returns. She leans in and angles her lips against Lauren’s in a sweet kiss, melting into Lauren’s touch.

“Wow, okay, rude,” Normani jokingly scoffs out.

Lauren smiles sheepishly, her mood completely changing now that she’s in Camila’s presence.

“Sorry, Mani.”

Releasing Camila, Lauren squeezes Normani in a quick but warm hug. She immediately moves back over to Camila, practically draping herself on top of the girl.

“Tired, babe?” Camila chuckles out, Lauren completely wrapped around her back, her arms and chin resting on top of Camila’s shoulders.

“Mhm.”

“Why are you two so cute?” Dinah grumbles. “I need me a Camila.”

Camila grins. “I’m right here, D.”

“Mm, no you’re not.” Somehow tugging Camila even closer to herself, Lauren tightens her hold on the girl, snuggling into her even more.

“Oh, yeah, I’m taken. Totally forgot about that.”

“Jerk,” Lauren grumbles out with her eyes closed but doesn’t move from her embrace.

“Good morning,” they all hear from the door, their makeup artist followed by their hair stylist stepping in.

The girls offer greetings and ‘mornings’ back, finally settling down in their respective styling chairs.

“Okay, so I’m going to start on Dinah first,” their hair stylist informs them. “Camila, you’re first up for makeup. The rest of you, head over to wardrobe.”

Ally, Normani, and Lauren stand up, exiting the trailer (but not before Lauren drops a quick parting kiss on Camila’s lips) and make their way to their wardrobe trailer.

After that, it’s a whirlwind of clothing, makeup brushes, and hairspray as two people rush to get five girls ready for a day full of video shooting.

Lauren doesn’t even see Camila again, the two just missing each other as Lauren gets ushered to hair while Camila starts getting fitted for her outfit. At some point, both Sean, their choreographer, and their director stop by to greet each girl before heading off to ready the shoot.

Since it’s too early in the day to film the outdoor scenes, they start off with Ally’s solo scene, Normani and Lauren finishing with wardrobe around the same time and choosing to sit nearby and watch.

“Yes, you go, Allycat!” Lauren yells out right after they finish the scene where Ally pushes her male counterpart against the wall and struts around the camera.

The two girls are half hidden behind the filming equipment so when Camila finally appears from wardrobe, she can’t seem to find them at first.

“Mila, over here!” Normani calls out.

The girl turns around at the sound of Normani’s voice with a smile but falters as soon as she spots them. She freezes in place, unmoving, until Director X taps her on the shoulder, informing her that they’re resuming shooting and that she needs to move out of the way.

Lauren furrows her brows, staring at her girlfriend as she slowly makes her way over.

“You alright, Camz?”

Seemingly shaking herself out of some… trance, or something, Camila offers a weak smile. “Yup. Yeah, I’m good.”

“You sure?” Lauren asks again, and notices how Normani moves a few steps away to give them some space.

“No, yeah, I’m fine, I’m good, I’m fine,” Camila repeats. “You um,” she says, clearing her throat midway, “you look really nice.”

“Really?” Lauren asks with a glance down at her outfit. “It’s nothing special, though. Just a bodysuit and some shorts.”

Camila awkwardly clears her throat again. “Yeah, it’s, um, it looks really… you look really… um, I like it.”

“Thanks, Camz.” Lauren smiles, and even though she can’t kiss Camila in front of all these people, she does wrap an arm around her girlfriend’s waist, pulling her close to her side.

Camila’s behavior is a little odd, but the girl tends to be in weird moods whenever they have early call times, so Lauren chalks it up to that.

They stay there for another half hour or so until Ally finishes up her scene, Dinah having joined them at some point. Lauren is informed that they’re going to do her few solo scenes next.

Sean joins her to help her through the choreography while someone teaches her how to use the blowtorch properly to avoid any mishaps. The actor in her scene introduces himself and they run through how they should play off of each other with Sean.

Eventually, everything is set and get into place, the other four girls standing off to the side to watch Lauren while she does her scene.

Most of them are watching Lauren move with the blowtorch in fascination, but for some reason Camila just has a wide-eyed, jittery expression. She keeps fidgeting with her toolbelt, sometimes completely avoiding Lauren and other times unable to keep her eyes off of her, even between scenes (there’s the few times when she’s playing off of the actor in her scene where Camila gets that angry furrow in her brows, which just makes Lauren laugh to herself fondly).

When Lauren starts doing her close up scenes – the ones where she’s staring straight into the camera and playing with her hair – she figures it out.

Underneath her flattering bodysuit, Lauren is wearing a pushup bra which really emphasizes her chest in her outfit. She knew that would be the case for the video, and… hey, she knows she’s got it so she doesn’t mind flaunting it. The camera catches a lot of that during her closeup scenes, especially when she raises her arm or leans forward. Turns out it’s not the only one though.

Lauren has lost count of the amount of times that she’s caught Camila blatantly staring at her chest, almost like she’s ready to drool. She has worn plenty of revealing tops and dresses before, but for some reason it’s this specific top that has turned Camila into a horny teenage boy. But then she’s also noticed the girl staring at her bare legs and how her ass just barely hangs out of her shorts.

And then it dawns on Lauren. She knows now why her girlfriend has turned into a stuttering, awkward mess (almost as bad as when she first tried to ask Lauren out).

Obviously, Camila finds Lauren attractive, and tells her so almost everyday. But for some reason, seeing Lauren in her outfit has escalated it to a whole other level.

Finally wrapping up her scene, Lauren smirks to herself as she comes to this revelation. Maybe she can have a little fun today.

~~

“Great job, Dinah!” the director commends as she ties up her solo scene.

“You totally worked that,” says Normani as Dinah approaches the four girls waiting by the side for her.

“Alright, girls. We want to film those outdoor scenes now while we have this lighting. Go get some touch ups and be out there in five minutes.”

Heading out of the house, they all make their way to the makeup trailer, knowing that now is the time for bathroom breaks until lunch. Camila excuses herself to the restroom and Lauren takes this as an opportunity to mess with her a little while the others are occupied with their touch ups.

“Camz, you alright in there?” Lauren asks as she knocks on the door. She hears a bang behind the closed door before Camila’s muffled voice comes through.

“Yeah, yup, I’m good!”

“What was that bang?”

“Um, you kind of scared me and I hit my knee on the counter,” she answers back sheepishly.

Lauren giggles. “Of course you did. But are you sure you’re feeling okay today? You’ve been acting a little off.”

“Yeah, no worries, I’m fine.”

“Is it okay if I come in? I need to adjust this tool belt real quick and I don’t want to flash anyone who isn’t my girlfriend.”

Camila takes a moment to answer. “Uh, y– yeah, that’s fine.” A moment later she unlocks the door, letting Lauren into the cramped bathroom.

“Wow, this thing is small,” Lauren comments as Camila stands at the sink, slowly washing her hands.

Reaching down, she unbuckles the tool belt, laying it on the counter before unbuttoning her shorts.

“What are you doing?!” Camila squeaks out in surprise, eyes wide as she stares at Lauren through the mirror.

“Um,” Lauren tries not to laughs out, “I needed to adjust my outfit.”

“But you said it was just your toolbelt.” At this point, Lauren is trying her hardest not to burst out laughing because Camila’s voice is several pitches higher and her face has turned a different shade of red.

“Well yeah but this bodysuit is riding so far up my ass so I have to fix that too.”

Lauren busies herself with adjusting it, pretending not to be aware of how Camila has completely stopped moving and is just staring at her. Tugging the shorts back up, Lauren pops the button in and smiles up at Camila.

“There, all done!”

The girl whips her head away so fast and quickly turns to wash her hands once more.

“Hey, Camz… you already washed them.”

“Oh, uh, yes but you know, all that dust… um, super dirty and all, c– cause you know, the dust…”

Lauren stares at Camila with one eyebrow raised. “Right. Well, do you think you’d be able to help me put the belt back on?” She even bats her pretty eyes for good measure.

“Um, yeah! Yeah, I can do that,” Camila says a little too loudly. Turning towards the hand towel, she dries them off and reaches for Lauren’s belt.

“Hey, Camz,” Lauren says again, “you didn’t shut the water off.”

“Right, right.” Fumbling around with the tool belt, Camila reaches over and shuts the faucet off and turns back to face Lauren. “H– here. Turn around.”

Lauren complies, spinning around so that her back is to Camila. She hears the girl hold her breath as she loops the belt around Lauren’s hips and secures the buckle sitting right above the curve of her ass.

“There… all done.”

Turning back to face her girlfriend, Lauren gives Camila a winning smile. “Thanks, baby.” She leans in to leave a sweet kiss on Camila’s pouty lips, feeling a puff of breath against her face as Camila sighs out through her nose, melting into the familiar touch.

“I’ll see you out there?” Lauren asks as she pulls away from Camila.

The girl nods with a dazed look in her eyes and Lauren exits the bathroom hiding a mischievous smile.

~~

They start off with the group scene in the unfinished in-ground pool, Dinah and Normani taking the upper step while Camila and Ally frame Lauren who’s standing in the deepest part of the pool. They run through the choreography one last time before taking their places to begin filming.

At first, Lauren focuses only on properly filming the scene since she fronts the chorus. She doesn’t want to screw up and force everyone to stay later because of her mistakes. But once they’ve gone through the routine enough times, Lauren figures that they have ample amount of footage, giving her a little free reign to tease her poor girlfriend.

She’s subtle about it at first, making eye contact whenever they’re facing each other. Then Lauren starts using what Camila calls her ‘bedroom eyes’, silently seducing her girlfriend with sultry looks and lip biting. She’s not sure that it’s working until Camila starts tripping over her own feet more often than usual and her eyes become permanently wide.

With a sly smirk, Lauren figures she can move on to the next step.

Apparently, this outfit is really getting to Camila today so Lauren is going to take full advantage of that. She starts running her hands over her body more than the choreography calls for, lightly grazing them over her breasts and ass when she catches Camila staring (which is often). When the dancing calls for some body rolls, Lauren makes sure to aim them at Camila, allowing the girl’s eyes to linger on how her chest or ass juts out.

By the time they’ve finished with the scene, Lauren can see just how affected Camila is. The girl is jittery and more clutzy than usual, stuttering out her words and stumbling over herself. Lauren feels a little bad because Camila’s solo scene is up next after lunch but the girl seems so on edge. She’s pretty sure that Camila hasn’t picked up on her deliberate teasing just yet or else she probably would have confronted Lauren about it and demanded her to stop.

Lauren figures that she can keep having fun with this until Camila catches on.

~~

Lunch is pretty uneventful, mostly because Camila is doing everything she can to avoid Lauren. She’s not upset about that, though, because she knows that her girlfriend is just trying to calm herself down before her scene and being around Lauren probably wouldn’t help with that.

Normani, Ally, and Lauren decide to eat their meals with the crowd while Dinah says she’d rather put her feet up in their trailer so Camila tags along with her.

Normani and Camila get their call time first since their solo scenes are connected, giving the other three girls the ability to take their time. Dinah joins Lauren and Ally after Camila gets beckoned over and after the other two have gone through their choreo once more, they decide to join them on the set and watch from behind the scenes.

Lauren sees this as the perfect opportunity to continue teasing Camila since the girl can’t run away and hide from her girlfriend. She waits until they start recording and positions herself strategically behind the camera but still out of the way of the crew. Camila’s scene involves her looking at the camera and with Lauren’s placement, the girl will have no choice but to see her too.

At first, Camila doesn’t notice her. She’s too focused on mouthing the words correctly while also doing her choreography properly. Lauren has a smirk on her face as she poses herself so that Camila gets an eyeful of her pushed-up cleavage, waiting for the girl to notice her.

Lauren knows the moment she does.

Camila is currently re-recording the scene where she has to toss the tool she was leaning on to the side and bend down to pick up the cement mixer. She’s successful until she reaches for the mixer’s handles.

Her eyes drift for a moment and that’s when she notices Lauren watching her seductively, and instead of grabbing the handles, she completely misses both of them and nearly smacks her face on the mixer as she topples forwards. She narrowly avoids busting her nose and only just manages to catch herself before falling all the way, but her mishap is noticed by everyone who break out into laughter at her.

Camila offers them an embarrassed smile, a faint blush on her cheeks as they reset to film the scene again.

Lauren definitely feels more bad this time because her girlfriend almost hurt herself so she decides to take it easy on Camila for now and let her finish her solo scene. She watches from the sidelines with Dinah and Ally as Normani films her scene with Camila in the background.

The girls wrap up the rest of the daytime outdoor scenes and head back inside for their indoor group dance scene and their scene with Ty Dolla Sign. He had already filmed his solo scene while they were all eating lunch so they didn’t have to worry about waiting for on him for that.

Showing some pity on her bumbling girlfriend, Lauren decides not to tease her too much for the group dance scene filmed in the entryway of the unfinished house. She knows that from Camila’s position on the upper portion of the steps, the girl already has a pretty good vantage point, so Lauren lets the normal choreography do the teasing for her. Every time she peeks over or looks out of the corner of her eye, she catches Camila staring or sneaking glances so Lauren knows that it’s still working.

It’s when they’re filming the stairs scene with Ty that Lauren decides to go all out.

Camila is above her looking down so that means that the girl can’t help but see Lauren. She notices Camila focused on her even when the camera is rolling and they nail a really good take, which Lauren bets is going to be in the final cut (it is).

To most people, it looks like Lauren is just working it for the camera, but in reality she’s only shaking her ass that much for the pleasure of her girlfriend.

(She knows that she’s probably in for it later, but that just makes this all the more worthwhile.)

Finally finishing up their indoor scenes, the girls head to their trailer to prep for the last scene. Lauren excuses herself to use the bathroom but she barely steps through the doorway before she’s being shoved against the wall as the door closes behind her.

Spinning around, she sees Camila standing in front of her with a firm look on her face.

“What do you think you’re doing?!” Camila yell-whispers as she steps closer to Lauren whose back is already against the wall.

“What are you talking about?” Lauren innocently questions, although there’s a glint in her eyes that says she knows exactly what’s going on.

Camila huffs. “You know exactly what I’m talking about! Prancing around in that fucking outfit, shaking your ass and flashing your tits at me!”

“Oh, that?” Lauren asks with a smirk. “I didn’t choose the outfit or make the choreography.”

“Lauren, are you trying to kill me?!”

“Camz,” Lauren purrs out as she reaches forward to grip her girlfriend’s waist, “what can I say? I just love seeing you react to me.”

Camila gulps as Lauren tugs her closer until they’re chest to chest and hip to hip.

“You think I look sexy in this outfit?” Lauren asks seductively.

“Yes,” Camila breathes out, a little distracted because of how close her face is to Lauren’s ample breasts.

“Well, maybe when we get home tonight, you can show me just how sexy you really think I am.”

“I– okay.” Camila’s only half paying attention to Lauren’s words because her eyes and mind are preoccupied with something else.

Lauren chuckles. “Baby… up here.” She gently grasps Camila’s chin to aim the girl’s face at her own and offers a teasing but loving smile. “I promise no more teasing, alright? We’ll get through this last scene and then I’ll take you home and show you how much I love you.”

“Yeah?”

Instead of verbally answering, Lauren leans in to leave a lingering, affectionate kiss on her girlfriend’s perfect lips. When she finally pulls away, Camila has on a shy but content smile on her face.

“I love you too, Lo.”

~~

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