#which is fine (love singing in choirs) but even then there's a stopping point

[daisywords]

they should make a support group for people who love to sing but are cursed with mediocre voice

[pboogerswbb]

TOO LOST IN YOU - part IV

Paige Bueckers x bartender!oc

playlist, part I, part II, part III, part V

Warnings: smut and i mean FILTHY OK, toxic!paige, kinda cheating, language, etc.

Wordcount: 7.4k (sorry but there's smut ok)

A/N: TY for being so patient with me, i've been feeling sick but slowly getting better and finally got this done. finally some fluff for y'all. also please leave feedback/live reactions I LOVE THAT SHIT! ok enjoy guys mwah <3

-

“You’re joking, right Paige?” A frustrated voice comes through the speaker as I lean back on the couch, spreading my legs to find a more comfortable position. The game of fortnite me, Aubrey and Ice had been planning on for like a week was turned down, not wanting the phone’s mic picking up the sounds.

“‘M afraid not,” I mumble into the phone, biting my lower lip in concentration. I was so close to getting a kill if I could just finally hang up, but here I still was, fifteen minutes of going back and forth on some topic that didn’t need all this drama with a girl whose last name I’d forgotten.

“But it’s my birthday,” Clara whines into my ear. Watching my character get killed, I groan and tilt my head back, throwing the controller onto my grey sweats.

“I know, baby. Look we can do a lil something next week, lemme make it up to you,” I say into the phone, needing to get this girl to get off my ass. “I promise.” I didn’t mean that though, it was just empty words.

Truth was I just needed some time, after what happened the other night with Valerie I had felt my thoughts chipping away at me. The things running through my head had made sleeping impossible and practice even worse. The lack of control I felt when she was around me was terrifying. I needed a night just with my girls, badly.

I felt tense, distracted.

“Clara, whatchu want me to do? it's an emergency.”

To get away from Clara’s plans for the night Aubrey and Ice had helped me to come up with an elaborate lie about me “pulling a muscle in my wrist and it needed resting”. I hadn’t found it as believable but for Clara it worked.

The girl’s soft sigh comes through the phone. “Fine, ok. But you gotta make it up to me.”

“I will I will,” I mumble, unaware of what I’m really saying, stuffing my mouth with a fistful of popcorn from a bowl on the couch. Sitting cross legged on the floor, Ice lets out a loud laugh, quickly covering her mouth as I give her a scolding look, pointing to the phone. Thankfully Clara doesn’t hear a thing.

As the new game begins I quickly grab the controller from my grey sweats, I needed to wrap up this call quick.

“I wish you’d let me come take ca-”

“Gotta go Clara, happy birthday,” I yell hurriedly into the phone before Clara could even finish, hanging up the phone and throwing it onto the couch which makes Aubrey and Ice snicker.

-

“Bro you suck at this game!” I yell at Aubrey who looks at me offended.

“Nah, that wasn’t my fault!! It was Ice!!” she scoffs.

The ringing of my phone interrupts the conversation. Before I can pick it up, or even complain about Clara getting clingy, the sound stops. Not to sound too cocky or like a piece of shit but if it was one of the girls on my roster, that ringing wouldn’t have stopped for a minute. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t love the power I had over some of these chicks, how they stayed up till 4am just to see if I called them up. They didn’t need to let me know it’s what they did, I knew all too well.

I grab my phone and quickly unlock it. With wide eyes and heart fluttering, I dial back.

“Paige I thought we were gonna have a girls’ night,” Aubrey groans but my finger comes up to shush her when I hear a soft voice come through the phone.

“Hey?” 

“Valerie?” I ask, I can barely hear her from the loud traffic nearly burying the sound of her voice.

“Wh- why are you callin’ me?” she asks, her words are slurred enough to let me know she’s drunk. Even so, hearing her sweet voice might as well have been a choir of angels singing. 

“You called me, mama,” I chuckle softly, walking away from the girls to hear better.

There’s a moment of silence between us as I slide into my own dorm room, closing the door behind me, leaning against it. 

“Oh… uh I was trying to call Paige,” she murmurs and loudly gasps. I can hear her slapping her own mouth and a cocky smirk grows on my face. “JAY, JAY I WAS. I was trying to call Jay.”

The bite on my lower lip stuffles the laugh I let out. Honestly, it made me feel a little smug knowing she said my name instead of hers. I wonder if I was really on her mind that much. It had been quite a long time since I had wondered anything like that.

“Ohh right… Justine,” I joke, the name making me giggle each time. This time, Valerie giggles too. 

“Don’t make fun P.”

“Alright alright,” I chuckle walking over to my bed and sitting down on it, pulling down my sweats a little so my boxers peak out. Faint screaming in the background of the call reminds me of why Val called in the first place - she’s drunk. “Woah, where you at Val?”

A deep sigh comes through the phone. “I dunno where my friends went, they were my rideee,” she whines, the sound of the cars making it hard to hear her. I lean forward resting my elbow on the knees.

“Did you call ‘em?” I ask, concerned over how drunk she was. How could her friends just dip? I’m gonna need to have a word with them.

“I’m nodding,” she slurs out and groans frustratedly. “Such a long way to walk,” Valerie whines again.

I’m already reaching for my keys when the words come out of my mouth. “Drop your location Val.”

She groans. “I’m walking by the highway.”

“You’re WHAT?” I yell into the phone, throwing on a puffer vest over my grey sweatshirt, struggling to get my shoes on. This girl was gonna get herself killed I swear.

“Relaaxxx.”

“Sit down and drop your location, I’m comin to get you ma.”

“Paige you’re so dr-”

“Sit your ass down. I’m so forreal now Valerie.” I command, without even waving a careless bye to the girls as I rush out, the plans for a girl’s night quickly forgotten. After a whine and a sigh from the drunk girl on the line I hear her set herself onto the ground.

“Fine,” her voice murmurs and I sigh in relief.

All of the fury I felt at her for being so careless goes away when I see her, in boots and a leather jacket thrown carelessly over her skimpy dress, sitting on the ground playing with the ends of her golden brown hair. I pull the car over, quickly rushing to her. How could her friends leave her in a state like that? From now on I should watch over her all the time, just to make sure she doesn’t get in trouble.

Nevermind her friends, how could Jay let this happen? If Valerie was my girl she would not be alone like this, yet alone going out without me at all. She needs someone who takes care of her, who truly cherishes every single thing about her. 

“Paigeyyy,” she smiles as I reach down and pick her up, her hair was a mess and eyes bloodshot and tired. There’s a strong smell of alcohol as Valerie wraps her arms around me, but I don’t mind. I wanted to be mad at her for being so irresponsible, for making me come get her. But I couldn’t be.

I grin as I help steady her. Anyone could notice she’s gleaming looking up at me. Usually that would make my chest tighten, make me feel sick and claustrophobic. Now, for some reason, I felt like gleaming too.

“C’mon silly girl, before you get in more trouble,” I murmur, opening the door and making sure she gets in the car, helping her with the seatbelt.

“I got it Paige,” she laughs as I reach over her lap, grabbing the belt but I slap her hand away gently, biting the inside of my cheek to stifle the way I wanted to smile, the butterflies growing inside me.

“Lemme do it ma,” I tell her hoarsely. She’s grinning at me stupidly as I buckle her in, my fingers running along her neck to fix the belt. When our eyes meet just for a moment, it takes every bit of my self discipline not to kiss her, the way her tongue slides over her lips enticingly.

The drive back is quiet, soft R&B the only sound filling the car. I hum along to the songs, tapping the steering wheel to the beat. Valerie watches as she rests her head against the seat. An involuntary smirk takes over my face, my eyes flicking from her to the road to my speed. I was driving much more carefully than usual, I had something precious to take home.

“You admirin’ the view?” I tease earning a lighthearted scoff from Valerie.

“No I’m… thinking,” she explains slowly, moving her eyes to the road too. Suddenly she wasn’t so giggly, but seemed to be sobering up.

“I got some water in the back if you need,” I tell her, already reaching for it, other hand on the wheel as I lean back on the driver’s seat.

She reaches for it with me, our fingertips brushing against each other as I hand it over. “Thanks,” she murmurs and takes a few big gulps.

Valerie’s shoulders slump as she takes a deep sigh, I know her well enough that something was clearly on her mind. 

“I lied P,” she says, her voice small. For a moment a wave of confusion washes over me, and I look at her expectantly. My first assumption is she’s talking about what happened between us in the bathroom, about how she hadn’t told Jay about it.

“‘S okay Justine don’t have to know,” I quickly console but Valerie is shaking her head.

“No I meant… Fuck, I mean I did mean to call you,” she let’s out, frustrated. “It wasn’t an accident.”

I swallow, feeling a heat rise to my cheeks. Was I… blushing? I must be more whipped than I realised.

“Oh yeah?” I ask, my tone a little too needy for my liking - I didn’t want her to think, no, to know I cared. That it mattered to me. Valerie could never know how I felt. I would just end up fucking everything up, at least now I had basketball. That’s enough.

“I just… I dunno I don’t wanna go to my dorm,” Valerie sighs, fidgeting with her fingers on her lap.

“Why’s that?”

“Jay’s waiting for me,” Valerie says with a slight shake in her voice.

Oh. 

At first I’d been more jealous than I’d like to admit, the idea of Valerie, my Valerie, with someone else made me sick. But running into them at that party I knew Justine could never do what I could. But most importantly, Valerie didn’t shine the way she did with me with Justine. I had an inkling there was nothing to be jealous of, and got my confirmation in the bathroom. But now, I only felt more validated. She didn’t even want to be around her. She drunk called me, not her.

“‘S that why you got so fucked up? Because of Jay?” I try to sound nonchalant, like I didn’t care. But I needed to know for sure. I needed to know I wasn’t delusional in thinking she couldn’t just move on from me, from us.

“Something like that,” she chuckles and shifts in the seat, sipping her water still. Without thinking it through, what it might mean, what it says about my feelings, the words slip out.

“I can take you to mine,” I suggest, knowing full well my biggest rule was not letting girls sleep over. I guess my rules had gone way out the window with Valerie.

She scoffs and shakes her head, my heart aching at her disapproval. “No P, it can’t happen anymore, I mean it this time.”

A scoff leaves my mouth as I pull up to the campus parking lot.

“I didn’t mean that dumbass, I mean just to sleep,” I groan, parking my jeep. “I’ll even sleep on the floor.”

Valerie looks at me wide eyed and dumbfounded. Guess I wasn’t coming off as nonchalant as I’d have liked. I felt a strange feeling grow inside me that I could only call nervousness. It had been a while since a girl had made me feel anything even close to it.

“Okay,” Val nods and a wave of relief takes over me - I didn’t want her to go yet. Being with her felt good.

“Okay,” I repeat watching her start getting out of the car. I do the same and we head towards my dorm. Without thinking about it much, my hand wraps around her waist, whether to hold her up or to touch her I’m not sure.

Jana and Allie are in the kitchen talking, their heads peeking out when we come in the door. Meeting their gazes I realise I have never introduced a girl to my teammates.

“Yo, uh, this is Valerie,” I say a little awkwardly, the new situation making me unsure of how to act. Allie and Jana share a look that I pray the drunk brunette clinging to my arm didn’t notice. Looking down I see she’s too busy struggling getting her shoes off. Without thinking about it, I kneel down and my fingers unbuckle the strappy heeled sandals she was wearing, my touch on her skin tender and careful.

“Hey girl,” Jana says intrigued, waving her hand at us. As Valerie nearly trips, she lets out a loud giggle, my hand gripping her thigh, steadying her.

“Whoa there,” I chuckle, standing up from the ground as the brunette slaps her face with her hand, bashfully.

“I’m sorry I make a much better first impression when I’m not drunk,” her sweet voice lets out and somewhere deep down I feel my heart flutter at the idea of her wanting to make a good impression on my friends. Jana and Allie both let out friendly laughs as I guide Valerie towards my room.

“She’s gonna sleep here tonight, that cool?” I ask as we pass my roomies, who are both nodding but clearly shocked at the prospect of me letting a girl sleep over.

I bring the brunette to my room by her hips, closing the door behind us as she throws herself face first onto my purple sheets. She looked good like that, in my room, on my bed, burying her nose into my blanket. For a fleeting moment I let myself dream of an alternate universe where she could be here waiting for me, all the time. Only for a moment though.

“C’mon ma let’s get you ready for bed,” I suggest softly, walking to the bed. She groans and flips onto her back, my eyes flickering to her upper thighs where her dress had hiked up. A sudden need to touch her comes over me, but I push it away. It wouldn’t be right like this.

“But your bed’s so comfyyy,” Valerie lets out a whine as she stretches, her pretty eyes fluttering shut. I can’t help the smile that forms on my face, my heart aching at how cute she looked like this - drunk and tired, mascara flaking underneath her eyes and a small pout on her lips.

Throwing her a navy blue Uconn shirt to sleep in is finally enough to get her to sit back up, her eyelids half closed as her hands start pulling her dress down.

With wide eyes I quickly turn my back to her, staring at the wall. As much as I wanted to, it didn't feel right to watch her change. Valerie only giggles, and I hear her stand up and shimmy out of her clothes, my mouth growing dry from the filthy thoughts in my head right now, the way she was completely bare behind me.

“It’s nothing you haven’t seen before P,” she says teasingly and I almost groan, my mind jumping through memories of the way she looked in just a pair of panties, the curve of her ass, the way her tits sat pretty on her body, that long golden brown hair trailing down her back. Fuck. I felt myself getting wet. I rub my jaw frustratedly, trying to shake my dirty thoughts.

“Just get dressed Val,” I murmur, my voice hoarse with need. Finally, she obliges, throwing on the t-shirt I gave her. It’s not enough to stop my filthy thoughts, seeing her in my shirt and a pair of white lacy panties, thick thighs all on display, nipples hard and visible through the shirt. No. This wasn’t the time.

Valerie is about to crash back into the bed right when I grab her waist to keep her upright.

“Wanna sleep,” she whines as I guide her towards the bathroom.

“I know ma, in a little bit I promise,” I nearly whisper. It was the first time in my life I had promised anything to a girl and meant it.

Closing the bathroom door, I sit Valerie on the counter, her feet dangling off the edge which makes me smile. Grabbing a brand new toothbrush I try to hand it to Valerie, but her head is almost nodding, eyes completely shut now. This girl would be the death of me.

I wet the toothbrush, and gently holding her face, I brush her teeth. My face is only inches from hers as I watch her start to smile, realising what I was doing. For a moment her eyes flicker open and meet mine, and I feel something I have never felt before. I can’t name it, or quite place it, but the warmth in my chest, the blush on my cheeks and the way my breath hitched made itself known.

“Thank you,” Valerie murmurs, her mouth full of foam. She spits it into the sink, rinsing her mouth as I hold her hair, so incredibly softly, as to not hurt or disturb her.

“Let’s get this makeup off mama,” I say mostly to myself, wiping it all off with some micellar water, trying to be as gentle as I could. Her brown eyes roam my face, making me feel flustered.

“What about my skincare routine?” Valerie asks with a furrow of her brows and I chuckle, shaking my head, going over her face with a cotton pad.

“You don’t want me doin’ that, trust,” I murmur as I’m finally done. Watching her, the way her long dark lashes fluttered, her plump lips and soft skin made a shiver run down my spine. She must’ve been the most beautiful thing I had ever seen, even more so like this.

I suddenly notice that my hands are rubbing on the skin of her bare thighs as she watches up at me. I can’t help myself when I lean down and press my lips against her forehead, the tenderness of it making my eyes close. Valerie hums and wraps her arms around my neck, her legs doing the same as I pick her up like that, holding her up by her thighs. Her skin was soft and warm underneath my fingertips, sending sparks all over me. 

I carry her to my bed as she clings to me, gently laying her down on my bed and tucking the blanket over her, brushing a strand of hair off her face.

“I’mma get you some water and go sleep on the couch ok?” I murmur, my fingers brushing against her cheek. Her hands urgently grab my wrist and pull me closer.

“Don’t go,” she whispers and my heart nearly breaks at the way her voice sounds, pleading. 

“You sure Val?” I ask carefully.

“Please.”

It doesn’t take more than that to have me throwing off my clothes, leaving me in black boxers and a Nike sports bra and climbing into bed next to her. I carefully lay my head down onto the pillow, studying her features. The curve of her nose, the way her eyebrows arched, the hint of red on her cheeks from the alcohol. Her eyes flicker open, meeting mine as we stare at each other in the dim room. I could feel the heat of her breath on my face, and she inches her head closer, our noses brushing against each other. I nearly whimper at how good it felt, being this close to her.

My blue eyes travel to her lips, the way they glistened as her tongue brushed over them, the way her lower lip was that much more plump than the upper one. In the haze of the night, it’s like I’m outside of my body, unable to control myself when I lean in and kiss her. Immediately Valerie hums, and I think I’m in heaven when her mouth opens to move against mine.

We had kissed plenty of times. But it was never without fucking afterwards. This was completely new, kissing just because. I didn’t know kissing with no end goal could feel this good. I breathe heavy and loud through my nose as our lips move against each other, Valerie’s hand pulling me closer from the back of my neck. My hand on her waist slides underneath the t-shirt and I press my body flush against hers. I feel all of her, the bare skin of her legs wrapping into mine, her breasts against me. But it’s enough for me. Just to have her like this. 

“P?” Valerie whispers, as I nuzzle my nose against her, breathless from the kiss.

“Yeah?” I murmur softly, the overwhelming warmth in my chest feeling dizzying.

“I-” she hesitates. “I know you don’t… like when girls spend the night-”

I stop her with a kiss, more for my own sake than hers. It might drive me insane if I have to think about it for longer than ten seconds. The way I was bending all my own rules, the feelings deep inside me. I felt terrified. I didn’t wanna think about it right now.

“You needed me Val,” I whisper against her lips, knowing it wouldn’t be a solution but that explanation would do. It’s not like I was in love, but I did care about her to an extent I guess. And I would never let her be in danger. Ever. I helped because I wanted her safe and because deep down I was a good person. But it has nothing to do with love.

I wrap my arms around the girl next to me, pulling her face into the crook of my neck, her leg swinging over my waist and nuzzling into me. I gently run my hand up and down her back until I feel her go limp in my arms and just for a second I let myself inhale the scent of her, my nose buried into her hair. Maybe, just maybe, if I wasn’t Paige Bueckers, if I wasn’t me, this might have had something to do with love.

-

As the morning sun shines in through the window I feel myself stir awake, immediately met with a pounding in my head as my eyes flutter open. I feel a tight grip around my waist, holding me tight. For a moment I get the uneasy feeling that it’s Jay, but then I hear the light snore of Paige in my ear. Warmth spreads all over my body when I feel her pull me closer in her sleep, her nose pressed against the back of my neck.

A soft smile spreads on my face as I remember last night, Paige picking me up, driving me back, taking care of me, letting me stay over. My stomach fills with butterflies knowing this isn’t what Paige did for any girl. The only thing that mattered to her was ball and that’s it. Girls were just a distraction, something fun to do. But she didn’t care, right? Then why did it feel like she did, when she took care of me last night?

An incredible thirst from my hungover takes over, and I carefully peel Paige’s hand from my waist. Thinking I was sneaky enough to make my escape, I start to climb out of the bed when the strong arm quickly pulls me back down, pressing my back into her front once more.

“Where you going?” Paige’s voice is deep and hoarse from sleep, words muffled against my neck as she holds me down, nuzzling her face into my skin.

“Need some water,” I murmur trying to flatten my hair and push the hand away but Paige doesn’t fold. All she does is shake her head. 

“No,” she murmurs and holds me even tighter. It’s almost overwhelming, the way I was getting affection from her. For a moment I try and figure out why she would act like this, but then she kisses my shoulder through the navy shirt and I forget all about it.

“Paigeee,” I giggle but she only keeps shaking her head, her hands tightening around me.

“A lil longer,” she hums, her voice tickling against my ear.

“But I’m thirsty.”

“Fine.”

With a groan, Paige gives my cheek a kiss and climbs out of bed, putting on her basketball shorts and going out to fetch the water. I scooch up on the bed, quickly fixing my hair and trying to make myself look presentable when Paige walks in, carrying two bottles.

“There you go princess,” she grins. Her hair is matted and blue eyes tired as she gets back into bed next to me but I’m quite sure she’s never looked better. However, a sliver of fear in the back of my mind is nibbling away at me. I didn’t understand why she was acting this way, usually Paige’s motives were clear to me. Not this time.

Before I can spiral Paige leans towards me and presses a gentle kiss on my lips, her hand holding my cheek as she does. I kiss her back softly, my stomach twisting. Could she really be this good to me?

Paige pulls back and smiles. “Good morning Val,” she hums with another peck to my lips. I let myself smile back, deciding to worry about this later.

“Morning P,” I whisper and pull back to sip on my water, it soothing the pounding in my head. 

“Hungover?” the blonde chuckles but I shake my head, though maybe I did feel the shakes a little bit. 

Paige bites her lower lip not believing a word I said with a knowing smirk. She grabs her glasses, putting them on herself to see me better in the morning light. I can’t lie, she looks fucking amazing in her glasses and it makes it hard to ignore the ache between my legs when she looks like that - silver chain with a cross on her neck, sports bra, shorts and those fucking glasses.

I snuggle back underneath the blanket, pulling it all the way over my head, like that could somehow hide my filthy thoughts.

“Yo, where you going,” Paige laughs hoarsely, pulling the blanket away. I quickly bury my face in the pillow to hide.

“I don’t look good in the mornings,” I murmur, a blush rising to my cheeks from the way she was staring, let alone the dirty thoughts in my head.

Paige snorts and brushes my hair away from my face. “Oh so you care that much what I think huh?” her voice is smug and it makes me slap her arm, making her hiss.

She slides underneath the blanket too, her head resting next to my pillow. I can feel her watchful eyes roaming my face.

“Get outta here with that shit Val, you know you’re fucking gorgeous,” she murmurs, her words lighthearted but to me they mean more. My stomach filling with butterflies, I finally turn to face her, eyes meeting hers.

“You really think so?” I ask in a moment of vulnerability. I was a confident woman, someone who took care of herself, didn’t need anyone’s approval. But with Paige I found myself craving it. I hated it

With a roll of her eyes, Paige smirks and pulls me on top of her. “C’mere ma,” she murmurs and her hand drags me down for a kiss by the back of my head. I sigh into her lips, my body against hers and legs straddling her as Paige’s big hands explored my body, slipping underneath the t-shirt and brushing against my side. All the need accumulated since last night, no, since that night in the bathroom finally tips over.

I break the kiss to sit back up and pull off the t-shirt, Paige’s mouth agape as she looks up at me, wetting her lips as her eyes wander around my body, letting out a heavy breath as her gaze lands onto my breasts.

“Perfect girl,” she coos, bringing her hand to cup my breast. Goosebumps cover my skin as I lower myself back to kiss her jaw. I had completely forgotten about Jay at this point, all I saw was Paige.

My hands are quick to find her shorts, pulling them down with urgency while my lips suck on her neck. Usually she reminded me not to leave marks but this time all I hear from her is heavy breathing and quiet groans, bucking her hips up at me. I grin against her neck, testing the waters and sucking a little, enough to leave a little mark. Paige only hums and helps me by throwing her shorts onto the floor.

My fingertips sneak underneath her sports bra, my other hand pushing Paige’s rising hips down, seeking to find contact somewhere. 

“Take it off,” I whimper and watch her lust filled gaze never break eye contact as she pulls the bra off, leaving her only in the black boxers. I found my mouth salivating for her, wanting to bury myself between her legs. But I must take my time, I needed to. I needed to drag it out as long as I could.

I watch her hiss and throw her head back as my tongue swirls around her nipple, feeling it turn hard underneath my tongue. Biting on it gently, I grind my clothed core down on her thigh, my wetness growing unbearable. 

“Val, you’re killing me,” Paige nearly whines and I giggle, leaving red marks on her breasts, my hands gripping her thighs tight.

“Good,” is all I say as I continue my descent, placing sloppy kisses all over her abs, my mind wandering to the dirty thoughts of what they’d feel like flexing under my pussy, grinding my clit against them. I needed to keep that in mind for the future. But not now, I needed to taste her.

Paige groans frustratedly, and I feel her hands coming to my head to push me down. I slap her hands away, pinning them by her side, lifting my head to look at her. She could easily push my grip away and take me, but Paige was letting me have my fun, my fingers digging into her wrists.

“Baby, c’mon,” she whines, looking down at me with her teeth biting down on her lip, brows furrowed and hips bucking. 

“Keep those hands to yourself Bueckers,” I murmur, my lips kissing along the band of her boxers. I hear her groan, arching to my touch. I lift my gaze to her, my eyes wide. “Oh, you want these off?” I ask, acting dumb, slowly beginning to pull down the boxers.

“You’re such a bitch,” Paige says, trying to sound serious but a small whine comes through in her voice, making me grin. 

“I think you like it,” I tease, finally pulling the boxers off her. “I think it makes you wet,” I grin seeing the way she’s glistening for me as I spread her legs apart, making room for myself.

“Fuck it does ma,” Paige moans, watching me descend inbetween her legs, her hand finding my brown hair and pulling it off my face. I maintain eye contact, my own core leaking through my panties at this point as I kiss her inner thighs, feeling the way they tremble underneath my lips.

“That’s fucked up, you should go to therapy,” I grin, my mouth slowly inching closer to where she needed me most. “That’s gotta be some kinda- mmph,” suddenly Paige’s hands both pull me to her core, my mouth buried in her cunt as she lets out a guttural moan.

“Ohhhh shit Val that’s it,” she groans as I take the hint, my tongue swirling all around her folds, softly lapping against her clit just the way she likes. Her taste on my tongue feels like heaven and I feel my own eyes roll back from how good it felt to have her like this. My arms wrap around her thighs, pulling her impossibly closer as my lips suck on her clit, earning desperate whines from her.

“Mmmh, that’s it, just like that ma,” she moans and I hear her hiss as my tongue slips inside her, nose rubbing against her clit. Paige is making a mess of my face, and the sheets but neither of us bother to care at this point. She leans up against her elbows to see my ass in the mirrored closet opposite to her bed, letting out a groan as she sees the reflection of me bent over, eating her, a wet spot visible on my panties.

She leans over and I feel a loud smack on my ass as I continue to make a mess of her with my tongue, alternating between sucking her clit and licking sloppily. “Mmph,” I moan against her, it sending vibrations all over her body. That was enough for me to feel the muscles on her thighs start to tighten.

“Taste so good baby, fuck,” I whimper on her pussy, making Paige let out a guttural groan, her grip in my hair tightening further, guiding my mouth just right.

“Such a fucking good girl,” she hisses, watching me in the mirror, her eyes heavy as she found herself getting closer just from the way my tongue is lapping her up. “So fucking- ahh shit, sexy,” 

“Yeah you think I’m sexy?” I whimper against her dripping cunt, shaking my head with my tongue buried in her folds. Paige’s eyes flutter shut and she nods, jaw going slack.

“Perfect, so good for me,” she mumbles, barely able to hold herself together. “Gonna make me– shit, gonna make me cum.”

I keep lapping her, listening for her reactions and holding her still as her body started to squirm underneath me, building to her orgasm. “Baby I need you to cum,” I murmur, my jaw hurting but the sounds coming out of Paige’s mouth making it all worth it.

“Please, Paige,” I whine and that does it. I feel her gasp, her hand gripping my hair and burying my face into her. I could barely breathe but I don’t mind as my mouth works tirelessly to get her over the edge.

“Valerie, oh fuck,” she groans, her head tilting back and back arching as she reaches her orgasm, grinding herself against my face. It’s so hot I nearly come too. I guide her through it, licking her until her moans turn high pitched and her hands in my hair ease up.

Panting, she brushes her hair off her face as I wipe my face onto her thigh, watching her from between her legs.

“Goddamn baby,” she says hoarsely, trying to catch her breath. Giggling, I climb back up on top of her, Paige’s hand slapping my ass hard enough to make me let out a squeal. 

“Stop, you’ll leave a bruise,” I complain, but Paige grins arrogantly, pulling me into a sloppy kiss. I moan hard, feeling the dampness in my panties growing unbearable.

“That’s the point ma,” she chuckles against my lips, suddenly flipping me over and spreading my legs wide as she sits between them, biting her lips and gazing down at me. “Fuck,” she groans looking from my damp panties to my dark eyes. For a moment she looks almost a little flustered, trying to find the words.

“I uh, I got something new,” she says, her cheeks turning even redder. Curious, I lean up against the pillows behind me. “For us, I mean.” 

Wait, she knew I was seeing someone, and she was seeing someone too, but she got something just for us two? What game was she trying to play? It felt impossible to figure her out.

Before my mind begins to race further, Paige has dug out a blue vibrator wand and is kissing me more tenderly than before. She pulls away a little, clearly hesitating for a moment.

“I don’t want you using the same toy on me and your other bitches,” I tell her a little offended but Paige quickly shakes her head.

“No no no, Valerie ‘s not like that,” she urgently stops me, kissing me softly. “It’s just for us, for you. No one else.”

Her words sound soft, almost tender against my lips which only makes me grow wetter between my legs. I didn’t know what parts were an act and what were genuine. All I knew is I needed her badly.

The moment I nod, Paige’s hands slide underneath the band of my panties, sliding them down to my ankles tenderly, her kisses soft and sloppy against my lips, moving to my neck. The breathy whimper I let out makes Paige let out a heavy breath as her hands spread my legs wide apart, wetness dripping out of me already.

“So pretty,” she murmurs hoarsely, licking her lips as she grabs the vibrator, the quiet, steady buzzing signalling it was turned on. I watch her wide eyes as she brings it to my thighs.

“Paige please,” I whine out squirming as she kneels between my legs and places her knees on my thighs to hold them wide open and steady. She watches me writhe underneath her, nearly gasping for air from how bad she loves seeing me like this.

“Nuh-uh,” she shakes her head, the vibrator ghosting my cunt to find my opposite thigh, vibrating against it. “You know what to call me.”

Fuck. She had gotten like this once before, made me call her something that drove both her and me wild. She knew I would remember what it was.

“Fuck. Daddy, please,”

With that Paige presses the toy against my swollen, sensitive clit, immediately forcing wetness to drip out of me as I gasp and grab onto the sheets around us. She gasps with me, like she’s feeling it too as my legs immediately start to shake, wanting to close around the toy, but Paige’s legs are pinning me down. It was way too much, overstimulating in every sense.

“Too much P,” I cry out but Paige shakes her head, shushing me as she towers over me. 

“Just a lil more ma, you can take it,” she coos, leaning down to press kisses on my open mouth, turning the vibrator on a higher setting. “‘S gonna feel so good I promise.”

I feel my eyes grow teary as the toy vibrates against my soaking cunt ruthlessly, when suddenly all of the overstimulation turns into nothing but pleasure. My eyes roll back and I let out a loud moan.

“Daddy, shit,” I whine, my back arching and my nails digging into Paige’s back as she holds the toy steady on me, slowly starting to circle my clit with it making a quick mess of me.

“You’re so wet baby,” Paige gasps shocked as she glances down at the way her hand and the sheets were glistening. But I barely notice, already feeling that coil in my abdomen start to tighten. I’m gasping desperately now, hands grabbing anything they could, moaning loudly as Paige kissed my jaw and neck groaning against my skin.

“Daddy I’m gonna come-” I cry out, tears spilling from my eyes, Paige moving the vibrator against me sloppily, driving me to the edge.

“Fuck, already?” Paige asks, surprised but impressed, her nose pressing against mine. My legs tremble desperately as her free hand slides up to hold my jaw.

I nod, my eyes squeezing shut as I’m just about to roll over the edge. Suddenly Paige pulls the toy away from me, making my eyes snap open and leaving my core throbbing, no, aching for relief.

“What the fuck?” I ask but Paige just grins down at me. 

“You didn’t say please,” she smirks, making me roll my eyes.

“I don’t have to say please,”

“Yes the fuck you do.”

“No I don’t,”

“Fine if you don’t wanna come ma.” 

Frustrated, I groan. I simultaneously hated and loved when Paige made me beg for it. I hated giving her the satisfaction. But lying underneath her with my cunt throbbing and tears rolling down my cheeks I would’ve done anything to come for her.

“Please,” I say, my cheeks blushing as I look up into her blue eyes. She was enjoying this a little too much.

“Please what?” Paige teases, pushing the vibrator against my inner thigh again. It makes me moan softly, wanting to buck my hips closer, but it was useless.

“Please daddy,” I finally whine, earning a smile from Paige.

“Good girl.”

The vibrator is pushed against my clit again, now turned up all the way, forcing a moan to spill from my lips as I feel my orgasm quickly start to build once more.

“Open your mouth,” Paige commands and I don’t even think about it when I push my tongue out and feel her spit into my mouth before kissing my lips fiercely, moving the toy in a circular motion against my swollen clit.

“Daddy, fuck, please, please, please,” I plead, not even completely sure what for as my mind turns hazy and my body trembles uncontrollably.

“Such a good girl for daddy,” she praises with a hoarse voice, nose pressed tight against mine as she kisses my open mouth, bringing me to the edge.

“C’mon pretty girl come for me.”

I feel my body ride over the edge, all the muscles in my body tightening, back arching and a high pitched moan leaving my lips as the pleasure finally releases, waves of ecstasy rushing over me.

“Aww shit, look at that ma,” Paige mumbles, looking between our bodies watching the way my cunt was squirting all over her arm, legs and bed. My mind turns completely blank, eyes shut tight as my nails nearly draw blood from her back, the pleasure overwhelming me. 

I swear I black out for a moment, only returning to consciousness from how suddenly overstimulating and almost painful the toy felt against my clit.

“Stopp, stop stop stop,” I whine pushing Paige’s hand away as she chuckles but obliges. The quiet buzzing of the toy ends as it’s thrown onto the mattress and the blonde crashes on top of me, nuzzling her nose into my neck.

I take a moment to try and catch my breath before I realise what just happened, and what a mess I had made. Looking down at us and the wet spot we were lying in I sigh, feeling a little embarrassed.

“Fuck I’m sorry P,” I murmur but she pulls away, looking at me shocked.

“For?”

“For, well…” I mumble and point to the mess but she only smugly smiles and shakes her head.

“You’re kidding, ma that’s so sexy,” she arrogantly says.

My eyes widen in surprise. “Really?”

Paige licks her lips and nods. “Ye, really. Never made you squirt before.”

I blush a little as Paige presses a soft, tender kiss on my lips - almost loving.

“C’mon let’s go shower,” she murmurs.

I giggle a little, shaking my head. “I cannot stand yet.”

“Oh,” Paige laughs and looks down at my legs that are visibly still trembling.

“I’ll carry you then,” she says and easily scoops me up, walking us both towards the shower. 

I rest my head on her shoulder, watching the way her nose turns up at the end, the way her lower lip pouts and how her jawline sharpens as she tilts her head. Something about her had changed. Lately she had been more caring, kind, tender. I didn’t understand it. All I knew is the way my heart fluttered and my mind eased up around her, I was in big trouble with Paige Bueckers.

-

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[canirove]

Bluebell | Chapter 11

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Masterlist

"Can I come in?" Lindsey says after knocking on my office's door.

"Yes, of course. Did the French couple already leave?"

"Yep. They were super happy, said that they will give us five stars."

"Great. What are you hiding there?"

"Just... A bottle of champagne!" she says, putting it on the table, a big grin on her face.

"What are we celebrating?"

"That this summer has been one of the best this business has ever seen" she says, struggling to open it.

"It has been a really good summer, yes." At least when it comes to Daisy's, because on my personal life...

The days after the reopening were the worst, and if it hadn't been because of my mum, Lindsey and Mrs. Smart, I would probably still be lying on my bed, feeling sorry for myself like happened when I found out about my ex cheating on me.

Mason decided to completely avoid me, which means that I haven't seen him in almost three months. Ben and Declan obviously supported him, he is their best friend. And even though we've shared some texts to check how we were doing, I haven't seen them either.

Victoria went completely crazy, telling people horrible things about me and Rúben, but especially about me. Things that weren't true, of course. Most people didn't believe her, but I've noticed how some women give me weird looks. She also tried to sabotage Daisy's, writing bad reviews online, but people didn't seem to care. One Italian woman even said to me: "two men at the same time? Good for you."

And Rúben... When I told him I had been seeing Mason while also being with him, he didn't seem to care. Now that everyone knew about us, he wanted us to properly date, to make it official. But I didn't, I wasn't ready for it. At first he didn't mind, he understood my reasons. Then we started to see each other less and less because I was either busy or too tired, and now it's been a month since the last time we were together.

"Stop thinking about men" Lindsey says, finally opening the bottle. "They are not worth it."

"Yeah, yeah."

"Let's make a toast. To being single and not wanting to mingle. To loving ourselves. Because we, come first."

"To us" I say, raising my glass.

"To us" Lindsey repeats.

"I'm going to miss you, you know?"

"It'll be just six months. Then once I've finally finished my studies, I'll come back here to make sure you don't do anything stupid. Like opening your legs for those two again."

"Lindsey!" I laugh. "But don't worry. It won't happen."

"Meow!"

"Dixie doesn't seem to agree."

"He is going to be the only man in my life for a long time. I promise" I say, petting his head and making him purr.

"Cheers to that" Lindsey says, refilling my glass.

"Are you planning on getting me drunk on your last day here?"

"Just slightly tipsy. Enough to make you sing Taylor Swift."

"That will never happen. Like ever."

"You almost quoted one of her songs, it's working!"

"Love you, Lindsey" I say, sticking out my tongue.

"Love you too, boss."

���━━━━━❃━━━━━━ ��      

"But do I really have to go? What if a new guest comes and there is no one here to welcome them?"

"No one is coming, everyone will be at the main square singing carols" Lindsey says.

"But..."

"Don't" my mum says. "I came here to spend Christmas with my daughter and enjoy all the traditions Bluebell has, and the carols singing at the square is one of the main ones. So put on your coat, and let's go."

"Meow!" Dixie says.

"Fine, ok, I'm going. You all are clearly against me. You included" I say, pointing at Dixie. He just meows again, curling into a ball on the sofa.

━━━━━━❃━━━━━━        

"I'm gonna miss him when he leaves" Mrs. Smart says with a big sigh while looking at Rúben. He's at the stage they've set for the town's choir, getting everything ready to start the singing. And, of course, he looks like he just came from a fashion magazine, looking stupidly handsome with his beanie, his scarf, his coat...

"Is it true that he won't be running for the re-election, then?" my mum asks. That had been the latest rumour in town, that Rúben wanted a change, and his days as Mayor were over.

"In this town, rumours usually become true" Mrs. Smart says.

"And what is he going to do?"

"I guess he'll go back to being a lawyer. Maybe move to the city" she shrugs.

"Are you guys in the mood for some hot chocolate" I say. I need to think about anything that isn't Rúben leaving.

"Oh, I would love that" my mum says.

"Make it three" Mrs. Smart replies. "Lindsey?"

"I'm in" she says. "Do you want company?"

"I'll be fine, don't worry."

━━━━━━❃━━━━━━        

"Merry Christmas, Miss Daisy."

"Bloody hell, Declan!"

"I thought you would be used to it by now" he laughs.

"I've lost practice."

"Yeah... I've missed scaring you."

"You are so thoughtful" I say with a fake smile, picking the tray with our hot chocolates.

"Dec, have you seen... Oh, hi. Merry Christmas."

"Merry Christmas, Mason” I say. What is it with men wearing beanies today? Why do they all look so damn good?

"I'm gonna go get our chocolates" Declan says, leaving us alone.

"How are you?"

"Good, good" Mason says. "I've heard Daisy's is doing really well."

"It is, yes."

"Great. I think I saw your mum with the Smarts?"

"Yep. We are spending Christmas with them."

"Good luck" Mason chuckles. "They love Christmas."

"Oh, I know, Lindsey warned me. What about you?"

"The whole family is back, so I don't have time to get bored."

"The babies too?" I ask. Just before I arrived in town, Mason's parent's had traveled to the United States to be with his sister, who had given birth to twins a few months before their due date. 

"Yes, they also came."

"Oh, that's amazing, Mason! I'm so glad they were able to travel."

"Yeah, I'm very happy" he says with that smile of his that shows his dimple, making me smile as well. "Anyway, I gotta go help Dec. We are getting hot chocolates for both our families."

"Yeah, sure. I should also probably take this to the girls."

"It was nice seeing you again."

"You too, Mase."

━━━━━━❃━━━━━━        

"What took you so long?" Lindsey says when I make it back.

"The queue" I shrug.

"Could I please have your attention?" Rúben says from the stage. "Thank you. Thank you all for coming to our traditional Christmas carols singing. I can see that some of you are already enjoying that hot chocolate, so don't be shy, and maybe have another cup. Remember that it is for a good cause."

"I wonder if he'll have one too" I say under my breath, Lindsey being the only one who hears me. "Keeping that body in shape and drinking chocolate..."

"I myself will be having one" he says as if hearing me, making Lindsey laugh next to me. "Hope you enjoy this year's selection of songs, the choir has been rehearsing for a long time. And remember that you can and should sing as well" he says with a charming smile. "Thank you very much for coming, and Merry Christmas."

"Merry Christmas" everyone repeats.

━━━━━━❃━━━━━━        

"Should we get something to eat?" Mrs. Smart says.

"Oh, please. That chocolate made me hungrier than I was" my mum says.

"You go ahead, I'll take this to the bin" I say, taking all the cups from them.

"Merry Christmas."

"Fuck!" I say, the lid of the bin falling on my finger.

"I'm so sorry, are you ok?" Rúben says, quickly taking my hand on his.

"I think so, yes" I say, my finger throbbing.

"We should have someone check it."

"It's fine, it's..." I say, trying not to cry.

"C'mon, we have some paramedics at the back on the square just in case something happens."

"Like getting your finger crushed by the bin's lid because you got scared?" I laugh. Though my laugh sounded more like a whimper.

"Exactly that" he says, putting one arm around my shoulders while still holding my hand.

━━━━━━❃━━━━━━        

"I'm afraid you're gonna need an x-ray" the paramedic says.

"What? Really?"

"It is too swollen right now, but you may have broken it. What happened?"

"It was an accident, it doesn't matter" Rúben says. "Can you give her something for the pain?"

"Yes, of course. But you should go home and rest. Go to the hospital tomorrow."

━━━━━━❃━━━━━━        

"You didn't have to walk me home, you know?"

"And leave you alone while being in pain and also drugged? No way" Ruben says, his arm back to being around my shoulders.

"My mum could have done it. Or Lindsey."

"And ruin all the fun they were having?"

"They probably are wondering where I am."

"You can text them when we make it back to Daisy's, don’t worry."

━━━━━━❃━━━━━━        

"How are you feeling?"

"Sleepy. The painkillers are starting to kick in."

"Then it's time to go to bed" Rúben says, picking me up from the sofa where we were watching tv. I had forgotten how easily he could carry me around.

“Meow!” Dixie complains.

“What?” Rúben tells him.

“I think he is pissed because you woke him up when you moved. Maybe also because I told him he would be the only man in my life, yet here we are.”

“Do you think he’ll try to attack me?” he says, still holding me in his arms.

“He might… But don’t worry, I’ll protect you.”

“With your broken finger?”

“Meh, meh, meh.”

“C´mon, let’s get you to bed” he laughs as he starts walking, Dixie following us.

━━━━━━❃━━━━━━        

"Do you need anything else?" Rúben asks once I've changed and already in bed.

"Can you stay until I fall sleep? You broke my finger, I think I deserve it" I say, pouting.

"Ok, fine" he says, trying not to smile. Pouting always worked with him.

"Here" I say, opening the bed and asking him to lay next to me.

"Spooning?"

"Yep."

"What if your mum comes in and sees us?" he says as he gets in.

"Oh well" I say as I try to shrug, his arm already around me. It had been weeks since the last time we were together like this, but it felt like it had been just a few hours. "This feels nice" I say, my eyes starting to close.

"It does" he says before kissing my neck, that feeling and those two words being the last thing I remember before I fall sleep.

[forabeatofadrum]

There’s nothing ironic about show choir (6/10)

Notes: The way I am writing this fic makes some prompts a bit more difficult, including this one. So yeah, have some Agatha POV and some Keris/Trixie on the side.

AO3

–

Prompt: Side ships

–

AGATHA

Vitis is so different from Ruta.

(Or Rutaceae. I guess I have to use the full name now.) (Another stupid rule of this stupid rivalry.)

I’m sitting next to Baz, Keris and Elspeth and I am listening to Madam Bellamy’s speech about Nationals. It distracts all the members from gawking at me. If there’s one thing more newsworthy than my switch to Vitis, it’s the fact that we actually have a chance at Nationals.

Vitis has never made it past Sectionals. Rutaceae managed to go to Regionals once. Neither have been able to reach Nationals, because of the Vocal Adrenaline of the real world: Cadillacs Academy’s Choir. It’s a Normal school from London and it’s been reigning supreme for years, it’s annoying.

But now Madam Bellamy says that they’ve been disbanded due to corruption.

“Which means it’s finally time for Vitis to go to Nationals!” Madam Bellamy says and everyone cheers. I remain silent. I don’t think it’s smart to point out that Vitis has never even made it to Regionals.

Once Madam Bellamy is done with her speech, I turn to Baz. He has a glint in his eyes.

“You’re going for the solo?” I ask.

He nods.

“Definitely.”

“You know that Simon will probably get another solo as well.”

“We don’t talk about Simon in this choir room,” Dev says.

I snort. I never took the rivalry that seriously. We can all sing, right? Keris also rolls her eyes. We all know that Keris’s girlfriend Trixie is part of Rutaceae. They started dating after they’d joined their choirs and for a moment it looked like one of them was going to transfer, but they decided not to.

I admire that about Keris and Trixie.

They don’t give a shit about what anyone thinks about the rivalry. I didn’t join Vitis because I want to be a dick towards Rutaceae. I didn’t join Vitis because of Simon. (Or Baz.)

I joined Vitis because it’s my last year and I want to do something new. My life has always been the same up until this point and I got bored of it.

After rehearsal, me and Keris walk towards Mummers House, where Rutaceae has finished rehearsing. Keris is talking my ears off. He can’t stop gushing about Trixie and I know Trixie always does the same. It was so dreadful to listen to, but it’s… well, it’s also sweet.

Simon and I never talked like that about each other.

Which is fine. Which is why we broke up.

I suppose that’s what I am really trying to get out of switching to Vitis. No, not love. I don’t want a new partner, but I want a new perspective. I’ve had the same group of people around me for years, but we’re graduating. We’re moving on. There’s more than choir.

We arrive and Trixie is waiting for Keris. They kiss the moment they see each other and I smile.

–

End notes:

Simon and Baz: Agatha switching teams is the biggest and most newsworthy thing that has happened in so long, there must be a huge underlying reason for her decision!!!!

Agatha: *just vibing*

[ericshotwell]

27 Christmas Songs I Hate

(My annual expanded list, updated for 2022.)

First let me say that I love Christmas music. I've been known to play Christmas music in the summer or at other odd times of the year; Traditional, classical, pop, even "novelty" songs. But there are a select few songs that I cannot stand, and which the radio stations all seem to bring out every year. I find it hard to believe that there are people who actually like some of these songs.

So... welcome to my annually-updated list of Christmas songs I detest. This list has grown significantly over the years. If I'm in my car, I change the station the moment I hear any of these on the radio. How about you? Read on... I bet you’ll find at least a few we can agree to hate together.

1: John Lennon, Happy Xmas (War Is Over). The rhymes are as forced as they can be. I know there are people who revere John, but the horrible lines "And so happy Christmas / For black and for white / For yellow and red ones / Let's stop all the fight" prove that he wasn't always a great song-writer. And the Harlem Community Choir can't cover up Yoko's screeching, either. Right now, this is the #1 song that gets me to change the station. Yes, I appreciate the sentiment and believe peace on earth is a worthy goal. I just don't want this song to be the anthem.

2: Paul McCartney, Wonderful Christmas Time. What a horrible song. The very first note makes me cringe. And it will stick in your head, which makes it worse. In 2012 he went on SNL and played it live. It was just as bad. Why do people like this crap?

3: Whitney Houston, Do You Hear What I Hear? With all due respect for the departed Miss Houston... first off, the song is supposed to be reverent, not a belt-it-out blockbuster. Second, the phrase she sings "Pray for peace and people everywhere" is not how the song goes. The line is "Pray for peace, people everywhere." Totally changes the meaning from being a call to prayer for all people, to being a prayer *for* people. It's a fine semantic point -- almost trivial -- but it drives me absolutely crazy.

4: Beach Boys, Little Saint Nick. I hate the Beach Boys. But I hate their faux-Christmas music even more. This comes on, radio goes off. Same with any other Beach Boys Christmas song. See also #18 on this list.

5: James Taylor, Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas. OK, here's the biggest offender in the "I re-wrote a classic song for no apparent reason" category. James sings the line "Have yourself a merry little Christmas, may your heart be light..." which is okay even though he substitutes the word "may" for "let" which I think is a subtle change for the worse -- and I realize that's pedantic of me -- but THEN he kills the song completely with "In a year, our troubles will be out of sight." Wait a minute, in a fricking YEAR? The song is supposed to be "from now on." Apparently James is so bummed out by this Christmas that he's waiting for the next one instead. From now on our troubles will be out of sight is so much more hopeful. James wants us to put up with crappy troubles for another year. (And after the last few years,I don't want to wait another year for my troubles to be out of sight.)

6: Hall and Oates, Jingle Bell Rock. It's Hall and Oates. Although if you ever get a chance to watch the video for this, do it. It's so cheesy that it actually improves the song.

7: Michael Bolton, White Christmas. If he strained to hit that note any harder, he’d be having a brown Christmas.

8: Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Christmas Canon. Their "Christmas Eve Sarajevo" is okay since it sounds so ominous, but this one is the song where they put words (sung by a children's choir) to Pachelbel's Canon. The music is wonderful by itself but the choir makes it unbearable.

9: Backstreet Boys, The First Noel. Or maybe it's 98 Degrees, or NSync, or New Kids on the Block. Regardless, it's just painful.

10: John Cougar Mellencamp, I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus -- I can't stand the country-pop twangy sound of this one. I'd say more about this but I don't think I've ever heard the song all the way to the end.

11: David Bowie with Bing Crosby, Little Drummer Boy. It's not as bad as the other ones on this list, but I don’t like this one either. Bing sounds weak and frail at this point in his life and that just makes me sad, plus the idea of David Bowie just "stopping by" his house to visit a neighbor and sing an insipid song about peace is a little contrived and silly.

12: Carpenters, Sleigh Ride. Who let that one dude sing? You know who I mean. He's the one with the terrible voice singing the two lines "There's a birthday party at the home of Farmer Gray", and "There's a happy feeling nothing in the world can buy." Like nails on a chalkboard.

13: Andy Williams, The Holiday Season (Medley). I’m convinced one of the reasons Andy never made it big was because he wrote the line “so whoop de doo and hickory dock, and don’t forget to hang up your sock.”

14: Gloria Estefan, Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Did someone get her a cheap electronic drum machine for Christmas? Her voice is great, but it's the "band" I have a problem with. The chorus should be "Make It Stop! Make It Stop! Make It Stop!"

15: (2011) Dan Fogelberg, Same Auld Lang Syne. Come on, it's not even a real Christmas song! Plus, the narrator meets his ex-girlfriend in a grocery store and basically entices her to drink a six-pack of beer with him in his car. Did I mention that she's married? Nothing says Christmas like some beers in your ex-boyfriend's car. When I hear this song, I have to wonder how her partner would feel if he knew she split a six-pack of beer with her ex in an empty parking lot on Christmas Eve. Then she *drives* away... Doesn't that also imply she was probably over the legal limit, too? This is a train wreck of a song.

16: (2012) Josh Groban, The First Noel. Oddly-paced and overwrought. Just when you think it can’t get any more pretentious, a choir starts singing too. So overdone it almost makes Michael Bolton's song sound good by comparison.

17: (2013) Justin Bieber. I switched this off before I even caught the title of the song. Hopefully one day people will read this list and say "Who is Justin Bieber?" From the one time I heard it, this doesn't even seem like a Christmas song.

18: (2014) The Beach Boys, The Man with All The Toys. Please stop allowing The Beach Boys to sing Christmas songs. Just no.

19: (2015) Most (but not all) versions of Baby It’s Cold Outside. Because they usually sound creepy at best, or forced… especially the version sung by Lady Gaga and Joseph Gordon-Levitt (yes, really). However, there is an argument to be made that the song is actually meant to be empowering (for its time), by implying that the woman who is singing is making up half-hearted excuses as to why she should leave, while actually *wanting* to stay. So that means her “say, what’s in this drink?” line was actually saying that precisely *nothing* was amiss with the drink at all, not even a hefty dose of alcohol, but that she is wanting to avoid being judged or chided by her family for staying the night by basically saying she must have had too much to drink and has to stay as a result.

20: (2016) Michael Bublé and Shania Twain, White Christmas. This is such a poorly-done cover of "White Christmas" that it is a travesty. It is over-produced, the duet doesn't seem to be in sync half the time, and it has none of the wonderful playulness of the version by The Drifters. And Michael Bublé over-pronounces all the lyrics. It's like listening to Christmas music in an English as a Foreign Language class.

21: (2017) LeAnn Rimes, Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree. She pretty much cut-and-pastes her way through this song. Zero character, all belched out like heartburn. Every line sounds the same... “ROCKin’ aROUND...”

22: (2018) LeAnn Rimes, I Want A Hippopotamus for Christmas. Apparently nothing is sacred anymore... not even novelty songs. The cadence of this is terrible. And that’s the nicest thing I have to say about this song. I shouldn’t pick on her so much but she could learn a lot from Martina McBride on how to not butcher a cover song. Two years in a row of making the list!

23: (2019) John Tesh, Carol of the Bells. You say you hate Mannheim Steamroller’s Carol of the Bells? What if we added flamenco guitar?

24: (2020) Eartha Kitt: Next Year’s Santa Baby. Santa Baby, the most popular Christmas Song of 1953 (which was banned in the Southern United States because it seemed too suggestive!) had a sequel. Did it need a sequel? It did not. (Also, any other singer’s version of Santa Baby isn’t worth listening to.)

25: (2021) Taylor Swift: Silent Night. Ah, Taylor Swift's 2021 ear-splitting rendition of solemnity. They obviously lost the sheet music to this one before recording it. The music is not Silent Night. But it is tone deaf.

26. (2022) Train: Shake Up Christmas. “C’mon y’all, it’s Christmastime!” Oh my God. I couldn’t hate the chorus to a song any more than I hate this one.

27. (2022) Chicago - Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree. A late addition to 2022, and for this one, I’m violating my own rule of only one song I hate per year. I would rather listen to the LeAnn Rimes version a dozen times before I’d want to hear this one again. When I first heard this I thought it must be Kidz Bop doing a cover version of a Smashmouth Christmas cover song.

By the way, did you know that Billy Idol released a Christmas album in 2021? It’s nearly as bad as REO Speedwagon’s truly awful Christmas album I mentioned a few years ago.

Now, lest anyone think I am a total Grinch, here's my additional list of traditional and non-traditional Christmas songs and albums that I think are worth including in your playlist because they're exceptional:

Traditional:

1. Johnny Mathis, Merry Christmas (CD)

2. Frank Sinatra, A Jolly Christmas (CD)

3. Bing Crosby, The Voice of Christmas (CD) (or any other Bing Christmas CD)

4. Nat King Cole, It's Christmas Time

5. Perry Como, Greatest Christmas Songs (CD)

6. The entire White Christmas soundtrack. Except, of course, for 'Choreography.'

Non-traditional:

Martina McBride, White Christmas (CD): I am not a fan of country music, but her renditions are ultra-traditional and she does the only version of 'Do You Hear What I Hear' that stays true to the Bing Crosby version.

Chris Isaak, Winter (CD): Quirky, with a bit of a California or Hawaii feel to it.

Barenaked Ladies, "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen / We Three Kings medley": This song is with Sarah McLachlan, and is pretty cool even though she overdoes the whole "solemnity" thing a bit.

Diana Krall, "Jingle Bells": Jazzy and sultry.

Harry Connick Jr., When My Heart Finds Christmas (CD): Harry sounds a lot like Sinatra on this CD, but his version of 'Ave Maria' is exceptional.

Jewel, O Holy Night: Totally brings a tear to my eye every time I hear it. The rest of her 'Joy' CD is mediocre (and the version of Rudolph is almost un-listenable) but O Holy Night is pure and beautiful.

Leon Redbone/Zooey Deschanel, "Baby It's Cold Outside" (from the Elf Soundtrack): Something indescribably cool about Leon's voice makes this song better than the Dean Martin version. Dean's rendition seems a little more like coercion than romance. (See above notes on this song.) And despite the flaw in grammar in the group’s name, Zooey Deschanel’s vehicle “She and Him” provides some more acoustic Christmas cover songs that aren’t half bad.

That's it for 2022. More next year! Let me know in the comments if you agree or disagree. Or if you know of any I should consider adding to my list.

Hope you have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6iTguNQlmcQHZuWIRmqXQq?si=X82RUCBkTg6NAh8UxvIEAA

[moved2violentfeedist]

and it gets harder and harder to walk her out - in no small part because he's pushing his appetite to greater and greater extremes with her encouragement. He knows he can't keep doing this, can't keep seeing her and letting her tempt him into overindulgence, but she's so encouraging and it feels so good, especially when he overdrinks - which is inevitable whenever they meet, these days. He was always a fan of good alcohol but now she shows up with a bottle of whiskey or two bottles of wine or a six pack of beer and he jokes that she'll end up turning him into a lush, and she just laughs him off like it's ridiculous, like she doesn't notice how much more free with his hands he is when he's tipsy, how his stare lingers where it shouldn't when he's buzzed and on the edge of a food coma, tongue lolling a little and eyes half-lidded, how she can get away with rubbing his belly and curling up close and she does, it's how they end every night now. He's not sure if she's a demon sent to seduce him into all seven sins in the most intoxicating way possible, or if she's an angel sent from God to reward him for his service. He knows she's just his friend that he's in love with who enables him too much, but the power she has over him is unearthly. He pops his waist button under that big heavy robe during mass on Good Friday and he has to just keep going, pretending that his pants didn't just burst. They're too tightly clinging to even worry about them falling, and luckily the choir is singing and nobody hears it, but he thinks he sees her eyes catch on where the button lands, and he's mortified to see an amused grin light up her face. He's supposed to accompany her to her family's Easter Sunday dinner, but when he considers it, all he can picture is getting stuffed stupid at the table, gut hanging out and groaning under her experienced hands, infatuation and indulgence putting him in a stupor so he can't stop gazing at her like a besotted fool even as her relatives gawk and grimace, disgusted and scandalized, and with secondhand embarrassment. Most damning of all is how his dick twitches at the thought. 6/?

(the rest!!)

He's conditioned himself into constant overeating, and associating gluttony with her, and thus gluttony with lust, and he knows if he doesn't end things now it'll be past the point of no return. Saturday night, he cancels Easter with a text, and she's obviously disappointed. But don't worry, she says, she understands. Actually, she has another friend who might appreciate a seat at the table, some guy he's heard her mention before who is annoyingly single and charming and pointedly not a supposed to be celibate priest who is overdrinking and overeating himself out of his collar. So it's fine. He shoves a muffin or four down his throat to push the guilt and the jealousy away, washes it down with some beer, then puts away everything that remains of the candy that was left over from the Easter egg hunt, but all any of it does is turn him on, make it more impossible to stop thinking of her, pain from the stuffing and pain from the jealousy and pain from wanting to touch her so badly all mingling into a repulsive, delicious torture. It's not the first time time he's broken down and touched himself to fantasies of her since he was sent here but it's the first time that he struggles to reach his dick when he starts. Further proof of what she's done to him.

Easter morning comes and goes, and the hour that was supposed to be for her family supper passes too, and he spends that time sequestered away in his domicile. He tries to resist eating, turns on the TV, goes online, fucking reads the Bible for the first time in a shamefully long while, but he can't get his brain off of her and his stomach is growling noisily, greedily, demanding and spoiled, and his willpower's been shot to hell since he got here. And the curse of being the local priest is there's just always something in the fridge.

He doesn't even pretend to protest. He's devolved past the point of caring. His belly peeks out between the gaps of his buttons - it didn't even occur to him to button it the rest of the way before opening, let alone cover himself further, not when he knew it was her and it hurts and he wants her to rub him and he wants her to feed him more. He suddenly realizes a spoon hangs out of his mouth. She gives him a fond look and waltzes in, closing the door and leading him over to the kitchen table, sitting him down and taking the spoon out of his mouth and saying, "I was sorry you couldn't make it today, so I brought you leftovers. It feels like I hardly see you these days - " it's only been three days since he last saw her, not even, but her words still ring true, he's gotten used to daily visits and he already feels neglected, even if it was him who tried to break this off, "so I thought we could take the chance to catch up." She's sat so close she may as well be between his thighs, and as she says that last bit, her hand gently skirts where his waistband cuts into his middle. That's all it takes for a soft, breathy moan to escape him, and she grins, biting her lip, taking that as permission to use the spoon she took from him to scoop up some leftovers as she slips to her knees between his thighs, and hands the spoon back to him. He takes it on instinct, too distracted by the way she goes to touch him to stop himself from shoveling more food down his gullet. It feels so good, it tastes so good, even better because she brought it here for him, for this, and it's not like he's actually fucking her, it doesn't actually count, this isn't that bad, in the grand scheme of things, but who honestly fucking cares if it is? She's muttering soft little things, telling him how much she missed him for the longest time, how happy she was when he came back, how she wants to take care of him, how she wants to make him happy. His thoughts are glazed over as she soothes him the way he can't do himself, when she says, "Dinner wasn't the same without you. My friend tries, and he's nice, but he just can't measure up yet." And somehow now he's both smug and jealous. Yet? Is that a warning? She just keeps massaging his gut, expression unrevealing. He starts swallowing faster, more, big globs of everything he can reach, barely even tasting it for once. He has to eat more. He has to show her that whoever else she knows, they can't do what he can. He's tossed the spoon aside now, opting to scoop with his hands, grease and crumbs and gloop covering him, staining his shirt and his skin. He needs her to like him best - he can't give her other things, but he can impress her like this, he can't have this taken away, he can't. She tells him he's earned this, he deserves it, he's worked so hard and he's so good, for God and for her both, and he bucks against her hand as it dips lower than she's ever gone before. He groans through his mouth full of mush, digging into the new basket of candy, hoping for the sheer sugar in his fists to keep him awake and aware... or at least not comatose. It's past the point of pretenses now, when she has her hand on his cock, drawing out long, teasing strokes, in contrast to his urgent panting that quickly degenerates into pleading. He huffs and puffs under her hands, but she steps away before he can come, and he growls in frustration, nearly lunging forward in his animal like desire... if only his belly didn't weigh him down, sloshing and aching and making him gasp. Her lips quirk into a pleased little grin, soft and sensual and undetered, as she takes out a couple bottles of wine.

With some effort and a lot of coaxing, she leads him to the couch and after he settles, he's startled into a groan when she straddles what little space is left in his lap, so his belly is cradled between her thighs. She uncorks the first bottle, and guides one of his hands to the neck, leaving one of her own on its base and slipping the other on top of his gurgling, groaning gut. She says something cheeky about him being a lot more flesh, more body than blood, says she brought him something to drink to balance him out. He's already still heavily buzzed from all the drinking he did before she arrived, but he doesn't hesitate to lift the rim to his lips and start swigging. When he starts to slow, she lifts the hand still on the bottle, tipping it further before he can object - which he never would. He's too enamored with her and addicted to the game to do anything but play along, no matter how drunk and fat she intends to make him. He's hiccupping severely by the time he finishes the first bottle, but she rewards him with a warm, soft, indulgent kiss on the mouth - the first they've ever shared - and his breath hitches and his whole body shudders violently. He's hissing under her by now, his parted mouth stained dark pink from the red wine, little dribbles of magenta spittle drooling from the corner of his lips from when she tipped the bottle ever so slightly too far and he'd overflowed.

[carewyncromwell]

“Who is that girl I see staring straight back at me? Why is my reflection someone I don't know? Must I pretend that I'm someone else for all time? When will my reflection show who I am inside?”

~“Reflection (cover)” by Christina Aguilera 

x~x~x~x

Content Warning: mentions of gender dysmorphia, transphobia, self-harm, and body mutilation under the cut

Fancasting Bella Ramsey, Winona Ryder, and Adrien Brody as Eli Fawcett // tagging Eli’s friends’ players @sirfluffig​, @captainhowlreportingforduty and @cursebreakerfarrier​ because 💛

x~x~x~x

Cutting his hair was the first step. For a very long time, Fawcett had just tucked his long hair into a cap, when ere he went to Hogsmeade and played piano at the Three Broomsticks. If he dressed masculinely enough, people treated him the way he liked -- informally, without pretense: like he didn’t need coddling and wouldn’t take offense if someone swore in front of him. That was what Fawcett had assumed his weirdness came down to, in the beginning -- that he just hated protocol and lady-like fashion. But over time, the second-eldest Fawcett child came to see that wasn’t it. He didn’t just want to take off the clothes his grandmother picked out for him at the first opportunity -- there were times he wanted to take his breasts off, right along with them. When his voice came out so much higher than he imagined it being. When he caught himself frequently staring at his male friends’ Adam’s apples while they were talking, loving how much lower their voices had gotten and wishing he could sing that low. Then maybe he could actually join the Frog Choir and not feel strangely out of place...

But that haircut. It was done haphazardly in front of the bathroom mirror in his dormroom with a spare pair of scissors he’d nicked from the Muggle Studies classroom. (Fawcett didn’t trust himself to apply the Severing Charm right to this particular endeavor -- he could use it fine on the Dueling field, sure, but that was done in self-defense, not to cut his own hair.) It certainly wasn’t the neatest job, but it brought Fawcett some short-lived happiness. Even when he came down to breakfast dressed in his usual breeches and Gryffindor jumper and got a lot of confused expressions from his classmates for his unkempt short hair, he was too cheerful to do anything except for pour some extra marmalade on his toast. It was so nice to not have his hair in his face for a change...

From seventh year on, Fawcett stopped wearing dresses and skirts altogether. He solely wore men’s fashion, even when his father and grandmother vehemently disapproved. Some men found it oddly appealing, strangely enough -- Fawcett presumed it just marked him as “unique” among other ladies, which was considered attractive among some men he’d met. His best friend Cayde had even cited that once, hadn’t he -- how “attractive” it was that Fawcett stood apart from the rest? Not that Fawcett had ever wanted to “stand apart” like that -- he loved attention, certainly...but standing apart just because you can’t play the part everyone expects you to play? Because you can never be good enough for them -- can never make them happy, as you are? Didn’t seem like something to be proud of. 

It was the day Fawcett ran away that he took another big step -- he stopped introducing himself by his birth name. He’d had to buy a ticket to get on the ship heading to America, so he’d signed his name “Eli Z. Fawcett” on a whim, just as a placeholder. That “placeholder” endured for the rest of Fawcett’s life...and from that point on, people started calling Fawcett -- now “Eli” -- a “him” as well. It was bizarre, at first -- but despite himself, Eli liked not correcting them. It just made things a bit uncomfortable whenever his voice cracked, or when he had to try to explain the bloodstained bedsheets and clothing, or when someone saw him with his shirt off by accident. Those incidents had left Eli with a good chunk of scars -- the worst of which he’d inflicted to himself in the dark of depression, after a particularly long night of drinking. 

The morning after, Fawcett found himself in a hospital bed, his chest wound up in many, many thick bandages. He’d also been locked to the bed in handcuffs by the nurses, with the thought that he might be mentally unstable enough to hurt himself again. What was particularly notable, though, was the MACUSA witch who’d stopped by to see him. 

“You think ending up in a No-Maj health ward for using a Severing Charm on yourself wasn’t going to get any attention?” she asked. “My coworkers and I had to modify a couple dozen memories in this ward, just to make them not question what kind of knife you must’ve used.”

The petite lady looked down at Fawcett’s mutilated chest, her wrinkled face contorted with pity. 

“...You do know there are potions and Transfiguration techniques that can help with such transitions, don’t you?” she said softly. 

Eli gave an oddly cavalier smile. “‘Fraid not. Hogwarts doesn’t really focus much on Human Transfiguration, aside from changing hair color and such. Or maybe I just slept through that class -- I wasn’t exactly O-grade material, back in the day...”

The Obliviator regarded Eli with such pity that she insisted on at least helping him patch himself up, before leaving the Hospital. After a couple dozen “Salvio Hexia” enchantments and some Wiggenweld Potion, Eli’s chest was finally healed, though two very dark pink scars under his pectorals remained. The little old lady then proceeded to send Eli a list of ingredients to pick up, which could help him brew several potions to help with his transition. 

“My partner found these very helpful, when they were young,” the enclosed letter had said. “Take heart -- you’re a beautiful child, no matter what skin you’re wrapped up in. You deserve to be protected.”

The lady’s suggested methods sadly couldn’t solve all of Eli’s woes -- no potion gave him the voice he wanted, for instance...but over time, his body became less uncomfortable to live in. He was able to stave off the worst of the monthly bleeding, and even started growing hair on his chest. That was something that gave Eli a bizarre happy rush, upon discovering it.

The transition was a journey Eli didn’t think he’d ever truly finish to his satisfaction...but each little step forward still was something, and he resolved to enjoy each of them, however tiny and insignificant they probably were. By the time Eli had reforged connections with his old school friends and reached back out to his brother Enoch, he was himself, in a way he never had been before. He was comfortable in his own skin and more optimistic and resilient than ever -- for despite all of the pain, depression, and self-hatred he’d faced, Eli was determined to not unload that onto the entire world. He would be a ray of sunshine for others who needed it, no matter how fleeting both his act and he himself might be -- and so, in this similarly tiny, insignificant world, he could at least make some kind of a difference.

[tendous-socks]

do you know, the muffin man?

platonic baji and chifuyu x reader 

title has nothing to do with the actual plot lol

not proof read

saber is my dog who passed when i was little and i missed him.

idk what's going on with the capitalization, 

a warm up of sorts ;)

“That's what a mommy’s boy would say” “Hey”

It was summer nights like these you'd never forget.

The crisp air that danced in your lungs when you took a deep, filling breath. Or the gathering of stars overhead that watched you as you made your way home. like your own personal guardian angels.

Lights flickered off one by one as the night grew older and the street lamps stood proudly in their stead. It was nights like these that made you feel at ease. So much so that you felt that saber, your fat, lovable mush of a dog would just love to go on a midnight walk.

Although midnight was… less than ideal, you didn't plan to stay so late at cram school, the janitor nearly kicked you out himself when he saw you so absorbed in your homework. the furrowed look etched upon his face when he asked why you were doing all that on a friday evening, when you should be home with your family, or out doing illegal things with your friends.

You gripped the straps on your backpack just tighter just thinking about it.

you'll just have to stay up and finish it later then, after talking your beloved golden out for his much deserved walk.

Rounding the corner, you spotted your apartment complex as it stood tall amongst the houses surrounding it. Almost out of place.

The lights illuminating the road almost like a pathway home as you continued on. Your silent footsteps duetting the chirping of cicadas.

Pesky little things liked to choir all night singing melodies of long before as they woke up from their decades of slumber.

my god you couldn't get home fast enough.

which wouldn't be a problem if you didn't hear an excruciatingly loud cackle from your complex.

and due to the light of the street lamps, if you could squint hard  enough you could see the silhouettes of two people sitting on the stairs that allowed you to go up…

damn it

this was gonna be weird 

as silent as a church mouse, you trudged your way over to them. Thoughts a second as you scratched your brain for something to say

something that you wont wake up in the middle of the night in a cold sweat regretting saying.

“uhm excuse me… i need to get up there so, yeah” you said, knuckles white as you felt your body heat up. 

You didn't bother to catch a full glance at them, only noting their black uniforms and that one had long, black hair and another had a yellow undercut.

“Oh yeah sure! Sorry about that..” You chuckled nervously as the yellow one scooched over a bit allowing you to squeeze your way up 

“Yeah no problem”

Taking the first few steps up, making sure not the disturb the two, you debated neither sprinting up or just quietly walking. Of course all plans were thrown out the window when another, raspier voice asked “why’re you out so late? “

Your foot stopped almost immediately.

What?

You gulped thickly. “ oh, no reason, i just had cram school and lost track of the time ya’ know?” No of course they don't know because they obviously don't go to your cram school !

Almost as if he had an epiphany, the longer haired boy shot up like a rocket as he turned to fully face you.

“ wait a minute- that means you're smart right?”

“Baji no-” “ hey you mind helping us with our midterms? I don't wanna fail them and make my mom cry again, wouldn't be right”

“Oi baji! Who said I needed help? I'm the one who's tutoring you!” the blondie argued back, voices echoing up around and through the staircase as you finally looked at the two of them.

chifuyu , who you now recognize as a delinquent and baji… who you've never seen in your life both apparently went to your school as you faintly recalled a morning announcement of both their names being called and summoned to the principal's office.

As well as the rumors that surrounded them both as you remembered the whispers upon whispers of gossip dripping from your friends mouth like sugar coated honey, too tempting not to take a bite out of.

All in all, they were trouble.

“Uh haha yeah, I'm sorry. I don't think I'll be of any use to you since I'm not the brightest of people, I'm sorry I have to go, have a good night though.”

And like cinderella you dashed off up stairs. Not even bothering to look back or hide your footsteps as you heard baji call and complain for you to come back and how chifuyu ruined his chances of passing his terms.

but of course, you were back downstairs… not exactly downstairs as you were on one of the landings that separated the floors, the soft fluff of sabers tail wagging excitedly as you held onto his blue, rope leash as you stared down the stairs wondering why exactly the two of them were  still. here.

You groaned internally as you took a step back, pulling lightly on his leash as you went to go back down the hall and into the safety of your apartment. Already thinking of excuses to tell your mom why you didn't take your baby for his daily walk.

Plop

…. 

You tugged on the leash a little harder, only to no avail as your lab stared up at you with a little smile..

This son of a bitch.

“C'mon saber lets go, I promise I'll take you on two walks tomorrow, so please let's just go” you whined, crouching down next to him as you went to softly push at his side. 

But like the anchor he is, he didn't budge.

“Please saber c’mon i wanna go home now lets go you fat little man” you moaned as you stole a glance towards the stairs, hoping to god you didn't alert the two.

But alas, you were met with a pair of blue and golden eyes staring at you curiously. Though the curiosity in their eyes didn’t overshadow the way they loomed over you and you little man, both of them blocking any whisper of light that tried to escape through as it haloed blindingly around them.

‘ oh it’s you- i didn't know you had a dog” baji said as a smile grew on his face as he slowly knelt down as your dog’s tail quickly went to whipping your side as you just gawked at him.

“Oi baji, you have to ask to pet him, er her. ``Chifuyu went to look at you, eyebrows raised as his friend simply ignored him and continued caressing your dog.

“do they bite?” was the only response you got from the black haired boy, his eyes meeting yours briefly as his smile stood pride on his beaming face.

“I do well, I guess it's fine. Don't worry about it, Saber, he’s really friendly and loves people, so he won't bite '' you spoke as chifuyu hesitantly went to start touching his golden fur, the dim midnight lighting doing him zero justice.

Though when you were nestled in your bed with your big ol’ security guard crushing your feet to the point where they'd both turn shades of blue and purples, you could really see how vibrant and golden his fur really was.

Smiling softly as the saber excitedly sniffed baji’s hand as the latter held a smile as big as the sun and eyes creased like a young boy who just got his favorite candy.

you noted how his other hand was scratching exactly where you knew your dog was ticklish, his leg going to scratch the same spot as he let out a low chuckle.

Quietly looking at chifuyu, you saw him quite engrossed in what baji was doing as he stared at where your dog was battling baji’s hand for scratching rights.

“ You really love him, yeah?”

“Hm? Pardon?”

“You’re dog…” “Saber”

“Yep. i can see it all over your face and his body that you spoil him like a little rich kid”

You laughed at his little comment as you went to play with his floppy ears “yep/ he’s my little spoiled brat who loves food and cuddles and will absolutely die if you don't take him on a walk or two during that day”

“ sorry about earlier, baji is just very… passionate about his grades” “ oh is that so?”

“ yeah, that and he doesn't want his mom to be upset about him being held back… again” With a light squeeze to the saber's ear, you took a risk as you opened your mouth.

“Oh, so he's a mama’s boy then?” “Exactly” “Hey I'm not! “

You and Chifuyu looked at each other and hummed in agreement.

[peachpitfics]

Mistletoe

Fandom: Criminal Minds

Request: No

Summary: Every year Rossi holds a Christmas Eve dinner, the Team and their little families attend. This is your first one, and coincidentally, you get caught under the mistletoe.

Length: 2.6k

Pairing: SpencerReid x Female!Reader

Content Warnings: ~none~ 

A/N: Hiiii, this is super fluffy and sweet. Hopefully the first of a few Christmas themed fics. I hope you like it!!

------------------------------------------------------------------------

You never had anywhere to go for the holidays. You had no real family, moved to a new state, and joined a new force only a few weeks ago. The new team you worked with was a tight knit family. They had been together for years and while they were welcoming and did their best not to exclude you, it was hard to bear the inside jokes and recalling of memories you were not a part of. What shocked and surprised you most about their bond, was the family Christmas held at Rossi’s huge house. Everyone, and their families would come, eat a glorious Christmas dinner, and spend it together.

You rang the doorbell and stood, rugged up on the doorstep, huge wooden and glass double doors in front of you. Dave answered the door, arms wide open as he took you in a loving embrace. “Thanks for inviting me” You shuffled into the house awkwardly, passing Rossi two bottles of wine as he showed you where you could shed your winter coverings. Rossi’s house was beautifully decorated from top to bottom. You were sure it had to have been professionally done. “Thank you y/n, this is great. I’m so glad you could make it out here tonight” Dave beamed at you, “And you look beautiful”. You hadn’t put too much effort in tonight but dressed nicely for dinner at least. What he said made you blush; you hid your face as he led you into the dining room. “Hey! Looks who’s here” Morgan smiled across the table. Garcia, sitting next to him, waving overly excitedly. You waved back, clearly not having had any eggnog. As you sat down, in between Hotch and JJ, Hotch poured eggnog into your glass and clinked glasses with you. “We’re just waiting on the kid, he said he was on the phone with his Mom. But he should be almost here” Rossi shared with them.

They all sat around the table, laughing at Garcia who was intoxicated, conversing over Christmas memories from their childhood. Not all of them were overly happy memories, just thoughts of a simpler time. “What about you, y/n? Favourite Christmas memory from when you were a child?” Hotch asked. Emily looked worriedly at you, she had been the one you spoke to and got to know out of everybody. “Well... um” Clearing your throat, you paused as Spencer walked in and slipped into his seat beside Garcia and across from you. “Yeah, okay. I think I was about 8... I was in my second group home and there were about 15 kids of all different ages. The church choir stopped by to sing carols to us in the evening; and, uh, we had a roast chicken, a lot of us had never experienced Christmas before so it was pretty wonderful. The church also brought us a box of second-hand toys, which was lovely. I think that’s probably the best one” Everyone stared at you in awe. The type of awe you were dreading. You shuffled uncomfortably in your seat as they started to notice that the staring was out of control. “I didn’t know you were a foster kid” Morgan said somberly, having grown up in an area with a lot of foster kids himself. “Yeah, I was. It wasn’t so bad” You smiled softly, begging someone to take the attention off of you. “Sorry I’m late, you guys, my Mother was reminiscing about Christmas in 1969” Spencer chuckled awkwardly. And that was the end of it, their focus was changed, and Spencer was explaining his Mother’s story, which in turn was quite boring.

Within 30 minutes, Rossi and several servers emerged from the kitchen, bringing platters and large bowls and more wine. It was the most extravagant thing you’d seen in your whole life. I’ve never even been a restaurant this nice, you thought to yourself, watching as they served. Rossi held in his hands an exceptionally large knife, whilst standing over the bird, gathering everyone’s attention. “For me, Christmas means being with family. Sharing it with you, makes it the most precious and special time of the year” Rossi paused, “To family”. Everyone raised their glasses and repeated the toast back to him. He carved the meat, and you all passed the fixings round the table. It was the most delicious food you’d ever had. You began to wonder if everyone with a family had a lovely Christmas like this every year.

Before long, the kids were playing hide and seek throughout the house as all the adults made their way into the awesomely large sitting room. Everyone gathered around, sitting in the settee’s or on the rug by the fireplace. “Anyone care for brandy and a cigar?” Rossi asked. “Am I in a game of Clue?” Garcia looked around the room, “Where the hell is Miss Scarlet, I want to ask her some questions”. People snickered at her comments, she got more sarcastically funny as she got further intoxicated. “No seriously, would anyone like a drink?” Rossi stood by his sideboard bar, crystal decanters lined up with matching glasses. “Scotch, for me Dave, thank you” Hotch nodded. “I’ll take one of those as well” Emily smiled. “Not for me, I’m driving” Will grinned at JJ, hoping she would have another drink and let her hair down a little. You noticed this and nudged JJ in the side, “I brought more wine” You raised your eyebrows cheekily at her.

She looked long and hard into your eyes, really thinking over how hectic the headache was going to be in the morning. “Screw it” She mumbled, caving in to your devilish look, “Go get the wine” She lightly tapped your arm. “Oh no, come on y/n, I’ll go” Rossi offered. “Seriously, it’s fine, I’m sure I won’t get lost on the way back or anything” You giggled, jumping up from the floor and heading towards the big arch way through to the foyer. “Hey, y/n!” Spencer stopped you in the doorway, “Would you mind getting me a glass of water?” He asked in a soft tone. You nodded happily; it was an easy request.

“Hold on...” Hotch said quickly. They all stared at you again. “You can’t move” Hotch smiled gently, “You’re under the mistletoe”. Everyone laughed and gaped as Hotch caught you out under the mistletoe. “What do you mean I can’t move?” You laughed, as if this were a silly game. “In the Rossi house, if you pause under mistletoe and get caught out, you have to wait there until someone kisses you” Dave explained. Obviously Hotch had been caught before and was now pointing out Rossi’s next victim. “Who’s gonna do it?” Garcia looked intrigued, waiting for the war between them to begin while you stood there, knees shaking at the thought of having to kiss someone on the team. “Well, I’m out” Rossi said, having reconnected with an old lover recently. Will and JJ snuggled closer together, that was an obvious no. Hotch uncomfortably sat back into the settee, smiling cheekily into his glass.

A few faces turned to Morgan. “Hey now, that’s usually my style, but I’m seein’ somebody at the moment” Morgan shrugged, hoping Penelope wouldn’t pull him apart over the comment he made. Which inevitably, she did. “Can’t I just go to the kitchen, come on, this is silly” You spoke over them, they were discussing among them who should be the one to kiss you and set you free from the nasty grip of the mistletoe. “It’s gotta be Reid” Emily’s voice rang out over all of the incoherent babbling.

Spencer had been laughing and watching this unfold around him, blending into the leather settee like a chameleon. Now that the faces turned to him, he flushed red and he eyes grew wider. “Ha ha, you guys” Spencer tried to redirect, blushing madly “Emily, it’s you! You know it’s you” He laughed awkwardly. “It could be me; I just don’t really think that’s y/n’s speed... whereas you...” She let the rest of the team join in on the end. “Yeah I don’t think she swings that way” JJ looked back at Emily, shaking their heads together negatively. “Which leaves you Spencer, everyone else is attached at the moment” Hotch's voice seemed confident and firm, but had a hint of a giggle in it.

This started to seem like a set up to you, everyone was grimacing, smirking up at you. No one else tonight had been caught under mistletoe and there was no shortage of it in this house. You crossed your arms in front of you and lovingly glared back at each of them. “Come on Spence” JJ grabbed his knee and shook it, as if this provided some sort of moral support. “Spencer! Spencer! Spencer!” Penelope started a chant and within seconds, they had all joined in. “Okay! Okay, okay, you can stop doing that now. The peer pressure has worked” Spencer’s face couldn’t not smile. His cheeks tugged tightly at his lips, and though his face was red, he looked pleasantly excited. Reid stepped over JJ and slowly approached the door frame. He got closer to you, looked into your eyes, and pursed his lips, eyes widening as if to say, “This is weird”. He rocked back on his heels for a moment, hands awkwardly in his pockets. You remained still, one eyebrow raised in shock, arms still folded in front of you. “Come on pretty boy, we haven’t got all night” Morgan teased, Garcia gripping onto him, her eyes as wide as possible so she didn’t miss anything.

In an instant, he lunged forward, a hand landing on your cheek and one at the small of your back. Spencer planted his lips onto yours, you could almost feel him smiling into it. Your arms softened and untangled as they found their way onto his chest in front of you. As you parted, the embarrassing hail of whoops and clapping arose. Spencer stepped back giggling, hiding his face from his colleagues. You pursed your lips together and held your fingers to your lips briefly, surprised at how good that felt. “I’m gonna go grab that wine now” You blushed, laughing along with the hyenas in the sitting room. Pausing slowly at the fridge, your head hitting the metal, you exhaled from deep in your lungs. Never in your life did you think you would be in such a position. But you were happy and almost grateful for your embarrassing workmates.

You returned with the wine, rose coloring still in your cheeks. Spencer was now playing with the kids under one of the many Christmas trees and you retook your position on the rug with JJ and Will, pouring them both a glass of white wine. No one teased anymore, no one laughed. There were just separate pods of conversation. Eventually, after picking up sleepy children off the couches in the lounge room, JJ and Will were thanking Rossi for such a lovely evening. Hotch not far behind with Jack. Those that were left were Morgan and Penelope, desperately arguing over whether or not ‘Die Hard’ was a Christmas film. Rossi and Emily, who were debating finer Scotches and Whiskeys. You watched on, amused by their friendships, and longing to be one of them. Until you noticed that Spencer had gone. You got up from the rug and wondered through the house, finding him on the balcony off the dining room.

You unlatched the door, alerting him to your presence. “Hey” He smiled softly at you. “Hey” You sounded unsure, “I’m sorry if that was super weird for you in there”. He chuckled under his breath slightly as you approached and stood next to him in the cold night air. “You know, I thought it would be... But it was... nice” He nodded, tucking his smile into his scarf. You tried to look away, hiding the permanent smile plastered on your face. “It was nice” You said gently. Spencer turned towards you, and unintentionally looked you up and down, “You must be so cold” He said, shedding his coat and draping it across your shoulders. You looked at the soft brown tweed and curled your nose, “But now, you’ll be cold”. “Doesn’t matter” He shrugged nonchalantly. “Spencer I-” He interrupted quickly, “Can I have a do over?”. “Sorry, what?” You shook off whatever you were going to say and clarified you heard him correctly. “I just- I would have kissed you differently, had they not set me up and cheered like an audience” He closed his eyes, “ I would have kissed you differently”.

Without saying anything, you slid your icy cold hand into his. Warmth radiated from his large hands as his fingers slid between yours. You pulled his hand and turned him to face you. “You can kiss me again” You mumbled. His eyes were so dark and deep, he held eye contact with you, bringing his face slightly down to meet you in the middle. His soft lips, tripping over yours hungrily. His breath warm on your face. His tender hands, not so gingerly on respectful places on your body like before. One hand slid up to your neck, lightly holding on, but eventually wrapping around to grasp the back of your neck. His other hand placed further south of the small of your back, pulling your whole body into him as his tongue delved into your mouth. You tried to move your hands, you tried to do anything, but your brain was completely overwhelmed and stunned by the warmth and pleasure washing over you.

He pulled away, kissing your cold nose, along your jawline. Pressing on last kiss to your lips, and then to your forehead as he wrapped his arms around you. Your body sunk into him. Even without his jacket, he was still so warm, and it was so inviting. You wrapped your arms around his back and held onto him as tightly as he held onto you. “This is a better Christmas story than the one I told before” You muttered at a giggle into his woolen jumper. Spencer smiled into the nape of your neck. “God, I hope so” He laughed, and you felt his whole body move against yours. After a while, you parted and just stood snuggled together on the balcony. “They really set us up, big time” You pondered. “I can’t believe Emily blabbed” Spencer shook his head. You looked sharply up at him. “Blabbed?” You asked confusedly. “Yeah... I kind of told her I had a crush on you” He tried to hide his face but you wouldn’t let him, you grabbed his hand and held it in your own. “Oh my god” That same old shocked expression was strewn back across your face. “I know, it’s super embarrassing and I’m sorry I didn’t -“ You interrupted him this time, “No, Spencer, I told Emily I had a crush on you” You said quickly, without thinking.

Both of you, stunned, really thought about how devious Emily was. Why did we do that? You asked yourself; the answer quite simply was, she was a very open person and people often told her their secrets. “I guess, I’m glad I told her” Spencer smiled, “Because otherwise I never would have got to kiss you”. You leaned up to his lips and kissed him again. “Now, you can kiss me anytime you want” You whispered to him, that gorgeous smile still fighting its way onto his face.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Inside, Emily and Rossi stood in the doorway of the dining room, peering out onto the Balcony like a pair of sneaky teenagers. They had been watching for several minutes, and though they couldn’t hear the conversation, they knew they were busted for setting the whole thing up. “Thanks again, Dave” Em raised his glass of scotch to Dave’s brandy, both of them grinning like school girls. “Absolutely anytime, my dear” They clinked glasses and walked steadily back into the sitting room, arms around each other.

[thnxforknowingme]

Glee Christmas Songs, Ranked

So last night, I decided to listen to all of the Glee Christmas songs (from episodes, I didn't include things released on Christmas albums that were never in the show) and rank them. As with everything I rank, this is an inscrutable balance between the quality of performance, the context of the plotline, and how much I personally vibe with the song, so honestly I could be talked in or out of changing my mind on most of these. Also, I was mildly intoxicated when writing this, but I believe I've fixed all the typos.

So, we begin:

Honorable Mention: Hanukkah Oh Hanukkah - Glee, Actually

I'm not going to rank this among the Christmas songs because it feels like its own thing. Idk, it feels a little shoe-horned (although...you could say that about 75% of glee songs) but it's catchy, it suits Jake and Puck's voices, it's good.

🎄

27. The Chipmunk Song - Previously Unaired Christmas

This is the nadir of this listening experience. I didn't remember the existence of this song until I was already doing this and it was too late to stop. I can't say anything positive about their voices because it's not their voices. The only good thing about this scene is that Kurt is being slutty but then THAT doesn't even turn out well in the episode. I mean, this sums up the PUC ethos of...being intentionally stupid and offensive. I wish I were drunker for this.

26. Do They Know It's Christmas - Extraordinary Merry Christmas

I don't like this song. It's a bad song. Like, it was originally written and recorded to raise money for famine relief - which is a GOOD CAUSE, but the song itself is so weirdly condescending and white savior-y. The New Directions sing it well, but the lyrics skeeve me out so bad. Like, especially because they're singing it to homeless families? The optics are not good.

25. Feliz Navidad - Glee, Actually

Artie, why? Why did you think this was the song that would bring together these alternate-universe New Directions? This is the song that you sing in Spanish 1 in an American high school class made mostly of white kids. It's obviously a catchy song and Kevin McHale has a great voice but everything about this is WHY

24. You're a Mean One Mr Grinch - A Very Glee Christmas

I'm not listening to the studio version because I don't need this to go on for any longer than necessary. I mean, Jane Lynch does a fine job of performing it (wait, wikipedia tells me that Lynch didn't actually perform this one. Still sounded fine, whatever). And there's comedic value to the visuals when she's destroying the choir room. But like, this isn't a song I'd ever intentionally listen to.

23. Welcome Christmas - A Very Glee Christmas

okay so this one like, thematically makes sense because Sue was the Grinch earlier in this episode, but it's not that interesting of a song. It's got a nice choral-y sound, but again, I'm never gonna seek it out. Do love the "just as long as we have glee" line though.

22. Here Comes Santa Claus - Previously Unaired Christmas

Okay, Kurt Santana and Rachel all look very cute as elves in this song, but I don't like the plinky piano in the background, and it's also just tainted by being a part of the trainwreck that is Previously Unaired Christmas.

21. Mary's Little Boy Child - Previously Unaired Christmas

Okay, what I will give this song is that it's funny. There's not a ton of humor in the Christmas episodes usually. While most of PUC is just cringe and uncomfortable, this manages to be amusing. Also, the costumes slap, especially on Tina. That girl can WORK a leotard. I'm going to just also attach Love Child to this spot, because it's part of the same plotline and it also serves the point of being funny. Also, it's not a Christmas song. I rate it about the same, since it serves the same purpose.

20. Away in a Manger - Previously Unaired Christmas

This song is just kind of, meh. Decently performed, but nothing special about it. Also, putting all of your public school students in a nativity scene is...A Choice. I just don't care about it.

19. Christmas Wrapping - Extraordinary Merry Christmas

It's a pretty good Brittany solo, but...I'm just never gonna go wild over Brittany solos. I associate this song very much with these Christmas mash up CDs that my dad used to play, so it has some nostalgic value for me, but it's also just not gonna draw me in as much as a more genuine Christmas classic. It's short and sweet in the episode, though.

18. Jingle Bell Rock - Glee, Actually

I just feel...almost nothing about this performance. I mean, I like the song itself, it's a fun song that will always bring me back to the halcyon days of being obsessed with Mean Girls, but it just feels like there's nothing special about the performance.

17. The First Noel - Glee, Actually

Does this even count as a song? It's just Marley singing for like 30 seconds a capella. I mean, she does it well. But it's just the standard song with no instrumentation.

16. Rocking Around the Christmas Tree - Previously Unaired Christmas

This is the weakest of the opening choir room Christmas songs - it's fine, but it's a little weird that Will is there singing with them, the voices don't feel like they blend together super well as they jump from one singer to another, and the song itself doesn't have as much emotion as others.

15. O Holy Night - Swan Song

So this is from Swan Song, not a Christmas episode. IDK if there're any other xmas songs in non-xmas eps, but I remembered that this one existed. Anyway, it annoys me that Rachel sings it and says it's her "favorite holiday song" when she's Jewish and it's not just a Christmas song but like, a song specifically about the birth of Jesus. This is just like, one of the most egregious examples of erasing of her Jewish identity that I can remember, it speaks to a larger problem of representation in Hollywood, anyway it annoys me. But Rachel sings it well obviously and it's a pretty song.

14. Merry Christmas Darling - A Very Glee Christmas

I'm realizing now that watching these all on youtube to see the performances is going to fuck up my algorithm even worse than it already is. I mean, it's Rachel singing something kinda forlorn, she sounds good, but it's not personally my thing. idk, I'm warming up to it as it goes, but still never gonna be my favorite kind of Christmas song.

13. Last Christmas - A Very Glee Christmas

I admire how ridiculous and cheesy this song is, and it's catchy enough. Oh actually, I do like the duet parts between Finn and Rachel. Like, it's sad but you can bop to it. Ends kind of abruptly though, at least in the show.

12. The Most Wonderful Time of the Year - A Very Glee Christmas

A good group number, gets you in the spirit. If it's not already on my Christmas playlist I'd add it. There's the weird spoken part in the middle though. Love the thematically appropriate element that glee club = misfits.

11. My Favorite Things - Extraordinary Merry Christmas

This is a good performance (having Rachel, Mercedes, Kurt and Blaine all sing together is great), but it's not a very Christmas-y song and not the kind of thing I'd really choose to listen to for the holidays.

10. Santa Claus is Coming to Town - Extraordinary Merry Christmas

I do like a Puck/Finn duet where they play their own instruments. They take a classic, fun song and add a little bit of rock - no complaints at all.

9. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas - Glee, Actually

I like this as a closing group number, pulling together the various plotlines and characters. It sounds good, that nice blend of hopeful and mournful. It features a lot of different singers, but they all sound good in their own ways.

8. Blue Christmas - Extraordinary Merry Christmas

I'm probably gonna rate this one too high, just because I like Damian McGinty's voice and we got SO LITTLE OF IT. But it's simple, sad, and he does a great job of being mournful and putting his heart into it.

7. We Need a Little Christmas - A Very Glee Christmas

This song gets cut off in the show, but it's a great catchy song. Because it got cut off I am listening to the studio version of this one, and Kurt is in this number...even though he's at Dalton in this ep. Was this originally not going to be sung at McKinley?? anyway it's fun and upbeat, great job.

6. River - Extraordinary Merry Christmas

I mean. This song is just a gorgeous song. It's not actually a song I really want to listen to around Christmas because it is sad (although now I have the opportunity to jam to Darren's maybe-blasphemous upbeat version), but it's a very pretty song and a good performance.

5. White Christmas - Glee, Actually

Does this rank so high just because I like Kurt/Blaine/Darren/Chris? Yes, probably. But I also like the arrangement, it's a fun take on the song, I like the harmonies, I like the variety of slower and more upbeat parts.

4. Extraordinary Merry Christmas - obviously Extraordinary Merry Christmas

I fucking love this song. The fact that they made an original Christmas song and it actually works? Love it. It's very produced and I can see the criticism that it's kind of artificial, but it's just so fun, and the lyrics themselves are earnest. I can't not get it stuck in my head, and Blaine and Rachel singing it together is excellent.

3. All I Want For Christmas - Extraordinary Merry Christmas

I mean, the opening notes of this song just evoke an indescribable feeling in me and get me immediately hyped. And of course Mercedes KILLS IT. Then when the chorus hits and you can't NOT dance? Also, as an episode-opening scene, this one is definitely the cutest. Everyone's Christmas-y outfits are on point. And that high note, Mercedes, amazing.

2. Let It Snow - Extraordinary Merry Christmas

I know I'm biased, but. This song is SO GOOD. The jazzy, upbeat take on it, it's so catchy and singable and danceable. Chris and Darren sound fantastic, they have a lot of the same flirty performance/choreography, but now with more confidence/comfort versus the will-they-won't-they of BICO. It's such a fun start to the Christmas special, which I wholeheartedly love. (also this isn't about the song, but the fact that Chris Colfer FULLY COMMITTED to the mid-atlantic accent for the whole special is incredible)

1. Baby It's Cold Outside - A Very Glee Christmas

God tier song. Darren and Chris own this song. They own Christmas, in fact. I mean, the arrangement and the way they sound is amazing, but also the PERFORMANCE. The flirty intonation, the longing tones, the give and take of their choreography...stop me before I start writing meta to figure out how the hell Blaine thought this was platonic. Anyway I've been obsessed with it for a decade and it ain't gonna stop any time soon.

[snowgoldwaylon]

A Night At The Opera - Grigori Weaver X Reader

Performing is what you loved to do best. Meeting a young soldier is just what you always dreamed off, but while you were on tour for one of the most iconic operas ever written. And you, the main character.

TW: None!

"Y/N! You are live in 10 minutes!" The producer called, as he walked past your mirror.

You glanced in the mirror and just caught the last glimpse of him leaving the room. You turned to look back at yourself in the large vanity, the lights illuminating your current hair style which stood pretty tall.

You were getting final touches to hair and makeup, and it just so happens for this opera, you were the main star. And as hollywood rules states, go big or go home. So you chose the classic big, bouncy curly hair with curled sideburns to give it spice.

It was elegant, you had little glass flowers put all through it so it would glitter and reflect off the stage lights. You wore a stunning ballgown dress, with large bell sleeves. And for the finishing touch which the hair stylist was putting in your hair?

An authentic, diamond and gold lined tiara, which had a long, lace veil attached to the back. You simply smiled at how you looked in this moment. A makeup artist came over and touched up some spots and re-applied the ruby red lipstick you had on.

As soon as they finished, you looked over yourself and smiled. You pushed a falling glass piece back into place, applied hairspray, and got up. You soothed the dress out and turned to the two who had made you look stunning.

"Thank you both, you have made my dream look come true! I think I'm going to permanently hire both of you to tour with me!" You exclaimed, giving a hand.

They both nodded graciously, and bowed with a humble 'thank you' before you were pulled away by someone.

"Okay Y/N, you will be live in one minute. You know the cues, good luck out there!" The stage coach yelled, pulling you to the side stage.

You watched as the young man who played Pollione finish his number, Meco all'altar di Venere. After the dramatic change of scene and the curtain close, the audience clapped loudly. The moment you trained for was finally here!

You watched as Klaus, the owner of the gorgeous, all original opera house approached you. You smiled, and he gave you his hand.

"Miss Y/N, do you look stunning! I must tell you before you go on, we have special guests in the audience. Not to make you worried or such, but these guests are returning soldiers from the war. One in particular who you might have the chance to meet after, is named Grigori Weaver. He loves operas, and even funded this show to go on!" Klaus exclaimed.

You were taken back by the odd sounding name. Grigori? Is that Russian? you asked yourself. You smiled at Klaus, and gave a simple nod.

"Yes Klaus, I understand. Thank you for the information. I do hope to meet him afterwards!" You said.

The stage hand tapped your shoulder, as you saw two men heading towards the curtain strings.

"I must go, Klaus. Thank you!" You said, before taking your spot center stage, right up against the curtain.

The choir filed in behind you on the risers as you stood, singing small voice warmups before it was go time. You felt nervous, but excited. Your heart raced with joy and adrenaline as the final words of the scene were spoken.

That was the cue! With the final dialouge spoken, the curtains opened. The lights suddenly filled your vision, along with the large crowd in the huge theather. A small, soft smile was written on your flawless features as the orchestra began the song.

The flute soloist filled the room with warm, beautiful, contrasted music with crescendos and decrescendos. It sounded almost ominous, but it was beautiful. You stood in the pose as practiced before.

The bell sleeves hung beautiful as you would slightly lift your arms with the music. The violins cued your very first note, and you gave it your all.

"Casta Diva, che inargenti

queste sacre antiche piante,

a noi volgi il bel sembiante

senza nube e senza vel."

You maintained a professional and elegant posture as you acted the part of your character, Norma. You swayed lightly with the music, and smiled as the choir behind you hit the correct notes, pitch, and phrases behind you. You glanced out over the crowd, and right away spotted a man wearing an eye patch in the VIP section.

Suddenly, you felt the urge to finish this aria right, and with ease. Your next cue happened, and you let the bell sleeves hang beside you.

"Tempra, o Diva,

tempra tu de’ cori ardenti

tempra ancora lo zelo audace,

spargi in terra quella pace

che regnar tu fai nel ciel.

 

Fine al rito

e il sacro bosco

sia disgombro dai profani.

Quando il Nume irato e fosco,

chiegga il sangue dei Romani.

Dal Druidico delubro

La mia voce tuonerà.

Cadrà; punirlo io posso.

Ma, punirlo, il cor non sa.

 

Ah! bello a me ritorna

Del fido amor primiero;

E contro il mondo intiero

difesa a te sarò.

Ah! bello a me ritorna

Del raggio tuo sereno,

e vita nel tuo seno,

e patria e cielo avrò.

Ah, riedi ancora qual eri allora,

quando il cor ti diedi allora,

ah, riedi a me."

With the last note of the orchestra, ending right after your vocals pitched down, you struck an elegant pose. The diamond of the tiara made you sparkle as you soaked up all limelight.

Cheers roared and echoed through the halls and walkways of the opera house. Whistles and flowers were thrown as the curtains began to slowly close. You glanced towards the man with the eyepatch again, and saw him standing up.

He joined everyone in a standing ovation because your pure and effortless talent had shaken them to the core, but in a good way. The heat of the lights brought you to a pant, and small specks of sweat beaded at the line of your hair.

The curtains finally came to a close and you released the pose. You quickly made the way backstage to cool off, so you wouldn't look rough for the finishing act.

Producers swarmed you, makeup artists, and hair artists also swarmed you like buzards so they could doll you back up. You were to keep the hairstyle for the final act, but change the dress for a Victoria era wedding dress.

TIMESKIP, END OF THE OPERA

You gathered at the entrance along with the cast to say goodbye to guests as they exited the opera house. This gave guests a chance to get autographs, pictures, and words to say. You were of course, the first at the door for the order of namesake.

Soon, the hundreds of people came, and shook hands with everyone. You were signing many autographs for many people, and snapping many pictures for all. And you were very determined to make sure everyone who asked had one.

Soon, the end of the line came, and out came the man in question. The handsome, dark haired man with the eye patch and a handsome pair of dress blues. He made conversation with everyone, and you even noticed Klaus right beside him, talking.

They came up to you last, and the rest of the cast exited to get cleaned up. You smiled as they approached, and held out your hand.

"Evening, Miss Norma. You did fantastic. My name is Grigori Weaver, could I have yours please?" He asked kindly, taking your hand and giving it a small kiss.

You blushed as Grigori let your hand go, and turned to Klaus.

"This is the gentleman who sponsored the whole show!"

"Ah yes, Grigori. Nice too meet you. I'm Y/N Y/L/N. Or as you know, Norma. On behalf on all my cast and producers, coaches, and myself, we thank you. This production would have been lost if it wasn't for you kind donation." You said.

He smiled at you, and only you. He couldn't get over how flawless and just how polite you were.

"Well, as proven tonight, Miss Y/L/N, it's my pleasure. I do hope you stick around for more performances these coming years, da?" He asked.

"Well of course! I plan on staying in the opera for many years while I attend school and look for my dream job." You said.

Grigori looked at his watched, and slipped his hat on. While he fixed the collar on his jacket, he fished inside his coat for something. He pulled out a brilliant, luscious red rose and handed to you. You gratefully accepted as a blushed creeped across you.

"I must be going now, my job starts soon. But, for you, Norma. Maybe possibly I could come see you perform again this coming week?" He asked.

"Of course you can, I'd love that." You said, with a smile.

"Off I go then. Have a wonderful evening, both of you!" He said as he exited the opera house.

You watched him walk to his very luxurious car, and he looked back. You waved and turned on your heel, walking back with Klaus.

"I think you just got the VIP to fall in love with you, nyet?" He asked.

"Klaus, do not be so foolish! He was simply being nice." You said, walking up the first flight of stairs.

"But, he did say he'd be returing for the other shows. If he does, then that will prove my point for sure!" Klaus said.

You came to your dressing room, and wished Klaus a good evening as you closed the door. You set the red rose in a vase on your vanity and began carefully taking out the pieces from your hair. You couldn't stop thinking about with Grigori had said.

And over the rest of the following days the opera showed, Grigori kept his promise. Soonz the vase was overflowing with roses. And after one performance, you found yourself at one of the nicest restaurants with Grigori.

That was one hell of a night at the opera.

Taglist: @smokeywhalee @wennbergbabe @justagenderfluidstuff @goawaypleasecryingemoji @kazazure @kapanovangswife @xundeadqueenx @direwolfspostsrandomshit

[lady-amethyst18]

I'll hear you sing

Emma paced back and forth in her room. On her bed laid a black choir dress, a fake pearl necklace, and a compact of blush. She was getting ready for her choir concert this evening. But today was more nerve-wracking than ever. Because she was chosen as the lead singer for the last song of the show. She got lots of praise from her teachers and peers, saying that she had a beautiful voice and was perfect for the solo act. She even practiced the song every day to herself and memorized the lyrics all by heart. But when the day finally came, she felt like she was going to melt into a puddle of goo.

What if she froze out there in front of everyone? What if she messes up and forgets her cue? What if she hits a wrong note? What if the audience doesn't like her singing? What if she completely embarrasses herself out there? She started pacing faster. She held her cheeks in her hands, and her stomach started flip-flopping. "Stop stressing, Emma." She said to herself. "Stop stressing!" She repeated. She looked into the mirror, looking at her nervous face. She shook her head and groaned loudly. "I need to go for a walk." She said as she started heading downstairs and out the door.

She walked through the neighborhood, trying to clear her head of the nerves of singing solo for the first time. She still felt butterflies in her stomach, and she could swear she was starting to sweat. Perfect... She was going to look like a mess by the time she gets to the concert. She wondered if she had enough time to take a shower by the time she got back. She brushed her hair out of the way, closing her eyes while still walking. "I have to pull it together. Maybe I can just tell the teacher that I can't be the lead singer. Or perhaps I can just pretend to lose my voice and they'll get someone else to sing. Or-" She was so lost in thought that she bumped into someone. Her eyes shot open as she finally snapped back to reality. "Oh my! I'm so sorry! I-I wasn't paying attention." She apologized. "It's ok. No harm done, dear." Said the voice.

She looked up to see who she bumped into. She followed the red and white pants up to the white and gold cloak until finally, her eyes reached the top of the person's head. A white top hat with a red strap pulled over his eyes. "Balan?" She called. Balan smiled widely upon seeing the young girl. "Emma!" He exclaimed. "What a pleasant surprise! I didn't expect to be bumping into you out here."

"I should be saying the same thing." She pointed out. "What are you doing out here?"

"I was just checking up on one of the latest visitors. Their hearts are healing just fine." He looked at the girl, who started to avoid eye contact with him. "But what about you? Seems like your heart could use some cheering itself." Emma rubbed the back of her head. "I just wanted to step out for a moment to clear my head. I've got too much on my mind." She said.

Balan focused on the girl's eyes. They had a look of apprehension and the glistening sweat on her brow added to his suspicion. "Emma," He called out softly. "I'm saying this with love, darling. But you look like you're about to have a heart attack. Why don't you come back with me to the theater? Tell me what's bothering you so much." Emma looked around the corners. The theater is nowhere to be seen. "Uh... Where is the theater?" She asked. Balan smirked as he held Emma's shoulder and snapped his fingers. "Right here!" He announced. It was in the same place where Emma initially found the theater. A brightly lit alleyway through the overgrown vegetation. She couldn't help but roll her eyes at Balan's goofiness. "Now then. Ladies first." Balan humbly opened the door and gestured her inside.

He leads her inside to the lounge area. The room was quiet and well decorated with a dusk color pallet that painted the walls. The chairs and couch had plush red velvet seats with golden buttons as decoration. A water pitcher with a few glasses stood on a tray with several tea flavors and what looked to be a bowl of miscellaneous fruit. "I don't think I've been to this part of the theater. It's nice." Emma complimented. "Why, thank you. Lance and I decorated it ourselves. Why don't you sit down and relax? Take a seat wherever you want." Balan said, taking a seat on the couch. Emma decided to take a chair that was sitting away from the table.

"Now then," Balan spoke, crossing his legs. "Why don't you tell me what's going on? Why is it you look so nervous?" Emma once again avoided eye contact. She clasped her hands and held them in her knees. "I've... Got a choir concert to go to... And I got the part as lead singer for the final song." She replied. "Oh, how wonderful! This must be a big moment for you." Balan cheered. But Emma shook her head. "It's too big!" She exclaimed. "I've never sung solo ever before in my life! I get my teachers and choir classmates like my singing, but what about everyone else? I feel like there's so much riding on this moment!" She stood up and started to pace around again.

Balan just nodded as Emma continued her tangent. "Nervous sweating, fast heartbeat, tense posture, thinking about how the performance could go wrong. Yep. Seems to me you've got a terrible yet common case of stage fright." He spoke up. "You think!?" She yelled back. "What if I hit a sour note?! Or what if I miss my cue?! Or what if the audience doesn't like my singing?! There's too much pressure; I can't stand it! I don't think I can do it! If I have to sing lead, I think I'm going to pass out and die!" She sat back down in the chair, fanning herself and hyperventilating. "Ok, ok, relax. Freaking out isn't going to help. You're going to give yourself an aneurysm, and then what will you do?" Balan stood next to the girl, handing her a paper bag to breathe into. To which she snatched it out of his hand and began huffing and puffing into it.

She continued this for about a minute before she finally caught her breath. The maestro thought this was ultimately a good time to get a word in edge-wise. "Emma," He started. "What if I told you I, too, get stage fright?" Emma paused and looked at him with wide eyes. "What? YOU get stage fright? The maestro of positivity himself get's stage fright?" She asked. Balan nodded. "Yep. Sweating, tensing up, thinking about how it could all go wrong, even getting butterflies in my stomach." Emma looked doubtful. "You do NOT get butterflies."

"No, no! I really do get butterflies. See?" He pounds his stomach and spat out a butterfly. Emma watched in amusement as she watched it flutter away. She tried her best to hide a giggle. "Balan... Th-that's not funny." She said, restraining her laughter. "Oh, come on! You're laughing. Look, I'll do it again!" He pounded his stomach again and spat out another butterfly. A few bursts of laughter left her. "Balan, stop! This isn't helpful!" She laughed. Balan laughed along with her.

"Alright, all joking aside." He said at last. "I used to get terrible stage fright when I was just starting out at helping people restore their balance. I was about... Oh, 300 years old until I finally grew out of it." Emma cocked her head to the side, wondering where Balan was going with the story. "So... How did you grow out of it?" She asked. Balan shrugged. "Oh, it wasn't easy. I could barely get through the introduction without my knees knocking. Sometimes I would get so stressed I would stop rhyming. But you know, after all that time, I was finally starting to enjoy it. The longer you're on stage, and the more you do it, the thought of being afraid kind of dies. I also had a secret hack that could help with my nerves."

"And what was that?" Emma asked.

"Can you keep a secret?"

"Uh, sure."

Balan looked back and forth before kneeling down and whispering in Emma's ear. "Don't tell anyone I said this, but I always had someone cheering me on in the audience. And do you know who that was?" Emma shook her head. "It was none other than Lance." Emma's jaw dropped. She knew that Balan and Lance had a sibling relationship, but they were never two peas in a pod. "No!" She exclaimed. "Really? You're pulling my leg." Balan smiled. "It's true. This was back when we were going easier on each other, quite long before the bouts. For some reason, it comforted me knowing he was there. Now, obviously, our relationship has changed over a few millennia, but I never forgot how much he helped me." Emma smiled. It made her heart grow knowing that Lance still had a heart in there somewhere despite being a negative maestro.

"Now, don't tell Lance I said this, ok?" Balan pointed out. "He doesn't want anyone to know he has feelings. He says it will kill his stoic reputation." Emma zipped her lips and held out a hand, telling him that she promised. "I think it's thoughtful that someone would always be in the audience cheering you on." She paused for a second, thinking about what the maestro was talking about. "... Balan," She started. "Would you... Watch my concert tonight?" Balan smiled widely. "Aha! You finally picked up what I was putting down! Of course, I would love to hear you sing! What time does it start?"

"It starts at 6:30."

"Oh, that's an hour and a half from now. We better get you there quick!" The maestro looked at the girl, seeing that she still had sweat on her brow and her hair was messy after panicking about the show. "Hmm... But first, let's get you dolled up before you go to that concert."

The maestro snapped his fingers, making Emma's choir dress, necklace, and blush appear. He draped the dress and necklace over his arm while holding the compact in his hand. "Head to the bathroom and clean yourself up, dear. You still have time to clean up before you go on stage." Emma smiled as he leads her to the bathroom. He handed over the dress and compact as he waited outside for the teenager to finish up cleaning. A few minutes had passed, and Emma took a shower, blowdried and brushed her hair, put on her dress, and applied her makeup.

Balan looked over as she opened the door. "Why, Emma!" He cheered. "You look lovely! Though something is missing." He looked closely at her, trying to pinpoint what was missing. "Oh!" She announced. "My necklace! All the girls in the choir are meant to wear these fake pearl necklaces." Balan dangled the necklace with his fingers. "You're meant to wear these?" He asked.

"Yeah."

Balan scoffed. "You're not going to wear this! The star doesn't deserve FAKE pearls. Come here; I have something better." He tossed the fake necklace aside. He clasped his hands together and rubbed them firmly. When he opened his hands, a real pearl necklace appeared. Emma stood in awe. "Wow! Is this real?" She asked. Balan smiled with pride. "It's the genuine article. May I?" Emma nodded as Balan put the necklace around her neck. "There you go!" He said. "Now you're perfect!"

Emma's smiled widened. She already began to feel much better. "You promise you'll be there when it's my turn to sing?" She asked. "Cross my heart." The maestro promised as he made an X mark around his heart. "Now, go on. Your teachers and peers will want to see you. I can't wait to hear you sing." He said as he leads her to the door. "Thanks, Balan. I hope to see you there." She said as she left, hoping the maestro would keep his word.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

The concert was nearly over. It was time for the final song and Emma's lead role. She scanned the audience, looking for the top-hatted being. "Emma!" Called out a voice. It was Emma's choir director. "Are you ready for your solo?" She asked. The girl looked away. She felt her chest get tight, and she felt butterflies in her stomach again. "I'm... Expecting someone. In the audience. They promised they'd hear me sing. I can't find them." She continued to scan the audience, hoping to find her friend.

The director knelt down to her level. "I know you're nervous, Emma. But I'm sure that your friend, whoever they are, are out there in the audience right now, just waiting to hear your voice. And I know you'll be the brightest star out of anyone tonight. Have confidence in yourself, sweetheart." The whole choir group started going on the stage. "Take your place, Emma. Don't be scared. You can do it." The teacher held up two thumbs as Emma climbed up on stage.

As the curtains pulled away, the audience clapped their hands. Emma took a silent but deep breath, trying to maintain her composure. As the music started, she heard a slight sound. Her eyes wandered the auditorium until she looked in the front row. A man with seafoam green hair and a handsome white face with purple eye shadow. It was Balan! He undid the glamour for her. Seeing him, her heart instantly lifted as she started her song.

Emma could feel every ounce of nervousness melt away as she sang the lyrics. The more she carried on with the song, the less she noted the people in the auditorium. Dare she say it, she was enjoying herself. When the song was over, the crowd stood up and cheered. A single rose was thrown on stage. Emma picked it up and looked at the man in the front row. Balan clapped his hands and winked at her. Silently telling her, he knew she could do it. The teenager held back her tears of joy and smiled widely as she bowed for the audience.

[mccall-me-maurice]

A new list of headcanons for the updated AU

Lotf headcanons

Jack:

Jack is Ralph’s academic rival and also head of the debate team. He spends the weekends at his father’s business, learning how to run the company. On the Saturday nights, he goes to an underground club in a fight ring thing. Nobody knows he does it, even though Ralph also spends time there.

Jack is dyslexic and has minor and manageable OCD, denying using extra help for his dyslexia in classes.

Comes from a wealthy family with 6 siblings, his father divorcing his mother and marrying his step-mother who he pushes away because he’s angsty and shes “not his real mother.”

Loves 80s music so much, he’s a nerd for it.

Sings in the shower/bathroom like into a hairbrush in front of the mirror in his little towel like a nerd but he’s actually really good at singing.

Wears his uniform extremely sharply and very crisp like why so much effort.

He has hearing loss due to an accident in his childhood and he’s fluent in ASL, but doesn’t wear his hearing aids almost ever.

Ralph:

Ralph is fluent in violin, he’s actually really good at playing, he was also an ocean lifeguard and saved Jack’s life when he got caught in a current.

He wears thick framed glasses to read and has really swoopy handwriting thats illegible because it’s like messy calligraphy.

Ralph dives as a hobby and is so good at it, like scary good at diving perfectly.

He has beauty marks on his face that he lets people trace sometimes, ink usually adorning his cheeks.

Very French, extremely French. Fluent in the language.

Draws on his hands with different coloured pens and the designs are always so intricate like a mandala colouring book.

Also draws on the cuffs of his jeans and the rubber edge of his sneakers all the time.

Blushes very easily, will go red in a matter of seconds flat either when he’s flustered, embarrassed or angry.

Brothers with Robert.

Simon:

Spends all of his out of school time in his mother’s flower shop and can recite the meaning of most flowers if you ask him. His fingers are all bandaged up because of how much he cuts himself with knives when he’s removing stems or clippers.

He has epilepsy and faints frequently.

Is a fan of older musicals, like Grease, Dirty Dancing and Hairspray and makes the choir watch them with him.

Rarely spends time indoors, Simon is usually out biking around the neighbourhood or walking around with his friends from school.

Will paint rocks and gift them to people when he thinks they’re upset. Also does face painting at the school carnivals, because he never minds being alone in a booth when there is nobody there.

Speaks softly and is usually ignored in favour of people with louder opinions, but he’s usually right.

Roger:

His biological family died in a house accident, the only thing surviving being him and his cat Nastya, who he loves more than anything. Because of his parents death, he taught himself the rest of the Russian language, which they were already teaching him along with English. However, his heritage is East Asian and Russian.

He pierced his lip by himself, and even though it turned out fine, he got his ears done professionally.

Not very affectionate and will push people away, distancing himself because he doesn’t like the idea of anyone being close to him and get under his skin.

Dyed the back part of his hair on a whim and just liked it enough to keep it as a style.

Spends nights at Simon’s place instead of his own, finding more comfort in Simon’s house.

Sam:

Comes from a German family, but knows German, Italian and English.

He hates birthdays because he doesn’t understand why they are so important.

Hates social interactions and actively avoids them with a passion. He gets extremely nervous and just leaves abruptly when he gets too overwhelmed.

Younger than Eric by 6 minutes, which he routinely gets teased for.

Into super cheesy romantic movies because he loves the idea of a happy ending despite not having one himself.

Messes with his hair when he’s anxious, so it’s constantly messy and mussed.

Mega nail biter when he’s nervous.

Cousins with Jack.

Maurice:

Heavily touch reliant and when his friends don’t show him physical affection, he assumes the worst and gets very upset.

Heavily Italian, like so fucking Italian. His family hardly speaks English and he learned most of his from school.

Very passionate about science despite most people thinking he’s an idiot. He has some of the highest marks in his class.

Messes with things when he’s talking or uses hand gestures. Like if there’s a pen, he’s clicking it because it helps him concentrate.

Maurice has like a billion flannels and hoodies he just cycles through and it looks like he doesn’t change but no, it’s just that he owns a gazillion grey hoodies

His older sister when to an Ivy League school, so he owns a lot of stuff from it that he wears like sweaters or ball caps.

Eric:

Very sarcastic. his entire sense of humour is him bathing in his own sarcasm. It’s actually pretty well timed and kind of funny how he’s able to deadpan his jokes.

Very easily picks up on languages. He’s fluent or close to fluent in German, English, Italian, French, Spanish, Japanese and partly fluent in Korean.

Really enjoys computer science and plans on doing it for a living. He stays up late at night to work and sleeps until like midday.

Doesn’t acknowledge other people’s emotions very often because he doesn’t realise when he’s gone too far, but still feels bad for others when they’re hurt.

Jack’s favourite cousin because they’re cynical buddies. Jack is overly protective of him even though Eric is perfectly capable.

Robert:

Brothers with Ralph and is very protective over him. Has absolutely slandered choir members before for hating on Ralph.

Shares a dad with Ralph but has a different mom, who he visits over the summer and sometimes during the holidays. That’s where he gets his Spanish roots from, which is a language he’s fluent in. He has 7 siblings on that side of his family.

Adores burnt popcorn and burnt anything. If he can burn it, he will.

Works as a mechanic in his free time and built the car he shares with Ralph.

Sci-Fi nerd, specifically Star Wars. He loves the movies and watches them like every day.

Extremely talented artist, Robert sketches anytime he has a pencil and paper.

Peter:

Was bullied in the past but doesn’t let the words bother him anymore. It mostly stopped around high school.

Works with his auntie in the sweet shop and brings his friends food for them to taste test.

Used to be a boy scout, so he can tie any knot you want him to, it’s really a gift.

Gets very cold very easily, especially his fingertips. He usually has a pair of gloves on him for when it gets really bad.

A Mathlete for most of his time in high school, obviously is extremely intelligent.

Double knots his shoelaces so they’re extra secure.

Bill:

Swedish, and really enjoys his own culture. He will spend HOURS rambling about it and how much he loves it.

Watches Avatar the Last Airbender and has the biggest crushes on Sokka and Zuko.

Also is a sucker for people who wear glasses, he really loves them.

Works at the library despite not liking books, he finds comfort in shelving them and the order they go in.

Puts little umbrellas in every single drink he has, it doesn’t matter what it is.

Writes notes to himself on sticky notes because his memory is horrible.

Sets at least 5 alarms because 1 will not wake him up by itself.

Harold:

Can speak limited Spanish due to his schooling.

Likes singing, but never really got into it like some choir members because he has stage fright.

Powerful speaker when he wants to be, but is usually too nervous to say anything.

Has no idea how to tie a tie, so he lets other people do it for him.

Sometimes take sarcastic comments seriously and ends up confused.

A really good actor and loves the performing arts.

Has extremely clear skin, he never gets any blemishes.

Wilfred:

Dyed his hair because his naturally brown hair reminds him too much of his father, who he hates.

Has 4 tattoos in total, the 4 card suits on his cheek, a half sleeve of roses, a bow and olive branch on his inner forearm, and the solar system on his outer forearm.

Very flirtatious to people he doesn’t really like but gets nervous around those he does.

Hold grudges really well.

Has shockingly neat handwriting.

Has a pretty horrible home life but he never talks about it to anyone because he doesn’t want to be perceived as weak or incapable.

Colours with only crayons.

Percival:

Cries easily, as he’s very emotionally driven and is typically teased for being a crybaby or told to “toughen up.”

Absolutely has the worst sleep schedule ever, he gets 3 hours and calls it a win.

Can’t sleep without a nightlight on in his room.

Enjoys writing things down in this notebook instead of on his phone because he likes the feeling of physically using pen and paper.

Sends letters to people all the time instead of messaging.

Good at sewing, he makes his own Halloween costume every year by himself.

Hates horror movies because he’s spooked easily.

Max:

Lived through a house fire when he was younger, so he has burn scars all over his arms.

Is afraid of cooking due to the fire and will go without eating if he has to touch the stove to make food.

Laid back most of the time, but can reach a snapping point in which the emotion is amplified. (like sadness or anger)

Loves swimming, it doesn’t matter where he does it, he just loves to swim.

Is very time sensitive and has to get places early or directly on time or else he gets anxious.

A very fast reader, typically long books take him 2-3 days to get through.

Johnny:

Worries a lot, he usually sees the worst in every single situation.

Is a trans male (Ftm) and was accepted by his entire family when he came out.

Owns a St. Bernard named Dolly who is the sweetest dog ever.

Spends a lot of time outdoors, he still plays as if he is a child.

Also enjoys the snow a lot because he’s fond of building snowmen with the kids on his street.

Has very sensitive skin and eczema, which he doesn’t like to talk about or show anyone because it makes him feel insecure.

Oddly good at playing guitar, he just picks up on chords with ease.

Walter:

Good at playing the drums and annoys his entire family with it.

Uses a skateboard as his main method of transportation around places.

On the basketball team, as his older brother taught him to play when they were both younger.

Hates roller skating despite being very good at most things on wheels. He can never find his balance.

Shockingly good at Math, especially statistics and calculus. He’s in all advanced math courses.

Has a very weird snake addiction and he desperately wants to buy one.

Henry:

Aromantic Asexual who is best friends with Harold and Wilfred.

Mainly makes snippy remarks because his humour falls into the sarcasm umbrella.

Adores comic books and superheroes, specifically Marvel ones because he’s a fan of Dare Devil.

Plays baseball in his free time but hasn’t joined a team, he just plays with the boys in his neighbourhood.

Addicted to the High School Musical movies.

Good at painting people’s nails and will do it for them if they ask.

Has really fluffy hair that he lets people touch and play with.

[reddeux]

Ghost Choir

OVERVIEW: A game of Dare or Dare had you confessing all of a sudden and the turnout is not what you expected at all.

PAIRING: Tokoyami Fumikage x Reader!

A/N: Song used is titled “Ghost Choir” made by Louie Zong and the lyrics are created by Sage. On another note, I also started posting my short stories on Wattpad. Check it out there. Wattpad name is on my Bio. Hope you enjoy! (Also, thank you for 15 followers! 🥰)

“No.“

“Come on, Y/N. It will be fun!“ Mina began tugging on your sleeves with big pleading eyes

“The last time you said that we were chased by Bakugou for pranking him in his very room. My ghosts are all traumatized because of that.“ You said with arms crossed while leaning at your door frame

“We won’t be doing any more pranks, I promise. We’re just gonna play a simple game. With all the girls.“ Mina said with her hands folded in front of her face

“Please, Y/N! Girls Game Time is not complete without you in it.“ She added

You raised an eyebrow at her and you can feel your 5 fluffy little ghosts landing on your shoulders and head. 

They patted you with their stubby little hands as if indicating that they want to play whatever it is. They floated in front of you and gave you their sweetest and cutest pleading stances.

“You guys, really wanna play?“

The floating marshmallows all nodded their heads and you just gave out a defeated sigh.

“Fine, we go play with Mina and the others.“ You said and the fluffies all made happy chirping noises and did a little happy dance

Mina also did a little happy dance and she gathered the ghosts in her arms.

“Yey, thank you Y/N! I’ll go on ahead and take the fluffies with me. Follow when you’re ready!“ She said and already ran towards the elevator even before you can something with your ghosts tucked in her arms

You sighed again and just shook your head before walking into your room. You cleaned the books and magazines scattered on your bed since you were busy studying before Mina knocked on your door. You also vacuumed a few cookie crumbs on the floor and threw their wrappers in the trash. Don’t want those ants crawling all over your room now, right?

When you deemed that your room is tidy enough, you went out and made your way towards the common room where you see the rest of the girls and your ghosts on their laps. You smiled at the sight and you sat down beside Momo on the floor and Mina stood up from where she sat.

"Welcome ladies to our weekly Girl’s Game Time!” Mina said like she’s some kind of game show host

“I am tonight’s hostess, Ashido Mina. And tonight, we will be playing a round of Dare or Dare!“ She added energetically that caused all of you to giggle

“I’m sure all of you know how to play this game since none of you live under a rock.“ She added and sat down on the floor with the rest of you

A collective yeses were heard but all of you kinda stopped when you heard a familiar yet very unwanted voice.

“What are you doing here, Trash Grape?” You asked with venom in your voice

“What? Is it bad to want to join in on the fun?“ Mineta cheekily said as he sat behind Asui and Ochacko

“You do realize this is an allgirls gathering, right?“ Jiro asked

But even before Mineta can answer, you took the ghost on Momo’s lap and whispered something in it.

“Ballerina Dentata.“

You then chucked the ghost towards Mineta as it transforms into the lamprey ballerina from one of your weirdly favorite movies, Cabin in the Woods. Mineta gave a very high pitched scream as he scrambled to get up and run away from the ghost that is chasing him around until he disappeared into the elevator.

The girls gave a sigh of relief as your ghost returned to you, now on its fluffy form, and landed right on your lap.

“Good Floof.“ You said and nuzzled the ghost

“Okay! Now that that’s done. Let the games begin!“ Mina said and your game did commence

It was a fun game that resulted in numerous laughs, embarrassments, and a near fight between you and Hagakure on what is the best Romantic Comedy movie of all time. 

When it was your turn to do the dare, it was Momo who will tell you what to do.

“Y/N-san, I dare you to sing to the first person who comes out of the elevator.“ Momo said and pointed at the elevator

A collection of ooohhs can be heard and giggles followed after. You shake your head a gave Momo a playful glare. She knows that you love singing. But the downside is, you hate singing in front of an audience. Even if it is just one person, you still hate it.

“I have no choice do I?“ You asked and stood up from the floor

“Well you can always do our all-time dare which is to confess to Tokoyami.“ Mina said and wiggled her eyebrows

They knowing that you have a serious infatuation with the Dark Lord of 1-A really has it’s downside. Especially with Mina and Hagakure. Boy, you having a crush will always be a topic during sleepovers.

“Yeah, like I will do that. I don’t wanna embarrass myself in front of my King.“ You said and stretched your body

“I bet he will appreciate it you calling him his King. Why don’t you just try it, don’t be a chicken.“ Jiro said while wearing a bunny ear headband as part of her dare

You just gave her an unsure look then all of your attention went towards the elevator when it dinged. Literally, all the girls piled behind you in anticipation to see who will be the victim of your dare. They were all excited, while you were dreading this moment and sweating bullets. It’s also not helping that your ghosts are hovering above your heads cheerfully.

The second the elevator door opened revealing the person, you just muttered an ‘Oh hell no’ while the other girls screamed in delight and were jumping up and down behind you like little kids.

“You all seem to be in high spirits.“ Tokoyami said as he stepped out of the elevator with Midoriya, Shoji, and Iida in tow

“Oh my fudging enamel pins.“ You said as you looked at the girls with a playful glare

“Holy macaroni, this is gold!“ Hagakure said and quickly ran towards the boys

“Perfect timing guys. Tokoyami, can you please join us for a few minutes. Only a few minutes.“ She said a little to eagerly and made him sit on the sofa

Tokoyami is somewhat confused abwhat is happening especially since he can see the girls pushing you in front of him but you struggling to be at the back.

“Do the dare now. It’s only natural.” Tsuyu said in a hushed voice

“But I don’t know what to sing.“ You whisper shouted while still being shoved by the girls

Your ghosts get to seem to be confused too as to why their master is being shoved by the other girls and also why your face is so red. But when they heard the word ‘song’, they got excited and floated in front of Tokoyami.

“Why hello, little ones.“ He said and the ghosts began to sing

Oooo oooo ooo love Oooo oooo love Oooo oooo love My darlin' baby I'm floating in wistful bliss Won't you come love on me darlin'?

You looked behind you to see your fluffy little ones singing the first verse of your original song to Tokoyami. You felt a push behind you and you just sang for the heck of it.

Y: Oh honey, won't you come around?

T:  I'll come around

Your eyes bulged in shock when Tokoyami answered. He knew your song? Later, you’ll have to ask him about it, for now, let’s sing.

Y: Do you play me for a fool? T: So into you. 

Tokoyami stood up from the sofa and approached you. He took your hand and kissed it. Y: Will you be there? T: I will be there Y: Will you need me? T: Like I need air. Y: ...Lovin' me? T: Lovin' you. Y: Still, I'm blue... T: Only blue skies 

Both of you began slow dancing with a few twirls that Tokoyami made you do and everyone watching you is either smiling wide, taking a video, or squealing in delight at the show. (Ghosts Ad Nauseum) When I'm with you My love is so true One look in your eyes Like stars in the sky Y: I lose my mind my mind my mind my mind Our love is so sweet Ghosts: Like the moon and the sea T: I'll see you in my dreams until we meet again, goodnight

At the end of the song, your foreheads are against each other and both of you are looking into each other’s eyes. Tokoyami has his hands on your waist while your hands are holding his shoulders.

You were the one who broke eye contact first by laughing genuinely and engulfing him in a hug. You heard him do his deep chuckle as he returned your hug and spun you around. The other spectators are clapping happily and some of them even continued taking pictures and sending them to your class group chat. 

Tokoyami then leaned towards you whispering something.

“My Queen.“

You felt your face burst hot and you snuggled your face in his chest.

“My King.“

[kuiinncedes]

PROMPT LIST? cheerio!tina & skank!quinn, angst #37, quinntina ofc

yes prompt list!! sorry this took so long, thanks sm for prompting sim <33

some pre-notes: first that wow this got long again 😂 2398 words (before probably some edits in the tumblr post editor) *oops i did it again*

1 2 3 these are my other three (very short) “installments” for this “verse” i guess 🤪 i wouldn’t say it’s required to read them tho i think everything is pretty understandable 🥰

this also got a little anti rachel lol 🥴 and anti schue but like yeah and i think that’s it 😗

Angst 37: “Lie to me. I don’t care what you say, just lie to me. Make me feel okay again.”

--

Glee club has been going well… all things considered.

Including the fact that Quinn’s crush on Tina only grows, that Rachel Berry still doesn’t seem to warm up to her and Kurt’s presence in the choir room, that the teacher really kind of sucks and apparently only Kurt and Quinn see it, that most of the other members are still wary around them - around Quinn.

But not Tina. Tina, who’s one of the most popular girls in school, not actually head of the Cheerios but probably the most well-liked, and there’s a reason. Tina is the first to welcome her and Kurt to the glee club after their audition, the first to make an effort to befriend them. She talks to Kurt about fashion, and Kurt is hesitant to bring down his facade but Quinn can tell how much he loves it, how much he’s missed talking about something that brings him so much joy. Even with his temporary and purposely limited wardrobe situation, he’s talked Quinn’s ear off about the things he wants to do and wear in New York City; she doesn’t understand much of it so she’s glad Tina does.

And she talks to Quinn. Tina actually talks to Quinn like… like she’s a person, just another student at this school, not Quinn Fabray, half of the most cold and closed-off duo that walks the halls, ex-most popular girl in school, Quinn Fabray with an unspeakable history, unspeakable in that Quinn will have consequences for those who speak about it. 

It’s dramatic, she knows. But it’s part of her untouchable image at this piece of shit school with its horrible students. 

Not Tina. Tina’s not horrible.

(Get a grip, Fabray.)

It feels like she and Kurt are on the edge of a precipice with glee club. Tina likes them, Blaine is nice enough to them (Kurt seems to like him, too), Rachel isn’t very welcoming, everyone else mostly ignores them. (Which is fine - preferable, really.)

They sway in the back, they sing, they do their part. And Quinn has missed singing, so it’s not all bad, she supposes.

But Quinn can feel the tension, the others’ hesitation whenever she and Kurt walk in to sit in the back, their unspoken thoughts, loud in their silence, their barely hidden glances.

She feels like she’ll tumble from the edge with one push.

One day, Tina sits beside Quinn and she can’t stop her jump of surprise. Tina just shoots her a small smile and moves her chair a bit further away, but Quinn finds herself wishing she would scoot the other way instead.

Tina keeps sitting by Quinn, and Quinn has no idea why.

She ignores the way her heart speeds up a little every time she makes eye contact with Tina, the way Kurt smirks knowingly at her but then returns to staring at the back of Blaine Anderson’s head, the way she can’t stop letting her eyes wander over to Tina every time Mr. Schuester starts talking about something she has no interest in (which she admits is very often).

Kurt had said glee would give her the chance to talk to Tina. And he was right - she’s made conversation with Tina multiple times (mostly initiated by Tina, though), and she would say they’re friends. Tina has said they’re friends and she definitely didn’t freak out to Kurt about it.

Kurt she called me her friend holy shit -

Inside voice, honey. Your gay is showing.

Shut - we’re literally outside. Let’s talk about you and Blaine.

Nope, fuck you, walking away now.

Kurt - wait! She - but she called me her friend - Kurt -

Besides Kurt, Tina is probably the person she’s closest with. Which still doesn’t say much - she’s not close to anyone besides Kurt…

But she wants to be, she thinks as she watches Tina perform an upbeat solo, a song she doesn’t recognize, but she watches her - how alive she looks, how good she sounds. It’s not like Quinn hasn’t heard her sing in the months since she’s joined, but if she had it her way, Tina would be the only one singing in this entire group. (She would insist on highlighting others, though, so Quinn adds herself and Kurt to that list. Not that they would ever get a solo.)

“All right, guys,” Mr. Schuester says. Kurt nudges Quinn with his elbow to get her to pay attention, and she shoots him a half-hearted glare. 

“So that was everyone who signed up to audition for a solo at regionals,” he continues. “I’ll let you know who we’re featuring by tomorrow. So I’ll see you then!”

“Who do you think is gonna get it?” Kurt asks as they leave, walking out to the parking lot. 

“Um…” 

“Right, I forgot, you’re too busy staring at Tina to know what’s going on in glee.”

Quinn scoffs. “I know what’s going on in glee.”

Kurt gives her a questioning look.

“I do! Sure, I didn’t know about the auditions, but I know Rachel’s probably getting the solo, even though it should go to Tina.”

“Anyone could tell you that.”

Quinn shoves Kurt lightly, a smile spreading across her face as they get into his car. Quinn’s been spending more time at Kurt’s lately - Quinn’s parents don’t give a fuck about her - they did the bare minimum allowing her to stay when she was pregnant and they’ve used up all their good parenting cards, it seems. She’s infinitely grateful for Burt Hummel, because if the kids and some of the teachers at school are going to treat her and Kurt like shit, at least there’s someone in their corner.

-

Completely unsurprisingly, Mr. Schuester announces Rachel as the soloist for regionals the next day, after years of the same thing, from what Quinn has heard.

Surprisingly, Tina isn’t in the room. Although, Quinn thinks, she wouldn’t be either if she knew what the outcome was going to be. And everyone knew what the outcome was going to be.

But Mercedes pushes back against his decision anyway, Santana complains, Blaine and Brittany try to placate, Kurt watches Blaine, Rachel jabbers about her destiny as the New Directions soloist or something, Quinn sits and wonders about the empty chair next to her. (She also wonders what would be the easiest way to get Rachel to shut the fuck up.)

She’s not paying attention, letting everyone’s arguing fade into the background. She barely registers Rachel saying shrilly, “We’re supposed to be a family!”

“Not much of a family when you’re the only one who can have anything good!” Mercedes snaps.

“I bet you wouldn’t react like this if Kurt or Quinn got the solo! Like they would even deserve it! At least I belong here, they don’t even - ”

“Would you shut - ” Mercedes starts at the same time Santana yells back, “Quinn doesn’t need a family, she’s a mother!”

And she knows - Quinn knows - that Santana just does this, she says shit and hurts people and this is just that and it’s whatever but -

Suddenly Quinn is in sophomore year again, hearing the taunts of her classmates behind her back and to her face. Suddenly she’s in sophomore year again, somehow invisible in the halls but also the only person anyone was looking at, pointing at, laughing at. She’s in sophomore year again and teachers do nothing to help her, no one but Kurt bothers to notice anything but the fact that she’s pregnant. And they laugh, and they taunt, and they stare.

She’s a mother. 

There it is. There’s the edge of the cliff that she has been fighting for balance on in this stupid club for months. 

Like they would even deserve it.

They don’t belong here.

And Quinn’s falling.

“I need to go, meet you at your car,” she says roughly to Kurt, who it seems hasn’t been paying attention at all, more focused on committing to memory the details of Blaine Anderson from halfway across the room. Quinn storms out and the arguing continues behind her.

Quinn slams the door to the bathroom as she barges in and all at once, sees that Tina is here (Tina is here?), realizes that she herself is crying, trying not to make noise and she just throws her bag on the floor and sinks down against a wall, hands around her knees and head leaned back. It’s too fucking much.

“Quinn?” Tina asks gently, so gently and Quinn watches as Tina kneels down in front of her. “Are you okay?”

Quinn wipes at her face, laughing harshly. “Yeah. Fine.”

Tina looks at her, not moving but just watching her. Quinn thinks it must be uncomfortable for her to kneel on the bathroom floor in her Cheerios outfit. Quinn thinks that Tina shouldn’t care about her, she should just leave, save her knees from the cold tile.

She doesn’t leave. 

After a moment, Tina says, “Hey, so, you don’t have to tell me anything… but I’m here if you need to.”

Quinn’s not actively crying anymore, grey smudges on her fingers where her makeup was wiped off. Her face probably looks like a nightmare, but she’s too exhausted to care. She leans her head back again and fixes her gaze just above Tina’s head, at the ceiling, the harsh bathroom lights piercing her vision through the tears in her eyes.

“I just - ” I guess I’m talking, she thinks, “Santana said something dumb about me being a mother and that’s what I heard sneered at me every day for months and even now still… and I’m not…”

Quinn trails off, looking at Tina again who nods, encouraging her to continue. She swallows and averts her gaze again.

“…and Rachel said something dumb about Kurt and I not belonging and not deserving it but she’s Rachel and I don’t care about the shit she says - I usually don’t. But her saying that - ” she scoffs. “Newsflash, Rachel, we don’t fucking belong anywhere.”

That was painfully made obvious sophomore year, with Quinn’s exit from the Cheerios, from popularity. It was obvious when no matter what, she couldn’t get it back, any of it. It was obvious when she and Kurt were the only ones to really notice each other and help each other. It was obvious when the only choice they had, the one they took, was becoming this and isolating themselves. It was obvious when the only chance they had was each other.

As if she needs someone else to tell her that, to rub it in.

It’s been building up, she realizes, this feeling, the hatred, the estrangement and isolation. She wonders if Kurt feels the same, how close he is to the edge, or if he’s even on a precipice like she is at all.

Quinn’s falling, she doesn’t know when or how it will end and she just wants -

“Lie to me,” she says to Tina, teeth clenched and voice tired. “I don’t care what you say, just lie to me. Make me feel okay again.”

Falling, falling, falling - 

Quinn thinks bitterly that she should be used to it after her falls from popularity.

Tina takes her hands gently and squeezes them in reassurance. “I know this might just seem like words, and I’m not lying - you do belong. Both of you. You belong in glee club. You belong here.”

Quinn just swallows again, letting the words wash over her, and in the back of her mind, the part that’s not thinking about - everything, she marvels at the fact that Tina is holding her hands, and Tina’s skin is soft, and Tina’s words and actions feel genuine.

Falling… slowing.

Lie to me.

“We don’t belong. Everyone hates us,” Quinn mutters.

“I don’t,” Tina says, smiling a little. “I know we can be pretty difficult, the glee club, but we really don’t think that. Rachel might - if I’m being honest, I think she’s the one who doesn’t belong in glee club, for a multitude of reasons - but it really is supposed to be a safe, welcoming space. I’m really sorry we haven’t been able to do that for you.”

Quinn shrugs. “You have,” she admits softly. 

Tina looks like she doesn’t know what to say to that. Quinn pushes herself up against the wall, a little awkwardly, hands still intertwined with Tina’s, who squeezes again. “I’ll talk to her,” Tina says. “Rachel. I’ve been getting fed up with her shit, anyway. I’ve been needing to talk to her.”

“Okay,” is all Quinn can think to say, quietly uttered, her voice a little choked. “You don’t have to - ”

“No, I do,” Tina says. “And I want to. Mr. Schue lets her get away with way too much.”

Quinn huffs a laugh and Tina grins slightly, then withdraws her hands and pulls them through her ponytail, suddenly looking almost nervous. Quinn drops her hands in her lap and plays with her rings. Now that Quinn’s calmed down, her proximity-to-Tina-Cohen-Chang-induced nerves are back in full force. 

And maybe she isn’t falling anymore.

“Why weren’t you there today?” she asks after a moment.

Tina’s lips clench into a line. “Knew Rachel was getting the solo. I don’t know, I didn’t want to deal with that today, you know? Three years of the same shit, I’m just tired of it.”

Quinn hums in understanding. She can imagine.

“Are you okay? What do you say we… get out of here? Go somewhere?” Tina asks a little awkwardly, wincing slightly as she stands up and extends a hand for Quinn. She takes it and lets Tina pull her up.

“I’m actually… going home with Kurt, ” - but going somewhere with Tina - Kurt will understand - “actually, yeah, sure. I’ll let him know,” Quinn answers, not letting herself doubt the decision, pulling her phone from her pocket and quickly typing out a text and sending it to Kurt, who immediately responds.

omg did u actually talk and get a date with tina cohen chang

Quinn replies, fuck you, i’m leaving bye

are you okay?

yeah, fine i’ll talk to you later

ok have fun on your date ;)

yeah 🖕

Tina bounces a little and shoots her a smile when she puts her phone away. “Awesome. There’s this coffee shop that I think you’ll love - ”

“It’s not the Lima Bean, is it?”

Tina laughs. “Of course not. Barely anyone knows about this place, at least from school, so I really love it there.”

Tina grabs Quinn’s hand again and they head out of the school, Quinn ignoring how she can feel her pounding heartbeat against Tina’s skin. Hopefully Tina doesn’t notice.

*****

some notes for after 🤪

ok so i don’t really know why i used the “she’s a mother” line and idk if i’m just overthinking it but i’m not saying that scene was bad or anything ?? idk lol it was just on my mind i guess so i put it in slkdgfj (basically,, not related to the canon scene lol i just like adding canon lines 😗)

i think the point i was trying to make if any was that quinn doesn’t really have any family (in this au) so yeah it’s kind of a sensitive point

i did say this was very similar to my previous werewolf!quinn and vampire!tina fic but i’m okay with it now tbh,,, you know like it’s an alternate universe and they just help each other in all universes :’) yeah

i would love to continue this but i don’t have the best track record with that lol so we’ll see 😂

[lunetheaveragefan]

one day...

Hi, y’all! Sorry there’s been such a delay for Chapter 2. I’ve been super busy with school and dance and other activities and all that. Also, I decided about halfway through my original Chapter 2 that I was going to alternate between Virgil and Roman’s perspectives so I had to start a new chapter from scratch. But that means that now-Chapter 3 has already been started, so hopefully I’ll have it done by Friday this week!

A Sander Sides high school AU

Pairing: Prinxiety and some background Logicality

Summary: Virgil is used to being alone. He only has one friend, Logan. But when Logan makes a new friend, things begin to change as two more join their group. Roman, a boisterous theater kid, seems determined to destroy Virgil’s lonely, average life. How much will Virgil’s life change?

Warnings: Some cursing and quick mentions of a possible fight/hospital. If you notice anything else, let me know!

Word Count: 1,919

anyway, here it is!

--------------------------------------------------------

CHAPTER TWO

Roman Princeford is absolutely, completely, terribly humiliated. 

He can’t stop blushing in embarrassment, and it only makes it worse when the classes are boring and he can't stop his mind from drifting to that morning. Like now, for example. 

Stupid, stupid Roman, he chastises himself. Why didn’t you notice him there, you oblivious dumbass? 

He groans and buries his head in his hands. 

“Is something wrong, Roman?” the math teacher asks. “Do you need help?” Yes, but not the help you can give me, Roman thinks. He takes a breath and fixes a dazzling smile on. 

“No, Mrs. Perry, I’m doing fine! Thank you for your offer of assistance, however!” he exclaims in his usual lyrical way. Roman always makes an effort to seem like he’s reading off a script, especially one where there’s a heroic prince he can play. It always makes him feel better when he plays a part. Then, Roman can imagine that he is the character. The same qualities, traits, life, everything. 

He can ignore how stupid he is and pretend he’s a brave, dashing prince. The princes in stories would never have the problems Roman’s been having. 

Mrs. Perry walks off, rolling her eyes, not without fondness, and Roman turns back to his math. Shoving his mind out of fantasy, he tries to solve the problems. It seems like he’s gotten nowhere by the time the bell rings. Throwing his paper into his bag, he hurries out of the room. 

“Heya, Roman!” Patton Hart, his best friend, calls through the throng of people. Roman slows down so Patton can catch up. “How ya doing?”

“Uhh, Patton, I am a disaster!” Roman proclaims. “You’ll never guess what happened this morning!”

“Oh no! What did you do this time?” Patton asks jokingly as they enter the classroom. History is one of the few classes they have together, so they always walk from fifth period there. 

“I was telling a story, a great one, mind you, and knocked over a poor, innocent student!” Roman throws down his bag next to his seat and plops into the hard plastic chair. “I didn’t mean to, I swear. But that wasn’t the worst part. The worst part was who I hit!” Pausing for dramatic effect, Roman finishes, “It was Virgil! I knocked over Virgil Tempest!”

Patton’s mouth forms a small ‘o’. He starts to laugh, but after seeing how embarrassed Roman is, he stops and places a hand on his shoulder. “What did he say?”

“Nothing much. Just some mumble-jumble. But now I can’t stop thinking about him! I didn’t get a single thing done in math! It’s terrible, Patton. My entire life is all going to go downhill from here! I’ll become ineligible for the play because I’m failing all my classes! I won’t be able to graduate, and then I’ll have to work.” He shudders. “That’s it! I’m done for. I’ll never accomplish anything!” He collapses back against the chair for dramatic effect. He knows he’s being very extra, but honestly, what else does anyone expect at this point? He’s Roman Princeford, after all. 

If only I were the brave, loud, daring person the whole school thinks I am.

“Woah, woah, woah there buddy!” Patton comforts. “I’m sure you’ll do fine. You aren’t going to fail high school. You just gotta tell him how you feel! Then you won’t have to worry about it anymore!”

Roman looks at Patton in shock.

“Tell him how I feel?” Patton nods, encouraging. Roman sits back up. “And make a fool of myself yet again? No thank you! He hates me, you know that! I’d be better off flunking high school! How could I look into those beautiful brown eyes in that beautiful face and tell him I had a crush on him! Impossible, I say! Impossible!” He throws out his hands, but then remembers that the exact same movement started this whole thing. Quickly, his hands fall back to his sides.

Patton chuckles. “It’s not as hard as you think, Ro-ro! You’ll do great. And I’m sure he doesn’t hate you.” Roman sighs. “Hey, why don’t you—”

“Boys in the back,” the history teacher says, shooting a look at Roman and Patton, “it’s time for class. Pay attention please.” They both nod at turn away from each other and towards the board. 

Roman doesn’t pay attention to a single word of the lecture. All he can think about is Virgil’s freckles and his eyes and his lips and his laugh, which Roman had only heard briefly while walking past him but loved nonetheless. How come I’ve never noticed that Virgil had freckles before? he wonders. Goddammit, is that boy just going to keep getting more and more amazing? 

Roman chuckles to himself, thinking, Oh my god, I’m so gay. Deciding he should probably start listening to what the teacher is saying, he shoves any and all thoughts of Virgil from his mind and fills the gaps with information about the buildup to World War 1.  

After class, Patton rushes up to him. He pulls Roman to the side of the hallway in a little nook where the row of lockers end. 

“After school, you should come with me to this coffee shop,” Patton says, a little smile on his face. Roman knows that smile. He’s up to no good. 

“Why?” His voice rises with suspicion at the end of the word. 

“My lab partner, Logan Wise, you know him, said that we should meet up to work on our project after school.” A blush rises to Patton’s cheeks causing Roman to smirk as he figures it out. 

“Someone’s got a cru-ush,” Roman teases, voice sing-songy and laughing. 

“That’s not the point,” Patton says, blushing even harder. 

“Fine.” Roman lowers his voice to a whisper. “But you can’t hide it from me. I’m the love whisperer, remember?” Throughout their years of high school, Roman had been responsible for setting up many couples. It’s gotten to a point where almost every day, he has someone walk up to him, asking him to help set them up with whoever their crush happens to be. 

“Well, maybe I have a crush, but so do you. And you do know who Logan’s best friend is, right?” Patton responds, that same mischievous smile. Roman chuckles, looking around in a fond mix of exasperation and amusement. 

“Virgil,” he finally says. Patton’s smile grows wider. “Look, I told you. I can’t talk to him. I’ll just make a fool of myself!”

“Fine,” Patton says. “Suit yourself.” He pats Roman on the shoulder and starts to walk away. Before he’s completely out of sight, he turns and yells, “Just think about it, okay?” Roman rolls his eyes at his friend’s shameless attempts to set him up and heads to choir. 

------------------

Slinging his bag over his shoulder, Roman shuts his locker with a bang. He joins the flood of people heading towards the front doors. He spills out of the school and heads towards his car. Once he’s only a few yards away, he unlocks the doors and dumps his things inside the passenger door. After waving to a few other kids on their way out that he knows, he gets into the driver’s side.

Alone, finally, Roman allows himself to drop the fake smile. Ugh, you goddamn idiot. How did you not notice him there? Now he hates you even more. Good going, Roman! Love whisperer, yeah right.

If only I could just talk to him…

Shoving his embarrassment and frustration aside, he starts the car and pulls out of the school, heading home. His route home winds its way through the downtown streets. Roman is so used to driving the same streets, he’s startled to notice something unordinary. 

A few cars ahead of him is Patton’s silver car. What is he doing over here? Patton lives on the opposite side of downtown as Roman, and while the town is relatively small, it’s still strange. Roman is sure he’s never seen Patton drive this way home before. 

Turning onto 4th Street, Roman watches Patton, now directly ahead of him, park in an open spot in front of one of the little shops lining the street. The sign above says “The Sanders Cafe” in swirly cursive lettering. A decal of a little cupcake sitting next to a cup of coffee accompanies it. 

Oh, right, Roman remembers. Patton and Logan were meeting up to work on their chemistry thingy. 

And Virgil is probably going to be there. No matter how much he tries to block the thought, it still shows up. Roman has tried to get Virgil out of his mind, but it never works. He always pops up when Roman least expects it. Frankly, Roman finds it quite frustrating. 

Lost in thought, Roman turns one intersection too early. “I guess I’ll just go around the block,” he sighs. It had been a long day, and he was looking forward to crashing when he got home. The detour would only cost about 5 minutes but still. Annoying.

Roman’s phone buzzes in the center console while he’s waiting to turn back onto 4th Street, the one with the cafe on it. One quick glance down at it tells Roman it’s from Patton. Checking the road to make sure he has the time, he looks back to read what it says. 

“Patton…” he groans. 

“I think you should come to the cafe with me. I’m waiting outside. Just give it a chance, kiddo!” reads the text message. However much Roman would like to deny it, he does want to go with Patton. On impulse, he finds a parking spot and pulls in. Patton is parked a few spots down, still sitting in his car. He hasn’t noticed Roman yet, and Roman’s glad for that. 

“Come on, Roman,” he says, trying to give himself a pep talk. “Think about what a prince would do. He’d charge in there without a second thought. It wouldn’t matter what would happen because it would be in the name of love. You got this. What’s the worst that could happen, besides Virgil hating the sight of you so much he instantly fights you the second he sees you and you lose and have to go to the hospital and become the laughing stock of the school because while under anesthesia you admit your feelings for Virgil and now everyone knows and—”

A knock on the driver’s side window cuts Roman’s worrying off. When Roman looks up, he sees Patton’s grinning face. The other boy waves enthusiastically and gives him a thumbs up. 

You got this. Be a prince, Roman. It’s in your name, after all. Taking a deep breath and clenching his fists in determination, Roman grabs his phone off the console and double checks to make sure he has his wallet. 

Patton practically assaults him the moment he steps outside the car, talking in a rapid stream of words, but Roman can’t hear anything over the ever-increasing beating of his heart. They walk up to the front door, Patton ahead of Roman, still rambling about something from foods class. 

The moment they walk in, the little silver bell dinging above them, Roman forgets all his worries because there Virgil is, sitting in a booth with another boy, — Logan, probably — his hair falling in front of his face, teeth gnawing on his lip in concentration and Oh god, that boy is beautiful. 

And then Virgil looks up at them, and Roman swears he can feel his heart drop all the way to the ground.