#wow! so normal of them I say unconvincingly

[starsweetiie]

Cry for me is an Eris/Hades song

[enha-roza]

THE ACCIDENTAL KISS

Sunghoon x 8thmember!oc

wc : 0.8k

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* ✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* ✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* ✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* ✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* ✧･ﾟ: *✧

Heeseung, Sunghoon and Roza were sat on live talking to fans. It had been a couple months since their debut and they were still very new to going live. As Heeseung was reading comments out loud he read one calling Roza pretty. “Wow, Roza is so pretty!! Please marry me!”. “No you can't marry her!” Heeseung said jokingly. Roza leaning over Sunghoon's shoulder whispered “I don't think I'm that pretty…”. Sunghoon in shock at this statement whipped his head around to say otherwise and before he knew his lips were on Roza’s. 

Both pulled back in surprise and just stared at each other in shock. “What happened?” Heeseung questioned as both sat there with wide eyes. “Nothing…” Roza whispered as a blush rose to her cheeks, finger tips grazing her lips. Sunghoon, who himself had turned quite red, touched his lips softly before quietly giggling to himself. Heeseung who had now seen what happened after watching the playback just laughed at the twos awkwardness. “Ya, your lips touched!” he said shocked as the two got more embarrassed. After a couple more awkward minutes they carried on with their live. 

Soon the trio arrived at the dorms after finishing their remaining schedules. As Sunghoon sat down on the couch Heeseung sat down beside him. “You okay?”. Heeseung questioned. “Yea, i'm good”. “You look like you're thinking about a lot?”. “Yea.. maybe something is on my mind?”. “What?”. “Ummm.. I don't know how to explain it…”. “Just say it, get it off your chest!” Heeseung encouraged as Sunghoon looked down at his hands. “Is it weird that I enjoyed when Roza and I kissed, even if it was accidental?”. Sunghoon saw as Heeseung's eyes slowly got bigger at his confession. “Umm. honestly no. I think that's a totally normal reaction. I mean she's pretty, who wouldn't be happy to kiss her” Heeseung said, making Sunghoon feel better about his confusion. “I'll be the first to say I wouldn't mind kissing her”. Heeseung said giggling as Sunghoon nodded his head in agreement. A small smile on his face, almost happy that he ‘kissed’ Roza first. 

“I'm sorry to interrupt but did you just say you would kiss Roza if you had the chance” Jake said suddenly appearing in the doorway. “Jeez dude, don't scare us like that… thought you were Roza” Heeseung said trying to deflect. “Don't deflect, you just said you would kiss Roza if you had the chance!”. “I only said that because Sunghoon already kissed her!”. Heeseung whispered back, scared someone else would hear them. “Sunghoon what!”. “We were on live today and they accidentally kissed”. Sunghoon remembering the feeling of Roza’s soft lips quickly brushing his, leaving him blushing all over again. 

“Their lips brushed. No big deal” Heeseung said, almost getting defensive. “No way you're getting jealous right now!” Jake teased as Heeseung grew red. “Not like you wouldn't kiss her. I bet you would love to kiss her!” Heeseung said back in defense. “Of course I would! I'd do it in a heartbeat! But you don't see me getting all jealous, if anything I'm happy for Sunghoon. He's got a one up on you now loverboy!” Jake laughed as his comment got both boys blushing even harder as they knew it was the truth. 

“What's so funny?”. The room went silent as Roza walked in and sat down with the boys. “Nothing, just chatting…” Jake said, holding back a grin as Heeseung and Sunghoon start looking a bit pale, scared Jake was gonna say something incriminating. “Just boy talk…” Heeseung said unconvincingly. “Real gross stuff…” Sunghoon added on trying to get her to leave. “Ewww, I'm gonna leave you guys to do that then” Roza said as she got up, going to her and Sooyoung's shared Room. “This doesn't leave the three of us!” Heeseung said as the other two boys nodded in agreement.

Even later when Sunghoon was brushing his teeth, Roza joined him in the bathroom to do her nighttime skincare. Sunghoon again, very aware of the closeness between them, slightly stepped away. “Is something wrong? Did I do something?”. “What no, no I just…” Sunghoon’s voice was quiet as he contemplated confessing to Roza about how he felt earlier. “Can I be honest with you?”. “Yea what's up?” Sunghoon’s head finding ways to put this so she's not weirded out. “I don't even know if you would count when we kissed as a kiss”. He continued as the signature blush and shy smile came over him. 

“You liked it?” Roza smiled back as she cut him off. “Well.. well i guess… yea” He said fighting his smile as it slowly grew bigger. “Good… because i didn't mind it ya know” She smirked as her eyes watched him before she slipped out of the bathroom leaving Sunghoon smiling like an idiot, just thinking about her lips on his.

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* ✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* ✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* ✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* ✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* ✧･ﾟ: *✧

a/n : just a quick little story about the Roza and Sunghoon live kiss 😘🤭

[unfortunate-songbird]

Maroon looks up

“Hey, how’d it go?”

Navy looks him dead in the eyes. “A depressed murder-hobo Donnie just completely obliterated me.”

“Wow, even worse than that laser?” Violet calls. He ducks the spatula chucked at his head. “That’s okay, bro,” Maroon says, clapping his brother on the back. “You’re always a champion to us.”

Navy, even after all these years, tears up at that very specific reassurance. “You are the actual worst,” he sniffles, because Maroon absolutely knows what he’s doing. The smirk confirms it. “You’ve got probably half an hour before the kids wake up and bully you back into your grave,” Coral warns, appearing from actual thin air. Navy groans, already dreading the sheer amount of mockery that’s about to come his way. He was hoping to distract them with-

Oh. Oh, yeah. Whoops. (Now that he’s actually out of the apocalypse and can actually live a normal ish life, he should probably look into actually getting that ADHD diagnosis)

“When they see what I brought back from the tournament, they’ll be a little too distracted to harass me.”

Maroon snorts doubtfully. “What, did you bring them a unicorn?”

Navy turns back to the doorway, realizes his new friend (kid) friend is nowhere in sight, and sighs. “Pspspspspspspsp,” he calls into the sewer tunnels. “I’m not a cat,” a cloaked figure says. It’d sound impassive and empty to most, but Navy’s been around enough miserably depressed and just all around wrecked people (himself included) to detect the slight petulance in his tone. “Of course you aren’t,” he responds unconvincingly. Then he turns to his brothers. “Come meet Ghost!”

“Oh, is that the-“

Navy flares frantically at Maroon, who does not shut up like he should. “-depressed mur-“

Navy, through sheer force of Will and mortification, manages to activate his flaky ninpo enough to portal Maroon directly into Draxum’s apartment. “Anyways,” he says hurriedly before either one of his remaining brothers can cruelly embarrass him by exposing what was supposed to be a private joke between confidants about his first impression of the guy. “That’s Violet, that’s Coral, and the other guy is Maroon. Don’t worry, he’s fine. I sent him to Mikey’s grouchy second dad’s place.”

Ghost does not vibe well with portals. Navy probably should’ve remembered that before abruptly dropping his brother through one. “You should totally bring your kids around next time!”

“Great, like I don’t have enough migraines,” Casey grunts, shuffling over to the fridge to rifle through it. “When did you get here?” Navy asks, both perturbed and proud. Ghost looks a tad more of the former than the latter. Casey shrugs and waltzes away with his Go-gurt. “If yours are anything like mine, the Donnies are going to kill each other and the Leos are going to drive everyone else to kill them,” Ghost huffs. “Consider: free responsible babysitting. The kids go blow up stuff or whatever and you can take a long, hot bath and sleep for a full eight hours. Consecutive, even.”

“Okay, fine. Couple weeks from now?”

“…. I was actually kinda hoping in the next thirty minutes before my kids wake up and start brutally mocking me.”

Ghost sighs. “I’ll go get them.”

gshshhdhfg I have zero idea whatsoever if this is in character or just completely ridicouslt but that comic made me happy stim So Much and I had to write something before I exploded

@amevello-blue <— super cool author of Ghost in the Shell !! (That’s where Ghost is from. Considering the size of the ghost cult i don’t think anyone reading this wouldn’t know abt it, but just in case if you haven’t read it go read it it’s so cool)

[gamesbyalbie]

The Cursed Journey

PART 3: DEMIGHOST

SIX YEARS AGO

"Ody?"

I looked up from my phone. An astoundingly handsome stranger was standing there, smiling at me.

"Uh, yes?"

"Hey." He waved cheekily. "It's Min-joon." Holy shit, I thought. That's Min-joon? "You know," he continued. "Bidisaster."

"No, y—yeah." I stuttered. "Of course it's you. Wow. Hi!"

He took the seat next to mine. "How are you?"

"Good. Tired, but good. You?"

Min-joon took a deep breath, exhaling like someone who'd been holding their breath for several weeks. "I'm great!" He replied, somewhat unconvincingly. "Also tired, but no major complaints." 

There was a moment of silence as we took each other in, but—even back then—it didn't feel awkward. I don't know exactly what he was thinking, but my brain was struggling to connect this physical body to the virtual friend I knew so well. "Feels kind of wild, finally putting a face to the text."

"Yeah," he brushed his hair back out of his face. "Hopefully good though. It looked like I startled you for a second there."

"Oh, no. Not at all."

"What was this then?" He imitated my stunned face.

"That... that was just—"

The bartender slid down, interrupting our conversation and giving me a moment to think. "Evening, sir. Anything I can get for you?"

"Tonic with lime for now, please."

"Right away."

"Thanks." Min-joon turned back to me. "Sorry. You were saying?"

"This might sound strange and I'm hoping it's not too weird to say, but..." I paused, laughing awkwardly. A smile spread across Min-joon's face. "I just thought you'd look different."

"Really? How? My profile picture is a picture of me."

"Yeah, but I didn't think that was actually a pic of you."

"What do you mean?" He laughed lightly.

"Lots of people online use pics of other people for their profiles. I thought yours was a pic of some idol or something."

"So, I look like an idol?" He smirked. "Is that what you're saying?"

"I didn't say those words exactly." I blushed. "You know how you look."

"Oh. Do I?" He raised an eyebrow and chuckled. "Well, you don't look like a ghost wearing clown makeup."

"No, that's how I normally look but I changed before coming here. Thought this would be more appropriate."

"Shame," he snapped and frowned playfully. "I was really hoping to see you in your natural state." I chuckled. "But seriously, you didn't know what I looked like?" I shook my head and took a sip of my drink. "Wow. Well, I hope this isn't a retroactive breach of trust, but I looked you up the moment you gave me your full name. Hope that's okay."

"It is. I don't mind at all." I answered honestly. "I tried to look you up too, but I couldn't find anything."

"Oof. I guess you are easier to find, Mx. Big Time Book Reviewer." I rolled my eyes at that. "Speaking of which, how's the convention treating you?"

There's a good chance that was the last thing in the world I wanted to talk about. "You know it's... fine."

"Just fine?"

"Yeah, just fine. It's a little—I don't know." I shrugged. "Disheartening?" All day I'd talk to people living the life I dreamed of—writers who would go on and on about how much they loved what they did, how being an author was the most satisfying job they could imagine. Meanwhile, I was stuck interviewing them, bored out of my fucking mind. 

I tossed my hair behind my shoulder—it was a lot longer then—and started massaging my temples. "The longer I write for Biblio, the more I regret majoring in journalism. Like, I cannot do this for the rest of my life."

"You won't." Min-joon looked at me sympathetically. "I have faith in you."

"Thanks. Anyways." I was eager to change the subject. "How's your internship going?"

"Mmh." He made a face that immediately screamed 'Not well.'

"That bad?" I asked.

"Well, it's like what you said. The longer I write for Jackson, the more I realize I need to write for myself. The combination of having someone else take credit for my work and being forced to write things I don't give a shit about is... I don't know."

"Soul crushing?"

"Yeah. Soul crushing. That's a good way to put it." 

"So, life's going great for both of us." We both chuckled. "We're really doing well for ourselves."

"Yeah," he sighed. "Let's not talk about our wildly successful professional lives, shall we?"

"Sounds great to me."

The bartender brought back Min-joon's drink. "You know," he started. "I've been really curious about something."

"And what's that?"

"Why 'demighost'? Don't get me wrong, it's an interesting username, but what's the significance behind it?"

"Well, 'demisexualghost' was already taken so…" He snorted, causing a wide grin to bloom across my face. "Seriously though, I think it came from 'demigod' originally. I'm a big fan of mythology—"

"No. Really?" Min-joon gasped sarcastically. "I had no idea."

"Yeah, shocker. I keep that special interest pretty close to the chest. But anyways, I just replaced 'god' with 'ghost' and 'demighost' was born. As a Specter, I've always felt a kinship with the dead—"

"As you should."

"—so, it just made sense." I sighed and took a deep sip of my drink. "Plus, to be honest and a little morbid, I probably felt half-dead at the time." My hand spun in a tight circle, creating a small whirlpool in my glass. "I was in a really bad place back then."

"Hmm." Min-joon looked down, staring deep into his own glass as he took in my words. Suddenly, his gaze met mine. "I understand."

I shouldn't have been, but I was surprised at how sincere he seemed. 

Anyone can say those words (and they often do), but it's rare for people to genuinely mean it—or for their words to feel meaningful.

The way Min-joon said it, the tone of his voice and the intensity in his eyes, I immediately understood what he meant. He knew how I felt because he felt that way himself. Not once, but many times. I just wouldn't have guessed it. Everything he wrote was so damn cozy and optimistic.

"But," Min-joon tilted his head to the side. His eyes were blazing with pride and I knew that whatever he was about to say, he was happy with it. "Would you say that you're half-dead or half-alive?"

"Ooh," I shifted in my seat. My legs needed to move so bad they were starting to hurt. "Like a reskinned glass half-empty, half-full situation. I like it." Min-joon bowed his head slightly. I nodded several times, thinking. "Are you asking about how I felt back then or how I feel now?"

"Good question." Min-joon leaned in, like he was inspecting my face. At the time, my best guess was that the vodka was kicking in—I wasn't sure why else he would do that. Then I remembered he wasn't drinking. "I care about your past," he murmured. "I really do. But I'm more curious about how you feel now—right here, in this moment."

"Well..." My body felt electric. "Right now, I'm half-alive." Heat was building in my limbs and face, dancing across my skin like the flames of a candle. "That's the better one, right?" I chuckled. "They're both pretty grim. It's hard to tell."

Min-joon smiled. "The way I see it, if you picked half-alive because you think it's better, that's all I need to know. And I'm very glad that's how you feel."

I looked down briefly. His gaze was unraveling me like a cheap sweater. "Are you half-alive too?"

"No." Min-joon bit his lip and shook his head. "I'm fully alive right now."

"Cool." I nodded. "Very cool." I cleared my throat then finished my drink. What else was I supposed to say to that? There were barely any thoughts in my head—a stark change from the frantic cacophony I was normally drowning in. All I could think about was how unfairly attractive he was. Finally, I asked. "Why did you go with 'bidisaster'?"

"That should be self-evident." We both laughed.

We spent the next four hours talking about everything and nothing. At the end of the night, when the hotel bar was closing, we headed to the elevator together. We were silent the whole ride. I think both of us were dreading the inevitable goodbye. It was all we could think about, but maybe if we didn't acknowledge it, it wouldn't happen.

Min-joon's room was on floor 32. The bell dinged. "Well, this is me." He started to leave then turned around, holding the doors open with both hands. "We... we should do this again sometime. Soon, preferably."

"Agreed. Wholeheartedly."

"Great." He grinned. "Then, uh... I'll see you soon, Ody."

"I can't wait."

End of Part 3 of ? • LAST PART • NEXT PART

More Cursed Journey • More by Albie • Image Source

The amazing music video that inspired this:

[alisonsfics]

Change Our Fates (Part One)

Pairing: Spencer Reid x Reader

Summary: Y/N has always been head over heels for Spencer. The team decides to go out for drinks after finishing a case. When Spencer drunkenly kisses Y/N, will it change her life for better, or for worse?

Word Count: 3.7k

Part 2 / Part 3 / Part 4 / Part 5

You were sitting at your desk at work. You had just finished your paperwork for the day, and it was finally the weekend. “Hey Y/N, you got plans tonight?” Emily asked you, walking over to your desk.

“If drinking wine at home alone is plans, then yes” you replied, giggling to yourself. “That is just sad, let’s all go out. It’s been a long week” Derek said, joining the two of you around your desk.

“I don’t know Derek, my pajamas are kind of calling my name” you said, hesitating. “Come on Y/N, let’s go have fun! You’re my wing woman” Emily pleaded, grabbing both of your hands. “Y/N, when was the last time you had a date?” Derek asked you.

You thought about it for a second. Derek was right, it had been a while. It was just so hard to date with the crazy work schedule that came with working at the BAU.

“Uhhhh” you said, stalling. “Exactly” Emily and Derek said in unison. You wracked your brain, trying to come up with an excuse to stay at home.

“Are we going out?” Penelope asked, walking up to us. “Yeah, we’re trying to convince Y/N to come with us” Emily explained. Penelope frowned at you. “Y/N, you are coming with us, no buts” Penelope said, crossing her arms.

You sighed and leaned further back into your chair. “And you, you’re coming too” Penelope said, pointing at Spencer. He had his bag and was on his way to leave. “Wait what?” He asked, joining our group.

“We’ve both been roped into going out with the rest of the team tonight” you said, standing up and then leaning your head on Spencer’s shoulder. “But guys—” Spencer said, starting to complain.

Derek stopped him before he could say anything else. “I don’t want to hear it, pretty boy. You two never go out with us, so it’s time to change that” Derek said.

You all started to leave the building together. “I will be picking you both up, so that you can’t try to cancel. Now, go home and get ready” Derek told you and Spencer. You rolled your eyes, causing Spencer to laugh.

“What’re you laughing at, pretty boy?” Derek asked him, curiously. You and Spencer immediately made eye contact. “Oh umm, nothing” he lied, unconvincingly. Derek gave the both of you a confused look.

“I don’t know what’s going on with two, but I’ll pick you up in an hour” Derek told you. You walked out the front door and were almost to your car when you heard someone’s footsteps behind you.

You glanced behind you, you saw Spencer trying to catch up to you. “What’s wrong?” You asked him. He caught up to you and you both walked together towards your car. “Do we really have to go to this thing tonight? I mean, the two of us could hang out and watch a movie or something” He suggested to you.

You smiled to yourself. It made you feel all warm inside. Spencer would rather have a night in with you then go out and hang out with the team.

You two were best friends, but it still made you happy to know that Spencer enjoyed your company.

You knew that a night in with Spencer would be much better than a night on the town. You both loved to hang out and order pizza. But, you knew the team would never let you not come out with them.

“I don’t think they’ll take no for answer, Spence. Even though, a movie night sounds like a much better plan for tonight” you said, and then realized you had arrived at your car.

“So, I’ll see you later?” Spencer asked, hopefully. “I’ll be there” you said, smiling and then driving home. Spencer waved to you as you drove off.

What Spencer didn’t know was that despite the fact that you both were best friends, you had a bit of a crush on the handsome doctor. You would never act on it though, there was no way you’d risk your friendship.

A while later, you were at home. You completely dressed and had your makeup done. Technically, you were ready to leave, but you were standing and staring in to the mirror. You weren’t sure if you looked good in your outfit. If you were going out and Spencer was going to be there, you wanted to look good.

Before you could even think about changing, you heard a knock at your door. You grabbed your phone and your purse and opened the front door. You saw Spencer standing there, looking absolutely handsome.

“Hi, wow...umm” he said, looking down at your outfit. “Thank you, Spencer” you said, smiling. It didn’t take a genius to know what those stutters and hesitation meant.

You had a good feeling about tonight. It had started with Spencer being speechless, just by looking at your outfit. That had to be a good sign.

Spencer cleared his throat and collected himself. “They’re all—ummm in the car” he said, gesturing towards the car in the driveway. “Well then, let’s go” you said, smiling at him.

Spencer had never acted nervous around you before, but you were going to take it as a good sign.

You both walked over to the car. Spencer instinctually went to grab the door of the passenger seat. You assumed that was where he had been sitting, but then you saw Penelope in the front seat.

He opened the door and was shocked to see her sitting there. “I started getting car sick in the back, so I call shotgun. You two lovebirds are in the back” Penelope told you both. You felt your cheeks heat up when she said lovebirds.

Penelope knew about your not so subtle crush on Spencer. So, you were constantly hoping that she wouldn’t tell him.

The car that you guys were in had three rows of seats. Derek was driving with Penelope next to him. JJ and Emily were in the middle seats. And now, you and Spencer were sitting in the very back.

Derek pulled out of your driveway and Penelope started to talk about something she saw on television. Spencer leaned over to you. “What did mean when she said lovebirds?” He whispered in your ear, not wanting anyone else to hear him.

You just shrugged your shoulders and lied. “I don’t know, it was probably just Penelope being weird” you lied, obviously not telling him about your crush. You could feel your cheeks heat up, hoping Spencer wouldn’t notice.

Emily turned around to face you. She smirked when she saw how embarrassed you looked. You could almost see her brain coming up with a way to embarrass you further.

Then she smiled to herself. Uh-oh

“See Y/N, look how nice you look when you go out with us. You look amazing, right Spencer? Doesn’t Y/N look gorgeous?” She teased, and your heart dropped. Now, she wasn’t just embarrassing you, but also Spencer.

You saw Spencer’s eyes widen, out of the corner of your eye. “I—ummm. Yeah, you look— really nice” he said, giving you a small smile while his cheeks flushed red.

You just wanted to hide.

“Somebody is flustered” Derek mentioned, and then smiled to himself. You felt so bad for Spencer, he looked mortified. “So where are we going any way?” You asked, changing the subject.

You swore you actually heard Spencer breathe a sigh of relief. You looked over at him and he gave you an appreciative smile. You smiled back at him.

“There’s some new bar that Emily has been begging to go to for weeks” JJ told you. Then, you felt Derek slam on the brakes and honk the horn. You looked up and saw that a car had swerved in front of you. “Why does nobody in this city know how to drive?” Derek muttered to himself.

You looked down and saw that Spencer had grabbed your hand when Derek slammed on the brakes. You both made eye contact and his cheeks flushed red again. He instantly pulled his hand away. “Sorry” he quickly muttered, and then looked out the window.

Eventually, you all pulled up to the bar. Once Emily and JJ had gotten out of the car, Spencer helped you out of the car. It was a tight squeeze to get out of the back row of the car.

You adjusted your dress once you got out of the car. “We are going to have fun tonight, especially you two” Derek said, pointing at you and Spencer as you all walked inside.

The six of you all walked over to a booth and sat down.

Emily was sitting next to the window, with Penelope next to her, and then Derek. JJ was by the window on the other side, with Spencer next to her. and then you.

“I’m going to go get some drinks for us. Who is our designated driver?” You asked, standing up from the table. “I’ll drive” Emily volunteered. “Okay. Spence, do you want anything to drink?” You asked him, knowing most of the time he preferred not to drink.

“Ummmm—” he said, thinking. “Why don’t you go with her, kid? Then, you can decide” Derek suggested, and smirking at you.

Apparently, everyone on the team was going to make it their mission to get you and Spencer together tonight.

“You don’t have to, if you don’t want to” you assured Spencer, not wanting him to feel pressured just because Derek wanting to tease you. Spencer looked unsure of what to do. “No, it’s fine. I’ll go with you” Spencer said, getting out of the booth seat.

You both started to walk towards the bar and you had to walk through a big group of people. Spencer was in front of you, leading you through the crowd.

Then, you felt someone grab your hand. You were ready to have to pull your hand away from some creepy guy, but you looked down and saw that Spencer had reached back and grabbed your hand. It was like he was trying to make sure that he didn’t lose you in the crowd.

You felt a smile creep onto your face as you thought about his very sweet gesture. You both eventually reached the bar. You ordered a few shots for everyone. Then, you turned to Spencer and he ordered a beer for himself.

Spencer rarely drank, and when he did, it was very tame. He was never the person who was downing shot after shot.

You turned towards Spencer as the bartender made your drinks. “Has the team seemed weird to you today?” Spencer asked you, glancing back over at the table. “You mean weirder than normal?” You asked, giggling. You were really trying to avoid that conversation, because you couldn’t tell him why they were acting weird. Because then he would know you liked him and he wouldn’t want to be friends anymore.

“I guess they’re not any weirder than normal, but something just feels off. Like they’re all hinting at something I don’t know about” he said, honestly. Then, the bartender saved you and placed your drinks down in front of you both.

You looked at the amount of shots and there were too many. “This is two too many shots” you told the bartender. He chuckled to himself. “Those two are on me” he said, and then winked at you.

You laughed to yourself and then grabbed the drinks into your hands. “Why did he give you extras?” Spencer asked you, after the bartender had moved on to someone else. You just stared back at Spencer, did he really not know why he did it.

“I’ll explain it to you when you’re older” you teased, and turned to walk back to the table. Spencer followed you and you kept hearing him ask you what the bartender meant.

You both sat back down in your original spots at the booth. “Why won’t you just tell me?” Spencer asked you, as you handed out the shots. “What won’t she tell you?” Emily asked, curiously. You giggled at how clueless Spencer was. “Spencer wants to know why the bartender gave me extra shots on the house” you said, still giggling.

The entire team started laughing. “What? I don’t get it” Spencer complained. “Come on pretty boy. It means the bartender thought Y/N was hot and bought her some drinks” Derek explained, chuckling to himself.

Spencer’s mood changed almost instantaneously. “Oh” he said, sounding disappointed.

“Cheer up kid, you still have a chance” Derek joked. Your eyes widened and you kicked Derek under the table. He winced. “I mean, have a chance at getting a free drink. You just have to go up and talk to the female bartender” Derek said, covering for you.

You downed a shot because apparently it was going to be a long night.

After a few minutes of talking, you felt Spencer tap your shoulder. You turned to look at him. “What’s wrong?�� You asked, quietly. “Can I try one?” He asked you politely.

The only problem was you didn’t have a clue what he was talking about. “Try one of what?” You asked him, cluelessly. He pointed at one of the shots that was sitting in the middle of the table.

“A shot? Oh—ummm —of course. Go ahead” you asked, completely shocked. He picked one up and examined it for a second. “It’s best to just do it fast” you advised.

Spencer took a deep breath and then quickly downed the shot. You were impressed to say the least. “Woah pretty boy, guess who just got serious” Derek started to tease.

No one knew what to say. You had all seen Spencer drink beer or wine on occasion, but none of you had ever seen him do a shot.

“What? Did I do it wrong?” Spencer asked, getting self conscious as he felt his friends’ stares on him.

“We’ve just never seen you drink a shot” JJ said, stunned. You couldn’t believe your eyes. You had known Spencer for years and you were very close. So close that sometimes you could almost predict what he was going to do. But, you never would have expected him to down a shot just out of the blue.

It was about an hour later and all of you were pretty drunk, except for Emily, who was the designated driver. “Another round” Penelope cheered. “I’ll get it” you volunteered, standing up.

“I’ll help carry” Emily said, following you up to the bar. Once you got to the bar and ordered, Emily turned to face you. She gave you a look that meant she wanted to talk about something. “So?” Emily said, smirking and you knew you were in trouble.

“What?” You asked, confused. She rolled her eyes at how oblivious you were. “When are you finally going to make a move on Spencer?” She asked, wiggling her eyebrows. You should have known that’s what she was going to say.

“Come on Emily, you know that I can’t” you told her, stubbornly. She didn’t seem to like your answer. “You always say that, but I don’t see why you can’t just ask him out. He’s clearly into you, and you are totally head over heels for him. The whole team can see it. Just ask him out, then we can all stop dealing with you two pining over each other” she told you, like it was obvious.

“He doesn’t like me like that. We’re just friends, and it would ruin our work relationship” you argued, not wanting to get your hopes up that he could possibly like you. You had been dreaming of going on a date with Spencer for as long as you could remember, and you didn’t want to crush your hope.

“Well I disagree, and I also think you should look over at the table” Emily said, subtly. You quickly glanced over her shoulder to see what she was talking about. Derek had his arm around Spencer’s shoulders and they were both looking in your direction. Derek was telling Spencer something, but you couldn’t tell what it was. “What are they doing?” You asked, confused.

Emily just stared at you for a second. You knew that meant that you were supposed to know what they were talking about. “Well they’re clearly talking about you. And we all know that Spencer likes you, so Derek is probably telling him how to ask you out” Emily suggested.

You felt all your blood rush to your cheeks, you suddenly felt really embarrassed. Could they really be talking about you? You didn’t feel prepared. What if Spencer did come and ask you out? You didn’t know what you were supposed to say. What if you completely embarrassed yourself?

“This can’t be happening” you said, almost to yourself. “Oh it is, and Spencer is coming over here. I’m going to bring the drinks to the table” Emily said, smirking at you as she left you stranded.

Spencer was on his way over and you were fully panicking. Alcohol was supposed to give you courage. You weren’t completely drunk, but you didn’t feel brave at all.

You felt like you were going to puke on his shoes as soon as he came near you. You didn’t know what to do. You really liked Spencer, but was now really the moment that he might ask you out?

Then, he was standing in front of you. You felt like he could probably hear your heartbeat. “Hi” you said, bashfully. He looked like he was struggling to come up with words as well. You could tell he was really thinking about what he was going to say.

Then, all of a sudden, you felt his hands on your waist and his lips on yours. You were in complete shock. Spencer was kissing you right now. The one and only Spencer Reid was kissing you.

You didn’t know what to do. In your shock, you completely blanked and didn’t kiss Spencer back.

You felt his touch leave you, and he looked apologetic. “I’m so sorry, I—ummm” he stuttered, thinking that you didn’t want to kiss him. You had to do something fast if you ever wanted to have a romantic relationship with Spencer.

You grabbed the collar of his shirt and pulled him back to you. You felt the familiar warmth of his lips on yours. This time, you felt him smiled as he kissed you. He wrapped his arms around your waist and you felt safe and secure.

All the worries you had were completely gone. It was just you and him, in the moment. You both pulled away and you both had huge smiles on your face. You happened to look over his shoulder at the rest of the team. They all had either smiles or smirks on their face. Derek even wolf whistled at the two of you.

Spencer interlaced your fingers and you both walked to the table. All your friends congratulated the two of you, and told you that it took you both long enough.

It felt magical. You felt like you were in a dream, or on cloud nine. This seemed too good to be true. Once you left the bar, you all got back in the car to drive home.

Spencer’s hand never left yours at any point during the drive. And when you got dropped off at your house, Spencer kissed you goodnight. Everything in your life finally felt right, you finally had the guy of your dreams.

It felt perfect.

It took you hours to fall asleep. You were too giddy. You couldn’t get the smile off of your face. You had the image of Spencer’s face after the kiss plastered in your mind. The giant smile that had been on his face.

That moment had felt like pure bliss. You were actually really excited to go into work tomorrow. You were excited to see him again. You just wanted to be around him and hold his hand again.

You finally fell asleep, and woke up feeling refreshed and ecstatic. You put more effort into your outfit in the morning. You were practically skipping around your house.

Once you got to the office, you had butterflies in your stomach. You were going to see him again, see his smile again.

You walked to your desk and you were looking around for him, but trying to not make it obvious. You didn’t see him at his desk, you figured he was probably in the bathroom or something. You sat down at your desk, not even trying to get rid of the smile on your face at this point.

Then, you heard footsteps behind you. You turned around eagerly, and you saw Spencer walk past you, on his way to his desk. You felt your face light up when you saw him.

“Oh...hey Y/N. Good morning” he greeted you, just like he did every morning. You didn’t know why, but you felt disappointed. You had hoped for something more, you didn’t know what that something was though. “Morning Spence” you said, trying to hide your disappointment.

You started to think about it, and you could only come up with one conclusion. Spencer probably just didn’t want to act affectionate in front of anyone. Maybe he was worried because you worked together. By lunch time, you were convinced that this was the reason.

All day, Spencer hadn’t acted even a little bit different. A few times, you were convinced that last night was a dream and you had in fact imagined it.

Most of the team had left for lunch and you saw Spencer head toward the kitchen. You decided you would follow him and talk to him one on one.

“Hey Spence” you said, cheerfully. You saw Spencer pouring coffee into his mug. He looked at you with a confused glance. “You seem happy today” he said, confused. “Well yeah, duh” you said, thinking that he was kidding.

His expression didn’t change. “So what has you so happy?” He asked you, curiously. You could tell from his tone that he was serious. “Because of last night, come on Spence” you told him, getting more nervous by the second. His face still had no glimmer of realization.

“What happened last night? I don’t remember anything from last night. I think I had too much to drink and my body wasn’t used to it” he told you, honestly.

Your heart stopped.

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[wesimpforxiao]

Say My Name, and I’ll Be There: 2.2

"We're here," Zhongli nodded approvingly as he soaked in their surroundings.  "The hidden pools of Huaguang Stone Forest."

"I never would have guessed something like this was hidden here," Aether marveled at the sight before him.  "This world truly is beautiful."

Indeed it was.  Zhongli had led them to an underground cavern that held glowing pools of water.  The space was illuminated by tens of geo crystalflies floating about, mostly because they didn't know the way out of the cave.  The entrance was at the base of one of the several stone pillars erected into the sky, hidden behind layers of vine.

"Paimon didn't know this existed, either!" Her eyes sparkled as bright as the crystalflies.  "Could you imagine how much mora could be made off of this tourist spot?!"

"These mineral pools date back several millennia.  Many gods used to use this as a sort of vacation spot or to heal injuries received from battles--"  He turned to look at you, "--which is why I thought to bring you here.  The medicinal properties of these pools will remove any lingering soreness in your leg."

"T-thank you, Mr. Zhongli."  You bowed, your face heating up from the awkwardness you felt.

"It's a little warm in here, don't you think?"  Childe pulled at his collar with annoyance.  He had returned from his homeland in order to travel with Aether, so he was still getting adjusted to the warmer weather of Northern Liyue.  Sweat dripped from his brow.

"Indeed, the spring months have begun to warm the cavern.  In the summer, it acts as a sauna." Zhongli removed his gloves and trailed his fingers across the surface of the water.

"Well it's a good thing it's not summer," Childe let out a laugh of relief.  He started unbuttoning his top and removed it altogether.

"T-tartaglia!" You yelped and hurriedly faced the opposite direction.  "You can't just--"  Your objections were interrupted by Zhongli and Aether also removing their shirts.  "You too?!"

"Paimon doesn't see the problem! They're baths, right?"

"Paimon is correct.  Is it not common courtesy to remove one's clothes to bathe and relax?"  Zhongli retied his hair and looked at you from his peripheral vision.  

"I-I mean...you're right, but..."  Your eyes landed on Xiao, who was the only one of your teammates that kept their clothes on.  "I'm the only girl on the team and--"

"I'll cut them if they so much as look in your direction," Xiao conjured his lance and set it beside him to prove he was serious.

"We wouldn't do that!" Aether winced at the echoed sound of the lance hitting the stone floor.  He hopped into one of the three luminescent pools.

Zhongli was indifferent as he lowered himself into another one of the pools.  He watched the crystalflies floating around before closing his eyes.  Childe, on the other hand, scoffed at Xiao.

"I see what you're doing, yaksha.  Trying to play the nice guy so you can get a peek for yourself, are you?"  Sharp eyes lingered over Xiao.

Xiao didn't take the bait and remained silent.  He knew all too well what the Harbinger was trying to do.  

"Hmph.  Thought so," Childe resumed his normal composure and joined Zhongli in the pool.

"You should get in.  You won't have to ride my back anymore."  Xiao briefly glanced your way before picking his lance up and facing the pools to make sure no one--mainly Childe--would try to watch you.

"O-okay," you hesitantly began to move.  You hid behind a large slate of rock and removed your clothes with unsteady hands.  Once down to your underwear, you quickly moved to the empty pool with your back facing your teammates.  You pulled your knees to your chest since the dim light of the cavern was still bright enough to illuminate your bare skin.  

The water was as clear as glass, and you could see a faint blue glow around your wound that was coupled with a ticklish tingling.  The dull ache was gone in nearly an instant.  You were too busy staring at the glowing water to notice that Paimon had joined you.

"Wow, so it really works! Paimon loves this place!"  She plopped herself into the water fully dressed without a care in the world.  "Hey Xiao, are you gonna join the rest of us?"

"I have no need for this luxury," he answered.

"Vigilant Yaksha," Paimon muttered under her breath.

"Paimon! The cabbages!" Aether warned.

"Oh! Uh, right!  Sorry Xiao!"

"This is nicer than I expected," Childe sunk into the pool until only his head remained above water.  "I can feel all the tension leaving my body."

"Yes, it is quite relaxing."  Zhongli answered without opening his eyes.

You finally gathered the courage to ask yourself.  "Are you sure you don't want to join us, Xiao?  It's nice to relax every once in awhile."

"I...have no need."  Childe and Zhongli picked up on the hesitant answer, the latter finally opening his eyes to sneak a peek at Xiao's face.  Did his resolve just weaken over the fact that it was you who asked him?  The yaksha stood up straighter as if he noticed Zhongli's thoughts.  "It is not in my contract with Rex Lapis. I will do no such thing."

Zhongli let out a low chuckle at this.  "Very well then."

I guess it was worth a try, you thought to yourself, still oblivious to the fact that Xiao had actually considered your proposal.  Wait, why did you feel bummed out from his answer?  It wasn't like you were trying to get him naked--though the thought did bring a blush to your cheeks.  

A splash to the back of your head interrupted your embarrassing thoughts.  "Hey!"  You spun around and peeked over the small wall that acted as the barrier for the next pool over.  Childe was grinning mischievously at you.

"Why don't you join us over here?"

"No thank you!"  You flushed red and sunk back into your pool.  You knew he got a rise out of messing with you.  Another splash of water enveloped you.  "Childe, I swear--"

"Oops," he said unconvincingly.

You nearly got up to splash him back, but stopped yourself just before you rose over the wall--you realized you'd be giving every guy in the room a sight to behold if you went through with your revenge.  You returned to your original position with a huff.  "Ugh, just screw off and let me be already!"

So that's the angle you're playing at, Xiao narrowed his eyes at the Harbinger.  Since he was still standing in the same spot, he accidentally got a view of your side rising out of the water.  "I suppose I'll join you after all."

"Oh?" Zhongli opened one eye to address the adeptus.  "What changed your mind?"

"Nothing."

You blushed and looked the other way as Xiao removed his clothes and joined the pool they were in.  He sat so that he was the closest one to you, with your backs facing one another.  He had conveniently sat in Childe's line of fire so he couldn't provoke you further.  A cold look passed over the Harbinger's face before he looked away.

Xiao's actions didn't go unnoticed by the previous Geo Archon.  Zhongli could feel the tension between his subordinate and the Fatui agent and closed his eyes once again.  She may not have noticed, but Xiao has grown rather fond of her these past few months.  His actions speak more than he does.  He stole a peak at the annoyed Harbinger.  This may pose problems for the group though...this may ignite a fuse.  Or perhaps he has another motive for antagonizing the girl?

[wasjust-a-fangirl-here]

Changes. (Part 1)

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

Summary: You follow Stiles and your brother Scott out into the woods to find a body. Problem is; Scott’s not the only one to get bit..

Fandom: Teen Wolf.

Warnings: Mentions of a dead body, a swear word, etc.

Word Count: 2,919

Pairings: Scott McCall X Sister!Reader, Stiles Stilinski X Reader (Platonic).

Note: I just felt like writing this, and if there’s anything wrong with this, let me know, please and thank you. I didn’t expect this to be this long, so I broke it down to a few parts.

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

Listening to music on you iPod, you were studying for your English class tomorrow, wanting to be prepared on your first day back to school.

You jumped when you felt a hand on your shoulder.

Turning around, you realized it’s only Scott, taking out your earphones, you asked, “yeah?”

Scott sighed, “I take it you didn’t hear that noise outside?” He asked you.

You shook your head, “nope. I’m studying for tomorrow.” You answered him, gesturing to your workbook and notes. “Also listening to music.” You added.

“It’s only the first day of school tomorrow. Why are you studying now?” Scott questioned you, you shrugged your shoulders.

“I like to be prepared.” You answered simply, you turned to your window. You definitely heard that, you looked to Scott, raising a brow.

You stood up, grabbing your sweater and following behind Scott.

~

You stood by the front door, watching Scott hold the bat defensively, looking for the source of the noise.

You guessed that it was only Stiles, who refused to use the door like a normal person, you shook your head, sighing.

Your guess was correct, watching Scott and Stiles scream at each other.

After their screaming match, you walked over to Scott, laughing quietly. “Stiles, what the hell are you doing?!” Scott exclaimed, almost out of breath.

“He obviously knew the door would be locked, and did what he normally does.” You explained to Scott, winking at Stiles. You saw him blush slightly.

You smiled, “exactly! And you guys weren’t answering your guys’ phones.” Stiles said, looking at the bat in Scott’s hands, “why do you have a bat?” He questioned Scott.

“Because I thought you were a predator!” Scott exclaimed, “a pred- look, I know it’s late, but you guys gotta hear this. I saw my dad leave twenty minutes ago. Dispatch called.

They’re bringing in every officer from the Beacon Department, and even state police,” Stiles explains. Scott, finally lowering the bat, “for what?” He asked.

“Two joggers found a body in the woods.” Stiles says simply, jumping down from the roof.

“A dead body?” You and Scott questioned at the same time, leaning over the railing. Stiles looked at you and Scott, “it’s creepy how you guys still do that.” He commented to himself.

“No, a body of water. Yes, dumb-ass, a dead body.” Stiles answered your and Scott’s question sarcastically, jumping over the porch rail.

You rolled your eyes, “you mean like, murdered?” Scott asked, “nobody knows yet. Just that it was a girl, probably in her 20′s.” Stiles answered, hands on his hips.

“Hold on, if they found a body, then what are they looking for?” Scott asked again, you looked to Stiles, “yeah?” You added, raising an eyebrow.

Stiles looked between you and Scott, oddly excited.

“That’s the best part.” Stiles says, pausing for dramatic effect. “They only found half. We’re going.” He added, grabbing your and Scott’s arms, dragging you both towards his jeep.

You were complaining about wanting to finish your studying, Stiles turned to you.

“Studying? It’s the first day back to school tomorrow and you’re already studying?” He asked you in disbelief.

You sighed, “I like to be prepared.” You say yet again, but this time to Stiles. “Huh, it’s a wonder that you guys are twins.

Are you sure you’re twins? ‘Cause you guys are such opposites.” Stiles says to you and Scott.

Scott and you shared a look, before getting into the jeep.

You and Scott always hear that question, and you’ve both grown to not answer that question anymore.

~

On the way, you were humming a song that got stuck in your head, listening to Scott and Stiles talk to each other.

Stiles parked the jeep, getting out. You and Scott followed after him, “are we seriously doing this?” Scott asked hesitantly, looking between you and Stiles.

You smiled when they weren’t looking at you, “do we have a choice? Stiles practically kidnapped us.” You say jokingly, flailing your arms at your side.

You laughed when Stiles turned to look at you.

Stiles laughed with you, winking. “Hey. I did not kidnap you both. I simply guided you both to my car, and you guys got in, on your own free will.” He says, playing along, pointing and waving a finger at you.

You looked at him, smiling.

Scott just shook his head at the both of you, a small smile on his face. He loved the both of you, but you both drive him crazy sometimes.

“Besides, you’re the one that’s always bitching that nothing ever happens in this town.” Stiles says to Scott, walking into the woods.

“He’s got a point.” You added, following behind Stiles. Scott watched you and Stiles walk off, in disbelief.

Ignoring both you and Stiles, “I was trying to get a good night’s sleep for practice tomorrow.” Scott says, walking towards you and Stiles.

Stiles huffed, “right, ‘cause sitting on the bench is such a grueling effort.”

Scott sighed, “no, because I’m playing this year. In fact, I’m making first line.” He says confidently.

You smiled, knowing he can do it. He just need a lot of practice though.

“Hey that’s the spirit.” Stiles says, you looked at him dumbfounded. “Everyone should have a dream, even a pathetically unrealistic one.” He added.

‘Ah. There it is,’ you thought. “Well, Stiles, I believe he can do it, if he puts enough effort into it.” You say, trying to reassure Scott, smiling at him.

Scott scoffed, “just out of curiosity, which half of the body are we looking for?” He asked, changing the subject.

You stopped walking, waiting for Stiles’ answer. “Huh!” He says, continuing to walk. “I didn’t even think about that.” He added.

You shook your head, starting to walk again, going by Scott. “And uh, what if whoever killed the body is still out here?” Scott asked again, hands in his pockets, a smile of disbelief on his face.

You wondered how you survived with the both of them around, what with them dragging you around every where.

Shaking your head from your thoughts, you walked up by Stiles. “Also something I didn’t think about.” Stiles says, climbing up the hill.

“Wow, great plan Stiles.” You commented sarcastically, following behind Stiles.

“It’s comforting to know you’ve planned this out with your usual attention to detail.” Scott added breathlessly, leaning against a tree on the side of the hill.

“I know.” Stiles says, continuing to climb up. You stopped, waiting for Scott.

He took out his inhaler, you offered him a hand to help him up, he took it. “Thanks.” He said, you nodded your head, smiling.

“Maybe the severe asthmatic should be the one holding the flashlight, huh?” Scott asks, ducking down by Stiles, you followed their lead.

You saw police men with flashlights and dogs, you regretted coming along with Stiles.

Stiles turned off the flashlight he had in his hands, “wait, come on!” He says, getting up and running in the opposite direction of the cops.

You got up, following behind Stiles. “Stiles, wait up! Stiles! Y/n!” Scott yelled after the both of you.

You were about five feet behind Stiles, Scott not that far behind you. “Stiles!” Scott called out again, you stopped walking, waiting for Scott.

Stiles looked behind himself, but turned around again. You almost continued walking, until you felt arms wrapping around your waist.

Scott covered your mouth to stop you from screaming, pulling you close to him behind a tree. Scott moved his hand away from your mouth.

He held a finger to his mouth, telling you to be quiet, you nodded your head in understanding, hearing dogs barking and people yelling.

“Hang on, hang on. This little delinquent belongs to me.” You hear Sheriff Stilinski say, “dad, how are you doing?” You hear Stiles ask his dad.

“So, do you listen in to all of my phone calls?” Sheriff asked, ignoring Stiles’ question.

“No.” Stiles answered unconvincingly, “not the boring ones.” He admitted.

“Now, where’s your usual partners in crime?” Stiles’ dad asked him, “who? Scott and Y/n? They’re home. Scott said he wanted to get a good night’s sleep for

first day back at school tomorrow. And you know Y/n, she’s probably studying.” Stiles says, slightly lying to his dad.

You shook you head, “it’s just me. In the woods. Alone” Stiles added.

Unconvinced, Stiles’ dad held out his flashlight, moving it around the woods behind Stiles. “Scott, Y/n, you guys out there?” He called out to you and Scott.

Scott and you ducked behind the tree again, tense. “Scott? Y/n?” He yelled out again. “I hate this, lying to Stiles’ dad.” You whispered to Scott.

Scott looked at you, “I know, me too.” He whispered back, “well, young man, I’m gonna walk you back to your car. And you and I, are gonna have a conversation

about something called; invasion of privacy.“ Stiles’ dad stated, you watched him drag Stiles away.

You looked at Scott, who mouthed, ‘oh come on!’ You huffed, crossing your arms, “so, our ride is gone.” You stated, moving away from him and the tree.

You hear Scott sigh, “come on, let’s find the road and go home.” He says, walking in a different direction from the way you guys came from.

You said nothing, following behind Scott. You looked around, almost sure you guys were lost. ‘Great,’ you thought.

Scott looked up, still walking, you did the same. Hearing all the different animals, sent a shiver down your spine.

Scott stopped walking, looking at the scenery in front of you guys with a curious yet confused look on his face, you stopped by him.

“Why are you stopping?” You asked him, seeing him take out his inhaler.

“Listen.” He says, you looked at him confused, but listened anyways. “It’s quiet.” He added, “yeah.” You added quietly, it was odd.

A moment later deer came running towards you and Scott. You both screamed and fell to the ground. You covered your head with your arms, trying to see where Scott was.

After they were gone, you got up, helping Scott up as well. Trying to calm your racing heart, “my inhaler.” Scott says, looking around for it.

Your eyes widened when he said that, “what? You dropped it?” You asked him, helping him look around for it. They were not cheap to come by.

Scott didn’t look at you, not noticing that you were looking as well, “yes, I dropped it. Help me look!” He says desperately, you rolled your eyes, but kept looking.

You saw Scott turn his phone on for lighting, you sighed, wishing you brought your phone with you, but you left it at home, on your desk.

After a while of looking in the dark, you walked over to Scott who still had his phone out, looking for his inhaler. “Anything?” You asked him, he shook his head, sighing.

He ran his phone over the ground still looking, dismissing the top part of a human body, but did a double-take, running his phone back to the face of the body.

You both screamed, although Scott walked backwards and fell, “Scott!” You yelled, eyes widening in shock, carefully going down the hill to make sure he was okay.

You helped him up, “god, I sometimes wonder whose the clumsiest out of the both of us.” You say jokingly, rubbing mud off of your hands and onto your jeans.

Scott looked at you, smiling. “Oh, come on. We both know it’s you.” He joked, you looked at him, laughing.

“I’d argue back, but just yesterday I completely missed the couch sitting down.” You say, shaking your head.

Scott looked at you, both eyebrows raised, “how do you miss the couch sitting down?” He asked incredulously, laughing in amusement.

You flailed your arms, “I was reading a book! Things happen.” You say, laughing with him.

“But seriously, are you alright?” You asked him, worried. “Yeah, I’m fine.” He says, jumping over a fallen tree.

You followed his lead, but you both stopped when you heard growling. You both turned around, eyes widening. There was a wolf, bigger than you can imagine.

Before you guys can do anything, it ran towards you and Scott, knocking you both down. Scott and you tried to crawl away from it, but it dragged Scott backwards, biting him.

You heard Scott scream, you got a bit further than Scott, but it dragged you backwards as well. You screamed when it bit into your side, it hovered over you for a few seconds before it ran away.

You lied there, feeling your heart beat against your chest, you see Scott’s hand in front of you.

You grabbed it, he pulled you up to your feet, both of you running in any direction, looking for the road.

You both found it, although you ran onto the road, not noticing the car that was heading straight for you.

Scott pulled you into him and away from the car, you heard it honking. Barely missing the both of you, you and Scott watched it drive away.

You rested your head against Scott, sighing. You pulled away from him, looking at the moon, you finally noticed that it was raining.

You looked over to Scott, who was looking at his bite from the wolf on his side, you notice the blood running down from the wound.

He looked at you, lowering his sweater and shirt, “did it bite you too?” He asked you, nodding your head, you lifted your shirt and sweater, showing where it bit you.

Scott looked at it, sighing, you lowered your shirt and sweater. It was on the same spot as Scott’s, just on your left side.

As you and Scott started to walk, there was a howl. It made a shiver go down your spine.

“I can clean and bandage our bites at the animal clinic.” Scott says, walking besides you, “okay.” You say quietly.

You knew you both should go to the hospital, but you said nothing. Following besides Scott.

~

You both walked inside the animal clinic, Scott lead you to the examining room.

You sat on one of the chairs that was in there, watching Scott gather the things he needs to clean and bandage both of your bites.

Scott walked over to you once he had everything he needed, making you stand up, lifting up your shirt and sweater.

“This might sting.” He warned you, you nodded your head.

He poured it over your wound, he was right, it stung like a bitch. You grabbed onto the arm of the chair, hissing slightly.

Scott looked at you apologetically, “sorry.” He said, putting the bandage on you, once he was done, you sat back down. Watching him do the same thing to himself.

You sat there in your thoughts, watching Scott clean up a little, “I wonder why that wolf was in the woods.” You say after a while, Scott looked at you confused.

“What do you mean?” He asked you, leaning forward against the table in front of him.

You sat up straight, looking at him in surprise. “You don’t know?” You questioned him, he shook his head, “no.” He answers.

“Well, there was no wolves in California, for at least 60 years.” You explained to him, “like I said, I wonder what that wolf was doing in the woods.” You added in thought.

Scott looked at you, not believing you, “really?” He asked you, “yup. Stiles is going to say the same thing when you tell him.” You say to him, standing up.

Both of you going to the front of the clinic, “I’ll bet you five bucks if he does.” You added, smiling mischievously.

Scott glanced at you, smiling as well, “you’re on.” He said, locking the door to the animal clinic.

You grinned, both of you starting to walk home.

~

You unlocked the front door, walking inside, Scott following behind you, closing the door.

Both of you walked up the stairs in silence, you made it to your room first, turning towards Scott.

“Night,” you say, walking into your room, you hear him reply, before closing your door.

Sighing, changing out of your clothes and into pajamas. You looked around your room, seeing your clothes scattered on your floor.

Deciding to clean up, you started with the clothes on the floor. After you were done, you sat at your desk, looking at your notes.

Once you went over them, you put them in your bag. You went downstairs for a glass of water.

Walking back towards the stairs, you hear the front door open. Peaking your curiosity, you looked towards the door, seeing your mom. “Hi, mom,” you greeted her.

She looked at you surprised, “hi, sweetie.” She says, closing the door.

“What are you still doing up?” She asked you, you shrugged your shoulders, “was just getting a cup of water.” You answered, showing her the cup of water in your hands.

She nodded her head, chuckling, “okay, is your brother still up?” She asked again, “I don’t think so.” You replied, both of you walking up the stairs.

“Alright, go to bed. There’s school tomorrow.” She scolded playfully, nudging you with her shoulder.

You giggled, “okay, okay. Good night, mom.” You say to her walking into your room.

“Night, sweetie.” You hear her reply, walking into her room. You set your cup of water on your nightstand, going onto your bed.

You turned off your light, going to sleep.

[storydays]

Season 1, ep 4, p2

You and Bolin walked up to Korra, who was petting Naga's belly. "Hello, fellow teammate!" She looked up and smiled slightly. "Oh, hey Bolin." Nevermore and Pabu ran off together playing happily. "Missed you at practice this week." Bolin continued awkwardly. "Yeah, sorry about that." Korra turned towards Naga, who continued to wag her tail happily. "Aw it's all right. We're probably out of the tournament anyway. Unless some money miraculously drops out of the sky by tomorrow. Anyway, reason I came by was to give you this. Ta-da!" 

He held out a pretty red rose and a cupcake wrapped up neatly in a plastic bag. "Wow, thanks. What's this for?" She wondered. Bolin's eyes widen from where he was currently handing you a (favorite treat) and a yellow rose. "Uh...oh, I can't remember now. Oh, yeah, now I remember. You guys saved me from Amon." He smiled happily like a puppy who earned a treat. 

"Oh that? It was no big deal." she shrugged it off, while you rolled your eyes, gently watering the flower in your hand.  " 'No big deal?' Are you serious? I was totally freaking out when he was coming at me with his creepy mask, all: 'I will take away your bending forever.' I mean that is scary stuff. I still can't sleep well." He sighed, sitting next to Korra on the steps who hummed.

Your (e/c) eyes narrow at her suspicious behavior. "Delivery for Avatar Korra." You all turned to the stringy man. "Tarrlok sends his compliments and urges you to reconsider his offer." He smiled pleasantly. "Tell him I haven't changed my mind." "Yes Avatar Korra. Oh, Councilman (Y/N)? You have a letter from Waterbender Master Katara." "O-Oh, thanks!" The man bowed and left Air Temple Island. "Whose this Tarrlok guy? Is he bothering you? Huh, 'cause I could have a word with him." Bolin threatened. 

"Heh, no. It's not like that. He's just some old guy who works with Tenzin and (Y/N) on the council." Korra laughed at Bolin's goofy nature. "Oh good. Good, that's better. I like that better." Bolin rubbed his hands together, making you raise an eyebrow curiously, before shrugging it off. You sat next to Korra and opened Gran Gran's letter. 

'Dear (Y/N), 

                         It sounds like your ESP powers are starting to show. Do not worry, all will be explained when you come visit me. Take care of  yourself.

                                                                                   Love, Gran Gran.'

You sighed, making your bangs puff slightly. Typical: elders seemed to like talking in riddles. "Everything okay?" Korra wondered. "Yeah, just some Grandmother Grandson stuff. Nothing to worry about." You smiled before you all yelped when Nevermore and Pabu rolled by squealing, and nipping each other. "Ah, Bolin! Help me!" The two of you raced over to your respective animals who were very aggressive and unusually angry with each other.

"Hey, what's wrong girl? This isn't like you." You frowned, as Nevermore pouted. Bolin laughed uneasily. "It's like their siblings, huh, (Y/N)?" He laughed sheepishly, tending to Pabu's wounds. You chuckled dryly,  wrapping Nevermore's wing, while sending Bolin an amused look. "Reminds me of when we first started training together for pro-bending." The Earthbender had the nerve to grin impishly. "Wait, what happened the first time?" Korra asked curiously. "Well.." 

*Flashback*

You step sided an Earth disk and a burst of flames before sweeping underneath their feet with ice cold water. You then took off your blindfold, walked over to the side of the arena to see your teammates and friends frowning and pouting (in Bolin's case) up at you. "How?" Mako said blankly, looking more serious than a 10 year old should. It's been two years since they became a family with the pro bending gym. You've still had a ways to go before you fully knocked down Mako's walls, but he's slowly warming up to you. 

You laughed, jumping down before hanging on one of the lower beams by your knees, near the boys. "I'm the grandson of Waterbender Katara, who is friends with the Greatest Earthbender of All Time. I've learned a few things, Mako."  The brothers then smirked at each other, before they began splashing you, and eventually Mako pulled you into the water and you joined into the fun, acting like a child instead of an adult for once. 

The three of you were so busy having fun, you didn't even notice Aunt Kya and the gym owner smiling at the three of you. "This will be good for the three of them." He said quietly, Kya placing her hand on her hip, loving how happy you looked, being around children your own age. 

"Yes, it will." 

*End Flashback*

"And that's how we our first training session went." You laugh softly, eyes closed in memory. "Ahh,  seems like yesterday that happened." Bolin hummed, running a hand over Pabu's back. "Yeah, and look how far we've come. Interesting, huh, Korra?" Your eyes met hers. "Yeah, sounds like fun." She smiled at you. "Well, I've got to get going, I need to see what Mako wants to do for dinner. See you guys at practice, next week!" He waved with Pabu chattering at Nevermore. 

"Yeah, see ya." You waved before turning to study Korra. "What?" She asked, feeling defensive. "Nothing, Avatar. I'm going to go check on Ikki, I owe her a story. Catch ya later." You waved backwards, leaving the Water Tribe girl alone. Nevermore flew up and away to play with some of the bisions. 

*10 minutes later*

You found Ikki and Meelo playing in a Sato Mobile, chattering away to Tenzin. "Beeeeeeep! Beep, beep, beep!" she exclaimed, Meelo repeating her. "Beep, beep." "Nice ride." you whistled, looking at the gift tag. "Ugh, Tarrlok is annoyingly frustrating." Your Uncle hummed, agreeing with you. "Yes, he is. Have you seen Korra, nephew?" "Yes, Uncle. She was heading towards  the ying yang training grounds..." He started to walk away before he stopped. "(Y/N), are you..doing all right?" He asked hesitatingly. 

"I-," you looked at your curious cousins before smiling unconvincingly at the airbending master. "Yes, Uncle. I'm fine. However, I'm worried about Korra. Could you--" "Do not worry. I will talk to her." He smiled at you before leaving. Meelo pulled back his arm with a (favorite flavor) pie, and began to throw it at you but yelped when it was suddenly thrown back into his face. Ikki began giggling wildly, before she yelped as she was suddenly thrown into the air and began throwing air back at you. 

"You two brats are sneaky, but guess what?" You all were suddenly drenched in water, and Meelo was all muddy. "I'm sneakier." Pema was laughing from where she was standing next to a giggling Jinora, and a few Air Acolytes were laughing at the scene. You merely blinked and held your arms out to catch Ikki bridal style. "Aw, Mommy! We were playing! We're still in the middle of a prank war." Meelo pouted, running up to the group of women. 

"Yes, dear, you can do your prank war later, it's bath night." At the word of, "bath," Meelo tried to run, but was grabbed by his ankle with a water hand, and was hanging upside down in front of you. "(Y/N), I hate to be a bother but would you--" "Say no more, Auntie." You set Ikki down, and she left with some of the Acolytes, before you grabbed Meelo, slung him over your shoulder and then began walking to the men's dorms. 

"But (Y/N)! I don't want to take a bath!! Baths are gross, and how can the ladies love my natural self if--" the airbending rugrat yelped when he was suddenly in warm water, without clothes. He spat water at you, and glared at you. You were smirking, your hair tied up, your normal clothes gone, and you were wearing swimming shorts. 

"Well, Meelo, let me tell you something about women," you leaned down be face to with him as he leaned in excitedly. "Ladies don't like stinky brats." You booped his nose with suds, and laughed softly as he exclaimed. "(Y/N)!" He giggled as you rubbed his bald head with his washcloth. "Seriously though, little cousin. Women like men who take care of themselves, which includes taking baths or showers regularly." 

Meelo closed his eyes as he sighed happily. He liked bath time with you; you make bath time fun. "How do you know that?" He asked curiously. You froze before rinsing the mud off his body. "My mom used to tell my dad that when I was younger." He turned around to face you with curiosity on his face. 

You didn't talk about Aunt Lotus, your mother very often. In fact,nobody did. You smiled at Meelo. "I'll tell you a story about my mom later, okay? I got to get ready for my shower." You drained the water, and dried off the little monk. "Go get dressed, and I'll join for dinner soon." He ran off, and you ran warm water, before locking the door and sighing as the water ran over your sore body.

It's been 10 years since your mother passed away, and her birthday was coming closer, and it never got any easier. You usually shut yourself away on certain days concerning your mother, and tried to forget about the pain you were feeling. You refused to cry because your mother wouldn't have wanted that. 

After all, you were always her strong solider.  

*Crunch*

You blinked, bringing your trembling hand to your chest, and hissed as warm water ran over your now bloody and bruised knuckles. So trapped in your thoughts, you didn't realize your knuckle was in motion until you were staring at bloody water. Sighing in annoyance, you let your hair cover your sight. "Damn it." 

*20 minutes later*

You walked to the courtyard, a towel on your wet hair. Knuckles wrapped in fresh pristine white bandages, slippers on your feet,  sweatpants loose on your hips, tank top clinging to your skin. On your wrists, two Northern Water Tribe bracelets. You leaned against  a column underneath Korra, watching Ikki and Jinora play a game. You both perked up to see Tarrlok's assistant run up. 

"Avatar Korra, I have something for you!" Annoyed, Korra jumped down. "It doesn't matter how many gifts Tarrlok sends." She used the Earth to turn him around before kicking him in the butt. "I'm not joining his task force!" "Sheesh, Korra." You laughed into your hand. "It's not a gift. It's an invitation." He pulled out said paper. "To what?" asked the blue eyed Avatar, snatching the invitation. 

"Tarrlok is throwing a gala in your honor. All of Republic City's shakers and movers will be there. The Councilman humble requests your attendance. You as well, Councilman (Y/N)." You rolled your eyes, before accepting the invitation. "Fine." you and the girls laughed as Neo growled at the assistant to leave. "Yeah, see ya there, dude." You shook your head as Neo sat down for Jinora and Ikki to rub his belly. 

*The next night*

Jinora, Ikki,Meelo laughed seeing how amazing the party looked. You trailed behind Korra and your Uncle Tenzin. "I-I can't believe this is all for me." Korra breathed. "I'm not sure what Tarrlok's plotting, but keep your guard up. It's not like him to throw a party just for the fun of it." "Uncle's right, Tarrlok is sneaky as a snake." They turned to you snacking on a pig in a blanket, with a handful of other treats, in your hand.

Your hair was half up, half down, complete with a few blue beads here and there.  "Wow, (Y/N), you've cleaned up pretty good." Korra complimented, stealing one of your treats. "So glad you could make it, Avatar Korra. If you'll excuse us, the city awaits its hero." Tarrlok smirked, urging Korra to follow him. You stuck your tongue out childishly, before laughing when you notice what Meelo was doing. 

"Uh, Uncle?" You outright laughed as Tenzin rushed to get his son. "Meelo, no!" He gasped, turning blue. "That is not a toilet! Oh, dear." He sighed, rushing over to grab his son, clearly embarrassed. "Hey, (Y/N)." You turned around to see Asami, with her arm hooked with Mako's, and Bolin trailing behind. Korra stood next to you, with an annoyed look on her face. "This us my daughter, Asami." Hiroshi introduced. 

"It's lovely to meet you. Mako's told me so much about you." Korra crossed her arms. 'Oh, no.' "Really? Because he hasn't mentioned you at all. How did you two meet?" Korra asked, snappily. "Oh, Asami ran him down with her motorbike." You said, casually. "What? Are you okay?" Korra's mood switch, as she turned to the firebender. 

Ohhhh. You realized why she was acting like that, and you felt a smirk creeping to your face. 'This is going to be fun.'  "I'm fine, more than fine. Mr Sato agreed to sponsor our team. We're back in the tournament!" Mako grinned when Bolin wrapped his arm around his brother with an even bigger grin. "Isn't that great?" "Yeah, terrific." Korra's face dropped.

The whole team thing was still sore between the four of you. After all, the Fire Ferrets was your team, you were the one that created the team! 

"Chief Beifong, I believe you and Avatar Korra have already met." Tarrlok said slyly. "Just because the city's throwing you this big to-do, don't think you're something special. You've done absolutely nothing to deserve this." She said, narrowing her eyes and walking away. Korra looked down, discouraged. "Eh, don't mind her, Korra. She's just grumpy because this is interrupting her self care time." You grinned at Korra who smiled weakly. "Thanks for trying, (Y/N)." She walked away. 

Tarrlok led her to the stairs where the press was waiting for her. "I've got one more question, Miss." "Hold up, hold up!" The reporters chattered but stopped when a voice spoke up. "Avatar Korra, you witnessed Amon take away people's bending first hand." "Uh, no. Councilman (Y/N) did, I was busy dealing with some of his goons." You grumbled under your breath as you hid behind your Aunt Lin. 

"How much of a danger does he present to the citizens of Republic City?" "A real danger." "Then why haven't you or Councilman (Y/N) joined Tarrlok's task force?" "Why do people keep bringing me into this?" You hissed to your Aunt Lin who in turn laughed quietly. "Aren't you going to help her?." Lin questioned. "No, she needs to learn to deal with the press. It's part of being apart of the lime light." You said, chewing on a candy stick. 

 "As the Avatar, shouldn't you be going after Amon?" "Well, I--" Korra tried to explain, but the same reporter continued to question her. "Why are you backing away from this fight?" "What? No! I've never backed away from anything in my life." Korra defended. 

"You promised to serve this city. Are you going back on that promise?" "Do you think pro bending is more important than than fighting the revolution?" "How do you think Avatar Aang would've handled this?" "Are you afraid of Amon?" 

"I"M NOT AFRAID OF ANYONE!" She shouted, as you finally came from behind Lin.  "If the city needs me,then we'll join Tarrlok's task force, and help fight Amon." You scowled and glared at Tarrlok. "There's your headline, folks." Cameras flashed and questions echoed through the building, as you felt your blood boil. You watched Tarrlok wink at a certain reporter and realized it was a trap. 

You followed the reporter, and grabbed him by his neck. He yelped and was shaking when he came to face to face with you. "So, what did Tarrlok bribe you with?" You demanded, while he played with his fingers before finally talking. "I will tell you everything I know, but it's not much."

*The next day* 

"My fellow task force deputies, tonight we will execute a raid on an underground chi-blocker training camp located in the dragon's flats borough. According to my sources, there is a cellar underneath this bookstore, where equalists train chi-blocking in secret." You were kneeling next to Korra but sat on top of the truck, more there as backup and for medical knowledge. You bent water to the next teammate. 

"Get ready, anddddddd now." You said boredly, waving your hand as the task force attacked. You watched Korra run after two Chi blockers, and sighed. You ran after her, seeing no one was injured. Korra fell on the floor, and gasped sharply as someone fell down and tried to attack her. You used ice to trap him, and freezing the other behind you. "Oh, nice timing. Thanks (Y/N)." You helped her up, and gave a lopsided grin. 

"Of course,friend. Let's go." She smiled as you lead them out, pulling your gloves tighter over your hands, keeping your distance away from Tarrlok, but staying close to Korra. 

At the moment, she was too unstable to keep her guard up for much longer. 

*At the pro bending gym* 

"No Korra for practice again?" Bolin asked. "Doesn't look like it. " Mako sighed, reading his newspaper. You were currently practicing some similar movements to make your agility smoother. You tuned into the radio, "Avatar Korra and Councilman (Y/N)  have bravely answered the call to action. With the three of us leading the charge Republic City has nothing to fear from Amon, and the Equalists. Question for the Avatar: Amon remains at large. Why have you failed to locate him?" 

Korra's voice came over the radio. "You want to know why? Because Amon is hiding in the shadows like a coward. Amon, I challenge you to a duel. No task force, no chi blockers, just the two of us, tonight at midnight, on Avatar Aang Memorial Island. Let's cut to the chase and settle this thing...if you're man enough to face me." With that the radio turned off. You pinched the bridge of your nose, steaming mad. 

"Ugh....this girl."

*That night* 

You were sitting on the ladder, watching Korra wrap up the rope from the pier. "Korra, this is madness." Your uncle's voice stated from behind you. Korra's dark blue eyes snapped to the airbending master. "Don't try to stop me, and don't follow me. I have to face Amon, alone." You studied her movements, ignoring the adults arguing behind you. "This is all your doing." Uncle snapped at Tarrlok. "I've tried talking her out of it too, but she's made up her mind." Tarrlok defended himself., giving Korra the opportunity to zoom away.  

"No Uncle. " Everyone turned to look at you, but you kept your gaze on the water changing color below you. "This is something Korra needs to do, or she will never understand." "Understand what, Nephew?" Tenzin asked curiously.

You looked up at the stars, determination in your eyes. 

"That is is okay, not to be okay." 

"(Y/N) is right. And if anything truly goes wrong, I have a fleet of airships ready to swoop down." Tarrlok said, attempting to re-assure Tenzin. You leaned down to allow your hand to feel the coolness of the water, and suddenly you weren't leaning on the pier, waiting for Korra. You were in a vision, great. 

*Vision*

You opened your eyes to see a young child running through luscious green gardens. The child was tearing up, until he finally collapsed on the ground. Your vision cleared to see a younger you, about 10 years younger. It was raining down hard, and the tiny you was soaked to the bone, and stiffled your sobs. "(Y/N), where are you?" "Son? Come out!"  you simply curled up tighter, clutching your head. 

You heard footsteps stop near you, and a breath of relief. "Oh, (Y/N), there you are." You looked up to see Uncle Tenzin standing there, with a warm blanket. He knelt down and opened the blanket, silently urging you to run into his arms. He grunted when you tackled him, and clung to him with a vice grip. Tenzin sighed softly, running a hand through your hair as you shook in his arms. 

"Nephew, it's okay to not be okay." He murmured. "No, not for me. I just have to be  strong. I just have to." 

*End vision*

You opened your eyes and jumped into the air, opening your glider, and taking off. "Uncle, let's go!" He followed you, soon the two of you were flying around looking for a sign of where Korra was. You went higher, and landed near an opening,  before seeing Korra crying into your Uncle's chest. "You were right. I've been scared this whole time. I-I've never felt like this before,and Tenzin, I don't know what to do." she sobbed.

"Admitting that you're afraid is one of the first, but most difficult part of healing." Tenzin's voice echoed through the tunnel. You leaned against the wall, waiting for them to step out.

'She'll be okay.'

[anonymous-gremlin]

Never Seen Her Cry

Bandaid hurt/comfort with background Soapies. Takes place before they all go to Hopes Peak.

Could be seen as platonic or romantic

Tw's in tags

Mikan notices something is off about Ibuki

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

Ibuki had never cried since had met the friendgroup.

That was the first thought that came to Mikan's mind when she saw Ibuki in an empty classroom one day.

Something had been off about Ibuki the entire day. It was subtle and Ibuki was good at hiding it but Mikan knew her friend now better.

How her eyes seemed exhausted and sad behind a facade of happiness and engereticness. How she would be silent and zone out for a few seconds, her smile dropping. How she said she had that she had eaten a lot in the morning during lunch when Hiyoko asked her why she was not eating.

Now everyone was in class. Hiyoko was passing notes to Mahiru who blushed everytime she read them. Mikan didn't want to interrupt that and have Hiyoko throw more insults at her so she focused on the chalkboard where the teachers and was writing something.

It's not that Hiyoko and she weren't friends. They were in a friendgroup togehter with Ibuki and Mahiru. But Hiyoko seemed to have something against her, throwing insults all too often. It had been like that since the start. Mikan didn't know why but she was too cowardly to ask her too stop.

They had been friends since the start of the school year when she met Mahiru and her. She had nowhere to sit in the cafetaria and Mahiru had invited her too sit with them. She decided to stick with them and they had been friends every since.

Ibuki joined later. She had just switched classes and now sat in their class. With her engeretic, confident behaviour, she could have been very well Mikan's opposite. Well, opposites attract. Maybe that's why they immediately clicked.

Speaking of Ibuki, Mikan saw her sitting out of the corner of her eye, staring out the window. Her eyes looked exhausted and she seemed distracted. It was normal for her to get distracted but never like this. Something was definitely off.

The teacher went out of the room to make a few copies or something and Mikan took that as an opportunity to tapp on Ibuki's shoulder.

"Ibuki? Are you okay?"

"Yeah, why do you ask?" Ibuki smiled brightly. Wow, that's why she could hide it for so long from everyone. Mikan had almost not seen it wasn't a genuine smile.

"You seem sad today, I just wanted to know if something was wrong" Mikan softly said, sliding her chair closer to Ibuki's desk.

"Nothing is wrong, everything is alright" she smiled again with that same fake smile. -The teacher came back and Mikan didn't have time to say something in response instead quickly focusing to the chalkboard again.

A while later, class was over. Ibuki immediately rushed out of the classroom after saying something about band practice to Mahiru. It was normal. Ibuki had practices with her band often after school, this month they had become even more often. Mikan didn't question it because she didn't know much about bands and stuff.

Mikan decided to follow her. Maybe she would get the opportunity to see what's wrong with Ibuki.

But this time, Ibuki walked the other way than the music room. Quick steps trough the masses of people leaving the school. Mikan almost lost her a couple of times but quickly found her due to Ibuki's horns that poked out from out of the crowd.

After a few minutes, Ibuki walked into an empty classroom after checking if noone was following her.

Wasn't she supposed to be at band practice? That's what she had told them. They were holding auditions or something. Mikan had seen the posters around the school. Surely Ibuki would also go see the auditions and help decide who got to join the band.

But she sat here in an empty classroom. Alone with her guitar. Softly playing a song.

"I.ibuki?" She slowly set a foot inside the classroom.

Ibuki looked up with multiple tears in her eyes. "Oh, Miki, didn't expect you here!" Her bright fake smile returned and she attempted to wipe her tears away quickly.

"A.aren't you supposed to be at band practice?" Mikan walked to her. "Yeah, but...um...they were cancelled today!" She said unconvincingly.

"There are auditons today so you should be there too. I don't want you to be late"

Ibuki shifted nervously. "Umm...Fine, they kicked me out, okay?!" Her voice was a lot louder suddenly, tears springing back into her eyes, making Mikan flinch at the sudden raise in volume. This was new.

That's when Mikan relaised it.

She had never seen Ibuki cry since the musician had met the friendgroup. She had always been the one who everyone came to relax when school or stress got too much. Always knowing the right words to say to make them happy. Always making others happy.

Ibuki had been the one to help Mikan over her habit of overworking herself. But she had never come to them for advice or for help. Mahiru and Hiyoko would come to Mikan for advice and Mahiru was the momfriend of the group. Hiyoko was the one to go to if one of them had a bully problem. All of them had been vunerable with eachother. Except Ibuki.

She had never asked help or been vunerable with them. Mikan couldn't even remember a day she was sad. Wow, Ibuki had been real good at repressing her feelings. How did Mikan not pick up on this earlier? Mikan internally cursed.

"T.they threw you out?" Mikan asked slowly. "Yeah...due to "creative differences"...I'm fine though, don't worry" Ibuki added way too quickly.

"How long was that ago?" Mikan asked

Ibuki shrugged and looked to the ground slightly kicking her feet . "A month now, I just have been coming here so I wouldn't have to tell you guys about it."

So she wasn't at band practice during this whole month and Mikan hadn't realized it at all. She felt like a terrible friend.

"It's just a band, I can find a new one" the musician said looking up.

"It's okay to be sad you know?" Mikan placed her hand on Ibuki's shoulder. Ibuki tried to hold back tears. "I know you and your band were close and it's okay to be sad that they threw you out."

"I don't want to irritate you with my problems, you and the others already have so many problems and I didn't want to add to that." Tears came more in her eyes. "So I just hid it"

Mikan gave Ibuki a hug. "You won't irritate us if you tell us when you are sad, it's okay to cry"

Ibuki slowly returned the hug. "Really?"

Mikan nodded. "Really." She tucked a strand of Ibuki's hair behind the musician's ear. "It's all alright"

Tears streamed over Ibuki's face while she buried her face in Mikan's shoulder, letting all her tears out. Mikan patted her back softly. "It's alright, let it all out"

They sat there for hours while Ibuki cried and Mikan comforted her. The school was completely empty except for the few clubs that were still there.

But Mikan didn't care. She had to make sure that Ibuki was okay.

[hamiltonimagines]

Starstruck

Pairing: Oak x Reader

Request: “can you write a oak fic where reader sees him riding his skate board at venice beach and she is kinda starstruck and he thinks it’s cute” - @lonelydance

Word Count: 1.5k

I was currently walking down to Venice Beach. I had just moved to Los Angeles and I was excited to spend as much time as possible at the beach.

I got to the beach and I found a park bench that was facing a skate park. I pulled a book out of my bag. Before I opened my book, I looked at all the skateboarders who were doing tricks.

One of them caught my eye. The guy looked familiar to me and I couldn’t seem to figure out why. He was super handsome, but I didn’t know why I felt like I knew him.

I ignored it and started to read my book. I would occasionally look up and see if I could remember why I knew this handsome stranger, but I couldn’t put my finger on it.

I put my bookmark in my book and decided to check my phone. I checked my Instagram. One of my close friends had posted something on their Instagram story, I decided to see what it was. It was a screenshot from Spotify of the Hamilton soundtrack.

Then it dawned on me, the guy was Oak from Hamilton. I had seen the show maybe a year ago back in New York. I couldn’t believe that we ended up in the same place. I hated to admit it, but I had a little bit of a crush on Oak.

I looked up from my phone and watched as Oak did a trick. As I watched him, I knew for sure that it was him. I couldn’t seem to take my eyes off of him. His tricks seemed so flawless and I was captivated.

Then, he did a jump and landed back outside of the concave part of the skate park. He stopped his board and stood there catching his breath for a second. He wiped some sweat off of his forehead.

Then, he looked over at me. I froze him, I hadn’t even realized that I had been staring this whole time. I could feel my cheeks heat up, as he stared back. I could see him start to smirk to himself. He winked at me and I quickly looked back down and pretended to read my book.

This was so embarrassing. It was one thing to embarrass yourself in public. It was a much worse thing to embarrass yourself in front of your celebrity crush in public.

Maybe, I had imagined it and he hadn’t noticed at all. I couldn’t help myself, I sneakily looked back up to see what Oak was doing. I saw him in the middle of a trick. He landed the trick and I looked down before he could catch me again.

I continued to read my book, but I couldn’t help but feel like someone was watching me. I figured I was just being paranoid, but what if I wasn’t? I had to look up to check again.

I wasn’t being paranoid, I saw Oak, across the skate park, staring right back at me. He smirked and waved to me. I panicked again and went back to my book. I couldn’t help but wonder how I got myself into this situation.

Then, a few minutes later, I heard a loud sound. I looked up and saw Oak, maybe ten feet away. He was skating along the outside part of the skate park and had fallen down.

I rushed over to where he was currently laying on the ground. I kneeled down next to him. “Oh my god are you okay?” I asked him, as I checked his arms for any major cuts. My mom was a nurse, so it was in my blood.

“Hey hey hey, I’m not hurt” he said, trying to calm me down. He grabbed both of my hands and stopped me from checking his arms. “Are you sure? You fell and you might of hurt yourself” I told him.

“I figured that if I pretended to fall, then maybe I could get the pretty girl, who keeps staring at me, to talk to me” he explained. I felt my entire face heat up. I quickly pulled my hands away from him and put my face in my hands.

I felt him grab my hands and pull them away from my face. “You can’t hide your pretty face” he said, smirking.

“I’m Oak” he said, sitting up. “Oh...uh nice to uhm meet you. I’m Y/N” I stuttered, feeling very nervous. “You recognized me, right?” He asked me. I felt like I had been caught doing something I shouldn’t of been doing.

“Pshh, recognize you? What do you mean? I have no idea who you are” I lied, unconvincingly. “Are you sure?” He asked, smirking.

“This is so embarrassing” I muttered to myself. “Don’t be embarrassed, I think you’re pretty cute” he said. “You what?” I asked, in shock. “I think that you’re cute” he said, slowly taking one of my hands into his own.

“Oh...well, um...that’s...or....um thank you?” I said, completely fumbling over my words. Oak smirked to himself. “Come on, let’s go sit” he said, standing up and pulling me up with him. We walked to the bench where I had been sitting, and sat down.

“So you come here often?” He asked me. “Not really, I just moved to Los Angeles. I figured I would check it out” I told him. “Oh you’re new to LA? Maybe, I could show you around sometime” he flirted. “I would really like that” I said, smiling.

“So do you skate?” He asked me. I couldn’t help but laugh. “Is that a no?” He asked, chuckling to himself. “Yeah, not even a little bit. I think I would break every bone in my body” I told him.

“How about I teach you?” He suggested. “Did you miss the part about breaking every bone in my body?” I asked, giggling. “Come on, it’ll be fun. I won’t let you fall” he promised me.

“Okay fine” I said. We both stood up and walked down the sidewalk, a little farther away from the skate park. “Okay, first things first” he said.

He took his helmet and placed it on my head. It was super loose on my head. “Look up” he told me. I looked up at the sky and I could feel him tightening the strap under my chin.

“Okay all good” he told me. He placed his board down on the ground, next to me. “So you’re going to stand with your feet parallel, and try to balance” Oak instructed. “I’m going to fall” I said, nervously.

“Then let me help you” he said. He held onto my forearms and I held on to his. I carefully stepped on to the board and then put my other foot on the board.

He moved my hands to hold onto his shoulders. I held on for dear life. I felt like I could fall at any second. “Your balance is off, do you mind?” He asked, as he put his hands in front of my waist. “Uh no, not at all” I told him.

He gingerly placed his hands on my hips and then repositioned the way I was standing. “See, much better” he said, smiling.

“So what now?” I asked him. “Do you want to try and move now?” He asked me. “I’m scared” I whispered. “I won’t let you fall” he said, holding my hands.

He started to walk with me and I held onto his hands super tightly. He let go of one of my hands and I kept going. I wasn’t really doing much. I was just standing there and balancing, but I was thankful that I hadn’t fallen yet.

Then out of nowhere, a dog came running across the sidewalk. I panicked, I didn’t know how to stop and I didn’t want to hit the dog. Oak saw it and stepped in front of me, stopping me from moving.

Unfortunately, I'd been going faster than I thought. I pushed Oak over and he fell backwards into the sand, next to the sidewalk. Since he had been holding onto my hand, I got pulled down with him.

I landed laying completely on top of him. “Oh...uh hi” I said, softly. “Wow, you’re gorgeous” he said, brushing a piece of hair behind my ear. I leaned in and softly kissed him.

His lips were soft and smooth. I felt like I was in heaven. He grabbed onto my hips with his hands as he kissed me back.

We pulled away and rested our foreheads against each other. “Wow” we both whispered at the same time. This caused us to both start laughing.

“So how about we get back to the lesson?” He asked me. “Oh, yeah” I said, standing back up. I grabbed his hands and helped him back onto his feet.

“So how was that for my first time skating?” I asked him. “Well normally I would say that it’s bad that you fell on top of me, but it did lead to me getting to kiss you, so I won’t knock off points for that” he said, smirking.

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[misssophiachase]

For @klarolinefallbingo “Bonfire”

Eyes on Fire

The back to school bonfire will bring together two very unlikely seniors. But maybe these mates have more in common than first thought.  

 Monday

“But our mascot is the timber wolf, it makes perfect sense to design the bonfire that way,” Caroline insisted, hands on hips. He didn’t respond immediately, just curved those annoyingly crimson lips into a knowing smile. 

Ass.

Klaus Mikaelson, a fellow senior and semi-gifted artist (in her opinion), had been seconded by the planning committee to create the bonfire design. If Caroline had her way he’d have no role at all but she was outvoted nine to one. 

Traitors.

Caroline lived to plan school events. Given she’d been doing it since freshman year, they were second nature to her.  The school bonfire was a significant part of the back to school festivities and, given it was their senior year, Caroline knew it had to be her most perfect yet.

But now Klaus Mikaelson, of all people, was invading her territory and, worse than that, challenging her ideas in front of the entire committee.

It also didn’t help that her life-altering summer was still very much playing on her mind either. One minute she was Caroline Forbes, class president and almost senior, and the next she was a seventeen year-old vampire.     

A Mystic Falls resident all her life, Caroline had heard the stories of strange happenings, not to mention the abnormal amount of animal attacks reported. But she found it was best left alone which was why she was so heavily focused on school, well until she transitioned. 

It had taken the entire summer just to control her bloodlust with the help of her friends. But if there was anything Caroline hated, it was losing control and this bonfire was supposed to be her triumphant return to normal life. 

Although, she was starting to wonder what normal actually meant and if it even applied to her life anymore. Meanwhile, this bonfire stealer was not helping matters.   

“Might I suggest a Trojan horse instead?” He flashed a stray dimple and she swore the female committee members all swooned in unison. 

“But what does that symbolise in this context?”

“The ancient Greeks...”

“I don’t need a history lesson,” she growled, thinking her impressive GPA spoke for itself. 

“It signifies rivalry.”

“Oh, you mean the panthers?” One of the committee members offered. 

“Uh, yes,” he said unconvincingly. Caroline fought the urge to roll her eyes. The fact someone so disinterested in football was in charge of design was ridiculous. “The Trojan horse represents something intended to undermine or secretly overthrow an enemy. By burning it we are sending a message to our opponents, the, uh, pirates was it?”

“That’s brilliant!” Another member interrupted and the rest followed suit. Obviously they didn’t care about his lack of experience.

“Well, I wouldn’t exactly say that,” Caroline muttered. 

Before she knew it a vote was held and they’d all dispersed leaving only her and the artist extraordinaire alone. Standing on the far side of the room, hands in jean pockets, he raised his eyebrows in her direction tellingly almost as if to say “well?”

Caroline was trying to process a myriad of emotions. No doubt due to her recent supernatural status, which was hardly unusual, but he seemed to bring something more out of her although she couldn’t quite pinpoint what. 

She was also trying to ignore just how blue his eyes looked in that navy henley and the way his blonde hair curled teasingly over his ears. She shook her head determined to regain some, if not all, semblance of composure. 

“You are insufferable, has anyone ever told you that?”

“Why thank you, love, although not the first time I’ve heard it,” he smirked. “You’re incredibly uptight, has anyone ever told you that?”  

“Why are you doing this?” She asked folded her arms across her chest while purposely avoiding his comment. 

“Doing what exactly?” He asked, making his way toward her slowly. Caroline was trying to ignore just how good he smelled but it was becoming increasingly difficult. 

“You don’t even like football and, last time I checked, school activities in general.” 

The Mikaelson family had appeared in Mystic Falls a year earlier. Given the mystery surrounding their arrival and their good looks they’d caused quite the stir in small town Virginia. Caroline had no intention of fawning over Klaus the tortured artist and had kept her distance for the most part.

Until now. 

Before she knew it, his mouth was now only mere inches from hers and she was fast losing all sense and willpower. 

“Who says I don’t have school spirit?” His husky tone was not lost on Caroline. “In fact, I can be very spirited if necessary, love.”

She acted quickly, placing her hands on his chest and pushing him away albeit with shaky hands. Obviously the hardened vampire inside had decided to take an inopportune break. 

“You might have won this round but…”

“Not the war,” he finished, respecting the space between them. Although, she wasn’t sure for how long given the way his eyes were perusing her so intimately. “How fitting given our Trojan theme.”

“Game on, Mikaelson.” Caroline warned, turning on her heel, desperate to increase the space between them. 

It wasn’t fear.

No. It was something so much more.    

Saturday

High school culture was always so damn predictable.  

Klaus watched on as his bonfire roared to life and the loud cheers from jocks and cheerleaders alike sounded out. Most were wasted and probably didn’t even fully appreciate the effort. 

It was some of his best work and seemed a shame to destroy but he was playing a part. His eyes flickered over to the girl in question. Her denim jacket hugged her chest, the light from the fire only illuminating her blonde waves and creamy skin. 

She’d felt so good the other day and Klaus was surprised he managed to stop himself. He’d been watching her for the past year at school and had only ventured to London on Mikael’s instance over the summer to then find out, too late, she’d transitioned.  

It took all his willpower not to kill those who’d let it happen. He wasn’t against vampirism given he was a hybrid but was against anyone who hurt her. Klaus was also still suspicious that his father had done it on purpose but couldn’t prove it just yet.

So, when he returned, Klaus made it his aim to be with her at all times. Designing the bonfire was the perfect excuse to be close. Even if she didn’t appreciate his ideas. 

“They seem to like it.” He’d found his way toward her in the woods, the stray twigs and autumn leaves crunching underfoot. 

“They’re drunk, they’d cheer for anything, Mikaelson.” Klaus fought the urge to laugh given he’d been thinking the very same thing. 

“You have a point,” he conceded. “But nevertheless I think we make a pretty good team.”

“Team bonding? Wow, next thing I know you’ll be signing up to all extra curricular activities and doing spirit fingers.”

“I’ve seen Bring it On,” he replied and she finally turned to look at him, her dubious expression not lost on him. “It’s Rebekah’s favourite film and she plays it on repeat.”

“Excuses, excuses,” she chanted and he couldn’t miss the small smile that tugged on her lips. “So, are you going to leave now?”

“As organiser of this event I’m committed to staying the course.”

“Liar,” she teased, this time her smile was obvious as much as it was radiant. “You’re only staying for the s'mores.”

“Whatever you say,” he lied, happy to have an excuse to be near her as long as possible. 

Seated on logs side-by-side as the moonlight engulfed them, she taught him silly campfire songs while he told ghost stories that would rival most. The night slowly slipped away and, in the early hours of the morning, the two slipped into a nearby tent too tired to concentrate further. 

It was innocent of course, but Klaus couldn’t deny how good she felt, her back moulded against his chest. He inhaled her scent, trying not to get lost in her but it was proving increasingly difficult. 

He moved away quietly as the light streamed into the tent, determined to get some much needed space. He walked towards the nearby stream, the only sound emanating from the birds. He placed both hands in the cold water and ran them over his face and through his unruly curls.

How had he gotten himself into this mess? He loved her so much and now he didn’t know what to do or how to explain his actions or feelings. 

“You’re my mate, aren’t you?” He heard her voice behind him, the raw emotion and vulnerability he couldn’t miss. 

He turned to face her, thinking how beautiful she looked first thing in the morning, but then he’d think that anyway. He noticed a stray tear in her left eye and immediately felt bad for not coming clean sooner. 

But how do you admit to someone they were your everything, without it seeming entirely awkward? 

“You’ve deceived me.”

“I didn’t,” he finally found his voice. “I was only giving you time before...”

“Says the guy who gatecrashed my planning committee,” she growled. “I don’t appreciate being treated like a fool. But I guess that explains your hesitance to burn a wolf designed bonfire.”

“Maybe” he offered, taking a chance and the small window that had been offered. “But everything I did and said was for your benefit. I love you, Caroline.”

In high school terms that line would be the epitome of desperation. But she was his soulmate and all emotions were now laid bare whether they liked it or not. 

She seemed unmoved but at the same time was clearly considering her options. He had never felt so helpless in his life and the silence was killing him.  

“I’m planning the Halloween dance and fully expect you to help,” she demanded. “And there’s going to be meetings, lots and lots of them. So you better be present and available for anything needed out of hours.”

He stifled a smirk. Who was he to argue with that?

“Yes, ma’am.”

Things seemed to right themselves even if he was her slave. Not that Klaus minded that dynamic at all. She clearly loved him just as much as he did but didn’t mind waiting for it to unfold. 

They were mates after all and had all the time in the world.  

[boomjohnny]

i like that dummy. Like crazy. You can’t even imagine, dude. [sequel]

*this is pt 1, pls read that before this one if u haven’t!

**sorry this took 5 years also y’all are seniors in this dont worry they arent like freshman or sophomores and like thirsty like that lol

pairing - jock!jaehyun x fem!reader

word count - 2.3k

genre - soft sheep fluff, if u squint i guess it’s might be suggestive at one part(?)

[ 10:32 A.M ]  To say that the first minute of the walk outside with Jaehyun was not awkward as hell would be a horrible, horrible lie. Your eyes seemed to dart everywhere but the jock next to you, who stayed surprisingly silent. You wonder if this was a joke; some sick bet that the basketball team set him up to. 

They were infamous for their ruthless pranks, with their victims ranging from babies fresh from middle school to the most ancient of teachers. You shudder at a junior year memory of seeing Mr. Dong’s boxers for the first time.

Yeah, they pantsed him not once, not twice, but three times before the poor guy ran out screaming.

You remember Jaehyun laughing and doing stupid handshakes with his friends when they found out he resigned the next day. Your feet pull to a halt.

Is he going to laugh at you like that too?

A pair of weathered checker Vans appear in front of your hi-tops. “What’s wrong? Are you actually sick?” 

The concern in his voice was even more concerning for you. This wasn’t what you expected. You inhale sharply, before looking him in the eye.

“I should be asking you that! Did you take some mind altering drug this morning? How can you-” You grab the crumpled confession from your pocket and fling it at his chest. It falls limply between the two of you.  “-throw this thing at me?”

“I mean, I’ve been throwing things at you all year,” He says coolly, picking the ball up. “You just happened to finally open one. Pity you didn’t catch my paper planes. Those had little hearts on it. Or my paper cranes, those had-”

“It isn’t funny, you know.”

Jaehyun puts his hands in his pockets. “What isn’t?”

“Playing with other people’s feelings,” You bite the inside of your cheek. “I know you and your little basketball team think it’s the fucking BALLS to make other people feel like shit and I don’t know what stupid bet this was, but-”

“So you’re sad about it?”

“…what?”

“You’re sad at the possibility that I might not like you?” He takes a step closer. “That this all might just be a bet?”

“I-”

With one firm tug on your wrist, he pulls you closer. His breath feels warm on your forehead. Your heart pounds so hard in your chest you wouldn’t be surprised if it just pops out onto the floor.

“Well, you’re wrong.” His arm snakes around your waist so suddenly and so firmly that you wonder if you’ll go into cardiac arrest. “This isn’t a bet.”

You’re so close to him now you can see the little snow-like freckles on his nose from summer. The warmth around your waist feels electrifying.

“Jaehyun, what-”

“I said it in the letter, said it in class and I’ll say it again. I like you, Y/N. And I like you a lot. And I also get the feeling that-” He gives you a shit eating grin. “-you feel the same way.”

“…maybe.” You mumble, eyes fixated on a piece of lint on the ground.

“Maybe?” He grabs your chin so you’re facing him. “You gonna break my heart, Y/N?”

You see yourself in his eyes, and for a moment, you wonder if he can see himself in yours.

“Jaehyun…” Your start, but inaudible words come out of your lips again. Jaehyun puts a teasing hand up to his ear and lean over.

“I can’t hear you, Y/N. Speak loud-”

“-okay you know what, fuck it-” You inhale sharply. “-you’re too CLOSE, Jaehyun. I CAN’T THINK PROPERLY BECAUSE YOU’RE TOO CLOSE TO ME AND MY HEART IS BEATING TOO FAST.” 

Your face feels hot and you’re certain you look like a tomato again. You look away, the cringe from the words that came out of your mouth sinking in.

WHY DID I SAY THAT? ARE WE IN WATTPAD? WHAT WAS THAT, Y/N? You internally scream at yourself, wondering why he wasn’t saying anything.

There’s a pause where the warmth around your waist disappears. An unconscious pout appears on your lips from the absence of his touch, an action that he most definitely notices. 

“That was a good enough answer for me, ma'am.”

And suddenly, your back is against the lockers with Jung Jaehyun’s lips on yours.

He tastes like the pink lemonade from the cafeteria, a little too sweet, a little too artificial, but you don’t feel yourself pulling away anytime soon. His arm finds its way around your waist again and his fingers draw soft circles down the small of your back. Your hands go down from his hair to his neck when he brings your body even closer. It’s only when you nibble on his lower lip that he pulls away, his cheeks dusted a very warm pink. For a moment, it seems like he’s going to kiss you again, but instead he takes a step back and turns around.

As he fixes his hair, the tips of his ears peek out of his locks. They’re scarlet red like syrup on shaved ice. 

How cute.

You don’t think you’ve ever seen Jaehyun blush before - or embarrassed, for that matter. To be frank, you wondered if that was even possible, since his smug face seemed to be the only thing he ever wore when he strode down the school hallways during lunch or when he sat at your dining table during neighbourhood parties.

“Where did you…” He says slowly, lips slightly red and swollen. “Where did you learn that?”

“Learn what?” You say innocently, slightly proud of yourself for making The Jung Jaehyun flustered for once. 

“You’re a good kisser Y/N,” He shakes his head, taking a step towards you again. “So who have you been kissing?”

A surge of confidence flows through you from the compliment. 

“Sorry Jaehyun but-” You smirk up at him. “-I don’t kiss and tell.”

He raises an eyebrow, inching in again and placing hand next to your head, trapping you. You look at his lips and back at him again, with a gaze that almost dared him to come to you again, almost challenged him to capture your lips in his again and not pull away so fast this time. 

“Y/N,” He growled under his breath. His eyes suddenly looked very hungry. “If we weren’t in school I swear-”

As if it knew that words that were not fit for a school were at the tip of Jaehyun’s tongue, the bell rang. Students poured out of classrooms, some groaning about their classes, some excitedly talking about the weekend, some looking like plain zombies who lost their taste for human brains. 

You saw Doyoung come out of a hallway with Mark and Yuta who, although you thought you were quick enough to push Jaehyun away without anyone seeing, were quite sharp. 

“Well…I guess I’ll go to Chem now.” You clear your throat, slinging your bag (fell off your back when you were making out) over your shoulder.

 As you start to walk away to catch up with Doyoung (who walked past the two of you secretly with a devilish smile), Jaehyun catches your wrist again, in an almost panicked way that a child might do when their parents leave them at a kindergarten for the first time. 

“Wait! Uh…will I see you again today?”

You look at his wrist, smiling. “If you want to.”

His grip relaxes, and he puts his hands in his pockets again. “Today, 6:30 at the quad?”

“So late?”

“Why? Think you’ll miss me too much?”

You roll your eyes, turning away again.

“Just joking, just joking,” He pulls you back. “I have practice. Oh! You could come watch if you want. Straight after school, at the courts. You know, I’m known to be pretty sexy when I play basketball. Sweaty, glistening, sometimes my shirt comes up-”

You put a hand in front of his face, covering his dumb wiggling eyebrows.

“Sure, sure I’ll come,” You wave a hand as you begin walking away. He doesn’t stop you again but instead his dimples go back on full display. “I’ll probably be watching Taeyong though, he’s really handsome-”

The second bell rings, the only people left in the hallway are the two of you, an amused Doyoung and Yuta and Mark who are eavesdropping at the back.

“Y/N!”

You run before he can catch you again, and stop hastily when you reach Doyoung at the end of the hallway. The look he’s giving you makes you want to punch him. 

“Did. I. Not. Tell. You. That. Boy. Likes. You.” He says, each time he claps after a word making you groan more. ‘What. Did. I. Say. You. Clown.”

“Yes, yes, you were right.” You sigh as the two of you enter the class and settle down in your lab seats. 

“So, what happened exactly?” 

“Well,” Your hand stops shuffling your backpack for your textbook. The image of Jaehyun pinning you to the lockers flashes in your mind, his hand on your waist… “Nothing much.” You say, rather unconvincingly.

“Boo, don’t lie,” Doyoung says, flicking on his horn-rimmed glasses when the teacher begins to give a rather boring presentation on acids. “It was a trick question, I saw y’all nasty asses kissing.”

“How did you-”

“When I told you that you were lewd, I didn’t mean to act on it! And to think! In this holy educational institute, where a fourteen year old freshman baby could’ve seen, y’all nasties were-”

“DOYOUNG!” 

Suddenly, the class is quiet, and the teacher, a very weathered man who was apparently a retired scientist called Mr. Yang casted you a very offended glance. You can see Doyoung trying his best not to laugh and you pinch him on the leg.

“Is there a problem, Y/N? Or rather-” His eyes narrow on Doyoung, who was now biting his cheek to prevent a smile. “-a problem with Doyoung? Do you want me to move you?”

“No, no. Ah Doyoung was just-” You peek quickly at the presentation behind him. “-telling me a fun fact about hydronium! It was so shocking, I couldn’t hold back… Yes, I could not. Sorry about that, sir.”

Though unconvinced, he let out a grunt and continued on, the class going back to normal. You let out a deep breath and tried to focus on the moving dots on the screen that were supposed to be particles. 

“You know, I was lying earlier. I only saw the two of you talking. But wow. Did you actually kiss him? Was he good? Did he do tongue?”

You bite your lip to stop another shout from erupting from your lips. Something told you this time Mr. Yang would kick you out for the rest of the year if you interrupted him again.

You resorted stepping on Doyoung’s foot very, very hard.

- and back to somewhere not so far away, in the past -

“Y/N!” Jaehyun shouts, a smile on his lips at the girl’s retreating figure. He shook his head, still in a slight daze from what just happened. However, he had no time to recover as two slaps on his back and a very loud “DUDE” sounded in his ear.

“MARK! You scared me, oh my god,” Jaehyun says, rubbing his ear as Yuta slings his arm around his shoulder.

“So,” Yuta says, exchanging mischievous grins with Mark. “how was the nurse’s office?”

“Huh?” Jaehyun says in confusion, before retracting almost immediately. “OH! Yeah, you know…Y/N put some ice to her forehead…”

A snort came from Yuta and Mark started giddy laughing like he inhaled some helium gas. 

“STOP LYING, DUDE. We saw you, alright? Acting all mushy by the lockers and looking into each other’s eyes like you were Romeo and Juliet or something.” 

“What the-weren’t you in class?”

Yuta rolled his eyes. “Do you really think we would actually do self-study? You have severely underestimated us, Jeffrey.”

The three of them began walking towards the courts for P.E. It was Jaehyun’s favourite subject but the only thing that he thought about the entire time was you. Your awkward but adorable confession, your flushed cheeks when he confessed to you, the feeling of your lips against his… 

For the first time in his four years of high school, his P.E classmates found him utterly useless during a game of sports.

“Is something wrong with Jeffrey today?” Someone said from the showers after the lesson as Jaehyun was changing his shirt. 

“I’m fine!” He shouted back, even though he wasn’t really. Very soon he would be going back to the courts but there would be one small difference. You would be there, watching him, and something about that got his heart pounding very hard, indeed. 

“Yeah, right.” Someone else chimed in, also from the showers. “Jaehyun’s got himself a girlfriend.” 

“Yeah they were smooching-” 

“Yuta, Mark, if you don’t want to run ten laps, you’ll shut up now,” Jaehyun says, quickly swiping on some cologne on his wrist. Taeyong, the basketball team’s forward raised an eyebrow at this. 

“Cologne? Jaehyun do you actually-”

Jaehyun was too engrossed in shoving his stuff into his Superdry as quick as possible to notice Taeyong had been talking to him. It was only when the bag was over his shoulder that Jaehyun turned to him, with a look that Taeyong could only describe as determination.

“Taeyong, bro, if a crazy girl wearing a denim skirt and red hi-tops stares at you later during practice, tell her to back off, and that she needs to stop looking at you, okay?”

Jaehyun pats the older boy’s shoulder and begins to walk away, a spring already forming in his step at the thought of seeing you.

Taeyong blinks. “What? Who’s that?”

“Some dummy who made me miss class. But you know what?”  

He turns back again, a twinkle in his eyes.

“I like that dummy. Like crazy. You can’t even imagine, dude.”

fin.

[thirteen-beaxhes]

You and Me (Tyrus Post Finale One-Shot)

Summary: "There was nothing Cyrus could have wanted more, knowing that for the first time, there was a boy who actually liked him back, who felt the same. Or so he thought then." It's the Monday after that fateful party, and Cyrus is confused.

Words: 2386

AO3 LINK IN REBLOG

“Is there anything else you wanna tell me?”

“Yeah. Is, there anything you wanna tell me?”

“Yes.”

Cyrus slammed his locker door shut, promptly breaking the dialogue that had been repeating in his head since the night of Andi’s Epic Party 2.0, when he and TJ were sitting by the fire on the bench, when in the middle of all the noise and music and people, they held each other’s hands, a weight let off their shoulders.

Or so he thought then.

Cyrus held his bag strap, walking down the hallway to class as he held his books to his chest, still deep in thought. After the party that Friday, they had texted all weekend, everything seemingly back to normal, just slightly more flirty and bold than either of them had been before. And that wasn’t bad at all, in fact every time Cyrus saw a text notification from TJ, his heart would soar, and he couldn’t control a smile from spreading across his face as he hastily typed out a reply. Over the weekend, as they texted from the comfort of their homes, a screen between them, everything was perfect. There was nothing Cyrus could have wanted more, knowing that for the first time, there was a boy who actually liked him back, who felt the same.

But, behind a screen everything seemed easy. Walking into school, however, with the chance of seeing TJ in person, even talking to him, sent Cyrus’ heart racing in a way that wasn’t what it should have felt like. Because at the end of the day, TJ had walked into the party with Kira, hugging her and walking with her and staying with her until her abrupt departure. Whatever that meant. But he was with her, and then he was with Cyrus, holding his hand and looking at him like that. Could anyone blame him for being absolutely confused?

Not to add to the fact that after witnessing everything that had happened between Jonah and Andi in 7th Grade, Cyrus was worried that if he were to walk up to TJ in school and try to call him anything more than a friend, and if he tried to hold his hand, it wouldn’t be real. Because if Jonah and Andi’s relationship trials and tribulations had taught him anything, it was that a handhold could mean anything.

“Earth to Cyrus?” Buffy said, snapping her fingers in front of his face, bringing him out of his thoughts. He smiled and nodded his head at her.

“Hey Buffy, you seem chipper today,” Cyrus noted, narrowing his eyes at his friend’s bright smile.

“What? Me? You’re kidding,” she said, scoffing, but Cyrus just stared at her pointedly until she sighed. “I’m sorry it’s just, I’m excited to see Marty today.”

As if he were summoned by the calling of his name, Marty walked up the two of them, holding his bag straps as he smirked at Buffy. “Hey there, Driscoll.”

“Hi Marty,” Buffy replied with a smirk, and he wrapped an arm around her shoulder, walking on her other side.

“Wow, I love being acknowledged,” Cyrus said with a deadpanned voice, and Buffy snorted loudly.

“Cyrus! My man!” Marty called out, giving Cyrus a high five. He turned back to Buffy with a smirk. “So, how’s the most amazing person in the world doing?”

“She’s doing great, thank you.”

“Wait, Buffy, you’re supposed to say ‘I don’t know how are you doing?’ “

“Why? I am the most amazing person,” Buffy said, earning a shove from Marty as they continued down the hall.

Cyrus just looked over at the two, happy that they had finally, after everything, had gotten together, except that meant even more competitive banter and flirting, which no one was prepared for. But, he also couldn’t help but feel his heart sink as he looked at them. It had been no question that they were together after the party. It was so easy. Why was he still confused?

“Cyrus? Is everything okay?” Buffy asked, grabbing his shoulder to stop him from walking.

“Yeah, why wouldn’t it be?” Cyrus said rather unconvincingly. Buffy sighed and looked over at Marty.

“I’ll meet you at lunch okay?” she said, and Marty got the hint, pressing a kiss to Buffy’s forehead before walking ahead. After he was out of earshot, Buffy linked her arm with Cyrus’ and pulled him to the side.

“Now will you tell me?”

Cyrus sighed, looking at the ground before starting. “At the party, when I had gone out for a while, I was with TJ by the campfire. We were talking and, we uh, we had a moment.”

“Cyrus,” Buffy said softly, a smile on her face. “That’s amazing! What happened?” she asked, an eager grin on her face.

Cyrus laughed quietly. “We held hands for a while before he got a call from his mom that he had to go home.”

Buffy squealed loudly, earning glares from people all around, but she didn’t find it in her to care. “Oh my God that is adorable!” she exclaimed, but soon her smile fell. “Wait, but. Why are you sad?”

Cyrus looked back down. “Because, he walked into the party with Kira, and you and I both know a handhold can mean anything. What if, I’m just convincing myself that there is something, when really we’re nothing at all?”

“Cyrus,” Buffy said softly, grabbing his shoulders. “You’ve always had a problem overthinking things. That’s all this is. But, if you are so unsure, you should talk to him. For all you know, he’s out there somewhere, ranting to Jonah or Andi about how he thinks that there may be nothing between you guys.”

Cyrus looked up at Buffy and smiled, pulling her in for a hug. “Thanks, Buffy. You’re right, I should talk to him,” he agreed, but was cut short by the loud trilling sound of the school bell. “But after class.”

*

TJ: ill be at swings then <3

Cyrus pocketed his phone, not before gushing internally at the heart TJ had sent, before trudging in the direction of the park. To be honest, a part of him still hurt to walk there, to go to the swings, the memory of TJ and Kira laughing and having fun still in his mind, trying desperately to claw into him. He tried to push it away but it wouldn’t budge, not one bit.

As he neared the playground, Cyrus spotted a figure sitting on one of the swings, swaying slightly. He smiled and jogged up to him, knowing exactly who it was.

“Is that swing taken?” Cyrus said as he approached the swings, and TJ turned around, a bright smile on his face.

“Only by you,” he said, gesturing to the seat. Cyrus smiled and sat down on the swing, the nervousness returning slightly as he remembered what he needed to say.

“How was your day?” he asked instead, trying to give himself time to think.

TJ just shrugged. “Just a normal day I guess. Kinda disappointing, was hoping I’d meet someone,” he said, smirking slightly.

Cyrus felt his cheeks grow warm as he raised an eyebrow. “Oh really?”

TJ just chuckled, looking up at Cyrus as his smile softened. “Seriously though. Where were you all day? I didn’t see you anywhere.”

“Oh you know, just busy, like, people to see and help and stuff ya know,” Cyrus said, trying to be causal, but he knew from the way that TJ’s smile dropped that he had not been the least bit convincing. So he shook his head, looking down as he dug into the ground with the tip of his shoe. “Sorry, it’s just.”

“Is this about what happened at Andi’s party?” TJ cut in, his voice quiet and shaky. Cyrus looked up, meeting his eye and slowly nodded.

TJ sighed, running a hand through his hair. “I shouldn’t have done that,” he said in a voice barely louder than a whisper. “I, I’m so sorry.”

“No, no,” Cyrus said quickly, reaching across the swings to grab TJ’s hand. “That’s not what I meant. I am so glad it happened.”

TJ looked down at his hand, before looking back up at Cyrus, eyebrows knitted together in confusion. “You, you are?”

“Yes,” Cyrus said, his voice cracking. “So much so that sometimes I can’t believe it actually happened.”

TJ let out a short laugh. “Me neither. I feel like I need to pinch myself every time I think about it.”

Cyrus laughed, looking down. But his smile dropped slightly. “But, it’s more me being confused.”

“About what?”

“Well, us. From someone who has witnessed the highs and lows of relationships, hand-holding can mean anything.”

TJ nodded, looking down. Cyrus looked at him intently, before looking back down at the ground.

“Also, you did walk into the party with Kira.”

At that, TJ let out a sigh, and he let go of Cyrus’ hand, grabbing the chain of the swing. “Yeah, I get it’s confusing Cyrus. But I can explain.”

“So go ahead,” Cyrus said, giving him a small smile of encouragement. TJ looked up at Cyrus and nodded, as if he were steadying his resolve.

“Remember Costume Day?”

Cyrus scoffed, looking down. “I don’t think it could be clearer at times.”

TJ drew a shaky breath and looked ahead. “Well, the day before, Kira walked up to me asking me to do a costume with her. But I told her twice that I was doing it with you. But then, she said something weird. Like, ‘So you’d rather do a costume with Cyrus than with me?’ and then just walked away. But as she left I, I felt weird, like she was saying she knew something, something I wasn’t ready for people to know.”

“TJ,” Cyrus whispered, realisation dawning on him. But TJ didn’t hear him.

“I got scared, Cy. Really scared. So I just went along with her costume, even though it killed me to see your face. And I’m so so sorry for that,” he said, finally looking at Cyrus.

“It’s okay TJ, at least I know now,” Cyrus replied, giving him a small smile.

TJ looked back ahead. “After that day, she just came up to me all the time. And soon enough, I found out we had things in common. So hanging out with her didn’t feel too bad. It felt like a lot of it was her betting me I couldn’t do things, so I’d do them. But I didn’t really notice. But one thing I did notice was how much I missed you,” TJ said, sighing. “That’s why I wanted you to hang out with me and Kira. I missed hanging out like we used to, so I thought that we three could hang out.”

“That worked out well,” Cyrus said, and TJ laughed quietly.

“Not my best suggestion in hindsight.”

“Agreed on that,” Cyrus said, but he turned back to TJ. “But then what happened at the party for you to say she isn’t a nice person?”

“Um,” TJ muttered, scratching the inside of his thumb. “She, um, she said something about you.”

“What?” Cyrus said incredulously, turning to look at TJ.

“Well, not said. Okay,” TJ fumbled, squeezing his eyes shut. “You guys were all dancing and Kira and I were standing at the side. Then, she looked over at you and began laughing at your dancing.”

“Well, I don’t blame her,” Cyrus said, smirking, and TJ playfully punched him in the shoulder.

“I don’t know, I just couldn’t bear it. So I snapped at her.”

“You defended me?”

“Bold of you to assume it was the first time.”

Cyrus smiled, looking at TJ curiously, who was purposely avoiding eye contact, his cheeks pink.

“Anyway,” TJ said, his smile dropping. “She said that what it was really about was if she were to make me pick between you and her, I’d pick you. And that’s when it hit me that she had been trying to make me do that for a while.”

“What?” Cyrus asked, narrowing his eyes. TJ looked up at the sky before looking at Cyrus.

“She tried to make me pick between you two. And I couldn’t understand why she was doing that. Because you never made me pick,” TJ said quietly, looking up shyly. “That was that, she just walked away. And just like that, she was gone.”

“Whoa,” was all Cyrus could manage.

“Yeah,” TJ said with a sigh, looking down.

“I’m sorry you had to go through that.”

“No, I’m the one that should be sorry Cyrus,” TJ said, looking over at him. “I made everything confusing.”

“Well, you and me both. My overthinking did a lot of the heavy lifting,” Cyrus replied, smirking slightly.

TJ laughed, reaching over to grab Cyrus’ hand. “But, what happened later, on the bench?” he said, looking up him, gulping nervously. “I wanted to tell you that-”

“Me too,” Cyrus said softly, moving his hand to interlock their fingers. TJ looked down at their hands, and looked back up at Cyrus, a bright, relieved smile on his face.

“So,” TJ said, after a while, swinging slightly, his and Cyrus’ hand in between their two swings. “What does this mean for us?”

Cyrus shrugged, looking at TJ. “I have no idea. This has never happened before.”

“Yeah,” TJ said, his word more an exhale.

“How about,” Cyrus started slowly, moving to interlock their pinkies, something that made TJ smile, his cheeks red, just like Cyrus’ were. “We take it slow then?”

“Slow sounds perfect,” TJ said, nodding.

“Slow it is then,” Cyrus said, and he and TJ sat on the swings for a while after that, talking about everything and nothing at the same time, all the while their hands holding each other in between the two swings.

As the evening grew darker, Cyrus sighed, pushing himself off the swing. “I should probably get home.”

“Me too,” TJ said, getting up, scratching the back of his ear. “Hey Cy, do you, uh wanna go to the Spoon after school tomorrow?”

Cyrus smiled, hopping on the balls of his feet. “Like on a date?”

“Yeah,” TJ said, twiddling his thumbs nervously.

To answer him, Cyrus leaned forward and lightly kissed TJ’s cheek, eliciting giggles from the both of them.

“I’d love to.”

 ~~~~~~

this SUCKS

Taglist for everything: @imhereforthetryus 

[gloriousstudentfury-love]

No Mass ✰

y/n’s POV

"I'm going to the Alvarez's!" I yelled

"Did you eat breakfast?" Schneider asked

"Yes." I groaned, knocking my shoes on the ground as I was anxious to get over there

"Obviously, you didn't brush your hair." Schneider said, gently patting my head

"What? Yes, I did." I gasped, pushing down my hair

"My bad. I know you didn't take your medicine." He said, shaking the orange bottle he took out of his pocket

"Come on, I'm fine. I promise." I said

"Nope. Come here." He ordered, putting one in my hand

I glared at the little white pill in my hand, wanting to put it in the trash

"Promise me you'll take it." Schneider begged

"I promise." I sighed, walking out the apartment door

I shut the door and crushed the little pill with my foot. I used my heel to push the dust under the welcome mat. 3

__________

Once I got to the Alvarez apartment, I walked right in as if I lived there. I practically did.

"What's going on today Alvarez family?" I asked, shutting the door gently behind me

"We're just moving the Pope." Penelope said as if it was a normal thing

"Do I want to know? Actually, don't answer that. I don't." I said, sitting at the kitchen table next to Alex.

"Did you take your medicine?" Alex asked, raising his eyebrows in question

"Yes." I lied, patting his shoulder

I turned to find Lydia putting up a picture of the Pope on their counter. We laughed at her as she continued to dance her way to her room.

_________

Later, I was back at the Alvarez's house. Lydia invited me and Schneider over to eat dinner with them.

"You can probably dump that whole thing on there." Schneider said, referring to the food Lydia was passing out

"Next time." Lydia, lovingly, laughed

"Hi!" We all said, as the door slammed following Penelope's entrance into the apartment

"Welcome home, Lupita. We are almost done, but there is plenty left." Lydia said, pointing to the dinner on the table

"Aw. Dinner with my entire family... and the whitest people I know." Penelope said, gesturing to me and Schneider

"We're not that white." I said, unconvincingly

"Honey, you're as white as your converse..and those are really white." Penelope joked, making everyone laugh

"Yes, I invited them, again. They're orphans." Lydia said

"Do orphans always have rich dads who buy them buildings?" Alex asked

I tensed at the mention of a dad, but shook it off with a smile. I wasn't going to cause drama in a situation that didn't really involve me.

"Hey, I may have money in the bank and two living parents, and four living stepmothers...but there is a hole in here. We never had family meals. I ate alone in front of the TV. At least now, I have this one." Schneider argued, ruffling my hair

I instantly felt guilty about not taking my medicine. I knew he wanted what was best for me, but I just couldn't bring my self to do it.

"Ay, pobrecito Schneider." Lydia said

"Oh, don't get me wrong. It was a massive TV. Sometimes my nanny would join me, but only if I agreed to watch telenovelas." Schneider said

"Ooh, those are so over the top." Elena groaned

"Right? This one time, Rosa got jealous of the housekeeper cause she was makin a move on her man, so she threatened to throw live scorpions on her while she slept." Schneider said

"Sounds good. Which one was that?" Lydia asked

"Oh, no. Rosa was my nanny. Ex nanny. Now, stepmother. I'm so glad to be here." Schneider sighed, rubbing the table

"I'm just glad to be home with everyone." Penelope said, smiling at her family

As if on cue, Elena's goth friend walked out of the bathroom and sat in Penelope's chair.

"Who the hell are you?" Penelope asked

"This is Carmen, my best friend. I'm doing my history project with her." Elena said, introducing the stranger

"These all sound like things I should know. Hi, Carmen." Penelope smiled, introducing herself

"Hi." Carmen sighed, dramatically

"I'm Penelope. Kind of a big deal around here. So, uh, what's this history project you're working on? And then maybe later you can show me how you turn into a bat." Penelope asked, teasing Elena's friend

"Well, we just got done explaining the whole thing." Elena said

"Oh, come on, mija, I missed it." Penelope begged

"Oh, wait. Alex, y/n, tell Penelope that funny story that happened in chemistry class." Lydia laughed

"Again?" Alex asked

"Okay, I'll tell it. So, there is the floor and... slip. Oh, that Dylan." Lydia laughed as she barley got through any of the story

"Oh, That story never gets old." Schneider said, laughing at Lydia's incoherent story

"I've been working so much. I've been missing all the scoops plus Latina Twilight over here. Careful. There's a lot of garlic in that chicken." Penelope said, continuing to tease Carmen

"Your mom's kinda mean. I'm obsessed with her." Carmen, oddly, smiled

"Who would like a pastelito?" Lydia asked

We all eagerly took one, ignoring the pizzas Penelope had brought home

"Mm! You know what? How about we go on a hike this Saturday like we used to?" Penelope asked her kids

"Mom, Uh, Carmen and I need all Saturday for our history thing." Elena said

"Yeah, and Abuelita, y/n, and I have tickets to wrestling." Alex cheered

"I don't understand why you waste good money on that." Penelope sighed

"It's educational." I said, attempting to convince her

Penelope stared at me with a "we both know that's bullshit" look.

"Eh, I don't know." I shrugged

"Okay, Saturday's out. How about we go on a hike Sunday morning before it gets hot?" Penelope asked

"You seem to have forgot. Sunday morning is for church." Lydia said

"So, we skip church." Penelope suggested

"You seem to have forgot. We don't skip church." Lydia said, shaking her head at her only daughter

"Mami, it's okay if we miss it one time. It's not gonna kill us." Penelope insisted

"Oh, really? My great uncle Luisito skipped church, and on the same day, he was crushed by a runaway tractor." Lydia said

"Why don't you just go to church and then go hikin' after?" Schneider asked, solving their obvious problem

"We're Latinos, Church takes all day. By the time you're done with mass and you've said hello to fulano y fulana, it's five o'clock." Penelope said

"Oh, you exaggerate. 4:30." Lydia insisted

"I wanna see these guys this weekend. Come on. Cause I like them." Penelope said, pulling her kids close to her

"I have to put my foot down. Sundays we go to church, and then sometimes we go to Applebee's." Lydia said

"Well, I have a foot, too, and I'm gonna put my foot down and say this Sunday we're not going to church." Penelope argued

"Well, I am putting both of my feet down. We are going and that is the end of it. Ya!" Lydia said, shushing Penelope

"That's not your decision to make." Penelope said, beginning to get angry

"It's starting to feel kinda like home in here." Schneider smiled, making me shake my head

"I'm with Mom. We don't need to go to church. After all, Abuelita, you don't believe half that stuff." Elena said

"I believe everything." Lydia argued

"Really? When you take the communion you believe you're eating the actual blood and flesh of Jesus?" Elena asked

"Ay, no, it's a symbol. Don't be gross." Lydia said

"Okay. So, if you believe that then you're Protestant." Penelope said

"There is no need for name calling. All I know is that a good Catholic does not skip church. Right, papito?" Lydia asked, looking towards Alex for support

"I like church. I see my friends and I eat some donuts." Alex said

"Now, this one gets it. We're going." Lydia said, patting him on the back

"No, we are not! I work hard all week. When I get home, there's barely enough time to have a meal with the kids. Weekends are my only chance. So, this Sunday, no church. End of discussion." Penelope said

Lydia stood up and said something in Spanish, confusing me and Schneider.

"Ooh." Alex and Carmen said

"What? What'd she say?" Elena asked, who was also confused

"I am raising my voice, because I cannot believe we're having this discussion! I'm their mother! I don't need permission! I decide." Penelope fought

"And I am your mother, and I decide what you decide." Lydia said

"We are a family, damn it! Don't make me choose between you." Schneider said, "Okay, I'd choose Lydia because of her warm food and even warmer hugs. But I'd feel really bad about it."

"All right, everybody, go do your homework. Schneider, take y/n and go call one of your moms." Penelope said

"Fine. Guess we'll just eat this all alone in front of my massive TV." Schneider said, storming out

"Thought that was at his dad's house-" Penelope started

"He has one too!" I yelled as we stormed out 2

_________

The next morning, I was sitting on the couch before school when someone knocked on the apartment door. Schneider went to open it to reveal the whole Alvarez family.

"Hello, Schneider. Listen have you—" Penelope started

"Wow! I always forget how huge your apartment is." Alex said, barging into the apartment

I waved from the couch before going back to my TV show, trying to ignore the chaos around me.

"Nah, come on, it's not that big. But let's talk in the parlor." Schneider said

"Schneider, have you seen my mom?" Penelope asked

"Gosh, no." Him and I, suspiciously, said

"Then why do I smell fried plantains and Cuban coffee?" Elena asked, glancing around the apartment

"Fine! She spent the night. But I want you to know, nothing happened." He promised

"Ew." I said, shaking my head at the older man

"What were you thinking chasing that women away? She's funny, charming, and when she gets angry, she cleans." He said

"Where is she?" Penelope asked, ignoring most of what he said

"I don't know. After last nights ugliness, she spent the night and left without saying goodbye. So, she already knows the drill." He said, referring to the previous women that had been in the apartment

"Again, Gross." I groaned

Then, a girl walked out a Schneider's room wearing just a shirt. Alex stared at her, making me laugh at his immaturity.

"Unlike some people." He said, glaring at the girl

The girl walked into a different room, and everyone turned their attention back towards Schneider

"What was that? And why was she drinking my coffee?" Penelope asked

"Well, when my family oasis blew up last night, I had to seek solace in the arms of.. I don't know her name. Your mom called her the stick girl and made her eat plato de huevos." He said

"Did Abuelita forget to give her her pants, too?" Alex asked, making me laugh

__________

Later, Schneider and I were still at the Alvarez's because Lydia wasn't there when Alex and Elena got home from school.

Penelope walked in and we all greeted her with smiles and waves, still worried about Lydia.

"Welcome home, Lupita! We already started, but I insisted nobody say anything interesting till you got here." Schneider said

"Aw, that's so sweet." Penelope smiled, looking at all of us sitting at the dinner table

"It's been weird." Elena sighed

"Did you find Abuelita?" Alex asked, desperate to see his grandma again

"Yeah, she's with Jesus now." Penelope said2

"What?" We all screamed, thinking she meant Lydia had died

"No, no. Sorry. She's at church. Poor choice of words. Uh, whoa! What do we have here?" Penelope asked, looking at everything Schneider had set up

"Oh, Nothing special. Just some nutted quinoa, wilted broccoli with radish micro greens, and venison carpaccio on a bed of nettles. Grab a cedar plank and dig in." Schneider said

"Big change from Abuelita's cooking, huh? You like it?" Penelope asked all of us

"I can't wait to have eaten it." Elena said, as Schneider stared at her waiting for an answer

"I didn't think I would like nettles, and I was right." Alex said, setting down the fork he was using to eat

"Well, I'm competing with perfection here." Schneider sighed

"It's okay, Schneider. We all thank you for this very Caucasian meal. Good to see you again, Elena's best friend, Carmen, you beautiful weirdo." Penelope smiled

Carmen stared at her, uninterested in what Penelope was talking about.

"I'm sorry things got crazy the other night. That's- that's not us." Penelope insisted

"Seems like us." Alex disagreed

"We have all kinds of arguments in my family. I have two brothers. Ones a priest, ones a witch, so..." Carmen said, making us look at her oddly

"I'm really glad I'm getting to know you better, Carmen." Penelope

"Hello!" Lydia said, dramatically making her reappearance through the front door

"Oh, Thank God!" Schneider said, running ahead of everyone and hugging her

"I am so glad you're home. I was wilting under pressure to be you." He groaned

"Oh, hello, babies." Lydia said, hugging Elena and Alex, then me

"I'm sure you did fine. Who threw up in the table?" Lydia said, approaching the table and judging Schneider's cooking

"What were you doing all day?" I asked

"Oh, you know, saying my Rosary, praying for the departed souls...Asking forgiveness for your mother." Lydia said

"Why?" Elena asked

"Oh, She didn't tell you? She's no longer going to church. Ever." Lydia said

"We can do that?" Alex asked

"You can't. We will all go together. Us. Your mother will go hiking with Satan." Lydia sassed

"Yeah, and then we'll go to Applebee's. Cause Satan loves the Fiesta Lime Chicken!" Penelope sassed right back

"So, I guess you want to take my grandchildren to hell with you." Lydia asked, furthering the argument between her and Penelope

"I don't wanna go to hell." Alex cried, making me pat his shoulder

"There is no hell." Penelope said

"Don't worry, papito, there is." Lydia said, not making Alex feel any better

"Okay! You- you really wanna do this? All right, let's do this. I am not even sure I even believe in God, Okay?" Penelope said

"Hardcore." Carmen said, as the Alvarez's gasped

"Oye, you're so smart. If God doesn't exist, who made all of this?" Lydia asked, gesturing around the apartment

"Target." Penelope said2

"Okay, can we agree that if there is a God, it's gender neutral and not a He or she?" Elena asked

"No! God is a man. If he were a woman, there would be less problems. Pobrecito God. He tries so hard." Lydia said5

"Look, Mami, I get it. You like going to church. It's habit. You go out in lipstick, get dressed up, see your friends, gossip. It's your little social club, Mami, and that's fine." Penelope said

"It is more than that. I pray. I seek forgiveness." Lydia said

"And I am so glad that that gives you comfort. But that doesn't mean that God exists, okay? I'm sorry." Penelope said

"He kept you safe. Every day that you were gone, he kept you safe. My little girl says she wants to go in the Army, and then the army sends her to Afghanistan where she is getting shot at and I don't even know what else. Do you have you any idea... how much I worried? When you were deployed, I went to church everyday and I prayed that he would keep you safe. And he did. So don't you tell me about God. I know that God exists, and he is great." Lydia said, crying as she finished her story

"Mami, I'm sorry. I had no idea. You know, you went missing for one day and I was worried sick. I can't imagine what it must feel like to worry all those years." Penelope said

"All those years putting up with Birdie, with her terrible hairdos and her smelly breath." Lydia said

"Look. I still wear the cross you gave me." Penelope said, showing her the dainty cross necklace

"So you do believe!" Lydia exclaimed

"No, I don't wear it because it's a cross. I wear it because you gave it to me." Penelope said

"I don't understand the difference, so please just let me have this." Lydia said

They both sobbed and hugged each other, as everyone else looked on with a smile.

"So, are we going to church or not?" Elena asked

"Yes. Wait, no. Wait.. Sometimes, okay?" Penelope asked

"At least at Christmas and Easter. And one other time, so we are not those people." Lydia said

"And I'm not saying God doesn't exist. In fact, I check in with him constantly, you know, like, 'please God don't let Elena come home with a face tattoo.' And Mami, I am glad that you find comfort in church. I just find it in different places." Penelope said

"That's how I feel when I watch John Cena." Alex said, making everyone laugh

"Exactly, or Sonia Sotomayor... or Death. Everyone has something that inspires them." Penelope said

__________

The next morning, I was sat on the couch with Alex watching the News. All of a sudden, a story about a car swerving off a bridge, into a lake, came on.

I stopped focusing on what Alex was talking about and stayed glued to the TV. As the story went on it started getting harder to breath, and I was shaking, and my eyes were tearing up.

"y/n? y/n! What's wrong?" Alex asked,  grabbing my hand when he heard my labored breaths

"I... can't... breath." I said, shaking my head and crying

"Mom!" Alex screamed, calling out for an adult to come help

"What?" She asked running in, quickly rushing to the couch

"Something's wrong with y/n." He said, tearing up as I continued to shake and attempt to catch my breath.

"I'll go get Schneider. Wait here." She said, running out the apartment door

Elena, Alex, and Lydia tried to get me to calm down, but I just couldn't.

"Where is she?" Schneider asked, running in with Penelope.

When he saw me on the couch, he sat down and placed his hands on my shoulders, forcing me to look at him.

"Okay, okay. Remember your breathing. Breath in, 1,2,3,4,5. Breath out, 6,7,8,9,10." He said

We did that couple times, and I calmed down to the point where I could at least talk.

"What happened, kid?" He asked, rubbing my back in comfort

"The news. And the story, the car, bridge, lake." I said, beginning to tear up again

"y/n. Why didn't you take your medicine?" Schneider asked, realizing what had happened

"I did." I lied

"No, it wouldn't have been this bad if you had." He insisted

"I can't, okay? Every time I take those pills, I feel numb. And as crazy as it sounds, I want to feel the pain. I need to realize that what happened to my parents is real, not some horrible nightmare that I can just forget. I need to remember, and I need to heal on my own. I know I'll never have a mom who cares for me, or siblings to comfort me, or a dad to hang out with. I miss that, but pretending it's not real is worse." I said crying

Everyone stared at me either with teary eyes or sympathy, making me want to sink into the couch.

"Hey, I may not be your mom or your dad, but I'll always be there for you. I didn't think I'd enjoy taking in someone else's child, but since you've been with me I couldn't imagine life without you. You're my family." Schneider said, hugging me, "You can't hide these kind of thing from me, though. You have to try and be honest about it."

"We'll always be here too. For anything." Alex said, coming in to wrap me in hug

The rest of the family joined in one big hug, making me realize that Schneider was right. I may have lost my biological family, but family isn't just about DNA. It's about surrounding yourself with the people who will love and care for you through everything, and that's what Schneider and the Alvarez's are to me.

_________

Alright, I hope this chapter provides an idea of what happened to her parents. Thank you guys for the reads!! And please, any feedback is welcomed.

[holidaywishes]

back home

Part seven: back home

  Summary: A few months after your accident, and making up with Brendan, you decide to head back to Montreal to stay with him for a bit.

  Author’s Note: So, this one’s short but it’s been forever since I’ve updated this series but life happened. Anyway! I don’t know how many more ‘chapters’ of this one there will be -- I’m hoping to end it on an even number lol -- but I still feel like there needs to be more Gally imagines out there! We’ll see how my brain works with that in the future but if anyone feels the same and wants me to write something, my asks are always open!

  Warning: Angst maybe? Other than that nothing 

  masterlist

  Being back in Brendan’s apartment felt surreal. Nothing had really changed; he kept all your artwork, the throw blankets were still on the couches that you put them on, each room had scented candles or fairy lights to add “a little something” as you used to say. 

  It was as if you never left.

  “Wow, Bren,” you giggled, “you didn’t change anything”

  “I couldn’t. I knew you’d be back home soon and I wanted you to be comfortable..” You smiled at his admission, leaning up to kiss him on the cheek quickly and wandered into the kitchen. You weren’t really sure what you were looking for, so you opened the fridge and stared at the items until Brendan asked you what was wrong

  “Nothing, no. I just..” you started, “I think you need some groceries. I’ll head over to the store and get some stuff. Anything you want? That you’re craving?”

  “I can go, you just stay here and rest” he smiled 

  “I don’t need to rest, I’m fine. Really. Honestly, I should be doing more. It’s been three months since I’ve been out of the hospital, it’s probably time that my life gets back to normal” you admitted

  “I just don’t want you to overexert yourself and end up getting hurt,” he said as he leaned his forehead against yours, “I worry about you”

  “There’s no need to worry, trust me,” you laughed, “if you’re so worried, you can come with me.” You knew you didn’t need him to come with you but it was obvious that he wasn’t going to let you go alone, so you told him what you knew he needed to hear. Something you’d done so many times before. When you got to the store, he let you lead him through the aisles and you picked up all of the things that you’d been craving for months as well as a few things that you knew you’d need for meals. You were glad that this felt normal, like you truly were just picking up where you left off and not pretending to live someone else’s life but you could tell Brendan was being extremely cautious with you.

  “I’m not gonna break” you laughed, breaking the silence and the careful looks you could feel him giving you

  “Huh?” he questioned, unconvincingly

  “I can feel you watching me, Bren,” you looked back once, before setting your eyes forward to see where you were going, “I’m fine. I feel fine, I won’t break just from walking through the grocery store…”

  “Maybe I’m just watching you because I like looking at you, ever think of that?” he joked and you rolled your eyes as you continued walking, picking up a bag of chips as you passed them

  “Sure, okay” you said

  “Hey,” he stopped you and pulled you closer to him, leaving you to raise your eyebrows in shock, “I was serious you know?”

  “What? that you like looking at me?” you laughed, trying to turn away but he didn’t let you

  “Well yeah,” he smiled faintly, “but that I want you to be careful. I don’t want you getting hurt because you think you can do more than you can right now.”

  “Brendan, please,” you finally escaped his hold and continued walking, “I told you, it’s been three months. If I stop doing things, I’ll never get better and I’ll end up having the bone density of a 90 year old grandma. Just trust me, I know what I’m doing.” He didn’t argue with you the rest of the trip and he only asked once how you were feeling in the car on the way home. He was trying, you could tell, to start fresh. To make it as though the relationship you ended was not the relationship you were starting, but you couldn’t tell if you wanted that or not. The rest of the night, the two of you sat in almost complete, comfortable silence with each other -- eating dinner, catching up on Orange is the New Black and Jane the Virgin, cuddling up next to each other on the couch -- but you couldn’t help feeling like there was an itch you needed to scratch.

  “What’s wrong?” Brendan finally asked, “are you okay? Feeling some pain somewhere? I knew it, you should’ve rested, I should’ve made you rest”

  “No, stop!” you said, louder than you meant to, “why would you think something is wrong?” 

  “You’re just being really quiet. You haven’t been this quiet since…” you waited for his answer but rolled your eyes at what he gave you, “since we broke up”

  “Since we broke up? You mean since I left and wouldn’t return your calls?” you questioned and he nodded, “everything’s fine, Brendan, don’t worry. I’m not in any pain. I don’t need any rest. Everything’s fine.” Your words were abrupt on purpose. You wanted him to feel them and understand that something really was wrong, even if you weren’t sure what it was, but he didn’t. He just went back to watching the screen and pulling you close to cuddle with him. You tried to push whatever you were feeling out of your head for now, so you told Brendan you were going to head to bed and walked up the stairs to his bedroom. He came in shortly after you laid down, having cleaned and locked up everything downstairs, and tucked himself into you. When you woke up the next morning, you were surprised to see his side of the bed was empty and a note was left on the pillow.

  “Didn’t want to wake you, had to head to the rink for practice but I’ll see you tonight. Have a good day, love you.” 

  Short and sweet, just like Brendan. Without him hanging around today, you thought you’d be able to relax and do as you pleased; you just weren’t sure where to start. You found yourself wandering around the house to see if anything needed to be cleaned or organized, but oddly enough, he was like he was staying out of certain rooms all together -- it made the house look eerie. You decided to poke around in the guest room, not looking for anything in particular, when you across an old photo album you had never seen before; opening it, you found pictures of you as a baby and Brendan growing up, his family and yours, then you saw pictures of flowers and babies and baby animals when it hit you. It was some kind of wedding scrapbook. You thought only girls planned their lives, or at least their weddings, so far in advance but apparently Brendan had been thinking about spending his life with you for longer than you thought possible. Wandering out of the guest room to the couch, you flipped through the rest of the pages of the book, tossing it aside when you were finished and sighing when you realized what was wrong. A few hours later, Brendan came home to you watching a movie on the couch and circled to sit down, stopping when he saw the scrapbook

  “You found that huh?” he laughed, picking it up and placing it on the table behind the couch as he sat down next you

  “I did” you smiled but not making eye contact, choosing instead to watch your fingers fiddle with the hem of your pants

  “What’s up?” he asked

  “Why do you have this? Why did you make it?” you replied, finally looking up at him and pointing to the book

  “Like you never thought about our future” he joked, smiling his signature smile

  “I did,” you smiled briefly, “I used to”

  “Past tense?” he asked, scrunching his eyebrows

  “Brendan,” you started, grabbing the scrapbook off the table and flipping through it, “look at this. This isn’t who we are anymore. I used to think that I wanted all of this -- the big princess gown, the white lillies, a wedding in Spring with you as the one waiting for me at the altar -- but I can’t picture it anymore. It seems like another lifetime”

  “So.. you can’t see us getting married or having kids? Growing old together.” The expression on his face softened and it looked as though he might cry

  “I’ve been trying to figure out all day what’s been wrong. Why I feel out of place, why things don’t feel… natural, and looking through this scrapbook finally made me realize”

  “That you don’t love me?” he said bluntly, looking at the ground and you brought your hands to his

  “That we haven’t acknowledged anything.” You replied, “we never talked about what happened when I cheated, we never talked about all the fighting and arguing that happened before we broke up. And after my accident, we just picked up where we left off. Which should’ve, and could’ve, been great but it was like there was all of this stuff still unsaid. You’ve never talked about how you felt before we broke up, you never talked about how hurt you were until we started yelling at each other all the time. I love you, B, and I always want you in my life, whatever that looks like, but I can’t just continue on with this relationship if nothing is going to change. If we both just have to continue pretending that we’re the people we were four or five years ago.”

  “Sure, we’re different than when we first met,” he admitted, “but if I can get over what happened in the past, and you can, do we have to bring it back? Can’t it just stay in the past?”

  “Come on, Bren,” you sighed, “I think you know the answer to that”

  “You want me to tell you everything? To be painfully honest with you about everything that went down?” he started, turning his body to yours, “I can’t. Not really. I can tell you that it hurt like hell when I found out you were with someone else. I was pissed off at the two of you because I thought that our relationship was stronger than that but I loved you enough, and I knew you loved me enough, that I knew we would be okay. And we were. And then we weren’t. And then we were. And I never stopped loving you or wanting to spend my life with you and that car accident just made me realize how much I need you in my life. So, yeah. I want to put everything in the past because I believe we can leave it there and still be us. I don’t care about what happened before we broke up, I care about what happens now and what we mean to each other now.” You were a bit shocked by his words and didn’t know what to say, so you were silently staring at him for about five minutes before he called out your name

  “Just promise me, you’ll talk to me,” you finally said, “whenever something is wrong. I don’t want us to be in that place where we just fight all the time. Not again. Okay?”

  “Okay” he smiled before pulling you close to him, wrapping his arms around you and kissing you deeply.

  “We do need to talk about this scrapbook thing though” you joked, pulling away from the kiss for a second

  “Hmm mmm nope,” he mumbled, pecking your lips between words, “not now. Right now, I’m just gonna kiss you until we both fall asleep.”

  “And then tomorrow we talk about it?” you tried but he just shook his head and continued planting kisses along your jawline, toward your neck and back to your lips; leaving you to ignore the scrapbook for now.

[filmfanatic82]

AO3 Link (HERE)

Chapter 11

“But nothing is better, sometimes

Once we've both said our goodbyes

Let's just let it go

Let me let you go

Quiet when I'm coming home and I'm on my own

I could lie, say I like it like that, like it like that

I could lie, say I like it like that, like it like that”

-- When the Party’s Over, Billie Eilish

__________

“Okay, so it’s definitely not Kaleb,” Hope says with a strong exhale of air as she sits down next to Penelope on the main hall staircase a short while later. 

Penelope stops twirling the paperback copy of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban and looks over at Hope. “You sure?” 

“1000%. I had to spend a good thirty minutes explaining what a cardigan even was to him… Any luck with Pedro?”

“Nope. The boy hasn’t heard anything. Promised to keep his eyes and ears peeled, though, just in case.”

“And you trust he won’t mention that we’re looking for it?” Hope asks with a quirk of her brow.

“Yup. His lips are sealed. Bribed him with half a dozen comic books and fifty bucks,” Penelope offers up. 

“Comic books?” 

“MG. Told him I needed them as collateral.” Penelope pauses for a moment to run her hands through her messy locks and tucks a few loose strands behind her ears. “Promised I’d replace them as soon as I could. Just add that to things I need to do if we survive the next few days.”

“Have you ever even stepped foot in a comic book store?”

“What’d you think?” Penelope replies.

“I think MG might as well kiss those comics goodbye,” Hope says with a light laugh. 

“Thanks for the vote of confidence, Furball.” Penelope starts to twirl the book once again, channeling all of her pent up anxiety and nerves into the mundane action. “Also talked with Raf, Jed, Emma, and that pack of freshman witches that like to follow me around. Nothing from any of them.”

“Who’s left?” Hope asks in earnest which only causes Penelope to answer with a ‘you’ve got to be kidding me’ look. “What?”

“I’ll give you two guesses.”

“Fuck.” Hopes slumps down further onto the steps as the realization hits her dead on. “You don’t think…”

“No clue… I mean it’s possible. But it’s also possible that a 6th-century possessed gargoyle did it as well. So who knows?”

“Not possible.”

“Huh?”

“The gargoyle. It’s not possible. They can be enchanted but can’t outright perform magic on their own. So it’s not a gargoyle.”

Penelope gives a hard roll of her eyes. “I can’t believe you just said that.”

“You’re the one that brought up a gargoyle, not me.”

“I was being facetious, Hope,” Penelope fires back with a slightly heightened level of annoyance. Hope senses the tension radiating off of Penelope and without another word, wraps her arm around the raven-haired girl. 

“Hey. I told you already. We’ll find the sweater, okay?” 

“What if it’s Josie?” The question hanging in the air between them for a moment or two, neither one quite ready to fully embrace that reality. 

“Or it could be Lizzie,” Hope says back with a shrug. “It’s a fifty fifty, right?” 

“Liz I can deal with, but Josie…” Penelope trails off as her fingers drift upwards towards her neck. 

“Then we’ll divide and conquer. You take Lizzie and I’ll take Josie.” Hope glances down at her watch. “It’s almost 8 pm now. Best place to start is their dorm room. I can head there now while you check the kitchen.”

“The kitchen?” 

A noticeable blush spreads across Hope’s cheeks. “Lizzie usually likes to grab a bag of those kettle chips that Alaric stocks in the pantry before heading up to bed.”

The tension slightly dissipates from Penelope as she can’t help but laugh. “Stalker much?”

“Not a stalker,” Hope says, regaining her composure. “I’ve just run into her while grabbing a late-night snack for myself once or twice before. That’s all.”

“Uh-huh,” Penelope hums unconvincingly.

Now it’s Hope’s turn to roll her eyes. She unwraps herself from Penelope, giving her a hard but playful shove in the shoulder as she does and then rises to her feet. “God, are you always this annoying?” 

Penelope doesn’t respond. Instead, she rises up as well and flashes Hope one of her trademark smirks. “Meet back here in thirty?”

“Thirty it is,” Hope starts to head up the staircase, but suddenly stops halfway. “And don’t go and do anything stupid, Park. Cause I’m not quite in the mood to save your ass tonight.” 

“I make no promises, Mikaelson.”

__________

Penelope aimlessly wanders down the desolate hallway lost within her own sea of thoughts. 

There had been no signs of Lizzie-- no anyone else for the matter-- in kitchen. Nor the dining hall. Or even the secret teachers’ pantry that no one is supposed to know about. 

Not a soul to be found anywhere.

But that’s what’s to be expected late on a Sunday evening at the Salvatore School. A dead quiet campus. Students tucked away within their dorms, either already fast asleep or in the process of going to bed. 

Absolutely nothing out of the ordinary.

And that’s what makes Penelope’s skin crawl.

It’s too normal.

Like an eerie stillness before a storm.

“Hello, Satan,” Lizzie’s voice cuts through the silence sending an instant set of chills running down Penelope’s spine. She stops dead in her tracks and slowly turns around to find Lizzie standing at the other end of the hallway. The blonde-haired siphoner locks eyes with Penelope as her face contorts into a sick smirk of satisfaction.

And then, Penelope sees it.  

The yellow sweater.

Josie’s yellow sweater. 

It dangles limp and lifeless from Lizzie’s hand, almost irreconcilable in the darken, moonlit shadows except for its Salvatore School patch partway peeling off of the threadbare fabric.  

“Missing something?” Lizzie asks raising the sweater ever so slightly as she does. A wave of gut-churning fear crashes down upon Penelope, causing her legs to wobble. She swallows dryly and desperately tries to hold onto her emotionless composure as Lizzie slowly makes her way closer.

“Liz, I can--” 

“Explain?” Lizzie cuts Penelope off, voice dripping with sarcasm. “Oh, I’m dying to hear it. Especially the part where you explain exactly how you wound up in possession of what looks to be my sister’s sweater when I know for a fact that it’s in our dorm room right now on the back of Josie’s desk chair.”

“It’s not her sweater.” The lie flows freely from Penelope’s lips without hesitation and yet she knows right away that it isn’t enough to convince Lizzie. 

“Nice try,” Lizzie replies. “Actually, I take that back. It’s a horrible try. Do you think I’m an idiot? Her name is written right here on the tag.”

Lizzie flips the sweater over and holds up the tag for Penelope to see, but it’s not needed. Penelope has long since burned those five black scrawled out letters into her memory. 

“So we’re going to try this one more time. What are you doing with my sister’s sweater?”

“Liz, it’s not what you think.”

“Ha!” Liz takes another step forward, causing Penelope to counter with her own step backward. “There. You did it again. You called me Liz. Talk about waving a gigantic red flag. I knew something was off from the very first moment you called me Liz. But no… Everyone said I was overreacting and being paranoid. That there was nothing unusual about it.” 

“You know you’re monologuing, right?” Penelope says trying to defuse the growingly dangerous situation. She knows she’s once again playing with fire, but sarcastic remarks have always been her fallback. The last resort of sorts for whenever things aren’t looking so hot.

“Shut up!” Lizzie shouts with a burst of anger. Penelope takes yet another step backward in caution, eyes never leaving Lizzie. 

Not even for the slightest of milliseconds. 

Josie might’ve almost killed her, but Lizzie…

Lizzie is the real Saltzman twin to watch out for. 

Although Penelope never had the opportunity to witness her in action firsthand, the tales were more than enough to paint a picture of what the fair-haired Saltzman could potentially do if provoked. 

“Please…” Penelope pauses for a moment as her eyes brief dart away from Lizzie and towards the sweater. “Just give me the sweater and I promise I’ll explain everything.” 

“Yeah. Don’t think so, Park.” Lizzie inches closer and Penelope notices how her hand clenches even harder around the yellow fabric, almost to the point of disintegration. It’s another telltale warning. One that Penelope can’t help but fixate on.

Can Lizzie siphon from the sweater?  

No.

Not possible. 

It’s just a sweater. 

There isn’t an ounce of magical energy within it and yet…

The question still lingers with Penelope. Ever present and nagging.

“Who are you?” The single question comes out as a growl and Penelope grits her teeth as another, more powerful set of chills run rampant throughout the length of her body.  

“I’m Penelope.”

“Eh’nt! Wrong answer.”

“I am. I swear.”

“You want to know how I know you’re lying?” Lizzie responds, eyeing narrowing down with laser-like focus. “The sweater told me so.” 

“What?”

“Did I stutter? The sweater.”

Penelope shakes her head trying desperately to follow along. “But how? I don’t…”

“Oh wow… I think this is a first. Finally, there’s something that the all-power Penelope Park doesn’t know,” Lizzie replies. “I used an aetate charm mixed in with a super dose of whatever magic I siphoned from your room, which by the way, was off the charts. I haven’t had a rush like that since I accidentally siphoned off of my great aunt Gladys during Thanksgiving dinner. She was a notoriously powerful witch in our coven and let’s just say after siphoning from her I was able to levitate my dad’s Land Rover for like a month.” 

Lizzie pauses for a moment, getting lost within the memory and Penelope takes the opportunity to quickly glance behind her at the library doorway. 

Only 20 feet away.

She could make a run for it and maybe track down Hope… 

Or MG… 

Or anyone else that could help her defuse Lizzie. 

“Don’t you even dare think about it,” Lizzie says and Penelope whips her attention back around to the blonde-haired siphoner. “Now where was I? Oh right… The sweater. The funniest thing happened when I used the aetate charm. It revealed that this sweater was somehow ten years old. Which is impossible because I know for a fact that my sister bought this sweater only four years ago. So which brings me back to my question… Who are you and what is this?”

“I told you already… I’m Penelope Park. And that is Josie’s sweater.” Penelope holds her breath upon these words, as an unsettling silence falls between the two of them. She studies the icy blue eyes staring back at her and suddenly wishes that she had paid more attention to all of those times that Caroline had tried to teach her the art of mind compulsion. 

“Gelida.”

The curse hits Penelope before she has time to even process the word that Lizzie has just uttered. Every muscle in her body instantly locks, frozen by an invisible force. Penelope can’t move an inch, let alone even blink. 

All she can do is breathe.

Lizzie inches forward as a look of puzzlement crossed over her face. “Okay. Now I know for sure you aren’t Penelope. The real Penelope would’ve seen that coming from a mile away. Hell, even Pedro would’ve.” 

Penelope rages against the curse with every ounce of strength she has in her, beyond desperate to respond. But the curse wins out. She’s paralyzed. 

“If you won’t tell me the truth, then let's see what you have to say to Josie and my dad,” Lizzie says. She gives Penelope one last look before turning on her heels and taking off down the hallway.

And all Penelope can do is watch in frozen silence, as wave after wave of the dreaded impending doom slowly drowns her.

__________ 

“Pen?” 

Penelope’s eyes pop open at the distinct sound of Josie’s voice. It's been well over an hour since Lizzie left her and all that she’s managed to regain control over so far is her eyelids and her left pinky finger. 

“Penelope?” The voice grows closer and Penelope once again fights against the invisible force that is holding her hostage within her own body. She screams out internally, desperate to answer, but no sound emerges. 

“Pen? Where are-- Oh my god! Pen?!” Josie rounds the corner of the hallway and finally comes into view. Penelope’s eyes light up and she blinks rapidly. It isn’t much, but it’s enough for Josie to instantly understand.

Josie places her hand on the nearby wall. “Regelo!”

Penelope collapses against the hardwood floor with a thud. She slowly rolls over onto her side as a long groan escapes her lips. Everything hurts. 

“Pen! Are you alright?” Josie rushes over and crouches down next to the raven-haired girl. Penelope nods as she takes a moment to recompose herself.

“Yeah. I’m okay,” Penelope replies. She pushes herself up into a sitting position and cracks her neck. “Just insanely sore.” 

“What happened? Who did this to you?” 

“It doesn’t matter.”

“Pen…” 

“It doesn’t.” Penelope shakes her head. “How’d you know where to find me?”

“Lizzie. She burst into our room ranting and raving that you weren’t the real you but some sort of demon and that she had trapped you in the downstairs hallway. I sorta ran out on her after that, but she threw this at me as I was leaving.” Josie pauses for a moment and pulls out the yellow sweater from the pocket of her sweatshirt. “She said she found it in your room? It looks like my sweater, but… but it can’t be. This one’s all torn up and destroyed… Pen, what is this?”

Penelope stares at the sweater as her mind races for something-- anything-- to say. 

“Penelope?” Josie asks again and the underlying quiver to her voice slices through Penelope like a white-hot knife. 

Penelope closes her eyes and then swallows back down the rising lump of emotions in the back of her throat. “It’s yours.” 

“What?”

“It’s your sweater.” 

“But… I don’t… How?” 

“Because it is.” 

It’s not an answer. 

It’s a deflection.

And a vague one a best.

Josie deserves more. An actual explanation as to why the sweater exists and its origins. 

But revealing the truth-- even the vaguest of tidbits-- is nothing short of opening Pandora’s box. 

A risk that Penelope isn’t willing to take. Especially not when she knows the potential horrors that can come from it. 

“You promised you wouldn’t lie to me,” Josie says and Penelope feels the emotional blade cut even deeper. 

“I know.”

“Then tell me the truth.”

“I can’t…” Penelope replies in nothing more than a whisper and as soon as the words leave her lips, she knows that they are the final two nails in the coffin. 

But there’s no other choice.

Josie’s chocolate brown eyes burn into Penelope’s skin as the silence of the desolate hallway once again all but engulf them. And all Penelope can do is focus on the yellow sweater on the ground before her. 

Her once most beloved possession now turned Achilles heel.

“Then we’re done.” 

The words hang heavy in the air, reverberating in the space around Penelope. She shuts her eyes in an effort to hold back the forthcoming tears and gives the tiniest of nods in understanding.

Footsteps soon follow, growing fainter and fainter until finally disappearing altogether back into the darkness. 

Penelope doesn’t need to open her eyes to confirm what her heart already knows. Josie is gone. 

And this time, it’s for good.