#yes I did have a tough time in Middle School thank you

[starspanner]

Ah, the Foam-Flower!

Silm fandom, this is for you.

[patscorner]

write a Paige fic with them being rivals on the court but secret lovers off the court please and thank you patty🫶

yes ma'am 🫡

Always and Forever

Summary: You and Paige hate each other, or that's what you have everyone else thinking.

wc: 1,780

Contains: swearing, two kisses, just fluff

______________________________

For as long as you could remember, you loved basketball. You don't know when it started, but you knew that it was gonna be your future career. You joined your first team in 5th grade, and quickly became MVP, making progress faster than you could blink.

There was another girl in your class, and for whatever reason, she hated you. She also happened to be on the same basketball team. She made it known she didn't like you, because the first day of tryouts, she shoved you for no reason. Her hatred for you didn't stop there though, she refused to pass the ball to you, even if it meant costing your team a game, or taking unnecessary risks.

Nobody knew why she disliked you, but that animosity only grew as you both did. But there wasn't anything you could do, you both loved basketball, and you weren't gonna stop playing because some kid didn't like you.

But what you didn't know is that she felt the exact opposite. She was so painfully in love with you and so deep in the closet that she didn't know what to do with these feelings. Her only solution was to make you hate her.

Another thing you didn't know is that you felt the exact same way. If an outsider were to look at you two, you'd think it was one of the most intense long lasting rivalries of all time. But you two were head over heels for each other.

You only found out your junior year in high school, because the teachers and coaches were tired of you both bickering. They put you two in a room and told you to figure your shit out. Obviously, it started in a screaming match, but eventually you both grew tired of arguing, and a different type of tension filled the room.

You both start to have an actual conversation, without the arguing and fighting. Of course, there were small jabs at each other, you both still weren't friends, but by the end of the day, you weren’t enemies. Nobody knew that you were gay, so the only solution in your eyes was to pretend to hate each other.

Eventually, she admitted her feelings for you, and you didn't say you liked her back, but instead answered with a kiss. You started dating shortly after, and decided to keep your relationship on the down low. You both know it's for the best, as not everyone was open to the idea of you being gay, including your parents, so you both continued pretending to hate each other.

Even if everybody else thought you couldn’t stand each other, you were so head over heels for the kid who hated you for all of elementary and middle school.

Little did you know that kid would end up being the Paige Bueckers.

“So how does it feel being matched up against Paige Bueckers? I know that you guys have a long history.” the reporter asks, her smile matching yours. Oh, you have history. She's been your girlfriend for about five years now, but the media didn't know.

You and her were never super far from each other, since she got accepted to Uconn, and you got a scholarship to CCSU. The colleges were only thirty-five minutes away from each other, so that made seeing each other much easier.

“Yeah, it's gonna be tough, she's a good basketball player, y’know, great defense, amazing three-pointers.” You smile at the camera. “I'm excited, I can't wait to absolutely destroy her. I've done it before, and I'll do it again, no problem.”

The reporter chuckles at your words. “Big talk, can't wait to see the match up. Anything last words for Paige?” You can't help but smile at the reporter’s egging you on.

“Yeah, give me your worst, Bueckers. I'm coming for you, baby.” You say with a wink, before thanking the reporter, and walking away. You can't help but shake your head at the ridiculousness of your empty words. Everyone but Paige thought you were being serious, and to an extent you were, you had a bet with her that you'd score more than twenty points this game, but the rest was bullshit.

Of course, Paige saw the interview, laughing at your ‘seriousness’. So when it was her turn to be interviewed, she had to say something back.

“I mean, it'll be a fun game. Can't wait to see the big game that CCSU’s ‘top player’ was yapping about.” She throws up hand quotations and tilts her head mockingly as she speaks. “I'm excited to bring her hell and knock her off that tall ass high horse she's sat herself on.”

The reporter is eating up every word coming out of Paige’s mouth.

“Lots of trash talk from both ends, it seems the feud continues?” Paige nods and smiles. “Always and forever.” She winks at the camera as she speaks.

Always and forever.

The words Paige made you repeat back to her when she gave you the promise ring that you had safety-pinned to your jersey at all times. When you first put it there, it sent the media into a spiral, rumors spreading like wildfires. When interviewers finally asked you about it, you said there was someone, but the rumors about who were all incorrect.

Nobody would've guessed Paige, and you both made sure to keep it that way.

The game was just as tough as you imagined it would be. With 4 seconds left in the fourth quarter, the score was tied, 89-89. It was the Huskies ball, and they had one chance to win.

Nika passes the ball to Aubrey from out-of-bounds, starting the shot clock. Aubrey sneaks past defense, and attempts to pass into Paige. But, Aubrey's defender blocks the shot with her fingers, sending the ball flying into your hands.

You react quickly, sprinting back towards the basket, watching as the shot clock hits one second. You're only half-court, but you don't have enough time to get any closer, so you take the risk and let the ball fly.

Just as the ball leaves your hands, the buzzer goes off, and the stadium goes silent as the ball soars through the air. You freeze as you watch the ball fall through the net, the crowd erupting into screams. Your shot went in, making the final score 92-89.

You're immediately surrounded by your teammates, who are chest bumping you, and dapping you up. This moment is something you never want to end, but there's something missing. This moment won't be the same without one thing.

You manage to wiggle free from your extremely hyped up teammates, ignoring your name being called as you make your way to the Uconn bench. You try to ignore the eyes on you, as you find the only person you want to ever have to look for.

When you spot the back of her head, you quickly make your way to her before your confidence runs out. You pull her sleeve, and her eyebrows furrow as she makes eye contact with you.

“What-” She starts, but you cut her off.

“I'm going to kiss you now.” You say, but you don't move. You want to make sure this is what she wants, but as the smile grows on her face, her compliance becomes clear.

“Okay.” she nods as her face turns a bright pink.

You grin as you pull her into a searing kiss, her hands finding your waist as she reciprocates your passion. You hear the gasps around you, which only makes you smile more. When you feel Paige grin against your mouth, you wrap your arms around her neck.

She pulls away, laughing as your whine. Even though there's thousands of people in the room, she only cares about you. “Guess they know now.” she chuckles.

“Paige Madison Bueckers! What the fuck?!” KK screams, causing Paige to roll her eyes and look over her shoulder. “Can I help you?” She deadpans. “I'm a little busy right now.”

KK’s jaw drops even more from the audacity. "I can see that, I better be filled in after."

Paige looks back at you and smiles. “Yeah, later. Now, do you mind?”

“Oh, by all means, continue making out with your arch-nemesis. Don't let me, the six giant cameras, or the sold-out arena stop you.”

You laugh at this, kissing Paige’s cheek before pulling away. You look at your team, and around the stadium, and everyone's sharing the same expression, jaws dropped, eyes wide, and frozen in shock. You look up, and see yourself on the big screen.

Paige smiles down at you, her arm still wrapped around your waist. “I can't believe you did that. You're fucking crazy.”

You shrug and smile. “You love it.”

She kisses the top of your head. “Damn right.”

After the excitement of the kiss calmed down, the same reporter from earlier asked to interview both of you, to which you of course said yes.

“So what is your guys’ relationship status?” She asked, pointing the mic in your direction. You smile widely before answering. “Paige is my girlfriend, and she has been for five, almost six years.”

The reporter shakes her head in shock. “What made you guys choose to keep it a secret and cover it up with a seemingly harsh feud?” This time, she hands the mic to Paige, who shakes her head.

“Well, it started out real. Like I could not stand her, ever since we were on the same basketball team in fifth grade. But eventually, I started to like her, then I started to love her. Turns out she liked me too, so in high school we started to date.” She finished with a shrug.

“Oh wow, I mean this is a shock to everyone. You both played it off very well. What were some of the hardest moments?” You nod as the reporter speaks.

“Probably pretending to not care, especially if one of us has a rough loss or a great win. It was hard not to comfort or celebrate publicly.” You say.

“So everything after junior year in high school was fake? The rivalry, I mean.”

You smile. “Yeah, it was all for the cameras.” Paige’s eyes light up as she looks down at you. The camera picked up on the sparkle in her eyes as she looked at you with nothing but love.

Her hands squeeze your waist as the interview ends, and you both walk away. It felt like a huge weight had been lifted off your shoulders, and you've never felt happier.

You knew that whether the world knew or not, it was gonna be you and her.

Always and forever.

______________________________

taglist: @wintersstan @bueckerslover @lilia22hicks @fake-intelligences @girlokwhatever @pbloverr @breeloveschris

[traveler-at-heart]

Doctor's In - Holiday Special

Summary: You get ready for your first Christmas with the Maximoffs, but not everything goes according to plan.

Part 2 of 3 of the Holiday Special

A/N: Can you spot the major character we're introducing?

Wanda Maximoff x F!R

Wanda wakes up, alone and confused. The light outside tells her it’s later than usual, and she suddenly remembers it’s a school day.

The woman hurries down the stairs, finding you in the kitchen.

“Hey, chatty patty” you say with a smile, loving her disheveled state. “Hungry?”

“What time is it?”

“Almost 11” you look at your wrist watch, pushing a plate towards her.

“School! The kids!”

“I already drove them to school, and yes they had breakfast that wasn’t just cereal” you explain. Wanda finally sits, and looks at the french toast you’re offering.

“This is really good” she praises as she takes a bite.

“I know I call you cute when you’re cooking, but that’s not the only reason I watch you do it, baby” you smile, kissing her temple as you stand up to pour her some coffee. “In Medicine you learn by watching and doing. I’m trying to learn cooking as if it was the same”

“You’re on the right track. Thank you” she comments as you hand the mug. “I’m just a little lost, why did I not wake up?”

“You really don’t remember?” you say, amused.

“No. Did we…?” she says, suddenly afraid that she fell asleep in the middle of sex.

“Oh, no. If we did, you’d remember. Trust me” you say in a low voice, moving closer. Wanda’s eyes drift to your lips and you smile, pleased with her reaction. “No, we didn’t have sex, baby. You woke up at two in the morning talking about a book idea and I wrote it all down until you went back to sleep”

Wanda notices the notebook on the counter, and she takes it. The story is about a girl that makes a drawing of her perfect pet. Her brother sees it and adds things like dragon wings and fangs. By night, the drawing comes to life, and it follows the girl everywhere she goes.

“This is a full story”

“Mhm”

“This is like three months work”

“Glad to hear we were productive” you nod, not understanding her issue with saving months of work.

“This never happens!”

“Counterpoint, you never had a light sleeper that woke up to your mumbling” you point out, stealing some of her toast.

“Yeah… that’s a good point” Wanda says, frowning. You miss the way she looks at you, as you lean forward to read over everything she said while asleep. Honestly, the story is sweet and very original. To think it was something she came up while asleep is bonkers.

“Wow” you laugh as Wanda lunges forward, kissing every inch of your face.

“You’re so hot right now” she says against your neck and you sigh, pleased.

“Well, let me show you what other stuff we could do to lose some sleep” you propose, carrying her to the couch.

—

For the next day, while you’re at work, Wanda is focused on meeting with Laura and her publisher. You get a few texts here and there, but you know she’s in the middle of a creative storm and you’re happy she finally found the inspiration needed for her next book.

Still, it’s a tough shift as you lost sleep on your day off.

“Wild night?” Darcy says as you’re sprawled across the break room couch.

“Jealous?”

“Meh” she shrugs her shoulders. “I hear Fury is going to be lighting up the Christmas tree in the foyer. Wanna come see?”

“Oh, yeah!” you stand up, eager to check if it will go down the same as every year. Without fail, someone forgets to test the lights and as he plugs it in, nothing happens.

Darcy and you are leaning against the railway, chuckling while Fury screams.

“Every damn year! We run a hospital. Why can’t anyone check the lights?”

“It never gets old” you smile, feeling like the holidays are finally here. You’re about to suggest a trip to the cafeteria when Carol comes right behind you, borderline hysterical.

“Where the hell have you been?”

“Uh… is there an emergency? Did you page me?” you check your device, Darcy frowning at Carol’s outburst.

“Yes, there’s an emergency! Come here, the both of you”

With surprising strenght, she pulls you to one of the meeting rooms, a couple of sample cakes in display.

“We’re tied”

“Who is?” you say, reading the flavors written in the small cards.

“Maria wants one flavor and I want another one. We need a tiebreak. You are my maid of honor. So, help me!”

“Ok, we’ll try them out. Jeez”

“I’ll be right back” Carol says, leaving the room in a hurry.

Grabbing a fork, you begin to take little bites of every cake, nodding approvingly.

“Chocolate ganache is to die for” you moan, feeling so happy that Carol is in the middle of this predicament.

“You should have red velvet for your wedding” Darcy points at the one she’s tasting.

“I’m not getting married”

“Yet”

“Darcy, come on” you roll your eyes.

“Oh, like you don’t have an idea on how to propose to Wanda already” she mocks, which shuts you up real fast. “I know you better than anyone. And I better be your maid of honor”

“I’m not getting married” you insist, this time  with less conviction.

You keep discussing the flavors and come to the conclusion that chocolate ganache is the winner.

“That’s the wrong answer! Carrot cake!” Carol huffs when you tell her your decision.

“Not everyone likes it. It’s just a weird choice” you say, while Darcy nods.

“Everyone likes chocolate” she points out.

“Fine, whatever! You win, Willy Wonka” Carol storms out of the room.

“Wow, you dodged a bullet there” Darcy says and you nudge her side.

“Don’t be mean. She wants her wedding to be perfect. That’s nice” in that precise moment, you get paged and you decide to take the rest of the chocolate cake to eat on the way. “See ya!”

“Thief!”

A couple of emergencies take your attention, making you go into the OR. Your phone is forgotten and by the time you check, there’s a single text from Wanda.

W: Are you coming for lunch? I want to tell you something important.

Your heart begins to race, and you remember a few days ago during the snow storm. She mentioned something but you distracted Wanda and you figured it wasn’t that important.

Y/N: Is everything ok?

Coming out of nowhere, Carol once agains blindsides you.

“Are you ready to go?”

“Go…”

“Dress fitting. Your bridesmaid dress”

“Now?” you look at your phone. Wanda hasn’t replied. But Carol looks ready to kill you and you won’t take your chances. “Sure, let’s go”

Y/N: Gotta take care of something, will try to be back for lunch. Love you.

There’s no reply and during the entire car ride, you look out the window, wondering if you messed up in any way.

“I’m sorry” Carol says, mistaking your silence with annoyance. “For snapping at you”

“Oh, that’s… well, not cool, but I don’t take offense. I just never thought you’d be the Bridezilla type, Danvers” you joke.

“It’s more about the holidays. Maria’s family and mine are coming over. They’ve met each other a few times, but you know… it just feels like whatever happens during Christmas will set the tone for the wedding. And marriage”

“Sounds like a lot of pressure” you agree.

“I admire you for setting boundaries with your mother”

“It’s not a boundary, it’s more like thousands of miles and avoidance” you reluctantly admit, which makes her laugh. “It’s all gonna be fine. You’re marrying the girl of your dreams, and I will be there as well, in a cool, not at all pink bridesmaid gown to help with whatever happens”

“Actually…”

“It’s pink?” you say, mouth wide open. Carol nods, avoiding your eyes and you huff. “You’re lucky I’m such a good friend”

—

Wanda’s buzzing with excitement as she stops by the cafeteria, ready for her second meeting of the week with Laura.

It seems as if this new book will be out fast, and if it’s as successful as her past stories, Wanda could finally have some free time to focus on a whole different thing: a trilogy for young adults.

Wanda leaves the cafeteria carrying a tray with two cups and scones, knowing that you’d be the first one to support her if it all works out.

She’s surprised to find you walking across the street, as your last message gave her the impression you still had work to do. Wanda is about to call for you, when someone else joins you in the sidewalk.

Carol says something that makes you smile, linking her arm with yours. Both of you walk in the opposite direction of Wanda, getting inside a store.

Wanda replays the moment where Carol opened the door for you over and over again.

“Ready for day two?” Laura says as soon as her friend walks to her office. “Wanda?”

It doesn’t take much for Wanda to tell her what she saw. Beyond that, she goes over your strange attitude recently, smoking compulsively and having trouble sleeping.

“Maybe she’s rethinking our relationship, maybe Carol is trying to win her back…”

“Wow, slow down. You said they were going inside a bridal shop?”

“Yes, I think it was”

“Well, what if… she’s thinking about… ya know” Laura says, wiggling her eyebrows excitedly.

“No, I don’t. What do you mean?” Wanda says, resisting the urge to drive back and get answers straight from you.

“Ok, so she’s been nervous, she visits a shop with all kinds of things for a wedding. Could it be that she’s working up the courage to propose?”

“No… I don’t think so. Do you think that could be it?” Wanda says.

“I think based on everything I’ve seen and heard about Y/N, that makes a lot more sense than her cheating on you” Laura shrugs her shoulders. “Look, just tell her you saw her. I’m sure there’s a perfectly reasonable explanation”

“But what if she is proposing and I ruin the surprise?” Wanda pouts, torn between what to do.

“Let’s get to work, I’m sure you’ll figure out what to do” Laura tries to divert the conversation, which works for a little while.

Except, she’s typing and Wanda is just doodling instead of creating sketches.

“Would you say yes?” Laura asks, amused at Wanda’s enamoured look.

The woman shrugs her shoulders, biting her lip as she imagines what it would be like to be married to you.

Needless to say, she doesn’t get much work done after that.

—

The flowers might be too much, but you rather be on the safe side. Wanda never replied to your text, so you drove straight home as soon as you came back from the dress fitting.

“Honey, I’m home” you joke, leaving your winter jacket and scarf at the coathanger. To your surprise, Wanda is sitting at the kitchen counter, looking conflicted.

“Hey” she says, letting you kiss her cheek. “What is this?”

“My favorite girl’s favorite flowers” you sit next to her, worried. “Is something wrong? I know you wanted to talk”

“Yes. I…” she takes a deep breath and turns to look at you. “Is something going on between you and Carol?”

“What? Is that what you wanted to talk about?” you say, confused. Where is this coming from?

“No. I was at the cafeteria around Bleeker Street and saw you with her” she admits, sighing.

“Wanda, I’m sorry. No, nothing’s going on. Carol and Maria are getting married and she asked me to be her bridesmaid. I said yes, before even thinking about consulting you. I guess I didn’t even know how to bring it up. I know our past… makes things weird”

You hesitate about reaching out for her hand, but then she lets out a laugh.

“I was about to ran over Danvers’ bike” she says, bringing her hand to her chest. “I’m sorry for not trusting you”

“No, I’m the only one who should be apoligizing. I should have told you. Can you please forgive me, love of my life?”

“There’s nothing to forgive”

“You know, you should play hard to get” you point out, your arms around her middle, placing a kiss against her temple. “Don’t forgive me so easily, I was planning on taking you out to a fancy place to earn it”

“Mmm, you’re right. I’m too forgiving” she jokes.

“Wait, you sent me the text before I left with Carol. So that wasn’t what you wanted to talk about” you suddenly remember.

Going back to face her, you lift Wanda’s chin with your hand, making her look at you. She seems suddenly nervous.

“I was thinking… you don’t have to answer right now. And also, with this new book, I might be too busy and the house will be a mess for a while and you don’t wanna be around for it, you want your own space… forget I even asked”

She’s rambling, so you craddle her face in your hands, making her stop with your lips on hers.

“You haven’t even asked anything” you nudge your nose against her, smiling lovingly at the way she melts against your touch.

“Move in with me. Us”

“What?”

Never in a million years would you have guessed this was coming.

“This is your home as much as it is ours. I want you here all the time, I want to make room for your stuff, look for my clothes in the closet and stumble upon your scrubs” Wanda says. “Either way, you spend more time here than at your own place. You could also save some rent money”

“You had me at this is your home, my love” you laugh, kissing her again. “And no worries, no wet towels in the bathroom, I promise”

“We have a deal” she smiles against your lips, heart beating faster at this new step you’re taking together.

—

You should have listened to that Kondo lady when she was all the rage. Your house is full of crap, and none of it brings joy. Only dust and boxes that get in the way of packing.

Good news, it’s gonna be an easy move. All you have are clothes, books, some records and pictures.

“Are you sure you wanna throw this stuff?” Wanda says, holding a couple of trophies from Science Fairs and other stuff.

“Yes, baby” you nod, handing over a box. “I don’t think that has any value to my career as a surgeon”

“I think they’re cute. You were a nerd”

“Yeah, that I was” you smile. You keep digging through old boxes, until you get to one you hadn’t seen in a long time.

“What is this?” Wanda kneels next to you. She sees the picture you’re holding. “Is that your dad? Oh my God, you look exactly like him”

“Yeah, two peas in a pod” you laugh, admiring your matching Halloween outfits. Ghostbusters, obviously. You flip through the album, grateful that you had the sense to take it with you after you left for college. You know your mother would have thrown it in the trash.

“Why isn’t this in a frame?” Wanda takes a lose photo of you two during Christmas.

“I guess I never got around to doing it” you shrug your shoulders. There’s a tin box, and you kinda wished you hadn’t opened it. A broken wrist watch is the only thing inside it. “He loved this watch. Was wearing it on the day of the accident” you mutter, suddenly feeling small.

Wanda let’s you sit in silence for a few minutes and then places her hand on your shoulder.

“We can take a break from all the packing, yes?”

“Yeah, ok” you nod, standing up. Wanda takes your hand and leads you back to her -and now your- place. There are already several boxes in the living room of your new home.

Home, that word fits so well with how you feel here.

The only other time where you felt like you belonged was in college, in the dorm you shared with Darcy and then at the hospital, which wasn’t strictly a home.

Without saying anything, Wanda pulls you to the couch, and you let her rest her head against your chest as you watch “Golden Girls”. She had you to thank for introducing her to a whole new obsession.

“Shouldn’t we go pick up the kids now?” you say after a while, looking at the hour.

“Sharon is driving them here”

“Now she’s your best friend”

“I’m sure she only offered to see you again and annoy me” Wanda chuckles, looking up at you. “Unfortunately for her, I don’t share”

“Mmhm” you smile against her lips, enjoying her possesiveness.

By the time Sharon drops off the kids, Wanda’s shown you how she really feels about sharing, making sure there’s a visible mark on your neck as you walk out of the house to greet Tommy and Billy.

“Hey, Y/N” Sharon says, playing with her sunglasses.

“H-hi, Sharon. How are you doing?”

“Oh, you know. Enjoying the cold days, wishing I had someone to warm me up”

“Yeah, it’s cold. Outside, and inside too if you don’t have any heating” you mumble, trying to end the conversation. “Stay hot. I mean, warm. And thanks for dropping off the kids”

“My pleasure”

Sprinting back home, you lock the door and lean against it, hoping you won’t have to talk to the woman in a very long time.

“I see that little mark on your collarbone wasn’t enough. Maybe I should leave more on your neck” Wanda taunts.

“Baby, I could tattoo your name across my forehead and that woman would still try to get in my pants” you sigh, hands resting on Wanda’s hips. “Are we telling the kids about me moving in?”

“Yeah, come on”

Billy and Tommy are in the backyard, throwing a ball that Sparky chases around. They both approach you as Wanda calls for them, and she kneels to be at eye level with them.

“Boys, we have news. Y/N is moving”

“What? Where? You’re not gonna have your house across the street?”

“Mama, we should all live together” Tommy says, pleading to his mother.

“Oh, my darling boys, Y/N is gonna move with us! We’ll all live here. What do you think about it?”

“Yaaay” they run towards you, talking as fast as they can.

“I’ll make room in my drawers for you!”

“You can take one of my shelves”

Each kid takes turns on ideas to make room for you, and you hug them closer.

“I’m sure we’ll find a place for all my stuff. Don’t worry about it, I’m just happy you want me to live here”

“We do” Billy says, and then he turns to his mother. “Can we please get pizza to celebrate, pleaaase?”

“Yes, can we?” you join, pouting.

Wanda rolls her eyes, laughing.

“I can’t believe I set myself up. Now it’s three children against one of me”

“You love us” you say, standing up and pulling her in for a kiss.

Wanda smiles against your lips.

“I do”

—

You’re buzzing with excitement to tell everyone the news, but you want Darcy to be the first to know.

While you sit in the cafeteria, the perfect oportunity presents itself.

“Ugh, one of your presents will arrive too late for me to wrap it up. I’ll send it but you have to promise you won’t open it”

“Yeah, yeah. Just send it home”

“No. I’ll send it to Wanda instead. She’ll keep it away from you”

“Same thing. Home for me, her. But I won’t open it” you smile as you take a bite of your sandwich, waiting for Darcy to understand what you mean.

“You? And her? Moving in together?” this is the first time that you see Darcy so excited over your relationship, and she hugs you. “You’re not gonna die alone”

“Oh, shut it”

“What are we celebrating?” Carol says, taking a seat next to you.

“Y/N and Wanda are moving in together” Darcy says, practically singing. “And now I have to rethink my second present”

“Why do you give her two Christmas presents?” Carol looks between you two and Darcy gasps.

“She saw you naked but didn’t tell her about your birthday?”

“Eh, what can I say? I have intimacy issues” you shrug your shoulders, laughing as Carol catches up with everything.

“Your birthday is on Christmas Eve”

“That’s correct” you nod. Eager to change the subject, you ask about the wedding. Lunch is cut short as they’re both paged and you walk back to the front desk, dropping off some paperwork about discharges and patient forms.

You’ve been talking for a bit with the nurses when you feel someone stand behind you.

A beautiful redhead with striking green eyes smiles at you, and it takes you a moment to notice you’re staring.

“Hi. How can we help you?” you say, pulling the charts close to your chest, pretending to be casual.

“I’m looking for an old friend”

“Sure thing, do you know his room number?”

“I know his name. Nick Fury” she says with a smirk and you laugh.

“Oh, the Chief. He should be in his office reviewing schedules right about now. Just go upstairs and turn rigt” you point behind her.

“Thank you, Doctor…” she leans forward to read the name on your badge. “Y/L/N”

You’re about to ask her name when you’re paged.

911.

“My pleasure. Enjoy your reunion with the Chief” you excuse yourself, going back to the ER.

As a group of people involved in a car crash arrive, everything that just happened becomes irrelevant.

You have no idea how crazy your day is about to get.

—

“Let me see if I understand” Fury says, the tips of his fingers aligning as Natasha looks from the other side of her desk, impassive.

She’s got a poker face that no one can break, not even someone as respected as Nicholas Fury.

“You want to teach us the new surgical method your mother invented"

Natasha nods.

“Why the sudden interest in sharing with us?”

“You’re a teaching hospital. Stark is on this quest to make everything accessible for everyone. It gives us good press, and will draw attention to your program”

“No ulterior motive?”

“The world is getting more complicated. The Starks and Romanoffs are the families with the greater research capabilities, I think it’s time to stop competing with each other and work together” Natasha says.

“Just like that?”

“Well…”

Natasha doesn’t get to complete her sentence, as Tony walks in the room without knocking.

“Chief” he says, a bit distressed. It takes him a minute to process the other presence in the room. “Romanoff?”

“Hey, Tony”

“What are you…? Ok, that’s for later. There was an avalanche in Silverton Mountain, several people are trapped and injured. They’re requesting aid”

“Let’s page Y/N and prepare the ER to receive them”

“Sorry for cutting your meeting short, I’m sure it wasn’t important” Tony winks at Natasha.

“I’ll be back later” she says. “Don’t be such a sore loser, Tony, not everyone can have a Nobel Prize”

“Your mother won that, not you” he says, trying to keep his cool.

“Well, let’s see if another Romanoff can beat you to it again” the woman says, smiling while Fury stands up.

“Children, not now. Call me tomorrow, Romanoff”

The two men leave his office, walking to the ER to find the head of Trauma.

“Is it a good idea to leave her alone there?”

“She’s not a spy, Stark”

“Her mother sent her for some nefarious purpose, I’m sure”

“That’s a talk for later. Y/L/N” Fury finally spots you.

“Chief, what’s up?”

“Avalanche in Silverton Mountain. I’m sending the chopper with you, Barton and another doctor of your choice”

“We’re only transporting critically injured patients, the rest will be taken by ambulance to local hospitals” Tony adds, while you walk back to prepare.

“Ok, I’m taking Bishop with me. Anything else I should know about?”

“Expect a long day” Tony pats your shoulder and you sigh.

Looking for the storage room, you find a three layered rescue suit, preparing for the cold and relentless weather of the mountains. Next are medical supplies, rope, thermic blankets, comms and avalanche probes.

Once you check everything’s set up, you change your sneakers for hiking boots and carry everything in a waterproof backpack. Just as you’re about to leave, Kate comes in. You show her the clothes she should change into, and what to put in her own backpack.

“I’ll meet you at the rooftop”

Wanda doesn’t pick up the phone when you call her, so you leave a voicemail explaining you won’t be reachable for a couple of hours.

As you walk to the elevator, you meet the mysterious woman again.

“Up or down?” you ask as you both reach for the button.

“Down. You?”

“All the way up”

“Going somewhere?” she teases.

“Just a helicopter ride. Care to join me?” you say, not knowing what makes you joke with a stranger.

“Perhaps next time. Take this one. I’ll wait for the other elevator” the woman says when the doors open. You nod your thanks and your eyes meet as you press the button. “I do hope we’ll see each other again, Y/N”

“I didn’t get your name”

“Natasha” the woman smiles, doors closing. The last thing you see is that cryptic smile as the elevator starts to go up.

The cold wind hits your face as soon as the doors open, Stark’s helicopter ready for the 15 minute flight to Silverton.

“Hey, Barton. Wilson?” you say, surprised. “Didn’t know you could fly these things”

“Hell, yeah. This is Redwing” he says, pointing at the helicopter.

“Stop calling it that” Stark grumbles.

Clint and you check for everything to be in its place and you nod as Kate joins you.

“I’m having everyone on standby, we’ll start preparing as soon as you call with more information on number of patients and status” Fury says. Then he turns to look at everyone else. “Stay safe and good luck”

The building becomes smaller as you fly away, and Barton chats with Sam for a bit about the weather and the rescue plan. You follow the conversation here and there, but instead look out the window and then to Kate, who seems to be deep in thought.

“Everything ok?”

“Yeah, just nervous” she admits and you nudge her knee with your hand.

“It’ll be fine, you’re gonna fly back with patients that need to be at Stark hospital. I’ll show you what to do”

“Ok”

As soon as you land on the area, a group of first responders run to greet you.

“Lee Jones” the team leader introduces himself. “There are six people still missing, we secured the area and will be starting a second round of search” he says, pointing at a nearby hill.

“Doctor Bishop, head to where the rescued people are to evaluate them” you say, and she walks back to an operations center with several stretchers. “Do we have a list of the people missing?”

“Here”

You take the paper, inspecting it. Two women, one children, four men. Your stomach drops as you get to the last name.

“Barton” you pull him to get his attention. He reads over your shoulder, alarmed as well.

“Is this accurate? Have you doble checked these people are not back in their hotel?” he says, knowing that information could get lost during rescue.

“Yes, sir”

“Crap” he says, looking at the hill.

The name at the bottom of the list is Pietro Maximoff.

“Come on, no time to waste” you say, sprinting. A couple of people follow you, and you have to remember the training you got.

The first 15 minutes are crucial. And now, the people who didn’t die instantly, will pass from asphyxia, hypothermia or critical injuries.

Except Pietro. He knows what to do to stay alive. You just gotta find him.

“We gotta let Wanda know” Clint shouts next to you, the cold wind hitting you straight in the face.

“There is nothing to tell her now”

“Y/N”

“Go back and call her if you want. I can’t waste time right now, Clint”

It looks like there’s a storm forming. If you’re lucky, you’ll get an hour of not so bad weather and then, it will be too risky for them to continue.

Not you, though. You’re not leaving until you find Pietro.

“Here!” two people shout at the same time. You turn to run where they are. One of the rescuers is digging through the snow, and a woman’s face is visible. You want to keep looking for Pietro, but you came here to help everyone.

“I’ll keep searching” Clint nods your way.

The second person they find is the woman’s child.

“Hypothermic, hard to say if they have other injuries. I’d recommend you take them back to Stark Hospital, call and ask for doctor Lewis and Rambeau. Wilson will fly them there” you instruct the rescuers.

“I found one, he’s dead” you hear through the radio and your heart drops. You race to where the rescuer is, praying that it’s not Pietro. “Male, approximately 50”

You take a minute, holding your side as the cold air makes it hard to breathe.

“Mark the spot so we can recover the body and alert his family” Lee instructs.

They keep using the avalanche probes, to no avail.

“You’re walking too far away and the wind is getting worse” Clint warns you, but you ignore him. Pietro has to be here.

“Come on, come on” you walk faster, the wind almost knocking you down.

“Y/L/N, come back” Clint says, this time through the radio so everyone can hear him. “Now”

You ignore him, looking around. Everything is white… except.

A spot of color. Bright yellow and green. Just like the gloves you gave Pietro.

“Pietro” you run towards it, heart beating out of your chest. There he is, you can see his face, and part of his hands, as he managed to dig through the snow to be able to breathe. “Clint, I found him”

Pietro’s vitals are weak, but he whines when you call his name. Everyone comes running to help you, digging him out.

“Can you hear me? Frosty, come on” you insist, inspecting every inch of his body. “He’s going back to Stark Hospital with us, now”

“As soon as Wilson comes back”

You nod, stabilizing his neck as the men carry him to the operation center. You hear through the comms that they found the last man, unfortunately deceased as well.

“It’s a miracle we found him alive” Clint comments.

You stay quiet, going over statistics and the list of injuries that could be life threatening and you won’t know about until you do imaging.

“I’m calling Laura, so Wanda’s not alone” Clint says. You should have brought your phone. He greets his wife, and a moment later his face falls. “Wanda’s there with you? Can you put her on the phone?”

Now it’s your turn to feel dread, taking the phone with shaky hands.

“Sweetheart” you say, feeling awful when you hear Wanda’s voice, knowing what you’re about to say will destroy her. “You might want to sit down”

—

“Male with helmet and airbag, was conscious during rescue and prior to boarding the helicopter. Heart rate weak, slow, irregular due to hypothermia; passive warming techniques started on the way to the hospital. No visible trauma, do a complete body scan” you say as soon as you land, Carol and Stark the first to greet you at the rooftop.

Wanda’s not here yet and you’re not ready to face her, especially since you have no idea on the extent of his internal injuries.

“Are you ok? You’re shivering” Darcy comments when you change into your scrubs, and all you can do is nod.

“Fine”

Thoracic spine fracture, comminuted knee fracture and intracranial hemorrhage. The room is silent as you look at the images, knowing it’s gonna be a long and challenging intervention.

“Wanda’s here” Kate says as soon as you take the elevator to the OR.

“Not now, Kate. Tell her we’ll keep her updated and then scrub in”

Carol gives you a curious glance, but keeps her comments to herself.

There’s silence in the OR as you work with Carol and Kate, while Stark and Parker deal with the hemorrhage.

“Doctor Y/L/N” Fury steps in.

“Not now”

“Miss Maximoff would like an update”

“I don’t have one for her” you let out an exasperated sigh when Fury insists, turning to look at Stark. “Do you have an update? How about you, Danvers? Alright then, when we know something other than his body is all kinds of fucked, we will give Miss Maximoff an update”

“You’re too close to this”

“No, I’m stabilizing his spine so he can teach his nephews how to ride a fucking bike and all you are is a distraction. Leave my OR, now”

You can feel Fury’s angry stare in the back of your head, but ignore it and keep working.

Stark is the first to break the silence, if only to ask for more suction.

“I’m done with the knee. If you want to update her” Carol says after a while.

“You heard her, Bishop”

“You should go. I’m sure Wanda will want to hear it from you”

“No” is all you say, voice shaking.

No, you can’t face Wanda now. You don’t know if Pietro is gonna make it and you won’t lie to her.

Beyond that, you can’t imagine what she’ll say to you if you can’t save him.

Why didn’t you find him faster? Why didn’t you help him?

This is your fault.

“BP’s dropping” the nurse alerts you.

“One minute” Tony says, eyes glued to his work.

“Stark, he’s crashing” you insist. He ignores you and you’re about to throw your scalpel and start CPR when Pietro’s vitals stabilize.

“You gotta let me work too” Tony says. “Peter, close here. Let’s see that spine now”

After three more hours of work, there’s nothing left to do but wait. While Pietro’s transferred to the ICU, you stay back, removing your facemask and surgical cap.

Carol stands next to you, without saying a word.

“If he doesn’t make it, Wanda’s never going to forgive me” you say, looking at the ground.

“You don’t believe that” Carol says.

“I don’t know. But I guess I’ll find out”

“It’s gonna be fine” she says, giving your arm a squeeze and you nod, leaving the scrub room.

Your hands shake as you press the elevator button that will take you to Wanda. The adrenaline is slowly leaving your body, but your muscles can’t relax, still waiting for an even bigger disaster to come.

Forcing yourself to step into the hallway, your eyes meet Wanda’s across the room. They are reddened by the tears, her hair a bit disheveled and all over the place.

Whatever you were about to say dies in your throat. She stands up, walking towards you, and you brace yourself for a myriad of insults and bitter words.

Instead, she throws herself in your arms, crying.

“You’re ok” she keeps saying. “I was so scared. I’m so sorry”

“It’s fine. I’m here” you hold her closer, kissing her head and shedding a couple of tears. “We did everything we could, Wanda, please believe me. Now we have to wait for him to recover. Please, please don’t hate me”

“You saved him. He’s alive because of you” she says, her arms still on your back. “I don’t know what I’d do without you”

“I’m here” you sigh against her temple. “It’s all going to be fine”

But you don’t know if that’s true.

—

Natasha answers the call as soon as she’s in her suite, knowing her mother only had a few minutes to chat.

“Hello, dear. How did it go?”

“It was cut short. An emergency” the redhead sighs, sitting in the bed and taking off her heels. “They used Tony’s helicopter and everything”

“The Stark boy, always wanting to be the center of attention” Melina tsks. “Did you get to see their ER?”

“Not yet. I did meet their Head of Trauma”

Natasha’s mind goes back to you. She was honestly surprised when she saw you waiting for the elevator in the rescue gear. You weren’t like any other of the Trauma surgeons she had met before.

“What did you think of them?”

“Very heroic. Jumped straight into the danger, no questions asked. And she yelled at Fury when he tried to keep her out of the OR”

Another pleasant surprise. It was hard to tell you had that fire in you, with those kind eyes and gentle smile.

“Do you want to hire her or date her?” Melina picks up on her daughter’s tone.

“Can’t I do both?”

“My darling girl, of course you can. When was the last time you didn’t get what you wanted?”

—

It’s cold and you can’t reach for whatever it is you’re looking for.

What were you trying to find in the middle of nowhere?

It’s dark, except for a circle around you, and there’s no way to tell up from down.

Except when you see something next to your feet, and you kneel down. As you pull from it, the snow moves and you can see Pietro’s face. You dig deeper, and then you see Wanda. Every time you remove snow, there’s another face, until you find your father, staring at you.

You try to reach for him, but the watch on your wrist reaches zero on its countdown, the beeping sound mocking you as you run out of time.

“Wait” you jump up, looking around.

On call room. You’re in the hospital. There’s solid ground beneath you, not layers and layers of snow.

The sound comes from your pager.

911.

Everything feels like an emergency these days. You’ve lost track of time, alternating between your shifts and the ICU, where Pietro is still recovering.

It’s been four days and he hasn’t woken up yet.

“What do we have?” you ask Kate, who begins to give you the overview.

It’s not something that requires surgery, which makes you sigh with relief. This is the end of your shift and you need to eat something before heading back to the ICU.

“When was the last time you left the hospital?” Darcy says and you shrug your shoulders, eating your sandwich and feeling ill the second you swallow.

You have to force yourself to eat lately.

“I don’t know”

“The day of the accident. Five days ago. You can’t keep going like this” your friend says, but you avoid her stare.

“Wanda is not allowed in the ICU and Pietro shouldn’t be alone in there”

“Pietro is unconscious. Wanda is the one that’s at home, alone and scared. I think her brother would appreciate you keeping her company” Darcy reasons with you.

You rub your temples, trying to not throw up.

Truth is, you’re scared that the other shoe will drop. That things between you and Wanda could turn sour if her brother doesn’t show any signs of improvement.

“You are carrying an immense responsibility and burden, that it’s not yours. Nor anyone’s. It was an accident. It’s life” your friend insists, knowing very well the meaning behind your silence.

You keep looking down, chin resting on your hand as a couple of tears run down your cheeks.

Darcy’s expression softens at that.

“I’ll stay with Pietro for a bit. Wanda is in the foyer, ready to take you home. Please, go with her”

You try to say something, but the words get stuck in your throat. It’s been like this for days. When it comes to work, you function even better than usual, accostumed to chaos and uncertainty. The minute the conversation pivots, your throat closes, making it hard to utter a single word.

In the end, you nod, throwing away your barely touched food to go meet your girlfriend.

Guilt overwhelms you as you notice the bags under Wanda’s eyes. It’s impossible to be everywhere and be everything to all the people that matter to you, but you still feel like a failure.

“He…” you prepare the update, but Wanda kisses you, stopping the words from leaving your mouth.

“I’m here to take care of you. I already know everything there is to know. Let’s go home”

Taking a breath, you nod and walk behind her towards the exit. The light hurts your eyes, and you have to look down, frowning. Wanda’s hand is on yours, leading you to the car.

The ride home is silent. There are still some boxes in the living room, pushed to the wall to make room for walking. It gives an eerie vibe, another reminder that your entire world stopped almost a week ago.

“Are you hungry?”

“Just tired” you say in a low voice. “I smell like hospital”

Wanda nods, closing the door and walking you upstairs. All you’ve done for the past days is take quick showers, with cheap shampoo that is in the hospital and leaves your hair dry.

For the first time, you don’t have to hurry and jump into a spray of cold water, rinsing as fast as you can. The warm temperature  and pressure on your muscles feels like a luxury.

“Feels good?” Wanda whispers against your ear and you nod. She places a kiss on your shoulder’s scar. You step back, trying to chase after her touch, and she laughs.

That sound is enough to make you feel ten times lighter.

As you step out of the shower, you admire the way Wanda places a towel around her, and without thinking you meet her in a slow and tender kiss.

“Missed you” you say against her lips.

“I missed you too, sweetheart”

There’s no rush as you change into comfortable clothes, and rest your head on Wanda’s lap while she reads a draft for Laura to review.

“How’s the book coming along?”

“Good, very fast thanks to your help”

“So, do I get credited on the cover or something?” you joke, looking up.

“I can pay you in other ways for your very valuable contribution”

“I’ll hold you to that” you joke, feeling sleepy as Wanda runs her hand through your hair. 

The next time you open your eyes, it’s past noon. You turn in bed, Wanda looking at you.

“Were you watching me sleep?”

“No” she answers way too fast. “Maybe. I… you looked upset. Like you were having a nightmare. I just wanted to make sure you were ok, that’s all”

“I’m ok” you promise, pulling her so she’s resting against your chest. “How are Billy and Tommy?”

“Quiet. I know they’re worried and they’ve been missing you too”

“We could go out to the movies today” you suggest.

“Actually, they have a surprise for you” she looks up and you smile.

“Oh?”

“Yeah. And I promised them you are wearing an ugly Christmas sweater”

“Is that so?” you turn her in your arms, tickling her sides. “I don’t have any”

“I got you one” Wanda says between giggles and you pull her closer as she tries to get away from you. “Stop, please”

“Not until you show me that ugly sweater”

“Nu-uh, you’ll find a way to get rid of it”

“Then, you shall pay the consequences” you declare, laughing as she distracts you with a kiss.

—

“Is this absolutely necessary?” you say, walking towards the school auditorium. The sweater is not exactly ugly, it only has some paper figures hanging along the arms, which makes it uncomfortable to move around.

The biggest issue is that Wanda and everyone else is wearing normal clothes, which earns you a couple of funny looks.

“Babe, let me get changed, I have some scrubs in the car” you turn around, but Wanda catches you and pulls you back.

“I promise you, I’ll make it worth it” she says in a low voice against your ear. The little kiss Wanda gives behind your ear seals the deal.

“Are you gonna wear something slutty?” you whisper against her temple and she laughs.

“You’ll have to find out, detka”

“Detka?” you repeat, your pronunciation awful. “What does that mean?”

“I’ll tell you later. It’s part of your Christmas present” your girlfriend says, biting her lip.

She’s such a tease.

“Show’s starting, come on”

“Show?” you say, following her all the way to the front row. The lights go out but to your horror, your sweater glows in the dark. You struggle to take it off, but Wanda takes you by the wrists, laughing while you look around, embarrassed.

The first number is of really small children, who try to follow their teacher as they sing and dance, but looking adorably confused is enough to have all the parents clapping and cheering. After two or three more songs, you finally know why you’re there. Billy and Tommy are in the front of their class, singing Holly Jolly Christmas.

“Those are our boys!” you shout excitedly, looking around so everyone knows they’re your kids.

“Baby, I think they got it” Wanda smiles lovingly as you take out your phone and record, zooming in on the twins.

Once the song ends, you give them a standing ovation, and the only thing most people can see is a floating figure that glows in the dark.

The show goes on for another forty minutes, but you’re the first to go find the kids backstage. As soon as they see you, they jump into your arms.

“You were amazing! Next stop, Broadway!”

“Did you like the sweater we picked out for you?”

“Yes, it’s so original!” you say, hearing Wanda laugh behind you. “Come on, let’s get some pizza. Or burgers and milkshakes, whatever you want”

“Can we go to Burger Galaxy?" Billy says and you nod.

"Sure, let me check if it's open" you say, pulling out your phone. You frown at the missed calls from Darcy. She's still at the hospital and there's only one reason why she'd call. "Give me a second"

Walking away, you dial her number.

"He's awake"

"How is he...?"

"Just come to the hospital" she insists. Wanda is talking to the boys as you return, her face dropping when you lock eyes.

"We need to go to the hospital"

You take the keys from her shaking hands, smiling as she tries to control her breathing. The ride feels like an eternity, but it's only ten minutes. You're about to head to the ICU, when Darcy sees you.

"Over here"

"How is he...?" you catch up, aware that Wanda and the kids are right behind you.

"Awake and annoying. A bit confused as well, but all things considered, he'll be fine. Congrats, pal. You worked a Christmas miracle"

You stand by the door as Wanda walks past you, speaking in Sokovian and holding her brother's face between her hands. Tommy and Billy stand next to his bed, waiting for a chance to greet their uncle. Between all the fuss, Pietro looks at you, mouthing a thank you.

You can't help the tears from clouding your vision. After taking a breath to calm yourself, you wipe the corner of your eyes and smile at him.

"Welcome back, Frosty"

[sempersirens]

yes, chef

masterlist

based on this request from the lovely @cool-iguana

summary: joel miller is the head chef of a prestigious michelin star restaurant in the city. after working for him for over a year, you're determined to not let his ill-temper and cutting words dampen your spirit and love for your career. you won't give in at chipping away at his tough exterior, living for the hope of finding something sweeter below the surface

pairing: no-outbreak, chef!joel x f!reader

content/warnings: angst, joel is a cocky piece of shit, hurt/comfort if you squint

a/n: so i've been binging the bear. what of it. if you have culinary experience i am so sorry, i don't know what the fuck i'm talking about. i literally just watch masterchef.

"I need that grilled octopus plated. Now. This ain't a fuckin' old folk’s home."

"Yes, chef!"

Joel Miller was mean. That was the first thing you had learnt upon stepping into his kitchen over a year ago.

You'd know what you were getting yourself into before you'd even arrived at the restaurant for your first day. Joel's reputation preceded him; he was notorious for running a tight and intimate regime, so successfully that he'd earned a Michelin star to his name. The restaurant itself was a small but sweet seafood and farm-to-table bistro in the middle of the city.

It had taken some settling in, to put it lightly. You had your fair share of culinary experience having worked your way around Europe as a poissonier after graduating culinary school. Still, the other chefs at Joel's restaurant had been working in kitchens since you were in diapers, as they frequently enjoyed reminding you.

Despite the high expectations and fast pace of the kitchen, you soon found your feet.

"On the pass for saucier, chef."

Luke, the restaurant's saute chef, rushed to your side, saucepan in hand. He delicately poured an olive oil, shallot, and herb dressing onto the tentacle, stepping back to indicate the dish was ready to be taken out onto the floor.

"Good job, sweetheart." Luke winked at you, placing a light tap on your ass.

As much as you loved your profession, degradingly misogynist gestures were extremely common. You'd made the mistake of calling out a sous chef earlier on in your career, soon realising how ingrained this kind of mindset was in the older generations you found in a kitchen.

So, you gritted your teeth and got on with it.

"This is a kitchen, not a brothel. Feel each other up on your own damn time." Joel called across the room, making you thankful for the heat of the kitchen masking the blush across your cheeks.

"Yes, chef. Sorry, chef." Luke responded, tail between his legs.

You continued preparing your seafood dishes, feeling Joel's presence lurking behind you.

"Waitin' for that sea bass to come back t'life?"

"No, chef."

"Then fuckin' grill it."

"Yes, chef."

"Too busy thinkin' 'bout your fuckin' boyfriend over there if you ask me."

You were a good chef; not even a decent chef, but a really fucking good one. You put your everything into your dishes, and Joel knew that, meaning his degrading comments stung even more sharply.

Sometimes it felt as though he specifically targeted you. You had wondered if it was down to your age, or maybe simply because you were a woman. You never did anything that warranted such scathing words, yet you were the main recipient of them.

You did what you do best, and just got on with it. You carried on the rest of the night enduring his small but cutting digs in your direction, as well as a slap on the ass from Luke after plating up each dish.

Maybe it was the heat of the kitchen, or your patience wearing thin, but when you'd braved a particularly vicious snide comment from Joel back-to-back with a far too over-familiar hand on the waist from a passing Luke, you snapped.

"Fuck!" You shouted, slamming your fists down, realising just too late that your left hand was in perfect line with the grill.

Your reflexes kicked in instantly, pulling your hand to your chest with a pathetically weak hiss. Thanks to your prior outburst, everybody's gaze was already fixated on your station. Your eyes caught Joel's, fury burning on his face.

"Out. Now." He ordered.

Now it was your turn to tuck your tail between your legs, still clutching your hand as you barged out of the back door.

Don't cry, don't cry, don't you fucking dare cry.

Blatantly, your body wasn't listening to you. Tears pricked at the corners of your eyes before rapidly falling down your face. You had tried to stand up for yourself, to make a stand, and you'd failed miserably.

You were so in your own head that you hadn't heard the kitchen door open, the sound of a small cough causing you to not so discreetly wipe your eyes with the back of your hand.

"You're not fuckin' blubbing, are you?" Joel scoffed.

"What's your fucking problem?" You spat, surprising yourself with your tone. Fuck it, you thought. Probably fired anyway, may as well go for the jugular.

"Why are you so mean to me, and only me? I work my ass off in that kitchen, day in, day out. Harder than anyone else, including you. You don't give any of the others half the shit I get. Is it because you're some soon-to-be dried up lonely chef with just your ten-year-old Time Magazine front cover to keep you company at night that you've got such a stick up your ass? Or are you just a sexist pig?"

He whistled and raised his eyebrows, pulling a pack of cigarettes and a lighter out of his back pocket, taking one for himself before offering you one. You accepted, leaning forward for him to light the end for you. As he flicked the lighter, you flitted your eyes up to meet his, which were already trained directly on you.

The second thing you had learned about Joel Miller, not so shortly after the first, was that he was beautiful. Whenever you caught his all-consuming, hazelnut eyes lingering on you, you couldn’t help but feel butterflies swarm in your stomach. It had been hell swallowing your attraction for him for well over a year; you knew the reason his curt words and stoic attitude hurt you so much was because you were desperate to impress him. Not because of his status or accolades, but simply because of the kind of man he was. He was rough around the edges and cruel just for the sake of it, but every now and then you would catch a tenderness to him. Namely, when his daughters came to visit the restaurant and he would scoop them up in his big arms, transforming into a loving teddy-bear as soon as he stepped out of the kitchen.

You stayed close to him after pulling away, both of you taking a drag in silence.

"S'only five years old, actually."

"What?"

"My Time Magazine cover. Only came out five years ago."

"Right." You suppressed a laugh, not wanting to give him the satisfaction that you'd found his comment humorous.

Another couple of minutes of silence passed as you soaked in the distant noises of traffic from the inner-city; the mixture of the far-off bustle, the warm summer night, and the nicotine rushing to your head made your outburst feel like a distant memory.

"You any better at pouring a whiskey than usin' a grill?" Joel asked, breaking your momentary tranquility.

"Excuse me?"

He didn't respond, rather, half-opened the kitchen door and barked for the sous chef to cover for him.

"Let's take care of that hand'a yours."

The adrenaline coursing through your blood had shifted your focus from the searing pain in your palm, which now came rushing back to you all at once. It could’ve been worse, but you were eager to ease the tight stinging as quickly as possible.

You followed Joel through to the back office, the commotion of the kitchen down the hall a honeyed murmur through the closed door. He placed two tumblers and a half-full bottle of whiskey in front of you.

“If you’d be so kind.”

As you poured the drinks, he rifled through the overflowing shelves for the never used first-aid kit.

He took a swig from his glass before taking your hand in his, turning your palm upwards and resting it on his lap. He worked in silence, brushing over the wound with cleaning solution, gently dragging a thumb soothingly up the side of your hand each time you hissed through your teeth at the pain.

His touch was uncharacteristically gentle; he took his time in applying the antibiotic cream, rubbing smooth circles over your blistering skin.

“So, you and Luke an item or somethin’?” He asked, a hint of something coating his voice that you couldn’t quite put your finger on.

“Are you serious? God, no. He just seems to have a problem keeping his hands to himself.”

Joel’s head snapped up, meeting your gaze for the first time since you’d sat down opposite one another.

“I’d never have let him touch you like that if I knew.”

Unsure how to respond, you took another swig from your glass to keep your mouth occupied.

“M’sorry, by the way. For always bein’ so harsh on you. I just know you’re talented-”

“Don’t give me that I just want you to reach your full potential shit. I know you don’t care enough for that-”

“I don’t care? That what you really think?”

His tone was softer now, if you didn’t know him better, you would’ve sworn you could hear a twang of sadness in his voice.

He gently dressed your wound, taking care in placing the adhesive and securing it with a bandage. He tucked the loose end into place but kept a gentle grip on your hand, rubbing his thumb over your padded palm absent-mindedly.

“Course I fuckin’ care, that’s the damn problem.”

“You’ve got a real funny way of showing it.” You scoffed.

He poured you both another round, taking a swig of his drink before rubbing a hand over his mouth, a laugh creeping across his face.

“You were right earlier, I am fuckin’ washed up and lonely. I should’ve left, got more than enough damn cash than I know what to do with. Nothin’ I want more than to disappear to a farmhouse somewhere w’my girls, leave all this pompous shit behind.”

“So, what’s stopping you?” You asked softly, looking up at him through your eyelashes.

“You walkin’ into my kitchen like a damn angel sent from above.”

A breath caught in your throat. It must be the whiskey, you thought, he’s probably loosened up and horny, trying his luck for a token of your appreciation for him putting you back together.

“I thought t’myself, how can I up and leave now, when the most beautiful woman I ever saw has just walked into my kitchen?”

“You’re drunk.” You tried to rationalise, not believing the words tumbling out of his mouth.

He held his hand out flat, as still as a surgeon’s, as if it would somehow prove he was telling the truth.

“M’not, see. I just thought you n’that idiot in there were fuckin’.”

“Oh my god,” your eyes widened, leaning back in your chair at the realisation finally piecing his actions together.

“You were jealous.”

“Of him? Never.”

“Don’t lie to me now, Joel. You thought we were together and you were jealous. That’s why you were always so fuckin’ mean to me.”

His cheeks reddened as he brought a hand to the back of his neck.

“Maybe I was. Hated thinkin’ of a girl like you endin’ up with a piece of shit like him.”

“In comparison to what, someone like you?” You leant forward, placing your glass on the side before rising from your chair to stand in between his legs, resting your hands on the sides of his rough face.

“Now, sweetheart, would that be so bad?”

[hunieday]

Nikaido Yamato - Drama Collection vol.2 Rabbit Chat

Please note that I am not a professional translator and I'm only doing this to share the side materials to those who cannot access them, if you notice any mistakes please let me know nicely. Enjoy!

Natsume Minami: Good evening, Nikaido-san.

Natsume Minami: I heard that we'll be appearing together on a variety show next time to promote the drama. I look forward to working with you.

Nikaido Yamato: Hey there, Natsume-chan. Thanks for your courtesy.

Nikaido Yamato: So about that show... they said the theme this time is "youth" in relation to the drama, and they sent a bunch of surveys about it

Nikaido Yamato: What did you answer, Natsume-chan...?

Natsume Minami: Oh. Aren't you looking forward to the talk on the show?

Nikaido Yamato: Well yes, but I'm just wondering about the direction you’re gonna be taking

Natsume Minami: Direction?

Nikaido Yamato: Are you gonna answer it lightheartedly or seriously?

Natsume Minami: Well, I think we need to be serious.

Natsume Minami: That's why I even answered the 5th "Please describe your flavor of youth" question seriously.

Natsume Minami: I wrote that it “tasted like milk tea."

Nikaido Yamato: Oh, so that's what "flavor of youth" means, as in what you drank the most back then.

Nikaido Yamato: Well, ŹOOĻ sells the tough-guy image well so you should be fine with that answer.

Natsume Minami: What do you mean back then? I was talking about when I was in school, I was really into drinking black tea.

Nikaido Yamato: Oh, I see!?!?

Natsume Minami: Oh my. What did you think I was talking about?

Nikaido Yamato: No, my bad. It's nothing.

Natsume Minami: 

Natsume Minami: So, what's your flavor of youth, Nikaido-san?

Nikaido Yamato: Uhhhhhhhhh...

Nikaido Yamato: Maybe melon...

Natsume Minami: How adorable. You like it, don't you?

Nikaido Yamato: Well, yeah...

Natsume Minami: Did you also eat it during those "back then"s you mentioned?

Nikaido Yamato: Forget about that LMAO

Nikaido Yamato: But maybe we’re too young to be calling it "youth", I just liked it as a kid and used to eat it a lot.

Natsume Minami: I’m guessing “youth" refers to teenage years, but it's complicated to define. There were other questions about what we did after school.

Nikaido Yamato: I see. You were busy with work, Natsume-chan.

Natsume Minami: Yes. Unfortunately, I was always so busy with work that I don't remember much of my school days.

Natsume Minami: If anything, I think now feels more like youth for me.

Nikaido Yamato: I get that.

Nikaido Yamato: Hanging out with those guys feels like I’m back in junior high.

Nikaido Yamato: We do things like chugging soda in the middle of summer, having snowball fights in winter, it’s like I’m doing kid-like stuff all year round.

Natsume Minami: Sounds fun. It's like having a little family.

Nikaido Yamato: Maybe LMAO

Nikaido Yamato: ŹOOĻ kinda feel like siblings too

Natsume Minami: Wait a moment. Who's the oldest?

Nikaido Yamato: That’s what you’re concerned about?

Natsume Minami: It's extremely crucial.

Nikaido Yamato: If we ignore the age, the oldest would be Inumaru, then you, then Mido, and the youngest would be Isumi I guess...?

Natsume Minami: I see. Our interpretations aren’t too off, but Mido-san and Isumi-san could probably be reversed.

Nikaido Yamato: Huh? Mido’s the youngest?

Natsume Minami: Since he’s a cute guy.

Nikaido Yamato: Maybe Natsume-chan is the oldest son after all...

Natsume Minami: You're also quite cute, Nikaido-san.

Nikaido Yamato: Where though!?!?!? I'm three years older than you, I’m a grown man who loves beer!

Natsume Minami: During skateboard practice you asked, "Natsume-chan, if I fall, will you help me?" 

Natsume Minami: I thought the way you were trying to tug at my heartstrings by acting like a spoiled child on purpose was cute.

Nikaido Yamato: Don't say it was on purpose LMAO

Natsume Minami: Your character this time resembles you in that aspect quite a bit.

Nikaido Yamato: Oh, he was pretty spoiled wasn’t he?

Nikaido Yamato: He couldn't accept his best friend leaving, so he blamed everyone around him for his problems and vented his bad days to his friends so they would comfort him

Nikaido Yamato: Wait... I kinda feel like I’m having déjà vu...

Natsume Minami: Oh?

Natsume Minami: In reality, all he wanted was to skate with his best friend again, but he couldn't say that one word, so he struggled with despair all the while.

Natsume Minami: He was unable to be fully emotionless, so he couldn’t help but show vulnerability and kindness to those who loved him, which resonates with you deeply.

Nikaido Yamato: Damn. You really went into details 

Natsume Minami: It's fun. I enjoy discussing acting with you.

Nikaido Yamato: I feel the same thing. I feel like we fit each other’s style more every time we’re acting together, Natsume-chan.

Natsume Minami: Are you flirting with me?

Nikaido Yamato: So wanting to work with you more is the same as flirting with you now?

Natsume Minami: You're making me blush.

Nikaido Yamato: Liar LMAO

Natsume Minami: It's true. You said "I just wanted to laugh and skate again. It’s enough for me that I was able to do it today." in the script. Your expression at that moment was just like that.

Nikaido Yamato: That’s the one thing you praised me for on the spot, it's embarrassing to hear it again in text

Natsume Minami:

Natsume Minami: Being able to discuss our work like this feels like youth to us, doesn't it?

Nikaido Yamato: Maybe you’re right! I'll write that the coffee I'm drinking now is the flavor of youth.

Natsume Minami: Can I match your answer? I was just drinking some too.

Nikaido Yamato: Oh, what a coincidence. Though the flavor of youth turned out quite bitter.

Natsume Minami: It's a special flavor, just like us.

[koizumicchi]

LIP×LIP RADIO 2024 (Track 2) English Translation

LIP×LIP RADIO 2024 TRACK 2 English Translation

LIP×LIP 2nd Album Umarete Kita Koto Ni Kansha Shinasai

sample track

-----

T/N: Keep in mind that Japanese and English aren’t my first language. I never claim my translation (attempts) to be error-free. As always, if you’re going to use or reference my translations, please do not claim it as your own and credit me.

-----

Both: A special radio to commemorate the release of the 2nd album. 

Aizou: Well then, in the next one, we will do a little corner. I think we will completely dump it here - the acting skills we had honed with great efforts.

Yuujirou: For some reason, things were going smoothly, weren't they?

Aizou: I wonder if there are many Julietta who were also looking forward to this corner.

Aizou: So, the corner name! Ready, go!

Both: An improvisational acting corner that answers our questionnaire!

Aizou: This is a corner where we improvise answers to the situations that have been asked in advance from our listeners - situations that they want us to perform.

Yuuijrou: Eh, so we have such a questionnaire~

Aizou: You know about it. So about this questionnaire… Yuujirou, how many do you think we received in total?

Yuujirou: Eh, I wonder how many… It must be quite a lot. About a thousand?

Aizou: Believe it or not, it’s over three thousand!! 

Yuujirou: Three thousand!? Eh!? That many?! That’s amazing. I really didn’t expect that many.

Aizou: Thank you to everyone who thought of us!

Yuujirou: This radio is made possible with everyone’s help and cooperation. Still, that is an astounding number.

Aizou: It’s because the 3,000 number is based on the application entries. Combined with the number of themes, the total is much more than that. We also looked at the results of the questionnaire beforehand, but the truth is, we split those in half between us.

Yuujirou: So that’s it. But I see, there wasn’t anything that I wanted to see on my own themes.

Aizou: Because we are making it like we choose our themes for each other. 

Yuujirou: What did you choose?

Aizou: It would be more fun seeing those for yourself in action~

01:40

Aizou: Then for the time being, shall we first start with Yuujirou’s improvisational act?

Yuujirou: From me? Well, I’m fine with it though.

Aizou: Alright. Let’s proceed with a good tempo. 

Aizou: Then, your theme is this. “At a classroom after school hours, I’m alone with Yuujirou-kun. I want him to teach me how to study.”

Aizou: With this theme… Three, two, one, if you please.

02:08

Yuujirou: You want me to teach you? Alright. Which questions were you unable to solve?

Yuujirou: Ah. This, huh. Lend me your pen for a bit. This one - place it here… 

Yuujirou: Here, try to solve it on your own.

Yuujirou: Yes, yes. Uh-huh. You’re correct. 

Aizou: Wow. That’s quite good. I can picture the setting sun shining through the window. Probably Mathematics, right? Do your best in your studies, Julietta!

Yuujirou: Then, the next one is Aizou’s theme.

Yuujirou: Let me see… this one~

Yuujirou: “I want Aizou-kun to take the injured Julietta to the clinic.”

Aizou: This one is also set in school, huh.

Aizou: Okay.

Yuujirou: Three, two, one. If you please.

Aizou: What’s wrong? Are you alright? Your leg is injured! Wait for me here. Teacher! They’re injured! I’ll take them to the clinic!

Aizou: It’s tough to walk, right? Is it okay to carry you in my arms like a princess? *carries Julietta* Then, shall we go?

Yuujirou: You’re getting into the role~

Yuujirou: And in the middle of class at that. Reporting it properly to the teacher, and carrying them in your arms like a princess.

Aizou: That way would be much cooler, right? Ah, how did I do? I wonder if my improvisation was appropriate for the situation…

Yuujirou: Haven’t you done well and went beyond~

Aizou: Just like this, then. Let’s keep going!

Aizou: “Say, at school, I forgot my umbrella and Yuujirou-kun shared his umbrella with me.”

Yuujirou: Oh, it’s already this time when I’ve done my homework. I have to hurry and go to the agency. Ah, it’s raining. I’m glad I’m carrying a folding umbrella. It seems like the rain will be quite heavy…. Huh? What happened to you? Eh? You don’t have an umbrella..? I see. Then, would you like to share my umbrella with me, even though it’s small? I’m alright with it. I don’t mind getting a little wet myself. You’ll catch a cold. Let’s go quickly.

Aizou: You’ve done it perfectly~

Aizou: It’s certainly true that Yuujirou carries a folding umbrella with him.

Yuujirou: As for Aizou, you use the vinyl umbrella, right? He often loses it.

Aizou: Someone steals it!

Yuujirou: Then, onto the next one!

04:20

Yuujirou: “I want to be confessed to by Aizou-kun at the middle of our summer festival date.”

Aizou: Huh? Oh, it’s the questionnaire date person.

Yuujirou: They want to hear this because they love you very much. Three, two, one, if you please.

Aizou: Hey, the summer festival is fun, but it’s really hot, isn’t it? It’s so hot that I’m sweating. *takes a deep breath* Hey, umm… that is… I have something to say to you…before the fireworks start. I- I am in love with you! Hyuh!! Don!! Pa, pa, pa!!

Yuujirou: *laughing* Why are you going so far as to act out the sound of the fireworks?! Or rather- Aizou- You’re the type who confesses nervously?

Aizou: I tried connecting the summer heat and the sweat of nervousness in response to the theme of a summer festival.

Yuujirou: Oh, so you’re doing a code like that. Your improvisation of doing the fireworks is amazing.

05:28

Aizou: The next one is for Yuujirou.

Aizou: “I want to hear Yuujirou’s speak selfishly in his speech for the position of the student council president.”

Yuujirou: On this occasion, I am Yuujirou, running for student council president and speaking in self-interest. This is sudden, but- does everyone here love idols? Idols encourage the fans who support them. I believe they have the power to cheer you up. In the event that I am elected for the student council seat, I would like to invite everyone to see LIPxLIP LIVE, free of charge. By all means, please vote for me.

Aizou: You-! That’s bribery!

Yuujirou: It’s free invitation so it’s okay~ Ehehe~ 

Aizou: Is that really true?

Yuujirou: Eh,  on to the next theme… this one, then.

06:11

Yuujirou: “I wrote this while feeling down after making a mistake at work. I want to be welcomed by Aizou, who is waiting for me as my butler at home.”

Aizou: Ah, a theme which is unexpectedly straightforward has come out. I was expecting they’d write another weird one.

Yuujirou: *sounds excited* So, greet me with, ‘Do you want a meal, a bath, or….?’. I leave it to you~

Aizou: Is that a condition attached to it? Did the request really go that far?

Yuujirou: Nope, it’s my own special adjustment. Well then, the theme is absolute. Three, two, one, if you please.

Aizou: Ah. Welcome back. Ah? What’s wrong? You have a depressed look on your face. Something bad happened at work? Ah, I see. Hmm… That must have been difficult for you. You’re going to be okay. Let’s solve it slowly. No matter what happens, I will always be on your side.

Aizou: Oh, right! I have already prepared a meal for you. Eat until your stomach is full and forget about your problem for now. If you’re tired, I’ve already heated the bath. Will you use it first and relax? Or….shall I embrace you tightly to welcome you home?

Yuujirou: You’re good. You have already broken through it head-on.

Aizou: You are still simple-minded, Yuujirou~

Aizou: Okay, it’s about time we do the themes that they would like for the two members of LIPxLIP to perform.

Yuujirou: Should you and I act it out together?

Aizou: Ah. Yes. When it comes to themes, there are some that are aimed at Julietta. Shall we go with this first?

07:40

Aizou: “If your unit name wasn’t LIPxLIP, please try to greet us with your rejected unit name.”

Yuujirou: One that has been rejected, huh. Which will we choose? Some terrible and foolish ones though.

Aizou: Isn’t it okay to go with that? The one given by the President… Ai Love Yu

Yuujirou: That sounds awful! I’m glad it got rejected.

Aizou: Our greeting will be… well- let’s go with what we come up with on the spot.

Yuujirou: Okay! Three, two, one, if we please.

08:07

Aizou: Everyone! Were you waiting? This is Aizou (愛蔵), who’s name is written as Love’s (愛) Possession (蔵).

Yuujirou: I’ve missed you! This is Yuujirou (勇次郎), who’s name is written as the Valiant (勇) Jirou (次郎)

Both: We are- Ai Love Yu!

Yuujirou: Sounds awful!

Aizou: Led by that unit name, even our speech turned out sounding lame. Anyway, the mood is somehow there and I have mixed feelings.

Yuujirou: Well, I’m glad we went with ‘LIPxLIP’.

Aizou: Right?

Aizou: Yuujirou, I leave the next better-sounding theme to you.

Yuujirou: Got it. Eh, how about this one? We received quite a lot of requests though.

08:45

Yuujirou: “Julietta is the princess. I want to have LIPxLIP as my butler.”

Aizou: It will be the way we talk to Julietta, right? That’s good. Alright! Three, two, one, ready, go.

Both: Welcome back, my lady.

Yuujirou: Thank you very much for your hard work. We’ll humbly store your luggage over here. Would you please allow me to hold your hand?

Aizou: We will leave the food here. And please leave your free hand to me. I will humbly make you feel better, my lady.

Yuujirou: If you will choose me, I will humbly relieve your fatigue.

Aizou: No. If you will choose me, I will make you forget all the unpleasant things.

Yuujirou: Which escort-

Aizou: -Would you prefer?

09:36

Aizou: Our role is that of a butler but it doesn’t deviate much from the usual things we do. It’s easy.

Yuujirou: If LIPxLIP were both butlers, it would turn out to be something like this.

Aizou: Like, ‘Which escort will you choose?’

Yuujirou: Merely a butler but has quite an attitude.

Aizou: We have time so let’s jump to the next one~ Then, the next one will be this.

09:55

Aizou: “What if you both turned into each other’s pets?”

Yuujirou: Eh? Umm, one acting as the owner and the other as the pet4, which one will we do?

Aizou: Ah, yes, let’s do that. My pet is a cat, so we'll have Yuujirou turning into a cat. Three, two, one, let's go.

10:11

Aizou: I'm home! I've missed you! Have you been well?

Yuujirou: Welcome back, meow.

Aizou: Huh? You aren't as energetic as before. What's wrong?

Yuujirou: Geh- I'm in full spirits, meow! Like I always am, meow-

Aizou: But you- You have always meowed at me in a much sweeter tone. Let me hear your usual sweet and adorable voice~

Yuujirou: .....

Yuujirou: You creep me out, meow.

Aizou: Oi! Don’t make it sound like your owner is a creep!

Yuujirou: It's absolutely a no for me to turn into Aizou's pet!

Aizou: *laughs* Geez. It's an answer towards a request. Well then, for the next one, it's my turn to become Yuujirou's dog.

Yuujirou: You're right. It feels more satisfying to express thoughts into words than as a cat. Three, two, one.

10:54

Yuujirou: It's time to walk you around! Come over here!

Aizou: Woof! Woof! Going for a walk! Woof! Woof!

Yuujirou: But the truth is… we're going to the animal hospital. Here, I’ll walk you, let's go for a walk~

Aizou: Ha? Hos..pi...tal...? 

Yuujirou: We’re going on a walk so be at ease~

Aizou: *whimpers and howls like a true dog*

Yuujirou: Aren't you good at acting like a dog!? Are you a dog in your past life?!

Aizou: There are animal videos of dogs whose facial expression changes the moment they realize they’re headed to the animal hospital. Those are the ones I saw recently.

Yuujirou: Ah, I love animal videos too. They're so cute, and when you start watching, you can't stop, right?

Aizou: Ah! The next theme is already the last one. Regarding this, they said to pick one on the shorter side.

Yuujirou: Understood. A shorter one...

11:39

Yuujirou: Ah. “I want LIPxLIP to tell me it’s my birthday."

Yuujirou: With this, we can say a few words.

Aizou: Nice. Then, let's say it after 'ready, go'. Let's go.

Aizou: Ready, go~

Both: Julietta! Happy birthday!

Aizou: And with this, it had become the signal of the end. And that’s all there is regarding the situation challenge.

Yuujirou: It's over~ How many themes did we do in total? 1, 2, 3... Eh~ about 10? We've worked hard a lot.

Aizou: Pretty feels like five. Haven’t we gotten considerably good with regards to our acting abilities? Offers might come to star in a drama.

Yuujirou: No, it won’t. First of all, do your best when thinking of the life of an idol as our main job. We need to be able to have more fans to support us, you know.

Aizou: Right? Are you aware?

Aizou: The number of our male Julietta is also increasing little by little.

Yuujirou: Yeah. It makes me happy. Of course, I am also happy with our female Julietta. I want to become an existence that would be loved by many.

Aizou: Yes. Like being grateful for being born into this world where we, LIPxLIP, exist.

Yuujirou: Oh. That was quite smooth.

Aizou: Right?

Yuujirou: And with that, it’s almost time for this radio to end, shall we end it by saying a few words from each? 

Aizou: Okay!

12:58

Aizou: Julietta, thank you for listening until the end. I'll be happy if you would enjoy our 2nd album. May our singing voices reach your hearts.

Yuujirou: I want to convey my gratitude to Julietta as well. Thank you for continuing to support us this far. This world is full of all sorts of things to enjoy, but it will make us happy if you will support LIPxLIP from here onwards.

Aizou: We still have a lot to work on from this point on.

Yuujirou: That is correct. We have to continue doing our best.

Aizou: Well then, around this part on this radio…

Yuujirou: Julietta- 

Both: Thank you!!

13:44

Aizou: Thank you for your hard work!

Yuujirou: Thank you for your hard work!

Aizou: Improvisational acts drain a lot of my calories.

Yuujirou: But in the end, we could only do 10.

Aizou: It’s selected from over 3,000 entries. I wanted to do a little more…

Yuujirou: Are there other themes you were curious about?

Aizou: Ah. “If LIPxLIP has to fight as an angel and devil, what will happen?” Something like that.

Yuujirou: Hmm... An angel and a devil, which is which?

Aizou: Of course, I am more of an angel, so I'll play the role of an angel! The demon role fits you more.

Yuujirou: Haa? What are you saying. 

Yuujirou: I'm 10,011 times more of an angel than you are.

Aizou: How can you say that while glaring at me like a demon.

Aizouo: *sighs* Haa… You and I are never on the same page. Moving forward, the other themes you were curious about?

Yuujirou: Something like, what if we are locked in a room where only one of us can get out?

Aizou: I’m leaving you behind and I’m going out. 

Yuujirou: Go in the same room, get out how we want.

Aizou: We say things freely like this.

-END-

[noonaishere]

Online/Offline [C.S] - fifty-three | halfway there

“Um, Seonghwa?” You asked as you appeared in the doorway of his office.

He looked up from what he was doing, glasses perched on his nose. “Yes?”

“That guy is here, and you told me to tell you so you could cover for me?”

“So soon?” He took his glasses off.

“I think… since San started randomizing my shifts, he started coming in more, so he can try to catch me.” Your hands were clasped together, and you wrung them a bit, nervous at the thought of this guy trying so hard to see you. That his original discovery of your weekly schedule by coming in every day has failed because of San, so his solution was to come in every day just to see if you were there. 

He nodded and stood. “Alright. I’ll help Minsoo. You can go ask Wooyoung to train you in the kitchen.”

You nodded. “Thank you.”

“Go to the kitchen now, I’ll be down in a moment.”

You left for the kitchen and snuck in as quietly as you could, putting your hands over Wooyoung’s eyes.

“I already saw you,” he laughed.

“Guess anyway.”

“My soulmate?”

You took your hands off and smiled. “You’re right!” 

��Wow, who would have thought?” He asked, pretending to be excited for a moment before he got serious again. “That guy’s here?”

“Yeah,” you said with a frown. You sighed heavily, resetting your emotions as best as you could since you at least knew that for all he knew, you weren’t working. “What can I learn today?”

“We’re making a castella cake. I’ve only made them once, but they seem to be popular again so we’re going to make some.”

“Those are the fluffy, jiggly ones, right?”

“Mhm,” he smiled.

You nodded.

Seonghwa walked to the cubby area and put his apron on and left for the counter.

Wooyoung looked past you. “Ohh, Minsoo is going to work with her crush?” He whispered.

You smiled. “Yep.”

“At least this guy showing up is good for someone.”

You tilted your head. “You’re not wrong.”

“Hmm…” he set his chin into his hand theatrically. “Should we spy on them for a bit?”

“Wooyoung…” You admonished.

He raised his eyebrows at you.

You rolled your eyes. “Fine. Okay.”

“Come on.” He grabbed your hand and pulled you to the second door so you could listen in.

“Hello Minsoo.”

“Oh-- Hi oppa.”

He smiled at her. “I haven’t heard you call me that since we were in school.” 

She smiled slightly, awkwardly, before turning around, her whole face red with blush.

“She’s so cute,” Wooyoung whispered.

“Adorable.” You smiled.

Minsoo busied herself with something as she waited for her flush to subside.

Seonghwa stood at the counter, looking out into the café. He didn’t seem to be looking in the direction of the guy-- the stalker. You were pretty sure that’s what this guy was at this point; he kept coming into your place of work to try to talk to you and, if not that, stare at you. He was a stalker. But Seonghwa didn’t seem to be looking in his direction, only looking out into the café itself. 

After a few minutes of quiet, the bell on the door jingled and Minsoo seemed to relax.

“Did he leave?” You asked Wooyoung.

“Maybe?”

“I suppose…” Minsoo started. 

Seonghwa turned to her.

“I suppose you’ll be going back to your office.”

“I can stay up here a few more minutes if you like.”

“Oh…” She nodded.

“We haven’t gotten to talk to each other very much outside of work, despite my knowing your cousin for so long.”

She shook her head. “We haven’t.”

He chuckled.

“What?”

“I was just remembering-- it was almost strange to meet you again, the only time I had met you before San and I opened the café was when we were still in high school and you were in middle school.”

“Oh… yes. I remember that.”

“I remember you looked like such a fresh-faced kid.”

“Oh… I remember you differently.”

“Oh?”

She nodded.

“How so?”

“You looked so cool at the time.”

He chuckled. “Did I?”

“Mhm. Your eyebrows were very stern and you have great eyes and your cheekbones… you looked like a tough guy from a kdrama.”

He laughed. “Really.”

“You did. And you looked so cool when you performed in the dance club expo and wore stage makeup-- like an idol.”

He smiled and turned away for a moment. “I didn’t know you went to that.”

“San and I went together, to support you. We made signs and cheered for you the whole time.” He nodded. 

“Wow,” Wooyoung whispered to you. “I’ve never seen Seonghwa look bashful before.”

“That’s bashful?”

“Bashful for him.”

“Umm… but… yeah,” Minsoo thought for a second. “I’ve always thought you were cool.”

“Come on, kid,” you whispered and held up a fist, “confess. You can do it.”

Seonghwa nodded. “Thank you. For thinking I was cool.”

Minsoo nodded and opened her mouth to say something else, but closed it and nodded again.

Seonghwa smiled at her.

Wooyoung sighed and laid his head on your shoulder for a moment in exasperation. “She almost had it.”

You shook your head. “Halfway there, living on a prayer.”

“Ugh. I can’t stand Bon Jovi.” 

You laughed quietly.

He sighed again and stood, patting your shoulder. “Let’s make castella cakes.”

“Okay, so…” Wooyoung trailed off as he looked at the recipe, a finger tracing the steps you had already done in order to make sure they had all been done. “We made the egg white meringue, then we started the next part with the egg yolks and whites, milk, the cooking oil, and you’re almost done sifting the flour…” He stared at the recipe for a few seconds as he read what was next. “Once you’re done with that, we’ll add the flour and then we’ll do the next step.”

“How am I adding the flour?”

“Once you’re done sifting it, we can just dump it in.”

You nodded. You made your way through the last of the flour and tapped the sieve on the side of the bowl to knock any errant flour into it. “No special way to add it in? Just add it in?”

“Just add it in.” He nodded.

“Alright.” You put the sieve on the counter. “So I can do it like this?”

You took a big pinch of flour, crooked your elbow and…

“I’m surprised you thought I was so cool, I was quite the nerd back then.” Seonghwa added with a chuckle.

“Oh, you’re not a--”

"DON'T SALT BAE THE FLOUR INTO THE EGGS!! YOU'RE WORSE THAN I AM!!" Wooyoung screamed from the kitchen.

Minsoo’s eyes widened in surprise and she and Seonghwa turned to the kitchen and heard you laughing.

“You’re making a mess!” Wooyoung hollered.

Seonghwa sighed. “I’m so glad there’s no customers in here right now.”

Minsoo giggled.

   previous | main cast | masterlist | next

Send an ask or leave a comment if you want to be added to the tag list! 🧋

@rachs-words • @stayatinykatsy •

[torahoes]

(IDOLiSH7) Touma Inumaru - An Idol's Daily Life Rabbit Chat: Part 2 - Where's my rice ball?

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5

Touma Inumaru: Takanashi-san, thank you so much for waking me up at the TV station's cafe earlier! I totally dozed off!

Touma Inumaru: Thanks to you, I’ll be able to make it to my next appointment on time.

Tsumugi Takanashi: Good work today. Utsugi-san told me he couldn't reach you, so when I saw you, I decided to call out to you…!

Tsumugi Takanashi: I was worried something might have happened, but I'm relieved you were just napping.

Touma Inumaru: Man, you really saved me!

Touma Inumaru: I was planning to message Utsugi-san saying I was taking a break at the cafe, but I fell asleep before I could.

Touma Inumaru: By the way, I was really out of it when you woke me up, wasn't I?!

Tsumugi Takanashi: You mean when you said, "Where's my rice ball?"

Touma Inumaru: Aargh— yes, that!

Tsumugi Takanashi: You said it the moment our eyes met, so it really surprised me! Lol

Touma Inumaru: Haru was making rice balls in my dream, but he only gave them to Mina and Tora, not a single one to me lolol

Tsumugi Takanashi: So that's what that was about!

Touma Inumaru: That's right lolol I was probably talking to the Haru in my dream when I said that lol

Touma Inumaru: Anyway, you really helped me out today, so let me thank you properly next time!

Tsumugi Takanashi: Oh, no, it was nothing! You looked tired, so please don’t push yourself too hard.

Touma Inumaru: It’s not exactly that; I’ve been trying to get up early in preparation for next week’s "Idol's Smile." I’ll have to wake up at 4 AM every day, so I wanted to get my body used to it.

Tsumugi Takanashi: Even for a 7 AM appearance, you'll still have to get in early for meetings and such, after all > <

Touma Inumaru: Exactly. Plus, I'm so nervous I might wake up even earlier lol. Which is why I can't afford to look sleepy in the morning.

Touma Inumaru: But yeah, I was so wide awake that I couldn't really sleep last night either.

Tsumugi Takanashi: I’m the same way before a big live show. I get so excited that I just can’t sleep...!

Touma Inumaru: Were you the type who couldn’t sleep the night before a school trip?

Tsumugi Takanashi: Yes > < I would go to bed early, but I just couldn't fall asleep…

Touma Inumaru: Same here! I'd get too excited thinking about what would be in my lunch or about the clothes I'd wear.

Touma Inumaru: I remember staying up late the night before a school trip in middle school. When I woke up, I realized I was 30 minutes late and jumped out of bed yelling, "Whaaaaa!" lol

Tsumugi Takanashi: That sounds terrifying!

Touma Inumaru: I was seriously panicking lolol I ran to the station and made it just in time, but I got onto the bus with a bedhead

Tsumugi Takanashi:

Touma Inumaru: I absolutely can't afford to be late for the show, so I really need to fix my sleep schedule.

Tsumugi Takanashi: With all your other work, it must be tough to adjust, but I’m cheering you on...!

Tsumugi Takanashi: I heard from Utsugi-san that you also practice during your breaks from filming and lessons.

Touma Inumaru: Yeah! I’ve been practicing my smile and getting feedback from my members!

Tsumugi Takanashi:

1) What did Isumi-san say?

Touma Inumaru: He suggested I read the business section of the newspaper to prepare for any questions during the news segment, but it's filled with too many difficult kanji for me lol

2) What did Natsume-san say?

Touma Inumaru: He suggested I try to act like a cute, puppy-like guy to match the morning show's vibe. But I'm not sure I even come across as a puppy-like guy to begin with.

3) What did Mido-san say?

Touma Inumaru: He advised me to stay calm and speak slowly since I tend to talk fast when I'm nervous. It's true that clarity is important for morning shows!

Touma Inumaru: Basically, they said that being myself is the best approach.

Touma Inumaru: They said that if I just act natural without overthinking much, my good points will naturally shine through to the viewers.

Tsumugi Takanashi: I can tell that everyone in ŹOOĻ really trusts you, Inumaru-san…!

Touma Inumaru: It made me really happy too.

Touma Inumaru: It's a bit embarrassing, but I want to live up to their support and make this a success!

Tsumugi Takanashi: I'm even more excited for next week now!

Tsumugi Takanashi:

End of Part 2.

[lonesome-witching]

I Wanted to Make You Smile

This was a difficult prompt to tackle because of the fact that I have zero knowledge about dogs. But here you go. Thank you for the anonymous prompt of Robin getting Nancy a puppy because Nancy is struggling at school.

Do you have a secret Ronance story you want to see written? Well, send the prompt right here and I will right it for you. If instead you want to read the previous prompts you can find those here.

“I got kicked out of class!” Nancy shouted. The door to the apartment still open. “I just got fucking kicked out of class because I asked a simple question.” 

“What did you ask?” Robin leaned over the back of the couch to face her girlfriend who was now pushing the door shut. 

“I just asked him if he got his views from 1930 because most of his theories are bullshit. I didn’t add the last part.” 

Robin couldn’t help but laugh at the comment. She had gotten well versed in the views of Professor McLaren over the past few weeks. He was a homophobic piece of shit, that much was sure. But Nancy’s obvious disdain for the professor was starting to have an effect on her grades and therefore an effect on her mood. 

“Sorry, sorry about laughing. Do you want me to cook your favorite meal to make you feel better?” 

“I- I’m not very hungry. I think I’m just gonna head to bed.” Her demeanor changed from angry to defeated. There probably was more to the story than Nancy dared to say and it made Robin sink further into the couch, almost as defeated as her girlfriend. 

—

Puppies for sale. Ring doorbell.

Robin read the sign again and again, debating whether this was a good idea or not. She knew Nancy loved dogs, Nancy even mentioned wanting a dog. But then again, they were college students, they really didn’t have the money. And to be fair, Robin wasn’t entirely sure they were allowed to have pets in their apartment. 

She rang the doorbell, regardless of the warning bells that were popping up in her head. Because she was convinced that it would cheer up her girlfriend. And after the events of the other day her girlfriend surely needed some cheering up. She’d barely come out of their bedroom at all. 

“Hello?” A middle aged man growled at her with a scowl on his face. Frankly if it were his puppies she’d need to save them. 

“Hi, I saw the sign in your window and I was just informing about the puppies.” 

The man nodded. He vanished into the house, returning moments later with a fluffy white furred Golden Retriever puppy. “Here you go. It’s the last one so it’s take it or leave it, I’m afraid.” He pushed the dog in Robin’s arms. 

“Oh, he’s the cutest little thing.” Robin pushed her fingertips through the fur. “How much do I owe you?” 

“That fucker you can get for free.” And with that he slammed the door in her face. Leaving Robin to wonder if there was anything wrong with the small dog she was now carrying home. But he softly licked her cheek and Robin couldn’t assign a single flaw to the puppy. 

“He was just a mean old man, wasn’t he?” She asked the dog who barked happily in response. She’d take it as a yes. 

She struggled opening the door while holding the nameless pup. Her keys falling from her hand. She leaned down to pick them up right as the door was being swung open. 

“Thank God you are home, I was just…” Nancy stopped talking as her eyes caught on the dog in Robin’s arms. “Are you holding a puppy?” 

“I am.” Robin replied with a smile, still standing in the doorway, the entrance blocked by her girlfriend. 

“Whose dog is that?” 

“Yours. Ours.” 

“You got us a dog?” 

“Look, I know you were having a tough time at school and I hated seeing you come home so defeated and sad. I thought that maybe this little fella would help cheer you up. I just really wanted to make you smile.” Robin pushed herself closer to Nancy, hoping to gain entry to her own home this way. 

It worked because Nancy slowly stepped out of the way, her eyes still glued to the animal. But there was a soft smile shining through her confusion. 

“He is really cute.” She stated as she softly scratched behind his ear. “Thank you, Robin.”

[phanofclouds]

i was tagged by @drunkenromantic to answer the get to know me tag! thanks a lot for tagging me !! 🩵

1. Do you make your bed?

yes i do ! especially if i’m at home. i like to have my room tidy and, as it’s pretty small, that comes quite easy

2. Favourite number?

27, because i’ve had some good, but also some bad coincidences with it

3. What's your job?

i’m currently a student and i don’t work as of right now sooo, none :)

4. If you could go back to school, would you?

absolutely no because of constant burnout + the people.

5. Can you parallel park?

well i used to while i was learning how to drive, but after i got the license i’ve tried once, miserably failed, and never tried it again. (i probably should re learn it though)

6. Do you think aliens are real?

i don’t know, you should ask casper ruud or alexander rossi

7. Can you drive a manual car?

yes, i’ve only ever driven manual cars actually

8. Guilty pleasure?

probably listening to reggaeton? although the more time passes, the less guilty it is

9. Tattoos?

i really like them, but i can’t see myself ever getting one unless i’m 1000% sure about what i want to get

10. Favourite colour?

turquoise ! i also love most shades of blue and green

11. Favourite type of music?

tough choice…i would say pop, rock, indie, and whatever muse do i guess. shoutout to most genres of albanian music as well

12. Do you like puzzles?

i do ! haven’t done one in ages though

13. Any phobias?

thanatophobia. yeah.

14. Favourite childhood sport?

i wasn’t into sports at all as a child, but i’ve tried and, to a certain extent, enjoyed athletics during middle school, so i would probably go for that. i’ve also watched the occasional world cup/euros matches as a kid, but more for the vibes rather than for the football itself

15. Do you talk to yourself?

i’ve got to admit this, i do it all the damn time

16. Tea or coffee?

both ! not a single day goes by in which i don’t drink at least one of the two

17. First thing you wanted to be when growing up?

whatever barbie did in her movies, i wanted to do as well. no wonder i actually have no clue what to do with my life now

18. What movies do you adore?

i’m anything but a movies person, but if i had to list some of my favorites, i’d say dead poets society, the truman show, toy story, the maze runner saga

this was fun ! i’m tagging @nick-cassidy @dacchamp @jakehughesrace @aliassimes @carlosheinz (no pressure to do it of course !! <3)

[alaydabug2]

@sparklenarniawizard

Broken heart/Broken mind

Chapter nine

(Human AU)

Sophie and Keefe met in the children's hospital when they were little. Because of how long they were confined to the four walls of the hospital, they became very close during their stay.

As the years pass, they wind up being in the same classroom together due to their physical conditions. This makes their bond deepen.

But are they able to handle when life gets tough, throwing problems and complications their way?

Fifth grade:

Sophie walked onto the playground halfway through recess.

When she walked up to her friends, Biana ran over and jumped on Dex's back, "Where were you yesterday?"

Dex buckled under her weight. His knees wobbled. "For the last time, Biana, quit jumping on me!"

She got off, "You're no fun."

Sophie laughed. "I was at the neurologist. Had to do some brain scans and get my medicine adjusted." She turned to Keefe, "Did you not tell them?"

Keefe furrowed his brows. "I thought I did."

"Well, apparently not," Tam said.

Keefe rolled his eyes. "Oh, wow, sorry that not all of us can be as perfect as you."

Tam narrowed his eyes.

So why weren't you out here earlier?" Linh asked.

Sophie was in the middle of climbing the rock wall as she answered, "Had to make up my work. I'm all caught up now, though."

"Well, good!" Biana exclaimed. "Now we can play. I vote for tag, and Dex is it!"

She nearly shoved him when she tagged him. She raced off to the other side of the playground. Sophie and the rest of her friends scattered.

Dex stood there like a wide-eyed deer. "No fair, I wasn't ready!" he shouted. He raced off to go tag one of his friends.

When they were done, they sat sweaty under the awning. Sophie wiped the sweat. From her face. Keefe was leaned against the brick wall, still attempting to catch his breath. Biana took her hair out of the pony tail and shook her head to let it free.

"You guys excited for middle school next year?" Tam said.

"Yes!" Dex exclaimed. "They have a robotics club. I'm so excited to be able to sign up. What about you guys. Wanna do any clubs or sports?"

"I'll probably do the animal shelter volunteering," Linh said.

"That sounds fun," Biana told her. "I want to try and do tennis."

"I can completely see you doing that!" She turned to Tam. "What do you wanna do?"

He shrugged. "I'm not sure. I don't know if I want to join anything. If I do, probably cooking."

They all turned to Sophie and Keefe. Dex said, "What about you two?"

"I kind of want to try to give swimming a shot," Sophie said. "I asked my doctor yesterday if I could, and he said I should as long as my medicine works. I'll just have to be careful. But I'm good at telling when one's about to happen, so it should be fine." She asked Keefe, "Are you going to try to do anything?"

"Umm... I haven't really thought about it." He ran a hand through his hair. "I'd like do to sports, but I'm not able."

Sophie eyed him. "Since when? You're just not allowed to do contact sports. There's still plenty you can do."

"Yeah," Biana agreed. "There's basketball, tennis, baseball, soccer. Although I wouldn't do soccer if I were you," she advised. "Fitz did it this year. He's gotten trampled. Five times. Although he is enjoying baseball right now."

"Actually," Keefe pondered, "Baseball doesn't  sound half bad."

"See," Sophie said. "You can do that!"

Linh gasped. "You guys will be in our classes next year, won't you?"

Sophie's face lit up. "You're right!"

Keefe smirked, "You guys are going to regret that excitement. Sophie's not going to be the only one I can prank anymore."

"Thank God," she muttered under her breath.

"Oh, don't worry, sweet little Sophie Foster," he rested his chin on her shoulder. His grin was wicked. "I still have PLENTY saved up for you."

Tam snorted. "I feel bad for you, Sophie."

"Me too," she grumbled. "Me too, Tam."

The whistle was blown to head inside. Sophie and Keefe said goodbye to their friends and went their separate ways. Sophie waited as Keefe gulped down half an ocean from the water fountain, and rushed to catch up with their classmates inside the classroom.

[madebyteenagefury]

have you made the house md ocs yet?

so, about that!

short answer: yes! yea i have :D

longer answer: yeaaa i did but.. making oc is always tough for me because i never seem to get attached enough to them to keep pushing through and developing them. being the only fan in a fandom where YOU have to create the source material is not really my jam haha. i have much more fun engaging with other peoples oc’s and characters from existing media.

but for you, i’ll commit to making a proper sheet for him. for now, here’s a little (very bare bones) overview of my guy!

introducing Max! he’s 33 (at the time of season one, based on my hopefully correct math of everyone else’s ages.) and an elementary teacher! he exists in the same universe as @privatehousesanatomy ‘s oc kadee. he lives in the same apartment building as her and house, which is how they become friends at first! he does graphic design on the side and while his family helped put him through school for his bachelors in elementary education he’s hoping putting himself through for a masters in graphic design. he comes from an asian background (his family is from the middle east, they immigrated in the late 70’s) and he is bilingual (i love any excuse to use my family’s language in my fandoms, an oc you can project on is the perfect way lol) he loves listening to classical music while he draws, his favorite things to draw are still life and portraits. he is an only child. a little physical description of him; he’s got chase ish length thick black wavy hair (difference between their haircuts is that max’s bangs are longer so they go down to his chin) which he usually pins back, dark brown eyes, an oval face, he’s about 5’10

here are some VERY early, on the fly sketches of him (both when i was in artblock AND i lost my sketchbook for a hot minute hence the lined paper😭double whammy)

the one on the left, those marks around max’s eye are where i erased glasses many times. originally he was going to have glasses but it’s not been set in stone, idk if i’ll keep them (yes that is wilson, i heavily referenced a @/noahdea.art drawing and ran with it, second one was just me messing around fully pulled out my ass that’s why it looks a lil jank but wtvr)

so yeah that’s kinda all i have of him! thanks for sending in that ask @former-lurker it pushed me to flesh him out just a little more. y’all pls feel free to ask me more about him and just lmk what you think!! this was actually super fun and helps/encourages me to delve into him and his world a bit more each time and who knows maybe this one will finally stick.

[tickldpnk8]

Yay! Love a good tag game, @marlowe-zara thanks for tagging me!

Are you named after anyone? Yes: my beloved grandma

When was the last time you cried? Man, I cry at everything...happy, sad, stressed, scared. Most recently over a very touching Oscar speech for a movie I hadn't even seen.

Do you have kids? Yup! One kiddo and that's where we'll stop

What sports do you play/have you played? Dance since I was six, followed by flag/color guard in HS/College, followed by swing dancing. I really miss it, but am excited that Kiddo is starting to get into it at our community center and we can do it together.

Do you use sarcasm? sometimes

What is the first thing you notice about people? their attitude/demeanor

What's your eye color? Brown :(

Scary movies or happy endings? Happy endings all the way: I hate scary movies

Any talents? art and languages come pretty easily to me

Where were you born? Midwest USA represent (waves to @marlowe-zara)

What are your hobbies? Reading, traveling and doing water color sketches of places I visit, printmaking (letterpress or lithography) when I have the creative energy outside of doing design professionally

Do you have any pets? Nope: too allergic

How tall are you? shorter than most people, but not the shortest: I basically stopped growing at the end of middle school

Favorite subject in school? Chemistry/Geology, German and Art (and of those, I double majored in German and Art)

Dream job? probably doing my hobby of letterpress printing professionally, but it's really hard to make decent money as a stationer so I'm sticking with UX; it makes for a good side gig, though, if times are tough (the tech industry has had a lot of layoffs, but so far so good 🤞)

Not sure who else has been tagged at this point, so tagging @scifrey @tryan-a-bex @lucienne-thee-librarian and @notallsandmen but no pressure if you don't care to (or I missed that you already did this one)

[weridpersonhelp]

Sweeter than ice cream [1.]

Carmel chocolate swirl

Butters x reader

professor chaos x reader

The first day back at school wasn't easy for Butter’s; he was swamped with school work, and, well, let's just say his friends weren't the kindest as usual. The best way to start the first week of school, was a closing shift as well.

However, bless God, it was a quiet night; on a Monday night, not many people come

 It was almost his break, and Butters was scrubbing the tables for the third time tonight. He had 30 minutes left before clocking out and locking up. He was tired and about to fall asleep when, the teenager was startled by the doorbell; he wipes his eyes and looks. Only the new kid Alex and a girl who was hiding behind him

Walks into the empty store.

"Butters?" Alex asks shocked.

"Hey Alex! how are you?'" he asks, Alex chuckles lightly.

"Alright, I didn’t know you worked here!" The boy groans slightly and hunching forward from pain.

.

"Hey, you could be nicer! I am the one paying for this ice cream." Alex says revealing the other new kid his sister. Her cheeks were red and stained with tears, her eyes glossy ready to shed more tears to fall from her gorgeous Brown eyes. they Reminded butters of a milky chocolate and Carmel swirl ice cream; her hair was messy but looked soft than Cotton candy. Butter’s felt sad for the girl and wondered what upset her.

"Hello" her voice was soft and cracked a little, Butter's feels his face heat up a little.

"Oh right! Y/n this is Leopold or Butter's, Butter's my sister." Alex says.

"Why is your nick name Butters?" She asks, catching the boy off guard a little.

"Oh! it's my middle name! and it's better than saying Leopold!"

"Why not just say Leo then?" One of her eyebrows were raised, similar to how her brothers was when he asked the same question, he started to notice their simailer features. From their brown eyes and skin tones and heights. Though Alex was taller when he first met him, he was no longer wearing the platform boots.

"Because his friends do, don't judge Y/n" Alex says ruffling her hair, she smacks his lanky hand away from her hair.

"I'm not."

"Anyway, how can I help you guys?" Butters asks walking to the counter, they follow and look at the ice creams, Y/n looms over her options looking at each one carefully, but dangling over the Cookies and cream

"You look like a cookies and cream girl, or maybe a Carmel and chocolate swirl?" Butters asks trying to make convosation as he leans on one hand, she thinks for a minute he could see her brain working.

"I've never had chocolate and Carmel swirl, is it good?"

"Very it's one of my personal favriouts" butters says with a close eye smile Y/n copy with a small giggle.

"I love Carmel I'll take your word for it then. Can I have it in a Waffle cone?"

"Anything for the pretty lady, and what can I do for you handsome gentleman?" Butter's asks Mocking a British accent. Which works to make the girl smile. While handing her the Ice cream their hands brush a little against each other. But Butter’s hand quickly retreat and a dust of pink could be seen of his cheeks as Alex clear's his throat.

"What ice cream do you think I would like?"

"From your Style an Expresso Coffee Ice cream but your more of a rainbow guy." Alex eyes widen which means to Butter's he was right.

"How did you know! but yes. I would like rainbow ice cream in a cup with marshmallow toppings” y/n chuckles at Alex's order as she licks away at her ice cream Alex pulls out his wallet, but butter's puts out his hand refusing him and handing him his ice cream.

"Butter's I can't-" "it's fine Alex, I can tell you guys had a tough day. South Park isn't the nicest place in the world. So, take the ice creams as a good omen and welcome to South Park." When I say the twins faces light up, I mean it! Butter’s could of sworn her Y/n was about to cry, but instead smiled

"Thank you so much Leo, this means a lot."

"we'll pay you back dude, no matter what!"

"Nah it's fine, you guys just relax."

"Want to join us after you clock off?" Y/n asks him, Butter smiles and nods at the request.

"Though my shift ends in 30, are you guys okay with waiting-" "only 30? that's plenty of time, it takes this guy a century to eat anyway" Alex nudges his sister a little.

"Hey, just because I like to enjoy my food and not scoff it down like, I haven't had food in weeks doesn't make me a slow eater!" Alex says defending himself, not wanting to be embarrassed Infront of one of his new friends from school.

"we'll just be sitting down here waiting, dude have fun." Alex says leaving butters to do his job as the two sit down he notices Y/n eyes lit up with every lick she takes of her ice cream. He takes mental note on her love for food and continues working and cleaning.

only a few more people came in after Y/n and Alex, and they made small talk with some of the customers, which was definitely not normal in south park, but the customers seemed to enjoy it a lot.

"You ready dude?" Alex asks butter's as he puts on his coat while locking the Ice Cream parlors doors. he walks down the stairs a little and the twins. smile.

"Where to next?"

"oh, I’m not able to hang out anymore. I got a text from my dad sorry, but you guys can come with?" Butters says, Alex nods and they all begin walking at first it was just silence, kind of Awkward Butter's didn't know how to strike a convosation with them. After all he only just met Alex today and the girl 30 minutes ago.

"uh so when did you get your piecing?"

"oh Y/n did them."

"like a home job?!" Butters asks shocked.

"2 ear one's and mouth! she has the better hand eye coordination then me!"

"Their was no way in hell I was doing your eyebrow and septum." 

"you have a septum piercing!"

"yep, I don't wear it much though thanks to the school." Alex breaths out and Y/n chuckles, Y/n gasps and stops walking, the boy stop as she points to her brother.

"You got dragons breath!"

"dragons breath?"

“HELL YES”

"Yeah see!" Y/n breaths out slowly and the smoke appears thank to the warmth of her breath making contact with the frosty air.

"let's see yours Butters!" This was Silly but Butter's copied and probably had the biggest one making the twins gawk and congrats him. he chuckles along with them.

"Is it okay if I ask. what happened to make you cry?" Butters asks her, Y/n's brown eyes gloss over, tears at the ready when she is. Her cheeks heat up and become red a little.

"It's just been hard, for the both of us." Alex says placing a hand on her shoulder she lets out a deep breath and breaths back in.

"i-i know what it can feel like, South Park isn't the greatest place to be. But it has its up's and down, I'm sure you'll find your way through it. And maybe even like it here."

I couldn't help but smile at Butter's words, he was right. we shouldn't pack up and leave just because of one bad experience I just need time to accept this place as my new home.

"Wow that was deep dude." Alex says I hold back my laughter at my brother idiotic reaction at butters, genuine concern for us.

"You guys can come to me whenever! feel free too!" The blondie says, with a smile.

"Thanks' butters! that means a lot for the both of us."

We all had a wonderful night that night because we had finally found a friend in South Park. I have a sense that this friendship will last for a while because it felt sincere, and butters seems like a genuine.

Thank you for reading my first chapter! I hoped you enjoyed it, and if you wish to be tagged just ask or if you think anything should be added just tell me! I love collaborating ideas with people.

[omegaprotocol]

Hailey Meets Dr. Rovert

Hailey wakes up in her home alone. She takes a shower, gets dressed, and sits down on her couch in front of her TV to open her laptop and read the damage. She checks her emails and sees that she has ten more rejected job offers. She closes her eyes and breathes heavily hoping that when she opens them again that the problem will be gone. She thinks about what she should’ve done differently but she can’t think of anything. She would either have to build an ultimate weapon or lose everything that she worked for since middle school. Its a lose lose no matter how you slice it. She opens her eyes again and checks her phone. Turns out that she has two missed calls. One from Jason, and one from an unknown number. She turns on the voicemails and listens.

“Hey, Hailey, It’s Jason. But you probably already knew from caller ID. Uh, I know that you're having a tough time right now with the jobs and everything so I wanted to say that if you needed help with anything just let me know. I’m gonna be at the Fareway for lunch today so if you want to meet me there we could talk about it. Or just hang out, that works too. Umm, ok bye.” Hailey laughs at the awkwardness of the voice mail. Some things never change. She opens the next voicemail.

“Hello Dr. O’hara, this is Dr. Rovert, the dean of the Rosen Institute of Technology. I wanted to talk to you about your application to be a professor at our school.” Hailey’s face lights up, as this is the first real response she has gotten from anyone in days. “I had some things I wanted to discuss with you if you're interested before offering you the position. If you're still looking for the opportunity, why don’t you stop by my office today at the university at around 1:00. Thank you for your time, have a good one.” After the voicemail ends, Hailey screams. She looks at the time on her phone. 12:40. She immediately enters panic mode and drops everything to get ready and out the door as quickly as possible.

Later when Hailey gets to the university, she walks into the pristine front office. Everything is totally new and spotless. Hailey expected nothing less from an ivy league school. She checked the time, 1:03 pm, hopefully she wasn’t too late. She steps up to the secretary.

“Hello, I’m Dr. O’hara here to see Dr. Rovert.”

“What time was your appointment?”

“1:00”

“Hmm, I’m not seeing anything on Dr. Rovert’s schedule for 1:00, are you sure that is the time?”

“Uh, I’m pretty sure, I had received a voice mail from him asking me to be here at one.”

“Ok, well I’ll let him know you're here, so it will just be a moment. You can go ahead and have a seat until he is ready for you.

“Yeah, no problem, thank you.” Hailey picks one of the many uncomfortable chairs to sit in, and contemplates what she is going to say. After pushing the hair out of her eyes for the millionth time, she worries about whether Dr. Rovert will bring up the latest buzz about her career, or worse, the defense grant. She sits in agony in anticipation as time seems to slow to a stop. It had only been two minutes.

“Dr. Rovert is ready for you, just go ahead and head inside.” Shocked by the break in silence, Hailey jolts up and walks into the office. Inside she finds a well dressed man in a suit, sitting at his desk surrounded by books about various topics.

“Ah, Dr. O’hara, so nice of you to drop by. Please, have a seat.”

“Of course, and thanks for replying to my application.”

“Absolutely, after all it did seem strange to see your name appear on the applicant sheet. The job listing seemed a bit below your station, and I just wanted to make sure you knew that we were just looking for a professor to teach intro level courses.

“Yes I’m aware. I wanted to put my hat in the ring for a change of pace from my usual work, ya’know? Figured I could give teaching a try.”

“Oh yeah, I get it, I mean getting to be on the cutting edge of robotics I’m sure is super tiring work.”

“Yes it is. And to be honest I don’t know if I’m really cut out for it.”

“Oh nonsense. I’ve read your books, and more importantly your dissertation, and I have to say, I am very impressed with your work. Truly you are ahead of your time when it comes to learning algorithms.” Hailey is a bit taken back by the compliment. It’s a nice change of pace from the things her colleagues are saying about her.

“Thank you so much, it really means alot to hear that.”

“Of course.” There is a small pause while Dr. Rovert contemplates how to say what he wants to say next. “I did however want to address the elephant in the room.” Hailey’s heart drops as her worst fears come true. “You lost the International Defense Grant. And despite frankly being over qualified for the position, I wanted to ask from a first hand source what happened. I heard many rumors from word of mouth but it felt unfair to make my own judgment without hearing from you first.” Hailey breathes in deep.

“Yes, well, it was unfortunate what happened. I programmed and made several systems as requested by the government, but unfortunately they were not satisfied with the final product and provided corrections. I changed my programs to compensate and was successful in all my changes and even delivered before the deadline, but the government was moving in a different direction so they decided they would go with someone else.” The words felt like glue trying to leave her mouth. Every word made Hailey angrier and angrier remembering how Roland had dismissed her like nothing. And even worse, now she was trying to relay that to her next potential employer who had no reason to believe her.

“I see… So if you don’t mind me asking, what are you working on now? No one has really heard from you in a few weeks after what happened.”

“Well, right now I’m in the process of writing a new book, it’s only in the beginning stages but I feel like it’s a topic that is very relevant to the future of robotics, true AI.”

“Ah yes, correct me if I’m wrong but that was the topic of your dissertation.

“Yes it was.”

“Have you built any prototypes of a project like that? Even just a proof of concept I feel would be rather impressive.”

“Yes, actually, I do.” Hailey opens up her laptop that she had brought with her and opened her rough drafts for the Omega Protocol. Many of the vital parts of the code were missing, and Hailey had made sure of it so Dr. Rovert couldn't see anything that would compromise Omega’s safety. Dr. Rovert however was very interested in her rough drafts.

“Wow, amazing. Well I think with that we can go ahead and conclude the interview. I think as of right now, you are just far too qualified for the position, and to be honest the pay really doesn’t reflect your academic achievements.” Hailey was overcome with dread as she heard those words. Feeling like she was back to square one, she began to pick up her laptop and was fully ready to cry in the car. “But, I think that we can come to a compromise. The university could really use classes about learning algorithms and AI. Just teach one or two higher level courses, and publish your book through the university press, and I will raise the annual salary to match your merit, and hire you for the start of next semester. What do you say?”

Hailey couldn’t believe the roller coaster of emotions. She was so happy, she felt like she could just scream at the top of her lungs. It was finally over, and now she could get back to getting her life back to normal. However, that would be unbefitting of a new professor.

“That sounds more than generous Dr. Rovert. I would love to teach here.”

“Perfect, I’ll have Susan upfront give you all the paperwork.” Hailey exits the office feeling like the world is finally breaking her way. She signs all the paperwork and goes to her car and immediately calls Jason.

“You’ll never guess what happened!”

“What?”

“I have a new job! I’m a professor at an ivy league school!”

“Hailey, that’s awesome! I knew you could do it! See? It’s only a matter of time before we get everything all figured out, now all we gotta do is handle the whole saving the world thing. Easy peasy.”

Meanwhile back in Dr. Rovert’s Office, Dr. Rovert walks out to talk to his secretary.

“Susan? Can you make sure that a second key is made for Dr. O’hara’s new office? I want to have a spare just in case. And also get agent Roland back on the phone. Tell him that I’m accepting the defense grant offer. I have some new ideas that I think would solve our alien problem.” Susan timidly looks down at her keyboard as if she’s afraid to speak up.

“Yes sir, right away Dr. Rovert.” Without saying a word, Dr. Rovert walks back into his office and shuts the door. He grabs Hailey’s book that he had sitting on his desk and throws it into the trash with a disgusted look on his face

[datamodel-of-disaster]

Ask game time! Thanks for the tag, @filmamir!

1. Are you named after anyone?

I keep saying if I do anything noteworthy enough in my life to deserve a wikipedia page, someone has to add me to List of things named after Bernhard Riemann - Wikipedia, so... yes.

2. When was the last time you cried?

Yesterday night, and also, longer ago than I remember. Are the tears mine if the sadness isn't? It be like that sometimes.

3. Do you have kids?

No, and thank the powers that be (mostly contraception) for that!

4. What sports do you play/have played?

No real sports, unless highschool PE counts. I was a fervent and pretty skilled skier for a while but my partner is afraid of skiing and its too expensive to go on my own, so it's been years since I did it.

5. Do you use sarcasm?

Not as much as you'd think. I'm a painfully sincere person much of the time.

6. What's the first thing you notice about people?

I hate to be *that* person, but... their vibe. Fake car salesperson smiles, awkward "haha we will ignore that!" silences, confrontational high-schooler convo style... Some people just have fucky energy, idk what else to say. That said, my actual opinion of people takes a while to form -it's like a committee vote more or less.

7. What's your eye colour?

Blue-green

8. Scary movies or happy endings?

Happy endings all the way. I can watch unhappy endings if the movie is aesthetic(TM) or it's more about the art or history of the film than the narrative, but if I'm immersing myself in a story-story, the person(s) the narrative makes me root for better fucking make it to a happy end.

I'm very selective about scary movies: they need to be aesthetic, and satisfying.

9. Any talents?

... not... really? I kinda struggle with linking my qualities to "talents". I don't have many (if any) things I'm just "naturally good" at; even skill sets I'm now proud of were not something I ever had a natural aptitude for, and if I developed a skill it was 99% of the time out of necessity rather than enjoyment.

I guess I have... shockingly broad bandwidth for other people's issues. Like... interpersonal exhaustion? I don't know her, man. Mostly due to a combination of voyeuristic enjoyment of knowing and understanding things about others, my sense of empathy being almost entirely generated through fine-grained psych analysis rather than instinct, and the *very* odd given that my own personality temporarily stabilizes when exposed to interpersonal input. I'm not sure that's a talent so much as a condition, though xD

10. Where were you born?

Belgium

11. What are your hobbies?

At the moment, mostly writing Tron fanfiction. I also draw (sometimes), paint and kitbash Warhammer 40k minis (been a while), do metalwork (I need a new welding helm T_T), do gothic and fetish modelling, thrift and collect things for my house, etcetera. I cycle through hobbies mostly. Writing is my most stable one -I dare say I keeps me sane.

12. Do you have any pets?

I have a cat! Her name is Meoi (Quenya for "Cat", in honour of Huan and terrible Feanorian naming traditions -retired Silmarillion fan here)

13. How tall are you?

1m70 but most people assume I'm a good bit taller because I'm broad-shouldered and always in 17cm platform stilettos.

14. Favourite subject in school?

Oof. Tough one. I've been out of school for a good long while. The person I was in high-school would have picked physics, followed closely by math. Leaving the following period in the middle (lalala), at uni *in the major I actually graduated from*, my favourites were Architectural Theory, Medieval Image Culture, and Visual Analysis.

15. Dream job?

Oof again. Opinions divided on this one.

I like to say my dream job needs to meet the following criteria:

- I am competent at the job and reasonably regularly get this confirmed by others

- Every day at work I know largely what is expected of me, and what is expected fully falls within my capacity to deliver.

- I have tangible, well-described tasks and goals and never have to "be proactive about finding more work" or "try to look more productive".

- I have good coworkers I get along with, at least professionally.

- No extraneous admin tasks or timesheet micromanagement.

- GOOD PAY

If I'm really ambitious, I would add to that:

- I'm an expert (or just really, really good) at it.

But let's be honest, actual dream jobs Riemann over here has dreamed of having or pursuing? Interior designer/stylist, professional fetish performer/pro-domme, and Enterprise IT Architect.

Yeah.

You see why I stick to bullet point lists.

Tagging... @bowiesinspace @inquisitor-gayfax @clevermird @et-novum and everyone else who feels like it!