#and having her perfect tennis match scream when they come together at the end | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

alonetimelover · 11 months

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pairing: Harry Styles x tennis player!reader

summary: sometimes it is not meant to work out, no matter how much you and everyone else want it to. or is it?

a/n: so before wimbledon ended (before Iga lost her quarterfinal), I made this. its like fiction within fiction, ya know?

masterlist (with more tennis player!reader)

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twitter

i love harry and yn | babiesharry

guys... just a quick thought. we haven't seen any pics of yn and harry together for a whole month. there are no interactions online, and there are no acknowledgements during concerts or after matches.

do we think its the, you know, end?

3k likes 1,04k comments 3,4k replies

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lot tour 23 | aliceeeee

it is a little bit confusing. in the latest interview yn, when asked about listening to music before a match, she answered only with Taylor (before she also was saying Harry)

so that's it...

2k likes 1,44k comments 2,4k replies

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saw harry in vienna | lovingharry

harry is also not as bubbly as he made us used to see him, last night he wasn't even doing all the stomps during satellite, no funny dances or backbends...

1k likes 1k comments 3k replies

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yn is the best | lovingtennisyn

let's not speculate about them and just support our idols. yn has a very difficult tournament before herself and harry is almost done with touring. best we can do is applaud them for their work, their private lives shouldn't be our concern

4k likes 1,5k comments 5k replies

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harry my love | byebyenyc

i fear the worst... yn is in london and none interaction with Harry, his family, or friends? it is not an accident

2k likes 1,7k comments 0,9k replies

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Instagram

harryupdates

liked by ynupdates, hArrysbtch and 15 302 others

harryupdates HARRY AFTER CATCHNING A FANMADE BRACELET ON STAGE TONIGHT!

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lanastyles IT WAS MINE!!!!!

⤷ hArrysbtch omg! what were the charms??

⤷ lanastyles i did harrys and yn's names with flowers and hearts! but i don't think he really liked it

⤷ harrysmoustache oh no, why do you think so?

⤷ lanastyles after he read what was on them, he showed it into his trousers' pocket

⤷ ynsmybestie no no no no no, the rumours are getting more true with each day

harrysfan84 i love him, man

harryswift he knows that speak now tv is coming, he dressed for the occasion!

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harrylot

liked by harryupdates, ynsmybestie and 18 301 others

harrylot "I don't think that anyone is perfect. you meet a lot of people during your lifetime, never knowing which one is gonna turn up being your person. huh? im sorry I cannot hear you. give it up for Lorine!" HARRY INTERACTING WITH A FAN TONIGHT

view all 6 301 comments

harryshoee i saw multiple videos from this interaction and the fan was soooo loud. he just didn't want to answer the question

⤷ ynshands what did they ask him?

⤷ harryshoee i believe it was "have you met your person?" and people around the fan screaming yn's name

harryupdates guys, don't assume anything based on one interaction

ynsmybestie that is concerning, but maybe he just doesn't want to be so public about it?

⤷ ynandhmyparents they were literally making out in the park in London and kissing on TV after yn won French Open. they didn't care, why would they now?

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yntennisfan

liked by ynupdates, harryshoee and 23 301 others

yntennisfan GUYS, I AM STRESSED OUT

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yntennisfan UPDATE: SHE DEFENDED THOSE MATCH POINTS!!! WE HAVE TIE-BREAK!!!

yntennisfan UPDATE: GUYS, SHES SERVING FOR A MATCH

yntennisfan SHE FUCKING WON THIS MATCH !!!!!

ynupdates i had five heart attacks during this match

harryupdates she's so good at coming back to her good game!

ynshands AMAZING! I couldn't watch and just listened to the commentary on the radio. they were going crazy!

ynsmybestie she's unbelievable! sooo good

hArrysbtch i love tennis

harrysmoustache she's playing so differently to what she made us used to see

⤷ ynsmybestie i fear its because of that possible breakup

⤷ harrysfan83 harry didn't upload anything about the match like he used to, and he knows how grass is yn's the least favourite surface to play on

⤷ ynupdates can you guys just be happy about her win and stop bringing her relationship back up? thank you.

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enews

liked by tennisfan82 and 2 301 492 others

enews No. 1s in the tennis World - YN YSN and Carlos Alcaraz were spotted enjoying each other companies after YN's winning match in Wimbledon. YN has dated Harry Styles for almost three years before they broke up just a month ago. Moving on so quickly? More pictures in our link in bio.

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ynupdates they are friends! can't they have a meal together?

ynsmybestie how i love you people ruining friendships... pathetic

ynshands celebrating her win can't only mean dating, you know?

harrysmoustache sooo, they really broke up? 💔

⤷ hArrysbtch nothing is confirmed, let's just wait

⤷ hArrysbtch yes, I am delusional

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ynupdates

liked by ynsmybestie, harrysmoustache and 34 402 others

ynupdates YN VIA HER IG STORY...

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ynsmybestie nonononononono not them, please god no

ynshands jesus, even my breakup didn't hurt me as much as this one

hArrysbtch im a child of this divorce

harryupdates let's give them space to be

harryshoee no, my parents. please let it not be true. please.

ynswiftie guys, maybe she's just celebrating a Spek Now TV release?

⤷ ynsmybestie couldn't she do it with enchanted???

ynandcarlos well, Carlos has a tan skin too

⤷ ynshands oh shut up, respectfully

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harryupdates

liked by hArrysbtch, ynupdates and 65 407 others

harryupdates I MET HARRY IN LONDON JUST NOW. do you think he's attending wembley final today?

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ynupdates you finally met him? congratulations darling!

ynupdates and I think he's attending. why would he come back from spain to london?

hArrysbtch he better attends and stop all those ridiculous rumours (yes, i am delusional)

harrysmoustache he looks so good, he can't be single (yes, i am delusional)

harryshoee yn crocheted that hat, i know it (yes, iam delusional)

⤷ ynupdates well, yn does know how to crochet so it is possible

harrysfan63 i also met him today!!!

⤷ harryupdates did you ask him about Wimbledon?

⤷ harrysfan63 yes! he just said "what's that?" with a smirk

⤷ harrysbtch this fucker, he's playing us

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harryupdates

liked by ynupdates, ynsmybestie and 82 230 others

harryupdates HARRY VIA HIS IG STORY. HE DIDN'T DELETE IT AFTER FIVE MINUTES. EVEN AFTER THIRTY.

view all 9 302 comments

ynupdates the world is healing

hArrysbtch thank you, harry. thank you, my man. I can still sing to london boy and think about you both

harrysmoustache so, they still together?

ynsmybestie thank fucking God!!!!!!! my parents are still together!

harryshoee my bitches are back!!!

ynandhmyparents i can still shamelessly use my username hehheh

user492 it would be hilarious later getting to know that they are, in fact, not back together

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yntennisfan

liked by ynupdates, harrysmoustache and 90 201 others

yntennisfan GUYSSSSSSS WTF WTF WTF. THIS IS YN'S REACTION TO PEOPLE CHEERING AFTER SHE ADMITTED SHE IS ENGAGED!!!!

view all 11 301 comments

yntennisfan it basically went like this: after winning the Wimbledon final yn was giving an interview. during it one of the fans screamed "MARRY ME, YN" and after a little laugh that the audience had yn responded with "I'M ALREADY ENGAGED, ACTUALLY"

yntennisfan the way people screamed!!!!! and then they showed smirking harry!!! does anyone have a picture??

ynupdates she is engaged... she won Wimbledon... oh god

harryupdates engaged... woah

hArrysbtch THE WORLD HEALED

harrysmoustache harry is engaged, do you hear it people?

ynsmybestie love is real, yn won her least comfortable tournament, god is a woman. yes.

harryshoee couldn't imagine a better partner for harry. she is so sweet and cute. they're perfect.

ynshands eat shit you haters that believed in every little rumour

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harrystyles

liked by yourinstagram, harryupdates and 17 402 939 others

harrystyles good morning, wimbledon champion fiancée

view all 203 301 comments

yourinstagram hiiii, fiancé

harryupdates how do I react when Harry is posting his partner on main????

ynupdates THEE CHAMPION

hArrysbtch PARENTS

⤷ yourinstagram harrystyles first child is here

⤷ harrystyles that's... fast

⤷ hArrysbtch guys, WTHFKSJEBJDE

annetwist beautiful, beautiful girl ❤️

ynsmybestie still processing the win and engagement and you're killing me with this post, harry. thank you.

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yourinstagram

liked by harrystyles, ynupdates, taylorswift, hArrysbtch and 16 930 493 others

yourinstagram my waves meet your shore, ever and evermore

view all 492 201 comments

harrystyles well, it was enchanting to meet you

ynupdates i can't get used to them using taylor's lyrics to express their love for each other

taylorswift Congratulations on the Wimbledon win and your engagement! You are welcome at any of the concerts. Just text me the date you're available!

comment liked by yourinstagram, harrystyles and 132 302 others

harryupdates congratulations!!!!

hArrysbtch mum, dad

#harry styles x reader #harry styles x you #harry styles imagine #harry styles fanfiction #harry styles instagram #harry styles fake ig #harry styles #tennis player!reader

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casiia · 1 year

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sports i think the sully's (+) would play!

supa dupa unedited!

jake sully: definitely a football man, he forces the entire family to watch the super bowl with him and screams SO loud when his team loses. i can imagine he wanted a son so they could play together, do the cliche 'teaching my son how to throw a football' thing. jake also host family football in his backyard when his friend's come over, he has tonowari as the other team captain and forces the kids to play, making them line up so the dads can make their team.

"lo'ak- no! you have to play"

neytiri: i don't know why but she definitely plays tennis, like in my head it just makes sense. y'know when in tennis matches all you can hear are the competitors grunting while they hit the ball super hard, that's her. neytiri is basically serena williams. she has a custom made racket and her outfits change for every game she plays, her visor is blue most of the time because tuk insist the sun will reflect off the color and she will be able to see the entire time (she heard the sky is blue because it reflects off of the ocean and she just ran with it).

"tuk, you're right! the blue kept the sun out of my eyes"

neteyam: jake most definitely tried to convince neteyam to play football, "it's fun i promise" "follow in my footsteps" let's just say the countless hours of them throwing a football outside bored neteyam to death. so instead, i feel like he would play hockey. it's kinda the same concept...right? like they are both very big contact sports, ramming each other into the walls of the skating rink to get to the puck, tripping your opponents with a hockey stick making them fall into the hard ice. i assume neteyam would use it as an out to release pent up anger and aggression he holds as the oldest son, it's definitely not healthy, but it's better than nothing AND he's good at what he does so it's a win win situation.

"what, in the penalty box again? i didn't push him, i tripped. not my fault he fell so hard."

lo'ak: LO'AK! i already know he plays basketball, he wears the nike techs and everything. very big lakers fan, like i want to say his whole room is a bright purple and yellow and every night before he goes to bed he blows a kiss to kobe. he's obnoxious and knows he's better than most people, so he'll just take the ball every chance he gets and shoots. it's always great but if he does it in a close game and he misses, he will prob be benched for the rest of the quarter. he begs neytiri and jake to get neon bright basketball shoes that are super expensive because 'the brigther the shoe the better the athlete' and after years of begging, he finally gets the bright orange (ugly) shoes he's been wanting. if he sees tsireya in the crowd he points at her and says "this one's for you", completely airballs and gets yelled at by his coach..

"i'm not cocky, i just know i'm good"

kiri: uhm. kiri doesn't play a sport, she's very much the musician of the family. but if i really had to chose i think she would be good at,, ice skating?! or dance in general, again i have no idea. but let's say ice skating, she carpools with neteyam because they go to the same ice rink and the entire time it's just gossip. she's very stubborn and has to perfect the trick she does before moving onto the next one. i'm guessing that she experiences a big mental block, like she can't do spins or jumps anymore because she's afraid to fall on the ice and hurt herself; that's why she quit. she does miss the beauty of the sport but finds herself in tune with music.

"you know what elsa said, the cold never bothered me anyway"

tuk: SHE IS A GYMNAST! she's one of those annoying little girls who do cartwheels everywhere to show off. her leotards are all glittery and multicolored, she has to look her best for the judges. neytiri and jake absolutely eat it up, they make the entire family watch her beam routine once she successfully does it without falling off. when jake takes her to skyzone to practice her flips, he ends up getting stuck in the foam pit and has to have workers help pull him out. then he lost tuk. but aside from that, tuk is very hardworking and committed, she wants to be an olympian and if she's good at 8, imagine how good she will be when she's older. neytiri loves the time that they spend picking her outfits out or when she has to squeeze her little girl's hair into a bun. the memories they make in those 5 minutes keep tuk motivated, she no longer cries when she falls, she laughs that she did and gets up to do it again.

"MOM! TOO TIGHT MY HAIR IS GONNA RIP OUT MY HEAD!"

tonowari: hmm. i think waterpolo! saying this because he's metkayina but also one beefy man. he moves well in the water and is the fastest on his team, sososo very humble though. if someone scratches him or pulls him under water, he will try to drown the guy. ( sorry it's this short i know nothing about waterpolo)

"i didn't even do that, pshh you can't see anything it was underwater"

ronal: swimming?? i think maybe swim team or synchronized swimming. yes yes synchro swimming! she likes dancing of course but dancing underwater it just so much more peaceful to her. she is super close to her team and gets to pick out the music for each choreograph much to everyone's dismay.

"this is not old people music! it's good for the soul"

ao'nung: baseball player. 2 million percent a baseball player. he's a pitcher and always teases the person batting before throwing a curveball. if he gets caught he gets scolded but never benches because he's too good and they need him (gag). very very cocky boy, will never admit he's done something wrong and that causes the whole team to run. i can also see him annoyingly eating sunflower seeds and spitting the shell out between every word, no manners smh.

"huh- pft- no- pft- i- pft- didn't- pft- say- pft-" "AO'NUNG!"

tsireya: sweet baby is a cheerleader. she's a flyer and puts her entire trust in her spotters, they will never ever drop her. she loves to do very bold cheer makeup and color coordinates her outfits, her smile soso big as she waves to the bleachers with a pompom in hand. there are mean cheerleaders and she's always one of the girls to scold them "we are a team, weather you like it or not." she's at the top of the pyramid in everyone's hearts.

"yes i can do makeup on you tuk, is it scary being thrown? of course not, they will always catch me"

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joedirtymadre · 3 months

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GIRLIE OMGGG THAT TOGE FIC WAS ABSOLUTELY BANGER I'M DYING😭😭 I'VE LOST ALL MY SELF RESPECT AND HAVE COME TO WORSHIP YOU AND YOUR WRITING🧎‍♀️🛐

CAN THEE REQUEST AGAIN AND FOR OUR SHY SWEET BABY YUUTA GOING ON A DATE W US🫶🫶 FEEL FREE TO REJECT TY AND LOVE YOUU‼️

First Date

YUTA X READER. FLUFF. (Thank you so much 🥹. AND YES I CAN. But pls keep sending more requests I really do get excited when you guys send them 🧎‍♀️🧎‍♀️)

I looked into the mirror, “Don’t you think this is too much…?” I questioned myself as I looked at the date outfit Nobara helped me put together. “Nah, you look hot!” Nobara said with a thumbs up. I looked at the outfit, I was wearing a purple low v-neck halter top, with a white tennis skirt. She also let me borrow some cute sandals she had, and a lot of matching jewelry. “What’s wrong? You don’t look too sure,” Nobara pouted. “N-No don’t get me wrong, the outfit is beautiful… but I don’t think it’s my style,” I pointed out. “Hmmm… I guess you do have a point… Yuta is already so blushy blushy around you in just your uniform. Maybe this as a first date outfit might just kill him,” Nobara joked. “Stop it, and I think I’ll just change into some jeans and throw a sweatshirt over it, plus some sneakers cause what if we’re walking all day?” I pointed out. “Pretty good points, but I think I know what to put you in,” Nobara smirked.

“Oh wow! Nobara, this is so cute!” I smiled as I spun around. (You can think of any outfit you’d like, but for the story I’ll be using the image down below 🫡) “I’m glad you like it, but all I’m saying is that if I were asked on a date I would’ve dressed so hot he would’ve died the second he laid his eyes on me,” Nobara smirked. “Maybe it’s a good thing you haven’t been asked on a date yet… you might end up on the most wanted watch list,” I joked while grabbing my blue handbag. Nobara rolled my eyes and followed me to her door. “Alright I have to go! Or else I’ll be late!” I said as I ran off to the campus stairs.

I made it! I looked down the stairs to see Yuta already waiting. “Yuta!” I called out and rushed down the stairs. “Hey (Y/N),” he smiled. I made it to the last step, but before stepping down I tripped over my own foot. “Ah-“ I let out while falling forward. “(Y/N)!” Yuta said and quickly ran over to catch me. Yuta wrapped his arms around me and quickly caught me before I could hit the ground. “Ah… t-thanks Yuta,” I blushed as I looked up to face him. “N-No problem, I just didn't want you to g-get hurt,” he stuttered, while quickly letting go of me. “Thanks,” I smiled. “So what’d you have planned for today?” I asked. “Ah, well… I thought some ramen would be good to start with,” he said. “Ooh! Yeah ramen sounds perfect right now!” I cheered and led the way to the train station.

“That really hit the spot, huh Yuta?” I asked. “Mhmm, now there was a place I wanted to go to…” he trailed off as he looked around the street. I tilted my head in confusion. “There it is!” He said as he grabbed my hand and we ran over to the mysterious place he mentioned. Suddenly he stopped and I looked up and realized that we stopped in front of a flower shop. “Oh wow! Flowers!” I smiled. “Yeah, I have something I need to pick up,” he blushed. “You do?” I asked. “Yeah, wait right here… just for a second!” He said as he ran in. I shrugged my shoulders and looked across the street to see an older couple walking together holding hands. “That’s nice…” I smiled. I began turning my gaze back to the flower shop to check if Yuta was out, until I heard someone scream. I flipped my head back towards the couple, and noticed a man fighting the older woman for her purse. “Hey!” I yelled and began to run over. Before I could reach the man, he pushed the older woman and ran off. I watched as her husband quickly knelt down to tend to her. “I’ll get him! I swear!” I yelled and took off over the guy. I ran as fast as I could towards the man, I watched as he took a turn into a small alley. I slowly approached the alley, making sure he wasn’t about to jump out and attack me. I then saw a head peep from behind a dumpster. I heard him scoff, “It’s just a high schooler…” he laughed as he walked out. “Now run off girly, before you get hurt. Just needed some quick cash, it shouldn’t concern you,” he said as he tried walking away. “Hey! I ain’t letting you leave with that purse!” I yelled. “And what are you gonna do about it?” He chuckled as he turned back. He rushed over to me, and I got in stance ready to fight back, but before I could land a punch the dumpster was thrown towards the man. Throwing him against the wall, knocking him out. “What the-?” I cut myself off, as I felt a scary presence. I turned around and saw Yuta. “Yuta!” I said and ran over. “Are you ok?” He asked, but before I could answer he pulled into a hug. “God… I got scared…” he said as he slightly trembled against me. “Yuta, I’m ok… plus you know I can handle myself,” I smiled and looked up to face him. “I know, but… I should be the one protecting you, especially when you’re with me,” he said as he had a serious look on his face. “You wanna be my superhero?” I giggled. “N-No… not like that, but… I just want to make sure you’re safe. I’d rather get hurt than you,” he smiled. I felt my cheeks heat up, “O-Okay,” I said softly. “Now let’s go take that woman’s purse back,” he said. I nodded and we quickly went to retrieve the bag.

While walking back to the couple I realized something… “Hey Yuta? Where’s your flowers?” I asked. “About that… I dropped them the second I saw you run off…” he sighed. “Oh… were they for someone important?” I asked. “Umm… yeah, they were someone really special,” he sighed again. “Oh, I’m sorry! I’ll buy you some new ones,” I said nervously. “No, that's fine,” he smiled. “Hello!” We turned our attention towards the unfamiliar voice. We looked up and noticed the older woman from earlier. “We got your purse back!” I said, and handed her the bag. “Oh thank you so much, both of you!” She smiled. “And we made sure to call the police, we’d hate to have that happen to you again,” Yuta said. “Where’s your husband?” I asked. “He’s coming, he said he saw something on the floor and went to go pick it up,” she explained. “I see, well I’m glad you’re ok. That was a nasty fall,” I pointed out. “I may not look like it, but I’m one tough cookie. Just ask my husband,” the woman laughed. She quickly turned around, “Oh there he is,” she said. We looked over and noticed him carrying a bouquet of wildflowers. “The bouquet!” Yuta said in shock as the man walked up to us. “I saw you drop these, and I assumed that you were with our friend here,” he said as he looked over towards me. “Thank you!” He said as he grabbed the bouquet from the older man. “No problem, and thank you for helping us,” the man said, as he shook our hands. “We really appreciate it, and also you two really deserve each other. Going off to help a stranger, and you going off to back her up. Not a lot of people like that anymore,” the woman winked. I felt my face blow up, and I looked over to see Yuta also has a cherry face. “Th-Thank you miss,” I smiled. We said our goodbyes and headed our own way.

“What a crazy first date, huh?” I laughed as we walked up the stairs. “It was,” Yuta chuckled. “So happy you got the flowers, that person is super lucky,” I smiled. “(Y/N)… they’re for you,” he laughed. I turned around quickly, and stared at him in disbelief. “Well I was hoping to surprise you with flowers when I walked out of the flower shop, but…” he laughed. “They’re for me?” I asked, still in disbelief. “Well… I was hoping we’d be in a more romantic setting, but I was hoping if this date went well then…” he trailed off. “Then?” I encouraged him. “Then I was planning on asking you to be my girlfri-“ I cut him off. “Yes!” I said as I pounced on him. He caught me, but the flowers flew everywhere. “The flowers!” He panicked. “It’s ok, Yuta,” I smiled. “But how are you going to remember our first date?” He asked. “I got an idea,” I smiled as I cupped his face. Before he could get another word in, I pulled him into a soft kiss. I felt him tense up, but quickly relaxed and deepened it. We finally pulled away and stared at each other, slowly trying to catch our breath. “T-That can work,” Yuta stuttered. I laughed, before pulling him in for another kiss.

The outfit I had in mind 💅

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grandmagbignaturals · 14 days

Text

challengers whipped

also

Movie About Perfect Bodies imo not trying to write an essay but putting a cut in just in case. spoilers follow.

So the movie opens on Sweat. before the fucking warner brothers logo even, is shots of Art ant Patrick sweating, high def and up close. water basically hitting the camera.

When the boys see Tashi for the first time she is Perfect. Not a hair out of place. Her dress fits perfectly, all white, not a stain or spot. You think, yeah that's tennis. But there's contrast all around her. Nobody else in the whole movie is as put together as her.

And the movie puts forward, slowly, that that's deliberate. The first time the audience sees Tashi she is putting herself together so that she looks good before Art wakes up, at 5:30 (we don't know until the end of the film she didn't sleep).

And yes, part of this is the fact that she's Zendaya and nobody else on the cast is Zendaya but the whole movie is so Not Hollywood in the way it depicts bodies. We expect to see Zendaya exercising without sweat, arching one perfect eyebrow, because we expect that from movies in general.

When we see the boys dripping with sweat in the opening shot, then the logo plays, and then we see Tashi rubbing ointment into her scarred knee, we're told "bodies aren't hollywood perfect"

Then Art does physio. And at this stage it's easy to think "okay we're doing a recovery from injury thing, sure. the scars make sense."

But the whole thing, Art and Patrick have these really awkward, human bodies (and I think they leaned into the casting on this. Both actors are beautiful, but they're not conventional exactly. Sorry boys.)

Tashi has a body that exists to be photographed. Even in that trailer shot, where she sits on the bed and they leap to make out with her neck, she is arching her back and sitting primly in exactly the way she wants to. She knows what she looks like and she's using it as a tool.

and it'd be easy to leave the reading there. Tashi is image obsessed. Sure. That's sure the spin that Patrick puts on it when he's taunting her about her relationship.

But when she says to him in the back seat of his car "what else am I supposed to want" I think that's real vulnerability. When she says to him in her dorm room (which is nowhere near as put together as she normally is. That room is a private part of her that she doesn't show off, the side that's human and messy), "what do you want me to be for you" that's a real question, that's vulnerability. It's both "I only know how to play roles, I don't know how to be myself" and "Here and now I'm showing you myself and you're rejecting me and I knew I was right to never show that to anyone".

The one thing that let her be both herself and perfect was tennis. When she screamed COME ON at the end of her match at the beginning of the movie, she was devastated because her moment of perfect communication with her opponent was broken.

When she screams it at the end it's like vindication. The guys communicated a whole thing using tennis. And it was imperfect. They were making mistakes left and right figuring out that communication.

But the key thing is, during that communication, that tie breaker, Tashi has let go of her careful posturing. She's actively looking between them, like the rest of the crowd. She's uncomfortably bouncing her knees, she's visibly tense. In public. Except for her injury, that doesn't happen.

I think Tashi's a character who has this ideal self that she's constantly trying to fill, and she can never really be that person because she doesn't live in a perfect world and she's a human being with needs and a human body. And her whole schtick is that those things are possible to overcome. Patrick's whole thing is that you don't need to overcome them. if you lean into the demands of your body you'll enjoy yourself and also win.

And they're both wrong. And tearing Art apart to prove their points. Art, for the record, wants to indulge his body but feels shame about doing so, and about not knowing how to, so he follows instructions from whoever is giving them.

And all of this is taught to us in the conversation about the time Patrick taught him to jerk off.

Anyway. I thought the smudges on Patrick's windshield when he's driving Tashi around were a cinematic genius stroke if you're wondering how normal i was about watching that movie.

#Good fuckin movie #i guess i'll tag this?#idk #I've liked the meta i've seen so far abt this movie #time to go scroll gita jackson's blog to see if anyone's put this better #challengers #obviously as a fat and disabled person I have thoughts about perfect bodies #so there's an amount of bias in my reading #but i'm still right #oh and i'm not the person to speak on this #but Tashi's role as a Black woman in tennis absolutely would play into her insistence on a perfect persona

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lululawrence · 3 years

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Polyamory Fic Rec

I thought I’d made one already, but apparently I hadn’t. So, since @twopoppies had an anon looking for more, I figured I’d go ahead and make a rec list now. This is not exhaustive, but it’s a start!

Please remember to leave the authors kudos and nice comments to show appreciation for their work.

I Should've Known by @nikogda (Liam/Louis/Harry, 11k)

It started out with little things here and there. A light that needed replacing. The belt in the vacuum. Small things, and eventually they took advantage of it.

Louis decided they needed another, larger repair whilst talking with his alpha neighbour, Liam. Liam had said he would do it for Louis and his partner, Harry.

And, well, it sort of went a little off track from there. What was an innocent thing at first, was now the two omegas’ way of catching the sweet deep scent of their alpha neighbour one whom they both mutually crushed.

Or: the one where alpha Liam moves in next door to bonded omegas Louis and Harry. All three go on their own journeys but in the end find that maybe, in the end, it really was always each other.

And That Was That by @lightwoodsmagic (Zayn/Liam/Harry/Louis, 23k)

“Okay. When Zayn and I were working on the set yesterday, Liam dropped by and mentioned he had a date. I asked Zayn about it, and he said that they’re ah - poly?”

Harry blinked.

“Oh yeah, I knew that. Li mentioned it when we were playing tennis once.” He ran his hand through Louis’ hair, smiling softly when he nuzzled into the touch.

“Is that what’s making you act strange? Because it seems like something that works for them, and I —.”

“Zayn has feelings for me.” A deep breath, and then blue eyes locked on green. “He said he needs distance because he has to get over them.”

Harry hadn’t realised his hand had fallen from Louis’ face until his fingers were being tangled and gripped tightly.

Or, Zayn and Liam have been polyamorous for years, but Harry and Louis are monogamous. When Zayn meets Louis and starts to fall for him, it opens them all up for something they've never experienced before.

That Don't Define Who You Are by lululawrence (Nick/Harry/Louis, 7k)

“Shit,” Harry muttered, rushing towards the man. “Are you alright?”

The man clearly tried to muffle his scream. “No, I’m really not. I’m afraid you’ll need to call 999.”

When Harry reached the man, he saw the man’s leg had gotten caught by pieces of the bike that had come apart beneath him. Without thinking, Harry leaned down and lapped where the blood was flowing quickly until it slowed.

“I’m so sorry, I just didn’t want you to pass out whilst I was on the phone.”

“God, no, don’t apologise,” the man said. “My mum’s a licking omega, see. Quite soothing.”

Harry blushed. “Yeah. Let me see about an ambulance for you.”

Or the one where Harry is a licking omega with a broken bond who helps heal a fairly hapless beta with a folding bicycle. When Harry also meets the beta's alpha, things start to get... interesting.

Its Mutual We (All) Discussed It by @nikogda (Zayn/Harry/Louis, 29k)

“Well you go to the agency, Alpha Donor Services and fill some forms out, whoever is doing the deed gets tested and such. And then they match you based on the papers with a few Alphas. You read the information on them and pick a few, they make sure they’re still willing and tell them about you. Eventually you guys will meet in public, do that a few times until you’re comfortable.” Niall scratched his arm lightly, and glances over at Harry, “The point of the service is to help a family, mostly an omega one, who can’t have children of their own. An Alpha will help an Omega get pregnant.”

“I feel like this is a lot.” Harry mumbles, setting his mug down.

“It is. Or well it was but it was worth it, H. I mean, I would do this again. We already talked about it.”

“Really?”

Or: Two omegas in a committed relationship are ready to start a family. In the process, their alpha donor becomes part of the family too. Every part of their relationship may be unconventional but all of them have never been happier

old haunts are for forgotten ghosts by fortymaliks (Nick/Harry/Louis, 8k)

“It’s the three of us, now,” Harry says, finally.

Louis blinks.

“Like,” Harry rushes to clarify, “you, and me, and Nick.”

Louis wakes up with amnesia, and learns that he's missing two whole years of his life. Two whole years, and some interesting developments...

Orion's Belt by @londonfoginacup (Nick/Harry/Louis, 24k)

Louis and Nick have been in a happy committed relationship for two years, their matching soulmarks on display for the world to see. It’s been them against the world, the alpha/beta singer and radio DJ power duo.

All that changes on February 1st, when they wake up to a third matching soulmark.

As they say, the course of true love never did run smooth.

You're a Rabbit, Louis Series by @magicalrocketships (Nick/Harry/Louis, 16k)

"Maybe Louis turned into a rabbit," Nick suggests. They both laugh. Louis doesn't. Harry is an idiot and Nick is an even bigger one.

Louis stomps past both of them on four tiny, furry, baby rabbit paws, and into Nick's flat. "I hate you both," he says. He sits on the rug by the TV. "And you can stop following me around too," he says to Pig, who sits down next to him on the rug.

"But seriously," Harry says, from the door. "Where's Louis?"

Louis thumps his back leg on the floor. "I'm here, you idiot."

"I'm not really suggesting this could be true," Nick says carefully, "but are we sure he isn't a tiny baby rabbit?"

The "A" in "Normal" by Yesitstyles (Nick/Harry/Louis, 28k)

Louis eats chips, argues with his best friend Nick about the validity of various sexualities, and falls for a second crush. Harry tries to spell the word "normal".

Loving You's the Antidote by lululawrence (Nick/Harry/Louis, 11k)

Nick and Harry had never been an obvious match. When eighteen-year-old Harry, newly presented as an omega, came home freshly bonded to Nick, a man nine years his elder and a beta no less, Anne had been more than skeptical and Eileen had shared some harsh words of her own. That didn’t deter them, though, and their families soon realised there really was something special about the bondmates that allowed them to work together almost seamlessly.

It was only a few months later that Harry started getting sick.

Or the one where Harry and Nick have been able to keep Harry's disorder at bay over the course of their relationship, but when they move to London and away from their support system, they find themselves in desperate need of help.

Come Out and Play by @dinosaursmate (Combination of OT5 pairings, 30k)

“I have this… fantasy.” Louis smiled self-consciously. “Well, I- I’ve been thinking about it recently, you know?”

Harry smiled softly. “Say it, Lou.”

“I have this fantasy,” he repeated. “Of… all five of us.”

“All five of us,” Harry exclaimed. “Gosh.”

Louis buried his face into Harry’s armpit, and Harry giggled softly. --- Harry and Louis discover a new kink in their relationship, and it brings all the boys closer than they could have ever imagined.

Trinity's Fate by Anonymous (Nick/Harry/Louis, 43k)

When a person is sixteen years old, he or she finds out if they are a dom or a sub. Later when they turn eighteen, the name of their soulmate(s) appear somewhere on their body.

Louis Tomlinson, a sub, fears getting a dom more than anything.

When his eighteenth birthday approaches and the names Nicholas Grimshaw and Harry Styles, a well known dom couple who are DJs for BBC Radio 1, appear on his arms, Louis panics.

Let me be your good night by Conscious_ramblings (Nick/Greg/Harry/Louis, 8k)

The one where Harry and Louis are in love, they end up at a party with some friends, and end up discovering things about themselves, and their friends that could change everything.

The thing was, Harry and Louis weren’t poly. They’d never even played with others together, despite having talked about it quite a lot in the heat of arousal. When they had been at torture garden and antichrist they had flirted with the idea. Harry had even kissed a friend of theirs once to rile Louis up, which had lead to a great session on the Saint Andrew’s cross. Louis loved to watch Harry flirt, loved the way jealousy turned him on and riled him up, loved how pliant and submissive Harry could be when Louis claimed him after. But they definitely weren’t poly, and Louis wasn’t quite sure what that meant for this evening. Everyone else attending the party was, and Louis’ green-eyed-monster had been feeding off that fact for most of the bus ride here. Now he was confronted by a really hot man playing with his boyfriend’s hair like it was no big deal, and he didn’t know quite what to do.

Perfect Sky by @polkadotlou (Nick/Harry/Louis, 40k)

Sub pairs are a rare thing, not only because of the jealousy that can brew between submissives if a Dom isn't attentive to each.

A sub pair has to be balanced.

Harry and Louis have always fit each other without trying. With them, it's easy.

But sub pairs can't just go out in the world and live on their own.

Alternatively, Louis always knew that a Dom was going to come into his and Harry’s lives – he only wishes Nick picked him too.

The Only Thing That Keeps Me Grounded by lululawrence (Nick/Harry/Louis, 28k)

“Shit, I definitely missed the last train.”

“Oh no,” Louis lamented. “I’d offer a ride, but I’m part of a carpool and we’re full already. I’m so sorry.”

“Really, it’s fine.” Then, what Louis said sank in. “Wait, I thought you were here alone?”

“Oh, I am. I’m the only one dancing here tonight. The others were working. In fact, here’s Nick now.”

It felt like slow motion as a tall, lanky man with incredible hair came walking over towards Louis. He smiled before pulling Louis into him and giving him a quick kiss.

“Nick, this is my new friend Harry. He just moved to the area and he’s amazing at swing. Harry, this is my husband, Nick.”

Fuck.

Or the one where Harry moves to Washington DC to be a nanny and never expects that his past struggles with love will be brought to a head. He definitely never expects the solution to it all will be the man of his dreams that just so happens to be married to the other man of his dreams.

Tell Me It’s The Strongest Shape by @louandhazaf (Nick/Elgar/Louis, 73k)

Nick and Elgar have it all. They’re famous, successful, and engaged to be married—and sometimes they play with others.

When uni student Louis gets street cast by Elgar for a GQ photoshoot, he's drawn into Nick and Elgar’s complicated relationship.

They've always invited mates into their bed. It doesn’t ever mean anything. Until… it does.

it hurts, but it's worth it by words_unravel (Liam/Harry/Louis, 14k)

Liam finds the shots of the three of them, rolling around and laughing, a week or so later during a late night. After a moment's pause, she saves one of the photos, giving it some inane, boring name. She shuts down her computer after that and goes to bed.

It takes a long time before she falls asleep.

#mine #poly fic rec #my fic rec #fic rec #i love poly fics so much #i thought i had made one of these already????#i was surprised to find i hadn't #so anyway #this is a good start

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songbirdsingingthings · 3 years

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A New Definition Of Love - Daichi Sawamura x Reader

DISCLAIMER: I do not own any of these characters, they belong to Haruichi Furudate

Haikyuu! Masterlist - Main Masterlist

WARNINGS: Very minor curse word

A/N: WOWIE it’s been a while since the last time I wrote for Haikyuu! But, I’ve been rewatching it recently, and wow has it reestablished my big fat crush on Daichi oml. Anyways, this is a bit different since it involves the reader being a tennis player! Some basic tennis stuff that you might need to know in order to fully understand this fic if you don’t play tennis: You play 2 out of 3 sets, each set where you have to win 6 games (win by 2). If you tie a set at 6-6, then you play a tiebreaker where you have to win seven points (again, win by 2). Right side of the court is called the deuce side, left side of the court is called the ad side. I hope I did a well enough job to kinda explain it in the fic, but if you still have questions, lemme know! And, finally, ENJOY!!!!

Word Count: 1.4K

You felt like you couldn’t breathe. All eyes were on you as you spun your racket in your hands, your gaze focused on the small, optic yellow ball that the girl across from you bounced up and down, up and down as she prepared for her serve. Why did all of this, the championship, have to come down to just your singles match? And a third set tiebreak, at that. The pressure you’re feeling is insane and it takes all of your energy to even hold the tennis racket in your hand.

“7-6, Sato. Match Point.” There were muffled cheers of support from you - from your teammates, your coaches, and your friends - most notably of which was your closest friend, and longtime crush, Daichi Sawamura. You could pick his voice out of a crowd anytime he was near - that soft, warm cadence of his was so reassuring and supportive. Normally it was music to your ears whenever he engaged in conversation with you. Right now, at this moment though… It was just another added pressure. He was always so, so proud of his ‘insanely talented and awesome best friend’ - his words, not yours - and you knew that in no way would he be disappointed with the outcome of your match. But when your eyes flickered and saw the hopeful expressions from your teammates and their hands clasped with one another’s, you made yourself look back to your opponent. Focus Y/N, c’mon! You’re more than the number one player, you’re their damn captain! Pull it together, you’ve got this. Your opponent tossed the ball up into the air and swung, sending the ball careening down the middle T. You lunged, racket, arm, and body outstretched to receive the tennis ball, effectively defending the serve and getting it back to the other side of the court. A serious rally ensued with the both of you putting an insane amount of energy and technique into the point - your opponent trying her best to finish the point and ensure her victory, and you, defending every point to try and even it back up. Sato swung and slightly miss hit the ball, giving you the perfect opportunity to attack the ball. So, you attacked. With a lot of topspin and power put behind the ball, it flew perfectly down the line. It was a perfect, and beautiful shot - but your opponent got a racket on it. The ball barely took flight, knocking against the net before tumbling onto your side of the court. You ran so hard and so fast that by trying to reach the ball you ended up skidding and tripping on the court, leaving you to tumble onto the Har-Tru - too late to scoop up the ball to keep the rally going.

“Game, set, match. Sato.” Cheering and screaming and shrieking came from the other school’s audience as they came rushing onto the court, hugging and praising your opponent. Eventually, and painfully, you were able to stand up and shake your opponent's hand.

You tried to make yourself feel nothing, no negative emotions from your match and instead put on a smiling face as you turned to your team. Because, yes, you lost. But so did they.

“Sorry guys, that shot was too good for me to get.” You say, rubbing the back of your head and plastering an embarrassed grin on your face. You were met with cries from your team as they reassured you that you did nothing wrong as well as grieving the loss of their season. That was when your coach turned to you.

“L/N, you played great tennis out there. That whole match was so close that it came down to lucky shots, like the one she just hit. Don’t be hard on yourself, okay?” You gave him a nod and another smile, but this one was more wobbly than the previous ones. Your coach noted that, and gave you a sad yet understanding expression. “Why don’t you take a few minutes in the locker room to yourself, and then we’ll regroup. We have to get on the bus in about an hour.” You didn’t need to be told another word as you rushed from the court, racket still in hand, to the locker room. And, once the door was closed, you allowed yourself to let everything go. Tears racked your body as you held yourself and your racket close, breathing raggedly in between sobs. You don’t know how long you had been crying before you felt strong hands shake your shoulders softly. You let your eyes open to try and spot the person. The tears still welled in your eyes made them a bit blurry and waterlogged, but you couldn’t mistake that figure for anywhere else.

“Oh Y/N…” Daichi said, his voice so soft and pitiful that it made you burst out in tears again as you reached out to him and let yourself cling to his body. His arms circled your waist and used one of his hands to nestle your head into the crook between his neck and shoulder. “You were so wonderful out there, truly. You played fearlessly and beautifully, and you were so gritty-”

“I let everyone down.” Your voice was quiet and low, but it was enough to interrupt Daichi. His embrace of you tightened as his tone lowered just a tad.

“You did not. Did you play your best?” He felt you nodding. “Then you didn’t let them down. Did you let them cry as you became their shoulder, their rock?” Another nod and a sniffle. “ Then there is absolutely no way you can tell yourself that you let them down.” Daichi pulled back a bit so he could look you in the eye. Warm, chocolate brown eyes met yours as a soft smile spread across his face. “You are incredible, do you know that? I could have never done what you did and continue to do. The way you’re able to play out there, when it's just you. You’re so strong, brilliant, beautiful-”

“Daichi,” you say, sniffling and giggling a little at the same time.

“I don’t know why you're giggling, although I always love to hear that sound. Because everything I just said is true, and I love you for it.” You shook your head and were about to respond before you let his words finally sink in. Eyes as wide as an owl’s and body as frozen as ice, you look at him.

“...Love?” You ask, stunned. Daichi seems to be confident though.

“Look, I know that love technically means ‘zero’ or ‘nothing’ in tennis, but-” You pressed your lips to his. Daichi’s lips are soft, warm, and inviting. Yours were definitely dry and chapped and tasted probably like salt due to your tears, but if Daichi cared he definitely didn’t seem to show it as he smiled into the kiss and caressed your cheek softly with his thumb. You would’ve continued for longer, god, you would’ve continued for forever, but the harsh knocking and concerned words from your coach were enough for you and Daichi to reluctantly put a pause to your previous actions.

“I’ll be out in a sec, promise! Just, uh…” Your eyes met the devilishly handsome and cocky expression from the boy in front of you as you tried to come up with an excuse. Oh, two can play that game. “Just rethinking my singles career! Playing doubles is definitely looking pretty appealing to me right now.” You say, finishing your sentence with a cheeky smile to Daichi.

“Oh, uh, okay! We’re just getting lunch, so, whenever you’re ready!” Your coach shouts as Daichi sports a tomato-red blush.

“‘Kay!” You say, listening to the disappearing footsteps. It’s quiet for a moment before the brown-haired volleyball captain speaks up.

“So, doubles, huh? What does that entail?”

“Oh, I dunno.” You say, fake pondering. “I guess I can come to your volleyball games once in a while.” Daichi makes a face.

“You always come to my games, why will it be different now?”

“Well maybe this time I’ll wear the captain’s jersey and paint his number on my cheek - some cheesy stuff like that. And perhaps, if you’re good, then I’ll hold your hand. Occasionally.” Daichi laughs loudly and smothers your cheeks, forehead, everywhere, with light, little kisses, making you giggle more.

“I guess I can make that work. On only one condition though.” You lifted an eyebrow in curiosity.

“And what would that be?” A cocky, but dopey, smile spreads across his face.

“I get to be that doubles partner.” You barked out a bit of laughter before pressing a sweet kiss to his lips.

“Obviously.”

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fayeimara · 3 years

Text

Meant To Be || One For Every Billion

6. By My Side | Pt 2

Somehow, you're not surprised to see Toru walking up to you and Hana, with Iwaizumi and Maki trailing behind him. There's another boy with them that you haven't met before but you don't have time to pay him much attention because chocolate boy leaves them behind and makes it to your side faster than you thought possible.

"Happy Birthday, Oikawa."

"What a face you're making Y/n-chan! Aren't you happy to see me?"

"To see you stalk me all the way here? Honestly up in the air about it."

"But you indirectly invited me." He's pouting again.

"How's that, exactly?"

"When you said you couldn't celebrate with me because you had tickets for this park. Wasn't that your way of telling me that you wanted me to come to you instead?"

"I-" You manage to hold back a smile at his obvious attempt, "Don't you guys have practice?"

"Not for a couple days! So we're staying overnight to celebrate my birthday!"

"Yes, we've established it's your birthday, Oikawa." You remind him dryly, mostly to cover your close slip of mentioning that you'll also be staying here tonight.

"Call me- oof." He's cut off with a hit to the back of his head as Iwaizumi, Maki and their other friend finally make it to you. Two guesses who smacked his head.

"Hey Y/n."

"Hi Y/n!"

Both Iwaizumi and Maki greet you and you figure you should introduce Hana as well. She's been looking like the audience at a tennis match and probably has oncoming whiplash at this point.

"Hi, Iwaizumi, Maki! It's so nice to see you guys again! This is my friend Hana, by the way."

She blushes really lightly but confidently greets them at your introduction, "Hi! Nice to meet you."

"Hi Hana!"

"Hi.. Hana." You think Iwaizumi's hesitation is caused by the fact that you only gave her first name but you won't say for sure just yet. He clears his throat before adding, "And this is Matsukawa."

Toru cheerily adds in, "Just call him Mattsun!"

"Hey." He does the classic guy head nod without a change in expression. You're pretty sure you're destined to spend today with at least one expressionless companion by your side at all times but you're incredibly used to it thanks to most of your male family members and a couple best friends. Though Key would laugh and tell you that you're one to talk, but that's back at school where a lot of responsibility sits on your shoulders.

Here, you can be whoever you want to be, and that thought is freeing.

"Well... since you came all this way, I guess it won't hurt if we join your group for a little while. We do have to meet up with my cousins and Hana's siblings in about an hour though."

"Only an hour? Why not just have them meet us and we can all spend the day together!"

"Do you really want to spend your day with more strangers than friends?" You're starting to feel genuinely bad at this point instead of the amused exasperation you first felt.

Which all goes away when he shrugs at you with the sweetest smile and responds, "As long as I get to spend it with you, angel, it'll be another perfect birthday!"

"Right, well, apparently not with your friends who came with you."

Iwaizumi actually lets out a chuckle?! You're almost too stunned to hear his words, "Yeah, well he's shittykawa for a reason. But, hey, who'd turn down a day riding roller coasters? With or without trash tagging along."

"Iwaaa-chaaan!"

You barely had it so is it weird to say you missed this? The easy bonds of this group that feels as comfortable to slip into as your own back home?

"You like coasters too Iwaizumi?" You ask, deliberately ignoring Toru, "Hana and I both love them!"

"We were just about to go on this one, if you want to join?" She speaks up with a smile aimed at the guys, even Toru. Oh my, she's really too nice, you can't help but smile at her kind, fair attitude.

It's Iwaizumi that answers her though, blushing as well, "Uh.. sure, it's the new one this year, right?"

"Yeah.." Their voices drift off as they drift away to the end of the line up that's been pushing and pulling a little with the ebb and flow of the people around your group while you were all standing and talking.

The four of you remaining stare after them for a minute before looking at each other like, who knew. Then Toru actually goes and says, "Well, well... who knew?"

On principle, you have to divert, "What are you going on about? Let's join the line before we lose them."

You walk after them and Toru falls into step beside you, "Careful, angel, it's getting quite busy and you could easily get lost."

You scoff, "Right, like I couldn't just call or text someone to meet up with."

"What if you were put in danger?" He's not teasing or being silly even though he has a smirk on his face, he actually looks pretty serious.

"Would that be from the rides or the hyper children or the tired parents...?"

"There are all kinds of people here, Y/n-chan." The two of you step into line behind Hana and Iwaizumi, "But stay by my side, and I'll make sure to protect you."

"Who'll protect me from you?" You joke.

But instead of teasing back lightly, his expression turns smug and he aims a pretty tempting smile at you, "Why would you need protection from me? Worried you might fall for me?"

Yeah, you guess you walked into that one, "For the guy that stalked me here on his birthday?"

"You invited me!" It's almost surreal, how easily he slips in and out of his silly, cheerful personality to the deeper aspects you have yet to fully discover. As friends, you mean.. right?

"Okay, I guess that's the story we're going with."

You didn't realize completely but his friends have once again sectioned off to give the two of you room. Although in Iwaizumi's case, you don't think it was too intentional this time. He and Hana seem to be really hitting it off, her cheerful demeanor off setting his more serious tone in a pretty cute way.

Her head's thrown back laughing at something he's said, her eyes closed so she doesn't see that he's looking over at her through the corner of his eye with a small smile on his face. See? Cute.

So it's no surprise when your group reaches the front and he follows her over to the two-seater at the very front. You move towards the second pair of seats - you swear, the front is always the best - and you don't have to look behind you to know Toru is following.

"Hm? Where's Maki, I want to see if he laughs or screams?"

Toru smirks at you while gently pushing you forward so he can move in front of the other seat you're currently blocking, "He and Mattsun took the back, good luck getting them at the front of any ride."

"So I'm stuck with you?"

"Lucky me, huh? Now I get to see if you laugh or scream." Wow, okay. You don't think that's an innuendo, but he said it like he was flirting so it's pretty confusing.

You roll your eyes as they list the typical rules over the loudspeaker, talking low even though there's noise everywhere, "Depends on the ride."

You take a chance to glance at him, pulling an Iwaizumi and looking over the corner of your eye, but you're caught in that decadent pool of chocolate the moment you meet his gaze. He's looking directly at you, not even trying to pretend otherwise.

That's how you start to ascend, looking at each other without saying a word. People around you both are hollering and calling out as you near the precipice and you're the one to break eye contact first, pulling away to study the world at your feet.

As you finally do reach the summit, you meet his eyes again briefly but now you've got an anticipatory, exhilarated smile on your face and his eyes slightly widen in response. You love roller coasters. And this is your favourite part.

You're already laughing as you start to drop and you don't know if he ever looks away. All you know is that his hand finds yours and they stayed locked together whether your arms fly up in the air or drop back down to the bars.

Prev | Next

Masterlist

Behind The Scenes!

-The "what a face you're making" line is a direct reference to the previous birthday chapter, a year before in the story, in which Y/n thinks the exact same thing in reference to Toru <3

-Hana and Hanamaki.... didn't want to point out the obvious but I actually didn't even realize it myself until much later. But I guess the name still stood out to me for a reason when I had to decide what fit her character lol

A/N: I'll get to a rant about this at the end of this episode but... I really did revive my thoughts on Oikawa by writing him...

Taglist: @delusivist, @prettyinblack231, @kac-chowsballs, @sakusasimpbot, @hawkthekinnie

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epochofbelief · 4 years

Text

Breath Control, Chapter Nine

An A Court of Mist and Fury College Swim Team AU

All characters belong to SJ Maas!

Elriel and Feysand

Let me know if you want to be tagged!

Please enjoy!

Masterlist Link

NINE

~~~Elain~~~

I watched the landscape crawl past the windows of my car. The steering wheel was slightly damp beneath my fingers. Six enormous trucks in the fast lane blew past me, one by one, as I maintained my steady course in the right lane.

It had been awhile since my last first date. Since my last date, to be honest. What would we talk about? What if I had nothing interesting to say? All I did, all day long, was bake or garden or study for my classes. Or hang out with my sister. That was it. As soon as I saw him in person, Azriel would realize how boring I really was.

Another truck blew past me just as I slowed the car down even more in order to turn in to my destination. It wasn’t a fast food place, like I’d anticipated, even though it was right off the highway.

It was a picnic spot. Trees lined the dirt road I had pulled onto, going back about a mile. Lights had been strung along the trees, guiding my way down the road. I had no idea how they were powered out here in the middle of nowhere, but the effect was appreciated. They looked really beautiful, lighting up the cloudy day. Hopefully it didn’t rain, but it looked awfully dark to the east of me. I pulled into a parking spot where the tree line ended.

And there he was.

Luckily the fall had been mild so far. It was a beautiful seventy degrees still, the leaves in various shades of red and orange. Azriel had claimed a picnic table beneath one of them. A blanket was spread on top of the table and he sat upon it, disregarding the surrounding benches entirely.

I took a deep breath. Grabbed my purse, although I obviously wouldn’t need it since we weren’t at an actual restaurant. Pushing my car door shut behind me, I stood there next to the car. Just go, Elain, go, walk. Okay now. He’s gonna see you and think you’re weird or staring at him. Come on…

Damn. He’d spotted me. His face broke into an enormous grin, totally unrestrained, as I looked at him. I definitely looked stupid, lingering here next to my car.

He jumped off the picnic table and strode toward me. Finally, my legs decided to work and I inched my way in his direction.

“Elain.”

“Azriel.” Despite myself, I smiled. Were my cheeks bright red right now? He was just standing there, looking perfect, staring down at me. How’d he manage to look so good in a pair of black jeans and a t-shirt, black converse on his feet? His hair was slightly disheveled, which only served to make him cuter.

“You look really nice.”

I was definitely blushing. I wore a skirt that hit just above mid-thigh, black and white gingham. My white blouse was tucked into it.

“Thank you. Matching shoes,” I added, knocking my black converse high-tops boldly against his. Or at least, it seemed bold in my mind. Hold your horses, Elain! Shoe on shoe contact in the first five seconds of the date! Nesta would be laughing at me right now. I scowled. I could do this. I’d had boyfriends before.

“So… What is this place?” I asked him as he led me over to the picnic table.

“Just this random place Rhys and I discovered on our many drives around the state. Back in high school, we’d spend whole days just roaming the highways Don’t ask me why. We had nothing else to do.”

“It’s beautiful,” I told him.

He smiled. “I brought food. I hope you like sandwiches, cuz that’s about the only thing I know how to make.”

“Sandwiches are perfect. I wish I’d known this was a picnic! I could have brought something.”

He shook his head, and pulled out a picnic basket from below the table. I took a seat on top of it as he started doling out sandwiches, little tupperware containers full of adorably cut berries and apples, and a couple of sparkling waters. “No, no. First date, my treat.”

He hopped up onto the table beside me. We were silent for a few moments and I became very aware of the large possibility for awkwardness that existed for the next hour, or at least until we finished the meal.

“How was your drive?”

“Easy. Yours?”

“Same.” He took an enormous bite of his sandwich. “Please, eat.”

I took a bite myself. “Wow,” I said, my mouth still full. Then I nearly died of embarrassment for forgetting my manners. First Date 101: don’t talk with your mouth full. I swallowed, cheeks burning. With my luck, my face would melt off by the end of the date, I was blushing so much already. “This is amazing.”

“Please,” he said. “It’s just a sandwich.”

“I mean it.”

“Thanks.”

Silence again, but this time it was more comfortable.

“So how is it having Feyre and Rhys around you?”

“What do you mean?” I asked, focusing on my shoes. I was pretty sure none of Feyre and Rhys’s friends yet knew they’d been having illicit sleepovers under my father’s roof.

He raised his eyebrows. “Elain.”

I sighed. “They spend all day making moon eyes at each other. But don’t tell them I told you! Feyre would kill me.”

He held up his hands. “I would never betray you like that. Scout’s honor.” He leaned forward. “But it is sickening, right?”

A giggle escaped me. “God, YES it is. Wherever I go, there they are making out on the tennis court, or sneaking around the house, or just staring at each other while we’re all in the living room watching a movie. It was a relief when they left for Rhys’s dad’s house.”

“Yeah, Cass and I had a bet going on when they’d bite the bullet and get together. I won, just so you know.”

I gave him a high five. “Congratulations. What do you win?”

“He’s buying drinks next time we go out.”

“Oh. Sounds fun.”

Silence again. “You could come with us, if you wanted. Next time we go out. I know it might not be your scene…”

True. I hadn’t been out since Greyson and I had been dating at Mortal U. He hadn’t been a big fan of it and had usually gotten pretty jealous when random guys in bars so much as looked at me. But I’d already gone on my first date since that time…. Who says I couldn’t go out and have some fun, make more friends?

“I would like that,” I said.

After that, conversation flowed freely. Azriel told me about his friend group, and I even asked him how he thought Feyre was doing since her breakup. I told him about my hobbies, and school. And when we reached the point where I thought we’d have no more concrete facts about our lives to share, we continued to discuss politics, morals, love, all sorts of random things. Most of the topics we agreed on, and the ones that we had different opinions about were fun to debate. The entire time, though, I kept glancing at the sky. It was getting darker and darker, the clouds rolling in overhead.

Azriel noticed where my gaze continued to go. “Ah, that. I’ve tried to ignore it but I think it’s going to storm… We should probably go.”

He’d said what I had been reluctant to acknowledge for the past half hour as the clouds rolled in. We exchanged a couple of pleasantries, he asked to see me again (I agreed), and moments later I found myself in the front seat of my car as the sky opened up and a torrential downpour unleashed itself on the dirt road. Azriel was in front of me, already a quarter of the way closer to the highway. I tried to pull out of my parking spot, but the car wouldn’t move. I tried again, and could feel the wheels spinning against the muddy ground.

I was stuck.

I lunged for my phone and dialed Azriel’s number. He didn’t answer. His phone was probably on silent or something after our date. I called again. No answer. Shit. Shit, shit, shit.

I could barely see his taillights receding down the road, so I did the only other thing I could think of. I opened my car door. Enormous raindrops battered me instantly. I was soaked through in a matter of minutes. But if I wanted to get out of this muddy parking lot any time soon, Azriel was my only shot. I ran down the road, waving my hands. “Hey!” I screamed. But he turned right and his truck disappeared.

Soaked, my converse now a lovely shade of mud-brown, my white blouse sticking to my skin. I turned to trudge back through the mud to shelter in my car.

Two sharp beeps came from behind me.

I looked over my shoulder and through the rain, saw Azriel’s truck turn back onto the little dirt road. Thank goodness. I nearly started crying in relief. How he’d known to turn back, I had no idea. It was so dark, the rain so thick, that the string lights along the trees did nothing to illuminate the road. Lightning flashed. I decided to get back in my car until Azriel could make his way down the now treacherous dirt road, but I barely made it one step before my foot sank deep into the mud and I fell, hard.

I heard a door slam behind me and warm hands hooked themselves beneath my shoulders, lifting me off of my hands and knees and out of the hole. Without thinking, I threw my arms around him, pulling him tightly to me under the rainy sky.

“Are you okay?” Azriel shouted, his arms, at first hanging at his sides, coming around to hug me closer to him. Thunder crashed and I jumped.

I nodded. “Thank you!”

He smiled, despite the rain and mud that was now nearly covering both of us. His eyes dropped for just a second, and I looked down at myself. Ah, yes. The white shirt. Now very obviously see-through.

“My car is stuck!” I said, trying to cover up the awkwardness of the moment.

He glanced behind him. “Get in mine!”

I followed him and he insisted on holding the passenger door open for me, letting the rain continue to bombard him as I climbed in. He raced around the front of the truck and jumped in.

We sat there for a moment, each of us breathing heavily.

“You’re all wet and muddy now,” I said quietly. “I’m so sorry.”

He waved his hand. “Don’t apologize. You needed help.”

“Thank you.”

He turned around and brandished a large overcoat at me. “This is all I have, but it will have to do until the rain stops and I can try to get your car out.”

I repeated my thanks and covered myself with the coat.

He turned on some music, and we settled back in a comfortable silence for a few moments, the heat on full blast. Then a Metallica song came on.

“No,” I said. “No way. Don’t tell me you choose to listen to this.”

“What?” He said. “Rhys got me into it.”

“Ugh,” I groaned. “Feyre warned me about Rhys’s music tastes. Just my luck, I’d end up with somebody with an equally painful selection of music.”

He raised his eyebrows. “Ah, so you’ve ‘ended up with me’, have you?”

“Uhhh… I mean, I didn’t mean it like that. I just--”

“Elain.”

“Yes?”

“Ending up with you sounds wonderful.”

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

~~~FEYRE~~~

Rhys was noticeably uncomfortable. We’d been swimming and played some tennis in his father’s backyard that afternoon, and he’d been preoccupied the entire time. I understood that his ex was now living in his house--I couldn’t even imagine living with Tamlin while we’d been together, much less now that we were broken up--but I didn’t know why he didn’t just talk to me about it. Plus, we were only staying tonight and tomorrow night, then heading back to school on Sunday. We hadn’t even seen Amarantha since meeting her that morning.

She wasn’t present for the tense dinner I’d eaten with Rhys and his dad, either. The father and son had been civil, I would grant them that. However, Mr. Night didn’t make much of an effort to get to know me, which I found a little odd, considering I was staying in his house. Rhys had made many attempts to discuss my major, my hobbies, my swim career. Mr. Night would just nod, say, “That’s nice,” and fall into silence again. Rhys kept shooting me apologetic glances, but I just shook my head.

I was so lucky to have my dad. Sure, we’d had a rocky past. But he’d made an effort to give me a comfortable place to live, an effort to get to know my boyfriend. Mr. Night went to no such lengths, and I didn’t blame Rhys for it, or even his father. I just felt sorry for him that he didn’t know how to love his son.

Later that night, Rhys and I returned to his room. I was ready to collapse into bed and perhaps binge something on Rhys’s enormous flat screen TV. I turned to suggest this plan to Rhys, but halted when I saw his face.

“What are you plotting?”

He grinned. “Well… Some of my old high school friends are having a party tonight. They do it every school vacation. I don’t normally go, but under the stressful circumstances…” His face darkened imperceptibly. I knew he meant the stress of his psychotic ex-girlfriend currently living in his house. And I would go out to party with him if it would make him feel better. It might be fun to let loose with Rhys by my side.

I smiled back at him.

“Well, Ms. Archeron. Allow me to take you out on the town tonight.”

--------

I scrounged up the best party clothes I could find in what I had packed—a black cropped tank top and a jean skirt, black Vans and some silver jewelry. When I emerged from the bathroom, the room was empty.

“Rhys?” He stepped out of his closet that was mostly empty despite its size.

“Feyre—wow. You look amazing. Ravishing. Dare I say it? Hot.”

“Shut up, you’re going to make me blush. You don’t look too bad yourself.” Indeed, his jeans and t-shirt were simple but he looked good.

“Allow me to escort you out through the window,” he said.

“Your dad wouldn’t approve of us leaving?”

He shrugged. “I’d rather not take my chances. What he doesn’t know won’t hurt him. Discussing it isn’t worth it.”

He led me over to the window. I followed after him and nearly slipped off the roof. He glanced over his shoulder. “I’m in a boot, and you’re the one who’s about to slip off the roof?”

“Shut up.”

“Well please be careful. I like your face the way it is.” He shimmied down the tree next to the roof and I followed suit.

As I hopped down beside him, proud that I hadn’t fallen out of it, he hastily covered up a wicked grin.

I cocked my head.

“Just admiring the view from below,” he said innocently.

“Shut up,” I said again. But he grabbed my waist and pulled me against him.

“Remind me. Did I tell you how gorgeous you look tonight, Feyre darling?”

I put my hands on his shoulders. “I don’t believe you did.”

He kissed my forehead, then both of my cheeks. “Well then let me tell you again. You look absolutely, positively gorgeous tonight, Feyre.”

I didn’t give him a chance to say anything else before I kissed him full on the mouth, my arms sliding up around his neck. I started to think we wouldn’t get farther than his lawn tonight when a bang issued from inside the house. We jumped apart.

“Let’s save the making out for when we’re too drunk to make it home tonight.” He took my hand and started leading me through the shadows to the street.

One Uber ride later, I found myself outside of a club called The Temple. Rhys whisked me inside without a word. We stepped directly into a cavernous room, the walls, ceiling, and floors painted a stark black. Strobe lights pulsed from every corner in time with the pounding music. The place was already packed full of college and high school aged people. Rhys pulled me over to the bar. A moment later, he handed me two shots.

“To the people who look at the stars and wish!” He shouted over the music.

I grinned, no idea where that particular outburst came from. “To the stars who listen and the dreams that are answered!” I shouted back.

We clinked our drinks and I downed both of them, one after the other. Rhys turned back to the bar.

“Feyre!” A voice shouted from behind me.

“Mor! What are you doing here?!”

“I live here, silly!” She was heavily intoxicated, I could tell. But I was overjoyed to see her. Mor--my friend. Warmth spread through me at the reminder that I had such a friend at school. She seized my wrist. “Bye, Rhys!” Two seconds later I was in the center of the dance floor. I’d only had two shots but with Mor, but I had no trouble loosening up and giving myself to the music. In the midst of all the writhing, dancing bodies, I raised my arms and joined the dance.

Rhys joined us a few moments later, passing me a drink. I downed half of it and, surprising myself at my boldness, got as close to him as I could.

And so we danced.

Hours, or maybe just minutes later, I stumbled off the dance floor and into a seat at the bar. Mor joined me and ordered us both another drink, despite my protests. We sat there, sipping our vodka tonics, breathing heavily and recovering from all the dancing and drinking we had been participating in. I reached the bottom of my vodka tonic and looked around.

“Where’s Rhys?” I asked.

Mor tossed her plastic cup behind her. “He was right behind us, I thought,” she said, already inching closer to the dance floor. I could see a couple of her old high school friends (I’d met them briefly while in the throng of dancing drunk people) already beckoning for her to rejoin them.

“Go,” I told her, giving her a little push. “I’ll find him!”

She gave me a sloppy kiss on the cheek and disappeared.

The world spinning around me, faceless males grabbing my ass as I pushed through the crowd, I worked my way all around the bar surrounding the enormous black room and the crowd of bodies filling it. I didn’t see Rhys anywhere, and I had been positive he had followed Mor and me off the dance floor.

I stumbled a bit as I turned to check the hallway by the bathrooms. That would be the only place inside the bar that he could still be, unless he’d been pulled back into the crowd.

The hallway to the bathroom was long. Several doors were placed in the walls at various increments. The bathrooms were located at the very end, right next to the doors that led to a smoking porch that was currently crowded with people. I hadn’t known the porch existed, so perhaps Rhys was out there, although I knew he didn’t smoke. Smoking while trying to be a Division I swimmer was a bit of a challenge…

I stepped out onto the porch. He was nowhere. Finally, I decided to check the alleyway. Men shouted at me from the porch, asking me to join them but I ignored them. I tried to walk as directly as I could in order to appear more sober than I actually was. I was about to turn the corner of the fence to peek into the alleyway when I heard him.

“--have to do this right now?” I heard his voice say.

I was about to turn the corner when the voice that answered him caused me to stop short.

“Why do this later when now is the perfect time?” Amarantha’s smooth voice issued from beyond the fence.

I heard Rhys sigh. I felt bad for listening, but I wanted to know what was going on. And Rhys had been rather tight-lipped about what went down between him and Amarantha that caused her to key his car, etc, etc.

“This is the last time, okay?” he said, sounding defeated. “And then you’re going to forget about this.”

Amarantha didn’t answer, so she must have nodded. Because the next thing I heard caused my heart to sink from my throat, where it had lodged as I’d listened to their conversation, through my chest and directly into the pit of my stomach.

He was kissing her. And not lightly.

I couldn’t hear another second of this.

I ran.

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

TAGS

@aknymph @musicalfae @sleeping-and-books @queen-of-glass @fabfire

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antiquecompass · 4 years

Text

Untamed Spring Fest Day 9: Shower

Jiang Cheng always knew Lan Academy fostered a healthy appetite for competition among its students, urging them to do their best in an attempt to be their best, but even he didn’t expect their take on field day to be so brutal.

Jiang Cheng thought Andover was bad but this---he’d been attending these events at Xichen’s side for over ten years now and somehow each year kept getting more and more competitive, more and more challenging. It was as if, with all the increased free time he had in his semi-retirement, Lan Qiren had become the ultimate obstacle course taskmaster.

Then again, this was nothing compared to the mud pile tug of wars and any rugby match ever at the Cloud Recesses, so he shouldn’t have been surprised.

But this was madness.

And apparently Lan Academy.

It was raining in sheets, windy, sideways, turning the formerly bright and sunny obstacle course into an actual mud pit. Any sensible person would’ve called it off, but neither rain nor sleet nor snow seemed to stop the students of Lan Academy on Field Day.

Especially not when Lan Qiren had the whistle.

“It’s---this is like Hell Week. For SEALS,” Jiang Cheng said as he stared out among the gathered group of Lan Academy Seniors in their official gym clothes, all ready to go as soon as the whistle blew.

“Isn’t it great,” Mingjue said. He had a clipboard and a stopwatch in his hand. Slap the man into a track suit and he’d look like a professional coach and was acting like one as well. “My money’s on Jingyi this year, but that Ramos kid is pretty tough, and Sizhui’s the quiet and devious type. Ava’s my dark horse--tiny, but dangerous.”

Jiang Cheng turned to his husband. “Where’s all your peace and love school community spirit now?” he asked.

The venerated Headmaster Lan shrugged from his safe place under one of the large white tents. He waved a little Lan Academy flag and gave an undignified whoop.

Field Day at Lan Academy was clearly in the Twilight Zone.

“You see this rain, yes?” Jiang Cheng asked. He’d never seen it rain like this at Lan Academy before. “Actual rain showers. Sideways rain showers.” He held up his phone. “Flash Flood Watch rain showers. Aren't you worried about possible injuries?” Jiang Cheng said.

“Everyone’s consent form is signed and they’re always offered the chance to leave the course at any moment. There’s no shame in using good sense,” Xichen said.

“Do you hear the bullshit coming out of your mouth right now?” Jiang Cheng asked.

Xichen slapped him in the stomach. “Language, my heart. There are children about.”

“And our nephews are about to inhale at least three liters of mud,” Jiang Cheng said, pointing out to the field.

“Not if they keep their balance,” Xichen said.

“You’re enjoying this,” Jiang Cheng said.

Xichen grinned. “Just reminds me of my final field day as a student here. Had to scale Gusu Hill in rain just like this--we got up it, with teamwork.”

Jiang Cheng shook his head and cursed again. “This is just like Hell Week.”

“Not even a little bit,” Xichen said. “Except for the learning to work as a team part.”

He raised his hand and signaled the start of the race. Lan Qiren blew his whistle. And the seniors were off in a mad, mud-filled scramble.

**********

“You have a fan club.”

Jin Ling looked up from where he was preparing his bow to turn and see his parents and siblings all in the middle row of the bleachers, waving and cheering him on, big, glittery signs, and Lan Academy flags, and even his father shaking a white and blue pom-pom.

At a normal archery match they couldn’t be so enthusiastic, but here, in the old Lan Academy gym turned into an indoor range on one side of and a rock-climbing wall on the other, they were free to show their support.

Jin Chan scoffed from the other end of the range.

Jin Ling ignored his cousin. His uncles were right; Jin Chan wasn’t even worth a single breath.

Coach Wen raised his hand and the crowd silenced. Jin Ling could still hear whispers of some members of the crowd; most of the Jins, the ones who remained loyal to his grandfather; the ones who disapproved of his father staying home to raise his children and being far more involved in the business of the Jiangs and the Nies than the Jins, were there to support Jin Chan. And Jin Chan knew it, which was why he was being extra-arrogant today.

Jin Ling couldn’t give a fuck.

He had his immediate family--the best of the Jins here. He had the Lans. He had Lan Academy. He had the Song-Xiao clan (though, to be fair, they were also here for Yating). He had Mrs. Ouyang, who had made a rare trip to visit this time, on the last of Zizhen’s Lan Academy Field Days. He had his cousins and uncles. He had the Delaneys. He had Zizhen himself.

Jin Ling remembered all of this as he prepared to take his shot. He’d done this over and over again for years, indoor and outdoor ranges, all over the world.

The signal sounded.

Arrows flew.

Jin Ling was the only to hit dead center.

They repeated it over and over again until the competition was done. Jin Ling was the only one to manage to keep a center grouping. April was a close second. Yating a close third. Jin Chan was at the very bottom of the results.

“It’s not like this is a real competition anyway,” Jin Chan sneered.

It still felt damn good to Jin Ling when that Lan Academy gold medal went around his neck.

**********

Ouyang Zizhen laughed at the two mud monsters who were once his best friends. The track events had been pushed back to the later afternoon. Luckily the rain showers had finally stopped, and while the track was still wet, it was manageable. Jingyi and Sizhui had obviously not been so lucky.

“You two tied, didn’t you?” he asked as he continued his warm-up.

“We had to sacrifice Ari,” Jingyi said. “But it was a worthy sacrifice in the end. Ava nearly got us, but she came in fifteen seconds behind us..”

“Congratulations,” Zizhen said. “But please go let one of the coaches power-wash you two. If you get mud on the track, Sophie will yell at you.”

Even under the mud, he could see Sizhui wince. Sophie McKim’s wrath was a thing to be feared. Especially on the track. Especially during the relay.

“Do your dorm team proud,” Jingyi said, reaching up to pat him on the shoulder.

Zizhen smoothly stepped back. “I’ll take that show of support and spirit. Please go de-earthify yourselves.”

“It’s not like we aren’t going to get just as dirty during the final event,” Jingyi said. “I’m pretty sure they’re adding mud to the field at this point.”

“Lans! Get your muddy asses off my track! Now!” Sophie yelled, her ponytail up high, her face screaming that a murder was about to happen.

“Shit,” Jingyi said as he scrambled away.

Zizhen laughed as Jingyi managed to clear three entire hurdles before cutting across the center to the other end of the bleachers and towards the locker room where Molly Lan stood with a hose at the ready.

“And that’s the love of your life,” Zizhen said, looking at Sizhui’s stupid grin.

“Yeah, yeah it is,” Sizhui agreed. He nodded at Zizhen one last time and then followed in Jingyi’s footsteps, minus the hurdles and the enraged Sophie McKim.

Zizhen was in his final set of stretches when someone tossed a water bottle at his feet. It landed perfectly--perfect toss, perfect aim, perfect landing. He looked up and saw Jin Ling waving from the stands.

“How?” Zizhen asked.

“I’m just that good,” Jin Ling said. “Do us all proud and don’t suck at this,” he said, before going back up into the stands, sitting down next to Zizhen’s mom.

**********

After the final awards ceremony; after the final bell signalling the end of the day; after many tired students and proud parents left for family dinners out to enjoy the start of the long weekend, the true--though unofficial--final event of Lan Academy Field Day took place.

It was a tradition almost as old as the school.

A rugby match free-for-all featuring the seniors, some of the staff, and a few chosen alumni. It always ended in mud and grass stains, torn shirts, cuts and bruises. The rugby game took the teamwork required for the obstacle course and relays, the patience of the archery competition, the reflexes of the tennis and fencing matches, the cheering crowds from the soccer, dodgeball, basketball, and baseball games, the strategy of the chess matches, and combined them all together and ended in this one final match.

It was also one of the few times of year anyone saw Headmaster Lan out of his Lan traditional outfit or one of his suits. Their kind, supportive, caring headmaster looked like a giant on the rugby field, his broad shoulders on display as he leaned on his best friend, and stared out over the other players.

“I swear he never looks that intimidating at home,” Jingyi said as he lounged on the bench next to Sizhui.

“It’s because we hardly ever see his competitive side,” Sizhui said.

And Lans, for all their beliefs and teachings, abhorred losing.

“It’s probably the one time of year he can get his aggression out against the staff,” Zizhen said.

That was the one catch: the Headmaster would participate, but only on the students’ team, and only if they formerly asked him to before the match.

Not a year had passed since becoming headmaster that Lan Xichen wasn’t asked.

At the end of the bench, in between the tub of Gatorade and another of ice water, Jiang Cheng sat with his head in his hands, for once united with Meng Yao, as they both glared down their foolish husbands.

“What are you assholes trying to prove?” Jiang Cheng finally yelled.

“Cursing is forbidden at Lan Academy!” an entire chorus answered him.

#long post #fic: camp fire tales from cloud recesses #fandom: the untamed #verse: lahl #untamed spring fest #my ridic writing

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atths--twice · 4 years

Link

Wedding Countdown

Chapter Three

Thursday, Five Days To Go

Skinner comes over for dinner, a catch up, and a question Scully needs to ask him.

11c/15

“She’s getting so big,” Skinner said, as he sat on the couch holding Faith in his arms. She stared at him and reached for his glasses faster than anyone could stop her. Before Faith could pull them completely off of his face, Scully grabbed her hands and opened them, releasing the glasses from her grasp.

“Sorry about that,” she murmured, holding her hands as Skinner adjusted them properly. He chuckled and then reached for Faith again, lifting her up over his head and making her laugh.

“She’s just a little thing, she doesn’t know what she’s doing,” he said, bringing her down and then back up. She screamed and laughed again, causing Skinner to smile. Bringing her back down, he nuzzled her neck and she giggled loudly.

Mulder looked at Scully and they both grinned. Here was their tough ex-boss losing all his cool exterior over their little girl. Scully covered her mouth and Mulder crossed his arms, both of them still grinning.

“And you two can shut the hell up with that silent communication you do,” Skinner said gruffly, looking into Faith’s eyes. “It was annoying years ago and it’s even more so now. Little girl, you’re in for a rude awakening when you discover they can speak without moving their mouths. Whole conversations that you will have no part in, and it will drive you mad.” Mulder laughed and Scully joined in, while Skinner shook his head and made silly faces at Faith.

He stood up and carefully spun her around the room, making funny sounds which caused her to laugh again and grab at his shirt. “You’re such a sweet little girl, you definitely take after your mama.” He looked up and smirked at them, causing Scully to laugh.

“I’ll take her, it’s past her bedtime. I’ll be down in a little bit,” Scully said, reaching for Faith and smiling once she had her in her arms. “Tell Uncle Walter good night.” Skinner laughed and shook her hand, letting go as Faith shoved it in her mouth. Scully walked over to Mulder so he could kiss Faith before she walked upstairs.

“Seriously, Mulder, you’re going to be in big trouble with that one,” Skinner said with a shake of his head, and Mulder laughed.

“Yeah, I agree,” Mulder grinned. “You want a beer or a glass or wine?”

“I’ll take a glass of wine, sure,” Skinner answered, as they stepped into the kitchen.

“White or red? Scully usually drinks red, but she bought white too, in case you preferred it.”

“Nah, red’s fine.”

Nodding, Mulder opened the bottle of red wine they purchased earlier in the day. Pouring them each a glass, he handed Skinner his as they sat at the table.

“So, you’re working at the Veteran’s Affairs office, yeah? How’s that going?” Mulder asked, as he took a drink.

“You know, it has its good and bad days. Some of those men and women … they go through hell and then get shit for it when they come home. Subpar housing, lack of medical help, long waits to see doctors … these people fought for us, so we could sleep soundly and they just …” Skinner shook his head and took a big drink of wine.

“Sounds to me like you’re perfect for the job,” Mulder said, with a smile. “Who better to help than someone who has been through it and come out better for it?” Skinner nodded and they were quiet for a few minutes.

“There was one guy,” Skinner said, closing his eyes for a second. “No family, no one to worry if he was doing well. He came in, determined there was nothing that could be done for him. He hadn’t really partaken of any benefits and once I looked into what he was eligible to receive … it was like watching him come to life. He sat up straighter, started talking about the future and just a completely changed person. It was … enough to break you down a little. It humbles you, this job.”

“Well, here’s to humbling experiences,” Mulder said, smiling and clinking his glass to Skinner’s. He could hear Scully on the stairs, and he wanted to end this little catch up on a happy note.

“You started without me?” she asked with a smile, walking over with the baby monitor in her hand.

“Just the one,” Mulder smiled, and she huffed at him, setting the monitor down on the table, stopping for a kiss, as she grabbed her own glass. She joined them at the table and smiled at Skinner.

“She was quite taken with you,” she said to Skinner, nodding toward the monitor to indicate Faith.

“She’s a kid, they’re easy. It's the adults who are assholes,” he replied, and they all laughed.

Mulder stood up and began to place the food and plates on the table. Caesar salad, French bread, and fettuccini alfredo. It was one of Mrs. Scully’s recipes and Mulder had his hand slapped more than once as he kept eating spoonfuls of the sauce right out of the pan. His mouth watered now as he knew he was going to be enjoying it.

They all served themselves, Mulder repeatedly describing how delicious it was going to be, until Scully shoved a piece of bread in his mouth to shut him up.

Over dinner, they laughed over past cases, and Skinner asked for a rundown of what exactly happened with the vampire case.

“Which one?” Mulder asked, with a chuckle.

“Yeah, you’ll need to specify,” Scully added, rolling her eyes.

“The one … the one in Texas, when the coroner was attacked,” Skinner said, attempting to jog their memories, to which Scully groaned and Mulder rubbed his hands together excitedly.

“Oh, this is a good one. It was the closest we had gotten to actual vampires,” Mulder began as Scully rolled her eyes once more. “Stop, woman, you know it’s true. Anyway, we head down to this town where six cows had been mysteriously exsanguinated -”

“Cows?” Skinner asked, looking at Scully. “I don’t remember sending you down there for dead cows.” She shook her head, putting her hand in front of Mulder, who caught it and put it back on the table.

“Let me tell the story or my version at least. This is one that we constantly debate about,” he said, as an aside to Skinner. “Her version is wildly off base, but let me tell you what really happened and then Scully can tell hers and then you can decide who is being honest. Does that suit you, my love?” he asked with sarcasm, kissing at the air in Scully’s direction. She shrugged and sat back in her seat, crossing her arms, a nonchalant air about her.

“Oh, if it’s down to who I believe, my money’s on Dana,” Skinner said, with a wink as he picked up his wine glass and took a drink. Scully nodded and shrugged again as Mulder scoffed.

“At least hear me out before you jump to conclusions. I’ll go first, since mine is the right one,” he said, leaning forward and taking a breath.

“By all means,” Scully said quietly. “Age before beauty.”

Mulder narrowed his eyes at her and began to tell the story: her less than enthusiastic attitude, her eye rolls, her inability to hear anything once Sheriff Handsome Face was in the room. He tried to tell her to wait her turn to speak, but that immediately went south. They spoke over one another, interrupting, raising their voices to make a point and then laughing hysterically.

Skinner’s head bounced between them as though he were watching a tennis match. Scully put her hand to her chest as Mulder said Sheriff Hartwell again, snorting with laughter, and Mulder stared at her with a perplexed expression.

“It sounded … like … you said Sheriff Fartwell,” she said, barely able to get it out, before snorting again and collapsing into a fit of giggles. They both stared at her, until they saw the humor in it as well and joined in on her laughter.

The first bottle of wine was empty and another half gone, by the time they finished with dinner. They remained at the table, talking and letting their food settle before partaking of dessert.

“So, you two have an almost one year old, who is an absolute beauty. I’m seeing that engagement ring still on your finger, Dana,” Skinner said, nodding to Scully’s hand currently wrapped around her wine glass. “Considering all the shit that has happened in the past … God, just the past covers it, as it encompasses a vast amount of time. No offense meant, but what the hell’s the hold up?” Scully glanced at Mulder and he smiled with a shrug, to which she nodded. “Now come on, I told you two to knock that shit off earlier.” He grumbled and sighed as he shook his head.

Scully smiled and sighed. “It’s interesting you would ask that, as that’s the reason we asked you to dinner tonight,” she said quietly. “We are getting married.” Skinner slowly grinned and then smacked the table in happiness. “This coming Tuesday, actually. The church was available in the afternoon that day, and well …” Skinner nodded as she trailed off, looking at Mulder.

“We’d like you to be there,” Mulder said, reaching for Scully’s hand. “No one else. Well, besides the priest that is.” He squeezed Scully’s hand and she chuckled lightly.

“I … just me? I��m sure there are others who would like to be there for it,” Skinner said quietly. “Your family and friends? Why just me?”

“Because …” Scully started and then stopped, taking a deep breath. “You … Skinner … Walter, you have … you’ve put yourself on the line for us, especially me, so many times …” Mulder squeezed Scully’s hand once again. She nodded at him, blinking back tears, and then looked back at Skinner. “We would like you to be there and I … I would like for you to walk me down the aisle." She finished on a whisper, holding his gaze, as Mulder continued to hold her hand tightly.

Skinner stared at her, his mouth opening and closing, swallowing hard. “Your brothers should …” he rasped out, shaking his head, and she shook hers in response.

“They aren’t in the country,” she shrugged and smiled, her tears spilling over. “And I wouldn’t want them to do it anyway. It wouldn’t be right. They haven’t been here. They don’t … they don’t know me … or Mulder, not the way you do. They never risked their lives and careers, the way you have. They didn’t look out for me and have my back the way you did when Mulder was gone. They weren’t there when we … buried him.” Mulder squeezed her hand again, and she gripped back.

“You were there for me when I needed someone by my side and for that I can never thank you enough. I would consider it a great honor if you would be there for me again and walk me down the aisle,” she said, her cheeks wet with tears as Skinner stared at her, and then reached for her other hand.

He cleared his throat many times, swallowing as he did. He looked down at the table and nodded his head. Looking up into her eyes, he took a deep breath. “Nothing would make me happier, Dana. I … it is my honor to do that for you.” He let go of her hand and stood up and she did as well.

They embraced and he said something Mulder did not catch, causing Scully to laugh through the tears he heard her crying, as Skinner held her close. He watched them, swallowing down a lump in his throat. Breaking apart a minute later, Scully wiped her face, trying to stop her tears. Skinner caught her hand and kissed the back of it, as she smiled.

“So,” he said, clearing his throat and letting go of her head. “Are we eating this dessert or not?” They all laughed, the memories of the past painful, yet healing. Mulder stood up to grab the dessert, smiling as he did.

An hour later, after Skinner helped to clean up, not listening when they tried to stop him, they walked with him out onto the porch. He turned and hugged Scully again, shook Mulder’s hand with a clasp on his shoulder and then nodded at them.

“Tuesday, 3 p.m. Cathedral of the Sacraments. I’ll be there.” He nodded again, and they smiled at him.

As they watched him drive away, Mulder put his arm around Scully’s shoulders, and she wrapped her arms around his waist, pulling him close.

“You couldn’t have asked for anyone better,” he said softly, and she nodded. He kissed the top of her head, pulling her closer. Turning around, they walked back inside, closing the door behind them.

__________________________________________________

I cannot tell you how I adore the thought of Skinner being “Uncle Walter” and being a continuing part of their lives. I wish we could see him with their baby. You know he would make an absolute fool of himself over her... ❤️

#The X Files #XF Fanfic #Post MSIV #Family Life: The Story Beyond the Series #Wedding Countdown #Happiness #Love #Memories #Sharing Memories #Dinner #Questions and Answers

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therainroguefanfiction · 4 years

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⁂ How Do You Love? (Tenipuri) o1

📑 Table of Contents

Genre: Friendship, Family, Angst

Word Count: 1,512

Pairing: ??

World: Prince of Tennis

Author’s Note: Another series I started a while back lol Dunno if I’ll ever continue it, but I wanted to post it anyway c:

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“I’m home.”

I looked up from my racing game for a brief second before returning my attention to the TV. I easily missed the other racer that was trying to break my drift around the corner. He ended up slamming into the guard rail for his trouble. “Welcome back. How was the tournament?”

“Boring. I couldn’t find anyone strong.” I heard the pout in his voice followed by the thump of his tennis bag hitting the floor. He plopped down beside me, his head falling onto my shoulder. “Do you think there will be stronger opponents in Japan?”

“Dunno.” I wanted to shrug but the weight on my shoulder prevented me from doing so. “It can’t be any worse than here. Maybe that’s why dad wants us to come back home – goddamn it Carlos, keep up.” I scowled at the NPC driver who couldn’t match my speed. Honestly, drift trains are easily the most annoying event in the game. It takes skill to stay off the gas enough for the others to stay with you while maintaining enough speed to perform a drift all while trying to avoid the other drivers that exist only to bump into you and try to ruin your otherwise perfect drift.

“When’s our flight?” He paused for a moment. “And what’s for dinner?”

“Tomorrow at noon. Traffic will be rough so we need to leave by ten-thirty at the latest.” I finished the drift train in first place, easily overcoming the target score. “What do you want to eat? McDonald’s?”

I felt him nod against my shoulder. “Can I stay here? I’m tired.”

I smiled softly, ruffling his soft dark green locks. “Yeah, go ahead and take a bath. I’ll grab you some food.”

“Okay~”

I grabbed my keys off the table and slipped my boots on. “Make sure you lock the door!” I heard his mutter of agreement as I closed the door. When I made it outside of the apartment building, I was met with the crisp spring air. The sun was low over the horizon, hiding behind tall buildings. The streets were full of people rushing home from work and heading out to eat, shop, or party. Honestly, there are so many people living in New York, it was suffocating. I’m happy to be returning to Japan, even though it’s been a long time since I was back there.

McDonald’s was only three blocks away from my apartment building so it didn’t take long to get there. Naturally, the place was friggin’ packed with people – it took longer to get my order than it did to walk to the damn place. I finally got my order and slipped through the crowd of people, out into the street.

I slipped into the alleyway because if one more person bumped into me, I was legit going to punch somebody. One drastic difference between Japan and America is the fact that Americans are dicks. That’s one of the main reasons I’m so happy to be leaving the country; maybe I won’t get into quite as many fights in Japan.

“Well, well, what do we have here?” An arm slung around my shoulder and the stench of body odor and alcohol reached my nose. “You shouldn’t be out alone, little girl.”

I scowled, shoving his arm off of me. “Fuck off,”

“Am I making you mad, she-demon?”

My eyes narrowed at the older man. “I’m not in the mood to deal with you. Find someone else to deal with.” I started to walk away.

“Where’s that precious baby brother of yours? Home alone, aye?” His laughter was cut off by my fist in his face, sending him flying back against the alley wall.

I dashed away toward my apartment building, not caring about the people I shoved out of the way. I rushed up the stairs and nearly slammed into the door as I forced the key into the lock, throwing the door open. It bounced against the wall from the force I used. I was about to scream Ryoma’s name when he came out of the hallway, a confused look on his face.

“What’s wrong, nee-chan?”

I took a deep breath, kicking the door shut with my foot before approaching him. I set the food on the table as I went and grabbed the fluffy white towel around his neck. He pouted when I started to dry his dark locks. “Nothing. I thought you were still in the bath.”

He narrowed his cat-like eyes at me but said nothing. That’s one of my favorite things about him – he always knows when I’m lying, but rarely questions it.

“Don’t stay up too late. It’ll be a pain to wake you in the morning.” I ruffled his hair before returning to the door to make sure it was shut and locked tight. If that bastard was really dumb enough to try and harm my baby brother, I certainly won’t make it easy for him. Thank god we’re leaving tomorrow.

A fresh start in a new country. Ryoma will be safer in Japan.

I flopped onto the floor in front of the coffee table, staring at the TV screen. My GT-R was banged up and bruised, despite not even being on the road; you could only hit it if you aimed for it. I scowled, bringing up the map and marking the closest gas station. I will never understand how people find it fun to slam into the car of a player that’s not even there.

Ryoma fell into the recliner, the paper bag crinkling as he pulled out his food. “Have you eaten, nee-chan?”

“Before you got home.”

Ryoma sat in the living room with me for the next hour, watching me playing my racing game until his eyes began to droop. When his breathing evened out, I closed out my game and carried him to his room. I tucked him under the covers before climbing into my own bed. I pulled out my phone to find a new message from my friend, Kenko.

We met during my first year of middle school. I had been the foreign kid that couldn’t speak Japanese. The other kids were scared of me because I had punched another kid on my first day. My dad, of course, managed to sweet-talk the principal, convincing her that I was just acting out because I was still adjusting. It was complete bullshit, but she bought it and I wasn’t expelled. Kenko had been the only one not afraid of me after that.

Naturally, I had tried to push him away – I was a complete bitch to him and I even threatened to hurt him – but he still stayed. He spoke English so it was easy to communicate with him, and he offered to help me learn Japanese. Before I knew it, he had wiggled his way in and had become a good friend of mine. Even after I left Japan to watch over Ryoma, he still kept in contact.

✉ ‘You weren’t planning on telling me, were you?’

I raised my eyebrow. How had he found out? I made sure not to mention anything about returning to Japan. I figured it would be a nice surprise for him. He’s a genius, sure, but unless he’s also a stalker, there’s no way he could have found out.

✉ ‘What do you mean?’

✉ ‘IDIOT~ I know you’re coming home tomorrow.’

✉ ‘Am I? News to me.’

✉ ‘Remind me to smack you when you land~’

I scowled.

✉ ‘Smack me and you die. How’d you find out, anyway?’

✉ ‘Your father asked me to get your enrollment paperwork together~ Guess what school you’re going to!’

My eye twitched in annoyance. That damned old man… I should’ve known.

✉ ‘Seishun Gakuen with Ryoma.’

✉ ‘Negative~ You, Winchester-san, will be attending Rikkai Daigaku alongside the brilliant tensai, Yasujirou-san.’

Rikkai? What school is that? I did a quick google search and found the school’s website. It’s in Kanagawa… isn’t that an hour or so away from Tokyo? Why the hell would my old man let me go there? I thought I was supposed to watch over Ryoma.

✉ ‘Tensai, my ass. Why the hell am I going to Rikkai?’

✉ ‘Your dad thought it was best that you have a friend at your new school. Don’t want a repeat of middle school, right?’

I narrowed my eyes at the message. Thinking about it, that did make sense. Kenko could probably keep me from breaking someone’s nose because we both know that someone is most likely going to piss me off as soon as I step into the building. Still… I’m not too happy about not going to the same school as Ryoma. I’ve been watching over him for so long.

Another message came through, breaking my thoughts.

✉ ‘I know what you’re thinking, but don’t worry, Ryo-chan will be fine. He’s a strong kid.’

I’ve always hated how he can read my mind, even on the other side of the planet. I didn’t respond, setting my phone on the floor next to the bed before rolling over to face the wall.

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jasminwritesthings · 4 years

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Fall Flowers and Other, Sadder Things That I Don’t Understand

Trigger warning: mentions of death, suicide, and terminal illness

He holds the gun to his head, and I can hear myself scream out. I’m begging him to stop, I need him to stop. This isn’t right. I have had twenty-four full years with my father, but Thomas has had only seventeen, and Lily only thirteen.

He is crying, I have known him my entire life and I have never seen him cry. He didn’t cry at his wedding to my mother, he didn’t cry when Lily and Thomas were born, and he didn’t cry at his diagnosis, although everyone else did. Though grim, he somehow managed to keep a wide smile on his face despite the verdict that he was only going to have months to live.

I didn’t mean to walk in on him. I was on my way to pick up Lily from school and take her to tennis practice, but Mom had reminded me that I needed to come back to grab the instructor’s cheque. I entered their bedroom, she had told me that Dad was meeting her for lunch, she had left early to pick up his medication. The last thing that I expected was that he would be home, preparing himself for the final decision he would ever make.

I am shaking, but I can hear him drop the gun to the floor. When I finally gain focus I notice that he is shaking too, and for the first time in my life I feel like I should be the one taking care of him. I hold him in a tight hug, not dissimilar to those he would give me as a child, when I would fall off of my bike and it would feel like the end of the world.

Now I’m begging, but for different reasons. I need to understand why he wanted these to be his final moments. I’m asking for answers that I don’t believe either of us have. What about Lily and Thomas? What about Mom? Was he just going to leave us behind?

When I was much younger, Mom and Dad got into an argument so intense that Mom left the house. It was late, and I wasn’t even supposed to be awake, but I had asked Mom earlier if I could stay up later to watch TV. I didn’t mean to catch their screaming, but I did. I watched through the rail of the stairway as Mom grabbed her bag and left, taking the car with her. Dad held his face in his hands and I ran downstairs crying, yelling: where is mommy going? Are you leaving too? He picked me up, bouncing me high on his hip. We walked towards the kitchen and he placed me on the counter, so we could be eye-to-eye.

After I had calmed down, he held my face in his hands, wiping the tears away. He told me that Mom needed to leave for a little while. At the time, it felt like she was betraying our family by leaving us without a goodbye, but as I got older I realized how hard it must have been for her, for the both of them, to be parents at such a young age. Dad said that he would never leave me, he would always be right next to me, and Mom would be too, she just needed to visit Grandma for a little. They fought every once in a while, and they managed to patch things up, but I had always held Dad’s words in the back of my mind.

The anger that had briefly coursed through my veins settled when I realized that Dad had been selfless for more than half of his life, and this decision, his final one, would be his only selfish one. I continue to hold him until we have both calmed down, and when we finally do, I take the gun, putting it back in its case with the intent to take it back to my car. I tell Dad to follow me, and I take him to lunch with Mom before picking up Lily.

My Dad has already lived for six months since his diagnosis, he was only estimated to live for eight. When he explains what pushed him to hold that gun, his reasoning makes sense, though I wish it didn’t. Ramblings of a madman are easier to cope with than the truth, though harder to understand. I have gotten the best of my Dad for twenty-three of my twenty-four years, Lily and Thomas have gotten much less. The both of them are forming key memories now that will stick with them for the rest of their lives, and the last thing that he wanted was for them to remember him this way: sick and weak, unable to do most things for himself.

We still have time, he can make more memories with them before he leaves. But even if he didn’t, I couldn’t imagine Lily and Thomas remembering him this way. Before he leaves, he says that maybe he will try to make more memories, maybe he has more in him. He asks me not to tell Mom what I’ve seen. I check the backseat for the gun. I agree.

The next time I see Dad, my Mom has asked me to join them on a weekend-long trip to the cottage. I have more than enough good memories at the cottage, it has been one of my favourite places since before I could even remember, so of course I agree. I greet Lily with a hug, Thomas is still in the stage of his life where he thinks he’s too cool to give or receive affection, but I ruffle his hair nonetheless. I remember when I was in the same stage, I was angry all the time, but I didn’t want to be. I know that I can’t blame him for the way that his hormones and school make him feel. I hug Mom and Dad, and I follow them to the van.

To me, car trips have always been the best part of any trip. At home and at our destination there is nothing that requires us to be together, but in the car, we’re closer than we usually are, even if it’s only for a few hours. When we were younger, Thomas, Lily, and I would play Nintendo DS together during the car rides. Now, we sing along loudly to bad songs on the radio and watch movies on the car’s entertainment system. We each take turns annoying Mom by asking her if we’ve arrived yet, and Dad periodically joins in. When we finally do arrive, we all cheer with glee.

Thomas helps me unpack the trunk, and by the time we finish Lily is already in her bathing suit, jumping into the lake feet-first. Once I drop the things in the living room of the cottage I watch Thomas interact with Lily at the edge of the dock. I see her hand reach up and pull him down by his ankle, and he barely has the time to toss his phone into the grass, all of us narrowly avoiding his temper for the weekend. He’s angry when he surfaces, but it quickly dissolves as he starts to splash Lily.

I feel someone walk up behind me, and I looked over to Mom as she watches out on Lily and Thomas. She tells me that she’s glad that they can still have fun, they haven’t let Dad’s sickness eclipse their joy in the same way I have. When we found out Dad was sick, I stepped up to help Mom with Thomas and Lily, becoming parental over Lily more than Thomas. I’m here now, though, I want to make more memories too.

I pretend that I can’t hear it when Dad starts to throw up, he’s been doing it every day for weeks, but Mom rushes to help him. I open the screen door and sit on the dock, watching as Thomas and Lily splash away in the water, play-fighting and yelling. When Mom and Dad finally come out, Dad has a giant deflated pool float in his hand. He asks me to blow it up and I jokingly roll my eyes, telling him that it’s going to take me forever to blow it up, but I don’t really mind.

We spend the day basking in the sun, playing in the water, barbequing, and taking the boat out. It’s the most fun that we’ve had since Dad’s diagnosis, and I can tell that my brother and sister are having a blast.

The weekend passes by quickly, a blur of water, food, and laughter, and Sunday night we are back out again, taking the van back home. I dread returning to the twisted routine that my life has turned into, but for now I decide that it’s better to live in the moment, and appreciate what we have left. Thomas flicks Lily in the back of the head from the back seat, and she screams out, starting a fighting match with him. I break them apart, and I tell Thomas to chill out, and we’re quickly back to watching ET, a movie that had once been my favourite. I couldn’t imagine being in ET’s place, where everything he had ever known was taken away so quickly, but he returned home. Although sad, Elliot knew that ET belonged home in the end.

I take my stuff out of the car, saying goodbye to my family as I prepare to go. Mom lingers outside for a moment, she tells me that I can stay the night if I’d like, but I have work tomorrow morning. I give her a hug and tell her that I’ll see her later this week when I pick up Thomas to take him to dance, and I take my stuff to my car. I’m not sure why, but when I start to drive I start to cry. I open the window and scream, I can’t help it, I’m just feeling so much at once.

Three weeks later, after work on a day where I didn’t have to pick up either Lily or Thomas, I got a phone call from Mom. She was crying, yet calm at the same time, I didn’t want her to feel the need to act alright when she wasn’t, especially not for my sake. She asked me to come to the hospital, but it wasn’t urgent. I was there in twenty minutes despite the lack of urgency.

I met Mom outside the room she had told me Dad was in, and she explained the situation to me. Dad was reaching his final days, and he wanted to go out on his own terms, with the help of the doctors. This time, I didn’t beg or scream or yell, I just nodded solemnly as I looked at my father in his hospital bed. She told me that he wanted it done today, and that it was now time to say our goodbyes.

I stood outside for a moment, silent and scared to move. My dad is not a perfect man, he never has been. He is flawed, he says the wrong things sometimes, and he has made mistakes, but that will never change the fact that he is my father. I have always loved him despite his imperfections and despite the yelling matches that we used to get into. Even though I caught him in his room, ready to take his own life, that will never be how I remember him. Just like how this will not be how Thomas and Lily remember him. The hot tears fall down my face, and I rapidly wipe them away, I don’t want to upset him when I enter the room.

When I finally muster up the courage, I give him a smile as I walk into the doorway. I wrap him in the tightest, longest hug that the two of us have ever shared, I never want to let him go, but I know that I have to. I tell him all of the thoughts from my head, I shouldn’t say them all but they come out anyways. I tell him that he has been the best dad that I could ever ask for. He has been there for me my entire life, and I could never thank him enough for everything. I tell him that I love him so much, more than words could ever hope to describe, and I will never forget him, my kids will one day hear stories of him. I can’t help the stream of tears as the nurse enters, and our final words to each other are ones of love.

I wait with him, I’m holding one of his hands while my mother holds the other, she let Thomas and Lily say goodbye to him earlier, but she didn’t want them to see this. He gives us a sad smile, and I stand by his bedside for the full eighteen minutes that it takes. When we hear the flatline, I know that I should console Mom, but I have to leave the room instead.

I turn around and I shut the door, I slide down the wall and plug my ears. When he finally did pull the trigger, I forgave him.

#short story #queue-riouser and queue-riouser #feedback is greatly appreciated #this is from early 2019 #writing #writer #writeblr #tw: suicide #tw: terminal illness #tw: death

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greekgeek21 · 4 years

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The Codependency Competition Ch.7

Hey guys! I'm back. And I'm determined to write until this chapter is long and amazing. Also, do you guys want me to start naming the chapters with actual titles instead of chapter #s? If so, just let me know and I'll do it! Even for just one person! You also need to tell me how long you want this story to be. That way I can plan on what to write. Honestly, I could end this story on this chapter, so... Comment, like, and follow!

Happy reading and stay safe,

your author

P.S. I just reread the last chapter, and I totally cringed at that last part. Sorry if you did, too.

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When they woke up the next morning, everything went back to normal. Well, as normal as it can get for two teenage demigods. They woke up, they ate breakfast, they walked to school, and they started class. Nobody mentioned last night's episode. Not even Percy's parents, who most definitely heard her screams. They'd learned that it was best to let Percy and Annabeth work things out on their own, in their own way. Anyway, there weren't any mishaps whatsoever, and that was what worried Annabeth. It felt too silent. Like the calm before the storm. And when Annabeth gets a feeling, she's almost always right.

During lunch is when it happened. The ADHD part of her brain was wondering why it was always lunch that had bad things happen during it.

At her table, Annabeth and her friends were just minding their own business, talking about whatever the newest gossip going around the school was, when tragedy struck. Ok, it wasn't a tragedy, but it was definitely shocking. Annabeth's been spending too much time around Percy; her dramatic side was coming out way too often nowadays.

Percy and his friends sat down at their table. Her friends and her all wore similar shocked expressions, unable to form a coherent sentence.

Last time, it was just Percy, and it wasn't as stare-inducing. Now, Percy and all of his close friends, the popular group, were sitting at the "nerd" table.

Of COURSE everyone was shocked.

"Hey, 'Beth," Percy said, taking a bite of his sandwich.

Annabeth was fully prepared to start ranting about how he knows full well to never use nicknames made out of her full name, but then stopped herself. He was just trying to provoke her. Wow, he wants this competition to end more than she thought. Well, the jokes on him cuz' she's not gonna break.

"Hi..." she answered, faking confusion now that she had figured out what was happening.

Her friend was another story, though. They all turned to her with various emotions displayed on their faces; confusion, anger, surprise, even curiosity. The curious one was Addison, of course. The facial expressions varied between personalities.

"Wha-you ju-huh?" Noah stammered, unable to make sense of what was going on around him.

He, like all of Annabeth's friends, had learned about her hatred for nicknames. Well, they thought it was all types of nicknames, but that wasn't completely true. One person was allowed to give her a nickname, and that person just so happened to be sitting across from them.

"What's going on, guys?" Chloe asked, clearly in one the plan to sabotage all of Annabeth's hard work.

Annabeth narrowed her eyes at her before answering, "Not much. Just talking about how apparently THE Percy Jackson was caught making out with someone behind the school. You?"

She smirked to herself as she looked over at Percy with raised eyebrows. Percy just can't learn that he has no chance of winning, can he?

By the look of his face, Percy was trying to come up with some excuse as to why that rumor was going around. It obviously wasn't true, but he was too caught up in his shock to realize that.

Percy's friends looked over at their friend, silently asking what do we do now? This was NOT part of the plan, but Percy should have known to come with a Plan B when trying to outsmart a daughter of Athena. Ok, maybe not outsmart, but outmaneuver (even that is pretty far fetched, though).

It was quite amusing to a certain grey-eyed girl, really.

"What's wrong, Percy? Cat got your tongue?" Noah asked, not choosing the pass up the opportunity to get some pay-back on the cool kids.

"Shut up, Noah," Annabeth snapped on instinct.

She wasn't able to catch herself before the words had left her mouth. Her other friends were staring at her in shock and Noah looked like he was about to say something he would probably regret later. If anyone had bothered to look over, they would've seen the relief on Percy and his friends' faces. That comment was able to snap Percy out of whatever ADHD stupor he was in, and he was now looking at Annabeth with raised eyebrows and a smirk, almost most to ask, what're going to do now?

And that's when Noah's anger-filled floodgates burst open, "Unbelievable! Why are you protecting them? They're jerks and you know it! You know what they did to me!"

Screw it, Annabeth thought.

"You have no right to say that! You don't even know them! Was it even them who did it to you? Huh?" She yelled back as she stood up, attracting the attention of the entire cafeteria.

Everyone was watching the fight like a tennis match, waiting to see who would lose. Unbeknownst to them, Annabeth never loses.

"No right?! You've barely even TALKED to him! What gives YOU the right to defend them!" Noah screamed back, standing up too and getting in Annabeth's face.

Wow. How oblivious can someone be? If Annabeth is protecting Percy, doesn't that mean they know each other? All of her other friends seemed to come to that conclusion, but apparently Noah was too mad to realize it. Oh, well. Let him get it out. He's probably been holding this in for awhile by the way things have escalated so quickly.

"He's my boyfriend!" Annabeth finally screamed.

The entire cafeteria went silent. So silent that you could hear a pin drop.

Percy didn't seem to know what to do. He just kinda stood there, flabbergasted, like everyone else.

Annabeth was practically radiating pride. She didn't care that she technically lost, all she cared about was Percy. So what if she was wrong ONE TIME. She loved Percy and that was enough for her. Who needs a silly competition when you can have the best boy in the world?

Since he didn't look like he was going to do it, Annabeth took the initiative and walked over to Percy, pulled him down to her, and kissed him. It took Percy a couple seconds to catch on, but when he did, the kiss was one of the most passionate they had ever shared in front of people. The whole world faded away; it was just the two of them.

Yeah, it was one of those kisses.

They only pulled away when people started clapping and wolf-whistling. But even then, Percy still kept an arm around her shoulders while they looked around. Pink tinted both their cheeks in embarrassment, but Percy still had the biggest smile on his face anyone had ever seen. And it wasn't because he had won, it was because he finally had his girlfriend back. Well, ok, maybe a small part of it was because he had just beat Annabeth Chase.

"Wanna get outta here, Chase?" Percy whispered in her ear.

She nodded slightly, and he led her through the crowd that had formed.

Why had a crowd formed? It wasn't some big event! They had just kissed. In front of the whole school. Very passionately. After Annabeth had just screamed that he was her boyfriend. Oh, crap.

They didn't even bother to finish the rest of the school day. Percy just texted Paul to sign them out and then left.

Back in the cafeteria, hundreds of conversations had started up as soon as the couple had left. Percy's friends seemed to try to act like they didn't know anything, but it wasn't working. At least not for everyone. Addison was very perceptive. As soon as Annabeth had made her announcement, everything had clicked. It was so obvious! She had to talk to Annabeth. So she took off after the retreating lovers, trying to figure out if her friend had ever mentioned where she lived.

"Hey, Addison!" Someone called after her when she was in the hallway.

She turned around to find all of Percy's closest friends standing a couple yards away from her. They all had knowing looks on their faces. She figured they already knew about the relationship.

But why would Annabeth tell them when her best friends didn't know yet? Were they even best friends?

"Looking for where she lives?" Mikes asked, referring to Annabeth.

"Yeah, where is it?" Addison said, wondering how they knew, but decided against asking.

The teens shared a look that Addison wasn't able to decipher, but it looked like they were about to share some big secret that would shock anyone into silence. What could be bigger than her best friend hiding an entire relationship from her?

"Percy's," Mike answered.

"'Percy's' what? What do you mean?" Surely he couldn't be saying what she thinks he's saying.

"Percy and Annabeth live together," Chloe cut in, cleanly answering so there was no room for confusion.

It's that serious?! Oh, well. That doesn't matter. I need them to take me to their house right now, she thought.

"Take me there," Addison ordered, not caring that she was ordering around some of the most influential people in the school.

"Sure," Chloe shrugged and started to exit the school, "We need to talk to them, too."

ΩΩΩ

I know this could've been longer, but I thought that I would try and give you guys as many chapters as possible. This one was still a little longer than the last, though. So that's something.

You guys like bossy Addison? Cuz' I definitely do. I didn't even plan on making her character develop throughout the story, but it just did. I went with the flow, just like Percy would.

Oh, and btw, did you guys notice my little comment on Percy being the perfect boy? Fictional characters have completely ruined my standards for boyfriends.

You guys know I have to thank JJ, or nightskywithrainbows, right? Of course you do! But they still deserve WAY MORE than a shoutout, so go read their stories on Ao3! (Their amazing!)

Anyway, comment, like, and follow! Stay safe and happy reading!

– your author

chapter 8 :)

#percy jackson #annabeth chase #percy jackon and the olympians #heroes of olympus #teen #high school #percabeth

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headfulloffantasies · 5 years

Text

Not So Different

5 things that are different between Spider-verses

The Spider-people kept in touch once they realised they could universe hop. Miles hung out mostly with Gwen and Peter B. They went for snacks, and walks in the park, and helped each other on patrols.

After a few weeks, Peter B invited Miles and Gwen over to his apartment to watch Star Wars. His universe was very bright, Miles thought. It was hard to see how the depressed Peter B could come from a world so full of colour. If Miles had his markers, he would love to sit in Central Park and sketch.

Peter’s apartment was cleaner than the first time Miles had been there. The dishes were put away and there was more than cold pizza in the fridge. It was obvious B was making an effort for MJ. They had been talking, Peter said. Miles was confident they’d be together again by the end of the year.

Gwen and Miles took the couch. Peter threw himself on the rug.

“Floor’s better for my back,” he said.

The movie started. Miles kept sneaking glances at Gwen in the blue light of the TV.

“I thought C3PO was silver.”

“Shh.”

“Ian McKellen played Obi Wan in my ‘verse.”

“Shut up.”

The comments gradually died off as the movie progressed. Miles was trying to figure out how he could casually sling his arm over Gwen’s shoulder without Peter noticing. He started to creep his fingers over the back of the couch.

They’d reached that pinnacle moment of the movie. “No… I am your father.”

Gwen say bolt upright and screamed. “Holy crap! He’s Anakin?”

Miles startled, almost toppling off the couch.

“I thought you said you’d seen this?” Peter asked without looking.

Gwen grabbed Miles’ arm. “Why is Vader not Padme?”

“Padme?”

“Luke I am your mother!” She yelled, waving at the TV. “What is this?”

Peter and Miles exchanged a glance. “Do you have a different Star Wars?”

Peter interrupted. “Gwen, tell us Darth Vader’s Story.”

Gwen took a gulp of breath and started, “Okay, so Padme fakes her death in childbirth and vows vengeance on the Jedi for killing Anakin and she becomes Darth Vader. She raised Leia but she thought Luke was dead until they meet up again.”

Miles sat in stunned silence. “That’s not how this one goes.”

Gwen flapped her hands, “But then where’s the battle for the crown?”

“What crown?”

“Leila’s a princess, and Luke should be a prince, yes? But they’re twins and no one knows who was born first so they don’t know who is supposed to get the throne.”

Peter frowned. “Does Padme not know which child was born first?”

Gwen scowled, “She was a little busy giving birth to the second. It’s one of the greatest mysteries of Star Wars!”

She stared back and forth between their baffled expressions. “The whole second trilogy is based around the Skywalker crown.”

“Your Star Wars sounds way better than ours.”

Gwen had to laugh when Peter B told her Tony Stark was a hero in his ‘verse. In her universe Tony Stark was the playboy billionaire creator of Starkbucks, the overpriced coffee chain.

Miles glared at the chalkboard menu on the Starkbucks patio.

“Pineapple should only ever be on pizza.” Miles spat.

Gwen sipped her pineapple mango frappuccino. “I like it.”

“Pineapple in drinks is weird.”

“I don’t get it man. It’s a fruit.” Peter said.

“So’s a tomato.” Miles shot back.

Peter drank his black coffee and made a face. Served him right. No one came to Starkbucks for real coffee.

Gwen waited until Miles took a big gulp of his drink, “In my universe we put pineapple in spaghetti.”

The spray of caramel chip macchiato was wide and satisfying.

Miles lay back on his bed and spoke into the phone. “You’re working in Hell’s Kitchen tonight?”

“Yeah,” Gwen sighed over the speaker.

“Why don’t you ask Daredevil for help?”

The phone was silent for so long Miles thought the universal signal must have dropped.

“I’m not going to Murderdock.”

“What?” Miles sat bolt upright. “Why do you call him that?”

“He’s a murderer. The kingpin of New York.”

“Holy crap,” Miles breathed. He couldn’t match mild mannered Matt Murdock with Daredevil most nights. Nevermind thinking of him as a criminal mastermind.

“Wait, what happened to the real Kingpin? Wilson Fisk?”

“Murdock killed him.”

“Matt, no.” Miles groaned.

“You know yours?” Gwen asked.

“Yeah, he’s a lawyer. And he’s blind.”

“So’s mine. Blind lawyer criminal scumbag.”

“Gwen, I’m so sorry.” Miles loved his Matt Murdock. Guy was a puppy dog until you let him loose on the streets in his costume. He brought Miles snacks on their team-ups. He had a laugh like a seal barking.

Miles scrubbed a hand over his face. “It seems like all my heroes are their worst selves in your ‘verse.”

“Yeah…” Gwen trailed off. Miles fidgeted.

“Gwen?”

“What if this is the worst universe?” She asked quietly. “What if I’m the worst Spider-person?”

“You’re not,” Miles assured her.

“But you’re right. I’ve got no Iron Man, and Captain America hates me, Daredevil’s a criminal, Harry turned himself into a monster, and Peter…”

“I’m sorry,” Miles could think of nothing else to say.

“I just,” Gwen’s breath hitched. “I just need one person to be on my side. Just one.”

Miles’ heart skipped. “You’ve got me.” It passed like a confession over his lips.

A soft glow pulsed next to his head. A white gloved hand pushed through the light. Miles took it and pulled. Gwen fell through the tear in the universe. Miles wrapped her in a hug as her shoulders shook.

Miles was jumping to visit Peter B’s Central Park. Peter didn’t see how the park could be any different from his, but Miles insisted.

“The colours are different. Like, more saturated,” he tried to explain. Peter didn’t get it. But he took Miles and Gwen tagged along. They stopped for ice cream and watched the ducks while Miles scribbled in his notebook. This was nice. Peter leaned back on the bench with a kid on either side.

Miles tossed his ice cream trash in the bin. “Yeet.”

Gwen scoffed. “It’s yote.”

“It’s not.”

“Do you seriously say Yeet?” Gwen leaned around Peter to make a disgusted face at Miles.

“Yes,” Miles closed his notebook.

“I think I just threw up in my mouth.”

“Wait, what about Kobe?”

“Kobe?” Peter was lost. “For accuracy?”

“No, it’s Lebron,” Gwen corrected.

“I love Lebron James,” Miles said the name in a weird voice.

Gwen scowled. “I recognise the meme you’re trying to do, but it’s Serena Williams.”

“No!” Miles groaned.

“What do you have against the greatest basketball player of all time?”

“She plays basketball?” Peter asked.

“Yeah. The Raptors won the championship because of her.” Huh. Remind Peter to ask if she played women’s basketball or if the NBA was a mixed gender sport.

“She’s a tennis player here.” Peter offered.

“She’s a swimmer in my ‘verse.” Miles nodded.

“No!”

“Wait, what about the pikachu reaction meme?” Miles asked to Peter’s bewilderment.

“Oh, ‘cause of the face he just made?” Gwen poked Peter’s cheek. He batted her away. “It’s not pikachu, it’s bulbasaur.”

Miles nodded. “Ok, cool. What about Galaxy brain?”

Peter stood up and walked away. The two could bicker about internet fads all they wanted. He was going to feed the ducks.

“What do you mean penguins are extinct?” Peter gasped.

“I don’t know, man,” Miles held his hands up. “There was an earthquake and Antarctica sank or flooded or whatever and now there’s no penguins except in captivity.”

Peter scrutinized Miles through squinted eyes. The kid liked to mess with him. Penguins couldn’t be extinct, right? That was a joke?

“Um, can you put me down?”

Peter hadn’t even realised he’d lifted Miles up by the front of his hoodie. Peter carefully set Miles back on his feet.

“When did this happen?” Peter demanded.

“I don’t know,” Miles shrugged. “Like, thirty years ago?”

Peter gasped. “Does that mean you’ve never seen a penguin?”

“Um, no?”

“Field trip,” Peter grabbed Miles’ arm and yanked him through the space between universes. If he focused, he could materialise them right outside the zoo gates. Actually, they should grab Gwen too. Did her universe have penguins? Who cared. The zoo was the perfect place for the kiddies to get closer. Peter could just slip away while they were watching the gorillas or whatever, and presto, instant date. Peter smiled to himself. He was such a good matchmaker.

#spiderverse #into the spiderverse #spiderman #peter b parker #miles molares #spidergwen #gwen stacy #star wars #penguin #pineapple #memes #fanfic #fanfiction #marvel #sony

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artificialqueens · 5 years

Text

Beyond My Wildest Dreams Ch. 4 (Nina West/OC) - multifandomgeek

Nina is known for being kind. The Miss Congeniality of all Miss Congenialities, people have been saying. Not that she would ever acknowledge that and discredit the title of the queens that came before her and are just as amazing and kind and important as her, if not more. But she loves it, and sometimes has to check in to make sure she’s not getting a little cocky about it.

Of course, she can be shady too, if she’s not too worried about the public eye. Especially a few drinks in and with a couple of minutes to think about it. She can also be mean and resentful when she’s hurt like any other human being on this planet. But that’s part of her as a person, not her as a brand, and people don’t see it that often. Which is good, if a little scary. After all, even if she’s loud and clear about not being perfect, sometimes it seems like people see her that way, and that’s just too much pressure to keep up with.

But that’s a thought for another day. Today, as she pretends not to see Vanjie and Brooke with their heads together whispering in the corner of their shared dressing room, Nina tucks a triumphant smile on the corner of her mouth and doesn’t think about being kind at all.

She’s playing with them, pretending to have a secret that’s not really a secret so much as something she wants to shout from the rooftops. She’s acting that way to have a bargaining chip. Maybe that’s not the best way to treat your friends but she couldn’t help herself, but it’s way too much fun.

The bargaining thing came as an idea to have both Brooke and Vanjie’s collaboration on the Big Project (that still doesn’t have a name). Kevin had mentioned how much buzz it would generate if they could have them together, not only at the same time but at the same place. He had said it as a passing thought, but Nina was well aware of the power of the thirsty fans and her gears were already working on making that happen.

Of course, making money while playing with your friends’ feelings was more than morally questionable, but it was for charity. Besides, she had a feeling they were still fucking on the side, maybe when the alcohol was running high or maybe even when they were both dead sober, and she wanted in on that secret. So it was a matter of hitting two birds with one stone. Two lovesick birds, to be precise.

In any case, the project wouldn’t be happening for a while, at least by the end of the year. She didn’t really know exactly, Kevin had the schedule. Nina was sure Brooke and Vanjie could sort their shit until there, or at least brace themselves to have a friendly interaction about their past relationship by then. In any case, having that exclusive content could be the key to a huge bump on Nina’s audience, and even if Brooke and Vanjie months from now would be fine with that, she needed Brooke and Vanjie from right now to sign the deal.

Honestly, though, she didn’t think it would be that easy to play with them. She didn’t even have a plan, just the fact she was acting a little more cheerfully than usual and maybe got away to call Kevin so nobody would pry on their conversation earlier in the evening already had Brooke all curious and frustrated that Nina wouldn’t say anything. Next thing she knew, she was conspiring with Vanjie about it.

Nina liked seeing them liked this. Fucking or not, the relationship they had now was way better than the official one they had before. They were too intense back then, now they were lighter and laughed more. It was refreshing.

After they all performed and de-dragged, they found themselves waiting outside of the club for a van to take them to their hotel. They were a big group, with assistants, local queens, staff, and friends waiting with them to catch a ride too or just to milk their time with the Ru girls until the very last minute. Vanessa was chatting with a group of people, her voice always the loudest. Brooke was having a cigarette and listening to another queen.

Nina had been talking with everybody, but she decided to pull a little stunt. Vanjie would catch an early flight she didn’t know when she would have the chance to talk to both of them again. She excused herself pointing to her phone and took a few steps outside of the group. She called Kevin but acted like she was answering a call, making sure to be right at the line of sight from both Brooke and Vanjie.

“Hey, baby, are you done with work?” asked Kevin in a sleepy voice. They had been officially dating a little over a month, and the pet names still got to Nina every time.

“Yeah, did I wake you?” she said, keeping her voice down but not hiding the foolish expressions that must be coming to her face.

“No, not at all,” lied Kevin, “I miss you.”

“I miss you too,” said Nina sighing. “Listen, if I start to sound crazy all of a sudden it’s because I’m trying to fool Brooke,” she said hurriedly. She noticed on the corner of her eye that Brooke perked her neck at her and was making her way to Vanjie. Nina kept talking, not reacting.

Kevin chuckled on the phone. “I love this mysterious boyfriend schtick, it’s so Disney Channel.”

“Very on brand for me,” said Nina, chuckling too. She noticed two people coming closer to her and schooled her posture not to change. “I can’t though, I don’t want them to know,” she said seriously to the phone, despite Kevin’s laughter on the other side. She paused for effect. “I know, I’m sorry, but I think it’s too much for them right now,” she continued in an apologetical tone, “they pretend to be fine but they’re really sensitive people! I don’t wanna hurt them!” She turned as she talked so she would have her back turned at the two queens, who were now so close Nina was sure they could hear her even if she whispered. She sighed dramatically. “I won’t, I’m sorry but I won’t, not until they prove to me that they’re fine. Besides, if they’re keeping secrets from me why can’t I keep secrets from them?” she finished with a little bit more truth than she meant.

“Ooh, I think you forgot you were pretending, there,” said Kevin, still laughing.

“Shut up,” said Nina, not able to contain a chuckle herself. “Anyway, I-” She turned then, jumping slightly at seeing Brooke and Vanjie behind her, keeping up with the act. “I’ll talk to you later,” she said to the phone.

“Ok, bye,” said Kevin, knowing what it probably meant and disconnecting.

“Hey guys,” said Nina with an adorable smile. She was having so much fun. “Why are you creeping up on me?”

“Why are you sneaking around and keeping secrets is what’s really the question,” said Brooke, crossing her arms and squinting.

“It doesn’t seem like much of a secret to me,” said Vanjie. She clearly wasn’t taking it so seriously, probably treating it like a game, something fun to pass the time with friends rather than a mystery or a friendship-issue like Brooke. “Nina has a boyfriend,” she said matter-of-factly, putting a hand on her hip.

“Why don’t you just say so, then?” asked Brooke, turning to Vanessa.

“Didn’t you hear her? She thinks we can’t handle it because of our own drama with each other,” said Vanjie.

“That’s stupid,” dismissed Brooke.

“What did you just call me?” said Vanjie.

“What? No! I-” Brooke fumbled to apologized.

“I’m just playing with you,” said Vanessa, immediately smiling wide and giving the blonde a playful push. Brooke rolled her eyes and smiled too.

Nina was just watching them like a tennis match. She had to make a move, though, or it would all be in vain. “I’ll tell you if you promise to be part of a project I’m putting together,” she challenged.

“Deal,” said Brooke immediately.

“Ah, ah, it has to be the two of you, together,” said Nina, pointing at them.

Vanjie looked at her suspiciously. “Why do you have to trick us into it?” she said, now with both hands on her hips, “is it porn?” she asked with a gasp.

“What?” Nina yelled, laughing loudly. “Who do you think I am?”

“Well is it?” asked Brooke.

“No! Jesus! It’s just a regular livestream, a youtube livestream! I’ll explain it to you better, but it’s a huge project we’re putting together for charity. It would be an hour-ish live with fans making questions and stuff, you can do whatever you want, do each other’s make-up, something like that. But if we can have you two in the same room, we all know the audience would be crazy.”

“How do you make money from that?” asked Brooke.

“It’s gonna be an event, you would be promoting some exclusive merch we’ll be selling, and also there would be a few things you would use just so we could sell later, like shirts, props, stuff like that. We’ll sell the live itself too, the video file in HD,” Nina was trying to checklist all the things that went into it as she talked. “Also, there’s gonna be a place for donations and the super chats, where people pay to have their questions more visible so they make sure you answer them. You can also sign things or make things if you want, like painting or customize stuff, that’s up to you, whatever it is it becomes a collectible and people want to buy it. I don’t know if I’m forgetting something, I can send you an email with the details, but that’s basically it.”

“What if they ask us to do something we don’t want to?” said Vanjie.

“You don’t. It’s just a live, not slavery,” responded Nina.

“It doesn’t sound that bad,” said Vanjie, considering, “I mean, we could probably just stand there and talk about tacos and people would already be going nuts, the crazy motherfuckers. We’re in!” She declared with finality.

“What, I don’t get an opinion?” said Brooke.

“You already agreed before she even told you what it was,” said Vanessa laughing.

“I was going to agree too, just to be clear,” said Brooke, “You didn’t have to play games to get us into it, Nina.”

“Thanks, guys!” said Nina, hugging them. “I know I didn’t, but it was so funny!” she said, apologetically, earning a eye-roll from Brooke and a scream from Vanessa.

“Well, what is it then, spill it,” said Brooke, excited.

“Yeah, what’s the T, mama?” said Vanjie.

“I have a boyfriend,” said Nina, shrugging and giggling. Vanessa threw her arms into the air and walked around, making the two of them burst into laughter.

“Call me Vanessa motherfucking Holmes!” she shouted.

“Who is it?” asked Brooke, but Nina didn’t have time to tell, they were called to head inside the Van. She ended up talking about Kevin already in Vanjie’s hotel room while she packed for her early flight. Brooke was surprised to learn that it was the same guy they had talked about months ago, while Vanessa said she already suspected so. The ended up waking Kevin up again so the two of them could harass him through facetime.

Nina was so happy she didn’t even remember she wanted to ask about the status of Brooke and Vanjie’s relationship. She supposed it didn’t really matter, after all. She really felt like they were happy, and maybe it wouldn’t be very congenial of her to be another person probing them about it, they certainly had enough of those. She wanted them together for the project because it would be better for the project, it was a capitalist’s decision.

As a friend, she wanted them to be okay, to be successful, to be happy, to be whatever they wanted to be, individually and separately first and foremost. She couldn’t help but root for their love when she saw them interacting, but that could remain safely hidden inside her head. She had her own love story now, anyway. Her own little compilation of moments and kisses and smiles to go through and think about in her free time.

Now that pride was over, work should get little less intense, and her days at home a little more frequent. She was looking forward to that, for more than one reason, but for one more than the others. A nice and steamy green-eyed reason.

Andrew: Jamie says I’ll be in Columbus next Monday!

Kevin: Don’t tell anyone but I have your schedule printed on my fridge <3

The three little words Nina felt like saying next would have to wait to be said in person.