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#i have come to accept that this show is not the game's story on tv
xenosyte · 1 month
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If you can accept that the halo tv show is like an AU fanfic, it is actually pretty good and fun
If some 14yo teen can write Arby and Chief smutty fanfic on AO3, then Pablo Schreiber can produce his own AU reinterpretation fanfic show!
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cup1dt3a · 1 year
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Do you still accept requests?
How would it be if the human reader has a little brother or sister who watches Wally's show, and well the reader like a good big brother the reader takes care of them and watches along with them, well what if Yandere wally falls in love with the reader, what would happen?
Tysm for the request this is the first one I’ve ever had for a story! And ofc! My request are always open unless stated otherwise. Also I mainly just do gender neutral!readers so the reader will be gender neutral!
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” It’s starting! It’s starting! It’s starting! Come on you slow poke!”
“ Ow! Ok ok! Geez how you so strong for a seven year old?”
You muttered as your younger sister tugged you towards the Tv. Eyes gleaming with pure enchantment as the cheesy theme song of the puppet show they loved to watch. You being the good older sibling you were would watch it with them since your parents were too busy most of the time to watch the show with her.
“ Eeeeee! Look it’s Wally!” You cheered as the colorful puppet appeared on the screen.
“ Yup they’re your favorite huh?” You asked them with a chuckle to how excited they got.
“ Of course they paint very well and they look so cool!” They exclaimed while the puppets talked away.
As the show went on you just watched away with your little sibling. Sure it was just another little kids show but you had to admit the character designs were just so well done and amazing.
“Now what should I paint today?” Wally asked on the big screen looking towards the audience.
“ A rainbow rose!” They jumped.
“ A DANCING BLUE FLAMINGO!” You shouted just to mess with them seeing them angrily huff.
“ As if he’d paint that. Wally is so much more mature than that!” They crossed their arms as you giggled.
“ What an excellent decision! A dancing blue flamingo!” He cheered.
Your sibling ate their words with a pitiful glare as they looked up at you sticking your tongue out at them. You both watched the episode making a few jokes here and there to upset them. It was all fun in games for you two. It’s not really like your parents were ever around either. Sure it sucked but at least you weren’t alone as much as you wished but fuck it they’re fun to be around so why not.
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You had put your little sister to bed a while ago. At least 2 hours ago and decided it was time to check on them due to their nightmares they have. As you went to their room you had heart their voice outside the room along with another’s voice it sounded familiar but you knew it wasn’t one of your parents. As you hurriedly walked over to where you heard the voices your heart beat fast. Rushing as faster than you ran to check on who the hell was talking to your seven year old sister.
“ Yeah! _____ loves that too!” You happily said as you turned to corner in a panic.
“ Mhm! You’re so helpful little one but I think it’s off to bed with you now. Go on sweet dreams little dreamer.” Wally said on the big screen with a smile and tilt to his head.
“ Oh geez. What are you doing up watching TV?” You sighed in relief.
“ Wally wanted to talk with me. And I didn’t want to be rude!” They replied looking up at you while you took them to bed holding their small hand.
“ Ok but next time Wally wants to “talk” with you tell him ____ said no.” You told them playing into their little fantasy.
“ Fine…Can you watch Welcome Home with me tomorrow still?” They sad with puppy dog eyes.
“ Yes yes. How about after work we go have a little sleep over in my room sound good?” You asked as they nodded with excitement.
As you went back into the living room you had noticed the TV was still on with Wally staring at you. Well it looked that way but as he silently stared you hadn’t noticed how much larger his smile got before you shut it off with a big yawn.
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You had been having to take your younger sibling to work with you. It’s not like you wanted to but it’s not like you had a choice either. Because your parents were never home and your sister was to you get to be alone either way. Plus your boss was ok with it since they would bring their own kid to work. They would play together with each other a lot and we’re friends so it was a win win either way.
“ You having fun with charley?” You asked as they nodded playing with the other’s action figures.
It was getting late so you had to remind them to start wrapping things up. They sadly agreed upset it was the end of your shift before they remembered about your sleep over with them. They had said their goodbyes and hugged any other friends they had before you had left. They had skipped as they held your hand back to the apartment. You then came upon a display case of old TV’s they all displayed Wally.
“ Look! Loook! It’s Wally he’s waving at us! Hiiii Wally!” They jumped with glee waving at the puppet on screen.
Indulging your younger sister you also waved greeting the puppet before walking away with your younger sibling. Not noticing the out of order signs or the way the puppet had followed you both with its head.
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” Sleep Over! Sleep Over! SLEEP OVER!” They chanted as you popped the popcorn and got a few apples for them too.
You both went back to your room rolling your eyes as they dashed over towards your room. You also has a TV in there to watch your own shows other than Welcome Home. Such as more horror shows and adult shows because you didn’t want to accidentally influence them with inappropriate things or have to answer the embarrassing questions of theirs.
“ So let me guess Welcome Home?” You guessed without a doubt as they exclaimed a gleeful yes.
You then set the Tv up to play the show as they started to munch on some popcorn. She then started to try and aim it at your mouth every time missing but you still encouraged them to keep trying until one lucky shot they finally got it in your mouth.
“ Wooo! I did it!” The cheered bounced up and down.
“ Good job little dreamer!” Wally clapped on point as if he was congratulating your sister with you.
“ Thanks Wally it was so cool right?” They asked expecting an answer.
“Oh why it was very cool! You think you can do it again?” He asked with a tilt to his head.
You sat there in concern as the two talked observing as they spoke to each other.
“ How are you doing that?” You asked them with a slight shake to your voice.
“ Doing what…Omg you’re so dumb just talk to him like any other person ____! ____ can be so dumb sometimes right Wally?” They asked looking over to the puppet.
“ Now that wasn’t nice? You should apologize to ____ they must feel very sad now.” He told the small child.
They hurriedly apologize just as the puppet asked. He was a puppet. He couldn’t have known your name. Your little sister isn’t smart enough to even think of a prank like this. They’ve been doing this. This has been going on for weeks! Finding them in front of the TV talking to the puppet with glee.
“ ____? You ok?” She asked you tugging on your sleeve with concern for your silence.
“ Yes, Yes I’m fine…So wally how long have you two been talking.” You asked in disbelief still pale.
“ I think the second day you both watched the show! You’re such a good sibling always going on with the little dreamers antics you almost make me envy you with how cute of a sister you have.” They replied.
That’s not part of any script. This wasn’t normal!
“ Yeah! Wally would ask me to go and talk to him about you!” they said with a smile on your face while yours remained pale.
“ Yes I couldn’t help myself and they always sneaked up late at night for a snack and mischievous little thing they are started to just talk to me. I couldn’t help but ask about you. Always so hard working and kind to the little one.” You dreamily sighed.
“ Uh huh.” You said.
You felt sick. How could you not have noticed this!? How did you let this slide for months? Are you that neglectful? God you’re almost as bad as your parents! Your little sibling has been talking with some puppet who sounds obsessed with you as they go on and on about how perfect you are. You had noticed your sister start to yawn cuddling up on the bed. You took her to her room as soon as she passed out wanting to have your own conversation with the puppet. As you came back there he stood int the dark screen with that sinister smile peering into your soul.
“ What exactly have you been asking of my little sister?” You asked him with a slight grit to your teeth.
“ Just about you. Your likes, interests, hobbies, insecurities…. Everything about you really!” He stated.
“ Why though?” You asked feeling insane for doing this.
“ Because you’re all I can think about. All I ever dream about! All I ever want. Just look at yourself. So perfect so free like a song bird.” He sighed looking as if he was drooling.
“ You’re just so perfect. I love and want everything to do with….Why are you trying to turn the TV off?” He pouted with a tilt as you tried to turn your Tv off.
“ No No! My sweet dreamer you’re finally acknowledging me! I won’t let you stop now! We’ll be together forever! Just me you and your sister!” He gasped getting closer to the Tv.
“ YOU CANT LEAVE ME! I LOVE YOU! I LIVE FOR YOU! I BREATHE FOR YOU! YOU CANT LEAVE ME NOT AGAIN!” He cried out smooshing his face to the TV.
The screen then constantly displayed love me on it over and over again while the puppets eyes shook. “ Please love me! I need you!!I promise I won’t harm them at all just please keep listening to me! I need you!” He yelled banging onto the screen.
You had no idea what to do or to listen to him as he constantly cried out of any ounce of your attention. Almost like a touch starved animal.
“You…promise?” You asked as he nodded smile growling bigger by the second. What have you done?
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Tysm again for the request they are open! Hope you’re all having a good day/night or that it gets better!
Part 2 ( Enjoy<333)
Sincerely- Cup1dT3A💌
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writingoddess1125 · 5 months
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Nerdy S/O 🎮 📖 🧛
The guys and their uniquely nerdy S/Os who they love!
Soap 🧼, Ghost 👻 , König 👑 x GNREADER
Soap + Cosplayer 🧛
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• Johnny had met you when you were both at a bar, You typically werent too into the bar scene but it had lead you to meet the man of your dreams.
• Afterall who could resist that Scottish Charm?
• It had been 3 years of bliss shared between the two of you-
• Johnny knew from the beginning you were- quite the Nerd. He found it cute however! Even if he didn't understand it fully-
• Often getting back from deployment in the nice flat the two of you shared to see you dancing around listening to music while stitching some sort of fabric together.
• Johnny spent hours with you, Enjoying the craft of building your costumes and often wanting to join in the fun. Even if he knew nothing of the media this was involved in.
• "What is this costume for again?" He asked setting down the freshly cut foam to the side while you glued your peices down on some fabric-
• "This my Darling is a costume from the 1999 Mummy with Brendan Fraser" You say cheerfully as you stitch the costume.
• "Movie?-" He questions and you comfirm "Movie-"
• Will eventually start watching the Movies and TV shows with you. And gets really really into them as well- Turns into a big fantasy guy
• "Love- I want to cosplay with you at the next convention.. I wanna be a elf" He said shyly
• You damn near cry at this and hug him "Oh Honey I've waited to hear those words!"
• "I need to do the inseam-" You mumbled as you measured inbetween the man's leg to get the measurment.
• Will definitely want to roleplay in the bedroom. Feels like it has opened a new door for him and is more then excited-
• Comes in dressed like Han Solo with a wide grin- Fake gun and all on his hip as you laid on the bed in your own costume. "I do believe that you ruined my last smuggling trip- Sorry darling but you'll be paying for that another way"
• Will show you and his costumes off when he visits friends on base. Showing the last convention the two of you went to together- if anyone gives him shit he has no issue punching them.
Simon + Book Nerd 📖
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• You and Simon had been married for years, the famed Lieutenant knowing from when he first met you that you were a book fiend
• It was a major part of you- And one he adored
• Simon was quite the reader himself but truthfully not as deep as you. Havibg seen you so engrossed in stories before that you forgot to eat.
• But books were also how you showed love.
• "Love, I know this is a long deployment for you.. so I want to send these with you so you don't get bored" You say softly, holding up a 3 book series to your husband as he prepared for his job.
• Of course he accepted and read them while on his missions.
• Enjoys whatever you give him, be it fantasy, sci-fi, historical fiction or what have you. He will always read them through and even take a note so he can talk to you about them later.
• Will also love when you read outloud to him
• "Honey I just got this series I want you to check out" You called out excitedly as you rush to your husband who is watching his Football (Soccar) game and sees you holding the collectors box. Calmly mutes the TV and gestures for you to sit and read out loud to him the new book.
• He had built you a library and Many shelves to store your hoard of books and got you a special couch to sit in and read.
• Does have a deep appreciation for Spicy Books and will happily warm up to prepare for your want to experiment.
• He had gotten you the book 'Den of Vipers' and had heard from the book store owner it was a spicy one- so he waited.. It took a few hours but you came into the bedroom flushed face. Simon having already stretched and was ready-
• He also knew about your fanfiction even if you were embarrassed and secretive about it. Occasionally you'd let him read over your work, which he would appreciate and genuinely enjoy the stories.
• Also will grab books while he is on his deployments or secretly read your fics on his phone.
• Buring a Mission he is stuck in a book store, as he is ready for the attack he spots one of the fantasy books you had wanted that had sold put before you got your little hands on it... so he slips it into the vest of his armor and goes on with his mission.
• Saved him 50£ anyway-
König + Gamer 🎮
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• When you and König start dating he is a bit surprised by you playing video games.
• He was taught it was something children do- so to see his Partner playing is a big surprise for him.
• However you help him open his eyes to the media and introduce him to the fun interactive stories and escapism that video games help you with.
• This peaks his interest and ask to join your gaming adventure.
• "Schatz are you sure about this?" He ask softly as you get him to play some Mario Kart 8. He's nervous at first but after a round his competitive spirit comes out and gets very good quickly- Cheering loudly as he wins and gets first place.
• After this a massive gaming room is built in his home for the two of you to share. König now understanding why you love games so much and supports you hobby fully.
• Even if it's a very expensive one.
• The two of you having funny cute arguments over the games subtitles or language.
• "I want it in German with English subtitles so I can practice" You wine as König shakes his head- "Liebling I want English with German subtitles"
• This often ending with the two of you giggling together over it and a passionate session between the two of you.
• Will support you wanting to decorate the home with some gamer merchandise and even gets his own to throw in there.
• Will eventually start playing some other games without you. Something to help him relax and take his mind off things-
• Mainly Stardew Valley and Animal Crossing are his favorite at the moment. It helps him unwind after his deployments
• After the hardest of deployments will just want to relax with you and watch you.
• Will love to just have the two of you cuddle in a warm bed and watch game play videos if you guys aren't up to playing a certain game. YouTube being a wonderful addition
• Will download some games on a burner smartphone he keeps and play it in his bunks. If it's multi-player will invite you to join him so the two of you can spend this time together even at a far distance.
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My precious treasures ✦ *.✧ *.✦
✦ *.✧.* Being childhood friends with Seishiro Nagi created a world just for you and him. Then Mikage Reo comes along with his energetic charm busting it all the pieces and you don't know what to do. Word Count: 2.9k / Nagi x f!reader x Reo Tags: childhood friends to high school love birds, sfw, character study, not that beta'd ───────────✧.*✦ *.✧.*✦ *.✧.*✦ ───────────── A/N: My first posted story here! ლ(◉‿◉ ლ) finally... pls interact if you want more, I don't usually write short stories so sorry this is so long. Grand ideas for nsfw later hehe. Let me know what you think!
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At first it was more of a chore to be friends with Nagi Seishiro than have what you define as a functioning friendship.
He was lazy, lazy in a way that you needed to check up on him daily just to make sure he wasn't passed out in his house. Not only that he was stubborn, stubborn in the sense that if the building was burning down vs. a high score on the newest game you definitely be attending a funeral the next day. Lastly, he's honest, honest to a fault where you have seen him deny so many confessions because 'they weren't like (Y/N).'
That always made your heart beat a little faster than healthy, but a little abnormality made life interesting right?
Ever since you were little you looked after Nagi. Whether it was coming to his empty house after his parents business trip was taking longer than usual, or after school grabbing ice cream (for yourself) then heading to the local arcade (for him).
It wasn't perfect, but it was something you gotten used to.
It wasn't until high school that your world began to shift.
You both went to the same school. A prep school known for its rounded curriculum, national sport teams and most importantly its connections.
You could find anyone here; the daughter of the Tamayo hospitality known for their five star hotels, half of the directors on the school board are wealthy investors looking for their next big venture and the most popular find would be Reo Mikage, the heir of the Mikage corporation.
A world outside her own and Nagi's.
It was by luck that you got accepted into this high school (plus countless nights of studying and coffee overdrive). Nagi on the other hand is a "genius". At least that's what his parents call him, they congratulated him with a quick three minute phone call and enough money to buy the newest game on the market.
You have never called Nagi a genius. Not that you don't agree, but it felt cold to define him as one and not as Nagi. The one who would always cheer you up by knowing your favorite sweets, turn on your favorite TV show while you be cooking at his house.
Nagi is Nagi.
He is your treasure.
A couple weeks later, spring started to turn into summer and with that beginning shift of your life.
It started with Nagi coming home with dirty cleats hanging off his school backpack and a jersey stained with grass.
"You've joined a club?"
Nagi gives a nod before flopping on the couch, you frowned, "Hey take a bath first, you're filthy." With that comment all you see is a bed of silver hair roll onto the floor with a grunt.
A short dinner later, a couple rounds of the newest Tekken game and you were off to study back at your own house. Putting on your shoes Nagi shouts from upstairs
"Hey (Y/N), you don't need to come here after school everyday."
You stop fidgeting with your shoe ties before twisting back to meet Nagi leaning against the wall. Towel over his head and droplets of water dripping down his neck to a barely exposed collar bone.
Your head whips down to your shoelaces, ears turning red. You don't meet his eyes as multiple thoughts spiral in your head, "If I don't come over who is going to make sure you eat?"
You expect a laugh, a shrug of the shoulder what you don't expect is a name.
"Reo."
You freeze. Reo Mikage the most popular guy in school, not Reo-san or Reo-kun just Reo.
It was almost as if Nagi could read your thoughts because he slumps further against the wall, "Its a pain, and football is not as fun as playing games, but Reo is ok." He says as if that explained the whole picture.
You want to ask a million questions. Oh Nagi how did you meet the heir of the Mikage corporation that literal net worth is in the billions, or why do you call him without honorifics?
"That's- um, great?" You try to compliment, because you don't know if this is a 'great' thing or not. You have never seen Nagi even touch a football in your whole time knowing him, let alone make a friend on first name basis in a week.
Nagi walks up to you as you fiddle with the unclipped thread tearing at the bottom of your shirt. He gives a small pat on the head, hesitant, the same form of love he use when you both first were 'required' to hang out with each other during your childhood days. It meant "you're alright" or "you got this" used after a tumble at the local park or if Nagi didn't go easy on you with his video games leaving you in a teary mess.
Today, it felt different.
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When you first met Mikage Reo you don't have good impression.
He has weird purple colored hair that you aren't sure is dyed or natural, a charismatic smile used by snakes of the business world and most importantly his refers to Nagi as "his treasure".
Now that just makes your blood boil.
Boil in a way that this sparkling water that you were barely sipping, out of a champagne flute while sitting on leather seats in a six person limo, would soon turn into boiling water that you "accidentally" drop (throw) into the heir of Mikage corporations lap.
Before thoughts come into reality, you see Nagi smoothly whisking your glass away before swallowing the bubbly mess in one gulp.
Mikage-san brightens as he pours another glass for Nagi before continuing his spew about becoming the best football star in the world or something like that.
Breaking away from Mikage-san's own world you stare at Nagi his brows twisted in concentration as he swirls a full glass clear bubbles.
You lean over, chin barely reaching his shoulder as you whisper, "You like bubbly water?"
He gives a pained expression, probably read as a blank expression from someone who did not grow up with Nagi.
"I hate the taste."
You tone becomes confused, "Then why drink mine?"
Nagi looks into the glass before taking another sip, lips frowning before turning towards the window instead of answering.
He didn't touch the rest of his glass the remainder of the car ride.
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School continued as usual. You go to homeroom as the teacher talked about the latest events happening this week. You go through the classes in similar style, homework, correction, lecture, questions until you finally be released for lunch.
Lunch, a usual fixture of leftovers you and Nagi shared from the night before wrapped with a blue cloth with printed on bunnies for cuteness. You were about to go find Nagi until purple hair entered the classroom making his way to your desk.
If only you could be swallowed by the ground right now.
"(Y/N)-san! Im so glad I found you." Clear enthusiasm shone in his eyes, he had a presence that announced himself to the whole class room. Everybody was looking at you two.
Bloody murder that what you think but you give a smile before tilting your head, "Ah. Mikage-san is there a reason you need me?"
He sits down on the chair in front of you, legs split leaning close to your unopened bento, "I was wondering if you could tell me about Nagi."
Oh. He was on first name basis also.
He looks down before smiling bashfully, "Sorry! I know it's lunch right now please eat."
You frown wishing you could be anywhere but here, as you crack open the bento revealing small rolled eggs cut into triangles and half a hamburger steak placed next to seaweed rice along with a small amount of cut out vegetables.
The boy in front of you eyes widened as you take your first bite, "Woah that looks like the one Nagi brought to lunch." A second he blurts out, "You cook for him?"
He says it in a way that makes you feel like a maid, rather than a friend and it doesn't leave a good taste in your mouth.
"It's easier to cook for two instead of one." You interject taking a mouthful of egg, hopefully you could chew this one piece as long as the lunch break.
Reo hums before continuing, "Nagi likes hamburger steak?"
"He likes crab." And you choke because why did you feel the need to prove yourself against a boy Nagi met a week ago.
Reo grins like a cat before leaning backwards, "Crab is a good choice though I rather eat steak." He looks at your meal, "What about you (Y/N)-san?"
After taking a gulp of water you beat your chest, coughing, "Ice- cough Ice cream."
Purple iris blinked before he gives a laugh leaning his head back exposing the curve of his Adam's apple- which no you were not looking just observing- before ducking your head back into your meal. He wipes a tear away from his eye, "Ice cream isn't a meal you know."
You give a shrug not wanting to continue, "It taste good." A pause and a smaller voice, "especially salty cream flavor."
Mikage-san gives an all knowing nod before he talks all about his favorite type of he emphasizes "desserts" until the lunch bell rings.
A couple days later the heir invites both you and Nagi to lunch, where it is a spread of crab dishes and lastly to clean the palate is salty vanilla ice cream.
...He's not terrible you guess.
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Things even get more confusing as football season went into full swing. The whole school was abuzz about Aomori Dadada High, one of the best high school team playing against a prep school during before Kanto tour was unheard of.
It wasn't until you heard Reo-san at the dinner table the other night, complain about how "easy" it was to stroke those "muscle head egos" and get them to play a game later in the week, getting the upper hand on his father or something like that.
Oh. How could you forget, Nagi started to invite Reo to dinner every night after football practice (which was every night). You stared at the two of them across the dinner table, currently munching on smoked mackerel spitting out bones.
"We could have had special grade tuna tonight if you just let Ba-ya drop by the market!" The purple head complained as he stuck a fin in his mouth to suck on. You've learned earlier that the comment wasn't more about your cooking but more about "living the fullest of life". Reo-san always had the most empty plate after dinner.
"It's fine- I be more worried if I ended up cooking it wrong and Nagi eat your carrots." You point to the carrots pushed to the side of his plate.
He gives a whine, pushing them back and forwards before looking over, "But you aren't eating your tomatoes..."
You put a hand over your miso soup, three cherry tomatoes bobbing lifelessly, covering it from scrutinizing eyes.
"I- they are sour today!"
Nagi lets out a non committal hum as Reo comments, "but tomatoes are good for your skin."
"My skin is fine Reo-san."
"She's already pretty Reo."
A pause before simultaneously all of you turned a different shade of red. Reo is the first to break the silence hands flailing, "He means you could be a model! You know the ones that are on the bulletin board promoting Calpico fresh!"
The red on your cheek darkens before you mumble, "I've only seen the ads with the girls in swimsuits." On the way to school there be smiling girl holding a bottle of Calico fresh as the showed just enough cleavage to the camera but not enough to distract you from the product itself. They all had flawless photoshopped skin tucked into a tight yellow bikini.
Reo, face as red as yours now (probably remembered the same ad), cries before ducking his face into his hands, "I mean the ad with the school uniform!" Before he gives a groan, "That sounds even worse."
You look at Nagi, the instigator as he stared at the curves of his fish bones a faint cherry red painted on the tip of his ears before he mutters, "Yellow is nice."
You kick both him and Reo underneath the table as you pop a cherry from your soup into your mouth urging them out of the kitchen so you could clean in peace.
.
.
.
It's game day, and you have not wanted (or did you) to continue that conversation at the dinner table. Instead you kept your head down sipping on now a mix of orange and cranberry juice in the Mikage's limo instead of that bubbly monstrosity people says is water.
Life has gone on rather normally other than the new friendship with Reo-san. What was more noticeable was instead of the yellow bikinied girl posing on a billboard it was now replaced with a more family friendly ad showing a girl in a summer uniform, head tilting back as she drank Calpico fresh, the word "refreshing" curved on top of her head.
You blinked, staring at the Mikage heir, him refusing to make eye contact with you.
Money could do anything.
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There was excitement in school that day. People gossiped about how Aomori Dadada high school would be arriving and that this be the spectacle of the year.
After the last bell rang you could see almost all the classroom make a mad dash towards the field. You included though behind the mass of crowd as you see figures on the field facing what seemed to be students two times their muscle build.
You're glad this wasn't American football, you know you be seeing Reo-san and Nagi in the nearest hospital.
"Miss (Y/N-san)." You turn to Reo's personal attendant an elderly lady who stood a good two heads taller than you, back hunched but suit bulking with muscle.
You give a greeting, "Ba-ya-san, weather is nice today." You look past the ocean of people noticing the kick off, "Think they will win?"
A chuckle answers your questions as she nods, "Though Mr. Mikage-sama does not agree with his son's decisions they share simmilarities, talent seeks talent Ms. (Y/N)-san."
Your eye brow rises, "That's why Reo-san is attached to Nagi? Because of talent?" The ball flies into the air as the crowd erupts into a roar you can barely hear the elderly women reply.
"Do you not agree?"
You shrug.
"No." You think about the more lively lunches, Nagi coming home exhausted with a hint of a smile, Reo eventually joining for dinner every night. You heart twinges with sadness as the whistle blows announcing the first goal of the inning. Nagi being tackled by Reo the two of them barely balancing on two feet.
"It just seems more than talent, that's all."
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Your world is shifting, rapidly.
From a singular world that revolved around Nagi Seishiro, Reo Mikage was forcing himself in this pocket of happiness. You be lying if you said you didn't mind before, but now his presence would be missed if he stopped hanging out with you both.
Reading through Nagi's letter from the Blue Lock Project, identical to Reo's letter (other than name) felt like vertigo.
Reo had excitement showing on his face, Nagi a look of boredom and you?
What type of look were you making right now?
"It's huge news (Y/N)! This is the first step of becoming top of the world, not only that but we will be meeting other stepping stones there that will take us further." He puts an arm over Nagi's shoulder who was playing on his phone, "We will become the best players in the world."
Again, like the start of Nagi's football journey you give a congratulations, "It's- ah" You look for the words a moment before you decide:
It felt like they were both leaving you behind, because talent craves talents and you, what did you do? A world of you Nagi and Reo was not seeming that realistic but you knew you had to answer as expectant purple eyes brimming with excitement waited for your answer.
"It's wonderful."
It must of not been the right word because Reo's face drops and Nagi even pauses his game sits up shuffling closer before he reaches out for you, "Don't do that."
You frowned, "Do what?"
He puts a hand on your cheek, cold, as he gently pressing his thumb against the bottom of your eyes rubbing back and forward.
"Cry."
You laugh, a type of laugh that gets caught in your throat, "I'm not though." Nagi grey eyes focused on you keeps pressing his thumb against you cheek as Reo reaches over taking your hands pressing them together to stop them from shaking, rubbing small circles against your wrists.
You didn't even realize you were shaking.
The heir's voice dropped into a soothing voice, reassuring, "It says a couple months..." He grins, confidence flooding his face, "But it will take only a couple weeks knowing how talented I am and how genius Nagi is." He hasn't stopped rubbing circles.
You sight, leaning into Nagi's hand as he moves his hand to the back of your nap massaging the tension, "You guys will eat healthy, right?"
Reo squeezed his hands against your as Nagi hums in agreement.
"And you guys will be together? You won't miss me?"
It was instantaneous.
"How could we not!" Purple irises burn with sincerity.
"It be hard not to miss you." Lazy eyes blink.
You give a small laugh leaning against Nagi's shoulder and gave a tight squeeze against Reo's in agreement. It was hard to believe Nagi was your only treasure before Reo butted into your life, I guess now you had two.
"Okay. I'll wait for you both to come back then."
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mrsevans90 · 3 months
Text
Puppy Love
Captain Syverson x OFC Emma Miller Part 13
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Summary: Austin Syverson has returned to Texas after retiring from the military and starts his own contracting business. Syverson is used to being alone and thinks he prefers it that way. While at work he stumbles upon an injured and abused puppy. When he meets the new veterinarian in town, Emma Miller, he is immediately smitten with her. It turns out Emma has some baggage of her own. Will they be able to make it work? Or is it just a case of fleeting puppy love?
Pairing: Henry Cavill as Captain Austin Syverson x OFC Emma Miller 
Warnings: SMUT, p in v intercourse, face sitting (oral F), tiny mention of butt stuff 😜, angst, period, Emma embarrassed, anxious Sy, Nana (because her sassiness is a warning), language
MINORS DNI! Must be 18+
I do not authorize any copying/pasting, stealing of my work, or using my words as your own. 
This story is not beta’d. All mistakes are my own.
A/N: I am an imperfect person who makes mistakes. All that I ask is to please be kind and if you enjoy it then please comment and REPOST! I appreciate any love, comments, and reposts more than you could know. Thank you for reading! 
Part 12
Two weeks have passed since Emma’s parents visited and we have been spending the night together every night since. I’ve cleaned out a drawer in my bedroom that now holds extra clothes for when Emma’s here including some work scrubs so she can leave straight from my house. She cleaned out a drawer at her house for me and my spare clothes. I haven’t had this level of commitment to someone since I was in my twenties, but rather than feeling afraid I feel comforted. Coming home to her is just the most incredible feeling. She has really transformed my house into a home simply with her presence. We gave each other spare keys to each other’s homes last week so we wouldn’t have to wait on each other. I have finally accepted that Emma is my end game and I can’t run from happiness anymore. She’s basically aware of how damaged I am, having seen me through my worst flashback yet and even then, she wasn’t scared away. I often catch myself thinking about us living together, marrying her, and what our lives would look like if she would have me. I made myself so hard thinking about her pregnant with my children that I had to take a second shower one day last week. May have tapped into a bit of a breeding kink there but I plan to keep that to myself.
Tonight, it’s a Friday night and we decided to stay at mine. I’m on my way home and pull up to see that Emma’s jeep is already parked in the driveway and I smile. The vet clinic closes early on Friday afternoons due to it being slow, but this is the first time she’s beat me home. I unlock the front door and my nostrils are assaulted with the most incredible smelling aroma after a long day in the sun. I’m surprised that there are no dogs rushing to bombard me with excitement at the door, but as I walk further down the hall to find them practically on top of Emma on the couch as a show played on the tv. 
“Hi Darlin’. Aren’t you a sight for sore eyes.” I say with a kiss to her forehead from behind the couch that she’s resting on. Emma’s lounging in one of my t-shirts and some of her teeny tiny sleep shorts that never fail to make me instantly hard. I can even tell that she’s braless and I’m tempted to cop a feel. 
“Mmm. Hi babe. How was work?”
“Hot.” I say honestly as I spent the majority of the day outside in the sun building a porch for a client. “Something smells amazing in the kitchen.”
“The lasagna has about ten more minutes until it’s done. I figure that’s enough time for you to shower or change into comfortable clothes before we eat.”
“You’re too damn good to me, Sugar.” I say as I tuck a stray hair from her eyes that’s fallen from her messy updo. 
“Nope, just trying to be as good as you deserve.” She says with a shy smile and I find myself not wanting to leave her presence even for just a quick shower after being without her all day. I make a point to greet the dogs who have traitorously not left Emma’s side even to greet me as I chuckle to myself at how quickly this astonishing woman has won all of us over.
I head to my bedroom, chucking clothes off as I go and toss them all into the hamper, which is surprisingly empty. I hop in the shower not wasting any time getting back to my girl, and a delicious smelling meal. Once I’m through, I put on some lounge shorts and a t-shirt and find Emma in the kitchen plating up our food. She’s made lasagna with garlic bread, and she poured us each a glass of sweet tea. My stomach growled at the sight and she giggled cutely as I helped carry the food to the table. Before she sits, I wrap her into my arms and kiss her. 
“Thank you for making dinner, Sugar.”
“Mmm, anytime. You sure you’re okay with me using the key and showing up before you got here? I was bored at the house and figured the pups would keep me company.”
“Darlin’, I can’t possibly tell you how much it brought a smile to my face having you here when I got home. I always want you here. Feels like a home with you in it. Now, let’s eat this feast, babygirl.”
“I made brownies for dessert.” She grins as she picks up her drink.
“You trying to make me pop a boner at the dinner table?” I ask jokingly and she chokes on her sip of sweet tea. Once Emma’s breath comes back to her after I dutifully contributed by smacking her back, we both start laughing so hard she has tears streaming down her face.
“I did not expect you to say that, Sy!” I’ve noticed she calls me Sy when she’s being playful or out in public. When it’s just us or family around, she calls me Austin and I honestly really like that since nobody ever uses my first name besides her.
“I usually think of that sweet pussy when I think of dessert, but I don’t mind having a brownie or two first.” I say with a wink and she shakes her head at me with a grin.
“So vulgar, Mr. Syverson.” 
“Don’t act like you don’t like it, Ms. Miller.” I joke back.
We ate dinner until we were stuffed and I quickly began cleaning the kitchen.  “Don’t look at me like that, woman. You cooked all of this. I’m cleaning. Go turn on your show and relax.” I tell her and she smacks my ass as she walks to the living room, with the dogs faithfully following her lead. I clean up and don’t hear the tv going so when I go looking for her, I see her in the backyard with the dogs. The summer heat has lessened as it is approaching dusk and Emma stands just outside the screened in porch throwing a tennis ball for Mills. Aika is rolling in the grass as lightning bugs start appearing at the edge of the yard. I walk out and wrap Emma tightly in my arms. 
“I thought I told you to relax, Angel.”
“I am. This house, your property, everything about being here relaxes me. It’s so calm and quiet here.”
“Yeah? Always thought of this place as my little slice of heaven. Even more with you here.” I tell her and she smiles.
“Think you could see yourself living here with me one day?” I ask knowing it’s probably way to early and I might freak her out. To my surprise, she smiles and wraps her arms along my forearms that are holding her waist. 
“It’s almost too easy to imagine that.” She whispers.
“Yeah?” I ask and she nods.
“Want to move in with me?” I ask surprising myself even. It’s early in the relationship still, but it feels right.
“Isn’t it too soon?” She asks as she turns and looks at my face scanning for the answer to her question.
“I guess that’s up to us to decide. I’m not ever wanting to pressure ya, Sugar, but I can’t say I don’t picture us living here together in this big old house. Maybe one day even some kids to fill up those bedrooms.”
Emma beams and kisses me. Moments of gentle kisses soon become heated and I’m guiding her back inside the screened in porch, the screen door squealing in protest as it slams behind us. 
“Time for dessert, and I don’t mean the brownies.” I say between passionate kisses. My hands are under the too large shirt she’s wearing, and I pull it over her head. She seemingly has no qualms about being topless here in my secluded backyard and I quickly reach behind my neck and pull my own shirt off so I can feel her skin against mine. Our hands are everywhere, groping and teasing at the same time before I turn her back against my chest and take her breasts in my hands while nipping down her neck. After sucking on her skin, I turn and lay myself down on my back on the outdoor couch that I had built a few years ago. 
“Climb on, sweetness.” I tell her and she slides her tiny shorts down along with her barely there thong and steps out of them. Emma reaches for my shorts that are tented from my very obvious boner but I shake my head and point to my chin. Emma’s cheeks turn bright pink and I smirk at her.
“Got your seat all ready for ya, Darlin’. Let me have a taste of that perfect peach.”
“I’ve never done that.” She whispers as I pull her close to my face. 
“Sit down.” I tell her.
“Austin, you won’t be able to breathe, I’ll smother you!” Emma frets. Like her tiny little frame could possibly suffocate me, but even so that would be the ideal way to go.
“Woman, just sit on my face!” I say as I pull her hips and ass down and hold her tightly. Emma gasps when she contacts my beard and I blow my warm breath onto her delicate core.
“That’s more like it, Sugar. Relax and let me eat.” I command with a smack to her ass cheeks. Emma surges forward and grips the arm rest of the couch as I get to work. I slide my tongue around her entrance and lick up in figure eights around her clit. Emma’s breathing becomes faster and when I spear my tongue into her opening she moans. My hands knead and massage her buttocks as I stare up at her heaving breasts that are chasing each breath she takes. Her eyes are closed tightly as her head tilts back slightly from the sensation I’m providing. When I begin putting pressure on her sensitive little button, Emma begins grinding against my face, her earlier hesitation seemingly no longer of concern. I double down and focus my efforts of pleasuring her as best as I can. My arm stretches out and grabs a handful of her breasts and lightly pinch the peaked bud. God, I could stay down here all day watching her like this. I continue teasing her sensitive nipples and am finally rewarded with her grinding down hard as her hands are grasping the short hair on my head. Emma moans loudly in her bliss, not caring one bit that we are outside. Her thighs clamp around me as I suck on her sweet little nub and greedily swallow up the juices that are dripping from her core. I maneuver Emma to where she is laying on top of me as she comes down from her high and wipe my soaked beard with my hand. Emma leans up to kiss me and I’m certain she can taste her little cunt on my lips which makes me painfully hard. 
“Fuck me, Sy. Hard.” She whines which makes me immediately sit up and lean her over the arm of the outdoor couch. Emma is panting in wordless anticipation as run my finger through her slick arousal before dropping my shorts and pressing myself against her. Emma impatiently pushes her ass further into my leaking erection and after spreading her legs a little wider, I slide home.
“Fucking hell, Darlin’. Never had a pussy feel so good. You’re perfect, baby girl.” I growl at her warm, wet heat as it’s the best thing I’ve ever felt. It’s a privilege being able to worship her body and that knowledge is not lost on me. I give her only a moment to adjust before I retreat and then slam into her again. 
“Ah! Baby! You feel so good inside of me.” She mewls as I thrust into her. I spread her round globes and look at her perfect little asshole.
“You’re so fucking pretty, baby girl. So beautiful and sexy.” I grunt.
“Tell me if you don’t like what I’m doing, Sugar.” I command. My ball sack is smacking her clit each time I thrust forward and I can no longer help myself. I spit onto her tight hole and gently circle it with my thumb. Emma moans at the sensation and I slowly slide my thumb into her tight rim. I smack her left ass cheek as I gently prod my thumb in and out of her snug hole.
“Fuck babe! I’m gonna cum!”
“Yeah Darlin’, let go for me. Let me feel you soak my cock.” I grunt.
Emma moans as she clamps down around me and I spear into her harder and faster until I reach my release, spurting my seed into her channel. Emma presses her body against the couch and I can’t help but lay across her soft back as I try and catch my breath. I’m not as young as I once was, but Sy’s still got it.
Emma looks absolutely shattered so once I remove myself from her, I gather our clothes, let the dogs inside and carry her to the master bathroom. I set her on the toilet while I start filling the bathtub and appreciate Emma’s sleepy smile at my preparations. While the water is filling, I jog back down to the kitchen, wash my hands, and grab the platter of brownies Emma made with two cups of milk. Emma giggles when she sees me smuggling our treats back into the bathroom and setting out a stool next to the tub to place them on. When the water is filled and the bubbles are sufficient, I step in first before helping Emma in and positioning her on my lap. Emma’s back rests against my chest and I think about the last time we bathed in here together and how nervous I was for her to sleep over. Now, I only sleep poorly when she’s not next to me. I lean forward and get each of us a brownie and we gently bump them together with a “cheers” before digging in. 
“I gave Millsy-bear his last set of puppy shots this afternoon when I got here, by the way.” She says.
“Thanks, Sugar. No wonder he was snuggling hard on the couch when I made it home.”
“I gave him treats and extra cuddles for having to get a shot. Aika got one just for being cute. Bribery is key in veterinary medicine.” Emma says.
“You make house calls for all of your clients?”
“Only one. My favorite.”
“You’re my favorite too, Sugar.” I place a kiss on her temple.
“Oh, I was talking about Mills… Awkward.” She jokes and I tickle her ribs.
 “I guess you’re up there on the list of my favorite things.” Emma says with kiss to my lips before picking a brownie crumb from my scruff. She smiles as she eats it and then takes a bite out of her dessert.
“Are you always this happy?” I ask her without thinking. I know I have a reputation of being extremely serious, or a ‘grump’ as Alex says, but Emma is the opposite. She’s like sunshine. The daytime to my nighttime. She’s made me smile and laugh more in these three months than probably ever before.
“Um not at all. You just make me really happy, Sy.” 
“You’ve made me the happiest man in the world, Darlin.”
Emma and I lay in the tub talking about all things that come to mind until the water gets cold and my perpetual warmth isn’t enough for her. She's shivering as we climb out. We rinse off the bubble bath in the shower quickly before getting in bed and falling asleep wrapped in each other’s arms. 
I wake up early the next morning, close to six am and see my sleeping beauty is still a mess of hair and disheveled blankets next to me. She slept in one of my t-shirts last night since she was still cold from our extended bath, and as no surprise it’s twisted up around her waist. I smile at her disarray before snuggling up to her. When I do, I feel like I’ve rolled in something wet so I lift the covers. Oh no, a little patch of blood. Emma must’ve started her period in her sleep and knowing what I do about how she’s been treated in the past, I don’t want her to panic. I ease out of bed to grab some clothes, using my military stealth to do so as quietly as possible. Luckily my girl could sleep through a tornado, but I didn’t want to take any chances. I scribbled out a quick note telling her not to panic, and that I’ve run to the store but I’ll be right back in case she wakes up before placing it on my pillow.
Thank goodness there is a pharmacy about seven minutes from my house. I walk in and try my best to think of anything she might need. I purchase some tampons, pads, painkillers, a hot water bottle, and all of the chocolate my arms can carry. They even had some flowers there and I grabbed those at the checkout. The elderly woman at the register just smiled at me and told me I was a “good man.” This should be the standard for men taking care of their women, but clearly, it’s not. I quickly load everything up and head back to the house. I head to bedroom and Emma hasn’t moved an inch. I take the female hygiene items to the bathroom and place them on the countertop, before going to gently wake Emma up. I hate to do it but I figure it’s likely better to let her only see a little spot of blood rather than a big one and panicking even more.
“Sugar… Hey beautiful.” I stroke her hair away from her face and she gently shakes her head at me.
“uh-uh… no.” She grunts and I chuckle. 
“Darlin’, can you wake up for me for just a minute please?”
“It’s Saturday… and still dark out, Sy.” She says after peaking one eye open.
“I know, and I’ll let you go back to sleep in just a minute but I need your attention.”
She yawns before I continue.
“I don’t want you to panic, so please remember, it’s okay. I’m not like the guys you’ve been with in the past.”
“Sy? What are you saying? It’s too early for riddles.”
“I think you may have started your period last night. Now, it’s no problem but I wanted to let you know so you co”
“Oh my god!” She interrupts, jerking covers up above her head to appraise the situation. 
“Oh my god. I’m so sorry.” She says with tears rimming her eyes as she lifts her head from the covers.
“Now, stop it right there. You’ve got nothing to apologize for. It’s okay, Sugar. Take a breath.” 
“I… um.. need to head back to my house.” She says quickly as a tear falls from her eye.
“I’ve got everything you need, baby, and I’m going to take care of you. Now, head on into the bathroom and take care of what you need to, and I’ll take care of this.” 
“Sy, I’m so embarrassed. I need tampons and I didn’t bring any. I will replace the sheets.”
“No need, I’ll just toss ‘em in the washer and it’ll be just fine. I bought tampons and pads. They’re on the counter.” I help her out of bed and lead her into the bathroom. 
“I tried to get a little bit of everything since I don’t know what you prefer so you just do what you need to do, baby girl. Nothing to be embarrassed about, I promise.” I kiss her forehead and she nods as more tears streak down her face. I want to scoop her up and stop her tears but figured she might just want a minute alone to collect herself. I hear the shower turn on as I close the door behind me.
I walk out and quickly strip the bed and throw the sheets in the washer before making the bed up with clean sheets. As I’m making the bed, I get angry thinking about her douche ex-boyfriend who made her feel so ashamed for her body doing something that it is supposed to do. The more I think about it, the angrier I get as I’m shoving the pillows into the new pillowcases.
“Um, thank you, for the stuff.” I hear Emma whisper as I quickly turn around and see her there. She looks so small as she wraps her arms around herself.
“Is what I got okay?” I ask and she nods before going to her bag and pulling on some new panties, t-shirt, and sweatpants.
I pat the clean bed and she crawls up next to me before I hear her sob into my chest. I can’t seem to get her to look at me as she buries her face into my chest so I just hold her until her breath comes easier.
“Feel better?”
“Not really. I’m just embarrassed.”
“No need to be baby girl. I promise you, it’s fine. I just want you to be comfortable.”
“You make me comfortable. It’s just hard to change how I think after being told it was disgusting my whole life.”
“Trust me, if I ever see that douchebag again I will punch him so hard for ever making you feel like that.” I tell her as I wipe a tear from her cheek.
“Let me take care of you?” I ask and Emma nods with a small smile.
“Good. I got you an arsenal of chocolate, some painkillers, and a hot water bottle too.”
“Why?”
“What do you mean, why? Isn’t that stuff helpful?”
“It is, very much so… I just mean you didn’t have too.” 
“I want too… Sugar, I love you.” I say and Emma sits up to look at me.
“You do?” She bites her lip.
“I love you more than I can even articulate.” I tell her truthfully.
“I love you too, Austin. I love you so much.” She says and I swear to God, I am beaming. 
I love this woman and she loves me. Emma leans forward and kisses me in a kiss so consuming I can picture our whole lives together. After kissing a little, we lay back down and I stroke her hair until she’s fallen back asleep. When she’s thoroughly asleep, I ease up and decide to take the dogs out to get them a little bit of exercise before heading to the kitchen to make us some breakfast. 
Emma saunters downstairs about two hours later seeming more well rested as I’ve got her breakfast plated up. She kisses on the dogs who are eagerly corralling around her legs before walking over to me and kissing me tenderly. 
“Thank you for breakfast.”
“Anything for you, sweet darlin’.” I wink over my coffee cup as Emma fills her cup and adds her creamer.
Emma glances at her phone with an inquisitive look. 
“Everything alright?” I ask.
“Yeah, I just was checking my security cameras. I think the Rodriguez family across the street from me got their teenager a car. It’s been parked out in the street across from the house all day yesterday. I knew he must be close to driving age. It just turned around in my driveway so I got a notification on my phone. That’s all.” She says nonchalantly and I nod at her assumption.
“What should we do today?” I ask her as we eat.
“Maybe go to the grocery store? I figured I could go ahead and meal prep for the week. I also need to get the ingredients to make banana pudding for your Nana and PawPaw’s house.”
“Sugar, you don’t have to go to all that trouble.” I start but Emma shakes her head.
“No, when we talked last week I told her that I wouldn’t mind bringing dessert.” I just about choke on my bacon.
“She called you?” I ask and Emma blushes.
“She did. Is that okay?” 
“Of course, that’s more than fine… I just don’t want her bothering you. She’s a bit of a handful if you know what I mean. I didn’t even realize she got your number.”
“Well, she told me not to tell you because you would ‘whine about her interfering’, but she called the vet clinic and got in touch with me there. She said she wanted to make sure I was joining y’all for lunch Sunday, and then wanted my mom’s number so they could keep in touch.”
“That woman.” I shake my head incredulously. 
“I ask her to not interfere, and she goes around calling you and your family. Good grief.” I chuckle at the audacity of Nana. She’s going to get her way no matter what. She’s never gone to these extremes to contact anyone I’ve dated though, so maybe it’s a good thing.
Emma giggles.
“I think it’s sweet. Anyway, we got to talking about her cooking and I offered to make dessert. If that’s okay with you, let’s go ahead and go to the store after breakfast.” 
“I’ll do anything you want me too, Sugar.” 
We eat and chat a bit before Emma changes clothes and starts gathering her items to head to the store. I head upstairs and throw on some different clothes as well before we load up and head to the store. 
When we get there, I’m in charge of the buggy. Emma has a list on her phone of all the items she needs to get, so I just follow her with the cart as she gathers her items. I also add a few of my own favorites as we are traversing the aisles, such as chips and beef jerky.
Once we’ve got everything on our list, we head to the checkout and I insist again on paying. Emma crosses her arms, jutting out her hip with a scowl that I can’t help but chuckle at. She’s like an angry kitten and I just want to kiss all over her face, so I do. After we pay, we make our way out the doors.
“By the way, you said you wanted steaks one night this week. Did you remember to put those in the cart?” 
“Shit, I totally forgot. Here,” I hand Emma my truck keys. “Let me run back and grab some while you put the groceries in the truck?” I ask and Emma nods. I kiss her forehead before jogging back in the store to collect and purchase the forgotten steaks. 
I skip the small talk with the cashier and head straight for the self-check out so that I hopefully don’t keep Emma waiting too long. After buying our main dinner entrée, I head outside toward my large grey truck, with Syverson Contracting Inc. embossed along the side. Emma must’ve loaded the groceries quickly as I don't see her. I walk over and notice she’s not in the passenger seat before I hear her scream.
“LET GO OF ME!” I drop the bag and turn to look for her. About 30 yards away, I spot someone I recognize. Then it dawns on me who it is. 
Colin.
Part 14
Taglist: @shellyshellshell, @henryownsme, @caramariehurst, @beck07990, @mollymal, @kingliam2019, @syversonswife, @identity2212, @starfirewildheart, @hannah9921, @wa-ni, @kneelforloki, @cutedoxie, @enchantedbytomandhenry, @foxyjwls007, @geralts-yenn, @courtlynwriter, @corrie1013, @squeezyvalkyrie, @summersong69, @livisss, @mayloma, @uunotheangel, @warriormirkwood, @sofiebstar
Author's Note: Ya girl's struggling with a sinus infection right now but I was able to finally get this posted! Had an ultrasound today and baby was healthy and active so I am happy!
166 notes · View notes
avalynlestrange · 9 months
Text
Foolish One
Theodore Nott x reader, Draco Malfoy x reader (Draco Malfoy x Pansy Parkinson in the background)
Reader: she/her pronouns, half-blood or muggleborn, no house mentioned, really loves sweets, desserts and kittens
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Warnings: Toxic situationship, cheating, mentions of death, mentions of drinking
Category: Angst, unrequited love, best friends to lovers?, no use of y/n, short story, one-shot, songfic
Summary: In which you know you’re being foolish in liking Draco but will you finally learn your lesson? Theodore certainly hopes you do.
“Listen.” Theodore puts the book he was reading down to look at you and say, “Your cards are on the table, his are in his hands. Maybe you need to distance yourself. You’re just going to get hurt.” You ignore Theo and continue to think aloud, “Chances are, tonight, he’s already got plans.”
Author’s Note: This is my first ever fiction for a long time. Please be kind. English is not my first language and I’ve tried to proofread as best as I can.
Word Count: 6k
To The Library (Main Masterlist) To The Kitchen (WIPs) To Speak Now TV Anthology To more Theodore Nott fics To more Draco Malfoy fics
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It was nearly the weekend. You had left Draco a note earlier this week in your usual secret spot to send each other messages but alas you had received no reply. Here you are on a Friday night, on the floor of an empty corridor, staring at a blank stone wall.
“Maybe he just hasn’t checked it yet.”
“Or he’s ignored it.” Your best friend, Theodore, replies.
“Maybe he hasn’t had time to read it alone.”
Theodore sighs, “This isn’t the first time he hasn’t responded to one of your little love notes.”
You toss a pebble your finger found across the hallway, and say, “It’s not his fault that his parents wouldn’t approve of me. He has to keep us a secret even to his circle.”
“Listen.” Theodore puts the book he was reading down to look at you and say, “Your cards are on the table, his are in his hands. Maybe you need to distance yourself. You’re just going to get hurt.”
You ignore Theo and continue to think aloud, “Chances are, tonight, he’s already got plans.”
You shuffle and lie down on his lap while he carries on trying to read his book. You turn your head to look along the corridor. No sign of Draco coming to find you.
“He’s probably at a party. Wasn’t there a friendly game of quidditch with Ravenclaw earlier Teddy?”
“I don’t know.”
“He must be at an after-party or some sort. Do you know if the Slytherins are throwing a party this evening?” You ask, gently moving Theo’s book away from his face.
“I don’t know.”
“You must do. You’re friends, aren’t you?”
“I don’t know.” His tone now has a hint of annoyance, lifting his book up once more.
“Okay then.” You huff. You decide to pick up your book. It wasn’t a rare activity, you and Theo reading together. Not always in the corridor. Often times in your dorm rooms. Often times in the common room. You were fond of each other’s company. It was something you’ve always done since you were children. Mr. Nott used to leave Theo at yours ever since Theo’s mother passed away. Your mother was a governess, and your family had a history of serving the Nott family.
It continued during your acceptance to Hogwarts. You both liked being one of the earliest students for breakfast to have a chance to read and eat and finding a spot in the library devoid of the sound of scribbling quills. The two of you sometimes even stay during the winter holidays as it was a lot more peaceful and merry than being at home.
You read in silence for a chapter and began talking again where you left off.
“Chances are he is at a party, and you know he hates it when I show up. Says it distracts him.”
Theodore groans.
And chances are you will talk yourself to sleep again.
⳾*⑅*❀⑅*❀⑅*❀⑅*❀⑅*❀⑅*⳾
It was the next morning and there you were in the great hall. Preparing tea for Theo and yourself. Theo instinctively passes you the sugar bowl. 
“What are your plans for today then?” He asks as he pours a splash of milk into your cup.
“I’m not sure yet. We do have that essay due for History of Magic on Tuesday.” You say as you hear a group of people joining your table.
“Morning Nott.” Draco says as he sits down opposite you. He greets you a good morning by nodding your way.
“Good morning, Draco.” Your eyes quickly flicker up and down from him to your breakfast trying not to look Draco in the eyes. You could never look at the silver pair for too long and not blush, so you best kept your glancing to a minimum when you’re in a group setting. You find it difficult as you are sat directly opposite him.
Draco gestures to the sugar bowl next to your teacup and asks you, “Pass me the sugar.”
You feel your cheeks getting hot as his hands brushes against yours as you hand him his requested item. It’s little moments like this that make you forget when he fails to seek you out that week. You are reminded of his little nickname of ‘sweet thing’ for you during secret rendezvous in vacant classrooms.
Throughout breakfast, Draco chats normally to his crowd. Occasionally you see him with his eyes on you and you lock gazes for no longer than two seconds before looking away. His leg touches yours now and then.
He gives you just enough attention like this in public to keep your hopes too high. What’s more, is that you get these wishful thoughts that these moments could be longer and known by everyone. But wishful thoughts forget to mention when something's really not right and you will block out these voices of reason in your head.
And the voices say, ‘You are not the exception. You will never learn your lesson.’
You shake your head, physically shaking these voices out of your head.
“You okay?” Theodore asks.
You assure him and yourself that you are, with a weak smile.
⳾*⑅*❀⑅*❀⑅*❀⑅*❀⑅*❀⑅*⳾
Later that day you briskly walk towards the loose stone that is your ‘Draco mailbox’ and pry it off, but like the day before: still nothing.
You hear a voice in your head telling you, ‘Foolish one. Stop checkin' your mailbox for confessions of love that ain't never gonna come. This will not end well. You will take the long way down.’
He knows how to keep you waiting. He did mention something about a group hang earlier during breakfast. Nevertheless, you know better than to show up when you weren’t directly invited. That happened one time during Summer last year when his group decided to celebrate finishing their O.W.L.s, and later that day Draco raised his voice at you in a broom closet for showing up uninvited claiming that the group might see it as suspicious. He, of course, apologised for shouting when he saw tears in your eyes, but you never got a single letter from him during the two-month break.
Yes, it’s best if you just waited for him to answer with a time and date. You sigh and walk to the library. You politely ask Madam Pince for a quill, ink, and parchment. She clicked her tongue at your lack of equipment but let you off this time since you are a prefect, and this was the first time you came to the library unprepared. With your head down you walk over to find the textbook you needed and sit at the nearest empty table.
You hear the stool next to you move and see a smiling Theodore.
“This seat taken?”
You shake your head, and he sits down. You continue to flip the book to a relevant page but don’t see that Theo was scanning your demeanour. His eyebrows furrowed. ‘This could only mean one thing’, he thought to himself. 
As if you could sense Theodore’s next question, you turn to him with a smile pasted on your face, “I am fine Teddy! Stop looking at me like that!”
You feign a giggle. You know how to act like you’re fine. You change the conversation and the afternoon felt lighter. Whispered jokes and snickers were exchanged for hours between you and the boy with the chestnut hair. It was always like that with Theo. He always knew how to brighten up your day. 
“Well thank you, Teddy. Now it’s nearly curfew and I’ve only written less than half a parchment.”
“Hey! You’re the one distracting yourself. I’ve written at least one piece.” You roll your eyes, grinning at Theodore tickling your nose with his quill. That’s when you see the scene. Draco walked past hand in hand with a red-faced Pansy Parkinson. Your eyes meet with Draco, and he quickens his pace out of your vision.
“That worthless pile of erumpent dung!” Theo curses. He knew this whole thing between you and Draco was wrong in the first place, but he never voiced his opinion so as to not come across as jealous. Merlin knows how Theo was, and is, very green and is slowly rotting on the inside.
But he loves seeing you beam when you talk about your dates, that he tunes out the details of your escapades and absorbs the beautiful shade of pink flush on your cheeks and glimmer in your eyes. At this moment in time, however, his heart aches at the sight of the scarlet pout of your lips and your eyes welling up. “I thought you two were on the same page of exclusively dating!”
“We… never actually agreed on anything like that. I… I don’t know what to call this situation.” You quickly roll your homework and inhale deeply to keep the tears at bay. There must be an explanation for the sight you had just witnessed.
‘But I know I can’t call you mine. So, I will grit my teeth and I will do my best to seem bulletproof.’ At the thought, another inhale, you suggest, “How about a butterbeer break?”
And Theodore can’t say no to that.
⳾*⑅*❀⑅*❀⑅*❀⑅*❀⑅*❀⑅*⳾
That evening you couldn’t help but walk along the hallway you know like the back of your hand.  By instinct, you stop at the stone and spot that it was a little ajar.
‘Meet me at the boathouse at Midnight. - D’
There it was. You feel an emotion somewhere between merry and misery. You settle for nauseous and blame it on the six butterbeers you consumed earlier at the Three Broomsticks with Theo. You decide to start walking there now. A few hours of fresh air could be good. Yes. A breath of crisp autumn air is what you need to expel this uneasiness in your chest.
“You’re early.” You hear when you reached the doorway of the boathouse. Draco sat at the edge of the ledge, his bare feet in the water.
“I could say the same thing to you.” A little bitterness in your pitch.
He pats the space adjacent to him and you sit cross-legged. The air is cold and the rippling waters in front of you hypnotise your heartbeat to calm down.
You both start to say something, then cut each other off to ask the other to continue.
“It’s not what you think.” Draco pauses. “What you saw earlier in the library. Pansy threatened to tell my father about the secret girl I was seeing and that I was to take her to Hogsmeade and buy her all the sweets she wants from Zonko’s.”
He reaches for his robes.
“Here. I got this for you.” He passes you a bag wrapped with a ribbon. “Sweet things for my sweet thing.”
You thank him as you accept his gift. You start munching on the sweets and offer him some.
“Does she know it’s me?” Your voice is a little too wishful than you hoped it would come out.
“No! Thank Merlin! My father will have my head if he hears I’m not seeing a pureblood.”
It hurts a little when you hear him explain time and again why you have to be a secret. But it doesn't bother you as much 'cause when your head is on his shoulder, it starts thinkin' he'll come around. And maybe, someday, when you’re older, this is something you'll laugh about, over coffee every mornin' while he’s reading the news.
You and Draco stay in the boathouse, telling each other what you were up to during the holidays, aiming candy at each other’s mouths, holding hands, and giving the other soft kisses in the light of the moon until it’s a little too cold and too late to continue.
“When can I see you next?” You ask.
He lets go of your hand as you reach the entryway.
“I’ll let you know.”
You nod and walk to your dorm. You were sure that you were going to see Draco again in hushed hours like this one.
But then the voices say, ‘You are not the exception. You will never learn your lesson'
⳾*⑅*❀⑅*❀⑅*❀⑅*❀⑅*❀⑅*⳾
Throughout the week, you were too preoccupied with checking for a note from Draco and stealing glances here and there that you fail to notice that your duo had become a trio. Daphne Greengrass had been hanging around you and Theo recently and you only are aware of her presence at this moment when your usual quiet bookworm is talking during breakfast, but not to you.
“It’s the first match of the season later. Would you like to watch the Quidditch in the afternoon with me?” Daphne suggests, her hand reaching for Theo’s arm.
“Sure.” The boy replies.
“Who are you and what have you done to my Teddy?” You laugh, “We have never watched a single game!”
It was true. Even if Draco was on the Slytherin team and invited you to watch once, since most of the school attends it anyways, you refused given that you and Theo had a tradition of having a picnic and playing Scrabble by the Black Lake. You two were never interested in sports.
“You’re more than welcome to join us.” Daphne proposed. You realise her hand was still on Theo’s arm and this somewhat makes you frown.
“Theo and I already have plans.” You stated, now reaching for his other arm, “Don’t we Teddy?”
“We can do that tomorrow instead. I am quite curious as to what all the fuss is about, aren’t you?”
“But we have never cancelled our… plans before. Even that one time you had a cold, you insisted we hang out. It’s our tradition.”
“I don’t mean to impose. If you’re busy Theo, we can hang out at Hogsmeade in the evening instead.” She says, her hand still lingering on Theo’s arm, so you have an urge not to move yours either.
“We can do both.” He accepts and his head turns to you, “Are you coming with us?”
You don’t know what to say. A swirl of emotions runs through your veins.
“No.” And with that, you stomp off to your dorm.
⳾*⑅*❀⑅*❀⑅*❀⑅*❀⑅*❀⑅*⳾
You saw Theo less and less that week and you start to spend more time with your dorm mates. You start to miss him. He wasn’t as early to breakfast every day and when he was, Daphne and other Slytherins came in with him. Your study meetings turned into group hangs but you didn’t mind it as much you said to yourself since Draco was part of that group.
However, your eyes were not gazing upon the blond boy but at the chestnut hair boy with his newfound friend.
Why didn’t you like Daphne with Theodore?
You made an effort to look away when you see him smiling at her. You felt your teeth clench whenever Daphne playfully slapped Theo’s arm when she was laughing at something he said. Your hands were in fists when she linked her arm with his when you all walked from class to class.
You don’t understand what you are feeling. You can’t be jealous about your best friend being interested in other girls. You decide you were just feeling a little replaced. That was it, and nothing more. Right?
But what really blew your top was what you were hearing now.
“Yeah, we can go watch the quidditch game tomorrow.”
“Again?” You exclaim but then remembered you were in the library and carry on with a whisper, “You’ve cancelled on me the last game!”
“Oh yeah” Theo replies as if he didn’t remember. When in all honesty, he never did forget. He was trying to distance himself away from you to lessen the aching of his heart.
“Teddy you can’t do this to me.”
“How about I make it up to you by taking you to the last Hogsmeade trip and buying you all the sweets you want so you can stock up for the winter break.” He smiles and when you smile back, he forgets about his vow to himself to spend less time with you.
You hesitate to say yes. You really want to be with him by the lake.
“And I’ll even let you drag me around to window shop to all the places you want me to.”
And you can’t say no to that.
⳾*⑅*❀⑅*❀⑅*❀⑅*❀⑅*❀⑅*⳾
Amidst all the happenings, you had forgotten to check your mailbox. You see a scrap of paper telling you to meet at the boathouse once again at midnight and this time you choose to be punctual. You dress up a little to make up for the fact that you might have already missed the actual date the note was meant for.
You are already on the steps going down to your meeting place when the clock chimes 12 o’clock. A chill runs through your body as you were not wearing your winter jacket but a cute, albeit thin, jumper. You were walking with a skip in your step when you hear her.
“Draco, what about your secret girl?”
“She means nothing to me. It’s not like we were going to get serious.”
You halt just before the entryway.
“But weren’t you dating her since last year?”
“Dating is a strong word. Now shut up so I can kiss those lips.”
So you run. As fast as your feet can take you and go into the nearest empty room.
Now you’re slidin' down the wall with your head in your hands sayin', "How could I not see the signs?"
He hadn't written you or called all summer and the voices in your head are tellin' you why,
‘He’s got her on his arm and you in the wings. You’ll get his longing glances, but she'll get his ring. And he will say he had the best of intentions.’
And maybe now you will finally learn your lesson.
The air feels thick that you can’t breathe and your vision blurs with the waterworks flowing out of your tear ducts.
Draco was right. You were never going to get serious. You knew this deep down and felt it in your heart every time you were with him, but the truth hurts when the reality of it all is said aloud.
When you finally get to your room at 3am. You don’t bother to change and sleep your troubles away.
⳾*⑅*❀⑅*❀⑅*❀⑅*❀⑅*❀⑅*⳾
You skipped lessons that day. You hadn’t meant to, but you woke up past noon and there were only two lessons left that you resolved to miss those too and went back to sleep. You weren’t ready to face people yet.
A pounding in your head awakens you and makes you sit up and reach for your water bottle by your bedside table but see a plate of pastries covered in cling film and a note stuck on top.
‘I didn’t see you at breakfast. I asked your dorm mate to send this to you. – Teddy’
That was sweet of him. Theo never fails to be there when it counted. You notice more items on your bedside table. You see a thermos flask, a book, a wrapped-up sandwich, a couple of more notes, and a red concoction in a small vial that was labelled ‘pepperup potion’.
‘I didn’t see you in class, so I asked Alison to drop this off to you. She said you didn’t look too well. I’ll see you at lunch? – Teddy’
‘I didn’t see you at lunch. Alison said your eyes looked puffy. Do you have a cold? If so I asked her to bring you some supplies. Make sure to take it. I’ll see you after class? – Teddy’
‘I don’t know why I thought I’d see you in any of the afternoon lessons today. How silly of me. I need to sort out a few things and I’ll see you before dinner. – Teddy’
You giggle at how much effort your best friend had gone towards to ensure you are okay. The clock above the doorway says 5 o’clock. Only an hour after classes and Teddy will probably expect you around 5:45pm so you can lounge about the courtyard before dinner time.
However, you felt famished, so you open the selection of breakfast pastries. Theo had picked out all your favourites. He’s always thoughtful like that. One time, you had mentioned your favourite book series with him and within the week he read all of them and bought you both the newly released novel by the same author so you can read it together.
Another time when you used to have recurring nightmares when you were little, you’d go to Theo and he’d read you passages from fairytales until you fell asleep. When you broke your foot during the second year, he insisted that he carried all your books to and from classes even though a simple levitation charm would do, and walk in front of you so no one barges you causing you to trip.
You really don’t know what you’d do without Theodore in your life.
You hear a knock on the door.
“Alison you can come in. You don’t need to knock.”
The door creaks open.
“I’m not Alison.” Theodore peeps in, his eyes on the ceiling. “Can I come in?”
“Of course. Thank you for your care package.” You move to make room for him on your bed.
“Of course. Couldn’t have you starve yourself.” He looks to your bedside table and states, “You didn’t drink the potion I made for you. It’s supposed to clear up your cold.”
He stood there by the end of your bed, his hands behind his frame. He looks cautiously at you.
“I’m not ill.” You assure him.
“Good, because…”  He raises a basket and a tote bag. “I’ve brought us Scrabble and a picnic.”
“But aren’t you going to see the match with Daphne?”
“Not when my favourite girl isn’t feeling well.”
You smile up at him. “But I told you I’m not unwell.”
“Physically maybe but I think you need some fresh air. Now go get ready. I’ll wait outside the door.”
“I really am okay.”
You assure him and yourself that you are, and you truly do feel it.
⳾*⑅*❀⑅*❀⑅*❀⑅*❀⑅*❀⑅*⳾
Your normal routine before Draco came into your life fell back into place, although Theodore was hanging out with Daphne more and more, which still annoyed you. Theo did make some time for you but not as much as you’re used to. You sigh. Breakfasts no longer consisted of silently reading, occasionally speaking to discuss plot points and characters, but with Daphne and the rest of the Slytherin crowd rowdily talking.
You hadn’t spoken to Draco at all ever since that night at the boathouse. He never even addressed it. Not that you checked the mailbox. If he really cared he would have said something by this point, but judging by his actions and the words you heard that night, you had accepted weeks ago that whatever was between you was over.
“So, what are we all doing for the last trip to Hogsmeade today then?” Draco asks, but his eyes lock with yours.
“I’m having tea and shopping with the girlies.” Daphne wriggles her shoulders excitedly. She looks to you and extends an invitation.
To which you thank her but decline politely, “Teddy promised me a full weekend of sweets and shopping. Isn’t that right Teddy?”
You aren’t sure if it is your imagination, but you see a twinkle in Theo’s eyes as he beams at you confirming your plans. You put your arm through his and squeeze it in excitement.
Theo chuckled. “I already regret adding the window-shopping part.”
You head to your dorm to pick up your cardigan as Theo insisted you needed more layers for the winter weather. A figure stops you in your tracks.
“Didn’t know you had a thing for Nott.” Draco sneered.
“Not really your business to know who or who I don’t have a thing for Malfoy.”
He grabs your hand and pulls you to the side.
“What do you think you’re doing?” You try to shrug off his hand, but he wasn’t letting go.
“What happened to us? I thought we were dating, and you left me hanging for weeks.”
“Dating is a strong word.” You spit his words back to him like venom.
That’s when he releases your hand.
⳾*⑅*❀⑅*❀⑅*❀⑅*❀⑅*❀⑅*⳾
Your day with Theo went by so fast. You started off at Zonko’s so you can graze snacks while you peruse through each shop. Theo swears you haven’t skipped any stores but doesn’t complain at all. The conversations flowed easily. You stayed the longest time at the pets and familiars shop to pet all the kittens. He literally had to drag you away with a bribe of pumpkin pie for lunch.
Many days have gone by where you spent time away from each other. Reasons varied as Theo tells you he was busy with whatever excuse he had that day. You noticed that he’d been avoiding you recently. You’re glad that you get to make up for all those hours now.
You share a slice of pumpkin pie and beg Theo to take you back to the pets and familiars shop. He rolls his eyes, but you know he can’t refuse the thought of the adorable kittens. Little do you know that it’s your cuteness he can’t resist.
The two of you start to walk onward to your mission when you see a glimpse of Draco hand in hand with a red-faced Pansy. You knew it. But strangely, you find yourself not upset by it.
“Theo! They still have our favourite!” You jump up and down like a child outside a toy store.
He watches you smiling as you all but ran into the store. You remain surrounded by kittens until a shop assistant ushered you out at the behest of their manager. Reluctantly you say goodbye to the animals and staff and are shocked to see that the sky was magenta-coloured, signalling that the evening is arriving.
 “I’m hungry, are you?” You inspect all the choices of venue you had for dinner.
“Starving. Let’s go in there.” He gestures toward Madam Puddifoot’s Tea Shop. “I heard they have a great selection of drinks and desserts.”
You follow Theo even though you seem to recall that other students have previously mentioned that they take their dates there. Having never visited since Draco was the first boy you have “gone out with”, and your meetings never involved crowded places and three would have been a crowd, you were excited to finally step into the dainty looking café.
He opens the door for you and a bell rings. You were seated straight away, and it didn’t take long for a staff member to take your order. Examining the people around, you notice a trend of couples holding hands and gazing into one another’s eyes. Did Theo really mean to take you in here?
Detecting your initial discomfort, Theo apologises, “I didn’t know it would be like this here. We can leave if you want?”
“Nonsense! It’s a nice place. Plus, I’m excited for my drink to arrive.” Grinning at him, you take in the view of bows and lace everywhere.
Even though the atmosphere was romantic, you felt at ease being there with Theo. You push back questions you had whenever you sense that his eyes were trying to read your thoughts or when his hand stayed on yours longer than friends should.
He orders a funfetti cake for dessert and you both split each other’s sweet course. Before you know it, it was nearly time to head back to the castle. Another ring of the bell and you were standing in front of the entrance.
You shiver slightly and Theo quickly unwraps his scarf.
“Teddy I’m fine!”
“No, you’re cold. Don’t argue.” He wraps his green scarf around your neck. You inhale the scent of smoke and sandalwood. You bury your cheeks into the scarf to hide the pink colour threatening to expose how much you like the fact you are enveloped by a piece of his clothing.
“I guess it’s time to head back.” You say but see Theo looking distracted.
You look up to see a mistletoe wrapped with a ribbon on the pole of the tea shop’s sign.
He looks at you and tilts his head. Was that him asking for permission?
You shrug then nod at him. “It’s a known tradition after all.”
“Of course.”
Theo leans in close enough so that the clouds you exhale from your lungs mingle in the air. He moves a strand of loose hair and tucks them behind your ear. His hand stays on your face and his eyes flicker down to your lips. You close the gap between you.
You are kissing Theo under the mistletoe.
At first, the kiss is gentle as if he is being wary of the line you were crossing, but when you reach to run his hair with your hands, he pulls you in deeper. You gasp for air, and he takes it as an opportunity to explore you with his tongue.
Thoughts pull you back to reality.
You are kissing Theo under the mistletoe.
Stepping back, you stare at him wide-eyed.
“I have to go.” You say breaking the silence.
And you didn’t see how Theodore’s eyes follow you.
⳾*⑅*❀⑅*❀⑅*❀⑅*❀⑅*❀⑅*⳾
You didn’t actually have to go anywhere; you just needed some space to cool down. Your cheeks were burning red, and you didn’t want Theo to see you like that. Especially since he only kissed you because of the mistletoe. Especially since you enjoyed kissing him. Especially when the voices in your head are back saying, ‘Foolish one you will take the long way down.’
This time you don’t want to learn the hard way. You can’t be falling for him like this. You didn’t want to lose him if it goes sour.
“You’ve been walking in circles.” Theo calls out to you, “Where are you trying to go?”
You stop your feet but don’t turn back to face him.
“I was just heading to…” Your voice fades out to a mumble, and you begin to walk once more.
Theo lightly grasps your arm, and you jump at how fast he caught up to you. You face him.
“You never said anything.” He states.
“It was just a kiss. We were just under a mistletoe.” You look down, kicking the pebbles near your feet.
“You never said anything.” You echo.
“Yeah, we were just under a mistletoe.”
⳾*⑅*❀⑅*❀⑅*❀⑅*❀⑅*❀⑅*⳾
The last week of term dragged on. Theo and you never mention that night to anybody. And if it was even possible, you saw him less than the week before. You are determined to fix your situation. The past two days were unbearable. So, you corner him on his way to the library.
“Why are you ignoring me, Teddy?” You simply question.
“I’m not.”
“Yes, you are. You keep avoiding me in the halls and speaking monosyllabically to me in class. Why?”
“I’m not.”
“You are. We’re friends, aren’t we? Can’t you tell me what’s wrong?” You ask, gently moving his arm and motioning him to face you.
“Maybe I want more.”
“What do you mean?”
“You’re so blind, you can’t even see that I’ve been right here! In love with you since I could remember.”
“Your father would never approve of me.”
“I don’t care. I don’t care what he thinks. I don’t care about your blood status! I accept you for who you are! But waiting all these years for you to see me like I see you have been crushing my heart slowly.”
You stare at him wide-eyed.
“I have to go.” He says.
And it’s your turn to follow Theo with your eyes.
⳾*⑅*❀⑅*❀⑅*❀⑅*❀⑅*❀⑅*⳾
You couldn’t sleep at all that night replaying Theo’s confession. You think about all the ways you could have responded and use that moment as a chance for you to voice out your growing feelings. Now he probably despises you.
You recite how you were going to confront Theo for the next day, word for word since you want to accurately tell him that you reciprocate his sentiment. But toss and turn again at the thought of what-ifs.
You get up early and ready yourself for the day mentally. You don’t grab any breakfast because you already felt so queasy. The voices in your head say to you, ‘Foolish one The day is gonna come for your confessions of love.’
This time you were in harmony. You were going to tell Theo everything. How foolish you had been. How you can’t imagine life without him. You head to his dorm room as you know it’s typically empty at this time of the morning and Theo habitually returns to his dorm just after breakfast to put down his books.
You had 2 free periods back-to-back on a Thursday morning, so you have ample time to gush about your feelings. You spot that his door was slightly ajar and knock anyways. The force swings the door slowly open. The room was empty. You sit on Theo’s bed and look around. You notice a few crumpled-up pieces of paper in the bin next to his nightstand.
Curiosity got the better of you as you unwrinkle one piece and gasp when you notice it was addressed to you. You pick up more pieces and all of them are confessions to you, describing how he felt during the day he wrote them. All this time you were waiting for confessions of love and thought they were never going to come, and there they were sitting in a pile of rubbish.
All signed off as:
Yours,
Teddy
Could he be? Yours?
You run to the Slytherin common room and don’t see Theo anywhere. You spot Blaise playing chess with Tracey.
“Have you seen Theo?” You interrupt them.
“He’s gone on a date with Daphne.” Tracey replies, focused on her match as Blaise’s bishop takes her knight.
He can’t. Be yours.
⳾*⑅*❀⑅*❀⑅*❀⑅*❀⑅*❀⑅*⳾
It was the last day of the first term, and you sit at your usual far corner of the great hall for breakfast. No Theodore in sight. You set up extra early since you left him a note by his bedside table the day before to meet him at 6:30 when the meal starts.
There he was. Your note is in his hands and you watch him as he walks to you and knits his brows.
“What’s wrong?” He asks, a little worried.
He sits opposite you instead of his usual spot next to you. You bring your hands above the table and show his letters in your hand.
“This. This is what’s wrong.”
“Look I…”
You cut him off. “Why didn’t you send them?”
He stares at you blankly and scratches his head. “What do you mean send them?”
“You fool. I would’ve walked out sooner and run to you.”
“I didn’t think you felt the same way. That’s why I threw them out. You didn’t come to me to talk after what happened in the hallway and you never brought up the kiss again.”
You blush at the memory.
“How did you get those anyways?” His eyes narrow.
“Never mind about that. Didn’t you hear me?”
“Hear what?”
“You’re really going to make me say it?”
“Say what?”
After hours of rehearsal, you could only utter 5 words. “I feel the same way.”
He beams for a second and then frowns to ask,
“What about Draco?”
“When all is said and done, he just wasn’t the one.”
His smile returns and you swear it’s brighter than the morning sun. He reaches over and holds your hand and tells you, “I don’t know how long I’ve waited for you to say those words.”
He pulls you over the table knocking over the goblet and food that had appeared and pecks you on the lips.
“What about Daphne? Aren’t you with her?”
“No, she just wasn’t the one.”
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You've reached this far! Here's a bonus:
It was Christmas day and you were in the great hall ready for the feast, dressed in a sweater Theo bought you so that you can match on this occasion. In one hand you have Theo and in the other a carefully wrapped present and you sat next in your self-assigned corner of the room.
"Let's pull a cracker!" You say eagerly.
And soon both of you adorn paper crowns on your head.
"Dinner doesn't start for another 15 minutes" He informs you.
You pout replying, "So why did you rush me out of my dorm so quickly?"
"So I can give you this." He places a fairly large box in front of you.
"Thank you, Teddy!" You tilt your head when you notice holes all around the box. "What's up with the holes?"
"Just open it." He excitedly insists.
"Okay okay. Thank you." You undo the ribbon and take off the lid. You squeal as you spot the kitten you had been eyeing at the store that evening of what you both have agreed to be your first date.
"I can't thank you enough! I love her so much." You carefully lift the kitten out of the box to cuddle her.
"Anything for you darling. What are you going to name her?"
⳾*⑅*❀⑅*❀⑅*❀⑅*❀⑅*❀⑅*⳾
Thank you so much for reading. I hope you enjoyed it as much as I enjoyed writing it <3 I didn't plan to write it this long. I hope you didn't mind.
I welcome any feedback or criticism.
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ʟɪᴛᴛʟᴇ ᴍɪꜱꜱ ᴘɪᴘᴇᴅʀᴇᴀᴍ (J.M)
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*vision bored doesn't describe readers' looks it describes the vibes of the story*
Pairing: football-player!Joel Miller x golden-girl!Fem!Reader
POV: This story is told through the POV of high school senior Joel Miller
Summary: Joel's girl lives in his dreams and in the house next door. He's always known her, and he's always wanted her, but in ApplePine, whose dream does she not haunt? Now He has a chance that He's been looking forward to all his life. This can't fail. He won't let someone like her slip away.
Warnings/tags: Kind of toxic undertones, mentions of a bad home life (reader), church, idolization, nerves, kissing and making out, small Texas town with very traditional values, climbing and watching people through windows, Joel is a Lil bit of a stalker, BAD American football talk. YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE CONTENT YOU CONSUME
WC: 4.5k
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On most Saturdays and after church on Sundays, she could be found working at the local ice cream shop. Occasionally, if there wasn't a football game, she would also work on Fridays. She was a well-known figure in our small town - being the girl next door, head cheerleader, and leading member of the student council. Her many accomplishments included winning the title of Little Miss Apple Pine, which only added to her popularity. Many of us admired her from afar, watching her ride her bike with friends, interact with the little kids in the neighborhood, or simply be in her element with a book in hand and a Walkman playing some music.
It was difficult to tell what music she listened to, but I'd like to think it was hard rock, maybe Guns N' Roses. However, her sweet nature suggested it was more likely to be Bon Jovi or AC/DC. Despite her bright persona, we all knew that she had a tough time at home, our houses were right next to each other too It was sad but there's only so much a loud TV can cover.
We attend the same school and ride the same bus together. We have chemistry class as well as lunch B together. Additionally, we share gym and math classes. I have noticed that she is quieter in math class and doesn't answer questions as quickly. In math class, she sits three seats ahead of me, and during lunch, she sits six seats away from me. Her round lunch table is located ten tables away from mine, and it's always occupied by a few cheerleaders and jocks who are considered acceptable, unlike me who often gets thrown off the field for hitting refs because of not knowing if  I'm coming or going. Compared to them, she seems to be in another world, like a cool autumn day in the middle of a hot Texas summer.
As the chemistry class began, Mr. McMory walked into the classroom with his glasses resting on the tip of his nose. He had only undone the top button of his shirt, showing some long curly grey chest hairs — utterly gross if you ask me. We all watched as he walked to the whiteboard at the front of the classroom. He clasped his hands together behind his back and stopped before turning to face the class.
"Now, as most of you probably know, we will need to form a new set of lab partners for this semester. However, to keep things fair so everyone gets a chance of getting matched with whom You would prefer, I've decided to have you all write your names on a small piece of paper and put them in this box. Once I've finished passing them out, I will draw two student names from the box at random, and those two will be your partners for this semester."
Without having to pause, Mr. McMory spoke clearly. This routine was something he did every marking period, four times a year, for 30 years. The memories of the previous marking period memories flooded my mind, where Jason Duly and Billy Holiday tried to bribe Gaby Michelle to give up her seat so that they could sit next to our classmate, the charming "I trust that you all understand the process now?" Mr. McMory continued. Once no one raised their hands to question what he said, he walked back to the front and handed out the small pieces of paper to everyone. "Now you have two minutes to write your names on the paper, then place it into the box. Once you are all finished, I will begin the randomized selection."
Chaos began to take place across the room with various bets being placed and trades being arranged like a market in the middle of a jungle, I wrote my name on the slip of paper without a thought. It was a meaningless task to me, as I would have been fine with getting anyone as my lab partner. In the middle sat our Pipe Dream, seemingly clueless to it all, while these students scrambled like mad to gain the favor of their desired partners, and the professor seemed unaware of all the action taking place in the classroom.
The chaos of the class was suddenly drowned out by Mr. McMory yelling out to have students start putting their slips into the box. As the box was quickly getting more and more full, the class started to become more and more silent and calm as no one wanted to be one of the ones not getting the partner they wanted even if they all wanted the same one our darling Miss pipedream isn't only perfect in every way but she's also incredibly smart.
Mr. McMory walked to the front of the classroom and stood in front of the whiteboard. He held the box and a red whiteboard marker. "No changing partners unless both parties are in agreement," he said as he paused and placed the box on a stool in front of him. He then pulled out the first two names. "Gaby and Hannah," he announced, causing a small gasp from some students. Mr. McMory placed the paper down and wrote the names on the board. There was a moment of silence before a low murmur began to spread throughout the classroom Mr. McMory then pulled out another two slips from the box and announced the next pairs of names: "Billy and Jillian, Jason and Cory." As each pair was announced, the two people were immediately surrounded by cheers of excitement or groans of disappointment. Some students could be overheard saying things like "no way!" and "I can't believe this!" and "Are we sure it's fair?" There were a few complaints here and there that their partner was not who they wanted, but Mr. McMory quickly cut them off, saying, "No changing partners unless both parties are in agreement, understood?"
As I stood watching the chaos break loose behind me, I couldn't help but chuckle at how quickly everything was unfolding. However, my laughter came to a sudden halt when Mr. McMory announced me and a stranger as partners.No, not a stranger, It was the girl who seemed to have it all, the girl who had effortlessly made her way through every aspect of the school and had become something of a legend. She was the girl next door, the one every boy wanted, and the only one I was enamored with at the slightest glance in her direction. My heart skipped a beat as I looked over the crowd and saw her smiling brightly at me. Time seemed to slow down as the rest of the world faded away. It was as if the universe was just waiting for us to get to know each other. My nervousness quickly turned into an adrenaline rush as I became more and more excited. It was an opportunity I couldn't pass up, a chance to turn my dreams into reality and finally figure her out.
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On the bus, I noticed her again. We made eye contact but didn't speak. She sat with her friend Sally Handson until she got off at her stop. However, I didn't expect her to move over and sit in the same seat as me.
"You're Joel, right?" she asked me before kindly offering her hand to shake.
"That's me," I smiled as I gently took her hand in mine and shook it. Our skin connected, and I felt a slight tremor in my hand before letting go, not wanting to make the situation any more awkward. I looked back up to see her, and she seemed to be just as nervous as I felt. The silence seemed to linger on for a moment before she spoke again.
"I just wanted to ask if you've had a chance to look at the assignment yet?"
I took a moment to gather my thoughts before speaking. "No, actually, I'm not very good at chemistry. I was probably going to copy off of you, to tell you the truth," I said, trying to make a joke, but struggling to hide the fact that it was true.
She smiled brightly, showing off her pearly white teeth. "Like all football players. It's okay though, I can help you study sometime if you'd like?"
As she spoke, my heart skipped a beat and my cheeks flushed. The offer of her help flooded my mind with different scenarios, from spending time with her after school to studying together at the library or even hosting study groups at our houses. I chuckled nervously and nodded my head.
The sudden stop of the bus snapped me back to reality, and a thought raced through my mind. Should I ask to walk her home? The offer seemed so appealing, and I was filled with possibilities of getting to know her even better. It was time to take the chance, but I had to fight the nervousness building inside me.
"Hey, are you walking to your house? Because I was just going to ask if...if I could walk you home?" I spoke the words carefully, fearing that I might mess up and ruin the moment. I fiddled with the straps of my backpack, feeling my heart pound in my chest as I waited for her response.
She smiled kindly at me. "Yes, and I would love that. Do you know which house?"
"I do," I said with a slightly more confident tone than before. I felt myself calming down as the idea of walking home together became more real. She began to take in the neighborhood around us, and I thought it was a perfect time to start a conversation.
"So, this is where you live?"
She giggled, and her laughter was infectious. I couldn't help but smile. "Joel, you and I have lived in the same neighborhood since we were newborns. We're neighbors for goodness sake, no need to be so formal with me."
She was right; I was overthinking our interactions. We had been neighbors for as long as I could remember. "Oh yeah...I suppose you have a point. I guess my nervousness made me go blank like that. I'm just not used to seeing you when you're not out on the field with your cheer squad." I chuckled, feeling my nerves die down even more as I looked over at her and relaxed a bit more.
"I understand it's hard not to picture me like that, and you as well, Joel. You're violent on the field. I'm pretty sure that referee from Tentown had a broken nose," she tries to make conversation. 
The mention of the game in Tentown makes me chuckle a bit. That was the first game in the league where I was allowed to play, and I suppose my desire to prove myself ended with me getting a bit carried away. The thought of the ref's nose makes me chuckle a bit more as I couldn't help but feel bad for the ref. 
"Yeah, I think you're right about that. But that's just how it is, right? The game is pretty brutal. I can't play without getting a little carried away." 
She thinks for a second and then says, "Maybe that's why you're always benched, along with Tommy? Speaking of your brother, where is he? Oh, and how are poor freshmen? I heard the older football players are being a little mean."
The question about my benching for games suddenly brings back my nervous energy, and I immediately feel uncomfortable talking about it. "That's probably one of the reasons for it, yeah..." I sigh as the mention of my brother and some of the team's hazing of the freshman brings a frown to my face.
"It pisses me off how they treat some of the freshmen like that. I don't see why they can't just treat them like the rest of the team..." I pause mid-sentence as the thought comes to my mind.
"I feel so bad for the poor freshman. They do the same thing on the cheer team," she said. We stopped at the crossing signal, and I was surprised by how well she could relate to what I was describing. It dawned on me that she may have experienced it more than I had considering how involved she is in cheer. We waited for the light to turn green, and I smiled at her.
"We should set up a study date sometime soon. After all, you said you're not that good at chemistry?" she said as we got closer to her house. I was thrilled at the possibility of spending more time with her.
"Yeah, I think that's a good idea. I'll certainly need the help," I chuckled. She walked ahead of me with a sweet little glide in her step, making me have to catch up to her as we continued walking.
"Which days work for you?" she asked, opening her backpack and taking out a pen and paper. "Oh, and write down your landline number." I replied, "I'm pretty much free all week, so just let me know what works for you." Her request for my landline number made my heart skip a beat as it reminded me of when she offered to help me at her place.
"How about Friday after school since there's no game? We can meet at my place," she suggested as we stood outside her front gate. "That works great for me! We can discuss our study plans and maybe even study together if you're up for it," I replied excitedly. "Your place sounds perfect, and I just want to say thank you," I added, feeling grateful for her help. She smiled and said, "Of course, Joel." Then she walked into her yard and house, waving goodbye.
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Friday couldn't come any quicker in my mind. I couldn't get Miss Applepine, Cheery Pie, Pipe Dream out of my head at all. The more we talked in class, the more I fell under her spell and the more I wanted to know... She was a mystery, and I wanted to be the first to hear everything she was willing to tell.
now stand at her front door. I rang the doorbell eagerly waiting for her to answer. She opened the door; she looked so pretty. "Come on in, Joel," she opened the door to let me in. In all my years of being neighbors, I always wondered what her house looked like, and to be honest, her house is less organized than I thought.
"Sorry about the mess. You know, it's just me and my dad, and I'm a little behind on chores... um... studying," she began to ramble but stopped herself. It was rather cute; it made me smile even more.
"Come on upstairs to my room. I have all my books and everything up there," she led me up to her bedroom. It was so normal - band posters, photos of her family, school items, her numerous awards, and her window looked directly into my room.
As we entered her room, I couldn't resist glancing over to her window again. It felt like this was the closest I could get to seeing inside her home for A Long time and now I'm inside the looking glass. I took a seat right next to her bed as she went to her bookshelf to collect her textbooks. As we started reviewing the material, a wave of butterflies fluttered in my stomach. I occasionally stole a glance at her while she flipped through different articles, but I couldn't hold my stare for long.
"Are these all the books we're going to be using?" I asked as she placed her biology and chemistry books on her desk. I watched her lean over, her eyes almost glued to the books as she read through them. "Yeah, these are the ones. I just want to make sure that we're both prepared for this project. It's about how we think the universe began, so lots to cover" she replied with a soft smile that brought me back to reality for a moment as I gazed into her eyes.
"I'm ready to start studying. So, what do you want to start with?" she asked as I sat down. She looked at me with a sweet smile and thought for a moment before responding, "Do you think we should start with chemistry? I know it's the one you struggle with the most."
"Sure, that works," I replied excitedly she remembered that from the walk my cheeks got a little pink as I opened the book and looked over her shoulder to find the section she had mentioned. I was determined to pay close attention this time, feeling more relaxed thanks to her calm and collected presence.
Every little gesture or movement she made caught my full attention like a spark in my head. Her adorable smile and the way she played with her hair made it difficult to resist complimenting her. When she asked if she could ask me something, it snapped me out of my trance for a moment. I replied with a simple "Yeah, sure."
As she playfully hit my shoulder, her touch felt light as a feather. I couldn't help but smile, sitting up and crossing my legs like she was doing. Moving my book from my lap, I placed it on the end of her bed. "Why can't you focus?" she asked, and my heart started racing. I didn't want to tell her the truth, so I lied, "No reason..." Trying to act casual, I could feel myself blushing as she hit my shoulder and called me out. It was because of her - her sweet smile, small gestures, and the way she sat cross-legged on her bed - that I couldn't focus. But I couldn't just outright admit that I had a massive crush on her.
"We can take a break?" she offered, and I felt even more nervous. The idea of taking a break meant a chance to talk about things other than studying and a chance to just hang out with her. I was hoping that she felt the same way and that she also couldn't help but notice the tension that was building between us. I sat back up and joked, "You're saying that as if I would deny the offer." My heart was racing, and I couldn't help but wonder if she could feel the same tension I did.
As we continued to talk, I made sure to continue moving closer to her every chance that I could get. The heat coming from her body filled me with a new sense of boldness as I tried to make my actions more noticeable. "I mean who can blame me, when I'm sitting across from someone so charming..." I said as I leaned forward a little, making the distance between us almost nonexistent.
"Have you been studying for long?" she asked me as she laid back on her bed, making it clear that she had no plans to get up anytime soon. As the conversation shifted towards more flirtatious topics, I started to blush slightly. "Do you mean studying?..." I replied to her, but even I could hear that my voice had taken on a flirty tone.
"Yes, studying, or are you just as brain-dead as the other football players?" she joked. "Hey now, what are you implying?" I responded teasingly as I moved closer to her. As we talked more, the tone of the conversation became increasingly flirtatious, and I struggled to hold back my blush. "You're the one who keeps saying we should take a break. Sounds like you don't want to study..." I said, trying to pretend to focus on a book.
But even as we continued discussing the material or pretending to, I noticed her eyes drifting toward me as she glanced up and down my body. It made me feel a little uneasy, but also excited as I wondered what she was thinking. Could she feel the same tension between us that I felt?
"Hmmm, maybe I don't. But you're the one who said yes to the break." she grinned mischievously as I scooted slightly closer to her, looking up and staring into her eyes. "You make it kind of hard to pay attention..."
As we continued to talk The heat coming from her body filled me with a sense of boldness as I attempted to make my actions more noticeable. "I mean, who can blame me when I'm sitting across from someone so charming?" I said as I leaned forward a little, making the distance between us almost nonexistent.
"I'm flattered. I'll take that as a compliment since you're also very kind with your words," she said as I moved even closer to her. We were almost too close for comfort, but I couldn't resist getting even closer. "I thought I was charming, but you are even more charming than I imagined," I told her, leaning in even closer until I was practically touching her. I felt like I was crossing a line, but I couldn't help myself. Her eyes seemed to be blushing, and I felt a sudden burst of confidence. I brought my hand up to her side, almost touching her waist. "You are an interesting girl," I whispered.
"You find me interesting?" she asked, smiling shyly and looking down. I could tell she was blushing and feeling a little embarrassed, but I decided to take a risk and leaned in even closer. Our faces were almost touching, and I could feel her breath on my face. I looked up at her and felt a rush of emotions.
"I didn't know you were so easy to read," I said as I leaned even closer to her, this time the tiny distance between us was nothing but air. I couldn't help but feel that feeling building inside me again as I watched her face grow redder and redder as it appeared to be a little closer every time. "I'm sure most guys would be more than happy to take advantage of a beautiful girl like you.”
“Are you most guys? Should I be worried? I'm not a one-and-done girl, Joel…” she said, showing insecurity for what seems to be the first time. As she asked me if I was 'most guys', I couldn't help but feel my heart sink for a brief second as I heard her insecurity, but I quickly recovered and smiled as I looked down at her. My hands slowly wrapped around her waist as I leaned even closer. "Oh please, you think I'm going to leave someone as beautiful and kind as you just like that. You aren't a one-and-done girl, you're... you're an angel." I slowly leaned forward so our faces were just a hair's width apart. I gazed into her eyes, lost in the moment, when she suddenly exclaimed, "An Angel?" Her voice was soft, yet full of wonder, as if she had just seen something magical. She was so close to me that I could feel her breath on my face, and I couldn't help but notice the way her face immediately flushed up with red. Her eyes quickly looked down, as if to distract herself from her sudden burst of emotion.
I kept looking at her, waiting for her to look back up at me. I leaned down just a bit more, my heart racing with anticipation, as my lips were barely an inch from hers when she finally decided to look back up. I couldn't help but feel the surge of joy rushing through my body as I saw the way her eyes slowly opened and she looked back up to face me.
The way her cheeks were still flushed and the shy, but happy look on her face was exactly what I needed. It was the perfect moment as I leaned in for the kiss. Our lips met in a sweet and simple embrace, and I felt a warmth spread through my body. It was like time had stopped, and nothing else mattered in the world except for that moment. I held her close as we kissed, and I knew deep down inside that this was the start of something special.
The kiss started gentle but with each second that passed it started to become more intense. The heat of her body and the way her hands ran through my hair was making my heart skip a few beats as I started to wish I could pull her into an even deeper kiss. I didn't want to overwhelm her though so I tried to keep it simple, although it was hard to keep my hands from finding every part of her body that I could. She's not someone who wants a one-time thing and I'll do everything I can to make sure she doesn't think all I want is sex.
We disengaged when we heard her front door slam shut. "That's my dad!" she exclaimed, her urgency evident. "He can't know you're here." She swiftly rose, pulling me up with her, both of us breaking away from the kiss as she hurried us along. Her pace was so brisk that it took a moment for me to catch on before I scrambled up. "Why can't he know I'm here?" I whispered, trying to avoid any noise as her dad ascended the stairs.
"Because he'll flip if he finds a guy in my room. Though, it's not like it's the first time I've had a guy over," she rushed, steering us towards her bedroom window. "Seriously? You've done this before?" I questioned? but that conversation could wait as we reached her bedroom window, which she promptly opened, urging me outside.
"Well, there was this one time Dad caught me, and he nearly lost it. I promised I wouldn't do it again, and he dropped it," she explained hurriedly, her insistence on getting me out the window starting to concern me. I trusted she knew what she was doing, but I wasn't quite prepared for what came next.
"Are you seriously making me climb out your window?" I protested.
"Don't be a wimp. You'll be fine. You're not the first guy I've had over," she reassured, though her words didn't ease my nerves. The distance from her window to the ground seemed to grow as she tugged me closer to the edge.
As I began to climb out, my foot slipped, and I fell with a hard thud and a loud squeak.
Despite the throbbing pain in my ankle, the walk home afforded me ample time to ponder, and my thoughts continuously circled back to her. I couldn't shake the feeling that something wasn't right, as if she was keeping something from me. If she's had numerous guys over before, why the sudden worry about her dad catching her? Was I just another casual fling to her? My mind brimmed with inquiries for my elusive "little miss pipedream."
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eetherealgoddess · 3 months
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ꨄOur Beta 2ꨄ
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Yandere Omegaverse Au
Sano Manjiro, Sanzu Haruchiyo, & Haitani Brothers x Reader
Read the first one for context!!
Part One
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Not fully proofread!
MY TR FANDOM WORKS ARE ONLY ON TUMBLR, AO3, AND WATTPAD UNDER EETHEREALGODDESS! REPORT IF YOU SEE IT POSTED UNDER ANYONE ELSE BUT ME!!!
Japanese language is red
I apologize if I get any Japanese etiquette or culture wrong, I literally have to research the culture for some of my fandom stories so if anything is wrong, please excuse my ignorance.
Notice:
✩Y/n is 18+. I picture her as a black female but you can see her however.
✩Some parts of the story may not be realistic or factual. After all, this is a work of fiction.
✩Although it's a dark 'romance,' I do not condone any of the behavior displayed.
✩Dark content such as: gore, violence, triggering topics, graphic scenes, vulgar language, explicit sexual content, etc.
✩There will be scenes that involve non con and/ or dubcon so don’t read if that makes you uncomfortable
✩That being said, this story is for 18+ only.
Enjoy!
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Our Beta 2
“Koko, I… I didn’t sign up to be a sex slave or a cuddle buddy. I c-can’t take this anymore!”
Y/n sat on the bed with her back leaned against the headboard, eyeing the executive in front of her with a pleading gaze as he could only stare back with pity and crossed arms. It had been two months since the additional heat and former executive Y/n has been entangled with a web of arms almost daily.
“I understand, but there’s nothing I can do. Trust me, I do feel sympathetic towards your situation, as this was an unexpected circumstance, but you know as well as I do that no one can go against the Boss's orders.” He sighs. Her head falls on her hands before she glares at him once more.
“I’ve been locked up in this room for, I don’t even know how long without a phone, and with stupid journals and board games as a means of entertainment. I’ve seen all channels and have streamed hella shows on the tv. Koko, just please help me escape. They-!”
“Stop right there. You know that either one of us could get killed if I help you. Just hang in there and be patient. I-I’ll try to find a way to at least talk you out of being stuck in this room. You can’t try anything, Y/n. It’ll only get worse.” He states as he begins to walk to the doorway.
“When are they coming back?”
“They’re on a mission right now. I don’t know when they’ll be back.”
She nods in response as he leaves and shuts the door.
I’ve gotta get out of here. I can’t be here if I’m not going to be an executive. This is torture. I’m not even an alpha.
Y/n might’ve more inclined to have accepted the terms if she would’ve been told about it before becoming an executive, having had a crush or two at the beginning, though her beta instincts not being affected as much as an alpha would to their attraction. Keyword, ‘might.’ She’s not really the type for that kind of job anyway, but it would have been nice to have had the option instead of being forced to do this. Especially with the lack of freedom.
Not to mention, she never consented to any of that, embarrassment still lingering as she thinks back on the events as she rubs the scar caused by one of the Haitanis biting her shoulder. It’s been a while so it’s fading but it was inflicted enough to last this long.
Finally deciding to make a move, she thinks of a plan to escape. Koko is probably in his designated room, face planted on his laptop screen so she shouldn’t have to worry about him, nor the alphas and omegas who are on a mission. Yes the security cameras will capture her leaving, but if she’s gone it won’t matter anyway. They’ll see the empty room. That leaves the guards. Fortunately, she gained some physical skills from her time as an executive so she wasn’t worried about fighting them off. She can find a hotel to stay in and get a new card from the bank. She’ll figure out her phone later.
She hops from the bed as she makes her way to the door. When she knocks on the door, she moves a step back to get ready for her attack. Once she hears the door click she takes a deep breath before blowing it out, jumping on the first guard that opens the door, both of them falling with her landing on top.
She punches him until he’s knocked out just in time for the second one to come behind, her standing up to grab his wrist near the shoulder that his hand was planted on, and swings him over, his body landing on the floor before she knocks him out as well. When that was over, she took a breath once more, eyeing her shaky hands as she headed to the exit. Adrenaline pumps as she runs, anticipating her freedom as she gets closer.
Once she makes it, she grabs the door and snatches it open, expecting guards to attack but only being met with icy blue eyes glaring at her.
“Fuck!” She tries pushing past him, only to be snatched painfully from the wrist as he drags her in, shutting the door behind them.
“S-Sanzu! Wait, please!” When they make it in front of the designated bedroom, he crosses over the bodies with a look of disgust.
“Pathetic. You can’t even do your job.”
He shoves her into the room. She turns back to him and grabs his arm before he can leave.
“Sanzu! P-please don’t tell Mikey! I just…!” He holds his hand up with narrowed eyes. She releases him and steps back. Pulling out his phone, begins dialing a number. Putting the phone to his ear, he begins speaking in his language. Y/n could only stare wide eyed in fear as to what could be planned for her. The only word she recognized was ‘traitor’ and that didn’t make her feel any better. When the call ended, he placed his phone back in his pocket before pulling out his gun and pointing at her. She froze as he walked closer to her. Before she could process anything, he pulled it back before landing a blow on her head with the butt of the gun, knocking her out. He catches her body before it falls and places her on the bed, leaving the room once he is done.
When she awakens, an excruciating pain in her abdomen catches her attention as her face scrunches and grunts leave her mouth. She attempted to move her arm to wrap around the pressure but she looked over to see that a cuff was connected from the chain hanging from the post. Her arm failing to budge caused her to move her leg which is also restrained against the bed tightly.
A wet liquid gushes out of her uncontrollably causing her to squirm in discomfort, the sensation of it dripping down her bare ass making her sick as she’s never been used to this kind of slick forming from her own body. Finally, she’s aware of her surroundings when she hears a loud scream in the room.
“P-PLEASE…!” The sound of an object making contact with flesh caused her worse pain as she recognized the word, meaning someone’s demise had been completed.
“Boss! I won’t let it happen again! Sp-spare me for my fam-!”
“Shut up.” Mikey hissed. The same sound made an impact once more, interrupting the victim causing her to flinch as tears built.
That must be the guards. I’m really going to die like this.
“Ah Beta, you’re finally awake.” Ran says as he walks over with the bloody baton on his shoulder, smirking as he looks down at her.
“Hey, you’re looking a little warm. Let’s fix that” Rin says before snatching the blanket that’s covering her naked body away. She gasps as she tries to use her legs to cover herself in reflex, failing miserably. It doesn’t matter how many times they have seen her naked, she will always feel humiliation considering they were her partners in quite a few missions. Also to be in such a vulnerable state, sweaty, hot, her own aroma filling up the air, and in straight agony, bare in front of the psychopaths she used to look up to, her being the newest executive after all.
She groans when another shot of pain surges through her body after another gush of slick falls out, gritting her teeth as her hands turn to fists. She breathes heavily as she tries to contain the new urges, her body surviving through an experience she has never had to deal with before. A hand grabs her chin, forcing her to look towards the opposite side of the bed, Mikey standing above her, his hair hovering over as he leans over.
“This is your fault.” He states with a stoic expression before releasing his grip and walking away from the bed, towards the exit. On the same side, Sanzu gets closer with a smirk on his face.
“Enjoy your heat, Beta.” They all walk towards the exit, shutting the door behind them as they leave Y/n and the dead bodies in the room.
After a while of suffering through the process with tears, slick, and agony, the door clicks open as a few footsteps make their way in. Koko came into view with a concerned look on his face, shaking his head.
“Y/n, I told you not to try anything.” He groans, palms rubbing down his face. She could only respond with whimpers and sniffs as she couldn’t form the words to express her distress.
“They’re planning to keep you here for the entire duration of your induced heat. I’m sorry, Y/n but it’s unknown as to when it will be over.” He resists the urge to cover her with the blanket, not wanting to deal with the repercussions that would come.
“K-koko please…! Unchain me f-for just a m-minute… I need t-to…t-take care of myself!”
“I cannot risk my own safety, Y/n. You will have to endure.” He sighs in pity. He looks over as the employees drag the bodies out and clean the evidence.
“Next time, please don’t let this happen again. For your own sake.”
Y/n’s heat lasted for a week and a half before she finally ended with no release or anyone to help her through. The omegan urges haunted her throughout the process of trying to survive. Nobody was allowed to check on her after the cleaners came. She wasn’t given food or water and had to endure with an empty stomach and dry throat, not that she would’ve been able to eat or drink anything anyway with her discomfort.
When it was over, she was too weak to speak or move, her eyes hollow as she could only take breaths and lay there. Finally, employees cleaned and fed her, a slow process before they left after chaining one of her ankles to the bed. She spent the next week becoming healthier, only allowed to get up for the bathroom. There were no signs of any executives until Mikey slept in the same bed one of the nights after it was over, holding her. The other omegan executives getting their own time with her when their boss allows it.
When Y/n was completely healthy, she was used once again as a heat guide for them as they shared the bed, bundled up in different nests made of clothes and blankets. She reluctantly accepts her fate, having no choice but to comply and survive.
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maleyanderecafe · 8 months
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Idyllic Island (Webcomic)
Created by: maryonnaise
Genre: Drama/Horror
To be fair, I did actually see this webcomic floating around when I was checking the yandere tag, but it kept going in and out of my attention for a bit. Now that it's finished though, man reading the entire thing at once is quite a trip. This comic is r18 though as it breaches topics of things like rape, self harm, suicide, PTSD and a lot of other things. If you are interested in this webcomic or others that are similar, check out @maryonnaise for more things.
The story starts out with Caleb reliving the trauma of being robbed at gunpoint at his job as a cashier. Due to this, he often will smoke weed and play a game called Idyllic Island to calm himself down (basically Animal Crossing). He seems to have suicidal tendencies and gains a crush on a pink haired customer who comes to the store. After suffering another panic attack due to a TV report on his robbery (as it turns out he was robbed by a fake gun), he ends up being taken advantage of by a coworker. Soon after it gets worse as he's fired from his job. He ends up hanging out with the pink haired girl he has a crush on in the alleyway back of the store and plays never have I ever with him, but with stripping rules. Eventually after a heated deep discussion, Caleb asks Bunny to slice his chest so that he can feel something, and Bunny, entertained by his company gives him her apartment number so they can hang out again.
A month later and Caleb comes to Bunny’s apartment to hang out where the two play blackjack. Winner makes the loser do what they want. Caleb talks about his trauma with Bunny and Bunny offers to help him with exposure therapy, showing him a realistic gun (that’s really a water gun). Caleb is able to win, leading to Bunny reenacting the robbery with him, but Caleb ultimately passes out. Afterwards the two of them have sex and Caleb admits that he’ll do anything for Bunny. Caleb then steal birth control pills for Bunny with the gun in his pocket as a way to do the exposure therapy before they drive over to the rich district. Bunny reveals that his dad is a rich lawyer and ends up parking in front of a house. Bunny tells Caleb that the man who robbed him was declared innocent thanks to her dad and that they are in front of the robbers home right now. Bunny re-enacts a scene of Caleb storming up and threatening the guy which Caleb is successfully about to do. However, when he does try to storm in, he falters and ends up vomiting before the two are chased by the cops. Bunny reveals that it wasn’t actually his house and the two end up bonding, becoming exclusive with each other.
While at Bunny’s apartment, Bunny cuts his hair before hiding Caleb when her dad comes. Her dad scolds her for getting bad grades and threatening to no longer pay the apartment if she doesn’t do better before leaving. In a rage, Bunny attempts to kill Caleb, but backs down when Caleb accepts his fate. She reveals that she was sexually assaulted when she was in school, leading her to try to kill herself and getting hospitalized. Caleb confesses that the two should run away together upon hearing this.
The two of them end up going to a romantic place near a cliff side before Bunny reveals that she’s invited someone to meet him. She gives him the gun and tells him to use it to threaten him if things get bad. Initially Caleb is very against this idea before finally accepting it as he believes he will do anything for Bunny. A man named Ethan comes and seems pretty angry that Bunny isn’t there. While talking, Ethan essentially admits to raping Bunny, causing Caleb to whip out the gun in anger. Ethan doesn’t seem phased by this at all, attempting to guilt trip Caleb into saying that he was there on the night this happened and that he was too high to do anything. Ethan also calls his bluff on the gun, causing Caleb to snap when he points out that he was tricked by a similar gun when he was robbed. Caleb ends up shooting Ethan in the back (it’s a real gun, surprise) and Ethan beats him up, only for Caleb to stab him in the eye in self defense. Bunny comes to stab him in the chest, killing him for good, praising Caleb on how proud she is of him.
Caleb freaks out after seeing Bunny kill Ethan, and is afraid that she will kill him next. Bunny ends up deposing the body by throwing Ethan off the cliff and faking a suicide note. She’s able to convince Caleb this was a good thing since he had raped other women as well. The two of them kiss afterwards believing that they can help others if they get rid of the terrible people in this world.
In the epilogue, Caleb and Bunny are in a party dressed up. The two are able to get two others to sleep with them before Bunny kills one of them outright. As Bunny goes to kill the other, Caleb plays Idyllic island, completely deafened to the screams.
First of all, I gotta say that this webcomic is very raw with it's colors and I like it. That being said, I'm sure the more neon greens and pinks are probably not something that everyone will like, but I honestly think it adds to the heighten emotions that the two of them have. The comic is really good at showing what it feels like to have trauma via PTSD symptoms, with Caleb for instance gaining more masochistic tendencies (well, MORE, I assume) because of his lack of control and his reliance on Idyllic Island and weed to calm himself down. Meanwhile Bunny is opposite, as her trauma makes her a lot more cold and she instead develops more sadistic tendencies to gain control, which eventually leads to more killing. I also like how casual the two of them are for the story, and nothing feels too dramatic or out of place (in my opinion). For both of them (but especially Caleb) it becomes a downward spiral that they can't get out of, and probably will lead to their downfall at the very end.
Caleb is a kind of strange case of a more submissive yandere because he's so desperate to relinquish control that it ends up getting him used and broken. He seems completely devoted to Bunny despite the two not knowing her for very long, and following along with everything that she does, whether it be something that he's afraid of or something that he feels is wrong. He's very easily manipulated by Bunny even afterwards, just being dragged along with a leash so that Bunny can go around killing people. He's willing to get killed by Bunny when she tries to attack him and seems to try his best to get anything that Bunny wants. The real question is if the two end up breaking up, would Caleb still be desperately attaching onto Bunny, begging her to take him back or if he would be so broken that he would just accept it. In that case, Caleb would more likely to be a yandere in the former and not one in the latter. You feel bad for Caleb since if the robbery didn't happen, I would like to think that he would probably not be in such a bad situation. I will say that I do like it when when the yandere guy is actually in a lower situation than their lover and that their lover is the more dangerous one.
I both really like Bunny and find her kind of frightening. She is the opposite of Caleb-rich, sadistic and always wanting to be in control. The two share their experience of PTSD which connects them and while their reactions are different, it's enough to keep them together. Still despite the fact that Bunny does have a lot of traits of a yandere (namely, being cutesy, killing and manipulating people) I'm not entirely sure if she is a yandere because I don't know how attached she is to Caleb. Most of her killings come from a place of revenge, rather than a place of love (like protecting Caleb or trying to isolate him), which doesn't disqualify her as a yandere really, just usually are more traits of a yangire. I guess it all really depends on how much she actually cares for him, and if she's willing to throw him away or not. That's not to say that yangires can't love, but usually their main focus in life isn't love, and that's what I get from Bunny. Still, I do like (and relate) to Bunny on the aspect of sadism, since the way she describes it is generally how I feel towards it (though afaik I don't have any PTSD thankfully) so it is nice to see someone describe it in a way that feels relatable. I also absolutely love couples where the male yandere is actually the less scary of the two, since that means you really screwed up there buddy.
Overall though, I think it was a very unique and interesting concepts that are shown in the story, yandere or otherwise. I was reading their other comic recently and it's pretty funny. Being able to write a drama and a comedy is no easy feat. If you are interested, please check it out! It's not too long and it's on Tapas.
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imagines--galore · 2 months
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||Mind Over Matter|| Part Eleven
Summary: Evelyn is Penelope Garcia’s protégé. She is a tech wiz, and knows her way around any kind of security and just like her mentor knows  how to dig deep and get into the past of anyone and has a knack for   anything with a chip in it. Including potato chips. The one thing she fails at   is figuring out is the mind and how it works.
Pairing: Spencer Reid x Evelyn Richardson(OC)
Rating || Genres || Warnings: T+ Romance. Adventure. Family. Some language, blood and violence in later installments.
Previously - Part One, Part Two, Part Three, Part Four, Part Five, Part Six, Part Seven, Part Eight, Part Nine, Part Ten,
A/N: And on to the Lila Archer episode :)
Takes place during and after Episode 18, Season One
"Joy of all joys. TV business." Evelyn muttered under her breath as she slammed a coffee pot on the counter before picking up a rag to clean up the drops she had spilled from her vigorous placement of the utensil.
"Is there something wrong with being on TV, Evelyn?" JJ asked, standing in the doorway of the little kitchen of the jet.
"Whats right with it?" The red head grumbled, picking up two mugs and filling them with the hot beverage. "All you're doing is putting yourself out there to be judged and ridiculed by people you don't even know." JJ gave a small smile of thanks as she accepted her mug of coffee.
"Sounds to me that you have quite the grudge against the media." The blonde commented. Evelyn sighed, as she pulled off her glasses, wiping the fog from the glass pieces, which had gathered there from the coffee.
"You're the Media Liaison for the Team JJ." She pushed her glasses back in place, gripping the mug between her hands, letting the warmth seep into her fingers through the ceramic.
"Why do people let themselves be ridiculed and criticized when all they are trying is to do what they love doing." She paused taking a sip before continuing.
"Or sometimes they're forced to do something because they have to get the money." She added, knowing how some people would do whatever they could to get the money they needed for food and shelter for their families or themselves. The world had always been a game. Survival of the Fittest. The minor people were always rooted out and destroyed almost unconsciously. No one even realized they were gone because they weren't an important part of their society. And neither did it matter. JJ sighed, moving a finger along the neck of the mug she was drinking from.
"Well sometimes people criticize because it is their job." She began. "And sometimes they do it because it's their nature to be blunt, as they would put it." Evelyn nodded, leaning against the counter as she looked at the older woman.
"I get that. But the journalists are really brutal aren't they?" She asked. JJ nodded, leaning next to her red haired friend.
"True. Some journalists would do anything for the story. Even dig up dirt. Come to think of it, you dig up dirt too, don't you?" The blonde nudged her friend, smiling lightly. Evelyn rolled her eyes.
"Its not dirt when you know it will help people." She stated, grinning at her friend, for a second before her smile disappeared and she looked down at the murky color of the coffee.
"But the dirt the Journalists dig up, it hurts a lot of people. And thats the sad part of it."
JJ nodded in understanding, placing a hand on her friend's shoulder. "Its part of their job Evelyn." The red head nodded.
"I know. I just wish they wouldn't hurt people, thats all." JJ frowned at the tone in her friend's voice.
"You sound like you know something about show business. Like something happened to you." JJ watched as Evelyn pursed her lips tightly, as if stopping herself from saying anything. The shoulder atop which her hand rested had suddenly tensed. The technician only took a sip of her coffee, silent for a few brief seconds before she spoke.
"I can only imagine what the person would have to go through." She muttered darkly, before setting her still half full mug of coffee on the counter and exiting the kitchen, leaving a very confused JJ behind.
                                             ————————–
Evelyn grunted lightly as she crawled under the table, running her hand along the bottom and edges of the furniture, her fingers feeling for anything out of the ordinary. Most people would prefer using their fancy gadgets to do the job in finding the bug. And though Evelyn used them as well, she preferred to give a place a proper manual search as well. She could hear Gideon, Morgan, Spencer and Detective Owen Kim, the man in charge of the investigation, talking to Lila Archer, or rather about her, about the most recent threat note she had gotten. Deeming the area bug free, the red head pulled out from under the table.
"Place is clean." She stated, pulling herself up, slightly dirty and sweaty from her time on the floor and checking behind the vanity and cupboards.
"Of course its bug free. No one would've gotten past the security at the entrance." The blonde star said, frowning lightly when she was met with silence. "Right?"
Feeling Gideon's eyes on her, the red head stepped forward. "It doesn't matter. The stalker is obsessed at a point where nothing appears difficult for them. And getting past security would be child's play."
The star nodded in understanding. She seemed to be a rather sensible girl. Not like some of the stars she had met before. Shaking her head to get rid of her thoughts, to focus on the matter at hand, Evelyn only heard Gideon telling the three of them to stay put and protect Miss Archer.
                                             ————————–
"Stupid machine!" Evelyn muttered under her breath as she fished a screw driver from her pocket, before leaning forward to open the main circuit of the small coffee maker.
"What're you doing?" The red head looked up to see Lila Archer looking at her with a raised eyebrow. The FBI Technician shrugged.
"The machine was glitching so I'm fixing it." She said, her tone stating that it was the most obvious thing to do. As she turned back to her work, the young actress moved forward.
"And you just happen to have a screw driver in your pocket?" She asked. Pursing her lips as she pulled out a couple of frayed wires, Evelyn nodded.
"I also carry around a pair of pliers." She said, taking the tool out of her messenger bag and twisted the ends of the wires pulling apart the frayed part to reveal the non-frayed wires. Placing them inside their allotted slots in the coffee machine, Evelyn smiled in satisfaction as the machine gave a hum.
"I thought you were the FBI's bug sweeper." Lila said, confusion lacing her tone. The red head nodded, turning to the speaker, gripping the styrofoam cup of steaming coffee as she did.
"Bug Sweeper. Hacker. Technician. Red-Head. Pint-Size. Hot-head. I go by many names or rather titles." She stated.
"And trust me. Carrying around these things can be really helpful. Especially if your opponent is bigger than you are. Though," She pulled aside the shrug she was wearing to reveal a gun at her side, grinning as Lila's eyes widened at the sight of the weapon. "This helps."
Lila glanced up at the red head, seeing her smiling lightly at her. "You must lead an exciting life." She said, making the other woman chuckle.
"I think I should be saying that to you, Miss Archer. You're the super star here." She said, raising the coffee mug to her lips before taking a sip and making a face as the taste of the beverage spread over her tongue.
"I think I'm gonna stick with a coke." She stated, emptying the contents of the cup in a trash can. Spotting her co-worker with said beverage in his hand she called out.
"Reid! Where's the vending machine." Her friend responded by simply pointing in the direction of the appliance. Smiling over at the blonde Evelyn gave a parting wave and smile.
"Pleased to meet you Miss Archer." She called over her shoulder, before walking over to the vending machine, fishing out a dollar as she did.
Morgan frowned at the red head as he stood next to her near the vending machine. "You alright, Short-stuff?" He asked. Evelyn responded by nodding as she inserted her dollar into the machine.
"Course I'm alright. Why do you ask?" She said, choosing the drink she wanted. Morgan glanced over where Reid had taken Evelyn's previously acquired spot and was now talking to Lila, before turning back to the red head.
"I know how you feel about show business Evelyn." He said, his tone serious. Evelyn nodded, silent, as she opened her coke can, and taking a sip.
"I know you do Morgan. But," She looked up at her friend, her blue eyes wide and serious behind her glasses. "No one can do anything about it. Except me." She glanced around at the people, carrying on with their specific jobs.
"I just hope no one recognizes me." She muttered under her breath, taking a sip of her drink. Morgan nodded his head in agreement before grinning.
"I'm sure your height helps you hide and keep out of sight." The red head, punched his shoulder as she passed him, cutting his laughter short.
"And also because you pack a punch." He called as he walked after her, massaging the spot she had hit him. Evelyn merely poked her tongue out at him, before she caught sight of an unattended camera and ran towards it.
As she stood fiddling with the contraption she could clearly hear what Lila and Spencer were talking about. She glanced up just in time to see Lila take Reid's drink from him and take a sip. The red head bit down on her lip as she caught sight of Morgan making faces behind Reid. As Lila walked away, Morgan walked over to the young genius, resting is arms atop the coffee cart.
"You don't mind sharing with me do you?" He asked. This time Evelyn did laugh out loud, as Spencer told Morgan to, 'Shut up!' before walking away.
"Go get 'em Lover." Morgan called after him, laughing.
"Wrong direction, Lover boy." She called as Reid passed by her. The young genius quickly turned on his heel, marching away in the right direction, but not before she caught sight of the blush on his face, eliciting a giggle from her, making her friend turn and scowl at her as he walked away. Evelyn merely responded by waving her fingers at him in goodbye.
                                            ————————–
JJ sat in the back of the car, fiddling with her phone as she did. Her mind was replaying the talk she had, had with Evelyn and somehow she suspected Evelyn had been through something that made her hate the show business like she did today. JJ wasn't doing this to be nosy. She just wanted to get to know her friend better. Evelyn was very desecrate and secretive about her past. Though Hotch, Gideon, Penelope and, she wasn't sure whether Morgan knew or not but she knew Spencer and Elle didn't have that much information either. JJ felt out of the loop. She was the recent addition to the Team. The others had known each other for a few years now, they were bound to be close.
JJ considered the Team her family as well, and she wanted to know what Evelyn's story was. Flipping her phone she dialed Garcia hoping the mentor would be able to shine some light on the mysterious red head.
                                              ————————–
"Crap!"
The word wasn't even out of her mouth and she was hiding behind her friend's taller frame. Spencer glanced back at the girl crouching behind him.
"What're you doing?" He asked. The two of them were waiting outside Lila's trailer. The shoot had just ended and after a little review and rehearsal, the two of them were to escort her back to her house. Both Agents had opted to wait outside, neither of them wanting to get in the way. Though Spencer was curious and slightly worried at his friend's sudden odd behavior. "Don't move alright." She whispered, trying to stay out of sight as she peeked from behind him. "See that woman over there. The one in the red suit?" Spencer scanned the crowd of people moving about before spotting a woman matching Evelyn's description.
"Yeah?"
"I need to stay out of sight. Make sure she doesn't see me." She muttered. Spencer opened his mouth to say something but he was interrupted by Lila exiting her trailer and asking if the two of them were ready to go in a loud voice. Evelyn, not anticipating the sudden arrival, jumped out from behind her friend, and as luck would have it was spotted by the last person she wanted to be, well, spotted by.
"This must be my lucky day. Lila Archer and Evelyn Richardson."
The red head winced at the proclamation as the suit wearing woman marched over in their direction, a camera man right after her. Her hair was cut in a sharp bob, her lips and nails painted red to match her suit. The whole outfit would've been good if it didn't clash with the large pink glasses she was wearing. The short haired woman smiled widely at the blonde star.
"Lila! Its been so long since I interviewed you." She said, as a way of greeting. Not giving the woman a chance to answer she turned to the red head.
"And Evelyn! You've changed drastically. The last time I saw you, you looked positively glammed up and beautiful. But then again it was your sister's wedding. Of course you would look radiant." She waved her hand in a careless manner. "Not as radiant as the bride though."
Evelyn bit down on her lip, her cheeks reddening as she looked down at the floor, embarrassed. Spencer stared at the woman in confusion, who turned to look at him, still smiling widely.
"I'm Michelle. Michelle Springfield." She stated, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world. "I'm with The Stardom." Spencer nodded.
"I know who you are. What I don't know is how you know Evelyn or how you were able to get in. This is a closed set." He said, his face showing no emotion. The reporter laughed.
"Don't worry, Sweetheart. You won't get into any trouble." She reassured winking his way. Evelyn gently gripped Spencer's arm pulling him away.
"Come on, Spence." She muttered, motioning for Lila to follow them. "Lets not make a scene."
"I think we still have the footage from the last scene your sister created." The reporter proclaimed, as she motioned towards her camera man to start rolling.
"But if there is one you can top off then by all means."
Evelyn gulped as the camera was pointed at her. Lowering her head she pulled on Spencer's arm once again, seemingly snapping him out of the slightly shocked state he had been in given the woman's behavior.
"I am sorry, Miss Springfield, but Agent Richardson and I are on duty right now and have to escort Miss Archer back to her home." He stated, gently pushing Lila to walk in front of them while pulling Evelyn with his other hand, making sure to keep her as close to him and as concealed from the camera as possible.
                                              ————————–
"For the love of God! Spencer!" Evelyn hissed, scowling at her friend.
"What?" He asked, frowning in confusion. Checking to make sure Lila wouldn't overhear them she turned to her friend, punching his arm.
"Do you not know a woman trying to make conversation when you see it?" She asked, crossing her arms over her chest as she did. It seemed she was doing her best to distract herself from what had happened earlier by directing her attention towards him instead. Spencer sighed, rubbing a hand over his face as he did.
"She's a victim in this situation Evelyn. I'm an FBI Agent. It's against policy." He stated, making Evelyn roll her eyes.
"Who would know?" She asked, gesturing around the empty house.
"You would." He deadpanned.
"Yeah! But I wouldn't tattle on you. What are we seven?" She muttered, scowling at him, before glancing in the direction of the kitchen and turning back to her friend. "Just go with it Spence. I know its not really your thing but," She glanced up at him.
"Try to be her friend. People like her need all the good friends they can get." She continued, patting him on the shoulder, before making her way towards the kitchen. Behind her Reid, frowned in thought, turning back to look at the collage.
                                              ————————–
"So you really didn't see anything?"
"Nope."
"Not even a smidge."
"Scout's honor."
"You were never a Scout."
"I'm telling the truth."
Morgan scowled at the red head, who stared back at him with an expression of complete indifference.
"But I can tell you that something did happen." Blue eyes darted to where Reid was sitting on the other side of the plane, staring out of the window. Morgan glanced over his shoulder at the young genius as well. As if he knew they were watching him, Reid looked up from where he had been musing, raising an eyebrow in a questioning manner at the two of them. Morgan simply gave him a small wave before turning back to Evelyn, leaving Reid to frown at the back of Morgan's head in confusion.
"Does it have something to do with the fact that Reid was soaking wet when we arrived at Lila Archer's house?" Noting how she pursed her lips, as if she were holding something back, was all the answer Morgan needed. He smirked before chuckling.
"Pretty Boy got it on." He said in a sing-song voice, prompting Evelyn to laugh softly.
"Shame it won't work out though." The red head said after a few minutes of silence. Morgan hummed in agreement as he fiddled with a pair of headphones. He was distracted from his task when JJ appeared at his side, her eyes trained towards the red head.
"Evelyn? Could I talk to you for a minute?" The technician glanced up from the rather thick book she had been reading and nodded, following after the blonde as she led the way to the tiny kitchen at the other end of the plane.
"Is everything alright JJ?" Evelyn asked, a worried look taking over her features as she watched JJ start to fix herself some coffee. The media liaison nodded.
"Oh yes, everything is fine. Its just I wanted to ask you a few questions. About Diana Miles." At the very mention of the name the red head stiffened, her hands curling into fists as an unreadable expression came to her face and her normally expressive blue eyes turned glassy and wooden, and somewhat sad.
"What're you doing JJ?" The red head asked in a low tone. JJ didn't miss any of those changes and she asked herself if this was a good thing. But Evelyn's earlier hostility against the media made her curious. And a little worried about the red head's reaction as well.
"I'm just trying to fit a few pieces together. We've known each other for some time now Evelyn, and I barely know anything about you. You're my friend and I care for you. I just want to know what it is that bothered you so much about this case."
Evelyn continued to stare at the blonde, the sound of her heart loud and fast in her ears as she silently contemplated on whether she should explain everything to JJ or not. She had kept this a secret for so long. Aside from Gideon and Penelope no one knew much about her past. Gideon knew the full story. Penelope knew half of it. Hotch had his suspicions, she knew. And Morgan, Elle and Reid probably had their own little profile of her tucked away in their heads. Despite the unspoken promise to never profile anyone on the Team, it was an unconscious act on everyone's act. But no one ever called anyone out on anything.
JJ held Evelyn's gaze. Determined to get some answers. But only if the red head was comfortable with giving them. Finally, something in the younger agent's expression broke and she sighed, her body relaxing completely.
"This isn't the place to discuss these things JJ. Come over to my place after work tonight." There was a determined gleam in the blue eyes that made JJ know for certain that her friend wouldn't back off.
"I'll explain everything."
                                             ————————–
The figure shifted as they hid tried their best to stay concealed behind the thick bush while also keeping their eyes on the woman that had just pulled her car in her driveway and was now getting out of the car. Glancing at the clock and with the best of their ability given the limited light the moon gave the figure quickly scribbled down the time on a small note pad they were holding.
The woman was of course oblivious to the figure watching her every move as she locked her car and started to walk up to her front door. The figure noted how slow her steps were. And how her posture was a little off. As if she were tired. Probably from work.
As she disappeared into the house the figure remained where they were, hoping to catch a glimpse of whatever the woman's routine was inside her home.
                                             ————————–
Tag List - @lovelyygirl8 @kathaaaaaaa
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evelmiina · 10 months
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Hi Eva,
I have a fee questions regarding your wonderful work. I'm currently working on my visdev portfolio, but going a bit insane thinking about keeping my artstyle consistent if i'd ever be hired. I just looked through your background paintings and wondered how you keep your backgrounds in a consistent style. I love your nature studies too, and they look so different from your work pieces... More free and explorational. Is it difficult to keep up the habit of learning new techniques and exploring styles once you're on a job? I'm so full of ideas and feel like sometimes the idea would require a certain style/technique to be pulled off in the best way. Do you feel that too sometimes and is it restricting in a way to then keep the style of the paintings the same.
Would love to hear your thoughts on that!! :)
Hi Eekonis!
First off: don't worry! I don't think consistency is an issue... I feel like any artist no matter the level, feels like their work is all over the place. I think of consistency more like per project, rather than overall my work. 
If you're interested in vis dev, a good way to showcase your work in a portfolio and not feel overwhelmed and all over the place, is to create just one project. I saw in your portfolio the bat story exploration, that's great! Just pick one of the ideas you have. Truth is we never feel ready to do something and we postpone and ruminate, but you have to start somewhere. My friend always says, "vain tee se" (just do it) and that's really all there is. Imagine your story as a film/TV (or game, or comic, but you have to choose one), and make designs and paintings of how you imagine it. You can try searching for visual development portfolios and see what other professional artists have included in theirs, there's so many ways to go about it. From the top of my head I'm thinking Aurelien Predal, Marie Thorhauge, Scott Watanabe, Kevin Roualland, Sylvain Marc. Also art books of movies or shows you like are really useful. There's a lot of art of movies and artists, tutorials etc collected in character design references website, from all around the world.
If your own idea feels too vague or the story is not set and you get stuck on it, you could also choose an existing story like a fairytale or a novel. Try to be intentional with your pictures - you want to be clear and tell a story after all, you want people to feel like they get to know the characters and the world from just one picture, and they really want to know the full story. In your portfolio, I like your bat story explorations and it seems cool, but it's currently missing some characterization and story. It would be a good idea to illustrate story moments or character design that really shows the personality, gesture, acting. And when you create environments, make them feel lived and inhabited, give them just as strong mood and character as you would to characters. 
Consistency within a project is just about setting rules and limitations, some of them come from the ability and skill. Others are more like, what brushes to use, what are the visual goals, influences and references. You can go pretty far in breaking down how pictures are made and what makes a style. For example, why do Ghibli movies look like Ghibli? What kind of color palettes, compositions, camera angles, tools were used? How realistic/cartoony is it? There’s internal logic to everything designed, and with practise it becomes more visible.
I don't know if I intentionally try to learn new styles all the time. I'm generally just motivated by doing what I think is fun or what I want some piece to say about story, character or my own feelings and trying to do it best I can. It sounds simple but... if the goal is to do something really well, then I just do my best to learn it. There are some styles that I really love and think are amazing, but would probably take decades to pull off and I just accept that I don't really want to go that way, and I focus on things that I really want to keep at. It's always possible to switch directions, but to get good at something you have to commit to one thing at a time. 
So yes, I face my limitations all the time. I'm very familiar with feeling like, so and so would do better job, someone is always better than me for sure. Sometimes it is painful to not be able to draw or paint in a way I want. I think this probably never changes, it's just human nature. But I dunno, some people get satisfaction from making AI do their project in the style they want, but if I was able to do something in a snap of fingers, like just get the perfect style for my project, it wouldn't feel good to me. I guess I want the full experience of suffering and joy of figuring things out myself. Sometimes it will suck and hurt, but you learn more about yourself and it'll get easier to recognize what you really want to make. Then, you can always do a little bit better next time.
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batty4steddie · 4 months
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Can I Keep It?
@spicycinnabun and I's contribution to steddiebang 2023! ❤️️ | Chapters: 3/12 | Rating: M | Read, kudos or comment on ao3 | We have a playlist. ❤️️ | Chapters: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Chapter 3: Study Hard
Eddie spent the ride to Steve’s house sandwiched between Dustin and Max in the backseat because, of course, as soon as they got outside, Robin called shotgun. 
Max was leaning with her forehead pressed against the window and her eyes closed, and Dustin was working his way through a bag of sour gummy worms because, "Road snacks, guys.” 
Eddie accepted one, wrapping it around his finger and tearing off the head with his teeth. He let out a soft breath when the boathouse disappeared from view and let Dustin talk his ear off for the rest of the trip.  *
Steve’s house wasn’t too far. It was in a nicer neighborhood but still close to the lake. In fact, his room had a pretty good view of it. 
Once they arrived, Steve noticed that his mom's car was gone. At least sneaking Eddie in wouldn’t be an issue. She must have gone to the store. 
Usually, after he and his dad went to work, she turned into the couch potato she had been since she’d figured out his dad had been running around on her. She’d been depressed for a while now but kept up appearances in front of his dad and the rest of the town.  
She’d finally told Steve about his dad cheating because she had gotten so upset after his dad called to say he wasn’t coming home for dinner. To Steve, that was nothing new—he was always missing dinner for work—but now Steve knew why. 
He hadn’t liked his dad much before he knew that. He was always so hard on him. Nothing Steve did was ever good enough. No matter how many basketball games or swim meets he won, that was nothing compared to his dad’s high school football career and the scholarship that had gotten him into college. Those things led him to an amazingly successful career as a salesman… who then cheated on his high school sweetheart. Steve was bitter and hated cheaters.  
His house was slightly secluded, with lots of greenery and big trees surrounding it. Since the lake was behind the house, there wouldn’t be any nosy neighbors catching Eddie Munson being willingly led into the Harrington house. 
Steve got out of the car and waited for Eddie. “Looks like my mom is at the store or something. You just gotta keep it down when she gets back.” 
Harrington’s place seemed more like a museum than a house. It was nestled in the trees, had two stories, and big full-length windows that wrapped around to the back. Eddie had driven past Steve’s a few times before, unknowingly. He was only ever in this area of Hawkins for drug deals. Rich seniors were his best customers.     Eddie nudged Dustin to let him out of the car.  “I promise not to blast any of Satan’s music while your mom is home,” Eddie vowed, raising his hands in a show of good faith.
He and Steve left the kids, and Robin, who still had a shrewd look in her eyes as she observed them, while they walked up and around the property. 
According to Steve, nobody was home, yet most lights were still on inside. It was sorta lonely looking, Eddie thought. It was like somebody had turned all the lights on to pretend it was filled with warmth and people. Eddie couldn’t imagine what their electricity bill was like. Uncle Wayne didn’t even let him keep his amp on for more than a few hours, though that was probably more about the noise and less about the power usage… 
Steve led Eddie around the back of the house where his private entrance was. There were two large glass sliding doors. That wasn’t something he’d always had. Not until he’d graduated had he moved into the basement. He wished his dad would’ve made him move down there sooner. It would’ve been much easier to sneak dates in when he was in high school.  
His room was clean—pretty cliché for a basement-converted room. He had a couch and a whole entertainment system: TV, VCR and stereo. He had a built-in desk with shelves that housed his trophies and various ribbons he’d collected from sports and swimming over the years. 
One of Eddie’s burning internal questions was answered as soon as they entered Steve’s lair: where he was going to sleep. “You can sleep on the couch,” Steve said. “It’s pretty comfortable. I got some extra pillows and blankets in my closet.” 
Eddie nodded. It looked comfortable, even though he was sure his thighs would stick to that leather in the middle of the night like gum on a school bus seat on a hot day. The couch was set up in front of a nice TV and a large cabinet with glass doors that held the latest Sony system on the market. No Nintendo, though. Eddie suspected Steve was probably too cool for that sort of thing. 
Steve went over to his closet. It was really organized. It had all his past uniforms, his letterman jacket, and his Hawkins High gear that he had collected throughout his four years. He grabbed a blanket and pillow while Eddie eyed the room. He knew he’d have something to say about the study hard poster.     Eddie skimmed his palms along the smooth, wood-panelled walls of Steve’s bedroom. He was already feeling more like himself again. “So, this is where the great King Steve lays his head every night,” Eddie said grandly, spreading his arms as he looked around. He was polite enough not to touch anything immediately, though his fingers were already itching to snoop. “I was expecting a big red canopy, if I’m honest. Maybe some golden tassels.” 
“Not sure what kind of fantasies you’ve had involving red canopies and gold tassels… but my room isn’t that.” Steve had a regular wooden bed frame with a full mattress and a plaid bedspread. It was nothing fancy, but that really must be what Eddie thought for him to be so descriptive.    Steve’s room was almost cute in its typical teenage boyishness. There was nothing really out of the ordinary. It was tidy. There weren’t even any weird smells. Very wholesome. 
Eddie noticed a little shrine with all of Steve’s sports achievements, a picture of a red sports car, a bowling pin lamp, and a few posters of half-nude women on the walls. He stopped by one in particular and rocked back on his heels, eyeing Steve’s back as he searched through his closet. “Yup, that’s definitely how I get all straight D’s. Studying hard.” 
Steve snickered at Eddie’s joke. He turned around swiftly and caught Eddie’s gaze. He gave him a dirty grin. “That explains why you haven’t graduated and why I didn’t get into college.” 
Steve was pretty horny most of the time. He got distracted easily and spent more time chasing tail than he did on his homework. He got lots of D’s. It looked like they had that in common. 
No straight man should look at another man wearing that sort of smile. It was unholy. Harrington probably wouldn’t have smiled like that if he knew about Eddie. That was the sort of thing straight jock dudes did, though. A smirk here, an elbow in the side there—shared camaraderie over the chicks they wanted to bang. 
Eddie supposed it made sense why Steve was still living in his parents’ basement and working at Family Video if he’d been rejected from college.Eddie followed him into the bathroom without commenting on it, though he wondered how many schools Steve had attempted to get into. How many rejection letters had he received before he gave up?
Maybe Eddie would be doing the same thing once they killed Vecna, cleared him of murder, and he graduated high school. Ha. 
Steve took the linens over to the couch, and Eddie stepped backwards hastily when Steve passed him and set them on the cushions. “Let me show you the bathroom.” 
Luckily, Steve had his own bathroom, and Eddie wouldn’t have to go upstairs if he had to use it. It was kind of small and had no tub, but it had a spacious shower where he stored his various hair products. 
“I think there’s an extra toothbrush,” Steve said as he opened one of the vanity drawers. He dug around a bit and found it, then set it on the counter. “Was kind of saving it, you know, in case a date forgot hers, but that hasn’t happened in a while. You can have it.” 
He hadn’t found anyone worth bringing back to his place. His car, though… that was different. 
Eddie looked at the toothbrush. It was still in its packaging, purple and turquoise, with a small head of bristles. How long was a while? This toothbrush had probably only been here for a few weeks, max. 
“Um, thanks,” Eddie said, feeling a slight flare of irritation in his gut that he didn’t fully understand, a tick forming between his brows as his brain supplied him with a visual of some perky cheerleader type brushing her teeth in there. “Not really my color, though. More of a pink girl myself.”
Some things took Steve a few seconds to process. He let out a delayed chuckle after Eddie’s joke. In his few interactions with Eddie, he could see just how silly he was. 
He meant a lot to Dustin, too… While he’d still insist he wasn’t jealous, that Dustin was the catalyst, he was right a lot. Steve could see Eddie’s innocence. He was starting to warm up and understand Eddie’s appeal.  
There was sweetness in his eyes that Steve couldn’t deny when looking into them. There was a rawness to him, too. When he spoke about Chrissy, there was terror in his voice and a horrified expression on his face. Eddie had knocked down walls Steve hadn’t known he had up. 
He was just being nice, right? Because he wasn’t the bully that he used to be. He had come a long way since then. He was a nice guy.  
“You can borrow some of my clothes. We’ll wash yours.” They looked a little grimy. “Probably hasn’t been too comfortable sleeping in your jacket.” 
With it being early March in Indiana, it was practically still winter there. That was another reason Steve felt better about Eddie not being in the boathouse anymore. He didn’t have to sleep in uncomfortable leather and a jean vest, as badass as it looked. He’d never tell Eddie he thought that, though. Steve envied Eddie’s shiny and tough style over his dull, preppy one. 
Eddie guessed he probably reeked. He hadn’t done a pit check but had been wearing the same outfit for a long time. Being scared shitless probably hadn’t helped his aroma. He’d attempted to wash his underwear in the lake, but that had gone as well as expected. 
Steve brushed past Eddie just to get out of the small space, and Eddie stepped backwards again like a startled fawn, back hitting the door. The soft material of Steve’s shirt still brushed against the roughness of his jean jacket, the warmth of his body heat palpable. Steve smelled like coconuts on a goddamn tropical island again. 
For not showering in a couple of days, Eddie didn’t smell bad, Steve thought.  “That’s it for the tour. You think you’ll be alright? I shouldn’t be gone too long. I’ll be back before Mom finishes dinner. I can bring you something to eat after I eat with her,” he promised. 
He knew Eddie had been hungry this morning, so he would probably like a home-cooked meal. 
“I’ll be fine, man,” Eddie replied, feeling skittish over all the catering Steve was doing to make sure he was comfortable. Hell, even offering him his mom’s cooking.     Eddie went and sat down on the leather couch, stretching his arms along the back and spreading his legs to show just how okay he’d be. His knee jiggling up and down was his only tell. “Appreciate you letting me crash. You know, putting your ass on the line. Harboring a fugitive and all.” There was a question in Eddie’s eyes as he observed Steve. Why are you doing this?    Was it really possible that Harrington was just… a decent guy? Hmm. 
“You didn’t do anything wrong,” Steve reiterated because it sounded like Eddie needed reassurance. There was no doubt in Steve’s mind that he was doing the right thing. Getting thanked was unnecessary. 
Steve didn’t see him as a monster or guilty of a crime. He was a friend of a friend and deserved a fighting chance against something that had reared its ugly head again and nearly destroyed Hawkins. Anything Steve could do to help, he would do for his friends.  
He saw how badly Eddie’s knee was jiggling, so Steve reached down and forced it to stop. Eddie didn’t have to be nervous anymore. 
Eddie stilled. The heat from Steve’s hand was still radiating through his knee, making it buzz and tingle in the aftermath. Eddie looked down because that was unexpected, and so was the fluttering in his stomach like he’d just eaten a butterfly. He didn’t feel anxious, though.
Steve gave him a reassuring squeeze. “We got this,” he said, letting go and meeting Eddie’s eyes as he straightened back up. 
Eddie swallowed. Steve sounded so confident in Eddie’s innocence and their ability to beat the monster. It was actually… comforting.
Steve walked over to the sliding glass doors and started to let himself out. “Be back soon,” he promised.  
Once outside, he flashed Eddie a small smile through the window. 
Steve's smile was like a blanket settling around Eddie’s shoulders. Eddie could only nod back at him. He wasn’t sure what his face did—if he smiled back at Steve or just looked dumbstruck. 
Steve headed to the car, and Eddie sunk into the couch more and curved his shoulders, blowing a breath.  “What was that?” he asked himself, bewildered. He looked down at his fluttering stomach in suspicion. "Why are you acting like that?" 
Had that Yoo-hoo been expired? Was he sick? 
Shaking it off and feeling oodles calmer, Eddie stood up again. The urge to snoop was strong again, but his feelings over invading Steve’s privacy had changed somehow in the last few minutes. It wasn’t right. Eddie would only do surface -level snooping. 
But first, a little freshening up. * Eddie closed the bathroom door and locked it, just in case Mrs. Harrington came home while he was in there and decided to do something wildly inappropriate, like walk in while her son was in the shower. Eddie didn’t know the Harrington family. Maybe they were weird like that. 
After fucking around a bit with the unfamiliar plumbing, he managed to turn the shower on and adjusted the water until it was screaming hot. Steve’s hot water actually worked, unlike theirs. Nice. 
Eddie stripped off his clothes. His shirt stuck to his skin as he pulled it off. He left his pile of stinkies beside the laundry basket instead of in it, unsure if Harrington would appreciate him mixing them in with his own clothes. 
The hot shower felt glorious . Eddie groaned, tilting his head back and gargling some fresh water. He spit it out in an arc like a fountain just because he could. His hair flattened to his head, all dirt and crustiness washing out down the drain. 
Eddie picked up one of the bottles on the shelf and gave it a look. “Fabergé Organics Wheat Germ Oil and Honey,” he read out loud, eyebrow quirking in amusement. “Is this his secret?” 
He popped the cap and gave it a sniff. It was pleasant and mild, but not the coconut he’d smelled earlier. 
Eddie didn’t normally use conditioner—he used a two-in-one that worked as shampoo and body wash—and quite frankly, he didn’t understand its purpose, but he decided to use Steve’s. Eddie’s hair was matted worse than a junkyard dog’s, and Steve wasn’t called “The Hair” for nothing. He knew a thing or two. 
When he was all cleaned up, and his hair was feeling frighteningly silky, Eddie turned off the shower. He stepped out, drying his feet on the mat and wrapping the towel from the hook around his waist. He unlocked the door, opened it a crack, and listened for any activity. When he heard nothing, he emerged. 
Steve had said he could borrow some clothes, so Eddie went to his dresser and pulled open the drawers. He rifled through a bunch of overly starchy collared shirts and colored striped shirts before he found a black Ghostbusters one that looked threadbare and comfortable. It said I’VE BEEN SLIMED in green, goopy lettering underneath the No-Ghost logo. Eddie cackled in amusement and pulled it on with a pair of cotton, plaid pajama bottoms. 
He didn’t poke through Steve’s boxer drawer because he was a gentleman and not creepy. Going commando was more comfortable, anyway. 
He did have a poke around in Steve’s closet. His brain stalled when he saw the old green and white letterman jacket. Eddie traced the fabric H on the front, and before his brain fully caught up with what he was doing, he took it off the hanger and slid it on. 
Steve had a mirror above his dresser, so Eddie caught his reflection. He did a slow three-sixty, and his heart fucking pitter-pattered. He laughed at himself. He was so painfully pathetic sometimes “Get a grip, man. Jesus Christ.” 
When he was younger and much more of a boy-crazy idiot than he was today, in the most private chamber of his mind, he’d imagined what it would be like to stroll down the hallways at school on the arm of a jock. 
He’d imagined how it would feel to be popular and coveted, to wear a letterman jacket that was a bit too big for him (because muscles, unfortunately, were something Eddie had never acquired, jamming on his guitar and roleplaying in his friends’ basements). 
He’d wondered how it would feel to receive a rose, like all the cheerleaders did, on Valentine’s Day when Cupid came around to each class. One particularly drunken evening, he’d even dreamt he was a cheerleader cheering on his baller boyfriend at a game, right next to Chrissy Cunningham herself. 
The fact that he’d fantasized about any of that and liked it infuriated him. He hated jocks, and they hated him. 
Luckily, those fantasies faded after a year of being bullied by said jocks. Or so he thought. One ex-jock was turning out to be nicer than any of the ones he’d had the displeasure of associating with. 
Eddie touched the H again, looking down at it. He shrugged the jacket off and put it back on one of the empty hangers, shutting the closet door. He couldn’t remember if that was the same hanger he’d taken it from. Still, it wasn’t likely Steve would notice such a small detail unless he kept a meticulous closet inventory or something. 
Eddie went to the stereo and started flipping through Steve’s cassette collection to pass the time. As expected, most of it wasn’t real music, but… 
“Oh,” Eddie said, delighted. Madonna. “Do you like The Queen of Pop, or do you just use this to woo the chickadees?” Either way, it made him grin. 
Eddie almost put Madonna in, but Billy Idol was already in the deck when he popped it open, so he closed it and pressed play. Eyes Without A Faceblasted through the speakers. Eddie flailed and turned the dial down so it played on volume three instead of nineteen. It was in the middle of the song, one of the sadder ones on the album. 
“Hm,” said Eddie curiously. 
The shower had helped loosen his tense muscles, but to fully relax, he always needed a little help from his friend. 
Eddie drummed his fingers on the top of the stereo. “If I was a well-mannered rich boy, where would I hide Mary Jane?” 
Eddie checked Steve’s desk first, flipping through his stacks of books. He didn’t find any hollow ones. 
Next, he searched Steve’s VHS cabinet. He had a small collection. Eddie guessed Steve had watched enough movies at Family Video that he didn’t need too many at home. He had a copy of Fast Times at Ridgemont High, which looked particularly abused, its case worn out. But no weed. 
Damn it. It was probably in his car somewhere, if he had any. 
Eddie checked a few other potential hiding places but froze when he heard a car pulling up in the driveway. He heard a door slam and then another—the floor creaking. A female voice called out, muffled by the distance. 
“Stevie?”  
 Silence. 
Eddie turned the stereo down one more notch and, not knowing what else to do, went to sit on Steve’s bed, hands clasped on his knees. He didn’t know if he should hide, but if Steve’s mom came down, he could always say that Steve was on his way home and Eddie was… a friend of his? Sleeping over? 
Hopefully, the police hadn’t released his name and picture yet, or Mrs. Harrington didn’t pay attention to the news. Fuck, he needed to watch the news tonight. 
Eddie waited a few minutes, biting his thumbnail, but Mrs. Harrington didn’t come to the basement. Eddie heard what could have been pots and pans clanging from the far side of the house, so it sounded like she was making dinner. 
Travelling back to the couch to lie down suddenly seemed exhausting as fuck. He’d go in a minute. 
Releasing a sigh, Eddie fell backwards. His head hit the pillow, damp curls fanning out around it. There were too many thoughts in his head again and more threatening to come up, so he tried to focus on his other senses. He smelled cooking meat in the air and traces of coconut from Steve’s pillow. 
Steve’s bed had the Goldilocks of mattresses. Not too hard, not too soft. Eddie released another sigh, his eyes and his body growing heavy. 
“Fuck me, I’m tired…” 
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twig-tea · 9 months
Text
Thai QL Favorites Tag Game
Tagged by @telomeke and @waitmyturtles, thank you both for the tag!
Credit: this game was created by @thatgirl4815 as Thai BL Favorites Tag Game.
I want you all to know before I start that asking for favourites is biphobic so you're going to have to ignore the places where I bent/ignored the rules about how many choices I was allowed to have. Also, this is so long, and took forever, I'm so sorry:
Favorite Thai QL:
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I could caveat this until the end of time, but I'm going to go with the definition of "favourite" that's "has a special place in my heart" rather than necessarily "best"; and that's undoubtedly Until We Meet Again. I got very not normal about this show. When it was airing, I used to rewatch every episode before the new episode, and then rewatch the newly aired episode at least once before binging the show to date again. And I've binged it several times since. Sometimes if I need to cry, I'll put on the first 10 minutes and ugly-sob. This show felt like an apology and catharsis for years of built-up bury-your-gays induced trauma from queer media, in addition to a balm for all of the external relationship drama tropes in BL. I think I've talked about it around here somewhere before, how this show sets up all of the tropes for things that go wrong for couples in BL, and then everything is fine, over and over? And it was airing during the very start of the pandemic before the world was calling it a pandemic, when I was so worried about everything and governments hadn't caught up to being afraid yet, and I felt so alone, and this show over and over again said "it'll be ok", at a time I really needed to hear that. Plus it's got the whole epic-love-story-across-lives and the family acceptance redemption arc that as a still-only-partially-out-to-my-family-in-my-30s queer absolutely destroys me. Anyway, there are other shows that I would agree are as good or better (shout out to He's Coming to Me, I Told Sunset about You, Bad Buddy, Not Me, The Eclipse), but UWMA remains my fave (and gets two gifs for being top spot).
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Favorite Pairing: I have seen this interpreted as branded pairs & as fictional couple, so I'm going to take that excuse to answer both questions. I'm honestly not a fan branded pairs as a thing and agree with @lurkingshan's comments on this, I tend to prefer it when people continuously work with different actors. That being said, JoongDunk seem to be having a lot of fun with the whole fanservice game, which is fun to watch for as long as they're enjoying themselves and continue to be in on the joke, which seems to be the case.
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Fictional couple? Right at this moment I am still thinking about Khatha and Dome from Midnight Museum. I think this one hit me in my Chinese epics button, because the story felt a lot like a danmei (not the least because you could argue it reads as censored bromance). But this show asks questions about fate, God, the devil, multiverses, and then has its characters choosing to reject all of the above in order to choose each other? SIGN ME UP. Legitimately it's the most fun I've had watching a tv show in awhile, it was bananas, and I loved the journey of Khatha figuring out who Dome was in relationship to Chan, and deciding to love Dome as Dome, at the same time that Dome was also figuring out who he was, and deciding he preferred who he was when he was with Khatha. But also just Tor + Gun are incredible actors (Tor having been a stand-out since Hormones and Gun of course since The Blue Hour) and I would watch either of them in anything, but together they were magnetic (and evidence for my earlier point re: branded pairs, as much as I enjoy Off & Gun together!).
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Most underrated actor: I'm going to say James Teeradon. He had a few small roles in Hormones 2 & 3, Diary of Tootsies, and The Stranded, and he had the main role in Project S: Skate our Souls and in Great Men Academy. First, I should say, you could argue none of these classify as BLs. Second, all of these have trigger warnings, so please take care of yourself and feel free to ask if you want content warnings. But he's one of those actors who never looks like the same person in each role he's playing, and he absolutely gives me shivers. His performance as Boo in Skate our Souls was legitimately chill-inducing--this one in particular has serious trigger warnings, I put off watching it for a long time because I knew about the warnings and waited until I was in the right headspace, and it still messed with me for weeks. But oh man, oh man that show, it rewrote part of my DNA. I don't even know that under-rated is fair to say since there was buzz around him when he was in these shows a few years ago, but he was trying to make it as part of a band for awhile and he hasn't been in much since. If there's one person I want to see in something else who a lot of other people don't talk about these days, it's James.
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Cheating and taking the opportunity to choose a second actor from definitely-a-BL series: Fluke Chinnathan from Second Chance the Series. While Second Chance had a lot of flaws, the acting by Fluke and Tong was stellar. Their micro-expressions and body language was unreal. I feel strongly enough about this that I wrote an ode to it as part of the BL-Bracket for best kiss scene. No idea what Fluke is up to or if he even wants to keep acting, but I'd love to see him in something else--he's one of the only other actors (than James, mentioned above) that I'll go in to MyDramaList occasionally just to check to see if they're in anything new. PS if you do give Second Chance a shot, please know going in that Run and Games, real life brothers who are both actors, are both in this series but never in a scene together, and their characters are similar, so a lot of people have trouble telling them apart without knowing there are two different characters in the show.
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(Also, I 100% would have said Suar for this question before La Pluie, because he did not get enough credit for You're My Sky and I think he was incredible).
Favorite Character: Honestly, I've deleted my answer to this so many times now. Choosing one is so hard! I'm going to go with White from Not Me. Incredibly loyal, strong moral values (but willing to break the rules/law to fulfil those values because he understands that law ≠ morality), self-sacrificing, extremely competent in some ways, but also has serious blind spots in others that leads to him making very silly choices especially around who they trust, lacking in self esteem especially around whether or not people will want him around. The way he chooses to give up his privilege--not for his brother, because he could have found a way to go back to his old life after everything if he wanted--because he saw what was wrong with all of it and decided to do what he could to help fix it (and not participate in it) is something that really resonated with me. I also love that he is an absolute marshmallow who cannot hide that fact. Plus White being a disaster bi who wanted Sean from the beginning endeared him to me forever. And it doesn't hurt that he's played by Gun Atthaphan
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Favorite Side Character: I have also started and stopped this section so many times. Natty and her absolutely terrible taste in women from Diary of Tootsies, Na being at some points the only reason I kept watching Tonhon Chonlatee, Namo being smart enough to know to pretend she doesn't know what's going on in Not Me, Tong the ecovillage owner from Bad Buddy, Daisy and their incredible gender and mix of self esteem + self esteem issues in Secret Crush on You.
Alright I'm giving it to Dream in Something in My Room. I don't have good reasons for this; her character was artistic, had supernatural powers, green asymmetrical hair, and was stoic with a hidden dark past, and I am a simple woman. I wanted to know everything about her.
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Favorite scene in a QL: How can I choose just one?! I'm choosing three and you can't stop me.
Third place, Not Me, with Sean and White under the pride flag. It has everything: It's iconic, it's cinematic, it's cathartic, it's political, it's a critical character moment, it has great music, it's full of queer joy, and it brings me so much happiness every time I see it.
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Second: Dean and Pharm in front of the Pra Aphai Mani & sea ogress sculptures in the aquarium in Until We Meet Again. Partially because I love aquariums so much, partially because this sequence is one of the first ones we really get to see the hints of Intouch in Pharm. The way he moves around that aquarium is nothing like how he moves at school or his condo, and it's one of the things that struck me so hard on rewatch; while that scene did so much work towards establishing their characters the first time around, the second+ time it has so much more meaning. The throwaway line by Pharm about relating to the ogress now gives me chills.
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Plus the way the aquarium scene got called back in I Promise You the Moon makes me really happy.
But first and top, the one that will forever live in my mind for the way it made me feel in my body: Teh and Oh-Aew on the rug in I Told Sunset About You. That moment, my god. Butterflies. Chills. Chewing glass. Devastation. I don't know that I've ever felt any other scene so viscerally; it transported me back to being a teenager and cuddling in clearly non-platonic ways with my bestie and wondering what was happening. Thinking about it now still gives me goosebumps. Maybe a bit of a weird choice because of the pain but I don't shy away from some pain in my faves!
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Favorite line in a QL: Honestly I could put one of several meaningful quotes in here, probably the ones I've thought about most being the one from Bad Buddy that a few other folks have noted ("I may not be able to change the world but the world can't change me either"); and "can't we just get a little bit of space?" from The Warp Effect that I mentioned in my Silvy appreciation post. but the first thing that came to mind was this cracktastic banger moment from En of Love: This is Love Story that runs through my head every time a character P-Nong's someone when they don't mean it like that (and especially when newbies get confused about whether characters are actually related):
"'P' but not brothers; the way 'daddy' [said in English] doesn't really mean father. You get it?"
--Param, being a little shit (affectionate)
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But also I think special mention needs to go to this new and immediate classic by Tien in La Pluie:
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Most Anticipated QL (& why): I am very excited for 23.5 and Only Friends, also WuJu Bakery (does that count if it's Korean but starring Thai actors?) but....This is niche and might never happen, but MindTrio announced awhile ago that they were going to put out Chemistry in Love, which was either a sequel or related to Calculating Love? Listen, this is a low-budget production company making a slightly quirky trope-filled shorts that tend to have pretty cinematography but falter a bit on plot and pacing, and in Calculating Love the main character hits on his love interest with a series of math/graphing equations and coffee. I fully acknowledge that I am a particular kind of nerd, but I just really, really want to see people flirting with their Extremely Geeky special interests. Some sort of of follow-up to Calculating Love has been a maybe-thing since 2020, so it's most anticipated by amount of time I've been waiting. I have a list of 290 "upcoming" shows that may or may not ever happen so I'll stop there.
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Healthiest relationship in a QL: I was very persuaded by @waitmyturtles' arguments re: King and Uea, and I thought about My Only 12% and even wrote a whole thing about Tinn and Gun from MSP before deleting it.
But I'm going to use this soapbox to give a hot take and say, by the end of the series, that it's Nuea and Toh from Secret Crush on You. Both of them have secretly loved each other for the whole series, and shown it in their own very unhealthy ways: Toh by keeping a collection of everything that reminds him of Nuea, and Nuea by being extremely cool-guy persona around Toh. But by the end, both of them have aired their insecurities about their relationship, and have committed to working on their relationship together. Toh stops assuming that they will break up (which Nuea explained was hurtful to him) and declares he'll fight for their relationship in front of Nuea's parents, and Nuea allows himself to be seen as very uncool through his vulnerability, and is more open about his uncool thoughts and feelings. I remember them being surprisingly healthy about jealousy too, once they're together, showing trust in one another when that photography club kid shows up. Nuea also makes a really sweet gesture that I think gets misunderstood at the end of the show; Toh explains that his collection makes him happy, that Nuea is more important so he'll give it up if he has to but he really, really does not want to. So Nuea finds a way to make the collection about them rather than about him, so that he can embrace it too and be less discomfited by it. I feel like there's not enough "meeting people where they are", and too many makeover fantasies in romance for my tastes. Instead, Secret Crush on You said listen, people are weird, and we all just need to find the other weirdos whose jagged edges fit with ours. And it's work figuring out together how they will fit, and they won't fit perfectly, but that's ok. As long as everyone is comfortable, it can be a little weird. It may be less realistic than say the way similar themes are handled in Utsukushii Kare, because behavioural change (especially around self-worth) is hard irl, but the question wasn't about which relationship is most realistic lol SCOY also said embrace cringe culture and I am here for it even if it is sometimes hard to watch because it is SO CRINGE; but I respect it for living its truth.
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Most toxic relationship in a QL: Oof. I am a strong believer in "if it works for them, that's their business", as is probably evident from above, but the reveal of what was going on with King and Peat in Love Area (parts 1 & 2) was really next level BS and managed to be both toxic and ableist, so it gets a special mention and no gif.
Guilty pleasure series: I don't really subscribe to feeling guilty about liking things, but I have a bunch that don't get a lot of love and I fully understand why lol In addition to the example of Calculating Love above (which is like, a 6 on MDL, and TBH harsh but fair), I really enjoyed I Will Knock You. Maybe it was just the novelty but I loved the character of Noey so much, his vintage aesthetic, the amount of time spent around and in temples, and the most adorable closing credit sequence of all time (shows that have closing credit sequences that reflect the main relationship in the show is one of my favourite tropes!). The criticisms about it, especially the ones about the Thi character, are fully valid and I would not actually recommend it without a lot of caveats (e.g. warnings for blushing virgin trope + age gap, and sooort of glorification of gang membership?), but I had a great time.
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Also maybe Y-Destiny episodes 9 & 10? Tohru and First as Kaeng and Puth, whew. I have a special place in my heart for storylines where the characters sleep together as friends with benefits and then have to renegotiate those boundaries because I've lived it more than once lol (Only Friends when?!). But the ending episode for the series was actually so offensively bad, I like to forget it exists.
Most underrated series: You're My Sky and He's Coming to Me have already gotten a lot of love so I'll just say YES to those. Would have said My Ride before this recent release to YT. Does Triage count if it's nominated for awards but nobody ever talks about it (probably because the distribution was so messy)? I think My Only 12% doesn't get enough love because of the pacing of the last episodes, but the rest of the show was SO good.
But I'm going to take this opportunity to get on a sandbox about Diary of Tootsies (spanning S1, S2, and the movie sequel Tootsies and the Fake).
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This show is not BL; it is decidedly queer. There is no single love story, and if there is, it's undermined. And yet, because it's a comedy, it also gets overlooked in the lists of Important Queer Viewing (which is fair, honestly, that is not a read). But it means my blorbo of a show often doesn't get hyped up, so I'm taking the opportunity.
This show I would argue sits squarely in the by/for/about queers category as per @wen-kexing-apologist’s by/for/about Venn diagram. Watching it feels like a group hug; it's so very clearly written by actual queer people (even if this wasn't confirmed everywhere online, the screenwriter is out and speaks about this, but it's also just obvious) and I recognize so much of my friends and people I've known in these messy queers. It deals with casual sex, drug use, HIV, adoption, being closeted at work, and more.
It is also so funny. I didn't think I liked toilet humour until Make it Right and Diary of Tootsies proved me wrong. I honestly think about the scene with Natty and the handbag in the car approximately once a month. And the opening sequence of the sequel film!! What a choice for opening credits. And these queer friends are mean to one another, even in the moments they're being supportive of one another, and it is both familiar and delightful (also reminds me of this post by @bengiyo about whether viewers still love us when we're mean). The found family tropes are STRONG in this one, friends.
There is some fatphobia, though I always struggle with how much to warn for that because this show also has one of the only fat characters in QL who gets a character arc, a love interest, and to be a whole person. And to dance! The dance sequencesssss especially in S2, oh my heart. So much queer joy in this show in general!
Last thing I'll say about this show is that it also gets left off people's lists because the "main couple" if you can say there is one is not the one most fans were rooting for--I will admit, myself included. But the narrative convinced me to be satisfied with what we got, which is honestly to its credit!
Anyway TL;DR Diary of Tootsies makes me extremely happy and I'm glad it exists.
OMG ok I am letting this go now. Tagging @redxblueihateloveyou because you've not been active for awhile so this way you'll see this whenever you come back, and @formayhem because we are newly buds and I'd be curious about your answers! At this point everyone else must have been tagged by now, so please just consider yourself tagged if you haven't done this yet and tag me so I see it! I've been loving reading everyone's answers.
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rainparadefromhell · 1 year
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How Never Have I Ever Uses Music to Hint at the Future
 I’ve always loved the way music tells a story, especially in movies and tv shows. These things usually go unnoticed unless you’re a college student trying to ignore homework on a Tuesday afternoon. I have been aware that NHIE has been whispering a secret story through its soundtrack for a while now but never had time to actually compile it into one monster of a post. So I’m doing it now!
This is where I try to convince you that the show has been hinting at Devi ending up with Ben all the way since season one. There are over 100 songs in the official soundtrack and of course, I can’t go through them all so I’ll just stick with the most important moments from all three seasons and lyrics that I think encapsulate the core message of the songs.
 SEASON 1
 The Pilot – Introductions
Paxton’s intro song (Dancing On My Own – Robyn) makes a lot of sense for both characters. It talks about trying hard to get someone’s attention and failing at it. It is a song with a dramatic, pulsating beat that plays over Paxton’s big entrance into Devi’s class.
 I'm in the corner, watching you kiss her, oh
I'm right over here, why can't you see me? Oh
I'm giving it my all, but I'm not the girl you're taking home, ooh
I keep dancing on my own (I keep dancing on my own)
 Ben is introduced with a softer melody (Rubia – Juan Wauters). It is in Spanish, a language I don’t speak as well so I won’t try to translate it but I will leave you with this Pitchfork review of it written by Steven Arroyo :
“Rubia” still succeeds wonderfully on these terms, a longing love letter to someone with a memorable nose in a far-away country…
 Te guardo un lugar en mi corazon
No quiero irme, chequeo hora son
Me iré pensando que
Muy pronto contigo yo estaré
 There is an important moment near the end of the episode when Devi goes to talk to Paxton (and asks him to have sex with her) in which Playing Games by Anna of the North plays.
 I've been playing games with your heart
Left you thinking in the dark
Just to make you feel unsure
Then I know you want me more
 This whole song is very interesting to me. The singer seems to describe a situation in which she has the upper hand in a relationship.
I’ve been playing games with your heart, so I know I’ve made my mark is a lyric I think perfectly shows Devi’s desire to enter a relationship. It is not because she actually likes Paxton. In fact, she doesn’t even know him yet. I think it tells of Devi’s reasons to have a boyfriend – to make a mark not just on him but the school, and her peers as well. She wants to stop being “invisible” as to somehow regain some power over her situation in s1 (the death of Mohan) as well as distract herself from it.
 Episode 2
The song Dancing on The Limit (by Prizes) plays as Devi dreams of Paxton coming into her room to have sex with her. It is the first “love song” of Devi and Paxton which I find genius since it doesn’t actually depict reality.
I'm never gonna quit it
Back in love within a minute
We're dancing on the limit
But I love the way you're making me move
 It is a fantasy, something Devi feels when she imagines what would be like to be Paxton’s girlfriend.
 Episode 6
In Ben’s episode we get so much more insight into who he is, and not just that shell of an obnoxious overachiever he built for himself. We also get insight into his feelings for Devi when he is having dinner with the Vishwakumars where after choosing not to “nuke her back”, he actually has a fun time with her family as the song (Call Me by Sarah Rebecca) in the background goes :
 Call me angel, I could save you
I want you, I want you, I want you, I want you, I want you
 At the very end of the episode when Devi Venmos Ben so that he never has to “accept food from a pedo again” another love song can be heard (Lost – Boy Harsher).
 I’m the one that holds you
In the middle of the night
 I'm the one that wants you
Forever til we die
 Episode 7
In this episode Devi and Paxton kiss for the first time to Fire For You by the Cannons which at first seems like a really sensual song… until you actually read the lyrics.
 I could've died for you
How could you not know?
I was alive with you
But you brought in the cold
Was I being lied to? Wish I never met you
Started to regret you
  Episode 10
 Boys Like You -  Kids at Midnight
We’ve reached my favorite NHIE song. I love the synths. I love the 80s vibe. I love everything about it (No wonder why that Malibu kiss got an MTV nomination).
Certainly the most interesting thing about this song playing during this scene is right as the camera lowers on Devi’s phone, we cut to Paxton leaving a voicemail with these lyrics in the background :
 She said, "Boys like that should be in second place”
Now do with that what you will but this is the most intentionally placed lyric in season 1, in my opinion.
 I know it hurts right now, one day you'll realise
There's no need to hide yourself from the world
All my life I've been hiding myself
Just waiting for a boy like you
SEASON 2
 Episode 8
In the scene we see Devi apologize to Ben about the cheating when the song Up All Night by The Undercover Dream Lovers starts playing. The song is seemingly about second chances and not letting someone go. I thought the theme of driving was interesting considering Malibu.
 Caught up on the freeway
You test my patience all the time
Find another exit, ooh
Blocking you from mine
 Episode 9
Heat Waves – Glass Animals
 During Paxton and Devi’s kiss Heat Waves plays and I have to admit the song as well as the scene are amazing. However, I’ve seen this song misunderstood by Daxton fans so much, probably due to the scene trending (mostly on TikTok where people enjoy quick content without much context).
The writer of the song, David Bayley says this about what it means, mentioning another song called Your Love : “They're both definitely two of the songs that are about relationships and sort of knowing that they're doomed,"
Bayley uses the term Heat Wave to represent an illusion of a highway mirage (the air that rises off asphalt on extremely hot days making it seem like the road is wet).
So the love that the writer describes is just like the heat waves – an illusion.
 Now I gotta let you go
You'll be better off in someone new
I don't wanna be alone
You know it hurts me too
You look so broken when you cry
One more and then I say goodbye
 Episode 10
GOLDEN – Running ; Ben comes into the girls bathroom to try and make Devi feel better after she is rejected by Paxton. As he is saying “When are you gonna to realize that that dick doesn’t deserve you” the lyrics playing are :
But I get these feelings
That I can't explain
It’s in my veins
being the underdog all the time
 Hello Pongo – Summer Love
Another love song that plays when Ben and Devi see each other at the dance.
I've been lookin,
for you my summer love
forever summer love
Sam Smith – Love Goes
This song is – do you wanna guess? Not a love song. It is a sad one.
I hope you understand that I have to send you away
You may not understand, but I know that you will one day
You're broken, I know this
And if you knew it, you would love me a whole different way
But that's how love goes, goes
I also think it’s funny how just as Devi and Paxton are about to slow dance the DJ plays a different, more upbeat song which tells us they aren’t really that compatible with each other. They just never manage to catch that love song!
 I wonder if season 4 brings us a Ben and Devi slow dance…
SEASON 3
Episode 1
 Josha Daniel – Dream of You ; We finally get something close to a love song for Daxton in the first scene of season 3 even though it it pretty vague and repetitive.
 We are never gonna waste our time again
I can't sleep when i dream of you
I can't sleep when i dream of you
 Ilo Ilo – Clementine ; Devi and Paxton almost have sex
Clementine
Trying to erase you from my spotless mind
Hit fast-forward but I'm stuck in rewind
 Episode 3
Afternoon Bike Ride – Before The Fall ; Devi tells Nalini she and Paxton broke up
After an autumn of ends lеd to silence
Winters cloak covered the tracks of the tyrants
Spring couldn't bring on the promise of June
With no voice to sing and nothing to bloom
I found the mention of June interesting even if it wasn’t intentional because it almost seems like an answer to Heat waves (Sometimes, all I think about is you, Late nights in the middle of June).
Mel Blue – Finding You; Ben tells Fabiola Devi broke his heart
I lost you love
You lost you too
I lost myself
I’m finding you
Episode 5
Carla Morrison – Eres tú ; Ben and Devi say goodbye to each other after their bet at the coffeehouse
(I found a translation for this one)
Today I woke up wanting to kiss you
I have a thirst to caress you
Entangle myself with you and not let you go
You're so intoxicating
It's you
 Episode 10
“Because I’ll miss you. A lot.”
“Wait. There’s the stomach knots.”
Jaguar Sun – Car Keys
Oh, how you've grown
Look back now
And move on
Don't worry, about a thing
Just grab those car keys
And drive into the rain
Another song involving cars, driving… I’m starting to think all of this makes sense! Also I love how the song mentions growth because Devi did grow so much in season 3.
 Prinze George – Take off
 Saw you in the living room
You were wild with light and I wanted you
Tried to do the woman thing
I was eager, young and abandoning
I would force you to love me
I would force you to stay
I would force you to love me
I would stand in your way
And you can't take off without me now
After Boys Like You this has to be my favorite NHIE song. It also has an 80s vibe to it and the two songs feel very much connected in my mind. The lyrics talk about standing in a lover’s way. Preventing them from leaving you and closing that chapter of their life.
I am still in your way
This lyric that appears later in the song shows that after everything that happened to them in season 4, they are still in each other’s way. They can’t forget about each other even after actively pursuing other people.
 After analyzing so many songs, I really have to give credit to the show. Most of these were chosen so carefully to fit certain moments. You can really tell the show was made with a lot of intention and love, at least soundtrack wise.
 As far as proving who the main couple (endgame couple, whatever you wanna call it) in season 4 is, to me that is pretty obvious even without the support of the soundtrack. I’m very curious about the songs we’ll get to hear in the new season and I also wonder if we will hear some old ones again.
Let me know what you think!
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kalinara · 5 months
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So there's going to be a Murderbot TV show! Great! It might be good. It might be terrible.
I admit, I'm a little befuddled by the casting choice. The actor is very pretty, but I'm not really sure that Murderbot really needed to be yet another white actor.
But I have to admit, some of the fan reaction I've seen is bugging me a bit. And it has to do with gender.
I mean, look, obviously Murderbot has no gender. And thus, the ideal casting choice would be a non-binary or agender actor. I would agree with that. I have no idea how many openly non-binary or agender actors there are right now, so I honestly can't judge the efforts made to find one.
But one of the first comments I saw on one of the articles was "Murderbot should be played by a woman."
And irrationally, I bristled at reading that. I don't know the commenter from Adam, and it's very possible that the commenter meant something like "these sort of action lead characters tend to be portrayed by men and thus, since Murderbot does not have a gender, this is an opportunity for more visual variety."
But one thing I've noticed is that folks tend to be more accepting of the idea of non-binary folk in general when we're AFAB. I think that there's a certain percentage of the population for whom "non-binary" just means a cute androgynous girl.
An AMAB non-binary person doesn't exist. Or gets a lot of the same shit that a trans woman does. We've seen those "women and non-binary only!" statements before. How welcoming do you think they are to a non-androgynous AMAB NB?
I'm not saying I have a lot of faith in Apple's ability to actually portray Murderbot's gender (or lack thereof) in the context of the television show. BUT, assuming they do a good job with the writing, then there's no innate reason why a six foot tall action dude couldn't play a character without gender.
Murderbot's only description in the text, that I recall seeing anyway, was in the one short story from Mensah's point of view. I think it was something about it being lean. Everything else is fair game.
TLDR: It's perfectly understandable to be disappointed by the casting choice for Murderbot, but it's also worth re-examining our biases when it comes to gender and the lack thereof.
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laufire · 20 hours
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This is redhoodinternaldialectical from the "main" blog, returning fire with the character ask game :3
For Jason: 23. Fav picture of this character 24. What character from another fandom reminds you of them? 26. Freebie question! What do you think his complicated opinions about Heathclif would be? (Saw ur tags about that hehehe)
I might come back with other characters, but just Jason for now cause it's WAY passed my bedtime
Fav picture of this character
there are so many options... (see: my header of his hamlet moment). but I'm going to go with this one, from batman annual #25.
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I fucking love a character climbing out of his own grave. and that lightning bolt is so frankenstein of him <3
What character from another fandom reminds you of them?
my mind is wired to draw parallels and comparisons, and I happen to be rewatching a tv show (the 100, one of those "it could be so good if it was good" things xD) where sometimes it seems that all my favourite characters have some jason-coded moments and traits lol.
BUT. among all of them, we definitely need to talk about john murphy!!! he's my #1 in that show (with some strong competition), because I love his journey. he really started being... well, what dc regularly tries to convince us robin!jason was: a mean, angry teen, product of his society, who lashed out at people once he could, because he had been wronged himself. this show gave him far more grace about it (even during his messy revenge quest lol), and in season 2 they landed on a really potent love story with him and another character, emori (another outcast in her own society, this time because she was born with a mutation, that survived by stealing from others) that ended up catapulting him to Romantic Hero status in a way s1!murphy couldn't have dreamed of lmao. it was great.
even his backstory (which he's given in the first episode of s2) is. very jason añdslkfjasf. two important things about this gifset is a) the girl here, raven (another favourite), has a similar backstory (alcoholic mother who failed to take care of her, raven would've starved if not for the kindness of her neightbour & childhood sweetheart). she's taunting murphy because a few episodes before murphy shot her in the spine (he didn't intend to hurt her but it wasn't exactly an accident. part of his messy revenge quest against a -barely- adult who failed him lol). she hates him, and yet she clearly can't help but empathise </3. a few episodes later she tries to get him killed to save her ex <3. in a few seasons they'll become best friends <3. as far as I'm concerned she's memori's third <333
a few other things in favour of "jason-coded murphy" are this post, or the fact that at one point murphy had to use sex to survive in a way I personally headcanon jason doing (I've actually drawn some comparisons between that plot and nightwing/tarantula but only stylistic ones; plot-wise it's a very different situation where he displays an attitude closer to what I imagine jason doing).
What do you think his complicated opinions about Heathclif would be?
alñsdkfjasdf I can't believe I'm going to talk more about other characters than about jason but here we are lol.
anyway first of all, unlike many people in this fandom, jason is a smart cookie capable of differentiating fact from fiction, who could recognise heathcliff did some really fucked shit against undeserving people and still appreciate the hell out of him as the fascinating character he is. tyvm. that said, he's also someone who gets very personal about literature xD
one thing about heathcliff is that he does what some people argue jason is doing when he "targets" tim or mia (or damian, but that's bftc and fandom has more or less accepted that it's a mess, and also damian isn't white :))). aka, he's (a grown man!!) viciously, hatefully going after innocent children for the sins of their fathers!! for shame. sorry but that's not even true in bftc or hush (the situations there were very messy and the writers desperately needed medical consultants to make them make any sense, get off his dick xD), but definitely not true for titans tower or seeing red. jason was NOT trying to kill these teens (a few years younger than him at most), he's never wanted them death, and he's never even aimed to caused grievious, irreparable damage. again, get off his dick :P
but it's interesting to me thinking about jason reading the book for the very first time during the lost days era, in particular. he would empathise with heathcliff's desire for revenge, but I don't think he'd ~relate as strongly to him as some people think. yes, there is mistreatment in their youths and the revenge plot (after heathcliff does whateve he does in his own lost days period lol); there's even possible racial ambiguity in common, if we take into account the shiva thing. and he'd half-mindedly draw some links between bruce and earnshaw senior and, if he's feeling ungenerous lol, between dick and hindley, but nothing particularly strong, imo.
but I can see even this faint link being enough to have him pondering his own lines, what he's willing to do once he returns and what he isn't. and it's a fact that jason crossed some of his own purported lines, because he was too in his head about bruce or because they were convenient at the moment or because of all other reasons. and I picture him rereading the book years down the road, and grappling with that fact. wondering if heathcliff had drawn his own lines beforehand or gone all in from the beginning, wondering if he had any regrets.
otherwise, he would appreciate heathcliff as the force he is in the narrative, while being utterly disgusted by some of his actions. at the same time he'd be really wary of the unreliable narration (I imagine him thinking nelly gives all the lintons too much grace, even if he obviously would think heathcliff's actions towards isabella and cathy are undefensible). I also believe he's ready to fist-fight anyone that supported the "monstrous" readings of heathcliff as something inhuman, as some supernatural force of nature. heathcliff, to him, is utterly human.
ALSO. jason is definitely that bitch who reads the FUCKING UNHINGED SHIT (x, x, x, x, x) catherine and heathcliff say about each other and be like. why can't that be me 😭. he's fucking unwell.
(and feel free to ask me about any other character you want! or any extra questions about jason lol)
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