#idk today was a Star Wars day and I just felt like writing something | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

just-pineapple-responses · 3 years

Note

Just curious, how many shower thought (response) blogs are there? I just dived into this side of tumblr (not gonna make any posts its fun to read though) and I'm already losing my mind

Well there is

The. Literal. Sun.

Plasma...

S p a c e

ALL HAIL THE LIGHT

The void. It shall consume ALL.

A typewriter incase anyone wants to write their will before they die

Also some ink, not related to the typewriter

Also some words, I wonder who'll use them

A hat with no maker and a maker with no hat

The pen is mightier than the sword. It just so happens that this one is evil. Luckily I can summon multiple

Anyone order some coffee?

Ooo, an author

The literal embodiment if of fanart

A fork, nom noms

B҉ r҉ o҉ k҉ e҉ n҉

Soap

Soap(for hair)

Toothpaste

🄵🄰🅄🄲🄴🅃

Towel

Bath mat

Washcloth

Bathtub

Bathwater

𝔹𝕒𝕥𝕙𝕓𝕠𝕞𝕓

Bubblebath!

One (1) bath boi

Some M͓̽o͓̽l͓̽d͓̽ (anybody got some strong disinfectant?)

Nvm, the mold has already caused a plague (gettit?) (although user misspelled it)

Nevermind, there's already a parasite here

Mirror

Door!!!

Some curtains

A denim jacket

Blackout

Rainbow

✨ Magic ✨

*Tree poses to assert dominance*

Coconut

(obviously me)

I think popeye dropped a tin of spinch and it became sentient?

Tost

Hummus. dip tost?

Criss Cross applesauce

Wibbly wobbly Wibbly wobbly jellyo

Mmmm océan s o u p

Some poison, a great addition for my soup

Smol bean

Potat

Shower magpie who I haven't seen in a while

Bird (brain)

Frog(×2:Electric Boogaloo)

An axolotl!

Ferret

*looks at smudged writing on hand. Squints. * a raccoon

Stinky bastard man (I just had to put the two next to each other)

Rat.

Becometh crab 🦀 (x2: Electric Boogaloo)

Nya~

Edgy Nya~

Tripod of dog

Brain

Nina i found one of your neurons (if you understand this reference, good job you)

A rotted brain, keep it away before it infects us all, I only have 2 braincells left

Did... Did someone drop their spinal cord?

The almighty binch

The titanic

Narrator

Water based introspection

Existential crisis

Dumbass

Also a pacifier (get it because they're also called dummies and their name is dummy)

A foolish thought to say a sorry sight join the shower community (as you can tell we did Shakespeare in English so many times i pretty much can recite everything lady macbeth said)

ADHD

Ominous

Anonymous

Anxious 🥺👉👈

Some edgy bastard

A person of culture I see (although obsessed with tweed for some reason)

1 Dapper boi

Sarcastic

nice

All smiles and sunshine

HAPPY! (why isn't there yellow 😔)

Affection (Derogatory) (I'm sorry I just felt like it)

~Petty~

Idiot

Disaster

Chaos and Order

Comebacks

'vanishing'

Defences

Threatened

Op is on drugs

All the F s

And F-general

Get out of the shower

Shower responses

Dry

The horny and the simp

Shower sins

Thower shoughts

I take quick showers

Shower thots

Last responder *countdown music*

You have shower thoughts?

Your shower thoughts are stupid

Wtf shower thoughts

Another shower responder

Just shower responses... responses

Response shower

NO SHOWER! only thought (×3)

Mmm, showery

Penny for your thoughts?

Hello darkness my old friend...

Llawyer

Beepbeep

Prussia

Haywire!!!

furry OwO

A Pigeon got in through the door, who left it open?

I'm feeling devious

You're looking glamorous, let's get mischievous, and polyamorous

Gay is stored in the ass

Gay

Trans

*opens door and walks through with you exaggeratedly* Fellas we got the whole LGBTQIA+ community right here

Enby

Hahaha gender go brrr

Lesbian

Lesbian-thot

Lust

Someone who thinks it funny to clown around

Joker (derogatory)

Haha straight

Dead inside

Some supervillain idk

News. Literally a shower news style responses

I cannot believe that I forgot Her Greatest Majesty, the Queen. All Hail Royal

Isaac newton?

M megamind?

Fiftieth

Crackhead

Some Phoenix Wright kinnie

What is a Dean Winchester and why does he have a tentacle fetish?

Well well well, if it ain't a homestuckian

Did someone kill/rob The Doctor or something, their TARDIS was left behind and its blocking my pretzels that I left in the shower

Mined crafts uwu

Well well well, if it ain't- *accidentally makes eye contact and is then killed by some unknown shadowy creature holding what seems to be some sort of cube of dirt*

GOTTA GO FAST

Mishamishamishamishamishamishamisha

Gen Z and ready to throw hands with OP

Not puki

Nom noms

Dip dap

Kensa

B͓̽u͓̽n͓̽g͓̽e͓̽r͓̽ ..........

Someone broke their space bar or something

It's time to d-d-d-d-d-dshower

The magical deity of sleepovers

DON'T FALL ASLEEP. NO MATTER WHAT THEY TELL YOU-

The muffin man genuinely left drury Lane for this

Txmblr

Moonlit nights on a winters day, stars glimmering gently

A child?

🟥

The fae. Just all of them. Every single one.

Crocus? (What on earth does that mean)

*sings* baba blacksheep have you any wool? Because if not you will be killed (this fits the tune perfectly. If not I have failed in everything)

The theatre itself is here... Somehow

Ahoy-hoy

boo

REEEE- *epic geometry dash gameplay to DanTDM's old intro music*

Yardale, not to be mistaken for riverdale and differs to lawn ale or front porch ale or even meter ale

I'll finish this list later

It's gonna be a long one folks

I'm including a ones that haven't spoken since ages ago because

Boy howdy there's new ones tell me who I'm missing now

Please stop thank you very much this is too many i keep having to add to this any new responder must kill a responder to continue the purge shall claim y'all as I will win i recently started watching Danganronpa

Seriously though everyone after mirror must have a battle royale it's too much i doubt all of you will even last longer than today also happy birthday me -dated:28th- do you even realise what sort of commitment you've made to sell pieces of your soul for entertainment and ability to make such epic retorts each and every post?! I sacrifice many souls DAILY to be throwing such bangers into this stuff y'know?

We have a tap guys we can finally wash our hands of all the blood of our enemies

Seriously though who left the door open I don't want a Pigeon pecking at me (the mishapocalypse got them lol)

So many responders so little time before the end of the world

If I'm missing someone please tell me very thank

There are not enough colours for me to assign a different one to each person 😔 also, wtf is on there twice on purpose

WorldHealthOrganisation IS MISSING (note: you may have a joke in place of name or under a category of names)

So there's lore without me?

ALL HAIL THE LIGHT *moth noises*

Okay now there's alternate timeline versions of responders for the benefit of myself they ain't going on the list bud

There is an incorrect role play blog quotes blog and I am crying. Not of laughter. Just wiuwhdhsjhshjxjabjsjdhdjsj

If any new people join I will go back to causing shower wars for the sake of killing you all I'm done I have snapped my laptop is updating 3 times in a row

I will commit crimes.

Does being a shower responder or role-playing seem encouraging to people to join this "community"? Because I'm pretty sure it's the latter

#ShowerThoughts blogs #Asks #As you can see I'm trying to organise in order of inanimate to animal to concepts to water else #*whatever else #And now rp blogs wow

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discopig · 3 years

Text

Butterfly in flight (William Killick)

After months of ruthless combat, William had long become just another ruined soldier, but when he meets a woman whos only dream is to fly. Could he find hope again?

A/N: Finally something new! I was crying to As The World Caves In by Matt Maltese (highly recommend you listen, even while reading this), and felt inspired to write this story. It’s set in the universe of The Edge of Love, while William is at war. I didn’t make this x reader as I didn’t feel it suited the theme of the story, and I had quite a specific image in mind of the character I wrote, but if you feel your appearance matches hers it could most definitely have a similar reading experience. Also idk shit about military equipment so don’t sue me thanks. Hope you enjoy :)

All characters in this are fictional.

This is pure angst. Literally no one is happy

Warnings: description of war

Word Count: 561

129. 129 days William had been at war. Or was it 139? He didn’t know, he didn’t know if he was even keeping track of the days and nights anymore. It had to be 129.

The sounds of screaming men, gunshots and explosions, the ringing sound in his ears - a bomb missing him by mere centimeters - that seemed to accompany him even in his sleep, these were William’s companions, they followed him around like his shadow.

William had lost all sense of himself, all sense of who he had been before he became just another soldier. Just another man thrown into the thorny embrace of survival. He had lost hope for anything at all, that is until he met her.

There were 4 of them. 3 women, and one boy. Pilots. Assigned to special fighter jets. They were small jets, most pilots being too heavy and bulky to fly them without weighing them down. Amy, a 12 year old boy named Patrick, Lorene and her.

She was like a breath of fresh air. Her brown curls cut into a bob and pinned to the side with a gold pin, a butterfly adorning it. Her mother had given it to her when she turned 16. Told her she would fly, just like the butterfly and just like her father did. Her father passed away from tuberculosis when she was only 10. Her faded memories of him and his flight journal, being the only thing she had left of him.

They were inseparable. When William would return from combat, shaken up and in a daze, she would hold him, without a word. He didn’t want to speak, trying his best to forget everything that had happened only a few hours ago. Trying to forget the horror of looking into his friend’s eyes - that only the previous evening were glistening with hope for a better future, laughing over the campfire in a rare moment of peace - now dead and empty. Their bodies nothing but shells of the men they had been.

The ringing had stopped. When it would start again he would think of her. Her soft brown eyes that seemed to shimmer in the sun like a warm pot of honey. Her laughter, that never seemed to be anything but loud and clear despite the not very humorous life they were living. She made the ringing stop.

The 4 pilots were to be sent off today. Their first mission on the jets. She gave him the pin as she couldn’t wear it under her helmet. She placed it in his palm with a firm grip of his hand, and stared into his cold, shaken eyes. Pulling him into a hug, she whispered “I’m going to fly today William”, he could hear the soft smile on her lips. She pulled away with a soft kiss to his cheek.

All 4 of them were gone. Their mission was to fly into a German camp, jets lined with explosives, ready to detonate on impact. She gave him the pin because she knew she wasn’t coming back.

Amy Carrington

Patrick Bright

Lorene Ridley

and her.

All awarded Air Crew Europe star medals, their medals in frames accompanied by their photos, jet numbers written on the back. She was smiling in her photo.

“I’m going to fly today William”

She flew. Flew to her death

I cried writing this just letting you know

#the edge of love #the edge of love fanfiction #the edge of love fanfic #cillian murphy fanfic #cillian murphy fanfiction #cillian murphy writing #angst #cillian murphy angst #william killick fanfic #william killick fanficiton #william killick writing #william killick angst #william killick x reader #sort of

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missdawnandherdusk · 3 years

Text

august

Harry X Draco

Summary: Request: @hopelessbutterfly maybe all his friends go to his house at night, bringing him to a secret location away from privet drive to celebrate his birthday? like maybe they go to a secret fairy garden or something, idk.

A/n: *gasps* Drarry, I know. Anyway, it is the prats birthday, and I do enjoy drarry as much as the next so I thought I’d have my hand at it, and tbh, I enjoyed writing it. Not saying that I’ll only write drarry, but now and again... perhaps.

Happy Birthday Potter

Harry never thought that he’d be standing on the porch of Privet Drive ever again. Before the war, before the Dursley’s fled, it was all he had known. A place to run from and a place that held him down when he couldn’t be where he longed to be. Harry was twenty-one today. It had been four years since the war—four years since he stood on these steps.

The old house had been completely abandoned since then. Mold and algae raced up the stucco sides, obscured by weeds and overgrown flowers. His aunt spent many weekends keeping the front garden in tip top shape, something to be seen in Home and Gardens magazine. Now, it was rubbish—forgotten and grown over.

Much like Harry felt.

After being the star for so long, harry had grown tired of being the call boy for every wizard in England—or even Europe. He had been asked to be Minister, and Head Auror, and Headmaster of Hogwarts, and Ambassador for Wizard kind. Harry didn’t want to be any of that. He was tired of leading, of having to have the answers, of being a part of the solution.

The dog days of summer created perspiration along Harry’s skin as he stood in the afternoon sun, frozen in place. There was nothing stopping him from going in but his own volition.

He shouldn’t be here, was Harry’s reasoning. This house held nothing but terrible memories and hurt and pain and fear. Yet, this was the first place Harry thought to run to when the current Minister, some pinched faced man named Timmens, asked if Harry would come to the gala held in his honor.

Harry was standing here because he didn’t want to go to his own birthday party.

He didn’t turn when he heard the crack of Apparation behind him. He figured that Ron or Hermione would figure out that he would run here.

“I told them you’d be here,” The soft musical voice almost laughed. It wasn’t Ron or Hermione after all.

“How did you know I’d be here?” Harry mused, still not taking his eyes off the haunted house before him.

“Because, if I had to run somewhere, despite it all, I’d probably hide at the Manor,” Draco leaned against the front wall of the house, drawing Harry’s attention.

“I’m not going to that gala,” Harry said stubbornly.

“Quite right,” Draco smiled, rolling his eyes. “Though I’d never turn down such a marvelous party, you have very different tastes that I tend to,”

“Figure that one out all on your own?” Harry rose his eyebrows looking over at Draco, who looked almost unrecognizable with his long hair in a flowing flowered maxi skirt and cotton t- shirt, but all the same, it was the Draco that Harry knew.

“Some oaf helped me see it,” His grey eyes never changed though. “The same oaf that’s not gonna miss his birthday party,”

“I told you I don’t want to go—”

“And we’re not going to the gala,” Draco dismissed. “Heavens, you think I’d show up to the ministry this underdressed?” He held out his hand.

Harry laughed and took Draco’s hand, glancing back once more at Privet Drive. Draco paused a moment and neared Harry, leaning his chin on Harry’s shoulder.

“Coming here isn’t going to let you be seven again,” Draco murmured. “I’m afraid that that security is gone,”

“How did—”

“I told you, I do the same thing. Sometimes I end up at the Manor, waiting for things to go back to the way they were before... and it just never happens,”

Harry hummed an acknowledgement before following Draco. “Aren’t we going to apparate?” Harry asked skeptically.

“I thought we’d walk,” Draco mused, lacing his fingers with Harry’s. “It is a lovely day,”

“It’s hotter than hades Draco,” He complained. “Come on, where are you taking me?”

“Always one to want your way, aren’t you?” Draco smirked.

“It is my birthday,”

“Oh, pulling the birthday card I see,” A laugh fell from Draco’s lips and Harry’s heart skipped a beat. “Fine, fine. If the birthday boy insists, I suppose we can apparate,”

Holding close to him, Harry closed his eyes and felt the queasiness flutter through his stomach as Draco whisked them away to somewhere new.

Harry didn’t let go of Draco’s hand when they stopped moving. Harry could immediately tell the difference in atmosphere—they had gone somewhere northward, where the weather was cooler, and the sun was beginning its descent. Tall trees casted speckled light onto the scene, illuminated by floating lanterns and fireflies. Wildflowers grew lazily in every variation. Disrupting it all was a long table—or rather many tables that had been linked together to create the grand length— covered in teas and puddings and sweets of all varieties. Mixed in where some rather expensive looking bottles of wine and liquor which Harry was certain that Draco had something to do with.

But, despite the fairytale like aura the table gave, it was nothing compared to the warmth of the company that surrounded it. Ron and Hermione stood at his arrival, followed by Luna and Ginny, along with Neville and Pansy.

“Harry,” Hermione sounded relived as she embraced him. “I should have known that Draco would be able to find you,”

“Yeah... sorry,” Harry rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly.

“Don’t even mate,” Ron grinned. “Any excuse to get out of another stuffy gala,” A brief hug was shared.

When the hello’s had been said, they all sat, Harry at the end of the table, in the furthest seat from the head of the table. Draco sat beside him, his hand still intertwined with his, laughing and engaging in conversation, but still attentive enough to keep rubbing the back of Harry’s hand softly with his thumb. No one really mentioned Harry’s birthday—there was not even a cake. Rather it was a group of friends catching up with sweets and alcohol.

Little by little, Harry relaxed into the scene. He felt like the wildflowers around him, not pressured to grow, but free to just wave in the breeze; a stark contrast to long to be the weeds growing at Privet Drive. Perhaps Draco was right, there was no way to go back to Privet Drive before the past decade of his life unfolded, but here with Draco and his friends in the fairy lights of a forgotten garden, Harry decided that it wasn’t a loss.

When the garden party had faded to just Draco and Harry nestled under the stars, Harry finally felt contented with his life. Here with Draco, he wasn’t hiding from anyone—he was sure that half the Wizarding World knew where he was, and yet left him alone—and here, he wasn’t trying to run to something that was no longer there. Draco didn’t look to him for any answers, and the stars couldn’t care less about who he was.

It made Harry laugh.

“Maybe you’ve had too much to drink,” Draco looked at him, slightly concerned.

“Nah,” Harry leaned over and pressed his lips to Draco’s as he had done many times before, this time Draco tasted like strawberry wine. “I just—” He chuckled again, at a loss for words.

“Maybe I should get you drunk more often,” Draco laughed, stroking a few of Harry’s wild curls out of his face. “Carefree suits you most handsomely my love,”

“Couldn’t have done it without you,” Harry said, pressing his lips to Draco’s again for a soft kiss. “Merlin knows all of the sappy things I want to say to you right now, but despite your accusations, I don’t think I’m drunk enough,” A laugh tumbled from his lips.

“Save them,” Draco encouraged, laying his head on Harry’s shoulder. “I’m content knowing that you’re happy, even for a moment,”

“I’m the happiest I’ve been in a long time, dove,” Harry placed a soft kiss on Draco’s temple— knowing he was a bit more than tipsy to let that pet name slip.

But Draco had him pinned—Harry was carefree.

masterlist

more like this:

I’ve Got You

The Gardener

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greenbriar-j · 3 years

Text

5 times the prince crashed the bookstore

and the 1 time the owner(’s grandson) broke into the palace

One.

The first time was an accident. Sort of. Not really.

Prince Gabriel did need to buy new ink and maybe a new journal to replace the one Gunther accidentally threw into the fountain the last time Gabe escaped the palace. If he was so pressed, though, he could’ve asked one of his attendants to buy it for him.

So, yeah, it was kind of an accident. Gabriel donned his “commoner” attire, hiding his immediately recognizable curls under a cap. The clothes he wore were bland, but he had the kind of figure that made every outfit stand out. He snuck out through the window, running to the bookstore to get as much time away from his princely duties as possible.

It was so boring, all of it. The paperwork, the meetings, the girls.

Full confession: Prince Gabriel loved girls. Adored them. Thought they were the neatest thing to be placed on the planet. He loved the neighboring princesses, their mother queens, the female attendants – he loved women. He could not for a second imagine kissing any of them.

Kissing Gunther? That, he’d imagined several times before the guard had caught on and assigned him even more paperwork. Fucking Gunther.

Not, Gabe grimaced, pushing open the door to the bookstore, fucking Gunther. Stop thinking about fucking Gunther. About fucking. In general. … You’re a disgrace of a prince. At least you’re not responsible for producing an heir.

Because he was the second prince. Because he was responsible for many things, actually, while also not being responsible for a thing at all.

“Welcome to Vanilla Pages, how can I help you today?”

The prince’s head whipped to the sound of the voice. It was not the voice he expected to hear, the almost frail, ever-loving voice of the old Asian lady who’d always been here the last few times he came. This voice was rich, masculine, deep – and, oh, the prince was very, very gay for it.

“Uh,” he said intelligently. “You’re new.”

The man smiled at him. “I’m not. I’ve worked here every summer since I was ten. Granny gets a little faint in the summer. The heat and all.” A beautiful hand waved in a beautiful, dismissive gesture.

Gabe had one thought, and it was this: He himself was feeling a little faint this summer. Somehow, behind the broad shoulders filling out the loose shirt, the scruffy ponytail, the calm yet twinkling eyes, the man was undoubtedly a big teddy bear. “Ah,” he said, again the pinnacle of intelligence towering over his whole kingdom. “What’s your name?”

“It’s impolite to ask for someone’s name without giving yours first,” the man prompts. “Your Highness.”

Your-? “The disguise is that bad?”

“If I say so, will it end in a death sentence?”

Fuck, fuck, fuck. That smile is unfair. What the fuck. “I’ll make sure it doesn’t.”

“Then yes, it sucks. The name’s Phuong.”

“Oh, word? Good name.” I did not just say that. Who responds to introductions with oh, word?

Gabe could not stand to make any more of a scene. This was fun. It was also very embarrassing. He grabbed a journal without really examining it, checking out and running across the street to the bakery.

Gunther picked him up there after his own round of flirting with the baker’s daughter. There would probably be a wedding soon. Depending. The guard seemed surprised that the prince turned up on his own, but the prince thought nothing of it. He thought nothing at all.

Not about the name Phuong.

Not about those broad shoulders and muscular arms left on full display. The wide, toothy grin.

Not anything at all.

Two.

The second time was a detour.

“Gabe, I mean this in the most respectful way, but if you do not finish writing a birthday card to the prince of [other kingdom, idk], we will be having a war council within the month.”

“Gunther, he can’t even read. Why does it matter?” Tossing his head back and stretching his legs out, he acted like the brat he only was for Gunther.

The guard delivered a withering glare without adjusting his rigid stance. Even the prince has to admit that Gunther seemed to be experiencing physical repercussions for his job. In just a month, the prince had aged his friend by a year, or so it seemed.

Reluctantly, Gabe held in every protest dangling on the edge of his tongue and penned a birthday note to the two year old prince. “We have to deliver this in person?”

“Yes.”

Gabe groaned. He could not think of a prospect he hated more. In a month, he had not managed to gather enough poise to revisit his beloved Phuong at the bookstore. He merely whimpered the name in his sleep, according to an unusually smug Gunter. And now, to be separated by this meaningless trek?

“To the post, Gabe. Not to [neighboring kingdom].”

Ever the model prince, Gabriel drew himself upright immediately. “The post, you say,” he repeated regally. “The one three streets away from the bookstore.”

“That’s the one.” His guard, his best friend, smiled tightly. “I intend to propose along the way, and your stringing this out is not helping my nerves.”

His royal eyes wider than saucers, Gabe ruffled all of his curls in distress and excitement. “Propose! Why didn’t you say so, you big baboon?”

“You were sulking, Highness.” Gunther’s smile is wry, only a little amused.

“I most certainly was not. Agh, let’s go, let’s go, let’s go.”

In his rush, he sustained more injury to his hands that day than he had in the past year.

“So…” Phuong glanced at Gabe’s hands, a quick flicker of dark brown eyes. “What happened to your hands?”

Prince Gabriel hid the offending bandaged digits behind his back. “A mishap while writing the world’s most useless letter.”

“Oh?”

“Its recipient can’t even read. OH!” Without thinking, Gabe grabbed at Phuong’s shirt, tugging in his hasty excitement. “He’s doing it, he’s-!”

He turned, only to find his face alarmingly close to Phuong’s. Why was the other man looking at him anyway? Did it matter?

The moment was broken too soon by a holler across the street. “GABE! SHE SAID YES!”

“OF COURSE SHE DID, YOU BABOON!” He fired back, pretending not to feel the heat rising inside him from the sudden close proximity. “He’s going to look so hot at his wedding,” Gabe muttered dreamily, still clinging with bandaged fingertips to Phuong’s shirt.

“I have something for you,” Phuong said suddenly. “I wasn’t sure when you would come back, but I have something.”

It was the best news the prince had heard all day. Seeing Phuong while getting his work done and receiving a gift? Only the gods could provide such a setup.

He was right, for once, that it was too good to be true. Phuong deposited a box of fanmail in the prince’s arms and turned away without a word.

Three.

The third time was a disaster.

“Did you read them?” Phuong asked after the initial pleasantries had been exchanged.

“The letters?” Gabe leaned on the counter. “Burned them.” He grinned, but back-pedaled when the joke falls flat.

Phuong swallowed, then busied himself wiping down the counter. “You burned them?”

“If I read every piece of fanmail I ever got, I wouldn’t survive, Phuong.”

“I see. I suppose- No, never mind.”

While he hadn’t burned them, Gabe hadn’t read them either. He had no reason to read confessions of love from women who didn’t stand a chance with him because 1) he didn’t like women like that and 2) he only had a certain pool of suitors to choose from. This thing he was perpetuating with Phuong… It would burn him eventually. But Phuong was still very, very hot, and Gabe was still very, very gay.

There was no promise of reciprocated anything from the clerk. He was simply doing his job, and Gabe was just a guy that came in a little too often for a little too long. That was all.

“What’s this about, then? Was there one I should have read? Is it from your sister?”

“I don’t have a sister.”

“Your cousin?”

“Your Highness,” Phuong looks at him, finally. Gabe doesn’t enjoy it, though. Not the way the address comes out so clinical, so distant. “All the letters had the same handwriting. My handwriting.”

The prince’s throat goes dry. “What?” He whispers.

“I’m closing the shop early today,” the other man responds in that same distant voice. “You’ll need to leave, Your Highness.”

Stunned, Gabe returns to the palace.

Each of the letters is one sentence long.

I hope this finds you well, Your Highness.

The stars in your eyes shine brighter than mine, yet belong to the same single sky.

You’re a brat.

Gunther came to the bakery today; I’m strangely disappointed by your absence.

A heartless one, you turned out to be.

The stars in your eyes shine on different continents than mine, it seems.

Foolish of me to write letters to someone I’ve only met once.

Why do I think of you so often, my most hated daydream?

There’s one for every day of the month Gabe avoided Vanilla Pages.

“Gunther?” He calls into the air. A maid scurries in instead, apologizing for the absence of his guard, a different guard trailing in behind her. “It’s fine. Will you bring me some alcohol?”

Four.

The fourth time was a mistake.

The very same night, a very drunk Gabe stumbled through the streets. It would be a prime night for assassination, if anyone wanted to put him out of his misery. A shame that no one did.

Mindless feet guided him back to the bookstore. Fruitlessly, he banged on the shut and bolted door.

An angry Gunther dragged him home, and Phuong was never the wiser.

Five.

The fifth time was purposeful.

“Your engagement was decided today.”

Hollow-eyed, Prince Gabriel blinked at the captain of his guard – a married man now. The wedding had been beautiful. As expected. “My what?”

“Your engagement, Highness. She’s a very pretty woman, if it’s any consolation.”

“It’s not.”

“Phuong is also in very bad shape, if it’s any consolation. Rea said so.”

“It’s not.” The words came muffled by the pair of hands covering the prince’s face. It was enough that he felt bad about everything. There was really no reason both of them should feel awful. “Gunther, clear my schedule for the next hour. I’m going to the bookstore.”

“You’re engaged now.”

“I’m aware. Betrothed men ought to tell other suitors when they’re off the market.”

The intention is clear, and Gunther seems upset. Unreasonably so. “Your Highness-”

“I have to, Gunther. I’m going to make him hate me so he can move on faster.”

“But you-”

“I always knew how this would end. It’s okay. I’m okay.”

He was anything but okay. He was gay and in love and engaged to a beautiful woman who deserved the kind of love he could never give her because he was gay and desperately in love with someone else.

Each solemn step of the way, he bid farewell to each part of the man he had inexplicably grown to love. Goodbye, beautiful hair. Goodbye, kind heart. Goodbye, brown eyes. Goodbye, biceps; goodbye, thighs. Goodbye, hands. Goodbye, stupid love letters.

He walked in, announced his engagement to the ground, and fled before he could see the other man’s reaction.

One.

Phuong considered his life in chapters.

They were typically large, vague categories of his life that were boring and tedious to live through. Childhood. Teenage years. Adulthood. Gabe. It was only this latest chapter that made any difference in anything he thought.

Before Gabe, life was dull. Every day, the same. After him, every day was painful – but the good kind of painful that perhaps would lead to something. The second prince bore the name of the messenger of the lord, and that had to count for something, didn’t it?

Apparently not. For Gabe to cut him off so quickly… If he had hoped to give Phuong any kind of conclusion about what they were and what they meant to each other, he failed spectacularly.

After milling around Rea’s bakery for half the day, he finally called in his favor. “Rea, can I… Uhm…”

“If you wait until sundown, Gunther will come home for dinner, and he can take you straight to the brat himself,” she replied before he finished the thought. “Just tell him how you feel, and if it goes bad, you can have free cakes for a week.”

“I’ll get fat and unattractive.”

“Honey,” she said in that pitying tone he’d so hoped to avoid.

“Can I… Have a free cake now?”

Prince Gabriel and Gabe were very different people, and while Phuong had known this, it didn’t really dawn on him until he saw it with his own two eyes.

Gabe – his Gabe – smiled and laughed at everything, had horrible posture because he was always trying to get that tiny bit closer to Phuong, and dressed horribly because he thought it’d work as a disguise.

Prince Gabriel wore tailored clothes that made Phuong a little dizzy because of how they accentuated a man who didn’t need accentuating at all. Prince Gabriel spoke with authority and walked with it, too. He oozed it.

Phuong didn’t know if this made his job any easier.

The moment the door shut behind him, the prince groaned and stretched and stripped off his clothes from the day. He flopped face-first on the bed like a child and immediately called for the captain of his guard.

“Is it okay that I’m here instead?” Phuong said softly.

Unexpectedly, the prince jumped ten feet in the air. “Phuong?”

A complicated series of expressions crossed the prince’s face. He looked like he wanted to be upset, but couldn’t, and in the end, he started to cry, reaching for Phuong with grabby hands and a bleeding heart. What a foolish prince, to wound himself like this, when he really didn’t need to be wounded at all.

“Your eyes shine with stars that are different from mine, but they share the same sky,” Phuong murmured, climbing into the prince’s bed and pulling him into a clumsy embrace. “If you had read that, I thought you’d have understood.”

“It’s not the same as telling me upfront. I can’t bank my decisions on I think.”

“I know.”

And the prince only cried more. This was all his heart had ever wanted, but it still didn’t tell his mind what to do. Could he afford to forfeit his engagement? Would he have to forfeit Phuong again, knowing what he knew now?

He didn’t know. He didn’t care yet. It was hard to care with Phuong’s finger sliding through his curls, with feathery touches of lips to his forehead.

“Gabe.”

“Hm?”

“I really, really like you. But I get it if you still have to let me go.”

Gabe tightened his arms around Phuong. “I won’t. I don’t want to.”

“Okay.”

Spoiler alert: I have no idea how to actually end this but I believe they figure out their way to get together and live happily ever after bc that was the whole point of this but I really can’t be bothered to write it out whoops

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rainbuckets8 · 3 years

Text

Why you should watch RWBY

TL;DR:

Summary: RWBY is an epic fantasy with themes like found family, the struggle to remain hopeful, the younger generation growing up, villain redemption, and systemic evils.

Strengths: RWBY has unique and memorable characters. The show is smart. It has excellent cinematography and animation. It has representation. It tackles hard topics. It’s got incredible music and it’s free on RT’s website.

Weaknesses: RWBY has some early growing pains, specifically volume 2’s finale, as well as budget and polish. Later on, volume 4 is weaker than the rest. Volume 8's finale is extremely distressing for a lot of viewers (and we haven't seen the follow up to those events yet). The fandom can be bad at times.

Misinformation: The early volumes being bad, the racism plot line, and the animation (not the same as “budget and polish”) are not as bad as you may have heard from YouTube.

Suggested viewing order

Red Trailer, White Trailer, Black Trailer, Yellow Trailer

Volume 1

Volume 2

Volume 3

Volume 4 Character Short

Volume 4

Volume 5 Weiss Character Short, Volume 5 Blake Character Short, Volume 5 Yang Character Short

Volume 5

Volume 6 Adam Character Short

Volume 6

Volume 7

Volume 8

(I did my best to make this spoiler-free. When there are spoilers, they’re worded ambiguously enough that someone new to the show would never guess what’s going to happen just by reading this.)

What to expect

The world of Remnant is filled with monsters called the creatures of Grimm. Warriors called Huntsmen and Huntresses defend humanity. Ruby, Weiss, Blake, and Yang go to school to become the next generation of heroes. Together they make Team RWBY (pronounced, “Ruby”)! Joining them is team JNPR (“Juniper”), made up of Jaune, Nora, Pyrrha, and Ren. But evils even more dangerous than the Grimm are ready to make their move, and school quickly becomes an afterthought…

(I mention these next two topics specifically bc they can immediately turn someone away based on bad expectations.) There is a fantasy school setting, but RWBY is not a show about school. School topics are not a dominant idea: it seems to resemble a setting like Harry Potter, but the actual focus of the show rarely touches on things like classes or homework or tests, and we quickly move on. There is romance and it has a role in the plot, but RWBY is not a romance show. On the scale of romance in FMAB to She-Ra, RWBY falls somewhere in the middle.

What is RWBY about, then? RWBY is like an epic fantasy or high fantasy, despite first appearances. Perhaps not every genre convention is followed, but at its core, RWBY is about an epic struggle of good and evil.

RWBY contains themes such as found family, the struggle to remain hopeful, the younger generation growing up, villain redemption, and systemic evils.

Strengths of the show

The characters are unique and memorable. One of the cool things is that they all draw inspiration from a real life fairy tale, myth, or something else. They designs are all top notch. One character who died with extremely little screen time even got so much fandom love, they included the character in a mid-hiatus short later. The characters have unique weapons, too; in the world of Remnant, a weapon is an extension of ones’ soul, and they reflect the variety of their owners. They’re also just plain cool; Monty was famous for following the “Rule of Cool.” And their individual stories are all compelling and interesting.

The show is smart. As a fandom, we generally pick up on the narrative hints the creators are dropping. And our predictions usually come true, but not in a way that makes the show predictable and boring. We very rarely guess exactly what will happen, but we have some similar idea of it. It’s just excellent foreshadowing.

RWBY also likes to play with tropes, as an extension of this. Often it will challenge them, or subvert expectations. In other cases, RWBY uses tropes to avoid showing us what we already know will happen. This occurs in both characters and plot. For example…

SLIGHT SPOILERS FOR VOLUME ONE FOR THE REST OF THIS PARAGRAPH: Jaune’s entire character arc is about trying to be the anime protagonist, and learning that he doesn’t have to do things alone, and it’s ok to be a support main. The show sets up the narrative in a way that looks like, oh of course the direction it will go is him becoming the main character, but then it destroys toxic masculinity instead.

Our characters are smart, too. Plot-induced stupidity generally doesn’t happen. (A few big mistakes or errors in this regard aren’t actually the fault of the narrative, either, but animation and miscommunication and failure to execute. And those aren’t common.) It goes beyond just “not being dumb,” however. The villains’ plans are incredibly clever, and our heroes sometimes even guess at the usual “plot twists.”

The cinematography is just incredible. There are numerous freeze frames with extreme attention to detail that reveal character motivations or arcs or foreshadowing, there are many effective cuts and moving parts, there are soooo many parallels and callbacks, and visual cues such as lighting and color all are used appropriately to convey emotion and assist the narrative. It is one of the biggest overlooked strengths of the show, imo, simply because a lot of people in the fandom don’t notice these things as much for whatever reason, or else don’t give as much praise about them.

The animation is extremely good as well. Budget issues and technology issues aside (which means a lack of polish), the actual animation? The fight choreography, and all the other parts of animation that aren’t just “expensive CGI” are all wonderful. You can have very shiny, polished turds after all, and RWBY is like the opposite: not very polished, especially early on, but very well animated. All the trailers, volume 1 episode 8, the volume 1 finale, the volume 2 penultimate episode, and basically everything else hold up extremely well even today. If anything, the worst fight animation was in volumes 4 and 5 because of Maya growing pains, and those are an example of being more polished, but not necessarily better animated. Animation of faces has always been good, animation of characters has always felt lively. Aside from a few small actual hiccups (that one person running across rooftops for instance), it’s well done.

There are LGBTQ+ characters. The treatment of one of the recent trans characters, in volume 8, was nothing short of amazing. They worked with a VA who was trans. The moment of canon confirmation was important to the character for backstory, because of course that affects the character’s life, but not the only important thing about the character. The representation is not in-your-face or pandering. And there is a split of representation among the main cast and the minor characters, with promises of more to come (notably they’ve said they’re working on more mlm for future volumes, too).

RWBY is not afraid to tackle hard topics. It deals with things like mental illness, systematic racism, and cycles of abuse. It’s not because the show is trying to earn “gritty and dark” points, it’s because those are some of the topics that real people have to struggle with as well. And the show handles most or all of them very well, in a way that shows respect and an honest attempt to depict these things as best they can. (NOTE ABOUT VOLUME 8: THERE IS A VERY DIFFUCLT CONVERSATION CURRENTLY HAPPENING. I am on the side of, let’s wait and see what happens next because the story isn’t over, so we haven’t really seen the fall out. But I understand why this paragraph feels really difficult to agree with if you've seen the volume 8 finale. I trust the track record of the rest of the show, personally.)

As an example, the show has a theme that villains are rarely evil just because. A lot of villains choose to do bad things because they were hurt in some way. Some lived in poverty; some were hurt by racism; many of them are victims of abuse. But the show doesn’t make excuses for them. It’s possible to be both sympathetic and still choose evil over and over again (that’s called tragic). The ones who eventually do try to do good again are not always forgiven, either.

The music is amazing. I can probably count on my hands the number of times I’ve heard someone say otherwise, which is astonishing when you consider this fandom.

It’s also free on RT’s website. (A paid, “FIRST” subscription removes ads and lets you see new episodes one week early, but they all eventually release for free.)

Weaknesses of the show

Early volumes’ growing pains exist, much like most or all other shows. (Even some of the greatest were not immune to this, like ATLA.) In this case, however, it’s a little bit rougher. A large reason why is that this was kind of the first big thing from RT to ever come out. If you remember back almost a decade ago, their only other big thing at the time was RvB, which was machinima. They pretty much started from scratch with everything, from assets to VAs to animation to writing. Imagine if a random twitch streamer, like Ninja (idk who’s popular these days) said one day, “OK let me just direct something that’s intended to be the next great movie series of all time, like Star Wars, with a $4 bill and an iPhone camera.” Then went out and actually made something. Of course it would be rough…but then it turns out the movie is actually really good. And then you get to watch over the next several years as everything gets better and better until it’s honest-to-god comparable to the MCU. That’s kind of what happened with RWBY.

One specific growing pain was the volume 2 finale. Pretty much everything else up until that point, I love about the show. But the finale just fails to deliver on the build up of tension from other episodes. Some of it is because of later plot developments that we didn’t know at the time; some of it is because of just not great writing; some of it is because of just not great animation; and yes, some of it is budget. Regardless, it’s a low point for the show.

Speaking of, the budget for the early volumes is super small. The infamous volume one shadow people, the infamous person jumping across the rooftops in volume two, and just production quality isn’t high compared to a major release from some established studio. These are real weaknesses of the show that for some people, make it unwatchable, and if that’s you, that’s ok.

One last weakness of the show, the screen time per episode, especially early on, is NOT a full 20 minutes like you may expect of an anime (or anime-inspired-western-media, for those of you who will die on the “RWBY is not an anime” hill). This is a trend that has stuck with the show, a shorter run time per episode, for generally the entire lifetime. On one hand, it means it’s a little less daunting to catch up or rewatch than the number of episodes might imply. On the other, early on, some episodes have a little weird pacing. It also means the writing had to adjust for this, so while RWBY got really good at telling a story within a shorter amount of time, there’s also challenges with that too. Perhaps one of the notable ones is the pacing, with slower moments sometimes feeling like it takes up too much screen time, or not enough. Volume 4 was a particular struggle for the crew, both because they switched animation engines and also for the story.

Common complaints that I don’t agree with

I don’t agree that the early volumes were actually bad overall. Growing pains, yes, but not bad. I attribute that complaint to overly focusing on one character’s storyline, back when it wasn’t clear there was so much more to come and before people realized the show would challenge the tropes instead of falling into them. It’s pretty much just volume 1 when people say this anyway, most of them I’ve heard admit that volume 2 was a lot better (except the finale) and almost everyone loves volume 3. And looking back on it, I do think volume 1 holds up.

Tying into this, the racism plot line is another common complaint. I don’t think it’s actually executed quite that badly. I think it makes sense for there to be regional differences in the amount of racism we see, it just so happened that we only saw a very small and isolated environment, Beacon, for much of the early volumes. (Incidentally, that’s actually similar the environment I myself grew up in.) It’s not perfect, though. But there’s no doubt that the later volumes do a better job portraying this. Again, I attribute it mostly to people not knowing how long the show would run for at the time, so of course if that’s all we saw, it would’ve been bad. But it’s not. I have a lot of respect for Miles and Kerry for even attempting to handle the racism topic in the first place. And for the faults that DO exist in this plot line, I credit them for learning and growing past that too, and doing better in later volumes.

The animation is not bad. I’ve already touched on that earlier, but people confuse “budget and polish” with “animation.” Give me RWBY any day over Michael Bay’s Transformers: no matter how much polish those robots have, they’re still a confusing mess to try and follow. And the polish isn’t even an issue once we get past the growing pains of Maya and get a bigger budget, because wow does this show look good now.

Between these three complaints I hear about often, I think those are the biggest ones. And they’re all generally done in bad faith, based not on just those but on other more provocative statements people also make with them. That’s part of my issue with the fandom, specifically the vocal but small parts of the fandom, because they’re just repeating these things from early days that aren’t true. But YouTubers gotta get those rage and hate clicks somehow, right? Unfortunately it discredits the show a lot and influences other people’s opinions into not giving it a fair chance, because it’s become a narrative of “RWBY IS BAD” when they all won’t shut up about it. So yeah, fandom can be bad, join at your own discretion. (Of course, all fandoms have annoying parts, and my interactions with the fandom have been good overall, otherwise.)

Onto other complaints, some say the cast is bloated. I don’t agree, but I don’t think this one is in bad faith. I think we get the important characters as much screen time as we can, and the minor characters don’t actually detract from that; one of the differences between good minor characters and bad ones, is that bad ones take up too much time. RWBY has a ton of characters but many of the minor ones don’t actually take up too much time. So it appears bloated, but actually I don’t think it is.

Finally, a small word on the no-no topics. Adam, and Monty. Adam is like the champion of the Monty topic. Which essentially boils down to “Miles and Kerry are ruining Monty’s vision for the show.” Toxic fandom is truly awful and I have no respect for anyone who says anything like that. Shame on all of you. This isn’t really anything negative about the show, but the fandom, and tbf all fandoms have toxic parts. But toxic fandom can be a real and valid reason to not watch a show. Thankfully they seem fewer in number these days, but I think they’ve evolved into hiding behind other characters or topics, so you know. Beware. Again, it's not too hard to avoid them or block them, and my interactions otherwise with most fans have been good.

#rwby

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silverswanqueen · 3 years

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I mostly disliked RWBY since V3 because the dark turn and how they went about it I just subjectively didn't like(I was expecting it to be more akin to Harry Potter or Avatar The Last Airbender) and now its seems like its going through the same song and dance I've seen with Fate: Zero, Akame Ga Kill, Madoka Magica and Gen Urobuchi's other works. I get the points of those works, being righteous, moral, and noble in the face of tragedy, but I've just grown tired of it. But so many stans have built their ego and identity around these works that they can't allow anyone to openly and subjectively not like something anymore. And holy shit have I never felt the brunt of that than from the RWBY loyalists.

idk I'm not pretending I am speaking objectively here, but I feel like the very fact RWBY seems to becoming this kind of dark is what's drawing blind fanatics who hold it up as one of their secular religious texts and Monty as one of their patron saints, with the other works and writers being their other texts and prophets respectively

"It's awesome because its tragic and well-earned happy endings are bad"

One wonders how Inuyasha, Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood, Harry Potter, The Star Wars Original Trilogy, or even Bram Stoker’s Dracula or Hammer's "The Devil Rides Out" would be received if they were made today and not back in the day.

Thanks for the ask and I hope my rambling isn’t confusing!

I definitely get where you’re coming from, and while I’m not familiar with Gen Urobuchi’s works I’ve seen the name enough to know there’s definitely a correlation there. I for one wasn’t necessarily upset with V3’s conclusion, but I was also much younger, didn’t have an attachment to Penny or Pyrrha like many did, and thought more would be done with the characters than what was accomplished. However, I recently did some research for my academics similar to this phenomena which I believe I can apply! However, I cannot say my explanation of it is the be all end all, because I cannot account for every RWBY fan who exhibits this behavior, so take it as you will haha.

There’s a certain pocket of literature/media that focuses on what’s referred to as the “Grimmdark,” I believe, and I’ve seen shows fall back into this phenomena of “everything must be hopeless and tragic, every victory must be pyrrhic,” and while that’s definitely a narrative you can go with, it’s spread to multiple fan bases and media over recent years. This narrative is an “infection,” since lots of social phenomena can be synonymous with an infecting trait. I compare it to Teresa Brennan’s “Transmission of Affect,” a huge study on social phenomena and how (and this is me paraphrasing) humans respond physically to social situations, meaning while the “process” is social and origin, its effects are “biological and physical,” which we can see with RWBY loyalists. They respond to the Grimmdark social infection and alter themselves (i.e. identification and physical response) to require this sort of social engagement. This altering of self is done unconsciously, and while I don’t want to get into the agency of self, the self is affected by environment, and the environment of the Grimmdark, as a result, directly influences the self. They are “infected” with the Grimmdark, and thus must engage with it. Now this isn’t bad, since the transmission of affect exists and works on all of us in many ways, but it can breed some negative results, and I think the RWBY fandom is one of them.

Now, to preface here, I’m not bashing Monty. I was still an avid fan when he passed, and I still look up to Monty to this day because of his talent and passion as an animator. But Monty… he wasn’t what I would call the best storyteller, because he was very impulsive. He would think of something, hot potato it to Miles and Kerry, and sometimes the additions would break canon a bit. Add this in with the transmission of affect which has already been in the works with the Grimmdark storytelling for some time, and it eventually attracts those “infected” by it, and as a result, breeds a toxic environment. It’s completely fine to like the Grimmdark and be, as I say, “infected” by it, but to allow this fascination with it to declare a subjective view of how storytelling should be as objective is the exact issue the fan base of RWBY has.

RWBY has fundamental writing flaws and thrown in ideas that aren’t implemented in such a way to flow coherently with the rest of the currently set narrative and world-building, and often breaks the canon that leaves the loyalists scrambling to pick up the splinters and create headcanons that allow the world-building to remain untarnished for them. This is what causes the disconnect, because those that cling to the Grimmdark as the objectively correct way to tell a story are not only trying to say it must be dark, but also the way it was written, aka the method in which we’ve gotten to this dark conclusion, is the way it must be. This is where the issue is, because they see criticism as an attack on the Grimmdark and not a critique of the writing mechanics utilized within the Grimmdark.

Subjective criticism is suddenly viewed as attacks on things that are objective. And this is one of the huge problems that many fanatics won’t understand they’re perpetuating, or simply don’t care that they are perpetuating this issue. The Grimmdark is fine, but the Grimmdark is not the be all end all of storytelling.

I could ramble more, but this is getting a bit lengthy. Essentially, yes, you’re right, they cannot allow someone to subjectively dislike it, because to them, there’s nothing subjective about it.

#rwde #rwby criticism #ask response #silver rambles #thanks for the ask!

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missnxthingg · 4 years

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Hi beautiful! You're amazing and I love what you write. Pls, continue what you're doing. 🖤 Can you do something for Peter, like him knowing he's gonna marry the reader since they first got together until they finally do it? I think it will be pretty cute. Thank uuuu!

Summary: Peter told his best friend, Ned, he’d marry the girl back when they started dating. Even though some things got in their way, they finally got where they always wanted.

A/N: I’m sorry I took a little while to get to your request but considering that I always take forever to get to your requests, this was actually okay. And I LOVED that I got a wedding request because tbh I’m in such a mood to write/read about it (send me your fic recs to read about it). I hope you enjoy it just as much as I did.

Also, I’ve been kind of bummed out that I haven’t got much feedback on my fanfics lately. An anon left me a pretty message and thank you for that one. I dedicate this one for you (idk if you’re also the one who requested this one haha).

Words: 5.5K (a biggie)

Pairing: Peter Parker x Female Reader

Warnings: Swearing, a little angst, crying, mentions of death, Endgame spoilers (?, dude it’s been more than a year).

masterlist | main blog | gif source | quarantine playlist

MARRY ME

“Peter, I think you’re rushing into this.” Ned was helping Peter sat the table for their traditional movie night with a bunch of snacks. “You just met her and you’ve been dating for less than a month. You’re already inviting her to our movie nights.”

“Look, Ned. She’s cool and I really like her. You’re gonna like her too.”

“But this is our thing. Do you really think she’s gonna like sticking around us, watching Star Wars and eating extremely unhealthy food.” Ned showed some salty pretzels he just poured in a pot. When the doorbell rang, Peter rushed to the door.

“Just… be nice to her, okay?” He opened it and found you just standing there, the prettiest girl in the whole world - under his eyes. You were looking so cute wearing your jeans, a big hoodie that probably belonged to him and a slight blush on your cheeks, that only increased once Peter opened the door. He gave you the biggest and shiniest smile in the world, enough to warm her heart.

“Hey, I’m sorry I’m late.” You glanced down to your hands a big pink box. “I went to get some cupcakes in our favourite store in Manhattan and got a little late.”

“Totally worth it.” He cupped your cheeks and softly pressed his lips against yours with a foolish smile on his face. “Come in.” He gave you space to come in and took a good look around the room.

Peter’s apartment was cosy. You loved to hang out there because it was always so good and you loved it since the first time you even set foot inside it to meet his aunt and have dinner with them. Right now it was a little different because May wasn’t home and the whole living room was a mess, full of blankets, pillows and snacks. Ned was sitting in the corner making himself busy with salty pretzels.

“Hi, Ned.” You greeted with a smile and he smiled back.

“Hey, (Y/N).”

“Sorry, I’m late. I hope you like cupcakes because I brought many of them.” You opened the box and Ned’s eyes shinned.

“You brought blueberry lemon? It’s my favourite!” He grabbed one with such excitement, making you giggle.

“Pete told me which one you liked it. I brought everyone’s favourite.”

“Pinneaple cream.” Peter picked his cupcake and gave her a pick kiss on the cheek.

“Also May’s red velvet cupcakes and my chocolate ones.”

“You need to hang out with us much more.” Ned said, making you giggle even more and rest your box over the table. You pulled the pretzel pot over and sat on Peter’s lap, resting your head on his chest. He involved you two with a blanket, making you both comfortable.

“What are we watching today?” You asked and the boys shrugged.

“We usually spend a full hour looking for something new to watch, but we end up watching Star Wars again.”

“So let’s skip straight to Star Wars.” You said chugging a bunch of pretzels on your mouth.

“You like Star Wars?” Peter frowned and you chuckled.

“Babe, we’ve been dating for almost a month and you don’t know my favourite movie?” His mouth fell slightly opened and Ned got excited, getting up to start the movie.

“So Star Wars it is!”

Peter couldn’t be happier than his girlfriend and his best friend were getting along. He loved to have you in his arms during the whole movie, just to feel you a little bit because you haven’t been this intimate in more than a week and he missed you. He loved when you and Ned started to argue about the movie and just rambled for some minutes and falling into laughter after a long discussion. It was a long night and they had a great time together.

“I have to leave now. My mom’s downstairs to take me home. But I had a good time with you guys today, I’m sorry for ruining the guy’s movie night.” “You’re invited to every single following one, (Y/N).” Ned said and Peter smiled to see that he changed his mind.

“Thank you, Ned. I left some cupcakes, and please don’t eat May’s.” You pleaded and they both nodded. “Good night boys, I’ll see you in school.”

“Nigh, (Y/N).” Ned said walking to the living room to give them some privacy.

“Good night, my love.” Peter said leaving one last kiss on her lips, making her smile widely. “Text me when you get home.”

“I will.” You waved at him and he waited until you disappeared from his sight to close the door. He returned to the living room with a stupid smile on his face, sitting next to Ned who was enjoying another cupcake.

“Oh, I love her so much.” He mumbled looking up to the ceiling. “Ned, I’m gonna marry her someday.” “Dude, how can you be so sure?”

“Because if it isn’t her, I don’t want to get married at all. She’s my everything, she’s perfect.”

“Aren’t you rushing into things? The last time you went this fast it ended up with Liz Allen breaking your heart.”

“This time it’s different. She isn’t Liz Allen. She’s my angel and I’m gonna marry her someday.” Peter smiled own himself and thought about how much he loved that girl and how special she was to him. He wanted more than anything to be with her forever.

“She’s just a High School girlfriend, Peter. Those relationships never last.”

“Wow, Ned. Very nice, uhm? I thought you liked (Y/N).”

“I do like her, but I’m being realistic.”

“Well, I don’t know. I hope you’re not right. I love her so much it hurts.”

“Whatever. Let’s play Dungeons and Dragons.”

(...)

“Uhm, you smell good.” You mumbled against Peter’s neck. He smiled and pressed a kiss on top of your head. You were cuddling together on a small seat back in the school bus coming back from a field trip. You were holding onto Peter’s arm while your legs rested over his and you gently rested your head on the crook of his neck, with his resting on top of yours.

“You sound tired.” He mumbled and you nodded.

“I’m very tired. And starving.” You looked up to him and he pressed a small kiss against your lips.

“Why don’t we go over to my apartment? We can buy a couple of Delmar’s along the way and just cuddle for the rest of the day. Maybe you could sleepover…” He suggested, blushing slightly since he never invited you to a sleepover before.

“I’d loved that.” You rubbed circles on his face and gently kissed his lips again. Once you pulled away, you got your head back in the crook of his neck and closed your eyes to get a little nap since you were so comfortable that way.

You and Peter have been dating for several months now, you weren’t sure how many, but you knew it’s been a long time. And you were glad that you were finally growing into a more mature relationship and you were proud of what you’re becoming. You couldn’t wait to see where you were going next and it was exciting.

You were almost snoring with Peter’s arms involving you into a comforting hug and slightly rocking you, but you felt his arms tense up and you shot your eyes open to look at him. Peter was staring outside the window with a worried expression and you sat straight to meet what he was looking at. A giant circle was flying over New York and you could feel he knew something was wrong.

“I guess we’re not doing Delmar’s and sleepovers tonight.”

“I am so sorry, baby.” He kissed your lips and you nodded.

“Go get ‘em, tiger.” You whispered against his lips and he nodded, turning around to see Ned sitting next to MJ, who was too distracted reading a book.

“Ned, I need you to cause a distraction.” Peter pointed his head to the circle and Ned’s eyes widened.

“Holy shit. WE’RE ALL GONNA DIE, THERE’S A SPACESHIP…” Ned ran for the back of the bus making everyone follow him to see what was going on. Peter gave you one last look while putting his web-shooters on and opened the window before grinning to you with concern.

“I love you.” He said and your heart ached because something about it seemed wrong.

“I love you too.” He shot the window and got out of it, disappearing in the New York skyline. You leaned against the window and watched him go again with a sharp pain in your chest.

“He’s gonna be okay.” Ned mumbled standing next to you in the hallway and you nodded, too worried to say anything. He sat next to you and rested a hand on your shoulder. “You could stay in my apartment for a movie night until he gets back. We can watch Star Wars.”

“That would be great, thank you. I could use a distraction.”

“He’s amazing and you know that. He’s gonna be back home in time to join us for the movie.”

But he wasn’t and you were starting to get concerned. You managed to get quickly to Ned’s apartment and not get any harm. You parents were still at work and stuck there, so they were glad you were with someone to make you company. He tried to cheer you up, even made snacks and got a new Lego for you to build, but you were too worried about Peter.

You sat down and watched the chaos on TV and there was even footage of Spider-Man, Iron Man and some other heroes fighting bad guys and it made your heartache to see your boyfriend in such dangerous situation. So you cried over a pot of ice cream offered by Ned and just rambled on to him about every concern you had until he managed to make you calm down with funny movies and some snacks.

“We ran out of salty pretzels.” You said once you realized it was all gone.

“I have chocolate pretzels if you want it.” He suggested and you nodded.

“Pretty please.” He chuckled and went to get some in the kitchen. You kept on watching the movie until you heard a shattering glass sound as if he dropped the bowl on the floor. “Ned, are you okay?” You stood up and went to find him in the kitchen, meeting nothing but a broken bowl, chocolate pretzels all over the place and a pile of dust lying next to it. “Oh, God.”

You tried to reach for your phone but it fell from your hand as you watched it turning to dust. Your eyes widened and even though you wanted to scream or say something, you couldn’t. All your mind was thinking of was Peter and all you could do was pray that he was okay. And suddenly you were gone.

(...)

When you woke up you felt a little dizzy. Your vision was blurry and you could throw up right there if you had anything on your stomach. You head was in such a huge pain and your muscles were all tensed up. You were very confused and you just lied until your vision was okay again and you could sit up, finding a very strange place. An adult woman was standing in the living room with a shocked face, a glass up water broken on the floor. You frowned, trying to recognize that woman or the place you were, which were not unfamiliar. This was Ned’s house.

And then you remembered everything. The field trip, Peter, being in Ned’s apartment and turning into dust. Your eyes widened and you stirred in your heels to look around the room, finding Ned sitting on the floor, rubbing his eyes, just confused as you. Nobody dared to say a word until Ned himself said.

“Holy shit!” He cursed and shot up quickly. “Mom?”

“Ned! I thought you were dead.” The woman ran across you and hugged her son tightly, sprinkling kisses across his face.

“What happened?” He asked and the woman was soaked in tears.

“They called it The Snap, at least that’s what the Avengers told us when they came back. And half of the population of the universe turned into dust, including you and your father. I was the only one left.”

“(Y/N).” Ned said and got off his mom’s embrace to meet you in the living room, pulling you into a tight hug. “Are you okay?”

“I guess so. I’m a little dizzy, though.”

“I’m gonna get you something to eat and some medicine to take.” The woman said and you followed Ned the living room, where he changed channels to the news one, showing that everyone was back. You sat there, trying to process the whole thing and trying to remember what happened until you remembered the most important thing.

“Peter…” You whispered and looked at Ned. “Where’s Peter, is he okay?” He shrugged a little hesitant and his mother came back with two sandwiches.

“Peter died with you all when it happened. But since you two came back, maybe he’s back too.” She said and you nodded, taking the sandwich.

“Thank, Mrs Leeds. But I should go home, my mom must be looking for me.” You said and she nodded. “Ned, if you hear anything from Peter, call me.”

“I’m sure he’s gonna get to you first.”

“Don’t care, bye!” You ran out of the apartment and quickly walked to your own, which wasn’t so far away from Ned’s.

The street was chaos, people appearing out of nowhere and reuniting with their loved ones, it was almost getting in your way home. You ran on the streets, trying to get there as quick as possible, even though you were eating a sandwich and your head was hurting a lot. Your mom and dad were standing in front of your building and you ran for their embrace.

“Sweetheart, you’re okay!” Your dad said, pulling you tightly into a hug.

“I am, dad.” You said hugging them ever tighter. “What happened to you guys?”

“We stayed alive, you were the only one who was snapped and we were… devastated.” Your mom started to say and she was crying more than anything right now. “I’m so glad you’re okay.”

“What about Peter? And May?”

“They both snapped sweetie.” Your father said and you were lost in tears. “But I’m sure they are fine now, just like you are.”

“God, I’m praying for them to be.” You said and your mom nodded.

“Let’s get you upstairs, you look horrible, we’ll take care of you.”

Thank God your father was a doctor and had everything you need to be okay. He got you an IV access for serum and medicine, lied you down in your bed and had your mom making you something to eat.

“I want burgers. I’m so hungry.” You said and she smiled nodding.

“I’m gonna make as much as you want them. I’m not sure if they are delivering food today.” Your mother winked and you chuckled.

Right after she came back with two burgers, they just filled you in with everything. Five years had gone by and half of the universe was wiped from existence and they even had a funeral for you, a small one since there weren’t many people left, but they never got the courage to pack all your stuff and give it away. Your mom was three months pregnant because, after years of mourning for you, they decided they needed to try having kids again and now you were gonna have a sibling. And they told about the battle and the day Steve Rogers came to television to clear everything up for everyone. You found out that now your parents knew about him being Spider-Man, that they met Tony Stark because he visited them to meet the family of Peter’s gorgeous girlfriend and he made them swear they wouldn’t give Peter’s secret away. Oh, you missed him so much and you wish he was there so you could take care of each other.

After a long night catching up on each other’s life, your parent’s decided you needed some sleep because even though you were gone for five years, you must be tired, so they removed your IV and left the room. You tried to phone May, but she wasn’t getting your calls, neither was Peter and you started to worry. That’s why you didn’t sleep at all when your parents left, you stood wide awake, worried about your boyfriend and trying to reach him somehow. You gave up when tiredness started to hit you and it was almost four in the morning, you needed some sleep. That’s was when you closed your eyes and seconds after it, you heard a noise on your fire escape.

Spider-Mans suit was much different from the last time you saw it, since before it was much more subtle and now it is an iron suit, just like Iron Man’s. Peter looked just the same from the last time you saw him, except that he had many bruises and dry blood all over his face. He looked tired and hurt, but especially sad, with tears in his eyes. You stood up in a heartbeat and ran for his arms without even saying a word. Peter relaxed one you held him and it felt like the whole world’s weight left his shoulders.

“Oh my God, I can’t believe you’re here.” You whispered in his ear and he gasped. “I thought I had lost you.”

“Me too.” He leaned back and cupped your cheek, rubbing it with his thumb and taking in every detail of your face. He kissed you and it was… magical. So needy and the only thing that mattered right at that moment. Peter leaned against the wall and pulled you by the waist. He pressed a button to contract his suit so he could feel your skin, making him moan in your lips. “Baby, you have no idea what happened.”

“You can tell me about everything. Just let it all go.” You rubbed his back and he started to cry even harder.

“Tony died. He died saving all of us.” He started to sob and you pulled him into a tight hug. “He died right in front of me and I did… nothing.”

“I’m so sorry Pete.” You could feel his pain exhaling to your body and you wanted it more than ever to go away.

“All I could think about was you, from the second I came back. I fought for you, to get back to you.” He moved some strays of hair from your face and kissed you again, with much more intensity. “Marry me.” He whispered against your lips.

“What?” You were drunk in his kisses and he kept them happening.

“Marry me, (Y/N) (Y/L/N).” He whispered again between kisses and you broke them off.

“Peter, we’re still in High School.”

“I don’t care, I just wanna be with you for the rest of my life.” He said it again, initiating another kiss. “All of this only made it more clear, that you’re the love of my life and the universe gave us a second chance to be together and I don’t wanna waste even one second of it. I wanna be with you forever because if it isn’t you, there’s no point at all. I wanna marry you, (Y/N). And I’ve never been so sure of everything before in my life.”

“Then marry me, Peter Parker.” You smiled and pulled him into another kiss. “But can we at least wait until we graduate?” He nodded with a small grin on his face.

“We don’t need to rush. I’ll just keep asking you every day until the wedding.” You laughed and pulled him to bed.

“What about May? Is she okay?”

“Yes. She’s in the hospital, a little dehydrated. Uhm, we lost the apartment and we don’t have a place to stay right now, so I guess she’s fine there. I’ll just crash at the Stark Tower in Manhattan.”

“Hell no! We haven’t seen each other in five years and we just got engaged. You’re gonna stay here and I’ll get you something to eat and take care of you.” He smiled softly and you left the room to get some things to take care of him.

Eventually, your parents woke up and your father took care of Peter’s wounds and got him an IV just like yours. You all filled in each other’s lives and now everyone knew what had happened during this time you were gone. Peter got so happy when he heard that your mom was pregnant and he was happy that at least in your life everything was okay. He didn’t know how he’d recover from this, but he knew there would always be someone to help.

“Oh, Peter. We have a spare bedroom that soon is gonna turn into a baby’s room. But there’s still furniture left in there and we can keep it that way for some more months. Why don’t you and May stay with us until you find somewhere to stay.”

“That would be great.” He smiled and nodded. “I hope it doesn’t bother you.”

“Not at all! You’re family Pete.” Your mother caressed his face just like you do. “I guess you’re gonna need some rest. No funny business you two, but you can share the bed tonight.”

“Thank you, Mr. and Mrs. (Y/L/N).”

“Good night, kids.”

“Good night.” They mumbled watching them closing the door.

“Feeling better?” You asked and he nodded, pulling you closer to lie with him.

“I love you more than anything in the world.”

“I love you too.” You pressed a kiss on his nose and turned around to be spooned.

“Good night, future wifey.”

“Good night, future hubby.”

(...)

You wanted more than anything to just shut your computer down and do something else to relax, but exams were close and you needed to study harder than ever. You knew college wasn’t easy, but you didn’t know it was that hard. After many years of struggling with the end of semesters and many essays to do, now you had your apartment instead of living in a small dormitory on campus. Taking care of it and having to deal with college stuff was hard, but that was just being a grown-up.

First, it was easy because you shared the apartment with your boyfriend Peter. You decided to move in together since you were in Harvard, he was in the MIT and maybe moving in together would make you guys see each other more often, which was a big lie. Peter stopped doing his Spider-Man duties when he wasn’t in New York, but still was working on Stark Industries inside the MIT and it was consuming most of his time, so he was never home.

After a while fighting tiredness, it finally won and you decided to stop studying to lie in front of the TV, maybe drink some alcoholic drink and order pizza because you were too tired to do anything other than procrastinating. You missed Peter more than you could express and you wish he was there to lie with you and just watch a full season of Parks and Recreation with you and doing silly Ben Wyatt impressions just because he knew you liked it. But the door never opened and he never came back home.

“Hi, darling. I’m so sorry I’m late.” Peter entered the apartment holding a big pizza box. “I ran into the pizza guy when I got here and got it for you.”

“Uhm, my hero.” You opened your arms to hug him and he pulled you up into a koala hug, one you very much appreciated. “I missed you so much.”

“I missed you too.” He kissed her temple and she leaned back to analyze his face, grinning. “What is it?”

“You’re so beautiful.”

“Oh, baby. You’re beautiful too.” He kissed her again and settled her back in the couch. “Did you have a nice day?”

“Uhm, not really. Kind of tiring, I spent the whole day studying. And you?”

“Well, I’m not exactly thrilled today.” He said and leaned back into the couch, taking you with him.

“What’s wrong baby?”

“It’s Tony’s death anniversary.” You nodded, knowing how hard this was for him.

“Oh. It’s okay, I got you.” You said and he smiled weakly.

“I don’t know. I just spent the whole day working and suddenly that whole day couldn’t get out of my head. I know it’s been years, but I remembered every detail of it, the battle, seeing him dying in front of my eyes. And then I remembered coming back to you.”

“The night we…”

“The night we got engaged.” He finished your sentence and you nodded. “I’m just kind of bummed that I keep asking you to be my wife over the years, but we were too young, and then we didn’t have money. But now I have a job, we’re almost out of college and I think we’re old enough to get married now.”

“Babe does this means…”

“I want us to finally get married.” He said and you widened your eyes.

“Oh my God, are you sure?”

“Yes! But I want to do this right, you know… Buy you an engagement ring, find a new place for us in New York, get that big wedding we’ve always wanted.” He said and you nodded excitedly.

“Are we really doing this?” You asked and he nodded with a big smile on his face.

“Only if you want to.”

“Of course! I want this more than anything in the world.” You jumped into his arms and kissed him hungrily. “Ugh, I love you so much. You sure know how to make my day.”

“I love you too, bubs.”

(...)

“Hey, everyone’s waiting for you. Are you ready?” MJ knocked softly on the door and found you checking yourself out in the big mirror in your room.

“I don’t know. Do I look alright?” You turned to check the back of the dress and MJ smiled.

“You look amazing, as always.” She chuckled and you smiled at her. “So I think you’re ready.”

“I think I am.” You were shaking and nervous, which MJ noticed and rested a hand on your arm to calm you down.

“Your father is waiting for you.” She left after she said those words and you glanced at yourself in the mirror to breath deeply one last time.

“Let’s do this.” You whispered to yourself and walked out of that room, nervous as fuck. Your dad was fixing his tie by the time you got there.

“Oh my God, sweetheart. You look… stunning.” His eyes watered once he saw you. “I loved the dress.”

“Thank you, dad.” You smiled at him and gave him a big hug. “Do you think Peter’s gonna like it?”

“He would like it even if it was the worst dress in the world. The only thing that matters to him is the girl wearing it.”

“So, you’re not giving me a ‘don’t get married’ speech like every father?”

“No.” He smiled tenderly and kissed the top of your head. “I trust Peter and I trust you. And you belong together.”

“Thank you, dad. I love you.”

“I love you too.” You entwined your arms and the music started to play. Making your heart beat faster and you swear you could just throw up right there.

You and Peter decided to have a wedding over the Starks lake house once Pepper offered you the place the day you both visited her and told her the good news. You were both thrilled to have an outdoor wedding facing a pretty lake. It was the perfect place to make everything official and you couldn’t be happier.

“Okay, let’s do this.” You said and they opened the front door so you could step out in the porch and meet everyone waiting for you.

Peter was waiting down the aisle and his eyes watered to see you wearing a wedding dress and he was the lucky guy you were getting married to. He just couldn’t believe how lucky he was to get the girl of his dreams. You cried too, he looked to beautiful as well and it was like everything around you disappeared when you were both in the room and that was all you needed. Your dad shook his hand and walked to join your mom in the front row. Peter smile was bigger than you’ve ever seen before. He leaned in and kissed your forehead before pulling you to the small stage.

You got to finally take a good look at the crowd. Lots of superheroes and their families, some friends you made over the years, a few families, including your mom and dad sitting next to May, Morgan and Pepper. Your best friends were also sitting in the front, always giving you the biggest support. You smiled to see everyone there, in the most important moment of your life. The ceremony started and the minister got to say a few words before you could start your vows.

“(Y/N), my pretty girl. I don’t think you remember this, but years ago, back when we started dating, I invited you over to my apartment for a movie night with me and Ned. You brought cupcakes and watched Star Wars with her. We already knew you were the coolest person in the world and that we had a great time that night. But there’s one thing you don’t know. That was the night I first said that I was going to marry you someday, and I kept that promise. We got engaged when we were only 17 and I kept asking you to be my wifey over the many years that followed. Thank God we finally got here.” He was holding your hands and looking directly in your eyes, that were watering with every word he was saying. “I had long nights awake thinking about what to say to you when we started to plan the wedding and to be honest, I still don’t know what to say. “ You all chuckled, but you squeezed his hands to comfort him. “I guess I just wanted you to know that you’re the prettiest girl in the whole world and that I love you more than life itself. It’s been years since I first said I wanted to marry you and nothing ever changed. I love you with every cell of my body and I will love you through all eternity.”

“You dummy.” You chuckled and he took a deep breath.

“Life tried to tear us apart and when we finally got a second chance after the snap… I just knew it was meant to be and I’m really glad we’re doing this today. I vow to always take care of you, just like you have taken care of me through all these years. And I promise to try making you happy every day and to always be by your side when you need me. I love you, wifey.” You mouthed an ‘I love you’ back and he smiled.

“(Y/N), your vows…”

“Pete. I don’t even know where to start. Okay, let’s just start with our first date. We were so raw and we talked about a lot of intimate stuff on the first time we went out and I just knew I trusted you with all my heart and you trusted me back. You told me you wanted to start a family of your own someday because you wanted to make a kid have a good life with their parents like you never had. I was already so head over heels for you that in already knew I wanted to be the person you created your family with.” He was crying much more than you were at that moment. “I thought I had lost you many years ago and thank God we got a second chance because I wouldn’t know what I’d do without you and our little family. I love you since that one, and I love our story, how we got here and the battles we fought together. They are just as important to me as you are. And I’ll love you until my last breath, just like I did some years ago, and just like I will when the time comes. I’ll love you through all eternity, hubby.”

“Peter, do you accept (Y/N) as your wife?”

“I do.” He said looking you in the eyes and you couldn’t be happier.

“(Y/N), do you take Peter as your husband?”

“I do.” You repeated his words and if he could, Peter would have just kissed you right there. You slipped your rings in each other’s fingers and kissed your hands.

“I now declare you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride.”

Peter took you in his arms and kissed you as he had never done before, and to be honest, it was the first time you kissed as a married couple. You were over the clouds and proud to be right there with him, you couldn’t be happier after all those years trying to get to that place. It was the perfect timing and meant to be.

“I love you, hubby.”

“I love you, wifey.”

…………………

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romeulusroy · 4 years

Text

Novelty Pt. Two (Thomas Shelby Oneshot)

Character/s: Tommy, Shelby family mention

Word Count: 1,606

Requested: @captivatedbycillianmurphy @parochialism

Inspired By: @parochialism

Tag List: @dontdowhatisayandnobodygetshurt

A/N: First, if you're going to give anyone credit for the plot, we should all thank @parochialism :) Thank you my love!!! Your idea was so lovely and I felt so stuck about what to write, your reply was so incredibly helpful and I couldn't have written part two without you!!! Second, I really like writing parts to fics! I'm not sure I'd be able to write more than just two parts, but I thought the same when it came to this! Third, this is the longest thing I've ever written and idk, I'm really proud!!! I'm proud of how it turned out! I haven't been able to say that in a while, but I think I needed a lil break from mini-fics to get back into the swing of writing. Feedback is always appreciated my loves! 💜💖💜

~ FIC MASTERLIST PART ONE. / PART TWO. ~

PART ONE.

A curse, the greatest loss of them all, to see young love die.

He could have burned them, used them as an ash tray, put his cigarettes out on them one by one until it held the whole pack. He could have thrown them away, tearing them apart, shredded to pieces. But he didn't. Instead the divorce papers sat there, lifeless, collecting dust in the corner of his desk. Other papers, books, things of more importance stacked on top. Neglected, just like your marriage. Didn't matter, not really, it sent the same message all the same, no use in trying. No one could divorce a Shelby. Tommy never would have agreed despite the lack of love he felt for you, and no lawyer dare let you set foot through their doors with a last name that dangerous. If you'd known all those years ago this is where you'd be, sitting, waiting for him to react through the thin walls of the office, bracing for the worst, you never would have said yes on those fucking tracks.

He knew how you felt regardless of those papers. It was clear the space between you was growing, opening a pit you wished, you hoped, you'd fall into one day. Two lives lived separate, coming together only when neccesary. Grew up, apart, wanting different things. A man of power, he cared more about the toy soldiers he sent out, doing his dirty work for him, than the spouse he left at home each night, rotting alone in the bed they used to share. Greedy, angry, hungry. This was his life, his business, you were nothing more than a tiny, mangled piece of the puzzle. Meant to speak when spoken to, appear on his arm with a smile and only good things to say, put on a good act when there were eyes watching. When there weren't, he didn't give your actions much thought. You weren't even sure you existed out of his line of sight.

You came to family meetings. Not to nod and smile, the family knew just how you felt about one another, but because you had every right to be there, same as the rest. Your feelings for Thomas didn't bleed out towards the rest. Greeting Pol, Arthur, John, Michael, even Finn with a kiss on the cheek, a kind word, a lighthearted quip towards their brother or cousin. Sweet as ever, complimenting you quietly. You were their small reminder of the world before the war. A lifelong friend before an in-law. Someone to cherish, to protect. Regardless of what your husband felt for you, they still loved you. You sat with them instead, an us vs. them. None of you afraid to call him out, to stare in those deep blues and question him, his authority. He needed that, to be knocked down, challenged, learn that the world would not bow or smile per his beck and call.

You didn't work for him, or any of them. This wasn't your place. He wanted to be the provider, for you to wait long hours for him and him only, but you wanted your own freedom, your own worth. Found a shop. Used your maiden name. They all knew, but no one dare say a thing. Hired you on the spot, your boys visiting often per his request. Checking up, making sure you behaved. It wasn't much, but it was yours, and that was enough. Quiet, without him. A place of escape, to fill your own time with. No guns, no bodies, it was safe here. He knew his place, not to set foot. You had your own territory. This was yours. Untouchable, sacred. Tommy still knew his place sometimes.

You thought about leaving, disappearing, packing your bags, showing him you meant what you said. And you had, a few times, caught yourself on a train ride to nowhere, but you always came back, wasting the day, frustrated with yourself. You weren't only leaving him. They were your family, too. Your nieces and nephews, brothers and sisters, your friends, people you cared for and who cared for you. It was your home, too. The same place you grew up, a place you never really wanted to stay too far from. It was yours, not just his. He'd find you unpacking, shoving the suitcase in the closet, knowing what you did today, why his men couldn't find you working. There were a lot of things you gave up becoming a Shelby, a lot, but your home would not be one of them.

No one defied him the way you could. There was an art to it all, a dance. Though he wanted to be the one in power, you always lead. Slamming a bowl in the sink, a drawer shut, a door or simply stomping your foot. A reminder that you made noise, that you were to be heard. Rage pickled under your skin, burning your eyes, sharpening your words. Nothing touched him. He was just as ruthless, uncaring, slicing you to shreds with the things he said. You knew one another better than you knew yourselves. All his soft spots, weaknesses, fears, they sat on the tip of your tongue, ready to pull the trigger. Broken bits strewn across the floor, neither of you picking it up. It was no shock to the rest of the world that the Shelby's were unhappy. The way the help spoke, you weren't surprised. Left to pick up the pieces, the two of you unable to look at one another, word spread quick.

There were others. Other bodies he spent the night with, other smiles he charmed, buying drinks for, other hands he kissed. It was easy for him to find a companion. Strangers threw themselves at him, falling for the same eyes you did. Those lipstick stains were not your shade, nor were the scratches on his back by your nails. He gave up hiding it, and you gave up caring. You stopped looking for one another for that kind of comfort. He wasn't the only guilty one. Trips to London, where no one had to know who you are, where no one needed to. Dressed up just for them, needy for attention, a touch, to be wanted. No feelings, no names, no strings, just mindless, naked fun. You never let yourself get too close, too attached. They'd face a fate worse than death. The animosity meant you and them were safe. He never asked where you were, what you were up to, as long as you were home by Sunday.

Sometimes, though, those stars would shine through when he looked at you, the barriers crumbling, the walls falling. He'd carry to the car, bring you home when you drank too much at the bar. Tuck you in under the covers and apologize softly, sorry for the man he's become, sorry for the life you live, sorry you're stuck with him, this new him. After particularly bad fights he'd sigh, convinced you were asleep, apologizing for the things he said, wishing he'd been able to take them back. He apologized a lot when he thought no one was listening, when he could drop this angry facade, revealing just how tired he truly was. Laying beside you, over the blankets, his tie loose, jacket long gone, he'd apologize for all the things wrong in the world, wrong in the marriage. Apologize for taking your youth, stealing so many years from you, for never giving you the family you always wanted, the husband you always wanted, the one he promised to be in a past life. Sorry for this, and that, and everything else. . . .

It didn't fix anything, it didn't make you love him the way you used to, it didn't make him the man he used to be. There were still fights, nights you spent floors away from one another, in beds that weren't your own, in booths trying to drink your problems into oblivion when you hated the very sight of him. It didn't prevent you from staying with Esme and John, taking the couch at Pols, even disappearing back home with your side when that house felt too haunted. It didn't fix a goddamn thing, and it never could, but it humanized him, a corpse he'd been carrying around since he stepped off that train.

It wasn't hate. You never hated him as a person. You hated the words he said, and the things he did, but there would always be peaks and hints of the boy you first fell for. You were mourning in your own ways, bitter, crying for a loss no one else could see or feel. For the people you always pictured yourselves being, the houses you'd have, the life you'd live, the children you always wanted to have. Never would you raise on this environment, not now. Mourning your lost youth, your own broken heart. It was a marriage of grief, a graveyard of wedding vows, made up of dead promises. This was never like anything the two of you expected, and that was something to grieve for. It wasn't easy watching happy engagements turn into a lifetime of unconditional love. It wasn't fair. Faces younger than your own had been still happy to this day, their hair white,terth gone. Til death would they part, you guessed. . . .

When your request was denied by the very man who promised to do whatever it was to make you happy was the day you realized, no matter what you did in this lifetime, your own grave would still have the name Shelby carved into it.

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jlf23tumble · 4 years

Note

Hey Jen! I love seeing everyone doing monthly fic recs but yours are my favourite! I know I'm sending this three days early but I can't wait!! x

Yes, I love that!! I’m a bit of a date stickler, so I sat on this one until the very last day, but here’s a mixed bag of things that I read this month and loved...hope they work for you, too!

500 Words of Harry Styles, by haemophilus/ @they-them-pigeon, One Direction, Harry Styles/various pairings, 1.5k. These 3 works are 500 words each, and, like...how??? What kinda sorcery! They’re all perfect mini worlds, w/ gorgeous explorations of Harry and gender and pairings you wouldn’t expect yet totally work.

Heartstrings, by @vondrostes, One Direction, Harry Styles/Sarah Jones, 2.6k. This one totally gave me the Mulder/Scully vibes of some my very fave fics in that pairing, idk why, but brb, gotta jump into some old fic servers.

Here to Take My Medicine, by Throwthemflowers/ @hazzabeeforlou, One Direction, Harry Styles/Louis Tomlinson, 3.7k. U know what? I totally buy the concept of Harry reading goop and Louis going along with it (bonus points for unexpected yet totally welcome daddy kink).

go as slow as you want, by whensheflies/ @choface, One Direction, Harry Styles/Nick Grimshaw, 5k. Most gryles fic, especially lately, is steeped in angst, but not this one! A touch of it, sure, but sweet, sexi, AND tender gender? Sign my ass up for more!

Sweet Baby, by jishler, One Direction, Harry Styles/Louis Tomlinson, 5.4k. It’s harder and harder to find these days, but I’m always down for some good old-fashioned kink discovery, X Factor house era, and this was sweet and hot, perfect combo.

let me be yours, by @louhearted, One Direction, Harry Styles/Louis Tomlinson, 6.6k. Canon Girl Direction is always a win, but this one features pube talk, too? Huge bonus points for daddy kink, not enough of that, if you ask me (and you didn’t, but there you go).

More of a Comment Than a Question, by abrighteryellow/ @a-brighter-yellow, One Direction, Harry Styles/Louis Tomlinson, 8.7k. I know this wasn’t what the author intended, but I am missing all the fan convention stuff that isn’t going to happen this year, and this story perfectly captured it, so thank you AGAIN!

in its lonely and ramshackle head, by objectlesson/ @alienfuckeronmain, The Hobbit, Bilbo Baggins/Thorin Oakenshield, 9.8k. The only thing I know of this movie is the hilarious write-up Phoenix and Blake crafted, but it doesn’t matter, this fic is so beautiful! A five times with so much pining and yearning, beautiful!

bathed in blue light, by delgay, Star Wars Sequel, Poe Dameron/Finn, 17k. The lengths I go through to avoid all things Reylo means the pickings can be slim in this fandom, but this felt like a callback to the heady days of early 2016, sigh.

Harriet and Louise, by blake/ @newleafover, One Direction, Harry Styles/Louis Tomlinson, 28k. Words fail me, I was lucky enough to see this before it went up, to yell in the google doc, the long-awaited regency Girl Direction fic does NOT disappoint, so gorgeous!!! Massive hugs to the hero who commissioned it!

The Stars Look Very Different Today, by @kingsofeverything, One Direction, Harry Styles/Louis Tomlinson, 43k. Easily my fave so far in the big bang pack, but here’s some real talk, I love it when Lauren writes space fic.

I’m gonna jump on my soapbox here for a quick sec and tell you that you don’t have to reblog this fic rec list if you don’t wanna, liking it for further reference is okay by me if you aren’t comfortable, but PLEASE FOR THE LOVE OF GOD leave kudos and comments on fics for authors. Read a wip and cheerlead the author along and revel in the heart-stopping thrill of receiving an ao3 email. I’m blessed *regularly* by all the ones I’m subscribed to, but these two were my absolute faves this month:

Say Something, by @kingsofeverything, One Direction, Harry Styles/Louis Tomlinson, 6 chapters//27 chapters in. Look, I’m gonna level with you, I had some high expectations for this one (50YO omega Harry hooking up with 28YO alpha Louis, eventual mpreg, lactation, and everything else in those tags), and in just six chapters, I wanna yell with how much I love it, talk about dreams surpassed!

Leave a Voicemail after the Song, by @vondrostes, One Direction, Harry Styles/Louis Tomlinson, 13 chapters// ??? chapters. Okay, this is on Patreon for now, it might jump to ao3 down the road, but for the low price of $1/month, you too can get a weekly update to in the heart-breakingly BEAUTIFUL companion to Terran’s epic Call Answered (which *is* on ao3), this time from Harry’s POV. It hurts so good, especially at this point in the story, god.

#fic rec #girl direction #finnpoe #stormpilot #baggenshield #gryles #larry #april 2020 #god there is some great shit out there #thank u authors!!!

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self-proclaimed-chaotic-good · 4 years

Text

Thank U, Next | Poe Dameron x Reader (2/2)

Prompt: Joy

Fandom: Star Wars (Sequel Trilogy)

Words: 6049 (idk what happened)

Warning: Minor swearing? Mentions of bullying. Some chonks of dialogue here and there.

A/N: So this became longer than expected, but I wanted to make sure I wrapped up everything. I hadn’t written this much for a fic in a long time and I hope a coherent story came out of it.

You dropped off a container of beef stew at Finn’s house and was dragged into a long conversation by his parents on what you’ve been up to. It was always the same spiel that you told the others. You had a cozy apartment in New York, you had work published, and now you’re waiting for your big break. Half an hour before lunch, you excused yourself, giving yourself time to calm down before you reached the diner.

You were the first to arrive, picking a booth near the corner and a window. When the waiter came by, you debated whether you should order for Poe, assuming that his taste buds are the same, then thought better of it. You simply ordered two waters and said you were expecting someone else.

Poe’s truck pulled into the parking lot eight minutes later. He spotted you through the window and waved. You offered a smile, taking a deep breath to compose yourself as he made his way inside the diner. The waiter came by just as Poe sat down. He flipped through the menu and gave his order, saying exactly what you thought he’d order. He hadn’t changed. The waiter left after you gave him your order.

“So, how are things?” Poe asked.

You shrugged. “They’re good,” you said, “You?”

He raised an eyebrow. “Just good?”

“Yeah, you know. What else can I say? Nothing eventful had happened lately. Everything’s just routine at this point.”

He hummed, not buying it. “What happened to the story you wrote our senior year? I would have thought that you’d do some revisions before getting published.”

“Oh, that thing,” you said, feigning indifference as you wiped the side of your cup with a finger, “It’s… I kind of gave up on that one, you know?”

“Why? It was so good!”

You shrugged again. You wanted to believe him, but this nagging feeling in your brain, telling you that he was lying, that he doesn’t know what he’s talking, wouldn’t stop every time he complimented your story. It was like a sensory alarm that went off every time he touched a certain subject. You had hoped that you’d get over this feeling, but it was something that was more recent than your time with Poe was, and it affected you more deeply and painfully.

“Didn’t think it’d be something that I wanted to be known for. I wanted to try different writing styles and genres to find where I fit. Besides, I didn't think you’d remember that one. It was so long ago.”

“Are you kidding me? I loved that story. There were moments that made me laugh, made me cry, and it was just so relatable and interesting. I really think you should revisit that one.”

“Yeah, I’ll try. Maybe it’ll help my writer’s block.”

The rest of the day was spent on eating and talking about high school. He brought up the time when someone tried to pull a prank on the soccer team by spiking their watercooler during an important game, but got caught because the cooler fell over them. Then, that time when he was performing with his band and one of his fangirls ran on stage to try and kiss him.

“There were so many people that hated me when we were together,” you said, shaking your head.

“Aw, come on. I don’t think it was that bad,” he said.

You scoffed. “Poe, I couldn’t even go to the bathroom without girls following me, sneering at me and telling me that I wasn’t good enough for you. That one day you were going to leave me for someone else once you got bored of me and that you were only with me because you felt sorry for me. Remember the time we went to Rose’s house when her parents were away and some asshole invited a bunch of people? We got separated and your fangirls decided to team up and dunk me into the pool and hold me there. If Finn, Snap, and Kare weren't there, I would have drowned.”

Poe frowned, sitting back. “I… I didn’t know that happened. (Y/n/n), why didn’t you tell me?”

You sighed, scratching your head in frustration, memories of your arguments over it resurfacing. “I did, but you dismissed it. You said that they were drunk and didn’t mean it to go that far.”

“(Y/n/n), I’m sorry, I didn’t… I didn’t know. I just thought… I don’t know why, but I thought you were exaggerating. I should have known better. I should have known that you wouldn’t lie about these kinds of stuff.”

“Yeah… which was one of the reasons why I thought we wouldn’t have lasted long after we graduated,” you said softly. “All kinds of problems when it comes to long distance relationships.”

“We could have at least tried.”

“And if it came to the point where someone tells you that, I don’t know, that I was cheating on you, which has happened to many couples that are involved in the military, what would you have done? Or if something happened while you were away? Were you just going to brush it off, or get angry if I want to talk about it?”

“Well, we'll never know, now, will we?” he countered.

You let out a heavy sigh, gathering your things. “I’m sorry. I’m instigating again,” you said, taking out some bills to pay for the meal, “It really was nice to talk to you again, Poe, really. I think it’s best if I get going.”

Poe’s hand shot out and grabbed your wrist before you could leave. “No, you’re not running away again. Please, let’s just take this conversation elsewhere, okay? I’ve got the check. Meet me by the docks?”

He pleaded with his warm brown eyes, his grip on you loosening. He grabbed your money and gave it back to you, taking out his own wallet to pay. You reluctantly let him, shoving the money back in your bag.

“Fine. The docks at eight.”

“Thank you.”

You stopped by the house before meeting Poe, helping your mother with some chores around the house. Your mother was acting weird, glancing at you every now and then with a weird look. You asked her what was wrong, but she simply shrugged it off.

“So, I heard that you and Poe were hanging out today,” she said casually as she washed the dishes.

“Really?” you asked incredulously.

“It’s a small town, kid,” she said with a shrug, “Besides, I like him. Good kid. Stubborn, though, wanting to follow his parents’ footsteps in the military. A bit oblivious, too. I remember you coming home upset because he got carried away when talking with his friends and he didn’t realize that there were girls flirting with him. Besides all of that, you guys were good together. Not like that guy from New York-”

“Is that what this is all about?” You leaned against the counter and crossed your arms.

Your mother turned the faucet off and wiped her hands. “Sweetie, I heard from Armitage that Ben was in town-”

“He’s telling everyone, has he? What a rat.”

She shook her head. “Millicent was in the garden again and Armitage came by to get her. It just sort of came up about Ben. Armitage was just concerned for you, that’s all.”

“If he’s so concerned, then he should have told his friend to stop being an asshole.”

“Armitage said they stopped talking after he heard about what happened between the two of you.”

You walked away, sitting at the dining table without a word. Your mother sighed, taking a seat next to you. She took your hands into her own, but you refused to look at her.

“I’m sensing that there are things that you have not told me about what happened between you and Ben. I’m not forcing you to tell me, just that I’m always here to talk, okay?” You nodded. She leaned forward, pecking your forehead, before patting your shoulders. “Right, you’re going to meet your pilot boy. Tell him I said hi, alright?”

“Okay.”

The bed of Poe’s truck was facing the docks, the tailgate open with a lamp sitting on it. Poe was taking out a cooler and a blanket when you arrived. He took out a beer bottle from the cooler and handed one to you before hopping onto the tailgate. You followed suit, grabbing the bottle opener while you stared out at the water.

“Excited for the reunion?” he asked.

“Yes and no. Probably just going to stick to my people the whole night.”

Poe nodded in understanding. “Yeah, I lost touch with a lot of people when I left. Gonna be weird to see my old friends from school.”

“And your fangirls?” you teased.

He huffed out a laugh, shaking his head. “They’re probably all married anyways.”

“They’ll probably leave their husbands’ sides to follow you. I mean, look at you. You’re still quite a catch, Poe.”

He looked at you and raised an eyebrow. “Yeah? I only want one person to catch me, though. If they want me.”

“Can’t imagine why anyone would want to be caught by… that person. They seemed to only mess things up.”

“Hey, that’s not true. A relationship isn’t just one person, (Y/n). I’ve messed some stuff up, too. Hell, I haven’t been able to maintain a long relationship for a while. People break up for one reason or another. But, sometimes, that doesn’t mean they can’t try again.”

You took a swig of your beer and leaned back, feeling his eyes following your every movement. You shifted in your spot, turning back to the water in front of you. Light from the docks and the town reflected off its inky black surface, a sliver of the moon peeking out from the clouds, illuminating everything else.

“You’re saying you wanna try ‘us’ again? Poe, you’re up in the air most of the time.”

“That’s true, but your work can be done anywhere, right? You’ve always said that you wanted to travel and it would help your writing. Maybe this time, you can come with me.”

“Where is all of this coming from?”

“Would it be crazy to say that I never stopped thinking about you?”

“It’s pretty crazy, actually.”

A long time ago, those sweet words would have heated your cheeks and made you feel giddy. Now you take each word with hesitation and skepticism, as if those sugar cubes were actually salt blocks. It’s one thing to say sweet things, it’s another to act on them.

“Besides,” you said, the bottle inches from your lips, “We’re not the same people from high school anymore.”

“Then, we’ll start over.”

You sighed. “Can we just drop it for now and enjoy the view?”

“Okay,” he relented, shifting around to get comfortable, “We can do that.”

You stayed like that until it was late. It was nice to sit in silence. It wasn’t awkward between you two, just two people enjoying the peacefulness of the night. Such a stark contrast to the hustle and bustle of New York with an active nightlife.

When it was time to head home, Poe pulled you into a long hug, the heat from his body radiating off of him and shielding you from the cold breeze. You slowly raised your arms, wrapping them around him. You missed this. You missed him. So much. You wished you could stop pulling away from him, but you had scars that you weren’t ready for him to see.

One more day until your class reunion. You weren’t exactly jumping for joy, but it wasn’t like you were going to be alone, either. You met up with Finn and Rey at the mini golf course, taking turns while you talked. Even though you met Rey recently, it was like talking to an old friend. You would tell her about the time Finn claimed to have asthma so he’d be excused from running laps in PE and she’d tell you how they met and how they felt like they were going to die on one of their dates when the elevator stopped working.

After the last round and almost getting smacked by Rey’s bicep, the three of you went to go and get pizza. It was under new owners from the last time you’ve been there, but they kept the retro charm with the brick and mortar walls and arcade games in the corner.

“So,” Finn said, sipping his soda as he narrowed his eyes at you, “I heard you were hanging around with Dameron.”

You groaned, taking a big bite of your pizza. Finn smirked, unfazed by your glare.

“Who’s Dameron, again?” Rey asked.

“Poe. One of (Y/n)’s exes,” he said, “Pretty cool dude, too. They broke up because he wanted to go join the military.”

“Yeah, thanks for telling everyone about my love life, friend,” you said.

“Understandable,” Rey, looking at you sympathetically, “I heard it’s hard to maintain a relationship when your significant other is in the military.”

“Thank you.”

“I shipped you two so hard,” Finn continued, shaking his head in disappointment.

“Well, life… you know?”

Finn nodded, raising his soda. You and Rey clinked your glasses with his and drank.

“I can tell you one thing, though, I’ve heard about our classmates, and less than half of them ended up in the same career path that they had set out to do when we graduated. Man, so much for pressuring us to pick our college major in Freshman year, right? Why couldn’t they have taught us budgeting and work ethic in different work environments?”

You hummed. “Maybe you should be a teacher, Finn.”

“See?” Rey said excitedly, pointing at her fiance, “That’s what I’ve been telling him!”

He shrugged. “Yeah, but I’ve been concentrating on more fitness. Maybe be a PT? Rey’s the one getting her doctorates, so when I go to her high school reunion, I can be the trophy husband to a successful doctor.”

“Aw, Finnie.” Rey leaned her head on his shoulder.

You sighed, drinking your soda as if it was alcohol. The price you pay for hanging out with your friends who are a couple, becoming the third wheel. You looked down at your tray of pizza. Maybe you could try and finish it all by yourself. Sometimes when they’re wrapped up in each other, it’ll take a while for them to snap out of it, which means you might be there for a while.

You couldn’t sleep that night, knowing that Ben was going to be there. So far, you hadn’t ran into him, which was saying a lot because you ran into a lot of old classmates and teachers the past few days. Unless he was actively avoiding you.

Your mother found you sitting at the kitchen table slouching over two chocolate pudding cups. She wordlessly got her own cup and sat next to you, waiting. You sighed, leaning back in your chair. Where to begin?

“The reason why I haven’t written my book is… because I had been writing scripts for Ben,” you said, staring down at your spoon, “Scripts that Ben had taken and put under his name, and his name alone. I didn’t know until I went to visit him on one of his sets that he had done that. He said that he took my idea and changed some of the major points of the story, so he technically wrote it. Then, I went to the film festival with him and saw that it was almost exactly the same script that I wrote. I foolishly did it again and again, believing him when he said that he’ll have me more involved in his movies and… he didn’t.”

You shook your head, opening another pudding cup. Your mother waited patiently, nodding for you to continue.

“When I confronted him about it, he confessed that he made some deal with an indie film studio and that it would be more profitable and more exposure for him to take the credit. After all, I only write simple little stories that even a high schooler could write,” you added the last bit bitterly, “I’m scraping by while doubting my life choices of doing something I love instead doing something where I won’t gamble whether I’d earn enough money to pay for food and rent. Meanwhile, Ben’s having a field day winning awards for his directing and screenwriting at film festivals, not that he ever lived uncomfortably, being the mayor’s son and all.

“I just,” you sighed in frustration, your eyes beginning to sting as the exhaustion and anger took over you, “I’ve been told so many times how I’m not good enough, how writing won’t pay the bills, how writing doesn’t even take any skills or effort. I’ve been talked down to because of my choices, as if I was stupid or lazy. I’ve been trying to use spite to get me through this, reminding myself that this is what I’ve always wanted to do, no matter how many times the publishers tell me to change my stories into another cliche, but it’s tiring. It’s not enough. And I was stubborn to try and stick to my guns instead of compromising, because that would mean that everyone was right and that whole thing with Ben… I thought I could finally be with someone without giving up my dreams, but being with him made me question whether they should just stay as dreams and not a reality.”

“Oh, sweetie,” your mother said softly, pulling you in as you furiously wiped the tears that just kept falling.

“I don’t know what I’m doing! I don’t know if I want to write anymore. I tried and… nothing seemed to stick. Nothing felt right.”

“And you think if you were to take a job in, I don’t know, accounting, would you be happy? Even if it paid your bills and helped you buy that nice apartment?”

“No, of course not, but at least it’s something. It’s not like anyone is impressed with a writer unless they’re New York Times’ bestseller and become a movie franchise. It’s so frustrating. I want to do what I love, but I want to live comfortably while doing it.”

“And you will,” your mother assured you, rubbing your back soothingly, “I can feel that you’re close, so close to making it. You just have to keep pressing on. You’ll get there and it wouldn’t be to prove people wrong or show Ben up, it’ll be for you. Go back and find that drive you had when you began writing, everything else will follow. You are talented, (Y/n), and you have people that love you and care for you. If things are meant to be, if you feel it in your heart that it’s right, then it will work out.”

“Thanks, mom.”

“There better be a dedication for me at the front of the book.”

You both laughed. “Yeah, it might take a whole page.”

Talking with your mother helped ease your nerves a bit and Finn and Rey had texted you, offering to carpool with them. You accepted, being reassured once again that they’ll have your back.

You dressed casual, not expecting anything too fancy for the reunion. On your way towards campus, Finn began to play music that was popular from your time at school and you discovered that Rey had an amazing voice.

“You think that they’ll make a slideshow?” Finn asked.

“God, I hope not,” you groaned, “I looked terrible.”

“No, you didn’t! You dated two of the hottest guys in school, me and Dameron,” he said confidently.

“Nice compliment while tooting your own horn there, friend.”

“Hey, and also, you can tell that looks don’t matter to you ‘cause you had a crush on Hux, too.”

“Hey, I thought he was cute. Don’t judge me.”

“Oh, is he the ginger one that we saw the other day walking his cat?” Rey asked. Finn nodded. “I… I can kind of see it. Yeah.”

“You don’t sound convincing. Anyways! You guys were talking about visiting New York sometime this year?”

There was a new gym on your old high school campus, topped with solar panels and an air condition unit. The parking lot was gradually filling up, a trickle of a line leading into the new gym, the front double doors wide open with streamers and balloons in the school’s colors bordering them.

Finn pulled up next to a familiar truck, making you roll your eyes. He flashed you a cheeky grin before climbing out, rushing around to hold Rey’s door open. You stared at the campus, at the newly painted walls, cleaner drinking water fountains, neatly trimmed grass, and the large banner that ran across the front of the main office welcoming your alumni class. You could see your younger self hanging out by the old gym with your friends, or waiting outside of the bandroom for Poe, or setting up a booth for your school club.

“Feels weird, doesn’t it?” Poe asked from behind you.

“You have to stop doing that,” you scolded him, smacking his arm.

He winced, rubbing the spot where you hit him. “At least you’re slowly treating me like how you used to.”

“Hey, Dameron!” Finn called out, tackling him into a hug.

Poe grunted before hugging him back. “Hey, you act like we haven’t drank together earlier this week. This must be Rey, right?”

Rey smiled, coming over to give him a more gentle hug. “Nice to meet you, Poe. I’ve heard so much about you,” she said.

While the two of them conversed about flying vehicles, you pulled Finn on the side, looking around cautiously. “I forgot to tell you before we came here…,” you started in a hushed tone, “So, there’s this thing with Ben-”

“Ben Solo?”

“Yes, him, I want to pretty much avoid him if possible and I need your help with that.”

Finn frowned in concern, cracking his knuckles. “Did he hurt you?”

“He never hit me,” you said quickly, “Just… it just really affected me mentally and emotionally, you know? I just don’t want to deal with that right now.”

“When did this happen?”

“We ran into each other in New York at a book signing. We caught up with each other, got coffee, then we started dating, so… that was a while ago, though.”

Finn nodded, patting your shoulder. “Don’t worry. We got your back, remember? Does Poe know?”

You shook your head. “I don’t think so.”

“Great, ‘cause him and Solo had some beef in high school.”

“Of course he does. Poe thinks he’s some kind of resistance leader or something.”

All four of you made your way towards the gym, signing in and writing out your name tags. Finn looped his arm with Rey and dragged her towards the punch bowl, leaving you trailing behind with Poe. He slowly offered his arm for you to take. You stared at it for a while as he nudged you with it. You thought back to what your mother had told you. You had people that love and care about you. Despite what happened between you two, despite the years apart, Poe Dameron still cared. Even if you weren’t able to move your relationship forward to more than friends, he would at least still be in your life.

You wrapped your arms around his bicep, the corner of Poe’s lips turning up as you did so, and the two of you made your way over to where Finn was talking to one of your former teachers, Lando Calrissian. He turned and broke into a wide smile as he greeted the two of you.

Throughout the day, the four of you made your rounds with the teachers and your fellow classmates. Just as you predicted, some of the women that had a crush on Poe briefly left their husbands’ side to greet him and linger around, finding any form of small talk as an excuse to stick around.

“I heard the two of you broke up after graduation,” one of them said, “Did you two get back together?”

“Not yet,” Poe answered before you could say anything, “Still tryna win (Y/n) over again. Worth it, though, right?” He bumped his forehead onto your head in an act of displaying affection.

She forced a smile on her face. “Aw, that’s so sweet,” she said before walking away.

“I should have bet money on that happening,” you muttered.

“Man, did you see her face?” Poe chuckled, turning to face you, “Besides, betting only works if I wanted to oppose you on that, and I’m tired of doing that with you. I was serious, though. I really want us to try again, but if you don’t want to, then fine. If you want to just stay friends, good. One word from you shall silence me forever, (Y/n), I’m serious.”

“Slow down, there, Mister Darcy,” you said, “It’s not even the end of the night yet.”

Your little group grew with the added Janna, Rose, Armitage, Snap, Kare, Jessika, and more came by to talk. Living in New York, you didn’t have much friends. A few writing buddies, a few college classmates, a neighbor, the nice couple that ran the restaurant downstairs, and your editor. Coming here, that uneasy feeling that you had, you realized, was vulnerability. It wasn’t something you’d normally do living in New York, even around friends. But, with these people, the ones that you grew up with, it was easy to let your guard down and enjoy the moment.

You were having fun and you were glad that you decided to come. Though as time went on, you felt your throat tighten and your eyes stinging. It was starting again. You excused yourself, walking out of the gym for some air. Poe watched you leave, concern written all over his face. Rose nudged him, assuring that you were fine and needed air.

You sat down on one of the benches overlooking the basketball and tennis courts. Leaning back, you inhaled deeply before exhaling slowly. Whenever you felt overwhelming happiness, dread was always there waiting to ruin it. You couldn’t even remember when it started, but you became better at dealing with it.

“Didn’t think you’d come.”

You froze, not wanting to turn to face the source of that voice. Out of all times that he would try to approach you, he chose the time where you were alone away from everyone else. You sensed him sit down next to you. For a while, you sat in silence. It was a different silence than with Poe. With Poe, it was comforting and relaxing, with no words needed to be said. By the end of it, you would feel refreshed like you had come out of meditation. With Ben, it was like sitting with an energy vampire, and by the end of it, you felt tired and drained.

“I didn’t think you’d come, either,” you said, your voice breaking the silence. You tried to raise your chin, preparing for battle.

Ben sighed, shifting around. You heard crumpling, then something nudging your hand. You looked down and saw a thick manila envelope. You dared to look up at him for the first time in a year. He looked tired.

“What’s this?” you asked.

“It’s… I’m sorry that I took your work, took everything that you could have used as evidence to prove that they’re your work,” he said, looking down, “I’ve gathered all of them and put it in your envelope so you could submit it for copyright. If you want to take legal actions, I’ll happily allow it.”

Allow it. Sure. As if he was giving me permission. He’s probably patting his back for this one good deal he’s doing. You took the envelope, feeling the weight of it, picturing all the scripts that you had written in the past. Writing came easy to you back then. Then you remembered all the lies he had told you. When you were no longer willing to do what he wanted, you were no longer useful. There was this heavy feeling in your chest, something wanting to come out unless you’ll explode. The sad thing was that he wasn’t always like this, and it was probably why you foolishly kept overlooking or denying his bad behavior.

“We could have worked together,” you said, “And you had to go and pull that shit?”

“I know, I’m sorry.” It was hard to tell if he was being genuine. You could no longer trust your instincts when it came to him.

“You would dare criticize my writing when you couldn’t even write anything for yourself? And you just know that I would believe all of it, and you still kept at it. Do you know how hard it was to write anything after what you put me through? Being told my writing is not complex or sophisticated enough, being told that my own scripts aren’t even my own, watching you keep those awards for screenwriting while no one else would want to even look at my work? Sorry isn’t going to cut it, Ben Solo.”

Ben inhaled sharply. “Then, what the hell do you want me to do, huh? All your stuff is there. Go and copyright it, sue me for plagiarism, and I’ll pay you the fees.”

“Fees that you could easily pay off,” you said, standing up, “But when I do speak to my lawyer, I’ll see what else I can do to you.”

“Yeah, would you be happy then?”

You glared down at him. “After all of that, I’ll finally be free of you, so maybe I will be,” you said, then added in a low voice, “It’s a shame, though. I thought we worked well together, but sharing wasn’t exactly your thing. You hurt me, Ben. I don’t think we could even be friends after this.”

“Right, like how your close friends with Armitage, Finn, and Poe, right? Just friends?” Ben snapped.

You shook your head at him. “You are utterly ridiculous, Solo. Just be glad I hadn’t told your mom about what you did.”

You let out another slow exhale as you walked away, your work in hand, and a heavy weight left behind. It wasn’t completely over, but the burden of it hanging over your shoulders was gone. All that was left was tying loose ends. Then after, you can start again.

In the gym, they had already set up the small stage with chairs scattered about. Poe sat on stage with a guitar in hand. He shifted on the stool that was clearly too small for him, tuning the guitar as he looked around. You found an empty seat between Rey and Rose at the front and sat down. Poe smiled as you met his eyes and he began to play.

At the end of the night, you and the girls decided to hang out for the rest of the week before you and Rey had to fly back home. You exchanged numbers and looked up movies playing. A few of you had different choices of movies, but Rose suggested that they should time it so we could watch all of them. After parting with the others, Poe jogged up to you.

“Hey,” he said, “I really enjoyed the past few days. It was nice to hang out again. I’m, uh, I actually have to leave tomorrow night. One of the pilots got sick, so… I was wondering, ‘cause I know you’re spending time with the girls and I don’t want to take too much of your time, but if you could see me off? Even if just for a few minutes.”

You sighed, looking down at your shoes, then back at Rose and Rey who had paused their conversation to give you a thumbs up. You shook your head and turned back to Poe. He waited patiently with pleading eyes, chipping away at your remaining walls.

“Okay. Just text me what time and I’ll try to be there before you go,” you said, taking out your phone.

You handed your phone over and watched as Poe excitedly inputted his number before texting himself. “Okay, all set,” he said.

“This doesn’t mean anything more than it has to be,” you reminded him.

“I know. We’ll take it one step at a time. Restart.”

“Thank you, Poe,” you said softly, stepping forward and catching him by surprise as you pulled him into a hug.

Poe returned the hug, engulfing you fully. “Don’t mention it, (Y/n/n). I’m one call away if you need me.”

The next day, you drive to the airport an hour before Poe heads off to his gate. As a pilot, he could pass the gruelling standard TSA checks and flash his ID, but he waited for you in his pilot uniform. Jessika had given you all a ride and offered to drive you to the airport. They girls had gone to Starbucks while you made your way over to his airlines.

He spotted you, giving you a long salute, which you returned, then grabbed his luggage, making his way towards the escalators up. He turned around one last time and waved. Raising your hand to wave back, you couldn’t help but see his military uniform instead of his pilot uniform, thinking what if you had at least been there when he was first shipped off. When he was out of sight, you turned and slowly made your way towards the others.

Coming back to your hometown, you didn’t expect much to happen. You expected nostalgia, of course, like looking at an old doll house you used to play with. The bittersweet feeling in your stomach as you flipped through photo albums with your mother, as you drive by your old hang out spots, and seeing your classmates for the first time in ten years. You expected to feel distant from them. These were all familiar things, but you were not the same person that left this town, and neither is everyone else.

You didn’t expect to be pulled into a warm embrace, to be fully welcomed back, to be seen and treated as yourself as you are now and not expected to be yourself from ten years ago. You didn’t expect this much confrontation, of the past coming back and making you face them head on to set things straight. You didn’t expect to feel lighter and stronger and more confident, acknowledging everything that you had gone through and their effects on you, that they were things that you were capable of overcoming.

On your last day in your hometown, until next time, you had a teary goodbye with your friends and your mother. You promised to be in more touch with them this time and that they were free to visit you in New York any time.

Taking your window seat and settling in, you took out your journal and flipped through all the scribbles of ideas you had done. You turned to a blank page and began to write. You ignored any grammatical mistakes you made and kept going, knowing that once your flow is going, you had to go with it or get stuck. The only thing that stopped you was a familiar voice.

“Good morning, passengers, and thank you for choosing our airlines-” Poe announced.

You smiled, leaning back in your chair. After talking to your mother about what you were going to do once you got back to New York, you decided that you weren’t going to worry about things too far in the future. You were going to focus on the present and set up long and short time goals. You could still work on that novel, but you could also put together anthologies for a start. Maybe go back into script writing. Maybe even revisit that story you wrote in high school.

It’s just like what Poe said, life was funny. You plan something, you end up doing something else, but if it was meant to be, you somehow end up where you had always wanted to go from the start.

And you feel that it’s finally happening for you.

#WritersMonth2020 #poe dameron x reader #past Finn x Reader #background Finn x Rey #poe dameron #past ben solo x reader #star wars imagine #star wars sequel trilogy #star wars #High school reunion au #high school au

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silvereddaye · 4 years

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I saw that someone asked about a sequel for the question (which would be the best thing ever) and you said you didn't quite have an idea for it yet. So I was thinking maybe you could either do it about when Luke wakes up/ some time after that??? Idk but honestly it would be so good to see Luke & Vader spending time together/ bonding in that universe. Also, Vader doting on his son (who is kinda still just a baby for him). But yeah a sequel (ore many) for that oneshot would be the best thing ever

Aw thanks. Like I said- it is one of the most currently requested ones to get a sequel. I did start writing a sequel to this but again wasn’t too sure where I was going. Let me share what I had. This 1.) old and 2.) hasn’t been read over, so it may not be the best. And if I do write a sequel, I may throw this all out. But . . . yeah . . .

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

WIP of The Answer

Luke stood in front of the large viewport. Today marked the third day since he had woken on the star destroyer. Three days since he had discovered his father wasn’t dead and was Darth Vader. Over the last three days, Luke was nowhere closer to finding out how or why Anakin Skywalker, the man who had raised Luke as a child, had become a Sith lord and second in command of the Empire.

Luke wondered if his father was avoiding him. He had seen little of the man. He had come in briefly to check in on Luke, but they were quick visits. Each time Luke had pretty much begged Vader to tell him what had happened. The only response he got was along the lines of: “Be patient, young one. I will explain in due time.” When Luke asked where his father was going, Vader responded he had work to attend to.

Thus Luke had been left alone in this suite of rooms to dwell and sulk in by himself. The rooms weren’t bad. Extremely spacious for a warship. There was a large living room that had a sitting area and a small kitchenette. There was a bedroom with a large bed and a desk. Lastly, there was a private refresher. There was a harshness to the rooms. No decorations. Sharp angles and straight lines. Everything in monochromatic colors of gray.

The living room was stocked with a bookshelf of holobooks, most of which were about the Imperial military or war strategies. Beyond the reading material, there was nothing else to do. Luke kept himself in shape by doing physical exercises and then practicing the Force. Yet those things only kept him entertained for a couple hours. Thus he was left to think. What was the Alliance doing? Had they figured out he was missing? Did they know he was captured? Did they think he was dead?

Luke looked out the viewport as he thought about these things when he heard the door open. At once he marched into the living room ready for another round with Vader, but it wasn’t Vader. It was a girl. A young woman dressed in a tight black synthleather outfit. Her brown hair was pulled into a tight bun. Her brown eyes instantly zeroed in on Luke as soon as he walked in.

There was a moment when neither did anything. Both frozen as they looked at the other. Then the girl smiled. Luke didn’t know how to explain it. It wasn’t a smile that brought him comfort. There was something mischievous about it.

“So you’re him, huh?” she said as walked over to Luke. Her eyes traveled all over him and then she started to walk around him in a circle. He felt like a prized nerf up for auction. The girl had made it back in front of him and said, “I was expecting . . . more.”

“More of what?” Luke couldn’t help but ask.

The girl shrugged. “I dunno. I guess I expected you to be more like daddy dearest.”

“Who are you?” he asked.

There was a sharpness in the way she stared at him. Like a knife, her stare felt like it was cutting right through him. “Leia Amidala,” she said at last.

#my writing #wip #the answer #luke and vader #Anonymous

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foolishlovebugbaby · 5 years

Text

stupid cupid | part 3

part 1 | part 2 | part 4

college!au / bang chan x fem!reader

Summary: bang chan is always complaining about being single since birth, so best friend reader decides to play cupid and sets him up. big mistake.

Genre: angst-y?? with some fluff later on idk you decide (a Lot of slow burn so idk how many parts this multi-shot will have lmao)

Warnings: mentions of alcohol, drunkenness, swearing

they say time heals all wounds. in your case, time came in the form of a box-dyed blonde tending to your every need.

after that day of rain heartache, chan tried his absolute best to make it up to you even though you had already forgiven him. he wanted to show you just how much he cared for you and how sorry he was, even if it meant going out of his way just to do the little things.

for example, he’d be there extra early at the library just to wait for you to finish up, even though that meant he’d have to leave class a lot earlier than he was supposed to. on wednesdays he’d pop popcorn in the microwave and set up a fort of blankets around your couch, ready for the both of you to snuggle up in while you watched how to get away with murder. and he’d take you out for coffee whenever he was free, even if it meant cancelling his plans with hana.

piece by piece you felt your heart slowly come back together. it still left you uneasy and hurt knowing you had a romantic inkling for your best friend when you know he could only be just that, but it was something you had to learn to accept and move past.

it didn’t help that the man in question was the one that was picking up all the pieces of your heart and putting them back together. a part of you knew that by the end of it all, even if you did heal, a part of you would still always belong to him.

so you tried your best to keep your walls up, not wanting these feelings to grow more and more. you kept them boxed up and locked away; away from chan and away from yourself.

but chan could tell your guard was up. he sensed it in the way you smiled at him, when your smiles didn’t fully reach your eyes like it used to. he sensed it in the way you always left early; you were always the first to pull away from hugs, the first to say goodbye whenever you left in the morning, and the first to say goodnight on wednesdays even though you’d normally stay up together until the sun rose.

he could feel you slipping away, and it drove him insane.

“hey, what’s wrong?” hana tenderly rested her hand atop his. they were sitting at a coffee shop, spending some time together right before their next lecture.

“it’s nothing.” he replied faintly, shaking his thoughts of you away.

“are you sure? you’ve been looking kinda down lately.” she was looking at him but he wasn’t looking at her, doing his best to avoid her gaze. it stung.

“yeah, don’t worry. tough week, that’s all. i’ll talk to you later, okay? i gotta head to class.” and with that, he was out the door, leaving hana alone.

she sighed to herself. his coldness towards her didn’t go unnoticed. ever since that night where he disappeared without saying goodbye, she could feel something shift between them.

she stopped seeing more of chan, and when she did see him it was during fleeting moments like this. conversations between them became shorter, held less substance, and become one-sided. and she knew it was because of you.

it’s hard not to come to that conclusion when she always saw the way his gaze followed you on the campus grounds when he was supposed to be looking at her. it’s not hard to come to that conclusion when the only time she’d see him smile was when he was around you. and it’s not hard to come to that conclusion when all he did was worry about you when she wished he would worry about her.

jealousy and insecurity were feelings she was not accustomed to.

they may not be an official couple, but there was no denying the feelings hana felt for the boy. he was kind and tender and smart, it’d be harder to not fall for him. and the amount of time they spent getting to know each other must’ve brought out the same feelings in chan...

right?

she decided she needed to up the ante when it came to chan, even if it meant losing face. and if it all proved to be in vain, then so be it.

“please please please come tonight? it’ll be fun, i promise- scout’s honor.” felix whined and pouted, placing a hand on his heart.

“but i won’t know anyone there besides you!” you said exasperatedly. he had been begging you to come to the frat party being held tonight, but you weren’t having it. you learnt the hard way in freshman year that frats and alcohol were the perfect concoction for making bad decisions, and bad decisions weren’t exactly on your to-do list tonight.

“exactly! this way you’ll get to make more friends and get your mind off of a certain someone- heck, you might even find someone to go home with~” he winked and you gagged.

“no thanks, i’d rather be brooding and sulky than getting it on with someone who could very well have an std.”

“no one said you had to ‘get it on’ with someone, get your filthy mind out the gutter young lady!” you glared at the freckled boy. “all i’m saying is that it’ll be a good distraction. one that you very much need.” he placed both his hands on your shoulders and looked you dead in the eye whilst he said that. you sighed.

“thanks for the offer, lix, but i’m just not up for it tonight. maybe next time?” you said tiredly.

“okay, whatever you say, your highness. but if you change your mind at any time just give me a text, okay?” he gave you a smile and began walking off. you sighed.

on any other day you’d be game to go out and get a good drink in. but today was... wednesday. and let’s just say your heart was already firmly planted on that deteriorating couch, laughing at the man that had the cutest dimples in the world.

from solo: if you make me watch another episode of star wars the clone wars ill switch out your cola for soy sauce

you giggled at his text.

his heart remained on that couch with yours, even if you didn’t notice.

“i just wanna know which psycho convinced me to major in creative writing. i just wanna have a chit chat.” you breathed out frustratedly, leaning back on your dining room chair.

“you’ve only got yourself to blame there, dummy.” chan said, the smile evident on his voice as he continued to type away on his laptop.

you both were getting some studying done together as you usually would do. like old times, you both were slumped at the dining table with sheets upon sheets of notes and handouts accompanied by empty boxes of takeout. was it the most efficient of workplaces? no, but that was all you both could afford. was chinese chicken and stir-fried noodles the healthiest dining option? again, no, but that was all you both could afford.

but even if you barely had money to get a proper desk, or get a better couch, you had each other. and that, in itself, was enough. (gag that was so cheesy ihms)

“thank you so much for reminding me and for your endless support.” you sarcastically retorted and huffed, playfully glaring at him.

he laughed and turned to look at you.

“just one more year, we got this.” he said and shrugged, leaning back to stretch.

“easy for you to say. at least you’ve got better chances at securing a job you actually like after you graduate, what with your good grades and sensible choice in major. i’d probably have to work at a low-paying 9-5 that has nothing to do with writing.” you said sadly, pouting and resting your face in your hands, looking at your scribbled notes. chan’s heart softened at the sight of your sulking frame.

“stop being so negative. you’re a great writer, the best i know,” he grabbed your wrists from across the table and made you look at him. “and you’re going to make it one day. i just know it.” he stared into your eyes deeply, the sincerity in his words making your heart flutter. it was nice having someone look at you like they believed you could change the world.

“you really think so?” you said hopeful, your eyes going wide with wonder. there was something about the way you looked that caused his breath to hitch- was it the way your features were illuminated perfectly by your cheap living-room lamp? or was it the way your eyes twinkled as if it held all the stars in the universe when they were looking at him? was it both? he didn’t know.

“of course i do.” he said smiling, and you smiled back at him, cheeks flushed and over the moon.

“you’re gonna make it one day too, channie.” god he loved the way you said that adoring nickname you had for him.

you both stared at each other for a moment, silence filling the room. his hand were still gently gripping your wrists and he could see the red tinge to your ears as he studied your face. he started to notice all your tiny, faint moles and how they speckled your right cheek like constellations, and how your left eye crinkled a little more than your right as you smiled. he found it absolutely charming and couldn’t understand why he never thought of pursuing you as someone more than a friend.

what the hell she’s your best friend, get it together mate!

he retracted his hold on your wrists and coughed awkwardly, scratching the back of his neck. you looked at him quizzically, tilting your head to one side.

why is she so dang cute?

“so, kettle corn or salted?” he stood up from his place at the table suddenly, chair legs dragging across the floor, and stalked towards the kitchen to check for popcorn.

“uhm, kettle corn?” you said, but it came out more as a question than a statement. you were so obviously confused by his change in aura but he decided to brush it off, not wanting to confront these... thoughts and feelings.

“cool cool. pick something and i’ll be there in a sec.” raising your eyebrows at his back, your rubbed the nape of your neck and decided not to question it. you waddled your way to the couch, grabbing the remote off of the coffee table and turned on your second-hand tv. you flicked through all the series you both downloaded, and decided to be mischievous.

“i swear if you put on clone wars-” he said as he chewed on a piece of popcorn, now standing right next to the couch. you smiled devilishly at him, his mouth hanging open and his gaze looking at you in an ‘are you serious right now’ stare. you giggled.

“give me that remote right now,” soon enough you both were wrestling for the remote after he set the popcorn bowl down safely on the coffee table.

“never!” you giggled as he tackled you to the floor. luckily you were bundled up in blankets, making your landing a lot less harsh, especially considering that he was on top of you. still unfazed at the position you both were in (his legs on either side of your waist, basically straddling you), you continued your little episode of wwe.

“i’ll tickle you.” he said arrogantly, raising his hands up.

“you wouldn’t.” you gasped, eyes going wide at the thought. he knew just how ticklish you were, so the ruthlessness he displayed had you in shock.

without another word he started to attack your sides mercilessly, your squeals and giggles filling up the entire apartment accompanied by his feigned evil laughter.

“okay, okay! s-stop! i surrender, stop tickling me!” you squealed as you laughed, shoving the remote on his chest. he stopped moving his fingers against your sides but still held onto them firmly. both of you were panting from all the tackling and wrestling and tickling, still not noticing just how close your bodies were as you were not eye-to eye.

when you brought your gaze to meet his, your heart skipped a beat.

he was staring down at you, his eyes half-lidded and skimming over your face. both of you were panting softly and you felt the rise and fall of his chest coupled with his pounding heart rate through your hands. you didn’t notice how close your faces were until you could feel his breath fanning over your face.

as the seconds flew by his face started leaning towards yours steadily, his tongue skimming over his lips. it felt like you were lost in a dream. your heart beat erratically in your chest but all you could focus on was how badly you wanted to kiss him then and there.

ding dong

the sound of the door bell brought you both out of your trance and half-lidded eyes were replaced with wide ones. he quickly got off of you and you quickly sat up, coughing awkwardly. both of your faces were a deep red, and heart rates picking up speed in a different way than before.

did we almost just-

“i-i’ll get the door.” chan said and rushed to open it. he took in a deep breath, still not fathoming the situation that took place just moments ago.

“hey.” hana stood out the door in sweats and a hoodie, shuffling awkwardly in place.

this was something he was definitely not expecting.

“h-hana? h-hey, what a-are you doing here?” he breathed out, voice laced in clear shock and he felt as though the floor was crumbling beneath him.

“uhm, well, m-my roommate has some... company over tonight and we share a studio so... it’s not very ideal for me to... you know...” she trailed off, feeling the heat rise to her cheeks. truth be told, she didn’t even have a roommate. but she wanted to be around the blonde more, so what better way than to show up at his front door? chan was a sweetheart, she knew that, and wouldn’t blatantly turn away from someone in need of shelter.

“i-i’m sorry for intruding i just didn’t think of anywhere else to-”

“no, d-don’t worry about it. come inside, you must be cold.” he opened the door wider, allowing her to step in. he closed the door behind in, sucking in his cheeks. this situation was less than favourable, but this was the unfortunate reality you both had to confront.

“we’ve got company.” chan said, not daring to look in your direction and instead focused his gaze everywhere and anywhere else.

“h-hana? hi.” you muffled out, mouth stuffed with popcorn. you were planted on the floor, blankets drowning your figure. you certainly did not expect her of all people to show up at 9pm on a wednesday night.

“you guys watching anything?” she said, pointing to your illuminated tv screen.

“it’s movie night...” you trailed, staring at chan in shock this time but he refused to meet your gaze. you heart was faltering and you couldn’t make sense of the situation.

“you can pick something if you want.” he said and shuffled awkwardly next to hana. your eyes flicked back and forth between the two before you quickly composed yourself.

“you can take the couch, i’m good here.” you brought your legs up to your chest as you turned away from both of them. you sighed to yourself.

maybe i was dreaming.

chan and hana sat next to each other, hana getting comfortable and leaning her head onto his shoulder, their arms interlocked. you glanced to the side and saw it out of your peripheral vision, your heart instantly breaking. you sucked in your cheeks and took a deep breath.

“have you watched chilling adventures of sabrina? i hear it’s really good...” you didn’t focus on what they were saying, instead their conversation became the background music to your heartbreak.

you stared blankly in front of you. you felt more alone now than you did the first night he left you by yourself. you tried to numb the stinging in your chest but it didn’t help that the two of them were right behind you. the only thing that was getting numb was your butt from the cold tiles and poor circulation.

to f-elixr: can i take you up on that party offer

you nervously waited for his reply.

you didn’t want to sit on the cold hard asphalt feeling sorry for yourself the whole night, third-wheeling in your own apartment.

from f-elixr: already on my way

whatever deity was out there, you secretly thanked them that you had a friend like felix.

“felix is forcing me to go to this party with him tonight so i’m just gonna leave you two lovebirds alone...” you mumbled as you got up from your seat on the floor.

“now?” chan questioned, glancing at the clock. ��it’s really late, are you sure yo-”

“i can take care of myself, chan. i’ll be fine.” that came out harsher than it was supposed to, but you couldn’t help it. you were feeling frustrated and annoyed and angry at the world.

his heart broke a little at you calling him by his name and not his nickname.

you quickly entered your room and threw on some jeans and a thick hoodie, as well as a beanie to protect you from the cold. and then you were gone like the wind, muttering a quiet ‘bye’ as you made your way out of the apartment.

chan could only stare at your fleeting figure, hurt evident in his face. but you wouldn’t know that because you were out the door in a flash.

hana felt the tension in the room and hoped her sneaking suspicion of the shifting dynamic between chan and you was just that- a suspicion that wasn’t true. so the two of them remained on the couch, not focusing on the series that was playing on the tv and instead on the endless questions that ran through their brains.

“that’s enough tequila for you.” felix said as he snatched the shot glass out of your hand. you hiccupped.

“you ain’t fun~ c’mon~ just one more~” you slurred your words and hiccupped in between each one. you were completely, totally and absolutely pissed drunk at the frat house, and you were pleased.

after ranting to felix about the situation that occurred in your apartment earlier, you decided the only thing you could do to get your mind off of it was to get blackout drunk. he agreed, a little disappointed that he couldn’t wild out as much as he wanted, but decided that you needed someone sober and someone that you trusted to drive you home.

god he’s a saint.

“no, no more for you. c’mon, i’m taking you home.” he hauled you off of the bar stool you were slumped on, slinging your arm around his neck.

“but i don’t want to go home! felix please, it hurts too much.” you mumbled that last part quietly, tears brimming in your eyes. he sighed sadly at you.

“i know, but chan’s going to have my head if i don’t get you home.” and off you both went to his car.

felix discovered that you were a very sad drunk.

after a long car ride of you sniffling and crying in in the passenger seat, wailing about how much the universe had it against you in terms of love, you both finally pulled up to your apartment complex.

“c’mon, one step, two step...” felix said as he guided you up the stairs. in no time you both reached your front door, and felix loudly knocked on it.

“oh my god is she okay?” chan said as he rushed over to hold you.

it was almost 1am and throughout the night chan grew increasingly anxious about you, not being able to focus at all.

“one too many shots, but she’ll be fine.” felix said as he passed you to chan.

“thanks for bringing her home.”

“don’t mention it. oh and chan?” his ears perked, turning his focus away from your drowsy and drunk state over to the freckled brunette. “take good care of her, please? she’s been hurting a lot, but she needs you.” felix said tiredly. chan could only nod at him, still being unable to register his words.

felix mumbled a goodnight parted ways, chan using his leg to close the door behind him as he hauled you over to the couch.

“ch-channie~ it that you?” you mumbled sleepily, your eyes squinting up at him.

“yes it’s me.” he smiled sadly down at you and removed your beanie, tucking your hair behind your ears. he sat down next to you on the couch as your hands gripped tightly onto his.

“are you for real?” you leaned forward and buried your head into his chest, hiccupping as you did so. “yeah, you’re for realsies. i can smell ya.” you said and smiled to yourself. chan chuckled and caressed your head.

“why’d you get so drunk, silly?” he wondered out loud.

“because of you.” his heart stopped as you said that. you leaned away from him, a frown spread across your features and eyes watery. he furrowed his brows.

“what do you mean?” he held your face in his hands, wiping away the tears that slowly streamed down your cheeks.

“my-my heart is hu-hurting because of you.” you hiccupped as you sobbed. chan hated seeing you hurt and sad, even more so now when you said it was because of him

“i love you to-too much bu-but you don’t want me s-so i-i-” you rambled on but stopped as chan shushed you as he wiped your cheeks and brought you closer.

“of course i want you, you’re my best friend i-”

“no channie. i’m i-in love with you a-and i can-can’t do anything about it.”

he could swear time stopped around him as you said that. you? in love with him? what? he couldn’t believe it, and he didn’t know what to make of it. how could you be in love with him after all this time?

“y-you’re drunk.” he stuttered out, staring at you in shock.

“doesn’t m-make it any less true.” you breathed out and leaned on his chest once again, clutching on the fabric of his shirt.

“i-i tried not to, but i don’t know. y-you’re my favorite person i-in the world, w-what was i supposed to do?” you sobbed and he bit down harshly on his lip. his heart was breaking seeing you cry over him but at the same time a part of him felt free- relieved, even, that you had feelings for him.

you leaned away again, looking directly at him with your blurry vision. his hands instinctively went to wipe away your tears again.

you didn’t know what came over you, but with your resolve washed away by all the tequila and your judgement diluted in a beer keg, you sprouted the courage and leaned over to place your lips on his.

to say chan was shocked would be an understatement. feeling your lips on his made his mind and heart go sporadic all at the same time. but your lips were soft and warm and oh god did you feel like a dream, and he couldn’t help but melt in you. you tasted like cheap tequila and gum, but he could care less. you were heaven, and you were kissing him.

when you both pulled away you immediately crashed onto his chest, falling asleep almost immediately from all the alcohol and crying. but out of chan’s peripheral vision he caught a figure he so wished was just a figment of his imagination.

there, standing right outside the toilet with wide eyes and lips agape, was hana.

ph myg od yall dont know how long this took me to write i had m a j o r writers block i didn’t have a concrete plan for this part n had to come up w multiple but when i did settle on a plan it was so hard to write the dialogues n wrhlfhwrlgh but here it is yay finally ●‿● this mini series ends in the next part, so pls stay tuned for that!!!! like reblog comment subscribe follow ask- u know the drill

ヾ(＠＾▽＾＠)ﾉ and pls leave requests in my ask box, i really wanna fill up my masterlist. hopefully the last part gets uploaded within this week <3 ily all muah muah happy reading </b>

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