#she taught me the tips and while she was doing the top part she had me mess with some of the molding stuff in my fingers to show me | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

elliesbelle · 9 months

Text

nobody compares to you

chapter 10

pairing: ellie x reader

synopsis: you're in your junior year of college and at a party, you run into the girl who broke your heart: ellie williams. despite the time it took to reset your life, will you risk a broken heart again for her?

content warnings: modern college au, cursing, angst, descriptions of alcohol, straight men eww, unwanted advances, reader is implied to be shorter than both abby and ellie (if you think you're not, let's just pretend for a line or two for the sake of storytelling lol), descriptions of sexual harassment, descriptions of physical violence, minors do not interact

word count: 5.5k

chapters: one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, eleven, twelve, thirteen, fourteen

series masterlist

my masterlist

i have a ko-if if you like my work so much that you feel compelled to tip me ♡︎

the "nobody compares to you" spotify playlist

featuring the equal creatures song "waiting in the wings"

Friday night came a little too quickly for your liking. After much consideration, you’d settled on a pink bomber jacket with a white corset top and black leggings for your outing at the Bow and Arrow. You contemplate wearing your usual black boots, but you decide for tonight to give your feet a rest from being covered with painful blisters. While you meticulously add finishing touches to your makeup, your phone buzzes furiously on your bathroom counter. You tap it to reveal a text from Abby.

You allow yourself a tiny smile at Abby’s banter before setting your phone back down.

After you decide that you’re satisfied with your appearance, you spray yourself with hints of a freesia perfume Tara had gifted you for your birthday last year. Normally, you’d wear your signature lavender fragrance, but you’d figured that even tiny advances outside of your comfort zone were a good, healthy first step to moving forward with your life. You wonder silently if Abby would notice and like it.

You spend the next couple of minutes pacing all around your living room, occasionally bouncing up and down on your tiptoes in sheer nervousness. When you hear three gentle knocks on your front door, your heart jumps out of your chest. You breathe in deeply from between pursed, painted lips, just the way your old therapist taught you, before striding over to anxiously turn the doorknob and reveal Abby waiting expectantly.

She was wearing a brown, button-down shirt with the sleeves rolled up over her muscled forearms and the top two buttons undone. Her dirty blonde hair was in her usual tight braid and fell down her back. She has her hands tucked into the front pockets of her black slacks and upon laying eyes on you, her face breaks out in a wide smile.

“Well, good evening, pretty lady,” She greets you. “You look very nice tonight.”

“You’re looking pretty suave yourself,” You reply, ignoring the rising heat in your cheeks.

Abby smirks.

“You ready to go?” She asks.

“Mhmm,” You murmur, reaching for your purse & keys from the entryway table before closing and locking your front door behind you. “Lead the way, Miss Anderson.”

You and Abby chat about your respective days on the way to the Bow and Arrow. You take the bus part-way, sitting next to her towards the back. It isn’t lost on you the way Abby’s hand twitches almost expectantly to hold yours, but you can’t summon enough courage in the moment to welcome the action. Though your body yearned for the physical intimacy, something else inside didn’t feel right just yet. However, you did at least allow yourself to take Abby’s hand for a few, short moments when she helped you out of your seat, and then again when she helped you hop off of the bus.

The sun had almost entirely set by now, your shadows mainly illuminated by the lampposts and lights from the nearby shops and restaurants along the street. After several minutes of skipping next to Abby, you start to see the vague outline of the Bow and Arrow from a distance. Your fingers start to nervously fidget and you feel yourself chewing the inside of your lip in apprehensive anticipation.

Making up an excuse to turn around and go home right now would be simple enough, though a little sudden and impolite. For the past day, you’d been trying to focus diligently on your schoolwork and classes so as not to dwell too far on what tonight could bring. However, the reality was starting to set in and your hands became clammier with every tentative step you took towards your destination. Perhaps it was a preemptively good idea not to take Abby’s hand earlier.

You turn towards Abby, who hasn’t noticed your apparent restlessness. She looks completely at ease, confident as she always was. She oozes of enthusiasm, clearly looking forward to the night out. You sigh discreetly, resolving to at least make an effort to live it up, even just for a few hours. You make sure not to let your eyes wander too far towards the familiar, dark alleyway next to the bar.

When reaching the entrance, you’d already pulled out your ID to flash at the bouncer, who lazily glances at it before handing it back to you and nodding you forward. The bouncer doesn’t card Abby and instead, gets up from their stool to clasp her hand and pat her back.

“Yo, what’s up, Anderson?” The bouncer says in welcome.

“Hey, Cam,” Abby replies. “Didn’t know you were working tonight.”

“We’re not all doctors, man. Gotta pay those bills somehow.”

“Not a doctor yet, dude.” Abby chuckles.

“Yeah, yeah,” The bouncer waves her off nonchalantly. “You go enjoy your night.”

You stand there and watch the interaction in both awkwardness and admiration. Abby really did know everyone around, even outside of campus.

“Come on,” Abby motions you to follow her. “I think I see some of my friends here already.”

You nod your head and trail after her timidly.

Your wary eyes explore the bar, slowly taking in how it’s changed since the last time you’d visited. They’d added another TV among the line-up against one of the walls, and there were numerous amounts of low-lit string lights now hanging from the ceiling. You recognize a couple of the bartenders working tonight, in addition to a few more who seemed fairly new. They’d hung up a large version of the original rainbow Pride flag by a window in the front right next to the blue-pink-and-white transgender one. But even with these few new changes, the place looks generally the same. You secretly wish it didn’t, afraid that the daunting familiarity might trigger some unpleasant memories.

Abby leads you towards a group of people gathered around one of the wall-mounted television screens where a Nintendo 64 was hooked up to. Three of them were engaged in an intense game of Mario Kart, all yelling at each other over both the race course music and a SZA song currently blasting through the bar’s speakers. Their spectating friends were heckling genially and cheering them on as the race ended with whichever player competing as Yoshi finishing in first place.

“That’s how it’s done, bitches!” A guy who you recognize as Abby’s friend Jordan from the other day proclaims in triumph.

“Whatever, asshole. You only won ‘cause I slipped on a banana peel during the second lap.” A girl wearing a black leather jacket to his left complains.

“Excuses, excuses,” Jordan waves off, shaking his head mockingly. “Sounds like a serious skill issue to me.”

“Leah, you better get your man right now before I beat his ass.”

As you and Abby approach the group, one of her friends leaning against the wall looks up from the bickering to meet Abby’s gaze.

“Yo, Abs, finally!” He says, beckoning her over. He was a tall, beefy man with his black hair tied up in a man bun and his face covered with a full beard. You knew he was one of Abby’s close friends, but you couldn’t remember which one he was.

“You missed me that much, Alvarez?” Abby taunts, nudging him in the shoulder before grasping his outreached hand in greeting.

“Cocky asshole,” Her friend chuckles. “Please save me from the torture of watching Jordan and Nora bitch at each other over this game all night.”

“Why’d you even let them near this again after the last time we were here?”

Abby and her friend jest for a moment or two before you’re eventually acknowledged.

“So anyway, who’s this?” He asks.

“Oh, right—” Abby says apologetically before introducing you.

“Nice to meet you,” Her friend responds. “Manny. Have we met before?”

“I’m not sure, honestly,” You admit. “I haven’t really been the most social or noticeable person of late.”

“Pretty girl like you? Nah, I’m sure that’s not true.” Manny remarks boldly.

You freeze at his unwanted flattery, which Abby doesn’t notice. You wonder internally what the hell her obviously and painfully straight guy friend was doing at this lesbian bar.

Abby proceeds to acquaint you with the rest of her friend group: Jordan, Leah, Nora, Nick, and Jay. Jordan, Nora, and Jay were the three holding the controllers connected to the video game console, each either saying hello or nodding towards you in friendly greeting. The guy Nick who wore a black beanie raised his can of beer towards your direction when Abby introduced him before uttering a simple “wassup” to you. Next to Jordan is a girl with long black hair tied back in a low ponytail. Abby introduces her as Leah, after which she smiles sweetly at you.

After she’s named all her friends, Abby turns towards you.

“Wanna grab a drink?” She questions.

“Yes, please.” You reply gratefully.

You follow her to the semi-crowded bar where she settles on a somehow unoccupied barstool, you taking a seat on the one next to her.

“What would you like, pretty girl?” Abby asks.

“Umm, vodka cranberry, maybe?” You say.

Abby smiles and nods before raising her hand to grab the attention of a bartender. After a few moments, she’s able to flag one down.

“Can I get a vodka cranberry and a blue motorcycle?” She yells over the music, pulling out her wallet and handing over her credit card. “And start a tab?”

“No worries, Abby,” The bartender smiles, taking her card. “Light ice on the motorcycle?”

“Please.”

The bartender nods as they swipe Abby’s card on the POS system before handing it back to her and walking to the side to prepare your drinks.

“So you come here a whole lot, huh?” You remark as you both wait.

“What makes you say that?” Abby asks, turning her body to face you better.

“Everyone around here seems to know who you are.”

“Nah, I’m just that cool and hot and popular that just about everyone knows my name anywhere I go.” Abby teases arrogantly.

You laugh, rolling your eyes at her cockiness.

“You are so full of yourself, Miss Anderson.”

“Anything to make you laugh, pretty girl.”

You and Abby banter for a minute or two before your respective drinks are placed in front of you, the bartender additionally handing you each a napkin.

“Okay, so what the hell did you order?” You inquire of Abby, eyeing her turquoise-coloured beverage.

“You’ve never had a blue motorcycle before?”

“Hey, I’m a simple gal; I know only like, four or five different names of basic alcohol. Two of which are vodka.”

Abby throws her head back, laughing boisterously.

“Oh, man, are you really that much of a grandma?” She teases you.

“Absolutely,” You joke. “I just shape-shifted for tonight to give the appearance of a 20-something-year-old college student so as not to be judged for my wild, party animal habits.”

“God, you are so nerdy,” Abby chuckles. “Good thing you’re really cute.”

You roll your eyes at her once more before taking a sip of your drink.

“How’s your very basic and boring vodka cranberry?” Abby quips.

“Oh, fuck off,” You giggle. “How’s your weird, little smurf drink?”

“Extremely delicious, thank you so much for asking.” She responds. “Want a taste?”

You grimace.

“What!” Abby exclaims, chuckling.

“I’m not exactly the most adventurous when it comes to what I put in my body.”

“Well, there’s a first time for everything.” Abby offers, sliding over her blue drink towards your direction.

“What the hell is even in it?”

“Oh, just try it, you fucking wimp!”

You whine in hesitation before bringing the cup up to your pursed lips, taking the most minuscule of sips.

“Oh, come on!” Abby complains as you place the drink back down. “That was barely fucking anything!”

“You wanted me to drink it, so I drank it!”

“Chug it like a fucking man!”

“Are you trying to get me drunk tonight, Miss Anderson?”

“Drink it.” Abby tauntingly asserts.

You purse your lips once more before relenting to take a much bigger gulp from the cup. As you slam the drink back down onto the bar and slide it back towards Abby, you scowl at the mixture of different flavours staining the surface of your tongue.

“What the hell did you just fucking poison me with?” You grumble, your mouth salivating in disgust.

“Calm down, you big baby, it’s just some basic liquor with a bit of Blue Curaçao mixed in.” Abby chuckles. “You know, rum, tequila, gin.”

“Oh god, tequila?” You anxiously chuckle. “Well, get ready for just about anything to happen tonight.”

“Oh?”

“Tequila is my sworn enemy and weakness.” You admit. “Never know what’s gonna happen when I’ve got that shit in my system.”

“Is that so?” Abby asks, placing her elbows on the bar and her chin on top of her interlocked hands. “I’m very much intrigued to know more.”

“I’m sure you are.” You say, taking a generous sip from your own drink.

“Any other weaknesses that you care to share with the class?” She coaxes.

You lean in close enough for her to hear you whisper pointedly, “I guess you’ll just have to find out for yourself, Miss Anderson.”

As the night goes by gradually and the more intoxicated you get, the more at ease you begin to feel. Abby’s friends eventually reveal that a local band was going to be playing a few songs live on the rooftop dancefloor later on, and you all liquor up in case they turn out to be an amateur disaster.

Though they weren’t exactly your crowd, Abby’s friend group was generally amiable and sociable. She made sense amongst them, all of them having established a repartee with her and not being intimidated like a lot of people were. You didn’t care much for her guy friends, who were slightly crude & vulgar and all of whom you could easily tell were straight and who you felt had no place being in a lesbian bar. But with the rest, you generally got along well with.

You piece together that the nice girl Leah is Jordan’s girlfriend from the way they stuck to each other’s side as much as possible. She was friendly, always including you in the conversations and acknowledging when you spoke.

Often standing beside her was Jay, who Abby at some point quietly whispers to you is her best friend. Next to Abby, she was the most outwardly lesbian-looking one in the group. She wore a sports cap backwards over her long, straight black hair and a grey hoodie underneath an old, dishevelled jean jacket. Her fingers were decorated with several silver rings, and you saw hints of tattoos whenever she would stretch her arms out and cause her sleeves to ride up slightly. Her rather short stature was dwarfed by her rambunctious character, often making you giggle at her drunken jabs at straight people.

The girl Nora was who aroused the most curiosity from you out of the whole friend group. She was slim, athletic-looking, and very beautiful. Her dark, kinky hair was worn in a tight, high bun, apart from a few ringlets that fell effortlessly down the sides of her face. She wore a tight, black leather jacket that hugged her form nicely. From both her physical appearance and disposition, she gave off the vibe of the beautiful, mysterious love interest to the main character in a romantic indie film. She seemed to have this easy, welcoming banter with everyone, especially Abby. You wonder to yourself if there was something there between them before realizing that it was none of your business.

You were surprised at how much of a good time you were having. Abby was by your side for most of the night, often nudging your shoulder playfully, explaining references, or whispering flirty comments in your ear. She paid for both of your drinks, to which you reprimanded her for the entire time, even up until she closed out her tab when you’d both had enough to drink. You were enjoying yourself to the point where you’d almost forgotten the significance this bar held for you.

A little while before the promised local band were set to make their appearance, another friend of Abby’s belatedly joined the group.

A gust of cold, autumn wind blew in unkindly from the outside when the front door of the bar opened to receive another patron. Your eyes unwittingly wander towards the movement, suddenly widening when they fall on the face of the familiar newcomer.

Your ex-girlfriend Adriana strides into the bar, scanning the place for her friends. Your rattled and petrified state is short-lived when Jordan spots her as well and hails her over.

“Yo! Adriana! Over here!” He calls.

As Abby and the rest of her friends greet her and playfully berate her for her tardiness, you shrink behind the group as you attempt to compose yourself. Though it had ended amicably between you two, it had still been several years since you’d actually come face-to-face with Adriana. You’d never established a friendship with her afterwards despite it all, still feeling too much guilt for hooking up with her friend almost immediately after your breakup.

Adriana leisurely makes her way through the group, greeting each one jovially. After she laughed at an inside joke Nora had uttered to her, you concede silently that you couldn’t avoid being seen by her any further, not without resorting to running to the bathroom and hiding for the rest of the night. You slowly step out behind Abby’s tall, burly figure, attempting not to draw attention to yourself and trying to ease back into the situation naturally.

After a few moments, Adriana’s eyes fall on you. You see the recognition slowly setting in by the expression on her face and once you can tell that she’s realized who you were, she gives you a small smile. She doesn’t say anything to you and continues to engage in conversation with others, but you feel a little less awkwardness after you return her smile. Though your chest still feels a bit tight from the tension, you’re slightly more relieved and at ease knowing that Adriana still kept her word after all these years of having no ill will towards you.

Several minutes after Adriana’s arrival, you saw other patrons starting to head towards the rooftop, and your group eventually followed suit. Once you reach the next floor, you see a small stage where a few instruments were already in place and a couple of band members were setting up for the show. Your group chatters amongst themselves as you all wait patiently.

Abby taps your shoulder at one point to let you know she was heading back down to use the restroom for a second. You giggle and tell her she didn’t need to let you know, to which she rolls her eyes humorously and promises she won’t be gone for too long. As she walks away, you realize that on her other side was Adriana and that you were now stuck standing side-by-side with each other.

“H-hey, Adriana.” You say, giving her a slightly uncomfortable smile.

“Hey. Didn’t know I was gonna see you here tonight.” She responds lightheartedly.

“Yeah, Abby invited me out.” You explain.

“Oh, I see. I didn’t know that you two still talked.”

“Honestly, we reconnected only recently.”

“Ahh, I see.”

There was a moment or two of silence where you were unsure of how to proceed with the conversation. Luckily, Adriana seemed comfortable enough to continue speaking.

“So how have you been since we last saw each other?” She asks you.

“Oh, umm,” You begin slowly. You didn’t feel the most comfortable sharing the traumatic shit show your life has been the past two years with your ex-girlfriend, so you settle for a simple “same old, same old” at the moment.

“That’s good.” She replies.

“How about you?”

“Swamped as fuck with all my courses. I honestly wasn’t gonna come out tonight ‘cause I was busy as hell trying to get some work done. That’s why I was late. But my partner is actually in the band that’s performing tonight, and I wanted to be supportive.”

“Oh, that’s really sweet of you. I’m sure they’ll appreciate you being here.”

“Just wanna be a good and loyal girlfriend, that’s all.”

Another lull follows. Adriana seems perfectly calm and content with the silence, but you continue to struggle internally with overdue guilt. You decide that dealing with the discomfort for the rest of the night wasn’t worth it.

“Hey, uhh,” You start. “By the way, I’m sorry about how things went down between us. You know, how we ended and all.”

“Hey, ancient history.” She assures. “It was honestly fun while it lasted, but I still think it was for the best.”

“Still, I honestly do still regret how I was back then.”

“Nah, don’t be so hard on yourself. I don’t think it would have worked out regardless.”

“Yeah, I guess so.” You hesitantly agree. “Probably should have put in more effort on my part, though.”

“I don’t really think that was the case,” Adriana says. “It was just sort of obvious at one point that you were just way into someone else so much more than you were into me.”

You cringe.

Damn. Was I that bad at hiding how much I liked Abby back then? Sorry for being such a shitty girlfriend, Adriana…

“Was I that obvious?” You ask remorsefully, grimacing.

“A little,” Adriana chuckles. “But it’s okay. She was obviously more your type than I was.”

“You think?”

“I mean, I think Ellie Williams is a lot of girls’ type, at least around here.”

Everything around you freezes immediately as you feel your heart come to a stop. Your throat closes up at the same time that your hands grow cold and clammy.

E-Ellie?

Before you’re able to wrench yourself from your petrified state, Adriana speaks again.

“Oh, I think I see my partner up there. I’m gonna move up closer, but I’ll meet up with you guys later on, okay?”

She glances at you for half a second to give a short farewell smile before walking towards the stage where another band member with an electric guitar slung around their shoulders has joined the others.

You remain suspended in the moment Adriana had left you behind with. The rest of Abby’s friend group was busy drunkenly conversing with one another to notice your near-comatose state. A deafening ringing resonates in your ears, the sounds of the expectant crowd and the tuning of instruments completely drowned out.

Ellie…

Your eyes wander towards the middle of the dancefloor that is currently occupied by unfamiliar audience members. Without warning, you’re suddenly and unwillingly ripped back into your memories.

“Look, I’m really not interested!” You yelled over the music blaring from the DJ station on the stage. “I’m sorry!”

“Oh, come on,” A woman at least ten years your senior griped. “We’re just dancing! Doesn’t have to mean anything!”

You attempted to tug her hands away that were clutching your hips far too intimately, but her grip was tight and unrelenting.

“Please, just leave me alone!” You implored the handsy stranger.

“Don’t be like that now!” She exclaims. “Let’s just see where this takes us and—”

Her sentence was cut short by a sudden fist in the air colliding with her face. Even over the loud bass drops, you could hear a crunch that you were almost sure was the sound of the woman’s nose being broken.

“What the FUCK, you fucking cunt!” She screamed.

You looked over at your saviour assailant to see an outraged Ellie.

“You like harassing innocent girls, bitch?” Ellie spat. “Don’t know how to keep your hands to yourself? Well, it seems like I can’t either.”

You saw Ellie winding up to attack once more, and you quickly grabbed her right arm before she could move any further.

“Ellie! Ellie, it’s okay, I’m fine! It’s not that—”

“This bitch thinks she can do whatever the fuck she wants to you!” Ellie hissed towards the stranger who was slowly retreating into the crowd, cowering at Ellie’s growing fury.

“It’s okay, I’m not hurt!”

“It’s not fucking okay!”

“Ellie, baby, please, let’s just move—”

The rest of your sentence was cut off when Ellie angrily marched off towards the staircase leading back down to the main floor of the bar.

You nearly tripped over your high-heeled boots trying to run after her.

“Ellie!”

A firm hand on your shoulder transports you back to the present. You jump and look up to see Abby has returned, your hazy eyes meeting her blue ones.

“You good?” Abby asks.

“Oh, um, yeah, sorry.” You utter. “Just spaced out there for a second.”

Abby chuckles and says, “Already lost without me even after a few minutes, pretty girl?”

You give her flirty joke a half-hearted smile before turning towards the stage, realizing that the band is about to play.

They start out with their own rendition of Paramore’s “All I Wanted,” and you note to yourself that they were actually quite good. But as they progress through the song, you find yourself unable to fully concentrate on their performance.

Ellie…

Abby and her friends cheer and yell in support as the music comes to a momentary end. You barely register the lead singer introducing their next song, an original of theirs called “Waiting in the Wings.”

You feel Abby move closer towards you, her body radiating heat onto you. At this sudden contact, you force yourself to be more present in the moment and attempt to push all thoughts of Ellie out of your mind.

The song begins in a minor key, starting off slow as the lead singer begins to croon.

🎶 There’s a million people in this room who want me more than you // There’s a million people who want me more than you

There’s no one in this world who loves you like I do // There’s no one in this world who loves you like I do 🎶

You watch as the crowd of people nod along to the song, some already preemptively whooping.

🎶 Alone in a crowded room, I wish I was with you // Whether I’m here or there, it doesn’t matter to you

But you don’t know what you have ‘til it leaves you // You don’t know what you have until it leaves you 🎶

You suddenly feel one of Abby’s arms wrapping around your waist, pulling you in closer to her.

🎶 There’s a line of people waitin’ for this to fall through // There’s a line of people waitin’ for me to leave you

So please, baby, love me like I love you 🎶

You can feel Abby’s piercing blue eyes gazing at your face, expectantly and determinedly.

🎶 Someone here wants me, they want me more than you // Someone here wants me, they want me more than you

There’s someone here who wants me, they want me more than you // There’s someone here who wants me, they want me more than you 🎶

Despite this aching feeling bubbling in your stomach, you will yourself to meet Abby’s stare.

🎶 There’s a million people in this room who want me more than you // There’s a million people who want me more than you

There’s no one in this world who loves you like I do // There’s no one in this world who loves you like I do 🎶

Abby begins to lower her face, her lips nearly touching yours. Her breath tickles your cheeks before you suddenly pull away from her embrace.

The crowd is distracted as the song ends, applauding and sounding off in response. As their cheering eventually dies down, you watch as Abby’s face falls a little and an expression of slight regret is painted across her features.

“O-oh, oh my god, Abby, I’m so sorry,” You quickly explain. “I didn’t mean to pull away like that; I swear to god, you just surprised me, that’s all.”

You knew that it was all quickly strewn lies streaming from your lips, but you didn’t want to ruin Abby’s night by making her feel guilty. You pray that she believes your feeble excuses, and it thankfully seems that she does.

“Serves me right for trying to sneak a kiss from you out of nowhere,” She says, smirking lightly. “I’ll do better next time.”

“It’s okay, it’s just the tequila,” You laugh shakily. “Even just a few sips of it kind of makes my emotions a wild card.”

“Well, you did warn me earlier,” Abby remarks, smiling. “No tequila next time; got it.”

You chuckle nervously, biting the inside of your cheek.

Abby begins to say something when Nora suddenly grabs her attention.

“Oh my god, Abs, that’s the girl I was telling you about before,” Nora exclaims, pointing in a vague direction where it was indistinguishable who she was referring to. “See with the long ponytail?”

“Holy shit, where?” Abby asks distractedly, looking away from you and towards where Nora's gesturing.

Seeing an opportunity, you place your hand lightly on Abby’s arm before saying, “Just gonna run down to the restroom for a quick second, okay?”

Abby turns back towards you and asks, “Do you want me to come with?”

You muster enough bravado to jokingly say, “Believe it or not, I actually know how to pee all on my own like a big girl.”

“Alright, alright,” Abby chuckles. “Hurry back.”

You give her a noncommittal smile before weaving your way out of the crowd and towards the staircase.

The bar’s gender-neutral restrooms were your first choice in brief sanctuary, but that plan was immediately foiled when you see the long line leading towards it. You sigh and resort to walking out the front door of the bar to catch your breath outside instead.

Though it was much later in the night, the weekend guaranteed plenty of college students noisily roaming the streets of the downtown area. Wanting not to be disturbed, you reluctantly turn into the dingy alleyway to the left of the Bow and Arrow.

A couple of people pass through the dark street, but you feel safe positioning yourself underneath the closest streetlamp as none of them lingered for too long.

Sighing as you lean against the cold, stone wall of the next-door building, you look up at the lamp post you’d chosen as your temporary companion. You place a hand on its cool, metal base, remembering the last time you stood underneath its dim luminescence.

“Why, Ellie?” You asked her. “Why’d you take it to that extreme?”

Ellie’s eyes bore into you, the unspoken truth threatening to overflow from the ocean green.

“You know why.” She said softly.

“I—” You began, your lips trembling in hesitation.

“You do, don’t you?” Ellie whispers.

You don’t respond. Without thought or consideration, you find your body pressed up against Ellie’s, your mouth instinctively finding that of her own.

The moment your lips met hers, you knew you never wanted to kiss any other lips but hers again.

Every knowing and deliberate look, every inside joke, every accidental brush of your hands led up to this exact moment. And yet nothing could have prepared you for the bliss, the euphoria of finally kissing Ellie. Her strong, muscular arms wrapped around your waist, nearly lifting you off of the ground to pull you closer. You surrendered to your body’s instinct, almost as if fate was guiding it.

The meaning of life laid behind Ellie’s lips, and what other choice did you have but to fervently search for it?

You didn’t remember when you’d wrapped your arms around Ellie’s neck, only realizing you had done so when you found your fingers clutching at her auburn hair so firmly that her half-bun updo threatened to come undone. The more Ellie moaned into you, the tighter your grip on her hair became.

You’d both forgotten where you were and how you’d gotten there. You just knew that you were no longer standing in that dark alleyway next to the Bow and Arrow. You were suddenly in this completely separate universe, a vast yet secret galaxy that consisted only of you and Ellie. It belonged to nobody else but you two. Nothing else mattered anymore, only you and Ellie and your little infinity.

But you didn’t exist there anymore. It’s two years later, and you no longer live in that bubble of romance and fantasy.

You step away from the wall, staring up at the clear, black sky. You try but fail desperately not to find the intricate patterns of Ellie’s freckles replicated in the constellations above.

That universe of yours and Ellie’s was no longer within your grasp. It’s a place you hadn’t allowed yourself to visit for an eternity. This present moment, lonely and nostalgic, is the closest you can find to it. It was like a narrow, cruel window that allowed only a glimpse at the heaven you once knew.

You sigh. Reluctantly tearing your eyes away from Ellie’s celestial clones, you bid farewell to your brief, ill-lit hideout and exit back to the main sidewalk. You make your way once more towards the front door of the Bow and Arrow, knowing that you would make Abby worry if you lingered too long outside of the bar.

author’s notes:

it's here it's here, it's finally here. can y'all believe i've really written TEN whole chapters of this fucking series? the word count is literally like, over 40k. what the hell!

as mentioned and linked above, i created a playlist for this series if you wanna check it out! it's all songs that are either mentioned or included in the series, in addition to songs that i feel match the vibe of the story! i will continue to add to it as we progress (and if you pay attention, i may add some songs preemptively right before publishing a chapter that may have to do with that specific chapter)

again, if you lowkey recognize the lesbian bar i very, very loosely based the bow and arrow on, no you don't

jay is lowkey inspired by my irl ex-girlfriend adriana's friends back in college who had a similar physical description and i was lowkey more attracted to than adriana herself oops

the song in this chapter is by the band called equal creatures where my very good friend laurie is the lead singer! if you love me, please check them out!

sorry to make the creep hitting on the reader in the flashback a woman, but sexual harassment is not gender exclusive and i wanted to showcase that as well.

the line "the moment your lips met hers, you knew you never wanted to kiss any other lips but hers again" is heavily inspired by valerie's speech from the "v for vendetta" movie (if you haven't seen the movie, even if you have no intentions of actually watching it, please watch this scene, it's so fucking moving and it's one of my all-time favourite scenes in cinematic history, no joke)! the line is said at the 2-minute mark!

reader and ellie's first kiss is also heavily inspired by my first kiss with my ex (it was romantic as hell, ask me one day to tell y'all how it happened)

taglist: @lonelyfooryouonly, @elliesinterlude, @sawaagyapong, @peppesgirl, @iconsoft, @maybeidohaveadhd, @ellieswifee, @valiantllamapersonpony-blog, @nil-eena, @echostinn, @uraesthete, @softbunlvr, @cherriesxinthespring, @amitycat, @thefishymissy, @yevheniiaaaa, @machetegirl109, @bertandfearnie, @ximtiredx, @efam, @elliesnumber1gf, @digit4lslut, @tayyyystan, @emothurman,

@livvy-2000, @abigaillovestoread, @gold-dustwomxn, @liabadoobee, @yuckyfucky, @qtefolleunpez, @libr4sonsa, @17luv, @robinismywifee, @villainousbear, @ashlynnnnnnnn15, @scarlettadore, @vianna99, @g0n3girls, @totheblood, @embermdk, @awyunh, @kenz-ee, @marvelwomen-simp, @eleactric, @simpforellie, @omgidksblog, @anxiouso, @nyrastar, @lillysbigwilly, @hopeless-y, @elliesbabygirl, @alexpritch, @thestarsanctuary, @aethelwyneleigh27, @cass00x, @mulan-but-gay, @carmellie, @destielcore, @tfuuka, @elliewilliamsmissingfingerss, @sagestuffing, @ewwitsbella, @igoferalforelliewilliams, @miaelliesgfxoxo, @saturnvalentine, @elysiagyaru, @asteroidzzzn, @gay4jinx, @97cityy, @joliettes, @p1llowthoughtss, @ellieslegalwife, @aouiaa, @lez-zuha, @ineffablefics, @peepshake, @lil-elliesgf

#nobody compares to you series #ellie williams #dealer!ellie #ellie x reader #ellie x you #ellie x y/n #the last of us #tlou #the last of us part 2 #tlou2 #ellie fanfiction #Spotify #audio #belle speaks #v #belle writes

587 notes · View notes

angstywaifu · 2 months

Text

The Lost Sister - Part 14

Synopsis: Xaden is known as an only child due to his sister who 'died' during the Rebellion. Little do they know she didn't die and has been so close this entire time.

Garrick Tavis x OC A/N: Thank you all for the lovely feedback and support on the last part. For those that did miss it, I would recommend going and reading part 13. I know it didn't show for a few people initially. Now Ophelia has her dragon, what are your guys thoughts on what her signet will be? Also requests are open and I do have a prompt list linked in my masterlist now. Please send in any requests! The Lost Sister Masterlist | Masterlist

A loud thud echoes around my room, Garrick’s arms tightening protectively around me.

”Ophelia hav-” A loud sigh and a dull thud as if someone has rested their head on the door meets me ears.

I feel Garrick chuckle underneath me and I look up to see Xaden resting his forehead on the half closed door, pinching the bridge of his nose, his eyes screwed shut. Shit.

”Least you two finally sorted your shit out I guess.” He says sarcastically.

I let out the breath I had been holding. He’s not angry. Which given how he just found Garrick and I still very naked in my bed, I’m very glad.

“Hey Xaden did you fin-” I hear someone ask.

”Don’t come in here!” Xaden nearly yells. Feet skidding to a halt outside my door.

”Why what’s wr- Oh.” I see Bodhi’s head appear in the small gap between Xaden and the door. “About damn time.”

Xaden growls and angrily shoves Bodhi out of the way before following and shutting the door behind him, leaving Garrick and I alone. Garrick’s booming laugh echoes around my room as he pulls me to lie on top of him.

”Well that’s one way to tell your brother we sorted it out.” He tells me with a kiss to the top of my head as he brushes some stray strands of hair from my face.

”I’m surprised he didn’t kill you or throw you out in the hallway.” I joke.

”Trust me, if there’s anyone your brother wouldn’t do that to. It’s me.” He assures me.

Something in his tone tells me something had been said between the two and I knew not to pry any further. I feel Garrick’s fingers tracing up and down my side. Almost as if tracing a pattern. I look up at him to see him looking down at my side to. And that’s when I realise he’s seen my dragon relic. The white relic started just below my shoulder, and weaved its way down the side of my torso and wrapped itself all the way down to my thigh. It was quite large. And just like my dragon, the wings, tails and horns were all tipped with dark red. It was a stark contrast to the dark rebellion relic on my other side.

“That has to be the largest relic I’ve ever seen.” Mimicking my thoughts.

”Yeah Mealladh didn’t hold back.” I say remembering how she had engulfed me in heat yesterday while giving me the mark.

At the mention of her name I feel her presence in the back of my mind. But I slam the shield up between us. Another thing Melgren had taught me how to do even though I would have no way to till I bonded a dragon.

”Interesting name for an interesting looking dragon.” He mutters as his eyes move back to mine. “You two have definitely caused some commotion in the quadrant along with Violet and Tairn.”

He wasn’t wrong. Violet had bonded no one but two dragons yesterday. One of them the unbonded black dragon we were told was not bonding this years. And the golden feathertail. Also not to mention Tairn was Sgaeyl’s mate. Meaning Xaden and Violet were now connected for the rest of their lives. Despite how displeased he tried to look over it, I had not missed the furious look and shadows he had conjured to hold his feet down while Dain had kissed Violet. Something I knew Garrick had noticed to from what I had seen.

”Seems my year is full of surprises.”

He rolls his eyes. “You could say that again. Probably the most exciting year I’ve had since I started here.” He sits up, pulling me with him into his lap as he sits on the edge of the bed. “And as much as I would love to escape it for a little bit longer and stay here with you, I think your brother actually needs me.”

I narrow his eyes at him, his laugh yet again echoing around the room. This was the most I had heard him laugh since I’d been here. And I’d missed it. He sets me down on his feet as he starts to gather his clothes. He catches me staring and decides to throw some of my stuff at me, signalling to stop and do the same.

We walk out my door and run into Violet and Rhiannon whose rooms are next to mine. Both of their heads whip towards us and there’s no way to hide what definitely happened last night. The way they both look at me and smirk, they know.

”Have fun.” Garrick teases before walking away, leaving me with Rhiannon and Violet.

Both raise their eyebrows at me as I slowly approach them.

”So that’s who you dragged into your room last night when I came into the corridor.” Rhiannon says with a smirk.

”Oh shut up.” I say with a soft laugh.

”Well we’re happy for you.” Violet adds with a soft smile. “I can tell you have known him for a while, and seems its been a long time coming.”

It’s the one thing I will always give Violet credit for. She was observant. Most of the time at least.

“Do I dare ask about you and Dain?” I ask as we start walking towards breakfast.

Rhiannon laughs and shakes her head. “She felt nothing.”

“Nothing?” My head snapping towards Violet who gives a hesitant nod.

I almost felt sorry for Dain. I’d always thought those two were a done deal like Garrick and I. Just waiting for the right time for it to happen. Clearly I had been wrong. And judging by Rhiannon’s look at me, she had thought the same.

“Good morning, ladies.” Ridoc forces his way through the crowd to us, putting an arm around Violet and I as we walk into the rotunda. “Or should I say, riders?”

”I like the sound of riders.” Rhiannon replies with a smile at him.

“It has a certain wring to it.” Ridoc agrees.

”It’s definitely better than dead.” I add sarcastically earning a laugh from them all.

“Where’s your relic?” Violet asks Ridoc as we pass into the commons.

”Right here.” He removes his arm from around Violets shoulders, moving the sleeve of his tunic up to reveal the brown mark of a dragon silhouette on his arm. It was way smaller than the mark Mealladh had given me. “You?” He asks directing his question to Violet.

She points to the middle of her back. “Can’t see it. It’s on my back.

”That will keep you safer if you’re ever separated from that massive dragon of yours. His eyes dance. “I swear, I thought I was going to shit myself when I saw him on the field. Oh and yours to Ophelia. Cool colouring for a red dragon. What about yours, Rhi and Ophelia?”

”Somewhere you’ll never see.” She responds.

”Garrick might have to kill you if I show you mine.” I joke.

”You two wound me.” He slap his hand over his heart. “But about time with you and Garrick.”

We move through the commons and into the dining hall to join the line for food. The other’s are too caught up in something else to notice the shift in dynamic in the room as we enter. The volume in the room doesn’t change, the conversation still going. But I can see all eyes on our group. On Violet and I. Violet who now has a target on her back for bonding the most powerful dragon in the quadrant and one not even meant to be up this year, as well as a second dragon. Not to mention her name. Then there’s me. The lost sister of the rebellion reader bonding a dragon no ones ever seen or heard of till yesterday. We would both be targets for the unbonded from our year.

I grab my food and follow the others to a table. Ridoc goes to ask a table if we can take their spare seats, they agree but end up giving us the whole table as they run off elsewhere. Not only did Violet and I have targets on our backs from the unbonded, we’d just become two of the most powerful riders in our year and in the quadrant behind Xaden.

“Well that was really fucking weird.” Rhiannon says as she walks to the other side of the table sitting across from Ridoc and I.

“Even weirder? Ridoc remarks as he gestures to the other side of the room.

I follow his gaze and watch as Jack Barlow is being squeezed out of his table. Being forced to stand while others take his seat. He hadn’t tried anything with me, probably due to Xaden and Garrick. But he had made it clear he wanted Violet dead.

”What the hell is going on?” Rhiannon adds.

I continue to watch Jack as he tries to go to another table with no success. Eventually he finds a spot a few more tables down. My thoughts echo Ridoc’s words. How the mighty had fallen. Another girl who I remember Violet beating in her second challenge walks by and says hello happily. Then a boy I had knocked out in mere seconds congratulates me on bonding Mealladh.

“It’s because you two bonded the biggest and most powerful dragons.” Imogen adds as he blows her pink hair out of her face and takes the empty spot next to me. Her usual spot now.

Ever since our conversation after we’d beaten each other up in challenges, she frequently sat next to me at meals. She even trained with me if we were both in the gym. An unspoken friendship over a man that had picked one of us.

“The morning after Threshing is always a clusterfuck. Power balance shifts, and you, little Sorrengail and Riorson, are now about to be the most powerful riders in the quadrant. Anyone with common sense is going to be scared of you two.” She adds.

Imogen was right. There had definitely been a shift now us first years had bonded dragons. Those who had shown dominance in classes, but had bonded smaller or weaker dragons were now sitting elsewhere in the hall.

”Which is why you’re now sitting with us?” Rhiannon asks as she arches an eye brow at Imogen. “Because I can count on one hand the number of nice words you’ve said to any of us.” I smirk at the fist she holds up towards Imogen with zero fingers raised.

Quinn and Sawyer join our group, taking the spots next to Imogen and Rhiannon.

”You weren’t interesting enough to sit with before.” Imogen says casually as she bites into a muffin.

”I usually sit with my girlfriend in Claw Section,. Besides, no use getting to know you when most of you die, no offence.” Adds Quinn.

She had a very valid point. A lot of us had died in the past few months. Though even with dragons there was still a chance we would die. It wasn’t as common, but here and there second and third years would be on the death roll in the morning.

It had become clear we were the squad on top now. With Violet and I with the biggest dragons in the quadrant now. Some third years I had only seen in passing and at formation every morning came and joined us. We were now worth their time. The only ones missing were our leaders and they were sat over with leadership.

My squad launch into talks about Barlowe and his smaller dragon, Violet not wanting to eat the food and Imogen offering to train Violet. I can tell by the way Imogen talks it is not her choice. I look over at the leadership table on the dais and catch Garrick looking at Violet with worry. He’s concerned. With Violet and Xaden’s fates now tethered together, their lives depend on each other. Xaden is going to do anything he can to make sure she stays alive. And as Xaden looks up from peeling his apple to look at Violet, I know that is what he intends.

I look back to see the others getting up to make their way to our first ever flight lesson. Something I was quite excited for. Yesterdays small taste of flying was not enough. I wanted more. I go to follow but a hand on my arm stops me, and I look over to see Imogen looking at me with a smirk.

”So how was it?” Part 15 Taglist:

@riorgail @going-through-shit @fw-gt @bbkissme99 @xceafh @leptitlu

#fourth wing #the empyrean #fourth wing fanfic #the fourth wing #garrick tavis #garrick tavis x reader #garrick tavis imagine #garrick tavis x oc

77 notes · View notes

darling-i-read-it · 8 months

Note

is it possible to either request a fic or hc whatever you feel like doing of trevor?

something kind of like that college request with love sick smitten nauseating trevor and his sweet little girlfriend who walks in to them planning a heist. she knows what he does but she doesn’t want a part of it and neither does trevor but she still supports him. he does anything in his power to keep her out of it. but does he get turned on seeing her hold his gun? yes. will he eventually try to get her warmed up to straddling him with a gun pointed at his neck while she rides him? absolutely.

but putting her in danger is something that makes him physically sick. maybe during the heist she somehow ends up in crosshairs, similar to what trevor did in north yankton when he put that gun to the woman’s head “if you move i’ll shoot her brains out”

but trevor just sees red like his special ability. killing anyone who angers or threatens his baby.

HI literally making me absolutely feral i hope you enjoy <3 <3 Trevor you're such a real one

tw for guns, violence, vague sexual descriptions, typical trevor stuff

Trevor fell in love with you because of your innocence. All the girls who loved him where like him, something similar in their hard gaze, the smell of alcohol on their breath. Not you. You were different.

he swore it was a good thing, he promised Ron and Wade that you were happy with him.

they never believed him. it was hard to believe Trevor on a good day

but they could see from the way you were with him that he was telling the truth. You would sit in his trailer, gently cleaning up without being invasive, laugh at his dumb jokes, call him cute. There is no one someone who didn't love Trevor would do all that

He was nauseating about you. He talked about you all the time, bragged endlessly, always had your name on the tip of his tongue.

"Yeah, I brought her out to dinner last night. She tried to drink me under the table but I had to bring her home," he would say, with heart eyes.

"She didn't make me take down my posters. Would Amanda do that for you Michael?"

"We had lots of fun yesterday. Don't worry Ron, I cleaned the couch. "

He loved that he had something in his life no one else did. You were his unicorn.

Obviously spending so much time with Trevor, it was easy to know what he did for a living. He didn't like to hide anything from you and he didn't like to hide his job in general

Trust that he would be honest about everything. Down to the last penny, he would tell you what he did and why he did it (even if his reasonings were always a little skewed)

You didn't want anything to do with it. You had no interest in going to jail and he perfectly respected and appreciated that. He liked having someone on the outside anyway

Plus, you were the person he could go to outside of all of that. He had plenty of friends in the business, he wanted something that was normal and just for him

that being said

Trevor does love a little bit of corruption. He has never said no to taking you out shooting.

"Just...like that," he muttered. He had his hands on top of yours, his body pressed against your back. You had one eye closed like it would help you aim the gun in your hand. You starred at the beer can on the stump, breathing in and out evenly, just like he had taught you. "Whenever you're ready doll."

You pulled the trigger. Your ears rang out. Trevor didn't believe in ear protection (or any protection for that matter). You missed, just barely.

"Am I getting better?" you asked, hopelessly. You had asked him to teach you to use a gun just in case someone came home while he wasn't there. He agreed. You needed to know how to defend yourself.

"Oh so good. Honestly better than most of the men I've worked with." He loved seeing a gun in your hand. He loved when you brandished it, talking like it wasn't a fully loaded weapon in your hand. He liked when it got a little close to him, making him twitch a bit.

But that's a whole different battle.

Other than that, you avoided all of his lifestyle things. No heists, no ride alongs. He wanted you as safe as humanly possible.

Naturally, if you were around, you were bound to walk into a heist planning without meaning to. You didn't recognize the concentrated look on Trevor's face as he starred at the wall, full of papers and lines and pictures. You had just been grabbing some groceries before coming back to Wade's cousins.

Michael Townley was there, his eyes trained on the wall as well.

"He's no good. We need someone who's done this before Trevor," Michael was saying. You slowly closed the door, approaching the wall. Trevor was sitting on the arm of the couch.

"And Frank is? I mean, I like the kid, don't get me wrong. But can he handle all that?" Trevor's sounded unenthused. He turned to look at Michael and saw you standing behind him, grocery bags in your hand. He stood up quickly. His sudden movements caused Michael to turn around. "Hey baby. You're back early."

"The other store I wanted to go to was closed," you explained. "What's all this?" You asked even though you knew the answer.

"Nothin'," he promised, approaching you. He grabbed a bag from your hand. "You grab beer?"

"Course."

"Atta girl." He helped you put things down on the kitchen counter. Michael gave you a nod in acknowledgment. You returned it with a thin lipped smile.

"Are you guys planning a heist?"

"No need to worry about that dollface," Trevor said. "We can finish this up later." He turned to look at Michael, eyes like daggers, daring him to defy. Michael nodded once. He knew what it was like to want to keep someone out of the danger.

"Yeah, no problem."

but the information stayed up there. You could look at it while you watched the TV, making sense of the ramblings. They'd be down by the docks.

Trevor ignored any questions you asked about it. You didn't want to know, he knew that. You were just curious.

The day of, he planned a full day. Heist at 9, lunch with you at 1. You would come grab him from a safe point, he made sure of it.

Then things went array. His timing had never been great and honestly, he probably should have made sure the safe point was completely safe. It was the exit area, the place where everyone was supposed to meet up when things went well. Everyone showed, all the goods were there...

they were followed

You were already there, waiting with your car, sitting on your phone

You saw everyone rolling up, tires screeching and people running

Guns were going off. You ducked your head below your steering wheel and freaked out silently

Someone was running towards the car, grabbing your drivers door, opening it up because you didn't bother leaving it locked. You didn't even think

Someone pulled you out of the car, tossing you on the ground. You saw little to nothing for a moment, eyes blacking out as you looked around the soon to be chaos

You stood up shakily and saw the man who had pushed you down. Someone completely foreign and honestly scary looking. The second you registered his face, it had been blasted off.

You screamed, almost falling over and scampering away

Someone had grabbed your arm, keeping you up

"Right here doll."

You knew the voice well and almost melted into Trevor's touch, a heavy sigh of relief leaving your lips. Even if everyone was still shooting, you were safe with Trevor. He'd never let anything happen to you.

He dragged out of the fire and placed you carefully behind a car.

"Stay here till I get you." He gave you a gun and said nothing else until he had turned around.

You peaked over the car. There were dozens of men pointing a gun at him. He looked untouchable, guns in both hands, face hard, eyes red.

"Now who wants to fucking try it? Huh?"

You had never seem him move so efficiently. It was like he couldn't get hurt at all. His vision had slowed and everything in his way was gone.

He didn't stop until the very last man was under his boot and a gun was through their temple.

Then he ignored all of his comrades to run to you, skidding on his knees to make sure you were alright.

"You alright baby? They hurt you? I'm so sorry you had to be here."

His voice was rushed and honest. He had you in his arms, breathing harshly. You held him tightly against you, breathing in the smell of his shitty cologne. You had never been so happy to see him.

#trevor philips x reader #trevor philips x fem!reader #trevor philips imagines #gta imagines #trevor philips headcanons

125 notes · View notes

girls-in-spring-heat · 2 years

Text

It'z Not a Dream Part 1 (Chaeryeong x Male Reader Smut)

It had been a week now since you moved in with Itzy, and it had honestly been anticlimactic. You had exchanged polite greetings, when officially meeting them on your first day. After that, you sometimes tagged along with them on their schedules or spent most of the day at the dorm while they practiced. Your few conversations with the Itzy members so far had not progressed much past small talk and your relationship still felt very awkward. That was understandable you supposed, having your company pay a guy to live with and date you was far from normal. You found yourself hoping for an opportunity to develop a deeper connection with Itzy as you sat at the dinner table with them.

Yuna had ordered fried chicken from a nearby restaurant and you were all sitting and eating together. The girls were talking about the variety show they were going to appear on tomorrow, while you sat quietly picking at your food. You had just started to space out when a commotion snapped you out of it. Chaeryeong was clutching at her throat and coughing violently. The other members had jumped out of their chairs in a panic and were now staring at her in shock. As you rose from your seat you realised that she was choking on a chicken bone. Almost automatically, you walked over to her and wrapped your arms around her stomach from behind. Clenching your hand into a fist, you dug your knuckles into her abdomen and quickly jerked it upwards. This forced her to throw up, the velocity of which dislodged the bone in her throat and pushed it out of her mouth and onto the dining room floor.

As she starting gasping for air in her now-unblocked throat, you took her hand, led her back to her chair and gently pushed her down into it. It was a good thing they taught you the Heimlich maneuver in health class you thought as you crouched down to meet Chaeryeong’s eyes. She seemed to still be in a panic and possibly close to hyperventilating.

“Chaeryeong look at me,” you said. Her wide eyes met yours.

“Take a deep breath in through your nose,” you instructed her as you did it with her.

“Now breathe out through your mouth and then in through your nose again.” She followed your instructions.

“Great job. Now keep doing that for a while. Everything is ok now. You are ok,” you soothed.

You stood up and looked at the other girls. They were staring at you in a mixture of relief and wonder. They seemed like they would be alright.

“Come on Chaeryeong, maybe you should lie in your bed for a while,” you said as you wrapped your arm around her and led her to the room she and Yeji shared. She lay down in her bed and you pulled her covers over her. You turned off the light and went to leave the room.

“Hey,” Chaeryeong said, “can you stay with me for a while?”

“Sure,” you replied and lay down next to her.

“Can you put your arms around me again?” She asked, “It made me feel safe.”

“Of course,” you said as you became the big spoon to her little spoon.

You lay together silently for a while until she rolled over to face you. Her face only inches away from yours on her pillow. You looked into her pretty brown eyes in the dim light produced by a night light plugged into an outlet in the corner of the bedroom.

“Thanks,” she said.

“Don’t mention i-” you started before she cut you short by putting her lips on yours.

Once you got over the initial surprise, you started to kiss her back. When your lips broke apart after a few seconds, you looked in her eyes again. She was doing that cute thing she does when she’s embarrassed where she bites her tongue and smiles shyly. You pulled her back towards you and your lips met again. This time your tongues got involved as you started to make out heavily. You rolled over so that you were on your back and she was on top of you.

After a heavenly minute or two, Chaeryeong broke the kiss and sat upright on your stomach, her straddling you with her thighs. The tip of your erection was poking her between her perfect ass cheeks while it was screaming to be released from your underwear. Chaeryeong smiled and bit her lip as she got on her hands and knees and crawled backwards until her head was hovering over your crotch. She unbuttoned your pants, put her hands underneath the waistband of your underwear and then pulled down both past your knees, revealing your cock in all its glory. She kissed your tip and then began swirling her tongue across it, causing you to close your eyes and throw your head backwards in ecstasy into her pillow. She wrapped her lips around your cock and slowly took in the first inch, all the while rubbing her tongue along its underside. She released your cock and looked lustfully into your eyes.

“You’re going to save me again if I start choking right?” she teased. Without waiting for an answer, she took your cock in her mouth again and slowly took in as much as she could before gagging a little. Your eyes met and you both giggled a little. She moved her mouth slowly up your shaft, leaving a slick coating of saliva on your cock that slowly trickled down to its base.

She continued this for several minutes, every second pure nirvana. The way this girl used her tongue was fucking incredible. You knew you couldn’t withstand her orgasmic assault on your cock for much longer.

“Chaeryeong, I’m close” you managed to mutter.

She gave your tip one last lick before grabbing your cock in her hand and slowly starting to jerk you off. Lubricated by the blowjob, Chaeryeong’s hand slid up and down your shaft with just the perfect amount of pleasurable friction. As her hand glided up and down, she also twisted her hand from side to side, making sure every last nerve ending in your cock received maximum pleasure.

It wasn’t long before the floodgates opened and you shot rope after rope of thick, hot cum all over her hand. The room spun a little as you moaned through the climax. Chaeryeong brought her hand up to her mouth licked your cum up from her wrist to the tips of her fingers. She made eye contact with you and stuck out her cum-covered tongue before she swallowed.

“It’s your turn now,” she said as she stood up and pulled off her shirt. She unclasped her bra and revealed her adorable breasts. You stood up and put your hand on one of them, tracing her nipple with your thumb. You kissed her again while you unbuttoned her pants and pulled them down. She was wearing light pink panties, but the area around her pussy was much darker, saturated with her juices.

She pulled down her panties and sat on the edge of her bed, spreading her legs wide to invite you to have a taste. You crawled toward her and slowly kissed up her thick thighs towards your prize. When you got there you took a few seconds to savour the view. Her pussy was a healthy pink with wet, welcoming folds. She had recently shaved, only a small amount of stubble around the opening. The feeling of your hot breath on her pussy caused Chaeryeong to shudder in excited anticipation.

You finally begin to eat her out, making out with her pussy lips just like you were before with her actual lips. Chaeryeong immediately began to moan and squirm with pleasure. She ran her fingers through your hair, squeezing and pulling it when your tongue brushed over her clit.

In no time at all, Chaeryeong’s moans were increasing in volume and frequency as you brought her closer to climax. Hearing this, you began a relentless onslaught on her clit, licking and sucking on it furiously. Chaeryeong screamed your name as she came, covering your lips and chin in her fluids. As she came down from her peak, she leaned backwards and melted into her bed. She fell asleep soon after.

You covered her the best you could in her blanket, found your clothes and put them on, and then exited the room. You emerged into the living room where you suddenly remembered where you were. There were four other girls in this apartment, and the walls were thin. Maybe they didn’t hear anything you thought to yourself, but then you made eye contact with Ryujin, who was sitting on the living room couch. Her face said it all. They definitely heard that…

#kpop smut #kpop fanfic #itzy smut #chaeryeong smut #male reader #girl group #kpop

443 notes · View notes

alexthebordercollie · 4 months

Text

To Love at all is to Love Entirely

Chapter 2: Debut

︵‿୨ - November 1 1950 - ୧‿︵

Mirabel rocked too and fro on her toes a moment before knocking again.

Nothing.

“Vaya.” It couldn’t be helped, she supposed. Bruno’s room was enormous, it wouldn’t be shocking if he couldn’t hear her. Abuela had asked her to go talk to him. It had been like this since her tío returned to the family. Whenever conversations between the two of them were uncomfortable Mirabel would inevitably become the middleman. Middlewoman? Nonetheless, she figured it would be better to try and get this over with now rather than later.

She nudged the wooden door with Bruno’s likeness open just a crack. The small entryway echoed with the sound of falling sand. She called out tentatively.

“Tío Bruno?”

Only the soft echo of sand replied.

Mirabel tip-toed gently inside, closing the door behind her and calling out a bit louder.

“Tío Bruno! Abuela wanted me to talk to you!”

Mirabel took a deep breath knowing this wasn’t going to be a fun conversation. The fact she was barging into his room unannounced was likely not going to help. She’d tried asking Casita to get her uncle's attention for her, but Casita still had very little control over this room's interior. She tapped on the wall by the curtain of sand like her uncle had taught her and watched the curtain part just enough for her to pass through. Her shoes tapped softly on the metal grate that caught the curtain before padding down creaky wooden stairs to round tile floor. The base of the tower was still a bit empty, but it was cleaner now, so that was something. Looking at the tall winding stairs made her momentarily grateful she never got a room of her own. The thought of scaling this tower every day sounded like a nightmare. Bruno seemed unphased by it though. Man must have had legs of steel. At least she didn’t have to make it to the top this time. Her uncle’s bedroom was only halfway up.

She eyed the stairs and counted the flights she’d have to scale.

“This is gonna take a while.” She sighed.

Twenty minutes of climbing and her breath was getting short. She did her best not to let the frustration get to her, but could feel the complaints escaping her mouth in breathy grumbles.

“Great way to scare away the visitors, huh?”

Mirabel stopped for a second to catch her breath when a familiar sound caught her attention. It was Tío Bruno, he was talking to himself, sort of.

“Carlos, what are you saying?” It was a squeaky falsetto, but unmistakably her tío’s voice.

“We can’t keep doing this, Juanita. Think of what it will do to the family!” Came a gruffer equally exaggerated declaration.

“Tío!” Mirabel called up, a bit more annoyed than she intended. She trotted up a couple more steps to her tío’s bedroom.

Bruno stood awkwardly hunched over a small table with a couple of his rats in hand and stared wide-eyed for a moment. Her tío was a strange man with strange hobbies. At first, she had assumed it was just the isolation talking. The more time she spent with him the more she started to suspect he was just naturally a bit…off.

“Oh, hey Mirabel.” He smiled awkwardly. “I was just, you know,” he set the rats down and wrung his hands together before awkwardly gesturing towards the cardboard sets he’d built for them, “Just watching mis novelas He chuckled.

“You’re still doing those?” Mirabel asked skeptically and she invited herself into his space and began eyeing his chair greedily.

“You can sit if you want.” Bruno nodded to his chair as he noticed the sweat on his sobrina's brow.

“Gracias a Dios.” She gasped as she flopped down in his seat. It was warm. The chair was old but seemed to have been repaired since the last time she was in his room. Bruno’s old poncho was draped over the back of it. Rather neatly, as though he hadn’t touched it in a while.

“You know we can get you a real television. You could watch real telenovelas.” Mirabel reminded him playfully.

“I know,” He whined, “But, we have fun with it.” He turned to Carlos and Jaunita, the stars of the show. “We have fun right chicos?”

Juanita merely blinked up at him while Carlos began grooming under his foreleg. Or perhaps it was the other way around. Mirabel has a hard time telling the small furry creatures apart.

“Yeah, you guys get it.” He smiled as he picked up Juanita and scratched lovingly under her chin.

Mirabel sucked in her lips and drummed the arms of the chair as she thought. Her tío needed more human friends. That was a given. Unfortunately, she kind of doubted he’d be inclined to make many after what she was about to say next. The topic had come up at more than one town meeting now and she was hearing the same question from folks on the street. Abuela didn’t want to ask because she knew her son was still sensitive. Maybe this was Mirabel’s gift this whole time. Being the only person who could just say things outright.

“Folks in town are starting to ask about you.” Mirabel announced.

Bruno put Juanita down. “That so?” He replied nervously. He didn’t turn to face her. She could see the ruana she’d made for him pull tight around his shoulders as he tugged the front closed.

“Yeah.” She replied gently as she leaned forward. She rested her elbows on her knees and tilted her head to the side. She tried to get a glimpse at his face. “People are wondering when you’re going to start doing visions again.” She said matter of factly.

Bruno mumbled something and looked down. She could tell he was still fidgeting with his ruana.

“Could you speak up a bit?” She asked as sweetly as she could.

“Never…” He muttered a bit louder. Shooting a brief glance back that passed by in a flurry of mad curls.

“Jamás de los jamases?” Mirabel tried to sound playful and kind. She knew this was a big ask and truthfully she wasn’t sure it was a fair thing to ask of him.

“No!” He snapped as he spun around before recoiling and saying again with less conviction, “No, no...”

He paced the small space anxiously ringing the embroidered fabric around his neck. He tugged so vigorously she almost worried the stitching would come loose. “I’m not going back to that.” He said fearfully, “ I can’t,” unsure, “I won’t.” angry.

His pacing continued to get more frantic. She could see him spiraling downward. She stood up to go steady him. Placing her hands on his shoulders she held him gently as she could.

“Tío, respira.”

Bruno loosened his grip on his ruana and took a deep breath in, then out. She could feel his shoulders relax a bit under her grip. He looked in her eyes and she regretted asking. There was so much sadness in those eyes. This profound heartache that she could feel in every muscle.

“I-I can’t go back to that life.” He said sadly before looking down at his feet and sneering bitterly. “Me niego a ser el chivo expiatorio de el pueblo otra ves.”

“I understand.”

Her tío pulled loose from her and continued to complain as he paced over to his bed. His hands dropped down to his side and his body relaxed however which reassured Mirabel. He sat down on the bed slouching forward and resting his cheek in one hand as he gesticulated with the other.

“No one wants to hear what I have to say. People always think they do, but they don’t.” He waved his free hand dismissively. He wasn’t looking at Mirabel really. He seemed to stare off into space as if lost in his own thoughts.

Mirabel sat on the bed next to him, inching closer till he snapped out of his irritated trance to look at her. She snuggled her head under his arm forcing him upright.

He smiled.

“It’s ok Tío. No one was going to force you. I know I was stubborn before.”

Bruno wrapped his arm around her and put his hand on hers. “It’s ok Mija. You had good reason to be.”

“Besides.” He said waving his hand enthusiastically. “It was a crisis! What was I supposed to do? Not help in a crisis?” His playful inflection let her know he’d be alright. “I could never do that.”

“Perdón por pedirte. Abuela wanted an answer for people so they’d stop asking.”

“Así que te mandó a comerte el garrón, eh?” Bruno quirked an eyebrow and Mirabel let out a little half laugh.

Mirabel was about to think of a witty retort when hurried petite footsteps could be heard rushing up the steps. The disruption caught Bruno’s attention too as they both turned to see who the sound belonged to. Dolores stood panting in the doorway. Her delicate fingers brushed against the stone frame for support as she tried to catch her breath. Her brown eyes were wide as dinner plates.

“Are you ok? Is something wrong?” Mirabel was sincerely worried as she stood up to go support her prima. Dolores however flew right past Mirabel whose supportive arms swung through the empty air.

“Por favor, por favor, por favor, tell me what happens next?!” She pleaded as she invaded Bruno’s personal space. She gripped at her dress desperately and leaned in close to his face.

Bruno was noticeably taken aback. “Cómo?”

“Are they breaking up or not?! They’ve been putting off this conversation for three years, Tío Bruno! Three years!”

An awkward though rather charmed smile tugged at his lips. “You mean Juanita and Carlos?” He asked.

“Of course Juanita and Carlos!” Dolores replied irritably as if she assumed it was obvious.

Mirabel groaned audibly and her tío laughed.

“That’s what this is about? I thought something serious had happened, but no you ran all this way just to ask about his novelas de ratas?” She chastised.

Mirabel crossed her arms and puffed out her cheeks. Bruno’s face lit up.

“You’re a fan of my telenovelas?” He beamed in disbelief.

Dolores seemed to become more aware of herself again and returned to her usually quiet demeanor. The silliness of it all seeming to dawn on her. She clasped her hands bashfully in front of her chest. “I’ve been listening to them for years.” She admitted.

Dolores fiddled with her delicately manicured nails and looked down at her hands shyly. “I always liked your stories.”

“That’s really sweet of you mija.” Bruno smiled before a sudden look of realization dawned on him. “Wait… how long have you been listening to mis novelas?”

Mirabel cut him off before Dolores could elaborate. “I still can’t believe you knew he was here this whole time and didn’t say anything.” She complained.

Dolores's eyes flicked back to Mirabel beneath thick eyelashes though she didn’t turn around. “With a gift like mine, you learn a lot of things that are better left unsaid. If tío didn’t want to be found I trusted he had a good reason.”

“Sure didn’t trust me.” Mirabel’s blood boiled a bit. Perhaps she was tired from all the stairs but the thought of that horrible dinner still filled her with stress and frustration.

“Mirabel.” Bruno soothed.

“Bruno can hide in the walls for years like el rey rata but you can’t just talk to me before blabbing to the whole family.” Mirabel chastised her cousin. Dolores looked like she might have said something before their tío intervened.

“Mirabel, that’s enough.” He asserted as he rose to his feet.

Mirabel looked down at the floor.

“What’s done is done. Everything worked out in the end right?”

Mirabel sighed. “Yeah I guess.”

“Then just leave it for now alright?” He asked as he put one hand on her shoulder and the other on Dolores. He looked her in the eye and she could tell he didn’t like seeing his sobrinas argue. For his sake, she agreed to let it go. Mirabel still shot Dolores a look only to receive a shrug and a small squeak.

Dolores looked back up at Bruno. “So do you think they can make it work?” She asked him pleadingly.

“Well, it’s complicated.” He replied as he launched into a tangent about plans for future plotlines only to have Dolores cover her ears. Bruno stopped, surprised by the sudden gesture.

“No lo estropees.” She insisted and thier tío laughed.

It got Mirabel thinking. Bruno seemed pretty pleased to find he had a fan. He liked talking about his stories. He was obviously a creative person. He was funny and compassionate. Folks in the village only ever talked about his powers. It was all they ever seemed to see. She needed some way for the rest of the town to see him the way she did. She just might have had an idea.

Mirabel crept quietly back out onto the stairs as her tío recited the rest of the “episode” he’d been performing to Dolores. She needed to work quickly if she wanted to get everyone on board before the night was out.

︵‿୨ -❇- ୧‿︵

After another twenty-minute descent and a quick snack break in the kitchen, she went to talk to Antonio. He was still little and went to bed early though he’d likely take the least convincing. His skill with animals would no doubt be a big help. She asked Luisa about her new woodworking hobby and if she might be willing to do something fun with it. Camilo laughed at her proposal but said it was the funniest thing he’d ever heard and simply had to be involved.

Mirabel hesitated at her sister's door for a moment. They’d been getting along a lot better since Isabela opened up but she still wasn’t sure if she’d be interested in something so silly. Not to mention she knew she wasn’t the biggest fan of rats. Eventually, Mirabel worked up the courage to knock and Isabella answered with some surprise.

“Is there something you need?” She asked, considerably less irritated than would have been expected before.

Mirabel fumbled a bit “So Tío Bruno...”

“Yes?” Isabela replied quizzically.

Mirabel took a breath and belted out. “So Bruno hasn’t left the house since he came back. Except he didn’t really come back since he never really left… That’s not the point. He’s still super closed off and he needs to get out more right? So I have this idea to help get him out of the house but I don’t think I can convince him to do it on my own so I thought if I got everyone in on it…” Mirabel trailed off as she watched her sister shift her weight and cross her arms thoughtfully.

After a moment of contemplation, Isabela replied, “So what’s your plan?”

At the dinner table, that night the kids kept exchanging knowing glances with each other. Antonio couldn’t help but snicker. Abuela seemed confused but didn’t press the issue. Mirabel was sure her mamá knew something was up. Thankfully Bruno seemed to continue obviously devouring his sister's fried plantains. Dolores shot subtle frustrated glares around the table that hushed her primas and hermanos. Thankfully Papá and Tío Félix really carried the conversation at the dinner table that night and Bruno seemed not to notice the kid's suspicious quiet too much.

Once everyone had dispersed and the dishes had been washed and put away the kids gathered back at the table to discuss.

“You all are terrible at keeping secrets.” Dolores flustered. She stood beside Mirabel with her arms crossed.

“You’re one to talk.”

Dolores cleared her throat and Mirabel rolled her eyes.

“Right, right. Agua por debajo del puente.” She turned back to the rest of the entourage. “So everyone is clear on the plan?” She asked.

“I suppose I can help with the decorations.” Isabela replied coolly through a playful smile threatened to escape her as she thought about what they were trying to do.

“I’m not sure if I’ll be able to make anything impressive.” Luisa worried as she rubbed at the back of her neck.

“It’s fine Luisa. This is just for fun, so no pressure, ok?” Mirabel reminded her.

Her middle sister smiled back softly. “Yeah, of course.” She thought for a moment. “About how big does it need to be?”

Mirabel leaned back and crossed her arms as she thought. Sucking in her lips she tried to picture what she had in mind and compare it with the size of her tío’s rats. Before she could think of the answer Dolores drew a rectangle on the table with her finger.

“It needs to be big enough to fit at least a few actors at once. It’s better if it’s a bit too big than too small so something like this should give us enough extra space.”

“So you’re in on it too then?” Mirabel clarified. She hadn’t actually explained the plan to Dolores but when they had all gathered for dinner it had been clear Dolores had heard at least one of Mirabel's many pitches.

“Nope.” She squeaked. Mirabel was surprised given her prima's enthusiasm earlier. “I want it to be a surprise.” She clarified.

“How are you ever surprised by anything?” Camilo griped. The mild frustration of years of ruined pranks was evident.

“I choose what to focus on. I’ll just have to keep myself distracted while you work.”

“So it’s decided. We’ll ask him tomorrow then?” Mirabel asked the group.

“Sure.” “Yep.” “Sounds like fun.”

“This is gonna be so much fun.” Antonio chirped as he bounced in his chair.

“Tonito, go brush your teeth.” Tía Pepa called from upstairs.

“Coming Mamá!” Antonio called back. He trilled excitedly as he hopped down from his seat. “I can’t wait for tomorrow.”

︵‿୨ - November 2 1950 - ୧‿︵

The next day at school dragged on. Mirabel couldn’t help but sketch out some patterns in her notebook. Camilo snickered when the teacher pulled her notebook away and she had to explain that she was designing dresses for rats. The whole class had a laugh and Camilo couldn’t stop smiling ear to ear. Mirabel was usually a good student. Thankfully the teacher returned her drawings with a very confused warning. After class let out there were chores to do of course. Formerly agreed to obligations around town. Though the workload for the Madrigal children had eased up considerably since Castia had been rebuilt which left a lot more time at the end of the day for recreation. One by one they finished their tasks for the day and gathered outside their tío's door. Camilo couldn’t stop grinning mischievously. Antonio bounced up and down though he tried to resist the urge. Luisa seemed confident while Isabela still seemed a bit skeptical. Mirabel gave the door a knock and hoped her tío wasn’t too distracted to notice.

“Ready guys?”

“Let’s do it.” Luisa and Antonio chimed.

“He’s not gonna go for it.” Isabela maligned.

“I think it’s worth a shot.” Camilo replied.

“Only because you wanna make fun of him.” Isabela glared.

Camilo morphed into a tiny Isabela and fluttered his exaggerated eyelashes. “Who me? I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

“Come on Camilo, we're doing this for Tío Bruno. This isn’t a prank, it's supposed to be fun for him too.”

Camilo returned to his normal height and grumbled. “My pranks are fun.”

Dolores stopped and listened a moment as she passed by the narrow hallway cluttered with Madrigals.

“He’s heading downstairs.” She squeaked and fluttered off so as not to entangle herself too deeply in their mischief.

Mirabel crossed her fingers and smiled. The excitement waned a bit however as she considered it may take a minute for him to reach the door. After a few awkward minutes of silence, she knocked again and pressed her ear to the door.

“Vengo, vengo!” She heard echo off the walls of the tower.

She tried to listen for his footsteps and heard the sand curtain part. She was too slow to react however and nearly fell over the threshold when her tío finally opened the door. In hindsight that was fairly quick given how many steps there were. Bruno may have been scrawny but he was surprisingly quick when he wanted to be.

Bruno looked down at the gaggle of youngsters and cocked an eyebrow. “Is this some kind of intervention?” He inquired.

Mirabel hopped to her feet, took a crate from Luisa and slammed it down in the entryway. She stood atop it and excitedly announced.

“Tablas!”

“Uh…” He leaned back.

“It was Mirabel’s idea!” Antonio squealed excitedly and he ran to tug on Bruno’s hand.

“Tablas?” He asked looking down at Antonio and back at Mirabel.

“Mi hermana’s a big fan of your dumb novelas de ratas and we want in.” Camilo clarified, though he really didn’t explain anything.

“They’re not dumb.” Mirabel reprimanded shooting daggers back at Camilo. She stood upright and brushed her hair back with both hands.

“We thought it might be fun,” Mirabel explained. “If maybe you could take your rats out to town square and put on a little show. You know, something silly for the kids. We could help you put it together. Luisa agreed to make you a little theater and Camilo can help with voices. Isabela and I are gonna work on costumes and sets…”

Bruno pulled back a moment and stopped her. “Perdona?” He screwed his face up a moment and rubbed at the back of his neck as he tried to process what his niece had just proposed.

“You want me.” He said slowly. “To do my telenovelas. In public. Where other people can see me?”

“Yes. That is what I said. That is correct.” Mirabel replied as her resolve began to falter.

Bruno chuckled awkwardly, “Well that’s certainly an idea isn’t it.” He stood on tiptoe to peer over the kids towards the kitchen. “You know I think Beatrice could use some fresh water. I should go get her a clean saucer.” He pointed with his hand pulled close to his chest and began to push past the kids.

“I told you.” Isabela whined.

“Sé bueno con tu hermana.” Bruno called back as he scurried down the hall.

“Come on Tío Bruno, it'll be fun.” Mirabel pleaded. Trotting along behind him.

Bruno hopped down the stairs skipping steps and putting space between himself and the small army of his sisters' children.

“We have a very different definition of fun mija.” He chuckled awkwardly, speed walking into the kitchen. Mirabel was persistent.

Bruno never left Casita and barely left his room most days. He needed something to break him out of his shell and what better way than to show off his talents doing something he loved? He was anxious about people and she understood that but any reputation would be better than bad luck Bruno.

“Tío.” She breathed as Castia caught her with the kitchen tiles before she could fumble her stop. Bruno reached up for a saucer. “I really think people will enjoy it. You could finally be known for something other than your visions.”

Bruno looked back at her as he struggled to reach the high shelf. Casita seemed to be pulling it just out of reach to redirect his attention. “No one wants to hear my dumb stories, Mirabel.” He said dismissively before glaring at the disobedient wall fixture.

Isabela elbowed Camilo harshly in the ribs as the crew caught up with them. Luisa came over and pulled down the small saucer Bruno had been reaching for.

“Gracias.” He replied.

“I remember the stories you used to tell us when we were little.” Luisa said, gesturing toward Isabela. “You always seemed to be having so much fun. I bet other kids would love to hear your stories.”

Bruno looked to his older sobrinas as he gripped the saucer thoughtfully. Mirabel watched him attentively as he thought. “I dunno niños. I’m not sure other people would find mis ratas as endearing as I do.” He replied as he reached for the faucet.

“That’s too bad.” Antonio looked down at the floor. “I was really looking forward to practicing with them.”

The disappointment in Antonio’s voice made Bruno flinch. His tiny sobrinito who had never had a chance to know him but still showed him unconditional kindness. Bruno’s hand recoiled from the faucet. He set the saucer down and rested his weight against the countertop. His head hung low for a moment as he thought. Mirabel’s breath caught in her chest as she watched him think. It was a very silly idea and his reaction had made her second-guess herself. She had sincerely thought it would do him good. Perhaps it was cheating though, gathering up her primos and hermanas to tag team him like this.

Bruno threw back his head and groaned. “Está bien, me tienen.” He surrendered.

Mirabel squealed with delight before composing herself.

“I know it’s silly but what harm could it do? Besides, if you're not having any fun we can always call it off.”

Bruno crossed his arms and eyed her up and down skeptically.

“Tú prometes?”

“Lo prometo.” Mirabel assured confidently.

Bruno fidgeted a moment before compulsively knocking on the cabinets beneath him. He crossed his fingers and puffed out his cheeks.

“I guess we’re doing this.” He gasped out.

“Gracias Tío, you won't regret this.” Luisa patted him gruffly on the back. “It’ll give us a chance to spend more time together. Really catch up, right Isabela?” Luisa turned to her colorful sister.

Isbela flipped her hair. “Maybe we’ll learn what’s got Dolores so excited.”

“I call dibs on co-writer.” Camilo chimed.

“You did always say your real gift was acting.” Mirabel quoted Bruno’s words back to him playfully.

“I did say that.” He whined reluctantly.

︵‿୨ -❇- ୧‿︵

For the rest of the week, the group would gather in a different magical room each afternoon to work on their play.

Camilo, true to his word, kept hovering over their Tío’s shoulder as he wrote the script. They argued over jokes and line delivery. The constant onslaught of laughter and goofy voices made it clear he was far from a nuisance. Antonio sat with them and helped explain to the rats where they wanted them to stand and how to move. Rats being rats of course only have so many gestures they can do but Bruno was no stranger to making do and always prioritized his furry friend's comfort. He seemed enraptured by the chance to hear what they had to say. Mostly they talked about food.

Luisa worked on building the stage. Isabela and Mirabel worked together on costumes and props. She had a fun time doing arts and crafts with her sisters. It felt nice. Getting to bicker and smear glitter on each other's faces. She couldn’t remember the last time she and her sisters had just sat down to spend time together like this. Perhaps this wasn’t just for Tío. As she whittled more and more afternoons away this way Mirabel realized how much she needed this too.

It turns out spending ten years alone gives one a lot of time to indulge in their hobbies and Bruno had a variety of artistic skills he’d dabbled in. He would get up from wherever he was situated to write, stretch, and check on each of the Madrigal children. He’d always find ways to involve himself in whatever someone was up to. Helping Luisa with some of the stage's finer details, giving advice on set pieces, or sharing his enthusiastic thoughts on the costumes. He had a way of making everyone feel like their contributions were appreciated.

Dolores would always come and collect them for dinner. All the while she insisted her brother try not to spoil the plot for her. She always seemed charmed by the conversation when they set the table. News of this hair-brained scheme, of course, took no time at all to spread to the rest of the family, and suspiciously a few folks in town heard about a mysterious surprise in the plaza. Realizing he might actually have an audience certainly rattled her Tío but he wasn’t ready to call off his evenings of crafting and jokes with his sobrinos.

Occasionally Mamá , Papá, Pepa or Félix would pop in to see what they were up to. Most seemed supportive even if Pepa took the opportunity to take potshots at her brother. Bruno never seemed bothered by Pepa’s jabs though and always shot back with little hesitation. Camilo would provide backup and his mother would storm off in a huff. Mirabel always caught him making it up to her later. Mamá seemed to be a bit put off by the concept but was nonetheless very supportive. She seemed to be happy just to see her brother being more involved with the family.

︵‿୨ - November 8 1950 - ୧‿︵

Friday night rolled around. Thanks to Dolores a handful of folks were now expecting something come Saturday evening. Despite the nerves, Bruno still seemed to be thoroughly enjoying putting together the finishing touches with his family.

Luisa had constructed a more sizable stage than originally planned. Bruno seemed happy with the room it freed up for rat choreography. The stage was about half the size of a bathtub and sturdy enough to support a single adult's weight. With some ingenuity from Camilo a small trap door had even been constructed in the middle to allow for some very rudimentary special effects. Isabella had made pods from her plants that could be crushed in one's hand to create colorful puffs of “smoke”. The crew were performing a dress rehearsal while Dolores was spending the evening with her novio to keep herself distracted.

“Mirabel can you make the sleeves bigger?” Antonio pushed a little pink dress into her lap. “Juanita says it’s too tight.”

Mirabel had drastically underestimated the difficulty of sewing clothes for rats. Small, four-legged, picky clients. She was already struggling to finish the last costume before dinner time. She sighed as she looked down at the dress.

“I’ll see what I can do.”

The rat in Anotnio’s hand squeaked. “She says thank you.” Antonio translated sweetly before trotting over to the stage with the others once more.

“I make no guarantees.” Mirabel called to him.

They decided to spend the last night in Luisa's room. A sandy beach with palm trees and an inexplicable breeze that Mirabel found deeply soothing. The family had offered to build her own room when they rebuilt the Castia but she instead opted for an extension onto the nursery. When the magic returned the door to her little expansion lit up with her name. Her likeness burned into it holding la familaia's flame. She was proud of that door. The room itself was comfy, with a space for her to sew, but modest. More importantly, she was nested right beside the nursery still. She loved being there for Antonio and decided she’d rather be able to help look after any future sobrinos. With how things were going she suspected Dolores might find herself rather busy someday.

Today she was content to sit back and watch the others as they crowded around the stage that had been set up in the gazebo. Everyone seemed to be having a blast. She was glad she could bring the family together like this.

“Mirabel, come over. I want to show you something.” Her Tío called out to her.

Mirabel carefully pinned the suit she was working on in place and collected her supplies in her bag before heading over. She could always finish it in her room after dinner. She may have had a late night ahead of her but it seemed like a small price.

“Qué onda?” She asked. As she got closer she could hear stifled snickers and Bruno looked… taller?

“Can I run a set by you mija? I’m just not really sure if this joke is gonna work.” He said with an anxious smile, tugging at his ruana.

“Uhm, sure?” She sat down between her sisters hesitantly. Antonio couldn’t stop snickering. Something wasn’t quite right.

Bruno’s face lit up as he excitedly began reciting an opening narration gag from behind the stage. He hovered over the top of the curtains waving his fingers and making exaggerated faces. A bit too exaggerated. Before long someone came up from behind and gave him a light swat on the back of his head.

“Stop trying to steal my lines!” the real Bruno scolded.

Camilo shape shifted back. “I wasn’t.” He insisted, “My impression is getting better though, right?” Camilo turned to Mirabel.

“Oh, not even close.” Mirabel mocked as she leaned back on her hands.

“Oh come on, that was perfect!” Isabela laughed.

Mirabel rolled her eyes as Luisa and Antonio could no longer contain their giggles. Bruno sat down cross-legged behind the stage. He had to lean to the side so his face could be seen.

“Still too tall.” Bruno corrected as he tested the pull cord on the curtains.

“It’s not my fault you're so short.” Camilo grumbled.

“Seven-foot frame.” Bruno retorted.

Isabela laughed even harder and Camilo turned beat red.

“Well come on! How are you supposed to be scary walking around at like five-foot-five.” Camilo whined.

Mirabel laughed as her tío eyed his sobrino mischievously.

“Oh, so I’m not scary enough for you?”

“You’re not even a little spooky.” Camilo pouted. “Honestly tío you really let me down.” Camilo crossed his arms and shook his head, clicking his tongue disapprovingly.

Mirabel stifled a giggle as she watched Bruno sneak up behind her primo. Bruno quickly rapped his fingers up Camilo's back making surprisingly believable angry rat sounds. Camilo let out a high pitch squeal as he jumped and almost tripped over the stage.

As everyone was enjoying a laugh at poor Camilo’s expense Abuela’s voice came lofting over the breeze.

“Dinner is ready.” She called.

Everyone began collecting up their things. Abuela pulled up her skirt to avoid the sand and made her way over to the gazebo. Mirabel was surprised to see her actually come over to inspect their project. They’d been working on it a little over a week and she’d yet to take much interest. She watched as her adult son helped to detangle a rat from a bespoke suit and Mirabel's heart sank a little.

Bruno had sand in his hair and rat hair on his ruana. He spoke to his tiny actors like little children. He was happy. Odd but happy. Abuela wasn’t.

She could tell Abuela thought this whole idea was ridiculous and embarrassing. The matriarch had been doing her best not to say anything. It hurt that despite her son's joy it seemed she still struggled to look past his quirks. At least she was trying.

“Bruno.” She commanded softly. Bruno dropped what he was doing to look up.

He hadn’t noticed his mother’s approach and scurried to his feet. He shook the beach sand from his hair and patted fur off his clothes

“Sí, Mamá.?” He asked nervously.

Abuela looked down at the stage where Mirabel finished untangling Carlos the rat. Her expression was pensive as she rubbed her palms together.

“You built this?” She asked.

Bruno looked down at the stage. “It was more of a team effort really. Luisa did most of the woodwork.” Bruno looked like he might say more but stopped himself so as not to overwhelm his mother with his usual rambling.

The stage wasn’t perfect. It was crude and a little uneven in places. It was, to its credit, more ambitious than originally planned. No doubt because Luisa wanted to stay involved with the production and kept looking for more work to do. She didn’t have to of course no one would have minded if she simply sat and watched and talked with the others once her part was finished.

“It's… interesting.” Abuela replied. “And you’re going to be performing, in the plaza tomorrow?” She asked. The way she said performing sounded probably more patronizing than intended.

Bruno pulled his ruana closed and shrunk in on himself. “Sí pues... We didn’t have a date set exactly but Dolores kind of forced our hands.” He chuckled nervously.

“Ya veo.”

Bruno rung the fabric in his hands. “We can always call it off. I know it’s silly and it really isn’t that important.”

It felt like she’d been stabbed. Seeing how quickly her Tío was willing to throw out all their hard work to appease his mother. She might have been angry if she didn’t know all too well how he felt. It still hurt.

“No, no.” Abuela replied and put a gentle hand on her son's shoulder. “I can see you’ve all been working very hard on this project. I’m just glad to hear you’ll be leaving the Casita for a bit.” Bruno seemed pleasantly surprised by her response but said nothing.

“As long as you make sure everyone is getting their chores done and this little hobby doesn’t get in the way.”

“Sí, sí, desde luego.” Bruno assured. He straightened up in an attempt to look more responsible.

He paused.

“Will you be stopping by to watch?” He asked sheepishly.

Alma looked a little surprised by the question and did her best to let him down gently. “Oh no. I have a prior engagement tomorrow, but you have fun.”

“Bueno.” Bruno looked down at the ground.

Alma left to go wash up for dinner and instructed Bruno and Mirabel to do the same.

“She’s embarrassed by me.” Bruno maligned once his mother was out of earshot.

Mirabel stood up and dusted off her dress. “She’s not… Look, we're all still figuring things out right now.”

She took his hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. “Estará convencida. Baby steps.”

At dinner that night the crew couldn’t help but enthuse about the upcoming performance. Abuela said very little though Mamá, Papá, Pepa, and Félix all seemed to enjoy hearing about the project. Papa and Félix especially. They’d always been a bit less uptight than Abuela and her daughters and seemed to find the whole affair quite charming.

︵‿୨ - November 11 1950 - ୧‿︵

When Saturday rolled around people were in a hurry to get their chores done. Abuela made sure no one cut any corners. The plaza was busier than usual and some folks milled about. Curious to see what the mystery surprise they’d heard about would be. Bruno shuffled anxiously with the box of equipment in his hands.

“I didn’t expect there to be so many people.”

Mirabel could tell he wanted to back out. She had promised he could at any time. Mirabel was about to say something when Dolores beat her to it.

“You’ll do wonderful.” she insisted as she hooked her arm around his.

Bruno smiled nervously back at her. He held his breath and shifted the weight of the box so he could cross his fingers. People were starting to stare as the crowd of Madrigals flooded the space and began setting up in the middle of the plaza. Bruno sat behind the stage placing props down for the first scene while Dolores and Luisa found a comfortable place to sit. Antonio seemed to be talking with one of the actors though Mirabel knew the rest were hiding under Bruno’s ruana.

Bruno seemed to be muttering neuroticly to himself as he started setting up. Yet again Mirabel was about to take action but Antonio seemed to have it handled. He whispered something to the rat in his hands who scurried off back to their papá. Juanita, the romantic lead of their comedy of errors, scurried onto Bruno’s shoulder and nibbled at his face. This made him laugh as he cupped her in his hands and held her close to his face. The rat's affection seemed to calm him down considerably and Mirabel started to think maybe she could just sit back and enjoy the show.

She hadn’t realized just how much responsibility she’d taken on when it came to Bruno. He was the adult, she knew it wasn’t her job to take care of him. She couldn’t help it. He gave up ten years of his life to protect her. On some level, she felt maybe a bit… responsible? Guilty?

“You sleep alright?” Isabela’s voice broke through her trailing thoughts. Her hermana mayor sat down on the cobblestone beside her. Her hair was green today. A deliberate strip had been colored in the front. No doubt as a show of support though she’d never say as much out loud.

Mirabel took her glasses off to clean them with her dress. “Oh fine, I was just up late last night finishing the costumes. Everyone’s worked so hard on this. I couldn’t just leave you all hanging on opening night.” She replied.

Isabela nudged her playfully. “Don’t kill yourself over some dumb tablas de ratas.” Her sister teased. “You’re not usually so uptight.”

“Since when did you start paying so much attention to me?” Mirabel rolled her eyes.

“Since you're mi hermanita.” Isabela replied sweetly. She looked down at the ground a bit ashamed. She could tell her sister wasn’t proud of the way she’d treated her growing up. Unfortunately apologies didn’t come easy to her. She got that from Abuela.

She had to hand it to Isabela. She didn’t know her sister could be so much fun to hang out with. It had been so long since they really acted like proper hermanas. “Even if this is a flop I’m glad we got to spend time together.”

“Me too.” Isabela rested her head on her shoulder.

Camilo apparently decided the crowd wasn’t big enough. He shape shifted into a larger man with a booming voice and flashy suit. Cane in hand to wave around for emphasis he drew in the stragglers.

“Habitantes de El Encanto! Amigos! Vecinos! Come one, come all, to witness the debut performance of Los increíbles Madrigals en La Rata y la Hija del Quesero.”

Bruno’s eyes looked like they’d pop out of their sockets. He glared up at his nephew with puffed cheeks. Camilo simply winked playfully at him. Bruno’s eyes darted about the gathered crowd before his head ducked back down behind the curtains.

Mirabel started to stand up but felt a hand on her arm. “Where are you going? The show's about to start.” Isabela asked.

Mirabel looked at her sister then back towards her uncle who’d sufficiently hidden himself behind the stage. She took a deep breath and sat back down. He’d be ok. Everything was going to be fine. Children began to huddle around on the ground in front of the stage and adults found places to sit, stand, or lean within view. Camilo settled out of his announcer persona and took a seat behind the stage with their tío.

Mirabel’s breath caught in her throat and she found herself crossing her fingers in her lap.

The curtain rose and a low mumble could be heard from behind the stage. The townspeople murmured amongst themselves. She could faintly make out Camilo whispering to Bruno.

“Tu habla mas alto, they can’t hear you.”

Bruno’s opening narration came out shaky and stiff at first. He fumbled a line or two as he pushed props onto the stage with a little wood hook that had been designed for that purpose. When the lead actors stepped out onto the stage Mirabel could hear a few disgusted sounds make their way through the crowd.

Bruno’s narration paused for a moment and she heard Camilo give him his line.

The narration resumed. Mirabel had to resist the urge to run back there and make sure everything was ok. But then...? The first joke of the play landed. To her surprise the crowd was sent into shocked raucous laughter. The air seemed to clear.

︵‿୨ -❇- ୧‿︵

Bruno’s voice became clearer, more confident. He sounded like he did at their rehearsals. Once the story began proper Bruno and Camilo both would stick their heads out from either side of the stage. Accompanying their dialogue with wild faces and other comedic flourishes. Camilo would shape-shift for each character he played. He played all the female roles. Bruno voiced the narrator, the romantic lead, and the love interest's stern father.

The story was of a pair of star-crossed lovers. Carlos in this story was a rat who’d lost his nose in a terrible fire and couldn’t smell. The rest of rat society shunned him, save for the lovely Juanita who was charmed by his many antics. Her father however was a world-famous cheese maker and would never approve of their love. Bruno preferred not to change his rat's names in his stories as it just confused them most of the time. Carlos and Juanita were obviously his favorites at the moment, though he claimed not to have favorites. As the play wore on and Bruno got more laughs from the crowd he grew louder, bolder. Camilo was a natural fit for his role being probably the only Madrigal who could keep pace with Brunos’ theatrics.

The whole performance was very cheesy.

Despite her worry, Mirabel had a blast along with the rest of the crowd. Mamá, Papá, Pepa, and Félix shuffled in and struggled to find room to sit as they arrived late. The play wasn’t terribly long and in the grand scheme of it, the crowd wasn’t enormous by any means. It was about as big as could be managed for such a small stage. When the story concluded there was a round of applause and Bruno and Camilo stepped out from behind the stage to take a bow. Pepa cheered the loudest. Her vibrant rainbows lighting up the growing twilight.

Their little show had been a bigger success than anyone expected. It took no time at all however for parents to start collecting up their children and the crowd to disperse. Pepa went over to plant a kiss on her son's cheek.

“Mis chicos.” She cooed and her brother blushed and wrung his hands together.

Pepa gave him a sly grin. “You did good hermanito.”

“Good, they did fantastico!” Félix cheered as he lifted up Antonio and praised the performance of the furry actors.

“I’m amazed you kids built all this.” Papá remarked as he inspected the stage and its various moving parts. Luisa beamed as she explained to their father how she built it.

Mamá patted a hand on Mirabel's cheek. “This was a wonderful idea mija.”

That night marked a noticeable shift in the town and in her Tío Bruno. While Isabela and Luisa more or less went back to their own hobbies. Antonio lost interest having already taught Bruno’s rat’s more than enough stage commands. Camilo continued to write and perform with their Tío every Saturday. It began to blend into the ebb and flow of local life. The crowds were never as big as that first night, but local children would gather excitedly to settle in every Saturday evening to the playful antics of the tables de ratas. Parents would laugh as they caught passing jokes, sometimes more than the kids. People started asking about Bruno’s visions less and less. Parents would thank him as they carried off sleepy little ones who’d worn themselves out laughing. Rocco, the owner of the bar with the only working television in town, invited him over for drinks. People spoke more kindly of the man who had lived behind Casita’s walls.

For once people were talking about Bruno, and that wasn’t a bad thing.

#encanto #bruno madrigal #tlaa #madrigal family #mirabel madrigal #rats plays #camilo madrigal

10 notes · View notes

aubreysheadspace · 1 year

Note

helloo, could you do the omori main cast (platonic) headcanons with a reader that got injured recently? tysm and have a wonderful week, don't forget to take care of yourself and take a rest when you feel like it! <33

MAIN CAST WITH A RECENTLY INJURED READER (PLATONIC)

was ty ty!! I’ll try and take care of myself <3 I hope I do as well! ty for requesting and please enjoy!

SUNNY

SUNNY is definitely a bit taken aback by your wounds

he’s not that good at medical stuff, the least he can do is BANDAIDS and a FIRST AID KIT

he’s a bit terrible using the FIRST AID as well

he IS trying his best though, so the least you can do is tell him he’s doing a good job.. even if he sucks, then just tell him he tried his best

"..please be careful." you heard SUNNY whisper as he places a simple BANDAID on your little cut. despite his face always being stoic and cold, you can tell he deeply cares about his friends, and that includes you.

he mostly brings HERO over to you so he can take a look at the wound if it’s not a simple cut or bruise

if you already got bandaged up, then SUNNY is a bit relieved

but makes sure you don’t do anything over the top since you’re not in peak condition

AUBREY

AUBREY knows a thing or two about treating wounds surprisingly

well, only cuts and bruises

she actually taught herself!

when she used to get into fights with people, she would always bandage herself up

so when she finds you injured, she’ll immediately asked if anyone had hurt you

"damn— uh, you alright, [READER?]" AUBREY had rushed over to look at your wound. "..did anyone hurt you or something? what’s their name? i’ll beat the crap out of them."

if you tell her that anyone did hurt you, she immediately asks for a name and face and threatens them next time she sees them

but if you weren’t, then she’d simply help you get bandaged up

if you’re already bandaged up, then she compliments on how tough you look with them on!

HERO

HERO is the most capable one out of the friend group when it comes to injuries

he’s studying to become a doctor, of course he’d know

if he finds you injured, he takes a good look at your wound and see if he can do anything about it

he then brings you to his house and perfectly bandages it up like the nice man he is!

if it’s a pretty big wound, then he’d tell you to rest that body part that has your wound and make sure you don’t overwhelm yourself

"alright, your wound is bandaged up now [READER]. try not to use your [BODY PART WITH WOUND] too much okay?" HERO had practically ordered you politely, you felt like you were at the doctors or something with how HERO was treating you.

he’d happily let you rest on his bed if you wanted to!

if you were already bandaged up, then he’d at least change out your old bandages into new ones every once in a while

KEL

KEL is a bit clueless when it comes to these things

he does get injured a bit when playing basketball, but he simply shrugs it off if it’s a simple cut or bruise

so when you get injured, he immediately brings you over to HERO and see if he can do anything

if HERO isn’t present, KEL would gladly do the honors and patch up your wound for you!

…don’t ever let him again

he’s pretty fine with simply placing a bandaid over a little cut because it’s easy

but when it comes to bandaging and bruises? oh boy.

"alright.. and then i just— wrap it like? oh— oh no, that’s not what i-" you look down and see KEL trying to bandage up your wound but failing miserable. he lets out a sheepish laugh and even smile sheepishly, apologizing. "hehe, sorry [READER].. my brother HERO is better at stuff like this than i am."

BASIL

BASIL knows a few stuff about treating wounds

POLLY usually either gives him a few tips or he watches how she bandages up his wounds

he even gets a few tips from HERO himself!

despite knowing a thing or two, he’s a bit messy when it comes it actually treating your wound

"oh gosh— i- s-sorry, [READER]! let me— let me try again..!" BASIL undos his messy attempt and tries again. his hands were noticeably trembling as he did so, you felt a bit bad for the poor guy.

if it’s a simple cut, then he wouldn’t be as nervous as he is when bandaging a bit bigger wound of yours

he does tell you to be careful incase you accidentally got hurt by tripping

you’re one of his friends, and he cares deeply about you!

try not to worry him so much, he might just get a heart attack if you’re reckless and get hurt again!

MARI

MARI is good at taking care of others, so it’s not a surprise that she has a bit of knowledge of injuries and such

she learns most stuff from HERO, so she knows a thing or two more than SUNNY does

her caring and sweet nature to you makes it even worth it!

perfectly wrapping the bandage around your wound, MARI hummed a tiny tune as she focuses on making sure the bandage is perfect. once she finishes, she looks back up at you with a smile. "there we go!~ is it too tight or too loose? let me know, alright?"

she makes sure you don’t overwork yourself, especially if you have a large wound bandaged up

she won’t hesitate and will lightly scold you if you do so

she used to overwork herself with a bad knee, so she knows how it feels and doesn’t want you to do the same thing

#aubreysheadspace!~#aubreys writing!~#omori #omori aubrey x reader #omori basil x reader #omori hero x reader #omori kel x reader #omori mari x reader #omori sunny x reader #omori x reader

77 notes · View notes

jojoturnip · 25 days

Text

Maybe what I needed you to understand was the love I had for him.

The love I still have.

I've been making a timeline of my life in therapy. It's split between good memories on top and bad ones on bottom. There's so much bad, that much you were willing to accept, but there is a lot of good, too.

Sometimes it's the good that keeps me up at night more than anything.

A younger me runs around our old apartment carrying the wand he hand-carved me from cherry wood ("all purpose, good for a young girl to learn all sorts of magic on"). I asked him to keep a crystal point off the top unlike the other wands he made because I liked to wave around, and I was afraid I'd hurt something I had a sharp tip. Besides, I loved that wand so much I kept it under my shirt, at the ready for playing pretend any chance I got. I'd have scratched myself to hell and back if he had added a point. He put a piece of polished, smooth citrine on the other end of it so I could at least channel some energy.

Citrine was my favorite stone. Because it was yellow. Because I loved the color yellow. Because it meant happiness and joy and sunshine. Because that's who I was.

He wrote me a song once, before he even got with my mom officially. He named it, "Sunshine Girl." My mom recorded me singing to myself in the mirror as I blow-dried my hair once and sent it to him as he wrote it. I was so embarrassed.

He would pick me up from school a lot, and I loved that part of my day. My elementary school got out earlier than my sister's middle school, so it meant riding around with him and getting fast food while we waited. He would teach me about music on the radio, tell me my voice was much prettier than Melissa's, and listen to all the drama I would bring home from my day.

When he went to auctioneering school, we practiced the tongue twisters together in the living room, laughing about Betty and her butter batter. He graduated as the valedictorian of his class. I cheered him on from the audience.

He taught me to shoot a bow, adjusted my draw weights and sights, cut me grips from his leather scraps, and fixed up the old long bow when I snapped it from pulling it too far. His hands over my shoulders as he taught me how to stand, over my three fingers as he taught me to aim. He made a quiver with me by hand with buffalo rawhide and sheep leather and sinew. He brought home horse hair for fringe but I was too freaked out to add it. He made the fringe from leather and pony beads instead.

The wand and the quiver and a locker we painted together and so many more things he gave me, made for me are sitting in that storage unit I'm supposed to empty. I don't know how to face them all.

I love him. I miss him. I think that's what you'll never be able to understand.

You didn't want to understand.

I have to juggle what he did, how he hurt me, with how he loved me.

We can call it grooming or gaining my trust or a false childhood built in manipulation, but that doesn't change the fact that it was my childhood. My reality. What I know love to be.

You said you couldn't handle cognitive dissonance. Can't you see I was born from it, bred from it, grown and germinated from its hard and rocky substrate?

A friend told me she thinks I drove you insane. The way I hold and stitch these contradictive truths together. I think that's the most reasonable explanation I've heard so far.

A part of me wants to apologize here. I am sorry that my life was too much for you to bear. That it scared you to see me go back to my family, to love people who hurt me time and time again. I know that must've been hard. I do understand where you are coming from.

Another part of me knows that I never asked for you to take that problem as your own. I never asked you to deal with my parents. I never asked you to save me. I didn't want that. I just wanted someones shoulder to lean and crash on while I carried the burden myself.

Instead, you told me that it was too much for you.

Instead, I supported you through every goddamn second of you refusing to take care of yourself. How was that not too much? You had the option to change. I cannot change my memories, my childhood.

You ask me to lose my family but you cannot get new parents like you can a boyfriend.

You like to compare my situation with you and your ex, a fool's comparison. Your abuser did not raise you. You keep your life when you walk away. You were not made of a boyfriend you met in college. Our situations are different. Our lives are different.

We are different. You never seemed to get that.

My life is tainted. I can't look through rose colored glasses, the stain remains. But I can't get rid of the memories either, or cast them out in distaste. They are a part of me. They are what made me.

I think I needed you to see that.

Remember a week before you broke up with me, you called asking for the explicit details of quite possibly the worst events of my life. Things I can't write about, much less talk about. You said you wouldn't be able to understand me without knowing.

You left me crying on the phone. It was never about understanding.

It took me one and a half years to tell you the bad stuff. It was harder to tell you the good, you know. It's all racing around, conflicting inside of me, too. But if you wanted to understand me, know me like a partner should, it required knowing the good. Seeing me, and how I am built of cognitive dissonance. Seeing the power that it gives me in empathizing with you and others, and the pain that it gives me, too. My existence is a fragile thing.

They were not excuses. They were glimpses into my mind. Into what I go through every single day.

When I let you in, you only wanted to see the bad. But you have to see the good, too. The gut wrenching good that bleeds out of me in yellow. The citrine stones and bamboo arrows and rainbow cheesecakes and Annie lockets.

I'm a storyteller, and I wanted you to know my story. You only wanted to hear a parroted version of your own sung back at you.

I am not you. I never will be.

#my writing #randomly crying as i tried to sleep tonight led the this #okay not super random #reading a fanfic about marcy and andrias got to me #but i didnt even get two lines in #i dont know theres something about her love for her abuser that just #hits home #cant wait for what the amphibia art book eill do to me

6 notes · View notes

spanishskulduggery · 1 year

Note

Sorry if you’ve answered this before, but I wanted to ask- have you ever studied abroad/taught English abroad, like in Spain or South America? I’ve been thinking lately and I have an opportunity to teach English in Spain for a bit (moreso be a speaking partner for students, not really “teach” lol) if I apply and pursue it. My cousin did it and loved it so much she never came back and lives there now in Spain, but I’ve also heard other stories of people being lonely and it being a daunting and stressful thing being in a country that primarily speaks Spanish without knowing people or having family around, and that they regretted the impulsive decision. I really don’t know what to do with my Spanish degree, and this could be a good opportunity for my shy self to be forced out of my comfort zone and really learn and thrive. I’ve done nothing but college in my 20’s or work. But also…I can’t afford rent in the US and live with my parents (while paying rent and bills) so living on my own in another foreign country on top of all of that sounds terrifying. But I can’t stop thinking about it. The decision of course comes down to me, but any tips or advice or stories would be appreciated! Sorry for the rambling lol

I wish I had better answers for you but I've never studied abroad but I do know that studying/teaching abroad is a very popular choice

You at least got a Spanish degree so it's not like you're starting from zero, but I think it might be easier if you asked other people who had studied abroad and people who live in Spain

(I want to say @langsandlit may have better answers than me when it comes to what to expect with Spain and that whole process in general)

Personally I think if you have the opportunity you should go for it. It's not like you can't come back if you try it out and it's not for you. Chances are there are other people in your position or expats in communities that you can reach out to - though obviously do speak Spanish if you go there don't just be in a little English-speaking bubble.

To me it sounds like you're leaning towards yes but you don't know how to actually do it yet or you're scared of the logistics of it all. I wish I followed this advice more, but fear isn't a good reason not to do something.

To me it sounds like if there were a clear checklist, you'd consider it more. I wish I could offer more info on it myself, but I have no experience in this area

Depending on the job, it may be you have a place to live planned for you. Maybe not. Some people work as au pairs, or go to study at universities and also teach while they're there.

I wish I knew more concrete answers to give you, part of it does depend on the actual city in Spain though since there's a definite culture to different regions/cities that makes them different

This also may be a discussion to have with your parents as far as what you want to do, and talking it over. If you have any of your old teachers' contact info, you might be able to ask what they think as far as studying abroad or getting information from them; it's a little bit different when you've already graduated but still worth asking if it's something that interests you

And same applies for Latin America, though obviously more countries, different accents, and much more varied cultures

Followers?

Any advice or ideas? I know some of y'all have studied abroad

#asks

33 notes · View notes

boombambaby · 2 months

Text

Drabble; Squeaken Squeak squeaker.

Question #1: ‘Squeak squeaken squeak squeaker.’ Oh, you have GOT to be kidding me. Squirrel Language Class? Seriously– – What’s the point?! Kuzco groans and tips forward to lean his forehead against the desk, eyes slipping closed in an effort to prevent his slowly budding headache from getting any worse with his mounting frustration.

According to the Royal Record keeper, Squirrel Language Class is a required course that he will need to graduate and become Emperor– despite how completely ridiculous and unnecessary it actually is. What good will it ever do HIM to know how to say ‘Squeaky squeaker squeaken. . . squeak?’ Don’t they know he has a royal translator for that sort of thing? Not that he’s ever going to need the translator to negotiate a deal with the Squirrel Kingdom, or whatever. Hah. Squirrel Kingdom. He’s hilarious. It’s also highly unlikely that he’s ever going to need to converse with the stupid, flea riddled little tree rats for any reason and he sure isn’t going to save an actual person's life by knowing how to say ‘where did I bury my acorn?’. “This is ridiculous.” He grumbles, the words coming out muffled against the table top. Back when he was a child and just after he’d lost his parents, the Royal Council suggested Kuzco take part in activities with children his own age, to become acclimated with other people and to potentially learn something that could better shape him as the future Emperor. One of the suggestions was to join a group, and Junior Chipmunks was at the top of the list. Junior Chipmunks is a ‘scout’ group, one that’s famous for their ability to converse with all of the woodland creatures– which there were a ton of, since they lived in the middle of a jungle. Obviously. They also taught other basic skills, like cooking, archery, sewing, navigation and survival.

Yzma wouldn't allow it, outright refusing and insisting the council had lost their minds. What use could he, the future Emperor POSSIBLY have for conversing with peasant children and learning how to sew!? In reality it was more than likely that she preferred him sheltered so that she could mold him into the figurehead she wanted him to become so that she could take over in the future, but her indignance on the matter prevented the council from being successful– and Kuzco was never forced to join such a pointless cause.

Idly, his mind wanders back to the furry little rat he met in the jungle just after he’d been turned into a llama. If he remembers correctly, he’d tried to give him an acorn? And was highly offended when it was chucked back at its stupid little head. What was its ‘name’ again? Something with a B. It probably would’ve been helpful for him to have known this back then, maybe he could’ve prevented the little rat from siccing those jaguars on him and almost having him KILLED. He still has the occasional nightmare from being chased through the jungle by those bloodthirsty beasts, thanks for nothing tree rat. Kuzco lifts his head with a huff, planting an elbow against the table and leaning his chin against it while he glares down at the paper as if it had personally offended him. Which in all honesty, it had. Maybe he should try to find Kronk– he’s a ‘Junior Chipmunk’ scout leader. . . thing. He’ll probably know all the answers. Or Malina! She’s a smart hottie, he wouldn’t be surprised in the least to find out she was fluent in it.

After several moments of just staring at the blank page before him, Kuzco shrugs and starts to fill it in to the best of his ability. The only ‘phrase’ he vaguely remembers from class is ‘Where did I bury my acorn?’ Hah. How lame. But, it’s better than nothing. Maybe he’ll get lucky and Moleguaco will see all the writing and assume they’re different answers. He’s very much looking forward to the day when he graduates, and no longer has to worry about any of this stupid homework or school stuff anymore.

Squeaken, squeaker– puh-lease.

If he never sees another squirrel again, it’ll be too soon.

#Kuzco #The Emperors New School #Drabble #Disney RP #roleplayer #MENTIONS:#Bucky (kind of)#Yzma #Kronk #Malina #Mr. M

4 notes · View notes

astolary · 2 years

Note

idk if this has been done yet but can we get a scenario where chamber's s/o accidentally hurts themselves in the dumbest possible way and he's just laughing his ass off while helping? (also im sorry if this is too specific)

𝐘𝐎𝐔 𝐒𝐀𝐖 𝐀𝐁𝐒𝐎𝐋𝐔𝐓𝐄𝐋𝐘 𝐍𝐎𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐍𝐆 .

( Synopsis ) You were just building confidence, he’ll forget it the next day. He’ll never forget it.

( Pairing ) Chamber x GN! Reader

( Content Warnings ) Cursing. Explosions.

( Word Count ) 0.9k+ words // NOT EDITED!

He snorted. Chamber brought out a handkerchief from his vest, barely hiding the smirk crawling its way through his features.

"Don't. Say. Anything." You murmured, tears almost forming in your eyes at the dumbest situation you just put yourself in. Was it out of sadness? Disbelief? Pain and anger? Frustration? Or all?

"I love the color. The variety, yeah!" Jett tried comforting you, ignoring the paint staining her favorite shoes. She kicked the broken robot parts scattered on the floor, sheepishly mumbling condolences to the bots that saved her a good amount of times.

You stood in shock, your brain malfunctioning and failing to process everything. Chamber took the liberty of removing his gloves, damping the cloth wet in his hand a bit. He wiped the paint off your face, laughing now and then.

"By the way, there's something on your lips." Chamber spoke, bringing his phone to your face.

Your lip was busted.

"I hate everything."

[ flashback . ]

On the top of your head, there were countless times when your friends asked for assistance when the equipment they used was required to be transferred. Killjoy, with crates of swarm grenades behind her. Viper, hissing whenever Phoenix handled her chemical bites carelessly. Skye, carrying the kilograms of wood she used while carving like it weighed nothing. ( Heavy lifter Skye mmm— )

It was Chamber's first time going to the storage room in headquarters. Raze was already in the practice room, the team triple-checking if all gear was in tip-top shape. She then screamed in a godly pitch about forgetting her precious, innocent, boom bot. Stuck in the confinements of the abyssal dusty storage room. So here the both of you were, playing scavenger hunt.

"I found it!" You yelled. You pushed with all your strength, feet, and legs diagonally behind you threatening to slip at any given moment. Chamber scurried to your side. The both of you dragged it to the center of the room, you, slightly drenched in sweat. Chamber? Fresh out of the salon.

"We need to bring five of them only, right? But if I do recall, Raze only brings one with her to the battlefield."

"The other 4 are usually backups. One boom bot helps her sleep while she's bored, and the other two explode when she likes to prank others if there are still no enemies on site. Which leaves her with only one."

"I see," Chamber inspected the face on the boom bot's screen.

:D. >:D. :3. :P.

"You found it fairly quickly." Chamber commended. It's been just a few minutes, and here you were at the other side of the room screaming about your success. "Do you do this often?"

You grinned smugly, nodding in approval. "Yeah! Did you know that Raze taught me how to repair her boom bot?"

"Did she now?" He leaned back against the wall, crossing his arms in expectation. He raised an eyebrow, almost charmingly if you may add. "Why don't you demonstrate for me?"

"Ok, so basically, you put this here and here..."

Confidence got the best of you. Impressing Chamber? Ohohoh wait 'till you show him your knowledge about Raze's utility. Each agent in the protocol had such unique equipment, it's what made them stand out from the crowd. And with Raze entrusting you with some knowledge, just let him see this—

Well, whatever you placed there and there, is wrong. Incorrect. Erase everything.

You didn't know how to fix Raze's boom bot. You just assumed you were doing everything right based on your memory. You saw her doing it a thousand times, so you could do it too. Right? Right?

You knew something was wrong when the face on the screen changed.

:<.

Uh oh. You were about to make a run for it, the uneasiness making you shiver. But when you turned around,

You activated a freaking army of boom bots to chase you. It was war all over again. They were all ready to explode.

BOOM!

Paint coated you head to toe. It wasn't even the best part.

"Help. Oh my gosh nonononono CHAMBER HELP??? HELP ME IM GOING TO DIE!"

He didn't help you. He stood on top of the chair beside him, laughing. You know, the laugh that gives off the 'this-is-actually-funny-someone-send-help' vibes and not the 'im-not-laughing-to-save-your-ass-and-your-dignity' vibes. (You weren't even trying to be funny. It was a 911 what's your emergency.)

Your ears would be burning from his deep laugh by now, but with the situation you were stuck in, maybe another day.

"Brimstone is mad at me mode: Activated. Sending reinforcements."

"Reinforcements?!"

The door opened, and there in all its magnificent glory, the epitome of destiny; Killjoy's turret.

Chamber wheezed at your misfortune, "Brimstone, I apologize for my companion's behavior. Can you please forgive us?"

"I'M NOT BRIMSTONE WHAT THE FUCKKKK GET ME OUT OF HERE!" You ran out of the storage room, the boom bots of Raze and the turret of Killjoy hunting you down as if it's the last thing they would do. You got the chance to play scavenger hunt, now it's their turn to play.

"You want to play? Let's play."

"CHAMBER SHUT UP PLEASSSEEE!"

You didn't make it out alive and unscathed fyi.

[ extra . ]

"(Name)! Did you find i...t?" The Brazilian trailed off, seeing all the agents gathered in the common room.

"Oh my," Reyna mused beside her.

There you were, splattered in paint, feet glued to the ground.

Oh. Oh.

Lesson learned: no more Brimstone is mad at me mode.

astolary 2022 — do not edit, repost, or translate.

#（ ❁ଓ.° ） astro! valorant #valorant #valorant headcanons #valorant protocol #valorant x reader #valorant chamber x reader #chamber x reader #chamber headcanons

121 notes · View notes

talesfromsiteredacted · 11 months

Text

SCP: Standard Cooking Protocols

As part of the new Enrichment Protocols, I'm tasked with giving a cooking lesson to 053, Evie. Today's lesson: Papa Snow's Anomalously Delicious Chocolate Chunk Cookies. Since my favorite niece can barely see the counter, never mind work an oven, she's sitting on a stool handing the premeasured ingredients to me.

It's early afternoon, and the first activity in the new division is underway. Evie wanted to know how my dad taught me to bake her favorite cookies, so I'm showing her. We're in the staff breakroom kitchen, both in lemon print aprons. I tied Evie's hair back in pigtails, no one likes hair in their cookies, least of all our big cranky reptile buddy. Once I pin my hair into a messy bun, we get to work. I've measured out all the stuff from flour to vanilla, in the exact amounts, most of it in plastic bags except the eggs.

"Okay, first we need the sugar and the butter. Add a splash of vanilla, and I'll whip the whole thing up. That's step one."

"Why the sugar and butter first?" Evie asks as I add the sweet powder to the dairy component. As I blend it, I explain.

"By mixing the so-called wet stuff first, we can get it more evenly mixed. Pretty sure not everybody is into big hunks of butter in their cookie dough." Once I'm satisfied, I move to the next part. Evie passes the eggs and vanilla, and I pour the brown liquid in.

"The trick to not getting shell in the bowl is just crack them gently on a flat surface, then bend back the shell." I show her Dad's method. No shell, no problem! In they go, a-one, a-two, then more mixing.

"Can you eat eggshells?"

"You can, but I think they're a bit too crunchy to catch on as a snack." I check the recipe. Ah, the dry phase can begin.

"Flour, please." Evie hand over the largest sack, I snip off a corner with scissors and use the open tip to funnel the flour in. It's an advantage to premeasuring, even if doing it is a pain in the buns. Even so, there's still a bit of stray flour before I'm done. The rest of the powdery stuff goes in next, baking soda and a tiny bit of salt.

"Why add the salt?"

"It brings out the sweet in the cookie, makes it taste better. This stuff was once so valuable the Romans used it to pay the army. That was before refrigeration was a big thing, and there wasn't ice around. It preserves food too. Just don't go eating a lot of salted meat without water, it dries your mouth out a little too much." I turn to my eager assistant. "I've been doing all the work here, wanna dump in the chocolate chunks for me? Just pull the top open, and let them rip." Evie pours in the chunks, I start stirring again. As I do, I ask her a question.

"So, Most Trusted and Best Baker's Helper Ever, what do we do with all these cookies once they're baked and cool?"

"We eat some, silly!"

"We eat all these, we'll be sick. Maybe one or two for right now, then we box the rest up to share with Mr. Lizard later, during storytime? I'm sure the big guy likes a good cookie too."

"Well, there is a lot of them. Maybe someone else needs a cookie too. Ooh! 999! He loves cookies. Why don't we save him some?"

"Great idea, Evie. Wanna hear a secret? I heard one of our new hires, Dr. Miller hasn't had a cookie in a while. I'll take her some on my way to see some of the Keters. I do have to drop off a dozen to 682, after all." I look at the bowl, yep. We have achieved dough. Time to bake. This is the part Evie shouldn't be too involved with as a kid, that oven is hot. So, time for a visit to Nook's Cranny while Auntie Rabbit finishes the job and tidies up.

"Okay, break time, Evie. It's going to be a while before the final product, so why not check out your village? I have the game set, have fun. Say hi to Bob for me."

She starts playing my DS while I handle the rest. Before long, everything is done, including the dishes. Evie looks up.

"All done so soon?"

"Yep. I learned to clean up as I go, leaves more time for fun that way. The cookies are almost ready to be packed up. But... there's the final step. This is the most important part, okay? So, total honestly here. Are you ready for the final test?"

"What is it?"

"We each eat one, and say if it's tasty or not. This was the part Dad told me was both the best and hardest, judging what you made. Ready? Here comes phase one test. Evie, start your chompers!" She giggles as I hand her a fresh cookie. She takes her first bite, and that huge smile tells me we have succeeded. As she's devouring the test sample, a familiar orange gelatinous mound of glee wobbles in, lured by the scent of fresh cookies.

"Hey, 999? Mind running an unauthorized test for us?" I hand him a cookie, placing it on his top. It sinks in, he chirps in happiness. "Okay, test successful. We have made some very good cookies." We box up most of the rest to be shared, but we all take just one more cookie each.

#scp foundation #tales from site redacted #dr rabbit #scp 053 #scp 999

5 notes · View notes

agentsquirrelsgotrobots · 8 months

Text

Optimus learns about the human gods in the most inconvenient way possible - Chapter 1 - Agentsquirrel - Percy Jackson and the Olympians - Rick Riordan [Archive of Our Own]

Another one of mine I found while going through ao3

I really do adore all of my pjo and tf crossovers.

Tw mother of monsters - becoming a mother. It's all offscreen, don't at me.

First chapter under the cut!

Optimus dreamed. He faced a pregnant goddess, her face pained. She wore a floor - length linen skirt and a beaded bra top, a sling made out of stained, tattered fabric around one shoulder. She was curled into a rocky outcropping, kicked up stones, and brushed away dirt, revealing that she had prepared the place quickly.

She introduced herself as the goddess Echidna.

"Are you alright?" Optimus asked, concerned on why a woman that far along would be left completely alone.

She gave Optimus a wicked smile. "I am cursed to always be pregnant. I'm not called the mother of monsters for nothing. But this one, this one is different."

She let out a gasp of pain, and golden icor streamed down the rocky outcropping from under her skirt. Optimus darted forward, hovering over her, his face pleading for him to let him help her.

"If you desire to help, offer a new sling for my newest child. I have birthed hundreds of thousands of children on my own. I am an immortal being. Bleeding out is a mere inconvenience." Her eyes fluttered closed, and one final gush of gold blood trickled out of her skirts. Optimus felt for her pulse, and found none.

Optimus felt a new weight in his subspace and pulled out a beautifully embroidered red nursing sling. It was embroidered with cybertronian glyphs, mostly for protection and blessings for a healthy child. It was wrapped around a proportionally sized bottle of liquid that he recognized as nectar from Nico's explanations. Remembering that the liquid could perform miracle healing, he tipped the liquid into the goddess's mouth.

She woke up and, with a final push, reached into her skirt and pulled out a screaming silver sparkling, its plating unusually humanoid and smooth, the seams fitting a bit too smoothly together It's spark shined through their delicate chest plating. The placenta, which looked like a clear bladder of icor, was wrapped around the baby's crotch and legs. Echidna pulled it away. "It's a girl." She cooed, showing Optimus. She wiped the leftover blood, dirt, and viscera off the shiny metal with her skirt. "Now my favorite part." She looped the sling around her shoulders, encouraging her to latch. She rubbed the baby's back, smiling softly. The baby's blue eyes turned gold as she drank.

The baby finished eating, and Echidna fixed her bra. The baby's eyes returned to normal, and she took off the sling and looped it around Optimus's neck, handing the baby with it. She taught Optimus how to hold her, him taking to it quickly. Optimus hummed and rocked the baby, fully enjoying the sleepy baby cuddles.

"This will be yours when you wake up, her name is Quintessa, and her care is your problem now. She will be next to you when you wake up, as a gift from me." She declared. "It's only fair, you helped deliver her, and I have far too many of my own."

The edges of the dream warped, and Optimus woke up to Ratchet taking blood samples from the screaming infant.

Apparently, the Matrix had spat out Quintessa as a fetus out of Optimus's chest, and she had grown silently and quickly to term next to him on his bed.

He had slept through his alarms, and finally Ratchet had broken into his room to find a dry, giant metal 23 week old human fetus growing next to him.

Ratchet panicked and had him moved to the medbay and covered with monitors, relieved to find that the odd creature wasn't connected to the Matrix, though appeared to come from it. Optimus gave Ratchet the stink eye and when back to sleep.

Optimus groaned, Quintessa was still screaming, and he was irritated at waking up in the medbay yet again. "Ratchet, I swear if this is another surprise check up…" He remembered his dream and looked to his side to see Quintessa lying in an open plastic tub on a cart. It was a decent attempt at making a bassinet on very short notice.

Optimus sat up and found the sling in his subspace, along with the now massive bottle of nectar. A tag told him to put a few drops into any food or drink she consumes until she bleeds gold, then give the leftovers to a demigod of his choice. Ratchet was fussing with the ratios to formula feed her, entirely overthinking the stuff, despite his human coworkers reassuring him that it really didn't matter too much. It wouldn't kill her to have a little extra powder or water in her formula, as long as he was in the right ballpark.

"Ratchet, let me help. I am fine, and you are in over your head. She can't eat laying down anyway. Gives you an opportunity to do whatever tests you want on me."

Ratchet handed over the water bladder that he filled with formula. He had Wheeljack 3d print and sterilize some nipple caps while Optimus was sleeping, making it so Quintessa could actually drink from it on her own.

Optimus took the kid and popped the cap into her mouth, propping her up. Being held while eating was more for Quintessa's benefit than his own, and Optimus assumed that she would have similar milestones as a human child.

_____

Quintessa grew faster than everyone was expecting, growing into a child of about eight in a few months. Her head sprouted a frill on the back of her head that looked like a slicked back, straight bob, sticking close to her skull. She had sculpted ears, a pair of audio fins jutting back like elf ears. Her powers came in too.

She was mostly her mother's child, summoning cups of wine, energon, and nectar, along with plates of ambrosia. She aummoned and wore flowy skirts, but let her chestplates construct a short for her. She was currently laying on the Burns' red couch, eating ambrosia in the form of brownies while drinking energon from an obnoxious gold cup.

Optimus was talking to Percy and Heatwave, trying to offload her onto Heatwave for the week while asking Percy questions on what was human kid stuff versus child of goddesses stuff. Percy was very confused when Optimus asked how much wine was normal for an eight year old to drink.

"Quinn, get over here." Optimus sighed.

Quintessa groaned and stuffed the rest of the brownie into her mouth. "I hate when you use nicknames."

"Percy tells me you shouldn't be drinking wine, period. Can you give me the chalice, please?"

"Fine." She grabbed the giant cup and handed it to Optimus. She then shrunk down to human size, manipulated her body to look more human, and slunk off to sulk.

"Every day, I sort of regret meeting that goddess." Optimus grumbled.

"What goddess?" Heatwave asked.

"Heatwave, I broke the first rule of messing with forces you don't entirely understand. Don't. Help. Anyone. Without. Discussing. Terms. This time, I technically got a better deal, but next time, someone might steal my name."

"What did you do?"

"I helped a goddess of monsters while she was pregnant with her next litter. I wasn't clear that I didn't want anything in exchange, and the next morning I woke up with her in a premature state on my bed, with care instructions in my subspace."

"And we have been cursed ever since." Grumbled Ratchet, finishing up repairs on Boulder. He had cracked his feet running from a landslide.

"I don't know what to do for her. We are kinda busy with our own stuff right now. A goddess is rising from the dead and if she does that we are all doomed, so I would like to get back to that."

"Of course."

Percy bent water from the sink and called Nico. He picked up, and Shadow traveled them both back to the Argo II.

<p>Optimus sighed and watched Quinn play. She wouldn't be human like for very long.</p>

#transformers rescue bots #pjo fandom #pjo #percy jackon and the olympians #tw birth

1 note · View note

callsignmuse · 2 years

Text

THE MYTHIC BITCHES

Season 1, Episode 7 - Tradition

Cast: Sadie “Siren” Matthews, Bailey “Muse” Thompson, Phoenix, Rooster, Hangman, Bob

Warning: none

Summary: Top Gun tradition lives on with the Dagger Squad.

Author’s Note: On a happier note he’s there girl we love to hate!

Originally posted by polikszena

Natasha “Phoenix” Trace:

All was calm and well until Bob Floyd came bursting into Jake’s apartment.

“Jake you have to help me! I know I did good starting things off at the picnic but I’ve got no closing game. You have to help me with Sadie!” He was completely panicked. I had never seen Bob this way not even when we were outrunning S.A.M.s in Iran.

“Bobby, you’re fine I can tell you that she likes you. Siren has been dying for you to make a move and you did so please breathe.” I tried to encourage my poor back seater.

“Hangman, I think I’m going to regret saying this but can you teach me your ways.” Bob wondered and I exchanged a look with Jake. He was serious.

“Ok Floyd. I’ve got you.”

I raised my eyebrows. This would be entertaining.

“What do you want to know?”

“I need to know how to woo a woman.” He stated in all seriousness.

“Simple. What do we all know Siren likes?” Seresin probed.

“The beach.” Bob answered feeling a little unsure.

“Right! So take her by the water and let her do the talking. Women want to feel heard and understood.”

I had to admit I was impressed. He had it all right. And he put it into practice everyday that I was with him. Everyone could tell even if I didn’t want to admit to anyone but Hangman but I had fallen completely in love. I didn’t expect it to happen and especially with him but he was what I needed.

“Ok …Ok.” Bob was trying to figure out how to pull it off.

“Don’t worry about it. I’ll help you through the whole thing at our beach volleyball game tomorrow. It’s the perfect chance”. Jake exclaimed. He was so happy and it made me want to smile at how eager he was to help his friend. A few years ago that wouldn’t be the case. Ever since we gave him a family he had changed drastically. He was soft when he needed to be.

“Now get out so I can cuddle my boyfriend. I’ll see you tomorrow.” I chuckled.

Bob had left an hour ago and I found myself lying in bed wrapped in Jakes warm embrace. He was stroking my hair gingerly as he read his book. We were so peaceful. It was a stark contrast to our everyday lives. We were always on the go but right now, right here it was just us.

“Hangman?” I asked into the darkness.

“Yes my love?” He answered back. I could hear his voice echoing in my ears. I was lying face down on his stomach as he cuddled me into his body.

“I’m so glad I have you.” I admitted before falling asleep with a smile on my face.

——————————————

“Alright, alright! Everyone knows the rules. Let’s get this shit started!” Jake exclaimed as he tossed the ball to Bailey.

Now while Bailey wasn’t exactly the tallest team member to have, she was the biggest weapon. Bailey was the only one of us who had played volleyball to an elite level. She spun the ball expertly in her hands as she eyed down opposite of the net. Across from her stood Jake, Me, Bob and Lauren. On her team was Siren, Rooster and Coyote. She watched carefully as Rooster applied the tip she taught him all those years ago. He stuck his fingers behind his back signaling which part of the court to serve to. I saw her smirk which was never good news for the receiving end.

“So why volleyball?” Lauren asked.

“It’s Top Gun tradition!” Bailey answered her back right before launching herself into the air for a jump serve. The ball came fast as it spun only increasing its potential damage. The ball went flying right in between Lauren and Bob hitting the sand.

“Nice call Roos.” She smiled at the pilot. He stood to his full height and adjusted his glasses. I rolled the ball back over to their side for Bailey to attack us yet again. She grabbed the ball and turned around just to have Rooster slap her on the ass. Us girls all wore our bikinis to play in so everything was up for grabs.

“Be ready this time.” I encouraged them as kindly as I could. I hated to lose. I caught the fire in Lauren’s eyes as she figured out this wouldn’t be a cakewalk. She would be introduced to the world of elite pilots. We will literally kill each other if it meant a win.

Bailey served it up and Jake got a hold of it sending it into the air. I quickly tipped it over the net.

“Tip!” Bailey screamed catching onto my strategy. Rooster was there and set it to the back row. It was the perfect height for Bailey to rise into the air and slam that sucker right back at us.

I heard Lauren yelp as I watched her dive onto the ground. She covered her nose with her hands.

“Wait! Everyone pause!” Rooster demanded.

“Oh please like that hurt.” Bailey sneered as she stood above her.

“Bailey chill not everyone is as tough as you.” Rooster defended Lauren as he bent down next to her. I rolled my eyes. I saw the entire thing. She faked it all.

“Well that’s the quickest game I’ve ever played.” I rolled my eyes. If Lauren was like the rest of us she’d take the hit and keep moving but she loved attention. I grew up with those girls in high school and never liked them.

“Let’s go for a walk. The fun seems to be over.” Bob mentioned as he grabbed Siren’s hand. Hangman slid me a cool high five. He was proud of his work. We were coaching Bob all afternoon so that could check that off his list, how to properly woo a woman.

“I need a drink.” Muse grumbled as she went off to her beach chair

“In your defense, I saw the whole thing.” I told her as I plopped down next to her. She had pulled out Rooster’s flask and took a small sip.

“I don’t get it Nat. Why can’t we be like them?” She motioned towards Bob and Siren holding hands as they walked in the waves. Siren threw her head back laughing at something he said. They stopped walking and he moved her hair behind her ears before grabbing her jaw gently and kissing her. They stood there for a moment as they begun to make out. I grimaced. I hated PDA.

“You know who Rooster is, he can be dark and twisty. And you - well honey you’re not a walk in the sunshine either.” I reminded her.

“Neither are you! Queen of doom!” She chuckled making me laugh too.

“You guys aren’t even in a solid relationship. I bet you haven’t even had the talk yet.” I knew I was right.

“She’s a fucking problem.” Bailey had killshot eyes. She only had those in a dogfight.

I scanned the beach to see Bob now picking out seashells with Siren. They were so happy and innocent.

“You did a good job Jake.” I complimented him as he finally arrived by my side.

“I tried.” He beamed.

“How’s the Oscar award winning actress?” I wondered. Bailey had pulled Rooster’s hat down over her eyes. Same old Bailey, sleep her way through her emotions.

“Completely unscathed but somehow talked Rooster and Fan Boy into going to get ice cream.” He made a face. Bailey snored lightly next to me.

“You know they’re meant for each other right?” I asked him more rhetorically but I knew he’d answer me anyway.

“Yup”

“You know we’ll all suffer to get them there?” I followed up.

“Yup”

“Good just checking…..I love you Jakey.” I told him with my entire heart.

“I love you too sweetheart.”

“What’s all this love talk I keep hearing about?” Lauren wondered as she ruined my perfectly good mood. She held two popsicles in her hands. She dramatically looked over the not so tall beach chair to find Bailey slouched, fast asleep. Lauren made her face appear overly surprised with wide eyes. “Oh shoot, I got this for her, you know to say no hard feelings.” Lauren whispered the last three words making my stomach turn.

Rooster chuckled, “you might want to give it to someone else.” Bradley decided after giving Muse a playful nudge to see if he could rouse her. No luck. He sat down next to Bailey and continued to eat his bomb pop.

Lauren sauntered off towards Siren and Bob. She smiled wide as she greeted them and instead of offering the popsicle to Siren she turned to her right and gave it to Bob. My eyes went wide. Then she touched his shoulder and let her hand linger. Siren took a step forward and I got ready to get out of my chair. Lauren didn’t know Siren that well but she was a fighter. Fan Boy swooped in and saved the day without even knowing it. He was already headed over there but Siren stared straight at me with a thin smile. She was pissed. This shit was gonna get messy.

5 notes · View notes

let-remy-cook · 5 months

Text

The Tale of Remy, A Rat Enchanted || Part One

A/N: Hello and welcome to my Remy Backstory, which will probably be my rp magnus opus lmfao. Whilst everyone else was doing wonderful swynwrimos, I was writing thousands and thousands of words about a rat in the style of The Tale of Despereaux. That children's book is one I've constantly cited as one of my greatest influences as a writer and a reader. It shaped my tastes and taught me really interesting things about voice and narrative structure, which persist to this day. So with all that said, this is in many ways an homage, and as silly as it is to dedicate a glorified Ratatouille fic to an author, it is dedicated to Kate DiCamillo. She will never read it, but I hope y'all do lol.

i will be releasing it in little chunks (the chapters of Despereaux are very short, normally just two or three pages). So... enjoy!

Chapter One: A Rat Enchanted

Once upon a time, a very special rat was born in the streets of Paris.

He was born during the rainy season, which rats referred to as the Great Wet. The Great Wet was a very difficult time for any street rodent, whether you were a rat or a mouse or even a squirrel, and squirrels have the unfair privilege of being very welcome in green places with lots of trees. But if you are a rat, you have it worst of all. This is one of the sad truths of being a rat. You are often too big to fit into nooks and crannies unless you spend weeks in advance chewing out rat-doors and rat-tunnels, which some rats do. But if you are a pregnant dam, you have no time for chewing out escape routes. And there are no homes for you in the trees. The places most welcome to you will be the greatest, wettest of all– the below places, like the sewers and basements. Many pups will die if they are born during the Great Wet, in all these below places.

Yet this was the place where Remy was born.

(Remy is the name of our special rat, although he will not come into that name for some time. Still, it is rather rude to refer to him as simply ‘the special rat’ and so we will call him by his name, the name that he chose for himself.)

Remy was born as the rain came down in spades and gushed through the grates. He was born in a box of gardener’s gloves on the top shelf of a basement home. The water filled the basement and the sound of the rain filled Remy’s sensitive ears, while his nose filled with the smells of his siblings on either side of him, as well as his mother’s milk, the soil from the gardener’s gloves, and most importantly of all, the faint memory of the fruits and vegetables those gloves had tended. Remy was so fascinated with all those smells in particular. His siblings mewled and suckled, but Remy sniffed and sniffed and sniffed.

And the more Remy sniffed, the more that he smelled. Because the rain had washed in the whole wide world of Paris– all those above places, now below.

He smelled the warmth and dust of horses

He smelled the smoky remnants of discarded bullet shells

He smelled the rankness of spoiled meat and the riches of spilled wine.

And oh, there was even more. It was like a soup of scents, many of which Remy would spend his pup hood searching for again, because of the way they made him feel. He did not have the word for them then, but I will tell all of you now: it was magic that Remy was smelling, magic that danced on the tip of his quivering and curious nose. Magic, and hope, and dreams, from a city that looked out their windows into the Great Wet, waiting for the sun.

Perhaps if it had not been raining, Remy wouldn’t have been different. Perhaps he would have suckled his mother’s milk and grown up a regular rat like his brothers and sisters. There would be no story. There would be no miracles. And there would be no heartbreak.

But it was raining on the day that Remy was born. And so Remy sniffed, and he dreamed, and magic nestled itself inside his heart. He was a rat enchanted, and this is his story.

Chapter Two: The Below

Remy quickly realized that he was different.

It wasn’t hard to figure out. While his fellow pups ate regularly on schedule, Remy missed feedings because he was too busy sniffing out things he really should not be sniffing out, considering his size and his age. He was blind, just like his siblings, and hairless, just like his siblings, but still he could not help but crawl around and treat his whiskers and nose to all kinds of wonderful sensations.

At first, his mother chastised this behavior, because her heart was filled with love and worry for all her pups, and she couldn’t bear the thought of this strange baby of hers getting lost or not eating enough. But she also quickly realized that Remy was different, since he could describe to her the entire layout of the basement without even opening up his eyes. He was strange, but smart.

“Oh, but you really need to eat more,” his mother urged him. “Eating is the most important thing in life.”

This was Remy’s first lesson. And it must be said that it was one he took to heart, no matter how different he became.

Still, he grew to be slim and long, a bit smaller than average for his age, which also set him apart. And every day, there would be something new and bizarre that Remy would do.

One day, Remy asked if they ought to all give themselves names. The colony did not know what he meant by that! A name? How unnecessary, the rats chattered among themselves, when they had scents which distinguished one rat from another. Scents were better than names, because a scent could not only mark a rat, but let their fellow rats know where that rat had been and what they had eaten and if they were in heat or not. It was all useful information.

The next day, Remy asked if they all could smell the music. Someone was playing a guitar upstairs, each note as crisp as the first bite into a carrot. Ah, Remy wanted to listen forever! It was a banquet to his senses! But all the rats chattered at him that they couldn’t smell anything, certainly not carrots. There were no carrots discovered in the heap of trash behind the house either, so Remy must have his scents confused.

And then the third day, Remy asked if anyone would like to come upstairs with him, to sit at the foot of the wonderful music, and feast on the sounds.

At this point, the king of the colony, who was Remy’s father, scuttled forward and bit Remy’s ear.

“Ow!” Remy exclaimed.

“Let those ears of yours work properly or shall I bite your nose too?” exclaimed his father. “We never go upstairs, unless the big-feet leave the house! And when we do, I decide who stays and who goes. Were you not paying attention to the lessons?”

“Lessons?” Remy had not been paying attention to the lessons. He had been paying attention to the music, which smelled quite like celery, carrot, and potato this time.

“Bah, you ridiculous runt,” said the king. “Pay attention. Or one day, I will have to ask you to leave the colony.”

Remy nodded, running one of his delicate paws over his trembling whiskers. Well, Remy did not want to leave the colony. Perhaps he was very different from his siblings, his aunts, his uncles, and his cousins, but he loved them anyway. They were his family, and their scents were still his favourites, even more so than the music. They were the scents of home.

Since that day, Remy attempted to curb his strange questions and strange behaviors. He was a smart rat, after all. Smart rats (and this goes for people too) have a gift for tricking others into believing that they fit in. In fact, Remy put his smarts to good use and quickly became one of the best foragers in the colony, and so the king sent Remy out of the basement into the above world.

Chapter Three: The Above

The day Remy poked his head into the above world, the world welcomed him with light, sound, and scent.

Oh! It was even better than the guitar! Remy’s senses came alive. He could taste the sunshine on his tongue– as sweet and hot as melted sugar. The breeze tingled like pepper in the nose. Remy scampered out with abandon, forgetting the lessons he had dutifully practiced until this point.

“Hey! Come back here! Come back!” shouted Remy’s brother.

Remy skidded to a stop, his fur sticking right up. “Right!” Remy turned right around and scampered back, twitching his whiskers apologetically to the mischief that he was leading. He couldn’t forget them. As the lead forager, his duty must be to his siblings.

But from here, Remy could smell into the faraway places. He stood on his hindlegs to sniff, sniff, sniff, catching not only the rich smells of fresh food, but the traces of the lively, bustling city. Big-feet! That’s what he smelled. They smelled amazing to him, as distinct from one another as one rat to the next. He could not resist learning more about them, and so he beckoned his siblings forward. Instead of exploring the trash heaps along the streets, they headed deeper into the city.

The troop zigged, zagged, and skidded. They scuttled, dipped, and raced as gracefully as– well, as gracefully as rats. I know that rats are probably not what you think of when you picture a graceful animal, but they really are nimble creatures worthy of the compliment.

It did not take them long at all to arrive in a trading market. The air was kicked up with dust, warmed by the sun, and full of human sweat. It was also full of fresh vegetables, ripe fruit, raw cuts of meat, fresh fish from the river, baked bread, and bowls and bowls of spices and herbs.

It was the best-smelling place in the world. For once, Remy and his siblings all agreed.

His siblings began to plot. What foods should they go for first? How would they avoid the big-feet? Ah, perhaps there were some trash heaps in the immediate area that they could scout for. Yes, a good idea! What did their brother, the lead forager and most clever among them, think?

But Remy wasn’t listening.

Remy had his paws grasped together, his entire body trembling at the scents. It was not just the food, the food, the food! It was the big-feet. He quivered as he drank in, for the first time, the smells of human emotion. There, a man arguing with another– their emotions stung his nose. And over there, two men were laughing with each other. Their laughter was milk-and-honey, and filled Remy’s stomach to bursting. And in the middle of the market, a man presented his pregnant dam with a flower, and the dam laughed and kissed the man on the mouth. To Remy, this kiss was the most delicious emotion of all. It tasted like a sunshower– like rain and like light– and he wanted to wrap himself in it, and die a happy rat.

It was too much for such a small, young, strange rat. And so Remy put his paws over his eyes and began to weep.

“What!” squeaked Remy’s sister. “What dreadful noise are you making?”

“Did I step on his tail?” asked Remy’s brother.

“Was he bitten by a mosquito? Is he dying?” asked Remy’s brother (another one).

“By the king’s whisker, he’s leaking!” said one of Remy’s cousins, jumping back.

Remy could not answer his family, even though he wanted to. He could not explain where the tears came from, or how he, a rat, could cry them. It was yet another unexplainable thing about this unexplainable rat, and it struck him right then what a miserable fate it was to be unexplainable. In fact the more he cried, the more his own loneliness bloomed, tasting as bitter as coriander. It hurt his teeth. It hurt his heart.

“I think we should leave him here, in case it's contagious,” said Remy’s sister, who was the beta for the troop and also one of the smarter ones. To her credit, she said it sadly. Remy could taste his sister’s regret. It was also as bitter as coriander.

So Remy nodded to his sister, to let her know that he understood and did not take it to heart. (But he did take it to heart. He took it to heart very much.)

One by one, his family turned away from him, until Remy was alone.

But he was not really alone, was he?

No. Remy looked up from his paws and he looked through his tears to the market, where all the humans moved in front of him, talking and yelling and laughing. It remained the best-smelling thing in the whole world. And right there, Remy’s wish was born. Oh, he thought to himself, how I wished I could belong among them.

#story #about #the tale of remy

1 note · View note