#to be fair. never took an am i gay test. because i knew that was a common queer experience and I Was Not Queer

[clean-bands-dirty-stories]

Helping Hand ~ I.G.

A/n: My requests for open for a minute and someone requested and it made me feel very loved, thank you. Also I LOVE IAN GOD YES THANK YOU!! Side note: I began to think about this AU and immediately had SO many ideas, so if you’d like more parts to this then let me know!!

Request: “...could you do an Ian x male reader where the reader and Ian meet at a large building fire (they’re both working)?...”

MASTERLIST

When the car unlocked, the only sound louder than the roaring fire in the background became the heavy footfalls of those racing onto the scene to help. Firefighters trying to put out the blaze, people who had already escaped the fire, worried neighbors, even a few police. And EMTs like Ian And Y/n of course.

The two boys worked for the same station of course, but Ian was new and hadn’t met everyone yet. Y/n wasn’t even supposed to be on tonight - one of the others called in sock and Y/n arrived in time to get into gear and hop in the ambulance before they drove away on a call, so he and Ian hadn’t even talked yet. No, Y/n’s first impression of Ian was the redhead on the floor, reacting more quickly and more efficiently than anyone else on the team.

Needless to say, Y/n was impressed.

Ian felt similarly. Y/n was on top of his game, making sure everything was taken care of and that Ian had everything he needed to help the people being dragged out of the fire one after another. Most of them just had soot and a few minor burns that could be taken care of with some cream and a good wrapping. Ian never had to ask for them though, Y/n just had them at the ready- like the other man could read Ian’s mind. They worked like two gears in a functioning machine. As if they did this a hundred times.

It was when a child was pulled out that things changed. The small girl was unconscious and they weren’t sure if she’d made it. She’d cried and screamed until she’d passed out from smoke inhalation. Ian went right to work, moving her into the ambulance as they began to drive to the hospital. She would need it. The entire ride was smooth and the girl was coughing before they even got there. Unfortunately, she had really bad burns and she began to cry with how her lungs, skin, and eyes burned. Every time without fail, Ian would hold his hand out and Y/n would immediately hand him exactly what he needed- no words needed. The driver kept checking on them in the rear view mirror, seeming nervous by the lack of voices. Her eyebrows rose when she saw the two silently working and doing everything needed without a hickup.

When they dropped her off and returned to the fire to continue until everything was taken care of, Ian and Y/n stuck together. Neither knew when the decision had been made, but they obviously worked well together so why fix what was working, right?

Afterward, they kept looking at each other. When they got back to the station, Ian was the one to talk. “How long have to been doing this?”

“The real question,” Y/n shot back, “Is how long have YOU been doing this? Because you’re amazing.”

Ian smiled. “Thank you. I, uh, study a lot.”

Y/n nodded. “Ian, right? You’re the newby.” Ian was speechless, unsure how to proceed. It made Y/n laugh. “Yes you do have a reputation, if that’s what you were wondering. The new guy red head who’s crazy good? The only one to ever ace both the written and practical test other then the lady in charge herself? She’s been telling all of us about how skilled you are- especially after she got to see it in person. When I saw you today I knew it was you.”

Rubbing the back of his neck, Ian chuckled. He wasn’t used to being complimented and struggled to take it without feeling the need to downplay his accomplishment. But he knew how hard he was working and knew it wouldn’t be fair to himself to do so. He focused on Y/n instead. “Means a lot coming from you. You weren’t too bad yourself. It was like you were reading my mind.”

Y/n shrugged casually. “When you’ve done this as long as I have, you know what needs to be done. Usually people ask for the wrong thing then I hand them the right thing and they realize I’m right and we continue. You didn’t even ask though. Not even once.”

“Well after the first few successes, I figured I didn’t need to ask,” Ian reasoned.

Y/n smiled now. “I have a question for you, Ian. You can’t take it badly, it’s a genuine question.”

Ian rose an eyebrow. “Scary.”

A chuckle from Y/n as he rolled his eyes. “I just- someone mentioned you’re gay. Is that true?”

Immediately Ian was defensive. Y/n didn’t look angry, but his smile could mean that he was about to tease and that wasn’t okay either. Gay jokes were just as irritating as insults. “Yeah I am. What about it?”

Y/n laughed again, this time more lively. Ian realized why a second too late. “I’m bisexual.”

There was a second where it had to sink in as Ian blinked, trying to switch gear from being defensive. “Oh.”

“Yeah.” Y/n’s grin grew. “I thought I’d ask before I flirted with you, in case I was wrong and you took it as an insult or something. In case you were straight, I’d hate to mess up a really great friendship at the very least before it’s even begun.”

That took Ian off guard as well. “Flirt with me, huh?” Not that he was complaining. Y/n was cute and obviously charismatic. Ian had no problem with being flirted with by him. He just wasn’t used to how forward Y/n was.

“That’s what I said,” Y/n agreed. Ian felt himself relax. This man was easy to trust. He was obviously very honest and straight forward, which was a relief after all the experience he’d had with secret keeping and dodging around bushes and trying to make sense of chaos. “How would you feel about a date?” Ian panicked and Y/n held his hands up. “Nothing too fancy or serious. I’m not good at those myself. Just... a movie? And dinner? I’ll pay for popcorn, promise.”

Ian found himself relaxing again, leaning against his locker as he smiled. “Yeah I’d like that.”

“Cool.” Y/n pulled his jacket off and Ian got a good look of the build underneath. Not lacking if Ian was being honest. “When’s your next day off?”

-

Male Reader Taglist: @sheepfather

#ian gallagher #shameless #cameron monaghan #ian gallagher x reader #male reader #ian gallagher imagine #shameless x reader #shameless imagine #cameron monaghan x reader #cameron monaghan imagine

[craftypeaceturtle]

Distanced, part 1

Summary: A group chat fic! How shall these useless students cope with daily life.

Note: This is my first attempt at anything even remotely like this! I have no idea how this will turn out so feedback is greatly appreciated! Intrulogical. 

Next part here!!

.

MESSAGES: To Remus Prince (Presentation)

Tuesday, 16:15

Hello. This is Logan Sanders from Prof. Smith’s seminar. Do you have any suggestions for how we should go about completing the upcoming assessment?

Remus Prince: who dis

I literally just stated it. Logan Sanders.

I wear the tie.

Remus Prince: OHHH

Remus Prince: Well 1stly

Remus Prince: What’s the best planet in the solar system?

Pardon?

Remus Prince: i LitERaLlY JuSt stAtED iT

That has nothing to do with anything, we just need to get through this project.

Remus Prince: if u want to work then u have to answer

Jupiter. 

Remus Prince: cool.

Remus Prince: You’ll do.

Remus Prince: My name is Remus.

I know. We did actually swap phone numbers. We in fact discussed which topic we would be doing for over fifteen minutes in the seminar. So we have indeed met. If you continue to be obnoxious then this will be a easier project. 

.

MESSAGES: To Remus Sanders (Presentation)

Tuesday, 16:22

Why did you ask that question?

 Remus Prince: I asked my brother that question and he answered earth

Remus Prince: I’ve had trust issues ever since

Roman’s favourite planet is Earth? 

 Remus Prince: HAH

Remus Prince: ye he’s an idiot

Remus Prince: I’ve gotta test everyone now.

Remus Prince: You passed btw

Remus Prince: WAIT!

Remus Prince: Do u know Ro?

Yes, he is my friend and roommate. 

Remus Prince: What was ur name again????????

You can literally scroll up and reread it. I refuse. You got into university for a reason and so you can manage my name.

Remus Prince: jk

Okay then. Do you want to discuss how we should go about creating this powerpoint?

Remus Prince: what’s there to ‘discuss’?

We can separately conduct our research however it is regrettably better to meet up in person to practise not only giving the presentation but also the construction of the presentation itself.

Remus Prince: man you just love sending essays huh

I have written out longer messages. I don’t understand the point of sending a sentence at a time and risk getting interrupted. Plus at least my texting doesn’t seem all like an assault of constant notifications. 

Remus Prince: fair

Shall we say that we should aim to get our presentation research finished by two weeks (15th). That leaves us another two weeks to construct the powerpoint, gather more research if necessary, then practise presenting. 

Remus Prince: k

GROUPCHAT: Goths, Emos, and Remus

Tuesday, 16:26

Octopussy: can I vent for a sec

Octopussy: So! I’m just sitting here. Y’know. Vibing. 

Octopussy: Then out of nowhere the nerd from my class starts messaging me about the group project that’s due a month away

Octopussy: like wtf

Octopussy: nice to know the nerd thing isn’t just appearance

Vigilant: help

Octopussy: he made a big deal about meeting up as well to do this!

Octopussy: No one in the class even cares!

Octopussy: No one is even remotely

Octopussy: Not even close

Octopussy: To thinking about that project right now!

Octopussy: We’ve got ages!

Vigilant: oh sweet jesus

Octopussy: Like! We’ve got a month!

Octopussy: AN ENTIRE MONTH

Octopussy: Like he also wants to meet up as well to practise

Octopus: Like ew.

Top-Hat-Gay: Are you done?

Octopussy: ye

Octopussy: he’s a dick

Vigilant: oh thank god

Top-Hat-Gay: Ha, as if you believe in god.

Vigilant: If it stops Re from not spamming us then I’ll believe whatever. 

Octopussy: rude

Vigilant: bitch

Top-Hat-Gay: On an actually important note, which one of you last used my nail bag?

Octopussy: me!

Octopussy: you need more green 

Top-Hat-Gay: No I fucking don’t!

Top-Hat-Gay: There was an entirely new bottle in there!

Octopussy: I said what I said.

Top-Hat-Gay: I hate you. 

Octopussy: Thank bby

Octopussy: ALSO!

Octopussy: I found out the nerd also lives with Ro.

Top-Hat-Gay: So?

Vigilant: hE’S FORBIDDEN

Top-Hat-Gay: Wait so the nerd is Logan?

Octopussy: He is!

Octopussy: not that it seems to be having any effect on Ro. he’s as dense as a brick.

Top-Hat-Gay: I saw him today going into Remy’s. 

Vigilant: Why are we even talking about him

Vigilant: Like who gives a shit.

Octopussy: dunno

Octopussy: just thought it was weird

Top-Hat-Gay: Maybe you should switch partners. Especially if he wants to meet up at some point.

Octopussy: nah

Octopussy: not worth it

Top-Hat-Gay: A teacher wouldn’t care. They only want to see good grades. They won’t mind moving stuff around for you.

Octopussy: He seems harmless. 

Vigilant: you literally called him a dick after one conversation.

Octopussy: he is a dick

Octopussy: he seems stuffy but just a nerd through and through. He’s not going to be a prick or anything.

Vigilant: This isn’t really about him. He already got you talking about you know who in your first ever conversation. Maybe you shouldn’t hang around him.

Octopussy: I just thought it was interesting

Octopussy: It doesn’t mean jack shit

Octopussy: Not everything I talk about has some grand meaning.

Octopussy: I just thought it was weird that this nerd I share my classes with also lives with my bro. 

Top-Hat-Gay: And that’s perfectly fine Re.

Octopussy: soz V

Octopussy: didn’t mean to blow up in your face

Octopussy: just annoying to feel psycho-analysed 

Vigilant: soz

Octopussy: okay! 

Octopussy: that’s proof enough!

Octopussy: we can behave to each other so ice cream plz!!!!!!!!!!!

Top-Hat-Gay: JESUS CHRIST I SAID THAT AS A JOKE LAST YEAR

Octopussy: I will eat V’s posters unless you give us reward good boy icecream

Vigilant: chocolate pls

Top-Hat-Gay: jesus do you lot know how long it takes for me to put on my cape to go shopping

Vigilant: yes

Vigilant: we are precisely aware of exactly how long it takes

Vigilant: that’s why we don’t go shopping with you

GROUPCHAT: THE FAM ILY

Tuesday, 16:38

Pat-on-the-back: Heya guys, are we all in for dinner tonight?

Logan.S: I am.

YourHopesandDreams: I will be in at 7. If you could be so compassionate to push your meal back until then, I would be truly indebted to you.

Pat-on-the-back:  Fine by me!

Logan.S: I am agreeable.

Pat-on-the-back: Also Lo! Are you finished with your work?

Logan.S: I have finished my to-do list so I am available if I’m needed. 

Pat-on-the-back: No, you’re all good! I just wanted to check. It sounded like you were doing work for like four hours straight.

Logan.S: It took three hours thank you very much. 

Logan.S: So what are we doing for dinner?

Pat-on-the-back: I was thinking lasagne! 

Pat-on-the-back: also! Don’t think I’ll notice that change in topic!

Pat-on-the-back: I thought we all agreed on two hour stretches of work with a 15 min break at least. I mean... it’s even written on our calendar! There’s no way you forgot, did you Mister! 

Logan.S: It’s fine Pat.

Logan.S: Just let it go

Logan.S: I needed to get it done

Logan.S: I don’t need to be babied. 

Logan.S: I’m taking a break now. I’m okay.

Pat-on-the-back: I know, I’m sorry. I just want to make sure. As long as you feel okay then everything’s alright! How was your work anyway?

Logan.S: Fairly ordinary actually. I had to go through some of my notes and rewrite a couple of pages then I had to organise a group project due the 2nd of March. 

Pat-on-the-back: Sounds productive!

Logan.S: Thank you.

YourHopesandDreams: Ew. Group project. Who’s your partner?

Logan.S: We are in entirely different courses, why do you think you would know them?

YourHopesandDreams: Everyone knows the drama students know everyone. 

Logan.S: I’m working with Remus.

YourHopesandDreams: You should ask to swap partners. 

Logan.S: I won’t do so unless I have a genuine reason. I’ve not had any interactions with him previously and while he did seem half-hearted and obnoxious in his messages, he seems harmless. If he messes everything around then I will but I won’t make a fuss unless I have reason to.

Pat-on-the-back: That’s fair but please make sure to tell us if he pulls anything.

YourHopesandDreams: Your loss. 

.

MESSAGES: To Nerd

Wednesday, 3:02

hey u awake

Nerd: What on earth are you doing up at 3am? 

Oh

Soz

Wrong number.

MESSAGES: To Nerd

Wednesday, 3:12

Nerd: What is your favourite planet?

wha

Nerd: I figured it would be fair to ask your test to you. For all I know you could be as uncultured as your brother.

can we not talk about him

I dunno really

I wanna say pluto because they deserve it

but I kinda like saturn best.

Nerd: Any reason why?

Just kinda interesting

Big, lots a moons, ring. 

It’s just a cool planet. 

Nerd: Fair enough.

Do you have a reason to like jupiter?

Nerd: If I’m being honest, my science teacher absolutely adored Jupiter. I don’t know why but that memory of him ranting about how cool it was just really stuck with me. I was only about 8 years old. But I found myself agreeing with him. Back then my fascination was a lot more childish. I thought it was fascinating that since Jupiter was a gas planet it hadn’t been blown away yet. I grew up from that view but the interest never left.

ew that was almost cute.

Nerd: I concur that was very unprofessional.

WAIT

WAIT

HOLD ON

Why hasn’t Jupiter blown away!?!?!?!?!??

Nerd: Excuse me?

8YR OLD YOU IS A GENUIS 

Nerd: There’s no atmosphere in space!

But there’s pressure and junk isn’t there? 

Nerd: The pressure is pulling the mass into the centre which keeps the planet whole.

Do you think we could step on Jupiter?

Nerd: I don’t know.

I thought you knew space!

Nerd: I do biology! To get into a biology degree, I did a bunch of biology based subjects! Why would I know anything about space?

I dunno.

I guess if you look like a nerd people just presume.

Nerd: I’ve personally found it’s the confidence. If you act confident enough then everyone presumes you know exactly what you’re doing and you’re in control, no matter how out of place you look. 

I’ll drink to that!

Wait, in what situation would you have learnt this!?!

Nerd: I have a bad habit of accidentally going to the wrong class and just going along with it rather than anything else. Although I should say I did fantastic in that architectural history class. But this habit has caused some awkward situations. I have also impersonated a store manager to explain why me and my friend were there when really he ran into the warehouse searching for a kitten. 

HAH

That’s brilliant

Using your nerdy powers to overthrow society.

Does this mean you’re a liar?

Nerd: I call it ‘managing life’. 

HAH

Sounds about right.

Why are you awake at this time?

Nerd: I could ask you that.

#sanders sides #logan sanders #remus sanders #My writing #roman sanders #patton sanders #Janus Sanders #deceit sanders #virgil sanders #group chat fic #fluff

[goldenchan-fx2thepeacock]

Don’t Go Running Off Into Danger, Even If I Do pt 2

So, I have no clue what a publishing schedule is. So here, have more of this dumb fic at 11 pm. FUCK SLEEP! SLEEP IS FOR THE WEAK!

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

Chapter 2

Danny and Jazz managed to finish just in time to put everything away before their parents got home. He’d actually managed to have a ghost free night. But the peace wasn’t going to last. And this wasn’t about ghosts. He got slammed into his locker.  “Hey look, it’s Fenturd. What’s with the dumb picture of Phantom? You’ll never be on his level,” Dash said and laughter broke out. Danny groaned. At least they didn’t know he was trans. He’d be beaten twice as much if they knew. The locker door closed and locked.  “Seriously Dash? I have to get to class!” He yelled through the metal.  “Whatever Fentina. No one cares! Oh hey, it’s fresh meat!” Dash went away from Danny’s locker. Danny had found out a way to make it so he could open his locker from the inside without it being outerwardly compromised. He jumped out. It was those kids from last night.  “Leave them alone Dash. They haven’t even been here for a day yet. The rules are that newbies get a probation period,” Danny crossed his arms.  “I don’t know Fentoenail. Would you like to take their beating?” Dash mocked him. Danny sighed. He’d have to do this.  “Any day,” 

Danny regretted everything. Dash had hit him twice as hard as normal and his locker trick wasn’t working. Everything hurt. He was going to miss Lancer’s class. At least his ghost sense wasn’t going off or something. Lancer wouldn’t miss him. Suddenly, his locker opened and he tumbled out. He yelped. “Are you okay?” The girl twin said.  “No worse than what I’m used to,” Danny brushed himself off.  “You didn’t have to do that,” The boy twin told Danny. “Yeah, I kinda did. The probation period is sacred. Dash knows that,” “Probation period?” The boy said. “A rule we made up last year. If Dash really wants to break it, I take the beating instead. Fenton gets to take the beating so the new kids don’t have to,”  “That’s not fair. You should report him,” “Nah, he threw like four perfect throws last night and is exempt from punishment,”  “Football?” The boy gave Danny a knowing look.  “Danielle- I mean Daniel Fenton to the main office,” The loud speaker said. “Oh come on! At least it was probably just a misread,” Danny was fuming. The beating plus being deadnamed was getting on his nerves. “We have to head there too,” The girl said. Danny shrugged and let them follow him.

Lancer called them all in at once. “Sup Lancer. Can I help you?” Danny leaned against the wall. “Mr Fenton. You and I both know that you need to show me more respect. W-what happened to you?” Lancer looked up from his papers. “Just a certain football star. Nothing I can’t handle. He broke the probation period,” “That’s a rule between students. I have no need to enforce it,” Lancer sighed. “I have no clue why you of all people were chosen for this, but you are too be Mr and Ms Pines guide around the school,” “Jazz not good enough for you? Had to pick the ‘slacker’ Fenton?” “Daniel, mind your tone. Jazz is our top student,”  “We all know I’m destined to fail in life. Can I get their timetables?” “Yes of course. Listen Danny, both you and I know you’re capable of better grades. I don’t understand why you don’t try,” Danny wasn’t in the mood for Lancer’s pep talks.  “I’ve got more important things to worry about,” Danny grabbed the papers and stalked off with the Pines Twins on his heels.  “Why didn’t he do anything about Dash?” the boy asked. “He has no reason to. Not like I’m about to ask,” Danny handed them their timetables. He’d seen that the girl was named Mabel and the boy Mason. “We’ll start with your classes Mason,”  “I prefer Dipper,” “I’m not calling you by a dumb nickname. Let’s go,” Danny growled.

Just as he was about to lead Mason to his first class, a royal pain in his ass showed up. “Daniel! I require your assistance, little badger,” “It’s bound to be another plan to get in my mom’s pants. Go away,”  “Now, don’t be like that. I’m the mayor after all. You should be honored,” “Plasmius, shut your goddamn mouth. I. Don’t. Give. A. Fuck,” Danny said so that only Vlad could hear.  “Well, something’s got you in a tizzy. I’ll ask later. I should tell you though, it’s about Danielle,” “What did you do to Dani?” Fury. Wait, he had to get the kids to class.  “Nothing. It wasn’t me. You should ask your ghost hunter girlfriend,” Vlad grinned. Fucking Valerie.  “Come on kids. You’ve got to get to class,” Danny ignored Plasmius. Valerie was going to die. 

At lunch, he purposefully turned into Phantom and waited for Valerie on top of the school. She took no time at all. “What. Did. You. Do. To. Dani,” He glared at her.  “I didn’t do anything to her! You’re going down ghost!” “Am I really?” Danny was pissed. She wasn’t getting any mercy today. He teleported behind her.  “What the... HOW?” “Where is she?!” He growled. “What do you care? She’s always off on her own,”  “Does it look like I care Valerie?!”  “How did you know?!” “I know more than you seem to think. Tell me where Dani is. NOW!” He froze her feet. She looked terrified.  “What’s wrong with you!? Why do you care so much about her? Ghosts don’t have feelings,” Danny lost it at that point. The laughter was dark. Hollow. Horrible. Val’s terror was visible.  “Don’t have feelings? DON’T HAVE FEELINGS? FUCK YOU! I’M SO TIRED OF ALL THIS!” “Phantom, calm down,” Val was terrified. Danny wasn’t done. The rings were threatening to come down and expose him to her.  “So you admit this is real? Would you like to know how it feels to die Val? How it feels to live on the line between life and death? Wait, I can’t do that! You don’t have a deactivated portal in your basement that I can make you turn on while your inside. I don’t have a stupid jumpsuit with your dad’s face on it so I can take off the that sticker. You don’t have parents that threaten to rip you apart molecule by molecule for just exsisting! You don’t have to see a future where you become evil because you cheated on one test and your family all died! Can you even begin to comprehend what I go through? Ever been cloned? And forced to do something incredibly painful so that one clone can get fixed and watch another get lied too? And that’s just the brunt of it Valerie. Keep telling me how I don’t feel. How I’m nothing!” Danny screamed at ice engulfed their feet. Val’s eyes went wide.  “D-Danny?” She said quietly. “Congratulations! You aren’t as niave as the rest of Amity Park! How does it feel?” He’d snapped. “Calm down! I’ll tell you where Dani is!” She shrieked. That hollow laugh came back. But instead of an angry rant afterwards, he just sunk to his knees and screamed. It wasn’t a wail. It was a scream of pain. Of being done with the world.  “I can’t do this anymore,” He sobbed and the rings went down. All that was left now was a beaten, broken Danny Fenton.  “You should change back. I’ll take you to Dani,” Danny nodded and followed her.  “Sorry I broke down. I’m just sick of people telling me that I can’t feel. That all ghosts can’t feel. You don’t even bother talking to us, ya know?” “Ghosts lie,” “And so do people! I’ve talked to the ghosts. Listened to them. Heard their stories. I protect people, but I protect them too!” “How do you know those aren’t just acts?” “Cause they make sense. I’d have the same response if it was me. If my parents burned down the place I was in because I got caught being gay,” “I’m confused,” “Ember. I told her I wouldn’t tell anyone. But you need to know that they all have reasons for being the way they are. Skulker’s family was hunted, so now he hunts to prove his strength,” “Maybe we should talk to you more,”  “Maybe you should. No one asks to die,” “But your parents say that ghosts don’t remember their lives. They’re the leading experts,”  “That’s like putting a ten year old in a room of babies. They’re the expert by default in that situation, but an adult would be the expert the moment they walked in,” “Why don’t we know about that,” “Dying is traumatizing. Even half dying is traumatizing. It’s taboo to mention it unless you’re told. No one explains it until they’re ready. And talking about a life before that is almost wrong,” “How did you learn?” “Skulker told me during the Christmas Truce. Ember told me one day when she just wanted to be left alone, but I did too. I guess things end up working out in weird ways,” “The Christmas Truce?” “On Christmas Eve and Christmas, ghosts have a truce. No one is allowed to fight anyone that day. The Ghost Writer broke the truce and Walker got to haul him off in just means,” “We really know nothing about ghosts, do we?” “No, you don’t. They even have a party. I got invited last year. Skulker let me make the star! It took me weeks to get it right,” Danny smiled at the memory. He’d made a scale model of a blue giant that went through it’s life stages.  “So there’s a whole society?” “A government. Systems. Main rules. Taboos. Just cause we’re ghosts, doesn’t mean we don’t have a system,” “I’m sorry,” “What?” Danny nearly froze. “I’m sorry that I made so many assumptions. I never should’ve chased you or any ghost like that,” “Keep them out of Amity Park and send them back to the Zone. Most ghosts forget that living is dangerous, so they just rampage. I keep trying to talk sense into them, but they’re pretty stubborn,”  “What about the dog?” “Dog? You mean Cujo? I was trying to stop him from trashing Axiom. He was trying to get a toy. I’m sorry that recked your life Val,” “My life? Wrecked? When compared to you, my life is a dream. It’s not like I died,” “I guess you’ve got a point,”

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

Thanks for reading. I just like fics where Val finds out, and this one seemed like an okay place to stick it. Dani is fine. I’ll fill you in on that next chapter, but I should get some sleep.

#danny phantom #danny fenton #trans!danny #trans!dipper #danielle (dani) phantom #valerie gray #mr lancer #red huntress #cujo #skulker #ember #ghost writer #christmas truce #gravity falls #dipper pines #mabel pines #I know Dipper's real name because I learned about the series through journal three #ocs

[reggies-eyeliner]

Breathe - (Platonic) Alex x stressed out!reader

Summary: (Female Reader, but feel free to request for any and every other gender!) Y/N feels more stressed than usual, trying to balance home life and school life, and her coping skills aren’t going very... well. She gets a little help from a special someone who guides her and helps her live in the present moment.

Warnings: Anxiety, stress, school, cursing, what more can I say? Also the gays because Willie and Alex own my heart lmao

Word count: 1.9k

Requested: Yes! By anon :)

~

Whenever Y/N tried to get an assignment done, it went a little something like this: first she tried to get everything done by creating a small basis of a tool list. She was still feeling bloated, tired, hot, and sticky, but she went with it and continued to waste 10 minutes on making her to-do list aesthetically pleasing. After that, she thought, “Hmm... maybe I do want to take a break,” but she doesn’t anyway, so Y/N gets out her assignments, lays them all out, and just as she’s about to get started: hey, I wonder how many people can relate to me on xyz, and then she’d get distracted on social media.

Y/N would spend an entire 40 minutes on her phone before she remembers, “MY ASSIGNMENT IS DUE,” so she flips it back out, gets started, but can’t seem to get that guilty feeling of not doing her work out of her head, so she slightly uses that as an excuse to take a break. Only, she don’t take a break and end up rolling out of her chair and going on her phone again, and she still feel just as (or even more) exhausted. Then that’s when the guilt really starts seeping in, and Y/N realizes that she has another extra-curricular class so she gets ready for that, but by the time she’s done, there’s only 30 minutes before the due date-- so she start crying and gives up.

And that’s just a short summary of it.

It was dawning the last few weeks of exam months, and Y/N had been cramming all of her assignments over and over again, constantly getting burnt out and not moving up from her seat, even though she wanted to. It was as if she was glued to her chair, unable to move and constantly on the go at the same time. The stress of having to deal with so many things at once was one of the most overwhelming things that she’s ever had to experience, even though she knows those feelings come-and-go at times--- but this, this was so much worse than what she ever thought. And she believed that she was in literal hell.

There was a constant feeling of “I need to do this, I need to do that,” but it wasn’t that she didn’t want to do it-- it was that she physically couldn’t. Y/N knew that she couldn’t blame her brain for not doing the assignments, but sometimes, she felt like she had to. All the time. The constant feeling of overwhelming stress finally got to her when she opened up her classroom page to find yet another technical issue and the entire page crashed, leaving her with a due date within 10 minutes. It was currently a quarter before midnight, and she had been living on caffeine pills and sugar for the past week or so.

“𝟓𝟎𝟐 𝐁𝐚𝐝 𝐆𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐰𝐚𝐲.”

The assignment was due in less than 20 minutes, and now everything was going wrong. Great.

If I had only not gone on my phone... why did I go on my phone for so long? I should have just stayed put, I can’t believe myself, what am I even doing? This isn’t fair, this isn’t far, but is it fair? I did deserve this, but-- I also feel like I don’t, I worked so hard to get here, but what if I lose it? What will everyone think? No, no, this can’t be happening. I fucked up again. Oh no. No. No.

The thoughts came in like a raging, wild waterfall that was out of control and poured out, overflowing in her brain that pooled her thoughts, with tears that eventually spilled over. In the dorms nearby, Y/N could hear Reggie snoring sound-asleep in this room. Everyone in the band was still asleep like nothing was wrong, and overall, it just... wasn’t fair. How come they were sleeping? Why did they get all of that rest, while you were stuck on this stupid assignment that literally meant nothing to you-?

In frustration, Y/N suddenly wasn’t sure how she was supposed to react. She felt like she couldn’t cry-- more like she wasn’t allowed to cry. Her problems weren’t as bad as other peoples’, so why on Earth was she stressing out? It wasn’t her issue, why was everything always going wrong for her? No matter what she ever did, she always seemed to lose. Y/N pulled her hair and threw the nearest thing onto the floor in the darkness of teh night, when she heard a high-pitched echo from the sound, when she realized she had just smashed her laptop onto the tiled floor.

“Shit-” Y/N cursed under her breath and instantly ran over, her entire body and hands trembling over the cracked screen. In hopes of some sort of miracle, she turned the power button on, because maybe, just maybe it could turn on.

One second.

Two seconds.

Three seconds.

Nothing happened, nothing turned on, and in that moment, Y/N wanted to scream. She wanted to scream because she had so much pent-up frustration and anger, she wanted to scream because no one ever seemed to check in on her, she wanted to scream because she had worked so hard to try her best but every single time nothing ever went well for her. Her head was pounding and her eyes felt like they were being weighed down by boulders.

But she took a deep breath and staggered over to her desk to turn on the lights, and-- wait, why was everything spinning? That’s weird, that’s never happened in the room before. Why is that moon upside-down? What’s going on...

~

“Y/N!” a loudly-whispered voice rang.

Y/N groaned, mumbling under her breath and rolled over. Everything sounded like she was underwater, a weird, gurgling sound. Y/N assumed she was dreaming, so she pulled her hoodie over her head and slumped back.

“Y/N,” the voice exclaimed in a hushed tone.

Another mumble. Couldn’t that voice tell that she was trying to sleep?

“Hey, hey, wake up,” the voice continued. Y/N didn’t respond and groaned slightly. “Y/N?” a little... gentler this time? A softer tone? Who...

Suddenly, nothing sounded weird and the low hum of the heaters powered back on as Y/N tried her best to open an eye. She could tell by the faint smell of rain and cinnamon that she was still in her dorm, but who was there? They sounded gentle, sweeter, more... cautious?

“Hey, Y/N, you awake?”

She rubbed her eyes. “Al-” Y/N choked, launching into a coughing fit. “Alex?”

He laughed slightly. “That’s right. Good to know you’re brain is working,”

Working? Brain? Good?

Oh shit.

Y/N immediately stood up, staggering from moving so quickly and mumbled, “I-I need to finish my assignment, it’s almost, it’s almost done-”

“Woah, woah, slow down, y-you need to get some air,” Alex said, hoisting her by the shoulders with his hands.

“I don’ need air, I needa ‘inish the assignment, it’s due in-” she slurred, but turned into a panicked gasp when she whipped around, asking, “Alex, what time is it?”

“Y/N,” he said gently. “that’s not important, you just passed out, you need-”

“No, no, no, no!” she said, mumbling slightly. “Is-- is my laptop still working? Is it still-”

“Hey, I need you to breathe-”

“Alex, can’t you see that I can’t? I have so many things to do, and they’re all due so soon-- if I don’t ace this, if I can’t finish this music piece and somehow get all this shitty math stuff correct, I need to work hard. I need to be productive. I-”

Alex’s face suddenly softened and he nodded, letting her speak more.

“I also really, really need to get this done! If I don’t get it done, I can’t pass this class with you guys, which means that I can’t get a decent degree, and I also can’t do anything without the constant guilt that you guys moved on without me! I want to, I want to relax, I want to breathe, I want to just stay in someone’s arms forever and they’ll tell me that I’ll be fine-”

In those seconds, in-between her times of rambling, Y/N barely noticed that Alex had pulled her outside to the rooftop (which wasn’t very high) and wrapped his arms around, pulling her into the softest hug.

She stopped mid ramble. “Wh-what... what are you doing?” she choked.

“It’s going to be okay,” Alex said slowly, almost as if he were testing the words out.

“S-say... say that-t... again,” Y/N trembled.

“It’s going to be okay. I need you to breathe, is that alright with you?”

It was almost as if Alex had become an entirely different person as he slowly let go of her, then he grabbed onto her shoulders and said, “breathe with me.”

“Inhale,”

1…

2…

3…

“Hold for four seconds,”

1…

2…

3…

4…

“Exhale for five,”

1…

2…

3…

4…

5…

Y/N breathed in and out as they both continued to do that for what seemed like 10 times. Alex also seemed like someone new, not the same out-of-sort and confused guy, but he didn’t seem like a teacher either… like an older brother, someone who guided her no matter what.

“Where… who taught you that method?” Y/N asked, trying to stop her voice from trembling.

Alex immediately broke into a smile so wide that he had smile lines as he stared up into the sky. “Willie taught me,”

Y/N slightly smiled. “He did, huh?”

“Yeah, he’s… he’s pretty beautiful,” he continued to nod with that same old dorky expression.

“Beautiful, huh?” she said, trying to match his tone.

“I mean-- uh, pretty good. At that.” Almost instantly, Alex flushed and changed the topic. “A-are… are you feeling better now?”

“Definitely a lot better than before, but... how did you know you had to do that?”

“W-well, when I saw you rambling, I saw myself, so...” Alex shrugged slightly, his eyes undoubtedly playing along the slightest bit. “And since I never really... well, had parents to comfort me while growing up, and Willie was the first to help me, I assumed that you’d might need some help, too.”

Y/N couldn’t believe her ears. How could there be such a sweet, loving, kind and gentle person right in front of her? His smile was genuine as he nodded slowly again.

Y/N grinned gratefully, shifting her weight from toe-to-toe. “Thank you so, so much, but I- I’m just a bit stressed about my laptop, and…”

“Hey, hey, hey,” Alex stopped her before she could continue. “Don’t get caught up in your thoughts (he learned this quote from Willie), just take another deep breath and your head will be clearer. It’ll-- It’ll sort things out. Listen, we can always go to the counselor, she’s on her night shift right now. We can see if we’re allowed to borrow the school’s laptop for now, how does that sound?”

“I…” you nodded. “Thank you… so much, Alex.”

He turned his head and smiled back. “You never have to thank me for anything,” he turned his heel and waved. “Come on, let’s get you cleaned up!”

#alex #willex for the win!!! #THIS IS PLATONIC #alex x reader #alex jatp x reader #julie and the phantoms x reader #jatp x reader #PLATONIC #jatp alex x reader #jatp alex #alex jatp #julie and the phantoms alex #willex #willie x alex #alex x willie #WILLEX WHOOOO #platonic alex x reader

[unloved-cadillac]

Leather Jackets and Glasses

Y/n L/n, the leader of the notorious gang called The Scouts. Placed in Rose high, Y/n is in her senior year but things take a turn when she starts getting interested in a certain boy named, Levi Ackerman. Follow the journey of heartbreak, betrayal and love between two people who were destined to be together.   

CHAPTER ONE:

There’s always someone out there made for everyone. This is something i highly believe in. Every person has their person. A boy could have had this childhood friend, who later in life turned out to be more than that. The girl who kissed her best friend because she had never had her first kiss and wanted to get it over with, only for her best friend to pull her closer and kiss her harder. Everyone had that someone. it was only a matter of time before we all found them. But sometimes, its not always that easy. Things happen that are out of your control. You won’t speak to them for long periods of time, bad fights, leaving. And this almost always happens before you get together. That’s the bad part. But that’s the wake up call to tell you that “hey. I care for this person more than myself. I need them. I can’t loose them”.

I loved the idea of love. But I never spoke on it. It made me seem weak and soft and, that’s something i did not want a GANG to know. But i have had my fair share of boyfriends, no love just a quick fuck here and there but there was one boy who captured my heart without even trying. He did so effortlessly you would think he was the biggest player out there. But no. That was just who Levi Ackerman was. 

It all began in my senior year of high school. The year had just started and i had nothing to be afraid of. My gang, The Scouts, were the notorious gang of Rose. I was their leader, mostly because my father was the main leader of The Scouts. He was The Godfather. I’d like to say that I did fairly well in school, but not A plus material, I just wanted to graduate and get outta there. This year was mostly about forming new relationships, clearing the air to certain people, and just making amends. But some people also wanted to confess to their someone. I dont want to brag or anything, but i had a lot of people wanting to be with me. Boys would try their luck and i only gave a few chances to a few people, and well, it never turned out good, mostly because my dad found something wrong with them, wanted them to join the gang or they were too scared to take things further. 

I loved the gang. They were my family. And plus I could get anything I wanted. I was a princess. In my senior I made a promise to myself that I would not date. Anyone. No matter who much they begged. Because when I hit 17, my life in the gang became a whole lot dangerous. Shootouts would occur at my house, I would get kidnapped and sometimes they would use my friends to threaten me. It was horrible to say the least. And I could ony imagine what they would do if i had a special someone. God. I would not want my someone to have this life. As great as it is material wise, shit gets serious in a split second. My dad had warned me about it. He said that the only way i would get involved with someone is if he had picked them. And naturally i told him, i just wouldnt get a boyfriend, much to his displeasure. 

Of course, my school had heard about the little, mishaps my gang had endured and that resulted in me having this huge reputation in school. I was labelled as: dangerous. I’m not gonna lie to you and say that I didnt get into fights, or break some bitches nose because they offended me. I was still a gangster, fighting is in my blood. I got suspended. A lot. And apparently, that attracted Levi. 

I had seen him around town and school. He would always be in the cafe around the corner of Trost. I knew that because my brother owned that cafe. Marco had nothing to do with the gang. He wasn’t my father’s child so my dad wasn’t so concerned about him. He was from my mothers first marriage, but that never stopped us from being brother and sister. My mother left me after three years and went back to Marco’ father.

Levi was one of the smartest people at school. Always getting awards but he never seemed to go for the functions. He had kept to himself most of the time. He had his close friends. To name them there was Farlan(his brother), Isabel(Farlan’s girlfriend),Hange(the crazy science geek) and Erwin, the jock.

The first time I actually had spoken to Levi was in Physics. I was running late because I was caught up in beating someone up at the back of the school for reasons I shall not say. I ran into the classroom, out of breathe. Everyone looked at me. Some snickered but when I shot them a quick glare, they shut up.

-Ah Ms L/n. How nice of you to join us.

My professor told me, voice laced with sarcasm.

-uh..sorry. I was busy..lost track of time.

I explained. I winced all of a sudden when I looked at my knuckles. Bleeding. Of course. But I kept that hand behind my back.

-hm. Get to a seat.

He said a bit irritated. I walked away to find one and the only one that was available was the last one by the window. I sat down and realized that..I didn’t bring my books. I cursed myself then I turned to my left and saw a boy sitting there taking notes. He seemed really into his work though, but shit, I needed something to write on.

-hey.

I say to capture his attention. He stops writing and slowly looks towards me. He seems really...shy?

-can I borrow a page? And pencil?

I ask him. He widens his eyes and quickly tears a page from his book and digs in his pencil case for a pencil. He finds one and hands me the objects.

-thanks,man.

He simply nods, a faint blush forming on his cheeks but I couldn’t really see it because he put his head down and his long ass bangs hid most of his face. I take a second to observe him. A simple t-shirt, black jeans with converse and cute pair of glasses. His hair was sort of, jet black. I smirk. I knew him. He was one of those top students.

-alright. I’m gonna pass out your tests.

My professor suddenly says. “Fuck”, I mentally curse. I hated physics. I never got the gist of it. I only knew those Newton’s Laws. But I knew that wasn’t enough. He walks around passing papers and comes to me. He looks at my paper, fucking ‘scoffs’, and hands me my paper. A 57. That’s what I got. I didn’t think it was that bad, but this teacher is makingit seem as if the world had just caught on fire and its pissing me off. Looks like someone’s car is getting wrecked today.

-Levi, well done. Keep it up.

I hear him say to the boy. Ah. Levi. That was his name. I reach over and see his mark. 97. Goddamn. He was smart smart.

-a 97? Holy fuck. I could never.

I tell him. He looks at me, kinda stunned. I must admit, if he took off those glasses, it would be one of those scenes in those shitty teen movies where the nerd removes their glasses to reveal they look like a model. But he still looks cute. I looked at him tilting my head to the side.

-what?

I ask him. He shakes his head and looks back down. What a strange one. Suddenly I flinch and look at my bruised knuckles. Fuck they were bleeding. I pat down my pockets on my jeans and check my inside pocket of my leather jacket. How marvelous. I didn’t bring a handkerchief. So I just hold the bruise down to stop the bleeding. Maybe I can make it 45 minutes. All of a sudden I see a handkerchief next to my arm. I look at it, confused, but I take it anyway. I look at Levi. He has a smile, tiny smile. Yeah, he gave me it.

-Thank you.

I tell him. I saw him visibly tense but he looks at me and smiles. I felt...warm. What was this feeling? It’s weird. I have never experienced this before. I don’t know if I want to throw this feeling away or like it. But I promised myself that I wouldn’t get involved with anyone. I may be an asshole, but I would NEVER want anyone to join a gang. Especially my person.

Throughout the day I kept my eye on Levi. I don’t know why I did, but it was just something I found myself doing. The gang and I were chilling on the stands by the football field.

-Ugh! I just want school to finish already! I can’t take it anymore.

Eren says. He was fairly new to the gang, after I found him beating up a kid in an alleyway I recruited him. He’s super hyper and gets worked up easily so he was a good asset to us.

-and I can’t take you complaining anymore.

Jean shoots back. Jean and Eren almost never got along. But I kept them in line.

-both of you shut up.

My right hand woman says. Mikasa. She matched me in strength, but she never dared put me off. We all knew that Jean had a crush on Mikasa, but he never had the balls to say anything. I ignored them and kept my eyes on the boy on the first stand. He was with Hange and Isabel, I take it he was watching Erwin and Farlan train.

-what do you say, Y/n?

Eren asks me. I look at him after a while.

-say what?

I ask.

-you seem to be staring an awful lot lately. Who caught our oh so powerful leader’s eyes?

Eren hops down to where I’m sitting.

-shut up.

I tell him and look back at the field. Eren follows my eyes.

-oh is it Erwin? I’m not gonna lie, he is hot.

-Gay much, Eren?

Jean says as he sits next to me.

-fuck off, horse face.

I don’t care for their conversation and sneak glances at Levi. He seems to be quiet most of the time, since Isabel and Hange talk his ears off. I feel my pocket and I feel the handkerchief. I’m not giving it back. It’s mine now. I seem to be daydreaming again because Jean keeps talking to me.

-what do you want?

I ask him harshly.

-I just want to know if you’re going to homecoming next month.

I scoff and turn my face back to the field.

-of course I am. There’s a lot of things I want to ruin on that night. Oh and by the way guys, home time I want to key my physics teacher’s car. He’s been acting like a bitch and I want to teach him a lesson.

Jean and Eren scream,” HELL YEAH!”, and that caused some people to look at us. That good for that because I caught Levi’s attention. He turns and looks at me. I smile and wink at him. He widens his eyes and turns around. I love fucking around with him.

Hometime rolls in and we go out to the car park and look for my teacher’s car. Luckily, the son of a bitch didn’t park where the cameras were so I pull out my key and so did the others and run it down the bonnet of the car. I run it through the driver’s door moving it to the back. Mikasa took the boot and the boys took the roof and passenger side. After our masterpiece we heard:

-HEY YOU BRATS! STOP THAT.

My physics teacher yells. We look and laugh and made a run for it. We ran to our bikes and took off. Laughing. We drove past the gate and everyone was cheering for us as well. I saw Levi. I once again winked at him and rode away. “Maybe I should mess around with him. What could go wrong?”

Little did I know, a whole lot would go wrong.

Chapter Two

#attack on titan #shingeki no kyojin #aot #levi ackerman #levi ackerman x reader #snk #aot fanfiction #Levi x gangster!reader #captain levi #modern au #high school au #rivai ackerman #Leather Jackets And Glasses #LJaG

[struwwelzeter]

Because i miss your design themed rants (it is good word here) i would like you to rank Rammstein album covers from designers point of view.

Ah, I love you. This got VERY ranty.

This is kinda hard because I tend to judge the entire packagaing/notes, and when I count that into it the ranking would be ever so slightly different. I’ll mention it for each I have Opinions (TM) on, but yeah, this is solely going on cover. I’ll only do the studio albums, not made in germany or the DVDs, or this will get too big.

7th: Rosenrot.

I know lots of you are gonna hate me for this. It’s not that I don’t like it, I do, it’s beautiful. Unfortunately it’s ... slightly lazy. It’s I think their most obvious cover and obvious feels like it’s good design but never truly is. It’s got that first idea feel, if that makes any sense. There is always that project where you go “uh can’t think of anything, but this works.” It’s not a bad thing, they clearly still knew what they were doing. It’s just ... that typical photoshop post apocalyptic composit that lost of metal/alternative bands did at some point. They all did it because it’s cool. No argument there. It’s just that I expect a bit ... more.

6th: Herzeleid

I know it’s iconic, but. The execution?! Terrible. The colours of their skin and that flower?! Too different to feel monochromatic, to same same to contrast nicely. Too much texture. What is that?! The positive bit is the placement of the typography because, neat! Most people fail at that. I like the blue-grey there aswell, how about you’d added that to their skin a little? No? Ok.

Also, this (Richard speaking):

“The bloody sleeve! What a crazy situation that was. We approved the photos in a car park without thinking what we were letting ourselves in for. When we saw what the designer had done, we freaked! We looked so… gay! All of us stripped to the waist. It was like an ad for a gay porno film. So we had to say, sort it out. Make us look straight again. Change the sleeve.”

Who in the fuck works like this?! Nevermind, I know it was a considerably younger Dirk Rudolph, but fucking hell, have some self respect, all of you. I know they didn’t know what they were doing, they probably had the management/record company comission it, and that was still the time graphic designers were seen as just pixel pushers from that time it took 3 days to layout a poster. Still. What was that brief?! Could you have sat down for 20 minutes and talk, perhaps?! Also, I hope this is how Richie learned to be the nightmare client I know he is. Don’t approve layouts in a car park, what the fuck is wrong with you.

It’s a pity because the concept? Nice. Sculpted men infront of flowers, what else do you want from life. Why crysanthemes, tho? Too textured in that macro shot. What is that photo angle?! Might try and redo that if I ever feel like it.

5th: Reise, Reise

This breaks my heart a little, because it’s my lonely island album. And it isn’t bad by any stretch. Actually, their album cover game is ridiculous, can I have that established as a general benchmark? It would make for a lot less mental break downs. The thing is ... I like the idea. Make it look like the black box, cool. The problem is the type. It makes it look like “Flugrekorder Nicht Öffnen” is the album title. To be fair, Typesetting is my main thing, and album artists get it wrong (imo) 99 out of 100 times. I wish they would have comitted more and just left the titel off and solved it with a slide in, or a sticker or something like that. It’s just a bit ... weird. What works brilliantly is that it’s very memorable, stands out on the shelf, is unusual, all of that. It’s iconic. I do like it very much but I had to place something here.

4th: Liebe ist für alle da

Now the thing with that album is that it has two covers. If I’d gone by the original one, I’d have to place it behind Reise, Reise. Everything RR has in impact, this is missing. It’s too dark, has too many pieces, it won’t stand out on a shelf. Especially not in the CD age when it was on 12x12 cm. Even on a Vinyl, it’s ... just not that impactful. Sure, the photograph is beautiful but meh. Luckily there is a second option. And that - is almost like a logo. It works as a symbol, and that makes it so strong. Less is more. Brilliant. You can draw it from memory. It’s so iconic, the kind of stuff that starts showing up in subways, drawn on the back of a seat and sprayed on walls. Tell me you never wanted to paint that on a flag and take it to a pride parade. I am sure some of us have.

I do want to mention the booklet in this, because it does bump it up a little too, because where the panorama image fails as a cover, the inside is done so beautifully with the fold out, the type setting, everything. It’s special, and done with love and it shows.

3rd: Mutter

There is just something about this that is so, so, so memorable. Everyone recognises this. If you ask anyone over the age of 20 to describe Rammstein with an album cover only to someone less familiar, is anyone gonna say anything but “they’re the band with the embryo in close up”?! Maybe this is subjective because that’s how I first got exposed to them, but I don’t think so. It’s such a powerful image. It’s both beautiful and uncomfortable, the way Rammstein as a whole and that album in particular is beautiful and uncomfortable. It’s stunning. That’s it. Unfortunately, this one falls apart inside. The went too far with the whole Matrix inspired cyber elements. It’s trendy and trendy never stands the test of time, in that it has the same problem Rosenrot has, but much worse because it’s not even done that well. They could have just used the photos and kept it raw. The type setting on the cover is as good as it gets with albums tho, so I am happy.

2nd: Sehnsucht

Ah, Sehnsucht. The most perfect band shoot they ever had. Helnwein just ... did it. I don’t know, it both defined and summed up who they are aesthetically for the longest time. It’s the visual statement that says “this is Rammstein”. It ... just looks like a band that sings about heartbreak and necrophilia is supposed to look like. Don’t you agree? How else would it look like? Even that omniously coloured beach. It’s as if the predicted the mood of True Detective, only less Hollywood. That darkness we don’t want to see, that can happen anywhere. And where they fell short with Mutter, where they added too much on to these powerful images, they just added the type. Granted, it was the 90s so it’s slightly experimental type. But unlike most type in the 90s it stood the test of time. Add the whole variable cover versions and chefs kiss! Beautiful work. Makes me happy and emotional and ugh.

1st: The White Album

I’m just calling it that now. The Matchstick. You know, good design is made up from three components only: Concept. Commitment. Execution. The concept of this is so streamlined and clean. It’s the entire Rammstein story narrowed down to a single little thing. It’s small and ordinary looking but it can become dangerous and big. It’s underestimated. A little piece of wood with a head of phosphor and calium chlorit and yet you can commit the most legendary arson. It’s the personification of the thing that has become synonymous with them: Fire. It says so much with so little. And then they comitted to that. No useless typography, a simple but oh so well done photoshoot, the simple text on white. They didn’t ad too much additional ideas on to it, they trusted that one to carry and it does. They could have done without the black and white match stick arrangements inside, although I’m not even sure if that’s not just a limited edition thing, it’s a bit too much almost. They got scared a little there. The execution is also well done, I have very little to critique, only that I feel it lacks a tiny bit of love. The thing is, the more minimalist you go, the more love you have to put into each element. I feel like the spacing of the type should have been fixed in a few places but honestly that is being very very picky. Or not. Because if it wasn’t for that, and the teeeeny tiny commitment issue, this should have been a candidate for the packaging grammy. I mean it should be even the way it is, but we all know how those fuckers ignore our boys.

I’m done. Can I use this as application? Do you think if I send them a run down of basically tearing them apart they will hire me?

#my version of i will be a rockstar is i will win the packaging grammy #just you watch me #it’s roughly 35 years until the end if my career and just you watch me #rammstein #album cover #graphic design #i need a ramble tag #rammstein asks

[sanderssidesfanfiction]

If There’s a Place I Could Be - Chapter Seventy Seven

If There’s a Place I Could Be Tag

December 21st, 1999

“Listen, Toby, this is just facts,” Remy said. “Every family has a gay cousin. If you don’t have a gay relative, you are the gay relative. Those are the rules.”

Toby shook his head. “I mean, I don’t doubt you Rem, but every family seems like a bit much.”

“Take it from me, dude, every gay person I’ve been able to sniff out has been able to testify to this. They are known solely as ‘the gay one’ in their family,” Remy said sagely. “And I’m the gay cousin.”

“Not that we can tell anyone that,” Toby sighed.

Remy groaned. “I know. One day, I’ll tell everyone, though. Screw the consequences.”

“Yeah?” Toby asked.

“Yeah,” Remy said. “And, knowing me, that’s the day I send out the wedding invitations.”

Toby snickered.

  December 24th, 2002

It was weird how close Remy and Emile had grown. Normally, Remy wouldn’t find it weird, but today was not normal. He wouldn’t have suspected anything was wrong with Emile even a year and a half ago, but Remy could tell by the way Emile was hunched in on himself on the couch, and the way he was almost imperceptibly trembling, that Emile was about to cry. Remy had no idea what he was supposed to do with that information, though. He knew it, but he didn’t know how to help. “Emile, do you need anything?”

No response. Remy was really worried. He knew that what he had felt with the past couple years about Toby had just gotten worse around the holidays, but it must be tiny compared to the hurt Emile was feeling. He had lost everyone in his family except for his mom and dad, all because of his grandfather.

“Is there anything you might want?” Remy asked. “I know that I can’t go out to the store, because it’s Christmas Eve, but...”

The trembling picked up. Remy winced. That was not the right thing to say. “Emile, please, you’re starting to scare me. Are you okay?”

Emile still didn’t say anything. Remy bit his lip. It might be time for the big guns. He went to their room and brought out Bones, walking over to Emile and gently placing Bones on Emile’s lap. That, at least, got Emile to stop staring at a spot on the floor. He looked down at his lap, then up at Remy. “You can hug him, if you want, just be gentle,” Remy said.

“You...never let me hold Bones,” Emile said, his voice raspy.

“Extenuating circumstances,” Remy simply said.

Emile gently picked Bones up and wrapped his arms around Bones’ small body. “I don’t even really miss my grandfather, is the thing, you know?” Emile murmured. “Like, of course I miss him, and it hurts, but I miss my cousins more. I miss my aunts and uncles, the ones who didn’t mind that I was bisexual. I wanted to be a good example for my little cousins, to show them that it was okay to not be straight.”

Remy nodded. “That’s a noble thing. You’re so much older than they are, you’re automatically a role model for them, almost. And it’s good that you didn’t take that lightly. I’m the gay cousin, too, but I’m the youngest, so I don’t really have that sort of power.”

Emile snorted, and Remy cracked a smile, sitting down next to Emile on the couch. “Why is this so hard?” he asked. “Why does it have to hurt so much?”

“Because you care about them,” Remy said. “It would be so much easier to get over if you didn’t care about them, but you do. And it’s good that you care about your family. But you need to take care of yourself, first, which means not contorting yourself into whatever they want from you just to see them.”

Emile took a shaky breath. “I got a letter from Bailey, yesterday,” he said with a little laugh. “It was him saying that he hoped that I could come to Christmas Mass, even if Grandpa didn’t let me in the house. And that if I didn’t go to Christmas Mass, he understood and hoped I had a good Christmas anyway.”

“Bailey has sent you letters before, right?” Remy asked.

“Once or twice, yeah,” Emile agreed. “He always ends the letters with something along the lines of ‘don’t forget to hug Remy because I know it makes you feel better.’ He’s a good kid.”

Remy offered Emile a smile. “He sounds like a good kid,” he agreed. “And his parents must be pretty cool, if they’re okay with him writing you.”

“Yeah, I guess so,” Emile said. “I never got the feeling that they were accepting, but then again, I never really tested the waters with them, so I guess that’s my own fault.”

Remy leaned against Emile and Emile sighed. “I wish my parents could be here. Like, not that much, or I would have asked them, but I know it’s hard for them to have my grandfather act that way, and invite them over for Christmas but not invite me, you know? It’s a bit awkward.”

“I honestly don’t want to try and imagine that,” Remy said. “I’m fine with virtually everyone in my family hating my guts, thanks.”

Emile laughed and shook his head. “We’re so messed up,” he laughed.

“Tell me about it,” Remy said.

Emile’s smile faded and he sighed. “I know how you felt that first Christmas when I went to my family’s now. And I have to say that I’m not a fan.”

“Yeah, it’s not fun,” Remy said. “Are you going to be okay?”

“Yeah, I’ll be fine,” Emile said, leaning back into the couch and groaning. He passed Bones back to Remy and Remy gratefully took him. “I’m just going to be sulking the rest of today and probably tomorrow.”

Remy considered. “Is there a motel by where your family’s church is?”

“Probably, why?” Emile asked.

“Well, we could stay the night and head to early morning Mass so you can say hi to Bailey,” Remy offered.

“What?” Emile asked. “You’d...you’d do that for me?”

“I mean, yeah,” Remy said. “I have a little bit of cash to spare because we’ve been scrimping and saving for whenever I can afford my own shop. And I didn’t know what I would get you for Christmas but this seems like as good a gift as any...”

“But what about my grandfather?” Emile asked.

“What’s he gonna do?” Remy asked with a scoff. “You’re going to Mass. He can’t exactly kick you out of the church.”

Slowly, Emile started to grin. “This is insane,” he said.

“Well, yeah, but judging by your grin it’s the good kind of insane,” Remy said, smiling back.

“Definitely the good kind,” Emile said. “Do you have any clothes that might be considered Mass-appropriate?”

“I have one singular suit,” Remy said.

“That’ll do!” Emile exclaimed, jumping to his feet. “Let’s find a motel in the area and stick it to my grandfather!”

Remy laughed. “All right!” he exclaimed. “And it would just be for one night, I’m warning you now. We wouldn’t be able to stay for the entirety of the week until New Year’s.”

“Oh, that’s okay, I need us back here by your birthday anyway, for your surprise,” Emile said with a wicked grin.

“Yeah, you still haven’t told me what that surprise is!” Remy exclaimed.

“And I won’t! Not until your birthday!” Emile said, grinning wider.

“That’s not fair, Emile!” Remy protested.

“It’s plenty fair!” Emile exclaimed. “You just don’t like not knowing!”

“Exactly!” Remy said.

Emile put his hands on Remy’s shoulders when Remy clambored to his feet, and said, “Remy, trust me. You’re going to love this surprise. You also don’t want it spoiled.”

Remy groaned. “Come on, Emile! Just one hint!”

“Never!” Emile exclaimed. “Suck it up, lover boy, you’re gonna have to wait!”

“I regret suggesting sticking it to your grandfather now,” Remy sulked. “I’m happy you’re chipper, but seriously. Making something for me for months and then not showing me? Not fair!”

“It’s completely fair, Rem,” Emile said, grinning. “That’s the way surprises work! And you don’t have many days left to wait!”

“I’ll call Clara,” Remy threatened.

“No you won’t,” Emile scoffed. “And even if you did, she wouldn’t tell you.”

“I’ll call Theo!” Remy exclaimed.

“Theo wouldn’t tell you either, as if he actually knows,” Emile snorted.

“So you told Clara but not Theo? That’s very telling...” Remy said, mind sorting through options that might fit that combination of spilled beans.

“Hey, no, don’t psychoanalyze my choices, that’ll get you nowhere,” Emile informed Remy. “Besides, I could be lying about who I told.”

Remy stared at Emile for a long second before he whined, “Why would you do that?!”

“So that I can keep the surprise a surprise for longer!” Emile responded simply.

“Emile!” Remy whined. “Come on! That’s no fair!”

“Rem, we can argue about this all day, or we can drive out to my family’s church, go to Mass and kiss just to make my grandfather mad. Are you in or am I driving out there alone?” Emile asked.

“I will complain about the unfairness of this surprise the entire time we’re driving,” Remy informed Emile. “I’ll grab my suit.”

Emile was laughing as Remy grabbed his suit, and Remy rolled his eyes. He loved his boyfriend, make no mistake, but there were times where he would still love to strangle Emile. He wasn’t entirely sure if this was one of those times, but the sentiment, at the very least, definitely applied.

He grabbed his suit and Emile came in, grabbing his own. “We’re going to look fabulous at Mass,” Emile said.

“You know it!” Remy said with a wink.

Emile grinned. “I can say hi to my parents, too, actually, come to think of it. And so can you.”

“Neither of us are gonna be alone on Christmas!” Remy exclaimed. “That’s what I call a victory!”

“Yes!” Emile exclaimed.

They grabbed clothes that weren’t their suits for the drive back after the Mass and they both got in Emile’s car, and headed out. “Thanks for being willing to cheer me up,” Emile said.

“Oh, yeah, of course!” Remy exclaimed. “There’s nothing I wouldn’t do for you, Emile.”

“Nothing?” Emile asked incredulously. “You really mean that?”

Remy considered. “I mean, yeah,” he said with a shrug. “Like, I’d go so far as to say that if you told me Toby was toxic and I needed to cut him out, I’d do it. Of course, you wouldn’t say that without really good evidence, so I don’t have to worry about you manipulating me for whatever reason and I’d see your point, but like...I’d be hard-pressed to find something that I wouldn’t do for you just to make sure you were happy.”

“Wow,” Emile said, taking a long glance at Remy before returning his eyes to the road. “I...didn’t realize that you had that much faith in me.”

Remy laughed. “I mean, I didn’t realize it either, until you asked. But I trust you, Emile. I have no reason not to, and many more reasons to take your advice. Why in the world wouldn’t I do anything I could to return the favor and make sure your mental health is good?”

“Because you need to take time for yourself?” Emile asked.

“I already take time for myself,” Remy replied. “And when I’m done with that I go back to bugging you to take care of yourself. It’s a balance, and one that I think I’ve gotten really good at.”

“One that you definitely have gotten good at, because you’ve succeeded in getting me to take breaks, which is something that even my best friends in high school were unable to do,” Emile said.

“Well, yeah, but that’s high school!” Remy exclaimed. “You’re supposed to be stubborn and pig-headed then. That’s supposed to go away by the end of college, though.”

“I would argue that you’ve made sure it’s going away by force,” Emile laughed. “Although I will admit freely that having your permission to fail is a weight off my chest.”

Remy’s heart warmed. “I’m glad. That’s what it was meant to be, after all.”

Emile grew strangely quiet, before he asked in a small, hopeful voice, “Do I have permission to fail when it comes to getting my grandfather to come around?”

“If you want to work on him coming around, honey, you can do that. And if you do, yes, you’re allowed to fail at that. I don’t think that your grandfather would end up in Hell purely for being a homophobe, anyway, but if he never comes around, that is not your fault, nor is it your responsibility to get him to come around in the first place, understand?”

Emile nodded, visibly relaxing. “Got it. Now, let’s go be gay at church.”

#if there's a place i could be #sanders sides fanfiction #remile #emile picani #ts sleep

[artificialqueens]

Girl I Met On The Internet, 6/6 (Crystal x Gigi) - Strawberry

a/n: and it’s a wrap! for now anyway bc i totally dont have a fic coming based on the good news nicky had for jaida! i just want to say thank you to every single person who read, liked and reblogged this story. it means so much to me, i’m so glad people enjoyed the strange idea that came into my brain. <3 (also! i wanted to let you guys know that i’m planning on posting this fic on ao3 as well, probably after this chapter is posted on here. my username on there is drivingmecrazy !!)

crystal: does everyone’s spring break start this weekend too?? anyone doing anything??

jan!: mine does! i’m staying home all week, jackie is leaving me :(

nicky: my spring break isn’t until late april!! wtf :(

heidi: ha loser

heidi: i’m going to play animal crossing all weekend i can’t wait

Jackie: I’m going to Canada to visit family on Sunday. Jan, if you want we can hang out on Saturday if you’re going to miss me that much. :P

nicky: i’ll hang out with you jackie

jan: i hate you nicky

jaida: i have a pageant next week!!

jan!: yaas gorg

nicky: bring home the crown!

crystal: GO JAIDA!

nicky: also jaida call me. i have good news for you :)

gigi: crystal you already know what’s going down

crystal: do i now?

gigi: GOOD LUCK JAIDA!!! NO MATTER WHAT YOU ARE OUR WINNER

Crystal had somewhat of an idea of what was going down. She had been granted permission to sleep over at Gigi’s house, and they would be going on their date the following day. Gigi would not tell Crystal anything about where they were going, and refused to give her any hints no matter how much Crystal begged. 

The next morning, on their walk to school, Crystal finally got a hint. 

“You tweeted about it. That’s all I’ll tell you.”

“That’s not helpful at all!” Crystal had almost 30 thousand tweets, her Twitter was her space to say weird things without being judged too harshly, and she had a lot of things to say! She thought about things she might’ve tweeted about wanting to do, or places she wanted to go, but came up empty handed.

“Well, you have the whole day to think about it. I’ll meet you after school, yeah?”

-

Gigi’s mom offered to pick them up after school, even though the walk from their school to Gigi’s house wasn’t far. Crystal finally met Nancy, Gigi’s beloved dog. Crystal didn’t want to do anything besides hold the dachshund to her chest all night, but Gigi wouldn’t let her, saying it wasn’t fair for Nancy to get all of the attention even though Gigi does the exact same thing with Tic Tac.

They made homemade pizza for dinner, and played monopoly with Gigi’s parents and her brother. Gigi’s brother thought Crystal was cute, and hit on Crystal; trying out a ridiculous pickup line on the green haired girl every chance he got. After they called off the game, Gigi excused her and Crystal to her room.

“So quick to leave, Georgina,” Crystal teased, sitting down next to Nancy who was using Gigi’s strawberry cow pillow pet as a headrest. 

“Wanna spend time with you. Can we cuddle?”

“Yeah, of course.”

They sat in silence for a while, enjoying each other’s company until Gigi spoke up.

“I couldn’t do it.”

“Couldn’t do what?” Crystal asked, lost.

“Come out to my friends. I thought I was ready but obviously I’m not.”

“It’s okay, Gigi. You’ll know when it’s time, don’t rush it.”

“I just want to be more open, I guess.”

“That’s good, but it’s not going to happen overnight. You have to take baby steps, G.”

“Was it hard? To come out?”

“To who?” Crystal snorted, “You know I don’t have any friends. I’m pretty sure everyone at school already knows, though.”

“Does your mom know?”

“Probably. She got a little too suspicious when I started liking Poppy.”

This turned into revealing who their first gay crush was, and how and when they figured out they liked girls like the rest of their friends liked boys. Crystal told Gigi about how she originally tried to fake like One Direction so no one would suspect anything, and Gigi told Crystal about how she refused to listen to any music sung by female artists for half a year before they decided to go to sleep.

-

Crystal had woken up first. She didn’t bother waking up Gigi, going to scroll through Twitter instead. It was still early, but the group chat was on some bullshit, Jan changed her display name to Nicky and changed her profile picture to Nicky’s to mock her. Nicky did not find this funny in the slightest, but Jaida did.

nicky: i’m nicky i’m french i love stealing my friends gfs

jaida: omg period!

THE REAL nicky: JAIDA THAT’S NOT ME!!!

jaida: proof?

THE REAL nicky: I HATE IT HERE!!

nicky: croissant

crystal: HELPDGNJKFNJ

THE REAL nicky: i cannot stand jan. this is why jackie should date me instead

Crystal couldn’t stop laughing, which ended up waking Gigi up. Gigi was grumpy at first, but that changed when she realized they needed to get ready to go on the date she had planned.

After they had gotten up and dressed, they sat next to each other in front of the giant, floor length mirror next to Gigi’s closet to do their makeup. Gigi stopped doing her makeup after putting on her foundation, deciding that watching Crystal do her eye shadow was more entertaining than finishing the look she had in mind.

“Stop looking at me, you’re making me nervous!” Crystal giggled when she noticed Gigi’s stares, not actually wanting Gigi to stop.

“I’ll think about it,” Gigi paused, pretending to think, “I will not. You look beautiful.”

Crystal squawked, “I barely have anything on my face!”

“So?”

“What are you, gay or something?” Crystal teased, making Gigi poke at her sides, “Stop being a dork and finish your makeup!”

“Fine. Only because we need to get going soon.”

-

“Wait, you know how to drive?” Crystal asked, getting in the passenger seat.

“Yeah! I don’t have my own car yet, but I got my license on my 16th birthday. I am not enforcing the stereotype at all!” Gigi grinned, opening the garage door and starting her mom’s car.

“I’ll be the judge of that. Can I play music?” 

“Yeah, sure.” Gigi handed her the aux cord and started backing out of the driveway. 

“Okay. This is the ultimate test,” Crystal stated, starting to play a song. “Which One Direction song is this?”

The song in question was good, but Gigi didn’t recognize it. She had only listened to ‘Midnight Memories’ because it was Crystal’s favorite album, and she knew for sure Crystal wasn’t playing a song from that album. “Is it from ‘Made in the A.M’?”

“Trick question! It’s one of Niall’s solo songs. It’s called ‘Dear Patience’!” Crystal laughed, thinking she had pulled off the biggest prank in the world.

“Oh, fuck. I should’ve known there was only one person singing.”

After fifteen minutes of driving, and Gigi almost running a stop sign, they finally pulled up at a cute little thrift shop on the outskirts of town, and Crystal was just about shaking with excitement. “I love thrifting! I’ve only been once, but it was so fun! I found that jumpsuit I wore that one day while thrifting!” She rambles, rushing to get out of the car and inside.

“Wait, when I did tweet about this?”

Around the time they had first started talking, Crystal had tweeted about how her dream date was going thrifting. Gigi naturally stored this information in the back of her mind, even though at the time she never thought she would need it.

On their walk from the parking lot to the store, Crystal held her hand out, which Gigi hesitantly accepted.

“We should play a game! We should split up and pick out an outfit for the other person without them knowing and then meet up and try them on!” 

Gigi’s heart swelled, Crystal was so cute. “That sounds fun, but how do I know this isn’t just a trick to dress me up in something hideous?” Gigi teased, making Crystal blush.

“I would never, don’t be ridiculous,” Crystal scoffed, “I’ll save that for the next time we go thrifting!”

Crystal let go of Gigi’s hand to open the door for her, splitting up as soon as they walked into the shop.

It didn’t take them very long to pick out their pieces. Crystal stayed true to her word, picking out a light green, halter top dress for Gigi. Gigi, on the other hand, had picked out a hideous pair of neon pink, zebra print leggings and a red flannel shirt.

“Gigi, what is that?” Crystal scrunched up her nose in disgust.

“You like patterns, why not clash them?” Gigi tried to defend herself, but could barely finish her sentence before bursting out laughing.

“No! I’m not getting that! I’m not even going to try on that outfit. It’s yucky.”

“That’s fine, give me the dress you picked out for me. I need that.” Gigi snatched it from Crystal’s hands, walking quickly to the dressing room.

The dress looked gorgeous on Gigi. Crystal was so glad she took their game seriously. 

They looked around together for a little bit before wandering from each other yet again. Gigi somehow ended up with a pile of clothes that you would only see in a very successful thrifting haul video on YouTube. Crystal had stuck to the men’s section, immediately claiming some loud button ups and with a little digging, she found a very specific, out of place t-shirt that said something about how ‘real grandmas drink Dr. Pepper’ that she found hilarious and needed to own.

“What does that say? Some grandmas play bingo, real grandmas drink Dr. Pepper?” Gigi questioned when they finally met back up, “What does that even mean?”

“I don’t know, but it’s sending me. I need it!”

“So you hated my outfit I got for you, but you’re buying that?” Gigi teased.

“You do not understand the art of highly specific shirts, like these, babe. I’ll have to teach you all about them later.”

Gigi thought Crystal was an idiot, but she couldn’t stop smiling.

-

After paying for their clothes, they got back into the car. Gigi started driving, not telling Crystal where their next stop was. The stop happened to be the Taco Bell drive thru, which Crystal was excited about. “Okay, I do remember tweeting about wanting to go to Taco Bell.” 

When they got their food, Gigi placed the bag in the back seat, making Crystal raise an eyebrow. 

“You’re a messy eater, so we aren’t eating in the car. My mom would kill me if we made a mess.”

While Crystal tried to convince Gigi she was not a messy eater and her mom’s car would be fine, Gigi pulled up to a park.

“Can you find a spot to sit down at so we can eat it there?” Gigi requested. It took Crystal about two seconds to travel from the car to the grass, settling down in a shady spot underneath some trees. Gigi joined Crystal, holding a blue blanket as well as the brown paper bag.

“It’s not a picnic blanket, I couldn’t find one but I hope it works.”

“It does! I love picnics!” Crystal hops up so Gigi can lay down the blanket, going to retrieve the drinks that they forgot in the car. 

Their lunch was filled with flirting, stupid inside jokes and Crystal loved every second of it. She knew for sure by the end of the day she would not be single anymore, but the lack of confirmation was making her antsy.

Once they were done eating, Gigi collected all of the wrappers and cups, walking across the grass to the nearest trash can to dispose of them. When Gigi came back, she had a huge grin on her face, “Well, Crystal Elizabeth. I would like to think that I successfully wooed you, if only you could do something for me in return…”

“What do you have in mind, Georgina?” Crystal giggles, hoping Gigi couldn’t tell how nervous that statement made her.

“Crystal Elizabeth, I was wondering if you would be my girlfriend?” 

“God, yes. I’ve been waiting for this for months.” Crystal exclaimed, immediately being pulled into a kiss.

They stayed at the park after that. Crystal’s inner child had jumped out after the kiss was broken and she wanted to play on the playground. 

“Wait, Crystal! Come here, the light looks good right now and we need to take our reveal selfie!”

-

Their date came to an end when Crystal’s mom texted her asking to come home. Crystal’s mom had no idea what she was interrupting, as Crystal did not tell her mom what they were actually doing.

“I hate it here, I would let this date go on all week if I could.” Crystal pouted, buckling her seatbelt.

“If there’s any other place you want to go this week, we could go on our second date.” Gigi smiled, reaching out to hold Crystal’s hand.

“Be careful, I know steering with one hand is peak lesbianism, but I don’t know if you’re a good enough driver to do that yet.” Crystal joked, even though she gladly accepted Gigi’s hand.

“Oh, shut up. Like you could go ten minutes without holding my hand.”

Crystal kissed Gigi again when they got on her street, Gigi parking a few houses down for privacy.

“This was fun. I really am happy with everything. You completely wooed me, Georgina.”

“I’m glad. Does this mean I can call you my clown girlfriend now?” Gigi jokingly asked, making Crystal let out a tiny scream.

“As dumb as that sounds, yes. You can.”

Gigi did not let Crystal get out of the car without getting another kiss.

-

Crystal entered her house, her grin slowly fading when she saw her mom waiting for her.

“You took a while to come home.” Crystal’s mom started, under the impression she was at Gigi’s house. “What took you so long?”

“Yeah, sorry. I couldn’t find my charger.” Crystal felt bad for lying to her mom, but she didn’t want to tell her what happened yet.

“Oh, your generation and your phones. I was starting to get worried.”

“Mama, I’m sorry. It won’t happen again. I’m going to my room now, is that okay?”

“Yeah, I’m about to start dinner. We’re having your favorite!”

The second Crystal got into her room, she locked her door and jumped on her bed, logging onto Twitter.

crystal: good evening l a d i e s

jan!: HEY!

jaida: crystal!

Jackie: You haven’t been active today, what were you up to?

heidi: not jackie demanding answers

nicky: ooooh

gigi: well, since you asked…

crystal: :D

gigi: my girlfriend crystal and i went on our first date today. isn’t she beautiful??

The group erupted into chaos the second they saw their selfie, congratulating the new couple for finally getting together. Crystal wouldn’t have it any other way. She would be forever grateful for being added into Elites Only, and even more for the special girl she had met there.

gigi: so, any ideas for our second date?

crystal: tons, babe. i’m gonna blow your mind.

#rpdr fanfiction #gigi goode #crystal methyd #jackie cox #jan sport #jaida essence hall #heidi n closet #crygi #lesbian au #high school au #social media au #girl i met on the internet #strawberry #submission #s12

[aro-laurance-zvahl]

Reach For The Stars

Summary: Logan is a rich kid with walls as high as the stars, Roman is the kid next door whom Logan has a crush on. Or Logan hides on the roof, Roman joins him.

Ship: Logince

Words: 1,371

Warnings: A lil bit of miscommunication, implied homophobia, there's a kiss but it's not really described, tell me if there's anything else.

A/N: This was inspired by a prompt @yourhappypappypatton put into the world over a year ago! The prompt read "Logan is from a family where they have very specific and very high expectations. He’s worried to come out as gay, and to tell them he’d rather study the stars than politics." I hope you all enjoy!

Logan had two good things to say about the rich neighborhood he was born into. It wasn't the people, the endless halls in houses, or even the connections he could easily abuse if he so pleased. The first one was his neighbor, Roman. He was a true boy next door, charming, sweet, good looking, and the ability to make Logan furious and frustrated because his crush on him had grown too large. Of course, Logan hid this extremely well, he could give the aspiring actor a run for his money with how easily he could hide and display untrue emotions. Tonight was no different, Roman was invited with his parents to the prestige Sunday dinner party Logan's parents had thrown to talk politics or something close in nature. Which led to the second thing Logan loved about this neighborhood, the lack of light pollution.

Logan had excused himself earlier on in the dinner once the adults had all had one glass of wine and upped the talk on politics, and now he sat on the roof. He had been climbing onto the roof from his balcony for almost 4 years, marking the stars in one of the many notebooks he was supposed to keep for something his parents saw beneficial. Tonight, he was marking his birth sign, Gemini. His birthday was in a few days, he was finally turning 18. Logan had been waiting ever since he learned astronomy was his passion, he could tell them how every college he applied to had great astrology programs, maybe when he was moved into a dorm or whatever housing his parents decided he can tell them he's gay. Maybe.

His thoughts were interrupted when a voice boomed from somewhere, from his balcony, "Hey! What are you doing up there?!"

[[MORE]]

Logan's head snapped down so quickly his glasses almost flew off, for a moment his face went pale before he processed it was just Roman, though it was never just Roman. Logan slid his notebook behind him as he fixed his glasses with his other hand, "I was simply getting some fresh air, what were you doing in my room?"

"Well why do you need to be on the roof for fresh air?" Roman climbed up and sat down close by, his long blond hair was slicked back in a similar way to Logan's brown hair, but his white dress shirt and pants with a bright red tie made Logan feel like he was looking at his complete opposite.

"I asked you a question first,"

"I was looking for the only other guy my age, and your mom said you went to your room, so I went to your room, your turn," Roman smiled as bright as the stars was the thought Logan had to stop himself from thinking.

"I wanted to get away from the chatter, but I could hear it through my door," Logan scooted back so he was sitting on his notebook as a more effective hiding method.

"...Logan we're alone, you don't have hide yourself, cmon, let me see some of the real you," Roman reached over and put a hand on his arm in an almost comforting way.

"I-I don't know what you're talking about," Logan slightly tensed under his touch, it was slightly new to him.

"I'm an actor, I can tell Logan. You're a great actor, you really should try out at the local theater with me, but acting is meant for the stage, not out in the real world,"

"...Falsehood. Anywhere where you're spectated and judged is a stage, the world is a stage for us, for me," Logan had the overwhelming need to talk about anything swelling in his chest.

"Well this isn't the world, this is our world. Are you really going to keep hiding yourself from it?" Roman leaned closer with every word, almost close enough to fog up Logan's glasses, "So tell me, who are you? Not who your parents are or the grades you get, who is Logan Berry?"

"I...I don't know," Logan felt his walls crumbling for this boy next door, but he didn't try to put them back up, he wanted them to fall.

"Then let's find out," Roman leaned back, giving back the space he had infringed upon, "What were you doing here?"

"I..was looking at stars, I've been doing it for a while now, it's something that brings me...joy? Is that odd?"

"No, no not at all, I want to get to know you Logan, would it help if I talked about myself some as well?"

"...That sounds like a good hypothesis to test,"

"Well, I love to act, draw, sing, write, I probably have way too many interests so I have no idea what I'll be going to college for, or even if I'll go after the gap year I'm taking,"

"...We're both confused aren't we?"

Roman laughs lightly, "I guess so, but in a way it's what brought us together, no?"

"Yes...I suppose it is," Logan relaxed and continued to try and be open for one of the first times in his life.

So, they spent the rest of the night talking, about whatever came up, Roman even got the privilege of seeing bits and bobs of Logan's notebook. Though when Roman brought up a crush, that's when Logan seemed almost too quiet, "...are you ok? Seem quiet,"

"Oh yes, I'm fine," Logan straightened his posture as he noticed himself slouching, "Continue,"

"...Well he's a great guy basically, bad timing for me though since it's summer and he's planning for college," Roman couldn't push the disinterest he saw from Logan away, "Is this making you uncomfortable? Are you against me being gay or something?"

"No! Not at all, there is nothing wrong with that,"

"That's not what I asked, I know there's nothing wrong with it," Roman crossed his arms, not happy with the sudden change of direction this conversation has gone.

"I am not against it, the talk of sexuality just makes me...uncomfortable for my own reasons,"

"Uncomfortable? What about it makes you uncomfortable?"

"I...that's a very personal question Roman," Logan started shifting nervously, why was he so nervous?

"We've been talking personal all night, what makes this so different?" Roman released his arms from their crossed position to do small jazz around the question to make it more dramatic.

"Because I'm gay and don't know what to do!" As soon as the words left his mouth Logan's eyes went wide and he covered his mouth, as if he was trying to swallow the words even after they came out.

Roman's entire expression softened in that instant, he opened his mouth to say something as his hands fell from their stiff position in the air. As no words came out, he bit his lip softly and reached a hand to the one covering Logan's mouth, slowly pulling it away and into his own. "Not knowing what to do is ok,"

"...but I want to know what to do," The words make out soft and quiet, like he was once again a small child trying to ask for something he knew his parents wouldn't want to give him.

"Do you want my suggestion?" Roman waited until he got a soft nod to continue speaking, "I think you should be yourself. Unapologetically, loudly, proudly. Because the real you, the real Logan Berry, is even more beautiful than all the stars in the sky,"

"...Can I can I suggest something for you to do?" Logan took Roman's other hand into his, holding them close to his chest with a look of hope in his eyes like Roman had shown him an entire new world.

"It's only fair," Roman's words came out in a single breath, completely star struck by how beautiful Logan looked in that moment.

"I think you should kiss me." Logan almost regretted the words, but they felt far too right to ever want to take back.

"That sounds exactly like what I should do," And so Roman did, he took his hands from Logan's to hold his face before closing the gap and kissing him.

In that moment, where they were pressed together under the stars, it truly felt like it was their world.

#fun fact over 1k of the words were written a year ago #me? writing? wow #thats my writing tag #logince #ts logan #ts roman #roman sanders #logan sanders #sanders sides #sanders sides roman #sanders sides logan #ts logince

[larprealgirl]

Implications | Stan Uris

Stanley Uris/Reader College AU

CW: sexual content, slight angst

word count: 1,488

Part 1 of a Waiting [2]

For as long as you could remember, you were a people person. An extrovert for all intents and purposes. It was like there was a magnet inside of you, pulling others towards your eccentric personality and loud mouth. You made people feel comfortable and you loved it. It had been years since someone really disliked you.

Perhaps that was the reason it bugged you so much that Stanley Uris seemed so disgusted by your presence. Of course, the feeling was completely mutual, but you had good reason. He had a problem with you from the moment you met him.

When Beverly Marsh first introduced you to her friends, it was when you started dating. Eventually, you realized that you were both too excited about meeting another gay woman to realize that you weren’t compatible at all. But you loved her nonetheless. And she loved you. So did her friends.

Minus one, obviously. He critiqued everything about you. It was like nothing could leave your mouth without him having something smart to say about it. And it wasn’t in a friendly way like he did with Richie Tozier, someone who never ceased to shut up (and that was saying something, coming from you); it was in a blatant distaste for your entire existence. You were too messy, as if his other friends weren’t. You were a suckup, as if Bill Denbrough didn’t spend every afternoon in the office of his creative writing professor. You were a woman? But so was Beverly. You were gay? Hell, so was Beverly. So was Richie. So was his boyfriend Eddie Kaspbrak. So what was it?

That was all you wanted to know. You were past the point of trying to get him to like you, because that was a fruitless effort that only made you hate yourself more than you hated him. You just needed to know why he hated you so much. 

So, after taking a little too many shots at Mike Hanlon’s dorm, you decided you would find out. 

Mike tried to talk you out of it. Aside from Beverly, he was your closest friend, and he always prevented you from doing stupid things. Something that, believe it or not, took a lot of effort on his part. But tonight would be one of the unfortunate times where he failed. 

Beverly tried to talk you out of it. You didn’t listen. Ben Hanscom, the final friend in your friend group, and probably the most responsible, tried to talk you out of it. You shoved him off. Bill and Richie were too stoned to care. Eddie was asleep with his head in Richie’s lap. And Stan? He was studying, at his stupid dorm, for his stupid test, for his stupid class that you couldn’t even remember. 

Luckily, you could remember where his dorm was. Before you knew it, you were banging on his door loud enough to wake up the others in the hall. 

When he opened the door, he looked surprised to see you. That was understandable, considering it was 12 AM and you were piss drunk in a pair of Beverly’s pajamas. His surprise quickly turned to annoyance. 

“People are sleeping, (Y/N). Could you be more respectful?” 

“Not you or your roommate,” you answered, pushing past him into his empty room and throwing yourself on his bed. His roommate starting sleeping with his girlfriend on the weekends once Stan threw a book at them while they were having sex.

He sighed, muttered something under his breath, then shut the door and turned to face you. You could tell by the way his brows were furrowed that he was not impressed with your behavior. Was he ever?

Not remembering why you came to him to begin with, you felt your eyes slowly pulling themselves shut. Did Stan have a mattress not issued by the college? It certainly felt more comfortable than your own. Maybe if you just rested for a little bit, you’d remember why you were there… 

A snap jolted you awake, and you opened your eyes to see Stan bent over in front of you, a frown on his face. You suddenly remembered all your anger from earlier and sat up immediately, ignoring the pounding in your head as you did so. 

But a bright, blinding light only agitated you more. You realized quickly that the light was the sun. You swore it was dark when you got there. Right? What time was it? 

“You’ve been asleep for seven hours,” Stan said, nonchalantly handing you two pills which you swallowed dry without bothering to ask what they were.

“Why didn’t you wake me up? You’re such a creep,” you mumbled, crossing your arms over your chest defiantly. 

He turned to face you, his face devoid of any emotion. “You’re annoying when you drink. And I did wake you up. Just now.” 

You didn’t have anything to say. You suddenly felt very exposed in his room, alone with him, as if you hadn’t just slept in his bed for hours. Why had you come here? It was such a stupid idea. But still, this was the nicest he’d ever been to you. 

“Why do you hate me so much?” You suddenly asked, peering up at him to see how he reacted. 

Stan, being as blunt as always, didn’t hesitate to respond. 

“Everyone just loves you. You don’t even have to try. And that’s not fair, (Y/N). How is that fair? How is it fair that I’ve gone my whole life having to work to be tolerated and you can just exist and be loved?” 

That wasn’t the response you were expecting. Well, to be fair, you didn’t know what you were expecting, but it certainly wasn’t that. You always percieved Stan to have this confidence about him, which was understandable. He was smart, he was handsome, he had good friends. You knew he was loved. He was appreciated. 

He sat down on his bed next to you, running his hands through his loose curls roughly. You wanted to comfort him, but you didn’t know what to say. What could you even say in that situation?

Carefully, you reached out and put your hand on his shoulder. He stiffened but didn’t respond otherwise. So you moved closer, testing the waters gently, and reached up to touch his cheek, turning his face so he was looking at you.

“You are loved.”

“Even my friends like you more than me. My friends. Everyone loves you.”

“I came here last night because they wouldn’t shut up about wishing you were there. I couldn’t get away from you. It bugged me that they always spoke about how you have this huge heart, but there’s no room for me in there. They love you.”

“I want to be like you.” 

“You’re better than me, Stan. You aren’t just loved; you’re cherished.” 

He didn’t say anything. He looked into your eyes, tears pricking the edges of his own. You only then noticed how bright they were. 

Before you could ask if he was okay, his lips were against yours. 

And they were soft. Of course, they were soft. Stan had a chapstick collection bigger than you’d ever seen, and you swore he put it on every five minutes. What chapstick was he wearing? You didn’t know, but it tasted like honey. It was sweet. 

Almost as soon as it started, it ended. He pulled back, his eyes wide and his face red. 

“I shouldn’t have done that. I should’ve asked, at least, but I know you’d say no. You can leave. I’m so sorry, (Y/N), I really overstepped my boundaries. I really wasn’t thinking and--” 

Tired of hearing him stumble over a useless apology, you put your hand on the back of his neck and pulled him closer, kissing him harder than before. His lips were motionless against yours for a moment, and then Hell broke loose.

He pulled you closer, up onto his lap, and put his hands on your waist. You kissed him even harder, gently nipping his bottom lip, which caused him to squeeze your hips roughly, and you swore you could melt into his hands.

You didn’t consider the implications that came with making out with Stanley Uris. You hardly processed that you were making out with Stanley Uris. All you knew was that you wanted this man that was underneath you, you needed him in a way you’d never needed anyone or anything in your entire life. 

You ground against him, hoping to elicit some sort of reaction that would lead him where you wanted. And it did. His lips broke away for a moment, letting out a breathy moan, and his hips involuntary bucked up against you. 

Then he pushed you away. Hard. He pushed you onto the floor, his chest rising up and down rapidly as he eyed you like you were the Devil. 

“I can’t do this with you.”

#stan uris x reader #stanley uris x reader #stan uris #it 2017 #it 2019 #it x reader #stan uris imagine #college!stan #college au #no pennywise #it fanfiction #stan uris fanfiction

[tss-grimmverse]

Chapter 1: Clematis

i walk a lonely road

the only one that i have ever known

Virgil stepped into the strange apartment.

It was quiet. Not a mere absence of sound, but a quiet that breathed deep and blanketed the senses like a nighttime pillow. It was a quiet that examined every scuff and rustle and soft exhalation with cool curiosity. It listened, with the hush of trees in the night.

It watched, with the perilous regard of faeries.

Virgil let out a breath he hadn’t realized he’d been holding; probably had been holding since leaving Ohio two days before. After multiple bus rides across multiple states and hours and hours of strangers and suitcases and stress…despite how it put his paranoid senses on edge, he was glad of the quiet, away from open spaces and curious eyes.

But the apartment was also dark, and a little cold, and its owner was painfully conspicuous by his absence.

The place belonged to a half-faery named Logan Ursae: who, according to the Youngstown Grimms, was a friend of the organization that they trusted to provide pursued changelings a place to run to and start over.

Changelings like Virgil.

Virgil, who would rather be with his Ren Faire troupe back in Ohio. The reappearance of his old faery master had brought his scarce two years of freedom to an abrupt end.

The Grimms were a loose organization of former faery thralls; humans kidnapped as children, who’d lived in Arcadia for so long that their bodies had absorbed faery magic and made them something not quite fae, but more than human. Blessed…or cursed, depending on who you asked…with strange and erratic and often dangerous powers. Those that joined the Grimms used those powers to help other humans escape and integrate, as best they could, back into the human world.

And, occasionally, they worked to protect said thralls when their former faery masters came looking for them.

Now here Virgil stood, in some ordinary human apartment, owned by an absent half-blood with a human name, in some middle-of-nowhere city in hot, muggy Florida, a thousand miles from everyone he knew.

Figures, the guy isn’t even here when I show up. He tugged his oversized black plaid hoodie tighter around himself. It’s not like I’m ever anyone’s top priority.

“Uh, hey?” he called, flipping a light switch. “Anyone home?”

Silence.

Virgil rolled his eyes.

Despite his relief at not having to answer questions or make small talk with a stranger, Logan’s absence unsettled him. What kind of person apparently regularly took in changelings on the run, but couldn’t be arsed to actually be around when they turned up on his doorstep? If Virgil’d had any other place to go, he’d have turned around and walked right back out the door on principle.

Instead he huffed out a sigh and let his ratty duffle bag slide to the floor. He’d meet this mysterious Logan eventually; assuming, of course, that his pursuer didn’t track him down in the night and finish what he’d begun years ago in Arcadia.

It would be no more than I deserve.  

Logan Ursae’s apartment was spacious and clean, making Virgil uncomfortably aware of his own travel-mussed, unwashed state. Hopefully the half-faery wouldn’t care if he used the shower…well, if he wanted to lay down rules, he should’ve been here to do it.

The foyer spilled into a modest living room, with a navy sectional couch and a low coffee table, several standing lamps, a hallway presumably leading to the bedrooms, and the dining space off in its own niche to the right. Practically every wall in the place housed a heavily-laden bookshelf or three; an inconceivable number of books to Virgil, who’d lived either on the road or on the run his whole life. He wandered to the oval dining table, trailing fingerpads across classy pale wood and a dark blue runner.

A half empty water dish with ‘Nic’ spelled out in neat cursive sat against the far wall…but there were no other signs of pets. If Logan did have a dog or something, it was as absent as its owner.

A low counter separated a small galley kitchen from the rest of the apartment, navy towels hanging evenly from the oven handle and blue, galaxy-themed pot holders hanging under the cabinets.

The guy clearly had a thing for the color blue.

Even the curious scent that hung in the air smelled blue to Virgil’s changeling-sensitive nose, tickling at his senses in an explosion of color. Dark teal skies and rich bronze bark against a background of earthy brown, a combination that made his mind hazy in a pleasant way. Subtle and masculine, but more middle-note than the patchouli oil Virgil himself liked to wear.

He inhaled slowly, unconsciously imagining that scent against a warm masculine neck, and wondered where the hell that thought came from.

Maybe you’re just gay, Virgil, he groused to himself.

In place of a television, Logan’s living room held a large, intricately carved wooden cabinet; the antique kind, waist-high, with drawers and two swinging doors. On top of this sat an old fashioned record player with a huge brass horn. The setup could have easily graced a 50s movie set; both cabinet and player were heavy and solid and gleamed with care.

Virgil idly pawed through the impressive vinyl collection on the shelf above, recognizing a few artists, and then knelt to see if there were any more inside the cabinet.

“I’ll thank ye not to touch that,” a voice said.

Virgil’s heart skittered up into his throat. He whirled.

A creature no more than two feet tall leaned against the coffee table, tiny brown arms folded over a sturdy brown chest, covered by a tunic that looked to be messily stitched from several colored hand towels. Their feet were bare and covered in brown wispy hair. Gender was impossible to determine.

Their face was framed by a mop of more wispy hair and a tall hat that, weirdly, looked like it had been made from burlap and a Starbucks cup. A pair of black sunglasses sat on a red, upturned nose, nearly obscuring a pair of black, beady, glaring eyes under expressive eyebrows.

Fae, Virgil’s mind whispered. Fae, Fae, there’s a Fae in the house they’ll tell Deceit where I am what do I do…?

No. He was overreacting. It was just a house brownie. A solitary. Generally harmless.

Virgil took a breath and relaxed his shoulders, which had tensed up at being startled.

“You always sneak up on people?” he asked, mirroring the small faery’s crossed-arm stance.

“You always go poking about in people’s houses?” the brownie countered in a high, sassy voice, the faintest hint of a baroque staining the syllables.

“I’m not poking; I have a key. S’not my fault Logan’s not here—”

“I meant what’s behind you,” the brownie nodded toward the cabinet, “ye daft changeling. I know the Bear is expecting company. Do what ye want in the rest of the apartment, but keep clear of my house.”

Oh.

Virgil shuffled away from the cabinet, trying to recall what little he knew about domestic Fae. Don’t insult them. Leave gifts; never leave them payment. Don’t watch them do chores. Don’t give them clothes.

Nothing about trying to make conversation with one; unfortunate, since Virgil sucked at making conversation in general.

“Sorry,” he grumbled. “Just…don’t like being surprised.”

The brownie peeked over their sunglasses…why would a Fae wear sunglasses?…and ran beady eyes over Virgil’s faded purple hair and messy eyeshadow, his ripped jeans and faded black hoodie, seemingly content to let him squirm under the scrutiny.

“Um, no offense,” Virgil muttered, rubbing his neck. “But your kind don’t usually show themselves to humans.”

The brownie plopped onto the coffee table.

“Well, I see no humans here,” they quipped, leaning forward. “Do you, changeling?”

Virgil instinctively ducked his head, letting his bangs obscure his eyes…eyes that, like all changelings, held a narrow ring of color around each pupil. Worse, Virgil’s changeling eyes were heterochromatic, setting him apart even from his own kind. Besides his natural dark brown, he bore a dark green ring around his left pupil, and a striking purple one around his right.

Wearing his hair long in the front helped, but they still drew attention.

He hated attention.

If there was one thing Fae were good at, it was needling at your insecurities. Brownies and hobgoblins and other solitaries, like all faeries, enjoyed their little games.

“Technically changelings are human,” Virgil grumbled. “We’re just kept in Arcadia for so long that the magic just kind of—”

“Bleeds into ye?” The brownie swung their legs, making their mop of hair sway. “Soaks into your teeth and sinew until ye can alter the Contracts same as they can?”

Virgil frowned. “If that means ‘do magic’, then yeah.”

“I live with a half-blood, lad,” the brownie pointed out, still in that sassy tone, licking their knobby teeth. “I know of your Grimms. I know you’re here for the Bear to keep safe, because your master tried to snatch ye back up. What’re you called, then, eh?”

“Um,” Virgil stalled, swallowing.

It was never a good idea to give a Fae one’s real name, but if Logan and the little Fae had a close relationship, Virgil didn’t dare insult the brownie by lying to them. He suspected if this one knew why he was here, they knew his name already.

“Virgil,” he admitted softly.

The brownie smiled, removing their sunglasses to bare their face properly.

“Mmm. Then you may call me Remy,” they said with a small nod, flourishing the glasses and parking them back on their nose. “He/him pronouns.”

Virgil nodded, guessing he’d passed some test.

Remy folded his arms again.

Neither spoke for a long, uncomfortable minute…long enough for Virgil’s skin to crawl. Logan’s brownie seemed friendly enough, but Virgil wasn’t too keen to start befriending every faery he happened across. He also despised awkward silences, and small talk, and making nice with a stranger when he was worn down and grimy from travel and ready to curl up somewhere and just sleep.

“Look, uh, Remy,” Virgil said at last, picking at his sleeves. “Did Logan know I was coming tonight?”

“You want to know why he’s not here to meet ye?” Remy shrugged. “I could explain, or,” and he gestured to a neatly folded sheet of paper on the coffee table, “you could hear it from the Bear himself.”

Virgil rolled his eyes and snatched up the note.

He could’ve have led with that, the little bastard. He ignored Remy’s knowing chuckle and unfolded the note with a little more force than necessary. Delicate, slanted script covered the paper, the lines so straight they looked like they’d been made with a ruler.

‘Salutations,’

Virgil raised an eyebrow. Really? We’re leading with that?

‘If you are reading this, Virgil, then I extend my sincerest apologies for my absence upon your arrival. An emergency has called me away. Though I advised your Grimm sponsors of this as soon as I could, you had already begun your journey, and, as you have no phone, there was no way to inform you.

Remy was right about this note being enlightening. Virgil hoped the guy didn’t actually talk like this.

‘(We must remedy this issue upon my return; due to the circumstances of your relocation, I insist upon having a reliable means to contact you.)’

Patronizing, too. Great.

‘The room on the left is yours. There are clean sheets on the bed and towels in the bathroom. I trust you have brought your own toiletries.’

Virgil frowned. Either Logan was one of those people who believed not brushing one’s teeth after every meal was barbaric, or he was afraid Virgil would steal his shampoo or something.

Whatever.

‘Also, please do not move the bowl on the counter, and if you find it empty, if you could fill it with the cream you’ll find in the fridge, I would much appreciate it. The house brownie may or may not choose to introduce himself to you; he tends to spend most of his time sleeping. If he does come out, please be polite.’

Virgil glanced up and was unsurprised to see that Remy had vanished. Brownies generally came and went as they pleased and stayed out of sight; he already knew he was fortunate Remy had shown himself at all.

‘I advise you to stay inside the apartment until my return. You will find both the fridge and the pantry stocked; please make yourself at home. I expect to return sometime the night of the 12th, and look forward to meeting you then.

Logan’

‘P.S. Do not touch the Crofters.’

Well, August 12th would be over in about an hour, so it didn’t look like he’d be meeting Logan that night. Virgil refolded and pocketed the note, sighing again. He found Remy’s bowl and refilled it as instructed, but figured he probably wouldn’t see the little brownie again until Logan returned…if then.

Meanwhile, he might as well get settled.

The room mentioned in the note held a twin bed, a nightstand with a lamp, and a small deck with a chair. Not much, but the bedspread looked new and he had his own closet. Virgil, having lived in a tent before this, was very much not complaining.

After unpacking his clothes (black, very dark gray, more black, a little purple…what, so he had a certain aesthetic), he carefully unearthed his two most valued possessions: a beat-up tackle box full of smushed, well-used acrylic paints, and a roll of brushes and palette knives. In his escape, he’d had to leave his all sketchbooks and paintings behind…but he knew he was lucky to have saved any of his art supplies at all.

Virgil sat heavily on his bed, the last seventy-two hours finally starting to catch up.

The sheer terror of seeing his former faery master strolling through that Renaissance Faire like he owned the place.

Him bolting to his tent and throwing everything he could into his duffle.

Running, with no real plan, nowhere in particular to go, just away.

He was lucky that a Grimm had stumbled upon him at that farmer’s market and taken him to a safe house, one of many, set up all over the country. He was lucky those Grimms were in contact with the Founders…the original Grimm team…and through them, Logan.

He was lucky.

He’d already escaped hell once. He wasn’t sure he’d survive under Deceit’s thumb again. Working until his fingers bled and his eyes burned with exhaustion, second guessing every word, every gesture, every silence, never knowing day to day if he’d be slapped or fed, coddled or tortured…

Virgil shuddered, wrapping arms around himself and exhaling carefully. He’d endured over twenty hours of traveling without having a panic attack. It would suck to fall into one now that he was, for the moment, safe.

At least, he hoped so.

For lack of anything else to do, Virgil showered in the guest bathroom (with his own shampoo, thank you very much, Mr. Bring-Your-Own-Toiletries), and dressed for bed. , It was barely midnight and his eyelids already felt heavy, and normally he considered 2am “early”. He read through Logan’s stilted, precise note again, frowning the odd post script before setting it on the nightstand and switching off the lamp.

What in the Arcadian hell is a ‘Crofters’?

Clematis: rest, safety

#sanders sides fanfiction #ts fanfic #virgil sanders #ts virgil #fae #ts remy #remy sanders #fanfiction #mahoganyandteakwood

[sassaetcie]

The Molten Charcoal - Chapter 4 - Silver x Idia Fanfiction

Yeah I may have... forgotten I was publishing this on tumblr... I apologize krkrkr.

I shouldn't have said "yes" that easily. I'm just so weak after a certain time outside... Like it must be a downgrade or something... Sure I don't want to hurt Ortho but... If I end doing shit in front of Silver, I will ashame everone (once again lol), right? I can't tell anymore if it was a safe bet or not... No, it never has been a "safe" bet because I'm playing with humans www. They aren't as easily predictable as AI if they aren't shaking in fear... if they "aren't shaking in fear". Shut the fuck. Shut the fuck up, Idia. No, I should talk like this, right? This is the way I get to the top in videogames, after all... No, shut the fuck. The only reason you get this high... Is it because of "this"? Or "that"? Or both? Or neither, in the end? Nothing "has" to make sense, after all... If everything had to make sense, they would be true. I DON'T WANT THEM TO BE TRUE. EVERYTHING IS THEIR FAULT. EVERYTHING IS THEIR FAULT. THEY'RE THE ONES BEING WRONG, OR BEING A DIFFERENT KIND OF WRONG. If I'm doing everything "wrong" because everyone keeps thinking like them, then there's a possibility that I'm actualy the only one being right, right? (That's a Higurashi curse-like thinking but that's not exactly what I mean...) Everyone is a fucking weirdo here, so why am I the one considered even stranger? That must mean "something else". Or does that doesn't mean anything? Why am I even thinking about all this crap? That's because of them. I shouldn't think about all this... But if I don't, I'm going to disappoint Ortho because I'm going to be stupid and not trying enough... That's because of them. Because they wanted me so bad to be their heir. "A meeting is funny as long as you can play with the people". Why did you want me to play like you? I shouldn't have been here watching every adult whispering. I shouldn't have been here, hearing all these bad things. I shouldn't have been here. But my hair cannot betray you, right? I cannot hide. I cannot run. I cannot speak. Even if this adult smiles, he will stabs the other. Even if this one threatens to stab, it will be "only" a joke. Will it be? Which of them was joking? Which of them IS joking? Why did you show me this? Why did you show me so many people, as if they were your playthings? You really enjoyed inviting every last of them knowing they would insult you, and making them fear for one day to be fighting each other under your blackmailing, right? You even expected me to be abducted, huh? You didn't give a shit when I was abducted by this smiling couple. They really looked nice. I can't tell if they looked nicer than you. How many days did I spend here? They were still nice when they were with me. They kept on smiling. They lied. They lied again. Do I have to become an adult like this? I hate this. I hate this, I hate this, I hate this. WHY DO YOU EXIST. WHY DO I HAVE TO BECOME LIKE THIS TO SURVIVE? I DON'T WANT TO. I'm tired... Why did they keep on smiling to me even when I told them I knew I had been abducted? Did they really not want to worry me because they didn't bear me a grudge for one of the things you had done to them? I'm sorry... I'm sorry, I can't understand, Ortho. I'm sorry, I'm really sorry, you did so much for me and I'm just lost between all of these things... And I was released and I didn't die, right... Right... I'm sorry, I'm sorry, Ortho. I shouldn't... What should I think? I was almost murdered, right? But I didn't die. Even when another two brothers, two agressive brothers I definitely chose to escape from, caught me and threatened me to death with knives... I didn't die. I knew they were dangerous, right? Or did I want to believe they were not since the smiling couple was a bunch of bastard NPC? I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry... I don't want to apologize outside of this... This will be useless, right? Ortho, you're always trying to help me but you were the one killed, right? I barely woke you up... did I? Or are you another type of fake as well? Who are you, "Ortho"? I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I don't want to doubt you. I don't want to doubt Ortho. If he's the true Ortho, everything's alright. If he is my creation, everything's alright as well. Your skin is alive. Your voice is there. Haha... I should make a Frankenstein's ref here. I feel a bit better but I need to vent... I'll just play a bit.

Thanks [x], WyverneCastel was there and at least my day wasn't an absolute hell (lol). At first the game was total shit since there were a lot of servers crash on this new game, I honestly thought we would just leave and go back to TESO or something casual, since I've already rushed Dragon Nest's new events and the others, lol. We have been able to play but in the end the game was worthless, lmao. It wasn't original, had nothing to be "interesting". Maybe it was "fun" but I don't really care about it anymore... At least, WyverneCastel was funny. They even asked me if I was alright??? I thought they were joking or begging me to buy them something in another game, but it seemed not? I thought it would be good to test out if they were a true friend or not and huh... I was terrified at first.  I thought the whole room was dragging itself into flames and that heat was going to consume me. Either I would burn out or burn the whole world down like I was probably expected to do. So... I've spoken to them, for once. They appeared to be really understanding, somehow. I thought I might get banned or blacklisted for saying out loud that I was gay but oh, I guess our gamers's mindset wasn't that shitty for once. He wasn't surprised that much, so I can't tell if he was really serious about anything but... He told me that of course if the one I loved rejected me because I love him instead of "her", then I should just forget about him because he would be just another bastard I shouldn't pine on... Sure enough, but if love was that easily curable, I wouldn't be on the verge of grieving, nah, crying with all my might just because I "have" a date with the one I love, even though it really doesn't make any sense. Of course I shouldn't be ashamed of being in love with him, and I'm not ashamed of being gay, fuck off. I barely told him that I was in love with a prince-type... Was it wrong? I mean, I have to stay honest or I'll just be the shy-neet everyone likes for no specific reason but pity... And if I can be different than them, it would be for the best as well... If they want to make fun of me for this, I will just hack them and teach them a little something, still lurking in my own den. Or in the worst case, I would have changed my pseudo... WyverneCastel did not mock me, and maybe never ... even fathomed mocking me. That's probably just a dumb thought but I feel like they are just curious and benevolent (I guess they're the depressed mysterious dude character)? Nonetheless, I don't want to be naive and crushed, but even more I don't want to get closer to the Flame Crown. I don't even want to write down their names. They don't deserve it, right? WyverneCastel, WyverneCastel, WyverneCastel. Let's scribble down more about them.

They... told me I would find my prince if I wanted that much to be with one, and yet feared that much being with them. I guess he would be the kind to speak of "trials", "fate" and "forgiveness". A hopeless optimist, an eternal philanthropist (and not the Izaya kind, huh). I should tell him someday that I'm happy to have him as a friend. He probably already knows about it... right? Maybe I'll just make myself a stupid lad by telling him this... But does he want me to tell him this, too? Perhaps he wishes for a single word as an "hope"? He knew of my school as a "miracle", too. He even asked me if my "beloved" was Epel Felmier... I mean, I could have, perhaps? He's way too cute for me, he almost looks like a child (not a girl since just thinking about it would bring a curse upon me lmao, no honestly, even if I don't like him, that would be disrespectful.), I can't. And we also talked about how frightening he was whenever he snapped... Definitely not for me, and he looks fake too... Like all of Pomefiore, except creepHunt, to be fair. They are just so superficial and shiny... It looks like they want to walk on water and leaped out of it to sit on sunny clouds. I would offer my flames to them if I could... I just told WyverneCastel my love was another student, and not a Pomefiore one. Of course, he could have heard of the school because of its reputation and Pomefiore because Vil is in it... But I'm pretty sure he is a student now, since he already told me he was a guy (wouldn't have assume his gender if he didn't tell me). Well! I assumed he was a student because of the ominous silence following my answer before he started rambling again. His Internet couldn't have crashed since I still could hear his mic buzzing, and so neither was the mic off. He simply, didn't make a sound. For a few seconds. And if he had been surprised about my choice not "being Epel", then he would have surprised before, and not lolling as he was, probably. I didn't tell him but he probably wants me to ask him about this someday too. I guess... I didn't have the time to question him since some scams invaded our serv and began behaving as if they were girls with their girly characters in-game... Of course they were asking for money for IRL meetings and all that stuff so I just hacked them... It took a few minutes, but I couldn't afford to lose hours with WyverneCastel trying to ignore them when they were making a ruckus and... using hyper sexualized women characters? Like wtf, are we still in the past, dudes? They're just hurting everyone by doing this, and the LGBTQIA+ community doesn't needs some dumbfucked lads who would just serve as scapegoats for people hating on trans people and women... So fucking tiresome. I just wanted to talk about my prince and bad-written NPCs barged in. In the end, he just told me everything would be alright as long as I was staying true to my self and that I wouldn't find any semi-perfect prince if I didn't... I guess he meant that it would be easier to find one if I was faking but that the prince would indeed be ideal if everything was a lie, but then the whole prince, castle and white horse would be stuck together around me, and there would be no way of separating them... And the other way around, probably. I should take a walk and sleep, now... Or try to sleep, at least.

[Started Recording at : 9:45 am : Fourth? Day]

The coliseum was blessed by hollowness. Void and vacuity, though fake vacuity in the end, facing the sweet void, twirled among the stairs yet engraved by humans centuries ago. The eerie, airy presents were not made to hold any perfume neither scent. Only one or two students jumped from seat to seat to leave but nothing behind them. All of the ancient chairs were on their own, now.  And thus, the presence among them refrained from gamboling as well, and went back to another void. They were, after all, no exception.

-Hmm, it seems the coliseum is empty today. I guess sometimes pups do behave as good boys. Well, if they study in the meantime, that is.

The wind was cut at some point, even if it was authorized to come in this area. He should not be that greedy, probably. No storm, no tempest, no breeze was to interrupt an exam day in the coliseum. Sunshine could not disappear yet, but someday quiet shadows would run accross the dirt field. Stones bedecked by seals and symbols did not need all of this light.

-Pups! Come here. Let us make teams and start the exam right in time.

Each student throngs on the still ground.

-Hm, everyone is here. Good boys. Diamond Cater, Hunt Rook, please make a first team. Mhh... Well, Shroud Idia... What is it, Clover Trey?

-I don't mean to interrupt you at all, sir and I'm sorry if I do. I would like to know if it were possible to be with Shroud? His performances may end up bad if he was with someone he doesn't know, and he may also have panic attack and it would mess up everything.

-This is quite an harsh way of saying things, Clover Trey. I would like Shroud Idia to overcome his fears, but let us be benevolent for this test only. He barely shows up, after all. But next time will be a random pairing, remember this. And this will only works if Shroud Idia agrees with you, Clover Trey. What of it, Shroud Idia?

-I-i-i-i-I... huh... wh-why not... after all...

-Thanks, Crewel sir, thanks Shroud.

The seats were still empty, and were meant to stay away from a temporary crowd. The sun was already too much of a witness, in the end. How much would he suck away all of the water in the flames heir? Perhaps it would first attack his surroundings. He was not alone. There was even a possibility he would get away with a tiny drop in his hands. A drop shining by reflecting.

-Diamond Cater, Hunt Rook, get yourselves ready. Shroud Idia, Clover Trey, stand in front of them. We will start the exam. Let us see who can stand until the end.

The two semi-teams came forth. None of them were fully a team, indeed. Diamond and Hunt smiled to a certain percent, and Clover and Shroud stressing to another. Was it the higher the better, or the lower the better? Several words were muttered by Idia, and Trey barely reacted. Were Rook and Cater deserving of a victory, now?

-Lets us begin, puppies.

-Damoiseau orné de diamants, may you use your unique magic to ease our hunt?

-Suuure~ I planned on doing it from the moment we were facing Shroud anyway~ He fears crowd so let's have fun, Shrouuud~! I'll take a selfie with you if you lose eheh!

-Hey, Shroud you... Hey, why are you hiding behind my back?! Jeez... it was to be expected, I guess. Fine, let's go, Cater! I won't abandon Shroud the way you don't care about Hunt!

-"Split Card"! Let's go, myselves~ Let's pin cutie Trey to the ground and force him to give up!

-Oh, oh, so you think something as simple will work on me, Cater?! Your "selves" won't move anymore if I can strike them all in one single shot... "Doodle Suit"!

-HEHHHHHH?! DID YOU JUST REWRITE MYSELVES?!

-OH YES I DID!

-N-nevermind! It won't be enough to defeat me... as if my unique magic was the only thing that was... shining withing myself! Take thiiiiiiiiiiiis!

A fireball flew across the area, flickering of mad sparkles. Yet, it was alone, as blinding as it could be. No other fires hid themselves. The light went forward, running through the usual sea-like Cater toward the forever lake-like Trey. Cater's "selves" were still, and would not move as long as Trey was not overdoing himself. Basically, Cater "should" have aimed to reduce his focus and magic slots. If Trey could have defend himself twice, then he should have throw several fireballs, as long as they were more than two. Yet he did not. No matter how Trey was stretching his neck and all body as one, there was but one fireball coming his way.

-That won't do it, Cater! I will bring you down... and I will take care of Hunt!

-Heeh~ Could that mean you can't take both of us down? You're really tired, huuh~! I will make you fall asleep and you'll have some sweets dreams, Treyyyyyy~!

They both brung their hands on their foreheads and wiped some sweat, almost in the same fashion as well. There was a possibility they were both lying. Yet, if Cater has used his unique magic and was still forced to maintain it because of Trey's unique magic coercing them into a motionless army... The fireball burst into numerous drops and shone into multiple drips full of infinite colors, filled with Trey's own magic and shades.

-Don't even think your fire magic will be enough to defeat me.

-Then I'll use some tree one... Just kidding! I knew I wouldn't defeat you, but we already won, right, Rook~?

-Damoiseauuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu!

Rook Hunt had disappeared from Trey sight for a long time for obvious reasons, but so had Idia.

-I... don't see Le Roi des Ombres behind Le Chevalier des Roses! Quelle est cette diablerie!

-EHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH?!

-Hehehehehehehheheheheheheheheehehehehe... NEVER UNDERESTIMATE ME AGAIN, FUCKEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEERS!

A single ray came behind a still Cater's copy, bouncing between all of the numerous fake selves toward the usual fake one and its superficial yet earnest one, drenching the losing liars with a superficial water worthy of them.

-Huh... we...

-Clover Trey and Shroud Idias team won. A brilliant strategy, I reckon.

-Wait, what do you mean by strategy??? Shroud and Trey had...

-Yeah, I had planned this since the very beginning ufufufufufufuu... From the very moment you thought I was simply muttering to myself, Trey was listening to me and ready to follow my strategy!

-Uwaaa~ Idia Shroud is actually so cooool~ Can I have a selfie with you to apologize~?

-No w-w-w-w-w-way! You hypocrite...

-That aside, I must apologize for judging you, Roi des Ombres. You really do show a beautiful intellect and scheming.

-T-That's okay... Just let me go away, please...

The wind finally thronged in the no-more private area. The void would likely move as well. Among all the droplets, their status was but one, and only one. They were the one hindering the sun fostering reflection. They were the one hiding music. The child of the void's hair waltzed dazzlingly under the bright sun overflowing. His fingers tried to force the hair down in the hood, but only some of his skin obeyed in the end. He coerced his feet protected from the atmosphere by boots to move on, and more especially, back. But the crown of flames rushed forward, gleaming in front of him again.

-How beautiful, Roi des Ombres! Why would you want to hide such brightness...

-Oh, Cater, Hunt, look out, Vil came to cheer you up!

-EHHHHH?

-Oh~?

The flames followed the kid which they were yet meant to fuse with someday. They had no choice once no more could play with them... No sand was brought to their eyes, though. All elements were not helping him, after all. He had disappeared. Only clouds were playing with the sunshine.

-Eeeh, Treyyy~ Vil wasn't there, are you sure your eyesight is good even with your glasses on~...

-I'm sorry! I thought I saw him... Oh, Shroud has left.

-Chevalier des Roses, you are but quite the bad comedian. On a side note, what a great strategy, oh my!

-Rook, what the...

-Le Roi des Ombres sure has thought a lot upon this fight, hasn't he? The fact he asked you transform Damoiseau's copies into motionless mirrors to make his own shot bounce in it... Splendide! It was really splendide!

-Haha, thanks, Hunt. He really thinks a lot... He just needs some time to open up to people. Let's be nice to him.

-You three! Move away, pups! The next team has to fight!

-O-oh, yes, sorry, Crewel sir.

[Ended Recording at : 10:30 am : Fourth? Day]

#twisted wonderland #twisted wonderland fanfiction #twst #twst fanfic #idia x silver

[richiefuckfacetozier]

Chapter 2: Funny Feeling

Story: Why Can’t This Be Love

Chapters: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6

Art of Eddie and Richie by @whatidoisxsecret

Located on Archive of Our Own

___

Eddie’s leg was bouncing up and down quickly as he sat in the semi-empty Thai food restaurant. Mike and him always had lunch at on Wednesday. It started after Mike’s dad died for a source of comfort. Not that Eddie felt qualified in any way to comfort someone after the death of a parent when he could barely remember his own father, but Mike meant a lot to him. He needed someone who would listen. Who would not change the subject because they were uncomfortable like Bill, or make an inappropriate joke like Richie, or avoid the topic of fathers altogether like Beverly had every right to do. Ben used to come before his big promotion, it had him traveling too much now. That left, Eddie, who would listen, nod, give some thoughts, but mostly just be there for Mike.

They kept up their lunch dates long after Will Hanlon’s death because it was special to them. If there were a couple of dishes they both wanted, they would get them and share. Mike always got a dessert that Eddie would mooch from. Spending one on one time with Mike was easy, never worrisome.

For once, Eddie was especially nervous today because he had to lie to Mike. Lying to his friends was not his forte. He knew how to lie or fudge the truth, it was an important ability he developed living under his mother’s strict roof. The question wasn’t whether he could do it or not but the guilt might eat at him.

This was all Richie’s FAULT. Last night when he suggested they be each other’s dates to Ben and Beverly’s wedding, Eddie was so caught off guard that he found himself agreeing. Well, not exactly saying yes, but he certainly didn’t say no. He told Richie he would think about it. The idea was actually brilliant, the only problem would be convincing their friends they were dating and not just using a loophole in the ‘Eddie and Richie must have wedding dates’ rule.

He wasn’t even necessarily nervous to pretend to be Richie’s date. In fact, he found himself a little exhilarated at the prospect. Their conversation about how to handle this didn’t get very far, but Richie said they would have to start dropping hints to the losers club immediately. It wouldn’t be enough to be each other’s date, they must convince everyone they liked each other as more than best friends. It was this part that sent him into a bit of a spiral.

“Sorry, I’m late!” Mike came flying into him for a quick hug, almost tipping him out of the chair, then sat across picking up his menu. Eddie looked at the tired, yet caffeine-fueled human in front of him fondly. Mike was a handsome and extremely good-hearted man. It always surprised him that Mike was single, but Eddie had a feeling he was looking for the kind of true love his parents’ possessed. Which wouldn’t be easy to replicate as the Hanlons were a beautiful couple.

“You’re fine.” Eddie waved him off. “I’ve just been suffering from the boredom of waiting for you.”

Mike rolled his eyes, “So much suffering. I bet you were texting Richie the whole time.”

“No, I wasn’t!” his eyes flashed in irritation. He hadn’t been, nevermind that normally he would be texting Richie. Right now he felt a little nauseous thinking about it. “My life doesn’t revolve around him.”

Mike laughed, “No need to bite my head off.” Eddie rolled his eyes but begrudgingly smiled.

“So why were you late?” Eddie asked.

“Boss needed me to show a new employee around the library.” Mike picked up the menu. “She seems nice.”

“Nice?” Eddie raised an eyebrow in surprise. His friend tended to be very private about people he might find attractive. It was vital he stayed cautious, if not also a bit nosy, when trying to ask questions. He hesitated then, “Are you interested in her?” Then immediately regretted it as that was probably too much too fast. So much for cautious.

Mike glanced over the top of his menu clearly debating how much to reveal. His dark eyes were steady with internal conflict. “Maybe? She’s a knockout that’s for sure. So how was dinner last night? Any new news?”

He nodded still wanting to push the subject further but he had the job of leaving hints about his own fake dating life. He considered how to do this then a crazy idea came to him.

Without meeting Mike’s eyes, Eddie started by saying, “Mike...I think I am gay.” He couldn’t believe he just said those words aloud.

A gasp and smile came from Mike’s lips, “Oh wow! I…” He was completely thrown for what to say. “Thank you for sharing that. How do you feel?”

“A little sick to be honest.” Eddie groaned. He should not have done that. It was a mistake. Suddenly, his breathing picked up in a telltale sign of a panic attack emerging.

“Hey, hey…that’s ok.” Mike reassured him gently, he reached forward to pat Eddie’s hand comfortingly.

“I told Richie too.” Eddie gasped out, breathing evening back out with his friend’s kindness. Silence ensued as Mike clearly tried to control his facial expressions. This was Eddie’s chance, he gulped heavily. “I’m happy Richie knows.”

Mike hesitated then said, “Oh yeah?”

Eddie nodded, “Ya know, because he’s...he’s Richie.” He’s my person. But Eddie didn’t want to say that out loud and offend Mike, someone just as important. “I don’t know how I am going to tell Ben and Bev when they JUST told Richie and me about this ‘Have to take a date to their wedding’ deal.” Eddie bit the bottom of his lip. “Thanks for not warning me by the way.” He said sarcastically, removing his hand from underneath Mike’s.

Mike opened his mouth to defend himself but the waitress swooped in to grab their food and drink orders. She gave Eddie a wink when he asked for his meal, which reddened his cheeks a bit in embarrassment. People flirting with him always made him uncomfortable. Except with Richie, he was the only person Eddie could laugh off the flirting easily. Most likely from years of dealing with it.

After she walked away, Mike turned to Eddie with a determined expression, “You had to know they would ask something like this of you. Stanley’s wedding was bad enough then Bill’s, you both need someone to rein you in.”

A spark of rage ignited within Eddie, he was always easily angered when pushed. “Those were rough fucking times for me! And last year was hard as fuck on Richie with the death of his dad. You should understand of all people.”

Mike’s lips pursed and he spoke very slowly, “I do understand, Eddie. But this day is about Beverly and Ben. They get to ask whatever the fuck they want from any of us.”

“It’s embarrassing, Mike.” Eddie’s voice was rising in pitch and volume as a familiar panic started to set in. “Forcing me to get a date and, in turn, now I have to come out to them to explain why the person I am bringing will be a guy. It wasn’t fair of them to put me and Richie on the spot like that! You knew! You should have said something.” As all of this rolled out of Eddie’s mouth, a crazy dawning hit him. He might actually...be...no...he can’t be. Can he?

Mike listened carefully before sighing loudly. He looked away from Eddie then back at him. “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you.”

Eddie nodded. “That’s all I wanted to hear.”

They got interrupted by the waitress coming with their food and drinks. The meals smelled incredible but neither of them touched their food. Mike clearly wanted to say more from the tense way his jaw twitched.

“I really didn’t think about it, Eddie. I’m sorry you were put in that position.” Mike gave the saddest expression that made his tired face look even more burdened.

Eddie was never able to stay mad at his friends for long. “You apologized. Good enough for me.” And almost as a sign of peace, Eddie reached over and took a spoonful of Mike’s Pad Thai. “So tell me about the library girl.”

Mike beamed at him. “Her name is Carole Danners…”

Eddie marched forward like a soldier ready for war. He got to the door of Richie’s apartment and knocked. There was a thump and yell from inside. Richie must have been napping then fell off the couch. Which made sense since he worked the night shift at the Radio station and did standup many nights.

Eddie was losing his resolve with every passing second. It was taking far too long for Richie to answer. His feet started carrying him away from the stoop then the door flung open.

Richie’s hair was messy, sticking out everywhere. Eddie was annoyed at how his cheeks warmed seeing Richie shirtless and wearing only boxers.

Now, he isn’t blind or an idiot, Eddie knows Richie is really good looking. He’s known the guy through braces, the growth spurt, his skin clearing and the mercy of puberty turning him into a beautiful man. Richie works out to keep fit for industry standards, he has a soft stomach from still eating junk and too much beer, his eyes are ocean blue behind stylish glasses, jaw defined, and overall unfair attractiveness.

Richie leaned on the doorframe with a smirk. “You going to stand there and drool over my sexiness or come inside?”

Eddie frowned, shoved past him and into the apartment. “I wasn’t drooling you turd. And you aren’t sexy, you’re a nerd.”

“So what do I owe the pleasure of your company, besides the obvious of enjoying your company always.” Richie plopped down on his couch and patted the seat next to him. Except Eddie didn’t feel like sitting yet. He went over to the record that was playing a Queen song. Richie always had music playing, he could barely go 30 minutes without some kind of sound surrounding him. It was particularly bad in school when he would finish tests quickly then bring out his headphones to try listening to something. Teachers hated it.

“I want to go as each others’ dates for the wedding.” He heard Richie get up from the couch, then a hand came on his shoulder to turn him around. Those blue eyes searched his own greyish-brown ones for a minute. The scrutiny made Eddie feel exposed, so he shrugged him off changing the record to a song by Aretha Franklin. “I’m serious. Whatever it takes for us to go together, I will do it.”

This seemed enough for Richie. “Fuck yes! This will be so fun.”

“It won’t be fun to lie.” Eddie groaned.

Richie ignored this as he said, “We need to plan. It has to be convincing. Some of our friends may not believe us.”

“I told Mike I am gay.” Eddie blurted out. Richie’s eyes widened in shock, which looked huge behind his thick glasses. His big mouth opened in a dumb gaped way, “And he fucking believed me which I feel says something about me that I am not sure I want to tackle at the moment.”

“Oh shit,” Richie laughed and gave an air of completely impressed. “No, you fucking didn’t!”

“Yeah, I fucking DID. He sat there and was proud of me.” Eddie paused. “Richie, do I give off gay vibes?”

“Er…” Richie shifted from one foot to the other, while rubbing the back of his neck. “How should I know?”

“Bowers used to call us faggots all the time…”

“Eds, that was just one of the few words in Bowers’ vocabulary. You can’t possibly take it seriously.”

Eddie studied Richie for a second longer. “You're probably right. I’m overthinking this.”

“Definitely. No more thinking.”

“You do enough lack of thinking for both of us," Eddie stated, to which Richie barked out a laugh. "Ok. What do we do?”

Richie frowned in confusion, “What do we do what?”

“About pretending to date!” Eddie felt small and vulnerable. This situation was not ideal for him, either of them. He couldn’t put his finger on exactly why so many hang-ups were emerging, him and Richie messed with their friends all the time. This felt different, more dangerous, disrespectful maybe or...too real perhaps.  

Richie must’ve sensed Eddie was in his head as he slung a long arm around his shoulders leading them to the couch.

“So, first we have to pretend to date,” Richie informed him. This reminder made Eddie grimace. Going as wedding dates was one thing but actively dating would be a challenge. “It’s the only way to convince them it’s genuine and not a trick.”

“Dating to go to one wedding together is risky, Rich. What if you find someone you are actually interested in?”

“Eds, you know my track record is all over the place. I’ve never held a girlfriend for more than a couple of months.”

“You dated Sandy for 3 years and lived with her for 2 and a half.” Eddie stated bitterly.

“Right, blocked Sandy out,” said Richie, obviously lying. He rarely ever brought her up and never talked about why they broke up. Eddie always figured she thought Richie wasn’t mature enough. Whenever the subject of marriage came up, he used to make a joke about them being too young or that she wouldn’t want to marry him. Until one day she stopped him in front of everyone and said she did want to get married so what did he have to say about that. They broke up the next day. Eddie never told Richie he was happy about that break up because he knew it wouldn’t go over well, but Sandy always tried to change Richie. To do that to the most immovable force in Eddie’s life was unforgivable in his book. “Anyway, don’t worry about me. But if you want to date someone within the next year, speak now or forever hold your peace.”

Eddie shook his head aggressively, “Definitely not up to actually dating someone.”

Richie placed his hand over his heart. “Hurtful.”

“Asshole.” Eddie grumbled and poked Richie’s forehead hard.

He rubbed the spot but smiled fondly. “I’ll be your practice subject for your future soulmate.” The sentiment didn’t reach Richie’s eyes. Probably because Richie doesn’t believe in soulmates or something.

“Alright,” Eddie took a deep breath, “Should we make rules?”

Richie ran a hand through his hair making it stick up more. “Like what?”

He fidgeted uncomfortably on the couch, he toed off his shoes, then leaned back bringing his feet up. “Like ‘If we start developing feelings, we end it.’.”

He couldn’t be sure but he swore Richie looked at his lips before saying, “What makes you think we will develop feelings for each other?”

Eddie stared at the small burn in Richie’s couch instead of his eyes. To this day, Beverly has never admitted that the burn is from her leaving a lit cigarette down for too long. Everyone convinced Richie he burned his own couch when drunk and trying to light up a cig. The lie has been going on since college, far too long, so none of the losers can ever tell him. It’s one of the only secrets Eddie keeps from Richie.

He decided to ignore Richie's question saying, "You make up a rule now."

"Er..." Richie thought for a little bit then, "‘Kissing in public to prove it is fine, but not in private’?"

"AND NO TONGUE!" Eddie insisted. "I used to hate when Myra wanted to french kiss. She of all people should know how many germs are in a mouth. More than a toilet!"

"Ya really had a rockin' affair there with Myra the hydra. Didn't ya, Eds." Richie was smirking.

“Also, ‘We cannot tell anyone or any of the losers no matter what’.” said Eddie with a bit of warning tone thrown into his voice.

“I’d be more worried about YOU not being able to tell anyone.” Richie lightly hit Eddie’s leg. “You’re the one who can’t keep a secret for shit.”

“I haven’t told a soul that you were my first kiss at 11!” Eddie argued.

“Yeah, cause it’s embarrassing as fuck. Actually, we can have that be an anecdote now!” Richie said excitedly. “Thank god, that secret was fucking eating me alive.”

Eddie laughed a belly-busting laugh. Richie had this way about him, he could diffuse the most awkward situations. Deciding to do this was about as awkward as it could get with them. When Eddie’s laughter subsided, he asked, “So how did we start dating? This is also weird because it’s going from secret dating to dating. We will need solid stories.”

Richie leaned back on the couch and thought about it for a bit. “Ok. I got it. We can literally blame it on Beverly and Ben. They forced us to bring dates, you come out of the closet to everyone which in turn gets me thinking differently about you. So I make a move and…”

“Why do you get to make the first move? And why do I have to come out of the closet to everyone?!”

“I’m more ambitious than you and you keep fewer secrets, so you have to come out first. Also, you already fake came out to Mike, so the rest should be easy.”

“But I’m bolder in my actions!” Eddie surprised himself with that one. But he was getting to know himself better lately, and one of the things he prided in was taking action when necessary. “Case in point, coming out to people, so I could’ve made the first move!”

“Fine. How about, we both drank too much one night and started making out but have no idea who kissed who first because we both just went at it. Sound good?”

“Yes,” Eddie nodded. “And...um...we didn’t want to tell anyone because we had no idea if it was a one-time thing or like something real.”

Richie bounced a little in his seat enjoying the storytelling. “AND! We didn’t want to ruin the friend dynamic without being sure it worked.”

Eddie’s stomach felt queasy talking about this. He wanted to be excited like Richie, usually, when they schemed he was all in, but this time he wanted to vomit. The stakes were so high. “Perfect. Alright, let's decide who finds out first.”

“Bill should catch us,” Richie suggested. “Everyone will believe him. Also, the look on his dumb face will be beyond fucking worth it.”

“Don’t call Bill dumb, Richie.” Eddie chastised. Richie rolled his eyes, which he let slide. “I agree about him catching us though. He’s most likely to confront the situation too. Ben, Mike, and even Beverly might keep it to themselves.”

“In general, we should drop hints like ‘I think I like someone but I don’t want to say who’ or ‘I’m hooking up with this cutie who has an ass you can slap day and ni…’”

Eddie smacked the side of Richie’s face with his foot, knocking off his glasses, “No jokes about my ass!” Richie hit him in the chest because he couldn’t see Eddie properly. Eddie launched himself toward Richie sitting on his stomach, knocking the air out of him. Eddie grabbed a couch pillow shoving it harshly in Richie’s face. He tried to fling Eddie off but couldn’t get a proper grip on him. He stopped struggling and tapped Eddie’s leg asking to be free.

Eddie paused realizing one flaw in the plan. He removed the pillow, hyper-aware of Richie’s hand still on his thigh but he should probably get used to the touching. “There is only one person I’m super worried about believing us.”

Their eyes met ominously as they said at the same time, “Stanley.”

___________

Notes:

Leaving me a comment gives me the magic to write moreeeeee. Or come say hi in my ask box. If you catch a typo let me know!

Taglist: @sam-i-am2468 @slashpalooza @trashrichie @frankeeenstein @eds-kas @jem-carstairs-is-perfection @roobarrtrashmouth @hypnoidvoid @imeddie @reddieforlove @plethoraoffandoms @dangerouspotatox @pan-ini @sarah011@maximusfracker @callme-eds @vinnosint @02styles94 @justcallme-trashmouth @twistedbutcute

If it is crossed out then the tag didn’t work! Let me know if you have another tumblr you want it to go to. 

#reddie #fake dating au #shannon writes #i am a loser #the losers club #richie tozier #eddie kaspbrak #mike hanlon #president of the losers club #it fandom #it fanfiction #cursing #gay #Why Can't This Be Love #WCTBL

[ambitionsource]

Hi, I am so here for all this ambition content right now. I check this page every day! I remember u guys mentioning about a rl and dasher road trip and I was wondering about that! Thank you!

hello pal!! literally so honored and happy that you’re enjoying ambition and the fact that you check our page every day... ugh you’re too sweet. hopefully the nonsense we do around here is entertaining! very happy to have you in our fandom community <3

so yes, rl + da road trip! i hope it’s okay that i took a bit to answer this, bc i wanted to ruminate on it for a bit before typing it up. so as y’all know we refer to the summer between s1 and 2 as “cruel summer” (thank u tswift), and similarly we have a code name for the summer between s2 and 3 which is “summer of love.” this is admittedly mainly because of rl, but also because a majority of the characters are in such a better headspace this summer than they were last.

boppin the rest under a read more, because i just go on... and on... and on............. (i really love rl & da)

-- Maggie

one facet of this summer is that around... july sometime, dylucasher decide they want to take a trip down to virginia beach (or the beaches in that general vicinity) because they want to check out a beach that isnt grey and cold like the ones close to them in ny, and because a trip before their last year of school together seems like a fun and Classic idea. originally they plan it for just the three of them, but somehow riley comes up and all of them agree -- especially dylan -- that it would be way more fun if she came along too. so they try to convince her to come along, which doesn’t take much convincing, it’s more so about figuring out how she’s going to get around cory because if he knew she wanted to go on a like week long trip with her boyfriend (who he doesn’t really trust) and two other boys he would probably have a heart attack.

you know, it would be like “you can’t go on an overnight trip with three boys!!!” “dad, you know dylan and asher. they’re gay. they’ve been dating for three years. they’re GAY. i do not think i’m at ALL at risk in that scenario???” fsdfSDKGDL

so riley devises a plan / cover story that involves like “going to stay with mom” for a few days, maybe a lie about staying over at isa’s or yindra’s for a couple days in there, you know, she lays out the whole lie and then bribes maya to go along with it and help cover her tracks (rl have very inverse influences on one another -- where riley sort of tames lucas and helps calm him and make him less feral, she develops a bit of a rebellious streak from him or just better identifies the nuances of which rules should be followed vs which were meant to be bent or broken..)

the good thing about this road trip is that it’s what truly cements riley’s friendship with dylan and asher. they’ve been toeing the line of friendship for like two years now (as riley said in cruel summer, she regretted not taking the time and establish a friendship with them in sophomore year before everything fell apart), and it’s kind of like it’s bound to happen. riley and asher takes a little more time to grow and develop just because of the kind of person asher is, but on this road trip dylan and riley just Click. like they were basically made to be best friends, dylan is the first person who kind intrinsically Gets riley and they match each other in terms of enthusiasm / personality / brightness. again, a friendship that’s just been Waiting to happen, and this trip really brings that to the forefront.

(on that note, i once joked that when dylan and riley get really into chatting about something and lucas zones out, they start sounding like the villagers in animal crossing to him. like if he stops paying attention for even a second suddenly dyley sound like this. and i stand by that claim.)

as for the trip itself, its not like i have the whole thing perfectly plotted or anything like that, more just... musings and ideas. oh and a playlist, of course i have a playlist. obviously they’re really good about swapping around drivers and sort of organizing their time since they only have a week, and i think it’s mainly funded by dylan’s youtube vlogger coin. asher helps and riley chips in her fair share, but dylan basically covers lucas because obviously he can’t pay but they all want him there. he makes up for this by driving the most even tho the other three insist its not a big deal.

when it comes to sharing space, the quartet of them are pretty good at it. obviously when they stop for the night they just share beds by couple, but it is interesting to think about how different these two relationships are in terms of like... you know, where they’re at. like its super easy for da to share a bed because they basically do that all the time now, but for rl breaking that boundary would be a kind of unspoken big deal and lucas would be so cautious about it. like they spend most of the summer in riley’s car (can’t hang out at her place with cory there and no one is going to lucas’s) and so theyve probably like fallen asleep together there once or twice and maybe napped ONCE at riley’s place when maya and cory were both gone in the 2.5 months they’ve been together, but it’s still... not the same. so at first lucas would be really nervous about it, but after the first couple of nights he’d relax and realize its really not that big a deal -- esp since riley seems pretty confident and comfortable with it. by the end of the week, lucas wakes up in the middle of the night and riley has cuddled up next to him and he’s like... okay MAYBE sharing a bed with someone makes points. perhaps.

one of the nights on the way down the coast, what truly breaks the ice for dylan and riley is that they break out a SMALL amount of alcohol and both get tipsy (which for them is just like. giddy and giggly and very chatty. they’re both happy drunks without a doubt). lucas and asher don’t indulge bc lucas doesn’t trust himself getting intoxicated and asher is just wary of it in general, but they figure dyley can do it as long as they’re both supervising. so dylan and riley talk A LOT that night and truly form their Kindred Spirit bond and also lucasher end up regretting letting them drink bc for like a half an hour dyley do this thing where they just pretend to share secrets with one another. like they theatrically whisper in one another’s ears and look at lucasher while they’re doing it and then start laughing and they’re literally not saying anything Important (like it’s probably like riley being like “psst... i think lucas is... hee hee... lucas is hot”) and then dylan cracking up and agreeing but bc lucasher don’t know what they’re saying they’re like ha ha very funny........... but y’all aren’t talking about us doe right. wait, what did you say. hold on --

a lot of the trip is also based around being in nature and the outdoors, since they don’t get to do much of that day-to-day in manhattan. considering one of their favorite spots to hang out as a group during senior year is at central park, they’re all definitely fresh air outdoorsy kind of people to a degree. so like, stopping at parks, going on hikes, and of course the beach itself. i made an instagram edit of one of said hikes when i was testing a template i made:

naturally, and i swear this happens at least once on a long road trip whether it is with family or friends or any combo of people, but you hit a point where you get irritable and start to get a little sick of one another. i think in this case that mainly starts between lucas and asher, because although they’re Best Friends i think lucas has a knack for finding ways of irritating him. and also lucas probably gets irritated by dylan’s high energy after too much time with no breaks, so he’s also snappy, and as they’re on the way back up to nyc people are spatting at one another or getting snippy over stupid things so riles is like. here’s an idea! how about we split up for the day when we get to philadelphia. this is an excellent idea and none of them are opposed, so when they arrive in philly, dylan and asher split off to go explore the city + historical sites.

what do riley and lucas do? well, riley takes lucas to meet her grandparents, of course.

at first lucas is like ummmmmmm no because he’s SUPER nervous about meeting her family -- the only family he’s met is cory and we know that’s... unideal, and eric, both of whom have a completely different perception of him bc of school and his behavioral record. he’s yet to meet topanga or auggie yet or anything like that -- but riley assures him that her grandparents are chill and she has no doubt she’ll like them. they’re also meeting lucas with a completely blank slate (i.e. no preconceived notions about him like those who work at aaa), so it’s not hard for lucas to make a good impression since he really is like... a good guy. not to mention no way is he snarky or deadpan in situations where he doesn’t feel comfortable or like he has the right lmao, so he’s on his BEST behavior around amy and alan.

the good thing is that alan himself kind of had a similar background and run on the wild side that lucas does (kind of like jack, altho jack was never as troubled as lucas), and so i think he would kind of... inherently Get him. like he’d strike up a conversation with him and at first lucas would be like omg why is this man speaking to me please i’m invisible pretend i’m not here... but after a bit he’d find it’s surprisingly easy to talk to alan. and they’d talk for like an hour and get on pretty well. meanwhile, amy is talking to riley and is like so... let me guess. cory does not know you’re traveling with your boyfriend???? and riley is like... perhaps. maybe don’t tell him? pretty please? and once amy convenes with alan and is like how is he and alan is all “he’s fine, we can approve,” then they agree not to rat riley out.

riley and lucas also climb up into the matthews tree house and take a look around and they comment on how strange it is that cory and eric once used to like, hang out in there and in that house and were once teenagers (lucas: be careful this is humanizing your father too much for me). and i’d think they’d sit up in the treehouse for a little bit and just talk and riley would talk about how nice it must’ve been to grow up in the suburbs like this, and she’s surprised when lucas agrees and he admits he fucking hates living in manhattan. and that kind of prompts this subtle internal thinking in both of them of like hmm well... maybe in the future when things are different and we can make our own rules maybe we’ll move out of the city and into a quieter life... they don’t say any of that out loud, but they’re both thinking it. and at the tail end of that conversation riley kisses lucas which turns into a Really Good Kiss... but then they’re interrupted by amy calling for them to come down for dinner and its kind of like lmao, they’re both a little bashful but in a casual silly way

#riley x lucas #dylan x asher #riley x dylan #rl x da #SOL #bonus content #kind of lol #is this readable? who knows. i just really Love them #thank you for asking about them!!! #there's also an insta edit buried in here gJFDLGH #Anonymous #answered #high praise tag

[jtargaryen18]

The Little Things That Give You Away

Series Masterlist

Chapter 2

Artist: (AO3: Chiyume) Author: @jtargaryen18 (AO3:  snowqueen79) Created for the @capreversebb 2019

Warnings: Smut, Angst, Explicit Sexual Content, Explicit Language, Oral Sex, Fluff, Non-Serum Steve Rogers/Winter Soldier Bucky Barnes, Shrinkyclinks

A/N: A friend suggested that I post this on Tumblr for you guys and you can let me know what you think. It’s my first Stucky and first anywhere M/M piece written for a challenge back in the summer. The art? You can find it here. It’s NSFW and incredible. It’s what inspired this story.

This is also, to date, my first MCU AU. This isn’t a dark fic.

Steve Rogers owns a coffee shop in Brooklyn and he needs daytime help. Bucky Barnes is looking for a second chance and landing a good job to get on his feet again is a priority. A job in a coffee shop working for a gorgeous blond? Even better. But will his past end what could be the perfect relationship before it even has a chance?

Chapter 1 |

~~~

Steve Rogers liked his new employee.

Bucky had been there for a week. At 5:55 AM, each morning, Bucky came in through the front door. He’d smile and tell him good morning. Then he’d immediately get to work.

For someone who’d never worked in a coffee house before, the number of drinks he could put together off the top of his head was impressive. Anything he didn’t know? He’d admit he didn’t know it. Steve appreciated that. It was better than having Bucky bullshit him or screw up the drink or bullshit him and screw up the drink. Steve would make the one he didn’t know and as soon as they reached a downtime, Steve went over how to make it, so he’d know for next time. And Bucky was a quick study.

Thank God for that because he was forced to spend too much time with the damned man already.

Bucky worked hard. He cleaned and had pretty much taken over inventory. In one week, he knew about what they used each day in cups, lids, and such. He knew what they had in the back and he knew what they needed to order. It was impressive really.

Bucky never left for his lunch break, much to his vexation. Steve worked while he was on break and begrudgingly told Bucky he could use his office if he liked. Whenever he passed by, there he sat in one of the chairs in front of his desk, eating a sandwich he’d packed and reading a book.

A book. It has been the last thing Steve had expected based on first impressions.

And that wasn’t exactly fair, was it?

Not that Steve was a judgmental type. He wasn’t. If he were, he certainly wouldn’t have given him the standard test run. The most important thing when it came to employees, in Steve’s mind, was initiative. Bucky had that in spades.

It was just when a guy with long hair, scars, and an elaborate wolf tattoo came in to apply for a job, well, Steve had assumed he’d be the type who was into death metal, motorcycles and partying. Someone who’d probably listen on earbuds to music on his phone during lunch? Yes.

Someone reading The Dog Stars by Peter Heller? No.

He’d never seen Bucky pull out a phone now that he thought about it.

Not that he thought about it.

That’s all you fucking think about, Rogers.

Steve liked his new employee.

He really liked his new employee.

He was so fucked.

Bucky was stunning with those gorgeous blue-grey eyes, thick, dark hair, and those lips. Not to mention that he was built. Wide shoulders, muscular limbs, perfect ass, and those high, perfect cheeks. He had a jawline for days. Even the scars he had on the bridge of his nose and over his eyebrow really took nothing away from the beauty of the guy.

Not to mention he was gay. It would have been so much easier for Steve if he’d been straight. Then his head wouldn’t be a wreck from the moment he woke up until he went to bed at night. He wouldn’t constantly be imagining getting his mouth on the man or…

Stop.

Steve didn’t date employees. Before he’d owned his own business, he hadn’t dated coworkers. He just didn’t. The one time he had? Total nightmare.

It had been his first job too. Steve had thought he’d found someone he could have a meaningful college relationship with. He hadn’t been looking for forever at that point but for a while would have been nice. What he hadn’t known was that the asshole used their relationship to further his own interests. At the end of it, Danny had gotten a promotion.

Steve had gotten fired. And dumped. And he never even figured out why exactly he had been fired. Why he’d been dumped had been easy to work out after that.

It had fucked up his entire first semester in college, made things miserable for him for the rest of that year. As Steve got out into the world, he devised strategies to protect himself in cases where the unthinkable happened. One of those strategies was a strict policy against dating anyone he worked with.

And it really hadn’t been a problem for him to this point.

Now, with Bucky, it was driving him crazy.

Scrubbing his hands through his hair as he sat behind his desk eating lunch, Steve knew he’d screwed up. He realized he was crushing on Bucky by day two. He should have cut it off then. He should have come up with some excuse as to why the entire arrangement wouldn’t work out and sent him on his way. Put an end to his own misery.

Then find him out there and…

Stop.

What excuse would Steve have used exactly? The beautiful fucker showed up on time, worked late without complaining, and his customers, male and female, adored him. His drinks were good. His cleaning skills rivaled his own. The drawer had balanced to the penny each night. He was impossible to cut up.

And Steve really did need the help right now.

Fuck.

He didn’t know what he was going to do. Aside from mostly being an asshole to the man because of his frustration. It wasn’t fair but there it was. Maybe Bucky would get tired of it and leave voluntarily. Steve certainly wouldn’t have blamed him.

But Bucky calmly took everything he dished out. He was out there mopping the floor right now. It was something Steve normally did every other day. But just so he could get a break from his gorgeous employee for even a half-hour for fuck’s sake, he told him he missed several spots yesterday and made him do it again.

Bucky had simply apologized and got to work.

Which made Steve feel like an even bigger jerk.

Thank God it was almost three o’clock, time for Bucky to leave for the day and for Darcy to start her shift. She was Steve’s other full-time employee and he had a fellow named Ian who helped her in the evenings on a part-time basis.

A knock his door had him blowing out an exhale. “Yes?”

“Hey there,” Darcy Lewis peered into his office, still looking contrite. “I came in a little early today to make up for yesterday. I’m so sorry I was late.”

She’d been an hour late and Bucky had stayed until she showed up. Once Bucky had left, he’d let Darcy know how unhappy he’d been about her tardiness. And she’d been confused because she’d worked for Steve for three years now and her being late wasn’t exactly a new thing.

Steve browbeating her out of the blue for it? Yeah, that was new.

“Thank you, Darcy,” Steve said. “I appreciate it.”

“Can I get you anything?” She asked, tucking a long strand of her dark hair behind her ear.

Can you ask Bucky to come in here, lock the door, and strip for me?

“No, thank you, Darcy,” Steve replied, checking the time on his phone. It was 2:45 PM. “Send Bucky home since you’re here early.”

Darcy frowned at that, the corner of her pretty painted mouth falling. “Why?”

Darcy liked Bucky, apparently, everyone including him did. It was childish and only a fifteen-minute respite, but it was something.

“Just do it,” he said.

“Okay,” she told him, looking totally confused and closing the door to his office.

***

Bucky had just finished mopping, hoping it was good enough this time, when he felt a hand on his shoulder.

Darcy glanced up at him, smiling. “How are you today?”

“Good, Darcy,” he replied to the perky brunette who he’d like immediately. “You?”

“I’m good.” Then her smile faded and with it his hopes. He had an idea of what was coming. “Steve said… you could go ahead and leave.”

Yep. He knew it was something Steve related.

But it wasn’t her problem.

“Okay, Darcy,” he told her. “Thank you.”

She looked as concerned as he was, but she didn’t say anything. Just turned and headed for the counter to get started.

It hadn’t been the best day. In fact, it hadn’t been the best week.

He’d finally found a job, a miracle one where the employer didn’t find out about his jail time, and he’d had such high hopes that first day. By the second day, it had gone all to hell.

Bucky thought he’d done a good job. He tried. It just seemed like Steve despised him more with each passing moment and he didn’t know why exactly. If he’d learned about his past, he imagined that would be an easy conversation.

No, it was something else.

Blowing out an exhale, Bucky hung up his apron and grabbed his book from beneath the counter. Telling Darcy bye, he headed out and back towards Natasha’s apartment.

On his way out, he passed a guy who looked a little too familiar.

Joey Jazz.

What the fuck was he doing here?

Bucky ducked into the alley behind Steve’s shop, trying to avoid being seen.

One of his former gang members, and one the reasons he’d gotten caught and done time, Joey Jazz was just strutting up the sidewalk, looking like a world-class douchebag. It bothered him that he was here in this town. Bucky had picked another state to live in to make sure he wouldn’t encounter any of them.

Why was he here?

Bucky had a bad feeling about it. About him walking by Steve’s shop and eying it with interest. About him being here at fucking all.

Why couldn’t he catch a break?

To his relief, Joey didn’t stop at the shop. He just went on up the street. After a couple of moments passed, Bucky headed for Natasha’s place which was the closest thing he had to an actual home right now.

#Stucky #MCU #Pre-serum Steve #Steve Rogers #Bucky Barnes #AU

[avengerscompound]

The Tower: Unexpected - 7

The Tower: Unexpected An Avengers Fanfic

Series Masterlist Previous //

Pairing:  Avengers x ofc, Bruce Banner x Bucky Barnes x Clint Barton x Wanda Maximoff x Steve Rogers x Natasha Romanoff x Tony Stark x Thor x Sam Wilson x OFC (Elly Cooper)

Word Count: 2229

Warnings:   pregnancy, angsty stuff, smut (m/f, vaginal sex)

Synopsis: A little over 2 years after moving into the Avengers Tower, Elly finds herself pregnant against the odds.  While some are excited, others are terrified, and pregnancy that none expected to happen causes rifts through the group and threatens to end the relationship.  

Author’s Note:  Written with my salty little jelly bean @fanficwriter013​

Chapter 7: Sam

As my pregnancy progressed the morning sickness got worse.  I don’t know if that’s normal with twins or if the stress of everyone just noping out of ever speaking to me again was adding to it.

I started becoming hyper-focused on what I would do if the others didn’t come around.  Natasha, Wanda, and Steve wanted to be part of it but I couldn’t figure out how that would work if no one else did.  Steve wasn’t going to choose me over Bucky nor would I make him.  Natasha was the same with Clint.  Wanda might move in but could I stay here in the Tower if most of the people here didn’t want a kid?  If I did stay where would the baby go?  I had a one bedroom apartment.

I began sorting through my wardrobe under the premise that maybe the wardrobe was big enough to use as a nursery.  It was stupid really.  It didn’t even have windows, but it was large and if I downsized I could put in a crib.

I was also showing now.  Not a lot, but none of my jeans buttoned up.  So I started by putting away clothes that I wasn’t going to be able to wear for another year at least.

There was a soft knock on the door and I opened it to see Sam.

“Sammy?  Why are you knocking?”  I asked slightly confused and on the edge of being relieved to see him, but also worried that he knocked because he was about to tell me something I didn’t want to hear.

“FRIDAY said you'd be here. I wasn't, I don't know…”  He said running his hands over his head.  He looked tired, the way he did after a long mission.

I stepped out of the way to let him in.  “I was just sorting out my clothes.  My jeans don’t button up anymore.”

He reached forward to touch me and then quickly withdrew his hand.  “You look good.”

“You can touch.  I don’t mind.  You won’t feel them though.  It’s still just little twitches only I can feel.  Wanda is really annoyed.”  I said poking my stomach.

“I didn't think… I haven’t been here.”  He said.

“I know… but you had things to deal with.”  I said with a small shrug.  “Come in.  I missed you.”

He stepped inside and walked to the couch though he didn’t take a seat.  “I’m sorry.”

I closed the door and came over to him, moving in for a hug.  “You didn’t ask for this.  You had to figure things out.”

“I'm getting there.”  He said, his arms closing around me.  “I should have been there for you though. You didn't ask for this either.”

“Are you here now?”  I asked.

He nodded breathing me in for a moment.  “Yes.  I needed… Can we sit?”

I nodded and sat next to him and he took both of my hands in his.  “My family are really religious, El.  I never told them about this.  They knew I wasn’t straight because of Riley.  They thought I was gay and I never corrected them.  It was enough that they could find it in their heart to accept that about me.  Then this all came out thanks to Tony and they were so mad at me.  They could accept I was gay if I still fit the convention of monogamy.  The fact I was bi, and poly.  They said I was going straight to hell and every time I talked to them, they told me I had to stop living this life of sin.  That if I was bisexual I could choose to be with a woman.  That I could choose who to love.  I needed to settle down and have kids.”  He let out a breath and looked up at me.  “I could deal with it when it was just us.  Everyone here is from such messed up families or they don’t have them at all anymore, it wasn’t such a big deal that they felt that way about my relationship.  But if we’re having kids, I want them in their lives, but not if they’re gonna be like that.”

“Did you get through to them?”  I asked.

He nodded as his thumbs ran over the back of my hands.  “Yeah.  I think.  I mean… they wanted me to find out whose baby it was and if it was mine to marry you.  I said it was my baby no matter what and this was their time to choose.  Either they could be a positive part of their niece or nephew’s lives or they wouldn’t be part of any of our lives.  They still don’t like it but as long as they can accept this is how it is, that’s fine with me.”

“I’m sorry,”  I said and leaned in pressing my cheek against his chest.  I wish you would have talked to me though.  I’ve been so alone.”

He pulled me a little closer and his fingers brushed over my stomach.  “I know.  I’m sorry.  That wasn’t fair of me.  I just… I didn’t expect this to be the way my life went.  I had to sort through it.  I should have been better.  I am here now.”

“Well then,”  I said sitting back.  “You might want to brace yourself.”

“What?”  He asked a slight hint of panic to his voice.

“It’s twins,”  I said.  “That’s why I’m showing so early.”

Sam blinked at me a few times and when he spoke his voice came out in a monotone.  “Okay.”

“The doctor... she said they're fraternal.  And there's a chance they could biologically have different fathers.  Steve's pretty adamant we don't find out who they are.”  I explained.

“They could be…”  He said, blankly.  “Okay.”

“You okay?”

“Twins.”  He repeated like he was still processing it all.

“Yeah,”  I said.  “Are you out again?”

He gave me a look like I was being an idiot and I pulled back from him.  “What?  That's something I'm not supposed to think?  I haven't seen you for a month.”

“Okay.  I suppose it's fair.”

“Do you know how hard this has been for me?”  The pain and hurt I’d been feeling bubbling over.  “Aside from Nat, Wanda, Steve, and Hulk everyone has been avoiding me.  I'm starting to wonder if we'll even get Bruce back at this point.  I've been throwing up at least twice a day.  I used to work in a lab with Bruce and Tony.  Now there is no Bruce and Tony has locked himself in the engineering lab again and I've been denied access.  I'm going to have twins and it wasn't exactly like I planned this either.  You know my first thought was when that pregnancy test was positive?  I thought 'I'll go get an abortion and not tell anyone and then they won't be mad at me'.  I reacted like I would have when I was living with my abusive parents, instead of in a relationship with people who are supposed to love me.”

“Honey,”  He said reaching for me, but I pulled back.  I didn’t want him to comfort me yet.  I wanted to be angry and for him to hear it.

“I know that this is hard to come to terms with.  I've been struggling with it myself but I didn't get the luxury of running from it.  I don't get to go out flying while I process my feelings.  I just get to wake up have the smell of my shampoo make me throw up.  Hope that Nat's drunk her coffee before I get out of the shower or that will make me throw up too.  Watch as my jeans get too small for me and then spend the day alone in my lab.”

“Honey,”  He repeated.

“What?  You’re gonna patronize me now?”  I asked.

“That not what I was doing.”  He argued.

“Then please can you talk to me?  Say how you're feeling?  Reassure me or something here?”

“How I’m feeling?”

“Yes.  We're in a relationship, aren't we?  We're supposed to be honest with each other and trust each other.”  I said, my frustration with him now getting to me.  I felt like I was talking to a wall and right at that moment, I wished he hadn’t come back at all.

“Right.  Yes.”

I sighed.  “You need time.  You can just - “ I waved at the door.

“No,” He said.

“Then say something then!”  I yelled.

He looked like I hit him and then pulled me into his arms.  “I’m sorry.”  He whispered.  “I’m sorry.  It’s just… twins.  Do you need a blood sample or something?”

“Um... If my doctor hasn't asked for one or doesn't ask for one then you're probably okay.  Unless you specifically want to know, but then there will probably be a tell if either of them is yours right?”

He chuckled.  “Yeah, I guess you’re right. They’re my kids, Elly.”  He said nuzzling into me and putting his hand on my stomach.  “I may not get everything right, but I’m here.  I promise.”

“What if they’re Thor’s and we get a repeat Thor/Loki thing happen?”  I sighed.

He leaned his cheek against the top of my head.  “I think we can do a better job than that.”

“I hope so, but I don’t exactly know what I’m doing,”  I said.

“Neither do I, but still, I think we’ll be better than that.”

“I do want this though.”

“And you'll be great.  Trust me, El.  You’re one of the most nurturing, patient people I know.”  He said.  “And we’ve got you.”

“Do you want to see them?”  I asked looking up at him.

“Can I?”

He followed me to the fridge and grabbed him the print out of the babies and showed him.  “This weird little blob is one,”  I said pointing at one of the babies, and then moved my finger to the other.  “And this weird little blob is the other.”

“Twins.”  He said again.  “And you’re what?  Eleven weeks.”

“Closer to ten.”

He smiled and put the picture down.  “I’m so sorry, Elise.  I’m sorry I ran and you’ve felt so alone.  We’ll figure this all out.”

I leaned in against him again and he kissed me slowly and deeply, his hands going to my jaw.  “I missed you so much, Sammy.”

“I know.  I missed you too, princess.”  He breathed.

I ran my fingers down his chest and over his stomach, tracing the lines of his muscles.  He smiled down at me and ducked his head forward like he was going to kiss me before pulling back.  “What’s wrong?”  I asked.

“Just… do you want to?”  He asked.

I nodded and he kissed me again, hungrily.  The tension we’d been feeling evaporating as we moved our lips against each other’s.  He ground into me, pushing me against the counter.  I wrapped my arms around his neck and let him take control.  Needing that from him.  Needing him to show me how he still wanted me.

I could feel him hardening against my pussy and I just wanted more.  I missed him.  He had always been a rock for me.  Like one of my closest friends as well as my lover.  He was always there for me and him leaving had felt like a fundamental part of my world was gone.

I shimmied out of my panties and he lifted me up and put me on the counter.  We continued to kiss.  My lips going numb from it. As I felt myself getting wetter in anticipation I fumbled to unfasten his pants.  He pulled me right to the edge of the counter and with a thrust he was inside me.  I gasped and threw my head back as I clenched around his cock.  His hand went to my jaw and caressed down my throat, tilting my head back to him, so he could ghost his lips over mine.

“Did you miss this, princess?”  He said as he thrust into me.  He moved in this slow and deliberate way.  Pulling out most of the way and then slamming hard back in.

“God, yes.  I missed it.  Please don't leave me again.” I pleaded, wrapping my legs around his waist.

“Don't worry.  I'm not going anywhere.”  He said and kissed me hard.

He kept moving in that slow deliberate way and I rolled my hips with him. We kissed constantly.  My lips grew puffy and numb from it and the world around us seemed to cease to exist.  His thumb came to my clit, making the mild buzz that seemed to be swirling through me, feel like a strong electrical current.

I moaned against his lips and dug my fingers into his back.  My body stiffened against his and I broke the kiss with a cry as I came, my back arching and my head rolling back.

Sam held me in place as he moved faster.  With a sudden jerk forward he came, his cock pulsing inside me as he released.

He pulled out panting and for a moment seemed to admire his handiwork before helping me off the bench.  “Let's go get cleaned up and then I'll help you with your clothes.”  He said.

I picked up my panties and for the first time in a long time, I felt hopeful.  One back.  Just four more to go.

// NEXT

#the avengers #steve rogers #bucky barnes #tony stark #natasha romanoff #bruce banner #clint barton #wanda maximoff #sam wilson #avengers fanfic #avengers x oc #steve rogers x oc #bucky barnes x oc #tony stark x oc #stucky #clintasha #natasha romanoff x oc #wanda maximoff x oc #clint barton x oc #bruce banner x oc #sam wilson x oc #all caps #science bros #birds #fanfic #fanfiction #smut #fanficwriter013 #the tower