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awanderingdeal · 3 years

Note

I vote leo meeting the harvard team! 💕

So this fic has been a bit of a mare to write, but we are here!

You can read the first part of this here

Rating: T

CW: Alcohol, academic superiority complex and coming out.

Logan, Finn, Leo, Percy, Will and the general Sweater Weather universe belongs to @lumosinlove. The other team members were made up by me for this fic.

“Okay, tell me their names again,” Leo said, tugging at the rolled neck of his sweater as he shut the car door.

“Nutty,” Finn laughed. “There’s not going to be a pop quiz. We’ll introduce you when we meet people.”

Leo scowled, letting Logan thread their fingers together. It was weird being able to do this in public still and Leo couldn’t help but glance around. “I just don’t want to make a fool of myself.” Logan squeezed his hand reassuringly, meeting Leo’s gaze with a soft smile.

“Nobody expects you to know anything. And everybody’s great.” Logan wrinkled his nose like he’d just smelt something bad. “Except Wesley, he’s an ass, but I’ll point him out.”

Like many of the others in Harvard square, the building was all exposed brick and white accents, blending in seamlessly with those around it. Inside was different, more modern. Leo didn’t get to see much of the first floor, the one dedicated to the restaurant Finn, Logan and the rest of the team had dined at previous evening, before he was ushered up a grand staircase, but he’d seen the photographs. The cherry blossom ceilings and walls of glass provided the perfect backdrop for the instagram feeds of the hoards of celebrities and influencers that flocked there. Hence his surprise when, after checking their invitations again, an employee pushed open a set of double doors to reveal a room that more resembled a 1920’s speakeasy than anything 21st century. A loud cheer went up as they crossed the threshold.

“Is this a team thing?” Leo mouthed at Logan.

He got his answer from Percy Marshall. Leo had met him a few times before when they’d played the Rangers. “You’re the last to arrive,” Percy chuckled. “I’d say I was surprised, but that would be a lie.” He slapped a hand playfully against Finn’s bicep. Is this outfit change number 52, Finn? Don’t worry, you didn’t disappoint. You look wonderful.”

“Fuck you, Marshy,” Finn laughed. “Tremz was on a call to his sisters actually.”

“Oh, I do apologise,” Percy clasped his hand to his chest. “We wouldn’t dare break up a Tremblay soiree.”

“You’re an ass,” Logan scoffed, plucking at Finn’s slacks. “I was only talking to them because Finn was taking so long. Did you know there are several shades of mustard and only one of them goes with this shirt?”

“Oh look, they argue like an old married couple too,” William Morgan, another of those Leo knew, and Percy’s teammate on the Rangers, teased. “Marshy, these hands are looking too empty. Get these men a drink.”

“Aye, aye, capt’n.” Leo set to follow as Percy led the way to the bar, stumbling slightly as he found Will’s firm grasp on his shoulder stopping his movement. Logan turned as his fingers slipped from his hand.

“Go ahead, Tremzy. I’m going to introduce Leo to some of the team. We want all the gossip without you two around to censor him.”

Logan frowned. “I’m not sure -”

“Relax, Logan. This isn’t a hazing. We’ll be right over there,” Will pointed towards a group perched on stools around two of the tables in the centre of the room, a mix of the old team and what Leo assumed were their partners. “Knut’s a big boy. He can object for himself if he really doesn’t want to come.”

“I’m sure I can hold my own,” Leo cocked his head slightly and smiled. “You better not leave Harzy with Percy for too long. They’ll be three shots down by now.”

The next few hours passed in a whirlwind of introductions. Leo had lost count of the number of hands he'd shaken and the new names he'd learned. It reminded him of those first few days in Gryffindor, being shuffled around from place to place and everybody telling him he'd get used to it.

The quiet of the bathroom was a welcome reprieve to the chaos. “Sweetheart,” Leo laughed, listening to Finn sing to himself in the stall. “Are you okay? You’ve been in there a while.”

“I’m coming, I’m coming.” A concerningly loud crash preceded the door being pushed open. “I’m here.”

“You’re drunk,” Leo chuckled.

Finn pulled his hands from under the stream of water, shaking droplets everywhere as he squeezed the tips of his thumb and forefinger together. “Maybe just the tiniest bit.”

Leo shook his head fondly. “Let’s go and find Lo.” Glancing back to check Finn was following him proved to be a mistake. “Shit, I’m sorry,” he apologised, rubbing at his forehead and stepping back from the wall of muscle he’d just crashed into. Of course, the tall man with his hair pulled back into a loose ponytail was the one person Leo hadn’t yet met.

“Leo, this is James. Call him Hunter,” Finn grinned with his hand resting in the small of Leo’s back. "Hunter, this is -"

"Leo Knut. I know. Everybody knows," Hunter said and Leo noted the familiar notes of his own accent in the words. He faltered with his hand thrust halfway in Leo's direction, letting it fall back by his side. "Oh fuck, sorry man. Did you want to introduce him as your boyfriend? Go ahead."

"It's cool, no worries." Finn shrugged, the rounds of his cheeks tinged with the slightest of blushes. "Aww, what the heck!" He squared his shoulders, standing a little taller, the corners of his mouth splitting with pride. "Hunter, this is Leo, my boyfriend."

Hunter extended his hand again for Leo to shake. “Nice to meet you. Please excuse me, I have to use the bathroom now, but we’ll talk later.”

***

"Boys." The call had come from behind them and Logan groaned low in his chest as they turned to acknowledge it.

"Wes! You made it," Finn smiled, the corners of his mouth tight. "We weren't sure you'd be able to. With all those big meetings you have to attend and such. Is your wife, Renee, wasn’t it, here? I'd love to meet her."

Something flickered in Wes' smug expression. "They stayed in California. Nate has a very busy schedule. Harvard is very important to me, as you know, so I came alone."

“Isn’t Nate three?” Logan blinked.

“You have to give them a good start if you want them to get them to get into a good college these days, I’m sure you understand. Where was it you went, Leo?"

Leo pursed his lips, letting the same calm wash over him that he channelled for interviews. “I didn’t go. I got drafted straight out of high school.”

“Oh, well, that’s a shame,” Wes said. “College isn’t for everybody though, is it?”

Logan bristled beside him, and Leo placed a placating hand on his shoulder. “Indeed,” he blinked. “I didn’t need my intelligence validated by a degree then, and I still don’t now. And I was hardly about to turn down an offer from The Gryffindor Lions now, was I?”

Wes grumbled something that sounded vaguely like an agreement before turning on his heel and walking off in a manner that Leo could only describe as petulant.

“You’re so hot,” Finn took Leo’s face between his hands and pressed a kiss to his lips. “I’m going to get a drink. Do you want another?”

“Please,” Leo nodded. Logan raised his still mostly full glass as a rejection of the offer.

“You should have let me punch him,” Logan huffed. “He would have deserved it.”

"And get blood on your shirt? Let’s leave that on the ice, shall we?” Leo tugged at the lapels of Logan’s jacket.

***

"So," Logan started as they claimed one of the low tables in the corner, a little tucked away from the rest of the room. "What do you think?"

"It's always nice seeing where you two started," Leo hummed, threading his fingers through the thin curls on the nape of Logan's neck. "I just don't know how you used to do this everyday. Live amongst all this energy. The guys all seem great, but it's a lot even now and I'm assuming you've all mellowed somewhat with age."

"I am not old," Logan scoffed. "Mais non, I agree. Wasn't always like this though. There's more than one graduating class here and we've been apart a long time. A lot of excitement."

"Sorry, sorry, I got caught up with Biscuit. He has triplets now, isn't that crazy?" Finn said, pressing a glass into Logan’s hand and setting Leo’s in front of him before flopping onto the couch opposite. "One Margarita for the fine sir."

"Thanks, Harzy," Leo laughed lightly.

"I can't believe him and Vanessa are still together," Logan hummed, taking a long sip of his drink. He leaned back, crossing his left leg over his right thigh and snaked his arm across the dark leather, brushing his fingers against Leo's shoulder. "I only introduced them because she was flirting with you at that party, the one just after we got back from winter break my junior year, and I wanted to distract her."

"Oh, so that's why you got all moody," Finn said. "She wasn't flirting, she needed help with an essay, idiot."

"The fact you remember Logan's mood on a night seven years ago says more about you than him," Leo snorted.

"First of all, Tremzy being grumpy? That's just a good guess. Second, some of us were still stupid at 20, Knutty." Finn sighed wistfully. "Hey, at least it doesn't feel like I'm being stabbed in the chest these days when I think about it. Progress, right?"

Logan tipped his glass in Finn's direction, nodding his head briefly. "I'll cheers to that."

"To -" Leo started, letting the toast die off as another of Finn and Logan's old team mates approached. He hoped the disappointment he felt wasn't written across his face; whilst he hadn't really expected to be left alone for too long, he had hoped for the brief respite to have lasted longer.

"Hey." The newcomer had his hand shoved into his pockets and his shoulders stooped, almost as if he was trying to hide himself. "I'm not interrupting anything, am I?"

"Ken!" Finn patted the empty seat next to him. "Of course not. Come, sit."

Leo extended his arm, offering his hand. "Nice to meet you. Ken was it? I'm Leo."

"Ken's what the team always called me. Don't really hear it much these days." Leo thought he saw something sad in the smile sent his way. "My real name is Obi."

"That's because you went off the radar," Logan gave a pointed look.

"About that -" Obi swiped Finn's drink, ignoring his disgruntled protest. He drained what was left of it, pulling at an non-existent loose thread on his sweater. "I wanted to say thank you, you know. For having the guts to come out. I know Black and Lupin were first, but that was forced wasn’t it. You made a choice. I know that must have been hard. It was one hell of a ballsy move."

Leo looked between Finn and Logan, expecting them to answer, but neither of them spoke. "We didn't have much of a choice, not if we didn't want to be watching our back every second of every day."

"It was still brave," Obi muttered. "I couldn't have done it."

"Ken, what are you saying?" Logan never did have much patience for others taking their time to get to the point, even though he was a fan of the scenic route himself.

"They gave you a whole Harvard degree and you need to ask that question?" Obi huffed a laugh. "I'm gay. I met Marco, my now husband at the end of senior year, and freaked out. I didn't know how to make these two worlds work, so I didn't. I moved to DC with him, and started a new life. I'm an accountant, he works in marketing. We have four rats, and a Vizsla called Poppy. It's all very domestic. I love it, but I was a coward.”

"You're not a coward. You don't owe that information to anybody, Ken. Not the others, not the media, not the NHL and not us. Not now, not then, not ever.” Finn took a breath, holding up his finger to signal he wasn’t finished. “Besides, it's not as if Lo and I planned this. We went into this with every intention of stuffing this deep, deep into the depths of denial, never for anybody to find out. Including ourselves. And then Nutty came along.”

Obi smiled at Leo, turning his attention back to Finn. "When did you become Gay Yoda?"

"I spend way too much time in our psych's office. Just spreading the wisdom. Heather would be proud."

"Do the others know?" Logan asked.

"Not yet, I think I'd like them to though."

Logan shifted, leaning forward in his seat. "There's no rush, Ken. We've got your back, whatever you decide."

"So, do you have photos?" Leo cocked his head. "We got to show off. Now it's your turn. Even if it's only for us."

"Of Marco?"

"I'm sure he's wonderful, but I was actually talking about Poppy. And the rats," Leo teased.

There were moments when Leo wondered whether they had made the right decision. When he was playing in front of hostile crowds, or fending off stupid media questions, or blocking bigots on twitter. And then there were moments when he knew the decision they had made was 100% perfect. Right now, that was one of those moments.

#leo knut #finn o'hara #logan tremblay #rating:t #cw:alcohol #cw: academic superiority complex #cw: coming out #sweater weather #lumosinlove

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whataboutmyfries · 3 years

Note

hello hello i absolutely adore your writing and i am a sucker for hurt/comfort and angst. would you consider writing about finn getting injured in a game or during practice?

if not that’s completely fine. i am sending hugs ❤️🦦

Anon this was the sweetest thing! thank you so so much! (this one is a little bit angstier than the loops one so I hope you enjoy it!!) sending you all of the hugs!!

characters belong to the marvellous @lumosinlove as always :)

Tw: blood, a small mention of hospitals, injury. unbeta-ed so all mistakes are mine!

It was the stupidest way Finn had ever gotten injured, and this was coming from the man who’d had two terrible concussions back in Harvard. He knew it wasn’t exactly unheard of in the NHL but damn it hurt like a bitch

He hadn’t even seen it coming. He should’ve seen it coming, right? All he remembered was the sharp slice of blades on ice and then startling, throbbing pain.

Finn slammed onto the ice, clutching his face, flashing lights, bloody fingers, painpainpainpain, hands. Hands on him, hands trying to pull him up. Blood, sticky fingers, blinding pain.

And then blurry, misty, darkness.

Finn woke to the familiar too-bright lights of a hospital, his head a hammering mess of pain. He groaned, unsticking his tongue from the roof of his mouth.

“Harz, Harzy,” gentle hands grabbed his. “Nutty, he’s awake. Hiya Harz, how’re you feeling? A puck to the face, can’t exactly be pleasant.”

“I feel like a beetroot”

The darkness dragged him back under.

The gentle press of fingers against his cheekbone pulled Finn from the mucky dark.

“Mmm, s’okay, I’m up”

He blinked his eyes open to a blond head hovering over him, blue eyes glimmering with concern. Finn grinned, the expression morphing into a grimace halfway through.

“Fuck, that hurts.”

Logan chuckled dryly somewhere to his right. “Well, that’s what you get for skating straight into the way of a puck, Fish.”

“20 dollars says I look hot as fuck.” Finn joked, trying to figure out just how bad it was. When Leo laughed nervously, he pushed himself out of bed, smiling at the sight of Leo’s shirt on him.

He walked to the bathroom, sucking in a sharp breath when he saw his face in the mirror.

“Well, I guess you guys owe me?” He laughed, turning back to face Leo and Logan. It was a bad hit. He had a vicious slice across his cheekbone, his eye black-blue and swollen shut. He could feel the blood clot tugging at his lips where he’d split it open.

Leo smiled softly, carefully pulling Finn into his chest, hugging him with a heartbreaking gentleness. “You really scared the shit out of us there fishy, you fell down and wouldn’t get up. Pretty sure Lolo was a second away from decking loops when he wouldn’t let him see you.”

Finn huffed out a chuckle, reaching a hand out behind Leo’s back to beckon Logan over. Logan let out a heavy sigh, slumping into the embrace.

“Shit Harz, don’t you ever do that again.”

Finn squeezed Logan’s fingers. “I’ll just ask the puck to not hit me in the face next time then, sound alright?”

Logan rolled his eyes, grumbling under his breath. Leo laughed, leaning back against him. He leaned down to whisper something in Logan’s ear, winking at him as he walked away.

“Where’s he off to?”

Leo just grinned, bending to pick Finn up, the man in question squealing in shock at the sudden movement, his hands gripping frantically at Leo’s shoulders. Leo set him down on the counter.

“I’m guessing you already know that you’re going to have to disinfect and ice those cuts right?”

Finn’s eyes widened, and he tried to squirm out of Leo’s grasp.

“Nutty. Nutty no. Don’t you love me? Let me at least have my coffee!!”

“Fish, you and I both know that if you get out of this room, we are not getting this done today.”

Finn sighed, leaning his head against Leo’s shoulder. “Fine. just be quick, would you?”

Logan walked in with the ice, playfully shoving Leo out of the way. “It’s my turn!”

Logan grinned at Finn, gently pushing his hair back from his forehead, tangling his fingers into the hair to hold Finn in place. Logan bit his lip in concentration, gently placing the ice pack against the side of Finn’s face.

Finn hissed, flinching violently at the touch of cold on his bruised skin. Logan pulled away immediately, running his fingers soothingly across Finn’s scalp.

“Hush baby, I’ve got you.”

Finn’s heart clenched in his chest, and he leaned forward to capture Logan’s lips in a gentle kiss.

Logan’s tongue brushed softly against Finn’s busted lip and he grinned, smiling into the kiss. Logan smiled right back, his T-shirt rusting as he sneakily brought his hand up to put the ice pack on Finn’s face again.

Finn startled, falling backwards against the mirror with a barked curse. Leo and Logan both laughing, grabbing onto each other for balance.

“Oho! We’re playing dirty now, are we? Finn grinned, subtly turning the tap on behind him, filling his palms with water.”

“Game on.”

#lumosinlove #lumosinlove ocs #oknutzy #finn o'hara #logan tremblay #Leo knut #leo x logan x finn

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lucas-koh · 3 years

Text

Stitches - Bryce Lahela x MC XIII

Open Heart; somewhat canon compliant

Parts 1-12 linked in bio

Song: Follow You - Bring Me The Horizon

Rating: M, violence, swearing

Word Count: 3571

Taglist: @lahellacute @lahamseiroshoe @anotherbeingsworld @fuseboxmusebox @choicesficwriterscreations @bubblelaureno @bratzlahela @eleanorbloom @bryceslahela @thegreentwin @kelseaaa @kingkassam || please let me know if you would like to be added to or removed from this list

Chapter Thirteen: Magnifier of Trifles

Suki was heading into Edenbrook for her evening shift, and was on her mission. All the patients she had got her utmost care, of course, but in the back of her mind the anger kept finding its way back to her.

When she finally got a small break, she didn’t have time to double think this. She strutted up to the reception, and addressed a man stood there waiting for something. It was Dr Tanaka. Perfect. Just the man I was looking for.

“Hi, I’m looking for a surgical intern – I wonder if you might be able to help me?”

“Sure, go ahead.”

“The name is Ben White? Any idea where I can find him?”

“Yeah, I’ve just seen him leave to grab some food, you might be able to catch him if you hurry.”

Suki thanked the surgical resident and hurried through the double doors. Friends do this, right? Of course they do. But honestly, Suki didn’t have enough time to overthink like she usually would. That might’ve been the problem. Blind anger.

There he was, large and muscular, pearly white teeth shining against his neat stubble. Oh come on, this guy even looked like a prick. He was leaning against a far-too-clean black BMW, playing with a cigarette. Stood next to him was a tall, thin man Suki recognised. Fred from the housewarming party. Harvard Fred who wouldn’t stop bragging.

She was seething just looking at them. Much like the way Bryce’s protective mode switched on before, Suki had a switch in herself to defend people she cared about. And that version of Suki delayed her embarrassment, so in the moment she was fierce.

“Hey!” She called over to them sternly. Ben grinned as he saw her, Fred looked a little less happy. He must’ve recognised her.

“Hey. Do I know you? I’d like to.”

Suki chuckled dryly. “You definitely don’t. What the fuck is your problem?”

“What?” His face appeared as though he’d just been slapped: utterly confused and a little defensive.

“Bryce Lahela. Why the fuck are you trying to wreck his career?” Suki moved forward, squaring up to Ben. He raised his eyebrows at the name and his features seemed to settle into understanding, and absolutely no shame.

“Hm. Interesting,” Ben laughed as he regarded her. Suki ignored him and carried on.

“You do realise we’re doctors yeah? Not elementary school kids? Throwing a hissy fit because you didn’t get your way is the most pathetic thing I’ve ever seen.”

“Woah, girl. I’m not sure you know what you’re talking about, here.”

“Oh I know exactly what I’m talking about. You spread some completely baseless accusations against Bryce just so you could get given a surgery? Like you wouldn’t have gone on to do surgeries at some other point? You needed the ego boost that bad?”

“Who the fuck even are you?” He asked, now getting angry.

“Your worst fucking nightmare,” she spat the swear with a harshness she hadn’t expected. Suki moved to shove Ben but Fred held an arm out to stop her. She shoved Fred’s hand out of the way instead. They were both much taller than her, but she felt about ten feet. “You do realise I am going to be telling all of this to Dr Emery?”

“You have no proof.”

“Then I’ll find some. Should be easy. I often find people who lack compassion also lack brains.”

Fred looked between the two of them, seeming to make a decision, before speaking:

“We just heard it from someone else. They’re the one you should be having a go at.”

“You’re not getting off the hook, dick. Who’s spreading the shit, then?”

“A medical intern. Dr Olsen.”

The name rang a bell in Suki’s head, but she couldn’t figure out where from. Not much was going on up there aside from ‘Bryce’ and ‘angry’.

“Details.”

The two men looked between each-other, hesitant. After some non-verbal communication, Ben spoke up again:

“He told us all this shit about him, and quite frankly it was annoying seeing this guy waltz in and steal the top spots. He’s so fucking smug.”

Yep, but he’s my smug douche.

Fred jumped in: “so we just told other people about what we heard. We weren’t expecting it to get back to Dr. Emery.”

“That’s a steaming pile of bullshit and you know it. Admit what you did and maybe I’ll leave you alone.”

Fred looked over to Ben again, asking a question with his eyes.

“Fine. We did intend for it to get to the top level. But you can’t really blame us we-”

But unfortunately for Fred his excuses were cut off by Suki’s fist making contact with his nose.

“Aw, fuck!” He yelped, trying to stem the blood rushing from his nostrils.

“Jesus?!” Ben shouted, trying to help Fred in his failed attempts to block his nose.

“Don’t be a dick and you won’t get punched.”

“I think you’ve broken it!”

“Well, guess what? There’s a hospital right fucking there,” Suki motioned behind her. “One that if I had it my way you wouldn’t be working at. Wasting your fucking time making up stupid rumours over petty jealousy when there’s lives to save. Grow up.”

“Lady I don’t know what-”

“If you’ll excuse me,” she raised her voice over Ben’s, “I’ve got to speak to Dr Emery. There’s some misdemeanours to report.”

She swung on her heel and started stalking back to the hospital, the adrenaline coursing through her like fire. She couldn’t even feel the hand she’d used to punch because it was all just everywhere.

“It’s you, isn’t it,” Ben called from behind her.

“What?” She spun on her heel.

“You’re fucking him.”

“What the hell has that got to do with anything?”

But Ben just laughed. Threw his head back and laughed like a maniac. Suddenly a chill ran through Suki. What the hell?

“Bitches never learn their place,” he called. Oh hell no. Suki felt the wind swoop past her as she stomped back over to Ben, but hands were on her shoulders pulling her back.

“Suki!” The voice behind her said, swivelling her around to face them and ushering them back towards the hospital. “What the fuck was that?”

It was Jackie, her arm warm around Suki’s shoulders.

“I’m so fucking pissed.” Suki spat. Jackie, as unused to this angry, impulsive Suki as anyone would be, flinched.

“Yeah, I can see that. But why?”

Suki didn’t reply until they were safely back inside and tucked away in the ladies’ toilets.

“Those guys, they spread shit around about Bryce to try and wreck his reputation.”

“What the fuck.” Jackie’s voice raised pretty much straight away.

“Yeah. Bad shit, too. He got a surgery taken away from him because of it.”

“Why would they do that?”

“They said he was annoying and someone slipped them the secrets. That are so fucking unfounded it’s rid-”

“Who?”

“What?”

“Who slipped the secrets?”

“I don’t know. A Dr Olsen.” As she said this, a lightbulb flicked on above Suki’s head.

Jackie was giving her a furious look.

“Dr Olsen. Landry fucking Olsen.”

“No fucking way,” Jackie spat. “We’ve gotta go back on shift. But meet me when it’s over. We’ll poison this rat. No one fucks with Bryce Lahela’s friends.”

As she left Jackie gave a comforting squeeze to Suki’s shoulder. Suki was relieved that Jackie was as angry as she, because it meant Suki wasn’t overreacting or overstepping. Jackie was Bryce’s best friend, so Suki was fine. She wasn’t doing anything wrong.

She turned to the bathroom mirror and inspected the flushed, windswept look she had. She looked angry. Scary. And then she noticed red. Her hand was bleeding. Shit. Of course it had to be the other hand to before too, just as that was starting to heal. There was no telling if it was her blood, Fred’s, or both. She ran it under some cold water to clean it.

And now that she was alone and her plan had happened, everything sunk in. Suki finally thought about it all. And fuck was she regretting everything. She watched as the blood pooled around the drain, diluting through a pink. The same pink she felt to her core. Embarrassed. Had she seriously just shouted at two guys, punched one of them and nearly punched the other? If Jackie hadn’t turned up when she had, Suki was worried for what she might’ve done. Can I just crawl into a hole? Because I’m questioning every single moment of that interaction.

She kind of felt bad about it. There was no way he could’ve seen that coming, and the look of surprise on his face…

But there was still lots of lingering anger. The fact they’d done that to Bryce could’ve never been something she was okay with. And really, there was probably no other way that would’ve ended. Even if she wished it hadn’t happened.

Not to mention the general sense of unprofessionalism and the waste of time and resources.

There was no way what she did could look even remotely casual. She fought some guys for fucking with Bryce. For the patients too, of course, but the first thought had been for Bryce. To fuck with them for fucking with him. And the idea of Bryce’s rejection because of that was what made her feel rotten to her very core, above even her arch-enemy: embarrassment. It wasn’t that she expected him to like her back, it was that, if she had really crossed a line, they wouldn’t even be friends any longer. That was the issue. She didn’t care in what capacity Bryce was in her life (okay, she did care, but-), she just needed him to be a part of it.

Just there with that stupid smug grin and everything that she hadn’t been able to stop thinking about for a while now.

And when Bryce found out, because inevitably he would, Suki had not even the slightest clue how he might react. Guilt began to sink in. She started convincing herself she’d made the wrong decision. What if he never forgave her? She didn’t think she’d be able to live with that. They might have only known one another for five months, but it felt like he’d flipped everything upside down, and if he went, she wouldn’t be able to set it back the right way up again. He was the only one who knew the right placement.

She looked back down to the sink, the water now running clear, and the faucet squeaked as she turned it off. Now that the overthinking and the anxiety were setting in, so was the pain. Her knuckles stung where the blood was starting to clot over and had stopped dripping. It didn’t look so bad now. She sighed at her reflection, now less angry and more forlorn. Dishevelled. But she really had to get back to work – people needed her help, not for her to be wallowing in self pity in the bathroom.

She left and went to grab some bandaging from a supply closet, making sure she was fit to use her hand. Well done Suki, fucking up both hands in a matter of weeks. Both from defending Bryce.

Luckily for Suki – maybe as some kind of cosmic payback for all the shit – her shift went by smoothly enough. No one asked after the bandaging on her hand, which she figured was very much for the best. She assumed Fred was probably somewhere getting his nose looked at. As it came to its end and the early hours of the morning crept in, lashings of gold and pink shooting across the sky, Suki felt she could finally let out a large exhale.

If you asked Suki, there was always a calmness and grounding found in sunrises.

Jackie caught up to her just outside the hospital.

“Hey, everything go okay?” She asked.

“Yeah, it was okay, you?”

“I’ve been trying to not be so obviously fuming, I’m hoping it paid off,” she sighed, then looked down and noticed Suki’s hand, “did you make yourself bleed? Shit, Suki. I didn’t even see the punch I just figured Fred was making a fuss over nothing.”

“It’s fine, really. Just a bit of bleeding.”

“So, you still wanna do this?”

“Yeah. I don’t wanna do this again though,” she held her hand up, “but I think I’m calmer now.”

They were able to find Landry having just arrived for his shift. When they asked to talk to him he obediently weaselled into that spot under the stairs Suki had spoken to Bryce in before Christmas. It seemed she couldn’t stand there and not see in her eyes Bryce standing there laughing at her.

“We heard some stuff, Landry,” Jackie began.

“S- stuff?”

“Yeah, like, you spread some completely false rumours about our friend.”

It took a lot of denial and many retorts in a tiring back-and-forth until Landry couldn’t lie about it any longer.

“So, why?” Jackie asked, her voice cool but angry.

“You replaced me with him.”

What? The. Fuck.

“Replaced? Landry, we barely know you. We went for drinks once,” Suki’s tone and demeanour was far calmer than it had been before.

“Yeah, and It would’ve been more if that jerk hadn’t swooped in with his shots and got under all your skins. Especially you, Suki. The way you were staring at him when he danced with you? It was shameful.”

Suki took in a sharp intake of breath and scoffed, holding out a hand to stop Jackie from whatever she’d moved to do. Level-headed Suki was so much better in a conflict. If he’d said that when she was raging she definitely would’ve had to add his name to the list of casualties.

“Okay you dickwad, I’m only gonna say this once. You could’ve completely wrecked someone’s career because of what? Jealousy over people you barely knew? We don’t like you. We don’t want to spend time with you. Showing Bryce up as some awful surgeon so you could swoop in was never going to work, he’s too good. Go and do the thing you’re actually meant to be wasting your energy on – saving lives. Because cooking up this plan cost more than Bryce; it cost the people he wasn’t able to perform on, it cost the patients you weren’t focusing on because your delusional revenge was your priority. We’re doctors, stop acting like a fucking child.”

“I’m not even going to bother,” Jackie seethed, before tugging on Suki’s sleeve and dragging them away from the slimy snake.

Jackie and Suki ranted the entire way home, unable to digest how ridiculous the entire thing was.

After work and Suki had cooled down a little, it was around 11am and she decided to go check up on Bryce. Maybe a slight part of it was guilt-related.

She rapped her knuckles on the door, wincing as she realised she’d used the wrong hand. Damn dominant hands.

But, whatever. Bryce was the focus.

He opened up to her, still looking pretty snotty and rough, but perhaps a tad brighter than yesterday.

“Hey, sorry I fell asleep,” he croaked, running his hand down his face as he left the door wide open for Suki to enter. She followed in after him.

“Don’t be sorry, I’m glad you got some rest.”

“Did you, uh, forget something here or-?”

“I came to check on you. And I guess now I’m here I should heat up a meal for you.”

“Can’t stay away?” He grinned, a little weakly, but the Bryce charm was there.

“Hey, you let me in,” she joked.

“I’m not sure I want soup for breakfast.”

“It’s nearly lunch!”

“Then I’ll wait.”

Bryce followed the same pattern as yesterday, slinking off into his bedroom as instructed by her while Suki prepared his food, then she served it to him again, and watched Criminal Minds as he slurped down the soup.

But she wasn’t really watching. Her head was racing. Bryce was sitting right next to her unaware that she’d overreacted over something that wasn’t her business. She was just glad she hadn’t been a tell-tale and gone to Dr. Emery yet. Because ultimately that was Bryce’s decision. As confronting the guys should’ve been.

She kept feeling like she should tell him. But she couldn’t. She’d worked herself up too much into thinking she’d really fucked up, and she didn’t want him to find out. To hate her. Think she was too clingy.

He’s gonna find out. He is. And then he’ll never talk to me again.

“Sukes?” He was gently shaking her arm.

“Huh?”

“You kind of went off in your own little world there,” he laughed gently, “I just said thank you for the soup. Again.”

“Oh yeah, of course.” She bit her lip, frustrated that she was so obviously unable to hide her emotions. Bryce could tell something was up. “Here, I’ll take this through for you.”

“Suki. You’ve done enough, don’t worry.”

Maybe, but I owe you. And I might be feeling pretty guilty. Above all that, I want to do this for you, I care for you a lot.

She simply smiled and took his tray through to the kitchen and washed it all up.

When she returned to Bryce’s bedroom, he’d turned on his side, his head still slightly elevated but looking at his phone as opposed to the TV.

Suki stood somewhat awkwardly in the doorway. She wasn’t really sure where to go from here.

“You can come sit,” he offered, pulling back the covers a little to create a space for her. She nodded lightly and perched on the edge, legs hanging off the side but face turned to Bryce.

“Thanks.”

“So you’ve not slept all night.”

“How’d you know that?”

“It was pretty obvious you’d come straight from a shift. And your eye-bags are huge,” he teased, despite the fact he was still quite weak.

She shook her head affectionately, and tried to focus her attention on the TV.

“You should get some sleep,” pressed Bryce.

“Yeah, you’re right. I’ll get going-”

Bryce coughed, and it felt like it wasn’t for cold reasons. “You don’t need to go…”

She smiled at him, her heart aching. If only he knew what he was doing to her. She swiped some hair from his face with her un-bandaged hand, moving a little closer subconsciously.

“I think I do,” she whispered sadly, unable to pull her gaze away from Bryce’s, his lips, or pull her hand from his cheek.

“You probably shouldn’t kiss me. You don’t wanna catch these germs,” he laughed weakly.

“Who told you I was gonna kiss you?”

“Your eyes,” he sighed wistfully.

“Oh, funny!”

He bit his lip, like he wanted to say more. Suki cocked her head a little, saying nothing until he did.

“Then again, you’ve been close to me. You’ve probably already caught it…”

“Yeah, I mean, I’m in your bed right now.”

“Your choice, but it’s not my fault if you kiss me and get sick,” he smirked.

Fuck it.

She leaned forward, letting her lips hover above his in case he changed his mind. But he didn’t move. She pulled his bottom lip into her mouth delicately like it was made of glass, but he responded with more force. That familiar feeling of his lips on hers but also foreign. She placed her hand on his chest to keep him from overexerting himself, taking control to keep the kiss slow and gentle. So what if she got sick. So. Fucking. What.

Perhaps there was something to do with the fact that she’d finally admitted to herself that she liked him, or the fact that he was ill and all she wanted was for him to be okay, or the way that his lips pressed to hers desperate for more which she couldn’t give him; but that kiss was intoxicating like no tequila had ever been.

Maybe this was it, maybe there was something shared there. Suki was scared to be too hopeful, but it felt… voltaic. At least hidden in subtext. He was kissing her like it meant something. And Suki was getting carried away again, so she reluctantly pulled apart.

“It’s different,” she breathed, a little narcotised from his lips.

“Different from?”

“I was just thinking about how different everything is. You know, since we had our first kiss back in September.” Maybe she sounded a little too nostalgic, but it was like word vomit.

“That wasn’t our first.”

No way…

“You… remembered?” She asked, dumbfounded, eyes widening and her hand frozen against Bryce’s chest.

Bryce looked a little bashful, at first not meeting her eyes, then fixing her with his deep, honest gaze. But Suki was so shocked, she continued to ramble:

“At first at the housewarming party I thought you must’ve remembered and you were just waiting for me to realise, but then when I mentioned it you were so vague.”

“Vague?” He simply said. God, there he went again. Suki was embarrassed and backtracked.

“I mean, you obviously don’t remember me from college. That’s why whenever I bring it up you avoid that subject. It’s fine, I get it.”

He inhaled deeply and shut his eyes tight. He sat up against his pillows, now taller than Suki. Then when he opened his eyes, there was honesty and vulnerability looking down at her.

“Of course I remembered you.”

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ms-demeanor · 4 years

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After reading your "ultra-long postivity post", now I have kind of a weird feeling because i relate a lot to pretty much everything you said, but i ended up approaching the "not everyone can x" from the opposite side, being the "gifted kid" teachers used to hold everyone to unrealistic standards (that i knew most couldnt achieve in the given timeframes), and now i get frustrated when i dont develop skills immediately, because i have done it before and feel like i should be able to and aaaaaaaaaa

Funny story: when I was a kid my parents had both my sister and I tested for learning and developmental disabilities. This testing included IQ testing.

It identified that we were both “gifted” kids* and that I’m dyslexic.

It totally missed my ADHD, though!

The problem with that is that my parents. Hm.

Okay my parents both grew up in very poor families. VERY poor. And they both wanted to go to college and knew the only way that they could was through scholarships. So they became debaters. They met at a tournament in high school.

Debaters are weird. You need an efficient working memory and strong recall and the ability to think quickly on your feet. Being witty and kind of an asshole are also good traits for debaters. Basically you’ve either gotta be really fuck-off smart to be a competitive debater or you’ve gotta at least *seem* really fuck-off smart.

And my parents were champion debaters at a national level. The Whittier College debate trophy has my mom’s name written directly under Richard goddamn Nixon. My dad was on the USC debate team and competed against Harvard and won. Not only that but he ended up coaching debate for USC and Cal Tech.

So as kids who grew up in extremely poor families and were able to go to college and get middle-class jobs and buy a house because of intellectual ability my parents placed A LOT of importance on intellectual ability.

So that IQ score became a large part of my life.

First we attacked the dyslexia. The approach was basically teaching me a bunch of sight words because sounding out phonics doesn’t work when the letters get screwed up. And because I was *gifted* we did a lot of really BIG sight words.

It took about six months to get me up to speed from “memorizing the pages of a story to match the pictures because I couldn’t read along in class” to “the first book I read on my own was The Hobbit.” I guess that counted as “cured” because that was the last time I got any kind of educational assistance.

At that time I was at a gifted school, a really tiny private school that was also an after-school daycare where we did full-day classes and then did gymnastics and swim from 3-6pm. I also was there over the summer because my parents worked.

So going from “tiny private school where the teacher has you stand up in class to read your failing grade in front of everyone so that she could shame you into performing better” to “fine public school in a suburb wealthy enough to have arts programs” was a major, major change. They did an aptitude test because I was transferring in from a different district and there was much discussion about whether or not to move me directly from the second to the sixth grade.

The district refused, thank fuck.

The public elementary school didn’t *have* a gifted program so it took very little time for me to become the Certified Weird Kid. My third grade teacher had me read aloud to our class for twenty minutes a day. I taught the class the multiplication table.

When it got to be time to go to the junior high school my mom went to a meeting for the school’s gifted kids program. APPARENTLY one of the kid’s dad’s basically said “I don’t understand why you’re wasting school funds on field trips for the stupid kids, the school should spend more of its resources on kids who have a chance of actually meaning something to the world” and my mom decided that while being gifted was important it was less important than making sure I wasn’t exposed to assholes of that caliber on a regular basis.

(thanks mom, I actually do really appreciate that reprieve)

Several teachers pushed me into advanced classes - my math teacher insisted that I take the advanced algebra classes in the seventh and eighth grade.

The GATE kids *WERE* assholes and were extra bonus special assholes to me because math was the only advanced class that I was in. (At my junior high school you had to pick your elective based on what level of classes you were in - to take the GATE classes you HAD to take a music elective; if you took art, drama, shop, or home ec you couldn’t take the smart kid classes. The algebra class was a new, separate addition to the program so *some* of the kids in the “electives for dropouts” program could take algebra. Schools are really fucked up, guys, in case you didn’t know schools are really fucked up and that was BEFORE No Child Left Behind).

I got a C in that algebra class and sat in my room for literally an hour screaming at myself for being such a selfish, distracted idiot that I let myself read my books instead of studying harder for the class. (clearly very healthy, normal twelve-year-old behavior)

When it was time to go to high school my teachers made a united plea to the district to transfer me into honors/IB/AP classes.

The kids in the honors/IB/AP classes continued to be kind of awful to me. I got extremely depressed and basically started doing the lazy-but-brilliant thing of completely ignoring homework or in-class work but performing spectacularly well on tests or essays in the classes that I wasn’t catastrophically failing

I was the only person at the school who got a perfect score on the vocab part of my SAT. I was the only honors kid who hadn’t been in SAT prep classes. There was only one other kid who graduated with the same number of units as I had, we’d outstripped the valedictorian and salutatorian but three classes each. I only applied to one college - I got accepted for painting but my interviewer urged me to move to the writing program and I got accepted for that too.

My financial aid didn’t come through and my dad wasn’t willing to cosign for loans on “an art program at a trade school.”

I got accepted to Pratt Institute on their Writing for Publication track which included an internship with the New York Times for third-year students in the program.

At that point I had a Columbia Scholastic Press award for my work on my high school yearbook.

Let me tell you, the community college that I went to and spent five years variously failing and succeeding at had a fucking *killer* newspaper and magazine when I was there. The local community newspaper that hired me when I was 21 was also much better designed and edited than it had any right to be for the three years I worked there (getting paid a whole eight dollars an hour and sometimes working 20 hours straight to get it in to the printer on time).

When I transferred to the state school I got perfect grades and worked full time and won every contest offered by the school’s English Honors society (which I couldn’t join because I was a transfer student and hadn’t done honors classes my freshman and sophomore years). I started a literary magazine with some friends when I graduated; we published four full issues online before it fell apart.

You know what’s also funny?

Even the food-service job I had to pay my way though the community college I felt terrible about attending was a skills test. I was a barista, so of course for a while I was a competitive barista.

I disappointed my parents a lot. I heard a lot of “we know you’re better than this.” I got told I was too smart to be screwing up this bad. I mentioned it a couple weeks ago but my results from that IQ test got compared to my sister’s and that was the justification for holding me to a higher standard. “You’re measurably brilliant, why aren’t you acting like it?”

Here lies the corpse of a gifted kid. Look on my works ye might and despair.

I am the perfect picture of a twice exceptional gifted kid and the reason I wrote all of this out is to tell you one thing:

“Gifted Kid” is a label that someone applied to you, it has nothing to do with who and what you ARE.

It’s very, very unfair that the adults in your life used you that way. I have an exceptionally terrible memory of being singled out as the only one who passed the first test in my IB World History class; “Why is Alli the only one of all of you who is writing at grade level? You’re supposed to be the smartest kids in the school, why did you all fail?”

That’s awful for the kids around you, that’s awful for you. It doesn’t do anybody any favors if people around you are being informed that you’re setting the curve they’ll be judged against. And it really, really doesn’t do YOU any favors because it doesn’t take long *at all* for your brain to learn that that’s all you’re good for. If you aren’t the best at a thing then what’s the point, you HAVE to be best because they already SAID you were best and if you aren’t then all these other people hate you for setting a standard that even you can’t keep up with.

You end up competing with past versions of yourself and focusing on those things that make the grownups in your life praise you because the grownups in your life has praised you in such a way that it’s turned all the other kids against you.

You know who bullied the fuck out of me? The kids I taught the times tables to, the kids I read to for half an hour a day.

Those kids were MEAN to me but the teacher who told me to read Boxcar Kids to the class after lunch everyday was NICE and she told me not to worry, they were just jealous and I should be proud of my gifts.

“Anon did this in three minutes. What’s taking the rest of you so long?” - what a terrible weight to put on a child. You’re right. Not everyone can do everything.

Fucking hell.

Adults what the everloving shit is wrong with us? Please don’t treat kids like that.

Okay.

But here’s the other thing:

If there’s any time in your life that it’s easy to acquire skills with no apparent effort it’s when you’re a child surrounded by a support system that is engaged in making sure that you can acquire those skills.

It took three adults, two dictionaries, and several hours a day to teach me enough sight-words to throw me into “look at baby genius*” territory but from my perspective as a little kid I was just reading cool stories.

I spent four hours a day in the yearbook room and ditched and failed other classes so that I could work on the yearbook. I collected hundreds of magazines to get an eye for layout. But from my perspective as a teenager it was a fun activity that I did with the closest thing I had to friends.

I’m sure that there are some skills that you had a natural aptitude for, some things that came naturally. But I’m also sure that you didn’t learn those skills with no effort, it’s just that now as an adult with a life and other shit going on it takes more effort to learn to do things.

In all likelihood you weren’t a savant who did everything perfectly the first time you tried. It just seems that way because even really smart kids don’t know when they’re bad at things and are mostly being compared against other kids (with the few rare exceptions of music prodigies or math prodigies or those kids who end up in science grad programs at 12 and boy howdy do I think there’s a whole other can of worms when it comes to the way child prodigies* interact with the world).

You wanna know what probably saved my life in the last few years?

That “anti-capitalist love notes” tumblr post.

You are worth more than your productivity.

I was actually kind of offended the first time I saw that post on my dash. “No I’m not,” I thought. “You’re only worth what you can do, everyone knows that. People care about what you do for them.”

And why the hell would I think anything else? That’s what I’d learned for pretty much my whole life.

It took me a really long time to understand that I was wrong. I matter outside of what I can do for people or how well I perform. I matter more than being able to perfectly recite poetry from memory or do calculations on command or sit down at a piano and play a piece I’ve never played by sight-reading it.

And you matter outside of that too. You’re more than your performance, you’re better than being gifted. There are people who love you for the way you make them laugh and how you listen to their stories and for the simple joy of your presence.

It’s nice to be clever, it’s handy in a lot of situations even if it does come with a lot of baggage for some people.

But god damn, it’s important to be kind.

* Personally I have issues with the way that society constructs the concepts of giftedness, genius, and prodigies. There are a lot of “gifted” kids who were the kids who scored in the top 5% of their class in school but there are also gifted kids who were doing high-level math or reading novels as toddlers; there are prodigies who showed an aptitude for music young and who were then schooled in that instrument to the exclusion of all other activities (and I bet there are a fair number of kids who might be considered prodigies if they were trained to play flute for nine hours a day and didn’t have friends but thankfully we don’t *do* that to very many people - side note, ask me my opinion about olympic athletes some time). Words like “genius” and “gifted” are very nearly meaningless and almost *never* accurately reflect skills proficiency or long-term success or are reflected in income or respect. People think that geniuses are hypercompetent robots with their shit together but literally every adult I know with a genius-level IQ is some variety or other of total fucking tire fire.

#congratulations you have unlocked level two of my tragic backstory #long post

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a-spectacle-in-the-morning · 4 years

Text

“Woeful Wins and Whiskey” -- Rafael Barba

Notes: I’m trying to write Rafael stuff now and I am VERY nervous about it. *retreats to writing Sonny immediately*

There’s some mentions of sexual violence in this one folks. Just the kind of stuff that’s par for the course with SVU. And drinking. You have been forewarned.

If anyone ever needed to be reaffirmed in their belief that love at first sight didn’t exist, all they had to do was ask you about the day you met Rafael. Not that you immediately hated him or anything, you just sure as hell didn’t like him.

When you first transferred to the SVU you were surprised by how welcoming the staff was. To clarify they were welcoming, but not in any way exceedingly joyous to have you there.

Fin had offered you a curt nod as you sat at your desk before turning back to his desktop screen. Amanda gifted you a slight smile. Liv shook your hand as she nearly jogged past you to get to her office. Sonny had gotten up and helped you unpack your little box of knick-knacks. He even started an idle conversation with you while you finished up, which ended with him promising to bring you a plate full of his Ma’s zeppole by the end of the week. Then Liv re-emerged from her office, cell phone still in hand, to let everyone know that there was a new case.

“Hope you’re ready new kid,” Fin teased.

Just like that you were off. No rookie desk duty; straight out to the world of sex crimes. And very quickly you weren’t so sure you truly were ready.

Your first case was a (impossibly, in your opinion) young girl claiming to have been molested by a teacher. She wouldn’t expose the man, but the physical evidence was enough to land her in the hospital. It was violent. You were used to violence, but nothing that made you as sick as listening to that girl recount what happened to her.

There were a horrifying number of suspects and without the girl’s testimony you were left digging through whatever evidence there was. After an ungodly number of hours you felt like you had connected some dots and your gut was telling you the perp was her biology teacher. You asked Sonny what you could possibly do next with mostly just a gut feeling and he told you to ask the ADA if what you had was enough.

“It’s not,” Barba huffed, looking at you over the file you’d brought him.

“I know you need more to prosecute, but I also know this guy is guilty. The kid’s not gonna testify against him. What more can I get you?” you asked, genuinely curious.

“Some actual evidence?” he had chided, raising an eyebrow at you.

You let a puff of laughter escape. The balls on this guy, you thought. Then you looked up and saw the framed degree from Harvard. You squinted back at his three piece suit and you knew he was going to be a pain in the ass. Better to placate this kind of douche than to worsen his mood.

“Fair enough,” you shrugged. “Can I please at least get a warrant to search his office?”

He let the folder flop down on his desk. “Do you have a reason for me to give you one?”

Oh my God.

Then he added, “That isn’t your fresh out of the academy, twenty-something year old instinct.”

I’m going to kill this guy.

But you just swallowed your pride, set your shoulders, and said, “I’ll get you one.” And before he could get in one last quip you were out of his well decorated office.

You did get him one. By the next afternoon, in fact. As the youngest member of the team Liv had allowed you, hesitantly, to talk to the victim alone. She thought it might help her open up if she was around someone even remotely closer to her own age. And it had. She let slip during the interview that the man who attacked her was tall, angry, and (very helpfully) a science teacher. The way you walked back into Barba’s office… You looked like you could’ve just beaten him in some long running bet by the smugness emanating off of you. But the little feud had only started yesterday. The two of you were just incredibly spite filled human beings.

Barba begrudgingly, though of course very and truly gladly, gave you the warrant you had asked for. You and Amanda had ransacked the suspect’s office and found all the physical evidence Barba could ever desire. Unfortunately, that evidence was a mountain of trophies taken from young girls over many years. The prosecution involved exposing a lot of trauma. It was an easy win, but a painful and exhausting one as well.

Welcome to the team.

You celebrated by going out for a somber drink at Forlini’s. It was a busy Saturday. When you finally got the bartender’s attention you ordered two fingers of 12 year old Macallan because you were feeling down, but not drain-your-bank-account down. Neat, of course.

Then you heard someone to your left say, “Make that two of those.”

You turned to face Barba, and despite his similarly worn look, you said, “I can’t tonight.” And then, very boldly, “I’m too exhausted to keep up with your pretension.”

He laughed (a bit bitterly) and responded, “No need. I’m all out.”

Then your drinks arrived. You both grabbed a glass and clinked them in commiseration before taking a sip. You could feel him watching how you swallowed. Every man you had ever drank whiskey in front of had done that. They want to see if you choke.

You didn’t. It was a damn smooth drink despite the warm, burning sensation it left in your throat.

“Where’d you get your taste for whiskey?” Barba questioned, unable to hide that he was a little impressed.

“Not from my father, if that’s what you’re asking.”

“I wasn’t.”

You stopped mid sip, then smiled as you finished your drink. “At this point I’m kind of numb to the taste of strong alcohol. I just like the way whiskey feels when it settles.” You laid a hand over your stomach and looked back at Rafael to gauge his reaction. He had the faintest of grins on his lips and instead of a direct response he finished his drink as well. Then he ordered two more.

“I’ve been told I come off as a complete asshole most of the time,” he said as you waited for the next round. “I’m sorry if that was your first impression of me.”

You shrugged in a ‘that’s alright’ kind of a gesture. “I get the feeling that people come to you asking you to perform miracles pretty often,” you offered.

He let out that bitter laugh again and with a sigh said, “Yes they do. Every day.”

You picked up your refilled glass and took another sip. “So I guess I didn’t make a great first impression either: barging in and asking for a prosecution with no evidence.”

“At least you asked me what else you could do to help. And you said please.”

Okay so you weren’t feeling bad for him, per say, but you were starting to see why he was wound so tight all the time.

You raised your glass next to his and said, “Here’s to more evidence in the future. Preferably with fewer strings attached.”

“Salud.”

After one more round and some casual conversation your exhaustion caught up to you and you picked up the bill, much to Barba’s irritation. When he continued to berate you for paying on the way to the street you turned to him and said, “Seriously, Barba, don’t worry about it.” A cab pulled up and you were half way in the backseat when you added, “You’ll get the next one.”

The thought of another night out with you had him beaming the whole way home.

Insert that “I’ve connected the two dots, you didn’t connect shit, I’ve connected them” meme. That’s what I imagine any given day is like being the ADA for those fool detectives in SVU. Sorry for making you one of them.

This is my first time writing Rafael. I love him to bits, but he’s hard to capture. At least for me he is. Hopefully I did alright!

#rafael barba x reader #rafael barba x you #rafael barba imagine #rafael barba fanfiction #rafael barba fanfic #law and order: special victims unit #law and order: svu #law and order: svu imagine #law and order: special victims unit imagine #fanfiction #fanfic #rafael barba

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ezmarie · 3 years

Text

Sorry I'm submitting lol - there aren't enough text options in ask rip

hiii!! I love your matchups and I'm finally writing up my own request! I was debating for a bit lol. You could call me Juni, my pronouns are she/her, I'm pan. I'm a libra, ENTJ, a slytherin (that ambition babey). I have a hard time admitting my achievements, once I accomplish something its just on to the next! I go to Harvard and study architecture/theory. I can speak 5 languages fluently, 1 at an elementary level that i'm working on rn so 6 total!

Flaws: Perfectionist, secretly v insecure, hot-headed/tempered

Likes: baking, cooking, reading, skincare, running, tennis, skiing

Music I love RN: What's Poppin - Jack Harlow 3 Nights - Dominic Fike (anything by him) Midsummer Memories - 88 Rising Golden - Harry Styles Shimmy - Amine Pauline - Pomme In my Room - Frank Ocean My Future - Billie Eilish

Name of some playlists: lazywavy head full thoughts empty why

Traits I look for in a partner: emotional intelligence, kindness, ambition, passion for what they do in life, athleticism to a degree, intelligence, someone to find security in, someone that is there when i feel really insecure and down, someone that can calm me down when I feel hotheaded or when I lose

My classmates and people all my life have told me I'm super intimidating! I don't understand, but I guess its because I'm just so goal-oriented? I've also been told it's because of my appearance (i guess I am pretty? it's so weird to admit) and how I dress, it's just an aura of I have my shit together and am the queen, some of my classmates will often refer to me as princess hahaha. I am very observant and emotionally intelligent as well. I apparent have a gift of just making some of my male classmates flustered, which comes from knowing to read people well I guess. I have also been told I have a very fire-y personality. I'm quick with comebacks, am sassy, and v witty/sarcastic. Also I have major RBF and a really animated face with expressing my emotions. I like to think I have a straight face but you can definitely tell when I'm annoyed, happy, upset, surprised whatever!

Back to being goal-oriented! I can never have enough of anything, I'll always go for more positions of leadership, jobs, awards, whatever! But this also means I change my mind about what I want to do because I want to do everything haha. Besides being so on top of things, I also love helping others! Many of my classmates come to me for help or advice which I am always happy to offer.

Beyond the intimidating face, I'm actually so very loyal and caring. I love who I love very dearly and commit hard to my friends. I guess that loyalty part of Slytherin is very in me haha. Though I am quiet, I would still consider myself an extrovert because I love being around people, getting praise from people, talking to people, whatever! I love the energy that comes from being at a party or a group gathering. I also lowkey not lowkey love the attention that comes from those settings.

I'm 5'3, tan skin (family is from india), my hair is short with wispy front bangs like @taylorlashae on insta and an almost black brown. I've been told my doppelganger is Camila Mendes lol. I like to spend time on my appearance - my morning rituals include listening to music and doing skincare and makeup. I don't go hard with makeup, my style is very french i guess and so is my makeup. I like to do my brows no matter what and some highlighter. I looove the glass skin look or the my skin is just naturally this perfect look ahaha.

IK this is really long so thank you for reading through it all/matching if you end up doing so! <3

hiiiii! omg thank you you’re so sweet!!🥺 and btw you literally ARE heather like why are you perfect😔🤚anywaysss i ship you with....iwaizumi!!!

i also just wanted to say that you remind me of oikawa, which is another reason i picked iwaizumi.

first, you both are very ambitious and intelligent. you guys would be SUCH a power couple like people would be scared of you, but that’s only because you guys are so put together. iwaizumi would definetly be impressed your incredible ambition and various goals and would work to follow in your footsteps.

he understands and recognizes your hidden insecurity and need for perfection from dealing with oikawa, as well as he’s just observant. he will provide so much comfort and motivation to admit to your actual feelings, but with a less violent approach than with oikawa, of course. he’s a very calm individual and will be able to easily calm you down when you have a burst of frustration or anger.

however, he has trouble dealing with his own emotions and has a habit of brushing them off and keeping them inside. with your emotional intelligence and observance you’ll be able to catch onto this quite quickly. since you have the want to help others and a caring personality, if you work with him on opening up and not bottling his feelings he would most likely be able to fix that problem. he definetly needs someone to help him with that and he would appreciate it so much if you even attempted.

he would be so passionate about you and a lack of care or respect would never be a problem in your relationship. he would make sure to listen completely and be there for you however you need him to be when your feeling insecure and vulnerable. he is also extremely loyal as well and will stick by your side no matter what happens. once you get past that intimidating aura he’s really just a big softie that wants to love and protect you at all costs.

anything you love he’ll try. he’s probably just gonna be honest with you if he doesn’t like it, but not in a mean way. he thinks everything you love to do is really interesting and cool, it’s just that he might be terrible at some of them and that’s just not his forte. when it comes to sports, however, that’s a whole different story. prepare for him to be at every single game and get really fired up when you play. he honestly might be more frustrated when you lose than you are, but he doesn’t show it. he would provide endless support and advice when it comes to stuff like that, and he would always make sure your taking care of yourself.

some scenarios with the two of you:

•you convincing him to do your skincare routine together and him complaining about how he hates it the whole time, but he always has a big smile on his face so you know he secretly likes it

•you baking and jamming out to 3 Nights by midsummer while he zones out looking at you with this dreamy look in his eyes🥺

•him trying to calm you down when your frustrated and it’s kinda difficult so he just resorts to putting on your lazywavy playlist. you end up just laughing together because he looked honestly scared for a second

ahh hopefully you like this!! my brain isn’t working today and my writing skills seem off right now but i tried my best!! <33

#haikyuu!!#haikyuu matchups #iwaizumi hajime #haikyuu iwaizumi #why are you so perfect #help lmao #submission #Petals ✿

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hotforharrington · 5 years

Text

Goody Two Shoes (Pt.6/6)

Series Masterlist

Pairing: Billy Hargrove x Reader

Warnings: mentions of sex, swearing

Notes: This is it! The end of the series that brought me back to writing! Thank you all for the support of this series! I hope you all enjoy the ending :)

—

As you stood there you felt as though you were in a horrible nightmare. Between your best friend just going on that rant, Billy standing on your front porch in his normal attire, and your mother being present for all of it, everything felt as though it was falling apart. And you thought you’d just break into a million pieces and collapse with it.

You turned to look at your mother and said, “Please just give me a minute, Mom.”

“Fine.”

You could tell your mother was unhappy with this whole situation, and therefore you were surprised she allowed you to have this.

You grabbed Steve by the arm, pulled him out to the front porch, and closed the front door behind you all.

“Hey gorgeous.” Billy said with his eyes glued to you.

“Don’t get me started, Billy. What the hell do you think you’re doing here like this?”

“I just wanted to see you, princess.”

“Don’t act all innocent. I’m not stupid. I know you were jealous because Steve was spending time with me today and so you decided to cause a scene.”

Steve laughed and you turned to glare at him. “Shut up, Steve. You didn’t exactly make things better, spilling the beans about how Billy ‘fakes it’ for me and shit.”

The comedy of the situation faded away from him.

You continued, “Both of you are coming in here like tornados and stirring up so much trouble for me!”

“Well maybe it’s about time you got what was coming to you.” Steve said softly.

“Excuse me?” You responded.

“I mean I don’t know how Hargrove feels about it but it’s your last year of high school, so I think it’s about time you tell your parents what you want and stop taking their shit. And more importantly stop letting them treat the people you care about like shit just because they think you’re a princess that can’t be associated with anything other than the most perfect and pure royalty in the world.”

You looked from Steve to Billy.

Billy’s expression didn’t give any clues to what he was thinking before he spoke up, “As much as I hate to agree with Harrington, I think he’s got a point. I mean, you are my perfect princess so I can understand that you’re parents would want you to be treated like royalty, but what they need to see is that just because we aren’t perfect and don’t have straight A’s, doesn’t mean we’re incapable of being good to you. And they need to let you make your own decisions for your own happiness.”

Everything built up within you all at once. Tears were welling up in your eyes because you knew the two boys were right. And they were setting aside their differences to help you improve your situation and reinforce your happiness.

“You guys are right. Thank you.”

You looped your arms around Steve’s torso for a quick hug before letting go and turning towards Billy. You lifted your hands to drape them around his neck and he rested his hands at your waist. You leaned in and brushed your lips against his, causing your lips to spread into a smile.

“Ugh, all right, I don’t wanna see all that.” Steve said, disgusted.

You and Billy laughed, still interlocked in one another’s embrace. He leaned back in for another kiss and you met him halfway to connect your lips together.

Abruptly, the door flung open, and your mother stood their with a big frown across her face.

You were still tangled up in Billy, when she erupted from the household.

You, Billy, and Steve jumped at her presence. Your mom’s eyes were wide, her face red with anger. You mustered up all your courage, took a deep breath in, and said, “Mom. There are some things we need to talk about.”

“You’re right about that, young lady. Get in here. You two impertinent boys are corrupting my daughter and you both better be out of my sight within the next few minutes or I’m going to call the police for trespassing!” Your mother yelped.

“No, mom. I won’t let you treat them like that. They’re staying.”

“Excuse me?” She replied.

“I said they’re staying. These boys are the two most important people in the world to me. They both care about me beyond measure. And when I say they care about me, I mean they care about me! Not my grades, not the college I go to. They care about who I am as a person and what is going to make me happy. Mom, when was the last time you asked me about what I wanted out of my life? Do you even know anything about me?”

Your mother stood there with guilt spread all over her presence. She looked at the ground, ashamed.

“Do you even know what my favorite color is? My favorite book? My favorite band? My favorite food?” You continued.

Your mother had nothing to say.

After a moment of silence, you looked toward Steve. Instinctively, he spat out all the answers, “Yellow. To Kill a Mockingbird. Fleetwood Mac. French fries.”

“Mom, I love you. But you and dad both have to realize that there’s more to my life than my grades and Harvard. These guys know that because they took the time to get to know what was underneath all of that. I’ve slowly come to realize that these two know me better than my own parents. Just because they don’t dress to impress you all the time and you don’t think their manners are perfect, doesn’t say anything about the true content of their character. A few moments ago, you basically said Steve was a bad influence when in reality, a lot of the time Steve is the one that keeps me out of trouble! I’m so tired of trying so hard to be perfect to you and dad. I’m done with it. This is my last year of high school and after that I can do whatever I want with my life. Do you really want the last few months of me living under your roof to be filled with arguments and resentment?”

Your mother shook her head in embarrassment, squeaked out an “I’m sorry. To all of you.” And walked back inside the house.

You felt the tension release from your body and you let out a sigh of relief before turning around to face the boys.

First, Steve smiled at you and engulfed you in a giant hug, lifting you up goofily. He placed your feet back on the ground and squeezed you tighter. “I’m so proud of you, kid.” He whispered to you.

“Thanks... And I’m not a kid!” You laughed at him, pushing him away playfully.

Billy stood there awkwardly, and Steve said goodbye to you before leaving the porch and heading home.

You approached Billy with a look of adoration across your face. As soon as you were within reach, he pulled you into him.

“That was badass, princess.” He said to you.

You laughed and shook your head in response. You gave Billy a quick peck before saying, “I know you think you do, but you have nothing to worry about with Steve. We’re just friends. I’m really into you, B.”

“I really like you too, (Y/N).” He said with a sexy smile.

You arched up one eyebrow before saying suggestively, “You just like me?”

“Well...I mean... I guess...” Billy stumbled through his words.

You inched your face close to his, to where your lips were less than half an inch away from his, and whispered, “Je t’aime de tout mon coeur.”

“Well that was sexy,” Billy said before expressing his confusion, “What does it mean?” He said as you turned around.

You kissed up from his collarbone to his neck before reaching his ear and saying, “I love you with all my heart.”

Billy was flabbergasted and red in the face. He recollected himself before saying, “I... I love you too, princess.”

He crashed his lips onto yours, creating a passionate, hungry kiss.

You pulled away from him and softly said, “Sneak into my room at midnight, and we can see where another kiss like that could lead us.” You said with a wink before heading inside.

Let’s just say, that night you and Billy consummated your relationship with the most amazing, passionate, and unbelievable sex either of you had ever had. ;)

—

Epilogue // •a few months later•

After getting your parents on the same page as you, you felt for the first time you were able to think freely.

You were finally able to realize what you were passionate about and what would make you happiest. With this newfound freedom of thought, you discovered a love for fashion and designing.

It was a reality check for your parents for sure, as they decided before you were even out the womb that you’d go to Harvard and that you’d grow up to be a doctor or lawyer.

When you opened up your letter of acceptance to an internship for a fashion company in Paris, you were over the moon. Then you realized you’d have to leave all of your friends and family.

You told Steve first, and although he knew he’d miss you, he was more proud of you than anything. “If this is what’s going to make you happy, then I’m ecstatic for you!” He said.

But telling Steve wasn’t the hard part, it was telling Billy that you dreaded. You and Billy were more in love than ever, making it harder to tell him. You procrastinated and procrastinated until you couldn’t put it off anymore.

Billy snuck into your window like he did just about every night.

“Hey, princess.” He said when he laid eyes on you.

“Hey, B.” You said, holding the letter in your hands.

“Whatcha got there?” He asked, “A love letter for me?”

��Not exactly... Billy, there’s something I need to tell you...”

Billy sensed your uneasiness and said, “Woah, what’s going on baby girl?”

“It’s my acceptance letter.” You said vaguely.

“Acceptance letter? For Harvard? Don’t tell me you’re going to Harvard after everything...”

“No, no, it’s not for Harvard. Remember when I told you I applied for a fashion internship?”

“Yeah?”

“Well I got it.”

“You got in?! Princess, I am so proud of you! That’s amazing!” Billy was so happy for you. He came to pull you into his embrace, but stopped when he realized how cold you were being. “What’s wrong?”

You turned to lock eyes with him, your vision becoming blurry as tears began to form. Your voice cracked as you said, “It’s... it’s in Paris.”

“Like in Europe?” Billy asked.

You nodded your head meekly.

“Oh...” Billy’s heart began to shatter at the thought of not seeing you everyday. Hell, you may never see each other again.

Tears streamed down your face as you could see Billy’s demeanor change from his normal self, to the hurt one that stood before you now.

You were speechless. Even if you wanted to say words, you couldn’t squeak them out no matter how hard you tried.

As if you could read each other’s minds, you both lunged toward one another and fell into each other’s grasp. You squeezed onto him as if your life depended on it. He held you tighter as if it would make time stop and keep you there with him forever.

The tears continued to flow knowing that this good thing would be coming to an end.

“I’m not going to ask you to wait for me, Billy. But I will come back one day. I don’t want to leave you... but this is a huge opportunity...”

“I know, princess. I am so so proud of you. But I can’t deny that this hurts like hell.”

“Should I just stay?” You asked him.

“What? No. Why would you stay?”

You reached for his rough hands and held them in your dainty ones, caressing his palms with your fingers. Your voice was now in a whisper. “I don’t want to leave you.”

“That’s not a good enough reason. I’ll be okay, princess. You can’t pass up this opportunity just because of me. I won’t let you.”

Tears continued rolling down your face. He lifted a hand to caress your cheek and whispered, “Hey, shh, (Y/N), listen to me, princess... You’re gonna go and make a name for yourself and become some big fashion executive. Show your parents, show me, show Harrington, show the world what you’re made of. And then you can come back to me. Okay? Everything’s gonna be just fine. It’s gonna be more than fine, it’s gonna be amazing.”

You didn’t know if the words he said were to assure you, or to assure him, but it what probably both.

You pressed your lips against his. Your mouths slowly and passionately danced together.

—

The day you left came around all too fast.

Your heart was heavy. Your mind was racing.

Saying goodbye to Steve and your parents was rough.

You and Billy decided not to have a big dramatic goodbye. You both thought that would only make things worse. Instead, for your farewells, you each wrote the other a letter. You met up the evening before to have one last night together. Before he snuck out your window one last time, you both exchanged letters and that was it.

You sat at the airport, waiting to board your plane, when you decided to open up your letter from Billy.

Princess,

Saying goodbye was something I’d never thought we’d have to do... but here it goes...

I will always remember the first time I saw you in the school hallway, the very first time we kissed on the steps of that house party, the time we shared a cigarette outside the school gym. I’ll never forget telling Harrington after basketball that you were special and you weren’t going to be like the other girls. And, damn, was that the truest thing I’ve ever said. There are so many lovely memories in our short time together but the fact remains the memories are not enough to bind us for rest of our lives. I still have some hope deep in my heart that someday the love we’ve built will bring you back in my arms. Though I know things may never be the same but ... I will always love you... I’ll love you with my whole heart till the day I die. Forever and always, you’ll be my princess.

-B

—

Taglist: @the-marvelatic @p3nny4urth0ught5 @kellysimagines @countryday @kayln97 @gothackedalready @kayleighscreams @personal-antichrist @lemursfemur @emmalbg @fanngirl19

#billy hargrove x reader #billy hargrove x you #billy hargrove imagine #billy hargrove imagines #billy hargrove stranger things #billy hargrove fanfic #billy hargrove fanfiction #billy stranger things #steve harrington x you #steve harrington x reader #steve harrington #stranger things #stranger things imagines #stranger things imagine #stranger things fanfic #stranger things fanfiction #stranger things preferences #steve stranger things

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teannamon · 5 years

Text

The Black Cat and the Princess (ML Fic) 4

Marinette Agreste (outfit mentioned in Chapter 2) and Gabriel Agreste

Tom and Sabine Dupain-Cheng with their adopted son, Adrien Dupain-Cheng

Art by the lovely and talented @deryuj tysm :>

[ Family Switch AU ] Marinette’s the only child of fashion icon Gabriel Agreste, and Adrien is the adopted child of Sabine and Tom Dupain-Cheng, two of the best bakers in Paris. What happens when their paths meet?

↫ Chapter 3

Chapter 4 : The weekend is here and Marinette has been invited to a gathering.

Nathalie entered the young designer’s room with the item she requested-a black belt with a silver buckle which is, of course, of the Gabriel brand.

“Marinette, here’s the belt you needed”

“Thanks Nathalie, you’re a lifesaver” she said as she placed the belt in the middle of her black skater dress. Nathalie nodded and was about to leave when Marinette stopped her.

“Yes? Is there something else you need?”

“Kinda?” She shrugged, “Can you tell me if this is appropriate for a Freshmen get-together?”

Marinette gestured to her outfit. A black skater dress with rose embroidery at the sides, a denim jacket, stockings and heeled boots.

The assistant looked her over with a straight face. Not thinking too deeply about her choice of clothing she replied, “I would think so, I wouldn’t say you’re overdressed, and your fashion choices aren’t questionable to say the least”

“Thanks, I guess” with that, Nathalie finally left the room.

As soon as she did, Marinette texted Chloe saying she’s ready. Not a second later, she received a reply that she will pick her up in five minutes.

Exactly five minutes later, Chloe’s limo stopped in front of the Agreste manor. Marinette walked out not even bothering to say goodbye to her father.

Why not? She already asked for permission and he gave her a strict curfew. Why is there a need to bother him if he already knows?

In the back of her mind however, she wishes that her father could at least show some semblance of a parent figure especially ever since her mother has gone missing. True that Gabriel has been a strict and cold man probably ever since he was born but Marinette won’t deny that her father was at least kinder and caring in his own subtle way when Emilie was still around, albeit she lives a much busier life as an actress-travelling to many locations for new movies, auditions and attending premieres.

“You’re doing that face. Alright what’s on your mind, Blunette? Talk to me” Chloe said with a huff, clearly noticing the way Marinette is sulking by the car window thinking about her father issues.

“It’s… nothing important” she sighed.

Her blonde friend sighed in annoyance but didn’t press any further, “Fine, have it your way. I’m no good with sappy and emotional talk anyways, they’re utterly ridiculous and unnecessary” she said in a joking tone.

Marinette chuckled, she sat up straight and decides to change the topic. She’s supposed to enjoy this night, her first party with people her age that doesn’t involve industry talk and acting like what a Gabriel representative would.

“So what is this party about? I have no idea what to do”

Chloe lit up at her question and talked enthusiastically, “Just stick with good old Chloe, aka The Party Queen, and its smooth sailing from there. Just imagine, me and you walking in that party looking fab as hell… we are the perfect BFF goals!” she squealed the last part and Marinette smiled at her enthusiasm, making her feel better ever since she left the house.

“You should’ve rebelled a long time ago against your old man, we could’ve dominated Collegé and Lycée together”

“Well I guess things changed after you know what happened,” she started but quickly diverted the topic again to stop the conversation being about her sad thoughts “but hey, I thought you had Sabrina helping you since Kindergarten”

“Well she decided to pursue her studies in Harvard or something, she is pretty smart but not charismatic at all to join me in taking over Francois Dupont. Bless you, Sabrina” Chloe joked.

“And what makes you think I’ll take over Lycée with you? For all you know, I’m here to take it over myself” Marinette scoffed. Chloe always had this idea of ‘taking over’ the school, and by that she means being in the highest position at the student council.

She comically gasped, “You wouldn’t!”

Marinette smirked and raised a brow, “Maybe I would”

“Oh puh-lease, you may be famous but I know you don’t know shit about managing a school body even if you win” Chloe waved a hand dismissively at her as they both laughed at their banter.

“We’re here, Ms. Bourgeois, Ms. Agreste” Jean said as he stopped the vehicle.

————————

Adrien, Nino, and Alya walked into the venue together and saw that the event has already started. The sophomores and seniors are already at their respective tables and booths. Nino and Alya already left towards the snack bar, more like Alya dragged Nino but it’s the same thing.

“I’ll see you around, just make sure Alya doesn’t get drunk again please” Adrien yelled to the couple. He looked around to see if he sees anyone he knows to hang out in the meantime. He spots Juleka and her girlfriend, Rose, tuning a guitar by the stage and decides to walk over and talk.

“Hi guys, long rhyme no see” he greeted, emphasis on the pun. Hearing that Juleka groaned and immediately knew who it was before turning around, “Hi Adrien”

“Hi Adrien! Do you want to play with Kitty Section for tonight? I finally learned how to play the keyboard but another one would be better” the blue-eyed blonde happily offered.

“I’ll see if there’s nothing else to do, I’m kind of looking forward to meeting other people first” he said as he looked towards the entrance where more and more people came in.

“Ok! We’ll be here when you change your mind. Juleka’s brother will be doing all the singing tonight though, just so you know” Rose said sweetly as she went back to helping Juleka tune her guitar. Adrien waved at them as he left to find other people to talk to, he spotted Kagami with the other sophomores hanging by the ‘Club Applications’ table set up near the entrance.

He already applied for Fencing at the start of enrolment, so he didn’t bother approaching the table until after the party. Adrien was about to walk around some more before the band starts playing when he caught a glimpse of Marinette walking in the building with Chloe.

Her outfit stood out a lot, it was simple yet alluring, Adrien thought.

He approached the pair. “Hi Marinette, Hi Chloe”

“Adrien,” Chloe just nodded as a greeting.

“Hi Adrien, how’s it going? I mean we always saw each other during class but how’s the party so far?”

“Band hasn’t started yet,” he pointed to the stage set-up behind him with him thumb “Alya and Nino started hogging the snacks, and if you want to apply to a club my friend Kagami is over there to help you join one” he pointed to the snack bar and the table where Kagami is respectively.

“Thanks for the heads-up, baker boy, I don’t want to see her pompous ass in my peripheral tonight” Chloe commented as she glared at Kagami’s direction.

“I don’t understand why you don’t like Kagami, Chloe. She’s cool”

“Hmph! That’s because you’re too nice to see how holier-than-thou and stuck up she is” she retorted with a huff.

“I can tell, that’s why I’m still nice to you after all these years” Adrien teased and Marinette stifled a laughter.

“Whatever,” she rolled her eyes but she’s obviously smiling at his clever clapback. She linked her arms with Marinette “c’mon Mari”

“Um actually, Chloe, I want to walk around myself if that’s fine” she unlinked her arms and stood in front of Chloe. As much as she enjoys her company, she wants to get to know other people in school. And as much as Chloe wanted to walk around the party with her very talented friend to show everyone how amazing she is, she understands that Marinette always wants to experience new things by herself.

“Fine fine, but we’re going out together ok?”

She nodded, “I’ll be fine, it’s not like I’ll be kidnapped in the middle of this party”

“Oh is that a challenge?” Adrien nudged her to which she playfully pushed him away.

“If you want to face the wrath of my father then feel free to try, Dupain-Cheng”

The blonde diva smiled at the sight and turned around, but not before reminding Adrien “Take care of her Adrien, if anything happens to her you will not hear the end of it”

“Yes madame” he said with a two-finger salute as she walked away to where the drinks are.

“Has anyone told you you’re such a dork?” she asked.

“What can I say, my face is adorkable” he winked at her as they started walking around aimlessly, just talking while walking.

“Yeah right, if I recall, I wanted to punch that face of yours in the first day” she said while hitting him lightly on the cheek.

They stopped exactly near the performing stage when the music started. Juleka’s brother, Luka, approached the mic as he played a tune with his guitar to catch everyone’s attention.

“Good evening freshmen!”

Majority of the crowd yelled enthusiastically and formed a crowd in front of the stage. The rest of the band started playing a catchy beat while Luka continued with the opening remarks.

“Enjoy this night, make some friends, drink responsibly and let’s rock n roll til dawn!” he raised his fist as the students cheered. Luka received a text in the middle of cheering and peeked at his phone, he went back to speaking, “and don’t forget to register for a club at the registry near the entrance. Just find the pretty lady with stone cold eyes named Kagami”

Luka winked at said lady’s direction as he started playing, “This first song is for you”. Kagami growled in annoyance as the students turned around to look at her. She turned her back to the band and focused on her phone instead.

The band started playing their first song and Marinette turned to Adrien, “What’s up with that? Is that senior dating your friend Kagami?”

Adrien scratched his chin in thought, “I… don’t know exactly, but it’s kind of a this and that relationship. I’m not even sure if they hate or like each other. Luka used to hate Kagami but now he just teases her a lot and Kagami is still Kagami to him”

“Seem like you know a lot about almost everyone here”

He shrugged, “Just the ones I knew back then, which is actually a lot since most of us promised to attend here for Lycée.”

She was intrigued, before she could ask him to introduce everyone he tapped her shoulder and pointed towards the band members performing on stage.

“I’ll tell you about everyone I know here, so this band is called ‘Kitty Section’” he said closely in her ear now so she can hear him as Luka started singing.

“Sounds cute”

“Just the name is cute, they mostly perform rock songs and guess what?”

“What?”

“That cutesy girl playing the keyboard,” he pointed to Rose and Marinette nodded and ‘uh-huh’.

“Her name is Rose Lavillant. She writes their original songs and she’s the lead singer, her voice is really something when she sings”

“Wow! That’s amazing!” she exclaimed in awe while taking out her phone to take pictures and record the band.

“That’s not all though…”

A good hour of walking around and introducing his old classmates and acquaintances to Marinette, they stumbled upon Nino and Alya still by the snack bar, talking to Lila.

Lila had their backs turned to them when Nino called out, “Hey Adrien and Mari-dude”

Alya grinned widely and waved at Marinette, “Hi Marinette! Nice outfit mind if I take a pic again?”

“Sure no prob” she posed then Alya took quick shots of her outfit to add to her blog. Alya has gotten over her fangirling on Marinette after talking and hanging out some time with her during classes and seeing her as a clumsy student like any other. Marinette and Alya were quick to become friends after that.

“Oh by the way, Lila was actually looking for you” she said after taking the pictures.

Lila turned around with a sweet smile and moved closer to the young fashion designer, “Hi Marinette, I really wanted to apologize for my attitude a few days ago. Alya told me about your situation and I totally feel for you” she dramatically placed a hand over her chest and the other on Marinette’s shoulder.

“You… do?” she suspiciously raised a brow at that. Lila’s apology didn’t make sense to her, she basically glared at her everytime they see each other. Marinette swears that she’s doing this for show and she should be careful.

“Yes!” she said rather abruptly “In fact I was talking to Alya about things I can do to make it up to you”

Said brunette piped in, “Yup and since Lila here knows a lot of people and has a lot of connections she can be your personal guide for the school year”

‘Oh hell no, I’m spending another minute with this crazy bitch alone much less a whole year!’

“What a nice offer Lila, but…”

“But what, Marinette?” Lila tilted her head looking slightly disappointed but Marinette felt her grip tighten on her shoulder like a silent threat.

“But,” she lifted Lila’s hand off her shoulder “I like to do things on my own and Adrien already introduced me to a good number of people for the past hour. I can handle my own”

She didn’t mean to brag to Lila about that fact but with the way she was trying to look like a saint in front Adrien and the others, gives Marinette a not-so-good gut feeling.

For a moment Lila’s eye twitched but quickly washed her annoyance off with a devious smile, “It’s no problem, but I do like to talk to you in private if possible”

She looked at Alya who’s giving them both a reassuring thumbs up. She was about to protest but she was the stranger here and clearly Lila has known them longer than she has so of course they’d side with her. Deciding to just let it go she agreed.

Alya nodded at Lila and grabbed Nino and Adrien with her to head to the dance floor.

“Ok, so what’s this nice girl act you’re pulling Lila?” Marinette gestured at her, clearly confused and suspicious. Lila, however, just snickered.

“Nice girl act? What are you insinuating Marinette? You barely even know me, for all you know I’m actually nice”

“I barely even know you, yet I can still smell your bs a mile away” Marinette retorted.

The brunette shook her head, “Tsk tsk tsk… You really have no idea now, do you?”

Lila got dangerously close to Marinette and hugged her tightly, Marinette choked on her breath.

“Stay away from Adrien or else I’ll turn every one of your new friends against you, and I mean everyone” she harshly whispered in her ear.

Marinette tried to wiggle out but Lila just hugged her tighter, “And get this, you won’t ever know what I’ll do or when I’ll do it. So. Better. Watch. Out.” She spat out the words and swiftly let go of Marinette.

She was stunned but she was not fazed, it’s not like she can do much these are all empty threats she convinced herself.

“Excuse me guys, punch refill coming through”

“Oops!” Marinette heard Lila say before she got drenched in something sweet and sticky. And she sees Lila walking away from her.

↬ Chapter 5 ↬ AO3 Link

I’ll be adding the Lukagami side of this story as a oneshot sometime later, I still need to proofread it. Anyways to anyone who’s reading my fics, tysm for reading these stories of mine you guys are the real MVPs ;> Mari’s outfit for this chapter is still being commissioned so I’ll reblog it with the art soon enough ~

#teanammonfics #blackcatandprincess #miraculous fanfic #miraculous ladybug #adrien agreste #adrienette #marinette dupain cheng #marinette dupain-cheng #lila rossi #lukagami #miraculous au #adrinette #teannamonfics

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crazy-bi-btch · 5 years

Text

Heathers : The Musical ( Riverdale Fic ) Part l

Summary: (Part l) Vanessa is trying to get over a boy that seems she can’t escape. Auditioning for Veronica Sawyer was probably a bittersweet move.

Pairing: Sweet Pea x Lodge! OC

Warning: angst, musical scenes, smut (future parts), cursing, drug use ( future parts)

A/N: SOOO I’ve had this plot in my head for so long ever since the musical episode. I hope y’all like it show some love to my other works also :) YES I PUT IN MUSICAL SCENES DON’T KILL ME OK BYEEE

I ran into school my leather jacket clinging to my wet body from the rain. I sighed as I pushed through the moody students of Riverdale high. I hate my life.

“ Get away serpent slut!” A River Vixen screeched as I bumped into her. She looked at me in disgust. I flipped her off, I would cuss her out but I was already late, missing 1st period again.

“ Watch it!” A football player yelled as I accidentally stepped on him.

“ Fuck off.” I mumbled and made my way to the end of the hallway.

As I got closer towards the end of the hall I was faced with the school news and clubs bulletin board. My friends were lined up, they seemed to be signing something. Betty pries at Jugs arm almost pleading for him to sign it. Once I got closer they started chatting on the side.

“ Hey guys.” I commented just for courtesy but mostly just wanting to find out what this sign up was for.

“ Hey- woah, you’re really wet!” Veronica cried as she made her way towards me my wet hair instantly her hands. “ I’m fine.” I sighed, she shook her head in disapproval. It took her a minute to realize why I was staring at the bulletin board.

“ You’re gonna audition?” She asked a hint of excitement in her tone. Then my eyes landed on the bold red letters

Heathers : The Musical

Holy shit

The pen that was once hanging on the yarn was instantly in my hand, and writing my name next to the 2pm audition slot. Right blow me was none other than of course for, my luck, Sweet pea.

“ Who would’ve known Vanessa, a theater kid?’” Jug and Veronica laughed, I rolled my eyes at them.

“ Give me a break guys, I need to do something fun, you know after-” Jug coughed as he realized where my response was going. You were going through a rough time. You were told by your sister Ronnie to “loosen up” and that there were more fish in the sea or whatever. So that’s what you were trying to do. Hopefully this musical will distract me.

“ Yeah, you’ll do great!” Betty cheered with a big smile. I smiled back at her, and sighed.” Well I hope I don’t embarrass myself instead of getting the part.”

“ Well I do know someone that could help you out if you really want to ace this.” Both V and B looked at each other. Jug and me were so lost, but then they were leading me towards the one and only Cheryl blossom. The mythic bitch.

She was already in character, Heather Chandler of course.

“ Well Cheryl, I see your all set and ready for this musical.” Veronica teased as we startled her. She narrowed her eyes at us.

“ Cousin. Ronnie. Newbie Serpents.” I scoffed at my nickname. Cheryl was a cold bitch when she wanted but also she could be the sweetest person on planet earth. She could kill for someone that she loved. As also kill someone that hurts her in any way or shape possible. That’s just a Blossom thing I guess. “ What brings you to ruin my peaceful moment.”

“ Cheryl you were admiring yourself in a small locker mirror in a school full of dickwads. Opposite of peaceful.” I explained sarcastically, she glared at me, she fixed her bow before stepping closer to me. I gulped.

“ Don’t try me Ronnie 2.0”

“ Cheryl!” Ronnie and Betty growled in annoyance. I got up to her level and stared back into her hazel cold eyes.

“ Cheryl I’m not here to fight. I’m here for help. The musical.” She smiled her white pearly whites practically blinding me from the contrast from her cherry red lipstick. “ Please.” I spoke softly.

“ Well you’ve come to the right person, I mean I am Heather, I made myself Heather Chandler because who else,” She spoke delighted, “ I made Kevin agree, and your auditioning for?”

I sighed, blinking a couple times, I felt Betty’s eyes on me also my sisters Ronnie . My cheeks flushed slightly. “ The role...of Veronica…” I mumbled, she rolled her eyes.

“ Clearly I should’ve seen it coming, See me after 2nd period in the music room we can practice their, now if you excuse me I’m going to look for my Titi.” Cheryl flashed one more bright smile before she spun around and pranced to look for her girlfriend. I groaned, mentally face palming myself for having Cheryl as my mentor. How did I agree to this?

“ Hey you’ll do great. Cheryl is good remember Carrie! You’re in good hands!” Ronnie held me in a hug trying to comfort me. Betty joined in on the hug also. Yeah I remember Carrie, who doesn’t a girl ended up dead on stage!

“ Just remember to not get on her ugly side you know how she gets.” The 3 of us laughed and slowly made our way to our second period class.

I sat on the bench in the music room watching as Cheryl paced.

“ Beautiful? Out of all the songs; the opener?!” She hysterically cries, I knew she was being dramatic but it was putting me on edge. I had exactly 3 hours to practice. Yes I am skipping my classes I would much rather focus on this than anything else. ( stay in school kids and don’t ditch!!)

She took a deep breath and exhaled and handed me a sheet of lyrics.

“ Show me what you got.” I stood up straight and began singing, some of the words off key. I was freaking scared. My voice shook , and my knees weak.

Cheryl closed her eyes and put her hands up. “ Stop.” She held my shoulders and looked into my insecure ones.

“ Vanessa, you know what screw it- Your Veronica. Feel it! Embrace it! Get in the Veronica mindset.” She cheered, I look a deep breath and remembered back to my favorite movie. “ Now Veronica let’s give you some inspiration shall we?” She taunted with a playful grin. I shot a confused look at her, when she started to pull me out into the empty hallway.

“ Now what do you see Veronica?” She asked her arms crossed, I stared at the empty hallways, the clock on the ends of the hallways ticking away, the blue lockers.

“ A high school hallway, which is empty and it stinks.” I complained. She smirked.

“ Exactly, but empty? Try again.” Just on cue the bell rang to signal class was over. “ Now let's try this again.” She strutted towards the crowd signaling for me to start.

“We were so tiny, happy and shiny

Playing tag and getting chased” I sang rubbing my elbow as tried following Cheryl.

“Freak! Slut! Loser! Short bus!” The kids in the crowd yelled at me, making me flinch.

“ Singing and clapping, laughing and napping

Baking cookies, eating paste

Then we got bigger, that was the trigger

Like the Huns invading Rome.” I sang back at the angry kids, Cheryl closely watching as she leaned against the lockers.

“ Welcome to my school, this ain't no high school

This is the Thunder-dome

Hold your breath and count the days, we're graduating soon

College will be paradise, if I'm not dead by June!

But I know, I know, life can be beautiful, “ I was shoved by a group of hippies and their I was looking right at Sweet pea making his way my way as he talked with Fangs. I gulped, and glanced at Cheryl who motioned me to keep going. So I sang louder,

“ I pray, I pray for a better way

If we changed back then, we could change again

We can be beautiful… “ Suddenly everyone was staring but I kept going

“ Things will get better soon as my letter

Comes from Harvard, Duke, or Brown

Wake from this coma, take my diploma

Then I can blow this town

Dream of ivy-covered walls and smoky French cafés

Fight the urge to strike a match and set this dump ablaze!” Ronnie my sister came from the crowd and sang with me swaying softly.

“ Dear diary:” I started and then some miserable kids joined in

Why....

Why do they hate me?

Why don’t I fight back?

Why do I act like such a creep?

Why…

Why won’t he date me?

Why did I hit him?

Why do I cry myself to sleep?

Why…

Somebody hug me!

Somebody fix me!

Somebody save me!” We all chanted, a huge smile on my face as I saw the reactions from my peers.

“ I love Heather, Heather, and Heather.” Betty and Ronnie and Cheryl leaned on the lockers singing softly.

“ And ya know, ya know, ya know?

This could be beautiful “ Cheryl sang as she touched my face as if examining it

“ Mascara, maybe some lip gloss

And we're on our way

Get this girl some blush;

And Heather, I need your brush

Let's make her beautiful” Cheryl pulled me into the girls restroom with the girls.

“ Here you go I had taken the liberty to ask Titi for her audition custom to be donated to you since she did plan to be Veronica but you have shown potential.” She complimented handing me some clothing.

“ Now hurry!” I scurried to put the white plaid short shirt, the black long sleeve crop top and shiny black heels.

“Let's make her beautiful...

Let's make her beautiful...

Make her beautiful…” Betty and Ronnie sang softly as they fixed my hair out of a ponytail and into my natural soft curls.

“Okay!” I sang as we made our way out and towards the auditorium.

Just as they walked out Sweet Pea and Fangs where trying to see what was going on with the whole crowd when they were also being shoved around

“Out of my way, geek!” Sweet pea sang as some nerd got in his way.

“You're gonna die at 3pm! “ Fangs sang angrily at some random dude

“Don't you dare touch me! Get away, pervert!” A River Vixen spat at Fangs as he tried flirting with her.

“What did I ever do to her?” Fangs scoffed at Sweet pea in annoyance

We walked into the auditorium where Kevin had just finished a group of people for ensemble, along with some people of the gang sat on the chair waiting for their turn to audition.

“Who's that with Heather?” Toni sang making everyone turn around.

“ Heather, Heather, Heather...And someone!

Heather, Heather, Heather...

Veronica? Veronica? Veronica!” Reggie and Archie sang as they practically dropped their music sheets.

I ran straight up the stairs to face them as the lights from above beamed around me hugging me perfectly as I sang. Narrowing my eyes as I saw Kevin smile up at me.

“And you know, you know, you know

Life can be beautiful

You hope, you dream, you pray

And you get your way!” I pointed dramatically at the sky as I held my chest. And once again my eyes found Sweet pea’s. He sat at the last row of the auditorium. A smug look on his face as his fingers held his chin as he watched me sing

“Ask me how it feels

Lookin' like hell on wheels...

My God, it's beautiful!

I might be beautiful...

And when you're beautiful...

It's a beautiful frickin' day!” I belted out the last note, tears on the brim of my eyes in exhaustion and lack of oxygen. Next thing I heard beside the music ending, was clapping and yelling. I heaved softly and smiled at Kevin who could not stop smiling.

“ So..how did I do?” I asked shyly, Kevin shook his head in awe.

“ Your just who we were looking for Vanessa. WE FOUND OUR VERONICA!” He cheered, making me squeal in delight. I made my to my Heathers (Betty, Ronnie and Cheryl).

“ See, I told you!” Ronnie hugged me tightly as she spoke. Cheryl nodded along.

“ I underestimated you V you are talented, but you’ll grow on me.” She teased,” But I will enjoy degrading you up on stage.” She glared and sat towards the other side where Toni sat. I chuckled softly ignoring her comment, I was too excited to let her bring me down.

Betty held my hand in hers “ I’m so glad your in! Not to ruin your moment but you had an admirer.” She glanced towards the back of us where Sweet pea and Fangs sat. He caught my not so slick stare and waved teasingly his rings shining slightly as he moved them. The disgustingly handsome smirk on his face. Fangs whispering and laughing to him about us. I groaned and sat down in the chair.

“ Hey don’t let him get to you! Remember?” Ronnie reminded me. I nodded rubbing my temples in frustration.

“ Your stronger than him.”

“ Sweet Pea?” Kevin read out loud making me physically cringe. He walked up stage his flannel wrapped around his torso, his ripped jeans hanging low as his tight leather jacket fit him like a glove.

Sweet Pea in this audition confused me. He never seems to be a musical kid or an actor at all. He told me the theater kids were geeks and lame, so him being up on the stage seemed almost like a big fat lie to my face. Another reason why he never to our relationship serious.

“ Sweet Pea what song will you sing for us today?”

“ I was thinking about Dream on by Aerosmith. Of course with the help of my friend Fangs if that’s okay?” He stated twisting his rings, and fangs shortly ran up next to him, both of them exchanging some cliche handshake.

“ Okay show us what you got guys.” Kevin hesitantly stated. My head pounded in angry watching him be up their on the stage. If he nails this song, I will be stuck with him for the remainder of this musical.

God please end this.

to be continued.........

#sweet pea smut #sweet pea x reader #riverdale #riverdale smut #betty cooper #jughead jones #veronica lodge #archie andrews #reggie mantle #southside serpents #toni topaz #Cheryl bombshell #choni #kevin keller #fangs #riverdale southside #heathers #heathers the musical

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writingmyimagines · 5 years

Text

Shot Through the Heart - Pt 1

Billy Hargrove X Reader

A/N: Hi all, this is my first imagine on this blog and it will in fact be a series. I am still playing with the title, so it may change, but as of now it is from You Give Love a Bad Name by Bon Jovi. This chapter introduces you as a character and establishes where the plot is going, let me know if you have any feedback!

Warning: cursing

Word Count: 1.9k

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You watched as the sun rose, a sleepless night behind you. Your radio hummed in the background, quietly playing Bruce Springsteen, and you turned your attention back to the speckled ceiling waiting for the inevitable. Today was January 10th, the first day of school since you had recessed for winter break. ‘Stupid school,’ you muttered.

Moments later, the alarm blared, signaling your normal 6:20 AM wake up time. And you rolled out of bed, before quickly getting into action. Rolled up jeans, adidas sneakers, hair spray, your fur lined jean jacket, and a bit of lip gloss later and you were ready to go.

Hurriedly, you ran downstairs as your mother called, “(Y/N), breakfast is ready!” Taking two steps at a time, you hopped down and reached for the plate of eggs and french toast being presented to you. It seems your dad had already left the house given his empty coffee cup and syrup smothered plate. Your younger sister on the other hand was already gobbling down eggs, staring at you before blathering, “Impf alrady rally late.” Distantly, you processed what was said, and began to eat violently fast, glancing at the clock that read 7:03, “Shit.”

“Language! Although you two do need to get out the door.” You couldn’t help, but roll your eyes before inhaling the rest of your plate and running up to kiss your mom on the cheek, a bit of syrup sticking to her skin. You snatched your bag off the hook by the doorway, calling, “I was going to hang out with Britt and Robin today, can you take care of Cassie?”

You hardly waited for the response, swinging open the door and being met with a sharp breeze of cold Indiana air. Distantly, there was some kind of approval and Cassandra ran past you, heading straight for your ‘79 Chevy. She was a bit old and didn’t always run great, but she was yours, and god you loved her. You followed suit, accidentally slamming the door, and immediately revving her up.

The radio hummed on your way to the middle school, dropping Cassie off. Hardly stopping, you ushered her out and yelled, “Have a good day! Don’t do anything I wouldn’t!”

She ran off and you glanced at the clock again, 7:20. So you put the pedal to the metal, screeching into the parking lot at 7:26 like a bat out of hell, your tires having burnt some serious rubber on the turn in. Several shocked faces glanced at you, everyone making their own way to the first day of school this calendar year. You hurried out, knowing that your 7:30 AM chemistry class was at the very end of the building and you would have to hurry up. But by some stroke of luck, one of your dearest friends Brittney caught up to you as you ran into the bustling halls of your high school. She bumped into your shoulder aggressively, “Good to see you too. Don’t tell me that screeching was you in the parking lot?”

You gave out a guilty laugh, before confirming, “Yeah, I guess I was running a little late. New year, I wanted to make sure my hair looked nice.” You gently messed with your carefully styled hair, before she oooh’d at you, “Trying to impress anyone, are you? You know, Damien in your biology class is pretty cute, Robin says he can play guitar too.”

You winked at her, before waving her off, “Nah, gotta focus on finishing college applications! You think I want to be stuck in Indiana for the rest of my life? No thank you.”

“Well with your grades, you should be fine, Miss Soon-to-Be Valedictorian.” You laughed at her, lightly punching her shoulder and whining, “You don’t know that! Don’t put those far off dreams in my head.”

So yes, you were good at school, very good at school; so good in fact, you were applying to Stanford, Brown, Yale, and Harvard. They were distant dreams, but if anyone in this god forsaken small town had a chance, it was you. This also meant that yes, you guys were nerds, but luckily not outcasts. The three of you didn’t bring enough attention to yourselves that you got bullied, but you weren’t exactly popular either. Or really, anywhere near popular. The closest you had gotten was Tommy H has made a passing comment about Britt’s “rack” once, so yeah, not really your scene.

But you were dragged from your thoughts as the one minute warning bell rang and you and Britt sat down in the dusty chemistry lab room, sadly knowing Robin had band first thing in the morning. And it didn’t take your graying, wheezing instructor but ten seconds to start droning on about balancing chemical reactions and the proper way to go about it. Seems like it would be another exciting day at Hawkins High.

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The school day had quickly come to a close and you began making your way to your little trio’s meeting spot; the music room. Your last class was Literature, and you shared it with none of your friends, so you were quietly humming to yourself, making your way to the adjacent arts building when the vice principal stopped you. Mr. Eldridge gave a small smile, before inquiring, “Mrs. (Y/L/N)? Yes, I need to see you in my office really quickly if you have a moment, nothing bad of course, just a little something.”

You tried not to raise your eyebrow at the careful lilt in his voice towards the end of the phrase, almost as if he was hiding something. You pushed a smile onto your features and nodded, quietly following him into the musty office of his. There, a puke green carpet cushioned your steps as you fell into quite possibly the most uncomfortable neon office chair you had ever had the displeasure of being in.

He rested his bony hands on the oak desk and you watched him questioningly, nodding almost as if urging him to tell you what was going on. He started loudly, “As you know, I am in charge of all student’s academics and well-being here at Hawkins High and as such, I want every single student to do well.” You nodded carefully, wondering why he was telling you all this. “Well, I wanted to try a new program of sorts. You are an exemplary student Ms. (Y/L/N), top of the class, involved in several clubs, engaged in volunteering, and an all around sweet girl.” You smiled a bit more proudly, not hating hearing your own praise. “As such, we figured you would be the best candidate to lift others up with you.” Here is where you started getting suspicious, what on Earth did he mean by that?

Your eyebrows lifted and he continued, “As I mentioned, I want all students to succeed, and unfortunately, some students here don’t take their studies as seriously as you do. So some of the faculty and I thought to do a Student-to-Student program of sorts. Essentially, we’ll be pairing you with a student that is struggling and you will meet with them a couple of days a week. You can study together, offer them tips, perhaps encourage volunteering or extracurriculars? Your job is to try to encourage them to be a better student, and more importantly, a better person.”

Gears in your brain were slowly cranking as you deciphered what this meant. So he wanted you to mentor someone? As if the dead-beats at this school would give a shit, none the less agree to this. It was clear that higher education wasn’t the uhhh, right path for some.

Yet, he went on, “We wanted to test out this program with you and one other student given your absolutely stunning record. If it goes well, then we can further this program and hopefully improve the lives of all youth that walk through these hallowed halls!” He glanced proudly around his office, glancing longingly at his own high school graduation portrait before glancing back around. He let out a heavy sigh, but perked back up, waiting for your answer.

You weren’t exactly convinced though, this sounded like a lot of effort and to be rewarded with what? You knew that this wasn’t going to be transformative for anyone and was more than likely a waste of time. “I’m sorry sir, but I am not sure I have the time to do this. As you mentioned, my schedule is quite packed and I am in the process of applying to quite a few colleges, as well as balancing my clubs and spending time with family…”

You trailed off, but he interrupted, “Ah, but perhaps I can help that. We can put on your resume that you helped this program get off the ground, mentored another student, proving yourself as a leader. You would be the first student to do something like this in all of Hawkins, maybe even all of Indiana. Aren’t colleges always looking for leadership and initiative?” He had a glint in his eye and you sighed. This would look stellar, and unfortunately, you were lacking a bit in the leadership department. But you would be missing a lot. But none of that would matter if you got into the college of your dreams. ‘Well, it might be for the best.’

“Sir, how often would this be?” And he laughed boisterously, knowing that he had gotten you in. “But a mere two days a week and every other Friday afternoon. Just an hour in the library, nothing you aren’t capable of. And we wanted to run this for a month or two, just to see how it goes.”

You nodded slowly, mulling things over. You would be missing time with your dear friends, but this could very well be the edge you need to get into an Ivy League. Another sigh escaped your lips, and you nodded. “Well sir, sign me up, I’ll do it.”

He nodded, his lips breaking into a large smile and his hands clapping together. It seems that he was more worried about this than he had let on. He chortled, “Amazing, simply amazing Ms. (Y/L/N), you don’t understand how great that is to hear, and I will be happy to write any recommendation letters or help in any way I can. Can you start tomorrow, Tuesday afternoon?”

Well that was quick, and your features showed your surprise, but you nodded. Seems that your schedule was about to change quite a bit.

“Fantastic! Just go to the library after school and we’ll send in your mentee.”

You nodded again and began to reach for your bag as he was getting up as well. You made a mental note to write this in your planner as your feet lead you to the door. And your heart beat faster, getting nervous at the thought of basically being responsible for another student’s life when you turned back towards this thinning man, and you questioned, “Oh I nearly forgot sir, who should I be looking for tomorrow? Or rather, who will I be working with?”

He took a moment, heading to the door as well when he pursed his lips and you became suspicious immediately. Surely it was gonna be some druggie or someone who just didn’t care, nothing too hard to deal with, you knew the type. But the words that left his mouth stunned you, “You’ll be working with Mr. Billy Hargrove.” And his door slammed shut.

Billy fucking Hargrove. Unbelievable.

#stranger things #stranger things imagine #stranger things imagines #billy hargrove imagine #billy hargrove x reader #billy hargrove x you #reader insert #imagine #imagines #x reader

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mosylufanfic · 5 years

Text

I Wanna Hold Your Hand

Yay! Killervibe week is upon us! Here’s my story for fake dating

I Wanna Hold Your Hand

As they walked up to the museum's front doors, Cisco squinted at the people going in. "Is it me, or are there a lot of couples today?"

Caitlin looked up from her phone, where she was studying the museum's app, and looked around at the people going up the steps with them. All ages, races, and genders, but Cisco was right. There did seem to be a lot of couples in comparison with other kinds of groups. "Maybe they're here on dates."

He made a face. "To a museum? On a Saturday morning?"

She tapped around on her phone. "Don't be like that. I actually really like museums as a first date. You get to take your time and talk and stroll around and - Oh, this might be why."

"What?"

"It's a special for this weekend. Couples get in half-off."

"Two for one?" Cisco held the front door for Caitlin, and then an older lesbian couple behind her, who smiled at him before progressing through.

"Kind of."

"I didn't know museums did that."

"Well, the exhibition I want to see is romantic art pieces. Romantic with a small r, not a capital R. So -" She waved her hand. "I guess that's why. Publicity."

"Hunh." Cisco looked around the lobby at the hearts and lace, advertising the deal and the love-and-romance exhibition. Next to the stairs, he could see signs for the history of comics exhibition that was why he'd come here today. The plan had been for both of them to go see their things separately and then meet for lunch whenever they were done. "Hey, you know what - "

"What?" She saw the look on his face. "Cisco, no."

"Why? What's the harm? We're here together already."

"We're not a couple!"

He raised his brows at her. She didn't have to sound that vehement. "What's the problem if some docent or whoever thinks we are? Twofer admission is nothing to sneeze at."

She wrinkled her nose at him. "You're willing to pretend to be my date just to save fourteen-fifty?"

"In a heartbeat," he said, grabbing her hand. "Come on. All we have to do is pretend for like ten minutes that we're in love and then we're in."

"Mmmmm," she said, sliding her eyes sideways at the line. She frowned at an old couple with matching canes who were gently bickering about something that had happened in 1973, and the pair of teenage nerds with matching Harvard t-shirts, making out energetically just behind them.

"If you feel that bad about it, you can stick a ten in the donation box on your way out." He grinned at her. "What? You don't think anybody will believe I could snag a woman like you?"

"Of course I don't think that! I mean - " She was blushing. "It's just so silly."

"What's life without a little silliness?" He didn't ask her if she thought the inverse, that she wouldn't have been able to snag him. Obviously she could snag him. She could have him anytime she so much as crooked her finger . . .

Huh. Where had that come from?

"All right, fine," she said, rolling her eyes. "Since you're so determined."

"Excellent," he said, tugging her toward the line.

She didn't drop his hand once they had taken their places. It was cool and soft in his, familiar. He glanced sideways at her, wondering if she was annoyed that he'd basically pressured her into a fake relationship for the next ten minutes, and she gave him a little smile and an eyeroll.

All right. She was okay. What was the harm? Just a game of pretend, that was all.

"So, lambchop," he said. "What do you want to do after this? Where are we going for lunch?"

She rolled her eyes at him again for the silly pet name, but there was a smile playing around her lips. "How about that little place where we had our first date?"

"The bistro on the water?" He lowered his voice to a sexy purr. "You know I'm saving that for when I propose."

For a moment he thought that had knocked her off her game, but she rolled with it beautifully. "Sweetheart, not that I'm not looking forward to that, but can you not make a huge spectacle of it? You know I hate people staring at me."

"Come on, you're not even going to let me get a mariachi band?"

She shook her head in disbelief. "What about a mariachi band says subtle?"

"Couple of guys with guitars?"

"I'll accept one person with a violin."

"Okaaaaaaaay," he said. "Fine. But the ring is gonna knock your socks off."

She beamed at him. "I would expect nothing less. Lambchop."

"God, you two, get a room," someone said from behind him.

"No," Cisco said, and kissed Caitlin's cheek. "I'm madly in love with this woman, and I don't care who knows it."

"Next," said the bored kid behind the counter, and they stepped up, leaving the love-Grinch rolling his eyes behind them.

"Two please," Cisco said, pulling out his credit card. "Obviously, we're a couple, so we'll need that discount."

"Uh-huh," the kid said, ringing them up and pushing the tickets over the counter. "Next!"

"Ha," Cisco said as they walked away from the line. "And we're in."

"Your cunning plan worked," Caitlin said, amused. "What are you going to do with your ill-gotten riches?"

"Probably buy you lunch," he said cheerfully, and realized he was still holding her hand. He let go with more regret than he was prepared for. "So, what do you say? Meet back here in two hours?"

She glanced over her shoulder. "You know, the kid at the ticket kiosk is looking this way. Maybe you should come into the exhibit room with me?"

"Keep up the charade?" he said. "Really?"

She widened her eyes at him. "He might just decide to dispatch some hulking security goons after us for the fourteen-fifty. I don't know about you, but Killer Frost doesn't feel like working today."

It surprised a laugh out of him. Caitlin so often played the straight man to his goofiness that he forgot she could be silly, too. "Okay," he said, weaving his fingers through hers. "In the name of plausible deniability."

Cisco meant to hang with her for about a minute and then go off to his exhibition. Really, he did. But his attention was caught by one of the first paintings - a man walking along, holding a woman's hand while she floated above him like a balloon. They both had giant grins on their faces, beaming with almost childlike glee.

"That's the artist and his wife," Caitlin said, reading the plaque next to it.

"That's kind of sweet," he said, tilting his head.

"Right? They're just so happy to be together."

They meandered through the first room, looking at the art and talking about it. Then the second. Somehow, he still had hold of her hand.

The way the museum was laid out, they had to cross the lobby to get to the rest of the rooms, and Cisco saw Caitlin glance up at the sign for the exhibit he'd wanted to see. She went pink.

"I'm sorry," she said. "I just realized I made you spend an hour with me."

"I love spending time with you," he said. "And your thing is really cool and sweet."

"Yes, but it's not why you came here." She let go of his hand. "You can go see your exhibit now. Meet me at noon?"

"Noon," he echoed.

She shot him another smile and started to go toward the next room of the romance exhibit.

He yelled out, "Hey, Caitlin!" His voice echoed in the marble lobby, and people in line looked over.

She whipped around. "Yes?"

"You, uh, you wanna come upstairs with me?"

She came back to him, walking up until they were less than a foot apart. "To see the history of comics?"

"Sure. I know it's not your thing, but - "

"Well, this wasn't your thing and you still came with me," she said. She smiled suddenly, and as sometimes happened, he thought, Holy shit, she's just really gorgeous. "Yes. Show me what you've been looking forward to."

They ended up spending most of the day at the art museum, wandering through the rooms, pausing for lunch at the cafe, talking about the art and about a million other topics. Although he'd spent countless days with her, this one felt different somehow.

Not just another day. Something new.

When the museum closed, the security guards herded them out like patient border collies. They found themselves on the steps, still talking, as the sun dropped toward the horizon.

When Cisco's stomach growled, he realized he was starving. The sandwiches at the museum's cafe had been good, but they'd probably trekked four or five miles around the building that day.

"Hungry?" Caitlin said, laughing. "We should go get something."

"Yeah, we should," Cisco said. "There actually is a pretty good bistro on the water that I know. My cousin's part-owner. If I text him, we can probably get the family rate."

She tilted her head at him, her eyes impish. "Just to be clear, is this the first date or the proposal?"

"Well," he said with complete seriousness. "I was thinking first date."

She looked as if she wanted to laugh for a minute, then stopped.

"I mean," he said, suddenly awkward. "If that's what you want to do. Or -" Oh. Oh boy. Oh shit. The Awkward had turned up, a vampire on their friendship, invited in by his sudden what-if moment.

"Yes!" she said. "Yes. That's what I want."

"Great," he said, a bubble of happiness expanding in his chest. "Shall we, then?"

She took his hand, and he remembered the first painting they'd seen, the artist holding hands with his wife as she floated above his head.

Cisco thought he knew how she felt.

FINIS

If you’re curious, this is the painting Cisco is referring to. Let’s all pretend that a midsize Midwestern city could get this on loan.

#Caitlin Snow #Cisco Ramon #killervibe #killervibeweek #killervibeweek19 #fanfiction #mosylufanfic lives up to her damn name #fluff #yes I'm a nerd who loves art museums #the flash #search your feelings you know it to be queue

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lightsandlostbells · 5 years

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Skam France season 3, episode 8 reaction

Not gonna lie, I kept thinking “they must taste like ham” during the love-making scene

Episode 8

Clip 1 - Morning after

Lucas wakes up, still with splotches of paint on his body. I guess he washed off some of the paint, but not that well? I have so many questions about how they got home, like did they manage to get into the locker room to take a shower before leaving the school, or did they just go home covered in paint?

Anyway, Lucas is alone and checks his phone. His father says their mom wants to go to mass with them next week, so there’s your O Helga Natt clip. I’m trying to think about the religious references in this season. They’ve definitely been carrying through with Lucas’ mom being religious; I’m not sure there has been more in the way of religious symbolism? Luke is a Biblical figure but I’m not sure there’s any connecting with Lucas’ character the way Isak was connected to Biblical Isaac through the 21:21 reference. Not that it means O Helga Natt shouldn’t happen at a church, just that I think you could potentially set the scene somewhere else that’s more in line with what symbolism there is in this season (light and dark).

WAIT A FUCKING MINUTE. Was he on the couch???? In the living room??? Wh- why? So they went back to Lucas’ placed and crashed, covered in paint and seemingly naked (since Lucas is shown putting on his boxers), on the sofa in his living room? At the apartment where he has three other roommates coming and going? The FUCK.

Doesn’t Eliott live by himself? I thought someone involved with the show said that. Why did they not go to his place where they can be alone, rather than going to Lucas’ where they have to crash on the fucking couch? Even if Eliott does live with his parents or whoever, presumably he has a bedroom with, you know, a door.

I guess after you fuck in public at your school when there are people around, cuddling naked together in your living room where your roommates might see is no big deal at all. Get over it, prudes.

This is one of those times when I think Skam France still sticks to the original script too much, like obviously this part is here because Isak woke up alone after Even spent the night and heard Even in the kitchen. Lucas’ living situation (aka living on his goddamn couch) doesn’t really accommodate for that without some weirdness. So they could have revised this scene a bit - either send them to Eliott’s place rather than Lucas��, or have Lucas actually get his bedroom back by now (why is he still on the couch anyway????) or just have them clothed. Or you could have something where Eliott didn’t sleep over, and Lucas wakes up on the couch smiling about the previous day, except then he hears Eliott’s voice in the kitchen. Surprise! Eliott came over early to surprise Lucas with breakfast, and Manon let him in. And it could be shown as a sign of his mania, maybe, like it’s cute but Eliott came over way too early with way too many ingredients and it’s just a little too intense, it feels off.

Anyway, Lucas hears giggling from the kitchen, and of course Eliott is cooking and talking to the roommates. He’s making a fennel and cinnamon omelette. He kisses Lucas and Mika and Manon exchange a proud look. No more interventions are necessary.

Eliott also wants to make blueberry bacon muffins and Manon is all WTF about it, because she is lucky enough to live in a country where people apparently weren’t putting bacon in every single food product for a few years.

Mika and Manon pretend they didn’t hear anything from Eliott and Lucas when they came in, but Lisa enters and is like, yes, I did hear you fucking. So they were for real fucking on the couch? I’m just imagining like, Manon wanting a glass of water last night but being unable to leave her bedroom, just waiting for the moans to stop.

Lisa tells Manon to give her room to Lucas since he has a sex life and Manon doesn’t. Cold, but accurate, and also, Manon should give her room back since it’s not hers in the first place and Lucas was clearly distraught over it in the last episode. C’mon. At least take turns.

When the roommates are gone, Lucas says he thought Eliott left this morning (or like … one minute ago), like he did with Lucille. We get this conversation with a big gap between them as Lucas talks about Eliott making out with Lucille at Chloé’s party. Eliott closes the gap and takes Lucas’ face in his hands when he says that Lucille knows him well and made him believe they had to get back together, and Lucas wasn’t ready. Eliott was afraid Lucas wouldn’t want anything serious, Lucas says he does, and Eliott says good, because he’s not going anywhere right now. They kiss.

Eliott comes across as rather self-assured here. Even seemed very vulnerable when Isak called him on the situation with Sonja, and his attitude got very weird and harsh. He wasn’t even looking Isak in the eye as he complained about her; he only looked back when he was asking Isak to understand what he meant. Part of the scene felt very, very fragile for both of them. By contrast, while Lucas here seems uncertain, Eliott seems pretty confident. Although he’s telling Lucas about something that made him uncertain at the time, in the moment he seems to have gotten over it. Either that or he’s completely burying his fears, because I don’t see a hint of doubt or defensiveness.

Also, in the original scene, there were hints that Even was manic. I guessed it from my first viewing, watching the scene in unsubtitled Norwegian, just based off Even’s energy and emotional shifts, and then with the subs we could see how he got distracted, his mind was racing a bit. I didn’t really feel like they were signaling Eliott was manic yet, other than the lines about him going to the fridge and wanting to bake everything. Eliott just seems comfortable in what’s happening. (I’m not blaming Maxence for this, I think his acting is pretty solid, honestly.)

They obviously did not do their version of the Gabrielle lip-syncing, and while I don’t mind if they choose not to, for time constraints or not wanting to copy OG or just not feeling it for the characters, I can’t help but feel a bit bereft that I did not see more of Eliott’s awkward EDM dancing.

Clip 2 - Ass = art

I am honest to God laughing that they hyped up that previous mural as the ugliest shit ever, and then Lucas and Eliott literally threw some paint over it and it’s suddenly acceptable. Oh my God. Different strokes for different folks and all, but you can still see the original goddamn mural!!! It’s not even totally covered up!!!

Plot twist: whoever originally painted that mural in like the ‘90s or whatever also did it while having sex against the wall. And the plucky artists who will paint over Lucas and Eliott’s mural in like 2034 will be doing it as part of an orgy. Why even bother having a mattress when you have a paint-splattered wall to hump against?

I think it’d be a pretty display if it it were not half-assed. It’s not even covering all of the existing mural. They should’ve whole-assed it. Much like they whole-assed everything else on Friday.

Lucas is like, sorry we didn’t go with what was planned. Was there a plan? Because it absolutely came across like the boys just showed up to paint whatever image popped into their heads.

OH MY GOD THERE WAS AN ACTUAL ASS PRINT ON THE WALL

AND THEY DON’T EVEN MAKE UP A LIE ABOUT IT

Eliott’s like, Sorry about that! And he and Lucas kiss. Oh my God, this is ridiculous. I’m happy for your love and all but I legit cringed at that part, it’s too much. I guess if I think about it like how Even said it was good the boys left when Even showed up at Isak’s house, it’s the same thing? Except that’s a lot vaguer than like, yep, we left ass prints on the wall, our butt cheeks were used as sponges. I suppose it’s odd that everyone’s just like ... completely un-weirded out by this admission. (🐭🐭🐭)

Daphne is happy because the common room was decorated by a gay couple, so that made it cool, and objectively that’s not a great thing to say but I confess it make me laugh, because what a Daphne thought. Imane is like, why do we let it slide when Daphne says stuff like that? Good question. I guess because Daphne’s enthusiasm is pretty charming if you just tune out her words themselves.

Eliott is like, we gave it body and soul … you sure did give it your body, as Daphne observes.

Imane says she’s happy for Eliott and Daphne asks if Imane and Eliott know each other. They smile at each other. Precious. So we’re getting that storyline in S4, let’s hope they do a decent job with it. It could be improved.

Lucas gets a text from his dad about going to mass. Dad guilts him, telling him to think of his mother. Lucas texts back that he’ll go to mass with his boyfriend. We don’t get an answer immediately from the dad, like with Isak; Lucas just tells him and looks over to his boyfriend smiling and laughing with the girls, like he doesn’t care what his dad says in that moment, he’s just going to enjoy being happy with Eliott. He gives Eliott a back hug, it’s very sweet.

Clip 3 - Boy squad = cheerleaders

Basile is talking about sending a song to a girl, presumably Daphne, because this is hell. She didn’t reply. Dude. Take the fucking hint.

I know I keep complaining about this a million times per post, but I keep being annoyed at Skam France for adding yet another no-means-yes romance where a girl’s stated disinterest is continually ignored by a guy. We already had Noorhelm/Marles. And Vilde/Magnus, whatever you think of them, didn’t have this crap tainting their courtship.

The boys run into Eliott who looks happy. Lucas proudly introduces Eliott as his boyfriend, without any insecurity, and the boys erupt in cheers like this is one of those videos where everyone’s watching as a kid is opening his email and learning he got accepted to Harvard (🐭🐭🐭). I mean, it is cute that the boys react so positively! I don’t want to discourage straight boys cheering on their gay friend getting a boyfriend. Go wild, throw some confetti, bake a cake.

Basile says Lucas made the boys bolt on Friday and is upset he didn’t get to paint. I feel like Basile’s “misunderstood genius” left uninterrupted would definitely have resulted in several big-tittied anime girls on that wall. The boys invite Eliott to the park on Wednesday. Eliott agrees to go even though Lucas points out he has class then. I guess maybe that’s a sign of Eliott being manic? Maybe? Like he doesn’t care about school and is being reckless?

Basile makes an incest joke. Not his first in the season.

The boys really do seem cute running away, I love Arthur’s moves! But again, I am never letting that “it’s not Disneyland” comment go, because everything is so shiny-happy. It’s not just positive in a realistic way, it’s that song that from The Lego Movie. With Isak, he was still shy after he came out to his friends because you know, he was a human being and turning off internalized homophobia wasn’t like flicking a light switch. He got more comfortable over time. And the boys were very excited to meet Even but in a chill, non-OTT way (even Magnus).

With content like this, I do think it is valuable to show exceedingly positive social support for a gay teenager coming out and getting a boyfriend, like I do feel a little bad having any nitpicks about this. Likewise, I hate to have any reservations about Lucas getting so totally open and affectionate with Eliott so fast, because this is the end goal, obviously, we want to see Lucas happy and thriving and out and proud. You could make the argument that now he knows his friends accept him, he can let go of his insecurities in full (I don’t know how I feel about that because I don’t think Lucas’ problem was solely about whether his friends would accept him, for instance the Pride scene was more about internalized homophobia). And I do think they wanted to make Lucas as happy as possible this week before bringing him down at the end of the episode, for the impact. But combined with stuff like treating his outing as no big deal, and cleaning house last week and putting the Chloé and Imane clips in that episode so we got those conflicts and plot threads out of the way, and then how Lucas is so 100% okay with announcing Eliott as his boyfriend and joking about their sex life and kissing him and embracing him in public, all of this right off the bat ... to me it almost feels like they wanted to skip over the inner conflict, any hesitation or lingering insecurities, and just get straight to the cuddly ship content. And I mean, I approve of cuddly ship content! It just seems a little pat? You can make something idealistic and realistic. I guess Skam resolved some conflicts easily, too, but I felt like Isak’s character development was gradual and earned, whereas Lucas’ lacks some nuance here.

Lucas gets a phone call and it’s from Lucille. I find it kinda weird we didn’t even hear her voice because that would be Lucas’ POV in this important moment. Eliott talks to Lucille and it doesn’t really seem like… alarming like it did with Even, that rapid change in mood. He just sounds annoyed that she’s calling Lucas and he told her not to.

Lucas asks why Lucille called, Eliott is like IDK, to bullshit you. Which honestly, seems like a reasonable enough response? I don’t get why Lucas looks at Eliott like Eliott is the one bullshitting him. It’s not nice but Eliott’s ex calling Lucas just to harass him or tell him to stay away is not a thing that’s all that unusual, it happens. Even was a lot harsher in attitude and weirder in what he said (”she doesn’t like people who live free and genuine”). Anyway, then Eliott says Lucille can’t control him (Eliott) anymore and is trying to go through Lucas. Eliott kisses Lucas, plays with his hair (which seems to be their Thing, which is adorable), kisses him again, leaves, comes back for another kiss. He pulls an Even and walks off backwards. Lucas blows him a kiss after he’s gone. Well, that’s the cutest thing I’ve seen from Lucas so far, and very endearing.

Clip 4 - Het drama? In my S3? It’s more likely than you think

Everyone, both boy and girl squads are having a picnic. There’s a cool effect where someone wipes away the time card as they walk through the frame, I don’t remember seeing anything like that before on Skam France or any other remake. Stuff like that is just a fun way to play with the format.

Is that the same lake as the one in the first clip of the season? Would be nice to call back, since Lucas was feeling detached back then, and now he’s surrounded by friends and literally lying in his man’s arms. Speaking of, Lucas and Eliott are a little ways off from everyone else, and like I said, Lucas is being cozy in Eliott’s arms. They talk about doing something this weekend; Eliott mentions that Lisa blacklisted him from the flatshare and I DO NOT BLAME HER after what happened on that couch. Although I guess you could say the other flatmates deserve it after relegating Lucas to the sofa.

Eliott mentions his parents will be there that weekend. Wait, so I thought he lived alone? Didn’t someone involved with the show say that? Guess I was wrong. Or are his parents just coming to visit? Anyway, obviously this is setup for them getting a hotel room or whatever their version is.

Okay: absolutely fucking ridiculous that this 4-minute clip features less than a minute actually focused on Lucas’ POV, in Lucas’ season. At the end of the season? Sure, absolutely, we’re wrapping up the season’s storylines and giving everyone some closure and/or setup for the next season. Switching POVs is perfectly fine then. But in the middle of the season??? What’s more - in the middle of episode 8??????? The end of episode 8 is a hugely important turn of the story. It twists everything we know about the Even character on its head, it’s an intense scene, even frightening. It should have us looking back, noticing the signs we didn’t know were there on first viewing. This is one of the worst times they could cut for an interlude about everyone else - let alone for crappy het romance drama.

They could’ve used these three minutes to hint at Eliott’s mania! Or put in some content about Lucas’ parents, especially with Lucas’ mom since he’s going to come out to her soon! You can even keep the picnic with everyone else, just have Eliott doing or saying something that in retrospect is a big-ass pile of foreshadowing. Considering this week has been very light on those hints so far, this would have been a perfect opportunity. At the very least, if you need that mandatory girl squad content, we could have seen all this het romance through Lucas’ eyes, like he’s not even in the scene with these people, really? It’s not like he’s watching or listening to them, he and Eliott are in their own little bubble. So just stay in the bubble with them, or let others into their bubble, or don’t have them in the bubble - they can be cuddling closer to everyone else and interacting with them.

Keep in mind that there was no French “5 fine frøkner” either, lmao. They cut that out and we got this scene instead. And like I said, I’m totally fine with the kitchen sing-along not being there, but if what we get instead is shit that has nothing to do with Lucas and isn’t even from his POV, to focus on a bunch of (terrible) m/f pairings ... then I’m going to get exasperated.

Basile worms in between Emma and Daphne, like legit shoves Emma to the side. Daphne is reading a book. Basile tries to make small talk, Daphne ignores him (as she well should) and talks to Emma over him. Basile asks her out for coffee, Daphne is like, I’m studying. With a respectful human being, the conversation would end here. It’s appalling to me that even these little moments are chock full of Basile’s entitlement! Daphne says she’s reading, so either a) she is genuinely trying to enjoy her book or get some homework done or b) she just really doesn’t want to talk to Basile or c) both but IN ANY CASE he needs to get the fucking picture, she is not interested in continuing this conversation. I had to vent after I saw this scene because I’m just astonished by how thoroughly awful this relationship has been depicted, like they are hitting ALL the typical entitled dude moments.

Anyway, welcome to hell. Arthur gives Basile the signal to keep going (and Arthur’s on my shit list, too, for enabling this behavior - like lol, here’s toxic masculinity for you). Basile asks if she heard the song he sent her. Daphne is like … the song with the deeply inappropriate lyrics? So not only is he continuing to bother her when she wants to be left alone, but the song he sent he was overly sexual? GEE WHY WOULD ANYONE THINK THIS IS HARASSMENT.

Arthur and Yann chide Basile for sending such a forward song, Yann told him to be less upfront so Daphne would want him. Yann is on my shit list, too! Stop encouraging this creepy behavior! This is like a textbook study of how guys enforce toxic masculinity, for real, because Arthur and Yann know full well that Daphne has said no a million times, she said no again 10 seconds ago while the boys were right there, and yet that’s not enough for them, either. They’re not telling Basile to back off.

Basile is like, what’s the point, no one wants me, and gets up and walks away. Lol, so this shit is about Basile’s poor feelings. Not Daphne’s, not how she felt when Basile was trying to hump her on the dance floor or never the shutting the fuck up about how he wants her. Basile being sad because he did a creepy thing and it wasn’t well-received. Of course. (I seriously think you could write that moment of him saying no one wants him in a way that’s poignant and sympathetic, but you have to build it up in a way where we can feel sorry for him without caveats. If you wanted me to feel sorry for him, don’t write him as persistently going after a girl who has said she’s not interested!)

Yann and Arthur talk to Daphne and are like, he probably didn’t even read the lyrics! Er, not Daphne’s fucking fault that Basile was lazy. The song was titled “May she love me.” The boys are like, how cute! OF FUCKING COURSE Daphne smiles a little after that as she looks at Basile walking off. The boys encourage Daphne to give him a chance. OF FUCKING COURSE men are telling a woman to give a poor guy a chance after she’s already said no over and over again.

Did anyone realize this is some Nice Guy nonsense, too? That Basile, he’s really a decent guy! He’s so sweet and nice with his well-intentioned song choice! So why doesn’t Daphne give him a chance, hmm? I mean Basile is such a Nice Guy and yet no one will love him.

I’m sorry I cannot stop talking about this but it is astonishing how much crap they have packed into every goddamn scene of this nonsense. This is a man’s fantasy, this is a woman’s nightmare. Actually, no, - it’s women’s reality, because it happens often enough that men don’t give a shit about our boundaries and our rejections (however firm or polite) that this is a whole subset of feminist discourse, that we have terms like Nice Guy because these attitudes are so prevalent they merit a common phrase, that almost every woman has stories about some dude who wouldn’t take no for an answer.

Manon’s hat

That’s the comment, Manon’s fucking hat

The other girls are messing with Romain about period blood, heh. Manon goes after Emma when Emma walks off. (We get treated to yet more dialogue from Yann and Arthur trying to persuade Daphne to give Basile a chance, siiiiiiigh. Let the girl read her book!) Emma is bummed because Raptor Alex didn’t respond to Emma’s invitation and he’s seeing another girl tonight. Emma also slept with another guy, Manon is impressed by how she can do that. But Emma said it sucked with that other guy and that with Alex the sex was good, it was just that when he opened his mouth that she was turned off. Lmao, Emma, some things just aren’t meant to be that serious? He’s good in bed but he’s not that interesting of a person. It’s fine. Either keep your FWB thing going or find someone you can bang while also having stimulating conversations or whatever.

Emma says Manon and Alex have more to talk about than she and Alex, and that she saw them the other day. Talking about Charles, obviously. Emma lets on that she knows something is wrong with Manon, and she’s waiting for Manon to talk about it. This scene’s a lot like the talk between Yann and Lucas in episode 5, except somehow I don’t think Emma is going to walk away once Manon opens up.

Manon says it’s complicated with Charles and she doesn’t know if he’s coming back. Emma says she’ll wait for Manon to open up. Manon gets teary. Apart from the fact that this is not in Lucas’ POV, and that this is about crappy straight pairings, on its own this is a really nice interaction between the two of them.

But can we talk about how absolutely awful the het pairings on this show are? We have Manon/Charles with their ramped-up alpha male crap in S2 and then what he did to Manon in London, which was despicable. We have Emma/Alex, who are functional as fuckbuddies but have no real intellectual or emotional connection (fine for what it is, but don’t tell me this is supposed to be a real romance). We have Alex/Romain, the bi girl with the boyfriend who’s fetishizing her and asking her for a threesome the minute after she comes out to him, basically. She seems done with him already, like she’s just dating him out of habit now. And we have Basile/Daphne, at the very bottom of the trash heap. I want Imane to have a love interest who’s genuinely great and who deserves her, but seriously, the bar is so low that French Yousef could basically lie on the ground and roll over it.

Clip 5 - Boat bangin’

Eliott leads Lucas to his surprise at the docks. There’s some cute banter with them; they do have nice chemistry when they’re directed well and allowed to be free with each other (when it’s been off I chalk that up to scenes being rushed more than the actors, but it hasn’t been often). Missed opportunity to do something interesting with POV, though? The boat and the dock are shown immediately, but since Eliott is covering Lucas’ eyes, they could replicate the sense of surprise by not showing the boat right away, just have a closeup on Lucas and Eliott until Eliott tells him to look, so we see the reveal when he does.

Eliott shows Lucas that they’re on a boat and Lucas is stunned and happy. He asks how Eliott paid for the boat and Eliott just blows off that question and swoops in for a kiss, and I mean, when a face that pretty is that happy, are you going to question it? Maxence does seem to be doing a nice job with the manic signs here; he’s just a little elevated and giddy, and it could certainly just be excitement to be alone with his new boyfriend, but it also registers as slightly higher than Eliott’s usual range to me.

Eliott yells about his hot boyfriend to the water and he and Lucas goof around, it’s very cute. Lucas says no one has ever done anything like this for him. Awwww. But also, you understand why he’s letting the question of how Eliott paid for the boat slide. He’s just thrilled to be with him and touched by the grand gesture.

Inside the boat, Eliott pours champagne for him and Lucas. It’s not real champagne, as it turns out. I do like how this scene is shot, I don’t like a lot of Skam France’s directing but this is working for me. The scene on the deck was beautiful like a romantic movie scene, like it’s supposed to feel for Lucas, a combination of light and dark. But now the darkness inside the boat feels a little more stifling, in my opinion. I like that we see them from the side, considering each other.

Eliott tells Lucas to try to eat some Italian ham, and I do like how Lucas is playacting like they’re living it up and being fancy. It’s a good thing because there is no fucking way on this planet that eating that ham is a sexy move. It is the opposite of sexy. Eliott snatches ham from Lucas. Even the literal male model cannot make eating ham look sexy. Lucas describes the ham in sensual detail. Lucas says that it’s so good, you’d have thought Eliott cooked it. Eliott laughs and there’s a long look, which gets kind of intense? There’s something lingering in the air. I guess I was wrong, because these two seem immensely aroused by eating ham. Okay. No judgment. Glad you two found each other.

Eliott lights a cigarette, and like smoking kills and all, but objectively way sexier than eating ham. He shotguns with Lucas like Lucas did with Chloé in episode 1, except Eliott is way more skilled at it and obviously this is way sexier/more fulfilling to Lucas. Lucas is ready to fuuuuuuuuck.

They smile at each other, very fond of each other, in love, and then we cut to the sex scene. To Skam France’s credit: they’re not shy or coy about showing the gay intimacy. The actors seem to be pretty naked. Stuff happens.

I personally don’t find this kind of sex scene terribly sexy, because the mechanics of bodies are less interesting to me than the characters’ emotions during the scene, usually (unless there’s something really unusual or notable going on, lol). The Evak hotel clip happened to be the exact kind of TV/movie sex scene I like: more suggestive than explicit, more focused on their faces and their expressions. With Lucas and Eliott, I give massive props to the actors for going this far with each other, and they’re not shy or uncomfortable, but I also wish we saw more of their expressions so this scene felt like them and not any two bodies going at it? But anyway, again, not a flaw of the scene, just a personal preference.

Anyway, in the afterglow, Lucas looks totally fucked into contentment and says he wants to live his life on the barge. Eliott says he does too and starts talking about renting it for the wedding and getting lots of ham and crisps, ONLY ham and crisps for their wedding. Lucas thinks that sounds like a disappointing wedding menu. Eliott starts eagerly rambling about how their wedding will be so great that everyone will only want ham and crisps at their weddings and caterers will go out of business and somehow Trump is involved because ham isn’t enough of a boner killer, we gotta have Trump mentioned, too. Lucas is kinda amused, with a trace of “huh.”

He talks more about the Ham Cold War and going off on a barge and the sound effect from the Skam hotel clip happens, or at least there’s this low rumbling like it might almost be the motor or mechanics of the boat? Whatever it is, it’s ominous, it signifies this conversation getting less goofy and idealistic, more like reality crashing on Lucas as he realizes something’s off about Eliott.

I like how they shot Eliott in this scene. He’s facing that camera and we’re very close to him, so it adds to the intensity of what he’s saying. The editing is also slightly choppy, some cuts between what Eliott is saying, it’s fractured and disjointed like the thoughts in his head, harder to follow.

Eliott just keeps going with this story, like he’s writing a novel in his head involving Trump and making friends with a drug lord and having to deliver weed via boat globally. Like, the kind of thing that could be just messing around, inventing a funny story, except for intense Eliott is about it. It’s making him crack up, he can’t stop laughing. And he doesn’t notice (or care) that Lucas isn’t really following or participating in this story, Eliott is off on his own adventure.

Lucas is just like … wow. Now confused. Either Eliott is drunk as fuck or there’s something really strange happening.

Eliott lies beside Lucas and asks about the Eliotts and Lucases in parallel universes. Then he says they should die tonight. RECORD SCRATCH. Lucas is taken aback to say the least. Why would Eliott say that? Eliott kisses Lucas on the forehead and says he’s kidding. He snuggles up to Lucas and Lucas is bothered. I mean, yeah, who wouldn’t be after your boyfriend casually suggests a double suicide? This ain’t Romeo + Juliet. (Although honestly, I feel like this might be more in line with Even’s characterization, since he’s the one who thinks “the only way to have something forever is by losing it” which would go along with the idea of dying at one’s peak, and he’s also the one making references to death or suicide throughout S3. Eliott doesn’t really talk about death or suicide, as far as I can remember?)

Clip 6 - Ship sinking

It’s later, Lucas is sleeping. He wakes up and Eliott is sitting by the side of the bed watching him. If you didn’t know the twist, you might think Eliott lured Lucas out to this boat to murder him. And here I thought Lucas was the one with the serial killer vibe. Lucas asks if he ever sleeps. Er, have we gotten a ton of hints that Eliott doesn’t sleep? I mean thinking about it, there was no reason for Eliott to be asleep in the cuddle scene in episode 5, because their make-out was in the middle of the day. Not unusual for him to stay awake. Did he say something in the kitchen scene that implied he hadn’t slept? We also didn’t get any middle of the night texts, as with Even. But Eliott says he can’t sleep with someone this hot in the bed. He sounds deadly somber when he says it, though. Lucas smiles and goes back to sleep.

Cut to later. Somewhat blurry lens because Lucas is drowsy and it represents his hazy state of mind. Eliott is naked and lacing up his sneakers. He says he’s going for a swim. Bare ass. Lucas is about to fall back asleep when he’s like … wait a second. He gets dressed, runs around the boat looking for Eliott and calling his name.

Was there a splash? I didn’t hear one. Better if there wasn’t a splash, but then you have no idea where Eliott is. And for Lucas, hearing that whole thing about “let’s die tonight” is going to make him panic even more.

Lucas is yelling and in tears, he calls Lucille. Axel does a nice job here. There’s the sound of police/ambulance/whatever those sirens are in the background, so did they find Eliott? Or are they just thematic at the moment? (The sirens were in the original Skam scene, too.) Lucas asks Lucille to come. Lucas screams and freaks out, he’s shaking.

Lucille shows up on the boat and Lucas tells her what happened. He;s more angry and upset and spitting than Isak, which makes sense with Lucas’ temper. But he’s also unraveling and in tears. Lucas describes how Eliott said he was going for a swim, and he doesn’t think Eliott jumped, but he was naked.

Lucille says they have to hope the cops find him. When Lucas says he doesn’t understand, Lucille screams at him that Eliott is bipolar and broke into the barge. Lucas is like … he said he rented it. Lucille is like, for fuck’s sake, how do you think he paid for it? I dont know, is it totally out of the question Eliott has rich parents who give him a sizable allowance? I assumed Even just charged way too fucking much for that hotel suite or that he wiped out his savings or something, and Eliott could’ve done something similar. Though granted, I don’t know how much a weekend in a French barge costs. Anyway, I guess the point is that Lucas was so wrapped up in the fantasy that he didn’t bother to ask for further details, which is true.

Lucille asks if they smoked, pissed a hell. Lucas says just a little. Lucille says it makes Eliott sick and is bad for him. I mean, as I said about the Skam scene -that’s not Lucas’/Isak’s fault, that’s on Eliott/Even to know what he can and can’t do.

The way they lit and framed Lucille in this scene makes her seem kinda villainous, tbh. Or at least more dominant - it appears like she’s literally looking down at Lucas. I mean, she is very tall, heh.

Lucille gets a call, they’ve found Eliott. Lucas questions if they should call his parents, Lucille is like YES they should, obviously, he was naked in the street after he broke into a barge and he was smoking weed. I cannot disagree with Lucille on this.

Lucas wants to go with Lucille, but Lucille says no, Lucas needs to stay away, Eliott doesn’t love him, he can’t love him, it’s just something inside his head. She says Lucas is nothing to Eliott, he’s just a passing craze. What Lucille doesn’t know is that Lucas ain’t no passing phase, Hakuna Matata. Lucas sits down and cries after she leaves. Deeply dramatic piano music plays as he sobs. It gets a little too soap opera-ish here at the end, although I get that it’s a very intense scene; I just think the impact would’ve been just as great if they dialed it to a 10 instead of an 11. But you know, it’s Skam France.

Yeah, they made Lucille way more of an OTT villain here. I have to assume they’ll give her chance to speak for herself and humanize her like with Sonja, but it felt they escalated her less from someone who was just frustrated and concerned to someone who was operating out of spite, especially with the way they structured the scene. Like Sonja had the “he doesn’t love you” part earlier and she wasn’t like spitting at him. Isak was in disbelief, and she just left him like she was fed up. But they saved that “he doesn’t love you” part here for the final insult, the last knife to the ribs, and they made it more intense, too, like YOU’RE NOTHING TO HIM. Okay, Lucille, we get the picture, you can go back to punishing those kids for eating your gingerbread house.

I was pretty worried that this scene was going to be overly dramatic verging on exploitative, considering Skam France’s tendency to go over-the-top. But actually I think this set of clips was fine, other than the very end which was too much for my taste. The acting was strong and there were some solid directing choices. My biggest criticism is that they could have hinted at Eliott’s mania more before this clip, and that there wasn’t so much foreshadowing for this scene, in my opinion. And with Skam it wasn’t just about the clues that Even was bipolar, either, but the buildup of tension that something was off. Things like Eliott’s texts in the middle of the night about random memes managed to feel ominous, because we knew Even wasn’t sleeping. There are some moments that arguably were supposed to be hints about Eliott being manic, but I didn’t feel like they were so different from the rest of the acting/writing/directing/pacing that they really registered. So overall: buildup weak, payoff good on its own.

Social Media/General Comments

Lucas is shown hacking into the sink from the omelette that Eliott made, but I’m not convinced it wasn’t the paint. He posts a picture of the eggs like “If I get food poisoning, you’ll know why” YES BECAUSE YOUR MOUTHS WERE GUZZLING ART SUPPLIES OFF EACH OTHER LAST NIGHT.

Lucas did like all the meaningful posts on Eliott’s secret IG, like sketches of the rain and piano.

Eliott sleeps and Lucas cuddles him while singing a cover of “Call Your Girlfriend.” Sick Skam reference! (Actually I think Skam France's OG homages are really sweet.)

Lots of Eliott and Lucas couple selfies, with cuddly captions like “Him” or comments like “raccoon <3 hedgehog” emojis. Eliott draws another sketch of their fursonas together in all parallel universes.

Skam France also did something where they posted the sketch with pictures of the three Evaks out at the time, (from Norway, Italia, and France) which was seriously very cute and respectful of them.

Basile is wearing a Game of Thrones T-shirt (”Hodor Hodor Hodor”) in an IG pic and not to judge because I watch Game of Thrones myself, I’m literally wearing socks with the House Targaryen sigil on them right now, but yeah, that sounds about right for his character.

There’s also a dick print on the mural, it seems? For fuck’s sake, how could Eliott and Lucas possibly have any satisfying sex with paint slathered over their junk? Or did they wait until they were finished and just wiped off the paint by plastering their bodies against the mural? Maybe that’s how they cleaned themselves up. But how could you possibly get that good of a penis shape without just like ... dipping your dick into the bucket of paint itself? How could you position your dick and balls against the wall that way to get the imprint? Anyway, Alex and Emma have a bet over whose dick it is. I don’t think it’s anyone’s actual dick, Eliott and/or Lucas just thought it would be funny to paint something that looked like one.

Lucas brings up the Lucille call in a text to Eliott, saying that maybe Lucille had something to tell him, and that Eliott told her to fuck off. Eliott brings up that it’s something they had in common: Eliott told Lucille to fuck off so he could be with Lucas, Lucas told his friends to fuck off so he could be with Eliott (on Friday in the foyer). Well. Not totally the same, Eliott, but I feel like this is almost a diversion from what Lucas wants to know. Eliott says sometimes you have to tell people to fuck off to live your life. Lucas seems appeased by this answer for now, because he doesn’t push the topic, just says he’s happy Eliott is going with them tomorrow to the park.

I am not French so please feel free to correct me on translation or cultural notes.

If you got this far, thank you for reading!

#skamfr reactions #skam france reactions

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caffeineivore · 5 years

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More Travel Ficscribble

I wrote this for @smokingbomber during my travels. We actually spoke on the phone during my layover in Newark which was fun. It is set in a ficverse also written about for the @ssrevminibang and related to the last thing I wrote for her. Features Mamoru, and A/Z.

The request had seemed innocuous enough. Could some hard-working and intelligent Harvard Pre-meds access the lab after-hours, while he was in the building no less, to finish up on some work? They would not be in the building alone, and really, who would jeopardize their standings and astronomical tuition payment to get up to anything untoward. There wasn’t anything of value that would invite theft-- this was a chemistry lab, not a computer lab-- and besides, most of them had more than a decent chunk of disposable income. Who in their right minds would invite a criminal charge and college expulsion so early in their lives? So Matt had agreed, and not thought too much about it until two weeks later when it was his turn in the rotation to prep the lab for one of the organic chemistry professors the next day.

In a container labeled “Acetone” is some dusky off-white substance that looks nothing like the universal solvent.

Matt isn’t stupid: he has no idea what, precisely, the unknown substance is. However, it is almost certainly a Class-A controlled substance of the variety which can cause irreversible health damage to its users and lengthy prison time for its procurers. He also knows that it will fall on him for letting the kids in after-hours, and he has all of twenty-four hours to deal with the situation. He also, also knows that he is woefully out of his depths. It’s a sticky situation, to say the least. Lots of unpleasant possible outcomes, all of which jeopardize his own future, and not a great number of people whom he could simultaneously trust to help him deal with the situation AND not give him admittedly well-deserved shit for being a naive, soft-brained idiot with too much faith in the decency of humanity. As a matter of fact, only one person comes to mind at all.

“Hey, Alice. I sort of need your help.”

Alice Marshall is in his graduating class for medical school, though she’s about a year younger. A Bona Fide Genius even by lofty Ivy League standards, she’d been his lab partner since Organic Chemistry, Honours Section, in their freshman year of undergrad at Yale, then both had went on to Harvard for medical school after graduating. She’s a scholarship kid from somewhere in BFE, soft-spoken and calm and diligent, who’d grown up comfortably well-off but definitely not in the bubble of moneyed New England privilege like Matt or Una. Outside of their classes, she mostly keeps to herself, and Matt has very little idea of what she likes to do outside of their shared world of lectures and labs and practicals. She’s unflappable, though. Not to mention discreet and non-judgmental, and when he calls, answers in her usual pleasant way.

“No problem. What is it that you need?”

Alice, to Matt’s eternal relief, shows up promptly, and doesn’t scold after Matt tells her the bare bones of the problem which had befallen him. She does raise her eyebrows, however, and remain quiet for a good fifteen minutes as she mulls over, in all likelihood, the same set of unpleasant options that Matt has already contemplated. Finally, she sighs.

“You’ve got yourself in a rough spot, that’s for sure.”

“I know, and I’m a moron. I guess if there’s nothing that can be done about this situation, I’m just going to have to suck it up. I don’t think they can actually arrest me, considering that I knew nothing, right?”

“Let me just... make a quick phone call. I know someone who may be able to help, if I can convince them.”

She steps into the other room, and talks too quietly for Matt to hear, but returns after only a few minutes to give him a wan smile.

“Well, I found help. If anyone can get you out of this predicament, he can. So you’re in luck. He’s on his way.”

The mysterious friend of Alice’s turns up a few hours later. He’s a good-looking young man with sandy blond hair that’s a bit too long, and sharp, piercing green eyes, an arrogant smile on his lips. He barely spares Matt a glance, and heads straight for Alice, taking both her hands in his and kissing her forehead in a way that all but broadcasts his intentions towards her. It’s only after this salutation that he turns towards Matt.

“So you must be the latest stray. Alice, sweetheart, wherever do you find these people? Put it back, it might have rabies.”

“Be nice, Stephen. He’s a good guy. Matt, meet Stephen Zimmerman, once upon a time of Harvard Law. Stephen, meet Matthew Clark, my lab partner from undergrad.”

“Ah. So YOU are Matt Clark. Small world, isn’t it? I recently accepted a job offer at the firm which employs your brother-in-law, I believe.” Stephen Zimmerman links fingers with Alice. “I’m going to state for the record that I’m only doing this to please Alice. I doubt even you could afford my rates. No offense.”

“None taken.” Zimmerman was, perhaps, every stereotype of a cocky, hotshot lawyer come to life, down to the silk pocket-square in his perfectly pressed suit which perfectly matched his tie, but for all that, there’s something sort of comforting about his blunt, somewhat condescending manner. This is not someone who’d play mind games with him, or mince any words. Zimmerman, like Alice, was the type of smart so confident and comfortable with his abilities that he’d never feel the need to loudly show off just to prove a point. In the weirdest way, that made Matt feel better.

“He’d never get up to anything illegal, Stephen. That much I can reassure you.” Alice, bless her peace-loving heart, vouches for him, but Zimmerman simply smirks.

“That’s not important. No one cares about that. It’s all about how likely others can be made to believe it, or failint that, figuring out how to make this all just quietly go away.”

Matt watches with not a little awe as Zimmerman-- definitely not on friendly enough terms with him to be on a first name basis-- and Alice get to work. The latter calls a friend, who calls another friend connected to the forensic science division of the local law enforcement agency, and somehow all without asking any questions, the network of people send over a field test kit for narcotics. After ascertaining the contents of the “Acetone” container-- some clumsily and potentially dangerously synthesized MDMA, Alice proceeds to help him scour the lab down with a fine toothed comb, locating and destroying any other remnants. Meanwhile, Zimmerman gets the names of the students in question from Matt and holes himself up in a computer lab with a legal pad, a laptop with an external hard drive, and a collection of pens-- black, blue and red. He curtly tells Matt to leave him alone when the latter attempts to help, or at the very least figure out what the plan is, and is still in there with the door locked at some indecent hour of night after Matt goes off to bed.

The next morning, bright-ass early, campus police descent upon a frat house wherein resides two of the students, armed with a warrant as well as apparent evidence of them on a bank ATM CCTV dispensing their ill-produced haul. It had been called in by some little old lady whom Matt had never met or heard of, whose apartment apparently overlooked that street. Any record of Matt’s involvement in helping the troublemakers access facilities or ingredients are nowhere to be found. It’s possibly the most efficient, ruthless and cold-blooded sting that Matt had ever seen outside of some far-fetched police procedural on TV. He has no idea exactly how Zimmerman pulled it off, but figures that it’s best if he doesn’t know.

“Crisis averted.” The brilliant and possibly evil mastermind who had orchestrated this entire chain of events finally reappears, ghost-like, looking not at all worse for wear after pulling an intense all-nighter putting God knows how many plays in motion. Zimmerman smirks at Matt, then inspects his nails. “I do fantastic work, if I may say so myself.”

“I can’t thank you two enough.” Matt gives the other man a weary smile. “Kent’s firm is in good hands if you’re their in-house counsel.”

“Of course. Mind, as I said, I did this as a favour to Alice. She says that you have a few redeeming qualities, this unfortunate episode notwithstanding. As a matter of fact, I ran a background check on you before I came.” At Matt’s look of surprise, Zimmerman simply gives an expansive shrug. “Know thy enemy. Or thy client. It’s not smart to go into these things without all the facts. I will admit, your academic record is commendable, especially for a bastion of privileged wealth such as yourself. How you manage to be so smart while still being such a naive lost child, however, I haven’t the foggiest idea.”

“I guess I didn’t count on anyone being so reckless, or having such a callous disregard for others who may be harmed as a consequence of their actions. Either way, thank you. Alice is lucky to have you.”

Zimmerman’s eyes warm, and it transforms his face into something almost approachable as opposed to haughty and calculating. “Maybe I’ll convince her of that one of these days. Our Alice is an incredibly independent, strong-willed woman.”

“She didn’t call anyone else to help straighten up this mess, wich speaks to her trust in you.” This was more even ground for them. A man in love, after all, recognized a fellow man in love with automatic, unconditional sympathy. “She’s a very nice girl. Probably would enjoy being appreciated, being courted. Please be good to her.” The last bit is spoken aloud before Matt can think better of it, but Zimmerman takes no offense.

“As if I could be anything but. Don’t get yourself involved in any more idiotic situations. Just remember: people are, with only a few exceptions, greedy, selfish, inconsiderate and stupid little buggers. Don’t ever expect them to do the right, or smart, or sensible thing.”

With that little bit of sage advice, Zimmerman seeks out Alice and prepares to take his leave. Matt watches as he bends his head to whisper something, dark blond curls brushing over Alice’s blue-black locks. Whatever he says has her blushing, and glancing up at him almost timidly. Zimmerman cups her face in his hands, presses his mouth to hers in a tentative sort of way, then when she doesn’t draw away, pulls her close and kisses her for real. Alice is still blushing well after he walks away.

Matt clears his throat awkwardly. “So, umm, thank you both.”

“I did very little, really. I’m not nearly as good with this sort of thing as Stephen is. I’m glad it all worked out, however. You worried me.” Alice gives him a brief, sideways glance. “I think perhaps you place too much stock in people’s good intentions.”

“You two even sound alike.” Matt gives her a long look. “Clearly, your respect for each other is mutual. Do I need to ask him, in most likely a comically incompetent way, what his intentions are?”

“I don’t think he’d take that very well, actually.” Alice says it with a smile, though. “Just stay out of trouble. I think he’s going to have his hands full, dealing with that firm.”

Matt thought, briefly, about calling Kent to warn him, then decided against it. The bastard had the nerve to hit him over a strictly honourable relationship with Una, after all. It’d be karmic justice to see him subjected to the whims and caprices of Scary Lawyer Man.

Not that Kent would do anything stupid or reprehensible to draw the man’s ire, of course. Kent was far too smart and honest for that sort of thing, career as a Wall Street shark notwithstanding.

Probably. He hoped, anyway.

Ehh... who was he kidding? Wasn’t it his whole overly optimistic worldview what got him in trouble to begin with?

#smokingbomber #fanfiction #A/Z #sailor moon #senshi/shitennou #fanfic #travel ficscribble #mamoru

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marvelmymarvel · 5 years

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When I Was Older...

Part 1/3

Captain!Intelligence!Lewis Nixon x Captain!Intelligence!Reader

Synopsis: Working side by side with the man you secretly love but openly hate is hard work. He tells you that your plans aren't smart, but he knows deep down that they are indeed lifesavers. But when he doesn't take your word and it winds up in 100 dead men, you two have an explosive fight, and words are said. Some were hurtful... Some were what you wanted to hear all along.

Trigger Warning: Slight Depression (More like themes, deep sadness is more accurate), arguing, Lew is an ass.

A/N: Okay listen lol. I know I’m obsessed with doing this to myself and musical imagines... So HERE I AM. Another one for you... And wow it's angst?? Who would have guessed?! (All of my followers blink slowly and nod at yet another Angsty piece of work “She’s at it again”). I have my 10 fics ready for the week so I hope you’re excited!! I am excited to give you this beautiful piece until tomorrow’s first fic at 3pm when Lipton's Wounded story is released. Kisses my loves.

Continue On: Part 2

Song: When I Was Older by Billie Eilish (Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0I4fD49Gbck) Lyrics are italicized, bolded, and in (parenthesis) : (Words).

(When I was older, I was a sailor on an open sea). Being an intelligence officer was something you aspired to be ever since you were a little girl, and you were the best one that the 506th had. You were brilliant, and every man in the 506th made you feel as such. Respecting you as if their life rested in your hands, which it very well did. Lew didn't like that though. “No Lew... They need to go this way, the enemy will expect them her-” “Y/n” He snarled out, cutting you off and stopping you in your tracks. “My plan will work... I don't need you telling me it won't” he spit out angrily towards you, making you sigh out furiously as you gripped onto the table. (But now I’m underwater and my skin is paler). But Lew... Lew made you feel inadequate. Like you weren't smart enough to even mention something that could be life-saving. You shut down instead of speaking up once more. (Than it should ever be). You always felt like an idiot around him, but you never let it affect you... Until now. When asked by Sink if the plan you two just planned was adequate, you nodded instead of telling him that your gut told you wrong. Men were going to die. (Mhm....). You thrashed around in your bed that night. Thinking about all the men that will lose their lives, just because you couldn't stand up for yourself and push for them to see this mistake. Just because you loved Lewis Nixon.

You stood above on the hill, watching as the men fought. (I'm on my back again). You inhaled shakily as you took a drag of your cigarette, your heart was racing faster than ever before... You couldn't help them now. (Dreaming of a time and place, where you and I remain the best of friends). You looked at Lew who was slightly in front of you, watching the men through his binoculars. You thought of how you and Lewis were best friends before you reached his rank with ease. You weren't from Yale. You weren't even from Harvard. You were just you. A brilliant mind that could save thousands... And yet, (Even after all this end), Lew somehow made you feel inadequate. Even after the war ended and the battles were won, you two would never, ever be as close as you used to be. (Can we pretend?). Exhaling shakily, you stepped forward, seeing the enemy tanks approaching. (I’m on my...). Just like you planned. (I’m on my back again). “I fucking told you Lewis” You snarled lowly as you stood next to him as he watched Dog company fly out of the trees. “WHO GAVE THEM THAT ORDER” Strayer screamed and you just rolled your eyes. Living... Living gave them that order to run. (It’s seeming more and more like all we ever do is see how far it bends). The tanks continued forward. All of those men. They would have been saved if he would have just listened. (Before it breaks in half and then). Now they were running for their lives. But would Lew listen to you next time? (We bend it back again). He glared at you before moving towards Strayer. Of course not. Almost 100 men died that day. All thanks to you. All thanks to him.

(Guess I got caught in the middle of it). You hated him, yet you loved him. He made you feel so inadequate and normally, you would argue and fight. (Yes, I’ve been taught, got a little of it in my blood, in my blood). It was in your blood to fight your way to the top. You were raised to stand up for yourself. You wanted something? Fight. For. It. And yet, you failed your father. All for a man, who you loved. All for a man, who hated you. (Memories burn like a forest fire). Thoughts of him and you laughing while drinking at the bar back in Aldbourne burned into your body as you walked to your bedroom. (Heavy rain turns any funeral pyre to mud). Your tears were falling down your cheeks as you felt the loss of those men. (In the flood). You got into the room and slammed the door close, before sliding down it. Covering your mouth to suffocate the sob that was rising in your throat, you felt the guilt. (When I was older). You never wanted this as a little girl. You dreamed of saving lives. Not taking them. (I was a sailor). You cried out as you leaned forward in the dark, sobbing harder and harder with each passing second. You never wanted to be this. (But now I’m underwater). You felt like you were drowning like you couldn't break the surface and breathe. Choking on air, you tried to come down from the panic. (And my skin is paler). This wasn't you. (Than it should ever be).

But nowadays...

Letting out one final sob, you put your head back against the door, looking up at the ceiling.

It was.

You fell asleep on the floor. Waking up to the sound of someone knocking on the door, you looked out in front of you for a second. Feeling lost and broken, you didn't want to move. “Y/n” Dick called out and you sat up while rubbing your throbbing head. “I’m coming, Dick... Just give me a second” you whispered out as you began to stand up. “Y/n” he whispered through the door and you stopped, staring straight at it. “Can I come in?” He asked kindly, you nodded but realized he couldn't see you, instead you reached forward and opened the door. He saw your messy hair and puffy face, he knew you. He knew the minute everyone came back that you were going to go cry all alone in your room. He knew who did this to you... He hated how Lew showed his love... It was such a tough love. Something you of all people didn't deserve. Lew came around the corner just then and your face hardened at seeing his. Dick turned around towards his friend and sighed, “I think you two need to talk... Now” Dick hissed as he grabbed Lew and pushed him into your room. “Hey! We have work to do-” Lew began but Richard just cut him off with a hand. “You two have to work together, now. Talk Lew. I’ll tell Sink that I couldn't get either of you up in time. You have 20 minutes” and then, he was gone. Leaving just you and Lew in the room. (I’m watching movies back to back in black white). You crossed your arms waiting for him to start, but of course. He wouldn't. (I never seen anybody do it like I do it any better). “Why do you hate me” you stated softly. (Then going over you, I’m overdue for no endeavors). “I don't hate you” he grumbled and you just scoffed before stepping forward. (Nobody lonely like I’m lonely and I don't know whether). You felt his absence ever since you got to his rank, and you were tired of it. You missed him. But he couldn't get over himself. (You’d really like it in the limelight). But at the same time, you couldn't get over him. (You’d sympathize with all the bad guys). You stood there still. Waiting for him to make his next move. As an intelligence officer, you knew the enemies next moves, but Lew? Lew was different. (I’m still a victim in my own right). Lew's eyes shot angrily to yours. “You know that you’re not as good as you think you are?” he hissed and you felt your heart break a little. “Really?” You snapped back finally standing up for yourself “Who fucking trained me LEW” you screamed finally as you slammed your hand down on the table. (But I’m the villain in my own eyes, yeah). “You would be smarter if I trained you” he growled and you just snarkily laughed as you grabbed his collar. Yanking him down to your height. Your lips trembled and his heart broke. Why was he doing this to you? He loved you... (When I was older). “I have wanted this since I could talk Lewis Nixon” you whispered shakily, the anger flooding through your veins as you grew the balls to tell him how you really felt. (I was a sailor). “I am good at this... you know it, I know it.” you snarled as you gripped the collar tighter. He just stared at you blankly, not showing any hint of remorse or emotion for that matter. (On an open sea). “You will not make me feel inadequate or stupid... I know who I am. I know my worth. YOU. DONT.” You screamed in his face and you saw his eyes blink as you saw a fleeting emotion cross his eyes. Guilt? Regret? You didn't know. You didn't care. “And to think” you started up once more as you let go of his collar and walked to the door. “100 men died... Because I was hopelessly in love with a man... Who treats me like shit” you laughed out darkly. Lew’s heart stopped at hearing those words, part of the reason he was mean, was because he thought you didn't like him. It was easier. But now that he knew the truth... It was too late. You blinked away the tears as you opened the door. “I love you” he called out hoarsely making you pause in the door frame. You straightened your back up and turned towards him. A tear fell down your cheek as you mustered the strength to say the three words that resonated inside of you...

“I hate you.”

The three words made Lew stop breathing as he felt the result of his actions. Turning, you left him there in the room. Heartbroken and shaken. He sat on your bed and rubbed his face. He couldn't hate you for those words... “I hate me too.” For he felt the same way.

tags: @hell-itwasyou @desired-love-

#lewis nixon imagine #lewis nixon imagines #lewis nixon x reader #lewis nixon #band of brothers imagines #band of brothers imagine #band of brothers #band of brothers fanfic

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