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that-shamrock-vibe · 3 years

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WandaVision: Dissecting the MCU’s Most Successful Superhero Couple

Disclaimer: I am only using the term WandaVision as the coupling name for Scarlet Witch and Vision. I am not centring this discussion on the upcoming Disney+ series but rather talking about the 6 year build up to it.

Introduction:

Despite the fact the likes of Hank Pym’s Ant-Man & Janet van Dyne’s Wasp along with Mister Fantastic and Invisible Woman are Marvel Comics’ most prominent superhero couples, Scarlet Witch and Vision have always been that “unusual couple” that became a fan-favourite, didn’t diminish either character’s individual stories and, once the two were officially introduced into the MCU in 2015′s Avengers: Age of Ultron, became a hotly anticipated coupling by fans from their somewhat instant connection.

Not only is this comics-accurate love story finally being realised in the MCU, but the fact Kevin Feige feels as passionate about them as fans like I do that he is giving them their own series to shine, along with Wanda herself being involved in the MCU’s next big arc with exploring the Multiverse, I think it is safe to say that WandaVision have outshone the likes of Ant-Man and the Wasp and other couplings to become the MCU’s It couple.

Well, considering Disney+ released a new behind the scenes series called Marvel Legends last week with the first two episodes focusing on Wanda and Vision, despite them being no more than clip-reels of the characters MCU timeline, I wanted to delve in deeper and discuss how characters that were deemed B-worthy enough to be sent to streaming...which suddenly seems like the place to be...have suddenly become the hottest commodities in the MCU.

The Age of Miracles:

Wanda Maximoff first appeared in the MCU in an mid-credits scene for 2014′s Captain America: The Winter Soldier, adding the cherry on the top of what was already a glorious cake of a movie by unofficially introducing Quicksilver and Scarlet Witch to the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Sidebar, this was, at its time, very confusing for fans who believed that Scarlet Witch and Quicksilver were owned by 20th Century Fox in their X-Men movies. However, after the announcement of the Maximoff twins in the MCU and Quicksilver appearing simultaneously in 2014′s X-Men: Days of Future Past, it was revealed that a deal was made between Fox and Disney that the twins would only have certain traits in either universe.

For the X-Men movies, they would be Mutants, have their origins as the children of Magneto and...even though this never happened...appear as members of the Brotherhood of Mutants.

For the MCU, the Maximoff twins are known as enhanced individuals gaining their powers from the Mind Stone after experimentation from HYDRA. There is no mention of them being Mutants, their parents were indirect victims of Stark Industries, and despite Pietro having his original speed physiology powers, Wanda started off with Psionic Manipulation rather than Chaos Magic as her comic-book counterpart has.

However, it has been confirmed by Kevin Feige that Wanda’s shapeless red energy is magic of the same elk to Doctor Strange, just untamed. Meaning the upcoming alternative sitcom reality Wanda has created in WandaVision restoring Vision, could be an application of her latent reality warping powers.

The Maximoff Twins were officially introduced in 2015′s Avengers: Age of Ultron originally as operatives of HYDRA, before moving on to serve Ultron until defecting from him after realising he was evil and joining the Avengers in their fight to save their home country Sokovia.

Vision meanwhile was officially introduced at the end of the second act for the movie but his predecessor JARVIS was first introduced in Iron Man way back when in 2008...the movie that started it all.

As Tony Stark’s A.I. assistant, JARVIS was stated by Stark to be a top of the range program that runs more of Stark Industries than anyone other than Pepper Potts as CEO. However, when Stark had the ingenious idea to create Ultron...otherwise known as RDJ wanting to steal Hank Pym’s most famous comic-book storyline...as a peacekeeping program to safeguard Earth from extra-terrestrial threats, in typical sci-fi fashion Ultron goes evil and seemingly destroys JARVIS.

However, JARVIS simply retreated into the server only to return after the Avengers acquire Ultron’s recently created synthetic android. The Science Bros. transfer JARVIS’ conscience into the synthetic body and with the help of Thor/s thunder charge Vision was born.

I have to say also, while superhero movie trailers do get me excited for said superhero movie, seeing the reveal of Vision in the final Age of Ultron trailer gave me that wow factor moment only X-Men trailers usually do.

Comics to Movies:

As I have always admitted, I am not as in-depth with the comics as the movies. However, Scarlet Witch and Vision are two characters I have followed pretty since I first found out about them in the mid-noughties as a teenager.

But what cemented the two as my favourite Marvel characters overall, from Comics, to Movies to TV, is the literal creation of the twin sons Wiccan and Speed who became key members in the Young Avengers.

Now yes, both characters have had lives separate from each other because, as I said before, they are still their own characters despite being also known as a couple. But while Wanda has had a somewhat twincestuous relationship with her brother in far comics history, and Vision had his own family of synthetic androids including daughter Viv, who was a playable character in Marvel’s Avengers Academy, I find the best in Marvel Comics writing was actually after their twins were reabsorbed into the demon Mephisto as they were fragments of his soul and Wanda went crazy heralding in the House of M.

Also, not only is Wanda apparently getting her Scarlet Witch moniker either during or after the MCU Multiverse arc, but also a more comics-accurate costume. Up until now Wanda’s costume in the MCU has been they street-casual which does suit the Wanda of Sokovia. Even when she joined the Avengers and got an upgraded costume it did seem more like something someone could wear for a casual day out...as proof, my sister dressed up as the MCU Scarlet Witch by finding clothes in standard clothing stores rather than costume outlets.

My favourite Scarlet Witch outfit to date has been her full-length red gown complete with headdress from the comics, the headdresses of Magneto’s daughters are so iconic that when Polaris crafted her own out of Magneto’s medallion in The Gifted I was fanboying so hard.

We already know Wanda will be wearing a Halloween costume inspired by her iconic comics suit in WandaVision, but if the Halloween costume looks that impressive, I cannot wait to see what her actual supersuit looks like.

Throughout the MCU:

Right from the start, I really enjoyed both Scarlet Witch and Vision in the MCU, despite Scarlet Witch still not to be known as Scarlet Witch to date in the MCU. But from when we see cameos of Wanda and Pietro as experiments of HYDRA, that one quick shot of Wanda displaying her powers I was sold.

Vision meanwhile gave himself a somewhat modified version of his comics-accurate cape because he saw Thor had a cape and wanted one. He could also wield Mjølnir, does this make him worthy? It must do despite the Avengers constant mithering about it. If you can wield Mjølnir you’re worthy.

Talking from a romance perspective, it was a big tease of the two getting together right up until 2018′s Avengers: Infinity War as while it was teased in 2016′s Captain America: Civil War, a romance wasn’t actually shown until we find them in Scotland.

Interestingly enough in the comics, the couple retire to New Jersey rather than Scotland.

Also, like a lot of heroes, both Wanda and Vision seemed to get an upgrade in powers every movie. We always got teases of both their full potentials in the quieter moments like when Pietro died and Wanda, feeling her twin dying, vaporised the surrounding Ultron Sentries in a moment of distraught heartache and when Vision destroyed the last Ultron Sentry.

But it wasn’t until Captain America: Civil War, where we learned that Wanda could control the Mind Stone powering Vision and Vision could easily severely injure another hero and then in Infinity War when either Vision created a human guise for himself or maybe Wanda did, while Wanda not only made short work of Thanos’ army but could also destroy the Mind Stone and, in Endgame take on and possibly defeat Thanos single-handed, that we got a true display of her powers.

MCU creatives have stated that Scarlet Witch is in fact the most powerful MCU hero after it was originally stated Captain Marvel was, so when Wanda finally upgrades and realises her true potential this should be fully realised making Scarlet Witch the most powerful MCU character.

WandaVision and MCU Future:

Here’s what we know about WandaVision:

Wanda finds herself in a sitcom television universe potentially of her own making after not only losing Vision, but not forgetting also Wanda has lost her family including her twin brother as well as friends and teammates Black Widow, Captain America and even Iron Man.

For someone who was late-teens early-twenties at the time of Age of Ultron, this makes her late-20s early-30s by the time of this series, my age, and so obviously all of this loss and grief will play havoc on one’s mind let alone everything else she has gone through.

Also Vision is back but I still don’t know to what extent that is, is he only back in this alternate sitcom reality or has Wanda willed him back into existence in the same way that she willed their twin sons into reality in the comics.

Speaking of which, we know the couple have twins in the series as when they’re in their 80s sitcom setting, we see two bassinettes and it’s hinted we will see them as teenagers.

It has to be Wiccan and Speed, it can’t not be. This would be a massive red mark on WandaVision’s scorecard if it isn’t. I have recently heard rumours they could be human-android hybrids to match the parents and someone even suggesting Viv could be one of the twins...but I can’t fathom why if the Young Avengers are coming into play with the confirmation of Kate Bishop, America Chavez and Stature, why these two core characters wouldn’t be at play.

The other hotly anticipated character introduction is Kathryn Hahn as Agnes...again if this isn’t Agatha Harkness then it is major tease. Agnes is surely an alias for Agatha Harkness who in the comics and even X-Men: Evolution was Scarlet Witch’s mentor for controlling her powers.

The only difference between the two incarnations is in every other version of the character Agatha is an old woman whereas Kathryn Hahn looks like Kathryn Hahn. It will also be great to see Agatha Harkness in a comedic setting as Kathryn Hahn is hilarious.

We also have returning MCU characters Jimmy Woo, Monica Rambeau and Darcy Lewis added to the series. All three may not be connected or they all could be working for SWORD which is the successor to SHIELD first seen in the post-credits scene for Spider-Man: Far From Home.

I’m thrilled to have Kat Dennings back in the MCU and considering both she and Randall Park have a history in comedy, the sitcom settings should suit them well.

I’m not sure why any of these characters are connected to Scarlet Witch or Vision considering all three are connected to separate heroes Ant-Man, Captain Marvel and Thor respectively, but any excuse to bring them back I’ll take it.

What is also more or less confirmed is the ending of WandaVision will see a massive witch fight between Wanda and Agnes resulting in Wanda tearing a hole in the multiverse starting the Multiverse arc in the MCU which will be picked up in Spider-Man 3 and resolved in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness with Wanda set to appear in both movies.

As for Vision’s fate post WandaVision, it is currently unknown where he will appear next if at all, and it may actually depend on the success of the series, but we know that Wiccan and Speed will become part of the Young Avengers so they’re staying on.

It is also worth noting that in the Young Avengers, a second version of Vision known as Jonas was a member of the team created through Nathaniel Richard’s neurokinetic armor gaining sentience after having Vision’s operating system downloaded into it.

Nathaniel Richards is a distant relative to Reed Richards aka Mister Fantastic who is set to appear in the upcoming Fantastic 4 movie, but is also a time remnant of Kang the Conqueror who is set to appear in the upcoming Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantummania and may be alluded to in the upcoming Disney+ series Loki.

Nathaniel is also Iron Lad, who forms the Young Avengers as part of the Avengers Fail-Safe program. Do you see how this all ties together?

So basically even if we don’t see this Vision again after WandaVision, we may see Jonas in the Young Avengers.

As for the future for Scarlet Witch post-multiverse, if they are bringing in Wiccan and Speed, I really want the next big arc to be the Children’s Crusade. I know fans want House of M...WandaVision is possibly as close to House of M as we’re going to get.

Children’s Crusade is how Wiccan and Speed learn about and are reunited with their estranged mother who has lost her memories and is living in wedded bliss with Doctor Doom...who could easily be introduced in said Fantastic 4 movie.

Conclusion:

Whatever the future holds for Scarlet Witch and Vision, no one can deny that this love story has not only been an organic one, but with it set to be the running theme for WandaVision, this love story is most definitely one for the ages.

So that’s my analysis of the newest superhero superpowered couple currently at play in the MCU, what do you guys think? Is WandaVision a couple for the ages? Will they have a place in the MCU after the upcoming Disney+ series?

Post your comments and check out more MCU Reviews as well as other posts and WandaVision starting this Friday (Jan 15).

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anna-justice · 4 years

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Lost or Found - 12

Summary: As Jay, Hailey, Kim, Adam and Kevin start their junior year in the wake of a tragic summer, the past year of their lives comes back to haunt them. If you enjoyed Pretty Little Liars, this is for you! *UPSTEAD/BURZEK High School AU

...

12 - Need You Now ...

Jay clenched his jaw as he took the man’s hand. He wanted nothing more than to sock him square in the face--a thought that was becoming a pattern--and tell him to get the hell out. But, that was a sure way to get himself thrown out, and he refused to let Hailey wake up alone in this horrible situation. So, he bit his tongue and played nice. “You too, sir. Wish it was under better circumstances.” Jay said, forcing a smile. It was true, he did wish that they had met under better circumstances, for two reasons. One being that her dad wasn’t a sadistic asswhole and two being that he wished he was in a position to beat the shit out of him.

Eldon nodded, agreeing with the young man standing in front of him, none-the wiser of his bubbling hatred. He wrapped an arm around his wife and thankfully didn’t notice Jay’s not so subtle flinch.

You could cut the tension in the room with a knife, Jay had once again sat down in the seat adjacent to Hailey’s bed while Anne and Eldon pulled chairs up next to her. Jay’s knee bounced nervously, he was wondering how long it took to buy a sandwich and where Trudy was. He wanted to leave and remove himself from the terrible silence, but the thought of Hailey waking up to face her father without him was as appealing as drinking battery acid. Instead, he sent a quick text to Adam, hoping he would come and share his wit and charm with the group.

Jay: Hailey’s parents are here…

Less than five seconds later, he replied.

Ruzey Ruzek: Are you serious?

Jay: Deadass

Jay: I’m gonna kill him if you don’t come stop me

Ruzey Ruzek: Don’t do that…

Ruzey Ruzek: A hospital is a terrible place to kill someone

Ruzey Ruzek: If you are going to murder him, put a little more effort in. For me?

Jay rolled his eyes, he was thankful for his best friend who was obviously trying to distract him. He also took notice of the fact that yet again, Adam had changed his contact information to something stupid.

Jay: I hate you

Adam Ruzek: No you don’t

Adam Ruzek: You love me

Jay: Whatever

Adam Ruzek: Love you too bestie ;)

Jay: Stop being a little shit pls

Jay: This is not good

Adam Ruzek: I know

Adam Ruzek: Let me talk to Kim and then I’ll come down there

Jay: Thanks

Adam Ruzek: Ofc

Jay let out a breath that he didn’t know he was holding, relaxing into his chair a bit more. At least with Adam here he wouldn’t have to bear the hostility alone.

“So. Jay, tell me about yourself.” Eldon said, turning to face him. “Anne made it sound like you and Hailey are very close.”

Jay leaned forward in his chair, deciding that a faked conversation was better than deafening silence. Plus, he couldn’t risk Hailey’s dad thinking he knew anything, he didn’t want to put her or her mom in harms way. “We are, she’s my best friend.” He said honestly, with a soft smile.

“I hope you have only pure intentions with my daughter…” Eldon threatened, a eyebrow cocked.

Jay fought off the urge to scoff, “The purest.”

Eldon nodded, feigning relief. “Good.” Jay was convinced he was only speaking to keep up appearances. “You play any sports son?”

“Baseball.” Jay said courtly, his own father wouldn’t own up to him being his son, he didn’t need anyone calling him that, let alone an abusive arse.

“Hailey’soldest brother went to college on a baseball scholarship!” Anne said, piping in. Jay gave her a big smile, happy to transfer the conversation to her.

“Really? Where?” Jay asked, genuinely interested.

Anne beamed,“Indiana State.”

“Wow, you must be proud.” Jay said.

“We are.” Eldon cut in, a little too harsh for Jay’s liking.

Just like that the almost friendly conversation was over and the silence returned, Jay was about to text Adam to ask him where he was when Trudy came bounding into the room holding a pizza box. Her jaw dropped and Jay stood immediately. Her eyes met his and then focused back on the couple in front of her. “What the hell are you doing here?”

…

Kevin sat in the locker room with Matt Casey and Connor Rhodes after their saturday morning practice. He hated that he couldn’t be with his friends at the hospital, but football season stopped for no man and he was counting on impressing college scouts a year early.

“You coming to the party tonight?” Connor askes. Kevin shakes his head and Connor rolls his eyes. “Of course you aren’t, you haven’t been to any in months. Matt?”

Matt shakes his head as well. “Can’t, I have a date with Sylvie.”

Before Connor can respond, Kevin claps his teammate and friend on the back. “Man, you’ve been crushing on her for like a year now.” He teases and Matt smiles big. “Congrats.”

“Thanks.” Matt says, “I’m really excited, really nervous and really worried that I’m going to screw this up.”

Kevin is taken aback by the blondes sudden outburst of transparency, Matt wasn’t usually one for sharing his feelings. Anxiety must be his truth serum. “Where are you taking her?”

“Molly’s, you know it? I think it’s perfect, not too fancy but enough to make a good impression. Plus, the owner works with Wallace.” Matt explained and Kevin knew exactly what place Matt was talking about. He had gone there for Kim’s birthday last year with the rest of their friends.

Kevin picked up his bag and waved goodbye to Connor who was heading out. “Sounds perfect man, she’ll love it.”

“Thanks.” Matt said, he grabbed his bag and followed Kevin out of the locker room. “I heard about Kim and Hailey, how are they doing?”

Kevin sighed, “Last I heard, Hailey hadn’t woken up yet and Kim was doing good, no hearing loss like they had expected.”

“Damn, that’s great about Kim, but Hailey’s not out of the woods yet?” Matt asked.

Kevin shrugged, “Not that I know of.” There was a hint of sadness to his voice unrelated to his friends current state. The balance in the group was off and Kevin was taking the brunt of it. When Erin was alive, there were six of them. He always had someone to pair off with whether it was Adam, Kim or Hailey. Now there were five and as happy as he was for his friends, it was hard being the fifth wheel.

He and Kim had been friends for years, that’s how he was brought into the group, it just happened that he knew Adam and Jay and clicked with them well. He was a little jealous if he was being honest, not only did he not always have the time to be totally invested like the rest of them, but any time he did he felt like he was being held at an arms length. Kevin wanted to have a person, like Hailey was to Jay (anyone who wasn’t blind could see it, and even then they probably knew) or Kim was to Adam. He had been interested in Nadia at first, but her obvious feelings for Jay caused his to fade fast. Besides it wouldn’t have mattered anyway, Erin got rid of her at the first sign of weakness.

Kevin bid goodbye to Matt and made his way to his old jeep, still wrapped up in his own thoughts. He felt guilty placing blame on a dead girl, but he couldn’t help but think that all of this was Erin’s fault. He wasn’t usually the one to displace emotion, he grew up in a household where they were almost too out in the open. However, his hatred for Erin--or the dramatics that surrounded her for that matter--was increasing by the day. He had no idea how she got herself in the situation she was in and he sure a hell didn’t understand how she dragged the rest or them and their families into it.

When he got home he found Vinessa playing in the family room and his mom in the kitchen. He said hello to his mother and told her about practice before sitting down to play with Vinessa. She had a barbie in her hand, and Kevin knew for a fact that she didn’t have any barbies. Taking a closer look over her shoulder, Kevin realized that it was no normal doll. It looked exactly like Erin.

…

Jay dropped his gaze to his phone and shot Adam a quick text.

Jay: Abort abort

Jay: Trudy is here

Eldon slowly stands and gives his sister-in-law a fake smile. “Checking on my only daughter, since you were so forth coming on her condition when you called.”

Trudy set the pizza down on the small table near the door and took a step toward him. “You are not welcome here. You need to leave.”

Jay looked back and forth between them, trying to decipher where this was going. “What are you going to do Trudy? Call security? I haven’t done anything…”

“Like hell…” Jay said under his breath, Eldon’s head whipped around and Jay realized that his thought that slipped had not been as quiet as he hoped.

Eldon was seething, Jay was convinced that he had literal steam coming out of his ears. “What did you say?” He took a step towards Jay and Anne reached out to grab his arm.

“Eldon--”

He ripped his arm from her grip, “Don’t touch me.” Anne backed away, much to Jay and Trudy’s approval. “You have no right to speak to me that way.”

Jay took a moment to consider her next move, he had already gotten himself into to some deep shit so he might as well go full send. “You have no right to smack around your wife or your daughter.” The last part came out more spat than in sentence form and Eldon clenched his fists.

The way he saw it, he had two choices: lay the kid in front of him out and high tail it out of there, or, play dumb and make him look like a idiot. He went with the latter. “I don’t know what your talking about.”

Jay scoffed, glancing at Anne who becoming one with the wall. He felt a wave of guilt wash over him, there was no doubt that he had put the woman in danger due to his anger getting the best of him. “Sure, of course you don’t. You don’t anything about the injury that damaged Hailey’s body so bad that she needed a pacemaker?” He was almost yelling and a look of shock crossed Eldon’s face. He guessed that he thought no one knew.

“I don’t have to stay here and listen to this.” Eldon grumbled, turning to face his wife.

Jay stood his ground, determined to have the last word. “Leave.”

Eldon shot him a glare like he had never seen before and stormed out of the room. Jay let out a sigh of relief along with Trudy, who had jumped out of the doorway to make room for the brooding man. Anne began to gather her things, grabbing her purse and pressing a chaste kiss to her daughters forehead. Jay had forgotten Hailey was still there in the midst of all the craziness. Anne reached the threshold before Trudy spoke up. “You don’t have to leave with him.” Anne gave her a teary shrug and disappeared down the hallway.

Trudy collapsed into one of the chairs they had abandoned so quickly. “I’m sorry.” Jay said softly, his guilt eating him up.

Trudy rann her hands down her face, “You didn’t do anything wrong Jay, you did what you thought was best.” Jay shrugged, her approval doing very little to calm the pit in his stomach. “But Hailey can never know they were here.”

Jay nods, “Yeah okay.” He took a seat next to Trudy, placing his hand over Hailey’s. He wished he could erase the past few hours, and he wished Hailey’s beautiful blue eyes would open do the pressure on his chest would lift. He was ready for the nightmare of waiting to be over.

Hailey felt like she had been hit by a ton of bricks when she woke up, she opened her eyes and quickly shut them, groaning at the bright lights.

Jay shot forward in his seat, “Hailey?” He gripped her hand a little harder and pulled his chair closer to the bed.

She forced herself to open her eyes again, squinting. She recognized his voice and smiled softly. “Hey.” She croaked out, her throat dry from being asleep for so long. Hailey looked around the room and slightly nudged her head towards the pitcher of water beside her bed. Jay got the message and jumped up, getting her a glass. She gulped it down quickly, feeling a bit more like herself. Trudy announced that she was going to find a doctor, giving the two of them the room.

“You scared me.” Jay said honestly, he had grown another set of balls since that morning. “How are you feeling?”

Hailey attempted to shrug, but it came out more of an awkward shake. “Okay, I guess.”

Jay nodded, taking the next few moments to remind her what happened and explain their story. Thankfully Hailey remembered everything, right up to hearing his voice before she passed out.

“How long was I out?” Hailey asked.

Jay sighed,“Since you got here last night, I’ll let the doctor explain everything.”

“Everything?” Hailey asked, panicking a bit. She didn’t know the extent of her injuries and she had been in this position once before. It wasn’t fun.

“Hey, hey.” Jay said, brushing a piece of tangled blonde hair behind her ear. “It’s gonna be okay, you’re going to be okay.”

Hailey nodded, blinking back tears and deciding to change the subject. “How long have you been here?”

Jay grinned sheepishly, “Six this morning…”

Hailey gasped, “When did you leave last night?”

“One.” Hailey was about to chew him out, but he beat her to it. “I know exactly what you are going to say and don’t you dare. I wanted to be here, I couldn’t have been anywhere else. I was going crazy at home when I was there.”

Hailey blushed at his words, she hated that she was reacting to him this way because of their obvious situation, but she couldn't help it. The thought of him sitting in her hospital room for hours on end made her heart swell, as twisted as it was.

“Let’s see what’s on TV…” Jay coughed, clicking the button on the remote.

Hailey nodded, glancing past him. “Is that pizza?”

Jay laughed and got up to get the box. He knew she probably wasn’t supposed to eat, but after his confession he would give her any distraction she wanted.

Hailey turned her head to face the TV that was currently playing the local news. It was a press conference, the man speaking looked familiar and he was wearing a crisp uniform that she recognized. She had seen her uncle in it before. She read the heading on the bottom of the screen.

Benjamin Severide - Office of Fire Investigation

Fire that potentially claimed the life of local teen Erin Lindsay has officially been ruled an arson.

Hailey’s eyes widened at the name. Severide. That was all the confirmation that Hailey needed, she knew she was right. Kelly’s dad worked in the very department that was controlling the investigation, if he was a part of it, they could make it go away. “Jay, look.” Jay glanced at the screen and by the look on his face, Hailey knew they were thinking the same thing. Someway, somehow, Kelly Severide was at the middle of all of it, and Hailey was going to find out exactly how.

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dream-a-little-bigger-x · 4 years

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Heathers | Sweet Pea

A/N: As I said, I was rewriting Riverdale’s Heathers episode with focus on Sweet Pea and Reader as JD and Veronica Sawyer, and the rehearsals for the musical rather than everything around it (and if it’s the drama around it, it’s drama between Sweet Pea and Y/N). We’ve been robbed of the masterpiece that is Sweet Pea singing Meant To Be Yours. I mean??? That song is amazing in both the off-Broadway and the West End prodcution and Sweet Pea would’ve looked SO HOT singing it and going all completely mental! I did add some characters as friends of Y/N that are part of the musical too since I wanted an appropriate character to play Martha other than Toni (????) who really does not fit the role of Martha Dunnstock. So, I think it’s going to be a six parter and I’ll try to upload one every night at 7pm. (can’t promise anything though) Lemme know if I need to make a taglist and who to put on it! :) Enjoy, kiddos!

Words: 1711

Pairing: Sweet Pea x Y/N

Warnings: cursing, angst

Act one: Freeze Your Brain

Every year we do a different musical at Riverdale High. Last year, we did Carrie, but this year, we’re doing my favorite musical ever: Heathers. If Cheryl Blossom hadn’t claimed the role of Heather Chandler, I would’ve auditioned for it. Mainly so I could yell ‘Shut up, Heather!’ at pretty much any given moment. But I did get the role of Veronica Sawyer which is kind of a more important role than Heather Chandler. I mean, Heather does die quite early on. “I’ve asked Evelyn to step up as co-director,” Kevin Keller, who always directs the musicals, says at our first day of rehearsals. I liked him as director in last year’s play and I think he and Evelyn will be a good team on this year’s musical too. However, Betty Cooper does not agree with that. “Why don’t we introduce ourselves and the parts we’re playing to get Evelyn up to speed with everything?” Cheryl gets up from her chair, clearly wanting to be the first one to go. “I’m Cheryl Blossom and I’m obviously playing Heather Chandler.” I roll my eyes at her. Being ‘theater-nerd’ means not getting along with the popular kids such as Cheryl Blossom and Betty Cooper. It’s not that I hate them, I just don’t want to be friends with them. I mean, it wouldn’t click between us anyway since all I ever do – according to most jocks – is talk and think and dream of musicals. If I didn’t know any better, I’d think they’re assuming I always sing when I speak. Misconceptions about theater kids. “I’m Veronica Lodge, and I play Heather McNamara,” the rich girl with the raven-hair introduces herself. To be honest, Veronica did play Chris in last year’s play and she was honestly amazing. Her voice is to die for. I would ask her to join the drama club, but I’m too scared to. “Betty Cooper, I’m playing the third Heather; Heather Duke.” Then Reggie Mantle clears his throat, clearly wanting to go next, “Reggie, AKA jock Ram Sweeney. Going to bro it up with my bud Arch here. Just two single straight dudes doing some theater.” Once again I have to roll my eyes back at the annoying toxic masculinity-filled jock behind me. “And I play Kurt Kelly,” Archie then says with a small smile. He seems to be annoyed by the antics of his bro. I chuckle at the two boys, earning a glare from them. “You do know Kurt Kelly and Ram Sweeney are actually fake outed as gay by JD and Veronica, right?” I ask them with an amused smile on my face before turning back to Kevin and Evelyn. “I’m Y/N, and I play the ever so lovely Veronica Sawyer. Outcast, turned Heather, then blowing up my boyfriend.” Margot and Ella, my two best friends from drama club give me a sly grin. They both have the same idea as me; neither one of these guys knows the script yet. “Hi, I’m Sweet Pea,” a guy behind me then says. He’s one of the only Serpents with a vital part in the musical. The other Serpents are part of the ensemble, which is also important. But Sweet Pea’s role is one of the biggest, along with mine. “I play Jason Dean, or JD. Veronica’s bad-boy love interest who apparently blows up?” I turn to look at him and give him a nod that tells him he should believe me when I say Jason Dean gets blown up in the end. My eyes glance down to his neck where his Serpent tattoo prominently decorates his skin. I don’t mind the Serpents as much as the other Northsiders did. I didn’t mind when they transferred to our school whilst others picked on them and nearly got them suspended. I don’t hate them but I’m not friends with them either. I just don’t care. I mind my own business, which is theater most of the time. “I’m Jodie Smiths,” the girl next to Margot says. Jodie is also part of the drama club, but we’re not really great friends. I mean, we tolerate each other, and we do what we’re told when we have to do a scene together. But it’s not like I would invite her for a milkshake at Pop’s after rehearsals. Not like I do with Margot and Ella. “I’m portraying Martha Dunnstock in Heathers.” “Fangs,” another one of the Serpents raising his hand as he speaks up, “Hipster dork.” “Toni,” the girl Serpent then speaks up, “New wave girl.” “I’m Josie,” another Northsider girl goes, “And I’m the republican girl.” “Hi, my name’s Margot and I play the role of Stoner chick.” “And I’m Ella, playing the role of preppy kid.” I give my two best friends a wide smile. I’m proud of both of them for making it into the cast even though most of the popular kids claimed the other roles. A few other Serpents and Northsiders tell Evelyn – and the rest of us – what their role in the ensemble is, but I don’t even listen anymore. I’m too filled up with excitement to get started on my favorite musical ever. And then nerves start kicking in when I think of all the scenes I’ll have to do with Cheryl Blossom, Betty Cooper and Veronica Lodge, but mostly the ones with Sweet Pea. I have to make out with Sweet Pea. On stage. “Okay, let’s get started on vocal warm-ups and we’ll sing a few songs from the script to get us started,” Kevin suggests as he claps his hands. “Y/N, Margot, Ella and Jodie, why don’t you guide us through vocal warm-ups?” The four of us nod and get up off our chair, urging the others to do the same. We then teach them the sounds we always make during drama class to warm up. “Good!” Kevin then exclaims when we tell him they’re ready. “Let’s start with Beautiful then. Veronica Sawyer, take it away.” I nod and head up the stage, along with the rest. We don’t know any choreography yet, but it’ll be better if we’re up there to sing the songs. “September 1st, 1989. Dear Diary: I believe I'm a good person. You know, I think that there's good in everyone, but—here we are! First day of senior year! And uh... I look around at these kids that I've known all my life and I ask myself—what happened?” That’s how Heathers: the musical always starts, and that’s how this adventure starts too. “And you know, you know, you know Life can be beautiful You hope, you dream, you pray And you get your way! 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 belt out the last note just like Barret Wilbert Weed does on the cast recording of the Broadway show. I feel like Barret Wilbert Weed or any other Broadway actress I’ve looked up to since I was a child. The ensemble belts out their last note too, getting Kevin, Evelyn and Sweet Pea up on their feet and clapping. I’m not entirely sure whether it’s just for me or for the entire cast, but it still gives me a wicked feeling of pride. “Y/N! I was obsessed with everything you put in that performance!” Evelyn exclaims when the clapping had died down. “Damn, girl! I’m so glad we casted you!” I can hear Betty scoff behind me, but I don’t care. All I care about is that they liked what I did with the song. Even though it’s just what I always do in my shower when I sing that song at the top of my lungs. “Yes! And ensemble was good too!” Kevin then adds to give them some compliments too. “Let’s just go in order of songs, so Candy Store next!” he informs, so I get off the stage and grab my water bottle to drink. I just have one line to say, but no singing in this song, sadly enough. I only go back on when Fight For Me is on and stay on for Freeze Your Brain. I hadn’t heard Sweet Pea yet as this song is his first one in the whole show. “I've been through ten high schools They start to get blurry No point planting roots 'Cause you're gone in a hurry My dad keeps two suitcases packed in the den” My eyes widen a little when his voice chimes through the auditorium. He has a nice singing voice. Pleasant to listen to. Very soothing. “Care for a hit?” he asks, spoken this time, but still part of the song. It takes me away from my thoughts about how good his voice is. “Does your mommy know you eat all that crap?” I shoot back, and then he goes back into singing. My breath hitches in my throat when his voice grows louder and the notes get higher, but he hits them perfectly. I figured he could sing a bit since he got cast as JD, but I didn’t expect him to be this good. My knees even buckle a little at the way he sings ‘Veronica Sawyer’. All of a sudden, the boy becomes more attractive to me than he already was. I mean, he’s not bad looking, but the fact that he can hit all of those notes makes him twice as attractive. He makes me jump out of my thoughts when his voice grows softer and more vulnerable. “Just freeze your brain Freeze your brain Go on and freeze your brain...” His eyes meet mine when he goes, “Try it,” in a spoken voice, just like Ryan McCartan who sings it in the off-Broadway version. Then applause bursts from the auditorium, making me jump a little. I had almost forgotten we were still in rehearsals. “Damn, you’re good,” I mumble, and hope he doesn’t hear. But judging from the little smirk that pulls at the corner of his mouth, I think he has. From that moment on, I knew this musical was going to change things in my life. Whether it was making new friends or playing the role of my dreams, it will change everything.

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statticscribbles · 3 years

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Misread: Dark

Summary: Kurtz/Reader; You start at Riverdale High and people get the wrong impression of you and Kurtz

You’re not surprised when your cousin Sam and your uncle are standing outside the fence. “Heyyyy Y/N. You have a good time at camp.” Sam winks and you roll your eyes stepping past the barbed wire fence of Centerville Correctional Center. “You got out early. We have time to grab breakfast before school if you want.” He smiles and you laugh nodding.

“I’d kill for a burger.” Sam holds his hands up. “You did according to the yard gossip right?” He barks laughing when you smack his shoulder. “I know, I know, it was a joke for Christ sake. We need to thank that lawyer by the way; what do you think we should give her?” You shrug. “I can think when I’ve had food.”

Sam’s decent enough not to comment on your clothes, what you had been brought in wearing; a painfully short skirt and an almost see through top. “You’ll have to change before school. Well at least grab a sweater or some shit. Pretty sure Kurtz left one in the car you can steal.” He nods to you and you tug over the half stack of pancakes he ordered. “Those are mine!” He smacks your hand and you pull one over drowning it in syrup as you push the rest of the plate over. “I think I might puke looking at that.” He snorts as you finish it, dipping the sausage into the leftover syrup. “I haven’t had anything besides prison eggs for breakfast for almost four months. I would drink that entire bottle if I wouldn’t puke from it.” Sam nods. “Come on then, school time, you’re gonna sugar crash if you have more of that shit.”

You weren’t surprised when Southside High shut down; although you were surprised both you and Sam had been transferred to Riverdale; he’d said something about the rest of the Ghoulies being in Greendale. You avoid walking with the other Southsider’s, who move from Pop’s; you avoid the buses and slip into Sam’s car. “You know he’s going to kill me right? For not telling him you’re in town.” Sam scowls as he pulls into the parking lot. You roll your eyes. “He won’t; he’ll be too distracted with me. Don’t worry. What class is he in now?” “English, you have math with me. Come on, I’m sure the teacher’s going to love you.” He smirks and you grip onto Sam’s arm. “Hey; you’ll be fine. You’ll be fine.” You nod settling next to him as the teacher isn’t in. No one moves to greet you but you tap Sam’s arm. “What?”

“Nobody here knows I got in trouble right?” He shrugs. “Most of them don’t know who you are. And really ‘trouble’ you could at least hint at the whole criminal vibe you’re oozing, you look like you rolled off a prison bus an hour ago.” He says as the teacher comes in and starts the lesson. You catch a few people looking at you, but you reason it’s either the fact you’re new or that it looks like all you’re wearing is an oversized hoodie.

“Lunch now; he usually sulks around the Serpent’s.” You nod and Sam’s hand tugs your shoulder. “He might not be to happy to see you.” You turn frowning at him. “Why?” “Because of what happened.” “I didn’t do anything!! He knows that!” You stomp your foot and Sam snorts rolling his eyes. You snarl shoving him, before he shoves you against the wall. “Try me Y/N. I dare you.” You see someone’s hand push against Sam’s shoulder and you’re confused as he lowers his arm.

“You’re new right?” The Serpent turns to you smiling. “Yes. Sorry about Sam, my cousin has a bit of a short temper; he hasn’t given you any trouble?” You ask. “No Kurtz is more trouble.” He laughs half shrugging. “How?” You tilt your head and Sam smirks. “He tried to kill me. I’m Fangs, pleasure.” You nod side stepping Sam and Fangs. “Would you like a proper apology?” You ask Fangs as he walks with you and Sam towards where ever he eats lunch. You’ve already spotted Kurtz in the student lounge.

“I don’t get why you’re so uptight about the stupid rules, you’re not even the official leader you still have to-“ Kurtz trails off and you know he’s spotted you. “I heard you tried to kill him. What happened?” “No it wasn’t like that we were-“ “What happened?” Kurtz swallows you look unimpressed as he stays quiet. “I dropped him from the second floor.” “Did you apologize, at the least?” “No I-“ You arch an eyebrow and he swallows cringing. “I’m sorry Fangs.” “That’s not a proper one.” You arch your eyebrow again and he scowls, sighing as he stands, you whack at the back of his knee and he kneels after he stumbles, glaring at you as you nod to Fangs.

“Please forgive me. I’m sorry for trying to kill you.” Fangs nods as Kurtz stands, his hand brushing against yours. “I missed you.” He says and you roll your eyes as he pulls you into a hug, face against your neck. “I missed you too.” He sighs against you nodding, and you look expectantly at him. “Well who’re these Serpent’s you’ve cozied up with; I can’t just name them based on how they look like you used to.” You smirk as they narrow their eyes at Kurtz. “Ooh look it’s neck boy; you’re right he is tall enough to climb like a tree. Not bad looking either, you didn’t tell me they looked like a boy band.” “Sweet Pea.” He holds his hand out and you smile.

“Y/N, pleasure.” You name each of the serpents, they seem to take their nicknames in stride and welcome you into their group as Kurtz had been. You meet Jughead’s friends Archie and Veronica and his girlfriend Betty; as well as Josie and Kevin. You sit draped half on the chair half over Kurtz, his hand running through your hair. They watch you oddly and you assume it’s based on the fact you’re a ghoul. Kurtz smirks seeming to enjoy there discomfort and you wait for an explantation that doesn’t come. You notice his hands linger on you more when someone’s watching. You joke about him being a voyeur and Jughead visibly gags. You can’t help but laugh joining Kurtz in whatever odd game he’s playing with the Serpents. Your favourite is when Betty caught you kissing him and tripped over the trashcan when she tried to leave. You’re not sure you’ve ever seen her look so disgusted and it makes you dissolve into a fit of giggles every time you picture it.

“Y/N Walters.” You raise your hand, you can tell someone is watching you but you ignore it. “They’re siblings, I swear. I think Y/N took the fall or got transferred out or something to do with jail, but they’re siblings.” Betty hisses as you walk by. You try your best to keep a straight face, but you text Kurtz to let him know what his friends seem to think. He meets you outside, sliding into the back of Sam’s car with you. Sam glares fixing the mirror so you know he can see both of you. “You’ll have to tell them.”

“But it’ll be funny to watch them guess. I bet it’ll take a week.” “I’m still surprised they haven’t caught on, you think the rings would be a dead giveaway. I really think there’s only so many times they can catch us making out before it boils over.” “Well to be fair they’ve seen me wear mine for months without mentioning you.” “Ooh what about necklaces?” “No that’s too hard they’re Serpent’s remember, dumb as a sack of bricks.” Kurtz laughs. “Yeah they gotta be dumbasses to let you in.” You grin when he smacks your shoulder. “That’s it, no welcome home meal.” You laugh more. “And you knew I was coming today?” “Well you’re not going to be now.” “Will you two shut up about-“ Sam glares from the front seat. “You know what they say about people who get out of prison right Sam?” “I swear if you-“

“They’re incredibly sexually frustrated.” You have tears in your eyes at the disgust on Sam’s face. “She’s my cousin Kurtz, I don’t want to hear anything involving my cousin again.” “You do know she’s my wife right so we’ve-“ “Shut it!” Sam slams the breaks on and Kurtz gets shoved into the back of the front seat grumbling. “Fine, Y/N’s a god damn virgin, you happy?”

You’re not trying to hide it but still the panic that shoots through you when you hear some clear their throat is unavoidable. You know you weren’t being discreet, curled on Kurtz lap in the student lounge tongue in his mouth was about as public as you could get besides going at in the middle of class, which was something you had shot down when he suggested it. You shiver slightly watching as Jughead glares at the two of you. Kurtz nudges you behind him and you peer from around his shoulder, his arm snaking around your waist. “What Jones?”

“You two are related.” He states nodding and you can see the rest of the Serpents and his other friends gathering around. You roll your eyes. “We really taking advice from Mr. I’m dating my half sister?” Jughead narrows his eyes. “Charles shares one of our parents and-“ “He’s your sibling, so you’re dating your half-sibling. Not to mention didn’t your parents fuck when your dad was off being a serial killer?” You comment and both him and Betty glare. “We’re not actually siblings, unlike you two.” You assure them. “You two are brother and sister! You have the same last name, and you call your dad, well dad! The same dad!!”

“Kurtz do you want to tell them? I think they’d get a kick outta you saying it.” “Say what?” Jughead eyes Kurtz warily. “When I say dad, I mean my father in law.” “We’re not siblings, we’re married. You idiots” You chime in and everyone stares, as you hold up your ring, waving it slightly. The Serpent’s stare; turning to Kurtz. “You’re married!??!” “Yes? Why do you guys think I never dated anyone..” “You’re psycho! No one would want- Why? How would you even-“ “You go down to the court and sign the certificate? We both had parental permission; totally legal. Also I love her, it’s not that hard to think or do.” He shrugs at them and you loop your arm in his. “Why is that so surprising?” He asks and Jughead shrugs. Sweet Pea speaks up.

“Just never thought you’d find someone so well normal.” “Oh they don’t know; Sam was right.” “Right?” “I spent my summer in the Centerville Corrections Center. Wrong place, wrong time and all that.” you smile at them and they hesitate. “Why was it the wrong place at the wrong time.” One of them asks. You turn to Kurtz and he shrugs. “Your call.”

“I used to be a runner, not track, I got caught up on a pretty big job near Greendale, didn’t make it out at the right time is all.” “So you went to jail?” Jughead states and you nod. “Basically. I mean they let me out pretty quick, just gave me tons of community service. Which I still have to do, so that’s how I’m spending my summers.” “Y/N; you can’t just tell them that. The full story.” You glare rolling your eyes. “I was in the wrong place and the wrong time, with a knife; and one of the other runners got stabbed at the same time, it was a really weird coincidence.” “Oh my god?” “Yeah I get it I stabbed someone and-“ “You married Kurtz, like you actually chose to marry him? Him of all people.” “You’re insulting me in front of my wife after she just admitted she stabbed someone? Jesus the Serpent are dumb as fuck.”

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rebelsofshield · 4 years

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Star Wars: The Clone Wars “The Phantom Apprentice” -Review

The Clone Wars creates a horror movie of inescapable dread in the game changing, “The Phantom Apprentice”

(Review contains episode spoilers)

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Maul and Ahsoka Tano are now face to face. As the battle for the future of Mandalore unfolds around them, it becomes clear that something much larger is at stake. The fate of the galaxy hangs in the balance and everything that is known will change. And our heroes and villains are powerless to stop it.

It’s been known for quite a while that the end of The Clone Wars would tie into the events of Revenge of the Sith. The show has been on a collision course with this darkest installment in the Star Wars saga ever since it premiered in 2008 and now the inevitable moment has arrived. Everything in the galaxy is about to upend itself and the feeling of dread and tragedy hangs over everything. While The Clone Wars has dipped its feet into the horror genre before, director Nathaniel Villanueva and writer Dave Filoni have created a half hour experience of impending dread and terror.

The Clone Wars was always going to end in heartbreak. Revenge of the Sith was the inescapable end point for this series, but the unspoken cruelty of this series is in the unaware insignificance of its own cast. Ahsoka Tano, Rex, Maul, the Mandalorians are doomed to be side notes in the galaxy altering Skywalker Saga. Their narratives are twisting, emotional, and undeniably engaging but they will never escape living in the margins of the adventures of the mythic figures they count as their friends, allies, and enemies. There is a knowing futility to Filoni’s script for “The Phantom Apprentice” that pervades everything. We can be watching titanic battles unfold on the streets of Sundari and daring lightsaber duels, but it’s all for nothing. Composer Kevin Kiner, still the only musical talent that has come close to mirroring and expanding off the legendary work of John Williams, turns the aural landscape of this conflict into a sound that can only be described as Star Wars meets Hereditary. We are never once made to feel comfortable. There are no hints that this will work out. It won’t.

Like the standout season finale to Star Wars Rebels’ second season, the title of “The Phantom Apprentice” is deceptively nuanced. It’s actually in conversation with three different characters, one of whom never actually appears on screen.

The most obvious of the three is of course Maul, the original apprentice to The Phantom Menace. I’ve never hidden my adoration for the long, strange character arc that Lucasfilm Animation has taken this formerly one note villain on. Sam Witwer, Dave Filoni, and the rest of the creative team have transformed this former Sith assassin into a perpetually broken and emotional frail man that is never more than a few steps away from collapse. First hinted at in one of his first appearances on this series, Maul was always aware to some degree of The Clone Wars and the larger machinations of his master. The pieces were always in place and now Maul is slowly realizing that the end goal of his master’s decades long plan is finally upon them. And it terrifies him. Long gone is the confident Maul who thought he could carve out an Empire for himself in the shadows of the galactic underworld. After Darth Sidious’s humiliating beatdown of him in “The Lawless” and the murder of his mother in the Son of Dathomir comic series, it’s now clear to this lost Zabrak that his master is the most powerful being in the galaxy and something to be feared above all else. Witwer plays Maul’s former anger and jealousy at having his dreams of grandeur robbed of him as a transformation into existential collapse. He realizes that he really is nothing more than a cast aside bit player in the revolution that is about to come and he is determined to stop it from happening. Not out of any kind of good will or redemption, but out of his own desperation for survival and relevance.

I’ve always been a tad skeptical of one of the final confrontations of the series being a duel between Asoka Tano and Maul. Not at all because Ahsoka isn’t capable of taking on a character like this wayward former Sith. She’s more than proven herself able and “The Phantom Apprentice” more than sells that Maul is definitely not acting at full capacity. (We’ll talk more about that fantastic confrontation later along with the rest of the stellar action here.) Instead, I was concerned that this clash would feel hollow. Ahsoka and Maul do not have an existing relationship prior to “The Phantom Apprentice.” Their big climactic meeting of sabers could have been nothing more than a set piece that was created only because they were the only characters free during the Revenge of the Sith era to have one. That is very thankfully not the case.

Filoni smartly positions Maul and Ahsoka as two sides of the same coin. As Maul was eventually cast out and discarded as useless by Darth Sidious, Ahsoka was also tossed away by the Jedi order by their own dedication to doctrine and lack of trust. Both are victims of their respective order’s worst qualities and exist as relative outcasts. However, the true dramatic irony of it all is that by doing so, both Ahsoka and Maul are arguably in better positions to survive the coming slaughter and possibly put an end to it. Sure, Maul’s argument for their teaming up to stop Sidious is mostly self-serving (even if I suspect that it does have some root in the sad sack of a Sith’s perpetual need for companionship and belonging), but Ahsoka considers it for a moment because she can see the truth in it all. It’s a fascinating moment and the fact that it feels emotionally genuine is a true feat of Ahsley Eckstein, Witwer, and the entire creative team. We can’t not acknowledge that incredible shot of the shattered glass and embers blowing through the wind as Maul’s fateful offer is made.

The final apprentice is of course Anakin Skywalker. Perhaps the most startling development of “The Phantom Apprentice” is Maul’s revelation that he is more than aware of Anakin’s eventual slip to the Dark Side and it was probably in the cards for quite some time. (His moment of post-mortem pity for Dooku is a fun wink to how doomed all of Sidious’s apprentices were on their eventual march toward Anakin’s ascension.) It recontexualizes so much of the final days of The Clone Wars and of Sidious’s plan itself. Of course as Anakin’s fateful seduction to the Dark Side is occurring parallel to the events of the Siege of Mandalore it is more than fitting that Maul is not the only one with Anakin on his mind. The brief call between Obi-Wan and Ahsoka comes from a place of compassion, but it ultimately serves as further example of Ahsoka’s suspicion of the Jedi. She sees a kindred spirit in Anakin at the moment that the Council betrays his trust and how could she not. The fact that Ahsoka and Maul’s duel happens mostly as a retaliation to the assertion that Anakin will fall speaks to her unbreakable trust in her surrogate older brother. It ends up playing as a bit of a fight for Anakin’s soul. Hope versus despair and denial versus inevitability.

And what a battle it is. Dave Filoni mentioned at Star Wars Celebration last year that they brought in original Darth Maul stunt actor Ray Park to assist with the animation for this fight and it certainly shows. While it may not be the most sprawling duel ever or as brutal as Pre Vizsla and Maul’s duel to the death, The Clone Wars has never featured a confrontation as fluid and dynamic as this one. The constant back and forth of the upper hand and the emotional instability of both fighters gives this encounter a strange edge that ratchets up the tension even if we know both combatants are destined to make it out of this alive. The final stage in the scaffolding that holds up the city of Sundari is a standout and brings to mind a similarly stellar set piece from Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation.

It’s not just our phantom apprentices that get in on the action this week. A claustrophobic showdown between Bo-Katan and Gar Saxon in an elevator shaft is one of the most inventive set pieces that the series has produced and Villanueva sells it with a cluttered intensity that never loses clarity. A prolonged battle between the liberating forces and Maul’s loyalists is similarly brutal and striking with sweeping tracking shots of the action that smartly know when to cut into the carnage and when to transfer back to other scenes. It brings to mind some of the great multi-tiered battles in Star Wars history and it once again gives big screen live action installments of the franchise a serious run for their money.

A few random final thoughts!

It seems only fitting that Almec would be gunned down by one of his own allies. Gar Saxon is poised to take over Almec’s position as the self-serving Mandalorian leader in the era of the Empire and there’s certainly some poetry in this sort of cyclical killing. Poor Mandalore. Planet’s not going to sort itself out anytime soon.

Jesse lived! I’m sure every one of us clone junkies were prepared for one of our last surviving 501st boys to fall to Maul this week, but through some small glimmer of positivity the newly minted ARC Trooper survived. I’m not sure we can be as hopeful in coming episodes, but I’ll take the positivity where I can find it.

I actually really loved Maul’s cameo in Solo: A Star Wars Story and it’s nice to see “The Phantom Apprentice” tee that up with the blink and you’ll miss appearance by Dryden Vos. Was really hoping for a tiny line of dialogue from Paul Bettany, but I guess that’s as good as we’ll get for right now.

Sam Witwer remarked several months ago that the scripts for the final arc of The Clone Wars were the best the series ever produced and it’s hard to argue with that. Never before has this saga had more on its mind or felt as emotional or consequential. It’s a nail biting stunner of a chapter and I’m genuinely in awe that we are only half way done. Buckle in folks. This is when the pain really begins.

Score: A+

#Star Wars #The Clone Wars #Clone Wars #Star Wars: The Clone Wars #review #reviews #The Siege of Mandalore #Ahsoka Tano #Maul #Dave Filoni

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classic80sand90smovieloves2 · 4 years

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Meeting and Dating Terry Griffith

(Not my gif)(Requested by anonymous)

(I really hope this is who you were requesting! if not feel free to send in another ask and I’ll write it for you!)

- You met Terry when she transferred to your school as the androgynous Terri. When you first saw her in the parking lot you just thought she was a butch girl or something of the sort so you were genuinely amused when people fell for her act and were completely convinced she was a guy. But you didn’t know the whole story so you just watched from afar until you were pretty sure you understood what was going on.

- You were a bit of a loner (80s+lgbt=judgement) so when she walked into the lunch room determined to make any friend she could, she noticed you sitting on your own. She figured you would be a good choice for a companion, she could kill two birds with one stone by making a friend all the while appearing to be interested in the “opposite sex”. She just hoped you wouldn’t fall for Terri.

- You had to try really hard not to laugh when she sat down and put on her played up dude voice. But for her sake you pretended like you didn’t suspect a thing and let her try her best.

- She was glad when you didn’t try to flirt with her and was pretty proud of herself that she had “managed to convince you” she was a guy even though she had a few screw ups during your conversation. When school was over she caught up with you in the parking lot and offered you a ride home which you happily took.

- After she gave you a ride home she tried her hardest to befriend you which you didn’t mind in the slightest. She really began to enjoy your company and considered you an actual friend not just a means for her to further her illusion.

- You considered her a friend as well but you did wind up forming a crush on her especially after she defended you against an asshole that told her that “he was wasting his time trying to get in your pants.” She was practically seething when he insulted you and very nearly jumped him in the parking lot before you managed to pull her away. On the drive home she ranted about the guy which you found almost amusing but you were embarrassed that she had finally seen firsthand what you had to deal with.

“I can’t believe people like that exist! I mean how dare he talk about you like that, completely unprompted! I mean aren’t you upset?” She asked averting her eyes from the road as she looked at you.

“It’s alright Terri, really… I’m used to it.” You muttered, thanking the universe that you were pulling onto your block.

“How, why, I mean… why not just tell them it’s bullshit, that it’s fake? I mean I’m sure once you say it enough it’ll all be over-”

“Because it’s true Terri,” you sighed. “I’m gay.”

- Her mind has to reboot after that one, she was not prepared in the slightest to hear it. Her mind just goes ‘Shes gay? Gay. She’s gay. She’s gay! Why am I happy that she’s gay?’ It really confuses her when she feels relieved but you just gather your things and say goodbye thinking her silence is judgement.

- Immediately after you exit the car she hops out and runs to give you a hug, assuring you that it’s perfectly okay and that she’s actually happy you’re gay which sounded better in her head but whatever. She actually suggests you have a little coming out celebration which you agree to with a shy smile.

- You spend the next hour driving around gathering food and movies to bring to her house. Upon getting there she realizes that she invited you to spend the night and that you “still don’t know she’s a girl” so how is she going to keep up this act. When you arrive in her driveway she shyly turns to you and admits that she has to tell you something to which you immediately assure her that you already know.

- She’s slightly miffed that she hadn’t actually tricked you with her superior acting skills but the two of you share a laugh about it and you agree not to tell anyone. So she locks Buddy out of her room and the two of you have a great time hanging out with each other.

- As weird as it may sound she spends some time looking at you while you sleep and tries to sort out her feelings. Undoubtedly the next day when you’ve left she calls over Denise to help her figure everything out and she comes to the conclusion that she’s in love with you. Denise is a little confused but supportive so she helps her plan out ways to confess.

- The next day she gets all dressed up, calls you over to the privacy of her house, takes you onto the balcony of her room and takes your hands in hers, confessing her feelings for you. You’re more than a little shocked but smile and hug her. You go with her to come out to Buddy who really can’t care less besides the fact that his sister got a girlfriend before him.

- For your first date you take her to a nice restaurant, everyone there either doesn’t care that you’re together and making heart eyes at each other or thinks that it’s sweet that you “are such close friends!”.

- At the end of the night she really wants to kiss you but she chickens out at the last minute and kisses you on the cheek instead.

- That night she calls Kevin to break up with him, he’s obviously angry and comes over to try to talk to her but she insists it’s over and he reluctantly accepts the fact. Buddy is more than happy that she’s getting rid of Kevin and probably makes some sarcastic comment as the college boy leaves the house.

- It takes a few days before she works up the nerve to actually do it. Your first actual kiss was in her room, she sort of wound up punching you in the mouth with her mouth since you weren’t paying attention and were moving when she went in. But the few shared kisses you had afterwards made up for your slightly bruised lip.

- The start of your relationship is her learning what it’s like to be in an actual relationship and it’s during a time where her whole mindset is changing so please be patient with her.

- Shes very used to dating douchebags who only want her for her looks and people trying to get in her pants so she’s almost confused when you aren’t like that. When you two are first getting together it really stumps her when you don’t try to grope her after your dates. She spends a while trying to figure you out before she realizes you’re just treating her like a human being.

- Even though she really only had experience in dating assholes she’s still used to being pampered. Her parents have a lot of money and her boyfriends would buy her things to keep her happy so she’s a bit spoiled in that sense. But to her credit she quickly adapts to what you can provide and loves it all the same (like affection instead of gifts).

- She has you review and edit her articles. She also likes getting your input on what she’s writing, your opinion means a lot more to her than most peoples so she likes to hear it especially when you praise her.

- You’ll sometimes have to convince her to take a break from writing so that she can relax and not throw her typewriter out the window.

- In the beginning of your relationship she expects you to pick her up for school in the morning like Kevin had but she starts to pick you up after she realizes that if she likes to be driven then surely you would too.

- She’s so happy when you validate her problems and let her talk to you about things that bother her. She’s never really had a partner who actually listens to her when she’s upset instead of just insensitively brushing off her feelings so it’s a nice change for her.

- Sharing a tub of ice cream especially when one of you are upset.

- Over dramatically calls you by pet names to get you to laugh.

“Honey! Angel!”

-Is she a jealous girl? Yes, absolutely, but since it’s usually a guy trying to flirt with you it’s easy for her to take a breath and laugh about it rather then staying mad.

- She likes to judge people with you and she judges them particularly hard when she gets jealous.

“God look at her.”

“She’s looks fine.”

“She looks easy.”

- You sort of become friends with Buddy and try to give him genuine advice even though he rarely takes it. The good thing about your situation is that he treats you like a genuine human since there’s no way of him seducing you.

- He has asked you a few times if you have a straight sister but you take it as a compliment and ruffle his hair.

- He’s said before that he’s glad that his sister chose you instead of Kevin. It warmed your heart even though it’s not much of a compliment considering how much he hated the guy.

- He’ll sometimes crashes your dates when he’s bored especially if they’re at her house. He’ll just walk into the room, steal a slice of your pizza and plop down next to the two of you while ranting about something.

- Shes quite argumentative when she wants to be or is having a bad day so you’ll probably have a few fights here and there. They’re nothing too heavy but she doesn't give up easy so you’ll definitely face the silent treatment for at least a little while unless you can manage to fight it out properly.

- The babe is confrontational and will stand up for herself and you.

- She’ll jump someone for touching you like someone tries to push you around or insult you and she’s already midair and clawing at their faces.

- She’s got some quick wit, someone says something and she’s already fired back with her own comment before you can even blink.

- She’s a little egotistical so sometimes you have to take her down a notch and get her to see the truth before she tries to invade another highschool.

- Pool dates. She never thought she’d get turned on by seeing another girl in a swimsuit but she’s changed a lot in the past few weeks, hasn’t she?

- Loves sending you flowers and taking you home so she can watch your reaction when you see them.

“Oh my, who could have possibly sent those?”

- Shes like 5’8 so she’ll probably be the big spoon when cuddling. Plus her bed is super comfy.

- She calls you cute like every other minute, you do anything, anything at all and~

“God you’re adorable.”

“You are so cute. Do you know that?”

- Jokingly flirts with you and loves it when you do it back.

- She thinks it’s amusing that you’re actually attracted to her when she dresses in her brothers clothes.

- But also if you ever wanted to go somewhere that’s less lgbt friendly then you have the perfect plan.

- Her parents are gone a lot and Buddy knows you’re off limits (and gay) so her house is the perfect place to hang out.

- She can be really selfless when she wants to be like she’ll always try to be helpful even when it might blow her cover or mess up her plans.

- She’s a cute drunk; you can’t even bring yourself to be annoyed when you have to take care of her. She’s usually very giggly and touchy, throwing around pet names and planting kisses on your face while she stumbles over her own feet.

- You try your best to hold back a laugh while watching her deal with her hangover.

- She loves dressing you up and buying you clothes; it’s like having her own pretty little doll that she can try out different looks on.

- Makeovers. Makeovers. Makeovers. She will sit on you if she has to but just know you’re gonna get some sparkly eye shadow whether you like it or not. Although speaking of sitting on you~ she likes to straddle your waist and do your makeup in bed.

“Babe I need you to come over right now, I made way too much of this face mask and I’ve already forced Buddy to put some on. I can’t just throw it away! It was twenty dollars!”

-She either buys food and brings it to school for you or takes you out for lunch on your off period.

- She doesn’t like you seeing her without her makeup. Even if she doesn’t realize it Kevin left her with a few insecurities, she thinks she has to look perfect all the time and that her natural state isn’t just that. She won’t really believe you when you assure her you think she’s beautiful makeup free but she thinks it’s sweet.

- She likes listening to you talk about your interests or hobbies even if she doesn’t quite understand them. She just likes to be supportive because she knows how it feels to have nobody standing behind you.

- Gives the best hugs.

- Scalp massages; giving or receiving either way she’s happy.

- She ended up reading the book Buddy had and is now a master at any kind of massage.

- She puts on her Terri act to make you laugh, you don’t tell her that you sort of find it hot.

- Watching the sunrise with her on her balcony.

- You probably at least consider transferring to her school.

- She writes you little notes and leaves them hidden around your room when she visits.

- Shes obviously got her internship at the tribune but other than that she isn’t too sure of the future. She tries not to think of it that much because she’s sort of afraid of what the future may hold. She loves you wholeheartedly and is determined to keep you in her life but you never know with the way society is.

- Although you can be sure she’ll go up against the world itself before she lets you go.

#80s movie headcanon #80s movie imagine #80s movie headcanons #80s movies #80s movie #80s imagine #80s imagines #just one of the guys #just one of the guys imagine #just one of the guys headcanons #just one of the guys headcanon #just one of the guys x reader #terry griffith #terry griffitch imagine #terry griffith x reader #terry griffith headcanons #terry griffith headcanon

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withasideofeggsy · 5 years

Text

Are You Open to the Idea of Nude Modeling? :: Sweet Pea Imagine

Drawing by yours truly.

Summary: Transferring to Riverdale high wasn’t easy for Sweet Pea and when he meets an eccentric art student it gets all that much more difficult to settle into the school. It was easy to deal with the Bulldogs who were constantly trying to pick fights with him and his friends so why was it so hard to deal with a single girl who kept pestering him to explore the world of nude modeling?

Word count: 12K

Warnings: Coarse language, humiliation, bullying, sexual references

Author’s note: I haven’t written anything in over a year so of course I find the weeks nearing the end of my thesis to start writing for something no one asked for LOL. And since I’m terrible with finishing pieces in chapters I MADE THIS MONSTROSITY.

I skid to a stop at the entrance of Riverdale high right as the first warning alarm sounded. With a yawn I step onto the tail of my skateboard so it met with my hand midway. Holding the metal bearing on the wheels I push through the front doors to find myself engulfed amongst the mob of students. I could hear the rowdy hollers coming down the halls, unmistakably belonging to the Bulldogs. Unlike everyone else it was way too early for me to have my curiosity peaked by their commotion, so without a glance in their direction I weave my way through the hoard to get to my locker absentmindedly trading my board for the thick math textbook. As I began to walk to my morning class Kevin fell in step with me.

“Good morning [Y/N]!” he smiles.

I quirk a brow at him as I notice that there was a slight bounce in his step, “Did you get laid or something? What got you so cheery this Monday morning?” I laugh.

Kevin scoffs, “Oh god I wish!” he dreamily sighs as he tugs on the collar of his sweater, “But I have high hopes now with the Serpents transferring here.”

I tilt my head in confusion and he laughs rolling his eyes, “You got to get your head out of the clouds once in a while! Didn’t you hear the commotion? The Bulldogs were going bat shit crazy in some weird protest about the Serpents transferring.”

I gasped opening the classroom’s door for the both of us, “Oh right! Yes!”

Kevin wipes a mock tear as he plops down at the desk beside me, “Goodbye my dear friend, I guess I won’t be seeing you around now since your best friend is back.”

Laughing I shake my head, “That isn’t true, besides, Jughead’s probably too busy showing his friends around or protecting them from…well, everyone here. So you’re not getting rid of me that easily,” I muse with a smile.

Math class was a blur.

I couldn’t focus on the blackboard and scratchy white numbers plaguing the surface so I decide to take a nap. Opening my textbook I burry my head into the crevice and successfully dozed off. However, I awake with a jolt as someone tapped my shoulder.

I yell, “TWENTY FOUR!”

The class erupted in laughter and the teacher shook his head with a sigh, “Sleeping again are we, Miss. [Y/L/N]? I would give you detention like last time but you just ended up sleeping there too.”

Blood flushes to my cheeks as I mumble out an apology a waiting for him to return to his lesson. When he finally does, I whip around to see the culprit who exposed me. There sat a new face. The olive skin boy clad in leather stifles a laugh with his knuckles but the smile crept into his eyes.

He composes himself terribly and slides his hand away from his mouth, displaying his perfect pearly whites in a grin, “I’m sorry, I just wanted to ask if you had a pencil I could borrow.”

I try hard to hold a stern face but an airy laugh escapes past my lips, “How in the world can you forget to bring a pencil on your first day of school?” I tease passing him my pencil.

The cute boy grins taking the pencil from my fingers, “I’m Fangs.”

I smile turning back around. Noticing without fail Kevin’s gapping mouth at the boy who sat behind me for the remainder of the class.

Finally the only class that I looked forward to: art class. I made my way into the classroom and was welcomed by the faint scent of acrylic paint. Grabbing a canvas from the rack I place it on the easel and began setting up my workspace. It was quiet as I move the jars of paint from my cubby to a small table that sat beside my easel. Until two sets of heavy boots echo in the empty room.

A familiar voice calls out, “Hey twenty four!”

Without lifting my head to meet his gaze I shake my head with a small laugh, “Don’t tell me you forgot an eraser now, Buffy.”

The male outwardly giggles making his way over to where I stood. I finally look up only to see Fangs accompanied by a much taller, darker, and handsome companion. My curious eyes meet his and he glowers down at me with a snarl before facing his friend, “You’re already cozying up with the Northsider trash?” he says exposing his perfectly sculpted profile for me. To the slope of his nose, plump lips, chiselled jaw, and the ink that hugged his thick neck, it was evident that god definitely spent extra time on him.

Fangs open his mouth to say something but before he could, I beat him to it, “Fuck, you’re beautiful!” I exclaim.

The tall male whips his face in my direction and his eyes widen to the size of saucers as I step forward to grab his face in my hands. Mesmerized, I tilt his head around carefully with the pads of my fingers so I could get a better look at his features. Satisfied, I squished his cheeks with the palm of my hands, “Are you open to the idea of nude modeling?”

“W-Wha?!” he splutters taking a step back and tempting to cover his dusted pink cheeks with his hand that was adorning multiple rings.

“Oh! Look at that!” I muse grabbing his hand, “Your body proportions, face, and even fingers are perfection. Seriously, it would be a waste if you don’t.”

He flinches, retracting his hand to his face as if I burned him. Fangs finally broke out from shock and laughs hard enough to draw tears. He clutches his stomach with one hand while the other flailed around slapping his flustered friend’s back.

“Yeah Sweet Pea! Don’t let god’s work be in vain,” Fangs wheeze clutching the tall male’s shoulder for support.

Before I could comment on his adorable name, students start flooding into the room. Judging by how he played with the helm of his leather jacket and how he chewed on his bottom lip, I could tell he was trying to compose himself to keep up with his scary bad boy rep. Which I understood, so I gave him a break and sat down in my seat. Fangs and Sweet Pea follow suit taking a seat beside me.

The teacher gives us an assignment brief and we were off to work on our own devices. The class goes by relatively smoothly, most likely due to the fact that the art kids usually didn’t care much about gossip regarding the new additions to our class seeing that we were usually the weirdoes of Riverdale high anyways, of course along side the typical nerds.

I look away from my canvas to steal a glance at Sweet Pea who was intently mixing colours on a palette. Oh gosh, he was so cute. Sweet Pea suddenly looks up and meets my gaze, his cheeks burning red as he forcibly looks away to aggressively apply his newly mixed paint onto his canvas. Drifting away from Sweet Pea’s, probably not intentional, abstract piece, I look over to Fang’s canvas. I burst out laughing but thankfully no one paid much mind as they were absorbed in their own conversations and music. On Fang’s canvas was a poorly drawn stick figure in the “draw me like one of your French girls” pose with an arrow pointing to the figure with “Sweet Pea” roughly scribbled in a fat paintbrush. However, my laugh did catch the attention of the said male so when he looked up from his own canvas he also saw Fang’s masterpiece. His nose scrunches up as he playfully punches Fang in the shoulder as he did nothing to defend himself but laugh hysterically.

“That could be us but you playin,” I sing making sure to catch Sweet Pea’s gaze before turning away.

He scoffs rolling his eyes, “Yeah, in your dreams perv.”

I smile, “Oh yeah, you will definitely be in my dreams beanstalk,” I say teasingly.

Sweet Pea opens his mouth, but before he could make another snarky remark the bell rings signalling for lunch. Everyone hustles to clean up as I continue to work on my painting. Bidding farewell to my new acquaintances results in a cheery “see ya!” from Fangs and a mere glance from Sweet Pea. However, despite his cold shoulder and his understandable despise for the Northside I was determined to get him to model for me.

Sweet Pea’s POV

Fangs and I made it to the rendezvous spot, Jughead’s locker.

Jughead raises a brow at me as I sigh and lean against a locker, “Someone gave you a hard time Sweet Pea?”

Fangs answers for me but not without letting out a snort, “Yup.”

I groan, “I just met the weirdest girl in my art class.”

Toni wiggles her eyebrows and nudges my stomach teasingly, “Is she cute?”

“Kinda,” I shrug, “I mean she’s okay for a Northsider.”

With that Jughead tries to stifle a laugh, “You probably met [Y/N]. Did she ask if you would be interested in nude modeling for her?”

The blood rises to my face once again for the third time today, “Yes! Does she do that to everyone?”

Jughead smirks at my flustered state, “No, only to the really handsome guys. Okay, this is important. Did she call you handsome or beautiful?”

I chuckle proudly, “She actually called me perfection.”

Toni bursts out laughing throwing herself at Fangs, “Do you hear this?!”

Fangs nodded enthusiastically, “I was there man!!! It was so fucking hilarious! You should’ve seen Pea’s face it was priceless.”

I glare at the two buffoons I deem my best friends.

Jughead sucks in a sharp breath as he nervously readjusts his beanie, “Perfection, huh? You are in some deep shit just a heads up. She only ever called one person that before you,” he says trying to keep a stoic face but the twitch at the corner of his lips shows his enthusiasm regarding the whole situation, “She’s going to be after your naked ass.”

I scratch my cheek, “She scares me,” I confess before breaking into a shit eating grin, “And honestly I kinda like it.”

Toni wipes the tears from her eyes, “Oh my god Pea! What the fuck!” she exclaims still hysterically laughing.

Jughead shakes his head still amused as ever, probably the most amused I’ve seen him ever, “Trust me. You have every right to be scared, my dad is still shaken up.”

“FP?” Fangs questions loudly before I could.

He nods, “Yup,” he says popping the ‘p’, “I never seen him make an excuse about Serpent business and dipping so quick. She pestered him for WEEKS saying how he was perfection and how god spent extra time on him,” Jughead explains half out of breath from laughing so hard.

All of us burst out laughing harder if that was even physically possible seeing that Toni and Fangs already had tears streaming down their faces. We only stop when our stomachs start to cramp and growl from hunger. Jughead cocks his head to the cafeteria, “Come on, I’m starving. And don’t worry [Y/N] spends her lunch break in the art room you will be safe Mr. Perfection.”

I roll my eyes at his newfound nickname that I know without a doubt would be used for the rest of the week. Walking into the cafeteria and taking a big waft of the food I found myself pretty excited. The food smells so much better than the slop we were served at Southside high, and I would never admit it but I was excited to see if I had any remaining classes with the weird art girl after lunch.

Your POV

Tilting my head inspecting the canvas I nod with satisfaction. Not bad. Looking at the clock on the wall I notice that I still had about half an hour left for lunch so I quickly clean up thinking that I should be there to at least see Jughead on his first day back. Slipping into the cafeteria I make a beeline for the food grabbing the last plate of mashed potatoes and an apple juice. Holding my tray I purse my lips as I scan the cafeteria for the familiar beanie. But I found him relatively immediately seeing that he sat at a long table occupied by all black leather jacket wearing students. As I near the group and a few of them look up with a bit of hostility in their eyes but I didn’t mind, transferring to a new school in the middle of the semester is tough I get it. I stand right behind Jughead and snatch the beanie off his head, “Hey!” he exclaims. Immediately a few chairs screech loudly as some Serpents stood up from their seat ready to defend their friend. Ignoring them I plop down between Jughead and a pink haired girl.

“HEY! Back at ya,” I yell as he flashes me a smile.

“God I definitely don’t miss you at all [Y/N],” he says sarcastically snatching his hat back.

The pink haired girl pipes up, “Wait. You’re [Y/N]?”

I turn to face her with a smile, “That’s me. I guess Jug’s been talking about me. All good things I hope?”

Jughead scoffs, “I wouldn’t say ALL good things since you came up in our discussion on how you were harassing our little Pea over there.”

“Huh?” I ask following the direction of his craned neck. There sat Sweet Pea.

I giggle, “Oh! You know beanstalk! Is this about the whole nude thing? I’m a professional I swear! I’m not going to molest you or anything,” I try explaining, “Oh…and if you’re worried about the size of your junk I promise I can draw you bigger than you are – to your ideals even!”

“That’s not the point!” the tall male stutters, “God…” he mumbles as his cheeks grew pink.

His group of friends start to laugh. Ignoring him I took over to the giggling Fangs who sat beside his friend who shrank in embarrassment, “Hey Buffy.”

“Hey…” he says in dumbfound awe.

“What did you tell them?” I immediately accuse my best friend who just stifles a laugh.

“Just told them that you harassed my dad,” he simply says popping a fry into his mouth.

I burst out laughing, “Hey! Mr. Jones was totally down. He said he wouldn’t though because YOU would be embarrassed if the whole town saw his naked butt.”

“Oh my god, you are the best!” the pink haired female said, “I’m Toni Topaz by the way.”

I smile at her, “Nice to meet you Toni!”

Before we could delve into a conversation the bell rang. With a sigh I pick up my empty tray, “Off to English.”

Toni smiles brightly, “I’ve got English too! Wanna head there together?”

I return her smile, “That sounds great.”

Exchanging a few goodbyes to Jughead and his friends before splitting ways. Toni keeps close to my side as we navigate through the crowded halls filled with students scurrying to their own classes. We make small talk mainly consisting of asking her how she was keeping up with her first day of school. Everything was going great we even found two seats at the back of the classroom but to get there of course we had to pass by Cheryl, who sat at the front and centre without fail in every class.

“Hello outcasts, it seems like a snake and a untalented sloth can be friends,” the ginger muses.

I roll my eyes, “It’s not my fault you can’t accept that your nose looks weird. I drew what I saw and it’s not my problem that you weren’t happy with it,” I explain matter-of-factly.

I hear an “Ooof,” whistle past Toni’s lips who stood behind me.

The redhead rolls her eyes in return, effectively shutting her up for the time being. I plop down in my seat as Toni takes her respective one beside me. Immediately after settling in she leans on the palm of her hand, her body completely facing me, “So tell me what that was all about.”

Letting out a small noise that was between a laugh and a scoff, “We were partnered up for a portrait drawing exercise last semester and she got mad because apparently I got her nose wrong,” while explaining I dug through my bag to pull out my sketchbook to show her the page with the infamous Blossom’s face on it.

The pink haired girl hums, “Looks pretty on point to me, especially the nose,” she smiles.

“That’s what I said!” I exclaim with a laugh.

“But hey you’re really talented. Do you mind if I take a look through the rest of your sketchbook?”

I pass her my most prized possession that I had, “Sure. And no worries there aren’t any nudes in there. I haven’t found someone who was willing to do that for me yet,” I say with a disappointed sigh.

After Toni flips through each page carefully that mostly consisted of Jughead and sometimes Betty sprawled over the sheets she passes the sketchbook back to me, “They’re amazing! Are you sure you want to waste your talent on Sweet Pea?” she jokes.

I nod in all seriousness, “He is absolute perfection. His Olympian proportions would be wasted if they aren’t spread on a canvas for the world to see.”

Toni’s eyes widen in amusement and she covers her mouth holding back a loud laugh so we don’t get in trouble by the teacher, “If that’s what you really want then okay. I never seen anyone get Sweets flustered before and I’m honestly living for it. I’ll help you convince him into modeling for you.”

My eyes widen as the biggest smile broke onto my face, “Really!? Thank you so much Toni! You have no idea how much that means to me!”

I spent the rest of the English sketching out Toni’s profile as she paid attention to the teacher.

The next day

I found myself oddly excited for school even though it was just a Tuesday, which is usually a little too early to be excited in the week seeing that the weekend is so far away. But something with the Serpents showing up to the school is nice, something new and new to look at and draw.

In math I ended up successfully staying awake, much to the approval of my teacher. However, he didn’t need to know that I was focussing on the swishing of my pen as I drew Fangs.

In art class it was the most fun since I got to bug the said boy and his giant of a friend counterpart. Which to my disappointment the latter still refused my offer to fulfill his meaning in life.

And lunch was different. Instead of hiding out in the art room which was of habit after Jughead transferred away, I found myself following Fangs and Sweet Pea to join them at their table. I guess it was nice to spend more time with Jughead and finally have friends. I especially enjoyed talking to Toni about everything and anything.

However, everything turned for the worse nearing the end of the day. I leave the science lab making my way to my locker to pack up to go home when I hear a commotion near the student lounge. Intrigued I make my way over there to see the Serpents and Bulldogs at each other’s throats. Mainly Sweet Pea and Reggie Mantle.

“You think you can just invade our school like some disease and tag your logo everywhere?” Reggie yells shoving Pea in the chest.

Sweet Pea shoves the shorter male back, “It wasn’t us you fucktard. You did this to frame us!”

I cock a brow at all the students who had their phones out snapping pictures of the ground where a huge serpent tag as painted on top of the existing Riverdale high logo. I tilt my head curiously and walk right between the boys who started throwing punches. They stop mid brawl out of confusion as I crouch right before the emblem on the floor, studying it.

“Hm…beanstalk here is right. You yeasty doggos did it,” I say matter-of-factly before standing back up to look at Reggie and the rest of the jocks who stood closely behind him.

“Excuse me?” he growls out taking a step toward me.

I smile and pointed at the Bottom of the snake tag, “I believe if a Serpent had done this they would’ve at least gotten their emblem correct. It’s a dual headed snake, a head at each end of its body, but this guy right here only got one.”

Reggie flicks my forehead causing me to stumble back and I couldn’t help but notice the growl that left Sweet Pea as he inches forward. Reggie gets up into my personal space and tilts my chin up, “Since when have you’ve been so involved with these snakes? Oh! Is it because they are finally getting you laid because everyone here refuses to fuck you, you freak!” he bursts out laughing causing the rest of the Northside student body to do so as well.

I roll my eyes slapping his hand away from my chin, “First, off. You have to be utterly stupid or blind to not notice that detail of their emblem,” I gesture to the leather clad students, “Considering that these guys literally display it on their backs all day. Maybe you can take your head out of your ass so you can take a look around your surroundings, I think it would do you good. And second, I apologize if I offended you by not asking you to model for me. I just don’t really see anything special there, sorry,” I explain genuinely.

The serpents end up laughing at Reggie’s face causing him to shove me harshly out of spite. It all happened so quick, Jughead grabs my arm to steady me as Sweet Pea decks Reggie in the face, “Don’t fucking touch her!” he shouts just as Reggie throws a punch back into Sweet Pea’s face.

My heart beats rapidly and I could feel the blood rushing to me cheeks, someone stood up for me. I watch in complete awe as the mass of boys start to gravitate together, ready to fight. Luckily, it was cut short as Principle Weatherbee bellows over the crowd, “Enough! Miss. [Y/L/N] is right. I didn’t think it’s possible but… Bulldogs clean up your mess!” he yells gesturing to the floor, “And you, Serpents, no gang related in duos while on school premises so as of today you are to leave your jackets at home. If I see that logo of yours you will be suspended!”

An argument breaks out between Weatherbee and the Serpents as they refuse the newly implemented dress code but they couldn’t do much since he was the principle. The crowd quickly disperses and I stand there awkwardly not knowing what to do with myself after the burst of confidence to stand up to the Bulldogs. I hear a sigh coming beside me and I look up to see Jughead, “I can’t believe you did that [Y/N] they’re going to make your life harder than they already do.”

I shrug, “I guess it’s hard to stand around and watch others get picked on when you know how that feels y’know?” I shyly confess picking at my cheek.

The beanie clad boy smiles pulling me into a tight embrace, “Thank you [Y/N], for standing up for me…us.”

Toni and Fangs quickly agree and transforms the embrace into a group hug.

I let out a breathy laugh as they squeeze the air out of my lungs, pulling away I gesture to Sweet Pea who awkwardly stood a foot away, “I mean I got to keep my golden model out of – WHAT THE FUCK!” I scream noticing the purple bruising skin decorating his eye.

I grab his face pulling him down to my height to inspect his black eye, “NO! My baby! Your face!” I cry devastated hugging his head, “I’m going to fucking kill Reggie!”

Sweet Pea chuckles pulling back so we held eye contact, “It’ll heal. And when it does maybe,” he pauses with a sigh, “I can be your model – clothed model. But maybe if you take me out on a date I would consider going topless. How about that?”

I smile nodding continuously, “Yes! Yes, I thousand times yes!”

That was the first time I saw his face soften, he lets the corner of his lip tug up slightly, “I’m only doing it because you did that for the Serpents. And I’m not one to not return favours.”

Giggling I pull him into a tight embrace, “Whatever, I’ll take it!”

He returns the hug.

Friday of the following week

“So…” I trail off leaning beside Sweet Pea’s locker, “Your eye is about healed. Are we still on?” I ask coolly trying my best to hide my excitement just in case he reveals to me that it was all a joke.

He places his math texture onto the top shelf of his locker before turning around giving me a view of his smirk, “We’re still on, as long as my pants stay on too.”

I giggle, “Yeah…I think I can do that – for today anyway. Seeing that it’s your first time modelling I don’t want to make you uncomfortable. I don’t want you to end up looking constipated in my piece.”

The smirk continues to stay on his plump lips, “Just so you know, my resting face is up in that alley. Don’t blame me if I look constipated.”

A shy smile found its way on my own lips, “You don’t give yourself enough credit. I think your resting face is more smouldery than you think,” I say brushing my hair behind my ear as I led the way to the still life drawing studio.

Sweet Pea makes his way up on the large pedestal and sat himself down on the stool making him still look like a huge looming mass even though he was seated. He watches me as I readjust the light source making sure it illuminated all the perfect features of his face. Taking a step back I look up at him and I couldn’t help but to admire him even more as the light and shadows enhanced all his already stunning features. Satisfied I take a seat on a stool that sat in front of the pedestal with my sketchbook and pencil in hand.

He clears his throat awkwardly, “So…what do you want me to do?” he mumbles looking at the lamp.

I hum tapping my pencil against my chin, “Honestly you’re perfect as is. You can keep looking at the light. But of course not directly, I don’t want your eyes to burn out,” I laugh.

“Gotcha.”

My medium glided along the paper effortlessly, it just came so natural drawing him. I wasn’t being dramatic when I tell him that the construction of his face is perfect. Every stroke of graphite was smooth and represented his features flawlessly. I just about finished his face and I extended the line from his chin to sketch out his neck. Looking back up at him I giggle at the turtleneck that he so reluctantly had to wear.

“That’s not gonna do,” I sigh and his eyes glance over at me as he tries to keep his pose, “Can you pull down your -”

“No! I don’t want to pull down my pants!” he exclaims immediately breaking from his pose to stand up, ready to make a run for it.

I laugh shaking my head, “Sweets no!” I exclaim standing up to place a reassuring hand on his broad shoulder, “I was about to say turtleneck, like can you pull it down for me cause this preppy Riverdale high attire isn’t really working for me and I think it’s safe to assume that it isn’t working for you either.”

His cheeks dusts pink as he scratches his cheek, “Haha…yeah. Yeah I can do that,” he mumbles taking a seat again.

I pull gently hook my finger in his collar feeling the contrast between my cool digit against his warm neck. And he felt it too as he shivers. I pull down the fabric with one hand as I use my other to lead his up to hold down his collar.

I retract back into my earlier position holding my sketchbook again, “Don’t worry Sweets, I don’t bite. Contrary to popular belief,” I explain focussing back at the task on hand.

He chuckles, “I can just take this off if you want.”

I look back up to him, “We don’t wanna do that. If I say yes you’re going to get freaked out and run away. I’m almost done so I don’t want that,” I tease smiling.

The corners of Sweet Pea’s lips curl up as he looks back at the light source. Watching him for a moment and back down at my finished drawing of his face, I pull out an eraser.

“Alright! I’m done,” I chime.

Sweet Pea stretches with a sigh before jumping off the pedestal, “Let’s see the masterpiece!”

I smile handing him the sketchbook that captured the profile of Sweet Pea smiling in his usual leather jacket and plaid attire.

“Is it okay?” I ask timidly.

“Okay?” he gasps, “This is amazing! Damn. You even got my jacket on point without a reference!”

With a blush I smile, “Thanks. So I guess you know that I have the ability to draw you wearing anything…or nothing at all at my freewill,” I tease jokingly which causes him to laugh.

“I mean if I were to model for you naked I think you would do my body justice,” he teases back with a wink making me laugh in return.

I pack up my stuff as he waited patiently. I look up at him and he didn’t say anything – a comfortable silence envelopes us. And I decide to ask him the subject that has been plaguing my mind since the first day I met him.

“Um…Sweet Pea?” I ask shyly suddenly finding my paint-splattered shoes to be interesting.

He hums a waiting for me to finish. I smile up at him optimistically, “There’s this art competition happening next month and it’s really important to me. I was wondering if you would be interested in modelling again.”

I smile unsurely as my eyebrows knit together. He shrugs, “Sure why not? Today wasn’t exactly terrible.”

“Really?” I stutter out in disbelief, “But the competition has a canvas size requirement…it’s quite big I don’t think I would be able to finish it in one seating.”

Sweet Pea nods humming thoughtfully, “Do you think meeting twice a week would do?”

“Are you sure? That’s a lot of time commitment.”

“Does it look like a have a whole lot of shit I got to be doing?” he retorts back.

I shrug, “I don’t know what you Serpents do after school hours,” I quickly add “But all good things I assume.”

The tall male snorts, “Nice save. But yeah I’m down to help you out.”

Gratitude fills my chest causing warmth to tingle throughout my body. I pull him into an embrace, “Thank you Sweet Pea! This means so much to me I hope you know!”

I pull away and raise a brow, “But what do you want in return?”

He genuinely smiles, “I actually can think of one on top of my head right now. Maybe you can give me a cool tattoo or something.”

I grin, “You’re really going to trust me to draw something permanent on your skin? Especially considering that I never ventured off a piece of paper before.”

Sweet Pea shrugs, “After seeing what your skills I’m not too worried.”

“Thanks,” I smile the butterflies in my stomach taking flight.

The following weeks consisted of us spending the brute of our time in the still life studio after school. We would spend about three hours per session before he drops me off back home on the back of his motorcycle as I attempt to hold onto my skateboard and his waist for dear life. That was how Tuesdays and Fridays went without fail until today. Sweet Pea took his usual spot on the pedestal as I set up the biggest canvas I’d ever worked on. I revived the dried acrylic paint from Tuesday. However, before I could even apply the paint onto the canvas someone burst into the room. We both jolt up and look towards the door where Josie made her entrance.

“Hey Sweets! There you are, I was looking everywhere for you. Why are you in this dump on a Friday evening? Let’s go to Pops!” she says pulling the said boy of her interest up.

He staggers slightly gaining his balance before answering, “Sorry Josie, but I’m busy.”

Josie casts a glance at my direction and eyes me up and down before turning to the male and smiling brightly again as if that stank face never happened, “Don’t you remember that you owe me? Due to my efforts we passed that chem lab with flying colours! And I think I deserve a shake for that,” she says poking him playfully in the chest.

He was a little unsure of himself as he looks between Josie and me. So I made the decision for him. He wasn’t one to be pressured into anything he didn’t want to do so by him not turning down Josie it was clear that he wanted to leave with her and I respected that.

“You know what? We’ve actually made really good process already. Why don’t you go enjoy your Friday night?” I smile but it definitely didn’t reach my eyes.

However, I don’t think he noticed since almost immediately that left my lips Josie hugs his bicep and drags him out of the room.

I click my tongue absentmindedly as my eyes focus back on my canvas. Maybe this wasn’t so bad. I haven’t relaxed on a Friday night in a while it could be a nice change for once. Taking my time cleaning up I make my way to my locker grabbing my skateboard.

Tuesday rolls around and I was determined to finish a vast majority of the piece seeing that next week was the deadline for the competition. I had set everything up, all that I was missing was the model himself. I rocked on the uneven stool for a few minutes before the door swings open. I look up with a smile for it to only change into a look of confusion, “Hey…Fangs?”

He smiles but it doesn't reach his eyes, “Sweet Pea sent me here to tell you that he can’t make it today.”

“Oh…” I nod, “That’s okay. Thanks for telling me.”

Fangs makes his way towards me to look at the canvas, “That looks amazing!” he says before trailing off, “But you’ve still got a lot to do…the thing is next week too right?”

I sigh in defeat, “Yeah…but that’s okay. I got his face finished already it’s just his hair…and everything else,” I humourlessly laugh.

The olive skin male stays silent for a minute before he breaks it, “I’m going to drag his ass back here. He’s just going on a date anyways and that can wait,” he explains already making his way out the door.

“Wait!” I call grabbing a hold on his sleeve, “He’s on a date?”

Fangs turn around giving me an apologetic expression, “Yeah…with Josie. I’m sorry.”

The palms of my hands cramp and I feel my heart drop to my stomach but I nodded and tried for a smile, “I…I see. That’s alright then, I don’t want to interrupt that. I’m pretty sure I can make do from memory anyways.”

He sighs patting my head softly, “That’s not the point. It’s more about principle,” he mumbles the next part, “And I was kinda rooting for the two of you to become a thing,” but he increasingly got louder with passion, “And he goes off and pulls this shit!? With Josie of all people?”

I couldn’t find it in me to keep angry seeing that Fangs channelled all my frustration out through his own body. I smile softly pulling him in for a hug, “Thanks Buffs,” I sigh against his shoulder.

“But [Y/N], do you have feelings for Pea?” he asks in all seriousness.

I pull away with a shrug, “Doesn’t really matter now does it?” I chuckle watching him frown causing me to punch him playfully in the shoulder, “I’ll be fine, don’t look at me like that!”

He nods crossing his arms, “Alright fine. But is there anything I can do for you before I go at least?”

Humming I eye him up and down, “If it isn’t against the rules or anything would it be possible if I could borrow your jacket?”

Fangs shrug out of his Serpent jacket that Weatherbee finally allowed them to wear again starting last week. He hands it to me, “Promise me you won’t get paint on it.”

“I promise,” I smile hugging the leather to my chest.

With a soft peck on my forehead he leaves closing the door behind him. I hold out the jacket feeling determination coursing through my veins. Pulling up an extra easel I hang Fang’s jacket so that the emblem faced me and got straight to work.

Friday

Sweet Pea doesn’t show up again.

And he didn’t even bother to send Fangs to tell me that. The heavy compression grew in my chest again but I didn’t have time to be upset. Shaking my head and plastering a smile on my face I got to work.

I only halt in my painting when my bladder became unbearable to hold. Getting up with a groan and a satisfying stretch that resulted in a ‘pop’ I dash for the washroom. With a relived sigh I make my way back to the studio, only to be greeted by a tall male who loomed over my canvas.

“Hey, sorry I’m late,” Sweet Pea says handing me a milkshake.

I look up at him with confusion but nonetheless I take the drink from his hand. He cocks his head to the Pop’s takeout bag that perched on top of a table, “That’s for you too, I hope you accept my apology. I had a talk with Fangs and realized how big of a jerk I was being.”

“A bigger jerk than usual,” I correct as I sip on the strawberry shake.

“Yes that too,” he chuckles.

I walk up beside him inspecting the canvas alongside with him, “I’m about done anyways. Just working on the background so you don’t really need to be here if you don’t wanna.”

He casts a soft gaze my way, “What if…I want to be here?”

I shrug indifferently trying to ease the harsh beating in my chest, “I’m not going to kick you out or anything. Especially since you got me food,” I laugh rummaging through the paper bag.

Sweet Pea nods looking over the canvas again, “What were you planning on for the background?”

“Yellow sweet pea flowers,” I mumble out with a full mouth.

He chuckles, “That sounds beautiful, but why a Serpent in a field of flowers?”

“Well…everyone around here sees Serpents as thugs and such but I think you guys represent so much more than that. I wanted the piece to embrace the power of youth and rebellion and how beautiful and rejuvenating it can be, hence the flowers…well that’s what I was going for anyways,” I explain with a small smile.

Sweet Pea worries his bottom lip between his teeth staying silent but I can feel his mind running thoughts miles per second. I nervously laugh holding out my hands in defense, “Sorry if you think that’s stupid especially since I’m using your face for this! Honestly, it doesn’t have to be that deep it can literally be you with a blank background!”

Before I could ramble on Sweet Pea leans down and presses his soft lips against mine, successfully shutting me up. He pulls away slightly, our noses still touching. Looking down at me with a warm soft gaze, “No, I think that’s beautiful…just like the artist,” he breathes kissing me once more.

My body felt light and warm. I wasn’t sure if it was from the kiss or the close proximity of his body as he held mine against his. We stay still, basking in the moment and it was perfect. His gaze holds mine searching for something that I couldn’t exactly pinpoint. His lips part before closing into a gentle smile.

He tries again, “I never felt this way before…and I’m kinda scared but it’s exciting – this feeling.”

I nod understanding what he meant, “I’m new to all this too…but I thought you were already scared of me so…what’s the difference?”

Just then the door screeches open. Without pulling away we simultaneously look towards the door. Josie. There she stood with her hands on her hips looking rather livid.

She huffs, “I can’t believe you really blew me off and didn’t come to watch me practice.”

Sweet Pea shrugs, “I told you that I had other plans.”

Josie rolls her eyes, “Surely you would’ve enjoyed watching me sing than – her just sitting there and paint,” she angrily expresses gesturing towards me.

He sighs before replying with equal frustration, “Josie, I already held up my promise and took you to Pop’s for helping me do well in that assignment. So I don’t know what you want from me.”

I watch the Pussycat smirk as she crosses her arms, “I want you to do what you did with me that night,” she then eyes me, “It felt so good, I can’t stop thinking about it.”

Instantly I felt dirty.

I pull away from the taller male, wrapping my arms around myself protectively. Sweet Pea frantically tries to stitch words together to explain himself but it fell upon deaf ears as all I could focus on was wiping my lips with the sleeve of my hoodie.

“Um…I don’t really have time to be in the middle of a lovers quarrel,” I explain keeping my gaze locked on the floor, “I gotta finish this painting…so why don’t you just leave Sweet Pea?”

I look up and that was my second mistake, first mistake was giving him my first kiss. He watches me with knitted brows, it could’ve easily been mistaken for anger but I’ve watched his face carefully enough for the past month to know that it was a look of pain and sadness. The lump in my throat grew as I force my face to stay stoic as he tries so hard to explain himself, but I couldn’t find it in me to care anymore. Suddenly his face grew angry as he realizes. The tall male turns around with a furious growl, shoving tables, kicking stools, and ultimately picking up easels to throw them across the room. In his rampage Josie was smart enough to keep silent to not fuel his explosive anger. Regardless he makes his way right in front of girl and he rolls his neck, a habit I noticed that he had when he tries to hold in his irritation, “Get the fuck out of here before I break all your music equipment. Whatever the fuck happened that night is NEVER going to happen again.”

His shoulder sags noticeably before he turns around to face me again. I stay planted before my easel, which was the only one in the room that wasn’t destroyed in his explosion episode. He looks defeated as he stands right in front of me – a careful distance between us.

“I’m sorry…” he pleads, “I swear I wouldn’t have done that if I knew that you liked me back.”

I shrug nonchalantly, “I guess you don’t like me that much then if you were to be swayed so easily.”

“But I do...” he says quietly, “I…just didn’t think that you could’ve possibly seen me as something more than your muse.”

“I mean if Pygmalion could fall in love with his sculpture I don’t think it’s that wild for me to fall in love with you, a real person,” I explain.

He lets out a breathy laugh, “I don’t really get that reference but I get the gist. Basically you’re saying that I’m an idiot?”

I nod, “Exactly that.”

“Do you forgive me?” Sweet Pea asks suddenly.

I wasn’t sure how to reply so I shrug. The rest of the evening consisted of him quietly cleaning up the mess from his rampage as I finished the painting.

Monday

After the whole confessing over deal on Friday the relationship between Pea and I was awkward to say so in the least. So when Monday rolled around it wasn’t a surprise that the tension still lingered. Fangs and I walk together to art since we had first period together. So as we sat and talked at our table before the class started Sweet Pea finally makes his way into the class. Our conversion trails to a stop as we make eye contact. He tries for a small smile which I return before plugging my ear buds in to completely focus on my project. I blast my music but I can still hear the usual faint bickering between the two boys.

Sweet Pea’s POV

It made me sad that [Y/N] was still not like herself but I understood. I really fucked up and hurt her feelings which was the last thing I ever wanted to do in my life. Respecting her space I focus my attention to my best friend. Barely getting anything done, which was the norm for any students who took art – of course besides [Y/N], I ended up goofing around with Fangs. The shorter male dips his fingers into a jar of purple paint and smears it on my forehead.

“Yooo did Reggie beat you up again?” Fangs cackles holding his stomach.

“He never beat me up you dick!” I roll my eyes slapping a yellow hand mark onto his cheek in return.

And one thing led to another. The next thing I knew I was holding my large cup of used rinse water chucking the contents at Fangs who expertly ducked. Simultaneously our eyes bug out of our heads as we watch [Y/N] get drenched with the grey water. The poor girl blinks the water out of her eyes and looks down at herself in confusion as a blush crept onto her face.

She was wearing white.

Her head snaps to look at the two of us but I felt majority of the wrath. She glares at me silently as the droplets run down her face and to her chest which was completely on display as her shirt grew translucent. A blush spread onto my cheeks as well as I take notice of her lacy [colour] bra.

“What the fuck!?” she exclaims wrapping an arm around her chest before quickly running out of the class.

The class starts to erupt in laughter as I quickly chase after her. Before leaving I hear Fangs shout over the class, “Shut up! Nothing to see here!”

Running into the hallway I see her turn sharply into the women’s washroom. Not giving a shit I follow her in.

“Hey I’m so…” I trail off watching her struggling to pull the clinging fabric over her head.

Blood rushes to my face as her cleavage was on full display. “Oh – Oh my god!” we yell in unison.

I turn around immediately as she simultaneously pulls her shirt back on.

“Pea?! Why are you in here?”

“Uh...” I stutter, “To apologize? I don’t know?!”

She sighs and I hear her footsteps making her way behind me. She places a hand on my shoulder and I turn around to face her. Rolling her eyes she speaks, “It’s whatever. I know it’s an accident. Just don’t be so stupid next time.”

I sigh in relief, “You aren’t upset?” I ask looking into her eyes.

The shorter female shrugs, “Eh…just adding it to the list now. Nothing special.”

I wasn’t sure if she was joking but it made my heart sting. Pushing my thoughts back I shimmy out of my jacket to take off my flannel. I hand her the shirt and she gratefully smirks, “Thanks.”

Just then the door opens. Looking over there nervously we both sigh in relief to see that it was just our pink haired friend.

“Uhh…why the fuck are you in the women’s washroom Pea?” she questions with a raised brow.

I roll my eyes, “The girls are probably more comfortable with me being in here and you, you predator.”

Toni mocks offense but she ends up cackling, “You right, you right. But get out of here before you get in trouble. I’ll help [Y/N] clean up.”

Your POV

Changing into Sweet Pea’s flannel I couldn’t help but to bask in his scent that consisted of the perfect balance of soap and musk. Especially with the scent wafting everywhere as I bent under the hand dryer while Toni tussles my hair in hopes to dry it out a bit.

“There, I think you should be okay now,” Toni pulls away with a smile, “Besides the flannel eating you up.”

I look in the mirror and I couldn’t help but laugh. The blue plaid flannel was about triple the size of me. My hands disappear in the sea of extra fabric from the sleeves and the length of the shirt fell at the middle of my thighs. My pink haired friend tried to tuck the excess into my pants without avail as there was just that much fabric causing us to laugh.

“Hey I’m sorry that you’re stuck with my two idiots I call friends in art. I wish I was there to keep them in check, babe.”

I smile shaking my head, “It’s alright. I rather enjoy their company. I just wished they didn’t splash me with dirty paint water though.”

Toni nods in agreement, “Can I ask you something?”

“Shoot.”

“What is your relationship with Sweets?” she asks crossing her arms her face suddenly growing serious.

“Uhhhh do you like him or something? I can back off I swear,” I laugh holding my sweater mitts up.

She bursts out in a hearty laughter, “Oh jeez no. I definitely would go for you first before him.”

I smile shyly, “Thanks Toni. In that case, then yes I guess you can say that. But I don’t know anymore. Him and Josie seem to hit it off pretty great.”

Toni rolls her eyes at that, “No I think you got it wrong. Nothing happened between them.”

I open my mouth but Toni doesn’t give me a chance to speak, “They went back to his trailer. They were making out and when they started to take off their clothes Pea put a stop to it. He said something about not wanting to show his body to anyone but you. He beat himself over making out with Josie all week I swear.”

I shake my head with a look of pure confusion, “Then why didn’t he just tell me that nothing happened between them?”

At that Toni scoffs, “It’s fucking stupid,” she continues, “He didn’t want you to know that he’s a virgin.”

“What?!” I laugh, “Really?”

She joins me, “I know right! We all told him that and he was so stubborn. Going on that how you were too cool to want an inexperienced guy.”

“Fuck…he’s so adorable,” I sigh covering my blushing cheeks.

Toni pulls my hands away from my face looking deep into my eyes, “I hope you can forgive him now?”

I nod, “Yeah, definitely.”

Giving Toni a final hug I make my way back into class. Immediately my two friends look up from their conversation. I take a seat and realized that they had cleaned up the mess while I was gone.

“You alright?” Sweet Pea asks dipping his head apologetically.

“Yeah,” I say giving him a genuine smile, “Thanks for the shirt by the way.”

His face lights up and a blush dusts his cheeks, “You look really great. You can keep it.”

I smile at that, “I was planning on never returning it anyways but thanks.”

Fangs sighs happily clasping his hands together as he looks at the both of us while he sat stark in the middle, “I’m so happy right now guys.”

The bell rings.

“Hey, you guys head to the caf first. I got to drop off something in my locker,” Sweet Pea says cocking his head in the opposite direction.

“Okay! We’ll save you a spot,” I say with a smile before waving at him.

Sweet Pea’s POV

Closing my locker I was surprised to see Josie leaning against the locker beside mine.

“Hey Pea,” she smiles seductively.

I cock a brow, “Yes?”

“It’s a little chilly today,” she starts.

“And I can’t do anything about the weather,” I add.

She laughs, “You’re funny. I was wondering if you could lend me your flannel.”

I shake my head, “Not my problem. Maybe check the weather next time before leaving the house without pants,” I deadpan gesturing to her mini skirt.

Josie’s jaw drops and I was satisfied. I left it at that and made my way to the cafeteria where [Y/N] was waiting for me.

Your POV

Sitting with a plate of my favourite school lunch I pick at my food as I make conversion with Jughead about his new article. A tray slides onto the table and I look up at my favourite beanstalk as he makes himself comfortable beside me. Giving him a shy smile I focus back on my best friend.

Looking at my phone I notice the time,” Oh I’ll catch up with you guys later. I’m going to go pack up my painting for the competition this Wednesday.”

“Oh! I haven’t seen it yet. Can we see it?” Jughead expresses and Toni nods in agreement, “I haven’t seen your masterpiece either.”

I laugh, “Sure! Why don’t I bring it here for you guys. I’ll be right back!”

Getting up from my seat I make my way to the studio. However I didn’t realize that Josie and a bunch of her Bulldog friends also made their way out of the cafeteria as well. Walking nonchalantly down the halls I was surprised to see Chuck approach me. I knit my brows together, “Yes?”

“Hey freak. Finally getting some from those snakes?” he laughs obnoxiously as he thrusts his pelvis into the air.

“I didn’t know you were so invested in my life. Thanks, I’m flattered,” I sarcastically reply turning the corner for only my heart to stop.

There in the middle of the hall was Josie accompanied by a bunch of Bulldogs, minus Archie. But that wasn’t what made me nervous it was the painting that one of them held as Reggie playfully threw punches against causing the canvas to bounce with each contact he made.

I grit my teeth, “What do you want Josie?”

“For you to take that off,” she points out gesturing to Sweet Pea’s flannel.

I squint in confusion, “Okay? I can change out of it just give me a minute.”

She shakes her head, “I want you to take it off now.”

“What?”

Josie nods, “I think you heard me. Take it off and walk into the cafeteria and give it back to Sweet Pea.”

“Why are you doing this? Are you really that upset that he refused to have sex with you?” I ask crossing my arms in a challenge but she didn’t have to know that my heart was hammering against my chest.

She sighs closing her eyes, “I just don’t understand why he would chose you over me. Maybe if he sees you topless he would come running back,” she shrugs.

“Do you really like him that much?”

“No not really. I just don’t like losing,” she explains evenly.

Josie casts a glance at Reggie and he presses a finger into the painting of Sweet Pea’s face causing the canvas to stretch painfully.

“As an artist yourself I’m really surprised that you would do this,” I say with shaky fingers as I unbutton my shirt.

I could feel hot tears starting to prick at the corners of my eyes but I will myself to hold them in. Undoing the last button I pull the flannel off my body exposing my supple skin for everyone to see. I stare at Josie holding her stare as some of the Bulldogs pull our their phones to snap a photo.

“Now go on,” she waves.

I clench my fist turning around. With every step I feel every crevice in my body start to grow clammy. I felt myself getting light headed as I walk down the hall as a few students stop and turn but it was nothing compared to what’s going to happen when I enter the cafeteria. Swallowing hard I throw the door open and make my way to the opposite side. Keeping my eyes focused on Sweet Pea’s back, refusing to pay attention to the hollers and clicking of cameras.

Jughead notices me first. He stands up in shock already taking off his jacket causing the rest of the Serpents to turn. Sweet Pea freezes for a second before darting towards me. The rest of the Serpents stand up making their way to me. But I didn’t answer any of their frantic questions. I shove the flannel into Pea’s arms and ran out of the cafeteria despite his protests.

I hold my hand out as I was now seething in anger, “Please.”

Josie nods and the rapid beating of my heart finally calms down but it shatters into a million pieces immediately. I watch as Reggie’s fist goes through the canvas. I let out a piercing scream as I try to stop him but another Bulldog held me back. All I could do was watch him throw the broken canvas onto the floor, stomping it into pieces. I cry, hot tears bubbling over streaming down my face as I claw at the arm that held me back – thrashing.

“[Y/N]?” Sweet Pea frantically calls out turning the corner with my friends by his side.

I look up at him and his expression zones out at the scene before him. He was seeing red. I duck as his fist flew in my direction, knocking out the person who held me. Toni immediately rushes to hug me in her arms as the other Serpents joined in on the fight. I cry as I watch Sweet Pea pinning Reggie on the ground as his fist smashes into his face over and over again. Jughead puts a hand on his shoulder, “That’s enough. He’s already unconscious.”

Sweet Pea heaves, pulling away but not before landing a kick in Reggie’s stomach for good measure. At that, the rest of the Bulldogs scramble to retrieve Reggie and drag him away before he died from the tall Serpent. Surprisingly, amidst the whole chaos Josie froze from her spot and didn’t run away until it was too late. Sweet Pea was seething in rage as he stood before her, “I don’t hit girls,” he explains shaking.

“But I can,” Toni says colliding a fist into Josie’s face.

Sweet Pea drapes the flannel back over my shoulder, “You okay [Y/N]?”

I shake my head pointing at the broken canvas that Toni, Jughead and Fangs were trying to piece together but it was fruitless. It was beyond repair.

“Maybe we can start new?” he encourages and I shake my head.

“There’s no time Pea…it’s useless,” I sigh as I find myself crying again.

“You’re really talented. I’m sure you can finish it.”

I shrug, “Maybe…but I can’t afford a new canvas.”

He holds me close to his chest running his long digits through my locks soothingly, “There’s always other competitions?” he tries again.

I shake my head pulling away to look into his eyes, “That’s not the point. I need to win this one,” I sigh casting my gaze to my shaking hands, “I need the award money to pay for my dad’s medical bills. He got into an accident a few months ago and it’s been hard with my baby brother and my mom who’s already been picking up odd jobs. This competition was the only way I could help my family…”

Sweet Pea holds me tightly.

The next morning

I was not looking forward to school. Seeing that I spent all night crying my eyes were so puffy they were almost impossible to even open. But not wanting to worry my parents I grab my skateboard that sat at the front door, “I’m off!”

“Have a wonderful day, sweetie!” calls my dad from the kitchen.

Pulling on my backpack my ears perk up at the loud rumbles coming from my driveway. I look outside to see Sweet Pea, Jughead, Toni, and Fangs on their motorcycles. I give them a confused grin and leave my skateboard at the entrance as I make my way over to them.

“Good morning everyone!”

They all return my greeting and Sweet Pea takes off his helmet, placing it on my head, “Come on, we’ll give you a ride.”

“Thanks!” I say gratefully snapping the strap shut.

I wrap my arms around his waist as we drove down the road together, giggling as some seniors jolt in their morning walk when we zoom past them. I watch as we drive pass Riverdale high, “Huh? You guys missed the turn.”

“I said we’re giving you a ride. I didn’t say to school,” he shouts over the loud exhaust.

“What?!”

I couldn’t exactly make out the time we spent on the road but watching as the buildings start to grow sparse as greenery took over it was safe to assume that we’ve been driving for a while. They pull onto a dirt road and continue for a while before halting in front of an open field full of flowers. It was beautiful. Wafting in the sweet scent I stumble off the bike to get a better view of the breathtaking scenery.

“They aren’t sweet peas but I hope it will do,” Sweet Pea says.

“Huh?” I tilt my head turning around.

I blush as I cover my eyes, “Oh – oh my god! What are you guys doing?!”

The four of them were shimmying out of their clothes. Fangs was the one to speak up, “Making your dreams come true twenty four!” I look at him and immediately regret it he was already taking off his black jeans.

“You said you didn’t have time to paint a whole new portrait or get money for a canvas. So we thought maybe you could use us as the canvas,” Toni explains pulling my hands away from my face.

“But…” I splutter, “You guys are really okay with being nude? In front of each other?”

“Didn’t you say you were a professional? Isn’t it for art?” Jughead shrugs.

But the piece will be on display for all of Riverdale to see!” I exclaim.

“Well I think it’s about time the world sees my ass in all its glory,” Fang explains twerking slightly, “Show em what my momma gave me.”

Toni hums in agreement pointing at him, “True that! You gotta flaunt that baby!”

“Toni, you’re really okay with this? These doofuses are going to see you naked,” I ask to make sure.

She smiles standing there in her bra and matching undies, “Yeah! We grew up together anyways so it wouldn’t be the first time they saw me naked. Only difference being that I hit puberty,” she laughs, “But nah, I ain’t worried.”

“We’re too scared to let our gaze linger on her anyways,” Fangs add.

I lastly turn to Pea for his consent, and he shrugs, “Seems like we’re more down for this than you are [Y/N]. For someone who asks for nude models you are quite shy aren’t you?”

“Well no one has ever agreed!” I stutter defensively.

“But here we are, so lets do this before I change my mind,” he says unbuckling his jeans.

“Guys…” I don’t know what happened but I burst out bawling, “I love you guys! Thank you so much!”

Fangs squats in front of his bag in just his boxers as he rummages around for the tubs of paint he packed and Jughead couldn’t help but to say what we were all saying, “Wow, you really do have a nice ass.”

Fangs grins ear to ear, “I know right?!” he exclaims passing me a plastic bag of paint and brushes.

I look at my friends who stood closely beside each other waiting for me to get started. I nod with a grin growing on my face, “I just got the perfect idea.”

I pose them with their backs facing me. Taking in consideration with their height and skin tones. I use watered down black paint to make a sketch on their back before I worked on them one on one making sure Toni was last so she didn’t have to wait around without a bra for others to be finished. A little too shy to work on Sweet Pea just yet, I used Jughead as my guinea pig as the rest of them dug in the sandwiches that they prepared for lunch.

Jughead was relatively easy to work with as his pale complexion took to the paint extremely easily. Fangs on the other hand…well. He was a giggly bitch. Each stroke of paint made him erupt in a sea of uncontrollable laughter. Then there was Sweet Pea. He smirks as he sees me bashfully examining his sculpted body.

“Enjoying the view, princess?” he teases, flexing causing the muscles under his golden skin to ripple. My breath hitches in my throat as he sits before me on a towel we had laid down. His broad back on full display. I gingerly touch his shoulder blades and I quickly retract my hand causing him to chuckle, “I don’t bite contrary to popular belief,” he says making me puff my cheeks.

“That’s my line!”

Working on him probably took the longest, that mainly being my fault as I found my usually steady hands to be shaking uncontrollably.

Next it was Toni.

Toni looks at her phone as I start finishing up the details on her back, “Ten minutes before sunset,” she informs.

“Perfect because I’m just about finished!”

Toni goes to fetch the camera in her bag and gives it to me. I look at all four of them and admiring them each individually. I really hope it all lines up when they are posed together.

“Um…are you guys ready to take off your undies?” I laugh bashfully.

At that Fangs was over the moon as he quickly removes his boxers flinging it god knows where as he then proceeds to run into the field of flowers.

“Oh my fucking god,” we burst out laughing as the rest of them follow suit.

In the flower field I position them. Jughead, Toni, Sweet Pea, and Fangs in that order stood in a line with their backs facing me. They wrap their arms around each other’s waist and shoulders making the individual pieces of the painting finally connect.

I position the camera and snap plenty of photos.

“Damn, Jughead. Would it hurt if you went outside in the sun sometimes? Your pasty ass butt cheeks are fucking glowing in all the photos,” I wheeze causing the group to turn their head slightly to look at the boy bursting out in laughter.

Click.

I look down at the final photo I captured, “I think I got the winning shot guys!”

We all hover over the little display on Toni’s camera. There it was. The four of them stood in the frame with their backs facing the camera as a magnificent black serpent coils from Jughead’s body through to Toni’s waist and Sweet Pea’s arm and neck before ending on Fangs’ back where another head emerged. The beauty didn’t stop there however, the look of pure happiness in their faces as they look at Jughead who had his head knocked back in a closed eye laugh also added something to the piece. And not the mention the beautiful field of wild flowers and the setting sun up above their heads.

“That’s fucking beautiful,” Toni breathes, “But you right, Jughead’s glowing ass is something else. Don’t worry I’ll edit it a bit don’t want to blind the judges now do we?”

We burst out laughing.

“Hey the sun’s still up, why don’t we take a selfie so you can be in a photo too [Y/N]?” Toni suggests.

I nod happily, “That sounds great!”

In the photo Toni holds the camera with one hand as her other arm drapes over her chest. Jughead cups a hand over his crotch as he gave a thumbs up with this free one. Sweet Pea hugs me from behind, pressing his cheek against the crown of my head. And Fangs…oh god Fangs. The boy literally turned his back to the camera so his ass was on full display as he throws his arms up in victory.

Toni laughs at the photo, “Alright, I’m going to edit these babies tonight and I’ll get them printed for you by tomorrow.”

I smile at her, “Thank you so much Toni. And everyone. Thank you. I really hope I win this competition but I kinda already feel like I’ve won by having friends like you guys,” I confess tearing up a second time that day.

Wednesday, competition day

I can’t believe it, but I won.

Butt.

Maybe it was because of Fang’s glorious butt.

My friends all cheer pulling me into a group hug.

That night we celebrated at Pop’s and when I returned home my family were also over the moon. We were no longer in debt and my father can finally be on his way to a smooth recovery with my mom by his side without working day in and out.

A month later

“So…” my tall boyfriend drawls out beside me.

“Yeah?” I look up at him.

“I kind of miss our weekly sessions. I was wondering if we could still continue them,” he says.

I nod with a smile, “Sure, I would love that.”

We decided to meet after school in the studio. I settle in the empty room, taking out my supplies when I heard heavy boots at enter the room. I look up to see my model of a boyfriend lock the door behind him causing me to give him a look of confusion.

He gives me a smirk as he starts discarding his jacket.

“I was thinking we could try a one on one nude modelling session today,” he explains pulling this t-shirt over his head to expose his strong sculpted abs.

“Oh?” I muse as he takes off his jeans.

He casts me a smirk as he makes his way in front of me in just only his boxers. I watch him quietly as he leans down to press his lips against mine. Sweet Pea cups my cheek with his large calloused hand to deepen the kiss. Pulling back with a slight ‘pop’. He then starts to pull his boxers down allowing his thick member to spring free.

“Um excuse me, Pea,” I laugh pointing at the – thing, accusingly.

“Hm?” he mumbles, slipping his hand up my shirt.

“What do you think you’re doing?”

“I was thinking we could do some – other things that people do naked,” he softly explains closing his eyes, leaning down for another kiss.

I pull back causing his eyes to open in confusion.

“I told you I’m a professional, I don’t rendezvous with my models when I’m working,” I say crossing my arms.

“Yeah a professional who giggles at Fang’s ass. I think you can make an exception for me can’t you?” he asks with a curl of his lips.

I giggle pulling him down, “Maybe just this once.”

#sweet pea #sweet pea x reader #sweet pea imagine #southside serpents #serpent imagine #riverdale #riverdale imagine #jordan connor #fangs fogarty #toni topaz #jughead jones #sweet pea x you

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thefandomsinhalor · 4 years

Text

The Lucky Pairs of Christmas Underwear

An Advent Calendar fic by thefandomsinhalor

Fandom: Supernatural

Pairing: Castiel/Dean Winchester, Gabriel/Sam Winchester

Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply

Rating: Not Rated (it is rated as such until I finish the fic, right now it’s leaning on Mature.)

Summary: Due to heavy workloads and conflicting schedules, Sam and Dean, living in different cities, are both disappointed when it appears that they won't be able to spend the holidays together—something they had always managed to do in the past.

This turn of events, however, offers them both the opportunity to seek someone else to share their respective holidays with, and when Dean's last year crush is paired up with him at the Gift Wrapping booth, and Sam keeps running into a charming new acquaintance, by helping each other, the brothers feel hopeful that Christmas time might not be ruined after all.

Read on AO3

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Chapter One: A Holly Jolly Time

“Dean? Hello? Did you—are you still there?”

Sitting on a very uncomfortable chair at an overpriced café, for someone of his limited means anyway, Dean swallowed hard. Still holding the phone to his ear, he lowered his eyes as he felt his heart growing heavy at the news he had just heard.

“Dean?” repeated Sam at the other end of the line.

“Yeah. Still here. Sorry. Just—I didn’t expect that.”

“I know. I’m sorry. I feel awful. It’s just—work is crazy.”

“It’s okay, Sammy. I get it. Hell, I’m in the same situation. If not worse.”

“And this is why I’m really sorry. I had agreed to be the one to—”

“Sam, stop.” He cleared his throat. “I—it sucks, but like I said, I get it. We’ve been lucky so far, but I guess that this year…” he let out a deep sigh. He couldn’t even finish the sentence.

“I promise I’ll do my best to change it, but right now, um, it doesn’t seem like I’ll be able to join you for Christmas,” Sam said in a desolate voice.

Dean nodded blankly. “Any other good news?”

Sam let out a deep sigh in turn.

“I—I just, Dean, I hate the idea that you’ll be alone for Christmas.”

“Me? I’ll be fine, Sam. What about you? What are you going to do?”

“I’ll be okay too. I’ll be at work.”

Dean lowered his phone and shook his head for a moment, and then he brought his phone back to his ear. “That’s what I mean, Sam. You, not being able to make it here because of work, deadlines and travelling schedule, that’s one thing. But to actually work on Christmas? I mean, I’m not even doing that and all I do is work.”

“I don’t have a choice. And honestly, it’s just, you know, one day. For a few hours. Which is really annoying when said like this, but...Work will be a nice distraction. And we can still talk. And skype for the rest of the day if you want. It’s ridiculous, but we can do it. I was almost going to suggest that we postpone Christmas and meet up soon after, but….”

“Nah. I mean, even if I knew for a fact that we could do something in the following week, I feel like we would have missed it. It would still be cool, but you know.”

“That’s what I thought too,” agreed Sam. “But we should do something for New Year’s Eve. I’m definitely working on that.”

“All right. Work will still be nuts on my end, but it should have diminished a bit by then. Or maybe I could make it to your end this time.”

“Dean, no. I—unless you let me help you out with money—”

“No,” blurted out Dean.

“—but I know you won’t agree to it,” said Sam, sighing.

Biting his bottom lip, Dean pondered on Sam’s suggestion. “I’m not saying yes, but I’ll think about it,” he brought himself to say.

“You will?”

“Just because I haven’t seen your freaking face for far too long now. But still. Not a definite yes.”

“But you’ll consider it?”

“Yeah. But it’s still too early in the month to have a clue of what the situation’s going to be at that point. So, I’ll leave it to that for now.”

“All right. That’s great,” said Sam.

Dean could hear how happy Sam was at the idea, so he decided that he should make an effort to make it happen.

“And Dean, even if for whatever reason that doesn’t work out either, I promise I’ll visit you soon, okay?”

“All right, Sammy. But don’t worry. I’m—it’s disappointing, but I know you tried. It will be okay.”

“Thanks Dean. I—thanks for understanding.” There was a long pause, and then Sam asked, “So, besides that? Anything new?”

Welcoming the change to a less depressing topic, Dean said, “Not really.”

“What about work? Is the holiday frenzy rising?”

A slightly less depressing topic.

“The frenzy is settling in, all right,” he sighed.

“Is the music driving you nuts already?”

“It’s been driving me nuts for the last two weeks. I was actually freaking humming Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer yesterday and I didn’t even notice it. I only did when a customer mentioned it.”

Sam let out a laugh. “Sorry. A few more weeks and it will be all over. And it’s better than last year, right? Since you’re at the Chocolaterie this time. I thought you said it was a bit more shielded than the rest of the store now that they moved its location this year.”

“Yeah, well that was the plan, but not anymore.” Dean leaned back into his seat.

“What? I—what do you mean?”

“I was about to tell you earlier. I was transferred a couple days ago to another department. Sort of.”

“No! What? But why?”

Dean cleared his throat. “It just needed to be done.”

“Why? Dean, what does that mean?” asked Sam, nearly aggravated as though he already knew the answer.

Dean debated for a moment whether or not he should share the specifics with his brother, knowing that Sam would most undoubtedly be worried and annoyed at him.

Nor would he be shy to express his views about it.

And Dean had worked really hard to avoid this particular lecture.

But since Sam had been honest about his work situation, he concluded that he owed him the same courtesy.

So, Dean replied, “Because another position opened up at the last minute and it offered more hours. I gave my name and here we are.”

“Dean,” groaned Sam.

I knew I shouldn’t have said anything.

“It’s all right, Sam.”

“Is it? How many hours are we talking about now?”

Silence.

“Dean?”

“Twenty hours.”

Sam swore loudly. “On top of your full time job at the garage? And the gig that Jo got you with Pam?”

“I was hoping you forgot about that…”

“I didn’t. Dean, this is nuts. How are you even able to pull this off?”

Dean crossed one arm over his chest, lowering his eyes.

“Bobby is helping me out. I’m solid during the day at the garage throughout the week, so I can have my nights and the weekends to do the rest.”

“That’s not what I meant. Do you even have a day off? A night off?”

“You’re one to talk, Sam. And it’s just for December. Everything will be back to normal after that.”

“December starts tomorrow and it’s already insane. And answer the question.”

Dean sighed. “I work at the store on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday nights. And in the afternoon during the weekend. And then Saturday nights, I wait at Pam’s events, which is really not a big deal. I did it this summer. It’s good money.”

“You did it once, Dean. One wedding. Not four in a row on top of—”

“No weddings this time. Pam said it will be Christmas parties for companies. The first one is tonight. It’s gonna be fine.”

“That leaves you with what, though? For free time?”

“I still have my evenings Sunday through Tuesday.”

“If you’re not pulling extra hours at the garage, you mean? Which I’m guessing you’re already doing in the mornings during the weekends? Am I right?”

“Sam,” warned Dean.

Sam remained silent for a good minute, until he said, “Dean, I’m worried.”

“Don’t be. It’s all going to go in the piggy bank so I’ll be able to catch my breath during the harsh winter,” he joked.

Sam let out a deep sigh. “And what about the new position at the store? Shit, Dean. I—I know you were really happy about—you were actually looking forward to the Chocolaterie. Now, I feel even worse about not being able to go.”

“It’s not your fault. And anyway, it’s just a job for the holidays. No matter what it is, we both know the novelty would have worn off eventually.”

“Okay, hold on here. Because we both know the real reason you wanted to work in that department. And it had absolutely nothing to do with the job in question…”

Dean pursed his lips, lifting his head to look at the ceiling, annoyed.

“Ugh. Not this again, Sam. I told you, it was…it’s not important.”

“Bull. You’ve been whining about this guy for, like, literally a freaking year now. A year.”

“Well, whatever,” urged Dean. “Doesn’t change anything now as he’s not even here.”

“But you said that last year he hadn’t shown up until a week or so before Christmas.”

“I said I only noticed him at the end of the season. Nuance.”

“But you also said they had added employees as Christmas approached. So maybe he was one of them. And he will be this year too.”

Dean let out a sigh. “I don’t know, Sam. All I can do is wait and see.” And after a short pause, he added in an urgent manner, “If I cared. Which, I don’t. Not really.”

Sam snorted. “Right.”

“What about you, huh? Made any headway with your office crush?”

“I—there’s been progress.”

“Yeah? Asked her out yet?”

“In a manner of speaking.”

At the sound of Sam clearing his throat, Dean shook his head.

“Did you or did you not ask her out, Sam?”

“I…okay, I haven’t yet, but—”

“God, Sam,” said Dean, cutting him off. “What are you waiting for?”

“If you would let me finish, I was going to say I’m going to. I’m just waiting for the right opportunity.”

“And when’s that? On your wedding day?”

Sam huffed. “I’ll get to it. The timing and the setting have to be right.”

Dean was not impressed by this statement.

“Don’t wait too long.”

“I won’t.”

Not wanting to push it too far, Dean asked, “Got anything else planned for today?

“Not sure. Kevin texted me. He and some of his friends are going out tonight. He told me the address of the bar. He said he invited Bela too…”

“Perfect! You can make your move then. You’re going, right?”

“I don’t know. I have so much work to do.”

“Sam, I swear if you don’t go, I will somehow teleport to Chicago and drag you there myself.”

“Dean, this isn’t really my scene.”

“That’s precisely why you should go. Live a little. And if Bela’s there, she gets to see you somewhere else than at the office. A different setting, like you’ve been waiting for. And if she’s not there, you still get to have fun.”

“But hitting on her at a bar? Like, that’s just—that’s not really how I had pictured it.”

“Sam, maybe start by finding out if she’s interested? And when you know that she is, feel free to execute whatever fantasy of courtship you had planned out,” he said with a grin on his face. “At least, go to the damn bar and enjoy yourself, huh?”

“In which department are you working at The Milton’s now?” asked Sam.

“Changing the subject, huh? Nice try.”

“I’ll think about what you said,” he assured him. “But I’m curious and you didn’t say earlier.”

There was a reason for that.

“The…I’m working at the Gift Wrapping Booth.”

There was a pregnant pause. “Sorry, the what?”

Dean groaned. “You heard me.”

After a long pause, Sam said, “I see.” Sam hadn’t laughed, but Dean knew full well his brother was most likely holding down a massive fit of laughter. “I’m—wait, aren’t those usually managed by volunteers? And it’s for donations or—”

“It still is. The donation part, I mean. Look, I don’t know the whole story, but apparently, there was an issue last year with some of the volunteers, so this time, they decided to offer their own Gift Wrapping services. Nothing has changed. Every customer is entitled to the services, to donate however much they want, and all the funds goes to the Children’s Hospital, just like last year. The only difference is that the store is employing people instead of relying on volunteers.”

“Is this unusual?”

“I have no clue, but it creates jobs, so I’m not gonna complain about it. It’s actually kinda nice of them to do that since they really don’t have to. And the store is providing the wrapping paper and everything, and let me tell you, it’s not the cheap stuff either.”

“Cool. Cool. I just have one question.”

Dean rolled his eyes. “Oh, yeah? What’s that?”

“Had they seen you wrap anything before they gave you the job or…”

“It’s wrapping, not rocket science.”

“Dean.”

“I’m fine,” he said defensively. And then, after a short hesitation, he added, “They do have a certain fancy way of doing it.”

“Thought so.”

“But I’ll manage. I practiced at home a bit—I mean it’s wrapping for God’s sake!”

“I’m sure you’ll do just fine, Dean. I was just curious,” said Sam sincerely. “And how do you feel about it so far?”

“Well,” sighed Dean, “honestly, it’s been somewhat uneventful. I’m the only one in the booth—it’s more like a box, but whatever. At least I don’t have anyone boring to tear my ears off, but people haven’t been super eager to have their purchases wrapped so far. So it’s basically been me, sitting on a stupid chair and looking at people buying stuff I can’t afford. While listening to the same twelve songs.”

“Well, I don’t know if that’s encouraging or not, but I’m pretty sure the pace will pick up soon enough.”

“Yeah. Not sure that’s a silver lining.” Moving the phone away from his ear, Dean looked at the time on his phone. “All right,” he said, after putting the phone back, “I have to head back. My break is almost over. I’m lucky they even give me one, so… Thanks for the phone call.”

“Same. Though, I wish I had better news. Hang in there, Dean. The holiday season will be over soon.”

“I will. I’ll call you back tonight after my gig. And you better not answer because you’re out having fun for once,” he said with glee.

“We’ll see.”

“You freaking better.”

“Fine! Bye!”

Dean, walking to his booth, trying not to drag his feet, passed by toys’ department and spotted his friends, Charlie and Jo, looking at the board games.

Not in a talking mood, he simply waved at them and continued his route.

“Dean, wait!” said Jo.

Dean came to halt and let his friends catch up to him. “Sorry, I have to go back.”

“We’ll walk with you a minute,” said Jo. “Are you still good for tonight?”

“Yup. Pam called me Thursday night to double check. She gave me the address and everything. And a reminder of the regulations. I’m trying not to take it personally,” he said, beaming.

“Don’t. She did the same for me too.”

“Thanks again for giving her my name.”

“No problem.”

“You going too, Charlie?”

“Yes,” she sighed. “Which sucks. That’s when I had my D&D meet ups.”

“Create a new one, then,” said Jo. “I’ll join.”

Charlie lifted an eyebrow. “Don’t toy with me, Harvelle.”

“I wouldn’t dare.”

Then Charlie, smiling, said, “You think we can convince this one too,” she said, poking Dean’s chest with her finger.”

“If I had time to have a life,” he said, “I would.”

Charlie squinted at him. “We’ll have to see about that then.” Continuing walking side by side, she asked him, “So, do you like your new position, Dean?”

“I’m not thrilled, but it’s not bad, either. And if I’m honest, it’s certainly an improvement from last year…”

“That wasn’t very hard to beat,” pointed out Charlie, remembering full well as she had been stuck in the same boat as he had.

“True.”

Having reached the booth, Dean pushed the half-door, stepped inside the booth, and approached the counter facing the girls.

“Wait, I thought you were at the Chocolaterie?” said Jo. “That was like perfect for you.”

“Yeah. I agree,” said Dean. “But I switched for the hours.”

“So, who is manning the Chocolaterie now?”

“Meg,” said Charlie. “I saw her this morning.”

“What?” exclaimed Dean. “Oh, man! I didn’t even know she was back.” And he made a face of disgust.

“She’s actually not that bad,” said Charlie.

An opinion that was not, it seemed, overly shared with her friends.

“Not that I care about that kind of stuff, but she always seemed kind of a manipulator to me,” said Jo.

“I don’t trust her,” said Dean simply.

Charlie lifted an eyebrow. “Um, one, you barely trust anyone. And two, I’m pretty sure the main reason why you don’t like her is because you saw her lurking around that guy you had heart-eyes for last year.”

Jo turned briskly towards her. “What’s that now?” A smirk appeared on her face. “What guy?”

“You didn’t know this?” asked Charlie.

“No. What guy?” she repeated.

“No one,” said Dean, busying himself by moving the wrapping paper around, which was utterly unnecessary.

“Not no one,” said Charlie. “Last year, there was this guy—dark hair, killer blue eyes, about yay-high—he was one of those last-minute employees. You know the ones who are brought in within the last few days before Christmas for emergencies, substitution or additional help?”

Jo nodded, understanding and eager to hear the rest.

“Okay, well, last year,” she continued, “Dean and I were elves helping out kids to have their picture taken with Santa. Which was not very far from the Chocolaterie. And this guy showed up just a few days before Christmas for additional help there, and from that moment on, all Dean did was constantly stare at his pretty face.”

“I didn’t constantly stare at him…”

“You didn’t ask him out?” said Jo.

Dean, pursing his lips, let out a deep sigh. “I never got to. As it was the last days before Christmas, I didn’t have one second to myself. I don’t even know his name or even exchanged a few words with him. And I didn’t work here after Christmas. I, um, did stop by the store a few times, but…and since I’ve been back, I tried to find out if anyone knew anything, but I haven’t had much luck so far.”

“I asked around too since they kept me on after Christmas, but nothing,” said Charlie.

“The only one who may have something is Meg and the only thing she had said to me last year was that his name was Clarence and I’m pretty sure it’s a goddamn lie. Hence: I don’t trust her.”

“Uh-huh. Were they a thing?” asked Jo to Charlie. “‘Clarence’ and Meg, I mean.”

“Who knows?” said Charlie. “It’s possible. I think Meg was the only one who got to interact with him. But he didn’t stay around for that long and I haven’t heard anything suggesting that either. The guy’s a mystery.”

Frowning, something was still bothering Jo. “Why not ask Rowena? If anyone knows who he is, it would be her, no?”

But Dean and Charlie shook their heads. “Rowena wasn’t here last year, remember? It was that atrocious-ass Adler.”

“Right. I think I had repressed that,” she said with a grim face. “Still, there has to be a way to find out. A record or something?”

But Dean was officially done with the subject. “Whatever,” he shrugged. “It’s not like my life depends on it. It was, like, one guy. Who may or may not have been good-looking. From afar. Whatever.”

Charlie and Jo exchanged devious looks.

Ones that made Dean roll his eyes. He waved them goodbye, as he knew they both needed to head back to their own departments, and watched them stroll down the aisle.

And so, left by himself, and with no customers in sight (for him, at the very least), just as he had told Sam, Dean pulled up a chair, sat down and…waited.

Attempting to seem alert and ready to help.

And not appear overly depressed at doing nothing.

At least it’s not complicated and it certainly beats dealing with rude customers.

On the other hand, killing time by staring in front of him blankly felt like a waste of time. Even if he was technically earning money while doing it.

But he knew he shouldn’t complain. As Sam had mentioned earlier, soon enough, he would most likely reminisce on the time when he was bored out of his skull.

But being kept in that booth with nothing else to do but to watch the people around him, while he was stuck alone, served as a painful allegory to his life. Everything around him was moving and there he stood, waiting for someone to come to him, while he was expected to just smile as if he was having the time of his life.

And now, the one silver lining he had had for the holidays was apparently gone as well.

No Sammy. No traditional cookies. And no making fun of old Christmas movies, while eating junk food and drinking eggnog.

They had never spent Christmas apart before. Even when Sam had been away at college. Even when either of them had been in a serious relationship (though that had mostly been Sam’s case, not Dean’s), they had still celebrated the holidays together.

No matter what. That was their thing.

And now he would have to spend it on his own.

Alone.

Assuming he would survive the crazy amount of workload awaiting him in December.

And not be driven mad by this infuriating Christmas music.

Awesome.

I hate my life.

“Hello.”

Dean nearly jumped out of his skin. A hand over his heart, he turned to his left only to realize someone was standing next to him.

In the booth.

“My apologies, I didn’t mean to startle you. I was told to join you today.”

Regaining his composure, Dean said, “Cool. Um, the place has been pretty de—”

And the rest of his sentence died in his throat, the moment his eyes fell on his new co-worker.

Dark hair.

Killer blue eyes.

About yay-high.

It’s him.

And he’s here.

With me.

At the freaking booth.

Dean gawked at him.

Chapped lips.

Stubble beard.

And a deep voice that—

And all I’ve been doing is staring at him like a complete moron.

“Hi!” Dean nearly yelled, waving his hand.

Stop now.

And he immediately dropped his hand.

“Hello,” the man repeated.

“Dean,” said Dean, pointing at himself.

“Hello, Dean. I’m Castiel. Nice to meet you.”

Castiel.

“Um, same. Hi, Castiel.”

And he smiled at him like an idiot.

--End of Chapter One----

Read Chapter Two and the rest of the fic on AO3 :)

#spnpetra #spn fic #xmas fic #advent calendar #destiel fluff #sabriel fanfic #my fanfic #christmas shopping #spn xmas

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