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wholesomemendes · 4 years

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Summary: You’re a junior in college who spends almost all of your time stuck in either your dorm room or the library until you’re forced to go to a frat party where you meet Shawn, who immediately changes your whole college experience.

Author’s Note: I’m backkkkkk. I am so so excited about this one. This was based off a request I got in like May or something like that basically so insanely long ago and I never got to it because I knew it was going to be long. I kinda went off track with the request too a little bit, but I hope you love it as much as I do. It’s my baby so please be kind (also it’s my birthday so please don’t hurt my feelings too much lol). As always, I love hearing any type of feedback and I love you all x

Word Count: 12.2k

The door of your dorm room slammed open as your roommate rushed inside, frantically throwing her bag onto her bed and rummaging through her closet. You peered over the top of your laptop where you were busy editing an essay you had just finished for a class, watching her distressed state with curious eyes. “What’s going on?”

“What do you mean?” Natalie asked almost breathlessly, settling on a silk, light pink top with a plunging v-neck and a short black skirt.

“Why are you rushing so much? Where are you going?”

You would’ve thought you had grown three heads by the way she looked at you and the way she rolled her eyes when she noticed you were being dead serious made you slightly cave in on yourself in disappointment. “How do you not know what’s going on tonight? Sigma Alpha Epsilon is throwing another one of their huge parties, it’s all everyone has been talking about for the past two weeks.”

“I don’t know, must’ve just gone over my head,” you mumbled, feeling a little self-conscious about your lack of knowledge on what was going on in the social life of your campus. Ninety-nine percent of the time your head was stuck in a book or hunched over your laptop doing homework in the library so it really shouldn’t have been a surprise that this party was nowhere on your radar.

“Well now you know, so you’re going with me. Chop chop you’ve got to get dressed.”

“HA, you think I’m going to a party?”

She raised an eyebrow at you, silently challenging you to disagree with her, “Um, yes you are. Connor invited me which means I’m inviting you because he invites like 20 girls and I don’t want to be stuck alone all night.”

“You’re not going to be alone all night,” you sighed, closing your laptop before swinging your legs off the side of the bed, “You’re popular enough on campus that you’ll be able to find someone to hang out there with if I’m not there.”

“I know, but it’d be more fun if you were there with me. Pleaseeeeeee.” Natalie pulled out her best puppy dog eyes on you, her bottom lip jutting out to make her face look more innocent, “I’ll even do your makeup and hair for you….and you can borrow some of my clothes!”

“What, are my clothes not good enough or something?”

“They are! They’re just a little too, what’s the word I’m looking for, conservative for a party. You need something a little bit scandalous, you know? Gotta give the boys a little something something.” She wiggled her eyebrows at you before letting out a huff of annoyance and getting up to grab your hand to pull you off of the bed, “Come on, no excuses. Let’s get you ready for tonight.”

__________________________

This wasn’t your scene. Natalie had left you to go play beer pong about thirty minutes after you stepped foot into the loud, alcohol-stenched frat house, but you soon lost sight of her when Connor whisked her away after their team won against two other frat boys to what you could only assume would be his bedroom. You didn’t mind that she left you, you’d rather have one of you enjoying yourself then have her be miserable trying to entertain you. The tight shirt and skirt Natalie forced you into didn’t seem like such a bad idea when you were staring at yourself in the mirror of your dorm (to be honest the way she did your hair and makeup gave you a newfound confidence you hadn’t had in years), but now as you stood in the corner of the kitchen quietly nursing your drink while your eyes scanned the crowd of sweaty college students, you couldn’t feel more insecure and self-conscious. Your arms wrapped around your center, desperately trying to cover up what little skin was to be seen and you wished that Natalie would come down those stairs any second to go back to your dorm with you. You were so lost in your thoughts you hardly noticed the stench of beer get stronger around you or the heat of another body on your shoulder until the unknown person was up against you. “Hey,” the boy who you recognized from one of your writing classes and were pretty sure was a part of another fraternity on campus slurred, “You wanna come dance with me, sexy?”

“Um, no I’m ok, thanks though.” You tried to turn and walk away from him, but were stopped abruptly by his hand gripping your wrist and pulling you closer to him again.

“Come on, it’ll be fun,” he breathed into your ear, hot breath fanning across your face in the process making you cringe inward on yourself, “I’d love to feel that ass of yours up against me.”

“I said no, I don’t want to dance with you.” You could feel the panic rising in your throat, causing your words to come out broken and weak, and you desperately wished someone would see the fear in your eyes and come help you. His grip on you tightened the more you resisted and in that moment you wished you had never been stupid enough to listen to Natale about how fun this party was going to be.

“And I said you should come dance with me. So why don’t you-” HIs hand was pried off your wrist in seconds and you rubbed the spot where it had left, holding it close to your chest in fear.

“I think she already said no, buddy.” Your savior came in the form of a curly, brown haired boy that stood at least a couple inches over your unwanted dance partner. A scowl was evident on his face, his brown eyes hard and dark, “Now you should probably get out before I ban you from ever stepping foot in this place again.” The other boy left, but not before rudely shoulder checking the person you believed was your hero, which only earned him a scoff in return. “God, can’t stand people like that. They have no common decency for anyone.” He made eye contact with you for the first time that night and your heart skipped a beat, your body feeling somewhat small compared to his tall height. He saw the fearful look in your eyes and placed a comforting hand on your shoulder before looking you up and down for any signs of damage from the previous encounter, “Are you ok?”

“Yeah, I am now that you saved me,” you mumbled slightly, lowering your gaze to your cup in order to avoid his worried look, “Thank you, I don’t know what I would’ve done if you hadn’t stepped in.”

“Well I’m glad I could help. I’m Shawn, by the way, I don’t think we’ve ever met.” Sticking his hand out for you to shake, he gave you a dazzling smile and you immediately recognized him as the president of the fraternity, the one your roommate was constantly talking about trying to get into his pants. Seeing him up close for the first time, you couldn’t help but understand why all the girls wanted to get with him and why a lot of those girls did get with him. There was a blue bandana wrapped around his head pushing back the beautiful curls that adorned his head and his chiseled jaw and bright eyes entranced you, making it hard to look away. His black t-shirt was frayed at the top near the buttons, allowing his few chest hairs to peak out, and his muscles practically bulged out of the short sleeves. You noticed a few tattoos along his arms, one being the one all of the hockey players got after they won their championship, as you shook his hand, but his strong grip broke you out of your thoughts and forced you to look at him again.

“I’m Y/n.”

“It’s nice to meet you. Do you need another drink? I know where all of the good alcohol is if you want it,” he winked at you, a smug smirk on his lips as he held his hand up to his face as if he was telling you something top secret.

You looked at the almost empty beer in your hand sadly, but the thought of getting another drink absolutely disgusted you at the moment, “No thank you. I think I’m going to head out actually, I’m a little shaken up to be honest.”

“Don’t go because of that!” Shawn’s voice sounded rushed as if he desperately wanted you to stay, though you pushed the thought aside, knowing that he couldn’t care less about what you did. “If you want you can stay by me for the rest of the night or if you came with someone you can always use my name, I’ve learned it can get you a long way sometimes.”

Your eyes met his once again and you tried to push the butterflies that you were feeling down your throat. “I’m just here with my roommate, but I think she went up with one of your friends,” you admitted bashfully, rubbing your hand up and down your arm nervously, “I haven’t seen her in awhile. Parties aren’t exactly my thing, I’m only here because she forced me to come, so I think I’m just going to text her and then head out.”

“You’re going to walk home alone? Do you really think that’s a good idea?”

“I don’t have any better ones right now.”

“Easy. I’ll walk you home.” He leaned against one of the walls comfortably as he spoke, a large smile on his face the entire time. There wasn’t a look of regret on his face, but you still questioned his motives. Why would he want to go out of his way to make sure you got home safe? Was he just trying to get you in bed with him? But if he was then why was he so adamant about getting that guy off of you?

“Don’t worry about it Shawn, really, I’ll be ok.”

“It’s either that or you’re staying in my room tonight so you don’t have to walk home alone.” There was a confident look in his eyes and he knew he had you beat, causing you to roll your eyes before walking past him towards the door.

His eyes followed you curiously as you walked away, watching as you turned around and beckoned him forward, “Come on then, I want to be asleep before 4,” leaving him to trail behind you like a puppy at your feet. __________________________

The two of you walked to your dorms in a mix of comfortable silence and easy conversation that sparked in the 10 minutes it took to get you home. It was surprising how little awkward tension there was for two people on completely different sides of the spectrum who had never met before today, but you wouldn’t trade it for the world. You learned he was majoring in music, something that his parents weren’t one hundred percent confident with, though they still supported him nonetheless he assured you, and that he had been playing hockey since he was 6. The moment you got to the door of your building you stopped, ready to thank him for walking with you and move on with the rest of your night, preferably reading your essay one more time before heading to bed, but Shawn had other plans. “Why’d you stop? Did you forget your key or something?”

“No,” you looked at him with furrowed brows, “I think I can walk up to my dorm myself.”

He crossed his arms defensively with a stern look on his face, “Oh I get it, you don’t want me to know which room you’re in. I saved you from some creep and you still think I’m just like him don’t you."

“It’s not that, I just don’t feel comfortable bringing you up to my dorm after we just met.”

“Which is a big deal because…”

“Isn’t me saying that it makes me uncomfortable enough of a reason?” you asked him, mimicking his position as a tiny bit of anger grew inside of you.

Shawn scoffed, rolling his eyes at your words, “Honey, if I wanted to get you in my bed, you’d already be in there by now. There’s no reason to worry about me doing anything to you if you let me walk you up there.”

“Excuse me? Just because you’ve gotten with the entire cheerleading team…”

“Not true...”

“And at least half of the sorority girls…”

“Half is pushing it a little bit…”

“Doesn’t mean that you’d be able to get with me. I don’t have time for a relationship right now and I don’t do random hookups, thank you very much. So thank you for saving me at the party and thank you for walking me home, but that will be all. Good night, Shawn.” With that you turned on your heels, using your key card before slamming the door in his face and heading up the stairs to your dorm. You couldn’t believe it. Right when you thought you were forming a type of friendship or a least mutual respect for someone that wasn’t your roommate it all fell apart like it always did. What were you thinking when Shawn Mendes was the definition of a frat boy? Why would he want to be friends with someone like you? You couldn’t even lie and say that it didn’t hurt a little when he said he would’ve already tried to get you in bed if he wanted to. Were you really that ugly that the boy who practically got with any female that wanted to didn’t want to get with you? Not that you would sleep with him if he had asked you, you did have an unspoken rule with yourself that you didn’t want to do hookups in college, but at least knowing that he found you attractive would have given you a slight confidence boost. You already hated how you had never been asked out by the boys in college, even though you weren’t exactly looking for a guy or putting yourself out there to be asked on a date, and how every girl seemed to sneer at you when you walked past. So that night you cuddled yourself under the covers, vowing to never step foot in another frat house again no matter how much Natalie begged. __________________________

“What are you doing tonight?” Natalie launched herself onto your bed, causing you to let out a groan when she landed on you.

You pushed her off of you while she laughed, making you roll your eyes, “Probably just binge watching some Netflix honestly. Why?”

“Really? That wasn’t what I thought you’d say at all.”

“What’d you think I was going to say?” you laughed as she sat up and leaned against your wall.

“Oh, something along the lines of ‘I have to study for a test that I’ve already taken and rewrite my essay for the thirtieth time’”, she said in a high pitched voice you soon realized was her impression of you.

“Hey, I do not sound like that! And besides, laugh all you want about it, but I’m at the top of the class so I don’t see anything wrong with that.”

“There’s nothing wrong with that, I’m just surprised you’re giving yourself a break.”

“I am,” you told her with a smile, “I have no homework to finish tonight or tests coming up or essays that need to be turned in, so I’m finally letting myself have a night off.”

“Or…”

You raised an eyebrow at her, “Or what.”

“Or you could come to the hockey game tonight with me so I’m not alone.”

“Oh hell no, Nat, I’m not doing this again.” You grabbed your laptop off of your side table, already ready to pop open your tv series for the night.

“What do you mean you’re not doing this again? It’ll be fun!”

“Last time you convinced me to go somewhere I almost got harassed by a drunk frat boy and then I got into an argument with another frat boy while you were busy hooking up with a different one.”

“Come on, it wasn’t that bad,” she scoffed, climbing off the bed, “Besides, you’ve never been to a hockey game before and you’re a junior. No offense, but do you know how pathetic that sounds. Our school is literally known for hockey! Just once and then I’ll never ask you to go again.” You gave her a stern look, one that threatened her to ask again, but when she flashed her eyes at you, you immediately gave in, rolling your eyes at yourself and already hating yourself for agreeing.

“Fine, but you can’t leave my side the entire night.”

“I promise I won’t! Thank you, thank you, thank you!” She brought you into a bone crushing hug before releasing you in favor of searching through her closet for something for the both of you to wear. __________________________

You couldn’t lie and say you weren’t enjoying yourself a little bit. Opposed to last time Natalie was still sitting by your side and you had managed to convince her to let you wear one of your school hoodies and a pair of leggings to keep warm instead of the (as she phrased it) ‘hot ass’ outfit she had picked out for you. It was the final 10 minutes of the game and your team was ahead by four points, something everyone had been assured was an easy win from the start. Still, you could tell why everyone liked going to the games, it was energetic and loud and everything you thought a college game would be, but not as overwhelming. Even though Natalie had decided to sit next to Connor and they were relentlessly flirting and managing to have physical contact with one another the entire time, you were so focused on the game that it wasn’t bothering you as much as you imagined it would when you first sat down. You were entranced by the way the players skated across the ice, your eyes immediately drawing to one player in particular that seemed so comfortable on the ice. The moment you saw the back of his jersey though, MENDES written in bright white lettering, your heart dropped a little bit, not wanting to watch him as much as you were. Though it was hard not to when there was a clear reason he was made captain, so you were left to shamelessly follow his fast, steady movements across the ice.

The game soon ended with a win as expected and you were forced to follow Natalie and Connor deeper into the crowd of students to congratulate the team after they came out of their locker room. The crowd was cheering, adrenaline pumping through the air as you walked down the halls until you reached a large open space. Not long after all of the boys were making their way out, Shawn leading the pack like a true captain. A large portion of the girls (mostly puck bunnies or sorority girls or even some that just wanted some attention from the star himself) immediately crowded along Shawn and you could tell by the look on his face that he was enjoying every last second of it. His eyes scanned the crowd for a brief moment before landing on yours and you swore you could see his smile falter until it became even brighter than before. He excused himself from the hoard of girls as he headed your way, making your heart stop. Was he really coming to see you? What were you going to say? “Good job”? No, you don’t want to congratulate him, he was rude to you the other night. Don’t let him know how you couldn’t stop watching him the entire game, he doesn’t need another boost to his already huge ego. Is he gonna say something first? What if he…

“Hey man, how’d it look from the crowd?” Shawn asked as he bro-hugged Connor. Your heart dropped. Of course he was coming over here to talk to one of his best friends, why would you think he was coming for you? But you could’ve sworn the two of you had made eye contact. Were you really that stupid?

“Great as always, they were easy today anyways.”

“Yeah we went a little easy on them. Last time we absolutely creamed them and then I got threats from their team about how ‘we were gonna pay for embarrassing them like that,’” Shawn scoffed, “Like we were the ones who embarrassed them.” He turned his head, sending a bright smile your way before finally acknowledging you for the first time tonight, “I’ve never seen you at a game before, do you always leave right after it ends?”

You cleared your throat awkwardly, wondering if you should just lie or admit how antisocial you truly were, “No, um this is actually my first hockey game.” Ok, admitting how antisocial you are it is.

“Your first hockey game? What year are you?”

“I’m a junior…”

“You’re a junior and this is your first hockey game?”

“Oh calm down, it’s not that big of a deal,” Natalie chimed in, sensing your discomfort at the situation at hand.

“Wait, don’t tell me.” Shawn rubbed his forehead as if he was thinking before snapping his fingers in Natalie’s direction, “You must be Natalie, right? Y/n was telling me all about you the other night.”

“The other night?”

“Yeah, I walked her home after the party last week. She didn’t tell you?”

Her eyes went wide, looking in your direction with her mouth hanging open while you caved in on yourself, “No, she failed to mention that you were the one to walk her home.”

“Damn, you were that ashamed of me, eh?” Shawn let out a light chuckle before slinging an arm around you to pull you closer to him.

“Wasn’t exactly my proudest moment,” you mumbled, trying your hardest not to lean into his body that seemed so tempting. You didn’t know what body wash he used in his shower, the shower was evident by the slightly wet hair on his head that made him look absolutely breathtaking, but it was extremely inviting and you wanted nothing more than to snuggle your head into his chest and breathe it through your senses.

“Anyways, are you two coming to the party tonight?”

“I mean…” Natalie started, but you cut her off immediately.

“No, we’re heading back after this,” you gave a pointed look in her direction, “Right, Nat?”

“Yeah, I guess.”

“Oh come on, don’t be such a party pooper Y/n,” Shawn whined, ruffling your hair and laughing as you swatted his arm away.

“I’m not a party pooper, I’m just,” you stuttered for a second trying to find a decent excuse, “Just not quite dressed appropriately for a party, don’t you think?”

“Nonsense, I think you look great. But if it’s that big of a deal you can borrow my practice jersey and you’ll be all set.” Before you could protest Shawn was already reaching down into his duffle bag and producing a bright blue jersey with his name on the back. It was clear that this wasn’t just some jersey you’d buy in the school spirit shop, it looked as professional as it could, except the different design and tattered edges showed that it was made for practice.

“I’m not putting that on.”

“Why not? I promise it doesn’t smell and besides, don’t you want to let Nat have some fun?” He waved the jersey in front of you with a teasing smile on your face, causing you to roll your eyes before you snatched it out of his grip and pulled it over your sweatshirt. “That’s what I thought,” Shawn smirked as he put his arm back around your shoulders, “Now come on, I’ll drive, Y/n can be shot gun.” __________________________

No more than ten minutes later you were parked back at the same frat house you had been at the week prior and the mere thought of it made you sick. However, you didn’t know how much longer you could stay in Shawn’s jeep where he was stealing glances at you every five seconds and trying to annoy you in every way possible. He’d find every way possible to try and touch you in some way, whether it was a poke in the face or moving a strand of hair behind your ear, and constantly make comments that you wanted to laugh at, but wouldn’t be caught dead showing him that. So the second he parked you were already out of the car, breathing in a deep breath of clean air to make sure the scent of Shawn that was so heavy in his jeep would leave your senses. “Wow, was the drive that bad that you’re so eager to leave?”

You were praying with every ounce of your body that Shawn couldn’t see the blush on your face when he made eye contact on with you that teasing smile on his face, but the way Natalie snickered as she got out of the back of the jeep told you that she definitely knew. “No, I just get claustrophobic easily, that’s all.”

“Mhm.” Shawn looked at you, obviously not believing your excuse, but still motioning you towards the front door nonetheless. There was already a fair amount of people inside, at least enough to make you cringe at the thought of being there. Shawn had a light hold on your arm before leaning into your ear to make sure that you heard him, “I’m going to go get us some drinks. What do you want?”

“I don’t care, you can pick. Just please no shots of anything.”

“Ok, I’ll be back.”

Natalie and Connor were already god knows where, so you were left standing in the main foyer of the frat house, holding your arms around yourself while you looked around awkwardly, waiting for Shawn to return. You felt the familiar feeling of nervousness creeping up your throat and you forced yourself to focus on the smell of Shawn’s jersey and how warm it felt around you as a way to calm your rapid beating heart. He had only been gone a few minutes before someone else was approaching you, making your heart drop when you remembered what went down the last time you were here. “Hey, you wanna come dance with me?”

Hearing those words made you want to throw up, but you tried to keep your head up and your gaze unbothered while you prayed for Shawn to come back. “No thank you.”

“Well, can I go get you a drink then?”

“No, someone’s already…”

The feeling of an arm wrapping around you caused you to freeze until your nose caught onto the scent you had been unintentionally enjoying all night and you allowed yourself to relax into him. “I already got it for her. I think she’s all set, buddy.” The other guy got the hint quickly and backed away into the crowd until he was no more than a mere drop in a pool of people. “Damn, can’t even leave you alone for two seconds before you got some guy hitting on you,” Shawn laughed, but quickly stopped once he noticed the terrified look on your face. “Hey,” he placed a hand on your face to bring your eyes to his, “Did he touch you? Or hurt you?”

“No, no he didn’t, I’m still just a little shaken up from last time I guess,” you mumbled, bringing your gaze down to where your hands were engulfed in the fabric of your sweatshirt, “I’m sorry you have to keep saving me.”

“That’s understandable, it’s never a pleasant experience. And you never need to thank me, it’s just common decency.” You refused to meet his eyes again, but you heard his sigh before he gently grabbed your hand in his and handed you your drink. Your heart fluttered when he took your other hand in his grasp, the feeling of his rough calluses overwhelming your senses. “What do you say we go dance? Get your mind off of things for a little bit, let loose.”

“I don’t know Shawn, I’m not the greatest dancer…”

“You don’t have to be. I promise it will be fun.”

You knew there was a ninety-nine percent chance that you were going to embarrass yourself completely in front of him, but the way he was staring at you like it would break his heart if you said no made up your mind for you in a second. “Ok, let’s go.”

A wide smile broke out on Shawn’s face before he dragged you into the crowd, finding a spot he deemed fit for the two of you to dance in. It started out with just a simple step touch as you started to feel the rhythm of the music and allow yourself to relax as much as possible while sipping on the drink he got you. He tried to make small talk with you even over the loud music, resulting in him having to brush his lips against your ear as he spoke to you. Your heart fluttered with each movement and the alcohol you were consuming wasn’t making it any easier when he’d laugh at something you said, his bright brown eyes crinkling from his cheeks. As the night got longer and your cup became emptier, the distance between the two of you became smaller and smaller until your chest was pressed right against his. His free hand came up to naturally grasp your waist, but not in a way that made you uncomfortable. On the contrary, it made your stomach do flips that you couldn’t control even if you wanted to. His face was getting close, too close for your muddled brain to do anything rational about it. You didn’t know exactly what was put in the drink (it was delicious though and you knew he would tell you if you asked), but as a light weight you were definitely feeling the effects of it, so just as his nose touched the tip of yours you pulled away, muttering in his ear about how you had to use the bathroom before running off away from the crowd.

After winding through the halls of the house and passing multiple people making out against the walls, you finally reached the bathroom where you shut the door in a hurry, allowing yourself to take a deep breath as you leaned against the counter. Your eyes lifted up to stare at your reflection in the mirror, your brain struggling to process what had just happened. Was he going to kiss you? Was this his plan all along, to get you comfortable enough around him to have you wrapped around his finger? No, that couldn’t have been it. He was so easy to talk to and seemed genuinely interested in what you had to say and what you were doing. He wouldn’t do that just to get with you, would he? Your thoughts are interrupted by a series of knocks on the door, followed by a worried voice, “Y/n? Are you ok in there?”

“Yeah! I’ll, um, I’ll be right out!” You splashed some water onto your face in an effort to calm yourself down to a degree before opening the door to be met with Shawn’s concerned face.

“I’m sorry if I rushed you. You just ran out of there so quick I was worried something happened.”

Your heart swelled at how much he seemed to care about you and you willed the heat to leave your face, “No, I’m ok. I did feel a little crowded in there, but I’m ok now, thanks.”

“Yeah, of course. What do you say we go to the kitchen for a little bit to talk in there? It usually isn’t too crowded this far into the party.” You allowed him to take your hand and lead you into the kitchen where, like he said, was completely empty besides a few people every now and then that would come to refill their glass. Most of the alcohol had been moved into various places of the house so there was no fear of a bunch of hammered students coming in and ruining the place. There was a comforting silence between the two of you for a moment, the only sound being the music that could be heard from the main room as you both leaned against the counter next to one another. “I’m glad you came to the game tonight,” Shawn broke the silence, looking at you with a sincere look in his eye, “And thanks for letting me drag you to this party.”

“I don’t think I could’ve said no to the party, you’re pretty convincing,” you admitted, downing the last sip of your drink, “You were really good tonight, too. I never told you earlier, but I couldn’t stop watching you as you played. It’s obvious why you were chosen as captain.”

Shawn let out a nervous chuckle, his own cheeks showing a hint of pink to them, “Thanks, it means a lot. Do you want another drink?”

“No, I’m ok. I get drunk easily so I think I should stop before it gets worse.” You easily learned that you were an extremely honest drunk and if the words you were saying to Shawn were any indicator, you definitely shouldn’t drink anything more.

“That’s a shame, I have a feeling that you’re fun when you’re absolutely plastered.”

“What makes you think that?”

“Well, you’re already fun as it is, but it takes a while for you to open up. I think I’d get to see you at your fullest, you know what I mean? But that’s just off of my first couple impressions of you, so what do I know.” He finished off his statement by grabbing a beer from the fridge, returning to a spot much closer to you, so close that your shoulders were right up against one another. “Do I make you uncomfortable?”

“No, I’m very comfortable around you,” you whispered, eyes falling down to his smooth, red lips.

He caught the motion of your eyes and let his do the same, his face coming just that extra inch closer to yours, “Do you think it would be ok if…”

“Y/n! We’re going home!” Natalie came barging into the kitchen, grabbing your arm and dragging you to the door.

“What? What’s going on?” you asked her, trying to tug your arm away, but her grip was strong and she was dead set on ordering an uber to get out of here as soon as possible.

“I’ll tell you when we get back.”

Your heart dropped as you looked at Shawn who looked just as confused and saddened as you. “Bye Shawn, thanks for bringing us.”

“Wait,” he muttered to himself, running towards the door before Natalie could get you out of it, “Give me your phone really quick.”

“Why?”

“Just trust me.” You unlocked your phone for him and watched as he added his number into your messages, even including a silly picture of him as his contact photo that you knew you’d be laughing at later. “Text me when you’re back at your dorm, eh? Wanna make sure you get home safe.”

Looking into his eyes you saw a completely different man than the one you had yelled at on the first night you met. This one seemed vulnerable as he stared at you, as though he was putting himself bare in front of you and showing you the real him. You nodded your head, taking your phone from his hand before Natalie was pulling you towards the uber. “I promise I’ll text you.”

“Bye Y/n.” __________________________

“What was that for?!” you demanded, staring down your roommate as she fell onto her bed.

“Connor and I got into a fight.”

“I didn’t know the two of you were dating.”

“That’s the thing...we’re not.” She sighed, propping herself up against the wall, “See the thing is...we’re talking I guess, but it’s not exclusive. It’s more like a ‘talking’ so we can hook up if we want to sort of thing.”

“So what does that have to do with you dragging me out of the party.”

“Well I was making out with Tim…”

“Why were you making out with Tim?”

“Because he’s hot and I’m drunk so it was a great idea. That was until Connor saw and got all pissed because apparently I’m not allowed to do that, but he’s all over girls all the time still so I don’t see the big deal! And because I’m so drunk I was over fighting with him for the night and I’m mad so therefore we had to leave.”

“Great,” you muttered, “I was finally having a good time at a party and then you and your hook up had to mess it up.”

“Y/n, I’m sorry. I truly am. If there was a way to make it up to you I’d do it. But preferably when I’m sober.”

“It’s fine, it’s not that big of a deal anyways,” you mumbled before you began to change into some more comfortable clothes for the night. You noticed you were still wearing Shawn’s jersey that you would ultimately have to give him back for the game, but you couldn’t help but think that you could worry about getting it to him tomorrow and maybe that would be your chance to make up for the time you lost tonight. __________________________

The light streamed in through the window of your dorm and you groaned, pushing yourself out of bed to turn off your alarm. You sighed to yourself as you got yourself up and moving for the day, even going as far as making sure that Natalie was still alive and breathing after she came home late last night from a bar before grabbing your bag to head to class. You hated your 8am class, but it was the only slot available that worked with your schedule so you simply had to man up and accept your fate. You were about halfway to your class when you heard a distant voice call out to you and you whipped your head around to meet a smiling curly haired boy running your way. “Y/n, hey,” Shawn smiled at you after finally catching up to you, “Long time no see.”

“Hey, Shawn, how have you been?” You hadn’t seen him since you had dropped his practice jersey off at the doorstep of the frat a few weeks back, but you couldn’t lie and say a part of you was hoping that you’d run into him again.

“Good, miss seeing you at the hockey games though.”

His comment made you blush and you brought your gaze to the floor so he couldn’t see your heated cheeks. “I never really went before so I wasn’t exactly planning on going anytime soon again.”

“You didn’t have a good time?” he asked with a feigned offense, big puppy dog eyes on display as he walked next to you.

“I promise I did, I just prefer to stay in my dorm and study if we’re being honest.”

“I understand,” he nodded thoughtfully, “So where are you headed?”

“English Literature, how about you?”

“Calculus, which if we’re being honest here is not my strong suit. If I don’t get at least a B on this next test they could pull me from the game. I swear I’m not dumb, I just don’t get it I guess.”

“Well, I don’t know if it means anything to you, but I had an A in that class last semester. I could help you out if you want.”

“You’d do that for me?” he asked with wide eyes, bringing you both to a halt in front of your lecture hall. “Of course I would, when’s your test?”

“Next Tuesday, could we meet on Thursday after practice?”

“Sounds perfect. Just text me the time and place.”

“I owe you a bunch.” Shawn leaned in to press a kiss to the top of your temple that left your heart fluttering before making his way over to his own class. __________________________

Thursday felt like it would never come, but there you were sitting alone inside the library at eight thirty at night, waiting for Shawn to arrive from his practice. A million thoughts were swirling through your head the longer you waited and you desperately wished he would show up to give you a distraction from your mind. You were constantly worried that he wouldn’t show up, had planned on ditching you from the start as some kind of sick joke, but that fear was diminished when he stumbled through the doors. “I’m sorry I’m late,” he breathed out, “Practice went later than expected.” A series of students shushed him for being too loud, causing a sheepish expression to grace his face, “Sorry.”

He sat his bag down next to you, sliding in close enough that you would be able to see what the other was doing while still maintaining a safe distance. “Sooo,” you broke the silence as he got his books out, “What do you want to start with?”

The rest of the time was spent discussing Shawn’s upcoming test and explaining what each concept was to the best of your ability. You could tell that he was smart, he just needed a little bit of help, so he was very easy to work with. Besides how hard it was for you to concentrate around him that was. Whenever he leaned in to peer over your work a little more, your heart beat increased rapidly and you held your breath until he moved away again. You couldn’t tell if he was aware of your behaviors, but he seemed extremely unfazed, always dazzling you a bright smile after something made sense to him. It was adorable to you when his eyes would furrow a little bit while he was working and the proud glow on his face when he got a problem right.

Time seemed to go by quick with all the little jokes he was making and soon enough it was eleven at night and the library was beginning to close down. “Guess we should be heading out then,” Shawn laughed, “Unless you plan on sleeping in here tonight.”

“No, not exactly. Was kind of looking forward to my bed if I’m being honest.” A chuckle of your own escaped your lips as you packed up your bag alongside him.

“Did you drive here?”

“No, my car isn’t on campus. I just walked.”

“Well I hope you weren’t planning on walking back too.”

“What other choice do I have?”

Shawn raised an eyebrow at you, “Seriously? You’re going to ask that when I’m literally right here.”

“I’m not going to ask you to drive me home, Shawn.”

“Good thing you’re not asking me, I’m telling you. Now come on, my jeep is right out here.” You didn’t protest this time, knowing he wouldn’t back down from his offer, and instead followed him out to that black jeep you vividly remember from your last trip in it.

The ride back to your dorm was significantly quieter than what your previous encounters with Shawn had been besides the quiet music playing in the background. By the time he had pulled in front of your building, there were hardly any cars to be seen around and all of the students were already inside. Shawn turned his body to face you, “Thanks for the help tonight, I really appreciate it.”

“My pleasure. Good luck on your test next week, I know you’ll do great, but you can still text me if you want to meet up again.”

“I’ll keep that in mind.” He gave you a kind smile when you thanked him for the ride before you opened the door to the brisk night air. “Y/n wait…”

“What?”

“I know you’re not really into parties but…,” his words trailed off as he rubbed the back of his neck nervously, “There’s this movie night thing at the frat Saturday night and all of the guys are expected to bring a date. Do you maybe wanna come with me?”

You looked at him with wide eyes, “You want me to be your date?”

“Yeah, if you want to be.” Even in the darkness you could see the way his cheeks reddened and he failed to look you in the eye.

“I’d love to go,” you told him truthfully and you couldn’t help but smile with him when his face lit up at your words.

“Really?! That’s, that’s great! You’re supposed to wear your pajamas by the way so I hope that’s ok with you.”

“Perfectly fine with me. Just text me the time later.”

“I will. Bye, Y/n.”

“Bye, Shawn.” He watched you walk into your building with a giddy smile on his face before he drove back to his frat for a sleep that he hoped included dreams of you. __________________________

“What are you getting all dolled up for?”

You look over from where you’re doing your hair to see Natalie laying on her bed staring at you with curious eyes. “I’m going to movie night with Shawn.”

“You’re going to movie night with Shawn?!” Natalie exclaimed, her eyes practically bursting out of her head.

“Yeah, he asked me to go with him as his date.” You tried to keep your calm in front of her and not show how excited you truly were, but your smile was fighting to break free on your face.

“Is he picking you up?”

“No, I’m probably just going to walk or maybe get an uber.”

“Walk? Honey, no. Connor is picking me up, I’ll just text him and ask if he can drive you, too.”

“You don’t need to do that…”

“Nonsense, there’s no reason for you to walk when I’m literally driving to the same place.” Natalie quickly grabbed her phone to text something to Connor before getting up out of bed to walk over and fluff your finally curled hair.

“What’s going on with you and Connor anyways?”

“Oh, we’re just friends with benefits for now,” Natalie said dreamly, her hands separating your curls to make them more natural as she spoke, “But we decided that we’re going to be exclusive. No more arguments about that I guess.” You nodded your head thoughtfully, carefully examining your appearance in the mirror. “Why are you getting ready so early? We don’t have to leave for another two hours.”

“I know, but I thought you’d have to use the curler and mirror, too, so I figured I’d get done early so you could have enough room to do everything.”

“You’re the sweetest ever,” she told you, kissing the top of your head making you scrunch your nose. “Do you want me to do your makeup for you?”

“I’m not sure, I just want to do something natural.” You examined your face with much criticism, trying to decide what you wanted to do to hopefully make you look more appealing to Shawn. You didn’t just think that did you? You’re not really trying to impress Shawn tonight, right? The butterflies in your stomach told you otherwise and you cursed yourself for the thoughts that were taking over your head.

“I can do that,” Nat responded quickly, “Easy. Now what I’m concerned about is what you’re wearing tonight.”

“I was planning on wearing some sweatpants and a tank top or maybe one of my patching pajama tops and bottoms. I wasn’t sure yet.”

“See this is where we’re going to have an issue. Don’t you want to wear something a bit more revealing? Want to impress Shawn a little bit? I have a slip you can borrow if you want or…”

“No, I’m all set, I just want to be comfortable. I appreciate the concern, but you know it’s not me to wear something like that out in public. It makes me uneasy.”

“I know, I know. Let’s just focus on getting your makeup looking absolutely perfect just like you.” __________________________

Connor pulled up to the frat house before unlocking the car door for you and slinging an arm around Natalie’s seat to look back at you, “Why don’t you go in and meet up with Shawn, we’ll be in in one second.” You gave him a forced smile and a small thank you as Natalie giggled and you rolled your eyes the second you got out, happy to finally be away from their never ending teasing of one another. You made your way up to the door of the frat and knocked loud enough to be heard, transferring your weight back and forth out of nervousness. The door opened not long after revealing your date for the night looking as cozy as ever in a pair of grey sweatpants and a cotton white t-shirt. His eyes subtly looked you up and down with a smile on his face. “Hi.”

“Hi,” you breathed out, letting yourself admire him the way he was you.

“You look beautiful.”

“Thank you, you look extremely comfy and nice as well.”

“Why thank you, I like the plaid.” You looked down at your plaid sleep pants and tighter fitted grey long sleeve you had on top, your cheeks blushing red at his comment.

“I know I probably am not dressed up like a lot of the other girls, but I just wanted to be comfortable…”

“Stop it, I think you look amazing. Now come inside, I already have a spot for us.” You followed him through the frat house until you came into the kitchen that looked a little different now that it wasn’t filled to the brim with alcohol. “Do you want any hot chocolate? Or tea?”

“I’ll have hot chocolate please.”

“Good choice, good choice,” he chuckled, pouring some of the boiling water into two mugs. “You know, I’m kinda surprised Natalie didn’t force you to wear some form of lingerie like a lot of the girls are.”

“She tried to convince me to, but I didn’t want to. I’m just as surprised as you are though that she let me get away with this.”

“Well, I think it’s better that you came here comfortable rather than wearing any of that.” He handed you your cup, warning you of how hot it was. “Speaking of Natalie, where are her and Connor?”

“Still in the car, they kicked me out right when we got here.”

“Typical,” Shawn snorted before making his way into the living room with you trailing behind him. The room was already about half the way full with couples, if you could even call them that, and the room had a much cozier vibe than what you had previously seen it as. There were blankets everywhere and snacks piled up onto all of the tables. There were a few guys and girls that were obviously not too interested in their date and were mingling with other people instead and some that were extremely interested in their date to the point where it was almost obnoxious. “I got us the seat in the corner by the table. You can put your mug there if you want and those blankets that are there are ours, too. I’m just going to run to the bathroom quickly so you can wait there until I come back or you can go somewhere else.” He kissed your cheek lightly, leaving you with a heated face before he left you alone in the room. You swore you could feel the hard stares of the breathtaking girls around you and you sank yourself down into the couch, desperately wishing Shawn hadn’t left you here by yourself.

You sat there for almost ten minutes before you had decided that you were finished being the target for the judgemental looks and whispers from those around you, peeling yourself out of your spot before heading towards what you were praying was the bathrooms in hopes of running into Shawn on the way. Just as you rounded the corner you could faintly make out a female voice and you snuck your head around only to be met with a sight that made your heart drop. There she was, the drop dead gorgeous head cheerleader you knew had been in Shawn’s sheets multiple times before, with her hand on your date’s chest, that mischievous glint in her eyes that was laced with lust. Shawn’s hands were wrapped around her wrists and although you couldn’t hear their words, you couldn’t help but feel betrayed at the whole situation. Here you are, being made a fool of in front of all of these people who have always seemed to despise you from the start. You finally started letting your guard down for Shawn and what do you get in return? A stabbing pain in your heart. Tears began prickling in your eyes before you turned straight on your heels to head out of the frat without a second thought in your mind.

Just as you were about to reach the door, it opened for you, Natalie and Connor entering with giddy smiles on their faces. But at the sight of you, Natalie’s smile dropped, “Hun, what happened?”

“Nothing, I think I might head out.”

“What?” She made a signal to Connor so that he’d leave the two of you alone and he agreed, whispering something in her ear before moving past you. “Ok, now tell me what happened. You were so happy about coming tonight!” With tears threatening to fall down your face, you told her exactly what you saw from the moment you stepped into the house and before you knew it, you were encased in her arms, her hands rubbing comforting circles on your back. “I’m so sorry, baby. He doesn’t deserve you if he’s going to let her get away with that.”

“Am I stupid to be so affected by this?”

“No, that was a dick move on his part and you are allowed to feel upset about it. What we’re not going to do though is leave, you hear me? Two can play at this game.”

“What do you mean?”

“I meannn, let’s give him a taste of his own medicine. Come on, follow me.” She wiped underneath your eyes before leading you back into the living room towards the couch on the opposite side. Two guys you recognized from the frat were sitting there alone and when you noticed Natalie walking over to them confidently, your heart stopped.

“Nat, what are we doing?”

“Just trust me on this...Hey guys!” The two guys looked up at the sound of her voice, a heavy smirk on both of their lips. “You got any extra room for a little bit?”

“Be my guest,” the blonde one responded and Natalie wasted no time in pushing you to sit next to them.

You stumbled slightly onto the couch, but recovered quickly, sending a light wave to the guys, “Hi.”

They both greeted you back with a smile, leaving Natalie to be quite satisfied as she whispered in your ear, “Be back soon,” and then she was gone.

You weren’t close enough to the guys that it would be considered dangerous to you, but you were definitely closer than you would usually be with some strangers that you had literally just met. The conversation flowed easily between the three of you, not as easily as it did between you and Shawn though, and you found yourself constantly glancing towards the entryway in case he decided to make an appearance. Just as one of the frat members announced that the movie was starting in five minutes Shawn made his way into the living room, his eyes spotting you immediately. You could see his jaw clench from the corner of your eye and the way his eyes hardened was not easy to miss. This only made you up the antics a little more, with a hand moving to the shoulder of the guy closest to you before the sound of your name being called from across the room caught your attention, as well as everyone else’s in the room. You looked over to see Shawn staring at you coldly, his head nodding at the seat he had for you as a signal for you to come back. “Thanks for the seat boys, but I better be heading back,” you told them with a cheeky smile that they returned to you before heading over towards Shawn. You could feel the strong gaze of the other couples and you desperately wished that you could curl in on yourself and disappear. Once you were close enough to him he pulled you down harshly into his lap, wrapping his arms around you and whispering in your ear, “What the hell were you doing over there?”

You wriggled out of his arms, but still laid next to him, allowing him to bring the blanket up and over you with his arm around you. “I was making some new friends to keep me company since you were so busy with Vanessa when you were supposed to be just using the bathroom.”

“Fuck,” he said under his breath, “Listen, I don’t know what you saw, but…”

“I don’t want to hear it Shawn, I just want to watch the movie and leave.”

“No, I want you to listen to me because I can see how you might have taken this the wrong way.”

“Was there a right way to take it?” you whispered back angrily, feeling his arm tighten around you so that he could bring his mouth closer to your ear.

“Not from your point of view, but I swear I didn't mean to hurt you. I haven’t been answering her texts for the last two months and threatened to block her last week and she was all butthurt about it, saying that she wanted things to go back to when she could call me for a booty call whenever she felt like it. And I don’t want that anymore. I’ve got my eye on someone right now and I wouldn’t mess up my chance with her like that.”

“If you have your eye on someone then why didn’t you bring her tonight?”

“I did.” You looked up at him as the lights were turned off and you caught a glimpse of his eyes before he was facing the screen and pulling you closer to his chest. You snuggled into him and wrapped your arm around his body too, leaving the both of you with graceful smiles on your faces. __________________________

Of course the guys had picked a scary movie for the night, causing you to squeeze Shawn a little tighter at every jump scare. He didn’t mind though, it only gave him an excuse to pull you closer to him and press light, comforting kisses into your hair. Somewhere between the halfway point of the movie when you tucked your head into Shawn’s chest at a particularly frightening scene and the end of the movie, you found yourself dozing off, eventually falling into a light slumber cuddled up against him. The even beating of his heart lulled you to sleep until you felt him shaking you softly, whispering your name into your ear. “Hey, the movie’s over.”

“Oh,” you sat up and tried to comb back your slightly messed up hair, seeing the other couples retreat to their respective rooms, “I’m sorry I fell asleep.”

“Don’t be, you look cute when you’re comfy.” His words caused your cheeks to heat up and you situated yourself to try and hide your face from him. “Are you ready to go back to sleep?”

“Yeah, I should probably head out.”

“What are you talking about?”

“I’m ready to fall back asleep...which means that I need to go home so I can go to sleep in my bed.” You looked back at him with furrowed brows that matched his.

“Y/n, it’s two in the morning, why don’t you just stay here. No one else is leaving.”

“You don’t have a spare room though…”

“You can sleep in my room, I’ll sleep on the floor if you feel too uncomfortable.”

“No Shawn, I’m not kicking you out of your own bed. If you’re so adamant about me staying then we might as well share it.”

“Are you sure you’re ok with that?”

“I’m a big girl, Shawn, I think I can handle sleeping in a bed with you for one night.”

Shawn let out a laugh that was music to your ears before extending a hand to you that you gladly accepted. His hand engulfed yours perfectly and you stumbled as he pulled you up off the couch because you were too busy trying to memorize the feeling of his hand in yours. “Careful there, honey,” his sweet voice drawed out, “You’re even more tired than I thought. Can hardly stand on two feet.” He escorted you hand in hand to his bedroom, which was much cleaner than you would have imagined. There were a couple guitars on stands, a piano in the corner, some hockey gear half stuffed into a bag on the floor, all things that perfectly described Shawn to you. He slid into his bed, adjusting himself under the covers before looking at you with a boyish grin and beckoning you towards him. You sat down next to him, playing with your hands awkwardly. “You ok?” You nodded your head. “I can put up a pillow barrier if you want, I have to admit I tend to be a cuddler.”

You giggled, imagining you waking up to find him snuggled up against a pillow between the two of you. “It’s ok, I don’t think we need a pillow barrier.”

“Suit yourself.” He turned off the light, getting even more comfortable in his bed and turning towards the wall. “Goodnight, Y/n.”

“Goodnight, Shawn.” __________________________

The deep scent of oak and cinnamon should have woken you up. The heavy weight slung across your stomach should have woken you up. The unusual heat that was spreading across your back should have woken you up. But instead, they all just kept you in a peaceful slumber as the morning light streamed in through the window.

Shawn was the first to awake. Breathing in your comforting scent, he squeezed you a little tighter, not quite realizing what he was doing. The moment you pushed back into him in an effort to get impossibly closer to him his senses became wide awake, suddenly making him on high alert to how close you were to him. He couldn’t imagine how you’d feel if you woke up to find the two of you like this, but when he tried to untangle himself from you and you subconsciously gripped his arm tighter, pulling him back to you, he gave up the fight and let himself get lost in the moment. Against his better judgment he placed his lips to your hair, leaving feathery kisses in their wake. Your body began to move slowly as you came to a consciousness, but Shawn continued to kiss down your neck until he finished with a soft one on your shoulder. “Good morning,” he rasped, looking at you through his lashes.

“Good morning.” The second you came to a full realization of what was happening your body froze, not quite able to process the exact situation. The immense heat that was radiating off of him was too soothing for you to resist though and soon your body fell slack against his just as it was while you were asleep.

“How’d you sleep?” Shawn asked, tracing his finger across your cheek bone.

“Like a baby.”

“Good to hear.” His stomach rumbled, making a laugh escape out of him, “And that is good to hear too, I guess. You want to go get some breakfast.”

Deep inside you wanted to say no and selfishly keep him close to you all morning long, “That sounds perfect.”

Your body became cold the second he left your side and you shivered slightly from the temperature change. “You ok?”

“Yeah I’m fine,” you lied, grabbing his hand to help you out of bed. He pulled your body close to his, looking at you deeply with those gorgeous brown eyes of his.

“Were you uncomfortable this morning?”

“No,” you stuttered, feeling small as he towered over you even if you didn’t find him intimidating, if anything the words coming out of his mouth were more intimidating than him.

“Why not?”

His body came closer to you with each word until you were backed up against the wall, his chest pressing against yours. “What?”

“I asked you why you weren’t uncomfortable.” His face was so close to you that you could see every last detail of his skin, including a scar on his cheek that you didn’t happen to notice before, but made him look all the more endearing to you.

“Because I trust you.”

“Is that all?”

“Yes.”

You could tell by the way that his eyebrow quirked up that he didn’t believe your wavering voice, “Are you telling me the truth? Because I want to know if you feel the same way about me that I do.”

“What do you mean?”

“I thought I made it quite obvious,” he chuckled, “I really, really like you, Y/n. I was hoping maybe this morning was a sign that you felt the same way…”

“It was,” you breathed out quickly, not wanting this moment to fade away. “I like you too, Shawn.”

His lips fanned over yours and your breath hitched in your throat, desperately waiting for him to move the final inch. “I’m not going to kiss you,” he told you, watching the light in your eyes dim and cast down to the ground, “Hey, look at me.” Shawn grabbed your chin gently, pulling your eyes back up to his, “It’s not because I don’t want to, it’s because it feels wrong to do it without going on a date first. You understand?” You nodded your head sadly, making him let out a quiet laugh, “But I would like to take you out on a date if you’d let me.”

“I’d love to go on a date with you.”

“Perfect,” he leaned in to kiss the tip of your nose, “Now let’s go down and eat breakfast. I’m absolutely starving.” __________________________

Are you free Tuesday night? Sorry, I just couldn’t wait to ask you

The message came through the second you stepped through the door to your dorm room. Natalie and Connor had woken up later than you and Shawn, so Shawn had offered to drive you home instead. You looked out your small window that happened to be facing the street and were met with his jeep still parked next to the curb. His eyes met yours causing the two of you to smile and you could practically hear his laugh from three floors up.

I’m free all night

Perfect, see you then I’ll pick you up x

Can’t wait x __________________________

The rest of the weekend seemed to drag on until your classes came again on Monday to distract your mind from the next day. It didn’t help that you and Shawn were texting almost every second of the day since you two had parted, only adding to your anticipation.

After seeming as though it would never arrive, Tuesday night came upon you, bringing you back to the same chair this all started with. Natalie was over the moon when you told her about your date, immediately wanting to know everything about it and what outfit you were planning on wearing. She had you propped up in what she called her “makeup chair” making sure your makeup and hair were the best they had ever looked. You had chosen a simple sweater and leggings, hoping that you looked nice enough while still managing to stay warm and comfortable. Shawn hadn’t told you where you were going yet, stating that it had to be kept a surprise, so you worked with what you had in order to have an appropriate outfit.

At six o’clock sharp Shawn was waiting outside, leaning against his jeep on his phone was a bouquet of flowers in one hand. His eyes flickered to the door anytime he heard a noise, but at the sight of you he stood up straight, hands pocketing his phone before he was headed straight towards you. “Hey, you look beautiful.”

“And you look as handsome as always.”

A blush formed on his cheeks at your words and he handed you the flowers bashfully, ducking his head down to avoid your gaze. “These are for you.”

“They’re gorgeous, thank you.” He sent you a bright smile as he took your hand to lead you around the car, opening the door for you to slide inside.

“Will you tell me where we’re going now?” you asked as soon as he slid into the driver's seat.

“Not yet, gotta keep the suspense up,” he teased, his hand coming up to lace his fingers with yours on the center console. “I hope you’re hungry though.”

“If we’re being honest I’m always hungry.”

“Then this is going to work out great.” The ride was short and before you knew it you were turning into a parking lot of a small old-fashioned diner a few minutes off of campus. Shawn parked the car, running around the jeep quickly to open the door for you. You smiled at his kind gesture and took his outstretched hand for you to walk inside together.

The two of you were sat inside of a booth across from each other as you scanned the menus. Shawn hardly looked at his before he was nodding his head and leaning back in his seat to look at you, “Got any idea of what you’re getting?”

“Um, not really. Have you been here before?”

“More times than I can remember. I usually go here after practice late at night because it’s open until like three in the morning.”

“Any suggestions?”

“Well I always get the cheeseburger with no tomato, a chocolate milkshake, and extra fries…”

“Extra fries? You eat that many fries?”

Shawn laughed, a wide smile forming on his face, “Most of the time yes, but if I don’t I just bring them back to the frat house. They’re always gone a couple seconds after I set them down.”

“Hmm, I can't decide if I want a chocolate shake like you or an oreo one. What do you think?”

“I think you should get an oreo one and then we can share them both.” You looked over your menu at him with a small smile, watching his eyes light up as he returned your expression.

“Then that’s what I’ll do.” The waitress came over and you ordered the same thing as Shawn, except with tomatoes, different shake, and of course, no extra fries. Once your milkshakes came out, he requested two extra straws, winking at you as he slid them in.

“So,” he began, sipping on his chocolate milkshake, “Do you think you’re going to come to more hockey games this season?”

“I’m not sure, I guess I’d need a good reason to go,” you smirked at him, taking a sip of yours as well.

“I’m pretty sure I could give you a good reason.” He looked around to make sure no one was looking, but fortunately you two were the only ones in there besides another couple on the other side. Shawn grabbed your hand and leaned forward, his nose brushing against yours. Your heart started beating faster until his lips were right against yours, but you faltered when he froze. The look in his eyes was pleading with you to let him continue so you took control instead, closing the small gap between the two of you. His free hand cradled your cheek as his lips moved with yours, keeping you close to him. It was short and innocent, but it was enough to leave your head spinning and heart pounding. Your lips chased his once he moved back, desperately wanting to feel the softness of them on yours once again, causing him to laugh with a smile before giving you a peck to satisfy you. “You have no idea how long I’ve wanted to do that.”

“I doubt it was that long,” you mumbled, eyes focusing on where his thumb was rubbing the top of your hand.

“What makes you say that?”

“No guy has ever really been into me before.”

“I think that’s a lie. Besides, I’ve wanted that since the moment I laid eyes on you.”

“Really?”

“Mhm.” He brought your hand to his lips to leave a lingering kiss on it, “You would’ve noticed if your head wasn’t stuck in a book.”

“Didn’t know it was bad to try to be at the top of my class.”

“It isn’t. I think it’s great that you’re at the top of the class list. Now you’re on the top of two lists.”

“Two lists?” you asked, watching as he smiled and leaned forward to try to steal another kiss.

“Yeah, the school’s and mine.”

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haileyyanneupton · 4 years

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❄ small - one chicago au ❄

Hailey Upton and Adam Ruzek have been friends for as long as they can remember. When Hailey leaves her prestigious private school to be with Adam in her junior year, she’s introduced to a new group of people who feel strangely like home.

pairings

jay halstead x hailey upton adam ruzek x kim burgess kevin atwater x vanessa rojas kelly severide x stella kidd

masterlist | series masterlist

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❄ one ❄

Hailey let out a loud huff as she hung upside down off of Adam’s bed one afternoon. She had been at her new school for two weeks and so far, she had spent one lunchtime locked inside a toilet cubicle, two in an empty classroom, three wandering the halls with a sandwich in hand and the rest in the janitors closet. She had attempted to talk to some people in her biology class but when they had ditched her in the hall, she had been too embarrassed to search for Adam and ask if she could sit with him. In the end he had managed to find out anyway — Hailey wasn’t very good at lying to Adam — leaving him to insist that she meet his friends.

“Are you sure they’re not going to mind, Adam?” Hailey asked nervously, her hair strewn across the ground of his bedroom floor. “They seem really tight knit and —“

“You need to stress less, man,” Adam chuckled, glancing down that the girl from the head. “You also should probably sit up before all the blood rushes to your head.”

“But hanging like a bat is fun.”

“So is being conscious.”

Hailey sighed loudly as she pushed her legs off of Adam’s bed and instead starfished out on the ground. She was nervous, but covered well — if she wanted to make Adam’s friends to like her, she was going to have to. Adam had always spoken highly of them, making Hailey worry that maybe they were too good for her. After all, she was just Hailey Upton. Plain old boring Hailey Upton. A knock sounded at Adam’s door as his mother pushed it open far enough for her to poke her head through, a warm smile on her face as she looked between Adam and Hailey.

“Are you two hungry?” Pamela asked gently, brushing a piece of hair behind her ear. “I can fix something for you both if you want a snack or something.”

Hailey looked to Adam who shrugged, his eyes tearing away from the textbook he had been pretending to read for the last hour. “I mean if you’re making something, I don’t think we’d be opposed.”

“Well what do you want?” Pamela had an amused smirk on her face as she tutted playfully at her son for a moment. “Hailey?”

“A hash brown.”

Pamela chuckled, nodding her head up and down. “Hash browns. I can do hash browns. What about dinner? What do you both want for dinner? I’m in a good mood today, so I may be inclined to make you whatever you want.”

“Actually — I can’t stay for dinner tonight, Pam,” Hailey interjected with yet another sigh. “I promised my mom I’d help her this apple pie that she’s found the recipe for. She’s really excited about it — it’s kind of adorable.”

Pamela smiled, though Hailey could see the fondness mixed in with worry in her eyes. They didn’t address it — they never addressed it — it was more of an unspoken fact at this point. In their neighbourhood, when things happened everybody locked their doors so that they could have plausible deniability — nobody wanted to get involved directly. Adam’s family had been the first ones to ever offer up a place of solace for Hailey, who was now the only child left at home after her brothers had left for college or to go and work — the first ones to ever actually acknowledge that something was going on. Hailey didn’t know if it was because Bob was a police officer or if it was because they were nice people breaking away from the sense of conformity that had been forced upon everybody on the street, but either way she didn’t mind. She liked it at Adam’s house. Hence why she spent most of her time there. Hell, she even had a key hanging off of her keychain for the Ruzek’s residence — she was family.

As Adam’s mother went off to put on some of the frozen hash browns she had in the oven, Hailey pushed herself back up and off of the floor and made her way back up onto Adam’s bed as she picked up her math textbook and stared down at the problems on her page. They were just that — problems — problems that Hailey wanted to set on fire so that she didn’t have to deal with them. Unfortunately for her however, she had been informed by her mother earlier that week that apparently that wasn’t how pre-calculus worked.

“Sometimes this stuff makes so much sense, and other times I feel like this sigma guy is going to try and eat me,” Hailey huffed angrily as she skimmed over the page and answered the very few problems she knew how to do. “Look! See? Doesn’t he look like he’s going to jump out of the page and try to swallow me whole?“

Adam chuckled at Hailey. “You’re doing better than me, at least. I’ve been staring at these chemical equations for days and if I don’t get them done tonight, Mr Ramirez is going to kick my ass. All I’m seeing is a bunch of letters — they mean nothin’ to me.”

“Let me see.” Hailey peered over at the boy’s book, using her finger to scan over the words. “Those are easy. Give ‘em here, I’ll do them.”

“You’re the best, Hailey.”

“Yeah, yeah,” Hailey grinned up at her friend. “I’m disappointed that it took you this long to work that out, doofus.” ❄❄❄❄❄❄❄❄❄❄❄❄❄❄❄❄❄❄❄❄❄❄❄❄❄❄❄❄❄❄❄❄❄❄❄❄

The next day back at school, Hailey waited anxiously out the front of her English classroom for Adam to come and find her and bring her to his friends. She drummed her fingers against her thigh as she looked around for the boy, about to chicken out and retreat to the janitor’s closet for yet another lunchtime when she saw the face of her best friend walking alongside a brunette girl. Hailey vaguely recognised her but couldn’t seem to put a name to the face, waving a hand politely in their direction as she pushed herself off of the wall. “Hailey, this is Kim. Kim, this is Hailey.”

Kim grinned widely, waving hello to the blonde. “Hi! Sorry it took us so long to get here — Adam got himself locked in the lab and I had to come and rescue the idiot.”

“Of course he did.” A small smile of amusement came onto Hailey’s lips as she rolled her eyes playfully. “Where — uhm — where are the others?”

“They’re waiting in the art room,” Adam answered, putting an arm around Hailey as they began to walk, the man squeezing her into him comfortingly. “Quit being so nervous.”

“Wow, Adam. I’m cured.” Hailey quipped back monotonously. “Thank you so much.”

Adam smiled back at Hailey with an over-enthusiastically proud smile as Kim snickered from the other side of the man.

“I like you already, Hailey.”

As the three of them walked into the art room, closing the door behind them, Hailey was faced with a group of people all staring over at her. She instinctively moved a little bit closer to Adam as her heart skipped a beat, the girl clutching her books to her chest as she forced a smile. They seemed nice — they seemed really nice — would that mean that they wouldn’t like her because she didn’t always come across the same way? They seemed really close too, which worried Hailey. She wasn’t the type to gossip and she for sure wasn’t ever going to be able to have people over at her house in the situation that they’d want to hang out there. What would she tell them if they asked to have a study date at her house? Would any of them—

“Hailey,” Adam hummed in the girl’s ear as she snapped out of her oncoming vortex of overthinking. “I promise they won’t bite.”

Adam gave the girl an encouraging smile as she stepped further into the room, following Kim who naturally fell into place between another boy and an empty spot that Adam soon filled.

“Guys, this is Hailey,” Adam introduced lightly as she found a spot on top of one of the tables, her books being placed down behind her as she smiled shyly. “She’s got this crazy idea that you guys aren’t going to want her around.”

Kim gasped dramatically. “What? No! The more the merrier, girl!”

Hailey’s smile remained but her gaze dropped to her hands which were sitting in her lap as she tried to make herself seem less rigid. It had been so long since she had really tried with anybody that she had forgotten how to, the prospect overwhelming her just a little bit. She was used to accepting that things usually didn’t work out — she really didn’t want to get her hopes up.

“This is Kevin,” Adam pointed to the boy beside him as he gave a friendly nod. “You know Kim. Then there’s Jay, Kelly, Vanessa and Stella.”

Hailey noticed that she was beside Vanessa who held a hand up for a high-five which she happily returned, her smile widening just a bit further. On her other side was a dark haired boy with green eyes that were impossible to miss, the colour of his shirt only bringing them out more — she was pretty sure she had caught his name as Jay.

“I gotta go wash my hands in the bathroom,” Stella announced suddenly, looking at Vanessa and Kim who immediately stood up. “You wanna come with us, Hailey?”

Hailey nodded gently, she too rising to her feet as she glanced back at the textbooks she had placed on the table. “Yeah, sure. Um — Adam, can you —“

“Don’t worry.” Jay placed a hand on the books, nodding once in the girl’s direction. “I’ll watch ‘em for you.”

Hailey smiled gratefully at the boy before following the other three girls out of the art room and down the hall to where the bathrooms were. To her surprise, they were relatively empty — that was almost unheard of — with just the few freshman walking out after touching up their lip gloss.

“Ugh,” Stella groaned as she turned the water on and ran her hands beneath it. “Man, I love Hot Cheetos but they stain my fingers so badly.”

Kim chuckled lightly at the girl as she made some witty remark that earned another groan out of Stella while Hailey and Vanessa leaned up against the wall. Hailey had a leg propped up as she pulled her phone from her pocket, searching for something to do so that she didn’t feel so — uneasy.

The feeling of someone kicking her foot lightly bought her attention back to the girl standing beside her. She had a warm smile on her face as she looked up at Hailey with a knowing look, her arms folded loosely together.

“I get it, you know,” Vanessa started, causing Hailey’s eyebrows to knit together curiously. “I’ve been the new kid before. Twenty four times to be exact.”

Hailey’s eyes widened in shock. “Twenty four times?”

“Yeah,” Vanessa nodded with a light chuckle — it was obvious to Hailey that she had expected that reaction. “I’m a foster kid. Been in so many different homes at this point that I’ve lost count.”

“That’s rough,” Hailey’s voice was light and sympathetic. “I’m sorry.”

“Nah, don’t be. It’s alright. I just mean — you don’t have to be so nervous with us.”

Hailey shot the girl a smile as she settled slightly, feeling better about the whole situation now that she had connected with Vanessa. By the time they had gotten back to the art room, the boys were throwing skittles across the room and trying to catch them in their mouths like idiots.

Hailey resumed her position beside Jay once again, snorting lightly to herself as Adam nearly ran into a table after tripping over his own feet. When a skittle was thrown in Jay’s direction, he missed catching it in his mouth but instead managed to catch it against his chest with his hand, grinning as he turned it over.

“Green,” Hailey observed, her lips curled upwards. “My favourite.”

A certain sparkle could be seen in Jay’s eye as he held the skittle up by Hailey’s mouth, chuckling as the burst of flavour bought a beam to the girl’s features. As the rest of their lunch break came and went, Hailey felt much more at ease. For the first time in years, she finally had someone else she would be able to smile at in the halls — someone to say hello to in class. Even though she had only known them for an hour, she could tell she wanted to stick around. Besides — she could see how happy Adam was having all of his friends in one place.

Maybe it was about time things started getting better for Hailey after all.

tag list: @ruzek-halstead @lissethsrojas @sammywiths @butterflies44 @upsteadheart @shawnscheeks @puckluck28 @karihighman @thetwit @azu1ang3188 @juu-series @justanotheronechicagofan @stinaax @stayupton @fullwattpadmusictree

#one chicago #chicago pd #chicago fire #jay halstead #hailey upton #adam ruzek #stella kidd #kelly severide #vanessa rojas #kevin atwater #rowater #upstead #burzek #stellaride #cpd #au

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xmoonlitxdreamx · 3 years

Note

please share your akane characterization im curious

I have no specifics that's the problem JSBHDNSNDB hang on lemme think for a sec.... i was being dramatic in my last post when i said my characterization "makes no sense" when i rly meant idrk how to think abt her;; I'm just not super consistent and do whatever i feel like at a particular moment LMAO;;

Anyway here's my characterization (?) (This'll be abt post-game vlr, like leading up to the 2nd nonary game. Also i haven't played ZE in a while so idr everything) :

I usually draw her silly and sarcastic around sigma & the two of them playfully bicker with each other a lot? I think she also plays into a kind of airheadedness that isn't really genuine but she wishes it was, maybe as a kind of way to distract her from her obligations to saving the world/making sure the games go as planned/distract her from stuff she's seen in previous timelines/etc (?).

Thing im mainly inconsistent about is her relationship w sigma ig, can't rly decide how much she actually cares abt him. I do kinda think any affection she shows for him is almost entirely for the sake of making the game/timeline go as planned, but i also don't think she's trying to be like... manipulative or intentionally cruel, idk. Ig that's how i think abt her in general.... like I still feel like she's being genuine even tho she's only being affectionate for the sake of her own goals?? Idk.

like it's not that she's pretending to be kinda goofy and airheaded and affectionate while being cruel and manipulative underneath, she genuinely is a kinda goofy and nice person.... like she's not acting or faking being a certain way for the sake of her goals... But she also knows how to use her personality to make ends meet and is also not remorseful about putting people in horrible situations when she needs to (like junpei and sigma ig). And like in terms of sigma it's not like she doesn't like him but also she's very adamant that their relationship begins and ends with sigma being necessary for the nonary game stuff and the moment he becomes unnecessary she would have no qualms with cutting ties with him. And she's also not oblivious to the fact that this is a kind of cruel stance to have, but she's just kinda resigned to the fact that it's necessary to be this way bc of all the past timelines she's lived or wtv. (??)

Anyway idk what im getting at jsbchdndb idk what everyone else thinks of her bc im not too active in the fandom, but yeah.

#replies #i havent played in so long so these impressions are totally from memory #sorry this is also mostly abt sigma too rgbgehefj #im sigma simp so i usually think abt things fron his pov #akane kurashiki #?? guess ill tag

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sparkadreama · 4 years

Text

List of all my current threads and their status. This is not meant to rush replies but merely serve for organization (in other words my own sanity) and as a reminder of sorts as well! If you know we have a thread and it is not listed here then let me know as I may have forgotten it! Also let me know if anything has been mislabeled (like something marked as waiting on has already been replied to) or if you’d like to drop any of the threads here! No reason needed! If you’re not feeling it anymore LET. ME. KNOW! I want to make sure everything is accurate so please please take the time to give this a look over and let me know the status of things when you get the chance.

DUE TO LACK OF MOTIVATION ANY THREADS NOT LISTED HERE HAVE BEEN DROPPED...not that that seems to have done much in terms of my count but uh...yeah...or I may have generally forgotten them. In short if they were here last time but aren’t now then they be dropped but if they weren’t there last time and still not here then that means I forgot.

Total: 116 Questioning: 0 Dropping: 0 My Turn/Continue Pending/Starter Pending: 25 Waiting On: 91 On Hold: 0

***A bold x has a link to latest reply.

@13mirrxrshxrds

What’s a genie? [x] - Veillios & Whisp (waiting on)

The Lantern in the Tower [x] - Zel & Whisp (waiting on)

Ghost in the Library [x] - Nageki & Whisp (waiting on)

@1stclasszackfair

Lost Devil [x] - Lucifer & Zack (waiting on)

Injured [x] - Adam & Zack (waiting on)

Soulmate AU [x] - Adam & Zack (waiting on)

Pain part 2 [x] - Adam & Zack (my turn - in drafts)

Remember Me [x] - Adam & Zack (waiting on)

Wing Care [x] - Adam & Zack (my turn - in drafts)

Break Time [x] - Cissnei & Zack (my turn - in drafts)

Escape [x] - Adam & Zack (my turn - in drafts)

@amorevoices

Visiting [x] - Lucifer & Charlie (waiting on)

Mother to Son [x] - Zel & Arianna (waiting on)

Warrior Lady Friend [x] - Appa & Suki (waiting on)

Catching up with a Friend [x] - Veillios & Tiana (starter posted - waiting on)

@asmcdeus

Taken in for now [x] - Sisora & Asmo (waiting on)

@aspiringparasyte

Magic Lesson [x] - Merlin & Sora (my turn - in drafts)

@atonings

Do you deserve Mercy? [x] - Mercy & Lohgain (waiting on)

@betterdcyz

Dragons, Princes, and Demons [x] - Zel & Samuel (waiting on)

Causing a Scene [x] - Adam & Baelsor (waiting on)

Supply Run [x] - Sophie & Hawke (my turn - in drafts)

@collidingmoral

Not from Around Here [x] - Adam & x3n0 (my turn - in drafts)

@crossedsky

Trapped [x] - Fluttershy & Kiba (waiting on)

@dawnsblazing

Taking a Break [x] - Dodger & Varian (waiting on)

Secret [x] - Izayah & Holly (waiting on)

Moonstone’s Power [x] - Zel & Zhan Tiri (waiting on)

Hideaway [x] - Dodger & Varian (waiting on)

@dreamxalittlexharder

Take Two [x] - Damon & Leo (my turn - in drafts)

What is it You Want? [x] - Dodger & Remus (waiting on)

Unknown Even to the Shadows [x] - Eliza & Veillios (waiting on)

A Little Awkward… [x] - Sisora & Bea (waiting on)

Dark & Light [x] - Adam & Maverick (waiting on)

Music Time [x] - Avery & Felix (waiting on)

Comfort [x] - Jasmine & Ja’far (waiting on)

Sweet Rabbit [x] - Chesh & White Rabbit (waiting on)

Into the Spirit World [x] - Iroh & Azula (waiting on)

@fclsusrex

Meeting the Forest Guardian [x] - Moro & Yozora (my turn - in drafts)

Guarding A Human [x] - Dante & Yozora (my turn - in drafts)

Demon’s Forest [x] - Veillios & Yozora (my turn - in drafts)

@fleurdesxleil

Paint Fight [x] - Zel & Rapunzel (waiting on)

Queen for A Day [x] - Zel & Rapunzel (waiting on)

Trouble in Corona [x] - Chesh & Rapunzel (waiting on)

@ghaisgeach

Meeting on the Road [x] - Sango & Geralt (waiting on)

A New Challenger? [x] - Mirra & Elesa (waiting on)

@goofymuses

A Dark Meeting [x] - Malleus & Maleficent (waiting on)

@hcwlingwind

Archery Practice [x] - Khojin & Shan Yu (waiting on)

@imbicilite

What are you doing here? [x] - Harley & Lefou (my turn - in drafts)

@irnmaidn

Stranger in Wonderland [x] - Chesh & Cassandra (my turn - in drafts)

Another Trip to the Isle [x] - Snow White & Cassandra (waiting on)

Cassandra’s Revenge [x] - Zel & Cassandra (my turn - in drafts)

Pouty Face [x] - Luci & Cassandra (my turn - in drafts)

A Thief Caught [x] - Jack & Cassandra (waiting on)

Not a Murderer [x] - Zel & Cassandra (waiting on)

@kindcstguardian

Stranger in the Tower [x] - Zel & Ayden (waiting on)

Speaking Thoughts Aloud [x] - Monika & Hana (waiting on)

@lifespentinadream

The Dragon Catches the Princess [x] - Izayah & Briar (waiting on)

Lost Item Found, the Reward? A Kiss From a Dragon [x] - Izayah & Briar (waiting on)

Hair Care [x] - Veillios & Briar (waiting on)

Girl in a bush [x] - Gwyneth & Briar (waiting on)

Taking a Nap Underwater [x] - Chesh & Briar (waiting on)

Off on an Adventure [x] - Harely & Briar (waiting on)

Within the Catacombs [x] - Zerel & Briar (waiting on)

Ditching the Party [x] - Kiran & Briar (waiting on)

@madgirltm

TBA [x] - ??? & Alice (my turn - in drafts)

@merveiilles

Another Human(?) in Ponyville [x] - Diamond & Hagrid (waiting on)

Demons By A Half [x] - Veillios & Raven (waiting on)

@myfatherthetraitor

What? How? [x] - Diamond & Ebony (my turn - in drafts)

Hunting Trip Gone Wrong [x] - Khojin & Ebony (my turn - in drafts)

@offtoseaoncemore

Merfolk & Pirates [x] - Wakasa & Jewels (waiting on)

@queensconquest

A God at the Carnival [x] - Jack & Fenrir (waiting on)

An…Invitation? [x] - Malleus & Vil (waiting on)

Photobomb [x] - Chesh & Vil (waiting on)

Second Opinion [x] - Gwyneth & Barbatos (my turn - in drafts)

A Helping Fin Hand [x] - Ilias & Merrick (my turn - in drafts)

@shxrikenjxtsu

Creepy picture [x] - Avery & Mai (my turn - in drafts)

@snxckersnxckisms

Wrong Turn Down the Rabbit Hole [x] - Nizsm & Mal (waiting on)

On The Run [x] - Veillios & Mal (waiting on)

A Living Jabberwocky [x] - Liliana & Mal (waiting on)

A Night In Gotham [x] - Harley & Matt [Mal] (my turn - in drafts)

@starryburglar

Fire Throwing Friend [x] - Appa & Zuko (waiting on)

Visit [x] - Iroh & Zuko (waiting on)

Green Hair [x] - Tatiana & Gumi (waiting on)

@sterrenlied

Sweets [x] - Veillios & Sigma (waiting on)

@strcngered

A Change Of Perspective [x] - Lucifer & Carrie (waiting on)

Place To Rest [x] - Entei & Mewtwo (waiting on)

Trying to Understand [x] - Death & Hector (waiting on)

They Always Return [x] - Death & Hector (waiting on)

Playing in the Snow [x] - Tatiana & Hector (waiting on)

@vengefulqueen

Definitely Not Envy [x] - Malleus & Chrysalis (waiting on)

TBD [x] - Malleus & Chrysalis (waiting on)

@we-thefairfolk

The Flame Burns Again [x] - Firebird & Nokk (waiting on)

Comfort from a Friend [x] - Jasmine & Rajah (waiting on)

Never had a friend [x] - Dinah & Sal (waiting on)

Not for Playing With [x] - Jack & Zizgaz (starter posted - waiting on)

Guarding a Myth [x] - Wakasa & Shang (waiting on)

@withinyourimagination

Offer Of A Date [x] - Jack & Prompto (waiting on)

Soulmate AU [x] - Jack & Prompto (waiting on)

Get Some Rest [x] - Veillios & Riku (waiting on)

Dark Forest Battle [x] - Veillios & Terra (waiting on)

Tour around the city? [x] - Dodger & Lycus (waiting on)

Busted [x] - Wakasa & Sylvain (waiting on)

Only Half Right [x] - Malleus & Chat Noir [Adrian] (waiting on)

Don’t Trust a Thing [x] - Izayah & Roxas (waiting on)

A Possible Safe Place? [x] - Sisora & Lycus (waiting on)

Explaining the Situation [x] - Dodger & Lycus (waiting on)

Confrontation [x] - Veillios & Riku (waiting on)

Another Task [x] - Bartimaeus & Sora (waiting on)

A Little Bit of Chaos [x] - Chesh & Ashe (waiting on)

Mardi Gras Masquerade [x] - Veillios & Riku (waiting on)

Undertaker and the Demon’s Contractor [x] - Riddle & Lycus (waiting on)

Time Off [x] - Dante & Hiren (waiting on)

Difficult Spirit [x] - Dante & Hiren (my turn - in drafts)

A Deal’s A Deal [x] - Chesh & Claude (my turn - in drafts)

Fluffy [x] - Gwyneth & Lycus (starter posted - waiting on)

What the Wind Blew In [x] - Nageki & Jack (my turn - in drafts)

Meeting on the Shore [x] - Ilias & Claude (starter posted - waiting on)

#thread tracker tag tba

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staytheb · 5 years

Text

Tell Me

Pairing: TBZ’s Kevin x OC [Yeon] || SKZ’s Minho x OC [Seul] Genre: college!au, slice of life, slight fluff Word Count: 6,060 Summary: Yeon and Seul are helping out their sorority with their fundraiser, but the two aren’t part of any of the booths, yet they somehow get involved by another party.

Warning: curse words... and... I think that’s all.

okay! the first time i put Stray Boyz together in a story! although not really interacting, but it is implied. lol Sigma Tau Beta is (stay the b, which is stray kids and the boyz’s fandom names while Beta Delta Nu is based upon their debut songs (boy by tbz and district 9 by skz) other than that that’s about it and i had fun writing this. happy reading and kthxbai, Admin Lia~

Yeon and Seul were in charged of making sure that their sorority sisters had everything they needed to run their booths proficiently for their Beta Delta Nu fundraiser for The House of Sharing. It was one of their annual events they did and wanted to make sure to raise more money than they did last year like every year. Anyways, the sisters were currently making deliveries of drinks, snacks, and materials to the six booths they were running on the school's campus. Yeon was in charge of the Dunk Tank, Karaoke Time, and the Art Gallery where as Seul managed the Intimacy Booth, Picture Time, and Snack Bar.

"Alright, here's you guys' stuff." Yeon informed her fellow members as she dropped off a large bag of items for the three girls to use who were currently running the Dunk Tank before the next set of girls took over. "Anything else?"

"Yeah." Jiyoon responded as she was free compare to the other two.

"Hmm?"

Jiyoon glanced at her mischievously before facing the line that was waiting their turn to throw the ball.

"Who ever dunks Goeun first will win a date with our very own, Lee Yeon!" Jiyoon announced happily as Yeon smacked her.

"What? That's not how it works." Yeon muttered at her harshly, but Jiyoon shrugged her shoulders with an aloof smile.

"Oh, well, it's another way we can raise money for the charity. Besides, you even offered yourself as a prize when we were discussing about it at the meeting."

"When?"

"Yesterday."

"I was joking."

"Well, it's not a joke now."

Jiyoon nudged Yeon as Yeon nudged her back out of annoyance.

"It was a sarcastic joke. I wasn't being literal."

"I know."

"Jerk."

Jiyoon laughed as Yeon nudged her once more in annoyance.

"C'mon people! Pay Minjoo to get three tries and if you get it on the first try and dunk me, you get to go on a date with Lee Yeon after this whole thing is over! Plus you'll be helping a great cause!" Goeun cheered happily as Yeon glared at her before speaking. "I'ma dunk you myself, Goeun."

Goeun stuck her tongue out at her before she suddenly felt herself descend into the water a second later.

"And it looks like we have our winner that has won a date with Yeonnie!" Minjoo announced happily while making jazz hands at the male. "Tadah!"

Yeon let out a low groan while making a face upon seeing one of the campus' heartthrobs, Kevin Moon, who was also a member of the popular fraternity, Sigma Tau Beta, standing there with a wide smile in her direction.

"Oh, would you look at that. It seems that I won on the first try." Kevin stated in a nonchalant manner with a smile.

"That's not fair! He totally front cut all of us when we were waiting longer just now!" A male shouted from the back, but Minjoo dismissed his remark.

"Kevin paid and donated a higher number than originally and was allowed V.I.P status."

Minjoo continued on with the dunking as Goeun climbed back onto the bench while Jiyoon called over Kevin. By the time he walked on over though Yeon had already disappeared.

"Um, where did she go?" Kevin asked as he and Jiyoon looked around them, but Yeon was no where in sight.

"Hmm, she probably went to finish the rest of her errands, but don't worry. You're totally guaranteed that date, Kevin." Jiyoon confirmed with a playful smile. "She may be heading over to the Art Gallery next. You'll probably catch her there."

"Alright, thanks, Jiyoon." Kevin said with a smile before waving her off and heading towards the said booth.

"Oh, yes, Seul! You're a life savior!" Ayeon stated in a relieved tone. "We just ran out of hand sanitizers and wipes."

Ayeon took the bags from Seul and sift through it to find the two items she was looking for as Seul laughed.

"That must mean it's going quite well, yeah?"

"You have no idea. Hyorin's been kissing left to right while Yewon has been hugging and kissing left to right."

"And you?"

"All the above."

Ayeon made a face while smearing on a bit of hand sanitizer as Seul laughed again.

"Well, that's good. Also, I got you guys the dragon fruit drinks y'all wanted and each of you a double fudge cookie, too. Let the other two, know, too, Ayeon."

"Got it."

"Okay, I'm gonna get going to the Picture Time since a few of the participants ran off with a few of the props. Well, from what Jimin has told me."

"Alright, thanks again, Seul."

"You're welcome."

Just as Seul was about to leave she suddenly heard her name being called by Hyorin.

"What up, Hyorin?"

"He says he wants a kiss from you." Hyorin said with a smile as she pointed at the male who Seul recognized as one of Sigma Tau Beta's popular member and a very charming one at that, Lee Minho.

"Did you tell him that I wasn't part of this booth?" Seul asked as Hyorin nodded while answering. "Yeah, but he offered this."

Hyorin held up a bank note that was clearly two times more than the asking price they had set up originally. Because of this it had halted the other participants to receive their own perks from the other two girls. Seul walked over to Hyorin, plucked the money from her hand, set it down on the table, and slid it over to Minho.

"Hi there. I'm sorry, but I'm not part of this booth and so won't be giving out any of the perks." Seul said with a feign smile. "If you would kindly leave we need to get back to our activities, please.Thank you and have a good evening."

Minho just smirked as he placed another bank note on top of the one she had pushed back at him and slid it back towards her.

"This is a fundraiser, right, Seul? You do wanna help the charity that you're trying to raise funds, right?" He asked in condescending-like tone that was more musing than patronizing.

"Yes it is and yes I wanna help out the charity that Beta Delta Nu is doing a fundraiser for."

"Then it's all for a good cause."

"Yeah, Seul. It's all for a good cause. It's really not that bad." Yewon assured her friend as Seul side glanced her before glancing back at Minho.

"You can ask the three who are helping running the Intimacy Booth as it's just the same thing."

"But don't you want my money?"

Minho picked up the two bills and slightly waved them in front of Seul in a taunting manner. Seul rolled her eyes, but kept calm.

"I, personally, don't want your money, but yes I would love your money to help out those at The House of Sharing."

"What's going on?! Can we get the line moving!" A male shouted from the back of the line which caused the quartet to glance at one another.

Ayeon came up from behind Seul and whispered in her ear. "It's just a kiss, Seul, but then again, you can if you want. You don't have to do it."

"Clearly, but he's adamant about wanting one and isn't leaving." Seul whispered back.

The other two joined in on the private conversation.

"So what do you want to do, Seul?" Hyorin asked. "I mean, I can offer the kiss or Yewon can."

"That or we both can." Yewon suggested. "We were the ones to sign up for this and the others who'll take over the next shift, but not you."

"It's whatever. How long is the kiss for?"

"Just a few seconds." The trio replied.

"How long is a few seconds?"

"Five seconds tops." Hyorin answered.

"Okay. A kiss is a kiss and if it helps our sorority and the charity, then it's a win-win." Seul gave in not wanting to drag this any long and wanting to get this done and over with.

"Just a kiss, right?" Seul asked directing the question as Minho.

He nodded.

"And then you'll leave and go on your merry way so that the others can enjoy themselves?"

Minho nodded again with a smirk.

"Fine, throw in another bill and I'll give you a kiss."

Seul said with a smirk as Minho's face turned to one of surprised before recovering with another charming smile.

"Sure."

Minho brought out a third bill and held it with the others in one hand while Seul leaned forward and grabbed his shirt to pull him towards her which caught Minho off guard by her sudden action. Seul's smirked grew wider before placing her lips against his. To the on-lookers, it seemed like forever, but to Seul she counted the seconds down before breaking the kiss and letting go of Minho's shirt. She plucked the money from out of his hand with a satisfied smile.

"Thank you for your contribution, Lee Minho! The ladies of The House of Sharing appreciate your kindness and generosity." Seul said in a customer service like voice before turning around and handing the money to Ayeon and bidding her fellow sisters a goodbye and wave.

Seul didn't bother to glance at Minho to see his reaction as she had other things to take care of.

"Hello, ladies." Yeon greeted two of the girls running the singing booth.

"Yeon! Yes! Gimme, gimmie, gimmie." Jieun chanted as she took one of the bags from Yeon and went through it to find her snacks.

"Is she okay?" Yeon whispered to the other girl, Yaxin.

"She's been picked as the sing-a-long partner since we started and she's running low on energy." Yaxin explained with a chuckle.

"Then why not take her spot for some of them?"

"She won't let me."

As if on cue, Jieun, was chosen as a sing-a-long partner and she dashed off to join the female participant without hesitation.

"See what I mean?" Yaxin said with a shrug.

"Ah, yeah, but you could have stopped her."

"I could, but I won't."

"Then why join Karaoke Time when you're not in the mood?"

"It's easier than the others and I don't really have to do anything."

"True."

"Anyways, a last minute date with the Kevin Moon, eh?" Yaxin mused while shooting Yeon a suggestive expression.

"Psh, it's not even like that and how did you even know?"

Yaxin held up her phone.

"Jiyoon put it in the group chat."

"Of course she would. I'ma dunk her in the water once this is over."

"What's wrong with the date though? Kevin's a nice guy."

"And so?"

"I thought you wanted to date? You did offered yourself as that prize for this."

"It was just a joke. A joke." Yeon huffed with a roll of her eyes. "Don't y'all get my sarcasm by now?"

"We do, but we take it seriously just to mess with ya."

"Hah, funny. Not. Anyways, I wanted to go with the flow and if it happens, it happens. Besides, Sigma Tau Beta guys are too full of themselves."

"He's actually a sweetheart and a total dork. Kinda your type."

"I don't have a type."

"Yeah, you do."

"And what's that, Yaxin?"

"A guy who's smile reaches his eyes."

"Shut up. He doesn't have nice eyes or a smile."

"It's because you don't see him like that, that's why. Also, you have him in like a few of your classes. How could you not have noticed those gorgeous smiles and eyes, hmm?"

"Because I just do my work and pay attention in class, duh."

"Girl. Sigma Tau Beta and Beta Delta Nu are associated with one another. We have a lot of social gatherings and events with one another this past year. You must be hella blind or something."

"Whatever, Yaxin. Don't care. Let's not talk about him. Do you guys need anything else?"

"Yeah, I want you and your little date-in-waiting to sing a duet."

Yaxin pointed behind her with a playful smile and Yeon turned her head to see that Kevin was in the crowd enjoying the performance of Jeonghee and the female participant. Yeon whipped her head to glare at Yaxin while backhanding Yaxin's arm.

"Hell no. I can't sing."

"He can though and he even plays the piano and guitar. Ohh, he used to play the saxophone, too."

"Not the point, Yaxin."

Just then Yeon felt her phone vibrate and went to check it before putting it away.

"Anyways, I gotta get going. Seohee, Sally and Christina need more paper and color ink. Later."

Yaxin grabbed a hold of Yeon's arm.

"Aww, but you two would be so cute singing together."

"Then you can sing with Kevin, Yaxin. Because you can definitely sing and I can't, so y'all would look cuter."

"You do know that he likes you, right?"

Yaxin finally admitted as Yeon looked at her weirdly.

"You're kidding, right? This isn't some weird attempt for your own amusing, yeah?"

"No, no. The girls and I might have well tried getting the two of you together for the past year."

"Yaxin, seriously?"

"I'm sorry, Yeon, but it's so painful to watch Kevin try to muster up the courage to ask you out, but he bails at the last second and makes a fool of himself."

"This is college, not high school, Yaxin."

"Ugh, whatever, Yeon, but I'm telling you the truth. Kevin likes you. Also, Seul mentioned that you thought Kevin was pretty cute, too, and it made it easier."

"Yeah, he's cute, but that doesn't really anything."

"Seul says that when you think someone's cute it means that you start developing a crush on them later on."

"I'ma dunk Seul in a tank of water, too."

"So you're not denying it? That's a good thing."

"No comment, but later. Need to get to the Art Gallery."

Yeon tugged her arm from Yaxin's grip and waved her off before dashing away.

Seul arrived at the photo booth and set down the bags before rummaging through them to find the props needed. After finding them she looked up to hand the items to Jimin, Yerin, or Sori, but they were preoccupy by the many people wanting to take photos.

"Hmm, this one should definitely bring in the money, but I feel bad for whoever has to upload the images and set it all up though. Oh well, it ain't me though."

Seul laughed at what she said while wondering if she should ask Sori to teach her how to actually operate a DSLR camera. It seemed fun and she wanted to at least try it once. Seul also thought that the people may have wanted an actual machine picture booth, but noticed that they were enjoying themselves with their pictures being taken by Sori. She knew Sori would capture the moments amazingly.

"Ohh, Seul! You're here." Jimin finally noticed her fellow member as she took a moment to step away from the activity going on and hugged Seul. "Please switch with me. This is so much more work than I thought."

"Uh, no."

"Oh, well. At least I tried."

Jimin removed her arms from Seul and looked over at their friends.

"Yerin is a pro, bro. She's been smiling non-stop and I thought her face might stay like that."

Seul laughed with a nod.

"Yeah, I wouldn't doubt it. She does have a sweet face."

"Are you saying I don't have a sweet face?"

"You do, but you also have a mouth on you."

"True."

Yerin then popped her head around to find Jimin.

"Jimin, get over here. Hi, Seul!"

"Hey, Yerin! I brought you your curry chicken."

"Thanks! I'll eat it later."

Jimin nudged Seul.

"What about me?"

Seul rolled her eyes with a smile.

"Don't worry. I got your banana milk and cheesecake, too."

"Aww thanks. I knew I could count on you."

"Mmhmm. Also, let Sori know I got her, her favorite snacks."

"The pudding packets?"

"Mmhmm."

"JIMIN!" Both Sori and Yerin called for the girl and Jimin finally returned to her duties.

Seul laughed at her friend while waving at Sori before feeling another presence stand beside her. She took a step to her left while casting the person a look.

"So what are you doing here?" She asked Minho.

Minho shot her a smile before looking at the people taking photos.

"I came to take a picture, of course."

"Oh, cool. Your generosity is so much appreciated."

"Is that sarcasm?"

"Nope. I'm just saying. Anyways, have fun. Sori takes amazing pictures."

Seul cast him a smile as Minho frowned at her.

"Where are you going?"

"The Snack Bar. Bye."

Just as Seul had turned away Minho reached out a hand to stop her. Seul turned her head to look at where his hand was on her upper arm before looking at him with a questioningly look.

"Won't you join me?" He asked while motioning his head towards the picture booth.

"I'm not a part of Picture Time." She clarified before giving him a suspicious look. "Just like I wasn't a part of the Intimacy Booth."

"If I pay double, then would you do it?"

"Triple it and I would."

"Are you sure you don't want my money?"

Seul ignored his question and answered with a question of her own instead.

"Do you like me or something like that?"

"What makes you say that?"

"Because you're paying an awful lot to do something with someone when they're not running that particular booth. That's why."

Before Minho could reply, the duo suddenly heard squeals from girls in another sorority gush about seeing Minho here upon arriving at the photo booth. Minho let go of Seul to greet the group of girls as they surrounded him causing Seul to be pushed away. She shook her head at the scene and left for the Snack Bar even though she caught Minho's gaze, but she wasn't gonna wait for an answer when she had better things to do.

"Yeon, can I draw on your face?" Sally asked Yeon upon seeing her bring them their supplies.

"No." Yeon deadpanned with a shake of her head.

"Please? I'm open and the other two are occupy."

"Please, Yeon. Enlighten Sally." Seohee pleaded as she was drawing a face mask on the girl opposite her.

"Yes, Yeon. Please." Christina added with a begging look "Or she'll mope about drawing on herself if there's not a customer waiting in line."

Yeon made a face as Sally shot her a puppy-eyed look.

"Please? Plus, I have no more space to draw on myself."

Yeon glanced at her friend's body to see that she was covered in colorful designs.

"So this booth isn't that busy then?"

"Oh, it's busy." Sally explained. "Just like what Christina said I draw on myself in-between the participants."

"Fine. I have nothing else to do. How much is it again?"

"Free of charge since you're a Sigma Delta Nu member. How did you forget?"

"Dunno, but okay."

Yeon sat down on the plastic chair opposite Sally and let Sally draw on her face.

"What do you want?" Sally asked as Yeon shrugged before answering. "Surprise me."

Sally smiled as she dipped her utensil in the palette with one hand before taking Yeon's chin in the other hand and having Yeon's right cheek as the canvas. After a few minutes Sally held up a handheld mirror for Yeon to see what she had drawn. Yeon cast her an annoyed look.

"Hey, you said to surprise you." Sally stated with a laugh. "And so there you go."

"Yeah, but I meant like a cat or flower, Sally. Not a crescent moon with the Sigma Tau Beta logo surrounded by three mini hearts."

"Oh c'mon. It's kinda cute. Plus I read about the whole Kevin date thing and so that's where I got inspired by the hearts and the idea of the moon was because of his last name."

"Och. You guys are so annoying. I swear."

"Anyways, Yeon. How about a waterproof airbrush tattoo?"

"A what?"

"It's a fake tattoo using the airbrush tool like they use for shirts and stuff. This one is safe to use on the skin. Look."

Sally moved her leg so that Yeon could see where she was pointing to on her lower calf of a heart design with a rose in the colors of white and blue.

"That's cute." Yeon commented.

"So do you want one?" Sally asked after returning back to position.

"Sure. Make it like yours, but I want black for the heart and gold for the rose."

Yeon held out her left arm with the palm facing up.

"I want it just above my wrist, Sally." Yeon said while indicating the spot.

"Sure thing, Yeon."

Sally grab an airbrush in one hand and the stencil in the other as she brushed on the design for Yeon. Less than a minute later it was all done.

"That looks pretty cool, but did you really have to add in his initials?" Yeon asked with a roll of her eyes. "I knew I had a feeling that something was wrong when you were using a pen to add something else."

"Of course!"

"Are we back in grade school?"

"No, but it's all for fun, Yeon."

"Oh yeah, of course, Sally. Anyways, how long does it last?"

"About two weeks, but less if you shower and scrub at it."

"Okay, I'll make sure to scrub super hard later tonight."

"Don't be mean. I work really hard."

"I know, but thanks."

Yeon thanked her while standing up.

"Thanks for being a very patient and cooperative customer." Sally thanked her with a smile as Yeon made a face.

"You're so funny, Sally, but you're welcome. Anyways, I'm going back to the house."

"Oh, you're not staying?"

"Yup. I was only in charge of delivering supplies and food when you guys need it. So, I'm going back and only come back out if ya need more stuff."

"Wow. Great support."

"Mmhmm. Just call or text me if you run out of things."

"Will do. Thanks again, Yeon."

"Yup. Bye ladies."

"Bye, Yeon!" The other two bid her goodbye as Yeon left the Art Gallery.

"There ya go, Janet. The cooler is stocked with more drinks and the containers with more hot and ready to serve food is in those containers over there." Seul said as she pointed to the section next to the cooler. "Also, Shasha and Lixin should be bringing more baked goods in a few minutes."

"Awesome. Thanks, Seul." Janet said as she handed her a guava can that Seul took.

"No problem. Oh and I exchanged your bigger bills for smaller bills and placed them in here. Just let the other girls know so that they don't lose it or try to use it."

"Got it and thanks again, Seul. Did you want anything else?"

"Ah yes. Thank you and you're welcome." Seul said as she took the offered item. "Do you still have the ube truffles and the thai tea brownies?"

"Definitely. Hold on. I'll get you both."

Janet went to collect the said items for Seul as Seul waited. After a few minutes it wasn't Janet that came back with Seul's snacks, but another B-D-N member.

"Oh, hey, Yein." Seul greeted with a smile as she took the snacks from Yein.

"Hey yourself." Yein said with a smile while showing a bubble tea drink in her other hand that she had hidden. "I also made you a pistachio boba."

"Ohh, nice. Thank you!"

Seul took a sip of the drink and relished in the taste.

"Wow. So delicious. Definitely extra yummy thanks to you."

"Of course. I always make them with extra hate."

Yein smirked as Seul smiled and took another sip.

"The best. Thanks, Yein. Anyways, I'll see you guys later. I'ma explore the rest of the booths."

"Alright and have fun, especially with kissing boys for extra the price."

"How did you find out about that?"

"Hyorin put it in the group chat since Jiyoon mentioned something about Yeon having a date with Kevin from Sigma Tau Beta."

"I haven't checked my phone, but Kevin is cute and pretty cool guy. Hopefully she won't bail on the date. As for the kissing one, it was for The House of Sharing, duh."

Yein nodded while dismissing her friend's words.

"Sure it was, Seul. Sure."

Yein cast Seul a pointed look.

"Last I remember, you wouldn't even kiss Mark from Gamma Omega Tau or Brian from Delta Alpha Upsilon. And they're just as popular as Minho of Sigma Tau Beta."

Seul shrugged in an aloof manner as Yein continued to speak.

"Oh, c'mon. You wouldn't even go on that double date with me."

"Because the guy you were trying to have me date is a total douche and such a pig."

"Okay, true once I realized he was like that since the guy I was dating at the time put in such a good word for him."

"Mmhmm."

"Alright, Seul, but you do have to admit that it was kind of bold of you to kiss Minho like that. Even if it was for a good cause."

"You can think and say whatever you want, Yein. I'm not gonna confirm anything for y'all." Seul said with a wave of her hand. "So yeah, anyways, call or text me for more supplies. I'm gonna get me an airbrush tat. Bye."

"Alright, will do. Bye."

When Yeon arrived at her sorority house she came upon Kevin who was already waiting and sitting on the front steps.

"Uh, hi." Yeon greeted him with an amused smile. "Did you run all the way here when one of them told you I would be coming back here?"

"What? No. No." Kevin answered sheepishly despite clearly trying to catch his breath and hiding the fact he did just that.

"Mmhmm." She hummed as she walked up the steps.

Yeon debated if she just wanted to ignore him and enter inside like nothing had been going on all evening, but she didn't want to seem like a total jerk for doing so. She decided to see where it would go and took a seat on the top step, but kept a good amount of space between them. Yeon glanced at Kevin who was looking down at his own feet. She decided to cut to the chase to get to the point.

"So are you gonna confess that you like me and tell me all that good stuff like they do in movies and books?"

Kevin whipped his head to look at her in surprised before glancing back down at his feet while playing with his fingers in a nervous manner. Yeon silently chuckled at his reaction and looked towards the now darkening sky. Kevin took that moment to glance on over at Yeon and followed her gaze towards the sky. His eyes returned back onto her figure and caught sight of the thing on her right face. He peered closer to inspect if his eyes was messing with him, but they weren't. Yeon felt Kevin coming closer and turned to stare at him.

"I didn't ask for this." Yeon informed Kevin. "My housemate decided to tease me and drew it. The same with this."

She held up her left arm for Kevin to see and he leaned closer to have a better view. He backed away a few seconds later while letting out an awkward, but cute laugh.

"Is it that bad?" He asked more to himself than towards Yeon.

"Not really, but if you're talking about your obvious crush on me, then I guess so if my housemates and sister are trying to push for it."

"I'm sorry if it's a burden, Yeon." Kevin apologized as he grew fluster due to his feelings and the current situation at hand. "I'm not like trying to force anything out of it or for you to like me back or anything of the sort."

"Kevin, It's fine. You're not doing anything of the sort." Yeon reassured him with a laugh. "If you were, then I wouldn't feel so overwhelmed or pressured. I just feel more annoyed with their meddling. Plus, Seul's such a big-mouth with revealing my secrets."

"Your secrets?"

"I think you're cute, too, but I don't really focus on the whole relationship thing. I never did. It was just school. family, friends, and life. I just go with the flow."

"Oh." Kevin let out in a dejected tone without noticing it as his gaze returned back to look at his feet.

"That doesn't mean we can't hang out and see if it develops into something more."

"Oh?" Kevin's tone of voice changed as he glanced at Yeon with an eager look.

Yeon nodded with a small smile.

"Just don't ask me to sing though."

"Oh, but Yaxin told me that I should though and have our date at the singing booth since you like to sing."

"Yeah, no. I can sing, but I can't sing well. Just let me tell you that." Yeon scoffed. "Forget what she said. She's wrong and doesn't know what she's talking about."

Kevin chuckled as he nodded.

"Okay. Then what do you want to do?"

"Well, I was gonna watch a movie and snack on whatever is in the fridge, but I'm assuming you would rather do something else?"

"No. We can watch a movie, but shouldn't you be around for your fundraiser?"

"Oh, I'll be around. Don't worry about that. Anyways, we can watch movies here. C'mon."

Yeon motioned with her head towards the house as she stood up.

"Unless it's too soon for you to come inside."

She chuckled with a teasing look as Kevin shook his head while also standing up.

"Nope. Not at all. Lead the way."

"Good, because I hope you like Disney and Pixar movies."

"I do. Can we watch Up?"

"Ohh, yeah, we can. I love little Russell."

Kevin happily followed Yeon inside Beta Delta Nu.

"I didn't think you could draw this well, Seohee." Seul commented after admiring the small endless knot design on her inner left wrist. "This is really cute, thanks."

"No problem. It was fun. If it was a real tattoo, then it would've hurt." Seohee stated as Seul agreed. "Oh, I know. I want one, but don't think I can deal with the pain."

"Oh, me too, girl. Me too. Anyways, did you want anything else? I thought you wanted an airbrush tattoo, too?"

"Uh, nah. It's fine. This will do. Thanks again, Seohee. See all y'all later."

"Bye." The trio bid her goodbye as they returned to the customers before them as Seul went to check out another booth.

"Hmm, where to next?" Seul wondered out loud as she left the Art Gallery and made her way in a random direction.

Too busy minding her own business Seul didn't notice that Minho had come up from behind her. Minho followed for a few seconds with a playful expression on his face. He mischievously kicked at her right heel that was in mid-step and instead of going in front of her, Seul's right foot connected with her left calf and she ended up tripping over herself. Before she could fall forward, Minho speedily walked in front of her to catch her.

"Whoa there. You alright? Gotta watch your step there." Minho said in a concern tone even though he wanted to laugh out loud.

Seul cast him a suspicious look while trying to right herself and out of his arms.

"Tell me that you didn't just trip me so I can fall into your arms, Lee Minho."

"Okay, I won't."

Seul scoffed with a roll of her eyes while moving pass Minho and continuing her walk.

"Hey, where are you going?"

"Away from you."

Minho ran after her to match her pace.

"Aww, why? Did I have that big of an impression on you?"

"No."

"Is it about the girls that surrounded me earlier?"

"No. You can do whatever you want and hang out with whoever you want. I'm not your girlfriend or your mom."

"Do you though?"

Seul cast him a weird look making Minho realized what he had said.

"I meant the part about being my girlfriend. Not my mom."

Seul chuckled, but didn't answer him.

"So?"

Seul still didn't give him an answer.

"Are you just gonna go back to ignoring me then like you've done the past school year and so?"

The corners of Seul's mouth lifted, but she didn't answer the male. Minho scowled before a sudden thought flashed across his mind and his scowl turned to one of mischievousness. He instantly took a hold of Seul's hand and tugged them in the opposite direction.

"Hey!" Seul called out as she tried to keep up and not trip over her feet. "Let go of me!"

Seul tried to tug her hand out of his grip, but Minho held on firmly.

"Lee Minho."

Seul said his name, but Minho didn't respond. Too busy trying to break free, Seul didn't notice where Minho was leading the both of them until she practically ran into him when he stopped moving.

"Oof."

Minho glanced over his shoulder to cast her a smile.

"What are you smiling about? You practically dragged me from wherever I was going to go to..."

Seul trailed off as her eyes took in the Picture Time booth before returning them back on Minho.

"Why did you bring me here?"

"Because you owe me some pictures."

"I don't owe you anything."

"Not even if I pay more than the amount?"

"Honestly, Minho, you can do whatever you want with your money, but you ain't trying to buy me off just to do things with you. I'm sure there are other girls who are willing to do that in my place."

"Then what do I gotta do to get your attention and for you to spend some time with me?"

"Just tell me." Seul said in a firm tone. "It's not that hard. I hate people who bullshit and like playing games. All you gotta do is get straight to the point. That's it."

Minho was quiet for a bit before nodding.

"Okay. That's it?"

"Basically."

"Alright, Seul. I like you and I wanna get to know you better."

"Okay."

"Whoa, that's fast. Just like that?"

"Mmhmm. You do you as I silently judge you while making an assessment if we're gonna go farther."

"Wow."

Minho then shot her smirk.

"What did you think of my kiss?"

"It's alright."

Minho's smirk dropped.

"What do you mean 'it's alright'? It's superb."

Seul shrugged in an aloof manner.

"I dunno, but it's okay. I dunno who's been building up your ego your whole life."

Seul chuckled after saying that and was about to make her great escape, but forgot that her hand was still in Minho's. He instantly tugged her back towards him as her body clashed against his. He immediately wrapped his arms around her to prevent her from running off.

"I declare a do-over." Minho suggested as Seul shook her head.

"Why not?"

"Because my kisses are a once-in-a-lifetime and you already had your chance."

"How else am I going to get to know you better if I can't prove to you that my kisses are superior to all the other guys you've kissed?"

Seul scoffed.

"We're not even a couple so why should you and I be kissing in the first place?"

"That can change."

"Oh, yeah?"

Seul said just to amuse him a Minho shot her a charming smile.

"You can get mad at me for doing this, but please don't hate me for the rest of our lives."

Before Seul could ask what he meant by his words she soon felt his lips on hers. Minho broke the kiss a few seconds later with a satisfied smile.

"Now you can't deny that my kisses aren't superb."

"I can definitely deny you a date though." Seul countered with a smirk before pulling him along to the photo booth to take pictures. "C'mon. Now you gotta pay nine times as much as you suggested earlier for that little stunt you pulled."

"I'm fine with that." Minho agreed as he happily allowed Seul to pull him along this time.

#staytheb #stray kids scenarios #the boyz scenarios #tbzfics #bang chan #kevin moon #moon hyungseo

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lizabethstucker · 6 years

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Ex Libris: Stories of Librarians, Libraries & Lore

Edited by Paula Guran

Twenty-three tales of fantasy and science fiction that contain libraries and librarians as well as the magic of books. An absolutely wonderful collection, only one disappointment. And that was more about style of writing than the premise of the story itself. 4 out of 5.

“In the House of the Seven Librarians” by Ellen Klages

When the old Carnegie library was closed and much of its newer content moved to a brand-new library across town, seven librarians remained behind, moving into the library to stay. Their lives are changed when a baby is left as payment for an overdue book. A suspension of disbelief leads to a strange yet satisfying read. 4.5 out of 5.

“The Books” by Kage Baker

The Show traveled around the badly decimated U.S., providing entertainment and trade. In one larger city, three kids explore, stumbling on a library. All of them are determined to take books back with them, but it might not be that easy. This was almost like a section of a longer story, one that I'd love to read. Very intense. Baker does a marvelous job with atmosphere. 3.5 out of 5.

“Death and the Librarian” by Esther M. Friesner

Death has come at last for Miss Louisa Foster. Yet even Death can be surprised. This one came close to tearing my heart out, slamming it on the floor, and stomping on it repeatedly. 5 out of 5.

“In Libres” by Elizabeth Bear

Despite her thesis being complete, Euclavia is directed to the Library Special Collections to read another source. Accompanied reluctantly by her centaur friend Bucephalus, they dare to visit the dangerous place. Definitely dangerous! There’s a chill tap-dancing along your spine, especially for those readers who have been deep in the bowels of huge, older libraries. 4 out of 5.

“The King of the Big Night Hours” by Richard Bowes

Memories and suicides in the library. I’m not certain how I feel about this one. The writing is exquisite, the plot is intriguing, but the emotions invoked are not comfortable. If that was the author’s intent, mission accomplished. 3.5 out of 5.

“Those Who Watch” by Ruthanna Emrys

The library marks Elaine on her third day of work. Already dealing with various health and emotional issues, she must find a way to adapt or leave. Unusual and intriguing. Definitely deserves further exploration. 3.5 out of 5.

“Special Collections” by Norman Partridge

He went to work at the library as suggested by his court-appointed therapist. He started taking Library Science classes as suggested by the college archivist where he met Daphne. But there are secrets, deadly secrets swirling around the library and the narrator. More horror than fantasy, not one of my favorites. Despite ticking off some loved trope boxes, I struggled to finish. 3 out of 5.

“Exchange” by Ray Bradbury

Working in the library for forty some years is getting to Miss Adams. Too many children, too many books, too much noise. Then a former patron arrives after hours looking for a final goodbye before shipping out. There is no finer writer of fantasy on this planet. Or maybe it is more accurate to call him a weaver of magic. 5 out of 5.

“Paper Cuts Scissors” by Holly Black

Justin struggles to find a way to rescue his girlfriend Linda from the book she put herself into after they had a fight. His best hope is Mr. Sandlin, a man who can bring characters out of books. Thanks to another, as well as Sandlin, Justin finds answers and a possible solution. An intriguing premise handled with a delicate touch. Lovely. 4 out of 5.

“Summer Reading” by Ken Liu

When mankind left Earth for the stars, the planet was turned into a museum overseen by robots. CN-344315 was the robot docent of the library. It had been five thousand years since he last had human visitors. The servers are gone, but CN-344315 had a tiny room filled with his favorite treasures: a selection of books protected behind an airtight glass. A visitor reminds CN-344315 of why books are important. Wow! I’ve come across Liu’s work in my SF magazines over the years and have always enjoyed his stories. I do believe this might be one of my favorites. Short, sweet, and wonderful. 5 out of 5.

“Magic for Beginners” by Kelly Link

I’m not certain how to explain what this story is about. There’s a TV series and the characters in this story watch the series yet are also an episode of the same series. Gave me a bloody headache. There was so much potential, but it twists around itself until I finally gave up trying to understand it as a bad deal and just slogged through. Weird beginning, no real ending. Just a mess. 2.8 out of 5.

“The Inheritance of Barnabas Wilcox” by Sarah Monette

Booth is surprised to hear from Barnabas Wilcox, a former classmate and bully. Wilcox needs someone to catalog his late uncle’s library. Booth senses something twisted at Hollyhill, the uncle’s estate. Creepy, horror of the emotions rather than blood and guts. In other words, my kind of horror tale. 4 out of 5.

“The Midbury Lake Incident” by Kristine Kathryn Rusch

When the Midbury Lake Public Library burned to the ground, librarian Mary Beth Wilkins was upset, not only because of the fire, but that she wasn’t notified. Grief would come later, once Mary Beth has left for a new life. Very nice, just enough backstory to intrigue the reader. I do wish there had been more. 3.5 out of 5.

“With Tales in Their Teeth, from the Mountain They Came” by A. C. Wise

After she loses her lover in the War, she goes to the Library on the Mountain, becoming an acolyte now named Alba. She stries to find solace in the quiet, but mostly struggles. Then she meets a novice named Eleuthere who hides secrets beneath his robes. Very magical, almost dreamlike. 4 out of 5.

“What Books Survive” by Tansy Rayner Roberts

When the Invaders came, every electronic device died immediately, even battery-run ones. Katie Scarlett Marsden was almost halfway through Wuthering Heights when her Kindle died. Once the town built a barricade, she was separated from the school library. Wanting more to read, Katie slips past the barricade one night, finding more than she expected. A very weird dystopian story, enthralling and filled with twists. 4.5 out of 5.

“The Librarian’s Dilemma” by E. Saxey

Jas was hired to bring libraries into the 21st Century. Saint Simon’s librarian Moira doesn’t mind the security measures he can provide, but she isn’t interested in sharing the contents of their Special Collection outside the library’s walls. I understand the dilemma in this story and, frankly, I’m not certain which side I would support in regards to the sharing of dangerous material. 4 out of 5.

“The Green Book” by Amal El-Mohtar

There is little that I can tell you about the story without spoiling it, so I’ll live it with that it is a story about a mysterious green book and its contents. I mostly liked it. I think. Yet it felt like it was more a rough sketch than a complete story. 3 out of 5.

“In the Stacks” by Scott Lynch

Magical student Laszlo Jazera discovers the dangers of the final assignment for Fifth Year, one he must pass to make it to Sixth Year. It seemed simple enough, return a book to the Living Library. The task will be more frightening and intense than he could ever have expected. There is a tragic sadness throughout this story, but the universe created is horrifyingly compelling. 4.5 out of 5.

“A Woman’s Best Friend” by Robert Reed

On Christmas Eve, Mary sees a stranger stumbling through the snowy streets of her town. George is confused and frightened, soaked from head to toe. Mary impulsively takes him back to her home in the library. A strange retelling of a classic Christmas film, a mixture of fantasy and science fiction. Interesting, a bit strange at the end. 3.5 out of 5.

“If on a Winter’s Night a Traveler” by Xia Jia

A lonely librarian discovers a book of poetry that might expand his world. There is magic about this tale that touches the reader’s soul. I loved how the people who wanted the poetry read and appreciated on its own merits, not for the possible backstory of the author. 4 out of 5.

“The Sigma Structure Symphony” by Gregory Benford

Ruth is one of many librarians mining for useful information in recordings from the SETI project. After the death of a fellow librarian, Ruth is asked to take over his task, mining the Sigma Structures. Math and music, language and love. Are they simply human-based? Weird. Confusing. Engrossing at the time yet left a sour aftertaste. 3 out of 5.

“The Fort Moxie Branch” by Jack McDevitt

Mr. Wickham, in the process of disposing of his privately published novel, is caught in a blackout. During that darkness, he sees a strange glow in a long empty house. I love the idea of this story. A fascinating premise from start to finish. 4 out of 5.

“The Last Librarian” by Edoardo Albert

Books, actual physical books, have been ignored in favor of uploaded versions or neural inputs. The librarian at the British Library finagles a way to direct traffic physically into the building. Unfortunately, it doesn’t go well. In today’s world, I fear this could happen. Maybe not now, but very soon. I was surprised that the narrator remained at the end. 4 out of 5.

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maxattack-powell · 6 years

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The Freshman 1-9

Book 1-9

Chapter 9: Sorority Ball (Part 1)

Masterlist - go here for other chapters and related original fics

Disclaimer: The following are fics (adaptations from actual game chapters AND original works) to Choices: The Freshman and The Sophomore stories. It is a fictional adaptation. I (we) do not work for Pixelberry Studios, the game developer or own the rights to the characters Chris Powell, Nicole or any other IN GAME character. All of the ORIGINAL characters, storylines and events were developed for my adaptation of The Freshman story.

Comments: I enjoyed playing Choices The Freshman… and then I found this awesome group of people and their works - I’ve loved it all, very much so. Deciding that I wanted more interaction than the options allowed, I’ve gone through the first book, chapter by chapter (omg painfully slow) to follow the story (95-99% I’d say) and add to it as I felt would benefit.

Basically, I wanted to include certain things that weren’t really full fic size worthy, adding to the story. However, I did add some full size fic moments also… some are included in cannon chapters, some are their own full chapters in between. I wanted to see MC and Chris through their freshman year… with more angst, fluff, sweetness, real life and overall detail. So, if you like that pairing then you’ll be satisfied, otherwise sorry James & Kaitlyn fans lol. I even added some parts from Chris’s POV, so that we have a chance to see what he’s thinking, knowing what she experienced.

There will be ADULT and/or NSFW moments in certain chapters - this is a warning lol. I will try my best to make it obvious as it occurs…

Paring: MC x Chris

POV: ~MC~ or ~Chris~

~MC~

The morning after the sorority sleepover, the girls wake up at the Kappa House and scramble to gather their things. They don't have a lot of time to find dates for the Sorority Ball as it's now only a few hours away. They also didn't have the most restful night, and MC had to see Professor Vasquez, and hopefully James. Still in their PJs, Abbie, Kaitlyn and MC dash across campus and head up to their suite.

Abbie and Kaitlyn enter the door first, with MC entering last, unaware of what was infront of her as she entered. Her friends don't stop as they quickly make their way to the hallway, squabbling over who was going to jump in the shower first.

Just as MC passes the doorway to the kitchen, Chris steps out and swerves last minute to avoid crashing into her and dousing her with his coffee.

“Holy shit!” Chris gasps as he quickly swings his cup out of the way.

MC freezes as her eyes go huge, afraid to move as he recovers. “Oh my god. I’m sorry.” She sighs and covers her face with her hands, rubbing them down her cheeks as she cautiously looks around. “Is everything okay?”

Chris avoids her direct gaze but gives her a small sad smile as he focuses on the hand holding his mug. “Yeah, it's fine.”

A small amount had spilled out and ran across the back of his hand, now heading for the floor. MC notices and quickly grabs a dishtowel and wipes his hand, not looking up to meet his eyes as he turns his focus to her, watching her movements.

“I’m really sorry… I was in a hurry and…” She sighs. “Nevermind. Sorry… again.” She throws the towel on the counter and quickly cuts around him and heads to her room, unable to be so close to him.

~Chris~

Chris looks down and watches as MC gently grabs his hand and runs the towel over it, removing the offensive coffee mixture from his skin. He tries to ignore how soft and light her hands feel, almost like feathers on his calloused hand. His brows come together as he slowly looks towards her face, instantly realizing that she's avoiding his eyes. He’s about to say something but she interrupts him.

“I’m really sorry… I was in a hurry and…” She sighs. “Nevermind. Sorry… again.” She throws the towel on the counter and quickly cuts around him and heads to her room.

Chris stands there in the same spot for a moment, watching her retreating form. His jaw clenches as he takes in and releases a deep breath. MC’s door closes with some force as he remains still. He closes his eyes for a moment, jaw still flexing and unflexing, mirroring his troubled thoughts. He sighs and shakes his head before he opens his eyes, glancing down the hall one more time before he finally finds the ability to move. He quietly grabs some of his books from the kitchen table and heads upstairs to the roof. Alone.

~MC~

She quickly runs to her room and tries not to slam the door, feeling only partially successful as it makes a solid connection with the doorframe. She leans against the door for a moment before shaking her head and rolling her eyes, irritated with herself. As she pushes off the door and heads to her closet, she scolds herself for letting his presence affect her like that. She starts thinking about everything that had happened since she arrived at Hartfeld.

Her thoughts end with his voice, stating his desire to stop the progression between them. He didn't want serious. He wants to have fun… to not get hurt. And even though she wishes they were more, she's trying to respect his wishes. Even though she doesn't fully believe him. Even though it hurts her deeply to be pulled to, then pushed from him with such force. And at the end, she still misses her friend.

She knows the others do too, but she feels his absence is affecting her differently. Being honest with herself, she knows that part of it is because, again, she wishes they could be more… but he has made it clear that they would never be, and that realization hurts.

She pinches her lips together as she dig through her clothes. She doesn't have time for emotional musings right now. She needs to get over to Vasquez’s office as soon as possible, so she can track down James… or let Vasquez know of her failure. Whichever comes first.

If by some miracle everything works out with James, she has to get back to her room as quickly as possible. The Sorority Ball is a big deal, especially if she wants a shot at getting into Kappa Phi, and she needs to prepare. As of right now she has no clue what she could wear, but her date needs to be locked down before she worries about that.

Grinding her teeth together, clearly irritated, she pulls out a pair of jeans and RHCP t-shirt. She changes and fixes her hair before jumping back in the hall, cutting in front of Kaitlyn as she tries to take over the bathroom after Abbie.

“Hey!” Kaitlyn jumps back as MC barrels past.

“I just need to brush my teeth, one second!” She works as fast as she can as Kaitlyn squeezes in behind, her arms full of clothes, toiletries and her towel.

MC does as she says and quickly finishes, thanking Kaitlyn as she runs towards the door. She heads to Professor Vasquez's office to update him on her progress. She enters his office with an upbeat attitude. "Good morning, Professor Vasquez." "Hmmm? Oh yes. Good morning." He gruffly replies, barely looking up from his desk. She notices the empty trash can in the corner of the room and wonders whether the professor's letter to his daughter went out with the trash.

She frowns and searches his face for any helpful information. "Everything okay? You're looking a little down." He pauses for only a brief second to give her an incredulous look. "What?" His nose crinkles as he makes a mild sneer. "This is how I always look." His turns his gaze back to the papers on his desk. Her eyebrows raise as she takes in a breath. "Guess I can't argue with that..." Without looking up this time, Vasquez sharply speaks. "Now, do you have an update on the task I gave you, or did you just come here to irritate me?" Shocked by his abruptness, MC does her best to remember why she was there. "Well, I’m on the final challenge... I just have to find an upperclassman to take me to the Sorority Ball this evening." He scoffs and shuffles through a pile of papers. "And what do you want from me? Boy advice?" "No, I... well, it's a bit awkward. Becca and Madison said that I have to bring James." She gives him a pleading look, hoping maybe he would take pity and let her off the hook or something.

"They were... very adamant about it." She sighs. His interest is piqued as he stands straight, looking at her with surprise. "Really? I have to say, I didn't see this twist coming." He thoughtfully rubs his chin. "Maybe I should hire Becca and Madison as story consultants for my novel..." MC frowns. "Professor!" He refrains from rolling his eyes but waves his hand at her somewhat dismissively. "Sorry, sorry. Regarding James... well, how do you feel about him? Is there... something there?" "I'd say there's nothing between us that's any of your damn business." MC snaps, her face screwing up into an angry frown, clearly offended by his intrusive personal questions. "I think you'll find that your romantic woes are very much my business." His eyes narrow as he looks directly at her. It lasts only a moment before his face softens slightly. "After all, what's a story without a little romance?" "Ugh." MC crinkles her nose in disgust. Just then, the door opens and James walks in. He stops short when he sees MC and Vasquez staring at him, sensing the tension in the air. "Uh... everything okay in here?" Vasquez actually puts on a neutral, somewhat pleasant expression to greet him as he stands up straight. "Good morning James. Do you have a nice suit in your closet?" Before MC can say anything James answers. "Uh, yes. Of course." Vasquez actually smiles, however small. "Good. You're taking MC to the sorority ball at Kappa Phi Sigma house tonight." James takes a step back, an extremely shocked look on his face. "What?!" MC tilts her head back, a look of contempt on her face. "That's your reaction?!" James quickly collects himself, nervously looking at MC as he raises his hand in defense. "Sorry, I didn't mean... I was just caught off-guard, that's all." His face melts, becoming sincere. "I'd be happy to accompany you to this... Sorority Ball." MC takes her turn to be surprised. "Oh, you would? Uh, I mean... thank you. I look forward to it. You can pick me up from my dorm at six. It's building 2, on the south side of the quad." "Great. I will... see you then." James looks at them both, judging the situation, assuming he navigated through well. MC gives him a small smile and heads out the door, making her way back to her dorm. Once she finally arrives at the suite, she finds Zack and Tyler in their usual spot in front of the TV, gaming controllers clutched in their hands. Zack warns her before she gets too far past them, his eyes never leaving the screen. "Careful MC. Kaitlyn's in full-on prep mode." She stops and backs up, causing him to look at her then. "Uh oh. Is that bad?" She gives him a concerned look. Tyler frowns at her from his spot next to Zack, pausing the game. "She's asked our opinion on, like, thirty different dresses! I don't have good input on these things!" Knowing this was his area of expertise, Zack chimes in. "And yes, they were all totally gorgeous, but I'm trying to focus on kicking Tyler's ass. I can't be distracted by fashion at a time like this." Tyler bows up next to him, his mouth open in a shocked smile. "Oh, you're kicking my ass? Really?! The score suggests otherwise, my friend." Before Zack can deliver a retort Kaitlyn strides out of her room and down the hall, straight towards the guys. She snaps her fingers at them both, glaring.

Tyler has a look as if he has been caught sneaking out of the house after dark. "What? What did we do wrong?!" Zack sighs dramatically and looks at Kaitlyn. "Could you use your words please? I may be able to read many things, but minds is not one of them." Kaitlyn's face turns into a huge scowl as she barks at them. "Up!" She halls Zack and Tyler off the couch and starts flipping over all the cushions. "Looking for something..?" MC asks the obvious question. Kaitlyn keeps digging, not making eye contact yet. "I lost my sparkly eyeshadow palette... bad enough that I can't seem to find the right dress, now my face is a total disaster too!"

She's clearly about to lose it, so MC steps in to help. She grabs Kaitlyn's arm and makes her stand back up, looking her straight in the face.

"Let me see…” She appraises Kaitlyn's look. “Don't be silly, you look great. I'm starting to wish YOU were my date." She squeezes Kaitlyn's upper arm softly, trying to reassure her friend. Kaitlyn looks surprised, but also relieved. "You... you do?" MC smiles at her warmly, hoping Kaitlyn is calming down. "Maybe a little." Kaitlyn finally laughs, causing the tension to leave her body. "Flatterer. You're just saying that to make me feel better. But... thank you." "I just tell it like it is." MC gives her a toothy smile. Zack randomly pipes in, the look on his face is a mixture of confusion and concern. "Why would your makeup be in the couch..." Before Kaitlyn can answer Abbie enters the room, looking stunning in a flattering dress. Everyone stares at her while she appears unaware.

"Oh, Kaitlyn.. were you looking for your eyeshadow?" She asks calmly. Kaitlyn, no longer concerned with her makeup woes gasps. "Damn Abbie!" Abbie suddenly focuses, finally noticing everyone staring at her. "What? Why are you all looking at me like that?" She shifts uncomfortably, mild irritation crossing her face. Zack laughs at her sassy attitude. "Cause you look hot, girl! Duh," MC grins. "Aww... doesn't she look great, Tyler?" Abbie's face turns even more irritated. "MC! Argh! I'm changing." Tyler steps towards her his hands up as if he's going to block her. "No, don't!" He suddenly blushes, hard. "Uh... not that I care. Er..." He looks down at the floor. Zack grabs him around the shoulder, a mischievous smile crossing his face. "What this mush-mouthed idiot is trying to say, is... you look nice. That dress really suits you." Tyler gives Zack a thankful expression then slowly turns his eyes to Abbie's. "You... you really do look amazing, Abbie." "Really?" She asks, a look of disbelief crossing her face. Tyler stands up straighter, takes a deep breath and holds her gaze. "Really." Abbie's face turns soft. "Oh, well... thanks, Tyler." She smiles bashfully before refocusing. "Anyway, here's your eyeshadow palette, Kaitlin. It dropped under the cabinet in the bathroom. Sorry, I should've mentioned it before." She holds out her hand, offering the makeup to her friend. Kaitlyn smiles as she takes the makeup from Abbie. "No worries! I'm just glad to have it back. Now if only I could find the right dress..." She slowly taps her cheek, then turns towards MC. "But let's focus on MC! What are you wearing to the dance?" MC makes a face, wiggling her nose playfully. "Hmm... I haven't really thought about it." Kaitlyn's face blanches, her mouth hanging open. "Are you kidding me? Picking the right dress is everything!" She forcefully pumps her fist in the air. "With the right dress, your crushes will drool over you... and your enemies will be insanely jealous!" MC listens to Kaitlyn's words carefully, causing her thoughts to wander slightly. She then realizes that Chris was apparently not in the suite, so she assumes he's no longer there. She knows there's a good chance he is already at the Kappa Phi house and sighs.

"I guess I'd better choose wisely then..?" She knows she needs to stop her thoughts from focusing on Chris. It was becoming very distracting. Kaitlyn and Abbie both go to their rooms to finish getting ready, and MC does the same. As she looks through her closet she pulls out three choices. One is a glittery midnight blue shoulder dress with an illusion neckline, very regal looking. The second is a halter type style, purple with lace overlay. And her third option, a strapless crisscrossed 'little black dress' that is just about perfect for any occasion. She remembers what Kaitlyn had said before about ‘dressing for the job’, a statement that is still relevant for this situation, at least in theory. She grabs the sparkly midnight blue ball gown and shuts the door. After getting dressed, refreshing her makeup and styling out her hair a little more than normal, MC steps out of her room and heads towards the living space.

Zack notices her first, his eyes going wide as he checks her out head to toe. "Careful MC. You go out looking like that and someone's gonna fall in love with you."

MC pauses her movements and blushes as she looks down at her dress. Kaitlyn enters from the hall at just that moment. "You could say that again..." She doesn't try to hide her staring. MC starts to wonder if she chose poorly, her face a mix between sadness and fear. "Too much?" She asks nervously. Zack shakes his head quickly. "No way! James is gonna be psyched when he sees you like that." Kaitlyn agrees, barely mumbling. "Yeah... definitely." No one seemed to notice her brief pout. Abbie walks in then, turning towards Kaitlyn, causing her to switch expressions quickly. "Did you decide what you're going to wear yet, Kaitlyn?" Back to her normal self, Kaitlyn squints one eye and gives her a thoughtful look. "Hmmmmmmm.... let me think. Oh! I've got it!"

She turns on her heels and takes off back to her room. A few minutes later she's leaping in front of everyone from the darkness of the hallway wearing a beautiful red strapless dress with a gold necklace. Her hair is pinned up off her neck in loose but still formal way. She spins for everyone, grinning. "Well, what do you think? It's perfect, right?" When no one answers her face completely flips, her smile turning into a scowl. "Right?" Tyler stutters, quickly trying to cover for everyone's lack of response. "Yes, yes, it's perfect!" Zack gives her a thumbs up. "Best one yet!" Kaitlyn smiles and looks down at her dress. "Better late than never. Do you like this one, MC?" MC cocks her head to the side a little, studying Kaitlyn's new look and nods. "You look amazing!" Kaitlyn smiles even wider and pulls MC into a tight hug. Leaning back she stares into MC's eyes, her hands on MC’s upper arms. "You're amazing." MC winks at her, jokingly. "I know."

Just then the doorbell rings, causing everyone to jump. They all jump a second time as the door to the suite swings open suddenly. Darren pops his head in first, then proceeds to step into the suite.

"Did anyone order two handsome... oh." He pauses, noticing Kaitlyn's grip on MC. James steps in behind him, also becoming aware of the setup in front of them. "Are we... interrupting?" Kaitlyn pulls away from MC as Darren limps into the room, James slowly following behind him. "Nope, not interrupting anything! How... are you?" Darren gives her a warm smile, wrapping his arm around her shoulder. "Can't complain. Especially when my date looks as good as you do." Zack laughs, wiggling his eyebrows at Kaitlyn. "Looks like this guy's got moves on and off the field." Abbie rolls her eyes and snorts. "Oh my god Zack." Darren just grins, enjoying the jokes and mood of the evening. "Sorry we barged in here like this. James told me to wait, didn't you buddy?" James gives him a blank look. "Yeah, I did tell you that... buddy." He turns away from them and makes his way towards MC, his hands in his pockets. She catches him glancing at her dress, his eyes lingering just a little too long around certain curves.

His eyes finally make their way to hers. "MC... you look nice. Really." She tuts at him, giving him a questionable smile. "'Nice,' huh? Really charming James." He flushes. "Well, I--" He lightly shakes his head and smiles. "We're both doing this for Vasquez, remember? It's not like..." He pauses briefly, deciding against continuing that line of thought. "...never mind." "I did remember that, actually, but I appreciate the reminder. I mean it." She winks at him. He laughs and rolls his eyes lightly at her. "So it's going to be like that, huh? I can tell this is going to be a long night..." Zack forces his way into their conversation as he makes towards the kitchen. "Only if you play your cards right, buddy." "Zack, cool it with the color commentary!" Abbie snaps from the living room. Tyler looks around, making sure he didn't miss anyone. "Where's your date, Abbie?" "Darren, I thought Logan was going to come?" Kaitlyn suddenly looks concerned, looking around the group. Darren sighs and frowns, shoving his hands into his pockets. "Yeah, about that... he ate like seventy eggs yesterday, and he's still sick." MC's face twists in disgust. "Uh, why did he eat seventy eggs, exactly?" Her eyebrow raises higher with each word. "Darren's face falls flat. "Gains. That's all he said." Tyler motions towards Abbie. "Maybe I could be your date? I mean... I'm not really doing anything." Zack's face falls dramatically and he turns towards Tyler. "Except hanging out with your best bud Zack!" He mock glares at him for only a second before he laughs and lightly slaps Tyler on the back. "Just kidding, you two should totally go together." Kaitlyn frowns deeply at their plan. "They can't... she needs to bring an upperclassman." Abbie's face draws up with irritation. "Ugh, this is so annoying!" MC tries to reassure her. "Don't worry about it Abbie. Just stick with us. They won't even notice Logan's missing." "Well, I don't want to be a third... or a fifth wheel... or anything." Her face shows her concerned thoughts. MC smiles and shakes her head. "You won't be." James agrees. "Yeah, no worries. If anyone asks, we'll say your date just went to get drinks or something." Relief began to creep onto her face. "Really?" James shrugs and laughs. "Yeah, why not?" Abbie smiles at him then turns to MC. "I like this guy MC. Nice catch." MC looks at James and crinkles her nose. "Yeah... he's alright I guess." James gives her a questioning look, his eyes narrowing as he judges her words, a smile on his lips the entire time. "Just 'alright?' I guess I should've expected that." Darren interrupts before things can go any further. "Hey, I didn't get all dressed up just to watch you two flirt. Let's go!" He starts ushering everyone to the door. The girls wave bye to Zack and Tyler. Only Zack notices Tyler's slight frown as they leave.

He pats him on the back. "Come on big guy, show me how to play this stupid game." After a short walk through campus, the five of them stand outside the Kappa Phi Sigma house in the soft light of dusk. Darren offers Kaitlyn his arm. "Oh... thank you!” She recovers from her surprise, quickly threading her arm through his. Darren flashes his ultra white smile. "Let's see if anyone's home." He walks up to the front door and raps sharply, his other arm firmly linked with Kaitlyn's. Becca answers the door, actually happy to see them. "Darren, so glad you could make it to our little soirée! And you've brought Kaitlyn. I have to say, I wouldn't have guessed that you were her type..." Kaitlyn gives her an irritated look. "What is that supposed to mean?" "Nothing, of course. Come on, the dancing's just about to get started." She waves everyone in without giving MC or Abbie a second glance. Becca leads them all into the house, through a winding path of guests. MC leans towards Abbie and whispers. "So far so good Abbie." James nods his head slightly, keeping his focus forward but addresses her as well. "Just keep a low profile, and you'll be golden." Abbie doesn't seem so sure. "I hope you're right..." Becca taps a fork to her glass to get everyone's attention as Madison queues up a romantic R&B playlist. "Welcome to Kappa Phi Sigma's first official call of the quarter! Darren, Kaitlyn... would you like to open the dance floor?" Kaitlyn is caught off guard. "Uhh..." Darren squeezes her arm slightly. "We'd be happy to. Here, take my hand Kaitlyn." She still looks unsure. "Okay.." Abbie leans close to MC and James as Darren slowly leads Kaitlyn across the dance floor, his actions hindered slightly due to his recent injury. "Is it just me, or does Kaitlyn seem actively disinterested in Darren?" “Maybe we should get out there, alleviate the awkwardness a bit." James leans towards MC. MC glances at him tilting her head with a smirk. "Are you asking me to dance?" James holds up his hands, his shoulders slightly shrug. "I might be. Professors orders you know." MC's face lights up as she laughs. "Riiiiiiight." They step out onto the dance floor, James putting his hand on her waist. She clasps her hands behind his neck and smiles up at him. "Hey James, ready to get this over with?" She jokingly prods him. James knowingly takes the bait. "Ouch." He pulls his right hand away from her waist momentarily to grip at his chest as if he was mortally struck. She laugh and smacks at his hand before he puts it back on her waist. "Oh, quit whining." She notices the ample amount of space he is keeping between them. "You can get closer if you want." His smile reappears. "Alright." "Wow, show a little enthusiasm. I could still change my mind." She jokingly threatens. He pulls her closer as he takes a step in as well, a wry smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. "I kinda don't think you will." He challenges. He gracefully leads her across the dance floor, both having a great time. She looks up into his eyes. "You know, you're kind of good at this." "Thanks. I have some experience... my parents used to drag me to charity balls and formal scenes all the time, and dancing was always required." She purses her lips a nods. "Wow, sounds fancy." He curls up his nose, clearly showing his distaste. "More like, incredibly dull. But at least I picked up a trick or two." He lifts her hand, leading her into an artful turn then winks as she joins back with him. She can't hide her growing smile. "Very nice." The song ends and another begins. "Wait right here. I'm going to get us some drinks." He gives her waist a light squeeze before turning towards the refreshment area. "What a gentleman..." She turns thoughtful as she watches him walk away.

Maybe Kaitlyn was right. Maybe James was someone she should consider as more than a friend. If he felt the same of course. That she wasn't sure of though, as she had been learning that he often kept his true feelings to himself. She turns her gaze away from James as he reaches the table, spotting a familiar face through the crowd. By the expression on his face, Chris has been watching her for a while, his face instantly softening when their eyes connect. A smile starts on one side of his lips at first, growing when she doesn't move her gaze from his. She notices his suit. It looks like it was built just for him, cut in all the right places to give his muscular form the best visual advantage. MC swallows hard, trying not to be obvious. Suddenly Abbie leans in and whispers to her. "Wow. Chris isn't exactly my type... but he definitely knows how to wear a suit." MC let's out the breath of air she was holding slowly through her nose, still maintaining eye contact with Chris. "Yeah... he's looking good.” She almost grumbles.

“I wish he didn't look so good." She whispers, biting her lower lip. She closes her eyes for a moment, wishing she was anywhere else. Abbie turns her back to Chris so only MC can see her face, she frowns sympathetically at her. "Seriously..." At that moment James returns holding some drinks. He hands both MC and Abbie theirs as he joins them on the edge of the dance floor. MC tries turning sideways to face them both, helping her avoid Chris gaze if possible. She does however notice as Becca pushes her way through the crowd as it caused some people to stumble as they regain their footing. When she reaches Chris she gives him an overly saccharine smile, wrapping her arms around him.

~Chris~

Unaware of her arrival, Chris startles as Becca is suddenly there, tugging on his arm lightly. "Come on Chris. I want to dance." Her sudden intrusion breaks his focus on MC, making him sigh as he is forced to look away. "Uh, sure." Becca drapes her arms around his neck, shooting a sly look at MC out of the corner of her eye, letting her know she was aware that MC’s attention had been on her date. Chris can't help but look back at MC and James, a small feeling of jealousy growing.

~MC~ MC's face scrunches up momentarily, unable to control her nauseation of the performance in front of her, courtesy of Becca. She turns her back to her friends, focusing on James and Abbie. James immediately notices though and squeezes her arm gently. "You okay MC? You kinda went away for a second." Realizing she had been caught, MC wipes all expression off of her face. "Sorry, I just..." She shakes her head as if trying to release something. "Let's dance some more." James seems satisfied with her response and gives in to her request. "Sure, whatever you want." He offers to take her glass and places both his and hers on the nearby table. They step back onto the dance floor, his hands once again finding her waist. MC tries to avoid eye contact with both Chris and Becca, but notices as she leans on Chris's chest possessively. MC catches Chris's eye over Becca's shoulder as they happen to line up on the dancefloor, making her pull James closer to obscure his line of sight. Chris’s intense gaze makes her cheeks flush. He shows his dance partner little attention, keeping his focus on her instead. It's then that MC decides that it would be best to ignore them both, concentrating on James instead.

She smiles up at him, her hands locked behind his neck. "I'm one hundred percent here now." He gives her a authentic smile. "I'm glad." She raises an eyebrow at him. "Really? Sometimes I can't tell when you're being sarcastic..." "I'm not being sarcastic, I promise." He holds up his hand, giving the boy-scout salute. She can’t hold her laughter, somehow not at all surprised he knows the boy-scout salute. "Suuuuuure..."

MC doesn't notice that her laughter draws even more attention from Chris. He intently watches them float around the dancefloor, clearly having a good time. James, unaware that his date is drawing the attention of another, looks at her with dismay. "I'm not! Seriously!" "I guess you just have one of those faces then..." She studies his face as confusion takes it over. "What's wrong with my face?" He frowns, almost pouting. She giggles even more at his questioning look. "Absolutely nothing." She smiles up at him, swaying together in time with the music. Being in the moment with James, MC doesn't notice Chris leaving Becca stranded on the dance-floor, quickly cutting through the crowd, straight towards her. His expression is unreadable as he gently touches her elbow, causing her to turn and meet his piercing blue eyes.

Chris doesn't look at James as he addresses him, keeping his eyes locked on MC’s instead. "James, can I borrow MC for a second?" James shifts to look at Chris, his face neutral as one hand let's go of her waist. "Why are you asking me? She's an adult. She can make her own decisions." MC squeezes James's arms as they begin to separate. "Thanks James, I'm sure Chris didn't mean it like that." He gives her an understanding nod. "I'll go check on Abbie. If you need anything..." He glances sideways at Chris, who's eyes are still set on MC's, "...just let me know, okay?" She smiles at him warmly. "Okay." ~Chris~

As James heads towards Abbie, MC turns towards him, finally holding his unwavering gaze. Her expression is mostly neutral, except for the hint of sadness he sees in it. "So... what did you want to talk about?" He takes a deep breath and let's it out slowly, his face now looking down at his clenched hands. He looks up slightly, almost avoiding her eyes now. "There are just some things I wanted to explain." He looks around the room, seeing multiple people looking their way, including Becca, James and Abbie. "But... not here." He starts to feel hot and uneasy. ~MC~

She can't stop herself out of curiosity. Knowing he's made his point a few times by now she assumes this time won't be any different, but even if she tries not to, she knows she will always give him another chance to say whatever he felt he needs to say. "Okay... I suppose we should go talk somewhere more private then." He motions towards the door. "Let's step outside." She follows him out, throwing a last look over her shoulder at James, making sure he doesn't see her slip outside, already feeling bad for leaving him to talk with Chris. They head around the side of the house, ending up at the same memorable spot they shared a breathless moment once before. She looks down at her heels, lightly tapping her toes near the foundation. "So... what did you want to talk about?" ~Chris~

Chris begins pacing back and forth by the garden fountain, a curious look on his face. "I..." He anxiously runs his hand through his hair. “I'm not sure.” Suddenly he frowns, feeling intense pressure on his chest.

"I guess I just wanted to say that..." He sighs, letting his hands drop defeatedly at his sides. "You and James look happy together." He raises his eyes to hers. "And I'm happy for you." His brow pinches as he ignores the painful feeling that is crossing his chest. Her brow pinches together briefly at his words before relaxing. "Well... thanks, I guess."

He awkwardly shifts his footing in front of her. His mind is racing, thinking about everything they've said, experienced and felt. His previous decisions feeling less important all of a sudden as he studies her face.

~MC~

"That's all you have to say?" MC considers his words briefly, before deciding he isn't being completely honest. He searches her face, looking for something specific, then sighs heavily his look becoming darker. "Yeah. That's all." Noticing this, MC decides to prod him again. "If you say so Chris... but I don't know if I believe you." His brow tightens with concern. "What? What do you mean you don't believe me?" He runs his hand through his hair a second time. "I don't believe that's all you have to say." She says softly. "I don't believe that you're happy for me and James." His jaw clenches. "MC, what are you--" She shakes her head, looking away from him as she fiddles with her necklace. "You're lying to me, Chris... and you're lying to yourself."

~Chris~ His face turns somewhat angry at her comment. "Well... so what if I am?! How am I supposed to feel when I see you with another guy?"

His arm shoots out sharply at the house, his hand pointing to the center, as his voice raises slightly. He quickly realizes and lowers it back down somewhat, trying to avoid drawing attention. Chris feels his blood pressure rising with his irritation. She looks at him in disbelief, her own anger making it's way to her face. "I don't know... the same way I feel when I see you with Becca?"

Chris feels a sting of pain at her words. He clenches his jaw and remains silent, the guilt of his words soaking through his body.

She tightens her fists and takes in a deep breath before continuing. "You barely even gave the concept of us a chance Chris." The anger melts off of his face instantly, a deep anxious look taking its place. "I... I was scared. I didn't want to ruin something that could've been..." He motions loosely in the air between them. "...real." "But you and Becca..." She starts. He sighs again. "Don't you get it? That's safe. I'm never going to fall in love with Becca." He watches MC’s face as he says the words. Watching to see if she understands what he's implying. "So you don't love Becca? That's so sad..." He could see a look of confusion on her face. "So long as you both know you're just using each other, I guess." His eyes are solemn as he looks at her before he pinches them shut. It's as if her words struck him, feeling like a punch to the gut.

"That's a harsh way to put it... but it's probably true." He rubs the back of his neck, opening his eyes but not looking up into hers. "I told you on the first night we met... I just wanted my freshman year to be a time to heal... to have some fun." He sighs, not sure if he believes that anymore. "So... this is fun?" She pinches her lips together, forming a thin line as she looks down at her dress, picking at a random sequin. He lets out a huff of air, deciding to be honest with her. "Seeing you with James is the opposite of fun." He shakes his head and looks up as she raises her gaze to his. "But... I can't be with you. Not now. I know I'd only hurt you." His voice grows quieter with each word. "And what if I'm willing to take that risk? Shouldn't I get a say in this?" Her lips become even thinner as she forces them together, frustration clearly taking over. ~MC~

"If I hurt you again... I wouldn't be able to forgive myself." As Chris hangs his head MC suddenly realizes how close they now are, all of his pacing leaving him here, only inches from her. MC takes his face in her hands, pushing up on her toes to close the small gap in height. Even with her low heels on, he's still an inch or two taller. He gasps at the contact, his eyes deep and searching as he stares through her. "MC... what are you--" She silences him with a lingering kiss, his lips warm against hers in the chilly night air. When she pulls back she sees a tormented look on his face.

“I…” She suddenly feels troubled, regret swimming through her.

"I shouldn't have done that. I'm sorry." She speaks in barely a whisper as she quickly drops her arms from his face and wraps them around her body. "No, it's... it's fine. Don't worry about it." His face is a mix of emotions, confliction everywhere. "You're here with Becca tonight, and I... well, I don't know yet what's going on with me." She was yelling at herself internally. This really wasn't like her. She had to get herself in check immediately. "Seriously, MC, it's fine. Let's just... let's just go back inside, okay?" He look away sadly. She looks down, her fists clenched so tight her knuckles are turning white. "You go ahead. I want to stay out a while longer."

She sighs and mumbles very low. “Or maybe I should just go home…” Chris frowns as he believes he hears her last statement correctly. Unsure he shakes his head and looks away. "Suit yourself." As Chris turns to leave, she sinks onto the cold stone rim of the garden fountain, feeling a heavy weight settle over her heart. "When did things get so complicated?" She pulls out her phone and dials Zack. She immediately picks up on his joyful mood as he smiles into the phone. "Hey, MC, what's up? How's your fancy ball going?" MC frowns into her phone. "Not so great Zack, not so great." She can hear his demeanor change. "Uh oh, what's wrong?" "Ugh... just stuff with Chris, I guess." She shakes her head. "Well... you know I'm happy to talk boy drama with you, but isn't Kaitlyn there? I'm sure she'd know just what to say to cheer you up." He gives her a knowing look. "You know what? I think you're right about that. I'll see if I can find out where she disappeared to..." MC starts to feel slightly better. "Go for it. Just make sure to fill me in when you get back." Zack winks at her. "Will do." She heads back inside and searches the Kappa House for Kaitlyn. She finally finds her, leaning against a banister. A wave of relief washes over her as she speed walks to her side. As she gets closer she notices the sad look on her face, wondering why she she looks so down.

#chris x mc #TheFreshmanChronicles #Chris Powell #Christopher Powell #The Freshman #the sophomore #thefreshman #thesophomore #choices #choices fanfiction #playchoices #choicestoriesyouplay #choices stories you play #chris powell x mc #choices the freshman #choices the sophomore #choices the junior #tf/ts/tj

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joie-university-rp · 4 years

Photo

Dear ELLIOTT GILBERT,

It is with great pleasure we invite you admission to Joie University! Welcome to the Thunderclap family!

Congratulations, JOANNA! Please be sure to check the New Members’ Checklist and send in your character’s account within 24 hours from now. We cannot wait to see all that you will bring to this roleplay! We love you already!

OOC INFORMATION:

Name/Alias; pronouns: Joanna (Jo)/ She-Her

Age, Timezone: 25 - GMT

Activity, short explanation: Probably a like 6/7 cause I still have to work considering everything going on - I am a keyworker for the NHS.

Ships: Elliott/Male

Anti-Ships: Elliott/Female

Triggers: RFP

Preferred photo for Character’s ID (please give a link): https://answersafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Adam-Lambert-640x423.jpg

Anything else: No I don’t think so. It’s been quite a while since I did roleplay so I am just excited to get started!

IC INFORMATION:

Full Name (First, Middle, Last): Elliott Michael Gilbert

FC: Adam Lambert

Age/Year at University (Freshman [1st Year], Sophomore, Junior, Senior, or Graduate Student): Junior

Birth date (MONTH DAY, YEAR): 29th January 1997, 23 years old

Hometown (please be sure to check the hometowns listed for characters your muse is related to!): Los Angeles, California

Gender/Pronouns: He/Him

Sexuality: Homosexual

Major(s): Music

Minor(s) [optional]: Media Studies and Journalism

Housing request (remember, only the president of a Greek Organization is required to live at a Greek House to be in it!): Zeta Sigma Beta, single or double room

Extracurriculars (Click here for the list. Be sure to specify any executive board positions [i.e. president, secretary, etc.] If something isn’t listed, please put it here and we will add it to the masterlist!): Glee Club, LGBT+ Association

Greek Life Affiliation [optional] (Please be sure to specify any executive board positions [i.e. president, pledge educator, etc.] or if your character is not yet a member, but plans to rush): A member of Zeta Sigma Beta.

CHARACTER PROFILE:

[At least] 3 Headcanons for your character:

Elliott was always very interested in his music and would listen too it at every opportunity. His parents hated that he would come home everyday and just lock himself away and work on his music or listen too it. Little did they know he was hiding other problems.

Due to always listening, he was bullied in school and quite often, people would be able to sneak up on him and shove him. He always let it roll off his back but would take it personally when he was at home.

He developed an eating disorder which he has slowly managed to overcome with the help of a therapist but a bad day can make him relapse momentarily and he will go a day or two without eating.

STUDENT CENSUS SURVEY:

(Please answer the following questions IN CHARACTER. Responses can be as long or short as you see fit!)

What made you want to attend Joie University?

I had heard about the prestige of Joie and why wouldn’t you want to come to a place like this? They have a great music program and it is an incredible opportunity.

What are at least 3 positive or neutral and at least 3 negative traits that you believe you possess?

I do believe I am kind, caring, considerate and compassionate but I can also be seen as vain, egotistical and as a bit of a player cause I do like a good old flirt.

Which of your traits do you value most?

Compassion is the one thing I feel is the most valuable cause if people had have been compassionate to me, I would not have had my problems.

How can that trait benefit the University (or its student body) as a whole?

I can be there for people. I can help people if they need it and I can make sure no one feels alone.

What do you hope to gain from your experience at JU?

My education for a start but also to build and develop relationships!

What is a quote or song lyric that describes you?

Oh.. I like this question. I think I’m going to have to say a lyric which would be:

‘You have more friends then you know, some who surround, some you are destined to meet’

#Accepted

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enigmasong · 6 years

Note

(The Doctor's childhood anon from earlier) I have quite a lot of time! Please explain further!

Well, alright then. Under the cut it is.

Okay, gonna start on the thing that basically forms the entire backbone of my theory and resulting story idea.

And they'd take her from somewhere thatwould cause the least amount of attention.

Yes, this line the Doctor says in the Day of the Moon about where Amy and Canton needs to look to find where the Silence are keeping Melody is the most important thing to remember for a good chunk of what I’m about to say (though I am gonna go off the rails later on here). Because if you really think about it, there’s really not any reason for the Doctor to just know this as casually as he does.

At least until we skip ahead two seasons to when one Clara Oswald accidentally lands the TARDIS on the Doctor’s childhood. And given that the Doctor being a high born Gallifreyan, their aristocracy, it seems a bit odd that that he’s living with the most marginalized citizens of the world on the outskirts where, how did Rassilon put it? Where there’s nobody who matters.

You ask me, that’s just another way of saying ‘cause the least amount of attention’.

Now I could have stronger evidence to build on, but there’s enough parallel here, I think, between the Doctor’s childhood and River’s that I can start using the latter’s to inform the former’s. That young Theta Sigma, for whatever reason, had been taken from his family by some shady group to be molded into some sort of weapon.

Now the story ideas I’ve built off of this theory have gone through many iterations and the most recent one involves him actually being the child of Rassilon, but I don’t wanna go into that because I think it’s really fucking stupid.

Oh, and I’ve decided that whoever it was who did my vague experimenting stuff here also helped the Silence create River and actually had them meet and spend time together as children because I’m that kind of Doctor/River shipper trash and there is no return for me.

And that’s what I’ve got, in the shortest means I can put it (unless you’re really that adamant on knowing what I’ve got that involves the Doctor being Rassilon’s kid), and it’s got its holes. Like I’ve no idea who would take the Doctor to turn into a weapon or why (best I’ve got is ‘something, something, ‘like a Hybrid’). But I think it’s a decent enough starting ground if someone thinks it’s necessary to have a story exploring the Doctor’s childhood.

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raywritesthings · 7 years

Text

Lost in Translation 1/?

My Writing Fandom: Doctor Who Characters: Donna Noble, Tenth Doctor Pairing: Doctor/Donna Summary: In a universe where people are born with the name of the person destined for them displayed on their skin, intergalactic soulmates can be rather difficult to navigate. AO3 link

The Time Lords told their young about soulmate markings the same way they told their young about everything else. Dispassionately, matter-of-factly, and with a sense that it was best not to dwell on something so base and trivial.

A quirk of biology, thought to be a leftover trait from the time of the Carrionites. Words, after all, had been their power, though there was certainly strength behind High Gallifreyan and even Circular Gallifreyan texts.

Neither a quirk of biology nor any written form of Gallifreyan could explain Theta Sigma’s marking, however.

“There are clearly four distinct symbols, though one repeats, you see?” He twisted in place to be able to look back at Koschei while also pushing the collar of his robe to the side. It wasn’t proper protocol to show someone else your marking, but children broke the rule all the time, even at the Academy.

“And they’ve always looked like that?”

“Of course they have. They’d be even more remarkable if they’d changed, I daresay.”

“Do you like to think they make you special?” Koschei drawled.

Theta flushed. “Well, no. Not special necessarily. Merely different.”

“You needn’t any help with being different.” He couldn’t very well disagree with his friend on that count.

Theta did protest, however, as Koschei stood and walked across the room. “Aren’t you going to show me yours?”

“Why should I?” His friend asked loftily. “They’re pointless to us Time Lords. I’m sure we’ll have evolved past them in a matter of generations. Who knows, maybe your nonsense symbols are the first sign.”

Years later, they were both deeply involved in their studies, and anything else hardly bore thinking about. At least, that had been the impression Theta was working under, only for Koschei to march into the room with no preamble one day while he was in the middle of testing his newest invention.

“I’ve found your symbols.”

“My what?”

“Your soulmate marking symbols,” he enunciated as though he thought Theta was being particularly thick today. Koschei set a thick tome down on his workbench. “They’re from a primitive language originating on the planet Sol Three. We’re going to be covering it along with several others next term.”

Theta was hardly concerned with the subject of next term’s classes, however. “And this language has a word with all of those symbols? In the exact order?”

“Yes.”

“Well, what does it mean? Out with it!” He urged.

Koschei rolled his eyes. “It simply means ‘lady’, silly. How very foolish of you. Not only could you not manage a soulmate marking in the proper language, you couldn’t even manage a name.”

Theta’s face felt very hot and he wished he wasn’t at the Academy at all, but back at the barn.

Koschei hardly seemed to notice, instead looking very pleased with himself for figuring out the mystery. That was true Time Lord arrogance, always the need to be clever.

“And what, may I ask, were you doing looking for my symbols, hm?” Theta demanded, if only to wipe the smirk off his face. “Thought you said they were nonsense.”

“Well — they are. I wasn’t looking for them. I was reading ahead in the course material. Obviously.” Koschei scoffed, but it didn’t sound as convincing as his usual.

“Obviously,” said Theta anyway. “Well then, it hardly bares discussing, does it?”

They never brought it up, nor did Theta Sigma bring it up to another person, ever again.

—-

To humanity, soulmate marks were a little slice of fairy tale in an ordinary, mundane world. Parents cooed over the name their baby was gifted at birth, perhaps picked a birthname they thought might sound nice together, then got caught up in the swirl of nappy changings, first steps, first words, teething, and so on. When the child was old enough to understand, that was when they were told about the mark — though that age varied depending on the parents, of course.

But Donna Noble had always understood. She wasn’t like other babies who were given a gift at birth. Donna Noble was given a curse.

The interlocking circles that spanned almost the expanse of her back were just another oddity, as if it wasn’t bad enough being ginger and never skinny, not even during her growth spurt. Dad and Gramps always had a good chortle over how mum had fainted straightaway at the sight of her mark.

“What is it, some kind of graffiti? My daughter’s got some street tag on her back, oh God,” was her refrain every time she glimpsed it. Donna learned to wear cardis and jackets and shawls, even to the pool.

“Now, now, Sylvia, I’m sure that’s not it,” her dad responded in a well-worn way every time, somehow striking the balance between exasperated and fond. Donna wouldn’t have believed in soulmates at all if she didn’t watch her parents somehow stay in love despite, well, everything.

Her dad was real good about the whole mark thing, really. “Do you want it removed, love?” He asked her one night near the end of primary school, rubbing the spot in soothing circles as Donna cried into her pillow. “People get that done, these days.”

“Would it hurt?” She asked in a small voice, lifting her face slightly to be understood.

“Well, I imagine it would a little. But we’d be right there, your mum and I, and your grandfather.”

Donna thought for a long moment. She imagined it would hurt an awful lot, and there was the question of money. Everyone at school already knew about it anyway, thanks to the girls who snickered behind her back in the locker rooms. There’d be no point now.

“They’re jealous,” her Gramps insisted, sitting in his chair on the hill. “You’ve got something they haven’t, sweetheart, and that makes you special.”

“But I don’t want it,” she replied, her knees drawn up to her chest as she sat on the grass beside him.

He chuckled, placing an arm around her shoulders. “Well, no no one asks for what they’re given. It’s their choice whether to make the most of it or not. You’ll see, love. One day, I’m sure of it. You’ll find your — well, whoever he is.”

Why was she the one who had to have it all muffed up? Oh sure, Susie from maths had a Tom; he’d be hard to find, but at least it was something. Some Tom out there in the world who could share everything with Susie if they ever met. Be her closest friend, her support, the one person who understood her completely. Donna didn’t even have the luxury of pretending.

There were some, people said, who weren’t born with anyone’s name marked upon their skin. They were said to be happy, that they never felt a lack. Sometimes Donna wished that she were like that; other times, the thought occurred to her that someone like her would never be good enough on their own going nowhere as she was, and imagining being alone in the universe her whole life terrified her. But she was as good as, wasn’t she?

Stupid circles. It wasn’t Chinese characters, or Japanese, or Korean; it wasn’t Arabic; it wasn’t even bloody hieroglyphics!

—-

When the Doctor first married, his wife trailed curious fingers over the old symbols but never asked. They had that understanding about each other. It was comfortable, it was easy. They were good to each other, and for each other, so his old teachers often remarked.

It was not the life he dreamt of, either when he closed his eyes or when he gazed up at the orange sky from his place lying on the red grass — his little Arkytior with him now, not Koschei — but he could not find it in himself to regret it. Not when he knew a hand in his was the only abatement to his loneliness, his sense of not belonging on Gallifrey, he was likely to ever receive.

And then he and Arkytior, now Susan — Rose, he had told her, was the proper translation of her name, but she had been adamant in choosing her own, the stubborn child — were no longer on Gallifrey, instead lost amongst the stars in a rickety Type 40 TARDIS he barely knew what to do with.

It was not until his travels took him to Earth with increasing regularity that he realized the symbols — D o n n a — were not just a word. They had also been adopted as a name. Humans named their infants lady sometimes. How curious.

Curiouser still, was the idea that he had been given the name of a human to wear. Him, a Time Lord, who lived for centuries and did perhaps grow old but changed rather than died. He had children and grandchildren, yet was not even middle-aged! What if he should meet this Donna tomorrow? How much of his life could he reasonably expect her to be a part of? A century? A handful of decades? It not only seemed foolish, it seemed cruel.

The Doctor did not seek out any of these Donnas, not like he might have in his true youth. Not when Susan left with her David — he hadn’t had the heart to check her marking; he did not wish to know what had her so taken with the human — not when Ian and Barbara left, not when he continued to travel and meet new humans with all variety of names that hurt him badly enough when they all in turn took their leave of him.

Not even after the Time War, when he was left with nothing. Not a people, not a family, not an other half. The temptation beckoned, but what other person could wish to share themselves with a monster like him now?

Instead, he found a new Rose. Different in many aspects to his precious granddaughter, but still he was unaccountably fond of the pink and yellow human who brought some of the old joy of traveling the stars back to his weary eyes. Despite some hiccups, such as accidentally taking her from her home for an entire year, she seemed to like him a great deal as well.

The Doctor did not realize just how much, unfortunately, until he lost her too.

“Wait,” Rose said, clearly struggling not to break down on her end of the connection he had created to say a proper goodbye to her on the parallel world. “Wait, before you- before you’re gone, I need to know. Is it you?”

“Is what me?”

“The name I’ve got. Is it yours?” To his dismay she turned around, unzipping her jacket with the clear intent of showing him her mark. “Yours is mine, isn’t it? I love you.”

“Oh, Rose Tyler,” he sighed, his hearts sinking. She flickered, then faded from view as the connection weakened and then died, not before he glimpsed markings in a twenty-six character alphabet clear as day.

What had he done? All that time, had he led her to believe — oh no. No wonder Jackie and Mickey had often viewed him so poorly.

This soulmate business truly was horrid and pointless, his old friend had been right all along. The Doctor resolved then and there to forget the entire thing. Not just forget, he would actively ignore and work against it. He could tattoo over the name like the Corsair used to do, make sure every companion knew corresponding soulmate markings between species was an impossibility — he’d told worse lies. Do everything in his power to halt the idea in its tracks before it even began to germinate.

Then he turned around to find a ginger bride standing in his TARDIS.

—-

Donna Noble flitted from relationship to relationship after school. Between being a temp and her own unique situation, nothing ever felt like a good fit. Not to mention, all the times she was dumped soon as her time was up at this or that office. She was just practice, her mum always said. People wanted to be able to impress their soulmate on the first go.

It would be just the same at her new job, her mother harangued her as she applied, got the assignment, and prepared for her first day at H.C. Clements. No one would be taking any special interest in her except as a cheap date.

But then Lance Bennett from Human Resources smiled at her across the office and gestured to the coffee machine. He was nice, friendly, and certainly her type. Basically, a dream come true, and Donna had given up dreaming a long time ago.

She couldn’t imagine why the Head of Human Resources at a posh company like this would be interested in her of all people. Unless...

“This isn’t cause you’ve got a Donna you’re looking out for, is it? Am I the first one you’ve met?” Donna demanded over the third coffee in as many days, a sinking feeling in her stomach.

Lance pulled a face. “Oh, I don’t put any stock in that rubbish.”

Her heart leapt. “Really?”

“Why would I tie myself down to someone just because of their name? It’s nonsense. I could be totally wrong about them being ‘the one’, couldn’t I?”

“Yeah, exactly!” Donna enthused. “Unless, you know, it’s like something real specific. My friend, her parents stuck her with Nerys. Said it’d be unique enough for her soulmate to find her right away. Well they haven’t yet!” She laughed, and Lance smiled at her and Donna felt so much better about this, about everything.

Maybe Lance wasn’t meant to be her ‘one’. But if neither of them minded, what was the harm?

She couldn’t wait for him to pop the question. What if he changed his mind? What if he met someone off the street with the name she refused to even look at? Donna didn’t get lucky like this. It was now or never if she didn’t want to end up the old maid her mother said she was destined to be. Who cared about destiny? She was choosing to love Lance.

And he’d said yes. The wedding was being planned, her mum flying into a frenzy of activity all of a sudden. Even Nerys agreed to be maid of honor, though she claimed it was due to needing to be there to believe it. They booked St. Mary’s and a hall for the reception, and Donna went for a dress fitting. She made sure to pick one that, between the veil and her hair, would cover up the old mark. A wedding dress fitting, it was actually happening!

Her only regret was Gramps coming down with the Spanish Flu. Of course she urged him to go to hospital, but she would have loved to have him there with her mum and dad. Part of her considered delaying the whole thing, just by a week to see if he’d be any better by then, forget the honeymoon in Morocco. Lance assured her that they would be filming it anyway and he’d see the whole thing, and that calmed her down a bit.

Of course, she was a whole different bundle of nerves the day of the wedding. Donna couldn’t believe this was happening to her! Each step she took down the aisle was a step closer to the rest of her life. She was beaming ear to ear, practically glowing!

No, hang on, she really was glowing. Donna stopped in the middle of the aisle in shock as she lit up bright gold. There was a strange sensation, it almost felt like an invisible pull on her. Everyone was staring, and it wasn’t because she was the bride.

Donna screamed.

She blinked and suddenly found herself standing in the strangest room she’d ever seen. Everyone from the wedding was gone. Instead, staring across at her in bewilderment was the skinniest bloke in a suit she’d ever had the misfortune to meet.

“What?”

“Who’re you?” Asked Donna.

“But.” That was it, he didn’t actually have an ending to that.

“Where am I?” She demanded next.

He switched right back to, “What?”

“What the hell is this place!”

“What?”

#ten x donna #doctor x donna #donna noble #tenth doctor #doctor who #the doctor #my writing

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