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#and the author leading the class was disappointed
astrow1zar6 · 2 months
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Astro Observations-19
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I notice Earth suns tend to have a very bullying type of humor. Very harsh dry humor that’s borderline offensive is their style. Sometimes it’s hard to know if they’re joking or serious especially Capricorn’s 😭
Aries men are surprisingly not as hot headed as people would expect. It actually takes a lot before they really yell at you. Usually only if u insult something they’re passionate in. The women are a lot more hot headed & easily set off imo
Mercury Rx people usually struggle with speech or reading problems. I notice it can result in having a stutter or a lisp, dyslexia or just very bad social anxiety. In extreme cases I’ve seen selective mutism. I also notice they have a very intense relationship with books & reading, it’s either they absolutely love reading or it’s really challenging for them in some way. A lot started off in their earlier years finding reading challenging then ended up loving reading as they grew. It’s like a mental exercise for them.
Saturn RX people always make bad choices lol. They always choose the path that will lead to the most hardship just for the fun of it or the excitement (which it’s normally not fun for too long) they usually grew up having a hard time with authority. Could of had very authoritative parents that were too hard on them which caused them to rebel. In this lifetime they are here to learn the value of HARD-work because in past lives these people were usually really irresponsible & put fun and pleasure over building their futures. These people will face so much disappointment until they surrender their rebel lifestyle. Deep down they do want to mature & be better but many believe they aren’t good enough. Once they reach this maturity however their life will do a 360.
Venus in the 1st house people can act very unpleasant when they are getting ignored or the attention isn’t fully on them. They value people liking them & fitting in so when they feel like they aren’t vibing with anyone they go into this deep self pity downer attitude. Their self esteem and happiness is determined by how many people accept them.
Venus in the 3rd house people have relationships that look more like friendships. Their partnerships are more playful & light then deep and intense. They usually end up dating their best friend. Could lack in the physical realm however in some cases.
Venus in the 7th house people usually have a lot of crushes. Most of them however never turn into anything deeper. It’s surprisingly hard for these people to fall in love. They can also lead a lot of people on because of their multiple crushes. Not easy to keep these people attention.
Moon in Caps are really afraid of rejection. They will act they hate you even if they’re in love with you to avoid showing their vulnerable side. Their coldness can ruin a lot of relationships that they actually really wanted.
Mercury in Pisces people can never stay on topic while speaking 😂 they have this habit of going off topic then completing forgetting why they were even telling the story in the first place. They also disassociate like a mf. They can be staring dead in your eyes for hours and not hear a word you’re saying lol.
If you try to argue with a Mars in the 3rd house you will never win. These people are natural born lawyers. They come with all the receipts 👀
Cancer placements tend to have really round faces. Like the moon.
Pisces placements are really wise and really childish at the same time. They all have this naive childish aura around them where you assume they don’t understand much but then when you really get to know them they will talk to you like your listening to an Alan Watts lecture 😂
Mercury in the 12th house I believe is the most introverted mercury placement. Even with a more extroverted mercury sign there’s still this deep reserve to them. These are usually those kids in class that you never heard speak once then they finally speak u think “holy shit they do know how to talk” lol. I notice they choose to stay quiet because people ignore them anyways. Like people will ask them to be more open and talk more & when they actually try they are usually brushed off.. it’s really not fair, and they know this all too well.
Aquarius Venus 🤝 having their friends catch feelings for them
Uranus/Venus aspects are usually apart of the LGBTQ community.
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lovecrime2 · 4 months
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Hannibal Lecter x Reader
summary: you begin therapy with Dr. Lecter, a man who you quickly learn much from. from his intellectuality, to the darkness hidden in the furthest parts of his mind, you become enraptured with him. will he feel the same about you? therapy sessions turn into exchanging books with notes, cooking together, and seeing more of each other in ways you both never thought possible. a love story.
authors note: hello!! this fic will have multiple chapters and i’m so excited to start this! it’s also on a03. and im creating a playlist for this!!
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Chapter I: Prima
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“Dr. Lecter is ready to see you now, miss.” the polite receptionist says, with a smile sent your way. It’s no more than a flash of positivity before she turns back to her paper work, reflected by her thin framed glasses. As her eyes scanned over the work, turning back to frantically look over her desk, presumably searching for something, she gave off an obvious air of worry. Perhaps she was new.
You were too.
Your first day of therapy. Well, your first day of therapy with this new psychiatrist. It wasn’t something you were exactly frantically nervous about- as the poor polite receptionist was. You’d been to therapy before. You were accustomed to the shallow invasion and prodding of the mind. This time, your hope was that this new Dr. Lecter would be unique. Different.
You’d heard many good things about him. Ranging from his written work and studies, to his success with patients. And after the worsening state of your mind and the life you had built around you, you decided that it was time to try again. So far, you weren’t disappointed. The office was classy. Nice chairs were set in the waiting room, where you had sat for some time. There was tasteful art, quiet classical music in the background. Bach, you had guessed. Other than the receptionist, it had emitted an air of class and calmness.
You flashed a smile back at the receptionist, returning the politeness.
“Thank you very much,” you replied.
You weren’t sure if she heard given how diligently she was scanning her desk currently. But it was of no matter, you had been polite, it was the most you could do. You stepped up to a wooden door, unsure if you’d have to knock. Before you could, the door was opened, and Dr. Lecter was revealed to you.
He was handsome. You weren’t one to judge or weigh value off of looks, but you would give him that simple statement. Looks were not the most important thing to you, and you certainly were not meaning it in a romantic way. But he was handsome. The eyes that quickly met yours were brown, maybe with a hint of hazel. His hair was brown as well, it shone in the light from his office. He wore a navy blue plaid suit, giving him an obvious air of seriousness, of class and respect. His lips curled into a smile, and yours followed suit.
“Miss L/N, it’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance.” he spoke, his voice was rich and soothing.
“Dr. Lecter, I’ve heard many wonderful things about you and your work. It’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance as well.” you replied calmly, mirroring his niceties and charm. He had a quiet suave demeanor. As if on instinct, you both reached your hands out for a handshake. More niceties. This doctor was very formal. You appreciated that. As your hands touched you felt his eyes scan you quickly. Almost like an eagle searching a field for prey. Though, there wasn’t malice behind this look.
“Please, do come in.” he said, leading you into his large room. And what a large room it was.
It had a mostly grey color palette, with the exception of the one wall which was a dark red. To your right was a large wall, with two large red and white striped curtains. To your left, a desk, obviously a professional one. Lamps and books and art decorated the top. Further back to your left was another desk and a chair, but nothing was on this one. Behind that, a fireplace. The room was lined with cabinets and bookshelves, and art (specifically paintings) were anything but scarce. Right in front of you however, were two chairs facing each other. And there was a ladder, on the wall behind them, leading up to another level of the room. This one was lined with books of all shapes and sizes and colors. You took note of the other items in the room. Your eyes scanned from the couch against the back wall, to the couch in front of the windows. The room seemed lightly dull at first, but the more you gazed, the more points of color stood out to you.
After having visually scoured the room, you summarized that the collection of books, European furniture, and art was not simply the doing of the building’s hypothetical interior designer. By his outfit and the look of the room, Dr. Lecter was a man of intellectuality, power, curiosity, and ambition. He was impressive.
“Have a seat, Miss L/N.” he said, gesturing to the two seats in the middle of the room- each sat directly across from the other. Each had small tables next to them, but one had a book (presumably for taking notes on patients) and a box of tissues. You assumed the seat that the book and tissue box adorned table belonged to: was his. So you took the other seat, smoothing the bottom half of your clothing as you sat down. He took a seat across from you, crossing his legs and folding his hands neatly in his lap.
“I have no doubt you know why you’re here.” he said politely. He was direct, eyes still piercing into you. You were afraid to look away. You wanted to maintain the eye contact but at the same time, the socially nervous part of you longed to break it, longed to gaze around the sophisticated room instead of facing his perceptive gaze.
“Yes, Doctor.” you replied, finally working up the courage to break the mural stare and look down as you smiled at him. He returned a brief smile, and nodded once.
“So then, I hope you won’t mind if I list off the reasons you put for requesting my psychiatric assistance which led to us meeting today?” he inquired, taking his notebook from the small table next to him.
“Not at all, go ahead.” you gave him an encouraging nod and he opened his book. As he looked over a page, a realization came to you. You realized how intimate the placing of his chairs was. You mirrored him and put one leg over the other. You wondered if this was a tactic of his to create a sense of connection, equality. Interesting.
“You have emotional regulation issues, accompanied by social anxiety. Past traumas, which I’m sure are accompanied by self-image problems, am I correct?” he asked at the end of his statement.
“Yes,” you said, pausing a moment. There was some more, but this was only the first session. You hated the way it sounded so labeled when it was later out like that, so shallow. Realizing your answer might’ve seemed curt, you rushed to say more. “Yes, that’s all correct.”
He set his book down on the side table and looked at you for a moment. The thought crossed your mind that he might be waiting for you to speak, you were about to say something when he spoke at last.
“How do you feel right now, at this very particular moment, Miss L/N?” he asked you, eyes endlessly boring into you.
“I feel,” you hesitated, trying to come up with the right words. “Comfortable and welcomed. Yet nervous.”
“I’m glad you feel comfortable and welcomed, I try to provide sufficient hospitality for those in my care. Though, tell me, why do you feel nervous?” he asked.
“I’ve just met someone new. Someone who will be peering into my mind, learning the most personal parts of me. It’s an odd thought that a man I met a few minutes ago will come to know my mind so deeply.” you replied, watching Hannibal process your answer. He had a good poker face.
“Are you afraid of what I might uncover in the depths of your mind?” he asked.
“I think everyone’s a little afraid of what can be perceived in the most personal parts of their mentality. We all have only so much we express. To the eye it may seem to show enough, but there’s so much hidden where we store our deepest thoughts.” you replied. You liked the knowledgeable banter.
“Knowing those parts of you is a fundamental aspect to your treatment, as it is to any patient. I am not here to judge, or to exploit. I am here to come to know your being and attempt to help it in a way that is beneficial to your mental well-being.” he replied.
“You make a good point, Doctor.” you replied, flashing him a smile. He returned it, and opened his book.
“Well then, shall we begin?” he asked, his eyes still focused on yours.
“Of course.” you replied.
And so began your session with Hannibal Lecter, your new psychiatrist.
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redtsundere-writes · 4 months
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Out Of My League | Kayn Shieda / Rhaast
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heartsteel!kayn shieda / Rhaast x f!reader
Part 3: Skillcurve.
Part 1. Part 2. Part 4.
Sypnosis: A chronically online girl goes bowling with Heartsteel and ¿her boyfriend? Contents: fluff. Friends to lovers. A couple of dumbasses. Flirting. PDA. Word Count: 2876 words. Author's Note: I really like writing about Kayn cause I´m kinning so hard, I don't know it's bad or good. Requested by: @lovewhatsnotreal
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After Kayn satisfied his need to kiss you until sucking your soul out, both returned to the auditorium holding hands. The Heartsteel members quickly realized what had happened once they noticed the pale red hickey on your neck. They were a bit surprised to find out what you were willing to do at school but they were still happy for you two. Yone was proud of you for achieving your goal, but he was disappointed in your indecency. 
Your love for each other was as young as the night and it was barely starting. While you were aware of Kayn's rebellious and reckless personality, you were unaware that his driving mirrored those traits. On the way to the bowling alley, he had run 5 red lights, 7 stop signs and almost ran over a woman. The entire ride you spent praying and holding on to your seat belt as if your life depended on it. Let me correct that, your life DID depend on it. 
Everyone had arrived at the bowling alley, including the captain of the volleyball team who didn’t want to leave Yone's side. “It seems that Kayn wasn't lying,” you thought, relieved when you saw how the girl forcibly hugged Yone's arm but he was just shooting disapproving glances at her. Ezreal was excited to finally be able to rest after weeks of rehearsals leading up to the talent show. K'Sante and Sett were arguing about who was going to have the highest score at bowling while Aphelios just listened to them even though he knew who was going to win: Him.
While Yone and Aphelios paid for the hours everyone would be playing, the others ordered snacks and drinks stupidly in the restaurant bar of the place. 
"I want some nachos with extra cheese, extra beef and… extra everything!" Kayn asked excitedly. He hadn't eaten all day because he had forgotten to do so out of jealousy. 
"What do you want, beautiful?" He asked you before snaking his arm around your waist. 
"I’m good," you said shyly.
You really didn't have much of an appetite being surrounded by strangers. You weren't afraid of the people you didn’t know because you knew, for what you had heard from Kayn and Yone, that they are good people. Yet, you couldn't shake the shame away. You had to know them better to be able to trust them. 
"And chicken nuggets!" Kayn shouted so that the cashier could include that in the order. 
Everyone got their shoes. Sett helped Aphelios tie his shoelaces like the prince he is. The captain, seeing this, asked Yone to do the same but he flatly refused. Having his shoes on, Ezreal began to dance to check that they were tied properly. You and Kayn just watched him and laughed at him because he looked funny. 
Everyone was playing in their respective turns. You asked to be the last because you had never played in your life. Not having many friends, you had not had the opportunity to do things that other kids your age usually do for fun, such as going to karaoke, going to the arcade, or skipping class. Your life used to consist of playing League, practicing your guitar skills, and aimlessly surfing the vast web. Maybe that would change now that Kayn was your boyfriend... only if he asked you.
Even though Kayn confessed and kissed you, you didn't know exactly what he wanted from you. Did he want you to be his girlfriend, his lover, his friend with benefits or was this just going to be a situationship? You wanted to ask him where you stood with him but this wasn't the right time. 
"You may be better than me at playing League but you won’t beat me in this," Kayn said with a proud smile. 
Kayn is very competitive. He loves to compete and that is why he usually turns everything into a competition. Even the most ridiculous thing can become a competition if he puts his mind to it: seeing who can fold a burrito the fastest or who can stay awake the longest.
You rolled your eyes at his statement but didn't look away to watch how you were supposed to play, since you didn't have the slightest idea what you were supposed to do. Kayn took one of the heavier balls, stood in front of the throwing line, swung the bowling ball back to create momentum, and then threw it so that it glided fluidly down the lane. The ball knocked out all the pins with one shot. Strike. 
"HOT DAMN!" Kayn exclaimed, showing off his satisfying shot. 
“Oh wow, it's Faker” you thought. Aphelios indicated with his finger that it was your turn, so you approached the throwing line. Kayn smiled at you as you approached him to exchange turns. 
"You got it, cutie." He said before spanking you. The colors rushed to your face instantly. 
"Hey!" You barked embarrassed. He just stuck his tongue out at you and scooted away to watch you throw.
You took a deep breath to ignore what Kayn had done. You approached the bowling balls station. The balls came in various sizes and colors. You decided to take one just because it was your favorite color and stood in front of the line again. You replayed in your mind how Kayn had launched his shot and tried to imitate it as best as possible with the best aim. Your ball ended up deflecting into the left channel. 
Kayn poke fun at your missed shot as you blushed. You felt like a humiliated tomato. You went back to the ball station to grab another one. You took a deep breath and tried again but the ball fell back into the same channel. You dropped your head in surrender as Kayn laughed harder. Aphelios came over to smack the back of his head for mocking while Sett approached you. 
"You don't know how to play, do you?" Sett asked empathetically. 
"It's the first time I play," you declared embarrassed. Kayn stopped laughing upon hearing that. Now he felt bad for making fun of a rookie. 
"Don't worry, I can teach you," Sett offered. He had done it partly out of kindness and because Aphelios asked him via chat. Kayn did not hesitate to interject. 
"I'm better at playing, I think I can teach my girlfriend," Kayn reproached the big man. 
You frowned at the title he gave you. Not because you didn't want to be his girlfriend, but because he hadn't asked you. Maybe you weren't good at reading social parameters but you knew that those kinds of things are asked. At least now you knew what Kayn wanted from you. You decided to get revenge for making fun of you. 
"Girlfriend? Where?" you asked while pretending to look for an imaginary person on the horizon. Kayn was now frowning at you, an expression that made Sett chuckle. 
"I'm talking about you, dummy," he scolded. You stopped, pretending not to understand. 
"Me? I don't remember you asking me," you said while inspecting your nails as if you didn't care. Kayn ground his teeth in frustration. 
"You're mine, I made that hickey," he reproached, pointing at your neck. 
"This? A friend did it to me," you said with an evil smile. Sett burst into laughter. 
"Go fight somewhere else, it's my turn." K'Sante said as he approached you. You gave Kayn a wink to indicate that you were just joking, to which he just shook his head, drawing away from the fact that you were playing with his little heart. You both returned to your seats to wait for the next turn. 
The food arrived minutes later. Ezreal had ordered a little of everything but encouraged everyone to grab from his plate. K'Sante and Sett ate wings as if they had never eaten a bite in their entire lives. Kayn's nachos looked monstrous but appetizing. While he ate, he struck down anyone who even thought of grabbing his food. You were obviously the only exception but you only ate one to try them out and covered your mouth while you did so in shame. 
"Who ordered the nuggets?" asked Yone, who was distributing the food. Kayn, having his mouth full of cheese and meat, only pointed to you so Yone would give them to you. 
"I didn't order this," You told him confusedly as you looked at the nuggets in a plastic basket. Kayn swallowed what was in his mouth to answer you. 
"I ordered them for you," he answered before taking a mouthful of nachos. You were surprised to hear that.
"I know you love nuggets and that you don’t like eating in public, but you must eat," he said, encouraging to eat without feeling embarrassed. You smiled to yourself seeing that he knew you so well and cared about you. You decided to eat the nuggets because he was right, they were your favorite. 
"Strike, baby!" Kayn shouted as the ball knocked down all the pine trees in his next turn. You approached him to follow the turn pattern. 
"I'm going to teach you, so pay attention," he asked as he examined the weights on the balls. 
She picked up a  bowling ball number 10, a ball for the average weight of an adult woman. He gave you the ball to hold and then pulled you towards him so that your back was against his chest. This way you could imitate his movements precisely. His slippery fingers grabbed your wrist and with his other hand he adjusted your back to make sure your posture was straight. 
You blushed as you felt his warm breath tickling your ear. It was the first time you were so close to him with several people watching you around. You swallowed to calm your nerves. 
"Do you see the marks on the floor of the track? Focus on those, not the pines," Kayn explained patiently. You nodded, signaling that you had understood his indication. 
"Good girl, now just follow me," he asked.
He forced you to move your arm and legs back to create momentum. They then walked forward while you swung your arm in the same direction to shoot. As he had promised, the ball hit the second row of pine trees and caused them all to fall in a domino effect. You smiled when you saw the result. 
"I made a strike!" You exclaimed happily as you raised your arms in victory. Kayn smiled at you seeing you so excited and imitated you in celebration. 
"Thank you. I teach on Thursdays," he said with a mischievous smile. 
"How much is it for private lessons?" you asked, playing along. 
"Just a couple of kisses," He purred before pulling you by the waist and kissing your smile. He gently held your chin as he guided you to paradise with his lips. 
"Get a room! There are people who did come to play!" Ezreal scolded before throwing an empty soda can at Kayn's head. The pink-haired boy turned to glare at him. You just laughed, blushing. 
"Thank you for inviting me," you thanked the members of Heartsteel once they were ready to go home.
Ezreal said it was a pleasure and all the boys said goodbye to you. Yone advised you to call him if Kayn ended up being detained by the police before heading to his car with the captain. Your date took you by the hand back to the car so he could take you home “safe and sound.”  
They got into the car and you melted into the seat from the exhaustion caused by social interactions. Kayn massaged your shoulder from the driver's seat and told you that you did a good job. You smiled weakly at the compliment. You had really had a good time, you just weren't used to having so many people around you. 
Kayn turned on the car's interior lights and reached for something in the back seat. You looked at him confused. He brought a makeup bag with him as soon as he sat up straight again. 
"Are you going to touch-up your makeup?" you asked curiously. 
"You're the one who needs a touch-up. I'm not going to let your mom see that hickey," Kayn said seriously. 
You instinctively covered your neck as soon as you remembered the mark he had given you that afternoon after confessing. You looked in the visor mirror to check the severity of the mark. You were relieved to see that it was a pale red shade and not purple. Kayn approached you to inspect the mark and adjust your neck to begin covering it. 
"I'm going to apply concealer," he said before reaching his hand into his small makeup bag. 
"I didn't know you wore makeup," you commented without moving your neck. 
"Do you think all this beauty is natural?" Kayn joked as he applied the product to your neck.
"Eh... yes," you giggled. 
"Well, you're right. I'm too beautiful for this world, but sometimes I get pimples on my face," he joked while blending the product with a makeup sponge. 
You laughed at his comment. Kayn smiled to himself seeing that you weren't surprised or made fun of him for wearing makeup. In his life he had come across people who had distanced themselves from him just because they knew that he wore eyeliner, he was happy that you were not like them. You weren't really surprised by this because Rhaast would sometimes call you while he was painting his hair or nails, so it was safe to say that he did more than just his eyeliner. 
"I did my makeup today thinking it would surprise you but I see that you are better than me at it," You said, feeling a bit silly for feeling like a makeup artist just because your eyeliner was symmetrical. 
"You look beautiful," he flattered you. You still weren't used to him saying those things to you, but you would soon. He finished covering the hickey with translucent powder over the concealer so it wouldn't sweat away on the way home. You thanked him when he finished and he replied that it wasn't a problem. 
After a crazy car ride while listening to his favorite songs at excessively high volume, Kayn finally parked in front of your building. You wanted to stay with him longer but you both needed to rest after a hectic day full of emotions. 
"Thank you for driving me," You said before leaving a kiss on his cheek. 
You were going to move away but Kayn's hand on your neck didn't allow you. He clenched your jaw slightly to keep you close to him while he kissed your entire face. He also wanted to stay with you longer. If you lived alone, he would have stayed the night to make the most of every moment with you. The only thing stopping him was that he now had a couple of in-laws who wouldn't be too happy with that idea. 
Your hands briefly ran over his chest until they reached his shoulders to feel him closer to you. Kayn tilted his head to deepen the kiss, an intimate and profound expression of affection that transcended the surface. The safe feeling in his chest every time he kissed you made him drift into a peace that he hadn't felt in a long time. He was sure that he had found the person with whom he wanted to have a thousand and one adventures. 
You detached from each other when both started to lack air and a thin trail of saliva briefly connected you. Kayn wiped your lips with his thumb to release your face and take your hand. Both smiled upon the realization that you were finally together, well, now you were closer than ever. 
"I've never wanted to be someone's boyfriend so bad," Kayn whispered to you as his fingers gently played with yours. Brushing your skin with his fingertips, wishing you could touch each other like this later in your relationship. 
"Can I?" He asked before kissing the back of your hand. 
It was something you had only heard in your deepest dreams, now it is your new reality. Kayn loved you the same way you loved him. You smiled at his interesting proposal. 
"Only if you promise me you won't break up with me in a month," you joked. Kayn rolled his eyes at that tasteless joke. 
"I'll break up with you when hell freezes," he said between joking and serious. 
"You convinced me, I accept," You said before planting a kiss on your nose. 
Kayn got out of the car and walked around it to get to your door to open it. He helped you down and walked you to the entrance of your building. You said goodbye to each other and then you entered. As soon as you disappeared from Kayn's sight, you started jumping excitedly to your apartment. You did! You were officially Kayn's girl! All your hard work had paid off and you felt like you would explode with excitement. Because of your strange burst of energy and the makeup, your parents didn't even realize that a handsome vampire had bitten you.
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magpiepills · 5 months
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Into the Deep End
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Rating: EXPLICIT! 18+ MDNI
Pairing: Joel Miller: Hole Filler x AFAB reader
Word count: 2.7k
Summary: you and your friend are invited to swim at the home of her boyfriend’s friend.
Warnings: PIV, dirty talk, little size kink, age gap, swimming, girls kissing girls, multiple orgasms, creampie, drug and alcohol use. Turgid Members! no use of y/n, no outbreak, no Sarah, plus perhaps others.
A word for the author: well this isn’t the DBF I had planned. He wasn’t cooperating, so instead you get Best Friend’s Boyfriend’s Buddy Joel and his big dick. The important thing is that we have Joel and we have him in a timely manner! Kisses and trading cards to the magic sluts. ❤️
Banner by @cafekitsune
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Kim hadn’t shut up about her boyfriends neighbor all week. “He’s sooo good looking. If it wasn’t for Matt, I’d be all over him. Maybe I’ll be all over him anyway, Matt likes it when I flirt!”
“Isn’t he like, fifty though?” You frown, not looking up from your magazine.
“Nah, he’s forty, tops. Does it matter though? He’s gorgeous. Wait until you see him.”
You were skeptical. It seemed weird for an older guy to invite some college kids to hang out and swim in his pool. You needed some excitement and distraction in your life, though. College had been rough. Classes were grueling and your own boyfriend had unceremoniously dumped you right before finals. It was a killer blow.
“Whats his name? Josh? Jared? Is he really ok with us using his pool?”
“It’s Joel. And he said we can come over any time. He lives alone and he’s always been like a big brother to Matt. Plus he’s so chill. He always has weed, he’s not creepy, he’s fun. You’ll love him. I told him all about you and he seemed really interested in meeting you.”
“Kim!” You admonished and swatted her with your magazine. “Do not try anything with this guy. I don’t need to be set up with an old guy!”
“Just wait until you see him. You’ll thank me.”
And she was right. On Saturday afternoon you and Jen met Matt at Joel’s house. The guys were already in the back yard, music playing, cooler full of beer by the back door, floats in the pool. Kim ran to Matt, and he lifted her into a hug, one hand squeezing her ass in a wide grip. You sat down the bag holding your towel, sunscreen, and tshirt, and said hello to the astoundingly attractive man sitting at the patio table.
“You must be Joel. Thanks for letting us use your pool.”
“Don’t mention it. Matt told me you girls are home for the summer, so feel free to come by any time and swim. Beer?” He gestured at the cooler.
“Please!” You accepted his offer gratefully and watched him press the cap into his big palm and twist it off. Kim was right, he’s gorgeous. Tall and tan, with silver just beginning to thread through his dark, messy hair and dark brown eyes. He had a broad chest and shoulders. You took the beer and sipped, and eyed him as he pulled his shirt over his head, revealing a slightly soft belly and a trail of dark hair leading under his light blue trunks. Dear god you thought, a giddy feeling welling up inside you with an urge to run your hands over his skin. You felt like such a creep. You imagined touching him and smelling him, laying your head on his chest, biting his shoulder.
“Come in with me!” Kim’s call snapped you out of your thoughts, and you grabbed your towel, spreading it on the concrete. The water was warm, and it felt good to float and splash around a while. A game of chicken was suggested and abandoned, in favor of a round of shots, and you felt a little disappointed that you wouldn’t get to sit on Joel’s shoulders. You’d have to find another way to get your legs around him.
You got out of the pool, toweled off, and rummaged through our bag until you found your sunscreen. Perched on the patio chair, you slathered your arms and shoulders with Hawaiian tropic, and glanced up at Joel, catching his gaze for a fraction of a second before his eyes darted away. He could pretend he wasn’t watching you rub sunscreen on your chest all he wanted.
Kim swam near you and put her arms about your waist, leaning close to whisper in your ear “He’s hot, right? Are you sorry you doubted me?” “So sorry, Kim, I’m going to fuck him, I swear to god.” You said it with a laugh, but you kind of meant it.
After a few more drinks you were feeling bold, you and Kim were getting handsy with each other, a familiar intimacy shared by best friends, but something the two of you’d wielded more than once to draw the gaze of the boys you wanted to tease. Matt was happy to watch, and Joel couldn’t take his eyes off you and Kim, squeezing each other's hips and casually tugging at each other's bikini tops, dragging fingertips along the edge of the triangles over your breasts, whispering and giggling and all but kissing. “Here we go!” You could hear Matt whoop, finally noticing what you and Kim were doing. You saw Joel shifting down in his seat, adjusting his trunks as inconspicuously as he could, but you knew what he was doing. Your eyes met his and you gave him the smallest smile before turning back to Kim and whispering to her again. The beers you’d drank and the raw attraction you felt for Joel were mixing together low in your stomach and your inhibition was quickly dissolving.
Matt had had enough and jumped into the water, wrapping his arms around you and Kim and making lewd jokes about threesomes that had you giggling and blushing. He had seen enough of you and Kim’s shenanigans to know that it wasn’t going to happen and he eventually pulled your bestie away to the shallow end to make out, leaving you alone. You didn’t know what to do with yourself, and as you tried to decide what to do next, you felt a splash on your shoulder. Joel had came and sat on the edge of the pool, looking down at you and smiling his open, warm smile before slipping in beside you. “Are you and her and him a thing?” He asked, sounding awestruck that such a thing could happen in his own pool. “No, just friends. I’ve known Kim for ages, we like to goof around.” “I never goofed around with my friends like that. What’s your boyfriend think?” There it was. “No boyfriend. Just all by my lonesome. What about you? Is your girlfriend out with her girlfriend?” “Damn I wish. But no, no girlfriend to speak of.” With that you let him watch as you slowly looked him over, nibbling flirtatiously at your lip, not knowing how you wanted him to respond. He smiled and in better light you might be able to see him blush. “‘Nother beer?” “Why not?” You followed him out of the pool, he got out first, then turned to offer you a hand to pull yourself up. A big, wide, strong, warm hand. Back at the table you sat closer to him, sipping your beer and twisting lazily in the comfy spinning chair.
You chatted for a while, about movies you’d seen, music you liked, books you’ve read, finding you had a lot of things in common. The longer you talked, the closer together you got until your legs were across his lap and he was gently stroking your calves.
Kim and Matt were asleep on a lounge chair, and you really should have woken them up to go home, them in his bed, you on the couch, but instead, you and Joel just looked at them for a moment, and he asked if you wanted to watch a movie. “It’s not that late, they’ll probably get up soon and want to leave.” He reasoned and you didn’t have an argument. You just followed him through the sliding patio door, past a sparse but clean kitchen, and onto an ugly sofa that was more comfortable than your own bed.
You groaned when you sank into it, tucking your legs under you. You had slipped on your tshirt, but your now dry bikini was still underneath. Joel’s house was dark and cool inside, the only light coming from the light over the stove in the kitchen and the tv.
Joel put on Night of the Living Dead and came back to the couch with a blanket, tossing it over you. You noticed he had changed into soft looking plaid pajama pants and a gray shirt, smelling like a mix of fabric softener and chlorine. He propped his feet on the coffee table and started the movie. “It’s ok if you get scared. I won’t tell anybody if you hide your eyes.” He teased. You told him how you loved scary movies, even though they terrified you.
When the first vaguely gruesome scene came on you pulled the blanket over your face. Joel pulled you against his side with a sigh. “I’ll tell you when it’s over.” His arm stayed around you though, and you lifted the blanket so he could get under too.
It wasn’t long before your legs were back in his lap and he watched you while you watched the movie. “This isn’t even that scary. They’re too slow.” Maybe you were just lulled into comfort by Joel’s presence and warmth, and the way he stroked his thumb up and down your shin, squeezed your ankle gently, massaged your calf… ”Slow’s good.”
His voice was a little deeper, and he was a little closer and you didn’t move away. You turned your head and looked at him, gazing down at you, messy hair and soft eyes. “Yeah. Maybe slow’s not bad.” He hummed.
Your lips met slowly, sliding to fit together like a jigsaw puzzle, warm and soft, and his hand on your shin moved up to your knee, up to your thigh, to your hip, where he found the little bow of your bikini bottom and you could feel him smile against your lips . “Been wanting to do this all day. Ever since I saw you walk in.” You were surely blushing now. “You should have. All I heard about all day was how good looking you are.” Joel sat up a little straighter and lifted his eyebrows at that. “Oh yeah? Did I disappoint ya?” He asked while you leaned forward so he could tug your t-shirt over your head. “When we were in the pool I told Kim I was going to fuck you.”
Your admission stopped him in his tracks, stunned and mouth agape. “Jesus, you’ve got a mouth on you.” And you couldn’t stop yourself then. “Mhm. I can show you my mouth.” Not your sexiest line, but it had the intended effect. Joel was looking at you like he wasn’t sure you were real. “Come here.” He pulled you onto his lap so you were straddling him, only your bikini and his pajama pants separating you now, you could feel him, hard and huge.
You circled your hips, making him groan as he kissed you deeply, tongues meeting and swirling gently before he kissed a path down your neck, across your collarbone, and down between your breasts before l pressing a kiss to each one. He slid his hands up your sides as he kissed, and toyed with the thin material of your top before dipping two thick fingers under the fabric and pulling it to the side. He kissed the swell of your breast before licking the firm peak, and sucking it into his warm mouth. Everything about Joel was so soft and warm and comfortable.
“Let me take this off.” He said with his fingers already pulling at the strings tied at the back of your neck. It wasn’t a request, really. He was needy. You quickly untied the strings at your back and flung the whole thing over your shoulder.
He sat back, mesmerized by your tits. He stared, wide-eyed for a moment before cupping both breasts, lifting and squeezing them, kissing and licking your pebbles nipples as he tilted his hips to grind his cock against your covered pussy. You ran your fingers through his hair, met each movement, surely leaving a wet spot between you, and when you couldn’t take it any more, you reached down and pulled the string on either side of your hips.
“Fuck. Are you going to let me do this?”
You bit your bottom lip, looked at him through your eyelashes and nodded. “You want to fuck me Joel?”
He moved fast, grabbing the fabric out from under you and slinging it away and wrapping one arm around your waist to pull you against his chest while he used his other hand to cover your pussy, the heat of his palm radiating up through your core, sliding his fingers forward and back to gather your slick and spread it through your folds and over your clit.
“You’re so wet. You get wet for me? Like feeling this big cock? This what you need to fill you up?” He lifted his hips to press his cock against your mound, making you moan into his neck. “Yes. Yes Joel, please.”
Neither of you were going to be able to hold out much longer. You wanted to tease each other, but you needed him inside you.
“He lifted his hips again, shimmying down his pants and boxers as quickly as he could. Finally freed, he arranged you on his lap, his cock resting on the curve of your ass, so close to where you needed him.
“You on the pill or somethin’?” He asked as he ran his fingers over your folds again, making you tilt your hips to chase his touch, then stroking his cock with your arousal.
“Yeah. I’m good, got an iud.”
“Good, cause I’m not pullin’ out.” He said, as he positioned his thick head at your entrance and pulled you downward to meet his thrust.
The pinch was extraordinary, but melted out into a warmth that made him feel destined to be inside you. The two of you set a rhythm, you grinding down and him thrusting up, slow and deep, and wet, letting your clit roll against him. Your orgasm crept up, hot and tight in your belly, and he could feel you on the edge of release.
“Want to feel you come on my cock. Squeezin me so tight, feel you soaking me. He babbled at you and took your nipple back into his mouth, grunting lewdly as he sucked. It was so much. So many sensations, his mouth, his cock, his hands, his heat, his voice, they crashed over you like a tidal wave.
Joel watched, rapt as you rode it out on his lap, loving how you used his body for your own pleasure, loving how you responded to him, how you took him.
You came back to him with a kiss, blissed out, feeling floaty. “Fuck, that was good.” You purred to him, no plan to ever leave his lap.
“Gotta fuck you, sweetheart. Y’feel too good.” He throbbed inside you, setting off a small aftershock.
Leaning back, bracing yourself on his knees, you rode him slowly, swiveling your hips, tits on display for him, giving him a good look at where he entered you, and of the thick white ring around the base of his turgid member.
The room spun when Joel flipped you onto the couch. He knelt between your knees, jerking himself at the sight of your swollen pussy, your flushed chest, your kiss-reddened lips.
In a final sprint toward his own finish, Joel pulled your hips up against his, buried himself deep and complete in your wet pussy, and set an unrelenting pace. No words were left except “Fuck, fuck, oh fuck. Oh shit baby. Fuck.” Accompanied by your whining, your begging for his cum. You didn’t need to wait long for your reward, although you think you gladly spend the rest of your life stretched around his cock.
He broke with three final thrusts, lips falling open, stilling inside you to spill deep.
Spent and disoriented, Joel dropped his weight onto you while he caught his breath. He kissed your chest, rubbed your side, and lay in comfortable quiet until you tapped his shoulder, reluctantly parting to clean yourselves up.
Joel found your swimsuit for you, and gave you a tshirt to put on. He tried to find the words to ask you to stay, to spend the weekend, the week, the month with him. To keep fucking him and talking to him and eating and watching movies. He wanted to take you out, play your songs, see your apartment, everything that would keep you in arms reach. But the back door slid open, and there were Kim and Matt bursting your bubble of possibility with their impeccable timing to take you away.
Before he could stop you, your flip flops were on, your keys were in your hand, and you were kissing his cheek goodbye.
@arcanefox207 @redhotkitchen @sparklefarts38 @exquisiteserotonin @pink-whiskey-woman @imalrightllama @youandmeand5bucks @legendary-pink-dot @nerdieforpedro @beskarandblasters @elvinaa @ssseattlish @for-a-longlongtime
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thefloralmenace · 1 month
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do you know any books/essays/authors/blogs that you would recommend to folks for more examples of practical resistance work? One of the things I appreciate deeply about your posts is they take the complexity of a situation into consideration, provide a strategic analysis, and give tangible examples of what resulting efforts can look like. Have any particular works/movements/authors inspired this analytical process for you?
This response got really long, so I'm going to put this list of books/documentaries that have really influenced my perspective of the world whether or not they have influenced by personal brand of action/activism at the top (since things can definitely influence you without your knowledge). TDLR for the rest: I don't think this is exactly the response you were looking for, but I hope it gives you something about how I developed the way I think.
Documentaries:
The Century of the Self by Adam Curtis - Four part documentary on how consumerism was engineered via psychology by a cousin of Freud I believe. Crazy ass stuff everyone should be aware of - including how they got a bunch of independent and liberal voters to vote for Reagan.
The Jangmadang Generation by Sokeel Park and Chad Vickery - A documentary focusing on the stories of various North Korean refugees. It's important because it focuses on their personal experiences and humanity rather than the country itself. I got to meet Sokeel via Zoom. :)
Crip Camp by James Lebrecht and Nicole Newnham - The story of a bunch of disabled kids who met at a summer camp for disabled kids and later met up again as activists. This is how I found out we have common disability accommodations like ramps leading down to crosswalks because a bunch of disabled people stormed a state government building and refused to leave for days no matter what was done to them. Wonder why they don't talk about that in history class?
Books:
Plastic Ocean by Capt. Charles Moore with Cassandra Phillips - The discovery and study of the Pacific Ocean garbage patch
Exit West by Moshin Hamid - Issues of immigration and refugees seen through a fantasy world.
White Teeth by Zadie Smith - Crazy story involving love, science, genetics, religious radicalism, class issues, and more.
The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat by Oliver Sacks - Detailed accounts of various mental illnesses/brain disorders that affect perception (caviat, these are more from the doctor's observation, so keep in mind these are not full experiences of the patients)
Pyongyang: A Journey in North Korea - Graphic novel by a Canadian man who had a three month work contract as an animator in Pyongyang.
Lab Girl by Hope Jahren - The story of a woman's journey through STEM and family trauma. I love it because it features a truly platonic male-female bestfriendship.
- I may reblog and add more later.
So this might be a disappointing response, but a lot of my personal philosophy on anarchy/direct action comes from my own lived experience, though I would say other people on Tumblr have been my #1 influence on developing and refining that. Ex: I didn't really consider the things I do a form of anarchy until I read someone's post on here about how the anarchists are the ones who help people in the immediate short-term while the politicians battle it out in Washington. The specific post I'm thinking of said something along the lines of that buying groceries for your neighbor living below the poverty line when their SNAP benefits/other programs aren't fully doing the job counts as anarchy because you're giving someone resources that society (by its design) didn't intend for that person to have, and that direct action is necessary because hungry people don't have time to wait for income limits for programs to be adjusted for inflation, legislation to pass, etc.
I would also say that I'm good at taking life lessons from weird places, so a lot of the authors/things I've read that have influenced my political/strategic thinking were writing about something else completely. The first thing that came to mind when you asked this was when I read Plastic Ocean for my environmental science in high school. Dude became like the leading researcher on the Pacific Ocean garbage patch with no formal scientific background. If I remember correctly, he was helping a kid with a science project on plastic on the beach, and then he just kind of spiralled into researching plastic pollution in the ocean, learned to write publishable scientific journal articles from reading print copies of other journals to get the format right, and actually snuck into a conference and just put up his research poster in an open space??? And that really hit me like "You can just teach yourself to do certain things, show up, and start talking about them???" Like yeah more likely than not, he was going to get kicked out of that conference, but that was literally the worst that could happen, and he didn't. My man took direct action on science and succeeded in turning the world's eyes to plastic pollution, and I think you'll notice that the idea of "Maybe it'll work, maybe it'll get ignored, but ______ is the worst that can happen, so why not try?" is very much integral to my thinking.
That environmental science class in itself did a lot for my understanding of activism. My evo teacher was a very educated and motivated woman, and she would let us direct the class topics for the day. One day we got on the topic of poaching, and she told us the real way to stop poaching is not to arrest and punish all the poachers, it's to address the systematic poverty in the regions where poaching is an issue because the people hunting down elephants against the law are doing it because they can get thousands of dollars for an elephant tusk, and that's enough to support their family for a year or more in an area with no living-wage work. That really got me thinking about how a lot of "bad people" are just desperate people, and I think you'll also notice that "Yeah yeah there's lots of things people should and shouldn't do, but morality isn't practicality, and desperate people do desperate things, so we need to eliminate the conditions that lead to people doing 'bad' things," is also central to my thinking about how to get things done.
The core of my ability to break down what the real problem is in different situations and figure out what action to take to get people's attention/cooperation actually comes from having a less than ideal childhood lol. My parents, who to their credit are much better now, were not super mature people when I was young, and they were both kind of volatile and unwillingly to do anything that mildly inconvenienced them, so I got really good at 1) reading subtle emotional cues (think "have you ever had someone angrily wash a dish at you?", 2) Understanding how to word things so that people will see the benefit and do what you're asking them to. Ex: I wanted to start a recycling program at my elementary school for my grade when I was 10 (very small rural school) by getting a tub for each classroom and collecting the paper on Fridays. My Mom said "No, I don't want trash in my house." My Dad saved metal and paper to take to the recycler to get money (not because he cared about the environment lol), so I went and told my Dad I could get him an entire grade's worth of paper to turn in with his, and suddenly we were at the grocery store getting a tub for each classroom, and I emptied them all into a bag on Fridays and presented it to my father to his great praise and my Mom's grumbling. The school created a recycling program to replace me after I moved on to middle school because they liked it. :)
Breaking down problems is something I started to learn to do in my early teenage years because it made it easier to legitimize my pushing back against things. You get a lot more credit when you can articulate what the problem is and why you are taking a specific action against it rather than personally attacking every shitty adult/convention you come into contact with. The kids who got into shouting matches with teachers or started screaming and yelling because they hit their breaking point were valid in their feelings, but because they were uncontrolled in their emotions and actions, they got no credit or legitimacy from administration. I realized that kids and teenagers don't really have much power, so I worked really hard to build myself a reputation and ethos of being reasonable but not willing to take shit from anyone because just enough measured action to attack the real problem + determination to cause small, irritating problems about it that they couldn't justify throwing me out for meant that the shortest path to the end of a conflict with me was actually sitting down, hearing my concerns, and coming to an agreement. It got me to a place of "We know she's not stupid, and we know she's not a push over, so since we can't manipulate her or stop her, I guess it's time to talk" with administration.
So this is probably not what you were hoping for or asking for, but a lot of what I've learned has come from making a real effort to keep an open mind, try things for the hell of it, notice what's effective, notice how people respond to things, and keep an eye out for life lessons in unexpected places. It's less of a reading list, but I'd advise reading any literature you can find on issues that you care about because you'll start to get a feel for how other people have approached those specific issues (and then you can pick and choose techniques that you think would work for you), engage with your community (just talk to a whole frickin lot of people online or in person about a whole lot of things), and be able to listen without showing immediate judgment or argument because even if what you're hearing is terrible to you (Ex: a conservative telling you that the homeless deserve what they've gotten because they don't work hard enough), you need to know how other people think in order to combat those attitudes, and when you try to shut down people expressing ideas like those, they just keep them on the inside where they still influence their decisions, but then it's harder to figure out what perspectives/attitudes are holding up social progress.
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dwcmarshalarts · 2 months
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Ewan Everett Figes has a family! His mother Helen is a professor of pre-exodus (from the Earth) literature at Parsinee University, Wipani planet. Older brother Wilson Frederick, i.e. "Fred" Figes is a journalist, who's worked his way up to co-editor of the Wipani Star, focusing mainly on foreign policy issues.
FRED FIGES Ewan's older brother (by 8 years) Wilson Frederick had been put-off from an early age from any kind of military service, to Everett's disappointment. Fred had a distaste for what he saw as a kind of "mind-numbing" obedience/deference to authority, and often got into rows with his father in the early days about the role of armed forces in various complicated engagements. He channeled this attitude into a career as a journalist, something that given his mother's background in academics was something the family "could accept." However, his chosen-topics still represented a long-running anti-interventionist streak that made for contentious family dinners, especially with his father and brother Ewan. He, his wife and daughter live in New Liege, Wipani.
HELEN FIGES Born Helen Carmodie, "Mrs. Figes" has had quite a storied life of her own. For being a professor in pre-exodus (from Earth) literature, Helen's demeanor is far from what you would expect from a book-cloistered academic. Her respectfully snarky attitude and occasionally foul-mouth ended up getting her a reputation as the "fun" professor at Parsinee, but she is the furthest thing from a stranger to whipping a class into order if need be.
She met Everett Figes while she was working part-time at a deli near the Bagstram Military Academy on Wipani. Her irreverent sense of humor and Everett's understated mischief combined made them inseparable despite their contrasting views, and the two would marry shortly after university. She would temporarily put her rapidly advancing university career on hold to raise their first son Fred, but eventually hit the ground running after a couple months leave. She would butt heads with Everett on what direction to raise Fred, but would ultimately win out softening his approach. By the time she had Ewan, she'd already been fairly settled in her career, and Everett and her had at this point reached a more reasonable understanding of balancing their parenting. Despite her many successes though, she would say her biggest mistake was never being able to wean Everett off of smoking, which largely led to his diagnosis with esophageal cancer in 2341, to which he would succumb in 2346, devastating the family, and especially their newly commissioned officer son Ewan. She would continue to persevere however as the new family matriarch, and would later become head of her department at Parsinee.
She lives on-campus at Parsinee University, Parsinee town on Wipani.
EVERETT FIGES Born on the planet Reggi, Everett Figes was the second generation career military man in his family after his father Frederick T. Figes. He'd spend the early days of his life in the typical athletic throng before attending Bagstram, the sector's lead military academy, and having to live off-world at Wipani.
As a parent, Everett's disposition could have been described as firm but not uncaring. Having always had issues showing vulnerabilities even to loved ones, Everett was unintentionally emotionally distant during most of his parenthood, only having a turn-around in raising Ewan (a fact that still bothers Fred after Everett's passing).
As far as his military career went, Everett spent a number of years directing different non-frontline Ground Forces engineering facilities before being transferred to active command of infantry. He never partook in any pivotal combat operations, or galactically significant theaters of war- something that he tried to change, but nonetheless couldn't by the time he received his diagnosis.
It was around that time then that he'd try to make amends with Fred, while Ewan would visit him every weekend from Bagstram. Fred was initially very resistant to this, but seeing him getting worse each time he visited, realized the seriousness of the situation
Everett is buried at the Field of Heroes on the grounds of the Bagstram Military Academy on Wipani.
Original art and story by DWC Marshal Arts
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I read Ultimate Spider-Man #1 by Hickman
So I checked this out in isolation of the whole event or events leading up to it.
I'm trying to decide if this is a case of false advertising or if it is actually as disappointing as it seemed.
This series was marketed on the grounds of 'come check out a married Spider-Man with kids'. But that was by no means the focus of the story. The focus was upon a) Uncle Ben's grieving Aunt May and b) peter's choice about whether to be Spider-Man or not.
Let me steelman and say, hey, the marketing was exploitative but that isn’t Hickman’s fault.
Honestly, this premise is still rather broken.
Let’s say, for the sake of argument, this universe is identical to 616 except the Maker has strategically meddled with it to avert the existence of superheroes.
Okay…so he made sure Peter’s parents died when he was 15 instead of like a toddler. And also that he wasn’t bitten by the spider. And also that there was no burglar. Couldn’t he have just gotten rid of the spider? Why all the extra stuff? And if he didn’t do anything other than get rid of the spider…why are all those other things different?
Speaking of which how/when/why does Jameson know the Parker family at all? Uncle Ben was a factory worker, he had NOTHING to do with the newspaper business and why would a working class guy like him know a millionaire/billionaire like Jameson? Why would he ever go into that business? Why would the Maker change that at all? If he didn’t change that how could ANY of the changed he made in the timeline ever have resulted in that?
Similarly, why is PETER working for the Bugle? Peter’s interest in photography was specifically in relation to his career as Spider-Man. Yes, he developed something of an interest in it later in life in his 20s, but that was a fleeting thing after he left college. It was never really his long term career goal. Sure, you could say he is working on the science section of the Bugle. But…why? Why wouldn’t he just, you know….go into a scientific field in general? What does the Maker gain from changing that if he was responsible for changing that at all?*
And this, in fact, is a microcosm of how the premise of this story is borked. In a world where Peter Parker
Is an adult
Was not really raised by Uncle Ben and Aunt May because his parents died when he was 15
Never experienced the death of Uncle Ben or Aunt May in his teens
Was never a superhero
HOW exactly is he the character we know and love? The fun of a What If or AU is contrasting the new version to the character we are familiar with. But by rights he should be MASSIVELY different as a person. He wasn’t raised by people who were almost a generation older than his parents. He didn’t have to bear the burden of being a provider or caregiver for his household as a teenager. He never had to cope with the guilt of Uncle Ben’s death. And would he even know the Great Power/Great Responsibility thing considering it was a combination of being RAISED by his aunt and uncle along with Ben’s death that drilled that into him? In this universe neither of those things are factors so if he DOES live by that life lesson how and why would he?
As an extension of that, how and why did he wind up with Mary Jane considering his upbringing combined with his life as Spider-Man were important factors in them falling in love. Mary Jane was attracted to his sense of responsibility, but that sense of responsibility came about due to his upbringing and that upbringing has changed. Not to mention, given her abusive father, knowing Peter was a man who had incredible power (like her father had over her) but used it responsibility was a HUGE aspect of her attraction to him, plus she got turned on by the danger to some extent.
So…how did they hook up? Unless the Maker for some fucking reason decided to make sure MJ’s Dad was a successful author and never touched the booze. But WHY would he do that????????????
And then you have the big one which is…Peter can magically sense he is in fact supposed to be Spider-Man….um…Okay, so, yes, Peter does have a certain belief in destiny because he talked about it maybe being his destiny to be Spider-Man when he was a teenager and even older. But…that was a belief. He questioned it. He never SENSED that about himself. You could argue being Spider-Man is from his POV something he doesn’t have a choice about, but that’s like saying a parent doesn’t have a choice to look after their kids. They do. It’ just that you do not have a choice about it if you feel compelled to be a good person. It was never a magical bullshit thing.
Hickman in this regard and in his general portrayal of Peter is almost making this weird ass nature over nurture argument. That Peter wouldn’t been broadly the same kind of guy we always knew him to be albeit he could commit to a 9/5, a family and be less tightly strung because he doesn’t have the stress of heroism or guilt shit. And I guess he has less of a sense of humour? (Although so does Uncle ben, though he is grieving…although Jonah is a lot more touchey feeley than he should be as well sooooooo….)
But that’s just…lame.
It’s making a mockery of Peter Parker’s struggles in the 616 and most traditional portrayals. His experiences are integral in forming him into who he is as a person. Hickman is arguing that Richard and Mary’s DNA was actually the most important thing in shaping his personality. Unless are we really saying Richard and Mary would’ve been broadly the same kind of parents May and Ben were? They were goddam CIA agents!?
And on top of that…the story is making this BROKEN argument for Peter being a superhero. He feels like he is drifting through life. He feels unfulfilled. Like something is missing. Uh huh…um…what about your kids bro?
If you become a superhero aren’t you going to be potentially exposing your family to danger? Don’t you risk your kids growing up without a father because you get killed, crippled or are generally occupied a lot by being a hero.
Now, to be clear, that situation is A LOT different to 616 Peter who already had great power before meeting MJ. He also started his career at age 15 vs this Peter who’s literally going to learn how to web-swing and fight at age 35! Shit, most people whobecome soldiers, fire fighters or police officers don’t START their careers (with 0 training btw) at age 35! And there is a massive support network for those roles too.
I’m not saying Peter can’t be a superhero and a family man, but I am saying it is morally wrong for him to CHOOSE to turn himself into a superhero when he already is a family man. This is like saying it is okay for a man in his midlife crisis to blow a chunk of the family savings on a sports car or get himself a 20 year old mistress because it will make him a more engaged husband and father.
Basically, this first issue represents a lose-lose scenario from where I am standing. We don’t know much about how this Peter is different. The ways in which he is don’t make sense. The ways in which he is similar don’t make sense. These questions need to be answered BEFORE we get to the premise of the story (Peter choosing to be Spider-Man at age 35 when he is a family man). And the premise itself is unbelievable unless we want to buy into Peter being a selfish asshole, which therefore makes him unlikable in general and very much NOT like the Spidey we know and love.
Basically, this series might as well NOT be about Peter Parker in the first place, but some other guy living through a mid-life crisis by becoming a superhero.
*Are you noticing how I kee coming back to the Maker as a explanation for these changes? I don’t even know if the stuff leading into this spelt out what he was and wasn’t involved with, but that is a big question that should be addressed. Unfortunately it is the ONLY way to explain these changes beyond ‘its just different because it is’. And either way it is lazy and lame as shit.
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vespertineneon · 3 months
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HOW FALLOUT 4 COMPANIONS WOULD DO IN A STANDARD AMERICAN SCHOOL SYSTEM!
CW: mention of vaping, mention of murder, mention of bullying
Guys don’t let the content warning scare you I literally just have to add CWs to all my fandom posts or I get so scared
Paladin Danse
- Gym is certainly his favorite class
- He has a lot of motivation and discipline
- He will pass his classes and get into honor roles and stuff like that
- This bitch is getting collage credits early through AP classes
Deacon
- Near dropout
- He would get bored of being in class and just skip tbh
- Or he would just stay home
- He is not graduating, he might get his GED though!
- Always getting in trouble for dumb shit, but other students think his rebellion is a statement.
Cait
- Vapes in the bathroom. She’s that kind of girl.
- She is a C- student. BARELY passing classes.
- Pressures other people into skipping with her. (Piper)
- Talks back to all of the teachers, even when she’s in the wrong.
Codsworth
- He’s a fucking robot
- He is passing all of his classes
- Will do your homework for you
- He tutors other students
- He snitches on anyone skipping
Curie
- She will not do your homework for you. She will help you learn.
- She is a robot guys, of course she’s passing her classes.
- She won’t snitch on anyone skipping. She will inform them that making a habit of skipping is dangerous and could lead to their “academic downfall”
Hancock
- Nobody knows how he isn’t expelled.
- Taking this from a repost of my vote, but he totally sets a trash can on fire
- Him and MacCready are the little shits duo.
- Teachers are always frustrated with him because he skips classes, talks back, etc, but passes the tests with flying colors.
- He is an orchestra kid.
- Is friends with the weird kids and bully victims
MacCready
- Little shit
- Gets suspended all of the fucking time
- Hancock helps him pass his classes
- MacCready really only shows up for the people
- Hates authority figures
- Talks mad shit
- Gets his ass beat by other students
Nick Valentine
- A/B student
- Doesn’t get into much trouble, and when he does it’s always good trouble
- If you do something like vape in the bathrooms he won’t snitch he’ll just give a very disappointed look
- He fucking HATES MacCready Nick WILL snitch on his ass
- Library assistant with Piper
Piper
- School news + Student leadership
- Grades vary. She is shit at math.
- Makes a bunch of posters saying dumb shit like “Stop by the library”
- Is always ALWAYS early to school
- Stays away from trouble unless she is PEER PRESSURED
Preston Garvey
- A+ Student
- President of the student council
- “You can’t find your class? Here, let me mark it on your map”
- Always tries to convince students to show up on time, not skip, etc
Strong
- State wide expulsion
- Literally killed someone probably
- Homeschooled
- He is dropping out
X6-88
- A fucking ROBOT
- He doesn’t have the drive or motivation to go above and beyond. He stays as a steady A+ student.
- He is a fucking cunt and nobody likes him
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sl-newsie · 6 months
Text
Mature (Dr. Spencer Reid x College Student)
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(Summary: The BAU gets a case that takes place near a college campus, and one student seems to catch Reid’s attention. There is a bit of an age gap. This is based during the end of Season 6. Warnings: Talk of cannibalism, gun violence)
“Remember class: Monday’s exam will have 150 questions and no makeups. Remember to study hard!”
My dental hygiene professor finally releases us, signaling the beginning of the weekend. It’s currently 5:30 on a sunny but crisp Friday in October. Nothing special, but the lack of leaves and chilly frosts makes it one of my favorite seasons. But I can’t take too much time to watch the weather- I’ve got work to do.
Of course I’m the only student who dares to sit in the front of the lecture hall, and I take my time to gather up my things as the others start filing out.
“You going to the game tonight?” One guys asks his friends.
“Yeah it’s gonna be sick! You’re bringing the beer, right?”
“Sure am! And what about-” He whispers: “The pot?”
Their conversation dies away as the walk out of the room, leaving me to shake my head in disappointment. No doubt their whole weekend will involve drinking, getting high, and possible sexual content. More than likely they’ll fail the exam.
“Merrian! Are you coming to the game?” I hear one classmate, Regina, ask.
“No, I can’t. I’m going for a jog and then starting my flashcards for the exam.”
Regina, one of the more popular and *cough* snobby girls gives me a fake smile. “Oh you never go to any social events! Why not give that brain a break and be a college student for once?”
I just shake my head and continue to look through my notes. “I am being a college student, only I’m being a smart one and actually trying to get through this class without depleting any brain cells through alcohol abuse.”
But my insult flies right over Regina’s head. She just keeps smiling, turns and walks away, leaving me (no surprise) alone again. But it appears today has something else in store, because the door opens and my professor walks back in leading a group of people who look way too professional for a place like this. The one that appears to be the leader is tall, dark-haired, and is wearing a traditional business suit. The man following next to him appears to be of Italian descent and is wearing a dark suit similar to the leader’s. Next is a blonde woman wearing- quite honestly, one of the most unique outfits I’ve ever seen. It’s a purple and blue patterned dress, hot pink heels, and a big purple bow with her hair in pigtails (it almost puts my current Veronica Sawyer gray skirt and blue blazer outfit to shame). Another man is bald with darker skin and a more athletic build, wearing a more laid-back style of clothing, obviously the muscle of the group. And last behind him is- huh. He’s a lot younger (and much cuter) than the others, one might say a few years older than me. He’s dark-haired like the other men and wearing slacks with a white shirt with a gray vest and blue tie, almost matching me. But what stands apart from his attire is the pistol tucked in a holster attached to his belt. It’s almost like the one I’ve got tucked under my skirt (for protection, of course). Are these guys from the police station? They don’t look like local authorities.
But sadly I’m still in the front and am caught looking.
“Who’s the model?” The blonde with pigtails asks, making me turn pink.
My professor finally notices me. “Oh yes. This is Merrian, one of my students. She’s just packing up-”
“On the contrary, it might be nice to have a younger person’s opinion on this matter,” the Italian agent speaks.
A younger opinion?
“By the way, I love your blazer!” The blonde squeals and rushes over to get a better look.
I title my head. “Not too bad yourself, Barbie.”
But the leader doesn’t seem too impressed. “At ease, Garcia. Remember why we’re here.”
The blonde nods and backs off, leaving me facing the group head-on.
“Is she trustworthy? We need to keep this as confidential as possible,” the athlete says.
My professor nods her head. “Merrian is one of the most dedicated students I have. I guarantee she’ll give you her best effort.”
“Very well.” The leader steps forward to shake my hand. “I’m FBI Agent Hotchner of the BAU. These are Agents Rossi, Morgan, Garcia, and Dr. Reid.” He points to each agent, and when he introduces Agent Reid I can’t help but notice his body language shifts. He keeps playing with his hands and changing his footing, and isn’t as relaxed as the other agents. Maybe he just drank coffee.
I give a small wave. “Hello. So, what is it you guys do? Obviously you’re a government department but I’ve never really paid attention to that stuff.”
“Don’t you watch the news?” The blonde ‘Garcia’ asks.
“Nope.”
This answer gets me surprised reactions, especially from Reid. 
“Why not?”
Yes, he’s definitely younger. His voice reminds me of the smart nerd type, but with my educational history I’ve never actually been able to meet many smart guys so it’s very new to hear this.
I shrug. “Ignorance is bliss. I figure if there’s something that’s truly important that’ll affect me then I’ll hear about it sooner or later. I try not to let the fear that strands from current events control my life.”
“Ok. Then to catch you up, we have a potential threat that’s been sited near the edge of town. There’s a man who’s been catching people in hunting traps and then eating them.”
Uh- Oh my! Was not expecting that. 
I try to keep a steady face. “Alright. So what does this have to do with me?”
“Your current study of dental work, plus the unsub seems to prefer female victims,” Reid speaks up. “There’s one witness who managed to escape his trap, but not before he bit her. We’ve been able to analyze the teeth marks, but it doesn’t match the correct dental records. They show the unsub’s supposed to be someone who died 10 years ago. We checked the death certificate and sure enough the body’s buried in a nearby cemetery. Do you have any ideas why?”
I take a deep breath and try to piece together what I’ve learned so far. I’ve only been in this program for a year, but that doesn’t mean I’m useless.
“Take your time,” Agent Rossi assures. “It doesn’t have to be much, just anything we might have missed-”
I snap. “I got it! Have any of you guys ever seen the movie The Whole Nine Yards with Bruce Willis?”
Most shake their heads, but then Reid seems to follow my idea.
“Of course! Why didn’t I think of that? Brilliant, Marrian!”
“Excuse me, mind letting us in on your inside joke?” Agent Morgan questions.
“At the end of the movie, they modify another body’s teeth to match Bruce Willis’ character and then burn it in a fire so the mafia will think he’s dead. What if this unsub had dental work done so he couldn’t be traced? ” My explanation starts the agents sparking up new conversations, leaving me to believe I might have actually just helped solve an FBI case.
“I know it’s not the type of professional answer you might have wanted.”
“That’s just the kind of insight we were looking for,” Agent Hotchner finally addresses me. “Thank you, Merrian. We’ll be sure to stay in touch and inform you if this threat is neutralized.”
He walks out, followed by Morgan. But the others linger for a moment.
“You’re taking all of this surprisingly well,” Rossi points out. “Ever consider becoming a profiler?”
I chuckle. “I did once, a few years ago. Sociology is one of my favorite subjects to learn, but I’ve just used that as a hobby. When I looked further into the job description I decided I wanted a career that wouldn’t take so much out of my free time. So for now I’m sticking with dental hygiene.”
He nods. “Well if you change your mind, here’s my card.” He hands me his contact info and exits after the other 2 agents.
“Tell me- where did you get your shoes?” Garcia asks when she points to my feet.
“Oh. Um, Goodwill actually.” I’m a bit embarrassed to say I’m a thrifter, but in college all money must go to classes.
“They’re so cute! I’ll email you my list of favorite thrift websites later,” she remarks as she walks to the door. 
“B- But Agent Garcia you don’t have my email-?”
“I’ll find it.” She winks. “And call me Penelope!”
She gives Reid a smirk and shuts the door, leaving me alone with the last agent.
“I gotta ask, how old are you?”
My blunt question doesn’t seem to be new to him. “30.”
I was right!
“Sorry for asking, but it’s just very different-”
“To see someone like me on a government bureau team,” he finishes. “It’s ok, lots of people ask. I could say the same thing about you.”
I frown. “What do you mean?”
He mirrors my confusion. “Aren’t you close to my age?”
“I’m 22.”
Reid’s eyes widen. “No way! You look- I mean, you seem- Um… you don’t act 22.”
I chuckle and go to grab my backpack. “I get that a lot. My mom says I’m more mature than most people my age, which means I have to be forced to associate with immature peers. I just hope other people never assume I’m the typical college type. You know, drugs, drinking, sex, procrastination. I’ve never even gone to one party. I apologize for the idiots you might come across here.”
I expect the FBI agent to leave it at that and go off to find his team, but instead he jogs up behind and walks with me down the hall.
“No I don’t see you like that, it’s just… you’re definitely more mature, and seem more clear-headed than the other students I’ve seen here so far.
I hold my head back and laugh. “Oh, no. By no means am I as smart as you might think. I have what I call ‘selective knowledge.’ I never picked just one topic I like, so I find bits and pieces of information about all kinds of topics. But not too much in depth that I’m an expert. With what I know about you so far I’d say you’re way more smart.”
He looks down. “Yeah, kinda.”
“Spill it. What’s your education background?”
“Um… I’ve got PhDs in mathematics, chemistry, and engineering. Bachelor’s in psychology, sociology, and in the process of one in philosophy.”
I stop dead in my tracks and turn to look at him with wide eyes. “And you’re downplaying that? Jesus, you’ve got more knowledge stuffed in your brain then I’d ever have in 5 lifetimes! Why choose a job in the BAU?”
He considers this. “I find that I do some of my best work under intense terror.”
I nod. “It’s nice to know what type of job works best. I’ve jumped around different jobs, and still haven’t found one that fits right. As for the terror thing, props to you for dealing with that on a daily basis.”
Dr. Reid seems surprised. “Hm. You don’t mind crazy talk, do you?”
I stifle a laugh and hold the next door open for him to pass. “‘Crazy talk?’ What’s that?”
“Talking about subjects that any random passerby would find odd, like murder or psychological disease.”
“You’re talking to someone who watches The Conjuring as a comfort film. I don’t call that crazy talk, I call that enjoyable conversation,” I smile cheekily as he walks past me through the doorway. “You gonna go find your team now?”
Reid clears his throat and bites his lip. “Well, um… Since the unsub’s been sighted near the city I should make sure to get you to your dorm safely.”
This unsub must be pretty dangerous for him to be this anxious. Or is it something else that’s got him so worried? I must say it feels nice to have a smart guy to talk with who’s actually taking the time to make sure I’m safe instead of daring me to chug a beer.
“Aw, that’s sweet. But I don’t live in a dorm, I live in a small rented room downtown.”
“Really? I guess you really aren’t like normal students. So where are you going now?”
Is he asking professionally or out of curiosity?
“There’s a secret spot I have in the theatre lab. Dark and quiet with a nice table. Good for studying.”
He perks up. “Dark? Do you think you could show me?”
I shrug and start leading him to the lab, pushing my sleeve back to check my watch. “Sure, just don’t tell anyone. I like having a place where stupidity is at a minimum.”
Reid gets a wide grin on his face and follows eagerly. “Your secret’s safe with me. It’s kind of embarrassing but lately I’ve been dealing with- Oh my gosh! Are you hurt?”
I follow his gaze to my arm, which has gauze wrapped around it. I’m surprised he noticed- usually people don’t give it a second thought.
“Wha-? Oh, no. I donated plasma earlier today and have to keep this on for 2 hours.”
“I see. Do you get paid?”
“Yup. If they’re willing to pay me to sit in a chair for an hour, money is money. Gotta pay the college bills somehow. So what have you been dealing with?”
“Right. Um, I’ve had these headaches for a while now and none of the doctors I’ve seen can tell me what’s wrong. They’re triggered by bright lights, so that’s why I like to find dark places to think.”
Hearing this makes me sad, especially since a nice guy like him shouldn’t have to go through something like that.
“Then don’t have me keep ya waiting. Here we are!”
Now we’re at the theatre lab and when I open the door to let him in, Reid . “So then how are you liking your dental hygiene clinicals?”
I set my backpack down and switch a small light on. “I like it, but it’s more of a job that pays well and allows me free time. Next summer I’m looking into a program that gives me a certificate in culinary pastry design-” I stop myself before I start ranting. “Sorry, I don’t mean to talk your ear off. People don’t always listen this long so I usually just talk to keep away any awkward silence. Americans are intimidated by it, you know.”
Agent Reid just nods and sits down on a nearby stool. “I don’t mind. I like hearing you talk.”
“But it’s not as intellectual as you’re used to.”
“Maybe not, but- how should I describe it? You’re like a funfetti cake.”
Reid’s analogy makes me giggle and give him an odd look. “Um, thanks? How so?”
“Because you’re not just one flavor. You bring a sprinkling of all different topics, and none of them are boring or immature. Go ahead, continue.” Reid sits back as if he’s sitting in for a lecture, and I’m the teacher.
“Um… ok. So anyways, between work, school, and all my other hobbies it’s no surprise when I keep telling my mom I haven't gone on a date-”
“Wait, seriously?” Reid interrupts. “You’ve never gone on a date?”
I try to ignore the heat rushing to my cheeks and go turn on the music speaker. “Never got a chance to. Back in high school I was more introverted and read all the time. Now no one wants to be around a boring, mature college student who dresses… like this.” I gesture to my unusual outfit.
“Hm. I’d think you would’ve been able to find at least one decent guy.”
I’m not sure if he’s kidding or just trying to be nice.
“Don’t make me laugh. Even the few guys I’ve talked to see me as a colleague or acquaintance, not even friendship status. I’ve steered clear of all the red flags and bad habits college kids typically get into, and it’s gotten me this far. All I’ve got is some family, my cat, and my brain.”
Reid doesn’t say anything, and a part of me is glad for it while the other half is a nervous wreck. While I don’t want to really get into the details of my miserable social life, at the same time I’m strangely anxious about what the handsome doctor thinks of me.
“It’s the musical season, isn’t it? I can tell you’re a fan.” How does he-? “I’m guessing on account of the Newsies sticker on your water bottle and your outfit that resembles Veronica Sawyer from Heathers.”
A smile grows on my face. “Oh! A profiling genius and a theatre fan! You’ve got quite the brain, Dr. Reid.”
“I actually only recently got interested in it after watching one of Garcia’s plays- oh! You actually remembered!” Reid scratches his head and smiles. “Thanks, that means a lot.”
“What do you mean?” I ask.
“People don’t always address me by my full title. So what’s on your agenda now?” He seems to rethink and adds: “Not that I’m being nosy!”
His curiosity isn’t uncomfortable for me. If anything it’s nice to have someone take an interest.
“I was going to practice for musical auditions, but since you’re here I’ll just do some homework.”
“Oh I don’t mind! Really! I won’t laugh, promise,” Reid says sincerely.
“No, no. I do my best work alone, as always.”
He frowns. “That’s not a healthy mindset.”
I chuckle darkly. “I’m not exactly the ‘teamwork makes the dreamwork’ kinda gal. I’ve always done best on my own, so I don’t argue it-”
“Attention, attention!” The intercom starts blasting an alarm overhead. “There has been a potential shooter spotted near the edge of campus. All students, staff, and visitors are to head immediately towards a sheltered area. This is not a drill. I repeat, this is not a drill!”
Agent Reid immediately goes alert and checks his pistol. “We better get to a more secure location. Come with me!”
He goes for the door, but I don’t see a reason to leave.
“No, you go find your team. I’ll stay here. It’s a hidden spot, anyway.”
But Reid shakes his head with concern and takes my hand. “No, I can’t allow that. If the unsub is here he’ll go after you. You’re his type, Marrian, and I won’t let you get hurt.” 
Wow. I’m sure he’s just doing his job. Still it’s becoming incredibly difficult to ignore the growing affection for the geeky agent. And it doesn't help that normally I’m a very anti-touching person. 
He pulls out a cell phone and dials a number. “Hotch, this is Reid. What’s your location?” After a few moments he says: “Yes, I’m here with the student we interviewed in the theatre lab. We’ll meet you there. Yeah I know, we’ll be careful.” Reid seems to notice my slight reaction to his physical touch and his hold tightens. “I need you to stick close to me, understand?” 
I nod and follow him out. “This is… definitely not what I planned for a regular Friday evening, but as my mom always says I need to stay open-minded. Lead the way, Dr. Reid!”
His stern face lightens by a fraction. “Um, you can call me Spencer if you want.”
Is- Is he trying to flirt? Seriously, I wouldn’t know. Somebody tell me!
“Isn’t that less professional? I thought you FBI guys were all suits and no humor.”
He doesn’t answer and triple-checks the hallway before signaling the all-clear. We quietly make our way to the main office, and the whole time I’m trying to ignore Reid’s hand clutching mine. 
“We'll be able to-”
“Look out!” I push Spencer out of the way just as a bullet flies past my head, but I’m not too lucky with the second one. It buries itself in my left shoulder blade and the sudden force sends me crashing to the cold floor.
“Oh my God!” Reid shouts and kneels down to address my wound.
“Well hello, my pretty,” a deep sinister voice chuckles. A figure in a black hood lurks out from the corner, with a hunting rifle pointed directly at Spencer.
“I’ve gone too far this time, too far to disappear. But I’ve got one more chance, right? That’s right.” He points at me, the gun wedged pointed on his shoulder. “I’ve been watching you, girly. And I like you. Your healthy diet is most delightful, and…” He gets a twisted look with a sinister smile on his face. “Such a pretty face…”
“You leave her alone!” Reid speaks sternly. 
I turn to find him pointing his pistol at the unsub, but the man just laughs.
“My my, Dr. Reid. You’ve grown quite attached to this woman. I’m almost sad to have to kill her and end such a blooming young love.”
Love? I don’t know who this guy thinks he is, but he’s creeping me out! Still not what I planned for a regular Friday evening… 
The unsub starts to creep closer, and before I know it I’m backed against the wall with Spencer at my right.
“Don’t you touch her!” Reid shouts. “Stand back or I will shoot!”
“Oh no you won’t, Dr. Reid!” The unsub turns angry. “You won’t, or else I will skip my evening meal and blow a hole in this girl’s brain right now!”
He’s going to kill me… Eat me… Oh God. But I can’t let him hurt Spencer. His life is worth a thousand times more, and I couldn’t stand to see him get hurt.
The unsub is still focused on Spencer, so while he’s distracted I slowly inch my hand towards my skirt, almost to my concealed pistol-
Bam!
The unsub fires what seems like a warning shot and in the sudden chaos Reid fires his gun too. Reid doesn’t get shot, and instead his own bullet buries itself in the unsub’s calf. He stumbles out of sight around the corner.
“Quick! In here!” Reid pulls me into a nearby classroom and shuts the door. “Are you in pain?”
Yes! Every inch of skin in my shoulder is screaming at me and the adrenaline is starting to wear off, allowing the pain to escalate. But I need Reid to focus on the task at hand.
“I’m fine. I’m fine…” My head starts to feel dizzy and I put a hand to my shoulder, pulling it away to find it covered in blood.
“No you’re not fine. Here-” Spencer takes off his tie and does a makeshift tourniquet near my acromial region. “It won’t last long, but it’s the best I can do.” He kneels down and starts searching through his pockets. “I’m all out of bullets!”
“My… my skirt. Under my skirt…” 
He lifts the fabric up to reveal my pistol. “When did you get that?”
“Since I turned 21, but I’m too dizzy to shoot it. Take it!” Reid removes my pistol from its holster, using careful hands to show modest intentions. “Now go. Go stop him.”
“But if you don’t keep appropriate pressure on it then you could bleed out!”
“Just go! I’ll figure it out. I don’t care if I pass out, you gotta go stop him and end this.”
I’m pretty sure Reid’s now speaking through panic mode. “No you can’t die! I still need to ask you out!” Did I hear that right?
“You- what? I think I’m starting to blank out. You need to what?”
But Reid doesn’t answer. He just rubs a hand through his messy hair in frustration, while all I can do is slowly slip in and out of consciousness. When he’s decided his next move he leans down and kisses my forehead, and if it weren’t such an unusual situation I’d actually have butterflies in my stomach.
“I’ll be right back, Merrian. I promise.”
And just like that he sprints out. I don’t know how long it’s been, but soon I hear gunshots in the hall and all I can do before I pass out is pray that Spencer’s ok…
“She’s lost a lot of blood, but she’ll live.”
“Quiet an injury. She’s lucky you were with her.”
“And where is she going to?”
My mind buzzes to life and I start to become aware of my surroundings, opening my eyes to find myself in a hospital bed. My arm has an IV. More than likely they’ve given me morphine for pain control. But the biggest relief is when I see Reid talking to one of the doctors at the foot of the bed.
“Spencer… you’re ok,” I croak through a groggy voice.
He notices I’m awake and quickly rushes over to give me a gentle hug. I see he has no wounds, another relief.
“God Merrian, I’m so sorry. I was supposed to protect you-” He whispers into my hair.
“No, don’t worry about me. You did all you could, Spencer. Is the unsub taken care of?”
He nods repeatedly. “Yeah. I shot him dead right after I left, but by the time I got back you’d already blacked out-”
“Excuse me sir,” the doctor steps forward. “I’m afraid she has to be transferred now.”
I look up with wide eyes. “Transferred? Where? What do you mean?”
“The bullet nicked one of your main arteries,” the doctor explains in a calm voice. “We don’t have the proper tools or expertise to perform the surgery on your shoulder, so you are being transferred to Grand Rapids.
“Then I’m going with her,” Reid pipes up.
“I’m sorry sir, but unless you are a guardian or next of kin then you cannot accompany the patient-”
“She’s the victim of a BAU unsub. That makes this a government matter so I should be able to find an excuse to go-”
“No you can’t, Reid.”
We all turn and find Agent Hotchner, along with the rest of the BAU team, walking into the room.
“We’ve been called back to Quantico. I’m afraid you need to say your goodbyes now.”
Spencer and I exchange disappointed looks, but I figure good things must come to an end. All this unsub business is enough excitement to last me a long time, even though I am sad to see the handsome agent go.
“I’ll be fine, Spencer.” I give him a small smile. “Go do what you do best.” 
He nods, seeming to debate something in his head. “I- I’m glad I got to meet you, Merrian.”
I chuckle. “I should be the one saying that about you, the great Dr. Spencer Reid.”
Spencer returns my laughter and takes my hand again. “Feel better. I know from personal experience that recovering from a gunshot is no easy task. I’ll come visit as soon as I have free time. And… I’d like to take you out sometime, maybe someplace where you won’t get shot?”
His question is asked as if it’s a simple classroom inquiry, but it’s making my heart jump (unfortunately shown by the heartbeat monitor). I can tell Reid’s nervous just as I am, but I know it’s all part of the dating ritual.
“I’d like that.”
He cocks his head. “What part?”
“The not being shot part is definitely a perk, but I’d like to finally go on my first date. With you.”
Spencer gets excited and I can already see the wheels spinning in his head just as Agent Hotchner calls for Reid to get going.
“I- I’ll see you later, then! Hope you won’t mind me ranting about literature by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle?”
I squeeze his hand just as the paramedics start to get me ready to leave. “It’s a date, Spencer.”
Reid’s POV
The ride on the Jet is quiet, and as usual I chose to read alone in a corner. This time I’ve chosen Hallowe'en Party by Agatha Christie, most appropriate for the upcoming holiday in a few weeks.
“Hey loverboy! You gonna join us for a card game?” Morgan smirks from the table. “Or is your head too fuzzy thinking about your new friend?”
“You do know I could still beat you, right?” I ask matter-of-factly.
“Screw cards! I wanna hear all about the boy genius’ new girlfriend!” Garcia giggles.
I just shake my head and turn back to my book, ignoring their gossiping chatter. I won’t let their teasing get to me. Ever since Emily died my mind’s been in a fog, but meeting Merrian seemed to snap me back into reality. Give me something to hope for. All I know is I can’t wait to get time off so I can see her again…
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variety-fangirl · 1 year
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My Saviour / Eddie Munson x fem!reader
Part 1 here Part 2 here Part 3 here
Summary: You finally get to Eddie's trailer for movie night, after the fight Andy and Eddie had at school, and you were determined to show Eddie how much you appreciate him and what he means to you.
Warnings: 18+ NO MINORS there's smut 😏 (unprotected p in v, female and male receiving oral, hand job, fingering, gentle mouth fucking, rough but passionate fucking/lovemaking, praise kink), swearing, mentions of fighting, blood and cuts. Lmk if I missed anything.
Authors note: I am so fucking sorry this took so long 😅😂 I've had a bunch of requests, college homework to do, classes to attend, and personal shit happening so things got a bit hectic but It's finally done! (Also, a little writers block🥲) Thank you to anyone who waited patiently for this. I didn't intend for this to be as long as it is 😅 but I don't regret it. Liking, reblogging, and commenting really helps me out, thank you!
Word count: 3.7k
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The drive to Eddie's trailer was short, which you were thankful for, you could spend some quality alone time together. You also needed to tend to Eddie's wounds, not wanting them to get infected, it was the least you could do for what he did for you. Part of you knew it was for himself also, he wanted to show he could defend himself and throw a punch. You had to admit, part of you had been slightly turned on by Eddie's actions, the way he had defended you and stopped Andy from touching you. It was hot, no one had ever stood up for you or put themselves in harm's way just to protect you in any sort of way before.
Having people disappoint and hurt you all your life made you grateful for those who didn't and treated you with only kindness, you appreciate those people so much more. Not that there were many but you loved them unconditionally. Eddie was at the top of that list, your favourite person in the world. He was already everything to you and that scared the fuck out of you, your life had been so much better since he'd been involved fully in such a small amount of time. You hated that you'd dragged him into your mess though, your life wasn't exactly easy right now with everything going on with your parents and Andy.
As you both enter his empty trailer, your mind was swimming with thoughts. "Where's your bathroom?" you wonder, turning to look at Eddie in question. He points to the right of the hallway, "there." he smiles. You nod and grab his hand, intertwining your fingers as you pull him with you to the bathroom. You open the dark wooden door and enter, leading Eddie to sit on the closed toilet seat as you look through the medicine cabinet for a first aid kit. You collect what you need, finding mostly everything you would need to clean Eddie up.
You pour some antibacterial onto cotton balls and turn to face Eddie who was waiting patiently, flashing you a saccharine smile as he noticed you staring. Now that you finally got a chance to look at him properly, you took in his appearance. Both knuckles were busted, bloody and cut, they looked painful. His lip was cut, only bleeding slightly, and he had a small cut on his cheekbone but that was about it, Andy had looked much worse than Eddie did. He got what he deserved, it was about time that someone taught him a lesson. He must be stewing angrily inside at this moment that Eddie "the freak" Munson beat the shit out of him in a fight, you felt proud of him.
You move closer to Eddie, holding his shoulder with your free hand to reach him better. You slotted yourself in between his open legs, your thighs touching his. The warmth radiating off him into you provided comforting safety. As gently as possible, you begin dabbing at his knuckles, earning a slight hiss from him. You wince, "sorry" you apologise, genuinely feeling horrible that you were causing him more pain than he probably already felt. After a few seconds, it didn't seem to phase him anymore thankfully. You continued wiping and dabbing as gently as you could until both knuckles were as clean and disinfected as possible.
You moved on to his face, starting with his cheek. You noticed Eddie moving his hands around a lot as if he didn't know where to put them. You stopped cleaning, putting the clean cotton ball down and grabbed his hands, placing them on either side of your waist. You pick the cotton back up and begin working on his cheekbone. As if testing his luck, Eddie wrapped his arms around your waist, pulling you slightly closer. Your body shivers involuntarily at the sensation of his fingers holding you, digging into your skin in a good way. Goosebumps raised on your stomach and arms, a smile slipping onto your features. Eddie looked away with a smile of his own.
You placed the bloody cotton into the bin on the floor next to the toilet, discarded with the others. When you turn back to look at Eddie, he was already looking at you with a look you were unsure of. You both stared intensely into each other's eyes, a magnetic connection pulling you to one another. You decide to shoot your shot, hoping to not be rejected. Leaning in slowly, your lips gently touch Eddie's, testing the waters. You wrap your hands around his neck, lips moving in sync as Eddie's hands pull your waist into him.
You climb onto his lap, enjoying the feeling of his hands exploring your body. Your hands work their way up to tangle themselves into his long soft brown curls, pulling on the hair slightly. Eddie groaned, his lips opening at the sensation, allowing you to slip your tongue in his mouth. A squeal of surprise escapes as you were suddenly picked up, your legs wrapped around his waist almost instantly. Eddie's hands move to cup your ass, keeping them there as he walks you to where you assume is his bedroom.
The kiss is only broken when your back lands on the bed with a gentle thump, both removing your shoes and socks before Eddie climbs on top of you. Reaching with your fingers, you pull at the bottom of his shirt, letting Eddie know you wanted it off. He chuckled but didn't say anything, pulling his shirt over his head and threw it on the floor somewhere. You didn't get a chance to look at him properly. His lips return to yours with need as his body slotted in between your legs, bodies pressed together. Eddie's lips began exploring, moving across your jaw and down to your neck. You gasp as his lips suck and kiss the sensitive skin, small moans escaping your open mouth.
You sit up and take your shirt and bra off, needing his lips to touch every inch of your skin possible. Goosebumps prickled at your exposed skin, despite the weather being warm. Eddie pulls back slightly to take you in, staring at you. "So beautiful" he smiled, his hands grabbing your breasts. You feel your cheeks flush at the compliment, it felt genuine coming from Eddie. You believed he actually meant it and that made your core wet. His lips attached to your nipple, his tongue licking and sucking the sensitive area as his hand played with the other.
He continued to work on your breasts, teasing you deliciously. Between every swipe from the rough pads of his fingertips, undoubtedly from years of playing the guitar. And with every wet flick and suck from his tongue, it drove you insane. You were an extremely patient woman but Eddie just seemed to pull a needy passion out of you that took over. You wanted, needed so much more. "Please Eddie," you whisper breathlessly, looking at him with pleading eyes.
Eddie groans and nods, happy that you wanted to go further with him. Eddie didn't think in a million years that you, the beautiful rich popular cheerleader, would want anything to do with him. It still shocked him every day when you wanted to be with him and around him. Small breaths and gasps leave you as his lips move their way down from your chest to the top of your jeans, his lips kissing gently at your hips as his fingers work at unbuttoning and pulling your jeans down your legs. Your underwear follows with your jeans, leaving you completely naked.
Your skin was hot, a trail of desire left in the wake of Eddie's downward path to where you needed him most. His fingers dragged down your wet slit, fingers instantly coated in your slick. You had never felt so turned on by someone barely doing anything before, you couldn't deny the romantic and sexual chemistry that was blooming between you more and more every day. Eddie replaced his fingers with his mouth, his lips and tongue attaching to your clit. You gasp, moaning loudly as you threw your head back. The pleasure was overwhelming, Eddie was a fast learner and picked up on your reactions and sounds quickly.
You reach down to tangle your fingers in his long soft dark curls, pulling slightly in your state of pleasure. You had craved for so long to have your fingers in his hair. Eddie groans deeply into your core, the vibration feeling odd but not bad. His mouth continued to lick and suck at your clit perfectly as he added a finger, enhancing the pleasure you were already feeling. You moan loudly with your mouth open wide, eyes rolling to the back of your head as you rock your hips to the rhythm he had set. The obscene noises that filled the otherwise quiet room as Eddie's fingers pumped in and out of you had you blushing profusely, they were dirty and wild.
"Oh fuck eds." you gasp, fingers continuing to pull at his strands and thighs tightening around his head more, both reactions involuntary, not that Eddie seemed to mind. You could already feel the knot beginning to form in your stomach, building and expanding with each passing second. Your breathing quickened, chest rising and falling rapidly and your moans became louder, all concern for neighbours out the window. Eddie could feel how close you were in the way that you clenched around his fingers, his mind imagining how you would feel clenching around his cock.
"Come for me, baby. Be a good girl for me." Eddie smiled, looking up at you with devious intent. You gasp, clenching harder around his fingers as the knot releases inside of you, exploding in a euphoric bliss that takes over your body with black and white stars that cloud your vision. Eddie works you through your high, only letting up when you laugh with a gasp and try to push his head away. He chuckles, begrudgingly moving away, placing one last kiss to your stomach before you were pulling him up to kiss you.
You felt an overwhelming need to please Eddie the way he had pleased you, to show him just how much you wanted him. To make him feel as good as you felt when he touched you, bringing you immense pleasure. More than Andy had ever, surpassing it by a long shot. Amid your tongues fighting for dominance, your hand reaches down to the button and zipper of his jeans, undoing them so you can slip your hand into his boxers. You wrap your hand around his warm leaking cock, slowly pumping him. "Fuuuuuuck baby" Eddie groans, forehead pressing against yours, eyes closing as a look of pleasure and bliss forms on his face.
"Take these off for me," you whisper almost breathlessly as you pull on his jeans and boxers, wanting to feel and see all of him. You wanted to appreciate his body, explore every dip, crevice, bump, and mark that covered him. Eddie gets off of you to stand next to his bed, pulling the last two articles of clothing he had left covering his glorious body from you. You watch with wide excited eyes as the fabric falls to the floor, his cock slaps against his stomach as it is finally released from its restraints. It had felt big but finally getting to see it was another story, it was huge.
You stare with intrigued eyes, mouth-watering with the need to taste him. The head of his cock was red and angry, precum leaking as the veins protruded visibly. "Like what you see sweetheart?" Eddie smirks as he climbs back on the bed, now laying on his back. You nod, "most definitely. Prettiest cock I've ever seen." you bite your lip once more as you climb on top of him. You notice red tinges creep up Eddie's cheeks at the comment, you had made Eddie Munson blush. You smile, finding him all the more attractive knowing that you affected him how he affected you. There was just something about a guy blushing that was extremely cute and insanely attractive at the same time.
Being on top allowed you to get a better look at Eddie as a whole, allowing you to admire his beauty and uniqueness. As you straddled his waist, staring down at him with admiration, you allowed yourself to explore him better. Your hands ran over his inked scarred skin, tracing every line and pattern, feeling every inch of skin that you could reach. He was imperfectly perfect, his tattoos and scars a part of him that made Eddie himself. "You're so beautiful," you whisper just loud enough for him to hear as your hands run down his chest to his torso, admiring his soft skin under your fingertips.
Eddie grabbed the back of your neck and pulled you down to roughly kiss, which caused a loud surprised moan to escape. Mouths connecting in a frantic passion, eager for one another. Kissing Eddie was addicting, he was like a drug to you, fuelling you with the need and want for him at all times. Especially his lips on yours. "I should be saying that to you," Eddie whispered breathlessly as he pulled away, forehead against yours. You smile, pecking his lips a few times before answering, "you deserve compliments too. Your beauty is something definitely worth commenting on baby."
Kissing your way down his mouth to his jaw, placing soft but needy kisses all over. Following the contours of his skin down his neck to his chest, sucking gently on certain areas when Eddie would gasp. Eventually, you finally arrive at his crotch, having teased him enough. You pumped him slowly a few times, getting him ready as you lick the precum from the angry red leaking tip of his cock. Eddie moans loudly as you wrap your lips around the head, the salty taste instantly making you wet. "F-fuck baby." he groans breathlessly, head thrown back and mouth open wide.
You bob your head as you take him slowly inch by inch further down your throat each time, savouring every delicious bit of Eddie that you were allowed to take. Eddie was big, so big that you could only fit so much to the back of your throat, needing your hand to wrap around what you couldn't take. The sounds of Eddie's deep groans and his hand inching toward your hair had you wetter than ever before, causing a deep moan of your own to escape. You could feel the apprehension coming off Eddie in waves, so you helped him out. Grabbing his hand gently, you lead his hand to your hair, indicating for him to grip it.
You nod your head to let him know you're okay with it and keep going, picking your speed up slightly. "Okay, shit," Eddie replies breathlessly as he cups your hair in a ponytail, he was now able to get a better look at you sucking his cock. You were enjoying yourself, moaning like a mess at your actions. Tears fell down your cheeks, spit drooled down your chin and covered your hand. Eddie's moans were like music to your ears, it was one of the most beautiful and enjoyable sounds you'd ever heard, and would happily listen to them for the rest of your life.
You could feel Eddie's hips being to stiffen and shake as he gently fucked your throat, he was getting close and you were more than happy to give him release. You almost craved the taste of him, knowing you were the one to get him there. But Eddie had other plans, pulling you off him and up to straddle his waist. He notices you staring at him in confusion, "The first time I cum I want it to be inside you baby." he smiles, pulling you down to kiss him after you nod in understanding. Eddie's hands grab your face and neck, thumb gently stroking your cheek.
You squeal in surprise as Eddie flips you both over so he's now on top, not breaking the kiss once. You wrap your arms around his neck to keep him close, needing to feel his skin on yours. You feel Eddie line his cock up with your entrance, he looks to you for reassurance and agreement that it's okay. Your heart swells at his action, despite needing release from the built-up sexual tension, he still took the time to ask if it was okay and you knew he would stop if you said no or asked him to stop at any point. You nod, "please," you whisper needily.
The second Eddie entered you, you knew you were done for, that no one else would compare after this. Not that you wanted or would even think of anyone else, Eddie was it for you. You both moan loudly as Eddie slowly adds inch by inch into you until his hips are flush with yours, allowing you to wrap your legs around his waist. This gave him better access and allowed him to go slightly deeper, "Shit, you feel so good, baby," Eddie hissed, giving you time to adjust to him.
After a few moments, not very long, you gave Eddie the go-ahead to move. He began slowly to let you adjust to the size, not wanting to go too fast too soon and end up hurting you. The last thing Eddie would ever want to do is to hurt you, and you knew that. That was one thing you loved about him, he was the complete opposite of Andy, so kind and selfless. Andy had become cruel, careless, and callous in his actions with no regard for your feelings anymore, and yet, still tried to keep a hold on you. But not Eddie. Eddie was wonderful.
Eddie pressed his forehead against yours as he thrust in and out, setting a slow yet powerful pace. Each thrust forward had your skin slapping, knocking the breath out of you each time. It was intense and almost painful, the pressure unlike any other you'd felt, but it wasn't bad. You enjoyed every second and craved more, needed more. "Faster Eddie, please." you breathlessly plead, mouth open as yours and Eddie's breaths mix.
Eddie picks up the pace, setting a faster rhythm. The room was filled with the sound of breathing and moans, along with the lewd sounds of skin slapping and your obscene wetness. You had never been so wet in your life, your juices were flowing down your legs, no doubt wetting the mattress under you but neither seemed to care. "Your so wet baby, you feel so fucking good." Eddie groaned as he put his head into the crook of your neck, kissing the sweaty skin there. His hands held himself up so he wouldn't crush you with the force of his hips fucking you into the mattress.
"Holy shit!" you moan loudly, head thrown back. Your nails rake down the skin of Eddie's back, the pleasure overwhelming your body. Each thrust rubbed Eddie's pelvis against your clit, stimulating you just right. Your breathing increased considerably, almost pushing you over the edge. He could feel you tightening around his cock, "wait for me baby, I'm so close." you nod, pulling Eddie's head up to you so that you can kiss him, needing to feel his lips on yours. As you kiss, Eddie's finger moves to rub your clit, your whole body shaking from trying to hold off your orgasm.
You hold off as long as you possibly can, the pressure building to the point of being almost painful. Your moans turn to needy whimpers, not being able to stay still with all the pent-up pleasure. You were a shaking, breathless moaning mess by the time Eddie's hips started to shake and stutter, "come for me baby, come on my cock." Eddie groaned against your mouth, kissing you in a feverish passion. "Oh fuuuuuck!" He yells as you moan loudly, his hips slamming into yours one last time. You both let go, coming at the same time, making the moment even more intimate. Eddie works you both through your highs, forehead pressed against yours as his cum fills you.
You wince as Eddie pulls out, praying that the mixed fluid wouldn't get on the bed as you cross your legs. Eddie returns moments later, sitting next to you on the bed. He helps to clean you up, wiping you down with a warm cloth. He tosses it on the floor once done and gets onto the bed next to you, pulling you into his side immediately. You curl into Eddie earnestly, naked bodies now connected in more than one way. You snuggle your head into his chest as Eddie's arms wrap around your back, pulling you as tight as possible to him.
Eddie smiles as he too snuggles his head into yours, placing kisses into your hair. In that moment you could feel the 'L' word creep onto the tip of your tongue, begging to be let free. You'd never said it to anyone before, so the thought of saying it to someone who become so important to you in such a short amount of time terrified you. "Eddie?" you whisper tentatively, scared of how he would react. "Yeah?" you feel him shift as if to look at you. You bite your lip, "I've fallen for you. I love you." you say so quietly that you're unsure he even heard you. You could practically hear your heartbeat in your ears, your chest constricting at the thought of being rejected.
You turn your head to look at him and feel your heart drop at his reaction, his eyes were wide and mouth open, and he looked terrified. You clear your throat, "you don't have to say it back or anything, I know it's soon. I'm such an idiot, I shouldn't have said anything-" before you can say anything more Eddie's lips are against yours, you squeal in surprise but return the affection nonetheless, needing some comfort right now after being so vulnerable. Eddie pulls away and presses his forehead against yours, "I love you too, sweetheart. I mean, how can I not?"
You smile as you wrap your arm around his neck, tangling your fingers into his long curly brown locks. You pull him gently to kiss once more, more softly and intimately this time as you both revel in the new shared confession of your feelings for one another.
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The thing about conservatives and their conspiracy theory that "the libs" are trying to brainwash their children is that a) it's entirely 100% projection and assuming everyone operates the way they do, and b) what is actually happening is more akin to deprogramming than brainwashing.
Speaking from experience, growing up in a conservative family and community was a continuous, painful process of having my natural compassionate and empathetic responses stamped out of me.
I was constantly discouraged from seeing the humanity in others who didn't share my race, class, religion, or my parents' political beliefs. I was shamed and punished for every thought and action that didn't align perfectly with said beliefs. I was taught to avoid any information that contradicted those beliefs, and to fear and mistrust it if I couldn't avoid it completely.
And this wasn't done by providing all the teachings and then holding me to them, mind. I never recall having anything truly explained to me. No, the method of instruction was to wait for me to do something that fell outside of the narrow guardrails no one had ever shown me, then yell and pearl clutch and bombard me with horror and disappointment that I had said/done/thought such an "awful thing." Again, without ever explaining why it was awful.
This process gradually taught me to view the world primarily in terms of my own emotions, and to view those emotions as the voice of God--as long as they aligned with conservative values. And since I was being trained like a dog to experience discomfort, shame, fear, and distress whenever I encountered anything or anyone that didn't align with those values, I was basically innoculated against critical thinking and basic facts.
The result of all this was twofold. Firstly, though I didn't stop having questions or doubts about the ideas I was being taught, I felt intense guilt and shame whenever I had them. Secondly, I began to perceive anyone else questioning my beliefs as an attack on everything I was.
The last thing that was done to me--by parents, teachers, preachers, and eventually friends, because we all learned to do it to each other--was to make me acutely aware and terrified of how my community would see and treat me if I ever strayed from the beliefs we now shared. After a lifetime of being trained to hang my entire self-worth and moral compass on how conservative authority figures reacted to me, I was presented with an image of lifelong shame and disappointment. Utter loneliness. A chasm between myself and everyone I knew that would never be bridged. And of course, eternal suffering and separation from them after death.
Yeah, the death-cult of Christianity was a whole other can of worms on its own, but its lessons and methods ultimately reinforced the conservative brainwashing, and vice versa.
In contrast, becoming a "liberal" (read: someone whose beliefs are rooted in facts and who cares about people more than ideology) was a very internal, very self-guided process. Nobody was actually pushing me to believe one thing over another. What actually happened was: I got distance from that community and their constant reinforcement; I got access to the information that I was kept away from as a child; I encountered people with different views and backgrounds and saw that they weren't evil monsters; I was encouraged to decide for myself what I thought, and learn to defend that thought with information.
And yes...that did lead me away from the conservative beliefs of my family and childhood community. Because those beliefs could not stand up to the smallest amount of critical thinking or actual facts.
It still took me over a decade of being separated from that community to unlearn all of those trained responses. Hell, I'm still unlearning some of them. I still struggle with the loss of that community. I still have an intense emotional reaction I have to work through before my thinking kicks in, whenever I am presented with information that contradicts what I thought I knew. I still come across thoughts or negative associations I have with various people, ideas, etc. only to realize those are unexamined holdovers from my upbringing. Like moving a piece of furniture and finding all the crumbs and other nastiness your vacuum's been missing.
But the key thing here is, the process of becoming who I am today wasn't brainwashing. It wasn't even, now that I lay it out, true deprogramming. It was more like recovery. A long and arduous process for which I often needed support, but which was ultimately completely led by and up to me. I had to want to get better. And I did. So I did.
Which is why I can say for certain that what conservatives are doing now is absolutely 100% about removing as many avenues as possible for doubts and questions to lead to critical thinking. That's why they're hamstringing teachers, banning books, pushing revisionism in the teaching of U.S. history, attacking queer children, doubling down on anti-intellectualism, deregulating child labor. They know that exposure to diversity and access to real information and education is a tried and true path out of their cult mentality. And they can't allow that path to exist.
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foxy-eva · 2 years
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Daring & Decent
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Summary: After getting teased about his girlfriend’s profession, Spencer feels insecure and needs her to show him that he is everything she needs.
Request: what if you wrote something like Spencers dating an actress and she does ✨ those✨ kind of scenes and when Spencer introduces reader to the team there kind of judgmental kind of like embarrassing the reader and it's kind on angsty but then it has a fluffy ending
Author’s Note: I couldn’t imagine the team being judgemental, so I made the story more lighthearted and had so much fun writing it!
Pairing: Spencer Reid x Fem!Reader 
Category: Fluff, Smut
Content Warnings: (18+, minors DNI), a hint at S1E18, mild embarrassment, mentions of sex scenes in movies, Spencer is a bit insecure and gets teased (lovingly), heavy kissing, oral (fem receiving), unprotected penetrative sex
Word count: 3k
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It has always been so interesting to me, the way a bunch of coincidences could lead to lives changing completely. I wasn't even supposed to be at Caltech that day but I had forgotten a book I needed to study in one of the lecture rooms. When I entered I expected to see my professor preparing for class but instead I was walking into a very handsome curly-haired man. 
I was very confused when he told me that his lecture wouldn't start for another hour until I realized he must be the guest speaker from the FBI I had overheard the other students talking about the other day. 
I was mesmerized by this man and decided to use my acting skills for something other than paying for my college tuition. Somehow I convinced him that I came early to talk about his lecture (without even knowing what it would be about) and he excitedly started telling me about it. 
It didn't take more than two minutes for me to decide to stay for the whole duration of his talk because I couldn't get enough of listening to this man. When the class started, I learned that his name was Dr. Spencer Reid, a handsome man who I would soon call my boyfriend. 
It was a bold move to hand him a piece of paper with my number after he was done with the class and the majority of the students had left. It was an even bolder move of him to gently grab my arm to hinder me from walking away. When he muttered that he would really like to have coffee with me right then, I knew I was doomed. 
So what followed were a lot of flights between DC and LA, seemingly endless phone calls and weekends that would always be too short. We fell head over heels for one another and forgot about everything and everyone when we were together. There were just the two of us with lips hungry for kisses and skin needy for touches. 
Spencer was quick to hint that he would be willing to give up his career to move to California if I wanted to pursue my profession as an actress. I appreciated his offer but it has always only been a way for me to make enough money to live a comfortable life while taking my time to get a college degree. It had never been that serious for me, which is why I wasn't really disappointed that I had never landed a job for larger productions. 
Moving to DC after graduating was an option I really liked the more I thought about it. So it was only natural for me to spend more time there, slowly starting to feel at home within the dark green walls of Spencer's apartment. It was clear to me that he enjoyed having me around as well when he started showing me all his favorite places in the city he had called his home for several years now. 
However, when he suggested introducing me to his friends I was more nervous than excited about it. I had no idea how much they knew about me and whether all those very serious and hard working FBI agents would take an actress and long-term student seriously. Spencer assured me that they would be kind and tried to calm my nerves by saying that they may have even seen one of my movies. Little did he know that this prospect made meeting them even more terrifying.
So when I got ready to meet Spencer's friends at one of those famous dinner parties he always talked about, I had to change my outfit several times because nothing I owned seemed appropriate. Standing in front of the mirror, I looked myself up and down, almost jumping when my boyfriend appeared behind me. 
"You look stunning," he whispered while placing a soft kiss on my cheek. 
"I do? This isn't too… tacky?"
Spencer shook his head and chuckled, "You couldn't look tacky even if you tried."
"Clearly you haven't seen all my movies."
He was confused at my reaction, reminding me, "Only because you don't want me to! I'd be happy to spend the rest of my life only seeing you. In real life and on the screen."
He was right, I didn't really want him to watch my movies. I knew he had watched one or two when we started dating but he stopped when I told him that I thought it was weird. 
"I just really want your friends to like me and not think less of me because I don't have such an important job as you guys," I confessed. 
With a firm grip on my shoulder, he turned me around to look at him. His facial features softened when he noticed my worried look. Gentle fingers brushed over the side of my face while he spoke.
"You may not save lives but acting is a form of art and how triste would life be if we didn't have talented people creating art for the pleasure of others? My team sees how happy you make me. That's all that matters to them. They will love you just the way you are." 
Wrapping my arms around his neck, I found his lips in a tender kiss before mumbling, "Thank you."
When we stepped into David Rossi's house, it felt like I was welcomed into a loving and kind family. They were all so nice and genuinely happy to finally meet me. Spencer had apparently not told them much about me, so it was to be expected that they would ask about my job at some point. 
"So, what do you do for a living?" JJ wanted to know after David had served all of us a little aperitif.
"Well, I'm trying to get a college degree at Caltech but acting has been taking up most of my time lately."
I looked into several faces with raised eyebrows. I feared I would find judgemental expressions but they actually looked impressed.
Derek, however, found this newfound information about me amusing. “You’re an actress? I can see a pattern here, pretty boy.”
“Shut up, Derek,” Spencer snarled at him, his reaction confusing me. 
I looked at both men while noticing the others snickering. Raising my eyebrow, I wondered, “What’s that about?”
Derek filled me in on the missing information, “Lover boy here used to date Lila Archer a couple of years ago.” 
“We didn’t date! We just… spent one night together,” my boyfriend protested. 
He flashed me a worried look, as if to silently apologize to me. It was surprising that he had crossed paths with an actress like her, but we both had lives before we met. I winked at him and laughed, “I can’t blame you. She’s gorgeous.”
That seemed to calm his nerves a bit. Derek, however, still wanted to know more about me. “So an actress, huh? I knew you looked familiar. I’m sure I have seen some of your movies.”
Shaking my head, I brushed him off, “I doubt it. I have only done low budget indie movies so far.”
“No, no, I’m sure I have seen one of them. I have seen your face before. I just can’t remem–… Oh.”
That was when he remembered that he had seen a lot more than just my face. Derek didn’t have to say which one of my movies he had seen, I recognized his look. He had just realized that he had seen me naked on the big screen. I wasn’t ashamed of any of the movies I starred in, in fact, I was proud of my work. But still, I would have preferred not having this conversation right now. 
Derek playfully nudged Spencer’s shoulder with his fist, chuckling, “Wow. You’re a lucky guy, Reid.”
“You know that was just acting, right?” I tried to remind him. 
Spencer was looking very confused, clearly having no idea what kind of movie we were talking about. 
Before he asked, I explained, “I played a high-end escort in one of my movies and did a lot of.. spicy scenes.”
That was downplaying it a little. I was practically nude for eighty percent of the film. 
Despite Spencer obviously being uncomfortable with this conversation, Derek still didn’t let go, “I gotta say… you were very convincing in that role.”
Without thinking about it, I giggled, “Yeah I know, I'm really good at faking it!”
My boyfriend stared at me with wide eyes and panic clearly visible in his look. It was then that I realized what I had just implied. Derek decided to throw more salt into the wound by teasing him some more, “Not so lucky after all, huh.”
Spencer’s cheeks turned red and I noticed how little droplets of sweat formed on his forehead. He clearly didn’t know what to say. In an attempt to soothe him, I sincerely told him, “But of course there’s no reason to fake it with you.” 
"Wow, you really are a great actress!" Derek laughed. 
Before either of us could react to that, David announced that dinner was ready to be served. Spencer seemed relieved when the conversation finally shifted to something other than his ability as a lover. However, I had a hunch that this conversation would still be on his mind for longer than I would have liked. 
On our way home from the party Spencer was uncommonly quiet. It didn't take a profiler to notice that something was off and I had an idea what this might be about. Still, I needed to make sure. 
"Do you feel weird about me doing sex scenes in movies?"
That wasn't the best way to break the silence but I didn't feel like tiptoeing around this issue. I really needed to know. Spencer averted his eyes from the road for a moment to look at me with raised eyebrows. He opened his mouth but nothing came out. After taking several deep breaths, he finally started to speak without daring to look at me. 
"I mean… I don’t love that other people see you naked, but I know that’s part of your job. It's just that… Morgan got into my head earlier."
Before I could react to that, he continued, "But that's not your fault. I'm sorry, I'm being weird."
My fingertips made contact with his thigh, gently squeezing it to get his attention. When he looked at me, he found me softly smiling at him. 
"I don't think you're being weird. What can I do to make you feel better?"
Spencer sighed, "I just want to get home and cuddle up in bed with you."
When we got to his place, it quickly became clear that cuddling wasn't the only thing Spencer yearned for. His hands were on me before I had a chance of closing the door to his apartment. I welcomed his eagerness, enthusiastically reciprocating his touches while we clumsily stumbled into his bedroom. 
We helped each other shed the outer layers of our clothes until we landed on his bed wearing only underwear. Spencer's urgency grew once he had access to my skin, his fingertips dancing along the curves and dips of my body while his lips explored my neck. My hands found their home in his unruly curls, gently tugging on them whenever I craved to hear him whimper. 
It didn't need much for me to feel like I would burst into flames soon, his fingers burning against my skin while heat was rushing directly into my core. From the first time I had been with him, he had this ability to make me forget all my surroundings, only having eyes for him. 
When his mouth found mine in a passionate kiss, I couldn't help but press my body against his, desperate for him to give me all he had to offer. His hand found my chest and a loud moan rolled over my lips. It was then that I noticed him suddenly becoming more hesitant. His touches were light against my skin while his kiss got more timid than I would have liked. 
When I leaned back to look at him, I found a crease between his eyebrows, giving his current state away. 
"Is everything okay? We can stop if you want," I offered. 
It was clear that he was contemplating what to say, the crease between his furrowed brows becoming more prominent. Where I had expected to find eyes filled with lust moments before, I only saw a look like a doe caught in headlights. 
"Are you… are you really into this?" He finally dared to mutter.
"Yes, of course I am. Why would you doubt that?"
He let out a loud sigh and averted his eyes from me. "It's such that… you said, you were good at… faking it. So how do I know this is real?"
The fact that someone like him would doubt his own abilities made me smile. I understood that he needed reassurance and I would spend the rest of the night giving that to him if he needed me to. My fingertips gently brushed over his cheek before finding his hand that was resting on my hip. 
Slowly I guided his palm down my body while whispering, "I know, I'm a good actress but do you really think I could fake–" I paused and helped him dip his fingertips beneath the waistband of my panties where he found me practically dripping with desire, "-this?"
Once he made contact with my slick folds, his pupils instantly got larger, dilating until the gold of his irises was almost gone. It took him a moment to grasp what was happening, so I encouraged him, "Please make me feel good. I need you, Spencer."
He didn't make me wait any longer, letting his fingertips glide through my slit and pressing against my most sensitive spot until I couldn't stop the moans and sighs from escaping my throat. Right before my legs started shaking, his hand left my center, making me whine in protest. 
"I have to taste you," he breathed as he kissed his way down my body. 
He rid me of the remaining pieces of clothing and found his home between my thighs. With a smirk he looked up at me, certainly finding a desperate expression on my face. 
"Tell me what you want," he demanded.
"Please…"
He was still hovering over my body, his face mere inches away from my heat. 
"Do you want me to make you come?"
The sudden burst of confidence shocked and excited me at the same time. With wide eyes I stared at him, unable to form words. When it became clear that he was waiting for an answer, I somehow managed to get my lips to form an almost silent "Yes."
"Okay, but you better find your voice again. I wanna hear all those beautiful sounds you make," he chuckled. 
With just enough pressure he let his tongue glide through my folds before focussing his attention to the bud of my crevice. I started singing his praise in the forms of whines and sighs and he hummed in delight. When he pushed two of his fingers into me, my whole body started to tremble. It only took a few more moments for him to push me over the edge, making me clench around his fingers as I found relief. 
Spencer sat up between my legs and locked eyes with me. The proud grin I found on his face made me laugh.
"See? There's no need for me to fake it with you," I giggled. 
Hurried and ungracefully, he pulled down his underwear and laughed, "I think I'm not completely convinced yet." 
I welcomed his body on top of mine with open arms, mumbling, "Then let me show you," against his lips while reaching between our bodies to guide him into me.
The sensation of having him inside of me, stretching my walls just the way I liked it, made me hum in excitement. I was still sensitive from my previous high, so it wasn't surprising that the tension in my belly quickly built again with his slow and steady thrusts. His eyes were glued to my face, watching my reaction to his motion. 
"God, you're so beautiful," he groaned while accelerating his pace. 
With my arms around his neck I pulled him down for a kiss, our bodies becoming one while we chased the sensation of pure bliss. Even though he seemed to be focussed on my enjoyment, Spencer couldn't hide how good I made him feel too. It felt like his groans and whimpers would rush through me like lightning, leaving a tingling sensation in my body. 
When he got dangerously close to his breaking point, he propped himself up on one arm and reached the other one between our bodies until he could press his fingertips firmly against my bundle of nerves. With a few tight circles I reached my peak, my wall pulsating around his hardness. 
His movements became erratic until he halted at my deepest point to find release, sharing his warmth with me as he collapsed into my arms. After evening out his breathing, he peppered my face with little kisses before we had to go get cleaned up. 
When we cuddled up in bed once more, Spencer held me close against his body and let his palms glide over my skin in soothing patterns. I found his lips in a tender kiss before leaning back to look at him. 
"I hope you believe me now?" I asked with a playful tone in my voice. 
He thought about it for a second before a smug grin formed on his face. "Yes, for now. But I might need a little more convincing in a bit."
"Anything for you," I laughed before my lips found his once more. 
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my-fancy-hat · 7 months
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In the last few chapters I've noticing bits of similarities between some characters and the course of action with part 1 that, well, coming from the same author is kind of expected, but lately they've been more and more explicit and I can't help but think that maybe! there's an intention on mirrowing Denji's current development to part 1's while leading the plot toward the new "bomb girl" arc for part 2.
At first, Denji is introduced in the beggining of a new arc with an internal conflict about himself and/or his place in the world in the dichotomy of what he actually feels about his situation and what he SHOULD feel compared to someone else reaction: Aki's heartbreak for Himeno's death versus Denji's lack of empathy for the loss and the world living as it is in normalcy versus his discomformity about it. This opens a key question that will haunt Denji for the next chapters, looking for an answer capable of content him: "Do I still have a human heart?" and "Nothing beats a normal life?"
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In the meantime and uncertainty, Denji is invited to hang out to a cinema date by a person who may are able to understand what afflicts him at the moment and so, influencing him:
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In csm cinema is potrayed as a place of reflection and contemplation about life itself, and as Makima bringed on this concept, movies can change one's worldview. At the end of part 1 we discover that all the control devil wanted was to find an equal, to form genuine and equal relationships of mutual care like a family does; this by extention resonates with Denji because, even in his ineptitude to identify these kind of emotional issues due his lack of experience with other people and life in general, is what he wishes as well, connection, aceptance and companionship. This is why the last scene of the last movie touched both of them to the point of tears, as if the big screen did bring back to life and exposed before their eyes their most hidden desire.
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On the other hand, one of the main goals Denji had was to achieve a normal life, pushing him foward since chapter 1 to secure it and do what he has missed of life or what he should be doing as a teen of his age. Such want seems not to be unique of Denji because Yoshida has also vocalized (when the oportunity is given) on wanting to know what normalcy is about, tagging along with Denji in multiple occasions, between classes, skipping classes, getting treats and coffee in their way, talking about girls, etc. Going to school, hanging out, a home to return to, good memories of childhood to look back, to have a lovely family and friends, I think is what both wish or wished to have, and so it's projected on screen in a familiar scenario, maybe a callback to the token of part 1 tragedies-accomplishment of this way of living, a little girl that could possibly be Nayuta with her schoolbag, heading to school?
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But, where the view was hindered by tears of catharsis, now it is by the corpse of a demon that spattered its blood on the screen. The answers were deliverated, but Denji stills comes to his seatmate for the final confirmation:
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...to both of them leaving him alone behind in the realization of this induced epiphany. While with Makima it was a relief, that in fact he has a heart capable of love and care therefore capable of connecting with others, Yoshida leaves a sour taste in Denji's mouth. The normalcy that Denji dreamed of is not what he found; that reality also contemplates loneliness, boredom and disappointment too.
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In other parallels that are worth notting are the assignation of a new bodyguard replacement for Denji by Makima and Yoshida to facilitate vigilance and security over him:
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And, how Denji's reaction to this isn't that welcoming making him disappointed of their new partner even tho his bodyguards are, in fact, big fans of chainsaw man:
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Culminating on, as for now, with the introduction of a "friendly" pretty face hybrid:
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With all this I want to make it clear that I do not want to pretend or demostrate that Yoshida = Makima, that sword man will be Denji's new love interest or smth or even worse to compare Beam with Fumiko for have approached Denji without his consent, like, no. These characters are playing similar roles already potrayed by someone else in part 1 now with Denji in part two conserving their own traits and unique issues. I don't know if authors put this much thought on their writting to come up with these kind of things nonetheless I'm so excited how things will play out this time for Denji since, if we follow bomb girls course, Sword man appearance may not hold many good intentions for Denji, explaining why Yoshida assigned Fumiko to protect him in anticipation of this new enemy, just like Makima did against Reze.
EDIT:
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hmmm🏴
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Summer of 86’ baby
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Part 2- The Last in Line (posted 3/7)
Authors note: I don’t really have much of a posting schedule but I’ll try to roll these chapters out a week at a time.
(Banners by @cafekitsune ** I don’t own those or the photos above, found on Pinterest)
Summary: Party at Steve’s! You’re invited?! Not to mention seeing your dad face to face for the first time in over 10 years, what other surprises does Hawkins have in store for you?
Warnings: angst, smoking and drinking
Pairing: Eddie Munson x F! Reader (Reefer Rick’s daughter) (reader is alternative/punk)
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As the hours ticked painfully closer to 8pm, the time Steve scribbled on a scrap receipt paper at Family Video earlier that afternoon, which was the time of the graduation party for Eddie and all their friends who’d graduated just like you. Class of 86’. Hoping that this was just the distraction you needed to subdue the gnawing anxiety you had until you could visit your dad, as soon as you got back to the cabin you tried on every outfit you had in varying combinations to come up with something that seemed suitable to meet a bunch of strangers but also didn’t look too casual for a grad party. To your disappointment nothing you brought seemed to work quite right. You’d planned on having a laid back summer with your dad, not dressing up for parties, even if the only reason you were entertaining the idea of going was because of a certain metal head.
Finally as the cuckoo clock in the living room chimed 7pm you checked your final look, deciding on an old floor length black skirt, fish nets, docs, studded belt with matching jewelry, and newly cropped button down light washed denim shirt from your dads closet you mangled in an effort to add to your wardrobe. Your hair was teased into a perfect puffy mess along with black winged eyeliner that would make Siouxsie herself proud.
Pulling up into the nicer, fancier, part of Hawkins suburbs you found Steve’s house at the end of a cauldisac with a drive way that felt like a mile long. You noticed a few other cars parked outside, including that familiar van from the day before. Your heart raced a bit from anticipation and excitement. Never wanting to show up to a party empty handed, you had stopped at the small gas station/bait shop by the cabin and grabbed a 12 pack. Nothing fancy just some generic watery beer you’d had yourself a million times at high school parties over a ping pong table in someone’s moldy stale basement.
You rang the doorbell and stepped back, taking a deep breath, your heart was thumping loudly in your throat and you were clutching the beer so snugly to your chest so you wouldn’t drop it with your unsteady hands. A girl with short permed brown hair answered the door, she was very conventionally beautiful with a purple off the shoulder dress that made her eyes pop.
“Oh hi!! You must be Y/N! Eddie said he’d met someone new he wanted to invite tonight! I’m Nancy Wheeler.” She pulled you in by your arm and walked you into the large entryway that led to an even bigger kitchen, “my little brother Mike is somewhere around here you’ll meet him. Let’s get that beer in the fridge and we can find other people to introduce you to.” Her smile was so warm and genuine, you felt like she’d been your best friend for years.
Steve had told Nancy and Robin all about you in the hours leading up to the party. The two came by to decorate and before they could press the doorbell, Steve flung open the door and dragged them inside practically bouncing out of his Nikes. “You guys will never guess what happened at family video today!!”
“Wha-” Robin tried to reply but he was too eager.
“This girl came in because of Eddie, I guess she’s in town for the summer but Eddie has not stopped talking about her since he met her yesterday and POOF like magic she walked in today so I, being the best wing man slash best friend, invited her over tonight!!” He beamed at the two girls looking so proud at his brilliant attempt at match making. Nancy agreed to keep you close knowing that you may be feeling nervous not knowing anyone.
Walking into the living room you spotted a few more people. Sitting on the couch was the guy you met yesterday, Steve; he was laughing with another girl who was wearing a green and orange letterman jacket and acid wash jeans. “You know Steve right? Well he’s a year older than us and graduated last year but me, Robin, and Eddie graduated this year. Did you graduate too?” Nancy pointed towards the couch.
“Yeah I did, back home in Arizona. Now I’m here for the summer to see my dad.” Deciding to give her the less intense version of your last 48 hours.
You made your way over to say hi to Steve and Robin, “Wow Steve your house is insane. I brought some beer too, it’s in the kitchen.”
He pulled you into a side hug, “welcome! Thanks for the beer! I’m sure we’ll find a good use for it! This is Robin.”
The girl in the letterman stepped up with a huge ear the ear grin on her face. She stuck out her hand to shake and you noticed her chipping dark blue nail polish and mix matched rings. “Howdy. I’m the one always keeping dingus #1 here out of trouble. I also work at family video so if you need a good movie recommendation ask me, not Mr. ‘Top Gun changed my life’.” she mocked.
“HEY it was amazing! And you even got matching aviators with me so I know you liked it too!!” Steve and Robin bickered like siblings and you tried to hide your giggles.
Watching the exchange between everyone, two new faces emerged. A boy with curly hair and a baseball hat, he was also sporting the same HELLFIRE shirt that laid in your bedroom. Next to him was a tall dark haired boy wearing cut off jeans and a dark green button up. Nancy turned and began more introductions first opening her hand to the boy in the HELLFIRE shirt, “Y/N this is Dustin.”
He smiled back, “nice to meet you, I like your look. Makes me think of a tiefling, right Mike?”
He looked to the other boy next to him, “dude not even, more like a dark elf.” The other boy responded.
Nancy rolled her eyes, “and this dork is my younger brother Mike who has manners just forgot them today I guess. And no one knows what your nerdy crap means so quit for like a second please I beg!”
Everyone continued their little side conversations while you settled into the party. The doorbell rang and disrupted the flow for a minute, but before anyone could go answer it, a girl with deep red hair in a high pony tail and carrying a skate board walked into the room hand in hand with a boy wearing a “HAWKINS TIGERS” basketball jersey and a high top fade.
“Hey maybe you shouldn’t have your door unlocked so strange people can walk inside Hair-ington?” The red head jeered at Steve.
Steve came over and tightly embraced her first then the boy next to her before waving you over, “This is Max and Lucas.”
They both said hello then went to join Dustin and Mike. Everyone seemed so close, like they were friends since the sand box days.
Staring down at your chunky black docs you asked Nancy the question that was eating away at you since you walked up the drive way, “So is Eddie here yet? Thought I saw his van outside.”
Nancy gave Steve that knowing side eye look, then Steve offered up Eddies hiding spot. “If I had to guess he’s probably outside chain smoking, he does that when he’s nervous. Stinks up the whole damn house.”
He pointed you in the direction of the backyard and you grabbed a beer from the kitchen on your way outside.
You could see Eddies bouncing curls through the sliding glass door, he smiled, showing off his dimples. It made your chest ache. You’d spent so much time avoiding your mother’s wrath back home and focusing on your school classes over the years you never really gave yourself any time to crush on anyone. But there was something about Eddie, his looks sure, but his goofy antics and willingness to help a total stranger just had you feeling what had you guessing was a true honest crush. You’d been so focused on walking straight out and saying hi to him you didn’t notice he was with someone outside already. Opening the door with a more than necessary WOOOSH, causing Eddie and the person he was talking with to end their conversation and turn to you.
“Oh hey! I was wondering when you’d get here! This is Crissy.” Eddie introduced you to a petite blonde girl wearing a cheer leader uniform.
“You must be Y/N! So nice to meet you! Eddie says you’re here for the summer. We’ll have to hangout and show you around town sometime!!” Crissy gave you a warm and friendly smile.
You matched her energy immediately, “That sounds like fun Crissy! Yeah everyone’s been so nice so far. It’s going to be hard leaving Hawkins after making so many friends. Did you graduate this year too?”
“Yeah! You too?? Congratulations! Class of 86’! I’m going to go pop inside for a drink, Eddie you want one?” Crissy walked inside as Eddie shook his head no.
“Nah I’m good!” He shook a can of beer he had resting on the table.
“Sorry I didn’t mean to interrupt you guys, Steve said you were outside smoking and I figured you’d let me bum one.” You tried to coax a cigarette from him.
Eddie quirked an eyebrow at you, “Sure but I heard these things kill so you better watch it. Did you get a chance to meet everyone?”
You nodded yes as you lit up the cigarette and took a long drag.
“And believe it or not that’s not even the whole crew! Nancy’s boyfriend and his little brother moved to California last summer so they’ll be back for a visit later on. You should meet them if you’re here for the 4th of July festival thing.” Eddie made fireworks noises as he explained more of the group lore to you. Who’s dated who, who’s currently dating, all about his “little sheep” from Hellfire, and how proud he was that Dustin was going to be the new clubs DM.
“Don’t get me wrong, I’m not quitting or anything, but we’ll have some campaigns this summer if you’d want to join in, we haven’t found a place to have it yet but I’m hoping if I smooth talk someone’s parents they’ll let us commandeer their kitchen for a night.” Eddie smooshed out his cigarette and went to head back inside.
Before he could open the sliding back door someone beat him to it. And before you knew it, a rowdy group of 3 boys bombarded Eddie in cheers and hugs. They were of course, all wearing their signature HELLFIRE CLUB shirts.
Finally one turned to you with a wink, “Yo Eddie who’s the babe?” He didn’t wait for a response. “Names Gareth, you new in town? We’re in a band you should come see us play, I’m on drums.” He did a little air drum set before Eddie smacked the back of his head.
You stifled a laugh as Eddie apologized, “sorry about my friend here Y/N, these other two are Jeff and Doug. My beloved Hellfire Club and also Corroded Coffin band mates.”
The other two boys waved but seemed a bit more interested in the beer about to be drank than meeting you. You couldn’t blame them, it was a party.
The party raged on for a few hours, pizza got delivered then demolished. There was a loud stereo system set up in the living room area that would flip between top 100 hits and then every 5 songs the Corroded Coffin members demanded something more heavier. Robin, Crissy, and Steve were dancing non-stop while Eddie, Gareth, Dustin and you tried to set up a round of beer pong. But apparently Indiana had different rules then Arizona so that sparked a heated debate between you and Gareth on if the ping pong ball hit the rim of the cup how many points that was. Max and Lucas left early to catch a showing of Poltergeist 2.
As the night was approaching midnight, everyone started heading home.
“You good to drive? It’s pretty dark and spooky out that way.” Steve and Eddie were walking you out to your car. Steve trailing a bit behind ready to break away at a moments notice.
“Yeah I’ll be peachy. The party was really rad Steve.” You smiled and waved good bye while climbing into your seat.
Eddie leaned on your drivers side door, “Just wanted to wish you good luck when you go up to see Rick. I know it’s not always the easiest seeing a parent in jail. Plus that drive is super shitty. Here I made this so it would suck a little less.”
He handed you a cassette tape with black sharpie on it that said KICK ASS ROAD TRIP MIX and had drawings of little skulls all over the place.
You were stunned, no one had ever hand made something like that for you, “Thanks this means a lot. I’ll let you know how it goes. Good night Eddie.”
He shut your door for you with a tiny bow.
After you drove off Steve teased Eddie, “you liiikkkeee her!”
Eddie rolled his eyes and climbed into his van.
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Saturday morning couldn’t come quick enough. You were so eager to get a head start to Indianapolis that you’d gassed up your car the night before and preset the one modern kitchen appliance you dad had, a coffee pot.
Talking on the phone with your dad and actually seeing him, being able to hug him, were two very different things. You hadn’t actually seen him face-to-face since you were 5, and although you’d sent him a copy of your school photo every year, you were still nervous about him seeing you. Your dad was never one to judge; unlike your mom, she was never a fan of how you dressed and your music choices. That was something you and your dad got along about. If anything he majorly influenced your choices, but with a more 70s rock and roll influence. He claimed your mom used to be a laid back girl who loved wearing bell bottoms and listening to Fleetwood Mac and Led Zeppelin, but now she was all pastel polos and gold jewelry. Sometimes early in the mornings when she cleaned house you could catch her playing her old Fleetwood records but she would never admit to it.
Once the barely functioning alarm clock rang out at 8am sharp, you smacked it to the floor with a groan. Only managing to get a few hours of sleep, the welcomed smell of coffee pulled you out of bed and into the kitchen. After downing almost a whole pot and eating some toast and eggs, you set out for Indianapolis State Penn. which was around a 2 1/2 hour drive. You popped Eddies mix tape in and the first song was the Dio one that had played in the car your first day in Hawkins, when he’d driven you to the sheriffs station. It made your heart hurt and you felt like you were running a fever but in the best way possible. Was that just his favorite Dio song or did he remember it the same as you??
Finally pulling into the parking lot of the prison around 11am, your scheduled visit was at noon. The security was obviously no joke. They took any hint of metal you had on your person, even the safety pins keeping the rip in your jeans closed. A female gaurd patted you down and made sure to squish your teased hair into a flat mess.
Do people actually smuggle shit in their hair?? You thought to yourself..
Then they made you sit in a giant concrete room with a few other people, at picnic tables with bench seating attached to them, and there was a huge clock on the wall so you’d know just how long you had for your visit. An hour. The hands were just about hugging on the 12 spot when they finally started leading in different inmates.
Your dad was the last in line. A lot older than you remembered him but just the same. You didn’t expect to cry on the spot but before you could control it your eyes were spilling streams down your cheeks. It looked like the same thing was happening to your dad.
“Wow I can’t believe you’re here. All grown up I can’t believe it.” He was allowed one hug to greet and one when the visit ended. Your dad pulled you close and you could smell the cigarette smoke on his shirt.
“Not exactly how I planned the summer but I’m glad I finally get to see you dad. I’ve missed you so much.” Wiping your eyes you sat back down so you could catch up with him.
You told him all about your first day back and meeting Hopper. How you made a few new friends (conveniently skipping over Eddies name for the time being). He told you about his small town life and what exactly landed him in prison.
Then about half way through the visit you dared ask, “So how long are you in here for dad?”
He just stared at his hands on the table, “It’s not good news kiddo. But I talked with my lawyer and got some things moved around. Cabins in your name now, so is my car, all the assets I have. So a life in Hawkins is yours if you want it. I know driving up here every weekend isn’t ideal to visit your old man, but I sure would appreciate it. So we can make up for lost time and since I managed to fuck up a future we might have had. Especially your first summer as a grown up.”
You were speechless. If he had good behavior they said maybe paroled early in 15 years, but with the ever changing prison system who knew.
Starting a brand new life in Hawkins? That was so much to ask for, you didn’t really have much in the way of a social life back home in AZ, maybe 2 good friends and your mom. You hadn’t applied to any colleges either because you didn’t know what to do with your life, but maybe this was your sign, the direction you were supposed to go.
“That’s a huge decision dad, can I just stay for the summer and think about it?” You picked at the skin around your thumb nail.
“Absolutely kiddo.” He reached over and held your hand.
The visit ended with more somber feelings than how it began. You finally got back to the cabin and crashed, taking a long and much needed nap.
You weren’t sure about what time but you awoke to some loud yelling outside. It was dark outside and you could hear someone banging on the screen door. It wasn’t a voice you recognized so that put you on high alert.
Opening the door a crack to see what the fuss was, “hello? What’s with all the shouting?”
“Oh FINALLY. Tell Rick he owes me my weed and to get his lazy ass out here!” The man screeched at your face. His face was turning a very unflattering shade of red.
“Rick’s not here and I’m not taking messages so kindly get off my property.” You tried to sound assertive.
The guy laughed. LAUGHED. at you and before you could slam the door in his face his arm flung up and caught it at the same time his booted foot wedged itself in the door. “Well if Rick’s not here then you’re going to get me what I’m owed. I’m not leaving without it. I paid that prick a month ago and now he ran off with my money!!”
His smile and wild eyes made your stomach hurt and all the alarm bells in your body were ringing. It gave you a burst of adrenaline, you managed to push him back just enough to slam the door shut and lock it. But he wasnt giving up that easy. He just sat on your porch and tried to get that door unlocked, even started looking in through the windows.
You panicked and tried to call Hopper but the dispatcher said he’d still be a good 20-30 minutes away.
As soon as you’d hung up the phone you saw headlights, the man was standing out front with someone who just parked in your driveway. Great.
“Oh hey freak. What brings you out here? Rick rip you off too?” The man was talking to the new arrival. Taking a break from trying to beat in your doorway and lighting a cigarette.
“Get lost Hargrove.” It was Eddie!!
Eddie hadn’t heard from you after your visit at the prison so he thought it would be a good idea to swing by and check on you and he couldn’t have been more right. Billy Hargrove was belligerently beating on your front door.
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therealvinelle · 12 days
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How does Norway view it’s royal family I’m from Canada and lets just say that we are not big monarchy fans. But I wonder about other countries because commonwealth countries are kind of in a unique situation where their royalty is actually royalty of another country (Britain) and we just pay for it. (no seriously, we pay more for the monarchy in canada than the uk does)
I can't speak for everyone, but I personally am in favor of having a royal family and would find it disappointing and a change for the worse if we became a republic.
The monarchy in Norway came about the right way, when the country became independent in 1905 the people voted with an overwhelming majority in favor of getting the Danish prince Carl to become our king. It was in order words not something imposed upon us by a thousand years of feudalism, but a newly independent people's choice to have a king of our own.
King Haakon proceeded to, when Norway was occupied by the Germans, refuse to accept our government's formal request to disband (as they had been driven into exile and could no longer govern), as well as refuse to surrender. Did this lead to war, yes, but it also meant that through the war we remained an occupied country with a legitimate government overseas broadcasting to every citizen by radio that we could look towards in place of the occupying government imposed upon us.
After King Haakon there was King Olav, who took the bus during the 1973 energy crisis so as to lead by example, and went skiing in the woods like everybody else, he was an immensely popular king. Now there is King Harald, who married a commoner in Queen Sonja and whose children have made even more scandalous marriages (Princess Märtha married an artist and author, Ari Behn, while the crown prince Haakon married a single mother of a child out of wedlock who was and in certain circles remains viewed as very low class), but both Harald and Sonja are very loved. Harald famously is very witty, and more importantly he is a very inclusive and kind-hearted person who made it explicitly clear he is as much the king of immigrants and LGBT people as he is everybody else. He has also competed in the Olympics seveal times, we love an athlete.
The big eyesore is Princess Märtha, whose sins and scandals are money but in a nutshell, she made the choice to be financially independent (good!) only to then do so in the worst ways she could manage. There was the angel school, where you would go learn how to speak with angels (I once went to a party where we read her book and followed her instructions on finding your aura, great fun and I recommend this for a party game), which had everyone laughing at her, to the much less funny adventure she is now on, where she has... gone full Gwyneth Paltrow. As in, she is engaged to a shaman who says children with cancer must have wished the cancer upon themselves and he will also cleanse women's vaginas of evil if they've had too much sex, and she has toured the country with this man using her princess title (The tour was called "The princess and the shaman") which... yes. When they are criticized, they say it's racism because he is black, this has not endeared them to many either.
She can live her life how she wishes, the fact that what she wishes is to give a platform to a man who talks about being a lizard who contains ancient spirits and also the 5G net is bad is what makes people upset and lose respect for the monarchy as a whole.
Personally, I remain in favor of the monarchy because she'll never be on the throne, she is already irrelevant in every way that matters. The relevant royals we do have do their jobs well and responsibly, which is where my wanting to have a monarchy in the first place comes in: I believe in the constitutional monarchy as we practice it in Norway.
The people who make the decisions will be elected by the people, but the person representing the country, whose job is only to represent and better the country through charities and strengthened diplomatic ties, has an advantage if he isn't political and gains a continuity from not being replaced every time he loses the election cycle. In these times of rising populism I think the advantage to having an apolitical head of state and military is even greater. We could in theory vote a populist party into power but we wouldn't have a populist president, the way certain countries experienced not too long ago and stand to do now. As for how one should go about finding such a non-political, continuous leader of the country, I think inheriting the position is as good a way as any to keep the transferrance of power from one sovereign to the next from getting political. In other words, monarchy but keep it constitutional.
(I'm also colored by how King Haakon handled the occupation, as well as how the King of Spain as recently as in 1981 prevented a military coup in Spain by denouncing the military's actions. How relevant these events are to the present day can be debated, but I think the past couple of years have proven that we should not take the status quo for granted and our democracies can come under threat. When they do, I prefer to have every safeguard imaginable in place for them. If that safeguard spend their time promoting art and charity that's just a big bonus.)
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heartsfromia · 1 year
Text
third times the charm — l. chan
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pairing: non-idol! chan x f!reader
word count: 2,485
genre: fluff, crack-ish
warnings: chan gives secondhand embarrassment
author's notes: this is the last for my oneshots pt. 1, and i'll be continuing w more, and a heads up that they'll be angst since yk gotta widen my range lol
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It was as if the heavens had descended upon Chan the second he stepped into the café; the sight of you behind the counter, eyes trained on the porter filter as you pressed the espresso grinds before locking it in the espresso machine, focused on ensuring the contents of the caffeinated liquid were sufficient for the drink you were working on.
Normally he wouldn’t be fazed, it’s not like he’s never met a girl before. He just never met a girl as beautiful as you.
“Morning, how can I help you?” Even your voice was angelic. You were caught-off guard by Chan as he stood in front of you, not stating your order—as if he was caught in a daze. You blinked in confusion, before raising your hand and waving it over his face, “Hello?”
It worked, and he jumped, shaking his head slightly to return back to reality. He was totally not thinking about how you two would live in an apartment uptown, own a Siamese cat, and a Golden Retriever. “Oh, sorry… what did you say?”
You chuckled awkwardly, “What would you like to order?”
“Uhm, an iced Americano, and two caramel latte—” His eyes darted towards the name-tag by your collar. “—Y/N.”
You nodded, punching in his order, before asking, “Take out?”
“Yes, please.” It felt as if he couldn’t take his eyes off you as you informed him the total, and he hurriedly reached in his pocket and handing you a twenty. “You can keep the change.”
This is almost a ten dollar tip, you thought.
“And the order will be under what name?”
There was a momentary pause before he jumped, stammering, “Uh, Chan! Chan, under… Chan.”
“Okay, it'll be ready in a few minutes.” You quickly turned, not wanting to witness him as he awkwardly nods, mouth opening to respond but nothing coming out.
You weren’t going to lie, and act like you didn’t notice his staring—to say the least, you were used to it. Not in a all-too-vain way, but you were aware when guys found you attractive—their dazed looks would eventually lead them to asking for your number, and then you’d be disappointed because all of them expected you to cave and agree to their proposals to go on a date.
You hated that pattern.
Within this year alone, you’ve had two guys approach you—star-struck from meeting you, and asked you out on a date, with no intentions with getting to know you first. Sure, you knew dates were a place where people can get to know each other, but dates were also places that led to a relationship, and to be honest, you never wanted to jump right into one with just anyone. You loathed the idea of constantly going on dates, just to become someone’s girlfriend. What about being friends first?
Nonetheless, knowing this, you’d put those guys through a test, and if they don’t pass then mission: ghost them until they get the hint and leave you alone, is commenced.
You knew Chan would fall on that list of failures, so you didn’t pay him too much mind as you worked on his order.
“Have a great day,” you uttered, and Chan smiled, wishing the same for you before walking out of the café. A happy sigh escaped his lips—the sun was kissing the highest points of his face, a new feeling during this gloomy month, it seemed such a perfect day to meet such a perfect girl, he thought.
That is until he glanced at his wristwatch, remembering why he was at the café in the first place before his heart dropped to his feet, and they hurriedly carried him to the class he was already running late to.
Pushing the door to class, he peeked his head through the small gap, relieved to see the professor’s table empty and quickly rushed in, finding his seat between Seungkwan and Vernon—the former glaring at him for taking a long time to bring him his iced americano. “What took you so long?”
“I’m sorry, I’m sorry,” he apologized, placing the drinks in front of his friends. “Where’s the professor?”
“At the bathroom, you’re lucky,” Vernon chirped, thanking quietly for the drink. “How come it took you so long?”
“Well, besides getting your coffees, I had already woken up later than usual,” he complained, “there was also a line in the café—not that long, but I was already running late and you guys told me to go buy coffee, which added on to the fact I was running late, making me even more late—”
“Still, it doesn’t take more than fifteen minutes,” Seungkwan cut him off, causing Chan to glare at him.
Then he remembered you, a dazed smile appearing on his face. His thoughts became flooded by you, your pretty name, your pretty voice, your pretty face, your pretty everything. He honestly wouldn’t be surprised if you were an angel sent to make him fall in love with you.
“What’s with that face—oh my God, stop that, it’s actually creepy,” Seungkwan cringed, covering his eyes.
“Do you guys know Y/N? She’s the barista at Seventeen Café,” Chan asked, looking hopeful between his two friends.
“I know of her,” Seungkwan states, sipping his coffee. “Is that why you were taking so long? Busy drooling over her?”
“I wasn't drooling over—” Chan's attempt at defending himself were cut short when the professor returned from the bathroom, an look of exasperation written all over his face.
“My apologies class, I might have gotten food poisoning so the class is dismissed for the rest of today, see you next—” Poor man wasn't able to finish his sentence before hurling in the nearest trash can.
“Sucks for Professor Jang, but great for us… I guess,” Seungkwan says out loud, earning agreeable nods from both Chan and Vernon. “What do we do now?”
As the three approach the entrance of the college building, Chan's eyes immediately lock towards the small coffee shop right across from campus, the tense of shoulders noticeable by his two friends.
“We're not going—”
“Why not?” He couldn't help but whine, “I really want to get to know her, she seems really cool.”
“And you want us to be there to witness you failing completely?”
“Come on, Kwan, cut the guy some slack,” Vernon chimes in, “who knows? He might actually know how to flirt with a girl.”
“So, you come here often?” Your eyes glanced at Chan's two friends; one pursing his lips to hold in his laugh, as the other audibly smacks his forehead, the slap echoing throughout the fairly empty café interior.
You stood by their table, grasping onto the note and pen, eyes darting around the place before answering, “Well, considering I work here, yes.”
You could see the firsthand embarrassment register into him, his jaw stiffening before he rubs the back of his neck, “Yeah, that makes sense.”
“I'm so sorry,” one of his friends, the blonde one sipping an iced americano, interjected, “we'll have two slices of carrot cake and a tiramisu.”
“Sure, I'll be right back.” You really wished you weren't. After placing their orders on the table, you quickly ducked your head, seeking refuge in the back room for staff only, finding your senior and former trainer, Joshua, chewing on a chocolate chip cookie.
“Why do you look distressed?”
“There's another one of those guys out there.”
“Those guys?” Joshua repeated, eyebrows knitting together before they rose in realization. “Oh, the ones that are trying to get your number?”
You frowned, nodding and sunk to the floor beside your senior, extending your hand for half of his cookie. He split it in half, placing it on your hand and chuckled as you stuffed the entire thing in your mouth. “But this one, he's so awkward.”
“Aren't they all?”
“I mean, yeah—”
“Stop talking with your mouth full,” Joshua scolded, and you closed your mouth, chewing and swallowing the cookie crumbs. “Who is it, anyway? Do you know them?”
You shook your head. “His name is Chan.”
“Which Chan? Bang Chan, Lee Chan, Heo Chan?” You shrugged. Joshua then stood up, peeking his head through the door to catch a glimpse of who you were talking about. “The only Chan I see out there is Lee Chan—he's great, Y/N.”
“You say that to every guy.”
“Because they are,” Joshua emphasizes, “they're great until they don't pass your test.”
You only rolled your eyes, your mouth craving for more sugary goods.
“Have you put him through your test?” Joshua asked, returning to his initial position.
You shook your head, “It was too awkward already, and his friends are there, and he asked me do I come here often—here as in the place I work in, like of course I do, dude.”
Laughter echoed throughout the staff room, Joshua's head thrown back from hearing the little anecdote about your new admirer. Being your co-worker for the past year, he's the first guy you go to after one of those guys attempt to make a move on you. He's the first to advise to give them a chance, but also the first guy you gloat to when none of the guys pass your test.
“Go give it try, Y/N, what is he, the third guy now?” You nod. “You know what they say, third times the charm.”
“I don't think I have much luck with men, Josh,” you admitted, pouting bitterly. Your senior only rolled his eyes, shoving you gently towards the door. Begrudgingly, you stood up, headed towards the door, but turned, “If it doesn't work out, then you need to stop encouraging me to give these guys a chance.”
“Yeah, yeah, whatever.” You couldn't help but flip him off, eliciting more laughter. Your eyes darted to where Chan and his friends were sitting, their plates of cake already empty and you weren’t sure as to why they were still even here.
From where you stood, you cocked your head to the side, thinking, if Chan doesn’t say dumb things, he’s actually pretty cute. The way his eyes closed as he smiled widely, a smile you found contagious as one appeared on your face as well.
Obviously you hoped at least one guy would pass your test, it wasn’t that hard of a test—at least, you thought so.
“Hey, I wanted to pay for the cakes.” You looked up from where you stood behind the counter, Chan standing in front of you and it seemed he had a bit more confidence than he did when you first saw him earlier, and twenty minutes ago.
“Sure, let me just ring you up.”
“Y/N, was it?” You glanced up at him and nodded. “I was wondering if you wanted to join my friends and I, we’re planning to watch that new Avatar movie in theatres tonight.”
Oh, no asking for my number… That’s new.
But still, you had to put him to the test. “Oh, I already watched that movie with my boyfriend.” The thing is, you didn’t have a boyfriend. This was step one to your three step test, and every other guy before had messed up right here.
Chan looked visibly shocked, although you never knew that was more disappointed in himself—of course you’d already have a boyfriend. It was too good to be true.
“Oh… is it good?”
“Yeah, it’s good,” you responded, using the most basic adjectives because you did not, in fact, watch it. This wasn’t how it was supposed to go—Chan was supposed to look annoyed, angry at you for leading him on, despite the fact that you had a boyfriend. He wasn’t supposed to keep a normal person-to-person conversation with once he knew you weren’t available.
Then, what surprised you most was what came out of your mouth afterwards. “Is it okay if I come along?”
Chan's eyes widened, before he nodded, “Sure, is that okay with you?”
Next step. A dry chuckle escaped your lips as you asked snidely, “Don't you mean is it okay with my boyfriend?”
Chan looked genuinely in thought before shaking his head. “No, I mean, you're grown adult—I'm sure you're able to make your own decisions.”
Odd. You always found that guys were immediate to step back when you state that you had a boyfriend, rather than you were purely not interested. It seemed that a lot of guys respect the boyfriend rather than the girl they bothered.
“I mean, if I'm coming off a bit too forward with the invitation and it might stir trouble in your relationship, I also understand if you're not okay with it,” Chan added, and you nodded.
“No, it's fine, Chan.”
His eyes widened completely, shocked. “You know my name?”
You laughed, nodding, “I took your order, remember?”
Red began to dot his cheeks as he realized, rubbing the back of his neck. “Oh yeah…” Seeing his flustered self, you were glad he was still somewhat embarrassing.
“Can I ask, Chan?” Final step. He nodded, not trusting his mouth. “If I didn't mention my boyfriend, would you still want to hang out with me?”
Without hesitation, he nodded. “Of course—I mean, sure you're really pretty, but you seem really cool and I'd like to get to know you, you know? I don't know—” he shrugged, “—I never wanted to jump into a relationship, I'm sorry if it came off as if I was too forward, really, Y/N. But I do want us to get to know each other as friends, I feel like we'd click a lot.”
A smile etched across your features, eyes creasing at the edge as you reached for your notepad, jotting down your number before ripping the sheet and handing it to him. “Just text me, and I'll meet you at the theatre.”
His eyes glazed over your number, a genuine smile appearing on his lip before he reassures you that he will, and you excuse yourself to head to the back.
You push the door open, stepping in and quickly pressing your back against the door. Joshua watches you intently, before asking, “So, did he pass the test?”
You nodded, still a bit dazed by the interaction. “Yeah, he did… With flying colors.”
Joshua smirked, stuffing his umpteenth cookie into his mouth. “Told you third times the charm.”
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