#I feel like Courtney would always throw parties | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

memento-rory · 23 days

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➞ 𝑭𝑨𝑻𝑬.

✭ 𝐬𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲: a brief timeline of mythical!reader and spencer’s relationship. (requested by anon.)

✭ 𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬: literally none. just a cute lil fic <3

✭ 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐝 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭: ~1.2k

✭ 𝐚𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫’𝐬 𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐞: this is a very simple fic as it is technically my first one, but if you’d like a deeper look into this timeline, i’d be happy to oblige! <3 i love this little weirdo fr. no beta, we die like men here. (that being said if anyone ever wants to beta read for me, i would appreciate it <3 i always miss the dumbest shit fr.)

February, 2019.

It’s been a few hours since Mythical Entertainment announced they’ve acquired Smosh, and you can’t possibly be more excited. Rhett & Link throw a party to celebrate Smosh’s next chapter, and you gather in merriment with all of your coworkers, new and old.

You’ve only met a handful of Smosh members — Ian, Courtney, Shayne — all of whom have been featured on the GMM channel once or twice before. The rest are sort-of new (at least in person) faces, but they’re all nice enough, and before the night is over, you’ve introduced yourself to almost everyone, save for a man standing off to the side with a red Solo cup in his hand, just taking it all in.

“Great party, huh?” You ask him as you sidle up next to him, smiling.

He looks as though he’s a little surprised you’re talking to him, but he nods, swallowing a sip of his drink. “Yeah, awesome party.” He smiles softly, extending his hand out to you to shake. “I’m Spencer.”

“Hi, Spencer,” You shake his hand, grinning over at him, “I’m (Y/N), and I’m super excited to be working with you now.”

Spencer’s smile grows and his cheeks take on just a hint of pink. “Yeah, it’s gonna be great for sure. We’re all really excited too.”

His grip doesn’t loosen as your short conversation winds down, and his gaze lingers for a second too long before he realizes he’s still holding your hand.

April, 2019.

It’s been two months since the merger with Smosh, and you see Spencer everywhere. It’s to be expected, obviously — you work in the same office — but you’d be lying if you said you weren’t actively seeking him out most days.

He’s funny, he’s friendly, he’s charming. He knows everything there is to know about any game you’re ever interested in. He’s a great conversationalist too — every talk you have with him flows smoothly, there’s no awkwardness. You really enjoy him as a person, and he seems to feel the same.

He’s also very quietly thoughtful — if he makes a run to the kitchen for another Kickstart, he always grabs you something and swings by the Mythical side of the office to drop it off. He never draws any attention to it, he just starts up a conversation with you, like he just so happened to be in the Mythical area and coincidentally had your favorite snack or drink on hand.

He spends more time with you after this, inviting you to group hangouts on the weekends or to game with him late at night on Discord.

A month later he finally gets the courage to ask you on a date, and you give him a very enthusiastic “Yes.”

June, 2019.

It’s been a month since you agreed to a date with Spencer, and it’s been an absolute dream.

He takes you out on nice dates, but you spend most date nights at either of your places, watching movies or playing games in dim lighting and splitting takeout.

He asks you to be his girlfriend a month after your first date.

You haven’t told anyone, except for a few of each of your closest friends/coworkers. You’re able to keep it a secret until you accidentally show up to work wearing one of Spencer’s favorite crewnecks.

You decide to tell everyone at the company that day, and Ian claps Spencer heartily on the back. “I knew you had it in you.” He jokes, and everyone laughs.

You request that it be kept a secret, and several people make a motion of zipping their lips closed.

December, 2019.

It’s been six months since you and Spencer started dating, and he pops the question.

“Do you want to move in with me?”

The question doesn’t surprise you at all, really. You spent most of your time at Spencer’s place anyway. You tell him, “Absolutely, I do.”

People are quick to speculate after. There are so many photos of you and Spencer in the same rooms despite being apart. You show up in short bursts in Mythical videos wearing his clothes. You have pictures with his cat.

Most of the shared fanbase give you respect, reiterating to their peers that you’re just good pals, and talk mostly dies down.

You wouldn’t ever encourage them, but you have to hand it to your fanbases — they are good detectives.

June, 2020.

It’s been a year since you agreed to be Spencer’s girlfriend, six months since you moved into his place, and three months since quarantine started.

With a lot of the Mythical production being limited, you have a lot more free time, and Smosh fans have latched onto you. You do a couple gaming videos over Zoom with the Smosh Games crew, and comments flood about how Spencer can be heard in the background of some of your clips. Spencer streams on Twitch, and people in his chat swear they hear you singing in the other room.

Someone in chat asks him how he’s doing, and he instinctively starts his sentence with “We’re–” before stopping and correcting himself with “I’m–” but it’s too late. People demand to know who “we” includes, but he brushes over it, saying he was simply talking about him and his (and your) cat.

You let them speculate. God knows people could use some sort of hope.

June, 2023.

It’s been four years since you and Spencer made it official. Your relationship is as good as ever, the two of you obviously comfortable and happy with four years under your belt.

Ian and Anthony buy Smosh back from Mythical Entertainment. Obviously they throw a party, inviting all of the Mythical crew for one last hurrah together before (financially) parting ways.

The party is held in the same place as the one where everyone celebrated Mythical’s purchasing of Smosh so many years ago, and you have a moment of deja vu.

At your table, Spencer places his hand on your thigh, rubbing circles over the fabric of your dress. “We met here.” He says, with a goofy grin on his face.

“We did.” You beam back at him, “We’ve come full circle.”

Spencer proposes that night before bed. He can’t help himself.

(You’d discussed marriage before, both agreeing that five years together was the sweet spot for a proposal, but after ending up in the same celebration hall where you’d met, he knows this is fate.)

Of course you say yes, kissing him through happy tears, and later that night, you decide you want the entire world to know that Spencer Agnew belongs to you and only you, for the rest of time.

You snap a photo of the two of you, with your ring on full display by your face, before opening up Instagram to post it.

By the way. the caption reads.

You turn off your notifications and leave your phone on the nightstand for the rest of the night, losing yourself in the man who will soon be your husband.

#spencer agnew x reader #spencer agnew x you #anon request #rory writes #requests are open! :)

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emmettkellyboomer · 2 years

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Ezekiel: Homeschooled so never had the opportunity to until he was on Total Drama and smoked with Tyler at Playa Des Losers. Now he eats that shit up. Sprinkles in on his food like it’s a seasoning. Goes rabid over some good kush.

Eva: No. Absolutely not. She would never do anything that would get in the way of her training. Izzy probably tricked her into eating a pot brownie once and she freaked the fuck out. Has not forgiven Izzy since.

Noah: Smokes once in a while but isn’t too into stoner culture. Prefers Indica dominant hybrids.

Justin: I can’t see him smoking weed but he probably does some super hard drugs once he makes his big break modeling. He probably judges his stoner castmates for smoking weed or eating edibles meanwhile he’s snorting cocaine for breakfast.

Katie: Does smoke once in a while, but only with Sadie.

Tyler: Doesn’t let a lot of people know he smokes because he thinks it’ll get in the way of his athleticism, but he does smoke pretty often. He’ll buy edibles off of Geoff and take them before going to games--not one’s he’s participating in--and those gummies will turn him into the best cheerleader anyone’s ever seen.

Cody: Really wants to but is too scared. I don’t think he realizes how many of his fellow TDI castmates are stoners and would help him through his first time. The first time he did smoke weed, he was with our favorite Team E-Scope! With Eva babysitting and Izzy bringing the weed, he was set for the ride of his life.

Beth: She doesn’t like the smell so she’s never wanted to smoke. She had to pick up Lindsay from a party once where she got too high so she has a reputation for being really responsible around drugs.

Sadie: Does smoke once in a while, but only with Katie. Prefers edibles but hasn’t had any in a while.

Courtney: Would never admit to smoking. Would not have even dared to step near a dispensary if it hadn’t been for Bridgette smoking her up for the first time. Duncan was only slightly pissed she was willing to smoke with Bridgette before she was willing to smoke with him, but now that she’s more comfortable being high she’ll smoke with him and Gwen every so often. The first time she smoked though...oh she was so paranoid. Bridgette had no idea what to do so she called Geoff in a panic.

Harold: Used to be so disgusted by weed. He was turned off by it for the longest time because he associated it with people who picked on him like Duncan. But after a couple years of judging his friends for partaking he finally went to a party where he joined a nightmare blunt rotation of Duncan, Gwen, Team E-Scope, Lindsay, and Sierra. He took one hit, not thinking it would do anything, and he was high as a kite. Now he smokes on the weekends.

Trent: Smokes after shows with his band mates but he’s the “responsible one” so he never goes too hard.

Bridgette: Smokes every day. She’ll go to classes/work high and deals to all of her friends. She knows her terminology well and is able to recommend what strains are best.

Lindsay: Smokes occasionally if she’s at a party but does not like smoking alone. She has never bought weed in her entire life.

DJ: Was also very scared the first time he smoked. He was with Geoff, Bridgette, and Duncan and the three of them coached him through it and told him everything he should expect. Now he’s a pro at different smoking tricks. He’ll pull a french inhale and everyone he’s smoking with will freak out over how cool it looks. Even so, he doesn’t smoke too often.

Izzy: Regularly take edibles and always insists on going on adventures with Noah and Eva. Owen and Cody sometimes tag along too. Izzy prefers sativa because she hates feeling drowsy and loves the hyper feeling it gives her. She has an edible subscription box which sends her different gummies every month.

Geoff: Never not high. He hasn’t been sober in ages and he’s living his best life. He makes brownies and other baked good edibles for every party he throws and he’s infamous for how delicious they are. Everyone buys from him and Bridgette but he gives his friends discounts because he’s such a good friend.

Leshawna: She’s the responsible one. She’d rather watch over her friends and make sure they’re safe then actually smoke in a big group of people. She’d absolutely smoke one-on-one with Gwen or Harold but not in a big setting.

Duncan: Smokes all the time with Gwen and will join Geoff and DJ from time-to-time. Once Courtney starts smoking he’ll have weed on him at all times just in case she actually does want to smoke. He’d never miss the opportunity to smoke up his princess. He loves indulging in stoner culture and will attend music festivals and cannabis conventions just to meet the people there.

Heather: Does not smoke. Tried it once. Hated it. She secretly judges people like Bridgette who smoke on the regular. But she pretends not to care.

Gwen: Smokes pretty often with Duncan but really prefers edibles. She loves gummies and will buy brownies from Bridgette and Geoff on the regular. Favorite stoner activity is listening to music and staring at her ceiling.

Owen: Yes. Loves it. Doesn’t smoke regularly but will at parties. He’s the life of the party whenever he takes a bong rip or pops a gummy bear. Everyone loves being around him when he’s stoned. He’s just a very uplifting, happy guy.

Sierra: She smokes CONSTANTLY. She’s writes her blog posts after taking a hit and has to check them the next morning for typos. She used to be very against smoking because she was convinced she would screw up her brain beyond repair, but now she has a joint or her vape on her at all times.

Alejandro: Does not smoke. He doesn’t like what it does to his head so he usually ends up people watching with Heather at parties and making snarky comments about all of their stoned friends. Luckily everyone is too high to notice the flirty tension between them.

#total drama #total drama island #tdwt #tdi #tdi cast #td gwen #td bridgette #td sierra #td cody #td courtney #td duncan #td dj #td geoff #td owen #td noah #td izzy #weed mention #stoner headcanons

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dollythesheepp · 1 year

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A hunt with no violence doesn’t feed anyone - Chapter 4

AO3

1989

Veronica

On Saturday, the day before their trip to Washington, Kurt and Ram decided to throw a party, as a way to commemorate the upcoming game, even though Veronica was sure they just used that as an excuse to get wasted.

Veronica wasn't in the mood for parties. The anticipation over the game, and over getting into an airplane for the first time in her life were starting to make her feel a bit uneasy; plus, the Riley incident was still fresh on her mind, and she felt bad about going out to party while the poor girl was stuck in a hospital room.

To Veronica's dismay, Heather Chandler reminded her that she had no choice but to come, since making herself present at parties was one of the many obligations she had as a part of the Heathers; Veronica obliged because that was easier than dealing with a pissed off Chandler threatening to kick her off the group, but Veronica made it her personal mission to be a menace and complain the entire time.

Two hours into the party, Veronica found herself sulking around, gobbling down her third beer (the alcohol and the headache that came with it making her even more grumpy), and wishing she was with JD instead. He was probably in his room, packing for the trip because he was the type of person to do things at the last minute; Veronica, on the other hand, had her bags ready a week in advance.

Veronica tossed her empty beer bottle in the trash and walked over to the table to grab another one, at the same time that Heather decided to emerge from the dance floor to do the same thing.

Aside from a quick call to remind Veronica of the party, the two girls hadn't spoken to each other since the game. Veronica didn't know if Heather was feeling guilty (or if she was even capable of that emotion) or if she simply didn't want Veronica to bug her about it. The fact that Heather hadn't had the decency to admit that what happened was her fault or to at the very least acknowledge the incident, made Veronica's blood boil, she was sick of Heather doing everything she wanted with no repercussions; this time it was Riley, a year before that it was her snide remarks at Betty when she entered the team, to the point where the girl almost dropped out, even though she was a damn good player, and before that it the constant bullying towards Martha for no reason.

"I admire your resilience, Heather," Veronica began. She wasn't as drunk as the night of Ram's homecoming party the year before when she puked all over Heather's shoes and had to grovel to be accepted back into the group, but she was drunk enough to say things she would regret later.

"What?" Heather looked up from the drink she was pouring to look at Veronica like she had only just realized her presence.

"You have to be really heartless to show up here and pretend like nothing happened," Veronica grunted, her low inhibitions making her run her mouth without thinking. "As if you didn't fucking cripple someone yesterday."

"What the fuck is your damage, Veronica?" Heather asked.

Like the good little lap dogs that they were, Duke and McNamara arrived at Chandler's side when they heard the commotion. The other members of the team, the ones popular enough to be invited to the party anyway, also began to loom over with interest.

"Just admit that you did it on purpose!" Veronica said, the words coming out of her mouth a little slurred thanks to the three beers she had that night.

"What are they talking about?" Courtney whispered to McNamara, desperate for a juicty gossip as always.

"Heather's plan."

"What plan?"

"This doesn't concern you, Courtney, " Heather growled.

"If it's about the team then yes it does," Courtney refuted.

"Heather wanted us to be rough with Riley," Duke explained. Veronica knew she wasn't trying to be helpful, she just wanted people to turn against Chandler. "Now because of her, Riley may never play again."

"Shut up, Heather!" Heather Chandler yelled, gripping her red solo with so much force that Veronica thought she was going to break it. "Go shove your face in a toilet bowl."

"Sorry, Heather..."

"Stop talking to her that way!" Veronica chimed in.

"Shut up, Veronica. I don't need you to defend me," Duke spat, her eyes burning with anger as if Veronica trying to stick up for her was offensive somehow.

"Yeah, I don't even know why I'm sticking up for you," Veronica bit back. "From what I recall, you were fine with the plan since the start, you fucking hypocrite."

"Guys, stop!" McNamara, ever the peacemaker, tried to dial down the argument (she loved to watch people fight, as long as she and her friends weren't involved) but her efforts were met with indifference from her teammates, who kept on yelling at each other.

Within seconds, the reason for the fight, Riley's incident and Heather's ludicrous plan, was forgotten, as the girls started throwing insults at each other that had nothing to do with the subject; Duke was called a hypocrite twice; Veronica was told by Chandler to shove her superiority complex up her ass and Chandler was accused of being a selfish narcissist, all while people chanted 'Girl Fight!!!' and 'Kiss! Kiss! Kiss!' in the background.

"STOP!" Mac yelled, her voice drowning out the others. Veronica, Duke, and Chandler stopped bickering at each other instantly, surprised by such assertive behavior coming from Mac. "You three, come with me! Now!"

Since she only had two hands, Mac grabbed Veronica and Chandler by the wrist, ignoring their complaints, and ordered Duke to follow in tow, constantly looking over her shoulder to see if Duke was indeed behind her. Mac dragged them to Ram's front lawn, away from the music and the teenagers talking loudly.

"What the hell, you guys?" she asked.

The other three girls started yelling frantically again, talking over each other and trying to defend themselves.

"Rottweilers!" Mac shushed them. "Come on, the most important game of our lives is happening in a couple of days, we can't be acting like this. We need to act like a team, otherwise, we might not even bother showing up."

"You're not going to give a speech, are you?" Chandler mocked, one eyebrow raised.

"No, but you three are going to apologize to each other," Mac demanded. When no one said a word, Mac put a hand on her hip, like a mother scolding a child. Veronica felt weird being ordered out by someone five inches shorter than her. "Now!"

Veronica huffed, awkwardly kicking the dirt with her boot. "I'm sorry for accusing you like that, Heather. Your plan was stupid, but I know you just want what's best for the team," she kept her head down, her eyes focused on her shoes, so she didn't have to look at Heather. "I'm also sorry for calling you a Satanic Barbie..."

"I really am sorry for what happened to Riley," Heather whispered, not looking at Veronica either. "I never planned for her to get hurt like that."

"I know," Veronica reassured her. "It's ok."

"Great, can we go now?" Duke asked, already starting to walk away.

"Not so fast," McNamara said.

"If I had to apologize, so will you," Chandler crossed her arms.

"Fine. I'm sorry for everything that I said," Duke complied. She was mostly talking to Veronica, because she would never dare to insult Heather Chandler, not to her face at least.

"Good," McNamara gave them a satisfied smile. "We should probably go home now. We have a big day tomorrow."

***

The next morning, Veronica was up before seven. She didn't get much sleep, her anxiety making her fear she was going to sleep in and miss the flight.

When she got down the stairs, her parents were already waiting for her with freshly squeezed orange juice, pancakes, and teary eyes.

"There she is!" Veronica's mom greeted her with a proud smile.

"How are you doing, champ?" her dad gave her a small pat on the back. "Nervous?"

"No way! We got this," she said, faking her confidence. Nervous was an understatement.

"That's the spirit!"

As she ate and chatted with her parents, the dreading feeling roiling inside Veronica's gut started to dial down a bit, but it never truly left.

After they were done eating, her mom handed her a letter. "Honey, I forgot to give you this. It came in the mail yesterday."

Veronica opened it with curiosity and the content inside of it made her heart skip a beat, her smile growing with every word.

Dear Ms. Sawyer,

Congratulations! On behalf of the Admissions Committee, we are delighted to announce that you have been accepted to Brown University Class of 1990.

"Oh my god..." Veronica mumbled in disbelief before she even finished reading the letter.

"What is it?" her dad asked. Veronica gave him the letter, too stunned to utter a word. Curious, her mom leaned over his should to read it too.

"Oh my god!" Mrs. Sawyer ran to hug her daughter. "I'm so proud of you!"

A car horn interrupted their celebration. Veronica jumped a little at the sudden noise. "That's my ride," she said, grabbing her bags. "I gotta motor If I want to be there on time."

"Alright," her mom gave her another hug, this one tighter. "Be safe. We'll have a lot to celebrate when you get home."

"Bye, peanut," her dad whispered in her ear, giving her a warm hug, one she didn't want to let go of. "Bring home that trophy, ok?"

"I'll try," she chuckled. "I love you guys! Bye!"

She stepped outside, the warm morning sunlight, the gentle breeze, and the chirping of the birds greeting her good morning.

"Hey," Veronica gave JD a quick kiss on the lips once she entered Mr. Dean's Chevrolet Celebrity.

"Hi," JD smiled at her, but something about his demeanor seemed off, even though she couldn't put her finger on what it was.

"Is everything ok?" she narrowed her brows.

"I'm just tired. I finished packing at 3 a.m.," JD said. He grabbed her hand and kissed it. "I'm fine, don't worry about it.

"Ok," Veronica wasn't convinced. He seemed distracted, but she decided not to pry, the last thing she wanted was to make him upset and ruin their week.

"Are you ready?"

"Yeah. Let's go."

***

"Holy shit..." Veronica whispered when she entered the plane for the very first time. JD wasn't as impressed, given how much he traveled across the country with his dad, but to Veronica, who had only left her hometown once, it was undoubtedly cool. "I can't believe your dad paid for a private plane, Mac."

"He's been doing extravagant things ever since the divorce," her friend said with a meek shrug. "Guess I'll take it..."

"Well, thank you, Mr. McNamara..." Duke mumbled as she walked past them in the aisle.

Veronica put her luggage in the overhead bin and took a seat next to JD. Less than a minute later, Chandler showed up by her side.

"Take this," she said, extending a hand to Veronica, where a small, white pill rested in her palm.

"What is that?"

"Xanax. I stole it from my mom's medicine cabinet," she clarified. "I know it's your first time flying, this will help with the nerves."

"Hm, thanks..." Veronica said, taking the pill from her hand.

"Don't thank me, I just don't want to be stuck on a 2-hour flight with someone having a panic attack," Chandler said, then left. Veronica chuckled. Heather was a bitch, something that Veronica was even more certain of after being friends with her for over a year, but she did have a good heart, deep deep deep down. It was typical of her to do nice things while rolling her eyes and being unpleasant because God forbid if people thought she was capable of being kind; she reminded Veronica of her cat, who was an asshole but could be adorable sometimes.

Without thinking twice, Veronica swallowed the pill.

"Good morning, everyone. This is your captain. Our flight plan to Seattle has us going a little further north, to avoid a storm system that is coming in," said a male voice through the speakers, echoing through the small plane. "You should get some great views of the Canadian Rockies. Now sit tight and enjoy the flight."

Thanks to a practically sleepless night and the side effects of the Xanax kicking in, Veronica snuggled next to JD and fell asleep quickly.

Veronica didn't know how long she stayed asleep, but she woke up to the sound of screams and the plane shaking uncontrollably. She blinked, her heart racing and a million thoughts running wild inside her head, the first one being what the fuck is going on?

She looked around, trying to take in the situation, but everything was happening so fast.

Years later, the memories still haunted her. Sometimes, the scene replayed in her head in slow motion, and she could pay attention to every detail: the lights flickering, the plane shaking aggressively until she felt like throwing up, JD putting an oxygen mask on her face, dozens of bags falling out of their bins, Duke screaming, Mac crying, Sophie O'Cnnor praying, her hands clasped together in desperation, Ms. Fleming getting from her seat to help Stacey with her mask.

Other times, the memories came back fast. One minute she was asleep, then in the blink of an eye everything changed and she was in hell.

Veronica opened the window, and she saw nothing but trees. Trees that were getting closer and closer with each second. Shaking, she blinked back her tears and looked at JD, who was pale as a ghost, his eyes wide with terror. He held her hand tightly, his fingers clammy and cold.

Veronica closed her eyes and waited for the impact.

#heathers #heathers the musical #veronica sawyer #jason dean #heather mcnamara #heather chandler #heather duke

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artificialqueens · 2 years

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Masters of the Scene, Chapter 13 (Bitney Parent Trap AU) - Veronica

A/N: Thank you as always to the most amazing beta, @tumble4rpdr

Click here for prequels and previous chapters, or here if you’d rather read on AO3.

Chapter Summary: The kids refuse to let Family Time end…but their new plan doesn’t go exactly the way they anticipated.

***

The good thing was, Danny and Adore had a plan. They’d stayed up well into the night figuring it out, and realized something: when left to their own devices, their mothers were total fucking idiots.

It was really when all four of them were together that things went well. So what they needed, all of them, was more family time. Adore had a great idea and to their pleasant surprise, Bianca hadn’t canceled her Amex yet, so they were able to put it in motion before going to sleep.

So when Danny went into the kitchen and saw Mum the next morning, he threw his arms around her and gave her a tight hug.

“G’morning…”

“Good morning, precious,” Courtney answered, kissing the top of his head. She paused, hesitating a little, clearing her throat, before saying, “Listen. I know you’ve been having fun with your sister, but I think the party’s over.”

Danny looked up at her, confused. “What do you mean?”

“Well…” Courtney tucked a lock of hair behind his ear and touched his cheek softly. Her tone was quiet but firm, telling Danny that she’d made up her mind. “I’ve booked our return flights for this afternoon. That way, we can still all have a nice breakfast and then-”

“No!” Danny burst out, trembling. He rarely, if ever, raised his voice at Mum, and for a moment, he held his breath, unsure of how she would respond.

“I’m sorry?” Courtney raised one eyebrow, clearly taken aback by his reaction.

“I-I don’t want to go yet,” Danny said, voice faltering, the confidence he’d had moments ago dissolving as Mum’s green eyes met his own. Where was Adore when he needed her? She wouldn’t have any trouble throwing a fit.

“Danny…” Courtney closed her eyes. She seemed tired and defeated, and Danny knew he could wear her down if he tried hard enough.

“You promised us that we’d stay all week,” he said, appealing to reason, which was usually the best approach with her. If Adore wasn’t here, he supposed that he was going to have to be the one to put his foot down. When her expression didn’t change, he found himself getting more emotional, logic out the window, simply repeating, “You promised!”

“No, I said that we’d see how it goes, and-”

“And it’s going great! Why do you want to ruin everything?!”

“Danny-” Courtney’s voice had hardened, and he could feel her anger, which usually would have made him crumble out of guilt and shame, but not today. Today it made him even more defiant.

“I’m not leaving!” he cried, turning on his heel and running from the room, tears blurring his vision as he raced up the stairs. He needed to talk to Adore right away. She’d know what to do.

***

Bianca lay in her bed. She’d already been up and showered, even went downstairs to grab a cup of coffee, where she’d seen Courtney, the awkwardness of the whole situation making her cringe. She’d gulped it down and then quickly retreated back to her room. This wasn’t how things were supposed to be, between them—there was a point where she genuinely thought they’d turned a corner, but all that progress seemed to have gone up in smoke.

She was mindlessly scrolling through Twitter to distract herself when a text buzzed in.

FAME: Everything okay? I miss you. <3

Bianca quickly clicked on her name, FaceTiming her. She answered right away.

“Hi!”

“Hey. I miss you too.”

Fame smiled, settling down on a bench, trees behind her. It looked like she was in the park, and sudden longing filled Bianca’s chest.

For all her cynicism, all her bravado, anyone close to Bianca knew that she was, in her heart, someone who wanted to be part of a couple. She thrived on teamwork and understanding, loved the lively banter of an established relationship. And besides that, she needed touch…to feel someone close. In fact, too long without it made her a little crazy. Which is how she felt at the moment, the ache for a heart beating against hers, for arms around her in the dead of night, almost like a physical pain.

“Are you okay?” Fame asked, as she could sense her thoughts.

“I just wish I could fucking kiss you right now,” Bianca admitted.

“I’m not that far away, you know,” she replied with a wry smile.

“I know, but it feels like a million miles. I’m just…everything is so fucked up here, and I-”

“Are they still there?” Fame asked.

“Yeah, but they’re leaving today. Uh, 4 o’clock flight.”

“Hm.” Fame nodded, then cocked her head, voice clipped as she asked, “And why do you sound so sad about that?”

“Because, my son is leaving. I’m gonna miss him,” Bianca told her, maybe a bit too quickly, too sharp, too defensive. And though it was true, it wasn’t exactly the whole truth.

Fame, at least, had the decency to look a little chagrined at that. “Oh, right. Sorry.”

Bianca sighed. The truth was, she’d never be able to explain the complexity of her relationship with Courtney. She wasn’t sure she understood it herself.

“Are you okay?” Fame asked, voice gentler now.

“Um. Yeah. The whole thing was just…exhausting, to be honest.” And it was true. After last night, the absolute rollercoaster of emotions putting her through the ringer, Bianca felt wrung out.

“Poor baby,” she cooed. “Do you need some TLC?”

“Yes please. When can you come back?” Bianca asked. She figured that the only way to handle how she felt right now was just to dive straight back in with Fame, to fully commit, plan the wedding of their dreams, full speed ahead.

“I’ll have to check my schedule,” Fame teased with a flutter of lashes.

“Alright. Let me know…” Bianca said. She was about to hang up, when she added, almost as an afterthought, “I love you.”

“Love you too.”

***

Danny peeked around the corner, looking down the steps to where his moms were standing. They both looked a bit on edge—Bianca’s arms were crossed across her chest and Courtney was biting her cuticles, her luggage piled by the door.

“So, I’ll send you an email about the schedule as soon as I get the tickets,” Courtney was saying.

“Okay. Great.”

“And, um…” she trailed off, clearing her throat, then turned towards the stairs. “Danny! Come on, honey, time’s up! The car’s going to be here any minute!”

They’d refused to go downstairs for breakfast, in spite of both Bianca and Courtney knocking on their door repeatedly. The last time she tried, Danny had promised that he was packing. He felt a little bad for lying to her…but not that bad.

He looked at Adore, over his shoulder, whispering, “You ready?”

“Ready, Roach,” she replied with a grin. “Let’s do it.”

“Danny, please come down, I know you want time to say goodbye to-” Courtney stopped talking mid-sentence, taking in both twins as they stepped up to the top of the stairs, holding hands.

They were dressed identically…or as close as they could manage. Both wearing a combination of their clothing: Danny’s vintage band tees and cargo shorts, Adore’s combat boots, chunky jewelry and pigtail extensions. Both in heavier than usual black eyeliner and sparkly lip gloss, just to throw things off.

“What’s going on, guys? Is Danny even packed?” Bianca asked.

“No,” Adore said, then gave Danny’s hand a brief squeeze before they spoke up in unison, “I’m not going.”

Courtney sighed, rolling her eyes in a very Bianca-like fashion. “Guys-”

“We have a plan,” they continued, reciting the speech they’d written together. “We want more family time. We got tickets for Great Adventure. And two nights at the hotel. Pre-paid.”

“Fucking hell, I forgot to call Amex,” Bianca groaned.

Their plan wasn’t totally out of left field. Nearly every summer since they were 5, Bianca would take them to New Jersey to the Six Flags theme park, where they’d eat funnel cake and corn dogs, drink gallon-sized sodas and scream their heads off on every roller coaster they were tall enough to ride. Bianca always made them promise not to tell Courtney about all the junk food. She had no idea that, while Adore was in LA, Courtney would take them to Magic Mountain and let them go nuts, saying the exact same thing.

They knew, deep in their hearts, that all their moms needed was time together, a reminder of how great they were as a family, how much fun they could have when they loosened up and forgot to argue, forgot their past disagreements or their current estrangement.

“Two more days, then we’ll tell you who’s who. That’s the deal.” They finished with matching, bright smiles.

“Danny, we already have flights booked, the car’s on the way. Please-”

“Which one of us is Danny?” Adore asked sweetly.

Courtney looked from one twin to the other. She opened her mouth and then closed it.

“You’re not sure, are you?” Danny asked gleefully, adding, “How sad.”

Bianca pointed at him and said, “That’s Adore, the smartass.”

“You sure about that?” asked Adore, and they both giggled.

“Oh, for fuck’s sake,” Bianca said, scoffing. “You know, guys, there’s a very easy way to solve this particular mystery.”

She took a menacing step forward, but Courtney put a hand on her arm, stopping her, pulling her back gently.

“Wait. I don’t think…inspections…will be necessary,” Courtney said, shaking her head. Her hand tightened in Bianca’s sleeve as she added a pointed, “or appropriate.”

Adore snuck a sly glance at Danny, raising her eyebrows, and he was sure that she was noticing the same thing he was—they were touching. This plan was working already.

“Are you really gonna humor them?” Bianca muttered.

“Well…look, if it means that much to them…then maybe we should stay for a few more days,” Courtney said softly.

“Fine with me. You’re the one who was in such a hurry to get out of here.”

There was a note of bitterness in Bianca’s voice, and it made Danny even more curious about what happened last night. How had they gone from laughing and having a ball to Courtney wanting to escape so quickly? He felt a little bad, like maybe he should have asked more questions, but odds were, she wouldn’t have told him anything, to protect him from the grown-up problems, like usual.

Courtney looked up at them. “Listen. If we agree to this little trip, and I push our flights a few days…then do you promise to stop all the shenanigans?”

“Yes!” Adore cried, at the same time Danny shouted a happy, “We promise!”

“Okay. Fine.”

***

Bianca tossed her weekender bag into the trunk of the silver Lexus RX with all the others. The truth was, she was sort of looking forward to this little family trip that the twins had concocted. (More like demanded, actually, but it didn’t feel necessary to split hairs.) She wasn’t sure exactly where things had gone wrong last night, but it was good that Courtney and Danny weren’t leaving on whatever strange, sour note had ruined things.

Beside that, the kids were beside themselves with joy. Dancing around, singing songs from their summer camp classes. It was clear that all they wanted, maybe all they ever had, was some time with their whole family. It made Bianca feel guilty, how long it had been, how she’d prioritized her own comfort over the kids’ happiness for so many years.

But that was the past—and she was determined to make it up to them, even if it meant biting her tongue and making nice with Courtney for the rest of the week.

“Court, do you have anything else to add before I shut the…” Bianca began, only to be confronted with Courtney’s perfectly round, peachy ass in skin-tight yoga pants as she leaned into the backseat, putting a cooler next to where the kids were already buckled in, raring to go. Bianca swallowed, feeling her cheeks heat up as her mind went blank, trying to remember what she was even saying. “Um…”

“Hmm? No, I think that’s everything,” Courtney replied, straightening up. Her brow then furrowed, asking, “Who’s that?”

“What?” Bianca turned, confused, as a black sedan pulled into the driveway behind them. When she saw who was in the backseat, her heart skipped a few beats. Shit.

The car came to a stop and Fame immediately got out, a disapproving look on her face.

“What’s going on here?” she asked, eyes narrowing, the suspicion in her voice making Bianca’s stomach lurch.

“Family vacation!” one of the twins called sweetly. Probably Adore, the little shit.

“It’s not…no, it’s not what it looks like,” Bianca stammered out, hurrying over to Fame to try and explain, the sick feeling in her stomach getting worse by the second, because she knew how it looked. “The kids just, they really wanted a few more days together, and I usually take them to Six Flags every summer, so we told them we’d go to New Jersey for a few days, and-”

“I thought you said they were leaving today,” Fame hissed under her breath.

“They were! They were, but…but the kids…”

“So you were just planning to go out of town with your ex, without telling me?” she asked, voice rising in pitch.

“No! It’s not like that,” Bianca insisted, even though it was exactly like that.

“Oh no?” Fame crossed her arms.

“No, and I would have told you, if I knew you were coming. I just…things were a bit chaotic and-”

“I just sort of slipped your mind?” Fame asked.

“Uhh…”

The truth was, she had. They’d been in a rush to scarf down lunch, pack and load up the car so they could get on the road early enough to avoid rush hour. And Bianca knew that it was bad—that she of course should have taken a few minutes to call her fiancée and update her on the whole situation. Why hadn’t she? There was no legitimate reason.

“Fame?” asked a voice over Bianca’s shoulder, and they both looked up to see Courtney with an apologetic look on her face. “I’m sorry, I don’t mean to interrupt, but-”

“Then don’t,” Bianca told her, a warning note in her voice.

“I’m sorry, I just…I completely understand why you’re miffed right now. But I want you to know, this is completely my fault. We were all set to head to the airport, but the kids—I just have a really hard time saying no to them. And I kind of said yes before even asking Bianca how she felt. And I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to cause any trouble.”

“Well.” Fame pursed her lips. “I just don’t think it’s appropriate for the two of you to be going away together.”

“Fame-” Bianca began, but Courtney cut her off.

“That’s totally fair and valid, and…and you know what? You’re right! You’re absolutely right. You should take my place.”

“What?” Fame asked.

“What?” Bianca repeated.

“What?!” cried the kids.

It was her out. She’d seen the opportunity and grabbed it right up, stomach settling for the first time all day as soon as the words left her lips.

“Yes! Yes, this makes much more sense. You can go, and get to know both kids together. Since, you know, you’re going to have them for Christmas, and who knows what other holidays, we still need to work that out, and part of every summer, and…” Courtney continued to babble happily about what a great idea it was, carrying Fame’s bags to the trunk. “And it’ll work out great for me, since I’ll get a nice little vacation.”

Courtney pulled her own bag out of the trunk and replaced it with Fame’s. She could see that Bianca was trying to get her attention, but she ignored her, shutting the trunk firmly.

“Mum, no!”

“We want you to come!”

“Darlings, this will be a great opportunity for you to get to know your new stepmother,” Courtney said, smiling broadly now.

“Well, but if you’re not going, then I don’t think I need to-”

“You’re gonna have so much fun. The hotel has a lovely pool,” Courtney enthused, linking her arm through Fame’s and walking her around to the passenger seat. “Plus, who doesn’t love a theme park? The kids just love roller coasters, they’re both such little thrill seekers. And honestly, I’ve got this neck injury that’s been acting up, so I should really be taking it easy.”

“But-” Fame said, just as Courtney closed the car door with another beaming smile.

“Have fun!”

“Courtney,” Bianca began, finally getting her attention.

“Yes?”

“Can you excuse us for one second,” Bianca said to Fame, voice dripping with phony sweetness before she turned to Courtney, eyes shooting daggers at her and she pulled her away, towards the house.

Courtney was honestly not sure what her problem could possibly be. She’d taken the heat and solved a potential fight between her and Fame, in one fell swoop. It was an act of charity; Bianca should really be thanking her.

“What? Don’t you think this is the best solution for-”

“What are you up to?” Bianca seethed. “Because this is-”

“I’m not ‘up to’ anything,” Courtney said, trying not to be offended at the mere assumption. “I think this will be a great bonding experience for all of you. You’re welcome.”

“You know damn sure that the kids want you there. That’s what this whole-”

“I know. But I…just don’t have it in me to fake it anymore,” Courtney admitted. Everything she’d told Fame was true. She hated saying no to the kids in general, especially now, when she and Adore were finally in a good place after so many years of failure. But pretending that being around Bianca wasn’t hell was taking an emotional toll on her. She was exhausted, quite frankly. “Please.”

After a beat, Bianca put a hand on her arm and spoke in a voice much softer than Courtney expected.

“This is supposed to be a family vacation. That’s what the kids said they want, and-”

“I know,” Courtney said, swallowing hard, willing the tears in her eyes to just wait a few minutes. “But you and I…we’re not family. Anymore.”

Bianca looked at her for a long moment, face an inscrutable mask. There’d been a time when she could look at her and with one glance, know exactly what she was thinking. But those times were long, long gone. Finally, she nodded slowly.

“Right,” she said. Nothing more. Simple agreement.

“So…have a good time. With your family.” Courtney’s eyes traveled to the car, where Fame sat stiffly, arms crossed.

“Okay. Thanks,” Bianca said, out of arguments at last, and Courtney gave her a firm pat on the shoulder.

She walked back to the car, picking up her bag from the ground and blowing kisses to the kids as Bianca buckled herself in.

“Goodbye, my loves! Have fun! Show Fame all the good rides, okay?!” she called.

“Mum, why can’t you-”

“You’re going to have the best time,” Courtney promised, giving them a reassuring wink. As Bianca started the car and began to slowly back out of the driveway, she finally exhaled, a huge sigh of relief leaving her as she continued to wave gaily.

***

ROACH: This sucks.

ARIEL: I know!!!!

ROACH: We need a new plan. Any ideas?

ARIEL: Well. Maybe…

ROACH: Spill.

ARIEL: Did you see Mum wink at me?

DANNY: Maybe? No, I dunno.

ARIEL: Well she did.

ROACH: Okay…and?

ARIEL: I think she wants us to kill Fame.

ROACH: Um. What.

ARIEL: I’m serious.

ROACH: You’re psycho!

ARIEL: Look, do you think anyone would really miss her?

ROACH: YOUR HONOR I HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH THIS

ARIEL: lol, okay fine maybe not kill her. But we have to do something!

***

Bianca gripped the steering wheel, eyes staring straight ahead, chest tight.

“Are you alright?” Fame asked, putting a hand on her arm.

“Yeah, I’m fine,” Bianca replied, shifting away from her touch just slightly. “Just…you know, traffic.”

“Right.” Fame swallowed and looked ahead as well.

In the back seat, one of the twins let out a giggle, and Bianca glanced into the rearview mirror to see what they were up to. Both of them were hunched over, tapping away on their phones.

“Hey! For two people so obsessed with family bonding, y’all are certainly spending a lot of time on those damn phones,” she snapped.

“We’re texting each other.”

“You can do that anytime. Why don’t you just talk, like normal people? Maybe even include us in the conversation?”

“Ummm…no thanks!”

“We’ll wait for you to be in a better mood.”

That second one had to be Adore. Bianca rolled her eyes and sighed. She was in a shit mood, but couldn’t quite pinpoint why. It wasn’t just the traffic—which was exactly as atrocious as they’d expected.

You and I, we’re not family.

Bianca gulped, the echoes of Courtney’s words popping into her head without warning, giving her the same sharp pain that they had when she’d said them a few hours earlier. Like a knife being stabbed into her heart. She wasn’t wrong—they hadn’t been family for a long time. But then why did it feel so utterly awful to hear her say it out loud? And why couldn’t she shake it off, hours later?

She forced a smile on her face and looked over at Fame, feeling guilty for this tension, this gloomy mood that had no right to cast its dark cloud on their trip. She reached over and squeezed her thigh.

“I’m glad you’re here,” she said softly, and Fame looked up at her with a smile.

“Me too.”

The ride to the hotel, which should have taken about three hours, ended up being nearly six because of some hideous congestion on the Verrazzano bridge, and then two pile-ups once they crossed into Jersey. By the time they got there, all four of them were feeling tired, cranky, and on edge—and dinner in the hotel’s steakhouse didn’t help, especially with the kids pouting about their mum not being there.

After Bianca got them settled in their room and entered her own, she was absolutely fried, not to mention resentful that Courtney had managed to squirm her way out of this. She pulled out her bag and began to take out her toiletries, wanting nothing more than to lay down and relax, finally.

Fame emerged from the bathroom, toothbrush in hand, watching Bianca for a few moments before saying, “This is a decent room.”

“Mmhmm,” Bianca murmured, searching for a pair of underwear.

“So…was this the plan all along, then? For the kids to have their own room?”

“Uhh…” Bianca looked up at her, bleary-eyed. “I guess. They’re finally getting along, so they must have wanted to-”

“So then, you would have stayed here, with Courtney?” Fame followed up. “In a room with one bed?”

“What? No.” Bianca shook her head. This was just the last conversation she wanted to have. Of course the kids booked two rooms, each with only one bed. They’d already shown their hand—none of this was a surprise. But the idea of it working? Laughable. “That would have been way too weird. We’d probably have just split up the kids, ripped them apart like we always fucking do-”

“Why do you sound annoyed?”

“Because! It’s a ridiculous question. Of course we wouldn’t have stayed in the same room together. She could barely get through one dinner with me. She’d probably have just gotten a third room, or-”

“So…then she’s the one who would have stopped it? Not you?”

Bianca groaned, rubbing her eyes, sitting down heavily on the bed. “I don’t have the stamina for this fight right now. All the kids want is for us to get along, and we can’t do it. We’re failing them again, and she’s not even here, so this is all just-” As Bianca spoke, her voice grew more and more emotional, trying to hold in the river of bullshit that she could feel welling up inside of her.

“Okay, okay,” Fame cut in, letting her off the hook. “I got it. Sorry.”

Bianca nodded. “We should go to sleep. Early day tomorrow.”

A little later, when they were both settled in bed, Fame rolled over and wrapped her arms around Bianca’s waist, kissing her softly.

“I really am sorry,” she whispered. “I know this has been stressful for you, and I just want…it’s just that sometimes, you seem like you’re…somewhere else. And I just want to make sure you’re actually here with me. You know?”

“I’m here,” Bianca told her, ignoring the nagging guilt as she gripped Fame tighter, pulling her as close as possible. “I’m here.”

#rpdr fanfiction #adore delano #bianca del rio #courtney act #miss fame #bitney #bianca x fame #s6 #parent trap au #bitney parent trap #lesbian au #trans character #kid fic #angst #fluff #masters of the scene #veronica

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heavenlykittens · 2 years

Text

THE GIRL WHO MOCKED DEATH

climbing out of the shower, trying not to slip on the tiles as my hair rains water

once it dries halfway i put it in pigtail braids but i stare in the mirror and long for my blonde hair as i put on serums and moisturizers, sprays and balms

i no longer feel like myself even if this is my so called natural hair, i’ve been bleaching it since i was 14 - i can’t believe i’m 26. i feel old. i know older people will laugh but god, i do

being blonde was part of me

my facebook memories mock me with photos where i was thinner, ice blonde, surrounded by friends, not isolated

i barely intend to have online friends anymore, it’s too difficult to trust anybody, about anything. i see you.

but fuck i know my life is amusing (as long as you’re not the one living it)

i ready myself to fall asleep with my only aids, seroquel and king of the hill

i watch my yankee game with my everything/ my partner, lover, other half, life… just missing that ring but fuck it

we’ll marry in court soon, maybe i’ll wear a fancy looking dress, maybe i’ll wear in lingerie disguised as pajamas, who even cares anymore?

but i don’t want to be no kurt and courtney, layne and demri

i desire to live / decided that after my third overdose out of six

i used to think dying would be so simple but i don’t want it i don’t i don’t, it’s peaceful, it is, but i have so much left to do

but it’s so traumatic watching success search for you, find you, family aware you exist, and the only reason my father gives a shit is he’s a tax cheat and i’m the only one who can reveal it - and why shouldn’t i after all he’s taken from me?

the man who terrorized me my whole life and claimed me as a defendant when giving me 200 bucks for my birthday is as if i’ve asked him to give me his credit card and told me to do what i want with it

but i was never a defendant, i’ve never lived with him in my life, never spend more than two nights since i was a child (and poor little me used to beg and sob and throw tantrums not to go, playing sick and sobbing, but still i went just to be screamed at and slapped around)

he made sure i lost every stimulus check i deserved because of his false dependent claim, he promised to give me the money, he didn’t, i could’ve guessed that easily

never dependent on a man who fucked my mother on a staircase of a methadone detox, where it’s a known fact that women are more fertile while coming off heroin- couldn’t even wear a condom

i feel like gum stuck to the bottom of a very expensive shoe owned by someone on wall street, red wine spilled on a white blouse at a pricy dinner party, i’m the red lipstick left smudged on a wealthy man’s collar for his wife to flip out at when he gets home to their townhouse, Louboutons which stepped in shit

I fancied myself an artist, a writer, a poet, a creator of… something

but i’m just a person, wasting the best years of my life and wasting any small talent I had

reading advanced books in second grade is meaningless now of course

my third grade teacher who made me cry in front of my whole class - i’d bring in shirt novels i wrote when i was nine years old - over 100 pages each - and she always said “i can’t wait to see you on the times best sellers list!” she was so serious

I believed such a fairy tale that I was special, but instead I found myself writing pathetic poetry over some variety of males - who am I though?

my complete lack of self esteem and self awareness, lack of knowing my own personal sloth, and always left wondering about all the personalities I stitched together from other incredible, cool, gorgeous, fascinating people, to make… me…

Im both Frankenstein and his Monster

borderline what, borderline what, borderline of what and what? I can’t help but wonder why self medication is so frowned upon i’ve been prescribed dozens of medications and they can’t on a scale of how they made me feel:

1. no feeling or change

2. maybe a little change

3. feeling like im dying or want to die

4. definitely wanting to die

5. no emotions at all

the normalization of homelessness is terrifying too. medication and homelessness. and if you don’t behave, throw you in the psych hospital where they don’t help you at all!

I see these drawings of animals and humans living in harmony, enjoying the outdoors, tea, snacks, loving each other’s company -

but land is money, shelter is money, everything is goddamn money

nepotism disgusts me

some of us will never advance

im nothing special but sometimes I feel a flutter inside me telling me that I’M NOT A NOBODY

nobody is a nobody, really?

my stitches need to come out and I have had nightmares of my skin falling apart and being stitched back together in emergency rooms long before I stabbed myself

I used to not care about dying, not at all, but now i’ve realized…

God, do I want to live, to kiss my soon to be husband, to kiss my cat, kiss my cat, kiss all the animals, create things I love, to feel beautiful

to LIVE, to fucking LIVE

i’m not a stranger, but i’m ink rubbing down the page, claws in my skin, freckles kissed by angels

you and me and an orange cat, a family, yes, that’s a family

a goddamn family!

I want to keep growing, I deserve to keep growing, growth, enlightenment…

maybe I could be a best seller, but I’d be happy just to know anyone read my poetry, maybe related, maybe found themselves in it… maybe felt empowered

I want to feel all the emotions

I do daily

but I want it to be warm, I want it to be wisdom

I want that hug from inside

I want to evolve.

#writings #excuse typos i type this up from my journal

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simonimonim · 2 years

Text

So I have problems making friends. I don't know why, but I don't know what people want from a friend, and even when I try my best to make them happy, it still isn't enough? And because of this, in the past, when someone shows the least bit interest of hanging out withe and genuinely being my friend, I label them my "best friend" which in my head is a lifelong friend, ride or die, very special person.

Every time I have applied that label to someone, somethimg happens and we not only are not best friends, but never speak again.

In 1st grade there was Erica, she moved away and we lost touch

In 5th grade there was Amber, we got into a huge fight and she moved away

In 6th grade there was Jasmine, she moved away and we lost touch

In 7th and 8th grade there was Brianna, I moved away and got really depressed and we lost touch. She turmed out to be kind of racist when we reconnected

In 10th grade there was Sabra and Te'Aannie, Te'Aannie stopped coming around as much when she got a new boyfriend, and we were kind of judgemental of the relationship anyway. Sabra moved away and then moved back and then in college, I told her I felt like I wasn't getting the same effort I gave her. She was insulted, kind of went off on me, and that was the end of that

My roommate freshman year, Kia, after I called her my best friend, said she didn't feel the same about me, but loved being my friend. It would later come out that she had been manipulating our friend group at various points so that we were all against one person at a time.

From that situation came Tyson, who after an off campus party where we had both been smoking and drinking, sexually assaulted me in my own bed.

Then there was Courtney, a girl so toxic it's hard to believe I even put up with it. She got me comfortable enough for me to call her my best friend, only to throw my imsecurity back in my face, after a disagreement over dog food. Later reflections on this friendship revealed that I am so much better without someone who blatantly ignores my anxieties and lashes out when she doesn't get her way.

After that, I resolved to never call anyone my best friend again. I always got let down and hurt. Which wasn't incorrect. After this incident there was Theresa, who used me as a place to dump her emotional baggage and a renewable source of whatever she needed, whether it was my car, or a place to crash after drunk driving, or someone to move her back into the barracks after she broke up with her long term boyfriend in the shittiest way possible

In 2022 I met Nesha, because she was dating said boyfriend. Nesha and I clicked right away. I got my nose pierced because Nesha had one and told me I'd look cute with it. We did a sip and paint and facetimed our mutual friend, gone off a couple glasses of wine. We talked for hours when they ended things because she was so heartbroken because she actually liked him and wanted to see where things went. We were fast friends.

Nesha randomly bought me an orchid, one if her favorite flowers, to thank me for being her friend. It was such a ME gesture. I immediately named the orchid Olivia, placed her in my kitchen and promised to always take care of her.

Nesha introduced me to her best friend Shelby and even drove down to our new place with Shelby to let us meet and help me get on my feet. In case you didn't know, pcsing to a smaller place with a toddler and a husband who works 18 hour days is hard as shit. But they never judged me, they helped me, cooked for me, played with my son, and loved on me the entire time. I had never experienced that kind of effort.

A couple of weeks ago, I told Shelby and Nesha they were my best friends, after fighting with myself for months about saying it. They laughed in my face and said "if you never said it, that's okay, what's known doesn't need to be said" and after I got over my indignation, I laughed too. They really got me.

Now is probably the time to say that I have trypophobia. Plant roots make my skin itch and I literally start shaking at the sight of an overturned tree stump. This also means I have never done a single bit of horticulture, gardening, whatever.

Over the last few months, since I got her, I've been watering Olivia once a week or when the roots get silver, but she got a little beat up in the move. My BEST FRIEND gave me that orchid so I can't let it die. So today in the name of friendship, I repotted my orchid. My hands were shaking and I thought I was gonna cry but I did it. And Shelby told me she was so proud of me.

I'm still terrified they'll change their minds and decide I'm not worth the hassle. Maybe keeping Olivia the Orchid alive is my way of preserving the friendship. But today, I'm not afraid, because they know how hard that was for me and recognized me. I love my girls.

And I love my orchid.

#orchid #trauma dump #shouting into the void #the shouting void #long reads #best friends #trauma #healing #love #plants

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aphrodite-would-be-proud · 3 years

Note

I dont know if your accepting requests right now, but I love your kiddo headcannons. Could you do the Kiddo's reacting to Reiner asking you to marry him? I just really want to know who's going to get excited for the wedding, if any of the kids are going to be upset...your headcannons are just the best!!

Hey! Yes my requests are open, it's written in my bio tho i get it might be confusing. Imma make sure to also write it on the navigation post.

And by the name of persephone this the cutest most wholesome kiddo scenario! How did i not think of that? Just what realm of heaven are you living on Anon? Whatever it is thank you for blessing us with this thought💛

You're with Reiner, he wants to propose but his cousins overhear him.

{ Reiner x reader | tw:marriage tw:proposing tw:parental-neglect tw:heavy-angst | cartoony?, fluff, angst with comfort | modern }

{ The Lanterns, circa 1910 by Charles Courtney Curran 1861-1942 }

"And no opening the door to anyone no matter how sorry you feel for them, okay?" Colt said while adjusting the tie around his neck, making sure it's even as he takes one final look at himself in the mirror before putting on his coat.

"Okay" Falco replied, watching as his brother was getting frustrated with the too many buttons on his coat. "Do you need help?"

Nodding his head, Colt let Falco do his buttons while he reached for the cup of coffee he left on the table, quickly finishing it all. "And make sure to get to bed on time, no staying up reading comic books, you have school tomorrow."

"Don't worry I won't" Falco looked in concern at the empty coffee cup, "isn't this your third one today? I don't think you should be drinking this much..."

"You worry too much Falco, just take care of yourself okay?" Colt rubbed his brother's hair, before patting his head. "I'll text you to check on how you're doing so make sure to charge your phone."

And just like that, Colt wrapped a scarf around his neck, grabbed his keys, and left through the door. Leaving Falco standing there at the entrance, alone in the house.

Looking around the quiet room, Falco picked up the empty cup before washing it in the sink. Just as he was putting it away, the door bell rang.

'Did he forget something?' He thought, wondering if it's his the keys again. But looking at the table, he could see nothing was there.

Wait...Colt did take his keys before leaving, why would he be ringing the doorbell.

The ringing got more frequent, followed by aggressive knocking. Falco took a step back into the kitchen, thinking if he could dash upstairs to get his phone in time.

But he didn't want to trouble his brother...Think Falco think! What would captain america do in this scenario? But Reiner always told him he should think for himself...

And so he grabbed a knife, slowly inching towards the door but then he heard it, that fimilar sound.

"Falco? You in there? It's freezing open the door!"

"Gabi?!" Dropping the knife, Falco rushed to the door. Quickly unlocking it as a very cold looking Gabi stepped inside.

"What took you so long? I can't feel my fingers!" Rubbing her hands together to attempt to warm them up, Gabi glared at Falco.

"Sorry I thought you were a-" he looked away at the knife "uh..anyway let me get you a blanket" before he could rush up the stairs, Gabi pulled him back.

"No there's no time! We have to leave now." Holding his hand, Gabi dragged a very confused Falco out the door and they began making their way to the next destination.

Soon enough, the pair found themselves standing outside Udo's house, directly under his window.

"You still haven't told me why we're here." Falco watched as Gabi was looking for something on the ground, he stiffened when she smiled after picking up a small rock.

"I will tell you once Udo and Zofia are here, it's very important." She handed him the rock. "Now let's focus on getting Udo here, make sure to aim for his window because his mom is a really light sleeper."

"Wait if that's the case then why didn't we go to Zofia's house first? She lives right opposite of mine!" Falco whisper-shouted.

"Because! Neither of us can deal with a sleeping Zofia and you know that, only Udo knows how to wake her up." Gabi explained, crossing her arms while getting impatient. "So hurry up and throw the rock!"

Flaco looked at Udo's window, then at the rock. He looked at Gabi one last time before closing his eyes and throwing it, it made a sound as it hit the window....nothing happened

"Why am I the one throwing the rocks?" He looked anxiously at Udo's dark window, moving his weight from one leg to the other.

"I'm stronger. If i throw it, I'll break the window." Gabi was looking for another rock, having found one slightly bigger than the last. "Here try this one"

Having reunited again, the four of them were walking down the street to Reiner's house late at night. Gabi leading the group, Falco following her reluctantly, Udo keeping a still sleepy Zofia from walking into a wall while in her pajamas.

"This better be good Gabi, otherwise you can forget about copying my math homework for a month." The thought of just turning around and going back home to bed was still in the back of Zofia's mind.

Having almost reached Reiner's house, the four of them could see multiple cars parked outside of it, some of them they recognise.

"See! I told you all it'd be worth it. They're having a secret party without us! I heard Reiner talking about it on the phone with Zeke this morning when I was pretending to be asleep so I don't have to walk home." Gabi said as they sneaked to the side of the house.

"That's mister Zeke's car, miss Annie's and...even Porco's too.." Udo said as they climbed the house fence.

"They invited Porco but not us?" With that information, Zofia was fully awake.

"That's exactly what I've been telling you guys about! Here look!" Standing on her toes, Gabi looked through the window, between the curtains. Three heads joining her soon.

Looking inside, they could see the living room they were so fimilar with, looking really different. For once it wasn't a mess of pillows and candy wrappers! It was actually clean with various candles adding to the atmosphere.

Zeke and Pieck could be seen siting next to each other on the couch, drinking some wine while Colt is in the arm chair next to them with Porco pushing a drink in his hands.

Annie and Bertolt are leaning against the wall, she's holding a plate of donuts while he's talking about something.

Finally, you and Reiner are sitting on the couch opposite to Zeke and Pieck. His hand is around your shoulder and he keeps taking glances behind him at bertolt, while Zeke stares at him from the front.

If you focus, you can hear the muffled sound of music playing in the background.

The four kids watched as Reiner whispered something in your ear, before you noded, got up and headed towards the kitchen. The second you left, all of them crowded at the couch next to Reiner, Talking in hushed tones.

"What...are they doing?" Udo watched as Reiner took out a small red box from his pocket, hands shaking while the people around him leaned in to see what's inside as he opened it.

Quiet gasps and awws followed after as the ring inside came into view, glittering in the dark by the candlelight. Although that only seemed to fluster Reiner even more.

The four of them looked at each other with wide eyes, then back at the ring as Reiner reached out to hold it delicately in his hand for a few seconds as if he's offering it up to the air in front of him, the room got quiet, everyone holding their breaths.

"Oh " Falco said, "i...think i know what's going on." Both Udo and Zofia noded.

"What?" Gabi knitted her eyebrows, tilting her head, "what's going on?"

Before any of them could answer, Zofia told them to keep quiet when she noticed you walking back in the room, the ring back in the box inside Reiner's pocket.

Everyone was now standing, smiles on their faces, even Annie showing one of her rare ones. You were holding a new plate of donuts when you noticed them, with Reiner in the middle, nervous eyes staring right at yours.

Stepping towards you, Annie took the plate before going back to her spot. A few chuckles from Zeke, Bertolt and Pieck followed while Reiner shock his head.

Still outside, the kids saw Reiner start talking about something. Whatever it is, it must have been emotional because everyone in the room was listening with anticipation.

"I can't hear anything" unlocking the window, Gabi opened it just slighly. The muffled sound of music becoming clear as Reiner was finishing his speech.

"And you'd make me the happiest man in the world" he got on one knee, hand taking something out of his pocket. "If we could spend the rest of our lives together and I'll cherish every single moment you're by my side."

He opened the red box, holding the ring in front of you, eyes pleading. "Will you please marry me?"

The second you said yes, Reiner pulled you in the tightest most loving hug in your life, muttering "thank you"s under his breath. You could taste saltiness of his tears when he kissed your lips, still not letting go.

"He's crying" Udo said, feeling his own glasses getting a bit blurred.

"They're kissing." Falco's face was as red as a tomato, covering his blushing face with his hand but looking through his fingers.

"Annie finished all the donuts" was Zofia's comment with a pout.

Gabi's hold on the window got tighter, her lips quivering. "We have to stop them. They can't get married!" And like that, she slammed the window open before climbing inside.

"Gabi! Wait!" Falco tried grabbing her sleeve but was too slow, so he climbed after her into the room.

As expected from two children suddenly breaking in the room through the window, everyone's eyes were on them with surprised expressions.

Looking straight at Reiner, Gabi pulled you away from him before snatching the ring box from his hand. "NO! no one is marrying anyone" with all her might, she threw the box to Falco before telling him to run away.

Having been dragged into the middle of this, Falco looked at Colt's concerned expression, Reiner's confused face and Pieck's amused one. Stepping near Colt, he was about to give him the ring when he saw Gabi's face, making his stop midway.

"Run Falco! Just go!" She yelled, tears streaming down her face, legs shaking. "They can't leave us! Not like our parents did..."

Falco felt his chest tightening, recalling how empty the house feels with just him and Colt being away for work most of the time. How cold it is, unlike the warmth he feels whenever they stay over at your house.

He began tearing up too, holding the box so tightly to his chest.

It was Reiner who made the first move, while everyone was stunned looking at the two crying children. Pulling the both of them to his chest as they sobbed, he wrapped his arm safely around them. He looked at you and you followed in his steps.

After some time and explaining, Colt was comforting Falco while on the couch with Pieck doing the same on his other side. You had Zofia on your lap while she ate some Donuts you stashed away from Annie. Gabi was still clutching to Reiner with Udo on his other side doing the same.

Gabi would take a bite out of a donut, cry a bit then take another bite. Sometimes glancing at the red box on the table.

With time, reassuring words and Zeke making the kids laugh, things slowly got better. Reiner and you completely reassured them that you're never leaving, you love them more than anything in this world. That getting marriage is going to get you even more closer together than anything.

Hearing those words calmed Gabi down, each of them made you make a pinky promise to not replace them ever, same thing to Reiner.

That's when Bertolt brought up the fact you still haven't worn the ring, and it might make them feel better if they were the one to place it on your hand. And that seemed to grab their attention as they began arguing between themselves which one of them should do the honour.

{ The Lanterns, circa 1910 by Charles Courtney Curran 1861-1942 }

Headcanons

Strap in because boi are we in for a ride. These kids went through a lot even in a modern non-war world

They all have an altered negative view on marriage, especially Gabi and Falco.

Both of Falco's parents are deceased, he lives alone with Colt who's trying his hardest to work and take care of both of them, of course Zeke and Pieck help a lot too and try to be his stand in parents.

He knows about love and how good it is, he just thinks marriage would mean you and Reiner might also go away.

Gabi's parents are alive and well, they're just rarely in her life. She's an alone child with no siblings, so far Reiner has been her only relative that she counts as family.

Her parents often leave her at her aunt's house whenever they go on a trip away, or as she started getting older, alone in the house. It gave her a lot of freedom but also a misguided and neglectful life.

Reiner has been trying to fill both roles of her parents for her, and when you came along it was like a dream coming true, she suddenly has someone who truly cares for her being and loves her unconditionally.

So when she heard you were getting married, something in her snapped and fears about you both leaving her too just like her parents clouded her mind.

Udo and Zofia both have their moms only, they bond over it. In Udo's case it was after his father passed away in an accident that his mother became really overprotective and Borderline overbearing.

She's worried about everything, he feels like it's his fault somehow and can't help but copy her anxiety and paranoia.

When he heard about you getting married, he felt a sting of pain and guilt, like he's getting in the way and it never was his real family to begin with.

Zofia's mom is another case, her dad left them when she was younger without a word. Her mother lost trust in anyone after that and was emotionally unavailable.

She saw how hurt her mother was over her dad, she wanted to be strong for her mom and never have to depend on anyone.

So when she heard you were getting married, a sense of dread filled her at realising one of you will hurt the other somehow and she will have to be strong on her own again.

The four of them looked up to you both, were loved and cherished by you both like they've longed for so long.

They fear losing you, they fear losing the warmth, love and care you showed them.

So take it slow with them please, they've been hurt a lot. They don't mean to be ungrateful or rude they're just kids who are terrfied.

Be paitent and slowly introduce them to marriage in a new light, let them grief over their own parents in a healthy way while comforting them. Make them feel included in the planning and wedding and everything and I promise you they'll be fighting for the flower girl spot at the wedding if you just take it slow and gentle.

Yes even Falco and Udo want to be the flower girl.

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heathneycanon · 3 years

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courdy headcanons

happy courdy day everyone <33 i tried drawing them but i only draw people standing so it didn't look romantic at all. so take these instead.

-both courtney and cody have naturally curly hair that they used to straighten as teenagers. after they get together, one of them sees the other with their natural hair and compliments it, and after that they both gradually straighten their hair less and less frequently.

-they're both REALLY good at balancing each other out. when courtney's stressed or overworking herself, cody's chill attitude is able to calm courtney down and get her to look at the situation with a level head. meanwhile, cody will often lose himself in the things he's doing, and courtney's good at leaving him reminders to take breaks.

-they don't typically go on dates that are "big events", because they're happy to just spend time with each other. their go-to date is just getting takeout from one of their favorite restaurants and then watching a movie or playing a game together. (honestly this show's both of their growth since getting together, since cody doesn't feel like he has to impress courtney with big romantic gestures, and courtney doesn't feel the need for perfectly planned and executed dates. they see each other as the people they are which lets them both be happy with just... hanging out).

-like i said earlier, i think cody and courtney would often play games on date nights. their favorite kind of games are logic, puzzle, and trivia games. sometimes they invite their friends over for game nights as well. courdy always wins. like... they're both genuinely smart, they're fucking nerds, and i'm pretty sure that the trivia categories that courtney doesn't have as good a grasp on, cody does, and vice versa. idk i just think they'd be an unstoppable trivia team.

-i think they don't use too many nicknames or pet names with each other?? cody probably tried a bunch at first, but courtney didn't really like them, so he just started calling her "court" instead, which she likes. as for courtney... yeah she just calls him cody. but it's said with affection <3

-courtney really doesn't like to think about her time on total drama. however, once during island, she and cody had a really nice talk that was one of her favorite moments from her time there (especially considering how much of her memories have been soured at this point). she'd been surprised by how caring and insightful he was, and she thinks it was the first time she actually got a glimpse of the real cody. of course, this footage was never aired because chris was courdyphobic.

-cody's really big into gift giving, and he goes all out for holidays and courtney's birthday. the gifts he gives have a LOT of thought put into them, and they're often tied to stuff courtney brought up offhandedly months earlier. courtney isn't as good at picking out gifts, so she usually goes to cody's friends for help. she always writes REALLY heartfelt cards, too.

-cody's favorite holiday is still halloween. cody and courtney always go all out with couples' costumes, and then invite a handful of close friends over for a party. it's usually more reminiscent of the ones cody always wanted to throw as a kid.

-courtney gets COLD in the winter, and one year, cody tries to take up knitting to secretly make her a sweater. it looks awful, but it's warm and courtney loves it and wears it every year. in return, courtney always makes sure they have backup hot cocoa and marshmallows in case they get snowed in, because cody loves them so much.

-they have a book club that's just the two of them. they take turns picking a book (and pause the club when they get too busy), and they read it at the same time and talk about it together. they're both really into picking apart and analyzing things (cody got his start in video game and comic lore, and courtney is literally a lawyer), and they bounce off of each other EXTREMELY well.

okay that's it i keep thinking of new things to add and i'm super thirsty so i'm gonna go grab a glass of water. happy courdy day besties i hope this was good SDFJSKLD

#total drama #courdy #courtney #cody #confessional #courdy day #courdy day 2021

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ladydarklord · 3 years

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The Mighty Boosh on the business of being silly

The Times, November 15 2008

What began as a cult cocktail of daft poems, surreal characters and fantastical storylines has turned into the comedy juggernaut that is the Mighty Boosh. Janice Turner hangs out with creators Noel Fielding, Julian Barratt and the extended Boosh family to discuss the serious business of being silly

In the thin drizzle of a Monday night in Sheffield, a crowd of young women are waiting for the Mighty Boosh or, more precisely, one half of it. Big-boned Yorkshire lasses, jacketless and unshivering despite the autumn nip, they look ready to devour the object of their desire, the fey, androgynous Noel Fielding, if he puts a lamé boot outside the stage door. “Ooh, I do love a man in eyeliner,” sighs Natalie from Rotherham. She’ll be throwing sickies at work to see the Boosh show 13 times on their tour, plus attend the Boosh after-show parties and Boosh book signings. “My life is dead dull without them,” she says.

Nearby, mobiles primed, a pair of sixth-formers trade favourite Boosh lines. “What is your name?” asks Jessica. “I go by many names, sir,” Victoria replies portentously. A prison warden called Davena survives long days with high-security villains intoning, “It’s an outrage!” in the gravelly voice of Boosh character Tony Harrison, a being whose head is a testicle.

Apart from Fielding, what they all love most about the Boosh is that half their mates don’t get it. They see a bloke in a gorilla suit, a shaman called Naboo, silly rhymes about soup, stories involving shipwrecked men seducing coconuts “and they’re like, ‘This is bloody rubbish,’” says Jessica. “So you feel special because you do get it. You’re part of a club.”

Except the Mighty Boosh club is now more like a movement. What began as an Edinburgh fringe show starring Fielding and his partner Julian Barratt and later became an obscure BBC3 series has grown into a box-set flogging, mega-merchandising, 80-date touring Boosh inc. There was a Boosh festival last summer, now talk of a Boosh movie and Boosh in America. An impasse seems to have been reached: either the Boosh will expand globally or, like other mass comedy cults before it – Vic and Bob, Newman and Baddiel – slowly begin to deflate.

But for the moment, the fans still wait in the rain for heroes who’ve already left the building. I find the Boosh gang gathered in their hotel bar, high on post-gig adrenalin. Barratt, blokishly handsome with his ring-master moustache, if a tad paunchy these days, blends in with the crew. But Fielding is never truly “off”. All day he has been channelling A Clockwork Orange in thick black eyeliner (now smudged into panda rings) and a bowler hat, which he wears with polka-dot leggings, gold boots and a long, neon-green fur-collared PVC trenchcoat. He has, as those women outside put it, “something about him”: a carefully-wrought rock-god danger mixed with an amiable sweetness. Sexy yet approachable. Which is why, perched on a barstool, is a great slab of security called Danny.

“He stops people getting in our faces,” says Fielding. “He does massive stars like P. Diddy and Madonna and he says that considering how we’re viewed in the media as a cult phenomenon, we get much more attention in the street than, say, Girls Aloud. Danny says we’re on the same level as Russell Brand, who can’t walk from the door to the car without ten people speaking to him.”

This barometer of fame appears to fascinate and thrill Fielding. Although he complains he can’t eat dinner with his girlfriend (Dee Plume from the band Robots in Disguise) unmolested, he parties hard and publicly with paparazzi-magnets like Courtney Love and Amy Winehouse. He claims he’s tried wearing a baseball cap but fans still recognise him. Hearing this, Julian Barratt smiles wryly: “Noel is never going to dress down.”

It is clear on meeting them that their Boosh characters Vince Noir (Fielding), the narcissistic extrovert, and Howard Moon (Barratt), the serious, socially awkward jazz obsessive, are comic exaggerations of their own personalities. At the afternoon photo shoot, Fielding breaks free of the hair and make-up lady, sprays most of a can of Elnett on to his Bolan feather-cut and teases it to his satisfaction. Very Vince. “It is an art-life crossover,” says Barratt.

At 40, five years older than Fielding, Barratt exhibits the profound weariness of a man trying to balance a five-month national tour with new-fatherhood. After every Saturday night show he returns home to his 18-month-old twins, Arthur and Walter, and his partner Julia Davis (the creator-star of Nighty Night) and today he was up at 5am pushing a pram on Hampstead Heath before taking the train north to rejoin the Boosh. “I go back so the boys remember who I am. But it’s harder to leave them every time,” he says. “It is totally schizophrenic, totally opposite mental states: all this self-obsession and then them.”

About two nights a week on tour, Fielding doesn’t go to bed, parties through the night and performs the next evening having not slept at all. Barratt often retreats to his room to plough through box sets of The Wire. “It’s a bit gritty, but that is in itself an escape, because what we do is so fantastical.”

But mostly it is hard to resist the instant party provided by a large cast, crew and band. Indeed, drinking with them, it appears Fielding and Barratt are but the most famous members of a close collective of artists, musicians and old mates. Fielding’s brother Michael, who previously worked in a bowling alley, plays Naboo the shaman. “He is late every single day,” complains Noel. “He’s mad and useless, but I’m quite protective of him, quite parental.” Michael is always arguing with Bollo the gorilla, aka Fielding’s best mate, Dave Brown, a graphic artist relieved to remove his costume – “It’s so hot in there I fear I may never father children” – to design the Boosh book. One of the lighting crew worked as male nanny to Barratt’s twins and was in Michael’s class at school: “The first time I met you,” he says to Noel, “you gave me a dead arm.” “You were 9,” Fielding replies. “And you were messing with my stuff.”

This gang aren’t hangers-on but the wellspring of the Boosh’s originality and its strange, homespun, degree-show aesthetic: a character called Mr Susan is made out of chamois leathers, the Hitcher has a giant Polo Mint for an eye. When they need a tour poster they ignore the promoter’s suggestions and call in their old mate, Nige.

Fielding and Barratt met ten years ago at a comedy night in a North London pub. The former had just left Croydon Art College, the latter had dropped out of an American Studies degree at Reading to try stand-up, although he was so terrified at his first gig that he ran off stage and had to be dragged back by the compere.

While superficially different, their childhoods have a common theme: both had artistic, bohemian parents who exercised benign neglect. Fielding’s folks were only 17 when he was born: “They were just kids really. Hippies. Though more into Black Sabbath and Led Zep. There were lots of parties and crazy times. They loved dressing up. And there was a big gap between me and my brother – about nine years – so I was an only child for a long time, hanging out with them, lots of weird stuff going on.

“The great thing about my mum and dad is they let me do anything I wanted as a kid as long as I wasn’t misbehaving. I could eat and go to bed when I liked. I used to spend a lot of time drawing and painting and reading. In my own world, I guess.”

Growing up in Mitcham, South London, his father was a postmaster, while his mother now works for the Home Office. Work was merely the means to fund a good time. “When your dad is into David Bowie, how do you rebel against that? You can’t really. They come to all the gigs. They’ve been in America for the past three weeks. I’m ringing my mum really excited because we’re hanging out with Jim Sheridan, who directed In the Name of the Father, and the Edge from U2, and she said, ‘We’re hanging with Jack White,’ whom they met through a friend of mine. Trumped again!”

Barratt’s father was a Leeds art teacher, his mother an artist later turned businesswoman. “Dad was a bit more strict and academic. Mum would let me do anything I wanted, didn’t mind whether I went to school.” Through his father he became obsessed with Monty Python, went to jazz and Spike Milligan gigs, learnt about sex from his dad’s leatherbound volumes of Penthouse.

Barratt joined bands and assumed he would become a musician (he does all the Boosh’s musical arrangements); Fielding hoped to become an artist (he designed the Boosh book cover and throughout our interview sketches obsessively). Instead they threw their talents into comedy. Barratt: “It is a great means of getting your ideas over instantly.” Fielding: “Yes, it is quite punk in that way.”

Their 1998 Edinburgh Fringe show called The Mighty Boosh was named, obscurely, after a friend’s description of Michael Fielding’s huge childhood Afro: “A mighty bush.” While their double-act banter has an old-fashioned dynamic, redolent of Morecambe and Wise, the show threw in weird characters and a fantasy storyline in which they played a pair of zookeepers. They are very serious about their influences. “Magritte, Rousseau...” says Fielding. “I like Rousseau’s made-up worlds: his jungle has all the things you’d want in a jungle, even though he’d never been in one so it was an imaginary place.”

Eclectic, weird and, crucially, unprepared to compromise their aesthetic sensibilities, it was 2004 before, championed by Steve Coogan’s Baby Cow production company, their first series aired on BBC3. Through repeats and DVD sales the second series, in which the pair have left the zoo and are living above Naboo’s shop, found a bigger audience. Last year the first episode of series three had one million viewers. But perhaps the Boosh’s true breakthrough into mainstream came in June when George Bush visited Belfast and a child presented him with a plant labelled “The Mighty Bush”. Assuming it was a tribute to his greatness, the president proudly displayed it for the cameras, while the rest of Britain tittered.

A Boosh audience these days is quite a mix. In Sheffield the front row is rammed with teenage indie girls, heavy on the eyeliner, who fancy Fielding. But there are children, too: my own sons can recite whole “crimps” (the Boosh’s silly, very English version of rap) word for word. And there are older, respectable types who, when I interview them, all apologise for having such boring jobs. They’re accountants, IT workers, human resources officers and civil servants. But probe deeper and you find ten years ago they excelled at art A level or played in a band, and now puzzle how their lives turned out so square. For them, the Boosh embody their former dreams. And their DIY comedy, shambolic air, the slightly crap costumes, the melding of fantasy with the everyday, feels like something they could still knock up at home.

Indeed, many fans come to gigs in costume. At the Mighty Boosh Festival 15,000 people came dressed up to watch bands and absurdity in a Kent field. And in Sheffield I meet a father-and-son combo dressed as Howard Moon and Bob Fossil – general manager of the zoo – plus a gang of thirty-something parents elaborately attired as Crack Fox, Spirit of Jazz, a granny called Nanageddon, and Amy Housemouse. “I love the Boosh because it’s total escapism,” says Laura Hargreaves, an employment manager dressed as an Electro Fairy. “It’s not all perfect and people these days worry too much that things aren’t perfect. It’s just pure fun.”

But how to retain that appealingly amateur art-school quality now that the Boosh is a mega comedy brand? Noel Fielding is adamant that they haven’t grown cynical, that The Mighty Book of Boosh was a long-term project, not a money-spinner chucked out for Christmas: “There is a lot of heart in what we do,” he says. Barratt adds: “It’s been hard this year to do everything we’ve wanted, to a standard we’re proud of... Which is why we’re worn to shreds.”

Comedy is most powerful in intimate spaces, but the Boosh show, with its huge set, requires major venues. “We’ve lost money every day on the tour,” says Fielding. “The crew and the props and what it costs to take them on the road – it’s ridiculous. Small gigs would lose millions of pounds.”

The live show is a kind of Mighty Boosh panto, with old favourites – Bob Fossil, Bollo, Tony Harrison, etc – coming on to cheers of recognition. But it lacks the escapism to the perfectly conceived world of the TV show. They have told the BBC they don’t want a fourth series: they want a movie. They would also, as with Little Britain USA, like a crack at the States, where they run on BBC America. Clearly the Boosh needs to keep evolving or it will die.

Already other artists are telling Fielding and Barratt to make their money now: “They say this is our time, which is quite frightening.” I recall Vic Reeves and Bob Mortimer, who dominated the Nineties with Big Night Out and Shooting Stars. “Yes, they were massive,” says Fielding. “A number one record...” And now Reeves presents Brainiac. “If you have longer-term goals, it’s not scary,” says Barratt. “To me, I’m heading somewhere else – to direct, make films, write stuff – and at the moment it’s all gone mental. I’m sort of enjoying this as an outsider. It was Noel who had this desire to reach more people.”

Indeed, the old cliché that comedy is the new rock’n’roll is closest to being realised in Noel Fielding. Watching him perform the thrash metal numbers in the Boosh live show, he is half ironic comic performer, half frustrated rock god. His heroes weren’t comics but androgynous musicians: Jagger, Bowie, Syd Barrett. (Although he liked Peter Cook’s style and looks.)

“I like clothes and make-up, I like the transformation,” he says. Does it puzzle him that women find this so sexually attractive? “I was reading a book the other day about the New York Dolls and David Johansen was saying that none of them were gay or even bisexual, and that when they started dressing in stilettos and leather pants, women got it straight away with no explanation. But a lot of men had problems. It’s one of those strange things. A man will go, ‘You f***ing queer.’ And you just think, ‘Well, your girlfriend fancies me.’”

The Boosh stopped signing autographs outside stage doors when it started taking two hours a night. At recent book signings up to 1,500 people have shown up, some sleeping overnight in the queue. And on this tour, the Boosh took control of the after-show parties, once run as money-spinners by the promoters, and now show up in person to do DJ slots. I ask if they like to meet their fans, and they laugh nervously.

Fielding: “We have to be behind a fence.”

Barratt: “They try to rip your clothes off your body.”

Fielding: “The other day my girlfriend gave me this ring. And, doing the rock numbers at the end, I held out my hands and the crowd just ripped it off.”

Barratt: “I see it as a thing which is going to go away. A moment when people are really excited about you. And it can’t last.”

He recalls a man in York grabbing him for a photo, saying, “I’d love to be you, it must be so amazing.” And Barratt says he thought, “Yes, it is. But all the while I was trying to duck into this doorway to avoid the next person.” He’s trying to enjoy the Boosh’s moment, knows it will pass, but all the same?

In the hotel bar, a young woman fan has dodged past Danny and comes brazenly over to Fielding. Head cocked attentively like a glossy bird, he chats, signs various items, submits to photos, speaks to her mate on her phone. The rest of the Boosh crew eye her steelily. They know how it will end. “You have five minutes then you go,” hisses one. “I feel really stupid now,” says the girl. It is hard not to squirm at the awful obeisance of fandom. But still she milks the encounter, demands Fielding come outside to meet her friend. When he demurs she is outraged, and Danny intercedes. Fielding returns to his seat slightly unsettled. “What more does she want?” he mutters, reaching for his wine glass. “A skin sample?”

#I hadn't seen this one before so I thought I'd share #noel will never dress down #ah yes the patient boyfriend Julian Barratt

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noyoucantpinmedown · 3 years

Text

Springtime Swap

For this year's Springtime Swap I had to write for @totaldramablueyonder! This was a lot of fun. I've never written Katie and Sadie so it was good to try them out. I hope you like it!

Courtney didn't have friends. Never had. Never needed to. She got along well enough with her classmates to be somewhat popular, and that was all she needed to be named Student Council President.

But then Katie Ayala and Sadie Li joined the Student Council.

Those two were the chattiest girls Courtney had ever known. Whenever they bumped into each other in the hallways, they would keep her there for a good five minutes before she could excuse herself, and then she'd be late to wherever she was going. And Courtney hated being late.

So when she found out Katie and Sadie were being elected, she had to hold back the urge to slam her head against a wall.

But they impressed her. They showed up to the very first meeting in matching pink pantsuits- their outfits were always coordinated. They proposed doing a bake sale to raise money for homecoming, which Sadie made the budget plans for. Katie got half the school to buy something and charmed the other half into caving in and buying as well. In the end they raised a lot more money than they were aiming for. They were competent, and Courtney could always respect that.

"Courtney!" She heard Katie's high pitched voice from down the hallway, always distinct among the murmuring of the students. In a second, she and Sadie were standing by her locker. "Sadie and I were going to hang out at my house, do you wanna come?"

She blinked. "Oh, um...well thanks, but I have a lot of homework to do and--"

"Oh, that's okay, we do too!" Sadie piped up. "We can all do it together."

Shit. "I just--"

"Come on, it'll be so much fun!"

Courtney sighed and closed her locker. "Fine, okay, I'll come." The girls squealed. "But I can only stay until six, okay?"

Katie was already linking arms with her, Sadie on her other side. "Sure! We'll drive you home!"

The three climbed into Sadie's car, where the talking mingled with the music coming from the radio, which Katie had plugged her phone into.

Katie's walls were painted pink, and the white comforter on her bed was so thick and soft it almost looked like a cloud. "Do you guys want anything from the kitchen?"

Courtney sat down on the bed and began taking out her books. "I'd like some coffee, if you have any."

"I want coffee too!"

Katie nodded and left for downstairs, leaving Courtney alone with Sadie. Which was awkward, because while she wasn't close to either of the girls, she got on with Katie better. Sadie went quiet, so she guessed the feeling was mutual. She looked around the room, looking for something to make conversation with.

There were several posters of singers and bands on the walls. Courtney recognised Selena Quintanilla, One Direction and Little Mix among them. The desk by the window had been taken over by a sewing machine, pattern books and other sewing supplies.

"I didn't know Katie sowed."

"We both do. We make or alter a lot of our clothes", Sadie explained. She was laying down on the bed next to her. "That's how we always match. It's hard to find clothes that have both of our sizes, so..."

"That's really smart."

"Okayy, here's coffee!" Katie stepped through the doorway with a tray, which she set down on her nightstand. "I think we should start with math, just so we get it out of the way."

Courtney was worried that they would get distracted and not get any work done, but despite talking as they worked, they managed to finish all of their work, perhaps faster than Courtney would have done on her own.

When they were done, Katie put on some music and sat at her desk. She had brought a plate with cookies from downstairs. Courtney took a bite out of one while she checked her social media. Sadie was doing the same, and humming along to the music. The three weren't talking, but Courtney felt so relaxed. It really wasn't as bad as she thought it would be. The complete opposite, in fact.

"Katie, I was thinking we could use the fabric from the pantsuits to make rompers, or like a cute top and skirt combo."

The taller girl looked away from the shirt she was replacing a button on. "What? But the pantsuits turned out so well! And taking the stitches out is going to be such a pain."

"Well, yeah, but when are we going to wear them? Like, we literally just made them for the Student Council, and the fabric cost a lot!"

Courtney locked her phone and put it down. "I think Sadie has a good point."

Katie sighed, looking over at the open closet where the hot pink pant and suit jacket were visible. "A top and skirt in this color does sound nice. Oh my God, if we work quickly we could wear them to Geoff's next party."

Sadie looked somewhat satisfied before the prospect of a party distracted her. "He's throwing another one? When?"

Of course he was throwing another party. Geoff was the star quarterback of the school's football team, and his parties were infamous. He was easily the most popular person in school- everybody liked him, and he liked everyone. If he had thought to run for Student Council President, he could probably have given Courtney a run for her money.

"DJ told me that two weeks from now, his parents will be out of town. Oh!" A sudden idea hit her. She patted Courtney's knees to get her attention. "Court, you never come, we should all go together!"

"Oh my God, you totally should! You're like, friends with Bridgette, right? I'm sure she can get you an invite."

Geoff's girlfriend was in the volleyball team with Courtney. They sometimes talked in the hallways, and she liked the girl's laid back, yet grounded attitude. "Yes, we're friend...ish, I guess. But my parents would never let me go. And I have a curfew."

That didn't phase Katie. "You can just tell them you're having a sleepover at my house."

Her eyes widened. "Lie to them? I can't do that!"

She had never lied to her parents, not once. She had never disobeyed them, either.

"It wouldn't be a lie, we'd actually sleep over here after the party." Sadie grabbed a cookie from the plate. "Come on, it'll be so much fun."

"Yeah! Who knows, you might even meet someone."

"Oh, stop!" Sadie rolled her eyes at the suggestive look her best friend gave her. "She's hellbent on finding me the perfect girlfriend." She explained to Courtney.

That made her smile. "That's sweet."

"Do you have your eye on anyone, Court?"

She thought back to Alejandro, the charming exchange student who was too much of a flirt and a sweet-talker for her liking. Then to Duncan, which her recoil- she would die if anyone knew she had ever been attracted to him. Finally they landed on the red-haired boy from shop class that had been so helpful during the bake sale. Just a few days before, she had opened her locker to find someone had slipped a daisy inside through the slits at the top. It was a little damaged from having to fit through such a small opening. She had turned around to see who it might have been, and he was watching her from the other side of the hall. When she caught his eye, he blushed as red as his hair then walked away as quickly as he could.

"Please don't tell anyone."

The girls squealed. "No, of course not!"

"Promise!" Katie offered her pinkie finger, and Sadie imitated her. Courtney pinkie swore with both of them, a giddy smile forming on her face.

"Okay, you know Scott? He built the food stands for the bake sale. Tall, ginger hair, a year below us."

"Oh my God! He totally did that because he likes you. I saw how he looked at you when you thanked him."

"Actually..." She told them about the daisy. The girls squealed again, and Katie reached down to squeeze Courtney's hands.

"That's so sweet!"

"Oh my God, that's so cute!"

"You guys think? I know I can come off a bit strong sometimes. He probably thinks I'm the annoying Student Council chick."

Sadie shook her head. "Why wouldn't he like you? You're, like, super smart, and super pretty too! And some guys like girls with strong personalities."

"Yeah, you're gorgeous. He totally likes you back. He'll probably be at the party, you know. He hangs a lot with Duncan, and Duncan and Geoff are super close."

Courtney cringed inwardly at the mention of the school's resident bad boy, but the idea of going to the party was getting more and more appealing. She could picture herself dancing with the girls, and maybe Bridgette too. Letting loose for once. Feeling as happy as she was feeling now. Maybe she could find Scott and talk to him.

She had been so wrong about these girls- not that she'd ever say it aloud. They weren't vapid, or stupid. They were geninuely kind and skilled.

"You know what?" She said, "the sleepover sounds like a good idea."

#springtime swap #td writers #my writing #td katie #td sadie #td courtney

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buckysmischief · 4 years

Text

wish you were here, part 1

Scott Lang x reader

Word Count: 2.5k

Summary: Falling in love with someone who lives one the other side of the country is a bitch, but can you make it work?

Warnings: language, long distance, a little angst, fluff

Prompt: Internet friends to lovers

AN: This is for @flowerymoonlight ‘s challenge 💙 also thank you to @saundrasays & @jillybeaner13 for reading over this part for me, I owe you both 💚

I will not be doing a taglist for this mini series

Masterlist | Series Masterlist

“Are you sure Sam won’t mind?” Friday’s were date nights for him and Wanda, so when she called that morning and invited you to dinner, you got suspicious. It had been almost a year since your ex found himself a new girlfriend and as your best friend, Wanda had made it her mission to keep your mind off of him - he was a coward and didn’t deserve anymore of your tears. You came home one day and all his belongings, and the huge flat screen that you paid for, were gone. You thought someone had broken in until you found a note in his hand writing that just read “sorry”.

“Date night got moved, he’s got a “business” call with his friend in an hour. It’s fine, really, ask him yourself.” she gestured to the front door of their apartment, Sam walking in seconds later. “Babe, tell YN that date night is cancelled.”

“Hi honey, my day was amazing, thanks for asking.” he said, following it with a kiss so she knew he was messing with her. “Yeah, a buddy of mine in California works in security and he sent us this new system and I have no idea how to work it. I figured with the time difference and our attention spans it would be better to move date night to tomorrow.” Sam didn’t bring up this friend often, you didn’t even know his name, but you were definitely curious.

While Sam cleaned up, you helped Wanda by setting the table. She insisted on doing all the cooking and you learned to just let her have it. It wasn’t long before the three of you were sitting around the dinner table, laughing over empty plates. Being around Wanda and Sam was always refreshing, the mood was always light and the conversation always flowed from one thing to another so naturally. Before any of you knew it, Sam was getting a FaceTime call, “SCOTT! Your friend's name is Scott! Ha!” Sam laughed at your excitement as he walked into his office to answer the call.

Instead of going home, Wanda poured you a glass of wine and decided you were staying, something about Sam always losing track of time when it came to Scott. You were looking through their collection of DVDs when you found an oldie but goodie, Jawbreaker. By the time it started playing, Wanda was back with snacks and blankets.

The movie wasn’t on for long before you had to go to the bathroom, Courtney was being a bitch again so you didn’t worry about missing the rest of the scene. As you were washing your hands, though, you thought you heard your name. You turned off the water and was about to brush it off when you heard it again… coming from Sam’s office?

After sneaking out of the bathroom and down the hall, you found yourself standing to the side of the half opened door, trying to figure out why your name would be brought up by either of them. You were just about to forget about it until you heard it again, “I just don’t think YN would be up for it..”

“Be up for what?” you bursted through the door, causing Sam to throw his phone across the room, coincidently, at your feet. Sam knew he wouldn’t get to it before you, so you quickly grabbed it up and bolted to the living room. “Oh look,” you smiled at the stranger on the phone, “he has a name and a face to match.”

“Ahh, you must be YN. Sam said you were a fallen angel, now I know why.” He was cute, funny, and definitely just winked at you.

“That’s not - I said she was the devil, and THIS is why! Who just bursts into rooms and takes their friends' phones!?” He was still chasing you through the apartment, meanwhile Wanda was laughing so hard on the couch she was almost in tears.

“Awww Sammy, you talk about me?? That- that’s so sweet!” you laugh, trying to dodge the pillows Sam is hurdling your way. He finally pelts one right at your head, causing you to drop his phone. You tried grabbing it, but Sam was faster, “YN, I love you to death, but I will body slam you into the couch the next time you make me chase you ever again.”

“That’s fine, I got what I wanted.” with a smug look on your face, you walked back to your spot on the couch to finish the movie.

Later that night after Wanda and Sam were asleep, you were still up scrolling through different apps when you got a few interesting Twitter notifications.

It had been a few days since you and Scott “met”. You only had a few conversations after that, but this was the most you’ve put yourself out there in a long time and it felt good. Even if he was just a friend, you sensed he was going to be important.

For some reason though, Sam still wasn’t super excited with how close you were getting. “I mean, I love Sam dearly, but he’s not the friend police.” Wanda only gave a shrug before opening her apartment door to the sound of Sam talking to someone on the phone.

“Hey babe,” she whispers, kissing him on the cheek, “who's that?”

Before he could even answer you heard the laugh and knew it was Scott. “So, how is my first ex husband doing?” You tried getting a good look at his screen, but he kept it far from your reach. “You wish, he won't be your ex anything if I have anything to say about it!”

From Sam’s phone you could hear Scott laugh hard before replying, “Aw, Sam, that’s so sweet. We’re not even dating yet and you’re already fighting for us to make it. That's the best man energy I’m looking for.” Scott’s laugh was cut off by Sam ending the call, refusing to play along with whatever that was.

“How close are you two exactly?” Sam has always treated you like a little sister, but ever since Quill left it’s only gotten worse. He felt responsible since he introduced you, but there was no way he could have known that Quill was the biggest asshole in the galaxy. “Because when he asked about you, he called you his “future wife” so what kind of coincidence is that??”

Wanda rolled her eyes, knowing exactly where this was headed. “Babe, relax. They haven't talked that much. But, just thinking out loud...” she paused, “they do have a lot in common..”

“What are you getting at?”

“Nothing, It- it’s a shame he lives on the other side of the country because I think you two would be the perfect couple, but that doesn’t mean you two shouldn’t be friends.” She’d always been able to know what you were thinking without you even telling her, Scott was funny and cute and she was right, if he lived in NYC he’s definitely the type of guy you’d try to date. But he didn’t, and that’s okay.

As you got to know Scott better though, you learned that he was more than just the “funny” one. He was ridiculously smart and clever, more than he gave himself credit for. When he told you that he spent a few years in prison you didn’t believe him, he ended up just sending a picture of his mugshot and links to articles about the trial. Sam was surprised to find out you knew, it wasn’t information Scott just confessed to everyone.

“How did it even get brought up?”

“We were playing 21 questions and I asked him what the most trouble he ever got in, when he first told me I thought he was kidding but after he sent proof I was shocked.” Scott was worried that you’d look at him differently, but if anything it made you respect him more. It also meant that he trusted you, and you should trust him too.

It wasn’t long before you realized you were catching real feelings for him, and Wanda was right, a long distance relationship just wasn’t something you could do right now. You should have seen it coming, prevented it even. Staying up on the phone all night, texting him before Wanda when something random happens, the good morning/ goodnight texts.. You even told him about Quill, turns out Scott knew who he was, vowing to give Sam hell for introducing you to “that asshole” instead of him.

“Oh, so you think you’d be a better boyfriend?”

“There’s only one way to find out.” He became very flirtatious recently and you secretly loved it. Of course, you’d never let him know it.

“How’s a guy like you single, anyway?”

“It’s a funny story actually..” there was a strain in his voice that made you want to tell him he didn’t have to answer, but his tone told you that this was something he needed so say. “I was engaged to a woman, Hope, for almost two years. One day I saw a text from her boss and in one message I found out all the business trips they were taking were actually for pleasure, if you know what I mean.”

“Oh, Scotty..”

“No, don’t feel bad. That was almost a year and a half ago, I’m more than over it. I just don’t trust as easily anymore.” As he changed the topic to something more light, you thought about what Sam had said before, how Scott told you things he doesn’t normally tell other people. For a second, you almost let yourself think that he might have some kind of feelings for you, too.

“So, what’s the plan again?” Wanda had insisted Sam’s birthday party be a surprise this year, even throwing it the weekend before his actual birthday so he wouldn’t suspect.

“If you’d stop texting Scott for two seconds you’d remember.”

“Bucky and Steve are taking him out to do whatever his heart desires, while we’re here getting ready. The food should be here in like, two hours, so we’ve got plenty of time. I told Steve they’re not allowed back before 7pm and that I’d text him when we’re done just to be safe. The slackers will show up whenever they please, I guess.”

By slackers she meant Pietro and Clint, they showed up just in time to help lay out the food. They definitely didn’t sample everything they put their hands on, that would be rude. Well, at least they brought alcohol.

Wanda finally texted Steve that everything was ready and not even 10 minutes later they were walking through the door. Sam was greeted to a loud “surprise” from everyone in the room and was quickly prepared to catch Wanda, who threw herself into his arms. It wasn’t until Bucky and Steve fully entered the apartment that you realized there was someone else with them.

“Scott?” As he made his way to you, time felt as if it were slowing down all around you. As silly as it sounds, you never thought you’d actually meet him, or maybe you just didn’t allow yourself to. It didn’t matter though, did it? Here he was, the man you’ve been falling for for months now, standing right in front of you like he had in so many of your dreams. “Is this real?”

Before he could explain, Wanda beat him to it, “I texted him a few weeks ago to see if he wanted to come out, he agreed on the condition it would be a surprise to everyone. He got in last night.”

“A whole day, Scott Lang. You’ve been in the city a whole day!? You were texting me the whole time!” He scooped you up in his arms for a hug, and when he put you down you immediately wished he didn’t.

“The look on your face was definitely worth it.” You’ve seen his smile a hundred times, but none compared to how contagious it was in person.

After that, he never left your side. At first you felt bad because he was Sam’s friend and he was only here because it was Sam’s birthday, but he told you that they just spent the last eight hours together and you didn’t feel as bad. “Besides, I’ll be here a week,” he quickly scanned the room to make sure no one was watching and began to whisper in your ear - it was soft, and deeper than you’ve heard before, “that’s plenty of time to get to know eachother better.”

Blushing, you playfully slap him on the chest and go to refill your drink. You thought it’d be a good idea to double the amount of alcohol that was already in the glass, but quickly decided against it and went for soda instead. There was no way you were going to turn into a drunk idiot in front of him, no way.

“So, do you like your surprise?” Wanda said. With Scott flirting teasing you, you almost forgot this was all her doing.

“Could have given me a warning, Wands..”

“I did, I told you to wear those shoes with that dress.” She pointed to the simple black heels you were wearing that went perfectly with the black dress that was just hanging in the back of your closet. The top was black lace, while the bottom half was silky and flared out. At first you wondered why you were getting so dressed up when you weren’t even leaving the apartment, but brushed it off when she told you it matched the dress code she gave to everyone.

“He’s leaving in a week, what am I supposed to do, seduce him into staying?”

“No,” she laughed, “but don’t ignore your feelings. Everyone knows he likes you too.”

“You’ll never stop meddling, will you?”

“Never.”

“Glad we cleared that up.”

She then wished you good luck and went off to find Sam, but as the night went on her words never left your mind. It had been a long time since you let the thought of Scott liking you back cross your mind, but now with your best friend telling you that he in fact does…

“Whatcha thinking about?” Green eyes and the smell of mint flooded your senses and every thought was lost.

“Nothing important. So, what are you actually doing while you’re here? I’m sure Sam is excited.” There was no harm in testing the waters, right?

“He is, but I was being serious before, I want to get to know you better.”

“The only person who knows me better than you is Wanda, and she knows me better than I do.” He began laughing, and just like his smile, it was even better in person.

“That’s all true, but I have two options for you: take advantage of the time that I’m here, or come back to San Francisco with me for a few days. Or both, I’d be more than okay with both.”

“I’m sure you would, but let’s take it slow? Lunch tomorrow?”

“It’s a date,” he smirked, “right now though you should come listen to the embarrassing story of Sam I’m about to tell.”

Permanent tags (49/50): @sociallyeneptbarnes @hopesbarnes @saturn-aka-six @stuckonjbbarnes @superavengerpotterstar @estillion14 @sleepingspacedragon @geeksareunique @infj-slytherclaw @imsoft-barnes @piper-koko-barnes-rogers @murdermornings @distractedgemini @screaming-fridge @readeity @whatinthyworld @my-drowning-in-time @valkyriesryde @starbxcks @buggy-blogs @hey-its-grey @pinknerdpanda @brokenthelovely @theannoyingnightmarecollector @death-unbecomes-you @rhymesmenagerie @ptrprkrss @sweetkingdomstarlight-blog @mushyjellybeans @https-bucky @also-fangirlinsweden @goalexis123 @missmeganrachel @sunflowersandcherry @miraclesoflove @matsumama @reann-loves-sebstan @thinkoutsidethebex @thefridgeismybestie @niall2017 @maddope @imagine-all-the-imagines @thummbelina @m3ga1nsp1r3d @starspangledseb @thebadassbitchqueen @king-seb @nerdy-bookworm-1998 @bonkyboinkybucky

#celebratinguswriters #scott lang x reader #scott lang imagine #social media au #mcu fanfic #marvel #wish you were here #fluff #angst #pining #internet friends to lovers

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spine-buster · 4 years

Text

The President Wears Prada (William Nylander) | Chapter 6

A/N: Thanks for all the love. Black Lives Matter. I stand with those who are actively dismantling racist attitudes, behaviours, and systems, and want to remind you that you are always welcome on my blog.

October 31st, 2019

Aberdeen Bloom was dressing up.

Her hair, long and wavy and a bit frizzy on its own (thanks dad) was now teased, crimped, and made purposely frizzy. She outfitted herself in a blazer embroidered with poppies, leaves, and other floral insignia, a pair of 1970s style black pants, and a ridiculously ruffled shirt. She looked over at Kasha, whose own hair was curled and crimped then teased, a pair of skin tight light wash jeans, a plain tank top, and a Japanese cherry blossom-printed kimono-style cardigan left loose but tied around her waist.

They were Jimmy Page and Robert Plant of Led Zeppelin. And they were going to the Leafs’ Halloween party willingly dressed like this.

The purchase of the exact replica blazer embroidered with the poppies was probably one of the most ludicrous purchases Aberdeen had made in her life, but she now had a Halloween costume for life. It wasn’t exactly her parents’ proudest moment, but they made explicitly clear growing up that any money she made was her money and she was free to do with it whatever she wanted. Did that mean buy an exact replica Jimmy Page blazer? Probably not. But Aberdeen didn’t hear it that way. All she had to do for the rest of her life was find a friend or partner (or three friends or partners) to be the rest of the band. That proved harder than she thought.

“I can’t believe you’re bringing me to a party with the Toronto Maple Leafs,” Kasha said as she layered some mascara onto her lashes in front of the full-length mirror in her room.

“I can’t believe you agreed,” Aberdeen said, applying her own mascara as she sat on the floor in front of the same mirror.

“Hey, I only agreed for an hour,” Kasha reminded her. “Then Evan’s picking me up and we’re going to his friend’s house party.”

Aberdeen didn’t want to think about the fact that Kasha would have to leave her alone with the Leafs after only an hour. She should be thankful that Kasha was coming in the first place. “What does Evan think of your costume?”

Kasha chuckled slightly. “He dressed up as John Bonham. Fake moustache and everything.”

Aberdeen swooned. “That boy is in love with you,” she said. Kasha stayed silent. “But why doesn’t anybody ever want to be John Paul Jones?”

“Oh, one of his friends is being John Paul Jones.”

Aberdeen almost poked her eye out with her mascara wand. “Okay, can I come to your party instead? You guys obviously need a guitarist.”

“Um, no. It’s not every day that someone gets invited to a Leafs party,” Kasha said, a devilish look on her face. “Besides, I bet Will is looking forward to seeing you.”

Now Aberdeen rolled her eyes. “Stop.”

“No way. Do you know what he’s dressing up as?”

“No idea.”

“Maybe he’ll dress up as John Paul Jones. He’s definitely got the hair for it.”

Aberdeen laughed. “I don’t think he even knows who Led Zeppelin is.”

“I barely know who Led Zeppelin is,” Kasha quipped, making Aberdeen laugh. “The only reason I know is because of you and your dad.”

“And thank God for that.”

***

“Aberdeen! You made it!” Travis Dermott greeted her at the door dressed up in a unicorn onesie. He didn’t move to hug her but he gave her a very obvious up-down to take in her costume. “Are you supposed to be the seventies?” he asked.

“Jimmy Page,” she pointed at herself, then moved to point to Kasha, “and Robert Plant. From Led Zeppelin.”

“Well, rock on baby,” he smiled. “And this is…?”

“This is Kasha, my roommate. Kasha, this is Travis Dermott.”

He led them further inside the venue, The Burroughes, before introducing them to his girlfriend, Kat, dressed in a matching unicorn onesie. Zach Hyman came up to them as well, introducing his wife Alannah. They were dressed up as characters from Stranger Things, which Kasha got a kick out of. Morgan and Bee came to say hi too – Bee was dressed up like Bruce Springsteen, and Morgan as Courtney Cox from the ‘Dancing in the Dark’ music video. Aberdeen got a kick out of that.

“Where’s Jason?” she asked Morgan as he led them to the bar, looking around for him. He was the one who invited her to be here, after all. She thought he’d be running up to her to say hello.

“Jason’s trick-or-treating with his kids. Where else would he be?”

Her face dropped. That little bastard. He invited her to the Halloween party and then didn’t even bother to show up. She thought for sure he’d take delight in watching her squirm the whole night and interact awkwardly with the team. “Oh, that’s nice. He was the one who invited me.”

Morgan smiled. “He was the messenger,” he said, almost underneath his breath. She saw Bee try to discreetly elbow him.

“What does that mean?”

“What are you ladies having to drink?” Bee asked, changing the subject completely. “Everything’s on the house.”

Aberdeen ordered a gin and tonic while Kasha ordered a Tom Collins. A few more of the guys and their girlfriends came up to say hi, confused by their costumes until she explained them. Their costumes were much cuter, much more couple-y, like Alex Kerfoot and his girlfriend, who dressed up as Curious George and The Man in the Yellow Hat, or Mitch Marner and his girlfriend Steph, who dressed up as Fred and Daphne from Scooby Doo. Even Nic Petan and Frederick Gauthier dressed up as Holmes and Watson. Bee soon started chatting up with Kasha, which left Aberdeen sipping on her drink and vulnerable to Auston Matthews seeing her approaching her.

“I must say, I think you’re the only person in the world who would get invited to the Leafs’ Halloween party and not dress up in something provocative,” Auston said, a drink already in his hand.

She knew Auston was Auston, but she still rolled her eyes. “I work with you people. We have to see each other tomorrow.”

“And you’re not trying to impress anybody?”

“No!” It was the most ridiculous notion in the world. Most of them were married or in long-term relationships. Plus, she was an employee. Did he not read the MLSE Employee Handbook? “In case you forgot I work for Brendan Shanahan. You know, the president?”

“Whatever,” he rolled his eyes playfully at her. “What are you supposed to be, anyway?”

“I’m Jimmy Page,” she said like it was the most obvious thing in the world. It should have been, since he was dressed up as Freddie Mercury. She assumed he would know his rock stars if he dressed up like Freddie Mercury.

“Who’s that?”

“Led Zep—you know what, never mind,” she shook her head, trying not to laugh. “Maybe I should have dressed up like Justin Bieber. Then you’d know.”

“Is there something going on between you and Willy?” he asked suddenly.

Aberdeen practically spit out her drink. Was he already drunk? “No,” she said firmly. “Why would you think that?”

“I don’t know,” Auston shrugged his shoulders. “He’s always just kinda looking at you. And when Kappy hit you in the face with the soccer ball…he was so red afterwards from being so angry I thought he was gonna murder Kappy.”

Aberdeen got defensive. She couldn’t help it. “Well, there’s nothing going on. I don’t know why you would even think that.”

“I think he’s got the hots for you,” he tried to provoke her.

“Oh, shut it, Auston,” she said. “You’re just trying to get a rise out of me. I’m just trying to do my job here. What Willy does or does not feel is none of my business.”

As if on cue, William appeared behind Auston, dressed as Batman. So stereotypical. She wondered who was his Robin. For a brief second, she wondered if he brought a girl. “What’s none of your business?” he asked, throwing an arm around Auston but looking directly at her.

“What Kyle Dubas’s coffee order is,” Aberdeen thought on her feet, answering quickly. “He’s got Peter for that. Although I think he’s partial to a latte.”

She could see William giving her an up-down and briefly got self-conscious. “Are you a rock star or something?”

“Jimmy Page.”

“Who’s that?”

Aberdeen rolled her eyes as Auston laughed out loud, turning to walk away to find someone better to talk to. She felt a rush of blood flood her cheeks as William continued to look at her. Kasha was still talking with Bee, and she wished to God either one of them would pull her into their conversation. But they didn’t. So she was stuck with William. “Who’s your Robin?”

“Would have liked it to be you, but it’s Rasmus,” he said. It made her head spin. “Who’s your…I don’t know, partner?”

“Kasha, my roommate,” she pointed quickly to her. “She’s Robert Plant. The lead singer.”

“You got my texts that day, right?” he asked, changing the subject quickly like Auston had.

She gulped. “Yeah.”

“Why didn’t you text me back?”

“Did I have to?” she asked.

William shrugged his shoulders. “Would have been nice.”

“How’d you even get my number?” she asked.

He smiled. “Don’t worry about it.” He looked down at her drink. “Cucumber mule?”

“Gin and tonic.”

“Ah, that’s right,” he smiled. “You’re more of a gin girl, right minskatt?”

Her heart fluttered in her chest at those words. My treasure. My treasure. She’d told Kasha about it and Kasha almost teared up. “Don’t call me that.”

“Don’t call you that?”

“At least not here. Not in front of everybody.”

“So I can call you that when we’re alone?” he countered.

He was really dead set on making her heart fluttered out of her chest. “When are we ever alone?” she asked, looking around the room at the team that surrounded them.

“We can find time,” he said. “At least I will.”

“Aberdeeeeeeeeen!” she finally heard Kasha’s voice call out her name, tugging on the elbow of her blazer. “Aberdeen, you have to see how cute Bee’s cat Bruce is! Oh my God, he and Minerva can be best friends!” When Kasha noticed Aberdeen wasn’t moving, too busy staring at William still, she looked at him. He looked just as she remembered him from that night in June. Blonde hair, blue eyes. A total dreamboat. A total hottie. What she should have done is pat Aberdeen on the back for landing him. “Hi, I’m Kasha,” she extended her hand to shake his. “I’m Aberdeen’s roommate and best friend.”

“Nice to meet you Kasha,” he shook her hand, taking his eyes off Aberdeen momentarily. “So, roommates, huh?”

“Mhm,” Kasha looked at him knowingly.

“Here’s Bruce!” Bee intervened, bringing her phone up to Aberdeen’s face. “Kasha tells me you have a grey ragdoll? That is adorable.”

***

Kasha was too good a girl to break her promise to Evan, so over an hour into the party, she told Aberdeen he was here and she had to leave. They had spent the first half of their time talking to William, who wouldn’t leave Aberdeen’s side, and the second half talking to Bee, Aryne, and Alannah. But even when it was just the girls laughing and giggling, ordering drink after drink, whenever Aberdeen’s eyes left any of the women’s, she found William somewhere in the room staring at her.

As Kasha hugged Aberdeen goodbye, Kasha held her in place to whisper in her ear. “Okay, but listen. He’s so sweet. And he said he wants you, Aberdeen.” When she pulled away, her eyes flashed and she nodded slightly, signalling that William was probably coming back.

“Kasha, don’t leave.”

“Evan’s waiting.”

“Kasha, if he’s coming, please don’t leave.”

“Leaving so soon?” Aberdeen heard William’s voice asked as he saw the two girls hugging.

“My boyfriend is here to pick me up. I’m going to another party,” she informed him.

“Boyfriend? Auston’s gonna be heartbroken,” he smiled as he hugged her goodbye.

“Tell Auston there’s no way he’s getting near her,” Aberdeen said immediately, skeeving at the thought of Auston hooking up with Kasha. Kasha would never, but still. There was only one fuck up that was going to hook up with a Maple Leaf, and that was Aberdeen.

“I’m sure I’ll be seeing you sometime soon,” William said to Kasha as they let go of their hug. Kasha raised her eyebrows at Aberdeen when she heard William’s words before turning on her heels and walking through the door.

When Aberdeen turned around, she saw Kasperi and his girlfriend Saylor, dressed as what looked like the twins from The Shining, approaching her and William. For a guy who apparently wanted alone time with her, tonight or otherwise, it looked like William wasn’t going to get it. “You must be Aberdeen,” Saylor said, smiling at her. “I’m Saylor.”

“It’s nice to meet you,” Aberdeen shook her hand politely, but smiled awkwardly.

Saylor grabbed her hand, leading her towards the bar. “We have so much to talk about.”

“We do?”

“Did you know my boyfriend and Will used to be roommates? Oh my God, it was a disaster.”

Saylor liked to talk. Aberdeen didn’t know whether to chalk it up to the fact that she was a bit drunk or that she just had a lot of information and gossip to tell, but she did about 95% of the talking throughout their “conversation”. Aberdeen would nod her head and laugh along at the stories Saylor would tell, but at the end of the day, they were just stories Kasperi told her of when he and Will lived together when they were like, nineteen. She wasn’t around then, and so these were just second-hand accounts.

It was 12:30 in the morning before Saylor stopped talking, and Aberdeen was finally able to realize she was tired and wanted to go home. Everybody was quick to take the group picture, and when they finished, she began saying goodbye to everybody. John and Aryne first, then Morgan and Bee, and then she saw that William was watching her give goodbye hugs and waves.

He made a beeline towards her, like if he didn’t get to her quick enough, she would disappear into thin air. “Are you leaving?” he asked.

“Yeah. I’m exhausted. Listening to Saylor took a lot out of me.”

“Can I walk you home?” William asked, his tone hinting on the side of desperate.

“Unnecessary.”

“Why not?”

“It’s only a twenty minute walk away,” Aberdeen explained.

“Are you joking? All the more reason,” he defied her.

“Will.”

“It’s late at night, it’s dark, and there are drunk people everywhere from Halloween parties—”

“—William—”

“—Who knows if one of them will scare you or throw up on you or God knows what on the way home…I wouldn’t feel right knowing you’re out there walking alone and—”

“If I say yes will you shut up?”

William smiled. Aberdeen rolled her eyes. “Let’s go.”

They left the The Burroughes rather inconspicuously, beginning their walk along Queen Street. If it was any other night, of course, they would have looked ridiculous – Robert Plant and Batman walking along the street together – but tonight nobody even gave them a second look. William kept looking over at her, though. The only pair of eyes on her.

“So, you and Kasperi used to live together?” she asked, trying not to feel awkward with his eyes on her as they walked down the street.

“Yeah,” William nodded his head. “He’s actually one of my best friends because of it.”

“Does he know?”

“No,” he answered automatically, shaking his head. “The only person that knows is my brother. I told you I wouldn’t tell anybody on the team. I don’t break my promises.” He was so soft spoken that Aberdeen felt bad for insinuating she wanted him to shut up not even five minutes ago. “Do any of your friends know?”

“Well, Kasha knows. She is my roommate,” she said, suddenly nervous. “And I told my sister Siena.”

“Are you guys close?” he asked.

Aberdeen nodded. “Kasha’s one of my best friends but Siena is my sister and my best friend. She’s the person I’m closest with in the whole world,” Aberdeen explained. “I know I can tell her anything. And I mean anything.”

“Sounds like me and my brother,” William smiled slightly. “He’s the person I trust most in the world.”

“Yeah. That’s Siena for me too.”

There was a moment of silence between them before William spoke up again. “I mean what I say, you know. I’m not going to tell a soul.”

“I believe you, Will,” she said, well, because she did. When she really thought about it, he gave her no reason to think otherwise. If he wanted to be vindictive, he would have told the entire team already, maybe even spoke to Brendan about it. But he didn’t.

“Why do you call me Will?” he asked.

“That’s how you introduced yourself to me,” she said.

“But you hear everyone else calls me Willy.”

“So? You introduced yourself to me as Will.”

He smiled at her again. “I like it. I like it a lot.”

She blushed again. She wished they had taken the streetcar because she didn’t want keep blushing in front of him because of his cute, stupid, adorable, dumb one-liners that made her swoon and his cute, stupid, adorable, dumb smile that made her swoon even harder. “So your brother. What does he do?” she asked.

“He plays hockey too.”

“Seriously?”

“Yeah,” he giggled. He thought she would have googled him by now. “He plays for Chicago.”

“That’s pretty cool. And then? I remember Kasperi mentioning in Newfoundland there’s three others or something?”

“There’s three girls after us,” he explained, loving that she remembered that from all the way back in September. “And my older half-sister before me. So it’s Michelle, me, Alex, Jacqueline, Stephanie, and Daniella.”

“Oh my God, there’s six of you?” she asked. William nodded. “God bless your parents,” she said, causing him to giggle again.

There was another moment of silence. Aberdeen didn’t know if it was her or William that had slowed down the walking pace, but she noticed. She wasn’t going as fast as she usually did. God, it was probably him. He clearly wanted to spend time with her. He left his entire team to walk her home (in a Batman costume) and now he wanted to elongate the experience as much as possible, regardless of how ridiculous they looked. He wanted to spend time with her. He found time and got her alone, like he said he would.

“Has Ethan done anything else I should yell at him for?” William suddenly asked, taking Aberdeen away from her thoughts.

“No no, don’t worry about it,” she said, shaking her head. He’d made some comments here and there, but again, she wasn’t going to let William know about it. The most annoying was that he kept referring to her as Girl Friday instead of her name.

“I told Mike about it, thinking that he’d say something to Brendan,” he explained. “He decided not to. But I can go to him if you want.”

“It’s fine Will, don’t worry,” she continued to shake her head. The absolute last thing she wanted to do was cause a ruckus with an established member of staff. “I know I’m like, the rookie around the office, and he’s just trying to test me. I get it.”

“That doesn’t make it right,” Will said strongly. “He still shouldn’t be doing that. Rookie or not.”

Aberdeen bit her lip. Clearly Will had a protective side that she hadn’t seen yet, and was only getting a small glimpse of now. “Did you get hazed when you joined the team?” she asked.

“If you count paying for an entire team’s meals and bar tab, then yeah. But that’s the extent of it nowadays. Harmless stuff,” he said. “Anything worse is just bullshit. Plus the media would pick up on it and it would become a shitshow.”

“Brendan tells me the media in Toronto is ridiculous,” she said.

“They are.”

He didn’t say anything else. Clearly, he didn’t want to talk about it. Maybe something had happened to him in the past and that’s why he didn’t like them. She didn’t really read about what they said about the team – she left that to Brendan. When she got home from work, she didn’t really want to think about work. She never googled articles about the team or anything like that. She wanted to keep that portion of her life separate from the one she lived outside of work.

She changed the subject, bringing it back to hockey and playing with Alex as they continued their walk home. He was much more upbeat talking about his close relationships with his siblings, particularly Alex. The endearing smile on his face couldn’t be missed – he clearly loved his family. When she spoke about Siena and Camden, there was a similar endearing smile on her face, too – one that William wished would never fade. He heard about the shenanigans she and Siena would get into as young kids, and she even recounted the day she went to the hospital to see Camden for the first time. She and Siena had to end up sharing a room so the baby could get his own.

Sometimes, their hands would brush against each other’s, and William would feel a jolt of electricity surging through his body.

They stopped outside her condo building. His smile was still on his face, as was hers. Their walk was nice. Their talk was really nice. Aberdeen held her breath. She didn’t expect to enjoy it so much. She looked him in the eye, and suddenly, her word vomit got the best of her. “You don’t regret that night, do you?” she asked before she even thought about what she was saying, or its implications.

“God no,” William said in less than a millisecond. The notion was absurd to him. “No. Never. Why would you even ask that, minskatt?”

She couldn’t think for a moment because he said that name. Again. “I don’t know…I just…”

He purposely reached forward slightly to brush his fingers against hers, like he was going to hold her hand. He could hear the breath hitch in her throat. “Don’t ever think that again,” he told her.

Aberdeen didn’t say anything. She couldn’t say anything. All she could do was look into his eyes. She was doing that a lot lately, apparently.

Then he moved closer.

And closer.

And looked down at her lips.

And licked his.

And then he leaned forward.

“Will…” she whispered, moving back slightly. He looked her in the eye. “We can’t, Will.”

He bit his lip, sighing. “I’m sorry. I know. Fuck, I’m sorry.”

“It’s alright.”

“You just…I can’t help myself sometimes when I’m around you,” he confessed.

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Exactly what you think it means,” he said, cocking his head to the side.

Aberdeen could only handle so much of William making her heart flutter in one night. She felt like she was going to develop heart palpitations if she stayed any longer. “I’m gonna go upstairs.”

“Aberdeen…” he said longingly.

“Goodnight,” she said, turning away from him.

“Aberdeeeeeeen…”

“Goodnight Willy,” she said as she looked at him over her shoulder, walking into her condo building.

William stood outside, watching until she disappeared down the hallway towards the elevators. He brought his fingers up to his lips, rubbing them gently as he chuckled to himself, turning on his heels as he walked down the street.

#william nylander #william nylander imagine #william nylander fic #william nylander fan fic #toronto maple leafs #toronto maple leafs imagine #toronto maple leafs fic #toronto maple leafs fan fic #nhl #nhl imagine #nhl fic #nhl fan fic #hockey #hockey imagine #hockey fic #hockey fan fic #the president wears prada series

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artificialqueens · 3 years

Text

Galactica, Chapter 41 (Group Fic) - TheDane/Veronica

A/N: Click here if you’re looking for previous chapters (or here if you’d rather read on AO3). 💫

Last Chapter: Halloween

This Chapter: Things look up for Violet but turn iffy for Adore.

***

Pearl swayed a little in her heels as Adore’s lips trailed down her neck. They were half-dressed at this point, making their way to Adore’s bedroom. Adore’s jacket and shirt had been discarded, leaving her in just a thin undershirt, suspenders dangling around her waist. Pearl’s skirt was around her ankles, sweater somewhere on the floor.

She stepped out of the skirt, a sharp inhale leaving her as Adore shoved her roughly up against a wall. Her hands threaded into Adore’s hair, which was up in a tight bun, and immediately began pulling it apart. She loved the whole butch look that Adore was rocking tonight, but she loved it even more when she got to unravel it. Pearl’s hand traveled along the wall, reaching for the door handle, finally pushing it open and pulling Adore into the bedroom.

“God, you’re so fucking hot,” Adore breathed, pushing Pearl onto the bed.

Pearl smirked, enjoying the desperate edge in her voice as her hands groped for her bra clasp, the unrefined way she clawed at her panties to yank them down. She spread her thighs, head falling backward, hand tangled into Adore’s hair to guide her along.

“I love your pussy,” Adore continued, lapping her up vigorously, fingers digging into her thighs. “You’re perfect, so perfect…”

Adore kept lavishing praise on her, and Pearl could feel her muscles tense. She tried to squeeze her eyes shut, to close it out and focus on the way her body was responding, but it quickly became impossible. She took a deep breath and rolled Adore over onto her back, thighs straddling her face.

“Stop talking.”

Adore panted up at her, surprise all over her face as her eyes went dark. “Are you gonna punish me?”

The way she just immediately folded, immediately ceded all power to Pearl, was even more intoxicating than if she’d been submissive all along.

“I should,” Pearl said hoarsely. She ran a finger along Adore’s bottom lip. “I should show you who’s boss.”

“Do it.” Adore trembled beneath her, gripping her thighs for dear life.

Pearl took hold of the headboard and lowered herself until her pussy was pressed up against Adore’s face, riding her slowly, dictating the pressure and pace, all the while watching the blissed-out expression in Adore’s eyes. By the time Pearl came with a satisfied groan, Adore’s panties, her usual boy-cut cotton briefs, were soaked through.

It was hard not to laugh. This was the same girl who, just hours earlier, had been manhandling her on the dance floor as if she were the king of the world. And now, all it took was a few swipes of Pearl’s thumb to reduce her to a whimpering, shaking mess.

“You like that?”

“B-baby, please,” Adore begged, pupils fully dilated, hands clutching at Pearl’s hair and shoulders. “I need to come, I need-”

“Shh, shhhh…” Pearl silenced her with a kiss, finally plunging her fingers inside to give her what she so desperately wanted, stroking her g-spot until she cried out, then continuing to play with her until she was wrung out, too weak to even lift her head.

Afterwards, Pearl sucked her fingers into her mouth with a satisfied grin, letting Adore curl against her as usual, wrapping her warm body into a sweaty embrace.

***

Sutan woke to the ever familiar scent of lavender, and the sensation of Violet’s hair up his nose.

He huffed, moving his face away, only to smile when Violet groaned, her hand coming up to grab his arm and pull him back down, forcing him to mold himself back against her back, the bed creaking underneath them.

Last night, they hadn’t returned to Sutan’s place as he had originally expected, instead, they had ended up in Violet’s apartment because Violet had insisted that she would die if she didn’t get pizza from a specific pizzeria near her building, and who was Sutan to argue with that?

“Morning gorgeous.” Sutan smiled, pressing a kiss against Violet’s shoulder, but the action only earned him another deep groan, Violet for once very clearly hungover. “Where is your bed frame?”

“Only rich people have bed frames.”

“Sure.” Sutan snorted, burrowing his face in Violet’s hair, pulling her against him.

It was strange to be in Violet’s bedroom, Sutan realizing last night with a flash of embarrassment that this was the first time he had been inside Violet’s apartment. He had picked her up from her building countless times, but they had always stayed at his, Sutan not even entertaining the idea that he should come up.

“Is there any leftover pizza?” Violet looked over her shoulder, a little bit of the mascara she hadn’t managed to get off smudged under her eye.

“You only had two slices.” Sutan had bought a pepperoni pizza for himself, Violet for some godforsaken reason going straight for pineapple and only pineapple. “I put it in your fridge.”

Sutan had never expected Violet to be someone who enjoyed cooking, but he had been shocked when he had opened her refrigerator last night, a bottle of carrot juice, a carton of almond milk and a half eaten takeaway salad all he had spotted in there.

“I’ll go get it.” Violet slipped out of bed, and Sutan couldn’t help but smile as she was wearing the tiniest pair of panties, her Hepburn jewels still around her neck since Sutan hadn’t been able to figure out the lock with a drunk and sleepy Violet in his arms.

Sutan sat up, running his hand through his hair as he looked around the bedroom, a tower of brown moving boxes in the corner. Violet’s clothes were all put away, two clothing racks holding dresses Sutan immediately recognized, but beyond the wardrobe, the room was strangely bare and devoid of personal touches.

“Huh.” Sutan bit his lip, getting out of bed. He grabbed his undershirt from the floor, cursing to himself when he realized that he didn’t have his reading glasses, using his phone without them a surefire way to feel like shit after a night out.

“Do you want coffee?” Sutan turned his head to see Violet standing in the door, now wrapped in a robe, a plate and a slice of pizza with missing bites in her hand. “I’m afraid I only have instant.”

“Instant is fine.” It wasn’t really, not when he was used to his top of the line espresso machine, but he wasn’t going to create a fuss. “Do you have anything that isn’t pineapple pizza?”

“I can make oatmeal?” Violet smiled, and he guessed that somewhat explained the strange lack of food in her fridge.

“How about I take us out for breakfast?”

***

“Raaaaaaaj,” Raven whispered, her lips right next to her fiancée's ear. “Wake up.”

They had come home from the party last night, Raja helping her out of her costume, the two of them falling into bed, drunk sex always a fucking treat, the feeling of Raja’s fake mustache against her inner thighs so strange they had both been hiccuping from laughter.

“Mmmh?”

“I’m hungry.” Raven smirked as she felt Raja’s hand travel up her back, the other woman finally awake.

“Make breakfast then.”

“I wanna go out.” Raven nuzzled her nose against Raja’s neck.

“You can starve for all that I care.”

Raven laughed. Grumpy Raja was one of her favorites, the whine in her voice one that never came out anywhere else, being allowed to see her like this, a treasure Raven guarded with her life.

“Please-” Raven nuzzled her face even closer against Raja’s neck, pressing kisses to the warm skin. “I want buttered croissants.”

“Mmh-” Raja hummed, her fingers finding the ends of her hair. Raven knew she wasn’t actually tempted by the promise of bread, Raja beyond annoying with how easy it was for her to not give in to culinary temptations.

“If you put some pants on, I can call for a car-”

“No can do buttercup.” Raja started petting her hair. “The moment I leave this bed, I have to work.”

“Seriously?” Raven sat up on her elbows, Raja actually opening her eyes now, a bit of glue still on her top lip. “Don’t look at my tits.”

“Sorry,” Raja smirked, her eyes still focused on Raven’s chest.

“You have to work? Again?” Raven wanted to throw a fit. It wasn’t a new thing that Raja worked on the weekends, it wasn't a new thing that she was constantly fighting for her attention, but this, this was a new low, both of them naked and hung over. “It’s Sunday?”

“The preparations for the Spring collection are right around the corner. You know people depend on me and Fame has unfortunately handed me a mug.”

Raven huffed, throwing herself back down on the bed, turning her back to Raja as she pulled the duvet under her chin.

“Princess-” Raven felt Raja curl around her back. “Don’t be upset.”

“And what about me? I depend on you too,” Raven grumbled, the words caught by the duvet, but Raja somehow still heard them.

“I know.” Raja peeled the duvet down, pressing a kiss against Raven’s shoulder blade. “How about we order in, eat in bed-”

“Hm?” Raven turned her head.

“And when I’m done with my very important job,” Raja smiled, her hand sneaking under the covers and settling on Raven’s hip. “I spend the very important money I make on buying very important things for our trip to Aspen?”

“Mmh,” Raven chewed her lip to keep the smile off of her face. “I guess that’s acceptable.”

***

“Ah, that hits the spot.”

Violet smiled to herself as she watched Sutan take the first sip of the double espresso he had ordered. They were sitting at a small cafe, Sutan actually cleaning up surprisingly nicely for the fact that he had only had his costume from last night at her place.

“Glad to see your craving could be satisfied.”

“Oh?” Sutan grinned, tapping his foot against hers underneath the table. “Do you really think you have room to be snarky, Miss Pineapple?”

Violet bit her lip, her cheeks heating up. She couldn’t exactly remember the entirety of last night after bumping into Courtney, Raven talking her into yet another round of shots, but she did remember Sutan’s hand on her back, did remember unlocking her door and whining when she couldn’t get her necklace off.

“Concentrate on your breakfast.”

Sutan laughed, trapping her foot between his own before he dug into his cinnamon French toast. Violet herself had opted for a sunnyside egg and a smoothie, the pizza slice she had devoured before Sutan was ready to leave sitting heavy in her stomach.

Sutan was chatting about last night, telling her a story about Detox, the two men surprisingly close for how different they were. Violet wasn’t truly listening, but it didn’t seem to matter, Sutan more than happy to just up the space.

“Lovely eyes-” Violet was pulled out of her thoughts, the man watching her with his brown eyes. “You’re tapping along with the music.”

Sutan was pointing with his fork, and Violet looked down at her fingers, her almond-shaped nails tapping on table.

“Huh…” Violet hadn’t even noticed, hadn’t even listened to the music, but now that she was aware, she could hear the notes of Waltz of the Flowers, the cafe for some reason playing Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker. The music was such an ingrained part of who she was, the ballet one she had danced every December since she was 6 years old. “I’m sorry.”

“Bringing back memories?” Sutan smirked, a kind look in his eyes, but Violet felt her entire body run cold.

“Yes.” It did bring back memories, the sensation of leg warmers and sitting on hard dance floors, of chewy protein bars and being soaked in sweat, of the unbelievable satisfaction when a move was finally executed just right and she could collapse in exhaustion. “But how-”

“Did I know?” Sutan put his fork down, clearly beyond pleased with himself.

“Yes.”

Violet hadn’t told anyone in her new life that her first career had been as a dancer at the New York City Ballet, that she had been a soloist on the track for principal before her life had changed forever at 17.

“I’m a modeling agent, lovely eyes.” Sutan took his coffee cup. “I can spot a dancer from a mile away, and everything about your posture tells me that you have done ballet at some point.”

“Ah.” Violet nodded, a rush of relief coursing through her. Sutan didn’t know, hadn’t truly guessed who she used to be. “You got me.”

“What can I say,” Sutan grinned, putting his cup to his lips. “I’m the best.”

She’d tell him one day, tell him her entire story, but that day wasn’t going to be today.

***

When Violet had first started in design, she had wondered why they had several couches scattered around the room. It had started to make sense as she had seen just how social her new coworkers were, the furniture often taken up by people talking, working or even napping.

Violet had never used the couches before today, her desk and her desk chair all she needed, but while Trixie was upstairs for the department head meeting discussing the Spring line, she had figured that it was time to test out if Trixie was actually serious about wanting them to relax.

Which was why she was on the couch, attempting to pass the time while she waited anxiously for Trixie to return.

It felt incredibly weird not to be in the boardroom, to not be standing against the wall taking notes as Fame and Raja presented the new concepts for the collections, Violet’s spine itching with annoyance over the fact that she wasn’t there.

She had considered texting Courtney, but she wasn’t sure Courtney could actually tell her anything interesting, the blonde incredibly talented at hearing but not listening, so instead, Violet had brought her backlog of magazines with her to work.

Violet had started collecting fashion magazines at 17. At first, she had only read American Vogue, but as she had started to get more and more into fashion, her monthly collection had started to grow.

Now, she bought American Vogue, British Vogue, French Vogue, Italian Vogue, Marie Claire, Harper's Bazaar and French and American Elle, her preferred newsstand knowing her by sight.

Violet knew that she could look online for fashion inspiration, knew that it was what everyone around her did, but she had always preferred either print or watching the real people of New York walk by.

Violet wasn’t sure what she was looking for, but as she flipped through the pages, she knew she’d find it sooner or later, at least one of the spots in the Spring collection belonging to her, even if she had to fight for it. Violet almost rolled her eyes as she revealed yet another page of british street style, the fabrics and cuts absolutely horrendous.

Every time the door opened, she would sit up straighter, thinking it was Trixie back with news. After 3 or 4 excruciating false alarms, he finally returned, smiling at the designers, knowing they were all on pins and needles at this point.

“Attention Team! This is not a drill!” Trixie joked. “Everyone meet me in the conference room in 5 minutes for an update on the Spring collection!”

Violet stood up immediately, hurrying directly to the conference room with her notebook, excited to hear the news. Trixie was busy sticking a handful of reference photos onto the whiteboard: A ceramic cup, an egret, a skyline of what looked to be a coastal village somewhere in Turkey, a wheat field at sunrise, a collection of fabric samples stapled together into little booklets the designers could take with them to their desks.

Apparently, this year, Fame wanted a light and breezy Spring collection. Functional and elegant with a touch of whimsy. The color palette was true Galactica: dove grey, cream, straw, ivory flecked with gold, very sparing accents of delicate pink and dusty lilac.

Violet’s mind raced with ideas of ways to manipulate silk so that it rustled and and fluttered beautifully on the runway. Of clean, beautiful lines: crisp linens and soft, feathery edges. Her fingers itched with excitement to get started as she carefully wrote down their deadlines: Thursday to turn in sketches for the in-store prêt-à-porter collection, and the following Thursday for the opening and closing runway pieces.

She knew, of course, that Alexis, Jovan, Gia, April and Maxwell had guaranteed spots in the collection, that group of designers the defining factors in the current Galactica style. She was also well aware that as a new designer, she would be doing foundation pieces.

She would be expected to pay her dues and make sure her collection pieces supported whatever final direction the senior staff chose, but Violet had never been a settler, and she was going to give being in the collection her best shot.

***

Adore sighed happily, swaying to the pounding bass of the house music, surrounded by a sea of sweaty club goers. She and her band had just played an electrifying late-night gig and she was still high on the adrenaline.

She loved being out, loved showing people why her and her band were the next big thing, but the best part of the night was that Pearl was there, had been right there in the front of the crowd cheering her on.

“Hey…” Aja came up to her, a look of concern creasing their brow, Aja’s outfit for the night a light blue latex number.

“What’s up, baby?” Adore asked, pressing a kiss to Aja’s cheek, wrapping her arms around their waist. They’d known each other since Adore first moved to New York to live with Bianca, almost 10 years ago, had been classmates at the performing arts high school along with the rest of her bandmates.

“Uh, it’s just… Dahlia is being a bit of a thot and Pearl looks… Into it…” Aja bit their lip.

Adore turned to look where Aja was gesturing, saw her friend and bass player sitting perched on a stool, back arched, plaid shirt almost entirely unbuttoned and slipping off one shoulder. Pearl stood close to her… Maybe a little closer than needed, a beer in her hand as she chatted her up. There was a bored, almost challenging look on Dahlia’s face as Pearl spoke, and the whole thing set Adore’s teeth on edge.

“Well…” Adore swallowed, fighting her impulse to march over and pull them apart, fixing a nonchalant expression on her face as she turned back to Aja, “They’re both big flirts. So what?”

“So, I don’t know if I’d be cool with it. I’m shocked you are.”

“There’s no reason for me to be a jealous bitch. I knew that Pearl was like that when we got together, so how could expect her to change? And anyway, she’s coming home with me, not Dahlia,” Adore said.

“You sure about that?” Aja asked.

Adore’s eyes narrowed, shooting a nasty look at her long-time friend, who laughed.

“Alright, alright. I didn’t realize that you were so chill.”

“I’m the chillest,” Adore said, taking a sip of her cocktail. But whether she was trying to convince herself or Aja, she wasn’t totally sure.

“So can I buy you a drink?”

“You can fuck off,” came the sneering reply.

“Oof,” Pearl smiled, resting her head on her hand, her elbow placed on the bar. “Kitty got claws. What got you in such a mood?”

“The company.”

There was something strangely familiar about Dahlia, but Pearl was 99% sure she hadn’t had sex with her before. She’d given up trying to place her, instead just enjoying her ice queen vibe. “I don’t think you mind my company all.”

“Don’t I?” Dahlia raised an eyebrow, her plump lips pursed, her beautiful face the picture of disinterest, but Pearl had caught her eyes flickering to her arm, had seen her notice exactly how strong Pearl was in the places where it was needed.

“I know women.”

Dahlia was hot as sin, everything about her soft and delicate, her dark hair styled in careful silky curls, the freckles on her shoulder the most delicious tease, the garterbelt that poked out from under her denim shorts promising Pearl that she’d find mouth-watering lingerie underneath Dahlia’s clothes if she ever got that far.

“I’m sure you do.”

“I could show you?”

“No.”

Pearl had to bite her lip to swallow a moan. There was something about her hyper femininity, something about how she was just a little bit mean, Dahlia radiating a promise of pink pillows, cherry chapstick and fruit scented shampoo that Pearl hadn’t even realized she was missing so fiercely it made her nipples tighten.

“Also,” Dahlia looked over her shoulder. “Your girlfriend is right over there.”

Shit.

***

Violet walked out of the elevator, a cup of steaming hot coffee and a banana in her hand. It was a little after 8--security had finally realized that her company card opened every door and locked her out, but she could still make her way to the design floor without a hitch.

Violet had come directly from the gym, her hair in a ponytail and still damp from her shower, the shoes on her feet running shoes instead of the heels she normally wore. She’d had this routine for awhile now--getting to the office early to do her makeup and hair in the big, clean Galactica bathrooms where, unlike the gym, she didn’t have to fight for mirror space, smile at strangers, or pretend to be interested in small talk. She’d have time to finish her routine and settle in to work just as the other designers began trickling in.

Today though, as she opened the big double doors to the design department, she was surprised at the sight that met her. It wasn’t one lone designer who’d arrived earlier than normal, or two people finishing a project, but rather, at least five of her colleagues sitting at their desks, busily working away already.

Violet had no idea why they were there, seeing so many of her coworkers this early honestly shocking. Thankfully, it didn’t seem like they had noticed her, so she made a beeline for the bathroom, vowing to herself that she’d get fully ready before coming into the office from now on, the risk of her coworkers seeing her as anything less than perfectly put together not one she was willing to take yet.

***

Maxwell stood by the printer, waiting for the sketches he had done on his iPad to come out. For years now, he’d been almost solely responsible for all of the business separates in the Galactica line, and it suited him just fine.

Over the years, he’d perfected the kind of crisply tailored and yet graceful and feminine lines that Miss Fame preferred, which had earned him her favor again and again and again.

When he’d seen the inspiration for the Spring collection, he was immediately flooded with ideas, and after almost 2 days of working, he was quite pleased with the sheer volume and range of choices he was going to present at the meeting, already imagining the pleased nod he’d get from the head of the company.

Violet appeared in the little printing alcove, doing a jump of surprise when she saw someone else in there. “Max, hi-”

“Sorry to scare you,” Maxwell smiled. “My job’s almost done,”

“Thanks,” Violet said, taking a step in, their elbow almost bumping against each other as she snug a peak at the printer. “Wow,” Violet turned her head, looking at Maxwell. “Are these your sketches? There’s so many already.”

“Well, you know Fame and Raja. They like to have options. ” Maxwell grinned, knowing that if anyone did know, it’d be Violet. “My technique with prêt-à-porter is to give them as many choices as possible, with lots of variation. Kind of ‘throw all the spaghetti at the wall and see what sticks’ approach, you know?”

Violet nodded, a very serious expression on her face as she listened.

“I started with a bunch of different suit options, and then I’ll use these to whip up all the other coordinating separates.”

“I just can’t believe that you’ve done so many in only 2 days,” Violet said, looking quite uncertain.

“You’re pretty fast yourself, so I wouldn’t worry.” Maxwell picked his sketches up. “Are you working on any for this week, or straight for the couture spots?”

“Yes.” Violet moved up, pressing on the printer to make it spit out her own sketches before she apparently realized that just yes wasn’t actually an answer to his question. “Prêt-à-porter isn’t my strength-“ Violet bit her lip, “But I’m not a one trick pony, and I want to play ball.”

“My advice? Be ambitious. This isn’t the time to hold back,” Maxwell said, smiling kindly. In spite of his initial reservations, he’d found himself quite charmed by the newest designer. And if he could help her get a leg up, he definitely wanted to do that, adding, “Let me know if you want me to review anything before Thursday!”

“Thanks,” Violet smiled. “I appreciate that.”

***

Courtney rushed down the street in the chilly air, in a desperate hurry to get to Broadway Dance Center in time for her class to start.

She hadn’t really given her personal dreams much thought since beginning at Galactica. But recently, when Adore was telling her all about a series of gig she’d gotten--ones Courtney couldn’t attend because they were all super late at night, mid-week, and all the way in Brooklyn--a rush of envy over Adore’s ability to focus on her music completely had overtaken her, immediately followed by guilt over such an ugly emotion.

Just because Adore had someone supporting her didn’t give Courtney any excuse to be jealous of her friend’s good fortune. Maybe things would be harder for her--that didn’t mean that she shouldn’t try. Instead of worrying about what she didn’t have, she decided to instead look to Adore’s achievements as inspiration.

She’d found an 8 pm class, figuring that it was late enough not to interfere with her work responsibilities. After all, taking an hour for herself one evening a week seemed like the kind of thing she should be able to do without a problem, right?

However, today had been even crazier than usual, with the holiday collection now being finalized, the Spring collection underway, and Fame working on a deal to expand Galactica’s flagship stores in Europe. Fame herself hadn’t even left until just before 7.

Courtney had finally managed to get away, currently sprinting the 15 blocks to BDC--she’d even had the foresight to bring sneakers. If she was fast enough, there was a chance she’d make it in time for her class.

With less than 2 blocks to go, Courtney realized that her work phone was buzzing in her hand. She paused at the corner, trying to manifest some positive energy before she answered. This will be something small. Something I already took care of. This call will end with Miss Fame pleased and happy...

“Hello?”

“Why are the Berlin contracts not in my bag?” Fame demanded.

“You...wanted to take those home?” Courtney asked, though she already knew the answer. Why would Fame be calling her otherwise? She cringed at her own carelessness, stupidly assuming that she’d review them the next day at her meeting with Patrick.

Fame seemed to be just as annoyed with Courtney as she was with herself, sighing and saying, “Deliver them now. This stress is not good for my skin,” and then hanging up even before Courtney’s “Yes, Miss.”

Courtney stood on the corner for a few moments, catching her breath, before turning around and trudging back towards the Galactica offices, shoulders slumped in defeat.

So much for dance class.

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ablogthatishenceforthmine · 3 years

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Zeke Character Profile

Physical

Zeke is a very physical person, in a multitude of ways. He is tough. He loves and is good at physical activities. He is obsessed with wrestling; he does it all the time and can’t seem to stop doing it. It seems also to be an emotional thing, as he often wrestles people when he is overcome with emotion or affection.

In group tasks or environments, he often occupies roles that demand physicality. At the makeshift gambling joint the Belcher kids run in their basement in “The Kids Run the Restaraunt,” he is the doorman and bouncer. In “Few ‘Gurt Men,” his role in the mock trial is the baliff. In the heist in "The Taking of Funtime One Two Three,” his physical strength is emphasized and used to win an arcade game.

He is not just physically tough, but also physically affectionate. He is physically affectionate with most people, but is especially so with Jimmy Jr., his best friend. Zeke has no shame, embarrassment, or self-consciousness in hugging, holding, or throwing his arm around Jimmy Jr. and other boys his age. It’s really refreshing to see a male character that so thoroughly enjoys showing physical affection to his male friends without any “no homo” posturing or thoughts. To give Jimmy Jr. credit too, he likewise has no problem with the physical affection Zeke shows him or giving Zeke physical affection.

Good Friend

Zeke cares a lot about about his friendship with Jimmy Jr. He values it above all else. He and Jimmy Jr. are inseparable. Zeke is a great friend to him. He always encourages and supports Jimmy Jr., showers him with compliments, and comforts him when Jimmy Jr. needs it. The only time he is disloyal to Jimmy Jr. is in the “Oeder games,” and that’s only after Jimmy Jr. turns on him first.

Supportive and Encouraging

Zeke is extremely encouraging and supportive of other people. He’s a cheerleader: not actually, but in spirit. He is constantly cheering on and complimenting people’s ideas and accomplishments. He just really believes in people and lets them know. Even when he is being critical, he does it in a positive when. In “The Land Ship,” when everyone is bashing Tina for being bland or boring, Zeke included, he at least does it in a somewhat motivational way, telling her “get some spice into you girl!”

Kind

Zeke is incredibly kind. He really cares about other people. There are many instances of Zeke being extraordinary kind. Because there are so many instances, I will just pick out a few examples that really stuck out to me. In “Broadcast Wagstaff News,” Zeke tells Tina that after a while, he continued to be the mad pooper for Tina. It’s a surprisingly sweet and touching thing. Even Tina, who is not partial to Zeke, thinks so. In “Midday Run.” he steals the mascot costume from Wagstaff for his grandma. She is going into surgery, and he knows that him prancing around in the mascot costume in front of her would comfort her and cheer her up. Once he is caught, he is desperate to get away, not to get out of trouble, but so that he can be there for his grandma. In “The Silence of the Louise,” Zeke falsely confesses to destroying Mr. Frond’s therapy dolls so that Jimmy Jr. and the other kids can go to the waterpark. It’s a completely selfless act, putting others above himself even when he doesn’t have to.

People Person

Zeke is a people person; he loves people and loves to be around them. He is very affectionate with people and often gives them nicknames; for example, he sometimes calls Tina “T-bird.” He also loves giving compliments, which he does all the time.

And people also really like Zeke. The best example of this is “A Fish Called Tina.” At different points, he is Rudy’s and Kaylee’s big fish (their mentor). He gets along with them so well. They really like him. Rudy even starts to think that Zeke could be his soulmate. After their first fish meeting, Rudy tells Zeke “I love you so much man.” Zeke replies in kind and they hug. Zeke loves people and they love him. Zeke just gets along with others so naturally and effortlessly. He is likeable, which in his case, is an actual skill. It’s no surprise he is such a great Big Fish. Zeke is able to bond with people who are completely different from him. He likes them even though they are nothing alike. Zeke is loud, outgoing, and energetic. While Rudy and Kaylee are quiet, bookish, and meek. But he doesn’t care about this, he doesn’t look down on them or think their weird or that they’re loses. Zeke likes and appreciates them, and people in general, for who they are. It’s also telling that such quiet and reserved people are able to care about Zeke so quickly rather than finding him obnoxious or draining.

Empathetic

Zeke is extremely empathetic, and always tries to understand the reasons for others’ behavior. In "Bob Actually,” when Tina run’s away from Jimmy Jr.’s jumping kiss, Zeke empathizes wither her, telling her “feelings are scary girl.” He’s wrong about why she’s running away (it’s diarrhea), but it’s telling that he takes a guess at why she is running away, and emphasizes with it. In “The Hawkening: Look Who’s Hawking Now,” Zeke is emotional and distraught over Rudy having a broken arm and he brings up the idea of a party to celebrate Rudy getting his cast off.

In "Sit Me Baby One More Time,” Zeke’s immediate empathy for Kendra is really incredible. He almost immediately zeroes in on the fact that her behavior stems from the difficulties of being the new kid in school. He intuits that Kendra is bullying others in a preemptive strike against rejection. He says that “she rejects them in their crouch before they reject her in their heart.” He offers this girl empathy and understanding, even though the few seconds he’s interacted with her involved her attacking him unprovoked. It’s really an outstanding moment of empathy, as well as showing that Zeke has an incredible ability to understand others.

Honest and Open

Zeke may lie about the trouble he gets into, but he is completely honest and open about his thoughts and feelings. He has no trouble showing or announcing how he feels. In fact, he almost constantly does so. The audience and the other characters in the show never have to guess what he is thinking or feeling.

He has no problem showing his emotions, which is quite refreshing to see in a teenage boy character, especially one as typically boyish as Zeke. He loves to express affection for people, verbal and physical. In “The Gene and Courtney Show,” he openly cries in class at Gene’s love announcement. He informs the whole class that he is crying. He also cries and gets emotional at the puppet show in “If You Love it so Much, Why Don’t You Marrionate?” In “The Trouble with Doubles,” He openly admits to being scared by the movie. He says it without being asked.

Below Average Intelligence

Zeke is not the most intelligent kid. He doesn’t have the smartest ideas or the best critical thinking skills. He doesn’t do well in school. He is in the Home Economics class that Mr. Frond describes as “for dummies.” Part of his problem with school, seems to be his short attention span, and he probably has ADHD, but he’s also just not book smart.

Zeke is aware of his lack of intelligence. In "Ex Mach Tina,” Zeke tells Tammy and Jocelyn that they’re making him feel smart, showing that he is aware that he isn’t smart. In “Bob and Deliver,” his whole plotline revolves around this idea. Zeke says he doesn’t need cooking, and that he’s not going to college. He doesn’t seem to believe he has a bright future, and has accepted that. Bob has to badger Zeke into trying to cook. Zeke repeatedly says that he can’t do it. When Bob goes to taste it the dish Zeke made, Zeke tells Bob that he probably wrecked it. It’s clear that he doesn’t believe in himself, at least when it comes to his intelligence and general abilities. This plotline is about Zeke gaining faith in himself, and learning he can do more than he thinks he can. He learns that he is more than what he has been told he is. Once he finds a teacher who believes in him, he is able to flourish.

High Emotional Intelligence

While Zeke may struggle with some forms of intelligence, he has incredible emotional intelligence and maturity. He may be the most emotionally intelligent character, and not just out of the kid characters, but all the characters. He accepts and expresses his own emotions. He is not ashamed or afraid of them.

He approaches people with empathy and is genuinely interested in their point of view. In “Midday,” Zeke honestly asks Tina why she likes being a hall monitor, and challenges her on what the job does/means. He is genuinely trying to challenge, understand, and help her, rather than just calling her out or antagonizing her. ”

Because of his empathy and sincere interest in people, he is incredibly insightful and smart when it comes to people, their feelings, and their motivations. In "Ex Mach Tina,” he has rather insightful things to say about one of Jimmy Jr.’s songs, the one about Jimmy Jr.’s father throwing the ball too hard for Jimmy Jr. to catch when they play catch. Zeke analyses the song, telling the group it’s about parents putting too much expectations on their kids.

In “Sit Me Baby, One More Time,” Zeke displays extraordinary emotional intelligence in his ability to understand Kendra. As described above, he only meets for her a few seconds, and during those seconds, she was trying to attack him. He hears secondhand from Tina that she is new in school and that she is bullying other kids. From just this information, he is gain accurate and incredible insight into her behavior and mindset. With this example, you get the feeling that Zeke really sees people, in all their complexities, masks, and flaws. In the same episode, when Jimmy Jr. tells Zeke’s he’s scared, Zeke responds “I know buddy, that’s what makes us human.” Again insightful and empathetic. He has a great attitude toward emotions. Better yet, he doesn’t mock JJ’s fear, the way that so many boys are taught to do. He doesn’t think that fear makes someone weak, or is unmanly. He just accepts fear, and offers empathy to Jimmy Jr.

Big Picture Thinker/Philosophical

Despite his below average traditional intelligence, Zeke things about big things and issues. He is also occasionally philosophical.

In "Tina and the Real Ghost,” Zeke reveals that he doesn’t believe in ghosts or the afterlife. It says a lot that he’s thought enough about death and the afterlife to have a strong opinion on it and to not believe in it. Zeke thinks about big picture things: some pretty serious, weighty stuff. When he does start to believe in ghosts, he says very seriously, and kinda in a sort of despair, that “this changes a lot for me. A LOT.” He has a world view, and nd there is some melancholy and despair under his cheeriness. When the fraud of the ghost Jeff is revealed, Zeke says he wanted to believe that there was more than this life. This is a much more serious and philosophical desire than the other characters desires: to have a boyfriend, to hop on the bandwagon, or to win in a rivalry.

There are some other examples of Zeke thinking about big issues. In “Ex Mach Tina,” he is excited about getting philosophical about growing up. In “The Quirk-ducers,” it is revealed that Zeke co-founded a “women’s issues” club. He is also aware enough to know that no women signing up for the club is a problem. In “UFO No You Didn’t,” Zeke is concerned about the bees dying, and becomes the topic of his and Tammy’s science project. And it’s actually a good one idea, showing that Zeke can apply himself when he cares about what he’s doing.

Loud and Excitable

Zeke is very loud and excitable. He has has a sense of wonder about the world, and gets excited about the tiniest things. He is extremely enthusiastic. He uses colorful, creative, and evocative language. Zeke also loves to entertain others. He loves the attention, and making other people laugh.

Juvenile Sense of Humor

Zeke has a juvenile sense of humor. He loves gross out and sexual humor, as best indicated by his mad pooper stunt. He also has a lot of traits that are typically associated with teenage boys, such as his obsession with boobs.

Impulsive

Zeke is very impulsive, often acting without thinking. This can be both good and bad. It can be good because it means he is a doer; he takes action. This can be seen in "The Belchies,” when he, Tina Jimmy Jr, and Gene are stuck in the elevator. While Gene, Jimmy Jr., and Tina are just sitting in the elevator, accepting that they are stuck, Zeke is the one that gets them out by lifting the elevator door thing on an impulse. But his lack of impulse control also causes serious problems. It leads him to make bad decisions, and it gets him in trouble a lot at school. Zeke gets detention A LOT. However, he is aware of his impulse control issues. In “Thelma and Louise Except Linda is Thelma,” he explains that his many detentions is because he has a problem with impulse control.

Rule-breaker

Due partly to his poor impulse control, Zeke is bad at following rules. He also is just a rebellious person who enjoys causing trouble sometimes. He likes pranks, and often acts out.

But sometimes, his rule-breaking has nothing to due with this poor impulse control or love of pranks. Zeke follows his heart and his own moral code. He knows that rules aren’t always moral or right. He does what he thinks is right, even if its against the rules. This is best evidenced in “Midday Run,” when he steals the mascot costume in order to cheer up his grandma before her surgery. By the end of the episode, Zeke ended up teaching Tina that rules aren’t always right, and she shouldn’t always just obediently follow and enforce them without question.

Troubled Home Life

The show repeatedly hints that Zeke has a troubled home life; it’s a running joke of the series. In the opening of "The Runway Club,” in a homage to the film “The Breakfast Club,” Zeke plays the Bender role, further connecting him to a troubled home life.

Most of what’s mentioned or alluded to isn’t too serious or concerning. But Zeke seems to have a more adult, messy, and complicated home life than the other kid characters. His family moves around a lot, his birth mom had him when she was in high school, he has a 44 year-old brother, a clown at 7th birthday part later become famous for murdering someone. These are just some examples of things mentioned.

In “Boyz for Now,” Zeke also tells Tina and Louise that his step-mother is an alcoholic and a shopaholic. Although, during the play, when they are talking about how great moms are, Zeke makes a point to include step moms, and gives his step mom a shout out. So, he clearly has a good relationship with her. So again, nothing too dark, but still a bit troubled.

Conclusion

Zeke is a deceptive character. By which I mean, at first glance, and when he was first introduced, he seems simple. He’s a loud, gross, not very smart, impulsive teenage boy with a juvenile sense of humor. But underneath these qualities, he has a lot of depth. He is philosophical, highly emotionally intelligent, and extremely kind.

And just like viewers may at first have written him off, Wagstaff and Mr. Frond have too. Zeke is the type of kid whom schools, at least American schools, routinely fail because they have such a rigid and limited idea of what a good student is. They value a specific set of qualities, and fail to value or even see others that lay outside of that set. Unfortunately for Zeke, he lacks the qualities schools value and excels in the ones they ignore and devalue.

Zeke is labeled a bad, below-average kid. But the thing is, he is actually an extraordinary and talented kid. His level of emotional intelligence at his age is incredible, and really, rarer than the book-smarts that the “good kids” possess. He is really great with people, at dealing with them, and understanding them. That’s a real gift. But Wagstaff doesn’t value or even acknowledge these skills and qualities.

These abilities and personality traits should be acknowledged, valued, encouraged, and nourished. It is possible to create a school environment where Zeke, and kids like Zeke, can thrive. Instead of endlessly punishing Zeke and telling him that he’s a bad kid not worth very much, the school and Mr. Frond should acknowledge and cater Zeke’s school experience to his considerable gifts

For example, Zeke has a lot of qualities that make a great leader, such as his people-oriented nature and big picture thinking. Obviously, he lacks some necessarily qualities for leadership, so Zeke works best as a co-leader or leading with a group. He needs a partner/co-leader that has the leadership skills he lacks: critical thinking, attention to detail, and long-term thinking.

In “Prank You For Being a Friend,” Zeke is put in the club ‘the Thinkgineers” as a punishment. Imagine if he was encouraged or put in extracurricular activities that actually suited his skills and interests. The Thinkginners is the absolute worst club to put Zeke in. The Thinkginners is a club about inventing. It involves critical thinking, problem solving, math, and minute details. If the goal was to punish Zeke, then Mr. Frond succeeded, but wouldn’t it be better to help help. Mr. Frond should have put Zeke a club where he can actually thrive and find purpose, like with his time as a Big Fish. So maybe a mentorship club? Or a club that interacts with a lot or helps people? Or even something with leadership? These types of “punishment” would be much more helpful to Zeke than any of the other punishments he is given. Isn’t his behavior improving more important than the act of punishing?

I imagine Zeke would me more motivated and be better able to work on his weaknesses, if his strengths were recognized and encouraged in school. If he believes that his is a capable and worthy person, he might believe in himself more and work harder on his weaknesses. He might enjoy school more, which could only be a good thing.

#bob's burgers #zeke #bob's burgers zeke #my posts #ablogthatishenceforthmine

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pink-bird-30 · 4 years

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Yellow Dress- Hournite Fic

Well hello! We are fresh from the season 1 finale of Stargirl, and I thought we needed a little Hournite pick me up!

This was requested by: @s4karuna

Thank you for the great prompt idea and for your patience. I know it’s been a week or two since your request, but I was a little caught up in Zutara week 2020.

Here is the link to my FF.Net if you’d like to read it there:

(https://www.fanfiction.net/s/13674433/1/Yellow-Dress)

Anyways, I hope you guys like this!

Summary: After a long week of planning an attack on the ISA, the team decides to take the night off and go to the school Fall Fest dance. Hournite Fic. Budding relationship-AU.

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The school gym is pounding with music by the time Beth arrives at the dance with Yolanda and Courtney by her side. Colorful fall theme streamers are draped across the ceiling, leading to four tall balloon arches on all sides of the gym. The light are low except for the party lights coming from the DJ’s station in the center of the room. Most of the school’s student body is dancing all around the DJ, throwing their hands around and moving their bodies to the beat.

Beth wasn’t too comfortable being at a school dance; she managed to avoid them all through middle school and she wanted to do the same in high school, but Rick made it difficult. A few days ago he suggested they all go to the school dance to have a moment to just be teenagers. At first, Yolanda was reluctant since her parents were strict about her being out. But after Beth convinced Yolanda’s parents it was vital to keep a good school image, Yolanda was able to attend. Courtney didn’t have to worry about her parents needing permission to attend the dance. If anything, Pat was excited Court was avoiding any ISA missions and going out like a normal teen.

As for Beth, Rick took her aside and asked her if she would meet him there. She expressed her concern with going to the dance since she did her best to avoid school functions that would be deemed only for ‘cool kids’. Rick gave her a soft smile, also a bit nervous to be going to a school function at all, but said it’d be fun if she were there.

After separating from Courtney and Yolanda, Beth made her way to the refreshment table. She glances at the teacher watching the drinks like a hawk, waiting for Rick to show up. She starts to fidget with her dress, self-conscious as a bunch of jocks pass compliment her as they pass by. It took her the last two days to find the perfect dress for the dance; it was the annual Fall Fest dance and she wanted to wear something autumn-esk.

While shopping with Yolanda and Courtney, Beth stumbled upon a little boutique selling all different kinds of clothes. Ranging from cute vintage shirts she’s seen her mom wear in high school photos, to the current style most girls at her school were wearing. The three teens wondered around the boutique for a few minutes before finding different dresses to try on.

Yolanda and Courtney found their dresses instantly, while Beth browsed the small room a bit longer trying to find the perfect dress. She knew in the back of her head she was shopping for herself, but she also had this wicked thought of wanting to leave Rick speechless.

And she knew how to do it too.

In the back of the store she found a small rack of 90s style dresses she was instantly enamored by. It was a spaghetti strapped velvet dress that flares out at the bottom. There were only a few dresses left on the rack, and Beth smiled mischievously, knowing which color she was going to pick…

Beth decides to take a drink from the table, cautious of which one’s were sitting out too long. Beth leans against the table and takes a few nervous sips while watching the room, looking for a particular young man. After scanning the crowd for a few minutes, Beth feels herself deflate.

What if he doesn’t come…

Staring down at her colorful drink, Beth takes note of her lipstick smudge on the cup. She sets her cup down on the table before rummaging through her purse for her iPhone and quickly checks to see if her lipstick stained her teeth.

“Thank goodness.”

“’Thank goodness’ for what, Beth?” A deep voice asks from behind her. Her eyes widen recognizing the voice and turns around.

“Hi, Rick!” She says a little too loud. He smiles in return and steps closer to her.

“Sorry I’m late,” He reaches out and pushes one of her braids behind her ear. “My car’s engine was having issues.”

Beth feels herself blush in return. The effects of him touching her lightly made her mind fizzle out.

“No biggie! You look great!” Her eyes sweep down his body noticing he dressed up tonight. The dark blue shirt looks great on him, fitting him nicely. And the yellow tie he wears around his neck makes Beth believe Courtney told Rick what color her dress was. But she didn’t care, she was elated he finally came as promised.

Rick chuckles lightly before stepping back to take a good look at Beth. He wasn’t sure it was her at first when he walked into the gym. He found Courtney dancing with Cameron on the dance floor and asked where Beth was. When she pointed to her at the refreshment table Rick had to take a few moments to settle his heart before walking up to her.

He smiles, noticing she’s wearing his favorite color.

The yellow compliments her dark complexion perfectly, making her already vibrant personality shine even brighter. And he loves what she did with her hair; he doesn’t remembered that last time she braided her hair like this. Don’t get him wrong, he loves her natural short curly hair, but seeing her like this…it made his chest warm. Seeping its way through his body.

Beth stares at him quizzically, wondering why he’s quiet all of a sudden.

“Rick? Is everything alright?” She subconsciously pulls at the hem of her dress as he continues to stare at her. His eyes a shade darker than before.

He coughs into his hand feeling the heat rise to his face. “Oh, umm..” He chuckles awkwardly before walking past her and grabs a cup off the refreshment table. He takes a large gulp before feeling the burning liquid hit the back of his throat.

“Ah, shit.” He tosses the cup down and coughs a few times, trying to regain his breathing. Beth rushes to his side to rub his back soothingly.

“ I guess the chaperone is doing a bad job at keeping the jocks away from the punch. That strong?”

Rick nods, his face contorting in discomfort. “Y-yeah, too much vodka in that one.”

Beth chuckles before reaching under the table for a sealed bottle of water and hands it to Rick. “Here, this should be alcohol-free.” Rick cracks the seal on the water before chugging half of it.

He bashfully grins, already feeling his nerves flare at their close proximity. She pulls her hand away from him when she realizes she’s still touching him. This broke Rick from his nerves and he stands up straight. “Thanks, Beth. Always to the rescue.”

“You know me, always resourceful.”

And then silence.

Beth starts to tap her foot slightly, hating the awkwardness settling over them. Why is this so awkward? They’ve known each other since they were kids, but never really hung out until they were all part of the JSA. But even then, they still took the time to meet up and go to the drive-in or do homework together. They’re friends, right?

When the song changes from a fast pace song to a slower one, an idea pops in Beth’s head. Before she has a chance to stop the thought she blurts out, “Do you want to dance?”

Rick’s eyes widen at the sudden thought of actually needing to dance at a dance. He’s never been to one before, does he even know how to dance? Trying to keep his cool, he tries to find his voice but nothing comes out. Just the thought of holding Beth close to him is making his mind short circuit.

Beth looks at him expectantly, “You know, dance!” She sways her hips slightly, causing Rick to think of all the different parts of his car and not the unholy thoughts running wild in his mind.

He makes some weird noise that vaguely sounds like a ‘yes’ and a hand gesture towards the dance floor, which Beth accepts gratefully. She sets her drink down and grasps Rick’s hand in her own. As she pulls him to the dance floor, he carelessly tosses his water bottle onto the table. Beth pushes them through the couples standing around the DJ and settles to the far right corner where it is more secluded from everyone.

Looking down at Beth, he hesitates as to where he should place his hands. He’s never actually being close to a girl before. Sure, he’s sparred with Yolanda and Courtney, but they weren’t Beth. He actively avoided touching her in fear of being too forward.

The amount of days he wanted to put his arm around her as they walk down the hallways at school. Or the times they go to the drive-in and he wants to sit in the back and cuddle close to her. But chickens out and suggests they stay seated in the front.

But today was different, he wanted her to know he wanted to be at the dance with her. To be close to her and maybe even…

His thoughts are interrupted by her hands finding their way around his neck. He feels his face flame as he rests his hands on her hips, not knowing where else to place them. He likes the feeling of the soft velvet against his skin.

“Why were you staring at me before?” Beth asks as her fingers thread through the hair at the base of his neck. The sensation relaxing him as he starts to sway them to the beat of the song.

Rick gazes down at her realizing he’s looking at her directly in the eyes, nothing covering them from his view.

Wow, were her eyes always this pretty?

“Wh-“ he clears his throat and tries again, “Where are your glasses?”

“Oh!” Beth smiles brightly. “I have contacts. I just don’t wear them that often. They get kinda itchy after a while. But I thought, ‘Hey, if there was any occasion to wear them, why not tonight!’” She bats her long lashes at him emphasizing her glasses free eyes.

Beth Chapel, you’re going to be the death of me…

“Wow…”

Beth giggles. She’s really enjoying her time with Rick, especially seeing him in such a flustered state. He was always trying to maintain his cool in public, but she loves seeing him soften up a bit. And it makes her ecstatic that it’s because of her.

Feeling bold, Rick wraps his arms around her waist, pulling her flush against his chest. Beth is shocked by the sudden movement, but then relaxes in his arms and rests her head on his shoulder. All Beth could think is how thankful she is for Courtney convinced her to wear heels tonight. A simple four inch heel eliminated their drastic height difference some, but enough for her to fit next to him comfortably.

After swaying to the music for a while, Rick feel content for the first time in his life. This moment, even as small as it is, he’s grateful he gets to create this memory with someone important to him. Who knew the girl he always sat next to at lunch, and in class, would be his moral compass?

Rick tilts his head closer to hers, hovering close to her ear. She could feel the warm breath seeping from his lips. The sudden sensation causing goosebumps to ripple across her skin.

His lips brush slightly against her ear, “You look absolutely stunning, Beth Chapel.” He whispers before pulling back to see her reaction.

She lifts her head and looks at him in amazement. How is this the same guy she stopped from ripping hinges off a door a few weeks ago? The same guy that didn’t talk to her for years, but sat next to her at lunch every day at the ‘loser table’?

“You,” She moves her hand to cup the side of Rick’s cheek, caressing it with her thumb. “Rick Tyler, you cease to amaze me.”

He leans into the warmth of her hand before covering it with his. “Hey, I can be charming.”

Her grin widens to a full smile as she stands on her tippy toes and brushes a kiss across his cheek. As she steps back, a goofy grin makes its way across his face. And it stays there as the night continues with his arms wrapped around the girl in the yellow dress.

#Hournite #Rick Tyler #Beth Chapel #Dr. Mid-Nite #Hourman #Stargirl #au #fanfiction

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