#also. he was the first one ricky told him that he loved after he decided to start telling the people in his life he loved them. do with that | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

hariboz · 5 months

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PROMISE ME…!

“when you don’t tell your boyfriend you’re sick and still perform!”

pairing: idol!bf!ricky x gn!idol!reader

genre: fluff, tiny angst (?)

warning: mention of headaches, blurry vision, nausea and similar symptoms, softie bf!ricky, that’s it i think?

notes: ty to nonnie for requesting this!! i got a little carried away but i got into a pretty good flow writing it so i hope you enjoy 🥹🫶🏻 also!! this is my first time writing idol!reader so i hope it feels somewhat realistic…? as realistic as it can be i guess 😵‍💫

word count: 1.8k (😵‍💫 how and why…)

five, six, seven, eight.

five, six, seven—

“y/n, are you okay?” the voice of your leader rips you out of your trance, your tired eyes meeting in the mirror. you nod and put on a bright, although fake smile in hopes of being reassuring, though you’re not sure you were being all too convincing — either way, none of your members pry, because they understand. they understand the need to push through, especially now with all these end of the year award shows happening; you simply can’t afford to be sick, to fall behind and to be absent from such huge events. so, you decide to push through the dizziness, nausea and pain. you’ll take some medication later, it’ll be fine. (at least that’s what you’re telling yourself when you catch yourself stumbling from the dizziness when you get ready to practice your solo entrance.) even though there is a silent understanding between you and your members, there still is one person you know you won’t be able to convince, no matter how hard you’ll try — your boyfriend and professional overthinker in regards to your well-being, ricky.

it’s quite cute, the juxtaposition of his public image and the way he tends to worry. did you eat? does your throat hurt from vocal practice? did you trip during dance practice again? (a question that’s especially annoying considering you told him about tripping once, roughly six months ago. he refuses to let it go.) he sends you teas and throat sprays to make sure your voice is taken care of, secretly checks the soles of your shoes to make sure they aren’t getting slippery, somehow manages to pack you little snacks you can munch on when you haven’t eaten anything before practice again. he’s very rarely stern, much too soft-spoken and gentle towards you to speak to you in a more serious manner when he’s worried, so he shows his care and love through these things — which makes you feel all the more guilty when you straight up have to lie to him when he asks if practice is going fine, if you’re feeling well, and letting you know how excited he (along with gyuvin, he mentions) is to see you perform in person up close.

you try your hardest to get better before the performance, you really do. well, as much as you can between hours and hours of practice and barely any sleep, at least. all your efforts seem to be in vain, though, because the day of the performance seems to be the worst day yet — if you had a choice, you would bury yourself under every blanket available and not leave your bed for at least a week, that’s how awful you feel when you and your members are picked up from your dorm during the wee hours of the morning.

unfortunately, the little perfectionistic gremlin that lives at the back of your mind refuses to let all these weeks of practice go to waste, so you muster up a brave smile through your shaking pupils and tell your worrying members that you have everything under control — you’ll smash this performance just like all the other ones, even if you have to do it while being a little dizzy. it’s no big deal, you’re a professional after all.

your stylists is making some last minute adjustments to your outfits when a gentle knock sounds through the room, a very familiar blonde head of hair popping in. you rush over to ricky, his arms snaking around you immediately. “hey, handsome,” you mutter as you observe his face, a small grin playing on his lips. “you’re not looking to bad yourself, hm?” his voice is smooth as he brushes some of your hair out of your face, careful to not interfere with your hairstylist’s hard work. you’re thrown off your balance a little when another dizziness spell hits you out of nowhere, the look on ricky’s face immediately morphing into one of concern, “are you okay?”

you muster up a smile and just nod, eyes blinking rapidly to dispel the black dots bouncing around in your vision, “yeah, i’m just a little nervous,” you reach up to adjust his collar to avoid meeting his worried eyes, “i’m fine. just freaking out a little, that’s all.” you can tell ricky doesn’t entirely believe you, but he trusts that you would come to him if there was something wrong — so he reluctantly lets the subject go. he steals a quick kiss to your lips, whispering a “good luck, i love you.” before he turns to leave to make any last preparations for his own performance.

your first wave of regret overcomes you when you stand ready beneath the stage, you and your members getting into position to perform the intro to your performance. your head feels like it’s about to split and your hands are shaky, but it’s too late to turn back now — as queen sunmi once said, the show must go on.

your second wave of regret comes when you’re actually on stage, all the lights, the music, the screams and your in-ear monitor feeling less like the dream you’ve worked so hard to achieve and more like your own personal hell. your group having your own amazing entrance with one of the stage elevators excited you at first; unfortunately, right now you’re preoccupied with managing your expressions to make sure you won’t let any irritation or discomfort slip.

your third and final wave of regret comes when you stand in the middle of the stage in this massive venue, tens of thousands of eyes on you as you start to perform your solo part of the song — your head is pounding and you can barely hear your own voice through your in-ears anymore, your steps are shaky and imprecise, your vision is blurry. you manage to push through, somehow, but it’s clear in the way your chest is heaving once the lights go out that you’re not well.

the atmosphere is very much tense in the part of the audience where your fellow idols sit, all of them having to cover their very obvious concern with faux excitement — you pulled it off well enough, but it’s clear to every single one of them that you’re sick and that you probably should not have performed. ricky especially has to keep his expressions in check, because the mix of worry and concern but also frustration and maybe a little anger is raging heavily inside him right now.

the worry and concern are obvious, the last thing he wants to see is you being sick, much less performing in that state. the frustration is bubbling inside him because he knows that you know better, that even the chance of you hurting yourself even worse by performing while sick is enough reason to sit out one performance. the anger is entirely directed at your staff and maybe some of your members, your leader at least — they must’ve seen that you were unwell, no? and they still let you on stage? is that not what managers and leaders are for, to take matters into their own hands and to know what’s best for their members? it all comes to a head when your members join the other idols in the audience while you’re nowhere in sight.

ricky is getting restless, his hands sprawling against his dress pants, occasionally pinching the fabric to keep his mind occupied. gyuvin and matthew both gave him little reassuring pats on his back but neither did much to comfort him, his mind entirely preoccupied with worrying about you and counting down the minutes to when he will finally be able to check up on you backstage.

it’s about an hour later when the award show is finally over, and for once ricky is the first one to rush backstage, a little ahead of all of his members. he swerves past staff and security and doesn’t even bother knocking on your group’s dressing room, ripping the door open to find your shocked but still very exhausted eyes staring up at him in surprise, “ricky?”

he’s in front of you in the blink of an eye, squatting down to meet you eye-to-eye, his hands gently cradling your face, “are you okay? for real, this time?” his brows are furrowed and you feel a little bad for thinking that he looks pretty handsome all serious like this. you nod sheepishly, apology ready to spill from your lips when he squishes your cheeks together to silence you, “shhh, you listen to me. never do that again, okay? do you know how scary that was, watching you perform like that? what if something had happened, you know you could’ve—,” he stumbles over his words a little, clearly worked up, “i don’t know, fallen off stage or something. you could’ve fainted! or you could’ve broken something or— i don’t know, just, promise me, don’t do that again.” ricky’s once so stern voice turns soft towards the end again, never really able to keep up his serious tone for long, especially towards you.

“‘m sorry, just didn’t want to let anyone down,” you mumble, leaning into his touch. his cold hands on your face feel incredibly nice, a stark contrast to your feverish face. he sighs and one of his hands comes up to brush your hair away from your face, his hand stroking your head softly, “i know, but still. don’t do stuff like that, okay? talk to someone when you’re not feeling well. your managers, your members, me — there’s so many people you can go to, okay? anyone, as long as you tell someone,” you nod along to him, and maybe it’s the guilt of making him worry so much or the fact that you’re overwhelmed from the amount of affection coming from him while you’re still a little delirious, but you feel like you need to lighten the atmosphere with a little joke.

“even gyuvin?” the gentle expression on his face falls almost immediately, replaced by a very unimpressed stare. you break out into quiet giggles, muttering a “sorry” before pressing a kiss to his cheek. ricky grumbles a little before getting back up, running his hand through your hair gently one last time. “i have to go back now but i’m ordering you some soup to your dorm later. you’re on bedrest for the next few days, you hear me?” he tries to sound stern again and puts on his best serious face, but his façade is broken when you smile up at him so tiredly, the exhaustion clear on your face.

“thank you, i love you,” you call after him when he turns to leave, ricky sending you a flying kiss before leaving the room, “love you too.”

(your fourth wave of regret came when you realised ricky formed an alliance with your members, all of them exchanging “y/n intel” to make sure all of them can keep an eye on you while you’re recovering.)

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23lvrs · 10 months

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zb1 nsfw twt links

zb1 x reader 18+

jiwoong was at his friends house hanging out besides them his friends sister was there as well jiwoong was always attracted to you and he kinda made it obvious.. you were extremely needy even a vibrator wasn’t helping so you heard him go to the kitchen so you went and told him you needed help with something in your room once he was in there you started taking off your clothes and so did he

zhanghao was at the store looking for pop rocks he saw this one video of a girl using it on her bf so he wanted to try it with you he also decided to buy you a cute little outfit to wear while you try the candy because you been asking for something new for awhile now but after trying the candy let’s just say this wouldn’t be your last time doing this!

hanbin was secretly excited about you trying on your old school uniform for him you were both just friends so he just remained normal until you came out the bathroom with the uniform on clearly you’ve grown it’s a little small on you and he also notices you aren’t wearing any underwear.. this was his breaking point and he couldn’t hold back any longer

matthew went to your house because your family invited him over for dinner to celebrate him debuting your family know you and him have been best friends since you were both kids so when he spent the night they didn’t think him sleeping in your room was weird at all so you were both left alone

taerae loves squirting so when one of his friends told him about you he couldn’t stop thinking of you so he got your number and texted you and you obviously thought he was extremely cute so you agreed to everything he said and he was addicted to you

ricky was trying to figure out if you were being nice because you’re staff or because you want him you always payed extra attention to him and he definitely noticed so when there was a party for the and and all the members he thought he would try to figure it out and flirt back with you and he figured he was right all along when you invited him over to your place

a/n: first zb1 nsfw link post haha… sorry i haven’t been posting i been so busy also i feel like this one isn’t that good SORRY i’ll do better next time hehe.. also bc elon musk bitch ass idk if tang of these links will work or not so make sure you’re signed in.. and if that doesn’t work just go on my twt @23lvr

masterlist for more of my work twitter for extra & early content

likes, cmts & shares appreciated :)

venmo me here or cash app me here if you’d like to support me or my work

#zb1 scenarios #zb1 x reader #zb1 smut #zb1 #zero base one #zerobaseone #jiwoong smut #zhang hao smut #hanbin smut #matthew smut #taerae smut #ricky smut #shen ricky smut #seok matthew smut

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luneengene2 · 10 days

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Hidden Love

You never thought your parents would push you to a stage you didn't want to go to. Arranged marriage. Your parents betrothed you to the first son of the Han family, Taesan, in order to save your family's big business which was about to collapse. You married him at the age of nineteen, three months before your graduation. Taesan openly shows his dislike for you, he doesn't even touch you, in the early days of marriage he often shouted at you harshly. While at school, he was always close to several girls which of course made you very jealous. After all, he is your husband. But you don't know, behind his dislike for you, his feelings of love are clashing with the denial inside him, the denial that he loves you. Until finally, his feeling of denial was 'defeated' by something he saw.

• Pairings : Taesan x fem!readers

• Warnings : Early-age marriage, Taesan is a bit toxic, smut content inc : fingering, french kissing, marking, squirting, ETC... Zerobaseone RICKY; BTS Jungkook appearance, grammatical errors

You ran fast after getting off the public bus that took you to a bus stop not far from your school. You woke up late today, and Taesan didn't wake you up. He even left you at the house where you two lived. In your house, apart from you living with Taesan, you also live with three female maids, one male gardener, two male security guards, and one male driver. Your parents and Taesan's parents only gave you one car for your needs, because for them one car was enough because you didn't have children yet.

Taesan didn't use the driver provided, he preferred to drive himself. That's why he underestimates you, especially when you wake up late. He will really leave you.

This is the fifth time during your marriage that he has left you at home just because you woke up late, as a result you had to take public transportation.

You never complained about this to your parents or your in-laws, because if the four of them knew what Taesan did to you, then Taesan could be more rude to you. As a result, you just keep silent about what Taesan has been doing to you all this time.

"Sir, sorry I'm late!" You barged into your class which was currently having a math lesson. Mathematics teacher, Mr. Jeon looks at you with a sharp gaze, he never tolerates tardiness. "Where have you been?" He asked as, you gulped in genuine fear of him.

"I'm sorry, sir. I woke up late," You bit your lower lip in fear, then you glanced at Taesan who just looked at you with a mocking look. A grin appeared on his lips. "You know, I never tolerate late hours, whatever the reason. Now get out of my classroom, and stand in the field until recess!" You stared in shock when Mr Jeon gave you that punishment.

If you 'fight' him, the punishment will be even more severe, so you decide to immediately obey him. You bowed then immediately left your class to serve your punishment. Mr Jeon walked towards the classroom window to make sure you served your punishment in the field. He nodded when you were confirmed to be standing in the field.

"Why did you have the heart to do that to her?" Leehan whispered to Taesan, he couldn't bear to see you being punished by Mr. Jeon for the first time. "She deserved it, who told her to wake up late? I don't like undisciplined girls," Taesan said casually which made Leehan annoyed too. "She's your wife, Taesan! You shouldn't have acted like that to her." Hearing Leehan's sentence, Taesan just gave him a mocking look. "Wife on paper, I don't love her," Leehan restrained himself from punching his friend. He really didn't like looking at the kind Taesan.

In Taesan's core circle of friends, only five people knew that Taesan was married. They are Jaehyun, Sungho, Riwoo, Leehan and Woonhak. And the five friends supported and protected Taesan's marriage, but Taesan was not what they expected.

"Stop being stupid before you regret it, you bastard," Leehan cursed harshly at Taesan in a low tone of voice, Taesan, who was used to this, just laughed a little. He was IMMUNE to the sharp insults of his five main friends that he was a bad husband. He didn't care about that.

But sometimes, he feels strange feelings that he considers stupid. The feeling that he actually cares and really loves you. He always denied these feelings by approaching other girls to distract his thoughts.

Leehan looked pitifully at his classroom window, he saw you standing helpless in the hot morning weather. You should study with them, not be punished like this.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The morning sun is indeed healthy for the body, but not for people who haven't had breakfast like you. You've been standing there for an hour with your stomach rumbling. Of course you haven't had breakfast, because you're late for school. You don't have time just to eat a piece of bread or drink milk to fill your stomach.

The break time is still very long, and every second your head hurts more and more because of the effects of hunger that you are experiencing. As time goes on, your vision becomes increasingly blurry and distorted. You're sure you'll faint soon.

"S-sir! I think Y/N is going to pass out!" Leehan shrieked a bit at Mr Jeon when he saw you starting to lose your balance. All attention is immediately focused on you who are on the field. Including Taesan who is now approaching the window to make sure.

Gradually, your eyes begin to close and your body seems to be blown away by the wind. Until finally you lose consciousness completely. However, before your body hit the ground, a blonde man caught your body quickly.

"FUCK!" Taesan cursed and ran out of the classroom, not caring that he was being shouted at by Mr. Jeon for leaving the classroom like that.

The blonde man wearing a sports uniform immediately took you to the infirmary along with the sports teacher who also happened to be teaching there. The blonde man looked worried because you looked pale, especially as your lips were also very dry, like you were seriously dehydrated.

When you were in the infirmary, the blonde man immediately put you on the bed provided there and the school doctor immediately moved quickly to treat you. "Ricky, call her homeroom teacher! She's Y/N from class 3-3," The sports teacher immediately ordered the blonde man named Ricky to call your homeroom teacher.

Not long after Ricky went out to call your homeroom teacher, Taesan entered the infirmary with a panicked face, followed by Leehan. "What happened?" Taesan asked with a flat expression, but his heart was also beating fast because he saw you lying unconscious.

"What are you doing here?" The sports teacher immediately turned to ask Taesan and Leehan because suddenly they were here, even though it was still class time. "None of your business, old man!" Taesan answered sharply, which was immediately rewarded with a piercing gaze from the sports teacher. Leehan panicked because Taesan actually shouted harshly at their sports teacher.

Taesan approaches you who is being examined by the doctor who is also trying to revive you. He without hesitation checked your body temperature by touching your forehead. Feels hot.

Not long after, your homeroom teacher arrived followed by Ricky behind her. Taesan immediately looked at Ricky cynically, as if he was his enemy. He crumpled the white shirt he was wearing while looking at Ricky.

"What actually happened?" Your homeroom teacher asked worriedly when he saw your really weak condition. "I saw that she was dizzy. When I ran to her, she immediately fainted," Ricky answered in a worried tone too, making Taesan glare at him even more sarcastically. He indirectly shows that he hates you being touched by other people. "Mr. Jeon punished him for coming late too, ma'am. "I think she didn't have breakfast, that's why she fainted," Leehan added to Ricky's words as well.

Your homeroom teacher nods in understanding, he now understands why you are like this. You were punished under the hot sun and didn't have breakfast, as a result you fainted.

"Fuck you, Mr Jeon!" Taesan cursed in his heart, these two people, Ricky and Mr. Jeon really seemed to light his true fire of anger. He was not aware when he experienced this.

He stroked your hand for less than five seconds then walked over to Ricky, whispering sharply to him. "Get away from her or you'll end up in my hands, Shen!" Taesan lightly hit Ricky's stomach, making Ricky shocked because he was 'attacked' secretly by Taesan. Taesan roughly bumped Ricky's shoulder and then immediately left the infirmary.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

School hours have finished. You walked limply to your class because of Taesan's orders. He asks you to meet him in class, but at school it's really very quiet, meaning students aren't passing by anymore at school.

You pushed open the door to your classroom, seeing Taesan standing near the window, looking at the view outside the classroom. When he heard the sound of the classroom door opening, he immediately looked at you. Your face is still pale, but it's getting better.

"What is it? We should be going home, not here," you asked weakly, but instead got Taesan's sarcastic laugh. "Have you finished your drama, princess? Or do you want to make a new drama tomorrow?" Taesan's question made you confused. "Drama? What are you saying? I don't understand," you looked at him strangely.

Taesan squeezed the coffee cup in his hand then looked at you sharply. "You ask? Today you've done drama, looking for Shen's attention by fainting in front of him, eh?" You looked at Taesan in disbelief, because he had the heart to say that you did a drama. "I don't do drama, Taesan. I'm really sick, I don't even know who helped me before, I'm really dizzy and hungry," You try to remain calm when defending yourself in front of someone who you might actually punch for speaking out of turn.

"You'd never fainted before, and Shen happened to be having sport class. I know he's among the richest students here, that's why you're trying to get close to him, right? Do you want to use him like your parents used my family to help your family's failing business?" You glared angrily when Taesan even discussed your parents which had nothing to do with the case of you fainting at school.

"Don't bring up my parents—"

"Gosh, I shouldn't be surprised if you want to cheat on me with another man. Because you are just like your parents, hungry for money and power just to save their failing business," Taesan cut you off sharply, you squeezed your school vest tightly, trying your best not to slap this person who has the status of your husband. "Cheating on you? I never intended to ruin my own marriage, because after all this is part of my life. "Aren't you the one who often cheats on me with several girls at this school even though you pretend to only be friends with them," You twist Taesan's words which makes him even more annoyed.

His hand immediately grabbed your neck which made you jump in surprise because of the sudden attack he made. "Disgusting girl! How dare you slander me!" Taesan shouted loudly, his dominant aura began to radiate sharply like a werewolf which immediately made you shrink.

He pushed you against the whiteboard which made you groan in pain from hitting your shoulder and head. The look in his eyes really seemed to pierce your eyes, you were panting and weak. Tried to take his hand off you, but you didn't have the strength to do that.

Taesan saw your gaze that was begging for forgiveness, because your mouth was too tight to speak. He seemed to be possessed by a demon who was more inclined towards malice. Not malice towards you, but towards Ricky. He hated that he touched you before him. A defeat of his FAKE feelings began to emerge, and his TRUE feelings began to dominate him.

With jealousy welling up in his body, Taesan roughly kissed your lips like a hungry lion. You were shocked when Taesan gave you a kiss for the first time even though it was rough. His tongue forced its way in to explore your sweet mouth.

Being carried away by the game, you returned Taesan's kiss no less hungry. You moaned in between your kisses with Taesan, awakening something inside Taesan.

Heat began to spread into both of your bodies, moans full of desire interlocked even though you and Taesan were just making out hotly.

Taesan's kisses went down to your smooth neck which made you immediately hold onto his shoulders tightly because you were maintaining your balance which had weakened because of what he was doing. "Taesan-ah," You whined as Taesan started licking your neck wildly. You could feel his wet tongue as if it was painting your neck.

Taesan's hand which was originally on your neck went down to your thigh, he groped your thigh passionately. You shuddered when you felt his large hand grope your thigh.

Until finally he lowers your safety shorts slowly. His palm touched your wet panties, he knew you were turned on by what he was doing. "T-Taesan—"

"Why? Am I not allowed to touch my wife intimately?" He looked into your eyes looking shocked at what he was doing right now. There was no answer, Taesan inserted two fingers into your pussy in one fell swoop. You felt how his finger could enter your pussy quite deep, making you whine like a baby.

His hand began to move pumping your pussy at a moderate pace. Making you moan louder because of the great movements of his fingers. Taesan felt how wet you were for him, and it filled him with great pride.

"Ta-Taesan, so good, it's so good," You were looking up with your mouth wide open, really giving him a slut look. "Yeah, you like that, doll? You like me fingering your wet pussy, eh?” Taesan bit his lip at how sexy you are when you are helpless in his grasp. His thumb was now playing with your swollen clit which was also begging for attention. Your eyes rolled upwards with the heaven you were experiencing.

"Fuck! I should have touched you from the start! You are so fucking pretty! My fucking pretty wife!" Taesan said with a low growl, making you clench around his fingers at the praise he gave you. Especially when he added the word 'wife'. "Taesan, I want to cum, please," you whined feeling like a wave was going to explode inside you.

"Wanna cum? Tell me who you belong to, doll! Tell me who Owns you before I allow you to cum," Taesan demands you say the thing he really wants right now.

"Oh Taesan, I'm yours! I am yours! Please make me cum!” You whine because you don't have the strength to release the cum you're holding in. Taesan smiles with satisfaction and then sucks on your neck until it causes quite big red spots.

"Cum, doll. Cum on my fingers," Taesan whispered in his deep voice. You clenched tightly around his two digits then a liquid squirted out of your pussy. Taesan felt like his finger was being splashed with something, he knew you were squirting, not just cum.

Your breath is out of breath as this is the first time in your life that you are squirting profusely and the person doing this is your husband. Your head is dizzy because your height is completely out of your control. Taesan pulls his finger out then licks it without a trace, you clench around nothing seeing him clean your juices on his finger.

Taesan tidied you up after he sprayed hand sanitizer on his hands. Your face still looks shocked by what just happened. When you didn't dare look at his face, his hand immediately stroked your hair, as if you were his precious diamond. "Leehan was right, I was really stupid for not caring about a pretty diamond like you," He spoke softly which made you immediately look at him with an even more shocked gaze, and at the same time you didn't understand why he had suddenly changed like this.

"My love is so hidden that you can't feel it, I was really beaten to death by the feeling of denial that I experienced, even though in fact I really love you," He said softly which now made you even more shocked, his hand touched your cheek. "Mine, you are mine. I am your husband forever, be a complete Mrs. Han for me," You looked at him in disbelief, not believing that he now sincerely loves you, even claiming that you are only his.

"You are mine too, don't take your eyes off me again, Taesan. I hate it," You looked at Taesan with a sad look, Taesan smiled faintly, he kissed your lips briefly then took you into his arms. "I won't do that again, you are completely my princess, doll," Taesan said softly then kissed your head repeatedly.

His love for you is now no longer hidden, he has overcome his stupid feelings that said he wouldn't or couldn't love you forever.

#boynextdoor imagines #boynextdoor x reader #boynextdoor taesan #taesan smut #bnd smut #boynextdoor smut

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aerowolf · 15 days

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Fem! Reader x Scout with reader meeting Scouts Ma and/or brothers for the first time? 👉👈🥺

fem!reader meets scout's family for the first time

waahhh this ask was so cute I'm sorry it took so long !!! here ya go

includes: Scout, Scout's Ma, Scout's brothers

cute romantic, fem!reader, fluff

warnings: n/a, this is basically all fluff

You've been dating Scout for a bit now, and he decided it was time for you to meet his Ma.

You get a day away from the base and he takes you to his home to meet her; and some of his older brothers.

Note: We will be calling his brothers that you'll meet Ricky, Aaron, Lionel, Frank, and Daniel. The other two are off on business for plot reasons i guess

When you arrive at the house, Scout is holding your hand. He pulls you eagerly up the porch steps to the door and rings the bell, rocking back and forth on his heels in a cute, nervous sort of movement as he waits for his Ma to answer.

The moment the door opens, and Ma sees you, her face lights up. She recognizes you from Scout's descriptions of you when he called home and from the few photos he's sent her.

"Oh! I've heard so much about you dearie!" Her bright red lips form a grin as she takes your hand in both of hers, happy as can be. "It's so wonderful to finally meet you!"

You're quickly led into the house and told to take a seat at the table. "I can't believe my darling Jeremy finally got a girl of his own!"

Ma has a meal prepared for you, and she's very quick to set it up! She charters her older boys to set the table, but makes sure you don't have to do anything. She nudges Scout and he fumbles, realizing she wants him to help. With a sheepish smile he brings you your plate.

You're a bit overwhelmed by everyone, but they seem very friendly! You count five of the seven older brothers Scout mentioned having, and they all sit down at the long table with you and his Ma.

Though they're all at least 24, some of te younger ones are pretty rowdy, but most of them are pretty well behaved. Mama didn't raise no brats.

"All right, dears, say hello to your brother's gal!"

Each of them say your name overlapping in hellos and his, all of them seeming genuinely happy to meet you.

"Now, darling, I gotta tell you, I am so happy you're here! It's so good my baby Jerry finally has a girl in his life. I know you're just perfect and he better be treatin' you right. He is, right?" She shoots a glance at Scout.

You assure her he's doing great and she smiles, seeming relieved. He's likely had his share of messy relationships; nothing too bad of course, just him being him.

While Ma can certainly be a lot, she's much more open and inviting compared to some of the other parents of past partners you may have had. She's very easy to warm up to and you find yourself talking to her easily.

She starts telling you and embarrassing story about when Scout was younger. His brothers start laughing and she tells them all to shush. The further she goes, the more Scout's face reddens. He groans. "Aw, Ma, c'mon..."

You like hearing those stories, and you giggle when you hear them.

Lionel, Scout's third oldest brother, also starts talking. He's got a job in business, married with two little kids, and he's happy Scout's with you. He really sees that you love each other and he believes you're the best match he's had. He loves you tons.

Frank and Daniel, the twin brothers who are two years older than Scout, are by far the loudest, but they are definitely respectful towards women. When they call you ma'am, Scout's Ma winks at you. She taught 'em how to treat a lady. They ask you tons of questions, especially teasing ones about Scout, and you have fun talking to them.

Aaron, who is the next oldest after the twins, tells you that he's an aeroplane pilot. He tests aeroplanes but doesn't fly them commercially. His eyes are bright and he's more than happy to tell you about what it's like flying. "It's awesome. You go 'bout that far up and your ears pop like you're hiking or something."

Ricky is sandwiched between Aaron and Lionel in age, and he tells you he's a writer. He asks you a lot about whatever interests or profession you may have, eagerly paying attention to every word you say.

After a while, the conversations spread out, everyone talking to everyone.

Scout sits there, far more quiet than usual in this circumstance. He seems to want to talk, but only really to you or his Ma.

She senses this and shoos everyone else away, leaving just you three alone.

"Look, I'm awful sorry if that was too much for you. Everyone got so excited and wanted to see ya, ya know? But they're all done now, 'kay?"

When you're all three alone, Scout seems a lot more excited and willing to talk. He's loud as always but far more nice than he is in public, telling his Ma how much he loves you and she's so happy to see him this happy. So are you.

You're so glad Ma loves you, and you hug her tight when you have to go. She gives you a kiss on the cheek and smiles. While Scout gets in the car, she says, just to you, "take care, hun. You're the one for him, I just know it."

70 notes · View notes

thesupreme316 · 8 months

Note

hi i never requested before but how would aew boys react to you being in wwe and winning money in the bank and cashing in if you can can you add Christian Cage and Kenny Omega💚

AEW Stars React to: You Winning Money In the Bank and Cashing It In

Pairings: Christian Cage x Reader, Kenny Omega x Reader, Hook x Reader, Daniel Garcia x Reader, Samoa Joe x Reader, Ricky Starks x Reader, Eddie Kingston x Reader

Word Count: 1.3K

Supreme Speaks: hi anon and thanks to requesting (welcome to the dark side). I hope everyone reading this enjoys it. Please remember that you are loved and appreciated.

Warnings: not proofread, GIFS AINT MINE, mentions of reader are gender neutral until specified

Taglist: @wwenhlimagines @hooks-martin @hookerforhook @triscillal @sheinthatfandom @eddie-kingstons-wifey @cassie0sstuff

Backstory:

You worked all year long and you proved yourself to be strong and powerful enough to compete in the Money In The Bank (men’s or women’s; whichever you prefer)

So this first 20-minutes of the match was spent with you bouncing off of ladders, using weapons to your advantage, diving off the top rope onto your opponents, and making memorable moments for the crowd

Finally, after damn near thirty minutes, you climbed the ladder for the final time and pulled down the briefcase to thunderous cheers. You smiled so hard that your mouth started to hurt as you went to the back to watch the rest of the PPV

BUT THEN

You noticed during a championship match (although it was already over), that the champion was injured. You grabbed your briefcase and a referee and ran to the ring as your theme song played (and the crowd gave the biggest pop in your career).

You cashed in the briefcase as the champion looked at you in disbelief and disgust. As soon as the bell rung, you performed your finishing move and got the victory (pinball or submission; I aint picky)

With tears of joy, you received your newly won championship. You celebrated with the crowd and your family/friends who were in attendance before going to the back where someone else made their happiness for you loud and clear…

Christian Cage

THIS MAN IS BEYOND HAPPY

What really popped him was the fact you used his chair move to your advantage

As someone who helped popularize the use of ladder matches, he was subconsciously dissecting your match

He did get scared a couple of times, but he still had faith in you

When you cashed it in, Christian damn near screamed his head off

Luchasuarus had to keep himself from laughing as Christian damn flew off the chair

Immediately called you and told you how proud he was; sent you flowers that arrived seconds after he said it

“How did-“

“I decided on a neutral message just in case of things…don’t read the other side”

I honestly think that he would reference you in promos to show how good his life is

Ricky Starks

THIS MAN CANNOT BE STOP PART 69 (wink wink)

He actually came with you backstage and sat with Cody and Brandi as he watched you own the night

He was the first person you hugged backstage, he made sure of it

Ricky was more concerned about your health than you winning the matches, so he’s just happy that you’re okay

Posts a pic dump of you getting ready, you winning, y’all hugging and shit

Can’t shut up about it while also taking credit for some moves

“That spear off the ladder was my idea…what do you mean Edge did it first?….I told you that yo-someone has an ego problemm”

After you have relaxed and rested for a couple of hours, it’s time that you guys actually celebrate

Or as Ricky likes to call it “Stroke Daddy Time”

Kenny Omega

This nice too bean will always be supportive of you

Posted not-so-subtle pictures of him in your merchandise

Was the first one to congratulate you publicly and privately

Kenny is the one to also dissect your match but just looking for inspiration for future matches

Although he couldn’t attend, he was on FaceTime as you received your title plates and photoshoot (hyping you up all the way)

“LOOK AT Y/N! YOU LOOK GREAT, YOUR TITLE LOOKS GREAT-Is that Austin Creed near you? Y/N run away”

I think after Kenny would have (unironically) the customizable pants with your face everywhere on it

I also think that Kenny would have ring gear that refers to your historical night

Calls you his lil bout machine (aww, aint y’all so cute…throws up)

Eddie Kingston

Okay listen man’s is so damn proud of you

Like Kenny, he couldn’t attend (also, despite your matches, he didn’t wanna be in attendance) but he made sure that you knew how happy he is for you

Posted a pic dump of your wins with a simple caption: “They did it mothafuckas”

Eddie will spam you with texts ranging from congratulations to lemme hold the title

I also think it would encourage Eddie to work harder in the ring so both of you can be on top of the world

If you’re a woman (or go by female pronouns), I guarantee you (motherfucking guarantee you) he will make a post or a shoot interview about how important women’s wrestling is

“Did you see what Y/N did? That was revolutionary! See what happens when you support women’s wrestling….douchebags”

He would proceed to tell everyone…including Claudio…how you’re now the only person he likes and tolerates

Hook

Baby boy is looking at you with stars and hearts in his eyes

He was just so astounded that you were able to achieve two things within one night

I have this idea that Hook sneaks backstage (aka no one really knows when or how he got backstage; or when he leaves/appears) basically he’s Batman

So like no one saw Hook come backstage but two and two together when they saw you hug

Whispers to you when you’re close enough how much he admires you

“To be honest, you’re the coolest person I’ve ever met. And tonight solidified it.”

Doesn’t post a dump but will instead post a simple behind-the-scenes pic on his story

Expect him to tell the Lads….and then prepare for the Lads to post about you

Samoa Joe

HEHEHE MY MAN

As a man who was in WWE, he understands how important this was to you and is happy that you survived

I bet he would get you a shirt that says “I survived my first money-in-the-bank match”

Joe def cackled when you did his whole “walk away” shtick when someone was trying to dive off the ladder

“I TAUGHT EM THAT! I DID THAT SHIT! It’s funnier when I do it tho.”

I think Joe would also give you a heart-to-heart about the business and how much this will impact your career

Is excited to see how your character will evolve from here

Def gives you ideas to turn heel and become a menace in the division

Daniel Garcia

SOMEONE WOULD NEED TO TASE THIS MAN-

He would not be able to shut up; you would need to duct tape his mouth shut and then take his voice box

Spam tweets and deletes the ones where people would raise eyebrows at him

Pretends to be a crazed fanboy like how he is for Blackpink (or Twice)

“OMG Y/N! KICK ME DOWN THE STAIRS! SPEAR ME-“

For your celebration, I can see Daniel taking you to a nightclub with Isiah (you will be appearing on the vlog, you have no choice)

And then another club….and then a bar…yeah bruh you getting blackout drunk (or at least hyped if you don’t drink)

Is genuinely happy for you (a lil jealous) and excited to see where you go from here

Also, he quietly asks for you to make an appearance in AEW

169 notes · View notes

starrzhao · 11 months

Text

what are the odds? | k.tr

synopsis you've tried numerous attempts in confessing to taerae but somehow it always ends up turning into unfortunate accidents…misleading taerae into thinking you hate him at some poor attempts

pairing taerae x gn!reader

genre romance, fluff, humor, angst if you squint

word count 9.6k

content/tags sfw, miscommunication/misunderstanding trope, university!au setting, part-time barista!taerae

warnings I am not funny but I tried, swearing, a lotta things are unrealistic (anyways it’s fiction lol) , the y/n here is kind of a dumbass sorry (to clarify, you are not dumb at all! I’m just referring to the mc here 😭😞), low-key gave up halfway so things may be messy, will try to edit and proofread later when I have the time

featuring former boys planet trainees, kum junhyeon , park hanbin , cha woongki and seowon

taglist @leagreenly @kpoprhia @dimplewonie @shanb1n @wtfhyuck @mikaymee (kindly send an ask/dm if you’d like to be added or removed)

HOW IT ALL STARTED

One of your friends, sung hanbin had decided to host an open-mic event at his cafe for the first time. At first, you didn’t want to go because of the number of assignments you had all piled up as your horridly long to-do list was desperate for your attention. but your friend was also desperate too, begging you to come as he was afraid only a few people would bother to show up.

So being the good friend you are (and terrible procrastinator looking for an excuse to not do work), you decided to go. Your other friends, zhanghao, ricky and junhyeon also tagged along to support as well.

To your surprise, the cafe was actually really full, more and more people rolled in every hour and although you loved to socialize, your battery was draining from seeing the number of people at a high.

There were a lot of talented people who took the stage. With some pouring out their emotions with their personal spoken-word poetry, some inducing laughter with stand-up comedy and some taking the stage to sing their heart out with a touching ballad or a fun pop song.

It was a particularly entertaining night but with the number of people increasing in the cafe, it was draining and dreadful to be with a swarm of people. It wasn’t that you didn’t like to socialize, it was just suffocating to be in a large crowded cafe.

It was 1 am but the open-mic was still lively and has yet to reach its end with a quite big number of people still waiting in line to take the stage.

“I want to go home.” You yawn before comfortably resting your head on the table as you hear another poetry number.

“I gotta go I have a 7 am class tomorrow, the professor will rip my head off if I’m late again. I already told hanbin so he won’t kill me. Bye guys.” Ricky was the first one to leave from your group, bidding you guys a farewell.

Hanbin begged you guys to stay throughout the whole open mic to ensure there was going to be an audience for every performer. As the hours passed, less and less people were at the cafe.

“Thank you to everyone who came today especially to the ones who decided to stay until the end of our event. Now we know there’s still some of you who wish to perform their piece tonight but I’m afraid we have to end it after one last performance. Do not fret, there will be another open-mic event in the future! I hope to see you all stop by again. “ Hanbin relays his closing remarks for the event.

“And now, to finally wrap our event, let’s give the stage to the last but definitely not the least, kim taerae! Let’s all give it up for him.” Claps and cheers echoed through the room for the last performer. A young man walked into the stage with a guitar in his hand, he was dressed in a white denim jacket with a pair of blue jeans and his hair was styled in a little messy perm. He enters the stage and greets the crowd with a sweet smile.

“Hello everyone! I am kim taerae and to end today’s open-mic on a good note, I will be singing man in love by infinite. Hope you enjoy.” You were a little surprised at his low voice. You get up from your position and sit uptight, eager to watch the performance of the new man you found attractive. From his looks and to his speaking voice, he already seemed promising .

The moment he started singing, you melted over his vocals. His voice was quite deep yet also so sweet and soft. His voice was so captivating and everyone in the audience was in awe.

The performance was so satisfying and heartwarming to watch. He was also looking into the eyes of the members of the audience as if he was in a concert. At one point, your eyes meet and you felt your heart skip a beat as he flashed a charming bright smile as his eyes met yours for a moment.

At that moment, you felt your world stop for a moment like you have just met eye-to-eye with the love of your life. All throughout the performance, you felt as if you two were the only one there. As if taerae was pouring all those words out to you.

Soon, the song had finally come to an end and the crowd loudly claps and cheers, everyone was swooned by his heartfelt performance.

“Thank you everyone, hope you all enjoyed the night and get home safe. Take care!” He bids his farewell and everyone immediately stands up from their seats, ready to leave the event.

The next day arrived and here you were on your first day in a new class. You were sleep deprived and was trying your hardest not to fall asleep as soon as you sat down.

Everyone else chatted about whatever went on in their lives. A lot of the others already knew each other too. You were sitting in the back with no one next to you, feeling slightly out of place.

“Hey may I sit here?” A familiar low voice spoke. You get up and look at your left. Loe and behold, It was that sweet singer from yesterday.

“Yes of course.” You reply and flash a small smile.

“You’re kim taerae?”

“Oh yeah! How do you know me?

“I recognize you, you were at the open-mic last night at the cafe last night, right?”

“Ah yes that’s me!” He lightly chuckles in response.

“You were incredible last night, you were the perfect person to end the show. Your singing was amazing! It was so sweet and satisfying to hear. And then when y-I’m so sorry I think I’m rambling now.” His ears turned red from your compliment, keeping a shy smile on over the compliments you gave. You worried that you were doing too much.

“No no it’s fine! And thank you so much, I appreciate it, really.”

“ sorry I forgot to introduce myself but I’m y/n by the way. nice to meet you taerae.” You let your hand out to which he gladly shakes.

“And I’m well, as you already know haha, taerae but it’s very nice to meet you y/n. looking forward to getting to know you.” That sweet smile painted on his face as he seats himself next to you.

_________________________________

you have liked, actually no scratch that, you have been in love with taerae since the first day you met him..

After becoming seatmates on the first day and getting along, you were bound to see each other every week, and after talking to him during every class, sharing about anything and everything in your lives instead of actually paying attention to your lectures, your feelings had gotten stronger as you had gotten to know him more over the course of a few months

He was a very smart, humble and sweet person. A million words weren’t even enough to describe his personality. To top it all off, he was incredibly handsome too. He had that sweet signature smile that always brightened your day. It was hard not to fall for someone like him.

He also became a part-time employee at hanbin’s cafe, although you only every visited once a week to see hanbin, you started going everyday to see taerae.

_________________________________

“hey y/n we know that you’re down bad for mr. cutie pie over there but please pay attention to your friends.” junhyeon snaps at you from your trance after catching you once, again getting lost in your own world staring at taerae for the millionth time today.

currently, you and your friends were hanging at the cafe owned by hanbin located near your uni.

“Yeah, huh yes.” junhyeon and gunwook laugh at your reaction.

Speaking of the devil(or angel, you would think), taerae suddenly approaches your table.

“hey guys I’m clocking out now, just tell hanbin if you need anything. and y/n see you on monday!” he sends you his signature smile as he waves at your friends a farewell as he leaves the cafe.

“see you!” you were smiling so big at him, unaware of how you were smiling so big like a fool. junhyeon and gunwook giggle and whisper amongst themselves, teasing your absolutely lovesick state.

“yeah and they say they have a little crush, and they’ve been trying to hide it.” Junhyeon teases.

“Oh shut up.” You smack his arm and turn away, trying to hide your so painfully obvious blushing state.

“we are so sick of you shooting heart eyes at him for the longest time, oh god when do you plan on finally asking him out?” gunwook says.

“now that you mention it I think I’m planning on confessing to taerae soon.”

your friends dramatically gasp altogether. they certainly didn’t expect you to make a move a year after meeting him.

“You really are?”

“Yeah I was actually thinking of telling him after the open-mic tomorrow.”

“Ooooh how?” Sung hanbin chips in as he takes a seat at your table and casually sneaks a bite from zhanghao’s cheesecake sitting on the table.

“hey what the hell that’s mine, don’t think you’re so slick.” zhanghao snatches the fork from hanbin’s hand and hanbin chuckles at zhanghao’s annoyed state.

“hanbin what are you doing here aren’t you supposed to be working?” you turn to look at him and he comfortably sinks his back into the couch.

“you guys are the only ones here anyways and I’m closing the cafe in a bit. i also heard the words taerae and confess so of course I had to join in.”

“anyways moving back to the topic, how are you going to tell him” hanbin mentions once again.

“I was just planning on just simply saying it. All straight forward like hey.. I like you.”

Your friends squeal in excitement, you bury your face in your hands, embarrassed.

“I have a hunch he likes you too.” your ears turn red over what hanbin said, thinking the possibility of taerae reciprocating his feelings made you feel a little happy inside.

“Wishing you luck ” Hanbin pats your shoulder..

“Yeah like what are the odds that things could go wrong?”

RIGHT, WHAT ARE THE ODDS?

_________________________________

ATTEMPT 1 : THE OPEN MIC

“thank you for attending our open mic event this month ! I truly appreciate all your support and I’m always amazed by the talented performers that take on the stage. Hope you all get home safe and sound, thank you once again and I hope to see you again in our monthly open mic event once again next month.”

“Good luck.” Hanbin whispers in your year, sending you a fighting gesture as you proceed to look for taerae.

You look around and you spot him behind the cashier, currently counting a bunch of coins in his hand.

“Hey!” You catch the boy’s attention as he looks up and immediately flashes a smile as you near him.

“Hey what’s up? Did you enjoy tonight’s open-mic?”

“Yeah I did! And like always, you did absolutely amazing.” Taerae’s face flushing red after your compliment, you always found it so adorable when he’d get so shy.

“Uh taerae, I just wanted to tell you something.”

“Go ahead. I’m listening.” He places his arm on the counter, resting his chin on his palm, ready to listen to you.

“I don’t know where to begin..so the thing is.”

You take a deep breath, mentally preparing yourself for the moment.

“I’ve been keeping on eye on a certain someone for awhile now. Well whatever I shouldn’t be beating around the bush. I like-“

“Taerae! Let’s go!” A blue haired boy comes and wraps his arm around taerae’s neck, ruffling through his hair. You presumed it was the blue-haired roommate taerae always referred to in his stories about his dorm life.

“Later hanbin! Y/n’s trying to tell me something, go on..”

“Oh I’m so sorry I was interrupting something..”

“I like hearing the stories about your roommate, I wanted to meet him.” It just slipped. Forcing yourself to lie was defenitely not something you wanted to do but you felt too awkward to continue confessing.

“That’s me! Hello I am park hanbin, taerae’s amazing roommate that you hear about in his stories.” Hanbin winks at you, and puts his hand out. You shake his hand, pretending like you eagerly wanted to get to know him.

“Oh hey! That’s cool so I always heard really interesting stories about you so I’ve been dying to meet you.” You lied.

“I hear about you too, you seem cool. Hey wanna exchange numbers?”

“Yeah that’d be cool.” You and hanbin pull out your phones and quickly exchange numbers as taerae stands awkwardly behind the counter, witnessing your interaction.

“So uh i guess we can take our leave now? Thanks for coming today y/n and see you tomorrow during class!” Taerae pats hanbin’s shoulders, lowkey pushing him to go.

“Oh of course. See you taerae!” You smile and wave as they slowly take their leave.

“Nice to meet you y/n see you around too!” Hanbin cheekily throws a heart shooting gesture at you.

That was not definitely what you wanted to do.

_________________________________

PERHAPS A LETTER WILL DO?

“I don’t know if I can directly say it to him again.” You contemplated as you drew along your sketchbook. You were currently in ricky and zhanghao’s dorm, making a sketch of taerae as the two seriously focus on finishing their plates for their art classes due the next day, them being typical art students, while ranting about your confession process for the second time.

“Then perhaps you can try saying it to him by writing it in a letter instead?” Ricky suggests as he calmly moves the brush strokes against his canvas, multitasking listening to you while painting for his final’s project in his drawing and painting class.

“Writing him a letter-okay wait ricky I think that’s a great idea, I think i can do that.” you gasp as you turn to him, enlightened by the idea that doesn’t deal with direct confrontation.

“Eh but how are you doing it? Are you going to mail it? You know it’s a hassle and the courier rates are hell here or do you plan on just handing it to him then running away like an idiot. ” Zhanghao asks and you realize you didn’t fully grasp the idea yet. Writing down your feelings through a letter was definitely easier but how were you going to execute it?

“Hyung don’t be too pessimistic, it’s not so bad of an idea.” Ricky defends.

“Okay well..aha! I’ll just give it to him in the cafe after his shift, or I’ll just ask hanbin to slip it in his bag since I’m pretty sure it’d be impossible to slip it in during class.”

“Hmm..actually yeah that’s possible..not bad of an idea.”

“I’m a genius! oh hey guys look at my drawing, what do you think?” You flaunt your poorly drawn portrait of your crush and ricky lets out a huge laugh while zhanghao sends you a mortified look.

“is that taerae?” zhanghao points to your drawing, which was quite literally obvious as you wrote his name in red at the side.

“Yeah..i tried to draw him from memory.” You scratch the back of your head, embarrassed.

“Well as a fine arts student, I can definitely say it’s a drawing. Very abstract!” You send ricky a glare and smack his arm as he lets out a laugh.

“you should be thankful I didn’t pursue arts, picasso’s definitely shitting his pants right now.” You jokingly remarked.

“But I truly can’t draw at all what the hell.”

“It’s good that you know.” Ricky jokingly insults and you shoot him a glare.

You rip that paper from the sketchbook, folding it neatly and putting it to the side.

You open a new page, taking a deep breath before writing away your feelings on the paper. But everytime you wrote, your inner perfectionist fought you, making you restart the letter multiple times.

There were multiple pieces of papers scattered around ricky’s table and you had been stressing over it for over an hour and a half before finally finding the perfect words to say.

eventually you got all worn out from using all your brain power for the past hour as you fell asleep on ricky’s desk.

“psst, y/n you need to go, it’s getting late. “ at around 8pm, zhanghao wakes you up. You were a little groggy but you made sure to stand up and grab the letter as you leave. There were way too many paper in the desk and you had only remembered seeing the paper right next to you, but there were two, you bring the one on the right, assuming it was the letter.

_________________________________

you poured your heart out into the letter and made sure each and every word you said was heartfelt and true. you were about to pack the paper and you immediately hand it to hanbin upon arriving at the cafe in the morning. nervous yet also excited about sending taerae the letter.

and so, you wait for the next day to arrive.

_________________________________

“Hey taerae check your belongings before you leave! Need to make sure you don’t leave anything in the cafe, closing up in a bit.“ hanbin yells from the stock room as he secretly grins to himself. taerae rummages through his backpack, thoroughly checking through his things.

He finds a piece of paper in the front pocket and curiously, of course he opens it. Taerae immediately held his hand to his mouth, shocked over what he saw.

…

You anxiously waited for taerae to come to class as you fiddled with your fingers, afraid of what taerae’s reaction to the letter would be.

You spot taerae coming in and he waves at you from afar. You felt a sense of relief as you see taerae still openly greeting you and going your direction to take the seat next to yours like always.

“Hey. ” Taerae sits down and all of a sudden his face was painted with a hint of worry. You mentally start panicking over what he was going to say. Is he going to reject me? Tell me to get lost? Why does he lowkey looks scared? you thought

Taerae goes to grab something from his bag and you gulp nervously. He takes out a piece of paper and passes it to you.

“Oh taerae…”

“Open it.” He says and your hands shake a little as you open up the folded piece of paper, your heart was beating fast and taerae looked down on his desk, his hands clasped together, he just looked really anxious.

You open it and your eyes widen in shock.

“Oh shit.”

“Right? Isn’t it terrifying?” He points at the paper, hesitant to look at it. It was the poorly drawn portrait of him that you made when you were at hao and ricky’s dorm.

How the hell would you mess this up? And then it hit you, you grabbed the first paper you sw at the desk, assuming what you grabbed would be the letter.

“it’s scary to me because just look at the drawing, are they trying to say something about my appearance? And my name’s in red on the bottom. I thought it was a litte gift but when you think about it, would someone really gift you something like this.” You felt an arrow shoot through your heart. Not only did he just diss your drawing skills but he quickly assumed that this drawing was sent from a secret hater?

“what if they��re just shitty at drawing, you know but they were trying to do a nice little gesture?”

“But the red name, the poor handwriting, it just really feels like a hate message.” You felt your spirit leave your body.

“I don’t know I feel like I have to be on the lookout now, I’m scared someone’s coming after me.”

“YOU SENT HIM THE DRAWING?” ricky bursts out laughing at your failed mail delivery attempt.

“No oh my god my stomach hurts so much I can’t handle it..and the fact he thinks it’s a hate message is so fucking funny.” Ricky held onto stomach from laughing so hard and you glare at him. It was certainly not helping the embarrassment your were experiencing at the moment.

“Okay stop laughing dumbass it’s not funny.”

“Oh it is, it really is..” You smack his arm to make him get a grip and ricky lets out a loud ‘Ow’.

“Now what the fuck am I gonna do! I’m doomed!”

“You can always try again, you know? Maybe next time double check what you’re going to send to make sure you don’t send the love of your life your cursed looking drawings.”

“who send what what now?” Junhyeon quickly plops a seat next to ricky.

“y/n just sent taerae a drawing of him and he..thought it was….a threat..” ricky tries to hold his laugh in between his words.

“makes sense your skills are the worse of the worse i feel like i lose ten years of my life when I see you do any sort of artwork.”

“Oh shut up! Why are you all just constantly after my ass.”

“Anyways did you actually try to confess to him by using a drawing? “ junhyeon asked, visibly confused.

“No no no! I was supposed to leave him a letter. The thing is in the morning, I went to the cafe in the morning with hao to hand hanbin the letter so he could sneak it in his bag. I think i handed him the wrong one..because I was holding on to both of the folded papers and I forgot which was which..”

“Typical y/n moment..” ricky says and you raise your fork at him.

“Yeah okay okay.” ricky raises his hands in the air to defend himself from you potentially striking at him with your fork.

“Guys what do I do..”

“Why don’t you just tell him directly?” Junhyeon asks..

“Last time, I slipped up and lied that I wanted to mee his roommate, knowing damn well I don’t care about his roommate at all.””

“So what were you actually trying to send?“

“Okay I got another idea this time!” Ricky raises his hand you furrow one of your eyebrows at him.

_________________________________

ATTEMPT 2 : LEAVING THE LETTER AT THE LECTURE ROOM

“What time did hanbin say he was gonna come?”

“Hmm in like 30 minutes. He ends his shift at around 4.” Hao tells you. This time you were meant to leave the letter on his desk. Hanbin said he left his things in the lecture room and was going back after his shift to retrieve them.

you of course also made sure to double check to prevent the same mistake from happening again, it would be too much. You were positive that this time, nothing would go wrong and taerae would finally be able to read the words you’ve been meaning to relay.

“Shit shit shit! Guys I hear footsteps, I think it’s him!” Junhyeon yelled and panic immediately seeps into you.

“What? I thought his shift ends at 4, uh whatever guys hide!”

You and hao sneak under one of the tables at the back while junhyeon stood for awhile looking left and right, trying to figure out where to hide while he hears the footsteps getting louder and louder so he just hides behind the door, facing the corner, putting his black hoodie on.

Taerae walks into the room and hums a soft tune as he casually walks on his way onto his designated seat. He finds the paper on top and tilts his head to the side, surprised upon seeing a folded paper again. He scans the whole room with his sight before proceeding to slowly flip the fold.

The door abruptly closes as it emits an eerily creaking sound that echoed across the room. Taerae looks at its direction and notices a tall figure in a black hoodie at the corner of the room. His heart began to beat at an alarmingly fast rate.

“W-who are you?” He stutters out of fear as he slowly approaches the figure. The figure freezes into place, not moving an inch from its position.

“Were you here for me?” He slowly walks over and tries to gently approach the figure, he reaches out and tugs on the person’s arm and they suddenly turn around, instantly head butting taerae before he could take a look into their face, sending taerae into a fainting spell as he collapses onto the floor.

“Junhyeon what the fuck!” You and hao quickly rush over to the now, passed out, taerae laying on the floor.

“You shithead why did you headbutt him!”

“I didn’t want him to know it was me, okay! It was also a reflex i don’t know!”

“Yeah? Are you crazy!? He’s literally unconscious right now!!”

“But he’s not dead right?” Junhyeon slowly approaches his figure placing two fingers over his neck to check if he still had his pulse, he jumps but soon breathes a sigh of relief as he feels his pulse.

“Ah! Oh thank God.”

“Ugh whatever just bring to him the clinic.” Hao quickly goes to carry his left arm and you do the same on his other one.

_________________________________

You sit beside taerae’s peaceful sleeping state, patiently waiting for him to wake up, around 30 minutes has passed and he has yet to wake up.

Hao left early since he still had other senior duties to attend to while junhyeon left out of guilt, refusing to face taerae after giving him a concussion from a headbutt he didn’t mean to cause. He loved taerae too much to face him after what happened today.

You waited by taerae’s side even taking a nap as you waited for him to wake up.

You sat by the bed, with the letter in your hand. You opened it and reread each and every word once again as you look at taerae at the same time. You let out a huge sigh. You felt hesitant once again in confessing to taerae. Perhaps being by his side was enough, right?

But the feelings would always be there and you wouldn’t want to fight it. You sit and stare at his features for awhile, finding yourself enamored by his looks.

“I don’t think you’ll ever forgive me taerae..”

“for what?” you jolted from your seat the moment you hear that deep voice. taerae slowly tries to sit himself up and he squints at you as he rubs his eyes.

“oh my god you’re finally awake.”

“What happened I was at the classroom and I just blacked out, how did you find me..” You panic a little, trying to scramble through your brain to think of a random excuse, surely you weren’t going to tell him you were there to drop a letter where you basically profess your feelings.

“Uh i just stopped by the classroom, I thought I left something in the room.”

“oh okay..did you see anyone else there? like a person with a black hoodie? I think someone hit me in the head.”

Taerae tries to recall the situation, his memory still a little foggy over what happened. He couldn’t quite remember how the person looked as everything just happened so quickly.

“Wait..what if it was the same person who sent me that drawing from before? How would they even know that I was coming back? Because the moment I entered the room, I felt this eerie atmosphere, like someone was waiting for me?” You mentally curse at yourself for pushing through this plan, how the hell were you going to tell him the truth?

“I feel like I have this sort of secret anti? I don’t know I’m kinda scared to be alone now.”

“If you don’t mind, can you walk with me home today? It’s embarrassing but i feel kinda scared to walk hom alone.” You eyes widened in shock but you quickly agree anyways. You just got an offer to spend some extra time with your crush. However a huge part of you felt guilty about what happened.

“I’m sorry I can’t I have to go somewhere. Uh I think i actually need to go right now.” You stood up and taerae looks at you softly, almost like his eyes were pleading for you to not go away.

“Okay I’ll just call your roommate to get you since I really can’t, it’s park hanbin right?”

“yeah, do you have his number? I think I left my belongings at the room I don’t have my phone right now.”

“Ah yes i do! Let me dial him.” You scroll through your contacts searching for his name, quickly dialing him.

“Hey y/n, what’s up!” Hanbin responds almost immediately, greeting you in a cheery tone.

“Hey, so taerae’s at the clinic right now, he got a concussion and sprained his ankle and he kinda can’t get to his dorm alone right now so can you come pick him up right now?”

“Alright I see..”

“Sorry it’s kinda hard to explain right now but taerae’s gonna fill you in on the details later.”

“It’s okay i know what happened, junhyeon told me..”

“Ah r-really, okay anyways just come and get him right now.” You quickly end the call hoping he doesn’t go on and run his mouth on what happened.

“just stay here and wait for hanbin I think I’ll have to go now.”

“Take care! see you in the cafe and next week!” Taerae flashes you his warm smile as he waves at you.

“You too taerae.” You smile back and take your leave..

_________________________________

ATTEMPT HONESTLY CAN’T EVEN KEEP UP ANYMORE : FIGURING IT OUT AGAIN PART SOMETHING OR MAYBE NOT

You and your friends, ricky, junhyeon, zhanghao and sung hanbin and gunwook gathered in the same cafe once again.

_________________________________

“So what’s your new plan?”

“Guys I really don’t know anymore.” You let your head hit the table, feeling so defeated at the moment after thinking about your two failed confession attempts.

“Guys what’s a foolproof way of me confessing where I don’t need to do it on the spot, or one that doesn’t have a chance of leaving him terrified him in any way.”

“Yeah he’s been taerae-fied too many times.” Junhyeon jokes. You roll your eyes at his poor attempt of making a taerae pun.

“The plans have been so terrible.” You sigh.

“Taeraeble you could say..” Ricky softly says while looking down as junhyeon giggled, trying to surpress his laugh.

“Ok I swear if you guys say another one.” You glare at the two.

“Hmm perhaps maybe.” Gunwook leads. After junhyeon blabbered to him about what happened he was also then informed of the fact that you had feelings for taerae too.

“actually never mind I don’t know I thought i was thinking for a moment but it blew away sorry.”

“Junhyeon why did you invite gunwook over too, he’s no help either.” Gunwook turns to you and fakes a loud gasp and you roll your eyes over his dramatic act.

“By the way um sorry to say this late but, taerae just quit his job here yesterday. He also said he’s transferring outside of the school.” Sung hanbin mentions.

“Yeah and he also said he’s transferring next semester, he’s actually moving out next friday.” Sung hanbin adds. Everyone else is shocked over the sudden news. Taerae leaving so suddenly was never in anyone’s bingo cards.

“No! I love taerae too much! Why am I only knowing now that my man is leaving.” Junhyeon dramatically fake cries.

“Oh shit. i just realized.”

“What?”Hao turns to you.

“I don’t think I’ll be able to see taerae much anymore, it’s our last class next week and we don’t talk much outside.”You recalled that the last day of your class with taerae was already next week because after that it would be finals then everything’s done. You weren’t sure if you were going to still be able to talk to taerae knowing how you usually only talked during class.

Maybe a part of you wished for those accidents to happen because deep inside, you were afraid about letting taerae find out about your feelings, afraid that he wouldn’t like you back and you’d lose the friendship you’ve built for a year.

_________________________________

The last monday. the last class you were going to share with taerae ever.

“Hey y/n i want to tell you something.” You look in his direction. You were already had an idea on what he was going to say.

“I’m moving out next week and I quit my part time job at hanbin's cafe. Though maybe you’ve noticed and Hanbin might’ve already told you but yeah I just wanted to tell you.”

“Oh I guess we won’t be seeing each other much anymore..” You say and his eyes widened. He waves his hands and sends you a reassuring look.

“oh we won’t be seeing each other much anymore but I promise I’ll try to keep up with you! um my roommates wanted to throw a farewell party, honestly a little dramatic haha but I wanted to invite you and you friends over. It’s going to be a small one don’t worry.”

“Sure! I’d love to come, I’ll tell my friends too.”

“The last hurrah, you know. Also just so you know,, I genuinely enjoyed getting to know you this year, you were the best person I’ve met this year. I was so happy to have known you this year and I would have totally flunked this class because I might’ve have just ended up sleeping through every lecture haha.”

“Anyways I’ll see you at the party, yeah?” He points at you with that signature smile plastered on his face once again.

“Absolutely.” You smile back.

_________________________________

“I can’t do this anymore! I’ve tried everything like EVERYTHING yet somehow everytime I can’t seem to tell him how I feel.” You cried as you took another shot of soju. Initially, you were alone at the convenience store wanting to buy alone a beer or two to let loose but here you were with almost two empty soju bottles.

“why didn’t a single thing go right..” you bury your face in your hands.

a thought pops into your head and liquid courage pushed you to now film a voicemail on your phone to taerae. now, you were quite wasted and couldn’t see shit but you still pushed yourself.

you drunkenly record yourself professing your love to him, addressing him as you. you laugh to yourself as you finished recording and finally hit the send button.

“maybe this can work ahehe.”

“Y/n?” You hear a young man call out your name. You look up and your vision was too blurry to make out the owner of the voice. it was very familiar and clear to you but you just couldn’t seem to lay a finger on who it could be.

“You!” You stood up from your seat, pointing at the unknown man with your eyes closed. He takes a step back at your sudden move, confused on what to do.

You try to open you eyes, trying to take a look but soon your vision darkens and you pass out. the night going on as a blur.

_________________________________

your eyes flitter open and you feel your head ringing, a painful reminder of what happened last night. you wake up, confused as you look around, the surroundings being all too new.

since when did i have white sheets and a clean ass bedroom?

you slap yourself, trying to figure if it was a dream or not. but it wasn’t.

soon you hear a knock on the door on the far left and taerae enters, carrying a glass of tea and painkillers on a tray.

“oh you’re awake, anyways here take these for your hangover. finish the cup of tea and if your headache feels really unbearable, take a tylenol. anyways how are you feeling?” he hands the tray to you and he sits down by you.

“Honestly woke up with a terrible headache. Is this your place?I’m so sorry..” You ask.

“Yes but don’t worry about it, I saw you pass out last night and I didn’t want to leave you there.” he says and sends a reassuring smile your way. you felt your heart skip a beat for a second.

“anyways stay as long as you need! take care of yourself and rest. if you need water or anything, just call me! okay?” he says as he proceeds to leave the room.

you feel your phone vibrate next to you and you are shocked upon what you see when you receive a notification from park hanbin.

phanbin: let’s talk about this at the dorm party ;)

well, shit.

. Taerae invited the whole friend group (since he was friends with all of you too anyways) and the other dorm mates to come over. He requested it to not be so grand since he wanted it to be a simple farewell.

It was probably the last day you were ever going to see him and it kinda killed you inside knowing not a single attempt of your confessions worked and the words you’ve been trying to relay are going to be left unspoken. Other than that, you had also discovered that you had sent a voicemail to park hanbin, perhaps leading him on. You also couldn’t bear to see taerae after your past encounter. This day, you were definitely more than nervous to come.

You, ricky, sung hanbin and zhanghao decided to go the dorm together. When you arrive, you finally meet the other dormmates taerae had always talked about in his stories.

“Hi! I’m woongki, Nice to meet you. Come in.” The brown haired boy cheerfully greeted the four of you as soon as you guys came in as he lead you guys to sit on the couch. Another taller, black-haired boy goes next to him and introduces himself.

“Hey I’m seowon! Another roommate and woongki’s roommate.”

“I see, it makes so much sense that you’re roommates, you both are very smiley haha.” you say, seeing how cheery and friendly the two are in welcoming the both of you.

In the mean time, you got to chat with woongki and seowon. Park hanbin and taerae were still getting food and drinks.

From talking to them, you were also able to catch some stories and new facts about taerae. To your surprise, they reveal how he actually goes around the dorm wearing horrendous clothing pieces, wearing the same pair of red pants almost every day like it was the only pair of pants he owned. You also then learn about how taerae used to sing a lot in church growing up. His guitar was his pride and often, he would play and sing for them if ever anyone wanted him to. He could just sing on the spot if you asked him to.

The more you heard about him, the more endearing he was to you. It certainly didn’t help with making your feelings go away or having to deal with not seeing him anymore.

“Sorry we took long but we’re here!” Park hanbin and taerae finally arrived, with all their hands full with bags filled with snacks, chicken and beer.

For the night, you guys plan to play a few games then wrap up the night with a movie marathon afterwards.

The first game you guys decided to play was uno. It was fun, a lot of oohs and a lot of cheating with some players hiding specific cards. (yeah it was on junhyeon and ricky). Taerae on the other hand, often when he lost he’d go look over your cards and coach you, and despite taerae being the first one to lose almost all the time, he managed to make you win every time.

It was followed by a game of charades. It was even more chaotic than playing uno.

Then lastly, truth or dare.

The dares were pretty mild like for example, taking their shirt off for the whole game, having to eating a tablespoon of sugar or just doing a specific dance.

And for some reason, nobody chose truth because they were just pretty lame questions like did you ever fail a test? Or did you ever have your first kiss blablabla. the dares were more entertaining.

“Oooh y/n’s the chosen one!” Everyone cheered.

“So, what’s your choice, is it a truth or a dare?”

“I’ll choose truth.”

“Alright, let me think do you like anyone in the room?” Hanbin smirks, he was definitely planning on something.

“Of course I like everyone in the room, what are you implying.” You laugh with a hint of nervousness, trying to play off the question.

“No I mean, do you like like anyone, romantically?” He states, now you were sure park hanbin might have caught on and he defended knows.

“Be honest..”

You stop and take a small gulp as everyone’s eyes were all glued onto you in anticipation.

“Yeah..” you softly say and oohs were throwed. Your friends laugh and try to act all shocked as if they didn’t know you did and who it was.

“Woah really.” Park hanbin brings one of his hands to a mouth as he nods his head, seemingly not so shocked either.

“Who?”

“Come on it’s over it’s supposed to be one question.”

“We need to know!”

“Hanbin stop..they’re obviously not comfortable sharing especially in this setting so just stop.” Taerae sternly says making the whole room go silent.

“Well moving on then! Why don’t we start the movie marathon, yeah?” Everyone stands up from the ground and proceeds to lay on the couch. And chairs laying around.

You look in taerae’s direction and he gives you a small smile.

Buzz. Your phone rang.

You look over and recieve a text from park hanbin, asking you to meet up at his bedroom to discuss something. He looks at you and directs to go up with his eyes.

You roll your eyes but you get up anyways as you go upstairs, hanbin following along.

Taerae notices the two of you sneaking upstairs. He was curious about what you two were up to.

“Aw man there’s no more popcorn.” Junhyeon complains, his voice snapping taerae from his thoughts.

“Okay what now?”

“i know about it.”

“About how you feel.”

“About what?” You furrow one of your eyebrows as hanbin takes a pause, his lips pursed as he looks at the ground.

“I know you like me.” You pause there for a moment, your brain trying to function as for this time you had misled the wrong boy into thinking that you like him.

“Oh uh about it..”

“It’s fine you don’t have to deny it but y/n I’m sorry I don’t like you in that way though but you know maybe I could give you a chance and get to know you more first?” He shyly takes a step closer to you, moving his face closer to yours.

“Uh Hanbin.” You freeze on the spot, not knowing what to do or what to say.

“It’s not- like I don-“

“It’s okay you don’t have to deny it, look I acknowledge your feelin-“ He moves his face closer to yours to look into your eyes.

All of a sudden the door next to the two of you creaks open, revealing taerae standing there with his mouth wide open.

“Sorry to interrupt you guys but uh I just wanted to say I’m going to sleep now since I’m leaving early tomorrow.” Taerae awkwardly smiles and takes his leaves. You panic, assuming he probably overheard most of the conversation which might have misled him to thinking you actually had a crush on park hanbin.

You mentally curse at yourself as you watch taerae turn his back and turn away.

“Now going back..”

You quickly shut the door, take a deep breath and take a hold of hanbin’s shoulders. Well you hd to clear it up, it’s now or never.

“I don’t like you. I don’t have any feelings for you. I am not interested at you.” You look up at him and gave him a straight face. He tilts his head, knitting his eyebrows in confusion.

“Huh?Then why did you send me that voicemail?”

“Man this is so embarrassing.”You look at the ground in shame, not wanting to open the conversation over the embarrassing voicemail.

“I accidentally sent it to you..it was meant for someone else.” You facepalm.

“I was drunk and I wasn’t thinking clearly! It was really stupid of me. I just sent it to you thinking it was..someone else plus I was drunk! I my vision was all blurry too i’m sorry.” You continued, Hanbin lets out an oh as he scratches his head, embarrassed and confused.

“Wait then who was it for?”

“About that..”

“Tell me who? Who is it?” He whines as he playfully pokes your arm, curious as to who the lucky boy may be. You certainly didn’t want to tell the boy knowing he was taerae’s best friend and he might blabber about it to him.

“Secret.”

“Awwww come on….wait..Ha! Nevermind don’t tell me I know.” Hanbin lets out a light laugh, taking a step closer to you.

“Your crush on taerae is so painfully obvious.”he whispered. You freeze on the spot. He takes a step back and continues giggling to himself.

“I mean I could feel it before but I pushed it off because I thought you liked me..but it all makes more sense now. you, see taerae at the cafe everyday, you light up when he talks to you, you always stare at him, can you also not make that obvious? And lastly I can easily sense that the way you act around him is very different from everyone else.”

“Like you are in love with him.” He crosses his arms and he knew he was right.

“Pfft no.”

“Oh yeah you are.”

“But he’s moving away anyways so it’s not that big of a deal.”

“Aw sorry about that..”

“And from what happened earlier..he probably thinks I like you.”

“I’m so sorry about that, you know what, I’ll clear it up to him-“

“No you don’t have to, he’s leaving and I don’t want to cause anything. and it’s my fault really! I was the one who carelessly sent that voicemail, I’m sorry for leading you on too. So anyways, I think I might just go leave now.” You flash hanbin a smile to reassure him before leaving. Hanbin grabs your wrist, stopping you in your tracks.

“I’m also sorry about earlier too by the way, y/n. Honestly-“

“Hanbin I’m sorry for cutting you off again but honestly I think I need to go now. I just don’t want taerae to know, and I’m not sure if we’ll keep up when he leaves so I iust hope we stay as friends, so we don’t leave at an awkward note. Anyways thank you and sorry hanbin but I gotta go now.” He loosens his grip on your wrist and pats your shoulder.

“Take care.”

Here you are, in the comfort of hanbin’s care sipping on a glass of iced coffee, staring out the window. Last night, you left the party early and you weren’t able to bid taerae a proper goodbye in person.

you open your phone, and stare at you text messages with taerae, contemplating on whether you wanted to write him a long goodbye message or to simply tell him good luck and take care.

“for how long are you going to stare at your phone.” hanbin gets you from your out-of-zone state.

“hanbin, I don’t know how to say goodbye. honestly I feel miserable. I hate that he’s leaving and I wasn’t even able to tell him how I feel.” you bury your face into yoir hands. hanbin takes the seat next to you and rubs your back. the boy you loved was leaving and he never even got the chance to know how you truly felt.

as if the heavens heard your cries, you felt your phone vibrate and you received a notification of a text message from park hanbin.

phanbin: y/n go run to taerae right now. he’s leaving soon but hey, you deserve to be able to tell him how you feel properly and now may be the perfect time. I also cleared up everything that happened last night lol so dw. anyways do this text me back and go run to him NOWWW!!!!!! he’s still in front of our dorm <3

You look at hanbun and he gives you a reassuring nod as an approval.

“Go now!!!” he yells good luck to you as you proceed to rush out of the cafe, running towards the direction of his dorm. You ran and ran, your feet moving at a full speed like you were at a marathon. a rush of adrenaline filled you and this time, you were motivated than ever to tell him how you truly feel.

you were just one block away from the dorm and soon, you spot a car parked in front of the dorm with a handful of boxes outside. you proceed to go there but you couldn’t see taerae around. you’re not too late, his boxes are here so he’s somewhere.

you take a deep breath first, resting your hands on your knees first from all the running. you forgot that you weren’t an athlete and your lack of exercise was getting right back at you.

you receive another text mess from park hanbin.

park hanbin:I I’m sorry i know you’re probably sprinting right now but he’s at the convenience store so you might have to do a little more running. his dumbass forgot to buy a few things. anyways good luck y/n! you got this.” he sends you a thumbs up emoji.

you run and run again and you curse under your breath, realizing how far the convenience store is. your legs were slowly getting wobbly and you onew your lack of physical activity was bound to get you someday but you hoped it wouldn’t be right now.

you just stop running and start walking instead. as you near the store, you spot the brown-haired young man outside, sitting on a table outside with his back facing you.

you take a deep breath before tapping his shoulder. he turns around and you thank the heavens that there was no plot twist of this being a non-taerae or else you were going to absolutely throw a fit.

“hey taerae! I needed to tell you something before you go and I wanted to give you a proper goodbye in person since I wasn’t able to last night.” you say and the boy stands up, flashing you a grin as he had gimbap in his mouth. he raises his hand and you were a little confused as to what he meant by that.

“should I say what I need to say or wait for you to finish?” he swallows his food down before speaking up.

“ok sorry you can go on now.” he lightly chuckles and you laugh a little.

you take a huge gulp, taking a look at the ground before looking straight at him right in the eye. he eagerly listens, giving you a reassuring look. it’s finally happening.

“taerae I have been dying to tell you this for a long time now honestly and although I don’t think now is the perfect time, I just wanted to get this off my chest before you go cause I know I would regret it if I didn’t tell you sooner.” you take a pause and he gives you another nod, a way of telling you he was still listening.

so here it goes.

“I li-“

you were soon cut off by the sound of the door opening as a man calls out to taerae“taerae hyung! Did you kn- y/n?” you look behind you and you spot junhyeon, holding a full meal of burgers and fries and a cup of come on a tray in his hands.

“junhyeon what the hell are you doing here?”

“I was helping taerae moving out then he went here to buy things then we just decided to eat here.” he says, standing there, a little confused. he quickly scans the situation between you and then it finally hit him.

“ah I believe I interrupted something here, sorry I will just eat inside.”

the boy quickly rushes back inside.

you turn to taerae again. “anyways, sorry for the little commotion there. anyways as I was saying, taerae-junhyeon what the actual fuck sit somewhere else.” junhyeon sat in front of the window directly facing the both of you. you motion to the boy to move the other way and he rolls his eyes before taking a seat somewhere else.

“oh god I hope it’s the last of him. I swear if anything goes wrong again-“

all of the sudden, the rain decides to twist the odds and rain on your parade. you grab taerae’s hand, about to take him inside but he firmly holds onto your hand, telling you to stay.

“taerae it’s raining, you’ll get sick, we have to get in i’ll just tell you inside.”

“no tell me right here, right now. you have been wanting to tell me for a long time and I know you want to say it already.” you felt a hint of seriousness in his tone.

“are you serious?well fine It’s so weird to say it right now but okay..taerae, i..” He nods, the words starting to get hesitant to leave your mouth. you take a deep breath and you finally mustered up the courage.

“taerae I like you. no, actually I’m in love with you. It’s embarrassing but It’s true and I can’t fight it anymore. I loved getting to know you and from the moment i first laid my eyes on you and heard your sweet voice back in that open mic, I fell in love. I was so lucky to be able to get to know you more too. you are the sweetest, kindest and most wonderful person I’ve ever met. It’s okay if you don’t like me back. I just want to say that I love and appreciate every moment I got to spend with you in the past year..it was so lovely to have known you taerae.” unexpectedly he lets out a light laugh, his big signature smile painted on his face. he gently takes both of your hands in his.

“I love you too, y/n. in fact, I’ve always known.” you felt like your ears betrayed you at the last part. what does he mean he always knew?

“back at the clinic, I saw the letter next to you while you slept. it had the words ‘to taerae’ written on it so I just opened it. I read each and every word you wrote and took it to heart. I was so happy to know you felt the same..but when you woke up, you hid the letter and I iust felt that you were still not ready to tell me so I didn’t open a convo about it. hanbin told me about everything and cleared everything up, actually both hanbins did, sung and park haha.” you both laugh.

“well..what now? you’re leaving now so what will be then? we’ll barely see each other now that we’re not in the same uni.”

“actually about that, I’m still in the same uni, I’m only moving dorms..”

“what?” the whole dramatic mood you had turned upside down. you playfully smack taerae’s arm, bursting into tears. he didn’t expect to see you cry but he just laughs and brings you into a hug.

“I forgot to specify to you guys that I was not transferring schools and only dorms and that just made me realize why everyone was dramatic with everything. please don’t cry..”

“that’s really mean taerae, I was actually so upset that you were leaving so I was miserable for nothing.” your bury your face into his chest, pulling him tighter and taerae began to laugh.

he slowly lets go and cups your face, breaking into a smile and you feel the whole world brighten as you look into his eyes again. he stares at your lips and your faces inch closer together.

“may I?” he asks and you nod your head before he gently brings your face closer to his with his finger and his arms snake around your waist. you felt the whole world stop as you melt into his touch. your lips seemingly shaped for one another.

slowly, he pulls away and breaks into a huge smile.

“finally! I’ve been waiting for this one.” you hear junhyeon’s screams from inside the store and you simply roll your eyes back at him, you and taerae laughing over his reaction.

you turn to look back at taerae.

“I really love you and I’m glad you’re finally mine.” you giggle as you wrap your arms around his neck, bringing his face close enough for you noses to touch.

and finally, the odds were in your favor.

a/n and you reached the end! hope you enjoyed reading it. this has been sitting in my drafts for a month, but missing taerae and the new kcon behind drove me to finish this story! I also have a love-hate relationship with this which is why it took pretty long to write HAIAHSHSB sorry for some mistakes in the capatalization of names and grammar that I may have overlooked. But anyways feel free to leave feedback! I would love to hear your honest thoughts on this :>>>

#zb1 #zerobaseone #zb1 imagines #zb1 angst #zb1 fluff #taerae #kim taerae #taerae fluff #taerae angst #taerae imagines #taerae oneshots #taerae x reader

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blues-valentine · 8 months

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HSMTMTS: Ricky’s story arc as told by his songs. From I Think I Kinda You Know to Love You Forever (Part 1).

I’ve been thinking about how every song Ricky has performed on the show (my focus will be mostly on the original songs) tell us what his journey has been in the course of the show.

Ricky’s journey has been about changes and the future, leaving his childhood behind, how his parents relationship affects his own as well as the ability to be emotionally open. How he viewed love at the start of the show vs how he views love now. About new starts. About how happiness is a process and something he also needs to create for himself. And his songs reflect this journey very well. For this post. I'll focus on Season 1 and Season 2 for Part 1.

I’ve made countless of posts about Ricky’s growth over the course of the show and there’s some points I won’t be focusing too hard on but check them out for context: (X) (X) (X) (X)

Let’s start with the first song we hear from him on the show: I Think I Kinda, You Know. When we start the show, one of the things we learn is that the reason Ricky and Nini broke up is because she made a post on Instagram singing him this very song and telling him she loves him. She was expecting him to say it back but he freaks out and runs away. Then, the first day of school, he expects things to get back to normal with Nini but she’s dating again, has flourished (Nini’s words) and wants to audition for the lead at the school musical. Ricky decides to join too and sings this song to her during auditions in hopes of getting her back. He mentions during his little monologue that the reason he didn’t say it back is because his parents don’t say those words to each other anymore. Ricky’s parents relationship and divorce did affect the way he viewed his own romantic relationships.

Some lyrics: “It’s just three little words, yeah, it’s not a big deal, it’s not like I can’t help felling all that I feel and by now I’m sure you’re thinking it’s too obvious but just in case it’s not what I’m saying it’s I think I kinda, you know” and he closes with “guess I’m saying I don’t not love you.” He does not directly acknowledges that he loves her in front of people. He feels unsure. Nini doesn’t take this as a good sign.

Ricky gets the role of Troy. Nini gets the role of Gabriella. Still, Nini isn’t convinced that Ricky is serious and calls him out for invading her space and taking the opportunity from others. In the next episodes, Ricky tries to be a good Troy to prove Nini he is being serious but she isn’t impressed. Nini breaks up with EJ due to his jealousy (and that he food poisoned someone). Ricky takes Nini’s words about not belonging on stage, thinks he is making it worst with her and wants to drop out of the musical. But later, a conversation with Gina about how he has his own style makes him change his mind. In his family unit, everything is a mess. He finds out his parents are getting a divorce and his mom might be leaving SLC for good. He goes to talk to Nini and they share a nice moment where they agreed to still be there for each other as friends despite the chaos around the musical. He tells her about how different everything is and how scared that makes him feel. In Ricky’s mind, he wishes everything would go back to normal (and that includes Nini as his girlfriend).

I don’t even need to explain how much Ricky hates changes. It’s a statement he drops every episode until he has to overcome it full on.

By the homecoming episode, he is convinced him and Nini are over because she friend-zoned him. He goes to the dance with Big Red. In this episode, he is unreasonable annoyed that Gina brought EJ as her date (and can’t even understand why) and after a bit of a setback with Gina, he goes to apologize and their first connection occurs. Both of them have some family drama so she can relate to his situation. After, when he drives her home, he discovers a new side of Gina and confesses the reason he stayed on the show is because of her. The school musical, Troy, and having that space has allowed him to cope with his family issues and so her encouragement is something he needed. Ricky becomes the first person that gives Gina another chance instead of thinking she’s the bad seed, which brings up another song: When There Was Me And You.

I always wondered why they’d give this song to Ricky when is a Gabriella song so it must mean something for his arc. And does. On 106, Ricky offers an acoustic idea of the song which gets rejected by the drama club, except for Gina who asks to hear it. You’d think it doesn’t mean much but the song implies a lot of things with the camera blocking. It subtly implies that the idea of his relationship with Nini is related to his internal issues. We first have Ricky singing the first lines to Gina as: “I thought you were my fairy tale. My dream when I'm not sleeping. A wish upon a star that's coming true. And everybody else could tell. That I confused my feelings with the truth. When there was me and you” all of this while Nini is outside. And just when Nini enters the frame, here comes the lyrics: “I'm only left with used-to-be's and once upon a song. Now I know you're not a fairy tale. And dreams are meant for sleeping. And wishes on a star just don't come true.” Back to Ricky and Gina: “'Cause now, even I can tell…” and then frame changes on Nini leaving: “That I confused my feelings with the truth” and lastly, back to Ricky looking at Gina: “because I liked the view when there was me and you”. It subtly implies what the show keeps telling you. He feels like he needs to be with Nini because it’s the status quo in his life. Gina represents different and new and that’s scary. Nini feels steady…safe.

By 107, Ricky and Gina have become closer and their connection is very apparent. Ricky learns his mom has a new boyfriend and doesn’t know how to deal with the situation. He thinks about calling Nini since he thinks she’s the only one able to ease his mind. Just for Gina to show up and be what he needed, by understanding him and encouraging him. At this point on the show, he is very focused on his friendship with Gina, not on getting back with Nini, even when he knows she’s single now. Thanksgiving ends badly when Gina gets a call from her mom telling her they have to move again. In Ricky’s perspective, the one person that has helped him and encourage him is leaving him too. And in a way, this validates his biggest fear: Good things won’t last and changes aren’t positive.

The next episode, Gina had already left. She’s not even in this episode. Ricky is insistent and keeps texting her despite Gina not responding. In Gina’s absent, he bonds with Nini over their childhood memories and when his parents were together. They almost kiss (after Gina finally texts him she’s gone). And he is then basically back to normal now. Nini still likes him. Everything will be fine. He is back to status quo. This is when Ricky and Nini’s most important duet comes: Just For A Moment.

This song isn’t featured on the show (just on the soundtrack) but it’s acknowledged on 109. Ricky’s singing the first verse of the song to Big Red and it says: “I feel in love with the only girl that knows what I’m about…” but then Big Red thinks is about Gina. And I just think it’s funny the first and only time this song is mentioned, it’s used to remind the audience of Ricky and Gina's situationship. And the song itself is self explanatory, it’s about two people that still have feelings for each other but the most important thing is that the song talks about momentary feelings. Not long lasting. It goes: “When we're underneath the lights my heart's no longer broken. For a moment, just for a moment. When we're singing side by side there's so much left unspoken. For a moment, just for a moment. A moment in love. A moment in love. But is a moment enough?”. That’s the question. The song also talks about giving it another try in a better place and a better time. It’s basically about Season 2 and their second attempt.

The season finale has some moments such as Ricky singing Get'cha Head in the Game and getting distracted over his mom bringing her new boyfriend. This causes Ricky to drop out on the second act and seeking Nini from advice, only for that to be Gina (a recurrent theme). During intermission, his mom tells him not all couples are meant to be together and some people change. This is foreshadowing to Ricky and Nini. And just when he thought he was ready to step back and just watch, Nini is singing Breaking Free with him. Everything in Ricky’s life is changing but Nini is a constant. And you’d think him finally saying i love you on the finale is a full circle moment but is it, truly? I’ve said this, Ricky blurting out the words was more of a desperate attempt to hold onto something safe (X) since everything else in his life was changing. Gina came back only for one night (or so he thought). His mom has a new boyfriend and a new life in Chicago. He said the words Nini wanted to hear and talks about childhood (the thing he won’t let go of). Everything about Ricky’s confession feels a bit fearful and unsure. Just like that very first song.

Ricky ends Season 1 in denial about himself. He went backwards because he thinks getting back with Nini is what will make his life right again. He said “Maybe I’m just who I’ve always been” but that’s not true. He changed. He met Gina. His parents are not together anymore. And he cannot cling to Nini (who’s changing too) to achieve that desired normalcy/safety.

Season 2 is the lowest point emotionally for Ricky. He is back again with Nini but despite saying the big 3 words their relationship just proves to be out of sync. Does not help that his abandonment issues (because his mom thinks getting a divorce is running from your child) makes him clingier and paranoid while Nini wants to try new things. It doesn’t help that his life keeps changing and he can’t find a sense of fulfillment. Or the fact that Gina is back and he knows their relationship is still a big question.

Season 2 starts with Ricky and Nini’s second chance at their relationship. Everything seems to be perfect. The first song Ricky sings for the season is “Perfect Gift” which is a very cliche Christmas song. But it foreshadows one of their issues thought out the season. The lyrics are: “The perfect gift that I could give to the perfect gift (…) You were a home for me when I had no one there. I promise you that I’m not going anywhere…” and continues: “When seasons change and I’ve lost my way it’ll be okay with you by my side”. This sentiment later explodes with the song Nini wrote about the Beast (Ricky): The Rose Song. Nini felt like the Rose, trapped inside a glass. Ricky views her as this perfect girl. She feels like a something and not someone with deep layers. Ricky is holding onto Nini to maintain some sense of normalcy and this makes her feel trapped which leads to their communication issues. Ricky learns two things in 201: Gina is back at SLC for good and Nini is leaving for a music school in Denver.

Side note but I spoke about how funny it is that the same episode Ricky calls Nini “home” in his childhood home, he finds out he has to move. Talk about symbolism. So, for the following episodes, Ricky and Nini’s relationship is not compatible. It doesn’t seem like either of them know what the other wants or needs. Ricky is trying really hard to hold onto the remaining of Nini while he keeps falling apart and looking for a sense of happiness that he isn’t getting. This season, especially the first half, it feels like he cannot connect with the drama club and Gina, who used the only person to motivate him to exist in that space it’s not speaking to him. And I won’t try to repeat myself too much, I’ve said this before, Season 2 Ricky wasn’t trying to be insensitive on propose. I feel like Ricky didn’t think he had that much of an impact on Gina, probably due to his own insecurities. He had a girlfriend. He was scared and in denial. Ricky was not emotionally ready to be with Gina. And he tried really hard to avoid their situation and ultimately accepted her choice to be distanced.

On the Valentine’s Day episode, we get that very nuanced scene between Ricky and Gina that I’ve explained before (X). During this day, Ricky has been trying to sing a song for Nini but he does not find the motivation to do so since they have been out of sync the whole day. It’s Gina who gives him the idea of singing it to her over the phone. I don’t know if I could say “Even When/Best Part” is an important song because lyric wise it tells us what we already know about him clinging to her but I love the fact they sing the songs separately and they never manage to sing it together. It represents their relationship at this point extremely well.

This season actually draws a lot of parallels between Ricky and The Beast. He spends the majority of the first half kind of isolated and you can see he isn’t trying to connect with anyone except for Nini. He laches out constantly and isn’t putting effort on his own happiness but relaying on Nini. He even makes that comment to Miss Jenn. They were metaphorically The Beast and The Rose. And Gina’s arc was in a way also paralleling The Beauty/Belle (X) and this is reflected in how “Home” a song for Belle is used to point out Ricky and Gina issues from Gina’s view. So, in the next 5 episodes we don’t get Ricky related songs but emphasis on Ricky and Nini’s deteriorating relationship. We get songs like Granted and The Rose Song that are basically reflections of Nini’s desire to branch out and be herself. It all reaches the climax for Ricky’s arc on 108 when he decides to break up with Nini. He points out what we’ve been saying: he wants to protect what feels safe and by doing so he isn’t a better person. All of this takes form with Let You Go. It’s a song Ricky needed to sing to close off this part of his arc.

As the song says, he is letting go of Nini and the fantasy because their romantic relationship is broken and there’s not way to fix it without further hurting each other. Some lyrics that are key: “Tear the treehouse down, give up the fantasy”. The treehouse that represented their childhood, what was keeping their relationship alive. And “I'm pickin' up pieces left and right. Now that our hearts are both untied. It'll take time. No one can say we didn't try”. I’ve said that it was important for Ricky to have the reassurance that he at least tried to safe their relationship which is why he needed to get back with Nini on Season 1 so they could discover for themselves that they were not longer compatible and it wasn’t helping them.

Funny enough, the next episode after that it’s titled “The Transformation” making reference to The Beast “transforming” into the Prince. They even rehears this very scene. After Ricky breaks up with Nini, there’s notable differences. It’s like as he sings, picking up the pieces of his life. He helps Carlos make a song for Seb and opens up. He fully commits to the show and it’s actively taking part in it. He apologizes to Miss Jenn and accepts her relationship with his dad. The only relationship that seems to still be at odds is his relationship with Gina. And I feel a huge part of that has to do with the fact he learns EJ had a crush on her and wants to take her on a date and he might’ve thought he was doing Gina a favor by keeping the distance. It’s important to understand here that Ricky was respecting her choice to put boundaries w him.

The songs that Ricky sings as The Beast, aren’t particularly expressing something about him but I think the fact he managed to fully finish the play in the second act speaks about him understanding that he made a commitment to the group and I think it was important for him. Lastly, Ricky’s very complicated Season 2 arc ends with “Second Chance”. A song that is not just meaningful for Ricky’s arc but the others as well. For Ricky’s arc, it’s all about starting over.

In the last episode, Ricky speaks to Miss Jenn about how difficult everything has been for him and how he still isn’t sure about what he is, he came as a skater and is leaving with his second opening act as part of the drama club. He says he isn’t happy yet but it’s getting there. At this point, he is looking to move on and be a better person for himself now that his chapter with Nini is over. Ricky is finally accepting changes are impossible to avoid and that he needs to go along with it and embrace new opportunities. His part for Second Chance is very especifit: “Who knew that love could be so bittersweet when it finally meets the end? But there is somethin' in this summer wind. A moment to begin again” check notes: summer with Gina. And it continues with Ricky repeating “begin again, begin again” and another thing I think is interesting is how at the end of the full version there’s a question Ricky and Gina seem to be the only ones to sing about “what can make the fire burn? what can make the tide turn?” And you hear Ricky’s voice asking “what does it take?” As I said, Second Chance is Rina coded.

Ricky’s journey to self improving and embracing new chances starts on Season 3. I will tackle Season 3 and Season 4 in Part 2. Sorry if this was too long. If you like this please reblog, it took me so long to gather all of this.

#hsmtmts #hsmtmts season 4 #hsmtmts analysis #hsmtmts s4 #ricky bowen #joshua bassett #rina #gina porter #ricky x gina #nini salazar roberts #rini #rina hsmtmts #text post

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cookiesupplier · 3 months

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Every Rose Has Its Thorns - Part Twenty-Three

pairing: Ricky Olson x ofc x Chris 'Motionless' Cerulli

warnings/tropes: slow burn, soulmates, strangers to enemies to lovers, betrayal, angst, fluff, smut, language, panic attack, stalking, online bullying.

summary: In a world where soulmates inexplicably receive a tattoo that will match that of their soulmate the moment they turn eighteen years old, being famous and covered in very visible tattoos can make finding your true soulmate a questionable fate. For everyone involved.

author’s note: Unbeta'd, readers beware as always lol.

tags: @tearfallpixie @cncohshit @jordynyingling0219 @faceless-mirror @nyxthedestroyerofworlds @wild-child-7747 @witchyweeb34 @black-damask1999 @jilliemiw86 @ilovesamkiszka @lyschko666 @lacktoesandtoddlerants @bngurngheart @collapsedglasshouses @laurpartyprogram

Tag List is Open, please let me know if you would like to be added to it or in general.

Talia woke up to her head hurting like hell, but otherwise, she was toasty warm, and cosy in her bed, which was, strange. She didn’t remember going to bed. She remembered.. She remembered..

Oh, god. She remembered being with Ricky, in the kitchen, talking about their soulmate tattoos.

No, no, no, this was horrible. It happened again, it all happened again, her hand flew through her neck, and now he knew how mental she was.. The fact that he could feel it too just made it worse. Look at what she’d done, because of course, it was on her, it had to be on her, she’d been dealing with this for so long, how could it be anything else? Pushing the blankets from her body, sitting up, she was still dressed, not that that had been a problem, she hadn’t been wearing anything strange anyway, she’d barely gotten out of bed when Rick came over here in the first place. How had this been her day? How?

Climbing out of bed, checking the time, Ava would be home by now, hopefully, maybe, she didn’t know.. Did she want her to be back? As much as she loved her, and wanted to spend time with her, it was also starting to get painful to admit, that it was hard to spend time with her sometimes. Especially with Vinny. Their girl day at the spa had been nice, but to come back and be blindsided like that..

No one had told her about deciding to go public. Sure, it wasn’t her relationship, but Ava used to tell her everything, she used to talk to her about everything.. And the painful realisation was that she wasn’t telling Ava everything either, now was she? She’d not told her about the party, what he’d said to her, how he’d treated her, what they’d done.. She hadn’t told her about how her tattoo was reacting, how she felt about it.. Furthermore, she didn’t think she could tell her at all. Everything going on with Ricky, would just threaten to antagonise her against him, and that would put a strain on her relationship with Vinny, and her whole point for being here was to support her, not tear them apart. Ava wouldn’t understand that Talia honestly thought that yes, Ricky had done some stupid thing, but something else was happening here. Something neither of them could control.

Look at what had happened just this morning, they’d gotten swept up again, and she’d been just as involved. She’d pushed just as much as he had, what did that say about her? No, she couldn’t let Ava blow up her relationship trying to protect her just because she got pissed off at how Ricky was acting. Even if some of the things he’d done, he’d deserve it. They could work this out on their own, they could figure out what was happening with the tattoos. If she was right, she assumed Ricky had told Chris, so maybe they weren’t completely in this alone any more, she wasn’t sure about that, though. He could have lied through his teeth about it.

Making her way to the bathroom, Talia sighed, her hands pressed to the side of the counter, looking into the mirror. Seeing her reflection, looked like a wreck after the morning she had. Ironically, she felt like talking to Ricky, and whatever you’d call what had happened in the kitchen this morning, for all that he’d done over the past weeks, didn’t touch on what she'd done to herself today. Talia felt so stupid spiral like that, and just unable to calm down, not until Chris had gotten there and then between the two of them, she finally managed to calm down and breathe, slowly. After that she didn’t know what happened, she must have drifted off, feeling so safe with the both of them there. It wasn’t that she’d never felt safe around Rick, but she certainly wanted to slap him one more than she felt like she would curl up and drift off to sleep with him there, and yet, that seemed to be exactly what she had done.

Huh.

Now, Chris, she wasn’t surprised. He was so easy to be around, he’d put her at ease from the moment they’d met and struck up their friendship over coffee. She didn’t know how or why he’d come, assuming Ricky had to do with that, but she was thankful that he had.

She was splashing water on her face when she heard a knock on the bathroom door and opened it to come out. Finding Ava standing there, she smiled slightly as she stepped out and closed it behind her.

“Hey Avie.. you okay?”

The worried frown on her face spoke volumes, which was why Talia was asking,

“Shouldn’t I be asking you that?”

Sighing, Talia just shook her head with a shrug, figuring Ricky and Chris must have told her something, hopefully not everything.. She didn’t want Ava to know everything about the tattoo issues and all the problems. It was personal and her own.. Or well, Ricky and hers, she guessed at this point.

“I’m fine Ava, I just, had a bad morning, that’s all.”

She didn’t look convinced, not even close. So he told her enough at least.

“That's not the way it seemed when we got home.. Rick tried to call Vinny, he tried to call me for help Talia, he never tries to call me despite Vin giving him my number in case of emergencies.”

Talia sighed, yeah, not that it had helped any, had it.. No, she shouldn’t be bitter, and she wasn’t going to ask what they had been doing that neither of them had picked up their phone, but…

“Not to mention Chris was here too, I mean-”

“I know.. I don’t know exactly how or what happened after a certain point, I just know Chris was there.. I had a bit of a bad spell, and I couldn’t calm down, it happens Ava, you know that, so you pushing right now is not helping.”

The moment the words came out of her mouth, she felt guilty voicing them, snapping at Ava wasn’t going to help either. Still, Ava pushing her for the information she didn’t have right now, was just making her chest feel tight, and if Ava got here and knew she was out.. Asking her what happened, when it had been what had made her freak out? Was that really wise? So could she please step off? Ava knew well how it felt to have people push her for information before she was ready.. She knew.. Talia knew she knew first hand.

“I’m sorry, I’m sorry Avie, I.. today has been.. A day. I guess Ricky and Chris went back to Chris’ then?”

Ava nodded slightly,

“Yeah, they’ll be back though.. Um.. Chris helped me get you in bed and comfy, I thought you’d prefer it if it was Chris,”

Ava smiled slightly to her, but Talia could only bring herself to return it a little awkwardly, she wanted to feel more vibrant, she wanted to be more alive and happy for her friend, she just didn’t feel it right now, and she could see it in Ava’s eyes, how upset she was now, probably at Talia snapping at her.

“And then we talked to them both, and invited them over for dinner.. We thought we could all spend some time together, hang out, talk… maybe about what happened?”

Oh.. oh..

Talia tensed.. No, Ava, don’t do this. Don’t do this.

She couldn’t believe the others had agreed to do this, this, this.. Why did this feel like they were going to ambush her over dinner?

“No. No. Just… No.”

If she was doing to sit down and talk with Rick it was going to be on her own terms, and maybe now she knew it was going to be on opposite sides of the table where they couldn’t touch.

Talia moved to walk down the hall towards the guest room, leaving Ava gaping a little,

“Wh-what do you mean, just, no? Talia, hasn’t this been going on long enough, the two of you need to talk! You’ve been arguing with each other, and now you’ve had a breakdown, I’m worried about you!”

Talia just kept walking, she wasn’t going to let Ava guilt trip her, for some reason, she had Ricky in her head, pushing her, pushing her to call him an asshole, pushing her to stand up for herself. Ava had done it so many times before, but this time, this time it was Rick.. she’d never thought she’d have to stand up, to Ava.

“I get that, Ava, but you don’t have the right to try to push the issue just because you think you know what's right for me.”

As she came to the door to the guest room, she turned to face her..

“If you want us all to have dinner together tonight, great.. But don’t you dare presume to think you have the right to decide how my relationship or lack of one with Ricky goes. I have tried to be as respectful as possible of everything between Vinny and you while I’ve been here.. At your insistence might I add, so I ask you do the same… consider this my boundary.. And back off, Ava. I love you, but don’t.”

She was dealing with enough insanity which all started from one dammed place and branched out from there, with a lot of problems and idiot mistakes.. Aka, a mystical tattoo she couldn’t explain, she didn’t need to add Ava to that.

Ava looked like she was almost about to cry, and it was taking everything in Talia not to break down and apologise, to apologise for being harsh, horrible, and strict, but she just couldn’t handle her pushing for more and more information before she was ready… she couldn’t… years and years of her family pushing and pulling, and she couldn’t do this.

Talia’s hands clenched her fingers by her side as she audibly heard her best friend gulp slightly..

“I’m sorry.. I… I’m sorry you’re right..”

A tiny whimper..

“So um.. When Rick and Chris get here, Vin and I will go out for dinner.. Up to you to deal with Chris, I can spend some more time with Chris later, he’s your friend too, maybe, maybe he can help you, deal with Rick, or whatever.”

She smiled, Talia was grateful, she knew Ava had made friends with all the guys from the band during her time with them on the bus during those last weeks of the tour. Chris had been Ava’s friend before he was ever Talia’s. Hell, and for a little bit there, she’d been worried she’d lose her to the bunch of boys entirely. In the kind of intense bonding of the tour, she figured, either a lifelong friendship could form, or they’d kill each other. She was glad it was the former, she’d have hated to destroy her favourite band because they’d killed one of her best friends.

“It wasn’t Rick that made me spiral this morning Ava, I swear, it wasn’t anything he did, so please don’t, don’t be mad at him.”

Oh yes, she heard it, what she’d said, that, dealing with Rick. Looking to Ava who was just looking back towards her sceptically,

“I swear, it was a strange morning, really strange.. But what I was thinking about when I started freaking out.. That..”

She swallowed..

“That wasn’t strange, that I know.”

Sighing. Ava paused..

“Any time you want to talk, honey..”

Nodding slightly, Talia looking down to her hands, twisting her fingers around each other,

“I know Avie, I know.. But I’m just so tired.. And I have a feeling I’m going to have to talk enough tonight with Ricky.. I completely freaked out on him, and I know he has been an asshole but, it was so bad.”

From the look on Ava’s face right then, the way she cringed a little, and didn’t even try and counter her and tell her that it hadn’t looked that bad.. Talia knew she was right, it had been horrible, which meant it had probably been even worse than she had imagined. Well, that was just fantastic. So yes, now she had to explain to Ricky… and Chris, since he’d been dragged into this too. Heaving in a huge breath, the next thing she knew, her best friend had her arms around her, holding her in a warm tight hug.. She needed one, so badly right now.

Dividers by @saradika-graphics

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misslavenderlady · 9 months

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MONSTER MANIA CON POST!!

This weekend was an absolute dream come true! Everything I had hoped and dreamed for my very first convention. And I'm incredibly grateful that I got to be there with @ghoulgeousimmaculate @bloodsuckingfiends & @silvermaplealder (and his friend Jess). Everyone was so kind and fun to be around. I'll give the rundown of who I met in this post and I'll add another post later on with more pictures!

💜💜💜

The first day Ghoulie and I checked in early and got all dolled up to meet Alex Winter first. I got both an autograph and a photo op with him. He seemed a little tired/out of it and I assume that's because he JUST got back from the U.K. and went straight to the convention. His photo op was super quick and I was only able to pose next to him, not with him.

But still, he was super cool and was very happy when I told him how I introduced my fiancé to the Bill & Ted trilogy. I also showed him an art commission I requested of Ricky Coogan! He was a nice dude overall 😄

The second day Maple and I dressed up as David and Michael! I even got the honor of doing his makeup to make the cosplay extra authentic. He gave me some of his amazing, homemade stickers as a "thank you"! He was hands down the best looking David cosplayer in the whole convention.

I got to get an autograph from Heather Langenkamp before doing a selfie with her. I was the last one to see her before she left for photo ops. She was an absolute delight! I talked about listening to her episode on the Dead Meat podcast and we had a bonding moment over that. When I posed with her, I did a peace sign and she copied the pose.

Then she said "that's such a coincidence because I wear THIS every day!" and she pulled out a necklace with a peace sign charm. She was just so delightful 😊

Billy was an absolute dream. He has the most warm, caring look in his eyes and was very interested when I talked about how The Lost Boys got me back into writing. I was getting a little emotional, and I could tell he was on standby if I needed some help.

I had a photo op with him later, but I paid an extra $10 for a selfie with him. My hand was trembling from my nervousness and he was kind enough to hold it steady so I could take the picture. He made sure I was comfortable the whole time I interacted with him. 🥰

Also, I picked out a picture of Paul and Dwayne to be signed as a way to honor Brooke. When Billy saw it he said "awww I love this pic! 🥺" I was fighting tears ngl.

Kiefer was an incredible guy!! I decided just to do a photo op and not an autograph because people were lining up at 3 IN THE DAMN MORNING and I wasn't about to do that lol. He loved the outfits that Ghoulie and Maple wore, and it was such a delight seeing his smile. He was so kind with me. Very welcoming and didn't hesitate to shake my hand or wrap an arm around me for our picture! I think he was still is a great mood after seeing Maples perfect cosplay lol

The last celeb I met was Jason, and I gotta say, I think he was my favorite. Jordyn wasn't exaggerating when she said he was so nice. He was by far the kindest person I met at the whole convention (and that's saying something considering everyone was a delight to meet). I felt like he truly cared about meeting every single fan and was genuinely listening with interest when I told him the story of how @michael-after-hours got his name from Michael Emerson.

When I tell you his face LIT UP when he saw my cosplay. He was so overjoyed and it made me even happier to be dressed as Michael. The joyful energy was just so infectious. 🥰

I'm so incredibly lucky to have met all of these wonderful icons in horror. They truly did care about their fans and made the whole experience extra special. I would do it all again in a heartbeat if I could.

💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜

TAG LIST

@hypocriticaltypwriter @ria-coolgirl @fallingthruspace @silvermaplealder @britany1997 @leiasolo77 @starlahuskyz @vampirefilmlover @charlizekkelly @charlottieellis @ghoulgeousimmaculate @michael-after-hours @legal-lost-boy @unethicallysourced @auntvamp

#lavender lady rambles #monster mania con #the lost boys #tlb #kiefer sutherland #jason patric #alex winter #billy wirth #heather langenkamp

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jcforsapphics · 9 months

Text

Hsmtmts 4x08:

Ok last episode I am so so scared but I'm so glad it's an hour longg

Good on EJ for being on his last play but babygirl what happened to your face

"Btw, who the fuck are you guys?" LMAO RICKY IS SO REAL

"Are you asking as my son or as my brother?"

I'm loving all the Kourtney appreciation because she desreve that so much

Troyella are getting very personal to rina right now

Jet being the biggest madlyn shipper!!

"I have every feeling for you" THEY ARE HAPPENING

NOT EJ PREDICTING MADLYN?? HE'S SO REAL FOR THIS HE IS US HE IS THE FAN BASE

"I feel like I don't deserve to be as happy as you make me" so I'm getting called out by every character this season, huh?

They are so not staying just friends who are they lying to

MADLYN KISS OH MY GOD THAT WAS THE CUTEST THING EVER I ?? THIS SEASON IS SO GOOD FRIEND FOR THE GAYS

Plot twist Ricky and Mack ends up together

Joshoua Bassest you have the voice of an angel

Full disclosure I actually hate public declarations of love and would not like it at all if he'll confess in front of everyone I'll probably have to skip it I can't handle second hand embarrassments

JET CALLING MADDOX HIS BEST FRIEND I LOVE THEM VERY MUCH

Hey I better get a fic expanding on Ricky feeling like he didn't deserve to get into college because??

Big Red and Ricky hug!!

Everyone singing together might have made me tear up a bit haha I don't want to actually cry I already cried last night when I prepared myself mentally (I'm attracted to this show in a very autistic and not at all healthy way and my therapist told me she's genuinely worried about me and about what will happen if rina won't end up together)

OK FIRST ANTINE IS NOT FRENCH?? ALSO WE WERE ALL RIGHT ABOUT HIM AND RED LET'S GO!!

"My dad knew I was gay since I was two!" Seb I think everyone knew

Ms Jen I'm sorry to tell you this but Gina always looks like a star

I don't have words for Ricky's speech because how dare he

GINA IS BEAUTIFUL

Gina talking about every single person and crying I can't I can't :((

"I really wish the world was as pure as you see it" is actually such a good line

Not Gina calling Jet out on his feelings for Kourtney in front of everyoneee

The camara not finding EJ when Gina is trying to talk to him??

This whole speech is really making me feel like I missed with my horrible theatre group I wish we had what they do

"I feel so seen and so understood and so known" I LOVE YOU GINA PORTER

RICKY TELL HER YOU LOVE HER YOU BITCH

MACK IS A RINA???

RUN RICKY RUN!!

This is literally the most unserious show in the world

THE SEASON ONE REFERENCE!! Loving this

"I'm in love and I know it" I'M COLLECTING MY RINA ENDGAME TONIGHT

This song is so going on my playlist

HOW DOES EVERYONE JUST KNOW THE LYRICS WHAT IS THIS GLEE

I genuinely love this song very much but I need an actual spoken confession for the edits

IT'S HIS FAVOURITE HAT <33

She did not tell him she loves him way back in season one and we didn't know??

"It's been there all along?" "Just like me." You don't know how much they mean to me

LMAO GINA JUST DECIDED THEY'RE GONNA SHOT AT SALT LAKE GO GIRL

Honestly Quinn deserve such a rise after this

MY CHILDREN

I can't believe the show is over :((

Definitely a few things I would change about this season but more on that on a later post! (Mostly the fact there was no chocolate theory reveal obviously)

Overall I'm so so happy with how the show ended but still going to ignore it and pretend it'll go on forever

#hsmtmts #high school musical the musical the series #hsmtmts season 4 #high school musical the musical the series season 4 #hsmtmts spoilers #hsmtmts liveblog #liveblog #liveblogging #ricky bowen #gina porter #rina #madlyn #seblos #cal's basement

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irismitchells · 3 months

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✦ HAVANA ROSE LIU, CIS WOMAN, SHE/HER ✦ IRIS MITCHELL the TWENTY-SIX year old has been in willow’s edge for TWENTY YEARS ON AND OFF and was a FRIEND to JUNE, from the deceased family. whispers on the streets are that the WAITRESS AT SUNRISE DINER who lives in WINSLOW are said to be INQUISITIVE and SELF-ABSORBED but i guess we’ll find out for ourselves.

PINTEREST | PLAYLIST

full name — Iris Hui Mitchell nickname(s) — Her family calls her Mo for a reason she shall never divulge xx age — 26 date of birth — June 20th place of birth — Charleston, SC education level & job — Currently enrolled in a Speech Language Pathology graduate program with only a semester left. She completed a Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders and worked as a Child Life Specialist in the Charleston school district for 3 years. After returning to Willow's Edge a year and a half ago, she became a waitress at the local greasy spoon to help support herself through grad school. residence — Winslow (with two roommates... wanted connections incoming) family — Her father Ricky Mitchell is a local car salesman, and her mother Lisa Mitchell (nee Yue) is a reading teacher at the elementary school. Iris also has an older sister, Scarlett, who is an Occupational Therapist in a nearby town.

overview.

Always hovering somewhere between blue-collar and middle-class, The Mitchell family has always prided themselves on self-sufficiency, independence, and a strong sense of community. They're townies through and through.

Ricky Mitchell is known for dressing up for every major holiday (Santa at Christmas, a leprechaun on St. Patrick's Day, etc.) and holding court at Smokey's. He's a bit of a Character. Lisa, by contrast, is a bit of an introverted neurotic — she most often ventures out into town to participate behind the scenes of town events. Each of their daughters was brought up with a strong proclivity for Getting Shit Done and lowkey.... loving attention and control.💗

Both Iris and Scarlett attended Willow's Edge public schools through 6th grade before they finished their junior and high school experience at a Catholic school a few towns over, so while her parents continued to be deeply entrenched in Willow's Edge society, Iris and Scarlett fell a tiny bit to the wayside as they got older.

The Mitchell family are devout Catholics in name only. The type of people who primarily attend church on major holidays and when it was any run-of-the-mill Sunday Mass, they attended for social reasons. Keep up with town gossip, trade popovers, and sip on sweet tea down in the church basement. As an adult, Iris only goes for Midnight Mass. Lapsed Catholic vibe.

But it was a boy at church that Iris fell in love with when she was 15. Sitting around in the pews during one of their Confirmation classes, each whispered joke Mason Goodwin told about Monsignor Martinez was met with nervous giggles and flushed cheeks from Iris.

They didn't start dating until they were 17 and he was her first, and still only, boyfriend. The relationship lasted for 8 years. They didn't talk about things like marriage or kids or a very defined future until that future snuck up on them. Mason's degree took him west, and he ultimately decided for the both of them that she wouldn't come with. Devastated, Iris returned to Willow's Edge.

Since her return, and nursing a broken heart, Iris took a job at Sunrise Diner. She was one of the very few people willing to wake up at the crack of dawn for the early breakfast shift, after all. Finishing up her Master's, and trying not to still think about Mason, Iris found a lot of comfort in her friendships -- and that included the one with June.

They weren't super close before Iris left for college, but they'd grown increasingly fond of each other as the months passed. June's friendship was one of the things that helped pull Iris out of her breakup blues. In turn, a kind, sweet-tongued comfort when Iris was sad and then a fun-seeking partner on the weekends when Iris needed a distraction. She was a good friend to Iris.

Which made some things difficult... Iris is bad at secrets. She loves to learn them, of course, but she isn't so good at keeping them. She doesn't run her mouth around town, but it's almost always certain that if one friend tells her something semi-secret then Iris is passing that info on to one other friend. She can't help it. And when the secret is her own, it's somehow worse. Her compulsion tells her to come clean immediately or to whisper it into several friends' ears. But her most recent secret was a little more complicated...

Iris kissed June's boyfriend Caleb. And June died before Iris could tell her.

personality.

Iris is a princess of sometimes saying out-of-pocket shit and staring at slight blemishes on your face until you're like, WHAT skjdfns. And, with her background in speech, she often analyzes your speech in her head too. Sometimes outside of her head too.

She's a bit shameless with the people she's close with, a fan of meeting and getting to know new ones, and... on a heavy dose of anxiety meds! She talks a lot because 1) she likes conversation and 2) it's half-compensation for said aforementioned anxiety.

When your anxiety manifests as a desire to be liked and friends with everyone which then reveals a real sense of self-absorption and, every once in a while, leads to weird drama... love it!

positive: organized, passionate, charismatic, loyal, curious, expressive, social

negative: condescending, impulsive, gossipy (can't keep a secret), scattered, fidgety, approval-seeking, overly sensitive

misc headcanons.

Quick list: ❤️'s weed, cooking, surfing, hiking + camping, sharing facts and feeling a little more well-informed (Wikipedia page memorizer), talking through movies, weekend trips, skinny dipping, hanging out with old people, doing Randy Newman impressions, waking up early, showing the people she loves new things, sharing experiences, watching reality tv a la Sister Wives, etc.

Oh -- and she's a Swiftie.

#willowsedgeintro

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jaidasstuff · 1 year

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“Birthday Bash” - Ricky Olson

summary: Y/N throws a birthday party for her best friend Chris and meets Ricky

"hey Vinny is everything going according to our plan?" i asked into the phone and heard his all too famous giggle "of course Y/N don't worry too much. you can trust me!" he told me not easing up my worried feelings. if he says you should trust him, please do the exact opposite! today needs to be the best birthday party ever because i can finally celebrate with Chris. long story short i only knew Vinny and Chris, because i went to school with Chris and i know Vinny because i randomly met the two together in a fucking diner. i'm so nervous because i finally get the chance to meet everyone else in person, like the whole band motionless in white and i'm literally so scared that no one else would truly like me. "alright Vinny but keep it a secret, please.." i pleaded with my older friend and i heard him say "Y/N don't worry now, everything will be fine and i'll promise to keep it a secret for you!” i just got done decorating my whole house, here we'll celebrate his birthday and i hope everything will look fucking spooky and that my friend will like it. i've never done anything like that so it's the first time planning an entire birthday bash on my own, even if it's not that big of a deal. the most beautiful thing inside the house are those led pumpkins, in my opinion they look lovely so i took a picture of it to remember them and maybe post them later on my blog. it's now 5 pm and almost time for me to get ready so i decided to head upstairs to take a quick shower. Vinny texted me saying everyone else will be here before Chris and Vinny so that it would look like only they would do something together. i liked the idea so i agreed to it. once i was done with my make up and styling my hair i finally got dressed and looked at the time "oh my god they're going to be here by any minute now" i thought just when my doorbell rang. once i let everyone in they introduced themselves friendly and we started talking with each other waiting for Chris to finally arrive. this ricky guy acted a bit rude but it was fine, i can understand that he’s not comfortable so he won't be super friendly. that’s okay with me, not everyone is fine with new people! when chris finally arrived we congratulated him and he got his birthday gifts, i gave him my favorite parfume since he said that he loved the smell of it. "thank you for doing all of this for me bat" he told me while pulling me into a tight hug, it was just after dinner and we were standing in my quiet backyard. "Chris can i ask you something? i don't want to sound rude or anything, please don’t take it the wrong way.." i quietly asked my friend who just nodded his head signaling me to continue "well there was one member kind of acting rude and i wanted to know if he doesn't like me or if he's always like that with new people?" i asked him sitting down on a chair by the pool "do you mean ricky?" he asked which earned him a quick nod "he's always like that don't worry about it, it's not your fault" he told me

later on we were all dancing with each other and having fun, we also drank a bit but i don’t drink alcohol, which means chris and i are the only sober people right now. just when my favorite song started to play someone pulled me to the edge of the dance floor, it was ricky. "huh? what's wrong?" i asked him, confused "i wanted to apologize for acting rude towards you earlier. i'm just not really social so i don't know how to properly act. again i'm sorry for making you feel uncomfortable i didn't mean to" he told me, apologizing for his behavior. i do understand where he came from since i was like that two years ago too so i accepted his apology, he then smiled down at me. his smile is even cuter than chris's and that's weird since he doesn't look like the cute guy at all. "your smile's cute rick, you should smile more often" i blurted, clearly i didn’t think before speaking "thank you.." he quietly replied and i could even see him blush a bit "your eyes look awesome though" he said quickly after that and awkwardly shifted around in front of me which was even more cute. "thanks ricky.." now it was my turn to blush like hell, when he saw my embarrassment he chuckled and pulled me into a short hug before going back to justin leaving me alone to think about him. he was something special, that's for sure. i didn't even notice that i smiled like a crazy high school girl, when ryan pointed it out "who got you smiling like that? our friend ricky perhaps?" he smirked down at me earning a small hit on his arm, since i was so fucking embarrassed "don't tease me, it's already strange enough.." i told my friend and he nodded turning serious "if you like him or want to get to know him, do that because he's an amazing person. although please don't hurt him, he got hurt enough already" ryan said before leaving

#band blog #band imagines #bands #fanfic #imagine #ricky olson #motionless in white

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alphashley14 · 1 year

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One Of Us

A Scooby Doo: Mystery Incorporated/Mystery Skulls Crossover

Chapter Twelve

Losing My Mind

As it turned out, being miserable with a purpose was a lot better than being miserable without one. At least that was what Ricky realized within minutes of deciding to live for the kids. It was like he’d been wandering, aimless and lost through a dark wood. And at last he’d found a lit path.

After much fussing over Shaggy, Fred, Daphne, and Velma were eventually shooed out by the Dead Beats. Fred and Daphne departed first. Velma and Lewis left sometime later after Lewis finally got through to Arthur’s doctor. It was a good thing too that somebody picked up the phone when they did, because he’d looked about ready to blow. Not that Ricky could exactly blame Lewis for being pissed - being on hold fucking sucked.

After Scooby brought Shaggy something to eat, Mystery apparently noticed Ricky salivating over animal crackers, (he was starving) because he then led Ricky out for something to eat.

“What about Shaggy?” Ricky asked, reluctant to leave.

“He’ll be okay. Scooby’s a good dog, he’s got the Dead Beats, and Vivi will be back to check on him in a bit.”

“Speaking of, where did Vivi go?” Ricky asked, looking around for any sign of blue.

“To her room for a bit, I think. She had to make a call. Anyway, let’s get you something to eat. Then she’ll meet us in the library.”

The manor’s kitchen was big, which made sense because it was a big house and Lewis loved to cook. The floor was checker-tiled gray and white and that same striped wallpaper was present. The wood that composed the cabinets and furniture was a much deeper red mahogany compared to the pinkish redwood of the rest of the house, and they were decorated with little engravings shaped like chili peppers in each of the corners. It took a minute for Ricky to realize why: Lewis Pepper. Ha-ha. It is to laugh. Also, there were skull designs on each of the appliances.

Again: they were really trying to sell ‘haunted house’ when they decorated this place.

Ricky and Mystery each had a ridiculously tall sandwich. (Seriously - how did that much food fit into the fridge? Or into their bodies for that matter?) Then they cleaned up the mess they’d made and proceeded to the library.

The library!

Considering it was in somebody’s house, the library was enormous - two floors high, and gloriously spooky. Truth be told, Ricky kind of loved it. The whole space was lit by lamps, more rose gold candelabra, and light that streamed in from the tall pink windows. There were two levels of balconies, and every wall was covered in books save a few - where fantastic Japanese paintings of spirits and magnificent beasts were hung, and where there was an enormous flatscreen TV above a stone fireplace. The floorspace was furnished comfortably with several different seating areas and tables that could be for getting work done or for leisure reading.

As Ricky looked around, excited to get started, Vivi’s voice came from the second story balcony. “I was wondering where you two had gone, I was just about to send the Dead Beats to find you.”

“Kitchen. E was hungry,” Mystery replied.

“Oh, shoot! I knew I was forgetting something!” Vivi cried, smacking herself on the forehead. “I’m sorry, Mystery- MISTER. E. I’m never going to get this right!”

Ricky laughed. The names were similar. “It’s alright, Vivi. Mystery took care of it.”

“How about we get started?�� Mystery asked.

“Absolutely. Now Ricky, could you step into the room please?... Little further. Alright stop, that should be far enough. Now turn around and look up.”

Ricky did as she asked, and saw that the second story bookshelf on that wall was different from the rest. The books weren’t on shelves. Rather, they were behind rune-covered glass, bound in leather straps, locked in black cage boxes, hung on a mesh wall with black iron hooks, and chained in place.

Just looking at them, Ricky could tell why. One looked to be bound with human skin, another was glowing an unpleasant green, and one appeared to be breathing, to name a few examples. “That,” Vivi said, “is the cursed section. Every book there is not something just anyone should be handling. Even Arthur doesn’t touch those books. And unless you want to end up trapped in one, turned inside-out, or something equally horrifying, I suggest you do the same.”

“Ggggotcha,” Ricky said with a gulp.

“The rest of the books in the library are safe though.” Vivi said, crossing the room above and closing a set of shoji blinds to hide the cursed books from sight. “Anyway, let me show you where I think you should get started. Cuz you need at least an overview of this stuff, first. Over here we have-”

Twenty minutes later, Ricky was descending a spiral staircase with a small stack of books. Vivi had bookmarked specific sections and left it an open invitation to ask any questions he wanted. One thing was for sure: Velma was going to flip at all of this.

He was just deciding where he wanted to sit when a yell broke the quiet and about 160 pounds of terrified dog leapt into Ricky’s arms, sending books tumbling to the floor.

“What the- Scooby?”

༻˚⁺･⚉｡○✼༓☾⦾♫෴♡💛♡෴♫⦾☽༓✼○｡⚉･⁺˚༺

At 3:45, Marcie Fleach took her position, invisible, above the hallway where Arthur had told her to.

Getting her stealth suit back had gone off without a hitch with the help of the Dead Beats, and the passcode had been exactly what Arthur had said it would be. Within the hour, she was ready.

These instructions were unlike anything Mr. E had ever asked her to do. Because he didn’t really want her to do anything.

Her instructions were simple:

Sit.

Wait.

Watch.

Listen.

Don’t be seen.

Don’t be heard.

And whatever you do, don’t interfere.

It was somewhat concerning, and Marcie couldn’t help but wonder what exactly Arthur wanted her to see.

Whatever it was, Marcie was pretty sure she was going to find out soon. Because that’s when Arthur stepped around the corner.

Already, he was in character. He wasn’t acting like the Arthur she’d met this morning. And yet he wasn’t exactly acting like Mr. E either.

She knew he was supposed to be there, but he didn’t look to be walking anywhere so much as wandering. He wasn’t wearing his jacket, which was rare for Mr. E, and he was carrying a half-empty bottle of alcohol. (But not the same wine she’d seen him leave with earlier.)

What are you up to, Arthur?

Was he drunk?

Oh God, maybe Mr. E really had lost his mind.

If Marcie had picked the wrong horse in this race, then she was screwed.

Hold on, Marcie. You haven’t exactly entirely picked a side yet. He wanted you to be here for a reason, which means he’s probably acting. But why?

Arthur stopped just a few paces shy of being directly under her, where he was in perfect view of Marcie and the hidden camera.

He glanced up at her, and bobbed his head. Just once. Just like the Mystery Skulls had in the video. An acknowledgement. He couldn't see her, but he knew exactly where she was supposed to be.

He’s doing this on purpose.

Arthur’s eyes dropped again, then he leaned against the wall and slid down to the floor. He pulled up a knee and quietly began to hum. Then, he softly began to sing.

“I believe it,

Someone’s heeere.

They can see me,

And where I’m goin’.

"I’ve been sleepless

In my head,

Feels like they’re watching me.

People watching me, ah!

"Feels like I’m losing my mind,

Feels like a dream of me all of the time, baby!

Feels like I’m losing my mind,

Feels like a dream of me all of my life, baby!

"Every-day I'm losing my mind!"

༻˚⁺･⚉｡○✼༓☾⦾♫෴♡💛♡෴♫⦾☽༓✼○｡⚉･⁺˚༺

Earlier

Arthur’s meds did kick in eventually. But not before Shaggy drifted off to sleep.

And Scooby stayed with him.

Because Scooby was a good dog.

But after a while, the great dane grew restless. Even if he was staying with Shaggy, he couldn’t help but feel that he should be doing more to help. That, and he was getting hungry. They wouldn’t mind if he stopped by the kitchen on the way to the library, right? So Scooby hopped down from Shaggy’s bed and tiptoed out of the room.

Scooby still wasn’t sure how he felt about the whole ‘haunted house’ thing. On one paw, there were the Dead Beats, who were fun and cute. But on the other paw, even though Scooby knew nothing here would hurt him, he couldn’t help but feel as if the walls had a thousand eyes. He didn’t like it.

At the next turn, there were a set of paintings ahead. Avoid the paintings, Lewis had said. Scooby whimpered, lowering his head and quickening his pace.

“What hound is this? Another animal born of sin?!” A priest demanded in his frame, glaring at Scooby and gnashing his sharp teeth.

Scooby knew he shouldn’t stop, but his whole body froze. “N-n-no,” He whimpered, trembling.

“Unnatural beast!” The painting roared, brandishing his Bible! “Speaking tongues our Lord meant only for man! Begone of this Earth and return to the fiery pits!” And the preacher came partially out of his painting to swipe his claws at Scooby!

The Great Dane yelped with fright and took off down the hall full speed, the shouts of the priest following him all the way to the end of the hall. Scooby didn’t stop until he was running down the stairs and bounding into the library. An armful of books was sent clattering to the floor as the terrified dog leapt instinctively into a familiar pair of arms.

But at the sound of a confused voice, Scooby’s wits returned to him in an instant. “Huh?” And he remembered: This isn’t Shaggy.

The dog stopped shaking and looked apologetically at Mr. E, who was staring at him equal parts bewildered and concerned.

“Aw, I’m sorry Mr. E. I forgot. I always jump into Raggy’s arms when I’m scared,” Scooby apologized, embarrassed. He half-expected Mr. E to be angry, but he just gently set Scooby down on all four paws.

“That’s okay, Scooby. Let’s just be glad you didn’t jump into my real arms like that, because it’s likely I would have seriously hurt my back,” he laughed, stretching.

Scooby laughed too, “Reah, good thing.”

“And hey, just between you and me,” Mr. E leaned in close, “I used to do the same thing into Cassidy’s arms when I was a kid,” he admitted quietly.

Scooby giggled at the mental image.

As Scooby helped Mr. E pick up the books he dropped, E glanced up at the dog and said, “So… if you don’t mind me asking, what scared you?”

“Paintings,” Scooby whimpered.

“What about the paintings?” Mystery growled from where he was standing by a nearby recliner.

Scooby gulped. It really didn’t make a lot of sense for him to feel the way he did towards the other dog but… something was off about Mystery.

Seeing the look on their faces, Mystery took a deep breath. “Sorry. I just don't like to hear that our tenants aren’t being gracious hosts,” The other dog apologized, walking over to them.

Scooby told them what happened, making faces and swiping out with his claws as he recanted how the Priest had come at him.

“Figures it would be the Priest to cross the line. Don’t mind a thing he says, Scooby. He’s a Bible-thumper - as much a heretic in death as he was in life. And yet he wonders why he wasn’t welcomed into his afterlife. The hypocrite.”

“I still don’t get it,” Scooby said, “what’d I do?”

“You didn’t do anything wrong, Scooby,” Mystery reassured him. “The Heretic associates anything quote ‘abnormal’ as being somehow of the devil. You’re a talking dog, so obviously he thinks you’re evil. But don’t take it to heart. He thinks the same thing about me. He also thinks anyone with a birthmark is a werewolf, that anyone left-handed is marked by Lucifer, and that anyone with acne has been suckling demons. And I’m not even going to repeat what he thinks about women, minorities, and the LGBT - not that he’s allowed to voice those opinions. Of all the humans in the world I don’t like, people like him are near the top of the list. Don’t worry, I’ll handle him.”

“But didn’t you just say he feels the same way about you?” Ricky asked.

“The paintings are all comparatively weak spirits - that’s why they have to lurk in paintings. A few of them are decent, but the rest? Cowards. And if there are two people in this house they know not to cross, it’s Lewis and I.”

“Really? Why?” Scooby asked with a tilt of his head.

Mystery smirked at him, and there was a glint of something devious behind those gold spectacles. “Let’s just say I know a bit of magic.”

And with that, Mystery trotted off into the depths of the house.

After that, Scooby didn’t want to be alone so he decided to stay in the library and help out with the research. Mr. E, somewhat surprisingly, had no qualms with sharing his books. But as Scooby started on the first passage Vivi had marked, he found that he couldn’t focus.

Part of it was that he was worried about Shaggy. But the other part…

Something’s just not right about that dog, Scooby thought.

Granted: apart from his own family, Scooby had never met another talking dog before. And Nova didn’t count because she was possessed.

But this dog spoke much more clearly than Scooby or any of his family had been able to. And it sometimes seemed to Scooby that he was talking to a much older animal. Almost like talking to Pericles. Or even like talking to “Nova”.

It wasn’t just that, either. Mystery didn’t exactly smell like a dog. He sort of did, but it smelled… fake. And the scent overlapping it reminded Scooby of something he’d been taught to smell for during his brief period as a farm dog: a fox.

Scooby Doo had no way of knowing how right he was. For in another part of the manor, the Heretic was praying to the very God that had forsaken him, as he stared through his frame at the snarling maw of a seven-tailed beast.

༻˚⁺･⚉｡○✼༓☾⦾♫෴♡💛♡෴♫⦾☽༓✼○｡⚉･⁺˚༺

Daphne Blake sighed pensively, looking out the window of the Mystery Machine.

Absolutely nothing about today had gone the way any of them had thought it would. To think, she’d been plotting to treat the gang today to celebrate taking down the Highway Dandyman. Come to think of it, Daphne had been so proud of herself for outsmarting him. But it didn’t seem to matter so much anymore.

And of all the things they hadn’t expected today, Mr. E seemed to be one of the things that they hadn’t expected the most. And from everything Daphne had seen so far, it was looking more and more like Cassidy had been right about him.

Then again, Cassidy had been right about a lot of things. So maybe they shouldn’t be so surprised.

Jeepers. Cassidy…

It was just so- cruel. The gang had talked with Shaggy in bits and pieces about what had gone down in the Sitting Room, and one thing stuck out in the forefront of Daphne’s mind:

Mr. E didn’t know Cassidy was dead until yesterday.

Yesterday!

Angel had been gone for over a month now, and Pericles had only told him yesterday!

That was just- a really shitty thing to do. Even if Mr. E and Cassidy hadn’t been in a relationship and weren’t getting along near the end, they had still been friends for years and E had cared about her. And according to Shaggy, he had been looking for her. And now that he knew she was gone, his grief was tearing him apart.

Did Daphne trust Mr. E? Yes- no? Maybe? A little?

Did Daphne like Mr. E? She didn’t not like him. At least he didn’t seem to be giving her the creeps anymore. So that was something. And he seemed to be making some effort to amend his past behavior. So… she supposed she at least liked him more than she did yesterday.

One thing Daphne was sure of was that she felt sorry for him. She couldn’t imagine how she’d feel if anything happened to Fred. They’d had a number of scares throughout their mysteries, but if Freddy actually- no. No, Daphne didn’t want to entertain a thought so awful. Then there was Pericles, Brad, and Judy. Even if their relationship wasn’t exactly the same as the gang’s, he’d still loved them once. Pericles, especially. And now he was grieving for that relationship too.

Another thing she was sure of was… Daphne was willing to try.

In spite of everything, Mr. E seemed to be trying to build a bridge between them. Their old bridge was long gone, and it hadn’t been a very good one from the start. But maybe the one he was building in its place would be better. Shaggy definitely seemed to be helping it along from the other side. Was this metaphor getting away from her? Maybe it was. In any case, Daphne had decided that she wanted to join Shaggy in extending a hand.

But how?

She needed an olive branch, but she really wasn’t sure what to say and she was worried about messing it up. After all, she and the rest of the gang kept having to stop themselves from calling him Shaggy. And why wouldn’t they? He looked like Shaggy, sounded like Shaggy, dressed like Shaggy, ate (somewhat) like Shaggy. He was a completely different person than Shaggy, but he still had just enough in common with him that he acted a bit like Shaggy sometimes too.

Whatever Daphne was going to say or do, she didn’t have much longer to figure it out. They’d stopped by each of their houses for essentials, the groceries were bought, and they were on their way back to the Mystery Skulls’ mansion.

An olive branch… an olive branch…

Just then, the Mystery Machine passed a parlor. A familiar pattern in the window caught Daphne’s eye.

Inspiration struck.

“Freddy, stop the car!”

The Mystery Machine came to a screeching halt.

“What is it, Daph?”

But Daphne was already clambering out of the van. She ran around the back and flung the back doors open, shoving grocery bags out of the way until she found Shaggy’s bag.

“What’re you doing Daphne?” Fred asked.

“Double-checking what size Shaggy wears to make sure I have it right. I just had an idea! I’ll be right back!”

༻˚⁺･⚉｡○✼༓☾⦾♫෴♡💛♡෴♫⦾☽༓✼○｡⚉･⁺˚༺

Marcie’s muscles were starting to burn from holding her position for so long.

And all the while, Arthur sang.

“If I do thiiis, it’s for real.

There’s no turning back,

There’s no turning back.

“I’ve been sleepless,

In my head.

Feels like they’re watching me,

People watching me!

“Feels like I’m losing my mind,

Feels like a dream of me all of the time, baby.”

Then, at precisely 4:15, there came the sound of footsteps.

Arthur just kept singing, his head against the wall, eyes closed.

“Feels like I’m losing my mind,

Feels like a dream of me all of my life, baby.

(Feels like I’m losing my mind)”

“There he is!” Judy’s voice exclaimed shrilly.

But still, Arthur ignored her.

“Every day I’m losing my mind! (Feels like they’re watching me)”

“Hello, Ricky. Guess what,” Brad demanded. There was a certain smugness to the way he said it. “Professor Pericles wants to talk to you.”

And still, Arthur ignored him.

“Feels like I’m losin’-

Feels like I’m losin’-

Every day I’m losin’ my mind!”

Their faces fell when their words garnered no reaction.

“Didn’t you hear him? He said Professor Pericles wants to talk to you!” Judy hissed indignantly.

“Haven’t you two never been told it’s rude to interrupt?” Arthur finally asked, still not looking at them.

“Professor Pericles-”

“Yes, I heard you just fine, and if he wants to talk so damn bad he’s going to have to fly his feathery ass down here himself. Because I don’t particularly feel like moving for him as he lives under my roof, stuffs his face with seeds I paid for, spends my money, and runs everything I’ve built into the ground.”

“Get up, Ricky!” Brad snapped.

“Fuck off.”

“Don’t make us drag you, Ricky! You’re in deep shit for that stunt you pulled earlier.” Judy sneered.

“I did not pull any ‘stunt’ earlier.” Arthur said, finally looking at them. “Ah, Judy. You cleaned yourself up. Was the ‘Carrie’ look not working for you?”

Judy looked absolutely livid.

“Don’t look at me like that. It’s like you said: you have no one to blame but yourself.”

“Why you-”

“That is quite enough, Dear Judy.”

The parrot was so damn sneaky, even Marcie didn’t see him until Professor Pericles was flying out from between Brad and Judy to perch on the sole of Arthur’s shoe where his leg was sprawled out.

He didn’t look happy.

“Ah, and so he arrives!” Arthur declared, fanning both arms out dramatically.

“Put the bottle down, Ricky.” Professor Pericles ordered.

“Why? Afraid I’m going to dump it on you? Throw it at you? Smash it and come at you with the sharp end?” And with the way his whole body tensed, for a moment Marcie thought he just might do one of those things. And she wasn’t the only one. The silence said it all. The tension could have been cut with a knife.

The bird’s glare narrowed.

“Nah. I won’t,” Arthur said, slumping back against the wall. He put the bottle down. “That was the cheap shit earlier. And it was red. This stuff’s expensive. And it’s a white wine - wouldn’t create quite the same impact. Besides: if I pulled the same trick twice, it wouldn’t surprise anyone. And you’d take my booze away. What’s the fun in that?”

“Be quiet!”

“Why? I have so much to say. I found this new band I like recently, and I was just about to sing another song! It’s been so many years since I last sang, Professor Pericles. I used to be rather good. And I sang for Cassidy all the time. We’d spend hours singing and playing together. Why did I ever stop? Oh, wait. I remember! Do you want to know why?”

“If it will cease this ridiculous tantrum you’re throwing,” Pericles spat.

“Tantrum? Oh, Professor Pericles. This right here isn’t a tantrum. In fact I’m behaving rather well at the moment. This is just the way things are now,” Arthur said. Unblinking. Smiling. Leaning closer.

“But I’m getting off topic!” He laughed, leaning back again. And he sounded too merry when he said it. His abrupt changes in tone were even more unsettling than when he was at his most serious. “Why did I stop singing? It was because of you, Professor Pericles! You should remember well! ‘Stop that squawking, Vögelchen!’ No matter how much Cassidy loved it, you were the one whose approval I wanted most, and you were the one who put it in my head that my voice was annoying and awful. You did that to me, Professor Pericles! But why should I be fucking surprised? Everything I am, every ugly thing in my head, the ruin I’ve put out into the world as a result - the root cause of it all comes back to you!”

Nothing could have prepared Marcie for what she saw next.

Shaking with anger, Professor Pericles pulled out a remote from a pocket in his scarf and pressed the large red button in the center of it.

The rest happened exactly as Arthur had said it would.

Mr. E’s entire body collapsed to the floor and seized with agony, spasming uncontrollably like he was having a seizure. He gasped and convulsed, obviously in a lot of pain and Marcie could tell: that can’t be faked. He’s not making this up! Oh my God! Marcie slapped a hand over her mouth to keep her gasp from being overheard.

Then Arthur must have finally mustered a breath that was deep enough. Because that was when he SCREAMED.

Marcie had never heard a human scream like that.

That was what it meant to scream bloody murder. Marcie had heard screams of terror plenty of times. But this sound was suffering incarnate.

Do something! Make it stop! Save him! But I can’t- just stop! Leave him alone!

But even if Marcie decided to do something, she couldn’t. For her whole body had frozen up save the tears running down her cheeks beneath her mask.

To Marcie, it seemed like an eternity before Professor Pericles finally stopped. And Arthur laid there, gasping, trembling, and jerking from the aftershocks, drool dripping from a corner of his mouth.

Let that be it. Leave him alone!

“Let this be a reminder, Vögelchen. Of what happens when you forget your place.”

But right when the three of them began to turn away, the laughter began.

Arthur, what are you doing?!

He was laughing. It started low at first, but by the time he rolled over onto his knees, he was cackling.

“Stop it. What are you doing- how are you standing?” The bird demanded as Arthur got shakily to his feet.

“It’s just funny,” Arthur panted. “How much that little power trip of yours seems to delight you. It’s rather pathetic, really.”

“What is happening? What trick is this?”

“Trick? There’s no trick. It’s just that your little trick doesn’t seem to hurt as much anymore. Oh don’t get me wrong: it’s agony. I can’t imagine physical pain hurting more. But it doesn’t hurt as much as this does,” he said, clutching the yellow and white striped fabric above his heart. “As much as that button of yours hurts, with the way it dulls this for a while, it’s almost worth it. Almost.”

He let go of his shirt and smoothed out his clothing. “But by all means, I’ll be a good boy. I’ll be there when you need me. I’ll sign whatever transactions you need. Give orders on your behalf as if my company is still mine. I’ll be your nice, still little shoulder to perch upon. Like a marionette on strings!” He exclaimed, tilting his head like a puppet. “After all, that’s what you wanted, isn’t it? Is this what you wanted, Professor Pericles? Is it?!” He shouted the last two words.

And for a moment, something flickered across the vile parrot’s face. But it was gone as quickly as it appeared.

“That’s what I thought. But then again, there is the alternative… I’ve done some reading recently. And if I’m right, then there’s only so much you can use that little button of yours at one time. Otherwise, it’ll kill me. There are any number of ways it could. It could cause damage to the tissues around affected areas - and my spine is kind of important. It could cause paralysis in my heart or my lungs. Give me a stroke, perhaps? I won’t bother to list off the other possibilities. Because you’re so smart, Professor Pericles. I’m sure you know them already. So why don’t you just get it over with?”

“Oh my God, you really have lost it.” Brad laughed nervously.

“Kill me.” And there was no mirth in Arthur’s voice. “I dare you. I’m dead anyway.”

The silence hung in the air like thick fog. And Arthur may have been the most vulnerable of the four of them, but he was the only one who didn’t look scared.

“That’s what I thought,” he scoffed. “Because we both know I’m more valuable alive. You can’t control my company with me dead. I die, control disperses to Destroido’s shareholders and you lose everything. Pretend I’m useless all you want, Pericles: I’m not a perch, I’m a crutch. I die, you’re fucked. And don’t you forget it.”

“Sounds awful self-preserving for a suicidal man.” Judy scoffed.

“Self-preserving? Don’t make me laugh. I’m not saying any of this for my sake. I’m saying it because this is the only way of tormenting you that I have. The only reason I haven’t already killed myself is because I want to live long enough to watch you all burn. None of us are surviving this mystery. And I’m glad! The world will be better off without us in it. But until then, you’re stuck with me. And I want to rub it in your fucking faces. Because it doesn’t matter how much you torture me. I’m done letting you shitstains walk all over me.” He said, swooping down to pick up his wine.

“I am out of fucks to give,” Arthur continued. “It’s like I said, Professor Pericles: I’ll be your good boy. But I’d prefer to spend as little of my remaining time on Earth with you shits as possible. So don’t ask for my input - because I know you won’t listen to me anyway. And unless you explicitly need me for something, leave me the fuck alone.”

And with that, he began to walk in the direction of his rooms, flipping off Brad and Judy as he passed. “You stay out of my way, and I’ll stay out of yours. And no more of this hunting me down or ‘popping in’ bullshit. It’s harassment. Don’t insult my intelligence by calling it something else.”

“Don’t walk away from me, Ricky Owens!” Professor Pericles shouted.

“Too late. I kind of already am.”

“This isn’t what I wanted!” Pericles roared.

That made Arthur stop. And from where she was, Marcie was the only one who could see it, but he was smirking.

“I wanted you on my side- at my side!”

Arthur sighed, “Oh Professor Pericles…”

He turned around. And Marcie wasn’t so sure if he was acting anymore. The pain and the anger on his face was so raw and so real that it even affected Marcie.

“You should have thought of that before you cursed me to live in a world without her in it.”

And that’s how he left them.

Stunned into frozen silence.

༻˚⁺･⚉｡○✼༓☾⦾♫෴♡💛♡෴♫⦾☽༓✼○｡⚉･⁺˚༺

Mystery reappeared fairly quickly, looking pleased with himself. His ‘talk’ with the Priest apparently went well.

A while later, Shaggy came downstairs from his nap and joined them in their work in the library, feeling much better now that the meds had kicked in.

Velma and Lewis arrived back at the manor not long after. And Velma’s reaction to the library was exactly what Ricky expected it to be: delight.

They studied, asked and answered questions, bounced ideas off of each other, connected dots, and made notes until Fred and Daphne got back, by which time they had some theories coming together and Ricky was somehow getting hungry again.

When Daphne and Fred arrived, everyone paused what they were doing and took a break to help unload the Mystery Machine, which was packed with bags and groceries. They took care of the food first, then the gang (plus Ricky) took their overnight bags upstairs. Shaggy tried to change into one of his signature green shirts, but the second the Mystery Skulls saw him walk out of his room in green, there was a loud collective “NO!”

“Like, okay okay. What gives?” Shaggy asked, taking the green garment off.

“Sorry, Shaggy. We didn’t mean to come on so strong. It’s just… you probably forgot, but we mentioned to you earlier that Arthur is extremely adverse to the color green,” Vivi winced.

“If he saw his own body wearing that color, he’d probably go into a full-on anxiety attack on the spot,” Mystery elaborated.

“Alright, alright. Like, I won’t wear green. I just like, figured it would be easier for you guys to remember that I’m me if I wore this.”

“How about this, Shaggy?” Daphne asked, fishing a red t-shirt out of Shaggy’s bag. “I saw it in the back of your closet.”

“Oh yeah. Like, my Aunt gave me that shirt for Christmas last year. She’s like, colorblind. So she bought the wrong color.” Shaggy said, putting it on.

“By the way Mr. E,” Daphne said as everyone was dispersing, “remember what Shaggy said about helping people remember who’s who? I actually had a similar thought.”

And from behind her back, Daphne revealed a large paper shopping bag.

Oh no, she spent money on me.

“Daphne… you didn’t have to-”

“Just open it.” Daphne said quickly, thrusting the bag into his hands.

She sounds even more nervous than I am. Ricky, whatever’s in this bag, you’re going to act damn grateful for it.

Ricky reached into the bag and pulled out fabric of a very familiar pattern and color.

Oh my God. She didn’t.

But she had.

By some force of fate or sheer Daphne-ness, Daphne had found his shirt. The same yellow and white stripes he’d worn for most of his life.

It was a simple, practical gesture. Wearing this shirt instead of Shaggy’s would remind everyone to call him Mr. E. And yet Ricky couldn’t help but be struck by how thoughtful it was.

“Daphne, I- I don’t even have the words. Thank you.”

Daphne visibly brightened when she saw how much he liked the gift. “It was nothing, really. I figured it might help you feel a little bit more in your own skin, even if you’re not- technically- in your own skin. Sorry.”

Ricky snorted. “I really appreciate it, Daphne. Thank you.”

Maybe it was silly. But as Ricky ducked into his room to change, he could scarcely keep the smile off his face.

༻˚⁺･⚉｡○✼༓☾⦾♫෴♡💛♡෴♫⦾☽༓✼○｡⚉･⁺˚༺

Arthur managed to keep up the act until he was safely back in Mr. E’s rooms with the door shut and locked behind him. Then he slumped against the door and hugged himself, all his nerves spilling out at once.

Bile rose in the back of his throat and Arthur dropped the wine on a table, bolted into the bathroom, and promptly threw up in the toilet. He retched until his stomach was empty, then retched a little more. Then once the nausea subsided enough that he was no longer puking his guts out, Arthur closed the lid, flushed, and slumped back against the wall, a hiss of pain escaping from between his teeth as he slowly lowered his weight to the floor.

Fuck, everything was sore. And Pericles was even more merciless than he’d been this morning. Arthur sighed, panting, and leaned back against the wall, eyes closed. It had taken everything he had to ignore the aftershocks during his performance. If he didn’t have so much practice from hiding his ghost pains, he never would have been able to do it.

There came three worried trills from the doorway.

Arthur tiredly looked over at the Dead Beats, cooing softly with sad, cute little faces. He reached out, still catching his breath, and the little ghosts slithered through the air to wrap themselves around him in a warm hug.

“Thanks you guys,” Arthur sighed quietly. “I know you didn’t like staying here, not being able to protect me. But I really needed you to.”

One of the Dead Beats warbled and beeped at him. He didn’t understand, but he was pretty sure he knew what it was asking.

Arthur sniffed, blinking the tears out of his eyes. “Yeah… it was really hard for me too.” And damn it, his voice cracked.

The Dead Beats broke out into a new round of sympathetic noises and cuddled him a little tighter, making soothing, rhythmic tones and vibrations.

They stayed there on the floor for a little bit, then eventually Arthur got up, rinsed his mouth and brushed his teeth to get the taste of vomit out of his mouth, washed his face, and moved into Ricky’s bedroom to lie down for a bit while his blood pressure eased. Arthur was getting hungry, and he really needed to take care of this body while he was in it. But he supposed he ought to wait until the panic attack fully subsided, lest he throw up again.

Alright, Arthur thought after a few minutes. Now what?

He needed to wait a bit before making his next move. Pericles, Brad, and Judy were in shock, but their wits would return. And they would be watching him closely.

Which… could be a good thing. Because with their eyes so firmly fixed on ‘Ricky’, they were less likely to notice some unrelated odd happenings around the place. Or that Marcie was on the move.

If Marcie was on the move.

Arthur had once again gambled. A lot rode on how Marcie reacted to what she’d seen.

If she’d been up there.

Seriously. Considering she was supposed to be invisible, how was Arthur to know if she’d even been there?

And if she wasn’t up there… That would be a problem. Because Arthur sure as hell would not be doing that again!

Right then, there came an urgent knock on the front door.

Now what?

“Guys, who is it?” Arthur asked.

The Dead Beats sped off to the entrance and Arthur followed, waiting cautiously by the kitchen doorway.

The spirits disappeared through the wall, and a moment later they returned trilling happily and waving Arthur over, indicating he should open the door.

It’s probably Marcie.

When Arthur opened the door, he didn’t see Marcie. But rather, a human-shaped discrepancy moved briskly past him and into the room. Once Arthur shut and locked the door behind her, Marcie turned off her suit’s invisibility and took her mask off.

When Marcie became visible again, so did her bag. The first thing she did was reach into it and thrust a laptop into his arms.

A laptop! Excitement welled in him!

Surprised, Arthur looked between the laptop and Marcie, who was digging into her bag for her own tablet.

Marcie looked a little disheveled - her eyes red and puffy, like she’d just gotten done with a good cry. Aw, I knew seeing that would be awful, but I didn’t expect it to make her cry.

“Mr. E- Arthur, whoever you are, I don’t care,” She sniffed. “We,” she said hoarsely, her face set in determination, “are going to kick some serious ass!”

His gamble had paid off.

Fun fact: a group of writers is called a procrastination. Although, we do that just fine by ourselves. 🥲 I wanted to shine some more spotlight on Scooby this chapter because... he is Scooby. And Scooby is wonderful, and we love him. I also thought it would be nice for Scooby to have some sweet interactions with Mr. E, who is still dealing with how Scooby's parrot counterpart treated him. And Scooby may naturally feel some level of connection with Mr. E, because he is Shaggy's counterpart and has effectively lost his "Scooby". The same goes for part of why I've given Mr. E and Mystery so many scenes together. Mystery especially, because his relationship with his Mystery Skulls is much more similar to Pericles' relationship with the original Mystery Inc. than Scooby's is to the gang's. The scene where the Priest attacks Scooby was inspired by the Judge going after Shaggy in 'The Mirror's Gaze', which this fic was heavily inspired by. So another big shout out to Eternal_Phantom on Ao3! You're awesome! I've had the scene where Marcie watches Arthur (in Ricky's body) tell off Professor Pericles for so long, and it felt so good to finally get it written down. It was so satisfying to write, and I hope you were all cheering as loud as I was. Lol And I imagined the gang using t-shirts to keep track of who's-in-who's body, but had to ask myself where they'd get a Shaggy-sized Ricky shirt. Then it hit me: Daphne. And I really love the scene where she gives it to him. 🥹 That, and the mental image of the gang dressing like their predecessors is fun to imagine. Somebody should draw that. Maybe I will. IDK. And of course... team Marcie and Arthur are on the case and I can't wait to show you all in future chapters how they pull off the great escape! (IF they can do it - muahahaha 😈)

I hope you enjoyed the chapter!!!

Chapters One through Eleven of 'One of Us' are currently posted on Archive Of Our Own.

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