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janiceisbored-blog · 1 year

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I loved you three summers now

Idol!Na Jaemin x Y/N

Genre: Fluff

A/N: I’ve been listening to Taylor’s Lover Album and I just think most songs there are written for Jaemin

W/C: 13.3k words (I really tried my best to fit this into a one-shot)

｡ﾟ(｡ﾉωヽ｡)ﾟ｡

You and Jaemin had been inseperable ever since you were kids. When life gets in the way, things are supposed to change, right?

Summer 2013

Frantic taps can be heard against your desk as you patiently wait for the school bell to ring. You shot your head up to look at the clock, to look at the time. 3:56 PM, in just 4 minutes summer will finally start and it’s goodbye 6th grade. Everybody seems to be delighted that it’s finally the last day of school, blouses and uniforms scribbled with markers, the classroom mood was enjoyable, everyone was busy mingling with each other and you could hear their summer plans. Some were moving away, some were staying, some were going to be enrolling in summer schools, mentions of going to “Seoul” or “Busan” or other provinces were heard.

3:57 PM. The clock was really taking its time, all you wanted to do was to go home and take a rest. Your thoughts were interrupted when you heard the chair next to yours got dragged. You smiled as you scoot to make room for the person who dragged the chair.

“So, any plans?” It was Jaemin. A huge smile plastered across his face as he sat on the chair beside yours. You told him about your summer plans where you’re going to be spending a little bit of time with your cousins in another province. You found yourself talking for way too long and you heard the bell ring. Just as when your stories get better, the bell rings, it’s now 4 PM.

“Okay just wait for me, I have to say bye to my friends from the other class. You can tell me on the way home.” You just nodded as you gathered your things together. You and Jaemin had been friends from what seems to be forever now. The way that the both of you grew up together, being neighbors and your mothers both being good friends. You and Jaemin were close, but both are different in a way. You were always the shy type and very introverted, you would rather hide at the back of the room instead of being picked first for PE class, a little bit uncoordinated when it comes to sports. Jaemin on the other hand was confident, he was good at sports, he’s also quite introverted but had a handful of friends and handful of girls who had a crush on him. Despite your differences, you always had a way to bond. Now that the two of you are in your teen years, the means of bonding have changed. The two of you rarely went out to play games on the streets, but bonded over video games and watched cartoons together instead. It was almost like a hurdle when both of you had to change the way you bonded. Nonetheless, even if your interests changed as you went older, you and Jaemin still found ways to bond and it was through video games and walking home together. You waited on the bench in the hallway when you saw Jaemin greet his buddies from the other class ‘goodbye’. On his way out, a girl blocked his way and handed him a pink envelope. Another girl having a crush on Jaemin. You laughed at yourself and you can obviously see Jaemin get embarrassed as he accepts the pink envelope from the clearly embarrassed girl as she runs away from the classroom.

“Another one? How many did you get already?” You laughed at him as you haul your bag.

“I don’t know? I think I got 4 already.” he smiled as he chucked the letter in his bag. You won't deny, Jaemin is going to grow up with girls chasing him left and right. His boyish charm and smile would lighten up the room. Both of you didn’t really think about having crushes, being 13 and all, conversations like that would be awkward. But you would definitely be lying if you don’t think that Jaemin is a handsome boy. The walk home took a little bit longer than usual, the two of you took a (longer) detour to find the convenience store that sells ice cream sandwiches. You didn’t mind if the route you took was the long way home, you thought of the days that you’ll spend during the summer. It would mean more time to play and rest after a hellish year in school.

“Are you coming to that volunteer event with your mom?” Jaemin asked as he takes a bite of his ice cream.

“Yeah, the whole two days too. Are you coming?.” You looked up to him. He was taller than you are and you wondered to yourself how taller he will be after puberty.

“I’ll be on flyer duty.”

“Oh samesies! Though I’m kinda hesitant because you know, I’m kinda awkward with people. We need to encourage people and I’m not exactly the most sociable person.” You laughed at him as you noticed that it was already your house.

“I’ll see you then, Y/N!” Jaemin waved as you opened the door to your house.

The day of the volunteer event came along. You were on flyer duty with Jaemin, handing out flyers to everyone who passed by. It’s not even afternoon yet and you felt yourself getting tired and your social battery draining from interacting with strangers on the street. Jaemin on the other hand was his usual happy self. Big smiles to everyone passing by and handing out flyers to them.

“Are you tired already?” He said as he took a sip of water while the two of you were on break.

“A little. I think I woke up funny.” You told him as he handed you a bottle of water as you took shade in the event tent.

“Well, do you want me to take you to your mom?” His voice was full of concern, he extended his arm to you as you tried to stand up from sitting down.

You assured him that you were fine and as for the rest of the event, you continued to hand out flyers to anyone passing by. By the time the event was done, the two of you made your way to your parents who were clearing up the tents they used for the event. You mentioned to your parents how extremely tired you were even if you were just distributing the flyers. Before you know it, Jaemin’s hands are now on your cheeks and forehead.

“I think she has a fever.” His voice was stern and you just looked at him with big eyes. Your parents looked at you with concern and recommended that you skip the 2nd day of the volunteer event to take some rest. As the day came to an end, you boarded the mini van your parents owned, Jaemin and his family carpooling with yours.

“Are you okay with being alone during the flyer duty tomorrow?” You sighed as Jaemin sat at the back of the car with you.

“I’m just going to distribute flyers, not lift a tent. I’ll be fine, Y/N. You should get some rest.” Jaemin smiled at you as you rest your head against the car window and drift to sleep.

The next days weren’t as eventful as you just stayed at home, trying to recover from the fever you just had. You barely remembered the events that happened during the car ride home as you were asleep the whole time, heck. You did however hear Jaemin ask your mom if you will be fine. You looked over your phone to check what time was it but you were greeted with a few text message notifications from Jaemin.

“Get well soon, Y/N!”

“I’ll distribute the hell out of these flyers.”

“If you feel a little better today, we could play online games together after the event”

“Cheering for you to get better!” -NJM

You smiled to yourself as you saw his messages. Jaemin always had a way with his words. It’s like he knew what to say at the right moment and you liked that about him. The way he knows when to joke around and be mature has always been one of his greatest qualities. He wasn’t like the other boys in your class. The way he knows how to sympathize with you or your classmates during a conflict always amazes you. You always told him how it would be great for him to become class president but he always shrugs the idea of it. He tells you that he has no interest in (classroom) politics. He always mentioned how he was going to be a doctor because it was always his passion to help other people and make them feel better. You could say he’s a natural on how he would go out of his way to help your classmates, teachers, and when he tags along his mom’s volunteer events. You start to feel better as the day progresses and you hear a car pull up outside your bedroom window. You looked out and you saw your parents get out with Jaemin’s family. They were taking their time unloading the tents they used for the volunteer event, when Jaemin looked up, he saw that you were staring from your window, which prompted him to wave at you and shout your name, “Y/N! I’m coming over! Wait!” He settled the box he was holding at the ground and hurried to your house. Jaemin was extra giddy and excited to get to your house that he almost tripped on the stairs on your doorstep. You looked at yourself in the mirror making sure you look at least presentable. When you opened the front door Jaemin was there with a huge smile on his face, his breathing was heavy after he just sprinted from outside to your doorstep. Before anything, he grabbed your cheeks and forehead again to check if you still had a fever.

“No more fever! Let’s go to your room!” Jaemin huffed as he removed his hands from your face. You gestured him to step inside the house and he sprinted immediately to your room, you laughed as you followed him.

“What got you so excited today?” You settled yourself in the swivel chair next to your desk. Jaemin was still pacing back and forth in your room, obviously out of excitement at the news he was about to tell you.

“Well, I got scouted! By SM Entertainment! While giving away flyers!” He almost jumped at his own news.

“Oh, OH, OH!! YOU DID?!” It was your turn to jump out of excitement. “Like SHINee, SM Entertainment? SNSD SM Entertainment? EXO?” Jaemin just nodded excitedly as he explained how a lady approached him when he was distributing flyers during the volunteer event. How he screamed for his mom when the scouting lady gave him her calling card. You couldn’t believe it as well. You and Jaemin once talked about being idols out of fun and how you never saw yourself being one because you’re shy, but Jaemin presented a little bit of interest. Jaemin was a good dancer as well, another addition to the good qualities he possess.

“Oh, Nana!! You can get me in concerts for free! I can meet SHINee!” you were getting ahead of yourself. Jaemin explained that he has to go to an audition in the city next week and if he passes, he has to start training immediately.

“I had to transfer schools too.” Jaemin explained.

“Oh, I guess that would make sense.” You can feel your energy go down when Jaemin explains that he had to leave if it means that he had to be an idol. You understood of course, but you can’t help but be sad over the fact that Jaemin might not return.

“But hey, at least YOU’RE going to be an idol! Oh my god, don’t you ever dare to forget about me!” You tried to lighten the mood as you playfully hit his arm.

“Come on, how could I forget about you! We practically grew up together.” Jaemin reached for your cheeks for him to pinch. “We’re practically twins!” He exclaimed as he continued to pinch your cheeks.

“You’re a week older, please.” You tried to swat his hands away and pinch him back but he was quick to dodge your attacks.

You and Jaemin spent the whole night imagining all the things he’s going to do once he’s an idol. Your bedroom floor was littered with crumpled paper as you insisted that he needs to practice his autograph and how you’re going to sell the crumpled paper of his autograph once he’s famous. The two of you looked at dance practice videos on what he should dance for his audition, you suggested it could be something from EXO since they’re getting quite big. The two of you exchange scenarios on what Jaemin could do once he’s big and famous.

“I will get a dog, hopefully a Samoyed. They’re so fluffy and you’re going to be his vet.” Jaemin laughed at the thought. You remembered you mentioned to him that you wanted to be a veterinarian one time when you two were walking back home. You can’t help but smile because you can’t believe that he actually remembers.

“That’s a deal. First, pass the audition, get famous, and then get Samoyed. They’re high maintenance dogs, you know?” You raised an eyebrow at him and he just flashed his signature smile.

“That’s why you’re going to be the vet! I know you’ll treat my Samoyed baby well.”

The two of you ended up laughing over the scenarios you made up. Both of your imaginations run wild as the night deepens. Before you know it, your mom was knocking at your door and she laughed when she saw the rejected autograph samples on the floor.

“Jaemin-ah, we will save this and sell these once you get famous.” Your mom smiled at him as the two of you exited your room together. Jaemin being his polite self, bowed at your parents and said his goodbyes. You walked him to the front door and said your goodbyes to each other. His house was directly in front of yours and you waved at him as you waited for him to reach his house, he waved back as you watched him close the door to his house. You couldn’t believe it, your childhood friend, Na Jaemin, is going to be an idol.

The week went by way too fast for your liking. Before you knew it, you were standing outside of your house getting ready to send off Jaemin and his family for his trip to Seoul for an audition to become an idol. You were a nervous nail biter and Jaemin took notice of it.

“Tsk, don’t bite your nails.” he tutted his head when he saw you bite your nails. He patted your head as he was about to say his goodbyes. Your mom was there as well, wishing Jaemin to bring his A game for the audition.

“You have to pass, Nana! You need to make me meet EXO!” You were now holding back your tears. The thought of Jaemin leaving suddenly became real. You could always count on Jaemin to be brave and confident on your behalf. Jaemin voiced out whenever you were shy to give out an opinion or when the cashier in the convenience store gave you a few bucks short of your change. Jaemin was the voice of reason whenever you overthink about random things. Jaemin was a good friend, he always included you in his plans, he asked you to play online games with him. Jaemin was the first to worry when you missed classes knowing how important it was for you to catch up. In a sense, Jaemin was your rock.

“I’m always going to cheer for you, Y/N. You can always text me or call me.” Jaemin now pulled you in a hug. You were shocked over the fact that he hugged you, his chin resting on top of your head. He knows that you were about to cry over the fact that he’s about to leave. Your instincts tell you to return the hug, a few sobbing sounds escaping as Jaemin continues to pat your head.

“Be brave. I know you can be brave.” It was almost a whisper and you looked up to Jaemin to meet his eyes. You just gave him a short nod as you pulled away from the hug to wipe your tears. Jaemin gets into his parents car and waves at you one last time. You watched through your tear stained eyes as their car drove off. You reached for your phone as you were going to type something for Jaemin, until you noticed that he texted first.

“I’m always going to be here for you :)” - NJM

===

Summer 2016

You woke up with the sun shining on your face. You tried to grab your phone that was haphazardly thrown in your bed when you fell asleep last night. Another summer day wasted doom scrolling on your phone or when you had to keep yourself awake by watching series or playing online games. It has been weeks since high school finished, after so many sleepless nights in cram school and your extracurriculars. You spent the running weeks catching up on sleep and killing time. You tried to distract yourself with anything really. You checked your phone and saw what time it was, 11:30 AM. You could feel your stomach protesting as you sat up. With scattered cans of soda, bottled water, and chip bags across your room, you thought to yourself if a raccoon ransacked your room, it wasn’t in its best shape and you thought that it was almost like a visual representation of your thoughts. You made a mental note to do some summer cleaning so you can finally get rid of the mess you have accumulated and throw out all the notebooks and papers you used during your time in highschool.

You took notice of the emptiness of your house. Your mom must have gone out to get some groceries and your dad is probably now at work. They were never really home buddies. Your mom is usually out gardening or doing some extra volunteer work to help the community which made her known in your neighborhood, your dad was always a hard worker but he also tried his best to be present in your family. You know that your parents aren’t perfect but they try to make do with what you have and you appreciate them for that. You scanned the whole kitchen to see if there are any leftovers you can heat up for breakfast or even make toast. Your eyes gravitated to the loaf of bread sitting on your counter, “Toast it is.” you sighed to yourself as you grabbed two slices of bread and opened a carton of banana milk. As you were eating your toast, you could hear your mom come inside the house, dragging big bags of groceries as she made her way inside your house.

“Great, you’re up. Come help me get these inside, Y/N!” Your mom said as she continued to haul the groceries inside. You obliged and carried the bags inside, helping your mom.

“Do we have another feeding program? These are tons of groceries.” You sighed at her, unloading the contents of the bags.

“Oh, no we don’t have any volunteer events lined up this month. The Nas are returning from Seoul. We’re having them over for dinner.” your mom replied, as she washes the vegetables you just took out.

Your eyes widened in disbelief. Has it really been 3 years since Na Jaemin left? You took a sip of your coffee as you pondered the possible events that will transpire when they arrive. You haven’t heard from Jaemin for almost 3 years, you could say life got in the way. You got busy with high school, trying to excel academically by passing all your subjects with flying colors and doing cram schools. It’s not like your parents were forcing you to become a trophy child, in fact they were the ones to get worried when they found out that you were pushing yourself to the brink of exhaustion trying to get good grades. But Jaemin, Jaemin had a really different path from yours. 3 years ago, he told you that he will be auditioning to become an idol and he went to Seoul. The day that he told you that he passed the auditions, you were so happy for him that the two of you had a celebratory ice cream and skyped the whole time catching up. He did tell you that he will be staying in Seoul with his mom since he had to go train right after he passed. You frowned over the thought that you will probably not see Jaemin as he will be enrolling in a different school. A memory passed by when you and Jaemin were still having regular skype calls with each other.

“We can still play games together, yeah Y/N?” He said through the screen, trying to provide you with assurance.

“Yeah, I guess. But I have so many things to do, Nana. I have to focus on school now. I need to get on the honor roll. But you know, maybe during weekends we can go online.” You sighed as you tried to remember all the extra curricular activities you signed up for.

“Don’t overwork yourself.” he smiled. Even if it was through a computer screen, you could feel Jaemin was still concerned for you, he never missed an opportunity to remind you to take care of yourself.

“Don’t skip a meal.” He chuckled as he gestures the ice cream he was holding in front of the camera.

“You too, Nana. Don’t practice too hard.” You smiled as you said your goodbye to him through the screen.

And that was the last time you and Jaemin had a conversation together. The two of you got busier and busier as the years went by. All your sleepless nights were preparing you for college, while Jaemin’s sleepless nights were dedicated to practicing for their debut. You never bothered to contact Jaemin during these years, you know that he also had it hard for himself so you somehow understood the pressure he was under. When you first saw Jaemin appear on the TV as part of the SM Rookies Mickey Mouse Club, you couldn’t believe it. He was with other SM Rookies who were his teammates during the show. You were amazed with how he danced and how he presented himself. Jaemin was now the talk of the town, your classmates were cooped up in their phone whenever Jaemin had new content. It was like he was set up for fame even before his official idol debut. You wondered to yourself if he changed, if fame went to his head and he is no longer the boy you grew up with. He still had that big grin and his familiar doe eyes. You can feel your cheeks heating up upon the thought of meeting Jaemin after 3 years. Does he still remember you after all this time?

The time running up to dinner time was excruciatingly long. You weren’t sure why you were anxious over meeting Jaemin, maybe because he’s actually famous now and you thought to yourself that you were still an awkward teenager. You were a nervous cleaner, you always tidied your room or rearranged the furniture in your bedroom whenever you were nervous. It’s not like Jaemin will go straight to your room to hangout like when you were kids. 16 was a complicated age, with raging hormones and everything, you thought that Jaemin was not going to your room to hangout. But still you cleaned up, chucking all the soda cans and chip bags in the garbage, sweeping and even vacuuming your bedroom floor. You also had a dilemma on what you were going to wear, but you cringed at the thought that you would probably look too overdressed if you tried hard to look presentable. You settled for shorts and a pullover. “It’s just dinner. What on earth are you nervous for?” you sighed to yourself after looking in front of your mirror. You hurried downstairs to assist your mom in preparing the table set up for dinner. As you were doing the prepping, you heard a knock on your front door.

“Go get the door, Y/N. I need to finish this.” you mom shooed you and you could feel your heart drop to your stomach. “Okay, be normal, Y/N” you assured yourself as you inhaled deeply as you opened the door.

“Y/N!”

You couldn’t believe your eyes. It was really Jaemin, greeting you with the familiar big smile. He had gotten taller, his hair dyed brown, his voice definitely gotten deeper than you used to remember. It’s like your words were stuck to your throat, as if you forgot how to speak.

“Can we come in?” Jaemin’s voice echoed and you snapped out of your trance.

“Y-yeah, please come in.” You prayed that the nervousness wasn’t visible in your voice, you gestured for them to come inside and you directed them to the dining room where your mom just finished her table set up.

“Mrs. Y/LN, this is for you, well for the whole family.” Jaemin handed your mom a bouquet of flowers and you could feel yourself blushing. You knew that Jaemin had always been polite, but the flower gesture was new and you found it sweet. Before you knew it, your parents were now rounding everyone up for dinner.

You were sat across from Jaemin and his dad during dinner. You tried your hardest not to stare, not only would it be rude, but it would definitely be awkward. Stories about Jaemin’s idol training days floated around the table, how his debut with the group NCT Dream was fast approaching and they had a few weeks to themselves before the debut stage. The adults mostly did the talking while they had a couple of drinks. You were okay with listening to the stories until you felt a gentle tap on your shoulder.

“Hello, Y/N!” Jaemin flashed his smile at you again. You blinked a couple of times before returning his hello. Obviously, he wanted to catch up with you and let the adults have their adult conversation without the teenagers. He excused the both of you to your parents and went outside to the open garden, carrying a soda bottle and glasses for the two of you to share. You sat down separate chairs next to each other, the cool summer breeze hitting your skin. Jaemin poured soda to both glasses and he gestured his glass close to you as if you were clinking champagne. You laughed at him as you tried to mimic what the adults were doing.

“How have you been, Y/N?” he said before sipping his soda.

You hesitated before answering him. You thought it was really boring to explain to him that you were just studying the whole time, trying to be the best student you could be.

“Oh you know, the same old. Still studying.”

“Still drinking those books, I see? Are you in the honor roll?” You just nodded at his question and he let out a content smile, as if he was already expecting your answer.

“Well you, I saw you on TV.” You tried to remember the times you caught your parents watching him on Disney Channel, obviously proud that the boy next door was on TV. “Jaemin, you were pretty cool.” you felt yourself easing back to him and the awkward disappearing, as if you didn’t see each other in 3 years. That’s the thing you “liked” about Jaemin. He always made everyone around him feel less awkward and at ease. You never knew how he did it, but you were always thankful for that quality in him.

“Ahh, it’s all part of the job. Do you think I did good?”

“Oh you definitely did! Everyone in my school gushes about you. My parents watch your shows. You’re the pride of this neighborhood.” You laughed at him over the things you were saying, he just smiled sheepishly, cheeks blushing over the compliments he heard come out of you. “We’re so proud of you Jaemin.” you followed up in almost a whisper but he definitely heard.

“Ah, please. It’s just like any other job. But you, you’re doing good in school, yeah? Are you still set on that vet dream of yours?” you looked at him with surprise, he still remembered that you wanted to be a veterinarian even after all these years.

“Jaemin, you still remember? Yeah, I’m still dead set on being a vet, hopefully I could get into a good school, land a good job, you know the usual.” You chuckled because it seemed that you had your timeline planned all together.

You spent the whole time talking about your individual experiences, but it looked like he was more interested in your stories. He did mention that he was going to a performing arts highschool as this was more inline with his plans to become an idol. He listened to you go on about the current happenings with the classmates the both of you used to be with in school. He mentioned that he is schoolmates with some of the NCT Dream members and they’re even adding two more members to the roster. You found it interesting that you have a friend who’s directly involved in the idol industry. His stories seemed unbelievable, practicing up until 2am, doing recordings in the middle of the day, or even going to photoshoots. All of these schedules and they even hadn’t had their official debut yet, what more if they officially debut? Your mouth was just left ajar listening to Jaemin’s stories of his sleepless nights because of practice or how he’s trying to live in a dorm with his other members. He told you about Jeno, the guy he’s close with since they were introduced both during their time in SM Rookies. He showed you videos and pictures of them during practice, he was leaning close to you, shoulders touching as he nears his phone to you. You looked at him and noticed his features. He definitely matured, but his boyish charms still remain, his smile stayed the same. You noticed yourself staring at him longer than usual and not even paying attention to the video he was showing. You swiped your head immediately back to the video he was showing, Exo’s Love me right was playing in the background and there were 5 of them dancing to the song. Their dance steps were sharp and obviously in sync. To say that you were amazed was somewhat an understatement. You really can’t believe that he’s about to become an idol.

“But you know, I can’t help but wonder what I’d be like in a normal school.” Jaemin sighed as he pocketed his phone and you went back to your seat. To you, Jaemin seemed like he was living his best life. He was set up for success already, an amazing group with a promising future, he was already in a show and you wondered if there are already drama studios pining over him. But to Jaemin, he always wondered what could have been if he didn’t push through with the audition, he wondered how his life could be if he was a normal teenager like you, going to cram schools and hanging out with friends that are not his “workmates”. For a brief moment, Jaemin allowed himself to think about the “what ifs” he stayed in the small neighborhood you two grew up in. He thought to himself that he still wanted to become a doctor. The dream of becoming an idol, sure, he was already on his way, and it wasn’t like he wasn’t thankful for the opportunity, he just wondered how things are going to be different if he chose to pursue a different path.

“I think you’re going to do good in whatever you do.” You gave him a reassuring smile. You always knew how passionate Jaemin can get. When he dedicates his focus and attention on a project, you’re always sure that he’ll get the job done. What more if he poured all his passion into becoming an idol?

“I know I can always count on you, Y/N.” he reached out his hand up to you gesturing for a high five. You just laughed at him and met his hand up top. It was quiet again between the two of you, but it wasn’t awkward this time. You could hear both of your parents laughing inside the house and you barely paid attention to what their conversation was about. Jaemin on the other hand, was texting on his phone, he gestured that he was updating his other members about his whereabouts in their group chat. He asked if the two of you could take a selfie together so he could send it to his co-members. He teased that maybe one of his co-members would take a chance on you. You blushed at him and you covered your face, shyness taking over your body as you no longer want to participate in the picture. Jaemin laughed at you and said “sorry” as a continuous chuckle left his lips. You eventually agreed, but the thought of one of his friends liking you definitely made you feel shy. The two of you definitely touched up upon the topic of crushes and dating. He did say that he wasn’t legally allowed to date anyone or an official statement from the company had to be issued before they could start dating. It was obvious that he was irritated over such rules, “Well what if I just liked someone? Right?” you remembered him saying with such conviction. You just shrugged it off. Of course you had your own crushes in school, but you never really acted upon it. Being the shy girl that you are, the last thing you wanted to do was to embarrass yourself with a confession and be rejected. You wanted to move on from that subject which Jaemin figured out immediately and started a whole new topic together. At some point, Jaemin found himself apologizing to you for not reaching out often, saying he got busy with balancing practice and school all together, he barely had time for himself. An exchange of “sorrys” and “it was my fault” rallied between the two of you, in the end you just agreed that life got in the way and there were no ill-feelings for each other just for the lack of updates.

“But you know what, it’s fine. I get to see you on TV or on Youtube, that’s kinda like an update for me.” You said as you poured more soda to his glass.

“Eh, I guess? But I never really had any updates about you except what my mom gets from your mom. Maybe we could do better with updating each other instead of the information I get from my mom. Like getting direct insights from the source.” He laughed as he pointed to his phone, gesturing for you to add him on SNS. You pulled out your phone and exchanged devices with him. His phone continued to buzz as notifications from his co-members started to pop up on the screen.

“NOT U DATING DURING VACATION!” - LDH

“Dude! Manager-hyung explicitly told us not to date. But is she like taken, tho?” - MARK

“Is she interested with guys younger than her? Asking for a friend.” - PJS

“NOT U SHOOTING UR SHOT AT HER!” - ZCL

“Your friends are weird.” You chuckled at Jaemin as you hand over his phone, you could feel the blush rush up your face again.

“They definitely are.”

Before you knew it, it was a few minutes ‘til midnight. Your parents and Jaemin’s were obviously intoxicated and their conversations took longer than expected. But you and Jaemin didn’t mind. You had your own conversations together, jumping from one topic to another, reminiscing about your shared childhood together, stalking old classmates in SNS, your plans for the future.

“It’s getting pretty late, Jaemin.” You heard his dad say from the inside. The two of you stood up from the chair you were seated in, stretching in the process.

“It’s not like my house is far from here.” He whispered at you and you just laughed at his comment.

Jaemin and his parents said their thanks to your family. His mom commented that they should do this often if they’re not busy, as if they never ran out of things to talk about as well. Jaemin bowed to your parents and you did the same to him. An obvious smile lingering on your face as you escort their family on the front door of your house. Just like before, Jaemin waited before you got back inside your house, he waved goodbye at you and you returned the gesture. The moment you went back to your room, you peeked out the window to see Jaemin’s room from yours. You could see a faint orange light coming out from his room, most likely from the lamp he had in his old room. You were about to shut your blinds when you saw the faint light from his room flicker 3 times. You smiled to yourself. It was you and Jaemin’s way of saying goodnight back when you were kids. You returned the light flicker 3 times, and watched his room go dark. You found yourself smiling at the gesture. It was nice to see Jaemin after all this time.

===

Summer 2021

Life definitely got in the way. You’re now 21, an adult with responsibilities. Trying to balance your studies and a part time job as well. You didn’t want to fully rely on your parents to pay for your college expenses especially that they’re not getting any younger. So when you got into Seoul National University for Veterinary Medicine with a partial scholarship, you grabbed it immediately. You finally got into your dream school taking up the course you’ve always dreamt of. Only one year left until you graduate. But with having a partial scholarship and all, that would mean that the money your parents saved off for your college is going straight to school fees and that would mean that you have to work your ass off to provide for your living expenses. The first few years were hard on you. Having to be separated from your parents, countless nights having 2 meals a day, most of them consisting of instant ramen. You had to do anything to get by. You part timed as a barista for a coffee shop for quite some time now, even took up essay writing jobs for college students just to make ends meet, and now working as a vet assistant for an animal clinic in Seoul. Most of the work is clerical, sometimes you had to work overtime, sometimes you got bit by rowdy dogs or scratched by cats, and not to mention, dealing with rude pet owners, but the pay was good enough for you to stay in this job. You just arrived in your job, clocking in as you rush in from your the coffee shop directly to the clinic to be the on-shift vet assistant. You looked at the clipboard of appointments for today and you just let out a heavy sigh. The clinic is fully booked up until 8pm, that means you’ll be in the clinic until 9pm for the closing. You sit down in the receptionist chair as you gather the records of the patients, handing over forms to the owners who were first timers in your clinic. As tasking as it may sound, being a veterinary doctor was your lifelong dream. You always had a passion for taking care of animals, you loved taking care of them. When you were younger, you had a pet named Sowon. You remembered the time you introduced the cat to Jaemin and the cat immediately walked up to him and cozied itself to his lap. The three of you used to play outside your garden, tying up strings on the end of the stick and making Sowon chase the tied up ribbons. Unfortunately, the cat suffered from feline distemper and you found him lying lifeless in your garden one rainy day. You remembered how hard you cried for weeks over Sowon’s passing, how Jaemin visited you everyday until you felt a little bit better, handing over homework that you missed for school. He even got you a cat plushie that resembled Sowon’s calico fur pattern, which until today you sleep with. You could say that Sowon fueled your passion for this kind of career. You couldn’t bare to have another owner mourn the loss of a pet. Of course you know you couldn’t save everyone, but maybe at least you could help them have a better life, regardless of their condition. “Okay, time to focus.” you said to yourself as you take a sip of your iced coffee behind the desk. “Patient 1001, the vet is now ready to see you.” You escorted an old lady and lifted the carrier that was on her side, a small bark echoing throughout the clinic.

“It’s going to be okay, buddy.” you cooed at the small dog inside the carrier. When you reached the vet’s check up room, you left the old lady and her dog with the veterinarian so he could conduct the check up. Same scenarios went on until 2pm. It was definitely a late lunch for you, but that’s the only window you had for lunch. The last patient was too much to handle, a very nippy pomeranian who thinks that she’s 10 times her size. Her owner didn’t do much either. You stepped out from the clinic and went to a nearby coffee shop to get more coffee. As you were walking the streets of Seoul, you could hear KPOP music blasting off from stalls. It was a different song each stall, it wasn’t much of a sensory overload for you, you were just trying to get your coffee. You found yourself humming to one of the music from the stalls, it was “My Youth”. Your mind immediately drifts off to Jaemin. You wondered how he was doing now. 5 years ago, you promised to stay in touch, trying to update each other with the mundane things in life. Jaemin definitely became a lot busier after the debut of NCT Dream. He was in every music show with NCT Dream, bagging awards left and right, having modeling campaigns, touring the world with his co-members. The last message the two of you exchanged was from 2 years ago when you texted him “Happy Chuseok” and he replied back with “Happy Chuseok to you too, Y/N!” you never bothered to further the conversation. You knew that he was a very busy person and as if you weren’t coping with your studies, you barely had time to balance your studies, multiple jobs, and a social life all together. The only time you really had a “true” break is when you visited your parents back in their house and even that only lasted for a few days before going back to busy Seoul to continue working. You smiled as Jaemin’s line came in.

지나간 시간 속에

돌아갈 수 없기에

그렇기에

더욱더 소중한가 봐

(In the time that passed Where you can’t go back Because of it I think it’s more precious)

You finally reached the coffee shop and ordered your usual. This was already your 3rd coffee for today. The 2nd coffee from the vending machine you just had wasn’t really working for you. You hurried back to the vet clinic so you can finally eat your lunch in the small pantry you shared with the other veterinarians and assistants. You looked over the small TV that was propped up the shared refrigerator. MCounted was on and you could see that NCT Dream was getting awarded and getting ready for their encore stage as “Hello Future” wins another award. You realized how much Jaemin and his members changed. He looked buffed, like he had been spending more hours at the gym. Not that you’ve taken a long hard look at him when he’s literally all over the internet or their posters plastered all across Seoul. He was definitely the scrawny boy you used to play with when you were a kid or the awkward teen you had long conversations with that one summer night. Jaemin definitely looked more mature, even if his hair was tousled messily to the overall aesthetic of his look, he was undeniably handsome. You could say the same for his co-members, they definitely bloomed and no longer looked like teenagers getting up on their hoverboards to perform Chewing Gum, which always amused you for some reason. You watched the show as they got ready to perform another encore stage after taking home the trophy for that day. It was Jaemin’s turn to thank everyone and dedicate the award to their fans. His voice was definitely deeper than you last remembered. It was fun watching him goof around with his other members, just having fun during their encore stage. He was bouncing around too, definitely too energetic for the tempo of the song, but you found it funny. You looked at the time on your phone and just like that, lunch time was over. You dragged yourself out of the pantry and went back to the receptionist desk, iced coffee on hand. You went back to your usual routine, logging in forms, calling patients, giving out forms to new patients, the works. Before you know it, it’s already 7:45 PM. The last patient was supposed to come at 8 PM. You already had a long day, all you wanted to do was get ready for closing and be home even before 9 PM. You started tidying up the receptionist's desk, lining up the chairs and wiping down the couch. You looked up at the clock, it’s already 7:55 PM. There’s no way they will make it, whatever appointment they had for that will definitely be moved for the next day. You were about to mop the whole clinic when you saw a car pull up near the curb.

“Doc, it’s 7:57 PM, come on now. Just when I’m about to start moping.” you whined at the veterinarian as you pointed to her the wet mop you were holding in your left hand.

The door swung open and you heard the door chime ring. It seems like you don’t have much of a choice, you settled the mop down the bucket and went over to the receptionist desk to hand whoever went inside a form for them to fill out. Two men towered over you as you handed over the clipboard with the form attached to it, barely making eye contact as you pan your eyes to the carrier next to them.

“Sir, please fill this out. I don’t think your dog has a record here yet.” You said as you squat down to take a look at the dog in the carrier. “The vet will see you in a short while.” You said in a monotonous tone as you took the clipboard from the owner, you looked up to meet the two men who were looking at you. You felt uneasy. They were wearing masks and bucket hats and you could barely figure out who they were. Having celebrities walk inside the clinic you work for was not a new feat for you, you’ve seen countless idols walk in with their pets inside. It was no longer new for you. They’re probably another idol with a pet. But you were feeling quite uneasy as the taller latter was still eyeing you.

“Sir, is there anything I could help you with?” you asked him, trying to hide that you felt somewhat intimidated by his gaze. He didn’t reply, instead, he just walked over one of the couches you just wiped and sat down.

“What a weirdo.” You thought to yourself and proceeded to attend to the owner and assist him to the check up room with his dog. The dog let out a small bark as soon as you lifted the carrier.

“Daegal, please be quiet. We’ll be quick, I promise.” the owner’s voice was gentle as he stuck his finger inside the carrier to help his dog calm down. As soon as you reached the check up room, you settled the carrier to the table and went back to the reception desk. The taller guy was still sitting on the couch, facing you as he continued to fiddle with his phone. You heard your phone buzz from the pocket of your scrubs, you picked it up and your eyes widened as you saw what the notification was

1 Notification from Na Jaemin

You looked up and you saw the man sat in front of you remove his hat and mask. You cannot believe your eyes, you fixed your glasses, unsure what it really did but hoping it adjusted your vision. You cannot believe your eyes, after what seems to be 6 years, you’re seeing Jaemin for the first time again.

“Jaemin-ssi. Is that really you?” You felt like your throat was tied up, barely able to say something as Jaemin walked over the reception desk.

“Aw what happened to calling me ‘Nana’?” He chuckled as he leaned over the reception desk.

“Look at you!” he smiled at you, his hair still styled in a tousle like it was when you saw him on TV earlier, the only difference was he was wearing a white shirt and jeans. “Are you finally a vet?” he continued.

“Ah, n-no. I’m just an assistant here. I have one more year left until I finish my degree. Still in vet med.” You found yourself stuttering over Jaemin once again, as if moments ago you were ready to cuss him out when he was staring daggers at you.

He let out a silent “wow”, his eyes getting bigger out of amusement on what you just told him.

“How are you?” you managed to say.

“Eh, same old same old. I’m just accompanying Chenle and his dog here. Something about a vaccine?”

It was silent for a moment, you weren’t really sure what to ask him when you just saw him a few hours ago on the TV receiving an award, you thought of congratulating him but wouldn’t that be awkward? You were racking your head as if it was a rolodex of terrible small talk openings.

“It’s really nice to see you again. I know you’re thinking of something to say. You squint your eyes a little when you do and you still do it.” Jaemin’s words caught you off guard. Of course he wasn’t a mind reader, he just really knew you when you were kids, he was noticing the tiniest details that you even missed.

“Classic Nana.” you shook your head as you smiled at your expression. When was exactly the last time you called him by his nickname. Jaemin smiled when he heard that you addressed him with his nickname.

“I should call my mom later. She will never believe that we saw each other.” He smiled as he continued to type on his phone.

“When did you move here? You didn’t tell me?” Jaemin continued, finally meeting your gaze as you finished typing something for your mother as well, you pretended you never heard the last part.

You explained to him how you got into SNU for VetMed on a partial scholarship, how you had to work while studying to support your living expenses. Living in Seoul was no joke, it was expensive and you need all the money you can get to live at least decently and support your studies. You explained to him how you worked as a barista during your earlier years and finally landing a job as an assistant in this vet clinic. As if nothing has changed, Jaemin was still an attentive listener. You thought that your Seoul story was boring as hell as it’s almost the same with everyone who’s trying to make it in the city.

“But I’m in my last year, so the next academic year, I will be finally free from the academic shackles, and slip on the capitalism shackles.” You even managed to get out a joke in front of him, the awkwardness dissipating from the air. There’s something with Jaemin’s presence that always makes you feel at ease, but you can’t never put your tongue on it.

A few small talks here and there, but mostly it was about you. Jaemin was so eager to know more about university life, how college was treating you so far.

“But hey look at you! I can hear your songs practically from every stall I walk into. Also a successful album and a tour in your belt? Come on now Jaemin, that is impressive.” You tried to divert the conversation from you to him. He was achieving more than you could imagine, you almost found it annoying that he was being coy about his achievements.

“Couldn’t have done it without the boys. Thank you.” He flashed a smile at you, even when accepting compliments, Jaemin always lifted up his members together with him.

You were catching up with Jaemin, telling each other stories about your moms. You found out that even after all these years, Jaemin was donating to the same foundation you used to volunteer for together back when you were kids. You told him that you weren’t that much active in volunteering but always tried to find time to dedicate a few hours of your free time for the foundation. You felt a little guilty now because as much as you wanted to donate, your financial situation isn’t that great.

“Come one now, Y/N. The important thing is that we’re still dedicating our resources for the cause. So don’t you dare feel guilty because I think you’re still doing a super job.” As always, you could count on Jaemin to say the right thing at the right time.

You noticed Chenle and his dog Daegal come out of the check up room now. Daegal, sulking in Chenle’s arms, obviously upset over the vet visit.

“She looked like she didn’t have fun.” Jaemin looked over Daegal and scratched the dog’s head. “If I was your dad I wouldn’t book a late appointment.” Jaemin is now baby talking Daegal who seemed to prefer Jaemin instead of her original owner.

“I’m not letting her stay in the dorms. You lot are filthy as hell.” Chenle scoffed as he put Daegal back in her carrier.

“Did this knucklehead tried to make a move on you?” Chenle smiled at you as he gestured over Jaemin who was now putting on his bucket hat and mask back to his face.

“That’s Y/N, big head.” Jaemin slapped Chenle’s arm as he fixed his mask on to his face.

“Oh wow! Are you really now? It’s a pleasure to meet you. You know my hyung always -”

“OKAY CHENLE WE GET IT YOU ALSO HAVE A BIG MOUTH” Jaemin cut off Chenle before he could say something embarrassing.

“Thank you, we’ll take Daegal here often. I’m thinking of switching vets.” And with that you saw the two men leave the vet clinic. Jaemin, on the other hand, waved goodbye at you as you watched the car fade into the dark street. You couldn’t believe what just happened, as if fate was playing some weird tricks with you. Meeting Jaemin again after a long time was literally pushed at the back of your mind. You heard your phone buzz once again, excitedly you opened the notification.

“It was so good to see you, Y/N. I hope we can catch up if you’re not that busy?” - NJM

You smiled to yourself, you can’t believe after all this time, Jaemin still remembers you, how his attitude and demeanor barely changed, how physically different he is now compared back when you were teens (puberty definitely hit him hard), how successful he is now. You tapped your response to your phone. You were definitely excited to see your old childhood friend. You hesitated to send your response. You thought about your reply, being seen with an idol in a public space will definitely put a target on your head even if there’s nothing malicious or romantic between the two of you.

“I would like to catch up. Just tell me the time and place. I’ll be there.”

You hit send and in an instant, you could feel the butterflies in your stomach go off and you mentally curse at yourself for doing so. What’s wrong with old childhood friends just catching up?

“Is it okay if I just pick you up? I’ll have food delivered over here at the dorms, anything you like. Because you know… :)” - NJM

“I’ll introduce you to the guys.” - NJM

You knew what he was implying. You were unsure of what you were about to reply. It’s not like you haven’t been in another guy’s house, but to be inside an idol dorm, this was different. But it’s Jaemin and you trust him, you know he wont do anything that will put you in danger or an uncomfortable situation.

“It’s fine, Nana. Just let me know when :) Stay safe!”

And with that you hit send and continued with your closing errands in the clinic with a smile on your face.

You mentally prepare yourself for the “catching up” you were about to do with Jaemin. You don’t even know what it means, but sure as hell you know it’s not a date, just two childhood friends, talking about life. Nothing weird is about to happen. You looked at yourself one last time in front of the mirror. You prayed to the gods that you weren’t underdressed or overdressed. A few minutes later, your phone rang and you immediately reached out for it. It was Jaemin, he told you that he was about to pull over and asked for the floor of your flat. You just shrugged that he shouldn’t come out of his car and that you’ll just wait in the lobby of your apartment building. Jaemin on the other hand was not about to have this conversation with you, he tutted that it’s not polite to make you wait in the lobby while he stays in his car. You couldn’t argue back because you know the two of you will loop in an argument instead of getting something done. In a span of 10 minutes, you heard a soft knock on your door. You frantically scanned your apartment, what if he sees the match box you’re currently living in. But it didn’t matter, Jaemin was literally outside your door. You opened the door and you saw him standing there with a grin on his face as you squeaked “Hello” at him. He gestured his arms in a half circle, as if he was asking you to take his arms. You just scoffed at him and slapped his arms away.

“No way, do you want me to have a bounty on my head?” You laughed at him as he crossed his arms to his chest, laughing at your response.

When you got to his car, you immediately noticed the scent inside. It smelled like freshly washed linen, his car was clean, definitely one of those fancy smart cars that you can only see on the internet. At the backseat of the car were bags of food. The drive to their dorms was quite quick, before you knew it you were standing in front of the door of their dorms. You remembered what Chenle said when he was in the vet clinic with Jaemin, was the whole place really thrashed? Were you here to help them clean? Jaemin asked if you could hold the bags of food he was holding to get the keys from his pocket. You didn’t even mind what he was saying. Your mind was traveling to different topics right now, you didn’t know what to expect.

“Here let me get that.” your hands and Jaemins briefly grazed each other as he was getting the bags from your hold. Their dorm was big, a couple of rooms in the hallway, the whole place smelled like lavender. Definitely way different from what Chenle just said.

“As you can see, Chenle lied.” Jaemin lied as he settled the food on the kitchen counter. “You can sit down anywhere you want.” Jaemin continued. You looked like a lost puppy right now, you can’t even decide on where to sit, Jaemin could tell that you were nervous and he walked over to you.

“Y/N it’s fine you can sit here.” He gestured at the couch behind you and you sank down the couch. Jaemin on the other hand was bringing over food and drinks to the coffee table in front of you. You helped yourself with the food and drinks as Jaemin excused himself for a short while for a quick bathroom break. In just a few moments, you heard footsteps coming down from the hallway. They were heavy and loud,

“Hey Renjun, I’ve been playing all day when is Jaemin coming-” the voice was cut off when he saw you sitting down on the couch.

“Well this was awkward.” you thought to yourself. The man was just as stunned as you are. He was tan and his legs long as you noticed that he was just wearing Tshirts and basketball shirts. You noticed that his stunned face turned to a confident smile as he made his way to the chair next to yours.

“Hi, I’m Haechan. You must be Y/N.” he extended his hand towards you and you reluctantly shook his hand.

“Stop being weird Haechan.” You finally heard Jaemin’s voice and eased. You don’t really want to introduce yourself to them as your nervousness might take over unconsciously.

“Tsk so fussy, Jaemin. I just introduced myself to her! Anyway, it was nice to meet you Y/N. I’ll be in my room if you need me or if we need to introduce ourselves formally.” Haechan walked away with a piece of pizza and soda can hand in hand.

“Sorry about him, he’s always like that.” Jaemin took up the free space on the couch next to you.

“It’s fine, I was just surprised. I didn’t anticipate that I would be introducing myself alone.” You smiled at Jaemin.

The day went by exchanging stories with each other. From time to time, you were able to meet the other members who were cooped up in their room, trying to enjoy their me-time on their obviously tight schedule. In a few moments, Jeno finally came out of his room and joined you and Jaemin to listen to the childhood stories you shared with Jaemin. Jeno was all smiles during the whole ordeal, like Jaemin, he was a keen listener. A few moments later, the main door opened and three men entered. It was Mark, Renjun, and Chenle.

“Y/N!” Chenle exclaimed as he grabbed a pizza slice from the box in front of you.

“Ahhh so this is Y/N.” Renjun just nodded and gave you a bright smile. Renjun was sweet and polite, he definitely lit up the whole room.

“Ji! Come out! Don’t let me drag you out here.” Renjun shouted from the hallways as he tried to pry Jisung out of their shared room.

“Hi, I’m Mark. It’s nice to finally meet you.” Mark flashed you a sweet smile as he settled himself in a chair next to Jeno.

“Jisung I swear to god if you don’t come out! You too Haechan, get out of here.” Renjun’s voice thundered across the whole dorm, the other boys seemed to not mind as if this was already a normal feat in their dorms.

Jaemin on the other hand was rubbing the back of his head, partly embarrassed that his members were acting as if you weren’t there.

“You’ll get used to it.” Jaemin whispered at you as bickering between them ensued.

“This is normal Y/N. I hope you don’t mind.” Jeno laughed as he got another piece of chicken. You really didn’t mind. Growing up, you had the same dynamic with your cousins. Most of them loud and bicker a lot, which was unusual if you were looking from the outside in. This made you understand their dynamics.

“We’re really better than this if we try hard enough.” Mark just laughed as he opened the soda bottle in front of him.

Renjun emerged from the hallways with Haechan and Jisung next to him.

“Hi!” Jisung barely made a sound, the latter obviously shy when he saw you sitting there. You just waved back at him and smiled. You get him, he’s just as shy as you are.

The whole day passed and stories were exchanged between you and the Dreamies. You told them your story about assisting a cesarean operation for a dog in your vet clinic, most of them fascinated over the information they just heard, the others (Jisung and Jeno) were covering their ears the whole time as your story telling got graphic by the minute. They also told you stories about their tours and places they’ve been to, different experiences they had in each country they visited. Talking to them was almost the same with the dynamic you had with Jaemin. The awkwardness disappeared as the night progressed. Before you knew it, it was getting late. You still have an early morning shift at the vet clinic tomorrow. You looked over your wrist watch and Jaemin took notice.

“You have work tomorrow?” He asked as he leaned over next to you but still kept his distance.

“Yeah, I’m sorry. I am having so much fun though.” You sighed as you gathered your things. “I could book a taxi so you don’t have to drive this late at night.” As soon as you realized what you just said, the room grew silent as if you just said something so blasphemous.

“He’s taking you home, Y/N. Not safe.” Mark said as he got another slice of pizza to stuff into his mouth.

“It’s really no big deal. I think my apartment is not even 30 minutes from here. The fare wouldn’t be that expensive, I think.”

“No, I’ll take you home, Y/N.” Jaemin finally spoke up, his words stern but you don’t get it, you just admitted defeat and said your goodbyes to the boys.

On the way down the parking lobby, you asked Jaemin why the boys were so repulsed with the taxi drivers. He explained that it’s not the taxi drivers, but that some fans were quite invasive of their privacy that they would bribe the taxi drivers to drop any kind of information about them. He mentioned one time that Haechan’s sister was just dropping food for him and a crazy fan almost got into an altercation with her because she followed her home. This made Haechan go on a rant in one of his IG lives on how he will take legal action if they tried to interfere with his family ever again. You were familiar with this side of the fans, but hearing it first hand from them scare you shitless.

“So, if you ever decide to come over, just let me know. So I can pick you up and send you home.” Jaemin smiled at you as he opened the door to the passenger side.

“Thanks, Jaemin.” You smiled at him as he got into the driver's seat. Weirdly, it seemed that the ride back home to your apartment building took longer than usual but you didn’t mind. You and Jaemin spent a good 15 minutes getting lost on the same street, talking to each other in between trading directions. You reminisced about the time the two of you took care of Sowon the cat and opened up to him that you don’t think you’ll be able to get another cat or pet in the process. You talked about the time he had to do some popping dance steps in front of the class to save everyone from having a surprise history quiz. You didn’t even want the night to end. It’s been a while since you laughed for real and had fun with friends. In just a few short minutes, you find yourself in the basement parking of your apartment building, Jaemin walking beside you as you make your way to your apartment.

“I really had fun today, Nana. Please say thank you to the boys for me.” You smiled at him.

“Me too. I wish we could do this often.” He smiled back at you. One of your eyebrows was raised as he tried to back track what he just said. It was now Jaemin’s turn to be flustered.

“N-no! I mean we could hangout often as friends, like you know, before.” Jaemin was never lost of confidence, you just chuckled at him as you said goodnight to him. You found yourself a little braver after seeing Jaemin stutter like that, you gave him a small hug, inhaling his scent in the process. Jaemin gave out a small sigh and hugged you back. It was like the two of you were taken back during the time he had to leave for Seoul, which was about 8 years ago.

“Thank you, Y/N.” Jaemin smiled as he pulled away.

“Goodnight, nana.” You closed the door behind you. You can’t believe what you just did. You hugged Jaemin. On the other side, Jaemin was smiling from ear to ear, tapping his fingers frantically on his phone as he updates their group chat on what just happened.

—-

You found yourself frequenting the Dreamies dorm. You practically became an honorary member of the group. On days matching your days off, you either frequented their dorm or went out to eat hotpot. You tried to go out with them discreetly, most of the time these hangouts or game nights were spent in their dorm. You didn’t mind and Jaemin didn’t seem to mind as well. He was always there to pick you up or take you home. You also found yourself having frequent talks with Jaemin as the time went by. You update each other of your whereabouts and schedules. “Friends, update their friends” you mumbled to yourself. It’s not like the two of you were doing something weird behind closed doors. It kinda felt normal for you because back when you were childhood friends, you used to do everything together. To you, this is just like making up for lost time. Most nights, you spend talking or texting Jaemin until one of you falls asleep. It’s usually you who goes to sleep first. Being up early in the morning usually makes you extra sleepy, Jaemin on the other hand drinks his iced americano with 6 shots of espresso. You already made him listen to the piece about basically injecting coffee in your bloodstream so he reduced the caffeine intake to just 4 shots. One of these nights was different though, it was raining hard all over Seoul. Jaemin asked you if you were at home and asked if he could spend a few hours at your home since most roads are blocked due to the heavy rain. You looked around your tiny flat. It’s just a one bedroom unit with a small kitchen and living room. You hoped Jaemin wouldn’t mind. In just a few moments, you heard a knock on your door. You were greeted with a soaking wet Jaemin.

“I forgot to bring an umbrella” He grinned at you sheepishly as he tries to take off his shoes at the landing area. You immediately grabbed a couple of towels from your closet and handed them over to him.

“Can I borrow some clothes? I really don’t want to soak your furniture.” He smiled apologetically once again, you rummaged through your closet and found a pair pajama pants and an oversized hoodie he could wear. You apologized upon seeing the design of the pajama bottoms, it was Cinnamon Roll, but Jaemin just chuckled in response. You tried to prepare something for him to eat and quickly prepared some kimchi jjigae for the both of you. When he stepped out of your bathroom, you can’t help but to laugh at him. You were amazed that the Cinnamon Roll pajama pants fit him.

“Y/N don’t laugh. I’m working with what I can here.” Jaemin just pouted and pulled the chair from your kitchen counter as he watched you prepare food for the both of you. It seemed that the rain showed no signs of slowing down, so you asked him to inform the guys that he will be waiting for the rain to pass. As he was typing on his phone, Jaemin looked up at you through his eyelashes. You were busy preparing the food for the two of you to share. He smiled to himself as he probably had dreams like this during the past. In just a few moments, you settle the bowl of kimchi jjigae in front of Jaemin, followed by 2 plates of rice. You handed him the spoon and chopsticks and sat beside him.

“I just threw what I had in the fridge, but I think it’s fine.” You smiled as you took a few spoonfuls of the soup.

Jaemin followed suit and immediately complemented your cooking. You just rolled your eyes at him since you felt like his comment was an exaggeration.

“I am not lying! It’s really good, Y/N!” Jaemin smiled as he cleaned his plate off with his spoon.

“Yeah yeah. Whatever you said. Just leave it there, I’ll go ahead and wash the dishes.” You said as you eat the last bite of your kimchi jjigae. Jaemin however, held your wrist as you were about to get up and collect the dishes.

“Let me wash the dishes, oki?” Jaemin smiled as he took the plate out of your hands. You were so stunned that just happened. You didn’t even have time to protest what just happened.

“And I’m sleeping on the couch.” Jaemin commented, his focus still on the dishes he was washing.

“But you’re my guest.” You protested next to him.

“I sleep on the couch, that’s final. Or else I’m sleeping in my car.” You just sighed in defeat, you knew arguing with Jaemin was like arguing with a wall.

As the night progressed, Jaemin suddenly grew bored and asked if the two of you could watch a movie to aid in sleeping. You obliged, good thing you’re on your day off tomorrow.

“Just play anything, Jaemin. I’ll drift off before you can say anything.” You said as you handed him over the remote to your TV. The both of you were sitting on opposite ends of the couch, both bundled in their own blankets. Jaemin being Jaemin, played a horror movie on the TV screen. Every jumpscare throughout the movie shocked you. Jaemin took notice of this and he scoots next to you. The two of you are almost in close proximity, knees and shoulders almost touching.

“We could watch another movie.” Jaemin whispered at you, his face still focused on the screen.

“N-no need, I’m already invested.” You can hear his small deep chuckle. Your closeness with each other made you lose all focus on the movies you were watching. You could smell him, you smiled to yourself as you realized that he used your body wash when he was in your bathroom earlier. Before you know it, another jump scare scene made you jump, Jaemin on the other hand already had his arms around your shoulder. This surprised you and you looked up to him. His facial features, illuminated by the small lamp you had in the living room and the television. “Has he always been this handsome before?” you thought to yourself. For so long, you suppress your feelings for him, trying to put it on the back burner and paid no mind. You always wondered why Jaemin put you at ease, how you stopped being awkward around other people when he’s around, how you always became yourself whenever he’s around. Maybe you liked Jaemin more than a childhood friend. Maybe the times you grew up together, you barely noticed how great you had each other until the other left. You tried to date other guys before but no one came close to the ease and comfort you had with Jaemin.

“You’re staring too long. I might melt.” his deep voice snapped you out of your trance. You blushed upon hearing the words escape Jaemin’s lips. How long were you staring up at him?

“I-I, I wasn’t staring.” you shot your head to the TV in front of you, you obviously cannot hide the embarrassment, you just wished that your sofa would eat you alive right then and there.

“I don’t mind, besides, you’re cute.” Jaemin squeezed his grip on your shoulders more. You couldn’t believe what you were hearing. Did Jaemin just called you ‘cute’?

“You are always cute. I don’t think I’ve told you that before.” Jaemin looked at you now, the movie and rain serving as the background music on whatever is happening between you and Jaemin.

“I think you’re cute. No, wait, you’re pretty. You’re always pretty.” You can feel Jaemin’s face inching closer to yours. You were frozen in your seat at the same time you felt yourself being pulled towards Jaemin. Before you know it, Jaemin’s lips were ghosting over yours, he leaned in slowly and gave you a soft passionate kiss, his hand cupping the small of your back as the two of you continued to share a kiss. The feeling of the kiss felt like you were burning, Jaemin’s every movement felt like fire touching your skin. He was taking his sweet time with you, the kiss was gentle and careful. You held his arms as he continued to deepen the kiss. You can feel his muscle tensing up with every touch you place. In just a few seconds, he held your shoulders as he pulled away, a smile visible on both of your lips as you tried to catch air.

“I hope that was fine.” Jaemin smiled as he pulled you closer to him.

“More than fine.” you smiled at him as you leaned into his shoulder.

“You have no idea how long I’ve waited to kiss you like that.” Jaemin smiled as he leaned in to kiss your forehead. You found yourself blushing again and this time he saw, “You’re so cute when you blush.” he commented as he continued to kiss your forehead.

“So I guess I need to make an official announcement soon.” He laughed.

“I’ll help you draft.” You smiled at him as you kissed his cheeks.

“I’ve always loved you.” You whispered to his ear as you continued to lean close to him.

“I guess all it took was 3 summers.” Jaemin responded as he sweeps you in for another kiss.

#nct dream #jaemin #jaemin x reader #jaemin x y/n #nct fluff #nct scenarios #nct fanfic #nct x reader #nctzen #nct dream au

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onwardevan · 5 months

Text

The best fight (Tate Langdon x y/n)

TW:handjob,overstimulated,unprotected,mention of blood,mention of drugs I think that's it??

"He definitely whimpers?" My friend,Miah,laughed as we looked at this one boy from across the hallway.

"Not even,bet he can't even get bitches on his dick?" Aliya laughed.

"Right?he's so fucked..." Miah said.

The bell rang and we all went to class,I had a class with that boy and he was quiet?always sitting in the back of the room,never doing his work but instead he was focused on something else?Was that...was he doing drugs IN SCHOOL?!I know life if hard and all but doing lines in class is actually next level...

So I go sit next to him.

"Hey,Tate right?" I ask.

"...yeah..?" He said,sounding unsure.

Besides all the drugs thing,he seemed like a pretty cool dude?And...even kinda cute?

"You okay?" He snapped me out of my thought.

"Hm- oh yeah I'm okay it's just...I need help with this assignment and was wondering if you could help me..?" All I needed was the start a convo with someone and I'll be alright.

"Yeah...Totally so you basically..."

-----

months pass and we continued to talk to each other soon reaching that "friendship" phase and leaving the classmates phase.

He was constantly a fix to everything?

I'm sad?Call Tate.

I'm mad?Call Tate.

I'm hungry?Call Tate.

But I kinda feel bad.He helps me but no one helps him?

But today was to rough on the poor boy.

I was in my room,listening to music and cleaning my room,like always whenever I see one spec of dirt on my floor,when my phone dinged.

'From:Tater tot

Can you let me in please?'

I immediately ran downstairs and to my front door,opening it to a crying boy with a bloody nose and basically bloody everything.

"OH MY GOD TATE!WHAT HAPPENED?!COME ON,IMA CLEAN YOU UP.." I said and led him inside.

He nodded as I led him towards my bathroom,I wish my mom was home rn so she could tell me what to do.

"I don't know what I'm doing but I'm trying." I said,looking around our medicine cabinet.

Soon enough I found hydrogen peroxide.I made a 'ssssss...' sound and showed Tate the bottle.

"God please no..." he said.

"Tate you are COVERED in blood.im sorry but you have to?" I said.

"Fine..." he agreed.

I sat myself on his lap after getting some cotton balls to help apply the hydrogen peroxide.I dabbed the wet cotton ball on a wound and felt his hand grip my thigh.

"SsSss..." he made the same noise I made.

"Get used to it buddy,you have many other wounds.." I said and pointed at his entire face.

He sighed and rested against the chair,I had to lean forward a bit to not completely fall I top of him.But while leaning forward,I accidentally put my hand very close to his crotch.I didn't realize until his heart rate quickened and the breathing hitched with every touch.

"Y'know what would really make me feel better?" Tate smirked as he moved my hands from his face and downwards to HIM.

"Tate." I new exactly what he wanted.

"Cmon please,just once!" He started to slowly grind his hips into my own"please..." he sighed.GOD THOSE NOISES!!

"Fine." I sigh and lean towards him to kiss him.

He closes the gab between us and kisses back in much more energy than he's ever had probably.his tongue asking for entry,that I allowed.While his tongue was exploring my mouth I brought my hand down to cup his growling bulge.

"Mmm" he moaned into the kiss and bucked his hips into my hand.

I trailed my kisses from his lips to his jaw,then his neck.While his head rolls back and he sighs,I slowly slip my hand under his pants,and start rubbing him through his boxers.

"Ohhh sshit!" He gasped.I continued to rub him through his boxers till he couldn't take it no more.

"Please fuck!please no teasing..." he whimpered.

"Whatever you say..." I whisper,before I take my hands and slip them under his boxers now,immediately being able to find it due to how fucking hot it is.I grab the base with no warning.

"Fuck mhmmm!" he said and bucked his hips into my hand.

I started to slowly move my hand up and down him.When I had an idea...His head thrown back,I attach my lips to his neck again as I press my thumb into his head.

"FUCK AGH PLEASE- OH MY FUCKING GOD!" He yelled out.

"Does that feel good?" I asked,moving my thumb around his tip.

"YES IT FEELS SO FU- AGH FUCK PLEASEEE MMMMNN!!" He moaned as my other hand came down to stroke his length.

"I NEED TO- IM GONNA FUCKIN- AHHHH SSSHITTT!" He moaned out.Clawing at my thighs.

"PLEASE I NEED TO CUM SO FUCKING BAD!AGH!SHIT SHIT SHIT PLEASE!" He begged even harder once my hand gave him a gentle squeeze.

"No,I think you can hold it,can't you?" I said.

"Y-YES AHHHHH!FUCK!!"

I removed my hand and threw him onto the floor.He breathed out a few times before the air got knocked out his lungs again.

"Ohhh shit oh my fucking god!" She moaned as I sat on it.

"Please...go s-slow.." he panted.

"You get what you get?" I said.

And I JUMPED on that bitch.

"AHHH SHIT FUCK IM SORRY AHH-" he said as I felt his warm release coat the inside of my walls.

I continued to jump on him despite the overstimulation,he just sounded so damn good...

"FUCK IT-IT HURTS SO BAD MMMMM!" He moaned.

"I'm sorry,do you want it to end?" I asked,slowly moving back and forth with him still in me.

"Haaaaah...y-y you can't do that!tha-thats not fair!" He cried and bucked his hips.

"That doesn't answer my question." I say as my hand runs around his body.

"I-no but please be-FUCK AHHH!" He screamed as I continued.

"PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE BE GENTLE!" He moaned out.

I wanted to hear him scream louder though...so I purposely tightened around him.

"AHHH SHIT FUCK ON MY GOD HAAH-IM CU-CUMMING SHIT IM SORRY!MMMMM" he screamed.

I kept being thought on him,bouncing harder.

"HAAAAAH SHIT I CANT!I CANT FUCKING DO THIS MMMMM!PLEAS PLEASE!" He begged as his head him the floor.

"Please what?" I said keeping tight around him.

"You're so- I fucking love you oh my..But i th-think I'm done.please.." he begged.

"Let's just finish this round okay?" I said.

"Wait no I- FUCKKKK OHH!" He yelled out.

Soon enough I was the one cumming I tightened around him one last time.And that did it for him.he held me close and came...EVERYWHERE.

I quickly got off him and let him pass out on my bathroom floor.

"I fuckin... damn." He panted.

"Did that ease your pain?" I asked.

"Definitely.i should get in fights more often?"

#evan peters #smut #tate langdon #ahs fandom #ahs murder house

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fictionfixations · 18 days

Text

masquerade malleus vignette

(spoilers for glorious masquerade)

aww

i refuse to believe lilia is oblivious enough not to notice that they dont like his cooking

..although solomon (from obey me) doesnt notice either iirc, but i mean..

..sebek. in a vignette, you literally got his help in cleaning a stain from malleus' labcoat???

...i never thought id hear azul say those words.... what?????

i dont know how it didnt hit me until now but the only reason rollo's plan in glorious masquerade failed was because he was so insistent on having malleus there and taking away all his power and shit?? like. cause. none of us had enough magic to actually overpower the fire lotuses(? i cant remember what they were called), although yuu would be able to make it through with no magic how could we even fight rollo at the end??

and at the point it reaches malleus and he could do something about it, it'd be too late?? because i REALLY doubt he has enough to reach all of those flowers and with enough to completely fry them out. and i doubt the bell would reach it by then.

silver...

is azul even human?? im like pretty sure-ish he's not human. not even half human. just entirely sea creature with a human-like body to probably be treated more normally and not hunted for sport/food through evolution shit idfk (like. idk im pretty sure its a thing where pets look so much cuter to cause us to take them in and shit.)

anyway im just imagining sebek talking azul's ear off about how great malleus is because he finally has a buddy who understands and therefore would be willing to listen to him talk for hours straight about malleus's greatness. AND APPRECIATE IT. HAUIHDSUIhd and azuls just like ………………….. floyd and jade laughing at him from a distance azul sets sebek on them like 'i think those two should come to learn about malleus's brilliance, don't you think? after all, as my colleagues, it is such a shame that they don't share my admiration for malleus, and i am unsure how to put it into words, as malleus himself is so magnificent that even words fail to describe him properly. so sebek, my fellow appreciator, would you lend me your aid in helping them grow to appreciate his brilliance?' okay i ran out of words and started repeating them because ic ant be bothered to look up for synonyms, im not THAT into it okay

ahhh so it is a fleur city song i wasnt sure. ive read in fics that it was, but it was also those fics where songs either have power, or yuu knows a bunch of disney songs that are considered 'forbidden/forgotten songs' or something like that and i cant remember which it was

actually if they put in all that work beforehand i think i get why they were so insistent on waiting for rollo to either confess or not AFTER the social ball and after they left and everything LMFAO

they suddenly changed into their school uniforms (still in diasomnia)

i honestly wouldnt know if id trust lilia that much but sure (i hope it doesnt turn to perfectionism levels tho)

first time we encounter italicized text i think. huh.

lmfao

oh my god (no but why choose idia at that point?? is it cuz his voice meshes well with them??)

ayoo its playing the make a wish (i think thats what the song is called) instrumental in the bg ive heard it way too many times not to recognize it (and sung along. its so fucking cool)

damn

my hands are actually protesting now ah geez (i took a break)

I GOT SO DISTRACTED BY DEUCE (i was re-experiencing enjoying looking at everyones costumes again) I AM AN IDIOT (its lower in opacity to show you that you're on it in the editor)

ooh

i didnt notice the insert paragraph im sorry lMFAO but id forget if i didnt SS it then

ooh some malleus riddle bonding

AH ITS A YUU JUMPSCARE

that seriously startled me like suddenly i just hear footsteps and then BOOM OPTIONS

ayooo malleus and yuu dancing

(alsoo yuu and deuce dancing :D)

WOOO

okay. now.

i feel like. im doing really good progress tackling all the vignettes (currently in EN. after that's GloMas, & Book 6 and 7. ive been avoiding it because not all of the Backgrounds exist, and GloMas has options with completely different dialogue which I can't see them all. i have three different videos of GloMas gameplay but they dont show all options...). all thats remaining is azul's tsumsitter (i have a vid of his vignette. ..i just dont like doing the tsum ones because i never know how to describe the tsum moving) vil birthday bloom (i FOUND A VIDEO finally oh my god. i love doing birthday vignettes) malleus dorm uniform (I have a vid) sebek new year (i have a vid) grim labcoat (i have a vid)

and then the rabbit costume ones which all of them have vignettes iirc and i have videos for all of them (i actually just found them as i was writing this. thank you god. they have no views tho geez. wonder if that means vil birthday bloom exists in a video but just wont appear. this is future me. ...i have been blessed with vil birthday bloom.)

#malleus draconia #twisted wonderland #twst wonderland #twst vignettes #twst events #twst spoilers #glorious masquerade #twst #thoughts

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georgiedoodles · 1 month

Text

📚Broppy CollegeAU | "Campus Days"

Part 4: Locker Buddies

Thursday, Week 2 of 16.

Branch and Poppy are walking together this morning, making their way to class through a path framed with lush green bushes and trees. A fresh cool breeze, the sound of birds singing, and a friend to share this moment with is one they both bask in. Branch holds open the door for Poppy, walking in after her.

“Alright class” The professor begins, leaning against the front of his desk. “So, if anyone hasn’t paid enough attention, there are flyers talking about locker registrations. They begin giving lockers and the codes next week, so pick your partners now before they all get taken.” He waves his hand and begins to gather his memos.

Poppy glances at one of the flyers tacked to the left side of the classroom, wondering who a good partner would be to share a locker with. She played with her polished fingernails, ’None of the snack pack members are in any art classes this semester, so they’re out of the question. Viva majors in business, not art, so it would be pointless to have a locker across the campus.’ Poppy’s thoughts were interrupted with the professor’s booming voice, he’s beginning today’s lecture. She saved her ideas for later.

A little while later, the class was busy painting. Suddenly, Poppy had a lightbulb moment. She looked up towards Branch, with a twinkle in her eyes she grinned, biting the bottom of her lip with eagerness.

“Psst, Branch!” She waved her hand in front of Branch to grab his attention, he slid his headphones off to listen, “Yes Poppy?” He continued mixing paint on his pallet.

Poppy sprayed her pallet to keep the paint fresh, “Will you share lockers with me?” Clasping her hands under her chin, she pouted and gave Branch her best puppy eyes. Branch could swear he saw sparkles in her eyes from that move, a blush crept up to his cheeks. ‘How could she look so...’ He blinked the thought away, and after a moment, he composed himself. Grumbling under his breath, he looked at Poppy,

“Okay… But only because I need one.” Branch looked to his left, practically burning a hole in the wall.

Poppy gasped with excitement and nearly jumped across their carts to hug him by the neck. “THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!” She loudly whispered repeatedly into his shoulder, nearly crushing him with her arms.

Poppy and Branch go back to painting. Branch had to compose himself, the hug did a number on him. He sits down and adjusts his apron, continuing to mix his paint. Poppy sits down in her chair, looking down she noticed the paint smeared on her apron and uses a towel to clean it off. After a moment, Poppy speaks up.

“Hey Branch?” She’s still cleaning her apron and quickly glances up to see him. “Yes Poppy?” This time, a tone of endearment is in Branch’s voice. Poppy’s smile seems to falter a bit, looking down again, her motions slow, “I just wanted to thank you... When I learned about those assaults, I couldn’t imagine what it would’ve been like for those trolls.” Her voice cracked a bit, her hands began to tremble.

Branch noticed the change in her words and stopped his work. Slowly, he rolled his chair around their carts and stopped to her left side. He slowly reaches for the towel in her hand, setting it down on her cart, and carefully taking her hands into his.

“I want to open up to you about something... or someone to be exact.” Poppy’s eyes pricked a bit and her eyes looked glassy. Branch gently rubbed circles on the back of her hand, grounding her from the memories she seemed to be reliving, he waited patiently for her to continue. Before Poppy could finish her thought, the ringing of a distant bell signaled their break. She freed her left hand to rub her eyes dry.

“Actually, let’s go get something to eat, I’ll tell you after we’ve had some food.” She gave Branch a weak smile and squeezed his hands, her heart swelled from his kindness. He nodded and returned her smile, guiding her to stand up. Together, they left behind their aprons and took their wallets, walking out of the classroom.

The air outside was warmer, not too hot, and the occasional breeze was still cool. The pair walks side by side, still holding hands, it seems to be the only thing keeping Poppy from spiraling down. In peaceful silence, their hands swayed with each step in a rhythmic motion. Eventually making it to the café, Branch was first to break the silence.

“Poppy, I’ll buy you your snacks today.” His thumbs gently caressed her knuckles, he received a squeeze from her hand, and a weak smile on her face. “Thank you Branch.” Poppy looked up from her shoes to meet Branch’s eyes, her mind was at ease again.

“My treat princess.”

Branch held the door open for Poppy, she walked out with strawberries and cream milkshake in her left hand, her pinky holding a bag with a sandwich inside. Branch Followed behind, his left hand holding her free hand, and a cold brew expresso in his right. They only walked a few feet when Poppy freezes in her tracks. She was staring off into the distance, watching a couple in the cafeteria being friendly. Branch takes notice, following her gaze.

Two trolls were sharing a single seat, a lady on the man’s lap. His purple complexion and blue teal ombre hair ringed alarm bells in Branch’s head. Quickly, he gently pulled Poppy away from the scene, sitting her down near their classroom building. The tree above provided a fresh shade on the cold concrete benches. Branch sat to Poppy’s left side, facing his body towards her, and waited for her to calm down. He rubbed soft slow circles on her back, to bring her back to reality. She takes a deep breath and stares off into the distance.

“His name is Creek… That guy you saw, with the lady on his lap” Her voice strained a bit, “He’s my ex.” Her lips pursed. After a moment she continued, “We dated for a few months, but they were the worst months of my life.” Poppy squinted, questioning Creek’s actions, “To this day, I still don’t understand his intentions, he would stalk me after we broke up.” Her hands waved around, emphasizing her frustration. “I literally had to call the police on him, which spooked him, and I hadn’t seen him until today.”

Branch noticed she couldn’t finish her thought; she slumped her shoulders a bit and stared up to the clouds. All he could do was sit with her, supporting her, “Need a hug?” He opened his arms. Poppy practically threw herself into his embrace, shallow breaths, and quiet sobs are all Branch heard. He held her firmly, providing a warm cocoon for her, keeping her safe from any pain in their own little bubble. After 10 minutes, Poppy pulled away, gazing into Branch’s eyes.

“Poppy, it’ll be okay, I’m here for you whenever you need a shoulder to cry on.” His voice was like honey that melted her fears away, he carefully cupped her face and wiped her tears away with his thumbs. “Now, let’s have you take a sip of your milkshake, a bite of your sandwich, and then we can head back to class when you’re ready.” Branch sits back a bit, encouraging her to eat, and waits for her to lead them back to class.

Outside of the classroom, Poppy pulls Branch into an embrace, and takes a deep breath. “Thank you for that Branch, I’m not ready to go into everything today but, you helped me remember that I’m safe again.” She pulled away to smile at him, her bubbly persona was back, and the sparkle was bright in her eyes again. “Anything for you princess” He gave a shy smile, his confidence from earlier had disappeared.

Poppy giggled at the nickname and playfully punched his shoulder. “I didn’t realize we were at the nickname level of friendship.” She gasped, pretending to be shocked. “It- it just came naturally.” Branch could only hide his blush before they headed back inside and ended the day with a walk back to Poppy and Viva’s yellow Beetle.

Previous Part | Next

#broppy #trolls branch #trolls poppy #trolls band together #trolls world tour #TrollsCollegeAU #trauma #fanfic

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catindabag · 5 months

Text

TBOSAS on Crack short take (53)

*Operation Felix* Read [this] & [this] first.

Mizzen: Untie me, you evil sea witch!

Coral: Not until you share those bacon pizzas with everyone!

Mizzen: Never!!

Coral: Ugh. I’m starting to agree with Reaper’s stupid idea to house my gremlin in a separate enclosure.

Reaper: See! I was right all along!

Persephone: Mizzen, buddy, how about we just give the other Tributes two boxes of pizza to share for themselves?

Mizzen: Don’t fall for their evil lies, Percy Price! They only want to steal what’s rightfully mine!

Coryo: *opens a pizza box and grabs a slice* To be fair, gremlin, you didn’t even pay for these.

Mizzen: Who cares!

Lucy Gray: Who payed?

Felix: Nobody. We just stole them.

Coral: Nice.

Felix: But forget about that! Dill, we came here to talk-

Dill: Not with you!

Felix: Dill, please just give me a chance to explain-

Dill: You lied to me!

Felix: I’m really sorry-

Dill: You said you were Philip Raven’s Bill! Not a freaking Ravinstill!

Felix: Dill, please-

Dill: Go die in a ditch, you evil Ravinstill!

Felix: But-

Dill: Not listening!

Felix: If I told you that I was a Ravinstill in our first official meet and greet, then you would’ve just cursed me to the moon and back-

Dill: I thought you were my friend!

Felix: We can still be friends if you just hear me out!😭

Reaper: Don’t listen to his evil Ravinstill Propaganda, Dill!

Clemensia: Back off, Reaper!

Androcles: Listen to my bro, Dill!

Felix: I’m here to tell you that-

Dill: I’m going to sleep!

Felix: I’m stopping the Hunger Games forever!

Dill:. . .

Reaper:. . .

Rabid Raccoon:. . .

Dill: Forever?

Felix: Forever.

Dill: How?

Felix: Me and the others are still working on that.

Coryo: We’re replacing the games.

Dill: With what?

Livia: Love Island!

Coryo: Talent show!

Festus: Cooking contest!

Sejanus: Baking contest!

Palmyra: Fear Factor!

Androcles: Go back to fixing the pizza truck, Monty!

Palmyra: Just saying.

Hilarius: *is playing Patty Cake with Wovey* We could always go with my ✨Hunger Games: Singles Inferno✨ plan.😀

Everyone: No!

Wovey: What’s singles inferno?

Hilarius: That’s when-

Coryo: Shut up, Hilari!

Felix: Guys, could you just leave me and Dill for 10 minutes?

Reaper: No!

Dill: Reaper, shoo.

Reaper: Fine! But 5 minutes max!

Androcles: Good luck, Class Pres!

Coryo: Choose my talent show idea, Class Pres!

Sejanus: ✨Hunger Games: The Great Panem Bake Off✨ is better, Class Pres!

Festus: ✨Keeping Up With The Ravinstills✨ will change Panem forever, Class Pres!

Felix: Festus, shoo! Go talk to Coral or something.

Festus: *walks to the other side of the enclosure with everyone else* Don’t deny it, Class Pres!

Felix: Whatever~! I can’t hear your stupid idea from there, Creed!

Dill: *sighs* Finally. Now we can talk in peace.

Felix: So. . . Um-

Dill: So you’re really gonna do it? I mean, stop the Hunger Games from continuing, just because you still want to be my friend?

Felix: Yeah. That’s ✨Operation Felix✨. That’s my brilliant plan.

Dill: Why? I’m just a stranger-

Felix: Because that’s what friends are for, Dill.

Dill: And?

Felix: And because I’m tired of being surrounded by idiots all day.

Dill: *sighs* That’s true. Me too.

Felix: So that’s it. Let’s just stop the Hunger Games and save our favorite idiots from burning Panem to the ground.

Dill: Philip- I mean, Felix, you have to promise me that you and your minions will do your very best to stop this madness, okay?

Felix: I promise.

Dill: Pinky swear?

Felix: Pinky swear.

Dill: But what will you do when the countdown starts? What will you do when the bell rings?

Felix: Don’t worry about that. I’m going to abuse my ✨Ravinstill Nepotism✨ to the point of no return.

Dill: You better, Class Pres! I’m really counting on you!

Felix: So. . .

Dill: I forgive you.

Felix: Really?🥺

Dill: We’re friends again.

Felix: Oh, Dill, I’m so happy-

Dill: But you guys better find the right sponsors to feed us.

Felix: Coryo and I will be working on that.

Dill: Also, I’m allergic to fish. So don’t send me sushi or something nasty like tuna.

Felix: Noted.

Dill: And tell Clemmie to send Reaper only bread and water.

Felix: That’s kinda mean.

Dill: That’s what he gets for being an idiot and cursing my good name!

Felix: Bread and water it is.

Dill: And Felix.

Felix: Yes?

Dill: Buy me a Hello Kitty pajama onesie with matching bunny slippers too. I wanna wear it in your next super secret ✨slumber party✨ with your minions.

Felix: Sure! No problem, Bestie!

Dill: And don’t invite the gremlin.

*Meanwhile, at the other side of the enclosure*

Coryo: *is already eating a slice of pizza with Festus and Sejanus* Mmm.😋 These are really good! 10 out of 10. Would eat again.

Festus: Totally!

Sejanus: I would buy a hundred of these just for you, my Coryo, my love!😍

Lucy Gray: Yo, Coryo, my new best friend, can you give me a slice?🥺

Coryo: Sure. Here you go, Birdy.

Jessup: Me too.

Lysistrata: Here’s two slices for you, Jessie.

Jessup: Thanks, Lizzie.

Facet: ✨Girlie✨, pass me a box.

Livia: Bestie, here! Have three.

Facet: Nice.

Mizzen: *is still tied up* My bacon pizzas!!😭

Persephone: I’m so sorry, Mizzen. Sorrows and prayers to you and your loved ones.😞🙏

Coral: Lol. Don’t be. My gremlin is a certified menace to society.

Palmyra: Like me!😀

Juno: Go back and fix the truck, Monty.

Palmyra: But-

Juno: I’ll tell everyone at school tomorrow about the 10 gallons of milk incident.

Palmyra: Fine.😞 I’ll fix and clean the truck.

Hilarius: Oh, you’re getting good at playing Patty Cake, Wovey.

Wovey: Mr. Rich Clown, can we change the game? I’m bored.

Hilarius: Okay, Wovey. What game do you want to play next?😀

Wovey: Monopoly.

Dennis: *jumps out of nowhere* Nice!

Coryo: By the way, where’s Vipsania, Gaius, and Andie?

Treech: Oh, them? They’re just watching Sheaf sleepwalk and talk with the rabid raccoons.

Sheaf: *is sleep talking* My furry friends, sing ✨Waka Waka✨ by Shakira.

Rabid Raccoons:. . .

Sheaf: Raccoon version!

Rabid Raccoons: *start singing*

Androcles: Guys, are you seeing what I’m seeing?

Vipsania: This is just another fever dream-

Gaius: Andie, get the cameras! The rabid raccoons are singing Waka Waka!

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viktheviking1 · 6 months

Text

Blitz and Stolas sat at the only table in the room, forced there together by fate, destiny, and some f**ker who thought it'd be funny. They hadn't really spoken since they ended the full moon arrangement, and suddenly they were stuck here together, locked in a room.

“You know, I- Aw, sh*t!” Blitz knocked over the candelabra on the table and a small fire began on the tablecloth. Much to Stolas's delight, Blitz tore off his coat and was right about to start pounding the candelabra to put out the fire, when suddenly an arm scooped it out of the way, and sprayed the table with a fire extinguisher, getting the foam all over Blitz in the process.

"Woah, there! That was a close one!" A robo fizz in a suit came out of nowhere. "My apologies, gentleman. Let me fix that for you."

"Oh c****t on a stick, not another one of you f**kers." Blitz said as the robot effortlessly replaced the tablecloth, candelabra, and menus, putting the ruined ones on a cart beside them.

The robot grinned disturbingly wide, “Now, now. I am entirely my own bot, so whatever experiences you have had in the past, should not apply to me. So, are we ready to order?”

Blitz, still standing from his seat, jabbed a finger at the faux fizzarolli, “You listen here, you low-grade piece of scrap, you had better turn right back around, tell whoever the f**k your master is to let us out, or I will tear off your arms, tie them together, and shove them up-”

The robot backed up in response, putting it’s hands in front of him as a blockade, “Woah there, buddy! R-relax! No need to-”

“Hang on, just a g**d*mn minute!” Blitz grabbed it by the collar, and pinched it’s cheek, “Fizza-f**king-rolli, you trapped us in here?!”

“I-I-I assure you, sir, a-a-as realistic as I was made to seem, I am only a replica of the real thing.” The ‘robot’ began to sweat.

“Sticking to the lie, huh? Tell me, are you s*xbots ticklish?” Blitz said as he went for Fizz’s sides.

He let out a high pitched squeak and fell to the ground, Blitz followed, still tickling his waist, “Okay! O-okay! I give up! F**k!” He said between laughs.

Stolas looked between the two men feeling confused, and maybe just a twinge jealous.

“Good. Now let us out. You will have some explaining to do later, but right now I just want to get Loona back home before it gets dark.” Blitz stopped tickling Fizz, but still straddled him.

“Oh come on! We had this whole thing planned. At least stay and chat with your birdie over dinner.” Fizz urged.

Blitz let out an exasperated sigh, “No, Fizz. I am not staying here for one more minute with that pretentious owl. Okay? Enough of your bullsh*t.”

“Oh, you wanna talk about bullsh*t? How come we set up this whole romantic atmosphere for you guys and all you can do is sit in silence? You guys are both dying to talk about your feelings, but you say nothing!” Fizz slithered out from under him and sat up.

“My g** Fizz you really don’t know when to mind your own business, do you? There are no-" Blitz's sighed, his face blushed a little as he looked at the ground. Then remembering who's fault all this was, got back at it, "No feelings to talk about, okay?!” Blitz grabbed the jester by the shirt and shook him a little, his bells jingling, “You can lock us in a gaudy *ss room, with all the f**king candles you could fit in one of your boyfriend’s condoms, but nothing is going to convince me to go out with a binge drinking, kinky *ss doormat who can’t call someone daddy without thinking of his own neglectful father and is weirdly clingy with his daughter 'cause she's the only good thing in his life-”

“Blitz, I’m pretty sure you just described yourself.” Fizz pointed out, but Blitz ignored him.

“I mean, what did you expect?! For me to burst out into song, proclaiming my undying love?! Get real. Even if we started dating, it wouldn't be long before he realizes that I’m just a pathetic excuse of a demon, and he’ll regret all the sacrifices he would've had to make for to be with me. In the end, I’ll just end up ruining someone else’s life! It always ends the same! Just like you said, I will die alone!" He was crying, head down, tears dripping onto Fizz’s shirt, which he was still clutching onto.

Fizz watched the tears stream down his face, "I never said tha-"

"It doesn't matter, Fizz. Nothing matters. And there's nothing you can say or do will convince me to tell him how I feel.”

“. . . I think you just did.” Fizz said, and they both looked over to Stolas’s direction, but found him gone, a portal left open by the table, “Ah, f**k!”

“He could’ve made one of those the whole time!” Blitz stood up and shouted.

“That’s not the point, idiot! He probably left after hearing all the sh*t you said about him.” Fizz went up to him and smacked his shoulder.

“. . . Ah, f*ck.” Blitz covered his face with both his hands, and dragged them down, so done with himself.

Fizz sighed, “You dumb*ss.”

Read More of The Pompous and the Prick: a Stolasxblitz fanfiction here. Chapter 15 is out now!

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cyansadness · 1 year

Text

Miss Americana and The Heartbreak Prince

i was going to post this thursday but then ep.5 came out. but, it's here and i'm so excited for y'all to read.

also @cherrybb-ily thank you for listening to me, helping me plan this, and for being awesome (i finally posted) the literal best.

i see all of your requests and everything is under wraps along with a certain fic that is currently in the works but i'm here to feed into this fandom.

also the most important thing. go watch grease: rise of the pink ladies

word count: 3021

Jane walked up the bleachers steps to the top where the T-Birds and The Pink Ladies all ate lunch together. Out of every person in her English class, she had to be partnered with Buddy Aldridge. Why did her class have to be full of socs?

“Hola mi corazón.” Richie smiled, kissing Jane’s cheek as she sat down next to him. She smiled before leaning her head against his leather-clad shoulder. “What’s wrong, angel?” He asked, reaching over to grab Jane’s hand.

“I think Mr. Daniels has a grudge against the Pink Ladies.” Jane sighed. “What did that fink do now?” Nancy asked as now that the rest of the Pink Ladies and the T-Birds noticed Jane’s arrival.

“We have an English project and Mr. Daniels put me with Buddy of all people.” Jane complained to the group who all reacted in a shocked way. “What?” Richie asked, making sure to keep his jealousy in check.

“Can you just switch partners? Daniels can’t be that much of a hardass.” Cynthia tried to help. “My class is full of socs. I’ll just be replacing one problem with another.” Jane buried her head in her hands.

“Look, just ignore him. Do your project and get the best grade like you always do. Remember, you’re Jane. He doesn’t matter.” Richie reassured as he grabbed her chin gently and turned her head towards him.

He leaned in, kissing Jane softly. He felt a book smack him on the leg, making the two separate. “You two know the rule, none of that while the rest of us are trying to eat lunch.” Olivia scolded, hitting Richie again. Richie pushed his sister away as the two started to go back and forth.

Jane smiled at the siblings’ antics. She could do this. She could ignore Buddy. Just get the project done. Nothing more, nothing less.

~~~lil’ time skip~~~

Whoever told her she could do this was lying to her. Maybe Mr. Daniels did have a grudge against the Pink Ladies.

Buddy, as always, was trying to talk to Jane. About anything at that point. He’d ask about anything unrelated to the project that Jane just wanted to get done.

A majority of the time, Jane just kept her head down and worked on her side. If she had a question, she’d cut him off, ask, then went right back to ignoring him.

It works for her. Besides, as soon as the bell rings, Richie is right there waiting for her so they could walk to lunch together. Usually, Buddy ended up using the same route so he could meet up with the socs.

Buddy had enough. He couldn’t handle Jane just ignoring them like nothing ever happened between them.

Buddy had been calling Jane’s name about 1,000 times by that point. She ignored every time, giggling at something Richie said. They were rounding the corner of the bleachers when Buddy reached out and grabbed Jane’s wrist.

Immediately, Jane shrieked before turning around and tugging her wrist back into her chest, a deer in headlights look on her face.

Richie saw red. He started walking towards Buddy until he felt Jane’s hand around his bicep. He looked back as she shook her head. If Richie was going to listen to someone, it was going to be Jane.

“Don’t touch her Aldridge. You had your chance already.” Richie said, wrapping his arm around Jane’s waist. The Pink Ladies and The T-Birds, hearing Jane’s yell, came down from the bleachers.

“What happened? Are you okay?” Olivia asked, going to check on her friend. “Everything is fine, can we please just go to lunch?” Jane said, a pleading tone evident in her voice. “Everything is not fine.” Richie corrected.

“This jerk just grabbed Jane after tailing us.” Richie explained, still glaring at Buddy. “Look, I didn’t mean any harm. Jane, can we just talk?” Buddy asked, trying to not add any fuel to the fire.

“Well, she doesn’t want to talk to you so beat it.” Cynthia told Buddy, the girls right next to her. “Well, I was talking to Jane, not you so shut it.” Buddy snapped at Cynthia.

“Don’t talk to her like that.” Jane snapped back at him. “You know what? You never used to be like this.” Buddy said, making Jane scoff. “They” Buddy looked at the Pink Ladies with disgust. “changed you. They turned into something you’re not. What happened to my Jane?” Buddy continued.

“Your Jane?” Jane asked. “You mean the girl who you got rid of the second you lied about us? She’s gone.” Jane let out a dry laugh. “No. They poisoned you against me.” Buddy glared at the Pink Ladies who were all positioned right behind Jane.

“Don’t talk about them like that. It’s not their fault that you are not a good guy Buddy. I won’t stand you and let you insult the only people who were there for me after you ruined my life!” Jane’s voice had raised and she was nearly shouting as she stepped closer to Buddy.

“Jane, I gave you an option.” Buddy kept his voice calm and even. “You wanted to date me in secret because you thought dating me publicly would ruin your chance for reelection.” Jane rolled her eyes.

“Wait, what?” “Bastard.” “He’s asking for a beatdown.” The girls chorused behind her. Jane didn’t even have to turn around to feel the harsh glares Buddy was getting the Pink Ladies.

“Stop pretending like you’re the good guy. You aren’t the good guy. So do us all a favor and leave us alone.” Jane’s voice had lowered but that fire was still strong in her eyes.

Behind her, both gangs stood with a mixture of both shocked and proud expressions on their faces. Jane walked back to where Richie was standing when he wrapped his arm around her waist and kissed her cheek. “Look at you go, putting ese cabrón in his place. I’m proud of you.” Jane blushed as she smiled.

The couple started to follow the rest of the group up the bleachers when Buddy called out to them. “Hey Richie, have fun with her. Butter her up with some attention and she’ll do whatever you want. She’s real easy like that.” Buddy sneered.

Jane felt herself tense up and lean closer into Richie. Richie had turned around to look at the football player, seeing red. He wasn’t the only one. The Pink Ladies had quickly turned around and stormed down the steps.

Olivia and Nancy immediately lunged towards Buddy only to be held back by Gil and Potato. “You guys realize that McGee hates you guys and might actually expel you for fighting.” Gil said to Olivia who was trying to break Gil’s grip around her waist so she could strangle Buddy.

Cynthia had gone next to Jane as Richie made his way over to Buddy. “Hey, don’t listen to him. He doesn’t know a thing.” Cynthia tried to comfort her but it all sounded underwater. The only thing she could hear was her heartbeat in her ears. She felt the tears pricking her eyes and blinked them back. Her breathing became quicker, more shallow as Jane tried to fight back her tears.

Richie stormed over to where the girls were. Buddy saw him too late. Richie swung and nailed him right in the eye. The socs who had gathered around Buddy gasped and went to help him.

“Don’t say a word about my girl, you hear me Aldridge.” Richie yelled before turning around and walking to where Cynthia was trying to calm down a near hyperventilating Jane.

Richie sent an appreciative smile towards Cynthia before she went to calm down the other two members of the girl gang.

“Jane, baby, it’s me, it’s Richie.” He wrapped his arms around her shoulders, bringing her into a hug. Jane wrapped her arms around his torso, burying her head into his neck.

“Can we please just go?” Her voice was shaky and a little muffled as she tried to fight back her tears but that was becoming increasingly more difficult. “Of course.” Richie kissed the top of her head before whistling. He jerked his head towards the main building.

He started walking with Jane under his arm, the T-Birds following closely behind. The Pink Ladies hung back. “Watch your back Buddy Aldridge.” Olivia threatened before the three girls ran up to catch up with the others.

Both gangs found refuge in the empty auditorium. Jane was next to Richie, leaning against him as he placed his arm around her shoulders, pulling her closer. The girls surrounded Jane’s other side while the T-Birds sat in random spots around the stands.

“Don’t listen to him Jane. He is just mad that he missed an opportunity with one of the best girls in Rydell.” Olivia tried to reassure. Jane gave her a small nod, not meeting anyone’s eyes.

Richie looked at Olivia and Olivia understood the message. “We left our stuff outside. I don’t know about you guys but I don’t trust those socs.” Olivia said as she stood up.

The others looked at her with blank stares, not understanding the message. “Ugh, let’s go.” Olivia rolled her eyes before grabbing Cynthia and Nancy by the arms and dragging them out, the T-Birds following behind.

As they heard the door close, Richie turned towards Jane. “He is a bastard who doesn’t deserve you Jane. Don’t listen to him.” Richie said, rubbing circles on her arm. “Maybe he’s right.” Jane muttered, moving away from Richie.

“What if he’s right and everyone knows it and I just keep denying it to make myself feel better about the truth. That I’m just some slut.” Jane rambled, gripping the fabric of her skirt so tight that her knuckles turned white.

She felt the tears prick her eyes again but she didn’t try to fight them this time. She let them fall down her face. When did her vision get so blurry? Were those sobs coming from her?

Richie pulled her into her arms, stroking her back as she sobbed into his neck. Eventually, Jane would stop crying and the others would return and they would start their plan to get revenge on Buddy.

But until then, Richie held his girl in his arms as she cried.

~~~lil’ time skip pt.2~~~

The weekend couldn’t come quicker. In an attempt to cheer Jane up, Olivia decided to host the Pink Ladies sleepover at her house.

Currently, the girls were all splayed out around Olivia’s room. Nancy and Jane were on the floor while Nancy did Jane’s nails.

Olivia was leaning against her headboard while Cynthia was the opposite way, head laying over the edge of the bed as they discussed revenge plots.

“Maybe we should actually lace his milk with castor oil.” Cynthia suggested. The other three shook their heads no.

“We can get the boys to mess with his car.” Olivia said, a smirk forming on her face. “Too illegal.” Jane said for the 100th time that night.

“You can’t say everything is too illegal Jane. Takes the fun out of it.” Cynthia sighed, flipping onto her stomach.

Nancy finished Jane’s nails and Jane started to blow on them. “Administration will pin anything on us, we can’t give them more chances to make us look like the villains.” Jane reminded the girls.

This is why Jane was the leader of the Pink Ladies. What she lacks in confidence, she makes up for in intelligence that keeps them out of trouble.

The brainstorm session continued the same until it was interrupted by a knock at the door. Olivia rolled her eyes as she went to open it.

“Richie, I told you already. You can’t steal Jane so you two can go suck face in your room. Olivia said, blocking the entrance to her room.

“Come on, I just need to talk to Jane. 5 minutes promise.” Richie asked his sister. Olivia rolled her eyes before relenting and moving out of the way.

“If she’s not back in 5 minutes, I’m picking your lock.” Olivia warned. Richie smiled before holding out his hand. Jane took his hand, a bashful smile on her lips as he led her to his room.

He held the door open for her as she walked in. Jane liked Richie’s room. The walls were full of pictures and posters, there were some clothes strewn on the floor but it wasn’t horrible.

His T-Birds jacket was hanging off a hook and his dressers had a bunch of pictures. “Lots we can do in 5 minutes.” Richie commented, wrapping his arm around Jane’s waist.

“Yeah, I guess there is.” Jane smirked as she pulled him by his collar into a kiss. Richie’s grip on Jane tightened as Jane’s hands went into his hair. Jane started to pull him towards his bed, lips still interlocked.

Jane fell back with Richie on top of her. Richie started to kiss down her neck, his fingers running up and down the outside of her thigh. Jane tightened her grip on his hair as he kissed over her pulse point.

Richie sucked on the skin of the pulse point, smirking at the high pitched gasp that escaped her lips. When he detached himself from her neck, he rubbed his thumb against the red mark that stood prominently on Jane’s pale neck.

He kissed Jane again, continuing their makeout session when someone banged on the door. “5 minutes Richie. We want Jane back.” Olivia’s voice was muffled by the door. The two begrudgingly pulled apart as Richie stood up to open the door.

Olivia’s eyes widened at the sight of her brother’s tousled hair and flushed appearance. Cynthia and Nancy who were behind her looked around Richie to see Jane’s own disheveled appearance.

“Jeez, look at the size of that thing on your neck.” Cynthia commented, pushing past Richie to get into his room. Richie tried to protest but was interrupted by Olivia and Nancy doing the same.

Jane stood up as she went to the mirror on Richie’s wall. “Richie.” She whined as she saw the mark already starting to bruise. “Hey, you never said I couldn’t leave anything behind.” He defended himself with a smug grin.

Jane groaned as she threw her head back. “Don’t worry. I’ll help you cover it up. And maybe find you a boyfriend who isn’t a leech.” Olivia joked as she threw her arm around Jane’s shoulder, ignoring Richie’s offended look in her direction.

~~~lil’ time skip pt.3~~~

Monday morning was spent in the school’s parking lot 10 minutes before school started in the T-Birds car. Olivia was working to cover up the dark purple mark on Jane’s neck while the others were hanging around.

“There. Good as new.” Olivia smiled with pride as she handed Jane her compact. “Thank you, thank you, thank you.” Jane gushed. “Come on. We should head it.” Cynthia told the group.

Richie handed Jane her jacket that she took off when Olivia started to fix her neck. She smiled at him as she put her jacket on and kissed his cheek. As the two gangs walked to the school, they were met with the usual stares that came with being in a gang.

The group broke apart to go to their lockers and respective classes. Richie walked Jane to her locker, leaning against the locker next to hers as she got her books. Richie looked at something behind Jane and his face dropped.

Confused, Jane turned around and her own face dropped when she saw Buddy standing in front of her, a purple bruise bright on his cheek. Jane rolled her eyes and turned towards her locker. “Jane, can we please talk?” Buddy pleaded with her.

Jane ignored him, still grabbing her books. “Back off Aldridge. Leave.” Richie told Buddy, stepping in between him and Jane. Buddy sighed before walking away, not wanting another bruise.

It continued like this for two weeks, Buddy trying to talk to Jane and her ignoring him and getting shooed off by whoever was with her. Buddy decided to write a note. This way, Jane could at least read his apology. He slipped the note in Jane’s locker before he walked to the field for lunch.

Jane went to her locker to grab her lunch and saw the folded up piece of paper fall out. She quickly picked up the paper and opened it. She barely got past the first line before she folded it back up and made her way to the bleachers.

She ran up the bleacher steps, effectively scaring both groups. Jane held out the note for them to see. “It’s from Buddy.” She didn’t even try to hide her grin. The girls mimicked her smile as they urged her to open it.

The group read over the letter, laughing at every other line. “Oh my, this is hopelessly pathetic.” Olivia laughed, leaning on Gil’s shoulder. Jane, who was under Richie’s arm, couldn’t stop laughing to get a full sentence out.

The gangs’ loud laughter ultimately caught the attention of the socs. Buddy caught sight of the letter in Jane’s hands and paled slightly. Susan ordered Rosemary and Dotto go up and figure out what was going on.

“What’s so funny?” Rosemary asked as her and Dot stomped up the steps. Jane was about to say nothing so they would go away but got an idea. She looked at the girls, a devious glint shone in her eyes.

“Give it to them.” Olivia said first before more verbal encouragement came from the others. Jane wordlessly handed over the letter to the two soc girls. The two ran back to the field, letter in hand.

The two gangs watched as the socs read over the letter and gave Buddy the dirtiest look. Susan walked over and slapped Buddy right across the face. The two gangs collectively gasped before bursting out in laughter again.

“We told you to watch you back, Aldridge.” Cynthia yelled to the quarterback. Jane leaned against Richie’s side. No matter what happens, she has him and her girls.

She’ll be just alright.

#grease rise of the pink ladies #jane facciano #richie valdovinos #olivia valdovinos #cynthia zdunowski #nancy nakagawa #grease rise of the pink ladies fics #jane x richie

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ofstoriesandstardust · 2 years

Text

dog days (lt. bradley “rooster” bradshaw)

a/n: @starcrosslove sent something (okay quite a few things) to my inbox and now i can’t get it out of my head. my Dad takes me to local shelters all the time for adoption events so my experience is based on that. this takes place pretty late on the timeline, just after chasing stars

summary: The story of Buddy the puppy and the joy he brought the Dagger family.

part of same mistakes-verse

main masterlist | top gun: maverick masterlist

warnings: swearing, domestic bliss, fluff is not my forte, blame Lia for the usage of “peepaw”

word count: 4,346

The bell jingles and you feel the door open wider behind you as Coyote follows you in. You blink as your eyes adjust from the bright light of the day to the dimmer interior of the old home that’s been renovated to be a shelter. It’s busy, the adoption event well underway, and Coyote pauses next to you as he looks around for whoever it is he’s looking for.

As he waits, you shift on your feet nervously. “Why are we here again?”

“Because you need to get out of your house.”

“I do get out of my house.”

“Going to the Hard Deck where you just sit in a corner miserably because Rooster’s gone does not count.” You let out an indignant scoff, opening your mouth to protest that you do not do that thank you very much but don’t get a chance as someone calls out for your best friend.

“Coyote!” You turn to see April turning a corner, smiling brightly. “Good to see you both.”

“Since when are the two of you friends?” You ask, head swinging between them. A familiar figure follows after April and you recognize it as April’s older brother Alex. Alex had been in Rooster’s class in high school and while the two were friendly, you’d always known him as April’s annoying older brother. Coyote laughs.

“April’s doing another tattoo for me. Told me about this event and figured it’d be good for you.” April laughs as well, nodding her head.

Alex pauses at his sister’s shoulder and she glances at him. “(Y/N), you remember my brother Alex. Coyote, this is Alex. Alex, this is her best friend.”

Alex leans over his sister, reaching out to shake Coyote’s hand as you offer a wave. “I work here at the shelter. April told me you were wanting to stop by, look at some dogs?”

You shrug. “I don’t know, I got dragged out here.” Coyote nods, crossing his arms.

“Her boyfriend’s gone on a mission and she’s taking it pretty hard.”

“Are you moping?” Alex says, chuckling and you glare at him. “Over Bradshaw?”

“Shut up Alex.” You respond, flipping him off. He laughs harder. “And I’m not moping.”

“Alright, tell you what. Why don’t you come with me?” You nod, following Alex and April as the four of you weave through the crowd and off into a small room. “The dog we’re going to look at first is a golden retriever named Buddy. He’s just under a year old. He’s very easily excited, loves attention, and loves to play fetch. He was surrendered because the family had to move unexpectedly due to a job offer overseas. You know how it is with military families.” You nod as Alex pauses, unlocking the door to a kennel, letting out an easily excited golden retriever. Out of the corner of your eye, you see Coyote and April exchange a look as you crouch down, heart melting as the puppy bounds into your arms.

“Hi Buddy.” You coo, scratching behind his ears. You look up at Alex. “Can I hold him?” He nods. Your heart melts even more as the puppy lets you pick him up into your arms. He’s wriggling, very clearly excited at the attention and it makes you want to cry.

You won’t but it does.

Coyote crouches down next to you, scratching the puppy as you hold him. Alex smiles. “Alright, I have to go take care of a few other things but holler if you need anything? Another puppy... adoption paperwork...” April chuckles, leaning up against the way.

“No way in hell would her Dad let her bring a puppy home.” He raises an eyebrow.

“Listen, I’ve met Pete Mitchell. He could be swayed if she begs just enough.”

“’Scuse you, it’s not begging. It’s asking nicely with a look that he can’t say no to. But April’s right, there’s no way my Dad would let me bring a dog home.” He shakes his head.

“Whatever. Have fun with Buddy.”

You aren’t sure how long the three of you sat there playing with Buddy, but by the time Alex returns, it’s safe to say your heart has been stolen. You’re sitting on the floor now, throwing a ball across the room as Buddy chases it when Alex knocks on the door. April and Coyote look up from where they’re discussing tattoo designs as he walks in, chuckling at the sight of you.

“Whatcha got there Alex?” April asks, leaning forward in her chair. He looks down at the clipboard.

“Adoption paperwork for our favorite Mitchell here.”

“You know I’m not legally a Mitchell right?”

He rolls his eyes. “Whatever. Paperwork.” He holds the clipboard out to you and you sigh, dropping the ball as you look up at him. Buddy nudges you at the sudden lack of attention.

“I can’t.” Alex crosses his arms.

“C’mon, you’ve fallen in love with this dog. He was practically meant to be yours.” You sigh as the dog climbs into your lap. You scratch behind his ears as you look at Coyote, who’s leaned back in his chair.

“Just call Mav and ask.” He says, shrugging and you sigh, looking to Alex once again. You swallow, reaching for your phone from your back pocket.

“Okay, I’ll ask but I wouldn’t expect much.” You say, swallowing back the lump in your throat at the idea of having to leave this dog here. You click on your Dad’s name, letting the phone ring as you pet the puppy in your lap, who’s curled up into you now.

“Hello?”

“Hey Dad, I have a question.”

“Shoot. What’s up?”

“Can we get a dog?”

“Wha- Can we- No!”

“Dad, please!”

You hear your Dad sigh over the phone. “Give me more context.”

“Coyote dragged me to an adoption event at the local shelter April’s brother works at.”

“Yeah, I know that one.”

“And there’s a golden retriever here, almost a year old, named Buddy and I’ve fallen in love with him. He was surrendered by another military family and- please.” Your Dad sighs.

“How much time do I have to think about this?” You glance up at Alex, who shrugs.

“I don’t know, till we leave? Alex is waving the adoption papers in front of my face.” You, say, smacking the clipboard away as Alex chuckles. There’s a moment of silence.

“This dog would your responsibility, yes?”

“Mhmm.”

“Everything this dog would need you would take care of, right? Toys, vet visits, someone to watch him while you’re gone?”

“Yes, I’d take care of it all.” You say, turning to face Coyote with a hopeful grin. Coyote looks up from his phone, giving you a thumbs up. Your Dad sighs again.

(Unbeknownst to you, Coyote had sent a picture of you playing with Buddy to your Dad while he had talked with you and his heart melted at the sight of his daughter so happy. He saved the photo to his phone immediately and made his decision right then and there.)

“Okay, if you swear to me that this will be your responsibility, I guess you can adopt him.” A wide smile crosses your face as you look down at the dog.

“You hear that Buddy?” The dog raises his head, looking at you. “You’re coming home with me.” Your Dad chuckles.

“Okay, go fill out all the paper work, I’ll see you soon.”

“Thank you, by the way.”

“I know, kiddo. Love you, have fun with your dog.”

“I will. Love you.”

“K, bye.” The calls ends and you smile at Alex, grabbing the clipboard away from him.

“I’ll go get you guys all sorted with the stuff to take home for him. Holler when you finish that.” You nod as Coyote moves to the floor to play with Buddy as you fill out the paperwork.

“Hey April?” She hums, looking up from her phone.

“Would you be my bestest friend ever-” Coyote squawks, glaring at you. “-and text me a list of things I’ll need? Carole had a dog growing up but it’s been so long- what?” She’s laughing at you and you look up from the paperwork.

“Tell you what, I’m gonna take off and get you everything you need? I can meet you back at your house.”

“April, no, that’s gonna be expensive.” She shakes her head.

“Nah, let me do this for you.” You sigh.

“I’m not getting a choice, am I?” She shakes her head, already standing up from her chair.

“Nope. Text me your address again? Can’t remember which house is yours.” You nod as she slips out of the room.

“I hope you know that this isn’t just your dog, but our dog.” Coyote says, offering you a grin. “We’re sharing.” You glance at him, shaking your head.

“I expected nothing less from you.”

“How do you think Bradshaw’s gonna take it?”

“Good. He loves dogs, Carole had a german shepherd growing up. He was Bradley’s best friend.” There’s a knock at the door and you look up, seeing Alex holding a leash.

“We’ve got everything ready for when you’re finished.” You nod, signing off the last few portions of paperwork and offer the clipboard to him in exchange for the leash. You clip it to Buddy’s makeshift collar, making a mental note to get him a real one.

“Alright Buddy, you ready to go home?”

Your keys jingle in the doorway as you unlock the front door, glancing at Rooster behind you. The dusk was settling into the sky behind him and the laugh track of an old sitcom echoed through your home as you shut the door behind him.

“I have a surprise.” You whispered and he smirked, raising an eyebrow.

“Oh yeah?” You nod, grabbing his hand. You squeeze it, walking to the living room where your Dad was laying on the couch, Buddy curled up by his feet, head resting on his legs.

Despite your Dad’s initial insistence that he was not helping with Buddy, he had quickly folded, leaving to go buy toys as soon as you and Coyote had come home yesterday. You’d woken up to Buddy laid on your Dad’s bed this morning, fast asleep as your Dad petted him.

Bradley dropped his bag next to his feet, causing the dog to lift his head. he glanced at you, eyes wide. “You got a dog?” He whispers.

You nod. “Meet Buddy.” He moves to the couch and crouches down. Buddy lets him scratch behind his ears as your Dad shifts, giving him room to pick Buddy up. “Coyote and I went to the shelter where Alex works at yesterday. Ended up coming home with a dog.”

“Alex, April’s brother?” You nod as Bradley holds the dog in his arms, clearly enamored by the puppy.

“I like April.” Your Dad commented, shifting to sit up.

“April’s good people.” Bradley agreed, scratching the top of Buddy’s head. You hummed, sitting down on the couch as Bradley set Buddy down. He hopped back up on to the couch, settling into your lap, and Bradley chuckled, smile growing ever wider.

“So you and Coyote a dog?”

“No, I got a dog. Coyote’s just decided we’re sharing.” Bradley huffed out a laugh.

“Yeah, I hope you know you will be sharing with the whole team.”

“I know. But Alex said Buddy loves attention. I guess he was surrendered by another military family, so it almost seems like it was meant to be.” You reach your hands up to flop Buddy's ears, leaning your head to rest against his own.

“Buddy, that’s your Dad, Bradley.” A warm smile grows on both your Dad and Rooster’s face and you glance up. “What?”

Rooster shakes his head, sticking his hands in his pockets. “Nothing. You’re just cute.” You blush, ducking your head into the dogs fur, pressing a soft kiss to the top of his head.

“Thanks.” You mumble and he chuckles.

“I’m gonna shower and then head to bed, if it’s okay if I stay?” Bradley asks, question directed at your Dad.

“Course it is. Always has been kiddo.”

Bradley nods, moving to kiss the top of your head. “Alright, I love you. I’ll see you in a little bit.” You nod as he disappears into the hallway. Once the two of you can hear the shower start, you sigh.

“How was picking him up?”

“You know, the usual.” Your Dad nods, moving to turn the volume up on the TV.

“You know, have you and Bradley ever talked about life after the Iron Daggers?” You look at him, your scratching of Buddy slowing. He nudges your hand and you laugh to yourself, resuming the movement.

“Um, we have, a little. Why?”

Your Dad shrugs. “You two have been together for a long time now. Three years yeah?”

You nod. “Yeah, almost.” Your Dad sighs, glancing to the hallway.

“Have you and Bradley talked about marriage at all?” You startle, looking back at your Dad.

“Yeah, course we have. Where are you going with this Dad?” Your Dad swallows, rubbing his hands together.

“I just... I don’t want you to end up like me, running for the skies every time a commitment to the Navy comes up, leaving behind the people we care about. You and Bradley are good for each other, always have been, and this... a dog-”

“Buddy’s my dog, first of all.”

He waves a hand. “Yeah, I know, but... do you ever think about life like that with him?” You shrug.

“Course I’ve thought about it. But we’re happy with where our careers are and... I don’t know, I’m not exactly marriage prone, you know this.” Your Dad shifts closer to you.

“I don’t think you have to be scared.” He whispers. You swallow, a lump rising in your throat.

“Dad-”

The sound of the shower stopped and you both looked to the hallway. “Just think about it.” He whispered and then kissed the top of your head, standing up and disappearing too. You swallow again, willing the tears back as you sat back, sighing.

Truth was, you had thought about it. Life with Rooster. Domestic life with Rooster, more specifically. A life where the two of you lived in a shared home, with, well now with a dog, but that had always been a maybe. Moved on to the more stable parts of your career. Waking up to him in the morning, to the smell of coffee and eggs. Going to bed with him at night, stupid mustache and all. Going on weekly grocery trips with him, him behind you, arms wrapped around you as the two of you pushed the cart, buying everything that was not on the list. Doing laundry with him, getting distracted as the two of you cleaned, just basking in the fact that you had each other. Staying up late to watch movies with him and hosting all the group events at your home, and living a life that was shared with him.

You sighed, realizing how much you chest ached at the thought. You stood up and Buddy followed as you moved to your bedroom, catching sight of your boyfriend already laying in bed. The dog quickly hopped up on the bed and you huffed as he smiled, leaning down to scratch the dogs head.

“Dog’s been here for all of one day and I’ve already been replaced.” You can hear your Dad burst into laughter from down the hall and you peer over to his room, where his door is open. He shakes his head at you as he slips into the hallway to move to the bathroom. You huff, moving into your room, and shutting the door behind you to get changed.

“How was everything, really?” You asked as you slipped one of Bradley’s spare t-shirts over your head. You move over to the bed, sitting next to him and the dog. He looks up at you from his phone, shrugging.

“The usual, you know. Missed you.”

“Yeah, I missed you too.” He hums, his hand coming out to grab your wrist as your Dad shouts goodnight from his room. “What’re you thinking abut?” He rubs soft circles over your pulse point with his thumb and you take comfort in the familiar feeling.

It’s your turn to shrug now as you take a deep breath. “Dunno, just thinking. Glad to have you home.” He smiles and you lean over, pressing a soft kiss to his lips. He whines when you pull away but you smirk. “Sorry, gotta go brush my teeth and then we can cuddle.” He groans, flopping over. “Drama queen.” You mutter, shaking your head as you stand up.

“You love me.”

“That I do Bradshaw, that I do.” You slip out of your room, moving into the bathroom to brush your teeth. Once done, you move back to the bedroom, the door clicking shut behind you quietly. You roll your eyes as Rooster reaches his arms out at you, making grabby hands. You lean on the bed gently, allowing your weight to fall against him as his arms come up to wrap around you. You sigh, running your thumb over one of the scars on his cheekbone.

“I was thinking about us.” He raises an eyebrow, swallowing. “You know, life like this. With a dog, and maybe a house, and I don’t know... a life that’s ours.”

“I think about life like that too.”

“Yeah, I know. I just... I don’t know, I guess I’m realizing how much I crave it. How much I just want to do the mundane shit with you. Chores, errands, paying the bills, I just want all of it, so long as it’s with you and it’s a life we have together.” He hums, shifting you so you’re no longer laying on top of him, but tucked into his side.

“I want nothing more than to share the rest of my life with you.” He whispers after a moment. “I think about all that stuff too. About getting to wake up next to you every morning, admire the way the the sun dances over your skin, and to fall sleep next to you every night, wondering how I got so lucky as to end up with my childhood best friend. And we’ll have it, I promise. ‘M not going anywhere.”

“Shut up. You did not.” You look up from your phone, seeing Fanboy’s open jaw as he looked down at Buddy, who walked up to him with a ball in his mouth. Payback and Phoenix follow him out, jaws also dropping at the sight of the happy dog wagging his tail. Bob squeezes past, kneeling to pet him, causing Buddy to drop the ball out of his mouth.

“I got a dog. His name’s Buddy.”

“Can I pet him?” Fanboy asks, voice soft. You nod and he drops down next to Bob. The sliding door to the patio opens again, revealing Hangman and Coyote, Rooster right behind them. Hangman slips past the group now fawning over the golden retriever, who’s wagging his tail happily, dutifully letting them all pet him.

“That the dog?” You nod as Hangman slides into the chair at the table next to you. Phoenix looks up at you as Coyote moves to stand behind his boyfriend.

“Whose idea was it to get a dog?”

“Mine.” You respond as the door open again, revealing your Dad, with Penny and Amelia on either side of him. “Coyote dragged me to the shelter my friend April’s brother works at. He was surrendered by a military family and I fell in love with him. He loves attention and playing fetch, so feel free.” You say, gesturing to the yard that sat behind your house.

“Pete, you did not...” Penny sighs as Amelia coos, already kneeling down next to the other pilots. Buddy’s basking in the attention, you can tell, and Rooster says as much as he leans up against the back of your chair.

“What was I supposed to do? Tell her no?” Penny gives him that look and he laughs nervously, shaking his head. “Okay, maybe I should've. But she’s happy and she’s agreed that the dog is her responsibility.” You scoff.

“Don’t be fooled, he took off to buy toys no less than an hour after Buddy came home with us.” Your Dad concedes as the group continues to pet Buddy. Penny and Mav move to the grill to begin making food for yet another team cook-out as the door open agains revealing the rest of your team.

Omaha’s the most forward, already recognizing it as your dog as he walks over, pushing past the other pilots. “Rebel, I’m stealing your dog.” Omaha comments as he leans down, bring Buddy fully into a hug at the protest of Fanboy. You laugh, shaking your head.

“You can’t do that, Mav’ll be sad he lost his grand-dog.” You say.

“Grand-dog?” You turn, looking at your Dad.

“Well, yeah, because you’re like the Grandpa of the group? Rooster and I are the Mom and Dad.” Your Dad shakes his head, a smile gracing his features.

“Yeah Peepaw, how did you not know that?” Hangman calls and your Dad raises an eyebrow.

“Come again?”

You sigh. “Don’t yell at him, it’s April’s nickname for you and I might’ve told them that...” You say, looking up at the patio roof as your Dad shoots a disbelieving look at you.

“Hangman, you haven’t come and said hi to Buddy yet.” Fritz says, lifting Buddy’s face to his own. Buddy nudges it and Fritz breaks away, chuckling.

“Yeah, I don’t do... dogs.” Hangman says, gesturing vaguely around him.

“C’mon Seresin, how can you not do dogs?” Rooster asks him, a disbelieving look on his face. Hangman shrugs.

“I don’t do the pets thing.”

“How can you not?”

“Bradley, babe, to be fair, you had a pet growing up.”

A faraway look passes over his face. “Aw Batman, I miss him.”

“Batman? You had a pet named Batman?” Yale asks, eyes going wide. “Dude.” Your boyfriend straightens up, shrugging.

“In my defense, Mom brought home a dog and let me name him. I was six.” Your Dad chuckles.

“Batman was a good dog. I don’t know if bringing home a three year old german shepherd with a 6-year-old and a 4-year-old was a good idea, but the two of you loved him.”

“Before there was Rebel, there was a Batman.” Coyote comments and you stick your tongue out at him.

“I loved that dog too, thank you very much. Pretty sure I tried to ride him at one point.”

“Ride him?” Halo exclaims, popping up from the floor. You laugh, nodding.

“Yeah, maybe Mav has a picture somewhere. Climbed up on him and everything. Bradley over here encouraged me.”

“Helped her get on and everything.” Your boyfriend announces proudly.

“You two were always agents of chaos then?” Coyote asks, laughing.

“Oh, but of course.” You respond.

“Oh, now we’re talking. Can’t find the picture of Rebel on the dog, but- here we go.” Your Dad passes the phone to Halo and Harvard, who immediately coo.

“How old were they here?”

“Still pretty young, we’d only had Batman for a few months at that point.”

“What picture is it?” You call as the phone gets passed around.

“You and Brad curled up with Batman. The two of you loved that dog.” The phone gets passed to you and your boyfriend leans over your shoulder to get a closer look.

There you are, clutching Batman to your chest at the ripe age of... 5 maybe? Just barely. On the other side of Batman is your boyfriend, already gangly at 7, head rested on the dog. The two of you are fast asleep, surrounded by a pillow fort the two of you had insisted on building.

“Oh my God, I remember this.” You whisper. “Dad had just left for a really long deployment and I was devastated. Bradley insisted on making pillow fort in the living room to cheer me up and Carole let us sleep in there. And eat, and basically live in there for a whole weekend. Batman never left the fort.”

“Carole sent that picture to me the very first letter of the deployment. Ice had a copy in his office for the longest time too.” You sigh, passing the phone to Coyote.

“We were so little, that’s so weird.” You comment, resting back in your chair. Amelia sighs, standing up to sit in the chair next to you.

“Speaking of, Rooster and Rebel as Mom and Dad of the group. Let’s discuss further.” You laugh at the sudden change of conversation but it doesn’t stop Phoenix, who indulges Amelia in her question.

“Well, Rooster’s obviously the Mother Hen of the group.” Phoenix says as she settles on the porch swing, Bob following her.

“And Rebel’s the Dad of the group, because she wears the pants in their relationship.” Coyote agrees, nodding his head.

Rooster scoffs. “No, she does not-” You twist, looking at him and he pauses, running his fingers over his mustache. “Okay, no actually, I can’t even argue.” Coyote and Phoenix laugh as you send your boyfriend a coy smile.

“Can we play fetch?” Halo asks, ball in hand as Buddy barks.

“Go for it.” You laugh, gesturing to the yard, as most of the team follows. Penny and Mav turn back to the grill. Bradley nudges Amelia further down the table as he sits next to you. You look at your backyard, watching your dog, who’s currently chasing your team (your family) all over the yard in search of the ball, taking in Penny and Mav at the grill and a few others laughing amongst themselves. You turn, knocking your knees with Bradley’s.

“What?” He whispers. “What’re you thinking about?” You shrug.

“Nothing, just that... well, this is a life I could get used to.” He smiles at you and leans over, pressing a kid to your cheek.

“One day, we’ll have a life that’s ours, I promise.”

#bradley bradshaw #bradley bradshaw fics #bradley bradshaw fic #bradley bradshaw imagines #bradley bradshaw imagine #bradley bradshaw x reader #bradley rooster bradshaw #bradley rooster bradshaw x reader #bradley rooster bradshaw imagines #bradley rooster bradshaw fics #bradley rooster bradshaw fic #bradley rooster bradshaw imagine #top gun maverick #top gun maverick fics #same mistakes

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sushisocks · 10 months

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hi i just finished rdr2, really love your stuff (FINALLY a blog that properly info dumps!! keep them coming please!!). i don't know if this is your thing, but the song I Gave You All by Mumford & Sons makes me think of arthur so much because each lyric corresponds so perfectly to his ending. obviously it's in the song title (arthur's "i gave you all i had"), but the lines "how can you say that your truth is better than ours?" and "you rip out all i had just to say that you've have won" makes me wonder what arthur's last thoughts really were?? the song has a very bitter tone, which is opposite of the game, but i can't actually tell what arthur's last words are supposed to mean, especially with him repeating "i tried...i did." were the "i dids" meant to be a plead for mercy (to remind dutch of his lifelong loyalty in hopes that he's spared from a violent death) or was it meant to be sympathetic (to indicate that they were both doomed men who were only trying their best)? or was it an apology, like "i did all i could, but it wasn't enough"? knowing his level of self esteem/guilt i think arthur would feel a very heavy obligation and responsibility, so it makes sense for him to say "i did all i could, but it still wasn't enough because i was not good enough," but he seemed to be very accepting of his death. sorry if this was rambly/late to the party, i would love to hear your thoughts about it!!!

Oh, Anon, this is the sort of thing I LOVE seeing in my askbox, I am kissing you on the lips rn for giving me the permission to talk about this so lets TALK about it!! (Sorry it took me a minute to get to it, I had to rotate ur questions in my mind for a bit so I could best formulate my thoughts, you know how it is)

First off, I Gave You All by Mumford & Sons is SUCH a good RDR2/Arthur song, I agree hugely on this, and it makes a LOT of sense for the ending notes, especially on a High Honor/Save John run. I've been listening to it on repeat since I saw ur ask, all while typing this up, and I got a lil emotional at times man. I love music recs and while I know some Mumford & Sons songs this was a recontextualization I very much needed in my life thank u <3

The rest of this is LONG so putting in a read more to save my mutuals lol

Okay, so, I now have a LOT of thoughts about what's going through Arthur's mind and what he might've meant at the end of his last mission, so lets get into it. To begin with I want to list out the lines that are said in this scene, so we're all on the same page. (Helpfully and lovingly pulled from the gamescripts wiki blog, which my life has revolved around for the past year and a half)

Dutch van der Linde: It is over now… Arthur. It’s over. Arthur Morgan: Oh, Dutch… he’s a rat. You know it and I know it. Micah Bell: He’s sick… he’s dying… he’s talking crazy. Pinkerton: There! Up there on the ridge! Arthur Morgan: (to Dutch) I gave you all I had… I did. Dutch van der Linde: I… Micah Bell: Come on. Dutch… let’s go, buddy. We made it. We won. Come on. Arthur Morgan: John made it. He’s the only one. Rest of us… no. But… I tried. In the end… I did. Micah Bell: (to Dutch) Come on… let's go. We can make it. Come on, Dutch… come on!

So WHAT is going on here? Surface level, this is the last appeal to Dutch. The last battle of wills between Micah and Arthur, where Arthur is STILL trying to make Dutch see sense. I think it's an important part of Arthur's character to understand that he believes, until the very bitter end, that there's a chance for him to reach through to Dutch. It's the main reason he heads back to camp, after saving Abigail. Milton has told him Micah is the rat, and Arthur believes that if he can just get back to camp and tell Dutch the truth, that will be it. He, erroneously, believes his word alone will be enough.

But the thing is, in my opinion, in a way Arthur is RIGHT! He DOES reach through to Dutch, but he has to die for it. That is what the "I gave you all I had" line is for.

It is Dutch, unsure who to believe. It is Micah, screaming for Dutch to listen to him. And it is Arthur, gently reminding Dutch: I devoted my entire life to you, all that I know has been with you, all that I am has come from you.

Arthur would have gone to the ends of the Earth for Dutch -- he would be grumbling and complaining the entire time, but he'd still do it if Dutch asked. He is, in this moment, telling Dutch, I gave you all I had and you took it, there is nothing left but my death, what reason do I have to lie?

It is the crack in the wall, a small moment of clarity for Dutch, which has him leave them both on that cliff, which has him turn up again 8 years later and kill Micah. Not enough to turn on Micah right away, but enough to truly have Dutch stop and reconsider. Because with those words Arthur is not only speaking on his own behalf, whether or not he knows it. He is reminding Dutch of everyone else who has died for him; Grimshaw, Molly, and Hosea, as the most notable ones, I think. Arthur slots neatly in with those three as people who truly devoted their everything to Dutch, gave him all they had, of life and time and energy, and were served nothing but death, destruction, and heartache in return.

It stuns Dutch; for once he is truly speechless, having to reckon with Arthur's words and what they mean, what they imply. Micah knows Arthur's words are more impactful, and keeps trying to sway him to his side, for ends we can only really guess at. But we already know there's no chance Dutch will go with Micah at this point. But he also wont stay with Arthur.

Then: "John made it. He’s the only one. Rest of us… no. But… I tried. In the end… I did."

One of Arthur's main objectives in Chapter 6 is saving as many people of the gang as possible. The Pinkertons are closing in and, while Arthur believes that it's just bad luck until Milton tells him otherwise, he still hopes for the best outcome possible, for the women and children, as he says.

Which is why he says John made it. Because to Arthur, John's making it, means the women and children making it. It means Abigail, Tilly, Sadie, and Jack, all waiting at Copperhead Landing, are not waiting in vain. It is the reassurance that they will be fine, and the idea that John might finally actually step up and be the father Arthur has so desperately wanted him to be for Jack. To Arthur, John making it is the best outcome.

But he still wanted to save as many people as possible. Dutch, Javier, and Bill included. They were still Arthur's friends and family. They still mattered to him. But I think Arthur realizes, dying upon that cliff, that there's no way out for them anymore. They'll get off this mountain and continue their way of living, and the government will keep hunting them. He is essentially saying the rest of them are just as doomed as Arthur is, even if Arthur is the one currently dying. And he tried.

I want to say that Arthur saying he tried, is both about saving the gang, and about being better. There are SO many interactions you can have in chapter 6 alone that's about being better than you were. Edith Downes, Sister Calderòn, Charles, Rains Fall, and Mary-Beth are just SOME that I can think of, at the top of my head. I think in this moment, Arthur is reaffirming to himself that at the very least he tried. He did everything he could, in the time that he had. He doesn't know if that's enough, or if it means more than what it is, but he tried, and that, to him, HAS to mean something.

It is him accepting that this is the end, and that he doesn't know!! He genuinely doesn't!! If he has done enough to actually change the course of events!! But God do I love the message of Arthur finding peace in having tried. In having done what he could, and seeing what changes he could, and knowing in that last breath, watching that rising sun, that he did make a difference.

Do I think Arthur is angry or bitter when he passes? Not in a High Honor/Save John run, no. I think he is disappointed and sad with Dutch. But I also think he has found a place within himself where he can accept that this is it, for him. And he is hopeful for those whom he has saved, who got out of there and live to see another day.

He gave his all, and he really really tried, and he finds peace in the end. How simultaneously heartbreaking and heartening isn't that?

#mannn now im emotional #i hope this all made sense HAHAH jesus #rdr2 #red dead redemption 2 #arthur morgan #dutch van der linde #micah bell #rdr2 meta #rdr thoughts #teki talks #bitches be ranting (im bitches)#i LOVED this though my askbox is ALWAYS open for stuff like this #and ALSO music recs if u have songs or playlists for rdr2 or ships or characters pleaseeeeee i love music give me that shit NOW #asks #rdr asks #meta asks

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peachy-wolfhard · 2 years

Text

He’s an asshole but he’s MY asshole (VI)

A/N: slayyy, im gonna be honest i completely forgot seven bells was an episode (i thought the morning after was a part in oblivion), everyone say it with me “dialogue taken directly from episode,” brought back klaus saying christ on a cracker bc i miss it

Taglist at the bottom, feel free to ask to be tagged in upcoming parts!

Warnings: sex implications, swearing like normal, character deaths,

Word Count: 2.9k

did i steal all of klaus’ dialogue at the beginning and give it to you? yes...

Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 Part 7

Groaning as you woke up was not a rarity, however, groaning as you woke up with the biggest hangover ever, naked, and on the floor was a rarity. Carefully sitting up you peek over the pool table and see someone shirtless asleep. Please be Ben. Please be Ben. Please be Ben. Hearing the person groan and sigh awake, you see Ben, “God, my head--” Ben starts. “Not so loud,” you reply from the floor. “Y/n? y/n, where are you?” Ben asks looking around. “Down here,” you say curling back into a ball and shielding your face from the Kugelblitz’s light. Sitting up on the pool table Ben looks down at you uncurl yourself and moves to sit in front of where he is. “Do you--,” Ben starts to ask before you interrupt him, “Not at all.” hearing tired footsteps coming closer you begin to look for your discarded dress. “Well, good morning my dear-- Oh my god!” Klaus says before turning around as fast as his hangover state could. “Christ on a cracker! A pool table? Really guys?” He continues to turn around with his hands over his eyes like a kid. Ben quickly finds his shirt and throws it to you so that you have something to cover up with. With his back turned you can see ‘ASSHOLE’ written in what seemed to be permanent marker, giggling, you continue looking for your missing dress.

After unsuccessfully trying to find both your clothes and the rest of Ben’s, the pair of you scurry to your room to change. Picking out your clothes for the day and taking a quick shower, you walk down to the foyer area where Ben said he would be. Sitting next to Ben, he pulls you in closer, arms wrapped around you with your legs crossed and on top of his. “How’d you sleep? Was the pool table as comfortable as it looks?” you joke with Ben. “How was the floor?” Ben says while playfully rolling his eyes before pulling you in closer. Light chatter fills the room and is abruptly interrupted by Five and Reginald walking through the door. All of the Umbrella’s start cheering over the speech Five made last night. “I especially liked when you referred to us as a family bound by destiny and love, “ Viktor says making you smile. I wish we loved each other as much as they do. “Okay, enough. It was the booze talking. In the light of day, you're still deplorable.” “And your day’s about to get worse,” Reginald forebodingly states. Buddy every time I see you my day gets worse.

“The Norse had seven sleepers. The Blackfoot, seven stars. As a boy, I heard the legend of the seven bells. All these stories are the same. The village is under threat by flood, by fire, by a night that never ends. A shaman brings his disciples to a sacred cave. He tells them if they can ring the seven magic bells, the village will be saved, and all will be restored just as was,” Reginald says confusing the group. “Reggie?” Lila says raising her hand. “Can we get a little less ‘Brothers Grimm’ and a little more ‘what the hell does this have to do with us?’” she continues, laying on Diego. “There is a truth to these myths. None of you can deny what’s going on around us. All of existence will be gone by the end of the day, but whoever or whatever wove together space and time, they left a way to put space and time together if the universe ever faced total annihilation,” Reggie continues to explain concerning you. Turning to directly face him, Klaus’ arm and head resting on your head, you listen more intently holding Ben’s hand. “There is a portal in the universe. I built this hotel around it, and on the other side is the answer.” Looking at Ben you give him a ‘is he for real?’ look to which he replies with a ‘why wouldn't he be’. “And… we’re supposed to, what? Just stroll in there and ring some bells, and fix this shit?” Luther pipes up. “Sarcasm aside you are mostly right. Except for the guardian.”

“What kind of guardian?” you and Viktor question at the same time. “The kind of guardian that does this,” Diego says showing his hand with missing fingers. “He had a sword.” “It is a force to be reckoned with,” Reginald says testing your patience with the old man. “See? Yeah. this is where you lose me.” “This is where he loses you? I checked out at the sacred cave,” Lila says making you nod your head in agreement. “Why would the builders of this ‘back door’ need to have a guardian?” Viktor asks. “Ah! To protect it from people who want to use it for nefarious means,” Sloane excitedly says, Reginald confirming that she’s correct. “So I guess it’s gonna take all of us to defeat the thing protecting the bells,” Allison says looking around the room.”You’re actually buying his crap?” Five asks already checked out. “How is a guardian and bells any crazier than time-traveling briefcases and assassins with cartoon masks?” Okay, I think we skipped a few chapters here, huh? Letting go of your hand Ben stands next to Reggie and says that he’s in. It couldn't hurt to try and save the world-- I mean universe. “Me too,” you say spurring Diego to join in. “But I think some of us should stay back, like Lila.” “Uh..or you can stay, and I can go,” Lila says popping up from where Diego dropped her on the sofa. “No. this is much bigger than all of us. Nobody can stay back,” Allison tells the group. How does she know? Reginald then goes on another tirade about how we are the only thing standing between oblivion.

“I say we vote on it,” Viktor says. “This isn't a democracy,” Ben says before you add “More of an anarchy but less cool sounding.” Another disagreement breaks out before Luther says to meet back in an hour with a decision. Following Ben after Reginald, you pull his arm back making him slow so that you can catch up. “Are you serious about this?” you ask wanting to make sure he isn't just doing as dear old Daddy says. “Yes, y/n why wouldn't I be? I want our family back as much as you do a-a-and doing this might make everything go back to normal,” Ben says emotion in his voice. “I just wanna have our family back, so please tell me you're in,” he finishes. “Of course, I’m in. I want our family back…and plus I get to kick someone’s ass that isn't related to us,” you say, smiling at the last statement. “When this is over, we should go on a vacation.” “Where to?” you ask smiling as he holds your hands and spins you around to where you are back to chest with him. “Somewhere romantic,” Ben says leaning into your ear.

An hour later you’re standing with your father-in-law from hell and your husband, as the voting starts. “We’ve all lost people, but their deaths have to mean something. Which is why I’ll be voting to go with Dad,” she concludes. “So it’s five in and four out now,” Viktor comments. “Y/n and I count as one,” Ben says making you shrug and roll your eyes. Now it was Five’s turn, Five votes to stay, and it's time to accept our fate. “You’re all pathetic,” Allison says walking away. “Why can't we go in there with the five of us?” you ask Reggie. “That would mean certain failure. There must be seven or more.” Reginald then goes on to another speech about how he failed the Umbrella’s and how by proxy ended the world. Ben rushes to be with Reggie leaving you to be alone with the Umbrella’s yet again. Sitting on the stairs next to Viktor, you lay down head resting on a step. “So now what?” Sloane asks Five to which he responds “Wait for the end.”

Getting up from your stairs, you go to your room to wallow at the thought of not being able to save your siblings. Being startled by Sloane screaming you jump up and run to where you heard her voice. Walking in you see Luther on the floor covered in blood, with a giant slash on his chest, and Sloane holding him. “Oh my god.” Viktor and Five soon rush in, Five asking what happened. “He went to go get ice. I couldn’t-- he didn't come back,” Sloane tearfully explains. Kneeling down you hug around her shoulders, her head coming to rest on your chest. “It must’ve been him. The guardian,” Lila says. Moving your arms you now cradle Sloane’s head, brushing some of her hair away from her face as she looks at Luther’s wounds. Reginald arrives after everyone, acting shocked at the scene. He did something I fucking know it. Why else would he pretend to be shocked? Looking up at Ben he says that if we attacked first he would’ve still been alive. Standing up from the ground you and your family are knocked back. “Okay, we’re out of time the Kugelblitz is here,” Five says glancing out the door. Reginald leads the way into Oblivion, Ben right behind him while the rest of the group files in. “We can’t leave him,” Sloane tearfully says to you. “I know hon but we have to okay? We need to go,” you as gently as possible explain. Allison joins with “We have to go now or we’ll die.” You and Allison pry Sloane away from Luther and run with her, just after she gave him one final kiss.

Walking through the tunnel you end up in the same suite, just… backward. Walking over to Ben you embrace each other, holding each other close. Reginald slams the Oblivion door shut and is the last one out. Viktor asks where Klaus is and Reginald informs the group that Klaus has been Kugelbitzed and is its last victim. “No, he was right behind me when I entered the tunnel,” Five says through gritted teeth. “We need to go back,” Sloane says tears still streaming down her face. Reggie says that it's no time for tears and that we should get moving before quickly walking out of the room. After a moment of silence, the group walks out and joins Reggie in the elevator. Walking out you are greeted with the same hotel you just left. Ben and Diego start going back and forth, ignoring them you look around, heading to the revolving doors. Walking through you are turned back around into the hotel, this time however through the other door. “What the fuck?” you say confused, looking back at the door. Heading back to your family you hear them talking about Luther and Klaus. “Don't even try it Five, the doors won't let you out,” Diego tells Five. “Well, that would've been nice to know a minute ago,” you sarcastically respond. “So, what, we’re stuck here?” Allison asks. “This place is a test and a trap and a means of salvation, all at once,” Reginald answers but does not answer.

“We get it, Diego. Bell bad. What do we do? Does anybody know?” Five asks. No one answers Five’s question; Lila leaves to go eat sushi causing Ben to make another asshole comment, “how can you possibly eat at a time like this?” “I don’t know. How can you be a dick at a time like this?” she replies back with the same snarky asshole tone. “Hey! Back off, all right?” Diego says intervening in their argument. “She’s eating for--” “Strength. In these trying times,” Lila interrupts Diego and then pulls him along with her. “Did it sound like he was gonna say she’s eating for two?” you whisper into Ben’s ear. “I think so. That’s probably why he told her to stay back,” Ben replies whispering in your ear before biting your lobe playfully. After Lila and Diego left the group dispersed, waiting for Reginald to tell them what they were here for. Sitting on the stairs with Allison and Sloane, helping clean her husband’s blood off of her hands. “I hate to say the things everyone says,” Sloane says through tears. “Mourning in cliche is the last thing you need to worry about,” Allison replies. “I know everything is ending but I thought we’d be together when it happened. I didn't even get to say goodbye,” she continues through sniffles. “I got to say goodbye to my daughter and my husband but it wasn't enough. Feelings are just… they’re too big for words,” Allison says while holding Sloane’s hand. Letting go of Sloane’s other hand and standing with your cloth you tell them you're going to get some water so that you can continue cleaning her hands. As you’re leaving you heard Allison say “prick. They don’t know what it's like, to lose someone that important.” Looking back you roll your eyes and scoff.

Gathering in the foyer, Reginald informs the group of the gameplan. Reggie says that you must find a sigil but he doesn't know what to do when you find it. Great going into certain death blindly. Thank you, dear father-in-law. “Excuse me? We’re here because you said you have a plan,” Viktor says incredulously. “I do, up to a point.” “Great. So we’ll just stay in the hotel forever, staring at the walls and eating bad sushi,” Lila not-so jokes. Allison comes to Reginald’s defense stating that finding the sigil is the best chance there is at resetting the universe. “Where do we start?” Viktor asks already tired of Five and Allison. “We’ll split into groups. I will go with Allison, Sloane, and y/n. Ben and Five with Viktor,” Reginald says making you increasingly annoyed. “No we want Allison.” “Ben for Allison. We’ve trained together, so it makes more sense if we take Allison,” Viktor and Five say making Allison say “yeah, no thanks.” Viktor questions why not and she goes quiet and looks at Reginald. “Splendid idea. Allison, you go with the Umbrellas. Sparrows, stick together,” Reginald says making you breathe a sigh of relief. Reginald says that everyone should take a different floor and just like that you are on your mission. Just as you three were in the elevator Reggie says that he forgot his journal, stating that he’ll meet up with you on five.

Wandering around the hotel looking for the sigil, you and Sloane are doing all the work. Ben’s leaning against a wall being his normal pouty self. “Oh, don’t forget to check under the plants,” Ben annoyingly says making you frustratedly sigh. “Get off your ass and start inspecting the walls for hidden compartments,” you say helping Sloane feel the wall behind a painting. “What the hell is wrong with you? People are dying left and right, and you’re acting like a sulky teenager,” Sloane says opening a door and looking in. “You should just like Dad,” Ben says while walking toward the door Sloane had just checked. “Why is it so important for Dad to like you? He doesn't you or us,” Sloane says, closing the room she was just looking in. “We made our own mark in this world without him,” she continues. “As the Sparrow Academy, but they’re gone now,” Ben counters. “He was never a Sparrow. He was our dad, and a shitty one at that. You don’t need him. He didn't even come to your wedding,” Sloane says at her breaking point with Ben. Ben sighs frustratedly, opening his mouth to say something he’s stopped by Five. “I can’t believe I’m saying this. I’m actually glad to see you guys,” Five says appearing from around the corner. “What’s wrong?” Sloane asks about to cry. “The hotel is changing. I’ve been walking around in circles, but it’s like the thing is alive,” Five explains. “We should get back to the lobby,” you say while closing the room you were peeking into. “Tried it. What ever direction I choose, I end up in the same spot.” “Or maybe you have no sense of direction,” Ben comments making you smack his arm. “Okay, lead the way, Magellan.”

Following Ben who clearly doesn't know what to do and where to go, the hotel starts to shake and creek. The lights then turn into a brighter golden color as the hotel continues to shake. ”Which one of the idiots do you think rang the bell?” you ask, leaning on the wall for support. After the shaking subsides the four of you continue walking around, trying to find the way back. Holding Ben’s hand as you walk down the hall, you get to another fucking hallway. Coming out of a room is a samurai snarling at the four of you. This must be the guardian. Of course, we get stuck fighting the fucking guardian. “Really? A samurai?” Ben says at the growling guardian. Sloane then charges at the guardian; yelling as she flips over the samurai and starts to use her powers to crush it. “Revenge looks good on her,” you say smirking along with Ben. “Would you shut up and help us kill this thing?” Five tells you as he heads to pick up an ax and go into battle.

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