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serendipitouswasteland · 1 year

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Bake Sale Posters and Slow-Burn Kiss

Note: This was transcribed from my AO3.

ship: byler pov: third person written: July 5, 2022 first published: July 6, 2022 word count: 526 - summary: Mike and Will are trying to decide on a poster to use for Karen's bake sale, but do they really care about that at all?

Mike and Will lay on their backs, their heads at the foot of Mike's bed with their feet propped up on his pillow. Mike is holding up one of the posters Will created for the bake sale their mother's are holding, Will holding onto the rest so they don't get messed up.

Mike examines the poster, turning it around in circles and flipping it over before holding it upright as far out as possible so they both can see it. Mike furrows his brows, looking at Will quickly before looking back at the poster.

"I like this one. What do you think?" Mike asks.

"I don't know. Whatever one you want to do," Will says with a shrug, his arm brushing against Mike's.

Mike rests the poster on his chest, turning and facing Will, a look of worry on his face.

"Hey, are you okay? I know that things haven't been the same lately, but—"

"What? No. Mike, this summer has been the best summer in years. I mean, it's the first one that we've actually been able to spend some time alone, just the two of us, since meeting Lucas and then Dustin. It's been really nice, Mike."

"Yeah," mike says with a slight chuckle, turning away and holding up the poster again. "Honest opinion, though. This one or the one with the cupcake?"

"They all have cupcakes, Mike," Will says with a laugh, his hand with the posters hitting Mike in the chest, and Mike laughs, too.

Mike takes the posters from Will, setting them on his bedside table before laying down again. He was going to start a tickle fight, but when his head hits the mattress and he looks at Will, their eyes meet, and the two are frozen in time. Everything slows.

Mike can feel Will's breath hit his face as they just stare at each other. Mike's eyes flicker to Will's lips and then to his eyes again, and he watches as Will gets flustered. It had happened before, but someone would interrupt them. There wasn't anyone to do that now, though. It was just the two of them.

Without even really noticing, Mike starts to lean in, and after a moment Will does, too. Will parts his lips just as his nose brushes against Mike's, both of them feeling an intense level of butterflies in their stomachs. Their breathing is deep and heavy, something about all of it being so fervorous.

Their lips brush against each other, and at first Mike pulls back a little, but then he leans in again. So much of him wants for this to happen, no matter how much of him is actually scared.

Finally, their lips meet, their eyes fluttering shut as they share the softest kiss in the world. They place their hands on each other's cheeks and nckes, neither one wanting to let go or allow the moment to end. Alas, they do, their lips parting from one another, their foreheads meeting instead. Mike's eyes open and he just stares at Will, a breathless look on his face. Will meets his gaze with one of worry, but when Mike smiles, all of that washes away.

That smile let them both know that, somehow, some way, everything was going to be okay.

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lollytea · 2 years

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Because of being such slow and clumsy typer Hunter would write text drawfts before hand(in notepad so he d copy and paste), speculating how the conversation would go.

Also beside sending flapjack pics he d for sure infodump her about plants (after a while) (she d infodump back + send pics of clover and her plants)

//they both are such lovable dorks pls i need s3 not to make it into any kind of big love story but teenagers crushing/in love pleasee

He initially typed Like That (h.EELlo) because he was rushing himself to get the texts out. He worried that if he took too long, she'd lose interest in the conversation. But eventually he gets more accustomed with the keypad and only makes typos as often as the average teen. And when he's Not talking with Willow, he likes scrolling through their chat log. Makes him smile. However he cringes an awful lot because he used to be really REALLY bad at typing.

Once he's realized that she's not gonna ghost him if he doesn't answer her immediately he's comfortable enough to take some time to draft what he's gonna say. He even weighs the pros and cons of specific terminology. He's like "should I use this word? It's a big word. Shows her I'm smart and I know big words. Or maybe it'll come across as pretentious. Should I use the word pretentious? It's also a big word and it shows I'm smart but--"

But once they get in The Zone (i.e. a common interest in the usage of plants in magic.) he stops worrying about structuring his texts so much cuz he just gets carried away with all the yammering. She's also yammering. He likes that. Makes him feel less annoying. And he likes to read what she has to say. She's really smart.

(I admire people who have standards and actual wishlists for what they want for Hunter and Willow's relationship in season 3 but listen to me. Listen very carefully. I am starved for them to just have a single goddamn interaction. Hunter called Willow by her name in King's Tide and it was barely audible and it sustained me for weeks. I will take whatever the fuck this show chooses to give me. They could go all the fuck out with fireworks. They could never acknowledge Hunter's crush ever again. Just so long as they INTERACTION. I am starving, for the love of God.)

#i dont entirely understand what the definition of a big love story is #and how it differs from teenagers having dorky crushes #considering lumity IS the former but like. they are the silliest most awkward disasters ever #so im pretty sure the crew is gonna remain accurate to how teens clumsily navigate romance #but also also #gotta keep in mind #hunter loves willow so much. platonically #like he loves her and gus to pieces #so what they have is like. a very deep and very strong platonic bond #but also. he has a silly crush on her at the same time #this might kinda blur the lines on how their relationship unfolds #they could have a poignant scene or two that demonstrates just how much they care about each other #but would hunter's feelings existing automatically make these scenes inheritently romantic #idk idk. i have very tangled feelings about this relationship #and how it kinda interweavea between platonic and romantic and neither are lesser factors than the other #i dont know how to articulate this properly so im just rambling #cannot grasp at the point im trying to make #this might be unrelated to the point i started with. anyway #huntlow

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undeadhousewife · 8 months

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Talking fanfics with my teen and she mentioned one of her favorites and I was like oh! I've read that one!

And suddenly there was a moment of quiet as we both came to the horrifc realization that it also had some fairly graphic sexy times in it.

#I will not be naming the fanfic #But it was both hilarious and awkward as hell #I read dirty romance novels as a teen so I'm not judging

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sodisco · 11 months

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weirdly flippantly named category on the website formerly known as hbo max that includes a movie about a school shooting

#gun violence #hbo max #ask to tag #lol those crazy teen years dont we all remember it #the awkward romance. the laughs. the fear for our lives in a school shooting situation.

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rexscanonwife · 1 year

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Ok but would you guys kill me if I was actually overhauling the mha s/i of my teen years...😳

#jane journals #self insert talk #LOOK #IVE BEEN VERY NOSTALGIC ABOUT IT #i was a very awkward depressed teen. i didnt know how far i would come in actual self love!!#maybe i wanna give 17 year old jane everything she deserves #maybe i want a proper angsty storyline!! and to be a hot milf!!#and middle aged romance!!!#im pulling very much wine aunt energy this time around #some eda the owl lady and some valkyrie from thor energy

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cryptidjeepers · 2 years

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I know its just a show but there is something funny about people being upset/shocked that two 14 year olds are gunna break up and dont actually have this deep love. Yall theyre 14 what did you expect

#i always found it weird when people treat minors like they have adult relationships #especially when theyre under 16 #this is about mileven btw lol #the actors getting uncomfortable when adult ass reporters gush about this relationship is pretty telling #it never made sense for them to start dating outside of it being an awkward teen romance and now jts overstayed its welcome

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aroaessidhe · 1 year

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2022 reads // twitter thread

A Broken Blade

fantasy romance about a halfling assassin, working for the human king

when a mysterious figure starts moving against the kingdom, she’s forced to investigate by going to the Faelands, and starts to wonder if she’s able to fight back against the kingdom she’s long given up on

#aroaessidhe 2022 reads #a broken blade #melissa blair #this is. i mean i don't read adult fantasy romance for a reason but it was alright!#i thought the writing was a bit bland #i feel like i couldn’t quite keep track of the reasons for the plot going in the direction it did….or why it was allowed to i guess #definitely kept reading halfling as like. the short dnd kind lmao #i would have liked a bit more worldbuilding detail?#i liked that she's 68 too not like basically a teen. though it would be cooler if she looked 68 #appreciate the half-caste race allegories from an indigenous author; grounded in irl understanding rather than the often awkward attempts fr #from white authors in this genre

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curawrites · 4 months

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Potter

Slytherin boys (separate) x fem! Potter!reader

Slytherin boys: Draco Malfoy, Mattheo Riddle, Theodore Nott, Lorenzo Berkshire, and Blaise Zabini.

Warnings: forbidden romance?, swearing, smoking, alcohol, partying, horny teens, probably incorrect body shots.

Note: got back into Harry Potter and fell into the Slytherin boy rabbithole hole💚

Backstory:

You used to be very close to your twin brother. But your relationship changed for the worst during your first year at Hogwarts.

While Harry had been sorted into Griffindor, you had been sorted into Slytherin.

The both of you had tried to keep your relationship intact, but the rivalry between your two houses made it practically impossible.

By fourth year, you and Harry were practically strangers, and uninvolved with each other’s lives…

Draco Malfoy

In fourth year, Draco decided to ask you out to the Yule Ball. Mainly to piss off Harry.

He swaggered up to you in the courtyard and asked you very loudly in front of a lot of people, including Harry, of course!

“Heard you didn’t have a date for the ball, Potter.” He said with a smirk, “You want to be my date?”

You eyed him suspiciously before answering, “Sure, why not Malfoy.”

Didn’t expect for you to actually accept.

Low key freaking out internally.

Thought you’d just tell him to piss off.

He’s very smug about it on the outside tho.

Especially when he sees Harry fuming on the side lines with Ron and Hermione.

He then escorts you to class like the gentleman he was taught to be.

“Don’t get an ideas Malfoy. I’m only going with you to piss off my brother.” You told him as you entered potions.

“Same here, Potter.” He rolls his eyes a bit.

Glad you have the same idea but also a bit disappointed that you’re only using him.

But he’s also using you so-

When it came time for the ball, Draco was waiting for you by the stairs. Mattheo and Blaise were waiting with him.

He couldn’t lie, he was a tad nervous. Fixing his hair every 2.5 seconds to the annoyance of his friends.

“Does my hair look good?” He asked for the billionth time.

“Your hair is fine mate! Why do you even care so much it’s just Potter.” Mattheo rolled his eyes at the blond.

“It’s not about her!” Draco hissed, “..I just want to look good!” He answered semi confidently.

A few moments later you appeared and began walking down the stairs.

Draco looked at you in awe. You looked stunning all dolled up, your hair was curled and pinned up in an intricate hairdo, and the dark green dress you were wearing fitted you perfectly.

You glanced at Draco every few steps as you descended the stairs, admiring him from afar. You couldn’t lie, he looked dashing in his suit.

Blaise and Mattheo snickered behind him, shoving him forward to make him help you down the stairs.

“You look nice.” Draco said awkwardly.

“Thank you, you don’t look half bad yourself.” You responded, taking his hand as you walked down the rest of the steps.

“You cleaned up nice, Potter.” Mattheo teased.

“Shut it, Riddle.” You rolled your eyes at him.

Draco escorted you to the punch table to have a drink before you had your first dance.

When you started dancing you were both very stiff and awkward, but as the night went on you became much more natural with each other.

You and Draco went on to have a nice evening. Making show of your “relationship” by calling each other by your first names and dancing together for the majority of the evening.

When the ball finally ended, you and Draco returned to the Slytherin common room together.

“I actually enjoyed myself tonight Draco.” You admitted with a smile.

“I did to, Y/n. We should do it more often.” He smirked.

You rolled your eyes, “In your dreams, Draco.” You chuckled before to go to your dorm.

Leaving him standing in the common room, with his heart beating a few beats faster…

Mattheo Riddle

FORBIDDEN ROMANCE OMG

You both kept your distance from each other for a long while.

You didn’t want to associate with the son of the man who killed your parents.

And Mattheo didn’t give a crap about you.

You only began to associate with each other in fifth year when you became friends with Lorenzo.

Which lead to you being included into the Slytherin gang.

You decided to put your differences aside for the sake of your friend.

You’re not super close with many of them, Mattheo included.

But you have a sort of playful relationship.

You guys banter SO MUCH!

Whether it’s insulting each other or sometimes being flirty.

Harry is SIDE EYEING y’all from across the great hall.

You find Mattheo insufferable in a weird endearing way.

Sixth year hit and you’ve decided to start living it up by attending parties with the gang.

Ravenclaw had beat Hufflepuff in quidditch which made the perfect excuse to throw a party.

You and Pansy had spent the evening getting ready together in your dorm.

“We look hot~” you commented while admiring her and yourself in your full body mirror.

“We do~ Now let’s go-“ Pansy grabbed your hand and dragged you out of the dorm.

Once at the party, you had a drink to ease your nerves before you decided to join the growing circle of people playing spin the bottle. Many of your friends were sat, including Lorenzo, Mattheo, and Theo.

You sat yourself beside Lorenzo, “What are we spinning the bottle for?” You asked, almost yelling over the music.

“Body shots!” Lorenzo smirked at you playfully.

“Fun!” You grinned.

Eventually Mattheo’s turn came and the bottle landed on you. Gasps and ooos filled the circle, making you scoff. Mattheo only grinned as he grabbed the bottle of fire whiskey and a shot glass.

Ron and Hermione had to hold back Harry from causing a scene.

“C’mere, Y/n~” Mattheo smirked, motioning you over.

You rolled your eyes and walked over to him, all while he unbuttoned his shirt.

You got on your knees in front of him, squeezing your thighs together as you cunt throbbed at the sight of his bare chest.

Mattheo smirked down, “Ready?” Once you nodded he poured the alcohol down his bare torso.

You didn’t hesitate to begin licking all of the liquor off his torso, savouring the way the fire whiskey burned down your throat.

Mattheo couldn’t stop himself from getting hard at the sight of you on your knees for him staring up at him with lusty half lidded eyes. It made him feel things he knew he shouldn’t feel towards.

The crowd wooed and whistled as you finished licking his chest having made sure to not miss a drop.

“Thanks for the shot, Matty~” you purred, winking at him, your cheeks equally as red as his.

You got up from your knees and returned to your spot beside Lorenzo. Once sat, you took a deep breath to calm yourself down.

You hadn’t expected to have gotten so turned on. It felt so wrong to be attracted to Mattheo.. but you couldn’t help yourself when all you could think about was his dark lustful gaze…

Theodore Nott

You and Theodore became friends in first year.

Theodore was a bit of a loner, like yourself so you got along right away.

Because of this, you always paired up together in your classes.

Especially in potions which you both excel at. Unlike your brother, you inherited your mother’s potions skills.

You guys have definitely have bonded over dead moms/parents.

In fifth year you both became more acquainted with Draco and his gang.

It brought you guys out of your shells.

And further ruined your relationship with your brother but you didn’t really care.

You had Theo by your side and that’s all that mattered.

Although you’re “just friends” there’s definitely feelings at play.

Seeing everyone around you get into relationships made you yearn for one yourself.

Since you’re so close with Theo already you couldn’t help but think about being with him.

He’s such a pretty boy, with his hazel eyes, dirty blond hair and Italian accent.

Theodore had a little thing for you phase in third year.

He considers it a phase but the feelings never truly left.

The both of you are way to afraid to confess to each other in fear of ruining your friendship and of the retaliation from your families.

It was a Friday night and the gang had decided to sneak out of the castle to go swimming in the Black Lake.

Somehow the whole gang managed to bypass Filch and Mrs. Norris, even though the lot of you were giggling loudly at each other.

Once out of the main doors, you all ran to the rocky shores of the lake and spread out all of your towels.

Theo sat down and lit up a cigarette with Mattheo, while you took off your (Theo’s) shirt and your pj pants. Revealing your tiny bikini.

Mattheo wolf whistled at you, “Looking good Potter~” he teased.

“Fuck off Riddle-“ you said playfully and rolled your eyes at him.

“Shut it.” Theo muttered to Mattheo as he took a drag of his cigarette.

Mattheo looked at him, a grin spreading on his face, “What was that, Theo? You jealous or something? Don’t like me talking to your girl?”

“I’m not.” Theo denied as he watched you get into the water with Lorenzo, Pansy, and Draco.

He avoided Mattheo’s gaze to look at you and the others in the water.

Theo clenched his jaw as he observed you and Draco play in the water. Jealousy bubbled in the pit of his stomach.

“Sure you are.” Mattheo scoffed unconvinced.

“Fuck off-“ Theo shoved Mattheo lightly.

He took another deep drag of his cigarette in an attempt to ease his nerves.

“Theo!” You called from the water, “Stop smoking and get in the water!” You grinned joyfully at him.

Theo could feel his heart skip a beat at your radiant smile.

“Theo come on!” You called out again.

“Alright alright, bella-“ He chuckled before putting out his cigarette and getting up.

He took off his shirt and jogged towards the water.

You giggled and grabbed his arm to pull him the rest of the way.

There was no way he could let Draco have you…

Lorenzo Berkshire

Lorenzo has prided himself in his academics.

He has good grades in all of his classes.

Except in history of magic. He’s actually failing the class.

Look it isn’t his fault! Professor Binns is just such a bore.

Seeing as Lorenzo was failing, Professor Binns assigned you, Y/n Potter as his tutor.

Lorenzo was pretty happy about having a cute girl tutoring him.

You’ve intrigued him since first year but he’s never had the chance to talk to you.

But now he sees you twice a week for tutoring.

And honestly you don’t get much tutoring done.

Lorenzo is just so engaging and interesting that you just forget about what you’re there to do.

“Merlin, Lorenzo! We need to focus!” You giggled as you realized how much time you spent conversing.

“Oops!” He giggled.

You found yourself easily charmed by the boy. He was very refreshing to hang out with.

He wasn’t like the other Slytherins who gave you the cold shoulder and looked at you sideways.

Exams were in a week and Lorenzo desperately needed your tutoring if he wanted to pass history of magic.

You both decided to increase the amount of tutoring you’d be doing per week in preparation.

It was the day before exams started and your last day of tutoring.

You made the plan to study in his dorm instead of the library as you found the latter to busy. Lorenzo made sure to kick out his roommates and clean up his area in preparation.

You met up in his dorm after class and wasted no time in taking out all of your notes and textbooks out.

“Ok, Lorenzo.” You said sternly. “No more funny business we need to focus.” You sat on his bed.

He sat in front of you, nodding in agreement, “I really need to pass this exam or my dad will kill me.” He said and got his own notes out.

“Alright. I’m going to quiz you on some stuff. Look over your notes and tell me when you’re ready.” You instructed as you organized a few papers.

Lorenzo nodded and began looking over his notes, desperately trying to not get distracted at the thought that you, a cute girl was in his dorm and sitting on his bed.

“Okay I think I’m ready.” He announces after a few minutes and put his notes to the side.

“Okay… question one..” you began.

You quizzed Lorenzo for the next half hour. He was truly trying his best. What motivated him the most was the praise you gave him after each right answer.

“Good job!” “Atta boy!” “You’re doing great!” “That’s right!”

Every single one gave him butterflies.

Eventually he managed to get all of them right.

“You got every single question right!” You exclaimed with a big grin, “ Well done! I’m sure you’re going to pass!”

“You really think?” He smiled shyly.

“Of course!” You said reassuringly.

You checked your watch, you had finished your quizzing just on time.

You began to pack up your stuff, ready to head back to your dorm to do some studying of your own.

“Thank you, for all of the tutoring.” Lorenzo thanked as he helped you.

“It’s no problem at all, you’re fun to tutor.” You admit shyly, “Good luck on your exam.” You bided him before leaving.

Lorenzo watched you leave, making a note to himself to ask you out on a date after exams..

Blaise Zabini

You and Blaise got paired up for a project in potions once.

You both weren’t thrilled because you didn’t really get along.

At least you weren’t paired up with Seamus.

And in a way it worked out well for Blaise because he didn’t have to partner up with any of his idiot friends and have to do all of the work.

You did so well on the project together that Professor Slughorn decided to continue paring you guys up.

Hanging out with Blaise was now unavoidable.

Your interactions went from uninterested, cold and limited to being much more frequent and nicer.

Being much friendlier to each other also helped you work even better together.

“Hey, Zabini? How do you cut these roots again?” You asked quietly, glancing over at him.

“Oh you cut them in half and then..” he leaned over to help you.

You couldn’t help but be shy about the close proximity between you two.

He was close enough that you could smell his piney aftershave and his minty breath.

Not to mention his voice was so deep and smooth as he talked.

You snapped quickly out of it and focused back on what he was saying.

“Oh right. Thanks.” You thanked him and proceeded to cut the ingredient as he instructed.

“S’no prob.” He said, hesitating before leaving your side.

Since you were already doing so much work together, it was easier to just study together as well.

This resulted in you two spending more time together.

The library became you main hangout spot.

Away from his annoying friends who always burst into his dorm asking stupid questions just for the sake of bothering you two.

“Do you understand what question 8 means? I completely forgot what Professor Bins said about it.” Blaise asked, furrowing his brows with a sigh.

“Uh let me see..” you leaned over to read his parchment.

While you muttered the question to yourself, Blaise couldn’t help but stare at your focused face.

You looked cute, bitting your cheeks as you played with a strand of your curly hair. He could tell you had just washed it because you smelled strongly of lavender.

“Um I just wrote down this…” you sat up and grabbed your parchment.

You guys only considered yourselves acquaintances.

Yeah you found each other attractive.

You’re both attractive people after all and you were just acknowledging the obvious ok?

You two truly were oblivious idiots who couldn’t realize you had crushes on each other.

You were headed to what you thought would be another ordinary potions class.

You sat down beside Blaise and took out all your supplies, ready for whatever Professor Slughorn was going to make you guys brew.

After a bit of waiting, Slughorn began his lesson. “Today, we will be learning about Amortentia. Can anyone tell me what this potion does?”

Hermione shot up her hand eager to answer.

“Yes, Miss Granger?” Slughorn picked her.

“It’s a love potion sir.” She answered

“Corrected, ten points for Griffindor!” Professor Slughorn grinned.

He went on about the lesson, talking about the potion’s history and the risk involved with brewing it and its results.

“Now that we’re done with the lesson, I invite you all to come up and smell this batch of Amortentia I brewed just for this class.” Slughorn said enthusiastically.

You watched as your classmates went up and smelled the potion.

It was amusing seeing how many answered with a stutter and returned to their seats with reddened cheeks.

Finally it was your turn and you had no idea what you would smell.

You leaned down to take a deep inhale of the potion and the overhwhelming sent of Pine and mint flooded your senses.

“And what do you smell Miss Potter?” Your Professor asked.

You hesitated before speaking, “Pine and mint sir.” You answered.

Then the realization hit you and your eyes grew wide.

You smelled Blaise.

You blushed in embarrassment and kept your head down as you walked back to your desk.

“Who did you smell?” Blaise asked you curiously.

Before you could give him a half assed answer you were interrupted.

“Mr Zabini! Your turn!” Professor Slughorn announced.

Blaise got up from his seat and approached the potion.

It took a few smells for him to realize what he was smelling wasn’t your scent lingering on him. The potion itself smelled like lavender.

The gears in his head began to turn and it all began to fit. He smelled your shampoo.

He felt his cheeks heat up a bit from embarrassment and he quickly glanced at you.

Class was going to be very interesting…

#slytherin boys x reader #harry potter x reader #draco malfoy x reader #draco x reader #mattheo riddle x reader #theodore nott x reader #lorenzo berkshire x reader #blaise x reader #blaise zabini x reader #slytherin boys x you #draco x you #mattheo riddle x you #theodore nott x you #lorenzo berkshire x you #blaise zabini x you #potter!reader

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buggachat · 11 months

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i totally get how season 5 isn't everyone's cup of tea and that's totally fair and i understand!! however. i just can't relate because this is just so balls to the walls crazy that i am so endlessly entertained

lila stole all of the agreste lore from nathalie and also has been wearing a wig this entire time. felix snapped the entirety of earth away. chloe became the fucking mayor and then had an emotional breakdown sobbing alone when she lost it. kagami and felix having a random cringe (/positive) whirlwind romance like the two sheltered awkward teens they are. adrien and marinette kissing on the steps of a private jet in a dramatic emotional moment. ADRIEN had the coveted chat blanc nightmare in a sandboy adjacent akuma. adrien just is Cursed with endless nightmares now (and rose and juleka????) and lives in a sensory deprivation chamber. marinette knows all the senti lore now and was told via the most theater-kid interpretive perfomance art hallucination ever?????????

and i am LIVING for all of it. i am SO ENTERTAINED.

#ml spoilers #ml s5 spoilers #representation spoilers #ml representation #revolution spoilers #ml revolution #uhhhhhhhh should i tag more episodes #collusion spoilers #ml collusion #revelation spoilers #ml revelation #ml emotion #emotion spoilers #this is NOT an invitation to explain to me why you don't like it btw. i understand i just dont care and im having fun

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serendipitouswasteland · 1 year

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Argyle's Van, Spring of 1986

Note: This was transcribed from my AO3.

ship: byler pov: third person written: July 10, 2022 first published: July 11, 2022 word count: 2,675 - summary: Jonathan and Argyle have taken it upon themselves to give Mike and Will the best spring break ever— road trip style. The best part? They're doing it from the back of a surfer boy pizza van, where Mike gets a bright idea.

"Shit! Shit! Shit!" Argyle says, the van sputtering as him and Jonathan pushes it the rest of the way to the gas station.

"I told you that we should have brought stuff with!"

"Well that doesn't matter right now, because we don't have stuff, so now we have to wait here until we can get someone to help."

"From who? The cashier? It's past the middle of the night, Argyle!"

Will sits up slowly, the back of the van having been practically converted to a bed at this point with all of the pillows and blankets lying around. He rubs his eyes, looking at his watch. Sure enough, it's 12:43 A.M. Will yawns and stretches, his eyes travelling to Mike, who's digging through the glove box under the dash. Will watches as Mike with curious eyes, only being able to look at him this long because Mike's not looking back. After a moment, Mike comes to the back and sits down across from Will, his back against the door of the Van, Will's to the back of a seat. Then, Will looks at Mike's hands as he sets down an ashtray and pulls what Will knows is definitely a weed cigarette out of his pocket, along with a lighter.

"Mike! What are you—"

"Shhh! They said that they wanted us to have the best spring break ever, right? So let's have the best spring break ever!"

"You're not wrong, but do you really think we should be doing this when they're literally just outside?"

"First, they're inside the gas station calling for help. I just saw them walk in. Second, who said anything about we? This is for me."

"You weren't planning on sharing?" Will questions, knowing Mike all too well.

"No, I definitely was, but you still made an assumption. Like Max says: presumptuous," Mike says as he lights the cigarette, quickly placing it between his lips, breathing in, pulling it out, then blowing. "Wow! Jesus Christ!"

"Do you have any idea what you're doing?" Will says, taking it from him and doing the same, slight coughing at the end.

"Yes, Will. I have been high before. Only once, but still. That doesn't make me an idiot, and it's not like you're too crazy about it either."

"I'm not, but one step into Jonathan's room and you're a goner, I'm telling you."

"That's because they just don't smoke cigarettes, they get high from this," Mike says, holding up a bong.

"Put that down," Will says, handing the cigarette back to Mike after taking a second hit.

"Point is, how you get high makes all the difference."

Mike blows smoke into Will's face as he tries swatting it away, laughing at the action. Mike laughs with him, smiling, Will enjoying the quality time he's finally getting to spend with his best friend. Mike lowers the cigarette and sets it in the ashtray and looks at Will who's staring intensely at the floor. Will's not even sure why he currently finds the floor as fascinating as it is. It's so bland and boring, and yet Will feels like he's seen the greatest thing in the world. That is, until, he looks up when at Mike and starts speaking.

"Man, I am so high right now," Will says, shaking his head.

"And you were complaining that Jonathan smokes too much weed."

"It's different. I don't know."

"No, I get it. I get it. To be honest, I've had a rough year. You know I was the last person to leave your house after you left? I mean, all those years, gone. Just like that. I guess I didn't want to realize it, but...you know, I think this whole time I've been projecting my f—"

Mike is cut off by Argyle and Jonathan getting back in the van, finally having gotten it fixed after...a shocking 42 minutes. Will thought it would have taken longer.

They quickly get on the road again, Mike hiding the ashtray out of the sight of the rearview mirror. They drive for a while before coming to a flat empty spot near a canyon, the sky clear. Jonathan and Argyle grab a tent out of the back of the van, going and setting it up a bit of a ways from the cliff's edge, and not too close to the van, either, as to give Mike and Will some personal space.

Will hops out, grabbing his pajamas that he'd brought with and going to the side of the van that wasn't on the side as the tent, Mike changing into his own pajamas inside. Mike slides open the door when he's done, and Will quickly hops inside, rubbing his arms to try and warm him up from the cold air of the March night.

"Sorry," Mike says quietly, quickly grabbing the ashtray and relighting the cigarette, both of them still completely out of it.

"It's fine," Will says, stretching his jaw.

He looks at Mike in his pajamas. Just a sweatsuit, yes, but it's Mike's hair that really gets him. Will noticed it the second he saw him, but he was too scared to say anything, worried that it might come off the wrong way, but right now he can't seem to stop himself from talking.

"Have I told you yet that I like the new look? With your hair, I mean. The long curls. It's nice," Will says after Mike hands him the cigarette, taking a hit after his initial question and then again after he finished his full thought, his heart beating so fast now that him and Mike are actually alone.

"Thanks."

It's quiet for a minute, soon them both bursting into laughter about literally everything. The color of the floor of the van, a random word that Will has said, and the two just can't stop laughing, but eventually, they do dile it down some after they remember that, although not in the van with them, Argyle and Jonathan aren't too far away. They stare at each other for a moment before Will looks away. He doesn't want Mike to know what exactly is going through his mind, all of the things he's thought in their time apart. If he looked at Mike any longer he'd let something slip.

Mike and Will are sitting crisscrossed facing each other, the ashtray sitting on the bench. Will has been poking at Mike's face for some time now, tracing over each of his freckles, pulling at his nose, his knuckles brushing against Mike's eyelashes. He's trying to figure out how Mike's face has changed so much. When he gives up on that, Mike says something, and it catches Will completely off-guard.

"I'm gay," Mike breathes out, and Will shoots his head to look at him.

"What?" Will asks, his eyes going wide and his heart starting to beat really fast.

"I am so high right now, but I am also so, so gay."

"Mike—"

"No. I like guys, Will. Maybe I like girls too, I don't know. I'm still trying to figure that part out, but I do know that I definitely like guys. A lot."

Mike is rambling, it's clear, even if it's not like his usual rambling because he's high, but Will knows when Mike is rambling, and right now he's just sitting there staring. Even as Mike looks at him with a questioning look, asking Will if he should go on and normally Will would say yes or something, but right now he can't. Not with the words that Mike initially said still ringing in his head. I'm gay. Did he hear that right, or is it the weed? Is anything of this really, actually happening?

"Like, a lot a lot," Mike continues, and Will knows that, now, at this point, there's no stopping him. "And I have been projecting for years, I think, how I feel about you onto El because I didn't want to believe that I could like guys, but I do. That's why I broke up with her...or she broke up with me...or...actually, I'm not sure. I don't know who broke up with who, maybe it was mutual, but it was because even though I did and still do love her, it wasn't like that. I loved you like that. I do love you like that. I am in love with you.

"Wow. That feels so good to say. I did say it, right? Huh. It's funny. I always thought, somewhere, deep inside, that you'd be the one to say it first. That you would tell me how you felt long before I was even able to admit to myself the feelings I have, but it looks like I was wrong. Sorry, by the way. For just blurting it out, you know? It's, like, what is wrong with me? I don't know, I mean..." Mike continues to ramble, laughing a bit here and there.

Will, on the other hand, doesn't say a word. He's listening so intently and yet not listening at all. His mind is in two places at once. On one side, Will is listening to what Mike has to say, thinking about it way too hard, and on the other he's still caught on the first thing that Mike had said, and he's still going. So then, Will cuts him off with the only thing he knows will get him to stop, and the words he says aren't just to get him to stop, because Will has wanted to say them for far too long now to hold them in any longer.

"I love you."

"I know."

"No, I mean, I love you."

"I know," Mike says, giving Will a look that could only be described as love.

He puts a hand on Will's cheek and pulls him close, their eyelashes skimming against each other's skin. Their noses brush up against each other as their breath hits each other's faces. Will's heart is beating a million miles a minute and he can feel his throat closing up at just how close him and Mike are, his face a bright shade of red. Part of him has been waiting for this moment for years, but he never thought that it would actually ever happen, because it's Mike. His best friend. The one person outside of his family that he's known longer than anyone, and now their lips were centimeters apart. Then Mike plants a soft kiss on Will's lips, and though it's not what Will was expecting, it is everything to him, but it's short lived as Mike pulls back slowly just a second later.

"I know," Mike repeats, as if the kiss wasn't enough to get his point across about knowing just how much Will loves him, and knowing what exactly Will means when he stares it.

Will stares at him, his eyes wide before he pulls Mike back toward him and is the one to kiss him this time, wrapping his hands around Mike's neck, wanting to be as close as possible. He's been waiting for this moment, and now it's finally here and he'd be damned if he let it go to waste. Will's hands quickly find their way into Mike's hair, his fingers running through every curl. Mike keeps his one hand on Will's cheek, partially cupping his jaw, the other one on the floor to keep them sitting up and steady. The kiss is sloppy, sure, but it's everything that Will has ever wanted in a kiss from Mike, because the way that Mike is kissing him back makes Will feel wanted, needed.

After a few minutes their lips part briefly and Will is about to go back in and kiss him again, but Mike doesn't let him, pulling back just a bit and letting a chuckle escape his lips as he looks at Will with so much passion. He takes his thumb and runs his over Will's lips, and Will takes a big gulp, the butterflies in his stomach only getting worse, and he can't believe that he actually had the guts just now to kiss Mike Wheeler.

"Don't forget to breathe, babe," Mike whispers, but the way he says it? Will feels like he might pass out.

And then, with one last kiss on Will's cheek, Mike stands up puts the cigarette out in the ashtray, looking down at Will, a smile appearing on his face and a little bit of laughter escaping his lips. If Will could guess, he'd say he probably looks like a deer lost in headlights, because he's just staring at Mike, because up until now, he never really noticed just how tall Mike is. Will clears his throat, moving so he's sitting with his back to the seat again, leaning forward and messing with the ground, but Mike isn't having it.

Mike gets back down on the floor, crawling over to Will and laying on his back, looking up at him with a sly smile. He places a hand on the back of Will's neck, pulling him down and kissing him once again, and despite it already having happened twice, Will still can't believe that it's happening. It's a short kiss, and it's slow, and when Mike lets go he has the same smile on his face that he had before, and that's when Will realizes that Mike is teasing him. Will's flustered face only gets more flushed, and he looks away from Mike, lifting his head up and looking to the side. Mike sits up then, grabbing Will's face in his fingers by his jaw, turning him to look at him. Their eyes meet, and Will can't look away anymore. He's completely encapsulated by the look that Mike is giving him.

Mike pulls Will's face toward him, kissing him open-mouthed and rough, and that's how Will knows that it's not just the weed anymore, because he knows Mike, and so he knows that Mike has never kissed anyone like this before. Will's hands find their way into Mike's curls once again, something he's quickly become obsessed with. He pulls at the hair at the nape of Mike's neck, leading to Mike beginning to leave a trail of kisses along Will's jaw to the spot just under under his ear. Will leans his head against the back of the seat, wanting desperately for his lips to be back on Mike's again, but loving what Mike is doing far too much for him to say anything.

"I'm not gonna wake them up. Don't worry, man," a voice says, and then the trunk of the van is opened.

Mike quickly stops what he's doing, his lips pulling off of Will's skin as his head falls embarrassingly into Will's neck, an attempt at hiding from who's just interrupted their moment. Will, glances down at Mike before looking back at Argyle, trying to think of something to say that would explain why they were sitting in those positions and why Mike was so engrossed in Will's neck, of all things, because it wasn't normal for best friends to be doing what they were doing. But they weren't just best friends anymore, were they? They couldn't possibly be. Not after that.

"Nice," Argyle says, climbing into the van and grabbing his bong.

"W–what?" Will asks, confusion washing over him.

"Little Byers has finally found himself a lover," Argyle says, hopping out of the van and closing the trunk.

Once he's sure Argyle is gone, Will lifts up Mike's head, to which Mike raises an eyebrow, clear that he was barely even listening to a thing that was just said. Will bursts into laughter, tackling Mike to the floor of the van and rolling over onto his back. Mike laughs, too, Will's laughter being that contagious that, if you heard a single second of it, you'd be laughing too.

"What?" Mike asks, still unbelievably confused, and still laughing.

"How is he always stoned?"

And once again, they're laughing like maniacs, both of them quickly having forgotten that anything even happened.

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