Reconnection

could you PLEASE write a neteyam fic based on the t swizzle song right where you left me 🙏🙏

here you go! hope you enjoy it ml 💌 @madelynsverse

Okay here me out so reader is friends with all of beta squad and Niko and chunks figures out she had a fat crush on Sharky and they start playing matchmaker for her

Matchmakers Extraordinaire - Sharky

When Niko and Chunkz discovers your crush on Sharky, they take it upon themselves to play matchmaker with chaotic, meddling schemes that somehow actually work.

Masterlist.

You've never been great at keeping secrets. At least not when Niko and Chunkz are involved. The two schmucks got this way of reading you like an open book and it doesn't help that they're nosy as hell.

It all starts at one of the usual Beta Squad hangouts, everyone sprawled out in the mansion's living room, arguing over which takeaway to order. You're half-paying attention, mostly watching Sharky from the corner of your eye as he bickers with Kenny over the merits of chicken wings versus pizza.

You don't even notice that your eyes have been lingering a little too long until Niko's stupidly loud laugh startles you. 

"Oi! You tryna undress him with your eyes, or what?" Niko called out with a smug grin, mostly joking at first to get a reaction.

You felt your face flames up instantly. 

"What the hell are you talking about?" You shot back, trying to play it off but it's too late because you saw Chunkz is grinning like the cat that got the cream.

"Ohhhh, I see what's going on" Chunkz as he hummed, nudging Niko with his elbow. 

"Someone's got a little crush on Sharky, huh?" Chunkz added with a smug grin.

"I do not!" You said, too defensively and already feeling the need to disappear into the couch. 

"Yeah, right. You've been eyeing him like he's the last glass of water in the desert. Just admit it" Niko said as he gave you a look so skeptical it almost hurts. 

"You know what this means, right?" Chunkz said while he leans in, voice dropping conspiratorially. 

"What?" You said as you squint at him suspiciously. 

"Matchmaking duties. Don't worry, we've got you" Chunkz said while he grins, all too pleased with himself. 

"Please don't do anything weird--" You said, already feeling your stomach flips. 

"It's already too late" Niko cuts in, and you swear you can see gears turning in his head. 

"By next week, Sharky's gonna be confessing his undying love for you" Niko teased.

"You guys are ridiculous" You said as you rolled your eyes, even as your heart races. 

"Ridiculously good at this. Trust me" Chunkz said as he gave you a wink. 

And from that moment on, your peaceful existence is absolutely ruined. Niko and Chunkz take it upon themselves to set up every possible scenario with multiple trials to get you and Sharky alone together.

Trial number one: The "Accidental" Partner Switch

The Beta Squad decided to film another dumb challenge, some sort of cooking competition that requires partners. It's random as always, but somehow you end up paired with Sharky.

"Wait, I swear I was with Kenny a second ago" Sharky says, glancing around.

"Yeah, but then Kenny said he's got some, uh, chicken-related trauma---can't be around raw meat or something. So you and Y/N, congrats!" Niko said as he smirked, waving his hand dismissively. 

"Chicken-related trauma?" You said with a confused blink. 

"Very tragic. Anyway, you two have fun. Remember, cooperation is key. And, you know, flirting while you cook is always a plus" Chunkz said, backing Niko's ridiculous waffle while he nods solemnly. 

"Why are you always chatting nonsense?" You said but Sharky just laughed. 

"Am I?" Chunkz said while he grins before turning to fiddle with the camera but his wink in your direction doesn't go unnoticed.

Trial number two: The Party Push

It's another one of the chaotic house parties. You're about to make a beeline for the snacks when Chunkz pulls you aside.

"Yo, Sharky's been looking for you" Chunkz said randomly, as if he was talking about the weather.

"Why?" You said as your eyes widen, already getting weird sensations in your stomach. 

"I dunno. Maybe he wants to ask you to dance? Better find him quick, innit?" He shrugs, but there's a glint in his eyes that promised chaos. 

Before you can respond, Chunkz is already steering you toward the living room where Sharky's chatting with some randoms.

"Bruv, you're slacking. Y/N's right here, waiting for you" Niko said as he nudges Sharky hard enough to make him stumble a little. 

"Uh, hey. You wanna... wanna dance or something?" Sharky said as his eyes widen for a moment before keeping composure and he scratches the back of his neck awkwardly. 

"Sure, why not?" You said, with a real genuine smile.

Despite the feeling of being able to murder Chunkz along with Niko, but that awkwardly hopeful look on Sharky's face makes you nod. 

Trial number three: The "Trapped in a Room" Trick

"Can you grab the snacks from the guest room? Thanks!" Niko calls out.

You've barely taken two steps into the room before you hear the door shut behind you.

Turning around, you find Sharky on the other side of the door, looking just as confused. 

"Uh... you looking for snacks too?" Sharky said while awkwardly standing there with not a single coherent thought in his mind.

"Niko told me to come in here for them" You said as you raised an eyebrow. 

"Same... and now the door's locked" Sharky said then letting out a sigh once the sound of the door locking echoes. 

Your phone buzzes, and you glance down at the text from Niko.

"You're both locked in until you sort out your weird tension. You're welcome"

"I'm going to kill him" You said with a groan. 

"He's such a prick. But since we're stuck... might as well keep me entertained, yeah?" Sharky said as he just chuckled, leaning against the wall. 

His smile is charming enough to make you forget your irritation for a moment.

Trial number four: The Coffee Shop Conspiracy

You're running late to meet the boys at a cafe. When you arrive, it's just Sharky sitting there with an empty seat across from him.

"Where's everyone else?" you asked, sliding into the seat.

"Oh, they said they were on their way. You want something to drink?" Sharky said.

You nod, and Sharky goes up to order for you and that's when your phone pings. A notification from Chunkz.

"Slight change of plans. It's just you and Sharky today. Call it a date. Have fun! ;)"

Your eyes narrow at the screen but before you can even think about texting them a scathing reply, Sharky's back with your drink and that ridiculously endearing smile.

"Hope I got it right," Sharky said, passing the drink to you.

He did. 

Because of course he remembers.

"Yeah, you did" you said softly, cheeks warm. 

Trial number five: The Successful Set Up

You're not sure how, but somehow you ended up on a little day out with Sharky. Just the two of you.

It started with Niko messaging you, insisting that you had to check out the new rooftop arcade he found because "It's got your name written all over it" And then, of course, Chunkz somehow got Sharky to tag along with a suspiciously similar message.

It's all so obvious you can barely roll your eyes anymore but you're here and it's fun. More than fun, really. The games are great, the view is incredible and Sharky's competitive streak is so entertaining that you almost forget how hard you're crushing on him. Almost.

At some point, the two of you find yourselves sharing a booth at a small diner nearby, drinks in hand, and laughing about how badly Sharky's aim sucks at the basketball arcade game.

"I swear, those hoops were rigged" Sharky insists with a grin.

"Yeah, yeah, keep telling yourself that" You teased. 

"I've seen you trip over your own feet, so I don't think hand-eye coordination's your strong suit either" You added.

Sharky narrows his eyes at you, but it's playful, his smile never really fading. 

"Okay, that's fair. Maybe I'm just more of a thinker than a doer" Sharky said.

"Oh, sure. You just think really hard about missing shots" You said.

"You know, this was... nice. Just us" Sharky said with a laugh, leaning back in the booth, and for a second, his gaze lingers on you. 

The admission feels like a confession and you can't help but swallow nervously. 

"Yeah. It was" You said, feeling the tension rising between you two

His fingers drum against the table before he speaks again, eyes dropping to his drink like he's shy all of a sudden. 

"Would you... want to do this again? Like, just us?" Sharky said, looking at you with the same hopeful expression in his eyes that you can't seem to say no to.

Is he...?

No, he's definitely asking you out. 

"I'd like that" You said, barely keeping your voice steady. 

And his smile could probably light up the whole damn city.

The next time you're all hanging out, you try to keep things casual. Not that it matters because the second you step into the room with Sharky, you know Niko and Chunkz can smell the change.

You barely sit down before Niko's making obnoxious smooching noises and nudging Chunkz with his elbow. 

"Look at them! They're practically glowing. I told you our genius plan would work!" Niko said, vibrating with energy.

"Of course it worked. Who do you think you're talking to? Matchmaking extraordinaire, fam" Chunkz said as he leaned back with the most self-satisfied grin on his face.

"More like 'meddling pricks'" Sharky grumbles, but there's no heat to his words. In fact, he's smiling, too, even when he's pretending to be annoyed.

"You two are the most obvious schemers I've ever seen" You said as you shoved Niko's shoulder, groaning. 

"Obvious but effective" Chunkz counters smoothly. 

"And judging by the fact you two walked in looking all cozy, I'd say you should be thanking us" Chunkz added.

You exchange a glance with Sharky, and his eyes are twinkling with amusement. 

"You know what? Fine. You two get credit" You said.

"YES! That's all I needed. Now, invite me to the wedding, yeah?" Niko said teasingly with a laugh. 

"Okay, slow down, you're still on thin ice" You said with a laugh.

"You say that but you're the one who actually let our schemes work. You're welcome, by the way" Chunkz said as he shrugs. 

Maybe they are obnoxious and nosy and absolutely terrible at subtlety but they're also your friends and maybe, just maybe, they were right this time.

- end -

Hey my lovelies!! Miss me? HAAA

I'm sorry for ghosting you lot, I've been hella busy for monthss 

I hope y'all have an amazing day, absolute love and guidance.

As I said everytime, send in some request and ideas!!

Idc in my head the goal counted let’s just pretend one of the 3 were his

how it feels scrolling through the “x reader” tags during october as someone who doesn’t read smut

heyy! your jack fics are so cute, i love them!!

i was wondering if you could write a jack champion x actress!reader where they’re secretly dating and doing interviews (i was thinking something like the ‘avatar 2 cast spill their secrets in the tower of truth’ interview w him and bailey, if you’ve seen it) but there’s obviously something going on between them as they’re super cute and the media starts to speculate.

no worries if you can’t get to this, thank you !! 🤍🤍

𝐛𝐚𝐛𝐞?!

𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠(𝐬): 𝐣𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐱 𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬!𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫; 𝐣𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐱 𝐜𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫!𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫

𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐝 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭: 𝟑.𝟓𝐤

𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠(𝐬): 𝐦𝐲 𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐩𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐭 𝐛𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐮𝐧𝐧𝐲; 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐥𝐲, 𝐬𝐨 𝐛𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐦𝐞

𝐬𝐲𝐧𝐨𝐩𝐬𝐢𝐬: 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐣𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐝𝐨𝐞𝐬𝐧’𝐭 𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐩 𝐟𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐨𝐟𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐫𝐮𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐬

𝐚/𝐧: 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐬𝐨 𝐦𝐮𝐜𝐡 𝐚𝐧𝐨𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐫𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐭, 𝐢 𝐡𝐚𝐝 𝐬𝐮𝐜𝐡 𝐚 𝐟𝐮𝐧 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐰𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐭! 𝐝𝐨𝐞𝐬𝐧’𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰, 𝐢𝐬 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐲 𝐢𝐭

Avatar 2 Cast Spills Their Secrets In ‘The Tower of Truth’ | PopBuzz Meets

the video starts with a black screen and the simple words “upcoming” displayed in the middle, before cutting to a later section of the video. jack is seen swinging his legs and arms back and forth in a little rhythm while you chant, “go white boy! go white boy! go, go, go white boy,” beside him.

the video cuts again, this time displaying a “technical difficulties, please standby” screen before cutting back to the two of you.

“hi, i’m y/n l/n,” jack says as he waves into the camera.

“and i’m jack champion,” you respond, the video cutting for the third time.

“ok, for real this time. we have to be professionals,” jack clears his throat and puts on his best serious face. “hello, i’m jack champion.”

“and i’m y/n l/n here with my lovely costar to play the tower of of truth with popbuzz meets.”

“okay who should pull first,” jack mumbles, scoping the layout of the jenga tower out.

“you obviously,” you respond, ushering towards him, “y’know ladies first.”

pausing his actions, jack side eyes you before straightening his posture. “i’ll have you know, i’m the most gentlemanly gentleman there is,” he says in his best british accent while fixing an imaginary bow tie around his neck.

you pull your lips back and raise your eyebrows, scratching the back of your neck as you look anywhere but at jack. the editor adds cricket noises in post, only enhancing the situation’s awkwardness. jack eyes you again, you straightening your form and giving him your best smile.

“what’s that supposed to mean?”

“nothing jack, just get the video started.”

muttering a quick “fine” and rolling his eyes, jack pulls out the first block, reading its question.

“what were you doing the day you got the call to be in avatar 2,” jack reads, slapping the wooden block between his hands as he thinks of an answer.

“oh, oh i know. so i was with my mom in an uber when i— well technically she— got the call from the casting director. and like i remember being in the uber and wanting to scream but i couldn’t cause, y’know, i was in an uber—”

“take a shot every time he says ‘i was in an uber,” you interrupt, the video cutting to an edit of the amount of times he said the phrase.

“anyway,” jack drags out, eyeing you once more. “i remember being in an uber—”

“there goes another one,” you point out, the counter on the screen dinging again.

“hmph, i remember being in a moving vehicle that was not my own,” jack turns his body toward as he yells, pausing to stare you down, “when i got the call, and i wanted to scream so bad in there. but then we arrived at the hotel and i just screamed my head off and pigged out on ice cream.”

“what about you miss y/n? what were you doing when you got the call?”

“um…i was actually in the drive through line to popeyes when i got the call,” you spit out laughing, jack and the crew following suit.

“no, no, like i was in line at popeyes with my mom, and we were at the window when she got the call, and i just remember bawling as soon as i heard it. like the both of us were just full on crying. i think the lady who was working thought we were crazy because the look she gave us when she handed us our food was insane.”

putting the block on the top, jack ushers you forward, not before saying a quick, “ladies first.”

staring up at him, you slowly pull out a block from the bottom, turning it over to read its question.

“what was the last thing googled on your phone?”

jack whips out his phone from his back pocket, yelling “i know this one! i know this one!.”

“i can actually show you guys this,” the camera zooms in on his screen as he flips it to them. “the last thing i googled was henry cavill. totally not because of his strong…sexy… abs, y’know,” jack says, getting lost in thought.

“oh, i know why you looked that up,” you chortle.

“yeah, because of his abs, duh.”

“no,” you sigh, slapping your face. “remember him and jamie.”

“oh yeah! him and jamie flatters, our costar, kinda look alike.”

“yeah,” you mumble, “doesn’t help that they’re both british.”

“and handsome. really, handsome.”

“we get it jack, you have a crush on henry and jamie.”

“i. do. not,” jack yells in a deep voice before giggling like a school girl.

clearing his throat, jack fixes his collar before moving to pull the next block. moving to grab one in the middle, jack accidentally bumps into the table, almost knocking the entire tower down.

“oh my god jack,” you scream, hands flying to the tower for support. “the interview hasn’t even started and it’s almost over.”

“oops,” he says, turning the block on its side to read the question. “if you were to plan a heist, who would be the mastermind?”

“definitely not you.”

“yeah, definitely not me,” jack laughs, placing the block back onto the tower. “trinity bliss would definitely be the mastermind if it’s like out of the entire cast.”

“real, real. she definitely would, but if it’s like between us two, it’s definitely me,” you comment. “if you were the mastermind, you’d be like spongebob in that one episode.”

“oh the one where he’s like ‘put the money in the bag, put it in!” jack yells, turning his back towards the camera to imitate the popular clip.

“yessss! definitely would be like him.”

“yeah, i know. that’s why i’d be like the gatherer of gathering things.”

“the gatherer of gathering things? wow jack, you have such a way with words,” you sigh, mockingly batting your eyelashes at him.

“ok stop,” he frowns, “i mean like i’d be a henchman, y’know. like i’m tall, strong, can run fast. the full package deal baby.”

“i don’t know bout all that,” you whisper, moving to pull another block.

“say that again,” jack leans toward you, hand cuspsing his ear.

“what is your funniest memory with your castmates,” you speak, ignoring the demand from jack.

“mine’s probably the time y/n and i had like a two hour break in between scenes, and decided to take a nap together. then all of a sudden bailey and jamie decide that it’s a funny idea to come running in the trailer, screaming their heads off and pouring cups of water on us.”

“no cause i was so mad at them afterwards,” you say, laughing at the memory as you place the block on top of the others. “and it wasn’t just small cups of water, they were like this big.”

the screen stretches as you exaggerate your hands to show the size. jack laughs at your antics, nudging you with his shoulder to say your answer.

“oh yeah, ummm my favorite memory has to be the time when majority of the crew had half the day off, and we’ll all went out to eat.”

jack’s eyes widen as you retell the story, his hands waving in front of your face in an attempt to shut your mouth.

“jack stop! what are you doing,” you cry out in laughter, moving your face away from his hands. “like i was saying, we all went out to eat and jack sits next to me, and leans over—”

“no, no, no, don’t tell them,” jack frantically whispers, pulling on your arm to try to stop you from speaking. moving to his knees, his clasps his hands together, whispering out a quick, “please, y/n please.”

looking down at him, you raise your eyebrows before you mutter a quick, “are you done?”

jumping up, he holds his head down, bringing his hands in front of his torso. “yes ma’am.”

“i-”

“i’m sorry,” he rushes out, light pink blush covering his cheeks.

you stare at him for a few seconds, giving him a dirty look. “anywho, we’re sitting at the table and jack leans over to me and whispers ‘is that ketchup bottle real or fake?’ and i just start laughing because why would there be a fake display of ketchup on the table?”

“i don’t know,” jack whines, hiding his face in his hands. “for the aesthetics?”

“jack we were at a steakhouse.”

“well,” he sighs, flapping his arms against his thighs. “imma just pull the next one, okay? bereal, instagram, or tiktok.”

“tiktok,” the two of you say in unison before laughing.

“no but it’s honestly crazy how much i use tiktok,” jack breaths out, clutching onto his stomach.

“right! like sometimes jack and i will be sitting next to each other and we’ll still send tiktoks to each other.”

“and every response is like ‘real’ ‘same’ ‘me’ ‘us’ over and over,” jack adds.

“god i love us,” you sigh, the studio growing quiet before bursting with you and jack’s laughter.

“okay, okay c’mon jack,” you chant, your eyes peering into his. “we have to be serious, grrrr.”

“what the—”

the screen cuts to black as the two of you continue to laugh and cry, a “take two” sign flashing on the screen before cutting back to normal.

“who would survive in a zombie apocalypse? definitely not me,” you quickly say as you read the prompt on the block.

“how come?”

“ummm,” you drag out, tapping your under finger on your chin, “como se dice… i’d be quickly taken out by my own means.”

the studio grows quiet as the meaning of your euphemism sinks in, a small cough being heard in the background.

“awww, don’t say that,” jack pulls you in for a hug, squeezing his arms around your frame. “i’ll use my big strong muscles to protect you.”

“my hero,” you hum, flapping your eyelashes at him.

his grip around you loosens as he pulls back to flex his arms, giving each bicep a kiss before winking at the camera. “no but like i feel like i’d be perfect at surviving in a zombie apocalypse, especially since i’m from virginia i’d be like dale from the walking dead. you need something? i’m your guy.”

jack quickly grabs the next building block, the tower wobbling at the force.

“what was the most surprising thing about filming avatar 2?”

“i’d say getting close to people and the family i feel i’ve gained from this. like i’ve definitely created relationships that’ll last a lifetime” you say, your eyes soft as you look up at jack

his soft expression matches yours as the deeper meaning to your answer fills his head. a smile creeps onto his face as his eyes study your features; the features he loved so much. jack tilts his head and furrows his eyebrows as you squint your eyes and point your head to the camera, trying to signal something to him. after repeating the action once more, it finally clicks what you’ve been trying to tell him.

he’d been staring at you for too long.

“no yeah, the relationships and bonds i’ve build are definitely special,” jack rushes out, looking directly into the camera. “would also say the most surprising thing was that the big actors who worked on the first film weren’t snotty and rude.”

“true, true,” you say, wagging your finger in agreeance.

“y’know cause it’s so easy to be like ‘where’s my coffee? raaaa!’ but no one was like that, and i really appreciate that,” jack finishes off before you take the next block.

“what was your most embarrassing fashion moment? i don’t really know,” you say.

“like when i was a kid, my mom would dress me in mix matching patterns and it was horrendous. like i’d been wearing zebra pants with a leopard print top, but i don’t know if that reallly counts as my most embarrassing fashionable moment since my mom technically picked out my outfit.”

“i don’t know, maybe your mom was going for the madagascar vibe,” jack mumbles, shrugging his shoulders as you glare at him.

“y’know what, i wanna hear what your most embarrassing fashion moment was like.”

“actually,” jack bounces on his tippy toes and points his index finger in the air, mocking the stereotypical nerd. “i’ve been quite fashionable my entire life.”

“i’m done,” you groan, placing the block back into the tower before walking off. “i can’t with you jack, i can’t!”

“i’m sorry, i’m sorry,” he laughs, pulling you back with ease. “if i’m being honest, I just can’t think of an embarrassing fashion moment.”

“hmph, oh well! pull the next one jackie,” you shrug.

following your orders, he does just that, reading the message taped to the bottom.

“dream karaoke song? hmmm that’s a tough one.”

“september,” you shout, “by earth wind and fire.”

“oooo yes,” he exclaims, snapping his fingers at you. “o-or better yet, let’s groove.”

“those songs are so you to be honest,” you chortle, humming as you try to decide what your song would be.

“ummm, if i had to choose a song, it’d probably be i have nothing by whitney houston.”

“but don’t make me close one more door,” jack belts out, singing into his hand like a microphone.

“i don’t wanna hurt anymore,” you finish, matching his dramatic energy.

“r.i.p whitney,” you frown, jack pulling out the next block.

“who had the best chat up lines?”

“chat up lines,” you laugh, “what the hell is that?”

“it means pick up lines,” the producer on the side lines comments.

“we’re in england love,” jack says in his best british accent, thonking you in the head with the wooden block, “get with the times.”

“my bad, my bad,” you whine, rubbing the spot he smacked.

“ooooo. okay, okay. i got one,” jack jumps, turning his body towards you. “ahem. one a scale of one to ten, you’re a nine ‘cause i’m the one you need.”

“okay, okay,” you laugh, giving jack a little clap. “i honestly thought you were gonna go with the tennessee pick up line.”

“i was, but then i thought let me switch it up and be creative.”

“thank god,” you yell, “i probably would’ve slapped you if you did.”

“what about you y/n? what’s your best chat up line?”

“i know the difference between your and you’re. cause you’re mine and i’m yours,” you say, dragging you finger up his chin before winking at him.

“unt unt,” jack laughing, waving his hand in front of his face. “never do that again.”

“what’s the last picture in your camera roll,” you ask as you grab yet another block.

the two of you catch each others glance before bursting out into laughter.

“okay wait, wait. before i show you, i wanna preface that we took these like right before we came on set,” jack cries, eyes filling with tears.

pulling out his phone, jack turns it toward the camera, showing the audience his latest photo. the picture displayed you staring up at the camera in .5 mode, your nose and forehead talking up most of the space.

“stop jack, it looks so bad,” you whine, hiding your face in his arm.

“no, no show them the one you took of me.”

sighing in agreement, you turn your phone toward the camera, the picture you took of jack on full display. his curly hair was held back by his hand, and his tongue stuck out as he gave his best silly face to your camera.

“we’re just silly geese guys,” you mumble, jack laughing in agreement.

“who was your first celebrity crush,” jack asks, pulling another block after the two of you calmed down.

“probably shego from kim possible. either her or starfire.”

“real, real,” you hum. “i know he’s not my first celebrity crush, but like i had a hugeeee crush on him as a kid.”

“who?”

“ross lynch.”

“fair, fair,” jack hums.

“i mean austin monica moon? brady from teach beach movie? c’mon y’all,” you humph, slapping your arms against your thighs.

“broooo, teen beach movie is so good!!! we need to watch it sometime,” jack comments.

“right? don’t stop, stop the music,” you sing, carrying out the choreography to the famous song.

“show us your party trick,” you say, pulling out the second to last block.

placing the block down, you turn to see jack swinging his legs and arms back and forth while snapping his fingers.

“go white boy, go white boy. go, go, go white boy,” you cheer on as you start to raise the roof.

jack laughs at your dance, stopping his own as he turns to you for you answer.

“i don’t know if i have a party trick,” you frown.

“you play the ukulele,” jack points out as he tries to come up with one for you.

“yeah, but i don’t know if only knowing how to play the campfire song song by spongebob counts as a party trick.”

“yeah well it makes for a fun party.”

“thank you, jack,” you pat his back as you hold your head down. “thank you.”

“this is the last block,” the producer cuts in as you go to grab another.

“wait because of time,” jack asks, eyes brightening.

“yeah,” the producer mumbles.

“let’s go,” the two of you jump, dapping each other up.

“wait,” you stop, jack stopping with you. “i feel like this should be in like some sort of hall of fame. like we timed them out. how many people you know have lasted this long?”

“none,” jack finishes before turning towards the decrepit tower.

“okay, okay, you wanna pull the last one together?” jack asks.

nodding, you scoot closer to him, your body pressed against the side of his as you try to grab onto the last block. on the last count of three, the two of you quickly swipe out the block, causing the entire tower to fall.

“compliment your castmate,” the two of you say together before throwing the block on the ground.

“you give off such himbo pinterest tiktok boyfriend vibes and i love that for you,” you say, nodding your head as you stare at your costar.

“i have no idea what any of that meant.”

“y’know, like you’re tall, sweet, respectful, charming, strong, kinda dumb, but super smart.”

“omg stahp,” jack says in a valley girl accent, giggling to himself before bending down and whispering a quick, “keep going.”

“generous, humble, funny, handsome, i could go on and on,” you smile, eyes holding jack’s gaze. “but no, yeah, you’re all around a great person, and i’m glad i met you through the film.”

smiling down at you, jack starts, “you’re honestly such a great person y/n. you’re so kind and wise, and i really appreciate that i can go from having a deep intellectual conversation with you,” jack says, his voice lowering, “ to being silly and crazy,” jack raises his voice to a squeaky pitch, “and you’d match my energy no matter what. i’m also glad we met through the film.”

you smile widens, time seeming to stop as you bask in each other's presence. snapping out of your small trance, you turn towards the camera saying, “a film you guys should watch in theaters.”

“yeah,” jack yells, pumping up his fist. “go watch avatar: the way of water. woo!”

looking around the two of you, you take in just how many blocks fell on the floor and puddled at your feet.

“ugh, now we gotta clean all this up,” you groan, bending down and grabbing a handful.

“don’t worry, i’ll help you,” jack mumbles, squatting down and picking up some blocks himself.

“thanks babe.”

and with that, the video ends.

_________________________________________________

jackchampionsgirl • 1w ago

I’M SORRY??? BABE?!?!?! THERE’S NO WAY NOTHING’S GOING ON BETWEEN THEM

↳ user38495748 • 1w ago

RIGHT!!! I THOUGHT I WAS THE ONLY ONE WHO CAUGHT THAT!

↳ therealchampion • 5d ago

y’all chill out 🙄 y/n literally calls everyone babe/love

rebbeca smith • 6d ago

THEIR CHEMISTRY, I CAN’T 😭😭😭

babysharkdodo • 1w ago

I NEED ME SOMEONE WHO LOOKS AT ME THE WAY JACK AND Y/N LOOK AT EACH OTHER!!!

↳ ethanlandrysbaby • 3d ago

REAL!!! LIKE I DONT KNOW HOW MUCH MORE OF THIS I CAN TAKE 😭😭

user947463936 • 4d ago

ummmm? so is no one gonna comment on the fact that jack LITERALLY got on his knees for y/n?

areyoulostbabygorl45 • 2d ago

it’s so weird seeing jack and y/n on the big screen cause we’re literally the same age and it’s like damn 😔 what am I doing wrong with my life

icespiceforlife • 1d ago

not jack giving ice spice a run for her money with them eyes rolls 💀

↳ sam & tara • 1d ago

RIGHT! Like he’s SO sassy

chadmeeksmartinsbae • 4d ago

they knew what they were doing by asking them them questions, ESPECIALLY the last one

↳ meandyourdaughter • 2d ago

‼️‼️‼️ I’m sorry but if you still think jack and y/n are “just friends” after watching this interview, you’re dumb asl 💀

Ⓒ 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐠𝐢𝐫𝐥 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟑

𝐚/𝐧: 𝐚𝐡𝐡𝐡𝐡!!! 𝐢 𝐡𝐚𝐝 𝐬𝐨 𝐦𝐮𝐜𝐡 𝐟𝐮𝐧 𝐰𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬, 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐚𝐧𝐨𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐭 🫶🏾

𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭 (𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞 𝐚𝐝𝐝𝐞𝐝): @akali357 @luvvv-klo @emobtchshockedtimmah @millslover @val4him @ruegrys @msminutes @jayyyyyy @slatdown47 @kysdabii @panickedpeepee @laniissocool @bellstwd @champ1onsgirl @landrysgirl @sqarlettwitch @datrie @harrys17blacktat @dizzyscreams @iluvwomansblog @urmomlovesliyah @sebschrs @volturi-girl-imagines @iheartvanillamilkshakes @sebschrs @yassssssscnncn @aonungsgirlfriend @groovybailiffeggangel @urdarkestsecrets

this is for Trent girlies

A Little Salt, A Lotta Flirt - Chunkz

Summary: You're a special guest in ChefAsylum where you first met Darkest, Harry, and Chunkz.

Pairing: Chunkz x Reader

Genre: Fluff

Masterlist

You smile nervously at the camera as you step into the Footasylum kitchen. Your apron is tied, your ingredients are prepped, and your confidence is hanging on by a single, overcooked spaghetti strand.

You glance to the left.

Harry Pinero. Suave, tall, and he looks like he knows where the camera is at all times.

To the right?

Darkest. Mischievous smile, already sipping juice like he knows he's about to roast you within an inch of your life.

And in the middle...

Chunkz

May God have mercy on your soul.

He's smiling, dimples on full display, eyes locked on you like you're the actual main course. You immediately forget how to stand. 

Do legs bend? 

Are knees supposed to do this? 

Is this blood rushing to your face? 

Or did you just catch fire from the way he looked at you?

"Hi" You said.

Hi??? 

That's all you got???

Not "Hope you're hungry" or "Let's cook up some chemistry"?? 

Nah, just hi????

He leans back in his seat, eyes not leaving you for a second.

"You're looking like a whole Michelin star already" Chunkz said, voice smoother than the butter they have in store

Instant combustion.

You laugh awkwardly, a weird wheeze-cough hybrid that should honestly disqualify you from public life.

The kitchen lights were a little too bright. The cameras a little too close. Your nerves? Absolutely fried. You adjusted your clothes again for the third time, fidgeting with the strings like it was gonna save you.

As the camera started rolling, you heard laughter, the easy kind, the kind you always wished you could blend into.

And then, you heard him.

Chunkz's laugh, the very same rich, effortless, warm laugh. Like it belonged somewhere safe. Somewhere soft.

You peeked over your shoulder and instantly caught his eye. He was already looking at you. 

Not in a polite way. Not in a "Oh cool, new person" way. In a slow head-to-toe, bite-the-bottom-lip, lean-back-in-his-chair-because-he's-enjoying-the-view kinda way.

You looked away first. Obviously. You weren't built to survive that eye contact because what the fuck was that seriously? Who holds that eye contact for long and look really nonchalant about it like it was something normal for him?

"Alright! Today's special chef" Harry announced, gesturing to you. 

"--is gonna be cooking for these three legends!" Harry added.

Harry Pinero clapped once followed by Darkest and Chunkz beside him, sarcastic and loud. 

"Hope you can cook, man. Otherwise, this is gonna be a hostile environment" Harry said.

"Don't watch him. Just make sure my plate's bigger than his" Darkest said as he smiled over his drink. 

And Chunkz?

Chunkz didn't say anything at first.

Just gave you that slow, lopsided grin.

"You ready for me, yeah?" Chunkz said, calmly.

You blinked, having a moment of malfunctioning.

For you?

FOR YOU???

"What? I mean not specifically you" You said, pretending to focus on the cutting board.

"Of course" Chunkz said, chuckled under his breath. 

You fucked up the general knowledge question but somehow got a decent ingredients and you got to work, pretending not to feel the heat of three sets of eyes following every move you made.

The first five minutes were manageable. Until the knife slipped and a tomato went flying across the counter. To be fair, the knife was horror.

You gasped. Harry leaned over to Darkest, stage-whispering loud enough for everyone to hear.

"That tomato just filed for early retirement" Harry said, looking offended like he was the tomato itself.

Darkest choked on his water and Chunkz was just laughing, forehead resting against his hand like he couldn't believe what he was seeing.

"Don't worry" Chunkz said, his voice way too soft for this chaotic environment. 

"Everyone needs a little warming up" Chunkz added.

And then, looking you dead in the eye.

"I'm patient. So, take your time, beautiful" Chunkz said.

"Yeah, lost your mind" Darkest said next to him as he laughed.

You nearly dropped the knife next.

You pretend to be unbothered. Cool. Chill. Unfazed but your hands are shaking like you're about to defuse a bomb instead of stirring curry.

"Why you holding the spoon like that? It's not a microphone" Darkest said as he clocked it immediately.

"They're singing for help" Harry said, without missing a beat. 

You try to flip them off with your eyes. Doesn't work.

"Don't worry, I got you. I'll be your sous chef... or your husband. Whichever works" Chunkz  said softly and grins. 

WHO ALLOWED HIM TO SAY THAT???

"Oh my god, he's actually moving mad" Harry said, gasping dramatically as he low-key smacked Darkest.

You dropped the spoon, It clangs like it's exposing you.

You are now operating on auto-pilot. You can feel him watching as you cook, which is fantastic because nothing says sexy like stress-sweating while chopping onions.

Then he appears next to you. Like... right next to you.

Did he teleport?? 

How did he get there so fast?? 

When did the laws of physics stop applying to him??

"Need a hand?" he asked, moving to your side without waiting for an answer. His shoulder brushed yours, just enough for you to feel the heat.

You tried to focus on the pan, you tried so hard.

Sir.

Sir, you might need a therapy.

"That smells nice" Chunkz murmurs, eyes flicking to your face.

"And the food's decent too" Chunkz added as he leaned down, pretending to inspect your work.

"Seasoning's good" Chunkz said lowly, so only you could hear.

"But you're looking better" Chunkz added.

You whipped your head around to glare at him, scandalized but he was already smirking, knowing exactly what he was doing.

HE NEEDS TO BE STOPPED.

YOU ARE BLUSHING SO HARD YOU MIGHT COOK YOURSELF.

Darkest caught it.

"God forbid you let them cook in peace, bruv" Darkest called out.

"Man's tryna be the side dish" Darkest added with a laugh.

"Don't worry about me, man" Chunkz said with a smug smile.

When you finally started putting the dish together. Slightly less clumsily because your inner monologue has officially left the building.

When the food was finally plated, you wiped your hands on your apron, heart hammering.

Eventually, food gets made. Somehow.

Plated, served, looking halfway edible.

You step back, breathing like you just ran a marathon.

This was it, judgement day.

Darkest took the first bite. Chewed thoughtfully.

"Okay... okay..." Darkest said, nodding slowly. 

"This is edible, I'm genuinely shocked" Darkest added.

"Don't even try it, this is nice" Harry said as he shoved him playfully. 

They argued for a bit, in the way guys do when they don't know how to give real compliments.

But Chunkz? Chunkz just watched you, swirling his fork lazily through his food without taking a bite yet.

You raised an eyebrow.

"You scared?" You teased, finally feeling a little bit brave.

Chunkz grinned.

"Nah" Chunkz said, leaning forward on his elbows, gaze heavy. 

"Just savoring the view before I tuck in" Chunkz added.

You blinked.

"Oh no, get him a leash" Darkest said as he coughed violently into his napkin. 

"Signing his life away, mad" Harry said as he just shook his head, pretending to fill out imaginary marriage papers on his plate. 

Chunkz just stared at you, fork swirling dramatically through the rice.

"I haven't even tried it yet" Chunkz said.

"I'm still full from watching you all day" Chunkz added.

EXCUSE. ME.

You choked on air. 

"Someone take his mic, man" Darkest mutters 

"Man's flirting like he's trying to get tax benefits" Harry said as he grabs his phone like he's live-tweeting. 

Chunkz shrugs, still looking at you.

"I'm just saying" Chunkz said, softer now. 

"You walk into the kitchen looking like that, of course I'm hungry" Chunkz added.

Your brain went. blown fuse. rebooting. system not found.

But for once, they didn't shout. They didn't ruin it. They just let you two... sit there. Eyes locked. Playing with fire.

Chunkz finally lifted his fork, took a bite and let out a noise that made your entire soul combust.

"Yeah" Chunkz said, eyes twinkling. 

"You're dangerous" Chunkz added. 

After filming wrapped and the cameras stopped rolling. The crew packed up. You're pretending to clean just to delay leaving. Harry and Darkest wandered off somewhere, giving you a suspicious amount of space.

You lingered by the counter, pretending to tidy up. Chunkz came up behind you, close enough to feel the warmth of his body but not quite touching but it felt like personal space is now a myth

"You did good" Chunkz said.

"Real good, impressed me" Chunkz added.

"Thanks, you weren't too bad at... distracting me" You said with a smile, looking down.

"Let me make it up to you then" Chunkz said as he let out a small smile.

"You free after this?" Chunkz asked casually, almost too casual.

"Depends, why?" You said as you glanced over your shoulder, heart stuttering.

"Thinking maybe... we skip the cameras next time. You cook for me proper, no distractions" Chunkz said as he shrugged, smiling like he already knew the answer.

You tried to play it cool. Tried so hard but you turned too fast and bumped into him.

And he didn't move back. He just stood there. Close enough that you could smell the faint trace of his cologne, something fresh and warm and way too unfair.

"You down?" Chunkz asked again, voice low.

"Depends" You said, pretending to think. 

"You still gonna flirt with me the whole time?" You asked with a genuine smile.

"Babe, if you think this was flirting.." Chunkz said, stepping closer, voice dropping

"Wait until there's no cameras" Chunkz said as his grin returned, wider this time.

You swallowed hard. 

 He pulled out his phone, tapping it against your arm. 

"Put your number in, I'll send you a proper invite. Dress code.. cute aprons only" Chunkz said.

 You laughed, taking the phone. Chunkz grinned, slow and real.

"You bringing the same game you brought today?" You asked teasingly.

"Better" Chunkz said. 

"Tonight, I'm bringing dessert too" Chunkz added pointing to himself with a smirk.

You were seconds away from saying something stupid like "YES I WILL BEAR YOUR CHILDREN" instead you blacked out. Emotionally. Spiritually. Thermally.

You nodded, weakly. Because speech has abandoned you.

You knew exactly what he meant and when he brushed his fingers lightly against yours like casual and like it didn't mean anything, you knew you were completely finished.

- end -

Hello lovelies!!! Actually? No notes today, just the same reminder.

I hope y'all have an amazing day, absolute love and guidance.

As I said everytime, send in some request and ideas!!

illusion [ethan landry x reader]

requests for ethan are open!

pre - ghostface / no ghostface alternate! no spoilers for scream 6!

pairing: ethan landry x gender neutral reader

notes: enemies/academic rivals to lovers trope <3__<3, not proofread, this is almost 10k words,,

"Pop quiz."

The key words that sent the classroom of college students into despair as soon as they left the professor's mouth. The unpreparedness of the young adults was gauged by the groans and soft curses that followed the announcement before quiet fell upon the classroom, only the sounds of keys clacking and frustrated pens tapping heard against the silence. You were ready despite the surprise, having taken detailed notes and studied over them without the knowledge or pressure of a quiz.

The inability to change their fates led to complaints mumbled all around you. You listened intently to the grievances, realizing that the only ones who remained quiet in the sea of traveling whispers were you and the antagonist of your life - Ethan Landry.

There was an unspoken competition between you and Ethan that neither of you verbally acknowledged but were both acutely aware of. It was a race to see who scored better most often, carefully kept up with by your classmate. You were vaguely aware of the lack of supporters on your side, the overwhelming majority rooting for Ethan. The way Ethan rallied people effortlessly while you sat in silence each class fueled your anger, each whisper and laugh from behind you making your heart thump.

Usually, you were on par with Ethan despite your lack of fans, but math was always a tough subject; a few simple mistakes have led to your downfall. You devoted hours to secure your place as a top performer - time and effort you were positive Ethan didn't match. His smiles were too easy, body too relaxed throughout each grade returned. Ethan was overconfident and you wished for nothing more than for his arrogance to bite him in the ass one day.

You didn't allow yourself to view your score after you submitted your quiz, moving out of the tab without a peek. Your desire to find out Ethan's score before yours became a routine of staying in your seat until the whispers behind you revealed what you wanted to know. Knowing Ethan's score first intensified either the satisfaction or disappointment you would feel upon viewing your own score. Pretty soon, beating Ethan had become your biggest motivation. You measured your value through these constant comparisons, for you were worthless when you stood on your own.

A storm of whispers began once someone peeked at Ethan's screen. It didn't take long for the voices to move toward your area from its origin in the row behind you, hushed voices repeating the words "failed" and "30." You rolled the information over in your hear; if Ethan had scored 30 points, he didn't do that poorly, but a 30%? He had to be upset over a 30/35; there wasn't a chance that Ethan Landry could've made a 30%. The absurdity made you shake your head and smile. The whispers stopped suddenly as a laptop shut with too much force and shuffling sounds followed. You turned your head slightly to see Ethan walk out of the room, unable to figure him out.

By the time you gathered your things and stepped out into the empty hallway, Ethan was long gone.

「 ... 」

The next time you were forced into the same room as Ethan Landry was Thursday. Class ended but you were stuck to your seat, copious notes filling the pages of your notebook. They were not neat; those would be created in the library while the information was fresh. You picked up after yourself quickly; students flocked to the library in waves at this hour.

-

Ethan waited until class was officially over before moving out of his seat, feet feeling unusually heavy in his slow strides toward you. It didn't take him long to reach you, considering he was seated behind you, but he delayed reaching his destination as much as he could. He stood a few feet away from where you were, quickly shoving your things into your bag. He thought you'd be more organized.

As Ethan stood in your vicinity, he had shamelessly assumed you'd notice him without him having to utter a word to you.

Ethan's opinion of you changed drastically during the class; in the beginning, Ethan Landry thought you were gorgeous.

It wasn't long before Ethan realized you were a hard worker too and he wondered how someone could be so perfect. But you were everything he wasn't and Ethan Landry was not good at romance so he gave up on the insane idea of ever speaking to you.

His biggest mistake was sitting so close to you, his nerves controlling him for the better part of those first few weeks. This nervousness when it came to anything related to you was obvious when his face dropped the second he glanced at you or accidentally made eye contact; it was obvious when he would quickly turn his head away whenever you came near. You'd never spoken to him and he'd rather keep it that way - Ethan didn't know what horrific things would leave his mouth in your presence.

These developments only fueled your dislike for Ethan. All you could find yourself doing was complaining about Ethan with more frequency to the point your best friend was tired of you, this close to making an Ethan Jar where you'd put money in any time you talked about him.

Ethan wasn't sure when his feelings toward you changed - perhaps it was the intimidating aura that surrounded you, which quickly crushed any fantasy he had of acquainting himself with you. The fear that you were an awful person overtook everything else and was supported by your refusal to help the classmates around you that were clearly struggling in the class, the uninterested and cold looks you gave out burned into the back of his brain. Despite his hesitancy to accept it, Ethan was starting to believe that you had some sort of superiority complex over everyone else.

Yet here he was, about to find out how accurate his suspicions were as he begged for your help.

You didn't acknowledge Ethan as you continued packing up your things. Giving you the benefit of the doubt, Ethan called out your name.

You didn't answer.

Were you seriously ignoring him?

Ethan was growing annoyed now, eyebrows furrowing as he tried to understand your behavior. How could a person be so rude?

"Holy shit!" Your voice rang loud in the empty classroom and Ethan jumped at the sound. You mirrored the action, hand on your chest in shock. You hadn't realized he was there.

You took your earbuds out and watched curiously as a bright red flush passed over Ethan's face.

Oh.

"Did you... need something?" You tried to keep your distaste for Ethan out of your voice, confusion and curiosity keeping you from walking away.

"Yeah... I mean, no," Ethan's confidence faltered from his mistake and he suddenly remembered how beginning-of-the-year Ethan would've never dared to do this.

"O...kay?" You were starting to get weirded out now, your contempt for the boy in front of you becoming more apparent by the second. You moved past him, sighing in irritation as you tapped your phone screen for the time; the library would be booked by now.

You began the route to the library regardless, knowing you wouldn't get any work done in the cramped space you shared with your messy roommate.

You hadn't realized or, more accurately, didn't want to assume Ethan was following you until you had been walking for a while and the heavier thud of a pair of footsteps didn't fade or falter. You stopped and turned around, even more annoyed now.

"What?" You demanded expectedly.

Ethan bit back his pride and irritation. "I do. Actually need something."

You couldn't help the roll of your eyes and the tone of your voice. "I asked you - "

"Yeah, I know," Ethan snapped back.

Kittens. Puppies. Rainbows. You took a deep breath, calming the bubbling exasperation in your throat.

"What is it that you need, Ethan?"

A jolt ran through Ethan and struck him speechless as he realized that was the first time he'd ever heard his name leave your mouth. It was -

"Seriously?" Your arms were crossed, unimpressed and frustrated. Every second that you wasted entertaining Ethan was another seat lost in the library.

"I failed the pop quiz. Like... failed," Ethan confessed without a bite in his voice, causing your arms to drop to your sides in surprise.

"Oh," you said softly, suddenly feeling guilty that your nonverbal wish for his failure had come true.

"I didn't really understand the lesson, I guess," Ethan closed his eyes, attempting to swallow his pride for just another second. "So, can you help me? I know you're the only one who actually passed."

You briefly wondered how Ethan knew, considering no one was interested in peeking at your score like they were with Ethan and you'd made quick work of closing out of your score the second you received it.  

You didn't answer for a moment, debating on what you should do. You could laugh in his face and walk away. You could.

But you didn't.

"Come on," you turned back around as you replied, continuing the route you had been interrupted from following. "The library's probably packed."

「 ... 」

The severity of your situation over weighed the feeling of satisfaction that came with being right as you entered the overcrowded library, your favorite seat taken. You sighed as you scanned the library for a place you and Ethan could sit. The universe seemed to laugh at you when you realized the only available spot you'd both fit in was the tiniest couch in the room.

You grabbed Ethan's arm and dragged him over to the spot, trying to keep the flush on your face down as you took a seat, squeezing into the edge of the couch as much as you could. You were expressionless as Ethan took a hesitant seat next to you, tension in the air as the two of you tried to create as much space between the two of you as possible. It was counterproductive, considering each attempt brought you two uncomfortably closer. You finally cleared your throat, reaching for your bag and taking out your notes. You refrained from sighing as you flipped past your most recent ones - they would have to wait.

"So," your voice was low despite the secluded area you found yourselves in, landing on the lessons the pop quiz had focused on. The pages of orderly and precise notes surprised Ethan; you put more effort into those notes than Ethan had into anything. "Where do you wanna start?"

「 ... 」

The library was closing soon and the two of you gathered your things. You walked in front of Ethan, unsure of where he was going; but you didn't walk fast enough for him not to be able to catch up.

Ethan had no idea where you were going but you didn't stop him from walking with you, a sign he took as good.

The study session had gone well, but it frustrated him how well you taught him the material. When he didn't quite grasp something you switched it up and explained it differently until he did, recognizing his learning patterns and using them to try to help him as much as possible. He thought you'd be a pain in the ass about the whole thing and brag about how well you'd done compared to him. He expected you to beat you down while he was low but you remained civil, even showed him kindness and Ethan was slowly starting to think that maybe he didn't really know you.

Though something about your behavior bothered him. It wasn't like you were terrible at teaching difficult concepts to others. Of course, you didn't owe anyone anything, but wasn't it the polite thing to do? He'd always heard complaints from his classmates that you were unhelpful and the difference in the way you treated people fired something up in Ethan.

Ethan simply couldn't understand you and those unresolved feelings got him angry all over again.

He stopped walking just as you began wondering how long he'd trail you in silence for. You stopped too, turning to give him a curious glance.

“Why are you so mean?” He asked suddenly, brows furrowed in anger and confusion.

“Excuse me?” You scoffed, clearly offended. You'd just spent hours of your own time helping Ethan and he called you mean?

“To everyone else,” Ethan clarified. “Why don't you help people when they need? Do you think you're better than them or something? You ignore anyone who makes below an A?”

“Are you fucking joking?” You were as angry as Ethan was now, taking a heated step in his direction. “If you thought I was such an asshole, why'd you ask me for help?” You questioned rhetorically, interrupting Ethan as you saw him open his mouth. You felt abnormally hot, anger the only thing fueling you now. It was suddenly clear now and you could hear your heart pound in anger at Ethan's accusations. Like it was your fault no one approached you.

“Well, I’m sorry I don't insert myself when it's not my business. I can't read people's minds. Do you think anyone actually...” You took a breath as your voice shook with frustration. “No one fucking talks to me.” It was the sad truth of your situation; your classmates ignored you so you ignored them. You weren't one to strike up awkward conversations just for the sake of it.

Ethan’s anger melted away as his composure fell, just slightly. Regret washed over him as he realized, too late again, his mistake.

You wanted to say something else, to prove to him that it didn't bother you, but your embarrassment mixed with your anger in the worst way as you felt tears begin to sting your eyes. Don't cry in front of him, please, fuck.

You turned around swiftly, deciding it was better to get back to your dorm than continue making a fool of yourself. By the end of the night, you were only sure of one thing; you absolutely hated Ethan Landry.

「 ... 」

You hadn't expected Ethan to come up to you again, praying the embarrassment of his misjudgments would keep him away from you. You were right for a week or two, classes passing by with no contact with Ethan Landry except for accidental eye contact that flustered you both.

To think you had been beginning to warm up to him while studying. Maybe he wasn't so bad, you had been close to admitting defeat. You scoffed at that thought now. The only thing you hated more than arrogant people were people who couldn't form opinions on their own. Ethan had told you all you needed to know with the simple accusations he threw your way.

However, Ethan didn't stay away for long. The scene gave you deja vu; you were packing up your stuff when a figure approached and something in you knew it was Ethan. It was eerie how quiet he could be compared to how boisterous he usually was in class.

You ignored Ethan's quiet advances towards you on purpose this time, gathering your materials in a hurry. You moved too quickly, your notebook dropping and loose papers scattering all over the floor. Ethan dropped to the floor before you could protest, picking up the sheets. By the time you crouched down he had collected them all, neatly shaking them into a pile. Ethan tried for a smile as he handed the stack to you.

"Thanks," you muttered, collecting your things off the ground. Despite it all, you remained polite. The both of you stared at each other and you slung your bag onto your shoulder, its heaviness creating an ache where it rested. You two stood there a moment just like you had all those weeks ago, though this time there was a thick tension in the air, both of you unsure of what the other would say next.

"Could we..." Ethan gulped, nervousness evident in the way he tapped his shoulders nervously against the strap of his bag. "Could we talk? We could get something to eat, or a coffee, or just... talk?"

Your expression didn't falter from the cold stare you gave him, outwardly unresponsive to his words as you internally thought it over.

“You know, I'd really prefer it if we didn't," you responded coolly. "You're welcome never to speak to me again, though?" You made a move to continue forward and Ethan instinctively stepped closer.

“I'm sorry.” Ethan tried desperately, shoulders slumping and eyes pleading.

Maybe he did mean it, but you didn't want to accept it.You weren't sure what it mattered to him so much. He could've pretended you were the person he thought you were and moved on. After all, you'd barely given him, weren't giving him, any reason to believe otherwise.

“Sure.” You pushed past him. It was immature and you knew it, but you didn't stop yourself from doing it anyway.

Although there was something that bothered you about Ethan Landry, something different than before. You couldn't quite place your finger on what it was about him despite you rolling over all your conversations and interactions.

That conversation played over and over in your head. You could see it clearly every time; the way anger flayed Ethan's features and created cruel words to fall out of his mouth. The way the anger in you pooled and you did the same.

You remembered the way Ethan was consumed with regret. You only saw a portion of it, you were sure. A part of you knew it ran deeper than you'd ever be able to see and maybe even understand.

After another afternoon of thinking it over, you laid in bed and picked over each detail once again. There was a problem here, one that was hiding its solution from you. There was a missing piece, you were sure, a fatal flaw with the equation that kept you up all night. You sat up suddenly, as the awful realization hit you. You realized, with urgency, that you might've just become the world's biggest hypocrite.

「 ... 」

Ethan hadn't realized that his opinion of you was capable of changing. He maybe, definitely shouldn't have thought so little of you before he even spoke to you. He rolled over in bed each night, your voice echoing in his head. The hurt in your eyes, your guarded body language. Ethan had to do something.

He didn't need you to accept your apology. He didn't crave forgiveness. He just needed to know you. That had been the root of all his issues with you. He'd believed things without ever actually seeing them for himself, picking and choosing what supported his assumptions. Ethan never had the full story and that had been his biggest mistake.

Ethan spent the next few days with nothing but you on his mind, spending hours deciding on a course of action. He wasn't sure how you'd react given your last interaction. You had remained calm and composed but he knew you didn't like him. He didn't like him. Your response was entirely justified and Ethan knew, whatever the outcome was, he would accept it. If you truly never wanted to speak to him again, he would stay as far away from you as he could manage.

Ethan waited for you after class, relief washing over as he spotted you in the large crowd that had formed. He started walking backwards in front of you, forcing you to keep your attention on him.

"Before you tell me to go away," Ethan began, making sure your earbuds weren't in. You stopped walking suddenly and his heart dropped - but you reached out to grab him.

"Watch where you're going," you muttered, but there was no heat to it, motioning back to the person Ethan had almost bumped in to.

"Thanks." Ethan grinned at you, his excitement almost overflowing out of him.

"Do you have a second?" Ethan asked cautiously, glancing at your expression.

"You're already talking." You put your hands on your hips, a tiredness suddenly becoming evident as your face and shoulders fell.

Ethan had a sudden urge to reach out and comfort you, though he refrained.

"I came up with a really great idea. I promise it's a win-win," Ethan stopped to check your face, unrelenting eyes staring back at him.

"We hang out - " Ethan began and you rolled your eyes. "Three times. Just three. I get to know you. You get to bask in the fact that I'm wrong and you're right and call me an idiot?" Ethan's plan came out more like a question than a statement, his confidence dropping with your unimpressed demeanor.

"Why?" You asked suddenly and genuinely, unable to understand why Ethan Landry, out of all people, wanted to admit he was wrong.

"I..." Ethan held his bottom lip between his teeth nervously, rocking on his feet as he continued. "You're not the person I thought you were." He confessed honestly, hoping that his eyes revealed the truth.

You weren't sure why you agreed. It was a completely stupid idea. Maybe the loneliness of your limited social circle was catching up to you, or the weary glances everyone threw your way were beginning to sting. Perhaps if you realized Ethan was really as bad as you thought, you wouldn't have to feel so guilty about your hypocritical speculation. Maybe it was that part of you that wanted to change, to break the cycle of unrealistic comparisons and the high bar you held yourself to. Maybe if you came to the grand realization that you could be wrong sometimes, you could become just a little bit happier with yourself.

「 ... 」

Ethan, unsurprisingly, texted you first. You assumed he'd only use it to create plans, but his name popped up on your screen with increasing frequency.

you

this wasnt part of the deal.

ethan

we never set any rules about texting...

:|>

you

wtf is that supposed to be?

ethan

... im sticking my tongue out at you?

you

?????

You shook your head at the strangest emoticon you'd seen, your screen slowly fading to black after you sent your reply. In your phone's reflection, you caught yourself smiling.

「 ... 」

Ethan wasted no time in creating plants, asking you if you were free that weekend. You were, and he thought it was "cool." You stared longer at the text than you should've, a little curious as to what he would plan.

Ethan caught up with you after class, graduating from sending friendly smiles and small waves to you from across the room. He fell into step with you, matching your shorter strides.

"I was thinking about what to do this weekend," Ethan began casually, as if the two of you hanging out was the most normal thing in the world. "How about the movies?" Ethan asked with a bright smile.

You laughed, a little taken aback as you saw Ethan's expression.

“No way.” You responded.

“What? Why?” Ethan's eyebrows furrowed in confusion.

“Are you kidding? You seriously don't know?” You asked in a bit of disbelief.

Ethan shook his head and you almost felt sorry that he was so clueless.

“When a guy asks someone to the movies, he usually wants to... you know...”

You watched as the realization hit Ethan, his eyes widening and his face reddening.

“Ohmygod, I didn't mean - “

Then you laughed. You truly, genuinely laughed at Ethan's expression and perhaps a bit at his expense. Despite this, Ethan's face transformed into a small smile and he let out a little laugh along with you.

“Ok, bad idea. We can watch a movie at my dorm?"

You gave Ethan a look, a light smile still lingering on your face. “Ethan. that's even worse.”

“Shit, sorry, let's just scrap the movie. Wanna get lunch?”

「 ... 」

The weekend came quickly and you found yourself looking forward to hanging out with Ethan. His texts were no longer getting on your nerves and you found yourself replying almost instantly each time, no matter what you were in the middle of doing.

Ethan waited outside your dorm building for you. He didn't have to but he did anyway, eyes lighting up as soon as he saw you.

"Lead the way." You smiled gently and despite his nod, Ethan walked next to you. He began talking, nervously at first, then you joined in here and there and eventually the two of you walked in comfortable conversation. It wasn't long before you reached your destination, a simple campus cafe with mediocre food but didn't require traveling out to the city.

The two of you walked up to the counter, ordering the best things the menu had to offer despite its limited options. Ethan went first, opting for a sandwich and a lemonade. He paid and moved out of the way for you. Once you confirmed your separate order with the worker, Ethan's hand hurried to try to tap his card against the screen. You looked at him quizzically as you placed a firm hand on his, trapping it against the counter. "What are you doing?" You seemed to ask him and he moved his hand away apologetically, neither of you wanting to argue. You paid for your meal - you would not be indebted to Ethan Landry.

The two of you sat near one of the giant windows that doubled as a wall for the cafe, allowing you to peer out and watch students walk by. You and Ethan sat across from each other and the silence that swallowed the two of you was awkward, a complete 180 from the easy-flowing conversation from earlier.

Ethan's eyes flickered from you to the window and back, fingers tapping nervously on the table. Although you couldn't see it directly, you knew his leg was bouncing from under the table, a habit you had picked up on.

It was up to you to start talking. You forced your eyes back to Ethan, offering him a resigning smile. Your eyes landed on his as your mouth opened to speak, but your words failed. The sun was shining just the right way on Ethan, rays of warm light creating a curious glint in his eyes. You'd thought they were a basic brown before but realized the depth of them now, the sun exposing the warmth in them. Ethan raised a hand to shield his eyes from the harsh light, eyes crinkling and nose scrunching. The sudden realization that Ethan was beautiful hit you suddenly and with urgency as if it were a revolutionary breakthrough you had to proclaim.

You cleared your throat and your mind and Ethan's hand dropped, moving to support his chin as he moved his focus from the sun to you.

"So, you like Star Wars?" You asked rather softly, wondering where to place the thought that had suddenly intruded your brain.

Ethan's eyes widened and he straightened. "How'd you know?"

You motioned downwards toward Ethan's Star Wars wallet, still resting on the table. Ethan's face visibly fired up as he grabbed his wallet and stuffed it into his pocket.

"Are you... a fan?" Ethan asked weakly.

"No way. I mean, the movies are so long and they get so boring. The entire thing is so confusing - I mean, no offense..." You trailed off, realizing that if Ethan owned a Star Wars wallet, Ethan probably really liked Star Wars.

And clearly, Ethan had taken offense.

"Well, first of all, the movies are not long and boring. The story itself is so intricate you have to pay close attention - but it's actually good. Plus, the first movie was super revolutionary and completely ahead of its time - "

You stifled a giggle as Ethan avidly attempted to defend his favorite franchise, hands flailing as he emphasized his points. You had never seen him so passionate.

"Hey, this is a very serious debate," Ethan said, although there was a widening smile on his face.

"No, no, you're right. Please keep going," you encouraged and Ethan rolled his eyes with a smile.

"What is your biggest issue with the franchise?"

"Hmmm..." You placed your hand on your chin, deep in thought. "I always fall asleep while trying to watch the movies."

Ethan leaned back with a sigh. "That is literally a you problem."

You laughed again, shaking your head. "No way. It's not my fault the movies are so boring I fall asleep."

"It totally is!" Ethan's eyebrows moved with the fluctuations of his voice, hands exasperatedly pointed at you while you continued laughing.

“I can't back down from this one. You're gonna have to admit you're wrong this time."

"Hey, I never said I was right," you countered. "I just told you what I thought."

"Well, you seem like you always want to be right. Are you?" Ethan's tone was gentle and curious, not condescending like you expected, seemingly wanting to know more.

Your shoulders rose in a small shrug as you thought the question over.

"I do want to be... it does feel nice," you answered decisively. "But I don't have to be. Sometimes you have to sacrifice it to keep the peace, you know?" That was a lesson you'd learned the hard way, the loud mouth you had during your childhood slowly giving way to a calmer, harder disposition.

"Yeah," Ethan said softly. "I get that." And something in his voice told you he really did.

「 ... 」

It wasn't long until Ethan became your personal Baader-Meinhof phenomenon, appearing with increasing frequency seemingly out of nowhere. You were greeted by the sight of him on your way to classes you didn't share, Ethan engaging in conversation with you until he was forced to let you go. You weren't aware that most of Ethan's classes were on the opposite side of campus - if he even had them at all.

Ethan's habit of walking you to class mixed with his recurring texts, his name popping up at the top of your screen multiple times a day.

Ethan had become an integral part of your routine. His texts would come in as soon as your classes ended, inquiring about how they went. The two of you would text until one of you wiped out (usually Ethan and usually before 10 p.m.).

You hung around until you spotted Ethan, hard to miss with his curly hair and his tall stature. The overcast day presaged the cold winter months that would soon reach their peak. You watched as his eyes scanned for you, face breaking out into a smile as soon as he spotted you. Your expression mirrored his as the two of you weaved between the bodies making up a small crowd until finally, you stood in front of each other.

"Hey," you greeted, lips stretching into an even wider smile.

"Hey." Ethan's teeth made an appearance as he rocked back and forth. Nervous habit. He had something to say, you could tell. However, you weren't going to force it out of him.

Even in the gray wash of light Ethan was radiant. He brought a warmth that took off the bite of the cold New York air.

The two of you began talking about anything, beginning the journey to your first class of the morning. Ethan's shoulders bumped yours as you walked, quickly approaching your destination.

Ethan took a breath as the two of you stopped just outside your classroom, turning his body to face you finally.

"So, I was thinking," Ethan started, carefully watching the changes in your expression.

"Woah, that's new," you teased as Ethan sighed cordially.

"Okay, now I don't feel bad for what I'm about to say," Ethan continued and your heart stammered anxiously. "Our next official hangout is watching Star Wars."

You groaned.

"Before you say anything, please keep in mind - I don't care." Ethan said proudly, watching as your expression contorting into one of displeasure while your shoulders sagged.

"You're the worst," you started, but Ethan just smiled, nodding for you to go on. "And I could totally overrule you. I can literally block you and never speak to you again."

Ethan's eyes widened and his mouth opened to say something. Did you take it too far?

"I'm kidding," you said quickly before embarrassment could stop you. "I will... give Star Wars another chance."

You turned away from Ethan in an attempt to hide the prominent flush on your cheeks, missing the way his cheeks lit up to match yours.

"Wait!" Ethan called before you could enter your class, which you were almost going to be late to. "Where are we gonna watch it?"

You turned around once again, giving him a curious glance as his face turned a bright red.

"You know... because of what you said last time?"

You stared at him for a second before you finally laughed, comprehending what he was referencing.

"Ethan, we can watch it at your dorm, it's fine. I trust you. I mean, as long as you don't mind?"

Ethan visibly gulped, his heart acting so wildly his chest was starting to hurt.

"No. No, I don't mind."

"Okay," you placed your hand on the door of your classroom, sending Ethan one last smile. "Text me," you said, as if he wouldn't have regardless.

「 ... 」

Ethan warned you that his shared dorm was small, but you didn't mind. Nothing could be as bad as yours.

Ethan's room was much more spacious than yours, considering he resided in a different building notoriously known for its larger spaces. Ethan and his roommate had a bathroom and a washer/dryer set right in their dorms along with a kitchen! To say you were jealous was an understatement - communal kitchens were your walking nightmare.

There was a lack of living room space, forcing you and Ethan to share his bed. He took a seat against the wall with his laptop and a variety of snacks respectfully placed between the two of you, creating a barrier you almost caught yourself wishing wasn't there. Ethan's roommate was the only thing missing from the picture, but you weren't curious enough to inquire; Ethan didn't mention him and you didn't weren't interested enough to care.

Ethan at least gave you the choice of starting the series with the first movie release-date wise or the first movie in the Star Wars time line. You didn't really know what that meant, so you chose what would hopefully be the less confusing one for you to grasp. You wondered, for a moment, if Ethan thought about watching the entire franchise with you. You wondered if you'd let him.

You took the time Ethan spent on loading up The Phantom Menace to look around his room, the distinction between his side and his roommate's made evident by Ethan's posters. They ranged from video games to movie posters and what you assumed were his favorite artists. You examined them carefully, trying to memorize each one. They seemed special, like a part of Ethan that you didn't know just yet.

Ethan tapped your shoulder softly, motioning towards his laptop screen, indicating the movie was ready to start. Ethan's smile was one of the most genuine you'd seen to date, parted lips showing off the perfect teeth that made you suspicious when he swore he'd never had braces. Some people are just born perfect.

No, you chided yourself, he's smiling this hard over Star Wars.

You laughed at your own thoughts. "You're such a nerd."

Ethan's smile faltered and panic took over your system. "I didn't mean - It's not bad -" You sighed in an attempt to compose yourself.

"It's cute." You stated finally, decisively, and Ethan's smile returned. He didn't say anything, which you were thankful for, instead pressing play on the movie. You could only hope the opening scene muffled the sound of your heart racing.

Star Wars wasn't as boring as you remembered, though you weren't sure how much of your excitement you could contribute to the actual movie when Ethan would make small comments every-so-often that would make you smile. Whether they were jokes, criticisms, or history about the scene, each one left you craving the sound of Ethan's voice, low and steady, in your ear again.

You weren't sure how you ended up so close to Ethan but everything about the scene was lulling you to sleep: the scent of fresh laundry mixing with a scent on Ethan's skin you couldn't quite place. the warmth he radiated against the creeping cold of the night, his smooth voice whispering stupid pieces of information in your ear, especially the lullaby of a movie in the background.

You drifted off at some unknown time despite your efforts to fight the heavy weight of sleep. You'd really tried to stay up to watch the movie in its entirety, to give it and Ethan's opinion of it a fighting chance, but your body wouldn't have it. Your head fell, finding a place on Ethan's shoulder rather uncomfortably considering his long torso. Ethan panicked for a moment once he realized the sudden weight on his shoulder was you, fast and peacefully asleep on him. It took him a few seconds to react as he sat there starting before he slumped down slowly, carefully guiding your head, trying to prevent you from straining your neck.

From what he could recall, there were about thirty minutes left of the movie. It was one of his favorite parts yet all Ethan could do was focus on your soft breaths and the way his heart pounded, hoping the loud thumping wouldn't wake you up.

The movie ended and Ethan's laptop joined you in sleep, leaving him stranded in the dark. He made no motion to move, however, choosing the ache that was starting to form in his back over disrupting your sleep. It was the most peaceful he'd ever seen you, so different from the witty comments you sent his way now that you two were... friends? 

Ethan wasn't sure what it was and he didn't want to think about it, considering it only came to be out of a stupid agreement. One that was almost up; only one more chance to be with you before the two of you either continued whatever you had going on or went your separate ways. For someone who strongly disliked you just a few weeks ago, Ethan suddenly had a hard time getting behind the idea of never speaking to you again. Never being close to you like this again.

Ethan sprang out of his thoughts as the door opened as loudly as it could've possibly sounded, breaking the soft silence that had encompassed the two of you. Chad's loud voice boomed throughout the small room - as if the door hadn't properly announced his arrival.

The sound woke you up and the presence of someone else jolted you away from Ethan as if you got caught doing something you shouldn't. Ethan's back was the only part of him that felt relieved, already missing the distinct scent of you.

"Shit, sorry, I didn't realize you had someone over," Chad said with a small laugh and Ethan tried his best not to be annoyed.

"I don't - It's not like that," Ethan insisted with a blush on his face as he shut his laptop.

"Yeah, sure," Chad sent you a wink and a small, awkward laugh escaped you. "I'm Chad."

You introduced yourself with a smile and Ethan couldn't help but glance between the two of you. Of course Chad had to be wearing one of his tightest shirts, one of the ones that showed off his array of bulging muscles. Ethan wondered if you preferred guys like him, a sudden urge to know your type bursting within him.

You checked your phone, a yawn interrupting you as you checked the time. "I should probably get back," you said to no one in particular, though your eyes were glancing at Ethan with a hopeful glance in your eyes.

"I'll walk you?" Ethan suggested, moving to get up off his bed.

You smiled and nodded and Ethan was relieved he'd finally gotten you right.

「 ... 」

"Sorry I fell asleep." You said sincerely on the walk back.

"Pfft. It's fine. You technically warned me."

"I promise I'll make it up to you."

"As long as it doesn't count towards our three hangouts." Ethan said it with a smile, yet it didn't quite reach his eyes.

"It'll be Hangout 2.5," you promised with a smile, though the thought of the end of your agreement with Ethan had been terrorizing you as much as it had him.

You were approaching your dorm now, the walk going by quicker than it would've without Ethan by your side; you suddenly wished you'd gotten assigned the furthest building from Ethan's.

"So, what'd you think of... Chad?" Ethan's words were slow yet sudden and in a tone you'd never heard him use before.

"Chad?" You asked, the information taking a moment before you realized you'd just met Chad less than 15 minutes ago. "Chad," you repeated, the name sounding strange on your tongue. "I think his name doesn't really suit him. He kind of looks like a James or something."

Ethan laughed, shaking his head at your comment.

"Why do you ask?"

"No reason."

You had a sneaking suspicion Ethan was lying, but lacked any solid evidence to back it up. Though his voice... it was different. Ethan either had a crush on you or had a crush on Chad. You could've believed the latter if Ethan spoke of his roommate more often and more fondly.

That only left one option: Ethan Landry had a crush on you.

It was a reach, you were sure. All the evidence against Ethan could be easily dismissed as him trying to get to know you, which he was. You shook the thought out of your head. There was no way he liked you.

But what if he did?

The two of you were stopped by your door now, Ethan waiting for your final comment of the night before making his way back. He looked at you with big eyes and a shy smile and you had the sudden urge to kiss him.

So you did.

Your lips made contact with Ethan's cheek, slowly and softly, inch by inch. You barely pressed your lips against his skin but you felt the effects immediately, face so warm it radiated. You pulled back and admired Ethan's embarrassed and partially confused smile.

"Thanks for walking me."

Ethan stood there, speechless, and you offered a final wave before opening the door and disappearing behind it.

Ethan stood there, speechless, as he processed what had just happened, if it was just a figment of his imagination.

He stayed there, speechless, as seconds ticked into minutes, confirming that yes, you had just kissed him goodnight.

Ethan's hand was glued to the spot on his cheek where your lips made contact with his cheek, fingertips ghosting over it in an attempt to replicate the feeling.

It was official. His grave was dug. Ethan Landry was totally fucked.

「 ... 」

You'd pretended like nothing had happened, unsure of how to deal with the consequences of your actions. There seemed to be no change in the nature of your relationship with Ethan and you weren't sure if you were grateful or not.

The next (and final) time Ethan invited you to hang out was his riskiest idea yet. He wanted you to travel into the city with him, something you'd always been too busy to do on your own. It was something you'd mentioned to him once or twice and you wondered if he only came up with the idea because of you.

Ethan was a self-proclaimed expert on the area immediately surrounding Blackmore's campus, challenging you to notify him of any cravings you had throughout the day, promising to fulfill your every wish.

He'd asked you to meet you at one of the local campus spots, a coffee shop to start off your adventure. Ethan was shocked when he learned you'd never visited it, insisting it was the best in the area despite its inconvenient location. You rolled your eyes but took his word for it.

You arrived at your destination early, basking in the warmth the small shop provided, sheltering you from the cold air outside. Perhaps it would be the perfect excuse to walk a little too close to Ethan today.

8:49 became 9:03 yet there was no sign of Ethan. It was strange, considering you two agreed on nine on the dot and Ethan was never late. Not when it came to you.

You tried to calm the beat of your heart with scrolling but the distraction didn't work for long. You kept swiping back to the message thread exchanged with Ethan, your message notifying Ethan of your arrival on... delivered.

He couldn't be ignoring you.

An hour passed and you sat in disbelief. You weren't sure why you waited, rifling for excuses that Ethan could possibly present. Excuses you'd accept in a heartbeat. One of the workers was starting to eye you and you were mortified. Ethan Landry had embarrassed you without even showing up.

Your confusion became anger as you picked up your stuff and walked out of the stupid shop, frustrated tears forming in your eyes. You were eerily reminded of that day with Ethan and you wondered with a cold laugh if this had been his plan all along.

Make you fall for him and then teach you a lesson? Did he get back to his room after you kissed him, laughing his head off? Was it that kiss that made him stand you up?

You wondered why you cared, before the agonizing realization that you cared about Ethan Landry struck you. You weren't sure when it happened or how you had allowed it to, but you guessed it didn't matter much now.

You were right about Ethan Landry.

Though, being right had never been so painful.

~

Your phone vibrated obnoxiously in your pocket and a feeling of dread overcame you as you turned it over. Ethan. The angry tears came back and you were far past accepting excuses. You'd left that idea in the shop, putting more distance between you and the last good things you thought of Ethan Landry with each quick stride.

You declined the call and it came in again and again, desperately. Your phone hovered over that red button, no longer giving Ethan a chance. You stopped walking, wiping your eyes as you clicked Ethan's contact. You had just begun furiously typing when you heard your name shouted distantly. Please, no.

Ethan was running towards you, dressed inappropriately for the weather. His hair was messy and his face was red. He gasped for breath once he reached you, his long legs aiding him in his goal while you stood there, unable to move.

“I'm so sorry, I fell asleep - “ Ethan's voice was deeper than usual, raspier. “It's not an excuse, and I'm sorry - “ Ethan stopped and turned to sneeze into the crook of his arm. He sneezed once, twice, three times. No wonder his voice sounded so different.

The coldness of your stature melted away with quick realization, though a hint of anger was still detectable in your voice.

“Jesus, Ethan, are you sick? You could've just told me.” You reached up to cup Ethan's face, pressing your hands against his cheeks and forehead. No fever, at least.

“I'm okay - “

“No, you're not.” The frustration was clear in your voice and Ethan decided it was best not to argue.

“I'm sorry.”

You sighed, taking off your jacket and throwing it around Ethan's shoulders, unsure of how effective the item would be. You wanted to sit there and scold him for coming out in cold weather with the lack of clothes he had on but the look in his eye told you it could wait. You took his hand and shoved it in your pocket as you led him back to where he came from, trying to make the walk back to his dorm quick. The trip with silent save for the occasional sniffles and sneezes, anger mixing with concern. You weren't sure what to feel, too many emotions overcoming you in too short of a time frame.

Ethan opened his dorm weakly, glancing at you as if expecting you to walk away. The rush of his departure was evident and only strengthened the feelings of guilt you carried for doubting Ethan. But what else were you supposed to think?

"Get changed," you ordered, looking disapprovingly at Ethan's current outfit.

You moved to the kitchen, searching for anything warm to make Ethan. He emerged from the bathroom in holiday pajamas, which you supposed where his warmest pair. Ethan folded up your jacket nervously, placing it on a stray table.

You forced him into bed, wrapping him up in as many layers as you could. You came over with a mug of tea, warning Ethan of its temperature before setting it down on his bedside table.

The silence was tense as you took a seat on the edge of Ethan's bed, both of you glancing at the other expectantly.

If Ethan was completely honest, he expected you to be angry. He could've taken more preventative measures to prevent what he'd done. The guilt at the thought of you sitting alone, waiting in vain for him made his chest hurt.

"I'm sorry," Ethan said with emotion cracking through his words.

"I'm not mad, Ethan," you shook your head, turning your body to face him properly.

"I would be. Or at least upset."

"Maybe I'm a little upset," you half-shrugged with a smile that warmed Ethan's heart.

Ethan laughed lightly, though the sweet sound became strained as his nose was blocked off completely, forcing Ethan to begin breathing through his mouth.

"Tissues?" You inquired, looking around the room to see if you could spot any.

"Don't have any," Ethan shook his head. "You should go, I don't want to get you sick." His voice, despite its hoarseness, was filled with sincerity.

You nodded your agreement and Ethan couldn't help but feel an ache as you walked out of his room.

~

You made the trek to the nearest convenience store, searching the aisles for anything Ethan may need. You went for the tissues and the medicine first, hesitating before you doubled back toward the snack aisle.

However, your plan wasn't exactly thought through. You stood, stumped, in front of Ethan's dorm with no way of getting it open.

Your solution walked up to you in jeans and a hoodie, the curious gaze of Chad inspecting the bags of groceries in your arms.

"Ethan's sick," you explained and the concern on Chad's face grew.

"With what?" Chad opened the door for the two of you, allowing you to step inside first.

"I think it's just a cold." You entered gratefully, setting the bags down on the small, shared kitchen counter. You glanced back at Chad, who was looking over Ethan while keeping his distance as much as he could.

Ethan had become one with his blankets, rolled over against the wall. At least he was getting some rest.

"Here, let me help you with that," Chad offered, observing the way you struggled to find the correct places for each item.

You thanked him, setting aside a box of tissues and some medicine for Ethan once he woke up.

"So," Chad began and although you barely knew him, the teasing tone of his voice made you suspicious of what he would say next. "You and Ethan?"

You couldn't tell if it was a question or a statement or an invitation to let Chad in on something he was missing.

"We're just friends," you insisted despite the warmth of your cheeks and the smile fighting its way onto your face.

"Just friends don't look at each other like that."

You could've brought up the fact that Chad had barely even seen you and Ethan interact but you knew there was no point in arguing. A part of you didn't want to, anyways.

"Do you like him? Honestly?" You weren't sure which inflection gave it away; Chad cared for Ethan despite the distance in their relationship. Learning to live together had done them a favor, after all.

"I do," you confessed quietly, a part of you wondering why you'd done it to essentially a complete stranger.

Chad just smiled, a wide one that only solidified your earlier theory.

"I think he does too."

You shrugged despite yourself, the cycle of your memories occasionally bringing up the beginning of your relationship with Ethan Landry despite how much you'd grown from then.

"You should go," you began after a few moments of silence. "I can take care of him."

Chad complied easily, commenting that he had work to get done anyway. You suspected it was a lie.

There was movement from Ethan's bed and you moved towards its source, bottle of medicine and tissues in hand.

Ethan was suddenly awake now, pink cheeks grinning like he had just won the lottery.

"Are you that excited about tissues...?" You wondered out loud with a small, nervous laugh.

"Chad was right," Ethan blurted and terror struck you as you realized he heard.

"I do like you."

Emotions hit you one after the other, disbelief the most prominent of all.

"I thought you were asleep."

"I'm really glad I wasn't."

"Asshole."

"Hey, you can't be mean to me while I'm sick. I get a pass."

"Just wait until you're better," you threatened emptily.

Ethan's lips curved into a small pout, flushed face only serving to make him look cuter despite the circumstances.

"I really want to kiss you right now," he confessed unsteadily.

"Absolutely not. We have a test on Thursday and I'm not missing it," you retorted, Ethan's light laughter flooding your ears.

"That was my plan all along. Get you sick so I can finally redeem myself," Ethan joked but something in your eyes flickered and he worried he said the wrong thing.

"I'm sorry, I was kidding - "

Ethan's stammering was interrupted by the sweet sound of your laughter, relief spreading through his body.

You leaned down to press a kiss to Ethan's forehead. You quickly moved to press kisses to other empty spots of Ethan's face, no longer denying yourself the urge to pepper his face like you had so many times before.

You weren't sure how you wound up here, taking care of the boy you swore you'd hated, kissing him until he smiled despite the pain he was in. It was an accident, a series of events neither of you had predicted or expected. What began as a trade-off became an ordeal that had trapped both your hearts and refused to let go until the two of you complied.

The warmth of Ethan Landry had overcome you, though it was not too much to bear. It was just the right temperature to comfort you in the cold and shine in the summer. Ethan Landry was wide smiles and soft touches, not at all arrogant like you had initially assumed. He was the feeling of a shirt fresh out of the dryer, comforting you through every inch of your being.

That was just the beginning of what you knew about him. You weren't done exploring all of Ethan Landry and he wasn't done with you. Each misconception held had dissolved and become something else, an invitation to continue learning about each other. You weren't sure what this was or what it would become, but you took the lesson the world wanted to teach you and ran with its potential. If your happiness came because of Ethan Landry, who were you to refuse?

"I know," you whispered, placing a gentle kiss to Ethan's head. The first of many, you were sure.

And for the first time, the two of you understood each other perfectly.

trent blurb : having a full album of pictures of you in his phone.. loving to take candid pictures all the time and changing his wallpaper to his fav ones of you

he is obsessed with taking pics of you, he thinks you look so beautiful when you aren't trying, with a smile on your face as you watch a bird using the bird feeder you put out or when you're concentrating on a piece of work you have to get done. he has so many pictures of you asleep on his chest or when you're starfished out on the bed when he wakes up in the morning. he ends up making an album for you, naming it something corny that reminds him of you, he has a slideshow background of his favourite ones. you always blush when you need to use his phone, being welcomed by your face when you open up his phone. his friends always tease him about it, telling him that he's whipped for you but he doesn't care, he's obsessed with you can doesn't care who knows.

inbox is open send me some ramble requests <3

okay so i was writing and one thing led to another and i made an editing account on tt 🤭

i will probably delete it in a few weeks i already know it 😭 and i know i should be finishing my requests but i couldn’t help it 😔 in the mean time can you pls follow?? i will be posting beta squad, taa and maybe jude edits

it’s @goidrvsh on tt