Forever And Ever

Yeah, I'm fine

*Types "<character name> x reader" into tumblr search bar*

PEDRO PASCAL as JOEL MILLER in THE LAST OF US (2023-), ep. 3 Long, Long Time

🏹﹒♱ ┊ hunting lessons. hunter nat scatorccio

🎧 𝙽𝙾𝚆 𝙿𝙻𝙰𝚈𝙸𝙽𝙶 fade into you by mazzy star

synopsis. nat teaches u how to hunt.

cw. friends to lovers trope (?), shooting an animal.

wc. 2.8k

n/a. just finished binge-watching yellowjackets and fell in love with nat (and shauna and pre-crash lottie), i almost combusted and threw up when i saw the lack of fics 😖 had to do something abt it so here y'all go 🙌🏻

It was already afternoon, and you had devoted most of the entire morning to chopping pieces of wood. The stack of wood grew steadily higher, as you meticulously arranged each piece, ensuring there was enough to sustain a warm fire for at least three days. It was a laborious process, but one you found solace in, the repetitive motion calming your thoughts.

The crisp winter air filled your lungs as you swung the axe, each powerful stroke splitting the logs with a satisfying thud. Your breath formed small clouds of vapour, mingling with the falling snowflakes. As you continued your diligent work, wood cracking echoed through the quiet surroundings, accompanied by the occasional chirping of distant birds.

With the woodpile complete, you wearily cleaned your tools, removing any lingering wood chips, and carefully stowed them away in their designated place. As you finished, a gentle voice called out from behind you.

"Are you finished?" Tai asked, her voice filled with curiosity.

Turning towards her with a tired smile, you nodded and replied, "Yes, finally done. I managed to gather enough wood to last us for a few days. I'm just going to take a quick nap upstairs, though. My body could use a rest."

Tai's eyes widened slightly, her concern evident. "You've been working so hard today," she said empathetically. "Make sure you get some good rest. I'll keep an eye on the fire and wake you up if anything happens."

You appreciated her thoughtfulness and gratitude washed over you. "Thanks, Tai," you replied, "I'll only be upstairs for a little while. Wake me up if you need anything, okay?"

She nodded and gave you an encouraging smile. "Take care. I'll see you later."

With a final wave, you made your way wearily inside, your tired footsteps echoing on the wooden floor. Climbing the stairs, you reached the attic, shedding your heavy outerwear and sinking into the comfort of the bedsheets. The weariness of the day settled upon you, and as your eyes closed, you drifted into a much-needed slumber.

The sound of footsteps on the stairs stirred you from your sleep. You groggily registered the noise but dismissed it, assuming it was just the usual household activity. However, your drowsiness was quickly interrupted when you felt someone settling down beside you. Startled, you blinked your eyes open to find Nat, grinning mischievously.

"Well, well, well, look who decided to hibernate for three hours instead of twenty minutes," Nat teased, her voice laced with playful sarcasm.

You groaned, rubbing your eyes and turning to face her. "Damn it, Nat. I can't believe I overslept like that. Why didn’t you wake me up?"

She smirked, propping herself up on one elbow. "Oh, and miss the opportunity to witness your adorable sleeping face? No way. It was too good to pass up."

You rolled your eyes, playfully shoving her shoulder. "You're ridiculous, you know that?"

"Guilty as charged," she replied, grinning unabashedly. "But hey, since you're finally awake, are you ready for your hunting lesson? Or do you need another three-hour nap?" She teased.

Your groggy mind took a moment to process her words, realizing that you had completely forgotten about the hunting expedition. With a tired sigh, you covered your face with the blankets, only peering out with an adorably exasperated expression.

"Nat, do we seriously have to go hunting?" you whined, your voice muffled by the cozy fabric. "I mean, can't we just... I don't know, I honestly wouldn't mind chopping wood for the rest of my life. It's a lot less daunting than tracking down wild animals, don't you think?"

"Chopping wood for eternity? Seriously? That's your alternative plan?" Nat replied, amusement lacing her voice.

"Hey, at least chopping wood sounds a little less intimidating than embarking on a hunt. And besides, check out these guns I’ve got now," you said, flexing your biceps with a hint of cockiness.

Nat chuckled and teasingly poked your side. "Oh, come on, Mr. Lumberjack. Where's your sense of adventure? Besides, hunting isn't just about killing animals; it's about survival, connecting with nature, and embracing the wild." She said with a fake inspirational tone.

"Damn, now you sound even crazier than Lottie," you jokingly remarked.

Nat widened her eyes in mock surprise, placing a hand on her chest in an exaggeratedly offended manner. "You better take that back," she playfully retorted.

"Okay, c'mon now, let's go," she urged, her tone indicating a hint of excitement. "It's gonna get dark in just a couple of hours, so we better get moving." Taking the lead, Nat reached out and gently took your hand, tugging you downstairs. Her touch was warm, and you couldn't help but feel your chest flutter a bit at the contact.

In the dimly lit room, Nat guided you towards the equipment laid out on a table. With care and efficiency, she helped you put on the necessary gear, ensuring everything was secure. As she fastened the straps and adjusted the fittings, her touch was gentle yet purposeful, a tender familiarity you couldn't help but notice.

She then retrieved a neck gaiter and gently slid it over your head, adjusting it snugly around your neck. Pulling it up slightly, she positioned it to cover your mouth and nose, shielding you from the chill in the air. Your eyes met for a fleeting moment, and in that exchange, a flicker of unspoken affection passed between you.

Nat took a step closer, her gentle touch pulling the hood of your attire snugly over your head. With utmost care, she tucked away any stray strands of hair behind your ears. The simple yet affectionate gesture didn't escape your notice, and a warmth stirred within you. However, both of you remained oblivious to the unspoken attraction that lingered in the air. Underneath the fabric concealing your face, a faint blush spread across your cheeks, as her considerate actions revealed her protective nature, further endearing her to you.

Breaking the silence that enveloped you both, Nat let out a playful remark, bringing a smile to your face. "Alright, let's get going before Lottie goes all wicca on us,” she quipped. “Last time she made Travis and I down one of her weird ass drinks and it tasted like shit," she added with a grimace, eliciting a chuckle from you.

With determination in her eyes, Nat led the way as both of you stepped outside into the pristine white landscape, the snow crunching under your boots. The biting cold nipped at your cheeks, but the excitement of the hunt kept you warm from within. Heading north, you scanned the surroundings, searching for any signs of movement or animal tracks. The towering trees stood tall, their branches adorned with a delicate layer of snow, creating a picturesque scene that contrasted with the anticipation pulsating through your veins.

"Remind me again, Nat, why couldn't we just stick to shooting cans in the comfort of our ‘backyard’?" you asked, your tone filled with a mix of curiosity and mild protest.

Nat flashed you a wry grin, her eyes sparkling with a mix of mischief and wisdom. "Shooting cans is child's play, Y/n,” she replied, her voice laced with a hint of playful sarcasm. “I wanted you to experience the real deal, the hands-on thrill of hunting. You know, the kind that makes your heart race and your senses come alive,” she exaggerated her tone with fake enthusiasm. “Don’t be a pussy," she added, teasingly emphasizing her point.

"Yeah, right. Whatever you say," you huffed, eliciting a grin from Nat beneath her face-covering.

You continued walking for a couple of minutes, the snow crunching under your boots with each step. Suddenly, you felt Nat's arm gently press against your chest, bringing you to an abrupt halt. Instinctively, you turned to look at her, only to find her blue eyes locked onto something with an intense focus. You followed her gaze, directing your attention to the right, where a tree stood proudly. Underneath its branches, a small, fluffy bunny nestled peacefully in a bed of fallen leaves. Its delicate form rose and fell with the rhythm of its slumber, completely unaware of your presence.

With a cautious demeanor, Nat carefully retrieved the gun from her side and placed it in your hands. Sensing the need for stability in your aim, she commanded you to lie down on the ground, where you could rest your arms against the earth. It was a thoughtful decision on her part, recognizing that shooting while lying down would provide a steadier position, especially since your aim needed improvement. In this way, she intended to teach you to utilize the support of the ground, enabling you to better control your shots.

As you settled into the prone position, the weight of the gun pressed against your palms, and the coldness of the ground seeped through your clothing. Nat positioned herself intimately close beside you, her body snugly fitting against yours, perfectly mirroring your stance. She delicately wrapped her arms around you, providing a comforting embrace.

As you were about to adjust your face-covering to facilitate better communication, Nat's delicate touch reached out and gently tugged it down for you, revealing your faces to each other. In that moment, her gaze lingered deeply on your lips, and then her eyes met yours with an intensity that stirred a flutter in your stomach.

Whispering softly, her warm breath grazed your ear, creating a delicate shiver that traveled down your spine. The proximity of her lips to yours was tantalizing, and you could feel the gentle warmth of her breath caressing your mouth. It was as if the air crackled with an invisible magnetic force, drawing you closer together.

"Remember to load the gun," she reminded you, her voice barely audible over the winter breeze, but her words were merely a backdrop to the unspoken tension that swirled between you. Her arms encircled your body, providing not only stability but a sense of security and reassurance. In this moment, you were acutely aware of her presence, her body fitting perfectly against yours, as if you were two puzzle pieces destined to interlock.

As you prepared to take your shot, the weight of the gun became secondary to the fluttering sensation in your stomach. Nat's captivating gaze and the proximity of her touch made your heart race with intensity.

"Take a deep breath in... and exhale," Nat instructed, her voice a soothing melody cutting through the crisp air. And with each inhale and exhale, you felt your racing heart steady, the rhythm of your breath aligning with the tranquil surroundings.

As you aligned your sights, the world around you blurred, leaving only the target in your vision. In a fluid motion, you squeezed the trigger, the recoil rippling through your body. The shot echoed through the air, a testament to your growing skill.

The bullet found its mark, striking the bunny with precision. A sense of excitement and accomplishment washed over you as you witnessed the small creature stir and then lie still.

Elation bubbled up within you, and turning towards Nat, you couldn't help but grin from ear to ear. "Did you see that? Nailed it!" you exclaimed, your voice filled with both triumph and a playful undertone.

Nat's eyes sparkled with surprise. "To be honest I wasn't expecting much from you," she admitted, a playful smirk curling on her lips. "You've definitely surprised me."

"Ouch, no faith in my skills, huh?" you replied with a mock pout, pretending to be hurt by her lack of expectations.

She chuckled, a glimmer of amusement dancing in her eyes. "Well, you know, I've always believed in your ability to surprise me in the most unexpected ways," Nat retorted, her playful tone matching yours, as a glimmer of tension began to weave its way into the air.

In that moment, as Nat spoke, her eyes caught sight of a stray strand of hair gently drifting towards your face. Without hesitation, her fingertips delicately brushed it behind your ear, her subtle touch sending a shiver down your spine, and as your eyes met, you both felt an undeniable tension building between you. Time seemed to slow as she lingered there, her gaze shifting from your smile to your eyes, softness settling over her features.

Your heart quickened as you mirrored her actions, and the magnetic pull between you grew stronger, intensifying the tension. With each passing second, the unspoken connection sparked in the air, enveloping you both. As you leaned in, the space between you narrowed, causing the world around you to fade into the background.

But just as your lips were about to meet, a rustle in the distance broke the spell, bringing you back to reality. Startled, you instinctively pulled away, the moment shattered but not forgotten. A mixture of disappointment and curiosity filled the silence, leaving an unspoken question lingering between you: What could have been?

As the charged atmosphere slowly dissipated, and you and Nat found yourselves back in the present moment, a voice broke through the silence. "Finally, there you are! Dinner's ready, guys. We're all waiting for you," Shauna said, unknowingly interrupting the moment.

You both turned towards her, momentarily startled by her arrival. You exchanged a glance, a mixture of disappointment and gratitude for the timely interruption. Nat composed herself and returned Shauna's smile. "Thanks, Shauna," she replied, her tone masking any hint of the emotions that had filled the air just moments before. "We'll be right there."

With a nod, Shauna turned and walked away, leaving the two of you laying there, caught in a mixture of emotions. Instinctively, you both decided to mask the intensity of the moment and carried on as if nothing had happened.

You quickly regained your composure, and without missing a beat, you casually reached down to retrieve the bunny. Nat followed suit, and together, you started making your way back to the cabin for dinner.

The journey back to the cabin was quiet, each step accompanied by a lingering tension. The sun had dipped below the horizon, casting the surroundings into a dusky embrace. As darkness settled around you, the soft glow of the moon emerged, casting an ethereal light upon your path. Words seemed unnecessary, as the weight of the unspoken hung between you.

Just as you were about to reach the cabin, lost in your thoughts, Nat's hand unexpectedly found yours, causing you to turn towards her with surprise. Without a word, she turned you around and pressed you against the closest tree. The moon's soft glow highlighted her intense gaze, and the tension between you grew palpable.

In an instant, Nat leaned in, her lips meeting yours with an intensity that left you breathless. The forcefulness of the kiss took you by surprise, but you quickly responded, fueled by the eagerness and pent-up desire that had been building up between you.

In that moment, you let go of the bunny, allowing it to drop to the ground, as your arms instinctively wrapped around Nat's neck. Your fingers tangled in her hair, pulling her closer, desperate to deepen the kiss. The urgency between you was palpable, as if you both had been waiting for this release, a long-awaited culmination of unspoken feelings. Nat's hands slid down to your waist, pressing against you with a fervent desire.

As the kiss deepened, you felt Nat's playful nibble on your lower lip, and you softly parted your lips, wordlessly inviting her to explore further. With a gentle push of her tongue, she sought entrance into the intimate depths of your mouth, craving the taste of it.

After what felt like an eternity, Nat finally pulled away, her breath mingling with yours as she rested her forehead against yours. A mischievous glint sparkled in her eyes.

"Shit, I'm sorry," she breathed, her voice filled with a mix of apology and exhilaration. Her breath came in short bursts as she tried to regain composure. "I didn't mean to pounce on you like that, It's just that our moment back there kinda messed me up, and I couldn't wait any longer,” she confessed, her voice tinged with a touch of self-deprecating humor.

You couldn't help but chuckle softly, trying to catch your breath as you looked into her eyes. "Well, that was quite the way to show it," you replied, your voice laced with a teasing tone. "But I can't say I'm complaining. I was hoping you'd make a move. Shauna interrupting us almost gave me blue balls," you joked.

Laughter erupted from both of you, the lingering tension from earlier dissipating into thin air as you shared this lighthearted moment. With that, the two of you straightened your clothes and made your way back to the cabin, joining the rest of the team for dinner.

punching bags

goodness i’m so tired of seeing this over and over again, both on ao3 and on tumblr.

do not tag your fic as reader-insert if they’re an original character!

that’s literally the opposite of a reader-insert, which is when the character is a blank slate, devoid of any physical characteristics such as skin/hair/eye colour etc and without a name.

there is no such thing as “reader is an ofc, not y/n.”

again, that’s just an original character, not a reader-insert. do not tag it as a reader-insert.

you’re clogging up tags that don’t apply to your story. write all the ocs you want, go ham and crazy and etc. but use the right tags for the love of god.

i’m sick of having to scroll through dozens of oc fics and getting tricked into clicking on a story i thought was a reader-insert just for it to end up being abt a white woman with a ~quirky~ name 🤷🏽‍♀️

how it felt to watch john walker HURL himself in front of bucky to shield him from bullets during their fight against sentry

update: billy’s one bed trope fic is posted here!!

any way can u write an enemies to lovers w nat (precrash) nat and r hate each other, rest of the yellowjackets are annoyed w them not getting along so they forge an intervention (stick them both in a room and force them to bond) heavy denial about liking each other

𝗕𝗟𝗔𝗖𝗞 𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗥 ★ 𝖿𝗋𝗂𝖾𝗇𝖽𝗌 𝗍𝗈 𝖾𝗇𝖾𝗆𝗂𝖾𝗌 𝗍𝗈 𝗉𝗋𝖾-𝗅𝗈𝗏𝖾𝗋𝗌 𝖾𝖽𝗂𝗍𝗂𝗈𝗇

cw. fighting, smoking weed.

wc. 3.2k

n/a. tysm for the request, i hope u like it :) and sorry abt the delay, it took me a while to come up with the beef between them 😭

You tried to forcefully jiggle the door open, but despite your efforts, it remained stubbornly closed.

Nat let out a frustrated sigh and spoke up, "Just stop, it's not gonna work." She said, watching you from the corner of the room.

You turned to her, frowning, and sat on the floor with crossed legs, a few feet away from her.

You should’ve known this was going to happen.

“Give it back you asshole!” Nat exclaimed, annoyance evident in her voice as she reached out for your hand. It held a small bag you had taken from her just moments ago.

“Dude, we’ve got practice in an hour, get your shit together,” you retorted, withdrawing your hand and using the other to push her away.

“I just wanna have a fucking smoke,” she argued, “It’s not that big of a deal. Don’t be a moron,” she said, her anger palpable.

“What is going on with you two?” Jackie intervened, clearly annoyed and confused.

“Just the usual, Y/n’s being a fucking dick,” Nat complained.

“I’m not.” You rolled your eyes, turning to Jackie, “Jackie, could you please tell Nat to be responsible for once in her fucking life and go od after practice? Not before.” You complained to her.

"Fuck you!" Nat exclaimed, shoving you on the shoulder.

"No, fuck you!" you shot back, pushing her in return.

Before you knew it, the two of you were engaged in a childish fight until Jackie and Tai intervened, separating the both of you.

"I don't know what the hell’s been going on between you two, but you need to stop. Right now." Tai said, her tone firm and assured.

"Yeah, this behaviour is starting to affect the team," Jackie added. "Everyone's noticed, even the coach. So cut it out. Consider this your final warning."

"You know what? Fuck it." Nat said, walking past Tai. She turned to face you and pointed at your chest. "And fuck you," she said, before finally leaving.

You shrugged, letting out a stressed sigh, and shook your head in disagreement as you walked out of the room behind her.

Little did you know that the whole team was plotting against you, scheming to trap you and Nat in the gym’s backroom. They played you like fools, telling each of you to grab more soccer balls. Nat fell for it first and slipped away without you even noticing. By the time you entered the room and noticed her holding two soccer balls in her arms, someone had already locked the door behind you, leaving you both stuck inside.

Time crawled by, only ten minutes passing, yet it felt like an eternity. Stranded in that room, both of you had stupidly left your phones outside. There was nothing in that cramped space to distract you except each other, and well, that wasn't even an option at this point. So, you were left alone with your own thoughts, and let me tell you, it wasn't a pleasant experience.

Your eyes kept darting around the room, desperate to avoid making eye contact with Nat. You shifted your position, uncrossing your legs and propping them up in front of you, knees bent. Without even realizing it, you began tapping your foot up and down, making the sole of your shoe smack against the floor.

"Can you stop that?" Nat snapped, clearly annoyed by your restless behavior.

You stopped your foot's movements, but you didn't bother to respond. An eye roll was all she got from you.

In an attempt to get comfortable, Nat got up and rummaged through a box filled with brand new, unworn Yellowjackets sweaters. She grabbed one, went back to her spot, and laid down on her back, using the sweater as a makeshift pillow. With one forearm covering her eyes, shielding them from the dim light, she rested her other hand on her stomach.

A few more minutes passed, in complete silence.

Wait a minute, you thought, a realization hitting you like a lightning bolt. Your hands instinctively shot towards your left pocket, and a wave of relief washed over you as you felt the familiar presence. No fucking way. Thank god. Hastily, you slipped your hand into your pocket, retrieving the small bag of weed and rolling paper that you had swiped from Nat during your argument earlier today. And as luck would have it, you always carried a lighter with you, just in case of an "emergency." You were damn well prepared.

Wasting no time, you excitedly cracked open the bag, readying your supplies with lightning speed. You skillfully rolled up a joint in a matter of seconds. Once you were finished, you placed it between your lips, holding it firmly, and with a flick of your thumb, the little flame on the lighter sprang to life. Bringing the flame close to the joint, you lit it up, shielding it with your other hand to ensure a perfect burn.

Interrupted by the all-too-familiar sound, Nat sluggishly shifted her forearm away from her eyes. As her gaze adjusted to the light, she turned to you, her eyes widening in disbelief.

“Are you fucking kidding me?” She blurted out, incredulous, sitting up abruptly. "Is that my stash?" she questioned, her tone a mix of surprise and accusation.

"Indeed it is," you responded, taking a deep drag from the joint. As you exhaled a cloud of smoke, Nat continued to stare at you, her expression transitioning from disbelief to annoyance.

"What?" you asked casually, relishing in the playful taunting. "I mean, it's not like we're going to practice today, right?"

"I can't fucking believe you," she muttered, disbelief and amusement evident in her voice as she let out a chuckle.

Extending your arm, you offered her the joint, a mischievous glint in your eyes. For a moment, she hesitated, but let's face it, there was nothing else to do in that stuffy room, and she was starting to go crazy. Besides, she had been craving a smoke ever since you snatched her stash earlier, so why not indulge?

Nat stood up from her spot and made her way toward you. As she lowered herself to sit down, just a few inches away from you, she reached out and took the joint from your fingers. Inhaling deeply, she mirrored your sitting position, her arm resting on her knee as she brought the joint close to her mouth for another drag.

The two of you remained in a comfortable silence, sharing the joint between you, the smoke weaving its way through the air. Eventually, Nat broke the silence.

"I didn't know you smoked," she remarked, her curiosity evident in her tone.

"Well, there's a lot you don't know about me," you replied cryptically.

Nat's expression turned serious, but a hint of amusement flickered in her eyes. "Well, I do know you're an asshole," she asserted, maintaining a deadpan face.

A playful grin tugged at your lips as you matched her tone. "You think you're funny, huh?" you retorted.

"Hey, it's the truth," she said, a touch of seriousness creeping into her voice. But you brushed it off, choosing to ignore her comment for now.

"Can I ask why?" Nat inquired, breaking the silence once more.

"Why what?" you replied, feigning ignorance, though you knew exactly what she was referring to.

"Why have you been acting like this?" she pressed. "One day we were cool, and then suddenly you turned into a total dickhead."

“You're a pain in my ass too, y’know?" you retorted, feeling the need to defend yourself.

"But I am because you are," she shot back, her argument strong.

You let out a sigh, feeling the weight of the question hanging in the air. Slowly, you brought the joint to your lips once again, taking a deliberate drag before exhaling, the smoke dissipating into the room. Your eyes fixed on the wall ahead, lost in thought.

"You really don't know, do you?" you murmured, the words almost escaping as a whisper.

Nat turned to look at you, her brows furrowing and her gaze filled with confusion, searching for answers.

You couldn't help but chuckle, a nervous yet affectionate sound escaping your lips, as you deliberately avoided meeting her gaze.

“It’s stupid,” you said with a sigh, “Now that I think about it, it wasn’t even your fault.”

“What is it?” she asked, her confusion evident.

Nat and you used to be good friends. While you weren't particularly close during school hours, barely acknowledging each other as you passed in the hallways with a simple nod, you were close enough to hang out after practice pretty much every day. You both would head to the parking lot and lie down on the trunk of Nat's car. There, you would gaze at the sky as it gradually darkened, listening to music, either talking or simply revelling in the comforting silence. It sort of became your thing, a little secret that held great importance to you.

However, as time went on and your conversations deepened, you couldn't help but develop feelings for her. You would eagerly await the end of practice just to see her again, to enjoy the privacy of each other's company.

But then, you stopped showing up.

"Do you remember that day when Shauna kicked the ball so hard that it hit Van directly in the face and gave her a concussion?" you asked her.

"Yeah, of course I do," she replied with a chuckle, recalling the incident vividly. "And we had to call an ambulance and ended up leaving practice half an hour early."

You chuckled along. "Exactly. And had planned to meet at our spot, but I told you I needed to grab something from my locker. So, you said you'd wait for me there."

She nodded, her brow furrowing as she tried to piece together the puzzle. "Yeah, and then you never showed up. Not that day or any day after."

You nodded, feeling a bit guilty. "Well, I did go to my locker to get something, but that's beside the point," you began, your voice tinged with regret. "The thing is, as I walked back to the parking lot and opened the building door to step outside, I could see your car perfectly. You weren't lying on the trunk as we always did though. Instead, you were standing beside it, with your back turned to me," you explained, "And as I approached, I realized that you weren't alone."

Nat's face shifted from confusion to realization, but she remained silent, giving you space to explain.

"As I got closer, I saw the guy leaning in," you continued, furrowing your eyebrows as you recalled the memory. "And then you kissed." The words hung heavy in the air as you conveyed the pain and disappointment you had felt at that moment. "I didn't want to interrupt or cause a scene, so I turned around and walked away. Seeing you with someone else, especially after realizing my own feelings for you, was more than I could handle."

You paused, letting the weight of your words settle between you. "I didn't have the courage to confront you about it then, and I thought it would be easier to distance myself instead. But it wasn't your fault. I guess I was just angry because I wanted to be with you so badly but I couldn’t have you, so I started acting like an asshole. I'm sorry," you said, your voice filled with genuine remorse. Your gaze remained fixed on the floor, unable to meet her eyes. Embarrassment weighed heavily on you.

Nat let out a frustrated sigh, running her fingers through her hair in a stressed gesture. "Damn it, Y/n," she sighed. "I had no idea," she admitted, her voice tinged with surprise and frustration. "The guy you saw me with was Kevyn," She started explaining, "As I was walking to my car, we happened to cross paths, and he said he needed to talk to me about something. We started walking together towards my car, and long story short, he confessed his feelings for me and then kissed me. I was completely caught off guard, so it took me a few seconds to react, but I pushed him away. I guess you didn't see that part," she said, her voice tinged with frustration. "I rejected him right away, Y/n. I told him that I had feelings for someone else, and he apologized for kissing me like that and left."

You listened, your heart sinking with every word she spoke. The truth unfolded before you, and you realized how mistaken you had been.

"I waited for you," Nat continued, her voice laced with a touch of sadness. "I waited for an hour, then two, but you never showed up. I thought something might have happened, but you didn't respond to any of my texts, and I got worried." She paused, her expression reflecting the hurt she had felt. "The next day, I saw you at practice, and I felt relieved, thinking everything was okay. But you wouldn't even look at me. And then, you didn't show up at our spot either."

She took a deep breath. "I thought you didn't want to be my friend anymore or something, I don’t know. I got really upset and wanted to talk to you about it, but then you started acting like an asshole. So, I got mad and started acting like that as well. But I never understood why. I guess I just went along with it."

Nat's voice softened, revealing the depth of her emotions. "I started hating you so much because you were the only person I could truly be myself with. I loved you, Y/n, and then you just left without an explanation."

As she poured her heart out, you finally looked up, meeting her gaze. The raw emotions in her eyes mirrored your own.

Tears welled up in your eyes, "I'm so sorry, Nat," you whispered, "I misunderstood everything, I’m so dumb,” A single tear escaped your eye, rolling down your cheek.

Nat's expression softened further, her eyes filled with understanding. "It's alright, Y/n," she reassured you, her voice gentle and soothing. "I had no idea that you saw me with Kevyn, and I never meant to hurt you." With a gentle touch, she used her thumb to wipe away the tears from your cheeks.

"I missed you so much," you confessed, your gaze locked with hers.

A small, affectionate smile graced Nat's lips. "I missed you too, you dumbass," she replied, the gentle teasing highlighting the warmth in her voice.

You extended your arms and pulled her into a tight hug. She reciprocated it, her arms wrapping around you, and her fingers caressed your hair soothingly.

The two of you remained locked in the embrace for a moment, finding solace and comfort in each other's arms. However, the sound of someone fumbling with the lock on the door shattered the tranquility, jolting both of you back to reality. Instinctively, you pulled away from each other, your hearts racing.

"Shit! The stash!" Nat exclaimed in a whisper, a sudden realization dawning upon her. She swiftly moved and positioned herself on top of it, acting on reflex to conceal it from view.

Just as you both scrambled to compose yourselves, the door swung open, revealing Misty standing in the doorway.

As she stepped into the room, she started rambling, divulging how she had overheard a conversation between Tai, Jackie, and Van, who planned to lock the both of you up in the gym's backroom. Misty, in her usual saviour complex fashion, sprung into action, determined to rescue you from such a predicament. She told you to make your exit discreetly through the back, ensuring that the girls wouldn't catch sight of you leaving. Grateful for her intervention, you and Nat thanked her.

However, Misty seemed to be in a talkative mood, wanting to continue the conversation, until Nat, with her characteristic straightforwardness, couldn't help but say, “Okay, Misty, we get it.” She said, her tone laced with annoyance. “Thanks again for your help. See you later.”

Understanding the hint, Misty finally caught on and nodded, her enthusiasm momentarily dampened. "Sure thing," she replied, slightly deflated. "Take care, you two. See you around."

With that, Misty left the room, leaving the two of you alone once again.

"You're so rude to her," you playfully remarked, nudging Nat with your elbow and letting out a light chuckle as the both of you stood up, ready to leave the room.

Nat shrugged, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Can't help it," she replied, reaching down to grab her stash and rising to her feet. Then, she turned to you, her gaze softening. "Hey," she called, her voice tinged with shyness. "Would you want to come with me? Like, to the trunk. You know, to catch up and stuff."

A smile spread across your face, accompanied by a gentle blush. "That'd be awesome," you responded, excitement lacing your voice. "But before we head there, can you come to my locker with me?"

"Of course I will," Nat agreed, her tone filled with assurance. "Wouldn't want you slipping away again, not on my watch," she added jokingly.

You chuckled sarcastically, unable to resist teasing her in return. "Ha, you know what should be on your watch though? That big-ass green stain on your butt." A mischievous smirk adorned your face.

Nat's eyes widened, and she quickly spun around to inspect her shorts, discovering the noticeable stain caused by sitting on top of the stash. Feeling a twinge of embarrassment, she hastily patted her shorts, trying to remove the stain as best as she could. "Shut up," she mumbled, a slight blush coloring her cheeks. "Let's go," she said, taking the lead and walking out of the room. You followed closely behind her, a content smile playing on your lips.

As you both stood by your locker, Nat stood beside you, watching curiously as you opened the lock. With a few swift movements, you arranged some items and retrieved a small box that had been carefully hidden in the back.

You retrieved the box and handed it to Nat, who looked at you with confusion and intrigue. "What's this?" she asked, her voice laced with curiosity as she opened it.

"This is what I was getting from my locker that day," you revealed, "About a week before that, I remember we were listening to the radio together, and 'Black Star' by Radiohead started playing. You mentioned how much you loved that song. So, when I got home, I decided to make you a mixtape with songs I like that have a similar vibe."

You watched as Nat's eyes widened, the realization dawning upon her. "You made me a mixtape?" she asked surprised, her fingers brushing against the cassette tape inside.

You nodded, a small smile playing on your lips. "Yes, I did. But, obviously, I didn't give it to you back then because of everything that happened," you continued, "But I've held onto it all this time, just in case."

Her gaze met yours, and you could see the fondness reflected in her eyes. "This is so dope," she exclaimed, a hint of a smile tugging at the corners of her lips. “Thank you, Y/n."

Another smile spread across your face at her words. "You're welcome," you replied. "Now, let's go to your car so we can listen to it together." Without hesitation, you gently took her hand, intertwining your fingers, and led the way toward the exit, making your way to her trunk.

A friend asked me for my “hear me outs” in arcane and this is who I told them

They did not hear me out they looked at me, gave a smile, and said “no..”

I swear I’m normal please 🙏😭