Wait Stop, This Is So Sweet 🥲

FEIGNING FOR YA

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CHAPTER 4

pairing: luke castellan x fem!reader

summary: experiencing your new found freedom with luke and co (why does he smile at you like that?)

warnings: not proofread! slow burn, college au, smau, fake dating to dating, cursing, aged up! pjo charcters, parental expectations

a/n: so guess who lied about being back…do you guys forgive me?

series list | next

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When Luke introduced you to just a sliver of what actual freedom, you yearned for more.

Freedom wasn’t running from the cops and partying every night. Freedom wasn’t skipping class just for the fun of it. Freedom wasn’t doing batshit crazy things under the excuse of “free will”.

Freedom was, to you, having fun—being a normal young adult without worrying about your parents’ opinion.

Between the last month and a half of classes, Luke made it his personal mission to let you fully experience your freedom. Though it was proving to be difficult.

Everytime you did something that would cause your parents to turn their faces away in clear disappointment, a nagging feeling pulled at the back of your mind.

For example, this weekend Luke, you and a couple of others went out to a house party. You were dancing with Luke when you felt guilt linger at the back of your mind. To party so carelessly knowing your parents would be disappointed—part of you wanted to forget their opinions and judgement. The other part of you wanted to tone it down at the party; lessen their disappointment.

It was like the devil and angel permanently moved to your shoulders to torment you.

Which is why you were about to do this.

Was it stupid? Yes. Will you get hurt? 100% Did you trust Luke enough? Somewhat.

“I want you to decide what you want to do—not for the sake of your parents or me or our friends. Make this choice because it’s what you want.” Luke called you late, one night. His voice firm, unwavering.

You wanted this.

Alcohol buzzed in your veins; temporarily silencing the devil and angel. The guilt that crept up on you was gone. You weren’t so far gone you couldn’t tell from left and right, but just enough to not feel guilty about anything.

Again. Was it stupid? Yes.

Will you get hurt? Maybe.

Did you trust Luke? Without a doubt.

Chris, Clarisse, Silena, Luke and you, the usual group, were kicked out of study hall, for disturbance of peace or whatever. Classes were canceled due to AC going down and you were going to study? This must’ve been a sign from the universe. Which led the group to a lake.

Now this was “public disturbance”

Tucked beneath the dense forest on the outskirts of campus, laid a cool lake. With the coming of summer sun, this had been a crucial hangout spot.

Would your parents freak about you jumping into a lake with gross bacteria and possible diseases? Absolutely.

Your childhood consisted of more “inside” activities. Rather than playing outside with your friends, scrapping knees, and such—you had the read a book on the couch as the clock ticks drove you insane.

Silena and you stood on the edge of a decently high ledge. Luke was swimming below. He had already tested the depth of the water. Chris’ speaker lit up in different colors as it played the song. His arm around Clarisse as he held a beer.

“Ready?” Silena turned to you. Her cheeks pink due to alcohol consumption.

“Ready.” You squeezed her hand.

The beat dropped. Silena and you jumped. The cold water engulfing you. The rush felt terribly addicting to you, sobering you up all too quickly. Yet the giddiness of it all provided a different high.

You broke through the surface and arms wrapped around your waist to keep you afloat. You weren’t the strongest swimmer. A laugh erupted from the depths of your soul as Luke wrapping an arm around his neck. His smile matching yours. The sun beared down on the lake, glittering the water’s surface.

Since when did he smile like that? Like you were the only person in the world. Like you were the brightest star in the sky.

Clarisse’s shouts of protest pull you out of your head. Chris is carrying her bridal style, a shit eating grin on his face as he jumps in with her. The afternoon was wasted away at the lake, sunbathing, swimming and drinking.

Your head buzzing with dopamine as you walked to Chris’ car. Luke insisted you wore his dry t-shirt. It was baggy and your wet bathing suit would affect it less. He insisted and made the lame excuse of it being boyfriend material 101.

His t-shirt smelled like him. A mix of sandalwood and vanilla, but you could hardly think about it when the windows were down, blasting music. The perfect summer vibes. Your heart beating fast due to the excitement and not anything else.

You hadn’t noticed at the time, but alcohol did more than just silence the angel and devil.

Whatever you had that afternoon, the freedom mixed with the alcohol and pure, raw happiness, you wanted to experience more of it. A time where you can forget about your parents’ and aunts and uncles future judgmental stares and rude comments.

“Y’know, I appreciate you toughing this out with me.” You spoke up one night.

Luke took you out to help you experience more of your newfound freedom. Which actually was just stargazing on the roof of his car.

Well…you supposed it worked. You didn’t care for your family’s opinion at the moment, even though you knew they chastise you for hanging out with the “bad influence”.

“I’m still in it for the trip, sweetheart.” Luke teased. His eyes darting from each star in the sky to your face. You were oblivious to his gaze, focused on the constellations above.

“I mean it. This fake dating must be a huge strike to your charming lady killer aura.” You sat up on your elbows, speaking in a joking tone. You hardly noticed he was looking at you already.

“Yeah, puts a real damper to my chick magnet having a fake girlfriend.” Luke snorted and sat up.

“You’ll be free soon enough.” You rolled your eyes.

A comfortable silence settles over the two of you. You’ve been best friends since freshman year. It was only natural this would happen and besides there is no feelings attached. A little revenge and you still keep your friendship. A damn good deal if you every had one.

This was something you wanted to do. You had to do. To show your parents you won’t take their crap, to show they you’re grown up.

You shout with enthusiasm. Your body sticking out of Luke’s sun roof. The wind catching in your hair as the warm yellow lights of the tunnel illuminated the space. You felt free and unrestricted and awfully happy.

The best feeling in the world.

“I want a turn after!” Luke shouted, knowing the wind was too loud for you to hear.

“No way!” You did hear him.

Windows were down, blasting music.

“C’mon…” He pinched your leg.

“Stop!” You squealed.

You loved the feelings that swarmed in your heart. Only for it to end when red and blue lights and loud sirens were heard. Luke and you knew the consequences of the recklessness, but as you pulled over, you couldn’t help but share a couple of laughs—like teenage girls caught doing something bad.

You’re quite happy you’re in this with your best friend and no one else.

Making new memories with no romantic feelings attached.

It was the best. The best.

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taglist:

@happy-mushrooms @m00ng4z3r @justanotherkpopstanlol @2hiigh2cry @celluifleur @yuminako @pookiebear16 @mxtokko @cxcillia @kai-islost @kidkrowk @iluvpjo @sofiacblair @cherryynovaa @dracoslovergirl @lalloronaisreal @jennapancake @urbanflorals @sweetstime @cherr-y-eji @thatbird-fromrio @itzlilywelch @annispamz @unseriousgirl @hanankhan8

“i can fix her, i can fix him, i can fix them”

i think we need to work on you first.

hey!! sorry for the small hiatus. i wanted to get school and exams done before i could focus on writing “feigning for ya’ “ and other one shots/drabbles.

hopefully next post is soon! thank you for being patient!

PARAMOUR

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pairing: college!luke castellan x fem!reader

summary: three times luke was there for you instead of your current boyfriend and the last time you let your boyfriend treat you like shit

warnings: cursing, jealous, bad bf behavior, unsolicited actions, boxing, bad bf gets shit rocked, cheating, alluding of reader cheating (they aren’t), kissing, fluff

a/n: wanted to take a break from requests and ffy to write this, still debating on rewriting feigning for ya’

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I. TIME MANAGEMENT & SUPPORT

You knew dating the president of a fraternity would render him busy, most of the time. More often than not you’d get texts of excuses your boyfriend, Nate McCormick, explaining why he couldn’t make it to events and shows you planned.

It was a given and you didn’t want to blame Nate for his lack of presence. Being a fraternity president was time consuming with fundraisers and parties and…other things. You weren’t too involved in Greek life.

Even the off chance Nate did show up, he never showed out. Sure, he’s a little tired from planning events and he tells you he’s proud, but he never stays for long, not really caring.

It was like your things were a bother to him, but when you didn’t show up to one frat event—he’d get all pissy.

Luke was on speed dial for this exact reason.

For example, the students in the business course had a mock competition with each other to prepare for future competitions. Your group earned third place amongst twenty-five other groups.

The professors held an award ceremony with trophies and certificates. Nate met you after the ceremony and gave you a side hug.

“Hey, baby—you did good! It’s good.” He didn’t get the event to well. A call pulled him away, eventually causing him to leave the event entirely. He seemed almost happy.

You watched his shoulders sag in relief as he walked away with some quick excuse. You thought him whisper into his phone “perfect timing, dude.”

And now, you stood alone; staring at your boyfriend’s text.

Loml<3

Had to go, some fuckwads fucked everything up.

3m ago

Busy.

Always goddamn busy when your things came up.

You weren’t alone for long, thankfully, when Luke walked over; away from his conversation with Silena and Clarisse (it was like he was waiting for the perfect moment to talk to you).

You invited Luke to the ceremony and he showed out (at least someone did). He presented you a small bouquet for your achievement despite his protests on your group receiving third instead of first.

“Listen!” Luke held up a red solo cup during the after party. No one listened, too busy dancing and getting drunks from their accomplishments.

“What are you doing?” You hid a laugh behind your hand, trying to get him to back down from his toast.

“No, no—I must!” Luke smirked. Your small group of friends paying attention. “You should’ve won first and you will win first at nationals! I, for one, am very proud!”

His chocolate brown curls bounced back as he finished off whatever was swirling in the red solo cup. Clarisse, Silena, Chris and you raise your cups and copied his movements.

A small blush rose to your neck and cheeks (because of the alcohol, mhm). You smiled at Luke. “We will win first and I’ll dedicate the win to you.” You joked.

“You better!” Luke ruffled your hair.

Ding!

Loml<3

Otw home, goodnight baby

See you tomorrow, champ

Now

You ignored the texts as you celebrated with Luke’s arm wrapped around your shoulder, singing “Party Rock Anthem” by LMFAO with Clarisse and Silena, and celebrating a mock completion. You didn’t want support later, it was better in the moment.

II. ADVANTAGE

“Listen, baby—this doesn’t concern. It’s—it’s frat stuff.” Nate gave you a small smile and squeezed your thigh under the table. The guy was engrossed in a conversation with his friends. It was like he was on a date with his friends.

You wouldn’t be surprised.

“Just sit there and look pretty, alright?”

That hit an already tight nerve.

You see—when Nate invited you out to dinner, you idiotically thought that it would just be you and him.

Y’know, to make up for the times he’s bailed out of your school events—or left you stranded at dinner dates (which meant you had to pay for both of your dinners). But, hey! You didn’t mind Nate’s friends joining you for dinner.

Nope. Not at all.

And all this shit kept building and building up. Honestly, when was he ever going to really make it up to you.

You picked at the salad he ordered you—when everything blew up. His hand inched higher and higher on your thigh, beneath your denim skirt. The nerve of him.

Nate and his friends were startled when you stood up, slamming your utensils on the table and gave them a curt excuse to use the bathroom.

So, here you were, leaning against the black marble sink, calling Luke to bail you out of here. He was on speed dial. The lavender incense soothed your frustration.

“Hey, what’s up?” He picked up after two rings. His voice slightly raspy, but it was smooth like a vinyl record.

“Are you busy?”

“Kinda—I’m out with Chris and the Stoll brothers right now.”

“Okay then, nevermind—”

“No—no! Do you need something? What is it?”

“It’s fine, I can call Clarisse instead—”

“Y/N. Are you okay?”

You took a deep breath. It felt like too much to ask for him to come pick you up when he was hanging out with friends.

“Are you okay?” You paused, weighing your decisions silently. Go back to Nate with him getting handsy in front of his friends or go back to your dorm and sleep in comfortable clothes. The latter felt like the better option.

“Can you come pick me up? I do not want to be here right now.”

“Yeah—yeah, I’ll be there soon.”

The line disconnects and you send Luke your location. Nate was too preoccupied with his friends to notice you leaving the restaurant, not so discreetly (you ran into a waiter). Yet, you somehow made it to Luke’s car.

“Are you okay?” He asked. His eyebrows knit with concern as his fingers drum against the steering wheel.

“Just drive—drive, drive!”

Luke almost hit another car listening to your urgent commands. The honking horns from the car behind you stopped eventually, after the driver flipped you off and shouted a spew of curse words. Luke and you look at each other. A pause of silence, before you burst out in giggles and laughs.

“Icecream?”

“Icecream.”

Nate<3

Venmo me $10 for the salad

10:29 pm

Absolutely fucking not.

III. JEALOUSY

So, your boyfriend apparently did have eyes. Not for the effort you put into your appearance or your appreciation for him, but in other men.

Not in a romantic way, but in a jealous way.

Yeah, yeah.

He hardly paid attention to you and even if he did—he always wanted something. Sex, money, the list goes on and on. You’re sure, as of late, he could give a rat’s ass where you’ve been.

Yet, when Nate showed up, unannounced, while you were having a movie night with the girls and Luke (he begged to do face masks with everyone) jealousy was the most prominent thing on his face and not those hideous eyebrows.

You remembered predicting his thoughts. “Why is she hanging out with another guy?” “Bastard wants my girl?” “I’m the only guy she needs.”

So, this is how you found yourself in an off-campus gym with Silena because Nate had to prove he was better than your best friend.

Interrupting girls night.

Nate slipped on boxing gloves whilst Luke leaning against the ropes. Your boyfriend has never boxed before, but he could fight. Your cheeks pink with embarrassment. It was stupid—this was stupid. You are not doing anything romantic with Luke.

Nate should’ve tried to give more a shit in the relationship if he didn’t want you hanging out with your best friend all the time.

“Baby, can you do this?” Nate pouted and displayed the velcro strap on his boxer.

You sucked it up and strapped the Velcro strip. Nate looked at you like he was expecting something else. A good luck kiss.

With the shit he’s pulling. No.

“His fragile masculinity is bruised.” Silena commented quietly, hiding a giggle behind her hand.

“It’s stupid.” You mumbled irritated. Silena and you found some vacant chairs to sit in. “He has to drag me here when he knows I have plans. I’m sorry we can’t go to the flea market now—”

“It’s okay.” Silena reassured quickly. “I’ve been waiting for your boyfriend to realize he’s an idiot.”

(Spoiler alert. He will never)

Nate was really insistent on no head gear. It had something to do with messing up his hair. A gym employee was refereeing the match. He blew the small silver whistle for it to start.

Nate spewing phrases similar to “you think you can just take my girl?” or “she wants me, bro.” Shit like that. Silena watch you hide behind your purse in embarrassment, because what the fuck?!

Neither guys wanted to throw the first punch, that was until Luke mentioned where his gloves were positioned.

“Hey man, you really should keep your arms up near your head.” A helpful tip.

Then—then Nate threw the first punch.

“You keep your arms up!” Nate mocked in a baby voice.

It was sloppy, had no form, and swung in anger. You observed as Luke dodged it with ease; isolating his torso in a way that it felt like a dance.

Compared to Luke, Nate kept his hands guarding his chest. He’s shifting weight foot to foot, breathing like a bull who saw red. Your boyfriend threw another punch, aiming for Luke’s face. Luke responded with protecting his face—taking the brute of the attack on his forearms.

Luke’s body moved fluidly like water when he retailed with his own punch. He isn’t swinging recklessly like Nate did. His movements are processed. Outputting a certain ton of his strength.

The tips of your ears heat up, turning pink underneath your hair. You’ll admit, your eyes are following Luke the whole time.

Since when did Luke box?

Luke is steady on his feet, keeping a rhythm with his punches. Nate could barely block them, getting hit a few times. You watch his torso shift to dodge and advance. The black compression shirt Luke wore was doing things—like the fabric was made to twist with his body.

You’re taken out of your stupor as you watch the bright red boxing glove collide with Nate’s cheek. Your boyfriend was thrown off his balance and landed on his ass. You winced knowing it stung despite the padding. The whistle blew, calling quits to the the match. Luke won.

“No harm, no foul. You okay?” Luke asked, silently giving the “I told you so” look about protecting his head. The curly haired boxer took off a glove to offer a hand an help Nate up.

Nate didn’t take it. In a millisecond, you watched your boyfriend throw his whole body weight into the punch.

The punch colliding with his face, hitting Luke’s eye, nose and cheek at the same time.

“What the fuck, Nate!?” You shouted in disbelief, standing up to enter the ring.

The employee blowed his whistle again, pointing Nate towards the doors. “Bitch.” Nate spat and you pushed him. He was out of his mind, but he looked at you like you were the crazy one.

“What the hell, babe!?”

“The fight was over. That was uncalled for!” You told your boyfriend firmly as he was getting pulled out of the ring and kicked out.

“Why are you defending him?” Nate scoffed and held onto the ropes just to argue. “I got hit too! I got hit and you’re defending this dickwad?”

“You hit him when he was trying to help you!” You argued and left the ring to make him see his wrongful actions.

“He mocked me—hurt my face and you only care for him.” Nate accused. “What? Are you sucking his dick?”

The fact he mentioned something so lewd and outlandish had steam blowing out of your ears. “Cool off, Nate. Control that fucking temper.” You demanded. “You know I would never cheat.”

“You’re with him all the time, babe! I wouldn’t be surprised.” He was actively being pushed out by employees. “I’m your boyfriend! I’m your fucking boyfriend!”

“Sure, don’t act like it.” You grumbled.

The bell on the door rung. Nate was kicked out. You swiveled on your heels and found Luke nursing a bloody nose. Silena handed him her some paper towels.

Apologies were on the tip of your tongue waiting to come out. Luke watched your face go from frustration to guilt. “Don’t worry.” Luke reassured with a grin. There was blood in his teeth. His left eye was tearing up due to the contact of the boxing glove.

“Luke, that wasn’t right for Nate to do.” You mumbled and crossed your arms.

“No.” You could hear the ‘but’ in his tone. “But, it was partly my fault. I was riling him up.”

“By telling him to protect his head?”

“Yeah. Men like him hate being told what to do, but I was concerned for his safety. Honest!”

Silena deadpanned and grabbed her purse and yours. “Green is not a good color on your boyfriend.” Silena mentioned and you sighed.

Luke grabbed your hand, squeezing it to get your attention. He still had that charming smile you’ve grown to love. “Besides, he hit like a girl. He just got lucky and popped a blood vessel.”

IV. THE FINAL STRAW

Out of sight, out of mind.

The quote from Euphoria resonated with you well. It was ironic you were dating a Nate too.

Your boyfriend and you were playing hopscotch on the line of a messy breakup. Lately, arguments were the only thing happening when you saw him. You wanted him to apologize for the accusations he made. His ego too big for him to stoop down to that level.

So, the girls and Luke took you out partying to distract you from relationship troubles. Luke insisted and begged that you let him come because he had nothing to do. It was a lie.

He just liked hanging out with Silena, you, Clarisse and Thalia because of the vibes.

You could feel the bass of the music in your chest when you and the others walk up to the house. Pretty much, you’re thrown into dancing, drinking and games.

Nate is the furthest thing from your mind.

It’s an Alpha Ki party, which meant no Nate tonight or at least that’s what you thought.

You were dancing with Clarisse. The body heat in the room making a thin layer of sweat gloss over your skin. Alcohol buzzed in your veins. It made you feel good, but now you were thirsty.

You had a clear enough head to decided water for your next drink instead of your usual alcohol. “I’m going to get water!” You yelled at Clarisse over the loud music and wormed your way through the crowd.

Digging through the cooler, beneath the beer bottles, cans and chunks of ice, you found your treasure. You’ve never been more relieved to feel and drink cold water.

You took a break to drink your water before leaving the kitchen to join Clarisse again when you saw him.

He was in your sight, which meant he was in your mind.

The worse thing about it was he was shoving his tongue down another girl’s throat, grabbing her ass. What was he even doing at another frat party when he was supposed to be monitoring his own?

Angry, heartbreak and devastation consumed your beating heart. After everything…everything—you did for Nate. From being a supportive girlfriend to dressing up more for him to paying for his dinners to reassuring him about his frat events to—everything, everything you did. All the one sided bullshit you did blew up.

Your body moved without a second thought. Hands moving to unscrew the water bottle cap and suddenly, Nate was soaked (you tried to avoid the girl as much as possible). His clothes wet. So weird, wow.

“You bitch!” Nate exclaimed in irritation, shaking his hands of water droplets. He looked at you like you killed his mom.

You shook your head. He didn’t get to be angry—he cheated, not you. “You are a cheating fuckwad, Nate!” Putting it into words he understood.

“You’re paying for my clothes. You ruined them!” Nate stepped closer to you, pushing the girl he was making out with aside.

“Start paying for your own shit! I’m not your mom, I was your girlfriend” You threw the empty water bottle at him and stormed out of the party.

Your heart was being squeezed so tightly you couldn’t breathe. Tears stinging your eyes, no doubt ruining your mascara.

It’s stupid. You shouldn’t be crying over your, now, ex-boyfriend. He treated you like shit.

You couldn’t help it. You loved him. You had to of. You made excuses for the shitty things he did and never broke up with him. It hurt to see him kiss another girl. The icing on the cake.

He used you because that’s what men like him do.

You barely recognize another pair of footsteps behind you, so angry with yourself for crying. Was it normal to cry over someone so shitty?

“Hey. Hey…” The familiar voice soothes you and soon your met with his eyes. Twinkling like the stars. His arms wrap around you, comforting you. Luke was always around when you needed it. Which made him the perfect boyfriend.

“I should’ve known. I should’ve known he would do that!” You reprimanded yourself. Words muffled in Luke’s shoulder.

Luke frowned at that. Love can make someone do crazy things, including blinding one’s faults. “God, he was such a dick!”

“Yeah, almost all the letters are in his last name.” Luke quipped and pulled back from the hug to wipe away your tears. “Just missing the ‘d’, god, sex with him must’ve been horrible if he was missing the ‘d’.”

You laughed through your blurry vision at his corny joke; his attempt to make you feel better. The whole cheating fiasco sobered you up and now, you noticed how close Luke was to you. “Listen, he’s going to regret treating a beautiful girl like shit, okay?” Luke reassured.

Your heart beat a little faster. “You think I’m beautiful?”

“Always, sweetheart. Every damn day.” Luke admitted sheepishly with a grin and kissed your forehead.

Your ear turned pink beneath your hair. Was it right? To be so close to your best friend, to think about him in that way when you had a break up minutes ago.

You stare at him, not saying anything. No words were desperately trying to claw its way out of her mouth. Then, your eyes slowly shift to his lips: pink, thin, kissable.

It’s a bad idea, right?”

But, this is the most sober you have been all night. “You…” You knit your eyebrows, finding words to say. “You’ve always been there for me. Like nobody else, saved me countless of times for my ex…”

You want to cry, expressing this after the whole Nate situation. You cupped his cheeks with your hands. “You’re so handsome and—and…I think I’ve been thinking this for a long time.”

“God, how awful of me.”

Luke gave you a sympathetic look and put his hands on your wrists. He leaned over to press a soft kiss to your pulse point that caused even more pink to bloom across your cheeks. “I will…I will do everything McCormick couldn’t do for you.” Luke promised, and tucked a piece of hair back.

“You already have.” You whispered and pressed your lips to his. They were like magnets itching to connect. Luke’s hands slid down to your hips, rubbing tiny circles into the bone. You hands pressed against his chest.

This, this was what a kiss was supposed to feel like. Nothing dull or quick—but thought out with sparks flying everywhere.

“I…I’ve liked you, for a really—really long time.” Luke admitted blushing slightly. “I mean since the first day we met, I’m sure.”

“I don’t want you to think this is a rebound thing.” You mumbled and he kissed you sweetly, dispelling the thought right out of your head.

“I know it’s not. You’re just finally realizing your feeling for me because I’m so awesome.” Luke joked, but it made you waiver your doubts in an instance. “I promise you, sweetheart, I’ll be a better boyfriend than him.”

“You already are. You already have…” You repeated and kissed him again. It was true, Luke had practically been your boyfriend on the side when dates with Nate weren’t working out. He cheered you up, brought flowers to your event, and made you feel less guilty about the boxing match.

The two of you parted after a little bit. Foreheads resting on one another. “How about…we ditch this party, get the others and have another movie night?” Luke suggested.

“You just want to do more face masks.” You accused jokingly.

“I do not!” You could feel hit grin, so close to your face. Luke wrapped a strong arm around your waist and guided you back to the party. He was going to retrieve your friends.

“Do too.” You retorted and pointed at his smile.

“Okay, maybe I do. Can we do them?” Luke pouted and faced you.

“Fine.”

Luke’s grin widened. He celebrated walking back inside to retrieve your friends. He wanted you to time him. A motivation thing, you guessed.

The timer stopped at ten minutes and fifty one seconds when he came out of your house with Clarisse, Silena and Thalia.

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A liiitle King Of New York snippet that I won't be finishing any time soon but it looked sad left unshared in my gallery

Find my other animatics here!!

it’s…taken me…way longer to type this than I should, atp gonna use text to speech.

I got my nails done for an event and I underestimated how hard it would be to type with acrylics, bare with me about writing ch 5 of FFY 🙏🙏🙏

hiiii are you taking newsies requests??

yes!! i’m still taking newsies requests. i plan on posting one soon! send them in, i could never not write for newsies!

KISS THE GIRL

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pairing: luke castellan x fem!reader

summary: two times luke knows he’s in love with you + one time he can’t hold it in anymore

warnings: pre tlt luke, ooc luke

a/n: percy jackson 🔛🔝 (request some fics for the characters), i think i ended this terribly, but i’ll fix it later at some point!

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I. SCAR

“You are an idiot.”

That’s the first thing Luke hears when he wakes up in the Camp’s infirmary. He feels groggy, sluggish and slow and barely registered that you were in the room.

He faintly tasted his mother’s cooking. A small comfort for the consequences of failing his quest. His heart is filled with embarrassment and pity and dejection.

You snapped your fingers by his ears. “I know you’re awake. You hear me? You are an idiot!”

“If you’re here to make fun of me failing my quest, go away.” Luke groaned and turned on his side, despite the pain flaring in his abdomen.

"Luke." You said in a much softer tone. You were concerned about his injuries since he returned from the quest. "You know I wouldn't do that, not with something this serious.”

You helped him sit up in the infirmary bed and cup his cheek. He felt a gauze patch rather then your warm palm on his right cheek. “I’m saying you’re an idiot for not letting me come with you!”

“You can’t do everything by yourself.”

Love is fickle and strange thing. Luke and you promised that if either of you went on a quest, you’d bring each other. Yet, Luke couldn’t keep his promise.

He couldn’t see his girl—best friend, his best friend get hurt because of a stupid promise. He wouldn’t forgive himself if you went out he quest and got injured in some way, shape or form.

Even if you hadn’t gotten hurt, he might’ve— he would’ve gotten worse injuries from being distracted by your beauty. He could never tear his eyes from you whenever you entered the room.

In hindsight, it was a really bad way to go about things.

“I’m fine, aren’t I?” Luke responded and couldn’t hold himself back. He interlaced his fingers with yours, knowing you were still pissed when he didn’t choose you or anyone, for that matter, to join him on his quest to retrieve a Golden Apple from the Garden of Hesperides.

He resented his father and the gods for not caring for his wellbeing during the quest.

“Yes, but—” You protested.

At least you cared for his wellbeing. You caring about him was better than any god or goddess on Olympus.

His eyes softened. His mind screaming the words he was too scared to say to you out loud. “I love you.” He loved you for caring about his wellbeing. His safety.

“Yes, but nothing.” Luke retaliated and squeezed your hand to assure you. “I’m okay, I’m alive and have some cool ass scars now.”

Luke grinned as he was able to produce a laugh from you. Your laugh was like music to his ears. His own ambrosia in human form.

“Shut up.” You rolled your eyes playfully.

“Never.”

II. SPARRING

“Again.” Luke demanded as he pointed the celestial bronze sword at your throat. The sun beating down on the two of you as you trained. A past time as the days got boring.

“Fuck off.” You scoffed and laid back in the grass that laid beneath the pair’s feet. The grass tickling your arms and legs.

“C’mon! Up and at it. The momentum will wear off.” Luke helplessly convinced you to try and spar him again.

“Oh no, what ever will we do?” Sarcasm bled through your tone. You pushed yourself to sit up and leaned against the rack contained to celestial bronze swords.

Luke shook his head and grinned. He pushed back his chocolate curls to wipe the sweat from his forehead. He joined you on the grassy floor.

“Five minute break then.” Luke nodded.

“Ten minutes.” You negotiated and looked over at Luke. His scar was healing nicely, no infections—just a clean cut from his eye to his jaw. “You can’t expect to be up and at it after training with the greatest swordsman for an hour straight.”

Maybe it was the heat or maybe it was from the training. Luke’s cheeks became pink. He knew his siblings and other demigods talked about him being the “greatest swordsman”, but hearing it from you was different.

“You think I’m the greatest swordsman?” Luke said with a teasing grin.

“Not after I’m done with you.”

“Say that to the many times you hit the floor.”

“I was going easy on you!”

Luke and you burst out in laughter at your banter, unable to keep a serious conversation. He thought your laughter could brighten up the Underworld. Hades would even agree.

Again, those three words would cross his mind. “I love you.” He loved bantering with you back and forth. How dare he try to ruin the moment with his romantic phrases.

“C’mon!” You huffed and pushed yourself to stand up. You were obliviously to the admiration in his eyes. The celestial bronze sword gripped loosely in your hand.

“What happened to the ten minutes?” Luke titled his head up only slightly to look at you. A stupid grin on his face. He stood up to get in position

“I can train when I damn want too.”

“Don’t start complaining about being tired then.”

He never tore his eyes away from yours as you thrusted the blade at his torso.

III. STARS

Luke had no idea where the line between lover and friendship was crossed. He had absolutely no idea when he started to see you more as a crush rather than his best friend.

Though he did notice his stomach started to twist and turn every time he saw you. He noticed his heart raced a little faster every time he heard your laugh.

Luke found himself gravitating towards you during dinner, training, capture the flag—like a moth to burning flame. Would he find himself getting burned for pursuing you?

“Hey.”

Luke spoke as the wooden dock creaked beneath his feet. You were sitting on the edge of the dock. The night sky lit up with tiny bright lights. You gave him a smile (one that could melt his heart) and patted the space next to you.

“You doing okay?” Luke asked and sat next to you. His leg touching yours. The lake rippled. The moonlight shining down on it.

“I just—needed a break.” You reassure Luke. “From gods, goddesses, prophecies, quests…all of it.”

The chirps and cheeps of the birds and animals filled the silence. A background noise. Luke felt your head lean against his shoulder. His heart beat quicker. He hesitantly wrapped his arm around your shoulder. Comfort, he convinced himself.

“You can’t really escape being a half-blood.” Luke consulted and rubbed his hand up and down your arm. You hummed in agreement.

You were quite glad Luke joined you. These nights on the dock, after dinner, were getting lonely. The silence is comfortable save for the wildlife in the forest.

Faintly, ever so faintly, you heard Luke speak three words. Three words you would never hear from him.

“I love you…”

Gods.

He didn’t even realize it. His lips were making the consonants and vowel sounds. Luke didn’t know until you picked up your head from his shoulder. Your eyes wide with shock and what he had hoped was…relief.

“What…?” You mumbled.

Did he just ruin his friendship with you? Did he just lose his best friend because he said his thoughts out loud? Luke thought he had better control over that.

“What?” He responded and let his arm fall from your shoulders.

“What did you say?”

“Nothing.”

“Luke.”

His breath hitched. He felt lovesick. Like Aphrodite personally made his body malfunction during this moment. “I…”

“I love you…” Luke avoided your gaze like he was ashamed to have a crush on you.

How did you feel? Would you reject him in a heart beat? Would you ridicule him? Thoughts swam his mind.

Before he could get too into his head, he felt a soft pair of lips pressed against his. Your eyes closed and he willed himself to close his eyes as well. Melting, melting into your touch, your lips.

When you pulled away, his eyes opened. He was graced with the sight of you in the moonlight. “What?” He spoke breathlessly.

“What?” You responded slightly confused and scared you made the moment uncomfortable.

“You…” Luke paused and closed his mouth as he tried to formulate the words. To form a coherent thought. He just…he wanted that to never end. He finally got what he yearned for (and he wasn’t rejected?). He got you.

“Is this real?” Luke asked and you laughed. His stomach churned with butterflies.

“Yes!” You answered and interlaced your fingers with his.

“May I?”

“You’d be a pretty bad demigod if you didn’t.”

And once again, Luke got the kiss the girl. He got the kiss the girl he been pining over for gods know how long.

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I am so very in love with these.

tweets with pjo characters (iv.)

content summary: same deal as last time idk. persassy, grover being a cutie pie, reader fighting for their life, percy and luke beef, chris being a himbo!

note: gonna have to make a masterlist for these lmfaoooo. finally finished exams guys new semester starts next, week, my free time is clears i'm so back. also charlie bushnell is so so pretty i could stare at him for days let's talk about it.

part one / part two / part three

I JUST BINGE READ ALL OF YOUR RACE FICS AND YOUR WRITING IS SO GOOD AAA💕💕 it feels like he’s real and the relationship is real and i’m actually in the world of the story holy shit,,, if you’re still taking requests can you write some race fluff, preferably in canon era, with like a cute lead up to him getting together with the reader (if you’re okay with it of course!) thanks!!

HOPELESSLY IN LOVE

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pairing: racetrack higgins x fem!reader

summary: the brooklyn newsies are strong and independent. they can hold their own and are respected; despite being a borough with a large amount of girls. so when one falls in love, her nature begins to crumble.

warnings: n/a

a/n: using the uksies as brooklyn, plus some from the broadway show. also, omfg i really appreciate it, thank you so much<3

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You never knew what romantic attraction felt like until you saw him at Medda’s Theater with his stupid blue eyes, his stupid blonde curls, his stupid cigar, his stupid cute smile—

Davey— that new Manhattan newsie was introducing your borough, respectfully, when you saw him. He was smiling at you, more so at your whole borough, ecstatic you showed up to the strike. That smile—that stupid cute smile made your heart flutter, your stomach churn with butterflies.

Of course, you knew what family love and platonic attraction felt like—you felt that for every newsie in Brooklyn. They were your brothers and sisters by heart. Yet, he stole your heart. Bastard. You ought to soak him.

Falling in love was a weird thing to do, especially since your priority was the sell papers to survive. You find yourself thinking about Manhattan’s second after the strike is won.

It didn’t help that he hugged you when Kelly announced the strike ended in their favor or when you guys talked during celebrations that night. The memories haunted your sleep.

A loud groan escaped your lips. That stupid smile of his. Your hands going over your warm, rose colored face as you sat on your bunk. Ritz and Hotshot peeked their heads into the girls bunk room, hearing you groan.

“What’re moping and griping about?” Hotshot asked, crossing his arms. His thick accent ringing in your ears.

You turn to look at you friends and remove the hands from your face. Before you could get a word in, Ritz is cupping your cheeks and feeling your forehead. “You’re burning up, Y/N!” Ritz exclaimed and shook your head side to side, lightly, to inspect your red cheeks.

“Ritz, please—” You begged the auburn haired girl to let your face go.

“Spot is going to be worried.”

“Ritz—”

“I think we have medicine somewhere.”

“Ritz, hang on—“

“Water and rest, that’s what my mama says.”

“I don’t have—”

“Spot ain’t letting you sell tomorrow.”

“Ritz!”

You shouted finally getting her attention. Ritz stopped her worrying. Hotshot stood up straight with raised eyebrows. You gently put your hands on Ritz’s wrists and removed them from your face. “I ain’t sick. I ain’t coughing or feelin’ bad.”

“Then what’s got your face so red, Y/N?” Ritz asked, she titled her head ever so slightly.

“A boy.” Hotshot spoke up.

You glared at Brooklyn’s second. Were you really that readable? Hotshot had to be a fucking psychic. A smirk danced on his lips. The silence said it all.

Ritz lit up like the Fourth of July. “You like a boy!” Ritz exclaimed with a wide grin. You slapped a hand across her mouth.

“Ritz, please don’t tell the others—” You begged to convey your seriousness. “You too, Hotshot.”

Ritz, still buzzing with excitement, nodded her head. You quickly shoved Hotshot into the girls’ bunk room and shut the door. “Who is it?” Ritz asked excitedly.

You pressed your lips together in a thin line. An internal dilemma with yourself. Would you rather suffer in silence, pin over a newsie in the other side of the Brooklyn Bridge or tell two people your crush which could potentially spread throughout the borough?

You decide to tell Hotshot and Ritz. Love is too confusing for you to suffer alone.

“It’s Manhattan’s second in command.” You mumbled, twisting your fingers as your face heats up. Just thinking about Race got your stomach all twisted up in a good way.

You didn’t think they heard you, but they did. Loud in clear.

“Race? Race!” Ritz confirmed.

Hotshot raised an eyebrow in amusement. “The one that “wanders” on our turf to bet at Sheepshead?”

“Yes.” You sighed exasperatedly and fell onto your bunk. “He’s just so—”

You couldn’t find the words to describe him, but then proceeded to go on a rant about Race for 10 minutes.

It wasn’t long before everyone in Brooklyn knew of your little crush on Manhattan’s second (and probably Manhattan). It was terrible with all the teasing and the questions on what you would do.

You didn’t know what to do! You would just lay in your bed and smile stupidly when you thought about him. “Pathetically in love” is what you thought.

Stray decided to do something.

With Spot’s permission (seeing you hopelessly in love was getting in the way of selling and Brooklyn’s reputation), Stray went to Manhattan. Stray had connections there. Her boyfriend and brother lived in Manhattan’s borough.

Stray told Specs, who told Elmer, who told Henry, who told Jojo, who told Mike, who told Finch, who told Race—that you liked him. When you got word that Race knew, you panicked.

Romance like that with him. You wouldn’t know how to act, what to do, or what to say. You’ve seen romance from afar; with rich couples, elderly couples, teenagers—all types of couples!

“Ya’ gotta relax, kid.” Spot patted your back after they found you contemplating your choices on your bunk. “If Racer is as half bright as you, he’ll see you’re a real gem.”

That gave you some confidence in yourself. You shouldn’t get worked up about some boy. Taking Mac’s advice seemed like the best option. “He’s just a guy!”

But, he seems real sweet and humorous and charming and ambitious. Keyword: seems. You might be setting yourself up for failure.

After days and days of dreading what you should do, Race came walking into Brooklyn, willy nilly, specifically to Graves’ and yours selling spot.

“Heya miss, can I get a pape?” Race asked.

You weren’t paying attention and grabbed a newspaper from your bag. Seeing him in front of you with his stupid blue eyes, his stupid blonde curls, his stupid cigar, his stupid cute smile—

You froze. A blush rising to your face. You spun on your heels and walked away. A fight or flight response.

Graves grabbed you with a smirk and turned you around. “Talk to him!” Graves whispered and pushed you towards Race.

He had that charming, amused smile on his face. “Hey.” He spoke, two hands on the strap of his paper bag.

“Hey.” You croaked.

“I—uh…got word, ya like me.”

“Mhm.”

Race looked at you awkwardly. If you looked hard enough, you saw a faint faint blush on cheeks. “You—uh…wanna go to the Sheepshead with me?”

“Now?” You asked incredulously.

“Now.” Graves spoke firmly. “You can sell at Sheepshead, don’t worry. I’ll be fine by myself.”

And so, you and Race went to Sheepshead Races. You held onto his arm like one of those rich ladies would do to a gentlemen. Conversation was made, no matter how awkward it was between you two.

The Sheepshead Races were loud and lively. You usually went here with Lucky and Scope when you had downtime.

“C’mon, they’ll start soon.” Race intertwined his hands with yours and pulled you through a crowd of people. “Gotta get the best seats.”

“Isn’t that the front row?” You asked, glancing back at where you and your friends would usually sit.

“Trust me, sweetheart. These seats are better than any front row.” Race grinned.

Your heart skipped a beat.

The name “sweetheart” sounded so right from his lips.

Race took you to a chainlink fence. You were close enough to see the jockeys’ faces and the horses shaking their head. The spot was at the bottom right of the original seating, in between the commentator’s box and the vendor.

He let go of your hand to lean against the fence. You frowned slightly, missing the feeling of his hand in yours. “Better than any front seat.” He repeated softly.

“Is this how you got your name?” You gestured to the races. Your nerves slowly disappearing. You were a Brooklyn newsie for Christ’s sake! Be confident!

“What?” Race shook his head as if you broke him out of his trance. “Oh—uh…kinda! That and I would be the first to the circulation gate. I’m pretty fast for a newsie.”

“You’re pretty for a newsie.” You responded without missing a beat.

“What’s that?” Race leaned in to hear you better. A smirk on his face.

Before you could respond, a gunshot sounded. Hooves slammed on the dirt track. The commentator spoke enthusiastically about the race. In no time, the horses and jockeys were passing you. The wind from them passing knocked off your newsie cape. You could practically see the sweat on the jockeies’ faces.

“Careful.” Race snaked an arm around your waist as soon as the horses passed. He pulled you towards him, concerned about your safety.

You yelped going face first into his chest. Race chuckled awkwardly. You pulled away slightly, but not out of his arms. You two met eyes, just staring. The sound of the hooves faded away.

His blue eyes, the same color as the East River, the same color as a beautiful day. No words were shared between you two. Race gulped. The tension palpable.

Cheering and groans were heard as the commentator announced the outcome. “If—you couldn’t tell…” Race spoke nervously, never tearing his eyes away from yours. “I think your cute—hell, I think your badass for being a Brooklyner.”

Usually when you saw a lady and gentleman like this, they share a kiss. Your heart was beating out of your chest. You never kissed anyone, but this seemed like the perfect moment.

“I don’t know how to kiss…” You admitted quietly.

“We don’t gotta kiss.” Race assured.

“But I want too.”

“…”

“…”

“Can I kiss ya then?”

“Please.”

The minute his lips met yours, the whole world froze. Your stomach twisted in a good warm feeling. Electricity and sparks flying with a single touch to the lips. Your brain was blanking. No words could describe a first kiss.

“Was that…okay?” Race pulled away.

“Better than okay.” You nodded firmly and pressed another kiss to his lips.

Both Race and you got a little more confident and kissed each other back. It only lasted a few seconds, but it was sweet. “There’s more to Brooklyn than the Sheepshead Races.” You pulled away this time.

“I figured.” Race laughed and ran a hand through his blonde curls. He picked up your newsie’s cap that flew off. Brushing off the dirt, he placed the cap back on your head.

“I wanna show you more places in Brooklyn.” You spoke without even realizing what you were saying.

“A date then.” Race smirked.

“A date.” You confirmed.

“Great.”

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