dandelion

dandy • she/her • anyone who writes or draws smth based on smth i post is legally required to show me :3

[dandelionpixels]

haiiii y’all!! updated intro!

you can call me dandy :)

i’m here to write anything! i’ll do, headcanons ab a character/ship, reader x fandom, various pairings within fandom, ocs x fandom, scenario based stories, etc!! if you can think of it, i’ll daydream about it and give you the results!!

not gonna lie i go mia for months at a time <//3

here’s some of the media i’ll write for :)

they’ll probably be formatted as bullet points or short paragraphs, like this or this!

if it feels embarrassing, it’s right up my alley. i am here for all your self indulgent needs :) i’m no good at nsfw but im down for flirting/tension, so feel free to toss that in ur requests!

if you happen to like my writing and want something more than bullet points, i have an ao3 linked here that you might enjoy!!

all of my stuff on here will be under #dandelionwrites*fandom* and my current hashtag list is here!

and if you happen to love my writing, i have a ko-fi here!! but don’t ever feel like you owe me anything, i will write for free as much as you want me too <3 no need to feel bad at ALL!!

okay byeeeee

[dandelionpixels]

okay not a question but i absolutely love your work!!! you deserve more recognition i fear 🙂‍↕️💢

wow i love you so much!!!!!!! tysm!!!!! i know i’ve been a little mia but if you have anything you want written i will get AWN that shit!!! ur the best <3334

[dandelionpixels]

Hi! Can I please request hcs for luckier where R is chloe's sibling who is really shy and herself, lucifer, and mackenzie (who both have a soft spot for them as they're really nice to people) help them out?

YESSS!!!!! love this!! i need to rewatch lucifer SOOO BAD!!

here u go beautiful!!!!

[dandelionpixels]

reader + lucifer & mazikeen & chloe

(platonic, chloe’s sibling)

ask: Hi! Can I please request hcs for lucifer where Reader is chloe's sibling who is really shy and herself, lucifer, and mazikeen (who both have a soft spot for them as they're really nice to people) help them out?

It’s funny, you didn’t think a bar would ever be your scene. But the more time Chloe spent with her new friend, the more time you both ended up spending at his bar. It was loud and bright, but not actually all that awful. She’d work on her police paperwork, and you’d tease her for being able to work in this kind of environment. Your time was usually spent sipping on a soda Chloe ordered for you, and swiping through your phone until you both went home

Lucifer, as Chloe had introduced him as, started to sit with you guys occasionally, when he wasn’t busy with ‘business’. You weren’t one to start too much of a conversation, but you’d always wave and offer him some of whatever you’d brought to eat. He’d always politely refuse, but offer a slight smile. Mazikeen, another interesting name, also begins to join the table on most nights, and she’d never refuse an offer of food.

More interestingly, she’d also chat incessantly with you, despite your limited answers. It almost felt nice to have someone talk to you so openly, without expecting you to talk back. You’d nod along and agree mostly, but one night you made a slight joke and she laughed so hard she choked on her vodka. You’re certain it can’t have been that funny, you assume it just caught her off guard. But on another night, you mumble another joke, and you see Lucifer’s expression shift into a smile.

Maze hits the table, making all of you jump as she grins broadly, “Damn Chloe, they’re funnier than you!”

You can’t help but smile at that, as Chloe just scoffs and continues writing in her folder. Lucifer takes a sip of his drink through his slight smile, and glances towards you, “She’s not typically so easily-pleased, she must like you.” The rest of the night passes without incident, if you ignore the fork Maze threw at Lucifer after that comment. You’re mostly silent, watching the other three at the table.

She must like you. It was just an offhand comment Lucifer had made, it meant nothing, but it kept floating around in your mind. So the next time you were at the club with them, you made an effort to talk louder, contribute to the conversation, make more jokes. Lucifer even chuckles at one, “You’re funny, you know? You’ve got a good mind, no need to be so standoffish.” It’s almost nice, and definitely slightly judgmental, but it makes you grin all the way home.

After that, you spend more and more time with them.

You, Chloe, Maze, and Lucifer spend most nights at the club, chatting at that table. Every time you see them, you get slightly braver, telling stories about your day and complimenting their outfits. They continue to seemingly enjoy your company, and come off as genuinely flattered by your kind words.

One night as the four of you laugh, Maze slams Chloe’s laptop closed, “C’mon, I want to dance.” Chloe bites back her protests, knowing there was nothing that could stop Maze from having a good night, and nods reluctantly.

Maze’s face splits into a grin, sliding out of the booth and offering a hand to Chloe, who takes it with a barely stifled smile. As Chloe follows her out of the booth, she shoots you a look. Shaking your head fervently, you laugh, “You know I don’t dance Clo,”

As she gets pulled away by Maze, she points accusatorially at Lucifer and gestures to you. Before you can even understand what she wants, Lucifer slides smoothly out of the booth, offering a hand to you. Eyes widening in panic, you shake your head again, “No I really don’t dance, I-“

He nods towards where Maze and Chloe are spinning in place, “It’s not dancing, it’s having fun. Let’s go, I swear you can leave if you hate it.”

You groan, but the weeks of growing closer with him has made you susceptible, so you reluctantly take his hand. He flashes his signature grin, pulling you gently to your feet, “Don’t bother looking at anyone that you don’t know.”

Nodding, you can feel your heart rate picking up, the sheer amount of people make you want to go home. You try to listen to what he said, making your eyes focus on the three people you know. The two of you join Maze and Chloe, and they wave excitedly, jumping slightly up and down. You wave back much less excitedly, and Lucifer gently raises your other arm, spinning you slowly in place. You can’t help a small smile and he winks, making you roll your eyes.

He leans in so you can hear him talk, “I’m going to lift you.”

Thinking he’s joking, you go to laugh, but he’s already grabbing your waist. You stifle a shriek as he lifts you slightly off the ground, spinning you around. It’s only a couple seconds but it feels like longer, and though you can barely believe it, it’s fun.

Feet placed back on the ground, you swat his shoulder, which only makes him scoff in mock-offense. Maze and Chloe don’t give you a moment to recover, grabbing your hands and moving you from side to side with them. The whole ordeal continues, passing you from person to person until you forget there’s other people in the room. You can feel yourself smiling, then grinning, then laughing, as you jump and twirl with the three of them. Your hand remains locked with Chloe’s as she smiles towards you, clearly excited to see you having fun in a place like this.

Misc.

- The ‘They said no pickles’ trend but it’s you in the background, and the three of them in front of you. Chloe with her badge out, Lucifer’s eyes glowing red, and Maze dual-wielding knives.

- It’s a lot of small things. Chloe interlocking her pinky with yours to keep you from spiraling when you’re surrounded by people. Maze slowly but surely getting you to expand your fashion taste, taking you shopping every weekend until you have a closet that you actually feel confident in. Lucifer sitting with you when you’re nervous about something, assuring you it’s all going to be fine, and that he’s sure you’ll do great.

- You asked them once, when you were feeling particularly brave.

“Why do you guys care so much? About me, I mean.”

They both fall silent for a minute, and it makes you immediately regret asking.

Maze fiddles slightly with her knives, “You’re nice, I guess. That’s- it’s cool.” She looks up at you, gaze intense but clearly kind.

Lucifer tilts his head, taking a slight breath, “Yes, I suppose that’s my motivation as well. You’re pleasant to be around, it doesn’t seem fair that you don’t know that.”

- Your tongue slips one day, and you call Lucifer ‘Luci’, but instead of him getting mad like you thought he might, he just smiles and continues the conversation like nothing happened.

- Even though Lucifer’s constantly meeting new people, he’s very aware that constant socialization isn’t quite up your alley. So when you walk into the club and see him surrounded with people, it’s only ever a couple seconds before they scatter like flies. Lucifer insists it’s a coincidence, but Maze admits that when he sees you, he tells everyone else to leave.

- Chloe is always willing to stay in with you, instead of going out. You appreciate it, but it makes you feel guilty to keep her from her friends. So you shoot a “Hangout at Chloe’s place?” text to Maze, fingers tapping restlessly as you nervously wait for her response. It’s only twenty minutes later when her and Lucifer ring the doorbell, pizza and drinks in hand. Lucifer ruffles your hair as he walks in, “Contrary to popular belief, we’ve been known to enjoy a night-in as much as the next human.”

[dandelionpixels]

more charlie kelly PUH LEASSEEEEE PLEASEE i love him so much and no one ever writes for him. thank you and i love you so much

I LOVE YOUUU!!!!!! ur real i love that creacher.

here u goooo

MWAHHH :333

[dandelionpixels]

charlie kelly x reader - ice skating

(romantic, could be read as platonic)

ask: more charlie kelly PUH LEASSEEEEE PLEASEE i love him so much and no one ever writes for him. thank you and i love you so much

Ice skating!! The gang finds out that Dee sometimes ice skates at an indoor rink on the weekends, and of course they feel the need to crash her party.

- You’re there with your friends, no professional skater, but not falling over either.

- Until a short man in a green jacket speeds straight into you, arms flailing. You try to grab the wall, he tries to grab your arm, and you both hit the floor. He immediately scrambles back up onto the wall, offering you an unsteady hand, “Oh shit, I’m really sorry, me and my buddy are trying to see if I can do a kick-flip on skates and he pushed me to get more speed and-“

- He fumbles through an apology and pulls you up, checking your elbows and hands for scrapes. Despite your insistence that you’re fine, he insists on offering you his arm for the rest of the lap. He’s less steady than you are, but you appreciate the effort.

- When you get off the ice, he gestures for you to sit at one of the tables.

- “Just give me- hold on-“ He starts to back away, stumbling over his explanation. “I’ll be right- don’t move!”

- He trips as he turns away, running over to the snack bar. You watch him pull handfuls of change out of his jacket pocket before a blond lady rolls her eyes and shoves him a five dollar bill.

- When he returns, it’s with a hot chocolate and a deep blush that you assume is from the cold. He runs a hand through his hair, foot tapping the ground restlessly.

- “Would you- sorry that’s stupid never mind.” You let out another laugh, “Go ahead, I wanna hear.”

- He makes a face, groaning slightly, “I think we should leave. Like to somewhere with food…or drinks. To go eat.” He looks almost scared, fidgeting with his sleeves.

- When you nod with a slight smile, he practically jumps out of his seat, grabbing your arm and almost knocking you over. He yanks his jacket off, throws it over your shoulders, and starts talking endlessly about an irish bar he knows.

[dandelionpixels]

do you write yandere/dark stuff? also, do you write for marcus from superstore? thanks!

no on yandere, maybe on other dark stuff but YES on marcus!! love that wacky dude. also sorry ive been m.i.a. im gonna try to catch up :))

[irishyuri]

unstoppable slut meets immovable object or whatever that saying is

[dandelionpixels]

Hi was curious about what Marvel projects you write for? I was wondering if it was just MCU or other Marvel films like X-Men or Fantastic Four?

hai!! i basically just write mcu unfortunately, but i’ll also write daredevil (the show)!

[dandelionpixels]

btw nobody is being ignored, im just at the whims of motivation!! hoping to get some writing done this weekend? ive been watching the new season of doctor who and WOOOOO id write anything ab anyone in these eps, theyve been so good!!

[dandelionpixels]

Just wanted to check do you write for the DCEU? More specifically characters like wonder woman?

hai!! i dont usually write for dc outside of the tv shows, but i DO actually write for wonder woman!

[dandelionpixels]

Are you still taking requests?

Doctor x daughter reader? Where reader already knows most of what's going to happen because she's from 11 and Rivers time but through timey wimey stuff ends up traveling with 9 and rose and eventually 10? This might be too specific but the way I have it in my head is she ended up being a partner in crime with Jack and so the first time they meet she's with him and the doctor is like “Who are you?!” and she's all “Spoilers!........ I've always wanted to say that!”

This is probably way too much information but it's been running around in my head for a long time 😹

haii!! okay i went a little overboard with this one bc i started writing and just had so much fun, i really hope u love it!!! genuinely such an awesome premise id write this anytime <33

HERE U GO!!

[dandelionpixels]

the doctor (9/10/11) + reader

(platonic/familial)

ask: Doctor x daughter reader? Where reader already knows most of what's going to happen because she's from 11 and Rivers time but through timey wimey stuff ends up traveling with 9 and rose and eventually 10? This might be too specific but the way I have it in my head is she ended up being a partner in crime with Jack and so the first time they meet she's with him and the doctor is like “Who are you?!” and she's all “Spoilers!........ I've always wanted to say that!”

You’ve been running since you were born. A breathing enigma, that’s what they called you. There’s no point in explaining how, or even why. It’s really no fun to have an answer anyway.

Honestly the only thing that’s important is that, much like River, you’re living your life in the wrong order, jumping around without rhyme or reason. You don’t mind, it keeps things exciting. It’d been a while of traveling with Eleven and the Ponds, so you figured you were due for another temporal displacement. But you just didn’t think it’d be so far back.

You’d always found Jack interesting, no matter how much each Doctor warned you to be careful. And he’s always out there, no matter the time period, which works perfectly for you. So you track him down again, preparing an introduction, knowing he certainly hasn’t met you yet.

It ends up being unnecessary, since when you find him, he’s too busy dodging laser-fire to listen to your story. In fact, he immediately promises to pay you handsomely if you pretend to be a hostage. And he seems pleasantly surprised when you take little-to-no convincing, ruffling your hair and dashing across the bridge with you, gun to your back. By the time you guys make it across the border safely, he’s offering a partnership, grin plastered on his face. With a matching smile, you agree, excited to continue your streak of befriending Jack in any time.

This arrangement leads you to run into the Doctor, as traveling with Jack always seems to do.

Meeting Nine

The first time you properly see Nine, your mouth fully drops open.

You’d known him through pictures, shared memories, stories, but never in person. He’s real, and new, and standing right in front of you. Jack offers him a mock salute, glancing back to see you still standing in silence. Before you can stop yourself, your mouth starts to form a sentence, the first thing you could think of to say.

“Your ears are proper huge!”

Rose has to grab his arm to keep him from lunging towards you, planting her feet to yank him back. He stumbles slightly but lets her keep him in place, angrily fixing his coat collar, “And who would you be then?”

Jack chuckles, arms crossed while he lets you talk. A giddy grin spreads across your face, eyes lighting up with genuine excitement as you shoot him a playful wink, “Can’t say! Spoilers!”

You try and fail to stifle your smile, looking between the others, “I’ve always wanted to say that.”

Nine just throws his arms up in the air, “Great, wonderful, fantastic. Spoilers, what is that supposed to mean?”

After thinking about it more, he pivots his body to direct the question towards Jack. Resting his hands on his hips, he taps his foot impatiently, and you can’t help but think he looks like a disgruntled mother.

Jack shrugs, “She’s my partner.”

Over Nine’s shoulder, you see Rose make a gagging expression. You shake your head frantically, “Not- no- just partners! No- erm- skadoodling.”

This time it’s Jack turn to gag, as he mouths ‘skadoodle?’ to you. You shrug, and Jack rolls his eyes, “It’s true. Just partners, none of- what she said.” He pauses before continuing, “Despite my best efforts.”

Shoving him him pointedly, you look back towards Nine’s irritated expression, “I’m a friend of the Doctors, and that’s all I can say. Jack can swear that I’m not a spy, or whatever.”

You shoot a sharp look in Jack’s direction and he makes a cross over his heart, “Hope to die.”

Nine groans, “Can nothing ever be easy with me? Does everything have to be so convoluted.”

Rose rolls her eyes, “Tell me about it.”

She looks towards you, recognizing something in your eyes. The same thing she sees in the Doctor’s. Shake shakes it off, just excited about the prospect of having another girl in the Tardis to talk too. Before Nine can cut in, she steps forward, “Jack’s word is good enough for me! We’re about to see the emerald fields, do you wanna come?”

Your face splits into a bright smile, “Do I? I have like three hats from the gift shop!”

Before Nine’s dumbfounded face can come up with more questions, you grab Jack’s hand and pull him inside the Tardis. Looking back as he runs inside, Jack grins towards Nine, “Sorry Doc, looks like the ladies are making the calls!”

Nine follows the both of you inside, dragging Rose behind him and pointing accusatory at you, “Now I’m not sure what kind of small-ear agenda you’re spouting, but I won’t have it in my Tardis. And keep your odd amount of space-time trivia to yourself!”

You nod, giving him a mock salute and giggling as he pinches the bridge of his nose with a soft groan.

Misc. Traveling With Nine

- It’s a lot of him insisting you don’t know something, and you insisting that you do. It typically ends up with Rose and Jack placing money on it. Which Nine shortly banned because they kept only betting on you.

- You keep intentionally hitting buttons on the console and then pretending to be surprised when they work. It cracks Rose up and makes Nine crazy when you ‘bump into’ the landing stabilizers every time they touch down somewhere.

- Rose almost falls to the floor laughing when Jack makes a joke about you and Nine kissing and you make such a disgusted face that Nine almost looks like his feelings were hurt.

- Sometimes you and Jack disappear for a couple days to do something on your own, and every time you come back, Nine pretends like he wasn’t worried. Rose always rolls her eyes behind him, letting you know he’s bluffing. He spends most of the time you’re gone pacing around and complaining about you not calling to let him know you’d be gone.

- Whenever you get a chance to say spoilers, you take it. Nine always find it unreliably infuriating but he eventually stops pressing you for more information.

- He leaves the Tardis one day in ’normal clothes’ to try and go undercover somewhere. When he comes back, you and Rose are taking turns wearing his coat and doing arguably awful impressions of him. Jack is sitting in the chair, grabbing his stomach as he guffaws loudly.

It feels like you’re just getting comfortable when Nine’s time comes to an end, and the regeneration process begins.

You and Rose huddle together, covering each other’s eyes while the glowing light fills the Tardis. You can’t help the tears running down your cheek, even though you already knew this would happen. It doesn’t stop the feelings.

Both of you wait in Jackie’s room as he sleeps, and you can’t properly explain to them why you’re not as worried as everyone else.

When he slowly but surely gets back into the swing of things, you can feel yourself filling with new excitement. It’s another Doctor, whom you’ve never met. Like an second family reunion where only ones of you knows that you’re family.

Misc. Traveling With Ten

- There’s more emotional moments with him, where you almost get hurt and he goes a little crazy trying to make sure you’re safe. It gets to the point where you have to pull him aside, promising that you can handle yourself. He insists he knows that, but it doesn’t stop him from putting himself between you and danger at every opportunity.

- On the rooftop of some scummy restaurant in future Montana, he admits that he trusts you implicitly. He says he can’t understand why, but you feel close to his soul in a way he doesn’t understand. It makes your heart pang to not be able to tell him that you feel the same way.

- You’re there for him when Rose leaves, to sit with him in the silence, and to scream into the canyons on deserted planets. You’re there for Donna, then Martha, then Donna again. You get along with all of them and it always makes you sad to know how things pan out, but you try to just enjoy your time with them.

- There’s somehow even more running than before, and it feels like he’s always grabbing your hand to pull you towards various adventures.

- The both of you get really competitive, always racing to outdo each other’s dramatic conclusion, and forgetting there’s other people around.

- He makes a huge deal out of your birthday, despite them being more a suggestion for Timelords. He takes you to Paris (367 years in the future) for breakfast, back in time for a front-row concert from your favorite musician, and then to 8 different planets for a multiple course dinner and desert.

When you both run into River in the library, you can’t help but let out a soft gasp. River locks eyes with you and in an instant, you know she knows you. Running into her arms, she just laughs and spins you slightly, thanking the universe for aligning you guys so perfectly.

Ten almost genuinely stomps his feet, infuriated, “You have got to be kidding me! How do you two know each other?”

You shoot a playful smile to River, and the both of you turn to face him at the same time, exclaiming a chastising, “Spoilers!”

[dandelionpixels]

Dennis Reynolds and Charlie Kelly x reader who's kinda anxious all the time and gets a bit clingy because of it?

this was soooo fun!!!! i hope u love it!!

here u go :33

[dandelionpixels]

dennis x charlie x reader

(romantic)

ask: Dennis Reynolds and Charlie Kelly x reader who's kinda anxious all the time and gets a bit clingy because of it?

Dennis

- Religiously intent on pretending like he hates it, even though literally everyone knows he doesn’t.

- Gets really good at telling when you’re feeling especially anxious, just from your tone or your body language. He’ll shoot Charlie a look and Charlie will come up a nonsensical reason that you guys have to leave.

- “I can hear the rats breeding and we have to cut this off at the source. Be back in a sec!”

- Whenever you guys sit next to each other in a booth and he can feel your fingers tapping nervously, he puts his foot next to yours, and interlocks your guys’ pinkies.

- When he has to run an errand during the work day, he’s always careful to ask if you want to come. It ends up adding an hour onto the errand, because you guys always end up wanting food and drinks.

Charlie

- Openly loves it and has been known to try to actually bite people who make fun of him for it.

- He’s a lover of good morning and good night texts. You introduced him to the concept and it doesn’t matter if you guys are in the same bed, he’ll still send one. He also wakes up at noon but will still send a good morning text.

- Biggest piggyback enjoyer in the world. Anytime you seem even a little drained, he’s already trying to convince you to let him give you a piggyback ride.

- ‘Bought’ you a shitty matching necklace that you’re pretty sure he made out of bottle-caps, but you love it more than anything.

- Gets really giddy and honored when you want to be close to him, and takes his ‘responsibility’ way too seriously, despite your insistence you just want to hang out. He’ll refuse to do anything else when you want to be near him, which includes his job, to Frank’s annoyance.

Dennis + Charlie

- On days where you all stay home, you can’t get them to leave the bed. You tease them for being even clingier than you are, but they just pull you back under the covers when you try to go make coffee.

- When you’re feeling specifically anxious about an outing or event, they’re always ready to brainstorm ways to make it better, writing it on a stupid whiteboard at Charlie’s place. The ideas range from just not going to calling in a b//mb threat to get the event rescheduled.

- Out in public, you’re usually the first to hold their hands or link arms, but then they refuse to let go.

[dandelionpixels]

Hi! I was wondering if I could request a Reader X Doctor (11) X River kinda Drabble where the doctor meets the reader for the first time and the reader realizes this is the ‘friend’ River was trying to hook them up with? Thank you and keep up the amazing work 😁

i LOVED this prompt!!!! i hope u vibe w/ it, i took some creative liberties but i think its still v close to your prompt!! <33 and thank you SO much!

HERE U GOOO

[dandelionpixels]

eleventh doctor x reader x river

(romantic)

ask: Hi! I was wondering if I could request a Reader X Doctor (11) X River kinda Drabble where the doctor meets the reader for the first time and the reader realizes this is the ‘friend’ River was trying to hook them up with? Thank you and keep up the amazing work 😁

- It takes an unbelievable amount of effort on River’s end to arrange the ‘coincidental’ meeting.

- She begs you to come with her to a fancy dance, promising you don’t have to stay long and that it’ll be fun.

- At the same time, she sends multiple messages to the Doctor, praying they’ll find him in time. They all say there’s a possible invasion threat, and that he needs to be at the venue on this date, dressed to be undercover.

Which explains her usual carefree attitude being slightly dampened as she rushes around your house, getting ready for the party. Checking times, then her phone, then your outfit, then her phone again.

You’re a little excited, despite your insistence that you’re only doing it to satiate River. It’s the routine of getting ready, it’s fun. You smile to yourself and River points at you through the mirror, “I knew it! It’s gonna be fun, don’t you trust me?”

River is beautiful as ever, a dark green dress making her hair look brighter than ever. She drapes her arms over your shoulders as you sit in front of the mirror, “You look wonderful. Ready?” You nod and the two of you head for the event, taking a taxi to avoid having to drive home.

A couple minutes after you get in, River disappears. She never means to leave you but a party is her environment, to socialize and have fun and order complicated drinks. She always gets drawn in by a crowd, so you smile as she gets led away by a lady in a purple dress. Heading for the bar, you lean against the counter and order just a soda. Keeping an eye on River seems like a decent reason to stay sober for tonight.

You hear the man beside you order a Shirley Temple and can’t help but smile slightly. Shooting him a slight glance, you notice a couple things. Firstly, he’s wearing a bright bow-tie which is not bad… but definitely interesting. Secondly, he’s absolutely got a pair of binoculars stuffed in his pocket.

As his drink gets set in front of him, you keep watching out of curiosity. He downs it in almost one gulp and sets it down with a grin plastered on his face. You’d think he’d never had one before.

You decide to say something, pointing at his empty glass, “Nice drink choice.”

His face falls slightly and you can’t help but laugh, “No- I’m sorry- I wasn’t making fun. I seriously think it’s a nice drink order.”

Grabbing one of the cherries to ear, his face returns to its previous grin. The expression almost seems familiar, but you really doubt you’d know anyone besides River at the party. Brushing his hair out of his face, he sticks out a hand, “I’m- uh-,” He’s clearly rethinking giving his name, “It’s pleasure to meet you.”

You take his hand, “Nice to meet you too, I’m.” You cut your sentence off, mimicking his lack of a name. He smiles and he almost looks bashful. It’s endearing, like the Shirley Temple. Earnest and endearing.

Before you can continue talking, he gasps slightly and hides his face behind his hands. You let out a confused laugh, “You good?”

He nods hurriedly and peeks through his fingers, “I thought I saw… it’s nothing. Have you noticed anything weird tonight? Like really weird?”

Resisting the urge to point directly at him, you glance around, catching a glimpse of River’s hair bouncing on the dance floor. You shake your head, “Not really, are you on the run or something?”

He shakes his head, “I’m- it’s complicated.”

You raise your eyebrows, “I can keep a secret.”

Looking around and then back to you, he speaks softly, “I’m undercover, doing surveillance.”

Nodding, you know you should probably think he’s crazy. But weirder things have happened in the last couple years, so you decide to buy it, “You’re not doing a great job blending in over here, no offense. Normal people at parties usually, y’know, dance.”

He nods solemnly, and then ducks his head shyly again, “People tell me I’m not a great dancer.”

You stand, offering him your hand, “C’mon mystery man, let’s not blow your cover.”

Taking your hand gently, he stands as well, letting you lead him onto the dance floor. You move past a couple people but stay closer to the end, and pull him closer. He does a wonderful impression of a boy at his first school dance, hands hovering over your waist.

“I-,”

Shooting him a look, you wrap your arms around his neck. It’s braver than you usually are, but something about the familiarity of his face and his shy demeanor has made you unbelievably bold. He surrenders, letting his hands rest on your waist, thought admittedly stiffly.

Starting to sway softly, you realize he may not have been being dramatic about his dancing skills. He’s somehow swaying in the opposite direction. You move your hands from his neck to his waist, adjusting him until he’s somewhat in sync. Moving your arms back up, you smile slightly, “Not so hard, right?” He’s clearly focused on keeping track of his dancing and just mumbles in agreement. Endearing again.

After a couple minutes, you hear an instantly recognizable silky smooth voice to your right.

“Mind if I cut in?”

Both you and your dancing partner drop your hands and turn to face her.

“River?”

“River!”

Both of you look at each other, and then back at River for an explanation. She smiles coyly, gesturing between the both of you, “See, I knew my matchmaking skills weren’t rusty! Honey, meet the Doctor. Doctor, meet my honey.”

You spin to face each other, mouth open, “I knew I recognized you. River’s been trying to set me up with you for months.”

His mouth drops open as well, frowning slightly, “There’s no alien invasion, is there?”

You pause, thrown off your rhythm, “I- I have no idea.”

River pats him on the shoulder, “I’m sorry my love, no alien invasion.”

Her face lights up, “Wasn’t I right? You guys are great. Blushing faces, nervous hands, the start to every great story.”

You flush an even deeper red and glance up at the Doctor, who’s doing the same.

Blowing the both of you a kiss, River returns to her previous crowd, going back to dancing like nothing had happened.

You look up, taking a breath to steady your breathing, “Would you like to go back to the bar and get two Shirley Temples?”

He cocks his head to the side, clearly confused, “Two, but I-“ You point between the two of you and his face shifts into understanding, “-Oh! Yes- I’ll- Let’s go.”