bookworm

[lealoveslove]

Gasket & Marco’s Great Cookie Heist

Okay so I just think these two would be a smash hit and this little idea has been bugging me. Hope you like it.

Setting: The Brooks’ auto shop on a slow afternoon. Pen is under a car (cause I totally think she could help out, I mean for the love of god her dad owns the shop, she must have skills), Nate is wiping grease off his hands, and Marco (now 4 years old) is “helping” by handing tools to absolutely no one [I imagine Lazar and Milo, who are actually in charge of Marco are in the back]. Gasket, the scrappy shop cat, watches from atop a toolbox with calculated mischief.

Gasket (tail flicking): Notices Marco’s abandoned snack bag of keks (cookies) on the workbench. Marco (to Nate): “Zašto ti smrdiš po benzinu?” (Why do you smell like gasoline?) Nate (distracted): “Uh… because I’m cool?” (Fails to notice Gasket slinking toward the cookies.)

Gasket: Knocks the bag to the floor with one paw. Cookies scatter. Marco (gasps): “GATKO! NE!” (CAT! NO!) Gasket: Grabs a cookie in her mouth and bolts under a shelving unit, crumbs flying.

Marco: Dives after her, belly-sliding like a tiny superhero. Pen (emerging from under car): “What’s the zvuk (noise)— MARCO, DON’T LICK THE FLOOR!” Nate: Too late. Marco licks a cookie crumb off the concrete.

Marco (pointing under shelf): “Gatko je lupiga!” (Cat is a thief!) Gasket: Chews smugly, tail wrapping around her paws. Pen (deadpan): “Gasket, that’s za sramotu.” (For shame.) Gasket: Blinks slowly, unrepentant.

Nate: Offers Gasket a piece of jerky as a trade. Gasket: Drops the cookie, steals the jerky and Nate’s shoelace. Marco: Demands justice. “Mora da plati!” (She must pay!) Pen: “Her payment is your leftover lunch.” Hands Marco a burek to share.

Epilogue

Gasket curls up in Marco’s lap, purring. Forgiveness granted. Marco feeds her crumbs while whispering Montenegrin secrets. Nate takes a photo for the group chat titled “Naši kriminalci” (Our criminals). Lazar’s reply: “Dobro je. Bar nisu poput Milo.” (Good. At least they’re not like Milo.)

Moral of the story: Never trust a cat with a Montenegrin toddler as an accomplice.

[virtualweirdo]

Scott‘s POV

‘David told us to find what matters most in the world, then to make that our purpose, our reason for doing the things we do. I don’t know if you two have found yours yet or not, but I can tell you that this –‘ he makes a circle with his finger, ‘ – this matters. Our family matters. Don’t go and damage this because you can’t let things go.’ Scott pins Jason with his stare. ‘Or because you can’t admit you were in any way wrong.” He looks pointedly at Coop.

I just LOVE found family, any iteration of it. These boys have gone THROUGH it, goddamn. They deserve the best.

[lealoveslove]

Lottie and David raised the best of boys. I just adore this family.

[lealoveslove]

More Maras' Family ideas

Marco is called "Mali planina" (little mountain) because he climbs everything - furniture, Lazar's shoulders, the fridge, that boy with literally climb anything. Milo encourages it, while Lazar freaks out.

Lazar tries to teach Nate a Balkan-style play called "Luda koka" (crazy chicken according to google translate). Nate thinks he's being pranked until it actually saves their asses in a game.

Lazar wears the same narukvica (woven bracelet) from his aunt to every single game for good luck. She said she made it with love. And he swears that it's magic.

Milo listens to turbo-folk music to hype up pre game. Nate tries it and nearly cries from the tempo.

Gjyshja calls Pen "dušo" (soul/dear) after she fixes Marco's toy. While she just calls Nate "dečko" (boy).

Matin hangs a Montenegrin flag in the garage and on the bad days, Lazar just stops and stars at it, for what feels like hours.

Gjyshja refuses to let the boys forget their roots, so she quizzes them on Albanian phrases during dinner. Milo is the worst at it (on purpose), Lazar is quietly fluent, and little Marco just repeats words wrong to make everyone laugh.

Matin's truck is technically family property, but Lazar and Milo have an unspoken agreement, whoever needs it more gets it. This leads to passive-aggressive sticky notes ("I had it first"/"No, you didn't") accumulating on the dashboard. Lazar's are blue or green, Milo uses the garish hot pink ones exclusively.

Marco tells his preschool teacher his family is "from Crna Gora (Montenegro), not regular mountains".

Pen learns "Laku noć, lepotice" (Goodnight, beautiful) to say to Nate from Lis. Lazar overhears and teases them for weeks.

When Pen’s rumors resurface, Milo starts a fight, Lazar glares daggers, and Gjyshja sends her krempita (custard pie) with a note: "Ne mari za budale" (Don’t mind fools).

[lealoveslove]

Maras' Family Headcanons

(I love them so freaking much - I honestly can't get enough of them)

The family lives by the Montenegrin motto "Nema problema" (No problem but don't @ me on this). Car broke down? Nema problema. Lazar stressing over college scouts? Nema problema. They face hardships with stubborn optimism. Except Gjyshja, who says "Problem je!" (It IS a problem!) and then solves it herself. (Cause she's a QUEEN like that).

Matin makes Turkish coffee every morning in a džezva, reading the grounds like a prophecy. He claims to see Lazar's and Milo's basketbal victories in the sludge. Pen tries it once and gags. Nate drinks it black to impress them and regrets it immediately.

[rosaramblesstuff]

So as promised more headcanons that live rent free in my mind

Pen's secret talent is that she can solve a Rubik's Cube in under a minute flat. Nate is convinced she's some genius and tries to make her teach him, but he gives up after five minutes.

Pen is a verified night owl and often stays up late at night either reading or sketching (of course with Gasket the Cat curled up next to her!). Nate calls her at midnight just to hear her voice (man is whipped I'm telling you), and they end up talking for hours.

Nate convinces Pen to join him at the gym, but she spends most of the time laughing at his attempts to lift weights. He's surprisingly good at most everything else which Pen is only slightly annoyed by.

They both pick up each other's weird little language quirks. Pen says "ope!" when bumping into things. Nate pronounces "crayon" as "crown". They tease each other mercilessly but adopt and unironically use each other's phrases within months.

They have reverse sleep habits. But no wait hear me out. Pen falls asleep to the sound of rain apps, while Nate can sleep through fire alarms. When they share a bed, she steals all the blankets but unconsciously cuddles up to him like a koala by morning.

okay so for this one, I picture Pen as someone who takes great pride in like her stationary and organisational systems. Pen keeps a meticulous bullet journal with color-coded notes. Nate "accidentally" draws silly doodles in the margins when she's not looking - until she retaliates by hiding motivational post-its in his basketball gear ("remember to breathe superstar" taped inside his shoes).

[lealoveslove]

Man the way you make it feel like them! I freaking love these so much

[lealoveslove]

More Girls with Scars Headcanons I live by

When Pen finally brings Gasket home, Nate helps her set up a cozy corner in her room. The cat immediately takes to Nate, much to Pen’s mock outrage. “Traitor,” she says, but Gasket just purrs louder.

Pen steals Nate’s hoodies so often that he starts hiding them. One day, he finds her wearing one of his jerseys instead. “You’re impossible,” he says, but he can’t stop smiling. They continue with the hoodie wars throughout college, it's become a bit of competition. Who wins? Will it be Nate or Pen?

Pen and Nate argue over what songs to add to their shared playlist. Nate insists on adding “Livin’ on a Prayer,” while Pen vetoes it in favor of “Landslide.” They compromise by adding both.

#Yoga Fails: Nate tries to join Pen for yoga but is hilariously bad at it. He falls over during a simple pose, and Pen laughs so hard she snorts. Nate declares, “I’m never doing this again,” but he shows up the next week anyway.

[rosaramblesstuff]

OOHH I have some more! I'm feeling inspired

Nate creates a playlist for their first road trip together. It's a mix of his favorite workout songs and Pen's indie picks. They argue over the volume but still end up singing along to every single song together (AHHHH)

Pen and Nate (in marvel fashion; think Peter and Ned) create a secret handshake that's way too complicated. They practice it every time they see each other, but they always mess it up and end up laughing.

So I'm thinking this one is before Gasket the Cat is finally brought home. I don't remember if I already did this one. Gasket the Cat becomes a regular at the auto shop, and even Scott starts feeding it (and so does Elia, love that girl to pieces but that's another story). One day, Nate find Pen asleep on the couch with Gasket curled up on her chest. He takes a picture and sets it as his phone background.

Another one I think just fits Pen so much (again before Gasket is official). Pen has a way with animals, especially the stray cat that hangs around the auto shop that she quickly named Gasket. Nate jokes that she's a Disney princess, but he's secretly in awe of how gentle she is with it.

I honestly might just create a new post for the rest of the ideas I have but that's it for now.

[lealoveslove]

Pen Brooks Headcanons I live by

Pen has a sketchbook filled with drawings of people and places that mean something to her. She never shows it to anyone, but Nate accidentally finds it one day and is blown away by her talent. He secretly frames one of her sketches of the auto shop and hangs it in his room.

Pen has been feeding a scrappy little cat that hangs around the auto shop for months. She’s named it “Gasket” and is trying to work up the courage to ask her dad if she can bring it home. Nate surprises her one day by showing up with a cat carrier and saying, “Let’s do this.”

Pen hums when she’s focused, usually old rock songs or whatever’s stuck in her head. Nate loves it because it’s the only time she seems completely at ease. He’s started recognizing the songs and will sometimes hum along just to make her smile.

Pen’s favorite place in town is an old, abandoned drive-in theater. She goes there to think and sometimes drags Nate along to stargaze. One night, they sneak in with blankets and snacks, and Nate accidentally spills popcorn all over her. She laughs so hard she cries.

Pen the Hoodie Thief: Pen has a habit of stealing Nate’s hoodies, especially the ones that smell like his cologne. He pretends to be annoyed but secretly loves it. One time, he catches her wearing his favorite hoodie and says, “You know, if you wanted it, you could’ve just asked.” She replies, “Where’s the fun in that?”

Pen loves comics and has a small collection tucked away in her room. Nate finds out and starts buying her rare issues as gifts. They spend hours debating which superhero would win in a fight. (Pen always argues for Spider-Man; Nate is Team Batman.)

She's a Yoga Queen. Pen does yoga to help with her anxiety. One day, Nate walks in on her mid-pose and tries to join in. He’s hilariously bad at it, but Pen can’t stop laughing, which makes him fall over.

[rosaramblesstuff]

Headcanons I'd like to add

The basketball team starts a prank war, and Pen gets dragged into it. Nate is the first victim, finding his locker filled with balloons. But when he retaliates by covering her car in sticky notes, Pen knows she has to step up her game.

Pen and Nate spend hours debating which superhero would win in a fight. Pen always argues for Spider-Man, while Nate is Team Batman. They eventually agree to disagree, but the debate resurfaces every time a new movie comes out.

Nate tries to bake Pen a birthday cake but ends up setting off the smoke alarm. Pen takes over, and the cake turns out perfectly. Nate insists it’s because of his “foundation,” but Pen just rolls her eyes.

Pen and Nate sneak into the abandoned drive-in theater with blankets and snacks. They watch an old rom-com on Nate’s laptop, and Pen falls asleep halfway through. Nate carries her to the car and tucks her in, smiling at how peaceful she looks.

Gasket (I totally love that - that's so the cat's name now!) becomes a regular at the auto shop, and even Scott starts feeding it. One day, Nate finds Pen asleep on the couch with Gasket curled up on her chest. He takes a picture and sets it as his phone background.

[lealoveslove]

freaking love these additions! So GOOD

[lealoveslove]

More Girls with Scars Headcanons I live by

When Pen finally brings Gasket home, Nate helps her set up a cozy corner in her room. The cat immediately takes to Nate, much to Pen’s mock outrage. “Traitor,” she says, but Gasket just purrs louder.

Pen steals Nate’s hoodies so often that he starts hiding them. One day, he finds her wearing one of his jerseys instead. “You’re impossible,” he says, but he can’t stop smiling. They continue with the hoodie wars throughout college, it's become a bit of competition. Who wins? Will it be Nate or Pen?

Pen and Nate argue over what songs to add to their shared playlist. Nate insists on adding “Livin’ on a Prayer,” while Pen vetoes it in favor of “Landslide.” They compromise by adding both.

#Yoga Fails: Nate tries to join Pen for yoga but is hilariously bad at it. He falls over during a simple pose, and Pen laughs so hard she snorts. Nate declares, “I’m never doing this again,” but he shows up the next week anyway.

[lealoveslove]

Pen Brooks Headcanons I live by

Pen has a sketchbook filled with drawings of people and places that mean something to her. She never shows it to anyone, but Nate accidentally finds it one day and is blown away by her talent. He secretly frames one of her sketches of the auto shop and hangs it in his room.

Pen has been feeding a scrappy little cat that hangs around the auto shop for months. She’s named it “Gasket” and is trying to work up the courage to ask her dad if she can bring it home. Nate surprises her one day by showing up with a cat carrier and saying, “Let’s do this.”

Pen hums when she’s focused, usually old rock songs or whatever’s stuck in her head. Nate loves it because it’s the only time she seems completely at ease. He’s started recognizing the songs and will sometimes hum along just to make her smile.

Pen’s favorite place in town is an old, abandoned drive-in theater. She goes there to think and sometimes drags Nate along to stargaze. One night, they sneak in with blankets and snacks, and Nate accidentally spills popcorn all over her. She laughs so hard she cries.

Pen the Hoodie Thief: Pen has a habit of stealing Nate’s hoodies, especially the ones that smell like his cologne. He pretends to be annoyed but secretly loves it. One time, he catches her wearing his favorite hoodie and says, “You know, if you wanted it, you could’ve just asked.” She replies, “Where’s the fun in that?”

Pen loves comics and has a small collection tucked away in her room. Nate finds out and starts buying her rare issues as gifts. They spend hours debating which superhero would win in a fight. (Pen always argues for Spider-Man; Nate is Team Batman.)

She's a Yoga Queen. Pen does yoga to help with her anxiety. One day, Nate walks in on her mid-pose and tries to join in. He’s hilariously bad at it, but Pen can’t stop laughing, which makes him fall over.

[lealoveslove]

Me: Just gonna read one chapter of Girls with Scars. Also me at 3 AM: 👁👄👁

[lealoveslove]

April Kerner has officially RUINED me with Girls with Scars. This book?? Devastating. Beautiful. I need a moment. (Or 10.)

[lealoveslove]

Some scars are visible. Some aren’t. Either way, they shape who we become. 💔

[happilyloudtree]

"Senior year’s just begun, but given how quiet things are so far, I’m optimistic I’ll finish the rest of high school unscathed. Then Nate Palmer, gorgeous basketball star, trips over my bag…and asks me if I’m new here. Evidently, he has no idea who I am, or what I’ve been through the last two years. Despite my undeniable attraction to him, I try to keep him at arm’s length." - Girls with Scars

[virtualweirdo]

Oooh such a good POV

Pen has been burned and then Nate has the audacity to ask if she’s new. Like what she went through was inconsequential. He just doesn’t know!

Once he gets the whole story he’s so supportive AHH… need I say more?

[happilyloudtree]

Exactly! She has so much to work through and Nate is there every step of the way!!!!!

[noisynerdwitch]

he's so supportive I wish he was REAL

[lealoveslove]

I would FIGHT you if he were real. Pen and Nate belong together!

[happilyloudtree]

"Senior year’s just begun, but given how quiet things are so far, I’m optimistic I’ll finish the rest of high school unscathed. Then Nate Palmer, gorgeous basketball star, trips over my bag…and asks me if I’m new here. Evidently, he has no idea who I am, or what I’ve been through the last two years. Despite my undeniable attraction to him, I try to keep him at arm’s length." - Girls with Scars

[virtualweirdo]

My toxic trait? Thinking I wouldn’t cry over Girls with Scars. Spoiler: I was very wrong.

[virtualweirdo]

POV Boys with Secrets

‘Some secrets aren’t meant to be told, because once they’re out, they don’t just destroy you. They destroy everyone you love.’

Tell me WHY this book just emotionally wrecked me.

[lealoveslove]

ooof so GOOD

[virtualweirdo]

Tag yourself:

📖 The one who reads for the mystery

🔥 The one who reads for the angst

💔 The one who gets too attached to fictional characters

👀 The one who writes 3am theories

Tag your reading style!

[lealoveslove]

🔥 I'm the one who reads for the angst and good GAWD there was angst.