Words Words Words

apparently I'm trying my hand at fanfic

[nothingmuchtowrite]

Nothing Much to Twelfth Grade Part VII (Final Chapter)

“West Balk. What’s a ‘balk’ and what’s it west of?” Drew asked.

They sat in the cafeteria, picking at the corn casserole that was dinner.

“Yeah, and is there like an East Balk? Like, you know, there’s West Egg and East Egg,” Benedick said.

“Egg?” Oren said. “Why are you talking about eggs?”

“The Great Gatsby?” Benedick looked horrified as Oren continued to look confused.

“Oh, yeah, never read that.”

“Dude,” Vic said. “We read that last year for English class.”

“Well. You read that last year,” Oren said. “I did not. I skimmed the first chapter and then didn’t open the book again.”

Viola punched him in the arm. “God, I don’t know how you pass your classes.”

“Hey! I do the work usually. Just not so much my English readings. I always do my math homework!”

“So, the definitions for balk,” Curt said, reading from his phone. “Definition number one: baseball, an illegal motion made by a pitcher that may deceive a base runner. Definition number two: a roughly squared timber beam. Third definition: any area on a pool or billiard table in which play is restricted in some way. And the last definition: a ridge left unplowed between furrows.”

“Yeah, it’s probably that last one,” Vic said.

“Or it could be the second one,” Oren said. “Timber beams.”

“What? Why would it be named after timber beams?” Viola said.

“Hey. I bet that the school could be built with timber beams.”

“That’s so stupid, Oren,” Viola said, shaking her head. “Why would they name the school after that? That’s like calling a building ‘concrete block.’”

“Well,” Benedick said, “There is like pine lodge.”

“Thank you!” Oren said, slinging an arm around Benedick’s shoulder.

“Fine, fine,” Viola said and then a mischievous gleam came into their eyes. “So. What’s this then?” They gestured at Benedick and Oren.

“What?” Benedick asked, but both his face and Oren’s were bright red.

“Oh, I don’t know,” Viola said with fake innocence. “I think I witnessed what maaaay have been a goodnight kiss last night.”

“Oh, really,” Benedick said. “Goodnight kiss?” He turned to look at Oren. “I don’t know that I would call it a goodnight kiss. Maybe an I’m-glad-we-had-a-good-date kiss. Or maybe even a thanks-for-letting-me-eat-the-last-bite-of-pie kiss. But I’m pretty sure it wasn’t a goodnight kiss.”

Viola laughed as Oren grinned at their friends proudly.

“Well,” Vic said, “Even if balk means an unplowed ridge, why ‘west’?

“That’s true,” Drew said. "But I don’t know. I like West. It reminds me of cowboys and like the rugged frontier.”

“Drew, hate to break it to you,” Viola said. “But you’re not exactly the rugged frontiersman type.”

Benedick looked around at his friends. He couldn’t believe that graduation was only two weeks away. He could barely remember that first day he had moved in. He’d been so worried. Worried about making friends, about living in America. And now… all these friends he’d made were all going away to university. Benedick sighed. But then Oren nudged him in the shoulder and smiled at him. Well, he thought, at least he and Oren were going to the same university.

“Hey, dickface,” Viola said, throwing a piece of corn at his face. “Remember what we said. No getting nostalgic and sappy. We’re gonna live these last few weeks to the fullest.”

“Right,” Benedick agreed, flinging a piece of corn back at Viola.

As Viola’s gaze turned steely, Vic said, “No no no. Not another food fight. Remember how much trouble we got in last time?”

“Hey, we’ll clean it up this time. And we’re graduating in two weeks. What are they gonna do to us?” Viola said, picking up her plate, and Vic quickly ducked under the table.

Benedick laughed as Oren threw his casserole at Viola who turned, a look of outraged betrayal on their face. Yeah, Benedick thought, ducking away from Drew’s handful of food, he was glad he’d come to West Balk.

[nothingmuchtowrite]

Nothing Much to Twelfth Grade Part VI

part I, part II, part III, part IV, part V

Oren spotted Benedick’s awkward, gangly-limbed shuffle at the edge of the cafeteria. As he headed in that direction, Benedick looked up and then turned and tried to make his way to the exit. A crowd of students blocked the door and Oren caught up to him.

“Hey, Benedick,” he said.

“I’m Benji actually,” Benedick said in an Irish accent and held out a hand. He sent Oren a wide superficial smile and then pumped his arm up and down when Oren obliged him by shaking hands. “It’s great to meet you, Oren. Well alrighty but unfortunately, I’ve got somewhere to be so…” Benedick turned and tried to get away.

“Wait, Ben.”

Benedick sighed.

“Can we talk? I want to apologize for what happened.”

Benedick gave a reluctant nod and followed Oren into an empty hallway farther from the cafeteria.

“So,” Oren said. He tilted his head and tried to gauge Benedick’s mood. “How have you been?”

Benedick raised an incredulous eyebrow.

“Okay. I guess you want me to get to the point. That’s fair,” Oren said. “Uh so you’re gay then?”

“Pan actually, but yeah.”

“Oh. Pan. Okay.” Oren bit his lip and ran a hand through his hair. “Look, about the kiss… I uh. Thank you.” As he finished speaking, Oren wanted to punch himself in the face. Why was he so bad at talking? “What I mean is, I liked it. I just didn’t– I mean, I hadn’t thought that we were going to get to that point. But it’s not that I don’t like you. Romantically, I mean. Because I do, I think, like you.”

“Oh, right,” Benedick said. “You falling off a bench to avoid kissing me, it reeeally seemed like you were into me.”

“Hey, I was just surprised. It caught me off guard,” Oren protested.

“So, you were flirting with me then?”

“Um. Not intentionally,” Oren said, sending Benedick a small smile. “I didn’t know I liked guys. Your kiss… I kind of freaked out and went into a gay panic. It was the first time I thought I might be into dudes.”

“The first time you thought–! But you’ve been wearing that bi bracelet the entire year!”

“Wait, what? This?” Oren plucked at the friendship bracelet on his left wrist. “How’s it bi?”

“It’s blue and purple and pink. Those are the bi colors!”

“Oh.” He gazed down at the bracelet and then a snort erupted from his throat. “Oh my god, dude. Are you serious?”

“Yes?” Benedick had a bewildered expression as Oren cracked up with laughter.

“You thought… Oh my god! Oh my god!”

“Oren!”

“I’m sorry, oh my god, I’m so sorry!” Oren gasped out. He dragged both hands down his face and then dropped them at his side. “I just… I didn’t know it was a bi bracelet. I stole it from Liv. It was on her desk and I just put it on as a joke, because she always steals my letterman jacket. I was going to give the bracelet back but then forgot about it. And I just got used to wearing it and I like it because it reminds me of her. So yeah, no. I had no idea it was a bisexual thing. I’m sorry.”

At Oren’s words, Benedick let out a small laugh, but a frown wrinkled his forehead. “Okay. I guess that makes sense.”

“So this entire time you thought I was bisexual and flirting with you?” Oren bit his lip and gazed at Benedick with sheepish curiosity.

“Yes!”

“I’m sorry. I’m so sorry.”

“Stop saying that!” Benedick exclaimed with an aggravated sigh. “Really. It’s fine. I understand.” He ran a hand through his hair and tried to smile at Oren. “I get it. Friends, yeah?”

At the word “friends” Oren’s face fell. “Oh. Well actually. That’s not quite– what i mean is, I just thought…”

“Arrggghh.” Benedick’s eyebrows shot up, and he threw his hands in the air. “What do you want, Oren! Because I sure as hell have no idea. For months I thought you were into me and wanted to date me. But apparently your bi bracelet doesn’t mean anything. And now you’re saying you don’t want to be friends. So please. Just tell me What You Want.”

“Um. I want to kiss you?”

Benedick’s anger deflated, and wide-eyed, he said a small, “Oh.” And then, “Right.”

Oren laughed and tilted his face up to press his lips against Benedick’s.

After a moment, Benedick stepped back, feeling dazed and giddy. “So. What does this mean?” he asked.

“It means I’m really sorry about leading you on and about how I reacted to the kiss. It means I’d like to be your boyfriend. If you want.”

“Boyfriend?” Benedick felt a happy warmth spread through his body. “Well, since you’re practically throwing yourself at me, and you seem so desperate, yeah, I guess I’d be okay with that.”

Oren rolled his eyes but smiled as his boyfriend smirked at him.

“Hey, Oren? I think I need to tell you something.”

Oren looked up and frowned at Viola’s serious expression. “Okay.”

Viola took a deep breath and then told Oren everything. After they were done, Oren shook his head in amazement.

“Oren? Say something.”

“Something,” Oren said reflexively. “Sorry,” he added. “I just meant… wow. That’s a lot. I can’t believe you planned all that out.That’s super intense.” 

“Yeah, I guess so.”

“But you didn’t hide it from me because you like didn’t trust me, right?”

“No, of course not! It’s just that when I first got here I didn’t really know you but then when I did, I’d already been lying to you for so long. And I was worried about what you’d think. And I thought you might like… freak out about it.”

“Freak out about it? Yeah, that’s fair. I’m definitely feeling some urges to freak out. But I think I can handle them. Yeah. I’m handling.”

Viola smiled at him. “Thanks. Really. I mean it.”

“Hey, you’re still my best friend. Of course I’ll try to avoid freaking out for your sake.”

Viola laughed, and Oren pulled them closer to wrap his arms around them in a hug. They stayed like that for a moment, and then Viola shrugged out of his embrace.

“Sooo,” Viola said, grinning at Oren evilly, “Benedick huh?”

“Oh, fuck off,” Oren said, batting away Viola’s pointing finger but unable to stop the goofy smile that spread across his lips.

[nothingmuchtowrite]

Nothing Much to Twelfth Grade Part V

part I, part II, part III, part IV 

Benedick and Oren sat on the bench.

“It’s ridiculous, isn’t it?!?” Oren exclaimed. “In what world is Alexander Hamilton a Ravenclaw?”

Benedick grinned at him. “Yeah! It’s absolutely absurd!”

“I’m so glad you think so.” Oren reached out a hand to grasp Benedick’s forearm. “The rest of the team totally disagreed. And it’s ridiculous. I don’t know why I hang out with them. I should only ever hang out with you.”

“Oh, yeah?” Benedick’s expression turned hopeful.

Oren shrugged. “Totally.”

A large grin spread across Benedick’s face, and he leaned in towards Oren, whose eyes grew large. As Benedick’s lips brushed against his, Oren leaned back and fell off the bench with a squawk.

With bright red cheeks and a stunned expression, Oren scrambled to his feet and said, “Um, what–”

The tips of Benedick’s ears were pink. He interrupted Oren’s words by jumping off the bench and saying, “Oh! Would you look at the time!” He glanced down at his bare wrist and then shot Oren a panicked smile. “Great seeing you, great catching up, well, bye Oren.”

“Wait, no, I– Uh,” Oren tried to formulate coherent thoughts. “Why…” he trailed off and watched Benedick hurry away, his stride stiff and his shoulders tense.

Well, fuck.

Liv and Oren sat on her bed. Liv perched on the mattress with her legs drawn up and her chin resting on her knees, while Oren slouched back against the wall.

“What have you been up to lately?” Liv asked.

“Nothing!” Oren said quickly and blushed.

“Um.” Liv raised an eyebrow.

Oren cleared his throat and turned his head to look around the room, avoiding Liv’s eye contact.

“What’s going on, Oren?”

“Well. So have you ever thought you knew something. But then something happens and you’re not sure whether you actually know that something. Or maybe you’ve just convinced yourself the something is true because you don’t really want to think about it. But now you are thinking about it…?”

“You’ve lost me.”

Oren groaned and pushed himself off the bed and began pacing the floor. “So, let’s say hypothetically I thought I was a certain way. But now I think I might not be. So hypothetically how do I figure out what I really am like?”

“I still don’t understand what you’re talking about.”

“AM I GAY?” Oren blurted and then blushed dark red.

Liv burst out laughing.

“I’m serious,” he said, sending Liv an offended look.

“Sorry, sorry,” she answered, still giggling. “It’s just– why would you ask me that?”

“I just– I’m really confused. I always thought I was straight. Like it’s never even been a question before. But now... Well, you’ve known me since forever. And I don’t know…Ughh.” Oren glared at her and then flung himself onto the bed, face-planting next to Liv’s legs.

She ruffled his hair and said, “Well, that’s something you’re going to have to figure out for yourself. I did always wonder. Your appreciation for Captain America was… intense.”

Face buried in Liv’s comforter, Oren mumbled, “Shut up.”

“But seriously, Oren, I’m always here for you if you want to talk.”

Oren sighed into the blankets.

[nothingmuchtowrite]

jules from twelfth grade here! i just wanna say you writing benedick/oren fic is giving me life

OMG THANK YOU SO MUCH!! I can’t believe you’re reading it ahhhhhh

[nothingmuchtowrite]

Nothing Much to Twelfth Grade Part IV

part I, part II, part III

“So…” Sam said, raising an eyebrow at Benedick. “What’s going on with you and Oren?”

They were lying in the shade of a tree watching the team practice. After spraining his ankle, Sam had flopped down beside Benedick.

At Sam’s question, Benedick groaned.

“Hey, you don’t have to tell me if you don’t want to. It just seems like you’re going through some hard stuff. And it helps. Talking to people, I mean.” Sam cocked his head to the side. “Last year was really rough for me. But talking to Liv really helped.”

“Is that how you two got together?” Benedick asked.

“Sort of? It’s a long story.”

“Oh, yeah?”

“Yeah. I was dealing with some gender confusion stuff and she was really helpful about making me feel comfortable about it.”

“Oh. So what does that mean?”

Sam gave Benedick a considering look and then said, “Can I tell you a secret?”

Benedick nodded.

“My real name is Viola. I came to West Balk to expose how homophobic and transphobic the school is.”

Benedick’s forehead wrinkled in confusion.

“My brother Sebastien is a transgender guy. He wanted to go to West Balk for football but they didn’t let him because he’s not cis. Like they fucking told him he’s not really a guy. It was bullshit. My whole family got pissed. And so I come up with this plan...”

“What plan?” Benedick asked, staring with rapt attention.

“So we had our moms tell the school that they understood why they couldn’t take Sebastien-- total lie of course --and then they say they have this other son Samuel, who is completely heterosexual and cisgender. And they ask if he can enroll in West Balk. They said yes, obviously. And when graduation happens I’m going to reveal that I was really a girl even though I’m a star football player and prove that they’re a bunch of sexist, transphobic idiots.”

Benedick whistled shrilly. “Shit. You’re a motherfucking badass.”

Sam– no, Viola, Benedick corrected himself –shrugged. “Yeah, anyway, I thought I was a cis girl. But then last year I started feeling like that didn’t quite fit right. I was a real mess about it, and I told Liv everything. She listened and helped me get through it. So yeah, I’m like demi-girl or something.”

“And the guys don’t know any of it?”

“No. I know I should tell them. And Liv says they’d understand. But it’s like they’re my best friends, and I’ve been lying to them for so long… I don’t know.”

“Yeah, that sounds hard. But they’re your mates, and they’d forgive you.”

Viola shrugged and said, “Anyway. My point being, if you’re going through some hard stuff, I get it and am always here if you want to talk.”

Benedick sighed. Eyes scrunched closed and covering his face with his hands, he mumbled, “I’m in love with Oren.”

“Oh my god,” Viola said. “Been there!”

“Oh, yeah?” Benedick opened his eyes and looked over at Viola, curious.

“Yeah, I had a major crush on him last year. But I don’t think Oren ever realized. He’s not the most observant dude.”

Viola looked over at Benedick, and they both cracked up.

“But, yeah. He’s a good guy. I mean, he’s my best friend. Of course I love him. Just not in that kind of way, you know? Anyway, Liv and I… we’re doing really good.”

“Yes, you are very cute together,” Benedick said, and the corners of Viola’s eyes crinkled as they smiled.

“Well, I think you and Oren would also be cute together.”

“Really, you think so?”

“Oh definitely.”

Benedick smiled goofily.

part V

[nothingmuchtowrite]

Nothing Much to Twelfth Grade Part III

part I, part II

Benedick fidgeted on his bed, taking quick peeks at Vic and then looking back down at his English reading.

“Okay, did I accidentally dye my hair blue or something?” Vic asked him, turning his chair to face Benedick.

“Sorry, what was that now?” Benedick asked, feigning surprise.

“Come on, Ben. What’s up with you?”

Benedick jiggled his leg up and down, looking around at the walls of their room as though fascinated by his Doctor Who posters and pictures of birds.

“This is ridiculous,” Vic said, sighing and giving Benedick a pointed stare. “I really need to finish this math assignment, and I’m finding your side-long looks rather distracting.”

“Oh, yeah, of course, sorry,” Benedick said, wincing.

“Spill. Now.”

“Uhh so I think I might like someone,” Benedick mumbled. “You know, like like-like someone?”

“It’s not me, is it?” Vic said, eyes widening.

“What? No!” Benedick laughed. “Sorry, not you.”

“Right, right. Okay, that’s cool. I was just thinking what with all those looks you were giving me just now…”

“No, no, it’s… someone else.” Benedick took a deep breath and then blurted, “But yeah, it’s a guy.”

“Okay,” Vic said.

Benedick waited, his stomach clenching and his face frozen in an expression of dread and expectation.

Vic said, “Hey, man, I’ll support you whatever. We’re roommates, yeah?”

Benedick let out a big whoosh of breath. “Yeah, righto. Cool.”

“So. Do you think he likes you back?”

“What? Oh. I don’t know. He’s bi. And I think he’s been flirting with me. But yeah, I don’t know.”

“Okay. Well, good luck then.”

Vic smiled and turned back to his desk, as Benedick felt his heart lighten and a stupid grin spread across his face.

Benedick had always liked swings. He loved the rush of air and the feel of his body straining to go higher, higher, higher into the sky. But right now he and Oren sat not swinging but rocking back and forth, tracing patterns in the dirt with their feet. When they’d come to the park, the normal swings had been taken; only the toddler swings had been empty. “Well,” Oren had said, “I’m game, if you’re game.” Benedick had shrugged, and they had plunked themselves down in the seats, settling their legs into the holes of the swings.

“So,” Benedick awkwardly began after a lull in their conversation. “You and Sam seem pretty close. How did you meet?”

“Sam?” Oren grinned and his eyes lit up. “We got placed together as roommates last year. He moved to West Balk, and I guess I helped him get around at first. And I don’t know, it was just like we immediately bonded. He’s great. Living with him has been the best.”

“Yeah,” Benedick said, fidgeting with the fabric of his shirt. “Vic and Curt said something about some drama between you two or something…”

“Yeah, for a while he was being a dick. I don’t know why. But we’re good now. Liv must have straightened him out or something.”

“Liv?”

“Yeah, Sam’s girlfriend. She’s awesome. We’ve been friends for as long as I can remember. I actually introduced them.”

“Oh, that’s cool.”

“Yeah.” Oren smiled down at his knees.

“Well. We should probably get back to campus,” Benedick said reluctantly, lifting himself off the swing.

Oren also began pulling himself up but then paused.

“Wait. Ben. Benedick.” Oren had a strange expression, and Benedick’s heart thudded in his chest. “Um,” Oren said. “I think I’m stuck.”

“Oh. Oh!” For a second Benedick looked disappointed, but then his eyebrows rose sharply and he stared at Oren with an amazed expression.

Wedged into the swing, Oren felt his butt and legs tingling. “Um. I don’t know what to do,” he admitted.

Benedick burst out laughing.

For a moment, Oren felt a sting of annoyance, but as Benedick wheezed out more laughter and his face turned a ridiculous shade of red, Oren felt his own lips twitching into a smile, until he too was laughing uproariously.  

Once their laughter subsided, Oren said, “Really. I don’t know what to do.”

“Okay,” Benedick said, tapping his chin as he assessed Oren’s condition. “I’m going to try to lift you out,” he said, grabbing onto Oren’s arms.

After a moment of Benedick’s futile tugging, Oren said, “Pull harder!”

Benedick strained against the weight of Oren’s body. “This is absurd. It’s like the swing is a suction cup that won’t let go of your bum. How are you that stuck in there?”

“Whatever, dude, just help me!”

“I’m trying!”

Oren let out a frustrated grunt and gritted his teeth.

“This isn’t working,” Benedick said. “Maybe I’ll try to boost you out of the swing.”

Oren felt Benedick’s hand pushing against his butt and felt his face redden. He pulled on the chains of the swing and felt his body slowly sliding out of the swing. With one last yank on the chains, Oren was free.

He let out a whoop of triumph and then crumpled to the ground as his legs gave out beneath him. “Owww,” he groaned.

“Oren? Mate?” Benedick said, looking down at him with concern.

“Yeah, uh just give me a minute.” Oren rubbed his legs as the feeling slowly returned to them. He finally sat up, and Benedick offered him a hand.

Benedick’s hand was warm in Oren’s, and Oren felt his heart miss a beat. “Thanks,” he said sheepishly, looking down at the ground.

“Of course,” Benedick said.

Hearing the laughter in Benedick’s voice, Oren looked up into his bright and twinkling eyes.

“You ever get your buttocks stuck again, you know who to call.”

Oren grinned back, cheeks flaming, and repeated, “Thanks.”

part IV

[nothingmuchtowrite]

Nothing Much to Twelfth Grade Part II

part I 

“Um, Benedick.”

Benedick turned to face Vic, who had an uncomfortable expression. “What’s up?”

Vic scratched the back of his neck and looked down at the floor. “West Balk isn’t the friendliest when it comes to, you know…” He glanced at Benedick’s pansexual flag and shrugged. “I mean, it’s all fine with me. But I thought you should know that the school, especially the football team, is kind of ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’. It’s fucking gross.”

“Oh. Um. Okay. Thanks for letting me know.”

“Yeah, sure, man.”

Benedick stared at the flag, trying to ignore the urge to rip it down and stuff it in his sock drawer. No, he decided, he wouldn’t let it get to him. He’d already been in the closet long enough. And he was proud of who he was, even if he felt a twinge of anxiety fluttering in his stomach.

“Oh, puh-lease!” Sam said, rolling his eyes and shoving Oren’s shoulder. “Like you could even hope to eat as much cake as me.”

Oren lifted his chin defiantly and said, “I didn’t say as much. I said I could eat it faster.”

“Oh, you are so on,” Sam said.

Benedick eyed the large chocolate cake as Sam began cutting it in half. “So,” he said to Vic, Curt, and Drew. “I guess this means we aren’t getting any of it…”

“Yeah, doesn’t look like,” Vic agreed, while Curt shrugged.

“Well, we can get another tomorrow,” Drew said.

“Loser has to sweep the room for the rest of the semester?” Sam asked.

“Deal!” Oren said. “Rules?”

“Alright then,” Sam said, rubbing his hands together and grinning. “Whoever finishes their cake first wins. No forks, spoons, or other utensils. All the cake must be swallowed. Curt will judge and the winner must submit to an oral examination before winning.”

“An oral examination? What the fuck?”

“Yeah, like open your mouth and prove that there isn’t any left, dumbass.”

“Fine, fine.”

“And go,” Sam crowed and then began shoveling cake into his mouth.

“Hey, no fair! You should have let Curt say it.” Oren hurriedly grabbed a chunk of cake and shoved it into his mouth.

Benedick watched the boys, frosting sticking to their cheeks and crumbs falling from their mouths. “Are they always like this?” he asked.

“Yeah, and they call us weirdos,” Curt said, raising his eyebrows at Vic.  

“Oh.” Benedick frowned. “So they’re close then?”

Vic nodded. “Yeah, they roomed together last year and they’ve been best friends ever since. Last year there was a bit of drama. Don’t really know what happened. But they seem to be back to normal.”

“Curt!” Oren shouted. “You’re supposed to be judging this and Sam is clearly cheating. Look, he’s dumped his crumbs under the table!”

“I’m not fucking cheating!”

“Are too!”

Sam grabbed the last remnants of his cake and smeared them across Oren’s face.

Oren let out a bellow of outrage and flung his crumbs at Sam, who shook his head like a dog, both of them roaring with laughter.

“Ugh.” Vic brushed crumbs off his shirt and gave Sam and Oren a long-suffering glance.

“Oh, sorry, guys,” Sam said, still trying to get the cake out of his hair.

“Yeah, my bad,” Oren said. Cheeks pink and coated with icing and crumbs, he grinned at Benedick, who felt his face warm and his stomach flop over. Oh shit, he thought.

part III

[nothingmuchtowrite]

Nothing Much to Twelfth Grade Part I

the crossover ship nobody asked for. honestly idk how this happened

“Really. The journey was fine. And West Balk seems cool,” Benedick said into his phone. He sat crosslegged on a mattress without sheets or blankets. His unpacked bags cluttered his side of the room and his mini fridge still sat in the doorway.

He listened to his parents’ concerned murmuring and then said, “Yeah, I got checked into my dorm room fine. And my roommate seems…” Benedick glanced at the boy who sat at his desk playing video games. “Uh, friendly. Yeah, I’m sure it will be brilliant here. Ok. Love you too. Bye.”

Benedick hung up the phone and sighed. He looked over at his roommate, who continued to concentrate on the screen in front of him.

What am I doing? Benedick thought to himself. What if this was a horrible mistake? Coming to America had seemed like such a good idea, an adventure! But now… Benedick slumped down on the bed and a pathetic groan escaped from his lips.

Benedick’s roommate paused his game and turned to face Benedick. For a moment he just stared at Benedick’s gloomy expression and pursed his lips. “I’m Vic,” he said. “Sorry I didn’t introduce myself earlier I was just really into my game.”

Benedick perked up at Vic’s friendliness. He sat up and said, “Benedick. And it’s fine. I was just um overwhelmed by all the unpacking I have to do.”

“So you’re like British?”

“Yep.”

“That’s cool. If you need help with anything about West Balk or whatever let me know. Like, classes or where the cafeteria is or anything,” Vic said and smiled at Benedick.

“Thanks!” Benedick felt a rush of relief. His roommate didn’t hate him and had even offered to help him around the school. Maybe he’d be okay at West Balk.

“So, if you don’t mind, I kind of want to get back to…” Vic gestured to his computer.

“Oh, yeah, totally!” Benedick grinned and got off his mattress. As he moved his mini fridge out of the doorway and began unpacking, he thought maybe he would have a good year at West Balk.

“And hey, don’t worry about Vic,” Oren said, giving Benedick a shrug.

It was 8:00 PM, and they were sitting at a table in the empty cafeteria. Oren seemed like a friendly guy, and Benedick felt a rush of gratitude towards the English class that had introduced them.

“Yeah,” Oren continued, “Vic’s just a bit miffed about rooming with you. Nothing against you, but he wanted to room with Curt.”

“Oh.”

“Yeah. The two of them are like joined at the hip. They’re like really close brothers or… something. Anyway, nothing to do with you.”

“Thanks. I did worry that he–.” Benedick flapped a hand vaguely. “In any case I’m glad that he didn’t have anything against me personally. Not getting along with your roommate just sounds sooo stressful.”

“Yeah, I get that,” Oren said. “So, why did you want to come to West Balk anyway?”

“Sort of spur of the moment thing. Thought it would be cool to live in America for a year. What about you?”

“Oh, well, I really love football. And the team here is really strong. In fact, I’m the captain,” Oren said, smirking at Benedick.

At Oren’s words, Benedick scrambled to his feet and, standing on the chair, belted out, “Oh captain, my captain!” to the empty cafeteria.

Oren stared up at Benedick, a puzzled expression covering his face. “Wha?”

Ben sat back in the chair and gave Oren an incredulous look. “You haven’t seen Dead Poets Society?”

“I don’t even know what that is…”

“Oh no,” Benedick said, leaping up and grabbing Oren’s arm. “We have to go see it right now!”

“Right now?”

“Yes! Right now! It’s of the utmost importance!”

Allowing Benedick to tug him down the hall, Oren laughed and said, “Yeah, alright, alright.”

Benedick grinned back at him. “Ohh, man, this is going to be so much fun!”

part II

[nothingmuchtowrite]

Walking through the bookstore, Liv looked down at the book in her hands and opened to the first page. She let out a small satisfied sigh as her eyes fell across the words. Lost in a fictional world, she didn’t notice the boy emerging from the aisle in front of her. They collided. Liv fell to the ground and her book landed a few feet away. The boy stumbled but remained standing. 

“Oh, I’m so sorry!” he said. He was tall with dark hair. He wore khaki shorts and a silver chain peeked out from the collar of his rumpled t-shirt. His brow furrowed in concern as he looked down at Liv sprawled at his feet. “Um here.” He held out a hand to help her up. 

Liv ignored the hand and pushed herself to her feet. “Don’t apologize,” she said. “My fault. I wasn’t looking where I was going.”

The boy leaned down to pick up her fallen book. Glancing at the title, he handed it back to her. “Tamora Pierce. Good taste.” He gave her a small smile and then ducked his head in embarrassment.   

“Yeah, she’s great!” Liv said. Normally shy and wary of strangers, she brightened at the mention of her favorite author. “I love all of her books. I’m re-reading Beka’s series. She’s my favorite.” 

“Well, Daine will always have my heart, but yeah, Beka is pretty good too.” He shrugged, grinning at her. “Hey, would you wanna go get a coffee? Talk some more about books or whatever?”

At his words, Liv stiffened. Her stomach squirmed and her heart pounded in her chest. Everything felt hot and was too loud. “No,” she said, clenching her fists. “I don’t go on dates with boys I don’t know. I hate it! It’s like you all see me and think I’m a certain person but--”

“Whoa, no, no, no,” he interrupted. His eyes went wide as his face reddened. He shuffled his feet and said, “Look, uh I’m gay. I just meant as friends?” 

“Oh!” Liv said. Her cheeks went pink, even as her heartbeat slowed and she released a heavy sigh. In a sheepish tone she said, “Um yeah. Coffee sounds nice.”

“I’m Drew, by the way.” He held out a hand and she reached out to shake it.

“Liv,” she replied. “Sorry. That was stupid of me to just assume...”

Drew shook his head and smiled at her. “Nah. It’s fine.”

“Okay. Well if you’ll let me just buy this book, then we could go to the Starbucks a block over?”

“Sure,” Drew said. He stuck his hands in his pockets as he trailed after Liv. 

As she neared the cashier, Liv thought of telling Tammi about Drew. Earlier that day Tammi had rolled her eyes when Liv left for the bookstore. “You’re never going to make friends if you’ve always got your head in a book!” Tammi had yelled as Liv went out the door. Well, Liv thought smugly, I have made a friend today and because I love books. Take that, Tammi! 

[nothingmuchtowrite]

“Rose, what were you THINKING?!?”

"Ummm,” Rose answered, wincing as she faced her best friend and giving her a bright smile. “Hey, Jill. What’s up?”

“Oh, don’t give me that. I just talked with Oliver.”

Rose grimaced and then said, “Hey, this isn’t all on me! They insulted our abilities! They desecrated the sanctity of our friendship!”

“Okay, Rose. I understand that,” Jill said. “But you know I abhor paintball.”

“Come on.” Rose linked their arms together as they strolled down the hallway of their dorm. “All we’ve done for weeks is study. I can’t take any more. And it’ll be fun.”

“Nuh-uh,” Jill said, rolling her eyes. “Do you remember the last time we played? You hit me on the shoulder and I had a bruise this big.” With her thumb and forefinger, she made a circle and shook it in front of Roses’s face. “And then do you remember what was the next weekend? Waltz. My poor sleeveless dress...”

“Well, you still looked gorgeous.”

“Hey, don’t you weasel out of this with flattery,” Jill admonished. “I’m still annoyed with you about that.”

“That was moths ago. This will be better. And anyway we’ll be on the same team this time.” Rose gave her a beseeching look. “Pleeease. Are you seriously going to let Oliver and Orlando win? Does our friendship mean so little to you?”

“Shut up. You know I love you.”

At Jill’s words, Rose grinned and nudged her in the side. “So... You’ll play then?”

“Oh, alright,” Jill let up with a sigh. A small smirk began spreading across her lips, and she looked over at Rose and said, “Let’s go kick their asses.” 

With a triumphant yell, Rose grabbed Jill’s hand and began pulling her down the hall. Laughing, Jill followed Rose’s wild dash the rest of the way to Orlando’s room. 

[nothingmuchtowrite]

Hey @accioinvisibilitycloak, thanks for all the nice comments. Wrote some Beadick and thought you might like it

“Achoo!” 

Benedick reeled back from his sneeze, eyes watering and his throat starting to itch. “Hey, Bea?” he asked in a perplexed tone. 

“In here,” Beatrice’s voice called back.

Benedick walked through the kitchen, wiping at his eyes and trying to ignore the tickling feeling in his nose.

Beatrice sat on their shabby, brown couch. A woolen blanket was wrapped around her shoulders and in her arms she cradled a small kitten. 

“Oh, Ben, look, isn’t he so cute?” Her eyes were transfixed on its small face and her lips formed a dopey smile as she doted on the kitten. 

“It’s a cat.”

Surprised at his tone, Beatrice looked up to stare at Benedick, whose eyes were red and watery. 

“Are you allergic to cats?” she asked, her eyes wide.

“Clearly,” Benedick said, as another sneeze shook his body. 

“Oh, no!”

“He obviously can’t stay here,” he said, wiping his nose on his sleeve, “You’re going to have to find him another home.”

She hugged the kitten closer to her chest and sent Benedick a resentful glance. “But I love him.”

“Well, my allergies are awful. I can’t stay in the house with him.”

Beatrice frowned, cuddling her face against the kitten’s soft fur. “Well, I guess tonight you’ll have to sleep over at Peter and Balth’s or Freddie’s.”

“What?” Benedick said with a baffled expression. “But this is my house!” 

"But just look at how cute he is!” Beatrice said, giving him an imploring look.

He sighed and kneeled in front of the couch to look at the cat. His fur was a fluffy gray and his big eyes gazed back at Benedick. He yawned, revealing cute little incisors and a small pink tongue. 

“Aww,” Benedick said, reaching out to pet the cat’s head. The cat bumped his head against Benedick’s hand. “So does he have a name? And where did he come from?”

“Well, he followed me home, so I took him to the vet and he’s all healthy. I was waiting for you to get back before I named him. Thought we could name him together.”

“Hmm.” Benedick took a moment to consider before pronouncing the cat, “The Majestic Mr. Flufferson the Third.”

“No way, Dickface!” Beatrice said, laughing, “What about Bruce?”

“Bruce! Do you want our kitten to get bullied by all the other kittens? You’re a terrible cat mom!”

Beatrice let out an indignant gasp. “Take that back! I’m a wonderful cat mom.”

Benedick was cut off from answering by multiple sneezes in a row. He sniffled and rubbed his itchy eyes. “I’m going to look for some eyedrops.”

As Benedick rummaged in their bathroom cabinet, Beatrice let out a sad sigh and lifted the kitten to bring them eye-to-eye. 

“I’m sorry, Bruce. I love you and will always be your cat mom, but Benedick’s allergies are just too awful.”

The kitten mewled and squirmed in her arms, so she set him back on her lap. She took out her phone and dialed a number. 

In the bathroom, Benedick had succeeded in finding the eyedrops. After applying a few drops, he closed his eyes and gave a relieved sigh. Then he turned back to the cabinet, searching for allergy medicine. 

When Benedick returned to the room, Beatrice was just hanging up.

“Feel better?”

“Yeah, a bit,” Benedick answered, settling on the couch beside Beatrice. 

“So I called Hero and she and Ursula are going to take him,” she said. “They should be here soon.”

“Oh no!” Benedick said, “Don’t let them take Mr. Flufferson away!”

“Bruce will be much happier with them. They won’t be sneezing all over him.” As Benedick blew his nose, she gave him a pointed look. 

“Yeah, I suppose,” he said. “It’s just that I’m going to miss him.”

“Me too,” Beatrice said, resting her head against his shoulder. Benedick wrapped an arm around her and began running his hands through her hair.

“Anyway,” Beatrice said, “It’s not like we’ll never see him again. We’ll get you all doped up on allergy meds and visit him all the time. And now we don’t have to be the responsible good parents. We can be the cool aunt and uncle!”

“Oooh,” Benedick said. “I would make a very cool uncle.”

Beatrice snorted and shook her head, smiling. 

“Bea?” Benedick asked, “You’re really okay with giving him to Hero and Ursula?”

“Yes, Ben,” she assured him. She kissed him on the cheek, and he smiled down at his lap. “I mean,” Beatrice added, “I might have briefly considered kicking you out of the house so Bruce could stay... But I’d rather you were here.”

“You’d choose me over a cat? You do love me,” Benedick said, raising his eyebrows in astonishment as a smirk spread across his lips. 

“Of course I love you, you idiot,” Beatrice said and rolled her eyes. “I married you, didn’t I?”

“Well, yeah. But it’s a cat.” Benedick shook his head in wonder. 

“Oh, shut up, you.”

“Yeah, whatever. Hey, fancy some tea? I’m in the mood for herbal grey,” Benedick said, pushing himself off the couch. 

“Sure,” she replied. “Tea sounds good.”

“I wonder...” Benedick murmured to himself as he walked into the kitchen. “Do cats like tea?”

“Oh my god, Ben, he’s a cat!”

“Hey, I’m sure Mr. Flufferson has excellent taste in tea!” Benedick placed a kettle on the stove and bent to turn on the burner.

“His name is Bruce!”

“Whatever you say, honey,” Benedick called back and then in an undertone, “But you’re sure as hell not naming our kids.”

In the other room Beatrice was cooing over the kitten. “Awww. Bruce, what a good, little kitty.”

“Seriously,” Benedick muttered in a disgruntled tone as he poured water into two mugs, “Bruce.”

[nothingmuchtowrite]

Get Freddie Kingston a Girlfriend 2k17 Part IV

part I, part II, part III

Jaquie opened the door to her bedroom and found Freddie slumped in their bed, still dressed in pajamas and holding a large chocolate bar. 

“Freddie,” Jaquie said, smiling and sitting next to her on the bed. 

“I am death,” Freddie answered with a mournful sigh. 

“Hey, I thought you were going to that concert with Ben.”

“I would have,” Freddie said, scowling, “But then my stupid uterus thought it was a great time for blood everywhere and the cramps started and then my back decided I needed even more pain and argghhh.”

Jaquie gave a sympathetic murmur and taking Freddie’s hand she laced their fingers together. “Yeah. I started yesterday too,” she said. 

“So this is your fault!” Freddie accused, jabbing a finger in Jaquie’s face. “I knew we shouldn’t have moved in together. Now our periods are all syncing up and everything is horrible!”

“I’m pretty sure that’s not actually a thing.”

“I don’t care. I just hate everything,” Freddie wailed. 

“Hey, don’t cry.” Jaquie tried to wrap an arm around her. “It’s okay.”

“I’m not crying!” Freddie yelled, tears streaming down her cheeks. 

“Oh, babe. Come ‘ere.” Jaquie pulled Freddie onto her lap and nuzzled her face into Freddie’s neck.

Freddie sniffled and relaxed against Jaquie.

“Better?” 

She gave a noncommittal grumble. 

Jaquie laughed and said, “You know you’re kind of a bear when you’re on your period. Want more chocolate?”

Freddie grunted. 

“Sorry, didn’t catch that,” Jaquie said, popping a piece of chocolate into her own mouth. 

“Give me the damn chocolate!” 

“See,” Jaquie pointed out, “Rather bear-like.”

“Oh, just hand me that.” Freddie reached for the chocolate bar and huffed in annoyance, but a hint of a smile turned up the corners of her lips. 

“It’s okay that you’re a grouchy bear. Love you anyway.” Jaquie passed Freddie the chocolate and smooched her on the cheek. 

Freddie rolled her eyes. Through a mouthful of chocolate, she mumbled, “Yeah. Love you too.”

“You’d better,” Jaquie said. “After all, you’re eating my chocolate.”

As Freddie protested, Jaquie merely grinned and hugged her tighter. “It’s fine. You can eat all the chocolate if you want.”

"Good,” Freddie replied, taking another large bite as her girlfriend laughed. 

[nothingmuchtowrite]

Omg. Your "Get Freddie kingston a girlfriend" Fic is absolutely amazing. Love it.

Ahhhh! Thank you so much!! I’m glad you’re enjoying it! Part III was going to be the last one, but I think I’m going to post a short one-shot of Freddie and Jaquie. 

[nothingmuchtowrite]

“Hey, Drew?” Liv asked. “Have you ever been in love?”

The two of them lay in a grassy field, gazing at the clouds and blue sky above them. Drew rested with legs crossed and his hands clasped behind his head. He idly pulled at nearby clumps of grass. Liv lay next to him, playing with the edge of her shirt. She rolled it up a few inches, revealing her belly, then rolled it back down, and then back up again.

“Well,” Drew answered, shifting his head to look away from Liv’s curious eyes, “I’m not sure what love really is.”

“Okay, well have you ever had a crush on anyone?” Liv curled onto her side and faced Drew.

“Oh, um,” he said with a sheepish smile, “Yeah. I’ve had some crushes.”

“Well, what did you do about it?” Liv asked, her brow furrowed.

“Nothing, really,” Drew mumbled. He closed his eyes and enjoyed the heat of the sun on his face. “I’m pretty sure he doesn’t like me back. It’s fine, though. I’m glad I’m his friend.”

“Hmm.” Liv sighed and rolled onto her back again. She watched the clouds drift across the blue expanse and wrinkled her nose. “I don’t understand how you can be so fine with it.” 

“So, what’s this about?” He turned to Liv, propping his chin on a hand. “Are you having love troubles or...?”

“Yeah, I guess.”

“Want to talk about it?”

“Not really.”

“Okay.”

“It’s just...” Liv fidgeted with her hair, laying strands of it across her face and then brushing them off. “I like someone. But she doesn’t want to date me. She just wants us to be friends.”

“I’m sorry,” Drew said, a worried frown creasing his forehead. “It’s hard, liking someone who doesn’t like you back. But for me at least, it got easier. It’s not so bad anymore. Maybe it’ll be like that for you.” 

“I suppose,” Liv murmured. She looked back at him and tried to smile. 

He grasped a dandelion and then blew the white puffs in Liv’s face. 

“Hey!” she cried with a surprised laugh. She reached around her to grab handfuls of grass and then threw them at him. 

The wind swept the grass over both of them and they smiled at each other. Drew shook his head like a dog and pieces of grass floated to the ground.  Liv tried to brush the grass off of herself before lying back down. 

“Thanks,” she told him.

“For what?”

“I don’t know. For being here. For talking to me.”

Drew looked over at her. Sprawled on the ground, she absentmindedly picked at the cuff of her shorts. Her clothes were wrinkled and stained green and brown from the earth, and her dark hair was a messy tangle with bits of grass. He reached out for her hand and then gave a light squeeze. “Of course.”

They lay together holding hands in the warm grass, watching the sky and listening to the wind rustle the trees. 

[nothingmuchtowrite]

“Dickface!” Beatrice shouted, “That was a foul!”

“Was not!” Benedick yelled back. 

Claudio, John, Pedro, and Leo stood around the field, their game of football temporarily stalled once again because Benedick and Beatrice were arguing.

“It was totally legal!” Benedick said, his hands making wild gestures to the field. 

“Yeah, right,” Beatrice said, scowling at him. “You know, you’re not a very good footballer. And you’re obviously trying to cover it up by cheating. But I see what you’re doing and I’m not letting you get away with it!”

“Hey, Balthy,” Benedick said, striding over to the spot where he and Hero sat on the grass. “Back me up. Wasn’t it totally legal?”

“Oh, no, keep me out of this,” Balthazar protested, shaking his head.

“You’re the referee!”

Balthazar shrugged and Hero gave a small laugh.

“See!” Beatrice yelled in triumph. “Balthazar agrees with me. He thinks it was illegal!”

“Oh, he did not say that!”

As Beatrice and Benedick continued bickering, Claudio, John, Pedro, and Leo drifted towards Hero and Balthazar. 

“Do you think they’ll continue this all day?” Hero asked, eyeing the angry couple. 

“God, I hope not. I just can’t take it,” Pedro said, flopping down on the ground and laying his head in Balthazar’s lap.

Balthazar blushed and grinned down at him.

“Why aren’t they tiring each other out? Isn’t it exhausting being that pissed off all the time?” Claudio asked. 

The group turned to watch their two friends. 

“See this,” Benedick said, “This is what I’m talking about.”

He demonstrated the “correct” way to kick the ball and Beatrice gave an enraged growl. She chucked the football at Benedick, who let out an indignant squawk.  

“I think it would be best,” Hero said, “If next game you put them on the same team.”

“Yeah. Maybe,” Leo said, shaking his head. 

“Well, I call being on the opposite team then,” Peter said. “Somehow I don’t think those two would be into the whole teamwork thing.”

John snorted. 

“Or maybe next weekend we should do something else. A movie,” Hero suggested. 

The others nodded in agreement. 

“Oh, please. Batman is so not the best superhero!”

“You watch your tongue! Batman is clearly superior to all other superheroes!”

“He’s awful! And seriously, like, his superpower is what? Being rich? Boring!”

This weekend the group of friends sat on cushions on the floor, while in front of them the television screen played credits. 

Hero turned to Balthazar and whispered, “Maybe a movie wasn’t the best idea.”

Chuckling, Balthazar said, “With these two, I don’t think there are any good ideas.”

“Hm,” Hero mused. “I’m sure there’s something fun we could do that wouldn’t start them fighting.”

At Hero’s resolve, Balthazar grinned and said, “Well, good luck with that; you’re gonna need it.”

“I swear to god,” Beatrice said. “If you say ‘Batman’ one more time I will come over there and fight you.”

“Oh, fuckin’ bring it!” Benedick retorted. 

Balthazar raised an eyebrow at Hero, “Yeah, lots of luck.”

Amidst Benedick and Beatrice’s squabbling, Hero squared her shoulders and with a determined toss of her head she told Balthazar, “I’m up to the challenge.”

[nothingmuchtowrite]

Get Freddie Kingston a Girlfriend 2k17 Part III

part I, part II

A few weeks after Freddie told Peter that she liked bi as a label, the flat sat around the table for dinner. It had been Benedick’s turn to make food and the rest were a bit suspicious. But they reluctantly began eating and found the food if a bit bland, well, at least edible.

“I think I only found one bay leaf in my soup,” Peter said in a fake congratulatory tone, giving Benedick a smirk. “Really, Bro. Just the one. I’m proud.”

“Yeah,” Balthazar agreed, “My bean burger was only half burnt this time.”

“I don’t know,” Fredde said, shrugging. “It wasn’t that bad… For Ben’s cooking.”

“Ha ha,” Benedick said. “You all are sooo funny.”

“Oh, you know we love you, Ben,” Balthazar said. “Just not your cooking so much…”

Benedick harumphed and scowled at Balthazar, who gave a small giggle.

Taking advantage of the lull in the conversation, Freddie cleared her throat and awkwardly got to her feet.

Her flatmates looked up and Peter cocked his head to the side, raising an eyebrow.

Freddie met his inquisitive gaze with a determined expression and then turned to Balthazar and Benedick. “Um, guys, there’s something I think I want to tell you. So. Uh I like girls. And I’m bi. And I think having a girlfriend would be cool. So, yeah. That’s all.” She exhaled and sat back down.

“Oh,” Balthazar said. “Nice. Thanks for telling us.”

“Yeah, cool,” she said and shot a nervous glance at Benedick, who sat in his chair with head tilted and brow furrowed. 

“What is it, Ben?” Freddie asked in a wary tone. 

An odd inscrutable expression overtook his face. And then…

“Ooooh. Team Love Gods Part 3!” he crowed. “Operation Get Freddie Kingston a Girlfriend 2k17!″

“Ben!” Freddie yelled, wide-eyed. “Noo!”

“Oh. Uh okay.” He looked over at Freddie. “I just thought…”

At his crestfallen expression, she sighed in exasperation. “Sorry, Ben. I know you just want to help. But I don’t want this–whatever it is, that I’m figuring out–I just want to keep it like chill, you know.”

“Yeah, of course. Whatever you need, Freddie.”

“Thanks, Ben.”

“So…” Balthazar said. “Is there anyone in particular or…?”

Freddie felt her cheeks warming. “I mean, like, you know. Uh lots of girls are pretty so..”

The group laughed.

“Yeah, okay, Freddie,” Peter said with a grin. “You don’t have to spill all your secrets tonight.”

“Whatever, guys,” Freddie said, rolling her eyes.

As the topic of conversation shifted, Freddie looked over at Peter and mouthed thank you. He gave her a slight nod of acknowledgement and then turned to listen to his boyfriend explain the current song he was working on.

“Back again?” 

Freddie sat on a stool at Navarre Bar. She sometimes enjoyed drinking alcohol but right now she wanted a clear head, so she sipped a soda. At Jaquie’s words, she reddened and stammered a reply about liking the atmosphere of the bar. 

From behind the bar, Jaquie eyed Freddie with a perplexed but amused expression. Freddie had been coming to the bar for the past few years but she usually did so when Peter was working. The last few weeks, though, she had been dropping by when Peter was off.

“The atmosphere? You like the atmosphere of the bar,” Jaquie said in a disbelieving tone. “Is it the drunk men who hit on you? Or is it this god-awful music that they won’t let me change? Or maybe you like the cheesy decorations?”

“Well,” Freddie said, drawing herself up and trying to think of something clever to say. “Maybe ‘atmosphere’ isn’t the right word. Maybe I enjoy the company. There are some pretty cool people here. Or, rather, cool person...”

Jaquie cocked her head to the side and raised an eyebrow. “Are you hitting on me?”

“Uhhhh. Yes? Sorry. Is that weird? I just ummm...” Freddie trailed off, wringing her hands together and looking down at her lap. Then she raised her eyes to Jaquie’s face and blurted, “Do you want to go out with me? We could get a drink... or, well, that’s stupid. You work at a bar, you’re working at a bar right now...”

While Freddie rambled, Jaquie couldn’t stop the grin that spread across her face. “Yeah,” she said. “I’ll go out with you.”

“Really? Oh, I didn’t expect you to say yes.”

“So I should refuse you now,” Jaquie deadpanned. 

“No, no, no!” Freddie shook her head. “Please, go out with me.”

‘Yeah, alright,” Jaquie said with a laugh. “I didn’t realize you liked girls.”

“Oh, yeah,” Freddie answered. “I’m bisexual. Uh took me a while to figure out, but yeah, I’m bi. Peter was really helpful.” 

“Oh, god. Peter must be insufferable. Did he make all his dumb bi puns?”

“They were horrible,” Freddie said, laughing. 

Jaquie gave a theatrical shudder. “I swear, the first time we hung out he got wasted and would not shut up about bisexuality. And he cackled at his own puns and ignored everyone else. And when he found out I was pan. Ugh. I thought his bi puns were bad. God knows why I hang out with him.”

“Aw, Pete’s a good guy,” Freddie said.

“Yeah, I know,” Jaquie agreed. “So, about this date then. Where you gonna take me?”

“Oh. Well. I haven’t really thought it out yet. Um.” Freddie bit her lip. “How do you feel about amusement parks?”

“Ooooh,” Jaquie said, her eyes lighting up. “Roller coster date! That’s new. Sounds fun.”

“So, are you free next weekend?”

“Actually I’m busy,” Jaquie told her. “Got a hot date with a cute redhead. Says she’s gonna take me to see some rollercoasters.”

Freddie beamed at her. “Oh, really? Well, I can’t imagine your date will be nearly as good as mine. See, I’m going with this amazing girl. She’s so pretty and funny. Doubt your date could measure up to her.”

“You’d be surprised,” Jaquie said, winking. Freddie flushed and Jaquie laughed at her. They gazed at each other with stupid grins and didn’t care that a customer was impatiently waiting for service.

“Sooo...” Peter began. He and Jaquie were working at the bar, but a lack of customers left them with little to do. He stacked some glasses while she wiped down the bar.

At Peter’s fake nonchalant tone, Jaquie narrowed her eyes. “What do you want, Pete.”

“Well,” he said, “What is this I hear about you and a certain flatmate of mine?”

Jaquie felt her cheeks warm and continued to scrub at a certain spot on the bar. “Yeah, Freddie and I are going on a date,” she said with a shrug even as her heart raced. 

“You like her,” Peter taunted, a gleeful grin overtaking his expression. 

“Shut up.”

“No, seriously, I’m happy for you,” he said. “I think you two will be great for each other. And if you want tips for your date, want me to look over your clothes, or if you need any other kinds of tips...” he waggled his eyebrows.

Jaquie mimed retching, not dignifying his words with a spoken response. 

“Ooooh, and you know, Balth and I would love to go on double dates! Oh, we should go bowling!”

“No fucking way.”

Peter only laughed harder. He grabbed her around the waist and whispered, “It’s okay. No need to be defensive, bro. I can tell you really like her.”

“Fine. I’m excited for the date. Happy?” she growled. She pushed him away.

“Yeah. I am happy.” He gave her a satisfied smirk. “And you’ll tell me about how it goes and everything?”

“Why can’t you talk to Freddie? She lives in your flat!” Jaquie let out an exasperated sigh.

Peter gave her puppy-dog eyes. “But I want to know how you think it went.”

“Whatever, sure, I’ll call you.”

“Thanks, Jaquie!” he said with an excited glint in his eyes. 

“Yeah, whatever, dude,” she said and then laughed as he planted a messy kiss on her cheek. “Now, get back to work, you loser.”

She watched him turn back to stacking glasses. Letting her thoughts wander to her date, she couldn’t stop the small grin that her lips formed. Rollercoasters with the gorgeous redhead? Yeah, Jaquie couldn’t wait for the weekend. 

part IV

[nothingmuchtowrite]

Get Freddie Kingston a Girlfriend 2k17 Part II

part I

Freddie paced across the living room, her shoulders tight and her arms crossed. Peter hadn’t said when he would be back in the flat, so Freddie knew it was useless to continue pacing the floor. But her thoughts were a mess and she couldn’t just sit in her room or try to do homework. 

She checked her phone for the time. 11:43am. Two minutes since she had last checked. She groaned and walked over to the couch. Collapsing onto the cushions, she laid her head back and stared at the ceiling. 

This is stupid, she thought. I don’t need to talk to Peter. I don’t know what I was thinking. Of course I don’t like girls. I’ll just call him to say that everything’s fine and he shouldn’t bother. 

As she reached for her phone, the flat door opened and Peter walked through. Freddie leapt to her feet, her eyes trained on Peter’s face. 

“Hey, Freddie,” he said, eyeing her pink cheeks and anxious expression. He tried to give her a reassuring smile.

“Hi.” Freddie looked down at the floor, feeling self-conscious and silly. She clasped her hands together and then unclasped them to smooth down her jeans. 

“If you’ll just give me a second to drop off my things...” Peter gestured to his bag. “We could talk in your room?”

“Right. Yes. Good,” Freddie said, and after an abrupt nod to Peter she hurried into her room.

Peter chuckled as he let himself into his room. The room was dark and Balthazar stirred in the bed. 

Dropping his bag on the floor, Peter walked over to him. He leaned in to give his boyfriend a kiss on the forehead.

“Good morning, Balth,” he said. 

“G’morning,” Balthazar mumbled back, not opening his eyes. 

“It’s almost noon,” Peter said. Balthazar merely shook his head and rolled over, but before he had turned completely Peter noticed his small smile. “Alright, sleepyhead.”

Peter slipped out of the room with a fond glance back at Balthazar snuggled in the blankets.

Freddie sat on her bed, her arms tight around her folded legs. She jerked her head up when Peter entered. 

“So,” Peter said, taking a seat next to her. “You wanted to talk?”

“Yes. Well.” Freddie paused, and she could feel the panic bubbling up from her stomach. Her heart thudded in her ears.

“About bisexuality?” Peter prompted her. 

 “I don’t know. It’s just--ugh.” She dragged her hands across her face. 

“Hey,” Peter said, reaching out a hand to pat her on the arm. “It’s all good, dude. Don’t worry. I won’t judge you.”

“Okay.” Freddie let out a big sigh. “I think I might like girls, but I’m not sure. And I don’t know if it means I’m bi or if I’m lesbian or what. And I’m not even sure that I do like girls.”

“Well, I think lots of people feel that way,” Peter said. “I know I did. Want to hear what it was like for me?”

Freddie nodded.

“So it was in high school that I really started dealing with my feelings,” Peter said, leaning back against the wall. “I didn’t want to be into men. And like I knew I liked women, but I sort of thought bisexuality didn’t actually exist. I thought I had to be a certain kind of person. Balth was really helpful. He was always good to listen to me. I began coming out at the end of senior year. And then I finally decided ‘fuck it’ when I got to college. Of course, I was also dealing with a lot of other stuff, as you know. But yeah, now I’m comfortable with it.”

“So, you didn’t always know?” Freddie asked. She still felt thoughts buzzing around in her head. But her heart’s rapid thudding had begun to subside and she no longer felt sick to her stomach.

“Well, it took me a while to come to terms with it all. I had a lot of denial. So, no, I wouldn’t say I always knew. And everyone has different experiences. For a lot of people it takes a long time to realize these things. It’s normal to be confused. And if you think you like girls, you probably do.”

“Okay. Thanks, Pete,” Freddie said. She ran a hand through her hair and a self-conscious laugh slipped from her lips.

“No problem. And of course I won’t tell anyone else if you don’t want me to,” Peter assured her. 

“I kind of want to tell Ben and Stan, but not yet,” Freddie said, frowning. 

“Sure. And if you ever want to talk more just let me know.”

Freddie sent Peter a grateful smile. “Thanks. I appreciate it. Really. This stuff has been seriously stressing me out. I feel a lot better.” She let out a deep sigh and said, “I think I feel like some New Girl now. Watch with me?”

“Yeah, alright.”

Freddie grabbed her laptop from her desk and placed it in front of them on the bed. She pressed play and then settled her back against the wall. Peter crossed his legs next to the laptop. They sat together, comfortably nestled against each other’s side as the show began playing.  

The next few weeks Freddie still dealt with confusion and frustration but her utter panic had relented. She found in Peter a source of comfort and understanding. They talked a few more times, and he always made her feel better.

After a few months, she told him, “I think I feel comfortable with bi as a label.”

“I’m gad to hear it,” Peter said, smiling at her. “You know I think this calls for some music. How about The Beatles? I get Bi with a little help from my friends,” he sung out with a wink.

“Oh, God, that’s terrible, Pete!”

“Maybe you’d prefer NSYNC’s Bi Bi Bi?”

Freddie shook her head, overcome with laughter.

“Hey, if you’re not gonna use bi puns then what’s even the point. I’m sure you’ll eventually get over your Bias.”

“Never,” Freddie declared. 

part III