What if we were part of the same religious cult which forbade our love but we slept in the same bed anyway, close enough to feel each others’ warmth but too ashamed to ever actually touch?
「 ☆ 」 Kanade, perceptive as she may be— capable of picking apart most people at a glance: to build or break as she sees fit —doesn’t catch the veiled meaning in Braidyn’s words. Doesn’t so much as blink as he tries to fix an assumed mistake. Instead, blinded by her certainty that she knows her friend— how could she not? they became a pair when they were SIX —she takes what he says at face value. Thinking Braidyn incapable of keeping secrets. At least, when it comes to her… He does hate to be alone and she had the good fortune of happening to be the only other kid there when he was.
It had been a shock, to say the least. When Braidyn first came over. All oversized clothes and oversized curls and an oversized charisma that immediately put Kanade on edge. Certain this boy was trying to steal her sister. Ready to do whatever was needed to keep that from happening. Luckily for both of them, Braidyn wasn’t disappointed to hear that Hibiki wasn’t home ( the older twin spending the night at a friend’s house, where the ❛ no boys allowed ❜ policy confidently kept Kanade at bay ) . If anything, he seemed excited about it. Maybe because it meant they were both left on their own. Maybe because… it meant they could both choose not to be.
Regardless of the reason, whenever he came over after that day— he sought out her. Even when she changed over time, no longer feeling the need to hide behind false modesty or a demure demeanor… Growing more confident, wariness giving way to warmth and a genuine care. Braidyn didn’t mind the changes. Embraced and encouraged them all. Even when it meant Kanade didn’t act as ❛ nice ❜ as she used to. Letting some of the uglier parts of her show, yet never aimed toward Braidyn. She doesn’t know who she’d be without him. She doesn’t want to know.
At least even if he decides to cast her aside… he’s changed her enough to where she never WILL know.
Much like how she doesn’t know if Braidyn genuinely got the ball from her or if she let him… That’s the issue with constantly repressing her abilities; lest her poor inferior sister ever be shafted to the side. It becomes natural as breathing, Kanade unable to fully trust herself when it comes to failure. A dizzying concept… Sabotaging without intention. Having molded herself to fit such an undeserved role. Choosing to believe Braidyn reclaimed the ball of his own merit— for both their sakes —she shakes off the brief bout of uncertainty, not wanting it to tarnish what needs to be savored.
She laughs as though nothing is wrong and tries to believe, at least in the moment, that nothing is. Tensing her body as she waits to see whether Braidyn initiates a game with the basketball or simply stole it back as a tease. ❝ Shhhhhhhhhit... ❞ She hisses through her teeth, a drawn-out sound as she recalls her bag left abandoned on her bedroom floor. Too swept up in worries, she had left it behind in her rush to force herself out the door. ❝ I forgot it at home... I was so distracted by how late I was running, I guess I never grabbed it. ❞ She lightly complains, before huffing out a breath and shrugging with an ❛ what can you do ❜ smile.
❝ I can always get it later. ❞ She decides, figuring it may be for the best. Should Braidyn end up deciding he'd rather she NOT stay the night, it'll be a lot less embarrassing to leave without lugging an overnight bag with her. 「 ☆ 」
“You’re fine, Knockout. Don’t worry about it. You can always just use my stuff.”
The offer is thoughtless, obvious. Of course Braidyn will share with Kanade. Why wouldn’t he? If it ends up meaning that later his stomach knots at the sight of Kanade in his pajamas, he’ll live. He doesn’t even think of that for now. Just like he doesn’t think of how the nickname, which comes from Kanade’s initials, K.O., might sound flirtatious to outsiders. He has a nickname for everyone. Even if Kanade is just Kanade in his head, it would feel way too intimate to use his first name out loud all the time.
He dribbles the ball idly, comfortably, less as a game and more as something to do with his hands. Kanade could probably steal it back. Braidyn doesn’t think he will.
It occurs to Braidyn that the days are only going to get shorter from here, and the two of them should probably do something with their daylight. Especially since the TV has been picker lately about what it means to hit it “just right” and make it work, and the gas stations are stricter about their loitering policies once school is in session. Not that Braidyn is gonna invite Kanade to the gas station, even if it is a kinda nice bike ride and you can get sodas for less than a dollar. No, it’s not impressive enough.
He likes impressing Kanade a lot. Makes him feel all proud in his chest, like he did something right for once, like he won. Plus something else, something he hasn’t placed yet.
“You wanna do something before the sun sets? Kale left his bike behind, so I’ve got two until he comes back for it. We could head down to the skate park or the ice cream stand or whatever. I’m game for anything.”
「 ☆ 」 Kanade is never late... Not when Braidyn is involved, anyway. There are few people in the world who are worthy of the relentless way she cares for them. Which means there are only TWO and truthfully, Kanade would be lying if she said Hibiki was ❛ worthy ❜ of it. More-so, Hibiki happened to be the only viable option. The only connection Kanade wanted. Felt she needed... Until her twin wasn't.
Braidyn Shapiro is worth every effort and MORE.
Unfortunately, there is an issue with Braidyn... He doesn't know she's a girl. It's not his fault. No one else does either. Kanade hadn't even known before the aid of years of confusion and self-reflection. Nowadays, it's not a new revelation. It's one she's been sitting on for... a while. Only recently, there's been a rising urge to confide that aspect about herself to her best friend. A temptation she's been battling for weeks; the most ferocious altercation between her heart and common sense taking place that very morning. Kanade internally debating for HOURS on if she should even meet up with Braidyn for their scheduled hang-out session
Eventually, she decided to go... If things go poorly— provided she retains the courage to tell him —she can't afford to miss any chance to be around him. Hence Kanade jogging up to her friend with a wave of her arm and an unassuming smile upon her face. Just a ❛ boy ❜ on her way to hang out with the most important person in the world... Trying to seem as though she's not memorizing every aspect of him. From the way he smiles to the specific shade of his jersey.
❝ Sorry... Had to help Hibiki with something. ❞ Lie flows effortlessly— as they always do —through light panting and an apologetic but not guilty smile. Rolling her eyes, she adds with an amused chuckle, ❝ You know how helpless she can be. ❞ That's another good thing about having a best friend; she can talk about her sister without the need for a veil of false reverence. Braidyn would never tell anyone.
Without warning she steps around Braidyn, knocking the basketball from his hold in a fluid motion with a playful laugh. Gaining control of it as she maneuvers behind her best friend, she stands there dribbling the ball from hand to hand. Head tilted, bangs messily falling across her face— she's been letting her hair grow out, testing the waters —as she quips, ❝ Hope you weren't missing me too much. ❞ 「 ☆ 」
Kanade is gorgeous. Braidyn never knows what to do about that.
He's tried to just not think about it, or to rationalize it enough that it doesn't bother him, but it never works. After all, Braidyn has other friends who are good looking. Abraham is sorta pretty for a boy, even though Braidyn would never say it for fear of making him... what's the phrase again? Dis-something. The one where he feels bad about being trans and starts wearing more hoodies for a few weeks. Limp Dick is kinda cute, too, just not so cute that Braidyn ever really thinks about it.
But Kanade? Kanade is pretty in the way the love interest in a movie is pretty. Soft lighting, slow motion, only-other-person-there-even-in-a-crowded-room pretty.
He's also Braidyn's best friend. And a guy. And Braidyn Shapiro doesn't like guys. He spends way too much time in locker rooms feeling nothing about his teammates' bodies to like guys.
So when Kanade manages to steal the ball despite being way shorter than Braidyn, there's no time to waste staring at the way his bangs fall across his face or to bask in his smile. No. Braidyn has to stay in the moment, which means letting the moments pass far too quickly.
"Of course I missed you too much."
Stop. Rewind. Those aren't the kinds of things he can be saying.
"I mean, come on. If I missed you at all it would be too much. You know how much I hate being alone."
That much is true. It's one of the unfortunate side effects of having had Kale as a built in companion for most of his life. Braidyn hates being alone. It's a small part of the reason he and Kanade got so close back in first grade- the torture of just sitting alone with nothing to do would always motivate Braidyn to ask the kid down the street to hang out. And since Kale left for college, Kanade has been doing overtime to fill the void. Thank G-d for that.
He lunges for the ball and misses. That wouldn't normally happen. It's because it's Kanade. Braidyn always seems to get clumsier around him. He lunges again, and this time he gets the ball.
"You're still staying over, right? Cause I don't see an overnight bag."
“Okay.” Yuu nods, trying to focus in on the music — aaaand they’re starting over, okay.
It’s good music, he’s right, but Yuu is getting a little bit frustrated. Still, he listens in, focusing on the music. And then they’re starting again. A little annoying, but the song being repeated hasn’t lost it’s charm at all. “Mm, I can hear the strings now.” Barely above a whisper, so the song isn’t too interrupted again.
“Plus, these lyrics — they have almost a playful quality to them. Like, it’s commentary on life, but also, it’s— it’s fun, despite the bleakness.” At this point, even were the song to restart again, he’d keep listening. He likes it, after all.
Oh, Yuu gets it. Abraham didn't expect to feel quite this relieved that he gets it. But then again, he hasn't felt inspired like this for a while. Thank you, Andy Partridge.
"Yes! Exactly! I wanna write a whole EP that sounds like this right now. I wanna say something, you know? About the state of the world, or something big and important like that. And I wanna do it in a way that mobilizes instead of just getting depressing.
"I love music so much. I mean, who doesn't? But I'm just so excited that I've found something that has me inspired again!"
He beams at Yuu, glad he decided to trust him with opinions that would be embarrassingly passionate had they disagreed.
"Remind me, do you write lyrics? Music? I can never keep track of who does what part. Brain's too full of other stuff, I guess. But, uh.... Maybe we could write a song together!"
"This is going to sound so... I mean, I'm a librarian. It's going to make me sound like a librarian. But there's a dance coming up for anyone over 21 who wants to go, and we all dress up as our favorite literary characters, and I thought it sounded like fun? Maybe?"
"Nonononono, I need you to listen closer. I know it sounds like just a song at first, but I swear if you pay attention to the lyrics and the different elements at play in the music- did you catch that? In the bass?- I'm starting the song over."
He does so almost frantically, a wild excitement in his eyes.
"I'm gonna try to shut up this time, but- wait. String section. Did you hear that? It's recorded so quietly, and with the brass you barely notice unless it's loud... I'm starting it over again."
Braidyn is throwing a basketball at the wall and catching it when it bounces back. It's not much, but it beats being bored. When he sees a familiar face, he catches the ball one last time and turns so the two of them are face to face.
Braidyn looks at her, head cocked like a puppy, heart racing. He’d prepared himself to help her through something, or to listen and not talk too much, or to celebrate with her. But he wasn’t ready for her to just go off on how much she likes him. Girls don’t do that. People don’t do that. Or, they do, but about Braidyn the carefully curated pretty boy who’s just barely suggestive enough in his jokes to get teenage hearts racing from afar. Not about… Braidyn Shapiro. Braidyn Shapiro is just some guy, made of jokes that fall flat and too much love and fists through drywall and all the least glamorous parts of fame.
But Kanade likes that. She likes Braidyn Shapiro, who’s her boyfriend even when he’s not airbrushed.
Insane.
Keep Reading
「 ☆ 」 Braidyn Shapiro is, by far, the most adorable person in the world.
Kanade will gladly argue that point with anyone, even her past self who had been CERTAIN people like him couldn’t exist. Those who are considerate and caring and charismatic... and not driven toward her sister or simply away from her, whether Hibiki is even part of the equation. For as long as Kanade can remember, she’s known that she was destined to be hated. If it wasn’t her own sister tearing her down, it was the people around them. Or worse, praise and adoration thrust upon her so long as she acted a certain way. Went against the very core of her being, beaten down into the subservient doll that was apparently worthy of love.
No one could ever love her for who she really is... No one but Braidyn, anyway. Although Kanade knows even that isn’t entirely true. Despite her claim to trust him, there are secrets she STILL keeps close to her chest. Admissions that could make him look at her as a monster instead of the ‘ kind and gentle ’ girlfriend he’s built her up as in his mind. Not that he’s wrong. She is kind and she is gentle, and she is every bit of the loving person he’s witnessed. But people DO contain multitudes... and some of her ‘ parts ’ may not be as easily accepted as her prettier aspects. Not that Kanade is ashamed of these blemishes. Far from it.
But HER feelings on the matter aren’t what could ruin the best thing she’s ever had.
Braidyn starts traveling down a sports-paved road of thought and Kanade happily accompanies him. Not looking away from her boyfriend— it’s a comfort unlike any other to have his eyes on her —fond smile doesn’t falter as he flexes his knowledge, Kanade fascinated by how much he knows on the subject. Intelligent as she may be, she still needs to LEARN facts for them to take permanent residence in her brain. Whenever Braidyn shares with her, it’s new. It’s refreshing. It’s wonderfully and uniquely Braidyn. Especially when it ties back into how sweet he is.
With every reassurance, every well-meaning word out of her boyfriend’s mouth, Kanade decides that she has to be completely honest with Braidyn... Eventually. Not today though. Not after this. Not after finally being loved. Tomorrow, for sure. Or the next day.
Soon. Very soon... Once she’s prepared herself for whatever happens.
❝ That makes perfect sense. ❞ She replies, soft and sweet and sincere in the way she looks at him with open adoration. ❝ Because I feel the same way about you... Minus the sports analogy, because I don’t know much about sports. ❞ Lightly giggling, the sound remarkably sweet, she moves closer to Braidyn and gingerly runs a hand up his arm, ❝ That’s why I never get tired of hearing you talk about them. You’re so passionate and intelligent and genuine... You’re incredible. Every moment I spend with you proves that to me. ❞ Hands sliding up Braidyn’s chest, Kanade grabs onto his shirt and starts to carefully guide him down as she says, ❝ You’re so much more than stupid tabloids or mindless fans think. ❞
❝ Yeah, you’re hot. The hottest guy I’ve ever met... But you’re ALSO the one who makes me laugh. Who is there for me when I’m upset. Who encourages me no matter what. Who makes me feel like anything is possible. ❞ Like being loved... Or in his words, maybe loved a little bit. Unlike Braidyn, Kanade has no reservations about using such a big scary word. This might be the last chance she HAS to, depending on how well it goes... and how soon she comes clean about her past. So, with lips slowly growing closer with each statement, smile brushes Braidyn’s mouth,
❝ ... I love you too. ❞
Praying that her softly murmured confession doesn’t freak out her boyfriend— it should be fine... he had been the one to bring up the word first, right? even if he softened the blow by adding some deniability —Kanade presses a kiss against Braidyn’s lips, in the hope that he’ll start to kiss her back. 「 ☆ 」
Braidyn is about to offer to tell Kanade everything there is about sports, but she keeps talking. He doesn't mind. He likes her voice and the words she says to him.
And then she's saying words to him that he likes more than anything she's ever said before. Touchdown.
Of course he kisses her back. Kissing Kanade is probably one of the most awesome things Braidyn can think of, up there with winning the superbowl and going platinum and beating Kale at literally anything. Kissing Kanade is like... what's the phrase? Supernova neon sublimity? Some mashup of words that he saw Bam Bam scribble on a napkin when he was trying to write a love song and that kinda stuck in his head. Not well enough, obviously. But kinda.
Unfortunately, like all good things, kissing Kanade has to end. When it does, Braidyn gives her one more quick brush of their lips and then bursts into the biggest grin, so wide and hard (haha, wide and hard) that it hurts his face. They love each other. It's not really surprising, but it's beyond incredible to have said it out loud.
"I love you, baby."
That's all he needs to say, really. There are no better words for it. And he's not qualifying or dampening it this time.
@canon-fcdder said: ❛ i’m here for you. don’t forget that. ❜
(( Denki @ Abraham ))
Denki Kaminari is everything Abraham has ever wanted in a boyfriend. He’s an athlete who appreciates music. He’s cute and blonde and eager and a little bit stupid. He’s sweet. He makes Abraham laugh. He’s also one of Abraham’s biggest rivals in the music industry right now. I
f their agents hadn’t decided it would be such a good PR move to force the two bands into a rivalry and then a joint tour, none of this would have happened. Abraham would still be perfectly content with a social circle of three, and he would still be hopelessly infatuated with Braidyn.
Which, in retrospect, Braidyn? Really? Abraham loves the guy, but crushing on him for thirteen years straight seems insane, especially now that he’s getting to know Denki.
Denki, who’s bright and silly and earnest and tender. Denki, who’s so himself that it’s no surprise he’s the person Abraham chooses to stay up late for, and to ignore other plans for, and to tell secrets to, even if the secrets might make him look bad.
Like now, with his head on Denki’s chest on the couch, butterflies in his throat and no idea whether Denki feels the same way. Abraham isn’t sure when the conversation got deep. He’s not sure he cares. It’s where they are now, and he thinks he likes it.
“Okay. I… I guess I don’t tell this to many people. You know how that one review came out calling us “the princes of like or like-like,” cause so many of my best songs- and I say my and not our because I wrote them- are about the heartache of knowing you want to be with someone who only sees you as a friend?
"Yeah. All those songs– Close To You, Pipe Dream, Seven Minutes Somewhere, Closet Case, I could go on– they were all about Braidyn. He doesn’t know. Jamie knows, I think, but I’ve never really said it out loud. And, well… this is gonna sound so stupid. But I’m not into him anymore. I moved on. Between him being with Kanade, and me starting to fall for… um. Someone else.
"Anyway. I’m scared that without the heartache, I’ll have less to write about, and the music won’t be as good. Or at least it won’t sell as well.”
@canon-fcdder said:
❝ Listen man, if you're just here to argue and tell me 'all of this is impossible'— ❞ Mimicking Curtis's voice in a way that was NOT at all flattering, Dipper rolls his eyes and closes his journal— tucking it into his jacket for safekeeping —as he continues, ❝ —then you are more than welcome to head back to town. ❞
Fixing his hat with a determined set of his brow, Dipper turns to face the ominous woods, ❝ But I'M not leaving until I have some proof to bring back to my Great Uncle Ford. ❞ - ( *shoves Dipper kjdfgkjdfgdg* )
Curtis may not be fully ready to admit it, but he really likes spending time with Dipper. And he may not exactly believe in the supernatural, but that’s not the point. The point is they’re in it together, now, and even if he doesn’t expect to find anything concrete, he’s not giving up on his expedition partner.
“I said we’re not gonna find anything. I didn’t say I don't want to look.”
Curtis tugs at the drawstrings of his hoodie until they’re even, a secret good luck charm for himself. If he and Dipper do find anything weird, he wants luck on their side. He starts walking, all false confidence, and gestures at Dipper to follow him as he passes.
“Besides, it can’t hurt you to have a local on your side, right? I’ve probably explored these parts a hundred times.”
Looks like KJ dragging him outside all the time does have its benefits.
And, hey, Curtis can’t blame Dipper for wanting to make his great uncle proud. Curtis would be foaming at the mouth to find ghosts or fairies if it meant he’d get a loving father figure. The thought makes him flinch internally, like he’s a bad kid. It’s not Dad’s fault he died. It is Dad’s fault he joined the stupid military, but that’s not a road worth going down right now. Curtis is here with Dipper, and he’s determined to have a good time with it.
“Anyway. Remind me what we’re trying to prove to him? Cause I kinda thought he already believed in all this.”
Braidyn flinches a little on impact, then straightens back up. A hot girl is touching him. Nice.
“Okay, FIRST of all, I was really good, Future Shapiro. And you appointed me cause I stop at nothing, I actually care about the damn game, and you want me so bad you can hardly look at me.” He’s so smooth. Hell yeah.
“But yeah, okay, maybe that wasn’t my best game. Whatever. It’s not a crime to give myself a tiny bit more credit than I maybe technically deserve. And you’re not perfect, either. I’ve seen how lame your kicks are when you’re tired.”
Beck laughs a bit, leaning against him even more. She debates on full on just pushing him off the chair, and decides against it. Instead reaching up to mess up his hair.
"Hey, at least I have an excuse to be tired. You try living with the Flynn-Fletchers and tell me that you don't get worn out by those lovable idiots." Beck smiles, before hopping straight up onto his desk, crossing her legs, and making sure that she takes up his entire field of view.
"And for the record, if I'm taking the last name Shapiro, it's gonna be Garcia-Shapiro." She shrugs, "And let's face it, you're the one who wants me. So badly. You'll probably get a hard-on right away if you saw me with my hair down."
“Yeah, yeah. You try living with my dumb big brother and tell me it’s any easier.” It is. Braidyn knows it is. Kale can be a lot, but he’s no Phineas and Ferb. It doesn’t matter, though. He’s barely gotten the quip out when Beck moves on.
Shit. She is kinda right. He would like to see her with her hair down. Honestly, he’s enjoying the sight of her with her hair up enough as it is. What can he say? He likes girls who can kick his ass.
“Isabella? Really? No offense, Beckham—” (and yes he did come up with that nickname right now. Pretty good, huh?) “—but her eyes are never leaving Phineas. You could show up in a sexy outfit with roses and she’d just regift them to him. But me? You’re right. I’m crazy for you even just letting your hair down. Seems like an obvious choice to me.”
Maybe that was too much. But, hey, Beck invites his flirtation. Always has. Now he just hopes he’s actually able to get somewhere.