#@president assistant sorry I haven’t answered your song ask :’)

[frau-line]

I will get a summer break which I did not initially plan…so maybe a come back?

[cheri-translates]

[CN] 100 Days - Lucien (Day 51 - 100)

🍒 Warning: This post contains detailed spoilers for e-mails which have not been released in English servers! 🍒

What’s the 100 Days Companionship Event?

Day 1 - 3: here

Day 4 - 30: here

Day 31 - 50: here

Day 51

I saw the new bracelet you bought, and wonder if I have the fortune to select a matching necklace for you?

Day 52

Since a certain student seems to have high praise for the dried fruits in the research centre, I’ve prepared some. Could I pair them with the white tea from last time?

Day 53

Your record book ended up with me. I accidentally saw quite a number of bold and imaginative questions. Next time, why don’t you ask me directly?

Day 54

It was a little cold last night, but it felt warmer when I saw the light from the house. Looks like temperature is even more subjective than I imagined.

Day 55

I’ve watched that trending video clip you mentioned. It isn’t an alien life form.  It’s just a deep sea creature which has a more ‘casual’ appearance.

Day 56

A new dessert has been released by that dessert shop you often visit. Want me to buy some on my way home tonight?

Day 57

The new intern is rash and quick-tempered. I miss the times when you, the “class prefect”, helped out.

Day 58

I’ve hooked the little felt fox you made with my keys. Each time I look at it, my mood becomes better.

Day 59

One small flower along the roadside is still blooming tenaciously. I wonder if I’ll still see it again the next time I walk by.

Day 60

A curious white kitten sneaked into the laboratory, and left an “already read” paw mark on my experiment report.

Day 61

I heard that during this season, there wouldn’t be many people at the amusement park. We can take a non-cursory visit to it once.

Day 62

The weather has become slightly cooler, and it’s suitable for wearing that overcoat you picked with me the last time.

Day 63

Seeing your cotton slipper and fluffy cartoon pyjamas, I sense that this winter wouldn’t be cold.

Day 64

I came across a fairy tale. There’s a black goat in the story, and it has a pair of beautiful horns… Do you still want to hear the rest?

Day 65

I seem to have improved in my origami skills, and it seems I can now fold more vivid little creatures now.

Day 66

Why do you need to perplex yourself over having a low laughing point? It shows that you can produce the dopamine to be happy over any trivial matter.

Day 67

When I passed by the park, I discovered that the Rosa chinensis we once saw together have turned into colourful chrysanthemums. Time seems to go by exceptionally quickly when signing in with you.

Day 68 (Halloween)

Title: Mysterious story exhibition

I heard there’s a mysterious Halloween story exhibition today. I wonder if a certain little friend who’s filled with curiosity is interested in going tonight?

Day 69

I’ve spent this October very happily. A large part of the reason is because you’re sharing it with me.

Day 70

I chanced on the postcard you sent me before. The handwriting is very cute, and the contents on it are even cuter.

Day 71

There’s a picture stuffed in the crack of the door. Is that bespectacled person conducting experiments me? He looks very engrossed.

Day 72

I haven’t thought of the answer to the riddle you came up with yesterday. Looks like I’ll have to learn from you this time.

Day 73

You mentioned wanting to learn how to make dimsum using yam paste, but couldn’t find the chance to do so. Do you have time today? We can give it a try together.

Day 74

The mornings of this season are especially moving. It’s just that little lazy bugs like you are likely too cold to get out of bed.

Day 75

The coffee you gave me the last time has a very nice taste. I tried preparing it once, but it didn’t have the same taste. Could you tell me your secret?

Day 76

I had a strange dream, and it seems to be indicating something. I’ll tell you about it another day.

Day 77

The weather forecasts says that it might rain today. Remember to bring an umbrella when you head out, just in case.

Day 78

If nobody does things that may not reap results, this world would likely lose some degrees of fun. Don’t you agree?

Day 79 (Single’s Day)

Received your final wishlist for 2020. It so happens that fulfilling each one of them will require an entire winter.

Day 80

You’re asking me if I’ve ever thought of travelling through time? I have. Each time we part ways, I want to travel to the time when we’d meet again.

Day 81

I’ve bought the material you wanted. Is our agreement from last week to have autumn afternoon tea still valid?

Day 82

You seem very busy recently, and I haven’t seen you appearing at the last row of the classroom. Is my “Class President” free to sign the attendance tomorrow?

Day 83

I like every birthday present you give me each year. Of course, my favourite gift is the one I can see at first glance - you.

Day 84 (Lucien’s birthday)

Having gone through yesterday’s “unhappiness”, I’ve prepared double the amount of “happiness” today. Could I share it with you?

Day 85

The place I’ve gone to attend the meeting at is the northern city you mentioned in Moments last year. Perhaps I could follow your footsteps and check in.

Day 86

When I woke up this morning, I realised that it has already started snowing in the city. I won’t enjoy the first snow on my own, which is why I’m sharing it with you immediately.

Day 87

I realised that you changed to bluetooth earpieces. In that case, will the distance between us be as close as when we listen to songs together using a wired earpiece?

Day 88

The rainbows seen in winter are even gentler than the ones in summer.

Day 89

Lately, I’ve been having some trouble sleeping too. This time, it might be your turn to be my little sleep assistant.

Day 90

Thank you for the gloves you gave me. They’re very soft and warm.

Day 91

I enjoy this feeling very much - eating a bowl of piping hot noodles in a warm, small store with you during cold weather.

Day 92

When I was tidying the bookshelf, a card fell out of one of the books you once borrowed. Do you still remember what you wrote on it?

Day 93

Without realising it, the agreed-to conclusion of the signing in is about to arrive. For some reason, I don’t really want it to end.

Day 94

Something to be grateful for is every day that I get to keep you company.

Day 95

A few petals from that pot of flowers you’re tending to fell onto my window sill. I’ve made them into two dried flower bookmarks.

Day 96

Saw a pair of earmuffs which suit you. This way, your ears wouldn’t always be red from the cold.

Day 97

Sorry, I’ve been tidying up data in the laboratory today, and just saw your message. I wonder if it’s too late to agree to your dinner invitation?

Day 98

You don’t always have to meet my expectations, because you often surpass my expectations.

Day 99

The movie salon you mentioned sounds really interesting. If I’m participating in it with you, I'm definitely very willing to go.

[Note] The word ‘salon’ here refers to a social gathering!

Day 100

To me, a hundred days is too short. Even without such an event, my company will definitely not stop at just a hundred days.

[bratneykay]

BRO U KNOW WHAT, YOU CAN DO 1-64, MINUS 35 AND THE TWO YOU ALREADY DID OK. - BAN

THANKS BAN LOVE YOU MY DUDE

Ask Me 65 Questions You Aren’t Used To

1. Do you ever doubt the existence of others than you?

Not the existence no, but sometimes I think about my life being like “The Truman Show”

2. On a scale of 1-5, how afraid of the dark are you?

Not sure how to answer this question because obviously for too long, I could get scared, but I have to sleep in pure darkness, so..

3. The person you would never want to meet?

Myself in an alternate dimension? Lmao, I don’t know. i think I would want to meet everyone at least once.

4. What is your favorite word?

Magical

5. If you were a type of tree, what would you be?

A Christmas Tree!

6. When you looked in the mirror this morning what was the first thing you thought?

You’re naked, put some clothes on.

7. What shirt are you wearing?

A college T-shirt :)

8. What do you label yourself as?

Kind, Passionate, Loving, Dedicated, lmao I could go onnnnnn

9. Bright room or dark room?

Dark, cause I want sleep.

10. What were you doing at midnight last night?

Talking to my BANITAAA, avoiding sleep like usual

11. Favorite age you’ve been so far?

Five Years Old, I want to be that age again. I really didn’t have any worries in the world. My parents were still together, we still had a house and my baby brother was just born. 

12. Who told you they loved you last?

BANITA

13. Your worst enemy?

The guy I used to have a fling with. But he doesn’t even know that I dislike him as much as I do.

14. What is your current desktop picture?

A picture of the Effiel Tower in front of an orange and blue sunset-sky

15. Do you like someone?

Unfortunately not

16. The last song you listened to?

A Thousand Years by Christina Perrie

17. You can press a button that will make anyone person explode. Who would you blow up?

This is hella violent and I don’t wish to answer hahaha

18. Who would you really like to just punch in the face?

It truly took me a long time to answer this and I’m still not sure.

19. If anyone could be your slave for a day, who would it be and what would they have to do?

Mmmmm I don’t like the word (or the action of making someone a..) slave, so let’s change it to ‘voluntarily be my assistant for a day’ and I’d say Tom Holland. We’d all know what I’d have him do… ;)

20. What is your best physical attribute? (showing said attribute is optional)

I have pretty full lips, not big, just full. Kissable I’d say. I also have really soft hair and on a good day, a nice figure. 

21. If you were the opposite sex for one day, what would you look like and what would you do?

I think I would be tall and thick, not necessarily musclar, but definitely not a lean guy. Probably touch myself and then go out and have sex (if I could find someone to have sex with me, but probably not cause I’m still lame even as the opposite sex,) just to see how it felt. 

22. Do you have a secret talent? If yes, what is it?

I guess singing? It’s not a secret, but I don’t openly share that about myself because I don’t sing in front of large crowds. 

23. What is one unique thing you’re afraid of?

Paper fucking cuts. Hate them with my life. I’m so scared of this, I’m shivering just thinking about it. 

24. You can only have one kind of sandwich. Every sandwich ingredient known to humankind is at your disposal.

Spicy Italian! Salami, Pepperoni, Provolone Cheese, and Banana Peppers (because I love them so very much).

25. You just found $100! How are you going to spend it?

This is lame, but probably some good food. 

27. An angel appears out of Heaven and offers you a lifetime supply of the alcoholic beverage of your choice. “Be brand-specific” it says. Man! What are you gonna say about that? Even if you don’t drink booze there’s something you can figure out… so what’s it gonna be?

Hahahaha I’m about to be even more lame, but I do not drink alcohol. Not because it is illegal for me to drink in the states (but that as well), but just because I don’t care enough to try it, so didn’t want to give myself a reason to need it. 

28. You discover a beautiful island upon which you may build your own society. You make the rules. What is the first rule you put into place?

All love, no hate. 

29. What is your favorite expletive?

I use the word ‘fuck’ and ‘fucking’ a lot, so probably that. :)

30. Your house is on fire, holy shit! You have just enough time to run in there and grab ONE inanimate object. Don’t worry, your loved ones and pets have already made it out safely. So what’s the one thing you’re going to save from that blazing inferno?

This is kinda scary because there was a fire not too far from where I’m at and it got to the point where my parents were afraid they were going to have to evacuate..Anyways, I have a couple pictures of my parents when they were married, and then a picture of my family because everything kinda went to shit. It’s the only copies we know of and they are kinda old, but I never want to lose those pictures. 

32. You got kicked out of the country for being a time-traveling heathen who sleeps with celebrities and has super-powers. But check out this cool shit… you can move to anywhere else in the world!

Is this a question? Lmao. Ummmmm, if I was sleeping with celebrities, we all know I’d be up in London right now, but most of my celebrity crushes live there. 

33. The Celestial Gates Of Beyond have opened, much to your surprise because you didn’t think such a thing existed. Death appears. As it turns out, Death is actually a pretty cool entity, and happens to be in a fantastic mood. Death offers to return the friend/family-member/person/etc. of your choice to the living world. Who will you bring back?

I don’t really know to be quite honest. I’d probably say my family’s dog that died about a month ago. 

34. What was your last dream about?

GOD, IT WAS WEIRD. It was something about the world ending and everything pretty much up in flames, and my family and I had to hide in this basement thing so the wind didn’t blow smoke into our lungs. Then, for some reason, I got to repeat the day over again and I tried to save everyone and went to the president about it, but it turns out it was Trump trying to take over the world with Nuclear Bombs and that’s where the smoke and stuff came from. It was wild. 

36. Have you ever been admitted to the hospital?

Fortuantely, no. 

37. Have you ever built a snowman?

If you haven’t, have you even lived? Just kidding, but yes, I love it!

38. What is the color of your socks?

Not wearing at this particular moment, but mostly black and white. 

39. What type of music do you like?

I listen to a variety of different music, it’s crazy. My favorite is problem alternative rock or alternative pop!

40. Do you prefer sunrises or sunsets?

Sunsets, i love the colors! Even a bad day can seem like it’s ending beautifully.

41. What is your favorite milkshake flavor?

Recently, it’s been Oreo, but I used to love Chocolate. 

42. What football team do you support? (I will answer in terms of American football as well as soccer)

I don’t really follow either to be quite honest. I just can’t watch sports on TV, I prefer to see them in person. 

43. Do you have any scars?

I have a scar above my right eyelid from when I had surgery when I was five!

44. What do you want to be when you graduate?

A Physician’s Assistant and I’m thinking about being an OBGYN :) Woot woot

45. If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

Maybe how shy and antisocial I can be? I just don’t mind not talking to people, but it bothers everyone else I guess

46. Are you reliable?

To be there if you need a shoulder to cry on or an ear to listen, yes. But with things like not losing something important or forgetting a birthday, definitely not. 

47. If you could ask your future self one question, what would it be?

Nothing. I don’t wanna know shit lmao

48. Do you hold grudges?

I tryyyy, I really try to hold grudges against my mother, but it’s only lasted two days. There are some things that hurt me that I hold onto for a long time, but in terms of how I’d treat said person, I’d be kind to them even if they completely broke my heart

49. If you could breed two animals together to defy the laws of nature, what new animal would you create?

This is a bit scary to imagine, but a whale and an ant. A Whant. 

50. What is the most unusual conversation you’ve ever had?

Mmmm, guess it wasn’t anything too unusual because nothing comes to mind. Probably some late night conversation that I had with my best friend.

51. Are you a good liar?

Depends on what I’m lying about. Probably not though. I’m good at making fake excuses, idk if that’s the same thing. 

52. How long could you go without talking?

Oh gosh, maybe 24 hours. I sing a lot, just like walking around. Does that count? I’d probably go crazy. 

53. What has been you worst haircut/style?

HA. When I was about four (I even remember doing this), I took scissors to my own hair and just cut it wherever I wanted. Let’s just say, it was not a good look :|

54. Have you ever baked your own cake?

Mm, idk if this is referring to literally or via Urban Dictionary, butttttt....No?

55. Can you do any accents other than your own?

I’M VERY BAD AT ACCENTS SORRY

56. What do you like on your toast?

Ham and Eggs to make a sandwich!

57. What is the last thing you drew a picture of?

Probably a heart, I don’t really draw, just doodle. 

58. What would be you dream car?

A jeep haha idk I just really like the look of them! Not really into cars though, as long as it works

59. Do you sing in the shower? Or do anything unusual in the shower? Explain.

If I had my own place, I would, but I don’t like singing when people can hear me kinda, soooo I don’t sing in the shower usually. But if I’m home alone, YOU GON BET I WILL

60. Do you believe in aliens?

Yes! I feel like the glaxay is too big for us to be the only living life form

61. Do you often read your horoscope?

Nahhh, don’t completely agree with them

62. What is your favorite letter of the alphabet?

Oooh I love me some weird questions. I like the letter Y, because in ASL, it’s the hang-loose sign. 

63. Which is cooler: dinosaurs or dragons?

Uh dragons can spit fire and fly??? Why is this a question

64. What do you think about babies?

I LOVE LOVE LOVE ME SOME BABIES! I mean, I want to be an OBGYN, so what does that tell you hahaha

[nauseateddrive]

PROFILING by Alan Swyer

Pre-meeting chit-chat was about to give way to serious shop talk in a Burbank office at the NBC Studio when suddenly there was a knock on the door. The four men gathered together turned as in stepped an apologetic assistant named Ginger.

“Sorry, Mr. Young,” she said to the silver-haired man presiding, “but there’s an urgent call for Mr. Lerner.”

Mike Lerner excused himself, then followed Ginger into the hall. “It’s your wife,” she informed him. “She asked you to call ASAP.”

Pulling out his iPhone, Lerner wandered down the hall to a quiet spot from which he could gaze at the San Fernando Mountains. “Know how I’m always telling you not to make trouble?” asked his wife Julie when she answered on first ring.

“Yeah.”

“Now it’s time to make trouble.”

“Because?”

“Our son and his friend Lonnie are accused of shoplifting.”

“Holy shit!”

“My words exactly,” replied Julie.

“Where?”

“The Best Buy in West L.A.”

Lerner’s drive west on the Ventura Freeway, then south on the 405, was a balancing act between trying to set speed records while not being nailed by the Highway Patrol. Yet as fast as his Audi was racing, his mind was going faster, and not because he’d walked out on the heads of the News Division.

Though Lerner’s son had inherited many of his own traits – among them a taste for pranks, plus a healthy disdain for authority – neither Jake nor his friend Lonnie was a candidate for serious trouble.

Despite a need to keep a cool head, Lerner found both his blood pressure and ire skyrocketing as he wove in and out of lanes, then at last exited the freeway to enter the Best Buy parking lot. Into the megastore Lerner strode like a man possessed, accosting a security guard who led him to what seemed like a holding pen. There, two fourteen-year-olds whose lips were quivering – Jake and Lonnie – stood under the disapproving gaze of the manager, whose name tag read C. Norkus, and the assistant manager, N. Martinez.

“I’m Mike Lerner,” he announced before addressing Jake and Lonnie, who were standing balefully in the corner. “Have a seat, kids,” he told them.

“They’ll sit when I tell ‘em to,” snarled Norkus.

“Bullshit!” Lerner exclaimed decisively, giving each of the boys a hug before ushering them toward chairs.

“What in hell is going on?” Lerner then demanded of the two managers.

“I don’t like your tone,” Norkus retorted huffily.

“If you’re trying to put me on the defensive,” replied Lerner, “you’ve got the wrong guy.”

“Want us to call the police?” snarled Martinez, coming to his boss’s assistance.

“That a threat?” asked Lerner, pulling out his iPhone. “I’ll do it for you, to let ‘em know two really nice kids – one white, the other black – are being held captive.”

“Race has nothing to do with this,” insisted Martinez.

“Says who?” insisted Lerner.

“Plus,” snapped Norkus, “you don’t even know what happened.”

“Because you two geniuses haven’t given me an explanation.”

“You can’t talk to us like that!” sneered Martinez.

“I just did. Now you going to explain, or do I call the cops?”

“We found the kids stealing tons of stuff.” offered Norkus.

“PlayStation 5, burner phones, batteries –” added Martinez.

“And where exactly was this?” demanded Lerner.

“In the store,” was Norkus’s answer.

“Not on the moon?” replied Lerner.

“That’s not funny,” sneered Martinez.

“Do I sound like I’m being funny?” Lerner shot back. “What exactly put it in your heads that these two nice kids were shoplifting?”

“We have our methods,” answered Norkus defensively.

“Before they’ve even gotten to the checkout?” wondered Lerner.

“You bet!” shouted Martinez.

“Did you see them sticking big boxes under their shirts? Or into their pants?”

“Not the point,” insisted Norkus.

“How about footage?” asked Lerner. “Got that?”

“Like I said,” snarled Norkus. “We’ve got out methods.”

Lerner studied the two employees dubiously. “Know what your methods sound like?”

“I bet you’re gonna tell us,” said Norkus.

“Ever heard of racial profiling?” stated Lerner.

“You calling us racists?” bellowed Norkus, his face turning bright red, causing Jake Lerner to elbow his buddy Lonnie.

“Your actions are the answer,” Lerner avowed. “So tell me, since you’re so damn smart. Any idea what I do for a living?”

“Bet you’re gonna say you’re a lawyer,” grumbled Martinez.

“To my mother’s chagrin, no. But for you clowns, what I do is worse.”

“Why?” mustered Norkus, his self-importance having seriously diminished.

“Because I make documentaries. Ever heard of NBC?”

“Who do you think we are?” asked Martinez, feigning hurt feelings.

“Sure you want an answer? Right now, I’m doing one for ‘em about the breakthroughs in the treatment of diabetes. Pretty good soapbox, huh? But know why that’s different from what I

usually do?”

“Why?” mumbled Norkus.

“Because most of the time I’m a muckraker. Since that word’s probably above your pay grade,

I’ll explain. I expose dirt, scandals, and wrongdoing.”

“H-how do we know that’s true?” stammered Norkus.

“Google me. But know what? To keep other kids from being subjected to bigotry –”

“Bigotry?” yelled an incensed Norkus.

“I think I’ll reach out to someone who’ll be pretty interested. Want to guess who?”

“I’m sure you’ll tell us,” groused Martinez.

“Ever heard of Jesse Jackson?”

Fuming, Norkus paced back and forth before pointing a finger at Lerner. “How do I know

you’re not talking through your goddamn hat?”

Lerner smiled icily. “Here’s the fun part. You don’t. Maybe I’m just bluffing,” he said, turning

toward Jake and Lonnie. “Right, guys?”

Despite the way their mistreatment, both teenagers managed a laugh. Then Lerner once again

faced Norkus and Martinez. “Here’s the scoop. If I’m making it up, everything I’ve said falls

apart. Right?”

The two managers nodded.

“But if it’s true,” Lerner continued, “let’s examine the consequences. First, I’d say the two of you will be out of a job, with a black mark against you in perpetuity.” Once more, Lerner turned to Jake and Lonnie. “Right, guys?”

After watching both kids nod vigorously, Lerner again addressed the management team. “Then there’s the fact that these two kids will likely own this store.”

“You trying to shake us down?” demanded Martinez.

Lerner glared. “Extortion’s a serious charge, buddy boy.”

“I ain’t your goddamn buddy!”

“No shit!” countered Lerner, drawing chuckles from Jake and Lonnie. “Tell you what. Since

you two like to play tough guy, let’s see what you’re made of. Willing to bet on who I am, or what I claim to be? Willing to risk your livelihood, your reputations, and your careers?”

No response was forthcoming as Norkus and Martinez remained mute.

“What happened to the bravado?” asked Lerner, rubbing in it. “Where’s the macho show and the swagger?”

Norkus and Martinez exchanged glances, then the manager spoke. “Why,” he asked softly, “are you making such a goddamn big deal out of this?”

“I could say,” answered Lerner, “I’m offended that you pulled this on two really nice kids. I can add that I like to see justice prevail. But there’s also a third reason. Ready?”

Both Norkus and Martinez shrugged.

“If it happens to them, and nothing’s done, it’d keep happening to others. Most of those kids won’t have someone like me on their side. What’s that mean? More and more racism.”

“I resent that!” snapped Martinez.

“Tough shit!” was Lerner’s rejoinder. “Letting the world know what goes on here would be a public service.”

Lerner studied the two crestfallen managers, then spoke again. “So what’s the verdict, guys?”

Forty minutes later, three people emerged from the store, their arms laden with PlayStations, cell phones, and other electronics.

“Thanks, Mr. Lerner,” said a grateful Lonnie.

“You were great, dad,” added a beaming Jake.

“So what did you guys learn,” asked Lerner once the acquisitions were placed in the trunk, and all of them were seated in his Audi.

“Stick up for yourself?” ventured Jake.

Lerner nodded. “And?”

“Tell us,” said Lonnie.

“Never let the turkeys get you down. And know what? There are far too many turkeys in this world.”

Lerner started the car and headed toward the exit, then turned suddenly toward Lonnie. “Your mom’s a churchgoer, right?”

“Every Sunday,” said Lonnie.

“Don’t tell her, but there’s something you ought to know. Ready?”

“You bet.”

“Despite what it says in the Bible, the meek don’t always inherit the earth.”

Alan Swyer is an award-winning filmmaker whose recent documentaries have dealt with Eastern spirituality in the Western world, the criminal justice system, diabetes, boxing, and singer Billy Vera. In the realm of music, among his productions is an album of Ray Charles love songs. His novel 'The Beard' was recently published by Harvard Square Editions.

[kpopfanfictrash]

The Liking Game

Author: kpopfanfictrash

Pairing: You / Jackson

Genre: Fluff / Angst

Prompt: “Life is a highway, and I’m always drunk. So I’m not driving.”

Rating: PG-13 (college partying, drinking)

Word Count: 2,023

The party is in full swing, bass thumping over the chatter of people. How anyone can hear over it all, I’m not sure. I can’t even hear the guy before me, though he seems animated about something or other. Every now and then I nod, scanning the room and hoping he’s not asking me anything personal.

It doesn’t seem like he is though, which is disappointing given I’ve been standing here for twenty minutes while he goes on and on in a monologue. Glancing sideways, I can’t stop looking towards the back right corner. Wincing when I realize this, because that back right corner is exactly where I don’t want to be looking.

That’s where Jackson is. Jackson and the rest of his frat-boy friends. He’s next to Jaebum, president of their fraternity and he laughs at something he says. I quickly look away, not wanting to get caught. Having him catch me would only be further acknowledgement of what happened earlier.

Jackson was tipsy when he approached me in the kitchen, grinning widely and wrapping his arms around my waist. His hair was ruffled, falling into his eyes the way it always did when he was slightly drunk. “Y/N!” he yelled, lifting me into the air. I couldn’t help but laugh, swatting until he put me back down.

Shoving him lightly, I laughed when he peered at my drink. “Hey,” I protested, pouring more into the cup. “It’s just soda – I drove tonight. Don’t judge.”

“Me, judge?” Jackson clapped a hand over his heart, eyes wide. “I would never.”

I shook my straw anyways. “I know you,” I grinned. “Always ulterior motives, this one.”

Jackson just smiled, stepping closer. Leaning forward, the proximity of him forced my heartbeat faster. “When will you admit that you like me?” Jackson’s expression was smooth. “Summer is almost here and then what? This has been going on almost all year,” he sighed.

I rolled my eyes. “I’m not even drinking, Jackson. Give me some credit.”

Jackson leaned against the counter, watching me. “You like me.”

“No.”

He raised an eyebrow. “At least a little, you like me.”

Again, I shook my head. “Nope.”

That was the thing about Jackson, he liked everyone. He also wanted others to like him and when they didn’t, he fixated on them until they did. It was an easy opinion to change usually. With Jackson’s good looks and easy charm, everyone caved sooner or later.

Some fraternity guys are skeezy, hopping from girl to girl and never really caring. Most of them only concern themselves with games, both drinking and otherwise. Jackson wasn’t like that but in my opinion, he was just as bad. I liked him. Had liked him since freshman year and he never even noticed. He sat behind me in my History 101 lecture. Jackson, the loud, excited guy who never failed to make people laugh.

Then there was me, the quiet girl who only spoke to answer questions. Not that Jackson wasn’t smart – I knew he was. Sitting before him, I saw every test, quiz and project of his that got passed back. Saw his grades over and over and knew Jackson was intelligent – very much so. I sat there for six months though, and never once did he say hi. Instead Jackson greeted everyone around me, his gaze always quickly sliding over mine.

It was two years later when my friend Becca introduced us at a party. Jackson didn’t seem to remember me at all, smiling brightly. “Hi, Y/N!” he’d said, sticking out his hand. “I’m Jackson.”

I almost responded, “I know,” before catching myself. Jackson clearly didn’t remember who I was.

Instead, I shook his hand and told him my name in return. Jackson didn’t mean any harm – how could he? – but it was something I took as a warning. Don’t get too close, because Jackson wasn’t the kind of guy who would ever be interested in me.

Now, almost a year later, Jackson continues to tease me. Finding me at parties, at bars, at tailgates. Always asking me to go out, me always saying no in return. It’s our bit, at this point. Each time I give him a different answer – I’m too tired, I‘m broke, I have to study. The answers became sillier as time passed.

Jackson didn’t wear the right ball cap. Earlier in the night, he texted me the wrong form of ‘your.’

Each time Jackson smiled, nodding.  “Okay. Next time.”

That was our thing, it’s what we did - every night but tonight, it seems.

Tonight Jackson’s gaze darkened. Eyebrows furrowed as he stared into his drink. For a moment I thought he was … hurt? But no, this is Jackson. The invincible, impenetrable Jackson. He could never be affected by my refusal to date him – especially when he didn’t even mean it in the first place.

And yet, I keep glancing back to that corner. Jackson is drunk, that much is obvious. One arm plastered firmly around Jinyoung’s neck while the other finds Mark’s. Singing along to whatever song is on the sound system, even though it’s clear he doesn’t know all the words.

I swish my drink in my cup, returning to the conversation right as this guy says, “And you?”

My hand freezes mid-swish. Crap, I wasn’t even listening. “Sorry,” I stammer, stalling. “Could you – uh, just excuse me for a moment?”

Before he can respond I’m gone, edging around him to walk across the room. As I get closer to him, my footsteps slow. I thought Jackson kept looking at me, but now he’s not. Gaze lidded while he tips back the rest of whatever’s in his cup. Arriving behind him, I softly tap his shoulder. 

Jackson turns, stumbling slightly and I reach out to catch him by the elbow. “Jackson?” I say, slightly concerned. “Are you okay?”

“Okay?” Jackson makes a noise halfway between dismissal and agreement. “More than okay,” he smiles. “I’m wonderful. Stupendous. Just not wonderful enough, apparently.” 

His expression is serious, which doesn’t make any sense. This isn’t part of our usual game. “Jackson?” I tilt my head upwards. “What’s wrong?”

Rather than respond, Jackson forces a smile. “Forget it,” he mumbles, focusing somewhere over my shoulder. “BAMBAM,” he yells, making me wince. “IT’S TIME WE WENT HEAD TO HEAD IN BEER PONG.”

“WELL, DUH,” Bambam yells back. “WE WOULDN’T GO FOOT TO FOOT.”

Jackson claps me on the shoulder. “Good talk,” he grins, stepping around me.

I stare as he walks away. For just a second I wonder if Jackson might like me back. But then I shake my head –  we’ve been friends for almost a year. If he liked me, he would have asked me out by now. Not as a joke when we’re drinking, not in a friendly sort of way. He’d ask me on a date. Suddenly frustrated, I set my solo cup down on the bookcase.

“I’m leaving,” I declare, making eye contact with Jinyoung.

He nods. “Yeah.” Jinyoung’s eyes are still on the doorway, watching Jackson’s retreating back. “Can you do me a favor, though? Could you check on him before you go? I tried to get him to stop drinking earlier but he didn’t listen. He might to you, though.”

Rather reluctantly, I nod. Jinyoung is nice – he’s treasurer of the frat and normally the most sober in the room. Except for on wine nights, when you’ll frequently find him in shadowy corners. Arguing adamantly with anyone who will listen about hot-topic issues.

My gaze moves in the direction of the kitchen and I sigh, seeing Jackson pouring another drink. “O-kay,” I mumble, grabbing my purse. “See you later.”

Jinyoung smiles, lifting his cup as I walk from the room. Jackson is just placing the vodka on the counter when I enter. I grab this quicky from his hand, sliding it away from the edge. “Whoa,” I mutter. Glancing around the busy kitchen, I heave a sigh.  “Jackson. What do you say we go?”

Jackson squints. “Go where?” He breaks into a grin. “Is this you,” he gasps, placing a hand over his heart, “finally admitting you want to go home with me? Score!”

Struggling not to laugh, I slide my arm around his waist. Jackson’s weight settles around my shoulders and I roll my eyes. “Yeah Jackson,” I say. Casually waving off Bambam’s offer of assistance. “I can’t control my urges, let’s get out of here.”

I haven’t had any alcohol tonight, so I’m good to drive us home. I walk Jackson carefully towards my car, telling myself the least I can do is drive. Patting my pockets, I quickly find my keys and I pause on the sidewalk to adjust his weight.

Jackson suddenly pulls away. “Wait,” he notes, glancing wildly down the street. “I had – I’m too drunk. I can’t get on the highway. Hey! Life is a highway,” he laughs, breaking into song. “And I’m always dru-uuunk! So I’m not driving.”

I pointedly click my keys and a few feet away, my car turns on. Jackson grins. “Perfect!”

When he starts running, I groan. “Ladies and gentlemen, we have a runner,” I sigh as I jog after him. Catching up, I grab him by the back of his shirt to pull him to face me.

Jackson falls against the side of my car. His hands yank me forward and I can’t help but laugh as I land upon his chest. Jackson’s arms pull me closer and he falls silent, staring down at me. “Hey,” he breathes, suddenly focused. His eyes darken the longer he looks at me. “Y/N. Why don’t you like me?”

“I – what?” Staring up at him, I find myself at a loss for words. “Why do you think I don’t like you?”

Frowning, Jackson’s fingers tug the hem of my shirt. “You always turn me down,” he explains, gaze light.

The thought of this is so ridiculous, I almost laugh. “I’m so sorry,” I gasp, catching the hurt in his eyes. “I didn’t mean to laugh, it’s just that – well, Jackson. You’ve never actually asked me out!”

Pouting, Jackson shakes his head. “I have so! Multiple times.”

“When we were drunk,” I remind. “When we were out at bars and drunk and not serious. You also tell Jaebum you like him at those times.”

Jackson grins. “Yeah, but that’s only because it annoys him.” As he speaks, realization dawns. “Wait. You thought I was just messing with you?”

Rather than respond to this, I look away.

Jackson’s hand finds my chin, gently turning me towards him. His gaze is suddenly serious. “I like you,” he says. “I’ve liked you since freshman year when you sat in front of me in History 101.”

That – that can’t be true. “But you never even talked to me in that class,” I protest, somewhat helplessly.

Jackson flushes. “I was shy,” he confesses. “I didn’t know what to say to you.”

“You?” I ask, mind scrambling. “You, Jackson Wang – shy?”

He shrugs, still blushing. “I joke, I make people laugh but that’s different than someone wanting to date me. Everyone… well, everyone always just wants to be my friend.”

I don’t know whether it’s the night or his quiet sincerity, but I find myself being honest. “Not me.”

Jackson’s eyes widen. “Not you?” he repeats. Slowly, his fingertips start to draw circles on my back.

I shake my head no. “I’ve liked you just as long.”

Now that it’s out in the open, I wonder what I was so afraid of. It can’t be the way Jackson looks at me, a mix of wonderment and excitement. Maybe it’s the way I feel, stomach churning as his head dips forward. Jackson’s eyes wide and dark.

When his lips find mine, he tastes like vodka and cinnamon. The touch of his chest is warm, solid and comforting as his arms wrap around me. Our noses brush when he pulls away and I sigh, eyelids opening.

“So you do like me,” Jackson breathes, smiling happily.

I grin, shaking my head. “You’re drunk and talking nonsense. Let’s go home.”

“Your home?”

“Jackson. Get in the damn car.”

[3,000 Followers Drabble Game Master List]

[johnnys-so]

May I please request a college or uni senior Hyuk scenario? Thank youuu

A/N: I have three other hyuk scenarios other than this oh god im channeling all of my inner hyuk. i had to watch ridiculous hyuk videos on youtube just to get his character right. But so worth it.

uni senior hyuk would be the kind of guy that everyone knew of but nobody really knows him. do you know what i mean? he’s way more approachable than the 4th year senior hyungs like leo, n and ken but definitely not as self revealing as anyone would like

i imagine hyuk as a physics major, something related to science or architecture most definitely. he’s definitely got the brains for it. He also seems like the kind of student who makes it to the dean’s list or becomes the class representative or the vice president of a club. and even if he isn’t constantly in leader positions, he is very respectful and kind to his professors, which makes them all the more inclined to give him assistant positions and that’s how you first met him.

hyuk had walked into your class as a sophomore and you were immersed in the new book you were reading. he had casually passed on some announcement about assignments from the professor and walked out of class just as quickly, except he ran back into the class and straight to you, to mention that the professor had asked you to meet them. much like hyuk, the profs were kind enough to take you up for research and assistant positions when in need

you didn’t realise what was happening but this very bright senior with his black hair falling into his eyes was asking you if you understood what you had just said. honestly? you didn’t hear a word. the protagonist of the novel in front of you was too interesting to focus on the real world but you were sure whatever hyuk was saying was important. but just as you had gotten up the courage (and mind) to ask him to repeat himself, he was already out of the class. but ofcourse the girls around you had to make a big deal out of it. they mused about everything from his hair to his clothes o his hotness to how cool he was. all you could remember was that he strangely smelled like petrichor. and you loved it

you forget to actually ask him again and let the matter go until a week later when the professor meets you directly and asks you why you haven’t been showing up at the meetings?

wait what???

meetings???

and thats when the prof mentions that you were invited to a fairly exclusive club about research and were invited to the dean’s dinner! (im literally just making it up as we go im so sorry)

you finally make it to the club meeting only to realise that you’ve missed a series of them and hyuk’s the one leading it. just as you enter, he rushes you to just sit down and catch up and goes on and on about whatever they were discussing earlier. to be fair, you were utterly lost.

so you wait until everyone’s left, literally shaking in your chair from the nerves and slowly get up to talk to hyuk. hyuk looks goddamn amazing, you have to agree. he always wore comfortable tshirts or oversized hoodies or sweaters to college and that just made him all the more handsome. he had a very effortless beauty to himself that you couldn’t help but admire. if you weren’t so stressed with uni work and the idea of having missed out so many meetings because you FORGOT TO ASK HIM AGAIN, you would have actually admired the way his long fingers effortlessly arranged the papers on the desk into a neat pile. or the way one corner of his sweater was always lodged into the belt of his pants. or his nervous habit of biting his lips when he was distracted with work

but instead, you walk up behind him and begin slowly, “umm excuse me…” and hyuk literally WHIRLS around. hyuk has the grace of a tycoon tbh and he nearly knocks you out but thankfully, he grips your shoulders to balance you and you’re a bit shocked because you just went from nervous wreck to in startling close space with the cute uni senior dear lORD HELP YOU

“right haha sorry about that. how can i help you???/”

“sO… im extremely sorry but i have missed quite a few of these meetings -”

“yeah i noticed”

“-and its entirely my fault idk what ive been thinking -”

“no no its ok”

“–but im just super sorry and id love to help but everything you say goes over my head and i know i should get it god im sorry but -”

and by now hyuk’s heard you apologize for a complete set of 10 times since you entered the room and he is trying real hard to stifle a laugh but you make it so hard because you’re so cute and your hands are curling into a grasp and he desperately wants to straighten them out like the pile of neat papers on the desk behind him so he kinda does (this boi i mean)

he reaches out for your hands and holds them in his and stares at them almost wistfully as he says “you’ve got to stop this bad habit of starting with an apology” and when he looks up he nearly wants to kiss the living daylights out of you because the sun outside is setting and you’re in one of the oldest rooms of your uni and with the winter cold, you seem like the warmest most delicious thing in the room

so he puts all his effort into putting his hands into his pockets and offers to help you catch up with the meetings personally

what follows is a series of cafe dates where you both catch up on all the plans for the upcoming exhibition (think of it like a summit of sorts) and you realize he relies a lot on you for decisions and occasionally stops to hear what you think about his ideas so far

the dates begin as a very formal thing with both of you dressing very well and maintaining a respectful distance and only ever opting for the occasional coffee. but after the 4th or 5th meet you decide to try different coffees and your clothes become more relaxed with you turning up in your favorite sweater dress and your hair in a messy bun and your smile light and easy.

from there, you hit it off so well. though you’re all caught up he stlil offers to show you this one restaurant he really loves and “you’ve GOT to try the food you will CRY BECAUSE ITS SO GOOD” and you’re always up for a good challenge so you meet up for dinner after all your classes in your hoodies and stuff yourselves with food and drinks and chat late into the night.

by now both of you are very sure you’re attracted to each other because fuck how can you try and ignore him when he looks so good and he was definitely sure he lost all self control when you turned up so messy and bright in that sweater dress.

but its the dean’s dinner that does you in he shows up in the crisp white shirt, dress pants and a vest and you nearly lose it with his hair swept up like that and you’re in a cocktail dress and he can think of a 100 things to do with you and none of them should be spoken about in respectful company

and when the night draws on the old croak is making some stupid comments about his accomplishments in life that both of you could care less about, he whispers lazily “i cant wait to get out of these clothes” and you absent-mindedly reply “you look way better in comfortable clothing anyway” and he cheekily says “i half expected you to offer some help removing the clothes” and he doesn’t expect your answer but then

“i could. do you wanna leave and let me try?”

and thats how you end up in his apartment after sneaking out of the dinner with both your clothes lying on the floor and he’s kissing you like his life depends on it and maybe it kinda does because he literally ditched the dean for you wow

but after a solid make out session (and other things *ahem*) the rain is pouring cats and dogs outside and you get into one of hyuk’s huge shirts and he’s wearing just his track pants and the both of you are just sitting by the window, nursing a hot mug of coffee and listening to old songs and occasionally hyuk leans in to smell your neck and kisses the base of your throat and you realise

you’re uni life just got a whole of a lot better

YOU ARE WELCOME.

[hueman-blog]

Answering Personal Questions

I made a user I follow, @razzledazzlefoshazzle , answer all of these on his blog. I’m feeling guilty so I’m gonna do it too. I know none of you asked but HERE GOES MY PERSONAL INFO!!!

200: My crush’s name is: Averi 
199: I was born in: Place? Lancaster, PA, USA. Year? 1999 
198: I am really: Bored and unmotivated 
197: My cellphone company is: Apple 
196: My eye color is: Brown 
195: My shoe size is: 8-9 Women’s US 
194: My ring size is: Idk, something little 
193: My height is: 5'4" I’m little 
192: I am allergic to: Stupid people 
191: My 1st car was: Never had one 
190: My 1st job was: Cashier at California Tortilla (a fast food Mexican franchise around D.C.) 
189: Last book you read: Cradle and All 188: My bed is: My safest place, my true home, and also too empty 
187: My pet: Doesn’t do much 
186: My best friend: Is my girlfriend 
185: My favorite shampoo is: Shamu 
184: Xbox or ps3: Deck of cards 
183: Piggy banks are: Cute decoration, inefficient coin collector 
182: In my pockets: I’m in pajamas 
181: On my calendar: Work, as that’s the only thing in my life scheduled. Also a haircut within a few days 
180: Marriage is: Great for legal benefits, stupid for expensive ceremonies 
179: Spongebob can: Please end soon it turned idiotic long ago 
178: My mom: Is abusive (sorry to bring the mood down) 
177: The last three songs I bought were? Who buys songs anymore?? 
176: Last YouTube video watched: History of the World 
175: How many cousins do you have? On my dad’s side, 8. On my mom’s side, no idea 
174: Do you have any siblings? An older brother 
173: Are your parents divorced? Nope 
172: Are you taller than your mom? Probably not 
171: Do you play an instrument? Nope 
170: What did you do yesterday? Absolutely nothing just like every day

[ I Believe In ] 
169: Love at first sight: Nope 
168: Luck: Yes 
167: Fate: Nope 
166: Yourself: Not really 
165: Aliens: Yeah there’s gotta be some life out there 
164: Heaven: No 
163: Hell: No 
162: God: The Flying Spaghetti Monster? Hell yes. Be boiled for your sins 
161: Horoscopes: Nope and frankly if you do I find you uneducated 
160: Soul mates: No 
159: Ghosts: Nah 
158: Gay Marriage: Believing??? In love,??? And commitment??????? Between two people???????? Obviously! 
157: War: Never 
156: Orbs: I believe in Orbeez 
155: Magic: No it’s just science we can’t explain, or illusions we can’t see the entirety of

[ This or That ] 
154: Hugs or Kisses: Kisses 
153: Drunk or High: Music 
152: Phone or Online: Online on my phone 
151: Red heads or Black haired: Black haired 
150: Blondes or Brunettes: Brunettes 
149: Hot or cold: Hot 
148: Summer or winter: Summer 
147: Autumn or Spring: Autumn 
146: Chocolate or vanilla: Chocolate 
145: Night or Day: Night 
144: Oranges or Apples: Apples 
143: Curly or Straight hair: Straight 
142: McDonalds or Burger King: McDonalds 
141: White Chocolate or Milk Chocolate: Milk Chocolate 
140: Mac or PC: Mac!! 
139: Flip flops or high heels: Flip Flops 
138: Ugly and rich OR sweet and poor: ugly and sweet are opposites now?? I guess sweet and poor 
137: Coke or Pepsi: Fruit Punch 
136: Hillary or Obama: Obama 
135: Burried or cremated: Cremated 
134: Singing or Dancing: Singing 
133: Coach or Chanel: Money to spend on actual useful things 
132: Kat McPhee or Taylor Hicks: Who??? 
131: Small town or Big city: Big City 
130: Wal-Mart or Target: Target 
129: Ben Stiller or Adam Sandler: Both suck, but I’d choose Stiller 
128: Manicure or Pedicure: Manicure. My feet are too ticklish 
127: East Coast or West Coast: West Coast USA 
126: Your Birthday or Christmas: Christmas, I don’t like being the center of attention 
125: Chocolate or Flowers: Chocolate 
124: Disney or Six Flags: Disney 
123: Yankees or Red Sox: What is a sport? How do??

[ Here’s What I Think About ] 
122: War: What is it good for? Absolutely nothing 
121: George Bush: “Mr. President, what are your thoughts on Katrina?” “We’re gonna find her. And we’re gonna bring her to justice.“ 
120: Gay Marriage: Its a marriage between two people in love. Celebrate, but don’t go broke in one day 
119: The presidential election: Media and rich people control it basically, and I’d rather it be an actual democratic popular vote. Trump is a clown and should have never won 
118: Abortion: Its a woman’s right to choose. Personally I think the world is overpopulated anyway and more people should adopt rather than try to conceive 
117: MySpace: Never had one 
116: Reality TV: Scripted, not reality 
115: Parents: Good or bad, they influence your whole life because they were there at the start. Mine went bad and ruined me 
114: Back stabbers: Oh I love them- what?? They suck. No one should be betrayed like that 
113: Ebay: Never used it but it got the ball rolling for Amazon 
112: Facebook: I only use it to message/call my friends, and to see unlimited amounts of dogs 
111: Work: It’s a necessary evil 
110: My Neighbors: Quiet, the only one I met was a total bitch though 
109: Gas Prices: I don’t drive 
108: Designer Clothes: C'mon people there are way better uses for your money 
107: College: Shouldn’t be expected of teenagers 
106: Sports: Boring, overhyped, the players overpaid 
105: My family: Worthless, judgmental pricks 
104: The future: Uncertain

[ Last time I ] 
103: Hugged someone: Sunday (3 days ago), when my friend picked me up from work 
102: Last time you ate: Italian ice about 1.5 hours ago (8:15pm) 
101: Saw someone I haven’t seen in awhile: A month ago 
100: Cried in front of someone: A month ago maybe?? 
99: Went to a movie theater: Many many months ago 
98: Took a vacation: A year ago 
97: Swam in a pool: Two years ago? 
96: Changed a diaper: Never 
95: Got my nails done: My 16th birthday I think (almost two years ago) 
94: Went to a wedding: Eight years ago? 
93: Broke a bone: Never 
92: Got a peircing: I was 14 and got my ears pierced (almost 4 years ago) 
91: Broke the law: Never 
90: Texted: A minute ago

[ MISC ] 
89: Who makes you laugh the most: My friend Brad. He’s so inappropriate but his jokes I cannot stop laughing at 
88: Something I will really miss when I leave home is: Not paying bills other than Internet 
87: The last movie I saw: Coraline 
86: The thing that I’m looking forward to the most: Moving to California 
85: The thing im not looking forward to: Paying for rent in California 
84: People call me: To friends: Lys. To family: Alyssa. To my girlfriend: Lyssy. To everyone else: annoying 
83: The most difficult thing to do is: Get up out of bed every day 
82: I have gotten a speeding ticket: Nope I do not drive 
81: My zodiac sign is: Cancer 
80: The first person i talked to today was: My friend Jessica 
79: First time you had a crush: Preschool, this boy in my class Marshall 
78: The one person who i can’t hide things from: Myself 
77: Last time someone said something you were thinking: Yesterday, idk? 
76: Right now I am talking to: My phone in the way of typing 
75: What are you going to do when you grow up: Survive hopefully. I also wanna be a flight attendant 
74: I have/will get a job: Have a job as assistant manager of an arcade 
73: Tomorrow: I’m going food shopping and seeing my annoying cousin Barbara (she has two boyfriends and they both treat her like shit. It’s not poly it’s just cheating) 
72: Today: I actually made a meal that was nice 
71: Next Summer: I’ll be living in California 
70: Next Weekend: I have to face my parents for the first time since February. I hate it 
69: I have these pets: A ball of moss named Mo 
68: The worst sound in the world: My girlfriend crying 
67: The person that makes me cry the most is: My father 
66: People that make you happy: My girlfriend Averi 
65: Last time I cried: A few weeks ago?? 
64: My friends are: Averi, Raven, Jessica 
63: My computer is: My phone 
62: My School: Is nonexistent 
61: My Car: Is also nonexistent 
60: I lose all respect for people who: Hate on others for no reason 
59: The movie I cried at was: Toy Story 3 
58: Your hair color is: Black 
57: TV shows you watch: None 
56: Favorite web site: Tumblr usually 
55: Your dream vacation: California 
54: The worst pain I was ever in was: Once I got constipated a few months ago for 48 hours. I screamed 
53: How do you like your steak cooked: Medium 
52: My room is: Either super messy or super clean. Right now messy 
51: My favorite celebrity is: Jacksepticeye 
50: Where would you like to be: In my girlfriend’s arms on a beach 
49: Do you want children: Right now I don’t think I ever would but if I ever did I’d adopt 
48: Ever been in love: Yes I am now 
47: Who’s your best friend: My girl 
46: More guy friends or girl friends: Girl friends 
45: One thing that makes you feel great is: Sleeping 
44: One person that you wish you could see right now: AVERI 
43: Do you have a 5 year plan: Stalin did 
42: Have you made a list of things to do before you die: Nope 
41: Have you pre-named your children: I did with my ex. Never again 
40: Last person I got mad at: My grandmother 
39: I would like to move to: California 
38: I wish I was a professional: Sleeper [ My Favorites ] 
37: Candy: Swedish Fish or Nerds 
36: Vehicle: Volkswagen Beetle 
35: President: Biden 
34: State visited: California 
33: Cellphone provider: Cricket 
32: Athlete: Me, running from my responsibilities 
31: Actor: Eddie Redmayne 
30: Actress: Anna Kendrick 
29: Singer: Laura Jane Grace 
28: Band: Against Me! 
27: Clothing store: Thrift shops 
26: Grocery store: Safeway 
25: TV show: Adventure Time 
24: Movie: Wall-E 
23: Website: Pornhu- I mean Tumblr 
22: Animal: Red Panda 
21: Theme park: Disney World 
20: Holiday: Christmas 
19: Sport to watch: Extreme Chess Mega X 
18: Sport to play: How Late Can I Get Up Before Concerning My Family 
17: Magazine: :enizagaM 
16: Book: The Underneath 
15: Day of the week: Saturday 
14: Beach: Any beach 
13: Concert attended: Fall Out Boy x Paramore 
12: Thing to cook: Pasta with alfredo sauce 
11: Food: Bacon egg & cheese on a bagel 
10: Restaurant: TGI Fridays 
9: Radio station: Night Vale Community Radio 
8: Yankee candle scent: Ass 
7: Perfume: Averi’s 
6: Flower: Averi 
5: Color: Orange - the color of Averi’s voice 
4: Talk show host: John Oliver 
3: Comedian: Bo Burnham 
2: Dog breed: Corgi 
1: Did you answer all these truthfully? Hell yeah I wouldn’t lie to you

[actuallylorelaigilmore]

Leaving Things Unsaid

My very first AO3 fic seems like it was never crossposted here...until now! Two short chapters, super fluffy, a plot bunny drawn from song lyrics and the idea that a pre-series fling could explain the Josh/Donna dynamic.

Chapter 1: Lean In Close and Don't Let Go

This was so, so stupid.

His hands were everywhere, and she was trying--but failing--to be quiet. It was his hotel room, and they had thin walls between them and the others. She would regret this tomorrow.

Would he regret this tomorrow?

"You work for me," he murmured in a moment of clarity. She was already shirtless, rolling her eyes at him. He was the one who started it, she thought, staring at her from across the office like he couldn't look away. Like he'd been waiting for her.

He was the one who invited her to join them for drinks. She felt awkward. She was new. But they were all so welcoming, and she wasn't the one who got handsy after two beers and needed help getting back upstairs. His friends had made sympathetic faces in her direction, as if they could already tell she would feel responsible for him. Would take him on, because he needed her, even if she couldn't explain why this was so clear on the very first day. She couldn't explain why it was so appealing, either.

"Only technically," she replied, brought back to the moment by his teeth on her neck. Gently, because he was cautious. "I haven't even gotten on payroll yet."

"Good point." He smiled at her as they moved to the bed, suddenly direct as he ran a hand up her calf. "You have the longest legs I think I've ever seen."

"Please don't say I must have been a dancer. That's such a terrible line."

"Well, now I won't."

She tugged him up towards her, tangled her fingers in his hair. How would she be able to work beside him now, after this? It didn't mean anything, really. Nothing more than the fact that they were both a little drunk, and really curious. But it had to change things.

Didn't it?

"So were you athletic then?" he asked suddenly as they were shifting positions. "You really do have a certain kind of...grace."

"No, not really athletic," she replied, arching a little so he could tug down her slacks. They didn't fit quite right, a rushed purchase right after she was hired. "I did twelve years of dance."

He chuckled into her collarbone, sending shivers all the way down to her toes. "So you were a dancer."

"Yeah, but that doesn't make the line any less lame."

"It's not a line if it's true," he argued as she tossed his shirt to the floor. She was already unbuttoning his jeans when it landed.

"It is, actually, because you can't know if it's true until you try it, which is what makes it a line. I--" The rest of her words caught in her throat as he slid his hands up her stomach, toward the front-clasp of her bra.

"You're beautiful," he said quietly, and she rolled her eyes again at the man who had hired her and seduced her on the same day.

"Please, just tell me you're not completely drunk. I can't be the only one who remembers this in the morning. Talk about awkward."

He leaned into her, until they were almost nose to nose, and smiled. It was a slow smile, building until it reached pure wickedness. It surprised her. "I'm not drunk at all," he replied.

His voice was steady, and she met his gaze until she found what she was looking for. There it was, that "where have you been all my life?" look. Like a deer caught in headlights and happy about it.

She realized he was right. He wasn't drunk, just stupid, like her. For the first time, she closed the distance to meet his lips with hers, and decided to worry about it tomorrow.

Chapter 2: The Words, They're Everything and Nothing

When she woke up the next morning, Josh was already awake and dressing cautiously on his side of the bed.

"It's alright," Donna told him blearily. "I'm up."

"Sorry," he replied, turning around. "I tried to be careful."

"It's okay, Josh." She tried to add reassurance to her smile. In the sober morning light he seemed awkward in his own skin again. She might have worried that it had something to do with her, except that he'd been like that with his friends at the bar too. After one day she already knew that it was just his nature; he wore his anxiety like a hand-me-down suit, leaving him permanently tense and rumpled.

It was pretty cute, actually.

He rose from the bed to make coffee. Buttoning her blouse, Donna was barely able to hear him over the burbling of the coffeemaker and the aging radiator's hiss when he spoke.

"It can't happen again," Josh said. Her fingers froze on the second button. All of her froze at that moment, actually. She wasn't sure she could feel her toes anymore.

"I know," she replied. He glanced over his shoulder and frowned at her back. Without being able to see her face, he worried that maybe he'd hurt her feelings. She had to know it would be inappropriate, right? He wasn't being unreasonable.

Finally he left the coffee brewing and crossed the room to face her. She seemed fine, but he didn't know what kind of poker face she possessed.

As Donna tugged her slacks on, she tilted her face up to his curiously. "What?"

"Nothing." Josh looked down at the carpet, then away over her left shoulder. He was practically vibrating with nerves, so she took pity on him.

"Come on, Josh. It's not like I thought this was anything more than what it was."

"Okay," he agreed, his tone wary. "So, when we leave this room..."

"When we leave this room, we go back to work. Y'know, getting a new leader of the free world elected? I'll answer the phones and file papers, and you'll..." She trailed off, staring at him. "I don't actually know what it is you do right now. You'll go back to making jokes and swaggering around the office."

"I don't swagger!"

"One, yes you do. And two, funny how you object to that part and not my assessment of your job performance."

Josh shrugged. "I'm a mystery."

"Maybe to some," Donna said with a smile, "but I figured you out before we even met."

"What, do you have special powers now?"

"Special powers of reading? Sure." She smirked. "I was the one organizing your desk for two hours before you hired me, remember? You have very telling penmanship."

"I barely have penmanship," he argued.

"Exactly." Smoothing a hand down her hair, Donna swallowed a yawn. "Can I borrow your toothbrush?"

"Sure." He sat on the bed in the spot she had vacated and wondered why her casual acceptance bothered him so much.

"You don't think it'll be weird?" He called out to her from where he sat.

"No," came the muffled reply. "I'm already using it."

"Not my toothbrush, the--" He stopped shouting when she reappeared. "The fact that this happened, and now we'll be around each other all the time. You left the water running," he added as she approached him.

"It doesn't have to be weird if we don't let it be," she told him seriously. "It might even help."

"How?"

"I'm your assistant," she reminded him. "And it's a crazy campaign. You might need me to fetch your clothes or order your food or, I don't know, style your hair."

He raised his eyebrows. "I'm never going to need you for that last one."

"Well, I couldn't think of a third thing. My point is, it's close quarters around here and it'll certainly save time and trouble if you're comfortable changing in front of me or letting me into your room."

"You're right," he mused. "You should also probably know how I take my coffee. Since I just brewed a pot, how about you practice now, actually? Cream, no sugar." His best attempt at a winning smile seemed to have no effect on her.

"I'm not going to fetch your coffee, Josh." She swatted him lightly on the ear.

"But that's like job number one of assistanting."

"In the 1950s, maybe," she countered. "But it's 1998 and that particular duty is no longer in the Assistant's handbook. Ask your girlfriends to bring you coffee."

"My future hypothetical girlfriends?"

"Yep." Donna poured her own coffee and sipped it with a smile, watching as he pouted and doctored his own.

"Not even on special occasions?"

"Never."

"What if there's a National Coffee Day? C'mon, you'd have to bring me coffee on National Coffee Day."

She eyed him suspiciously. "There's already a National Coffee Day, isn't there? This is a trick question."

Josh raised his hands in defense. "Not that I'm aware of. There is not. But when Governor Bartlet becomes President Barlet, maybe he'll proclaim one."

He raised his eyebrows at her, looking as hopeful as a little boy on Christmas Eve, and she relented.

"Fine. If someday you proclaim a National Coffee Day, I will bring you coffee in honor of the holiday."

Frowning, he returned to sitting on the bed. "I won't be able to proclaim anything, Donna. Only Presidents can..." He trailed off, narrowing his eyes in acknowledgement. "I see what you did there."

"Mm-hmm." She busied herself with tossing out the used creamer cups while he thought it over.

"So you're saying that the only way you'll ever bring me coffee, even though you're my assistant, is if I become the President of the United States and then create a coffee holiday."

"That's right."

"But if I become President, I'll have a handful of other staff who could bring me coffee whenever I wanted."

"So?" She took the chair across the room from where he sat, watching his face.

"So...never. You're saying you'll never bring me coffee."

"Now you're getting it."

"Well...okay."

Josh's brow furrowed in confusion as she began removing her blouse again. When she shimmied back out of her slacks, he had to close his mouth and swallow before speaking.

"What...what's happening now?"

Her smile was a beguiling cross between bashful and seductive. "What do you want to happen now?"

Shaking his head, he tried to remember the problem with this scenario. "We agreed--"

Donna cut him off, rising from her seat to cross to him. "We agreed that we need to have a strictly professional relationship as soon as we leave this room. Have we left the room yet?"

His grin spread slowly, changing the contours of his face. "A loophole. I like it."

She reached up to smooth her hand across his forehead. "I like the crease you get right here when I confuse you."

"Well, that's good," he replied, rolling his eyes as he led the way back to the rumpled hotel bed. "Because I think you're going to be seeing it a lot."