#“if i had enough money I would quit keeping up with the kardashians” | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

pradaksj · 4 years ago

Text

7 Rings | 02

♛ pairing: taehyung/reader

♛ genre: richboy!taehyung | blackmailer!reader | infiltration au | future smut | angst.

♛ rating: mature

♛ word count: 9,990+

♛ warnings for this chapter : explicit language, usage of alcohol (legal)

♛ (please read) author’s note: This chapter basically goes back in time to the day in which Y/N finds out about her mother, but instead we now get a glimpse of tae’s life so there is not much y/n in this chapter !! Just to let y’all know so you don’t get confused :)

♛ summary: In desperate need of money, you and your best friend come up with a plan to infiltrate one of Seoul’s richest families, the Kim family. The plan was simple, garner some money and disappear, but of course things don’t always go as planned. Especially not with someone like Kim Taehyung.

━ ❝ Whoever said money can't solve your problems, must not have had enough money to solve 'em.❞

♛ chapter index/masterlist || series masterlist

Chapters⇢ 01 | 02 | 03 | 04 | 05 | 06 | 07 | 08

Friday Morning.

“In today’s news, the Kim family’s multibillion dollar deal has been officially confirmed. Their partnership with Hyundai is estimated to bring in at least seven billion in revenue to Korea’s economy over the next 5 years. Both parties have agreed to terms that will lift…”

Kim Taehyung stared at the coffee shop’s mounted TV as he waited in line to order, feeling as if it was already too early to be stressed out. The weary feeling of 4 hours of sleep was beginning to manifest itself, irritation slowly beginning to take its form. Honestly, it was a feeling he found himself feeling quite often these days. In a few years, the responsibility of a billion dollar empire would be under his hands, something he wasn’t exactly looking forward to. The images of his dad shaking hands with Hyundai’s CEO appearing on the TV, the man was basically hailed a hero. Taehyung’s eyes narrowed at the sight.

One could say his relationship with his father was not only distant but … complicated. As Taehyung grew up watching his dad’s empire become almost unstoppable, it also meant that he was always away from home. Though for the most part, Taehyung didn’t mind. His mother was everything a child could ask for, compassionate, hard-working, and never failing to provide her almost endless unconditional love for the young boy.

When he was younger though, his father seemed like an unattainable hero, an inspiration, and at some point it was a relationship he longed for. He often felt guilty whenever he’d hear kids in his school mention not having a father figure in their lives, either due to tragedy or other unspecified reasons. He was lucky enough to have his father in his life … so then why didn’t it ever feel like it ? Not like he had a right to complain.

Without his father he wouldn’t have grown up in the world of luxuries as he was fortunately able to. You see, there was a reason why Kim Enterprises was plastered all over Seoul (if not all of Korea), and that was because they were the IT company. A multi-conglomerate holding company who owned stakes in almost every major company from South Korea that you could possibly think of. Their rise in power was truly undeniable.

The company had been founded just a couple of years before Taehyung had been born, originally starting off as an insurance company which had done small investments in prospect companies, slowly rising in their investment and stakeholder shares. At least that was the story Taehyung’s father told him growing up, never failing to remind him that he came from nothing, and for that reason Taehyung should be nothing but grateful, stating that because of him he’d never know what it was like to feel the stigma of being poor in his own home and the powerlessness that comes with it. And you see Taehyung had absolutely no problem with that because well… it was true, and there was no denying that. What bothered him though, was that those speeches never seemed to come out of a place of genuinity, but one of animosity. As if to remind Taehyung that without his father he was, is, and would’ve been nothing.

To a certain extent he respected his father, but he didn’t love him. There was no genuine relationship there, and he knows it may sound horrible to say, but Taehyung most definitely had his reasons. But some things were just simply better left unsaid.

“Hello? Next in line,” a voice (an annoyed one at that) interrupted his thoughts, as he failed to realize that the cashier had been calling out for him for who knows how long. Though he didn’t take her harsh attitude to heart, if anything sympathizing with her and what he assumed was a stressful job, and it wasn’t like he was making it any easier by being a slow-poke.

“Welcome to Seoul’s Magnificent Mocha, what can I get for you this morning?” she asked once he had made his way up front to the cashier counter. Taking off his sunglasses, he couldn’t but want to laugh at how quick her facial expression had changed. It was the face that people made when they recognized him. It was amazing what a simple baseball cap and some shades could do, he hadn’t even worn his black face mask this time. “Y-You—” she began to stutter her words, instead slowly pointing at the TV. He gave her a small smile along with a small nod as a way of confirming what she was trying to say.

“That would be me,” he smiled, “Can I get an iced Americano and um a,” he paused trying to remember what Namjoon had wanted, “strawberry iced tea. Both medium please,” he finished off the order clearly sounding very uncertain.

“It’s g-going to b-be um,” the poor girl was so nervous she couldn’t even tell him his total without stuttering, “15,000 Won,” He proceeded in handing her a 50,000 note.

“You can keep the change,” he winked at her before putting his sunglasses back on and politely dismissing himself towards the waiting area, quietly laughing at how quickly she facepalmed herself when he was out of her line of sight.

Taehyung always did have a special charm on people, plus he was good looking, and he knew it. He didn’t have any special talents, nothing he could actually proudly boast about. It would be dense of him not to acknowledge that the only reason he was so famous was because of both his status and looks.

There were many people who swooned over him such as the cashier, but there were also many who believed he was still the same old spoiled brat who was nothing but a troublemaker from four years ago. It didn’t help that gossip blogs were still using the same clips from years ago when he really was nothing but a troublemaker who liked flashing his expensive cars for the paparazzi, and purposely kept a high profile. He had been naive, nothing but an eighteen year old teenager who thought fame was better than anything else in the entire world. Four years later, now at the age of twenty-two, and he had long learned that fame was horrible. But he had changed and that’s all that mattered, right? A complete 180, if you will.

Those people didn’t know him, so what made them think they had the right to judge him? To act as if they’d do things any better if they were in his position. The only Kim Taehyung they ever knew was the one they’d seen through a screen. He remembered the first time his name had made its way on the headline of gossip blogs and the comments that came with it.

[Kim Taehyung, son of Kim Jeong spotted out having a wild night out in Hongdae. Pictures leaked from last night with some steamy footage. Click here for more.]

[+3,623, -59] he better pray he doesn’t catch any STD’s while he’s at it ㅋㅋㅋ wouldn’t be surprised if he already has some

[+3,100, -100] i feel bad for his dad, he expects someone like this to run the fortune he’s worked so hard for??? he’s so young as well…

[+2,547, -57] leave him alone and respect his privacy

[+2,100, -23] ah he’s so cute!! whoever was dancing with him is one lucky lady!

[+1,022, -34] a brat like that doesn’t deserve the things he has

That night had only been the beginning to years of nothing but front covering gossip magazines and having his privacy invaded on a daily basis. People became invested in what he was doing with his personal life, his friends, who he was seeing, what he was wearing, and anything else you could possibly think of. He often wondered why, but he assumed it was the same reason as to why people continue to give someone like Kim Kardashian attention despite claiming to hate her. Because people want a glimpse of a world that isn’t their own, simply fascinated by the rich. That and their obsession for scandal only adds fuel to the fire.

With fame came pressure though, pressure to uphold an image for the family company, one his father fairly cared about these days. Hell, nowadays his dad gave him more attention than he ever did as a child, all because he knew that Taehyung was and is the future for Kim Enterprises. It was his father’s pressure that led to his current relationship with— ah speak of the devil.

[From: Sunhi]

[9:10AM] I know you see my texts.

[9:11AM] why are you ignoring me???

[9:12AM] hello???

“Taehyung! Your Iced Americano and strawberry iced tea is ready!” Taehyung rolled his eyes as he glanced through the several number of text messages, instead locking his phone and going up to grab the drinks.

Sunhi was the granddaughter of Hyundai’s CEO and had long been in the picture as early as Taehyung could remember. The two went to the same middle and high school, a one sided crush on her side forming at some point. It wasn’t until about a year ago after returning, that his father had basically forced him to take her out on a date citing that it was in his words, “good for business”. And well today the “good for business” approach had its results, the confirmation of a multibillion dollar deal.

The media loved the two together, hell, they were even labelled as Seoul's next generation’s power couple. Their names amassing a fortune worth billions behind them, their good looks garnering both of them ambassador deals, all in the meanwhile social media was the backbone of the phenomenon that was their so called “relationship”. Not that Taehyung considered it much of one, in his opinion it had stopped being an actual relationship a long time ago.

It wasn’t that Taehyung hated Sunhi, in fact in the beginning of their relationship he was smitten for her, but it wasn’t long until the spark burned out. “Wasn’t long” meaning a couple of weeks in and she actually turned out to be the real definition of a brat, the actual real-life manifestation of Blair Waldorf. Constant up and downs with her had quickly worn him out, and the constant badgering from the media only made things worse. But that doesn't mean he hated her, in order for him to hate her he’d actually have to care about her, and well in all honesty… he didn’t.

Sometimes he’d ask himself why he was still with her considering the deal had long been confirmed even before today. Taehyung had been free to do what he’d like for a long time, meaning there had never been a need for him to have kept this going for so long, he just did. One must ask, why?

Maybe it was because he knew she was the safest option, the person everyone expected and wanted him to be with. Breaking up with her right now would only further his stress, something he definitely didn’t need more of. Plus she knew him from the surface, and he knew her from the surface, and maybe that was just enough. He didn’t need, or want, anything more than that from her or anyone else for that matter. Sunhi was just enough.

It wasn’t like she was using him for anything, especially considering she already has everything. But by being with her, he was satisfying others, he was becoming the person everyone wanted him to be, the person he always should’ve been.

Hell, who knows, maybe he could truly fall in love with her one day … though in the back of his mind he knew the answer to that.

“Took you long enough,” Namjoon complained as he turned on the ignition of the car. He glanced at the drinks in Taehyung's hands, dramatically sighing at the sight, “and you somehow still ended up ordering the wrong drink for me,” he sighed, grabbing the drink from Taehyung’s hands nonetheless.

“My bad, I had forgotten in the moment…” he shot an apologetic smile towards his newly dyed platinum-haired friend.

Namjoon was the son of another one of Seoul’s elite, but also Taehyung’s right hand man. The two had met during their freshman year of high school, but funnily enough the two originally hated one another. Now looking back at it, Taehyung could admit that the two had acted extremely childish over a girl who’d end up picking neither of them, but that was a story to tell for another day.

Luckily Namjoon seemed to enjoy the drink, no longer complaining about it during the ride to Lotte World Mall. The two needed to go buy some new suits for tonight's event in celebration of the brand new deal between Kim Enterprises and Hyundai. The paparazzi were definitely going to be there and with all eyes on him, Taehyung decided that he might as well look good.

Friday Evening.

By the time Taehyung had returned to his place, he was both drained and exhausted, the idea of taking a nap and ditching the event seeming all too tempting. Namjoon this morning had felt the need to visit almost every high end store he could think of and try on the most useless things including scarves, gloves, and a whole bunch of other things. Basically going back and forth all across the mall whenever he’d regret not buying something.

He carried his bags upstairs to his room, ready to plop onto his bed and take a well deserved nap, but of course as always the universe seemed to work against him.

“I’ve been waiting for you!” he silently cursed to himself, asking himself why he thought it was a good idea to give Sunhi access to his penthouse. “Of course you went shopping without me, and to think I wanted to color coordinate,” she puckered her lips attempting to give him a small kiss on the lips, but before she could Taehyung had turned his cheek causing her to almost entirely miss.

She quickly composed herself acting as if that didn’t just happen, instead beginning to rummage through his bags, complimenting the things he chose while he just laid in bed slowly taking in deep breaths trying not to snap at her for coming unannounced. “So what exactly is that you came here for Sunhi…” he mumbled, failing to hide his annoyance.

She pouted, “Well you weren’t answering my texts, and I wanted to know whether you’d be going tonight…” she began to give him small pecks on his face, hoping that he’d show some kind of affection.

“I am, I am. I’m just really tired right now and in desperate need of a nap,” he responded, ignoring her obvious attempts to initiate things. His eyelids were half way closed, clearly ready to knock out at any second.

“Oh well I’ll just stay—”

“No, no. Just go back home, get ready, and I’ll see you over there okay?” his voice was much harsher this time, turning to face the other direction of his bed which was no longer facing her, a cold gesture on his part.

Sunhi sat there for a moment, feeling a mixture of both anger and disappointment. She wanted to say something, but instead crossed her arms, and let out a huff of air in response. Taking one last look at him before getting up from his bed and walking herself out. The same old feeling of being unwanted creeping into her mind, a feeling she knew all too well.

Friday Night.

By the time he had arrived, Taehyung thought that the paparazzi would’ve grown impatient waiting for him and end up leaving, but as per usual he was completely wrong. If anything, him being late had only caused them to triple in numbers. Those men really had no shame, their camera flashes penetrating through the Mercedes Benz’s tinted windows.

“You let me know when you’re ready Mr. Kim,” his security guard said. Taehyung took a deep breath, fixing his YSL brooch before nodding to him, letting him know that he was ready. He was quickly greeted with a stammering number of questions.

“Where’s Sunhi?”

“Over here! Over here!”

“How’s your night been?”

Taehyung tried to not make any faces, knowing that even the slightest lift of the brow would be taken out of context, and that by tomorrow morning there’d be a whole bunch of rumors trending on Twitter. The only thing was that the paparazzi always knew how to push his buttons whether it was shouting something rude, roughly grabbing at him, and etc.

At this point he just needed a drink to relax and take his mind off of these low life men who had nothing else better to do than to try and make a quick buck off his name.

“Finally! Took you long enough,” he heard, quickly spotting Namjoon the moment he entered the venue, wondering if he had been waiting up front for him the whole time.

“You didn’t have to wait for me you know? And plus it’s not my fault you had me running circles around the mall,” Taehyung said causing Namjoon to scoff in response, “Has he given his speech?” the “he” Taehyung was referring to was his father.

“I honestly don’t know,” Namjoon shrugged, who like Taehyung, never did like these kinds of events as they always had him wanting to knock out halfway through, the only thing he really did appreciate was the food they served.

The two walked towards the bar which caught their attention much more than the cathedral-inspired venue, deciding that a drink was necessary to kick the night off right.

“Two gin and tonics please,” the bartender nodded, beginning to prepare their drinks. Taehyung watched the bartender pour gin into his jigger, curious as to how someone could memorize the recipes for so many drinks. “How many years does it take for one to learn the ways of bartending?” he asked the brown-haired man, an attempt to strike conversation.

“Ah well a simple gin and tonic is something every bartender should know like it’s the back of their hand,” the man chuckled, “but if you’re talking about something like hmm,” he paused for a moment, “something like a bloody mary perhaps.”

A bloody mary? Isn’t that just vodka with some tomato juice?

“It’s much more than that,” the bartender laughed at Taehyung who was slightly taken aback, not realizing that he must’ve said what he was thinking aloud. “Though those are the two the main ingredients, it includes salt, pepper, hot sauce, garlic, herbs,” Taehyung was now genuinely curious as to where the bartender was going with this, “It covers the entire range of the human palate from sweet, salty, sour, unami, and savory but you have to make sure it doesn’t taste bitter.”

He continued talking as he poured the tonic water onto the frosted drinking glasses, “A little too much of one ingredient or a little too less and the whole drink goes to waste. You have to find a balance,” he emphasized the last part, almost as if this went beyond drinks, “Someone who wants a bloody mary is someone who definitely knows what they’re looking for,” he concludes his sermon-like speech, intensely staring at Taehyung. Namjoon looked at the man like he was crazy, who the hell overanalyzes a drink to this extent? Taehyung on the other had a look of fascination on his face, instead returning the stare.

“Well … cheers!,” Namjoon breaks the tense silence by raising his drink, momentarily being left hung dry until soon enough Taehyung lifted his drink up as well, the two of them clinking their glasses before chugging the bittersweet drink down their throats.

“Ah there he is!” Taehyung turned around, watching as his father made his way towards him, right alongside Sunhi’s parents. The two gave each other an awkward hug, “You better have a good damn reason for being so late,” his father harshly whispered into his ear before pulling back, the famous fake grin that Taehyung had grown to hate still plastered onto his face. The man was an expert at saving face, like father like son.

Taehyung remained silent instead politely greeting Sunhi’s parents before watching the trio as they made their way to greet other guests.

“I’m going to need a second drink,” he exasperated, causing Namjoon to let out a laugh. The bartender nodded, immediately beginning to prepare their drinks.

“I’m surprised Sunhi hasn’t gotten her claws on you yet, I could’ve sworn she was here earlier,” Namjoon mentioned causing Taehyung to shrug, his expression now dulled at the mention of her.

“I feel bad, I sorta snapped at her earlier, but she kept on nagging me, wouldn’t let me sleep in peace. I blame you,” he said, commenting on the situation earlier.

“Hey I’m not the one whose forcing you to be with her,” Namjoon remarked, causing Taehyung to shoot him a glare, his eyebrows now furrowed.

Instead he changed the topic, accustomed to Namjoon’s dismay of the relationship, “I just want to go home and sleep,” Taehyung yawned, the event was boring him more and more by the minute.

“Same he—” Namjoon suddenly stopped mid sentence, something more “important” now having caught his eye.

“You’re practically drooling, you do realize that right?” Taehyung deadpanned, glancing at the girl who had caught his friend’s eye. She was pretty, he wasn’t going to lie, but she seemed like someone who was quite stuck up to be honest. But he assumed that about everyone around here as it takes one to know one. “So are you going to just stand here and stare like a creep or …”

“You don’t mind me leaving you here?” Namjoon’s voice sounded a little too excited. Taehyung shrugged his shoulders, he wasn’t the type of person who couldn’t stand being alone. In fact, he enjoyed his own company sometimes, he had actually read somewhere that it was quite important for one’s own mental health.

“I think I need to go find Sunhi either way, or else she’ll be nagging me the whole night as to why I didn’t find her sooner, that and apologize for earlier,” Namjoon nodded, lightly patting on his shoulder before making his way to the woman who had caught his eye, trying his best not to gawk so much.

“Now where could she be…” Taehyung mumbled to himself, having now left the bar and instead walking around the venue, making a half-assed attempt at looking for his girlfriend.

Taehyung could feel his legs swaying left to right, the lack of balance he had was probably laughable to anyone who wasn’t him. He wasn’t drunk, at least that’s what he was telling himself. The way the world was spinning told him otherwise. In all honesty he had only asked for a couple more drinks after the second one, but nonetheless he always was a lightweight drinker to begin with. His bladder felt as if it was going to burst at any moment so instead of Sunhi being his top priority, going to the restroom now was.

He looked around, the signs on the doors now looking slightly blurry. He grabbed the handle to what looked like could be the men’s restroom harshly pushing the door open.

Everything happens for a reason… right?

“Oh my God, It’s not what it looks like,” Because what were the chances that he caught her right in the act, with none other than Jeon Jungkook.

Taehyung had seen this situation play out in so many movies and TV shows, whereas the boyfriend usually destroys everything in his way and immediately begins to throw punches at the lover, and yada yada yada. But for some odd reason all Taehyung could do was stand there and watch as she hurriedly tried placing her bra back on.

He couldn’t help but actually want to … laugh. Really, because what were the chances? What were the chances that instead of walking into what he thought was a restroom, he instead walked in on his girlfriend and Seoul’s biggest man-whore about to fuck in a janitor’s closet.

He glanced at Jungkook who had nothing but a giant smirk plastered on his face, not even bothering to put his shirt back on.

Taehyung gathered his thoughts… What was he supposed to do again?

Nothing. There was absolutely nothing left for Kim Taehyung to do, but to turn around and walk away. And so that’s what he did, drowning out her pleads for him to stay, a small smile gracing his lips. He was finally free.

Namjoon must’ve left early because once Taehyung had returned back to the bar, he was nowhere to be found. He decided it was just best to leave before Sunhi could find him and start begging him to hear her out. After texting his security guard to meet him out front, he asked for a bottle of water and attempted at fully sobering up before he’d have to face several rapidly flashing lights in his face.

Did it end up actually helping? Fuck no. God, why did they have to park his Mercedes so far away. It was as if no matter how many steps he felt like he was taking, he was no closer to where he wanted to be.

“Smile for the camera man, come on!” The rapid flashes of light caused Taehyung to stumble his footsteps worse than before, the responses he gave to the multiple questions being thrown at him coming out more like mumbles and slurs. He knew that deep inside his brain was sending him signals on what to do, whether his body was listening was another story.

“Watch where you’re going man! Momma’s boy can’t handle his liq—” one of the paparazzo shouted at him while grabbing at his arm, and maybe it had been cause he was drunk, maybe because he was simply just tired, but in an instant Taehyung had felt his fist collide with the man’s face throwing everyone and everything into a frenzy. The questions and comments now coming out of their mouths at a lightning speed, some were cursing him out, others were pretending to praise him at an attempt to get him to say something, but none of it mattered because by the time he got into the car it was too late to take any of it back, and soon enough everything had gone black.

Saturday Evening.

The hangover the next day was literal hell, Taehyung felt as if the inner surface of his skull was practically being thrashed upon, his eyesight struggling to cope with the rays of daylight that directly shone on his eyes. Not only that, but his mouth had felt so dry, however having to get up for water seemed like so much work to do considering how much his back was aching.

It was like the flu except it had been self-inflicted. He attempted to raise his heavy eyelids all in one go, just for them to immediately fall shut. He could feel the constant vibrating notifications from his phone, choosing to ignore it altogether as he figured it was probably Sunhi sending him several text messages. Even if it wasn’t her, he was too lazy to even stretch his arm out and disconnect his phone. Maybe he could sleep it off, he thought to himself, curling himself back under his thick duvet.

How was it that he was barely 22 and already facing the repercussions of intense hangovers when just a couple of years ago he could drink all night long and wake up the next day hangover free. It was as if with each passing year it just got worse, no wonder so many older folks didn’t get drunk anymore, they had learnt it the hard way.

And just as he was about to fall asleep, of course his stomach had to both lurch and gurgle like some kind of trapped animal. He groaned, swinging his feet around in bed like a kid who had just been told “no”. Sadly, he was going to have to force himself to get up and so he did.

Once on his feet, he immediately felt the room sway almost causing him to lose balance until he managed to grab onto his bedstead in order to keep himself standing. He yawned and stretched out his entire body, lowkey loving the sound of his bones cracking. Time to start a new day.

After brushing up, he began to prepare himself something quick to eat fearing that his stomach was going to lash out on him any moment and so he decided to make some scrambled eggs. Quick and easy. Right?

Wrong.

The rare occasions that Taehyung did cook were always 50/50, as in there was half a chance whatever he cooked would come out either decent or completely under/over cooked. The boy practically lived off of takeout, restaurants, and microwaveable food, but at this current moment he needed food and quickly at that. Today his eggs had come out slightly undercooked with some of the yolk still a little slimy, but it was edible nonetheless.

As he ate he was genuinely surprised at the fact that Sunhi didn’t ambush his home this morning, causing him to set a reminder on his phone to remove her fingerprint off of his security system as soon as possible. He scrolled through her long thread of texts that consisted of her going back and forth between apologizing, begging, and guilt tripping him, only causing him to roll his eyes and sigh.

[Incoming Facetime from: Namjoon 🐨]

Taehyung quirked his brow before clicking “accept”.

“Weren’t you the one who scolded me about facetiming without sending a warning text,” he laughed, it wasn’t like he was lying.

“Ah I know, I know, but I felt sorta bad for just leaving last night without saying goodbye, but a man has his needs,” Namjoon now sported a giant grin on his face, probably recalling last night’s events, “and well I thought you’d be in bed hungover, in need of a wake up call,” he joked only causing Taehyung to flash him the middle finger through the screen.

“Well I’m up,” Taehyung wondered if Namjoon knew, maybe Sunhi had told him or something. He quickly scratched the idea as he knew Sunhi was the type of person to try and keep everything under wraps … but Jeon Jungkook was not.

Jeon Jungkook.

Remember the small mention of Namjoon and Taehyung fighting over the affections of a girl only for her to end up choosing someone else. That someone else was none other than Jeon Jungkook, one of Upper Seoul’s biggest man-whores, if not the biggest man whore. If Sunhi was actually someone Taehyung loved, he probably would’ve punched that stupid smirk off of Jungkook’s face last night, but luckily he didn’t have to. Did Jungkook have it out for Taehyung? It was unclear to be honest. This definitely wasn’t the first time Jungkook has attempted at sabotaging him despite Taehyung clearly showing he could care less.

In fact the two before yesterday’s incident had actually been mutual acquaintances being in the same “circle” and all. That circle being the sons of the multi million/billionares of Seoul which included names such as Kim Seokjin and Park Jimin. Namjoon in particular was good friends with Seokjin, who in return was very close with Jungkook. Seokjin and Namjoon both being the “neutral” bridge between the two. So Taehyung wasn’t going to be surprised if Seokjin had in fact informed Namjoon of yesterday’s dilemma. It had been Seokjin who told Namjoon of Jungkook’s actions of the past such as leaking Taehyung’s location to paparazzi on a number of occasions, stealing brand deals under Taehyung’s nose, and many other things.

“So…”

“I know that you know,” Taehyung chuckled out, causing Namjoon to let out a sigh of relief.

“Oh great, I was really not looking forward to beating around the bush and forcing it out of you,” he laughed, “well it looks like you got what you wanted.”

Taehyung’s nose crinkled in confusion, “What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Oh come on!—” Namjoon’s mouth curved into his famous dimpled smile, obviously trying (but failing) to repress his laugh, “Don’t act like you’re not the happiest man on Earth right now! You’ve probably been praying for something like this to happen for forever,” Taehyung’s face went sour, “You’ve needed an excuse to break up with Sunhi without you ending up being the bad guy for so long, and that’s why you probably haven’t even shedded a single tear since you found out,” he insisted causing Taehyung to let out a bitter scoff , mumbling a silent “That’s not true.”

“Whatever helps you sleep at night Tae—” suddenly the sound of something abruptly falling grabbed Namjoon’s attention, “Moni! Put that down! Uh I gotta go, just text me later alright,” and with that he clicked, presumably to deal with his white feisty Eskimo.

Taehyung glanced at the clock which read 3:25PM, a small nap wouldn’t hurt right?

Sunday Morning.

So much for a “small nap”. Despite him having slept the whole Saturday off, Taehyung had woken up very early and in a good mood, ready to have himself a productive day.

He made himself breakfast that even a 5 year old could make: avocado toast with different slices of fruit and a simple protein shake. While letting his breakfast settle down in his stomach, he began to do his pre-workout stretch, with his goal in mind for today’s run being at least 6 miles.

After he was done stretching, he went down to the lobby making sure to politely greet his “neighbors”. They were the same people who kept tabs on him and sold him out to the press every chance they got, but not like he could lash out on them so instead he was forced to give them fake smiles along with stiff waves.

During his morning run, Taehyung took into appreciation of the crisp morning air which was both cold and dry. The view of the river brought him a sense of relaxation and before he knew it, he was done with his workout.

“What a beautiful day,” he had thought to himself as he walked back to his penthouse’s building, ready to take a much needed shower, but of course he should’ve known she was going to ambush him at some point because there she was, sitting in the building’s lobby.

Once she spotted him she immediately got up from the couch. He tried to quickly outpace her and get into the elevator, but she yanked on his hand preventing him from going any further.

“Stop avoiding me… please,” she sounded distraught which confused him. She certainly didn’t look distraught when she was getting her neck sucked on by Jungkook.

“Can we do this,” he pushed her hand off, “some other time. You’re gonna make a scene,” he scolded her. The two of them were in the middle of the lobby, and even though there seemed to be no one around, he could never be too sure.

“No because it seems this is the only way I could get your attention,” she muttered , “especially considering you removed my access,” causing him to let out a stifled laugh.

“Well that’s what someone does when they’re significant other hmm I don’t know cheats on them,” his voice emphasized the last words.

“I didn’t,” she quickly lowered her voice once she realized she had shouted that part out, “cheat on you,” she mumbled. “I was about to, but I didn’t,” she dramatically waved her finger at him.

“Yeah because I walked in on you?” he wondered if she knew how stupid she sounded.

“Well maybe if you showed me some affection every once in a while I wouldn’t have resorted to such acts!” What the two hadn't realized was that there was someone in the lobby quietly hiding behind a pillar, secretly recording the interaction between the two.

“Sunhi,” he ran his hand through his hair, letting out an exasperated sigh, “can you just leave me alone? There is no fixing this, especially since this,” he made a motion with his fingers pointing to the both of them, “has been broken for a very long time.” And with the final word, he turned around and walked away, not bothering to look at her face which had now fallen from expression.

Sunday Night.

“Kim Taehyung NASTY fight with girlfriend Sunhi. Click here for more.” was what the Twitter article headlined their argument, and of course the link provided the video of the whole thing.

[From: Namjoon 🐨]

[10:10] you really can be an ass [link to video]

[To: Namjoon 🐨]

[10:11] how!!

[10:11] i just told her the truth, at the end of the day no one can tell me that I was in the wrong 🤷🏻‍♂️

[From: Namjoon 🐨]

[10:12] you’d be surprised with what knetz have to say…

[10:13] them and the media are going crazy over you unfollowing her

Taehyung scoffed while unplugging his phone and rolling to the other side of bed now that his phone was at 100%.

[To: Namjoon 🐨]

[10:14] yea well idc.

[From: Namjoon 🐨]

[10:15] well at least ur out the relationship, that’s all that matters right 😬

[10:16] looks like ur back on the market … we all know how crazy that can get

Taehyung could feel himself become stiff at the last text. What was that supposed to mean? Maybe he was overthinking it too much…

He was a different person now, he reassured himself. Before he could dwell on it any further he decided that it was best to just go to sleep.

Monday Afternoon.

The next day Taehyung continued with his routine of making a somewhat decent breakfast, and running his daily number of miles, crossing his fingers that he wouldn’t be ambushed like the morning prior. Luckily he wasn’t.

The sensation of steamy water hitting his body was calming to him, the shower was very much needed. Trying not to get so lost in his thoughts, he began to sing the random songs that first came to mind. He’d been told by Namjoon on multiple occasions that his singing was good, but Taehyung at this current moment was just glad he lived alone. Namjoon, or anyone for that matter, would probably make fun of him for the song he was um … rapping.

“Ain't got enough money to pay me respect. Ain't no budget when I'm on the set. If I like it, then that's what I get!” his sudden motions almost made him slip, but luckily he had caught himself just in time, “yeah,” he finished off the lyric despite his near death experience.

It was once he got out the shower that he was in for a surprise.

“7 Rings… really?” Taehyung’s towel almost fell from his waist because of his jump in surprise. Thankfully he had held onto it before it could completely fall. “I didn’t take you to be such an Ariana Grande fan,” Taehyung rolled his eyes to the teasing Namjoon.

“It’s the song of the summer for your information,” he interjected, “And how the hell did you even get up here?”

“Hmm I don’t know maybe because you practically forced me to get my fingerprint and memorize your code so that I would,” Namjoon mimicked quote signs with his fingers, “stop bugging you when I could open the door myself,” causing Taehyung’s stern face to quickly become one of dumbfoundeness.

“Oh…”

“I’ll be in the kitchen making myself some food,” he playfully sighed before making his way out of Taehyung’s room.

Taehyung quickly lotioned his body, put on his overnight hair products, and threw on a baggy sweater along with some black sweatpants, assuming that Namjoon hopefully wasn’t going to try and drag him to go outside. He had a long week ahead of him which included photoshoots, interviews, meetings, and overall promotion for this brand new deal considering he currently served as the “face” to his family’s business.

“Wow making japchae, who put you in a good mood?” Taehyung laughed as he peeped over Namjoon’s shoulder, catching a whiff of the food he was making causing Namjoon to flash his dimpled smile at him.

“Well I have a date in a couple of weeks and so I’ve been practicing every chance I get,” he admitted catching Taehyung by surprise, “and before you ask, yes it’s the girl from the event on Friday.”

Taehyung tried to subdue his shock, “If I’m being honest I thought she was kind of a…” he contemplated his next choice of words, “um…”

“A one night stand,” Namjoon completed the sentence, a look of understanding on his face. “Well if I’m being honest I thought the same thing,” he cheeks reddened, “but she actually ended up being really sweet, and well I really li—”

“Okay I think I’m done hearing your little sap story that you haven’t even started,” he pretends to yawn, causing Namjoon to flash his middle finger at him which only makes him laugh, “Sorry I’m not a hopeless romantic like you.”

Namjoon scoffed as he stirred the noodles around, “So what? Deep down you know you’re one as well.”

“Yeah yeah yeah, I’ve heard it all before. Why are you here again?” Namjoon flashed his middle finger again now causing Taehyung to laugh even harder than the first time.

“You sure know how to be rude sometimes,” Namjoon was now serving the japchae onto some plates, “and I’m here because one, I was bored, and two, because I was wondering if you were going to Thursday’s brunch,” the look on Taehyung’s face gave Namjoon the answer he was looking for.

“I completely forgot about that…”

“Why am I not surprised,” Namjoon sighed while giving Taehyung his plate of food.

“It’s always the same old place, same old routine, and most importantly the same old people,” he made sure to emphasize that last part, “you’re telling me you don’t get bored?”

“I do, but look what happened last time, I met someone new!” Namjoon bragged, only resulting in Taehyung rolling his eyes once again. “You’re like the grinch, but for love I swear,” Namjoon groaned, mentally taking note that the pleasant look on Taehyung’s face meant he had done a good job at making japchae. As long as he followed the exact amount of ingredients and steps as he did today then his date would go along just fine.

Taehyung slurped the final remaining bits of food on his plate before responding to Namjoon, “I’m fresh out of a relationship Joon, let me enjoy being single for the time being.”

“In the media’s eyes you’re fresh out of a relationship, but you and I both know that you’ve been single for a very long time,” Taehyung stayed silent at Namjoon’s words, a sudden pang of guilt now hitting him as he recalled what he had told Sunhi in the lobby that past Saturday. Did Taehyung see Namjoon’s point? Yes, of course he did. Did it feel good hearing it? No, it didn’t.

“Well um guess what, she cheated on me. I remained faithful, which honestly,” he scoffed in between his words, “was the least I could do. So stop trying to paint me as some big villain,” he sneered.

“All I’m saying is that the Taehyung I know would have never even gotten into that relationship to begin with,” Namjoon silently muttered to himself, a dismissive look on his face, causing Taehyung to let out a sardonic laugh. As if Namjoon was a better person than he was?

“And what the hell is that supposed to mean?” he snapped, “You know I’m getting real tired of your little sly comments, as if i’m not going to catch on at some point, if you have something to say then grow some balls and say it,” Taehyung's voice echoed across the kitchen walls. Taehyung’s heart was practically pounding out of his chest, his jaw now completely clenched, glaring at Namjoon. The light atmosphere in the room had become stiff in the blink of an eye.

One would think that Namjoon would be shocked, maybe even angry at Taehyung’s outburst, but all he did was stare back, seeming completely unfazed, a pot that had been bubbling for quite some time between the two finally bubbling over. Withheld opinions, finally lashed out, “I’ll just never understand why you couldn’t break up with her from the moment your dad didn’t need you to date her anymore, or why you even got with her in the first place. All you did was waste her time and let her convince herself that she was in love with you knowing damn well you’ve never felt anything from day one. I mean even now she thinks there’s something worth saving,” he cursed, his voice now elevated up several notches, “And it’s the fact that you see nothing wrong with it that makes me sick!”

Taehyung’s face immediately fell, hurt by his friend’s words, but it didn’t stop Namjoon from continuing on, “I mean the Taehyung I knew would’ve never in a million years agreed to do something like this for anyone,” disappointment evident in his voice, “let alone for your dad,” he spat. “It just,” he pauses, “It just isn’t like you Taehyung. None of this is.”

Taehyung could feel his tough demeanor crumble, “You don’t know what the hell you’re talking about, so stop acting like you do,” he scowled.

“It’s just funny to me, years ago you’d talk about becoming nothing like your dad, but nowadays it looks like I’m looking at his clone,” Namjoon muttered, “You’ve changed Taehyung. You may joke around with me here and there, but I can tell you’re always holding back. You leave for a whole year to God knows where, and come back a completely different person, acting like your dad’s very own fucking puppet. You’ve closed yourself off. Like, like you’re mad at the world or something, or I don’t know—”

“And what, you want the old reckless Taehyung back?! The one who destroyed everything in his fucking path! Is that what the fuck you want?” his voice boomed, but even Namjoon could see it was merely a facade, the mixture of both guilt and sadness seeping through the cracks of his voice.

“Of course not! But the Taehyung standing in front of me is no better than the one before. You may not be as reckless as you used to be, but you’re definitely just as careless,” Namjoon condemned him, “And so then I think about everything and all I could ask myself is why? Why don’t you find something or someone, you genuinely love, something that makes you happy, not your dad, not the media, YOU.”

“Because I just don’t want to Joon…” Taehyung looked away, ashamed to make eye contact, his voice had now become a mere whisper.

“And all I can think about is if it has something to do with —” Namjoon could see Taehyung physically tense up, “Taehyung what the hell happened that night?” he pleaded desperately.

“Just don’t Joon,” and with that Namjoon knew that even he was pushing the boundaries, deciding that it was best to just keep quiet, “I came back didn’t I? ” he harshly spat.

There was a pregnant pause, “I’m sorry,” Namjoon apologized, but was only met with silence. Taehyung got up from the kitchen chair, and placed his dish into the sink, harshly passing by Namjoon.

“Make sure you lock the door on your way out,” he muttered, before making his way upstairs into his room, leaving Namjoon standing in the kitchen by himself.

Monday Night.

And so that night, Taehyung stared up at his ceiling thinking about what Namjoon had told him. He was hurt by his friend’s words, but he couldn’t deny that he didn’t understand where he was coming from …

But it wasn’t like Taehyung was a cold hearted person, or at least he’d like to think he wasn’t. Behind it all, he was still the same kind and polite person he’d always been. He was just more mature nowadays, finally growing up like he should’ve years ago. It was simply for the best.

So then why did he feel so wrong?

He felt conflicted, he felt guilt, but honestly he had been feeling guilty long before he got into a relationship with Sunhi. Maybe it was that same guilt he’s felt eating him alive for the past several years that’s made him close himself off to others. It was the same guilt that led to disappearing one night and not coming back until about a year later.

Feeling overwhelmed, he decided to get up from bed, and stepped onto his balcony just wanting to just look at the stars before going to bed. Tonight they had seemed to be shining extra bright, he attempted at counting each one, losing count mid way.

He couldn’t help but reminisce about his childhood, when he and his mom would go camping at Noeul Campground at least once a year, and oh how the stars would shine like never before. The two of them making a game of who could come up with the best figurines using the stars. It was nights like these that he truly did miss her, but he knew she was watching over him. Forever and always.

“I know I haven’t talked to you in a while, I hope you’re not mad. I know it’s no excuse, but time nowadays just goes by so fast and well I’m coming to a point in life where I feel like I have nothing figured out. Like as if I’m not truly satisfied, and not truly well … happy. I just feel lost, Ma. I thought coming back here, I could put the facade that I was fine but,” he lets out a deep breath,”I’m just not. God I wish you were here, you’d know exactly what to say right now,” he could feel the warm droplets of water falling from his face, not bothering to wipe them off. “I’m so sorry Ma,” were his final words before stepping back inside, a peaceful slumber waiting for him in bed.

Thursday Morning.

“Ah now this is what I’ve been looking forward to,” Namjoon grinned as politely grabbed the mimosa from the bartender’s hand. Taehyung made a motion with his hand once Namjoon offered him his cup, instead leaning against the bar watching as guests made their way in and out of the venue.

Taehyung and Namjoon had made up in the days prior, Taehyung sending a “btw the japchae was too sweet 🤭” text message, as a way of telling Namjoon that all was forgiven. Taehyung in return, reflected on Namjoon’s words, deciding that he was right, something needed to change.

“This place, it’s …” Namjoon expected a complaint out of Taehyung’s mouth, “really pretty,” he finished off, genuinely surprising Namjoon.

The venue resembled some kind of greenhouse, the arrangement of dangling flowers and potted plants, along with the rays of natural sunlight peeking through the glass exterior, and the minimalist design in seat arrangement truly was a work of art. The air itself felt crisp and fresh, he assumed it was because of the mixture of the plants’ scent along with the air ventilators.

“Wow, look who's in a good mood,” Namjoon teased him, Taehyung flashing him a small smile. Despite it only being 9 o'clock in the morning, he was glad he came. It was a brand new day, and he felt optimistic that things were going to start looking up for him.

“Ah well, let’s just enjoy it while it lasts,” he responded clearly joking around, “Let’s just say I thought about everything you said, and well I just want to start fresh. No more getting pressured into things, and being so tense about everything all the time, just me going with the flow,” Namjoon quirked his eyebrow, genuinely interested in what Taehyung had to say, “Whatever happens…” he pauses, “happens,” he finishes off, a grin now on his face.

As the brunch event went on, Taehyung continued to observe people, examining what they wore, the way they spoke, how they acted, as it usually told him a lot about a person.

“I’ll take a bloody mary, light on the vodka please,” Taehyung’s ears perked up at what he heard, a bloody mary? This early in the morning? He remembered the bartender’s words from a couple of days ago.

He tried to glance at the figure who was only a couple of feet away from him, sitting in one of the many empty seats aligned at the bar. He tried using his peripheral vision to try and make out a face, but sadly whoever this was, the angle that they were sitting along with their honey colored straw hat helped cover most of their face. The only thing he could see was that whoever it was, was a female and clearly a reckless one as a bloody mary was most likely going to result in an embarrassing stain.

He wondered if she was new around here, the way she was sitting clearly told him that she probably was. You see there were almost unspoken rules in the upper class, methods on doing things, and a high regard for appearance and well her posture wasn’t exactly… the best, and the blatant disregard for the all white dress code made him curious as to who she was. Like there was some kind of pull that made him feel the need to go up to her. She seemed … different.

“And you wanted to come at me for gawking last time! You can’t even see her face from here,” Namjoon’s undeniably loud voice interrupted his train of thought.

“Um any fucking louder and I’m sure the whole place will hear you,” Taehyung face was flushed, hoping the woman didn’t hear. Namjoon raised his hands in defense.

“Hm …” Namjoon stayed silent for a couple of seconds, before a mischievous look appeared on his face, “Hey well since you’re so keen about going with flow,” he mimicked Taehyung’s word’s from earlier, “how about you go get her number and see where things go from there,” he winked.

Taehyung quickly shook his head, garnering a laugh out of Namjoon. “Since when has Kim Taehyung been too scared to ask for someone’s number,” he teased, “Come on you know you want to, I’ll even go find something else to do just in case she rejects you, I won’t be there to see it.”

He contemplated going up to her, what if she was just another Upper Seoul brat? Worse, what if Namjoon was right and she just completely shrugged him off? No, no one shrugged Kim Taehyung off. Namjoon's grin became wider once he saw Taehyung’s eyebrows furrow, and a determined look appearing on his face.

And so with that he decided he’d go up to her, maybe try and make some small talk. It wouldn't hurt , right? At least he wouldn’t be as bored as he was now. Slowly he made his way over to the seat next to her, trying not to look so much like a creep.

“I’ll take a mimosa please,” he ordered, the bartender nodded, “So you’re not scared of spilling your drink?” Taehyung quickly noticed how tense the woman became from his question, her posture going from relaxed to completely stiff. It wasn’t until she turned to face him that Taehyung felt taken back, his heart now pounding out of his chest, and the feeling of nervousness hitting him like a wave. As cliche as he thought it sounded, she was completely mesmerizing.

“Oh uh well,” she stuttered her words out bringing him a sense of comfort that he wasn’t the only nervous one,“um,” she was looking anywhere but his eyes, “No not really, I tend to be careful with things like this,” she explained now fidgeting with her fingers.

Maybe it had been bad luck, but a couple of seconds later Taehyung suddenly now had red tomato juice mixed with vodka plastered all over his shirt. “Oh my God! I am so sorry!” she exclaimed.

Several guests were now staring at the scene in front of them, the unknown girl now had a look of horror on her face, but instead of being upset all Taehyung could do was genuinely laugh. “I really didn’t mean to do that, oh my—”

“It’s okay, it’s okay,” he reassured her, slowly pushing her hand away which was uselessly blotting his white buttoned up shirt with a napkin.

“No it’s not, I really didn’t mean to do that, I just—” her face was as red as the spilled drink itself, her words coming out completely jumbled almost as if she was talking more to herself than him.

“And I’m telling you it’s okay,” he insisted, “I think you’ve done the most interesting thing around here in a very long time,” he then stuck his hand out, “I’m Taehyung,” he introduces himself, giving her a small smile along the way.

It felt like she was staring at him for an eternity with nothing but a doe-eyed look on her face, and he wondered what was going through her head. Was he really that intimidating? With several thoughts running through his head, the feeling of regret now creeped onto the back of his mind, maybe he shouldn’t have ever come up to her. What was he thinking? This was practically all his fault.

His panic came into a halt once he felt the touch of her hand now moving along with his, “I’m Y/N.”

🧚🏻 a/n: here we goooo! finally kicking things off hehe, things should defiantly move faster from this point on, I just felt like it was important for me to establish both y/n and Taehyung’s personality, background, and all that good stuff before diving into the basis of the whole story. feel free to send me any theories, comments, asks, etc ! I shall update very soon.

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singswithmicoff · 4 years ago

Text

Here is a short story I wrote for @isearchedtheyooniverse for the @exolssecretsanta event. I hope that you like it. Merry Christmas!!

It's also available on A03.

Baekhyun Byun looked around the baggage claim area for a sign of his former college roommate, Chanyeol Park. He had met Chanyeol their freshman year of college when they were paired as roommates. They had gotten along so well that they continued to live together for the remainder of college. After graduation, Baekhyun returned to his hometown while Chanyeol had stayed to complete his master’s.

Even though they were halfway across the country from each other, they had remained close, talking almost every day and getting together for trips as their schedules allowed. Baekhyun made several trips back to their alma mater, as well as a vacation to Turks and Caicos the previous winter. This would be Chanyeol’s first time to visit Baekhyun in his hometown. He had finished his master’s degree and was coming to interview at the mental health facility that Baekhyun worked at.

“Yah, Baekhyun!”

The shout startled Baekhyun out of his daze and he snapped his head around to find his friend. It didn’t take long to spot the six foot tall man, and Baekyun felt his face break out into a large grin rivaled only by the grin Chanyeol sported.

“Loey!”

Baekhyun rushed to the man, taking in his features. He was always amazed by how attractive Chanyeol was. He was tall with wide brown eyes. His hair was dyed a light brown and peeked out from under his hat along with his ears that stuck out in a way that had endeared Chanyeol to him from the moment they met. Baekhyun allowed himself to think, just briefly, about the crush he had always had on his friend as Chanyeol hugged him tightly.When they pulled back, Chanyeol smiled brightly at him.

“It’s been too long! I can’t believe I’m finally going to get a chance to see the infamous hometown of Baekhyun Byun.”

Baekhyun reached for Chanyeol’s carry on, but Chanyeol pulled it out of his reach.

“Once you nail this interview, you’ll get to spend so much time there you’ll regret all your choices.”

“If only. I’m not convinced they’ll agree,” Chanyeol replied as he threw an arm around Baekhyun’s shoulders. They watched the baggage carousel as it began to produce suitcases.

Baekhyun leaned into him slightly, inhaling his scent. Even with the hours spent on the airplane he still smelled wonderful.

“They’ll hire you on the spot. Even if you weren’t qualified, the need for a male therapist coupled with the overwhelming need for more therapists in general... There’s basically nothing you could do to not get hired.”

“Thanks for the vote of confidence.” Chanyeol laughed and pulled away to grab a large metal suitcase. “This is mine.”

“You’ll crush it,” Baekhyun said. “Ready to hit the road?”

Chanyeol grabbed Baekhyun’s hand and nodded. “How far is it again?”

“It’s about an hour and a half,” Baekhyun answered, leading them out of the airport. “If there’s anything special you want, we may need to stop somewhere here for it. I’m afraid we’re a bit podunk.”

Chanyeol laughed and followed. “I’m sure we’ll be fine. I’m only here for a few days anyway.”

“Longer when you get the job.” Baekhyun looked around the parking lot for his car.

“If I get it,” Chanyeol replied.

Baekhyun gestured at his car and popped the trunk. “When. When you get it.”

They filled the ride to Baekhyun’s house singing along to the playlist Baekhyun had made that reminded him of their time in college. Baekhyun loved how, regardless of the time spent apart, they were able to slip back into each other’s lives as if they hadn’t been apart. He was glad to have a chance to spend time with Chanyeol, someone he still considered one of his best friends.

“This is it,” Bakehyun said as he pulled into the driveway of a modest ranch house. “It’s not much, but it’s home.”

Chanyeol looked at the house as they climbed out. “I’m sure it’s wonderful.”

“Sehun should be moved into his new place by the time you move here, so you can stay here until you find your own place,” Baekhyun said, letting Chanyeol into the house. “We both thought he’d be in already.”

Chanyeol took in the house. He had seen bits of it during video chats with Baekhyun, but it was nice to see it in person.

“If I move here. They might hate me.”

Baekhyun shook his head and offered Chanyeol a pair of slippers.

“They’ll love you. Anyway, once he’s moved out, you’ll have a room to stay in. Until then, unfortunately, you’ll be stuck sharing with me.”

“It’s hardly the first time,” Chanyeol replied, placing his shoes in the storage rack. “At least now you’ve got more than a twin bed.”

Baekhyun laughed as he thought about the semester they had spent squished on a twin bed in an attempt to save money and maximize the space they had.

“Never again. I was so glad when Junmyeon graduated at semester.”

“Especially when he insisted on paying rent to keep us from trying to squeeze another person in,” Chanyeol said.

Baekhyun laughed again. “I’m pretty sure Minseok would’ve snapped if had we after living with Jun’s mess.”

Chanyeol followed him down the hall. “How they managed for two years, I’ll never know.”

“That’s my studio, there’s room for all your equipment...well, not the drums but we could always figure out a space.” Baekhyun pointed at the first door on their right as they came down the hallway. “There’s a half bath here across the hall with the shower and tub between it and the other half bath.”

They stopped at the end of the hallway and Baekhyun gestured at the closed door to the left. “That’s Sehun’s room, soon to be yours. Then I’m across the hall.”

Chanyeol followed him into the doorway to their right. “You’re so confident they’ll hire me. I wish I was half as sure.”

Baekhyun shrugged. “I know you. I know them. I know the needs. You’ll be a great fit. Plus, I’m putting it out there because I very selfishly want my best friend to live in the same place as me again.”

“Fair enough.” Chanyeol laughed and looked around the room. There wasn’t much furniture: a king size bed, a dresser, and a 50 inch television mounted to the wall across from the bed. It felt like Baekhyun though. “Plus you’re afraid to live alone.”

“I’m not afraid to live alone,” Baekhyun exclaimed.

“Sure you’re not.” Chanyeol laughed.

“I’m not!” Baekhyun insisted. “I’m just a social person and I like to have people around the house.”

“Well, if they hire me, I’ll take you up on your offer to stay here,” Chanyeol said. “It’d be fun to live together again.”

Baekhyun nodded in agreement. “Just like old times. Except instead of getting wasted on a Tuesday, we go to bed at a reasonable time.”

Chanyeol laughed. “How very exciting.”

“That’s how we roll,” Baekhyun laughed again. “Do you want to take a shower or anything? We’ve got about an hour before everyone gets here.”

Chanyeol nodded. “That sounds like a good idea. Get some of that airplane funk off.”

“Okay, cool. There’s clean towels above the toilet.” Baekhyun gestured at the closet. “You can store your luggage in there...there’s room to hang stuff if you need. And I’ll be in the living room setting up if you need anything.”

“Great, thanks, Baekie.”

Baekhyun smiled and left the room to give Chanyeol his privacy. He wasn’t sure why he suddenly felt nervous, but he did his best to put it out of his mind. It didn’t take much to get ready for the night, but it gave him something to do. He went into the pantry and pulled out cups and plates. There were snack trays and drinks in the garage fridge but he didn’t want to put them out until people started to arrive.

“Honey, we’re home!” Sehun shouted as he came into the house with their friend Jongin.

Baekhyun set down the plates. “Just in time. Chanyeol’s in the shower. I’m getting things set up.”

Jongin appeared from around the corner. “I can’t believe I’m finally going to meet the infamous Chanyeol Park.”

“When are you going to tell him you love him?” Sehun asked.

Baekhyun pushed him. “Shut up! He could hear you.”

Sehun shrugged. “Good. He should know.”

“There’s nothing he needs to know,” Baekhyun replied. “If you’re going to be bratty, at least help me set up.”

“You should tell him,” Sehun said.

“Go get the trays and drinks from the fridge. And quit being an asshole or I’ll drink your beer.”

Two hours later the group was gathered in the living room.

“We should play a game,” Sehun said, grabbing another beer.

Baekhyun shrugged. “What kind of game?”

Sehun smiled. “Truth or dare.”

“How old are you again?” Baekhyun rolled his eyes and took a drink of his water. He wasn’t much of a drinker and was trying to pace himself.

“Never Have I Ever,” Jongin suggested.

Amber, one of the therapists from the agency and one of Baekhyun’s closest friends, laughed. “Even better! It’ll give us a chance to get to know Chanyeol.”

“Can’t we just play Cards Against Humanity or Azn Flush?” Baekhyun asked.

Hazel shook her head. “I’m not playin Azn Flush with you again. It’s not fair.”

Baekhyun made a face. “I’ve told you isn’t our fault you aren’t Asian. You’re a bad Koreaboo.”

Chanyeol laughed. “Let’s just play Never Have I Ever, Baekie.”

Baekhyun pouted. “They’re just trying to get me drunk.”

“I’ll go first,” Sehun replied. “Never have I ever experimented to see my sexual orientation.”

Everyone except Hazel took a drink. “You always forget I’m the token straight girl. I’ll go next. Never have I ever watched an episode of Keeping Up With the Kardashians.”

Chanyeol was the only one not to drink that round and took his turn. “Never have I ever really liked a Justin Bieber song.”

Baekhyun glared at Chanyeol. “This isn’t fair!”

Jongin laughed. “I’ll go. Never have I ever sent nudes.”

“I hate you.” Baekhyun retorted, continuing to glare.

It went like this for another ten rounds, with Sehun keeping a close eye on Baekhyun’s glass and refilling it whenever it looked like it was close to empty. Baekhyun could feel himself getting tipsy as he took a drink each round.

“Never have I ever had a crush on someone I lived with,” Amber said.

Sehun went next after they had taken their drinks. “Never have I ever had feelings for someone in this room.”

Baekhyun finished his drink and stood up. “That’s it for me.”

Chanyeol stood up and took his empty cup to the kitchen. “Me too, I think. It’s been a long day.”

“It’s great to finally meet you,” Amber said. “I look forward to working with you.”

“It’s great to meet you too,” Chanyeol replied. “You’re all so sure they’ll hire me.”

Baekhyun waved his hand at Chanyeol. “They’re gonna snap you up before another agency has the chance. Amber and I like you so they basically have to hire you.”

Amber laughed. “It’s true. They value our opinions highly.”

“You guys are welcome to stay, you know where the extra bedding is,” Baekhyun said. “Feel free to keep hanging out.”

They all said their good nights, and Chanyeol followed Baekhyun to his bedroom. Baekhyun was barely through the door before he began to strip down to his boxers, leaving his clothes in a heap on the floor. Chanyeol followed and left his clothes on the floor next to Baekhyun’s. Once in his boxers, Baekhyun collapsed onto the bed.

“Don’t you want to brush your teeth and wash your face, Baekie?” Chanyeol asked, much more sober than his friend.

Baekhyun shook his head and pulled the blankets over him. “Too sleepy. Come snuggle me, Loey.”

Chanyeol smiled. “Let me wash up and I will.”

Ten minutes later Chanyeol climbed into the bed next to Baekhyun who immediately wrapped himself around the taller man.

“I love you,” Baekhyun mumbled against Chanyeol’s chest.

Chanyeol hugged him close and whispered, “I love you too, Baekie.”

Baekhyun woke up the next morning, still wrapped around Chanyeol. He froze as he remembered he had told Chanyeol he loved him. It wasn’t the first time the pair had told each other they loved one another, Baekhyun just hoped Chanyeol didn’t realize the different type of love he had meant when he said it. Baekhyun squeezed his eyes shut and buried his face in Chanyeol’s chest. He was nearly back to sleep when he felt Chanyeol run his fingers through his hair.

“I wish I could wake up to this every day,” Chanyeol said in a low voice, Baekhyun felt his voice rumble through his chest and froze. “I wish you weren’t in love with Sehun.”

Baekhyun lifted his head, confused. “What are you talking about? I’m not in love with Sehun.”

Chanyeol swore, startled. “I thought you were still asleep.”

“What makes you think I’m in love with Sehun?” Baekhyun questioned.

Chanyeol looked up at the ceiling. “Last night, you drank because you’d had a crush on someone you lived with. And because you’ve had feelings for someone in the room. Then you couldn’t wait to leave the room.”

Baekhyun rolled his eyes and poked Chanyeol in the side. “I’ve lived with you...and had-have feelings for you.”

“Me?” Chanyeol looked at Baekhyun, unsure. “You...you have feelings for me?”

“...yes.” Baekhyun blushed. “I’ve been in love with you since like midway through freshman year.”

Chanyeol laughed. “Why didn’t you say anything?!”

Baekhyun sat up and moved away from Chanyeol. “It’s not funny! What was I supposed to say? What if you didn’t feel the same? You’re my best friend, Chanyeol, I couldn’t risk it.”

Chanyeol grabbed Baekhyun’s hand. “I’m not laughing at you. I’m laughing at how ridiculous we both are. Baekhyun, I’ve liked you since our first week of freshman year when you didn’t tease me for being homesick and crying myself to sleep.”

Baekhyun punched Chanyeol in the arm. “Why didn’t you say anything?”

“For the same reason you didn’t. I was afraid you wouldn’t feel the same,” he replied.

“Well I demand you take me to breakfast to make up for making me suffer all these years,” Baekhyun said.

Chanyeol laughed. “I can do that.”

“I can’t believe you’ve lived here a year and still haven’t unpacked everything, Sehun,” Jongin said as he refilled his drink.

Chanyeol shook his head. “It won’t be a year for like two more months. He moved out right before I moved in.”

Jongin raised an eyebrow and shook his head. “No, he moved in in August because it was hot as fuck. Baekhyun nearly passed out.”

“I interviewed in October.” Chanyeol looked at Sehun then at Baekhyun who avoided his eyes. “Baekhyun? You told me Sehun was still living with you when I interviewed and that’s why we had to share a bed. Sehun, you slept there.”

Sehun laughed into his drink. “Did I?”

Chanyeol looked at Baekhyun again. “Baekhyun! When did Sehun move out?”

Baekhyun bit his lip. “...August?”

Jongin cackled. “Did you seriously pull the ‘there’s only one bed’ thing on him?”

Baekhyun shot him a dirty look. “Shut up! I didn’t know how to tell him how I felt.”

Chanyeol laughed and pulled Baekhyun to him. “You’re lucky I love you, Baekie.”

Baekhyun curled into him. “I love you too.”

Jongin and Sehun pretend to gag but Baekhyun ignored them and pressed a kiss to Chanyeol’s shoulder. His small lie had been worth it.

#exolssecretsanta20 #exo #Chanyeol #Baekhyun #isearchedtheyooniverse #fanfic

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newyorkprelawland-blog · 4 years ago

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Fast Fashion, Slow Lawsuits: The Rise Of Copycats In The Fashion Industry

By Melanie Nolan, Skidmore College Class of 2023

February 9, 2021

On February 17th, Kim Kardashian attended the Hollywood Beauty Awards in Los Angeles wearing a vintage Theirry Mugler dress with cutouts from their 1998 haute couture Spring/Summer collection.[1] On February 18th, fast-fashion retailer Fashion Nova released the “Winning Beauty Cut Out Gown” available for purchase on their website for $49.99. It appeared to be a nearly-exact replica of the hyper-specific vintage gown Kardashian wore the day before. Kardashian herself addressed the situation on Twitter. “Only two days ago, I was privileged enough to wear a one-of-a-kind vintage Mugler dress and in less than 24 hours it was knocked off and thrown up on a site — but it’s not for sale. You have to sign up for a waitlist because the dress hasn’t even been made to sell yet.”[2] In the span of mere hours since Kardashian was photographed in the dress, Fashion Nova had recreated it, shot it on a model, found a manufacturer, and uploaded it on their website for the public to purchase. Or did they?

Fashion watchdog Instagram account @DietPrada fired back at Kardashian. They posted a screengrab of the knockoff Muegler dress on a FashionNova model, taken days before Kardashian had even worn the piece. “Fashion Nova Mugler knockoff shot 4 days before Kim wore it on 02/18/19. Kim, you’ll never fess up to your sneaky lil collaborations, but we got all the receipts.”[3] This finding by @DietPrada raises a few questions. Not only does it call into question Kardashian’s previous statement, but it also raises questions about if Kardashian was in on this grift the whole time. If the eagle eyes of @DietPrada are correct, it means that Kardashian (or a stylist) has been tipping off FashionNova about her outfits before she wears them. If they are incorrect, it means that somehow FashionNova guessed that Kardashian was going to wear a hyper-specific vintage piece, shot it, styled it and manufactured it, all before Kardashian even wore it. Then, when Kim unveiled it on Instagram they uploaded it to their website a day later. Fans speculated in the comments about what seemed more likely. Again, Kardashian defended herself on Twitter, swearing that she had nothing to do with it, and condemned retailers like Fashion Nova for ripping off small designer’s works.[4]

To be fair, Kardashian has battled with fashion retailers about copyright before. She filed a $10 million dollar lawsuit against Missguided for using her “name and image without permission in order to generate interest in their brand and website.”[5] However, she made no move to file such action against Fashion Nova. Was that an admission of guilt? Or, was it simply because of the ties Fashion Nova already has to her sisters?[6]

The jury is still out on Kardashian, but she is hardly the only one to be caught up in copyright issues with garments. There is a complicated history with fashion’s relationship with the law, and items of clothing often wrestle with complicated questions about what can be recreated, what can’t and how to take action about those who do.

Oddly enough, the debate and the laws about fashion start mainly with a lawsuit against two cell phones companies. The case was complex, but it boils down to this: in 2011, Apple sued Samsung for “slavishly” copying its products, namely cell phones and tablets. Apple argued that due to their patents, they were entitled to Samsung’s profits, and Samsung needed to promptly stop production of their infringing products.[7] Normally, a case like this would not be such a big deal for law, specifically law about fashion. But the patent that Apple claimed Samsung was infringing on was a design patent. A design patent is very different from a utility patent. A utility patent which protects what something does. A design patent protects the way something looks.[8] By filing this lawsuit, Apple claimed that their product’s design was getting ripped off, and thus they were wronged. Apple won.

Design patents protect the functionality of an object, but they also protect decorative aspects of it as well. As Fashionista described it, “If you have a shoe that has an interesting molded or sculptural heel that doesn't have any particular special function, but is part of this otherwise functional item, the shoe might have design patent possibility.”[9] Nike is by far the king of design patents. They filed for 867 patents in 2018, which is oddly only the second-most in the company's history.[10] But Nike, as a sneaker company is the perfect fit for something like a design patent. Their products clearly serve a function, yet there are clear decorative aspects as well that are unique to the brand. Handbags are another item that bears well to design patents, and the decorative hardware can also serve as the “ornamental piece” of a functional object. However, despite these useful instances of design patents working in their favor, many brands don’t use them. Instead, they focus their efforts on protecting their trademarks.

Patents are expensive. Trademarks are cheaper. To patent the design of a shirt can be up to $6,000-$8,000 just to start. To pay to trademark a little logo in the corner is much cheaper, and it can be incorporated into overall branding as well. This is all fine and good for big brands, like the aforementioned Nike who employs (and can afford) an army of lawyers to protect their designs. But some can’t, and in the age of Instagram this has become a massive, gaping problem.

For Madeline Pendleton, it’s just another day at the office. Only, her office is her garage, and her work is her small brand, Tunnel Vision.[11] Madeline and her best friend, who she dubs an “unofficial partner” run the brand, quite literally out of her home in Eagle Rock. They do small orders and small batches, and almost all of the designs on the website are Pendleton’s own original art. “I design ethically, and thus have a significantly lower profit margin than sellers of the sweatshop-produced copy, so it stings quite a bit knowing people make more money than I do off of my own artwork by just selling copies of it”[12] Pendleton isn’t the only one struggling with this. Many small businesses are routinely burned by the fast fashion market, and struggle to make ends meet while also battling with overseas manufacturers who often rip items almost as soon as they are created. But until then, she and other countless small designers will simply have to keep working, and try to keep up.

______________________________________________________________

[1] https://www.elle.com/fashion/celebrity-style/a26390312/kim-kardashian-vintage-thierry-mugler/

[2] https://twitter.com/KimKardashian/status/1097903684527091712

[3] https://www.instagram.com/p/BuDB6RxlPab/

[4] https://twitter.com/KimKardashian/status/1097903481518616576

[5]https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/thr-esq/kim-kardashian-sues-style-copycat-website-using-her-image-permission-1188517

[6] https://www.fashionnova.com/collections/kylie

[7] https://www.nytimes.com/2018/05/24/business/apple-samsung-patent-trial.html

[8] https://www.uspto.gov/web/offices/pac/mpep/s1502.html

[9] https://fashionista.com/2016/12/fashion-law-patent-copyright-trademark

[10] https://www.bizjournals.com/portland/news/2019/01/07/nike-continues-torrid-patent-pace.html

[11]http://www.uscannenbergmedia.com/2016/02/25/how-one-sustainable-fashion-brand-resuses-vintage-clothing/

[12]http://www.uscannenbergmedia.com/2016/02/25/how-one-sustainable-fashion-brand-resuses-vintage-clothing/

Photo Credit: VOGUE Taiwan

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icarialex · 4 years ago

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📱 Via Discord

Text Messages: Noelle & Chloe @chloevara

When: The night before their auction date

Topics: Just cuteness and Chloe talking about some changes she’d want between them for balance.

Chloe: Hey! It's me. Chloe. Unless you know another Chloe. How is my named saved in your phone, anyway? These are important questions!!

Noelle: You are so friendly and peppy even through text message. It’s impressive. I actually changed your name in my phone while I was in the hospital. Is the suspense of knowing to what eating away at you?

Chloe: 😦 😦 😦 😦 Impressive could mean something negative too. YES, the suspense is 100% eating away at me. Did you spell my name wrong at first?? There's no K anywhere in my name

Noelle: You should assume that I’m not saying something negative about you from here on out. If I point it out, I usually think it’s so you that it’s cute. That was an unnerving discovery for me. Who spells it with a k? No, I changed it from Chloe Vara to Chlo.

Chloe: As long as you like that you think I'm cute, right? ...Mostly the Kardashian lady spells it with a K. But I don't. Oh, so now we're in the nickname phase? I could change your phone name but maybe not to what you'd expect.

Noelle: I do like that I find you cute. It was just an adjustment for me to feel that way for someone else for so long. Usually it wears off after a week or two. That family is odd. I don’t get why they make so much money. I suppose? Your first and last name sounded too — distant. Oh? To what then?

Chloe: Now I'm really hoping that doesn't wear off, because I really do like you. Oh! I don't watch that show either. My dad says it's too real and fake at the same time. On second thought, maybe I'm not going to tell you what I changed it to?

Noelle: You like saying how much you like me now since seeing how I didn’t freak out about it at the hospital, don’t you? But since I like you too, I think it’s safe to say I’ll keep finding you cute. Thank God. If you tried to make me watch that, I’d have to hide. Wow, you’re rude. I told you when you asked. 😒😔

Chloe: Yes! It's so freeing to be able to tell you that you're great, and sweet, and careful, and, that I like all of that. :3 Fiiiine. You're Elle 🐘 . Emoji included! I was thinking of Elle-phant but that would make me laugh every time I opened the phone, so I didn't.

Noelle: I’m glad that it makes you happy. I’m not great at accepting praise or compliments, but I’ll work on it. I approve of that. The emoji is also adorable. You know, you’ll probably still say Elle-phant in your head and laugh right?

Chloe: Not enough people told you how great you are, clearly!! ...And yes. How did you know that was going to happen? You're the one who gave me nickname permission, after all.

Noelle: Clearly. If you ever get to meet my parents, you’ll get a full picture of that. I guess I’m starting to learn enough about you to figure out some things you’ll do. I did I did. Btw, how did it feel to have Noelle and Noel fighting for you at an auction?

Chloe: I'm still cross with your parents. Oh nooooo. Am I too predictable? Should i mix it up? Agh. It was a little confusing, but I just thought you forgot how to spell your name :/

Noelle: You don’t have to worry about them. I doubt they’d step foot on this island. You’d only meet them if you wanted to go to Hawaii. I mean, you could, but didn’t you want us to get closer so we knew more about each other? That would just be confusing. Nope, I was trying to make things easier for you. I never thought you’d bid on me though.

Chloe: I don't really want to go to Hawaii for a lot of reasons. I didn't want to see you have to date someone else. And it meant that you have to go on a date with me, which I wanted so much. Which is the first thing on my list of proposals. I want to be able to go outside with you sometimes and have it be a together activity.

Noelle: What are those reasons? Now I’m curious. I didn’t want to date anyone else, and I wouldn’t have. I would have gone for coffee or something. That’s simple enough. I am okay with that. Are you okay with part of our first date not being out and about? I just didn’t want to do dinner at a restaurant. It’s too cliche for a first, real date date. Plus, you’re kind of the first, official one for me.

Chloe: Colonialism, your family, I don't leave Icaria if I can help it. I don't mind it not being out and about always. But sometimes I want to show you off a little. Get a change of pace is most of it! You're going to do amazingly, I promise. It means a lot to me

Noelle: Those are all good reasons. I love Hawaii because it was home, but I never actually stay at my house. Show me off a little, huh? I can’t say I blame you. 😉 Plus, I would like the chance to brag about you too. Alright, dates outside of the house together is something I’m very comfortable with. It — it means something to me too.

Chloe: I'm not averse to going, but it isn't on my list of vacation spots. And yes! You're quite a catch. I do like a quiet night in more overall, but I don't want that to be the only option. Plus you can probably only handle me trying to cuddle you so many times

Noelle: I’ll make sure to send you lots of pictures next time I go then or video call you. I stay on an animal sanctuary when I visit, so I can send you cute animals too. I am not. I’m very difficult to be with. Try to cuddle me? I think you succeed, Chlo.

Chloe: That sounds so nice... You have the coolest job, you know? Maybe, but I'm not very good at stopping what I'm doing because it seems difficult. Like cuddling, apparently. It's nice, okay??

Noelle: Yeah, I’m a big fan of it too. Playing with animals all day is the best part of my job. I’m glad that you aren’t that good at giving up on things. I mean, it may take time, but depending on your patience this could end up being worth it. Hey, I’ve complained less about it lately, haven’t I? I don’t even tense up when you do it anymore.

Chloe: Oh, it's not dealing with the animals' parents?? Yeah 🙂 But let me know if you ever just... don't want me to touch you or anything. I don't want you to be anxious just because I think you're super snuggly.

Noelle: Well, flirting with parents of the animals was my go to activity when I wanted something easily accessible, but I’m not really looking right now which I remember thoroughly surprised you. Oh, you wouldn’t make me anxious. I’m just not used to being touched, but it can have it’s benefits. Kissing is one I think very highly of.

Chloe: I was wondering how you met folks... But yeah. It really did surprise me. I like the kissing. And being close in general. I think I like almost everything. Did you want me to run more of the suggestions I had in mind by you now or on the date, by the way?

Noelle: Either through the hospital or just around. I mean, I found you didn’t I? That’s good to keep in mind even though I think I picked up on that. Which would be more comfortable for you? Do you like being able to read things before you send or seeing my facial expressions?

Chloe: But I talk to everybody... Anyway, there are some things I would like to say in person but other stuff? I know I want to tell you one part in person, but otherwise, I'm all for good communication.

Chloe: Like I want to hold your hand sometimes. Not a lot. Just sometimes.

Chloe: To be able to tell my dad about you, and maybe work our way up to having you meet him. I think he'd like you a lot

Noelle: Okay, so I’ll wait until our date to hear that part. You just tell me when you’re ready.

Noelle: Holding hands? Okay I can do that. I mean, that’s simple enough. Will you get upset if it takes me a bit to initiate that? It’s just not something that usually crosses my mind, and that’s not because I don’t like you. It’s just new.

Noelle: Your dad is very important to you. You think — you want to tell him about me? I mean, you’re more than welcome to. As for meeting him, eventually, would this be virtually or in person?

Chloe: I appreciate that! I'm sorry to keep you in so much suspense. I don't expect you to initiate it if you don't want to. I just.... really want to sometimes and I was afraid to tell you.

Chloe: Yes? Eventually virtually. He just got a new phone, so he's probably too distracted by that anyway. Trust me, he's one of the easiest dads to meet ever. He hasn't liked all of my exes, but I never knew until afterward...

Chloe: THAT WAS THE WRONG THING TO SAY

Noelle: It’s okay. I mean, this is new territory for me. I’ve never gotten to a point where I’ve wanted to compromise with someone or cared so much about them being happy. It’s not that I’m selfish so much as I didn’t think I was the person that could be the one to make someone happy, If that makes sense?

Noelle: I’m sorry you were afraid to tell me, and thank you for telling me now. Reach for my hand when you want. Now that I know you will, I won’t pull back or anything out of surprise.

Noelle: Comforting, Chlo. 😉 If this will make you happy, then okay no problem. How are you going to introduce me though? Or is that what we’re waiting for the date to discuss?

Chloe: I don't relate to it, but I am making an effort to understand it. At this point, we really aren't on different pages. I think you would make me happy once we get everything to make a bit more sense. I know that I'm touchy. Like abnormally touchy. Being close as much as possible is the best????

Chloe: It would be fine to hold off on meeting him for a while, so we don't have to talk about that right now. I haven't talked to anybody about you, though, and it's kind of killing me.

Noelle: I guess that’s where you’ve surpassed my expectations of people. Instead of just writing me off as cold or unfeeling, you try to understand. So, I’m trying back. Okay touching. I can initiate kisses when I think you’re cute. I just didn’t know how you felt about PDA.

Noelle: Why haven’t you told anyone? That’s not fair. My brother knows about you. Well, Noah. Oh, yeah I have another one. But yes, and I’m sure more know after the auction or suspect.

Chloe: I love PDA. Hold my hand, kiss my cheek, use me as an armrest. Whatever you want besides pinching is probably great in my book.

Chloe: Because I don't really enjoy talking about how I really like someone who I thought just saw me as a booty call. But then I couldn't talk about what bothered me. Also everyone was busy with parents week or really stressed about the minotaur, so I didn't want to burden them

Noelle: Who in the world would pinch you to show affection? Really has this happened to you?

Noelle: To be honest, you started out as a booty call. Well, you can talk about me to people if you want to. I’m a part of your life, and I don’t like policing what you do. I want you to be you, and I’ll be me.

Chloe: I have really, really, really, really bad luck when it comes to relationships. Even the good ones had something weird or wrong. I didn't think you were a booty call at first.

Chloe: You were really pretty, and interesting, and you didn't tell me to go away or anything, and I thought you wanted the same things I did. It's embarrassing.

Chloe: I haven't talked about you, or that super messed up thing with my neighbor that I'm trying to avoid, and it's like I'm about to explode.

Chloe: But I'd like for you to be a part of my life. Very much. I look forward to what you have planned.

Noelle: It’s not embarrassing. I mean, it’s working out pretty well for you now, right? You mesh with me better than I thought you would. You’re not high maintenance to be around, and you’re calm.

Noelle: By the way, you’re gorgeous. I don’t say it nearly enough, but you should know that.

Noelle: Well, talk as much as you want about this, okay? I’m private but not controlling. I only care about what I share or who asks me questions because I can be prickly. I think you’ll love it. Just tell me when, but give me like a day notice.

Chloe: I don't want to be anything but really self-sufficient. But emotionally needy. I'm going to be that.

Chloe: Thanks!!! It drives me a bit crazy how beautiful you are sometimes? Like I just think about it, and then I forget how to be a person.

Chloe: Okay. I really, really, really want us to talk more. Another list item. Could that day be tomorrow or the next day? I don't know if I can wait too much longer.

Noelle: Chlo, thanks for telling me stuff. I don’t make it easy, but at least I understand more now.

Noelle: You’re very silly. Do we need to take pictures together for you to stare at? Or will that just worsen the problem?

Noelle: That’s easy. Talking I can do. It can be tomorrow. That gives me enough time. I’ll be ready by 7 to pick you up.

Chloe: : )

Chloe: Uhm. We should take pictures. That would be really nice. I'd like that lots. Yes please

Chloe: 7... PM right? I'll be awake either way, but I do have to check.

Noelle: We can do that. I have my Polaroid too, so you can even get hard copies.

Noelle: Yes PM. I mean, I will be too, but that’s prepping time. So tomorrow, 7 PM. Dress cute but comfortable.

Chloe: You have a Polaroid???? Why didn't I know this?

Chloe: I can do the thing. Have a good night, okay Elle? I can't stress how much I'm looking forward to seeing you

Noelle: Um — I don’t know? I have scrapbooks too of all the places I’ve visited.

Noelle: You too, Chlo. Me too. Sweet dreams.

#noelle ft. Chloe #chloe

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slothgiirl · 5 years ago

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shadowplay part 7

"This is bloody insane," Sam comments as you search through your drawers for a bathing suit. California. You might need it.

Now if only you could decide between all the clothes you'd tossed on your bed. Sam sitting among them, phone in hand as she continued to tell you how out of hand this whole thing had gotten.

"Now, don't get me wrong if I could land a sugar daddy I'd quit my job in a second," Sam goes on, "feminism be damned. But I don't know what this is! Do you?"

You shrug. The weather said it might be raining. Your barbour jacket would probably do. You doubted you'd need a thicker coat and you could alway layer. You were trying to limit yourself to a carry on. Maybe you only really needed some sneakers and sandals but what sandals. Loafers might be better.

It would help if you knew how outdoorsy the cabin where you'd be staying was.

"It's just Alex," which was true. And you were used to him. Barely even gave thought to his career or the whole fame thing. There were time's of course when you were out that he was recognized but it was never a big deal the way it seemed to be for like the kardashian's with their security.

Just a quick selfy and maybe an autograph. Sometimes it was just covert glances.

"We've hung out loads of times," you said, trying to be reassuring. It wasn't sharing a room with him that had you nervous. He'd slept over a few times and being your friend, you'd never let him sleep on the couch, even if this was a friend that you might like a little too much.

It was the fact that all his friends were probably going to be judging you and watching you all under false pretenses.

Fuck.

"Yes, but not pretending to date because apperently he's a bloody coward!" You roll your eyes. "Like you didn't use to run and get mail to hide your grades when you failed Samantha."

"Yes well, my parents were and continue to be idiots. At least I've never lied about dating someone."

You smile, remembering all her antics, "we're going to break up after.

"And remain friends?"

"Yeah," you sigh, still unsure how you were going to sell that to his friends but Alex seemed to think it would work and he knew them best. It was only his friends that thought you were dating after all.

"Wipe that dumb smile off your face," she groans, "you're going to have to pretend to be dating all day and all night not just for an hour or two."

"It'll be fine. Like I've already said, it's Alex."

Sam rolls her eyes, "just don't catch feelings. It's all fun and games right now when you have him all to yourself but what happens when he goes on tour and-"

"He's not-I. He's not my boyfriend Sam. I'm very aware of that and I know he doesn't owe me anything more than friendship if he wants. It's. I'm good okay."

"Oh god," she gasps sitting up and knocking over the pile of shirts you were sure of, "you've already caught feelings!"

"I have not!"

"You have! Oh," she's grinning and having way too much fun at your expense, "when did that happen? Does it make it easier or worse?"

"It's not that big of a deal. So I like him a little too much. Who hasn't had a crush on their friend?"

"Well I hope you get over it before you have your feelings hurt. I mean this all did start with basically saving face in front of his ex girlfriend didn't it?" Samantha notes, folding the clothes all over again.

You decide against the sandals and figure leather loafers will be fine. And comfortable on the plane.

"Yes. And I'm not going to get hurt or anything. It's Alex. I trust him." He'd stopped when you'd pulled away, even drunk as he was. He always took care to make sure you were feeling all right. You didn't see how another country could change that. And you couldn't lie about how excited you were to go to the states for the first time.

"If you say so. But def keep me updated. I've always wanted to fight someone," Sam admits.

"Please don't do that," you urge her with a shake of your head.

"I just think it would be neat."

"And we're going to land in Los Angeles and stay there for a few days before driving up to North California so I'm sure I'll at least be used to his friends by then. And Matt's wife's going so it's not like I'm the only girl there."

"Just don't forget to bring me back something."

"I'll get you a keychain," you assure her, "maybe even two keychains. Bought at the airport right before I leave."

"No," she complains, "keychains are what you get an aunt you don't particularly like. Not me. I deserve like something very bougie and nice. Money does count here!"

"It's the thought that counts," you snip back, starting to put everything in the suitcase, leaving enough room to be able to bring back gifts. You were only going to be there for eight days. Not a week. That's what you kept telling yourself to limit the amount of clothes you packed.

"Not when your rockstar friend is paying your flight! Do tell me how first class is!"

"I think we're actually flying business class," you reply, "do you think I'll need a bathing suit?"

"Yes and take the one we got in Majorca! It's sexy. And not as faded as the pink one."

"No! I keep feeling like my tits are going to fall out in that one," you protest. "And my tits aren't even that big."

"Like I said, sexy."

"No."

Samantha grins, "and while you're at it, don't you dare take any m&s underwear or bras!"

"They're comfy and you can't beat the price at 10 pounds!" You still got those packs that came in plastic pouches anytime they were on sale.

"And what my mother wears."

Laughing, you reply, "You're terrible."

"I know," Sam grins, "and you love me for it. Just take the knickers I got you in paris."

"You mean what you made me get in paris. you were all like just come with me so I don't have to go alone . . .and then made me buy knickers along with you!"

Sam laughs, "the french are right about underwear. And you made me spend a whole day at the louvre. my legs were aching."

"I told you not to take heels."

Sam protests, "who needs an entire day at the louvre. You just need to get a selfie at the mona lisa and bounce. Everything else you can google. Or not care about. Just pick one."

"You were much happier clubbing."

"I'm always much happier clubbing," Sam states, especially ones where men buy me free drinks."

"No one ever buys me free drinks," you pout.

"That's because you come off too cool and confident while I look like an easy lay. . .which I am!"

You snort, laying down next to her, "just say I'm boring and move on."

"You're not," she assures you, "I'd be intimidated to approach you. Like woah thats a ten and I'm a toe."

You snigger, "I love you so much."

Samantha winks, "right back at you babe. Also who's leather jacket is that I'm spying in your closet."

You look over, already knowing the answer, "Alex let me borrow his jacket the other day. We met up after work and it got cold." You don't mean to blush, but you can feel your face heating up.

"Did he," Sam laughs. "How much do you think it'd sell for on ebay?"

"Shut up!"

#Alex Turner #alex turner fanfic #alex turner imagine #alex turner x reader #Shadowplay #mine

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purplesurveys · 4 years ago

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881

Do you prefer trackpants or jeans when you're going out in public? Jeans. Mainly the boujee crowd wears trackpants where I live, and I think I’m too old for that shit now lol. How about when you're just sitting at home, doing nothing? I wear shorts at home, always. They’re comfy and allow my legs more air, and I’m not going to make myself feel hot by wearing pajama pants. Have you ever stayed in your pajamas all day long? I don’t like pajamas, so no. Would you ever consider growing your hair out to your waist, or longer? No. It’s difficult to wash, tie up, and just generally handle when it gets too long, especially considering the fact that my hair is quite thick and can also get frizzy depending on the weather. Do you watch American Idol? I did up until 2012-ish. It was really entertaining at first but when they kept picking the same people to win each season – white country male singer who plays the guitar – I quit watching. On a side note, why do surveys like asking AI questions so much lol

If so, Who do you like better: Danny Gokey or Adam Lambert? Adam Lambert was FAAAR more entertaining, but I do remember Gokey being good too. If you don't watch American Idol, why not? I stated my reason earlier, but another reason I stopped watching was the judges. As soon as all the three original judges left the show, it just stopped being exciting. What's your favourite thing to do to pass the time when you're bored? Depends on where I am. I like taking surveys in coffee shops once I’m done studying. If I’m already outside with people, I’ll ask them if they want to go to the mall. If I’m at home, I’ll try to find something to watch on YouTube or Netflix. I have different outlets for most situations, haha. Do you like staying up late or going to sleep early? I don’t have a preference. I sleep whenever I need to. Is it easy for you to wake up early, or are you a late sleeper? I find that it’s a lot easier to wake up early if I don’t have a lot on my plate for the day. But if I have a hectic day waiting on me, it becomes super difficult to get out of bed. Is there anywhere in your house that you're scared to be alone in? Not necessarily. But being the person in the family who stays up the latest, I do dislike having to check our windows and screen doors to see if they’re all closed and locked after midnight because I always feel like I’ll see someone looking at me. Do you play Rock Band, Guitar Hero or Singstar? I played the first two. I vaguely know of the third. Do you think there's really a difference betwen the three? The gameplay’s the same but the contexts are different. You shift among bass, drums, guitar, and vocals in Rock Band; you only play the guitar in Guitar Hero; and I imagine you deal with vocals on Singstar lol Do you ever yell at your computer when it's frustrating you in some way? I do a frustrated groan or growl, but I don’t yell at it. Have you ever walked into an inanimate object, such as a chair, and apologized to it? Just about always.

Are you scared of any animals/insects? Which ones? Butterflies, bees, wasps. I generally dislike most insects/bugs. Do you get uncomfortable when people stare at you? If it’s a stranger and I’m in a public place where no one has reason to stare at me, I definitely would. What is a sound that you can't stand? Utensils harshly scraping a plate. Do you take a lot of surveys? I’m not as obsessed as I used to be but yeah, I still take several in a day most days. If not, why did you decide to take this one? It was random enough for me, and that’s my favorite kind of survey. Do you like country music? No. What about screamo? Not really. I listen to songs with screamo elements in it, but I wouldn’t enjoy a song that was just screamo from start to finish. Do you own a pair of Converse? Kinda. It’s not mine, but my sister will lend it to me if I want to wear it. What about Vans? No. I don’t have my own; my sister owns a pair as well, but I’ve mostly been uninterested in borrowing it. What is your favourite shoe brand? Nike. Do you like name brands, or find them to be a waste of money? I like them. Do you ever post surveys on myspace, or just take them on Bzoink? I take most of them from Bzoink and post them onto my Tumblr. Sometimes I’ll visit the survey tag on LJ but that’s mostly inactive so eh. What are your three favourite bands? Paramore, Against Me!, alt-J. Three favourite female singers? Beyoncé, Hayley Williams, Adele. Three favourite male singers? Hozier, Troye Sivan, Bruno Mars. Are there any particular bands/artists you can't stand? Meghan Trainor, The Vamps, and for the most part Ellie Goulding. Can you cook for yourself? Nah, but I’m learning. What weird things did you do as a small child? I liked putting myself in danger, apparently. I’d try most things people deemed dangerous because I thought I was invincible. Quick spoiler alert: I definitely wasn’t. What grade are you currently in? I’m on the very very very end of my senior year in college. I’m just waiting for the official memo saying I’m graduating, and I’m off to attend my virtual grad ceremony on the 26th.

Do you plan on going to college or university? I did. You have to if you want to make it anywhere, where I’m from. Do you know what you want to be when you get older yet? I have a general idea, yes.

Who puts the most pressure on you in your life? Nobody does that to me but myself, fortunately. Do you laugh off embarrassing moments? On the outside I do. It makes you look cool and breezy if you laugh them off haha. But when I’m alone they plague me before bed lol Do you have a favourite actor/actress? If so, who? Kate Winslet, Rosamund Pike, Audrey Hepburn, Kristen Stewart. Is there any genre of music you refuse to listen to? Country, and most disco music. Any embarrassing/childish shows you secretly still enjoy watching? I’m not embarrassed to say I love it, but I know people don’t like Keeping Up with the Kardashians.

Do you like little kids, or do they annoy you? If they have bad manners and/or are rowdy and are the type to run around in a restaurant, I tend to dislike them. Do you want a small or a large family when you get older? Small. One or two kids already sounds lovely. Are you a good dancer? If not, do you enjoy dancing anyways? I don’t dance very well but I loooooove watching other people dance. Have you ever lied to avoid getting into trouble? Only when I was younger. I stopped when I realized my mom caught me every single time. Do you like reality shows such as Jon & Kate plus Eight? I like reality shows, but not that. I’ve never heard of it. Do you enjoy reading? Yes, if I get in the mood. What is the weirdest food you have ever tried? Gulab jamun was probably the weirdest one I’ve had so far. Have you ever been admitted to the hospital for a long period of time? Nope. Do you take a lot of pictures of yourself, or are you camera shy? Definitely camera shy. Even Gabie’s not allowed to take photos of me lol, something she complains about every now and then.

#survey #surveys

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idairsauthor · 5 years ago

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This Fcking Impeachment: Episode 4, Irregular Channels

PLAIDDER: Hello and welcome to the least influential of the Sunday morning talk shows! With me in the studio today is imaginary talking head Conn mac Emer. Conn, welcome back to the show.

CONN: About thurking time.

PLAIDDER: I’ve been busy, and also despairing over the fate of the republic.

CONN: There’s so much that’s happened since the last episode, I don’t even know where to start.

PLAIDDER: Well don’t start with Yovanovitch, I already ran a piece on her.

CONN: Yes. I saw. Your president and all his lackeys are all lucky that I am imaginary.

PLAIDDER: I know. And now they’re all, well, her testimony was irrelevant because she didn’t actually witness any of the--

CONN: Well, of course she didn’t. They got rid of her precisely so that she wouldn’t. Anyway, she has the same story to tell that al of the other men are telling, it’s just a different phase.

PLAIDDER: And what story is that?

CONN: The story of the irregular channel.

PLAIDDER: Ah. Yes. You remember how Buttercup tweeted about his “absolute right” to appoint whatever ambassadors he wants, and then Yovanovitch said, sure, but why didn’t he just recall me then instead of letting these jackasses smear me for a year and a half? I’m paraphrasing, of course.

CONN: I do remember.

PLAIDDER: My guess is that you have an answer to this question.

CONN: Indeed I thurking do.

PLAIDDER: So I think some of our readers might like to know, before we get into this, that while you were serving as the Ideiren ambassador to the Nation, someone in your embassy decided to create an “irregular channel.”

CONN: Isn’t that a spoiler?

PLAIDDER: We don’t have to get into the details. Let me just ask: in your experience, why do people open up “irregular channels”? If you’re a head of state, and you already have an ambassador whose job it is to advance foreign policy in that country, why would you open an “irregular channel” between yourself and that country’s leader?

CONN: There are two possible reasons you might do that. One is risky but, for better or worse, a fairly common diplomatic tactic. The other is corrupt.

PLAIDDER: Let’s take the first reason first.

CONN: There are certain goals that you, the head of state, might wish to accomplish, but which would be difficult to do through official channels. So for instance, during the IRA hunger strike in 1980-81, there were negotiations to try to resolve it going on between the British parliament and the IRA, through a back channel created by MI-6.

PLAIDDER: Why through a back channel?

CONN: For the same reason this kind of thing is usually done through a back channel. The government in question wants to be able to say, “We don’t negotiate with terrorists.” So when--as it must--that government DOES negotiate with the terrorists, it has to be done in such a way that the head of state and the party in power can deny knowledge of it. In fact the IRA negotiator was told that if the government’s offer to the strikers was ever leaked to the media, they would deny any knowledge of it.

PLAIDDER: And at around the same time, Jimmy Carter’s government was negotiating for the release of the hostages in Iran--

CONN: --also, initially, through a back channel.

PLAIDDER: Why do governments negotiate with terrorists?

CONN: Because you can’t resolve a conflict without negotiation.

PLAIDDER: I think you CAN--

CONN: You can if you don’t mind killing people.

PLAIDDER: All right.

CONN: My point is: with a lot of acute crises like that there’s a public-facing policy and a private policy. But they’re working *together,* is my point. Everyone has the same goals and everyone’s doing their part to get to the same outcome. The final stages of the Iranian hostage negotiations were done through normal State Department channels. Everyone involved knew what was going on and they were all working together.

PLAIDDER: As opposed to this Ukraine situation--

CONN: Where Yovanovitch was kept in the dark about everything Giuliani and his friends were doing until some of the Ukrainian officials she worked with told her about it.

PLAIDDER: OK. So that brings us to the second reason you would create a back channel.

CONN: The second reason to create a back channel is that you want to do something corrupt or criminal and you don’t want anyone apart from your accomplices to know about it.

PLAIDDER: Can you just talk about what “something corrupt” means? I fear an increasing number of Americans are unclear on the concept.

CONN: All right. So. One reason this is confusing is the perception people have, which is not totally wrong, that all politicians are ultimately motivated by self-interest. And many of them are; but there’s a difference between ambition and corruption. It’s one thing to take a course of action because you think it will benefit, or at least please, the people who voted for you, or people who might later vote for you. It’s quite another thing to do something purely because it will benefit you.

It’s easier to see the difference when there’s money involved. If you’re a head of state and you’re taking people’s tax money out of the treasury and buying yourself palaces with it, people can tell that’s corrupt.

PLAIDDER: One would like to hope.

CONN: Well, in this case, your president was using people’s tax money to try to buy himself another four years in office. That’s just as corrupt as just stealing that money and putting it in the bank.

PLAIDDER: Because it only benefits him.

CONN: Exactly.

PLAIDDER: And hurts the country he’s supposed to be working for.

CONN: Right.

PLAIDDER: So how does this answer the question of why they had to smear Marie Yovanovitch instead of just recalling her?

CONN: Well, first of all, Yovanovitch is obviously not going to get involved in something like this. Leaving aside questions of personal integrity, she is experienced enough and smart enough to know that the whole thing will blow up in the faces of anyone involved.

PLAIDDER: Right. So they have to get rid of her. But why doesn’t Buttercup just recall her, in that case, and put in someone else?

CONN: You’re assuming that this whole mess was masterminded by a single person. A single intelligent person.

PLAIDDER: Yes. I am. Always a mistake with this crew, but I keep making it.

CONN: Your president wasn’t just gratifying his own corrupt desires here. He was also being played by Ukranians who wanted to gratify their own corrupt desires and used him to do it; and also by--

PLAIDDER: Vladimir Putin.

CONN: Perhaps not directly or personally, but yes. The smear campaign against Yovanovitch not only removes her from that post, it ensures she’ll never have a high-level post in this administration again. That’s what Lutsenko and his corrupt friends want. It also means there’s no American ambassador to Ukraine--because ambassadors have to be confirmed by the Senate, and support for Ukraine is one of the few things both parties can agree on, and they would want to make sure whoever went into that post was actually good at their job. That benefits Vladimir Putin.

PLAIDDER: The same way another four years of Buttercup destroying America would also benefit Putin.

CONN: Right. The same way that the overall destruction of your State Department benefits Putin.

PLAIDDER: And the smear campaign also contributes to that.

CONN: Yes. It will mean fewer people like Yovanovitch are willing to work for this administration under any circumstances--because now they know that this could happen to any of them.

PLAIDDER: So Buttercup has these two things that he wants. But a lot is going on here that’s much more about what Putin wants or what Yovanovitch’s Ukrainian enemies want or what Giuliani’s two goons want.

CONN: Exactly. Your president thinks he set up this back channel to get what he wants. But in fact he’s just being played by other, smarter people trying to get what they want. And that’s why they want to keep him in that job. So they can keep using him to advance their own agendas.

PLAIDDER: No puppet, no puppet, you’re the puppet.

CONN: What?

PLAIDDER: Never mind.

CONN: No, really, what are you talking about?

PLAIDDER: Back in the old days, we used to call a country that was nominally politically autonomous but in fact actually controlled by the Soviet Union a puppet regime. Buttercup’s presidency is turning the US into Russia’s puppet regime. You really cannot imagine how that feels to someone who remembers the 1980s. But anyway. You were explaining how Buttercup abusing his power for personal gain isn’t the only or even the worst thing that’s happening here.

CONN: No. Because he’s also creating more opportunities for other corrupt people to get what they want. That’s the thing with an irregular channel. You’re basically creating an infrastructure for corruption. Once you’ve built it, anyone can travel through it.

PLAIDDER: Ironically, after eleventy hundred Infrastructure Weeks, this back channel is the one highway he’s actually built.

CONN: Can you answer one of my questions now?

PLAIDDER: I’ll try.

CONN: Who is Kim Kardashian?

PLAIDDER: Oh my God.

CONN: Is she a head of state?

PLAIDDER: NO! No, my God, she is not a head of state.

CONN: So why was Ambassador Sondland discussing her with your president on that phone call from Kyiv?

PLAIDDER: Just to get this straight for our viewers...you are asking me why, when Gordon Sondland called the President of the United States on an UNSECURED CELL PHONE in a RESTAURANT in Ukraine to tell him how Zelensky had agreed to give him everything he wanted during a meeting where career diplomats were NOT ALLOWED to attend or take notes and that Zelensky “loves [Buttercup’s] ass” and will do anything Buttercup wants--why, after Buttercup talked to Sondland about this SO LOUDLY THAT HE COULD BE OVERHEARD BY PEOPLE AT THE TABLE, which let’s remember is a table in a crowded RESTAURANT, they then went on to discuss the matter of A$AP Rocky’s arrest in Sweden on assault charges with an equal amount of urgency and discretion?

CONN: Well apparently it has something to do with Kim Kardashian.

PLAIDDER: You are referring to this passage: “During the course of the phone call from the restaurant, Sondland also consulted with Trump on another matter of importance to the president at the time: efforts to free the American rapper A$AP Rocky from jail in Sweden at the request of reality television star Kim Kardashian.“

CONN: I am.

PLAIDDER: I am sorry to have to tell you, Conn, that Kim Kardashian is the star of a TV show entitled Keeping Up With the Kardashians.

CONN: Is...is it a news program?

PLAIDDER: NO IT IS NOT A NEWS PROGRAM!

CONN: So she’s...not a journalist.

PLAIDDER: No! She’s a celebrity!

CONN: What’s she famous for?

PLAIDDER: For being famous!

CONN: I don’t understand.

PLAIDDER: NEITHER DO I!

CONN: Isn’t there something she must have done at some point to become--

PLAIDDER: Yes, there was, but honestly Conn, I don’t want to talk about it. You have been through enough and so have I.

CONN: But what has she got to do with American foreign policy?

PLAIDDER: NOTHING! Don’t you understand? This is what we are dealing with here. We are dealing with a man who 'reads’ Kim Kardashian’s Instagram but can’t sit through the presidential daily briefing. We have elected as President of the United States someone who is more concerned about whether Kim Kardashian thinks he’s done enough for A$AP Rocky than he is about whether Ukraine will be annexed by Russia. I mean I don’t think you can really fully appreciate this, Conn, because nobody in either Ideire OR the Nation is LIKE THIS.

CONN: Not even the Chowderhead?

PLAIDDER: NOT EVEN HIM.

CONN: Wow.

PLAIDDER: OK, we’re just going to end this here, I think. If I think about the whole Ukraine/Kardashian juxtaposition for one more second I will literally explode. Tune in next week, I’m sure there will be plenty more developments.

#the current catastrophe #this fcking impeachment #impeachment #wof

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pynkhues · 5 years ago

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How much money do you think Rio has to his name? We know Marcus and his family is what motivates Rio to make enough money to get out of the game, but how much do you think is enough for him? Like I keep thinking about how much money he had in his storage units and it was a ton of money. Do you think if he’d eventually got it all washed would that have been enough for him to call it quits or would he just keep going and making more?

Y’know, I read a really interesting article recently (which I can’t find now which is a bit frustrating!) that talked about the fact that the more money you have, the more money you need. Basically, your standards of living change to fit your wealth, and that’s not necessarily in the Kardashian / socialite way - it’s the fact that you might, say, earn enough to buy a house instead of rent a house, which means you’re now financially responsible for any issue within that house and for rates, and for things you can’t necessarily predict like infrastructure damage or environmental impacts that require money to fix; or perhaps you earn enough to send your kid to private school, but then you have more kids and you’re sending them all to private school, and you need to keep earning more money to be able to uphold the standards of living you had when your costs were less.

Rio strikes me as somebody who definitely has a lot of money, but I think he might fall a bit into that trap? Particularly professionally. As his business has grown and grown, so have his expenses - whether that be in equipment or human resources or space hire or bribes or legal fees (all of which I’m sure hasn’t been helped by Beth negotiating her 50% in 2.06 or also, y’know, the girls accidentally robbing him fairly regularly, haha), which means he’s got to keep growing to be feeding his bottom line. I’m sure Rio has an end goal target in mind to get out with, but I feel like he’s probably a smart enough guy to be buying up in assets too - for instance, I know it’s a very popular fandom headcanon that Rio owns the bar from S2 and it’s one I agree with - but investments like that are as much income earners as they can be money sinkholes and, at least initially - big expenditures.

So yes! Even though there was a lot of money in those storage units, I think a lot of that money would be outgoing to various expenses, so he’d probably be retaining less of it than we’d think. Sure, still enough to be incredibly financially comfortable and to buy things that he clearly just likes - all that artwork! His fancy car! I feel like he definitely has at least one other apartment! - but all of those things require maintenance costs which means he can’t just get out, y’know? Which is to say nothing of Marcus.

Plus there’s no way shutting his operation down wouldn’t require it’s own suite of buy outs and closing costs. It’s hard and probably a bit of a snake-eat-tail-situation, because I’m sure he has an enormous gap in his resume in terms of legit work, so is likely relying on a big enough nest egg and legit investments (like the bar, or something like it) instead to get by in his post-crime life, and given he is in his late 30s at most? That’s got to be a lot to put aside.

On top of that - I do actually think Rio is a little unhinged, and in that sense likes the thrill of the crime life, just like Beth does, and that’s going to be a lot harder for him to quit than the money.

#rio #marcus #rio the mvp #speculation #crime time #nbc good girls #welcome to my ama

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dragonindigo245 · 5 years ago

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So I know there’s a superhero AU for the sides but consider... supervillain?

Bare with me. This is going to seem really funky but I figured why not? In this AU Thomas is a superhero and the sides are supervillains. Here’s a semi-breif- Oh nvm this is way to long. Woop dee doo. Feel free to scroll away if you don’t want a long AU. If you’re into that... here’s some character descriptions!

Thomas

•Thomas is a YouTuber who vlogs and is known for his small skits and vines. His most popular series after vine died though is his Awkward Adventures.

•He collabs with his friend Remy to do some “sleep” skits.

•He used to collab with Patton, Logan, Roman, and Virgil back when vine was around too but they hardly knew each other.

•Thomas hardly remembers them besides a few off set jokes.

•Thomas was born with the powers of flight, super speed, and to feel emotions.

•He can’t alter them but he does try to help others like the good person he is.

•Actually was convinced by Emile to take up superhero work. Emile didn’t mean it in the “go beat up bad guys” way but here they are.

•Everyone knows Thomas identity. He doesn’t hide it.

•Joan and Taylon designed him a superhero outfit. It is basically a white jumpsuit with rainbow cuffs and a giant, glowing rainbow star symbol in the middle. There’s also an epic rainbow cape to go with it.

•He doesn’t view the supervillains as bad guys, but rather broken people. He only uses physical force if they attack him. Otherwise he try’s to convince them to turn themselves in. Course it doesn’t work all that well but he tries.

•He doesn’t go by anything besides Thomas. He doesn’t need a superhero name to be super.

Patton

•Patton has two kids who go by Fiona and Liam (The kids from vine) and is a single parent.

•Their dirt poor and often have trouble scraping by. His kids don’t even go to school due to school fees.

•He declines any money from his friends and his family has given him all they can. They aren’t as poor as Patton but also aren’t comfortable.

•Logan actually comes by Patton’s house weekly to try and tutor them to his best abilities. In certain subjects they know more than kids there age but in some their lacking.

•Patton was born with the powers to alter emotions and to fly.

•He actually alters his own emotions so he can remain happy around other people.

•Problem is that only represses them for later. When he’s alone he’s a total mess.

•He started going into crime around 5 years after he adopted his kids, when poverty was at its max.

•He doesn’t have a job unfortunately because he was to low on money to send the kids to school, hence not having time for a job.

•Pat only does crime for the money so his kids can eat and he can keep his apartment. He really hates it though.

•He doesn’t have a supervillain costume but he wears the typical black mask superhero mask along with his cat hoodie.

•Despite hating crime, he’s the best at it compared to the others. He can actually be really intimidating when he needs to be.

•The only crimes he has committed are robbery, attempted murder (course he would never actually kill someone), and trespassing.

•His kids don’t know he’s a supervillain and he intends to keep it that way. They have gotten dangerously close though.

•He hasn’t been captured yet.

•He still calls Virgil his “dark, strange son”.

•Virgil accepts this and the kids treat him like an older brother.

•Patton was the one who got Virgil into eyeshadow surprisingly.

•Patton actually hasn’t gotten hurt by Thomas. He munipulates his emotions to make him not hurt him. Thomas has stopped him from doing whatever crime every single time though.

•His supervillain name is Curse, due to him wearing a cat hoodie and the whole black cats have bad luck thing. Also based on him often using fear to keep enemies away.

Logan

•He lives in a two room apartment, one room always remains locked and with a few modifications, made the door booby trapped.

•Only he knows how to get past them without destroying them.

•There’s actually a booby trap designed to go off if you destroy the door trap.

•He often tutors kids other than Patton’s. However they know what they should be learning so their significantly easier to tutor than Fiona and Liam.

•He received his powers in illegal experimentation though he was a test subject so he wasn’t in much trouble.

•Really he just had a migraine for a few days and suddenly he could lift an entire couch with one arm.

•His powers are unique. He is quite literal when he says “Knowledge is power.” His strength is based on how much intellect he possesses.

•Currently he can lift 2,000 pounds comfortably. This does mean he can lift some cars.

•Ironically because he looks so skinny, people tell him he should go to the gym so he’s able to hold his own in a fight.

•If you mention a new topic to him he doesn’t know much about, he will get a splitting headache and he is almost incapable of resisting researching it. He will become hyper fixated on it for like a month.

•His supervillain costume is a black jumpsuit along with a black bandana. Patton stitched in a black hood to the jumpsuit because Logan was worried that he could leave a hair at the scene of the crime, and get caught. He also extanges his glasses for contacts.

•He commits crimes the least often compared to everyone else, only doing so to unleash bottled up anger. When he gets angry enough for that though, all hell breaks lose.

•His first crime was commited in his softmore year of High School.

•His crimes include homoside, arson (don’t ask where the fire came from), assault, kidnapping, property destruction, and finally trespassing.

•He has been captured twice but has gotten away before they could unmask him.

•His supervillain name is Mind Bender because he wasn’t exactly discrete how his powers work. Really Thomas just came up with it on the fly and the media loved it.

Roman

•Roman lives in a two bedroom apartment with his roommate Remy who knows of Romans identity.

•Thankfully Remy doesn’t give a shit unless Roman intrupts his life with it. He had to take an oath not to tell anyone as long as Roman doesn’t bother the Starbucks industry.

•Remy may not care Romans’ a supervillain, but he will keep his identity a secret because he doesn’t go back on his word.

•Roman was considered to be a magnificent actor but was disgraced once Remus became a supervillain.

•He now works for a modeling company... as a photographer.

•He loathes he can’t be a model himself but doesn’t make a fuss about it.

•Honestly being the photographer is just rubbing salt in the wound for him.

•His powers include the ability to make anyone enamored with him and he counts his reflexes as a power even though it isn’t. He’s just crazy talented.

•His powers actually were a hex from Virgil, as a way to able him to be a supervillain. He also has been begging Virgil to give him the power to communicate with animals but Virgil has told him to wait for awhile.

•Problem is, his powers actually make him more prone to falling in love. Magic always takes its toll.

•He’s actually once had 3 relationships in one week before. It was just sad.

•After losing the acting carrier, he became extremely greedy and obsessed with riches. You can imagine why he is a supervillain.

•He started becoming a supervillain around the 2 month mark for his photography job.

•His list of crimes are theft, robbery, shoplifting, arson (again nobody knows where they get the fire), manslaughter, and kidnapping.

•Though with the kidnapping he literally did it to spite the ladies boyfriend. Really nothing happened to her. She sat in a dark room, tied to a chair, having a debate with Roman which Kardashian was the best. Then the police showed up and Roman jumped out a window.

•Romans outfit is the same princely getup as in the series and a white and gold masquerade mask. Also a gold crown that he bought himself. He carries a sword as well to aid in battle but he uses it as an accessory all the same.

•Patton once swapped Romans’ crown for a Burger King crown in the middle of a heist. He didn’t even realize until Patton handed him his original crown like half an hour later.

•There is viral camera footage of this event. Roman is still a bit bitter towards him but secretly finds it funny.

•He has been caught five times (every time he went on a heist with Remus) and has had his secret identity revealed in private by a few cops. They were all killed by Remus before they could tell anyone.

•Technically Roman owes Remus.

•His supervillain name is Prince for obvious reasons. Remus claimed him as his sidekick immediately so that helped the name decision.

•Everyone thinks Remus is Romans sidekick though. Nobody believes Roman is the lesser one here.

Virgil

•Virgil lives in a 3 bedroom, house with Dee and Remus.

•He’s actually been alive since the dark ages.

•Currently he works at a Hot Topic.

•He’s a supervillain because he is actually a serial killer. Virgil loathes this fact though and tries to repress it as much as he can.

•His powers come from a spell book he has. He can do electrical magic and some illusion magic without help from the book but otherwise he has to read it from the pages in combat. Easy to do with cops, hard to do with superhero’s.

•The spellbook however gives the user intense fear for as long as it’s left open. He tries not to use it to much.

•One time however he literally collapsed and had a panic attack while fighting Thomas. Thomas actually stopped fighting and helped Virgil through it though.

•The athoreties showed up with Virgil proped up ageist the wall beside Thomas. He willingly came but wouldn’t allow for his identity to be seen. He was rescued by Logan later on before he had to go to court.

•Virgil has been detained twice, the first time being him beaten down, the second time him willingly going.

•His outfit is a black cloak along with the rest of his body wearing black. He has fingerless gloves too. His face is hidden by a simple black bandana.

•His supervillain name is Shock, in both the electrical way and emotion way. Another one Thomas came up with.

Dee

Well for starters I just found out how to do this easier. Okay anyways resuming.

Deceit goes by Dee or Dec. He refuses to tell anyone his name. If they ask he says something like “Karen” or “Linda”.

He doesn’t have a job for this reason.

Oh and the fact he can’t cover his identity very well so he’s on the run from the law.

He was involved in the same experimentation Logan went through, but was tested for something different.

Long story short: His body ended up going through the extremely painful process of growing scales on his right half of his body, his canines (teeth not dog) grew into poison filled fangs, and his tounge became thin and forked. An unfortunate side effect was him going blind in his right eye.

He was the one who actually got the experiments shut down.

He was treated as a freak of nature and feared. Eventually he developed the mindset that society was a lie and it needed to be torn apart.

So I guess now he wants an anarchy.

He’s also a narcissistic liar so he fits the role of a snake.

His powers are being immune to physical damage on his right side, and having a venomous bite.

He wears the same bowler hat and everything he originally wears. There is no need to change when you can’t conceal your identity.

He’s actually terrified of snakes despite being part one. Unfortunately snakes are attracted to him.

Remus constantly reminds him that snakes can have two d-

He started a few years ago with his whole anarchy thing from Orlando but Thomas quickly put a stop to it.

His list of crimes just... keep going... it’s to extensive but let’s just say genoside is on there.

His supervillain name is Deceit. He made it himself.

Remus

Ho boy the real train wreck.

He’s currently hiding at Virgil’s place along with Dee.

He is not mentally stable enough to have a job. He’s also the most wanted person in America. This guy can’t get a job.

He’s literally chewed his way out of a straight jacket. This mans unhinged.

His powers? Nobody knows where he got them. Probably used Virgil’s spell book.

His powers are teleportation and shapeshifting.

Leads to some interesting interactions.

He has the achievement of being the only person Thomas has genuinely lost his cool with.

Remus doesn’t conceal his identity. His outfit is just his normal duke outfit he wears everywhere.

I mean when the police first showed up on his first heist he was eating a dollar bill and introduced himself as, “Remus, but you can call me Duke.”

He’s frankly terrifying.

He’s committed every crime in the book. Tax evasion to mass homocide.

His villain name is Duke and it is a household name across America.

Somebody get this man under control oh my god.

So there’s the character bios. Here’s some little tad bits of information!

Emile Picani is both Thomas and Virgil’s therapist.

Virgil hasn’t told him about being a supervillain but oh he knows.

Emile very discreetly is trying to get him to be better one step at a time.

All the supervillains logos were designed by the media.

“Curse” And “Mind Bender” are apparently I dinamic duo on the internet?

Patton, Logan, Roman, and Virgil often team up. Their not official team members or anything but just good friends.

The four often try to pull each other out of crime. For example someone will anonymously give Patton some money, keeping Logan calm, ect.

Virgil used to team up with Deceit and Remus all the time but slowly started to pull away due to them being absolutely unhinged.

Fiona and Liam actually are friends with Thomas.

Remus can actually be quite calm around Deceit and Roman. There can’t be anyone else in the room though.

Thomas is very insistent on finding everyone’s identities and helping them out.

Remy actually knows everyone’s identities besides Virgil’s but because the unhinged ones are already known, he doesn’t care.

Virgil and Roman will sometimes come over to Patton’s house to give him a much needed break from being a single parent.

Logan and Dee are actually extremely good friends and have been since the experimentation. Everyone is pretty good friends with everyone but those two are a whole new level of friends. The others are convinced they might have telepathic powers between each other.

Emile and Remy often hang out together and chat about whatever.

Welp there’s that! I’ll probably be writing some stuff for this so stay tuned! Enjoy the rest of your day!

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eldritchsurveys · 5 years ago

Text

646.

How are you doing today? >> Could be better, could be worse. I’m still a bit depressed but I’m hoping it’ll even out. The Inworlders have been very helpful.

What was the best thing that happened to you today? >> Er... I mean, nothing. Nothing much has happened at all.

Which cell phone network are you on? >> Boost Mobile.

Do you like the smell of cinnamon? >> Sure.

What was the last book you've read? >> The last book I finished was a reread of PZB’s Lost Souls. I’m working on Oryx and Crake by Margaret Atwood right now.

Are you hungry right now? >> No.

What was the last thing you've had to drink? >> Water.

How often do you visit this website? >> This website? Daily. Bzoink? Whenever I need a new survey to take (not that I always find one, mind you. Bzoink is very hit or miss with a marked emphasis on “miss”.)

Do you like frogs? >> I mean... not particularly? They’re cool sometimes, I guess. Mostly they’re just... there.

Are you afraid of dying? >> Sometimes.

Do you like bananas? >> I hate bananas.

Name a movie that you hate. >> I didn’t like Meet the Spartans. That whole genre of movie should have stopped at Scary Movie.

Do you like the show American Dad? >> No. Maybe I just don’t get it.

What TV show do you miss the most that's no longer on TV? >> Galavant.

Are you currently fighting with someone right now? >> No.

Is your life full of drama? >> It really isn’t.

How long can you hold your breath underwater >> I don’t know.

Where's the last place you've been to out of state? >> Houston, Texas.

Have you ever been kissed in the rain? >> Probably.

What letter does your last name start with. >> D.

What are you listening to right now? >> Nothing.

Have you ever had a pet that died? >> Wasn’t my pet, per se. Vlad had a cat die whlie I was living there, and Sparrow’s cat died this past October.

Would you rather use a trackpad or a mouse? >> Depends on what I’m doing. For just using the internet or whatever my trackpad works fine, but when I’m gaming I obviously need a mouse.

Do you consider yourself politically intelligent? >> No.

Have you ever done any volunteer work? >> No.

Do you like the Beatles? >> No.

Is it night time where you're at right now? >> No, it’s early afternoon.

Do you like steak? >> No.

Do you eat healthy? >> I just eat, man. Whatever.

How often do you work out? >> I don’t.

What was the best gift you've ever received? >> *shrug*

Have you ever participated in a spelling bee? >> Yeah. When I was in fourth grade, I won the spelling bee in my school, so I was supposed to go on to regionals -- but apparently, fourth-graders were too young to go to regionals. I was the first fourth-grader to win in the school bee’s history so they’d never had to deal with that. My father raised a big stink about it because he said that if fourth-graders aren’t eligible for regionals, they shouldn’t have been allowed to participate in the school bee in the first place. Somehow this conflict was so interesting to people (or my father’s just such an adept big-stink-raiser, which is most likely) that it ended up in the newspaper and on the evening news. ...And no, I personally did not fucking care either way. This was just one more example of adults placing undue importance on something that did not matter to me and never would matter in the grand scheme of my life, and just shoving me into a spotlight regardless of my feelings. Also, fuck spelling bees as a concept anyway.

If you could have one wish right now, what would it be? >> ---

Do you owe anyone an apology right now? >> No.

Are you the jealous type of person? >> No.

Have you ever tried doing yoga? >> Yeah. It doesn’t quite agree with me, unless I’m just doing the wrong kind or something.

Do you like getting massages? >> Me? The person who hates being touched? Hmm...

Would you rather be too hot or too cold? >> I’d just rather not be in any kind of extreme weather condition, thanks.

Are you good at telling jokes? >> No.

When was the last time you've attended a sleepover? >> ---

Tell me one of your pet peeves. >> I’d rather not.

Do you wear glasses? >> No.

Do you like to keep your nails painted? >> No.

Have you ever had a pedicure? >> Probably, a long time ago.

What is your favorite smell? >> ---

Do you like the TV show Full House? >> Never watched it, not interested.

Would you rather listen to country music or rap music? >> I like both, so.

Are you a Duck Dynasty fan? >> No.

Have you graduated high school yet? >> Yeah.

What kind of person were you in middle school? >> I don’t know. Probably a socially maladjusted one doing its best.

Do you have any major regrets in your life? >> Meh.

Have you ever thought about running away? >> Yeah.

Do you like pixie sticks? >> Not so much anymore. But there’s still some kind of fun novelty about them, despite the fact that I don’t really want to pour pure sugar down my gullet.

Do you like French toast? >> I like it a certain way.

Are you a fast typer? >> Yes.

Are you good at doing math in your head? >> Some math.

Have you ever played with Silly Putty? >> Not to my recollection, but maybe.

Do you take in a lot of caffeine daily? >> No. Caffeine fucks with me too much.

Do you like watching Football? >> No.

What language do you wish you could speak? >> ---

Do you know a lot about history? >> Not a lot, no.

If we could travel back in time, where would you travel to? >> ---

Would you ever consider joining the military? >> I would literally rather die.

Do you think women should be allowed to have abortions? >> Yes.

Are you a cigarette smoker? >> Not usually.

Have you ever done something you didn't want to just to look cool? >> No.

Do you like zombie movies? >> Not usually. Shaun of the Dead and Zombieland were fun, though.

Have you seen The Hunger Games? >> No, but I’ve read them. I don’t like the casting choices in the movies so I don’t know if I’ll bother watching them.

Do you have a favorite piece of clothing? >> No.

Do you own any Uggs? >> No.

Are you wearing any rings on your fingers? >> Not right now.

Name a TV show that you absolutely can't stand. >> Meh.

Do you have any unusual talents? >> I don’t have any talents, usual or otherwise.

Do you look like your age? >> I don’t know what the fuck I look like age-wise and I don’t care.

Do you feel confident in a bathing suit? >> No, I don’t like bathing suits at all.

Do you do a lot of online shopping? >> Not a lot.

Do you like the Harry Potter films? >> Some of them.

Do you judge people based on their sexual orientation? >> No.

Have you ever been told you had an accent? >> I mean, probably.

Have you ever ridden an elephant? >> No.

Are you allergic to pollen? >> No.

Have you ever eaten sushi? If so, do you like it? >> Yes, and I like it fine.

Are you a fan of anime? >> Sure. Not every single one in existence, obviously, but there are plenty I enjoy.

Would you rather play Xbox or Playstation? >> PlayStation seems to have more games I like. But I actually prefer PC gaming.

Are you a big fan of seafood? >> Yes.

What kind of food are you craving right now? >> None, I’m not hungry.

Are you currently in a relationship? If not, are you happy being single? >> I am in relationships.

Do you depend on others for happiness? >> Obviously. People made the video games I play, after all. Just as an example. Also, since I’m not a complete hermit, obviously I keep company with other people for some reason...

Do you like to go fishing? >> Never been, probably wouldn’t care for it. Even video-game fishing is the worst.

Are you a fast runner? >> I don’t know.

Have you ever worked at a fast food place? >> No.

What's on your mind right now? >> The answers I’m giving to these questions.

Are you texting anyone as you're taking this survey? >> No.

Have you ever had a nasty rumor spread about you? >> Probably.

Have you ever sent someone sexual pictures of yourself? >> No.

Do you like who you are on the inside or the outside more? >> ...

Are you good at drawing? >> No.

Do you know how to dance? >> I don’t dance as a matter of skill, I dance as a matter of enjoyment.

What's your favorite reality TV show? >> ---

Do you think Kim Kardashian deserves to be famous? >> I literally do not care.

Are you excited for Christmas this year? >> It’s January, I’m not thinking about Christmas.

Do you celebrate Halloween? >> Not really. What would I even do? Most of the time we just help pass out candy at the Wayland house and that’s good enough for me tbh.

Have you ever had a concussion? >> No.

Do you pretend to be someone you're not? >> No.

Do you listen to heavy metal music? >> Yeah.

Were you sad when Michael Jackson died? >> No.

Do you have more upper or lower body strength? >> I don’t know.

Have you ever been in a tanning bed? >> No.

Do you like hot tubs? >> No. The only time I got into a hot tub I thought I was going to pass out and die. That is definitely not for me.

Do you know anyone who is battling cancer? >> No.

Have you ever donated money to a charity? >> No.

Do you get bored easily? >> Sometimes.

Have you ever peed your pants in public? >> Yeah.

Are you afraid of roller coasters? >> No.

Are you good at doing tongue twisters? >> I don’t know, moderately?

What was the last movie you've seen in theatres? >> Jojo Rabbit.

Have you ever been to a drive-in movie? >> No.

Are you good at doing fractions? >> Probably not. Luckily, I don’t usually have to do them.

What is your favorite holiday? >> Christmas.

Do you prefer Apple or Android? >> Android.

Would you rather have a tablet or a computer? >> A computer. I like having a full keyboard and more robust hardware.

Do you like things that are touch screen? >> Not really, but they can be convenient.

What age did you have your first kiss at? >> ---

Do you regret losing your virginity to whoever you lost it to? >> ---

Do you have a good relationship with your mother? >> I don’t have a relationship with my mother.

Do you like the color lime green? >> It’s okay. In moderation.

What are your plans for tomorrow? >> I have no plans for tomorrow aside from the weekly Cafe Boba thing.

Would you rather wear jeans or yoga pants? >> Sweatpants.

Do you like your clothes to be baggy and comfortable or tight and revealing >> A little baggy and comfortable. I definitely don’t want anything “revealed”.

Do you wish you could change something about your hair? >> No.

Have you ever gotten a makeover? >> Yeah, at a Lord and Taylor’s counter when I was seventeen, for prom. Ugh.

Do you get mad easily? >> Not unless I’m depressed.

Have you ever punched someone in the face? >> No.

Do you think the minions from Despicable Me are cute? >> I really don’t.

Did you have a Gameboy as a child? >> No.

Would you rather have chocolate or gummy worms? >> Gummy worms. Sour, please.

What are your favorite pizza toppings? >> Pepperoni and various vegetables.

Have you ever auditioned for a talent competition? >> No.

Do you make good sandwiches? >> They’re good enough for me.

Would you rather get high or get drunk? >> ---

Have you ever failed a drug test? >> No.

Do you like the Silent Hill movies? >> I liked the first one.

What movie scared you the most out of any other movies? >> ---

Tell me something you've been made fun of for in the past. >> Having big eyes.

What is one thing you need to work on to make yourself a better person? >> ---

Do you support war? >> No. It doesn’t need my support, though. It will always prevail.

#surveys #survey #random survey #this one long

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k-p-p-d · 6 years ago

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Pop Off (M)

Summary: Champagne bottles aren’t the only thing popping off tonight...

Warnings: brief mention of suspected past drug abuse, brief mention of parental death

Length: 3.4k

Previously...

~~~~~~~~~~~

“Holy shit!”

A sharp elbow into Jongin’s side had his champagne splashing out of its flute, the fizzy liquid spilling onto his fingers much to his great annoyance. Angrily, he outstretched his arm to keep from ruining his suit as he growled, “What in the fuck—“

“It’s him. It’s fucking him!” BamBam excitedly whispered, arm cocked and ready to shove his elbow into his brother’s rib cage once more.

Jongin shifted to the side just enough to avoid the misaimed jab before leaning forward to set the glass down. “Who the hell are you talking about?”

“Oh my God,” the younger exasperatedly huffed. He reached over and grabbed his brother’s face between his hands before snapping the tall idiot’s head toward the one and only person he would ever be this excited to see at a club (except maybe for Wiz or Migos or a Kardashian). Jongin gasped as BamBam stressed in a rushed whisper, “Him!”

~~~~~~~~~~~

“Would you like another one?” Jiwoo politely asked with a small gesture toward the half-emptied champagne bottle.

“Do you want another, hyung?” came a lazy drawl from the impossibly full, pouty lips of the taller of the two. One of his seemingly endless legs was crossed over top the other while his equally lengthy arms were stretched across the back of the leather sofa he was so elegantly reclined upon. His sleepy eyes slowly slid across the crowded main floor of the bustling floor with marked disinterest.

“He’s so much more beautiful up close...” Somin whistled in quiet appreciation. Jiwoo wholeheartedly agreed, but considering she was face-to-face with the living, breathing masterpiece that was Chae Hyungwon, she couldn’t exactly voice her sentiments. Instead, she turned expectantly toward his equally stunning companion. “Should I get another bottle for you?”

“The company’s paying for it and I need to take my edge off so let’s make it two,” Minhyuk lilted with his pouty lips stretched into a wolfish grin and mischievous glint dancing in his piercing almond eyes, the strobing lights of the club refracting wildly off his impossibly high cheekbones. Jiwoo dipped forward slightly in acknowledgment of his order before she exited their booth.

Reaching up to brush a loose strand behind her ear, she pressed her thumb gently against one of the platinum bands curved around the upper shell of her ear. Almost immediately, the voices of the two men she’d just left filtered into her ears. “Stop pouting and play with me,” Minhyuk, she presumed, whined.

“You’re insufferable,” Hyungwon sighed. “Can’t you pester someone else for a change?”

“You’re so mean to me.” Jiwoo could just hear the pout in Minhyuk’s raspy voice as he huffed indignantly, “Beauty wouldn’t treat me this way.”

“She wou—

Hyungwon was interrupted by a new voice purring something smoothly in Japanese, accent barely noticeable in the deep rumble of the man’s voice. Shit. Jiwoo didn’t catch that all.

“He asked if Hyungwon cared to dance,” Seulgi supplied as if on cue, her voice barely above a whisper in Jiwoo’s right ear. Mentally reprimanding herself for not brushing up on her Japanese beforehand, Jiwoo glanced across the club to the bar and flashed a small, appreciative smile once she caught the other woman’s eye. Seulgi lifted a martini glass and muttered a soft, “No problem. Do you need me to translate?” Jiwoo shook her head as she made her way to her next booth. “Alright. That was Kai speaking, by the way.” Jiwoo nodded once; she’d figured it was him based off what she could recall of Woojin’s interrogation of the two brothers.

“Would you care for more champagne?” she asked the next guests at the same time she heard BamBam’s flirty remark, “You’re almost out of champagne. Let me order a couple more bottles for you, my treat.”

“We have a few on the way,” Minhyuk rasped, “but I’ll certainly never turn down more.”

“Good, because I wouldn’t have taken ‘no’ for an answer. I’m BamBam,” the younger stretched out a hand as he introduced himself before nodding his head toward his brother, “and this is—“

“I’m Kai,” Jongin interjected easily in Japanese, his smoldering eyes dancing seductively in the flashing lights as he held Hyungwon’s gaze evenly.

Hyungwon would be lying to himself if he didn’t admit he was a little flattered the pair clearly knew who he was (and how remarkably good Kai’s Japanese was). Even after all this time, his reputation still preceded him. How lovely. But that wasn’t something the pair needed to know. Eyes still holding the other man’s gaze, Hyungwon made a show of reaching forward to pick up his flute of champagne, curling his long, slender fingers one by one around the narrow stem before lifting the glass to his mouth. He paused just as the chilled glass pressed into his plush bottom lip and casually declared in Japanese, “You’re both already aware of who we are so any introductions on our end are pointless.” He took a long sip of his drink then questioned, “Does your brother speak Japanese?”

“Only the most basic of phrases,” Jongin supplied as he boldly reached forward to pour himself a glass from their last remaining bottle. “Does your friend?”

“Only the most basic of phrases,” Hyungwon parroted. It was a complete lie considering he’d personally tutored Minhyuk in the language, but there was no fun to be had in admitting the truth. He wanted to see just how far Kai thought he could get with him. It’d been quite a long time since he’d had some fun. “We do very little speaking when we see each other,” he added vaguely. He could see Minhyuk’s lips twitch with mirth at the half-truth.

Jongin gracefully lowered himself onto the couch across from the other man. “Then let’s only speak in Japanese. I like having private conversations and moments like this in public.”

“Oh, an exhibitionist, are we?” Hyungwon teased.

“I am many, many things. What are you?”

“Intrigued.”

Taking a cue from his brother, BamBam sat down right next to Minhyuk and handed him a filled champagne flute. Honestly, he’d normally be more tactful (or “sleazy,” as Jongin would incorrectly put it) than this, but he just had to know: “Is it true that you were alone in the woods for like a year?”

Minhyuk quirked a brow at the sudden question. So the rumors about him were still circulating. He didn’t even try to keep the smirk off his face as he accepted the glass and answered, “It was about two and a half weeks, but close enough.”

“That’s so amazing. You must have been, like, really scared.” The best way to flirt is to show genuine interest, BamBam reasoned considering he failed to keep the awe out of his voice.

Minhyuk shrugged, “Don’t really know, honestly. I was too focused on not freezing my ass off to think about it or my parents.”

BamBam faltered for a split second before he scooted closer to lean into Minhyuk’s space as he reached out to gently grip the elder’s thigh, “My parents died when I was little too.”

“You were adopted when you were barely one,” Jongin scoffed with a roll of his eyes and dismissive wave of his hand.

“Okay, and? I wouldn’t have been adopted if my parents were alive, asshole,” BamBam snapped in return. “Go back to boring Hyungwon at your pathetic attempts at flirting.”

“They’re not pathetic,” Hyungwon hummed lowly in Korean, immediately drawing both of the brothers’ attention to him, both wearing identical expressions of shock. Minhyuk’s wolfish smirk made yet another appearance on his face as he watched the other man slowly sip his champagne before delivering the expected final nail in Jongin’s coffin, “They were nonexistent.”

Jiwoo had never struggled to keep her reactions in check during a mission as hard as she did in that moment. But somehow, she managed to remain professional (though she couldn’t say the same for the rest of her team) as she delivered the requested bottles to them. “Is there anything else I can get you?”

Defeated in this conquest, Jongin turned his full attention to her and raked a smoldering gaze slowly up her figure until he locked eyes with her, Jiwoo returning his intense stare in spades with ease. “I presume you’re off the menu tonight?” he tested.

“I am,” she confirmed but leaned forward anyway until she was barely a breath’s space away from his lips, eyes still boring into his and voice now dropped down to a whisper, “especially for spoiled brats with nothing but daddy’s name and money to hide behind like you.” Jongin’s eyes hardened and his smirk flattened into a taut line. Straightening back up, she pivoted on her heel to pointedly face the three other men. “If there’s anything else I can get for you all, just let me know.”

“Oh my God,” Somin wheezed into her ear as she struggled to keep from doubling over in a fit of laughter.

“Can we please be best friends?” a new voice questioned, Sooyoung’s if she had to hazard a guess. “Because that was amazing and I need you to teach me your ways so I can use it against the creeps back in Macau.”

“You do just fine fending them off, Sooyoung,” Joohyun quietly murmured.

“Not to interrupt your fangirling,” Yerim interjected coolly, “but I think Woojin might have a situation on hand.”

~~~~~~~~~~~

“Shit.”

Woojin didn’t know which of them had said it, but he knew it was the only word that had come to his mind when he saw the trio make their way down to the dance floor. He moved immediately to block the two detectives’ view, but it was already too late. He could see it in the way their eyes had glazed over as if life had left them only to spark a raging fire of a million repressed emotions less than a split second later. Woojin knew he needed to act fast before o— “Shit.”

Wang was already off the couch and headed to the steps that would lead him to the floor. Woojin grabbed his wrist reflexively and attempted to pull him back down to his seat. Wang didn’t stop moving, his eyes narrowed into thin slits on his targets. Exasperated, Woojin grabbed the back of Wang’s shirt with his other hand and yanked hard until the shorter man stopped moving. “Wang,” Woojin hissed, “whatever you’re thinking of doing, don’t.”

Wang turned his head slowly and growled roughly, “Let go of me.”

Woojin’s grip only tightened. “I can’t do that. You know I can’t. So please, sit your ass back down before I have to enact One Punch.”

Wang’s nostrils flared dangerously as he fully turned to face Woojin. “I said,” he began slowly, each word lined with razorblades, “let go of me, Kim.”

“And if I do, what are you gonna do, huh?” Woojin challenged as he stood up to step closer to him, careful not to crowd into Wang’s space but enough to really remind him that he could easily overpower him if push came to shove. “Are you gonna go down and arrest him? Drag him out of here, screaming bloody murder? That’s a shit plan, Wang, and you know it. He’s protected, for fuck’s sake.”

“I’ll figure something out.”

“Like what, Jackson?” Tuan challenged too, voice quiet but the icy edge to his tone rigid enough to draw his partner’s attention to him.

“I’ll lie and say I scored some Nightshade. That’s how he got in this fucking mess—“

“You know as well as I do he was never addicted. And even if he were, his sugar daddy—“ it wasn’t lost on Woojin how venomously Tuan had spat those words “—or whatever the fuck that bastard is would have forced him to get clean. So your brilliant plan still wouldn’t work.”

“I don’t fucking care, Yi En!” Wang snapped viciously in Cantonese. “That’s our fucking brother!”

Tuan’s eyes narrowed into the thinnest slits possible, jaw clenched so hard that Woojin could practically see his veins pulse with every heartbeat. “Watch your fucking voice, Ka Yee,” he hissed back in Cantonese before switching back to English, “we’re in public.”

“Listen to your partner, Wang, please,” Woojin warned quietly in Korean, now stepping even closer to actually crowd into the other’s space. “You’re putting us all in danger here.”

"Get the fuck out of my way, Kim!" Wang growled at the brick wall of muscle keeping him from the man who was like a younger brother.

Woojin dropped his voice even lower, "And let you fuck this up for everybody and cost us our lives, possibly the kid’s too?" Woojin scoffed, "That’s a shit ton of paperwork that I know for a fact the Captain would rather not do. You’re being irrational and you know it.” Woojin looked over the fuming smaller man’s head over to his partner. Switching back to English to keep up pretenses, he instructed, "Why don't you take your boyfriend outside, Tuna? He needs to cool off. I'll keep an eye on your boy while you’re away."

Wang stepped impossibly closer to the taller, bulkier body until their chests were somewhat flush. "I'll remember this, Kim."

Woojin struggled to keep from rolling his eyes. "I sincerely hope you do. Commit it to memory as the night I saved your ass. Now go." With that, he spun the other by his wrist to push him in Tuan’s tensed form. “Go,” he repeated, his tone harder than a brick wall so the two men knew there was no room left to argue.

Woojin waited with bated breath as he watched the agitated pair slink out of their booth and skirt around the edges of the dance floor, where the kid—Yugyeom, he thinks that’s his name—was sandwiched between two slightly shorter but equally striking guys. He blinked twice in rapid succession to trigger the zoom feature of his lenses before blinking thrice more to capture each of their faces. “You getting all this?” he asked to no one in particular.

“Yep!” Somin chirped brightly at the same time Choi breathed out, “Shit, it’s really him...”

Woojin chuckled dryly, “You sound like you’ve seen a ghost.”

“He might as well have, for all intents and purposes,” Im countered quietly.

“How long has it been since...” Woojin mumbled softly.

“A little over a year,” Park stated evenly, his voice completely catching Woojin off-guard. “And before you ask, yes, I’m alone. Wheein just went to the bathroom. But it’s been a little over a year since everything went down. As you just saw, the situation isn’t resolved in the slightest for any of us but especially those two. They felt— feel they are responsible for what happened to him.”

“What exactly happened to him?”

“It wasn’t in the files?”

“No, everything but it was in there.”

“Not surprising,” Im sighed heavily. “Now’s not the time to get into this, especially if they’re still listening, but suffice to say he was like a brother to us all yet we couldn’t protect him so we lost him.”

“Damn.”

“You could say that again,” Choi mumbled humorlessly.

~~~~~~~~~~~

“Damn, it’s so hot!” Yugyeom whined pathetically. Reaching down, he grabbed his boyfriend’s wrist and started to lead them off the crowded dance floor, “Come on, let’s go back up and cool off.”

“You mean, make out,” Taeyong chuckled but followed anyway.

“Same difference,” Yugyeom shot back as he looked at him with a bright grin. Taeyong returned his smile before leaning up to pressing a quick peck to his cheek. Behind them, Baekhyun made retching noises. “Oh shut up, hyung, we know you like watching us.”

Baekhyun rolled his eyes, “I’m a voyeur. I like watching anyone. But you guys just get too sappy for me to actually enjoy it. Like just then.”

“You say that like you aren’t all heart eyes over Chanyeol-hyung,” Taeyong quipped before making obnoxiously loud kissy noises that both men could hear over the heavy bass reverberating in the club.

“I absolutely do not!”

“You do.”

“I don’t!”

“Hyung, you literally threatened to cut off Jongdae-hyung’s dick for bro-hugging him.”

“I was drunk, so what? It’s not like I actually did it,” Baekhyun pouted.

Taeyong began, “Yeah, but you wanted to—“

“—meaning our point still stands,” Yugyeom finished with a final nod. “You want his heart as much as you do his dick and everybody but you two idiots know it.”

“I do not get paid enough for this abuse,” Baehyun grumbled bitterly with a huff as he shoved a couple of drunken clubgoers away from the trio.

“Yeah, but you love it, you cute little masochist,” Yugyeom cooed in a singsong voice.

“Who you calling ‘little,’ you abnormally tall baby?” Baekhyun fired back, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips and threatening to explode into a full-blown boxy grin.

Yugyeom opened his mouth to tease his tiny hyung even more, but movement caught his eyes as he turned his head. His smile faltered a little. His heart stopped for the briefest of moments before slamming hard into his ribcage as he took in the two faces he’d forced himself not to think of every dark night for the past year. But here they were, their hardened eyes staring coldly into his widened ones with nothing but contempt and hurt written plainly on their faces while all he could do was offer them a small smile. A squeeze to his hand brought his attention back from his former brothers and he plastered a large smile on his face for the two men beside him.

“You okay, babe?” Taeyong questioned gently, squeezing the younger’s hand again for comfort.

“I’m fine!” Yugyeom chirped. “I thought I saw some old friends of mine, but it wasn’t them.”

Taeyong stared at him for a long moment but decided not to press him further on it. Whatever he was hiding, it was clearly a sensitive subject for him and the club was certainly not the place to force it out of him. There were much more private, fun places for that. He smiled and released the younger’s hand, instead now tugging on his sleeve as moved to step ahead of him. “Let’s hurry up then, it’s been like an hour since Minki’s kissed us and you know how impatient he gets.”

“He’s so needy,” Yugyeom nodding, speeding up a little.

“The neediest,” Taeyong confirmed as they made their way up the stairs. “But it’ll make for an excellent show for Baekhyun-hyung, won’t it?” he teased with a wink.

“Hey! I heard that!” the elder squawked as he shoved yet another wasted couple out of their way.

“And you’re about to see it too, hyung,” Yugyeom warned lowly as he crowded into Taeyong once they reached the top of the stairs. Wrapping his long arms around his boyfriend’s neck, he drew him into a deep, passionate long kiss all the while his eyes never once left Baekhyun’s rapidly darkening ones.

Baekhyun groaned, “I do not get paid nearly enough for this shit.”

~~~~~~~~~~~

“Wait here,” she instructed softly as she slinked out of their secluded VIP suite with only a bottle champagne in her well-manicured hand.

Jaeyoon dutifully remained seated on his plush chaise, his own hand now gripping the handle of his well-concealed pistol. As he awaited her return, he couldn’t help but wonder what business she had to conduct that wouldn’t allow him to be present for considering he was her assigned security of the evening. “It’s above my paygrade,” he reasoned when he could think of no suitable answer.

“It is,” she affirmed sweetly as she smoothly slipped back into the suite, the bottle no longer in her hand. “Let’s go, I have a plane to catch in a few hours and I still need to finish packing.”

“Yes, ma’am,” Jaeyoon nodded once and stood, offering her the crook of his elbow which she easily took.

“Such a gentleman,” she teased.

“Only in public,” he smirked.

“Oh, I am well aware.”

Jungkook felt uneasy as he stared at the fresh bottle of champagne sitting squarely in the middle of the table. Attached to the neck was a black ribbon whose end looped around a tiny black card. Nervously, he looked around the suite to double check no one else was present before he hesitantly reached for the card. He already knew what it would say but it didn’t lessen his nerves at all. Jungkook took a deep breath and flipped it open. The increasingly familiar and unnerving Chinese characters elegantly scrawled in silver ink proudly pronounced, “If you don’t pay, I play.”

—Admin Lily

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stanbangttan · 6 years ago

Text

BTS REACTION “You touching and/or flirting with them”

A/N:Hi, Stanbangttan here. Yes I am in fact alive. I have been dealing with few personal issues and now I hope I will be back for good. I had this reaction request for a long time from @olivia-cosmosine But better late than never. Right? I am sorry you waited this long, but as a thank you for being patent, i made it EXTRA LONG as an imagine/oneshot kinda deal. Hope you like it! Keep reading folks.

Genre: fluff / angst / a little smut you name it

Warnings: mention of some kinks, almost pg 13

NAMJOON/RM

It was late for going out now. You are tired. You took of your make up, or what's left of it after this hell of the day at work. Stress, your boss yelling, at you and your co-workers, didn’t leave you in the best mood for the rest of your day. You didn't wanna go home. You didn't wanna go to your work. Could you just be locked inside of an library with endless rows of books? Even though you didn't want it, you went home, took a shower and was ready to finish the manga you love so much. You sat in your bed, got comfy and reached for the book. You started reading. 'I know this. I read this. Oh my god. I finished all ten of them.' - It was time to visit Clara. Clara was an older lady that held a cute little bookstore/ library. Her husband Rick, made every shelf in that bookstore for her and made her dream come true. She wanted a safe and comfy space for everyone to read and only beverage she will give you will be tea. The library was on the other part of the town. Just a few people you knew visited it or knew about the place. That gave you more peace even tho it shouldn't. It had all from books, textbooks to mangas and comics. Clara wasn't gonna discriminate any book there is, whatever form did it came in. Bean bags with coffee tables or regular chairs with regular tables for studying. Lo -fi music in the background. It was the best place on earth, why would you share it with someone? You wanted it all for yourself. You found out for this place by accident, when you were in high school and visiting a math tutor in this part of the town. Jimin was quite a good tutor but he was also handsome, so you were terrible at math all together even after his tutoring. Because how are you gonna focus on algebra when that man is next to you? So you self taught yourself, all over again at Clara's bookstore, and Clara gave you tea to keep your caffeine intake high so you can actually focus. Clara was younger, Rick wasn't in a wheelchair then, and everything seemed harmless and fun, with no responsibilities. After a while you realized you payed Jimin money just to see him every week, and not because you actually learn something from him. So you came clean. Asked him out. He said he has a girlfriend. Oh, all of them always do. That he is flattered. Oh, all of them always are. But never, ever someone said 'yes'. Or 'I wanna go out with you, Y/N.' You stopped getting tutored, you stopped going to Clara's. But you missed it. So you started to go to Clara's once again. And it became your little secret and guilty pleasure.

You sat in the bus 854, that had a stop near Clara's bookstore and about half a hour later you hopped off. Clara's face lighted up when she saw you tonight. "I thought you're gonna miss your tradition, Y/N." "Let me tell you, I was gonna do it. But I ran out of chapters." - Clara just laughed. "How is Rick?" "He's good. Recovering. They say he's gonna be walking again in a month. Even though he keeps getting up without doctor knowing." "He just can't keep his butt at one place." "You know it. Are you reading here or not? " "We'll see. Are my chapters at the same place?" - you said as you got far into the rows of shelves and books on them. "M-hm. Rain started." - Clara somewhat shouted. It is pouring out there. Great. You turned around to see Clara's face - "Then I will, until it stops." - Clara laughed mischievously, disappearing in the back room , confused you kept walking backwards until I hit something solid and firm. Automatically your lips mouth - "I am sorry." "It's okay." - male voice responded. Not stopping, you took a left, you knew the shelf location by heart, found your aisle, between ton of shelves. As you went to grab next chapter of a the manga you want to read, as a hand found yours on the same book. "I saw it first." - same male voice said. So what, it's his hand on yours. - "I took it first." His hand quickly vanished. You turned around, manga in your hand, then your eyes found his. His warm but deep brown ones. You broke the contact. Looking at him under your lashes. His lips are so full. You bet they're soft too. His voice awakens your daydream "Will you read it here?" - Oh dios mio, he has dimples. With every word those two appeared. "Uhm," - you turn to see the rain showering the streets - "Probably." - you said nodding. "I can wait for you to finish.. It." "Y-yeah. Deal." - You walked to the bean bags. Clara brought two, yes, two cups of tea, and winked at you. "Y/N, I need to go to the grocery store for a minute, can you keep the bookstore running?" "Now? Out on the spurting rain, really Clara?" She made the shush face and continued, - "Yes. Namjoon help her out, please." "Of course, Mrs. Jenkins." - he politely responded. Clara basically evaporated from the bookstore. "You know she will take long on purpose. She is acting, no, she's playing matchmaker now. This is not my first rodeo with her." "I know. Neither is mine. But she has the best interest, I swear. " "I know" - you said apologetically.

"I live down the street. I am Namjoon." - he said putting his hand in yours. "I know." - you shook it for maybe way too long as your eyes smiled at each other. Someone would say your gazes already made love to each other, because the chemistry as off the charts. His puzzled face was enough. "She said it. I am Y/N." "I know" - he smiled. Y ou took the comfy bean bag you always lay in, blanket over you and got back to your manga. He got up and looked for another manga or book to read. Whenever you lifted your gaze from the book, his gaze was on you, and he smiled. You smile back. Maybe Clara is not just playing.

JIN

"Maria, not another blind date. Nope, just NO." You shouted over the phone. Your roommate was getting pissy because she couldn't hear what Khloe Kardashian said in the new episode, but you didn't give a flying fuck. Whenever Maria got a love or better said dick interest you were the one she dragged with her, her plus one for all of mediocre best friends Maria's date had. One never better that the other. Issues and problems you didn't want in your life. But as a good friend you were you were pretending for her. But this was outrageous. "Can't you keep a man, Maria. Please keep fucking Jungkook, so I can actually have a weekend for myself, to find a date I actually want to go to." You screamed. I bet your neighbors have first hand reality show experience with what comes or is heard out of this apartment. Kira is now muting the Kardashians and pays attention to you and Maria's conversation. "Who is Jungkook?" "Shut it Kira,” - you continued the phone torture - ”I can't go on another blind date." "Tell Maria, I'll go." Kira shouted.

"No, not her Y/N. Please. Not for this one. This one is the real deal. I swear to you. He is from a good family. They both are. Both Hoseok and Jin." - Maria pleaded me. "You are indebted by me, by soooooooo much, you're not even aware how much. " "Thank you, thank you." "When are we going? And how?" "Hoseok said to catch campus bus at seven." "Dresscode?" "Girly? I don't know where we’re going. I am sorry.” "Ugh, okay. " “I can ask him though." “Yea, you do that.” - you hang up on her. Why is this your life?

-----

Instantly as you and Maria got into the bus you spotted him. This man was unbelievingly handsome. Not just handsome, he was beautiful. Pouty lips, piercing eyes, and a skin clear as first snow. I wish she set me up with a guy like him - you thought. You hate blind dates, and blind double dates are even more uncomfortable. As bus was leaving the bus stop, you looked for an empty spot, but Maria was already doing that for you. Going into pretty boy's direction. She waved the guy that sat in front of him, I assume Hoseok and he gestured her to sit next to him. There was an empty spot next to the hottie. But who's your date? Is he already at the venue? Is he at the bus? As you stood over them, awkwardly avoiding eye contact with the pretty boy, and trying not to interrupt your friend and her date, her date finally said "Oh, hi, Jin saved you spot, too." I looked at the hottie, as the guy gestured behind him. Jin. I like it. "Hi, Jin" you said as you hugged him. Was that too much? Maybe he is not the hugging type. "Hi.." said Jin awkwardly. You looked straight ahead, closing your eyes in regret, thinking how you fucked everything up, and the blind date didn't even start. This is the first one you actually liked and you fuck up. The gist of your life in 2 minutes. Then you looked at Jin, looking at you, and he smiled. Well, maybe you didn't fuck everything up just yet.

YOONGI / SUGA

Working at a Music Entertainment company as a secretary was pretty much boring, at first thought. But when you gave it time, it became quite interesting. You got to meet a lot of celebrities. And to find out some of those celebs are actually trash. To surprise pleasantly that some of them are so kind. That there are divas and an actual human with a reasoning. It was hard, but once in a while it was pleasant to work with them too. Company birthday was around the corner, and company dinner was obligatory. Well that was in the email you got. I mean dinner & drink with colleagues can't be lethal, right? You're not all from the same division, so that means you'll meet more people. As anxious that made you, it made you think about how good that is for your carrier. Just think how many people you'll meet, and how many more opportunities it will open - you said to yourself in the mirror at the restaurant. You splashed some droplets of water on your face, while picking up courage to go inside and find a table where everyone is. Girls exiting the bathroom in this exact moment laughed at you. Whatever. Y/N , be a good girl. Don't drink much. Be normal, just for tonight don't be yourself. Don't say stupid things. Stop with the puns Jin learned you. Okay? Okay. You got out there. Just few of employees arrived, which is good. Let's start small. Time passed, few small talks nothing big. Slowly but surely seats filled up. One next to you empty for over an hour. It felt like everyone knew everyone. You felt like a black sheep in a flock. Which left you with more time to drink. So you actually did. Suddenly a guy sat on that empty spot. And he puts his empty glass in front of you. Gesturing at the Soju in your hand. You stared at him in confusion. You don't know this guy. He read your mind. "Hi, I am Yoongi. Can I have the drink now we passed the names and all shitty conversation?" "Y-yes.." You poured him a drink. Then another one. And another one. When you felt like you were drunk enough for this, you asked him "Sooo, cutie pie, what division are you?" - great, we started with the awkward flirting. He kept quiet. You thought he didn’t hear you so you asked again. "C'mon, how long do you work for BH?" "I guess we didn't skip all the shitty conversations and after all. Look, I don't work in the departments." he answered, and you laughed. "Pfft, how is that possible?" - Who do he think he is? "I'm a producer. CEO.I work at the studio." Then it dawned on you.. "Ohh, so you like play an instrument? Are you my boss or something? " - you smiled. "InstrumentS actually. Piano is one of them, for example. Maybe I am. " he emphasized the "s", bragging. "I know preppy ones like you." - you blurted out. This is ironic flirting for you. He needs to keep up. He's kinda slow. And you're kinda drunk. Who are you kidding, you're too drunk. "What is that supposed to mean?" It means you are preppy full of yourself guy who thinks he's better than anyone else, but you actually fake it. You didn't say that. He's your boss. Well maybe. But you're not gonna risk it. He pays well. Well maybe. "Oh you can actually hear me now? I meant, your fingers must do wonders then." You touched his fingers, bumping at one of his silver rings, playing with it and laughed at your own dirty joke. Damn you Jin, if I remember this in the morning, I'll kill you. He was rather surprised of the sudden touch, making the face at your dirty pun, but didn't want to show that he got it or that he liked it for a matter a fact. Both of it. He just responded "I can show you if you want.." This night will be fun.

J-HOPE/ HOSEOK

You were new here. New town. New people. New group of friends. Well some of them were just friends in your eyes. Not Hoseok though. He’s so dreamy, the smile he gives to everyone, but is able to scold them as well. You needed that balance in life. You are a friendly person, talkative as much as it gets. But you never said to anyone about your crush on Hoseok. He was your little secret. Other people paired you two together for activities accidentally which made your smile grow bigger and somehow, you fell under his spell. Not that he knew, or noticed. He gave you as much attention as he gave anyone else. Or that's what you thought. It was game night and it was your turn to choose the place you all will go. After thinking long, the best option was rolling skate rink. You knew the place well, you skate well or you can pretend you don't, you dance well and you knew Hoseok would enjoy it. You made a choice thinking of him, that was not surprise to you. And as a bonus, they had amazing milkshakes! Perfect. You skated with friends, Hoseok showed off his moves even on skates. Jumping around, speeding like a lunatic, moonwalk all the way to you and the girls, pushed you about 10 meters away from the group, and almost knocked you over doing so. He caught you mid fall, like in the movies you watched, you took your hand and moved to his cheek, entranced. It'll be just like in the old movies - you somewhat prayed. He made a serious face, "wha-?" "um--" you fake cough, standing up, and looking down, trying to calm your beating heart, and shaky knees. Too bad your knees are a pair of freaking betrayers. You fell once again, your butt on the floor. He helped you stand up. You wanted to run away. To lock yourself in safety of your room for a month till this sickening, gushing feeling stops. Or just forever so you don't embarrass yourself ever again. His face was blood red, just like when he drank, the song changed and he took the chance to run away to the other side of the rink. Flustered? Or Ashamed? And you thought you wanted to run. Why did he run away? Why did you even think your life could be a movie? Whole squad was at the tables, calling your name, while you stood on the center of the rink. "We saved you a spot." - someone said. You don't even know who, you're so much out of yourself. Across from you was a empty spot too. You looked at it, for hour what it felt. But it barely passed minutes. Until someone sat, and looked at your eyes. Same voice spoke again - "Maybe we should give them little space guys.." Another chimed in "Yeah.. " All of your friends left the table, you felt the same feeling, voice inside telling you -RUN- but Hoseok didn't run so you didn't too. "So.." - he said "So.."- you repeated "I.." - you both chimed at the same time.

"You can go first" - again "Are we gonna act as twins or?" - you joked nervously "That'll be incest then.. " - Hoseok said under his breath

"What ?" - you asked just to be cut again. "I like you, Y/N" - his face flushed again, his voice stuttering and head hung low You smiled, " I do to.. " " I mean don't understand me wrong I do not like me too.. What I wanted to say.. Ugh, I hate this.. I mean I don't hate you. I... I just .. I like you too." "We're both a stuttering mess.." - Hoseok said, holding your hand.

JIMIN

Jimin was popular for his “friendliness” with girls. Whole campus knew who he was, what he was doing with his free time, and was pretty known campus hoe. Men threw him high-fives and "WhoopWhoop-ed" him when they saw him, like having a STD was something to be proud of. Boys will be boys, and girls wouldn't be girls if they didn't fall on that façade he puts every morning. How did you know that? Well, you have been childhood friend, not that close one, with the said hoe. Driving him/ being driven to campus by him, or carpooling with some friends from same neighborhood and him being there was one way. But like it wasn't more than enough that you had to share the air with him, he decided to tease hell out of you. You both sat in the back, you were looking through the window and the scenery you have seen, well million times, and still that was better than dealing and talking to him. You didn't hated him, you hated his behavior, which his older brother somehow passed on to him. That fucker is a story for itself. Suddenly, Minie and Jess, riding in the front got into “female only” discussion on a topic why is the diva cup better than a tampon or the pad, for your hygiene and economically, cutting Jimin off completely having him jobless, and in a mood for teasing you. He poked your arm, smiling so hard that his eyes closed, HE ENJOYED THIS. *poke* *poke* *poke* over and over again. You ignored. Well you tried. You snapped. That's an understatement.

"WHAT THE FUCK DO YOU WANT?"

Minie flinched and Jess, who was driving honked the car accidentally because of the sudden shout. He put the innocent face on “Why are you screaming at me, I didn’t do anything to you,” sly smile creeping in, “Gezz woman, is that time of the month again?"

"They’re bickering again.. ” Minie sighed and Jess dismissed you two, continuing their conversation, this was daily routine now.

“If by that time of the month again you mean you being annoying little shit, then that’s the whole month, brat.” you hissed.

“WOAH, someone likes that dirty talk. Kinky.” he trailed his fingertips on your arm. You kicked his hand with a smack, only to hear him mumble “Auch, rough, too.” with a sly smile. He is being entertained now. And you are the entertainer.

You didn’t care what other girls have done, that’s their life, their respect and decisions. YOU wouldn’t let that happen to you. Not with Jimin. Couldn’t he be like, normal for once, and ignore your existence? Anger flew trough you. You were red furious when you pinched closer, grabbed him by the throat, nails digging into his tender neck flesh, you lost control, the last drop overflew the glass you have been filling with annoyance and anger of him being rude and disrespectful to you.

“Touch me again, without my permission, douche, and I will cut this air flow to your non existing brain, are we clear kid?"

Minie and Jess, saw this thing went overboard, turned around when it was red light just to stop you two from killing eachother.

"Okay.” he said. Alright. That’s it. You stood for yourself. Turned around and watched the trees move again when green light showed up. You were on campus already, Jess finds a spot to park. Jimin held his throat, smiling like nothing happened, then you heard his smile voice grow again “Into chocking, huh?” his smile grew bigger and bigger as he got off the car, “I never would have guessed, but I like it.” He winked and with that he took off running, so you couldn’t catch him and kill him, per say.

TAEHYUNG / V

Being one of the boys was kinda a normal to you. You were always labeled a tomboy and to be honest you didn't hate it. It had its beneficial aspects. For example boys didn't try to use you, you didn't have those fake girl friends, most of boy friends are actually really easy and honest. Obnoxious - YES, but honest. On the other side, it was hard to date, because all your boy squad will scare him away, or tell you he wasn't good enough for you which you knew, but SOMETIMES A GIRL JUST WANNA KISS. You're not gonna marry a douche. You are rarely girly, because being girly is a opportunity to be mocked by them. All of your girlfriends, which was a small few, are possible hookups to them and you had no saying in it as they had in your love interests. Unfair. Tae will purposely tell guys to stay away from you. Or scare away the freshmen that pick up a courage to try and pick you up with cheesy lines. Namjoon would sometimes tell him to chill, and let you breathe, and you thank him for that with a ice cream cone once in a while. And he'll give you the same lecture every time, "You know I can't protect you from them all the time. You need to find a girlfriend to do this love life shit with. And this ice cream is not really worth it to go against their back…" "You sure about that? Your passionate licking tells me otherwise." "I mean mostly it is, but it's getting transparent what I am trying to do here. Just get ready and go clubbing sometimes without us Go with your girlfriends from the dorm. Just know that one call will get us there where you are if something goes wrong." And You'd say "Okay, I will." Every time but you never do it. Your girl friends are just not - not them. You don't mind not hooking up most of the time. But a period comes when you really wanna kiss somebody, and then you drown yourself in Vodka. Or Tequila. Or anything that'll help you forget how much you wanna kiss Tae. You'd dance till your feet hurt as hell. You'd scream over the lines of every love song they play. You'd make fool out of yourself. And you don't have to worry because your male squad is there to take care of you. Same one, that is hooking up rn, and same one that have a designated driver and a designated someone who will look over, specifically, you. That was the deal, every week one of them is the driver and "the look out for Y/N". This week that was Tae. You sat at the booth you got reserved. Next to Tae. “Where are they?" "Jimin was grinding over the blonde in the corner. Namjoon is at the bar with the redhead. Hoseok -" You stopped him mid sentence and continued "- at the dance floor, with god knows who, kissing god knows who." "As usual." He said. "You jealous TaeTae?" - You bopped his nose in playful tone - "You'd loooooooove to be nuzzled in someone's neck right now, making tons of hickeys. BUT YOU'RE STUCK WITH ME." - It was really pathetic telling him that last part of the sentence. He ignored your drunk ass - "Jungkook is already at the bathroom going at it. I gave him my condom, that crazy kid. Yoongi and Jin are god knows where I lost them. Probably somewhere, making puns and wining in life. And yes, I AM here stuck with YOU" - He bopped your nose back. Your head fell down, eyes filled with tears, not that he saw. You put your hand on his leg, squeezing the thigh. He didn't expect that. He got shivers. He didn't expect that too. You looked him in the eyes - "Is that what I am to you, a fucking bother?" - you stood up. You're leaving this place right now. You don't need them. You can go back. You can order a uber. An uber driver can be a murderer. But you're not that pretty anyways. "Where the heck do you think you're going to?" he mocked you, laughing. You wobbled around. You're too drunk for this. You should stop drinking. Or stop drinking this much. "What do you care where I am gonna end up to? Will I get murdered? Or not?" - you made no sense. "And I am perfectly fine for your information. I'm not that pretty to be murdered.” - he laughed harder. "Don't you laugh at me, you moron." - you came back just to hit him. He welcomed your hits. He caught your hands, locked his gaze on you and then he kissed you.. You stopped breathing for a second, you stopped crying, you stopped hitting him, and stopped screaming at him. World stopped spinning for that ten seconds too. "Stop it, you're drunk, Tae." - this was not the first kiss you shared, every time Tae drunk as an ass when it happened, every time you stopped him telling him he's drunk. "No I am not, I'm sober as a cop tonight. Remember?"

JUNGKOOK

I think it's understatement to say you are crushing on Jungkook. It's been too long to even remember when this started for you. He's the best friend of your brother. He's always at your house, since you were 8, and he moved down the street, and stole Michael's bike. So Mike ran back to your mom crying to go and retrieve the bike Jeongook stole. He didn't stole it, per say, he just borrowed it. For a couple of hours, to drive, without giving it back to Mike and ignoring him all together, later stashing it in his garage as his own. Okay, he stole it. But he was not a bad kid. Then he kept getting Mike to play with him, you were somewhere there playing sometimes with them, sometimes with Anna across the road. School started, years passed, and puberty came. Some of you, him per say got handsome, muscly, jawline got sharper, and he got taller. Long story short, puberty hit him like a truck, no, even better, like a bus. You for example, almost got hit crossing a zebra of adolescence, but the puberty saw you just in time so you didn't get hit at all. Puberty got out in a hurry at the crime scene with a simple sorry. You got to work for your beauty yourself. Pluck those bushes above your eyes. Strip the mustache that Jeongook didn't even grow out, yet somehow you had it. Shave your legs. Buy pushup bras, that didn't do wonders for your non existent boobs, because in order for push up bra to work it needs little some-something to push - up. Girls got prettier day by day, and you got more and more friend-zoned by Jungkook day by day. He started dating, you started extra curriculum activities. He was going to parties, you were going to poetry slam nights at the local coffee shop. Until one night, he was knocking at your window at 2 am. You heard a knock while finishing a book, yes, at 2am. A crying mess. You opened a window, expecting Mike to sneak in as usual. But when dark figure that was inside your bedroom, pulled down the hoodie, you almost screamed. His hand found your lips, and shut it quickly. "shhhhhhhhhh.. " - he looked at you once more, moonlight only thing that was on at this our, making your face barely visible - "were… you.. crying?" "What?" - you remembered the book - "uhh, no, allergies." "At night?" - he laughed. "It's that bush you climbed on, I swear to god, imma make dad cut it down." "Don't" - he said alarmingly, - "How am I gonna sneak into your room at night then?" Your heart skipped a beat at this teasing he always did even though you looked like it didn't - "You'd just have to stop doing it." - he made a fake crying face - "Why are you here, now?" "Kaitlyn threw me out, her parents got home early from their business trip." - he joked. Or Jacob came early, you chuckled. "And you told your parents you are at??" "at yours.. I mean Mike's. " "Of course." -irony came out. "Are you mad?" "Well you literally barged in my room at 2am.. It's not like I am happy.." - you grumbled, sitting back on your bed. "You're the only girl in our school, no, town, who would be mad I got into her bedroom at night." - he jokes, "Cocky much?" - but see you're not laughing with him, - "Or I could leave." "And where would this gentleman go, to who's girl bedroom in this time of the night?" - your curiousness got to you. "No one's, Kaitlyn and I are official now." , Except she's cheating on you, you thought. "My ass you are." - you muttered to yourself, "But here you are." - you sounded bitterly.

"You know that you don't count, Y/N. " You arched an eyebrow. "Does she know that though, Jeongook? "She doesn't have to know. It' not like anything is gonna happen. C'mon, You're not gonna throw me out.."

"Maybe I should." "But, Y/N, I don't have anywhere to go." What do you do when a poor puppy comes to you for help?

"I guess you can sleep on the floor. You know where the blanket's are, don't touch anything else." "Thank you. I won't." You usually wake up hugging a pillow. Today you hugged something more stiff. Longer too. Bigger too. Warmer too. Also smelled nice. You nuzzled your face into it, not opening your eyes once. His arms wrapping in a perfect loop just for your shoulders to fit in. You continued to sleep. After fifteen minutes the alarm started ringing. You snoozed it by memory and turned your back to the "pillow". He hugged you tight around the waist. Pressing your body to his. "Good morning, Y/N."

Waaaaaaait, wha--? Your pillow doesn't talk. Or smell. Or hugs you back. "WHAT THE FUCK DO YOU THINK THAT YOU'RE DOING? I TOLD YOU TO SLEEP ON THE FLOOR."

"No, mid night you said I can hop on. You even took my hand, played with it, laced your fingers with mine. And told me the truth." - he said sleepy voice. Oh gosh you could wake up to this every day. Wait what truth? "Jeongook?" "Yeah?" "You know for a fact I sleep talk shit."

"No."

"No?" "I know for a fact you sleep talk the truth you usually hide. Like the when you saw Mike hiding the gummy bears in the ziplockbag under the hollow box. You told me that while sleeping, and I found them and then we ate them together without him. I still remember his face when he found a FUCK YOU!note." - he laughed wholeheartedly, eyes closed. This feels so casual and nice. Why can't I be Kaitlyn, I'd never cheat on him. "You're missing the point here. What did I tell you?" "Nothing. Get up, we're gonna be late to school." "Since when do you care?" "Since today." WHAT THE HELL. He left. Through the window. "We have doors, you know." "I know." - He smiled back. He went insane. ------ Lunch break. You spotted Jeongook, alone. Now's the time. You took him by the hand. He let you. You dragged him across the yard. He let you. You hurried. He slowed you down. You sat at the far back bench. He stood next to it.

"Sit." you ordered.

"Why?" he asked. "Just for five minutes."

"Okay" "Tell me what I said tonight." "The truth." "I got that, dumbass. But what did I exactly say?" He took your hand, taking you by surprise. He laces your fingers with yours. Slides across the bench closer to you. Clasping your hands together. You kept watching your hands intertwined. How a nice feeling to feel. Your eardrums had a beat of your heart on them. Blood rushed from your to your head and you could swear to god you could feel it. His lips parted, his hand played with your fingers. "Don't be with Kaitlyn, Gookah." - he suddenly said. You still kept quiet. Lips pressed into a thin line. "Why?" - he said in more masculine tone. He was finally telling you what you wanted to know. And it terrifies you. You knew what he did. He did the Ken and Barbie thing you did as a kid. You stopped breathing. You can't look him in the eye. Still playing with your fingers, leaving slow and gentle touches all over it, how you probably did to him yesterday - "She is a bad person." "How do you know?" - You were afraid of this. "I saw her.." -Oh god you didn't say this. "and?" - he was asking questions to you on purpose.

"and it's not on me to tell.. " - Yes that’s where It should end. "but?" "but.. She's two timing, she is with Jacob. I am sorry." "It's okay."

You stopped his monologue. "I am really sorry. It's not a way to find out. " He stopped you, now, mid sentence - "I am not finished." He looked you in the eyes. He continued. Oh god, no.

"But I'd never do that to you." - You prayed hard this isn't what you did say in your sleep. "I know."

"I'd never cheat on you, Gook." - All life you had left in your face, vanished.

"I'd never cheat on you, Y/N." - All life that had left you, came back. Your eyes warm. His voice honey like. "I know." "Can I got on the bed now?" - His smile smug. You didn't call him up, after all. "If you're cold." - He took you from the bench, put you on his lap, whispering "I am cold, Y/N."

It sent shivers down your spine, as his lips found yours, fitting perfectly into each others. Low on breath, he stopped, just to say -

"Don't cut that bush for real now."

"Stop lying I invited you to my bed, you freak."

"Will you invite me now? "

"I don't know. Not yet. You can sleep on the floor like yesterday."

"But I didn't sleep on the floor yesterday. Oooh" - He wanted to hug you much closer than he physically could.

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axelsagewrites · 6 years ago

Text

Treat Her Like a Lady*Neville Longbottom

I wrote this while drinking so I have no clue how it’s about to turn out ~Sober Sage (Y/H/A) = Your house animal Italics only count if you’re not in Slytherin house Bold only counts if you’re not in Gryffindor.

Masterlist HERE

Wattpad HERE

Neville X Female!Malfoy!Reader

Despite being somewhat stuck up Parkinson has some good jokes. We all chuckle, we’ll I do. Crabbe is bent over laughing, defiantly infatuated with the pureblood with a massive crush on my brother. Draco laughs a little, making Pansy grin wider. I don’t often hang around with my brother due to his…reputation. Most people in the school actually liked me for me so…no tea no shade Draco. “I think that weird kid is following you,” Pansy says not so quietly. I turn my head quickly but all I catch a glimpse of is his cloak as he rounds the corner. Turning back to her, I give her a look “Do you have to be so mean?” “Its all part of the badge,” she smirks, pointing to her robes.

I roll my eyes “Well maybe you are a snake but not all are. Besides, I’m a (Y/H/A) so don’t drag me into your snake pit,”

“Lighten up,” She rolls her eyes. “What’s the big deal?” Pansy question. All my brothers’ other friends have the same look. “I keep forgetting our ‘friendship’ only last for 10 minutes at a time,” I roll my eyes. Blaise sniggers and flinches after Pansy hit his shoulder, “Got to go. I’ve got homework anyway,” “Lighten up,” Blaise says, rubbing his shoulder. I look at Draco before turning to him “My Dad found out I got 1 mark below a muggleborn on a homework and had all my jumpers confiscated for a week. In the middle of winter. And quite frankly I value not freezing to death,” I held my hands up in mock defense. They all nodded in understanding. One thing we all had in common was elitist parents who would count us sneezing at the wrong time as a dishonor on our family. Especially when it was too due with muggleborns and blood traitors. As I was walking back to my dorm I deliberately went the way that kid went but he was nowhere in sight. I didn’t even know what house he was in. I put it out my mind as I finish my transfiguration homework and by the next morning, I can barely remember why I was mad at Parkinson.

“(Y/N) send this to father with yours,” Draco says, dropping his letter on the table. “I still don’t get why he wants weekly school updates. Like we're gonna tell him if we do crap. We’ll again,” he gives me a sympathetic look. I glance at my friends, relieved to see they’re not listening. Their families aren’t as uptight, and they don’t get why mine are, “Yeah sure. I’ve not even started. Draco!” I snap my fingers in his face as I notice him glaring at something behind me. I glance over my shoulder but see nothing. He looks down for a second, “Its nothing. Just someone who fancies someone well out of their league.” “Another admirer?” I tease. “For you,” I screw my face up, “Don’t act clueless.” I roll my eyes “I’m hot, I know it. I don’t wake up like this. But to my knowledge, I don’t have another admirer. Most guys make it pretty obvious if you know what I mean,” This time his face screws up “Ew, of course, I know what you mean! This gross. Vile. You know what I can’t,” He holds his hands up and backs away “Just make sure no filth gets on your shoe,” I swear I’ll pull a muscle the amount I roll my eyes around him. “Whatever Draco,” My friends give me a sideways look but don’t pry. They’ve learned my family drama is worse than what my muggleborn friend Jane says is the Kardashian. Not a clue what that means. “Has anyone been staring at me lately?” “You’re not vain at all,” Jane’s sarcasm is not appreciated. She can tell by the blank look on my face that makes her grin. “No more than usual. I think. Why? Like someone?” I shrug “Nope,” I pop the p, “But according to Draco and Wannabe, some weird kid likes me. Just wonder who it was ‘n that.” They all shrug it off, “Well your hair is on point today,” Sam points out. I flick my hair dramatically, my friends joining in, laughing. Especially when Corey with their short hair joins in. “You’ve got no hair to flick,” We laugh.

Most of the day id put the mystery guy out of my mind until I go to sit on my seat in potions but have to stand to avoid sitting on a rose. I can't help but smile lightly as I smell it. “OH! Looks like there is some lover boy in the picture,” Sam teases. “Shut up,” but I’m still smiling.

When I get to my usual seat at lunch, which people always leave empty for me and my friends since we’re ‘popular’, theirs a Wiggentree in a plant pot on my seat with a note saying ‘to keep you safe’. I look over the note but theirs nothing else of value on it. “Why’d someone give you a tree?” Lucas asked. He’s some guy from Beauxbatons my female friends took a liking too, “Protection. When someone touches the bark their protected from dark creatures until they stop touching it,” I explain due to his confusion. I’ve got nothing against the Beauxbatons but they might want to give their students better classes. I think their part of the reason I’m ‘popular’. I’m nice(ish), I’m from money (which people try to extort me for), I’m hot (according to the guys who whistle at me), I’m friends with the right people, and my best friend Sam is dating the head of the (Y/H) Quidditch team. It's not that id even wants to be popular. I like the idea of walking through the school with no effort in my appearance without people asking what happened. Id also like Owen, the Quidditch team chaser, to stop stARING AT ME! “Can I help you?” I ask. He chuckles, a smirk on his face “Oh I bet you could,” “Not a chance,” “Sure. You’ll come round someday, they all do. Look at me. Plus I do have a pretty sick broom,” His buddies all laugh. Maybe its because he’s from a kinda well off family and they like getting bought. I glare at him, “Not enough of your stank or your unearned money could convince me to blow you a kiss let alone anything else,” “So there is a price. Time to start saving boys!” I almost jump over the table at him, “Woah calm down. I thought you were cool,” Sam puts a hand on my arm, “Yeah calm down. It's all chill. Just finish your lunch,” “I’m not hungry,” I’m sick of pretending to be okay with their comments and leave the table, plate in one hand, plant in the other. “So your actually keeping the shrub?” Jane asks, not even bothered I’m leaving. I scoff “Yeah, I am. And it’s a Wiggentree. Remember that and you might pass the herbology homework without sucking Kyle off for the answers,” I turn on my heels not without catching her boyfriend taking his arm off her, disgusted look on his face. I mean his name is Jordan after all. Unfortunately for me, the halls mostly full and we can’t leave with our food. By the time my eyes scan the room I’ve passed all the other tables and I’ve too much pride to stop and look for a spot or turn back. Somewhat luckily theirs a few empty seats near the bottom of the Gryffindor table. I sit on the very end of the table, receiving a few curious looks from the Gryffindors. The plant beside me doesn’t make me look very casual and my angry look on my normally smiley face confuses people. I ignore them. “You alright Pet?” I glare in the direction the Irish voice came from. I see a small boy beside him smack his shoulders “Don’t get your knickers in a twist, Neville,” “Ignore Seamus,” Another boy says, “He’s no class, all ass. I’m Dean,” He reaches down a couple seats to shake my hand. I lean over slightly to meet his hand. The boys are 3 seats down, so it wasn’t great. “Wanna move up?” He says, no hesitation due to my different tie. “I’m good thanks,” I tell them. “What’s with the plant?” He doesn’t let the conversation die. I’m unable to stop the corners of my lips twitching up “It’s a Wiggentree. Someone left it for me,” “Isn’t that the plant you asked Sprout about?” Seamus, I think, asked Neville, again I think. Neville’s face had a pink tinge to it. Maybe he’s bad around people, “Um no. That was a different tree,” “Really? I could’ve sworn-ow!” Seamus rubs his shin, “Jeez I only asked! When’d you get violent,” “As I said before, ignore Seamus,” Dean said. “Sure, you don’t wanna move up?” Surprisingly the conversation was quite relaxed when I moved down. Even Seamus wasn’t that bad. Apparently, Pet is just an Irish term of affection, or as Dean puts it what Seamus calls every girl he doesn’t know the name of. Guys get called dude so he doesn’t get punched. Even despite Neville’s awkwardness, it’s a good time. He’s quite charming actually. They don’t even bring up the Yule Ball which is what everyone has been talking about since the year began.

At dinner, I decided to just go to the kitchens instead. House-elves are good conversationalists once they get used to you. Plus Droxy works theirs. She used to be mine and Draco’s house elf/nanny when we were younger that father took off us after we accidentally broke some old china. It's quite therapeutic to help her in the kitchen. By night my outburst is ignored. I know they haven’t forgotten though. I still sit with them the next day.

That Friday night a 1st-year girl knocks on my dorm door. “Someone’s downstairs for you. It’s a boy,” My friends all ohh as I roll my eyes at them, “Well as fascinating as your problems are Sam I’ve got a gentleman caller,” Now they roll their eyes. When I get downstairs the 1st year points to the common room door leading to the rest of the school. I walk over and fling them open. I see Neville standing there, something behind his back. His face his red and I can see some fear in his eyes. Well, I would if he could look me in the eye. Vague encouragement is heard in the background and Neville mumbles “Go away Dean,” He finally looks up at me, “Hi,” A few sniggers are heard around my common room. I turn to glare at them, “Hiya,” “Um,” he looks behind him. “These are for you,” he hands me a bunch of flowers. “I got them myself from um Madame um Sprout and the um the eh Forrest,” The laughs make him even redder. “Cant you all get a life?” He looks up at my snaps but I’m addressing everyone but him, “Nothing better to do?” “Meow! Someone’s grown claws,” Lucas chuckles, his friends joining in. “Yeah and someone’s not even grown stubble or body hair yet so go suck a dick and see if you can catch a gram of manliness,” I shot back. He shuts down. I turn to Neville, “Right, one second, from the beginning,” I hand the flowers back. He takes them with a confused look “Now, try again.” “These are for you?” It comes out like a question but I take the flowers, giving a small curtsied. “Thank you, Neville. They’re beautiful,” He looks down for a second, taking a deep breath “Would you like to be my date to the Yule Ball?” He finally looks at me in the eyes. I smile, “Yeah. Id love to,” The fear in his eyes was replaced with light when he grinned “Really? I mean um yea-“ “Sorry, (Y./N) is going with me,” The color drains from Neville’s face when Lucas' arm drapes over my shoulder. “Right babe?” “Not a chance,” I move to let his arm drop. “Babe, have you seen this…boy. You need a man, someone in your league” “Don’t tell me what I need. Maybe I need a gentleman and not a manwhore.” “Doll, are you on your period cause you're being irrational again. Want some chocolate?” You could hear the patronization in his voice, I was about to blow a fuse but Neville bet me to it “Hey! She’s a person. Treat her like one,” “What do you want pipsqueak? Face it she’s too hot for you,” “She’s not hot,” He cuts him off “She’s beautiful. Treat her like a lady,” “She’s no lady,” Lucas laughs “You haven’t heard what she does on the weekends”

“I didn’t think a black eye could have a black eye,” I muse, looking at Neville lying on the hospital bed. Dean looks at him, “I didn’t even think you could have two black eyes. Seems unfair,” “Well I can't fucking believe Neville did that,” Seamus interrupts, “He hasn’t even stood up to Malfoy. No offense girl Malfoy,” “Its cool,” I tell him, taking Neville’s hand “What type of idiot tries to fight the captain of the Beauxbatons quidditch team. Especially when his teammates are there,” “The type whose madly head over heels for you,” Dean says. “Id call it pathetic if you weren’t here,” I sigh, “It's my fault,” “No, it's not,” Neville mumbles. “You’re awake!” “I’m beaten up not in a coma,” he would’ve rolled his eyes if he could “Besides I knew Malfoy would get me anyway. Call this practice,” “No, he won't. No ones touches you again. Well apart from me,” Neville starts to sit up and I help him when he struggles “You still wanna go?” He seems in disbelief. “Yeah,” I say likes its obvious, “Now drink this. Nurses orders.” “Looks like you’ve got your own personal nurse,” Seamus winks at Neville. “Hey!” “Leave it to me, I’ve got enough fight for the both of us,” I tell Neville, “Seamus, insult my man again and I’ll castrate you. Plain and simple,” “I never realized how violent you were,” Dean shakes his head with a grin as Seamus covers his man with his hands, defensively. “Trust me she’ll act on it,” The boys all jump at Draco’s voice, “So your really going with him? Look how pathetic he is,” I glare at my brother and stand up, “Look! I’ll date who I want when I want. Got it? The castration threat extends to family. Plus he only looks pathetic-“ “Hey!” “-Because he defended me.” Draco suddenly stood up straighter than he already was, if possible “Who tried to start with you?” I looked at the ground and crossed my arms. Dean sighed, “Some Beauxbatons guy, Lucas I think, was basically calling her a whore. Him and his friends beat Neville up when he stood up for her.” “And what were you two doing?” Draco asked. “Being sensible for once and putting Seamus explosive magic to use. We blew up the couch they were by and started trying to pull them off him,” “Who was insulting her?” Draco asked. Dean looked at me “Lucas wasn’t it?” I nodded “Yeah Lucas. Blond, 5’9ish, snobby.” “Looks like Longbottom and I are on the same team for once. (Y/N), boys make sure you have an alibi,” Draco storms off, yelling “Crabbe, Boyle! Get your shit we're finding the Frenchie!” All three boys looked at were Draco had been “What is he gonna do?” Seamus asked slowly. “Nothing you can prove,” Neville went to say something but I shushed him, “You don’t wanna know,” “But-“ Dean tried, “Let's not get implicated, maybe start working on your alibi. I’ve always got a backup one. Again, don’t ask,”

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