#'is this the love that i've been searching for?'

[berserkerrose]

This gives such a visceral feeling of pain for me of not only destroying the original art by both changing it and removing the context, but also what it means of current attitudes.

My coworkers and I have been worried about if our grant will renew in the summer, a grant that has been given for decades now. We're the gold standard for HIV prevention in our state. And it has become increasingly clear that the attitude of it just being a "gay disease" Still persists, despite over 30 years of research. I've had to explain to people my age and younger that HIV≠AIDS, you can't get it from kissing someone, and prevention is dependent on your activities.

I hate scare tactics. They're not effective in the long run and just cause fear and guilt. But erasing this art erases not only his partner, but that partners humanity. Without the context it's just candy, and the weight sounds like a trivial number

Something i like to give attention to is the National AIDS memorial. They have historical and new panels that you can add to to this day. It's insanely moving to see the love and care put in, even if they aren't quiltmakers normally. It's the same gut wrenching feeling when you realize why 175 lbs. is so important.

You can search by name, or even just scroll through and see.

the david zwirner gallery and the felix gonzalez torres foundation in the smithsonian removed the descriptive plaque for portrait of ross in la by felix gonzalez-torres. the old plaque explained portrait for ross' origins as the artist's partner's aids related death, and replaced it with a plaque with absolutely no information about the piece itself, who ross was, or who gonzalez-torres was either. portrait of ross was also reeranged to lay on the floor long ways instead of in a pile as it typically is situated, and the plaque outside the exhibition FOR GONZALEZ-TORRES omits his sexuality, as well as his aids related death. i'm in utter disbelief

[ledesaid]

William (Billy) Joseph Batson Constantine?

12 years ago, John Constantine offered his genetics with the intention of serving others while putting his own interests first (he was a donor at a fertility clinic) and forgot about it.

Indeed, he also forgot when he pawned his firstborn in some pagan ritual to save his own neck...

Once and...

Again...

Oh, heavens! A fifth time?

Can someone stop this man?

Call it luck or chance, but his sample was used only once. An American couple turned to a fertility clinic and, by chance, their firstborn was born.

Yes, that firstborn.

William Joseph Batson always wondered why all sorts of bad things happened to him. From the premature death of his pet fish, to the variety of monsters that started living under his bed, and culminating with his inability to look at himself in a mirror. That didn't deprive him of his parents' love, fortunately, at least until a demon took them when he was seven.

Everyone believes they died, Billy doesn't... He remembers they were dragged to what that monstrous creature called hell... Billy searched how to get there on Google Maps.

He is absorbed by the system for the next two years, he is nine when he starts looking for answers on his own.

He's not starting from scratch, he still remembers what the demon said that night...

"The time has come, spawn of John Constantine."

The Internet told him what "spawn" meant, but there seem to be no traces of this Constantine except for an anonymous complaint, on an occultism forum, about his poor services and his "charming" personality.

An informational seed.

He starts with local fortune-tellers' houses, all charlatans... Continues with people from questionable cults and escapes before becoming the main dish.

Other terms appear along the way: alcoholic and gambler.

He's eleven years old when his tour around the country takes him to a show by a certain Zatanna. He does the usual routine... Sneaks into her dressing room and waits...

He's already an expert at waiting.

Billy: John Constantine. He's harder to find than cockroaches. I've been looking for him for three years... They say he's my father... Do you know him?

Finally, for the first time in three years, he finds someone who knows him and has his number. It only took two more cities, of stalking the magician, for her to call that man...

That man... The one responsible for everything.

But when he sees him, his stomach churns as he notices their clear resemblance. Billy looked a lot like his mother, but the handful of the man's genes was evident.

He doesn't scream when a portal appears in the dressing room. He's seen worse and smellier ones.

John: Hello, love, is everything alright? You don't usually call first... I brought a good bottle of...

And the man also realized. Of course, he did, he knows... whispers his tortuous mind.

Billy: Finally, you are John Constantine...

John: And you must be the reason why my firstborn trick stopped working.

Billy gets angry and lunges at the Englishman. With one knee on the blond's stomach, he takes advantage and grabs him by the collar of his trench coat. He shakes him violently and shouts all he's been holding back for so long.

Billy: I've met at least five principalities, I've been chased by things I still can't comprehend, and they took my parents when I was seven... You're going to fix this now!

Billy starts to sob as he steps away from the man and leans against the dressing room door.

John: Would you believe me if I said I'm sorry?

He's not sincere, Billy knows it and also knows that his voice is nothing more than a sign of his defeated certainty.

Billy: No, you are everything they said you were...

[slut4sugu]

𝐇𝐔𝐆𝐒 𝐍 𝐊𝐈𝐒𝐒𝐄𝐒 — Spencer Reid x black!fem reader

౨ৎ: including— black!fem reader, early!relationship with Spencer, crybaby!reader, fluff, he’s so cute help

౨ৎ: authors note— I know I’ve been doing Spencer double time I’m soryyyy I’m back in my nerd obsession phase

valentines event masterlist . music recc: real man: bebadoobee

“I hope you like it, I kinda debated on what to get you for months.” You nervously admitted, as you handed your boyfriend the pink and white wrapped box. A thankful and loving smile graced Spence’s features as he took the box in his hands. The tips of your fingers touching his, sending nerves and chills down your spine. “You know I’d love whatever you got me Angel, but I appreciate you thinking so long about a gift.” His words sugar sweet as your eyes met his loving ones, “Thank you.” The sincerity in his tone made your heart flutter in adoration.

It especially wasn’t helping that the warm lighting of his apartment made him look even more handsome than usual, mainly his chestnut eyes that were always gazing lovingly into your soul—God, he's so sweet. "You're welcome."

Spencer carefully peeled back the wrapping, revealing a book nestled inside. It wasn't a rare first edition or a scientific journal, as he might usually gravitate towards. Instead, it was a slightly worn but lovingly preserved copy of "The Tenant of Wildfell Hall" by Anne Brontë. His eyebrows rose in surprise, a flicker of intrigue in his eyes.

"Huh, I've heard of this one," he murmured, turning the book over in his hands. "It's supposed to be quite… progressive for its time, right?"

You beamed, relieved that he didn't look disappointed. "Yeah! I know how much you love the old books, and I thought you might like it.” You sheepishly admitted, your heart raced in his chest as you looked over his face. Attempting to find any trace of disappointment or Boredom in his features but there was none. Though it is a book and this is your Spencer we’re talking about.

"I can't wait to read it," he admitted, his eyes lighting up with excitement. He gently placed the book on the nearby coffee table and stepped closer to you, his hands reaching out to cup your face. "You really do know me so well." His thumbs brushed softly against your freckled cheeks, sending shivers down your spine. "You're amazing, you know that?"

Your heart pounded in your chest as he leaned in, his eyes searching yours. You could feel his breath ghosting over your lips, and you instinctively tilted your head up, eager to meet him halfway. Just as your lips were about to touch, he paused, a soft smile gracing his features.

"Wait," he whispered, his voice husky. "I have something else for you."

He stepped back slightly, reaching for something behind him. You watched in anticipation as he revealed a small, velvet box and a bouquet of your favorite flowers. Dont cry, don’t cry, don’t cry- Your breath hitched as he opened the box, revealing a delicate necklace with a a rose quartz gem. ‘Dammit Spencer!’ You almost bursts into tears on the spot but you willed yourself to hold it together just for a few more minutes but Spencer Reid is just the gift that never stops giving.

"Happy Valentine's Day," he said softly, his eyes filled with love. "I wrote you something too." After the assorted flowers, he handed you a folded piece of paper, sealed with a red wax seal with his initials. As you opened it, you were met with his beautiful handwriting, expressing his love and adoration for you in the most heartfelt way.

♡ ‧₊˚ ⋅ ౨ৎ ‧₊ .ᐟ 𝐀𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐥,

𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐬𝐨𝐮𝐥 𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐈’𝐯𝐞 𝐬𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐢𝐧 𝐦𝐲 𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞.

𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐦𝐞 𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐥𝐦𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐬𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐛𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐞, 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐞𝐧𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐭𝐨 𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐦𝐞 𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐢𝐜.

𝐖𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐈 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐧𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐨𝐜𝐮𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝐈 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐧 𝐭𝐨 𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐜𝐮𝐬, 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐲𝐨𝐮.

You couldn't help the tears that welled up in your eyes as you read his words, "Thank you, Spencer," you whispered, your voice choked with emotion. "I-I,” you stuttered, your vision blurred as you looked up at him. His boyish charm and pretty curls would be the death of you one day, “I love you so much." You whispered as tears rolled down your brown face. Thank god for that waterproof mascara you thought, as you watched Spencer take a second to register what you said before wiping them away with his thumb.

Unsurprisingly, you were too emotional to even realize your boyfriend was also on the brink of tears as well, watching you sniffle and sob with flowers in your arms. As much as he hated seeing you cry, you were still so angelic while crying like a baby.

“I love you too sweetheart, but please don’t cry, I haven’t even given you the rest of your gifts yet.” He chuckled airily, pressing a kiss to your forehead as you sniffled, “There’s more? Oh my god Spencer-“

You cried 4 more times that night.

[littlepeach-world]

Hii ! Can u write fluff/comfort for Inho with a fem wife reader (no age gap plz) who had a really bad childhood bcz they were abused physically and mentally ? Like just him comforting you whenever u talk about it ? I'm very bad in explaining this 😭😭, but if ur uncomfortable if it it's ok.

A Safe Moment

Pairing: Frontman/Hwang In-Ho x Fem!Reader

Summary: In-ho comforts you with his love when you finally open up to him about your difficult childhood.

Warnings: Emotional distress, Childhood trauma, Emotional confrontation, Mental health,  Fluff, Sweet!inho, Cute!Inho.

Word count: 1k

Notes: Thank you sm for the request. I hope you don’t mind, but for the sake of the story I didn’t make them married. I hope you enjoy it 🧡

The room is dimly lit, bathed in a gentle, ambient glow that casts soft shadows against the walls. The light flickers occasionally, reflecting the wavering emotions that fill the space. You've been acting differently around In-ho lately—your warmth replaced by an unsettling reticence. It's as if an invisible barrier has sprung up between you, an emotional distance that grows with each passing day.

Your interactions have become more guarded, your conversations stilted. You’ve started avoiding prolonged eye contact, finding excuses to spend time apart, and when you do speak, your responses are abrupt, almost mechanical. It's a gradual change, like the steady drip of water eroding stone, but after two months together, he notices. The subtle shift hasn’t escaped his keen observation, stirring a quiet concern in his heart.

Finally, unable to suppress his concern any longer, In-ho decided to confront the issue head-on. He took a deep breath, his eyes searching yours with a mixture of worry and determination. His voice, usually so confident, now carried a gentle yet unmistakable urgency. Sitting at the edge of the bed, he leaned forward slightly, the tension in his posture betraying the depth of his unease. The air between you seemed to thicken as he quietly yet firmly asked you to open up, to share what had been weighing on your mind and heart for so long.

"In-ho..." you start, your voice trailing off as you avoid his gaze.

He sits at the edge of the bed, tension evident in his posture. Although a formidable and commanding figure in his professional life, here with you, he's just In-ho, a man earnestly trying to understand the person he's started to care deeply about.

"Is everything okay?" he asks, his eyes searching yours. "You've been... not yourself."

You hesitate before nodding, unwilling to meet his eyes. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to worry you."

He moves closer, his concern palpable. "If something's wrong, I want to know. You can trust me."

Taking a deep breath, you finally let the words spill out. "I've never told anyone about this before... but I need you to know why I sometimes pull away."

Slowly, painfully, you unravel the memories of your past—the abuse, both physical and mental, you endured as a child. It's a story that feels like it's been trapped inside, demanding to be released, and now pours out in a cascade of words and emotions.

The revelation hits In-ho with a force that makes him sit back momentarily. Anger, hurt, and sorrow swirl inside him like a tempest at the thought that anyone could harm the person he cherishes so profoundly. He wishes fervently that he could have been there to protect you from it all, and a part of him burns with the desire to inflict pain on those who hurt you. Yet, he quickly regains himself, his heart aching for you. His large, calloused hand reaches for yours, enveloping it in a gentle but firm grasp. With tender reverence, he lifts your hand and presses a soft kiss to it, as if to seal a promise of protection and understanding. You look at him, eyes filled with tears, your vulnerability piercing through the emotional barriers he normally holds so high.

"Nae sarang," he begins softly, his voice a low, soothing rumble filled with compassion. "You are the strongest person I know. You've endured so much, yet you remain such a beacon of love and kindness."

You try to smile, but it falters. He sees the weight of your past pressing heavily on your shoulders. In-ho moves to sit beside you, his arm wrapping around you protectively. He pulls you close, allowing your head to rest against his chest. The steady thump of his heartbeat is a calming lullaby, anchoring you to the present moment.

"Do you remember the night we first met?" he whispers, brushing a stray strand of hair from your face.

You nod, a faint smile flickering on your lips. "You were so stoic... and so mysterious. I never thought I'd get past those walls you built around yourself."

"And yet, here we are," In-ho replies, a rare, tender smile gracing his stern features. "You broke through every barrier and showed me what it means to love and be loved. You gave me hope again."

You sigh deeply, allowing his words to wash over you like a soothing balm. "But sometimes the memories... they're too much."

"I know," he says, his voice tinged with a rare vulnerability. "But you're not alone. Not anymore. You have me, and I will always be here for you."

He tightens his embrace, and you feel yourself relax into his hold. "You bring light into my life. You keep me grounded. I may not always be able to shield you from the past, but I will be here every step of the way as you heal."

You look up at him, your eyes filled with gratitude and something deeper, something that speaks of your unbreakable bond. In that moment, the strength of your relationship overshadows the shadows of your past. In-ho, the commanding and ruthless Front Man, is simply the man who cares for you deeply.

"Thank you," you whisper, your voice shaky but filled with sincerity. "For everything."

"No," he replies, stroking your arm gently. "Thank you, for being my light, my reason, and my strength."

The room falls into a comfortable silence, the weight of unspoken words and shared understanding filling the space. In-ho's emotional guard drops completely, leaving his heart open and exposed only for you. Here, in the privacy of your shared moments, you are two souls intertwined in love, finding solace in each other's arms.

After a moment, a gentle smile tugs at In-ho's lips, and he says softly, "Dance with me."

You blink in surprise, glancing around the quiet room. "But there's no music," you say softly.

In-ho's smile deepens. "We don't need music," he replies, his voice filled with warmth. "All we need is each other."

He stands, offering his hand to you. You take it, feeling a surge of warmth as he leads you to the center of the room. With a gentle pull, he brings you close, one hand resting on your waist, the other holding your hand.

Slowly, you begin to sway together, the quiet room filled with the unspoken rhythm of your hearts. You gaze into his eyes, finding solace in their depth and sincerity.

"In-ho," you murmur, "Thanks….again."

"For what?" he asks, his voice like velvet.

"For... everything. For being here, for listening to me."

He leans in, his forehead resting against yours. "I want to meet you in every lifetime," he whispers, the words a gentle caress against your soul. "Even if we are worlds apart, I will always find my way back to you."

Your eyes well up with tears, but these are tears of happiness, of gratitude. "And I will wait for you," you reply, your voice trembling with emotion. "In every lifetime, I will wait."

You both continue to sway gently, lost in the moment, in each other. The room fades away, leaving just you and In-ho, two souls intertwined in a dance that transcends time and space.

In this tender moment, you know that no matter what challenges the future may hold, you will face them together, hand in hand, heart to heart. And as you look into In-ho's eyes, you see the same promise reflected back at you—a love that will endure through every lifetime.

And in that quiet, timeless dance, you find a piece of forever.

[lorelaiwinchester13]

I've been searching for another blog of someone analyzing destiel and how it's contradictory to the "I love you in every universe/I'll find you in every universe," and I love it, cause it's more intense and profound, the love and the peace they found in eachother, only limits to just this universe, and they enveloped themselves in it.

don’t get me wrong i am a finale hater at my core but there’s something poetic about how it’s thoroughly established throughout the show that cas was the “malfunction” in the system that caused the story not to go the way chuck wanted it to by developing free will and rebelling from heaven and then the moment he dies the story ends with dean dying and sam living an “regular life” the way it would’ve if the series never happened at all

like the series spends a lot of time saying cas is NOT the way he’s supposed to be. he rebelled the moment he saved dean from hell. he turns the narrative on its head by developing free will and making his own decisions. chuck even tells him that this is the only universe in which cas “didn’t do as he was told”. he ruins chucks plan for the brothers at every turn by caring about them.

then moment cas was gone the story went back to the way it would’ve ended if the show never happened and he had never affected anything. like the “error” was deleted and it reverted to the way it “should be”. dean died tragically and stupidly on a hunt way too young doing a job for his father. sam got out and lived an “apple pie life” and died old. they went to heaven with their family and it’s all The Way It Should Be, not matching up with the message of found family the show developed and instead returning to the blood family vibe of the early seasons pre cas. like he died and the story stopped resisting chucks wishes. idk i’m just yapping but it feels like something

[cirusthecitrus]

 "Then I'll show you that starry, starry sky, like I promised I would"

Entrapdak Positivity Month 2025 Day 3 and 12: Present+Delay

Ever since I watched Millennium Actress I've been dying to draw something inspired by it! As my reference I've chosen the soundtrack album cover (cause the music in this movie is also incredible)

If you haven't seen the movie I could not recommend it enough! "A woman spends her entire life searching for her long-lost love with nothing but a key to the most cherished memories" - and s5 Entrapdak is all I could think about upon my first watch

The aforementioned cover art c:

[starswhisperwritershear]

I feel so honored, I've never been tagged in one of these things! So thank you!

Last Song: Masterpiece Theatre III by Mariana's Trench

Favorite Color: this usually changes depending on whatever I'm obsessed with at the moment but I think mostly consistently I've enjoyed Red and Yellow the most.

Last Movie: Wallace and Gromit Vengeance Most Fowl

Last Show: Kitchen Nightmares

Sweet, Savory, or Spicy: Salty. Savory is closest to that I suppose.

Last Thing I Searched: What's the poem with "and miles to go before I sleep"

Current Obession: Malevolent (trying to claw my way back to Danny Phantom to finish the fics I promised)

Looking Forward To: the release of Split Fiction (i love me some good multiplayer games)

Relationship Status: Single (i live in Hornyville and it's hard out here as a sex-repulsed Ace)

Tagging: @inkedbyash @jouuskaa @findingpeterpan and anyone else who wants to!

thank you @slashsleuth for the tag 😁 i havent done a little game in a long time

last song: fruit roll ups by waterparks

fav color: purple 💜😈💟🪻

last book: the absinthe underground by jamie pacton (it was ok)

last movie: wicked

last tv show: abbott elementary

sweet/savory/spicy: sweet usually

relationship status: single 😊

last thing i googled: the absinthe underground (needed the author lmao) before that it was turbulent waterparks chords

current obsession: ive been watching a lottt of jet lag lately!!! super fun travel show!!

looking forward to: signed parx print coming in the mail today 🫶🏼

tagging: @bergoozter @trashworldblog @outer-space-face @22psyduck :-)

[midnight--sadness]

So I've seen a number of anons bring up potential Gi-hun pregnant during the second games scenarios, but I think for maximum comedy he should have zero idea he is pregnant and randomly go into labor either during or in between one of the games.

Gi-hun, during the search for the Frontman, slept with "Young-il" nine months before, who claimed he was grieving the death of his wife and unborn child. Really, In-ho wanted to see Gi-hun, and one thing led to another. So when they "run into each other" at the second games, it seems like a massive coincidence.

Gi-hun has been displaying some strange symptoms like nausea and stomach pains and the occasional odd food craving that he has dismissed because of his stubbornness and determination to stop the games. Plus, the thought that he is pregnant just never even occurs to him because he is not showing because he has not eaten much or rested and simply because he believes he is far too old to worry about such things anymore. So when his waters break at the second games, it is a big "what the f*ck" moment for all parties.

I would love to imagine how In-ho reacts, but I have already taken up a lot of space 😂

this is soo gihun 😭😭😭😭 this would definitely happen to him vnienkgv

sometimes he feels some fluttering in his stomach but he just thinks it's something bad he ate, neverming that he never actually eats anything 🙄

i'm trying to think of the funniest moment he could go into labor and it's either as he is about to vote on the games or when they are playing mingle or the pentathlon.

let's say it's during mingle.

they have just crammed ten of themselves into the room and the shaman is yelling like a maniac and inho is staring creepily at gihun and gihun is bent over, clutching his stomach and watching the remaining players be gunned down outside.

his abdomen is cramping and his hips and lower back ache really back but he thinks it's the physical stress of the game and the result of not eating anything while being nauseous all the time. again, pregnancy flies right over his head because he. is. old.

the labour is one of those that is super quick!

gihun is still watching through the door slit when he feels something wet down his legs and he looks down to find his pants are wet.... daeho of course, would ask if he is okay and jungbae would chuckle that he peed his pants but gihun is just horrified and geumja is like "that doens't look like pee 🤨"

and gihun curls up in pain, holding his abdomen and inho is like "are u pregnant? 😟" and gihun says no, that's impossible... except that they had sex nine months. his contractions are worse and everyone is freaking out and the door won't open!!!! and inho feels like he is about to pass out bc what do u mean he's having another kid????

gihun has the baby right in that room, there isn't even time to get anyone out. junhee has a lovely preview of herself within the following month and daeho can't look gihun in the eye bc he's seen ALL of him. jungbae immediately claims to be the baby's fav uncle and geumja is admonishing gihun for not noticing that he is pregnant. of course, hyunju, our queen, held gihun's hand through the whole thing and let him yell at anyone he wanted, particularly inho 🥰

OR - he has the baby during the night while everyone is in the dormitory asleep

[sasaleletrebol]

Ok ok, this is so random, but I've searched for a little over five minutes to find someone with their art requests open and there's nothing to stop me now- /silly

A mutual of mine replied to a post I made in our community, and I lack the skills to draw what he said, so please for the love of the multiverse can you draw Killer opening a door dramatically saying "RELEASE THE KRAKEN!!" And on the other side of the door is Ink wearing pajamas and half asleep :3

Also how have you been? I feel like we don't interact enough TvT

Anyways that's all, lovely mutual, get sleep, drink water, and don't let people tell you you aren't good enough okay baiiii X3

On it boss!!!!!

(Sorry if I replied late I was attacked by an iguana/s)

Ink belongs to Comyet

Killer belongs to rahafwabas

[absolutebl]

What I'm curious about is what makes a BL a BL? What separates it from queer cinema and mainstreamed LGBTQ+ media? When I watch BLs, it's very clear to me that it is a BL rather than queer cinema (the same way I know that God's Own Country is queer cinema, not a BL), but I don't have the background in the genre to explain what it is that I'm picking up on as a viewer.

Forgive me if you've answered this already. I did search your blog but I didn't quite see the answer I'm looking for. Your post about BL breakdowns by country gave me some good info on differences between countries, but I was curious about this on a broad genre-wide scale.

[keylovesstuff]

Oh me? 🥹 well first off thank you for the Tag @teegeeteegee you're so sweet!! Let's get these questions done hehe!!!

Last Song On Spotify: I haven't used mine in a hot minute (I needs to get me more headphones and I keep putting it off 😫) umm...perhaps tik tok will suffice 🤭 I know this one's on the Spotify

Mellow Mellow Lily!!! I've been getting a lot of Yarichin Bitch Club songs on my fyp as of late...not complaining I love these songs they were in my wrapped several years ago and this is actually my favorite character song. The other ones and the main theme or rather the ED credit song is so good I promise...the lyrics though 😈.

Last Book : You know I'll leave it up to you all if this counts or not...It was "Little Night Songs" by. Sandra Boynton. My sister's having a baby and we were in Target picking out some books to fill the shelf and it's adorable instant buy 🤭. If you don't count that then ummm...nothing 🤣.

Last Movie: Sonic The Hedgehog 3. Yeah so like a month ago and haven't watched anything else since 🤣.

Last Game: Fortnite...specifically festival. I finished grinding out the Hatsune Miku pass and still gotta finish up some of the quests cause why not and also gotta claim that #1 spot before friends have a chance (they don't play that mode as much as I do so it's ez 🤭)...but yeah I've been playing a lot of that til my wrist tells me enough or I start missing so many notes that I rage quit lmao (it's usually a mix of both).

Last TV show: I tend to put Dance Moms on YouTube for background noises really...I know there's so many problems with it ugh but hey still throw it on and the drama 🤣.

Sweet/Spicy/Savory: Always Sweet!!!

Relationship: Single and not ready to mingle anytime soon 😎🤪 hehe

Fav color: Red

Last Internet Search: AO3 was thinking about doing some reading but meh I don't really know right now.

Thank you again for the tag, Teegee!! I can't quite think of 10 and a lot of people have been tagged already but as always there's never any pressure to do this if you are tagged and if anyone wants to do this feel free to join in 😊😊😊.

@mrs-luigi-vargas @jadeandroses @dooxliss @pandadust @sundove88 @kelbreyworshipper

"10 people I’d like to know better" game

@anime-grimmy tagged me so why not joining XD

Last song: Madness in Me (Skillet)

I have an addiction to that song fr

Last book: I read more comics than anything, the last one I’ve read was the Yu-Gi-Oh! Manga

Last movie: Sonic Movie 3 and it was an absolute blast💥

Last game: It’s been a while since I played videogames (I know shame on me), the last one I completed was Super Mario Galaxy (goated game)

Last TV show: Mob Psycho 100! I need to watch season 3✨

Sweet/Spicy/Savory: Savory

Relationship: Happily Aroace lmao

Fav colour: Dark Blue

Last internet search: "Something to Protect OST from Yu-Gi-Oh! Arc V"

Tags:

@magpieddd @vbnhuet @giuliagt-art @itsmeaxumii @doweesig @chaotic-deity @pixie-yuni @natsuko-the-mun @m4dumy @unknownpov19

[cherryxbooo]

Left in the past and forgotten

Summary: Seeing your ex-lover after four years wasn’t something you ever expected. The memories of your time together, flooded back, making the moment even harder to face.

Note: Hey guys! I've finally decided to update my K-pop fics. I'm planning on adding more members soon, so keep an eye out for that! Also if you want me to add other groups/actors, let me know!

Kim Taehyung x Reader

Genre: angst/fluff

Snowflakes drifted lazily outside the café window, melting the moment they kissed the glass.

The world outside was a blurred canvas of white and gray, the winter storm painting Seoul in a soft, muted haze.

Inside, the café was warm, filled with the rich aroma of coffee and freshly baked pastries, the gentle hum of conversations blending seamlessly with the faint jazz music playing overhead.

I curled my fingers tighter around the steaming mug in front of me, letting the heat seep into my skin.

Even with the warmth surrounding me, a coldness had settled deep in my bones, one that no amount of hot coffee could chase away.

I shouldn’t have come back.

The thought had been circling my mind since the moment my plane touched down, but now, sitting here in the heart of the city I once called home, it weighed heavier than ever.

Seoul was no longer just a place, it was a graveyard of memories I had buried, ghosts I had spent years trying to outrun.

And yet, they clawed their way back the second I stepped onto its streets.

Especially the one tied to him.

Kim Taehyung.

A name that had once been synonymous with love, with warmth, with the kind of happiness that felt boundless.

A name I had forced myself to forget.

But forgetting had never been my strong suit.

The bell above the café door chimed, signaling a new arrival, but I barely registered it.

My gaze remained fixed on the snowfall outside, my mind lost in the past, until I heard it.

A voice.

Deep, familiar, haunting.

“Y/n?”

My fingers stiffened around my mug.

My breath caught in my throat.

That voice.

Slowly, I turned my head, already knowing, feeling, who I would see.

And there he was.

Kim Taehyung stood a few feet away, frozen in place, his presence as effortless yet overwhelming as ever.

He wore a long beige coat over a black turtleneck, snowflakes clinging to the fabric like they were reluctant to melt.

His dark brown hair was slightly tousled from the wind, and his eyes, those deep, expressive eyes that had once held entire universes, were locked onto mine.

Shock? Regret? Relief?

I couldn’t tell.

For a moment, neither of us spoke.

We just stood there, caught in the eerie stillness of an encounter that felt both impossible and inevitable.

His lips parted slightly, as if he wanted to say something, but no words came.

And I understood why.

Because what do you say when the person you once loved, the person who disappeared without a word, reappears like a ghost from your past?

What do you say when the wound you thought had scarred over rips open again with just a glance?

Finally, I swallowed against the dryness in my throat, forcing myself to breathe.

“Taehyung.”

It was barely above a whisper, but it was enough to make something flicker across his face.

Something unreadable, something raw.

He took a hesitant step closer, his eyes searching mine like they were looking for answers, answers I wasn’t sure I could give.

“Is it really you?” he murmured, almost like he didn’t believe it.

I let out a shaky exhale, offering a small, hollow smile.

“I could ask you the same thing.”

His lips pressed together, his hands slipping into the pockets of his coat.

It was a nervous habit of his, one I hadn’t seen in years, but still recognized immediately.

I wanted to look away. I wanted to run.

But I couldn’t.

Not when the past was standing right in front of me.

Not when Taehyung was looking at me like I was still the person he used to know.

But I wasn’t.

I wasn’t sure if I ever could be again.

Loving Taehyung was like holding onto a fleeting dream, warm, intoxicating, beautiful, but never quite real enough to keep.

Six years ago...

I was standing in line at a small café, completely overwhelmed by the drink menu, and someone, chuckling behind me as I changed my order for the third time.

"You know, if you keep doing that, we’ll never get our coffee," the person teased, voice dripping with amusement.

Flustered, I turned around to see a man in a black hoodie and a face mask, only his sharp, smiling eyes visible.

"Maybe I just like weighing my options," I shot back, trying to sound confident.

His grin widened. "Or maybe you just don’t know what you want."

I rolled my eyes but couldn’t stop myself from laughing.

He was easy to talk to, effortlessly charming, and when he finally pulled down his mask, revealing who he was, my breath caught in my throat.

"You're—"

"Taehyung," he interrupted before I could say his full name, tilting his head playfully.

And you are?"

That was how it started.

A conversation over coffee turned into exchanged numbers. Then came the late-night texts, the phone calls that lasted until dawn, the stolen moments in between his busy schedule.

Before I knew it, he had become my favorite part of every day.

Two years after we had first met flew by and being with Taehyung was like stepping into a world that wasn’t meant for me, but somehow, he made me feel like I belonged.

"Come here," he would say after a long day, opening his arms as I curled into his chest.

His fingers would gently trace patterns on my back, his voice a soft whisper against my hair.

"I missed you today."

I missed him too. Always.

But I never told him how much, because I was afraid he would hear the sadness in my voice.

Our love lived in moments stolen from time, laughter tangled between bed sheets, whispered promises in darkened hallways, the way he would pull me into his arms just before he left and say,

"Wait for me."

And I did. I waited.

I waited when his texts became less frequent, when our dates were pushed back, when his voice on the other end of the phone started to sound more exhausted than excited.

I waited, even when it felt like I was slowly fading into the background of his life.

Then it slowly started to crack.

I felt like I was holding him back.

Holding him back from doing the things he liked.

But I was a human after all I craved my boyfriend's attention too. I wasn't going to tell him that though.

"Hey, can I see you tonight?"

I stared at his message, my fingers hovering over my phone.

I wanted to say yes. God, I always wanted to say yes.

But something inside me hesitated.

It had been three weeks since I last saw him, and even then, our time together had been cut short.

A meeting ran late. A rehearsal went overtime.

I knew that his life as an idol wasn't easy and that his life was always packed and busy.

I knew that before I started dating him but still...

He had held me for five minutes, kissed my forehead, and whispered, "Next time, I’ll make it up to you."

But next time never came.

So instead of answering immediately, I let my phone sit beside me as I stared at the half-eaten dinner on my table.

It was the third time this week I had eaten alone.

It wasn’t just the missed dates. It was the way he had started to feel like a guest in my life instead of a part of it.

When I finally picked up my phone, I typed out my response.

"I don’t know, Tae. It’s late."

He called me immediately.

"Are you okay?" His voice was laced with concern.

"I’m fine." The words felt like a lie.

"I can come over," he offered quickly. "Even if it’s just for a little while."

I squeezed my eyes shut. That was the problem. It was always just for a little while.

"It’s okay," I whispered. "Get some rest."

There was a pause. Then, quietly, "Are you upset with me?"

I swallowed past the lump in my throat. "No, I just... I just miss you."

His sigh was soft, almost guilty. "I miss you too, love. Things will calm down soon, I promise."

I nodded, even though he couldn’t see me. "Yeah. Soon."

But I was starting to wonder if soon would ever come.

The night I decided to end things, Taehyung showed up at my apartment unannounced.

"Surprise," he said with a grin, holding up a bag of takeout from my favorite restaurant.

I wanted to be happy.

I wanted to throw my arms around him, pull him inside, and pretend that this was enough.

But something inside me cracked.

"You didn't text," I said quietly, arms crossing over my chest.

His smile faltered. "I wanted to surprise you."

"Tae... I waited for you last night."

His face fell completely. "I know. I'm sorry."

"You're always sorry," I whispered, voice breaking.

"But nothing ever changes."

The room fell into silence. He set the food down on my counter, his hands trembling slightly.

"I’m trying," he said, his voice barely above a whisper.

I believed him. That was the worst part, I knew he was trying.

But love shouldn't have to feel like this.

It shouldn't feel like constantly reaching for someone who is always just out of grasp.

"Taehyung, I can’t do this anymore."

His entire body tensed. He looked at me like I had just taken the air from his lungs.

"You don’t mean that," he whispered,

stepping closer, eyes searching mine for something, anything, that would prove this wasn’t real.

But I did mean it.

"I do."

His jaw clenched, his hands balling into fists at his sides.

"You're giving up on us?"

"No," I said, shaking my head as my eyes burned with unshed tears.

"I held on for as long as I could. But I can't keep waiting for you to have time for me."

His breathing was uneven now. "You are my world, you know that."

I smiled sadly, my heart breaking with every word.

"I don’t doubt that, Tae. But love isn’t just about words. I need to feel like I belong in your life, not like I’m waiting on the sidelines, hoping for a moment that never comes."

His lips parted like he wanted to argue, to fight for us, but nothing came.

No promises, no reassurances. Just silence.

A silence that told me everything I needed to know.

Tears burned behind my eyes as I took a shaky breath and stepped back, putting space between us.

My fingers curled around the doorknob, the cool metal grounding me.

"You should go."

Taehyung didn’t move.

His jaw tensed, his hands twitching at his sides, but he didn’t fight me.

"Please," I whispered, voice barely holding together.

"Don't make this harder than it already is."

For a moment, I thought he’d refuse.

That he’d reach for me, pull me into his arms, tell me he would fix this, that he would stay.

But he didn’t.

Slowly, he reached for his coat, movements stiff, hesitant, as if every second that passed was another piece of his heart shattering.

He lingered for a moment, standing in the doorway, his dark eyes searching mine like he was trying to memorize every detail before he walked away.

"I love you," he murmured, voice breaking.

I pressed my lips together, trying to hold back the sob threatening to escape.

"I love you too."

And then, before I lost the last bit of strength I had left, I turned away.

I didn’t watch him leave.

I didn’t listen for the sound of the door closing behind him.

But when the silence settled around me, final and unforgiving, I knew.

He was gone.

And what we had was simply left in the past and forgotten.

"Y/n?"

I snapped back to reality, blinking as Taehyung slid into the chair across from me.

His scent, clean and familiar, hit me instantly, making my stomach twist.

I had spent years wondering what it would feel like to see him again. If my heart would still react the way it used to.

If I would still feel that same ache, that same pull toward him.

And now, as he slid into the chair across from me without waiting for an invitation, I had my answer.

My stomach twisted, and my fingers curled around my coffee cup in a desperate attempt to steady myself.

"Taehyung." His name tasted unfamiliar on my tongue, yet it felt like it belonged there.

He studied me for a long moment, his gaze slow and deliberate, as if he were trying to convince himself that I was real.

"You look... different, still beautiful though," he finally said, his voice softer than I remembered.

A small, tight smile formed on my lips. "So do you."

And he did.

There was something more refined about him now, his jawline sharper, his presence more composed, his energy quieter.

His hair was styled in a way I hadn't seen before, and his outfit, though simple, carried an effortless elegance.

But beneath it all, the Taehyung I knew was still there.

It was in the way his fingers tapped absently against the table, something he always did when he was deep in thought.

In the way his eyes, though slightly guarded, still held that quiet intensity that had once been my undoing.

"Four years," he mused, shaking his head slightly.

"I thought maybe I'd run into you sooner."

"I wasn’t exactly trying to be found," I admitted, stirring my coffee even though I had no intention of drinking it.

"So I figured." He exhaled through his nose, leaning back slightly in his chair.

"You just… vanished."

I looked away, focusing on the steam rising from my cup. "I had to."

Taehyung nodded slowly, as if he understood. Maybe he did. Or maybe he was just pretending to.

"Where have you been?" he asked, tilting his head slightly.

"Here and there," I replied vaguely.

"I moved for a while. Focused on work. Traveled."

"You always said you wanted to travel more," he murmured, a small ghost of a smile playing at his lips.

"Yeah," I said softly.

"And you? How’s life treating you?"

His lips twitched, but there was something almost tired in his expression.

"Busy, as always."

That didn’t surprise me.

He had always been busy. His world had never stopped spinning, and I had long accepted that I would never be able to keep up.

"I saw your latest projects," I continued, keeping my tone light.

"You’ve been doing well. Congratulations."

He let out a small hum. "Thanks. It’s been… a lot."

"I bet."

Another pause stretched between us, but this time, it wasn’t as heavy.

It was just… there. Lingering. Holding all the things we weren’t saying.

"And now you're back," he finally said, breaking the silence.

I gave a small nod. "Just for a while."

He seemed to process that, his fingers stilling against the table.

"Are you staying long?"

"Not sure yet," I admitted, brushing a strand of hair behind my ear.

"I guess it depends."

"On what?"

I hesitated. "A lot of things."

Taehyung's gaze softened for a brief second, but just as quickly, he masked it with a neutral expression.

"Are you happy?" he asked, his voice careful.

My breath caught for just a moment.

I hadn’t expected that question.

I thought he’d ask about my work, about my travels, something simple, something safe.

But instead, he asked that.

I glanced down at my coffee cup, at the tiny ripples forming from my slightly unsteady hands.

"…Are you?" I countered, finally looking up.

His lips parted slightly, as if I had caught him off guard.

He hesitated, just for a moment, before exhaling deeply.

"I don’t know."

Neither did I.

Before I could say anything else, the café door swung open, and a gust of cold air rushed in, followed by a chorus of loud voices.

"YAH! Taehyung, you were supposed to get us coffee, not disappear!"

The familiar voice sent a jolt through me.

My breath hitched as I turned toward the commotion, my fingers tightening around my cup.

Jungkook, Jimin, and Namjoon strode into the café, brushing off the winter chill.

Their laughter and complaints filled the space, but the moment their eyes landed on me, everything stopped.

Jungkook froze mid-step, his mouth parting in shock.

His wide eyes scanned my face like he was seeing a ghost. "No freaking way..."

Jimin, who had been in the middle of playfully nudging Namjoon, nearly tripped over his own feet.

He grabbed onto Namjoon's arm, his jaw dropping. "Is that—"

"Y/n?" Namjoon's deep voice carried pure disbelief.

I couldn’t move.

For a split second, I considered bolting.

The weight of their stares, the flood of memories crashing over me, it was overwhelming.

But I stayed, frozen in place as the reality of the moment settled in.

Jungkook was the first to break from his trance.

In a blink, he was sliding into the seat next to me, eyes scanning my features like he needed to confirm I was real.

"Where the hell have you been?" His voice was low, raw.

I swallowed, suddenly feeling like all the air had been sucked out of the room.

"It’s... a long story."

Jimin crossed his arms, tilting his head, his eyes narrowed in a mix of confusion and hurt.

"Good thing we have time, then."

Back when Taehyung and me used to date I had this amazing bond with the other members.

It was almost as if they were my actual brothers.

I knew that my disappearance didn't only hurt Taehyung but also the guys.

Taehyung, who had been watching the interaction in silence, shot them a sharp look, but Namjoon placed a steadying hand on his shoulder.

"We’re not attacking her, Tae," Namjoon said quietly, though his voice carried an edge of emotion.

"We just... thought we lost her for good."

A pang of guilt hit me square in the chest.

My throat tightened as I lowered my gaze.

"I'm sorry."

Jungkook let out a scoff, shaking his head as he ran a hand through his hair.

"You're sorry?" His voice cracked slightly.

"Y/n, we thought something happened to you. We thought—" He cut himself off, clenching his jaw, frustration evident in his dark eyes.

Jimin's posture softened, and he leaned forward, his voice quieter now.

"Why did you leave?"

I could feel Taehyung's eyes burning into me, waiting, searching, but I couldn’t look at him.

Not yet.

My fingers trembled slightly as I exhaled. "Because I was scared."

The words felt heavy as they left my lips.

A thick silence settled over the table, stretching uncomfortably long.

Jungkook let out a slow breath, shaking his head as he leaned back in his chair.

"You should’ve at least told us. We were your family, too."

My chest ached. I had always known that leaving them would hurt, but I had convinced myself it was necessary.

That disappearing was the only way to protect my heart from breaking beyond repair.

But seeing the hurt in their eyes made me realize just how much damage I had left in my wake.

I forced a small, sad smile. "I know. And I regret it every day."

Namjoon studied me carefully, his sharp eyes searching for something beneath the surface.

After what felt like an eternity, he gave a slow nod.

"You’re back now. That’s what matters."

I wanted to believe that.

I really did.

But as I finally lifted my gaze to meet Taehyung’s, I knew the past wasn’t done with me yet.

And neither was he.

My mind was still reeling from the overwhelming reunion, the weight of guilt and nostalgia pressing against my chest.

Jungkook hadn’t stopped looking at me, like he was afraid I’d disappear again if he blinked.

Jimin kept stealing glances, his expression a mix of happiness and unresolved emotions, while Namjoon sat in quiet contemplation, observing everything.

And Taehyung, he hadn’t said much, but his presence was suffocating in the best and worst ways.

"Come with us," Jungkook blurted out suddenly, his tone leaving no room for argument.

I blinked. "What?"

"Come with us," he repeated, standing up and stretching as if the conversation was already decided.

"We're heading back to the dorm, and you’re coming too."

I hesitated, my fingers tightening around my coffee cup.

"I don’t know if that’s a good idea—"

"Too bad," Jimin cut in, grabbing my wrist playfully.

"You don’t get a say in this. We need to properly yell at you for ghosting us."

Namjoon smirked, shaking his head.

"Ignore him. We just… we missed you, Y/n. And the others should know you’re back."

I opened my mouth to protest, but Taehyung finally spoke, his deep voice sending a shiver down my spine.

"Come with us."

I met his gaze, and for a moment, neither of us said anything.

There was something unreadable in his expression, something careful, like he wasn’t sure if he could handle me being here, but he wasn’t ready to let me go either.

And just like that, I caved.

The second we stepped inside, the warmth of the dorm wrapped around me like a familiar embrace.

The scent of home-cooked food lingered in the air, and the faint sound of a television echoed from the living room.

Before I could even take in my surroundings, Hoseok’s voice rang through the space.

"Tae, did you even get the coffee or—"

His words cut off as he stepped into view, his eyes widening as they landed on me.

"Holy shit," Yoongi muttered from his spot on the couch, his entire body tensing.

Jin, who had been in the kitchen, peeked his head out, a wooden spoon still in his hand.

"Is this a fever dream? Or did Y/n just resurrect after four years?"

Jungkook let out a dramatic sigh.

"Yep, she’s alive and breathing. Can you believe it?"

I shifted awkwardly under their stares. "Hi."

My voice came out softer than I intended, uncertain.

There was a beat of silence before chaos erupted.

"WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN?"

Jin practically shouted, walking over and inspecting me like I was an illusion.

"You really just disappeared on us!" Hoseok added, still in shock.

"I thought Jungkook was lying when he said you were here," Yoongi admitted, rubbing his temple.

I winced at the wave of questions thrown my way.

"Okay, okay, one at a time!" Jimin laughed, waving his hands to calm the room down.

Namjoon, ever the leader, stepped in.

"Guys, let’s not overwhelm her. She’s here now. That’s what matters."

Slowly, the tension eased.

One by one, the members softened, replacing their initial shock with quiet relief.

Jin pulled me into a tight hug, his usual playful demeanor laced with something more serious.

"Don’t ever do that again, okay?"

I nodded, my throat tightening. "I won’t."

As the night went on, the questions died down, replaced by laughter and inside jokes.

It was like I had never left.

But there was still an unspoken weight in the air, a conversation left unfinished.

And Taehyung felt it too.

Eventually, the members started heading to their rooms, leaving only me and Taehyung in the dimly lit living room.

The TV played quietly in the background, casting a soft glow across his face.

I sat on the couch, pulling my knees up as he settled beside me, his presence close but not overwhelming.

For a while, neither of us spoke.

Then, finally, he broke the silence.

"Why did you really leave? I mean I knew I wasn't the best boyfriend and didn't give you all my time but still. I know you and I know that there is more to it."

I exhaled, my gaze dropping to my hands. "I told you. I was scared."

"Scared of what?" His voice was gentle, but there was something else laced within it, something raw.

I swallowed, gathering my thoughts.

"Scared of losing myself in your world. Scared of becoming someone who was always waiting for you, always watching from the sidelines. You had so much ahead of you, Tae. And I felt like I was just… holding you back."

He let out a shaky breath, his fingers curling slightly against his knee. "You never held me back, Y/n."

"It felt like I did." I finally turned to face him, my heart hammering.

"I loved you so much, and it hurt. It hurt to watch you get further and further away from me. And I knew, eventually, I’d become someone you’d have to choose between. And I didn’t want that for you."

Taehyung’s jaw tightened, his expression unreadable.

"That wasn’t your choice to make."

I blinked at the quiet frustration in his voice.

"I know," I admitted softly.

"But it was the only way I knew how to protect myself."

He looked away for a moment, his Adam’s apple bobbing as he swallowed hard.

"Do you regret it?"

I hesitated. "Yes. And no. I think… I needed to leave to understand what I wanted. But I hate that I hurt you."

Taehyung exhaled sharply, leaning forward, his elbows resting on his knees.

"You did hurt me, Y/n. A lot. I spent years wondering what I did wrong. Wondering why you couldn’t at least tell me."

His voice cracked slightly, and my chest ached at the vulnerability in his words.

"I’m sorry," I whispered. "If I could take it back—"

"You can’t," he interrupted, but there was no malice in his tone. Just quiet acceptance.

I nodded, my fingers gripping the fabric of my sleeves.

"I know. But… I’m here now. And if you’ll let me, I want to make it right."

Taehyung turned to face me fully then, his dark eyes searching mine.

"Do you still love me?" he asked, voice barely above a whisper.

I sucked in a breath, my pulse thundering.

"I never stopped."

His shoulders slumped slightly, like he had been bracing for a different answer.

For a long moment, he didn’t speak.

Then, finally, he nodded, a small, tired smile tugging at his lips.

"I’m not ready to just jump back in, Y/n." His voice was careful, measured.

"But… I don’t want to lose you again."

I nodded, understanding completely. "Me neither."

He reached for my hand then, hesitating for just a second before intertwining his fingers with mine.

"Let’s take it slow," he murmured.

"Okay," I whispered back.

It wasn’t a perfect ending.

But it was a new beginning.

The days that followed felt like stepping into the past, only this time, it wasn’t clouded with uncertainty.

Taehyung and I weren’t rushing into anything, but we were gravitating toward each other again, rediscovering what we had lost.

We took it step by step.

One night, Taehyung showed up outside my apartment, leaning casually against his car, hands tucked into his coat pockets.

"Come on," he said with that familiar glint in his eyes.

"Let’s go for a drive."

It was something we used to do all the time, no destination, no plans, just music and the city lights.

I didn’t hesitate.

With the windows rolled down and the cool night air brushing against our faces, we drove through the empty streets of Seoul.

The radio played softly in the background, and Taehyung hummed along, his deep voice making my heart ache in the best way.

"You still sing along to every song," I teased, smiling at him.

He smirked, flicking his gaze toward me.

"And you still stare at me when I do."

I rolled my eyes, looking away, but the warmth in my chest only grew.

Another afternoon, Taehyung showed up with a picnic basket. "We need fresh air."

We spent hours at the park, lying on a blanket under the shade of a tree.

I watched as he tossed crumbs to the birds, his eyes crinkling when a small flock gathered around him.

"They trust me," he said proudly.

"That’s because you’re bribing them with food," I laughed.

But I couldn't deny it, watching him interact with the simplest things, the way he found joy in moments like this, made my heart feel lighter.

At one point, he turned to me, resting his head against his arm.

"It feels like old times, doesn’t it?"

I nodded, my fingers playing with the edge of the blanket.

"Yeah… it does."

One evening, it started pouring just as we were leaving a café.

"Shit," I muttered, looking up at the sky.

"We’re gonna get soaked."

But instead of running for cover, Taehyung stepped into the rain, tilting his head back as water dripped down his face.

"Come on, scaredy-cat," he grinned, reaching for my hand.

I hesitated, but then, just like before, I let him pull me into the downpour.

We laughed as we splashed through puddles, our clothes drenched, hair sticking to our faces.

He spun me around like we were in some cheesy movie, his eyes never leaving mine.

"You’re ridiculous," I giggled, breathless.

"And you love it," he shot back.

I didn't deny it.

That night, we ended up back at the dorm.

The other members were out, leaving the place unusually quiet.

Taehyung handed me a towel, both of us still damp from the rain. "Here. Dry off before you get sick."

I took it, rubbing my hair, watching as he did the same.

He looked so soft in that moment, his usual sharp features relaxed, his warm eyes full of something I couldn’t quite name.

"Tae," I started, my voice quieter now.

He looked up, waiting.

I hesitated, but then let the words spill.

"I’m really happy we’re doing this again. I was scared that too much time had passed, that we wouldn’t fit the way we used to."

He walked over, sitting beside me on the couch.

"You’re not the only one who was scared, Y/n."

I turned to him, my heart hammering. "You were?"

He nodded. "I thought I lost you forever. And even now, I keep wondering if this is real. If you’ll leave again."

I reached for his hand, squeezing gently. "I won’t."

His gaze flickered down to our intertwined fingers, then back to me. His voice was softer when he spoke again.

"Then prove it."

I swallowed, nerves buzzing under my skin.

"How?" I whispered.

His eyes searched mine, and before I could think too much, his fingers brushed my cheek, tucking a damp strand of hair behind my ear.

"Stay."

And just like that, the space between us disappeared.

His lips met mine in a slow, lingering kiss, one that spoke of lost time, of years of longing, of a love that had never really left.

When we finally pulled away, my forehead rested against his, both of us catching our breath.

"We’re really doing this, huh?" I murmured, smiling.

"Yeah," he whispered back.

"But this time, we take it slow. We prove it to each other."

"Deal."

A moment of peace settled between us until the sound of a loud thump broke it.

We both turned toward the hallway, where muffled whispers and scrambling footsteps could be heard.

Jungkook’s voice came first. "I TOLD YOU THE FLOOR WOULD CREAK!"

Jimin hissed back. "Shut up, you were the one leaning too close!"

Namjoon sighed. "I swear, you’re all children—"

Taehyung groaned, rubbing his temples. "Are you seriously spying on us?"

The door swung open slightly, revealing Jin with a smug grin. "Not spying. Just… confirming suspicions."

Yoongi peered over his shoulder. "Took you two long enough."

Hoseok beamed. "So, are you guys official now, or do we need to suffer through more slow burns?"

Taehyung threw a pillow at them. "GET OUT!"

Laughter erupted as they scattered like kids caught doing something bad.

I shook my head, laughing as I leaned into Taehyung’s side.

He sighed dramatically. "This is our life now."

"Yeah," I grinned, squeezing his hand. "And I wouldn’t have it any other way."

The end

[mydearestbeloved]

I just love MC's children from Trial-Player... like their vibes are just too adorable. (Also me completely ignoring that they have some homicidal tendencies and just whistling innocently as I look the other way because they are just way too cute—!)

Ahem. Regardless of that, I was just wondering if it was ever mentioned an image (?) of what they look liked? Or if they was like a description of them, list...? Sorry if this was asked already or done, 🥲 it's been a hot minute since I've devoured—cough revisited everything related to this AU?

Also here, free totally accurate representation of Reader's (and Jinwoo's summons) kids.

And:

Look at those faces. Too cute, would never commit war crimes. 🥰 Many headpats. Very huggable.

I remember seeing something like this:

TP!Reader : My children are adorable!

Jinwoo : Red just committed arson, Bel is cannibalizing someone, Trick is dissecting a guy, Blanche is sleeping on fur she freshly skinned alive—from where, I’m not interested. Another guy went splat on Sol’s canvas, Neonie is doing live experiments (again, not going to ask), Gale crashed into a building, and Ari just committed murder by lullaby.

TP!Reader : I said adorable, not harmless.

ASDFGHJKL

Anyway, the descriptions of the butterflies are scattered throughout the story—my bad. There are no images of them as of yet; I haven’t searched.

I can try to give you short compilations of their current looks, though!

Warning: Bad descriptions and subject to change.

Red

Her wing color in butterfly form is red with black lines. She usually takes on a human form with red eyes and very long hair, usually styled in a braid. She can be described as porcelain and vampire-like, female butler and nobility vibe. Her default fit is black and white (dominant), with patterns of her butterfly wings on parts of her vest, the ends of her sleeves and pants, and the back of her tailcoat. Wore black gloves and boots.

"Bel" (?)

Her wing color in butterfly form is purple with black lines. She usually takes on a human form with purple eyes and very long black hair, usually in updos. Taller than Red. She can be described as alabaster and divine-like. Her default fit is (dominant) black and white, with patterns of her butterfly wings on the inside of the white coat she usually slings over her shoulders. Wore an all-black fit underneath—shirt, vest, pants, gloves, and boots.

Trick

Her wing color in butterfly form is silver with black lines. She usually takes on a human form with orange-tinted yellow eyes and long silver hair, usually let loose. Shorter than Red. She can be described as ivory and chaotic, ouji vibe. Her default fit is balanced black and white, with patterns of her butterfly wings on the ends of her sleeves and visible on the inside of her vest, which extends longer from the sides to the back and is slit in the middle to mimic the shape of her wings. In contrast, she wears short black pants. Wore black gloves, thigh-high socks with garters, and white boots.

Blanche

Her wing color in butterfly form is white tinted with pale blue and black lines. She alternates between human, wolf, and hybrid forms (humanoid with wolf ears and tail most of the time) with pale blue eyes and long, straight white hair, usually let loose. Taller than Red, shorter than Bel. She can be described as snowy white and fluffy, winter vibe. Her default fit is black and white (dominant), with patterns of her butterfly wings on the end of her white princess coat and sleeves. The ends of her black pants have white fur, as do the edges of her sleeves after the wing motif—the fluff hides her white-gloved hands most of the time. She wears a thick white fur scarf around her neck, above the black fabric that covers half of her upper body, shoulders, and upper arms all the way to the back. Her hair is usually tucked into the scarf. Wore white boots.

Sol

Her wing color in butterfly form is yellow with black lines. She usually takes on human forms with yellow eyes and long, wavy blonde hair, usually in a high ponytail. A bit shorter than Blanche. She can be described as sun-kissed and sweet-but-psycho, summer vibe. Her default fit is black (dominant) and white, with patterns of her butterfly wings on the inside of her black coat and the end of her black pants. She wears a white poet’s shirt tucked under the pants, with her coat usually just slung over one shoulder. Wore black gloves and boots.

Neonie

Her wing color in butterfly form is turquoise with black lines; under certain lighting, she can look neon cyan or neon blue. She usually alternates between human and elf forms with turquoise eyes and curly, very dark brown hair with highlights of red, blue, and the occasional white and purple, usually let loose or tied low. Around Red’s height. She can be described as dark bronze and wizardly, autumn and dark academia vibe. Her default fit is black (dominant) and white, with patterns of her butterfly wings on the inside of her black vest, which extends on the sides and back over a black skirt. Under the vest, she wears a white blouse with puffy long sleeves. Wore black gloves and boots.

Gale

Her wing color in butterfly form is royal blue with black lines. She alternates between human, phoenix, and hybrid forms (humanoid with translucent wings and tail) with royal blue eyes and short, wavy brunette hair, sometimes let loose or in a bun. Around Red’s height. She can be described as olive and airborne. Her default fit is black and white (dominant), with patterns of her butterfly wings on the inside of her white trench coat. She wears a white shirt with a black harness and black pants. Wore black gloves and white boots over the pants.

"Ari" (?)

Her wing color in butterfly form is ocean blue with black lines. She usually takes on human and siren forms with ocean blue eyes and medium-length wavy black hair with white and ocean blue highlights, usually in a bun. Slightly shorter than Red, taller than Trick. She can be described as tanned and spring-like. Her default fit is black and white (dominant), with patterns of her butterfly wings on the ends of her white blouse sleeves. She wears black leggings with a ruffled skirt. Wore black gloves and white boots over the pants.

_____

I hope this helps imagining them better 🙏

This is only appearance-wise with their default fit a.k.a their usual uniform. We'll get to know more about them soon.

Also, the butterflies are tall. Trick is slightly taller than Cha Hae-in. While "Bel"(?) is taller than Jinwoo. Yes, they can change their appearances, so this is just comparison for their default humanoid form (the form they return to and spend time in the most).

[elliesglock]

Do the liberty game !

i'd like to preface this by saying it's gonna be kinda short and have little moments because there's not much they did. however they spoke very loud in the things they did do. i searched for as many videos and pictures i could that could tell me things. sorry if i missed anything

first of all i would like to point out how imo the summer was def their time to show their power couple-ness. i mean the fits, the time they spent together, all the events they showed up to together no matter their schedule. gives married asf.

so, azzi goes to the liberty game with steph because she's his ambassador and they have a close relationship so obviously they're gonna sit together. paige is sitting beside jordan chiles. i can imagine how sad they were they weren't going together like them planning it together and texting like you going? yes are you!!! yes!!! and then they realize and they're like dang. oh but they made sure they had them seats close. i would just like to point out how beautiful body guard p looked deciding to make her appearance this day. I LOVE LOVE LOVEEEEE body guard p and i could talk about it for hours. she keeps an eye on azzi. she protects her. and i've talked about this before but i think it's due to her being older and also just having a protective instinct with her due to their history. these girls have known each other since they were children, it's not just p keeping an eye on azzi she's keeping an eye on her soulmate she's been in love with since she was 15. also p, in general, is a very protective person over her loved ones (drew, lauren, her dad and mom, azzi etc.). it's very different for azzi though because obv she's going to watch over her little brother differently than her gf. there's many examples of p just watching azzi, the boogie concert, azzi talking to that one guy on opening night in 2022 she had a stare that could fry anybody that stepped in the way 😭. so obv azzi not being around p (and looking tf good) she's going to keep an eye on her. it's veryyyyg domestic. paige def leads azzi by her waist through large crowds and holds her hand tight so she doesn't loose her.

let's talk about these fits honeyyyy. my god azzi knows how to brighten a place up good lord. that face card. lowkey in my opinion their fits look a little coordinated. the way they're both wearing black and white stripes and the street wear kinda look? the undershirts being white? maybe i'm just delusional but they def look together. couples matching what's new yk. it could also be they just complement each other that well that it looks like they planned it. either way i have an agenda. i wanted to bring up the fits cause again, POWER COUPLE!!!! giving couple of basketball ngl. like they ittttt girlsssss. p with the extensions too good lorddddddd!!! yall aren't slick i know you went back to your hotel rooms and.....well. this is another reason i think p was watching azzi. she looked good alright. like p is a simple masc she sees her girl dressed up and she's clawing at the bottom of her seat to get an up close look and give her all the compliments.

the biggest thing about this game is the way they're obv VERYYYYY impatient and eager to see each other. it's sooo telling. like the fact u got steph curry sitting next to you and your checking ur phone and staring at your gf across the court. it's real unserious idc. they both were checking their phones a LOTTTTT. like A LOT. every video i've seen they're looking at the game for 5 secs and then they're checking their phone. my theory, they were texting the whole time about the meet up after the game 😭 they can't go and sit with each other so they're just gonna text each other and longingly stare at each other not even paying attention to the game they got court side tickets for??? I THOUGHT THIS WAS ABOUT BASKETBALL?? it's so gay and pathetic. p is even watching azzi with steph while jordan chiles is talking to her. it's very much i don't see anyone but my girl energy. p is literally BLINDDDDDDD when it comes to any other girl besides azzi. it's literally just her girl in that arena to her so. fuck yall for ruining my lover girl with player allegations.

now they finally get to meet up since the game is over. AND THE SWITCH IN DEMEANOR? like obv they were happy to be at the game but the way they are literally ASCENDING with happiness when they finally get to see each other. they're sooooo stupid and silly. they're body language talking to each other and other player is now so loose and relaxed, where as in the video of paige talking to jordan she seems very tense and un focused. not that they can't function with out each other they're grown women but almost. i think they bring out the social nature in each other when they're around one another. simply due to the fact they are comfortable around each other and obv bring relief to each other. p is already very social it was just funny to see her so preoccupied not on a convo but rather her girl across the court lololol.

so they see each other after the game and talk to a few player like sabrina. at first glance it looks like a couple of wives chatting and talking to others as a couple. gives very oh hey this is my wife nice to meet u if that makes sense. they got some pictures together (THANK GOD THEY GOT SOME PICTURES TO PUT UP ON THEIR APARTMENT) little professional business wives.

azzi does princess things and fixes something on paige's face. the way p looks at her?!?!??? like azzi isn't even paying attention but paige is LOCKED ON HER. she's just gonna admire azzi no matter what the circumstance is. we get a lovely sequence of photos of p's general heart eyes. she's like finally my girl is near me i can smile and be happy again. that's a little dramatic but it's true. and can we talk about how azzi dotting on paige is the absolute cutest. they always are fixing each others outfits and making sure they're comfortable. it's soooo girlfriend. i think they do it because you want your significant other to be comfortable and also like the way they look afterwards in pics. it's just a sweet gesture to do to fix something on their shirt or sum on their face. it shows your attentiveness and that you CARE. also the fact whatever was on p's face was close to her lips does not surprise me bc cmon i alr knew azzi was looking there. just like paige noticing something on azzi's boob at the draft. like guh we already know you were looking there.

and then they most likely leave and cuddle because they miss each other. like omg we haven't seen each other in days (3 hours) I FELT LIKE U WENT TO WAR (it's been an hour since they last touched). just attachment to the next degree.

okay, this is alll i got, thanks for reading you guys!! have a great night <3

[comma-tose]

Something I'd LOVE to see in future borderlands titles is the player characters having a mini character arc like how the pre-sequel vault hunters do.

They had so much personality and they were really varied, so it was great to hear what each of them had to say about situations or how NPC's would change what they said sometimes depending on the character the player chose

It was the only borderlands game where I've been actively searching up all the different player characters dialogues on YouTube and I'd really like it if that kind of thing could happen again in future borderlands titles.

[hippiegoth97]

Into the Fire: An Eddie Munson x Reader Story - Epilogue

Collage by me :)

Master List

Part 45

Tag List: @keikoraven @ar-jupiter @alcielo1438 @cairro-xx @stolen-in-moonlight

@micheledawn1975 @janiejenn @rafescvntyclubgf @melodymunson @spacedoutdaydreamer

@veemoon @sariahs-stuff @feral-pumpkin-energy @comeonatmebruh @munsoneightysixx

@morgthemagpie @josephquinnsfreckles @jenniquinn @songbirdmunson @cometzombie

@spookybabey @daggerdaggerkitten @nina6708 @sanctumdemunson @yourdailymemedelivery

@person-005 @slowandsteddie @gri959 @elegantkoalapaper @letitgoandletlive

@loserboysandlithium @costellation-hunter @leelei1980 @h-ness1944 @pretendthisnameisclever

@ohmeg @stalactitekilla @hellfirenacht @birdysaturne @oneforthemunny

@prettyboyeddiemunson @eddievanmunson @msgexymunson @rattkween86 @violetpixiedust

@bimbobaggins69 @angel-munson @eldermayfield @munsonsbtch @losingmygrasponreality

@mediocredreams @bloodibambiidoll @taintedcigs @ali-r3n @emxxblog

Content Warning 18+ Only, Minors DNI: swearing, mentions of smut, fluff, happy endings for everyone!

Word Count: 2.5k

divider by @strangergraphics

Epilogue: Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now

Two years later, September 3rd, 1992...

"You ready for your first day, love?" Eddie asks from the kitchen. He's packing lunches for the two of you, which consists of sandwiches, apples, and homemade cookies.

"Almost, I can't seem to find my special bag." You call to him, sounding rather frustrated as you search the apartment. Mom bought you a gorgeous leather bag to carry your teaching materials in, with 'Mrs. Munson' etched onto the strap in elegant script. You've been looking forward to using it, now that you've gotten your license to teach and are finally taking over all Hawkins High science classes. It's officially the first day of the 1992-1993 school year, and you've misplaced the one thing that'll keep you from losing your head today. 

"Hold on, I'll help ya find it." Eddie replies as he finishes up, closing the lunch boxes once everything is placed inside nicely. He brings them to the living room, finding you bent over the couch as you search behind it. If you weren't in such a hurry, he'd have a mind to smack that perfectly plump ass of yours. It's looking particularly slapable in the long denim skirt you're wearing today. He bites his lip as he holds himself off, calmly walking up to you to help you out. "Any luck?" He asks softly, putting a gentle hand on your back.

"Nope." You sigh, turning around and plopping onto the sofa. "I can't believe it. My first day, and I've already lost everything I need to go to work." You scoff at yourself, unable to feel like anything but a failure in this moment. You've been making yourself sick the last couple of weeks, stressing over every little thing. 'What if the kids don't like me?' 'What if the kids don't listen to me?' 'What if I make a fool of myself?' 'What if none of the other teachers take me seriously?' These are all the questions that have been swirling inside your mind, as well as verbalized to Eddie on countless occasions. All of which have earned endless reassurances that you can, and will, be a great teacher. But right now, that concept doesn't ring true for you at all.

"Y/N, I'm sure it's here somewhere." Eddie replies kindly, checking his watch. You still have a half-hour before you need to be at the school to set up. "We've got time. Lemme take a look, fresh eyes and all that." He says, leaving you sulking as he walks down the hall. He checks the bedroom, and the closet. Nada. He doubles back to the kitchen, even opening up the fridge in case your brain got scattered. Nope. Lastly, he checks the bathroom, where you spent a good hour smoothing down your clothes, fixing your hair, and making sure your makeup wasn't 'too whorish'. He finds your leather bag resting on the counter by the sink, he lets out a relieved breath and grins. He brings it back to you, though your head is currently resting shamefully in your hands. "Sweetheart?" He asks, prompting you to look up at him.

Your eyes meet his, before falling onto the blasted bag. "Where the hell was it?" You ask, sure you had checked everywhere, like, ten times. 

"Bathroom." He replies simply.

"Oh, figures. That's the last place I'd look." You giggle, taking the bag from him. "Thanks, baby. You always know how to keep me sane." You stand up, giving him a small peck. "We'd better get going, I wanna get there early." You say.

"Aren't you already getting there early?" Eddie asks, confused.

"For normal people, yes. But, I need to make sure everything is extra perfect." You say matter-of-factly, though you're absolutely beaming in the eyes. You're exceptionally anxious about today, but you're also happy to start your new career. You've found your passion, and worked very hard to get where you are. 

"Whatever you say, babydoll." He shrugs, following you towards the front door. You both gather your keys and jackets, giving Arwen a farewell pet before leaving for the day. Eddie drives you to the school, pulling up into the teacher's lot at the back of the building. "Here we are, princess." He says, gesturing towards the structure he loathes to this very day.

"Yep. Here we are." You nod, gripping hard on the handles of your lunch box and teaching bag. As excited as you are to get started, you can't help feeling a little overwhelmed as you stare at the empty school.

"Hey, look at me." Eddie pipes up, and you turn to look at him. He puts a hand over yours, gazing at you adoringly. "You're gonna do great in there, honey. The kids are gonna love you. Everything will be fine." He speaks calmly to you, putting your jitters to rest.

"Promise?" You ask as a confident smile creeps across your face.

"Promise." He answers sincerely, leaning in to give you a good-bye kiss. You meet him in the middle, the feeling of his lips on yours calming you down further. "Now, get your hot teacher ass in there! Hawkins High better watch out!" Eddie chuckles goofily, shooing you out of the car. You do as he says, making a show of swaying your hips as you walk towards the school. He whoops from the rolled-down window, and you turn around and walk backwards to wave at him. He returns it, before turning the key to get the engine running. "Have a good day, Mrs. Munson!" He cheers as he pulls out of the parking space.

"I will!" You shout back, cheeks turning pink as joy overtakes you. You spin back around to head inside, listening to the van driving away to take Eddie to work. He'd decided to get a more adult job recently, at the local auto shop. He's pretty handy with cars, as it turns out, and having an in with the owner isn't a bad thing, either. The pay is good, he gets to work with his hands all day, and he's left looking sexy as all hell at the end of his shift. 

You're picturing it in your mind right now as you make your way through the school halls. Blue jumpsuit, stained with oil and grease, the top half tied around his waist with an equally dirty white t-shirt underneath. His curly mane tied back in a messy ponytail, a few strands framing his face. And the best part, dark streaks of what you lovingly call 'car gunk' all over his pretty skin. On his hands, his arms, little smudges on his nose and cheeks. Sometimes on his chest, if the day is hot enough and he ditches the shirt. Fuck, you've never seen a man look so gorgeous while doing manual labor. You may have stopped in a few times to 'get your oil changed' or 'brakes checked' to catch a glimpse of him in action, which usually leads to him taking an early lunch and railing you in the back office. Thankfully, no one seems to bat an eye when you leave with grease marks on your clothes afterwards.

Just as you stop fantasizing about your beautiful husband, you're right outside your very own classroom. Your name is engraved on a plate mounted beside the door, telling you this is your new domain. You're already quite familiar with the space, having learned under Mrs. O'Donnell for the past couple years. Plus, you had a few weeks to come in and whip up lesson plans and arrange the room as you see fit. You take a deep breath, and pull the door open to get started. And once you step through that threshold, everything feels like it's falling into place.

Speaking of things following their natural order, quite a lot has changed since the summer of 1990. Dustin's starting his senior year at Cal-Tech, which will be followed by an internship at NASA. He's apparently one of the best and brightest the university has seen in a very long time, to no one's surprise. He's moving up in the world, getting all these wonderful opportunities, and you couldn't be happier for him. As for Mom, she's not too keen on the whole continued long-distance thing, but she's so proud of him in spite of that. She's been doing alright for herself as of late, joining a romance novel book club with Mrs. Wheeler and Mrs. Sinclair. They're big fans of pulp fiction, it seems. 

Other developments within your long-extended family are numerous. The Hellfire kids are thriving under Erica's rule, who's proving to be a more formidable Dungeon Master than even Eddie himself. You've played a few campaigns with them, when the timing is right given everyone's busy schedule. You haven't won a single one, which makes Erica far too pleased for her own good. She's managed to stump the former head honcho himself, totally schooling him in the game time and again. She's quite the mastermind, which will prove useful in her pursuit of a career in criminal psychology. The other kids have pretty general goals, most of them wanting to follow in their parents' footsteps. 

Nancy's five months pregnant with her and Jonathan's first child, a little baby girl. Nancy is really nervous, but Jonathan is overjoyed by the prospect of being a dad. He's been reading all the baby books, learning everything he can to be a team player for his beautiful, glowing wife. You've seen the sonogram, and Mom helped Karen throw a wonderful baby shower for the mother to be. That was a lot of fun, hanging out with all the other ladies in the group, having fancy tea and sandwiches while giving Nancy everything she needs for when the baby arrives. She even made Robin and Vickie the god-parents, which was really sweet. The overall idea of having kids may be a bit foreign to you, and always will be. But it's nice to share in the joy of your friends. 

Steve and Chrissy, on the other hand, are just recently getting serious. He popped the question to her a few months ago, the two of them wanting to take things slow. It's really paid off, they are honestly one of the happiest couples you've ever seen. Chrissy managed to convince Jason to sign the divorce papers from prison, which was a shock. But she said he knew there was no winning her back at this point, so he set her free. Perhaps some hard time has helped him see what an awful man he used to be, and he wants to make things right. Either way, Steve is very much looking forward to making an honest woman out of Chrissy, as well as officially adopting JJ as his own son. In regards to the upcoming wedding, both you and Eddie have been asked to be in the bridal party. Robin is going to be Steve's 'best woman', and Vickie is the maid of honor. She's surprisingly gotten really close with Chrissy, sharing similar tastes in clothes and movies, as well as having overbearing parents. It's a friendship no one expected, but it's a welcome one.

Robin and Vickie have moved in together, sharing a quiet little house on the edge of town, with an acre or so of land along with it. They have a few chickens, a cow, a goat, and some honeybees. It's their own little homestead, growing food for themselves and selling some at a small, colorfully-decorated stand they have on the side of the country road. Robin's become oddly outdoorsy as time has passed, but it's more that she wants to share this thriving, private space with the woman she loves. They've had you and the others over a few times for dinner, which always ends outside at a massive fire pit they've dug out back. It's warm and cozy at their place, and you never fail to leave there with a massive smile on your face after wonderful food and conversation.

The Hopper/Byers family have plans to move back to Hawkins, missing everyone way too much to be so far away any longer. You're looking forward to having them back in town, they really are a great bunch. Hopper's aiming to get his job back at the police station, but more as a detective than anything else. The town has had a bit of a boom as of late, expanding as more people come looking for that sweet, suburban paradise. With said growth has come new shops and restaurants, though the tried and true landmarks of this place have been going stronger than ever, despite a little friendly competition. This growth also calls for a facelift of tax-paid services to maintain it all, which includes the police department. It's nice to watch this once dingy little town turn into a real spot on the map. A humble spot, but a spot worth taking a second glance at, that's for sure. 

Last, but not least, there's the matter of Wayne. Given that he's been getting on in years, he decided to retire shortly after you and Eddie got married. He felt like his job was finally done. He'd raised his scared, scrawny nephew up into a fearless, beautiful young man. So, he quit his job at the plant, and now spends his time traveling around in a small RV. He got a sweet basset hound named Bessie to keep him company on his adventures, visiting every silly tourist attraction and crappy motel this country has to offer. He also sends you postcards, of which you receive at least three a week. You've gotten cards from the Corn Palace in South Dakota, Roswell in New Mexico, the Blue Whale of Catoosa, and many, many more. They give you and Eddie a good laugh whenever you check the mail, and you always call Wayne at whatever motor park number he writes down on the cards the night that you get them. 

All in all, everybody is doing really well. Everyone has their own things going on, finding contentment in whatever that means for them. After years of loss, and tragedy, and general upheaval in this once-sleepy town of Hawkins, Indiana, it's more than earned. You've all taken the bad and the ugly in stride, and the good is well worth all the hardship you've worked through to get it. Everything is exactly as it's meant to be, despite life trying its hardest to throw obstacle after obstacle in your path. They say happy endings only exist in movies, and it would be naïve to say that no challenges will come your way ever again. But, the fact is, now that you've formed such strong bonds with one another, you know you can make it through. And as far as you're concerned, that's a happy ending if you've ever seen one. The knowledge that, no matter what happens, you'll always have people you love by your side to get through it.