#Bestie (you know who you are) I am working on your Ocs

[wink-1-8-2]

Just…pals being pals, nothing more

[em-b-sides]

I think about that tiktok trend where you like paint your partners eye color on your nails or make a bracelet or something with the color a lot actually

[kooktrash]

the art of obsession | kim taehyung

summary: in a world of painters and poets, there were two college students looking for the right sort of inspiration. through devotion in your craft, you find yourself drawn to kim taehyung—a grad student painter who’s everything you’ve ever looked for in a character. his walk, his form of speech, his art, it all captivated you to the point where you wanted to recreate him in words and you begin to realize how similar the two of you really are. you share a sort of obsession in your work that seems like only each other could understand and he invites you into his world of oil paints and charcoals in hopes of drawing you on paper.

✎ genre/au: dark academia. college au. painter!taehyung x writer!y/n [afab. she/her]

✎ 17.4K words

“He’s more myself than I am. Whatever our souls are made of, his and mine are the same.” — Wuthering Heights, Emily Brontë

warnings: smut. slight obsession with their work. prestigious college. tae literally takes oc to a graveyard. oc and tae dont take criticism well. unprotected intercourse. oral [f and m]. oc slobs on his knob and tae eats like it’s the last supper. missionary. side position. lowkey passionate sex. fireplace crackling. namjoon and oc used to be fwb. hints that oc and Jimin used to be fwb too. jungkook is tae’s sculpture artist bestie. jimin is oc’s ballerina bestie. namjoon is oc’s writer bestie.

The smell of cigarettes was something you were fairly used to being around where you resided. You’re not sure what makes it so popular among young academics and sometimes you wonder if it’s not the need of nicotine but more so the aesthetic of it that they all seem to enjoy. It seemed to always linger in the air around campus where all the grad students would walk with their heads down and bags under their eyes as stress took over their entire being. You understand the stress but being an undergrad student yourself, you’re not sure you could understand the extent of it that they must feel. All you could really do is watch the way it slowly deteriorates their body every time they step into the library.

Maybe it’s the Literature major in you, but you never fail to try and assess each person that walks in as if you could see their entire character design and what makes them who they are. Today you got a bit lucky because despite how slow your homework had been going, your favorite case of study had just walked in wearing his usual black turtleneck tucked into a pair of loose corduroy pants. He wore a pair of rounded wire glasses that you love getting to see him in and they did wonders to conceal the eye bags you knew were there.

With this smallest hint of entertainment you’ve found through your long and boring study session with only one friend to confide in, you shut your copy of — excuse the pretentiousness — The Pictures of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde, and lowered the volume on your headphones enough to be more aware of the cause of his visit today. You rarely saw him in the library and if he did happen to come by it was to check out or check in a single book on Michaelangelo or Davinci.

You were surprised by how close he seemed to have gotten to you today. The table you studied at was only a couple feet away from a book aisle he had currently walked down and now he was just a meter or so away with his head down in his book. The usual smell of smoke surrounded him and despite scrunching your nose at the smell, you chose to ignore it and study him a little further. You even went as far as to lower your headphones until they curled around your neck giving him your attention even if he didn’t know he had it.

As much of an observer as you were, you never seemed to catch on to the way his gaze would shift to you any time you weren’t looking, eyes scanning your features rather quickly as he made his own assessment. You dressed warmly today, probably due to the fact that there’s been a light rain that has been casted over the city, always seeming to linger longer where the buildings were older and all signs of urban life seemed to dissipate. You were dressed in neutral tones today that placed you perfectly with your own surroundings and if this was a painting he’s sure you would be the focal point—or maybe the single spec of bright color you wore which was in this case your powder blue headphones. He’s not sure he’s ever used that specific shade of blue in a single one of his works before but maybe he’ll look into it.

He rarely visited the library but when he did it was always a pleasant surprise to see you there. He didn’t care much to get to know you, he just found the aesthetic of it all captivating. The library was beautiful, truthfully, with its dark wood shelves and polished tile floors that echoed with each step. It was eerily quiet and it always smelled of old books and always reminded him of a cathedral. There were large stained glass windows of poets, painters, dancers, etc. the clear glass windows overlooked the large pond that covered the back of the small campus where the woods began to take over and student life decreased aside from the occasional late night college party hosted there between trees and bonfires.

“He always comes into my work for paints. I wonder why he always pays in cash.” Your friend said, suddenly appearing next to you and not messing with the printer anymore. He must’ve caught sight of Taehyung before he left and considering he worked at a supply store, it was no surprise he recognized him.

“Maybe he hates banks,” you joked, turning to Jimin with a smile. Jimin pursed his lips staring down the aisle where Taehyung had disappeared once he had his book, “Maybe cash is more aesthetically pleasing. He’s an art major, isn’t he? I say he’s too pretentious to use a plastic card—or even worse, Tap to Pay.”

At that you laughed, deciding to continue the teasing of a man you barely knew while also trying to defend him, “Do people ever get tired of throwing words around?”

“Are you referring to my use of ‘pretentious’?” Jimin asked as he moved to the other side of the counter, “I used the term correctly, it’s an adjective meaning, ‘attempting to impress by affecting greater importance and culture than is actually possessed’. His refusal to adhere to society’s technological advances is pretentious in itself. I bet he still uses No. 2 pencils as an act of defiance against mechanical pencils—if he was a writer like you he would probably be more drawn to a pen but he’s an artist and artists make mistakes that get covered up or changed.”

You couldn’t help but smirk at that, “Tell me then, Jimin, what does a ballerina use to convey words? An Arabesque?”

Jimin released a loud groan, “I hate this goddamn school.”

You watched him open his newest generation laptop and hide behind it. He knew now how little room he had to talk. You, yourself, couldn’t utter a word to disagree with him either when in your hand was a Montblanc fountain pen that cost your parents a hefty 1,500$ to get to you when you were first accepted into the school. You’re sure when the time comes for you to finish undergrad, they’ll up the price and give you one worth 4,000$—the most profound amount of proof that you did in fact strictly use pens for everything.

You would never dare mention anything revolving around the money Taehyung’s family is rumored to have because you don’t know anything about him to do so.

All you knew were the few things you’ve noticed — a couple that even made it into your journal — like the fact that he specialized in two mediums; charcoal and oil paintings. He’s a known name at the University for his work and dedication and you saw that through one of his works. It was dark and a bit twisted but it told a story and you think that’s what drew you into him before you even knew it was him.

Despite his strong presence that always seemed to draw you in, he had a gift for making himself invisible in a group setting. He never spoke up in class, never caused a fuss, he was in and out like a shadow.

At the start of the semester you were taken by surprise when you found him sitting in one of the back rows of the lecture hall to an advanced anatomy class that you’re sure you took for very different reasons. Taehyung was interested in the study of the body so he could fully understand the way the it works from the inside out. He wanted to understand how each limb moved, how fluid each bone and muscle connected, how they could contort, see where the organs go, imagine the flesh coming to life when he painted.

In literature, anatomy isn’t referring to the human body. It refers to a separation of a topic into smaller parts for detailed analysis of the work. You did not make a mistake when you chose this lecture, you too wanted to study the body for your work. You wanted to learn how fragile it really was, how it could be destroyed, how hard it was to do so. You wanted to know about which bones were weaker, which organ puncture did the most damage. You need visuals and understanding of its healing process, of the way it moved, how the nervous system worked. Once you had a better understanding of the body, you just knew that you would be able to apply all these things to your writing. You would be able to detail how your character’s body deteriorated outside and in. How the body would slowly break down, which nerves were affected, how the heart worked in that moment. It would be gruesome but intriguing enough for your readers.

Maybe you needed to write something not so dark, something that didn’t make you take courses you didn’t really need but wanted in hopes that they’ll help you understand better. You didn’t actually need to go this far to describe a couple grueling scenes but it helped.

The room was silent aside from the obnoxious sound of the clock, Tick… Tock… Tick… Tock…Ticking.

You stood at the front of your professor’s desk in his clustered office filled with classical literature books and awards for writing all over the shelves. His desk took up the majority of the space inside and whenever you were in here you couldn’t help but feel just a little suffocated. There were barely any words shared between the two of you, he only ever decided to truly grace you with his speech when he was critiquing and yet right now he’s been uncomfortably silent.

The silence had grown so long that you found your attention drifting toward the grandfather clock that was tucked away near the overwhelming stained glass window that overlooked the courtyard filled with wet and fallen leaves. The trees were bare and the fountain had a sculpture of a big swan with its wings spread in what looked like a dance. It always reminded you of the Swan Song, but you never knew if that was morbid of you. The idea of your University of Fine Arts decorating the campus in the black and white birds simply for decor always seemed strange to you too.

There was no way they would ever portray anything without meaning, or at least something not up for interpretation and yet every time you looked at one of the swans, you thought about the Swan Song, the way the bird’s wings were open beautifully with each detail chiseled into the stone. It looked like the swan’s final performance before its end. It wasn’t the sort of symbolism you liked to see at a school with such dedicated artists looking for a way to perfect every aspect of their work as if each one was their last.

“I like it,” your professor finally said, drawing your attention back to him in an instant, “Your writing has improved Y/n, I’m starting to really visualize the plot and I think it has a certain rawness to it that I’m not used to seeing from you.”

The corner of your lips turned upward like you wanted to smile but you wouldn’t fully allow yourself to. He hasn’t looked at you yet, his eyes stayed glued to your paper and it was clear he wasn’t done, “But it still feels stiff—well, the main character does. I can’t understand him yet, he’s just a mystery to me and not one I’m interested in unraveling. I can’t understand his depth and it’s becoming a big flaw in your writing. Everything else sounds wonderful, well articulated and with such emotion… that when I think of him all I see a huge lack of substance. He’s being drowned out by the rest and he’s supposed to be the one I follow when I read.”

You didn’t say anything as your jaw slowly clenched shut, eyes unwavering as he went on, “It’s like you have a lack of knowledge for human emotion and psychology, I’m not sure that’s something that can be easily fixed.”

“Does it make my writing bad?” You asked stiffly and he shook his head no.

“No, your writing is captivating but there’s a very huge disconnect I’m feeling from your characters,” he said, looking up at you, “It takes away the beauty of it.”

Your lips felt sewn shut as he handed you back your paper with all of his notes for you to fix and you felt like crying. You couldn’t even utter out a single word as you forced yourself not to react to his words and leave his office with your head held high.

What did he mean by disconnect? What more did he want you to do? What did you not understand about human emotion? You’re a human, what is there not to get? What else did he want from you?

These questions circled your head for what felt like an eternity, only confusing you more and more as you left for your next lecture. You spent the fifteen minute gap with your journal out jotting down every question that came to mind trying to see how you could find answers to these.

You sat alone in your row of seats waiting for other students to arrive and you took the time to brainstorm. He told you your characters lacked substance and implied that they were hard to visualize. He said that he can’t understand them, especially the lead and that he couldn’t be absorbed into a story about a character he doesn’t care for. He basically said that you lacked an understanding of emotional depth for the characters you write and therefore your stories will continue to have a disconnect until something changes. If only something could inspire you, maybe help you analyze these so-called emotions you couldn’t comprehend. You needed to remove some of the mystery around your character and really dive in on his arc, understand how he felt. How could you do that? It's not like you could fully visualize it yourself either unless you really began to study those around you more than you already do.

You sat up straighter in your seat and looked around as the lecture hall began to fill slowly. The room had a sort of ancient feel to it with long hazelnut rows of desks pressed side by side against each other in an amphitheater manner. There were diagrams and models of the human body plastered everywhere but none looked straight off of a doctor’s catalog. They looked like Davinci himself drew every skeleton in the room. It also had a small echo especially when the rain hit the wall or glass windows that sometimes tuned out the sound of talking students entering the hall.

You recognized most of the faces and the one who passed you as he went up a few rows seemed to distract you more than the others. Kim Taehyung didn’t wear glasses today but he wore a wool sweater and linen pants. There was a small splotch of gray paint on his knuckle that he hadn't seemed to notice as he swung his book bag onto the desk with a small thud, uncaring if anyone heard and ignored everyone around him.

He was similar to your character, almost. He always seemed closed off and unapproachable but behind his eyes was an aura of emotion that isn’t easily interpreted. You found yourself beginning to scribble down in your journal, just basic things you noted about him.

The lazy, bored look in his eyes that made him look tired and unamused by everything that happened around him.

Then there was his stance. He had good posture but when he sat down in his seat he leaned all the way back with his arms on the table like he was observing every person in the lecture hall, even you.

You knew this because for a second your eyes met with Taehyung’s and in that measly moment you just took in the sight of each other. Taehyung didn’t hold much expression in face but his fingers seemed to twirl his No. 2 pencil a little more intently now. He ran his gaze down from your eyes to the curve of your nose and curl of your lips. There was something about your facial features that he was delighted in studying. When you looked away and gave him a view of your side profile he leaned toward his desk more and the leather sketchbook that rested over his textbook was flipped open as he began to sketch you.

The drawing didn’t mean much to him, it was just a small doodle to pass time, his hands had to always be sketching and you happened to be his distraction today. Usually he doesn’t really pay attention to you when he’s in class, you sit far enough from each other that you never interact and when he catches you in the library you always seem lost in your own world.

He knows your name, he read your story last semester simply because it intrigued him. It was published on the school forum and won an achievement so he checked it out and it was good, your writing is intricate, or at least that’s what he thinks. He’s able to follow along to every word and not be bored or confused but with a certain degree of understanding that the reader needs to learn. There’s an aura of mystery around it, yet it was not something that he couldn’t comprehend and he thinks that’s why he was able to enjoy it.

At the end of the lecture he had three small drawings of you.

“Come on man, it won’t take long, just one drink,” Jungkook begged him for the third time in a row. Despite his friend’s darker exterior dressed in black jeans, a black tee, and a black leather jacket, he was way more outgoing. He was always trying to get Taehyung to go out for drinks or to party but he just doesn’t have the time.

“Not tonight,” Taehyung said as he opened up his pack of cigarettes and took one out, sliding it to his lips before burning the end with his lighter. He handed the pack to Jungkook who took it without question and did the same.

Jungkook released a sigh in disappointment, shaking his head a little as he said, “Whatever man, you say that every night.”

Taehyung shrugged his shoulders as he took a drag and pulled it out between his index finger and thumb, “Then get the hint.”

His friend wasn’t listening anymore, choosing instead to stare at the building in front of him, dimly lit from all the lamp posts. It was just after sunset and the only students around were probably working on assignments like Jungkook and Taehyung. Taehyung took advantage of the art room to work privately and in a bigger space while Jungkook worked in the warehouse where he could work on his new sculpture. Taehyung couldn’t understand why Jungkook cared about whatever was going on at the library till he casually looked over too.

“She looks familiar,” Jungkook said pointing to you as you walked down the sidewalk toward the bus stop. Taehyung looked too, you had a tote bag like most students around here and there was a butterfly clip in your hair but it still looked messy. Your hair was down earlier and at some point you decided to put it up and he realized now that he didn’t have a preference on how hair looks on someone. He likes the style you had earlier and the one you have now too because they enhance your features more.

“That’s Y/n,” Taehyung said casually as they went to the parking lot. Jungkook looked at him curiously before glancing back at you, “You know her?”

Taehyung didn’t have an answer for that so he didn’t give one, he just walked ahead wondering the same thing. “Let’s get a drink,” Taehyung finally gave in and Jungkook immediately cheered. “Yes! Okay, don’t worry, just one.”

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder… that is what every artist has ever been taught. Taehyung has never been able to disagree with a statement more than that one. There is not beauty everywhere, it is not as inclusive as one might think and to truly understand art in the many forms it could take, one needs to understand the meaning of genuine beauty.

It’s quite terrifying in a sense, for one to be able to lose control and fall for the Dionysian seduction and view beauty for what it truly is. It is a raw and exhilarating topic that cannot be defined by just looks or words but more the freedom of life, life is beautiful in its own twisted way and to accept that definition is to be able to portray that in what you do. That’s why Taehyung’s art tends to lean toward a more dark and twisted form. When he creates art he’s not just looking at creating something nice to look at or something with a hidden meaning that no one would ever truly understand. When he creates, he wishes to express human emotion through his work—he wishes to make others feel things they’ve never felt before and that is the beauty he is chasing after.

Beauty is not a person but a feeling and when he looks at you he seems to understand that better.

It’s not just your outward attractiveness that draws him in. It’s the terrifying beauty that you radiate in your gaze, in your mannerisms, in your writing. It intrigues him and if he could put you on a canvas and unravel everything inside you — your fears, your joys, your tears — he would but till then you’re nothing but a familiar stranger that invades his mind when he least expects it.

“Taehyung, your work is beautiful,” his professor said, “Everything you create is effortlessly perfect but…”

He waited with a bated breath, already not liking where this was getting. He watched closely to the way she tilted her head in curiosity, “It’s rather dark, don’t you think? Maybe hard for interpretation an—“

“It’s not made to be interpreted by anything but the way it is,” Taehyung said boldly, “Once art is set for others to create a new meaning for it, is it ever truly art?”

“I guess I am not understanding what you mean,” she said leaning forward against her desk.

Taehyung released a sigh like this conversation with his senior was tedious, “When you look at Picasso’s work, do you think he created it for others to understand? Or was that something that people began to believe? He created art that was unconstraining to himself and his life.”

“Yes but look at Salvador Dali, the entire aspect of surrealism that he used was to unleash the power of imagination and creativity. You can’t just shut your art into a small box for the sake of aesthetic,” she said and that made him scoff, his lip curled in distaste, “And let’s look at Monet? He’s practically what started the entire idea of Impressionism.”

“What it meant to him, how he viewed it at that moment, that was all,” Taehyung said, which made the advisor release a sign, “Claude Monet once said, everyone pretends to understand his art, as if it were necessary to understand when it is only necessary to love.”

“I’m afraid this conversation will go back and forth if we continue,” she said with a huff, already irritated by the way things are going, “The exhibition is in three months, in a month I’ll connect with you on how everything is looking and give you the rundown as well is there anything else you need from me, Mr. Kim?”

Taehyung shook his head and without a goodbye he was getting up from his seat and storming out. Not even a second after the chestnut double doors shut, did he find himself reaching into the pocket of his jeans to get his pack out. The cigarette sat perfectly between his lips as he blocked one side with the hand so the wind didn’t blow his lighter out and he lit the tip, ignoring the ‘No Smoking’ sign just a couple feet away. He couldn’t help but mumble, “Stupid bitch,” under his breath once he finally left the building.

As he rounded the corner, something hit his chest and his free hand immediately the person steady in front of him.

Your hand was on his chest to keep from hitting him and as you looked up, your eyes widened just slightly. Taehyung didn’t say anything as he let you go, brushing against your side and moving around you to leave feeling your eyes on him. You watched him head the way you just came from and finally snapped out of it when you heard your friend call for you.

He turned to look for you seeing you already walking over to some tall and muscular guy. The guy gave you a dimpled smile as he followed after you, no longer in Taehyung’s peripheral.

“Maybe he has a point, Y/n,” Namjoon said as he walked with you to the bus stop, “If you’re struggling then maybe you should think about altering the character more.”

You shook your head in displeasure, “No, I’m not going to change him, I just need to be able to visualize his characteristics.”

Namjoon released a sigh as he pondered over what advice to give you, but came up blank, “I mean… maybe you just need some real inspiration from those around you. ”

The both of you went silent trying to find a solution and you looked up at him curiously. Namjoon would be an amazing reference for a character but he doesn’t fit the image you want him to. He was like light, he was kind hearted and charming and so unbelievably smart but that’s not how you envisioned the main character in your story. The kind of character you had in mind was supposed to act similar to… well, Taehyung. He’s supposed to be a bit mysterious, cold, not necessarily a likable character but someone they can’t help but be curious about.

“Namjoon,” you called his name and for a moment he grew hopeful to the idea that maybe you were thinking of studying him the way you do with others—even if he knew that would never happen. Instead, you came to a stop and looked up at him, “I forgot my laptop in the ffice, I’ve gotta go get it.”

His brows furrowed, looking down at your tote bag, “I’ll come wit—“

“No, you have to work, right?” You asked, already backing away from him, “I don’t want to make you late, I’ll just catch the next bus.”

Before he could argue, you were already taking off in a hurry back down the way the two of you came from. With a sigh he watched you leave wondering why he always seemed to be a couple steps behind you and never beside you. All he’s done since he met you was follow your lead in friendship and outside of it.

Even when the two of you had sex months ago it was always when you wanted and never when he did. If he even thought to ask, all you did was blow him off and then question him on if he’s seeing anyone at the moment. In the same second you would press your lips to his cheek and remind him how much you adored him even when you blew him off he always found the act of it a bit poetic.

He loved you, but it’s a love unreturned and if he wants to stay by you, it has to be with him at the back of your mind and never at the forefront.

With that understanding, he had no choice but to let you go back toward campus walking across fallen leaves and dead branches while he went to the bus alone.

Your legs had taken off before you could even decide where to go and in the end you found yourself heading back the way in which you met with Namjoon—and also the way you bumped into Taehyung. You were never much of the shy type even if it appeared that way, your friends always said you were the selective type—only choosing who to be outgoing with and even then it was rare and required a lot of work to get to you.

They had it easy, Jimin was a childhood friend and Namjoon was in the same writing department as you but that’s as far as your circle went. Well, no, there’s Yoongi too but he’s a pianist and these days he’s so busy with lessons and trips to the orchestra, you barely see him.

Like stated, you were selectively social and right now, you were choosing to find Taehyung so you could formally talk to him. It took you about ten minutes of mindlessly walking through the courtyard to locate him and when you did, you came to a halt. He was just a few feet away now, cigarette between his lips, crouched down against the wall of some historic looking building with castle-like elements and you know he saw you coming when he turned his head and looked right at you.

That was the push that had you walking toward him and saying, “Kim Taehyung?”

“Yes?” He asked, looking you up and down, eyes unable to help themselves as he looked up from your legs to your face. You wore a black fitted turtleneck underneath a brown sweater vest tucked into a black skirt. You wore long 70s style brown boots and mesh tights too. Your hair was pinned back with a hair clip and pins and your ears were lined with simple yet pretty earrings. When his gaze finally met yours, he couldn’t help but take in the sight of you once more.

“My name is—“

“I know your name,” he said with a small glint in his eye, “Obviously.”

You didn’t pull away from his intense stare and watched him bring the cigarette back to his lips, “I thought it would be more appropriate to introduce myself.”

“Mm,” he exhaled looking down at the cement below his feet, flicking the end of the cigarette to let ash fall, “So what could I do for you, Y/n?”

He looked up once more and you bit your lip in thought, “If you are free, I wanted to see if you’d like to get a coffee with me.”

“I don’t like coffee,” he said, finally putting the thing out and standing up, “And it’s almost sunset.”

You blinked in surprise as he stood in front of you now but you didn’t back away, “Then we’ll just have dinner.”

“Thanks,” Taehyung swung his bag over his shoulder, “But I’m kind of busy, I’ve got somewhere to get to.”

He was already walking away to hide his look of surprise. He didn’t expect the two of you to ever really talk and he didn’t really know what to do. He ended up rejecting before he could even truly think it over. He imagined you as just a fantasy — nothing he could ever explore but that he could dream about. He just wanted to look and think about you but never know anything beyond what was on the surface—like a painting.

“And you can’t have a plus one?” You asked in your final effort to get closer to him completely unaware of what he thought of you. You watched him come to a stop, and for a moment you tried to imagine him contemplating. Taehyung turned to face you, “I’m not going anywhere fun.”

You stayed quiet as he went on, “And some might find it scary.”

It seemed like he was trying to warn you as if to let you back out of your own proposal but he wasn’t saying no and that was hopeful. You tilted your chin higher, “As long as you don’t plan on murdering me, I’m sure I’ll be fine.”

That made the corners of his lips turn upward in an arrogant smirk, “Okay, Y/n, follow me.”

The walk wasn’t too far from the college but the college was already a bit on the outskirts of the city. All you saw were green, dying hills as autumn threatened to take over and it took you a second to understand where he was taking you until he was leading the way down a steep hill toward an empty and cold graveyard. It was a straight line of jagged tombstones and overgrown plant life entwined around them. There were clear dirt paths leading down row after row of old graves and a few Angel statues but nothing too bad, at least that’s what you’re telling yourself.

“I told you, you might be scared,” Taehyung said as he walked parallel to the graveyard toward a tree that stood tall along the sloping hill, “But this is the best view of twilight, if you want, I could walk you back to campus.”

“No, it’s fine,” you cleared your throat deciding to walk ahead of him so you could be the one sitting upright against the tree. Taehyung dropped his backpack a few feet away from you and began getting his things out.

You didn’t question him, only observed the way he carried on like you weren’t even there. It’s not like you minded, you didn’t have any real agenda to get him to spend time with you and frankly, you felt a bit relieved to see that he wasn’t trying to figure out what you wanted. It was unspoken the way the two of you seemed to think similarly and brought out your tools.

Taehyung didn’t say anything when he flipped his sketchbook open and found a charcoal he could use as he began to sketch without much thought into it. He even made himself comfortable by lying back, using the angle of the hill to help him not lay horizontally and he bent a knee up as a sort of flat surface he could rest his book on. There was a small breeze that carried through his linen shirt and brown trousers but he wasn’t much worried about himself.

He was more worried about you, who had asked to spend time with him but had no real plan to do so. He’ll admit, when he said no it was just on reflex from all the other times he’s out right rejected others before but he only thought it over because he’s been curious of you two. When you told him you would join him for a moment he debated saying no again because this was his favorite place to be to watch the sunset but it wasn’t all that normal. He even tried to warn you and offer to take you back when you saw the graveyard but you didn’t even seem to care when you sat down. Now that he’s looking at you up close, he can see the way your brows furrowed in concentration as you scribbled in your journal, already feeling inspiration.

It’s now that Taehyung is realizing why he’s been so curious. He finds you beautiful, he’s sure he’s mentioned that before, but he finds you beautiful in an unsettling way. Just looking at you seemed to send him into a wave of emotion like you’re exactly what he’s wished to create on canvas. Before he even knew what he was doing, his hands were working away to make another sketch, eyes on you as he worked.

“What are you writing in that little journal of yours?” He found himself asking after some time. The sketch was rough and yet it was so refined that there was no mistaking what it could be. It was a monochromatic sketch of you with your back against the tree, legs straight before you and your hair covering your face with the howl of the wind. Your hands looked delicate when you wrote and you looked so lost in your own work that managed to capture that same essence in his drawing.

When you first looked at him, your eyes went down to the pack of cigarettes he was now messing with and out of curiosity he raised it to you as if asking if you wanted one. Moving to sit forward, you took one and held it between your lips as he dug into his pocket for his zippo lighter, flipping it open and bringing it toward your face to light the cigarette. He watched curiously as you leaned back a little, took an inhale/exhale, and said, “I’ll tell you if you show me what you’ve been doing in that little sketchbook of yours.”

For some reason a small smile came to his face as he laid on his side using his elbow for support and reached over to hand you the sketchbook. You took it with a sense of excitement that quickly turned into disbelief as you looked at it. The back of your index finger hovered over it but never touched for fear that you would smudge it or worse—ash, and when you finally handed it back to him, wordlessly, his cold fingers brushing against sending a warm current down your arm.

At this exchange, Taehyung moved to sit up, not bothering to brush off any loose grass blades off his linen shirt and read over a short passage.

A certain coolness in his gaze that made him appear cruel.

A charming aura that seemed timeless, not modern but ancient like he was created from every classic literature known to man.

His gaze, his smile, his voice—all deep like red velvet.

The list went on, each short sentence followed by another in what one could assume was meant to describe him. He didn’t say anything either as he handed it back to you the same way you had done with his sketchbook. Neither of you were looking for critique or praise, more so acknowledgement of what the other had been doing and once you had it, it was enough.

Taehyung stared forward as the line of bright Orange finally vanished from the sky and a cool blue clouded it. The atmosphere shifted now as darkness began to swim across the sky and you both knew it was time to go. Nothing was said as you both stood up with your things and even less was brought up on your walk back to campus.

It wasn’t until you stood at the bus stop that Taehyung decided to ask, “Are you busy tomorrow?”

“No.”

He pulled out a piece of paper from the pocket in his trousers followed by a pen as he scribbled something down before handing it to you, “Meet me here at 8:00pm.”

You didn’t have to say anything for Taehyung to know you would show and he left without much of a goodbye.

The place you arrived to at 8:00pm on the dot wasn’t exactly what you had in mind but it wasn’t much of a surprise either—it was a warm record bar. The one thing that did seem to surprise you was Taehyung’s choice in music where he preferred jazz over classical. The bar was dimly lit only by shaded, vintage lamps and the small yellow candles near all the booze. The walls were lined with vinyls and the deep mahogany trimming gave the record bar a sort of dark academic charm to it.

When you found Taehyung he was sitting at a small round table fit for two and he had a book in hand—The Picture of Dorian Gray. He wore his usual metal wiring rounded glasses and his dirty blonde hair seemed quite soft and full of life. The dark brown sweater he wore matched well with his tan slacks and you didn’t miss the way eyes would fall on him. It was this charming, educated college boy with a rich father sort of energy that radiates off him, but also the clear look of disinterest written all over his face and it made people curious.

You debated calling his name to let him know you were here but when he looked up in time to catch you walking his way, you were aware that he had been waiting for you and checking the door every couple seconds. Taehyung didn’t shy away from taking in the sight of you in an olive green maxi dress paired with a thin white cardigan tied together at the top of your breasts and below your collarbone. You wore black boot heels this time and when you sat down in front of him he couldn’t help but look at your face now.

“You’re late,” he said as he closed his book and set it to the side. You didn’t even bother to look at the Swiss watch on your wrist as you said, “It’s 8:00, like you said.”

“Yes but what I meant was 7:55 which should have translated to 7:45,” he said annoyingly arrogant as he slid a menu toward you, “As per the rules of a first date.”

His tone was serious as was his body language and yet you could see the hint of amusement in his attempt to hide a smile. You smiled softly, setting your bag down next to you, “I was unaware this was a first date.”

“So you assumed this was the second?” Taehyung had a teasing tone now, “I, personally, would not call an evening together at the cemetery a first date.”

“I do say, I’m a bit surprised to even know you consider this a date after we barely talked at all yesterday,” you said as a waitress came over with a customer service smile. Conversation floated between you two with ease.

“Are we ready to order?”

Taehyung looked at you but you weren’t all that hungry so he ordered a single slice of pastry for the two of you to share, “Yesterday was just to enjoy and accept the presence of one another, tonight is to communicate and learn.”

Taehyung never cared much for investing time into someone he was with, usually if he ever showed any interest in someone or was short lived. He’s not sure what would happen exactly but once the excitement of pining for someone romantically wore off… he just did not care anymore. There was too much to handle and he didn’t have time for any of it—not the clinginess, the crying, the whining. God, the whining got to him.

Why do you ignore me so much?

You’re always too busy painting to notice me?

Taehyung, I just want you to spend time with me.

It was the constant whining that he hated because they just did not get that he was completely devoted to his art and nothing else mattered as much as it did. Yes… maybe the small ounce of excitement he felt helped inspire him but… well he does not need whoever he slept with anymore.

The infatuation had worn off and he’s back to being alone again but now he’s a little too curious about you. Hence, why he asked you out first and in such a haste.

“Alright,” you said, “So then tell me something small, for instance, what time did you arrive? 7:45?”

“7:30 actually,” Taehyung said as he lifted his mug of hot tea to his lips, “I had business to take care of around campus and I didn’t want to make the trip back home.”

“Well if you asked for my number I would’ve arrived sooner.”

“It takes away the romantic aspect of waiting for the other to arrive without hearing from them—maybe I’ll write you a letter instead,” he teased. You just laughed softly and asked, “I didn’t peg you as much of a romantic. And what business?”

“Nothing too important.” Taehyung said vaguely and despite your curiosity you didn’t push him to answer. The corner of his lips raised as he looked at you, looked at him and found himself saying, “But as for being a romantic? It depends on who you ask.”

You focused on what he said about that instead of what his business was and that made him happy. What he did was not that important but it was necessary after what had happened with his advisor. He still couldn’t wrap his mind around what she had told him and in the end he made and impulsive decision to gift her something that might make her see things from his point of view. Of course it was slightly biased but he believed his piece really explained his views on beauty enough for her to understand.

Taehyung delivered two paintings to her inbox earlier. The first one was a more finished painting of you, still slightly distorted and a bit dark but there was no hiding the romantic element that radiated off of it. He called it ‘Genuine Beauty’. The second painting was a distorted and bright picture of his professor with exaggerated features that weren’t pleasing to the eye and he called it, ‘Beauty in the Eye of the Beholder’.

A true sentient on what he thought of her words. He wanted to know how she would twist the grotesque image of herself into something beautiful.

“What have you been up to aside from writing me?” Taehyung asked, looking at you with interest.

“Aside from that, I’m afraid not much else,” you confessed, “I’ve been in a sort of dry spell trying to understand my character.”

“Tell me about them.”

“Well, it’s a him and he’s similar to you.”

He listened closely to each word you said, taking in the curve of your mouth when you talked and the way you gestured with your hands. He’ll admit, the character did seem very similar to him so he can understand your curiosity in him and the fact that you seemed to lose yourself in your craft didn’t go unnoticed by him. He simply nodded his head and replied with short answers when asked.

In the end, he offered the only thing he could, “Let me be your case of study then, and in return you’ll be mine.”

You smiled this time, a small arrogant smile as you said, “Will you paint me like one of your French girls?”

He understood the reference and found himself saying, “If you write me like one of the lovers in your poems.”

By the end of the night you found yourself in the back of a taxi driving straight to his place under the pretense of another drink. Conversation seemed to flow with ease between you and it ranged from Davinci to Monet, Shakespeare to Milton and whatever was in between. Even when Taehyung asked such a heavy question, you didn’t seem to struggle to find an answer.

“Do you believe in love?” He had asked as the cab stopped in front of a house similar to an upstate New York townhome. He had you by the hand helping you out of the car and held onto you as he led you up the stone path.

“I have to, I��m a writer,” you told him and he seemed to pull you into him more.

“But what is it that you believe it to be?”

The question did make you think a little bit. It’s not that you thought Taehyung had an ulterior motive in asking you such a thing; it’s not like the two of you were seriously into the idea of it but you wanted to give him the right answer—one that truly described you and your ideals.

You didn’t answer his question right away as he let you into his home which was no different than what you imagined it to be. His apartment was in an old building turned into luxury Victorian styled apartments with modern eclectic touches. It was a put-together mess of sketches and canvases littered around the place. The floor was made of a dark, polished hardwood and his furniture all seemed worn through with velvet cushions and engraved wooden trimmings. He had floor-to-ceiling bay windows with twine hanging across them and papers clipped on with laundry pins to dry. There was a warm feel to the place and it had everything to do with his dedication to earthy tones and shades of Morocco red.

There were painting supplies everywhere from scattered charcoals and cans of linseed oil for his paints. There were stacks of literature books and various art ones piled high on nearly every surface and yet it all seemed to be organized to what you could assume only he could understand. Taehyung didn’t even seem to mind the clutter as he chose instead to ask, “Red or White?”

“Red.” You responded quite simply before resuming your studying of his place, the fireplace on one wall was surrounded by canvases and books—same as the vintage bookshelf and for a moment you wondered if his bedroom looked any similar. The thought vanished quickly when you got the smallest hint of which room that might be from the open door down the hall. He had plain gray sheets on an unmade bed and the furniture in there was scarce, like he barely spent any time there and if he did it wasn’t to sleep—the bags under his eyes told you so.

“Have you thought of an answer to my question yet?” Taehyung asked, reminding you yet again of what he asked earlier. He handed you a wine glass and you took it with a nod in gratitude as he left you to find a record to play.

“I’ve had an answer all along, I just wasn’t sure how you would feel about it,” you said and you could see him smile as he moved the needle over the start of the vinyl, Nocturnes, Op 9 began to play.

“I’m not looking for anything in particular, just an insight on what you think,” he said honestly and with a small sigh you decided to tell him.

“I think love is more so… a choice than an emotion?” You finally said as you watched him take a seat on the floor near his coffee table instead of the velvet couch behind him. He motioned for you to join him, “How so?”

“Anyone can feel love at any given moment but it is fleeting,” you sat down, knees nearly touching his, “Tell me, have you ever felt in love before?”

Your question seemed to catch him off guard yet he answered as bluntly as he would regarding anything else, “Only with my paintings.”

“And that had been a choice, to continue, right?” You asked, “Love like every emotion is temporary and inconsistent. Yes, doing certain things or being with certain people might invoke these feelings but once that has dwindled it is your choice to remain in that constant state of loving something—or someone. I love writing, I always have because it is my choice. I choose to subject myself to the hardships that come with my work even at times where I think I hate it. Even at times when I choose to give up I think about the joy it brings me, the emotions that pour out of me and onto every letter and word I put down on paper. I choose to love writing, I choose to devote myself to it and I choose to put it above anything else in the world, even my own relationships.”

Taehyung could see it in your eyes how strongly you felt about it. Your answer had gone slightly off topic but he understood your reference to it in every word you spew, “So when I say I believe in love… I don’t mean it in regards to a feeling that transpires throughout inconsistently, but I mean it as a choice to continue to feel that way even when it hurts and I can’t take it any more.”

A silence seemed to drag on between you and for a moment you wondered if you said too much and sounded too stupid. Taehyung seemed to inhale and exhale at once, “Well, I do say, we have very similar ideals. I don’t think I could’ve put it into better words than a writer even if I tried.”

You couldn’t help but smile, hiding it behind your wine glass, “Maybe you’ll paint them instead.”

“Maybe, I’ll paint you instead,” Taehyung said with a pale yet serene expression like he was scared to speak his words and exhilarated by them all the same.

How could someone seem to get lost and sound so dazed when talking about writing? Did writing mean as much to you as his art did to him? Is that why there was never a need for many words to be spoken between you? Was that why he was able to enjoy your presence so long and so quickly when before you would never even speak? Was there always this underlying connection between your minds and how you viewed art and your world?

You rested your glass on the table as you took in his living room again and all its character, there was a set of paintbrushes just laying on his table and you reached for one. The wood was smooth between your fingertips as you twisted it before looking up at him with a curious gaze, “With one of these?”

Taehyung simply nodded his head watching you lift your skirt up just enough to expose a bit of leg and you brushed the art tool against your calf, “It’s soft.”

His tongue ran over his lips and he leaned forward to gently take the brush back. You were nearing an apology for taking it without asking him first but he simply scooted closer to you on the blanket he laid beneath you and placed your legs over his, skirt of your dress rising even further until he was running the brush over the curve of your knee, “I use it to blend shadows, like this.”

The brush felt soft against your skin, sending tingles down your spine as he ran it over you in circular motions, eyes on yours.

“I tried painting once,” you said as his finger slowly traded with the brush until he was softly touching you, “I wasn’t that good, I couldn’t portray the right picture.”

Taehyung just smiled as he felt you hand go over his while taking the brush back until you were tracing the curve of his wrist, “Paint with your words, and show me you’d write me, like your character.”

“He is very similar to you,” you said, “In almost every aspect and I didn’t realize that until today.”

“Mm,” Taehyung hummed in content when you lifted the brush toward the collar of his unbuttoned shirt, teasing him without realizing it. You seemed to use the brush against him without much thought of what you were doing and how it affected him. You should know, though, that the feel of his art tool against his skin would feel good to him. The soft bristles tickled his collarbone, “How would he make love?”

That seemed to catch you by surprise as you slowed your touch to look up at him. He just bit his lip, hand on your leg caressing it as he waited for your response. Without missing a beat, you said, “Slowly, starting with a sweet kiss.”

A small smirk came to his face, one that only he could pull off without looking cocky. He looked smart and pretty with his glasses and blonde hair, when he spoke he made it sound poetic and when he looked at you it felt like he was focused on whatever was beneath the surface. You watched him push his glasses up the slope of his nose and before you knew it, he was leaning closer, lithe fingers coming up to touch your chin and tilt your jaw.

Although you knew what was coming, there was no denying the small second of hesitation that coursed through you when his lips so tenderly pressed against yours, his voice low as he asked, “Like this?”

You licked your lips despite the extremely small space between yours and his and without the ounce of hesitation from earlier, your hand came up to his neck where you pulled him into you for a real kiss. It started off slowly just like the two of you knew it would but there was no denying the desire that laced throughout it. At first all that happened was your mouths moving against each other, getting used to the idea of kissing — something neither of you have done in a while. Then, it became more feverish. If possible, you seemed to move closer with your hand on his thigh to support yourself. You were on your knees leaning into him and he had a single hand against the floor to support his sitting position while the other was cupping your chin for the best angle. There was a growing intensity between your mouths, lips moving more forcefully now, saliva gradually increasing when you felt his tongue make a swiping motion against your lips.

“Or like this?” His voice had become more hoarse with need. He enjoyed feeling the way your body seemed to lean toward his and he seemed to ask, “What would he do next?”

“It’s not what he would do next,” you said as you moved without your own violation and trailed your lips along the curve of his jaw, “But what would happen to him next.”

Taehyung’s head seemed to tip back as he used both of his hands to keep him upright while you moved between his patted legs to kiss down his neck. He licked at his lips, slowly blinking at the first feel of your tongue licking his ear lobe before you sucked it into your mouth making a tingle run down his spine. Your warm breath tickling his ear made his breath bitch and it didn’t take you long to realize that you had found his weak spot. Unable to help yourself you brought your mouth back to his for a kiss that was much needier than any of the ones prior.

“Y/n,” Taehyung’s throat was dry and it made his voice raspier than usual, “Touch me more.”

The words surprised you. You didn’t take him for much of a womanizer but you didn’t think he would seem this touch starved. The last person you had slept with had been your dear friend, Namjoon, and when you realized feelings were beg bring to get involved you were to end the rendezvous that had transpired between you two in an effort to save the friendship and his feelings. You couldn’t explain why you could never see him as more than a friend—and you couldn’t explain why it was so easy to view Taehyung as something more. Your mind had been drawn to him before your body and yet it all felt the same.

You began to crawl away from him and in an effort to keep this going, he went after you with another kiss before your hand touched his chest to keep him in place. It got to the point where Taehyung wasn’t sure if it was the cashmere brown sweater he wore that made his body heat up, or if it was being too close to the fireplace but he felt himself begin to break into a sweat.

He stretched his legs out before him when he got the hint of what you wanted to do watching you shimmy down until you were nearly eye level with his pants and the evident bulge becoming more prominent with each passing second. Taehyung was not ashamed of how quickly you seemed to get to him and his body’s reaction to you. Sex was a normal thing, it was poetic and passionate if done with the right person and he hasn’t done it in a while—a long while. It was completely normal for him to release a light gasp when your hand grazed his inner thigh just inching toward his growing erection.

The two of you made eye contact once more, his lip caught between his teeth and his eyelids low in a lustful gaze that matched your own. There was a strong attraction toward each other — infatuation if you will — and you can’t say there’s romantic feelings between you but there’s no denying that there has been the underlying sexual tension that rose from a clear understanding of each other’s devotion to your work. It turns you on to know he seems to connect with your ideals.

You didn’t even realize Taehyung had moved a hand behind you until he was pulling on the back of your head to drag you back into a needy kiss. Your hands had already gone toward his slacks and you had been unzipping the front as the two of you made out once more. Taehyung’s hand fell back to the ground with a groan as you yanked at his underwear making him lift his hips enough for them to come down with his pants. A small hissing sound left his lips as his hard dick finally made its appearance, springing free of its right confines, hard enough to already angle toward his navel.

Taehyung was not ashamed by the way his stomach caved in with a deep breath at the first feel of your hand wrapping around his tip spreading the beads of precum that had already dribbled out the slit. His tongue was in your mouth, sliding against yours with you swallowing each groan he let out when you began to stroke his length slowly from base to tip. Like earlier, when you tried pulling away from the kiss to catch your breath, he was following after you to stop you from breaking apart from him.

A thin line of drool connected your mouth to his as you finally pulled back, biting down on your lip. He watched you look down at his exposed member, leaning down until you were face to face with it. His long fingers curled around your hair, slowly pushing your head down just a middle until he felt the first tender lick of your tongue along his tip. Taehyung’s entire body reacted to the way you tentatively licked his head teasingly making a small shudder travel right through him.

You have to say, Taehyung has one of the prettiest dicks you’ve ever seen and you just couldn’t help but want to savor it. It was just so pretty and you found yourself wanting to play with it some more. Your hand held onto him at his base as you ran your tongue down the side of his length lathering it in drool to aid your closed fist.

His brows scrunched together as he attempted to watch what you were doing. He could feel your hand jerking him off as you teasingly kissed up his side and tip, tongue swirling around his slit that leaked precum. He just couldn’t see you over the bulk of his sweater.

With an annoyed huffed, he released your hair to pull at his sweater with one arm as he brought it up toward his chest and tucked it under his jaw. Just as he had it fixed, a low and deep sound vibrating in his chest feeling your lips finally surround his tip, sucking gently before relaxing and taking more of him inside. You made yourself relax so you could loosen your jaw enough to accommodate his length as you began to suck him off, tongue licking along the bottom side everytime you bobbed your head up and down.

You had a firm hand on his upper thigh as the other was at his base against his pelvic bone to hold his hips down and let your mouth do all the work. His sweater slipped from under his chin making him groan as he threw his head back, “So good.”

He kept his gaze on the ceiling taking in the feel of your warm and tight mouth taking his cock so deeply. You looked up at his stomach trying to see his face but with the way his head was tilted back, you just couldn’t. All you could see was his chest rise and lower with each breathy sigh he let out, ducking his cock deeper down your throat.

Unable to help yourself, you moved your hand to his navel, feeling his breathing better and he needed to see what you looked like with his dick in your mouth.

He held the end of his sweater between his teeth as he stared down the expanse of his torso to where you laid between his legs swallowing around his cock with a dark look in your eyes that had him muffling a moan.

His hips bucked helplessly into you making you swallow more and more of his length till you couldn’t breathe properly anymore and needed to get off. The hand you still had on his dick began to stroke him, wrist flicking on each upward stroke to make your palm run along his slit while you caught your breath. You watched him in complete awe, he was so hard and his balls tightened against that you couldn’t help but lick between them.

"Fuck," the sweater made it hard to hear him as hw sank his teeth into it feeling it begin to moisten annoyingly so bur he was not going to miss the sight of you kissing below his cock to his balls.

When you finally decided to take him back in your mouth there was no slow build up, it was quick and sudden as you took him down your throat to the point where you gagged around him. The way he bit into the sweater looked like a restraint and he looked so pretty with the fire reflecting off his tan, bare chest and his blonde hair was just a knotted mess from how often he shook it.

“Y/n, you feel so good,” You were never much of a talker during sex, especially if it wasn’t genuine and just superficial dirty talk but he sounded so good moaning your name even if you couldn’t hear him properly.

There wasn’t much warning aside from the incessant moaning that fell from his lips and was swallowed in cashmere for you to know he was close. His hips bucked messily into your mouth, cock twitching with the need to just let go and when you met your mouth with your fist jerking off the rest of him… he just couldn’t take anymore.

Taehyung’s head fell back with a dry moan as the urge to cum got the best of him and he let go in your mouth. You didn’t seem to mind either, once the surprise of the suddenness had worn off, you didn’t hesitate but to try and swallow as much of the thick semen as you could, not at all bothered by the taste of it. Taehyung had to let his sweater go to breathe heavily through his parted lips as he used his elbows to sit himself up in the blanket, trying to understand what had just happened.

“Mm,” you hummed, proud of yourself for making him cum down your throat and you sat up to look at him. Taehyung met your eyes with his feeling heavy with need as he licked his dry lips before forcing himself to sit up properly so he could drag you into a deep kiss. You released a light mewl in surprise, kissing him back eagerly with his hand below your ear on your neck guiding you to angle your head one way while he went the other.

There was not a single part of him that felt bothered at the taste of himself on your tongue, if anything it only made him want you more so he could repay you for treating him so well. Once you had gotten lost in your little makeout, it was easy for you to follow his lead as he moved over you to get you to lie down in his place. The only time he pulled away from you was to finally free himself from the confines of his stupid sweaters and kick off his pants the rest of the way. It didn’t take you long to get what he wanted and you hurried to remove your cardigan feeling the straps of your dress begin to slip off your shoulders. Taehyung dragged you to him, kissing along the exposed skin of your collarbone and shoulder, hands sliding down your back till they could inch the dress down and off of you, making you take it off through the bottom so he wouldn’t have to pull away again.

Your bra and underwear were made of a thin crème colored lace that looked pretty against your complexion and soft between his fingertips as he ran his hands over your covered breasts that had been taunting him all night.

A quiet gasp left your lips due to the way his lips kissed down the valley of your breaths, soft hair tickling your neck. Taehyung’s hands held onto your sides, sliding them up to the end of your bra, feeling you arch your back into his affections until he was able to move them under your to grab at the clasp. Once he was able to unhook it, he tugged it off your arms letting you throw it to the side and dragged him into another kiss when he cupped your bare tits in his warm hands, using his thumbs to rub over your hardening nipples.

“Taehyung,” you whined softly against him, eyes on the ceiling when he began to leave love bites along your neck, traveling his wet mouth lower and lower down your stomach.

“Hm,” he hummed in acknowledgement, making his way between your legs while his hands groped your chest loving the softness of your skin under his rough painter’s hands.

As Taehyung slipped further between your legs till his face was near your spread legs, he looked down. The lace underwear was transparent enough for him to see just a bit underneath and he could see a small shadow of slick over where your cunt should be. He tried to look up at you through his blonde fringe and you sat forward enough to brush it back, smiling as he pressed a teasing kiss against the hood of your clit over your underwear. You lied back down letting yourself relax feeling his fingers hook under the hem of your panties till he was tugging it off and move your thighs over his shoulders so he four fit snugly against you.

Taehyung didn’t waste time teasing you, he had already been so turned on that not even cumming down your throat was able to calm his raging hormones. He just wanted to have you as soon as he could, any way he could, and that meant with his tongue stiffening as he parted your folds around him before licking flatly toward your clit. A light moan left your lips as your clit immediately reacted to stimulation, a small gush of slick pushing out of your pussy with arousal. Taehyung was not inexperienced in the art of making someone cum undone on his to hue and that was becoming more and more evident with the way he made out with your cunt like it was your mouth.

“Oh my god,” you threw your head back, out of breath, as his tongue began to flick messily at your clit while hands slid further down your inner thighs until he was using his thumbs to pull your folds apart for him. You could feel your wetness begin to drip further down but he was quick to leave your clit and lap his tongue against your wet entrance where your arousal seemed to form a puddle at. With the way his thumbs kept you open, you felt everything.

Every now and then his thumb would teasingly push in just a little more than before, acting like he didn’t even notice he was doing it while he hungrily sucked on your clit, tugging it between his lips. His thumb was rubbing against your labia, pressing into it, teasing your entrance every now and then by pushing into it until he felt your legs begin to tremble around him. Unable to help himself, he got a big more rough, tonguing your clit with such effort that his head shook with eagerness, swallowing your slick and pressing his face into your cunt to taste all that you had to offer.

“Oh,” you breathed out shakily, hand sinking into his hair when he nosed at your clit, tongue joining his finger as he thrusted it into you, “I-I, oh god.”

“Mhm,” Taehyung nodded, urging you to let go of him and you had to bite your lip to keep from moaning. Your thighs tried shutting but his head didn’t let you and instead you pressed them against him making him groan with need, eyes nearly rolling as he doubled his efforts.

Your throat became dry as you planted heavily, hips bucking against his mouth until finally you felt the knot in your stomach come undone. His motions did not miss a beat in licking everything you had to offer as your orgasm came in a wave.

“S-so, good,” you breathed out tiredly feeling your pussy walls clenching around nothing and as much as you wanted to just be done, you needed him inside you. When he came up to kiss you, you wrapped your legs around his waist, pulling him flush against you so his hard cock rutted against your wet pussy. The taste of each other on your tongues was what made it easy for you two to want to keep going without the thought of repercussions. His hand slid between your sweaty bodies to hold his cock, lining it up with your entrance, bumping into your clue as he refused to break away from the kiss.

You wrapped your arms around his neck, holding him close as the two of you looked at each other with such need, such want that your lips didn’t spend too long apart from each other.

Your tongue met his just as his cock met the inside of your pussy, taking it slowly as he stroked himself with your slick to ease himself in better. His dick was rock hard, and your pussy was so fucking wet he couldn’t help but moan into your mouth as you took him in.

Taehyung has to hold onto you with a hand on your waist to keep you from sliding away from him too much as the blanket wrinkles on his wooden floor. He had his other tucked by the side of your head looking down at you lovingly as he finally began to thrust, “Tell me if it’s too much, love.”

“Mhm,” you said softly, legs falling apart even more to accommodate his as he dug his knees into the floor so he use his hips to fuck you better. A groan left his lips at the expert roll of your pelvis against his taking more and more of his length inside your tight walls.

“You make me feel so full,” you moaned gently into his ear as he dropped his head down against your neck to try and ignore the fact that your pussy around his dick without any protective layer between them felt so fucking good. You were already so close and he’s barely started. He fucked you slowly but firmly, getting himself used to being inside you and sucking on your neck, his hand left your hip to cup your breast once more and you gasped when he pinched your nipple.

“So tight,” Taehyung breathed out heavily with a single touch thrust that had your walls tightening around him, “So good for me.”

He did it again, and once again drew another moan out of you, repeating his thrusts more roughly than before until you were moaning out a string of his name.

Taehyung was well endowed and you never doubted that for even a second. He knew how to have sex, not just to fuck, but to have sex. It wasn’t just loud groans and rough thrusts. He was sensual, he kissed your neck, whispered sweet words of praise in your ear, touch your body as he fucked you almost passionately—unlike the usual guys you hook up with.

“It’s like you were made for me,” Taehyung groaned, brows scrunched together in concentration as he pulled back to sit and swing your right leg over him to press against your left until you were nearly lying on your side. He laid down next to you, curving his body against yours and lifting your leg back and held it up with his knee as he fucked you from the side. His lips were against your ear, whispering, “Just for me, like my own creation.”

“Mhm,” you hummed, “Just for you, please Taehyung, I’m so close.”

You looked straight out of a vintage erotica film. His apartment was warm due to the fireplace and comforting because of the classical music playing. The moon looked over you as you had sex, nearly love making, lying on your sides with his body cuddled into yours, fucking you with his cock while groping your breasts in his hands. You had to angle your head back and then your neck to kiss him and he swallowed your mouth with his, thrusts getting tougher as he curled around you, “Me too, love, all for you.”

“So paint me,” you moaned, fucking back against him.

For a moment he wondered if you meant on a canvas, or with his cock in your pussy, but he realized he would gladly do both if you let him. Your hand slid back to guide his hips into yours, “Cum, Taehyung, inside me, please.”

“Oh god,” a low growl left his lips as he dug his face into your hair, “Fuck, Y/n, d-don’t tempt me.”

“Do it,” your hand came up to his hair now, dragging his head toward yours until your lips met in a messy kiss, “I’m going to cum, Tae, please.”

It wasn’t a good idea. You were on the pill but he didn’t know that, all he knew was that he wasn’t wearing a condom and he wanted to fill you with so much cum that he painted you white.

“Mhm,” he moaned when you tugged on his bottom lip between your teeth and his hand pinched your hips, “Cum, Y/n, please—oh fuck.”

The only thing that came from you two was the sound of skin slapping as the urge to cum overtook you both and you were fucking like rabbits in heat. Nothing but animalistic grunts left him as he finally felt the flood of release you let go around with him with a whine of his name and before he knew it, he was cumming.

You immediately felt full with his release as it joined yours, cock pulsing inside you as he waited a moment to reel his emotions back in, sweaty forehead pressed against yours, “So good.” He hugged you closely, breathing heavily into your neck, softly kissing your skin affectionately.

It took you both some time to regain awareness of what had just happened and you lied on the fur blanket he had tossed on the floor. The fire sizzled behind you and some classical song [you were ashamed to admit you didn’t know] was playing. Taehyung seemed to be more in control of himself now and reached up to his small table in search of his pack. Once he had a cigarette between his lips, he lay back down next to you to catch his breath, pressing it to yours next.

There was a sort of glow to your skin, your eyes shined with the night sky reflecting through the windows. Light came from the fire not far behind and a small dim lamp in the corner yet the moon was still casted over you two.

His eyes traced your features once more and before he knew it, he was saying something unexpected, “She was the most beautiful person he had ever seen.”

Despite the way your heart seemed to stop, your brows furrowed, “What?”

Taehyung took another drag of his cigarette, “Who wrote that? ‘She was the most beautiful person he had ever seen’ I read it somewhere�� ‘With stars in her eyes’.”

Your eyes seemed to widen as you thought it over for a second. A sense of realization flooded you but even knowing you might be right, you still shyly asked, “Virgina Woolf?”

“Yes, I believe so, ‘She was the most beautiful person he had ever seen, with stars in her eyes and veils in her hair.’ I read it years ago,” Taehyung stared out at the moon through the bay windows, “Anyways, it just came to mind, and reminded me of you.”

There was a cloud of smoke drifting into nothing like they were his words being absorbed all around you. After that a silence seemed to fill the room and it was so calming in fact that you found yourself lulled to sleep against his chest.

It wasn’t until hours later when you had woken to loud noises, did you realize that he had not had the luxury of peaceful post-sex sleep.

The first thing you had noticed in your haze of sleep was the sky still blue out and the fire still crackling behind you. The second was that you still slept on the floor and Taehyung was not beside you anymore. It took you some time to realize all the noise that had woken you up was coming from him and his quick brush strokes.

Taehyung had a pair of jeans on and a smock. He didn’t even bother with a shirt, just slipped the smock over his bare chest and he sat on the floor with a pallet full of paint in his hands as he did soft strokes on his canvas. He was so focused that he didn’t seem to mind his glasses which had slipped down to the tip of his nose, lips slightly parted in concentration and eyes bouncing around his painting.

You wondered what this meant for you. You didn’t know what time it was but the way he worked so diligently didn’t even make you want to stay, what if it would bother him? You don’t want to do that and he seems to have already forgotten you were there and what you had just done. With a small sigh you looked around for all of your things, finishing getting dressed and in search of your shoes and bag.

Taehyung’s strokes were fast and agile, he didn’t even have to think of how he was painting, he was just moving mindlessly and mixing all the right colors and blending in all the right places. You took a seat on the sofa trying to put your boots back on.

“What are you doing?” Taehyung asked but his eyes never left the canvas. You could barely hear him over the sound of the record player still playing and it took you a second to know he was even talking to you.

You looked up curiously, “Um… it’s late, I should probably go, I don’t want to disturb your work.”

You were very understanding actually. There are many times you’ve woken up in the middle of the night to write and you didn’t waste time on thinking of anything else while doing it so if Taehyung was the same about his painting then you didn’t want to bother him.

Taehyung pushed his glasses up with the tip of his brush as he finally looked at you, “You won’t disturb me. Stay.”

He watched as you brought your lower lip between your teeth in thought before saying, “Seriously Tae, I don’t mind leaving. You’re working, I understand.”

“But I mind,” Taehyung said in his deep voice that sounded even deeper this late with the fire in the fireplace still crackling and Beethoven’s String Quartet No. 14 playing in the background. You didn’t say anything for a moment and he ran a hand through his messy hair, a small paint streak coating a strand, “Won’t you stay, Y/n? I’ve been in a slump and right now it just hit me all at once and I think it’s because of you. Please, won’t you stay?”

“Can I watch?”

Taehyung did not hesitate to nod his head and motion for you to sit on the floor next to him so you moved quickly to do so.

By the end of the night you watched him paint until dawn with your head resting against his back adoringly. His brush strokes were hypnotizing and the way he captured the light perfectly had you in awe, especially when you realized it was a painting of you.

It inspired you the way he was so devoted to his work and it reminded you of yourself.

Your days carried on as usual after that night with Taehyung. The only differences being ones that involved him. For instance, he has called you a couple times —he’s completely against the act of texting. It’s never anything major, usually to ask how your day has been or to get coffee. There was no sign of an actual relationship but it was close to it.

Today you had your shared anatomy class and he sat next to you instead of behind you like he normally would.

You’re not very fond of the fact that he’s distracting you more than you would like him to but it’s something you can’t explain. Your pen scribbled away in your yellow page notebook with word after word just piecing together effortlessly. Taehyung was utterly fascinated by it all, sometimes you wouldn’t even look down but your pen seemed to never fully lift off the page. You filled page after page in the three hour class, eyes on the professor but nothing you wrote down had to do with what he was teaching.

Every now and then you would look over at him and your eyes would meet, he would raise a brow and you would give him a smile, before looking down to write.

“I don’t think you heard a single thing he said today,” Taehyung said once the two of you made your way out of the lecture hall side by side. From the way you stared off into space, lips moving every now and then as if mouthing silent words, he knew you weren’t listening. He doubts you meant to ignore him but clearly you seemed to be in your own world right now, just thinking about writing and writing and he gets it.

You weren’t thinking of anything else, and he knows this because he had to grab onto your waist and pull you back to keep you from walking right into the pouring rain just outside. You seemed to snap back into reality and looked around, “Did you say something?”

Taehyung was opening his umbrella for you, pulling you under it beside him, “I’ve written notes for you, you seemed a bit distracted to take them yourself today.”

Your eyes slowly widened in surprise as it finally dawned on you that you had spent the last three hours doing nothing but writing about him. You came to a sudden stop and he waited there beside you with the rain pounding on his umbrella. With a small sigh, he let go of you to rummage through his bag with his free hand and took out his notebook, “I wrote two of everything.”

“Taehyung,” you said, “You didn’t have to do that.”

“I know,” he said with a shrug, “But you were so lost in your writing I didn’t want anything disturbing you. I had no problem with it, I’m a fast writer and a good listener.”

“Thank you,” you finally began to walk again now that you couldn’t bear the cold standing in one place, “I am bad at focusing on anything else when I write.”

“I understand,” he had to speak up so you could hear him over the rain, “And if you do not think I would be a bother, maybe you’ll let me watch you write more?”

“You’ll get bored,” you said as the two of you walked toward his car, a vintage Chevrolet Corvette that belonged to his grandfather.

“Watching you?” He asked, holding the door open for you, “Never.”

Your apartment was how he pictured it—books and papers scattered everywhere. You were still much neater than him but not by much, clearly the two of you focused too much on your craft that it’s completely taken over everything.

Your place was small yet spacious and well furnished with vintage chairs and mahogany bookshelves. There was a slight clutter of books upon books and dead plants that didn’t get enough sun with the curtains closed. It was warm and had your lovely scent. There was a stack of papers on a desk next to a laptop and an expensive looking typewriter.

There wasn’t much of a conversation going on between you, the last time you said something to him was when you asked him if he needed a drink. Your back was to him and he spent about an hour or so sitting alone on the daybed as he drew in his sketchbook.

After some time when you finally decided to join him, you were exhausted and physically drained. You lied down with your head on his lap looking up at him when his hand began to caress your cheek. “Taehyung.”

“Yes, my love?” He asked with his gaze meeting yours. The name just slipped and he didn’t care to take it back, only watched you curiously still waiting to hear what you would say. You blinked once, “I think I’m beginning to understand better.”

You had been writing nonstop for a long time but for the first time it felt like you finally understood your work.

There was no way to explain it but these interactions with Taehyung—your living reverie—have opened your eyes to his character and the way you wanted to write him in the first place. He was everything you had been searching for.

He leaned back, startled by the sudden way you sat up, hand around his looking at him, “You.”

“Me?” Taehyung asked with his hands on your waist, shifting you more on his lap, “You understand me?”

All it took was one nod of your head for him to be pulling you into a kiss meeting you halfway. He had a hand on your chin, angling your head opposite of his letting the kiss deepen, soon he was tracing the curve of your neck with his jaw. Every ounce of lust and greed poured out in his fingers when he touched you.

It didn’t take Jungkook long to realize something about his friend seemed different. He was used to Taehyung isolating himself when he had a wave of creativity. There would be days on end where Jungkook would call only for every call to be ignored. He would even write his friend letters but he never answered him. When he was back to normal, Taehyung would look tired like he hadn't eaten or slept in days.

Right now, Jungkook sees Taehyung but he doesn’t think Taehyung sees him. Despite sitting across from him, he wouldn’t look his way. Instead he was staring out the large windows that overlooked the courtyard

“Have you eaten?” Jungkook asked, looking up from his sketchbook. The two had been on the second floor of the library this evening studying classical art techniques. Jungkook had gotten bored and began to sketch up an idea for another sculpture while Taehyung drew someone he couldn’t recognize. His friend didn’t even so much as flinch and give any sign that he was listening.

A small scoff left his lips, “Taehyung.” With an annoyed huff, he reached for his sketchbook and watched with a confused expression, “Who is this?”

It was quite detailed despite how little time he had to draw this and Jungkook was in awe. For a second he wondered if this was original work from Taehyung, all created from his mind but as he followed Taehyung’s gaze out the window, he realized it wasn’t.

It was you.

You sat on a wooden bench facing the swan fountain and there was a book in your hands. Jungkook couldn’t make out the book but seemed to have all your attention because you stopped every now and then to highlight something then jot it down in a notebook. There were powder blue headphones on your head and you were in a red lace long sleeve top with roses embroidered on and under was a white shirt. The black skirt you wore reached below your knees with a slit on the side that exposed your boots and over it all, you had on a black coat. He’ll admit, you did look rather captivating against the dead green of the lawn and trees paired with the foggy sky from days on end of rain.

Taehyung seemed to have found his newest muse and it was all he could think about.

“Are you still interested in her?” Jungkook finally asked, catching the way a small smile seemed to fall on Taehyung’s face—something he rarely got to see despite how easily he gave them to you. Jungkook did recognize you in the drawing better once he got a good look at you. He had almost forgotten seeing you weeks ago when he was with Taehyung, but he had certainly forgotten his friend’s knowledge and curiosity of you.

“Only a little,” Taehyung said, ignoring the way Jungkook looked at him with disbelief. He was used to his friend having a sudden infatuation with a certain person but they were short lived and always ended with the poor girl crying about how cold he was—Jungkook knows because he was always there to pick up their broken pieces with a night in his bed [Taehyung never cared].

“She’s hot,” Jungkook said, half teasingly to read how his friend would feel. Taehyung merely gave him a side glance in acknowledgment but the smile he had for you had tightened as he looked back outside.

“It’s that guy again,” Jungkook pointed out as they both watched outside, “What’s his name?”

Kim Namjoon.

Taehyung was used to seeing him around throughout the years but he never had a need to pay attention to him before. Like most of those who he sees in passing they never become more than that—just a passing blur that he doesn’t care to know a single thing about. Namjoon used to be one of the ones he ignored until he heard you mention him once or twice.

“Who knows,” Taehyung said, shifting his gaze down to his sketch pad avoiding the sight of Namjoon and you now standing like you had somewhere to go.

Jungkook, the ever curious and procrastinating, kept watching you just out of sheer boredom. The library had gone dark aside from the few kerosene lamps scattered across tables but it was already getting hard to see his sketches properly so now he’s just waiting for Taehyung to finish.

Suddenly, all too suddenly that it made him jump in his seat, Taehyung was standing, shoving his things in his bag loud enough to create an echo in the cold library. Jungkook looked up at him, pencil laying limp in his hand now, “Are we done?”

Taehyung pushed his chair into the wooden table, not bothering to look back at his friend as he stormed off, “Yes.”

Not long after he watched his friend make his abrupt leave from the library… he saw him now approaching you and Namjoon.

You were blissfully unaware that you had been watching through the windows of a library as much as you were unaware of Taehyung coming up behind you as Namjoon talked. “I was thinking maybe we could go catch that new movie that just came out.”

“Oh, I was going to do some writing—You won’t believe it Joonie,” your tone changed so suddenly as you grabbed him by the arm, jerking him toward you excitedly carrying on like he hadn’t said anything, “It’s like I can’t stop writing, you wouldn’t believe how easily the words are flowing like… I don’t know, I’ve never felt this way before, Joonie.”

“That’s good, Y/n but,” Namjoon’s words slowed down as he looked behind you at the looming figure standing a few feet away. He’s never spoken a word to Kim Taehyung despite both being grad students, he only knows of him from what others have spoken and he’s very… cold. Since when did you and him begin to talk? Namjoon took your hands in his as he pulled you closer to have your attention knowing you still didn’t know who was behind you, “But it’s nice to get a break, you don’t want to overwork yourself.”

“You don’t get it, Namjoon,” you said his name instead of the affectionate nickname you’ve always called him, he couldn’t help but look at Taehyung who pretended like he wasn’t watching closely with a cigarette dangling between his fingers, “I can’t stop. I cannot stop. If I-I do, I don’t know.”

His gaze shifted behind you making you turn to look too and your eyes seemed to soften as you made eye contact with the dirty blonde you’ve been spending time with lately.

“Y/n,” Taehyung’s deep voice spoke as he stared at you two, “I thought you would be busy writing”

“I’m on my way to right now,” you said, taking a step toward him with your back to your friend, “Would you join me?”

A smile came to his face as he pushed his glasses up, “If I could paint you again.”

You stood still in thought. The first time he painted you was after you had sex for the first time when it felt warm, passionate and hungry. He never slept that night, he stayed up the entire time getting the right blends of pigment on your body as it lay on the flue blanket completely nude. You’re not sure if he knew what saying that would make you think but from the way his brow raised questioning made you think he did.

Namjoon felt his jaw clench, eyes glaring at Taehyung who didn’t even bat an eye in his direction. You looked back to Namjoon now who waited for you with a bated breath. You walked up to him making his heart face as you pressed your lips against his cheek with your softly brushing against his jaw. The kiss was tender on his face and when he looked down at you, you gave him an apologetic smile, “Will you call me?”

“Will you answer?” Namjoon asked but you weren’t beside him anymore. You were next to Taehyung who took your book bag off your shoulders and put it over his, a hand grazing your back as he talked to you but too far out of your friend’s ear shot.

“What did your friend want?” Taehyung asked.

“To see a movie but I have to finish what I’m writing before it slips my mind,” You said moving your hand to his bent arm walking alongside him, “I’ll have to catch up with him another day.”

He didn’t have anything to say to that but you could still feel his eyes on you. A part of you wanted to ignore his gaze because you find yourself at a loss for words any time he looks at you that way. It’s like he sees through you not at you and sometimes you don’t know which one is better.

There’s no denying that he likes the look of you, he finds you attractive and not just physically. You know that. You just can’t tell what he’s thinking that makes him look at you that way.

“Namjoon.”

He stood alone where you once had been beside him, just watching you leave with the art major he had no idea you were even involved with. Since when did you begin to talk to him and how did Namjoon never notice? Did you just decide that you would not be open with him anymore?

“Jimin,” Namjoon looked at his friend, a bit stunned, “Hey.”

The ballerina watched after you alongside him now as he asked, “Y/n is leaving with Taehyung?”

“Are they together?” Namjoon asked suddenly, “Did you know?”

Jimin shook his head no, “Not exactly, I mean, Y/n never hid the fact that she had a thing for Taehyung, I’m just surprised to see them leave together. Y/n never told me they began to talk.”

Namjoon bit his lip nervously, “You don’t think they’ll date or anything, do you? This just seems sudden.”

He looked to his friend for some comfort but all Jimin did was shrug his shoulders and say, “I don’t know, you know Y/n doesn’t really date and neither does he, they’re always too focused on writing or painting to think about anything else. Who knows, they might just work out because of how similar they are.”

“Yeah but…” Namjoon was trying to find words to say but nothing came to mind. Maybe he was just being bitter… he’s been your friend for years. He’s always been there for you anytime you needed him without question. You were attracted to him enough to sleep with him but was that all it was ever going to be? You won’t see him as more than just a friend but then Kim Taehyung comes along and suddenly you have no problem walking away from Namjoon to go with him?

Jimin looked at his friend apologetically, he sympathized with him. He’s known you for longer than Namjoon has and he’s been through this exact same thing before too. There was a time when he thought you and him were the closest until Namjoon came along and suddenly you spent all your time with him instead. Now Namjoon is experiencing what Jimin did but this time because of Taehyung and he feels bad for that.

“Look, I’m going to be honest,” Jimin tried to work out what he was going to say so it didn’t come off badly, “I think, Y/n loves the idea of Taehyung on paper… how she can write or create him like she’s done with you and I in the past. I think maybe it’s nothing past something superficial but at the same time…”

“At the same time,” Jimin repeated himself with a bated breath, “I see a lot of similarities between them especially when it comes to putting their work first and maybe that’s something they seem to understand about each other that we don’t.”

Namjoon didn’t get it.

So was it not that you two had feelings for each other?

Was it not that you might love each other?

Was it just that you two understood each other?

He doesn’t get it. Now, Namjoon might not understand your obsession with perfecting every aspect of your writing… but that didn’t mean he didn’t love you. He loved you a lot—more than he assumes Taehyung could love you.

It’s not like it’s a secret, Namjoon has always been open about the way he felt about you so why did you choose someone else? All because he couldn’t understand you the way Taehyung might? Is it because he can’t just look at you and know what you need the way Taehyung can?

Is it because he doesn’t spend hours missing sleep or eating just so he could obsess over his work too?

How could Taehyung possibly understand you more than he does?

::.

okokok this was kinda long but I’m sorry, blonde Taehyung as an art major was doing it for me 🫶this was a romance but also not necessarily bc the focus isn’t entirely on their relationship 🤒neither one of them are supposed to be super likable so if you hate them and the way oc did Joon and Jimin dirty i get it 🫡but they just genuinely do not think about anything but their craft.

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[stars-and-the-min]

☆ the wrong way to hard launch (12) | OP81

summary : oscar's girlfriend is a walking pr problem for literally everyone (including herself) social media au

pairing : oscar piastri x zhou!fem!singer!oc

a/n from miami, USA to sofia, bulgaria

bro miami gp was WILD i can't believe i slept thru it 😭

masterlist | last part | part 12 | next part

TWITTER

pookie piastri @op81ln4 · 2h landoscar sitting so far apart from each other at the same miami heat game is incredibly funny to me ↳ pookie piastri @op81ln4 · 2h do they even talk 😭 do you think they knew the other was going?

oscalina real ?! @ emptyginbottles · 36m oscar sighting today vs lina sighting today

↳ oscalina real ?! @ emptyginbottles · 1h its like 25 degrees in miami and 10 degrees in sofia

INSTAGRAM

aidan_ebass Sofia, Bulgaria

liked by cameliazzz and 231,029 others

aidan_ebass a love letter to sofia tagged: cameliazzz and selinabui

lottie2418 EXCUSE ME SIR THAT LAST PHOTO???

2cami4lina aid posts once in a blue moon and it's always wild like who even took that photo

emptybottlos why are they whoring out aidan, gramps blink twice if ur being held at gunpoint ↳ aidan_ebass @emptybottlos 😐😑😐😑😐

TWITTER

EB Updates @emptybottles_news · 4h 🗨️| hey guys, recently a lot of my posts have been flooded with a bunch of lina hate. this is insanely unwarranted, if you don't like empty bottles or ANY of the members, please do not interact with my account. it's really disheartening to see so many people insult this incredibly hard-working woman that such a huge fanbase, including myself, adore and claiming to speak on behalf of her bandmates, friends and even boyfriend is absolutely vile. ↳ emme @flowersforcami · 4h admin i fear it's time to spam block bc i'm getting sick of it as well ↳ liv is SEEING EB LIVE!! @olivielina · 3h alright, start throwing hands. any tongue that rises against selina bui shall fall, we ride at dawn

kayla @luna_apocolypse · 27m i am begging BEGGING that the european leg isn't completely FUCKED by the hate train like PLS LINA return to giving no shits and flirt all you want ↳ pookie piastri @op81ln4 · 12m well like... maybe let's not overdo the flirting

INSTAGRAM

mclaren Hard Rock Stadium

liked by landonorris and 54,205 others

mclaren A little look into OP81's Miami media day shenanigans 👀 tagged: oscarpiastri

eb_jonno your joking we just got rid of the nfl guy ↳ oscarpiastri @eb_jonno My skills would never get me to the NFL so I think you're safe

pastry81 lina pls save this man and his wardrobe, go girl give us nothing

TWITTER

camilina gfs fr @ drummergf · 2h literally all of ebtwt waiting with bated breath over sofia n1 😭 ↳ camilina gfs fr @ drummergf · 2h i'm a camilina truther but if i do not see lukas remove selina's gloves on a grainy livestream I WILL CRY

kay ♡ @ blackcatluna · 1h THEY DID IT OH MY GOD THEY DID THE GLOVE MOVE I'M INCONSOLABLE ↳ kay ♡ @ blackcatluna · 1h @luna_apocolypse SLEEP WELL TWINSIE THOSE BITCHES ARE BACK TO BEING DERANGED ON STAGE

lina bui x2 grammy winner @urdaisea · 1h we must look so unhinged to locals, we look like a bunch of victorian ladies screaming over a guy removing a pair of gloves i can't- ↳ lina bui x2 grammy winner @urdaisea · 1h YES IT'S MASSIVE AND I'VE NEVER BEEN GLADER TO SEE THE RETURN OF THIS MOVE BUT HOLY SHIT WE'RE DYING OVER TWO BESTIES FAKE FLIRT

lukas 🔛🔝 @lukiepookie28 · 53m HE KISSED HER HAND OH WE'RE SO BACK LUKAS ZHANG YOU LITTLE FLIRT EFNSDJCNSDI

opal @pxastrixxx · 21m i've said it before and i'll say it again; you do not treat friends like that ↳ piaa⁸¹ @ papayaeightyone · 16m do you genuinely not know what a performance is?

EB Updates @emptybottles_news · 3m Empty Bottles played Sofia (originally sung by @ clairo) as their audience selection song during the encore! ↳ amie <3 @mieflrs · 2m oh they understood the assignment this is EXACTLY the shit they should be getting lina to sing

MESSAGES

from the phone of oscar piastri

INSTAGRAM

emptybottles_official Arena Sofia

liked by chrisyamada and 328,375 others

emptybottles_official First stop of the European leg done and dusted! Sofia, you guys were a dream, we hope you had fun with us these past two nights ❤️

cami.png when the weather's so cold lina debuts a new minidress with sleeves 😭

eb_jonno why are you doing me dirty, i thought we were friends ↳ emptybottles_official @eb_jonno You signed off on this photo ↳ eb_jonno @emptybottles_official can i... change my mind?

mrslukaszhang they all look so good it's criminal

sofia.michaels good day to be named sofia 🥰

oscarpiastri Hard Rock Stadium

liked by quadlock and 209,486 others

oscarpiastri P6² in Miami

pi4str1 oscar, sweetie, i don't think that's how math works

opeightyone That gorgeous gorgeous helmet 😍

lukaszhang best of luck for the race tomorrow mate ↳ oscarpiastri @lukaszhang Thanks man

TWITTER

pookie piastri @op81ln4 · 2h WTF DID OSCAR HAVE THIS MORNING HOLY SHIT, THAT WAS SPECTACULAR

McLaren @ McLarenF1 · 2h OSCAR. JACK. PIASTRI!!!

piaa⁸¹ @ papayaeightyone · 1h carlos sainz when i get my hands on you...

oscalina real ?! @ emptyginbottles · 17m OH MY GOD OH MY GOD LANDO WIN???? LANDO NORRIS WINS???? ↳ 🕯️manifesting EB3 🕯️@ linabelles · 8m rip 'lando nowins', u were one of the funniest nicknames of the sport

clovie @ luvyouvie · 20m oscar p13, u were robbed my son, that was straight-up highway robbery

MESSAGES

from the phone of oscar piastri

✧･ﾟ: ✧･ﾟ:✧･ﾟ: ✧･ﾟ:✧･ﾟ: ✧･ﾟ:

taglist @ririyulife @ashy-kit @fionaschicken @namgification @cherry-piee @urfavsgf @eiaaasamantha @sp1rl @destinyg237

[procrastinatingsoicanreadfanfics]

Vikings (TV) Masterlist

my requests for vikings are currently partially OPEN! please only request imagines, and not oneshots. for those waiting for a continuation of ‘searching home’ or ‘unexpected’ i am so sorry... finishing those two is going to take me a while :/

hmu/msg me to be added to a taglist!

main masterlist | request guidelines

heorte til heorte

(msg me to be added to the taglist!)

relationship: athelstan x alethia stahl (oc) | summary: alethia wanted to go home, to return to her family. instead, she finds herself in ninth-century england. not speaking the language, and still processing the grief of her other life, she searches for an anchor - athelstan. | tags: angst, fluff, timetravel

masterlist | preview | read on ao3

No romantic relationships // character x character

Queendom - relationship: Lagertha x Aslaug | summary: They’ve both loved and they’ve both lost. Perhaps it was time that their hearts warmed again. | tags: angst, fluff

The Lothbroks, aka, the European version of the Kardashians - relationships: none | summary: When Barbie Murray time travels, she finds out that pink isn’t available in Viking times. Luckily, her new besties all understand that boobs are the best and slay (literally?!) with her. | tags: crack, fluff, timetravel

I may be a bimbo, but I’m not stupid - relationships: slight oc/ oc | summary: Ivar kills Sigurd in a fit of rage, but Barbie isn't so quick to forgive cruelness. | tags: angst, crack, timetravel

1st gen Vikings

Strange Woman  relationship: Rollo x timetraveler!reader | summary: The woman that appeared out of nowhere could be oh so dangerous, but even a stupid man would know that she was fascinating. | tags: fluff, timetravel

Friend of Thor - relationship: rollo x timetraveler!asgardian!reader | summary: The reader, a fellow Asgardian and friend of Thor and the new King of Asgard, Brunnhilde, falls through worlds as the new guardian of the Bifrost tampers with the magic. | tags: crack, fluff, timetravel

And the Gods wished they were me - relationship: Judith x viking!gn!reader | summary: Judith knows she should not mourn Athelstan. Nor should she even look at Norse heathens. She does both anyway, because Judith was named after a woman that had only rage and death, and she cannot escape her fate. | tags: angst, fluff

Ubbe Ragnarsson

Another day / part 2 - relationship: Ubbe x reader | prompt: we live to fight another day. | tags: angst

Oldest - relationship: Ubbe x timetraveler!reader; platonic!Ivar x reader | summary:  It seems that few things change about being the oldest sibling, no matter which place – or time | tags: fluff, timetravel, slight angst

Yggdrasil relationship: Ubbe x reader; platonic!Ivar x reader; dad!Harald x reader | summary:  How can you tell your father what happened to you when he’d done it to so many others. | tags: angst, dark/gory

Hvitserk 'Whiteshirt' Ragnarsson

Hvitserksdottir - relationship: Hvitserk x reader | prompt: “I think we need to talk about the fact that I’m in love with you and also that I’m pregnant.” | tags: angst, fluff

Floki’s Cabin - relationship: Hvitserk x reader | prompt: “Just trust me. Please. | tags: angst

Searching Home / Part 2 / Part 3 / Part 4 - relationships: Hvitserk x reader; Ivar x reader | summary: When you stumble upon the ancient Spanish city of Algeciras, it takes you some time to realize that you’ve traveled through time. While that is terrible luck, a merchant couple takes you in. But your peace only lasts so long. | tags: angst, fluff, dark/gory, timetravel

Neither - relationship: genderfluid!reader x Hvitserk | Summary: Hvitserk finds out about genderfluidity and accepts he might not be completely straight | tags: fluff, timetravel

Law of conservation - relationship: Hvitserk x reader | summary: You’ve been working as a tutor at your high school for about a year now. When your parents throw a barbecue party for your new neighbors, their mother Aslaug asks you to tutor her son Hvitserk, who is already a notorious flirt at his school. | tags: fluff

Sandcastles - relationship: platonic!hvitserk x timetraveler!reader | summary: reader builds sandcastles, Ivar doesn’t get it and Hvitserk loves the idea of it | tags: fluff, timetravel

When in Bali... -  relationships: hvitserk x reader, ivar x freydís, sigurd x oc | summary: You were supposed to go to Bali with your partner for your one-year anniversary. Instead, you’re there alone, heartbroken. Will reuniting with a friend you know from a summer vacation in elementary school be able to fix it? | tags: fluff

Ivar 'the Boneless' Ragnarsson

Unholy Matrimony - A Sham in Four Acts / Part 2 / Part 3 / Part 4 - relationship: Ivar x reader | prompt: I’ve learnt to love you. | tags: angst, fluff smut

Insatiable Little Heathens  - relationship: ivar x reader | summary: drabble, for all of y’all who wanted more of Unholy Matrimony | tags: fluff

Resolve - relationship: ivar x reader | summary: Ivar’s legs hurt but he’s so fucking thickheaded | tags: fluff

My kind of witch - relationship: ivar x reader | summary: You wake up in an unfamiliar bed. The man with blazing blue eyes fascinates you as soon as you see him and as you realize the struggles he faces every day, your admiration for him grows into something more. | tags: fluff, timetravel

Red - relationship: ivar x reader | summary: Ivar finally meets his match. | tags: smut, dark/gory

Serve - relationship: sub!ivar x buff!reader | summary: Ivar keeps teasing you. You finally have enough and give him a taste of his own medicine | tags: smut

Searching home / Part 2 / Part 3 / Part 4 -  relationships: Hvitserk x reader; Ivar x reader |  summary: When you stumble upon the ancient Spanish city of Algeciras, it takes you some time to realize that you’ve traveled through time. While that is terrible luck, a merchant couple takes you in. But your peace only lasts so long. | tags: angst, fluff, smut, dark/gory, timetravel

Totally artistic -  relationship: ivar x reader | summary: When inspiration hits, you can’t stop it | tags: fluff

Sandcastles - relationship: platonic!hvitserk, ivar x timetraveler!reader | summary: reader builds sandcastles, Ivar doesn’t get it and Hvitserk loves the idea of it | tags: fluff, timetravel

Brother - relationships: ivar x reader, hvitserk & reader, reader & oc | summary: You left your home and your brother behind for a reason. Now, a man is causing trouble at the borders of Kattegat, and as Ivar's queen, you take justice into your own hands. | tags: fluff

Unexpected / Part 2 / Part 3 / Part 4 / Part 5 - relationship: ivar x thrall!reader | summary: Ivar finally decides to fuck the slave he’s been eyeing for so long, but when his angry side slips out, things take a turn for the wholly unexpected. | tags: smut

Tarot -  relationships: ivar x reader, hvitserk & reader | summary: Your day at the fair has been pretty slow – until a client like no other shows up. | tags: fluff

Imagines

How the Vikings would react to an accidental time traveler and a quiz to see if you’d survive: https://uquiz.com/dVXpgW

Ragnarssons (+Gyda): First Kiss

Social Media 

How the Vikings would react to guns and snapchat filters 

How the Vikings would react to modern dancing 

How the Vikings would react to modern music, and what they’d like

How the Vikings would react to modern concepts of astronomy and space 

How the Vikings react to modern haircare 

Vikings and Astrology

How Vikings would react to THEM timetraveling

Vikings + getting sick 

Vikings + Halloween 

Vikings + realizing you’re pregnant

Vikings characters + how they'd react to finding Accidental Time Traveler crying somewhere and not knowing why 

Vikings + you on your period  (+ more hcs about Ivar)

Vikings + Legos

Vikings + reader being much less stressed in their time

Vikings + single mother

Vikings + Gender Neutral Thor

Vikings + modern food

Vikings + touch avoidant cuddler

Vikings + Kids

Vikings + their history

Ragnarssons + being possesive

Vikings + Maleficent/Fae!reader

Vikings + curls and afros

Vikings + sleeping habits

Vikings + contortionist/super flexible reader

Vikings as modern!uni students

Vikings + affectionate drunk!reader

timetraveling!Vikings + modern tv/movies

Vikings + gen z slang

Vikings + curly haired kids

timetraveling!Vikings + Christmas

Vikings + eras other than their own

Vikings + ivar being remembered/famous

[givemeuniversalcrossovers]

Soooooooooo......???

Seeing doubles amiright?, like, wow that's familiar oh yea it looks near identical to my besties art that was posted earlier this year, I mean maybe the heads the other way it can't be THAT copy pasted I so thought

Hm. Yea it IS that bad, now, I've not seen the movie in a long time but I am 99% sure that is not a pose from the genesect movie so it's not referenced from there

"But they have different art styles!" I mean pretty sure using an image as reference without consent or credit but altering it for your art style still infringes on copyright and the original image made by the original artist. And you're really gonna look at me with the art side by side and go well duh the art style is different even if they're near identical so can't be stolen (you can still, steal something while having a different artstyle???)

"but the head is the other way and the hands are closed!" and the posing is the exact same the angle is the exact same the mouth open the sternums pointing similarly the definition of the chest in illusion to chest plate

And as well the minor differences look pretty deliberate imo? Can't copy the exact posing 1 for 1 as somebody (read nobody (save for me bitches cause I'm pissed) since people don't like to call out bigger popular artists for things like this and just let it slide because 'wellll we like this artist better so they can steal allllll the time~!' which guys popular or not it ain't fucking on), but yea can't just do the exact same so alter just enough to make it pass off as original (didn't work literally saw it in passing and clocked it right away and had to scramble to check and make a comparison refer my beloathed)

I just wanna know like, why? What the fuck? And I know swearing might damage my point but, just, I can't stand seeing or hearing about my friends getting treated like this having their original content taken and warped by other people who know to some degree they can get away with it, it's gross, if you wanna take inspiration you credit that appropriately hell even ask permission and respect if the og artist says no.

I don't think this panel should've been made or it should've been a helluv a lot different. Things like this is exactly the reason I'm scared to share my original ideas online, in case it gets taken and used specifically by this artist because I genuinely can't trust them at this point from what I've seen I don't want my ideas to be taken and then be brushed off with a "oh I've always wanted to play with this idea/it's always been implied actually! Don't look into why it's only showed up now after somebody made a post about their ocs with the same idea" cause being the lesser content creator guess what? I'll be the insane one if I say anything, I'll be told I'm wrong and have people jump my content claiming I've stolen or something because that's unfortunately how the Internet works! I've already had my works warped in a way I cant really even talk about! I know I'd probably look mad or like I was grasping at straws if I said anything then or now and at the time I valued my safety my comfort online and enjoyment online over saying anything and hey maybe I was wrong and the ideas were simply similar, but I doubt it. I know I could dig up and provide my references at least for my work, at the time when asked they couldn't do the same.

But this is my friend, and I'm not gonna let this shit slide anymore, I know this isn't the first thing this artist has, 'taken inspiration from' I use with heavy quotation marks, and I hope to fuck it's the last. But I don't know. I'm not gonna sit in silence about it anymore though, I will be calling it out as I see.

Plugging other people's artwork and original ideas character designs traits ect into your own to replicate to boost your own art makes you no better than ai art, because it takes without consent and spits out something warped and stolen.

This might come off as angry and petty and bitter, because it is, but don't mistake that for jealousy, I don't want what they have I'm not talking about this like a jealous ex trying to sabotage their fame because I know this is probably gonna damage my online rep and experience far more than theirs (or maybe I'll be lucky and this will become a tumbleweed in the desert) I'm talking about this because I want this kind of behaviour to stop. More popular 'better' artists shouldn't get free reign to plagiarise and pocket concepts from smaller artists just because they can, my friends content is not your fucking strawberry patch to plunder, it's not yours to take ANYTHING from. Make your own fucking original content. You've got your fame. Stop taking from us, leave us alone.

[whatdoeseverybodywant]

You're the Only Girl for Me - Chapter 17

I KNOW I SAID I COULDN'T FIGURE OUT WHAT TO WRITE NEXT BUT I WENT BACK AND RE-READ MY FIRST VERSION AND I'M INSPIRED LOL... 🙃

I do NOT give permission for my work to be translated or reposted on here or any other site, even if you give me credit. DO NOT REPOST MY FICS

Reblogs, comments, likes, and feedback ALWAYS appreciated ❤

All OC Characters belong to me

Series Masterlist

taglist: @christinabae @southerngirl41 @reci1996 @jeyusos-girl @jeyusosgirl

@melaninsugababy @bemybabiibish @jstarr86 @baconeggndcheez @nbanenefrmdao

@purplehairgawdess @theninthwonder @arination99 @m3llowww @alyyaanna

@harmshake @jeysbae @empressdede @badbitchcentralinc @bluesole16

@leaderofthebadbitchbrigade @bonni-98 @raya-hunter01 @abadbitchblogs

5 months later...

July 16th 2021

Airielle glared over at where Josh was standing talking to the rookie that just got called up from NXT. Y’all are not together anymore. He can talk to who he wants, she thought. She looked over at Trinity when she sat down. Airielle rolled her eyes at the smirk on Trin’s face. 

“What Trin?” She said with more attitude than necessary. She had to real reason to be upset though. She had broken up with Josh and he was allowed to date freely now. Just thinking about him dating someone else had her left eye twitching. 

“Damn girl. I’m sorry.” Trin laughed and looked over to where Airielle was glaring at. “I’m still so confused. Not even five months ago, y’all were happy as hell.” 

“Yeah well,” she shrugged. “Things change” Was all she said as  she looked back over in Josh’s direction. She arched an eyebrow at him when they made eye contact and scoffed when he smirked and winked at her. He said one last thing to the rookie before making his way over to where Airielle and Trin were sitting. 

“Sup Trin. He said as he sat down. “Airielle.” Airielle rolled her eyes and grabbed her purse, pretending to look for something. Trinity rolled her eyes, tired of the two of them already, 

“Anyway. Samantha wants to have a girls night tonight, you in?” She asked Airielle. 

“I can’t. I have a date tonight.” Airielle said, looking at Josh out of the corner of her eye. 

“What? With who?” Josh asked, turning his attention to Airielle. He clenched his jaw when she smirked over at him. 

“Why, Jealous?” She asked, chuckling when he glared at her. “I have to go film my Total Divas introduction. I’ll catch up with you later.” She said to Trinity as she stood up from the table and walked away. 

“It’s been five months, what the hell happened between y’all. Y’all were so in love.” 

“Still am,” Josh said as he turned his head in the direction Airielle had gone off to. 

AIRIELLEJONES

liked by trinity_fatu, jonathanfatu and 200,000 others

AirielleJones: 🧡🧡

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trinity_fatu: orange is your color bestie (❤️ by author)

loveyara: cute 😊

“Why you aint tell me you could bowl like that?” Airielle shrugged and let out a laugh as Raymond pushed her a little. “Girl you hustled me out of fifty dollars.” 

“Why you ain’t tell me you sucked at bowling?” She teased back. “I ain’t never seen so many gutter balls in my life.” She said as they walked off the elevator of the hotel and started walking towards her floor. 

“Well shit. Aint nobody tell you so look so good tonight.” Raymond said as he checked out Airielle. She rolled her eyes playfully then froze at the sight of Josh leaning against the wall next to her room door, he had his head turned and was staring straight at them. 

She watched as he narrowed his eyes once they fell on Airielle and Raymond linked hands. 

“What are you doin’?” He asked her confused, eyes still trained on their hands. Airielle sighed and let go of Raymond's hand and folded her arms over her chest. 

“What are you doing out here?” 

“What are you doing?” He asked again, ignoring her question. Raymond looked between the two of them. 

“Imma just go.” He said, scoffing when Airielle wouldn’t break her staring contest with Josh. 

“You said we was moving too fast and you needed time to heal yourself.” He pointed in the direction Raymond had gone off to. “Going on a date with another man ain’t healing yourself Airielle.” 

Airielle sighed and unlocked her hotel door with the key card and held the door open for Josh to enter. 

“So what you was gon fuck him tonight then text me telling me how much you miss me?” Airielle scoffed as she sat on the bed to take her heels off. 

“First off, it wasn’t actually a date other people were there too and I do miss you Josh.” Josh let out a sigh and crossed the room, crouching down in front of her so they were eye to eye with each other. 

“So what are we doing then?” Airielle shrugged and let out a groan, throwing herself back on the bed, covering her face with her hands.  “You was there for me when I was going through all the shit with Tracy, why won't you let me be there for you now?”  Josh sighed when he heard Airielle sniffle. He grabbed one of her arms and pulled her back into a seated position. 

“I can’t do this right now.” She whispered, tears sliding down her face. “I love you, I really do but.” She sighed  “You have to give me time.. I want to be the best version of myself for you.” 

“Fine.” Josh nodded, giving her a kiss on her forehead before standing up and walking towards the door. He opened it and turned back around. “Don’t let me catch you with homeboy again Airielle.” He blew her a kiss before walking out of the room.

soooo.... how we feeling about this chapter?

I tried to just make chapter 16 the last chapter, but I just love this couple so much lol.

[gyarustarrr]

LORE LORE LORE!!!🗣️🗣️🗣️ (This is super long and my English is horrible for a native speaker so bear w me)

ILL BE REAL I DIDNT PUT MUCH THOUGHT INTO A REASONABLE BACK STORY but bcuz shes a self insert i had to make a mention for my bestie who can EASILY be in the pressure universe fr <3

Pre-lockdown: I think itd be unique that if Sebastian was used to give humans gills then Phanny can be used to find immortality cuz who doesnt love when a corrupt corporate entity tries to find the cure for death, happens all the time lol. I say for the important parts shes fused with an immortal jellyfish, my favorite jelly which im extreme jelly of 😼😼😼😼, and i would say that its possible that she could live forever IN THEORY with the dna of that jelly but that would have to be tested lmaooo.

I believe because shes also able bodied (mostly) she would be given similar jobs as Sebastian so shes not depressed, rotting, or lashing out. Not sure if they'd work together but she's observant and being a psychologist, she def psychoanalyzing the hell outta everybody in the facility out of boredom. She seems happy but ofc its a coping mech to make the best out of the absolute horrors around her, still emotional unstable and freaks tf out frequently. Once Sebastian frees everybody, she's free to roam and sees what Sebastian is doing. She asks to assist him in his goal but she only plays a part once Seb handles BIDNESS on land during lockdown. Post lockdown she scavenges for data and whatever here and there but shes mostly left alone or out of most of his operation, yk,,,working with Mr Lopee and all. She really tries to get close with Sebastian (despite emphasizing hes a married man, YEAH SURE BUDDY YOU'RE LIKE 32, WHATEVER MAKES U FEEL BETTER💀) and being the drama fiend i am, i think having a "moment of weakness" would lead to their complex semi romantic possibly toxic dynamic.

Fight: And as i did my research its highly debatable if Sebastian is telling pAInter the truth about getting them both out. Phanny would believe this without question cuz if he can make a plan and has all these skills and resources, he should be able to take everyone (this also includes other peoples inserts and ocs who are experiments because it makes the setting more lively and interesting). I even thought of a cool ass line my homie thought was cold asf for argument dialogue between Phanny and Seb about taking everyone back up to the surface.

Just to summarize: Phanny mentions how noble Seb is after making progress with his escape plan, assuming that he'll take at least as many people as possible including Phanny. Sebastian at this point is already trying to push her away post weakness moment and he know damn well he's just doing this for himself and never accounted to leave w/ a whole damn facility of sentient experiments. He just wanna see his mom again and hes already working in private with Mr Lopee i mean this is a one man escape plan. This ofc shatters Phanny cuz from what hes saying, nobody and he mean NOBODY is getting out of here with him. Hes not a savior and hes not responsible for people he dont even know or fuck with like tf?? And Phannys like OKAY? Nobody's asking you to be JESUS but can you at least be Moses?? Free us so we can all get justice! Explain why you can't take a handful and come back once u take this damn company down?? What about your promise to pAInter? To ME.

Ofc it ends in a big brawl, think Mark getting his shit rocked by his own dad (Omniman from invincible) and they just have this heartbreaking dialogue and they split ways.

Post fight + breakdown: After this, Phanny is basically losing it. I even have a vision for this if it was actually in game and she was an actual character with weight to the gameplay. Like crying and wailing in the vents and pipes, shit breaking, Phanny not being seen for a majority of the game until shes physically stopping u from going through doors and rushing the player. Not to kill them, she loves the expendables and protects them but if she really has to if it means Sebastian can get out/she gets to see another day then...

Plus i drew what that would look like in my last post where shes just standing in the dark in the corner blocking the door. Even if shes not blocking the door she's obviously going through something and can't be interacted with, she just follows the player with her eyes and breathes heavily. If its not that then shes crying by the the water and interacting with her gets the player a DEVIOUS side eye or no response.

Pre-breakdown + if she were actually in the game: I can't really explain why she would help the expendables WITHOUT knowing removing the crystal will indirectly end their lives, i actually havent evaluated that yet but shes friendly to expendables, takes free trade in exchange for shiny objects, and can be seen hanging out with or talking to Sebastian, or passing by in the water/halls. She's capable of killing the player entirely by accident due to her tentacles hanging from the ceiling which she chills in and dying to her makes her scream or apologize (before Sebastian says something snarky) since shes strictly against killing and never willing.

Announcing ur presence helps her know shes in the way. Typical interactive npc shenanigans. Maybe even saving expendables from certain attacks but these are rare interactions in the game. She's overall friendly and if she were real, she'd prolly be a fandom fave (ofc not on Sebastian's level, LETS BE HUMBLE YALL😭) because shes so polite and her tragedy comes near the end where the player isnt even aware of how she became hostile in just a few hours of the run. Her story would hardly happen in game and itd be one of those things a creator would have to mention outside of their game for fans to know abt yk?

Its typical for creators to just drop the craziest lore ever about a character but they're purposefully vague or literally like oh yeah time constraints so we scrapped it lol.

ALRIGHTY CLASS, ANY QUESTIONS? (typing this on my phone was so crazy guys ik its a lot but trust me its DECENT lore </3

[hippolotamus]

Fuck it Friday 🥕

tagged by @thekristen999 with some lovely amazing Buddie angst. emerging from the tag day depths with my OCs. @rewritetheending's boys got me in my feels and here we are.

should you feel like continuing, may I introduce you to Sam having a bit of an internal freak out during lunch with her bestie, Mila (who will later be Theo) 💖

For a moment I can pretend we’re back in middle school. Like we aren’t the two twenty-something professionals we turned into when no one was looking. Before we thoughtlessly kissed adolescence goodbye, trading Converse and wide leg jeans for sensible flats and pencil skirts. Before first kisses and dates and everything’s somehow became moving in with Jamie, eventually tumbling into ‘I’m getting married’. Before the unease that everyone says is just cold feet started working its way under my skin.  It started the day Silver Fern Estate called, letting us know the place was ours for the exact day we wanted. With its ponds, gazebos, and restored barn perfect for dinner and dancing and the vitally important sweets bar I insisted I couldn’t live without - it was everything I’d been dreaming of. Except, for reasons I still can’t understand, I was reaching past the hollow feeling in my chest in order to force the giddiness that everyone, including me, was expecting.  “Am I doing the right thing?” I blurt out.  “Well,” Mila answers sagely, “unless you want to be doing the left thing.” It makes me snort and roll my eyes, the way I assume it was meant to. She always did know when I’m too in my head.  “But maybe tell me what I’m evaluating first. Are we talking the spreadsheet you’re working on or…?” My weary sigh gives me away, giving her the chance to cut in before I can elaborate.  “This is about Jamie again.” She waves a bitten off carrot in my direction. “Do we need a new pros and cons list? Another reminder that you’re marrying a great guy who happens to be one of the few that isn’t an asshole?” “As much as I’m sure you’re dying to draw up a new list, no, we don’t need that.” Mila gently elbows my ribs. “Then what, Sam? Help me out here. You’ve got the guy, the venue of your dreams, the rage and fury of every other bride who wanted it that Saturday. And let’s be honest, that’s the real prize.” She’s right, she’s so right. Not as much about winning out over the other couples, but my competitive side is willing to let that stand.  “I don’t know.”  It’s the most truthful answer I can give. Because I can’t say what’s wrong. If there’s actually something wrong or if everyone’s right and it’s just pre-wedding jitters. Mothers and aunts say to trust your instincts but for some reason that logic doesn’t stand in the face of questioning the person you intend to spend the rest of your life with. In that case it’s ‘normal’ and ‘happens to everyone, it’ll be fine’.  Will it really? Will ‘I do’ be the magic incantation to break the curse of nerves and doubt? Do the matching wedding bands form a protective circle? Of course, if that were true, my own parents would still be married.  Maybe I can still pretend, hold on tenaciously to that belief. After all, this isn’t a ‘surprise! We’re pregnant!’ affair. Jamie and I saved, putting in extra hours at work and sacrificing takeout. We planned and scheduled and vetted every little detail. The i’s are dotted and t’s are crossed. In four days, twenty-three hours and sixteen minutes (give or take) I’ll be Mrs. Samantha Bennett.  The realization hits harder, digging its claws in deeper and that only makes me want to avoid it again. I steal Mila’s last bite of carrot as a distraction.  “Maybe I’m just secretly sad that I won't have to put up with founding fathers jokes anymore.”  Like a damn magician, Mila produces another carrot stick from nowhere. “As if I’d ever let you get off that easy, Adams.”

np tagging @diazsdimples @theotherbuckley @midsummersmorn @daffi-990 @stereopticons

@bidisasterevankinard @rewritetheending @eddiebabygirldiaz @dr-shortsighted-owl @elvensorceress

@bi-buckrights @monsterrae1 @thelikesofus @eowon @jesuisici33

@slightlyobsessedwitheverything @bucksbignaturals @holidayslinger @actuallyitsellie @kitteneddiediaz

@lemonzestywrites @spotsandsocks @tizniz @dangerpronebuddie @diazheartsbuckley

@your-catfish-friend @wikiangela @rainbow-nerdss @steadfastsaturnsrings @doctorkinney

@acesartemis @bekkachaos @imtheiliad and anyone else who wants to 😘

[legacygirlingreen]

Part VI Chapter 5: The Repository I // Sebastian Sallow x Reader

A/N: Hi guys! I am finally back with my main story (I know it's been so long!) I have been dreading this since I HATE writing action but it's finally here. The repository! I hope you all enjoy, especially with my strays from canon... I did not edit this because I was too eager to get it out to you all. in the following days ill come back and edit... Anywho much love to those who continue to support me as always. @strawberrypinky my bestie. Anyone who wants to be added to the tag list I am going to try and start please let me know. I also love hearing your ideas so if you have any sound out. <3

Screenshot by @dvinaamesca

Audio for this chapter found HERE & HERE

As always this is Sebastian x y/n but there's almost NO usage of that so if you'd rather insert your MC or OC feel free to do so, just know it is female pronouns!

Masterlist for the other chapters is HERE

Word count: 9.3k

Warnings: violence, mentions of fighting, you know what the repository is about, BRIEF allusions and mentions of kidnapping / almost sexual assault

“Ready whenever you are Weasley.” Sebastian said, looking to the Gryffindor boy who stood towards the back of the great hall with Lucan, both of them holding vials of a mysterious liquid. If either of them wanted to risk their own safety with a Garreth original concoction to help him and the others escape, he wasn’t going to dare question it. 

Carefully slipping behind a group of 3rd years at the hufflepuff table, being consoled by the flying instructor, Sebastian made his way to the side door of the great hall, leading out into the quartyard and the outside of the hufflepuff common rooms. As he came to stand by the others, he looked back to the Gryffindors they intended to leave behind, giving them a nod as he turned his attention back to the group. 

“We won’t have long to slip out of here once they cause a diversion so we will all need to get working on breaking the charms on the door the second weasley causes a commotion. Natty, you’re the best with charms, mind taking charge?” he asked her as the girl nodded. 

“Everyone is aware of where they are to report as soon as we get out of here? We will have to move quickly since they likely already shut down the floo network.” Sebastian whispered, seeing Mr. Moon inching closer and closer to them. 

“Of course Sebastian. And we all plan to stay in groups of two so that no one is left alone.” Amit responded, ready to head with Samantha to the Ravenclaw tower to retrieve his notes on the goblins drills to identify points of weakness on their machinery. 

Sebastian felt a weight drop in his stomach, as if the adrenaline finally was about to kick into gear. He was ready. He only hoped that he would be able to lead their classmates into battle carefully and safely. He understood the risk they were all taking, and appreciated their willingness to help. 

Suddenly a loud bang filled the great hall. Everyone turned their heads to see bright fireworks going off near the entrance as the professors all rushed to discover the cause for commotion. Shrieks and laughter filled the room as Garreth and Lucan were both at the center of the disruption. 

“Now!” Sebastian said as Natty attempted to remove the charms placed on the side exit. Just as they were getting somewhere, a figure came up directly behind Sebastian. 

“Ah Mr. Sallow… attempting to make a hasty exit are we?” Mr. Moon spoke as he turned around. 

“I -” Sebastian thought their plan was done for, knowing that more than likely the man would prevent them from leaving. He watched with surprise as a look of mischief crossed the man’s eyes and he sent a small charm towards the door, allowing it to crack open. 

“Go. I’ll cover for you all.” he said with a wink, casting a large disillusionment charm over the entire group, and turning back around with a whistle.

“Now’s our chance, let’s go” Sebastian whispered as they all made their way out of the great hall. 

Once the doors slid shut and locked back into place, the illusion was dropped, each of them coming back into view once more.  The group picked up the pace, rushing around past the yawning gargoyle as they all rushed to the quad to re enter the school’s halls to disperse wherever they needed. Once inside, Natty, Leander, Everret and Imelda took off towards the library annex and the front of the school.  Samantha and Amit rushed towards the ravenclaw tower above them, as Sebastian and Poppy followed, ready to head towards the Astronomy Wing from the bridge near the ravenclaw common room. As the group dispersed, the castle’s shaking continued to grow more and more intense.

As the group rounded the stairs that lead to the ravenclaw common room, Poppy called out to the two students by saying “We will have the others pick you up from the rooftop!” before her and Sebastian rushed down some of the stairs leading towards the Defense against the Dark art’s tower. 

Sebastian was surprised seeing how much faster than him the small girl moved, considering how much shorter her legs were than his own, but he didn’t question it. They had the most ground to cover, and needed to find her knapsack in the room of requirement, as well as Highwing and possibly Calico before they headed off. Sebastian knew the hippogriffs were fiercely loyal to the girl, and having them in the fight would prove handy in tracking her location. 

Soon the pair found themselves out of breath and in front of the room’s appearing doors. Sebastian hardly waited, as he pushed his way inside, rushing towards the vivarium she kept the creatures in when a small voice called out behind him. 

“Mr. Sallow! Ms. Sweeting!” turning around Sebastian saw Deek looking frightened at their hasty entrance. 

“Deek, I’m glad to see you’re alright.” Sebastian said, frantically looking for the old leather bag she stored in the room. 

“Deek heard what happened to our friend and he sent the phoenix to help. Was he able to locate the camp Ms. Sweeting?” Deek asked, walking towards a small shelf, pulling a chair to sit directly under it, before climbing up onto it. 

Poppy only nodded, using this time to catch her breath as she avoided looking at sebastian. 

“Good. Those poachers are always up to no good. I am glad our friend is alright.” Deek reached up, retrieving the leather bag Sebastian was looking for easily before handing it off to him” 

“Deek went ahead and already put Highwing inside. I figured it might come in handy having them if she came to the room. You’ll take them to her for him right? Deek is so honored to serve such a kind witch like her.” he said, nervously fidgeting as he handed Sebastian the bag. 

“I promise we will Deek, thank you for your help.” With a snap of his fingers, the house elf left them standing there in the dimly lit room. 

“Ready?” He asked the hufflepuff girl, noticing the way she was staring at something above one of the planting stations on the wall. Just as Sebastian was turning back to the hall leading to the door she let out a loud wail, collapsing to the ground faster than he could react as she folded in on herself. 

By the time he made it to her shaking frame, Poppy was tucked into fetal position, rocking back and forth as she struggled to breathe, all the while tears rained down her face. Somewhere between the loud cries and struggled to breathe he could hear her attempting to speak but couldn’t tell what she was saying. 

“Hey, shhh Poppy…” he cut himself off before reprimanding the girl on the poor timing of her outburst as he saw a moving portrait of his witch and the girl along the wall. 

“I , I…” she started to say as he tried his best to figure out what was upsetting the girl. 

“Hey Sweets , you gotta breathe alright? Not doing anyone any good by hyperventilating and I really hate to leave you behind but if you’re not well enough to fight-“

“No!” She shouted, startling him. In her brown eyes Sebastian could see a look reminiscent of a cornered animal, so he leaned back slightly, giving her some space. 

“I -“ Poppy spoke looking at his outstretched hand in the gap between them where he’d paused it before she continued crying. “I’m so sorry” the hufflepuff girl wailed as she covered her face with shaky hands. 

Finally taking the risk he leaned forward enough to put a hand on her shoulder as he felt the tremors wracking her body as she cried. If he left her, he was concerned she’d join them later and alone, so he needed to calm her and do so quickly. 

“Poppy,” he said with a sigh as she continued crying into her palms. She refused to look at him so once again he repeated her name much more firmly this time. “Poppy.” 

The girl paused, sniffling before removing her hands as he looked at her blotchy cheeks and he sighed as he removed his hand from her shoulder. 

“It’s not your fault Poppy, I don’t blam-“ 

“It is my fault! If I hadn’t asked her to accompany me then she wouldn’t have gotten hurt!” The girl said before once again dissolving into tears. 

“Rookwood could’ve gotten to her any time, it’s not your fault… she’s had a lot of dangerous people after her for a while now. It was only a matter of time before-“ Sebastian tried his best to reason with the girl, and while he found the words heavy upon his tongue, deep down he knew their truth. He couldn’t blame Poppy for what happened. Perhaps a much younger version of himself would. It would be an easy scapegoat for what happened since the hufflepuff girl had indeed abandoned his love, but his resolve in loving the girl in question caused him to see this wasn’t Poppy’s fault. She was only doing as she was asked from the little bits and pieces he had heard. He just simply wanted to know more… 

“Poppy what happened?” He asked her gently after a prolonged period of silence overtook the space and she sucked in a deep breath before telling him everything. 

How they had flown over the area, arrived near Feldcroft and found a camp. What they overheard and how his love slipped into the camp in secret and found the journal off rookwoods desk, before all hell broke loose. How she begged the girl to get Anne to safety. How as she left all she heard was the ashwinders using crucio. What happened with Solomon on feldcroft and how she had refrained from telling Anne the truth. How she had come back to the school and retrieved the potions master, enlisting the help of the centaurs to free her. The horrid state his love had been found in - battered, bruised and bare. 

Poppy shivered as she explained watching the girl hobble out of the camp wearing essentially only Professor Sharp's overcoat before Rookwood emerged. How she killed him in anger and frustration but did so by repelling his own usage of the killing curse before collapsing and having to be carried back by the professor. 

She told him about the fight in the hospital ward between his love and Solomon as his uncles sins had been revealed. How the staff watched in horror as she repeatedly punched the man over and over again until she bloodied his nose and busted his lip, all the while having the injuries from her imprisonment still visible. As the school had started shaking they left the hospital ward the same time poppy had been ushered out with Garreth Weasley who had come back by having heard the girl was back safe after helping by finding his aunt to inform her. 

Sebastian gladly accepted her fast and nervous explanation of the events he’d only been allowed brief snippets of until now. Taking a deep breath as she finally seemed to have stopped crying, Sebastian reached a hand out to her shoulder to comfort her in a way that wouldn’t be inappropriate. 

“Poppy it’s not your fault. You were doing as she asked of you… and in doing so you helped my sister. You also went back to help her. I don’t blame you, in fact…” he trailed off as the girl looked up to him from where he knelt next to her on the floor as he spoke. “I should be thanking you. You helped save Anne, my sister is getting the help she needs because of you. You saved her life by going back. That means the world…” he told her as he felt a surge of gratitude. 

“But-“ 

“We don’t have much time, and she needs us. How about we hash this out later okay? Just please know, I don’t blame you. And I’m thankful to you for helping Anne. We are all really fortunate to have you as a friend…” he confirmed as he offered his hand out to pick her up off the floor. Looking around the room he noticed an assortment of cloaks, glasses and items she had discovered exploring with protective charms. 

Looking at the loom in the corner he saw something much more his size than her own. As he picked it up, underneath was a page that had descriptions of what beast items had been used alongside ones she intended to acquire eventually to add. At the top she saw his name with “ancient magic keeper”. Unsure what it all meant, and realizing the depth of the danger they were marching into, he decided to make the executive decision to take it now, knowing if she was still alive a part of her would be relieved to see him safe. 

“Poppy, grab some stuff out of the chest she has of items from the tombs we’ve explored. They have protections on them. Most of them are ridiculous but… every little thing we can do to help out is important. We can take some with us for the others as well” he explained before hauling off into the other room where he knew she kept a dressing screen and stripping off his dirty clothes from completing the keeper trial pulling on the cloth and leather suit she’d weaved for him. He was always impressed with her ability to recognize the needs of others so thoroughly and realize them into perfect gifts. Shaking his head he rejoined poppy as she had finally sifted through the more useful items such as cloaks and scarfs, holding them as he emerged. 

“She’s been working on that for a long time.” Poppy explained and he nodded. 

“I can imagine… It's really detailed. I can feel the magic protecting it” he said while dropping his normal cloak to the floor while helping her grab items for the others in his hand not holding the leather bag. He’d come back for his uniform later, right now they needed to hurry.  

“Let’s go meet up with the others atop the astronomy tower, come on” he said as they left the room and headed off quickly.

Just as they made it to the top observation deck a flash of blue round the side of the stone tower. 

“Did someone call for a lift?” Everett asked as Imelda flew next to him. Sebastian saw Natty on the back of the broom already behind Everett and when he asked who he was meant to be joining, Leander awkwardly climbed higher into view as he clung to his broom for dear life. Poppy began to climb over the railing, hopping behind Imelda without much word. 

Just as he went to ask about the extra broom Amit showed up with Samantha riding next to him, along with a face he hadn’t expected. 

“Larson?” Sebastian asked at seeing the Ravenclaw in their class who rarely spoke up. Amit offered an explanation for why they were there, not waiting at their common room’s roof, as well why the blond was now suddenly with them. 

“We got to our common room and when I got to my room I found Andrew had been left behind. When the professors ushered everyone out they forgot to check the roof somehow and Andrew got locked out. He was just making his way out to find out what happened when Samantha and I arrived. He offered his broom along with our Quidditch captains that he, uh… borrowed…” Amit explained as Sebastian looked to the only open spots to hop on. 

Before he could even ask Andrew to spare him from having to sit with Leander, Samantha explained their quick rational, ruining his plan of riding with the Ravenclaw not the Gryffindor : “Andrew has offered to go to Hogsmeade and find Officer Singer and get help” Dale spoke and he sighed. It was a smart addition to their plan and he nodded to the young man. 

“Sallow stop stalling and just get on with Preset. It won’t kill you.” Imelda called out with an annoyed eye roll and he rationalized that while his housemate was correct, it didn’t mean he had to enjoy it. 

“Alright. Thanks Larson. Prewett, make room” Sebastian grunted out, levitating the items he carried over to Poppy’s outstretched arms before climbing over the rails, reaching towards the ginger as he jumped, landing on the back of the broom unceremoniously.  

“Do me a favor and don’t fall off” the boy said and he huffed in reply.

“Prewett please don’t get us killed on this thing” he said as he reached around behind himself to grab the broom for stabilization instead of the boy near him. 

“I wasn’t planning on it, Sallow” Leander said with an eyeroll.

“How much further?” Solomon grumbled out as they made their way down the steps into the repository. Opening the door she saw a long walkway leading to another door with the ruin she’d grown so acclimated to seeing at this point. 

“A problem Solomon?” she hissed out as she felt each step burn her lungs further from the anguish delt during her captivity. Unfortunately fate was forcing her from one bad situation into another and although she wishes she’d been granted the simple chance to see Sebastian - possibly say goodbye if things went south - Fig’s confirmation he was safe meant the world. 

Glancing over her shoulder to see her Lover’s guardian walking alongside professor Sharp as Fig made his way leading the pack, she waited for his response. His eye roll is almost invisible due to the forming black eye. It reminded her of the way her knuckles had fallen against the man’s face and she simply huffed in response and turned back, attempting to prepare for what was to come. 

“The others should be joining us shortly” Eleazar informed the group and she nodded, relieved to know that the other professors would soon be assisting and that for once she wouldn’t be dealing with the keeper business on her own. 

As they made it to the end of the walkway and pushed open the final door the ground beneath them shook violently, nearly sending everyone to their knees as a large drill became visible off in the distance. She had seen drills like this once before, off with Amit in a mine when Lodgok was still alive. Lodgok. She tried not to grimace as she was reminded of her goblin friend who had died to help wizard kind defend themselves against his brother. 

“Damn. The Goblins” Fig announced as the others regained their balance. 

“I wonder if Ranrok is with them?” she pondered, looking for a safe way down now that the cavern was beginning to collapse onto itself. 

“One way to find out. Over here.” Fig called from the right and she saw a winding path leading down, following behind him as the professor and Solomon picked up the pace to join. 

Rushing ahead she tugged at the leather harness she’d snagged on her way down to the map chamber, hoping it would do its best to protect her for the fight ahead. The material scratched the newly developing scars in a way that was uncomfortable, however she’d have to ignore that for the time being. 

As they rounded out to flat ground she saw movement ahead, along with some goblins standing next to one of the drills. 

“Quickly. We’ve got company ahead” she rushed, leaving the men behind as she charged in without pondering the consequences. So often when dealing with this threat she snuck around, using the disillusionment charm Sebastian had taught her. On missions to keeper trials, seeing Lodgok, with Sebastian chasing Isadora’s memories - each time she usually resorted to sneaking around and only using violence when necessary. However today, watching these goblins wielding such dark magic, attacking a school to which she’d found a home, she was seeing red. They would pay for what they had done with blood. 

She had leveled several goblins using ancient magic in a fit of rage without even realizing it, that was until Fig placed a palm against her shoulder, indicating that the path was now clear and she nodded, following after him, leaving Solomon Sallow stunned for a moment. In his mind, he’d always viewed the girl as innocent. She so sweetly regarded his niece and acted nothing but a love-smitten girl to his nephew, yet watching her effortlessly reduce a horde of goblins in her bath to nothing but a pile of ash, he shuddered at what she was truly capable of. 

He was worried what would happen when she finally unleashed the full extent of her anger upon him for what he’d done to Sebastian. 

“What in Merlin’s name was that? What kind of dark magic are you wielding?” he asked in fear as the other professors shrugged, having seen the girl wield this magic before. 

“That is what happens to those who choose to harm others…” she hissed as his blood ran cold. Solomon actually stepped back, fearful as he watched her eyes darken and the grip on her wand tighten. The scar running from the top of her eyebrow, coming down to her right nostril only adding to the illusion that his girl he’d allowed in his home was truly dangerous.

“Now is not the time” Professor Sharp told her firmly, breaking the trance she had fixed upon Solomon and she huffed, turning to face the path ahead once more. 

Aesop Sharp used a modified version of the blasting charm, knocking the large goblin made drill out of their path as everyone continued ahead. 

The blood thrumming behind her ears had drowned out the loud sounds of stones falling, drills piercing the school’s sanctity and the shouts from both the goblins and her allies. In the midst of the rubble, smoke, water’s spray and ash she hardly could focus on the task at hand. Her mind being plagued by a sole thought: Sebastian Sallow. 

Fighting to keep him safe. 

Fighting to end this goblin threat so his home would be free. 

Fighting to seek justice for Anne.

Fighting to get back to him and the life she wished to build. 

Rushing ahead, Professor Fig led them all into a crouch underneath a rock blocking majority of the path. As they came to the other side safely, the wall to the left exploded, a large armored troll barreling through as another erupted on the opposing wall. 

As terrifying as the sight would have been to some, all it did was trigger her memory. Suddenly she was back in Hogsmeade, that first day she had spent at Hogwarts. Professor Weasley had granted her the choice in who would accompany her, and the boy whom she’d met in the common room, as well as defeated in a duel never straying from her mind. 

Their playful banter as they walked, and how he had slipped off while she got her wand, leaving a slight longing to see his chocolate iris as she was handed the elegant dogwood she’d grown accustomed to carrying. As soon as she found him again in the square, they were quickly faced with a troll, similar to the one swinging its club at her now. 

She tried not to become distracted as she fought it, occasionally hearing spells muttered by the professors and Solomon as they all attempted to fight off the trolls and emerging goblins. Yet, she truly couldn’t help but see the way Sebastian had pushed himself between her and the danger, ready to protect her. 

The mind was such a wild thing, as she could almost feel his arm wrapping itself around her waist protectively as he pulled her to the side as that troll had barreled near her. Except this time when she blinked she saw it was not Sebastian at all. This time, it had been the much larger frame of Aesop Sharp as his eyes sternly looked to her for confirmation she was alright before he turned to continue the onslaught of spells. 

Soon the four of them reduced the enemies ahead to the ground, as it seemingly became aware that the path ahead was veiled. As she rounded a small outsticking section of the rock, a bluish glow of ancient magic allerted her. 

“This is the way forward,” she said, as the men looked perplexed at the normal stone wall. It wasn’t until she pushed a bright blue beam of magic towards it, did ice like shards spray around them, and a path was revealed. 

They all entered the darkened cave as suddenly four wands illuminated with the hushed combined voices speaking Lumos. While dust reigned down on them from the moment above she once again was reminded of how not long ago in a similar mine her and Sebastian had whispered the spell to get past some devil’s snare on their way to seek answers about Isadora. 

Finally coming out of the darkened section of cave she dropped her wand, rushing ahead and leaving the men behind. Adrenaline flooded her veins and she’d be damned if she wasted the universe’s way of keeping her safe by creating the sense of urgency around dispelling this Goblin threat. Reaching this level of goblins, she realized they had been under the school a while in this portion. Small wooden structures and supplies had been moved in, and there were many more enemies here. 

“Such Arrogance” a goblin close to her called out and she couldn’t help the frustrated grunt that escaped her as she lifted him into the air, using Accio to haul him through the space as she knocked him to the ground. 

As one came close to professor Fig’s back she recalled one of the spells that had become her favorite: Confringo. 

The way Sebastian had pressed his chest into her back the day he’d shown her the undercroft, instructing her through the spell’s movement before stepping back and allowing her to ignite the chandeliers. She’d never forget the way he smiled so brightly she saw his white teeth, noting the way their slightly large shape was both slightly awkward but so incredibly endearing. 

As the goblin ahead was sent back in a fiery blast that erupted from the end of her wand, she was brought back to reality. She wasn’t in the undercroft with Sebastian. And it would do her good to remember so as she faced this threat. But trying to retrain one’s mind to forgo a love so grand, so deep that it was as if he was ingrained in her very soul, even in the face of danger, was no easy task. 

Solomon sent the last of the goblins in their path to the ground with a spell she hadn’t truly heard, not that she cared. Looking around, once again she saw a wisp of magic, signaling the others as she shattered it and pressed forward. As they emerged this time on the other side of the cave, they came to a large open section.  

The path leading to a drop off was narrow, and in the process of rushing forward she nearly fell down, only being stopped by Solomon’s quick reaction of grabbing her arm, hoisting her back. She didn’t have a chance to react to it as her eye’s suddenly focused on what lay ahead. 

A whole army of goblins, several large armored trolls and even some spiders lay in their path to the repository. Bloody Hell. 

“Merlin be with us” Fig whispered as she suddenly felt the resolve which had carried her thus far beginning to crumble. She had dealt with much, but the vast majority of those times there had been a fraction of enemies in her path. This was simply the sort of battles detailed by muggle epic’s and she wondered how she was expected to traverse this alive to even be able to defend the ancient magic store. 

“I-” she muttered, backing away from the ledge in fear as the men turned towards her, knowing that they didn’t have a choice. Fig knew that at the end of the day they’d need to get her across this battle zone, even if they did so carrying her. She was the only one who could open the repository to protect it. 

Suddenly all she wished for was to be back in Sebastian’s arms the way she had a few days prior. When he saw her and Poppy off. When he held her so tightly, afraid to let go. Had he known the dangers ahead? Was it the universe trying to grant him a precious goodbye with her? Was she destined to die down in this cave without the opportunity to see him once more? 

“Hey -” she was so worried she hadn’t noticed the way the concerned former Auror had knelt down near her until Professor Sharp’s eye’s scanned her face. He had seen her apprehension a mile away. While the girl had done so well, he knew at some point she’d start to allow the situation to wilt her strength. Removing the only helpful potion he had on him at the time, he thrust the focus draught into her hands, removing the cork, and forcing her to down its contents. 

Her hyperventilating temporarily stopped and she nodded, ready to push on, but the pit was only growing harsher in her stomach.  As they stepped towards the walkway to the right suddenly the loud sound of people apperating filled the air. 

Looking to the left, the four already battle worn individuals saw their backup in the form of the other professors. Relief flooded her veins as she adjusted the grip on her wand. At least they would all have people protecting them from above as they ran through this battle. 

“The Goblins have somehow evaded the school’s defensive charms” she heard professor Ronen call out to the others as their group made their way down to where they could be seen by their assistance. 

“Lead them this way, we will make quick work of them!” she heard Natty’s mother shout as the professors began firing at the goblins ahead, clearing a path as they made their way down. 

“The others are clearing a path for us, let’s hurry” Professor Fig shouted as they all rushed forward, taking advantage of the empty battlefield. 

Coming across a small land bridge made of stone she saw Hecat standing atop an embankment, clearing the grounds for them as she shouted a thankful remark at the DADA instructor. “Couldn’t have had better timing Professor Hecat” she remarked playfully, knowing that under similar circumstances Sebastian often resorted to humor in order to calm himself. She found the strategy to be helpful as the older woman smiled down at her while knocking down a goblin and saying, “I couldn’t allow the school’s best duelist to face this alone now could I? Who else would be around to win at that illicit school club without you around?” the woman teased her back, knowing that the girl was attempting humor in this frightening situation to ground herself. 

“Thank you professor” Fig called out, signaling the lagging Sharp and Solomon to catch up. 

“You wouldn’t dare Sharp” Solomon grumbled as they caught up. 

“Don’t tempt me Sallow” the former Auror’s bickered as they continued firing curses.

“Now is not the time for this” she reminded them, despite the burning desire to see whatever pain Sharp was intended to inflict upon her love’s guardian.

This battle would not be easy but they could not resort to fighting each other at this moment. Just as the area ahead looked clear, the largest troll she’d seen to date came barreling ahead. 

“Especially not when we just got company….” she signed, raising her wand ready to fight alongside the others. 

With the lead of Imelda, the group of students finally set down at the base of the goblin-created cave. Inside Sebastian could hear shouting and spells being cast. 

Sebastian had asked to set down the brooms in order to pass out the gear he and Poppy retrieved from the Room of Requirement as he eagerly removed himself from behind Leander. 

Taking the leather bag from Poppy, he used magic to remove both Highwing and Calico, the two hippogriffs the girls had rescued from its contents. He would be damned if he let Pruitt fly him into battle. The boy was utterly dreadful on a broom. 

“Woah, easy now highwing” he found himself attempting to settle the hippogriff before turning to Poppy. From what he knew of the girl he knew she likely would be more comfortable with a beast. 

“Poppy, would you like to take-” he started to say as the hufflepuff girl quickly cut in, rushing towards the darker creature to gently stroke it’s feathers. 

“Oh yes!” she spoke as she turned towards Calico and continued praising him saying, “Oh what a handsome hippogriff you are indeed!” Despite the mortal danger looming, Sebastian still found it within him to chuckle at her childlike wonder regarding the creature. 

“Any last minute advice?” Natty asked as they readied themselves.

“These are ridiculous” Leander mentioned holding up a pair of glasses that had a single eye of newt. 

“Then don’t take them. I figured you prefer as much protection on that ugly mug of a fac-” he started as Poppy shoved past him, reaching for Calico. 

“Sebastian, focus” Natty told him and he grunted. 

“I haven’t exactly thought this far ahead. I usually just march in-” he started as the ginger grumbled, having pushed a pair of quidditch goggles onto his face reluctantly while wrapping the most hideous patchwork cloak known to man over his shoulders. 

“I don’t love the thought of going in unprepared Sallow. That’ll get us killed. So unless you have a plan, perhaps this wasn’t a great idea” Leander said. 

“Actually…. I have a plan…” Amit spoke out, disrupting the argument as everyone turned to him.  

“Go ahead Amit” Sebastian said, ready to simply get in there and help. 

“Well since you and Poppy have those… beasts… why don’t you both focus on finding y/n… as for the rest of us, we will make sure we are paired up. One person focuses on flying and keeping a safe distance while the other casts spells, uses potions or the plants we collected. The goblins, from what I've seen, have such a short range on the magic they can conjure, so if we fly above them we should be safe…” he explained as Sebastian nodded. 

“Sounds good enough to me. Poppy and I can take up the rear-” 

“I want to stay near the front with Imelda,” she said quickly. 

“Fine. But once I leave to find her, you will need to pull up the rear Poppy” he explained, hoping up on the back of Highwing. Luckily he’d spent enough time around the creature that it allowed him with ease. 

Poppy only nodded, looking at Imelda nervously, as the Slytherin gave the hufflepuff girl a nod of encouragement while she climbed on the back of Calico. 

“Last chance to turn back” he warned the others and when no one left he simply encouraged the creature she loved to lift off, flying into the cavern and hoping by some miracle he got down there before too much death and destruction was dished out. 

Pushing the beast to hasten Sebastian tried his best to focus so he could get to her safely. 

“Come on Highwing… let’s go get our girl” he whispered into her feathers as the animal seemingly responded accordingly to his words.

“Bombarda!” Sharp yelled at the troll, sending it flying backwards as the last of the trolls in their way was defeated. However, as the beast fell down, it knocked into a giant stone structure on its way over the cliff to their right. 

As the girl looked up all she saw was that large rock coming down to crush her and before she could react, she witnessed magic halting it midair.  Suddenly the rock was lifted into a makeshift bridge connecting to the repository. As she turned around Professor Weasley smiled and held it there for her as she rushed forward. Behind her Fig and Sharp were dispelling the few goblins around them as Solomon pushed past her to the repository. 

Following behind him, she hoped the others would soon follow and that someone would prevent the goblins hot on her trail from harming her as she ran quickly across the unstable structure. Just as she got close enough to see Solomon’s face, she saw it fall as Matilda was struck, dropping the land bridge as she reached out to the man. Solomon reached forward, grabbing her arms just in time and pulling her to solid ground as the rock fell, the goblins attop falling to the depths below with it. 

“Thank you-” she said and the man nodded looking down. It was impossible not to see Sebastian in his eyes, as they shared so many of the same features, but the darkened eyes with gold flecks being their main similarity. 

“Fig!” she shouted and the man turned briefly to see her trapped on the other side with Solomon. Seeing that there was no longer a way across, he quickly retrieved the wand, tossing it to her as she used magic to catch it. 

“Go! Defend the repository! We shall find another way around to help you when we can!” Fig shouted before returning to fight the goblins alongside the other professors. 

“But” she began to protest but Fig shook his head, shouting “Go!” before resuming his fight with the other professors and the goblins. 

“Well, I guess we are on our own” she said dejectedly, not wanting Solomon to be her only line of defense. She couldn’t trust him if he would endanger his own wards, but given the circumstances she didn’t have a choice. 

“About what happened-” he tried to speak and she merely held up her palm to stop him. 

“Some other time.” she said, encouraging him to follow as she pushed ahead, finding the opening to the repository guarded by two large pensive guards. At first they remained still, but she knew soon they would lift their weapons and likely attack them both. 

“Where are we?” Solomon huffed out, ignoring the splendor of the cavern. Oh how she wished Fig was here. She’d been on this journey all year, and it was finally leading here. To be with someone who didn’t understand the momentous moment this was - someone she truly wanted to harm given the circumstances - felt sickening in a way.  

Sighing, she responded, “The final repository”. Despite wishing she was far away from Solomon Sallow, she still had wonder and intrigue in her tone. 

In the time she’d known Sebastian’s uncle, she’d always wondered truly how bad the man could be. Given the revelations she’d had in the past twenty four hours, combined with the things Sebastian had told her, it shouldn't have been such a shock. The man frequently spoke down on his deceased brother. He treated Anne as if she was some wounded pet to look after, and not a young woman deserving of basic respect. He tormented his nephew from the day that boy stepped foot in Feldcroft, stripping him of a physical identifier and means to which the late Alice Sallow had shared with her son. Yet, the venom to which laced itself in the man's voice finally gave the girl a glimpse into what it really must’ve been like for Sebastian to grow up with this man - this dreadful, horrible, evil man - as a guardian. “You say that like it’s supposed to mean something girl”. 

“It means something to me” she returned, hoping that he would just shut his mouth and deal with the situation on hand but the man continued to plague her by asking, “What does it mean?” 

“It’s a long explanation that we certainly don’t have time for,” she grumbled, stepping forward. Finally close enough to trigger the guards from their sleep, they came to life, lifting their swords with a loud and ominous sound. Trying to warn the man, who seemingly had become distracted by the room itself she called, “Mr. Sallow” in order to alert him. 

“What?” he responded in annoyance so once again she called his name. Finally sensing the danger he turned to her in anger, shouting “What sort of dark magic is this?” Solomon raised his wand ready to strike. She simply pushed his arm down, hoping he wouldn’t engage the guardians. 

“Uncle Solomon, please!” She resorted to calling him by the name which her love used, hoping to appeal to the man's better nature, to no avail. 

“Stand back!” the man shouted, pushing her to the side as she grew annoyed.  Once again she called his name in warning and he kept going, shouting “What are these things?!” as the guards stalked closer. 

“They are guardians!” she spoke, hoping her knowledge would convince the man to listen to her warnings but he continued to ready his wand to strike. 

“Guardians of what?” In the man's voice she sensed his fear, but his stubbornness - a trait it seemed followed all the Sallow’s - was stronger. 

Finally annoyed with his inability to listen she told him, “Stop! You cannot fight them!” Deep down she knew that these guards were only taken down by ancient magic, and only partially slowed by ordinary magic. 

“The hell I can’t! I was an Auror!” he called back, nearing a spell as she desperately pulled his arm, the man shoving her off aggressively. 

“You are going to get yourself killed!” she told him but he still refused to listen to her. 

As if it all made sense the man turned to her angrily shouting, “But Sebastian will kill me regardless if you die!” 

Sebastian. Wait Sebastian!  She quickly drew the wand that he had collected for Fig on her behalf from Olivander, holding it out to the guardians shouting “STOP”. Suddenly the guards halted, turning their swords inward as they allowed them to pass without attacking.

“But - how?” he stuttered as he watched the young girl wallace ahead without fear between the now paralyzed statues. 

“I told you. There’s an explanation for this. For all of this” she told the man. Turning her head she saw him contemplating as she informed him, “come along” as finally Solomon began to trail behind her once more.

“What in Merlin’s name is that-” Solomon asked her as he got the first glance at the magic ahead. She could sense it's dark energy even from this far away. 

“It’s the magic I wield, ancient magic, but it's been corrupted by negative emotions and pain by a former wielder of the same magic. The house atop the hill where Anne was cursed… she lived there many years ago… Rookwood thought the magic was his birthright given his descendant Charles was also a keeper of this magic” she admitted to the man. 

“Thats- that’s what the goblins have been wielding isnt it?” he asked and she nodded. 

“It’s up to us to defend it” she told him with a sigh. She watched the older man’s eyes soften for a moment as he looked at her. 

“You’ve been doing this? The whole time? You are hardly of age and you are the sole thing holding wizard kind’s fate in your hands?” he asked her, his words void of anger. 

“Yes,” she told him honestly. 

“How much of this has Sebastian gotten himself involved in?” Solomon asked. 

“Enough to help me get answers but he’s never been close to this amount of danger. I don’t want him near this. This magic is what almost killed me once. Likely will be what kills me in the end…” she said quietly as she looked on at it. 

They didn’t speak for a moment as the weight of what she spoke hung in the air. She knew deep down that at the end of this long journey either Ranrok would kill her and take the magic, or she would have to kill the goblin to prevent a full uprising. 

“I had no idea Sebastian had gotten himself involved with something this complex. I am honestly surprised he hasn’t tried to prevent you from getting involved in danger given how much he has grown to care for you” the man spoke and she shook her head. 

“He only wished to help. He knew he couldn’t stop me. He knows this is too important to let childish whims prevent me from my legacy…” she said sadly, thankful he had supported her so well given the obsessive nature to which he initially had when she met him surrounding Anne’s curse. Over the year, his mind had cleared, his resolve and maturity finally seeing the light of day at the encouragement she provided. 

“But he loves you, so much so that-” Solomon was interrupted by a voice she had only heard a few times, and it made her blood run cold. 

“The arrogance of wizard kind. Goblins built this repository, it belongs to us.”

When Sebastian and the others finally made it to the base of the opening created by the drills all he saw was utter chaos.

Smoke, ash, debris, fallen goblins, fallen trolls, rubble and smashed wood all lay along the ground. As they flew overhead he tried to find the bulk of the firefight, tightening his thighs along the hippogriffs back as it sped ahead. Soon he flew above professor Garlic and Onai surrounded by Goblins as he yelled to the others.  

“Look down there! Professor Garlic needs help!” the ginger shouted as he continued to look down on the platform with worry. 

“Hold on a second, wait-” Sebastian tried to warn the boy that keeping the distance was the safer option. Having seen Leander in crossed wands he truly did worry the boy was going to get himself killed. 

“Unlikely Sallow!” he said, veering off from the group as Sebastian’s eyes grew large. 

“Leander! What are you doing? We had a plan!” he shouted over the noise, hoping the boy would listen to reason but the gryffindor only flew lower to the ground.

“To hell with the plan, this place is a madhouse. Just keep going!” He informed them all before he sped ahead, dismounting without a second thought and dropping next to the herbology professor. Sebastian watched in shock as the boy very bravely opened his robe pockets and began to toss several cabbages out, preventing the goblins from advancing. 

“Mr. Prewett!” Maribel shouted upon seeing the cabbages chase after the few remaining goblins 

“Thought you could use a hand professor!” he said, before reaching in and grabbing a venomous tentacular and throwing it to the ground as it began attacking the closest goblin nearby as Leander continued proving his point by saying “nasty little buggers aren’t they!”

“Wonderful thinking I suppose. Magical plants can be deadly after all” the herbology professor said. Well so much for their plan. Sebastian reasoned as he watched the only ounce of Gryffindor bravery Leander Prewett ever displayed  as he tossed a venous tentacular at their professor who simply smiled and began using the plants to protect themselves. 

“Well that plan lasted about a few seconds” came a voice beside him as Sebastian turned his head seeing Everette Cloptan with Natty still riding behind him. He could see the look in the Gryffindor’s eyes and knew that she too would likely disembark, and when Natty spoke it only confirmed what he figured. 

“Everett set me down there with my mother” was all she spoke as the broom dropped low,  and Natty hopped off to join her mother as Everret nodded, flying off to keep an eye out above. 

“Natty! What are you doing here?” her mother asked sternly. 

“Helping my friend” Natty responded without backing down as she quickly uncorked a potion she’d stolen from Sharp’s classroom and downing its contents. Sebastian watched as lightning finished off the rest of the enemies and he circled around once more. 

“This is too dangerous for you here” the professor spoke as she continued using charm work. 

“That is for me to decide. I will not stand by and let others die on my behalf this time” he heard the girl speak as he grew sullen. His love had told him once that Natty’s father died protecting them in Africa. 

“We shall discuss this later” he heard professor Onai speak as he flew ahead once more. He lingered nearby, worried about one of his more close friends from their year but when Everett returned with news he decided that Natty was more than capable of handling herself. 

“I'll scout ahead. Imelda you up for a bit of friendly competition?” he asked and Sebastian admired the boy's ability to look past the danger and still see the fun in the situation. It made him wonder why he hadn’t spent more time with Clopton during his time at Hogwarts beyond the occasion of shared detentions. If they made it out alive, perhaps he should make the effort to befriend the boy. 

“As if you could ever dream of being as fast as me clopton… lets go” his housemate shouted as the two rushed off on their brooms, racing ahead. 

“Natty, I am going to go ahead if you are alright here” he told her, as the girl looked up to his hovering hippogriff mount. 

“We’ve got this covered, go find out friend” she spoke with a nod as Leander also commented “we can cover the entrance, don’t worry about us Sallow” so he decided to take his leave before flying off further into the cavern.

Soon he stumbled upon Amit and Samantha flying near professors Ronen and Hecat.  Swooping down he sent a large spider near Professor Hecat flying with “confringo” as he hovered near her. The older woman scolded him despite her smile by saying “Mr. Sallow when I recommended honing your dueling skills this is not what I meant”.

“Yeah, yeah. I’ll serve the detentions later- Diffindo!” he paused mid sentence to slice through a goblin approaching highwing before once again turning towards the professors. 

“Where are the others?” he asked as the woman’s eyes widened in shock. Suffice to say none of the professor’s had anticipated students to join the battle, but their assistance seemed to be welcome as they helped disrupt the battle enough for the professors to get the upper hand. 

“She went with Fig, they are ahead with Weasley and Sharp” Ronen commented, pointing to a large area where he could see Eleazar off in the distance. 

“Thank you professor-” he began to say before losing his train of thought at the witnessing of the two ravenclaws circling around them on a broom. Samantha was shrieking as she repeatedly fired “accio” at goblins to hoist them into the air and then dropping the spell as they fell from the great height. The sight almost made him laugh at how she clung to Amit and didn’t pay attention to the goblins as they fell to their deaths from her actions. 

“Amit, don't fly too close to them!” she scolded the boy who seemingly only nodded before coming in closer to where they all were. 

“Hello there professors, I presume you could use a hand” he spoke calmly to the group as Samantha continued looking around them frantically. 

“Don’t mention it Mr. Sallow. Mrs. Dale that’s a very unique use of the spell I taught you in class, but I suppose an effective one” Ronen spoke as he geared up to leave once more, knowing that they likely had things covered in this area of the battle. Just as he was about to take off Hecat stopped him. 

“Mr. Sallow. Don’t forget that sometimes surprising an opponent is more effective than burning them to a crisp” she commented as he turned to face her. 

It reminded him of the first day he met his love. During that class Hecat taught them a simple levitation charm and his girl had bested him in a duel in front of their class. To this day its still the only one he’d ever lost. 

“Levioso. I know. I’ll be going now if you… and that unique use of accio has things covered here” he told the woman who simply smiled and said, “clever indeed. We shall watch your back. Go find her”. The woman gave him a reassuring glance before resuming the battle and with that he was off once more. 

Rushing ahead, he abandoned them as Imelda flew in with Everrett hot on her tails to start assisting the professors. 

“Sebastian!” Poppy shouted, catching up with him as they headed towards the main firefight. 

“Ronen said they were just ahead, come on” he shouted, abandoning the hufflepuff as he chased off in the direction he hoped she would be. 

When he arrived Fig, Weasley and Sharp were circled by a massive amount of goblins and he was thankful Highwing seemingly took charge, smashing into a large pile of them without warning and he rolled off the hippogriffs back in time for the beast to start absolutely ripping them to shreds. Using “diffindo” he landed with an abrupt start and jumped to the ground next to the professors.

“Mr. Sallow! What in Godric’s name are you doing here?” the man asked him in shock upon seeing the boy, whom he left petrified in the hall outside his class. 

“Ronen said she was with you. Where is she?” he asked out of breath. 

“We got-” Fig stopped to temporarily fire off a spell at the several closing in goblins, finally reducing the field to nothing as he turned to face the young man, “separated…” he said. 

Seeing a goblin with his back turned, Sebastian decided to heed Hecat’s suggestion as he used the levitation spell and turned towards Fig once more. “I see all the professors here. Tell me she’s not alone” he started to panic at the thought. 

“She’s not alone. She’s with your uncle” Aesop said as he immediately begun to panic. “But, that’s - and he-” he stuttered as the ground beneath their feet violently wrecked, throwing them all to the stone below. He heard Poppy and the others begin screaming as the earth around them shook so intensely and stones fell. He used non verbal magic to attempt to shield himself, but some of the rocks pushed through and he yelled, as his arm felt the full impact of falling debris.

As soon as it began, the shaking stopped and the dust settled. “Is everyone alright” he heard Professor Sharp ask and he shook his head some, attempting to lessen the throbbing in his shoulder. 

He vaguely heard Imelda telling the man everyone seemed alright as he finally stood to his feet and brushed himself off, his palms collecting blood from his shoulder as he did so. 

“We need to find a way across” Fig spoke to the group and he agreed wholeheartedly with the man. 

“I’ll go ahead” Sebastian said as he limped towards Highwing, hoping he could get there faster on the back of the creature. 

“But Sebastian… you’re hurt…” Poppy spoke out with a gasp and he shook his head. 

“I’m fine, I have to get-” he was cut off but a noise he never wanted to hear again in his life. A sound so wretched and disheartening that it made his chest hurt. It made the blood in his veins grow icey as his head swiveled in the direction it had come from. 

A loud, feminine scream was heard across the cliff separating the ruin door to the repository and where he stood. 

He knew that scream. It was her. 

To be continued…

[kayfabe-is-king]

The Eddie of It All

Random wrestling thought of the day #268 (and sorry in advance for all the run on sentences and parentheses): What if when Eddie Kingston finally comes back, he’s the one to take the belt off of Moxley?

Think about it - remember how him and Jon went through their divorce era when the BCC fully formed? Well this is that situation dialed to 11, so we all know Eddie’s going to be big mad about it.

Eddie hates hates hates Claudio with the passion of a thousand burning suns. And while him and Bryan definitely aren’t besties braiding each other’s hair, there seems to be a begrudging… well I won’t go so far as to say respect but something less hate filled between the two. Which means it’s doubtful Eddie’s happy about the plastic bag incidents. Especially since he's wanted to do it for a while now but TK kept vetoing it.

Now to add salt to the wound, Moxley Crüe is running around causing bodily, potentially career ending harm to people. Eddie is currently rehabbing and there were rumors that this injury would end his own career. The rumors may be hogwash but there had to have been a moment, maybe only briefly, where Eddie was worried. How do you think he reacted to seeing Moxley serve up Chuck Taylor to Claudio like that? Knowing someone Eddie has called his brother ordered a hit (simply because he knew this would hit Orange Cassidy hard) and possibly ended another wrestler’s in-ring career? What do you think that does to the psyche of a dude that's already known for being a hothead.

So this means that: his work husband has formed a hit squad with his arch nemesis and they have vowed to run through anyone who disagrees with them. Jon has already (literally) turned his back on Eddie once for Claudio. The above clip I edited from the AEW Timelines: Eddie Kingston vs Claudio Castagnoli video (highly recommend watching the full thing) illustrates exactly how far Jon went against Eddie for the sake of the BCC (and, by extension, for Claudio). This also means that if Eddie is against what Moxley is doing, it's very likely he will be the next target.

Except for PAC (and obviously Marina), Eddie has beaten every single member of Moxley Crüe. So while he doesn't have quite the perfect record as Orange, he's clearly up to the task of fending them off. And unlike OC, Eddie has gotten through to Jon in the past. If anyone can put that man's head on straight (besides Renee, who I am sure is permanently planted at HR demanding they do something because she is SO DONE with literally everyone), it's Eddie. That belt has become a symbol in all of this. If Eddie can successfully pry it out of that briefcase Marina wields like Mjölnir, it may start a domino effect.

At this stage, let's be honest, the rest of the locker room is not equipped to handle what Moxley Crüe is laying down. They couldn't even figure out that they should probably cover more than one arena entrance last week. Meanwhile, Jon is singularly focused on his scorched earth mission. He has a battle plan and a lethal army behind him. Do you really think The Scooby Gang (that is already fighting amongst themselves... mad props to Evil Uno for reminding everyone they should be united though) can effectively fight this natural disaster masquerading as a wrestling faction?

Jon has already wrought such glorious... sorry terrible violence against everyone in his way. He has to be stopped (although I personally will always gleefully watch Moxley Crüe wreak unholy havoc on everyone) and what better person than his brother from another mother? Who also happens to love violence just as much as Moxley?

If you thought Divorce Era 1 got ugly, you might want to avert your eyes from Divorce Era 2: Electric Boogaloo.

[hybeana]

COMMS OPEN: HELP ME PAY RENT!

Commission Slots: 3

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Check under the cut for pricing, wills/wonts, TOS, examples, and more info!

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ABOUT ME

Hi there! I'm @hybeana! I'm a disabled artist that could really use some help!

Without disclosing too much specific personal information: my disability is mild-to-moderate depending on the day, which means I struggle with IADLs such as grocery shopping, cooking, driving, and cleaning. I also sometimes (but not always!) struggle with walking due to pain. I also deal with regular sensory issues that make daily living a struggle in general. As you can imagine, this prevents me from working most jobs.

I was diagnosed with plantar fasciitis a year or two ago. (That's doctor speak for "heel pain we don't know how to fix.") I am an ambulatory cane user. I'm very certain that I also have an unknown autoimmune disorder, long covid, or god forbid both. I cannot afford to see a doctor. I also need to save money for an autism diagnosis. My autism often prevents me from working due to sensory issues, and a diagnosis ensures that I am fully accommodated. Although, I am unsure if I will ever be able to work a full 9 to 5. My long-term goal is disability payments.

No matter any of that, I still need to keep up with rent. My partner gets income to cover most of it, but they are in school and cannot work full-time. We need to earn about $300 USD minimum more than what they currently make per month to stay in our current apartment until December/January when our lease ends. And that's not even including utilities!

We have basic groceries and most of our rent covered, but feeding 2 adults and 1 cat can be a struggle. My cat is old and requires some supplements that are a little expensive to stay happy and healthy.

You can support me and my family by commissioning some artwork from me! I mainly do digital artwork, but I can also do traditional. Since I get so few commissions in general, I have recently upped my prices. Even a small commission is better than nothing!

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PRICES

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Timed 15 Minute Sketch/Doodle: $20.00 USD

This is a timed, 15-minute doodle of one of my OCs, Ascii! This is the option I offer for folks who want to support me, but maybe don't have as much cash to drop on a thermonuclear fully-shaded, fully-lined piece.

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Rough Lineart (No Color): $50.00 USD

This is a piece I did for my bestie @spearohero of her character Cecelia! The lineart is rough, but unfocused. If there is color, it is extremely minimal (if at all). I clean it up a little bit at the end so that it isn't a complete mess.

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Rough Lineart + FLAT Coloring: $70.00 USD

This is another one of my OCs, Xenarthron! The style here is rough, not as focused lineart with no/minimal shading. I mostly do these for myself for fun, so I don't spend as much time and energy on them as smooth lineart and shading.

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Smooth Lineart (No Color): $90.00 USD (THIS CAN GET ME GROCERIES FOR 1 WEEK!)

This piece was a gift for my dear friend @panther-os of his ATLA OC, Amaruq. I spent considerable time referencing real-life images, correcting anatomy, and focusing on line weight. You can see how differently it compares from the rough lineart in that everything is focused and purposeful.

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Smooth Lineart + SHADED Coloring: $120.00 USD

These are doozies for me because it requires so much effort and work - and I hate shading! Working with lighting can be difficult, but it's worth it in the end to see such a full, emotional piece. I did this one for @/hodagagenda of her sona. Thanks again for your support!

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What about complex backgrounds, multiple characters, busts, or other stuff not mentioned here?

CONTACT ME for pricing! I am 100% willing to haggle if it means the difference between making rent and... not making rent.

OTHER INFO

Thank you for your time and consideration!

[bugcatcherkit]

very curious about your thoughts on a tome teru ritsu shou friendship. you are one million percent correct but i am also extremely curious what you think her individual dynamics would be with everyone in the group, how she starts hanging out with them, and the general vibes of their private minecraft server

oh my god thank you hfhhehvhe i lovee having space to ramble about my interpretations !!!!!! I am trying so hard to make this short and coherent (I didn't sleep at all last night) so bear with me ok. This got long sooo ...

Tome and Teru bond first by virtue of being work besties turned regular friends. Well, work besties as in Teru hangs out there and helps out a lot but would never officially take the job. Anyway they get along great because they can match each other's weird and eccentric vibe while also having an underlying bit of Understanding between them due to the whole "tried to rationalize their isolation with specific escapist fantasies that indulged it instead of addressed it" thing. I think they help each other bridge whatever gap remains from their difficulties in connecting the supernatural/extraterrestrial/super-powered world and experiences with the regular/normal/ordinary world. like theyre a good balance for each other. Theyre both So Much that it kind of cancels out. I just like to think they help ground each other. This is very important for their enrichment.

Some of their enrichment activities include: Tome trying to get Teru to fucking Relax For Once by introducing him to video games like pokemon but it kind of backfires when he gets Way Too Into It (this is where minecraft comes in also). Making a super expansive OC world and continually referencing it to each other much to everyone else's confusion. Trying to cure their intense boredom by hanging out together but never really knowing what to do, so they're just bored together. Their text messages are mostly funny images they found, not actual conversations. Their solidarity with each other is almost unmatched. They have a warriors bond.

Anyway. ANYWAY. I think Tome is just kind of absorbed into the Teru-Ritsu-Shou friend group mostly because of Teru, and partly because sometimes, very occasionally, Shou will be at S&S because of Ritsu, who is usually there only as a favour. Ritsu and Teru do the exorcism stuff and Tome and Shou have to sort the filing cabinets for the 5 millionth time because Reigen is running out of things that Tome can do. Shou does not mind these tasks. I think Teru and Shou both like having little menial tasks to do whereas Tome doesn’t. For Ritsu is depends on the task and who it’s for a think. But ANYWAY. Anyway they just grow closer from there probably unless I think of something better.

I like to think of the Tome and Shou dynamic for similar reasons as the Teru-Tome dynamic (character comparison reasons). Shou craved normalcy and decided to chase it post-canon. Tome wanted the complete opposite. So I don't think they would exactly see eye-to-eye immediately (why would she want to give up that normalcy vs why would he want mundane normalcy). I think Shou might even find her View of Things a little bit annoying, mostly because I think he'd be high-strung post canon and she is just not helping that, as opposed to him actually disliking anything about her. But because they are both quite considerate of other people, they work through these things and become bros. He actually probably really appreciates her Severe Genuineness and (mostly) unwavering will regarding her passions/beliefs. She probably likes his appreciation for simple normalcy and relaxation because it hammers in again that doing stuff like that isn't a waste. They love doing so much Nothing together because they both like to take it easy. I think they would enjoy parallel playing.

When they hang out they have to stop EVERYTHING they're doing to watch an ant carry something 4x its size across the sidewalk because it is so exciting to them. Shou is in on the OC world by the way. Tome and Teru and Shou develop it like they're in the writers room of a high-budget TV show. He updates her on every little thing his hamsters do.

For some reason I found the Ritsu and Tome dynamic like the most difficult to think about out of all of them. They're probably the least close? Ritsu treats Tome as Mob's friend in the same way that Mob treats Shou as Ritsu's friend -- with immense care and consideration, but not a lot of close contact outside of a group. He tries to be sooo polite with her but she Does Not match his energy. So after a certain point Ritsu just kind of gives it up. Then they start annoying the shit out of each other. I do think that Ritsu looks up to Tome based on what he knew about her in middle school and how he knows her post-canon. Because she never conformed to people’s expectations in the way that he did, and she is committed to a Fun and Meaningful Existence in similar ways that he wants to be. My ideal dynamic is a Ritsu who gets Weirder and a bit more childish around her, because he deserves it I think. I know I said they wouldn't be close but this is how they can bond more.

I HAVENT EVEN GOTTEN TO THEIR MINECRAFT SERVER YET. Tome and Teru are the powerhouses of the server because they are so cracked at the game. the only difference is Teru takes it so damn seriously and Tome actually likes fucking around. She's putting herobrine portals around and convincing Ritsu he's on the server. Teru is doing it all he's farming he's mining he's building elaborate builds he's setting up economies because probably has the most consistent resource supply. Where's that post where it describes him and Ritsu as "they keep making more elaborate redstone powered industrial farms" I swear I saw something like that. That is them.

I wouldn't say Shou sucks at survival mode but he probably isn't terribly good at it either. He seems like a "load in a flat world and build stupid things and spawn in the max number of mobs allowed in any given range." He's always asking people for stuff because he keeps dying and losing his. Or he gets lost frequently. He's followed by at least 7 tamed wolves at a time and every time he loses one he makes everybody stop whatever they're doing to come to the funeral he puts.

The only thing stopping Ritsu from basically speedrunning the game is the fact that he is scared of the cave noises/the monsters/the nether. Also him and Mob have to share an account so sometimes he'll load in with nothing because Mob got them killed last time he was on. Tome and Teru both suck at bringing beds with them when they go out on in-game days long adventures and everyone else is soo mad at them. Is this too elaborate. I could probably go on I just haven't played minecraft in a while.

[i-am-vita]

Ghost Rose musings: Loves and Friends

Some shorter Headcanons for OcReader because I have too many ideas to concentrate in my actual WIPs. And I still have to finish her bio and family. And her Phantom Pirates crew because stupid overachieving brain has to create full Ocs and lore. I swear I worked on this a normal amount of time.

Based on my first OPLA older menxfemreader headcanons

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👉 Masterlist

Phantom Pirates Crew already.

Soon the Strawhats.

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Characters: Shanks, Beckman, Mihawk, Bogard, Garp, Buggy, Zeff, Kuro, Crocodile, Do Flamingo, Big Mom.

Warnings: Swearing, back at excessive and unnecesary use of the word Fuck. Suggestive themes. Some spoiler of future OP (for the just OPLA readers).

Expect: Use of You, not y/n. Still bad english. These are not the Consistent Time Tenses you are looking for. I wrote half of this instead of working.

Still not beta'd because I exist in the void.

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Redhead "I Ran Away with Him not Abducted by" Shanks

Bestie (with benefits most of the time). The person you trust most in the world. Always there when you need him, somehow. You love him to death, as a friend because man’s anti commitment in the best of days and you know it.

He is NOT jealous that Mihawk is interested in you and you reciprocate enough to have ended his benefits indefinitely. Not at all... Of course you deserve someone who loves and cherish only you as the treasure you are, to wake with you in his arm for the rest of his life... Fuck.

Fave of your Captain Erik. He still believes he can convince Shanks to settle down with you. Maybe he should arrange more jobs where you end up stranded somewhere and Shanks has to pick you up.

Benn "Hang in There, Old Man" Beckman

Just marry his Captain already so he has another babysitter that's not him, damn it! Give a man a break. May teams up with Eriksson to rid Shanks of his libertine ways.

Totally not getting Shanks all riled up by wondering out loud if Mihawk would actually propose to you. Should he tell him about the Bathhouse incident?

Dracule "I'm not Falling for Him" Mihawk

Woman, you stole from him, cinderella-ed him and he keeps looking for you. Get your shit together and fuck him already instead of running away after smooch him and heavy making out with him every time he finds you. It's not like you're falling in love with him. Nop... Fuck.

He is absolutely not so head over heels about you that has started to name your future child. Damn, you want to bring over your redhead plaything idiot from time to time? Go ahead. That Marine fucker better keep away from you. No, he’s not drunk in your favorite sweet red berries juice wine that he despises but still drinks because it reminds him of The Day You Met and the taste of your lips… Maybe.

Fave of your captain's wife. Full going for he's-the-catch-of-the-season victorian-matchmaker mode. May be arranging an unusual amount of balls and inviting him. Has the wedding planned already.

Bogard "It Would Never Have Worked" Rick

We don't talk about Bogard. Too sad and guilty for leaving him hanging in your youth. You can't help but still care for him. Maybe still love him. A little. Let's not think about him.

He's not dying inside to have discovered you're the Ghost Rose and you may be in love with Mihawk. Absolutely no... Fuck.

Wait until he finds out about Shanks.

Monkey D. "My Son is the Most Wanted Man in the World" Garp

He is all for Bogard to "go fight for her, you idiot". Actually likes you and your boss.

If the Duchess arranges a ball, he's sending Bogard undercover to inform him if he notices some "suspicious activity". Bogard isn't getting it, would just byronicly sulk in the noir corners, doing his job and longing for you from afar.

"And why didn't you dance with her, moron? yOu WeRe DoInG yOuR jOb... I didn't get married and had a son by staying away just doing my job." Wait, was he married to the mother of his son? "Am I a barbarian like Roger? Of course I am married to the mother of my son." Wait, is she still around? "Like alive? Of course. She left and hates the guts of me for being absent all the time and driving our son away to an anti-government life but... still!" Hence...

Neither of you knows what is your bosses deal or history but Garp may be the only Marine in the world who knows that Duke Shostakovich Eriksson is the Phantom Captain. And gives no shit because he's a pal.

Who else is going to snitch all the gossip from his son's whereabouts and the marine highest ranks info they try to hide to him? All those jobs of sneaking in Marine Bases to get intel? They didn't come from him. Not at all... Oh.

Buggy "It was Just One Time" the Clown

You were wasted-drunk and freshly dumped Kuro!!! Not happening again because STANDARDS. Just don't let him sweet talk you and look at his pretty blue puppy eyes at the same time. DO. NOT. LOOK.

Somehow, your captain adores him, thinks he has potential. For what? You have no idea. Outdo him in extravagance?

Buggy kisses the ground your captain walks on. Even when he already told him that Roger never confessed to him about the One Piece. Doesn’t matter. Eriksson rocks. Yes, he knows his identity as does Shanks since he was besties with their captain. Never telling, clown’s promise!

Your crewmates Raoul and Carlotta may or may not have a crush on him. They can have all his chop-chop parts for all you care.

Red "I Ate my" Leg "to Save This Little Flirty Gremlin" Zeff

Eriksson's old bestie. Worked together for a while to seek information about the All Blue. They just talk in insults to each other.

They were supposed to meet that time his ship was wrecked and looked for him for months until your crew found him in that rock with his new kid. "And why the fuck did you tough it was a great idea to raid a ship in the middle of a storm, you mangy landlubber?" “There was something suspicious! Germa 66 was in the area some weeks ago, gossip said they may have planted something important there, you hornswogglin' son of a biscuit eater!” *Kid looks around pretending not being there*. "And that's why the intel dealer is me, not you, scurvy-ridden old sea rat!" *Eriksson looks pointly at kid while Zeff isn't looking*.

Helped him to retire and open his restaurant. His kid may have had a massive crush on you.

Not-friends/Hated

Kuro "Fuck That Guy and His Fucking Plans"

Except you did. Literal and metaphorical. And then dumped him for being a piece of shit. But the guy dared to threaten your niece and spat your identity in front of Bogard. Now they can truthfully give him up for death.

Sir "I Hate that Guy" Crocodile

He DARED to mistake you for an escort and groped you when he went to try to make a deal with Eriksson (as the Duke, not the Phantom Captain, he’s unaware of his alter ego). You almost beat the shit out of him (Gara vs Rock Lee style, see: Naruto) but ended up very even at the time.

(Doesn't look like I thought about this obsessively.)

After that, he actually respected you but still ogles you shamelessly. Not forgetting it for the rest of your life. It goes without saying he never got a deal from the Duke.

It would be a shame if in the future it reaches the ears of a certain Best Swordsman to whom Croc is allied.

Don Quixote "That Fucking Bastard" Do Flamingo

Your captain despises him. They have history. Say no more, for you that's enough.

Charlotte "Big Souless Ugly $%&! Bitch Mom" Linn Linn

Hate her with all your being. No more comments or you may stab someone.

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[miela]

I do not think Jegulus is inherently misogynistic but I think their existence as a popular ship perfectly showcases the larger problem of misogyny in the Marauders fandom.

This fandom is painfully male centered with an unhealthy obsession with mlm ships, no matter how nonsensical they are. Jegulus, with all due respect, is a nonsense ship. I know some people like to ignore canon and make everything up but I don’t. Jegulus can work fine in AUs but not in canon compliant fics. And whenever Jegulus shippers speak about what makes them compelling, they always bring up tropes - brother’s best friend, sunshine x grumpy (don’t even get me started on thinking James Potter is a sunshine but that’s beside the point), enemies to lovers, etc. All that is meaningless to me. Shipping based on tropes is ridiculous because none of those tropes matter when James and Regulus, from what we know of their characters, are completely incompatible as people. I won’t speak on Regulus because we have little information about it and it’s easy to treat him as a blank sheet (although I think he’s too whitewashed) but we know a lot about James, including that he despised Slytherins, Death Eaters and the dark arts. So, in order for Jegulus to work, James has to become an unrecognizable character from what he actually is in canon. You are not writing about James Potter. You are creating an OC and slapping James’ name on it. Jegulus was born out of this weird necessity the fandom has for mlm ships. Take Drarry and Wolfstar as an example. Those ships aren’t canon but they have some canon basis because those couples interacted, had a dynamic together, had interactions and lore that could be interpreted in different ways. With Jegulus, it’s all made up.

And this leads me to Lily and by extent, the other girls. Lily was the main female character in the Marauders Era and Jily was the second biggest ship. Since Jegulus gained popularity, Lily has been sidelined, her story has been co-opted, even her own child gets snatched from her and given to Regulus. The girls that before had some developed (nowhere near enough because this fandom has always been misogynistic, let’s not get it twisted), have been shoved to the side or used as tools to further mlm ships. The reason why there’s such a pushback against sapphic!Lily, per example, is because unfortunately some people (definitely not all and definitely not sapphic women in this fandom) really only use that to get her out of the way of Jegulus and that’s the case for many wlw ships in the fandom. All they get is the yearly “I love [insert wlw ship]” tweet but get no more content or develop, unlike the men.

The general treatment of the girls is terrible too. The biggest Jegulus fic, Choices, has Regulus covering up Mary’s SA and James cheating on a pregnant Lily and yet we are supposed to root for them in the end. ATYD has Mary being routinely humiliated by both Sirius and Remus and we are supposed to be okay with it because they’re just two closeted teen boys navigating the world. Pandora and Dorcas have been placed in Slytherin and made besties with Death Eaters to make horrible men more sympathetic and so they can serve as therapists and saviors to people who joined a wizard terrorist group.

I could go on. I am genuinely not trying to be rude or aggressive, just giving my opinion. As I said, Jegulus shippers are not all misogynistic but Jegulus’ popularity showcases the implicit biases against women in the fandom. Other mlm ships and I will keep using Drarry and Wolfstar as examples have also led to the erasure and mistreatment of women. But it’s harder to justify Jegulus because unlike those other two ships, Jegulus is a completely random pairing that feels like was born out of the desire to pair James with a man rather than any interesting interactions those two characters had.

Hi!

Firstly, thank you for sharing your thoughts on it! I see your perspective well and agree with a lot of your points.

(Excuse my yapping below, it helps me get my thoughts out better and to better understand your points!)

For anyone reading this, please note that there are spoilers for atyd and choices below!

This fandom is definitely male-centered and I see your point on how focused the mlm ships this fandom is on. With the ships of wolfstar, the joke-gone-serious ship of jegulus, and the babygirlification and pairing of rosekiller, etc, etc...

I understand the canon compliant vs fanon complaint argument. I think that's where the lines get blurred when it comes to people's views on ships. Canon and Fanon are two completely different ball games when is comes with things making sense and what doesn't.

I lean more towards fanon compliant fics so for me that's where Jegulus makes sense to me because like you said, it's basically OCs with their names slapped on them. It's easier to mold them to work that way, so it's easier to ship them. Also I just love the idea of Sapphic!Lily too which was a concept I thought about before I even knew about Jegulus, honestly.

For canon-compliance, I am all for Jily 100% because it's canon-compliant. You can't fight with it. Even though wolfstar isn't canon, it makes sense to have them be something where as James and Regulus wouldn't have been anything. And I agree with you, they only work in AUs or fanon concepts.

With that being said, I also recognize the misogynistic nature of the fandom. I definitely don't agree with Jegulus raising Harry, because that's literally Jily's child (if anyone does, no hate towards you It's just doesn't sit well with me personally) and it begs the question, what happened with Lily that Jegulus has Harry?

I also agree with your point about how the girls/wlw ships in the fandom don't get a lot of development. I think it's a shame, truly. However, I have, recently, seen some people have different Headcanons of how they are as people. So I'm hoping that develops into something more than just ideas floating around. I also am not sure how they are in canon-compliant fics besides atyd (which I do have my opinions on too and im only halfway through it). I haven't read choices yet so I can only take your word for it.

I do at some point want to make a full long, academic-esque essay about the misogynistic nature of the fandom, because I do have A LOT to say, ESPECIALLY with the treatment of Mary. There's definitely a lot to unpack.

I'm fairly new to the Marauders fandom, so I'm trying to learn what I can. Again, thank you for sharing your perspective! I appreciate it!

[millennialsarecoolkidz]

Sometimes I would like more clarity from our main characters, not because I'm a nosy bitch (I am but it's not what I'm talking about here) but because the fandom lacks a code of ethics and online behavior.

Nic talks sometimes and we can see it's working, it's not magic but let's remember the "normalize not filming strangers..." and how the fandom helped to clean her tags.

Some things shouldn't even have to be told so I won't extend myself on this too long. Just a quick reminder: don't go under their's or their loved ones sm post to make comments about their private life, their bodies, their sexuality,... Don't troll or harass anyone, and if you're a big account with a lot of visibility, be clear about the fact that what you share will never be an excuse to go trolling or harassing real people. Yes everybody can have an opinion but freedom of speech knows limits.

Now I'll address some messages that I think they have sent to the fandom:

-Focus on their craft, their achievement, her charities and not their personal life. Yes I'm the biggest of the hypocrites saying that as I'm engaging in the shipping side of their fandom. But in my defense, on my other accounts, I only like and share these aspects of their public activities. And I think that this is what matters, give engagement to their achievement and not to gossip pages, don't worry if something pops there, you'll know it on Twitter, TikTok, reddit or Tumblr. Because engagement is money and money is given to paparazzi or used to keep those pages and mags that pressurize them. Don't call me naïve, oc it's a system and they are tools that celebrities can use too. But too much engagement in their private life leads to a level of scrutiny that is really toxic. So let's keep it quiet so they're not privileged targets anymore.

-Stop speculating publicly about someone's sexuality, Nic has liked a few posts about it. Again, I'm the first one making jokes about Nic's gay bestie in private but I'm not doing it publicly. Jake makes it clear that he's not straight, that's the only thing he wants to be known publicly (plus, for the dummies here: sexuality is a spectrum and can be fluid). And sure, gay isn't an insult but it's not a valid argument. You can't erase history or be blind to actual discrimination that this community is facing. And talking about sexuality isn't like talking about your favorite vegetables, I would be really pissed if I was in Jake's shoes. Again let's be empathetic, joking and gossiping privately about someone who wants to be a public figure is fair game, acting as the mental health of another human being doesn't matter will never be ok.

-Stop speculating publicly about pregnancy. It's a sensitive topic for millions of reasons. I really hope that Nic isn't aware of this narrative but I doubt it. Even if you think that she's hiding it with clothes, corsets, non alcoholic beers and cocktails, respect it.

-They're more than ok with the Lukola shipping, they even fuel it. Nic brings Luke a lot on her sm and interviews. Yes she uses the word friendship but it's buried under a discourse about their unique relationship/love or with pictures couple coded. Luke is less present online but the Lukola content (not even really polin if you think about it) is, proportionally to his online activity, loud. You can see it as you want: as a professional obligation or at least because they are pushed to do it by shondaland, because they find it cute and as a compliment to their acting skills, because they are secretly together, because it gives positive engagement on their sm, because they are obsessed with each other and hope that one day lukolas will be right (wink wink), because they enjoy to showcase their unique friendship,... Or it's a combination of more than one of these reasons. The fact is that they are ok with this shipping and only this one. BUT it's not an excuse to be unhinged or disrespectful, let's keep it to celebrate their cuteness and unique bond.

Now I'm going to address more speculative topics but that's how I read their "message" about Jake and Antonia. I regularly joke about how Nic is copying the way Luke has "launched" Antonia but in reality I think those two situations are handled very differently.

-Antonia is Luke's girlfriend. Around the world tour he let us know that she was his girlfriend. It wasn't really loud, but clear enough to that the invested fandom, especially the shippers, can know that he was in a relationship. And since that, he keeps reminding us of her "status" in his life. He shares nothing else, he just likes every post on her grid and coordinates posts (or at least agrees with her posting just before or after that we know his location) to let us know that they haven't broken up. Again you can think that this relationship isn't real, that it's a cover for his relationship with Nic; that they are not endgame and it's an insecure relationship; that he uses her to annoy Nic when she shows Jake; or that they are hot and heavy and a modern version of Cinderella. The fact is that Luke has said that he is not a "big romantic gesture" guy but he wants us to acknowledge Antonia as his girlfriend, and the ones making her the villain, who is lying to us when she shows they are together, need to explain me why Luke would tolerate that and keep liking her posts. Again I'm really aware of some of her posts that were a little cringe, but girl, I would have endured half the hate she got, at her age, I would have been the worst troll you would have ever seen.

-Nic doesn't want, for now, to label her relationship with Jake. Her behavior even hints at denying a romantic one (I've already said it in another post, the jakolas should keep it really quiet imo) but she's really loud about the fact that she cares A LOT about him and that he is the best. She doesn't hide their closeness even if she gets a lot of criticism for that. Again you can think that he's just a friend, that he's a rebound, that she uses him to make Luke jealous or that they are so in love, the fact is she's clear that she loves him.

So two strategies, one labelling the relationship without sharing anything more, the other showing the deep bond without labelling it, but it should lead to the same behavior from the fandom: leave the significant others alone, they care about them and they are accepted by their entourage (and that even if you don't believe that the public narrative corresponds to reality).

I think all of this is basic decency but as it seems as there is a championship about who is the better fan, we could start to follow those rules. Because... Yeah... If you can't be kind, at least be vague. IYKYK