#Formal thank you messages for birthday wishes

[mysteryshoptls]

SSR Riddle Rosehearts - Platinum Jacket Voice Lines

When Summoned: It's an honor to be chosen as a supporter for this historical museum. I'll do my duty diligently while adhering to all the rules.

Summon Line: I made sure to review everything there is to know of the exhibits here at the Land of Dawning National Museum of Art. I am looking forward to seeing these works of art in person.

Groooovy!!: I cannot believe anyone would attend a tea party for which they did not receive an invitation... They'd only have themselves to blame if they lose their head.

Home: My utmost respect to 100 years of history.

Home Idle 1: When I gaze upon artwork that depicts esteemed people of lore like this, I feel humbled. I must also strive to achieve greater heights.

Home Idle 2: I saw Lilia-senpai staring at a painting intently... I'm a little... no, very surprised to see him look so serious.

Home Idle 3: I wouldn't say I find painting difficult at all. Although, the first time I was given an abstract assignment to complete, I did struggle slightly.

Home Idle - Login: The Land of Dawning's National Museum of Art exhibits countless masterpieces. This is a fantastic opportunity to improve our imagination skills.

Home Idle - Groovy: Rook-senpai had nothing but flowery praise to say of every single painting we came across. I see that's one way to interpret everything...

Home Tap 1: There are many tales of the Son of the God of Thunder in which he is depicted as one who could not control his strength. It seems he was not the type to tread carefully.

Home Tap 2: Silver was looking at the weapons wielded by the Thorn Fairy's men and was giving his thoughts on what form of fighting they each must have mastered. that is a perspective I hadn't considered.

Home Tap 3: Did you see the tea blends they have at the museum shop that are supposed to be made with specific luminaries in mind? I'm curious as to their flavor.

Home Tap 4: I saw Azul eyeing the painting of the girl wishing at a well. He sure looked like he was plotting something.

Home Tap 5: It is because we wear this formal attire without a single strand out of place that we look as regal as we should. It is out of the question to wear it slovenly.

Home Tap - Groovy: You wish to know what legends inspired these paintings? Fufu, I see you're quite eager to learn. Well then, allow me to explain everything to you in detail.

Duo: [RIDDLE]: Rook-senpai, I'm sure you know the drill. [ROOK]: Of course, Riddle-kun.

Birthday Login Message: Thank you for the birthday wishes. Make sure you attend the birthday party that will be thrown later, as well. It seems there will be a larger variety of dishes set out this time than previous years. It would be impolite to leave any food left over, wouldn't you say? Also... I'm sure it will be much livelier if you all were to come... At any rate, you must make your way to Heartslabyul later!

Requested by @farfalla049 and @sakurakudo.

[toujokaname]

HiMERU's 2024 Birthday Celebration

Characters: HiMERU, Anzu

"It's another year of birthday wishes from you. Please continue to support HiMERU in the coming year, too."

[ Read on my site for a better viewing experience using Ois~su ♪ ]

Birthday Morning 1

HiMERU: Oh, Anzu-san. You're early.

Yes, HiMERU was preparing for today's photoshoot.

To take good pictures, it's essential for HiMERU himself to be in good condition.

💬 Let's work hard today.

HiMERU: Right, since today is a special day for HiMERU.

Please lend your support to make it a wonderful day...♪

💬 As expected of you. Also...

HiMERU: "Happy birthday," you say? Yes, thank you very much.

HiMERU has received several messages since this morning, but sure enough, being directly congratulated like this is delightful ♪

Birthday Morning 2

HiMERU: Regarding today's photoshoot, have there been any additions to the outfits that you've already confirmed?

Got it, there's no need to wear any new outfits then.

...Anzu-san, it felt like you turned your eyes away from HIMERU just now. Is there something going on?

💬 Nothing at all.

HiMERU: Is that so. If Anzu-san insists it's nothing, HiMERU will believe it.

Even in the case something did happen... yes?

💬 So, for this shoot...

HiMERU: You blatantly changed the subject. Well, it's fine, HiMERU also knows about the polaroids.

Having something as a memento of the event will surely make the fans happy.

Birthday Morning 3

HiMERU: Well then, let's wrap up the small talk and head to the venue.

HiMERU needs to change into the outfit, and it's better to be friendly with the staff at such photoshoots.

What will you do, Anzu-san?

💬 I'll go with you.

HiMERU: Very well. Then let's take our belongings and meet downstairs in the lobby.

Is about ten minutes from now acceptable? Please get in touch if anything comes up.

💬 I'll prepare first...

HiMERU: Understood. Then HiMERU will head to the venue first.

The venue is... the foyer, right? Anzu-san, let's meet again later.

Birthday Photoshoot Start

HiMERU: The shoot will start in a few minutes, understood. HiMERU will be on standby here, so feel free to call on him.

(In any case, these decorations are very wonderful and befitting of a birthday event.)

(Since the venue is so gorgeous, HiMERU must strike poses that match its grandeur...♪)

(Poses that are characteristic of HiMERU, while making the most out of this set....)

(Hm, it's more or less decided. Let's ensure that this shoot will be a perfect success.)

Birthday Surprise

HiMERU: Yes, HiMERU is also quite fond of these pictures.

Oh, Anzu-san. It seems like you're hiding something behind your back... Do you have something for HiMERU?

Eh? "This suit is a birthday present"? Really?

...just kidding. Hehe, apologies. When we were talking earlier this morning, it was vaguely obvious.

It's a bad habit of HiMERU's to engage in deduction without realizing it.

However, he didn't expect to receive something this wonderful. Anzu-san, thank you very much...♪

Birthday Suit

HiMERU: HiMERU changed his clothes right away, what do you think?

Thank you. It looks like we might get a different impression from the earlier pictures.

Wearing such formal attire on one's birthday gives off a sense of maturity.

Since there's the opportunity, let's take some shots in poses that show off this suit. Anzu-san, please give instructions as you see fit.

Birthday Photoshoot in Progress

HiMERU: Right, let's try shifting the gaze's angle. Should HiMERU turn that way?

A wink this time? Alright, he'll adjust his pose a bit too.

(The moment HiMERU winked, the number of shutter clicks suddenly increased. It seems they liked it.)

(What kind of pictures are they going to be? Can't wait to look into them...♪)

Birthday Photoshoot End ①

HiMERU: Everyone, thank you for your efforts during the shoot. There are refreshments prepared over there, so please feel free to enjoy them.

Anzu-san, thank you for your hard work too. It was a great photoshoot...♪

By the way, Anzu-san, why do you have a camera?

You want to see a natural expression, too? Understood. It's in your hands, then.

Birthday Photoshoot End ②

HiMERU: Anzu-san, could you hand over that last one for a bit?

Thank you. Now then, HiMERU will sign it...

This last one is yours. Thank you so very much for your steadfast support today.

[ ☆ ]

[gremlin-bot]

Messages From the Formally Deceased

This was Beta read by my lovely platonic spouses @half-dead-ham and @bewitched-forest!!! This was suppose to be for Ship week but it got way out of hand! So enjoy some soulmates with multiverse shenanigans!

Ao3 link: Here Master List: Here

Summary: The Fenton children have always been different, even before the increased ecto-contamination and ghost hunting. Not that most would notice the ink on their skin that they couldn’t have drawn on themselves. They're kids, they get messy. By the time they got older all other factors in their lives overshadowed the messages exchanged in ink on their skin. After all who would notice a discussion on literature scribbled in two sets of script on Jasmine's arm, or the compliments tucked under drawings of constellations crawling across lanky limbs.

Chapter 1: How did we both become vigilantes‽‽

Danny has always loved the writing on his sister's skin. He would trace the curly letters next to his sister's chicken scratch handwriting when he was upset and his parents were too busy to comfort him. He didn't think he would get his own writing, or that's how Jazz explained it to him. She said that she had a soulmate and because no one else had one, she was a special case and it would be very rare that it would happen again. 

Turns out Danny was special as well. On his 7th birthday his parents gave him markers but no coloring books to use them on. So like any kid who has older siblings would do, he copied Jazz and drew on his arm. He drew Saturn as he found the rings around the planet to be cool. He was outlining it in a dark blue when he noticed the shaky lettering. 'That's pretty' is now sprawled under his drawing. Danny couldn't barely contain himself as he grabbed the marker tighter and wrote 'Thank you' underneath the other's message. He spent the rest of the afternoon drawing on himself, covering his body in planets, stars and unsteady letters. By the time Jazz got home from her friend's house, his arms were covered completely and his legs were no better. He didn't give her time to scold him before showing her the writing on his skin. 

"Jazz, look!! I'm special just like you!!" Danny shoved his arm into Jazz's hands. Her eyes widening as she takes in the drawings and childish handwriting. Slowly, a smile spreads across her face. 

"It seems like you are! How about next time you borrow my markers? I'll even give you some of my old ones. It'll be easier to wash off." She leads Danny by the hand up the stairs.

"Okay! Can I get my own markers like yours, too?" Danny's excitement was infectious as he all but hopped behind Jazz into her room.

"I'll ask mom about it later, but I don't see why not," Jazz said while grabbing her spare set of markers and handing them to Danny. "Here they are. Please don't lose them, okay?"

"I'll be careful, promise!!" Danny takes them carefully, like they are the most precious thing in the world, and for him they are. He is finally special like Jazz! He has someone he can always talk to! 

—---------

Danny was never without a marker or pen after that day. He often has several of both on his person and even more in his bag. There isn't a day that goes by that he doesn't fill his skin with stars for his soulmate. Over the years he's learned more about them, him. 

They talk about everything and nothing, all around Danny's drawings. His soulmate's name is Tim and he loves taking pictures and solving puzzles. He can't draw to save his life but he's good at math. His city has real heroes and villains that fight each other. Danny thinks that's cool but still wishes that Tim would stop following around the vigilantes. He knows Tim can keep himself safe but he still worries. It's not like Tim would ever try to become a vigilante.

Danny really should have known Tim would prove him wrong. Danny was working on an essay in his room when, after not hearing from the other boy for 4 months, Tim's blocky handwriting slowly crawled across his arm. Each line being placed with increasing speed. This happens sometimes; the long gaps of replies followed with a reply written too fast, or a message that takes days to slowly show on his skin. Tim has a theory that time changes based on their universes shifting closer or farther from each other. Danny doesn't have time to think about theories or even a reply before his inner forearm is covered in Tim's handwriting.

'Danny you got to promise me not to be upset when time decides to work. You know how I was looking for Nightwing so he could come back and be Robin for Batman again. Well I found him and he said no, but I did convince him to help Batman again. Unfortunately that meant that he still needed a Robin. So, I may or may not have become a Robin…' 

'Tim wtf, why are you like this,' If Danny could rip a hole into Tim's universe and shake some common sense into him, Danny would be doing that now.

'Because someone has to. I've gotten tons of training from Batman and he's not letting me out of sight when on patrol. I'll be fine,' Tim's reply was written at his normal speed. Time seems to be on their side for a little while.  

'Okay, but if anything happens, write as soon as you can. I want to know that you're okay.' 

'Of course! Even if I couldn't write to you myself I would make sure someone did!' Danny shook his head. Not like there was anything he could do about Tim. Maybe he should tell Jazz, but no. Jazz looked sad whenever he talked about the writing on his skin recently. He remembers her mumbling about goodbyes when he asked. He just doesn't know and really doesn't want to make her any more upset.

Danny does what he always does when Tim is considered, he draws galaxies on to his skin. He decides that his thigh would be the best canvas for the drawing of the Andromeda galaxy he has been planning. Essay completely forgotten for the stars he wants to show the other boy.

—--------

Danny was going to fight his arm. It wouldn’t stay tangible long enough for him to write a message to Tim. This sucks, he just wants to tell the other boy about him maybe also being a hero now, but his dumb powers will not work with him. He takes a deep breath and holds it. Letting it out slowly, using what Jazz taught him to calm down. Getting frustrated won’t help him. 

Gods, he was tired. The fight with the lunch lady ghost was just the beginning of the hoard of spirits that would come through the portal. He started to skip classes and hasn’t gotten more than four hours of sleep since. Tonight was one of the rare nights that nothing came through. It would be perfect to write to Tim, If only his body got the memo. 

The green marker dropped to his desk as intangibly flickers through both arms. Danny almost topples forward, but regains his arms in time to catch himself. Holding his position he waits for his powers to activate and… nothing happens. Relief washes over him, he can finally write to Tim! He’ll have to clean the marks left on his desk from this incident later, but that isn’t important. 

‘I have good news and bad news. What do you want first?” Danny decided that it was best to start with this. It will be better than the info dump Tim did to him.

‘Let’s go with the good news first.’ Seeing Tim respond was calming for Danny. The other boy was there for him. He’d understand.

‘I can no longer make fun of you for being a teen hero.’

‘Danny!” 

Tim definitely figured out that he was a hero from that. Well, time to rip off the Band-Aid. Danny takes a deep breath as he grips the marker more firmly. Writing as fast but neatly as he could. ‘Bad news, I may have died and come back to life leading to me becoming half ghost and my town’s hero.’

‘Danny what the FUCK‽‽ Are you okay now?’

‘Kinda… I spent the last hour fighting my arms trying to make them stay tangible enough to write to ya’ ‘Dude, that doesn't sound okay. What exactly are you dealing with? I want to help.’ Danny can't help but melt a little at the words the other boy had written to him. Tim was so caring in his own way that the other boy rarely recognized. Gods, Danny might be a goner for the other boy if it wasn’t for the fact that he would never get to see him. He spent the rest of the night explaining to Tim about what happened to him and the powers he got because of it. Falling even more for the boy with a sharp mind and caring heart through it all, no matter how he denies it.

[magicshopaholic]

Epic (Taehyung x OC)

Summary: You ponder the wisdom of giving your ex-boyfriend a second chance.

Pairing: Taehyung x OC

Genre: Smut, angst

Word count: 8.7 K

Rating: 18+

Warnings: language, making out, unprotected sex

A/N: Set two weeks after Trials and Temptation. Recommended to re-read Weekend Story before reading this.

Tagging: @bbl32 @quarter-life-crisis2 @dreaming-with-happiness @faearchives @margopinkerton @purpleseoul7 @kflixnet (drop a message if you want to be added)

Listen to: “shinunoga e-wa” by fujii kaze

taehyung masterlist | main masterlist

It’s a lot colder than it should be this time of the year.

Clutching the mug close to her chest and trying to inhale the steam from it, Dilara shivers slightly in the open air of her balcony. Suzuka was colder - or maybe it felt that way because of the rain. Drenched to the bone, her skin feeling like ice, she recalls the faces in the crowd, many of which she was sure she was seeing for the last time.

A cold gust of wind blows and she shivers again. London is much colder than it should be. Or maybe it just feels that way.

It hasn’t rained yet today, fortunately; if she’s lucky, the sun might show its sorry face for a few minutes tomorrow afternoon. Dilara rubs her eyes tiredly and takes a sip of the hot coffee, letting it coat her throat. The jetlag has been creating havoc with her system, but despite that, she hasn’t been able to sleep since she returned last night, for obvious reasons. 

For the first time in months, she feels relaxed. Not physically, not even mentally - but her heart feels lighter, steadier than it has in ages, a sign of having done what’s right for her. There’s a word for this feeling, but it escapes her for the moment.

Dilara closes her eyes in the face of the chilly breeze. If she closes them tight enough, she can almost feel his arms come around her shoulders.

—

Suzuka, Japan (Two days earlier)

The candles crackle and the tiny flames morph into sparks. The cake glows for a moment before she blows them out to a cheer from the whole team.

“Happy birthday, Dilara!” 

“Happy birthday, Komyshan! Special weekend for it!”

“Love you, Dilara!”

The wishes from the team and the crowd of fans behind them are chaotic but sweet; extremely aware of the cameras, Dilara makes sure to wave and thank each person. She can’t eat the cake and she knows the team will understand; she gingerly picks a small piece of candy and bites the corner, hoping it will suffice.

It won’t last long, she knows. Another year older means only that: a year older, and a year closer to retirement. By the time pre-Qualifying formalities begin, no one will remember or care that it’s her birthday; it will be just her car and her Qualifying position that will matter.

Dilara prefers it that way. Her friends aren’t here and neither are her parents, and while Daniel Ricciardo had been sweet enough to have a cake with an unflattering picture of her own face on it sent to her garage while he cackled for the cameras at the McLaren garage, she would rather focus on nothing but racing this weekend.

Racing and the other thing, she thinks wryly as the cameras move away. From across the garage, she spots another spot interview taking place: a Japanese journalist, three members of a boyband and a group of fans in a circle around them with their phones out.

As if on cue, Taehyung catches her eye from over the journalist’s head. She doesn’t look away; it’s the closest they’ve come to finding a moment alone all weekend. For once, it’s not been on purpose.

At a quarter past midnight, a knock on her door revealed Jimin, brandishing a pink cardboard box and singing Happy birthday at the top of his voice, sounding angelic as ever. From behind him, Jungkook and Hoseok also appeared and they all barged into her suite, with Taehyung bringing up the rear. He was singing, too, albeit less dramatically, and looking thoroughly amused at his friends more than anything. He’d met her gaze and shrugged, as though telling her to just enjoy it

“Cupcakes!” Jimin revealed with a flourish and a sparkling smile. “Just like last time in Suzuka.”

Dilara didn’t know immediately why her heart skipped a painful beat. Maybe it was how casually he’d referred to last time in Suzuka, the weekend everything had begun once and for all; two years ago, this city, this circuit, this hotel, and all the memories that accompanied it. She saw Taehyung from the corner of her eye as well, gaze falling and biting his lip.

They didn’t stay for long; Dilara hoped to get a moment alone with Taehyung - for what, she wasn’t sure. She wasn’t angry, she wasn’t hurt; it just felt as though the significance of Suzuka - Suzuka - was something only he understood. Unfortunately, Max, Charles and Daniel arrived at her suite then and the moment was gone. The members had hugged her one by one and left, Taehyung’s lingering for a moment longer.

Across the garage, dressed in a Louis Vuitton jacket and dark brown slacks, his hair long and elegantly falling on his forehead, he looks just as handsome as he had two years ago. 

It occurs to her with a jolt that this was exactly where they’d met for the first time. It had been a handful of members only then, too; she’d noticed the tall one with the cheekbones who had a gaze that pierced her. They hadn’t exchanged a single word, but it had been instantly electric.

The sky is overcast by the time Qualifying begins; thankfully, it doesn’t rain. It’s cold and windy but the adrenaline is in her veins, spurring her on in one of the most difficult tracks on the calendar. Two cars crash out and Max gets a penalty for an unsafe release from the pit lane, leaving Dilara to zoom ahead and cross the finish line with the best lap she’s ever driven. 

“How was that?” she asks into the radio immediately, braking slightly. The lights on her dashboard indicate that she’s stayed within track limits and the crash hasn’t resulted in a yellow flag, meaning her lap time wouldn’t have been deleted which would mean…

“That’s pole position, Dilara!”

“Yes! Yes!” Her own screams are mirrored by the team’s in the background, with Christian coming up on the radio.

“Congratulations, birthday girl,” he says in his trademark dry voice, but even she can detect the rare happiness in it. “Fabulous drive. Front row lock out.”

Even the fact that Max’s penalty still only brought him down to P2 doesn’t bother her; P1 in Suzuka, both Red Bulls at the front of the grid for the race tomorrow is better than she could’ve hoped. She parks and climbs out of the car, taking off her helmet and feeling the cool wind hit her instantly. The interviews have begun; P3 first, then P2 and then pole.

While she waits, hugging her team members as she passes, she does a double take when she spots her ex at the far end of the garage. Taehyung is beaming at her; this smile is one she hasn’t seen in a long time and she can’t help but return it. He can’t approach her with these many cameras around but it only makes her more determined to seek him out later today.

The official end to the Red Bull and BTS partnership is celebrated by a typical dinner at the hotel, a small, casual affair that Dilara knows will end early - or that she and Max, at least, can leave early. There are a few pictures, some multi-lingual toasts, but primarily an excuse for both parties to squeeze out one last night of PR.

“Why do you look so worried?” Jungkook sidles up to her without warning, two glasses of whiskey in his hand. “Do you need a drink?”

Dilara jumps slightly, standing up straighter from where she’s leaning against the French doors. “I’m not worried,” she says automatically.

“Your face looks worried.”

“That’s just my face. And I can’t drink; I have to race tomorrow.”

“Oh.” Jungkook stares at both glasses. “I’ll have to finish these myself, I guess.”

She frowns. “Since when do you drink whiskey?”

“I - Namjoon hyung said this is a good brand,” he answers earnestly. “He really likes it so I thought I’d - I’d try one. And if I hate it, I don't want to be the only one hating it,” he adds after a moment, pursing his lips self-consciously.

Dilara looks over at Namjoon a little way away standing with a couple of suits, Yoongi and Taehyung. Confirming Jungkook’s insight, he’s holding a glass of whiskey, looking appropriately enthusiastic with the stakeholders he’s talking to. 

Once again, as if on cue, Taehyung catches her eye and flashes her a small, private smile from across the garden. With one hand in the pocket of his slacks and the other holding an identical glass of whiskey, he looks taller and more adult than she can remember him in a long time.

She doesn’t realise she’s smiling back until Jungkook nudges her.

“Hey, Dilara, are you listening?” He clicks his tongue. “What do I do with the second whiskey?”

“Oh. Um -” She shakes her head, having lost track of what they were talking about. “Right. The whiskey. Maybe Jimin will like it,” she suggests, as the aforementioned member saunters up to them, blond hair glowing in the dim lighting outside.

“Jimin?” Jungkook wrinkles his nose and turns to him. “What about Jimin says he might like whiskey?”

“Okay, wow.” Jimin snatches one of the glasses and sniffs at it, automatically gagging. “I mean, it’s… strong. But I like whiskey,” he insists.

“No, you don’t…”

Dilara recognises this as her cue to exit this conversation and subtly begins walking up to where Taehyung’s conversation has just ended. She takes a few steps and immediately turns around, her heart hammering against her ribcage. 

“You know what,” she interrupts their bickering and takes the glass from Jimin. “Maybe I will take this.”

She takes a small sip and winces, but turns back around, hoping some liquid courage will do the trick. Most unfortunately, she’s accosted by a member of BTS’s team who tells her what a pleasure it was working with her.

“Oh! Of course, I - thank you, so much,” she stutters, taken a bit off guard.

“And congratulations on your race today,” she gushes.

“Qualifying, but - thank you so -”

“And happy birthday!”

Dilara continues to nod vigorously and pour out thank you after thank you, noticing from over her shoulder how Taehyung continues to maintain eye contact, looking amused. It’s unfair how handsome he looks; the long black hair, the simple black and white outfit - he looks like a dream, and Dilara finds herself wondering more and more if she shouldn’t just… leave things the way they are. A tentative, more or less amicable ending to this weekend might just be preferable to whatever is sure to ensue if they actually end up talking to each other.

But it’s Suzuka and the part of her that treasures the memories of that weekend more than anything won’t settle for such a half-hearted ending.

It seems impossible to navigate a moment alone with him, though, so Dilara eventually gives up, thinking it’ll happen when it has to. Towards the end of the night, when she’s sitting on one of the steps of the garden and looking out near the clearing where they had spent this exact night two years ago, Taehyung joins her.

“Hey,” he says, taking a seat next to her. It’s close enough that his cologne - Christian Dior Sauvage, she remembers with a jolt in her heart - wafts over, feeling like an invisible arm he’s put around her. “Happy birthday.”

Dilara clinks her glass with his empty one. “Thanks.”

“I didn’t know if I should get you anything.”

“That’s okay,” she says, realising only now that she’s glad he didn’t. “I’m not a huge fan of birthdays anyway.”

“Also, I’m not sure what I could get you that’s better than pole position.” Taehyung leans back on his hands, his jacket falling open just slightly, and nods appreciatively. “Congratulations. You were amazing.”

She feels her cheeks heat up as she smiles back. “Thanks. As you can see, I’ve been celebrating with the same glass of whiskey for, like, an hour and a half now.” She holds it up, the golden liquid swirling around at the bottom of the glass. 

“Well, that’s perfect,” he says seriously, “because the bar just closed.”

“Help yourself.”

He grins and takes the glass from her, finishing the drink in one smooth swig and placing it on his other side. “How have you been?”

Insane with worry at what’s going to happen. Dilara shrugs. “Okay. Suzuka is always stressful. Hey, tell me something,” she says quickly, looking deliberately at the ground. “Why are those guys staring at us like we’re about to explode?”

Taehyung glances over before turning back. “Want me to get rid of them?”

She bites her lip. “Irrespective of what our issues are,” she says softly, teasingly, “I’m not sure you can take Jungkook.”

He frowns, a little affronted. “I know other ways to get rid of Jungkook.”

She chuckles, watching Jungkook’s eyes widen when he realises he’s been caught staring. “That’s okay.” Getting rid of them won’t quite give her what she wants, not in Suzuka.

“Do you want to go for a drive?”

—

They slip out without any fuss; the dinner is winding up in any case and Max has already left. Without any need for discussion, they head exactly where they had the last time to rent a hotel car for a few hours.

Taehyung flashes the hotel employee a heart-stopping grin and effortlessly catches the key when he tosses it to him. He says something in Japanese and is about to open the driver’s door when Dilara slides in front of him and swipes the key out of his hand.

“You’ve been drinking,” she reminds him, brushing against him as she turns around and ducks into the car, waiting for him to climb in from the other side.

“I almost forgot,” he admits in a low voice, strapping himself in. “Uh-oh,” he mutters, looking at something and raising his eyebrows, “we’ve been spotted.”

Dilara leans over to look in the same direction to see Jimin whispering something to Hoseok before both of them burst into laughter.

“Damn it,” she mutters. “Our position has been compromised.”

“We need to get out of here.” Taehyung fixes her with a look and nods once. His features are angular as ever, his long hair obscuring his forehead. “Before they catch up to us.”

“Roger that.” Dilara moves the gear shift sharply and reverses out of the parking lot. “Keep a lookout, will you?”

He turns around as she drives out, head low and eyes narrowed. “They’re on our tail. Can you pick up the speed?”

“Can I ever,” she mutters, accelerating and smoothly speeding down the exit route and reaching the gate of the hotel. “Okay,” she says, as the guards move to slowly open the gates, “this isn’t helping.”

“Of course.” Taehyung nods. “They’re working for them.”

“Stalling us. It’s genius.”

“The gates are open. Go!” he exclaims suddenly. “We have to lose them!”

Dilara bites her lip, trying not to break character, and swerves out of the hotel, driving faster than she normally would. But Suzuka is a small city and the streets are empty so late at night; fuelled by Taehyung’s constant low chatter, partly in English and Korean, she races out of the block until they hit the highway.

“This car is lower on fuel than I thought,” she notes after a while. “We should stop soon. It’s late and I don’t think we want to stop at a petrol station…?”

“No, we don’t. I don’t think it’s the kind of PR our teams are looking for.”

Dilara chuckles and pulls over, a little way away from a small row of pubs, a couple of food stalls and what is ultimately a petrol station.

“Just for an emergency,” she says when he gives her a questioning look as they get out of the car. “I don’t think we can get Namjoon to rescue us this time.”

Taehyung laughs. “Probably not.” He runs his hands through his hair and tilts his face towards the breeze. “I think it’s going to rain. Smells like rain.”

“With my luck, it’ll probably rain right during the race,” she grumbles before shaking her head. “Nope. No psyching yourself out, Dilara.”

He raises an eyebrow but doesn’t comment on it. “Are you hungry? They’re selling Yakisoba over there,” he says, pointing to the food stalls.

“Um…” Dilara’s stomach rumbles a little. “I can’t,” she answers in disappointment. “Race day tomorrow. But if you get some, I’ll have a bite,” she offers with a radiant smile, giggling when he gently flicks her forehead and goes over to the stall.

He returns in a few minutes with a bowl of noodles and a tiny box of desserts, already inhaling the former and frowning deeply.

“Too spicy,” he gasps, immediately dropping the bowl in her hands and fanning his mouth. He doubles over and wheezes dramatically until Dilara nudges him.

“Seriously? So dramatic, Tae. Here, have one of these.” She pulls him to the side and sits on the sidewalk, tugging him down beside her. Placing the noodles on the ground, she opens the other box. “It should help.”

Taehyung takes a bite from her hand and chews it slowly, eyes fluttering shut as though he’s just consumed a drug. “Almost died,” he coughs, reaching for the noodles again. “Sure you don’t want a bite?”

“Are you sure you do?”

“I didn’t eat a lot at the hotel.”

“Fine, just -” She offers him the rest of the cake-type chocolate-filled thing so he can take another bite. “Eat them together.”

“Apart from the death spice, it’s pretty good,” he says through a mouthful of noodles.

“I’ll take your word for it.”

“One bite? Just a mushroom?”

“Oh, go on, then…”

He picks up a dainty little mushroom with his chopsticks and feeds it to her, simultaneously taking the last bite of the dessert. They share the meal like this until they’ve polished everything off, except for the last few pieces of the sweets. They aren’t very sugary and Dilara finds she doesn’t mind them very much.

“So,” she begins after a while, dusting off her hands, “what do you guys have for after this weekend? Once the PR thing is over?”

Taehyung’s eyes flicker for a moment. “Nothing much. We have a week off, thankfully.”

“Any plans?”

“Nope.” He pops a whole sweet into his mouth. “You?”

“Me, too.” She stretches and leans back on her hands. “A whole weekend off before Brazil. God, I can’t wait to do absolutely nothing all day.” She sighs happily when she remembers something. “Except Lexie is going to be back this week. She’s going to kill me at the gym,” she groans, falling back on the sidewalk with her hands on her face.

“And I’m the dramatic one? I thought you were looking forward to having her back,” he remarks, casually pulling her arm to help her back up.

“Of course I am,” she says, rolling her eyes. “She was supposed to be back this week but she has some stuff with her mom to sort out and…” She sighs hugely. “I don’t want to get in the way of that.”

“Makes sense,” he says, nodding and examining another sweet. “It can’t be easy to go through all that with the hospital and the insurance company. Plus with her dad back, it must be even harder to figure it out with divorced parents and all.” He looks up at her incredulous expression. “What?”

“How do you know any of those things?”

Taehyung is silent for a moment before shrugging. “You talk to my friends,” is all he says.

None of this makes any sense to Dilara. “You’re talking to Lexie?”

“Oh, no. No, no.” He shakes his head and chuckles disbelievingly. “Lexie hates me. I think.” He shrugs uncomfortably. “I’m a little terrified to ever talk to her again. No, I was talking to Chris.”

“Chris?” The last memory of Taehyung and Chris floats through her mind, of both of them at each other’s throats, ready to whip out their dicks. “What - how? Wait, why? Don’t you two hate each other?”

He gives her an unimpressed look. “No. Not everything’s about you, Lara.” He grins when she slaps his shoulder. “We have other things in common. For example, he’s also very confused about what to do for his girl’s birthday.”

She ignores the belated beat her heart skips. “Really? Lexie’s birthday isn’t for another month - you’re telling me Chris is already thinking about it? You’re telling me Chris actually remembers her birthday?” Dilara scoffs. “He wished me an hour ago, and only because he saw Red Bull’s post on Instagram.”

“Yeah, but he has feelings for Lexie,” he says nonchalantly. “He won’t admit it but it’s, like… quite obvious. I told him to give her space and let her come to him.”

“You and space,” she mutters, rolling her eyes. “I can’t believe you and Chris are talking about guy stuff. And I can’t believe you’re giving him advice,” she adds, jabbing him in the shoulder.

“He’s the one taking it.”

“Fair enough.” 

Dilara observes him for a moment, admiring how effortlessly his hair falls. Her own is a mass of thick, random waves; the weather in Suzuka this time of year makes it pointless for her to style her hair. Without thinking, she brushes his bangs out of his eyes. “Will you come to the race tomorrow?”

“If you want.”

“Okay, stop that.” 

“Stop what?”

“That,” she repeats. “Tell me what you want to do. Stop telling me what you think I want to hear.” She looks at her shoes, noting how his gaze is still trained on her. “Not here. Not tonight,” she murmurs, swallowing. “Tonight, just… just be you.”

Taehyung is silent for a moment and Dilara wonders if she’s ruined the mood, the rare, relaxed mood between them. She’s put it out there as explicitly as she could without saying it in exactly those words, how the clock is winding down and their future is hazy at best.

“I want to come,” he says, nodding. “I’ll be there.”

She nods back and he gives her a small smile. It feels marginally colder now; Dilara eyes Taehyung’s designer jacket, wishing she’d had the foresight to wear two layers. But then again, none of this was planned.

“Will you be okay?” she asks in a small voice, but she looks up at him. She needs to look at him for this. “If we don’t…”

It’s clear from how Taehyung stiffens that he needs no further elaboration. He swallows and exhales, a little shakily. 

“Uh… probably not. For a while. But I’ll get there,” he adds, making an attempt at a reassuring smile that seems more sad than anything. “I know it’s probably… I mean, I know I -” He breaks off and bites his lip, looking away. “It won’t be… a total surprise,” he finishes.

So he’s made his peace with it. Dilara waits for the anger she’d felt two weeks ago in Singapore, the absolute devastation and fear at the thought of Taehyung not finding this worth fighting for anymore. It doesn’t come, though; it’s only a hard, bittersweet relief that maybe, just maybe they’ll both be okay eventually.

She tries to picture what that would be like. No talking, no texting. Seeing only glimpses of him on YouTube and Instagram in his public persona because anything more would be too painful. Thinking about each other less frequently, swiping through their photos on the occasional trip down memory lane. 

She feels her jaw clench and her vision blur slightly. Never feeling each other again. One day, dating someone else. Falling in love, getting married. Seeing only another face for the rest of their lives.

It feels like a fever dream, like an intrusive thought that’s too absurd to be real. Is this why she’d suggested a drive away from the hotel? Was it for a few moments alone or was it to help her make the decision she’s been struggling with for weeks now?

“Let’s go get some lemonade.”

Taehyung’s voice brings her out of her depressing train of thought. Her heart still feels heavy; lemonade is quite literally the last thing she wants right now.

“Tae,” she starts to say, shaking her head, but he waves her off.

“Come,” he says, sounding a lot better than she feels. “Before it closes.” He makes a motion with his hand and abruptly stops, as though deciding against it. The next moment, however, he grabs her hand and pulls her up, interlinking his fingers with hers and starting to walk.

“Wow, really?”

“You wanted me to be me, right?”

To that, Dilara has nothing to say. After a moment’s hesitation, she squeezes his hand back.

—

It’s not lemonade. It’s light and sweet, but not overly so. Taehyung seems to like it more than she does, but Dilara drinks hers anyway. She’s still not sure what it is; the menu was written in all Japanese so her only option was to pick the most visually appealing one.

As she sips her pale pink drink, she leans backwards against the hood of the car and watches Taehyung take a picture of the sky, his dark coloured drink in the other hand.

“You can’t see anything in such a dark sky,” she informs him. 

“This is the best time to try and see something in the sky,” he argues, still looking up. “There are no lights anywhere else and we’re far away from any buildings.”

“I meant because of the pollution,” she reasons, but then gives up. It’s true that the place is dark now; all the food stalls and restaurants have closed and even the pubs at the end of the road are dimmer than they were sometime ago. The breeze is stronger and has the distinct scent of impending rain.

A ball of stress is starting to rise in the pit of her stomach. It makes her nauseous and she places her glass on the ground, trying to push the feeling down and focus on tonight.

“Are you okay?”

“Yeah.” The answer is automatic; she doesn’t even look up.

The next time Taehyung speaks, it’s from much closer. “You look worried.” He touches her arm. “Is it the race?”

Among other things. “It’s going to rain,” she mutters. “Suzuka in the rain is…” Dilara sighs and presses the balls of her palms to her forehead. “… risky. And I can’t really afford any more bad races this year.”

“You’ve been in the top three in most of your races, haven’t you?” His confusion is evident in his words.

“Yes, but…” She closes her eyes, not sure how to explain that her worry transcends isolated races. “I’m a year older now. That means I’m one year closer to becoming a liability, in case I get married or start wanting to have babies or something.”

“Babies? You’re twenty-four.” 

“I got my first question on my plans to start a family when I was twenty-one, when I was still in F2.” She shakes her head. “Whether I intend to or not, I’m giving teams one more reason not to sign me. No one wants a driver that can suddenly go on maternity leave and leave them in the lurch.”

Taehyung scoffs, but it doesn’t sound directed at her. “You’re not serious.” 

“Ridiculous but true.” She sighs heavily and shakes her hair out of her face. “God, I hate birthdays,” she repeats.

He’s silent for a few seconds. Dilara can tell he’s still processing this, for she’s sure it’s not something he or any of the men she interacts with would have considered.

“Okay,” he says finally, taking a step closer to her and nudging her gently to look at him, which she grudgingly does. “Birthdays suck. Fortunately, you only have about two minutes left of your birthday,” he points out, showing her his phone screen.

“Wait, it’s almost midnight?” Dilara’s eyes widen. “We’ve been out here that long?”

“Wasn’t that bad, right?” he asks seriously. “Anyway, I know you can’t change being a year old but at least it won’t be your birthday tomorrow,” he reasons.

“Small victories. Only lasts twenty-four hours.”

“Yeah. And it’s almost over - so make the last minute a good one.” He tucks the phone back into his pocket. “Something that makes you happy.”

Taehyung’s face is smooth and impassive as ever, but Dilara knows him well enough to read between the lines. Her face relaxes and she gives him a knowing look, narrowing her eyes playfully. He shrugs innocently when she tugs him closer by the jacket and reaches up to kiss him. 

It’s only when she actually does it that she realises how much she’d been looking forward to this all day. One moment of pure honesty, their guards down and swept away. 

Taehyung responds immediately, arms going around her and pulling her closer. His long hair tickles her forehead, his mouth so soft and warm against hers. Dilara runs her fingers through his hair; it’s just as thick and soft as she’d been imagining for weeks now and she leans further into him, already afraid of the moment they’ll have to separate.

It comes soon enough, though; both of them pull away to catch their breath but don’t move. Taehyung presses his forehead to hers, their lips barely an inch apart. Christian Dior Sauvage, she thinks desperately, inhaling it, her fingers curling tightly around the lapels of his jacket.

“In case I don’t get a chance to say it,” he murmurs, voice trembling slightly, “Lara, I -“

“I know,” she interrupts, nodding. “Me, too.”

He swallows. “Damn it,” he whispers, closing his eyes. “We could’ve been epic.”

Her heart breaks at that but no words come to mind. She presses a kiss to his cheekbone, holding his face to hers until she can’t anymore and shifts slightly to hug him. He may need it more than her right now; his vulnerability is too hard to watch and this way, he gets to at least hide his face, exhaling shakily into her neck.

The first raindrop falls on the hood of the car with a sound, making it their cue to separate. Taehyung steps back, his hands falling from her waist with a seemingly huge effort. The next few drops fall in quick succession.

“Let’s go inside,” he says hoarsely, before clearing his throat. 

“Tae, I don’t -“

“You can’t fall sick before tomorrow.” He gently steers her towards the drivers’ side and waits until she opens the door before walking over to the other side.

The interior of the car is warmer; Dilara is immediately glad he suggested coming inside. She turns on the light, dim and barely illuminating anything. Looking over at Taehyung, she immediately takes it back: his skin looks like honey, the tiny light and the rain outside throwing shadows across his handsome face.

“Maybe I’ll see you on tour next year,” she suggests after a moment, in a small voice. “If we’re in the same city.”

He nods absently, his gaze fixed on the glove compartment. “Maybe.”

She tries again. “And, uh… don’t forget to send me a selfie with the Grammy.”

He chuckles hollowly. “I don’t think we’ll win.”

“Doesn’t have to be your Grammy.”

Taehyung finally looks at her. “Will you drive carefully? Because I can’t - I don’t want to go online one day and see that you -“ 

He’s struggling with his words again, the language eluding him. His emotions are getting the better of him and Dilara reaches over and slips her hand into his.

“I’ll be careful.”

“I’ll send you that selfie.”

The thunder rumbles outside and a flash of lightning marks the end of the conversation, both of them reaching towards each other again. This time the kiss is stronger, more fervent, their entire bodies playing a role in it.

Dilara breaks away and kicks off her shoes before climbing over the gear shift, while Taehyung hitches the control under his seat so it slides backwards. She straddles him and they pick up where they left off.

There are no words exchanged; Taehyung’s mouth, his taste is the only thing that matters, the feel of his hands moving down her body with authority, squeezing her arse and pulling her closer to him so she can feel his bulge through the layers. She sighs into his mouth, pushing off the jacket and tugging at the bottom of his shirt, desperate to feel him.

Her full-sleeved top is off, too, her long hair falling in a mass down her shoulders. She can feel his arms around her, her breasts pressed against his chest, his warm skin feeling like fire on hers. Her curls crunch in his hands and she pulls away to catch her breath, gasping for air while his lips trail down her neck. She rolls her hips into his while he sucks a mark just above the cup of her bra, squeezing her other breast before pulling away to examine his work.

Dilara watches for a moment as he stares at it, his face unreadable. She climbs off his lap then, distracting him, and begins peeling off her jeans and underwear in the cramped space. Taehyung wastes no time in following suit, his lower lip between his teeth as he unbuttons his slacks and tugs them down, his erection stiff against his briefs. He hooks his thumbs onto the elastic when he pauses and looks up at her.

She freezes, her hands on his shoulders for support. They lock eyes for a moment, the same question reflected in both their eyes. Then Dilara shrugs jerkily and kisses him in answer, and Taehyung tugs his briefs down, too. The anticipation of the familiar stretch makes her want to rub her legs together. He holds her gaze as he strokes himself once before easing her back onto his lap.

The rain lashes down as she sinks onto him, clutching his shoulders as she feels him inside her, raw and naked and only him.

“Fuck,” she whispers, lowering herself even more until she can’t anymore, clinging onto him while he holds her steady. “Oh, fuck…”

Dilara begins moving slowly, every movement feeling different. At one point she remembers all of a sudden that the light is on; she immediately whips around to look out the windshield, seeing nothing but black rain. She feels something come around her then; Taehyung wraps his jacket around her and turns her attention back onto him.

They fuck in the hotel car, no one around for miles. Taehyung’s hand is firm on her thigh, his hips bucking into hers and making her feel it in her abdomen, in her chest. Dilara can’t help but start to become louder when the familiar heat starts forming in her core, when he tightens his grip on her hair.

“Look at me,” he murmurs, his eyes dark and blazing. His collarbones gleam in the dim light and strands of hair stick to the side of his neck. 

She’s powerless to look away. Her hips move faster and she feels herself slipping away, everything from the soles of her feet to the insides of her thighs feeling like they’re about to explode. Taehyung’s hand slips down to her arse and he grips it, helping her along, their gazes locked the entire time. 

Dilara just about registers his imperceptible, victorious nod before she goes over the edge and squeezes her eyes shut, her orgasm crashing over her in waves that feel like they could knock her out. Her hips feel as though they can’t stop, however, and she keeps going. It’s tiring, though, even when Taehyung takes over, helping her through the movements.

She kisses him, but it’s messy; his lips move from her jaw to her neck and he groans, gripping her hips. With all the strength she has, Dilara rolls her hips into his again, fucking him into the seat until he cums inside her, head back against the headrest, eyes closed and veins visible in his neck. 

She collapses on top of him, wishing they could fall asleep here, exactly like this. Going back to the real world feels impossible - facing it, with its real choices and real consequences, feels like the last thing she wants to do. She thinks about what he’d almost said and how she’d cut him off and she curls deeper into him, trying to savour the feeling of his arms around her.

The universe ensures the real world catches up to them, however, be it the tissue box in the car or how his phone buzzes with a message and lights up. The text is in Hangul but the time is big and clear. It’s a bit of a struggle to put their clothes back on but they manage it, leaving nothing but silence in the car.

Dilara’s legs feel weak but she drives back through the rain anyway, even when Taehyung quietly offers to drive. They return the car in silence and walk back to the lobby in the drizzle, taking the elevator all the way to the top floor. No words are exchanged, possibly because there’s nothing left to say. Their fingers brush against each other’s, a hair’s breadth away from being held, until their suites arrive and they separate in different directions.

—

Two years ago, Dilara had seen Kim Taehyung’s face in the crowd at Suzuka as he clapped for her on the podium, beaming with both pride and sadness. She’d been overwhelmed with many emotions at the time, one of them being the knowledge that this person she’d met and loved over a weekend would be lost to her, possibly forever. The expectations were such and all that was left to do was cherish the handful of memories they had together.

For Taehyung, Dilara had been the one that got away.

Suzuka is exactly the same; the vibe is the same, the sound is the same, the circuit is the same. It seems impossible that anything should change so drastically when everything else is the same. The feelings are also the same, at a glance: sadness and finality, and a desire to try and stop it from taking over.

Even being on the podium feels the same - except this time it’s the feeling of winning. It’s elation like she hasn’t known it in a long while; the roaring of the crowd, her national anthem playing, her heart bursting with the pleasant knowledge that it hasn’t hit yet fully but it will. Soaked in the rain, her long hair sticking to her face and neck, Dilara lifts the trophy that’s half her size and wipes her eyes to look at the crowd cheering for her.

Taehyung’s face in the crowd is the same as well, happy and sad all at once. He’s the only member along with Hoseok and Jungkook who’s come out into the rain; the others are presumably still in the garage. She doesn’t blame them, not until she spots them a little way behind, huddled under two umbrellas with the hoods of their raincoats low over their heads, and her heart hurts with gratitude.

Two years ago, that had been the last of Taehyung Dilara had seen for almost a year. The future is more clear this time, but deep in her heart, in the pit of her stomach that feels like it could explode if she succumbed to her feelings right now, she knows that despite looking the same, everything has changed.

She doesn’t see any of them after the celebration and neither does she expect to. Part of it is scheduling, but it would be obtuse to not assume that the rest of the members would know what’s happening, what the implication is of the Red Bull and BTS partnership coming to an end. Most of the spectators have left, too, not able to brave the rain anymore, and Dilara is ushered into her changing room to shower before being taken back to her hotel.

When she’s waiting for her car, speaking to her tearfully happy mother on the phone, she sees a familiar figure near the other end of the parking lot. Blond hair peeking out from under his hood, Park Jimin raises his hand in a hesitant wave. It takes Dilara a moment to do the same, momentary love and affection overshadowing all the conflicting feelings she’d harboured towards him all year. The moment he sees her hand, he lowers his and jogs away, ducking into a black car a little way away.

There’s no telling if her flight will take off. The rain has stopped but the runway could be flooded. It’s Japan in October; the Tokyo airport has sounded an alert but the pilot sounds hopeful, so all Dilara can do right now is wait and pray that in twelve or so hours, she’s back in London and asleep in her own bed.

She looks out of the window pensively. The air hostess has brought her a glass of rosé that she sips without tasting anything, the tiny paper package in her pocket feeling like it weighs a ton. She knows exactly what it is; she knew the moment the concierge handed it to her while she was checking out of the hotel and she’d felt the hard, circular shape under her thumb.

Taehyung has always had a flair for the dramatic, so it doesn’t surprise her that he would’ve squeezed in one last gesture before she left. Dilara had taken it out during the security check and stuffed it right back in her pocket, determined not to look at it till she was alone and calm. There’s no other way; even Lexie is no help.

Earlier today, before the race, she’d been helping Dilara stretch over video call.

“Longer… and hold it there.” 

Dilara lengthened her back and held her leg down straight, feeling the tendons stretch. 

“How are you feeling?” Lexie asked casually, as though Dilara wasn’t contorted uncomfortably on the floor. “Appropriately pumped up?”

“I know what’s on your mind, Lex.”

“What’s on my mind?”

Dilara gave her a look and slowly climbed out of the stretch, moving to the other leg. “You know.”

“Apart from your race? Not much.”

“Oh, just say it.”

Lexie sighed uncomfortably. “Okay, fine. It was on my mind but I don’t want you distracted. And I also don’t want to influence your decision in any way,” she added after a moment.

Dilara stood up and placed her hands on her hips. “I’m distracted right now wondering what you’re thinking. And if it helps… I think I’ve made my decision,” she confessed, looking at the floor. “So you may as well say it.”

Lexie observed her, squinting slightly on the tablet screen. “Fine,” she said, sounding rather like she didn’t want to bring this up at all. “I think… he really hurt you,” she began. “And… I think you’re sad when you’re not with him.”

Dilara waited for more but when Lexie wouldn’t elaborate, she raised her eyebrows. “Wait, that’s it? You’re really worried about influencing my decision that much?”

“I’m really worried your head’s not in the game, Komyshan,” she snapped, back in trainer mode. Dilara rolled her eyes and picked up her resistance band, ready for the next exercise when Lexie made her last contribution to the discussion. “And I’ll support whatever you decide. Now let’s do ten lateral band stretches, open up your back, come on…”

Dilara hears a sound signalling the economy class passengers boarding and exhales, for this must surely mean that the flight will take off. Soon she will be in the air with a sleep mask over her eyes, waking up only when she’s back on home ground in London. A cab will take her back to her building, the elevator to her penthouse, where she will crawl under the covers and sleep for a few hundred hours until her heart doesn’t hurt so much anymore.

The packet burns in her pocket. Taking a large sip of the wine, Dilara fishes it out and turns it upside down so the white gold ring she’d worn around her neck for a year and a half falls anticlimactically into her palm. She stares at it, dimly recalling her very different reaction to when he’d given it to her two years ago. 

She’d left Suzuka then under the assumption they’d never see each other again, that they were over for good. The ring, for all intents and purposes, had been the one thing pulling her back, Taehyung’s last attempt at convincing her that they weren’t finished. 

It doesn’t feel like the same this time, though. This time, he’s leaving the ball in her court.

We could’ve been epic.

Epic. Like standing on a podium in P1 kind of epic. Being on stage in front of hundreds of thousands kind of epic. Transcending distance and language and culture kind of epic - and she holds that possibility in the palm of her hand.

The shrill sound pings again; the plane has finished boarding. It’s no longer raining outside, and the pilot has begun introducing herself over the intercom. The air hostess comes over to ask if she’d like another refill and Dilara is about to say no, but at the last moment nods and asks for a vodka martini, knowing she can’t do this sober.

She can’t pull a Rachel. She won’t, not least because Red Bull won’t reimburse the cost of this business class seat if she hurries out of the airport now. No, she’s far too comfortable in her blanket, her hair is almost dry and it’s too cold outside. 

She waits for the first sip of the martini to go down her throat while she holds her breath before picking up her phone. It rings once before he picks up.

“Uh… yeoboseyo?” 

He sounds extremely unsure, as though expecting it to be someone else. When Dilara doesn’t answer, still coming to terms with what she’s doing, he speaks again.

“Um, Lara? Is - is everything okay?”

“If you,” she begins, her voice low and shaking, “ever lie to me again, it will be the last time you ever see me. Do you understand?”

“Um -”

“Damn it, Kim,” she snaps, hearing the strain under the words. Why does he have to be so difficult? “Do you understand?!”

“I - yes. Of course. I understand.”

“Okay.” Dilara nods jerkily, noticing the lights go on for all electronics to be switched off. “And if you ever cheat on me again, I swear I will cut off your ball sack.”

The answer is quicker this time. “I understand.”

She nods, exhaling shakily and leaning back in the seat. Her fist closes with the ring in her hand, the metal cutting into her palm.

“Lara.” Taehyung sounds as doubtful as she feels. “Are you… baby, are you sure?”

“I don’t know. I think so,” she says thickly. “But I’m also drinking vodka so who knows, really?”

Taehyung exhales and it sounds just like he did last night before she’d interrupted him. “I… Lara, I -” He breaks off, sniffling.

“You said you have a week off, right?” 

“Yeah. Eight days.”

Dilara looks up to see the air hostess approaching, smiling apologetically and motioning for her to hang up. She nods and holds up a finger.

“Right,” she says softly. She opens her palm and looks at the ring again. “Will I see you in London?”

He laughs disbelievingly, sniffling again. “I’m booking my ticket right now.”

—

If she closes her eyes tight enough, she can almost feel his arms come around her. Dilara squeezes her eyes shut even tighter, relaxing only when she feels his lips press against her shoulder.

“Good morning,” he murmurs sleepily.

She leans back into his chest, trying to control the squirm in her stomach. There’s definitely a word for this feeling and it feels just out of her grasp, but it’s strange and exciting all at once. 

“It’s three pm,” she tells him, getting only a grunt in response. “Are you hungry?”

“Yeah.” His voice is muffled, reverberating through her collarbones. “But your fridge doesn’t have anything. Just a box of bananas and a huge bowl of chia seeds,” he laments.

“I can’t leave perishable items in the fridge when I go abroad,” she reasons. “We should buy supplies, though. Want to go shopping? There’s a Foodhall just a few streets away from here.”

“Won’t we be recognised?” Taehyung asks, finally raising his head. “You will, at least.”

“No, none of the Brits in this area really care if they spot me around. They’ve seen me enough times. But you…” Dilara turns her head to look up at him, brushing his bangs down his forehead so they practically cover their eyes. “Should be okay, I think. It’s winter, almost. A decent scarf should do the trick, if you’re worried.”

“No, a scarf may not go with the hat I brought,” he says seriously, pursing his lips. “I’ll think about it. Maybe a… what’s it called? The thing with the high collar…?”

“A turtleneck?”

“Yes. It could be the answer to this problem.”

“Here I need to remind you that it’s just a supermarket. I’ll be going in joggers.”

“Interesting. Will we be sampling any cheeses?”

“We can,” she allows, rolling her eyes. “But it’ll be mostly instant foods that either of us can actually cook.”

“I can cook other stuff. Or I can’t, but we can get Seokjin hyung or Yoongi hyung on video call to walk us through it,” he suggests.

Dilara is about to decline but then shrugs. “Why not? Actually,” she remembers suddenly, “we need to stock up on healthy raw material, too. Lexie will go into shock if she sees nothing but packaged stuff in the kitchen.”

“Oh.” Taehyung stiffens behind her. “Right. Lexie. Of course.”

A confession from a million years ago in Suzuka tugs at her mind. She turns slightly to look up at him again. “Yeah. In a few days. Her room is exactly the way she left it. You’re okay with that, right?” she asks, mildly amused.

“Of course. It - it might be nice to see her again,” he ventures, swallowing slightly. “And, you know, she’ll have her own room and I’ll be in your room… with you. You’ll be right there the whole time,” he states.

Dilara finally steps out of his arms and turns around, leaning back against the railing and holding the hot cup to her chest. Taehyung, in his white CELINE t-shirt, places his hands worriedly on his hips. She resists the urge to reach up and rub the frown on his forehead.

“You’re not really afraid of Lexie.”

“Only in the literal sense. She’s your best friend,” he reminds her. 

“Yes, I know. Meaning she’s going to try just as hard as you will to get along.” Dilara tugs at the bottom of his t-shirt. “I want this to work.”

Taehyung nods, taking her hand and linking their fingers. “It will. I’ll make it work,” he promises.

The feeling is back, light and creeping through her chest, and it annoys her that she can’t name it. She squeezes his hand. “I love you,” she says.

There’s a flicker in his eyes; it’s abundantly clear how much he’s been waiting for her to say these words. “I love you more,” he replies, kissing her knuckles. “I really, really do,” he murmurs, stepping forward and kissing her forehead.

Dilara gives him a small smile and raises her mug slightly. “Hot chocolate?”

He raises his eyebrows in surprise and returns her smile as he takes the cup and sips at the hot liquid, before gagging and swearing. “Oh, God - it’s coffee!” he sputters. “Seriously, Lara,” he complains, coughing. “Disgusting.”

She exhales in satisfaction and takes the cup back. “I believe you,” she says sweetly, reaching up and kissing his cheek.

He gives her an unimpressed look. “Can we go inside now? I’m freezing.”

Sleepy and jet-lagged, grumbling over the smallest practical joke, Taehyung looks beautiful. The feeling is amplified now; the lightness in her stomach, the fluttering of her heart, the insane urge to smile for no reason at all.

“Yeah, we can go inside,” she answers, falling into step beside him as he turns around, and leaning into his side. He puts an arm around her shoulder and squeezes it affectionately, kissing the top of her head like he’s planning to do it forever. 

As they enter her apartment, Dilara can finally name the feeling.

—

Thank you for reading. Don’t forget to leave a review :)

[my-castles-crumbling]

Hi! it's r anon again.

So, the situation with my best friend M isn't any better. We had a conversation (by texting) about the whole thing but she didn't really want to hear what I had to say so I ended up saying that I didn't know what she expected of me, like I'm willing to talk about it but she wasn't and I still wanted to make things right between us you know ? Except she never answered to that message, and it was weeks ago. She only texted me very formally about rent etc (we're roomates but I'm at my mom's in my hometown for the summer so we haven't seen each other in like a month). On my birthday she only said "happy birthday btw" and that was so cold. I know it sounds silly but my birthday is actually quite important to me and that's all she said ? when she's supposed to be my best friend ? That hurt more than I could say. We have a group chat with my other best friend and she's been pretending like everything is fine, still sending messages etc, except she would only answer to my other friend's messages, never mine. Basically I haven't heard from her in weeks except those weird formal texts about money. She's been seeing some of our friends that I feel like are kind of taking her side ? I didn't kniw there were sides, but they didn't wish me my birthday so... Maybe I'm overthinking this idk. She even came to my hometown (it's hers too) and didn't even tell me .... I had to learn it from my sister who saw her... Idk maybe we could have use the occasion to talk ?

I feel like she doesn't really want to have anything to do with me. Whatever I've done I don't think I deserve to be treated like that. She isn't being a best friend, barely a friend ... I know I should message her but I can't bring myself to do it. I don't know what to say. What could possibly make her not any more mad at me, and make me not miserable. I've been losing sleep over this for weeks I don't know what to do. I probably will have to see her soon because I have to go back to the apartment at some point so it stresses me out like a lot. I have a lot of anxiety so it's not helping.

Thank you for what you're doing, I hope I'm not bothering you and that you're not feeling pressured to answer, have a great day <3

Hi hon! <3

So I think this is really the type of thing you need to talk in person about. It's a difficult conversation that has a lot of trauma in the history of it. Texting can be so misconstrued. Try to at least get her on the phone, but in person is better. Try your best to listen to her and understand while also gently sharing your feelings.

Like I said before it's so hard because I genuinely think nobody is in the wrong, here. M has a right to all of her feelings because of the trauma, but you also have a right to be friends with C. hopefully she is able to talk with you and you guys are able to share your feelings, because communication is really what's going to make this work. but if she's unable to communicate you might have to decide what your priorities are- and any decision is okay, here! Whatever you decide is best for you.

I'm sorry it's gotten to this point. Please know that I really don't think anyone has done anything wrong, it's just a lot of feelings, you know?

[banduckoot]

Dear Dr. Neo Cortex,

You are the extra butter in my buttered noodles. You are the salmon in my sushi roll. You are the yellow cheese on my cheeseburger. So, even if it wasn't a marriage proposal you made years ago, I'm still honored that you asked me to be your Sandwich Maker and Crystal Counter.

It took me a long time to make an official response because frankly, I'm still reeling! Getting a message from you and Lex Lang was one of the best presents I could have ever received! But my blown mind has (mostly) recovered, so allow me to give my formal answer to your "proposal":

YES!!!

My dear doctor... the fact a villain like you trusts me not to taint your food, or to steal any crystals, means so much to me. Truly, I'm honored. You're a villain, plus you generally hate most people, so... even if you don't think of me very much, it's nice to know there's some truth to your kind words towards me, and that you weren't just trying to butter me up.

In all seriousness, though: thank you so much for the birthday wishes. There's many things I like about you, Dr. Cortex, even love, but the one thing about you I love the most is how ridiculously happy you make me just because you exist.

tl;dr-- YOU ARE BABYGIRL AF!!!

With all of my heart,

Melissa~ <3

[twst-the-night-away]

SSR Birthday Girl (Juniper)

[ card by @the-trinket-witch featuring original art and game assets ]

Happy birthday to the starry-eyed coyote of Savanaclaw! Send Juniper your well-wishes and presents today!

Voice lines under the cut:

When Summoned: The stars are aligned perfectly today for a great party!

Summon Line: All my friends are here, there's so much great food, and I'm even getting presents? Today's gonna be so much fun! I can smell it in the air.

Groovy: Let's party till the moon comes out!

Home: This moon pin was a gift from my parents! My dad works with metal, so he probably made it himself.

Home Idle 1: My family didn't throw big birthday parties. We just had a special dinner that the birthday person got to choose. Of course, food's always a good present!

Home Idle 2: This fancy outfit's not really my style, but it gets me a lot of attention. Lots of people have wished me a happy birthday. It's been fun!

Home Idle 3: Ruggie-senpai promised to make jerk chicken for my birthday. I can smell it cooking now ... aahhh, I'm getting hungry!

Home Idle - Login: My grandpa says the first constellation a coyote sees on their birthday is a sign for how their year will go. But you can't tell anyone which one you saw. I'm not good with secrets.

Home Idle - Groovy: Ahh, it's nice to have a party that's all about me! Usually I'm chasing down my little brothers at big family gatherings.

Home Tap 1: My gaming buddy Gloomurai gave me a rare item last night. He said it was a birthday gift. I wish I could thank him IRL someday.

Home Tap 2: Joker made me a great big mango mousse cake, and Punch brought his ukulele to lead everybody in a birthday song! The Carder twins are just so sweet.

Home Tap 3: Jack was so formal when he handed me his gift. I think he was kind of embarrassed. I can't imagine why ... but I'm glad he acknowledged me.

Home Tap 4: I got so excited opening the high-end running shoes Leona-senpai gave me, I started howling! I couldn't tell if he was annoyed or amused ...

Home Tap 5: Diamond-senpai stopped by to give me some fancy Shaftlands jerky for my birthday. We're always trading spicy snacks!

Home Tap - Groovy: Littlebear-senpai said something really nice to me when he saw me this morning ... but Sherwood-senpai turned it into a joke.

Birthday Login Message: Hey, you made it! Now that you're here, we can really party! It might be my birthday, but I want everyone to have a good time, okay?

[ogdencollegerp]

NOVEMBER 13TH - 26TH

CAMPUS NEWS

The investigation into Greer Morrison’s disappearance is ongoing, with no updates on her whereabouts as her 22nd birthday had come and gone. There are also no further updates on who may have taken the files during the blackout, or who may be behind the anonymous messages sent out to students. However, there are rumors starting to circulate campus thanks to some weirdness that apparently occurred during the haunted house...only time will tell if any of them have truth behind them or if it’s just a case of an overactive, scared imaginations.

ooc; if your character wishes to report something, they may do so in an ask to the main.

CAMPUS EVENTS

Enjoy a quick hiatus from classes with Thanksgiving break !!! Classes are officially off the 23rd thru 25th.

ATHLETIC GAMES

MEN’S SOCCER GAME - Wednesday night, November 16th

FOOTBALL GAME - Thursday night, November 17th

CROSS COUNTRY MEET - Saturday afternoon, November 19th

WOMEN’S SOCCER GAME - Tuesday night, November 22nd

SOCIAL EVENTS

SORORITY SEMI-FORMALS 

WHAT: The frats had their semi-formals, so now it’s KKG and Tri Delt’s turns to host evenings of fancy dresses, drinks, and dancing. 

WHERE: The nearest upscale hotels that will agree to host a sorority event

WHEN: November 18th (KKG)/November 19th (Tri Delt)

CAMPUS THANKSGIVING DINNER

WHAT: For those who are not leaving campus, Ogden is hosting a Thanksgiving dinner with various culinary options to fit all dietary restrictions.

WHERE: The commons

WHEN: November 24th, 3 PM

EVENTS IN TOWN

For anyone deciding to stay on campus, there’s the annual 5K Turkey Trot Thanksgiving morning !!! And if running isn’t your thing, there’s always the pie-baking contest Thursday afternoon as well.

All Thanksgiving week, there’s a food drive - Ogden is arranging it’s own collection, so stop by the faculty buildlings to donate when you get a chance !!!

BIRTHDAYS THIS WEEK

Sassa Fiske’s 21st on November 13th

[texshire-books]

Age of Consent - Jasmine's age of consent birthday celebration

Rhona’s sexual preference are women. In her 40s, she offers strict, disciplinary guidance to younger women needing direction and purpose in their lives.

Jasmine a wayward girl, is nearing her 18th birthday. After a scrape with the police, her parents are throwing her out, they have had enough of her troubling behaviour. In a magazine, Jasmine sees the services offered by a local woman and makes contact. Rhona and Jasmine meet, they get on and the older woman offers Jasmine a room in her home. This is the start of a hot steamy romance but not until Jasmine reaches age of consent. Everything leads up to a birthday neither will forget. Dark secrets unfold, and Jasmine’s past comes back in an unexpected way. Sadie Stern, writing in her usual no holds barred way, where nothing is left unexplored.

An excerpt;

  

Jasmine was in her bedroom when she heard her phone ping. She had been anxiously waiting to see if she received a return call after replying to an advertisement she saw in a magazine; it was the banner headline which attracted her. It asked its reader if they lacked discipline and positive direction in their lives. Jasmine knew she was in desperate need of both having been told to find somewhere else to live by the end of the month. She sat and stared at the phone, too frightened to open up the message and read it. What if it was a rejection. Jasmine got off the bed and walked to her window. She looked out. A young woman of similar age was leaving her house to walk into town. Jasmine had once considered her to be a friend, but after a stupid dare went wrong, and she got caught shoplifting, the girl had dropped their friendship on the instruction of her parents who saw Jasmine as trouble and a bad influence. She knew just staring out of the window was an excuse. The real cause of her procrastination was lying on the bed behind her. It was time to look and find out who had contacted her.

 

Dear Jasmine,

Thank you for replying to my advisement. You didn’t mention your specific age which has placed me in a difficult situation. My disciplinary methods are very specific even though I didn’t outline them. As a result, I have to be certain you are of legal age before I can proceed. Therefore, I suggest I meet you, whereupon we can discuss this matter further to see if the service I offer is appropriate for you. I know you are local because of the advertisement catchment area. Therefore, I suggest you propose a meeting place and time, and we can meet. I will need your proof of age.

 

Best wishes,

 

Rhona x

 

There was a kiss on the end. A kiss! That meant more to Jasmine than anything. She was starved of affection and even the smallest gesture meant everything.

 

 

It was just after 11am when Rhona entered a park. It was a meeting place Jasmine had suggested just out of town. It appeared she lived surprisingly close to herself, which was a good thing in some ways, but not so good in others. She also wondered about the wisdom of such a location to meet with the British weather so unpredictable. There was a lake at its centre of the park with seating at regular intervals. Jasmine said she would be seated at one of them. Entering, Rhona had a choice, to turn left, or right? She chose the latter direction and walked along a gravel path, watching as ducks squabbling over bread being thrown by a child seated in a pushchair. Then she saw a young woman ahead. There were precious few other people around and seeing a lone seated figure, that had to be a clue – surely?

‘Jasmine?’ Rhona spoke enquiringly as she got closer.

‘Yes, that’s me, I guess you must be Rhona?’ She replied slightly nervously.

‘That’s correct. It’s nice to put a face to a name.’

‘Likewise.’ Jasmine continued the rather stiff formal conversation.

‘You don’t look like a naughty girl in need of discipline.’ Rhona decided to change that with a groundbreaking personal approach.

‘I’m not, but my actions are.’ Rhona sensed defiance.

‘Shall we walk? It’s not that warm, I don’t wish to freeze my arse off sitting on a park bench.’ Rhona continued.

‘I was going to suggest a bar in town, but I didn’t think it was likely to be the sort of place you’d hang out.’ Rhona took that as a challenging remark.

‘So, you’ve already labelled me as a snob.’ She reacted. ‘At least that might have given me a clue as to your age, although I suspect you’ve been entering bars for some time?’ Jasmine was on her feet now. She was around five eight and slim, she wore tight jeans, and she had an arse Rhona considered worth smacking.

‘I’m 17, 18 in three weeks.’ Jasmine had seen the question in her remark and supplied an answer Rhona suspected was true. ‘Do you require proof; I’ve brought my birth certificate.’ Rhona shook her head.

‘No, that won’t be necessary, but should we proceed with what I had in mind Jasmine, you will pay a heavy price if I later found out you had lied.’ They started walking together and Jasmine asked the inevitable question.

‘What have you got in mind?’

‘That young lady lies within the wording of my advertisement. Instilling discipline and positive direction. You spoke of needing both. I have ways of fulfilling that.’ Rhona explained without detail.

‘And lying fits in where?’ Jasmine turned and looked at the woman beside her who had stopped and was looking back at her and making direct eye contact.

‘That, Jasmine comes under the mantel of trust. Normally I would be dealing with a woman older than you. Sometimes these women are as old as me, occasionally older too. They choose to be someone younger. They often dress to fit that age. It is always a business transaction. They arrive and pay me to punish them. They often bring a list of misdeeds which I read while they change from their everyday clothes into whatever attire suits their desire. Most end up across my knee with their knickers pulled down. I smack their bare bottoms – hard! Lying is often shown on that list.’ Rhona watched as shock and amazement was displayed on Jasmine’s face.

‘Wow, that’s kinky!’ She replied.

‘So, you are already suggesting I am a pervert?’ Rhona asked without a hint of a smile.

‘Oh God no! I love the idea. Do you plan to smack my bottom?’

‘No Jasmine, I plan to cane yours!’ Rhona replied creating further shock.

‘Seriously?’

‘Definitely, I think you need a good thrashing. It’s a great grounding mechanism. You’ve been allowed to get away with far too much for way too long. That all changes if you link up with me.’ Rhona moved on and left Jasmine to catch up. When she did, Rhona made a suggestion.

‘Let’s go to this bar you mentioned, that one I’m far to snobby to enter!’

‘Okay.’ Jasmine linked arms and led the way.

[heartfeltwishesuk]

Pop-Up Design Greeting Cards UK – A Unique Way to Celebrate

Greeting cards have always been a go-to method for expressing emotions, but pop-up design greeting cards UK add a new dimension to that tradition. These cards are not just beautiful on the outside; they surprise the recipient with a delightful 3D effect when opened, making them a creative and interactive way to celebrate any occasion. Whether it's a birthday, anniversary, or just a simple "thank you," a pop-up card brings joy and excitement.

One of the most appealing aspects of pop-up design greeting cards UK is their artistic craftsmanship. Each card is a masterpiece, carefully designed with layers that unfold into an intricate three-dimensional structure. From flowers to cityscapes, animals, and more, the possibilities are endless. The UK market has become a hub for these exceptional cards, offering a wide variety of designs that cater to every taste and occasion.

In addition to their visual appeal, pop-up design greeting cards UK have become a favorite because they offer a lasting impression. When someone opens a card and sees the detailed pop-up design, it evokes feelings of surprise and delight. This emotional reaction is what makes these cards so special. Unlike traditional flat cards, pop-up cards are more memorable and are often kept as decorative keepsakes long after the occasion has passed.

Moreover, the rise in popularity of pop-up design greeting cards UK can be attributed to their versatility. These cards can be customized with personal messages, making them a perfect fit for both formal and informal events. Whether you’re celebrating a milestone or expressing gratitude, a pop-up card ensures that your message is received in the most creative way possible.

Pop-up design greeting cards UK are more than just a simple greeting card; they are a work of art that adds an element of surprise to your well wishes. As more people turn to these cards for special occasions, they continue to gain popularity for their ability to make any celebration even more memorable.

[mysteryshoptls]

SSR Lilia Vanrouge - Platinum Jacket Voice Lines

When Summoned: So, this museum has reached its 100th anniversary, huh. Guess the next goal is the 200th anniversary!

Summon Line: Now that I've been chosen as a supporter, there'll never be a boring moment. Now then, let's enjoy a fantastic time together.

Groooovy!!: I don't deny understanding their excitement over a sleeping child, but... Can't say diurnal faes and I are compatible in general, though.

Home: Congratulations on 100 years!

Home Idle 1: According to Cater, there were times the Queen of Hearts would get excited over having cake. Looks like she had a cute side, too.

Home Idle 2: Ruggie was looking at the painting of oysters with a hungry stare. I think he's more interested in his appetite than enjoying art.

Home Idle 3: Perhaps it's because I saw that painting of that young lion singing happily with his friends, but... Now I feel like rocking out on my beloved five-string bass!

Home Idle - Login: No one is more knowledgeable about the Thorn Fairy than I. You can leave it to me to explain each painting.

Home Idle - Groovy: After I gave Epel an in-depth talk on the Thorn Fairy, he was very intently looking at her paintings. Ain't I an awesome guide?

Home Tap 1: If you don't know which exhibit to start with, why don't you come look around with me? After all, I'm a supporter of the museum. Mhm!

Home Tap 2: If you see Silver standing in front of a painting for a long while, call out to him for me. There's a high possibility he might be sleeping...

Home Tap 3: Don't you think the Thorn Fairy's subordinates all have something charming about them? As a cutie myself, I can't help but feel an affinity with them.

Home Tap 4: I hear that the Sorcerer of the Sands' familiar was a wonderfully chatty parrot. There's no way he'd beat me when it comes to casual conversation, though!

Home Tap 5: I get why you'd get all excited over me in formal dress, but don't poke me, now. Hm? You were just pointing out that my ribbon was crooked?

Home Tap - Groovy: I thought about buying a shirt from the shop with a painting printed on the front as a gift for myself... Can you pick out the best one for me?

Duo: [LILIA]: Epel, to victory! [EPEL]: It's as good as ours, Lilia-san!

Birthday Login Message: You came all the way out here to wish me a happy birthday? You have my thanks, [Yuu]. What would I like for a present? It's fine, you don't have to worry yourself about it. But if I really had to pick something, I suppose... I'd like to hear about your hometown. It would be fun to hear stories from a place that I know nothing about. There's no way I'll be letting you sleep tonight～!

Requested by Anonymous.

[bourboncynic]

The High Road Taken... (The Children Never Grow Up)

S-

I didn’t reckon our friendship would end like it has.

But seeing as you removed me as a Facebook friend, advised M- we were no longer friends, but didn’t give me any disclosure or notice about it… I guess I need to stand by your decision and respect it.

I know our last exchange in June was harsh, but I had to say my peace and inform you of how your actions affected me and made me feel.

However, it was certainly not my intention to push you away completely or cut ties.

I did extend a couple of olive branches. I wished you a happy birthday on Facebook messenger. I also messaged you on Facebook messenger, and TXT, about N- in hopes of giving my condolences. Those messages were never read or seen. I had a suspicion I was either archived or you had no interest in hearing from me since our last exchange may have seemed bleak.

I knew my and H-’s friendship ending would probably have some weight on our friendship later on, which could have been a factor in your decision. I’m not in the business of making people choose sides. However, I know you have more of a history and long-lasting friendship with her over me, and on occasion; we need to stand by our tenured friends no matter the circumstances.

This is not me lambasting you.

This is not me advising you to choose sides.

This is not me calling you every name in the book and making it about me.

I figured our paths would cross again and maybe we could reconnect or repair the friendship with some time apart while I healed and progressed in my journey of rediscovery and restoration.

But, I will leave you with a few sentiments before I honor your wishes.

I’m just writing to say THANK YOU.

Thank you for your years of kindness, patience, understanding, advice, comradery, and being in my corner for (7) years and some change.

You have been a vital part of my life and have helped me immensely in many endeavors of mine. I will forever appreciate you and all you did for me. I will not say anything negative about you. When people ask, I will give you credit where credit is due and say “she really helped me and I couldn’t have done a lot of the things I did without her help.”

Maybe I hurt you recently. I’m sorry if I did. Maybe our last exchange hit a nerve I didn’t know it could. Maybe I wasn’t the definition of a good friend to you. I’d like to suspect I was, but you did what you had to do, and I have to respect it.

I wish you the best. I wish for your success as an adult, working professional, and theatre participator. And I wish you the best health. You are a good person. I hope you believe that as well. Though we are no longer going to be in contact, I will forever cheer you on and wish the utmost happiness and greatness for you.

I am disappointed and hurt myself. But as it’s been implied… This is our goodbye. I know you’re a good friend, and are going to be a good friend to a lot of others now, and even after me. They will see how generous, friendly, and supportive you are and just be in awe of it.

I will truly miss all the great times and shenanigans we had. Hopefully you find somebody like that, and I hope I will find somebody who can be in my corner as much as you did for me.

Take care.

In reality... she didn't deserve such a polite email. She deserved to be a called an immature, conniving, selfish fucking child with brat like tendencies and a complete disregard for formality, respect, and dignity.

In other words... fuck 'em. And fuck everybody like 'em.

[firstaidspray]

Birthday Countdown Revchase Snippets - Day 12

To celebrate Valentine's month as well as my birthday month, I'm going to post a snippet of Revchase every day until my birthday, using these prompts- there are 25 so it leads right up to my birthday!! I swapped out 13 for 12 because of the prompt and the fact that today is actually Chase/Jesse's birthday!!

13 12- Write about your ship celebrating one of the members birthdays. 

Pairing: Robert Chase/Reverie (oc)

Media: House MD

Word Count: 809

Rating: M (just in case, there's a somewhat sexual/suggestive part)

CW: Suggestive content

Like many mornings, the thing that wakes Chase up is his pager. But it's not just any morning– it's his birthday. Which makes the absence of Reverie next to him in bed even stranger than it would normally be. He knits his brows in confusion before reaching over to the nightstand and checking his pager– a message from Reverie.

“Good morning and happy birthday, luv!! I'm already at work, come find me.”

He smirks, knowing that Reverie has some sort of surprise planned for him. He also wonders if the others at work are in on it. Since he'd like to see her first thing, Chase hurries up getting ready for work so that he can find Reverie as soon as possible. He even drives a bit more recklessly than usual.

At the hospital, Chase is greeted by various members of the staff, who wish him a happy birthday. He's grateful, but what he really wants is Reverie. As he walks towards the elevator, he receives another message on his pager:

“Surgical wing on-call room.”

Chase laughs and shakes his head, and goes to the location specified in the message. He opens the door to the on-call room, but there's no one there– just a bunch of empty, freshly made beds.

“Rev?” He calls, walking through the room. “You in here?”

Suddenly, the door slams shut, and Chase can hear the lock click. He turns around to face it, and there's Reverie, leaning against the door in a seductive pose.

“Jesus, Rev, what are you wearing?” Chase asks, astonished.

He has every right to ask that question– Reverie has on a tight, revealing nurse costume that looks to be made of latex or vinyl. It's paired with thigh highs decorated by a small heart and bow with a white medical cross on it on the top of each stocking, and red platform heels.

“Happy birthday, Doctor Chase,” Reverie says playfully, stepping forward until she reaches him. Even in her heels, she's shorter than he is.

“Thank you,” he replies, wanting to touch her but unsure if he should. “You look…wow.”

Reverie skips all sorts of formalities and grabs him by the tie, pulling him into a kiss. He responds by putting his hands around her waist and pulling her even closer to him. As they make out, all the worries of someone trying to come into the on-call room melt away.

“I'm…I'm your nurse,” Reverie breathes between kisses. “I'll do whatever you want me to, doctor. Anything.”

Chase pauses for a moment and smirks at her. “Anything?”

She nods. “Anything.”

He shrugs, says, “okay,” then quickly takes her by the arms and pins her down on one of the on-call beds. Reverie squeals with joy and wraps her legs around his waist, and he continues kissing her, then buries his face in her neck, kissing it and pressing her hard against the mattress.

And you, the reader, see the scene fade to black, because House MD is network television, and we don't get much more than this.

…

After they've cleaned up the the on-call room and Reverie's dressed in her scrubs instead of a costume, a very satisfied Reverie and Chase head up to diagnostics. When they enter the room, Park, Foreman, Taub, Wilson, and Adams are all around the table, and in the center is a cake with “Happy Birthday Chase!!” written on it.

“Okay, I didn't know about this part,” Reverie says, gesturing to their circle of coworkers and the cake.

“Happy birthday, man,” Foreman says with a smile, giving Chase a hug. “We couldn't resist.”

“House thought it was stupid, so he's…well, I don't know where he is,” Wilson laughs, “but happy birthday, Chase.”

“Thanks, guys,” Chase says, his face lit up with a smile. He and Reverie take a seat at the table. “Am I supposed to make a wish now?”

“The candles aren't even lit yet, you idiot,” says the most recognizable voice in the hospital as its owner enters the room. “Don't know why we do this. It's just another day.”

Wilson sighs. “House, can't you let anybody have fun around here?”

“Celebrating a meaningless event like this is what you consider fun?” House asks, digging in his pocket. He pulls out a very tiny blowtorch. “Here, let me light the candles.”

House lights each of the candles with the torch, and everyone begins singing that universal birthday song. When it ends, Reverie pulls out her camera and snaps a photo of Chase as he blows out the candles, then everyone claps.

“What'd you wish for?” Park asks curiously.

Chase smirks and looks over at Reverie. “Don't need to wish for anything. I've got everything I need.”

House rolls his eyes in a massively exaggerated fashion. “My God, you are predictable. Now are we actually going to eat the cake or what?”

[lonestarnewzealand]

The Ultimate Guide to Throwing a Memorable Birthday Party at Restaurants

Are you ready to celebrate another trip around the sun? Birthday parties are the perfect occasion to gather friends and family, indulge in delicious food, and create lasting memories. But if you're tired of the same old house parties and want to take your celebration to the next level, why not consider throwing a memorable birthday bash at restaurants in Riccarton Road today? Not only does it take the stress out of hosting, but it also adds an extra layer of excitement to the festivities.

Why Choose a Restaurant for Your Birthday Bash?

Throwing a birthday party at a restaurant offers a plethora of benefits. First and foremost, it eliminates the need to worry about cooking, cleaning, and decorating your home. Restaurants provide a ready-made ambiance that can suit any theme or style you have in mind. From elegant fine dining to casual and cosy eateries, you have a wide range of options to choose from.

Selecting the Perfect Restaurant

The success of your birthday party largely hinges on selecting the right restaurant. Here's how you can do it:

Cuisine and Menu Variety: Consider the preferences of your guests. Opt for a restaurant that offers a diverse menu to cater to different tastes and dietary restrictions.

Ambiance: The restaurant's ambiance should align with the vibe you want for the party. Whether you're aiming for a laid-back atmosphere or a more formal setting, make sure the restaurant's interior complements your theme.

Space: Ensure the restaurant has enough space to comfortably accommodate your group. Nobody wants to feel cramped during a celebration.

Reservations: Make your reservations well in advance. Popular restaurants in Riccarton Road can get booked quickly, so plan ahead to secure your spot.

Personalising the Party

Once you've chosen the perfect restaurant, it's time to add your personal touch to the celebration:

Decorations: While the restaurant itself provides a great backdrop, adding some personalised decorations can enhance the festive atmosphere. Balloons, banners, and table centrepieces can transform the space.

Music: Create a playlist that resonates with the birthday person's taste. Coordinate with the restaurant to play the music at an appropriate volume that doesn't disturb other diners.

Cake and Dessert: Coordinate with the restaurant to bring in a cake or dessert that can be a highlight of the celebration. Many restaurants offer dessert options that you can personalise for the occasion.

Making the Most of the Dining Experience

During the party, make sure your guests have an unforgettable dining experience:

Menu Exploration: Encourage your guests to try different dishes from the menu. Exploring the culinary offerings of the restaurant can be a delightful experience.

Toast and Cheers: Raise a toast to the birthday honoured and express your well wishes. It's these heartfelt moments that make the celebration truly special.

Capture the Memories: Don't forget to take plenty of photos! Capture candid moments, group shots, and the joyous expressions on everyone's faces.

Saying Thank You

As the celebration comes to an end, don't forget to express your gratitude:

Thank the Restaurant: Extend you thanks to the staff for their service and hospitality. A little appreciation goes a long way.

Send Thank You Notes: After the party, send out thank-you notes or messages to your guests, expressing how much their presence meant to you.

In Conclusion

Throwing a birthday party at restaurants in Riccarton Road is a fantastic way to celebrate in style without the stress of hosting at home. The carefully curated ambiance, delectable cuisine, and professional service provide all the elements for an unforgettable celebration. 

So, the next time you're planning a birthday extravaganza, consider taking it to a restaurant, where you can dine, toast, and create cherished memories that will last a lifetime.

Source From: The Ultimate Guide to Throwing a Memorable Birthday Party at Restaurants

[akuzeisms]

   ⬐ @kenasakis ⬎

Aria T'Loak rolled her eyes as she considered the gift she had acquired for Shepard's birthday. It was a rare piece of artwork from the asari homeworld, Thessia. Aria had obtained it through a complicated series of negotiations and deals, but she couldn't help feeling that the gift was a bit too sentimental for her taste.

With the gift in hand, Aria composed a note to go along with it. She wrote:

"Commander Shepard,

I'm told it's your birthday. Congratulations, you managed to survive another year. You should consider yourself lucky, given the number of times you've stared death in the face.

As a gesture of my begrudging respect, I present to you this piece of asari artwork. It's rare and valuable, but don't let that fool you into thinking it's actually worth something. Frankly, I think it's a bit tacky, but I suppose it's the thought that counts.

Anyway, happy birthday. Don't get too drunk.

Sincerely, Aria T'Loak"

Even if Aria’s tastes weren’t sentimental, Katrina’s certainly were. It wasn’t hard to recognize what the painting was; a beautiful landscape, one she wished she’d seen before it was torn asunder by the Reapers. It was a landscape painted from the highest point in Armali; Liara had talked about the view once, but that wasn’t why it was so valuable. It was valuable because of who had painted it… and more specifically, whose favourite it had been.

Her old teacher, Iryna, had talked about the view; finding out that her biotic student was an artist had been a sort of… bonding experience with them. Iryna had talked about her own work, working with paints native to Thessia that would, occasionally, glow faintly because of the natural eezo present in them. She’d talked about how in her retirement, it had been the first piece she’d painted, and how it would always be her favourite. Kat was surprised it was intact; finding something like that was… difficult.

Setting it down carefully with a smile, Kat sat down at her terminal, a gentle smile on her face as she typed out a message back to her asari friend.

Aria,

I’d say I’m surprised you remembered that conversation, but at the same time I’m not. Iryna always talked about Armali fondly. The sunset reminds me of Mindoir, too. I miss it. I miss her, too. Trust me, this is far too valuable to sell, and there’s nothing tacky about it. Just have to decide on the right spot to hang it. Maybe by the piano.

That’s an empty warning, though. I can’t get drunk. But I promise I’ll come drink you under the table in the next few weeks. Or, if you want to pay a visit, you know I always keep your favourite on hand.

Thanks, - Kat

P.S.: I think we’re past formalities. Kat is fine.