#I apologize if this sounds pushy or blunt

[pointyfruit]

I'd like more people from different fandoms to follow me. More people could understand what I am talking about. If you like (preferably) more than one of these, hiiii! Helloooo :D Stay?

Cult of the lamb

FNAF

The DCA

The Amazing Digital Circus

Poppy playtime

Smiling critters

Undertale

I fluctuate between all of them frequently. The dca is the most prevalent. My fixation on Cult of the Lamb has peaked recently, though.

[brynnterpretations]

Hello! I hope you’re having a lovely day! I would like to ask for a ship request for my OC Magdalena (Maggie) with the Bowers Gang, please. She is a first-gen Mexican-American, 5’4”, with olive-toned skin and a curvier (mid-size) body. Her hair is dark brown, long, and fluffy, sort of like a lion’s mane, and her eyes are brown. She wears a lot of light colors, dainty floral prints, and feminine pieces, etc. Maggie gravitates more towards tank tops, dainty blouses, cardigans, skirts, dresses, loose-fitting jeans, flats, Mary Janes, and kitten heels. She is a very lively, friendly girl who cares for others more than she cares for herself. She uses humor and sarcasm to diffuse situations often. While she appears to be very easygoing, Maggie actually has very low self-esteem and bottles up her big emotions, which cause her to be very sensitive and defensive, making her especially catty and blunt during verbal arguments. Maggie was raised Catholic and is forced to act as the perfect, family-oriented, obedient daughter at home. She likes a wide variety of music, most notably Bananarama, Donna Summer, the Runaways, Dokken, Caifanes (Mexican goth rock band), TOTO, and the Beatles. Her hobbies include playing volleyball for the Derry High girls' team, sewing her own clothes (most of her closet is homemade), going to the record store, and nature walks in the woods or quarry whenever she has free time away from her family.

I apologize if I wrote too much. Thank you so much for taking the time to work on this. I truly appreciate your amazing work!

You didn't write too much at all! She sounds so interesting and if you write something with her I'd love it to be sent to me. Thank you for the kind words and sending this in!

I ship Maggie with...

Victor Criss

Maggie and Victor meet during fifth-period chemistry after being paired together as lab partners. Before then, the two hadn’t interacted much; while Victor always thought she was pretty, they ran in completely different social circles, so he didn’t know her well enough to form a romantic interest in her.

However, once they start working together, Victor falls — hard. He's very much attracted to soft, gentle, artistic types, and as he engages in polite small talk with her throughout their lessons, he becomes extremely interested in Maggie.

And, as much as Victor likes those aforementioned types, what he likes most is someone who has a bit going on in their lives, particularly because he can relate, and believes that the best relationships come through working through issues together. So, all in all: the guy's sold.

After learning more about her and taking her family life into account, Victor would ask her out in the most gentlemanly, Victor way by asking to meet her after class before laying the big question: "would you like to go on a date with me?"

The dates would be extremely thoughtful and sweet; the first date, Victor takes her to Derry's record store, and tries picking out records for her that she likes, learning her music taste in the process. While Vic has a pretty cut-and-dry post-punk music taste, he's extremely open-minded, and would make a point to listen to things she recommended.

As he learns her taste more, he makes her custom mixtapes, and will 100% jam out to Cafaines with her.

On that note, Victor is absolutely enthralled by her hobbies. While creative, he's not super crafty, and also... he is not a sporty person at all. He's very much blind to physical senses, so he loves watching her play, and finds a lot of joy and solace in being around her while she sews or goes on walks, even if the two aren't talking too much.

(Also, let's be real, Vic thinks she's really hot while playing volleyball).

Additionally, Vic would be pretty in-tune with the standards her family imposeds on her regarding religion. He grew up in a New-Age, spiritual household, and nobody can be blind to the effects of organized religion in Derry's heavily Catholic community. He wouldn't be pushy, but he'd definitely try to talk to her about her religion, home life, etc.

To that point, he knows what it's like to always have to be the "rock" for people, and while he doesn't have that gendered, religious aspect to his experiences, he understands that Maggie does, and he takes that very seriously.

Vic would be able to understand her insecurities, and would always put boundaries between people (*cough* Bowers and Hockstetter *cough*) and her. He specifically makes sure what is and isn't O.K. in the relationship (E.G. is it fine if he picks you up at your house? What compliments are O.K.? What compliments are not O.K.?) and is always very attentive to her.

However, the guy's a massive stoner, and will sometimes lose social awareness, which could possibly lead to discomforts in situations with other people; while he's Maggie's #1 guard dog and boundary-setter, when he's had two many hits of the penjamin, he goes into la-la land. I could imagine this causing some tension in the relationship, because he definitely would get too caught up in high-thoughts to realize what Patrick just said to Maggie, but not full-on arguments.

And, that brings us to the others boys. I’m going to be completely honest: Henry and Patrick are not good with people of color, particularly women of color. Patrick is more of a “casual” racist, who drops extremely offensive comments and "jokes" at the drop of a hat, while Henry… well, we know how he treated Mike.

So, Patrick would find every possible thing to say something offensive about when it comes to Maggie, whether it’s her heritage or her religion (and, since the ‘80s is when the priest scandals really started to hit mainstream, bro does not hold back). Henry, on the other hand, would probably not say much to her face, but make snide comments about her mixed ethnicity.

However, as he gets to know her more, he would warm up to her quite a bit. While I'd imagine Henry would say nasty things about Maggie concerning her heritage before her relationship with Vic — while they're in very different social circles, it's not hard to pick out a girl of color in a place like Derry — he would get at least ten shitty comments in.

I'm not gonna lie, the guy has two factors he uses to decide how awful he's going to be, and it's a) is she hot and b) is she the "standard woman": AKA quiet and likeable. If the answer is yes, he will somewhat cease his bigotry. On the outside, Maggie fits the "yes" to both, so she grows on him, and he would have at least one drunken bonding session with her.

That being said, as long as Vic isn't high as a kite, he will fight for Maggie. Our dude will go to war for Maggie. Even with the power dynamics in the group, Victor has made it clear he won't tolerate shit, and everyone respects that (even Hockstetter, in his own Hockstetter way, which... I mean, it's something, but he definitely still is a dick to her).

Belch, on the other hand, has a huge crush on Maggie. Like, huge. Embarrassingly huge. He tries his best to hide it, but he finds Maggie extremely sweet, funny, beautiful, and loves her taste in music — just because the guy's a metalhead doesn't mean he can't get down to some Beatles. Vic is his best friend in the group, so he tries not to let it show, but he always beams when he talks to her and makes an effort to be thoughtful, gentle, and kind to her.

All in all, while there are some canon-typical bumps (*more aggressive coughing* Patrick *even more aggressive coughing*), Victor and Maggie have a very good relationship, and the boys have accepted her (Belch especially). Have fun with them, Mags.

[annicaax]

Help! I have a new fave!!! PLUST's MIKOTO AMAMITSU

Mik's story was so good. Freakin hilarious and cute but also involved sentimental themes and emphasized on not giving up your dreams and aspirations. And how much it's comforting to work on your goals together with your partner/friends.

I love this title. It looks very promising so far. After reading Mikoto, I'd recommend it and the guy to everyone who has a similar taste. I'll list some of my forever favs (from Love 365) below so you'll know what I'm into.

MPD CTY, ASA, FILA, RMD, TLH... and PLUST (safe to add now. I think) So you can predict the themes I like now ;)

It took me 3hrs 47 min to binge Mikoto's story which I managed to do during different hours of the day. Spent about 240 hearts to unlock every heart choice and the SHE plus bonus track.

The art and the OST are gorgeous. I wish there's a steam release where I can buy the whole thing in one package with the OST. The OST is that good. It's so worth the effort (in reading a long story with a slow burn plot.)

(Oh this is a slow burn plot, mind you. And I love the stuff lol) The MC is fair enough. At times I cringed a bit, wondered why she wosn't protest when the guys casually get touchy with her. (Oh she does at times but she could grow more strong).

The fan service thing sounded unrealistic but it was still hilarious and cute. I was laughing falling in love not just with Mikoto but all the guys as a whole. They are all amazing. I think I'm gonna read every route. tho at present I have my eyes set on Mik, Wataru alone.

Guys like Claude aren't my type but I'm curious about him. I think Kotoha is a sweet guy, a tsundere. And Ryogo. Well I love childhood friend trouples so I'm gonna read his MS. He was super sweet in Mik story but the guy who stole the show (when it comes to side characters) was: Zeus.

The ThrOne guys. At first I didn't understand MC's obsession, specifically as they described the group is cold to its fans, but then I understood. That's not the scenario. Zeus has me very fascinated. I'll say I like him already. And his attachment to MC means we MAY get to see sparks flying between him and Mik. (I'd love to see Mik getting jealous haha)

Now I ramble about Mik here: Mikoto is a charmer but he's not overbearing or commanding. I only saw a trace of the pushy guys I played and liked in him. Just a trace. He apologizes when he's wrong. He thanks the MC. He encourages her!?

I expected Mikoto to be like Guy or more like Ikesen Nobunaga (both my faves) but he isn't.

Mik is so refreshing, so chill. Just like TLH Suzu was, captivating, with just one main story! He's blunt but not condescending. He's cheeky but with a sweet awkward side to him. He tries to shoulder his burden alone. The slow reveal of his true personality was a treat. I was rooting for him and MC! There were so many moments: them walking the ramp, rehearsing lines... Watching the show a pop star acted in, with the guy, and sharing a highfive? Haha. That's freakin cute. I love Mik and his Ducky.

So by the End of the SHE I'm super content and looking forward to MC and Mik's budding romance to blossom more. Which I expect to happen in MS 2. And anticipating more of the guys while hoping this title wouldn't take forever to get updated. (Well I understand making games isnt easy. I'm willing to wait tbh. But I see some title updates getting rolled out quickly, so)

Ugh! I went into rant mode there. Will post more content tomorrow. (Not much tho and not many spoilers. Don't wanna hit the game's earnings coz... well that's what I do. Be moderate. I think nicely done posts/shared stuff actually boost sales and earn more fans. THAT is what I try to do on my blog. Share. Share. But be nice.)

[cygniavenue]

I’d send a request but I’ve already sent one.

hey anon i know you probably didn’t intend to sound pushy but please don’t do stuff like this :/ to me or to other artists

i have multiple anons in my ask box as well so this still doesn’t clarify anything?

if i had more time and energy to draw i would get to every request but unfortunately i don’t have much of either of those things so i just pick req that pique my interest. i don’t mean any ill intent by not doing every single one of them but i draw purely as a hobby so i’m going to pick prompts i enjoy the most. also gentle reminder (for everyone) that i do this completely for free, i don't take commissions as of now, and just because you requested something doesn’t mean i owe you art.

again, apologies if you didn’t intend to sound that way, i am neurodivergent and sometimes misinterpret things, but this did come off as pretty blunt and a little impolite :c

[xpeachesncream]

bands | sixteen

[ series masterlist ]

summary: jeon jungkook has it all: the looks, the fame, the money, the women. being considered the sexiest man in the industry, he finds no complaints about the way his life is going nor does he find any reason to apologize for the way he approaches it. he is a force to be reckoned with - until he meets you.

pairing: stripper!reader x idol!jjk

genre: (18+) strip club/nightlife au, post grad au | fluff, angst, smut

words: 5.0k

warnings: cussing, mature language/implied sexual content, angst, anxiety, alcohol consumption, slight intoxication, physical abuse, slight verbal abuse, belittling, mentions of cuts/wounds but nothing too graphic, mentions of coke

tags: @brightcolorsoffendme @min-nicoleee @eggbutnotyolk @ra-mun-e @miinoongi @jimidol @ppeachyttae @thebeebi @bluesharksandfish @kooafraid @liriaus @thisartemisnevermisses @ggukkieland @preciouschimine @sunniejinnie @cypheruby @cyb3rbab3 @masterlists101 @awhnamjoon @redhedhoseok @wooya1224 @taeismydeath​ @jikookiekosmos​ @un2-verse​ @aynsx​ @wearenot7withu​ @knjeuphoria​ @bringitseijoh​ (closed!)

Jungkook laid on the dorm couch, legs sprawled out as he wore his hood and covered his face as much as possible. He shut his eyes, trying to make sense of the cryptic texts you had sent him.

"We shouldn't do this anymore."

"I can't do this, Jungkook."

"You don't deserve this."

"I'm only trouble."

"We aren't going to work."

He repeatedly called you, asking for an explanation, a way to help make things better because none of this should have been the reason for you to want to call it 'quits' like that. He asked for you to talk to him. He'd call and after two rings, it'd bring him straight to voicemail. It never failed. Indeed, there was much more to the text but he only fixated on a few lines, and those few lines seem to be circling his head time and time again with no sign of leaving him alone.

"I think I'm falling in too deep and I need to stop this while I can. You hear them, you hear the shit they say. I would never let them ruin you, I don't want them to. You deserve better. Maybe it's true that I don't fit into this."

It frustrates him, every single time. Where the hell did he go wrong? Why was there a sudden change? Something was off, and god forbid if his assumptions were right. But, everything was leading right back to it. The way you called in sick, the way you shut everyone out. The way you texted him these things, wouldn't pick up his calls just to tell him you're busy or whatever the hell it was. It didn't sound like you. It didn't seem like you at all.

All things led right back to the club. To Bigs. Where you felt high and mighty. Wanted. Like no one could ever hurt you the way they did outside of the club because they worshipped you in there. They knelt down to you. The way you were so fucking tough there. He knew this is where you would fall back if things got rough. He couldn't help but think that you had been forced into it though, because he knew you didn't give a shit about that anymore. Ah well, forced or not, it just felt so off. Unusual.

"Hey." Namjoon sits on the floor near Jungkook's head. "You good?" He asks even though he's fully aware he's not. Joon hates those people who ask if something's wrong when clearly, something is wrong — however, he wasn't really sure how else to open up this conversation without coming off too pushy or forward. Too insensitive, even.

"Nope."

"What's going on?" Jungkook sighs as he tries to lower his hood even more, although there's no more of his hood to lower. He keeps his hand on his face, trying his hardest to keep himself together.

"I don't know." Now, going back to earlier — everyone can tell Jungkook isn't happy. They've tried to butter him up and make him feel better even though they knew you were the only person who could truly make him happy again. They've tried to talk to him in one way or another, but they never forced him if he didn't want to. The only person that really hasn't said much was Jimin, and that also pisses him off because if he had anything to do with this, he will surely fuck him up for ruining his happiness.

"You hear from Y/N? She still sick? Does she need anything?"

"She's not sick."

"Hm?" Joon slightly turns back, confused.

"Something else is wrong."

"Like what?"

"She's not picking up my calls. Not answering my texts the way she normally does. When she does, it's super blunt or one worded."

"Maybe she's really not feeling well, or just caught up with things—"

"No, hyung. I know her, she always has her priorities straight. Even if she was sick, she wouldn't do this. She wouldn't go as far as to shutting her own brother out."

"Idol life too overwhelming? I get it." Jimin jokes as he walks into the kitchen, making Jungkook shoot his head up to glare at him.

"The fuck, can you not? I don't see why you feel the need to joke around right now."

"Jeez, sorry. I just thought I'd lighten up the mood somehow."

"Come on, dude." Namjoon looks at him with disappointment, Jimin only returning the gesture by rolling his eyes and walking away. "How can I help you?" Joon asks, returning his attention back to Jungkook.

"Maybe I was being selfish bringing her into all of this. These people— they're fucking mean, and she's already had her fair share of dealing with mean people. How am I supposed to protect her all while not feeling selfish about it?"

"You're not selfish, who told you that?"

"Jimin." That's like strike.. whatever to Namjoon at this point. Why the hell was Jimin being so fucking weird?

"Look, I know it's not easy in this industry. But I think what you can do is prove to her that you won't hurt her, especially with everyone around her doing nothing but hurting her. You need to show her that you're different from the rest of them, that she can fully trust you. If I were in her shoes, to be honest, it would be scary for me. You got a whole lot of shit going on in your life. You're expected to provide a lot, and on top of that, you haven't had the best reputation with women."

"Yeah, I hear you."

"Then, nothing else matters. You keep fighting for her if she really matters to you. Does she?"

"Of course she does, I mean, can't you tell? I've never been this way over someone." Joon nods.

"You sure as fuck haven't. It still catches me and the guys by surprise. But, I'm happy to see someone helping you become a better person. She's been nothing but genuinely sweet, and I know she already does a hell of a job taking care of you."

"She's— I don't know. She's become so important to me."

"I know she has, and I'm happy to hear that. I really am." Joon sighs. "So tell me, what can I do? I hate seeing you like this."

"Well, I'm sure as hell not allowed at the club. Bigs will do anything to get back at me for what I did to him. He won't hesitate."

"I won't let him. We won't. You really think she went back?" Jungkook nods.

"Positive. Something doesn't feel right. It feels weird. And I feel like she was egged into this. I don't like it one bit."

"Want me to go check out the club tonight?"

"Yeah, please?" Jungkook says. "But don't be too obvious. Bring Jin hyung or someone who could use a lap dance or two."

"Sooo Jin hyung?" They chuckle.

"Yeah, exactly."

"And if she's there?"

"Then I'm going straight to her tomorrow night. I just need to make sure I do this right because I don't want her or Kai to get hurt. I'll stay out there if I have to just to make sure she doesn't go back. What else do I have to do—" Jungkook pauses to stop himself because this clearly wasn't you. He sighs and pinches the bridge of his nose. "Who the fuck made her do this?"

"Bigs, who else?"

"No, she wouldn't listen to just Bigs. He's definitely working with someone and using shit against her."

"Okay, let's just not assume the worst. I'll head there tonight and drag Jin hyung with me."

"Thanks hyung, I really appreciate it."

"No problem." Joon gently massages his shoulder before getting up from his spot to make his way back to his room.

All Jungkook can think about doing is sleeping more right now. He'll send the occasional text to check on Kai and see how he was doing, but they both worried too much about you and Jungkook would hate to tell him that you ended up going back to the club. He didn't think he would tell him, he didn't think he'd have to because he was gonna make sure to get you out of there before shit hit the roof again. If it hasn't already, and he's hoping it hasn't.

And so when Namjoon and Jin hyung [obviously in need of that lap dance or two] head out to the club, Jungkook stays in his dorm room, suddenly feeling the adrenaline rushing through his body even though he can't do shit besides sit here and wait. He goes through the random pictures he's taken of you - the cute, candid photos he had of you, the cute candid photo of you as his lock screen. He deletes all the texts in his inbox even though he knows it might have been a little late. It honestly hasn't mattered to him in such a long time, but he just never got around to wiping his inbox clean since he was so caught up with you - his baby.

"Is this going to turn into some kind of action movie? We bust through the doors, take down all the guards and steal Y/N?"

"No, hyung. Jesus. Do you forget you're an idol? That's probably the very last thing we should do."

"So, what do we do?"

"We just walk in there like we normally do?"

"Boring."

"Plus, we can't have Bigs onto us like that. We have to act like we don't know anything."

"Do you really think he's using something against her?"

"I don't know. I have to be honest though, I think Jimin's involved."

"W-what?" Jin says, furrowing his brows. "No, he can't be."

"Trust me. He always acts so weird around her, and he's probably the one person who hasn't taken this as seriously. He hasn't said anything to Jungkook."

"But why though?"

"I don't know, beats me. I just don't think he respects her. Or, likes her. Whatever it is."

"She hasn't done anything to him though."

"That makes it worse, doesn't it?"

"How could you be so sure?"

"Look hyung, I'm not. I just think he's involved. My gut says so. We'll find out whether I'm right or not, right?"

"I hope you aren't. That'll really mess Kookie up."

"Well. I love him, but he'll have to learn the hard way for butting into someone else's business like that. No matter what the reason is." Namjoon parks the car and fixes his rolled up sleeves before adjusting the Rolex on his wrist. He looks at Jin once more, nodding in approval once they both feel like they've fixed themselves enough to look presentable, not questionable.

Meanwhile, you had just finished up your time on stage so you headed to the back to take a break. Bigs hadn't given you the option to secure private bookings knowing damn well there would be opportunity for Jungkook and some of his boys to slip through and try to work their magic in private. As much as possible, you were just trying to protect Jungkook, even though you knew he wouldn't back down without a fight. You knew Bigs wasn't all that tough, but right now, he seemed to hold a lot of power with Jimin being on his team. And you knew damn well it was Jimin all along. Did you have concrete evidence? No. But your gut feeling might as well be enough with the way he talks to you. Why else would Bigs all of a sudden feel all mighty? Bigs had threatened Jungkook and your brother enough to keep your mouth shut. Enough to keep your attitude level at a 0.

The scene played in your head over and over again—

"I gave you a better life, you ungrateful piece of shit. You do as I say and your little Jungkook and your little Kai won't get hurt. You think I'm scared of them, sweetie? You think I'm scared of you? Your stepfather don't give a damn about you two. I can easily send my men down to do their magic, especially after how Jungkook treated me. Is that how he repays me after all the special treatment I've given him?" Mr. Bigs hunched over you. "You two wanna play me like a fool, I'll show you two what it's like to be played like a fool." He pulled on your hair before aggressively releasing and spitting to the side.

There was no way they would get dragged into this. Not anymore. They didn't deserve to be included in this no matter what it was.

Boy, did you miss Jungkook. Everything about him. It took everything in you not to come running back. It took everything in you not to answer those calls or texts like you normally would.

You chose him, every single time. You wish he knew that. Him and Kai.

You sighed, sipping on the flask you snuck in. The alcohol relieving you of any pain, helping you feel numb as the night goes on. You didn't want to feel tonight, you just didn't. Why would you, when everything had just been hurting you lately?

You had just finished dancing out on the main stage, throwing your ass back to some Megan and Cardi. A few other dancers were gathered at a vanity, sneakily sniffing lines of coke while Bigs and his men were busy paroling the main stage.

"You want some of this, sis? In celebration of you coming back?" One of the other dancers smirks at you. You simply shake your head no and return to the flask in your hand.

"I'm good, thank you."

"Alright, well it's here if you want it. Just let me know, babe." Her and the other dancers go back to their business on the vanity. However, another dancer continues to eye you, sympathy filling her expression as she approaches you while you sip on your flask once more. You were starting to feel pretty tipsy again, hoping you could just hide out in the back 'till the very end of your shift.

"Y/N." She says, her hand gently on your arm. "You okay?"

"I'm good." You purse your lips together to prevent yourself from tearing up. Those words were triggering for you because you were not okay, whatsoever.

"Why did you come back, babe?" She genuinely asks, worried about you. "Did Bigs do something?"

"No." You lied. "Things just didn't work out elsewhere I guess, and I need money."

"Didn't work out? I saw the way Jungkook handled Bigs that night." If anything, she was probably the one dancer who paid attention to the environment around her. Everyone else was oblivious to the shit that's been happening and that's because they didn't give a fuck about anyone else. Her stage name was Trixie, but her real name was Miki. She too didn't really enjoy being here but her parents talked so much about how she was useless and couldn't make it out in the world, especially as a vlogger. She loved it. She loved being in front of the camera and talking to the world thru the lens. But her parents thought it was dumb— that she was dumb for even wanting to grow a career online like that. Besides all of it, she remained sweet, and she was always super nice to you. You wouldn't be surprised if she knew about you and Jungkook, and you honestly wouldn't have a problem with it. She never treated you wrong. She knew Bigs had a tendency to overstep and abuse the power he had with his status and his money. However, she knew he was a big coward and that he was all talk, no play — especially if it was outside of the club. He may be a big honcho here, but outside, he had no chance. And she couldn't wait until the day he'd get his for all the mess he's caused.

"Yeah well, things happen." She shakes her head.

"Y/N, you can talk to me. Look, as much as I love seeing your face, you have so much potential. You don't deserve to be stuck here. Let me help you figure this out."

"I'm okay, Miki. Thank you, though." She nods, not wanting to press you any further.

"Well, I'm here for you." She gives your arm one good squeeze before walking off.

Eventually, the rest of the dancers retreat back out onto the floor, leaving you to hide away in the back room as long as possible — which is why Namjoon can't get a glimpse of you anywhere out in the main area. Bigs is actually a little taken aback to see both him and Jin walking through the club, even after everything that has gone down. But hey, business is business— and if they weren't gonna cause any trouble, so be it. He knows though, he knows full well there's a possibility they're here for you.

"Boys! Long time no see!" He greets them, Joon and Jin giving him a toothless smile in return. "How've you been? What brings you in?"

"Mr. Bigs." Namjoon says, smoothing down his shirt. "Ah, we're good, just getting busy prepping for the tour. Wanted to take a little breather tonight."

"Well, I'm glad you guys came here to do so. Can I get you two anything to drink?" The both of them shake their heads. "Anything to help relieve that stress?"

"We're good, thanks. Just gonna sit out on the floor for a bit."

"You two let me know if there's anything I can do for you, at all." Bigs smiles at them as he begins to watch them walk away. "Make sure she's covered." Bigs slightly turns his head to speak through the headset mic, alerting his men to keep an eye out. He thinks he's said it low enough so that Jin and Namjoon don't hear, but Jin catches the movement in his peripherals, causing him to pinch Joon's bicep.

"Back room." Jin says, subtly nodding towards the backroom as he keeps his gaze out on the main stage and adjusts his tie. Namjoon looks around to see Bigs has welcomed himself to the other side of the club, speaking to a few customers, looking distracted.

"I'm gonna go see if I can talk to her."

"Talk?! You said we were just scoping her out. Don't cause any trouble, Namjoon-ah. Please."

"Oh, now you suddenly don't want this action movie to come alive?! You sure were talking a whole lot about it in the car."

"Since when do you even take me seriously?!"

"I always take you seriously, hyung!"

"How about you just sneak towards the back door and get her attention? You said we can't go all out like that!"

"There's guards there too."

"Look, I just don't want you or Y/N to get hurt. Maybe we should just lay low and figure out how we can approach this better."

"Hey, can I get you two anything?" Miki interrupts, fully aware of who they are and what they're here for.

"No, sweetie. Thank you." Jin responds, flashing his 100-watt smile.

"You looking for Y/N?"

"Depends who's asking?" Namjoon says, trying to keep his guard up.

"Look, I'm not gonna rat you out if that's what you think." She puts her hand on her hip, tray still balancing on her free hand. "She's in the backroom. But there's no way you can get to her. Bigs is watching her for whatever reason."

"Yeah, we're aware. Can you send her a message for me?"

"Sure. You have 10 seconds though or else Bigs is gonna be onto you." She points towards Bigs slowly making his way back.

"Just tell her that Jungkook is worried about her and wants to help. Or, we want to help. We just wanna know what's going on."

"I'll try, but she didn't let up when I asked earlier."

"Thanks." Joon sighs.

"Shoo, I'll find you guys around." She says, sneakily walking off towards the bar with her empty tray as Bigs starts to eye the main floor. Jin and Namjoon welcome themselves to a seat on the side of the stage, acting normal as possible by throwing bills onto the stage for the dancers. Miki tends to her customers before she's setting her tray down and pretending to take a cigarette from her bra to take a quick "break." She heads to the back to see you still sitting at your vanity, head resting against the palm of your hand.

"Babe." You turn to look at her, eyes slightly glossed over.

"Hm?"

"RM and Jin are here. They said they want to help you, and if you can tell them anything, that's all they'd want."

"Miki—"

"Girl, look. Don't let this man keep running your life like this. I don't care what he said or did, this isn't you. You need to get out of here and you need to let people in. People who genuinely care about you." You sigh.

"How is that possible when Jungkook's own bestfriend doesn't even like me? And ontop of that, Bigs even dragged my little brother and my evil ass stepfather into this. I can't let anything happen to him, he's the only thing I have."

"I get that, and I'm sure Jungkook will do whatever it takes to protect you both. Why are RM and Jin here then? Whatever Jungkook's other friend's issue is, he needs to figure it out. It's obviously his own problem, something he created himself for no reason."

"I know he's helping Bigs keep me away from Jungkook. All the hurtful shit in the media, all the shit he's been tossing in my face. Whatever, I get it. He wins. I don't belong."

"Don't say that."

"It's true, and I know even if I chose Jungkook, he'd choose his bestfriend over me. Why would he go against that? They've been together for so long. I'm a fucking nobody." Miki knows this is all the alcohol running through your veins, but at least now, she knows Bigs isn't doing this on his own [as she assumed, he's a fucking pussy for the most part - he's a pussy who got handsy with the dancers cause that's all he can do to feed his ego].

"I don't think that's true, and I don't think it's a fair assumption when he's stayed by your side, hasn't he? He hasn't given up on you." She says before walking out. Really, things were just completely scrambled in your head. Just fucked up. Your questions, your uncertainty was strong enough to pull you towards the negative - the what if's, the assumptions, the rumors, the shit-talking. After all that, the positives were dim.

Miki grabs her tray and serves the first couple of customers in dire need of their drinks before she heads over to Jin and Namjoon to spill the information she received from that conversation.

"She won't budge. It sounds like a lot of this shit talking got to her head, so she came back to make herself feel better but then Bigs ended up turning this around on her, threatening Jungkook and her brother. If I were you, I'd get Jungkook to her before she can even come back here. Make sure her brother is with him too. Bigs is all talk but being the guys that you are — I wouldn't take any chances to ruin your reputation and all that." She smacks on her gum. "And I hate to tell you this, but one of your little friends has been working with Bigs. I don't know who, but you better let that little shit know he was wrong for getting in her head like that. She deserves way better." She says with a punch of attitude before walking away.

"Jimin?" Jin mouths out to Namjoon, who only shrugs in response.

"Let's go." Namjoon tosses a couple of more bills before they head out.

"Have a good evening, boys." Bigs yells out, causing the two of them to return a tight-lipped smile.

"Are we going to tell Kookie about Jimin?"

"No? Because we don't even know ourselves. His name was never dropped, and we'll look dumb if we acted on assumptions."

"This is so fucked up." Jin sighs, looking out the window.

"You're telling me."

When they finally arrive back at the dorm, Namjoon and Jin find Jungkook pacing around in his room, tossing a rubber ball against the wall to keep himself occupied. His doe eyes dart over to them, letting the ball drop to the floor while he nervously walks closer to them.

"So?"

"I'm sorry, dude." Joon sighed. "From what it sounds like, all this mess just got to her head so she went back to the club to make herself feel better. But Bigs ended up bringing you and her brother into the situation so, I'm assuming she's distancing herself to protect you in some way?" Namjoon runs his hand through his hair. "Honestly, I really don't know, that's as much as we got."

"We didn't even talk to her or see her, some other dancer helped us out. I guess she's a friend of hers? Or maybe she just likes Y/N. She wanted to help." Jin says.

"Fuck!" Jungkook groans, slamming his hand down onto his bed. "Why couldn't she just talk to me? We could have figured this out."

"Look, I'm sure there's a lot more to it and I'm sure it's difficult for her. Promise me you'll hear her out when you see her."

"I mean, yeah I know, I will. But, how did this get to her head so easily? I really can't wrap my head around it, I—" He catches how tense Joon and Jin suddenly get. He watches them nervously looking at each other, making him cock his head to the side and furrow his brows. "Wait, what is it? You know something else, don't you?"

"I mean there's really no concrete facts behind it so we can't necessarily say it's true."

"Well?" Jungkook asks, his fists clenched so tightly his knuckles are turning white. But, before they could go any further, Jungkook's ringtone echos in the room. He quickly turns in case it's you calling, but he picks up anyway because it's someone equally as important.

"Kai?"

"C-can you come pick me up? My sister isn't picking up. I'll send you Eric's address." Jungkook worries when he hears the shakiness in his voice, his tone low to a whisper.

"Yeah, sit tight. I'll be right there." He hangs up, darting out of his room, Namjoon and Jin following after him.

"Where are you going?"

"I need to get to Kai."

"Let us come with!"

"Look, it'll be quicker if I go myself—"

"Jungkook-ah, stop. We're not gonna let you go alone." Joon and Jin make it just in time to join him in the elevator, heading straight for his car even if it's nearing 1am. Jungkook pulls up Kai's location, pressing on the gas to rush over there just in case Kai was hurt. And yes, Jungkook was going to give it to your fucking stepfather if he sees anything on Kai. He will fucking destroy him, he promises.

Jungkook, Namjoon and Jin walk into the house quietly, seeing Kai putting his finger up to his lips when he meets them near the kitchen.

"What happened?" Jungkook whispers, handing his bags over to Namjoon and Jin. Jungkook looks at the small hint of blood pooling near his nostrils and the cut near his eyebrow.

"I'll explain in the car, can you just take me to—"

"Really? Calling your sister's boyfriend and his friends over to save you? You really are a helpless little shit." Namjoon, Jin and Jungkook are all shielding each other and Kai from Eric, Jungkook's blood boiling seeing him standing there, clearly very drunk and not in the right state of mind.

"Aye, don't fucking talking to him like that." Jungkook's spits out, making Eric laugh.

"First you fall for my slut of a daughter, now you help rescue him? I thought you were so much better than that, Jungkook. You aren't the person people portrayed you to be. Shittiest idol I know. All of you."

"You don't know me." Eric snorts.

"You guys do know I help sponsor your shit right? I play a big role for you, don't come into my house acting like—" He slurs his words.

"Yeah, well fuck the contract." Namjoon's jaw clenches. "Better yet, don't fucking worry about it, I'll make sure to take care of it for you."

"You need me." Eric says, almost at a growl.  "You need me and Bigs—"

"Since when?" Namjoon responds in a mocking manner as he begins to usher Jin, Jungkook and Kai towards the front door. "If you wanna send your people over, you can let them know I'm free tomorrow in the late afternoon. I'll be more than happy to tell 'em what kind of sick person you are."

"You can't just take him—" Eric tries to flip the script, obviously unaware that Kai has already turned 18. He grips onto Kai's arm and tries to pull him back, except he's intoxicated, so Jungkook easily pushes him off. He watches as Eric hits a bar stool, stumbling over himself before he drunkily falls on his ass.

"You're such a sad excuse of a stepfather, you aren't even aware he's 18 already. He doesn't need you." Jungkook scoffs. "I'm gonna send people for the rest of Kai's shit tomorrow. And let's get this straight - we never needed you or Bigs. You both aren't shit without us and yout fucking empire thrives because of us. And if you do anything to Y/N, if you even think about working with Bigs on doing anything to her, I fucking promise you I will bury you alive. I won't stop until you have nothing left. Don't underestimate me."

everybody's angry and they're coming for me, but i can't give them energy that i won't receive; so i brush 'em off, i got a lot on my sleeve, like i'm moving backwards, but it's all on repeat; this place is getting crowded, i got no room to breathe

track twelve: hundred - khalid

[ji-yaaan]

Anonymous asked:

Hello! I like your blog and the little comments here and there makes me laugh at times hehe ^^ May I request headcanons for Vil, Leona, Mal, and Floyd reactions and what they'll do to reconcile w/ the reader after a very hearted argument to which Reader may have said "I hate you" before storming out. Would they wait for a bit? A few days or hours? Or would they be upfront with their apology immediately? Reader also apologizes at the end, crying slightly if that's okay. If you notice me, thanks! 

°•°•𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐇𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐌𝐞?•°•°•

HC's with: Leona, Vil, Floyd, and Malleus.

Note: Ofc, I was late yet again. Pls forgive me dear sir... And ofc tumblr hates me so it won't cooperate! Drafts got deleted 3 times.... so if it somehow becomes inconsistent... I DEEPLY APOLOGIZE! STONE ME GENTLY! anyways, i hope you enjoy this, actually no, I beg that you enjoy this?! Idk lololololololololol.

[𝚈𝚘𝚞𝚛 𝚝����𝚊 𝚑𝚊𝚜 𝚏𝚒𝚗𝚊𝚕𝚕𝚢 𝚋𝚛𝚎𝚠𝚎𝚍? 𝙸𝚍𝚔 𝚕𝚘𝚕]

°•°•°•𝙇𝙚𝙤𝙣𝙖 𝙆𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙨𝙘𝙝𝙤𝙡𝙖𝙧 •°•°•°

“I HATE YOU!” with bits of tears in your eyes, you slammed the door shut behind you leaving Leona dumbfounded all by himself.

You hate him?You hate him!?!? Is that like for real??? He’ll scratch the back of his head in shame of pushing things too far to the point you were in tears.

But what can he do? His pride caught the best of him and he acted rash in the heat of the moment. This prideful lion just doesn’t know when to shut up smh.ಥ‿ಥ

He’ll try to remember when did everything started to go wrong, but he'll just get more and more guilty the more he thinks about it.

“Tchhhh... I messed up big time...”

It's not his style to give up easily, but his mind was set in a frenzy the moment he thinks about you leaving him.

A day without you started to become dull and boring the moment he grew fond of you. So it somehow became a habit of his to constantly seek you unconsciously. Whether it's a whiff of your scent, your voice ringing in the hallways, even the sound of your footsteps is something he could easily recognize.

But now that the two of you fought, this lion will find any way possible to avoid you seeing him.

Yeah... it will probably take a while for him to apologize...(꒦ິ⌓꒦ີ)

But when the time does come, expect Leona to prepare a simple yet sincere apology.

“Oi herbivore... Sorry about the other day ok? I missed my pillow for a while now...I lose...”

Simple yet sincere :') The prideful arrogant lion somehow learned to apologize despite his ego way ahead of him. He can't stand the thought of loosing you ok? (｡•́︿•̀｡)

°•°•°•°•𝙑𝙞𝙡 𝙎𝙘𝙝𝙤𝙚𝙣𝙝𝙚𝙞𝙩•°•°•°•°•

“VIL STOP IT! I hate this! I hate everything! I hate you!” you quickly ran away to the door as vil stood in his spot stupefied.

You hate him? You hate the Vil Schoenheit himself?Then so be it...

Vil is basically pissed and angry™. Moreover, you had the guts and audacity to tell him you hate him. His pride was shattered in front of him. And he's not happy about that (꒦ິ⌓꒦ີ)

Nope. Nah. Never. He's not apologizing anytime sooner now. He'll be waiting for that spicy well deserved apology you have for him...

He'll try his best to avoid you and give you the sassy cold shoulder treatment™. It will probably last for a few days or maybe a week. He has his pride y’know?

Not until he hears a muffled sob in the hallways and realized it was your voice. You looked visibly upset and sad as you cried your heart out, all alone in the empty hallways.

Oh no... What did he do? Was his nagging that bad? Did he take it too far with the makeovers? Guilt ate his soul away as he tried to sort out his thoughts with the clear image of your crying face embedded in his mind.

“Okay... Maybe I did take it a little too far...”

Making up his mind, Vil will try to make everything set for tomorrow and apologize to you to fix this feud  you both have. ( ╹▽╹ )

When classes are over and the two of you finally get to be alone, Vil will try to straighten this misunderstanding now! ( ꈍᴗꈍ)

“Hey Y/n I just want to tell you... I'm sorry.” “Vil I'm so sorry for the other day!-”

The both of you stared at each other with shock... Did the both of you just say sorry at the same time?

“Pfffttttt-” The both of you laugh from how hilarious this moment was. It felt as if the fight you had didn't happened at all. (人 •͈ᴗ•͈)

“Y/n I'm sorry... I took it too far with what I do without asking your opinion first...”

“Yeah... I'm sorry I lashed out at you too... That was petty...”

Vil will definitely make a million dollar once in a lifetime seen smile, so you better treasure this rare sight!!!(｡•̀ᴗ-)✧

“No more fighting, okay? ”

•°•°•°•��•𝙁𝙡𝙤𝙮𝙙 𝙇𝙚𝙚𝙘𝙝•°•°•°•°•°

“Floyd I hate you!” you slammed your way out of the table, running away from Floyd.

Angering Floyd was not the brightest Idea in the book. His infamous “bad moods” was not something anyone would like to experience. But somehow, he was really pushy and annoying today and you were fed up with it.

“Ahhhh~ Koebi-chan hates me now? what do I do?”

Thankfully, Floyd wasn’t really angry, though he was sad and heart broken that his favorite person said they hated him.(╥╭╮╥)

Floyd is an impulsive boi, so he might secretly follow you to see your face or something lol.

Ofc, Knowing Floyd, he’d definitely skip classes and skip his job at the Mostro Lounge  due to his mood swings. Ofc, a certain octoboi wasn’t really happy with this.

Azul will probs tell Jade to help out his brother or something, lol Azul be secretly worrying for the two of you loooool.

However, with the help of Jade, the mushroom eel himself, he can guide his brother to make up with you!!!

Thank god mushroom eel is here to save the day! ( ´◡‿ゝ◡`)

A fight with Floyd won’t really last long. Because Floyd being Floyd, he’ll naturally come to you like nothing ever happened! That’s why you have to be patient and understanding when it comes to Floyd ok?

With the biggest hug from behind you. There was a cute eel boi that has come to ambush you with love!

“Shrimppy! Don’t avoid meeee! I miss you so much so hang out with me at the Mostro Lounge againnn!”

Floyd is not really good with his words nor his apologies. Though, his blunt and honest demeanor is definitely one of his charming points!!!! (☆▽☆)

“Shrimpy! I have some takoyaki with me! let’s share them together ok?!”

Ugh, Floyd is too cute... It would be a capital sin to not forgive him and decline his offer! Tsk I’m watching you, you better accept that apology!

•°•°•°•𝙈𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙪𝙨 𝘿𝙧𝙖𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙞𝙖•°•°•°

“MALLEUS I HATE YOU!”

Shock. Pure shock. You hate him? The last thing Malleus wants is to hurt your feelings. In his eyes, humans are delicate and vulnerable beings, so he tries his best to protect you and treat you with utter delicacy. Yet it seems as if he failed to do that...

Just before you slam the door behind you and escape this fight, a hand grabs your wrist in attempts to stop you. Nonetheless you still make your way out, leaving Malleus standing there alone.

Malleus was deeply hurt and sorry for making you sad and angry. His heart was shattered with the thought of you leaving him, someone who made their way this close to his heart, someone he cherishes deeply.

But this fight wont really last long because Malmal would definitely try and apologize as quickly as possible!(ᓀ˵▾˵ᓂ)

Malleus is the soft type of person and I feel like he’d give up easily if it was you lol.(｡•́︿•̀｡)

Even if his apology was heard but not accepted, he’d gladly say his sorry no matter how much time and patience it will take, just for you to forgive him.༎ຶ‿༎ຶ

He’ll try to give you and Hour or two to clear your mind, then he’ll apologize!

Standing in front of your room, he’ll knock lightly at the door in front of him... No answer... So you’re still mad huh?

Leaning his forehead at the door, He’ll try to talk to you in hope for you to come out of your room. But nahhh, no signs of you leaving your room soo (´°̥̥̥̥̥̥̥̥ω°̥̥̥̥̥̥̥̥｀)

He’ll mutter apologies after another just in case you hear them :’D

“Y/n I’m sorry for hurting your feelings earlier... that was rash of me to say, so I truly apologize... I hope my feelings reach you.”

Hearing his voice, it would prolly sound as if he’s ready to cry any moment by now. You’d be a monster if you don’t forgive this fae cutie!!!(┛◉Д◉)┛彡┻━┻

When you finally come out of the door to see him. I bet you he’s moment away from his tear dripping down. Ó╭╮Ò

“You’re not mad now right? Then is it fine to ask if we eat some ice cream later?”

You bet that Malleus would give you the biggest  cheeriest grin in the entire world! oh the things you keep doing to him never surprises him. Pls dont leave this cinnamon roll or else-

That's it cuties! I need to sleep now- my classes are thriving, but I'm not!!!

God, school stuff are taking away my precious freedom and time for writing smh.

Oh god, I'm ranting again... What's new? AHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH

Anyways, I need to woosh now and I hope you enjoyed this one!!!

[curls-cat]

for @grimmtober day 14: firepit!

~~

“Are you in love with my mom?” Natalie asks, blunt as she always is.

Goldie stops for a second and stares at Natalie. She blinks a few times, blushes a deep deep red. Opens her mouth to answer, closes it, opens it again.

“Yes, then,” Natalie says, smugly satisfied.

Goldie’s blush deepens.

And, yes, okay, it’s true. But  that doesn’t mean anything, in the long run. Goldie was in love with Henry, after all. Goldie grew up for Henry, knew him and grew with him for over a decade, and that didn’t change anything. Neither will this. Being in love with Beauty is a thing, and it’s a thing that makes up part of her life, but it’s not everything.

“You should talk to her.” Natalie nods across the yard, where Beauty is poking ineffectually at the fire with a long stick.

“We’ve been talking,” Goldie says. “How else do you think she ended up bringing you to a cookout with me and the Bears?

Mama Bear comes out at that moment and, in a language Natalie and Goldie both speak but Beauty very much does not, says, “Ask the woman out, my golden girl.”

Goldie feels herself go flaming red all over again, and she looks anywhere but at Beauty, jumping back from the fire with a yelp as a log shifts and sends up a shower of sparks.

“Come on,” Natalie pushes. “She talks about you all the time.”

“She does?” G-d, she sounds like a teenager with a crush, begging Jake for all the details about Hank all over again. She was too old for it then, and she’s too old in both senses for that kind of behavior now.

“She thinks you’re pretty, and she thinks you’re a good role model for me, and she’s glad I have an adult that speaks animal that I can talk to, and she wants you to cook for us every night.” Natalie is pulling Goldie towards the fire now, a s’more in one hand and Goldie’s elbow in the other. She’s not tugging all that hard, but Goldie feels drawn inexorably after her anyway.

“None of that means she likes me!” Goldie whisper-wails.

“Come on,” Natalie says. “Just ask her out! It’s not like you two don’t spend half your free time together anyway!”

Before Goldie knows it, she’s been deposited on a wicker love seat next to Beauty.

“Is she bothering you?” Beauty asks, looking at her daughter suspiciously.

Goldie laughs, because even though Natalie is being pushy, she’s never a bother. She’s a sweet girl, and Goldie could spend a million hours with her and not get annoyed. “Of course not.”

“Good,” Beauty says, watching Natalie walk back across the yard to start roughousing with Baby Bear.

They sit in silence for a long time, just watching. Mama and Papa Bear are inside, cooking.

It’s nice, with the fire. Summer is close to ending, and the air at their back is chilly, but the fire before them is a balance, this close to painful against Goldie’s exposed shins. She wouldn’t change anything about it.

She finishes her s’more and puts her hand on the cushion. Her fingers brush against Beauty’s.

“Oh!” she says, and she turns to Beauty.

Their eyes meet. Beauty looks—hopeful.

Goldie’s known, for a while, that Beauty has been flirting with her. She’s flirted right back. But neither of them have moved it farther than that. She hasn’t wanted to push, hasn’t wanted to upset the delicate equilibrium that Beauty and Natalie are keeping in their new family life.

But the look in Beauty’s eyes…

“Do you—” she asks.

At the same time, Beauty says, “Did—”

“Sorry,” Goldie offers.

“No, you go.”

And they’re laughing, because it’s so stupid, trying to out-polite each other, and everything’s lovely tonight, and somehow, their hands have gone from touching gently to entwined, and they’re drawing closer together as they laugh until their foreheads are pressed against each other.

“Sorry,” Beauty says. “I don’t know what came over me.”

“Don’t apologize,” Goldie says, smiling into Beauty’s eyes, the lovely deep brown of them.

And then, for a while, they don’t say anything, just looking into each other’s eyes, foreheads pressed against each other.

“So is Goldie going to be my new mom?” Natalie asks, making them both jump a little. They didn’t notice her coming back.

“It’s a little early for that,” Beauty says, but she doesn’t move.

Goldie smiles into Beauty’s perfectly imperfect face and says, “We’ll see.”

[nsfwsportsanimebabes]

Opposites Do Attract

Description:  “a scenario where tsukki is in love with a person who is completely opposite of him and she is cute and shy and all”

Requested: Yep Yep! This was a fun one to write. I adore Tsukishima. So whatever it is I am writing for him, I am going to enjoy doing so 110,000% Absolutely rambled on and ended up writing wayyy more than I anticipated.   Hope you all enjoy! ~Admin Crow  💚

        ___________________________________________________

It started off rocky. Let’s be honest, Tsukishima Kei isn’t the nicest person up front. He’s blunt, he can be a total asshole sometimes, saying what’s on his mind without a care in the world who it affects. 

So when you first met it wasn’t all ‘rainbows and butterflies and perfection.’ No, it was you accidentally bumping into him, causing his brand new headphones to fall to the floor with a crash and Tsukki going off thinking it was Hinata who had ran into him. His words of anger flying out of his mouth faster than they ever had, but were immediately cut off when he saw you standing there, tears in your eyes and the apology dead on your lips. He didn’t even get the chance to apologize before you had turned and ran off, fighting off tears at the harsh words he had directed at you for an accident. 

Despite that first interaction, it definitely led down a different path than expected. Both of you finding wanting to find ways to apologize to the other. Tsukki grumbling at the idea of having to apologize, I mean it wasn’t HIS fault you weren’t looking where you were going. Nor was it your fault that Hinata had been buzzing around him constantly that he assumed it was the little orange haired tangerine. But the idea of apologizing in general had been difficult for him to accept. 

You on the other hand, were worried you had broken his headphones and just waited for him to unleash his anger again, demanding you buy him a new pair. So to hopefully prevent that from happening, you decided to purchase a gift card for him that he could use on his music however he wanted. 

The next day you had snuck it into his locker with a sticky note attached to it saying sorry with a cute little chibi drawing apologizing. You tried not to be super obvious about it all day, peeking looks at him during class to see if he seemed different after getting your gift. 

When Tsukki did find your gift he was honestly surprised. You had no reason to buy him a gift, but because you had bought him one, he definitely had to say something to you now. So at lunch, he swallowed his pride and saught you out. 

You weren’t difficult to find. Not when your closest friend happened to be Yachi, which oddly made sense to Tsukki considering you and Yachi seemed to have similar interests and personalities. 

“You didn’t have to buy me a gift. My headphones are fine.”

The sound of Tsukki’s voice coming out of nowhere had startled both you and Yachi. Yachi immediately relaxed and said hello to him, while his gaze remained fixed on you. 

Blushing you anxiously played with a strand of hair and quietly responded “I felt bad about knocking them onto the ground and wanted to make up for it somehow..I hope the gift will make up for it!” 

The sincerity in your voice and the cute way your face turned light pink with a blush caused Tsukki to share the feeling, a blush rising to his face in response. “L-like I said, you didn’t have to buy it for me...but it will go to good use so thanks.” he responded quickly, before darting off to the other side of the cafeteria where he could process what just happened. Not wanting to stick around to be confronted by Yachi asking out loud why he had run off like he did.

After that interaction Tsukki couldn’t get you out of his head. Had you always been that cute? He didn’t really pay that much attention to others in his class, and up until then, you were included in that. And when Yachi started inviting you to hang out with her more and more, including inviting her to volleyball practices, Tsukki’s thoughts seemed to almost revolve around Volleyball, sometimes school, but mostly you. 

It became obvious to some of the upperclassmen that Tsukki had developed a crush on the cute, shy first year that had started coming to practices almost daily. And it was even clearer to them that you had a crush back. But if they didn’t do something to help out, it was obvious that the two of you would remain oblivious to each other’s feelings. So a few weeks into this oblivious pining between you two, they decided to take action. 

It was the end of practice on a Saturday morning. You had plans with Yachi and Hinata to go to the mall after practice. So you were in your f/c t-shirt dress and a cute pair of shoes. Your hair done in a way that complimented your look. You had even put on a tiny bit of make up that made you look even cuter when you blushed. Tsukki had clearly noticed your outfit and it was obvious that he was distracted. And because of that, Sugawara Koushi had decided enough was enough. 

When the boys where in the locker room after cleaning up from practice, Suga nudged Daichi before throwing an arm over the tall first year, bringing him down slightly to his own height. Suga grinned at the first year “So Tsukishima, tell us, what do you think of F/N-chan’s outfit today? She looked super cute in that dress right? And how she did her hair?” 

Tsukki fought the urge to blush and groan at the same time. On the one hand, it was pretty obvious he thought you looked adorable. On the other, there was no way Suga was asking out of the kindness of his heart. Tsukki adjusted his glasses to hide the blush fighting to rise before clearing his throat “I mean it’s not like we haven’t seen her in street clothes before. So what makes what she is wearing today any different?” There. That was a neutral enough remark that it should be accepted. 

Of course, Suga was only setting the trap with his comment. No way was he walking away today without Tsukki at least attempting to talk to you about his obvious feelings. “Well I think you should tell her that you think she looks cute.”

Sputtering Tsukki gave his senpai an incredulous look, obviously caught off guard at the jab at his growing feelings for the girl. “No way. Whatever you are trying to get at it’s not going to work. Besides, we are total opposites so it would never work anyway.” 

Tsukki thought with shutting it down by bringing up that comment, he would be left alone by his pushy vice captain. But no, that comment only drew a devilish grin from the silver haired setter before he turned to the other first years. “Hey Hinata, you are hanging out with F/N today right? Make sure to tell her that  Koushi Senpai thinks she looks super adorable today okay?” 

Tsukki’s eyebrow twitched at the response Hinata gave, but mostly at the thought that Hinata would be the one telling F/N that Sugawara thought she looked cute. Koushi senpai? Since when were they on first name basis...?

To top it all off, Daichi’s laugh from behind Tsukki caught his attention and drew him out of his quickly rising questions. Causing him to turn and look at the captain. “You know Tsukishima. In some cases, opposites do attract, so I think you should take that chance to talk to her. I bet she would really enjoy it.” he added with a wink before opening the clubroom door, breaking the silence of the secret conversations going on in the club locker room. 

Tsukki let out a sigh. Not because he was annoyed. But because they were right. And he knew they wouldn’t stop badgering him until he talked to you. Which to be honest, sounded more and more like a good idea the longer he thought about it.  

Grabbing his bag, Tsukki tossed it over his shoulder while telling Yamaguchi not to wait for him today. He had an adorable, shy, and extremely cute girl to go find and attempt to talk to. Who knows? Daichi and Suga could be right. Opposites could attract, but he wouldn’t know if he didn’t try now would he?

[hopevalley]

I've actually enjoyed watching new episodes of the show for the first time in a LONG time! I thought Lucas being frustrated w/ Elizabeth was contrived and misplaced. Was his mom like "me & your father are separated btw i told elizabeth before you?" The bit felt off. But hey, these past three episodes have been fun & much-better written than anything last season. How much of this season's improvement over recent prior ones do you think is due to the season having a new showrunner?

As to Lucas and Elizabeth, I feel this is an issue with shows in general of this runtime and episode length. I like to compare WCtH with Road to Avonlea because both shows had short seasons and 40ish minute long episodes, were family shows, and featured ensemble casts. Avonlea had a similar issue with pacing in the occasional episode. I know I like to nitpick WCtH a lot about its writing, and I never shy from honest critique, but I really do think the hiccup with Lucas and Elizabeth in Ep3 was just a product of needing a few more minutes of screentime—preferably the start of Helen telling Lucas about the situation with his father, since it did feel like him knowing everything came out of almost nowhere. We knew Helen would have to talk to him, but we never really saw her resolve to do so, and I think we earned the emotional payoff of the truth coming out. (As an aside, Helen should have apologized for telling Lucas that Elizabeth knew as well as putting her in a position where she had to keep a secret from someone she cared about. Elizabeth being put in a bad position was awful enough, but then she went and told Lucas that Elizabeth was aware the whole time? Yiiiikesssss...)

I’m pretty confident that Helen told Lucas something like: “I have to tell you something important... Your father...left me...a few weeks ago. I need to apologize for keeping it from you but I didn’t know how to bring it up...” and then probably responded to something Lucas said with a comment about how she’d talked to Elizabeth about it, or Elizabeth suggested she be honest about the situation because Lucas would find out eventually and it would be better if it came directly from her. I could definitely see Helen accidentally being too honest in a situation where she’s nervous about admitting the truth to her own son. She’s probably extremely embarrassed and ashamed, and the episode doesn’t really go into how Helen feels about it. They just jump into talk about love and how it needs to be nurtured and nobody ever asks Helen if she actually loved/loves her husband, let alone if he was a good man/husband to her. 

Not getting a scene where Helen confesses the truth weakens the entire plotline. I’m hoping they’ll just keep improving on this specific aspect of the show, and consider getting rid of unnecessary scenes or entire unnecessary storylines in favor of stronger, more complete stories.

I know their hesitation is based on the idea that not everyone cares about (for example) Lucas, so focusing really hard on Lucas’s relationship with his mother might feel Bad, but the entire “chair” plotline with Rosemary and Lee was unnecessary, as were the longer Florence and Ned scenes. Don’t get me wrong—I enjoyed them! But if they cut those out, or mostly cut them, then there would have been enough screentime for a full scene showing Helen telling Lucas about the truth.

And Chris McNally is clearly an actor who can handle an emotional scene like that, so it would have turned out well, and been well-received by the fans...even the ones who aren’t rooting for Lucas. Because what people who watch this show want to see is...depth, I think. So many relationships feel tacked on or fake. I’ve seen improvement this season, but they could definitely do more to bolster the “community” feel of the show.

--

As to the quality of the season so far...

@trash-god​ and I were chatting earlier this week about how wild it is that we’re both, like, actively looking forward to the next episode regularly. Sure, it’s still pretty early in the season, but we’re 25% of the way through. If the writing stays this consistently decent I think we’ll have the best season in a long time on our hands!

It’s funny because if you lurk on the WCTH subreddit, you’ll see most of the fans there are bored of this season, but I disagree with them in a bit way; this season is DEFINITELY better-written and smoother. As to where to place the credit, I think it’s worth considering the last few seasons and what the writers/writing teams have struggled with.

Season 4: They knew something was going to happen with their lead man so they tried introducing other things and in many ways had success. There were some REALLY GOOD scenes in S4, but there were also scenes or arcs that had a lot of potential that just fell flat. For example, they had that plot where Frank and Abigail got annoyed with each other over the fact that he’s kind of still living (mentally) as a carefree bachelor, and even though it wasn’t as thorough as it should have been, it was a pretty good and realistic storyline. But then later in the season, they introduced Carson, and Frank is suspicious of him for almost no reason (or at least, no solid reason), and then actively is...like a BAD PERSON for NO REASON. Two completely different plots, one was good and felt natural, and the other was awful and cringey. We also have the AJ plotline in S4. It started out super good because it was one of those plots that was genuinely built up to over the course of several episodes. We find out the accountant that was going to testify has withdrawn their statement, then we find out they’ve disappeared and we have a name. Bill discusses it with Abigail and Frank both, multiple times. He thinks it’s a payoff and he’s determined to prove it so he starts poking around. Eventually he gets a lead and follows it, and it’s revealed that AJ is a woman. Bill is annoying. AJ is a liar. I think conceptually this is one of the more interesting plots they’ve cobbled together, but in execution it was lacking toward the end of the story. Bill spent two episodes fighting AJ’s attitude and in the end he just lets her go with a smile? That isn’t like Bill at all. There’s a scene or two missing to make that reaction make sense. They don’t interact enough to give us the idea that Bill *understands* her, let alone would be okay with her literally breaking out of his jail ON HIS WATCH.

Season 5: They had to write Jack out of the story and had to rush a wedding in to “appease” the fans. They also had to write Shane, Philip, Frank, and Dottie off the show in this season (Dottie because the actress deals with a chronic illness and can no longer do acting work—I want to say she has Lyme’s). So they cobble this like, awkward storyline to write Frank out that doesn’t really make a lot of sense. They put this dramatic story together for Philip (when him just moving away would have been better/more interesting), and they try to bring AJ back for another 2-part episode, which sounded fun until we actually had to watch the episodes. It was at this point that I thought, “The people writing this show...think they’re writing a movie script.” It’s not that I think AJ isn’t pushy or emotionally blunt, but it definitely came across in those episodes that they wrote her that way specifically because the plot wouldn’t work out if she wasn’t. She does unreasonable things. For some reason Bill still has feelings even though she’s done nothing to earn them. (And vice-versa; he’s just so mean to her...why would she be interested?) Everyone was like :O when the AJ episodes weren’t very well-received. But like, I didn’t want AJ to come back for a huge dramatic rattlesnake bite scene. I wanted her back to see her emotional struggle with facing prison. I wanted to really see where they’d go with her seeing Henry Gowen. She says she wants to start over in Hope Valley after prison, but like...WHY? The only people who are nice to her are Dottie and Abigail! And then after this super dramatic poorly written set of scenes that pretty much ensured AJ would never be seen on the show again (because her presence was actively mocked by a lot of fans) they actually kill off Jack and try to have a deeply emotional and thoughtful episode.

The worst part is that...the post-death episode was good. The actors were great. Then you look back at the dramatic rattlesnake stuff and you’re just like, “What went wrong here?”

Season 6: They decided they were going to introduce a love triangle, so they start doing that, but then Abigail’s character AS WELL AS CODY’S CHARACTER has to be cut from the show, so they edit those out. I still think doing this was the right thing—Abigail as a character was literally UNBEARABLE throughout most of S5—but I also can’t deny that it probably brought the cohesiveness and overall quality of the season down by a bit, particularly with Abigail acting as a buffer between Nathan/Lucas and Elizabeth. I have no way of knowing if they edited other characters into those roles (it’s possible Bill became a buffer between Nathan and Elizabeth, for example), but the editing still gave us some scenes that just didn’t...quite work, like the one where Elizabeth comforts Henry, or when Lee becomes Bill’s confidant regarding the position of judge being offered to him.

Season 7: In their attempt to make Lucas seem “mysterious” they accidentally made him come off almost creepy. More than once. They had some good ideas in this season, but the writing felt a bit choppy and isolated from episode to episode. Of course Nathan’s father was innocent. Of course it was resolved in five minutes. You could see they were trying REALLY hard for cohesiveness at certain points (Elizabeth tried talking to Henry about his attitude; Jesse mentioned Frank; Dottie was mentioned), but each episode felt very isolated from the others, almost as if most of them were written completely separately from the rest.

And you’ll notice in S4, 5, and 6, we kind of have a similar problem, where some plots feel like they were written or inserted into the story independent of the other plotlines. Frank breaking into Carson’s room at the saloon to snoop through his stuff was one of the worst things in the season (literally cringey—and not in that “character is doing something in character that is hard to watch” way, but rather, “this character would literally never do that” way). The AJ storyline in S5 felt like the person who wrote it watched AJ & Bill’s interactions in S4 and absorbed ONLY the fact that they bickered a bit (and then didn’t know how to write that dynamic in a pleasing way). Writing Abigail out of the show was for the best, but it forced cracks in the plotlines that weren’t necessarily filled, as well as gave us interactions that didn’t feel quite right.

And I think S7 was trying to get on the right track, but wrote episodes in a very disjointed, haphazard kind of manner. There were good things about it, yes, but there were also some very...bad things. 

And overall the problem almost universally was that it felt like some of the episodes/interactions were written as if they were part of a movie, as part of a one time deal, instead of something that would need to be carried forward. If you go back and look over some plotlines you can start to see where the writers...didn’t know how to write fanfiction. S5 AJ is not the same character as S4 AJ. She doesn’t feel the same. She’s not written with S4 AJ in mind. She’s not a natural version of the character that exists a year later in the storyline...and then she was given a storyline that they had to force the character to fit, instead of tailoring a storyline to match the character. And they continued this trend...over...and over...and over...and over.

And now, finally, it feels that they may actually have a head writer who knows how to write television, who knows that in order to write a successful television series, you have to go back and watch the early episodes. You have to see how the characters have evolved. You have to consider how they’ve gotten to where they are, and where they will LOGICALLY go from here based on things that happen to or around them.

I don’t want to state this as Fact too early, but I definitely think it’s a factor. We’ll see how the rest of the season plays out, but I hope the quality continues to be as good as it is.

[artsninspo]

PART IX - DEBTS

PART IX

PREVIOUS CHAPTER

Nothing had gone as planned today, nothing at all. Jean one of liquor connects came by to talk shit, smoke and keep Tre in the loop about what would be going on within the next few weeks before he could get some from Elle. He’s showed her something no one alive knew about because Jean was a dirtbag - though they were ‘friends’ he prided himself in never giving anyone a weakness to exploit. Elle had enough shit going on in her own life - she didn’t need to be in the middle of that. At the end of his visit he smiled.

“I know you like bitches but don’t go to the museum event tonight” Jean smiled.

“Why not?” Tre had asked casually.

“Owner has a gambling debt that hasn’t been paid. It’s not going to go well - got some pictures of him doing shit married men shouldn’t do to show his bitch of a wife” he laughed before leaving. Leaving Tre with a bad taste in his mouth.

He didn’t have Elle’s number or know where she was. He knew how the casino bosses worked. They’d collect by any means necessary. It could be starting a fire and then collecting all the insurance money or ruining your place of business to force your hand out of fear. Traffic on a Friday night was working his last nerve as he flipped through the forms trying to find Elles number. He finds it sitting at a red and dials the number.

“Pick up” he shape only to hear the machine before calling again hastily.

“Fuck man pick up!” He shouts only to hear music in the background.

“Elle, Elle its Tre listen” he shouts.

“Tre?” She asks sounding tipsy.

“Elle get out of the museum now, don’t ask questions just get out and get anyone you care about out - act normal” he shouts going against all his street codes. Silence is all he hears on the other end before he hears gunshots and screams.

There’s nothing else from Elle so he cuts on the news slowing down as cops face to the scene. There are firetrucks, ambulances and the media with no sign of Elle. He tries but all the calls go to voicemail. He feels his stomach drop with worry for the first time in a long time.

Keep calm.

He reasons deciding to drive to the hospital despite it going to be crawling with cops. He sits listening to hear one person was pronounced dead at the scene and five are critical with a few with minor cuts and bruising.

His phone rings showing Elles number.

“Elle?” He questions.

“Where are you?” Her voice calls.

“Civic hospital parking lot, are you okay?”

She sniffles and theres a pause.

“I don’t see your car turn on the lights” Tre does as he’s told before he sees her coming and gets out. He goes to hug her but she stops him.

“What was that and how did you know?” She cries.

“Your uncle has a gambling debt, one of my associates told me not to go tonight. As soon as I found out I tried to warn you - but I didn’t have your number?”

Elle looks broken as she sniffles again with glossy eyes streaming tears.

“Why would Kell gamble?”

“I don’t know, I’m not in that business”

“Tre, I can’t do this.” She whispers wiping her eyes and taking a breath as the ugly cry begins. She tries to quell the emotions holding her face and trying to keep it together.

“I should be with my family Tre, the whole reason I came was to get away from shady business. Thats your world.” She shrugs getting his keys and handing them to him.

“You’re upset and tired”

“Exhausted” she corrects holding her arms. “Kell is critical so I can’t ask him if this is true”

“Why would I lie?” Tre snaps offended now.

“Calling you can fuck things up for me but I did it anyway. I know you lost Jesse and losing Kell would be too much for you. But he’s a piece of shit for doing things that can endanger his family like not paying a debt from dangerous people” Tre grits just above a whisper.

“Tre, he could die” Elle reasons only to get a shrug in response.

“You shouldn’t be here right now until things die down. Please” he reasons looking down at Elle and reaching for her chin only to have it his hand pushed away. She looks down at her phone showing a string of missed calls.

“Don’t worry about it Tre - thanks for letting me know. We’ll be fine” she sighs pulling herself together.

____

Tre couldn’t help but notice the kind of people that were in and out of Elle’s apartment. The debt had been paid and a cease fire in place. There was a lot of arguing and politicking from what Tre could hear, crying too. He’d seen Elles mother one day as he was heading out - he could just tell by how she carried herself. They shared a few similarities but not an overwhelming resemblance. Kell was pulling through from what he heard. His brows furrowed as he saw Rico, they’d done a stint on juvie together outside of Elles door.

“Black?” He questions turning to Tre. “Bro you’re fucking huge” he laughs heading over to greet Tre. He was one of the few inmates that wasn’t always angry but he had a temper like none other. His commissary was always stocked and he always got two of everything - one for him and one for black. The conditions of their probation kept them from staying in touch.

“What’s up man what are you doing here?” Tre asks looking him over.

“You stay here? You’re neighbours with my sis man” Rico smiles shocking Tre for a lot of reasons.

“Shit man, am I that much of a fucking lowlife or is she still prissy as shit?” He asks knocking on Elles door.

“Thought you had brothers”

“I do but my pops, had her and her mama kept it from him for a long time. I hear shit’s been kind of wild for her so I’m here to do my part” he says as Elle opens the door.

“Hi Rico”

“Aww hell no. Go change, I’m not going back to jail today” He groans seeing Elle and folding his arms in annoyance right away.

“Rico!” She stomps sounding like a kid.

“Rico nothing! I don’t wanna hear it, nothing sexy or tight - shit!” He snaps making Tre laugh a bit. That was all ever did. Sexy all day everyday.

“You can come in while I change”

“It’s alright catching up with my patna”  he reasons making Elle peek outside.

“Huh?” She asks. “How do you two know each other”

“Prison” Rico says frankly making Elle laugh.

“I'll just be five minutes” she says getting on an oversized shits and a pair of boyfriend jeans with sneakers.

“Good?” She asks locking up and heading back to the hall but Tre and her brother are outside.

“Much better” Rico comments.

“Meh” Elle comments not feeling the outfit change.

Rico had told Tre the truth. Elle’s grandma called him hoping for anyone to check up on her and make things better. She thought someone from her other side of the family could be a nice break from all their family drama. In Rico’s word’s Elles grandma was the only family member who didn’t stick her nose up at them and Elle never really got the change to be a little sister from her maternal brothers.

…

Tre just got in as Rico was heading out.

“Be easy man if you need anything you have my number and if anything happens with her call me ASAP” Rico smiles.

“For sure” Tre agrees.

“Between you and me that gambling shit is ain’t right. They’re good for the money - cheater maybe but gambler? That nigga is a whole square” Rico says shaking his head.

“I’ll keep my ears down for more information” Tre nods giving Rico a handshake before he leaves.

Then the rain started all over again. Tre had always prided himself in being a stand up guy, giving women their choice and not being pushy but it was like everyone but him got to check up on her. Everyone who wasn’t there when she was trying to drink herself into a coma. Pride aside the thunder was his perfect opportunity. He knocks on her door and finds her wide awake.

“Tre”

“Come on” he takes her hand ignoring her protest and heading into his apartment once she’s locked up.

“Rico says you’re good people” Elle comments.

“Good people don’t have trap doors or know when somewhere is going to get shot up”  Elle continues once he’s locked up.

“Thought we established I’m and asshole?” he asks leading her up to the penthouse.

“My Grandad built this place, his mistress my granny lived in the apartment that neighbours you - family lived up here” he explains.

“Sorry” Elle whispers.

“Its convenient”

“So how’d you end up in juvie, how’d your mom end up with an addiction?” Elle asked plain looking around the much nicer furnished large apartment.

“Her dad died with her mom in a car accident she started dating losers who wanted her for the money left behind. I went to juvie for sealing and fighting. When my grandfathers wife found out about me she took me in. I gave her hell but she didn’t mind - left this to me when she died a few years ago” he explains.

“She sounds like a class act.”

“Only woman I’ve ever admired” he nods sitting down honestly. The silence is heavy as they sit facing each other. “You know I care about you right?” He asks and Elle sighs.

“Yeah, don’t know why but I know you do. I was a bitch-“

“Don’t apologize” he cuts her off.

Reaching for her only for her to reject the affection again.

“Nothing lasts forever Tre, I’d like to keep the things I can lose at a minimum” she sighs truthfully. He takes her chin this time holding on and her hands go to his arms to stop him from kissing her.

“Don’t worry your pretty head about me, I’ll always be good and so will you - even when we can’t stand each other” he reasons looking into her brown eyes before letting go. He heads outside sparking a blunt to clear his head and think. There was too much he didn’t know, too many players, factors hidden motives. A hit like the one on Kell wouldn’t be good for anyone, especially the neighbourhood.

He turns hearing the door open and Elle walk out tying her robe closed to weather the breeze.

“You smoke?”

“Sometimes, to clear my head” Elle nods sitting on his lap and taking a pull.

“Tre, I think after tonight we should stay away from each other. We both have a lot going on. It’s pretty clear you can take care of yourself but I have a lot of family bullshit going on”

“So its the worst time for you to be alone, trust me I know. I won’t force you to do anything but keep good people around. Your brothers solid” he swallows attentive to her response.

“He is, hard to imagine you’re his cellie” Elle winks playfully resting her head on his shoulder and watching the rain.

“Just now I’m here too if you need me. I don’t want you to take this the wrong way but be careful around Kizzy alright and don’t tell her anything about me. She was the only one not in the building when they started shooting. She gave me the invitation - hates my ass and I know some people that say she hangs out with a mid level guy on the other side of town” Tre explains making Elle sit upright as she processes his words.

____

TAGS: @bugngiz @lifelover4u @l-auteuse  @notsomellowmushroom @princessasaani @heavensangelxo @bakarilennox  @tastingmellow @chaneajoyyy @thehomierobbstark @jad3djay @thickemadame @doublesidedscoobysnacks @aanairb @hooliemooliedonutshawp @quietstorm-73 @thememoireeofme​ @tip222u @amelatonin @cherrystainedlipsbaby @keiva1000

[nozomijoestar]

The whole time the Illuso fight was happening Trish was with the three who didn’t go- there’s no way she didn’t talk to Anyone for 3+ hours waiting; this takes place during that time and when Narancia is still wounded after Formaggio!

Any echo of her footsteps was largely muffled against rugs. Whoever had the mind to decorate long before her received her thanks. She held her breath for added effect; better to let the blood rush to her brain than be discovered. She'd let the fresh air restore her; the smell of grapevines and sun filtering might even let her rest.

That'd be well deserved. 'Stay away from the windows. Another of the traitors could appear!' they'd said. Oh sure sure, she saw the logic in that. That didn't mean one peek at fresh air would put a gun to her head. Besides, they'd been made her 'Handlers' (how she hated that phrasing) only an afternoon. She had yet to owe them any real favors.

Trish Una was no pushover but a modern girl!

At last she reached a door. The dim  hallway forced her hands to fumble. The doorknob remained attached. She gave it a turn; it was open. 'We'll see who's right when I can be bored in peace.' She thought.

The room was neither bare nor bursting; an inconspicuous middle ground. If she closed her eyes and absorbed the sounds and smells, it could be her mother's. Or any other room in all of Italy's backroads. A pang struck her chest. Her mother would've loved to give where she stood life. Trish grit her teeth and sighed deeply. Pushed the dark pool those thoughts would drag her into aside. It would be better if it remained generic.

From just beyond against a wall a human shape stirred. Her heart thud with enough force to reach her throat. Her eyes darted around, left right, behind. Nothing. It could only be forwards. She pressed against the wall closest to the door. If she'd paid enough attention two were downstairs. The ones who called themselves Bucciarati and Mista with yin-yang attitudes.

She strained her ears. They'd not moved from the staircase landing. Mista was spinning his revolver absentmindedly; from somewhere not too distant (likely the main entrance by his cautious bearing) Bucciarati must be standing.

There were three who'd left. Three who'd remained. A boyish face beneath dark messy hair. Yes, that was the last one. A boy older than her yet smaller than the rest. She peered at the spot of the shape. It was him staring back at her. He lay on an old couch in the corner; an afterthought.

Bandages concealed his biceps, his shoulder. He laid stiff soldiering the pain. She vaguely remembered hearing his whimpers from outside; he himself having limped back to the front steps. It'd been a mere second peeping from the window then, but she'd shivered. Blood had painted his skin a red she'd never seen; the wounds were no paper cuts.

She knew herself. Her mind would've allowed the memory to waste in a repressed pocket. If he weren't before her now. Yet he was, and he was curious. His name escaped her then.

"You hidin or somethin'?" He asked.

"Not hiding, getting some air. You're the one who looks like he's hiding."

"Hey Mista's my friend and I'd do anything Bucciarati says- but laying down there all beat up? Might drive me crazy. Mista can't shut up sometimes. Even Bucciarati knows that."

She made an annoyed sound. This boy had attempted slicing her with his knife seconds upon meeting. He hadn't known just whom she was; yet still he, annoyed? That had to be some payback from the universe. Trish moved closer with a relaxed stride. Far more in control. She sat and crossed a leg on a chair.

"What's your name again anyway? And why'd you come back empty handed?"

The shadows cast over his face deepened his irritation into anger. Harsh lines and harsher angles warned her; she'd tread close to a rattlesnake. His dark eyes highlighted the two small bandages on his face. They appeared to glow with a light all their own. Trish recoiled in her seat a few centimeters. Never had she seen someone at once piercing yet restrained. On their journey to the vineyard he'd laughed and argued the loudest.

"Narancia Ghirga. And you're Trish something or other."

"Trish Una." To say her mother's surname turned her stomach. The shape of the syllables etched into all she was. The last heir to that name.

"Oh that's what it was. Didn't they tell you how I got busted up?"

"No one tells me anything clearly anymore..."

They went silent and looked away to opposite ends. Narancia sucked his teeth then clutched his shoulder. She watched him wince, curse under his breath. His face still hovered between pale and not. The image of his blood splattered at his feet chilled her. He attempted to sit facing her head on. Her legs stood as if possessed of their own mind.

She helped him asking nothing; focused on which spots caused pain, distanced her touch from them. A great sigh from him announced the end. Trish eyed the spot beside him. How small he seemed, how paradoxical that he'd survived. She sat next to him.

Narancia spoke blunt with an ease that told her what sort of man he was.

"I'm not allowed to get into details. Not unless Bucciarati wants it. Sorry...I did get your stuff though. It's just this bastard who's part of the guys hunting you- he caught me out of nowhere. So in kicking his ass I kinda...ended up burning everything."

Narancia hung his head and curled inward. 'What a little boy.' Trish thought. 'And yet...'

He mustered the strength to look at her. Now he pouted, all anger evaporated. The mess he called bangs made her want to brush them aside. The demure air draped over him made her want to tell him it'd be alright. His bandages stood out uncomfortably close. She listened.

"So yeah that's how I messed up. I dunno if we'll ever get to buy more. But next time I'll definitely bring everything back."

"No...I'm the one who should apologize. You got hurt because of me and- even if I didn't know the story, I was mean."

For the first time she learned he could smile softly. 'It's really cute...'

"Nobody knew he'd show up. You were kinda pushy though."

He chuckled with a lighthearted melody. She felt blood rush to her face. Blushing, now she was blushing! Did he do it all intentionally? No, he seemed a 'Go with the flow.' guy. That seemed far worse.

She 'Hmph'd and turned her head. For herself alone she smiled. Pieces of it trickled into her tone.

"You know you're not so bad. It's nice to see a guy who tries hard."

Trish heard a faint gasp that fizzled out as quick as it'd come. Narancia rubbed his head unsure how to continue.

"...Thanks. I don't hear that a lot."

"Really? That's strange."  

"You think so?"

"You should ask them to praise you more. Otherwise that's so unfair, doing all that work with no thank you."

Her eyes fell toward his bandages. It'd been instinctive, a human thing in morbid fascination. The longer she stared the greater her stomach turned again. 'Sometimes it's rude to stare Trish.' Her mother's axioms rang long after her voice ceased. Sometimes the human mind knew only cruelty.

She looked down instead. They'd subconsciously moved far closer than she liked. He hadn't appeared to notice. He stared into space on some other wall; the profile of his face had gone contemplative. It was strange. A warm calm chased back her skeletons in silence.

Slowly she touched his hand and grinned when he looked surprised.

"We have however long it takes Giorno and the others to come back. I mean, Pompeii is three hours away y'know?"

"Yer not gonna fall asleep like a pampered rich girl if I talk? Promise." He spoke cautiously, his eyes sizing, judging. Ready to protect himself as if rejection were certain.

Trish made herself fully comfortable; turned all of herself toward him. His eyes followed her with his mouth in a small 'O'. He searched her face again. At last he relaxed; a pleasant thump in her chest caught her off guard.

"No. We can talk about whatever. Doesn't really matter to me, as long as I'm not bored."

"...For real? Then y'know the other day-"

It was Mista who found them hours later (disgruntled for the runaround in looking and stern complaints- 'Honestly how hard is it to listen?!'). It was a quiet observation, a rare time he kept it within. He didn't know two people could laugh so happily.

[geewithluv]

◁ comforting each other ▷

Ｐａｉｒｉｎｇ：Maknae Line X Fem!OC

Ｇｅｎｒｅ： angst and fluff

Ｗａｒｎｉｎｇｓ：crying, anxiety, mention of parental death (takes place in the past), hate comments, references the Jungkook tattoo and tattoo shop incident.

Ｒａｔｉｎｇ：PG

Ｗｏｒｄ Ｃｏｕｎｔ：1.7

Ａ／Ｎ： «this belongs in my headcanon universe and you can read the other parts in the masterlist, the description of the characters is [here] so you get a summary of who they are. (hyung line version here) also Jimin’s is short compared to the other’s, sorry! »

ｍａｓｔｅｒｌｉｓｔ

ｊｉｍｉｎ

Everyone knew Jimin was head over heels in love with Harlow. It was pretty obvious and it was only a matter of time that it got a little too obvious and the public found out.

It was a no-brainer that Jimin and Harlow were going to be together for a very long time.

 At least it seemed like a no-brainer. Harlow didn’t mean to overhear a conversation between a couple of the makeup artists and she definitely didn’t mean to freeze in her spot long enough to hear them say everything they thought about her and Jimin. And most of all, she didn’t mean to spend so much time in a bathroom crying that Jimin busted in looking for her.

 So now, they were in the bathroom right after Jimin’s performance, holding each other as Harlow cried. She wasn’t quite ready to talk and Jimin, though understanding, was becoming a bit impatient due to his worry. “You’ve gotta tell me what happened so I can fix it, baby.” He tried to coax her into talking. One more loud sob made Jimin think it was a hopeless attempt but soon she started explaining.

 “Some of the girls were talking.” She said. Jimin knew who she meant immediately, it wasn’t like there were many women on the staff and Harlow didn’t know many well enough to refer to them outside honorifics. “They were saying we shouldn’t be together.”

 “Why would they say such a stupid thing!” Jimin’s eyes widened. He had known quite a few of the makeup and hair crew for a while and wouldn’t think they’d doubt his relationship like that.

“They said you don’t love me.” She muttered, trying not to start crying again.

 “You know that’s not true right.” His body stiffened. Harlow doesn’t respond. “Look at me.” He demanded. Her gaze quickly found his. “I love you so much.” He said as seriously as he could without becoming angered. “Anyone who thinks otherwise isn’t worth the energy it takes to hear their opinion.” Harlow nodded, rubbing her nose. “Now, let’s go where those dumbasses aren’t anywhere in sight. We can order some food and cuddle, how does that sound?” He asked.

 “Sounds great.” Harlow smiled. Jimin pulled her into a tight hug.

 “I’ll take care of them later, alright? For now, just know that I love you more than anything, baby.”

ｔａｅｈｙｕｎｇ

Taehyung had wondered, on more than one occasion, if he could shut twitter down. Of course he knew it’d take a lot of planning and money. But he’d do it if he could. Maybe just the trending page. That’d be a good start.

 Between the hate tweets from those who couldn’t name a BTS song, the hate tweets from those who liked the other 6 members better, and the hate tweets from those who only liked him and resorted to being hateful to his best friends, Taehyung felt so surrounded by negativity.

 As much as he knew, and told himself, that he was just going through a rough time and was having difficulty seeing anything but the positive, that didn’t make it easier. He knew that his life was good. He was safe and secure, loved by so many, good friends and family. He knew all was well. Which is why he hid the feeling for so long. He didn’t want to seem selfish.

 The boys noticed, of course they did, how could they not. It was only a matter of time before Bang PD noticed or was informed. They didn’t say anything, not yet at least. They hoped he was working on it. He knew he had a couple days to get it together before they confronted him.

 He didn’t need it though, because Claire noticed and confronted him immediately. “Tell me what’s wrong.” She said as they ate dinner. Taehyung looked up at her a little confused.

 “What?”

 “Something’s wrong. Don’t pretend everything is fine when I can tell it’s not. I don’t want to argue about it, so just tell me so we can work through it.” She set her fork down. To most people she might have seemed a little harsh, maybe pushy. But Taehyung admired her blunt “straight-to-the-point” nature.

 “Social media is kinda getting to me.” Taehyng ran his fingers through his growing hair, a little annoyed as the longer length had recently become a target for the hate. “It’s just a weird moment. Maybe the planets are doing that thing again. Retrograde?” He suggested an explanation. 

 “Have you talked to the guys? They’ve all gone through something similar, right?”

 “Yeah…” He sighed. “I haven’t talked to them, yet.” He felt kinda bad saying it outloud.

 “You don’t want to worry them, I know.” She explained. “But you need to tell someone. You can’t keep it all inside, insisting it’ll be okay and blow over eventually.”

 “I know,” Taehyung grabbed Claire’s hand from across the dinner table, “I’ll talk to someone. I promise.”

 “My dad never recovered. It’s been almost 20 years and he’s never gotten over it. My mother’s parent’s hardly talk to me because I remind them of her. Everyone tried to help her, but in the end no one else’s help mattered but her own.” Her eyes watered as she held his hand tighter. “I know you think I’m overreacting. That I’m taking it too far. But I’m worried about what happens if I don’t.” She kissed his knuckles softly. “Do what my mother didn’t do for herself, Tae. Before the storm gets too loud.”

 It was as open as she had been regarding her mother’s death. And in a weird way, Taehyung found a sense of comfort in her tears. Her tears and worry for him reminded him of how much love people feel for him. “I’ll call Bang first thing in the morning.”

 “You should call him now an--”

 “Stay the night.” He interrupted. “Stay the night and make sure I do. I won’t even leave the bed before calling.” He compromised. Claire nodded. “I love you, I’m not going anywhere, baby.” He reached over to kiss her lips.

 ｊｕｎｇｋｏｏｋ

Finally, Jungkook did something for himself. He had spent nearly a decade having to worry about every decision he made and how fans and press would react. Finally he did something for him. On the month long break he got tattoos. Something he wanted for so long, he finally did it. He was expecting some backlash from it. He knew some people would be upset but he wasn’t quite expecting some other headlines. First, were the CCTV photos and people thinking he was dating the woman next to him.

 Jungkook was upset, upset that his privacy had been invaded, upset that his friend had been dragged into it, and upset that his actual girlfriend couldn’t say anything about it. He apologized profusely to both women, more to Emmie of course.

 Second, a woman he thought he was friends with, a woman he let tattoo him, decided to take to social media. BigHit said to let them take care of it. Jungkook trusted them of course but there’s only so much you can do to silence someone. And unfortunately, this woman was out for him.

 “Jungkook does have a girlfriend, but it’s not me :)” was a caption on an instagram post. Jungkook felt his world collapse when he read it. He hoped, for a moment, that people wouldn’t believe it. He hoped that he could continue living a life with Emmie separate from the fame. But all hopes were crushed when she posted a photo of Emmie and Jungkook together. No way to say it was photoshopped, some people recognized Emmie since she designed for them a couple times. This was all wrong, everything was going wrong. He was supposed to reveal it on his own terms, or never. Never seemed like a better option after the initial reaction from fans. 

 Emmie turned comments off as soon as she found out, she would’ve gone private had she not been a verified account. She told her assistant to hold any calls for the next 48 hours as she would be turning her phone off. Her assistant understood but not Emmie had to worry if she would still have a showcase in a week. She wondered if her business would go under. She worried if Jungkook would leave her.

 They sat in silence at the Bangtan dorms. Too stunned to talk to each other or anyone else. The guys gave them some space. Only getting updated that the news was confirmed by BigHit and now they wait till it blows over.

 Emmie cried first. Both tried so hard to hold it together for the other. But she broke first. Jungkook shortly after. As soon as he heard the sob he lunged to wrap his arms around her. “Why can’t we just be a normal couple.” She cried into his chest, marinating his breaking heart with her tears. 

 “I’m so sorry, I’m so sorry. I never wanted to hurt you. I’m so sorry.” He kept repeating. Holding her as if he was afraid she’d disappear if he didn’t.

 “It’s not fair, Jungkook!” She yelled, not at him but the situation. She broke free from his grasp. 

 “Emmie, Emmie don’t--” He started worrying without her in his arms.

 “Why won’t they let me love you! Let you love me! I’m just supposed to be the most hated woman in Korea, maybe even the world right now, cause I fell in love!”

 “I’m sorry!” He yelled.

 “Don’t you dare apologize!” She said, the guys debated on leaving their rooms to calm the situation. “It’s not your fault.” She softened. “You did nothing wrong.” She walked back over to him, taking his face in her hands. “You have done nothing wrong, Jungkook.”

 “I’ll do anything to be with you, to keep you safe, to keep loving you. I’ll sue every single person who says something bad. I promise. I’ll make them open a whole department in BigHit dedicated to stopping the hate. I’ll do that. I need you.”

 “We’ll figure it all out.” She told him, sniffling. “Right now, I just wanna be with you. In this way too silent apartment, holding you, pretending it’s not a warzone out there. That’s all I want right now.”

“I can do that. We can do that.” He said, and so they did. For two days they stayed in their happy place. Away from anyone with anything negative to say.

I know I said I’d finish soon, but a month slipped away from me because I moved, then moved back home because of some horrible stuff so I haven’t been writing or reblogging. I’ve been up-to-date thanks to twitter lol! Just not reblogging here. Hopefully I’ll be more available and stable (in terms of housing) to write lol. Thanks for reading, I don’t think Tumblr likes me anymore because I don’t show up in tags ;( if you see this give it a like! Or message me! I do take requests! This is getting long, sorry! Thanks again!

[edelgoth]

Hi may I request a DA matchup? I’ll apologize in advance as this might be lengthy;;; I’m NB, pan preferring men. 4w5 INFP-T. I’m patient, empathetic, & it takes a lot to get me mad, I can be pretty blunt tho. I have difficulty trusting others/making friends but when I do, my loyalty is unwavering. I’m reserved, quiet, listen more than talk, but enjoys being around people who are more outgoing/encouraging/supportive w/o being pushy! (1/3🐛)

Some of my worst flaws is that I’m prone to catastrophizing and can be terribly avoidant. Working on doing better lately. As a book illustrator, I love when people are happy seeing their stories come to life! I enjoy curating playlists for my friends, musical theatre, logic puzzles, outdoor activities like hiking, swimming, bug watching. (2/3🐛)

Not entirely sure what I want in a partner but maybe someone who isn’t afraid to tell things to me straight bc I can be dense as heck(or at least in my experience in the matters of love, I can’t pick up on the fact that someone might have feelings so just please tell me). Idk if it helps but my main love languages are acts of service and words of affirmation. Thank you so much for this and again I apologize for the length;; Hope you have a good day!;;)/💖 (3/3🐛)

i honestly get so excited when i see dragon age requests in my ask box aaa 

and don’t apologize about length!! gives me more to work with 

so, from the dragon age universe, i match you with…

zevran!!

you were pretty easy to pick someone for!! the more i read your profile, the more i just kept nodding and going “yep. zevran’s The One.” 

zevran is a well of concealed compassion, and i think you’re the sort of person who’d be able to bring it out of him (every time i think of him standing up for the mages in the circle i get Emotional). being with someone empathetic, who allows themselves to be kind, would really challenge the worldview he cultivated while with the crows 

he also values your loyalty; it’s something he’s never expected from people, and it touches him more deeply than he could’ve anticipated. it helps him feel more comfortable with you, and to slowly start taking down his walls 

on a lighter note, zevran would appreciate the fact that it takes a lot to make you mad; he’s playful, and he enjoys pressing people’s buttons (all of his conversations with other members of the campfire crew are gold because of this). his partner would have to be pretty patient, you know?? just be prepared for a lot of teasing

in terms of your personalities, you seem to have a fun contrast; where you’re reserved and quiet, zevran is outgoing and talkative. he strikes me as the sort who’d just decide you friends and that’s it (you know that thing about the extrovert adopting the introvert?? that, basically) 

he’s got a lot of stories to tell, and he seems to genuinely enjoy talking. so, the fact that you’re more of the listening type works out!! all he’d ask for would be some gasps every now and then 

you said you enjoy being around people who are outgoing, encouraging, and supportive without being pushy. well, zevran ticks all those boxes, in my opinion!! he’s surprisingly observant and attentive, and he genuinely wants to help you live the best life you can as the best version of yourself. anything he can do to help, he will  

zevran is quite cool-headed and logical (more so than his general temperament lets on), and i think that means he’d be good to have around whenever you began to catastrophize. he’d be able to talk you down, to work through each of your anxieties calmly, and to console you as best he could

it’d be a similar case with your avoidance; zevran is observant and smart enough to know the right approach and what’s actually going to help 

he finds your illustrations adorable (and being a book illustrator honestly sounds like such a cool job hhh). he’s always pestering you to illustrate his past adventures -- if you refuse, you can bet that he’d be bartering with you to earn it 

finally, zevran is definitely the partner who isn’t afraid to tell you things straight, because he’s very forward and he’s not afraid to call things as he sees them (i remember when i took him to orzammar and he just went off about harrowmont dklfdsjdflj) but in terms of romance, zevran isn’t afraid to make his intentions clear -- so you don’t have to worry about that!! 

overall, i think you’d have a wonderful connection, and a good balance of personalities that make for a great match!!

alternate matchups

isabela: i would die for my pirate wife without hesitation. neway, my reasons for choosing her are fairly similar to the ones i listed with zevran. she’s got a lot of empathy that she hides away, and i think she’d flourish with a person who’d help bring that out of her. otherwise, you two also have a good contrast in personalities; she’s outgoing, confident and bold, while you’re more reserved and patient. you can learn a lot from each other, and that’s always a good thing in a relationship!! and like zevran, she’s very forward, when it comes to her intentions, so no need to worry about being dense. i don’t think she’s as good of a match as zevran, but she’s still a great choice!! 

iron bull: for a moment i thought that bull was different from zevran and isabela, but then i realised that i’ve really just given you a Type TM. like zevran and isabela, he’s forward, confident and outgoing, and he’d balance your personality out quite well. bull would match your interests best, since i think he’d really enjoy hiking and swimming, and he also fits the bill for being a partner who’d tell you things straight. like zevran, i feel like he’d have a lot of stories to tell you that he’d love to see reimagined in your illustrations. i didn’t choose him as your main match because he’s just a bit,,, gruffer than zevran?? if that makes sense?? it probably doesn’t hhh

[astarlightmonbebe]

I See You in Me

[ “Why would you want to stay?” He finally asked in a small voice, and Woojin shrugged. “I mean, why not?”  ]

Word Count: 3, 764

Pairing: Bang Chan x Kim Woojin 

Genre: Realistic fiction

For: @stay-grandma (hey~guess what, I was your secret santa~. Sorry if this wasn’t exactly what you wanted ;-;, I hope it’s still good enoguh ^^.)

Warnings: Little angst, nothing else really

14.

Everything began with Woojin, even if Chan didn’t meet him until Australia had become nothing among an ocean of blue, when he was fourteen years old and curled up in a plane chair, trying not to cry with his earbuds. Wondering what was going to happen now, wondering if he would ever see his mother again, wondering if she had ever even wanted him in the first place.  

It started with Chan sitting on the curb, wondering why Korean sounded foreign even if he had learned to speak it, torn between wanting to scream and run away and get lost until his parents regretted everything, and between just crying until he ran out of tears. In the end, he shredded leaves into tiny pieces, watching them flutter to the ground.

“You want it?” A voice said, someone sitting down beside him, and Chan looked over to see a boy his age with brown hair and a slightly crooked tooth when he smiled, holding out a milkshake. Chan stared at it. “Milkshakes make everything better, I promise.” The boy insisted, forcing it into his dangling hand. Chan looked into it, and, suddenly, his lower lip was wobbling.

Quickly, Chan took a long sip, but he was already crying, the tears sliding down his face as he struggled to swallow. Embarrassed, he looked away, swiping at his eyes quickly, sniffling.  The other boy was silent, and then he finally said; “I’m Woojin. I live next door. You’re Chan, right? My mom told me I should try and be friends with you.”  

The words were so blunt that Chan had to set the milkshake down, gulping. “Why, because she heard all about my crappy home life before I even got here?” Woojin shrugged, pursing his lips together, and it was enough for Chan to get his answer. Turns out Korea wouldn’t be the new leaf he was expecting, because his history still followed him here.

“I do want to be friends, though.” Woojin said, more seriously, holding out his hand. Chan glanced at it disdainfully, picked back up the milkshake, and opted to take another sip instead of shaking his hand. Woojin smiled. “I told you milkshakes make everything better.”  Chan didn’t admit to it, but, secretly, he thought they did too.

15.

Chan never agreed to being friends with Woojin, but it turned out that Woojin was unshakeable. Despite Chan hardly returning conversation, Woojin stuck to him like glue. He talked on and on for ages, and Chan never had the heart to tell him to shut up, because that would make Woojin think he was actually listening. He was, but Chan didn’t need Woojin to know that his clingy efforts were earning him something.

School wasn’t easy, especially considering he came in halfway through the year, only around halfway to speaking decent Korean. Chan was a halfway, halfway wanted at his halfway home, just two halves that his parents fought over. Even when his mother gave up, Chan was still two pieces they had torn apart then told him he was whole, but Chan wasn’t. He wasn’t, but Woojin was acting like he was, making him feel like he was.

“I could tutor you, if you want.” Woojin told him one day when he had followed Chan to the library again, drinking his milk even if you weren’t allowed to drink in the library. “In what?” Chan asked, because sometimes he did respond to Woojin, when he was in a good mood.  “Korean.” Woojin gestured down at the textbook Chan was scanning over for the fourth time.

“No thanks.” Chan said, somewhat distracted. He stood up, closing it. “I don’t need your help; I’ll figure it out on my own.” He put the textbook into his backpack, turned his music up a notch, and walked out, feeling something simmer under his skin. He didn’t need any help, certainly not from some pushy kid-

“If you keep acting like that, you won’t get anywhere.” Woojin yelled down the hallway after him, and Chan took out his earbuds, turning to him in frustration. “Acting like what?” He asked, trying to sound bored, but knowing that it was really unconvincing. Woojin walked over to him, lifting his chin. He was shorter than Chan by a couple of inches, but Chan was built like a pole-long and skinny, and Woojin was a battery, short but intimidating.  

“Like everyone should feel sorry for you and leave you alone, while silently struggling.” Woojin accused him blatantly. Chan scoffed, rolling his eyes. “I never asked for you to treat me like your charity case, you know. If people really feel that way, then they should just leave me alone, like I want. I don’t need friends, or anyone.” He sighed bitterly, hair falling into his eyes. “Don’t worry, I’m used to being thrown away, so don’t feel bad for leaving me.”

Woojin walked up to him as Chan started to leave again, grabbing his shoulder. “I never said I was leaving you, so stop assuming things and putting words into my mouth.” Chan blinked at him, somewhat stunned at small, shy Woojin letting his emotions control him for once. Chan gently pushed him away, staring at him.

“Why would you want to stay?” He finally asked in a small voice, and Woojin shrugged. “I mean, why not?”

17.

“You’re insane.” Woojin breathed, glancing down the ramp. Chan grinned, flipping the board up. “I thought we figured that out a long time ago.” He pulled on his gloves, testing out his balance. Woojin frowned, chewing on his nails as he held his phone up with his other hand, prepared to video it all.

“You should wear a helmet at least.” Chan grinned charmingly. “Can’t make me.” He responded, and Woojin groaned, dropping his head into his hands. Chan looked back down the skate ramp, already regretting his decision, but Woojin didn’t need to know that-Chan wasn’t going to prove him right about Chan being an idiot just yet.

Chan inched forward, one foot on his board, wind blowing his recently dyed brown curls in the air. “Are you ready?” He asked, looking back at Woojin, who carefully positioned the phone in front of him, thumb hovering over the red button. He gave a timid nod, and Chan held up three fingers, counting down. As he put the last one down, he pushed off, adrenaline flooding through his veins as his skateboard left the ground, sliding down the ramp like magnets.

Woojin screamed as Chan flipped off, his body twisting in the air against the setting sun, and then he touched back down, heart thumping in his chest as he skidded around in a half circle. Pushing off once more, Chan shot up the opposite ramp, turning the board in a sharp curve, leaving the ground for a moment and then shooting back down. He braked hard, spinning to a stop back where he had began, sweat dripping down his face and legs shaky.

“Did you get it?” He asked Woojin, who nodded with his eyes blown wide. He carefully handed the phone back to Chan, then lowered himself down slowly, looking more terrified than Chan. “You...are so dumb.” He breathed, and then he was laughing, and Chan joined in, his insides aching with happiness.  

Looking at the phone again, Chan pressed play on the video, holding it so Woojin could see too. “Not bad.” He said, admiring the angle, then bursting into laughter again as Woojin’s scream echoed at the most crucial moment. “It wasn’t even that dangerous, you know. Real skateboarders do so much more.” Woojin smacked his shoulder, hard.

“Just shut up.” He murmured, but he was smiling, face surrounded in a hazy, golden glow from the sunset behind him. Chan tilted his head and admired him, just for a minute, and then he shook it away and focused on the sound of their laughter mingling together, turning his eyes back to the video and what mattered.

18.

Chan woke up to his phone dinging continuously, all texts from Woojin. Rolling over, Chan blinked at the time-somehow six hours had passed since he had fallen asleep, 11:12 blinking up at him. Clicking on the top notification, Chan scrolled up through the blue bubbles.

[9:05 p.m.] Where are you???

[9:10 p.m.] Did you forget today’s prom???

[9:15]  Yoojung is here, so I’m going...meet us there?

[10:08 p.m.] I’m getting worried, and also kind of upset.

[10:09 p.m.] You promised you wouldn’t blow me off.

He had forgotten, or, more likely, it had slipped his mind at that moment. Chan groaned, rubbing his head.

[11:08 p.m.] Sorry.

He replied, his phone ringing from a facetime call only seconds after he sent it. Groaning, Chan picked it up, even though he didn’t want to deal with the lecture he was sure to get.  

“I can’t believe you ditched me like that.” Woojin hissed, uncharacteristically angry. His hair was disheveled, and his tie was on crooked. Chan glowered at this. “Do you know how awkward it was to wait around with my girlfriend, and to keep on waiting even when you didn’t show up, because I had a little hope that you would?” Chan shrugged, massaging his forehead.  He had a headache.  

“Well, I’m so sorry I couldn’t make it. Don’t make a big deal out of it, it’s not like I was really missed. Besides, you had a date. It’s not like we would have hung out anyways.” He said sourly, and Woojin frowned, his expression softening for a split second. “What’s going on, Chan?” He asked. “This isn’t like you.”

Chan stretched out on his bed, looking down at his striped socks. “Not like me? This is exactly like me.” He snorted, and Woojin let out a long sigh that somehow managed to come off as condescending. “Just because we’re friends doesn’t mean you get treated especially nice.” Chan added before he could stop himself, this self destruction he seemed to have.

“I really thought you had changed, that’s all.” Woojin finally remarked quietly, and it hurt, it really did, because they fought like this hundreds-no, thousands-of times. Except it usually ended differently, with Woojin or Chan apologizing. “Not because we’re friends; I genuinely thought you had become a better person. Not this cold, uncaring, cruel person you act like.” The cold, uncaring, cruel person I am. Chan thought to himself, but he didn’t say it aloud.

Instead, he said; “We should hang up.” His fingers were already pressing the ‘end call’ button.

He and Woojin didn’t talk much after that.

20.

“Chan!  Oh my goodness, it’s been so long!” Chan paused, looking up from where he was stirring his coffee with little enthusiasm. The Starbucks was near empty, unusual since it was so near a college campus. Looking up, he saw Woojin waving at him. Momentarily stunned, Chan could only lift his hand in a half wave motion. Woojin was a little taller, but he had the same friendly grin.  

He was dressed chicly, in a black peacoat and a red scarf half wound around his neck, jeans neat and a clean white shirt underneath it all, his shoes shining. Chan took a slurp of his coffee, throwing the stick away. “Woojin.” He said, smiling. “How’s college life suiting you? We haven’t talked in ages.” After senior year, they had both gone their separate ways and hadn’t really contacted each other since, leaving it on a frosty note.

“Sit down.” Woojin said, grabbing a seat at the counter. Chan complied, sliding in. He felt more poor than usual, in his old black hoodie and ripped jeans, his Converse peeling apart at the soles, so badly that he had to put duct tape all over them. “Anyways, it’s been difficult but I’m managing. I even got a job to help pay with tuition.There are tons of great people at the college. I auditioned for the elite choir and I got in; it’s amazing. There’s this really funny freshman named Jeongin and his friend Seungmin; they’re so talented and I’m having fun coaching them.”

He paused, taking a sip of his drink-some iced latte, despite it being in the negatives outside. “Sorry, I’m already rambling. I just never expected to see you here, of all places. Do you go to the college down the road? Mine is on the other side of town, but I travel around Seoul quite often.” Woojin sucked in a deep breath, and Chan could tell he was nervous. Woojin only talked fast when he was nervous.

“College is fine.”  Chan said distantly, looking down. “I’ve made some friends. It’s hard work, but I got a job at a club being a DJ.” Woojin pressed his lips together. “That’s good.” He said softly, and Chan nodded, hating that he had made the conversation so tense suddenly. He wished he could feel comfortable around Woojin again, but after senior year they had gone their separate ways and never really talked again.

“I really missed you, Chan.” Woojin whispered, reaching over to rub Chan’s hand. Chan snatched it back, too quick.

16.

“You’re not going to want to be friends with me one day.” Chan said bluntly, turning the straw in his milkshake. Woojin looked up, pausing mid slurp. “You can’t assume things that haven’t happened. You don’t know me.” Chan shrugged, rolling his shoulders back and stretching out his legs.

“I know myself, though.” He retorted, and Woojin did the thing where his eyes softened in a way that only meant sympathy and pity. Chan didn’t like it, because it made him go down the train of thoughts that he was still nothing but a charity case to Woojin.  

“You could let me know you too.” Woojin said instead, and Chan laughed, but it was high pitched. “That..no, you couldn’t.” He finally finished, still smiling, but it faded at how serious Woojin really looked, eyes dark, like wood. Mahogany, but deeper and less red, like he was an ancient tree with ancient eyes.

“Why?”  Woojin asked. Chan didn’t have an answer. He didn’t want to answer.

“Because that’s terrifying. Because I’m scared that you’ll see me in you and you will hate it. I don’t know myself enough, so how can I possibly ask you to try and figure me out?” Chan took in a shaky breath, gripping the cold glass between his hands. “I don’t want anyone to know how vulnerable I am.” He said gently, and Woojin nodded, eyes glossy with unshed tears.

“I wouldn’t mind being like you.” Woojin responded, straightening, his fingers inching out as if they were searching for Chan’s. Chan gave him a watery smile, voice too thick for him to ask ‘why’. Woojin knew what he meant anyways, though. “Because you’re strong, Chan. You’re so strong.”

“Not really.” Chan told him, but his voice sounded pathetically choked full of tears.  Woojin gave him a different, special smile that Chan had only ever seen him direct at him. “I see you, okay?” Woojin said, and this time he did grab Chan’s fingers. “The real you.” He reached forward, tapped his finger over Chan’s beating heart. “This heart that beats here? It beats because you want it to, and, right now, it beats for me.”

Despite everything, Chan couldn’t deny that, though he wished he could.

20.

Chan showed up at the party in nothing but a sweatshirt and a pair of jeans, his shoes falling apart as he walked, curls flopping loose. He felt instantly out of place, because everyone else had come in as little clothing as possible, skimpy pieces of leather and cloth. Chan pushed his way through the crowd, focused on finding Woojin and Woojin only.

He didn’t belong here, but he could tell Woojin had found some sort of home, and if Woojin belonged, then Chan could at least pretend to. For now. Scanning the heads, Chan spotted the bright black of Woojin’s, so raven that it was more crow. Chan moved over to him, avoiding cups and ducking tangled arms, until they were side by side, pinned against the walls.

“Oh?”  Woojin said, peering up at him even though they were the same height. “You came?” He sounded a little tipsy, his voice edging into something more cynical and sarcastic than the Woojin Chan knew. He remembered their conversation all those years ago, how Chan had told Woojin that he was scared that Woojin would eventually look at himself and see too much Chan. He wondered if that was what happened, all of Chan’s hatred bleeding into his best friend until Woojin had some hatred, too.

“Of course.” Chan replied, taking his cup and passing it off to someone else, though Woojin pouted stubbornly. “Someone had to chaperone you.” Woojin shrugged loosely. “I can take care of myself. I don’t need you anymore, Chan! It’s been a long two years, but I got over it! I moved on!”

“You’re drunk.” Chan muttered, his stomach uneasy, and Woojin shook his head, leaning in close. “Wanna know a secret? That was apple cider. I’m just very good at acting, you know.” Chan pulled back and gave him a disbelieving stare. Woojin shrugged, sweater paws flapping.  

“Are you glad to see me again, Chan?” He asked, leaning back, and Chan did too, mimicking his movements. “I told you that I missed you but you never said it back.” He stuck out his bottom lip, but Chan could tell all the extra movements were just exaggeration. “It’s crappy to not text someone back. Or bother to call. Even, I don’t know, leave a nice, old fashioned, handwritten note when you leave?”

He raised his eyebrows and Chan pressed his fingers to his temples, sighing. “I have one question, Chan.” Woojin said. Chan knew he was using his name so much because Chan had once told Woojin that when people said his name too much it made him uncomfortable. When you had a name that people used often, it reminded you that you were real. That people cared.  Chan would rather that they didn’t.

“Why’d you skip prom?” Woojin asked.

18.

It wasn’t on purpose at first. It started during prom, when Woojin was off having a fun time and Chan just couldn’t be bothered. When he couldn’t stop the sarcasm that seeped into his every tone and motion, how off putting it was to Woojin. He knew what Woojin hated, and a lot of it included things Chan usually made a conscious effort not to do.

To be exact, it started when he was fifteen. Woojin’s eyes were pretty, Chan noticed first. He didn’t notice beauty in a lot of things, mostly because everything was too dreary to really be beautiful, but Woojin’s eyes were beautiful. They were black and brown and everything in between, and Chan wanted to look at them until he could tell every single shade included in that in between.

Chan had spent four years with Woojin as his best friend, after telling himself he wouldn’t make friends at all. He told Woojin what he had promised himself he would never tell. He had let himself be close to someone even if he knew that being close to someone was like poisoning them, again and again, every moment they spent together another sip of the bottle.

So he left. He stayed away, and he never came back. He picked a college he had no interest in only because it was as far away from Woojin as could be without being so far away it was unbearable. Chan didn’t call, or text, and he left it to someone else to tell Woojin where he had went. When he thought back to it, Chan told himself it had been mutual on both ends, but it was Woojin who had texted him so many times the number became overwhelming.

One time, Chan scrolled through all of them, knowing he was being cruel to leave Woojin on read after months. Woojin called him that night. Chan ignored it and went back to his headphones and the music in front of him. Every song he wrote, he wrote it thinking of Woojin.  He didn’t mean to, it just happened.

When you miss someone, they say it diffuses into everything. Chan closed his eyes and he saw Woojin’s reflected on his eyelids. He wrote an essay for one of his English classes and it was about all Woojin had done for him. Chan wrote a song, and the lyrics he wrote for who he had lost because of himself, who he was.

Chan hadn’t lied when he said he was scared of himself. He was terrified. He didn’t like this feeling, this eating away of his insides, because of one person. People shouldn’t have that much control over you. He had tried to give up emotion when he came to Korea, but on the same day he had decided that, he had met someone who had gone against that method without Chan even realizing.

One day Woojin stopped texting, more than a year ago. Chan should have felt glad.  Instead, he was worried.

20.

“You know why.” Chan said softly, and Woojin looked pointedly away, eyes glittering in the reflecting lights. “I wish I didn’t.” He said, and Chan shrugged, lifting his shoulders halfway before dropping them back down. Woojin pressed his sweatered hands to his eyes, and Chan knew he was crying.

Woojin was sad often. He cried easily. At first Chan had laughed because of that, but then he had ended up buying boxes of tissues just for his friend when they watched whatever movie it was that week. Sometimes Chan had thought of sending Woojin his songs, but he would remember how often his friend cried, and stop. He didn’t want Woojin to cry because of him, but now Chan could see that he had been foolish to believe that Woojin hadn’t been crying this whole time.

“I missed you.” Chan said aloud, the words echoing around their silent space. “I missed you so much it hurt.” He added, softer, and Woojin looked at him, eyes filled with tears. He pressed his lips together and nodded.

“Good.” He replied, nodding to himself. “Will you call me?” He added, and Chan smiled, reaching forward and taking Woojin’s hand with his own, just to feel his warmth, just for his warm fingers to wrap over Chan’s.

Just because he liked the feel of Woojin’s hand in his.

[End.]

[cowardsanctuary]

The Fanfic! they are humans and im not so proud of the peoples Povs

me, the coward: (fanfic placed under a readmore just in case! <3)

hey, apologies for the lateness of responding to this! (i got this like, an entire 24 hours ago LMAO). but!!! i read this and!!! IT WAS SO CUTE I LOVED IT…. i love how smug nickel was, and how exasperated mic was aieprvnjdrkvkbth thank you for sharing!!! i really appreciate it!!! here’s a quick fandoodle of a scene for your troubles!

No ones Pov~

Currently, nickel was walking in the perilous forest. He wasn’t that far in the forest, yet there was still no one near him. He was completely by himself and his thoughts. This was actually quite needed. Baseball recently asked nickel to teach him how to sing, or at least sing with more confidence. Nickel was the best choice to teach him, with his massive amount of knowledge of the music theory and, in baseballs words at least, “heavenly” singing. He wanted to teach baseball, being his closest friend and all, but he wanted to keep his voice a secret only for himself. That leads to what’s happening now. Nickel almost zoned out entirely walking in a forest. He was snapped to his thoughts by what seemed to be whimpering and yelping. It sounded like two dogs or wolves are making those noises. Now, nickel wasn’t heartless. Hell, he even started to bring med supplies and a needle and cleaned thread to help wounded animals. He didn’t want to leave them, so he started to run to the sounds. Once nickel got close enough, he was met with two wolves, a puppy and what seemed to be its mother. The puppy has a slash on its right front leg. the Gash spanned from its shoulder to halfway down the puppy’s leg. It looked brutal, and the baby wolf was crying out in pain. It definitely looked brutal, but not the worst he has seen. That didn’t mean he didn’t feel that blunt pain in his chest. The same pain you get when you see something horrible done to something innocent and undeserving. The mother was also crying out, But not it pain though. The mother was howling out of concern  and to go get help. The mother saw nickel and started to growl, and stood up. Nickel wasn’t phased by this though. He simply held out one of his small hands in a ‘stop’ pose. Once the mom calmed down enough, he balled his hand into a loose fist so she could smell him, to figure out his intentions. The mom moved and let nickel go to the puppy, but didn’t leave the perimeter. Nickel got all the necessities needed to help the poor puppy, which was a bottle filled with warm soapy water, a clean rag, gauze pads, and a roll of bandages. He didn’t start though, he couldn’t. The puppy was too stressed to actually help without problems. So, he did something that would always work to calm any animal down. Sing. He started to sing “Star of the county down”. The song was one of his favorites. Once he started singing, the puppy and even the mom started to relax. Then he started to get to work cleaning the wound and the fur around it, and also patch it up

Mic’s Pov~

Uuuuhhhhhgggg. Where the hell is taco?! I know that we can’t keep going to the same spot over and over again cause of knife, but she can at least tell me where we are meeting next! Currently, I was who knows how deep in the forest, and ! “taaccoo-?” I call out, cupping my hand around my mouth. Where is she. I stepped over a couple of tree roots as I looked around. I keep walking for like 5 minutes. Until I hear.. singing? Yea that’s definitely singing. “Oh, she smiled at me and with pride says he, That’s the gem of all Ireland’s crown. Young Rosie McCann from the banks of the Bann, She’s the Star of the County Down”. I’ve heard that song before! It's “Star of the County Down”! That song was played at a party in Hotel Oj. Who or what the fuck is singing it though?! The voice sounds waay to angelic and beautiful to be a normal human. What if its a Siren of some sorts trying to lure me and kill me?!? I started to quiver in fear. My fight or flight kicked in and I’m not willing to fight a mystical creature so I almost immediately turn on my heels and run as fast I can. I do not want to die today nope nope nope nope!!

Nickels Pov~

Wolves are a lot less fluffy than I thought they would be. Anyway, I made up my mind on if I should teach baseball or not. I chose no, but I will help if needed. I was starting to walk deeper into the woods, to a certain place where I like to take short naps in my free time. I was interrupted by someone running away shouting nope over and over again. Who the everloving fucking is that?! I quickly start to make my way towards the noise to see, mic running away while half shouting “There Is A Siren or nymph or some shIT IN THE FUCKING FOREST”. Sirens don’t exist though…. Wait, she was running away from my direction. She heard me sing and thinks i’m a siren or a nymph. I snort at that fact and start to walk back to challenge grounds. I have to take a different route though, mic might realize it was me singing and tell everyone.

Time Skip owo~

By now I have gotten back to the rest of the contestants. Mic was currently screeching at everyone that there is a land siren or something of that sort. I started to laugh slightly cause honestly, it was really funny to see her freak out over nothing

Mic is boldnickel is italics cause I am getting lazy

“wha-nickel why are you laughing!?!”

“do you actually believe that there is a Land Siren in the Perilous forest?”

“Yes!!!! I Heard It Sing!!!!!!!”

“Mic Sirens are Mythological creatures, they don’t exist”

“HOW DO YOU KNOW, IS THERE EVIDENCE?!”

“no, and there is no evidence they do exist other than a literal story book. And you saying there is one if the Perilous forest”

“WHY ARE YOU BEING SO PUSHY ABOUT IT HHHMMMMMM?!?!”

“Because you are literally being scared by something that doesn’t exist, you are a fucking pansy”

No ones Pov~

Nickel then turned on his heels smirking and walks back into the forest, leaving a yelling microphone behind him. He’ll tell baseball his answer to the teaching question later

[assbuttyourlife]

When We Were Young - Chapter Five

Pairing : Misha/OFC

Warnings : Fire, trauma, PTSD, family members’ death (including child), therapy, flashbacks (not in every chapter), cheating. Long fic. Angst, fluff and smut will come later in the story.

Words : 3634

Summary : After her grandmother’s funeral, Lily must return to the place she lived in when she was young and has to confront the ghosts of her past. She will run into an old friend that she thought was lost forever.

Note : Time to talk ;)

This chapter was beta’d by @dixseptdixhuit

CHAPTER 5 - REMEMBER ME

Misha closed the door behind him as Lily walked inside the room to sit down on an armchair, quietly observing around her. The room was vast with lots of tables, armchairs and sofas, and a bar in the back, but at this hour no one was there, and the large windows offered a nice view on the tarmac.

He sat on the chair facing her and looked intensely at her again, searching for any clue that could confirm it was really the woman he thought she was. He needed to know for sure, but he was pretty positive it was her, even if it was not logical.

She was right here, sitting in front of him, and he couldn't believe his eyes. It had been twenty two years, but he could still picture her face in his mind perfectly.

This woman looked exactly like Lily as he remembered her, except for the red hair color and a few wrinkles around her eyes, but she was as beautiful as in his memory. She had the same deep green eyes and cute snub nose, those luscious pink lips, and these gracious hands that were currently clinging on her chair’s arm.

Everything matched. She was not tall, but not too small either, still slim but she obviously kept the curves he used to like so much, especially her plump breasts, just like he remembered.

She was still scanning the room, probably to avoid his persistent and intimidating gaze.

“Wh...where are we?” she asked hesitantly, almost afraid to break the silence.

“VIP lounge. Like I said, we need to talk without being disturbed.”

 He didn't know where to start, though... He wasn't even totally sure it was her, he didn't know how to act in front of her, he was nervous, studying her every move. He had spent so many years trying to stop thinking about her that if it was indeed really her, it would probably change everything for him... But would it change something for her? Did she run away and hide on purpose? Would she still be the same person? Would she act the same with him? Was      he     the same person?

His thoughts were interrupted by Katie's cough.

“So... Any idea what's going on here?”

So much for not being disturbed...

Misha exhaled and closed his eyes, slightly annoyed, but still he didn't forget it was thanks to her that Lily didn't run away from him again a few minutes earlier.

“Friend of yours?” He raised an eyebrow to Lily.

“Y... Yes. Her name's Katie.”

 She looked at her friend and could see the eagerness written all over her face. She desperately wanted to know what had happened.      Nosy Katie    .

“Do we need to do this in front of her?”

Katie puffed.

“Like I'm gonna leave now that it's getting interesting. And can you stop talking to each other like I’m not right next to you? I would appreciate. Thanks.”

She sure had an attitude!

“Are you her mom or something?”

Misha said that to joke and lighten the mood a little, but his sarcastic tone made something click in Lily's brain.

“Who the hell do you think you are?” She spat towards him. “You bump into me pretending being someone long dead, and now you make rude comments about my friend? Don't you think I had enough crap for this weekend? I need a damn break! I'm getting the fuck out!”

She rose out of her seat, determined to leave the room. It was just impossible that it could be Misha Krushnic, he was dead, she saw him die, and that was it.

Naturally, when she walked past him toward the door, he rose off his seat in a rush and ran to stand in her way.

“What's your full name?” He was now staring at her with a challenging look in his eyes.

She shook her head.

“Why do you care? Let me pass!”

“Please! I'm pretty sure I know exactly who you are, but still, I would feel less crazy if you could confirm, because if you are indeed Lily Hagen, I think you at least owe me an explanation. Why don't you just answer me?” He tried to hide the fact that he was slowly losing his patience, but he wouldn't give up.

 If this guy was really Misha      , HE     owed her a damn explanation!

She was hesitant to confirm it though... It would make things too real.

Katie rolled her eyes.

“Oh, for god's sake, yes, her name is Lily Hagen. Sit down, would you?”

Would they stop stalling and finally get to the point?

Lily glanced at her friend sideways and sighed, reaching back for her seat when she realized there was no way he would go away from the door.

Misha thought it would be the right time to start the questioning, so he walked closer to her.

“Alright... Why did you tell everybody you were dead? Why the hell did you do that to us?”

 What?

Was he really accusing her of being responsible for this?

“Do what to whom? Misha Krushnic is dead! I know what I'm talking about; he died in my freaking arms! You're just lying!” she flashed her angry teary eyes at him.

“Jesus Christ, stop the denying act, Lily! Did I change so much that you're unable to recognize me? I know I aged but still...”

Katie needed to help her friend or the situation would soon be out of control.

“Lily? What was your Northfield-Misha's last name exactly?”

Lily looked at her friend, startled by her question, but she suddenly realized something wasn't right.

“Not Collins!” She almost screamed it, proud that she could find an evidence for his lies.

“Lily... Misha's real name is Krushnic... everybody knows that... well every fan at least. Google it if you don't believe me.” Katie didn’t understand how this could be happening, but she knew for sure Misha wasn't lying.

Silence fell in the room and Katie turned her attention to him. He was staring at Lily with a pained expression in his eyes, his eyebrows knit together.

“Look, I know you're saying the truth... But we just got back from Northfield, she had already too many emotions for this weekend, and I think she's a little confused right now, if not a little scared. Who wouldn't?”

Misha nodded, feeling himself a little dizzy too.

Katie finally sat in the chair next to her friend.

Lily clasped her hands together between her knees and tried to act reasonable.

“Obviously there is a huge misunderstanding here.”

“Actually, I don't think there is.” Misha corrected and sat down on the chair facing her, making sure he could watch her in the eyes before repeating his question insistently.

“Why did you disappear after the fire, pretending to be dead? Why did you do that? How cruel can you be to let us think you were all dead, and never contact us again? If you wanted us to go out of your life, you could’ve just told us and we would've left!”

 Lily looked at Katie sideways with wide eyes, silently asking      is he serious right now?  

     He     was the one who was mad at her? Was he really thinking she did that? Why in the world would she do such a cruel and dumb thing? Nobody does that in real life! Nobody pretends to be dead! She never pretended anything! Why was he thinking that, for god's sake?      HE     was the one who was supposed to be gone!

Misha was a bit disappointed that she was so quiet, but he thought maybe he was a little too harsh, so he took a deep breath to compose himself.

“You need me to prove that it’s really me? Alright... I'm gonna give you proofs, and you will give me answers, that way everybody will leave satisfied. I won't let you go until I have some answers. You're going to listen to me very carefully and believe me. You wanna play that game? Fine! Let's play, then. I'm gonna tell you a few personal things about you, and you'll tell me if I'm wrong. If I am, I swear to God I will apologize, leave, and you will never hear about me again. Deal?”

He remembered Lily was not the kind of girl who easily complied with anyone who was too blunt with her, so he tried really hard to not sound too pushy, but he probably failed, as eager as he was to know what had happened in 1990.

Lily scoffed, but she could tell he was getting a bit angry now, and she almost felt guilty.

“This is ridiculous, I-”

“Humor me.” He interrupted abruptly and closed his eyes to regain his composure. “Please... Aren't you just a bit curious?”

Lily observed the man in front of her carefully and stayed quiet. He really looked like her Misha... Two people couldn't have eyes like these, right? So blue, so bright, so deep and expressive, though they appeared much happier today than they were two decades ago. He used to often have this heartbreaking sadness in his eyes when he was young, and Lily used to try to make it disappear as often as she could... His lips were quite unique too to be honest. She would know, she spent so much time kissing them. And frankly... how many Mishas could there be anyway?

She sighed but finally gave in. Her mind was already a mess after this weekend, what did she have to lose except a little time?

“Fine.”

“Alright...” He leaned back in his chair and crossed his fingers on his stomach, squinting his eyes at her.

“Your full name is Elise Grace Hagen, you were born June 9th 1974 in Hartford. Your mom was Mary, your dad was Franck, he died when you were ten in a car accident, you also had a brother named Ryan.” He recited fast with a dull voice. “Am I correct so far?”

Lily didn't say a word but shrugged. Maybe she was getting pranked and she would be on TV soon?

Katie was still quiet in her chair, very curious about what he was going to reveal next.

“We met when we were nine, through your grandfather that I met on my paper routes, we became friends but I had to leave with my family, then a few years later when we came back, we moved to your caretaker’s house, we started dating, and it ended only because your house caught on fire and you disappeared, and everyone said you'd died.” He hissed on the last words very bitterly and Lily shifted uncomfortably in her seat... This was so not what had happened!

Still, she remained silent and listened to him carefully.

Misha suddenly softened, stood up and stepped closer to her seat, crouching down to be at eye level. She looked at him suspiciously, but she didn't flinch, even when she saw that same sparkle of sadness back in his eyes.

“On your sixteenth birthday, I carved the words ‘will you marry me?’ in our willow tree... and you said yes when I showed it to you. We talked about getting married after college, but then again... it never happened because you fled.”

 Katie's eyes almost popped out of her head when she heard him but she said nothing, she didn't want to break the moment. So      that    was what had been carved into that damn tree?? Her best friend was supposed to marry Misha freaking Collins???

Lily was shocked and speechless, her heart was beating fast and she was holding back tears, swallowing the lump in her throat. Now she knew it couldn't be anyone else, as nobody but Misha and her had ever known about that...

Misha's eyes were also teary at this point.

“So tell me now... How would I know about that when we never told anyone?”

He was right, they were so young that Lily was too scared to tell her mom, and she made him promise he wouldn't tell his mom before she did. Only three weeks later, they were torn apart.

“Do you have enough proof? Am I wrong?” He asked softly.

She looked up into his piercing blue eyes.

“Yes, you're wrong.” She swallowed, and Misha was startled for a brief second, until he understood she had something to add.

“I did not flee. Not like you imagine anyway, and I certainly never pretended to be dead, this is absolutely stupid and it's not what happened.”

He sat back on his chair, his elbows resting on his knees.

“That's where you're giving me the answers I need: what the hell happened, then? Because I can assure you, everybody in town told me your whole family passed, except your grandmother who wasn't there the night of the fire, but was nowhere to be found when we searched for her. I spent years trying to understand and find her, I spent hours crying on your family's grave, and now you're right in front of me, and I think I deserve to know the truth.”

Lily's mind was about to explode. He spoke softly, but somehow she still felt like he was accusing her.

“I... I don't know what happened! Stop talking like I'm responsible for this! I woke up in the hospital, my grandma was here, I asked her where you were and she told me you didn't make it. And yes, we kinda fled because we left the country only a few weeks after without even going back to the farm, because there was no point going back anyway, and we both needed to move forward as fast as possible after such a tragedy.”

“What? Who the hell told her I was dead?” He crossed his arms.

Lily noticed the bitterness in his voice again and she didn't like it at all. He was obviously thinking she had done that on purpose. She was already feeling guilty enough for what happened; she didn't need one more load to carry.

“I don't know! The doctors, the firemen, the cops, the neighbors, everybody!”

“And it didn't occur for you to check? You just believed your grandmother and moved on with your life like nothing happened?”

 Now that was the most stupid thing he could've said. It took her years of therapy to move forward. She was wounded, physically      and     psychologically, haunted by nightmares every single night. She had tried to cope with unhealthy methods; she had even thought she didn't deserve to live.

“You don't know what you're talking about...” She whispered looking down at her shaky hands.

“Maybe I don't, but I'm very eager to know.”

“I am too! What do you think? That it was a picnic for me? That I didn't care? Why are you talking like you're accusing me of-” She was interrupted by a ringtone coming from Misha's back pocket. He looked at it quickly but declined the call.

“My mom. She can wait. God, if she only knew...” He scoffed.

Lily's face turned blank.

“Wait... what?? Your mom's alive too?”

Misha almost laughed at that, though it wasn't funny.

“Yes, she is very much alive and probably very pissed because I was supposed to meet her twenty minutes ago and I'm still here. She will be absolutely thrilled to know why I'm late though.” He explained with a faint smile on his face, finally calming down.

 Oh God what is happening? What the fucking fuck is happening?

“Sasha?” She dared asking in a whisper.

“Still kicking too... and still a pain in my ass.” He chuckled nervously.

“Oh God...” Lily completely lost it and buried her face in her hands, crying loudly. All those years she had thought she was the only one who survived, feeling guilty as hell, when it wasn't true.

Misha suddenly felt a hint of hope rising in his chest.

“So... Any chance your mom and Ryan are still hiding somewhere too?”

Lily felt the air rushing out of her lungs as if someone had punched her.

She didn't say anything, still crying in her hands, but she shook her head and Misha understood.

“Your grandmother?” He asked again with a shaky voice. He knew she must be very old now, but it was possible anyway.

She let out a loud sob and shook her head once more.

Misha stood up. At that moment, he forgot he was pissed because of whatever led to such a mess, but he couldn’t bear seeing her crying like that. He crouched down in front of her and took her hands away from her face. It was a strange sensation... holding her hands after so long, but it felt good and almost familiar.

“Lily, look at me.”

She didn't. She couldn't. She was lost.

“Look at me, please...” He insisted, gently tilting her chin. She looked into his reddened eyes and waited for him to talk.

“I'm really sorry. I don't know what happened, I don't know who to blame, and frankly I don't even care right now, we'll figure it out some day. You're here, I'm here, and we have a lot to catch up.”

She weakly smiled and scoffed between her sobs.

“Yeah... something like twenty years.”

He smirked back at her.

“Yeah... something like that.” His phone buzzed again.

“But not now, I'm afraid I really have to go. Where do you live?”

“Seattle.”

“Perfect... I'm staying in Vancouver for a few weeks; I'll be able to come see you next Friday if that's okay, so we can catch up. Here... What’s your number?” He took his phone out of his pocket.

Katie was still here, observing in silence, barely able to believe any of this. This was crazy... absolutely insane. She was also very curious to know what had happened after the fire to make them both believe the other was dead, and she thought fate could be very cruel sometimes, because Lily may not know it yet, but her friend knew Misha had married another woman and had kids now... It was not her place to tell her, but at that moment she really hoped Lily had moved on for real and would not be too upset about that.

They exchanged phone numbers and both stood up.

“ I'm sorry I have to run. I'll call you Lily, promise.”

“Okay...” was all she could answer. She was stunned, not realizing yet.

“Bye Lily. Be safe. I'll see you again, right? You won't disappear?”

She could tell he was scared, she was too. Terrified even.

“Yes. You'll see me again,” she answered honestly.

“Promise?”

“Promise,” she whispered. Her instinct told her to run away like she always did, but if all of this was really true, she had to know what happened.

“Good.” He kissed her forehead very quick, turned towards the door, and Lily watched him leave.

After a few long seconds trying to recover from what just happened, Katie was the one to break the silence.

“Holy... Mother... of God...” she said, still in shock. “Lily... you good?”

“I uuhh... I have no idea.” And she truly meant it, she really didn't know how she felt.

“I can't believe it...” Katie suddenly burst out laughing and couldn't stop.

“Sorry but... it's nervous, I... I just... all that time you were talking about Misha Collins and I didn't even realize. What are the odds? I mean... I don't know his personal life that much so that's probably why it didn't click, I just watch the show but... damn!”

 Lily looked at her friend, still no expression on her face.      Misha Collins    ...      How weird    .      Why did he change his name?  

“The show...” She repeated her friend's words like it could help her understand.

“Yes... Your ex-boyfriend is a fucking TV star, Lily! He plays in a show called Supernatural and he's super famous. Why do you think we're standing in the freaking VIP lounge right now? But I'm sure he will tell you all of this better than me, it's not my place. Come on, we have to go now, David keeps calling, he's waiting for us outside and he must be worried right now.”

Katie took her friend's hand and pulled her out of the airport, where they met their friend David.

“What took you so long? I was worried! Are you okay? Jeez Lily, you look very pale...”

“Oh, you have no idea, I'll tell you everything on the way home, it's a long story. Let's go!” Katie answered for her friend.

As promised, she told everything to David on their way home, and no need to say he almost didn't believe her. Lily was still very quiet.

It was the middle of the night when Lily finally walked into her apartment and went straight in the bedroom, crashing on her bed, not even caring about getting her clothes off. She stared at the ceiling a few minutes in silence.

Was it real? Did it really happen? Wasn't it just a dream? It should've been. Those things don't happen in real life.

As if on cue, her phone buzzed, notifying an incoming text.

She reached to her jean's pocket lazily and unlocked the screen, seeing the text from Misha.

 Mom says hi, she can't wait to see you again. She doesn't believe me either. Cya soon.

     'Mom'    ... Rebecca.

Oh God, what a mess in her head right now! She didn't answer his message, she just laid here silently with her clothes and shoes on, until she fell asleep, exhausted and feeling empty.