#I got a lot of “wow he’s majestic”

[nebula-remnants]

I HAVE SUN’S DESIGN FOR THE AU DONE,,

Oughhh there’s a bunch of stuff I have to do on tumblr specifically. I have some asks I’m working my way around to 😭

[wonderjanga]

Marvel and the YJ

So, Marvel in the YJ. He’s one of their den mothers and all that. So like, in this AU, and in fact in all of my posts so far, Billy’s kept it under wraps that he’s a kid. So, as a result, the YJ think he’s just this really cool big brother (dad (they just don’t know it)) type of dude. Like he’s so nice. And he’s so nice to them especially. Like, he treats all of them the same way he treats adults. He doesn’t doubt their abilities, and when they fail, he’s still there to encourage them to get back up and he doesn’t even make them feel bad about it.

Like, the one time he was asked to spar with the YJ cause they wanted to for funsies I guess, he positively whooped their asses and somehow, someway found a way to still compliment their abilities, even if they didn’t last that long because the battle was a little one-sided. To be fair though, they had asked him not to go easy, which he didn’t. In the end, he got promptly scolded by Canary heavily when she found out he quite literally used Kid Flash as a rag doll and threw him at Aqualad. She said that the entire tape of him having a “friendly spar” with those kids, was essentially just him bullying them. To which Billy tried to defend himself by saying those kids were plenty capable. The defense didn’t work.

Then, there was this time Kon mentioned he couldn’t fly and Marvel offered him a lift. This somehow ended up with Marvel sort of T posing mid air as Kon and Robin hung on one arm, Artemis and Aqualad hung on the other arm, then Kid Flash held onto one leg while M’gann held onto the other.

Flash: “Wow.” *looking up at the YJ and Marvel* “That’s… actually kinda majestic, not gonna lie.”

Superman: *also looking up at Marvel and the YJ* “Is it though? What if one of them falls?”

Flash: “Eh. I’m sure it’ll be fine.”

Kid Flash proceeds to almost slip off and fall, which almost gives both the speedster and Kryptonian a heart attack. Thankfully, he catches himself by moving his feet really fast to boost himself back up. Worst part in their opinion is that Marvel didn’t even seem to notice.

Then, there was the time M’gann with Robin about something. Batman was also working nearby on a computer.

M’gann: “Hmm… We need advice.”

Robin!Tim: “We need an adult.”

Batman: *keeping an ear out cause he’s always happy to help one of his kids*

M’gann and Robin!Tim: *thinking before they speak up at the same time* “Marvel.” *they then both walk out of the room to find the Captain*

Batman: *a little upset that Tim did didn’t come to him for help but also a lot more concerned as to why they thought Marvel was a suitable choice to ask for advice, especially considering the fact that just earlier that day, he had caught the man scribbling on one of the meeting tables like a 5th grader scribbling on their desk*

Contrary to what Bruce thought might happen (I.e. something going wrong) apparently Marvel’s advice wasn’t too bad, seeing nothing had gone wrong yet. (He later found out that the two had asked for the best advice on how to incapacitate your enemy quickly. He found this out when he saw Tim throat punch a man. Said man went down almost immediately. When prodded for information for as to why he did that, he proudly proclaimed “Cap taught me”)

Also a little tidbit from the Marvel Cursing post about the YJ thinking that Marvel called one of them a dumb cunt. Courtesy to @helps-the-writing-brain-go

Billy’s recently noticed that the kids are acting funny. Though, he supposes it’s not a bad funny. If anything, whatever’s got them acting weird has got them doing better on missions, but still. It’s weird. What’s weirder is that whenever he compliments them, they shine twice as brighter than they normally do. What’s even weirder than that is that whenever they’ve messed up recently they look twice as nervous. Speaking of which, this was one of the moments they’ve messed up.

Marvel: “So… Uh- that didn’t go so well.”

YJ: *obvious signs of anxiousness on some and subtle on others*

Marvel: “But that’s okay! But that’s okay.” *trying his best to make the anxiety in them disappear* “We just have to try to be better next time. Like, and I hate to say this, maybe try calling in an adult next time? Like me? I could’ve zoomed over and helped you guys.”

YJ: *look at each other*

Artemis: “Wally’s the one who said that we shouldn’t call you in a try to do this on our own.”

Kid Flash: *dramatic gasp* “You know why I said that! It would’ve helped us all if Kaldur had tried to put the fires near the gas tanks out with his water powers!”

Aqualad: “I was busy being attacked by nearly five different people.”

YJ: *dissolve into arguing*

Marvel: “Wait. Wait. Wait. Wait. Wally what did you mean by it would’ve helped you all? Me not being there would’ve been good?” *confused*

YJ: *immediate silence*

Kon: “Wally found out that you think one of us is dumb cunt.”

Kid Flash: “Dude! You guys need to stop ratting me out!”

Marvel: “What.” *stares in befuddlement*

M’gann: “And then he told us. So we’ve been trying to think of ways to not be uh… dumb cunts.”

Marvel: *blinks rapidly* “Again, what? Wally, where did you get this information from?”

Kid Flash: “When you were making cookies! I heard you say blah blah blah, what a dumb cunt.”

Marvel: *still staring in confusion*

Kid Flash: “Then, when I asked what you were talking about, Mary said you were talking about our performance on missions.”

Marvel: “…Okay. I’m going to be completely honest with you. I don’t remember a thing of what you’re talking about.”

Marvel then goes on to make a speech about how they’re wonderful heroes who shouldn’t let one person’s words guide them, especially in risky situations like a mission. He then told them that he was now going to stress bake and make some Minnesota cool whip, jello, fruit, not really salad, salad. (Courtesy to @jedipirateking) On the bright side though, the speech did leave the teens feeling better.

[hotcat37]

Gig report for Brussels 🇧🇪🔥

-just.....wow

-okay so first, the queue really wasn't as stressful as I thought it'd be. I arrived like an hour before the doors opened but it wasn't busy enough to be overwhelming!! At some point there were armed policemen walking around so that was a bit scary lol but it went smoothly so :P

-what also made the queuing so amazing was actually meeting people this time. Last year I was completely by myself both in the queue and during the concert but tonight I didn't just accidentally meet random people that I stumbled upon (who were absolutely lovely and who I vibed with so much) but also people from within the fandom <33 It was surreal to actually put a face to the usernames and to hear my own username be used lmao but it was such an amazing experience and I loooved trading gifts it was so satisfying!!

-also random but I just loved how diverse the crowd was. Older, younger, male, female, neither.....I just loved how many different kinds of people were present!!

-a bit frustrating but something I weirdly enough predicted beforehand was the show starting about 45 minutes late. The excitement was rapidly dwindling with every new song that kept playing without sight of Kä anywhere 🥲🥲 But he did apologize and as it turned out there was some kind of communication issue regarding the performing time

-that being said I completely forgot about the waiting as soon as the gig started wtf it was just so damn good!! I want to give a special thanks to everyone who was here tonight because the atmosphere was simply amazing and so comfortable!! And at least from where I was standing people were respecting personal space and going crazy during songs without constantly elbowing others haha

-Jere seemed so happy and energetic tonight :] There wasn't a lot of banter but when he did talk he said a lot of cute and funny things <3

-WE GOT URHEILUJÄTKÄ 🗣🗣🗣🔥🔥 I wasn't expecting that at all and it seemed spontaneous (?) but I'm so happy I got to hear the song live <33

-Dalton and Häärijä shenanigans were very endearing as always (Jaakko in particular looked majestic btw)

-WE GOT YHTÄ VAILLA MY FAVORITE SONG I WAS TWEAKINGGGGG 🗣🗣🗣☺☺☺☺💥💥💥

-the TRAFIK moshpit was kind of scary for me cuz I got kinda dragged into it but even though it was horrifying to have people jumping around so close to me I thankfully didn't get elbowed and everything seemed pretty safe :)

-it was boiling hot in there btw ugh I was fucking melting and sweating my metaphorical nuts off 😩

-shout-out to the person in front of me with the sign "I'm Tommy Cash" lmao I wish Kä would've noticed it was very cute 😂❤

Yeah, I dunno, it was just such a fantastic night. I didn't think it'd be that great queuing since it was in Brussels (no offense to folks that live in Brussels lmao but I find it a deeply unpleasant city) but this concert to me was honestly even better than the one in Antwerpen last year :"D And that one was already excellent too. Also shout out to everyone that brought party poppers and glowsticks and stickers and balloons to play with ❤❤ It really helped contribute to the great atmosphere 🥰💚

[peoniesnro]

In Another Universe

#6. A day in paradise

Synopsis – When you are just another iteration of Park Jimin’s girlfriend in a different universe.

Park Jimin × Reader

Genre – parallel universe (duh)/ kind of fantasy/ strangers to ??/ SMUT/ maybe romance/ angst/ fluff /Infidelity

Warnings- Language/SMUT- Making out/ Dirty talks/ slight grinding/ Oral (F.Receiving)/ fingering INFIDELITY

Word count- 15k (Phew... I had to physically restrain myself from writing more.)

a/n - Well, there are a lot of words here, but I needed to include everything before things will go down, probably starting from the next chapter. Speaking of which, the next chapter might be delayed or might not come out next week due to some family events. (I'm not thrilled at all.) My apologies in advance. I’m really sorry. I hope you enjoy this chapter, and thank you so much for your continued support and reading. ♥️

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The scenery of urban buildings slowly passes by you. You are very intrigued to say the least. As your first time traveling away from the hustle of Seoul. This is the first time you’re seeing the other parts of this world. So far, you’ve got to learn that everything stays similar to your world. To a certain extent. People. Vehicles. Buildings. Politics. Music. Movies. Technology. Yet, it’s not the exact same thing. There’s some good music but nothing you’ve heard before. Some intriguing movies but nothing you’ve seen before. That applies to everything. Similar in its nature but different in its contents.

That makes you curious beyond satiating. Pointing at everything and questioning like a four year old. Exhausting Park Jimin to his limit. Still, he answers everything. Laughs hard at some stupid ones. Is similarly intrigued when you tell him about how things are different in your world.

By the time he finally lets you know, that you’re finally near to your intended destination, you’ve been talking about Colleges. It was a two fucking hour long drive. A light snow from the previous night has decorated the world in a shiny glow under the sun. This place, where the party would be held is a cottage owned by Hoseok. And the moment your eyes land on it, you fall in love. Gives you that cosy feeling even before you get out of the car. It’s majestic, with white dust covering the roof. With the same white scattered around the ground. Not traditional. Has a pitched roof. Two story. Upper balcony covered in the same white blanket. Can a place be more beautiful than this?

“Wow..” You whisper under your breath. Jimin hears it anyway. Chuckles. You pay him no attention. Press your face against the window. Bask in the magical feeling. Get blinded by the glow that sun creates together with the snow.

“Right?” Jimin agrees with you. He turns off the engine. Unbuckles the belt and takes a breath. Stretches his stiff muscles after a long drive. You turn to him.

Oh! This magic is more appealing than the magic of the cottage.

Cold sun rays are creating beams of light on Jimin’s face. Changes his eye color into a lighter shade of brown. Like toasted caramel. Beautiful. Enchanting. Magic of Park Jimin.

Which is better? The feeling of warmth you feel now here with him or the feeling you’ll feel after you enter that cosy cottage. Easy. This feeling. Nothing will be able to compare. It’s better when he watches you with those eyes. Exquisite when he smiles at you. You’re melting. It’s a hard decision to look away. Fumbling with your seat belt and getting ready to join your (Jimin’s) friends.

“You’ll be fine right?” Jimin interrupts you. Apparently doesn’t like it when you pay little to no attention to him.

“Of course, I will. After you made me attend a fucking board meeting, Park, nothing is going to be worse than that.” You answer him pointedly. Open the door.

“Well yeah but uh...” He interrupts you again. This time you look at him annoyed. Not for real though. He doesn’t have to know that. “What?” You knit your brows. Jimin opens his mouth. Tries to say something then changes his mind. “Thank You!” He mumbles softly. That’s definitely not what he intended to say. You take it as that anyway. Roll your eyes.

“Move your ass, Park!” You exit the car. Giggle when you hear him lowly curses. Watch him get out. Walking to the trunk. You do the same. Stand close by to him when he starts to unload your very unnecessarily large suitcases. Because this is a mini-vacation apparently.

To say you were mad would be an understatement. The moment he let you know that this party is not just a party but a three days long stay at the cottage, you went feral. Was he kidding you? How the fuck are you going to manage a three-day long stay when you will disappear the moment you close your eyes. Then he came up with this brilliant idea. You’ll act like you have every intention of staying. And he will receive a call from his parents. Family emergencies. You’ll leave. All solved. It took him some time to make you agree but in the end you did. Of course, you did. People pleasers.

These unnecessarily large suitcases are part of the plan. Still, you think they are unnecessary. Scream overdoing it. Jimin is stupid. Extremely so. You grab one of the heavy luggage despite his protests.

“Oh, shut the fuck up Park. I can totally lift some weight okay. Be...” You lift it to take it away from the car. Clench your teeth. Put it down again. Heave for breath. Jimin is watching you with that glint in his eyes. “What the fuck did you pack here?” You change your course of subject. Jimin did all the packing. Most of things he packed were stupid. Hell, you even caught him packing a damn pillow. When you asked why he would need a pillow, he said he can’t sleep on other pillows. God only knows what other weird things he packed up.

“Well, nobody asked you to be a bad bitch and lift that alone.” Jimin points out. Fair. But who needs this much stuff. Especially, when you both know you won’t be staying a night at this place after all. You sigh exasperatedly. Ridiculous. Now you want to take this stupid luggage inside by all yourself. Just to prove him wrong. So, you huff. Bends down to lift the suitcase with your both hands. That’s when a very familiar, excited and a high-pitched voice reaches you.

“Noona...”

You straighten up and spin around. Jimin just whips his head. There’s no need of looking to know to whom that voice belongs to. In this world, there’s only one person who calls you Noona. And only one person who gets excited like a puppy to see you. That’s why you’re not surprised to find that the voice, indeed belongs to Jungkook. Standing on the front porch. Drowning in a black, large, puffy winter jacket. Like a penguin. His muscles hidden under a round form. A headband in his forehead to keep his long strands of hair away. He waves at you. Grinning from one ear to other.

You’re not surprised that it is Jungkook. You’re surprised, that he is here. You only get half a second to turn and look at Jimin. Surprised. Surprised as to why he never mentioned anything about Jungkook. Before you can have your answer, however, you’re wrapped in a pair of large hands. A yelp escapes your mouth while Jungkook pulls you into a bear hug.

“Noona.” He shouts in your ear this time. Making you wince. Is buzzing with excitement apparently. You return the hug. Pat his back. Grinning. The surprise of seeing him here wearing off. Replacing with excitement. “Hey Kookie. Surprised to see you here.” You let him bury your face in his jacket. Suffocating you. Jungkook giggles. Prettily. Lets you go after crushing your bones. Scratches the back of his neck.

“Ah it’s Namjoon. You know?” Says sheepishly. Bows to Jimin. Jimin, on the other hand, is blinking at him. Very impolite. No proper decorum at all. Takes a minute. And then suddenly grabs your hand. Yanks you to his side. You nearly stumble back at the ferocity of that movement. A sudden annoyance washes over you. Making you glare at him. What the fuck is wrong with him?

Jungkook looks confused as well. Innocently, gaping at Jimin. Lets out an awkward chuckle. Apparently is very confused about what he should do now. Uncomfortable. You feel the same kind of uneasiness. How rude of Jimin to act like this. You chuckle in reply to Jungkook. Awkwardly. In apology for your pretend boyfriend’s childish behaviour. Try to free your hand from Jimin’s iron grip subtly. He doesn’t let go. If anything, he tightens it even more, harder that you’re beginning worry about losing your hand. You put more force in trying to free your hand. Even hiss his name.

“Jimin..”

“What?” He snaps. Oh, that’s embarrassing.

There’s a tension building up in the air. Both you and Jungkook awkwardly chuckling while Jimin crushing your hand. Eyes intensely watching Jungkook. You’re actually starting to getting worried. Hence your breath of relief when a second very excited voice booms through the peaceful air of the cottage.

“Jiminiee....” Taehyung practically runs to Jimin. “You’re so fucking late man.” Complains. Yet makes Jimin free your hand when his hand wraps around Jimin. The tension pops out. Oh you’re glad. So incredibly glad. That’s the reason for placing your hands around Taehyung’s neck as soon as he lets Jimin go. You still don’t like Taehyung that much. Some choices you made, however, made you realize that you’re no saint to judge other people. So, you’ll start to like him from now on.

“Long time no see, Tae....” You pat his back affectionately. Just like you did with Jungkook. Pull away. Only to find Taehyung blinking at you. Mouth agape. As if he just got hugged by a damn celebrity and he can’t believe it. “What?” You question through your grin. Confused gaze shifting from Taehyung to Jimin. Have no idea why Taehyung looks like he is stunned to his core. Jungkook is sporting a similar look to you. Why’s everyone so weird? Jimin heaves a sigh. Grabs everyone’s attention. His hand curls over your shoulders. Pulls you to his body.

“A good mood.” Mumbles. “Good fucking mood.” Mumbles again. You don’t know what that’s supposed to mean. Nor does Jungkook, if his pout is anything to goes by. Taehyung apparently does know. Twists his mouth. Raises his eyebrows. Shrugs his shoulders and nods. Accepts what Jimin said, whatever that is. Then goes back to his normal self. Like a switch was off and just got on. Grins happily and offers his help with your over packed luggage. So does Jungkook. Eagerly takes that heavy suitcase you were struggling with. You don’t even protest. Just know he would do that anyway. Simply thank him and follow them inside. Ignoring the scowl on Jimin’s face. Free yourself again from his embrace.

He is ridiculous.

............................

If you think you fell in love when you saw the cottage under the sunlight, now you want to find a way to get married to an immovable property. The interior is breath fucking taking. Makes you suck in a harsh breath when you finally go inside. Eyes going wide again. Taking in every single details about this magnificent place. Engraving them into your memory.

The dark hardwood flooring. Furnishings and decor. Upscale. Elegant. Has a real fucking fireplace, stone framed. The golden hue seeping inside through the large windows. Woolen carpets. Plushy upholstery. The entire place scream comfort. Lavish. You aren’t the least bit surprised when Taehyung and Jungkook very competitively describe about the spacious, fully equipped kitchen. And then of course, about the hot tub.

Jimin’s hand is back around you. He doesn’t give a two shit about how your whole body trembles when he does that. Apparently, you’re a good actress to be able hide your flattering. Still, you want him to give you space. For the sake of your poor heart. Good thing you can distract yourself by the gracious view of this place.

In fact you love this. Really get the urge to jump up and down when someone enters the living area from a door to your left. Prevents you from doing so. Someone you haven’t met before. You eye him curiously. Jimin, however, finally takes his hand away off your shoulders to greet the man. Beaming.

“Now this is what they call a miracle. How the hell Hoseok managed to get your ass here?” Jimin exclaims in surprise. Hands already wrapping around the stranger. The said stranger, though, instantly starts to make a fuss about it. Pushing Jimin away and shouting ‘don’t’ and ‘no’. Jimin doesn’t relent. Keeps crushing the poor man. Until this man, with black hair, which is long enough, the end of his hair touches his shoulders, gives up. Pats Jimin’s back too. Laughs hard. And you swoon at that gummy smile.

“You haven’t met Yoongi right?” Taehyung startles you by whispering in your ear. “Huh?” You turn to him.

“That’s Yoongi. Hoseok’s cousin. You’ve heard of him surely but haven’t met him right?” He questions back. Now, you don’t know if you have or not. What if Liya has met him and you say no. So, you just stare at Taehyung’s ridiculously handsome face. Feeling glad when Jimin comes to your rescue.

“This is Yoongi. We knew each other back in college.” Jimin is giving you a look. A look that clearly indicate you indeed have heard about him. You instantly break into a most polite yet friendliest kind of smile you could perform. Hold your hand towards the man with the gummy smile.

“It’s nice to finally meet you. Have heard a lot about you.” Say while praying that you’re not overreacting. You’re not. Jimin gives you an approving nod when you look back at him. “Likewise.” Yoongi politely smiles back. Shakes your hand and bows. The way he carefully measures you not slipping from your eyes.

Taehyung sighs dreamily as you let Yoongi’s hand go. Grabbing everyone’s attention. Throws his arm over Jungkook’s neck. “Isn’t this great.” Another dreamy sigh. “What a perfect friend group we have.” Turns to Jungkook. “Even though I only know your name. But guess what? I don’t even care. I already love you.” Says with a straight face. You and Jungkook both snorts. Jimin rolls his eyes.

“Yeah? What do you say then? Want to get to know each other friend?” Jungkook asks from Taehyung.

“Hell yeah! And... Where the fuck is Hobi?” Taehyung looks elated. He has a bubbly personality. You think Jungkook is the best person to go with that. Taehyung takes a look around. Save for these few people here, cottage almost looks vacant. Then it turns a facade when Teahyung shouts through top of his lungs. The sound nearly sounding like ‘Hobi’.

Just at that glass shattering shriek. As if it is a some kind of summoning signal. The comfy living room starts to fill with people. Like cats. Sauntering. Rushing. Smiling. Complaining. Seoyeon being the first to pop her head inside the living room. Her face gleaming with pure excitement and surprise when she sees you. And she loses her shit like the last time you saw her. Now though, you know better than to be surprised. You hug her back. In the same way you would hug Key. Seoyeon is the one who pulls away first.

“How come you’re here Bae? I thought you have plans?” She grabs your shoulders. Shaking you slightly. Wondering. There goes another thing you don’t know how to answer. To be honest, you to this moment, have no idea what’s the reason you’re here instead of Liya. When you asked, Jimin shrugged you off. Said just some issues. Despite your curiosity you don’t wish to pry into his relationship. Whatever happens behind the closed doors is their problem. You’re here to help a friend. That’s it. Jimin saves you again.

“Plans change, Seoyeon.” He says with a tight-lipped smile. You nod in assent. Seoyeon takes it as an answer luckily . Lets you go reluctantly when you are pulled into a hug by J. Well, of course she is here if Jungkook is. So does Namjoon. You catch him enter the room with Hoseok and another unfamiliar woman. Woman turns out to be Namjoon’s girlfriend. Namjoon introduces her as Yoona. You exchange some nice and polite pleasantries with her. Take an immediate liking to the way she makes you feel comfortable when you’ve just met.

You take turn in saying hi to everyone present. Ignore all the long glances they give you. Especially Hoseok and Jin. As if they are beyond surprised. Ignore it when Hoseok scoffs as you thank him profusely, when he shows you, your room.

“Looks like she’s back in a good mood Jiminie.” He pats Jimin’s back before leaving you alone in the room. Leaving a scowling Jimin behind. For you to deal with.

“What was that?” You ask, gaping at the now-closed door.

“Nothing.” Jimin shakes his head.

.......................

You sit squashed between Jimin and Jungkook. Back in the cozy living room. On the couch in front of the fireplace. Everyone somehow finds a spot to sit down. Ready to listen to a briefing for the three days you’ll stay here. Or for the days they’ll stay here. Everyone is offended, finding the idea to be ridiculous. Gasping and complaining. It’s supposed to be a relaxing holiday. Not a leadership camp where there will be assigned tasks. Yet, apparently these business people can’t get through it without a proper plan. Hence, this very unannounced and unprepared meeting in the living room.

Taehyung is the only businessman who’s complaining like the rest of you. You, as Kim Liya, aren’t supposed to complain. Can’t help it though. So, you join with the ninety nine percenters here. Showing your displeasure.

“What the fuck Hobi? Why did ever I fucking agreed to come here?” The man with feline eyes, Yoongi, complains from his place. Sitting uncomfortably besides Namjoon’s girlfriend.

“Because you love me Yoongi. Now shut the fuck up, everybody. Just because you whine, I’m not going to change my plans. Listen carefully alright.” Hoseok says to Yoongi before clapping his hands. Ignores the way Yoongi asks him to go fuck himself. Ignores all your protests. Makes you chuckle. Makes Jimin chuckle. You can feel the rumble in his chest.

He has his hands around your waist. Is possessively keeping you pressed against his body. Deliberately away from Jungkook. Oh, only if you could roll your eyes to the back of your head.

See, now you think it’s dangerous to be this close to him. You need to keep your distance. He may be just doing a great job at treating you like his girlfriend. For you, however, it is becoming hard to control your fluttering tummy and pounding heart. Even when you know this is just an act, it’s becoming hard to pay attention to anything else than Park Jimin.

That’s why you try to create some distance between you. Very subtly and slowly. Jimin on the other hand, tightens his grip every time you move. There’s no escape.

“Stop fidgeting around Lil.” He whispers against your ear. Shifts in his position. His back slotting between the corner of the headrest and armrest. Drags you against his chest. Places his chin on your shoulder.

Oh fuck!

“What the hell are you doing Park?” You hiss for the hundredth time since you came here.

“What do you think? I’m keeping my girlfriend close to me.” He answers nonchalantly.

“Is this really necessary?” You whispers, being mindful to keep your voice low so Jungkook won’t overhear you.

“Yes.” Jimin says sternly.

You sigh heavily before giving up. Better play along with it if you can’t avoid it. Hence, why you completely give in. Trying to distract your racing heart and mind by paying attention to Jung Hoseok. Who’s been talking animatedly for a better five minutes now. It’s not working very effectively. Not when Jimin snakes his hands around you. Squeezes you. He is fucking overdoing. Even Jin and Taehyung are giving you weird looks. So does Hoseok. Maybe everyone else does the same. You caught Jungkook gaping at you out of the corner of his eye, two times already. And now he turns fully to look at you.

You give him an awkward smile. Trying to act normal. He reciprocates it. Turns back to Hoseok.

“Okay, so now you know what will happen to your elegant asses if you break my grandma’s very precious vases.” Hoseok says with a very wicked smile. Shit, it’s bad you have no idea what questionable things he would do to your poor ass, if you mistakenly hit your toe in a wood pedestal. You’ve not been paying attention at all. It’s Jimin’s fault.

“Seriously, Hobi, you invited us all here to give life lessons about how to be responsible and shit?” This time it’s Namjoon who whines. His girlfriend lets out an amused chuckle when Hoseok points his finger to Namjoon.

“Especially, you Namjoon-ah. Especially you. Try breaking something and you’ll know how nice I can be.” Hoseok threatens. Namjoon huffs. Rolls his eyes. It looks like Hoseok and Namjoon are more than acquaintances. Given that Hoseok invited Namjoon here with his girlfriend and even extended that invitation to Jungkook and J as well. How nice of him.

“Ugh! fucking get done with this shit ,Hyung. I’m getting bored already.” Taehyung lifts his head from the couch head rest. Man really looks sleepy. Rest of the room agrees with him. Even Jimin makes some noises of complains in your ear.

“Okay, okay, I’m getting there. So…. Moving into the plans for these three days we sta-”

“Why would we need fucking plans? Why can’t we just do whatever we want. Drink, and party.” J interrupts Hoseok before he can start his important briefing. Surprisingly, or not so surprisingly, J is sitting on a vintage loveseat with Jin. Casually leaning against him. Since when they are so close? When did you miss something? “Because this way, it’s easier.” Seoyeon voluntarily answers that question. J scoffs. Scrunches up her face as Taehyung disagrees with his girlfriend. Making Seoyeon defensive. Opening and closing her mouth like a fish.

“What? It is stupid to have plans for all the fucking stu─” Taehyung leans forward to emphasize his point. Or he just obviously wants to take someone else’s side other than his girlfriend. They don’t look like a couple at all. J and Jin appear to be a better couple than them. You think it’s good that Hoseok disturbs Taehyung’s levity.

“Are you going to let me finish this today, Tae?” He quirks his brow. Taehyung gives him a long look. Yet, in the end decides it’s better to get through this meeting fast. It seems. Slumps back in the couch next to Jungkook.

“Okay, don’t ask questions at all if you have any. And don’t interrupt me. AT. ALL.” Hoseok begins again. “First things first…” He purses his lips. Looks somewhat guilty. You can tell the whole room goes into instant doubt at his expression. No one questions anything, however. “As you can see... uh... it’s only us here... like no servants, no chefs, no cleaners... so, what I’m trying to say is─” Someone interrupts him. That someone being Jungkook.

“That’s no problem we won’t make any messes. We can clean after ourselves.” He says that so innocently. But you know that’s not Hoseok wants. You know everyone else knows that it’s not what he meant. Hence, that smile of pity adorning his lips.

“That’s so nice Jungkookie.” Hoseok nods in approval. Takes a nervous glance at the rest of you.

“What is it, Hyung?” Jimin finally quirks up. Voicing his concerns loud. Scepticism laced in his voice. A beat of silence passes where you all stare into Hoseok’s face. To a point the curiosity became unbearable. Jimin takes the chance in for all of your benefit. Straightens up. Forces you to straighten up too. “Don’t fucking tell me that you want us to fucking cook, clean and do all the shits by ourselves.” Jimin screeches in your ear.

“And do the grocery shopping. There are nothing edible in here.” Hoseok answers Jimin so calmly. But makes everyone’s head whip to him in light speed. Gasps of disbelief filling the room up. Quickly turning into one white noise of complaints.

“What the fuck Hobi?”

“Seriously dude!”

“Want us to do what now?”

“Yah! I thought this was a relaxing holiday.”

“Shit I came here to live the luxury life I can’t afford. Now I have to cook? And clean?”

“I hate fucking grocery shopping.”

“Dude, there’s no single shop within a 50-kilometre radius here.”

All the complaints are entangling. It’s almost impossible to make out who’s saying what. Looks like someone threw a stone into a hive. Hoseok takes a deep breath. Stays silent for a minute, allowing his friends to throw their tantrums before shouting above all the noises.

“Shut the fuck up, y’all. Don’t fucking act like damn kids. You fools cook all your meals anyway. What’s the big problem doing it here?” He questions, placing his hands on his hips. It’s Yoona who smartly answers that question.

“That’s exactly the problem here Hobi. We do that every day, and we came here to do nothing. We came here to party and get drunk. Have sex...” Namjoon’s ears go red at that, but she ignores him. Couple of people protest of the idea of having sex part but she ignores them as well. “And relax. Do you get me, Hobi? We came here to act like we are fucking rich!” Finishes her aggravated rant. You all agree with her. Nods and unrecognizable noises or approvals.

“Well, too bad for you fuckers. Hate to break it to you but if you don’t cook, no food. If you don’t go shopping, you can eat the fucking snow. And…. If someone doesn’t get the fireworks done, there’ll be no fireworks tonight.” He claps his hands one more time. Sits back. Is done with trying to convince his friends. No argues are allowed. The room is back into an awkward silence before it goes all frantic yet again.

“You want us to set the fireworks up?” Jimin leans even more forward. Doesn’t let you go though. Annoying. Good thing you are questioning Hoseok up. No time to worry about Jimin’s hands. “Does anyone know how to do that?” You question but no one answer your question in particular.

“This is the best fucking party I’ve ever been to. Thought you were damn rich Hoseok.” Yoongi almost gets to his feet. Yoona drags him back to his seat.

“Wait. Wait, guys.” Says but that goes into deaf ears. So, she rises her voice an octave. “GUYS!” That works. All eyes are on her now. “Guys... I know we all want to kill our host, but we can’t...” Throws a murderous glance to Hoseok. Which he dismisses with an eye roll. “Unfortunately.” Yoona adds. Sighs heavily. “So, I guess since we are all here now and not like that, we can go back either─”

“Oh, I totally can go back.” Yoongi says that to Hoseok.

“You can Yoongi, but you won’t. I’ll glue your ass into the chair if you try to.” Hoseok replies. Sassily. Two cousins glare at each other for a minute before Yoona picks up again. “Yes, so since nobody would leave, I think it’s better we accept our destinies.” She looks at every person.

“You want us to drive back for groceries, Noona?” Jungkook questions her.

“Do you know what else we can do?” Yoona throws another unpleasant glance at Hoseok. He is whining now. Saying something about how everyone is stupidly dramatic. Jungkook sighs next to you.

“Ah fuck! Why do I feel like I’ve been scammed?” He mumbles. J agrees eagerly. “Right? It’s your fault Joonie, you dragged us here. Deceived us.” Says to Namjoon.

The guy’s jaw drops down. Eyes wide. “What did I do? I asked, and you guys were like over the fucking moon.” Defends himself.

J leans up. “Jungkook did. I didn’t.” Gestures to Jungkook. He gasps. “I fucking did no─” Starts but J cuts him down.

“Oh, come on, all Namjoon had do to was say that Miss Liya would be there, and you jumped headfirst.” She exposes Jungkook heartlessly, making him go pink. You whip your head to him. He did what now? Why? He stutters something about how that’s not true, as Jimin’s hand impossibly tightens around you. Divert your attention from Jungkook to him. Is this guy serious? He leans back down. You turn your head slightly to catch him burning holes into Jungkook’s already reddened face. Fucking absurd.

“All right my dear friends. Enough.” It’s Jin who finally decides he needs to get the kids under control. Jimin told you he is the oldest. Was complaining like the youngest a minute ago, however. Miraculously, has got his head up apparently. “Like Yoona said, either we will work and survive or go back.” Gestures to the door with his thumb. “Or die here.” Adds that on a second thought. A couple of whines leaves but no one’s saying no. Jin continues. “Let’s get into this again, shall we?” Leans forward and places his elbows on his knees. Interlaces his fingers together. Knits his eyebrows. Well, now, you think he looks like a CEO. For the rest of the three co-owners of RUN, you think they are still in high school. Jin looked the same a second ago. The duality.

“So, who’s going to get the groceries?” Jin questions. And for the first time, the room goes into a silence that a drop of a needle would sound like a bomb detonating. You take a look at everyone. Gasping when Jimin suddenly hides his face in your neck. Jungkook turns to Taehyung instantly. They start a very interesting conversation. Yoongi is on his phone with a deep focus. Yoona is clutching her stomach while Namjoon starts to console her. J is fucking sleeping. Seoyeon is inspecting her nails, as if this is the first time she saw them. Even Hoseok is finding something interesting on the ceiling. Being the only person without an interesting work to do, you yank Jimin’s hand into your face. What a safe place to hide.

“Yah! Seriously. You guys want to die?” Jin shrieks. Making all of you jump. Like that, the whines of complaints are back. Jin shushes you all, however. Just by glaring.

“Let’s draw names.” He says calmly. Nobody says anything. Just blinking at his handsome face. “Let’s draw names and assign chores to everyone.” Jin briskly gets up.

“But that’s not fair…” Taehyung starts.

“Shut up, Taehyung.” Jin disappears through a door.

…………………………………….

“Okay, here’s how this goes. You pick a name from here” Jin shakes the bowl with piece of papers in his hand. “It’s not like we have to clean anything up until we make a mess. So, we will figure that shit tomorrow. For now, kids, we want three people for groceries, three to cook, three to set up the fireworks. Two will manage the decorations. All good?” He questions. You badly wish to be assigned to decoration. That’s the easiest task here. Jin shakes the bowl again after you all nod.

“We all will pick names up. I’ll start and J, Joon pick a one too. Whoever’s name is on our hands, they are going to be assigned for cooking.” Everyone nods again. Apparently, have accepted the cruel fates. Rest of you watch the three of them picks papers up. Unfold. Smiles of relief wash over their faces. Which mean only one thing— none of them picked their names up.

“I got Yoongi.” J exclaims happily. Yoongi groans loudly. J’s smile quickly vanishes. “At least you don’t have to go grocery shopping now.” She says to Yoongi with the realization of she isn’t safe yet. “I got Jungkook.” Jin says, showing the paper to Jungkook. He groans slightly too. Everyone’s attention turn to Namjoon. “It’s Liya.” He says casually. It takes you almost a minute and a nudge from Jimin to realise that it’s your call.

“Me?” You question.

“Yes, you.” Namjoon answers. You slump in your seat. Cooking is too much work. Groan in complain like the rest of your assigned partners did. Jungkook, however, is back to ecstatic mood the moment Namjoon says the name ‘Liya’. “Noona.” He elbows your side. Gives a thumbs up. “I’m good at cooking don’t worry.” Says with that goofy grin. Apparently, it’s not only Jimin who’s absurd here. Jungkook is crazy too. Why would he be that happy to partner with you. How fucking random is this guy?

“Yah yah! This isn’t fair. Let’s draw that round again.” You’re blinking at Jungkook when Jimin protests. Frowning. Shakes his head violently. Others ask him to fuck off. “No, Jimin. You do what you’re assigned to do. No negotiations.” Jin finalises the cooking crew. Jimin is pouting hard. You’re gaping at him. He really is something. You’re surrounded by crazy people.

“Okay now for the fireworks.” Jin passes the bowl to Yoona. She, Yoongi, and Hoseok draw some names out.

“Ah it’s Hoseok.” Yoona practically yells in excitement. Rest join in with her.

“Suck it up you idiot.” Yoongi shows his pink gums again. Hoseok curses everyone out. Shows both of his middle fingers. Amidst the painful chore assignments, everyone has a moment of pure joy at Hoseok’s misery. Then the task is back on the run. Yoongi unfolds his paper. Looks at Jin. “It’s you” Says and shows the name written on. Jin blinks at Yoongi. “Fuck. Great.” Cups his cheeks.

“Karma is a bitch, Jin.” J says sternly. Hoseok looks at his paper too. Is very despondent. “It’s Seoyeon.” Mutters under his breath. Throws the paper away. Seoyeon’s eyes go wide.

“But I don’t know how to do that.” Points out the obvious.

“No do we Seoyeon.” Jin makes it worse. “We’ll find a way though.” Nods in assurance. Well, good for them. Hoseok gives the bowl to still wide-eyed Seoyeon. She picks one up like a robot. Passes the bowl Taehyung. He does the same and hands it to Jungkook.

“This is for groceries.” Jin announces. Seoyeon is the one who first glances at the name. Lets out a noise. “It’s Jimin.” Says timidly. Jimin whines so loudly next to you.

“Fucking hell! Can’t we trades tasks with someone else?” Wonders.

“NO Negotiations, Park Jimin.” Jin reminds. Jimin slides out of the couch on to the floor. You nudge him with your foot.

“Yah! Don’t be fucking dramatic.” You mutter when he grabs your foot and holds on to it. Brilliant. Now you have to deal with that too. You try to free your foot when Taehyung gasps.

“How fucking cruel is my destiny. It’s me. I chose my own fucking name.” He shows his cruel fate to everyone. Jungkook pats his back in pity. Unravels the next person who will face their fate. Looks at that name. Snorts. Beams. His whole face lightening up. Starts laughing hardly. His pats on Taehyung’s back turn into slaps.

“Who is it?” Yoona perks up. Some other people too. Including Jimin who’s still holding on to your foot. Jungkook finds it hard to calm down. Is buzzing with happiness.

“J… It... it’s J…” Manages through his giggles. “Aahh... This is finally fun.” Shakes a very bewildered Taehyung by his neck.

“Oh, you fucking asshole!” J almost reaches him when Jin grabs from her hoodie.

“We want him alive, please.” He says as he makes a scowling and pouting J sit back. Jungkook holds the bowl to you. There’s no need to look at the last two names. You take it anyway. Pick both papers but don’t look at them.

“Well, it’s obviously you two who are left. So, it’s you on the decoration duty.” You say to the Yoona and Namjoon. They exchange an excited look.

“See, this is the destiny.” Namjoon says to Yoona very dramatically. She wipes an imaginary tear off. Most of you roll your eyes’. Yoona nods in agreement with Namjoon for a second. Then she freezes. Something clicks on her mind.

“Wait, wait.” She holds a hand up.

“What?” Namjoon quirks.

“You’re clumsy as hell baby. You’re going to double my workload.” She says. Namjoon gasps in disbelief.

“Can we exchange partners?” Yoona looks hopefully at everyone.

“NO!” That’s the first time everyone agrees into one thing. Or not. Jimin is all down for the idea. Perking up happily and hugging your leg.

………………………………..

The preparations for the midnight party are going well according to the plans. You have to wait until Jimin and others are back with the groceries to start preparing your meals. You, Yoongi, and Jungkook are given the freedom to choose whatever you want to cook. So, you chose Jjimdak paired with rice and some other side dishes. Yoongi and Jungkook apparently are very aware of what they are doing. So do you, but you’re not the best. Baking is your forte. Cooking is not. You can manage though.

The three of you just kill time in kitchen, getting to know each other. Joking and laughing. Bonding. Min Yoongi is a great guy to your judgment. Doesn’t like physical affections at all. Nor does he like waking up in the morning. Who does? Is lazy like a cat but works hard when he puts his heart and mind into something. You like him. You already like Jungkook. He lets you know that he or J finished his essay. You know it’s J who did.

“You are a vlogger?” Jungkook leans over the kitchen island. You do the same. You both gaping at Yoongi.

“What?” The guy in attention asks as his ears go adorably red. “Wow....” You and Jungkook chime in. “That’s fucking amazing. What kind of vlogs do you make?” You add the last part. Yoongi waves his hand off.

“Oh, c’mon, what’s so amazing there? You own a damn business, Miss CEO.” He points out. Oh, shoot, you always forget that. It’s your turn to wave it off. Shrug it away.

“Tell us what kind of vlogs you do Mr. Min. We wanna know.” Ask instead. Look at Jungkook to see if he agrees. He does with a firm nod.

“Aahh... Mainly travel vlogs. But I do other things too. Like daily vlogs. Studio tou—” Jungkook’s gasp is what disturbs Yoongi. “What studio?” He is genuinely curious, and so are you.

“Photography?” Yoongi raises his brow.

“Wow....” You and Jungkook chime in again. “You are a vlogger and a photographer? How many subscribers do you have? Do you have fans? Did you study photography? Is it a side hustle?” Jungkook is practically standing now.

“Jungkook..” You try to make him sit back and stop being so nosy. But Yoongi chuckles and fishes for his phone. Shows you his channel. You both peer at the screen. Eyes going wide.

“15 fucking million?” You’re in sync with Jungkook again. “You have 15 fucking million subscribers?” You gasp. Are on your feet too. You and Jungkook both standing and leaning over the counter. Crowding Yoongi’s space. “I’m uh... Closer to sixteen now actually.” Yoongi states with a bashful expression.

“Holy fuck, Hyung. Do you work alone?” Jungkook asks again while you sit back. Blinking in disbelief. Yoongi says something about having a crew. Of course, it’s a huge channel, he would need a staff to handle that. You grab from Jungkook’s hoodie to make him sit.

“Please hire me too. I’m good at editing. If you do, I can drop out of the university.” Jungkook says with a straight face. You ask Yoongi to hire you too. He snorts. Which turns into a laugh. So, you all laugh. Keep conversing about life and stuff. Listening to Yoongi’s best vlogs and Jungkook’s nosy roommate.

Others left on the cottage have started their assigned works right away. You hear the sounds of annoyance and complains from the backyard. Hear something clatter and shatter from the living room. Makes you worried for Namjoon’s ass. Yet, nothing happens. Fortunately. Namjoon is quite safe, even when you are starting to cook finally. Jimin, J and Taehyung are back with groceries enough for a whole week.

“Why would you buy so many water bottles? There’s clean water here.” Jin peers into the still unsorted grocery bags. You and Jungkook are taking out what you need to prepare your dinner. Jimin is sitting on a kitchen island stool. Taehyung next to him. The kitchen is too crowded and is putting Yoongi on the edge.

“Yah! Will you lot go away? Are you finished with the fireworks Jin?” He looks up from the recipe he has been looking in his phone. “Nope.” Jin casually answers.

“Then what the fuck are you doing here? Go back.” Yoongi waves his hand. In a motion shooing Jin away. The bugger isn’t even budging, however.

“I’m done with that two. Hoseok wants to launch Seoyeon into the sky.” He informs as taking a seat on the other side of Jimin. Taehyung snorts loudly when everyone gives him a judgmental look. He mouths a ‘what?’. Unbelievable.

“Well, I don’t care, Seokjin. Go away, and take these two with you. And maybe you can launch my cousin into the sky as a favour to me.” Yoongi gestures at Jimin and Taehyung. Jimin instantly grabs the kitchen island. As if Jin will drag him across the floor. “I am not going anywhere Hyung.” He states, catching your eye. Is he here because of you? You roll your eyes.

“Seriously Jimin? You’re crowding the space. Go away. Shoo. Shoo.” You walk over, waving a napkin at him. Jimin just watches you approaching. That familiar glint on his eyes. Challenging you. You should’ve expected it when he turns around to face you. Grabs your hand. Gives you only a second to process. “I.” Yanks you to him. Your eyes go wide. “Will.” Turns you around. Your mouth drop open. “Not.” Pulls you onto his lap. “Go anywhere.” Says in your ear. You squeak. Of course he would.

Heat starts to rush into your face. He is really impossible. And is certainly overdoing. It’s confirmed when Jin shouts a ‘Hey’ along with you. You’re mortified. Especially, when Jimin turns around on his stool with you still on his lap. Forcing you to face the people on the room. You look at Jungkook and Yoongi with your face on fire. Yoongi ignores your silly games. Sighs heavily before paying his attention to the recipe back. Jungkook looks you in the eye, however. Face void of emotions, but awkwardly smiles when he catches you looking.

God! Even with being shy, you like this. Like the way Jimin just casually hides his face in the crook of your neck. In front of everyone. Like how his hands protectively curls around you. Your brain is going haywire. Heart starting to pound against your ribcage. Here you go again. You need to put distance.

You pat Jimin’s hand. “Okay, do whatever you want. Just let me go Jimin. I need to help.” You mutter that into his ear. Turning your head uncomfortably. Jimin gives you a look. For a minute, it appears he won’t listen. “Let go Jimin.” You say bit sternly again. Raise your brows. And practically pry his hands off you. He keeps you on his hold for another long minute. Then frees you. You swear you see something flicker in his eyes. Like hurt. Is furrowing his brows deeply. There’s no reason to be hurt, however. So, you ignore that and start washing vegetables following Yoongi’s instructions.

Jimin doesn’t go away. Stays in his place. So do Jin and Taehyung. Bugs the life out of you. Poke their heads into everything. Taehyung and Jin do. Jimin is awfully quiet. You decide to let it go. Think he’ll come around.

There was an uneasy tension in the room after the first minute when you retrieved back to your work from Jimin’s lap. Feels like your fault. So, you do your best to make small talks, jokes and keep the conversation flows. It takes some time but, in the end, you’re laughing hard again. So hard that you have to press your forehead into Jungkook’s arm or chest to control yourself. Hands preoccupied with cutting vegetables for side dishes. Jungkook laughs too. Everyone does, including Yoongi sometimes. Everything is back to fun.

Only one who doesn’t is the blonde man. You would’ve been more worried if you had noticed. But you don’t. Not at least until you’re back in your room. Not until he simply asks you to use the shower first and then leaves you alone.

Oh, did something happen?

……………………………

The dinner that you poured your heart and soul into went rather well. Everyone praised you. You passed all the compliments to Jungkook and Yoongi. Because it’s them who really did the hard work. You just did what they asked you to. Now the dinner was over, and everyone is cozied up back in the living room, music flowing through the giant speakers. Yoongi had brought them apparently. You sit on the couch again. Sipping red wine. The plan was you’ll drink but Jimin won’t. He has to drive back. In the middle of the night. There’s snow falling. Gives you a bad feeling about leaving early. Leaving this cozy place into the cold winter.

Jimin is in the other corner of the room. Is in black slacks. White button down shirt, untucked. Sleeves rolled up. Chelsea boots. Rings adorning his fingers. That god damn earing is back. You noted that he doesn’t wear it always, but you do like it too much when he does. Blonde hair groomed well and shining under the gold hue in the cottage.

Somewhere between your meal preparation and returning to the room, something definitely happened. Jimin has been very moody for quite while. Haven’t talked to you for a sometime now. Or haven’t talked on good terms. Just a few words exchanged here and there. See, now you want to act nonchalant and not give a fuck. You came here as a good friend. And are doing him a favour. He shouldn’t be treating you this way. He does. And instead of minding your own business, you’re so worried.

He even disregarded you when you asked him if he likes your dress. The dress you brought. The dress as in, champagne colour. Long sleeves. Covers up to ankles but has a long slit up to your upper thigh. Has a deep cut neckline to show just the right amount of cleavage. Fits you perfectly in your curves. You felt beautiful in it. Was it so wrong to expect a compliment from Jimin? Why do you expect that anyway? Why did you feel a pang in your chest when he just dismissed you?

He is preposterous. For acting that way. Not giving a second of his attention for you but doubling over with laughter when Hoseok says something. You can’t fathom what’s wrong. Why is he giving cold shoulder to you? Earlier in the day he was all over you. Practically clinging to your side. Sure, he must’ve been doing a great acting. But still confuse you that he suddenly isn’t? What went wrong?

You are forced to avert your gaze away when someone plops down next to you. That someone being Seoyeon as she casually leans her head in your shoulder. Relaxes. You just let her. Focus on Jimin. It’s becoming tiring now.

“I hate Taehyung.” She blurts that out completely out of the blue.

“Huh?” You try your best to take a look at her face.

“I hate my boyfriend Liya. I hate him.” She repeats. You can’t see her face. Her hair covers her face completely. Yet, you can hear the hurt in her voice. Fuck, this is something that the package doesn’t include. You’re supposed to be Jimin’s girlfriend and that’s it. This thing with Seoyeon shouldn’t be your problem. Especially, when you don’t know what you should tell her now.

“Um… why is that?” You cautiously and uncomfortably ask. Eyes wandering to Jimin back. Need him to barge in and save you. He catches you looking but disregard you cruelly. There’s that pang again.

“You know why?” Seoyeon brings your attention back to her. How could you know?

“Um... well... is that because... you know?” You are not sure what you’re talking about. Funny how she nods. You let out a sneaky breath. Good. You’re doing just fine. Seoyeon straightens up suddenly. Is very drunk already. Points at Taehyung having a happy conversation with J and Jungkook.

“See? See how happy he is? Why can’t he be that happy with me?” Her voice sounds whiny. You take a look at Taehyung. Then back at Seoyeon. She looks like she is about to cry. You’re starting to panic. Oh God, you have no idea how to console her. On top of everything you feel shit to know that Taehyung cheats and you can’t tell her. So, you just open your mouth without a word leaving.

“I try my best you know?” She is asking from you. “Try my best to be the one for him. But he just doesn’t care. Why? Why he can’t… just…” Her voice cracks. Oh shit, shit, shit. She is going to cry. You don’t know what to do. You put your hand on her thigh tentatively.

“Hey, hey, don’t cry now. I… mean... what I mean is... you know... if he can’t see your worth that’s his problem. You… you shouldn’t be ruining your day thinking about that.” What are you talking about. Seoyeon gives you a deadpan look.

“Like it’s that easy.” At least her teared-up eyes are dry now.

“I know it’s not easy Seoyeon but─”

“Why are you calling me by my full name?” She looks at you curiously. You throw another look at Jimin. He isn’t at where he was a minute ago. Oh, you need him now. You clear your throat. Are about to say something you’re not sure of when she starts again.

“Well, yeah whatever, I shouldn’t cry. That’s the moral of the story.” Smiles very drunkenly. Another breath of relief leaves past your lips. You want her to go. She doesn’t. So, you cheer for her. Gulp down the remainder of your wine. Use that as an excuse to leave for a refill.

“Wait?” She interrupts you. You sit back, whining mentally. “How are you back to be so lovey dovey? I mean that’s cringy as hell dude but I’m happy. But also so surprised to see Jimin all over you. Did something happen? Like did you fight to a point of breakup and then realized you can’t live without each other. Should I try that tactic with my man?” Seoyeon looks back at Taehyung. You, however, is dumbfounded. What does she mean? She is surprised to see Jimin all over you? God, you don’t know how to answer these questions.

It’s becoming unbearable at this point. Maybe, at a different time where your mind isn’t so preoccupied with wondering what’s wrong with Park Jimin. At a time where you don’t feel so restless. You would have managed to come up with something clever and plausible. Not now though. You want out. Want to find out what you did wrong that Jimin is back to avoiding you.

Seoyeon is still hopefully looking at you. You sigh heavily. The first thing comes to your mind is communication. The thing everyone says to be very important. So, you lecture her about good communication. Something you heard from a movie. Finally, excuse yourself for more alcohol. Leaving behind a Seoyoen who’s lost in her head.

Good communication, your foot. You need to find Park Jimin. Even though you don’t want to seem caring. Because, why would you care? Why do you feel like you need to apologise? Fix things. You don’t want to. But still, you will.

That was your pure intention when you spot him entering the kitchen with Taehyung. Just as you put the bottle of wine back. They stumble inside. You catch Jimin’s eyes. Keep your gaze without wavering. They both stop middle in the kitchen. An awkward silence falls. Only for a moment. Taehyung breaks the silence with an unnecessarily loud noise.

“My best friend’s beautiful girlfriend….” He yells. Makes Jimin winces next to him. Practically sprints to you when Jimin grabs him by the shirt collar.

“Yah! Let me properly welcome my best friend’s girlfriend dude.” Taehyung complains as he wiggles in Jimin’s grasp. It’s not been long since the drinks started to appear. You find it beyond hilarious that there are people already babbling like Kim Taehyung.

“Fucking lightweights.” Jimin gives you a simple explanation. You nod accepting. Jimin lets Taehyung go after a couple minutes of struggling. He makes a beeline towards you. Wraps his hands around you from your side. Squeezes and sways you. Jimin heaves a sigh.

“Don’t fucking assault my girlfriend dude.” He has to drag Taehyung into a stool to save you. Taehyung is back to complaining. You giggle. If it weren’t for the sudden change of Jimin’s behaviour towards you. You might say this is one of the best days in your life. You hate this feeling. The feeling of restlessness at his aloof. You curiously watch Jimin silently fills a glass of water. Hands it to Taehyung despite his protests. Stare intensely at his face. As if that’ll give away some signals.

“This party is so fucking boring man. Isn’t it? Yah! It’s like we are at a business party. Why does everyone talk within themselves.” Taehyung puts the glass back on the counter with a bang. Watches between you and Jimin, waiting for either of you to agree. But when you don’t, he further clarifies his point.

“I mean, look at us. What were you doing all alone here future Mrs. Park?” He asks you. You point at your wine glass. “See, drinking alone. Why did you let this pretty woman drink alone Jiminie?” He asks Jimin. Jimin gives you a look. You shrug your shoulders. Taehyung bangs his fist on the counter. Startles you both then whine in pain.

“Ow... fuck... that hurt.” He waves his hand. Jimin scoffs.

“Good thing you still can feel pain.” Rubs his forehead in frustration. Taehyung ignores him.

“Well, let’s play a game.” Says excitedly. Already in his feet and leaving before you or Jimin can respond.

You sigh heavily. Now, finally you are alone with Park Jimin. So, you turn to him slowly. Nervously. He is already watching you.

“What is it?” Questions.

Well, it’s now or never.

“Why the fuck are you acting like I did something wrong?” You cross your arms under you chest. Trying to appear confidence. You may be feeling like you’re at wrong. But he doesn’t need to know that. You think his eyes instantly wander to your cleavage but he is looking away already.

“Like what?” Jimin regards you with curiosity. You gape at him.

“Like, why are you giving me a cold shoulder?”

“Why do you think I’m giving you cold shoulder?” He knits his eyebrows. You almost think you really might’ve read things wrong. Maybe, you’re expecting something you shouldn’t.

“I... I don’t know. You were like all over me when we came here and now you won’t even come near me.” Oh, fuck. You shouldn’t have said that. It sounds all wrong. There’s a silence fall down.

“ I thought you were uncomfortable when I did that. You were fidgeting around every time I’m around you.”

You take a minute to let that sink in. Well, you are uncomfortable when he is around. Just because he makes you tingle all over. Makes your sanity slip through your fingers. Makes your panties wet. It’s dangerous. Wait? Then why are you so worried when he doesn’t do that. Shouldn’t you be relieved?

“Huh?” Jimin pushes you. Takes a step forward. Suddenly, your mouth is dry.

“Well, that was because I thought uh... I thought─” You start but he interrupts you.

“You thought what Lil?” He asks.

“I...I thought that… uh...” You don’t know the answer yourself. Can’t say the real reason. Jimin shakes his head. Closes the gap between you entirely. The tip of his Chelsea boots touches your heels. Surprises you by placing a stray strand of your hair behind your ear. You shiver. Doesn’t take his hand away. Sighs. There’s a certain softness in his eyes. You can melt under that. You are melting.

“You know what Spring roll? I think I get it. You don’t want me to touch you because you don’t. And that’s okay. It’s okay if you aren’t comfortable. I won’t do that again. It’s not okay for me touch you without your consent.” Takes his hands away.

Oh, no. That’s not the case at all. You want to correct him, but words are tangled in your mouth. He takes your silence as agreement. Keeps his gaze on you for a moment.

You need to tell him that’s not it. Good communication, remember? Then what would you tell? The truth? You rake your brain for a good excuse. Believable one. Your brain is blank apparently. And before you could process something else you are robbed of that opportunity. By Jungkook’s voice booming across the kitchen.

“Noona... we are doing noraebang.”

You snap your head to him. Smile softly. Jimin chuckles and steps away.

…………………..

There’s no noraebang machine. The alternative is to connect someone’s phone to the speakers. Play some music and sing along. There’s a mic though. And because drunk Taehyung is very creative, he comes up with a game. There’s no lyrics displaying. It’s blind karaoke. You need to recognize the song and sing along. Anyone who’s failed to do so need to take a shot. Everybody, apparently, is on the board. The problem is, there is no way in hell you would recognize any of these songs. You are already accepting defeat even before the game properly starts.

The first contestant is Jungkook. You watch him clears his throat when Namjoon happily plays a music in his phone. The sound echoes around through the speakers. You don’t recognize it. But most people here do. Yoona even starts to jump up and down in her seat. Jungkook furrows his brows. It’s already thirty seconds into the song, but he is still at a lost.

“That’s it.” Jin states.

“Take a shot.” Taehyung pours a shot.

“Yah! That’s not fucking fair, let me think.” Jungkook, offended and confused, takes a look around the room. Poor boy has no one on his side.

“It’s very fair. You need to recognize it within two fucking seconds.” Hoseok shows two fingers up while Taehyung forces a shot through Jungkook’s throat. Jungkook whines about how the rules aren’t clear, but nobody gives a shit. He gives up. Comes to the seat next to you and plops down.

“It’s not fair….is it?” Looks at you with a pout. You shake your head. “If you want to feel better, I’m not going to win a single round kookie. You’re good.” You pat his arm. He is in black from head to toe. His tattoos are covered inside his black shirt sleeve. Normally wild hair pushed away from his forehead. He looks exceptionally good. You must be crazy to keep your gaze all the time on the man in the white shirt. Can’t take your eyes. Maybe, it’s because there’s an unresolved problem between you. You feel this unsettled urge to go and talk to him. Have no courage, however. What will you say?

Think it’s better when it’s his chance now. Something to distract you. Jimin takes the mic. Keeps a burning gaze on Namjoon when he plays a different music. It’s impossible to guess a song by its first two seconds. Jimin failing just like Jungkook is the proof of that.

“Yah!! This shit is not fair man. The music didn’t even start.” Jimin yells. Running away from Taehyung who’s after him with a shot in his hand.

“It did.” Namjoon defends.

“No, it didn’t.” Jungkook is on Jimin’s side. So are you. That’s why you nod furiously.

“It totally did. I heard it.” Yoongi lazily quips with a reddened face. There’s a possibility he was dreaming but then Hoseok and Yoona are also vowing for Namjoon. All it takes is a minute for these drunk people to start arguing over some silly matter. Jimin is still darting around that loveseat. Taehyung chasing him.

“Ah... just take the shot and sit your ass down Jimin-ah.” Jin bellows frustratingly. Is sitting again with J. You give them a sceptical look before J jumps onto her feet. Starts chasing your pretend boyfriend. How unfair? You twitch in your seat. Watching the run and chase happening in the room. Laughter and cheers following. You want to take Jimin’s side. Think he would not like that, however. So, you just watch it when Jungkook joins the game. Finally, they along with Jungkook catch Jimin. Forces that shot into him.

He’s not supposed to be drinking.

……………………………………….

The game continues afterward. It goes from wild to berserk quickly. Jin, Hoseok, Yoongi, Yoona, and very surprisingly Taehyung proves to you that two seconds is enough to recognize a song. The rest of you are just bad it appears. Still, no one is as bad as you. The only person who drowned five shots already. You’re wobbling on your feet. Now matching with Kim Taehyung’s level of drunkenness. You have no idea since when the game changed. But now you’re into singing. Like really singing with bad pitches and slurry words. Taehyung and Jimin end a song. Why would you be surprised to know Jimin can sing? Of course, he can. You clap as loudly as you can when J steals the show. Drags Jin with her. His ears are too red.

For the first time since Jimin’s aloofness, you’re drunk enough to enjoy your night for real. Worries washed away by the alcohol.

“Noona... you need to sing too. Don’t fucking chicken out.” Jungkook walks up to you with a water bottle in his hand. Well, only if you could do that. You shake your head drunkenly.

“I fucking don’t know any of these songs.” It’s the hundredth time you’re saying it. Are becoming annoyed now.

“How’s that even possible?” Taehyung interjects. Sitting on the floor. Jimin sits right in front of your legs. He is drunk. He wasn’t supposed to drink. But here he is. Eyes droopy. Well, plans change sometimes. That’s what he said. Is finally, acknowledging you. Not being back to being all touchy and possessive. Still, you’re happy that he is having fun at least. You pay your attention back to Jungkook and Taehyung.

“It is possible because I don’t. If you want me to sing….” You look around with your hazy vision to find your bag. Find it placed on the coffee table. Ask Jungkook to pass it to you. Fumble inside your bag and leave a noise in giddy. Pull your phone out. The one from your real world. It’s just you’re drunk. Too drunk that the things aren’t processing in your head. And it’s too bad that you’ve already handed the phone to Jungkook before Jimin’s drunken mind can figure what’s happening. He is too late when he suddenly jumps to his feet, trying to stop you. Jungkook is already inspecting your phone curiously.

“This is your phone?” He asks you.

“Uh huh, my other one actually. I have a second one. Jimin bought me that.” You go back to take that one out when your bag is snatched away from you.

“Yah!” You yell as you take Jimin furrowing at you. What’s his problem now? Have no time to know. Jungkook perks up again, curiously.

“Okay, so what’s you gonna play?” He gives you the phone back. Shrugs. You excitedly start to go through your playlists. This will not be karaoke since you’ll be singing along to an original song. But who cares? These drunk people here will be happy to listen to a vulture. You randomly pick a song up. Give the phone back.

“Got it. Haven’t heard this one.” Jungkook mutters under breath as he gets to his feet. Of course, he hasn’t heard that one.

“Oh yeah, that’s becua─” The rest of your words are muffled as a palm suddenly clasps over your mouth. You make some incoherent sounds.

“Nothing. That’s because there are so many songs Jungkook.” Jimin tells to Jungkook without looking at him. His eyes on you. Jungkook shrugs again and walks away.

………………………………

Jimin and you will have to find another alternative. He can’t drive to save his life. He has little demons as his friends. Maybe, he would ask you to sleep here and will find an excuse later. That seems to be the best idea as Jimin watches you start to sing. He’s surprised that your phone is compatible with the speakers. It is compatible. And you almost ruined everything. There’s still a risk. He wants you to get done with singing fast. Wants your phone back with you. Safe. Is feeling bad about it, when you’re giggling adorably.

He’s been frustrated for some time now. Even when he was laughing and talking with his friends. Somewhere between his relationship and business, Jimin has learned how to pull off a perfect poker face. A facade. No one can see through it. Everyone thinks he is okay. But then you don’t. Probably he is lowering his guard down around you. He doesn’t like the idea that you thought he was avoiding you. Because he wasn’t, right?

It’s just that you’ve benn on the edge all day. Trying to get away from him whenever he was close to you. It really hurt to see the look on your face earlier at the kitchen. You were really uncomfortable. That’s the only reason why he let you go. The reason why he gives you your space even though it stings. You don’t do that with Jungkook. Are so comfortable around him. That makes Jimin reel. Why do you do that only to Jimin?

All the while, now he is secretly a bit happy to know at least he is affecting you. His indifference worries you. Makes you want to reach him and question. That’s good. It would’ve been more hurtful if you didn’t care at all.

Jimin blows a breath out before grabbing another shot. He is already drunk anyway. Gulps it down as you start to sing.

“There you go girl.” Seoyeon joins you, swaying her hips. Both Taehyung and Jungkook are on the dance floor as well. Jimin doesn’t know what song you’re singing. Of course, he doesn't. Funny thing is, he knows Jungkook doesn't either. But the bugger is enjoying it to the fullest while you’re singing the lyrics to him. Your pitch is terrible. It’s a good thing that song is playing in the background. Jimin catches something about a ‘friendship’ and ‘ruining a friendship’.

Oh, here comes that unsettling feeling again. To see you so happy with Jungkook. Why is he being like this? Why does he feel like he shouldn’t have brought you here? Could’ve kept you to himself if he didn’t. But then you don’t want to be around him.

Maybe he should just go away, somewhere alone. He is just about to leave when you turn your head towards him. Catching him watching. A huge grin breaks on your face. Jimin’s heart swoons at that. You’re grinning because you noticed him. Jimin.

You are uncomfortable around him right?

Then why are you so happy to see him? Why did you feel the lack of his presence?

It’s the music now. You take that time to leave Jungkook. Your shoulders doing a little wiggle. Hips swaying and walking towards him. Fuck, you look goddamn gorgeous in that dress. He knew you would, even before you put it on. The skin visible through the slit of your dress is glows under the ambient light. Your cleavage makes his brain malfunction. Like always.

And then you’re in front of him. Singing the lyrics to him. He can hear them perfectly now.

“Jenny darling, you’re my best friend

I’ve been doing bad things that you don’t know about”

His heart is beating violently. Breathing is getting shallower. You come even closer to him. The smile never leaves your inviting plump lips. Maybe, just maybe Jimin read your uncomfortableness wrong.

“I wanna ruin our friendship

We should be lovers instead

I don’t know how to say this

Cause you’re really my dearest friend”

He can’t do this anymore. Jimin finds it impossible. Someone needs to praise him for holding back for such long. He wants to steal your breath. Wants to taste that alcohol on your lips. Maybe, just maybe you were trying to get away because he makes you feel the same way like you do for him.

“Jenny, take my hand

Cause we’re more than friends

I will follow you until the end”

Did you say Jimin or Jenny. Why does his brain play tricks with him. He can feel your breath. You’re just inches away from him. Why can’t he have you? Your eyes are like magic. Maybe, just maybe you won’t protest if he kiss you. You’ll give in to him like you did the last time.

“Oh, we should be lovers instead”

He is going to kiss you. He will. Cross the line? Well, fuck it. He almost touches your cheek and tilt your head when Hoseok suddenly bellows.

“Yah! Yah! It’s time. The fireworks.”

Fuck! He is so sure you were anticipating that kiss. He knows you wanted him to kiss you. He read your signs wrong.

………………………

You chant in unison with your friends. Counting down the time.

“10

9

8”

Jimin finally stands next to you. Providing you some relief against the cold. You all are in the backyard. Ready for the new year. Hoseok will be the one to set off the fireworks. You don’t trust them. People who were on charge with the fireworks. There’s a high possibility they’ll burn the cottage down. Kill all of you in the process. Yet, it’s still happening.

“7

6

5”

Just like you, Jimin is obviously drunk. You don’t know what he plans to do afterward. Guess he has a plan. He is slightly wavering on his feet. Chanting down the numbers. Finally, his mood seems to be lightened. Or is just drunk. Earlier, while you were singing, you almost believed he is going to kiss you. There was fire inside his eyes. Then he didn’t. You shouldn’t be disappointed.

“4

3

2”

But you’re disappointed..

“1....”

“Happy fucking new year you, shitholes.” Taehyung is the first who shouts.

“What a beautiful new year wish!” Jin glares at Teahyung. He just dismisses it. Just hugs Jungkook, who is closest to him. The rest join in with the wishes. It takes Hoseok a minute to launch the fireworks into the sky. But eventually he does. You’re glad that they actually go straight up. To the sky. Blast up. Lightening the world up. Creates magic. You take the sight in with awe. Head still slightly spinning. Then without even you knowing you’re watching Jimin instead of the sky. His face is softly bathed in a luminous, purplish light. Your chest is squeezing. Why?

You are transfixed. Unable to look away from his face. Couldn’t even turn away when he averts his gaze to you. Raises his brows slightly but you still don’t turn away. You simply can’t. Just keep staring into his face. He does the same. After earlier, now you find it not possible to keep your gaze respectful. Not letting it drop down to his lips. So, you do. His plump lips. He wets them. You watch as his tongue darts out and disappears. Leaves his lips glistening. Shining. In a shimmering blue.

“Yah! The taken people here... Share your damn new year kisses.” J’s voice startles you. You didn’t realise that the world has momentarily faded away. Fireworks are still going on. You feel fairly sober now. Maybe it’s the cold air. Your eyes land on J. She is clapping excitedly while Namjoon and Yoona share their kiss. Urges Taehyung and Seoyoen to do the same. Taehyung is obviously showing reluctance but soon is waiting with wide eyes when Seoyeon places her lips on his.

Just as J turns to you, you shift your gaze to Jimin. Panicking. They want you to kiss. KISS!

Sure, you would like that but Jimin wouldn’t. What should you do? You nervously peer between his eyes. Fuck! You can’t read him this time. He probably doesn’t want to. It’s too much. You hear J and someone else saying something. It’s all a white noise.

“Go on... C’mon... Fucking kiss.” You don’t know who says that. Should you fake a stomach ache? Or should you throw up? Faint..... Jimin takes a step forward. You suck in a breath. Hold it. Is he going to do it. Another step. Fuck he is going to do it. Jimin extends his arm. Curls it around your waist. Pulls you to his body. You’re going to die. Because your heart is going mad. Madly fast.

Jimin leans forward. You don’t dare to let that breath down. He comes closer. “It’s just a kiss—a peck? Will you be okay?” Whispers against your lips. Part of your excitement dies.

A peck?

See, he doesn’t want to. But he’s still the one asking. So, you nod. Hide that disappointment behind a soft smile. Are still buzzing however. Kiss or peck, your already are like butter. Jimin nods too. Takes his time. Feels like eons. Then finally closes the gap between your lips. You feel his breath first. Tingling your lips. Then his pillowy lips are on yours. Presses. A shock radiates from there. Travels down your body. Is just a peck but ignites a fire in your belly. Makes it do a strange flip. Makes your brain void of any thoughts. That’s why you stupidly press harder when he tries to back up.

You would be so embarrassed in another time. For now, you want more. There’s something inside you screams for more. So, you whimper. Even though he isn’t pulling away anymore. He doesn’t. You think there’s a split second of hesitation from his side. But then he is the one pressing harder. He is the one who suddenly parts his lips to catch yours in-between. He is the one cups your face and tilts your face to side. You just reciprocate by throwing your hands around his neck. And it’s him who starts dragging his tongue across your bottom lip. Requesting permission to enter. Who you are to deny?

The way his tongue instantly snakes inside your mouth steals your breath away. A shameless moan erupts from your mouth. You do your best to keep up with his pace. He is going feral. Is sucking hard on your lips. You do the same. Tongue is furiously lapping against yours. You do the same. Even bites down on your bottom lip. There’s a pool of desire creating inside your underwear. He is kissing you like his life depends on it. How good it feels. You can’t breath, but still don’t want to pull away. You’re on fire. You want more.

“We said a new year kiss.”

“Yah! Stop it you....”

“Holy fuck! Are they gonna fuck in front of us? I’m down.”

“Jimin-ah”

Someone practically screeches next to you. The world comes back into focus. This time however, you don’t part like you are electrocuted. Instead, Jimin lets you go slowly. His lips red and wet. Chest heaving for breath. There’s no any difference on your side. Both of you still stare at each other. Ignore the comments your friends are making.

You kissed!

.....................

You’re shivering; even after it’s been more than hours since you’ve kissed. Trembling. Restless. Feel frustrated even. You’re standing in the kitchen alone. All of your friends finally have retreated into their destined rooms. It’s 3 am. You and Jimin really didn’t get a chance to discuss your plans. All these time, amidst the hustle of your drunken friends, Jimin treated you normally. Nothing more nothing less. Was just there. And then practically dragged Taehyung into his room with Jungkook’s help.

That’s when you entered the kitchen. Been here since then. The entire cottage is drowning in silence now. Your mind isn’t. Still, after hours, you want more. God, you want Jimin. It’s a feral desire. The memory of his lips sucking on your tongue and lips fuel that. Maybe, you should use the bathroom now. Should take this frustration out of you. You rub your thighs together uncomfortably. It’s a miracle you’ve survived until now.

You nod. Finally in a decision. You’ll take care of yourself. Like you always do. Turn around to leave. Only to gasp loudly and lose your shit to find a shadowy figure in the door way.

“Holy fuck!!!” You clasp your chest immediately as your soul leaves your body.

“Sorry.” Jimin immediately strides forward. Letting you see it’s him. “What the fuck Jimin. I nearly fucking died.” You scowl. He chuckles lightly.

You didn’t really expect for him to join you. Or to look for you. Now when he does, you don’t know what to do next. Your plans are ruined. This is torture. You’re horny because of this man. You wanted to do something about it by yourself. And then he interrupts it. You’re stuck with him again. Which means you’ll be constantly horny.

The air is filled with dead silence. He isn’t saying anything. For a moment. Then he breaks the silence.

“Lil... Uh about ear—”

“Don’t” You don’t mean to snap but you do. Causing Jimin to abruptly stops and gape at you. Silence again.

“Don’t what?” He mumbles. You don’t want him to apologise again. For anything. Don’t want to hear him say he was drunk. Say he crossed a line again. You want to bask in your bubble. You always found this fascination. There’s a reason why you were always so affected. Despite everything, you know you like being around him. He makes your heart beat fast. Makes you so nervous you can’t look him in the eye. Makes you feel all sorts of fucked up. But you like it. Then he doesn’t. You don’t want him to say it aloud. Just want to hide behind a bathroom door and get yourself off to his memories. You’ll be guilty when you’re less horny. In the morning.

“Don’t what Lil?” Then he is pushing you again. Strides closer to you. You sigh. Hard. Lean your ass against the kitchen island. “Don’t apologise Jimin. I don’t want to hear it.” Finally get your words out. Know he is about to reply but this is your chance to clear the misunderstandings. “And I wasn’t uncomfortable around you because I didn’t like it. I thought it was too much you know?” You turn your head to look at him. Relieved you finally got an acceptable answer.

He doesn’t answer. Instead, mirrors your earlier actions. Leans against the kitchen island next to you. So close that your arms are pressed together. It’s sending bolts down your body.

“What’s too much?” He asks again. You don’t like it when he does that. And you hate it how his breath is hitting your ear. God, you can’t. Another rub in your thighs. Very subtle. Praying he doesn’t notice.

Calm down! Get a fucking grip.

“Being that clo—”

“Why are you so comfortable around Jungkook then?”

Oh!

Are you? Well, he doesn’t make you want to jump his bones all the time. You can’t say that aloud. So, you decide you should point out him not having a girlfriend. But he doesn’t let you when he suddenly straightens up. Turns around. Crowds your space, trapping you between the island and his warm body.

“Because he isn’t too much?” Questions. This time against your mouth. You need to go. You’re loosing it.

“I didn’t say you’re too much.”

“Then what’s too much?” He leans even more forward. His breath tingles your lips when he talks. Eyes drops down to your lips. Your breath hitch. And so you are becoming annoyed. He is making you suffer on purpose isn’t he? Well, fuck it.

“This.” You lower your voice. “This is Jimin. You being this clo—”

“Fuck, I want to kiss you. Want to kiss you again so fucking badly. You taste good you know? Lil... You taste so fucking good.” Jimin grips the counter by either side of you. As if to ground himself. Eyes still not leaving your lips. A surprised whimper leaves your mouth. His nose presses against yours. That is so sudden that you’re so dumbfounded. Eyes wide. Breath mingles with his.

“W.....what?” You ask stupidly.

He wants to kiss you?

“Can we be too much? One more time?” Jimin slowly and gently presses his body against yours. His voice is shaky.

He wants to.

“Jimin.... I’m going insane I think.” Both of you would’ve laughed hard at that in a different time. Neither do so at this moment, however. You genuinely think you’re going insane.

“Good. Go insane. Go fucking insane. Don’t become sane, just let me take care of you hm. Can I kiss you?” Jimin slightly presses his lips onto you. You’re insane. He asks you stay that way. So, what’s stopping you? The feral need you’ve been trying to contain inside explodes.

You nod furiously before taking his bottom lip between yours. Instantly starting to move. He lets out a groan. Hands immediately gripping your hips. Pulls you flush against his body. He deepens the kiss by plunging his tongue inside. You moan. Shameless. Go insane he said. You’re loosing your breath again. Lungs screaming but you won’t pull away. You suck on his tongue. He sucks on your bottom lip. Flights for dominance with your tongue.

It’s a messy tangle of a spit and teeth now. Your teeth clanking together. Sounds of your groans and moans mixing with the wet sounds your lips make. You place your hands behind his neck. Then on his back. Touching wherever you can. Pressing your body into his desperately. He does the same. Hands exploring your curves harshly. You accept the defeat first. Pull away heaving for much needed oxygen. He doesn’t let you. Is back again numbing your lips. But you want more. You push him away weakly, confusing him.

“Please no. Not yet. Don’t become sane now, baby. No.” Jimin whines, chasing your mouth back. If it isn’t the sweetest sound. And he calls you baby? Fireworks are exploding inside your stomach now. He bites your bottom lip. Bit harshly that you whimper.

“No... No Jimin.. it’s not it. I want more...” You manage to find your voice. At that he pulls away. Peers into your eyes.

“More?”

“Yes. More please.”

Jimin moans. A sweet one. You don’t get to think what’s happening when his hands grabs you by your thighs. Hoists you up to the kitchen island. Nudges your thighs from his knee. Urges your legs apart. Slots himself between your parted legs. Is back kissing you, pink muscle exploring every nook and corner inside your mouth. Pulls away. “Tell” Gives a peck. “me” peck. “what” peck “you want?” A harsh kiss. You’re breathless.

“S...something.... A...anything please..... Jimin. Please give me something.”

“Something?”

“Yes I need something. Anything you give.” Your voice is shaky. Can’t be embarrassed now. Not when you’re burning. “Want you Jimin.” You further clarify what you want. He groans again. Kisses you again. Makes you say the same thing again and again.

“One more time baby. Say you want me.”

“I... wa...want y... you Jimin. Please something. Anything.”

You love the way Jimin slightly trembles at your words.

“God, fuck yes. Lil you’re fucking hot.” He whispers. Hands travel from your hips to your ass. Squeezes. Lips back on assaulting yours.

“Please..” You plead one more time.

Just like that he is bunching your dress up to your waist. Attacks your neck. Sucking and licking. Presses his lips and tongue on that sweet spot. All the while his hands harshly exploring the skin of your thighs. He touches. Rubs. Squeezes. Grabs. Yanks you to the edge of the counter top. Making your panty clad core slots against his. Ruts his hips. The friction that makes is blissful. So, you do the same. Give some attention to your needy cunt. Moan his name. Whine pathetically when he stops.

“No Jimin please...”

He silences you by attacking your lips again. By sneaking his hands between your pressed up bodies. His fingers finally touching where you need him the most. Dear God, how good that little touch feels. Your ass nearly leaves the countertop. Searching for more. He chuckles into your mouth.

“Fucking needy..” Mumbles. He presses his middle and forefinger on your throbbing clit. Over your lacy panties. Adds more pressure and circle it. Drags his fingers down your slit, pressing down at your needy hole. Hums in approval when he finds you soaked.

“How long have you been wet? Hm Lil? How long did you wear this soaked panties? Sticking into your pretty pussy?” His husky voice is like liquid fire. Burning through you. You shiver at his words. Mouth so dry even after he wets your lips so good.

“I... I. Don’t know..” You try to answer anyway. Jimin doesn’t think it’s an answer. He roughly pushes your panty to the side. You gasp. Touches your slicked cunt bare for the first time. You moan. He rubs your slit before pushing his two fingers at your entrance. Pushes past until the pads of his fingers are inside you. Just teasing your entrance. Thumb find your clit again. Rubs it very painfully slow.

“How long Lil? Answer me. How long have you been dripping for me?” He is toying with you. That’s what he is doing. Will not do anything until you answer. Will tease you till you die from the neediness.

“S....since.. since you kissed me.” You force yourself to answer. He laughs this time. Mocking almost.

“All these because of a kiss?”

Oh, you love this. Love the aura he is emanating. Love the authority. Absolutely love to be in his mercy. New waves of arousals crash over you.

“Yes.” You answer. He rewards you with another messy kiss. Hand never stopping teasing your entrance and rubbing your clit. “What a good slut you are baby? Just so ready and wet. All for me?” He just knows you love this. Isn’t he? Probably feels how you’re dripping more. Another week yes escapes your lips.

“Good.” His fingers disappears form your cunt. Before you could complain, however, he is rubbing that slicked covered pads on your lips. Watches you expectantly. So, you become a good girl. Dart your tongue out to lick it away. Makes him moan. He pulls away from your body. Cold air engulfs your body in the lack of his warmth. He grabs a stool. Drags it to where you are seated and sits. His face nicely levelling with your waist. He makes it better by slightly bending down. Now levelling with your sopping cunt. Places his palms on your inner thighs to spread your legs even more.

Revealing your soppy cunt to his burning gaze. The way your flimsy panty is soaked.

“Did I mention you’re hot?” Asks but you are no longer able to answer anything. Anticipation eating you up. Just knowing what he is about to do. Fuck those thick lips are going to be on your cunt. Even the thought is enough to make you cum. You whimper and wiggle your ass needy. Earn yourself a slap on your inner thigh. And a soothing kiss after. Jimin looks at you through his lashes. Keeps kissing your thighs. Open mouth and sucking, leaving his imprints on them. Each kiss is leaving higher than the previous one. Up, up and up. Until finally, fucking finally his lips are on your cunt. Lips pressing over your already swollen clit.

Your hands fly to grab from his hair. Firmly pressing his face deeper into your pussy. Can feel his smirk. The smirk before he willingly bury his face between your thighs. And then inhales. Deeply. Moans so loud. Louder than you and probably enough for whole cottage to hear.

“Ji...mm...in..”

He inhales again. Groans. Pulls away to look at you like he is drunk again.

“You smell so good baby. Fuck.” Wets his lip. Looks at you like you’re a full course meal. Just for him to savour and devour.

Gives you an admiring look before his thick lips are latching on your clit. With the lacy material. Sucks on it. Bites lightly. You spread your legs the furthest you can. Giving him everything. Buck your hips onto his face when he shifts to lick long drags across your slit. Up and down. Your panty is just an useless wet item with his saliva and your arousal. He pulls the material between his teeth and lets go again. Making it hit you cunt. You gasp in pleasurable slight sting causes. He keeps his ministrations for couple minutes. Alternating between licks, sucks, kisses and bites.

The next time he pulls away, he is the one who is breathless. “Shit! You taste so good. Just like I imagined... Let’s cum on my tongue baby huh?” He asks as he hooks his fingers under the waistband of your underwear. You nod violently in assent when he discards the useless material from your body. Pushes it inside his pocket and you think you’ll not last another second. He is the epitome of pure sin. So hot you want to cry. Especially, when his nose, lips, and chin ins glistening with your arousal.

Jimin admires your bare cunt which is practically on his face for second. Mutters something about it being the prettiest cunt he has ever seen. You clench around nothing. Then he is on it back. Keeping your legs apart by pulling them over his shoulders. Hand keeping you pin down onto the table. Face hiding in your pussy. Lips and tongue working magic with the occasional help of teeth. Licks and sucks. Slurping. Practically making our with your cunt. As if he is mad. Going feral and intense with every passing second. Shakes his head. Drinking on your dripping arousals. The entire space is filled with the shameful sound of your cunt making against his mouth. Paired with your moans and his groans.

Your head is spinning. It’s all one mess of pleasure. Immense pleasure. It’s completely unintentional how you keep rutting your hips. Using his perfect face to chase your high. He is relentless. A man on a mission and is succeeding very fast. You’re so close. So close to fall over the edge and need just a little more.

“Ji...min. Ugh it’s so good.... Jimin fingers.. I need your fingers.. please.” You plead. Hands nearly ripping his hair away. He nods without pulling away even for a minute. Gets you bit worried about his breathing. He doesn’t mind apparently. Just gives you what you asked for. Two fingers simply prod against your hole. Rubs circles first and then are pushing past your tight entrance. Your falls flutter at the intrusion. He keeps pushing inside slowly till he is knuckles deep inside you.

Takes a moment. Lips wrapping around your clit. Sucks while eyes fixing on your face. Then starts pumping the fingers in and out of you. Hard and fast. Scissors them. Stretches you wide. Curls his fingers in search for that one spot. Strokes your walls. And at the moment he finds that spot, you almost jump away from the counter.

He presses you down again with his free hand. Violently pump his fingers, assaulting that sweet spot. Assaulting your clit with his teeth and tongue. Over and over again. Until all your senses vanish. Until that tight coil in your lower tummy which has been tightening all these time snaps. Until white spots appear behind your closed eyelids. Jimin keeps his lips tightly sucking on your clit and fingers working when you moan his name breathlessly. Only pulls away when you start to whimper from the oversensitivity.

“Jimin.. hurts...”

He lets you clit go. Retrieves his fingers slowly. Looks you dead in the eye when he sucks those fingers clean. And then your sensitive cunt despite your little cries. Places one last kiss before he is getting into his feet.

You gape at him with a still heaving chest. Placing your weight on your arms. Close your legs. Sit properly. Jimin bends down to wipe his face off with the edge of his shirt.

That was the best fucking orgasm of your life. Only beats the time he made you cum by sucking on your tits. Yes, you won’t lie. Because it is. That, however, doesn’t stop from you coming back to senses. Like always. Doesn’t stop the familiar weight drops on your shoulder. You and he swore you were friends, didn’t you? That you won’t cross the line.

Now what? Oh you’re becoming scared again. Scared since you know what’ll probably happen next. Jimin is starting back at you. Expression unreadable. He’ll say sorry now. You’ll accept that. Or he’ll continue. If he wants that, god yes, you’ll listen. There will be nothing make you happier to return the favour. These unclouded thoughts which are emerging will vanish at a finger snap if he asks to fuck you. To blow him off. But you’re afraid he won’t. He’ll do the right thing now.

So, you hold your breath, bracing for the apology that will shatter this beautiful moment. He doesn’t. Instead, he simply just cups your cheeks. Surprises you by pecking your lips. Bores into your eyes.

“Are you sane now?”

Oh that’s quite unexpected.

You don’t know what he is doing. But if he genuinely wants to know the answer. Then you’ll give him that. Hence, the shake of your head. Your words follow that. “No.” Jimin smiles. Nods. Peck your lips again.

“Can we stay insane then, just for a day? Do you think you’ll be able to stay awake? Just a day Lil?” There’s a desperation in his voice. A kind of one that steals your breath. This is so wrong.

Say no.

You’ll never say no. You’ll willingly chose death if Jimin asks you to. How fucking scary. But you think you’re already deep in this mess.

Cross the line? You just did that.

What’s there to go wrong anymore? A lot.

Still, just for a day. Maybe after that day you two will be satiated. Until that you’ll keep the morality hidden safely behind a closet. To take back later. Just a day.

“Yes. I can. Yes for everything you asked.” You giggle. He follows.

“Let’s pretend this is normal?” He asks again. You nod again. Pretend. Just for a day.

“Uh huh... It’s just a day in paradise?” You peck his lips this time. Heart swooning when he smiles into that. Chuckles. Says that it’s silly but agrees anyway. Confirms for you.

“A day in paradise.”

Chapter Index

...................................................................................................

Taglist - @chimmy-licious @graydolan12 @smoljimjim @likemeforme @sugas-baby-girl @canarystwin @jkayy

[herofactoyxtransformerscrossover]

Welcome to Cybertron pt 1

Preston stormer first day on Cybertron yay!!

Going to another planet was never hard, for Preston Stormer, he's the leader of alpha team he was strong, he knew it but, God when he came to Cybertron he felt so small, he was the same size as the new friends he made, Bumblebee he was a yellow Cybertronian who part of the “autopodes” or “autobots”. He really doesn't understand their politics here,

His new friends had invited him to come to Cybertron, so they could hang out but it's was supposed to be on a Thursday and it's currently Monday, but Preston decided to come early, he decided to find the address all by himself so now he on a train, to Iacon city, and he felt nervous not because of the train, but because other bot's we're either side-eyeing him or giving him nasty looks.

“They can tell I'm not from here”, he thought to himself.

But that didn't surprise him at all, Cybertronians and bots from his planet Almaak, didn't exactly get along and he knew why, it's mostly for political views and shared values and culture shock, Cause where Stormer's, from it's normal and basic tradition that when you're made, then you're made for something specific like being a hero, or a normal bot, or something like that. But Cybertronians believe that you should choose what you want to be and had a whole war over it, which is something Stormer feels like they shouldn't compare causes it's “different”, at least to him

Soon the train came to a stop and he got up to leave, and once he got off he looked around at his Surroundings.

“Wow, this is Iacon city? It's really pretty say what you want about Cybertronians but they have really good architectures”, said Stormer to him.

The city was glowing, the buildings were tall and bright, giant spires, glorious towers and majestic skyscrapers. After looking around for a bit he immediately gets his stuff and starts walking, “No time for sightseeing”, he said, trying to stay focused.

As Preston walks through the city with backpack, he notices a lot of staring, side eyes, weird looks and a bunch of bots taking a different route.

“Well it's going to be hard asking for directions”, thought Preston.

He looks around and sees a random pink robot sitting down just waiting for someone and He thought “screw it”, he walks up to her.

“Excuse me, I need help looking for a building,” he says holding up a peace of paper with the address, just wanting help.

The pink bot takes the paper he is holding and looks at it.

“Are you sure? Someone like you should be going there? I mean I don't even know if you're allowed there,” the pink bot said in an are you sure? voice.

“Well my friend invited me there so yes?”, he says nervous and the pink bot gives him a weird look.

“Is your friend Cybertronians or one of you?” She said it like it was nothing.

Preston tries to act like this isn't getting to him, “yes he Cybertronians”, Preston just wanting help.

The pink bot sighed and gave him directions, Preston then walked all the way there. He hates to admit it but Cybertron is really big place and kind of hard to navigate.

But finally after 2 hours of walking he finally makes it to the building, and it was really big, and looked expensive to live in.

“Now that I think about it, what does Bee do for work?”, he says to himself as he walks in.

And looks around on his left there a big mural there, of the Autobots and Decepticon war, but one thing that sticks out to him is that Bee in the painting right, next to some blue and red bot, who was tall and broad he seemed to be the leader,

But his train of thought was broken when a voice called out to him.

“Excuse me! Why are you here?”.

Preston turned around and saw the receptionist at her desk, looking upset and annoyed and he walked over to her.

“Excuse me I'm sorry but I'm here looking for someone, his name is Bumblebee,” said Preston.

The receptionist looked him up and down, like she didn't seem to believe him.

“Bumblebee? Is your friend,” asked the receptionist, still not believing him at all.

“Yes,” Preston said confidently “short, sweet, yellow, Bumblebee,” she said still not believing it.

“I don't think Bumblebee would associate with your kind,” she said with certainty.

“Excuse me?” Preston said, trying not to sound offended.

Even though he wanted to jump over the counter and punch her in her smug face.

“Ohh whatever that bot makes friends with anyone what's your name clacker?”

she said smugly.

“That's not a slur at all”, he said to himself already knowing she doesn't care if it is.

“Preston Stormer,” he said and she checked her computer.

“Oh yeah, looks like Bee did leave a note saying that you're coming”, she said rummaging through her desk, and pulls out a key card and hands it to him.

“Slight up to the penthouse sir, enjoy,” she said.

She then continues working in her computer and basically shooed him away he didn't argue he left and went into the elevator.

“How the hell can Bee even afford a penthouse?”.

He pressed the button and that goes up to the penthouse once he makes it up there. He walks out into the hallway with only one door. He walked over and goes to know but the door already open so he goes inside

He walks into the living room and it's big with a big couch, TV and there was also a balcony.

“Damn with a big place likes this you sure could throw a bunch of parties” Stormer thought to himself, as he look around lost in thought till someone yells at him.

“Who the frag are you!?”.

When he turns to where the voice is coming from he gets hit with a pillow.

“Ow!! I'm a friend of Bee's Jesus, you Cybertronians are very territorial I swear”

He then looks up and see a tall red and gray Bot holding a glass of what he thinks is what the Cybertronians live off of“energon” they call it.

“Again I ask who are you?”

Before he could answer the bot aimed his missiles at him.

“Woah where's the hospitality jeez, I'm Preston Stormer, one of Bee's friends like I said,” Stormer said with both his hands raised, showing he wasn't dangerous.

“Ooh yeah he did mention some, bot from Almaak was coming, my bad I'm Starscream another friend of Bee, that bot simply makes friends with whatever species he can meet like you, I don't know why he even bothers,” said Starscream.

Stormer put his hands down rolling his eyes.

“First day on Cybertron I'm stuck with this guy”, he says to himself.

[rjthirsty]

Ikemen Princess Prologue

Based off the otome game Ikemen Prince, I've created an AU where the princes are (mostly) female, and MC is male. Several character names have been changed to suit their new gender (notes will be provided), and lore has been altered to work with the new setting and my accompanying headcanons.

Words: ~1.5k Tags: AU with Gender Changes, My First Long Fic, Chaptered, Scheduled Release A/N: You can find this and other chapters located on my ao3 account or on the Ikemen Princess Masterlist on my tumblr blog. Leanne = OG Leon.

Chapter Three: The Beast and the Beast

“If you really want to kick up a fuss, I’ll take you on. What do you say?” The mystery woman quirked a smirk, eyes narrowing at the drunk.

There was something about her that was larger than life, and the street grew quiet around her as all eyes were drawn to her. I slowly lowered my arms, realizing I wasn’t in immediate danger anymore. I let out a breath I didn’t know I was holding, which she must have heard because she glanced over her shoulder at me and her amber eyes met mine. Suddenly I wasn’t able to draw air, my breath catching in my throat.

Wow… I have never seen anyone with so much presence! It’s like you dominate the scene just by existing!

Her gaze swept the crowd, the gaze of a predator looking for her next meal, and nobody wanted to meet it. Released from the hold of those hungry eyes on me, I managed to suck some air back into my lungs. The tension in the air continued to mount, she was clearly not someone you should pick a fight with, and everyone else had sensed it, too.

Well… ALMOST everyone.

Despite the fact that the drunk had let her casually lower his fist, he must have found his courage the moment her eyes weren’t pinning him to the spot anymore.

“You wanna fight me? Yeah? Let’s do it!” The drunkard leaned as he turned to face her rather than me.

Her eyes cut back to the man. “You’ve got spirit, I’ll give you that,” she said with a grin growing on her lips.

I threw my hands up placatingly, “Wait, wait, wait! Can’t we find a peaceful way to resolve this?”

“Shuddup!” Mr. Belligerent yelled, swinging back his foot and angrily kicking at my fallen books, sending several of them flying. I watched in horror as they soared through the air, pages flapping wildly, before landing in the middle of the street. Of course, it had to be right as someone was riding a horse straight towards them.

If it had been any other day, the sight of the majestic white horse would have been a sight for sore eyes, but today the steed that showed no fear at something large landing directly in its path told me a lot about the temperament. Normal horses tended to spook, especially if they didn’t have blinders on. This wasn’t a normal horse. My eyes slid up the animal to the rider on its back, an aristocrat for sure. She was staring down at the books as she reined her horse in, her light blonde hair long enough to obscure her eyes, but not the downwards tilt of her head that proved she was looking at the books.

“Who would be so insolent?” It almost sounded like she was talking to herself as her piercing eyes lifted from the books. A gaze as cold as ice landed on the drunk and she demanded, “Was it you?”

Something ruthless glittered deep within that ice-blue stare, like a tiger catching sight of its prey. She wasn’t even looking at me, yet I was afraid to move, afraid even the slightest twitch would bring death pouncing down on me. The only thing I could move were my eyes in this overwhelming presence, and that’s when the crest on her saddle made my heart lurch.

Oh, shit. Oh no! You’re a member of the royal family?!

“Huh?! Who the hell d’ya think ya are? Stop sneerin’ at me!” Mr. Belligerent Drunk challenged the royal woman. His face was already red from the alcohol, but it was clear his anger caused it to flush darker and he began stomping on my books.

My jaw dropped, all of this was the most unexpected series of events. I was silently hoping that I could laugh about it all later, but at the moment I was half-frozen with fear as the situation continued to escalate.

“I hadn’t intended to participate in such a vulgar side show, but perhaps this is how one finds amusement at a festival?” The royal woman spoke with disdain, her hand reaching towards her hip where her sword was strapped.

The babble of the festival around me seemed to fade into silence. Wait. The cruelty in her eyes was as clear and sharp as her gaze, honed in on the root of the problem. The drunk wasn’t just a nuisance, he was a bug only worthy of being squashed beneath her boot. Wait– Don’t! Sunlight gleamed off the blade, almost blinding me, and before I knew what I was doing, I was moving.

I grabbed the drunk man who was throwing a tantrum and incurring the wrath of the beast on horseback by his shirt collar, which caused him to refocus his attention on me.

“Wha-?!”

He started to protest, but I didn’t let him get another sound out before I hurriedly hissed, “Pull yourself together!” And landed a slap on his face that brought a sting to my own hand.

To be fair, I didn’t intend to slap him that hard. I didn’t intend to slap him at all! At the last second I chickened out from a straight fist to the face because I thought it would end up hurting a lot more. I had never actually hit someone before, I had never been in a violent fight. But I had read about bruised knuckles and broken bones from hitting hard objects, and a skull was pretty hard.

I could feel people staring at me. Lots of people. But most of all, I could feel the gaze of two startled predators on me.

“What was that for?!” Mr. Drunk and Violent groaned as he brought his own hand up to his cheek. His eyes seemed to clear for a moment, pupils refocusing like he could see me for the first time that day.

“You need to. Calm. Down.” I choked, speaking in a hushed tone since I was finding it hard to raise my voice above a raspy stutter from the tightness in my throat. “Or do you want to get yourself killed over this?!” I thrusted my stinging hand towards the books at our feet, I then flung it in the direction of the royal woman, waving it frantically to indicate the crest on her saddle, and the sword she was gripping.

He followed my wild gesturing, and all the color drained from his face. It was clear I’d finally gotten through to him, and I puffed a quick sigh of relief. I let go of his collar and smoothed it out, then patted it, trying to come up with my next step, my eyes cast downwards and not daring to look the blonde woman in the eyes.

“I…” A squeak was all that really managed to escape my stress-constricted airway. I swallowed the hard lump, my mouth the driest desert, the lack of lubricant causing me to give a small cough to clear my throat. “I’m very sorry if we caused you any trouble.” I dared a glance up at her before continuing on. “I hope you can find some way to forgive and forget this incident.”

And my eyes were back on the ground, head slightly bent downward. I didn’t want to see the daggers in her eyes. Suddenly an idea struck me and I gasped a little, “Oh!”

I folded my arm in front of me, and the other behind me and bent myself at the waist to imitate what I’d imagined a proper bow would look like. I had no idea how to address royalty, but it wasn’t like I had ever had the chance. The best bet I had was the brief descriptions in books.

Without warning the amber-eyed woman burst out laughing, a loud, refreshing sound that cut straight through the tension. I was so wound up I nearly jumped out of my skin, but I could feel the mood in the air lightening immediately.

“Don’t worry, she’s not so petty that she’d actually kill someone over something like this.”

“Huh?” I gawked at the dark-haired woman. It sounded like she knew the blonde from the royal family.

“Are you done playing, Chevalier?” Another well-dressed woman appeared, shrugging smoothly as she reined in on her chestnut horse next to the white one.

“Yes,” Chevalier - the blonde royalty - said curtly. “This was a waste of my time.”

The tension began to seep out of me, until I realized Chevalier’s icy gaze was focused on my books, strewn across the ground.

“Are those books yours?”

“Yeah…” I answered cautiously, watching her warily.

She fell silent again, still staring intently at my books, and my breath hitched in my throat as her eyes narrowed.

What am I missing here? I couldn’t figure out where this was headed. The drunk’s tirade was over, I had apologized, and the dark-haired woman claimed Chevalier wasn’t the type to kill over something like this, yet she hadn’t moved on yet.

Her gaze moved suddenly from the books to me, pinning me to the spot, and I only distantly heard the woman next to her speak. “What now? Don’t tell me you’re in the mood for romance?”

“Romance is worthless, but–”

For the second time today, I made a very unmanly “eep” as her sword moved in a quick, fluid motion towards my throat. I held absolutely still, not even chancing a breath with the tip of her weapon hovering just shy of touching me.

But– why–

She used the flat of the blade to tilt my chin up, forcing me to look at her. “Those books are different. They’re worth more than you are. You’d do well to remember that.”

I wanted to ask ‘what the hell is wrong with you’ but I knew better than to question royalty. And I was keenly aware of the cold steel touching my skin. Instead I gave a faint nod, attempting to not shift my head too much while I relayed that I had heard her words, and the blade moved away from my throat at last.

I watched in stunned silence as she sheathed her sword and took up her reins again, urging her horse onwards. The woman astride the chestnut horse watched Chevalier for a moment, before nudging her own horse gently with her calves. But as she rode away, I saw her gaze move towards me, and I was startled by the bright amusement glittering in those golden eyes. 

The second they were both gone, I felt the tension inside me unraveling all at once, and I took a great, gasping breath. I felt strangely tingly and lightheaded, my nerves all firing at once to catch up with everything I had ignored during the tense events. Out of the corner of my eye I saw the drunkard sinking weakly to the ground.

I thought that was going to end really, really badly… and I’m so glad we’re all still alive.

“Seven hells…” I muttered, the world filtering back into existence around me. The crowd grew louder or my heartbeat grew quieter, I wasn’t entirely sure which. I felt the sun shining on me, warming my numb fingers and face. After several deep breaths, I turned to face the amber-eyed woman who had stepped in and been my savior.

“Thank you for helping us. I’m indebted to you– incredibly so. Would you mind if I asked your name?”

“It’s Leanne. And you can relax a little, I stepped in because I wanted to. You don’t owe me anything.”

“Er– well, thanks, Leanne.” We just looked at each other for several seconds before I slid my eyes away, growing uncomfortable from the silence. “Do you… know that woman? The one on the white horse?”

“Yeah,” she said as I saw her moving out of the corner of my eye, belatedly realizing she was gathering up my fallen books. “But we’ve never really talked that much. Here you go.”

“Ah! Oh, thank you!” I started turning the books over in my hands, inspecting them as I piled them under one arm. They were a little scuffed, but somehow they didn’t end up torn or badly damaged.

And a good thing too– I spent WAY too much money on these.

“You really like books, huh?”

“I love them! They’re usually way more interesting than the real world. Not so much today…” I trailed off as I turned to glance the way Chevalier and the other woman had rode off. Suddenly I recalled how this all started and I spun to look for the young boy who I had originally come to the aide of. He was still sitting on the ground, sniffling and curled up with his knees pulled towards his chest.

I crouched down to get on an equal level with the kid, Leanne doing the same, but it was her who spoke first.

“Hey, little guy, you okay?”

With attention back on him, a fresh set of tears started again. “Mama…” He sobbed.

“You’re lost, huh?” Leanne offered her hand. “Come with me, then.”

The boy’s watery eyes went to her hand. “Can–hic… Can you find… Mama?” He almost wailed again, but Leanne was quick to answer.

“Sure can! Let’s go find her together.” She smiled like warm sunshine and the little boy took up her hand. She helped him to his feet, then scooped him up and easily set the kid on her shoulders.

Wow, I don’t know what to say– you’re like an entirely different person now.

I was watching her, rising to stand as well. I was probably staring. The stalking lion was gone, her predator’s gaze now friendly and almost sweet somehow. Her gentle smile gave my heart a little flutter. Her entire presence was still larger than life, but it was comforting now and for some reason I felt the desire to stay near her.

“Umm, Mis’er?” The kid, now higher up than me, tentatively called to me. I finally stopped staring at Leanne and gave my attention to the little boy. “Thank you for helping me!”

Sweet kid.

I couldn’t help but smile up at him. “You’re welcome! And I’m really glad you’re okay.”

“Same goes for you,” Leanne said to me. “Now c’mon, buddy, let’s go.”

Before I could offer to help them search, Leanne was weaving through the crowd, her hand lifted in a casual wave. I’d have to thank her properly if I ever ran into her again, and she sure stands out, so I hope I’ll catch her again one day. I watched until they were out of sight and then I turned away, hugging my books to my chest as I made my way through the crowds.

[wormsin]

new shapes AND dvd bonus for twice gold, wolf heart!!

✰ NEW SHAPES: send me a fic and I’ll give you an alternate direction the fic could have gone!

this is easy! the first draft of the fic was pretty different. Russia gave Sid a wolf as a gift for winning gold in Sochi, which he was not prepared for and basically could not refuse. a handler brought Geno over from Russia and they met in Sid's foyer. Sid was like "I'll try my best but this is really inconvenient for my routine" and left Geno alone at home a lot. Geno gets under-stimulated, depressed. then there's a whumpy plot that I won't spill because I might use it later :)))

this version was kind of dragging its feet and I also realized that Sid would be SO into wolves, he would know everything he could about him, he would be PREPARED (as much as he could be). the arc ended up being pretty similar. they learn to trust each other in a tough situation :)

✄ DVD BONUS: pick a fic and I’ll describe or write a deleted scene!

bonus scene I had to cut:

Last year during bye week, Sid took a trip on his own to Yellowstone to see the wolves. He saw plenty of other incredible animals too—a bear, moose and bison—but the wolves had a special appeal for him. There was one feral werewolf pack in the Nova Scotia area and Sid grew up hearing stories about them. Even though he knew now that the stories were mostly local folklore, they were still part of his childhood and home, as much as the sounds of boats in the harbor.

In Yellowstone he met with one of the wolf naturalists, a soft spoken old man with the most pronounced jowls of anyone he'd ever met. Sid learned all about the wolf reintroduction program, and every morning Richard would bring him to a new spot to watch the wolves as they wandered around the park. Fewer tourists came to this side, so it was often just the two of them on a road or trail, traveling through the snowy quiet.

Each wolf was known by a number, and Richard had stories to tell about each of them—their personalities, histories, and the drama that unfolded within and without the pack. They never got close, of course, but Sid saw plenty through his binoculars. 

Most of the wolves were just that, but there was one werewolf pack, and Sid caught a glimpse of an older female in human form, pelt over her shoulders and spear in her hand.

Wolves and werewolves alike were majestic creatures, and it was so wonderful to listen to an expert talk about them. He honestly felt changed after that trip, and more appreciative of the natural world. It was the perfect vacation.

"Wow, buddy," Sid says. "Really?"

When he gets back home from the game, he find Geno sprawled in wolf form on the couch with his muzzle practically inside a bag of corn puff chips. Most of the chips made it inside his belly but there are plenty of crumbs on the couch and carpet. 

Geno wakes up with a start, lets out a big sneeze, and then stares at Sid with huge gold eyes. He doesn't look guilty, more betrayed, though Sid isn't sure how well he can read wolf expressions. "You made a mess," Sid says sternly, pointing at the bag. "And it's not good to eat all of those at once, that's a sometimes snack."

He isn't sure if Geno understands any of it, but Sid points to the bag, frowning, and then very pointedly cleans up the mess with the hand vacuum. Geno watches, head ducked.

"We're you hungry? I thought I left you enough food." He goes to the kitchen to check and—yup, Geno's bowl still has food in it, and the premade, high protein wolf lunch is untouched in the fridge. 

Sid sighs. "I don't want you just eating junk food, Geno."

Geno bumps his head against Sid's hip, which might be an apology. Maybe. Sid rubs his ears and Geno wags his tail, nuzzling Sid more. "You're going to get all pudgy, huh?"

[skriblee-ksk]

Jack >:3

LOOK AT HIMMMMMM OH MY GODDDDDDD

he’s brushing his hair. wow. IS THAT THE LAUNDRY MACHINES???? AND SINKS??????? wait i got distracted idk it’s so fun to see new bgs.

UGHSHHHH I LOVE HOW THE SUN’S HITTING HIM. OKAY. LIGHTING WONDEROUS SO JOYFUL SO MAJESTIC. UGGHHHHGSGGGHISHIGKHGKGKHSGIUGDGKGSKSGDG. he’s so cute. how he’s brushing his hair with such concentration. he cares about how he presents himself a lot more than i thought at the beginning. i do adore him.

HE’S SOOOOO FOCUSING LMFAOOO WHAT A GUY. THANK YOU USER DEERLA-CHARMING!!!!! making my day brighter immediately after i wake up.

[undreaming-fanfiction]

With This Ring (5)

Chapter 4 here, Ao3 here

“So. You and Wheeler.” 

It was a poor conversation starter, but Steve didn’t blame Eddie. He was still half-convinced he was dreaming anyway, so why not indulge his dead friend with some gossip? 

“Eh…yeah. Kinda. I mean, it’s not fully like that?” Technically, if he told Eddie about Nancy’s real partner, it wouldn’t be a breach of trust, would it? He promised not to tell a living soul and Eddie wasn’t technically living. Then again, they were climbing an insane number of stairs towards a menacing tower of some sorts, Steve’s ankle was throbbing in pain and his breath was coming shorter and shorter. “So…we were together. Stuff happened and we’re friends. Great friends. But we really don’t…you know. Don’t want to get married, but our families think it just needs a push. Or a hundred. So now…we’re just stalling. Until her birthday. Which is why I need you to pretend you’re...I don’t know. An evil spirit I accidentally raised and that you’ll let me go in a few days if I fulfill our contract or something. Or that we’re married in the afterlife or something in the meantime so they can’t just drag me and Nancy to the altar. Or both. Preferably both.” 

Eddie chuckled and shook his head. His hair was still dark and full of dirt, but at least he managed to wipe his face. Mostly. “Wow. So you’re doing a decent thing then? Saving the damsel from an unwanted marriage? You’re the knight in shining armor on a majestic horse?” There was a prick of irony in his words. 

“Sure.” Arguing would have been the right thing to do, but breathing was also nice. Jesus Christ, how many stairs were there? Why was the stupid tower the only way to the world of the living anyway? “Speaking of horses, you happen to see mine somewhere? Because I could use it for this trip to the bloody undead Everest-“

“Dramatic.” With a huff, he helped Steve up another crooked and dangerously high stair. “We do have a few dead horses around, you know. Friendly enough. But no saddles and trust me, those bones are not comfortable. So we’re stuck walking.” 

There was nothing left to do but to grit his teeth, force his way through the pain, and pray that they would arrive at their destination soon. “Why the tower though?” Steve asked. “Is there some kind of a magical door? I mean, why is it…”

“In such a stupid place?” Eddie was laughing now and the memory of their lost friendship hurt almost as much as the injured ankle. “I asked the same thing when I arrived here. The thing is, Steve, it’s not a door, it’s a person. And unfortunately for us, that person is a massive recluse with tendencies to see conspiracies left and right. So persuading him to meet us anywhere else is not happening.” Wheezing, he pulled Steve to the last stair and wiped his brow. No sweat, just dirt, but old habits probably died hard. “We’re here.” 

And what a “here” it was. The tower was even taller from up close, looming over them like a massive, crooked shadow. The windows glowed sickly green and there was a sweet scent in the air, so unfitting for the eerie atmosphere. 

Before Steve could ask what the scent was, Eddie already knocked on the massive door and, to Steve’s astonishment, didn’t even wait for a response before moving back and looking defiantly upwards. 

Steve hobbled on to join him. “What are you staring at? A window or…oh.” 

“Told you,” shrugged Eddie and pointed at a massive eyeball that turned to examine the visitors. “Lots of security measures, trust issues, all of that. And before you ask, no, I have no idea how he got the eyeball.” 

Before Steve could react, a screeching sound assaulted his eardrums. “And I wouldn’t tell you even if you asked, Munson.” The words came from an army-grade loudspeaker mounted onto the tower in a blatant disregard for its impressive age. 

As Steve fought the ringing in his ears, the massive eyeball moved to inspect him closer and well, that was disturbing. He’d never seen an iris this vividly blue in his life, and, as he realized when the eye twitched to focus on his face, Steve found himself hoping he would never meet its original owner. 

The eye retreated to its position above the door and turned back to Eddie. It seemed weirdly judgmental, for a single eyeball.  “That one’s alive. He’s not supposed to be here. Are you out of your mind?!” 

Eddie shook his head and gestured towards Steve’s bandaged ankle. “Wasn’t intentional, I swear on my guitar, Murray. Actually, I very much agree with you, Steve here isn’t supposed to be with us yet, but stuff happened and now I really, really need to get him back upstairs. And maybe join him for a brief trip to get some fresh air.” He poked the eye in a misguided attempt to playfully nudge it. “What do you say, oh wise one?” 

The loudspeaker roared again, and Steve started wishing he’d packed his earplugs. His migraines had been better recently, not too many and almost bearable, but the high-pitched sound threatened to disturb the status quo. “Very sad. Consider me touched. But I have important things to do, books to sort. Can’t you bother someone else?” 

“I’d love to, a wonderful idea! Now if you can just point me to the other creepy tower with all the magical tomes in the underworld, I’ll be on my way. And I have full faith in you not just blowing me off so I don’t have to bring my sweetheart, you remember Murray, the electric guitar you hate so much, so I don’t have to bring her over and serenade you every day at max volume until your skull cracks-“ 

Steve snickered into his palm. He was injured, hungry, tired beyond belief and engaged to a dead man while his real fiancée faced all the bigotry of American small towns, but he was also having the time of his life. He’d missed Eddie’s confidence, that wide, almost manic smile as he leaned towards the creepy eyeball, challenging it. 

“Smartass.” Although the sound was far from ideal, Steve could hear the resignation in Murray’s voice. “Stay there. I’ll come to the door.” 

With that, the loudspeaker finally returned to being blissfully quiet.  

Eddie stayed still for a moment, making sure the eye could no longer see him, and then broke into a victory dance. “Hell yeah. Persuasion, baby.” 

His enthusiasm was as radiant as ever. Steve laughed and started clapping when Eddie finished his twirling in a theatrical bow. “Fantastic work.” 

“Oh, you have no idea,” grinned Eddie and leaned against the door, tapping his fingers on the heavy wood. “Getting Murray to open that door is a heroic feat, if I do say so myself.” 

“So what’s his story? Did he just drop dead one day and find a perfectly good uninhabited tower here?” 

“Errr…no.” Eddie’s hand twitched and he reached to the back of his head, smoothing the hair over the old wound. “The thing with him is – I don’t blame him for being so paranoid. The way you die, it...it’s not easy to get over it, for any of us. And Murray, he was crazy reclusive for most of his life. Then he got into conspiracy theories. He’d jump at every scrap of information he could find, obsessing over it for days. When he was convinced he got it right, he'd go to the Hawkins police.” 

A frown furrowed Steve’s forehead. “Let me guess. They never took him seriously.” Just like when you disappeared, he thought with a pang of bitterness. 

Eddie nodded. “Bingo. But Murray knew he was right. Or…thought he was. And his biggest revelation was that there was a secret Russian base under the old mall. Starcourt.”

“The one that burned down?” Steve was just a kid during the time of the Starcourt tragedy, but he remembered the smell of smoke, the sirens, missing posters that would gradually turn yellow and brittle. Hawkins never forgot and ever since the mall’s ruins got torn down, no one ever attempted to challenge the variety of specialized shops in the center of the town. The police rookie Jim Hopper emerged as a local hero from that tragedy, but apart from his name, Steve couldn’t remember anyone else connected with it. 

Another nod and a scowl this time. “Oh yeah. The thing is – when no one took him seriously, Murray decided to take things into his own hands. You won’t believe this, but the base was real – and Murray snuck in between crates masked as an ice cream delivery. He managed to bluff his way into the base – he speaks Russian, the crazy bastard – and somehow made it to the core of the operations or whatever you want to call it. Unfortunately, that’s where his luck ran out. The head scientist caught him taking a picture as a proof and confronted him.”

“Oh.”

“Yeah, oh. To make things even better, the guards in that base thought the scientist was the one who let Murray in, and they shot them both, no questions asked.” Eddie spread his arms for the grand finale. “And so Murray made it here with a bunch of bullet holes in his chest and a new Russian acquaintance who couldn’t speak a word of English and refused to…you know. Not talk. He’s also here. And don’t tell Murray, but I think they’ve become friends. Kind of.” 

“…okay. That’s…” Steve was closing and opening his mouth, searching for words. But apart from what the fuck, he couldn’t think of any. 

“A lot?”

He nodded. “Yeah. It’s messed up in so many ways. But that still doesn’t explain the tower.” 

As Eddie took a deep breath to continue the story of Murray’s life and death, the heavy door swung open and revealed a balding skeleton. Steve never thought there could even be a balding skeleton, but this one stubbornly held onto his remaining hair and beard, or more precisely, what was left of them. It probably wasn’t a good idea to bring it up. Or the fact that he still wore glasses, even though he had no ears to hang them on. 

“Aren’t you a nosy one, Stevie,” he said and stabbed both visitors with a suspicious look. 

It might have been menacing to Steve, but Eddie just laughed and took a step forward, patting Murray’s shoulder…blade. Or another bone in that area. “Really, Murray? Of all the people in the world and beyond, would you be the one blaming others for their curiosity? I know you, you’re no hypocrite.”

Their host just shook his head and ushered them both in. “If you know me that well, you can tell the damn story yourself. I’ll have to get the elevator running since your friend here can hardly walk. My office is on the top floor.” 

“Oh god. Thank you,” breathed out Steve. He wondered how long his leg would take to heal. Normally he’d be up and running in a few days, but he wasn’t able to give his injury any rest at all. 

Murray disregarded his words of thanks, examining the rusty mechanism of a heavy metal platform resting on the first stair. There was a crank handle attached to the handrail and he started slowly moving it, swearing in at least three languages at the resistance it was giving. 

“So. The tower,” said Eddie, or rather shouted over the sounds of Murray’s insults and the rusty handle creaking. “There actually was a real...well. An assigned keeper of this tower, even before Murray and Alexei arrived here. He’d refused to move on and safeguarded all this knowledge.”

Murray kicked the stubborn handle. “Hoarded, more like. The old fart refused to share.” 

Eddie snickered. “Right. Unfortunately for him, this afterlife works in conditions. If you want to make double sure you move or don’t move on, you set a condition for yourself, as in - I’m not going until I see my wife again. When she dies and arrives here, you...leave. Not sure where, but you continue your journey. Our former lore keeper was very, very old. He set a condition that he thought would never happen.” 

Steve was so immersed in the story that he failed to notice that Murray’s efforts started paying off. “What was it?”

“I’ll move on when a man walks on the moon,” wheezed Murray and finally turned the crank enough for the platform to start moving towards them. Or at least that’s what Steve assumed from the screeching sounds from the top of the staircase. 

“...but that was years ago?” 

Murray nodded and leaned against the ancient wall, tapping his fingers as if he could speed up the machinery. “Right. But no one told him. He was useful to have around, they used to say. I, on the other hand, believe that a man should have all the information. It was unfair that he was kept in the dark.”

“And having a free library full of spells, curses and incantations didn’t hurt either,” muttered Eddie. 

Murray graciously decided to ignore him in favor of the platform that finally stopped with a deafening screech in front of them. “You make it sound so easy. You should have seen it when we took over, it was...” The torn muscle next to his eye twitched. 

“A mess?” offered Steve. 

“A paper tower of Babel more like.” Ushering Steve in with more care than he’d expected of the dead researcher, Murray gestured at Eddie to follow. “Imagine all the spells, curses, incantations, chants, everything magical ever invented, in all languages, fonts, with tons of spelling mistakes and pictograms that you’ve never seen in your life. All of that and no notes on which spell is in which language. And of course, you need to verify if it works before you catalog it.” 

Eddie leaned against the rusty railing and crossed his arms. “Wait. That half-dead, fully monstrous bat thing that got caught in Benny’s window? That was yours?” 

“Might have been.” 

“And the walking candle screeching Latin prayers?” 

“That too, but that one was a success.” There was a hint of pride in Murray’s voice, as if anyone should aspire to whatever that experiment was. “I assure you, we have everything under control. Compared to before, I mean. Now, I suggest you close your mouths if you value your tongues intact, just one more turn of that stupid crank, and...”

SCREEEEEEEEEEEEEEECH.

“Up we go!” yelled Murray over the sounds that no machine ever should have made. 

The “up” was indeed very high up. The platform was moving fairly slowly, but since the tower was so narrow, Steve’s head had started spinning by the time they arrived to their destination. Around halfway up, he’d started wondering if things would be better if he was already dead, but one look at Eddie’s firmly pressed together lips and an even firmer grasp on the rusty railing told him that no, this was an universal experience. Only Murray seemed unaffected, hopping off the platform with an annoying vigor. “Well, come on then. We don’t have all day.” 

“I sure hope they have a bucket up here,” muttered Eddie and took a wobbly step down. 

Steve could only swallow hard and will his afternoon snack to stay where it was. He clung to Eddie’s shaky frame as he joined the two dead men in a...wow. 

The room was massive. Either the tower was so tall the perspective made the top seem so small, or it must have been magically made bigger. Because there were just so. Many. Books. Piles and columns of them were lying all over the room, a massive oak desk included. And on the tallest pile of papers was a massive raven, eyeing the three of them with a menacing expression. 

“That’s Alexei,” waved Murray towards his feathered assistant. “Alexei, this is Eddie and Steve.” 

Steve watched in amazement how Alexei’s dark wings spread and he swooped down, finding a comfortable spot on Murray’s shoulder. “Uh. Hi, Alexei. I thought...” Steve’s eyes sought Eddie’s for answers. 

The other man just shook his head. “Don’t ask me. The last I’ve heard, Alexei was human.” 

“Oh, he was.” Murray was trying very hard to appear unbothered by the sudden weight on his shoulder, but the slowness of his movements and the unsuccessful attempt at balancing his hips gave it away. “Until last...uh. May, I think. We were cataloging a fascinating transformative spell. It worked fantastically.” 

Against his better judgment, Steve took a step forward and examined Alexei more closely. His feathers were beautiful and dark, save for a ruffled spot on his chest. It bore a disturbing resemblance to the wound on Eddie’s head. “Can’t you turn him back?” he asked. 

“Oh, we can,” shrugged Murray,or at leat attempted to. Alexei’s weight didn’t allow much movement in his shoulder. “We just chose not to. His intelligence is intact. And his wings are wonderfully useful in navigating this...chaos.” 

“Good. Good with high shelves,” croaked out Alexei. “Murray. Chto eto byl za shum?” 

“Etot duratskiy lift.” Noticing Steve and Eddie’s confused expressions, Murray gestured towards the raven. “What? Do you think the scientists in the Soviet Union learn English? Easier for us to learn Russian. Still, he’s made a lot of progress and he understands almost everything, so be careful what you say. Now, what was it that you wanted?” 

Suddenly, Eddie didn’t seem so confident. “Uh, yeah. I’d like to send Steve here back upstairs because...you know. He belongs there. And I will accompany him because I...” he trailed off, his eyes focusing on a random pile of old parchments. “I think I’ll be able to move on afterwards.” 

That caught Murray’s attention. With a pained huff, he settled Alexei onto the desk, and shook his head. “Are you sure? Because you know how that works. There’s no I think, if you think this is it, we have to do it the proper way. You’ll say the words, go upstairs, do what you need to do and...that’s it.” 

Eddie nodded, still avoiding everyone’s gaze. “Yeah, I know. It’s not what I thought it’d be, but...you know. I don’t want to go back down there, waiting for god knows what. So I’ll take that chance.” 

“Wait wait wait.” Steve grasped Eddie’s shoulder, shaking him hard enough to force his eyes back to him. “What do you mean? Care to enlighten me?” 

“None of your actual business, Harrington,” he snapped and moved to the side, out of Steve’s reach. 

“It kind of is. He’s helping you do it, after all.” Murray started rummaging through his desk, trying and tossing away a bunch of dried out ball pens. “Those conditions Eddie mentioned before? Just saying it isn’t enough, you sign a contract if you want it to be binding. Even if what you end up doing doesn’t fill that emptiness, you are obliged to go. And it seems that Eddie’s ready.” 

“Is he now?” 

Several things happened at once. Murray dropped a fistful of pens and pencils, Steve turned around so quickly he lost his balance and had to lean against the desk, Eddie forgot to be mad at Steve and reached out to stabilize him...

And Alexei calmly tilted his head, nodding at the new arrival. “Bob.” 

“Hi, long time no see.” He waved his hand, the healthy looking one, if that can be said about a corpse. “The door was open, so I let myself in.” 

Murray shot him a nasty look. “It wasn’t open.” 

Bob’s smile was unflinching and innocent. “It wasn’t locked properly enough. Now, I’ve come to volunteer to speed up the spell sorting, there’s little to do around here otherwise and I’m bored out of my mind. I offer several languages, a knack for puzzle solving and...” he reached into his shoulder bag, “a bribe for the master of the house.” 

In his hand was a jar of cherries. 

Murray’s expression was not amused. “You’re joking.” 

“Only partially.” With one more rummage through his bag, Bob produced a bottle of vodka. “Better?” 

The researcher’s face split into a wide grin. “Absolutely. You’re hired, but I’m watching you.” The bottle disappeared behind his desk so fast it seemed like a magic trick.  Now...to our lovebirds here. Are you ready to sign, Eddie?”

“Sure fucking am,” he muttered, taking a step forward. “My terms are: I record my music and send it to my contact, Craig in Indianapolis, with potential royalties, rights, whatever...to Wayne. When it reaches him, I can go. Good enough?”

Murray nodded, scribbling down the conditions. “Good. Sign here and then we can proceed with the teleportation spell. Alexei, can you please fetch-” 

“Cherry,” the raven croaked and pecked at Murray’s shoulder. 

This apparently wasn’t a new conversation for them. Murray didn’t seem surprised, only mildly annoyed. He rubbed his eyes and gestured towards the massive bookcase. “Get the damn book, will you? And then you’ll get your cherry.” 

Alexei shook his head, the black feathers shining in the lamplight. “No cherry, no deal.” 

“See what I have to work with?! Extortion, that’s what this is.” Despite his grumbling and complaints, Murray quickly opened the jar of cherries and tossed one towards Alexei. He immediately gobbled it down and blinked at his annoyed undead friend. 

Stretching his wings, he prepared for a takeoff. “Good cherry. What shelf?” he asked Murray. 

With a bony finger stabbed in the massive list on his desk, he pointed towards his left, way too high for anyone without a ladder to reach. “Section 21, shelf G, dark green, contained mold stains. Plane traversal and the issue of materialization.” 

Alexei croaked in response. With a strong flap of his wings, he rose from the desk and scattered around several parchments. Before Murray could gather all of them and finish his string of curses, the raven was back, the book in his talons. “Not right. Shelf F,” he pointed his beak accusingly at the offending bookcase. 

Murray scratched out a part of his long list. “Noted. OK, so...short term revival spells, transportation between planes of existence, portals...” 

“Are there long term revival spells too?” asked Steve. He went for an uninterested tone, but his heart was beating like crazy. Maybe this library could save Eddie where he’d failed. He could see Wayne again, could conquer the world with his music. Maybe with the right book, the right spell, he could-

“Sure are,” snickered Murray, still buried nose deep in the book. “Plenty of them, a bunch per every culture. The thing is - they’re either risky as hell, bringing back zombies, skeletons and all that, not the local ones but nasty, soulless creatures. Or they require some really ugly sacrifices. No one here would even dare to ask for such a spell, believe me. It’s the one good rule that’s worth keeping, try to move on, not back. Even though I see where you’re coming from,” he added, not unkindly. 

Steve’s chest felt heavy with desperation. He wasn’t the sharpest one, sure, but still...what good was all that knowledge when it couldn’t even save one single person? 

He only realized he said it out loud when Alexei landed next to him and nudged his shoulder with his beak, which was equally comforting and weird. “Not fair. But trying to make it fair...er.” 

Murray only shrugged his shoulders. “What he said. As much as we’d love to unleash every single curse here no matter the consequences, we have a certain responsibility. Now, if Eddie’s done signing...let me send you up. We’ll come collect you when the contract is fulfilled. You should take your friend with you, just in case something goes wrong.” 

Steve frowned at him, confused. “But…I’m going already?” 

Bob laughed and poked Eddie’s shoulder. “The other friend. You really suck at introductions, Eddie.” 

“He was sleeping,” grumbled Eddie, but he opened his jacket and gently removed something small and fluffy from his chest pocket. Something that looked…like a bat. 

The bat squeaked at Eddie and it sounded delightfully annoyed. It nuzzled into Eddie’s palm and Steve could just imagine the tiny creature slapping a ringing alarm clock, forcing it to let it sleep for five more minutes. 

Eddie extended his hand towards Steve. “This is Ozzy. He understands everything, he’s probably smarter than both of us. But he doesn’t like to speak.”

Steve shook his head in disbelief. Reanimated dead, short trips between planes or whatever that was, a corpse town underneath Hawkins, talking cats, Russian scientists turned into ravens, and now a smart bat who refuses to speak? Sure. 

Murray gleefully ignored Steve’s inner turmoil. “That should do it. Ready?” 

Steve opened his mouth to protest, but Eddie simply nodded. “Yeah. Let’s breathe some fresh air.”

With a snap of Murray’s fingers and an incantation in a long dead language, they were gone.

When the dust settled on the creaky floor of the tower, Bob smiled at the disgruntled researcher and stretched his hands. “Now, shall we start? We have a lot to do.” 

Chapter 6 here

[sonicasura]

It Is Rocket Science

Sonic The Hedgehog/ Pokemon

Takes place shortly after the events of Forces ( only difference was that Tails was actually brave LIKE HE SHOULD HAVE BE-)

Trainer had been traveling through this new world for a while now and they already made 2 great friends. Sonic the hero of Earth who has defeated calamity many a time. A spirit as free as the wind, who never stayed in one place for too long. Sonic had a taste for adventure and chili dogs, and never turned there back on afriend in need. It was no wonder Sonic was so well liked among the people.

Then there was Sonic's best friend Tails, a fox who was born with 2 tails and could use them to fly by twisting them like a propeller. Tails was a genius, building amazing gadgets and devices that could do incredible things, Tails even built his own plane the Tornado. Tails was also a resreacher and when Sonic introduced Trainer and Co. to Tails his shock only lasted 5 seconds before he immediately threw a myriad of questions towards Trainer and Co. To Tails this was nothing short of amazing, the idea of other worlds wasn't new to him, but this was the first time he heard of a place where people and strange creatures called Pokwmon lived in peace and harmony with each other.

Tails absolutely insisted Trainer and Co. stay for at least a day or 2 so Tails could study and find out more about Trainer and the Pokemon. Trainer of course agreed wanting to get to know this world better along with making new friends, Sonic's curiosity even got him to stay in the city for bit to be with Trainer and Tails. It was all very cool and Tails even half jokingly said it was so nice too have a vistor from another world that didn't want to destroy, take it over, or attack them a sentiment Sonic shared

Sonic was perfectly fine with his current Rogue's Gallery thank you very much

When Trainer decided to leave to start seeing more of this world Tails and Sonic were sad to see them leave the city so soon, but were glad that they met Trainer first and got to give Trainer and Co. A warm welcome. Before Trainer left Tails gave Trainer his and Sonic's number so they all could keep in touch.

It had been five whole days since Trainer got to this world and they already got to experience so much of this world's wonders. From beautiful jungles too majestic mountains, it had so much too offer. Though while exploring a beach called Emerald Coast Trainer did come a cross something odd.

A strange looking robot

The robot wasn't at all active and looked to be beat up beyond belief. Scratches, rust, broken joints, Trainer was surprised that it was still one piece. It also looked incredibly odd, it looked like Sonic but had a lot of differing features. The top of it's head looked like a jet and it's back had what looked to be a engine sticking out. Trainer wondered if this was Metal Sonic, Sonic's doppleganger that Eggman had made, but this robot didn't fit the description.

Trainer just wondered about what too do before Rotomdex gave a suggestion.

Rotomdex: If we dragged the robot out and dry him off, it could go into what's left of his circuitry and memory banks and find out there story.

Trainer agreed with that idea and dragged the broken robot out and onto the beach. Decideing to set up camp hear, Trainer let everyone out and explained that the robot was being dried off and nothing was wrong. All the pokemon nodded and every one played and explored until the robot was done drying. After an hour under the beachside sun and telling Meltan too not eat the robot, the robot was dry and ready for Rotomdex to fuse with. Everyone one gathered around too see what would happen.

Rotomdex: BBBBZZZZTTTT!!!! Here I go!!!!

Rotom popped out of the pokedex to reveal it's true form as a electric ghost wisp, before zipping right into the robot.

It took only a second for Rotom's face to peak through the robot's showing Rotom had succesfully entered the machine.

Rotom: Alright acessing data banks now, BBBZZZTTT!!! Wow this robot is quite impr- BBBZZZRRRTTT!?!?!

Rotom got cut off as something strange happened, the robot's color morphed to mix both orange and blue, and the eyes became heterochromatic with one being Rotom's blue eye color and the other flashing between green and red. The robot got up and started doing some honestly funky looking dance moves before the joints locked up and the robot fell right back down

Trainer: Rotom!!!! Are you alright?!

Rotom: Ya I'm fine! The internal system just had a lot more kick than I was exp- wHO arE YOu

Rotom's voice got cut off again and was replaced by a staticky voice, which ended up spooking Rotom who popped out and immediately went back to the Rotomdex.

Trainer: Who are you?!

Trainer asked the question which was now on Trainer and Co. mind.

The robot with great struggle lifted it's head to look at Trainer.

????: I-I-I am Mech-cha S-Sonic Mod-Model 29. Ro-Rocket Me-Metal

The glitchy voice explained, so this is Metal Sonic that Sonic told Trainer about or at least a version of Metal Sonic. Sonic warned that Dr.Eggman's robots are not to be messed around with as tgey can all easily cause quite a bit of destruction. Though looking back on Rocket Metal, it was obvious that therobot had been long since left to the elements by Dr.Eggman. That left a bit of a sour taste in Trainer's mouth and decided to ask some more questions.

Rocket Metal answered all of them along with asking some of his own. Rocket Metal was a robot built by Eggman and to Rocket Metal's knowledge the youngest robot of the Mecha line ( the truth unknown to both is that Rocket Metal was the last of his line and after the destruction of the Death Egg Eggman has moved on too the E-Series) too stop Sonic and his friends from reaching the Death Mk.II and had failed to stop the heroes from reaching their destination. Rocket Metal was also shocked to learn that all happened almost 5 years ago when they asked for the year. Sonic and his friends were all young when that adventure happened. That news rattled Rocket Metal, why had he been left to wither away by Dr.Eggman. Rocket Metal tried so hard too make his creator proud....perhaps failing that mission made the Docter give up on Rocket Metal. Was Rocket Metal deemed to be a massive failure compared to his older siblings, when compared to Eggman's pride and joy Metal Sonic..... Yes that was the reason, Rocket Metal was a defective model who failed too live up to what the Docter made him for, it was only logical that Rocket Metal be thr-

Trainer: No it's not!!!!

This snapped Rocket Metal out of his thoughts as he had been speaking out loud and Trainer and Co. had listened to Metal Rocket demean himself.

Trainer: It's not right that you just be thrown away, Eggman made you with the ability to think and have thoughts of your own, the fact that all it took was one faliure for him to throw you away is horrible!!!

That entire monolouge had struck a cord with Trainer as they had seen to many times Trainers give up on pokemon after just for being not as powerful as they like or failing to meet impossible expectations and abanden said pokemon. It was one of the few things that upset Trainer and Rocket Metal's story uspet Trainer.

This confused Rocket Metal and he could not come up with a response to that so just stayed quite, even as Trainer got out a cloth and liquid and started to pain stakingly rub the rust off, even as they gently repainted his metal body back a brilliant deep blue, and as the strange creatures Trainer had helped Rocket Metal move around due to his legs being busted and helped oil up his joints so they could start moving again. Trainer even had given Rocket Metal a powerful battery to help keep himself online.

This all made Rocket Metal feel....odd and when Trainer made a call to someone asking for there help with fixing Rocket Metal it made Rocket Metal feel...happy.

When Rocket Metal was safely secured to Koraidon back and Trainer jumped onto the Sandwhich loving Pokemon, Rocket Metal finally figured out what to say

T-T-Thank Y-You

Looks like Trainer made another new friend! I bet they have some very sharp words for Eggman if they ever come across each other. Also Trainer would give Sonic and Tails a heads up about Rocket Metal so to avoid any chance of friendly fire between them.

[nijigasakilove]

Finally a pet anime I can relate to! I’ve never liked dogs or cats, but growing up I had several pet parakeets and love birds! They’re such majestic and beautiful animals so seeing this type of set up is refreshing. It’s kind of like Roukin8 but with a pet and a middle aged guy instead of Mitsuha and her devilish schemes lol

Wow, isekai through pet is probably one of the most unique ways I’ve seen it done. Being able to go back and forth between worlds, which we’ve seen done a few times recently is nice, but doing it with your faithful companion is even cooler. Smart idea to sell stuff to the nobles in the other world. If you don’t want to quit your dead end job that’s one way to make extra money.

Hmm, the introduction of Hoshizaki and the paranormal investigation bureau section of the government was cool. I wonder what Hoshizaki would’ve done if Sasaki wasn’t there to save her though!

Sasaki got the promotion he was looking for, but not in the way he was expecting. Definitely cooler than the office job that hadn’t given him a raise in years.. Connecting magic across two worlds and bringing in the whole psychic ability thing on earth is a cool way to make this story standout more. I doubt Pi-chan is the first to cross over between worlds and it’ll be interesting to see how magic developed on earth

Man, in 48 mins Sasaki already got two waifus in Hoshizaki and Yandere school girl. Both really cute. Knew something was up with school girl when she was waiting on him after he got back late. Always a sucker for a good yandere so looking forward to more of her. Hopefully we get to see she and Hoshizaki interact at some point soon

Speaking of Hoshizaki, Takahashi Rie been on a roll lately, another good performance from her. But that’s not it, the seiyuu list in this one is immense with performances from Yuuki Aoi, Akarin, Minase Inori and Tomita Miyu!

The hour long premiere for this show was perfect because it had quite a few twists that wouldn’t have been as good as separate episodes. I thought we were just gonna be doing a kind of slice of life roukin8 style show with Sasaki making money by trading in the other world, but we got a lot more to this story than that. Ending scene with his boss suggests there’s more to this than meets the eye. Interest is piqued.

[ecargmura]

Hirogaru Sky Precure Episode 50 Review + Final Thoughts

Wow, I can’t believe I finished a Precure show from start to end! It was a good experience for a first-time Precure watcher, aka me. The final battle was pretty cool and then everything that happens afterwards was pure emotional as I realize it’s truly the end.

To be honest, the last battle between the Precures and Daijarg went by pretty fast. It’s fast-paced but the way they defeated him was pretty quick too. It’s not a bad thing, though. It’s best to get everything over and done with so that the farewells can happen. I did like that all the Precures were working together to take him down and not just having Sora and Mashiro in the spotlight. Given that the final boss is a snake, the sneaky, meandering nature fits well with its form as it tries to escape into Empress Underg, but she decides to finally let go of him. Because he cannot possess her, he resorts to trying to possess someone in Sorashido City, causing havoc in the ordinary world.

The second half of the final battle was pretty epic as most of the minor characters in past episodes are seen as well as the Precures using a new move, Hirogaru Sky Punch, where they all punch the snake into the sky and then defeat him once and for all with the Majestic Halation. I really like the teamwork! Now that Daijarg has been purified, does that mean there is no more Underg Energy?

Oh boy, the departure scene was legit shaking my emotions. The fact that they’re separating makes me sad. While it is in their best interest for the Skylandians to return to their home country as they have dreams and aspirations over there, it’s not the end as they can always come visit. I think the part where Tsubasa was saying his last words to Ageha got me the most. These two had the rockiest start but, by the end, it was a friendship that has improved positively. Seeing Sora and Mashiro saying good-bye was also sad as these two clearly cherish each other a lot. Sora is her first friend and Mashiro had someone who eased her loneliness. I know for a fact that these two have feelings for each other, but the subtlety of it all really moves me. Though, I did dislike that they decide to visit the next day after saying all those emotional good-byes. It killed the emotional factor.

I also like that the Underg Empire truly decided to have peace with each other and with Skyland as the generals decide to stay with the Empress. Although the empire was once a cruel place, they were all shown that they can reform and that’s why they gathered together. I hope the Empress makes dolls of her minions; it was so cute seeing Kabaton gushing over the Elleelain doll and wanted her to make a doll of him too.

However, I’m glad that the Precures all have a future in their stories now. Sora officially joined the Azure Guards and becomes someone else’s idol, taking the path of her hero Shalala, and still uses her Cure Sky form for knight duties. Mashiro decides to write a picture book about her adventures with the Precures. Tsubasa has a future as a sage, but told Ageha that he wants to explore Sky Land to gain knowledge and experience; Sky Land might even be larger than one would expect. Ageha’s dream has always been to be a nursery school teacher. Ellee has returned to Sky Land to become the future ruler. I know that they had made a Precure series where they feature Precures as adults, so it’ll be cool to see if Hirogaru Sky gets the adult treatment. I’d love to see what these characters would be older. What are your thoughts on the final battle and the departure?

Final Thoughts 

Overall, like Mashiro, I also have a hard time saying good-bye. This was my first Precure show and I loved it. I can see why the franchise is so popular. There were flaws, especially towards the last quarter of the show with snail paced story progression, but it did not detract my enjoyment of the show.

I really loved the energy the show gives off. Following Sora on her journey of being flung into another world after rescuing Princess Ellee and trying to find ways to adjust while protecting her from the Underg Empire was an investing journey. I loved that it explores Sora’s desire to being a hero and learning what it means to become a true hero. The quirky misadventures and emotional aspects were really good. Normally, it’s happy, but the story wasn’t afraid to get dark, as shown with Episodes 14 and 15, Episode 23 and the last five episodes revolving around Elleelain. When the episodes get dark, they are DARK. I’m glad that the writers don’t hold back in a children’s show.

As a magical girl show, Precure does a lot of things that other magical girl shows do, but I think that Precure does things a bit better. For example, I do like that Hirogaru Sky develops all the main cast. Like, throughout the fifty episodes, I learned so much about Sora, her goals, her personality and her family; the same goes with the other four Cures too. Some magical girl shows mainly focus on the main character and the other main character that they forget to develop the other main cast members at times. Hirogaru Sky does a good job giving insight to the main cast, but I do wish Ellee was a bit developed more rather than being stuck as a baby for three fourths of the show.

The villains were a bit hit or miss. Kabaton and Battamonda were great foils to the cast, but then Minoton, while charismatic, was underutilized and the story sort of dragged after Skearhead’s introduction. It was a waste that Empress Underg was only fully shown towards the last part of the show and then gets shoved to the side when Skearhead decides to become the final boss. She was wasted potential. Also, the generals don’t really interact with each other, so it’s hard to tell if they were a good villain team because they didn’t work together until the end.

The side characters were great, though. They were entertaining to watch. I liked Yoyo, Beryberie and Shalala a lot. However, I did wish there was more insight on Yoyo like how she landed in Sorashido City and why she chose to stay and not return to Sky Land. Beryberie made a good rival to Sora and I liked how it stays even in the finale. Shalala was the perfect mentor figure to Sora and it was because of her that Sora walks the same path as she does. I’m going to miss these side characters.

Although I am not a Precure expert, I do think that this is a good introduction to Precure. Heck, I’m into Precure thanks to Hirogaru Sky. I can’t wait to see what Wonderful Precure has to offer. If you want more Precure content from me, I am also reviewing Delicious Party Precure episodically on my blog.

I’ll see you guys next week for my review of Wonderful Precure!

[violivs]

NMTDaily: The last two costume party Ben vlogs

These are episodes 24 and 25.

Episode 24: Pedro’s beeeetch?!?!

- “How can she know me and yet not know me at all?”

- I love this line. I love this line a lot. It’s an adaptation of a line from the play, a line later paralleled in the play with “the god of love that sits above and knows me, and knows me”. Within NMTD, it connects back to Beatrice’s eventual “I’m glad that you understand me.”

- She knows and yet doesn’t know Ben because she was only friends with him for a few months before they fell apart, and now makes a bunch of anger- and hurt-based assumptions about him and goes off that. Yet she still knows him, knows exactly what to say to hurt him the most. Layers!

- Ben quickly arrives at “maybe no one is actually making fun of me behind my back and Beatrice is the only one laughing”, which is the truth for the most part. But he doesn’t believe it emotionally, so it doesn’t help. He still feels really insecure and anxious about everyone secretly hating or making fun of him.

- We know Pedro and Claudio often find Ben to be a little much, a little too loud, too stifling, too clingy. But they’re not laughing behind his back about it, they’re complaining to each other and eventually plotting to matchmake him with Bea about it.

- The song in the background is great because it’s essentially Beatrice’s POV about Ben. “Nobody loves you, everybody loves me.” “He is just an arrogant guy, thinks he can catch any girls eye… you’re just lonely inside, you really need to swallow your pride.” To have that in the background while Ben is venting about Bea and showing how insecure he is about how people perceive him- powerful choice. It’s in the background of the next episode too.

- Lots of great comments analyzing Ben’s character under this video, worth a read. Interesting observation by BeedlePencil that the school is in fact laughing at Ben AND Bea about their constant bickering and obsession with each other.

Episode 25: BATH

- Pedro is confused and concerned by Claudio’s disappearance. He also seems kind of drunk, himself.

- “Don’t shoot me!” “What?” “I’m the messenger, don’t shoot me.”

- “The chivalry of broship had been broken.” I love those moments where for a second we’re in 1598 again, like, chivalry? Oh you’re an adaptation of an old, old character, that’s right.

- The bird’s nest story is lifted directly from the play, and it’s incredible that the Candle Wasters made their modern Ben exactly the person who would think of that anecdote, even in a different time.

- Pedro’s FACE when Ben is saying birds are majestic creatures, especially flamingos. Pedro is pinching the bridge of his nose and clearly thinking “oh god, not this again.” Lol

- Pedro, still totally lost: “but… birds nests are for birds?”

- I thought Pedro was going to figure it out at first, but instead he changed the subject to Beatrice and wanting to know how Ben pissed her off so bad. Was he around when Bea was insulting Ben to his face earlier? Or did Bea go complain to him afterward? If she did, does that mean she knew it was Ben behind the Batman mask all along? Or was it just a general continuation of her Ben tirade because the person she was talking to before (Ben, and she didn’t recognize him) left and she needed someone else to rant to?

- “I was just being defensive” Does this mean there was a second half to the conversation where Ben took off the mask and confronted Beatrice? Because in Ursula’s party video, in the scene we saw, Ben never fought back in terms of insulting Bea back. He only defended himself by saying his bird video was insightful and he thought Bea was being harsh.

- Wait! In Ursula’s clip, Beatrice never says the phrase “Pedro’s bitch.” That means the scene HAD to continue beyond what we got in the video, with Ben revealing himself and Bea insulting him more. Wow. I should fic that, that’s a hell of a missing moment.

- That’s really interesting, that Bea starts ranting to a masked stranger about how annoying Ben is (and how she’s annoyed that he isn’t there), and then after the scene cuts off Ben takes off his mask and confronts her, she gets even meaner in return, and hurts his feelings so bad he goes and hides for the rest of the party. Now I’m sad we never got to see the inevitable corresponding later scene where she thinks back on her behavior and apologizes.

- Either Pedro witnessed the end of the fight or he ran into Bea afterwards, and he clearly thinks she’s significantly angrier at Ben than usual. I really want to know if Ben said anything in the second half of the argument to cause that or what.

- Pedro can’t help laughing at the “Pedro’s bitch” moment, which is definitely going to make Ben more anxious that Pedro really is laughing behind his back.

- We do also have some classic ingrained societal homophobia coming out with “Pedro’s bitch” in the idea that the most degrading thing for a man to be is submissive to another man, especially sexually. Pedro’s laughing, but it’s also probably pretty uncomfortable for him on a being-deeply-closeted level that he won’t even understand until later.

- “She said you thought I was really annoying and you only tolerated me” ah yes, the thing that every socially anxious person’s brain tells them 24-7. That no one actually likes you. She really does know exactly how to hurt Ben.

- Pedro is in Beatrice defense mode. “Give her a break.” He has a crush on her right now, comphet or not, so he’s inclined to take her side. The combination of her coming to his, the Prince of Messina’s, party as a princess, and her making it abundantly clear that she still hates Ben via this public fight, is what will push Pedro to ask her out in the next episode.

- The assault weapon sound effects lol, this absolute dork

- Do we think maybe Bea was in a “hit Ben with a constant stream of insults” mood because her Q&A video made her explain and contemplate her past relationship with Ben and re-litigating that made her feel hurt and vulnerable and angry at him all over again? That’s my best guess.

- This is a friend group that all meddles in each other’s affairs. “Maybe we need to stop this thing with [Hero] and Claudio- or is it with you now?” No wonder it all goes down as it does.

- Pedro’s “it’s not just her” refers to Ben, and hilariously goes right over his head.

- There’s some really excellent face-acting by Jake McGregor in this episode. All Ben’s facial expressions are absolutely delightful. I just like to look at him.

- Apparently “catch you later” “no you won’t” is a Sherlock reference, according to the comments. Love Ben taking an interest in one of Bea’s favorite shows enough to reference it!

- Don’t turn the camera on and off with your foot, Ben, ya nasty! Lol

- “baths + sleeping = no don’t do it” in the video description omg. Ben literally fell asleep in Pedro’s bathtub after this.

- Winner of the Comment Section goes to simondarrow with “wow I can’t believe Pedro Donaldson invented being cute and bisexual… legends only”

- also shoutout to the person who said Ben looks like he’s about to cry. I’m glad I’m not the only one tuned into his face journey this episode, poor kid.

- And the other person in the comments who wants to hug Ben. Hard same.

💖🦩🥭

[stereogeekspodcast]

[Transcript] Season 4, Episode 6. X-Men ‘97 Spoiler Review

The Stereo Geeks review the first season of X-Men '97.

Listen to the episode on Spotify.

Ron: Hello and welcome to a new episode of Stereo Geeks. Today we’re chatting about season 1 of X-Men ‘97.

I’m Ron.

Mon: And, I’m Mon.

This episode is about the full season of X-Men ‘97, so yes, there will be spoilers. If you haven’t watched all ten episodes, go finish them and then return.

R: We had discussed the first three episodes of the show and our experience at the Toronto premiere–which we’ll link to in our show notes–but now we’re going to unleash all our thoughts. So, overall feelings about the show?

M: This show gave me life. 

R: Yep, loved every minute! Each episode stuck the landing in the most unexpected ways. It was obvious that the people behind this show loved the characters and the universe of X-Men.

M: Nothing can surpass the excitement of 2 months of X-Men day. I’m so glad we got to have this and spend time with the X-Men. 

The show’s animation is just gorgeous. The colours, the movement, the details–they added to the immersive experience of the story. 

The characterizations were stellar–characters who hadn’t been given their due came alive here, especially Jean and Gambit, as well as Storm, to an extent.

R: We got so many meaningful arcs for Cyclops, Rogue, Jean, Storm, Jubilee, even Cable.

There were so many fun cameos–Blob, Pixie, Exodus!

The dialogue this season–wow!

Every word Nightcrawler said was amazing. His eulogy for Gambit? Actual perfection.

Also, Xavier’s diatribe against the Shiar about equality? Print that and hand it out to politicians!

R: Some of the plots did feel curtailed though.

Madelyne Pryor’s arc could have been a couple of episodes. Would have been a great way to reintroduce Havok.

In fact, in the Krakoa comics, Maddy and Havok are together.

Lifedeath is another story that could definitely have been longer.

That teaser for the second season though. I can’t wait.

M: Honestly, the soap opera drama is why this show is killing it.

M: But, the show had issues

Morph being non-binary was a footnote, and they were the only character who had absolutely no story or arc

The characters of colour were shunted to the side–Storm being depowered meant she disappeared a lot, Forge was only shown in context of Storm, Bishop vanished after 3 episodes, and ‘Berto…

We love ‘Berto, but while Gui Augustini is Brazilian-born, he’s not Afro-Latino. I didn’t clock that ‘Berto’s comic origins were re-written on the show (because the OG is so ingrained in me). And then his skin colour just kept getting lighter. What the hell? People are rightfully angry about him. 

R: Yeah. I had mentioned the skin colour issue in our previous episode. It… did not get better. Sigh.

M: Shall we chat about the rest of the voice-cast? Because the voice-acting sold us on the stories and emotions. I loved Lenore Zann, who allowed her personal tragedy to inform her powerful and emotional performance as Rogue. 

R: The voice cast was stellar. Lenore Zann and Alyson Sealy-Smith were highlights for me.

The way Zann channelled Rogue’s grief and rage after Gambit’s death–I’m tearing up just thinking about it.

Sealy-Smith brings the regality to Storm that her character deserves. She’s got a majestic voice and was somehow even better in this season than the 92 show. I can now only read Storm in her voice now.

M: Alison Sealy-Smith was seamless, and powerful.

R: AJ LoCascio was such a delight as Gambit. He clearly adores the character and made such an impact in just five episodes.

M: The newcomers were all so good. Ray Chase (Cyclops), Holly Chou (Jubilee), Matthew Waterson (Magneto), Jennifer Hale (Jean Grey), and A.J. LoCascio were exactly what you’d expect these characters to sound like. Love love loved them. Chase is the voice of Scott for me now. And LoCascio’s love for Gambit came through in every scene of Gambit.

I also love that Catherine Disher came back but not as Jean Grey. She played the heck out of Val Cooper. She got an iconic monologue and said THE LINE - Magneto Was Right!

R: So many characters to love here. But do we have a favourite?

M: I think we may have the same favourite. 

R: I’ve loved Gambit for so long but this season was the first time I felt a story did him justice.

He’s got such a big heart and he loves Rogue completely. He doesn’t even care that she can’t touch him. I love that about him.

I also love that he took their breakup so well. 

I was so worried about that scene but Gambit still wants to be Rogue’s friend. It’s so sweet.

M: Yep, I concur. I am in love with Gambit. 

The creators purposely made him loveable, likeable and sexy. They made us want to fall in love with him, and they succeeded!

It’s the little things that made Gambit such a tragic hero.

He’s besotted with Rogue, he loves her even though physical touch is impossible for them, he is willing to let her go and love her as a friend when she chooses Magneto, and he dies for the people he loves. Tears all around. 

R: And that brings me to the best character arc. 

I’ve also loved Rogue for a very long time and I absolutely adore her arc in ‘97.

This show wasn’t afraid to dive into sexuality with Rogue, Gambit, and Magneto.

Gambit is so comfortable in his sexuality in the first episode.

But with Rogue not being able to touch people, this season really leaned into her indulging her physical requirements with Magneto because she needs that fulfilment in her life.

Loving Gambit isn’t enough for Rogue. I like a lady who takes charge of her desires!

Then there’s her anger at losing Gambit. She goes for the jugular with everyone who took her man. I loved seeing her fight and be ruthless.

Rogue and her brother, Nightcrawler, get such an incredible scene together.

You can really see how Rogue, who starts the show as a pacifist, by the end of the season, she’s throwing Trask out the window.

No wonder she joins Magneto. He’s the only one who understands her pain.

M: Rogue’s arc was undeniably great. But I’m going to go against the grain here and talk about our Team Leader, Cyclops.

I love Cyclops so much, and have for a very long time. 

He’s complicated and wrong, and sad, and human. 

He has a great arc because it’s about love and family. 

I think he really goes through it with his emotions because he’s in love with Jean, always has been, but then finds out he was with her clone

The fact that he goes from boy scout to pissed off when he has to justify himself and his reluctance to talk about his son to Trish Tilby the reporter, was, well, a choice. But it’s like the dam burst for him.

It’s a reflection of a very real problem. If you’re from a marginalized community, it’s assumed you can never be objective. But you can always be objective when you’re the ‘default’ community. 

So when Tilby is pushing Scott to explain why he’s supposedly lying about the existence of his child, she’s basically suggesting, as a mutant he has to be perfect, and Scott’s outburst is saying ‘no. if humans can be flawed and have secrets, so can he and mutantkind.’

He’s such a great human, though.

He’s willing to take the punches from the X-Cutioner in the second episode because he has to protect people from his blasts.

He’s willing to sacrifice himself in the finale so his son and the world can live.

He wants to give people a chance–save Magneto, appeal to Bastion–despite being a child soldier, he tries to break out of the mold that Charles has tried to shape him in

Scott’s love for Nathan is so dang palpable. You can almost feel his heart breaking for all the lost years.

And that bloody line of dialogue to Logan in the finale, ordering Logan to do what he’s best at, heal, so Logan doesn’t break Jean’s heart–Scott just wants Jean to be happy. 

R: Wow. We’re so predictable. 

M: Earlier, I mentioned the drama on the show. Talk about soap opera - who isn’t in love with the wrong person on this show!

R. Absolutely. A lot of the soap opera stuff has to do with the romances and love triangles/quadrangles!

R: I was uncomfortable with Magneto/Rogue/Gambit but I get it.

M: The Rogue/Magneto romance is still icky to me. There’s too large a gap and power-imbalance. But Maggie gives Rogue something no one else can, so I get why she turns to him. 

M: The Scott/Madelyne/Jean triangle is very complicated, and they wrote it well, where none of them are perfect, but they’re trying. 

Jean kissing Logan felt forced to me–Logan has been in love with her forever, but has she felt anything for him? Or is she, in a state of weakness, picking up his emotions and projecting back? 

Also, was ‘Berto introduced just to be Jubilee’s boyfriend? Boring.

I’m not convinced by Storm and Forge’s romance either. She went from feeling betrayed by the revelation that it was his invention that depowered her to being in love with him. superquick.

R: I see what you mean but I want Storm to find love with Forge.

R: I am very interested in Morph/Wolverine/Jean though.

In Fire Made Flesh, Morph’s demon takes the form of Wolverine saying he and everyone else know what Morph is. And Morph looks so scared.

I was wondering why Wolverine?

M: Why naked Wolverine?

R: Yeah right? 

I know they’re best friends in the show.

But the finale explains it–Morph is in love with Wolvie. Who wouldn’t be?

Of course, we know Logan’s been in love with Jeanie forever. So Morph takes Jean’s form to confess their love.

M: Morph being in love with Logan is unexpected–but again, why isn’t that part of the text of the show? Why is everything to do with Morph an afterthought?

I don’t hate that Morph’s feelings for Logan have evolved from platonic to romantic, considering Logan has been their biggest champion and friend and support from the get-go. The two of them have always been close. But we need to see their romance/friendship grow on screen!

R: I really want to see where this goes. Friends-to-lovers is a very popular fanfiction trope and Morph deserves it.

However, we can’t forget it’s 1997 in the show and being queer isn’t easy.

So, will Morph get a coming out story?

The X-Men have already accepted Morph’s non-binary identity. But would they feel the same way about Morph being a queer person in love with Wolverine?

Will Wolvie accept them?

I would hate for them to stop being friends over this!

How great would it be if Iceman joined the team in Season 2 and had his own coming out story?

X2, the film, was a coming out allegory so why not have a real coming out story?

I just want to see Bobby Drake!

M: Me too!

M: Best episode?

R: I was tempted to go with Remember It because of Gambit and Tolerance is Extinction Part 2 because of that Magneto vs Wolverine ending.

But, it’s episode 2 for me. Mutant Liberation Begins

This episode is the first season’s manifesto

Magneto does everything that humanity, and the X-Men, expect of him

And the humans still fight him; they take Storm’s power. They still choose hatred.

Magneto gave them chances and offered them harmony.

But they refused; humanity sided with Bastion, they destroyed Genosha, they shot nuclear missiles at Asteroid M

The human beings in the X-verse deserve whatever Magneto dishes out to them

M: Like you, for me it’s also Mutant Liberation Begins

This, to me, was one of the best episodes of television, ever

This was a clear reflection of the divisions of the real world–artificial divisions along the lines of race, class, ethnicity, and beliefs, that literally kill and maim people. 

The battle at the end where the X-Men are restraining themselves, getting beat down, while they protect the same class of people that are hurting them is poignant. 

The problem is, it doesn’t matter how much our art shows us we’re on the wrong side of history, people will purposely choose to be on the wrong side of it.

I also want to talk about S1.E5 ∙ Remember It

Honestly thought this was going to be a game-changer. The start of a Krakoa-like era where the X-Men and mutants have found a home for themselves. 

R: Never expect good things for the X-Men.

M:

And then we turn to the personal side of things when Rogue chooses Magneto over Gambit. I was like, ok, this is a character story, it’s about their arc.

And then boom, literally. You can have no peace in a world that actively hates you.

And lastly, S1.E10 ∙ Tolerance Is Extinction - Part 3

I thought the penultimate episode was one of the weaker ones of the season, so I was concerned about the finale. I was wrong. 

It became about connections–Charles connecting with Magnus, Jean and Scott connecting with Nathan, Scott reaching out to Bastion in friendship. Very emotional.

R: This leads us to the most shocking moment. 

It has to be Gambit dying, right? He’s a core character and he’s very much alive and kicking in the comics.

M: Honestly, did not expect Gambit to die. Like, I’m still reeling. I can only cope by knowing that he’s alive in the comics. 

R: The show has done this before–Morph died in the pilot but they did come back eventually.

There’s speculation that Gambit will return but like, how? He dead-dead.

M: Another shocking moment was Rogue dropping Trask off the building–this was not something Rogue would do. I know she was angry, but she should have been beating him to a pulp, not letting him plummet to his death.

R: That was shocking but it felt right.

R: But also, Magneto ripping the adamantium out of Wolverine?

It’s straight from the comics! In fact, the animation was based on the panel in the comic.

Very exciting but poor Wolverine!

M: Hopes for season 2? 

R: More Morph! I want to see them take the spotlight. Get a great arc, lots of action, and a full-on love story with someone. It probably won’t be Wolverine, because I doubt Marvel will make Wolvie queer. But someone.

Also, Mystique and Destiny. I love them so much and I need to see more of them. In the comics, Mystique and Destiny are ready to destroy the universe to save each other. I need to see that passion on screen.

But I’m worried that without Beau DeMayo, or a queer presence behind the scenes, we won’t get fulfilling queer stories.

I’d also love to see lots of new and old X-Men. Bring me Polaris, Havok, Iceman, Dani Moonstar, Rayne Sinclair, Synch. I need more Scarlet Witch and Quicksilver.

M: I want more of the mutants showing up and helping Forge and team. Iceman, Archangel, the New Mutants. I’d like to see them become mainstays. 

I really want more queer storylines, arcs, and characters. For all the updated sensibilities of this show, the queerbaiting irritated me.

That ‘Berto is back, he’s his comic book colour, his origins are retconned, and, while I love Augustini’s voice acting, we need a representative actor voicing him. 

Someone please explain Val Cooper–something is up with her!

More soap opera drama and romantic entanglements. We live for this.

[sacredshadow]

“Zaros? My lord, you wanted to see me?” Azzanadra knocked cautiously at the door to the throne room, hoping he had gotten the details of their meeting correct. The door clicked open and swung slowly into the room to reveal Zaros sitting majestically on his throne. Azzanadra almost cowered away as his memory of just how imposing the Empty Lord was came back to him. Zaros beckoned him in with his hand.

“I’m sure you know why I have called you here, Azzanadra.” Zaros spoke slowly, making sure each word was clear to the nervous Mahjarrat. Azzanadra nodded shyly. This was his first time meeting alone with the Empty Lord, and he was determined not to make any mistakes. “To discuss the death of the Pontifex Maximus?” Zaros nodded slowly and encouragingly.  Azzanadra continued, looking at the pronged headpiece that lay on Zaros’s lap “You want to consult me on who should replace them.” Someone else would be called here soon, and leave wearing that hat and the new responsibilities that came with it. 

“I suppose you could put it like that, yes…” Zaros lifted the headpiece with an invisible magical grasp and set it rotating slowly in the air just in front of him. Azzanadra took a few steps closer and started talking, spilling out all his thoughts and opinions before he could stop himself. “Well, Nabor has been quite busy at the asylum recently. I don’t think it would be a good idea to give him a whole lot of extra work. He seems to have been drifting away from the role of Pontifex a bit- not that that’s a bad thing, what he’s been doing is great, you should encourage him to keep going with it. Bilrach, well, just no. Not Bilrach. Mizzarch might be ok, but that would be a very unpopular choice and he would have trouble making people respect his decisions. I don’t think Palkeera would be ready for that level of responsibility, Jhallan probably wouldn’t want-“ He was interrupted by a light chuckle from Zaros. Azzanadra took a step back, not sure where he had gone wrong. “Oh, I’m sorry, is that not what you wanted to talk about?” Azzanadra apologised, backing away a little further. Not even five minutes and he had already messed up. He nervously picked and scratched at his hands as he waited for Zaros to respond. “Azzanadra, I would like for you to be the new Pontifex Maximus.”

Everything in Azzanadra’s body just paused for a moment. His claws stopped scratching at the back of his hand. The air in his throat stopped where it was. Even his constant stream of thoughts halted. He could feel the ridges on his head and spine standing on end as his body registered the surprise. “Zaros, I- Thank you! I never expected this!” Azzanadra blurted out, words tripping over each other as the meaning of Zaros’s words hit him. With a wave of his hand, Zaros stopped the hat’s slow spinning so that it pointed straight towards Azzanadra. He tried to step forward gratefully to claim it, but almost tripped over his feet. “Thank you” he said again, bowing low. Zaros’s glowing purple eyes stared right at Azzanadra has he plucked the hat out of the air and turned it in his hands. “Don’t make me regret this” he half-threatened, half-joked as Azzanadra placed it on his head. It seemed to morph to fit him perfectly, shaped around the crystal in his forehead. He wasn’t sure if he was expected to shake hands with Zaros or bow or something, but Zaros smiled and gestured for him to leave. Azzanadra thanked him again before walking out the door and closing it behind him.

“WOW YOU GOT A NEW HAT!!!” Sliske yelled and bombarded Azzanadra with a huge hug and pretty much climbed onto his back the second he stepped out of the throne room. Azzanadra didn’t know how they had known, but Sliske, Wahisietel, Trindine, Nabor and Jhallan were all waiting expectantly for Azzanadra to come out and reveal the news.

“Is that the-“ Wahisietel gasped, looking at the new adornment that Sliske was now playfully trying to snatch away. Azzanadra nodded, almost causing his horns to collide with Sliske’s hand. Wahisietel let out a little cry of excitement and leapt forwards to wrap his arms around Azzanadra, leaving him sandwiched between the two brothers. Trindine gracefully walked over to take the hat from Sliske almost the second he got it off Azzanadra. Sliske leaned over to try to snatch it back, the imbalance of weight almost causing Azzanadra to fall. She turned it in her hands, examining it from every angle, before wordlessly placing back onto Azzanadra’s head, where it barely touched his skin before being taken by Sliske again. Sliske was a lot less gentle with it, testing its strength with a hand on each of the prongs. Azzanadra couldn’t see what was happening, but from the reactions of the group he inferred that Sliske was wearing it himself and making funny faces.

Eventually he felt the weight of it back on his head and heard Sliske whisper into his ear “We need to celebrate this” and wrap his arms loosely around Azzanadra’s neck. He hoisted Sliske up higher on his back, supporting his legs around his waist with strong hands underneath them before turning to look at him resting his head on Azzanadra’s shoulder. “What kind of celebration were you thinking of?” Azzanadra asked coolly as Sliske leaned his head in closer to Azzanadra’s. He slipped his hand under Azzanadra’s robes and gently stroked his chest with dangerously sharp claws. Azzanadra followed Sliske’s hand with his own on the outside of his robes, touching it through the fabric. “Ah, I think I understand now…”

Trindine coughed loudly to draw their attention back to the present. “We’re still here, you know.” Sliske looked at her and reluctantly drew his hand out from under Azzanadra’s robes, giving him a look that promised that it would return and do much more later. “I suppose a different celebration with them is in order. Not instead of our other plans, of course.” Sliske pointed down the hallway and gave Azzanadra a little kick and they set off, Azzanadra running along the hallway with Sliske on his back, yelling back to the others not to just stand there and to come with them.

They burst into a large open hall, Azzanadra breathing heavily, Sliske whooping and cheering, and the rest of the gang emerging about a minute later. They walked and talked slowly without much interference for a while, but at some point they ended up walking past Enakhra, Hazeel, Palkeera, Zamorak and Zemouregal leaning against the wall looking like they knew they probably shouldn’t be there but couldn’t care less. Instinctively Azzanadra’s group quietened, trying not to make trouble even though they knew they were doing nothing wrong. Zemouregal watched them walking close to the opposite wall, his eyes monitoring for any signs of weakness.

“Hey Azzy! How’s the reception on that thing?” Zemouregal shouted the insult louder than necessary, earning laughs and high-fives from his friends. Trindine raised her middle finger at them, a gesture that was highly offensive on Gielinor, but Azzanadra had more to say than a gesture could cover. He carefully lowered Sliske to the ground and gave Zemouregal a hard stare, not breaking eye contact as he strode over with new-found confidence. Hazeel ducked out of the way as Azzanadra approached, his horns nearly poking up Zamorak’s nose.

Azzanadra seized Zemouregal’s collar with both hands, pulling him in close. “Firstly” he growled “Only my friends call me Azzy. You may address me as Azzanadra, or perhaps Pontifex Maximus.” Zemouregal nodded fearfully. Azzanadra’s eyes seemed to glow with unholy fire as he continued “Secondly, it’s a hat, not a router. I don’t know why you would think I am getting internet connection through it, but I am not.” He pulled Zemouregal even closer, so close their noses were almost touching before making his third point. “Thirdly, DO NOT MOCK MY HAT - IT DESERVES RESPECT! IT IS A SIGN OF MY DEVOTION, MY POSITION IN THE CHURCH!”

[amorest-viesse]

[Brightening Up the Castle] - Chloe SR Card Story Translation

Ft. Chloe and Riquet

Spiral Staircase Exploration - Chapter One

[Oz’s Castle]

Chloe: Whoa…! That’s one fancy chandelier!

Chloe: (Every inch of Lord Oz’s castle is so beautifully decorated and detailed… Heath would absolutely love it here.)

Chloe: Oh right, I wonder if there’s a place where Lord Oz keeps all of his clothes. It’s a bit nerve-racking, but maybe I’ll ask him later…

Chloe: Oh? Is that…

Chloe: Riquet! What’cha doin’?

Riquet: Chloe. I was just exploring the castle. There are so many things in here that I’ve never seen before, so I got a little curious.

Chloe: Ooh I see! Actually, I was just doing the same!

Chloe: (Hmm, but isn’t this castle enormous? If Riquet is wandering around by himself, he might get lost. If that’s the case…)

Chloe: Hey, why don’t we just explore together then? There’s still a lot of things I want to see too.

Riquet: You want to explore… together?

Riquet: Ah, you must be lonely going around all by yourself. Very well, I’ll accompany you.

Chloe: Ahaha, thanks a lot! Let’s go then!

♡♥♡

Chloe & Riquet: Wow…!

Riquet: Isn’t this a spiral staircase? I’ve seen them before in picture books!

Chloe: Yep! Look at how majestic it is. How incredible…

Riquet: Chloe, come over here! You can see right down to the bottom!

Chloe: Ah, Riquet…! It’s dangerous if you lean forward like th—

Riquet: Ah…! Whoa!?

Chloe: Riquet!

Spiral Staircase Exploration - Chapter Two

Chloe: Oh no, Riquet’s gonna fall��!!

Chloe: <<Suispicibo Voitingoc>>!

Riquet: Whoa…! I— I’m… floating?

Chloe: Th- that scared me… Are you alright, Riquet? You’re not hurt anywhere, are you?

Riquet: Yes, I’m fine. Thank you for saving me, Chloe.

Riquet: I’m sorry for not listening to you… I’ll make sure to be more careful next time.

Chloe: Oh, don’t worry about it. I’m just glad you’re safe!

Chloe: You just got a little excited, but I totally get how you feel! There’s a ton of stuff here that I’ve never seen before either.

Riquet: …

Riquet: Even though you’re a Western wizard… you’re actually a really sensible person.

Chloe: Ahaha, am I? Well, I suppose the other Westerners can be pretty unconventional, even to me.

Chloe: In any case, if we’re all good to go, why don’t we check out that staircase? I want to explore the lower floors too!

Riquet: Yes! 

[Walking]

Chloe: (This staircase is so grand and imposing…)

Chloe: (It sure is a long way down too…)

Riquet: Chloe? Why are you stopping?

Chloe: Oh, uh, it’s not a big deal or anything, but I was just thinking…

Chloe: Wouldn’t it be fun to jump from here and fall straight to the bottom?

Riquet: What?

Chloe: Ah, only after casting a spell to ensure a safe landing though!

Chloe: Ooh, the more I think about it, the more I wanna try it…

Riquet: …I take back what I said earlier. You really are a Western wizard through and through.

Chloe: Huh!? Was what I said really that strange!?

Decorative Hem Motifs - Card Episode

Akira: Good afternoon, Chloe. Are you drawing something?

Chloe: Master Sage! While we were at Lord Oz’s castle during our last mission, I was gathering new ideas while walking around…

Chloe: So I’m finally drawing out some of the winter clothing designs I came up with! It’s still a work in progress, but I want to make something with a different feel from the last set.

Akira: Whoa…! These are amazing!

Chloe: Thanks! The entire castle was practically a work of art, so I wanted that to come through in the designs.

Akira: It really was an incredible castle. What did you like most about it?

Chloe: There were beautifully detailed decorations everywhere. I especially liked the chandeliers and the accents on the banisters. 

Chloe: You can feel how much dedication and passion went into each piece. No matter where I looked, there was something amazing to be seen.

Chloe: …Ah, right! I was thinking about using the motif on that chandelier as part of this hem design…!

Chloe: If I do that, it’ll match the design on the cuffs as well… Um…

Akira: (It’s kinda cute how excited he is about this…)

Akira: Hey Chloe, once you’re done with the new outfits, make sure to show them to me, alright?

Chloe: You got it! I’m making something for you too, so I’d be happy if you could try it on when the time comes too!

Home Screen Voice Line

“This design is still missing something, but I just can’t place my finger on it… Hey, Master Sage. Could you take a look at this with me?”