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misshoneyimhome · 4 months ago

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500 FOLLOWERS FESTIVAL

"If you cross her, then you cross me” I Matthew Knies☆

Requested: yes/no

Summary: After weeks apart, Matthew Knies finally sees his girlfriend again, his heart racing with anticipation. Yet, the sight of bruises on her arm brings a sharp reminder of why he hates being away from her.

Tropes & warnings: Matthew Knies x reader, established relationship, boyfriend!Kniesy, protective!Kniesy, no real harm (bruise), Smut 18+; Oral sex (f receiving), fingering, unprotected sex (p in v), cum inside;

Other notes: So, we're at the final stop of our Followers Festival, and I can’t express enough how grateful I am for your input! Writing like this is always so much fun and thrilling, as it's pushing me to explore new challenges 🤗 Thank you so much for joining my little celebration and for reading my work ❤️ Lots of love!

Word count: 2.9K

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You and your boyfriend, Matthew Knies, had been apart for far too long.

Almost a year ago, your life had taken an unexpected yet wonderful turn, where it all started on a crisp autumn evening when you decided to attend a charity event organised by your company. You hadn’t particularly been enthusiastic about going, but it was for a good cause, and as the newest (and youngest) hire, you felt obliged to make an appearance.

The venue was a beautiful old mansion converted into an event space, filled with elegantly dressed guests, soft music, and the hum of polite conversation. And almost lost in your own thoughts, you casually wandered around, occasionally mingling with colleagues and sampling the delicious hors d'oeuvres, when you suddenly spotted a tall, handsome man across the room. He had a relaxed confidence about him, and you couldn't help but notice the way he smiled as he chatted with a group of people.

Then feeling the need to hold onto something for comfort, you made your way over to the refreshment table near where he stood. And as luck would have it, you both reached for the same glass of champagne at the same time, where the tall man simply laughed, a warm, genuine sound, and motioned for you to take it.

“Looks like we have the same taste,” he said with a grin.

You smiled back, feeling a spark of something you couldn’t quite identify. “I guess we do.”

“I’m Matthew, by the way,” he introduced casually, extending his hand.

“I'm y/n,” you replied softly, shaking his hand in a polite and friendly manner. His grip was firm yet reassuring, and you found yourself immediately at ease.

And from that small moment, the conversation flowed effortlessly. You discovered that Matthew was a professional hockey player, currently enjoying some downtime before the new season began. He was charming and down-to-earth, with a passion for the sport that was infectious. You shared stories about your jobs, your interests, and your families, finding common ground in unexpected places.

So, as the evening progressed, you both found yourselves gravitating towards each other, enjoying the easy banter and undeniable chemistry. When the event then started to wind down, Matthew hesitated for a moment before asking if you’d like to grab a coffee sometime.

“I'd love that,” you replied, feeling a flutter of excitement.

And so, your relationship began. The first coffee date turned into a series of outings—dinners, walks in the park, movie nights—each one bringing you closer together. Matthew’s schedule was hectic, but he always made time for you, and you quickly found yourself falling for him faster than you had ever thought possible.

By the time you reached the six-month mark, you knew this was something truly special. Despite the challenges of his demanding career and your own busy life, the bond you shared only grew stronger. The time apart was hard, but it made the moments together even more precious.

The off-season brought you nothing but more joy and excitement into your life. Matthew had invited you to spend a few weeks in his hometown of Phoenix, Arizona, where you were introduced to everyone.

And those weeks in Phoenix were nothing but magical, filled with warm, sun-soaked days and cool, starry nights. You visited his favourite childhood spots, hiked the stunning desert trails, and shared countless meals with his family, where his parents welcomed you with open arms, treating you like one of their own.

Matthew took you to some of his favourite local hangouts, where you met his old friends who regaled you with stories of their younger days. And you could easily see the deep bonds he had with them, which made you feel even closer to him. The evenings were your favourite, spent on the porch of his family’s home, sipping cold drinks and watching the spectacular Arizona sunsets.

Those quiet moments, where you could simply enjoy each other's company without any interruptions, were what you cherished the most.

But as wonderful as those weeks had been, reality eventually intruded, and you were called back to return to work. Matthew stayed back as he was busy with off-season training, his days then filled with rigorous workouts and team meetings, while your own days were consumed by the demands of your job.

Though you both tried to keep in touch with nightly video calls and sweet text messages throughout the day, it was never quite the same as being together. The screen could never capture the warmth of his touch or the comfort of his presence.

The nights were lonely, and the days felt endless without him. The ache of missing him settled deep in your chest, a constant reminder of the distance between you. You threw yourself into work, trying to fill the void, but it was a poor substitute for the man you loved. Weekends were the hardest. You'd find yourself aimlessly wandering the apartment, lingering over the photos of the two of you scattered around, each one a painful reminder of what you were missing.

And sensing your melancholy, your friends decided to cheer you up. So, they dragged you out one night, determined to lift your spirits. They took you to a lively bar downtown, where the air was thick with the scent of alcohol and the sound of loud, pulsing music. And for a while, it worked. The drinks flowed, laughter came easily, and the music helped drown out your thoughts as you danced with your girlfriends, trying to forget how much you missed Matthew.

But then, amid the flashing lights and the thumping bass, a man approached you. At first, he seemed harmless, just another person looking to have a good time. But as the night wore on, his behaviour became more insistent. He moved closer, invading your personal space, and his touch lingered on your arm longer than was comfortable. You tried to signal politely but firmly that you weren’t interested, yet he didn’t seem to take the hint. At one point, his grip even tightened around your wrist, and though you managed to pull away, the encounter left you shaken.

Nothing overtly dangerous happened, but his touch left you feeling unsettled. You felt a surge of anger and frustration, not just at the man who had crossed the line, but at the circumstances that had left you vulnerable and alone. You wished Matthew had been there, his presence a shield against the world.

Fortunately, only two days later, you stood at the airport, your heart pounding with anticipation. The noise of the bustling crowd, the rolling of suitcases, and the constant announcements over the intercom all faded into the background as you anxiously scanned the throngs of people for a familiar face. Every second felt like an eternity. But then, through the sea of strangers, you finally spotted him. Matthew’s tall frame and broad shoulders were unmistakable.

Your heart leapt as your eyes met his, and you saw his face break into a wide grin that mirrored your own. And without a moment's hesitation, you dashed towards him, your feet barely touching the ground. When you reached him, you threw yourself into his arms, feeling the solid warmth of his body against yours. And effortlessly, he lifted you slightly off the ground as he hugged you tightly, burying his face in your hair.

“Missed you so much,” he murmured into your ear, his voice rough with emotion.

“Missed you too,” you replied, your voice muffled against his chest. The relief of being in his embrace after so long was overwhelming, washing over you in waves. You could feel the tension of the past weeks melt away as you clung to him, savouring the familiar scent of his cologne and the steady beat of his heart.

So, with no intention of wasting a single moment, you grabbed his hand and headed straight for the car. The drive to your shared apartment was filled with stolen glances and soft touches, the air between you crackling with anticipation. And by the time you reached your place, the need to be close to each other was almost too much to bear.

As soon as the door closed behind you, Matthew’s lips were already on yours, the urgency of your reunion clear in every kiss. His hands roamed over your back, pulling you closer as if to make up for the lost time. Meanwhile, your own hands fumbled with his jacket, eager to feel his skin against yours. You barely made it to the living room before clothes began to come off, a trail of discarded garments marking your path to the bedroom.

And once in the bedroom, Matthew’s hands explored your body, rediscovering every curve he had missed. His touch was both tender and demanding, his fingertips tracing the lines of your body with a familiarity that sent shivers down your spine. The kisses grew more passionate as he explored your skin, each touch igniting a fire within you.

He knew your body like a map he’d charted himself, but his touch faltered when he encountered a mark on your arm—a bruise that hadn’t been there before. So, he pulled back slightly, his eyes narrowing as he examined the bruise.

“Who did this to you?” His voice was rough, filled with concern and barely-contained anger. His jaw tightened as he looked at you, his protective instincts flaring up.

“It’s nothing, Matts,” you said, trying to downplay it. “Just some guy at a bar… it’s not a big deal.”

“No, this is something!” His eyes were fierce, the protective side of him coming to the fore. “A guy touched you? And bruised you?”

“It looks worse than it was…” you began, but he cut you off with a gentle but firm grip on your chin, tilting your face up to meet his gaze.

Matthew’s face softened slightly, but the anger in his eyes didn’t fully dissipate. “I don’t like thinking about someone else touching you.”

You sighed, reaching up to cup his face, your thumb gently stroking his cheek. “I’m alright. I’m here with you now. That’s what matters.”

His gaze remained intense, but then he leaned in, capturing your lips once more in a deep, passionate kiss that stole every bit of air from your lungs. His hands were rough yet tender, conveying the love and longing that had built up over the past weeks. And the kiss was an attempt to claim you, to remind you of his presence and devotion, and you could feel the intensity of his emotions in every movement—how his lips pressed against yours, how his hands held you close. It was as if he was pouring all the missed moments and unspoken words into that one kiss.

And then, Matthew’s focus shifted to ensuring your pleasure, his touch expert and attentive. He started by exploring your body with his mouth, trailing kisses down your jawline and along the valley of your breasts. He lingered briefly at each nipple before continuing downward, moving past your belly button to your core.

Light moans escaped you as he settled between your legs, his arms wrapped around your thighs. He then kissed around your needy centre, his touch both deliberate and tender.

“Please, Matts. I need you,” you whimpered softly, your hand finding his brown locks, as if to pull him closer.

But Matthew just smirked against your skin, tightening his grip before he finally indulged in the craving he’d been holding back. Skillfully, he licked up your folds, drawing moans from you—sweet music to his ears as he savoured your tasty honey.

“Oh yes,” you breathed out, your head sinking deeper into the pillow below you, your fingers gripping his hair. “Mmm, more…”

And your plea was his command. He licked you several times, making sure to explore all of your sensitive areas, before focusing on your sensitive clit. Sucking and nipping, he wasted no time in drawing louder moans from you. And as he sensed your light squirming under his touch, feeling the power he held over you, he worked his skilled mouth with determination.

“Mmm, taste so fucking delicious, baby,” he hummed huskily into your core as he ate you out you like a starved man getting his first meal in months.

“Fuck,” you cried softly as you felt the arousal build within you, a familiar wave of pleasure coursing through your body. You were approaching your climax, and the ecstasy intensified as Matthew continued to suck on your sensitive bead of nerves, making you shut your eyes tightly. And when he then added his long fingers into the mix, it didn’t take long before his skilled tongue pushed you to your first orgasm.

“I’m gonna cu—Matts, I’m coming!”

The sensation was intense, a welcome relief from the tension of your separation.

And as Matthew looked up from between your legs, urging you to meet his gaze, a satisfied smirk played on his lips. “It’s good to be home.”

You couldn’t suppress a smile either, the rush of your orgasm still lingering as he gently moved to hover over you. Feeling the need to shift positions, you then signalled for him to lie on his back.

And Matthew naturally obliged. He always enjoyed when you tried to take charge—emphasis on *trying*, as you both knew that even when you were on top, he was still the one truly in control.

Yet, as you positioned yourself on top of him, you led with fervour and passion. His length was larger than any man you’d experienced before, but whenever he was inside you, it felt like your bodies melded perfectly together. You rolled your hips smoothly, his hands guiding you gently, as your palms pressed firmly on his muscular chest, giving you support to increase your pace at his unspoken command. Then with his thumb pressing insistently against your sensitive clit, Matthew helped you reach another peak. Arching your back and clenching around him, you let his name slip from your lips in a deep moan.

It was a blissful moment as you reached your second orgasm. However, as the rhythm of your movements built, Matthew’s own desire surged. So, with a swift motion, he turned you around into missionary, where he effortlessly took control and began pounding into you with primal intensity. His movements were relentless, driven by his need for release.

It had been too long. Too long since he had felt himself inside you, too long since he’d climaxed under your touch.

His breathing was erratic, mingling with the sounds of your moans and the echo of skin slapping against skin throughout the room. Your nails dug into the back of his shoulders, and the force of his thrusts pushed both of you to the brink, each touch and movement designed to make the experience as overwhelming and fulfilling as possible.

“Fuck baby…. Oh yes,” he groaned deeply as he spilled his release into you, gasping for air. Matthew knew he finished sooner than he’d usually do, but given the time apart, it was no surprise to either of you.

Besides, you were already satisfied with your own rather quick orgasms he’d caused you.

You both panted deeply, surprised by how intense and satisfying the reunion felt, more so than you had anticipated. And as you lay tangled in the sheets, the aftermath of your intimacy left both of you spent but content. Yet, you could sense something lingering in Matthew’s demeanour—a worry that hadn’t quite been erased.

“What’s wrong, my love?” you asked softly, tuning slightly to face your incredibly handsome boyfriend, with his Arizona tan.

But Matthew just brushed a strand of hair from your face, his voice tender and sincere. “I just don’t like thinking of someone else touching you.”

“Then don’t think about it,” you replied, resting a hand on his chest. “Nothing happened. I’m here with you now.”

“But still… if someone crosses you, they also cross me,” he said, his tone resolute and protective. “And I’m not going to let it go. If I knew who it was, I’d…”

“You’d what? Risk your career by punching a stranger in the face?” you chuckled lightly with a cocked brow.

“No,” Matthew breathed out softly. “I just wanted to make them pay for doing anything like this to you…”

You couldn’t help but smile up at him, touched by his fierce loyalty. “You’re wonderful, Matts. But I can take care of myself when you’re not here. You don’t need to go around and punch people for me.”

“I know you can,” he said, gently pulling you even closer. “I just… I love you so much. I’ve never loved anyone like this before. And… I don’t want to lose you.”

“You’ll never lose me. Not now, not ever.” You pressed a gentle kiss to his lips, reassuring him.

Matthew’s arms tightened around you, a final, tender embrace as the two of you settled into a peaceful slumber. In that moment, all the fears and uncertainties of the past few weeks faded away, leaving only the certainty of your love for each other.

Well, Matthew, of course, couldn’t let it go completely. So, he interrogated your friends, pressing them for any information about who might have done this to you, earning light chuckles from all of you. However, as weeks passed, the bruises fading, and the hockey season began, the incident faded into the background.

#500 followers festival #mk23 #matthew knies imagine #matthew knies smut #toronto maple leafs imagine #nhl hockey smut #nhl imagine

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shiorihyugawrites · 8 days ago

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Steadfast Hearts

In the aftermath of global war, alliances are forged, and new bonds are tested. Dr. Tiana Belrose, a brilliant Androsian engineer, arrives in Paradis with cutting-edge technology, her country's hopes on her shoulders, and a guarded heart. Her brilliant inventions are the reason why Marley invaded and ravaged her country, but Tiana refuses to sit back and do nothing.

Assigned to be her personal guard, the stoic and battle-hardened Captain Levi Ackerman is known for his discipline, but as they spend countless hours together, he finds himself drawn to the woman he’s sworn to protect.

In the midst of battles against Marley, political intrigue, and the weight of their responsibilities, an unexpected romance begins to blossom between two unlikely hearts. As tensions rise on the battlefield and within their own ranks, Levi and Tiana must navigate their feelings in a world that doesn’t allow for weakness.

Love was the last thing either of them expected to find in the midst of war, but it may be the only thing that saves them. (Levi x Black OC)

Chapter Twelve

The sun hung high in the sky, casting long shadows through the narrow windows of Tiana’s workshop. The room buzzed with the familiar sounds of machines and the clinking of tools, the scent of oil and freshly polished metal lingering in the air. Tiana was in her element, standing at her workbench, a pair of goggles pushed up onto her forehead, her hands deftly maneuvering a small screwdriver as she made delicate adjustments to a piece of ODM gear. Beside her, Hange was equally engrossed in a separate contraption, her eyes wide with excitement as she examined the inner workings of a modified grapple mechanism.

“Fascinating,” Hange murmured, her voice filled with wonder. “The way you’ve redesigned the internal mechanisms, Tiana, it’s brilliant. I never would have thought to integrate the gas propulsion system this way. It’s almost… organic.”

Tiana smiled, a hint of pride in her expression. “Thank you, Hange,” she replied, her tone warm. “I’ve always believed that the best designs are the ones that work with nature, not against it. If we can mimic the way living things move, we can create technology that’s more efficient, more adaptive.”

Hange nodded enthusiastically, her eyes alight with curiosity. “It’s amazing,” she said. “I’ve been working with ODM gear for years, and I’ve never seen anything like this. You really are something, Tiana.”

Tiana blushed slightly at the compliment, brushing a stray lock of hair from her face. “I’m just doing what I love,” she said modestly. “And it’s been great working with you. You have such a unique perspective on things.”

Hange laughed, a bright, cheerful sound that filled the room. “Well, I’ve always been a bit of a mad scientist,” she said with a grin. “But you—you’re a true engineer. You see things in a way most people can’t. It’s inspiring.”

Tiana smiled again, feeling a warm sense of camaraderie. Working with Hange was refreshing; her enthusiasm was infectious, and her boundless curiosity matched Tiana’s own. It was a rare thing, to find someone who understood her passion, her drive to create and innovate.

As they continued to work, Demetri stood nearby, his sensors monitoring the room’s environment, his glowing eyes fixed on Tiana’s movements. He was always alert, always ready to assist, his presence a comforting constant in the busy workshop.

Hange set down the grapple mechanism she had been examining and picked up a cup of tea from a nearby table, taking a sip before turning her attention back to Tiana. “So, Tiana,” she began, her tone casual, “how are you finding life here with us? I imagine it’s quite different from Androsia.”

Tiana nodded, setting down her tools and wiping her hands on a cloth. “It’s… different, for sure,” she admitted. “But in a good way. Everyone here has been so welcoming. And it’s exciting to be working on something that could really make a difference.”

Hange smiled, nodding in agreement. “I’m glad to hear that,” she said. “We’re certainly glad to have you. And I think Levi’s glad to have you around too, even if he doesn’t say it outright.”

Tiana glanced at Hange, her curiosity piqued. “Captain Levi?” she asked, trying to sound casual. “What makes you say that?”

Hange shrugged, a playful glint in her eye. “Oh, you know Levi,” she said with a chuckle. “Always so serious, always so focused. But I’ve seen the way he looks at you. I think he’s more protective than usual.”

Tiana’s heart skipped a beat at Hange’s words, and she quickly turned her attention back to her work, trying to hide the flush that crept up her cheeks. “He’s just doing his job,” she said, her voice a bit too quick. “Making sure I’m safe.”

Hange grinned, clearly enjoying the reaction she was getting. “Maybe,” she said with a mischievous tone. “But Levi’s not just protective of anyone. He’s careful, calculated. He wouldn’t be so attentive if he didn’t think you were important.”

Tiana’s blush deepened, and she busied herself with adjusting a small gear, trying to focus. “Well, I appreciate it,” she mumbled. “It’s… comforting to know he’s there.”

Hange nodded, her expression turning more thoughtful. “He’s a good man,” she said softly. “And despite everything he’s been through, he still cares deeply for his comrades. It’s not always easy to see, but it’s there.”

Tiana nodded, feeling a strange flutter in her chest. She had sensed that about Levi—that underneath his stoic exterior, there was a depth, a loyalty that ran deeper than most. It was one of the things that drew her to him, that made her feel safe around him.

Hange took another sip of her tea, then set her cup down, leaning against the workbench. “You know,” she continued, her tone more conversational, “it’s funny. Levi’s been with the Scouts for a long time. He’s one of the oldest members, actually.”

Tiana, in the middle of taking a sip of her own tea, froze. “Oldest?” she repeated, her eyebrows raising in surprise. “How old is he?”

Hange looked thoughtful for a moment, then shrugged. “He’s about 36, I think,” she said casually. “Not too old, but definitely more seasoned than most of us.”

Tiana choked on her tea, sputtering as the hot liquid went down the wrong pipe. She coughed violently, her eyes watering, and Hange jumped back, startled. “Tiana!” she exclaimed. “Are you alright?”

Demetri, always alert, immediately moved forward, his eyes glowing as he activated his cleaning protocol. He quickly extended a small arm with a cloth, wiping up the spilled tea with precise, efficient movements.

Tiana waved a hand, trying to catch her breath. “I’m fine,” she managed, still coughing slightly. “Just… surprised, that’s all.”

Hange raised an eyebrow, a teasing smile playing on her lips. “Surprised?” she echoed. “About Levi’s age?”

Tiana nodded, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment. “He just… he looks so young,” she said, her voice a bit breathless. “I would have guessed he was… I don’t know, younger.”

Hange chuckled, clearly amused. “Levi does have a way of keeping himself in shape,” she said with a grin. “But yeah, he’s older than he looks. Been through a lot, that one.”

Tiana felt her heart race slightly, her mind spinning with this new information. Thirty-six. She had never considered Levi’s age before, had never thought about it in those terms. But now that she knew, she found it… intriguing. There was something undeniably attractive about it, about the idea of him being older, more experienced. She had always had a thing for older men, a preference she’d never really understood but had never questioned either.

But she would never admit that out loud. Not to Hange, not to anyone.

She tried to compose herself, to keep her expression neutral. “I suppose that makes sense,” she said lightly, trying to steer the conversation back to safer ground. “He certainly seems… seasoned.”

Hange laughed again, nodding. “Seasoned is one word for it,” she agreed. “But don’t let his age fool you. Levi’s as sharp as they come. And as tough as they come, too.”

Tiana nodded, her mind still racing. She had seen that toughness firsthand, had witnessed it in the way he moved, the way he fought, the way he seemed to see everything, notice everything. It was part of what made him so compelling, so fascinating.

She cleared her throat, trying to focus. “Well,” she said, picking up her tools again, “I guess it’s good to have someone like him around, then. To keep us all on our toes.”

Hange smiled, picking up her own tools once more. “Exactly,” she said. “And I think he’s glad to have you around, too, Tiana. You bring something new to the table, something fresh. It’s good for all of us.”

Tiana felt a warm flush of pride at Hange’s words, but also a lingering sense of curiosity. She wondered what Levi truly thought of her, if he saw her as more than just someone he had to protect. But she pushed the thought aside, focusing on her work. There would be time to think about that later.

For now, she had a job to do, a purpose to fulfill. And maybe, just maybe, she would find a way to get to know Levi a little better, to understand the man behind the stoic mask a little more. And perhaps, if she was lucky, she might find out if there was something more between them than just duty and protection.

Hange watched Tiana closely as they worked, her sharp eyes noticing the slight flush in Tiana’s cheeks, the way her fingers seemed to fidget a bit more than usual, the way her eyes darted back to the door now and then, as if expecting—or perhaps hoping—Levi might return at any moment. A sly smile crept across Hange’s face. She wasn’t one to miss details, especially when it came to human behavior. And Tiana’s reactions today were quite telling.

“Hey, Tiana,” Hange said casually, setting down her tools and leaning against the workbench. “Can I ask you something?”

Tiana looked up from the gadget she was tinkering with, her eyes cautious. “Sure, Hange,” she replied, trying to keep her tone light. “What’s on your mind?”

Hange grinned, her eyes twinkling with mischief. “I was just wondering… do you have a thing for Levi?”

Tiana froze, her heart skipping a beat. “W-What?” she stammered, nearly dropping the small screwdriver in her hand. “No, of course not! Why would you even ask that?”

Hange chuckled, clearly enjoying Tiana’s flustered reaction. “Oh, come on, Tiana,” she teased. “You can’t fool me. I’ve seen the way you look at him. And the way you reacted when I mentioned his age… You practically choked on your tea.”

Tiana’s cheeks turned a deeper shade of pink, and she quickly turned her attention back to her work, trying to hide her embarrassment. “That was just… surprise,” she insisted. “I didn’t expect him to be that age, that’s all. And I’m just… grateful for his protection. Nothing more.”

Hange smirked, leaning closer, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. “Are you sure about that?” she pressed. “Because it seems to me like you might have a little crush on our stoic captain.”

Tiana’s eyes widened, and she shook her head vehemently. “No!” she said, a bit too loudly. “No, I don’t have a crush on him. I don’t… I mean, he’s just… he’s just Levi. Captain Levi. That’s it.”

Hange chuckled again, clearly unconvinced. “If you say so,” she said, her tone light and teasing. “But you know, there’s nothing wrong with having a little crush. Levi’s a good-looking guy. And he’s definitely got that whole strong, silent, brooding thing going for him.”

Tiana’s face was practically on fire now, and she wished she could disappear into the floor. “Hange, please,” she begged, her voice barely above a whisper. “I really don’t… it’s not like that.”

But Hange wasn’t about to let up. “Oh, come on, Tiana,” she said with a grin. “Admit it. You’ve thought about it, haven’t you? What it would be like, being with someone like him?”

Tiana was about to respond, to deny everything once again, when she heard the soft creak of the door opening behind her. She turned sharply, her eyes wide with a mix of panic and embarrassment, and saw Levi stepping into the room. His expression was calm, but his eyes were sharp, taking in the scene before him.

Hange’s grin widened at Levi’s arrival, her eyes flicking between him and Tiana with barely concealed amusement. “Ah, Levi!” she greeted, her tone cheerful. “Perfect timing. We were just talking about you.”

Tiana’s heart dropped to her stomach, and she shot Hange a death glare that could have cut through steel. Her eyes were wide, her message clear: Shut. Up.

Levi’s eyebrows lifted slightly, his gaze shifting from Hange to Tiana. He couldn’t hear exactly what they had been saying, but he sensed it had something to do with him. “Talking about me?” he asked, his tone neutral but curious. “What about?”

Tiana opened her mouth to respond, but no words came out. Her mind was racing, trying to think of something—anything—to say that wouldn’t make this situation even more mortifying. “Oh, uh… nothing important!” she blurted out, her voice a bit too high. “Just… you know… work stuff.”

Hange, ever the instigator, leaned back against the workbench, a playful smirk on her face. “Yeah, work stuff,” she echoed, clearly enjoying Tiana’s discomfort. “And maybe a little bit about how impressive you are, Levi. You know, as a captain. And, uh, other things.”

Tiana’s death glare intensified, her face burning with embarrassment. “Hange,” she said through gritted teeth, her voice low and dangerous, “enough.”

Levi’s eyes narrowed slightly, his instincts telling him there was more to this than just a casual conversation. But he decided to let it go—for now. “Right,” he said, his tone clipped. “Well, if you’re done talking about… work stuff, we have a lot to do today.”

Hange nodded, still grinning. “Of course, Levi,” she said cheerfully. “We were just taking a little break. Right, Tiana?”

Tiana forced a smile, though it was strained. “Right,” she muttered, still glaring daggers at Hange. “Just a… little break.”

Levi’s gaze shifted back to Tiana, and for a moment, his expression softened. He could see the flush on her cheeks, the way her eyes were bright with embarrassment. He wondered what Hange had said to fluster her so much, but he decided not to press the issue. “Good,” he said simply. “Let’s stay focused. We have work to do.”

Tiana nodded quickly, grateful for the change in subject. “Of course, Captain,” she said, her voice a bit steadier now. “I’m ready.”

Levi gave her a brief nod, then turned his attention to the contraption on her workbench, examining it with his usual meticulous care. Tiana took a deep breath, trying to calm her racing heart, her thoughts still spinning from Hange’s teasing. She was going to have to have a word with Hange later, a serious word.

But for now, she forced herself to focus on the task at hand, pushing thoughts of Levi—and everything Hange had implied—firmly to the back of her mind. She couldn’t afford to be distracted, not now. Not with him right here.

As she moved to join Levi at the workbench, she could feel Hange’s amused gaze on her, and she resisted the urge to glare at her friend again. This isn’t over, she thought to herself, her jaw set in determination. But as she glanced at Levi, standing so close, his presence calm and commanding, she couldn’t help but feel a small flutter in her chest—a flutter she tried desperately to ignore.

Maybe Hange was right. Maybe there was something there, something more than just gratitude or respect. But whatever it was, Tiana wasn’t ready to admit it. Not yet. And certainly not in front of Captain Levi.

…

The mess hall was bustling with its usual evening activity as Levi and Tiana stepped inside. The scent of freshly baked bread and roasted meat filled the air, mingling with the hum of conversation and the clatter of dishes. Soldiers moved through the room in a steady flow, finding seats at the long wooden tables, their faces a mix of weariness and camaraderie after another long day.

Levi led the way, his posture as straight and commanding as ever, his eyes scanning the room with his usual vigilance. Tiana followed close behind, her mind still buzzing from the events in the lab earlier. She tried to focus on the task at hand—finding a seat, getting some food, and hopefully avoiding any more embarrassing encounters. But as soon as they entered the hall, she spotted Hange sitting with the other scouts, and her stomach dropped.

Hange caught sight of her almost immediately, a wide grin spreading across her face. She raised a hand in greeting, but it was the knowing smirk on her face that made Tiana’s heart skip a beat. Oh no, Tiana thought, feeling a wave of panic rising in her chest. She’s going to tease me again. Right here. In front of everyone. In front of Levi.

Hange’s eyes twinkled with mischief as she waved them over. “Hey, Tiana! Levi!” she called out, her voice carrying over the noise. “Come join us!”

Tiana’s eyes widened, and she shook her head slightly, trying to signal Hange to stop. But Hange’s grin only grew wider, her amusement evident. Tiana could feel her heart pounding in her chest, her mind racing. She couldn’t let Hange say anything—anything—about what they had talked about earlier. Not here. Not with Levi right beside her.

As they moved closer to the table, Tiana felt a surge of desperation. She needed to talk to Hange, needed to make sure she kept her mouth shut. She turned to Levi, her expression pleading. “Captain,” she said quickly, her voice a bit breathless, “could I… could I have five minutes? Just to talk to Hange privately?”

Levi raised an eyebrow, clearly sensing her urgency, but he nodded. “Five minutes,” he said curtly, his tone leaving no room for negotiation. “Make it quick.”

Tiana nodded gratefully, then quickly moved to Hange, grabbing her by the arm. “Come on,” she muttered under her breath, dragging her out of the mess hall and into the corridor beyond. “We need to talk. Now.”

Hange allowed herself to be pulled along, still grinning with amusement. Once they were far enough away from the mess hall and out of earshot of Levi, she turned to Tiana, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “Alright, alright, Tiana, what’s the rush?” she teased, her tone light. “Afraid I might spill your little secret?”

Tiana shot her a look, her face flushed with a mix of embarrassment and urgency. “Hange, please,” she said, her voice low but intense. “You cannot tell Levi about… about what we talked about earlier. You just can’t.”

Hange raised an eyebrow, clearly enjoying Tiana’s flustered state. “Oh? And why not?” she asked, her tone teasing. “You think he wouldn’t be interested in knowing that you have a crush on him?”

Tiana groaned, running a hand through her hair. “Because it would be mortifying,” she admitted, her voice a strained whisper. “He doesn’t see me like that. I’m just… someone he has to protect. He probably thinks of me like a kid or a responsibility, not… not like…”

Hange’s grin softened slightly, a more understanding look crossing her face. “Not like a woman?” she offered gently.

Tiana nodded, her eyes dropping to the floor. “Exactly,” she said quietly. “He’s so… focused, so intense. And I don’t want to make things weird between us. I need him to keep doing his job, not get distracted by… by whatever this is.”

Hange watched her for a moment, her expression more thoughtful now. “You know,” she said softly, “Levi’s not as unreadable as you might think. He might surprise you.”

Tiana shook her head, a small, sad smile tugging at her lips. “Maybe,” she said. “But I can’t take that risk. Not now. Not when there’s so much at stake.”

Hange nodded slowly, her playful demeanor softening into something more serious. “Alright,” she said finally. “I won’t say anything. But you’ve got to promise me one thing.”

Tiana looked up, her expression hopeful. “What?” she asked.

Hange smiled, a gentle, encouraging smile. “Promise me that you’ll at least consider talking to him about it,” she said. “When you’re ready. He deserves to know how you feel. And who knows? Maybe he feels the same way.”

Tiana felt her cheeks flush again, but she nodded. “Okay,” she agreed softly. “I’ll… think about it. But for now, just… please, don’t say anything.”

Hange nodded, reaching out to give Tiana’s arm a reassuring squeeze. “You’ve got my word,” she said with a grin. “Your secret’s safe with me.”

Tiana let out a breath of relief, a small, grateful smile spreading across her face. “Thank you, Hange,” she said quietly. “I mean it.”

Hange winked at her, her playful grin returning. “Anytime,” she said. “But don’t keep him waiting too long, alright? Levi’s not the most patient man.”

Tiana chuckled softly, nodding. “I won’t,” she promised. “Now, let’s get back before he starts wondering what we’re up to.”

They made their way back to the mess hall, and as they entered, Tiana spotted Levi standing near the door, his arms crossed, his expression as stoic as ever. She took a deep breath, steeling herself, and walked over to him.

“Everything alright?” Levi asked, his eyes narrowing slightly as he looked between her and Hange.

Tiana nodded, doing her best to appear calm. “Yes, Captain,” she replied. “Just needed to clarify something.”

Levi studied her for a moment, his gaze steady, and Tiana felt her heart skip a beat. Does he know? she wondered. Did he overhear something?

But Levi simply nodded, turning toward the table. “Let’s eat,” he said curtly. “We’ve had a long day.”

Tiana let out a breath she hadn’t realized she was holding and followed him to the table, taking a seat beside him. As she glanced around, she caught Hange’s eye across the table. Hange gave her a small, knowing smile, and Tiana couldn’t help but smile back, a mixture of relief and nervous anticipation swirling in her chest.

She wasn’t sure what the future held, but for now, she was content to keep her secret—at least a little longer. And maybe, just maybe, she’d find the courage to talk to Levi about it when the time was right. But until then, she was grateful for friends like Hange, who knew when to tease and when to keep a secret. And perhaps, that was enough. For now.

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michaelsavageusa · 10 months ago

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Michael Savage of New Canaan: Celebrating Enthusiasts and Car Clubs

Michael Savage of New Canaan Celebrating Enthusiasts and Car Clubs

In the vibrant tapestry of automotive culture, enthusiasts and car clubs play a pivotal role in preserving heritage, fostering camaraderie, and fueling the passion for classic and high-performance vehicles. Michael Savage, a prominent figure in the automotive community from New Canaan, stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of enthusiasts and the vital role that car clubs play in celebrating automotive passion.

For Michael Savage, the allure of classic and high-performance vehicles goes beyond mere fascination; it's a lifelong passion deeply rooted in a love for craftsmanship, engineering, and the thrill of the open road. "There's something magical about the roar of a powerful engine and the gleam of a meticulously restored classic car," Michael reflects. "It's not just about transportation; it's about connecting with a piece of history and experiencing the joy of driving in its purest form."

As an avid enthusiast, Michael has been an active member of various car clubs and organizations dedicated to preserving and celebrating automotive heritage. Through his involvement, he has witnessed firsthand the sense of community and camaraderie that defines the automotive enthusiast culture. "Car clubs are more than just gatherings of like-minded individuals; they're families bound together by a shared passion," Michael explains. "Whether it's swapping stories, sharing restoration tips, or embarking on group drives, there's a sense of solidarity that transcends age, background, and demographics."

Michael's commitment to celebrating enthusiasts and car clubs extends beyond mere participation; he actively contributes to the community by organizing events, sharing knowledge, and supporting fellow enthusiasts in their endeavors. "I believe in giving back to the community that has given me so much joy and fulfillment over the years," Michael says. "Whether it's hosting a charity car show or mentoring young enthusiasts, I'm passionate about fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment where everyone feels valued and respected."

Through his efforts, Michael has become a respected figure in the automotive community, known for his expertise, generosity, and unwavering dedication to preserving automotive heritage. "Michael's passion for classic cars is infectious," says Sarah, a fellow enthusiast. "He's always willing to lend a helping hand and share his knowledge with others, whether they're seasoned collectors or newcomers to the hobby."

One of the most rewarding aspects of Michael's involvement in the automotive enthusiast community is witnessing the impact it has on people's lives. "I've seen firsthand how cars have the power to bring people together, forge lifelong friendships, and create lasting memories," Michael reflects. "It's not just about the cars themselves; it's about the experiences and connections they facilitate."

In conclusion, Michael Savage of New Canaan stands as a shining example of the positive impact enthusiasts and car clubs have on automotive culture. Through his unwavering passion, dedication, and commitment to celebrating automotive heritage, Michael embodies the spirit of camaraderie and community that defines the automotive enthusiast culture. As Michael aptly puts it, "At the end of the day, it's not about the cars; it's about the people who share a common bond and a love for the open road."

#michael savage 1800accountant #1800accountant michael savage

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mikesavagenewcanaanusa · 10 months ago

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Michael Savage of New Canaan: Celebrating Enthusiasts and Car Clubs

Michael Savage of New Canaan Celebrating Enthusiasts and Car Clubs

0 notes

karymbendus01 · 2 years ago

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Gardening Enthusiast Karym Ben Dus: Expert in Design and Maintenance

Welcome to Karym Ben Dus' gardening blog, where passion and knowledge come together to create beautiful and sustainable gardens. Karym is a gardening enthusiast based in New Hampshire, USA, with extensive experience in garden design, maintenance, and gardening tools.

Through this blog, Karym aims to share his knowledge and love for gardening with fellow enthusiasts, beginners, and anyone interested in creating and maintaining a garden. Whether you're looking to start a vegetable garden, create a stunning flower bed, or simply learn more about gardening equipment, management, and design, Karym Ben Dus has got you covered.

Karym's love for gardening started at a young age, and over the years, he has developed an impressive skill set in creating and maintaining beautiful gardens. He believes that gardening is not just a hobby but a way of life, and his passion shines through in every blog post.

One of the highlights of Karym's gardening blog is his extensive knowledge of gardening tools. He understands the importance of using the right tools for the job and can guide you on the best gardening equipment to use for your specific needs. From shovels and hoes to lawn mowers and leaf blowers, Karym has got all the information you need to make informed decisions about your gardening tools.

Another area where Karym excels is garden design. He understands that creating a beautiful garden is about more than just planting flowers and shrubs. It involves careful planning, selecting the right plants for your climate and soil type, and creating a layout that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Karym can guide you through the process of designing your dream garden, from the initial planning stages to the finishing touches.

Conclusion

Finally, Karym Ben Dus is a pro when it comes to garden maintenance. He knows that a beautiful garden requires ongoing care and attention to keep it looking its best. He can guide you through the various maintenance tasks, from watering and fertilizing to pruning and weeding, and help you develop a maintenance schedule that works for your specific garden.

So whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting out, Karym Ben Dus' gardening blog has something for everyone. His passion for gardening is infectious, and his knowledge and expertise will help you create a beautiful and sustainable garden that you can enjoy for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

Ques.1: What is Karym Ben Dus' expertise in gardening?

Ans: Karym Ben Dus is an expert in gardening design, maintenance, and gardening equipment.

Ques.2: Where is Karym Ben Dus based?

Ans: Karym Ben Dus is based in New Hampshire, USA.

Ques.3: What topics does Karym Ben Dus cover in his gardening blog?

Ans: Karym Ben Dus covers a range of topics related to gardening, including garden design, plant selection, gardening equipment, and garden maintenance.

Ques.4: Is Karym Ben Dus' gardening advice applicable to all climates?

Ans: While some of Karym Ben Dus' advice is specific to his region of New Hampshire, much of his advice is applicable to gardening in a variety of climates.

Q: Can Karym Ben Dus recommend specific gardening tools and equipment?

Ans: Yes, Karym Ben Dus is quite knowledgeable about gardening equipment and can recommend specific tools and equipment based on your needs.

Ques.5: Can Karym Ben Dus help with garden design?

Ans: Yes, Karym Ben Dus is an expert in garden design and can provide guidance on creating a functional and aesthetically pleasing garden design.

Ques.6: How can I contact Karym Ben Dus for gardening advice?

Ans: Karym Ben Dus can be reached through his gardening blog or social media channels. He also occasionally offers consulting services for personalized gardening advice.

Ques.7: Does Karym Ben Dus offer any resources for beginners?

Ans: Yes, Karym Ben Dus' gardening blog includes resources and advice for beginners to get started in gardening, including tips on selecting plants, designing a garden, and basic maintenance tasks.

#karym ben dus #united states #Gardening

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qianinterprises · 3 years ago

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Birthday Blues

Genre | tiny angst, crack, fluff Pairing | Xiaojun x Reader Warning | sadness in the beginning, but it's nothing bad, just some moping. Word Count | 1.5k Summary | Spending his birthday without his family is hard. Spending it without you is even harder. Good thing Kun has a gift that will make everything better. Author's Note | Just a small fic to celebrate Xiaojun's birthday! Happy birthday Xiaojun!! 💕💕

Originally posted here

It didn’t come as a surprise to anyone when Dejun walked downstairs that morning, dragging his feet, shoulders slumped low as he shuffled into the kitchen where Kun was standing at the stove, stirring whatever delicious concoction he had cooking.

“Morning Junie-ge!” YangYang beamed at the slightly older man.

Dejun glanced up at him and couldn’t stop the small smile from growing on his face. YangYang was infectious. Anyone that was around him for any amount of time would be able to tell you that. He was annoying, yes. He sometimes made Dejun want to ring his neck, yes again, but he was their baby, their maknae, and he was an excellent hype man.

“Why so low?” Kun’s steady voice asked as he flipped a browning dough over in the pan.

Flapjacks and… something else…

Kun already knew why Dejun was less than enthusiastic on his day, but it still didn’t hurt to ask. Perhaps get the boy to talk before he kidnapped Bella and disappeared into his room for the day.

“You know why,” Dejun grumbled back, face falling once again.

“Tell me anyway,” Kun insisted.

Dejun huffed, shoulders shaking as he did so, but he didn’t ignore the elder.

“My parents and brother are nowhere close, so I can’t see them today, which sucks. But it’s made worse because I can’t even see (y/n) today. She’s busy and even if she weren’t, we’re in a totally different place than she is! She would have had to fly out and she doesn’t have time for that.”

Kun nodded in understanding, giving Dejun a look he couldn’t read but somehow made him feel better.

“Are you going to try video calling her?” YangYang asked.

He’d been so quiet Dejun nearly forgot the boy was there.

“I hope,” Dejun shrugged. “If she has time for me…”

“She loves you. She’ll have time for you.”

“Maybe…” Dejun muttered, shoulders slumping lower.

The kitchen fell silent save for the popping grease of whatever the hell Kun was making before being interrupted by another bright soul.

“Happy birthday Dejun!” Ten’s voice was shrill as he shrieked in Dejun’s ear, but the younger couldn’t bring himself to care as his bandmate wrapped him in a tight hug, giving him an extra squeeze for good measure before letting go and walking over to the stove to pester Kun.

“What did you do to him?” Ten shrieked, picking a silver spoon up from the counter and dipping it into the pan of whatever mysterious food Kun was cooking, only to be stopped as their leader brought a wooden spoon down on the top of Ten’s head, giving him a glare.

“I didn’t do anything to him. Now shoo!” Kun urged, pushing Ten away with his hip.

Ten stared at the male with betrayal written all over his face, but he seemed to get over it soon because he was draping himself across Dejun’s lap not a moment later.

“So why the sullen face Junie?”

Dejun groaned, choosing to ignore the male, not wanting to repeat himself as he leaned back against the chair he was sitting in. Part of him roved over the thought of pushing Ten from his lap and watching the male flounder to the floor, but even though he wasn’t exactly in a great mood, he wouldn’t do that to Ten…

...Unless the other irritated him too much.

“Something smells delicious!” Yukhei’s voice boomed as he walked into the kitchen, clad only in a pair of green and gold striped boxers.

“Seriously Yukhei?” Ten groaned.

The taller didn’t acknowledge him as he walked over to the stove to investigate what his leader was cooking when Kun suddenly turned around, his eyes falling on Yukhei’s bare chest.

Surprise was the first thing that crossed his features, but that was quickly washed away by annoyance.

“Wong Yukhei! You have better sense than to parade around the kitchen half in the nude!” he yelped. “I taught you better manners than that!”

The vein at the side of Kun’s forehead, right by his left temple, was starting to pinken up, enlarging enough that Dejun could see it pulsating with growing anger.

“But it’s hot,” Yukhei whined.

“So? Do you see any of us walking around with half our junk hanging out?!”

Yukhei opened his mouth to speak.

“No! You don’t! Because we have manners!”

Kun must have woken up on the wrong side of the bed… that… or his girlfriend was coming over and he wanted everyone on their best behavior.

“I would be completely naked if I wanted to get shouted at,” Ten indruded on the conversation, not looking up from his phone.

Kun and Yukhei turned to look at him. The vein in Kun’s forehead was becoming more prominent.

“Put some damn clothes on!” Kun snapped after a long moment of looking at Ten. “And keep your clothes on!” he snapped.

A mischievous grin crossed Yukhei’s features and Dejun knew this wasn’t over, but Yukhei knew how to pick his battles.

“I told you to put on some clothes before you left the room,” Sicheng pointed out, walking into the kitchen as Yukhei was hurrying out.

No one bothered to answer as Sicheng sat down at the table, fingers drumming on the faux wood.

“Is breakfast almost ready?” YangYang whined.

Kun rolled his shoulders and grabbed a few pot holders from their drawer. Sicheng got up from the table and moved to the stove, grabbing them from their leader. He brought them over to the table, placing them down as Kun followed close behind, one hand holding a plate of fluffy-looking flapjacks. The other holding a searing pan of egg, peppers, crushed bacon, diced ham, and crumbled sausage in a stir fry-like omelette.

Dejun squinted at the food in front of them. It looked good, but it was nothing like what they usually ate for breakfast. It was much… fancier. And yeah, it was Dejun’s birthday and all, but even still, Kun had promised him a nice dinner. They usually didn’t go all out for breakfasts on birthdays!

“Is our lovely leader trying to impress his girlfriend enough to get laid?” Ten asked, wiggling his eyebrows mischievously.

Kun’s cheeks dusted pink but he sat down in his chair at the head of the table with a huff.

“Not just my girlfriend,” he grumbled with a huff.

Dejun rolled his eyes. Naturally Kun would try to impress his lady. At least Dejun would get delicious free food out of it. That was one thing going for him today, even if the rest of his day was shot.

He had just pulled a flapjack onto his plate that Guanheng had passed out to everyone as he’d entered the kitchen, when the doorbell rang and Dejun’s eyebrows cinched. Their doorbell hardly ever rang! Anyone from the other units would simply waltz right in and shout out their presence. Any of their significant others would knock before walking in because everyone knew them well enough. The managers never bothered to knock or ring the doorbell, so they only ever heard the chime when there was a large package delivered or a new guest was showing. And it was too early for packages.

“Dejun, could you get the door?” Kun asked, shooting the male a small smile before looking back down at his plate as he scooped some of the omelette onto his plate.

Dejun let out a small huff, but decided not to argue and got up from his table. Who knew, maybe Kun had ordered a big package for him that was to be delivered so early this morning.

He walked from the kitchen and into the front hallway where the door stood. Whoever was at the door was steering clear from the window cut in the center of the door, making it impossible for Dejun to have any guesses on who could possibly be there. His hand gripped the handle and he spun it, unlatching it from the hinge and pulling it open. Only to reveal…

You.

You were standing on the doorstep, a small, rolling suitcase by your side. Your hair wasn’t done up beautifully. It was in a lazy bun. Your clothes weren’t fancy, they were simple sweats. But none of that mattered. All that mattered was you were here.

“(y/n),” he breathed.

A smile crawled its way to your face and you released your hand from your suitcase handle, spreading your arms wide enough for him to step into your embrace. And he did just that.

Your arms encircled his middle, hugging him tightly as he nestled his face into your hair.

Behind you, he noticed Kun’s girlfriend standing, a fond smile covering her own lips as she watched the scene unfold. It was then that Dejun had no doubt she and Kun had cooked this up. Had made this possible. And Dejun made a mental note to protect his wonderful, amazing leader from the shenanigans of the others for the next week, because after this amazing gift, the man deserves the world. But he would have to wait, because Dejun was going to do nothing but cherish you with him for as long as you were able to stay.

When he pulled away, he brought his hands up to cup your cheeks, thumbs gently running along your cheekbones. Your eyes locked on his as you placed your hands on his.

“Happy birthday Dejun,” you whispered softly.

That was all you were able to get out before his lips covered yours in a tender, but passionate kiss.

#happy birthday xiaojun #ficscafe #lsn.works #klibrary #knetbakery #nct oneshot #wayv oneshot #xiaojun oneshot #xiao dejun #wayv xiaojun #xiaojun x you #xiaojun x reader #xiaojun x y/n #xiaojun fluff #xiaojun crack #xiaojun angst

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striveattemptfail · 3 years ago

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Which BOYS’ VOLLEYBALL CAPTAIN are YOU? | G, 1.1k

Summary: Written for the Interactives section in @hqmagazine.

Read on Ao3

A/N: I got Kuroo—reblog/reply with who you got! c:

See the accompanying art of the captains by @aradied~! On Tumblr / On Twitter

🏐🏐🏐🏐🏐🏐🏐

the QUIZ

Across the country, high school volleyball captains give their all on- and off-court. Find out which of these top six captains you are with this quiz! Choose the number that best suits you and add your points in the end to find your result. Have fun!

What do you believe is the best form of potato?

Regular french fries

Hash brown

Sweet potato french fries

Potato chips/crisps

Baked potato

Raw

What is your role in a group project?

The Brains (you do all the research)

Group Leader (you organize everything and everyone)

Team Player (you do what you gotta to get things done)

Slacker (you do the least amount possible)

Perfectionist (you make sure everything is correct)

Presenter (you do most of the talking at presentations)

What do the tabs on your internet browser look like?

A tab with Spotify and/or SNS of choice is usually open

You only have one tab open at a time

You’re about to lose your mind because you can’t find that one tab that has autoplay on

You can no longer read the title on the tabs because there are too many

Several tabs are open but grouped into different categories/subjects

Incognito mode

What are your manga reading habits like?

Moderate Pop (you keep up with a few popular manga)

None (you would rather read something else)

Moderate Niche (you keep up with some of the lesser-known manga)

High Pop (you read all the manga all the time!)

High Niche (you read only for specific manga/genres)

Low (you only read what your friends recommend)

Choose which style of texting suits you most.

Almost perfect syntax but occasionally slip with typos

Completely perfect grammar with capitalization, punctuation, and sentence structure

Very casual typing with things capitalized or punctuated for Comedic Effect

CAPS LOCK ONLY OR ELSE WHY BOTHER

You don’t mind getting cute with it. Emojis and emoticons are everywhere~~! (>3•)b

A strange combination of everything above

Someone just confessed to you. What’s your reaction?

You don’t realize it’s a confession until someone tells you afterwards

Politely decline because you’re not looking for a relationship right now

(Finger guns)

Accept and excitedly ask where your first date should be

Turn on the charm and flirt back to cover up your own excitement

(Left on read)

A difficult assignment is due tomorrow, but you haven’t started yet. What do you do?

Get into a study group with others who haven’t finished either

Nothing, because you finished that right after it was assigned

Beg a friend to copy off them

Nothing. You accept your fate and take that L

Stay up late finishing the assignment but make it look like you didn’t spend all night working on it

Calmly spend the evening completing what you can and still receive a good grade

What Hogwarts house do you belong in?

Gryffindor

I never got into Harry Potter

Slytherin

Hufflepuff

Ravenclaw

A different school altogether

What is your opinion on superhero movies?

Completely neutral

Dislike

They’re pretty good, but it’s too easy to piss of a superhero fan

Love, love, love, LOVE them!

Sci-fi (or another genre) is better

You’d rather watch something else

Choose an opposing team.

Shinzen High

Date Tech High

Nohebi Academy

Johzenji High

Kitagawa Daiichi Junior High

Itachiyama Academy

(See your results below the cut~!)

🏐🏐🏐🏐🏐

the RESULTS

(10–18 pts) Sawamura Daichi | The Team Dad

You got... Sawamura Daichi!

You’re practical and grounded—a reliable foundation and fit to lead others. You achieve balance with your hard work and dedication. Perhaps you’re a little scary or intimidating when things get out of hand, but everyone always looks to you for guidance and support. You’re probably the parental figure of your friend group, or at least the one who asks people to text them that they arrived home after dispersing from a get-together.

(19–26 pts) Kita Shinsuke | The Serious Caretaker

You got... Kita Shinsuke!

You like to be frank about what you think and observe. Others may think you have robotic tendencies as a result of your logical approach to things, but this quality is exactly why you get things done. When the going gets tough, you have the firm confidence to achieve success. Your serious nature may be off-putting to some people, but beyond the hard exterior is a very warm and soft side where you express your affection with the same amount of careful calculation.

(27–35 pts) Kuroo Tetsurou | The Provocation Expert

You got... Kuroo Tetsurou!

You like to tease and poke fun at others but it’s all out of love and respect. Sometimes the best way to bring the best out of someone is to provoke them just a little bit, and you subscribe to this belief like a monthly magazine. It can get you into trouble sometimes, but in the end no one underestimates your cunning strategizing. Besides, your jokes are ultimately harmless and pretty funny too.

(36–43 pts) Bokuto Koutarou | The Headstrong Jock

You got... Bokuto Koutarou!

You’re enthusiastic about what you love and not afraid to show it. Even if you’re not an athlete, you’re just as skilled at what you do. Your passion is infectious, impossible to miss, and people appreciate your energy even when they don’t understand it. You’re incredibly friendly and helpful to those who need advice. Being headstrong can sometimes mean that you’re emotional or stubborn, but this strong-willed attitude is exactly what makes you the star of a team.

(44–52 pts) Oikawa Tooru | The Pretty Playmaker

You got... Oikawa Tooru!

You have all eyes on you as the charming leader. You can attract crowds with your attitude, your work ethic, or—in most cases—both. In other words, you look as good as you play. It’s hard to strike a balance between form and performance, but you pull it off gracefully. Beauty may be in the eye of the beholder, but no one doubts that you can finesse things to go your way. The bonus is that you look great doing it.

(53–60 pts) Ushijima Wakatoshi | The Formidable Challenger

You got... Ushijima Wakatoshi!

You have all eyes on you like players facing the Final Boss. You’re the one who makes things happen. You have the talent and skillset to appear invincible, so much that you might even buy into your own myth. Despite how intimidating you can be, you also care just as deeply. You work hard on what you do and expect nothing less from those around you. At the end of the day, everyone understands why you’ve earned the title as one of the strongest around.

#haikyuu!!#haikyuu #haikyu #hq!!#sawamura daichi #kita shinsuke #Kuroo Tetsurou #bokuto koutarou #oikawa tooru #ushijima wakatoshi #haikyuu fic #hq!! fic #hq!!fic #jercy's challenges #jercy attempts words #fanfiction #fanfic #long post

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prose-for-hire · 4 years ago

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Together under the moon

Pairing: Oz x male!werewolf!reader

Request: could I request something for oz? enthusiastic male reader who is mayhaps also a werewolf and has been for him for a while and finally gets the guts to confess to him! whether its fluff or not idc bc I'm a sucker or fluff and angst but i rlly enjoy your work so thank you for seeing this!!!

Requested by: Anon

Warning: Oz gets a little hurt. But nothing is described.

A/N: Sorry for the wait! Thanks for your patience, hope this is okay !! 💜🖤

You had loved him for as long as you could remember now. You had been friends for so long but these feelings that you harboured in private you just weren’t ready to share. You didn’t want to lose the close relationship you already had.

You were completely, blissfully head over heels for him. Oz. He acted so cool and unaffected, but you knew that he had such a sweet and kind soul.

And he got you, like he really got you. He was a werewolf like you.

Becoming a werewolf had never really been on your bucket list. You had been bitten one evening when you had taken a misguided walk after dark. It had devastated you at first. You had confided in him, knowing already that he was a werewolf too. He had helped you adjust. Pulled you into a hug when you thought you couldn’t go on that way any longer. It had near-broken his heart when he saw you that way. You were usually so enthusiastic and sweet.

You had been worried when you thought he was graduating, wishing that you could still see him every day. Spend all your time together. In comfortable silence and others with you chattering, gushing over your interests. Him encouraging you softly. He near melted for you. So, when you found out he was re-doing the year you were secretly so pleased.

You were the reason he realised he was attracted to men. He had just gone ‘huh’ and shrugged when he realised and just accepted that he liked you. Only now, it was hard for him to actually verbalise his affection for you.

He found expressing his earnest feelings harder despite how often he tried. He would open his mouth, ready to confess how much he wanted you to be his boyfriend. But then you would look up form what you were doing and make his words fade back into nothing.

It was afternoon and you and Oz had a free period together. You loved this time of day because you could spend it just you and him. You rush into the library, a whirlwind of enthusiasm as you sat beside him and waved a little. He began to smile in that wry way he would when you made your presence known to him.

You had run in, gushing over everything that had happened and excited you in the last few hours since you saw him. He listened closely, he always did when you spoke. Even when he wasn’t as invested in the topic as you were, he always loved hearing your infectious excitement.

“Cool, man, very cool” He nodded. He adored you. Your enthusiastic nature was incredibly endearing to him. He wanted to spend all of his time with you.

“What’re you working on?” You asked, a smile tugged at his lips again. When you asked questions you were always genuinely interested in the reply. Ready to hang onto every word. You were special to him.

“Another song - for tonight. We thought as a band we’d give the whole gig thing a go”

“Nice! Are you gonna play ‘Together under the moon’?!” You couldn’t hold yourself back from gushing, that song was one of your favourites by Dingoes. Saying that, you did claim this about all the songs they played.

“Yeah, it’s on the setlist” Oz shrugged a little but his face always softened when he was talking to you. In a way it never did with anyone else, no matter how fond of them he was.

“You’re super talented! You say you wrote that one by yourself?” You praised him, missing the slight blush tinging his complexion as you laid such kind words upon him. He began to open his mouth to speak, to explain his inspiration behind it.

But he was interrupted as everyone else rushed into the library, their faces were solemn.

Giles explained that there was a wolf hunter in town. A really cruel one, his speciality was hunting werewolves while they were human, catching them and hunting them for sport later. It made everyone in the room’s blood run cold. Especially yours and Oz’s. You weren’t only worried about yourselves, but the idea of the other getting taken this way. It was horrible to even think about it.

There was a tenuous plan, whereby Giles suggested that you would have to wait it out until research told you otherwise. The group split into two halves so that you and Oz were split up and the others can provide back up. That way, if the hunter came across one of you, he wasn’t able to potentially capture the both of you at the same time.

You were both incredibly important parts of the Scooby gang so everyone nodded along to this plan, wanting to assist you both the best they could.

You didn’t want to be separated from him and the lingering gaze he gave you told you that he didn’t want to part from you either. He loved you, wanted to be there with you. Even if neither of you had spoken on it, in this moment somehow you knew. Even if you were still nervous to act on it.

Oz left you in the care of Willow and Giles. You were nervous, pacing and wringing your hands. You had so much nervous energy. The further he was away from you the harder it felt. You couldn’t bear being away from him.

You eventually sat down, leg bouncing still but you had appeared to calm down a little.

“You should tell him, you know…” Willow said kindly, watching how your gaze was still on the door from where Oz and the others had left through.

“What?” You asked. You were fond of Willow, she had been very nice to you ever since you had come out to her. She understood, maybe even more than she comprehended herself.

“U-uh, you and Oz with the softness and the heart-eyes” She murmured a little, faltering as she realised she could have gotten it wrong. But you smiled at her.

“Is it obvious?”

“Only to people with eyes” She said, although she was smiling. Trying to distract you from your worry. To give you something to hold on to. Telling him how you felt.

You appreciated her friendship and her encouragement. You felt Oz’s eyes on you when you were in the same room. You dared to hope he felt the same, just like how you had read his expression earlier. His innate need to be by your side. Because you felt it too.

But you often second-guessed yourself. You could have been projecting your own feelings. But hearing this from Will just confirmed it. Your love was shared.

The sun had set and it was early evening. You were still in the library with your minders. Willow was practicing a few spells just in case the hunter came your way. Just as she whispered a few practice incantations there was a massive bang at the door.

All three of you jumped, looking up. Hoping it had been Willow’s spell gone wrong and not worse.

Buffy and Xander ran in, turning your fears true. It was Oz. The hunter had managed to take him. Buffy was limping, holding her side. You didn’t blame her. you thanked her for protecting him the best you could. But you got angry yourself. Because it was him.

Your usual demeanour changed. Had an edge to it. You were kind-hearted and near wholesome for the most part but not now. Not when he was in danger. His heart called out to you. His cries. You felt it in your very soul.

You ran to where Buffy had said that it had happened. They warned you against it, tried to stop you but you just ran. As fast as your legs could take you. Through the thick undergrowth and past crumbling cemetery plots.

You saw blood. A trail of it. Leading towards the abandoned warehouse on the corner. You couldn’t not follow it, despite your instinct telling you it was going to be bad.

You felt this pull. This need for you to follow the path. The path to him.

You ran into the room, spotting him immediately. He had gotten away. Managed to release himself from the hunter’s grip but not without being hurt in the process. He had

“Oz!” You shouted, voice echoing around the abandoned warehouse. He was crouched on the floor holding his side.

“God, Oz, are you okay?!” You ran full speed over to him kneeling beside him, “I couldn’t stay away, I came as soon as I could!” You explained, your touch gentle with him, expecting the damage. You lifted his shirt up gently. Luckily it was a surface wound but you would patch him up once you got him back to your place. You explained this to him.

“It’s ok” He shook his head at you, his hand resting over yours as you let go of his t-shirt, “I knew you were there with me”

“Yeah?”

“We’re always together under the moon” He said, wincing slightly after the fight he had put up against the hunter. The song. It was about you.

You gasped, whispering feelings that had only been allowed the release in this moment. You cupped his cheek, eyes staring into the other’s.

You needed to leave, before the hunter tracked his blood the way he had. Your werewolf instincts made it easier, but it was only a matter of time.

But before you helped him to his feet, took his weight and helped him back to yours, there was something you had to do. It had been building between you for so long. You knew so completely that he was yours. Wanted you to be his. You just had to.

You kissed him. You couldn’t hold yourself back anymore. You had almost lost him. Your lips met his and he responded immediately. Pulling you closer, the scratch forgotten with his innate need for you. Instinctual yearning. Love. All of it. In that moment, neither of you knew where he ended and you began. You were connected. Soulmates. This kiss, passionate and full of urgency told you everything. Confessed all. As if you could read the other’s thoughts. The wolves inside you that had been calling for so long for the other took over.

This was no mere lust. Both of you with this kiss weaved stories of love. Of adoration. Desperation to name this feeling.

You were destined to be together, hold each other this way. To love him was as easy as breathing and as soon as you thought it, he knew.

From that moment, you truly would always be together. Connected by love. The moon blessing your union.

#Oz #Daniel Osbourne #Oz x reader #Oz imagine #Oz x you #btvs #btvs x reader #btvs x you #btvs imagine #Buffy The Vampire Slayer #buffy the vampire slayer imagines #buffyverse #male reader #male #werewolf reader #wolf

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henlex · 4 years ago

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Onlyoneof Compatibility: Junrie

Suns

Rie: Scorpio I'll try to be unbiased I swear

Mysterious, driven, water sign so driven by emotions. Fixed sign so stubborn. They love power and can be very strategic about getting it (you might even realize because it can be really subtle) They love to investigate things, get to the bottom of things, basically find the truth or deeper meaning. Don't shy away fr confrontation, not easily intimidated. They can be pretty secretive, they don't easily open up but would love to hear you talk about yourself and learn everything about you.

Junji: Aries. Fire, very driven, energetic, can be a bit childish. They're straightforward and want everyone to be as well. Naturally athletic, or at least meant to move their bodies (main dancer yesss) They tend to live in the now, don't think things through too long because they want to get moving. They know what they want and go get it, they can be very brave because they don't let anything stand in their way. They enjoy a challenge.

Moons

Rie: virgo, earth. They like stability and enjoy taking care of the little things in life like running errands. But they can also nag a lot😂 But if you show them appreciation they'll happily help you too. They really like feeling needed and helping, they'll probably be the first to jump in if someone needs help. They really like living simple, unassuming lives. They can be easily overwhelmed and worry a lot. They thrive on routine. They can get restless and nervous but love to analyze and are detail oriented. They shy away from new people, can be stiff about affection, but show their affection through small gestures. Reliable, good for advice. They can be quite shy in love. Very interested in others problems and can be skeptical.

Junji: leo, fire again. Often not outgoing but like being the center of attention with those they're close to. They like to organize and be in control of their group. Very creative but can be bossy. Jshfjsnjf they need a lot of love and care to function😭😭 (is this why he's so cuddly) They can be very dramatic if hurt, with big displays. Very proud and don't like being controlled. Not easy to change their mind or their plans. Strong sense of fairness and justice. Apparently these are cuddly mfs

Mercury

Rie: scorpio am I reading myself I'll be unbiased I swear😂😂

So they really love finding answers, getting to the deep truths, constantly learning. But it goes to places other don't dare go or haven't even thought of. VERY observant. They hate anything and anyone superficial and tend to see right through it. They can be suspicious and pessimistic. Great communicators, but can be prone to lecturing, but are passionate about giving advice. They are best at judging when they aren't personally involved. The secretive scorpio nature likes to keep their own secrets hidden. It's Very hard to win an argument against them. But when they aren't emotionally involved they are very lucid. VERY protective of those they care about, and will defend them with anything they've got. Prone to jealousy, they tend to expect the worst from others. They love mysteries and challenges.

Junji: Aries, is this whole man fire!?!?!

Quick decisions, they don't like mulling things over because they don't have the patience and need instant gratification. Very direct communication...again. Rip this boy is Not subtle. Can be agressive-fire- especially when they are opposed. Childlike. They can be sensitive and defensive. Not detail oriented. Truthful and direct but innocent and enthusiastic. Idealistic/ optimistics. They love new things: opportunities, ideas, challenges. But they might drop old things for something more exciting. Motivating and fun with infectious enthusiasm.

Venus

Rie: Libra: air, a big change.

This boy is so soft oml. Will try to impress you with their kindess😭 They can be very gentle and exact which can come off as insincere. They always go for the middle ground and expect to be treated fairly. They will make concessions to make the relationship work. Any imbalance will make them unhappy and slowly wear them down. They could express this is underhanded ways.

Junji: Aqua, Air another big switch. Open minded, unique, and rebellious and want everyone to know, especially the object of their affections. They really like being recognized as being different. They like unconventional relationships which can mean a lot of things depending on their circumstances and culture. They don't like any restrictions, don't follow anyone's path. They really want to break the mold even in shocking ways, but they can also come off as cold or stand-offish. They want their lover to also be their friend. They also want someone to appreciate their mind and ideas. They need room to be themselves and they'll give you the same.

Mars

Rie: Virgo: earth, productive, goal oriented. They like to do a lot of things, can be stubborn or particular about the way they do things. Not one to anger but when pushed they can nag A Lot. Sensitive. They can be nervous and restless. They need to be busy or they really struggle. Shy and humble especially when they don't feel knowledgeable enough, but they are curious and will want to learn everything they can.

*Sex- healthy views of sex. Simple and sweet. Attracted to people who have gone unnoticed. Like a person's imperfections. Very attentive. Like to care of the other. Sub. Very curious.

Junji: Aries...wow junji just🔥🔥🔥🔥 Ok so lives in the present, can be quick to anger but it's quick to pass. Impulsive. They go in and out of crushes fast😂 "they feel alive when they have someone to desire" good lord. Spontaneous as always, quick decisions, hardly deliberates on anything. They don't like when life is predictable so they're always going and trying new things. Relationships with them are exciting but hard to keep. Very impulsive. Again they're very direct and hate when others are anything but that.

Sex: spontaneous. Like an innocent/ pure partner 💆🏼‍♀️ Agressive, love a conquest. It literally says they like their hair messed with EYE

Bonus: north nodes

Rie: libra rip it's me again. So he needs to learn cooperation and trusting others. He's comfortable in Aries, aka being independent and doing everything for himself. He can be selfish but he's meant to be in relationships. That will make him feel whole.

Junji: virgo. So he's basically supposed to get his head out of the clouds and not only follow his inner voice. He's comfortable in the dreamy pisces but he has to learn how to keep his feet on he ground and observe. Can be sensitive to the world.

*Messy thoughts and summary*

They both probably wake up early and enthusiastically take on the day, that's so cute.

They both love organizing and hate a change of plans 😂😂

They both love a good challenge

Rip Rie really likes to think things through while junji just goes. This could either drive them insane or they could balance either other. I think junji would understand ries thoughtful nature tho because of his leo moon

So junji doesn't like being controlled and is care free and Rie isn't controlling but likes taking care of the day to day. It could be perfect. Junji can be free and rie can take care of things.

So Rie is very Very detailed and junji is not at all.... Which is complimentary if they don't try to change the other

Junji is that childlike optimist that Rie needs. Could really help him kind of unwind or just enjoy things/ have fun, be carefree. But also Rie could help ground junji.

They just seem like a perfect match....in bed

Rie's slower moving nature could drive junji insane but that's not a guarantee 😂

I'm emotional. Junji literally is meant to learn and become more like Rie. That's called fate.

Lads rie's soul is comfiest in junjis sun.... Hello. I wonder if he feels super comfy with him because he Understands him so deeply. But it's also a relationship and theyre learning all of these things from each other and they're genuinely Made to do that. I'm. Hahaha Soulmates wtf.

Rie overall is really just silently observes literally everything. He for sure knows everything about everyone and is just chilling, watching, learning.

#onlyoneof #kpop astrology #junji #rie #ships #junrie #astrology

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k7l4d4 · 3 years ago

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Midnight Striga: Fairy Tail/Owl House Cross Fic Episode 6 Part 6

Hello, and once again, I introduce you all, to a world of fantastic imagination! Welcome, to Midnight Striga!! Everybody Clap Your Hands!!

“Well that was a waste of time.” Amity grumbled, as she and the others broke away from their circles, disappointed at the lack of response.

“Aw, look at the bright side, Ams,” Skara said, slinging an arm over her friend’s shoulder, “At least we gave it a shot, and we’ve had a pretty great time overall, Conjuring or no!” Her peppiness was almost infectious. Scratch that, it was infectious, as a small grin fought its way onto Amity’s face.

“Please don’t call me Ams,” Amity sighed, choosing not to hide her smile. Skara just gave her a cheeky wink.

“But it suits you so well, Ams!” Skara laughed cheerfully, even as Amity gave a good-natured groan. “This is nice.” She said, a look of content on her face.

Amity nodded. “Yeah, it is.” She smiled, before a conflicted look crossed her face. She sighed. “Skara, I’m sorry.”

Skara cocked her head. “Hmm? About what?” She asked.

“That it took you getting hurt for me to start treating you like an actual friend, instead of someone my parents made me hang out with.” Amity confessed, even as the eyes of Skara and the others widened. “I let my issues with my parents define my relationship, and I can’t even begin to say how sorry I am for that. Can you forgive me?” She asked. She didn’t honestly expect to be forgiven, because what she did was nothing less than crappy.

She wasn’t expecting Skara to snort, and laugh in response. “Oh my Titan, is that why you’re always on edge around me?” She asked rhetorically. “Amity, there’s nothing to forgive. We all just got a little look at how… difficult your mom can be, and my family definitely has its own issues.” She explained, lightly pressing her hand against Amity’s shoulder. “While it may have been a lame thing to do, you owned up to it, and were there for me when I really needed you to be, and have done your best to be a real friend ever since. As far as I’m concerned, you’re a great friend.” She finished, pulling a surprised Amity into a hug, which she tightly returned, eyes misting.

“While learning that you didn’t want to be friends with us is a little painful,” Amelia added, drawing glances from Skara and Amity, “Skara’s got the right idea. You may not have been the best friend, but you did what none of us ever has,” She said, gesturing to herself, Cat, and a sheepish Bo and Selena. “You were there for her, and stood by her when she was hurting. You didn’t just walk by and ignore it. You even apologized when you were in the wrong!” She exclaimed, throwing up her arms.

“Yeah, wasn’t expecting to hear that.” Cat said, a sardonic grin on her face. Her face fell into it’s usual stern look. “We all just stood on the sidelines and let Boscha do whatever she wanted, and went along with even her worst ideas. You never did that, even when Boscha really wanted you to. You may have hung out with us, but looking back? It was pretty clear you were only there out of obligation, and you never went along with anything that had even a hint of getting you into trouble. Out of all of us, you were by and large the best.” She stated, a proud gleam in her eyes.

“You pulled Skara out of her funk, and got her to start living again. She was starting to backslide after the Covention, but then you did all this!” Bo exclaimed, gesturing to the party setup surrounding them. “I can never repay you for that.” She finished, bowing.

“I’ve always been a face in the crowd.” Selena stated, her face finally regaining some color after her prediction. “But you took a chance and let me come here. Because of that, I’ve met some really cool people, and had a lot of fun. And while I am now utterly terrified about my imminent future,” Everyone gave her an odd look at that,” for the first time, I can say that I’m living my life without regrets, and I’m going to keep doing that!” She gave a beaming grin.

“Ahem!”

The group turned, looking sheepish at the sight of Gus and Willow standing just a few feet away from them. Skara cleared her throat, blushing. “Um, sorry for ignoring you.”

Gus rolled his eyes. “It’s fine.” He sighed. “Look, Amity?” He began, causing the girl in question to go ramrod straight. “I don’t know you. Not really. I only know what I’ve seen, and some of what Willow’s been willing to tell me about you and her.” He gestured to the two of them, causing both girls to clench their fists in nervousness. “Still, you took a chance and let Willow come here and hang out with all of you. That’s never happened before. So, I’m gonna give you a chance, and while I’ll never forgive you if you mess it up, I don’t think I have to worry about that.” He finished, a half-smile on his face.

“Amity, you hurt me. Badly. In ways that any and all of Boscha’s taunts never could.” Willow said, Amity’s eyes turning to the ground at her words. “But I’ve never hated you over it.” That caused Amity to whip her head up so fast she almost felt her neck hurt. “I was sad, and lonely, and a lot of times I just wanted to scream and scream and never stop! But… I always remembered how, even after we stopped being friends, you never had a real smile. But lately, that’s changed. You’re enjoying life again. And I’m happy for you.” She finished, giving a tearful Amity an honest smile.

“I think we should go check on Luz and the others.” Skara said in a choked up voice, enthusiastic nods following her suggestion. As they walked over to the humans, they instantly took notice of the murderous look sported by Luz and the guards, and Neon’s tear-stained face. “Um, what happened?” Skara tentatively asked.

“Let’s just say that Neon’s dad is an even bigger piece of trash than I thought.” Luz bit out, cuddling Neon closer. She gave Neon a meaningful look. “Do you want me to tell them?”

Neon bit her lip, visibly conflicted, but nodded. “Yeah. If you trust them, it’s okay.”

Luz sighed, unsure if she was relieved or disappointed. Turning to the group, she gestured to Neon’s arms, exposing the heavy bruising covering them. “As you can tell by his handiwork, Mr. Nostrade had a nasty temper, and a liking for using Neon as a punching bag.” She growled, trying to resist the urge to bundle Neon up and scream at them all to leave.

The Witches felt sick. This man, whoever he was, had used his own daughter as an object to take his anger out on? Something to attack and scream at, and blame for whatever problem was plaguing him at the moment? As the sickening feeling built, so too did a surge of blistering hate. “You know,” Willow began, her voice far too casual, “I’ve always wondered how good a living body would serve as plant food.”

“That sounds pretty interesting, Willow,” Gus chimed in, his voice also way too casual, “I’ve honestly gotten invested in this one spell I found. It was apparently based on Grometheus, in that it mines a target’s memory for their deepest fears and most traumatic memories, and traps them in a labyrinth composed of those same memories and fears!”

“That’s fascinating!” Bo chipped in, a toothy grin stretching across her face. “It honestly makes me think of this one spell I read about that forces the body to heal wounds it doesn’t actually have! It’s supposed to be agonizing, ripping the flesh open as extra material and limbs forcibly claw their way out of your skin!” Cat nodded along with her words, a bloodthirsty smile on her face.

“Really? That’s super similar to this one spell I heard of that lets an Oracle summon a spirit directly into a person’s mind!” Selena added, an ominous gleam in her eyes. “It’s incredibly painful, and has a one-hundred percent rate of madness inducement.”

“Personally, I’m rather fond of the idea of using Bard Magic to extract a target’s blood through their pores, deliberately taking as little blood as possible for as long as possible. You know, to really draw the experience out!” Skara chirped, looking far too perky at the mental image.

“Mmm… I don’t know, I think I’d have to go with Willow’s plant food thing,” Amelia maliciously stated, glancing towards Amity. “What about you Ams?”

“Firstly, don’t call me Ams.” Amity said, before an absolutely remorseless grin crossed her face. “And secondly, I always wondered why my textbooks said not to use living beings as Abominations ingredients, and what better way to find out than to test it?” The Witches started cackling, tenting their fingers and rubbing their hands together in malevolent glee. Oh yeah, they would make that monster pay, big time.

“Uuuhhh… are you guys okay?” Luz asked, honestly a little weirded out at the turn the discussion had taken. The Witches blinked, surprised at her confusion, until Amity face-palmed.

“Luz, we’re talking about ways to kill Neon’s father.” Amity bluntly stated, a look of comprehension finally dawning on Luz’s face, along with Neon’s and her guards.

“Oooohhhhhhh!” Luz exclaimed, flushing in embarrassment. “I’m surprised you jumped to that so quickly, not that I disagree, really.” She stated, rubbing her head.

“It shouldn’t be that surprising. Children are precious, and one of the greatest duties a parent can have is to look after them, to care and guide them for their future.” Amity said passionately, a fierce light burning in her eyes. “Of course we aren’t going to stand for someone who treats his children as things to walk away from what he’s done. That is,” She glanced at Neon, who was watching them all with an unreadable expression, “if that’s alright with you?” She asked tentatively.

“Papa never said he loved me. Mama always did. Papa didn’t like it when Mama did that.” Neon stated hollowly, staring into the distance. “I always hoped Papa would tell me he loved me. But he didn’t. I’m never going back. If he has to d-die,” She choked briefly, before soldiering through it, “then I’ll be okay.” She finished, giving a look of gratitude to Luz.

Amity gave a considering look. “Neon, what happened to your mother?” She asked. She felt that she had an idea, but…

“Hmm,” Neon began, pressing her finger to her chin in thought. “Mama and Papa always fought a lot. Mama was always really mad that Papa kept me in my room. She used to yell about leaving. Then, one day, Mama screamed, and I ran out of my room and over to her. Papa said she fell down the stairs and hit her head really bad. I tried to kiss it better, but Papa told me not to, that it was stupid and I was stupid to try it. Mama went to sleep, and never woke up.” Neon finished, a look of sad acceptance on her face. The Witches and Humans all exchanged looks of understanding about what had REALLY happened; Neon’s father had killed his wife, either accidentally or on-purpose, made it look like an accident, and assumed total control over Neon’s life. And with that, they now had another reason to kill the bastard.

“Well then,” Amity stated, her flat tone doing nothing to hide the icy rage in her voice. “If that’s settled, I believe I have a solution for you and your guards’ residency issues.”

Neon and her guards instantly stilled. “W-what makes you think we don’t have a place to live?” Neon nervously laughed.

“I never said you didn’t have a place to live, but thank you for confirming that.” Amity’s reply instantly choked off Neon’s laugh, causing the girl to sigh in embarrassment.

Amity gave a light laugh. “Don’t worry about it too much, afterall, I have a plan.” She gave a daring grin, the type normally found on her mother’s face when she was about to take a high-payout risk. “Simply put, out of all of us here, I am the best equipped to host you and your guards, so it makes sense for you all to stay with me.” She stated, relishing the shock her offer elicited.

“You… you would do that for me?” Neon asked incredulously, a glimmer of hope shining in her eyes.

Amity nodded, now solemn. “Of course. I am the best option, logically speaking, and...” her face screwed up in frustration, “I do owe you for my mother’s conduct earlier, and can use that conduct, as well as your skills and the strength of your guards as a counter-argument for whatever risks or concerns she may use as a reason to refuse.” A calculating gleam peaked into her eyes. “This situation honestly presents a perfect opportunity for loosening some of the… restrictions my mother has placed upon my life. That is, if you aren’t upset at the thought of my offer having such a selfish motive.” She finished tentatively, only to get an annoyed eyeroll from Neon.

“I may not have a lot of ‘weal rorld’ experience, but I’m not a dummy.” Neon stated, lightly thumping her knuckles against Amity’s forehead. “You are still doing something really nice for me when you don’t actually have to. That’s all I need to know.” She pouted, getting an flushed look of reluctant acceptance from Amity.

“Well, if that’s all settled, I think it’s safe for me to share a little tidbit with you all.” Luz said, the Witches puzzled at her mischievous look.

Alador braced his arm, tightening the internals of his project, one ear carefully tuned to his wife’s frantic rantings.

“And it could be the end of it all!! The Blight name, gone for good!! We have to prepare, we have to ensure the children have all the resources they will need to survive the fallout!” Odalia shouted, a frantic look in her eyes. Alador absentmindedly nodded along; he perfectly understood where Odalia was coming from, as the thought of even a fraction of the implications of that prediction coming true being more than enough of a reason to necessitate… drastic actions. Oh for sure, if their back-up plans ever came to light, they would instantly be branded traitors, and most likely be petrified, but that was a risk they would need to take.

“Calm yourself, Odalia.” He announced, feeling a hint of satisfaction peek through as his wife forced herself to center and focus. “While the implications are certainly worrisome, we have more than enough contingencies in place to ensure the Blight name will endure and thrive… no matter who stands at the top.” He stated, an ominous note entering his voice at the last words.

Odalia sighed, forcing herself into her chair. “You’re right dear. It’s just so frustrating! I can’t believe I allowed myself to act so unbecoming in front of the future generation!! What if they tell their parents!? That Porter boy’s father is a reporter, what if they tell the media!?” She ranted, a look of anxious horror on her face. She brought her face to her palms, groaning. “Ugh, and I just know Mittens is going to use this against me somehow, I just know it! Why must she be so ungrateful for the effort we’ve expended to see her succeed?”

“Uh, it may have something to do with you making her wear that stupid Oracle Necklace and choosing her friends for her? You know, just a suggestion. Also, Edric keeps singing off-key in here, and I am THIS close to throwing him out the window!!” Emira’s voice spoke up from the panic room, irritation and amusement coloring her voice.

“~Oh, Butter Town, Like Creamy Streets of Gold!! Oh how we Love you soooo~!!!”

Alador and Odalia blinked at their daughter’s words. “Hmm… you may have a point,” Odalia conceded, before focusing on something far more pressing, “But how would you throw your brother through a window, the Panic Room is a solid block!”

“I have my ways, Mother Dear!” Emira mockingly called back.

“It’s true, she once twisted this one dude from Glandus who wouldn’t take no for an answer so that his face was inserted into his butt! I was watching, and I still don’t know how she did it!” Edric threw in, his voice colored with amusement.

Alador blinked, scratching his chin. “Hmm… that could be an interesting feature for one of my inventions.” He muttered, instantly scribbling the idea down.

“Right!?” Odalia exclaimed, just as intrigued at the idea for one of their self-defense oriented products. She frowned, considering. “Still, I’m unsure just how Mittens intends to use my… earlier indiscretion against me.”

“She could attempt to use it as leverage to allow the Nostrade girl and her entourage to stay here.” Alador stated, calmly resuming his work on the project before him. His wife’s explanations of those… conditional spells were certainly intriguing, and if he could successfully implement it into his line? Oh, the possibilities…

“Yes, that is the most likely possibility.” Odalia conceded, tapping the table in thought. “I merely do not wish to close off alternatives.”

“Perfectly understandable.” Alador replied, lightly nodding as he resumed his work. “Still, whether she attempts it or not, we should move to offer Miss Nostrade shelter.”

Odalia smirked in understanding. “A girl with an incredible talent for prediction and a bevy of loyal guards? We would have to be fools to turn that away.” She chuckled, sipping her tea, only to grimace. It had gone cold.

“I am only understanding half of what you guys are saying, but I’m grudgingly willing to agree with you two!” Emira called out. “Having more bodies around to protect Mittens is never a bad thing!”

“Then it’s settled!” Odalia cheered, her earlier dread pushed aside for the moment. “Whether Mittens pushes for it or not, we will move to have Miss Nostrade and company stay here, under our protection.” Alador nodded in agreement, a faint smirk rising to his face.

“WWWWHHHHHHHAAAAAAAAATTTTTTTTTT!?!?!?!?!?!?”

The two paused, clapping their hands to their ears at the raging shout. Odalia blinked. “Hm, it seems the children learned something rather frustrating.”

“Really mom?” Emira asked through the door.

“Indeed, I am most familiar with such sounds, considering my own experience with making them in response to Edalyn’s childish pranks back in school.” Odalia grumbled.

“I still say you looked adorable in that butterfly costume.” Alador interjected.

“~Oh~! Tell us more!” Edric called, engaging in the conversation at the thought of parental humiliation on the part of the parents for once!

“Alador!” Odalia cried, face flushed.

Eda shouldered her way into the stand, grunting in annoyance. King skipped in after her, warily glancing around the environment. Marching up to the counter, Eda roughly hammered against the counter top with her fist. “Hey, I’m looking for a guy named Grimm Hammer for some potions! Whoever he is, he better get out here now!” She shouted, unconcerned with disturbing someone. If anyone had the guff to complain around a place like this, she’d just knock their head, or heads, off their shoulders.

“Oh, coming, coming!” A higher-than-expected voice called out. As she and King exchanged raised eyebrows, they stepped back, watching as a small, Pig-like demon climbed onto the counter, clad in a dapper little vest. He would’ve looked harmless and charming… were it not for the cold, calculating gleam in his eyes, and the naked greed that danced at the mere sight of Eda. “Oh, and what can I do for you fine individuals today?” His politeness was undercut by the almost menacing undertone, as if he’d been expecting them.

“You’re Grimm Hammer?” Eda questioned. He probably was, but getting confirmation was always best, and it would help her and King get their bearings.

“Yeah, you seem a bit different than what talk made you out to be.” King added. He was totally bluffing of course, they’d heard NOTHING about this guy beyond his name, but the more they could twist out of him, the better of a position they’d be in afterwards.

Neither missed the slight narrowing of the Piggy Creep’s eyes. “Indeed! I am Tibblet-Tibblie Grimm Hammer III, better known as Tibbles!” He explained, grin wide and welcoming, eyes cold and considering. “I must say, I never thought I’d see the day the Owl Lady herself found her way into my humble little shop!” Eda and King instantly smelled a rat; something about this wasn’t adding up, particularly in how he’d side-stepped their little bait to get him talking about himself.

“Yeah, yeah, that’s nice and all, but I’m in need of some potions, and word is you’ve got the kind I need.” Eda brusquely stated.

“Yeah, so fork ‘em over!” King chipped in, trying to make himself look bigger.

“Now, now! There’s no need for such aggressiveness!” Tibbles chuckled, ducking down to retrieve the potions in question. He popped up, a cheerful smile on his face. “And here we go! One stock of Curse-Suppression Potions!”

“Hey that’s great-! Wait a minute, how’d you know what kind of potions we needed?” King questioned, hackles raised.

Tibbles chuckled. “Considering your infamy, very few don’t know about your curse, so there are very few reasons you’d be in search of this elixir for any other reason.” He explained calmly, arching an eyebrow in mocking challenge. King growled, marching forward, only to be held back by Eda’s grip.

“That’s great, really it is. How much?” She asked bluntly, wanting to get as far from this creepshow as she could.

“A thousand snails.” Tibbles stated, an amused grin on his smug face.

“For this whole thing!?” Eda demanded incredulously, eyes panning over the box.

“No. A thousand EACH.” Tibbles grinned, relishing the look of rage building on Eda and King’s faces.

“You slimy little-!” King’s impending death threat was cut off by Eda, whose face was shifting into grave calculation, details clicking into place as she stared at the potions. Her hand whipped out, yanking one of the potions out of the box.

“Hey! You can’t just-!” Tibbles protested, only to reel back at the angered glare Eda sent his way.

“I thought this looked familiar.” She growled, eyes roving the container in her hands. “This is Mort’s work, I’d recognize it anywhere! You bought up his stock to resell at a price hike! That’s low, even by my standards.”

“Hmph! The fool should’ve been more concerned at someone placing such a large order when his most prominent customer is the known bearer of a rather vicious curse.” Tibbles spat, yanking the potion back from Eda. He gave her a glare, grinning maliciously. “I’m honestly surprised no one has attempted this with you before.” He said slyly.

“Most people aren’t stupid enough to provoke the most powerful Wild Witch of our time.” Eda said, honest to Titan murder coating her voice. Her eyes focused on Tibbles sleeve, fixating on an image peaking through. “Hey, what’s that on your wrist?” She asked calmly, a malicious bit of satisfaction slithering to the surface at his face going pale. Before he could scuttle backwards, her arm whipped out again, lifting the little menace off his feet. She roughly yanked back the fabric, staring in hate at the familiar symbol inked into his arm. “Oroboros.”

“Why yes!” Tibbles grinned, abandoning all pretense of civility. “And you should know, this is supposed to be a trap.”

Eda and King blinked, before rapidly turning pale. Before they could respond, a massive blow slammed into Eda’s side, sending her flying. A violent chuckle echoed through the air.

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thestayway90 · 4 years ago

Text

Unexpected Attachment: Chapter 2 (SKZ Imagine)

Author: thestayway90

WC: 2802

Warnings: None

Characters: Stray Kids OT8, OFC/Reader, Josh (OFC/Reader’s Brother)

Relationships: Eventual OFC/Reader x Felix

Summary: Fluffy goodness! OFC/Reader meets the rest of the kids and ends up on a lunch with all OT8. A bit of one-to-one time with Felix UWU

Author’s Note: Hello lovelies! Heres chapter two... its still going slow I know... we’ll get there eventually!!!

Also I’m so soft for Felix and Changbin and I think it shows... sorry in advance :|

I’d love any and all feedback you have please pretty please <3

Enjoy :)

Shocked, dripping in coffee and still holding onto your phone in one hand, you looked up to see the most attractive boy you had ever laid eyes on, looking down at his once white shirt now drenched in brown liquid.

“Weelll...” he drew out in a familiar accented English. “That was well done.” His dark eyes met yours and you were thankful when he flashed a wide smile your way, as he didn’t seem to be taking your attack too personally.

“Oh god! I am so so sorry!” You started stuttering, hands automatically reaching out to wipe at his shirt before realising touching a complete stranger after dumping an entire coffee on him was probably not a good idea.

“Eh, it happens,” he shrugged, really not seeming too concerned, which made you wonder how often it happened to the poor boy.

He cocked his head to the side and examined you quizzically. “You sound Australian?” he commented questioningly.

“So do you,” you answered unhelpfully.

Your answer made him smile even wider, bright eyes flashing with mirth. “Are you related to Josh by any chance?”

“Brother,” you admitted, hoping your clumsiness wouldn’t affect Josh’s work as you realised you recognised the boy in front of you.

You weren’t a huge k-pop fan and weren’t familiar with many of the groups but you had done a little research on the boy band your brother had been promoted to Managing and the boy standing in front of you had been the one who had definitely stood out.

“I’m Felix,” the guy finally said, that wide infectious smile still gracing his lips. “I’ve got some clothes that you can change into,” he kindly offered, gesturing to your own ruined shirt.

You crossed your arms self consciously. “I feel like I should be offering you a change of clothes, since it was my fault, but unfortunately I don’t have any.”

Felix let out a low laugh and indicated for you to follow him back into the elevator you had just exited.

He led you into a room full of lockers and benches, reminiscent of the room that sports players used in schools. Showers and toilets lined one wall while a bank of mirrors lined another to the right.

Felix immediately crossed over to a locker, entering the combination before opening the metal door and rummaging inside. You stood awkwardly, nervous fingers plucking at the hem of your soaked shirt, the sticky fabric feeling uncomfortable against your skin.

“Ah ha,” the silver haired boy exclaimed, whipping out two identical black oversized shirts and turning back to you.

He looked down at the fabric in his hands and then held one out, shrugging his shoulders as he said, “I like the colour black!”

You smiled, chuckling a little at his shy smile. “I never would have guessed,” you teased slightly, as you took the shirt out of his fingers.

You headed for one of the toilet cubicles, quickly shucking out of your ruined shirt and sliding Felix’s tee over your head.

You were emerging from the cubicle, still adjusting the too big shirt, trying to decide whether to tuck it in at the front or not, when three other boys entered the room stopping in their tracks when they took in Felix still tugging a top over his head and you looking extremely disheveled.

“Ah, what is going on here?” One of the boys with long blonde hair questioned in Korean, one eyebrow raised suggestively.

The tall blue haired boy next to the blonde was standing speechless, mouth open in shock, eyes flicking backwards and forwards.

The third and final boy, who had the beauty of a carved sculpture, smirked lopsidedly, mischief evident on his pretty face as he uttered, “Having fun, Lixie?”

You blushed at the comment, cheeks staining a bright red, but Felix just gave an easy unbothered laugh, finishing pulling his shirt down.

“It’s not what you think!” You stuttered out in awful Korean to the newcomers.

Felix turned to you, eyebrows lifted. “Ah, so you do speak Korean!” He sounded delighted by the discovery.

The sculpted boy snorted. “I’m not sure that counts as speaking Korean!”

“Lee Know Hyung!” The blonde next to him scolded, hitting his elder lightly on the shoulder.

“What?” Lee Know sounded genuinely confused, “It’s true.”

“Yes, but you don’t say it,” Felix sighed, running his hands through his hair.

“It’s okay, he’s right. I’m rubbish at speaking Korean,” you told the boy closest to you, fingers worrying at the bottom of your shirt.

The blonde’s face lit up as he heard your English, stepping forward and saying excitably. “You are Aussie, yes?”

You nodded in reply, amused when he grabbed your hands and squeezed them tightly. “I am Hyunjin. This is I.N.” The tall cutie next to him beamed a huge smile your way, waving with one hand. “And that’s Lee Know.” Lee Know gave a simple nod of acknowledgment before turning back to Felix.

“So what were you two doing in here?” He questioned, eyes staring into the younger’s intensely.

Felix returned the look with his signature easy smile, completely unruffled by the elders implications. “We had an unfortunate incident with coffee!” He explained, drawing understanding nods and ahhh’s of sympathy with his words, again making you question how often accidents involving coffee occurred.

As if it couldn’t get any more embarrassing, the door once again opened and Josh walked in accompanied by yet another good looking k-pop idol.

“Ah, what’s going on? I thought you were leaving?” Josh directed the last question at you, confusion clouding his features.

“She tipped coffee all over Felix,” Lee Know told him casually, his eyes telling how much he was enjoying the situation.

“Why did you do that?” The boy with Josh asked you in a genuinely curious tone.

“It’s not like I planned to trip and spill coffee all over him. Its just the way of my people…” you paused and then continued. “And by people I mean those who are extremely clumsy and uncoordinated.”

This elicited laughs out of everyone present and the unfamiliar boy aimed a charismatic smile your way, stating, “Oh, so you and Felix are part of the same people then!”

The new boy flashed a sly look towards Felix who immediately launched himself at the mischief-maker, getting the younger into a headlock and teasingly tickling him.

You laughed as the other boys got involved, feeling like your cheeks were about to split from how wide you were smiling,

Slowly the chaos calmed down with help from Josh, who’s resigned expression told you that this type of bedlam was a normal occurrence.

“Okay, okay, settle down.” Josh waved his hands around as Felix and the other boy separated, patting each other on the back good-naturedly, obviously no hard feelings between them.

“I’m Seungmin by the way,” the boy introduced himself in almost perfect English.

“We were just coming to grab the kids for lunch. You want to come with?” Josh asked you, eyebrows raised, not wanting to put you on the spot but eager for you to join them.

You glanced round at the boys surrounding you, eyes resting on Felix and Hyunjin who were both nodding enthusiastically.

You shrugged in reply. “Sure, why not. I’ve already missed my afternoon class anyways!”

Hyunjin very kindly held the door open for you as the boys piled out into the hallway, loudly talking and teasing one another.

You met up with 3Racha by the elevator, the three boys still discussing music as they patiently waited for the rest of their team to arrive.

They looked surprised but pleased when they spotted you amongst their members, Chan immediately claiming a spot next to you so he could talk about your life back in Australia while you all walked to a nearby restaurant.

The kids were obviously regulars to the eatery, the staff greeting them by name and seating you all in a secluded spot right at the back where the boys antics wouldn’t disturb other customers.

You found yourself sandwiched in between Chan and Han with Josh at the head of the table to Chan’s right and Felix and Changbin seated comfortably across from you. The rest of the boys spread around the left side of the table, talking at a rapid pace and bickering with each other.

While the others discussed what to order you asked Chan to choose for you, not familiar with the Korean Menu.

You sat back, watching silently as you enjoyed the atmosphere the charismatic boys created around you. You glanced over to Josh, who was deep in conversation with Chan, arms waving passionately over what they were saying in such rapid Korean that you struggled to keep up.

“How are you enjoying Seoul?” a soft question came from the opposite side of the table, your eyes meeting Changbin’s intense gaze as he leaned towards you.

You considered your words for a moment then replied. “It’s very different to where I grew up, I’m not used to living in the middle of a large city, but I’m really loving it. I love being able to walk to almost everything and the city is so beautiful, especially at night. I also love the people here. They’re so friendly and helpful, even when I’m struggling to communicate with them, most are super patient with me, which I appreciate.” You finished, realising you probably talked way too much, twisting your hands in your lap.

“It is beautiful,” Felix agreed happily. “We should take you down to the waterway at night one day. It’s absolutely breath taking.” He bumped Changbin’s shoulder with his, including his hyung in the outing.

“That would be amazing,” you immediately perked up at his words, beaming across at the pair.

“It’s a date then,” Changbin commented, smiling mischievously, trying to make you blush with some success.

Luckily you were saved from more teasing by Han capturing your attention, the sweet boy firing questions at you, one after another, making you struggle to keep up. Felix and Changbin still had their attention on you, curious about your answers to Han’s more personal questions.

Once the food arrived it was a brief tussle of hands and elbows as everyone helped themselves to the large dishes in the middle of the table. You thanked Chan profusely as he grabbed a plateful of various goodies and then placed it in front of you to sample, the kind boy merely waving your gratitude off, saying he didn’t want you to accidentally get knocked out by an errant elbow.

A sudden silence fell over the table as everyone tucked in, the only sounds were munching and noises of appreciation. It was the most quiet you had had in several hours but somehow you still missed the noise a little. Not for long though, as the boys surrounding you once again started up their antics but now with food involved it was even more interesting (and messier) than before.

Josh and Chan managed to control the boys before a full-out food war began and you all helped tidy up the table before thanking the restaurant staff and filing out the front door.

“I really have to go home,” you sighed, as the group paused outside on the sidewalk. “Thank you so much for today guys. I had a lot of fun!” You told them, genuinely thankful for them taking you under their wing.

“You’re welcome to hang out with us anytime,” Chan said, wrapping his arms around you in a surprising but much appreciated hug. The rest of the boys parroted the sentiment making you promise to come visit them.

“Do you want me to walk you home?” Josh asked worriedly as he enveloped you in a tight hug.

“No, I’ll be fine Josh.” You pulled back and gave your overprotective brother a hard stare. “You’ve got work to go and do.”

Felix cleared his throat behind you, grabbing your attention. “Ah, I’m actually heading back home now anyways. I’d be honoured if you’d walk with me. I believe your apartment is near our dorm, Josh mentioned it at one point.” The sweet silver haired boy looked over to Josh who gave a nod of confirmation.

You stared at Felix, wondering whether to take the offer or not. Your eyes met with Josh’s who gave you an encouraging nod of his head and you knew that he would worry less if you had someone accompanying you home in the still unfamiliar city.

“Thank you Felix. That would be great,” you told the petite boy earning yourself another of his brilliant smiles.

You quickly finished your goodbyes with the rest of the group before heading off in the opposite direction, Felix at your side. There was silence for a while, both of you enjoying the lovely weather.

You had expected to feel nervous and awkward in the presence of the gorgeous boy beside you, but the quiet was a comfortable one. It felt like Felix was exuding effervescent energy, making you feel immediately bubbly and happy just by being in his presence.

“How long have you been in Seoul?” Felix finally asked in his deep voice, breaking the silence and fixing you with his dark eyes.

“About two months,” you told him, trying very hard not to trip over your own feet and make an embarrassment of yourself... again.

“Have you got to do much sightseeing?”

You shrugged, momentarily distracted by the smell of deep-frying Bungeo-ppang. “Not much. Josh has been super busy with work and I have classes and stuff. I was hoping to do more by myself during the mid-year break.”

Felix noticed the direction of your gaze and grinned brightly. He immediately approached the food vendor, asking for two ice-cream filled Bungeo-ppang.

“No, no, you don’t have to do that!” You protested, following behind him. “We only just ate lunch!”

“And this is dessert,” Felix twinkled, passing the fish shaped pastry over to you.

He looked around for a moment then spotted a bench overlooking a small square of garden, indicating that you should sit and eat.

You settled onto the bench, Felix sitting down next to you as you took a big bite of the Bungeo-ppang.

“Mmmh. This is amazing!” You enthused to the boy next to you, not aware of the chocolate smeared on your cheek. Felix lifted a gentle hand and wiped it away with his thumb, his touch immediately bringing a rosy tint to your cheeks.

He dropped his hand, suddenly looking self-conscious. He examined his own dessert asking, “What do you want to see most?” before taking a large bite out of the deep-fried goodness.

It took you a moment to realise he was continuing your previous conversation. You contemplated the question and then replied, “Honestly, the Ansan Jarak-Gil.”

Felix raised his eyebrows in surprise. “Hiking?” he questioned. “Out of everything here in Seoul, that’s what you want to do the most?”

You glared at him as he questioned your choice. “What’s so wrong with hiking? I happen to enjoy it!”

Felix held up his hands to ward off your indignation. “There’s nothing wrong with Hiking. I’ve actually never been to Ansan before but I’ve heard its beautiful.” He flashed you a sweet smile which immediately dissolved any irritation you felt against him.

“Shall we keep going?” He questioned once you’d both finished, standing and extending a hand out to help you stand.

You took the offered hand and let him lever you upright, continuing your walk, comfortably conversing as you led Felix towards your apartment.

Finally reaching your destination, you paused at the entrance of the apartment building, finishing your discussion.

“Thank you for walking me home,” you thanked the silver haired boy standing before you, suddenly feeling self-conscious.

“You’re more than welcome. It was fun.” Felix twinkled at you, smiling widely and scrunching his nose in an adorable manner.

He leant in and gave you a tight hug, squeezing tightly for a few long moment before drawing back. “You’ll come visit us at JYP, yeah?” He asked, expectant eyes trained on yours.

“If you guys don’t mind,” was your hesitant reply, not wanting to intrude on these boys who had been strangers only hours earlier.

“Of course we wouldn’t mind. We’d love to see you,” Felix said on behalf of his group members.

You smiled brightly back at him. “I promise to visit at some point then!”

“Stupendous. I look forward to it.” Felix replied, immediately happy with your assurance.

You said your goodbyes and watched as Felix started walking off in the direction of the boys dorm.

You turned and headed up into your apartment, feeling a lot lighter and happier than when you had left, the aftermath of the effervescent boys presence.

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iuinspires · 5 years ago

Text

Love Poem in Singapore: My Second IU Concert

On 6 Dec 2019, I was blessed with the opportunity of seeing IU perform live for the second time at her Love Poem concert tour in Singapore.

I must confess that in some ways, things didn't go smoothly for me: ticketing was somewhat traumatic, because the tickets for the original 7 Dec Saturday show sold out within an hour of release, even before I had logged on to the site (sorry for underestimating your popularity, IU!); after I secured a Friday ticket, I couldn't help fretting about whether I could get to the concert venue from work on time; when I reached the concert hall, I realised I had missed out on collecting the SG Heart IU fan support items and the free IU postcard from the concert organizer; and towards the end of the show, my phone ran low on storage and battery so I couldn't take further audio recordings.

Yet there was a silver lining to everything: getting a Friday ticket turned out to be blessing in disguise because of a family commitment cropping up which would have made attending the Saturday show a challenge; my day at work turned out to be fairly peaceful and productive, so I did leave work on time; not having the fan support items prompted me to initiate a conversation with a fellow uaena; and not being burdened with the need to record everything allowed me to focus purely on enjoying the show. Above all, no number of minor obstacles could detract from the wonderful experience of seeing IU again. So let me try once again to document my precious memories, before they slowly fade with the passing of time.

Pre-concert

So on the fateful day of 6 Dec, I woke with a feeling of great joy and anticipation; all day at work, it took supreme discipline to rein in my feelings of excitement to concentrate on my tasks. Thankfully, I left on time and rushed down to the concert venue from my workplace by train. As I walked from the train station to Star Vista, I was quite amused to spot a number of people selling (selfmade?) IU posters and merchandise along the roadside, but refrained from stopping to avoid the risk of being late. It seemed that everyone around me was making their way to the concert as well, for they were all holding IU concert tickets or knick knacks.

As I was queuing to get to the concert hall, I took the chance to observe the profile of my fellow uaenas again. I noticed that compared to last year, where the nationalities of the concert goers were distinctly varied, this year's crowd seemed to be predominantly Singaporean - probably a direct result of IU having more Southeast Asian stops in this year's tour. It made me glad that IU did have a sizable Singaena fanbase after all, that was sufficiently large to sell out two days !

When I was seated in the hall, I realised that everyone except myself was holding on to IU postcards and fanchant guides. I was also puzzled about where the SG Heart IU fingerlights were, which I had assumed would be at the seats. I plucked up the courage to ask the fellow uaena next to me where she had got hers, and she said she had picked them at the bag check area (sorry SG Heart IU, for not reading admin instructions properly!) I spent the next few minutes feeling dismayed at the thought of not being able to being able to do my part for the fan support - but the feeling of disappointment was soon replaced by excitement when the IU band members made their way to the stage to screams from the crowd. There was no sign of IU yet though - until the fellow uaena next to me nudged me excitedly and said, "Look, I think that's her!" From our circle seats we had a fairly good view of the whole stage including the curtained areas, and there, indeed, was a familiar, petite figure peeking out from backstage. I don't think anyone else noticed though, or there would have been wild screams! My heart skipped a beat, and I was too dumbstruck with excitement to respond. (To my fellow uaena, if you are reading this, I'm sorry - I didn't mean to be rude!)

Opening segment

Before we knew it, the lights dimmed, and IU emerged on an elevated platform under a spotlight in the middle of the stage, singing the upbeat, cheery opening line of "unlucky" in her clear, sweet voice. She looked lovely and girlish with a white flower in her long, flowing tresses, clad in a soft, frilly yellow dress speckled with blue flowers (an image which for some reason was reminiscent of Lee Soon Shin to me.)

I guess for me, the opening is always one of the most emotional and special moments of an IU concert. For overseas fans like myself who hardly get to see IU, there is something incredibly surreal about seeing that familiar figure and hearing that familiar voice in person. I can still recall how overwhelmed I was when I saw IU for the first time at last year's concert - in fact I now associate the opening song "Red Shoes" with the feeling of euphoria, and for the same reason, "unlucky" will have a special place in my heart as well. The audience shared my joy too, for it went absolutely wild with rapturous screams at the sight of IU, and kept up with this energy level throughout the concert.

IU moved on to a lovely acoustic rendition of Palette, before greeting the audience in a mix of Korean and English. She introduced herself as "IU who loves so much Singapore" - an awkward turn of phrase, but all the more adorable because of that! She expressed her happiness at being in Singapore for a second time, and talked about how this was her favourite venue (because of the "atmosphere, sound, mood...and the colour of the chairs - very red"). She also made us raise our hands to indicate whether we were here last year, and when most of us did so, she marvelled at how we have "so much loyalty here in Singapore".

For the rest of the segment, she sang "Autumn Morning", "Friday" and "Secret Garden". I recall IU had mentioned in one of her concert stops in Korea that for the opening segment, she had deliberately chosen songs that would allow the audience to focus on her vocals. And indeed, the songs were perfect for showcasing the light and mellow side of her voice. Before singing Autumn Morning, she told us to imagine the following: "blue sky, the children, lovely family, lovely mum, lovely dad...lazy son" (to which everyone burst out laughing). And when she started singing the first two lines of the song acapella, her voice pure, clear and gentle, I did feel as though I had been transported to a temperate country on a crisp autumn morning with fresh air and bright sunlight.

The theme of nature continued with "Secret Garden", where IU stood in front of a gorgeous projection of lush greenery, and behind three panels of silvery light that seemed like cascading waterfalls. It was a breathtaking sight that complemented the beauty of the song and IU's voice, and created an enduring image which will always come to mind whenever I hear "Secret Garden" now. It was also a fitting end to the first segment with its mix of sweet, uplifting and lyrical ballads.

Segment two

One of things I admire most about IU as an artist is her versatility, and she demonstrated this in the second segment with a setlist that had a completely different mood and vibe from the first. If the first segment was about showcasing IU's light and sweet voice, the second part was a chance to show off the sultry and husky side of her vocals. She kickstarted the segment with "The Visitor", a slow but groovy number with edgy and sensuous vibes. It's my favourite song in IU's latest album, and hearing it live was absolutely thrilling! IU was dressed to match the mood as well, clad in a blouse with bold prints matched with a short black skirt, hidden teasingly beneath a loose, draping coat, and with a sparkly black beret and boots to complete the look.

For the rest of the segment, IU performed a mix of her more groovy tracks and lively dance numbers: "Jam Jam", "Twenty-Three", "BBIBBI", "Hold my Hand", "Last Night Story" and "Blueming". I generally gravitate towards IU's ballads, but I actually found myself enjoying this segment the most. Other than IU's charismatic and energetic stage presence, I was buoyed by the audience's infectious enthusiasm; even for a reserved person like myself, it felt exhilarating to be singing and cheering along with a huge crowd, bound by our shared love for the little bean onstage. IU commended us for our high energy level as well, commenting a number of times on how passionate and "high-tensioned" Singaenas were and how enthusiastically everyone was waving their lightsticks. At some point she teased someone for waving her lightstick at two times the speed of everyone else - "Maybe your hand will be less painful if you sway it together with the audience". Our deafening fanchants for BBIBBI also prompted her to declare Singapore as "the hometown for BBIBBI".

Another notable moment was during "Blueming", where the the SG Heart IU fan event was pulled off successfully. The audience in the stall seats turned on their colour-changing rose-shaped lights, turning the concert hall into a beautiful illuminated field of multi-coloured flowers - a perfect tribute to the million blooming roses referenced in "Blueming". IU commented later that she had initially thought that the audience was waving her official lightstick, before realising that it was a fan event, which she described as "the cutest" ever, and very pretty. Even though I was a little sad that I wasn't part of the fan event, I felt really happy seeing how nice it looked, and how it brought a smile to IU's face.

Segment three

IU started off the third segment with the heartwarming singalong favourite Meaning of You, which the audience sang with great gusto. She looked elegant in a long-sleeved, ankle-length white dress that was old fashioned but classy - my favourite outfit for the night.

The highlight of this segment came when IU announced that she had a present for us - an idea which came to her only two days ago, and which the team had to prepare in a rush. The audience stirred with excitement, and I was filled with anticipation too, expecting a local song which IU typically prepares for her overseas concerts. But we were all in for a bigger surprise when IU said: "Please don’t think of me as a singer, but think of me as Jang Man Wol". She proceeded to seranade us with a medley of Hotel Del Luna OSTs ("Lean On Me", "All About You", "Remember Me", and most notably, "Happy Ending" with her self-written lyrics) while a video montage of Jang Man Wol and Goo Chan Sung moments played in the background. I was swooning internally, and I'm sure in the rest of the audience was too - especially the few ahjummas and ahjusshis I spied in the audience, whom I guessed might have been new fans from the drama!

After the medley ended, IU said her Korean fans would be really sad as she had never sung "Happy Ending" for them even when she requested it, and made us promise to keep this a secret from her K-uaenas. (Nice try, IU!) She also shared how close she was to the HDL team, whom she had watched Frozen 2 with recently, as well as her love and respect for Gummy (singer of Remember Me) - which hilariously created some confusion with the translation initially as the Korean pronunciation for "Gummy" also sounds like "spider".

IU then wrapped up this segment with two sentimental ballads - "Lullaby", and "Through the Night", another crowd favourite which I enjoyed singing along to as well. Before the last line - "I hope its a good dream", IU gently murmured "Singapore" - and for some reason that triggered a sudden surge of emotions in me. It brought to mind how two years ago, as a new fan, I wasn't sure if IU was even aware that she had fans in Singapore, and seeing her seemed all but a distant dream - and reminded me how lucky I was to have her here now, acknowledging our presence as fans.

Segment Four + Encore

IU returned in a sparkly dark coloured dress for the fourth segment, which began with "Sogyeokdong". IU commented that this was a song with underlying sadness, but Singaenas were still so excited that she coud not help excitedly waving her hands too - "I'm not a pro...Even when I'm singing ballads, I can't control myself". (It's ok to be slightly unprofessional at times IU, it makes us even happier when you are happy!)

"Sogyeokdong" was followed by "Red Shoes", which evoked a wave of nostalgia in me as it brought to mind the exciting opening for last year's concert. IU then said she would have to move on to the last song - eliciting loud groans from the audience - to which IU chuckled and teased us for our "pro reaction". The purported last song was "Above the Time" - a song which I didn't like immediately when it was first released, but which I grew to love the more I listened to it. I have to add too, that it's a song that sounds absolutely amazing live, and gave me goosebumps listening to it then!

After IU left the stage, the audience promptly began to chant "encore" repeatedly. IU returned shortly after in a long gem-studded pink dress, laughing at how she didn't even have time to go to the washroom because of our immediate chants. She ended off with "Good Day" and her titular song "Love Poem", before leaving the stage.

Re-encore

A few audience members began to leave, but the vast majority were clearly seasoned fans who knew what to expect, for the loud chants for encore started again. After a brief interlude, the IU band members returned onstage, followed by IU, to wild cheers from the crowd. Being used to seeing IU's characteristically baggy shirts and oversized sweaters for her re-encores, I was surprised to see her dressed girlishly in a sweet cream-coloured sweater pulled over a pretty floral dress.

The re-encore started with "Heart", which IU sung with the audience, in keeping with uaena tradition. IU quipped that at overseas concerts, she enjoyed hearing the imperfect pronunciation of her international fans, but Singaenas were just too good in Korean. IU continued asking for song requests thereafter - but the screams were so loud I couldn't hear a thing! She settled on "Sleepless Rainy Night" (which I was delighted to hear), "Night of the First Breakup", before wrapping up with "Someday".

Post-concert reflections

The 2018 dlwlrma concert will always have a special place in my heart as my inaugural IU concert, but I think this year's Love Poem concert experience was even better.

For one, it felt more fun and intimate because IU was even more interactive with the audience this year. There were many hilarious moments - like when she teased a male fan for dancing very animatedly throughout the concert, and pronounced him the cutest guy in Singapore - or when she laughed at how a female fan responded to her in Korean when she spoke in English. The rapport between IU and the audience also felt even stronger this year - the audience demonstrated an energy level that seemed to surpass last year's - and you could see how IU in turn radiated with joy to see our enthusiasm. She regularly teased us about how loud we were, and at one point, also commented on how there seemed to be "no shade" in Singapore - meaning that everyone here seemed really happy. My heart was also full hearing her express her love for Singapore - she talked about her family holiday here in January this year, and how her brother liked it so much that he was seriously considering doing his exchange studies here (please do so, IU's brother!)

But above all, what I found most moving and meaningful was IU's introspective musings on sadness, happiness and love. She spoke of how during this year's concert tour, there was a bit of underlying sadness during each of her concert, but in today's concert, she was laughing all the way even for the sad songs, and there was no single space for sadness to come in. I felt a sense of relief hearing that - for prior to the concert, a part of me was worrying about how IU was coping with recent events - and whether she would be reining in her sadness to deliver the smiles and energy expected from her as a performer.

But I guess IU has always been a strong and resilient person, and one to give love and provide healing words of comfort, as she did during my favourite part of her concert talk. I think paraphrasing her words might not do her justice, so let me just reproduce her words here:

"I come here only once a year so I don’t know in detail what kind of troubles you’re living with and what makes you sad, but I think that all people live with similar problems, similar troubles. Right? Anyway, when you feel dispirited and want to end everything, I wish that you think of our promise today: to meet me here next year. You have to remember! We promise. To meet here again next year, we will right? All promises are truly important right? Keep your promise! Day by day, if you live on breathing slowly, it will soon be next year, right? And I’ll come back again to make another promise, to meet here next year, and we keep our promise again, and again, and again, and again. Right? This will be easy. I’ll do it as well. Promise. I hope that today was a good day. I.. (hesitantly) love you."

IU went on to say that this was her first time saying I love you in English, and added, almost bashfully: "I adore you. I cherish you." When she said this, I felt my heart expand with a warm, fuzzy feeling of peace and joy.

Perhaps it was because of these uplifting words and IU's repeated reassurance that she would be back - and perhaps because the adrenaline from the infectious enthusiasm of my fellow uaenas had yet to subside - the post-concert blues didn't hit me immediately after the concert ended. I recall last year I had remained in my seat, feeling lost and empty, but this year, I left beaming as I made my way out of the concert hall with the rest of the crowd.

The post-concert blues did sink in a little the next day, as I relived my memories looking at other fancams - but mixed with this was a feeling of gratitude and joy at how blessed I had been.

Thank you IU, for giving love through your Love Poem concert, and I look forward to seeing you again next year.

#iu #Lee Jieun #iu concert account #uaena #love poem #iu in singapore #iu singapore concert #love poem concert

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afflicted-ascendant · 6 years ago

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Random Observations ‘bout the Mars Signs

Mars in Aries: Aggressively pursues whatever they’re after, whether it’s a goal or a person or a victory. “Short fuse” is an understatement. Not afraid to say or do anything they believe in. Can have a bit of a childish view of the world, no patience for the complexities. Often become heroes in the eyes of others for their diehard strength of will, but also get a lot of eyerolls and facepalms from people who think they’re too reckless or reactionary. They like to go hard and fast in relationships (in more ways than one), so they don’t have the time for people who aren’t upfront, honest, and confident about what they want. They’re the type of person who would leap into a burning building to save someone, without a second thought.

Mars in Taurus: Stubborn, stubborn, stubborn. Get really grouchy sometimes. The hardest workers you’ll ever meet, especially in blue-collar job environments. Artistic types with this placement will actually finish their projects because they’re willing to power through the nitty-gritty boring bits that so many of us flaky, flighty artists get stuck on. If they enjoy sex, they really enjoy it and have the stamina to go all night, but a lot of them seem to be uncomfortable with sex or even outright asexual. Many of them have literally the worst opinions on politics. But they’re solid, dependable people who will do anything to protect the ones they care about -- they don’t just say it, they do it.

Mars in Gemini: Their brains are always buzzing, they have a natural taste for knowledge. Their childlike curiosity is so freaking cute. Very good with words, they speak and type compulsively and even if their grammar/punctuation is shit, the spirit of what they say is almost always worth reading or listening to. They have many interests and many people “interested” in them, if y’know what I mean. Funny and charming is their default state and they probably don’t know how to turn it off. They also don’t know how to stick to one person, goal, or idea because there are so many tempting options that set the wheels in their heads a-spinnin’.

Mars in Cancer: Extremely moody people, but they hide it fairly well. They build up a thick shell to conceal how sensitive they are to changes in scenery and circumstance. They get very attached to people, places, and pets. Likely to be very clingy and needy when it comes to love and sex, but also very giving. Cuddles are recommended, though they’ll need to really trust you before they’re comfortable with physical contact. Like all Cancer placements, they complain a lot to blow off steam and deflect their nervous energy. The more time you spend with them, the more you can pick up on the roiling, boiling stew of emotions that’s constantly bubbling underneath their defensive crabby surface.

Mars in Leo: Can be obnoxiously arrogant and oblivious to how they’re perceived. Self-awareness is not one of their strong suits, but self-expression certainly is. They really crave attention, admiration, and appreciation. The good ones are worth giving it to because they mean well and have a generous loving heart, but the bad ones won’t shut up about how great they are and go into a red-hot rage when they don’t get what they want. Very pushy people, no concept of boundaries. They treat love like a performance art, which is why the courtship stage is their favorite part. They’re usually very selfish sex partners who come up with some wildly imaginative roleplay scenarios. You’ll either love them or hate them, which they proudly proclaim because they get a kick out of being dramatic like that.

Mars in Virgo: Always strives for perfection in everything they do. Workaholics. Often come across as condescending or judgy. Their sarcasm is legendary. When they talk about sex, they describe it clinically and bluntly, it’s not something they romanticize as sacred. Many of them honestly do despise their fellow humans and will stick their nosy asses in everywhere to “fix” things. The nice way of putting this is that they “just want to bring out the best in you”. If nothing else, they certainly do put in a lot of effort for the people they care about, which they will aggressively guilt-trip you over when they want you to do something in return. There can be a lot of friction between them and their children if they become parents, mostly because they have no idea how to give praise without turning it into a critique.

Mars in Libra: This is an odd place for Mars to settle in because these people get really stressed out and upset by conflict of any form. Doesn’t mean they won’t fight back if you push them, but for the most part they recoil from arguments and will try to subtly nudge everyone into getting along. Because of this, it’s especially painful for them to have a falling out with a friend or family member, and they will always try to move toward forgiving and forgetting the issue even if it’s unforgivable. One of the least sexual placements of Mars -- they might have an aversion to even discussing sex. But they’re also skillfully flirty and charming, so don’t assume they don’t have an active love life. They usually believe in the power of “peaceful protests” and “civil disobedience” as a way of changing society for the better. Storytellers with this placement will often write stories where people ultimately talk out their problems and come to an understanding of each other, maybe even achieve world peace in the process. Basically, they’re hippies~

Mars in Scorpio: Even when they’re in a good mood, you can feel hostility suffused in the air around them. Scary as hell when they’re angry. Living with them means walking on eggshells. If they’re artistic they can make beauty out of the most fucked-up subject matter. Fascination with death. Does not know how to compromise, would rather die than give ground on what they believe in. Has the force of will to do pretty much anything. Usually not afraid to talk about sex, for them it’s like discussing the weather. Might be into some really kinky or taboo sex acts, might even be horny 24/7. They dominate others without even having to try. Probably has resting bitch face. When they’re not screaming with rage, they usually maintain complete calm and control in public because they loathe vulnerability of any kind. Being near them is an intense experience no matter who you are.

Mars in Sagittarius: Irreverently funny and playful. No matter how old they get, never stops acting like a kid. Enjoys being physically active in some way, getting out and doing things. Always itching to try something new. Has no attention span. Gets bored before finishing projects and drops them for months at a time. Their energy is infectious. Likes sex to be more physical and raw than emotional. Has no trouble laughing and having fun while doing the deed, and people who make them laugh and excite them are the ones who most attract them. They prefer friendships and romances to work pretty much the same way, relaxed, easygoing, with no pressure to commit to anything. This is why so many of them get into friends-with-benefits situations. When things get serious or the relationship runs into an iceberg, their first instinct is to wimp out and run away instead of stick around and make an effort. Can be absolute hypocrites to the point where it’s shocking how self-unaware they are. Will complain endlessly about things people do that they don’t like, not realizing they do those exact same things all the time. Will bristle at the slightest criticism, they can dish it out but they can’t take it. Their convictions/beliefs are usually based on gut reactions rather than research. Enthusiastic about their passions, can be adorable when they get excited. As frustrating as they can be sometimes, there’s just something so lovable about them that you can’t help but forgive them anyway.

Mars in Capricorn: Have this serious, broody aura about them that can be kind of alluring and intimidating at the same time. Will present themselves as rock-solid even if they’re on the verge of a breakdown. Will put in as much work and dedication to get a job done as it takes, without a single word of complaint. And they really like sex. Like I”m not even kidding, these are some lusty goats we’re talking about. But they don’t usually like admitting how horny they are because it might harm their public image. They put a LOT of work into maintaining that public persona -- they secretly want to inspire awe in every person they meet, they’re gluttons for glory but they hate people knowing that so, gotta act all cool and casual. Once they finally find fame and success, they’ll find non-verbal ways to brag about it, because all they really want is for people to be jealous of them for once.

Mars in Aquarius: Questions everything they read. Highly intelligent, incredibly quirky, but never comes across as “nerdy”. Pierces right through people’s fake bullshit. Knows a lot of big words but rarely uses them, because they despise any form of pretentiousness. Has firm beliefs backed up by extensive research, refuses to be pigeonholed into any one movement or ideology. May fall along any point of the political spectrum, and will be very outspoken and capable of strongly arguing the case for their independent views. Hates being labeled. Has trouble feeling attached to their body because they spend so much time in their own mind. Even when they get emotional, some part of them will be detached and objectively analyzing the situation to understand it more fully. They’re the same in relationships -- no matter how invested they become, some rational part of them will hold back and hesitate to care. When it comes to sex, they can be even kinkier than Mars in Scorpio. They want to try every possible position at least once, they love to experiment, they will never be satisfied if sex becomes the same routine every time. But in some ways they enjoy thinking about sex more than actually having it -- the act itself can be disappointing and dissatisfying for them, partly because they don’t know how to live in the physical moment instead of rationally dissecting the proceedings. They attempt to be open-minded toward everyone they meet, but they can also be coldly cruel and verbally vicious toward people who violate their personal code of ethics. They can be very uncompromising when it comes to their values, and if they ever view you as part of the “problem” in society, you’ll probably be dead to them.

Mars in Pisces: There’s always a touchy-feely atmosphere around these people. Socially conscious, likely to get involved in some form of activism, a cause they believe in. “Belief” is something they have in spades -- they’re drawn to mystical mumbo-jumbo and yoga routines. They can out-hippy the Mars in Libra people. Can easily become addicted to things. No matter how tough their other placements make them seem, they have a squishy teddy bear side that the people closest to them will see. Most of them are romantically and sexually submissive on some level, though they may try to hide it. Keeping things hidden is a talent for them, actually. It’s hard to get to know them on a deeper level because so much of their truest self is swimming beneath the surface. Passive aggression is their go-to tactic for expressing anger. Will bend over backwards to make their partner happy -- they love both making and receiving sweet gestures of affection. Most of them have a deep appreciation for art and aesthetics even if they aren’t artistic themselves.

#astrology #mars signs #mars in aries #mars in taurus #mars in gemini #mars in cancer #mars in leo #mars in virgo #mars in libra #mars in scorpio #mars in sagittarius #mars in capricorn #mars in aquarius #mars in pisces #long post #essays #random observations

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artificialqueens · 5 years ago

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Free Falling, Chapter 10: Working as a Unit (Branjie) - writworm42

A/N: Last chapter, Brooke and Vanessa’s feud got to a ridiculously bad level, so their coworkers locked them in the Snoezelen room together until they kissed & made up. This chapter, the unit gets to work on planning the fundraiser.

This took a WHILE whew but I’m really happy with how it turned out. That being said, it wouldn’t have turned out the way it did without Holtzmanns kicking my ass and being the best beta, cheerleader, and brainstorm-buddy I could ask for <3

Also, writing A'keria take on entitled old white men is my new favourite pastime

As early as the next morning, the vibe around the unit had become unrecognizable from the way it had been for what seemed like forever. It wasn’t just that things had returned to normal— because well, they hadn’t.

They’d gotten even better.

The minute that Brooke and Vanessa had been released from the Snoezelen room by their colleagues, the team hit the ground running - and there had been no stopping them since. Brooke had to admit, in a way, that she was taken by surprise by how quickly, efficiently, and effectively everyone worked.

Sure, Ra’jah was an amazing team lead who wrangled patients and fellow nurses alike without so much as blinking, but who knew that she’d be just as fearless on the phone haggling with vendors? And Vanessa knew that Shuga spent most of her time with parents, but who knew that she’d be able to generate so many RSVPs and reach out to so many community members and partners so quickly? Or that Soju had connections with almost every major public event and performance venue in the city, making it easy for Brooke to book a space? Even A’Keria and Ariel pitched in, somehow convincing 1712’s family to cater the event with a wide menu full of nutritionally-balanced, gluten-free, allergen-free, vegetarian, vegan, halaal, and kosher options.

In fact, Brooke actually had very little to do except sign forms, balance the budget, and get administrative clearance for the event.

It was nice, knowing everyone had her back. Plus, it left her plenty of time for what was fast becoming her favourite hobby: watching Vanessa work.

Maybe it was the honeymoon phase, or maybe Brooke just got excited when others did. Maybe it was that Vanessa’s passion for her work really was infectious. Either way, the more Vanessa became involved with the fundraiser, the more Brooke found herself wishing that she’d known about occupational therapy sooner.

“I finished the floor plans for the booths, everything should be up to code and completely wheelchair accessible.” Vanessa beamed as she slammed a roll of blueprints down on Brooke’s desk, so giddy with excitement that she didn’t even notice that Brooke was taking a phone call. “Ain’t this great?”

It was, and Brooke had never been so eager to get off the phone to tell her so.

“I’m trying to build an adaptive dunk-tank,” Vanessa bounded up to Brooke with an excited flush across her face when she entered the office the next day, the smaller woman’s hair disheveled as if she’d been actively wrestling with prototype materials. “Can I liaise with the building maintenance and engineering staff to steal wood from them or what?”

Brooke said yes, and not even a day later, Vanessa gave her no reason to be disappointed, a fully functional tank ready to be painted and moved out to the venue, its builder ready to accept her thanks in the form of more than one enthusiastic kiss.

In fact, the more Vanessa let Brooke into her world, the prouder Brooke became of her. After all, how many people could say that their girlfriend’s job was encouraging kids like Kam to work on reaching by practicing reaching for prize stuffed animals, or helping a kid like Monet’s fine motor skills by practicing face-painting and readying her to be Soju’s face-painting assistant?

The best part, though, was that it gave Brooke an entirely new perspective not just on Vanessa’s job, but on Vanessa herself.

Vanessa wasn’t just compassionate–empathy came off of her in waves, her heart constantly worn on her sleeve for everyone to see from the moment she walked into the therapy gym. And she wasn’t just creative–she was resourceful, her mind fierce in its ability to look at nothing and make it into something in a few seconds flat. And even though Vanessa could be stubborn, even though she could be a bulldozing pain in the ass when an idea came into her head that she just couldn’t let go of, Brooke came to realize that Vanessa only ever brought her claws out to protect the people she loved.

Brooke really could see why everyone so dearly loved Vanessa right back. She could only hope that others would love her like that one day, too.

As the day of the fundraiser crawled closer, Brooke couldn’t help but feel like the unit was growing stronger and stronger every day with every task that got checked off their to-do list. The adrenaline was starting to get to her and Vanessa too, making them get even bolder, even closer than ever. It was as if their brains had become synced over late-night planning sessions with more than a few kisses shared between pages of blueprints.

“Brooke, that’s it.” Vanessa collapsed back into Brooke’s desk chair two days before the fundraiser, her whole body going slack as she relaxed into the obus-forme backrest she had insisted Brooke add onto its surface ( “trust me, baby, it’ll prevent lower back pain in the long run” ). “That was the last form. We ain’t got nothing left to do. We’re finished.”

Brooke looked over to the papers on her desk, scanning for any plan left unexamined, any to-do list item left unchecked, any i left undotted or t left uncrossed. Vanessa was right - she couldn’t find anything of the sort.

They were done. The event planning was finally finished.

“I can’t believe it.” Brooke laughed, sighing with relief. “One day ahead of schedule, too. Oh my God.”

Vanessa moved out of Brooke’s chair and gestured for Brooke to take her place. “I’m proud of you, baby.” She climbed up onto Brooke’s lap, running her fingers through Brooke’s hair. Brooke hummed as she melted back into the chair’s cushioned surface, melted into the smooth, gentle feeling of Vanessa’s hands against her scalp.

“All we have to do now is keep everything running smoothly.” she sighed contentedly. It was interesting–a few months ago, she was confident that everything had come together, that she’d finally fit as a piece in the unit’s puzzle.

Now, though, watching everyone work together so eagerly, so seamlessly , it was like a whole different vibe. They weren’t pieces making a picture anymore; they were the picture right off the box, the picture everyone else tried to make.

And the most satisfying part was, none of it was Brooke’s doing, not really. Not individually, at least.

It was everyone who made that possible. And they did it without even trying.

“What do you say I drive you home, baby?” Vanessa’s voice roused Brooke from the dozing state she had begun to slip into, the smaller woman’s hands still keeping time as they stroked through Brooke’s hair, “I think you’ve earned a good night’s sleep.”

Brooke yawned, a slow, milky sense of fatigue finally overtaking her as her face smoothed over into a peaceful smile.

“Sounds good to me.”

–

The shift in energy around the unit the next day was unmistakable. The air was giddy with excitement, and one could barely turn a corner in the hallway without hearing fundraiser or carnival fall from someone’s lips.

Volunteers asked each other if they were going to go, trading stories of what they were most excited about and whether or not they were manning a booth. Parents chatted excitedly about how they couldn’t wait and how it would be a nice break. Kids called their friends to make plans for getting together, many of them practically bursting with happiness at the thought of doing something that didn’t have the word therapy attached, something they could invite everyone outside the hospital to do with them.

The vibe was also leaking to other parts of the hospital. Volunteers passed out tickets to early-bird RSVPs and sold last-minute pre-entry in the lobby, and inpatients and outpatients alike spotted the flyers and caught wind of the talk, resolving to go to themselves in support of the kids.

The most palpable change, though, was in the staff. When Brooke walked into the unit that morning, everyone was crowded around Plastique’s desk with a large tray of cupcakes, already celebrating their success. When Brooke had started at Charles-Visage, she probably would have popped a lung yelling for their waste of time, resources, and disrespect for hospital policy. Now, though, she took a cupcake from the tray, her eyes fluttering closed in pleasure when the rich taste of dark chocolate frosting melted onto her tongue.

They hadn’t even done it yet, technically, but they’d done it.

No matter how tomorrow worked out, Brooke was sure that in many other ways, they’d already won.

“Am I interrupting something, ladies?” A sneering voice suddenly burst the team out of their happy bubble, all of them turning to see a tall, older man in a neatly-pressed business suit standing behind them with his arms crossed, a half-crushed fundraiser flyer in his hand.

“Gary.” Brooke nodded curtly, a hush falling over the group as tension set in.

“No, no, please, continue, don’t let me stop this, hm, fun you all seem to love up here.” He sniffed derisively. “Enjoy it while it lasts, since apparently, it’s not going to last long.”

“Now, hold on, Geoffrey, what’s that supposed to mean?” Ra’jah challenged from behind Brooke, hand already on her hip. “You’re holding one of our flyers, you’ve clearly seen it.”

Gary, for his part, seemed nonplussed, though the twitch in his eye at being called Geoffrey was unmistakable. “I don’t know, girls, it just seems a bit, you know, desperate. ”

This time, Brooke didn’t have to bristle at the condescension–everyone behind her was already doing so.

“What do you mean, desperate?” She rolled her eyes as she said it.

“Well, I mean, we at high intensity outpatient never have to do this. Besides, it’ll never work.�� he scoffed.

“Never work? What kinda nonsense you talkin’, Garfield?” Silky snorted, barely stifling her smile as Gary’s eye twitched again.

“A lump sum like a donation can only go so far. Eventually, the funds you raise will dry up, and by then, all you’ll have done is raised funds for a service that’s going under anyway. A waste of time and resources.” He shrugged.

If Brooke hadn’t been so seethingly mad, she would have been impressed at his ability to be staring fifteen grown women in the face and speaking to them all like children instead of like the educated professionals that treated them. But before Brooke could so much as think of something to spit back at him, he turned to her with an almost completely contemptful smile.

“Really, Miss Hytes, I would have thought you would understand finances a little better, given your position. Although, I suppose a bunch of kids wouldn’t notice inexperience, would they?”

That was it. Brooke felt something else take over her; her head began to spin and rage rose in her throat, indignation bubbling on her tongue. Her team?Inexperienced?

Not Yvie, who had been hired straight out of her placement because she’d achieved top marks and had made such a good impression on all the staff there. Not Plastique, who had everything Brooke needed done before Brooke even realized it was a task that was still outstanding. Certainly not Shuga, who had over twenty years to generate a mile-long resume that she kept as a record of all the different experiences she’d had, all the lessons she’d learned and brought to the unit in her present practice. How dare he, how fucking dare he.

She was just about to tear Gary a new one, when she noticed his gaze. He was only looking at Brooke, his eyes full of contempt and something dangerously near some kind of put-on pity.

He wasn’t talking about the team.

He was talking specifically about her.

This wasn’t the first time Brooke had been underestimated. It wasn’t the first time her efforts or her achievements had been discounted. It more than likely wouldn’t be the last, either. She was used to it–used to rising above it, used to showing rather than telling, used to proving her adversaries wrong and making them eat their own words. To watching them squirm and letting their discomfort be her victory prize.

But apparently the team took a different approach.

“Sorry, Gabriel, who the flipper do you think you’re flipping talking to?” Scarlet shouldered her way to the front of the group, standing practically right in Gary’s face. “There’s no one inexperienced here.”

“That’s right,” Honey spoke up, coming to stand right behind Scarlet, “Brooke is the best manager we’ve ever had, and I dare you to say anything different.”

“Well, in that case, I feel sorry for–” but Gary didn’t have a chance to finish the sentence before A’keria was in his face, her short stature suddenly stretched to about six feet just by virtue of the threat in her posture and edge to her words.

“You ain’t feel sorry for nothing or nobody. You think you’re oh-so-mighty, well let me tell you somethin’, Mr Gregory, at least here, we ain’t gotta rely on our daddy’s name to get our positions. Brooke ain’t no exception to that.” She began to walk forwards, effectively forcing Gary back a step with each word.

“Brooke works harder than anyone else in this hospital, and ever since she been here, we been doing better than ever. Now I know we ain’t no rich people’s playground, but what do you wanna bet that if we pulled up the numbers, we’d see an exponential growth here, while you sittin’ pretty at half a billion but been in a plateau there for ten years?” She takes a step closer. “‘Cause we got your number, Gordon, and it ain’t a good one. Brooke is a better manager than you’ll ever be, and if you want to see it for yourself, tickets to the fundraiser are ten dollars each. Now get the flunk out of our unit.”

“Reginald.” Gary growled in correction, but before he could say anything else, there were the sounds of wheels rolling fast on the ground, followed by the tell-tale squealing of a five-year-old having the time of her life and the loud protests of a grown occupational therapist who wasn’t supposed to be running a scooterboard race in the inpatient hallway.

This time, when Gary went down, Ra’jah had nothing to say about it.

#rpdr fanfiction #vanessa vanjie mateo #branjie #lesbian au #hospital au #free falling #writworm42

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5-secondsofcolor · 6 years ago

Text

The New Year

Note: This is one of the first fics I’ve ever written and the first one I’ve ever published anywhere. I’m far from an amazing writing but part of my new years resolution is practicing and gaining confidence in writing. It’s a little clunky so, please, feel free to leave me feedback! K, thank you for reading.

Warnings: Some swearing? None really.

-----

Calum’s family decide to stay through New Years; David’s freshly retired, Joy is more than happy to spend more time with Cal, and Mali’s just along for the ride this year. They tell Calum not to fret, to enjoy his new year as he planned but he can't leave them.

Caught between a rock and a hard place, he realizes what he's got to do. Introduce Laura to his family. It's not like they weren't friends before, he's known her more than a year, and she's not a secret to anyone. The issue is that they still find themselves in an in-between. What've they got? Monogamy? Yep. Sleepovers? Yeah. Weekends away? A few here and there with a final one planned to close off the year. A New Year's cabin trip just for two. Well they had to reschedule that one.

Joy quickly throws together a dinner, inviting Ashton, Luke, and Michael and his parents, of course. She’s happy to get them together for dinner again, anytime with the boys together is special for her. Knowing they’ll be there has also brought some relief to Laura; she’s still getting to know Luke and Ash but Michael and her get along like a house on fire. Rapidly pairing together at parties and clubs they're dragged out to, there’s a comfortable understanding that they’ve got one another’s back.

Nervousness grips Laura on December 30th, a full day before it needs to. She tries on outfit after outfit trying to find something good enough to meet his family in. Suddenly there's an issue with every item in her closet, it's either too small or too large, too formal or too frumpy, long story short it's all fucking wrong. Then she finds it, a maroon wrap dress buried in the back of her closet. It’s not perfect but it'll work. Now, what in the world does she bring to this thing?

“Laura, this is Mali. Mali this is Laura, we've..umm been dating.” Calum says quickly introducing them.

From the corner of her eye, Laura sees a shit eating grin break out on Ashton's face; he's rooting for them, she knows it, but he also finds it extraordinarily amusing that Calum's found someone so similar to himself. both of them said “fuck love” until they found one another. Ashton can see the change in Calum, the way he's stopped saying it in interviews, so now he's just waiting for the day they announce its official.

“It's great to finally meet you.” Mali says ignoring Laura's extended hand and going in for a hug. “I love this dress. The color looks amazing on your skin.” She notes.

“It's great to meet you, too. Calum talks about you so much, it's great to put a face to the name.”

Dinner starts without a hitch. Laura can see why Calum told her to bring drinks; Joy has covered the table in food, cooking every dish she could. After a quick speech from Calum and Joy, everyone digs in. The boys dominate the conversation, Ashton and Luke fighting to give Joy updates of their lives in-between bites.

Luke’s also met a girl this year, he tells Joy all about her, unfortunately, she’s away for the New Year but soon they’ll go to Australia to meet his mom. Ashton goes off about his new project, something about photography or was it film? He’s got so many it’s hard for everyone to keep up from time to time.

“Laura, what do you do for a living?” Joy asks trying to bring her into the conversation.

“Ma, I'm sure she doesn't want to talk about work.”

“It's ok, Cal. I work part-time conducting demographic research at a marketing firm and I work freelance for a few local companies, setting up their online marketing and consulting. I like to write a lot on the side but it'll be a while before that's making me any money.”

“If you keep writing the way you have with Calum, you’re gonna be a songwriter soon enough,” Michael adds hardly lifting his face from his plate.

“Are you a singer?” Mali asks.

“Oh no," She shakes her head. Laura's tone-deaf at best but editing runs in her veins. "I write more poetry than anything but I give feedback to Cal’s writing sometimes.”

Joy gives her a soft smile before Luke grabs back the attention. For once, Laura's grateful for his and Ashton's larger personalities. They feed off one another as they continue telling stories of their last tour and their new album. They miss Joy almost as much as they miss their own mothers. Laura can see why, Joy’s genuine pride at all they've got going on is infectious.

Laura feels herself relax as dinner goes on. All the dialogues slowly bleed into one, allowing her to sit and observe for a moment. Her favorite pastime, watching how enthusiastically people speak about things they’re passionate about. There’s always a glimmer in Luke’s eyes when he speaks about love. Ashton’s smile never breaks from his lips and his gestures get even larger. Mali, much like Calum, smiles wide when she’s happy making her eyes small as happiness takes over her face.

“So how'd you meet?” Mali asks as she finishes a story.

The table falls silent as everyone pauses. Joy and David look inquisitively as Michael snickers. He swears his phone call set their entire relationship in motion.

“I lost my phone outside a coffee shop and this one found it,” Calum explains briefly. Laura nods in agreement but everyone turns to her, waiting for her side.

“Honestly, that's it. I found his phone, held onto it until he came to pick it up, and we kinda just started having coffee together. It had to have been almost a year ago? Right after your birthday. I didn't let him buy me a coffee the day I found it so he came back a week later, and he bought me a coffee then. Let's be honest, he just wanted an excuse to grab the best coffee in this area.” Laura teases rolling her eyes in Calum's direction. “He started joining me while I worked once or twice a week and we unintentionally started a little writing club.”

The entire time Laura speaks, Joy’s eyes are trained on Calum. He holds her hand under the table while he listens attentively, his eyes never leaving her. For years she's been worried, they haven't heard a peep out of Calum about anyone until Laura. There's hardly a peep about her but the few times she's come up there's been excitement in his voice. A little peace comes to her seeing him try in love again.

Ashton and Luke are off after dinner, heading out to some parties. Laura and Calum are up first to volunteer go do the dishes. Laura starts a quiet playlist before taking her usual spot of scrubber beside Calum. Joy runs in occasionally, finding random dishes to hand them. They work slowly on purpose. Calum sings to her and places gentle kisses on her temple as they bask in the silence, enjoying the small amount of time stolen away in the kitchen. The dishes hardly feel like a chore as they playfully lean into one another, a gentle reminder that the other is there.

There's no questioning the feeling they have; it's love but logic says it’s too soon. Neither of them can fully wrap their head around it. There's something different about their love. There's no madness, no crazy proclamations are needed, nobody will be shouting it from rooftops. Much like them, their love is silent, it's found only by those who'll take the time to observe.

“Want to break open that Christmas whiskey and have a quick drink in the backyard?” Laura dries off her hand on a kitchen towel.

“I'd love to,” Calum says grabbing two glasses and a bottle Laura's gifted him as they sneak into the backyard.

Calum hands Laura a drink and watches her in the soft light. She's got a way about her; from the day they met it's kept her coming up in his mind. The girl in the coffee shop with her work scattered about, a simple way of romanticising everyday, and her smile? It's out of this word. The only reason why he left that day was a phone call. Had Michael not called him, where would the conversation have gone? Two, three, four times she came to mind the weekend after they met and Calum knew he had to befriend her. He wasn't sure what she'd be but it wasn't a “What if?” he was going to live with. With nothing but hope, he showed up to the same coffee shop a week later, sat at the same table, and for once let fate take the reigns.

“Happy almost New Years, guy I’m dating,” Laura says taking the glass.

“Happy almost New Year, phone sitter.”

They clink their glasses together. Does she make everyone feel that way? Like they're the center of the universe. She says something but all he can focus on is the need to hold her in his arms, to run his fingertips over her beautiful brown skin. He takes her drink and places it down before pulling her into him. She'll bring up the lack of attention later but, right now, he just wants her close. She wraps her arms around his waist, resting her head on his shoulder, as they sway to the music pouring into the backyard. Unbeknownst to them, Mali and Joy are peaking into the backyard from a window.

“Dad, look. They're absolutely precious.”

“Window’s open, Mal.” Calum says. Laura hides her face in his chest, her face warming quickly.

“Shit. Sorry, guys!”

“Y'all want some whiskey? It's fancy stuff I got Cal for Christmas.” Laura calls into the house.

With that, David’s off the couch and joining them in the backyard. They all settle outside together. Laura dipping her feet into the heated pool and Mali joins her after a moment. They talk about living in London for a while. Laura recalls the winter she spent abroad in London and Mali adds her own humid summer horror stories. Soon Joy joins them too. She takes the cake telling them of the Australian summers of her youth. Summers hot enough that the pavement would melt the soles of her shoes. Her children call her a liar but Joy presses on. David and Karen corroborating her stories until the kids concede.

The stories continue, everyone sitting around listening to David, Joy, and Karen reminisce on years passed. Memories of the kid's childhoods are traded back and forth until they intersect and begin to overlap. Karen and Joy meeting for the first time, the boys starting the band, having their sons follow insane dreams, and the bouts of sadness that can be found in all the joys of their success. Karen and Joy give Laura the whole story or at least they give it a shot as midnight approaches.

Midnight comes and brings with it hugs and kisses, the sounds of clanking of crystal, and explosions off in the distance as they ring in new opportunities. All of them stay outside watching the fireworks go off and chatting for a little longer.

The whole world’s alight but Calum can only see Laura, the world doesn’t matter. This is the New Year but the only thing that makes him feel any different is standing beside him, staring up at the night sky. The whole year came down to a few points and it’s taken him until now to realize the fateful day he dropped his phone was a one. Fate making sure he took pause long enough to see her and, now, he knows he’ll keep an eye out.

“Ok. Ashton had told me you two were cute but she's amazing. Please tell me you're taking her seriously.” Mali says the second Calum returns from walking Laura to her car.

“Mal… please no.”

“Calum, are you serious? You're in love, she's in love, there's basically turtle doves hovering around you.”

“Mali, that's enough.”

Giving her a stern look, he takes the last of the leftovers into the kitchen. He settles onto the kitchen island, helping his mother tidy the kitchen. She sworn by the superstition for years: a tidy house at New Years means a tidy house all year.

Calum knows Mali’s right but fear is louder. Laura terrifies him. Even when they were simply friends, there was so much that began to lead back to her. Writing, happiness, home -- all began to lead back to her and he doesn't want to fight it. He wants to share them with her and it's a feeling that's only gotten stronger in the last few months. But it all boils down to a game of risk. What if he gets too comfortable and she leaves? What if this leads to nothing but new heartbreak? Will this become another reminder to not fall in love?

“Baby, what’s on your mind?” Joy asks, seeing Calums face twist as he runs through all his thoughts.

“How’d you know dad was the one?” Calum asks, settling on the kitchen island as she packs away the last of the leftovers.

“Dad is the one. I know because, in the harder moments, he always stays. It’s easy to love someone through the good but when things get hard and people pull away, when life wedges in all the reasons to leave, and he chooses to stay, that’s when I know he's the right one.”

Calum nods and stays silent for a moment.

“Laura’s something special isn’t she?”

“She is. It just all came so suddenly, I wasn’t expecting it, mum.”

“Sometimes it’s not about what you’re expecting but about what life knows you’re ready for.” Joy says packing away the last of the leftovers. “Goodnight, baby. Happy New Years.”

“Goodnight, mum. I love you.”

---

The next morning Calum’s hardly slept, his mind a jumble of thoughts. He grabs Duke before going out for a cigarette. He's surprised to find Mali already in the backyard with her writing journal.

“Good morning.” She coos down at Duke.

“Good morning." He settles beside her and thinks for a moment, "I'm sorry I was short with you last night.”

“It's fine, Calum.” She tries to wave him off, figuring the issue wasn't her.

“No, it wasn't. I'm sorry. It's just… I just don't know how to speak about Laura.” He shrugs unable to find the words even hours later. “Mali, I don’t want to get ahead of myself but I feel stupid not rushing in. It's like when we started the band, my gut’s just saying it's right.”

“Then what's holding you back?”

“I can't… I don't think I could make it if this…isn't real.” Calum says slowly. Unsure of how to voice his fear.

“Cal, I know it's scary to take a leap but if the feelings that strong, listen to it. Just from what I saw yesterday, I think she's on the same page as you Remember, you'll always have Ash and I, too.”

It's the final push he needs, the most important women in his life have his back. With a sigh, he finds the resolve to see her. He doesn't have a plan but he can't hold all the emotions in any longer. Calum pulls up her contact and dials her number. Knowing full well she's not a morning person, he hopes she's already awake.

“Bueno?”

“Morning, beautiful.” Calum says, rolling his eyes as Mali holds her heart and gives him a silent ‘awwwww’.

“Hola, cariño.”

“What're you doing?”

“Umm writing.” Laura admits, her cheeks burning. She's been caught in that act. In a mad attempt to capture even the smallest part of the way he's making her feel, she's spent the morning writing about him. She's hoping to silence the ruckus in her mind, so much so that she's up early. She's unsuccessful, truthfully, it seems that the only thing that truly silences her thoughts doubles as their source.

“Mind if I come over? Just for a little.”

“Yeah, I have something for you.” Laura admits, rolling her lips between her teeth.

“Do you? Well then I can't show up empty handed, how does some Nautical Bean sound?” He can't help the smile breaking across his face.

Laura laughs lightly, “That sounds freaking amazing and that way I'll hopefully get this done before you get here.”

“Mm, I can't wait to read it. I'll see you soon. Bye.” Calum says as he hangs up.

“Mal, tell-”

“Tell mum and dad you'll be back soon. Yeah, yeah. Go on now!” She shoos.

Before he knows it, Calum's got their coffees and he's running up the steps two at a time. He knocks softly before letting himself in.

“Hi.” Hey says breathlessly.

Every bit of nervousness leaves his body as he sees her sitting on her couch. A large blanket drapes around her shoulders while she works on her laptop. These are his favorite moments to share with her. When both of them quietly working on something, happy not to go at it alone. He settles in beside her, waiting for a moment while she finishes her work.

"G'morning, bub." She says with a smile, placing her laptop down on the coffee table. “Thank you for the coffee”

“Ok now I gotta hold up my end of this deal,” Laura says opening to a page in the small journal before handing it over to him. “I know I said you aren't allowed to read my personal journals but today's an exception,” He wants to say something but the words stick together, creating a lump in his throat. They share a knowing look, her journal is everything to her. It's her best friend holding the pieces she's afraid to share. He's holding a piece of her heart. She gives him a nervous smile as he starts to read an entry from the night previous.

“These hands have held me in another lifetime.

I can't explain it. Not fully, not even in parts.

I don't understand it, yet it is.

The same way birds fly, it looks impossible, improbable, yet they take flight every day so it must be.

I see it just the same with us.

Neruda’s poems make sense, they're clear in a way I've never known.

Paths are simpler as the future comes with one piece set.

I am not afraid to get my heart broken by you.

Maybe it's foolish, stupid, reckless but something in these hollow bones of mine tells me to take flight.

Tell me, do I sound insane?”

Calum reads the paper twice over; his heart feels ready to burst. He clears his throat, finally finding words to say.

"Well, that makes things a lot easier,” Calum says quickly closing the distance between them and placing a gentle kiss on her lips. He feels a smile grow on her lips as she pulls away. He shakes his head, knowing he can't possibly top her writing, "Last year, your friendship alone meant the world to me. You were there patiently through the worst parts of it and I don't think I could've asked for anything else from you. I hope I returned the favor through your rougher moments. Through the good and the bad we fell into something more that has been an absolute gift to me. I know it won't always be this smooth. I know there'll be days where things are off, when I'm gone and we both feel alone, where we'll both struggle but that's ok. Even in the bad days, I'll still hope it's you I get to love. I don't want any of this, the bad or the good, with anyone else but you. Te quiero mucho. Did I say that right?”

“Yeah.” She whispers, eyes brimming with tears. Without a second thought, she takes back her journal, and careful tears out the page and hands it to him.

"How does the first of the month sound to you?" Calum asks folding the paper carefully before placing it into his wallet.

"For what?"

"To start celebrating anniversaries?"

"Sounds good." She says pulling him in for another kiss.

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