#I will continue to remain overly proud of this for a while

[pinkandgreenarepurpleandyellow]

Presenting the project that made me heterophobic:

Yep! I am the dork that painted the masks of our current five boys over the course of three-four days (easier to space than six would be and lets face it, I do not care for kurlzz). I chose the Notes from the Underground masks because I've realized that it's the album that most of my favorite songs thus far come from. I quickly began regretting my decision at the point where I realized exactly how limited my paint options were and how many cool colors I would need. More details for each mask below (going bottom to top).

Danny's mask looks almost nothing like the actual one mostly because I painted the circles first and did not realize the mask was more angular than I initially thought. I also had no gold, so we've got a lovely yellow mixed with tan for the base color. The bullets are rough but also smaller than you'd think and a basic brush set from Michaels does not, as I have learned, have super tiny brushes, so I did the best I could on the casings. I am proud of the fact that I tried to make the rust work as best as I could, and if you look really closely, you can even see the mesh in the eyes (looks a little clearer on the left eye). The smirk is present on the right side and I do think it's decently recognizable.

This one made me cry. Any criticism of the fire around the eyes will be met with the response to suck dick because, to be quite frank, I challenge anyone to do better at 1 am and remain disturbingly proud of them. I'm kinda sad that my green (mixed from blue and yellow, because my budget is two pennies and all previous supplies) dried up early cause I was hoping to get more of the Louis Vuitton-style details, but still pretty damn good. I think the pyramid and the canisters turned out nice. Also, a little bit of a cat-eye shape for the eyeholes and the fire, but that was deliberate and I will not be ashamed of it in my moment of pride (I will undoubtedly feel the shame within five minutes of posting, but that is a problem for future me).

A fun an interesting fact is that this is the second time I've done this particular mask of J3T, and both times I have realized I love doing the butterfly. It's super fun because as long as we get the basic swirls in, it's alright if they don't match length perfectly. The cracks are slightly off because the very first ones were free-handed, but I did my best to get the rest of them proper, and they even work to form the nose. Apparently the orange looks more yellow than I thought.

This one was a welcome relief after crying over the detailing of J-Dog's mask. Again, no metallic colors, so our silver is grey. The little black lines are there to add texture to the edges (as it turns out, none of my brushes added it in a sufficiently noticeable way), and this one looks the cleanest imo.

Last but not least, Charlie's bandanna (sunglasses painted over because, as it turns out, I continue to suck at painting and drawing glasses). The buildings are likely not accurate to the actual picture, but my reference photo did not show the actual city on the bandana so I just did some buildings, a fancy lil' LA and we're calling it an artistic interpretation. Also, check out that S. Coolest S I will ever draw in my life, got it right on the first try.

Anyways sorry that I didn't post this sooner cause I technically finished all of this yesterday evening, I have a flight soon so I am typing this up at 4:30 am at the airport.

(Tagging @vampswillhurtyou and @cutelittlenightmarethings cause both of you said you were interested and I have no idea whether or not this will show up in the main tags.)

Final pic to show what it looks like at a slight distance and with other object to provide scale. Note the paint palette thingy having 3 shades of grey in it because, again, shoestring budget and persistence substitute everything for us.

[kaciebello]

Love accusations

Masterlist George Weasley x Gryffindor! reader (fem) Summary: 3 instances where you deny dating George, and the one where you don’t. Much to Fred's dismay. warnings: Mention of sex, swearing, no use of y/n Authors note: one-shot. English is not my first language, so I apologize for any mistakes beforehand. Proofread by me and me only (Ｔ▽Ｔ) Word count: 3k

A pair of Gryffindor sat on a sofa in a secluded part of the common room.  The two had previously worked on their charms homework together, however, one had seemingly finished and moved on to a book, while the other one took avoiding it as his main mission in life. However, any attempt to get a reaction from the girl goes unnoticed by her. Disappointed he returned to doing his homework. They both fail to notice his twin approaching with their friend.

“You two ARE having sex!” Fred yells making some heads in the common room turn in their direction with curiosity.  George jumps a bit in shock and looks at his brother. Eyes widening.

“Really? George, why didn't you tell me? I would have put my book down.” Says the girl lazily not even attempting to put her book down. She was not even bothered enough to pick up her gaze from it or bothered by her friend's antics.

“ We are not!” George argues back as Fred and Lee sit down opposite the couple. That however goes flat to their ears. Because if there is something Fred loves more than testing his brothers, it's teasing his twin brother.

“Fred, the only people having sex here, are the characters in my book.” She says, turning to another page. George leans over and tries to peek whether that is true or not. The girl shuts the book with a loud bang and places it gently on the table. Now finally giving all the attention to the overly loud Gryffindor duo. Lee's hand reaches for the book but she just swats it away.

“What do you want.” She asks.

“I want, you two to admit you're dating.” He says pointing a finger between her and George.

“Not gonna happen Fred.” 

“Why not?”

“ Because we are not dating, easy as that.”

“Bullshit!” Fred yells and slams his fist onto the coffee table. She leans back into the sofa and just shakes her head dissapointly. Kicking her feet up on the coffee table and crosses her hands over her chest.

“You have no valid argument, Fred. I will not debate this with you if you have no evidence.” She says looking into Fred's eyes, knowing damn well it will fire the boy up. He narrows his eyes at her and nods as if telling her he will play her little game. Quickly he turns to Lee and they start whispering sometimes glancing at the pair. The two of them made it look like they just thought of a groundbreaking strategy in quidditch.

“ You know what you're doing, right?” George leans back and looks at the girl. Giving up on the homework at this point. She just smirks and nods. Lee and Fred turn back and simultaneously clear their throats.

“We have proof.” He says seriously and pokes Lee in his side with his elbow. The girl just raises her eyebrow before motioning them to continue. Lee sits up straight.

“ I have seen you two almost kiss in the corridor before.” He says very proud of himself. Fred started franticly nod and a smile spread across his face. Gorges's eyes widen a little at this information. The girl, however, remained unphased.

“ You can't prove that it was us. I could have been anyone.” She argues back, looking at her nails, seemingly bored. Fred's smile flatters a bit before he jumps up.

“I CAN RECOGNISE MY FACE ANYWHERE!” He yells and points at the girl. She just lifts her gaze and him.

“You didn't see us tho. Lee did. Hence, could have been anyone.” Fred's and George's faces snap to Lee who gulps very loudly. Looking nervous between the two brothers and the girl. Lee felt like in the front line of a war.

“ We walked together to the library after tho.” He says.

“ You walked together to the library after!” Fred repeats seeing this as his victory. Placing his hands on his hips and making a superhero pose. The girl just sighs and takes her legs off of the coffee table.

“ Are you jealous about me almost kissing George? Fine. I can almost kiss Lee if you want. Even you if you desire so much.”  Whine leaves Geroge as Fred and Lee watch the girl in confusion.

“What.”

“You heard me, Weasley.” She says before getting up from her comfortable spot. Both Lee and Fred move a few inches back. She just chuckles and goes to pack her things. George sees this and goes to do the same.

“Plus it couldn't be me kissing George, as I fancy someone else.” She says after picking her book from the table and placing it in her bag.

“You do?” Say all 3 boys at the same time. She just rolls her eyes at their antics and turns to leave. George hurriedly followed her.

“ Where are you going?” Fred asks as both of them get up and move toward the exit. She just flashes him a smile.

“ To almost kiss your brother in the corridor.”

—

The four of them were on their way to Hogsmeade. The snow as fallen in a thick  layer and all there was to do was some shopping. The twins wanted to buy some trinkets from Zonks, while Lee and the girl had only butter beer on their minds. Walking swiftly to get from the cold and hoping their younger siblings don't catch up on them and they would be forced to take them with. Fred and Lee led the group, while the other two were falling behind. Fred and Lee could be heard from miles away. George opted for a much quieter conversation with his partner.

“ When are we going to tell him?” asks George the girl next to him. “Don't get me wrong, it's hilarious, but I miss holding your hand.” He continues and his hand brushes over hers. Although he dubs she could feel it over her gloves. To be fair, George finds it as much fun as she does. He just sometimes misses her despite being right next to her.

“You can hold my hand whenever you want to, but, It's too much fun, it's like he's obsessed.” A smile spreads across her lips as she stops her movements and looks at the boy. He also stops and looks at the girl. Her hand extends to him as a gentle offering. He takes it as fast as he can. Walking closer to her, he places his other hand on her cheek.  Smile adored both of them, as George leaned in, Smack.

Crumbs of snowball have fallen on her face, a giggle escaped her. George wipes his head around to see his brother and friend both with loaded-up snowballs. Before he can react, two more hit him. Effectively stunning him.

“OI! Hurry up you lovebirds!” yells Lee before he and Fred run in the direction of Three Broomsticks. George just curses and runs behind them. Leaving the girl to leisurely walk and meet them there.

When she got here, all of them had already shed their outdoor layers and had butterbeers sitting in front of them. One was in a space next to George waiting for her. She took her scarf and coat off. Something perked up Fred's attention.

“Is this your way of telling us?” He says pointing between her and George. 

“Telling you what?” She asks, sitting down. Not even being able to take a sip of her drink before Fred spits other nonces.

“That you two are together.” Lee is however faster and suppresses his friend in the explanation. The girl just rolls her eyes before taking a sip. A foam mustache forms on her upper lip that she quickly wipes with the sleeve of her sweater. Momentarily stopping to progress something.

“ Guys, we have been over this.” Defends George this time. Fred just narrowed his eyes at him before pointing at the girl, who was still frozen.

“Explain this then!” He says and grabs the sleeve of the sweater she was wearing. “ This is your sweater!!” Sudden touch wakes the girl up and she retracts her hand.

“Again Fred, you can't prove that.” He looks at her in disbelief, lost for words from the sheer audacity of this girl. Groan leaves George and Lee is just laughing at his friends' antics.

“Oh? So the giant G on the front doesn't mean anything?” Recovers Fred rather quickly. George chokes on his butter beer and Lee goes to pat him on the back. The girl looks down and stretches the sweater. There is indeed a giant G on it. No dubbed Mrs. Weasly work as always. She wondered if she did it to help herself to keep track of whose laundry she was doing.

“It's just a G, could mean anything.” leaves her.

“G for George.”

“ Or G for Ginny, ya know? Your sister.” She says, raising her eyebrow at him.

“Why would you have my sister's sweater?” he asks accusingly. She just shrugs and takes another sip from her drink. 

“ Why would I have George's one? I don't like him like that.” When she says it like that it makes sense for her to have Ginnys' sweater more than Georges.

“So you do like him!” Lee jumps on the accusation train. Another groan leaves George and he finishes his drink.

“Just how I like you, and Fred, and Padma, and Harry, And-”

“ Okay, okay, I get it.” Freds gives up and takes a sip. A smirk spreads on his face. “ So tell us, who do you fancy?”

“Hmmm, well, truth to be told, he's a Gryffindor, tall, and very cheeky and his name is- WELL would you look at that! I will get us another round.” She says and gets up from her spot. Knowing better than to take Fred's bait, she walked away to the bar. She can hear Fred turning to Lee and George.

“I'm telling you it's George, You can't fight me on this one!” Georges's giggles are heard throughout the tavern. “ Motherfucker, you ain't telling us shit!”

—

A scream is heard throughout the burrow, together with fast steps going down the stairs.

Harry, Hermione, and Lee turn to the sound startled. The 3 Weasleys, however, not even looking up from their card game. Fred places one card down making Ginny frown and carefully study her own. Ron just curses under his breath.

The girl appeared first with the other twin on her toes. She stops in front of the group, eyes gleaming with victory. George stops once he notices the other people, opting to just stand behind her.

“Are you okay?” Hermione asks, Placing her own card down without even looking. Ron curses again and tries to peak at Harry's cards. He just presses them to his chest, preventing him.

“Yeah, why?” The girl asks, clearly out of breath from running from the much faster boy behind her.

“ The scream?” Harry says, not really sure he wants to join the conversation. She just waves her arms at them.

“Oh no, don't worry. It's something George did.” The boy behind her straightens at his name. Looking at his sister who seemed to be winning the game with almost no effort.

“ Oh Merlin, he finally did it. He showed her the birthday suit.” Fred says.

“and it was SMALL.” Followed Lee, Fred's head snapped to his friend, he took full offense to that. Hemione's face twists in disgust. A small ‘ew’ can be heard from Ginny before she places another card on the table. Ron makes a fake gaging sound and George had nothing better than ‘dude’. The girl laughs at this.

“Oh Lee, I love you so much,” she says and goes to hug him. George whines and stops her by grabbing her upper arm.

“I can confirm that is not true mate.” Says Fred with full confidence. George just shakes his head. Hermione decided to force her cards on Harry, who was not very happy about it, and got up.

“I'm going to make some tea, you want some?” She says to the girl, she just nods and follower her to the kitchen. 

“ Count me in!” Says Ginny as she places her last card on the table, successfully winning the game. Her brothers and friends just groan. Ron looks like he might cry at this point.

The girls moved to the kitchen where Mrs. Weasley was looking out the window, watching her older sons and husband work in the yard. She notices them walking into the kitchen and smiles at them. Ginny mentions something about tea and the girls sit down. After some time and bickering over what does and does not belong in tea, steaming cups were sat before them. Hermione breaks the silence.

“So, when are you gonna announce it?” Confused look from the girl, Mrs. Weasly just glances at them, seemingly paying them no mind. While she may be facing the window, her years are very much facing the three girls sitting at her dining table. Because be assured if something is going on with her children, under her roof, she is bound to know. The girls didn't even have time to answer before Ginny jumped in.

“Wait, are not just pretending to not know in front of Fred?” She asked, confused as well. Hermione stops putting sugar in her tea and fully turns to the girl. She grabs her hands into hers and looks her in the eyes.

“Are you?” The girl grows nervous. Curse Ginny and her watching people skills.

“I have no idea what you're on about Hermione.” she says with a full chest, then leans in and whispers.” Let's not talk about it in front of his mum!”

“Stop whispering, we all know something is going on between you and George. I know my brothers, and I know when they have that lovesick look.” Ginny blows on her tea before taking a sip. Somehow she manages to give both of them a pointed look. 

“I know what you look like with that look too, don't start Ginny.” says the horrified girl, still not comfortable that Mrs. Weasly is there. Ginny goes red and just looks away. Speaking of the older woman, she turns to them.

“ Who has a lovesick look?” She asks with a smile that feels a little bit too threatening to all of them, although others may see it as the sweetest one.

“You when you look at dad. What is he doing anyway.” Ginny says hoping to change the subject. The older woman just huffs, turns around, and looks out the window again. Ginny leans forward to the other two before she whispers.

“I'm just saying, let it really be my sweater you borrow next time.” A smirk on her lips when she retries. With the corner of her eye, she sees her brother trying to catch a glimpse of the embarrassed girl.

—

“Source?” Lee asks.

“ Dude, trust me,” Fred answers.

“ You know I am physically unable to do that.” The two boys were hiding behind a bush. Good view of the pair sitting on the bench.

“ I too was advised, not to trust you.” Pipes in Collin, who was dragged into this mess by an accident. The poor boy wanted a picture of that tiny firework Fred had, instead, he dragged him to this when he refused to let him borrow his camera.

“Collin, this is the talk. This is the news! I need you to take a picture of them when they kiss.” Says Fred, a creepy grin on his face. Collin scared a bit just nods his head and gets in position. After a few good minutes of spying, Fred gets impatient and turns to Lee.

“Should we find a better spot? My feet kinda hurt from squatting.” He says but then a shutter goes off. A little photo comes from the camera and Fred grabs it.

“AHA, GOT YOU!” he jumps out waving it in the air and running to the startled couple. Scaring the couple that jumps away from each other a little. Lee and Collin follow behind him.

“What are you on about Fred?” Asks him, George. Still holding the girl that had her legs on his lap. 

“ YOU TWO! KISSING! I GOT PROOF!” HE yells and shows them the picture. The girl just grabs it and looks at it. Fred is jumping up and down, hugging Collin and then Lee. Victory celebration. The girl gets up and walks to the poor younger Gryffindor. George is pulled up by Fred and forced to join a jumping hug.

“Hey Collin, can I keep this?” She asks the boy gently. He just nods, seemingly scared of the situation. The girl turns back to the three overgrown babies smile on her face. She can no longer argue about proof, as she was holding one in her hand. She turns to Collin again and tells him he can go. The boy just nods and runs away as fast as he can, very much terrified of his upperclassmen. 

 George wiggles out of the hug and makes his way to her. Cheers can be heard from his brother and friend. When they meet again, George stops right in front of her. One of his hands finds her waist and the other on her neck. They stay like this for a few seconds seemingly in their word, not noticing the cheers dying down. He leans in, their lips brush, when...

“Not in front of me Forge!” Yells Fred with the girl in his arms, running away with laughter, followed by Lee. George was frozen in his position, the girl missing from his arms. George shakes his head at his brothers' antics. Now that he looks at it, maybe living in denial wasn't the worst thing. Because if there is anything his twin loves more than teasing other people, is teasing him.

[jaemlover101]

love you (from afar) - na jaemin

jaemin x female reader (feat. jeno and the rest of the dreamies)

synopsis: When you’re finally pulled out of your house and pushed into your first party at the ripe age of sixteen, you meet Na Jaemin. In an instant, you're captivated and obsessed while he remains oblivious. Unrequited love is hard but it’s even worse when time proves it isn’t on anyone's side. 

Or alternatively: To you, Na Jaemin is the center of your universe but to him, you are an awesome friend.

genre: fluff, angst, unrequited love, basically a love triangle, coming of age if you squint?, strangers to friends to ???

warnings/notes: underage drinking, swearing, no one rlly gets closure, time skips?, haechan is readers best friend lol, lots of mirroring!!, lmk if i missed any.. :3

wc: 9.6k+

a/n: hello hello!! my writing debut! (or return if you can even count the works i published in middle school...) i'm so excited to finally put out a finished piece for the first time in years and hopefully you enjoy it! i'm a person who enjoys writing, i'm not a writer so i'm sorry if this is not perfect- it's just something fun for me! feedback is appreciated and happy reading <3 p.s. i barely proofread this sry!

this piece was loosely inspired by this song! love u (from afar)

The first time you realize you’re in love with Na Jaemin is at your first high school party. 

You couldn’t believe your friend had somehow managed to finally get you away from your desk and into a crowded and overly-heated house. You did not belong here.

“Aren’t you excited to finally live a little?” You look up at the tanned boy throwing his arm around you. Scoffing, you dig your elbow into his side a little, “I live everyday, you just think it’s boring.” Haechan laughs at the eye roll you send him, “Can’t argue there.”

You know Haechan is feeling proud of himself. In your many years of knowing the boy, he was always the one trying his hardest to pull you out of your room. Even though you almost always refused his pleading, you couldn’t help but secretly like that Haechan had never given up on you.

Hearing your name, you whip around to lock eyes with your other friend running up to you, “I can’t believe you got her to come!” 

Rolling your eyes must be a new habit of yours. “I had to bribe her,” Haechan shakes his head, disappointed with the truth, “but she’s here! Finally the trio can thrive!” 

Haechan wraps his other arm around the boy as the three of you continue your journey into the kitchen, “What should her first drink be junnie?” the other thinks for a second, “maybe something easy, she’d probably like a smirnoff ice” You look at the boy, a little worry in your eyes, “don’t worry, it’s an easy drink, low percentage.”

As the night progressed, you became more comfortable as you stuck with your friends, feeling more confident with each drink you consumed. 

Haechan watched as you and Renjun went shot for shot, wide-eyed at the sight. He blinked twice just to make sure he was seeing things correctly. 

Wincing after your third shot, you tap out with Renjun’s solo celebration in tow. Haechan can’t help but pinch at your rose-colored cheeks, “Who knew the introvert had a wild side!” You jab at his side with a laugh contradicting your movements.

Maybe Haechan and Renjun were right. You needed to let loose more often.

“I need to use the bathroom.” you blurt out, looking between Haechan and Renjun. “It’s down the hall, first door on the left.” You follow Renjun’s finger as best as possible. 

You nod, reminding them not to leave this spot without you. After all, you were in a stranger's house, inebriated, and new to this scene. 

Your body glides along the wall as you make your way towards the door. It’s a little quieter down the hallway, making you aware of how loud your inner monologue is.

Reaching for the doorknob, your hand misses it as it swings open, your body colliding with something hard. 

You figure you must’ve run into the door until a pair of hands rest on your hips. 

Shooting your head up, you lock eyes with the prettiest boy you think you’ve ever seen. He smiles down at your shocked face. “Well hello to you too.” Your cheeks manage to flush red even more. 

What. The. Fuck!

You push out of his hold, looking everywhere but at him. “Sorry I have to pee!” Is all you manage to croak out as you push past him, closing the door. 

With your back against the door, you feel your heart beating out of your chest. Who was he? God he was so handsome! No, get it together. Haechan this is all your fault! Thoughts race around your head, too quick for you to catch any of them. 

Returning back to your friends after finally relieving yourself and regaining composure, you're being pulled to the backyard by Haechan, Renjun following right beside you. “I want you to meet my friends!” You let your body relax, completely forgetting about whatever transpired moments ago.

Feeling the cool breeze hit your body, you realize the backyard is significantly less packed and you can’t help but shiver a bit. 

“Haechan!” You hear a chorus of boys chime out as you approach a fire pit. Going from left to right, you recognize some faces while others are brand new or barely holding on in your foggy memory. 

You recognize Jisung right away. You had gym with him freshman year and you cried when his “stellar football throw” went the wrong direction and nailed you right in the head. You had become acquaintances after the incident. He had offered to buy you ice cream at the shop near school and you figured he wasn’t a bad person, he just had bad aim. 

Chenle sat right next to him. You didn’t know him well but you knew Jisung and him were tied at the hip. When the football incident happened, instead of helping either of you, Chenle opted for falling onto the ground, tears threatening to come out as he gasped for air from his incessant laughter.

Next to him was another boy, sporting wire-rimmed glasses and mindlessly strumming a guitar in his lap. He shot you a soft smile before focusing back on the conversation Haechan had started. You figured his name was Mark from the way Haechan whined for the boy's attention.

Beside him was another boy who looked oddly familiar. Watching the way his eyes formed crescents as he laughed felt like deja vu until you realized it was Jeno. In your first semester of your sophomore year, you and Jeno had shared a theatre class to fulfill an arts elective. You interacted once or twice during the semester but only as characters, never as yourself and Jeno.

Lastly, beside Jeno was a recognizable face but a stranger all in one. The boy from the bathroom. You watched as the light from the flames danced across his features, making him look ethereal. Was he even real?

You admittedly stare longer than you should and you’re snapped out of it when Renjun grabs you by your arms, pushing you forward to sit down right next to the boy. 

Your frame instinctively shrinks as he turns, sending you a smile, “Hello again.” You meet his eyes, the fire floating around in his dark brown orbs. You could stare at him all day if he’d let you. “Hi,” Really? That’s all you can muster up? “Sorry for bumping into you earlier, It’s my first time drinking so I’m kind of all over the place up here.” You make a scrambling gesture around your head. 

It’s embarrassing to admit that you’re new to all this but at the moment you don’t have a great filter.

He laughs and you swear you feel butterflies in your stomach. Did you always feel like this when you heard laughter? You could’ve sworn you wanted to kill Haechan most times you heard him laughing.

“It’s alright, I’m Jaemin by the way.” 

Jaemin?

Jaemin.

Jaemin.

Even his name was nice. Was he God’s favorite?

The night continues with the eight of you huddled around the fire getting to know each other. You can’t help but think you really like these guys, especially the one next to you. 

You naturally bounce off one another throughout the night as if you’d always been friends. When someone says something funny, you’re both locking eyes before busting out into laughter.

It’s weird you think, but you’re not opposed to how comfortable the boy makes you. Your heart’s beating faster than you can keep up with and the way he makes you feel so comfortable has you leaning in, feeling weak in the knees.

Is this what liking someone feels like? Is this love?

That night, when you sneak back into your room, Haechan and Renjun passing out immediately on your floor, you make it a priority to find your journal and scribble down how you feel.

First high school party

I think I fell in love with a stranger today.

· · ─────── · ·

The second time you realize your feelings for Na Jaemin is at the end of your senior year of high school.

Hearing your name from behind, you whip around in the crowd of people to see your friends standing a little bit behind you with stupid smiles plastered on all their faces. 

You run straight to them, crashing into a huge group hug, “Guys!” Your voice is laced with celebration, sadness, and fear all at once, “We did it! We graduated!” 

Thanks to Haechan’s persistence to get you out of the house your sophomore year of high school, you now have a rather large group of friends but you’re not complaining. 

After your first ever party, your trio had turned into an octet. It was chaotic but it worked and you loved it.

After a few pictures, insisted by all of your mothers, you hug your friends one by one as if you’re not all about to drive back to Chenle’s house for a pool party.

You end your hugs with the best hugger of them all, Na Jaemin. And no, that is not just because you like him. He really gives great hugs.

His taller frame engulfs yours and his touch feels warm. 

You feel him lean down before you feel his breath on your ear, “I’m so proud of us,” you remove your head from his chest, opting to look up at him instead.

You can’t help but think Jaemin has always been so handsome. 

“Me too.” Is all you can muster up, getting lost in his eyes. He stares down at you softly, the interaction feels vulnerable, intimate even. 

“Guys, let's go! Renjun just got the keys to his new minivan!” Chenle shouts, clenching his stomach as he tries to hold back his laughter.

One man’s graduation gift is another man’s comedic relief.

- 

Arriving at Chenle’s house, you’re always blown away at the size and at the fact that the party you all met at was here. 

Even though you’ve been friends for two years now, you still don’t think you’ve seen his house in its entirety. 

You hear Haechan call your name from downstairs and you’re quick to check yourself in the mirror one more time before heading down.

You don’t personally love the color pink but Jaemin does so you opt for one of the only pink two pieces you own.

“Don’t you hate the color pink?” Haechan asks before opening the door to the backyard, “It grew on me.” 

“Let’s play chicken!” Chenle shouts as soon as you walk out. He knows you’re the only one ever willing to play against him and Jisung.

Slowly getting into the pool to acclimate yourself, you wade over to Jaemin and Jeno.

“Pretty swimsuit, I love the pink,” He noticed! You smile as you finally settle in front of the two, “Thank you! I saw it a few weeks ago and thought the color was pretty,” Jaemin hums as he continues to smile at you. 

You feel small under his gaze, you decide to avert your gaze to Jeno, who’s already looking at you.

“Are you excited for Summer?” Jeno asks as he pushes off the pool wall, moving to stand closer due to Haechan and Chenle’s screaming contest impairing his hearing.

“Very excited to spend everyday with you guys,” you say with a sigh and an eye roll. He knows you’re being sarcastic and the boy can’t help the smile forming on his lips. 

He matches your tone, “Yeah cause you hate us soooo much,” he leans towards you in a teasing manner and you can only laugh before admitting defeat, “Sadly no, I love you guys too much.” you place your hands over your heart and give your best sob face before you’re suddenly pulled away.

You follow the hand wrapped around your arm and you see Jaemin’s figure pulling you to the middle of the pool. 

“Ready to win?”

“Obviously.”

Jaemin dips under the water, allowing you to easily mount his shoulders. 

You’ve done this action a thousand times but his hands on your thighs never fail to make your heart beat like crazy. 

“You’re going down.” Jisung mutters as he comes up from the water with Chenle on his shoulders, “Keep that smack talk up and I’ll make Renjun apply your sunscreen instead.” 

At this Jisung is quick to shut his mouth with Renjun painfully screaming ‘noooo!’ in the background.

Mark goes in between your pairs as the makeshift referee. Everyone knows he won’t rig it because frankly, he doesn’t care who wins, he just thinks it’s funny to see his friends flail around.

“Go!”

Pushing at Chenle’s incoming figure, you feel Jaemin’s grip on your thighs tighten to steady you both. It’s a never-ending pushing match between you and Chenle, both always being full of energy when it comes to a game of chicken.

“You got this! Push him harder!” You hear Jaemin’s support over the screaming coming from Chenle and the rest of the boys. 

You’re quick to push hard, but your hand slips past Chenle’s shoulder, giving him an open opportunity to push you over. 

Before he gets the chance, Jisung screams, suddenly becoming unsteady. You take that opportunity, pushing Chenle with enough force to make him and Jisung topple over. 

You cheer as Jaemin bobs up and down in the water to push you up like a champion. 

“That wasn’t fair! Jeno and Haechan scared me!” Jisung spoke up as he emerged from the water. Your eyes move to the two boy’s floating innocently on the side, catching Haechan’s mischievous eyes and Jeno’s playful smile, “We did no such thing!” 

You don’t miss the playful wink Jeno sends you .

-

By the time the sun starts to set, Chenle sets up the firepit next to the pool with his dad’s help before you all begin making s’mores. 

When you packed for today’s events, it never dawned on you to bring an extra pair of clothes to wear but thankfully Jaemin offered his hoodie and you were quick to take his offer. 

With the fire, Jaemin’s hoodie, his body heat radiating right next to you, and the blanket he made sure to drape over both of you– you were more than warm.

“Want me to make you a s’more?” You nod at his offer as he pushes a marshmallow onto his stick. 

Jaemin’s always been extra sweet to you and sometimes you wonder if he might like you back but other times you chalk it up to you being the only girl in your friend group. 

But the way his touch lingers, the way he looks at you with care, how his voice becomes softer around you– you swear there has to be something.

“Ahhhh” the boy holds a completed s’more up to your mouth, as he looks at you expectantly with a sweet smile. 

Just like the night you met, the fire dances in his dark brown orbs and you swear you would willingly get lost in his eyes. 

Taking the s’more you smile at the boy as he nudges you playfully.

-

That night you make sure to find your journal as soon as you close the door to your bedroom.

Graduation day

Jaemin is such a gentleman, it makes me so giddy. How could someone not fall for him?

· · ─────── · ·

When you’re finally used to your feelings for Na Jaemin, you’re in your first year of college.

By some higher being, you and your friend group had ended up at the same school and although you pretend like they’re a pain in the ass, you’re thankful you didn’t have to say goodbye to any of them.

“Are you coming over tonight?” You look up from your phone to see Jaemin mindlessly picking at the fruit cup in front of him.

It was Friday meaning it was Jaemin and Jeno’s turn to host movie night. You smile as you watch your friend pick the strawberries out and place them on a napkin in front of you. At this point in the semester, this was routine for you two. Meet after class, share a snack, and catch up.

“Do I even have a choice?” you sigh, taking a strawberry. The boy can only laugh at your weak attempt to sound upset about tonight. 

You feel the way his feet mindlessly play with yours under the picnic table. Jaemin has always been like this. Touchy. Playful. Clueless.

As years passed and you grew closer to Jaemin, that weird feeling lingered through it all. His soft touches, his compliments, his banter, his everything– it all burned you but you wanted nothing more than to be engulfed by his flame. 

But you were friends. Nothing more, nothing less. So you tried to push those feelings to the side, opting to be Jaemin’s friend up close and his admirer from a distance.

“I hope we don’t have to watch spiderman for the fourth time in a row,” You joke, pushing your overbearing thoughts to the back for another time. “Maybe we should watch horror or something. I don’t think we’ve done that in a while.” He hums in thought before chiming in, “Haechan would probably die then come back and haunt us.” 

You laugh at the thought of your friend in ghost form, “I don’t know if I could handle Haechan for an eternity.” Admittedly, you spent a lot of nights praying to the air that your friendship with Haechan would surpass time and break the barriers of infinity, but you would never admit that to him. It would boost his ego too much.

A comfortable silence fell over the two of you. He continued to play footsie under the table as you took the strawberries he despised. Every so often, you stole glances across the table. He hadn’t changed much over the years, instead he had grown into his features. His dedication to the gym paid off though it wasn’t noticeable under the black hoodie he wore but you knew. You knew all too well from the countless beach trips and pool days. 

You needed to stop staring before someone caught you. But it’s almost impossible to not stare when your friend is Na Jaemin. How was Jaemin everything you wanted but everything you couldn’t have?

-

“So did you get the right popcorn?” You glance at Haechan as you make your way down the street to Jaemin and Jeno’s shared apartment. He flashes a wide smile as he holds up the family size popcorn box. 

You were running fifteen minutes late because of Haechan’s dilemma on what popcorn seemed the best. You were always in charge of getting the popcorn for movie nights but this time you sent Haechan so you could finish and submit an assignment. “Thank god.”

Walking up the lawn, you drown out whatever Haechan is complaining about beside you as your eyes focus on the door. 

As you get closer, something inside you keeps telling you to retreat, to not go in. 

Leave! Leave! Don’t go inside! Turn around!

You question your internal monologue but proceed to knock on the door. What could that be about? 

Greeted by Jeno, you give him a quick hug before walking in to see the rest of your friends already surrounding the tv. Nothing out of the ordinary.

You quickly say hi to your friends, catching Jaemin’s sweet smile, before moving towards the kitchen to make the popcorn. Ever since the first movie night and Chenle’s terrible attempt at making popcorn and Jisung’s terrible attempt to salvage it, you were put in charge of popcorn when you popped it to perfection after the scarring (and smelly) event.

Unwrapping four bags for the first round, you flattened each one making sure the kernels spread throughout the bags. 

“No wonder the popcorn always tastes good when you make it,” You look up to see Jeno leaning against the counter, hands stuffed into his pockets. “You put so much care into your craft.” He jokes and you can’t help but laugh along with him.

You don’t know when you and Jeno had grown close throughout the years but it was nice to be considered a friend to the boy who was, for the most part, very closed off. You would say out of everyone besides Haechan and Renjun, Jeno had grown closest to you, Jaemin trailing close behind. It was an unexpected duo but Haechan noted that it made sense due to your similar lifestyles. 

“Gotta make sure my boys are well fed.” He rolls his eyes with a laugh while shaking his head, “Yeah cause we’re always starving without you.” You know his sarcasm is laced with a certain sweetness. 

“Help me with the drinks?” He moves towards you as you continue prepping the bags of popcorn before dipping down to be eye level with you. He pinches your cheek while sighing, “I guess” He draws out his words with an annoyed look only making you stick out your tongue at his playfulness. 

You miss the way Jaemin watches the interaction between the two of you, only noticing his presence when he walks up to you punching in the time on the microwave. You feel his stare on you as you focus on pressing the right numbers. You feel small under his gaze.

“Sit next to me?” Your cheeks heat up at the simple question and you can only look down as you squeak out, “Sure.” Jaemin smiles triumphantly. He wants you to sit next to him because you're his friend but he also knows you’re not a popcorn hog like the rest. He misses the very obvious signs of your bashfulness. 

You wonder how someone can be so clueless but you’re thankful nonetheless.

Plopping down beside Jaemin at the end of the couch, you situate the bowl of popcorn on your lap. Haechan and Jeno sit next to you, Mark occupies the single chair near Jaemin’s end with Renjun sitting on the floor in front of him, while Jisung and Chenle lay sprawled across the floor.

“Per the princesses request, we will be watching horror tonight!” Jaemin alerts your group as he starts making his way to the horror section of netflix. You feel Haechan’s eyes staring daggers into your side and you can only send him a hesitant smile while mouthing a quick ‘sorry’. 

“Don’t complain when I sleep in your bed tonight.” You regretted your choice immediately.

The night had gone on like usual. Jisung jumping when Chenle made sudden noises to scare him, Renjun nagging at them saying they’re drawing him out of his immersive experience, Mark laughing at his friends and mindlessly scrolling on his phone every so often, Haechan cowering in fear and holding onto Jeno for dear life as said boy tries his best to push him away.

This left you and Jaemin to exist in your own little world of uncertainties– mainly on your behalf. His arm around you, your head on his shoulder. You can feel his thumb drawing circles into your side when you jump at a scary scene. 

It all feels too intimate to mean nothing or maybe you’re just a chronic overthinker.

By the end of the movie marathon, your group is more than tired. Your body feels so comfortable against Jaemin but you know you need to head home.

“C’mon Haechan, get up.” You nudge at the boy as you stand from your seat. Somewhere throughout the night, Haechan had fallen asleep. He swatted your hand away as he curled more into Jeno.

“Okay, I guess you’re walking home with all the evil spirits tonight.” At this, Haechan shot up with wide eyes. “No! Just give me a second!” 

Saying goodbye to your friends as they leave in pairs, Jeno is the last to hug you before retreating to his room for the night. Haechan was taking forever.

You decided to sit on the front porch, wanting to get some fresh air. You feel a presence sit down and you don’t have to look to know it’s Jaemin. “Hi,” His voice is groggy and laced with tiredness. “Hi Jaemin.”

You look up from your shoes to meet his eyes. It’s his turn to stare for a beat too long. Why is he looking at you like that? Like he feels something?

The silence engulfing you both isn’t normal. It’s heavy and questioning.

“Can I do something and it won’t change anything between us?” His question catches you off guard, your palms suddenly starting to sweat. You reluctantly nod, still looking at him intently. 

Before you know it, the space between you is gone. His lips press to yours as his hand comes up to rest on your cheek. It’s over before you can even close your eyes or kiss back.

He leans back and you watch his eyes flutter open before he completely pulls away. “I didn’t feel anything. Did you?”

What? Was this some sick joke?

In all your years of knowing Jaemin, he rendered you speechless a lot but never like this. 

He just stole your first kiss.

“Why did you do that?” Is all you can blurt out before standing up to look down at the boy. An ounce of you hopes that maybe you misheard him, maybe he did feel something.

Matching your actions, Jaemin stands up, stuffing his hands into his pockets. How could he be so calm right now? It almost made you angry.

“Mark kept saying something about me and you being so touchy and saying things like ‘don’t think I miss the way you both look at each other’ so I wanted to see if he was right.” 

“And?”

“He was wrong.”

You swear you could feel the cracks forming on your heart as a horrible feeling settled in your stomach. You should’ve listened to your instinct. You should’ve never come over tonight.

Unrequited love is one thing but it’s another for Jaemin to confirm it so carelessly, as if he thinks there was nothing there for either of you.

Before you can say anything, Haechan opens the door, interrupting the horrific silence.

You thank the universe that Haechan is more focused on his surroundings out of fear of a ghost attacking him rather than on you. How can you explain the tears threatening to spill at any second?

When you make it home, Haechan holds true to his promise of sleeping in your bed that night. You sit at your desk feeling the need to write or else you’ll explode. 

You find the page with your two confessions written down. While the other pages are jumbled with words, this page remains untouched.

You know his answer, he made it more than clear there was nothing. It’s better to know for certain rather than chasing mindlessly anyways, right? You feel a tear run down and land on the page. 

From now on, you would love Na Jaemin from afar. 

Movie night

He kissed me and said he felt nothing. It feels selfish, what about how I feel? I’m in love with you Na Jaemin.

· · ─────── · ·

When you start getting good at loving Na Jaemin from afar, he starts trying to close the distance.

To celebrate the end of your first year of college, your friends decided it would be a great idea to go to the beach. 

You were excited but you knew this trip would test your abilities of keeping your distance from Jaemin. 

Ever since the kiss, you limited the number of times you were alone, the amount of times you touched, the amount of times you joked and talked. You didn’t want Jaemin completely out of your life, truthfully, that was impossible. But you wanted to give space for your feelings. 

As much as it hurt to admit, you wanted to love him from afar but you secretly hoped your feelings would fizzle out over time. 

Somehow throughout the course of your first year, Haechan caught on to your actions. It shouldn’t have surprised you, he knew you better than anybody. You just thought you were being more subtle than you actually were. 

You finally told him after weeks of pestering but you made him promise not to tell anyone or else he wouldn’t get to be the flower boy at your wedding. That’s how Haechan knew it was serious. He definitely was not telling anybody. 

So although he knew there was no hatred towards Jaemin and he had never done anything horribly wrong, he helped you create distance, always conveniently needing you whenever Jaemin got you two alone or inserting himself and saying he never got to sit near you during movie nights. A complete lie that Jaemin fell for over and over.

Snapping you out of your thoughts, Jeno calls your name. “You okay?” His brows are furrowed, voice laced with concern as he takes your bag to situate it in the trunk. “O-Oh yeah, just lost in thought. Thank you.” 

You watch as the boys pack up the two cars in Mark and Renjun’s driveway. Unfortunately, without Renjun’s minivan (which had died during the first week of college), it was hard to haul eight people on a roadtrip altogether so thankfully Mark and Jaemin had offered to drive this time around. 

“Wanna watch a movie with me on the way there?” Jeno closes the trunk to Jaemin’s car, wiping his hands off onto his shorts. You smile with a nod, “Let’s do it.”

As Haechan and Jaemin come out from the apartment with snacks, Renjun following to lock the doors, Jaemin throws the snacks into the backseat before coming over to you with an easy smile. 

“Do you wanna sit up front? You can pick the music.” The offer stings but not as bad as it could’ve a few months ago. 

Your plan was slowly but surely working. By loving him from afar, you were falling out of love with Na Jaemin.

“I’m actually gonna watch a movie with Jeno,” His smile falters for a second before biting his cheek, “Don’t worry though Jaem, Haechan has a good road trip playlist!”

The tips of his ears feel hot at the use of the nickname you had given him at the beginning of your friendship but why was he annoyed that you were choosing Jeno over him?

-

As your ride to the beach began, you decided it would be easier to sit in the middle seat to be closer to Jeno in order to see his small screen. He lended you an airpod and as he held his phone on his lap, you had a pack of gummy bears in your lap for the two of you. 

“What should we watch?” He asked as he looked into the bag for a green gummy bear. “Let’s watch something funny,” Your hand dives into the bag at the same time as his and you look at each other before laughing.

Jaemin can’t help but look at the two of you through his rearview mirror wondering what could be so funny? And why are you sitting so close to each other? And why, oh my god, why was it bothering him?

“Haechan, what funny movie should me and Jeno watch?” You lean forward, tapping the boy in the passenger seat. He thinks for a moment, tapping his finger on his chin, “Over the hedge!”

“Genius!” 

As the car ride continues, Jaemin can’t tell if he’s overstimulated, irritated, or going crazy. With Haechan’s 2000’s music blaring, the boy singing along and your laughter reaching to the front of the car every so often with whispers between you and Jeno following, he doesn’t realize how hard he’s gripping the wheel until he sees his knuckles turning white.

What is this feeling? He thinks for a moment, ‘am I jealous?’ and he can’t help but scoff at his own idea. Don’t be crazy Jaemin.

Nearing the end of the drive, Jaemin finds himself growing more and more agitated. The last time he looked into the rearview mirror, your head was resting on Jeno’s shoulder as his rested atop yours. You fell asleep like that?

Although Jaemin was never one to be petty for no reason, he found himself taking a turn sharper than he should’ve. He wouldn’t admit it but he was glad to see your head rise from his friend's shoulder. 

“We’re here sleepyheads!” Haechan shouted as the car came to a stop. 

As Jeno opened the door for you both to get out, you're overwhelmed by the smell of the ocean and the warmth engulfing your body. 

You look up at the house before going to help the boys bring in the luggage. This is going to be a long weekend.

Stepping into the entryway, your eyes scan over the layout. An open kitchen to your right with an island in the middle with four chairs and a breakfast nook on the side. To the left was an open living room, the couch being significantly larger than any couch you’ve used for movie night, a flat screen hanging off the walls. Directly in front of you is a long hallway with doors on either side, four to be exact. Two to a room wouldn’t be bad.

You all explore the house for a moment, leaving your bags at the front door.

Upon further investigation, you find a pool in the backyard with a grill, firepit, and large table that would easily accommodate your group. There’s easy access to the beach and a basketball goal near the garage. You decide to walk down the hallway last and notice that all bedrooms have two beds except the last one, the master bedroom. 

Joining the others on the couch, you realize they’re already fighting over who will get the king size bed.

Renjun decides it’s best if they draw names to choose where everyone sleeps and Haechan is quick to find a pen and paper. The boy states it’s best for him to pull so no one can see since he’s sitting at the end.

The others scoff saying he just wants to rig the game.

Haechan starts with the double beds, saving the king for last. 

The first room on the left belongs to Jisung and Mark, they high five at the revelation of sharing a room.  

Next is the first room on the right. Chenle and Renjun get chosen next and even though they both wanted the king, they aren’t upset with being roommates for the weekend.

That leaves two more rooms and four more people. You have a chance of rooming with Jaemin. If it’s the double beds, you can live. If it’s the king, you will die.

Haechan pulls out the first name for the last set of double beds, “Jeno!” he cheers with the boy only nodding. 

Pulling out the next name, Haechan leans back like every other time so no one can see. 

Your leg bounces in anticipation and Jaemin gnaws at his lip, both nervous for different reasons.

You watch as Haechan hesitates for a split second, his eyes flickering up to you. 

Looking down at the ground, you know you’re done for. 

Haechan shouts out your name, your head shooting up with wide eyes. He sends you a secretive wink before calling his and Jaemin’s name out for the king size bed.

So yes, Haechan did rig the game but technically not in his favor. 

Moving to your rooms to unpack, you feel light knowing you won’t have to share a room with the one person you’re trying to, borderline, avoid. 

Jaemin passes your shared room with Jeno and hears your muffled laughter. He doesn’t understand why Haechan purposefully made you room with Jeno. Did you like Jeno? Did you not like him?

Walking into his own shared room with Haechan, he lazily throws his bag onto the bed as he starts to unpack alongside the other.

Silence engulfs the two as if Haechan knows Jaemin sees right through him while Jaemin is searching for the right way to word his question.

“Why did you call her name out when you pulled yours?” Haechan glances up at the boy folding his clothes, his jaw tense.

Quick on his feet, Haechan feeds into what his friends said earlier, “I wanted the king, duh”

“I know you’re lying… what was that wink about? Does she like Jeno?” 

Haechan can only scoff as he closes the drawer, now full of his own clothes, “If that was the reason, I would’ve made sure to put them in here. Trust me, I would’ve made sure she got action.” There he goes, always trying to make a situation light. The thought of you and Jeno together makes Jaemin feel weird. He doesn’t understand why but he doesn’t like it.

“Either way, it’s none of our business.” Jaemin scoffs this time, lazily throwing his empty duffel bag into the corner. “I think it’s my business to know why my friend doesn’t want to room with me?” His statement comes off as more of a question and he watches as Haechan rounds the bed to exit the room, “Not everything is about you Jaemin.” 

Jaemin doesn’t understand when the switch happened. 

You used to be tied to him. You were a duo. You completed each other. You had such a good friendship.

So what happened? Why is Jaemin walking to the pool alone instead of you by his side? Why are you on Jeno’s shoulders playing chicken against Jisung and Chenle? Wait what?

Why are you on Jeno’s shoulders? That’s supposed to be him and you! That’s his thing!

Stepping into the backyard, he watches as you and Chenle push back and forth at one another. He can’t help but wonder if you always look this pretty? His eyes flicker down and his stomach twists seeing Jeno’s hands gripping your thighs to keep you stable. Why did that leave such a bitter taste in his mouth?

He sat next to Mark on one of the pool chairs, watching chaos ensue as Haechan started spraying at both you and Chenle, stating it would make the game more fun. 

Hearing the way you laugh out Jeno’s name to warn him to keep you stable has Jaemin rolling his eyes.

Maybe he’s just in a bad mood today.

For the rest of the day, Jaemin makes an effort to be near you but he picks up on how you turn down his advances. Cuddle on the couch? ‘Sorry I’m going to help Mark… gotta make sure he doesn’t burn the kitchen down’. Wanna watch me grill? ‘I was actually gonna play a game of horse with Chenle while we wait’. Sit next to me at dinner? ‘Sure!’ but then Haechan conveniently sat next to him, leaving you to sit between Renjun and Jisung. 

That last one really wasn’t intentional, Jaemin just thinks everyone is out to get him now.

Something that has really been bothering him is the fact that you haven’t been blushing at his compliments. He always figured you were blushing because you were shy with praise but he was just oblivious of how you only blushed when he said something nice, meanwhile you would simply say ‘thank you’ with a smile to anyone else.

The question still plagued his mind, When did everything change?

He had never realized it but he really liked the way your eyes shined when you looked at him. How you followed him around and how you were ready to jump at anything he suggested. He liked you right next to him. 

Now your eyes are getting duller, you’re not sticking to him at all and you’re turning down every suggestion he sends your way, you haven’t been near him this whole trip. And now that he thinks about it, you haven’t been by his side for a few months.

And when he looks up from his plate he wonders if you were always this beautiful. Did his heart always beat like this?

His eyes flicker to your lips and he can't help but think back to the night he kissed you. Was he nervous that night for fear of losing you as a friend or did his fast heart rate mean something else?

Shaking his head, he focuses his attention on Mark who’s saying something about going to the beach tomorrow.

Haechan says a joke that he doesn’t quite catch but his eyes move to yours, wondering if you’ll look at him the way you always do after someone says something funny. 

His stomach drops and he thinks he’s gonna be sick. Your eyes shoot straight to Jeno’s as you laugh together.

Jaemin is in trouble.

· · ─────── · ·

The next morning is when you stop loving Na Jaemin from afar.

Waking up, you’re blinded by the lights peeking through the curtains. 

Groaning as you stretch the sleep from your body, you turn your head towards Jeno’s bed to see him already facing you with a lazy smile. “Hi.” His voice is groggy, laced with tiredness. 

“Hi Jeno.” you flash your own lazy smile before continuing to stretch under the sheets.

The whole interaction feels like deja vu to you but you shrug it off. 

Today was a new day. Today you felt lighter. But most importantly, today was beach day. 

Taking turns with Jeno in the bathroom, you both get ready for the day before heading out to the kitchen to prepare for the long day.

Realizing you were the first two awake, you take it upon yourselves to cook breakfast for everyone. 

You and Jeno work well together. Where one lacks skill, the other makes up for it. You’re good with eggs and dicing fruit, he’s good with meats and getting the perfect toast on bread. 

While focusing on cutting the rest of the fruit, Jeno comes up behind you with a slice of bacon between his fingers, “ahhh” he mocks to alert you to open up. Skillfully taking the bacon from his hands with your lips, you hum at the taste. You shoot him an ‘Okay!’ sign with your fingers as you continue to chew and he flashes his signature crescent smile. 

You mirror his previous actions, bringing a piece of pineapple to the boy’s mouth, “ahhh” you copy and he laughs before biting the fruit in between your fingers. He closes his eyes at the sweet and tangy taste. “Delicious!”

The rest of the boys file into the kitchen, creating their own plates as they fuel up for the day. Jeno and you continued to snack on breakfast as you started to tackle the sandwiches for the beach.

It was weird how you and Jeno worked so well together. You knew you were alike but the fact that you could easily pick up where each other left off, finishing the task the way the other intended– it was fascinating to you. 

“Jeno can you pass me–” His hand appeared in front of you with the head of lettuce suspended in the air. You look at him to see he’s still focused on spreading condiments on the bread. “Thank you.” You glance at him one more time to see a soft smile on his lips. 

Jeno had always been attractive. He was handsome and sweet but with the way he always matched your energy, you couldn’t help but congratulate the lucky person he’d end up with. 

Turning around as you finish your last sandwich, you notice Jaemin staring at you. This time though, his stare doesn’t make you feel small and all of a sudden your heart beats normally under his gaze. You flash him a smile before continuing to pack the sandwiches into a bag. 

Watching you and Jeno work together to prepare everything for the day, Jaemin wonders if you two had always been like this. Did you bounce off each other just as easily as you and Jaemin had? 

Thinking back to that one movie night where he walked in on Jeno teasing you before helping you with drinks, Jaemin reluctantly agrees that yes, it’s always been like this for you and Jeno. Had he simply not cared until now or had he been bothered this whole time?

He can’t help but notice that shine in your eyes. But this time it’s not directed at him, it’s only when you focus on Jeno.

He thought about it a lot last night, his mind not allowing him to sleep. All he could think of was you. 

Na Jaemin has come to the conclusion, he likes you.

-

When you finally finish fighting against the sand as you make your way towards the ocean, hauling supplies and chairs, your group starts to set everything out. 

While Haechan and Renjun argue over how to set the umbrella up, Jisung is already leaving to go look for shells with Chenle following right behind him. Jeno and Jaemin set up the chairs while you and Mark set out a big blanket to sit on. 

“You seem happier these days,” the boy starts as he flattens out his side of the blanket, “like your consciousness isn’t being weighed down.” You look up at the boy as you finish your side and you can’t really grasp onto what he means.

Mark had always had this ‘talk in riddles, be philosophical and then move on like it didn’t happen’ way of reaching out to people. He knows things without having to be told and you know Mark Lee has you read front to back, fully memorized– just like he has all of his friends. 

“I guess I have been happier,” you start as you scan your group of friends scattered around. Your eyes land on Jaemin and you can’t tell if the love you feel for him is romantic or platonic. But it doesn’t scare you. The thought of not being loved by Na Jaemin doesn’t hurt anymore, “What do you think changed?” Your question is mindless, not expecting an answer.

“I think you finally like someone who likes you back.” The statement rolls off his tongue, bounces your way, and smacks you right in the face.

Your eyes subconsciously flicker to Jeno. 

Before you can say anything, Mark is already moving to settle the quarrel between Renjun, Haechan, and the umbrella. 

Eyes locking with Jaemin, he smiles and you can’t help but smile back. Something in your heart is telling you not to run away from Jaemin anymore, that there’s nothing to hide– nothing to protect.

You don’t have to love Na Jaemin from afar anymore. You can love him upclose– the same way you love the rest of your friends.

-

Jaemin notices the switch. 

Compared to yesterday, you entertain his conversations and you’re by his side. But he notices it all– especially the fact that it’s all half-hearted.

Truthfully, it’s not half-hearted. You let your guard down with Jaemin for the first time in months. He only views your actions as half-assed because he’s so used to being the center of your universe. But now he’s just like everyone else. To you, Na Jaemin is just another friend. 

Nonetheless, he’s thankful you’re not avoiding him anymore. It makes him feel giddy when you laugh at his jokes or lean your head on his shoulder for a moment. When you flash him a smile he can’t help but feel lightheaded and when you shout his name he feels hot all over.

Is this what it feels like to like someone?

He eyes your figure now laying out on the blanket as you mindlessly play with its loose strings, listening to whatever Haechan is talking about. 

Jisung sits beside you as he places the shells he collected along your back in a spiral pattern. The boy makes a very important note to you, “stay still”.

“You look like a creep staring at her like that,” Chenle leans over to whisper in Jaemin’s ear. His face goes red as he whips his head to look at the younger, “I’m not staring,” he defends but his voice is so weak, Chenle almost lets a laugh slip before continuing to joke, “You’re not the only creep. At least he’s more subtle about it.” Jaemin follows Chenle’s nod and his eyes lock onto Jeno’s figure, looking at you with the most lovesick gaze he’s ever seen.

“It’s getting hot, I wanna get in the water!” You whine out. The closest any of you got to the ocean today was Jisung and Chenle’s shell collecting and truthfully, you do not count their fingers grazing wet sand while running away from the waves as getting in the water.

Jaemin hesitates before he decides to speak up but he’s cut off.

“I’m almost do– Jeno!” Jisung screams as Jeno quickly gets up, grabbing your hand and pulling you up, knocking Jisung’s shells all over the place.

Jaemin watches you scream as Jeno throws you over his shoulder, running towards the ocean with Jisung chasing after him screaming about how he’s going to drown the older boy.

He watches as his friends get up and follow after the three of you and he wills himself up to follow.

When did Jeno get so confident but more importantly, when did Jisung get so loud?

It dawns on you that you really love your friends. As you watch the boys splash one another and Jisung holding true to his promise of trying to drown Jeno, sure enough you feel at home.

You float on your back, letting the water hold your figure as you look up at the clear sky. 

Today felt like a rebirth for your emotions and you were thankful. Head not clouded by the same boy anymore, you had the opportunity to explore new connections and the thought of it was thrilling. 

“Hi,” you slightly move your head to see Jeno swimming up to you and away from the chaos.

“Hi Jeno,” your tone is teasing, dancing on the fact that you’ve already had this same encounter today. 

You feel him mindlessly drip water onto your exposed stomach as you continue floating. Your cheeks flush a soft hue of pink at the change in energy. 

“You look really pretty,” The shyness in his voice catches you off guard, causing you to look up at the boy. His cheeks mirror yours, dusted lightly with pink. 

Before you can respond, he continues, “Can I ask you a question?”

Jaemin watches from afar and wonders what you’re talking about.

He finds himself battling internally with whether or not it’s morally okay to pursue you while knowing his best friend might also have feelings for you. Jaemin believes he has a better chance because in his eyes, you’ve always been closer.

Little does Jaemin know, you’re already far out of his grasp.

-

That night, you all decide you’ll make use of the firepit as Chenle says he’ll order some food delivery and s’more supplies. 

You had gone back to your room to change before going to the backyard but you felt silly when you realized you really hadn’t packed anything warm considering it was Summer. 

“Do you wanna wear my hoodie?” You hear Jeno’s voice from across the room and you look up to him already holding out the enticing material. He must’ve noticed the way you kept running your hand up and down your arm for warmth

“Are you sure? You won’t get cold?” He smiles with a nod as he walks over to you, “Just wear it,” You take the hoodie, throwing it over your tank top. Your thank you comes out muffled but he hears you just fine, “Sit by me as a repayment though.”

You nod with a smile as you follow him out to the backyard, his hoodie engulfing you like a blanket. 

Sitting down next to Jeno, he drapes a blanket over the two of you before beginning to impale a marshmallow. 

“I’ll make this one for you.” Jaemin overhears Jeno’s good deed and he can’t help but feel like he’s watching an out of body experience. The scene looks all too familiar to him, feels too familiar to him– like you and him had done the same exact thing once.

He catches your eyes from across the fire– you shoot him a playful smile that he can’t help but return. The way the light from the flames move across your features make Jaemin’s heart race and he swears he can see the light dancing around your eyes, making them even more beautiful.

How had he never noticed before? You’re so beautiful.

-

Before you know it, it’s the next day and you’re packing up to leave.

Watching as the other boys climb into Mark’s car, you let your head rest against the seat with a lazy, but satisfied smile plastered on your lips. You hope you all can do this again before Summer’s over.

In the backseat with Jeno right next to you, scrolling for another movie you can watch together, you can’t help but let your eyes follow through the window and up to the house with a smile. You thought this would be a long weekend for other reasons but in the end, you’re wishing the trip didn’t feel so short.

This trip was good for you and your heart. 

Jaemin starts the car, glancing at you through the rearview mirror with a soft smile. He made up his mind last night. He doesn’t think there is anything wrong with him pursuing you, if anything– may the best man win. He swears he has a whole plan on how to win your heart.

Unfortunately for him, Jaemin misses the way your pinky finger is intertwined with Jeno’s. 

-

When you make it home, you don’t miss the way both Jeno and Jaemin hug you a beat longer than usual.

Saying your goodbyes as you and Haechan walk up to your shared apartment you feel a sudden need to scribble more in your journal. 

This was a turning point. This. This was monumental.

Beach trip

My heart finally knows its place with Jaemin. He’s a great friend. 

· · ─────── · ·

Jaemin is four drinks in when he realizes he’s in love with you.

To celebrate the beginning of your second year of college, your friends, mainly Haechan, deem it appropriate to turn movie night into a gathering to drink. 

At the moment it’s just six of them, you and Jeno missing from the group.

Jaemin wonders where either of you could be. Jeno had mentioned going out today but didn’t tell him where. Ever since the beach trip, the boy seemed to always have something to do on Fridays but Jaemin never paid much attention to his whereabouts, though one time he checked the boy's location out of pure boredom and saw him at the mall which was strange. 

The only information he had on your whereabouts was Haechan saying you’d be late, so truthfully, he knew nothing. 

Over the summer, things between you and Jaemin had gone back to normal, sort of. You accepted his touch, you hung out with him one on one, your banter was back and forth, you were by his side. 

He thought he was doing everything right. He was drawing you in slowly but surely. It was gonna be so perfect.

But he noticed the way you didn’t let your touch linger longer than it needed to, how it wasn’t him you sat next to during movie nights, how you still looked at Jeno instead of him when something was funny.

They had started drinking without you two, Haechan assuring that the early bird always gets the worm– or something like that. 

So as Jaemin finishes the last of his third drink, he’s starting to feel his tongue become more loose. “Where are they? Is she gonna be okay walking here alone?” 

The others can only murmur ‘i don’t know’ with shrugs, “They probably stopped by the apartment so she could change,” Haechan states, taking another sip from his drink. 

What? You’re together?

Putting his empty can down, Jaemin reaches for another, cracking it open, “They’re together right now?” Jaemin feels strange but he chalks it up to the alcohol.

“Yeah? They go out like every Friday… They leave me all alone!” Haechan pretends he’s been wounded as he cries into Renjun’s shoulder who can only roll his eyes at the boy’s dramatics. 

“What do you mean?” He feels himself clenching his can tighter, trying to use what’s left of his sober consciousness to navigate what Haechan’s saying.

“Dude, does Jeno not tell you anything? Ever since the beach trip he’s been waltzing into my apartment every Friday and stealing my best friend like I’m some sort of wicked witch!” Haechan scoffs at his own statement, “He’s a friend stealer!” Haechan shouts but Jaemin could care less.

So that’s where Jeno’s been every week. With you. 

All Jaemin can let out is a soft and confused, “What?”

As if on cue, the front door opens and his eyes shoot up from his can. There you are in all your glory, Jeno’s hand wrapped in yours.

Jaemin swears he’s about to have a heart attack as he feels his chest clench in such an uncomfortable way. He thinks he can feel his heart being ripped to shreds and he wonders if you can feel so torn apart about someone you like. 

He concludes that no, you cannot be this torn up about someone you like so with a heavy heart, the boy admits to no one but himself, 

He is in love. 

· · ─────── · ·

It’s weird how your sophomore year of college feels oddly similar to your freshman year.

The only difference is that you’re walking hand in hand with Lee Jeno. 

You don’t know when the switch occurred but you noticed Jaemin distancing himself from you. At first you figured he was trying to be respectful of your relationship but when he stopped inviting you out and jumped at the feeling of your skin on his, you knew it was something more.

In fact it was.

The tables had turned, the roles reversed, the ball in the other’s court but never to be served.

Na Jaemin started falling in love with you at the exact same time you were falling out of love with him. For his own sake, the boy had no choice but to start loving you from afar.

To you, Na Jaemin is a wonderful friend but to him, you are his whole world.

a/n: and scene! thank you for reading⭐ p.s. - thinking abt writing a jeno au from his pov in the same universe! lmk what you think <3

[heavenlyvision]

Mattress

Word count: 2.1k

Pairing: Raiden x afab!Reader

A/N: I don't have any excuses, I am apparently feral tonight and decided to write a short fic for Raiden that is basically all smut. I feel bad that he tied in the poll but lost to the wheel :(( Have this as a peace offering <33

Summary: Raiden's bed is more comfortable than your own, which means you are always in it, much to his dismay.

Warnings: 18+ only, smut, pwp, p in v sex, no pronouns used, praise, Gentle!Raiden, eye contact, no use of y/n

The mattress of Raiden’s bed is significantly more comfortable than your own, something you tell him frequently. Something he tells you is not true every time you bring it up but continues to remain true to you. Whether it’s because it’s actually more comfortable or if it’s because it’s Raiden’s bed, you aren’t sure but it’s comfy here. Safe.

“Go back to your own bed,” he complains from beside you.

You pretend to think hard, humming, “Hmm no, I am comfy here.”

He’s exasperated with you; he just wants to read alone in bed and you are hijacking his peace and quiet. You think right about now he is regretting letting you live with him but you needed a roomie and he is one of your oldest friends, so he caved and let you stay with him.

“I can’t do anything alone anymore,” he sighs.

You huff out at him, “You can to! I am just having a little nap.”

“Do it in your own room,” he complains.

Whinging at him, you protest, “But my mattress is lumpy and weird, plus I don’t like sleeping alone.”

“Do what you want, you are going to anyway,” he acquiesces, this conversation going nowhere.

You smile smugly, proud of yourself, he always caves with you and now you get to nap comfortably in his bed beside him. You weren’t lying, your bed is genuinely lumpy and weird and you prefer sleeping next to him, your sleep is better when you know he’s beside you.

“You always give in,” you prod at his side, gloating.

“Do not push it,” he warns but you still poke at his side, “I thought you wanted to nap?” He asks, slapping your hand away.

You ignore him and sit up, continuing to tease and poke at him. He’s generally difficult to get a reaction out of, too ‘mature’ to stoop to your level but every now and again you push his buttons just right and he’ll retaliate. It’s always fun to watch.

Apparently, today he’s extra touchy and he shoots up, grabbing you and pushing you back on the mattress. He holds you down under him, your wrists being pushed into the mattress.

“You are meant to be napping,” he scowls at you, his face close to your own.

His proximity makes you nervous, this does not bode well for your crush on him. You’re stunned as you look up at him, not expecting him to hold you down like this and certainly not expecting him to do it so effortlessly.

“What is wrong? You normally have so much to say,” his brows are still furrowed at you.

You try to struggle against his hold, attempting to free yourself. Your attempts are entirely unsuccessful, your movements not even affecting his hold on you even a little bit. Which makes you frown at him, the annoyed expression on your face and unsuccessful escape has Raiden’s features lighting up. Seemingly pleased at your realisation of your defeat.

You ask him, “Can you get off me now?”

“Hmm no, I am comfy here,” he smiles smugly at you, repeating your words from before.

Your frown deepens at him but he seems to have done a one-eighty, overly pleased with himself while you are now annoyed with him.

As you gaze at him you can’t help but drift over all of his features, the smugness in his eyes, the definition of his nose, the softness of his lips. You quickly flick your eyes back up to his, hoping he didn’t notice your wandering gaze. But he did, he always notices everything you do, you can’t make an out of the usual decision or move, he notices and he always checks if you’re okay.

When it comes to your feelings you can’t tell if he’s ignoring them or dim but with the knowing look in his eyes now, he seems to have finally caught onto your desire for him at the very least. His head ducks down closer to yours, his lips lightly grazing your own, the slight touch makes you dizzy. You’ve liked him for so long and now he’s so close to you, his skin touching yours.

His lips move against yours as he checks with you, “Can I kiss you?”

“Yes, please?”

Your confirmation has him pressing his lips to yours properly, it’s so soft and so caring and so him. He has you melting for him just from a tender kiss and you really wish you could touch him but he’s still holding you down. His lips are gentle and searching, learning how you like to be kissed. One of his hands leaves your wrist to grasp the side of your face, his lips the smallest bit more forceful as he holds your face.

The increase in his urgency has a light gasp pulling from you and he takes the opportunity to slide his tongue into your mouth. Your free hand reaches up and holds on the side of his face, pulling him down to you more, wanting more from him. Craving all of him, and he provides, his kiss becomes fervent and full and it has you lightheaded. Small whines are slipping from you at the way he kisses you, he’s kissing you like you’re delicate, trying so hard to be gentle but being overwhelmed by his and your own need.

When he pulls back you’re breathless, you’ve never been kissed so attentively, so fully. The desire you feel for him is unmatched and you’ve been so carefully pulled apart by his lips alone. His thumb strokes high on your cheekbone, his eyes captivated by you, they keep flicking back to your lips. Waiting for you to catch your breath so he can kiss you again.

You’re still restrained, hand struggling under his hold to remind him he’s still got you pinned, he releases you at your movements and both your arms reach up, grabbing behind his neck and pulling him down to you completely. His lips crash against yours, eager to kiss you again, his tongue immediately in your mouth again. Exploring you carefully, attentive to how you react to him.

One of his hands slides down your body and holds onto your thigh, pulling it up and hooking it onto his hip. You use the position to your advantage and pull his hips to yours, your core pressed against his crotch. The shock of your movement has a surprised sound exiting Raiden, he moves his lips off yours and rests his forehead against you.

“We can stop,” he tells you, giving you an out. Not wanting to push you into something you don’t want.

You pull him close to you and grind against the bulge in his pants, “I don’t want to.”

The motion has him closing his eyes, having to control himself momentarily, “Then, undress.”

His words bleed with need and desire, you can tell his control waned thin for a second, his tone has an underlying commanding manner to it. It has you throbbing for him. He lets you push him back so you can undress, you slip out of your pants before tugging your shirt off.

“These too,” he comments, lifting the waistband of your panties before letting them snap back against you. The shock of it making you jump.

He had pulled his own shirt and pants off while you did, both equally undressed, “You first,” you retort.

Your apprehension makes him smile at you, he tugs his underwear off first, completely bare in front of you. His cock fully erect for you, the sight of it has your insides twisting, he’s large and thick and, “I don’t know if you’ll fit,” you observe.

“I am not that big,” he dismisses.

You look at him incredulously, “Humble to a fault.”

He shakes his head at you but taps your leg, reminding you to take off your own underwear, which you do, nervously. Chucking them to the floor when they’re off, Raiden shuffles closer to you again, between your legs.

“If you are worried, I will be gentle.” He assures you.

You look at him coquettishly, “You don’t have to be.”

His eyes shut, gathering himself, “I am going to be gentle.” He replies, it’s not a question.

“Okay,” you answer.

He slides the head of his cock through your folds, gathering all of your slick on him. Getting his dick wet to make the stretch easier on you, his movements have you twitching against him. His eyes are alight with satisfaction, enjoying your bodies reaction to him and his minimal touch. He notches himself against your pussy hole before gingerly pushing forwards, the stretch a lot for you.

He notices your struggle to take him, and he rubs his thumb over your clit, the pleasurable stimulation has you relaxing against him. Enough so he can push the head of his cock into you, the feeling has you both sighing.

“You are tight,” he groans, struggling slightly with the grip you have on him.

You argue back, “You’re just big.”

He chuckles a bit but pushes into you more, his cock is a lot to take but he eventually has you stuffed full of him. Your cunt taking him to the hilt, you’re so wet for him that you’re practically drooling on his dick.

Once he’s fully inside you, he leans down, pressing all of himself against you. Skin to skin. The contact has your heart soaring, feeling so full of him and loving the closeness. He looks you directly in the eyes, it’s intense and has you shying away from him, but he pulls your face back so you’re looking him in the eyes.

He watches your face carefully as he pulls out of you, his pace slow and steady, “You are beautiful.” He compliments you as you take his fat cock.

Your legs wrap around his waist, holding onto him. He holds your face still, making sure you keep your eyes on his, wanting to watch your face as you fall apart for him. His cock is rocking back and forth into you smoothly, never speeding up or slowing down, keeping pace. The unwavering manner of his strokes has you craving more but loving what you’re getting. Not wanting him to change anything and wanting so much more, he’s driving you crazy.

His expression is pleased as he watches the way you melt for him, the way your eyes glaze over, and mouth opens letting soft sounds of whimpers and moans fall from it. He offers you compliments the whole time he rocks into you.

“Doing so good for me, look so pretty right now… You always look so pretty,” he murmurs to you, his own eyes glazing over with the pleasure your cunt gives him.

You try to tell him how good you feel but you’re a bit scatter-brained at the moment, “Raiden, you feel –mmph– good, filling me so much –hah–”

He doesn’t seem to mind, enjoying the lost look in your eyes and incoherent compliments. His thrusts are still holding steady but you’re getting closer, his consistent pace working you up gradually. You’re throbbing around him, close to the edge. He’s twitching inside you, close to his own end as well.

“Want to cum at the same time,” his hand reaches down and rubs circles into your clit. His eyes stay on your face, never wanting to look away. The fingers on your clit have you right on the edge, about to fall off. He tells you, “Now, cum for me.”

And you do, very suddenly, and he cums as you do. Grinding into you as he releases his sticky cum inside you, it’s filling you completely. He’s still watching you, carefully taking in your expression as you come down from your orgasm. His own face pleasure filled, eyes lazy and content.  

It occurs to you that you had been subconsciously waiting for his permission to cum, he has a soft domineering way about him that compels you. He’s polite as he tells you what to do, so much so that it doesn’t even seem like he’s telling you what to do.

“You look beautiful when you cum,” he compliments again, genuine as he does.

His compliment is embarrassing and has your cheeks heating up with it, he smiles at you and leans down to press a tender kiss against your lips. He kisses you for a moment, enjoying the closeness of being inside you while pressing his lips against yours, coming down from your highs together.

Eventually, he parts from you, careful as he pulls out. He rolls onto his back and takes you with him, leaving you resting against his chest. He’s comfortable, maybe more comfortable than his mattress.

“Is my mattress really better than yours or was this always your end goal?” His chest vibrates under you with his words.

You laugh a bit, “Your mattress is actually better, this was good too though.”

He hums a bit, “I have a feeling you will be in my bed even more frequently now.”

“Will that be my fault or yours?” You tease.

“Mine,” he answers, kissing the top of your head.

⊹₊ ⋆

[acapelladitty]

lost little lamb

Pairing: Arkham Shadow Scarecrow/Reader

Summary: Thrown in Arkham Asylum for investigating corruption in Gotham, you find yourself assigned to Dr. Jonathan Crane and discover that some corruptions run deeper than you could ever have anticipated.

(warnings for: abuse of power, rough oral sex, misuse of doctor/patient dynamics, mild degredation, come swallowing, very dubious consent, deepthroating, sex for freedom exchange, age gap, implied future abuse)

Fic Masterlist

Link to my AO3

In the hour since you had been unceremoniously snatched up by the GCPD and dumped at the doors of Arkham Asylum, it would be fair to say that you had went through somewhat of a mental journey. From confusion, to fear, to rage, as you realised that your recent outspoken comments about the corruption within Mayor Sharp's government may have had more consequences than you could have anticipated.

Flung into a dingy holding cell, the guard grunted something about waiting for a doctor as you were left to rub at your own arms to soothe the ache of his rough touch. The guards here were known for their rumoured brutality and, after being pretty much forcibly dragged through the halls to this room, you had to say that the rumours weren't unfounded.

Your feet kicking out at the metal legs of the table which sits beyween the two chairs of the holding cell spark a flash of discomfort in your toes as they catch the edge unpleasantly.

"Fuck! Ow."

"Language, child."

Jerking in place at the unexpected voice, your face snaps up to meet the doctor who had been assigned to your 'case'. Your first impression of him is that he is tall, very tall, and his presence seems to fill the space around him despite how unassuming his hunched stance is.

Rail thin, his wrists and neck visibly showing each vein which hides below the skin, the majority of his body is covered by a dark brown suit. It's old-fashioned and a closer look allows your eyes to drag across a six-buttoned vest and bolo tie which only add to the overall stuffiness of his appearance. The only light coloured material is the white shirt which encircles his neck, the collar looking overly starched and uncomfortable.

The whole ensemble is busy but classy and you can appreciate the quirky little touches that enhance it. But your eyes keep flitting to his wrists and the thin hands which are wrapped around the leather briefcase clutched within them.

You had always liked men with thin hands.

Glancing back at his face, a slight flush touches at your cheeks as you take in his features. Even relaxed, his forehead remains marred by thin lines and his dark hair is cropped short to his head. Thin, circular glasses are perched on the end of a proud nose and his eyebrows are bushy and unkempt behind the frames. The faintest hint of a shadow ghosts across his cheeks, the stubble threatening to break through the skin, and as he approaches your seated position you could see that his eyes are dark behind the glasses.

Despite the situation, you felt a slight flutter of interest as the doctor deposits himself in the chair opposite you with a definite stiffness. His age is difficult to determine but he's at least in his early 50's.

"My name is Dr. Jonathan Crane and I have been assigned to your case." His voice is velvety and deep, his inflection pitching on certain syllables but any follow-up is interrupted by your own frantic spluttering.

"My case? I shouldn't be here! I haven't- haven't done anything and they sent me here for some trumped up charges of- I don't even fucking know what."

"Language." The doctor, Crane, chides again but this time there is a harshness to his tone that stills you in an instant as you settle your hands against the table and breathe deeply while he continues. "Your case alleges that you are suffering delusions and making threats against city officials."

"Bullsh-" Catching yourself, you kill the word on your lips and instead grimace at Crane as he surveys you with an empty expression. "I'm only here because Mayor Sharp knows that I know what he's done."

"And these allegations?"

"Can't be proven. All the evidence has been tampered with or destroyed."

Crane sniffs at that.

"Convenient."

"Hey, buddy, I don't make the rules."

His eyes narrow and the sensation of being truly pinned by his gaze makes an uncomfortable heat roll through your body, your ass squirming against the hard plastic of the seat as you blink across at him.

"You will address me as Doctor Crane." His tone refusing to allow any argument, you find yourself cowering as your tongue licks at your lower lip.

"Yes, Doctor Crane."

"Better. You, at least, seem able to understand basic instructions. Now, let's discuss the problem here. A beautiful young woman like yourself should proably know to let sleeping lions lay. Our beloved Mayor cannot allow disturbances of the peace. Not with the re-election brewing."

A sinking feeling settles in your chest at his words.

He was as corrupt as the rest of them.

Before any further thoughts could poison your mind, you startle in place as the leather of his shoe brushes your ankle.

"Dr. Crane?" You shiver, staring at him with confusion on your gaze.

"I believe you, little lamb. I believe each of those claims you have made. But these are dangerous men who run this city and I would be risking my job by not dealing with such scandalous accusations."

"But you believe me! We could go! We could ta-"

"I will be doing nothing." Crane cuts you off with a sharp incline of his head. "The most I can offer is to facilitate your release from this asylum. The case of a new potential inmate slipping through the cracks is not unheard of."

Hope alights in your chest and you grin despite yourself, thinking of getting the hell out of here and just trying to escape this shithole of a city. Metropolis would be safe. Information could be gathered from afar and brought back to Gotham to bring dow-

"But there is a price for my assistance."

Shocked out of your thoughts, you meet his eyes once more and a fresh shiver rolls across your body as you take in the sudden hunger there; the deep brown appearing almost darker due to the predatory glint which sits within them.

"I don't have any money."

"I have no need of money. What I want is something more," Crane pauses with a heavy weight to the words, "base. Your unsubtle appraisals of my person have not went unnoticed and I feel I am owed some recompense for your earlier disrespect."

It takes a moment, but when understanding of his words alights on your mind it draws a vaguely disgusted look from your narrowed eyes as your mouth falls open in surprise.

"What?"

"Do not act innocent. You know what is being asked of you. Crawl beneath this table, service me for my troubles, and I will see to your release. Otherwise, you will be left here to rot."

Unable to believe this was happening as a million thoughts rattle through your brain at once, anger and disgust are at the forefront of your swirling emotions as a hot flush overtakes your cheeks.

He was serious.

"This isn't- this isn't right! This is rape! You're forcing me t-"

"Rape is for madmen and wild dogs. This is a choice. You are free to refuse, little lamb."

While not exactly snapping, there is a harshness to Crane's voice which sparks anxiety in your chest as you gaze around the room and note the lack of cameras or other recording equipment.

"And you swear you will sign the release papers?" You confirm, hearing your own voice as though from afar.

"I will see to it that you are released from this room." He answers and you can almost hear a twinge of excitement in his deadpan tone.

Pushing back on the chair as it screeches to protest the movement, you drop to the floor and adjust your clothing quickly - your jeans protecting your knees from the cool flooring as something like a sigh emits from the still-seated Crane.

Crawling to him below the table, hot shame trickling down your spine with every inch traversed, you watch as his slender hands are quick to open his fly and free his cock. He's half-hard already, his cock curving heavily to the right as you rest your hands on his knees and pause.

"Closer than that. I don't know what you expect to achieve from my knees. If you wish to buy your freedom from this place then the price is clear."

His voice, so low and rough, drags a shudder from you as you shuffle forwards, careful to dip your head below the table to keep the metal from clashing against your skull.

Hidden away by his slacks at the base of his cock, you can make out a thick patch of pubic hair - the colour matching the sleek brown which coats his head but with more grey peppered through. His length is long and on the thinner side, mimicking his body almost like a parody, and a prominent vein runs along the shaft.

One hand staying locked around his knees, you grab at his cock with your other hand - jerking your fingers along his thin length as you pull it towards your mouth. He's clean at least, his cock holding a slightly masculine smell that didn't turn your stomach in the slightest. A inhale of pleasure meets your ears as your fingers trace along his cockhead and you jump in place as he smacks the metal table with his open palm.

"Make haste, little lamb. If anyone were to walk in and discover us then, well, I suppose you may have more than one problem to deal with."

Sensing the danger in his words, you pick up pace as you lock you lips over his cock and roll your tongue across his cockhead. Immediately, the taste of his pre-cum floods your mouth and the saltiness of it causes you to cough around his cock as you continue to swirl your tongue along the head.

He openly grunts as you accept more of his cock into your throat, swallowing around the first few inches as you hollow out your cheeks. Using your hand to guide him, you flatten your tongue ti lick a sordid line up the prominent vein on the underside of his shaft - determined to please him and hold up your half of the bargain.

Your panties feel uncomfortable against your cunt as the growing moisture there makes the fabric feel damp. Something about how nasty and wrong this whole debacle was only served to heighten that spark of arousal which sat low in your gut and made your cunt ache as it remained ignored.

"You swallow me down with ease despite being such a hesitant rabbit. Maybe I should have bargained for some of your other services since you seem skilled in pleasing men - up there with the whores who walk the Bowrey when the daylight flees."

Moaning around his cock at the degrading words, you push down any anger which they ignite and focus on the task at hand as you alternate your breathing with accepting another two inches of his cock - the length now beginning to breach your throat as you bob your head along it.

You glance up at Crane and your eyes meet past his proud nose, the predatory gleam more prominent than ever as he takes your eye contact as an invitation to buck his hips slightly, pushing his cock into your mouth unexpectedly and causing you to cough and splutter at the extra intrusion.

"Careful." He warns with a twisted smirk curling the ends of his thin lips. "If you make too much noise then it may raise suspicion. And I cannot imagine you're interested in providing the same services to the guards to buy their silence."

Shaking your head, you blink away the slight wetness in your eyes which the coughing has sparked and tighten your grip on his legs as you fill your mouth with his cock once more.

He builds a leisurely pace, allowing his cock to pass through your lips in such a way that you feel every inch as it scores across your tongue and presses at the back of your throat. A sharp hand drops to press insistently on the back of your head and you moan around his length as he guides your movements with splayed fingers - his sharp nails digging crescents into your scalp as he fucked himself between your lips.

Teasing clearly over, he takes what he wants from you with no care for your comfort as you are forced to scramble for breath as he pulls himself free for only a moment before slamming back within your mouth.

Your own cunt feeling neglected as you squeeze your thighs and feel the dampness of your panties, you once again sneak a look up at him and take in the slight baring of his teeth as he watches his cock disappear between your lips. His hips now moving in tandem with your skull as he jerks you along his cock, you can tell from the pre-cum which coats your mouth and the frantic nature of his movements that he's close.

"Enjoy your reward, little lamb." Crane growls, his words stuttering slightly as he pulls you hard across his length. He comes with a muted groan, his cock pumping its warm release down your throat as you panic and swallow desperately around him.

You hadn't expected him to come in your mouth and disgust swirls in your gut alongside the pesky arousal which makes your head swim with confusion. Fingers digging into his thighs, your grip tightens as the need to breathe makes genuine panic alight in your heaving chest but as soon as it begins, his hand releases your head and you pull free of his cock with a choking splutter.

Wiping off your eyes with the back of your hand, his cock is visibly soaked with your saliva and what little of his release you had been unable to swallow. His hands are quick to tuck his wilting cock back within his slacks as he reclines in his chair, his hawk-like gaze quick to drop past his own body to fix you in place once more.

"More than acceptable."

A glowing review but one you can't even really process as his foot taps at your knee expectantly, wordlessly telling you to return to your seat in a way that makes you feel like a dumb child being scolded as he continues.

"Fix yourself, child."

Body shuddering with pent-up adrenaline as the stress of the day finally catches up with you, your lips feel puffy and there's a rawness in your throat which you cough away gently - certain that you will be waking up tomorrow with a raspy tone.

"So what happens now?"

The million dollar question.

Sitting as stiffly as ever, absolutely no hint that he had just viciously abused your throat and situation for his own sexual satisfaction, Crane stood up from his seat with a graceless squint in your direction.

"Don't worry, little lamb. We'll see about having you released as soon as possible."

Striding back to the single door which worked as both an entrance and exit to the room, he paused in the doorway to turn his head back and offer you a curt nod - something heated playing in his dark eyes as they roved across your anxiety-ridden and shuddering frame.

"When the guards move you, they will place you in another cell for a short while. Only until the paperwork had processed for your release. I suggest you give them no trouble."

And with that he slipped through the door, allowing the lock to click in place as he disappeared with one final look towards your now-hopeful gaze.

Glancing down the hall, Crane caught the attention of the nearest guard with a short wave of his arm.

"This patient is exhibiting signs of delusion which manifest as extreme sexual fantasy. She has fixated on being unwilfully abused by those around her and may make false accuasations as such. Possible symptoms of nymphomania are also present. Move and keep her isolated in one of the solitary rooms towards the end of the east wing and ensure that only I have access to her cell to prevent any more scandal leaking from this wretched place."

Nodding his understanding, the guard tightened his grip on his belt as he rocked back on his heels. "Yes, Dr. Crane, hearing you loud and clear."

His cock still twitching due to to the afterglow of her powerful mouth, Crane allowed a cruel smile to tilt the edge of his lips. His office, neatly situated at the very end of the east wing, would benefit greatly from having such a pliant patient so closely within his grasp. Mayor Sharp was very clear on his instructions in how to deal with those who would upset the status quo and he was happy to play his part.

Her paperwork in hand, he would see to it that she received the proper treatment which was required to cure her of her ailments - starting with ridding her of her foolish optimism in expecting help from a monster such as himself.

[short-honey-badger]

Peppermint Tea 17 - Lavender 2

Okay. So this is part 2 of Shanks and his visit to your island. Mihawk's reaction will be out when I finish up with some editing! Peppermint Tea has become waayyyyy bigger than I ever thought it could be. Very proud honestly since this is definitely my biggest work so far.

Anyway! I hope you enjoy! Plot stuff happens and Shanks is a big flirt.

Warnings! Some drinking and Shanks is a flirt.

Masterlist

Shanks and his crew stay on your island for an entire week. You are properly introduced to his entire crew and find that while far more rowdy than what you are used to, the Red-Haired Pirates were good people. They welcomed you with open arms, telling you all sorts of stories as booze and food flowed freely around. You avoided any foul-smelling liquid and declined Shanks’ offer of his sweeter drink called sake. You just didn’t feel comfortable drinking without Dracule with you.

Thankfully, the crew and their captain accepted your rejection with ease and supplied you with sweet juices that stained your lips a dark red. Shanks couldn’t keep his eyes away from you, gaze stuck on the way you licked your overly red lips of any leftover pomegranate juice. He watches you across the large bonfire that sits in the center of the circle, admiring the way the flames make your eyes glow in the night.

The captain drinks from his shallow bowl, enjoying the way the warm sake burns his throat. Hank whines beside him, and Shanks smirks down at the shaggy dog. The mutt had not left his side for almost his entire stay here, and it made him wonder if Hawkeye had a soft spot for the pup, too.

He frowns when he thinks of Dracule, and a curl of guilt throbs in his chest for half a second before he shoves it away. Shanks already knew that you would tell the warlord about his sudden visitation the moment Mihawk stepped on your island. He wasn't doing anything he wasn't supposed to do, only enjoying the company of a lovely, lonely young woman, but he remembered the way that his old friend had spoken about you.

Shanks certainly agreed with everything Mihawk said, but mostly, he remembered how his friend's voice had turned soft and affectionate for this mysterious woman. And then the fierce anger when Shanks poked fun at him. Mihawk cared about you unlike anything else in this wretched world, but Shanks was a greedy man, and he could tell that you had more than enough room in your heart for the both of them.

The Emperor shifts in the sand, reaching for his bottle of sake and pouring himself another cupful. He would never do anything to take you away from Dracule. He wasn't that kind of man. Especially when he heard you speak of his old friend earlier, carefully omitting his name in worry of getting Dracule in trouble with someone, but the way your cheeks lit up, and your expression turned to one of wonder spoke of how much you adored the older man.

“Whatcha thinking about, Captain. I can see the gears turning from here,” Beckman questions from where he sits on an empty crate near the redhead. The sharpshooter has been watching his Captain make eyes at you all night, and he wondered when Shanks was going to make his move. It wasn't like the other man to lollygag on something he wanted.

Shanks huffs at his friend, raising his occupied hand guilty, though he breaks and snickers, “You caught me, Benn.”

He finishes his sake and shakes any remaining liquid from it before setting it on top of the bottle, done with it for now.

“Remember when we ran into Hawkeye? About a year ago now?” Shanks asks and waits for Benn to nod before he continues, “He told me about a woman he met, said that she was something special. That's her.”

Beckman huffs to himself and then rolls his eyes, “Of course we'd somehow run into her. Not planning anything dumb are you, Shanks?”

The redhead glares at his first mate, pouting at the condescending way his name is spoken, “Hey. I'm not that much of a jerk,” he grumbles and then softens, calculating gaze landing back on you.

“But this place. You can't deny that it isn't peaceful, Benn. Different, almost out of a story book its so far removed from the rest of the world. I want to come back, I want to get to know her.”

His first mate raises a brow and drinks deeply from his bottle of rum. His captain was certainly a menace, but he also had a good point. There was something about this place that relaxed even his old bones, “What about Hawkeye?”

Shanks shrugs, “He can get over it. I'm not trying to steal her away, but _ seems lonely. I want to be her friend.”

Benn scoffs. Yeah, right. He knew how his Captain was. He fell hard and fast, and you obviously had his attention, “Sure, Captain. Just don't do anything stupid.”

Shanks stands and shoves at Benn's shoulder good-natured, “Yee of little faith, my friend. Now excuse me, the crew is singing my favorite song, and I want to dance with our host.”

The Emperor doesn't wait for his friend to respond. Instead, he is already sliding his way across the beach to stop beside you. You look up at him when his shadow eclipsed the roaring fire, a big grin on your face as you sway back and forth to the pirate shanty the crew slurred.

“Dance with me?” Shanks offers, and you take his hand with ease, laughing when the redhead pulls you to your feet so quickly that you collide with his chest. He basks in the coolness of your body for half a second, and then Shanks is pulling you away from your spot to follow the rest of his crew in the manic dance they had going around the fire.

Gather up all of the crew

It's time to ship out Bink's brew

Sea wind blows, to where, who knows

The waves will be out guide

Shanks twirls you around, easily keeping pace with you and the rest of the men as the song continues. You look radiant as you dance around, loose shouldered and free in a way you hadn't been when Sanks had first shown up. You laugh when Shanks loses his footing in the sand, grabbing him by the wrist to keep him from falling.

He takes this as an opportunity to pull you close to him, pressing you under his arm as his hand settles along the curve of your waist. He watches your face explode in a blush, but you aren't fighting him away, so Shanks counts that as a win.

O'er across the the oceans tide

Rays of sunshine far and wide

Birds they sing, of cheerful things

In circles passing by

A guilty look flashes over your face when the song comes to an end, and you are quick to pull away from Shanks. You remind yourself that while this man is nice and has been cheerful his entire stay, you didn't know him. He is still a stranger to you, but you wouldn't mind seeing him again. You have caught the redhead watching you, and the look in his chocolate eyes reminded you of your warlord early on in your relationship with him. It makes you nervous.

Mihawk flashes through your mind, and the guilt intensifies. Was it wrong to want to get to know Shanks when you already had Mihawk? Or was wanting more too selfish? You didn't know, and it ate you up inside at the thought.

“Everything okay, Doll?” Shanks asks when he sees you draw into yourself. Frost has crusted over on your exposed shoulders, and he follows after you when you escape from the crew and start back up the path to your home.

“I'm fine! Just going to the bathroom,” your voice is too high pitched for it to be truthful, so Shanks steps up his pace and reaches out to carefully curl his hand around your arm, stopping you in place.

“Hey, no. We were just having fun. What's going on?” The Emperor presses and walks around so that he can face you. Your eyes are teary, and the sight sends a shock of panic through his body, “Woah, what's wrong, Babygirl? Why ya crying?”

His concern just makes you feel worse about it all, and snow begins to fall, making it hard for you to see the man in front of you. His hand is warm on your arm, though, and you reluctantly lean into the hold.

“I don't know if it's a good idea for you to be my friend,” you blurt suddenly, and then quickly bite your lip from embarrassing yourself further.

Shanks cocks a brow at you, confusion evident on his face, “What do you mean?”

You shuffle in place. You have kept quiet about Dracule. You weren't sure why. Maybe you wanted to try and keep your warlord safe, but you couldn't lie anymore.

“You are a very nice man, Shanks, but I don't want you to get the wrong idea. The man I keep talking about, his name is Dracule Mihawk, and we are…a thing. He's told me about you, warned me about you really, called you a menace, but I could still hear how fond he was of you.” You are ranting, but Shanks is patient and waits it out. He could tell that you weren't done yet.

“I don't know your past, but I know that the two of you know each other, and I can't risk the happiness I have with Dracule. I know that the two of you haven't seen eye to eye in a long time, and I don't want to be another reason for any more tension.”

Shanks is silent for half a second before he bursts out laughing, doubling over and clutching his stomach in his glee. Oh, you sweet thing! You were worried about ruining the friendship he and Hawkeye shared. How precious you were!

“You are adorable, Babygirl,” Shanks crows and draws your shocked form close to him, shivering when his exposed chest meets your frozen nose, “Mihawk will huff and puff like a rooster, but in the end? He'll forgive you. I'll even go track him down myself and tell him what happened if you want me to?”

“What? No, no, you don't need to do all that,” you quickly deny and shove away from his chest to look up at him in panic. You needed to be the one to tell Mihawk, for you can imagine the ensuing fight that would most likely happen, “And how would you know Dracule won't be mad at me?”

Shanks gives you a smug grin and sniffs pretentiously, “Trust me, Sweetheart. I've known Hawkeye for a long time and heard the way he spoke about you. I can promise that he won't be too upset with you. Me? I'm a different story, but it's going to take a lot more than just getting to know you for the respect we have for one another to go away.”

You find yourself somewhat appeased by that. It was true that the two men have known one another far longer than you have, so it makes sense to you to take Shanks' word. You sigh heavily and nod, conceding.

“Alright, ugh. If you are sure, Shanks,” you grumble, but you feel much better about this than you did just a moment ago, and give the redhead a grateful smile.

“See, that's the spirit, Doll!” Shanks matches your grin, “Stop worrying that pretty head of yours and come back to the party, yeah?”

You roll your eyes at the redhead, but nod anyway, “Okay, just a little longer, and then I'm going to bed. You and your crew party too much for me.”

Shanks snickers at you and tugs you back down the footpath and back to the beach and his crew. He sits back near his sake, and you sit with him, content to watch the others have fun for now.

It's hours later that Shanks feels a weight thunk into his side. He looks over and sees that you have passed out, and the sight makes his heart only grow even more fond of you. He stands and then bends to scoop you up, difficult with one arm, but not impossible. He balances the now empty sake bottle and cup on your sleeping form and shuffles back up the path.

Hank follows after him, leading the way up to the cottage, and shoves the door open with a heavy paw. Shanks snickers and steps inside your home, following the shaggy dog to your bedroom. He stops short when he meets a pair of glaring golden eyes.

A big fluffy orange cat sits in the middle of the bed, the only occupant of the house that Shanks had yet to meet. He is careful of any wayward claws as he lays you down in the bed, sitting his empty sake bottle on the end table, then sitting down with a huff and a small smile when you groan in your sleep and roll to your side.

Shanks gazes at you with soft eyes, reaching forward to tuck a fallen strand of hair from your face with a sigh. You look lovely even in sleep, and the redhead aches to stay here with you, but then he would be bad, and you probably wouldn't want him around anymore.

The captain stands with a sigh, and pulls the blankets up to your chin, “Sleep well, Babygirl,” he murmurs and then he is gone, shutting the door of your home with a soft click. Shanks would make sure to come see you in the morning before he and his crew left.

@writingmysanity @kenkenmaaa @foggyturtleknightangel @browneyedhufflepuff @goth-mami-writer @myradiaz @fluffybunnyu @bookandstar

[i05wook]

rest well - park gunwook

Pairing: bf! Gunwook x fem! reader

Genre: comfort, fluff

Wc: 587

Warnings: female reader, periods, mentions of nausea, crying

Summary: When Gunwook’s partner is suffering on their period with the worst cramps ever, Gunwook is determined to do whatever he can to help them through shark week. 

Author’s notes: I 100% believe that 1) Gunwook would give the best hugs ever, the man's just a giant teddy bear in my head 2) I feel like he’s the type of person to always be warm, particularly his hands. I’m writing this cause i’m literally in so much pain right now on my period. I had to be somewhat self indulgent for once in a while. 

It was early on a Sunday morning, and there you were, unable to move from the position 

you were in; burrowed deep into your duvet, your arm wrapped tightly over your stomach, trying to provide some relief from the agonising pain of your period cramps. However, no matter which way you laid in bed, the cramps continued to rush over you, bringing waves of nausea and eliciting tears to envelop your eyelashes. 

You were in so much pain that every time you tried to stand up from your bed, you were hit with another surge of nausea. The tides of nausea meant that it was near impossible for you to get out of bed, never mind making it to the kitchen in order to fill your hot water bottle up. All you could do to distract yourself from the pain was sleep, cuddled up with your little black and white tabby kitten, Oreo. She laid over your stomach, almost acting like your hot water bottle, and this was enough to help lull you into a light sleep. 

It was unknown exactly how long you had been asleep for, lying in the same position. However, when you heard the sound of your front door closing, shortly followed by the slow creak of your bedroom opening, you poked your head over the duvet. From behind your door, your adorable boyfriend slowly peered his head out, praying that you would remain undisturbed if you were sleeping. As soon as he saw you, his adorable gummy smile snuck up on his face, growing even larger when you reached both arms in his direction

He wandered over to where you laid in your bed, and sat down in the bed next to you. As soon as he was sat, he looked over at you, and instantly you buried your face into his abdomen. “Hey darling, are you doing okay today?” Gunwook asked while caressing your hair. You don’t know what or why it happened, but the next thing you know, you're crying into his stomach. 

“Hey darling, don’t cry my love, “ he said leaning down to kiss the back of your head, all while stroking your hair in an attempt to soothe your crying. He knew that you often got overly emotional while on your period, so he was well versed in calming you in these situations. 

Once your crying calmed pretty soon after it started, Gunwook stood up from the bed, so that he could lie down properly next to you, his arm wrapping around your waist, and applying just the right amount of pressure on your tummy. The boy was consistently warm like a heat pad, but he also always gave the best hugs, in particular, back hugs. Gunwook’s back hugs were some of the best things in the world. The warmth provided by his body almost instantly soothed any form of back pain you had been suffering from, and the pressure of his arm across your stomach helped enormously in lessening the horrendous cramps you had been enduring all day. 

Gunwook’s presence behind you helped calm you into a much needed rest whilst he played with your hair and whispered countless affirmations in your ear. The last thing you managed to hear before you fell deep into your slumber caused your heart to flutter. 

“My darling, I’m so proud of how strong you are as a woman dealing with this suffering. If only I could take it all away, I would be honoured to. Rest well my sweet girl.” 

status: open 

@bambisgirl @enhacolor @acaiasahi @duolingofanaccount @slytherinshua @redm4ri @enluv @jaelaxies

©bobariki 2023

[creaturefeaster]

Can you tell us more about Debbie??? Because she is my favorite character!!! :D

DEBBIE!! Absolutely >:3

Debbie is my tiny energetic ball of sass, she's loud she's proud and she's so much more fearless than a lot of people give her credit for. People, in the universe I mean.

She's the youngest at 17 coming on 18, and the shortest, and she's often perceived as immature and overly unrealistic, but only because she's so straightforward and blunt about her thoughts and opinions. She does not wait to blurt out her own plan or her own suspicions, but rarely do a lot of people take her seriously. She often needs Vilmr as a back up for support to her word. So, like, she tends to be pretty fussy as a result of not being respected by the group at large.

In her own friend circle she is very used to being the leading voice of things-- her bestie Samantha is quiet, easygoing and very passive, her close second Vilmr is serious and a bit blunt himself, but he doesn't like to be put in the spotlight, and Michael is just too nice to do anything but go along with whatever Debbie decides the group is doing on any given day.

But back to the rest of the group, she is no longer that leaderly voice, so she ends up amplifies herself so much more. Jumps in the face of danger way more than she ought to, to prove that she's just as tough and serious as everyone else. Many think this is reckless, but Vilmr is a continuing source of support towards her fearlessness.

Her and Vilmr's dynamic is a mimic of Chickenstab and Rede. She's short and loud and seems to have endless energy, and she tugs around her blind green friend everywhere she goes. They're a package deal just like Cstab and Rede too. You will almost always find Vilmr by Debbie's side.

So when she is kept away from Vilmr, her true colors tend to bleed through a little more. She can get argumentative if she feels like she's not getting the respect she tries hard to earn, and without a second voice to help carry her opinions she tends to act overall more stubborn and disagreeable. She can get extremely hotheaded, in some cases.

BUT! When all is well, she tends to be the source of motivation for a lot of the team. Her neverending enthusiasm for just doing things really helps get people in the mood of... yknow. Actually doing things. Even if she jumps headfirst into danger to prove herself, it's that push to action (to save her scrawny ass) that often gets everyone moving.

Not to mention, she's also a source of some pretty decent wisdom. She tends to see things through a different lense than most, she likes to make big assumptions and step outside the basics. While she doesn't always get it right, be it from lack of experience or otherwise, when she does drop some heavy wisdom it's often something not even the brightest of minds have considered yet.

Again though, it's hard for people to take her word seriously because of how she presents herself. However, she will never stop being her despite how often she faces this disrespect. She is a source of inspiration (which she doesn't realise, but if she ever did she'd be so hype) because of how true she remains to herself. She WILL wear her dragon costume on this serious world-saving journey, she WILL make dragon jokes every step of the way, and thats HER and there's NOTHING you can do to stop it.

She would be ecstatic to know that she's somebody's favorite 0u0!

[bts-hyperfixation]

Outside of the fox

Chapter 12 of? 4058 words

Y/N longs for a new life when the one she'd been living comes to an abrupt stop. Without much thought to those she is leaving behind, the little fox packs a backpack and disappears. She stumbles across the shelter and makes an interim home for herself while she works out exactly what she wants from her second chance.

Last

"Good morning beautiful, how was your weekend?" Taehyung says too loudly as he walks into the office.

You glance around but none of your co-workers even acknowledge his entrance. He practically glides across the foyer to stand with you behind the front desk.

"Any messages for me today?" He asks grabbing your lunch bag, not waiting for you.

"My weekend was... interesting. Mostly lazy I guess. We can talk about it more at lunch." You answer his first question knowing he isn't really listening as he reads Jimin's note to him.

"He wants to meet me?" Taehyung asks, eyes wide.

"Well, the pack wants to invite my only friend outside the house to spend winter solstice with us... but yeah you can interpret that as him specifically wanting to meet you if you like." You shrug.

He sticks his tongue out at your response, deciding you were just jealous of the connection he and Jimin were clearly forming through their two post-it interactions. Then he steals your lunch away and continues into the office. You hope he is putting it in the fridge, but you don't remain optimistic.

It's a long day, Taehyung has a meeting at lunch, although you aren't overly sure what kind of meeting an office mail guy would need to be privy to. You eat your lunch quietly by yourself and return to the desk 20 minutes early to try and keep yourself busy. The torturous day drags to an end, and you finally head home.

You are the first to arrive.

As usual Jungkook is in the living room on his switch, although no one had had chance to reset the furniture, so he still lay on the blow-up mattress. His ears perk up as you walk through, but he makes no move to look away from his game, so you continue into the kitchen. The fridge is empty save a few bottles of juice, the cupboards have only a few cans of soup, and the bread in the container is going mouldy.

Apparently no one had had a chance to go grocery shopping this weekend.

You pull out your phone and create a new order in the supermarket app, setting the delivery time for the next evening. You try to remember everybody’s preferences, including Hobi's seeing as he was practically living at the cottage now. He claimed it was all to do with his creative process, but the whole house could hear what he and Yoongi were talking about in hushed voices in the early hours of the morning. The walls were reasonably thin.

"Kookie, anything you want on the food shop?" You call.

"Can't do the food shop until Joonie is paid on Wednesday." He calls back.

"Don't be silly, we have no food. I'm doing one now. What do you want?"

The bunny finally pauses his game and shuffles into the kitchen. He glances around at all the open cupboard doors and thinks for a few moments.

"I guess I'd like some carrot gummies... If they aren't too much." He says sheepishly.

"Of course they aren't too much, they're only sweets."

"Yeah but sweets aren't necessities, sometimes we have to go without extras." He shrugs.

"Jungkook? Are you guys struggling with money?" You ask.

It hadn't occurred to you before. You knew they weren't exactly living like kings, but they never seemed to want for anything... And they took you in without a second thought to themselves. They kept everybody fed and Yoongi and Namjoon were always working. You knew how stressed Namjoon was, but you thought it was because of deadlines not financials.

"Um... I guess so. I didn't know they hadn't mentioned it... Please don't tell them I told you. Namjoon is so proud, and all he wants is to take care of us. He is doing such a great job I can't believe I've made you think he can't look after us." Jungkook starts to hyperventilate. "He is going to be mad at me."

"Namjoon won't be mad at you Kookie." You try to re-assure him, moving to him carefully. "I won't mention it to him if it makes you feel better. Just help me with the food shop and we won't mention this conversation again okay?"

He nods and sniffles. You put a hand on his shoulder, and he lent into the warmth. He then plucks your phone from your hand a starts adding all the things you've forgotten to the shop. Each item being the cheapest option available, no name brand items anywhere to be seen. After he is finished he presses order and hands the phone back to you.

"What about dinner tonight?" You ask.

"I think Yoongi is using the last of his advance to bring home Chinese food." He answers.

You send a message to the group chat to tell them you put an order in so they could add anything they wanted. You were met with some resistance by Namjoon who insisted he would give you the money back as soon as he got home but you refused. Making up something about doing the food shop as long as you weren't paying rent, refusing to back down until he gave in.

He tried again briefly when he got home but eventually accepted his fate when Yoongi told him to shut as he lay the dinner out on the table.

It was a rare night when Hoseok hadn't joined you for the evening, instead having plans with his parents. It was oddly quiet when he wasn't there to fill in the silences. His cheerful laugh usually echoes off the walls. The house felt a little bit like it did that night Jungkook spent in the hospital, but nobody addressed it, instead blitzing through little anecdotes about their days to try and fill the space.

"Oh! Taehuyng said he would love to come for winter solstice, if that's still okay?" You look across at Jungkook and he shakes his to make sure your earlier conversation doesn't resurface.

"Of course it's okay, we love having company." Namjoon says the smile on his face genuine.

You study his face closer than you ever had before. His dark circles were getting worse by the day, fighting his need to hibernate in order to keep the pack afloat. His hair is frazzled and desperate need of a cut. And his beard is patchy and rough. Your heartaches that you didn't realise how badly the stress was getting to him sooner.

"Hobi is joining us too." Yoongi says through his spoonful of noodles.

He is met with a chorus of 'duh' that has him questioning why he bothered speaking in the first place. The rest of the evening they walk you through all of their traditions for the solstice. They start with a huge meal at sundown, filled with meats, pastries, and dessert. It sounded delicious and had your mouth watering at the thought. Then they would go up on the hill in the back garden and watch the stars if it were a clear night.

They'd light a bonfire and let go of all the things that had happened over the past year, lighting symbols of their previous misfortunes. Bonfires were common on solstice, but your husband had never liked the smell, and your parents deemed them too dangerous.

After the bonfire they would then make origami stars with their wish for their next year and keep them all in a jar together. It sounded so romantic.

As Namjoon spoke you watched Jungkook's face light up, knowing this would be his first solstice with them too. It seemed odd to picture just Namjoon and Yoongi starting these traditions together. You didn’t know the story of how they became a couple, but neither seemed to be so romantically inclined. Their love for each other was evident in their little touches and hushed moments. But wishes in jars seemed too much.

Still, you were more than excited to spend this holiday with them. It was less than a week away and you only had three more days of work until you would be given time off to spend at home. The winter solstice allowed for two weeks off to spend the time with family.

Your husband had never bothered taking the time away, owning his own company meant he never had any spare time. you'd always have a nice meal, just the two of you, but then he would be straight back to work.

Butterflies fluttered in your stomach all week at the thought of actually having a big celebration.

The rest of the week work continued to drag by but Taehuyng made sure he was around for every subsequent lunch to cheer you up just a little.

Every day when you went home something about the house was different. Instead of playing on his switch all day, Jungkook had taken to watching DIY videos and making little ornaments out of scrap paper. He had strung paper stars to the sealing on Tuesday, using Namjoon's old unedited manuscripts. On Wednesday he had made hundreds of little snowflakes out of his comic books that he had finished with. Thursday you came home after a half day to Jungkook covered in papercuts trying to make paper swans.

He had frustrated tears in his eyes as he throw another crumpled ball onto the floor, landing in a pile of about twenty failed attempts. On the table sat two completed swans that looked perfect. You shuffle noisily over to him, making sure he can hear you coming before you sit on the floor next to him. Namjoon had finally moved the blow-up mattress back to the loft yesterday, but no one had replaced the sofas yet.

"Having trouble?" You ask.

You pick up one of the crumpled pieces of paper and smooth it back out until it's useable again.

"It looked so easy in the tutorial..." He grumbled. Falling back onto the floor dramatically.

"Well you managed it twice, so you are getting somewhere." You shrug, absentmindedly folding the paper in your hands.

"They took me an hour each." He sniffles.

You finish twisting the neck on the bird in your hands and place it on his forehead. His eyes open and he looks inward and up, crossing his eyes to see what you had given him. When he realises what you've done he springs up and grabs the two swans from the table to make sure you didn't cheat.

"How did you do that?" He asks in awe.

"I had a lot of spare time at school... let’s just say I had no friends. Did you want me to teach you?"

He nods enthusiastically, pushing his stack of fresh paper towards you. Today’s choice seems to be homemade recycled paper. Likely old, shredded documents. It was tougher than regular card stock to fold and explained at least half of his issues, but you decided against pointing it out. Instead walking him steadily though each fold for a couple of birds until he felt confident doing it himself.

The two of you had an army of swans surrounding you when Hoseok let himself in.

"Am I interrupting something?" He asks looking around at the colourful array coating the table.

"No, but can you start putting these up around the house? Maybe hang them with the stars?" You ask, handing him a bunch.

"Yes mam." He salutes and takes them from you.

He tries to make them even with the stars. The whole room looked like a grade school class room when the three of you had finished but it also had a touch of magic to it. When Namjoon came home he brought a little shrub with him to act as a ceremonial offering for the holiday and each member of the house placed their gifts underneath.

It was easy to tell who brought each pile of gifts. Jungkook's were evidently handmade. Jimin's were tied with parcel string and had hand drawn hearts on the tags. Namjoon's wrapping skills were awful, with the tape peeling away at the edges. Yoongi's on the other hand were meticulously wrapped. Hobi's were mostly just made of tape, they were going to require scissors to cut.

You had tried to make each of yours match the men. You were nervous about the presents suddenly worried you had perhaps spent too much. You had bought them before your conversation with Jungkook and had used some of the money left by your husband so you could thank them properly. Really they had meant to be goodbye presents until Yoongi had talked you into staying through the holidays.

You were still considering new apartments you could move to in the new year, but with each new day you spent at the cottage you found your will to leave slipping away. You spent much more time thinking about Jimin and what Yoongi had said and how that made you feel. You also thought about the others and what you really wanted. You had been so sure you were ready to be alone. But maybe that was never the problem with your previous life.

On Friday everyone had a lazy morning. No one surfaced from their rooms until 11am. Namjoon didn't make an appearance until Yoongi opened the door to Jungkook's room and blew the smell of freshly made pancakes in, luring the bear slowly to the table. You all ate your brunch happily, munching quietly as you enjoyed the sweet treat. In the afternoon Namjoon finally got dressed and declared he would be going to brave the supermarkets in order to pick up the remainder of the supplies they would need for the feast on Sunday.

You offer to go with him, and he accepts. Although you hadn't realised quite how vicious this experience was going to be. The store had a line halfway around the building and Namjoon just laughed your shock off as if this was normal.

"I hope you're wearing enough layers." He says glancing at your puffy coat.

"How are you so okay with this. It's one day, are all these people insane?" You ask.

"This is normal for this time of year... Have you never been shopping at solstice?"

"No, I guess I've never had to."

Your family had people to do this. And your husband would've never let you go grocery shopping with him or whomever he had sent. You weren't supposed to do anything so menial.

The line shuffles forward every so often when somebody leaves. Shopping trollies filled to the brim with online orders and last-minute presents. You're freezing after half an hour on the outside, the building doing very little to shelter you from the chilly wind. It would be at least another half an hour before you reached the safety of the foyer.

You glance up at Namjoon, but he seems unphased by the harsh weather. As a bear it probably came with the genes. He notices you staring and turns back to look at you.

"Shit, Y/N your cheeks are really pink... Are you that cold?" He looks around as if a solution might appear out of thin air.

"It's okay, it's not too much longer." You put on a brave face and smile at him.

"I'd say go sit in the car, but I forgot to fill it up..."

His eyes flicker like he is lying but you don't call him on it, you assume he just didn't want to waste extra money.

"Honestly I'll be fine." But your teeth chatter and betray you.

"This might help... If it's okay." He unzips the front of both coats and pulls you into his chest.

He is like a radiator; the heat fills your bones instantly. You melt into his embrace, allowing him to warm every inch of you.

"I'm not going to make you cold am I?" You ask looking up at him.

You hadn't realised how close his face would be to yours until he looks down to speak and his lips are barely a centimetre away. Quickly you look down and bury your face into his cable knit jumper. Missing the blush on his face as you rush to hide yours.

"It's.. um it's hard to make me cold." He coughs awkwardly as his arms encircle you to keep you close. Every so often he takes one arm back to push the cart forward as he shuffles the two of you in the queue.

You chat absently as you move, careful to only turn your face up to look at him when you know he isn't looking at you. The second half of the wait definitely goes a lot quicker now that you are warm and as soon as you are inside he lets you go. The heat drains from you and you shiver as you reacclimatise to your regular temperature.

"I can definitely see why you are Jungkook's favourite cuddle partner." You say as you rezip your coat.

He shuffles awkwardly and redirects your attention to the task at hand. He runs the shopping trip like a military plan of attack. He starts with the ordered food knowing it will take the longest. He leaves you there with strict instructions to text him when it arrives. You salute him jokingly, but he just nods and continues with his mission.

By the time the order arrives he is already halfway through the remainder of the shop. He has a space in the trolley carved out specifically for the order making sure not to crush any of the food. You then follow him around the remainder of the shop watching as he inspected veg and date checked fresh sauces. Having only seen the forgetful and clumsy Namjoon at home, watching this version of him was like he'd been body snatched.

One hour later you were stood at the till as he pulled out all his coupons and finished backing his bags. You were careful as you watched him pack, waiting for your opportunity to strike. As his back turns to check the list one final time, you slide your card into the chip and pin and pay before he can stop you. He starts to argue with you, but you look around and remind him not to make a scene.

He huffs aggressively but takes a hold of the cart and pushes it back to the car. He doesn't speak to you as he opens the door for you to jump into the driver's side. He refuses your help when it comes to packing the bags into the car. You can hear the clang of the cart as he puts it back where it came from, and you start to wonder if you'd pushed it too far this time.

"Namjoon?" You ask tentatively as he slides in next to you.

"Why did you do that? Do you think I can't take care of everybody?" He asks, voice filled with disappointment.

"Of course I think you can take care of everyone." You answer calmly.

"Then why do you keep insisting on paying when that should be my job, to provide for my pack."

"Because someone should provide for you sometimes too." You reach out to touch his hand.

He doesn't pull it back but he doesn't meet your eyes either. He stares dejectedly out of the front window.

"Namjoon, I live in your house rent free, and everyone is so kind, I just want to do something for you guys too. I didn't realise it made you feel bad."

"Everyone lives in our house rent free Y/N not just you. Jimin's job certainly doesn't pay enough for housekeeping and it's not Jungkook has a job."

"But they're your partners, I'm a freeloader." You chuckle trying to lighten the mood.

"You are so much more than a freeloader. Do you not see how happy you make everyone just because we come home to you? Even Jungkook gets sad when you aren't around. He actually whined when I came home first on Wednesday not you."

"Yeah, he really has come around in the last couple days."

"I don't think you quite realise the ability you have to light up a room when you walk into it." He says it to be nice, poetic even, but it just reminds you of things your husband would say.

He and his friends would always talk about how your appearance would change the dynamic in a room, as if that was the best gift you could offer the world. Your presence was enough, no one needed to hear you too. You know it's what Namjoon meant but it still makes you hesitate. He finally meets your eyes when you pause for a little too long.

"Namjoon... that's lovely. But it doesn't appease my guilt of taking what’s not mine and giving nothing back."

"I think we might have to agree to disagree on what you owe us." He says putting the discussion on hold. "We have frozen stuff we should get home."

You make a note to revisit the conversation late, but the opportunity doesn't arise again. The remainder of the afternoon is spent marinating meats and cutting veggies ready for the next couple days.

Taehyung calls around 7pm claiming to be bored at home alone, but you suspect he may just be overeager to meet your friends. You give him the address and immediately he is on his way to the house.

He knocks the door rhythmically, leaving the last two knocks to be completed by someone on the other side. Jimin is practically giddy as he answers the knocks, enjoying this impromptu game that's been created.

The red panda opens the door coming face to face with the great panda for the first time and it feels like electricity sweeps through the room.

"Pretty." Taehyung says.

For the first time since you've meet him it seems like he might've been knocked speechless. Jimin also doesn't speak, he stutters and moves aside so Tae can walk through the door. His cheeks are as red as his hair as he takes a bag from the newcomers hands to help him into the house.

"I've never seen him so flustered." You whisper to Yoongi.

"I know... it's odd. When he met you he wouldn't shut up." He whispers back.

Taehyung seems to snap out of his trance quicker than Jimin when his eyes meet yours.

"Beautiful!" He exclaims sweeping across the room to hug you.

"Put me down Tae." You struggle in his arms as he twirls you around.

"But I missed you today." He pouts but does as he is told.

You introduce him to the room, reaching Jimin just as his voice seems to make a reappearance. He manages to actually ask Taehyung about his job, a question that Taehyung suspiciously dodges the specifics of. They disappear together as Jimin offers him the grand tour.

"Hey, I never got a full tour." Hoseok comments looking at Yoongi.

"You were never supposed to make it outside of the studio." He shrugs.

"Well that's rude. Maybe I'll leave if I'm so unwanted."

Hobi places the knife he'd been using on to the chopping board and swoops dramatically past Yoongi.

"No one said you were unwanted Angel." Yoongi grabs his arm and pulls the human back into his lap.

Yoongi kisses Hobi gently and holds him there, trapped in his embrace, not that Hobi makes any effort to escape.

They were so cute like this. Neither of them was particularly affectionate in public but they were slowly getting more comfortable with showing this side of themselves around the cottage. It was nice to watch their relationship developing past late-night talks and stolen glances.

Namjoon looks at Yoongi with all the love in the world and it doesn't escape your notice when Jungkook looks at them longingly, but it seems more like he is looking at Hoseok than he is at Yoongi.

Dinner is served by 8pm. The table is getting extremely cramped as Taehyung pulls up another chair next to you. Your elbows brush together as you eat, and it's almost too loud as three conversations carry on at once. And you couldn't be happier as you glance around finally able to say you have your own group of friends.

Outside of the fox masterlist

The next few days should be amazing.

Next

Master list

I currently have a request form running for if you want to request one shots and drabbles. Please follow this link to the Google form If you have one you would like to submit. I will be writing these alongside outside of the fox. You can submit for completely new fics or for sequels for fics I've already done

[mindfulpathways]

Balancing Parenthood and Personal Growth: A Journey Through Procrastination, Coaching, and Healing

Balancing the demands of parenthood with the pursuit of personal growth can feel overwhelming. This is my story of grappling with procrastination, navigating coaching experiences, and embarking on a journey of healing and self-improvement.

Struggles with Procrastination:

There are times when I find myself entangled in the web of AI tools for my Shopify store, completely losing track of time and neglecting essential activities like eating. This obsession often leaves me unproductive and frustrated. For example, I can spend hours engrossed in these tools, only to realize later that I haven't accomplished anything significant. This cycle of unproductivity fuels my feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt.

Despite having access to numerous resources and courses, I struggle to maintain focus. Today, it’s already afternoon, and I need to pick up my children. Although I've done some tasks, the critical business goals remain unmet. This ongoing battle with productivity exacerbates my self-doubt, making it hard to break free from the cycle.

Navigating Parenting Challenges:

Being a parent adds another layer of complexity to my daily struggles. The guilt of not dedicating enough quality time to my kids is ever-present. My daughter, for instance, suffers from severe separation anxiety, stemming from past threats made by her mother. Each day, she waits by the door, anxious and fearful, underscoring the impact of our tumultuous past on her sense of security.

Balancing parental duties with personal ambitions is no easy feat. Often, I find myself neglecting basic needs or responsibilities due to my focus on work, which in turn makes me question my effectiveness as a parent. The constant worry about my children's well-being and my ability to provide a stable environment is a heavy burden to bear.

Coaching and Personal Growth:

The path to personal growth has been marked by my interactions with various coaches, each offering different insights and challenges. One coach’s overly warm demeanor left me questioning her authenticity, while another’s confident, almost aloof approach made me feel I needed to prove my commitment.

These coaching experiences have been a double-edged sword. While they have provided valuable guidance, they have also highlighted my insecurities and lack of direction. The questions posed by a Tony Robbins coach, for example, forced me to confront the harsh reality of my fears—failing to pursue my goals could lead to deep regret and self-loathing.

Healing from Trauma:

My journey is deeply intertwined with overcoming past traumas. I am proud to have maintained sobriety from crystal meth since 2008, yet I continue to grapple with other compulsive behaviors. Techniques such as somatic experiencing, developed by Peter Levine, have been crucial in my healing process, helping me build confidence and process lingering traumas.

Recovery is ongoing and challenging. Despite my progress, financial worries and fears of failing to secure a stable future persist. ADHD complicates matters, as I often forget important tasks, adding to my anxiety. Nonetheless, the pursuit of somatic healing has given me a renewed sense of hope and direction.

Financial Anxiety and Future Planning:

Financial stability remains a significant concern. My $35,000 savings are dwindling, consumed by living expenses and efforts to create meaningful content. The fear of not completing a $7,000 e-commerce program haunts me, as does the daunting task of selecting product suppliers for my business. Why do I skip checking out the next possible program? Sigh

Building a sustainable business feels like a monumental task fraught with financial risks. The anxiety over potentially exhausting my resources and the constant pressure of financial management weigh heavily on me. The added challenge of dealing with ADHD, which often leads to forgetfulness, exacerbates these fears and stresses. Just another steam of consciousness

[randomfoggytiger]

The Mulder Family In-Depth (Part II): The Past Is Important to the Present

It's important to backtrack into the pasts of Bill and Tena Mulder before continuing with their history, as it is easy to lose track of their true motives in the tangled web of the Conspiracy (and the conflicting dates that constantly pop up in the series.) Without further ado, back to the past we go!

Musings of a CSM

1962 on Ft. Bragg’s Center for Special Warfare is the station where Bill Mulder and Spender are currently bunk neighbors.

After their morning run, Bill walks into the barracks smiling over his son’s photograph, 

trying to engage Spender in a conversation so he can show off his son to his friend. Before Spender is called away, he finally takes the picture, studies it, and stares unemotionally as Bill’s proudly boasts: “My one-year-old just said his first word.” 

“What was the word?”

“JFK.”

He doesn’t notice Spender’s lingering eyes on Tena’s face, or that he continues to silently stare as it’s placed beside Bill’s bed. 

It's important to assess Bill and Spender's friendship, as it is pivotal to the slow, toxic ruin of Bill Mulder's inner peace and moral core.

The relationship between the two is friendly, but surface-level-- more warmth is on Bill’s side and more secrets on CSM’s. In hindsight, it’s easy to see that Spender was obviously smitten with Tena the fact remains there was more at work than Bill was aware of concerning his friend’s intentions. His easy-going nature and unsuspecting gullibility is readily exploited later by Spender and his associates. 

More importantly, there was no way that CSM could have been the father of Fox Mulder, unless he had had a fling with Tena right before her wedding in 1961. The creative writing team and their issues with canon's timeline aside-- Bill was newly married in '61 but was also married and had a family in the 50s while Travelers was taking place-- the two men have a cordial but not overly familiar relationship in ‘62 as next-door bunk buddies; but it’s not on the intimate level it is years later when CSM openly calls his friend Bill. If Bill and Spender met in ‘62 while they were in basic training, he was already a year too late-- Fox Mulder was born October 1961, and was already a year old in 1962 when this conversation took place-- meaning that Bill and Tena had married right before or after the birth of their son, making either him a baby conceived out of wedlock or a honeymoon baby. 

At the very least, Spender’s attachment to the photograph can be boiled down to longing for Tena in some way:

either from having met her sometime after her wedding or having a more than casual interest in her beauty from the photograph. (I subscribe to that last thought, as it would be in line with CSM’s weird fixations he has on women that he’s never spoken to but subtly studied unawares-- it would also be in line with the rest of his behavior in this episode.) And even, perhaps, curiosity in her son-- unlikely, as he seemed to barely respond to Bill’s proud papa speech.

Apocrypha

1953-- Bill Mulder leads the interrogation of a badly radiated Navy sailor. He begins by wheedling the dying man-- “That’s why we’ve come all the way from Washington, sailor. To hear your story. To make sure that justice is served”-- while maintaining a cool, monotoned inflection. 

As the sailor relates his crew’s suicide mission and the horrors of the black oill--

Bill is disturbed; and becomes less steady as he further questions: “You called this… THING the enemy. You’re saying it was an entity of some sort?”

During the interrogation, the other men in the room are constantly keeping tabs on Bill-- 

surveilling his reaction to each piece of news. Every facial twitch and abhorred expression is noted and cataloged. It’s easy to assume that Bill is either inexperienced with firsthand witness questioning or that he has a reputation for being a risk in on-the-job situations. 

As the sailor continues to tear apart the Navy’s cover story-- “Whatever it was, we were sent to guard it”-- Bill’s look of horror grows, and he darts out to turn off the tape. 

The crewman grabs his hand last minute, urging him to tell his story to the public.  Bill is torn-- he knows it will never get out. 

“The Navy will deny it. But you’ve got to make sure the Truth gets out. I can trust you to do that-- can’t I Mr. Mulder?” 

Internally agonized-- eyes reddening, nose flaring--

Bill turns to CSM for guidance and personal reinforcement.

Spender simply replies: “You can trust all of us.” 

A clear pattern emerges. While Bill was in deep with the conspiracy, he was terrified by its greater implications and shaken by the wrecked lives of everyone it touched. Fear kept him engaged; and cowardice had him constantly looking to Spender for reassurance to keep his head in the game. It’s easy to see why CSM looked down on most of his companions-- very few, including Bill, had “the stomach for it”, and would rather keep away from the gory details of the Project and its work. 

Dreamland II 

In a flashback, Mulder and Samantha are goofing off for the home video on Halloween  

until Mulder’s Spock ear falls off and is stomped on in a fit of temper.

The camera takes the time to zoom in on his crumpled ear, the person behind the camera not caring to correct the behavior (most likely understanding that the kids are jacked up on excitement for their trick-or-treating night.) 

Tena pops into frame next, gathering her kids together like a proud mother hen, 

instructing both of them to wave at the camera. 

But who is the one behind the camera? The only logical conclusion is Bill, since Mulder never mentions anyone else in his life that helped his mother raise the kids while his father was gone on business trips. So this appears to be a rare, happy moment with the family all together. It also gives credence to Mulder’s claim that they were a normal family before the abduction-- a little fairy sister, a mother in plaid and wild hair messing around with her kids, and a father who dotingly fawns over his kids while filming their escapades and cracking sunflower seeds comfortingly in the study at night. 

Tena’s caring and nurturing side is glowing around her children; and Bill’s sense of humor peeks through as he follows his mischievous children around with the camera, letting them run around in their childish ways. All in all, an important family moment. 

Two Fathers' Script Flashback

@x-files-scripts uploaded an important piece of the Mulders and CSM dynamic that, while it was cut from the episode Two Fathers, is highly relevant and must, by necessity, be included. (Link here.)

CSM shows up with Cassandra to Bill’s, interrupting a 4th of July event the Mulders had been throwing. While Bill is obviously uncomfortable, he stumbles to let Spender in. He is obviously steered around by his colleague, out of joint and running to rescue the barbeque burgers as a quick escape from the oncoming conversation. All of the guests notice Spender's arrival; and the awkward, tense atmosphere grows.

Tena stands between the house and the barbeque, essentially stopped in her tracks. Looking at Bill, with the Younger CSM in the background, she hisses through her teeth-- “What is he doing here?”

Bill anticipated her confrontation-- “He came uninvited. What was I supposed to do?” 

Tena is barely restrained with her response-- “I don’t want him in my house.” 

It’s stated there is obvious tension here, too (but no answer is given by the writers except a cheeky “Though we must guess why.”)

Tena is shown to be an active agent on her own turf: telling off her husband for inviting Spender in, disdainfully hissing out her dislike of the man, and severely implying that he fix the problem. It shows the cracks already straining their marriage-- cracks that are, conveniently, CSM shaped and sized. 

When Spender corners Bill over the Syndicate’s plans potentially being exposed and needing to think up an alternative, Bill’s dread builds and his resistance evaporates. He waits helplessly for his friend to drop Cassandra off somewhere so their conversation can continue. 

What’s interesting is that this implies so much about Spender and the Mulders' off-screen relationship: that at one point he was a welcomed guest, but that now he is vehemently not wanted; and that Bill is in a rock and a hard place between Tena's hatred of his colleague and his colleague's inability to be shaken off.

Travelers

Mulder has freshly found the X-Files; and is intrigued by finding his father at the trail of convicted Communist Edward Skur in connection with Arthur Dales. 

He tracks down Dales; but has better luck next time with a coffee in hand. 

Old man Dales is not easily won over, however: “Go ask your father.”

“My father and I don’t really speak.”  

So it would seem that the estrangement was, indeed, a well-established fact between father and son. 

Dales points out that Mulder must have had his suspicions already; and Mulder confirms, by indirectly asking how his father was involved. Poor kid is more open with a random stranger he’s met twice and bought a coffee for than his own father of twenty odd years. 

Dales relates that he’d crossed Bill Mulder’s path while tracking Skur, at first mistaking him for the falsely-labeled Communist.

Bill Mulder already has his wedding ring in the 50s,

which makes no sense because he married Tena in 1961. So either it’s a continuity error (which is rampant throughout The X-Files); Bill was previously married (unlikely in that era without massive social repercussions); Dales got the dates wrong (he can be a bit of an alcoholic as stated in Agua Mala); or he plays the same ring game his son does in this episode: wearing one without any government documents tying him to a previous marriage just because he wants to. Those Mulder guys sure are something. 

“Skur?” asks Dales. 

“No.” Bill removes his hat and moves in, an emotionally honest and trembling note in his voice. “But I came here to warn you about him.” 

Dales presses back, accusing his informant of murder. Bill rebuts that, stating he saved Arthur’s life from a man who the government turned into an uncontrollable creature. He warns Dales to be careful, otherwise he’ll get killed on his path for answers. 

He reveals that Skur isn’t a Communist-- that he and the other victims are patriots to the country and were used as scapegoats to coverup the horrendous experiments inflicted on them. 

Bill is world-weary, worn down, emotionally broken so early in his career. 

When Dales presses for further information on why the men are trying to escape-- “What did they do to them?”-- Bill looks away first, unable to keep eye contact and fidgeting nervously. 

Dales has to relieve the pressure by leaning back to get Bill to keep talking: “Look, you asked me here.”

Bill tells something revealing: “And I risked my career and… my family by coming here.” 

That settles the ring question-- it is just a timeline inconsistency. 

“But the crimes that these people have inflicted on innocent people… I cannot have that on my conscience anymore.”

The ‘anymore’ is such a crucial key. Bill is already deep in the conspiracy; and has seen so many cover ups and failures by the government to protect its innocents. This was the straw that broke the camel’s back. Unfortunately, no real justice is done even when he tries to help; and he never steps out of line again… until Anasazi, when he is shot before he can tell his son. 

(On a sidenote: Bill has always looked villainous even when he’s trying to do the right thing, so at least he’s consistent.) 

His lack of answer to Dales's next question-- high how up does this go-- silently confirms that it goes all the way up to the Director and the Senate. 

The next time Dales sees Bill Mulder is when he’s intercepted at the Skurs’ house by government goons, Bill among them. 

After a meeting forcefully recruiting Dales into catching Skur, Arthur asks Bill publicly if that’s why he met up with him privately. Bill’s demeanor is completely different as he casually replies “I follow my orders”, all while eyeing the other passenger in the vehicle. 

The surveillance of Bill Mulder continues,

marking him as, once again, a possible liability to the cause.

Mulder waits obediently in the car, trying not to betray his nerves while he and his companion listen to what they believe to be Arthur Dales’s death. 

When his companion gives him the go-ahead, they both rush in, surprised to find that Dales had cleverly extracted himself from certain death. 

Fox Mulder is shocked that his father allowed these men to “dictate his conscience”; but before that can break canon (and, consequently, his reunion with his father in Colony), Arthur Dales tells him “Oh, don’t fool yourself. None of us are free to choose.” He warns a cocky Mulder that he’ll be buried, too, if he continues to dig through the files. 

Dales has only rumors to surmise how Skur was allowed to live in obscurity for 38 years; but he never knew how accurate his guess truly was-- that some guy "with a conscience let him go." 

Mulder asks, bewildered: “Why would anyone do that? Why let a killer go free?”

Dales sighs, and states: “In the hope that, by letting him live, the truth of the crimes that were committed against him and the others might someday… be exposed.” 

Part 3 will be up soon, which covers the events from the Season 2 finale onward. In the mean time--

Enjoy!

[spotinthespiral]

I just had an epiphany at work about Griffin's father and lost my mind a little bit. (I don't have his ref but hear me out) Griffin I decided a while ago has strong Beagle energy, despite being a human. Marcus' dad? He's a husky. One of those brown ones, y'know?

His father was a smuggler for the Marleybone Navy, he manned fleets worth of ships, but his own was always the one which never got caught. He was a loud man, expressive, and headstrong. He'd keep pulling his ship through anything. He was hardly someone they expected to smuggle things, and he was absolutely the best because of it. Confidently offering (actually, excitedly with his tail wagging) offering checkpoints to search his ship. He was *overly* proud of just how clean and impressive his ship was. He was loud and proud.

Eventually, no one began to suspect him of a thing. He got so good because he befriended everyone.

Then Griffin came along. A boy whose birth parents had never been part of the picture. A boy set from the age of 3 months to be sold to the black market. A boy who Harvey Wright hadn't expected to be alive and wailing among his shipping crates when they set sale.

He's no pirate searching for El Dorado, he's simply a pirate infant that Harvey couldn't bare to see die. He took the boy back to harbor to try and find him a new home, but no one would take him permanently. The governor (an old friend) offered to have his daughter care for the boy until Harvey could find him a suitable home, but upon return to shore he realized he couldn't part with the boy.

Harvey (and the Governer's family) raised Griffin. From a young age he knew his father's tactics, he was taught and taught well. He picked up every habit from his father, including his boisterous attitude and his bark that had a (mostly) strong bite to follow. Griffin eventually was given his own ship to man and learn to smuggle with. It was a hard learning curve at first, but Griffin leaned into his story. Spoiled Rich adopted orphan boy given a ship to play captain with by his loveable and Powerful father. It worked wonders, and every 'routine check' was just about as fruitful as trying to find a phone in pants with no pockets, so they eventually just stopped checking him.

That is, of course, until years after Harvey was killed in a storm. Griffin was his sole heir, but as a non-Marleybone resident he couldn't take his father's mantle and remained at his current position. Griffin grieved his father, and became increasingly reckless with his smuggling until he was eventually caught by the Armada and stripped of all he had. The governer had to strip his titles as to not leave anything for the Armada to hold against him.

The governer didn't leave him without a paddle, though. The moment he heard Griffin lived still, he sent a ship for the boy to use, a final smuggle of his own.

Griffin now continues his smuggling work, but is employed by Captain Ryan Ironside, and has a ragtag crew to replace his old crew of mutts.

[dalekofchaos]

Why I have mixed feelings on The Mimic

I have mixed feelings on The Mimic after playing Ruin.

Why I've grown to like it.

To me the new FNAF games are the horrors of Fazbear Entertainment not learning their lesson and repeating the sins of the past and The Mimic is built on the agony of Freddy's. It's Afton's legacy being passed down. The agony he started is being continued to this day and you can bet he is smiling and proud that even tho he's in a hell of his own making, his legacy is being continued and he couldn't be even more proud, although his pride and satisfaction is unsettling Cassidy and Charlie. The Mimic is Fazbear's Curse and while William might not be around, his legacy remains or I guess you could say William's legacy is remnant(I had to)

Why I don't like it.

The original story of Security Breach was scrapped because of Sony's meddling and Scott's bad communication. To me, The Mimic felt like course correcting. Vanny's potential was squandered. Help Wanted seemed like it was leading to William's revival.

The Pizzaplex being built over the remains over Freddy Fazbear's Pizza Place feels meaningless if it wasn't about William's revival.

Princess Quest shows Glitchtrap as something we'd see Afton turning into the Afton Amalgamation. But if that wasn't the plan, why even include it in Princess Quest?

The Princess is labeled as Cassidy in Princess Quest. But if Glitchtrap isn't Afton, why label her as Cassidy and paint it as Cassidy trying to free Vanessa and ending Afton once and for all?

I feel as though Afton was meant to be the puppet master.

William was Glitchtrap and Burntrap was the plan, but Princess Quest is the canon ending and that stopped Burntrap’s revival and it just melted away(you can see the steam in the recharge station in Ruin) so without William, The Mimic was free to return to what it was created to do(dismember limbs) and lure Cassie to free it.

I think William was the puppet master because of the trailer line

"When i first found you, you were nothing, you were small, pathetic… But now, you are more…. Are you ready?" This could be Afton talking to The Mimic or Vanny.

“You will do as I say, you will bring me what I want, and if you fail me, then you will–both of you–BURN!”

BOTH OF YOU, meaning Vanny and The Mimic.

Just keep things SIMPLE. Fazbear Entertainment was cutting costs and scanning the circuit boards of Scraptrap and the remains of the animatronics from FFPS and that’s how Glitchtrap was made.(or you know fully intended to create Glitchtrap because someone in Fazbear wanted William to return) Glitchtrap wants a follower that will help make him whole and help him fulfill his plans. Which is restore his family in his twisted image. Glitchtrap wants full control of the Pizzaplex, Vanny is completing his instructions, retrieving his body and uses Glamrock Bonnie’s remains to repair his suit and Burntrap wants to kill Gregory for his remnant. Not everything needs to be overly complicated, Scott.

Everything that made Vanny special was taken away by The Mimic and Gregory as GGY. They've made it clear that Vanny didn't matter and that was bullshit. It’s like every step in this new narrative seems like her character’s importance is getting diminished to less and less, like half the stuff she’s supposed to have done in this narrative has been has been…the roles of it has been filled in by other characters. Gregory is the one who puts the Glitch in the Pizzaplex, but she was the one who originally supposed to do that in the scrapped emails for FNAF AR and she hasn’t even been mentioned ONCE in these new books. Gregory has. The Mimic has. Glitchtrap technically has, but like no Vanny. What the fuck? There’s no presence of her and she’s supposed to be one of the new main antagonists, but now they’ve completely shafted her character for the sake of WHAT??? So not only did they fuck over Vanny in the games, they do the same fucking thing in the books. What WAS THE FUCKING POINT OF HELP WANTED IF YOU WERE GOING TO GIVE VANNY’S ROLE TO GREGORY???

They didn't have to use The Mimic. They could've used Vanny. Vanny could've used recordings of Gregory and synthesized his voice to lure Cassie and other children down to the Pizzaplex. Could make the Vanny or Burntrap endings canon. This could've been what redeemes Vanny. But no, instead they gave up and abandoned Vanny altogether and gives her role to The Mimic. "Cassie could be the new Vanny" I don't give a shit. Help Wanted established Vanny and Security Breach was supposed to be VANNY'S GAME. If they wanted a new villain so badly, they had Vanny RIGHT FUCKING THERE!

I mean just imagine Ruined Vanny! Vanny is shattered by the Staffbots, but she's alive. Vanessa is dead, but Vanny remains. To keep her body moving she repairs herself with parts from staff bots and animatronic parts from Parts And Service. Vanny lives and she plans on getting her revenge on Gregory and any other child she can lure to continue Afton's work and you could've replaced MXES with the actual Glitchtrap. art by azoinab.

But if they wanted Princess Quest to be canon, they could've used The Afton Amalgamation. Burntrap assimilates The Blob and becomes The Agony. The Pizzaplex is in ruins because of Afton. Have Gregory, Vanessa and Cassie working together to rebuild the Glamrocks, put together Happiest Day and ending Afton once and for all or ending Afton to how he dies in Fazbear Frights.

I am well aware that Five Nights At Freddy's is more than Afton, but saying we don't need William anymore is like saying Halloween doesn't need Michael Myers or saying Elm Street doesn't need Freddy Krueger. Complaining about William returning is like complaining about a horror icon returning, it's just dumb and silly. He is the monster that started it all and having a final end as the Afton Amalgamation would be more fitting than as Scraptrap.

To me, the script was flipped and the story was changed because of the reception to Security Breach. They gave up on Vanny and changed Afton to The Mimic. You can argue that Scott has this planned out since 2019 all you want, but using Afton's image for a new villain without any hints whatsoever in the game that this isn't Afton was just dumb. And honestly? We already had a Mimic esque character. Ennard. Ennard and Mimic are the same concept (evil endoskeleton mimics humans) and I think Ennard came out much better. When it comes down to it. Scott had bad communications as what he wanted Steel Wool to do and The Mimic just comes out of left field and at the expense of Vanny and Afton.

[waywardyote]

I got really into keeping up with Hopleaf so I made a, kind of, bullet point 'journal' so to speak and wrote everything down until I can write it out better.

I love him so much.

Hopkit - Hoppaw - Hopleaf Male Grey Eyes ; Masked ; Shortfur Mediator Righteous Interested in relationship drama Mate : Hazelmask

Kits: Honeykit,Adderpaw, Beaverpaw, Weedkit, Rainpaw, Floodpaw Claykit , Mosskit

Outsider Roots Found abandoned with his brother 

Hopkit, as well as Burdockkit, despite not being wholly welcomed by the Clan, remain hopeful. Many view you as just additional mouths to feed, their whispers not as well-hidden as they might think. However, you remain resilient, intent on proving them wrong by becoming the best warrior the Clan has ever seen. Hopkit is incredibly protective of their brother and they are very close.

Hopkit is....weirdly obsessed with digging holes, as they apologize to three different cats when they trip. They are also not...too intelligent. Their mediator skills are improving each day.

They excitedly tell Burdockpaw about being a mediator and being able to travel between the clans.

Burdockpaw goes missing, along with other cats, in the night...Hoppaw is shaken by it and now feels alone.

Killed by a gang of rogues...as soon as they reached adulthood... They were surprised to be revived.

Hopleaf brought back SIX kittens and refuse to talk about where they came from. Honeykit,Adderpaw, Beaverpaw, Weedkit, Rainpaw, Floodpaw

Hopleaf and Honeyfall broke up; Hopleaf suspects she lost feelings for him and is not overly upset.

Underneath the watchful eyes of the Clan, Darkstar announces your new role with a solemn voice. You are to mentor Budpaw, to instill in them the values of patience and understanding. Your heart pounds with pride as you stride forward, bowing your head to Budpaw. As you press your nose against theirs, you promise yourself to make Budpaw the best mediator the Clan has ever known.

Hopleaf is torn between grief and pride as four out of six kits are now apprentinces while the other two were killed in an ambust by a group of rogues. Whilst he is proud, he feels as through he is living through a nightmare and can't be bothered to get out of his nest or speak a word to anyone around him.

Hopleaf grief hangs heavy in his chest as he loses three more kits; one to a flood and two to a fire.

The last of their kits have died...to a group of rogues. Hopleaf doesn't know how they will continue to go on. The only good that comes out of this is the nightmares have finally stopped.

Hopleaf picks themselves up out of their nest and begins the day anew, a fresh conviction in their heart. They are thankful for the apprentice, Budpaw, for their company and kindness during their grieving period.

Hopleaf's apprentince has graduated and earned their name, Budshore. Hopleaf still enjoys spending time with his former apprentice and considers him family.

Hopleaf lost their best friend. Hopleaf fusses gently with Shortjumble's fur, hiding the evidence of what killed them. They want to remember them as they were in life, not life this. Hopleaf only retires to their nest when concerned Clanmates usher them there. Tremors wrack through their body, as they dwell on how Shortjumble won't see another morning.

Hazelmask kneads their paws into your back while you doze off. It's a nice feeling, and the comfort in your body is able to momentarily distract you from the pain in your heart. Hopleaf jolts awake and immediately leaves the den to clear their head, hoping some fresh night air will help them cope with the sadness and memories.

Hopleaf tells themselves that they can't let these feelings consume them, instead they have to learn to live with it.

Even after all the loss he has experienced, Hopleaf finds themselves getting closer and closer to Hazelmask; it isn't long before they find out their feelings run deeper and stronger than just platonic love. He tried fighting his feelings, not wanting to get close to another cat in fear of losing another cat they care about, but they couldn't fight their feelings after Hazelmask confessed their feelings for him. Hazelmask and Hopleaf become mates. Hopleaf fall more and more in love with Hazelmask and believes he found his soulmate.

Hopleaf often finds themselves in the company of Gible and Antsky, he slowly starts to see them as friends.

Hazelmask shyly askes Hopleaf their opinion on kits and Hopleaf doesn't answer right away, flashes of memories and nightmares of his own kits' deaths, but doesn't outright decline the idea of kits. He is more terrified than anything at the idea of more kits and losing them but does his best to hide his worries. Although everyone notices how you avoid the nursery and find ways to be busy during ceremonies.

Hazelmask finds two kits and decides to adopt them, Hopleaf is still uncertain but accepts them into his heart nonetheless. Claykit , Mosskit

To help face their fear, and for the love of their new kits, Hopleaf spends more time in the nursery when they aren't away from their clan. Hopleaf promises to love Claykit and Mosskit forever and protect them from all harm while they sleep soundly.

The amount of pride Hopleaf feels during the ceremony when Claykit and Mosskit are named Claypaw and Mosspaw is immense; it does bring back the stinging pain of grief, however, it is easy to manage and he is able to be thankful for the life he has now.

Hazelmask was taken by Twolegs, Hopleaf is beside himself with worry.

Hopleaf drowns when the camp is flooded...

[updatesandnews]

Amir Ahmed: Blending Sporting Spirit and Heritage into DISH EVP’s Journey

Amir Ahmed’s path to becoming the Executive Vice President for DISH TV, part of DISH Network Corp., was influenced by his early love for sports and his commitment to building strong personal relationships. His journey from a sports enthusiast to a business leader was recently shared in Asian Hospitality’s Leadership Series.

One of Ahmed’s responsibilities in his current role is overseeing DISH’s hospitality business. Under his leadership, DISH is introducing new technology solutions for hotels aimed at attracting guests and improving operational efficiency while reducing labor needs. The company’s innovative OnStream platform offers personalized services to guests.

Despite his success in the business world, Ahmed remains deeply connected to his heritage.

“I’m very proud to be Indian,” Ahmed said. “I think the upbringing, the competitiveness within the family, how the parents brought us up, my brother and I, it’s just go out there and put the best effort and work and then also treat your employees correctly and educate them and educate your partner.”

Early Experiences and Cultural Roots

Ahmed’s family moved from India to Canada in 1966, and he joined them in Chicago in 1972. His early days in Chicago were marked by his first experience with snow, a significant change from his upbringing in India. Despite living in the United States, Ahmed and his siblings continued to maintain strong ties to their cultural roots by visiting India during summers. He highlighted the importance of preserving his family’s cultural heritage, including learning the Hindi language and not becoming overly Americanized.

Guided by Family Values

Ahmed’s life and career have been profoundly shaped by his upbringing, emphasizing the importance of family, trust, and building strong relationships. He shared the valuable lesson his father imparted: “Everything being equal, a friend is going to buy from a friend.” This principle of trust and loyalty has been a guiding force in Ahmed’s professional journey.

Career with DISH

Amir Ahmed’s career with DISH began during the company’s early years. Over his 30-year tenure, he witnessed the transformation of the satellite TV industry from analog to digital dishes and the expansion of 5G networks. During this time, DISH has consistently provided innovative solutions to deliver high-quality services to customers at home and within various industries, including digital streaming, hospitality, and wireless communication.

DISH’s Focus on Hospitality

Today, DISH serves over 12,000 hotels with more than 1.3 million rooms across the United States. The company works closely with hotel brands, independents, and small businesses to provide tailored solutions that enhance guest experiences and operational efficiency. DISH offers a range of services, including linear content, OTT services, local services, customizable packages, and equipment to meet the unique needs of each hotel.

Introducing OnStream

In June, DISH Business introduced OnStream, a platform designed to deliver custom digital experiences for hotel management, staff, and guests. OnStream offers a user-friendly interface that allows guests to access services such as check-out, room service, housekeeping, and more directly from their TV screens or mobile devices. The platform not only enhances guest satisfaction but also reduces labor costs for hotels.

Amir Ahmed emphasized the central role of television in hotel rooms and how OnStream transforms the guest experience. It provides personalized content, welcomes guests with hotel information and offers, and even integrates with loyalty programs for tailored offers.

Future Growth

Looking ahead, Ahmed sees continued growth for DISH. The company remains committed to developing new products and solutions that simplify people’s lives and align with evolving technology trends worldwide. DISH’s focus on the hospitality sector and collaboration with hotel brands signal a promising future for innovative in-room entertainment solutions like OnStream.

In conclusion, Amir Ahmed’s journey from a sports enthusiast to a business leader reflects his dedication to building trust, fostering strong relationships, and preserving his cultural heritage. Under his leadership, DISH is making significant strides in the hospitality industry by offering cutting-edge technology solutions to enhance the guest experience. Source: https://www.asianhospitality.com/sporting-spirit-heritage-guide-dish-evp/

[casspurrjoybell-21]

Pirate Chains - Volume 1 - Strong Tides

*Warning Adult Content*

Chapter 21c - Stranger Amongst Wolves

Nyx

"Please call me Nyx."

Jay patted my shoulder firmly with his heavy hand.

"Great to meet you, Nyx. Looks like we're gonna have some fun with you around."

I had no idea what he meant by that but before I could ask, the rest of the group approached and started introducing themselves. Just when I thought I was done, the guy who went by armpits grabbed my hand and gave it a vigorous shake. He was shirtless and smelled awful but he seemed proud of his nickname.

"I'm Mern. You can call me armpits," he said.

I forced a smile and replied...

"Nice to meet you, Mern. I'm Nyx. Kindly refrain from addressing me as doll."

He looked at me for a moment and nodded.

"Aye. I can do that."

"I should return to my chores or Baril will become angry," I said, attempting to find a way to flee this charming assembly.

But the pirate snorted.

"Oh, forget about him. That old man is always in a foul mood."

Suddenly, another person appeared out of nowhere and slung his arm around my neck. He let out a booming laugh and shouted into my ear...

"Storm-boy. Don't worry about work. We're going to party tonight."

I felt uneasy at his overly friendly gesture but it was certainly better than facing their knives.

"We haven't properly welcomed you yet," he continued.

"Thank you but it's not necessary," I replied, attempting to remain polite.

"No way. It's our tradition for every new mate. Tonight, you'll drink with us, boy," he insisted.

"I'm Nyx," I insisted.

"I know, I know. Maren's told us all about you. Better get used to nicknames because you already have a bunch of them."

I couldn't believe it.

"Nicknames? For me?"

"That's right. We've got storm-boy, collar kid and even doll and Regina."

"The last is my ship's name, not mine." I protested, glaring at the guy who held my neck under his arm and called me womanly nicknames.

"Hey, don't blame me," he said,

"I prefer storm-boy."

"But next time, talk to us kid. We lost money because of you."

"What money?" I asked.

"For the bet, remember? The one where you challenged Ace."

I sighed. These pirates went rogue with their bets and held me responsible for them.

efore I knew it, there were more pirates than I could count talking and laughing around me.

"Ah. And don't forget 'punch,'" another shouted. "Tell us about that one. We still have a bet going on about who threw the first punch."

"Most of the votes went for the captain," another said.

"But strangely you don't seem to have any real damage."

The conversation had turned to the time when I had punched Agenor. Clearly, they have all noticed the blue mark on his nose. They wanted me to confess to landing the blow on their Captain but I knew that would probably be a suicidal move.

"I would really appreciate it if we could forget about that incident," I said, hoping to put an end to the topic.

"Forget? No way, mate. We have a bet on this," one of them replied, insisting on hearing the details.

I could sense the pressure mounting and I knew that any answer I gave would not be in my favor. Just then, Maren walked in and saved me from the uncomfortable situation and I was quite thankful.

"What's all the fuss about, mates?" he asked, lightening up the mood.

"Ah, Nyx. So you're already making friends, huh. Well, don't forget Maren, your first friend, right, mate?" he joked and I couldn't help but smile at his infectious energy.

But my relief was short-lived.

"Maren, we were asking him about the punch," someone interjected, determined to get their answer.

"Ah, aye. Nyx, tell us about the punch. I need to win, mate," Maren joined in, much to my chagrin.

I laughed, feeling a bit uncomfortable.

"Hey, while we're at it, why not ask him about the other bet too, Maren?"

Wait, there was another bet about me? Maren turned to the person asking.

"Sorry mate, I don't want my head pinned on the flag."

So there's a bet that could get Maren in trouble if he asks about it? The topic piqued my interest but I had no room for curiosity at the moment.

"Come on, Maren. You started the bet, so you have to see it through."

"Forget it. I'm not sure if the captain would approve, so let's drop it... at least for now."

Some people looked disappointed, while others gave me crude smiles. Whatever they were discussing, it seemed inappropriate. Suddenly, Maren turned to me.

"Oh, I almost forgot. Captain is calling for you."

"Agenor?"

"Yes, hurry. Let him through, the captain doesn't like to wait."

I wanted to ask why he hadn't mentioned it earlier but I kept quiet. I maneuvered through the crowd, made my way to the ladder and climbed to the deck. It was still too early to sleep and some were still having dinner. This must be about something I did. The question was whether it was related to meddling with Baril's kitchen or speaking to the big guy with the bat earlier. What could I have done? Offered him a beer and curtsied?

Agenor sat on the bowsprit with one foot resting on it and the other hanging off to the side, looking towards the deck. When I climbed the steps to the forecastle, he looked at me but I kept a reasonable distance from him. Ace was also present, standing close to Agenor and gazing out at the sea. I wished Ace would turn and face me, hoping to read from his expression whether Agenor was angry with me. Suddenly, Agenor spoke and my breath caught in anticipation of punishment.

"So," he said, causing me to tense up.

"A party, huh?"

I looked at him in confusion, unsure of what he meant. Agenor smiled and my fears dissipated. I felt my body and mind relax. Wait, the party... someone just mentioned it in the water room and he already knew about it. Even Ace seemed surprised by Agenor's comment. But if he knew about the party so quickly, did he also hear about the guy with the bat? Noticing my confusion, Agenor chuckled.

"Nyx, come here", he said.

I stepped forward, waiting for any instructions. As if he could read my thoughts, he added...

"I just wanted to get you away from those hooligans. You haven't had a chance to appreciate today's beautiful sky yet."

Now that he mentioned it, it was true. I stayed in the hull all day, mostly the galley and only got out when he called.

"Just stay here for a bit, you worked enough for the day."

I looked at his warm smile, unable to come up with anything to say.